Dark and Lilac were on their way to Crystal Prep, however they had to walk this time due to their mom having to leave early. It had become Fall and the weather had drastically become colder.
“Oh, why d-does it always have to be so c-cold in Fall?” Lilac asked, shivering as the cold wind blew across her face.
“Oh stop your whining and get over here.” Dark said holding up his arm. Lilac quickly moved under her brother’s arm, and he wrapped around her to keep her warm.
“So, you excited for the Friendship Games next week?” Lilac asked.
Dark only rolled his eyes, “Oh yeah, I’m so excited to be doing an event that I got forced into doing. Nevermind with someone I don’t want to work with.”
“Oh relax would you. It’s not like you’re going to have to do it again next year.” Lilac said, “You can forget all about these games after they're over, and you and Sour Sweet can forget about each other.”
“Even after the games, I still have one more year to deal with Cinch and Sour.” Dark said, “And if Cinch thinks she can threaten me with my family again, someone is going to get hurt.”
“You are not going to hurt anyone.” Lilac said nudging her brother’s rib.
“If you’re going to be doing that, you can freeze in the cold.” Dark said lifting his arm off Lilac.
“No!” Lilac squealed upon feeling the cold wind blow down her neck. She quickly grabbed his arm and wrapped it back around her.
As the two were walking they spotted two familiar teens, Lone and Eclipse. Lone was the first one to greet them. “Morning you two.”
“Morning, Lone. You’re awfully full of energy this morning.” Lilac said noticing enthusiasm in Lone’s voice.
“That’s because we start the real training for the Friendship Games, since they’re only about a week away.” He said getting pumped.
“Oh yeah I’m so ready.” Dark said sarcastically, “That’s why I’ve been pissed since I’ve come back to this school.”
Eclipse raised an eyebrow at this. “Aren’t you always pissed everytime we see you?”
Dark glared at the boy, “You really just love to push my buttons, don’t you?”
The boy chuckled at him. “Sorry, I sometimes just can’t help it.” Seeing Dark’s glare at him, Eclipse raised his hands a bit. “Ok, I’ll stop.”
“You better boy, or you’ll be in for a world of hurt.” Dark said sternly.
“Let’s not fight, boys.” Lilac said trying to cool the heat between the two.
Lone sighed and placed his hand on Eclipse’s shoulder. “You know, I’m beginning to understand why Dark wants to kick your ass sometimes Eclipse. You’re a nuisance sometimes.”
“Am not!” Eclipse retorted.
“Your record says different.” Dark said smirking.
“Look who’s pushing button now.” Lilac said looking at her brother.
Rubbing his forehead, Lone just shook his head and didn’t say another word. The other three teens continued arguing until they got to the school.
The four had gotten to the school a little early, seeing several students just hanging out on the front lawn.
“I’m gonna go find Thunderlane, I’ll talk to you guys later.” Lilac said running off towards the bunches of students.
“I still don't like that guy.” Dark said watching his sister disappear in the crowd.
“Well clearly you’re ok with him, since you let him date your sister.” Eclipse said. He then saw Dark shoot him a quick annoyed glance, and threw his hands up, “But doesn’t mean you have to like it.”
“Whatever.” Dark said turning around, but was stopped short when he saw two people he was least expecting to see, Sunny Flare and Sour Sweet, both standing in front of him. He was about to let loose on Sunny, but then he noticed she had a small frown on her face, while Sour was standing behind her with her arms crossed, “Uh, can I help you?” He asked.
Sunny stayed quiet, until Sour pushed her shoulder a bit, “I-I would like to apologize… For my behavior during yesterday’s incident at the boutique.”
“What?” Dark asked in confusion. Since when did any Shadowbolt want to apologize, nevermind to him.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you like that yesterday.” Sunny said, “I had no right to yelled at you and assume all those negative things about you.”
“Uh…” Dark looked back at Lone and Eclipse, who both shook their heads not knowing what he should do, “It’s ok. You were just trying to protect your friend. I happen to know exactly what that’s like.” Dark put his hand on Sunny’s shoulder, “Just try not to take it as far as me. I don’t think Sour could handle two of me.”
“Oh shut up. The only reason I’m doing this is because Sunny stepped out of line, and she needed to correct her mistake.” Sour said giving the boy an annoyed look.
“Uhuh. Well I only hope we can keep it mutual between us during the Games.” Dark said crossing his arms, “Otherwise, we are bound to lose for sure, and we’ll never hear the end of it from Cinch.”
“Oh stop being so negative, Dark. Think positive for once.” Lone said patting him on the back.
“This is me being positive. And I’m positive I’m going to hate these games.” Dark said in an annoyed tone.
“You and me both” Sour said agreeing with the boy.
“C’mon stop being such a stick in the mud you two.” Eclipse said, “Once the games are over, you can forget all about this ever happening.”
“Tch, if only it was that easy.” Dark and Sour said together. Both looked at each other and quickly turned away, faces turning red.
“Its kind of funny how you two say the same things together a lot.” Lone said seeing their faces.
“Oh shut up. You’re starting to sound like this nuisance over here.” Dark said pointing at Eclipse.
“Hey.” Eclipse replied, “I am not a nuisance.”
“You kind of are sometimes.” Sunny said looking up at the sky.
“You’re not helping, Sunny.” Eclipse said.
“Never said I was here to be helpful.” Sunny said smirking.
“Uhg, enough with the arguing! My head is going to explode if I hear anymore arguments.” Dark yelled.
“I think your head will explode from your yelling.” Sour said unplugging her ears, “You can be really annoying when you’re loud.”
“Oh look who’s talking.” Dark said looking at Sour, “You’re the one who likes to yell at anyone who dissatisfies you.”
“Stop stop stop. Nope. We are NOT having you two fighting this early in the morning.” Lone said stepping between the two, “You can fight all you want later today, but for now lets not fight. Ok?”
Dark and Sour glared at each other, then their anger settled down a bit. Both sighed and calmed down, “Fine” They said before separating.
“Those two are hopeless.” Sunny said before walking after Sour.
“She’s right, those two are impossible. I’ll be surprised if they don’t kill each other before the games end.” Eclipse said shaking his head.
“I don’t know why, but I feel like they’ll be alright.” Lone said with a small smile.
Eclipse raised an eyebrow at this. “What do you mean?” He asked. Lone didn’t say anything, he just walked into the school still smiling. Eclipse was even more confused now, but he quickly shrugged it off and followed his friend.
Dark walked through the quiet halls of the school with his hands in his pockets and his usual scowl on his face. “Seriously, why does that girl always feel the need to make me mad.” he said to himself.
“Dark, wait up.” Dark turned around to see Cadance walking up behind him.
“Hey Cady, what’s up?’ He asked.
“Have you see Twilight, Cinch would like to talk to her.” Cadance said rolling her eyes when she said the principal's name.
“What does that witch want with Sparky?” Dark said narrowing his eyes.
Cadance was reluctant, but she told the boy what she knew. “I believe she want Twilight to participate in the friendship games.” She said not looking at Dark.
Dark took a second to register what Cadance just said. Then his eyes widened, “Wait what!? She wants Twilight to compete in the Friendship Games!” Suddenly Dark anger began to boil, “How many more students is she going to drag into this mess of a game!”
“Dark, calm down now.” Cadance said trying to get the boy to tone down.
“Calm down!? How the hell can I calm down, when one of my best friends is about to be put in the Friendship Games!?” Dark said, “And how much do you want to bet that she’s going to use same sort of blackmail just to get her to agree into the games?”
“I don’t doubt it, but Cinch says she could use Twilight’s skills in the Games.” Cadance said. Dark looked at her slightly confused. “As you know, Twilight if a very gifted girl. Her intellect is the reason she wants to go to college early, she feels she’s too smart for high school.” Cadance explained.
Dark balled up his fists and was about ready to punch something, but quickly stopped himself, “I swear if that woman does anything, and I mean anything, that I think goes too far with Twilight, I will destroy her.”
“Don’t worry Dark, I’m sure Cinch won't go too far.” Cadance said trying to reassure the angered boy.
Dark sighed, “Fine. I’ll trust you on this one, Cady. If you’re looking for her, she’s most likely in her private study room. That’s where she is most of her time here.”
“Thank you, Dark.” Cadance said smiling at him. Then she remembered something, “I heard you and Sour Sweet have been getting along better than the beginning of your year. Is this true?”
“Uh… Well… We aren’t fighting as much...But I still don’t think it's a good idea to be partnering us up for the Friendship Games.” Dark said putting his hands in his pockets.
“Well that’s good news to hear.” Cadance said, “But as far as your partnership goes, that’s something I have no control of. Sorry, Dark.”
Dark groaned, “Can’t always have the best of worlds now can we?”
“Unfortunately no.” Cadance said with a frown. She sighed and looked at the clock, “Well, I better go get Twilight, otherwise I’ll hear it from Cinch.”
“Mind if I tag along?” Dark asked. Cadance thought for a minute and sighed.
“Sure, but you have to promise me you’ll keep your temper in check.” She said putting a hand on the young boys shoulder. Dark took a deep breath and nodded. “Good, come on kiddo.” She said with a smile.
“So college early, huh?” Dark asked. Cadance looked to Dark and saw him looking at the ground.
“Yes, she’s very serious about this.” She said. Dark remained quiet and kept walking. Cadance could tell he didn’t want Twilight to leave. “Hey, you act as if she’s moving to the other end on the earth.” She said.
“She might as well be.” Dark said softly.
“Look, I know you care about Twilight like your sister, but just like you did for Lilac you need to let her go at some point.” Cadance said putting her hand on his shoulder.
“What’d you expect Cady? I haven’t seen Twilight for a couple years, and now that I’ve gotten to see her again, she’s moving away again.” Dark said looking at the ground, “One of the few people I can call friend.”
Cadance took a look around and saw that no one was around. She then stopped walking and hugged Dark. “Listen I know things haven’t gone the way you wanted these past few years, but you need to understand that things change and people change. Twilight’s a perfect example of that, she wants to broaden her horizons and she feels can’t do that here.” Cadance explains.
Dark took a deep breath and nodded. “I guess I am being a bit selfish, she’s always been a smarty and wanting to excel in her studies.”
“I know you want her to stay, but this is about what she wants and if you really care about her then you’ll support her in whatever she chooses to do.” Cadance said with a small smile.
Dark sighed, “I suppose you’re right. Besides, once Sparky’s mind is set on something, its usually hard to make her change it.”
Cadance giggled as the two continued walking down the hall. Eventually the two reached the end of the hall, and stood in front of a maintenance closet door.
“Forgot that Twily picked a maintenance closet as her study room.” Dark said looking at the door, “Although I don’t recall why she picked it.”
“Why don’t you ask her?” Cadance said reaching for the doorknob and turning it.
Upon opening the door, a purple and green blur flew through the air and knocked Dark to the ground, “Gah!” He was instantly greeted by a slobbery attack of licks to his face, “Come on, Spike, stop it.”
Cadance giggled at what she was seeing. “And her I thought he was only that affectionate with Twilight.” She said.
Dark picked up the small dog and looked at him. “You’re a pain, you know that?” Dark asked the puppy who answered by licking Dark’s face again.
“Yup he knows.” Cadance said.
“Spike, what are you doing? You know not to- Oh hi.” Twilight said coming out of her room with a weird purple device in her hands.
“Hey Sparky.” Dark said standing up, still hold Spike in his hands, “I see you still can't go anywhere without this little guy.”
Twilight giggled a bit, “Spike hates being left home by himself.”
“Are you sure it's him who hates being by themselves?” Cadance asked.
Twilight turned her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She said
“Sure you don’t, what are you doing in there anyway?” Dark asked.
“Just working on a special project, what are you both doing here?” Twilight asked before putting the device around her neck.
Candace then stepped forward. “Principal Cinch would like to see you in her office, it’s very important.” She said.
Spike growled hearing the principal's name and Dark smiled. “I feel the exact same way little buddy.” He said.
“Why does Principal Cinch want to see me?” Twilight asked slightly confused.
“Nothing good. As usual.” Dark said crossing his arms.
“Oooh maybe she’s got back about my application to Everton.” Twilight said smiling.
“Everton?” Dark said raising an eyebrow.
“Its an independent study program where I can focus my studies on whatever I want!” Twilight said smiling brightly.
“So its college… by yourself.” Dark said, a frown formed on his face.
“Yes!” Twilight said turning around. Then she saw Dark’s expression, “Is something wrong?”
Dark shook his head and wiped the frown off his face, “No no. I’m proud of you, Sparks. Focusing on what you want is what's important, right?”
“Right!” Twilight said with a smile. Though she knew Dark wasn’t speaking his true thoughts, but decided to let it slide for now.
“Come on Twilight, Principal Cinch is waiting for you in her office.” Cadance said.
“Ok just let me grab a few things.” Twilight said placing a small stack of papers on her desk. She hung the strange device on a hook above her desk.
The three walked out the door, only to see Spike try to follow behind, “Uh uh, Spike, you know Principal Cinch is highly allergic to dog hair. Plus you’re technically not supposed to be on the school grounds.”
Spike stopped and began to whine.
“I know, I wish I could take you out of the closet, but unless we’re leaving the school, you need to stay hidden.” Twilight said patting the purple dog’s head.
“If it was me, I’d bring you along every time I went to that office.” Dark said, “Maybe Cinch would learn something then.”
“And you’d probably get yourself expelled, again.” Twilight said frowning at the idea of using her dog as a tool against Cinch.
“C’mon now, in you go.” Twilight put Spike back in the office and shut the door, but not before letting Spike give her a lick on the cheek. “Love you too.” She said before closing the door.
“I still think we should bring him with us.” Dark said with a small smirk.
“NO!” Cadance and Twilight yelled. Dark flinched and put his hands up defensively.
“Ok, ok!” He said, ‘Maybe I should get myself a dog and bring it into her office.’
“Alright, come on now, we’ve kept Cinch waiting long enough.” Cadance said. “Dark you should get going, classes start soon.” She said.
“Dark just rolled his eyes and nodded. “Fine.” Dark then whispers to Twilight. “If She does anything to you, tell me.” “ He said.
Twilight nodded and she and Cadance began walking to Cinch’s office. Dark then heard Spike whimpering before the door.
“Yea, I don't like this either, little guy.” He said before walking off to his class, “Not one bit.”
Time Skip: Lunch
As usual, the cafeteria was one of the loudest rooms in the entire school. Students wouldn’t stop talking back and forth.
And it was starting to annoy Dark to crazy, “Gah sometimes I wish people would just eat their food instead of talk.”
Today Dark was sitting by himself. He could only assume Lilac was with Thunderlane and her friends. Lone and Eclipse were nowhere to be seen.
He sighed and stood up, picking up his tray, walking over to the trash and dumped the food, “I’m not hungry anyways.” He walked out the cafeteria and proceeded to walk down the halls.
He was about to plug in his headphones, when he heard loud grunts of frustration. Curious, he followed the sound to its source, leading to an open set of doors leading to the track field outside.
Dark stepped outside and was standing on the top bleachers. Looking around he saw someone down on the field. He walked down to the bottom of the bleachers for a better view.
Sour Sweet was practicing her archery… However, when Dark looked at the target, he only saw three arrows on the board, none of which were bullseyes. Several other arrows were scattered around the field.
Sour readied an arrow onto her bow, pulling back. But when she let go, instead of going straight, the arrow went at an upward angle, flying past the target.
“ARHG! What gives!” Sour yelled in pure anger. She threw her bow into the air in a fit a rage and as it was descending it landed on her head. “OUCH!” She said holding the top of her head.
Dark watched as Sour fumed with anger, as she kicked her bow off to the side. The bow landed at his feet, “Hmm…”
Sour rubbed her head, “I don't get it. I used to be able to hit that bullseye with three arrows at once. Now I can’t even hit one bullseye.”
“You’re arms are too relaxed.” Sour turned to see Dark walking over to her with her bow in his hand. “You’re also too angry, you need to keep a cool head...well as cool as can get.” He said.
Sour didn’t know if the boy was trying to help her or get her angry. “What do you want Steele?” She asked.
Dark walked over to her put the bow back into her hand and began positioning her arms. Sour began to blush a bit.
“What the hell, let go of-” “I’m trying to help you, don't make me regret it.” Dark said in a neutral tone.
Sour notice the tone in his voice and for once she listened to the boy. “Ok look, you have to stay focused. Take a deep breath and drown out all distractions.” Dark said still holding her arms.
Sour nodded and took a deep breath. “Ok I’m calm.” She said.
Dark nodded and took an arrow from Sour’s quiver. “Now take the arrow and pull it back, don’t let it go yet.” He said.
Sour nodded and did as she was told. Dark took a step back and looked at how she was positioned.
“You're legs are a bit far apart, move your front foot back a bit.” He said. Sour moved her foot back and kept her eyes on the target.
“Good, only one thing left to do” Dark said.
“And what’s that’s?” Sour asked.
“RELEASE!” Dark yelled.
Sour’s instincts kicked in when she heard that word and she fired the arrow. “DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT YOU JERK!” Sour yelled turning toward the boy.
“Sour I-”
“SERIOUSLY, I KNEW THIS WAS SOME STUPID PRANK!”
“Sour-”
“I SHOULD HAVE NEVER-” Sour was then cut off by Dark forcibly turning her around and showing her the target that her arrow hit. Sour saw the arrow was right in the middle of the bullseye and her eyes widened.
“I said to keep a cool head Sweet, not go off on me.” Dark said with a smirk.
Sour mumbled something under her breath.
“Sorry, did you say something?” Dark asked.
“T-Thank you.” Sour stuttered, her cheeks flaring up.
Dark was surprised at this, not once did he expect to hear Sour ever thank him for anything, “Um… You’re welcome. I figured I might as well help, since we’re partners in the Games, might wanna get used to it.”
“Y-Yeah. We should probably start getting along better.” Sour said.
The two stood there silently for a few seconds, before Dark spoke up, “How often are you out here practicing?”
“What?” Sour asked confused.
“How often are you out here practicing your archery?” Dark asked the girl.
“Um… Once before school starts, and once after school. Every now and then I come during lunch.” Sour said, “Why do you ask?”
“So I know when I need to head back here so we can practice together.” Dark said, “You don’t mind that I practice too, right?”
“Uh sure.” Sour said.
Just then the bell rang, signalling lunch hour was over.
“Crap, we need to get back to class.” Dark said.
“Right.” Sour said running towards the bleachers.
However, while running up the steps, she miss-steps on one and slips, “Ah!”
“Sour!” Dark shouted running towards the falling girl.
CRASH
“Ow.” The two teens groaned. They opened their eyes, only to see them staring at one another, their faces inches away from each other.
Sour had fallen on top of Dark… Again. Both their faces had turned bright shades of red as they just stared at each other.
“Not again.” Sour said. But when she looked at Dark’s eyes, something strange happened. Her stomach all of a sudden felt lighter, her heart rate began to rise, ‘What is going on? What is this strange feeling?’ She asked herself.
“Uh, Sour? Are you going to get off me by any chance?” Dark said seeing the girl just staring at him.
Sour shook her head and gasped, “I’m so sorry. Are you ok?” She said getting up off the boy.
Dark got up and swept the dust off his pants, “I’m fine, how about you?”
“I am thanks to you.” Sour said. Her face burned red the moment the words left her mouth, ‘What am I saying? I’m not even thinking before I speak!’
“Good. Now come on, we’re going to be late for class.” Dark said walking up the bleacher steps. He stopped when he noticed Sour was still at the bottom of the bleachers, “Are you ok? Did you hit your head or something?”
“N-No its nothing. I’ll be in in a few minutes, I just need to get my gear put away.” Sour said.
“Alright, but I don’t wanna hear it when Mrs. Steele yells at you.” Dark said, then he thought about his words, “Sorry, that just sounds too weird, since she’s my mother.”
Sour giggled a little, shocking herself, ‘Why am I giggling at him?’
“Whatever, just hurry up.” Dark said jogging up the steps.
Sour began picking up her gear, when she thought she heard a small thud come from behind the bleachers. She walked over to see what caused the sound, only to find nothing. She shrugged it off and went back to putting her gear away.
She failed to notice a figure hiding in the shadowed areas of the bleachers, smiling wickedly at the pictures they managed to capture.