//------------------------------// // Equestria Girls: Friendship Games (Part 2) // Story: My Little Pony: Sora's Misadventures in Equestria // by Codex92 //------------------------------// Once they got over being surprised by having Ventus coming through the portal to visit, Sunset and Flash guided the teen to the library. Even though Ventus already knew about the issues going on with the enhancement of Equestrian magic that came from Rainbow Dash earlier through the enchanted books, Sunset relayed everything that happened in full detail, including about the upcoming Friendship Games tomorrow. "So, what exactly are the Friendship Games?" Ventus asked. "An event that happens between Canterlot High School and Crystal Prep Acadamy every four years," Flash explained, letting out a huff as he crossed his arms in disdain. "I don't even understand why it's called the 'Friendship Games' when our schools are practically rivals. Not like there's any friendship between us at all when they always won at everything against us from sports to scholastic competitions." "Well, Rainbow sure did pep us enough to make a change and win against them for once," Sunset said. "If only Twilight was here, she could help me figure it out." She then looked at Ventus, slightly curious as to why he showed up instead of Twilight or Sora. "Where is Twilight, anyway?" "Up in Canterlot giving future unicorn wizards a lecture on how friendship made her into the princess she is today," he said. "Not sure when she's supposed to be back. And if you want Sora, I have no idea where he is." "What do you mean?" Sunset questioned. "Well, the throne room in the castle has thrones for us Keyblade wielders as well," Ventus explained. "They appear when we enter, and our Keyblades immediately call themselves out against our will. The strange thing is that Sora's throne was there, but there was no sign of him or his Keyblade inside. I was hoping Aqua could figure out what was going on, but she's a bit busy with Terra...on their 'date', if you catch my drift." Sunset and Flash had some idea what Ventus meant as they looked at each other, not bothering asking any further. "So, Sora's missing?" Flash asked. "And...are you his brother or-?" "I'm not related to Sora," Ventus interrupted with an annoyed grumble. "Seriously, is it the hair? The eyes? Our choice of clothing? It should be obvious Sora and I are not brothers." "Oh. I just thought that because you two seem to have a similar face," Flash said. "You two could pull off as siblings at a glance." Ventus sighed in defeat, slumping his head over the table. "I give up," he groaned, Sunset giggling at the younger teen's misfortune. "Anyway, aside from your magical problems you can't solve, any other ones? Another banished, power-hungry madpony from Equestria causing a ruckus? Heartless popping up around here?" "Thankfully, nothing else aside the Friendship Games tomorrow," Sunset said. "We kinda don't know what the teachers and principals have planned for the events, but if there's a dueling competition, we could probably appreciate your help." "I think I should stay out of competing in the games," Ventus said in disagreement. "It wouldn't be fair if I took part in anything physical. As Keyblade wielders, we're not actually supposed to meddle in any affairs from other worlds. But, in the end, we kind of do when we have to save a world from the threat of darkness." "That rule sounds pretty hypocritical," Sunset noted. "I think it mostly means not getting attached to any people from those worlds," Ventus theorized, scratching his head as he thought more about the "no meddling" rule they were taught. "I'm not sure anymore." "Even if he did join us, if there are any scholastic events for the Friendship Games, I don't think Ventus would be much help to us," Flash said, the Keyblade wielder grinning bashfully at the fact. "There's so much we've been studying lately, I feel like my head's going to explode." "I guess we're going to find out tomorrow when the games begin," Sunset figured. "Until then, let's introduce you to the others, even though you do know them as ponies." She pulled out her phone and sent out a text to the girls asking them where they were. Her phone buzzed a few seconds later, getting a response and the whereabouts of the others. "Looks like they're hanging out in the cafeteria. Since there's no classes today because of the preparations, we've all got some free time." "Mostly just to study or practice whatever random events will be announced, right?" Ventus asked. "It feels like forever since I've been in school. Didn't learn much either with Sora always distracted by something else when he was in class." "...Aren't you younger than him, though?" Flash asked. "I'm older than I look," Ventus said. "Long story short, I was a part of Sora's heart for over ten years after mine was physically broken when I fought and beat my darkness, Vanitas, my body trapped in a coma in a place that used to be mine, Aqua, and Terra's home, and I have all of Sora's memories, knowing what he's done, seen, and somewhat learned." Sunset and Flash stared at Ventus in disbelief, having no clue if what he told them made any sense or if he was joking. "I know it's hard to understand. Even we have no idea how some of us managed to come back to life from our fates...Xehanort probably does, and he's hidden so many secrets from all of us, including his own allies." Ventus, Sunset, and Flash soon left the library and make their way through the school to the cafeteria. Sunset tried to guide the young Keyblade wielder, but he surprised them, knowing exactly where to go without following them even though he was physically visiting Canterlot High for the first time. She figured Ventus really did recall everything Sora had experienced in this world before she met the teen after the Battle of the Bands when he "woke up" before the Dazzlings tried to take over. As they arrived at the cafeteria, the trio found the rest of the girls hanging out at a table, empty trays sitting in front of them that had their lunches made by the lunch ladies. "Hi, Sunset!" Pinkie said, waving them down as she spotted them. "Hi, Flash! Hi, Sora!...Wait, that's not Sora." Ventus let out another sigh, making a note to himself to either change his hair or clothes so he wasn't mistaken as Sora or be related to him by anyone else. "Guys, this is Ventus," Sunset introduced. "And before you ask, he isn't Sora's brother." "Oh! That was going to be my next question!" Pinkie said. "Now I can move onto my next one; does he have a Keyblade, too?" "Yes, I do," Ventus said. "I'm here in place for Sora and Twilight to make sure there aren't any issues involving evil Equestrian magic in use." "Where are they?" Applejack asked. "Twilight's busy in Canterlot lecturing new students, but I have no clue where Sora is," Ventus said, skipping out the details on why Sora was presumed missing so the girls wouldn't worry about him. "Hopefully he doesn't get himself killed." "He's fought the powers of darkness, Sunset Shimmer when she went mad with power, his friend and girlfriend possessed by the Dazzlings, and the Dazzlings themselves with their full power," Rainbow said, ignorant of Sunset rolling her eyes as the old her was mentioned yet again. "Nothing can stop him because he's awesome!...Not as awesome as me, though." "Ah recall watchin' him kick your butt at soccer when we first met him and Twilight," Applejack said with a smirk. The others laughed as the tomboy scowled, muttering to herself as she was reminded of his skills far exceeding her own athleticism. Ventus recalled that humiliating display, though Sora was definitely showing off during that one-on-one soccer match and toyed with Rainbow. "So, Ventus, ya gonna be helpin' us out in the Friendship Games?" "I'm staying out of the games," Ventus said. "I won't be of much help in any events involving academics. I'm just here to help keep tabs on the magic going haywire with Sunset." "So you don't know how Rainbow Dash ponied up without playing music?" Rarity asked. "No. And stop calling it 'ponying up'," Ventus pleaded. "It sounds like something a five-year-old made up. It's not that special of a transformation to grow ears, a tail, and a horn or wings." "It seemed fitting to call it that," Sunset reasoned. "Anyway, regardless of what we call it, what do you guys want to do until tomorrow?" "Well, Ah got me some chores to do around the farm this afternoon," Applejack said. "Ah also want to get some studyin' in before the Friendship Games." "I need to be at the animal shelter when school ends and tidy up the cages and pens," Fluttershy said. "As much as I'd love to enjoy a night of relaxation, I have to watch my little sister," Rarity said. "I love her to death, but I swear, the escapades she has with her friends when they visit always leaves the house a mess for our parents." "At least these girls here aren't as bad as the three fillies in Equestria," Ventus said. "You do not want to know how much trouble those three can get into over figuring out what their talents were." "What can three little ponies do that could be so bad?" Rarity asked with a laugh. "Making a love poison Sora and Twilight accidentally drank, resulting in him almost killing Kairi for his 'true love', running into a dangerous forest near Ponyville for an adventure and almost get killed by the animals that live there, and other disasters that almost runs the town into the ground just to get their cutie marks." The girls and Flash's jaws dropped in shock. Ventus saw the human CMC sitting together as they discussed whatever plans they had for tonight, noticing Sweetie Belle was eyeing him when she spotted him walk in the cafeteria with Sunset and Flash. As soon as she saw him look at her, the young girl blushed and quickly hid her face behind a nearby book. "Yeah. Those three are far more tame than the little earth pony, unicorn, and pegasus versions of that trio." "...Ok, maybe I do have it easy after all," Rarity uttered to herself, dreading how stressed her unicorn self in Equestria dealt with her little sister. "As much as I want to hang out with Ventus and get to know him, I've got to try to get some studying done," Rainbow said. "If we get any school stuff as an event before anything physical, I am not going to risk losing to help us win that event." "Eh, we'll all hang out at the games tomorrow anyway, so I'm going to try studying some stuff!" Pinkie said. "I know there's a spelling bee that'll be put in there somewhere, and I need to work on my spelling! You never know when they'll put in a word that stretches as long as the width of this page, or the most dreaded word people with the irrational phobia of long words cringe at: hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia." "What? There's no way that's a real fear." Pinkie pulled out her phone and looked up the fear online, showing Rainbow and diminishing her skepticism. "...Wow. How can someone spell that without trying to figure out how to say it?" The rest of the day was spent hanging out, talking about things that happened outside of school, and knowing a little bit about Ventus and his experience as a Keyblade wielder, even showing off his Keyblade and how he held the small, dagger-like weapon. Once school was over for the day, even though there were no classes, the students dispersed and headed back home or went out to hang out with their friends before the day ends. The girls split up and headed off to do what they needed to do, Ventus walking alongside Sunset and Flash as they walked down the sidewalk toward town. "So, you're not going back to Equestria?" Flash asked curiously. "Nah. I'm sure everyone will be fine without me around today," Ventus said, his hands behind his head similar to Sora's as he walked. "I kinda needed to get away anyway after overhearing Aqua and Terra in the middle of their 'private time'." Before Sunset or Flash asked if they heard them as he passed a room in the castle, Ventus pulled out his crystal communicator from his ear, showing them the enchanted gem. "Aqua made these special crystal earpieces that allow the me and the others who can wield a Keyblade to talk to each other from a long distance. Because we all could be busy dealing with Heartless in different worlds, we need some we to keep in touch or ask for help if it becomes too much for just one of us." "Whoa," Flash said in awe as he got a better look at the enchanted piece of crystal. "Is that an actual crystal? How is that possible?" "Crystals can hold very powerful properties in Equestria," Sunset explained. "Some elemental like fire or ice, and can even store terabytes of information, keeping that data stored for eons as well. So, making them into long-distance communicators through several billion light years away from one point is a pretty brilliant idea." Placing his earpiece back where it belonged, it didn't take long for them to reach Sunset's house. It was a simple little home, though how she was able to pay for it baffled Ventus when she was considered a teenager in this alternate world of Equestria. There wasn't much for aesthetics, just a simple house with the basic necessities needed for cooking, storing food and drinks, and relax. "Nice place," Ventus complimented. "It's not much, but make yourselves at home," Sunset said, placing her stuff on the kitchen counter. "If you're staying over, Ven, I hope you don't mind the couch. Not exactly comfortable to sleep on." "I was in a coma sitting in a hard chair, slumped over slightly, for over a decade. I can manage a lumpy couch," Ventus assured, though he subconsciously rubbed his back. The two boys sat on the couch while Sunset headed for her room to grab some of her books. Flash noticed the odd pieces of armor that were strapped on the Keyblade wielder's shoulder and shoes, looking similar to the pauldrons Sora, Riku, and Kairi wore the last time they were here. "So, what's with the strange bits of armor you're wearing?" Flash asked out of curiosity. "Is it part of your clothes?" "It's my Keyblade armor," Ventus said. "It might not look like much, but my pauldron's enchanted to fully create a suit of armor on command." He gave a light pat on his pauldron, not enough force to activate it as he emphasized how it worked. "Keyblade wielders used this armor back then not only as a means of protection in combat, but also to protect us while traveling to other worlds. Don't want to die from the freezing cold vacuum of space or what darkness lurks out there." "How do you even get anywhere?" Flash asked. Ventus summoned his Keyblade and twirled it around in his hand. "We can also turn our Keyblades into gliders." "Seriously!? You could do that!? You have got to show me!" Flash begged, wanting desperately to see how Ventus's Keyblade could change by how small it was. "I can't in here," Ventus said, dismissing his Keyblade and disappointing the musician. "Besides, I don't want to bring too much attention to myself. We're not supposed to be known to people from other worlds in the first place: our Keyblades, our powers, and the Heartless we're called to fight." "Hey, don't destroy my place and show off, Ventus," Sunset called out, making her way back to the living room with a few books. She plopped them down on the small coffee table in front of the couch the boys sat on, sitting down between them as she leered at Ventus. "I don't understand how boys can get so excited by stupid things." "I question that with girls and going shopping, wearing makeup and so many different clothes." Now Flash got the dirty look from Sunset, Ventus scooting away as she crossed her arms and tapped her finger against her forearm. "...What? It's true. You know how many different clothes you wanted to try on when we hung out back then?" "I was curious about how human clothes differed from what ponies in Equestria made," Sunset reasoned. "And you made me see how you looked in each one that whole day we were at the mall," Flash countered. "I was so bored, I was thinking of finding a dummy, dress it up to make it look like me as close as possible, and hit the arcade until closing." Sunset growled slightly, worrying Flash as he began to sweat nervously. "...But I wasn't going to?" Sunset dropped her leer and smirked at Flash, giving him a light punch in the arm. "You were gonna, but I'm actually happy you stuck by me with my...awkward phase getting used to being human." She then looked down, feeling remorseful as those memories being with Flash while they were younger flashed through her mind. He stuck by her when she was lost and naive until she turned into a power-hungry tyrant of the school, and even now as the new Sunset Shimmer after her close brush to losing her heart completely to darkness. Sunset surprised Flash as she leaned toward him, giving him a peck on the cheek. "And for...when I turned into such a bully. You should have just forgotten about me when I hurt you like that and I didn't deserve your forgiveness." Snapping out of his daze hearing Sunset talking down about herself, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. "But you do, though, Sunset. You were lost then, and even today, you still are. I promised I would help you out, no matter what happens between us." Sunset smiled, leaning her head against Flash's shoulder as she let out a content sigh. "I don't know how I deserved you after all I did, but thanks, Flash...For everything..." Before she got too comfortable in Flash's embrace, she almost forgot Ventus was here with them as well. She looked at him with an embarrassed blush, though the Keyblade wielder didn't seem to mind them getting a bit intimate around him. "Uhh, sorry, Ven. Almost forgot you were staying over." "Don't worry about getting all mushy and making out with each other," Ventus reassured. "I see it so much with the others back in Equestria that I'm used to it...But contacting Aqua and Terra earlier today..." The teen shuddered, wishing he didn't call in as the awkward scenario played out in his head over what his friends were doing. "I just hope I don't walk in on them if they have their 'private time'." "So, you don't have anyone special in mind to go out with?" Sunset asked curiously. "Don't you get jealous watching your friends in their relationships?" "...Hmmm...Maybe," Ventus said. "Although, I don't think I'm all that interested in getting romantically involved...At least not yet." He leaned back against the couch and looked down at his hands. Most of his life, all he knew was training to be a Keyblade wielder, but aside from being friends with Terra and Aqua in the past, he's never really had much of a childhood to look back on. Xehanort robbed him of his chance to be a normal kid, forcing him to train to be his future vessel and a candidate in forging the X-blade, even going so far as to extracting Vanitas from his heart and get them to fight to create it in a climactic duel to the death. "I'm going around thirty in a fifteen-year-old's body, and I've never really had any time at all just being a kid. I still feel immature like a teenager, but with all the hardships I've gone through, I feel like an old man trying to remember those fond memories of being a child, not having to worry about everything... "Maybe one day, I'll find someone, but I'm not sure when it would be a good time." Ventus clenched his fists, knowing exactly when it would be a good time to settle down; once Xehanort has finally met his end, he'll focus on living a normal life while mixing some time as a Keyblade wielder. "So, for now, I'm going to enjoy the time I have with my friends while stopping the threat of darkness." "...Wow. And I thought Sunset had it rough," Flash said aloud. "Just be glad you weren't in my shoes when things got out of hand," Ventus said as he looked up at them. "You two just enjoy yourselves, but don't get too crazy, otherwise I'm going to sleep outside and away from any noises." The couple blushed and laughed nervously, slightly pulling away from each other while Flash rubbed his neck and looked at the wall away from Ventus and Sunset. "Our renewed relationship isn't THAT far along," Sunset reasoned, staring at her feet while twiddling her fingers. Ventus laughed at their embarrassment, making the girl groan and pick up one of her books, burying her face in it to hide her red cheeks. "I'm gonna do some last minute studying! Big day tomorrow, and we all need to be prepared for whatever comes up at the Friendship Games!" "Is this a study date or were you actually planning on doing something with his rocker, little miss?" Ventus playfully scolded, acting like a stern father despite how young he looked. He earned a book thrown at his face by Sunset, sending him falling off the arm of the couch and landing hard on the floor. The embarrassed teen grumbled as she kept her nose glued to the pages of her book, noticing Flash stand up after checking his phone. "I have to get back home," Flash said. "My mom doesn't want me to miss dinner. And I'm gonna try to do some studying as well after. Not sure how much more my brain can take without it bursting." "Ok." Sunset lowered her book and stood up, giving Flash a hug and he hugged her back. "I'll see you tomorrow." "See you tomorrow," Flash repeated before pulling away and making his way to the door. "Later, Ventus." "Call me Ven," Ventus slurred, shakily lifting his arm and waving it slightly before dropping it. After Flash left, Sunset grabbed her phone and dialed in a number. "Well, if you're hungry, I'm going to order us a pizza. I'm starving. Anything you want on it?" Ventus lifted himself up by grabbing the arm of the couch, rubbing his sore face from the hardcover textbook smacking him from Sunset's throw. "Well, if your taste buds have changed since you've been here for years, cover it in all kinds of meat. It gets old eating fruit and vegetable related dishes that aren't made out of flowers or hay." "Alright," Sunset said. "My palette had changed slightly since I came here, but when I first found out what a hamburger was made of, I immediately threw it up...I guess I got used to it after a while, mostly because the animals in this world don't exactly talk and doesn't make me feel bad for eating them." "Good thing Sora steered Twilight away from any meet when they first came here," Ventus said aloud, still baffling Sunset by how much he knew about Sora and Twilight's first time at Canterlot High. The next morning, Twilight arrived bright and early at Crystal Prep, having kept her pocket watch-sized energy scanner/container in her private classroom's desk before leaving yesterday. She brought Spike along as well, keeping him in her backpack and hoping he didn't bark or shed any fur and cause an allergic reaction for Principal Cinch. She heard her dog growl, his head poking out of her bag as he saw her taking her invention with her, placing it around her neck as it fit to look like a pendant. "Spike, I don't have much of a choice," Twilight said. "I was going to go regardless, but now I have to compete in the Friendship Games...I might not get enough for what I need, but I can at least get some. Now shush." She gently pushed Spike's head back in her bag, then hurried outside to the parking lot where the buses were parked to take the students and some of Crystal Prep's faculty to Canterlot High. Twilight passed by a few girls who were in line as she spotted Cadence, the only adult out of the staff she can trust to ask if these were the right buses. "Dean Cadence, I'm not sure where to go." "Hang on just one minute, Twilight," Cadence said, too busy looking through her checklist to make sure everything was ready for the trip. "You could try the end of the line," one of the girls said with utter disdain, her raspberry hair with a thin, light blue streak running down the middle tied in a pony tail. Twilight turned to face the girl who muttered at her, the girl behind the moody one just as miffed, her hair short and colored a mix of pale lavender and pink, recalling their names being Sour Sweet and Sunny Flare respectively. "What did you say?" "Just that someone as smart as you should DEFINITELY go first!" Sour Sweet said, only this time a lot more sweeter, but in a sarcastic tone with a fake smile. "B-But I didn't mean to," Twilight mumbled. "I was just asking..." "This is the right bus, Twilight. Go ahead," Dean Cadence said before walking over to the other buses to speak with Principal Cinch on the other side. "But...I didn't mean to cut in front," Twilight said apologetically. "Well, it's too late now," Sour Sweet scoffed, reverting back to the sour side of her flipped personality. Unable to apologize to her, Twilight walked onto the bus, only to be caught by surprise by one of her peers, a multi blue-tone haired girl wearing a pair of goggles strapped around her head, her name Indigo Zap as she recalled. "Are we gonna win!?" "I-I don't know," Twilight mumbled. "Wrong answer!" the overly-hyped teen exclaimed. "Try again! Are we gonna WIN!?!?!?!?" Sidling away from the pumped up classmate of hers, Twilight finally got inside the bus as she tried to answer. "I g-guess? It's just...I mean...I heard CHS is doing well now. With their reputation. And, I mean, it's not better than ours, of course. But we can't let them do it, you know?...Win, I mean? Right...?" The students on the bus stared at Twilight awkwardly, the genius feeling utterly embarrassed as her lack of social skills not involving an oral presentation for a project would have surely given her zero. "Hey, kid, you're going to have to take your seat," the bus driver said, startling Twilight before she got the hint and made her way down the aisle. There were plenty of empty seats as she walked down, but some of her classmates either blocked the outer seat from her or placed any belongings they were allowed to bring in the seat. The only available row was all the way in the back, a girl with green and yellow-streaked hair named Lemon Zest sat by the window, too focused on listening to music through her headphones. Twilight settled herself down beside her with a sigh. Looking to her left, she saw one of the students eyeing her with a blank expression, her long white hair tied in pigtails and wearing a pair of orange-rimmed glasses. "Hi, Sugarcoat," Twilight greeted. "That was a really bad speech," Sugarcoat said, not even bothering being subtle with Twilight's terrible motivation a moment ago. "You should consider not speaking in public." Twilight groaned and slumped in her seat, opening her backpack a little to pet Spike. "At least I've got you with me, Spike." Lemon Zest finally noticed her, the music blaring through her headphones so loud that it could be faintly heard up close. "Dude, you have got to hear this!" She then placed the headphones on Twilight's head, slapping them on and introducing her to the rock music she was listening to, and it was already making her feel deaf. She groaned in agony, dreading the trip already, and the buses haven't even left yet. The students of CHS arrived bright and early as the Friendship Games were about to begin as soon as Crystal Prep arrived and both schools were given the beginning ceremony. In one of the music rooms, the Rainbooms were finishing up another one of their practice sessions, Ventus and Flash on the sidelines as their audience as the six girls wound up in their pony forms while playing. As soon as it was over, their ears, tails, and extra parts representing what kind of pony they were disappeared in a flash of light. "Man, I hope there's a music competition in the Friendship Games today," Rainbow said, strumming a few chords on her guitar. "Because we would totally rock!" "You guys already had a Battle of the Bands," Ventus reminded the athlete. "Besides, you're not supposed to show your magic today, remember?" "Well, it's easier said than done, darling," Rarity said. "In Equestria, magic can do whatever it wants. And you have control of your own magic." "We know, Rarity," Sunset said. "This isn't Equestria." "Ah'm sure you'll figure it out, Sunset," Applejack said, believing in her knowledge and abilities. "And while Sunset and Ven work on keeping magic OUT of the games, I've been working on what to put IN!" Rarity said excitedly with a giggle. "Rarity, what have ya gone and done?" Applejack questioned worriedly. "Well, I had a little time on my hands, and since we don't know what the Friendship Games' events are, I made a few options for uniforms!" Rarity pulled out a rack of several different outfits, each one made for specific events they would all possibly compete in, whether in athleticism, culinary, art, just about everything the fashion diva could create. Ventus facepalmed at the amount of dresses. "Rarity, you shouldn't have," he groaned. "I know!" Rarity said, taking it as a compliment rather than a delayed plea. "I meant you SHOULDN'T have actually made them," Ventus restated. "I know!" Rarity said again with a squeal, making the teen slump over and groan while the other girls looked at the outfits questioningly. Ventus let out a sigh, standing back up with a shake of his head. "I can never understand girls sometimes." "Me either," Flash agreed. "Hey, I'll be right back. I need to put my stuff in my locker. Want to come along?" "I wish, but I need to keep an eye on these six," Ventus said. "Gotta keep their magic in line...but I don't know how if we have another Rainbow Dash moment." "Alright. Good luck, then." Flash left the room and made his way down the halls to his locker, leaving the others with an overly generous Rarity unable to wait to see how everyone looked in her outfits. The buses from Crystal Prep had arrived at Canterlot High, parked outside the front of the school building by the curb. Principal Cinch and Dean Cadence exited first to meet with Celestia and Luna as they waited for them. "Vice Principal Luna can help your students get settled in if you'd like me to show you around, Principal Cinch," Celestia offered. "There have been quite a few changes since your last visit." "Oh, yes, Principal Celestia," Cinch said drolly. "I'm sure that would be fascinating." Unlike the professional conversation between the schools' principals, Luna and Cadence were actually excited to see each other, both of them hugging each other to some of the Crystal Prep students' surprise. "It's such a pleasure seeing you again, Dean Cadence," Luna said as they broke their friendly hug. "Even if it means another defeat." "Thank you, Vice Principal Luna," Cadence said. "But I hear it's not going to be easy this time." The students began filing out of the buses, Twilight tried to get out, only to be shoved harshly by Indigo, making her stagger and nearly fall over Sunny Flare as she landed on her knees. "Seriously?" Sunny questioned spitefully. "Sorry," Twilight apologized. "I didn't mean it." She stood up, nearly bumping into Sour Sweet as she tried to walk past her. "Oh, sorry. Why don't you go ahead?" "You are such a sweetie!" Sour Sweet said pleasantly, only for her mood to turn sour as she leered at Twilight. "I am watching you..." Before letting out another miserable sigh, she moved out of the way when she heard Lemon Zest coming down the steps from the bus, air guitaring as she jammed on her music, followed by Sugarcoat as she looked at Twilight with a deadpanned stare. "You are kinda being a doormat right now." Twilight groaned as Sugarcoat didn't sugarcoat anything, finding it ironic how her name makes her blatantly honest and sounding so demeaning toward others. Before she could join the rest of her classmates, the scanning mechanism of her device suddenly activated as it picked up something. Grabbing it with her hands, the purple star lighting up, the light surrounding the top began pointing forward, which meant the mysterious energy she was searching for was somewhere in Canterlot High. Despite being a perfect student, she was going to decide to play the delinquent, but only for the sake of science, dispersing from her schoolmates and making her way into the school. "Hey, Twilight!" Bon Bon called out on the steps as she and Lyra waved to her, but she ignored them and focused on discovering where this energy was coming from. "Uhh, did she not see us?" Making her way inside, she finally noticed the CHS students greeting her, even knowing her name. She had no clue how to respond, or even greet back, having no clue why everyone knows her. She tried to focus on her device guiding her to the source of the energy, but the greetings kept distracting her. While walking backwards while trying to say hi to the teens who somehow know her, she accidentally bumped into Flash as he tried to get his locker opened, sending them both falling over with her glasses falling off her face. "Whoa, are you-?" Flash began, only to gasp when he saw Twilight was the one who bumped into him this time. "Twilight?" Despite the change in clothes and differently styled hair, he figured this was alicorn Twilight. "I almost didn't recognize you for a moment." He noticed her squinting as she fumbled her hands around, trying to find something. He helped her on her feet, then saw the glasses that had fallen off her face. "Uhh, when did you start wearing glasses?" "Um, like, since forever?" Twilight answered, her vision too blurry to try to move around unless she wanted to break the only pair of glasses she brought with her. Flash picked them up, shrugging his shoulders, thinking Twilight always wore contact lenses back in Equestria. "So, how long are you going to be here for? And is Sora coming?" "I'm only going to be here for the Friendship Games," she said. "And who's Sora?" "Sora. Our friend who's saved us the last two times?" Flash reminded the girl, helping put her glasses back on. "Maybe he's busy saving other worlds from darkness. But I'm sure with you here, we're totally gonna win." Twilight adjusted her glasses, getting a better look at the musician. She had no idea what was going on, why he knew her, and didn't know anyone named Sora. And why he said with her around, CHS was going to win the Friendship Games confused her. Before she could ask any of the hundred questions bubbling in her head, her energy scanner/container blinked, reminding her of the signal she needed to find. "Uhh, I gotta go," she said before walking off. "Wait, do you want to know where the others are!?" Flash called out, but Twilight continued onward. "Did Kairi tell you Ven was here!?" "Why did you make outfits for me?" Ventus questioned Rarity as she forced him into a CHS cheer uniform, bearing the colors of the school with a big "C.H." in yellow on the front of the blue shirt. "I told you girls I wasn't going to be competing." "I know, but that doesn't mean you can't be our cheerleader," Rarity reasoned. "I need my armor in case I get in a dangerous fight!" Ventus argued. "And I look ridiculous in this!" The rest of the girls were put in odd outfits as well: Fluttershy as a hockey goalie, Rainbow as a constable, Sunset in a welder's suit fit with a mask and protective gloves, Pinkie as a cowgirl, and Applejack as a cricket player. "Rarity, these outfits are...great, but why put so much time and effort into clothes we might not even wear?" Applejack asked. "You're gonna exhaust yourself before the games even begin." Rarity let out a few sputtered scoffs, almost sounding like she was beat-boxing on accident. "Don't be silly, darling! Putting effort into clothes is what I live for, and spending time on my friends fills me with energy!" Suddenly, Rarity's magic was released, ending up in a similar situation like Rainbow Dash where she transformed without playing her keytar. Her long curly hair grew into a long tail, pony ears sprouted from her head, and a conical horn made of white aura appeared from her forehead, her Equestrian magic making her float off the ground a few inches. The others were surprised and stared in awe, only confusing Sunset and Ventus more as it happened again. "And magic, too, apparently," Sunset uttered. Outside in the halls, Twilight continued following the magic source, leading her to the doors of the music room. As she held her device in her hands, it opened up on its own as she got closer to the door, gasping in shock as she saw what appeared to be a purple aura flowing out from the slight crack in the doorway. It headed toward her, being sucked into the containment unit inside, slowly swirling into a small orb. Inside the room, Rarity began to feel faint, floating back down to the ground as her pony form quickly disappeared. "Actually, Applejack, now that you mention it, I suppose I could use a little break," Rarity said weakly before falling over. Ventus reacted fast, quickly running and sliding toward her, catching the fainting teen in his arms. "Ok, that was odd. Did Rainbow react like this the other day?" "No. I was perfectly fine," Rainbow said. "Well, Ah told her she was gonna tire herself out," Applejack said. The doors to the room opened, revealing Twilight too enraptured by her invention's actual test run of storing Rarity's magic to realize she accidentally walked in. Her device was closed, sealing it so it didn't leak out and cause and troubles. "Twilight?" the girls said in simultaneous shock. Ventus looked up, seeing Rarity was ok for the time being, just as surprised as the girls when he saw Twilight. "Twilight?" he asked, helping Rarity up on her feet and approached the confused teen. He didn't recall her walking into this world with the uniform she wore, and he knew she never kept her hair tied in a bun or wore glasses. "...What the heck are you wearing?" "...My...uniform?" Twilight answered, a little unnerved that, once again, students from Canterlot High knew her, and they were surrounding her. "For what?" Ventus asked again before letting out a sigh and shook his head. "Please tell me it's not some weird thing where you're trying to impress Riku by dressing as a schoolgirl." "What? Who's Riku?" Twilight questioned, appalled by the assumption of her school uniform. "This is my uniform for Crystal Prep...How do you all at this school know me?" "Did you just say 'Crystal Prep'?" Fluttershy asked, everyone's surprise cut short when Spike poked his head up out of Twilight's backpack, letting out an excited yip as his tail wagged at the new faces he wanted to meet. "Oh, Spike!" "How do you know my dog's name!?" Twilight began to panic, unsure of how everyone in this school knows about her, and quite possibly her social life, including family and her pet. Ventus scratched his head in confusion. Either Twilight suffered from amnesia or some kind of spell backfired and made her think she was a schoolgirl from another school, and the rival school of Canterlot High, no less. While pondering this confusing meeting, Celestia and Cinch walked through the halls as the former continued giving the latter a tour. "And our music program has especially taken off," Celestia said. Just as they reached the music room, seeing Twilight and Ventus shocked her as she didn't expect to see them. "Twilight? Sora?" "Wrong person," Ventus said, having expected a response from the human Celestia. "I'm one of his friends, Ventus, but I prefer being called Ven." "What is going on here!?" Twilight exclaimed, thankful Spike was smart enough to hide back in Twilight's backpack upon smelling Crystal Prep's principal approaching. "This is getting ridiculous!" Cinch leered at Twilight for wandering off, but lessened her gaze so Celestia didn't notice. "I must apologize for the curiosity of my prized student." Everyone else except Twilight balked in shock, even Celestia as she grew confused by the rival principal's statement. "'Your' student???" "The smart ones are always curious," Cinch reasoned, gently placing a hand on Twilight's shoulder and guiding her out of the music room. "I'll return her to check in with the rest of her classmates." Principal Cinch and Twilight returned back to the front of the school back by the buses, leaving behind a confused group of teens and the school principal of CHS. "...I didn't know Twilight had a twin sister," Celestia thought aloud. Pinkie was about to take a deep breath and begin explaining, but Ventus slapped his hand over her mouth, already coming to the conclusion from Twilight's mysterious amnesia, Spike not able to talk like them, and how she was considered a prized student at Crystal Prep. "...That's not our Twilight," he said. "That's the Twilight from this world." "How are you certain?" Celestia asked. "She knows who I am, and she should have recognized all of us, but she didn't," Ventus explained. "And if she brought Spike along, he would have said something to us instead of bark. Twilight should have been back by now from Canterlot, but that uniform was definitely not what she wore if she were to pass through. And if there was a problem, Sora should also be here too, but he's still probably M.I.A. and the others haven't figured out where he is yet." "...Are you related to Sora?" Celestia asked, making Ventus cringe as that question was asked for the umpteenth time. "We're not brothers," he answered unenthusiastically. "...This is going way over my head," the principal uttered. "I'm just going to check on the preparations for the opening greeting in the gym." Celestia took her leave as she rubbed her head. The group took off Rarity's random outfits and got back in their regular clothing, though now that they knew there was a Twilight in this world, they had to fight against her in the Friendship Games. "I still can't believe our world's Twilight goes to Crystal Prep!" Rarity exclaimed. "What's worse is that, for the second time, someone's magic has appeared randomly, and I still don't know why it's happening," Sunset groaned, already feeling a migraine coming on. "This is all so frustrating." "I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out," Fluttershy assured. "How!? If Twilight were here, she'd probably figure it out sooner!" Sunset exclaimed angrily, taking some deep breaths to calm herself. "I think all this was my fault. I brought magic into this world when I took Twilight's crown. It's taken a lot from me to earn everyone's trust and get back together with Flash...We'll end up forfeiting the games because I can't find a way to keep it under control..." "Well, ya did help figure out what was goin' on with them sirens, remember?" Applejack said. "I guess, but it was Twilight who figured out how to beat them, along with Sora's help," Sunset said, leaning against the wall as she looked down. "But without you, we wouldn't have been able to stop them," Rarity reminded the upset teen. "Not even Sora was able to stop them on his own." Sunset couldn't forget what happened during the Battle of the Bands final duel against the Dazzlings. Even though the Rainbooms fought hard with their music and Sora battled their ethereal Equestrian forms head-on, but their strength wasn't enough with all the negative energy they stole, including the magic from the girls as they argued under the stage. Without her, they wouldn't have been able to stop the sirens, and it was with her aide that they not only destroyed the ethereal sea ponies, but also the source of their power. She grinned, feeling a bit more hopeful knowing her friends really believed she could solve this magic problem. "Oh, alright," she said, the girls cheering and suddenly trapping Sunset in a group hug. "Come on, guys!" Rainbow said after the girls broke apart. "Let's see if we can get any info on the events and come up with a strategy! You and Ven coming, Sunset?" "Actually, I need to get back to Equestria to make sure Twilight really is back," Ventus said. "If she finds out there's something going on here, we don't want her to meet with human Twilight and make her freak out even more than she already was." "Oh, right. That won't end well if they meet each other. We'll catch up with you guys at the gym," Sunset said as she and Ventus made their way to the front of the school. "I'm sorry, Principal Cinch," Twilight apologized after Cinch lead her back to the buses. "I was just following these strange energy readings. They actually lead me to those girls and boy-" "Twilight, what you do in your free time is of little interest to me," Cinch interrupted, ignoring the device Twilight tried to show her. "But while you're here, I...all of Crystal Prep, in fact, requires your complete focus." "But why does everyone at this school know me?" Twilight asked. "Perhaps they are trying to confuse you," Principal Cinch pondered. "Perhaps they're trying to lure you away." "It didn't feel like they were trying to lure me away," Twilight uttered, still confused by them knowing her so well. "I don't know what it is they're planning, but I guarantee it isn't to help us win. Try not to wander off again before we take roll again, Twilight." Principal Cinch returned back to Cadence to make sure all their students were truly present, making Twilight sigh miserably as her principal's tone suggested she was beginning to consider tossing her application to Everton away right now. As she waited by the buses until they were allowed to actually go inside the school, Sunset and Ventus exited the building and approached the statue. "So, that woman who was with Principal Celestia earlier was Crystal Prep's principal, right?" Sunset asked. "Yup. And I find it odd that she almost looks like Maleficent if she was her other half in this world," Ventus said. "She has that disturbing air about her, along with that scornful leer she gave us." The duo didn't notice Twilight begin approaching the statue as well, her device acting up as it sensed the same magical energy coming from the portal hidden inside it. As soon as she got close to it, the mechanical pendant opened up on its own as it prepared to suck more magic up, Ventus pressing his hand against the portal as he looked back at Sunset. "I'll be back soon. Just make sure the others-AHH!" He suddenly felt his hand getting crushed as the portal got smaller. "W-What the hell!?" "Ven, what's wrong!?" Sunset asked fearfully. "My hand!" he grunted, struggling to pull his hand back before his limb was sliced off. "What's going on with the portal!?" While Sunset tried to pull Ventus's arm free, Twilight struggled to pull back as a swirling red aura flowed into her device, mixing with the lavender aura she stole from Rarity. She closed the pendant, sending herself and Ventus and Sunset falling backward, accidentally smacking it hard into the ground and causing it to short out a little. Ventus groaned, shaking his hand and making sure he had all five fingers still attached, along with his wrist. "Are you ok?" Sunset asked Ventus. "I think so," he said. "But what the heck happened?" They both looked up, finding Twilight on the ground as well. "What did you just do?" Twilight stood up, afraid she got them angry at her, only for Cadence to call out for her. "Twilight, stay over here! We're still making sure everyone's checked in!" Heeding the dean's order, she ran back to her classmates, checking her device to make sure it didn't break. Sunset and Ventus stood up, the former walking back to the portal while Ventus watched Twilight, feeling something suspicious was going on with her. Sunset reached her hand out to the portal, only to instead feel solid stone. "What the...?" Pressing both hands against the wall of the statue's pedestal, Sunset tried to feel around for the portal, but it was gone. "Oh no...Uhh, Ven? I got good news and bad news." "Huh?" Ventus asked in confusion, turning around to face the worried teen. "Ok...? What's the good news?" "Good news is we don't have to worry about our Twilight coming into this world," Sunset said. Ventus raised a brow at the odd news that was considered good, waiting for the bad as she struggled to find the words. "...And the bad news...the portal's gone." "What!? What do you mean the portal's gone!?" Ventus ran up to the statue and pressed his hands against the wall. He began to panic as he didn't feel his hands going through, hopelessly rubbing against the stone. "W-Wha...? How? Where is it!? WHERE'S THE PORTAL!?" He pounded his fist against the statue, wishing someone on the other side in Equestria could hear his knocking. His hopes were dashed, slowly turning around, leaning his back against the statue, and slid down until he sat on the ground with a thud, giving the one hundred yard stare as the reality of the situation hit him. "...Sunset...I'm trapped in this world..."