//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - Friendship Games - Dealing with Twilight. // Story: The Brother's Adventure 3 // by lightningman //------------------------------// As I was walking back to the school, I realized that Sunset was running towards the school as well. I frown. "Sunset? What's wrong?" "Rainbow Just texted me that she has an emergency! Come on!" She bolted towards the school. Soon enough, we got there. "I got your text, Rainbow Dash! Did something come through the portal? Is Equestrian magic on the loose? Did Twilight come back with a problem that only we can solve?!" "Has a giant cake monster covered all the cakes in the world in cake?!" Pinkie Pie asked as she hopped to beside me. "Um, not exactly." Rainbow Dash said she picked up her guitar. "I don't understand." Sunset rubbed the back of her neck as she saw the guitar. "Well, Sunset, I was just tellin' Rainbow Dash here that a broken guitar string doesn't really qualify as an emergency." Applejack glared at Rainbow as she fiddled with said broken string. "It totally does," she said as she pulled the guitar away. "Really, Rainbow Dash! I was in the middle of sewing a very complex appliqué on my latest frock." Everyone looked at her blankly before looking at me. "She was putting a difficult design on her latest dress." I translate. "OH!" They all said in understanding. "And I was just about to tuck everyone in for the night at the shelter. Now we'll have to start stories all over again." Fluttershy said as she pet her bunny. "Why would you send all of us an emergency text for a guitar string?" Sunset asked. "Well, I was going to pony up and show our fans some awesome guitar licks, but I kinda need all six strings to do it. Got any extra?" At this everyone but Rainbow Dash and the CMC groaned. "Pass it here." Rainbow Dash passes the guitar to me and I run my hand over the string. Using bend time to reverse time on it. Then using my void magic to make it stronger. I then do it for the rest of them. "There. Next time don't text everyone. Just text Pinkie and she can get me." "Alright." she nods. "But everyone finished practicing for the day. I'm pretty sure all the music rooms are locked." Sunset said. "No problem. The acoustics in the hallway are perfect for power chords." She says as she plays some notes. "C'mon! Let's go!" She smiled. Everyone entered the building. "You comin', Sunset? Xayvier?" "I'll catch up in a bit." "Yeah. I remember this bit of the third movie." I wave. "Third movie?" Sunset looks at me. "Yeah." I sigh. "Anyway, write your letter." I go and lean against the statue. Sunset smiles and rolls her eyes. She sits down on the school steps and begins writing. Soon enough, a bus pulled up and somebody in a hoodie steps off and pulls a device straight out of Ghostbusters out. I hid from her as she began to investigate the statue. I wrote a note quickly and handed it to Sunset. I then run across the street and activate shadow walk. Sunset was just about to ask what I was doing when she noticed the girl. "Hey! What are you doing?" The girl runs away. "Wait! Stop!" Sunset cries as she chases after her. The girl runs across the street as the bus pulls up. The girls climbs on the bus and I follow behind her to the back seat. I end shadow walk and the girl is to relieve to notice me. She takes off her hood to reveal the human Twilight Sparkle. The bus head to Crystal Prep and I begin shadow walk and follow her. She enters a broom closet and puts up a tack of the portal in the statue. I watched as Twilight began to tinker with her Ghostbusters thing to create the magic trapper. I glare and use my void magic to create a second copy of myself. Sending it to Canterlot High. "She was definitely doing something to the statue – or was going to." Sunset said. Just then the copy of me appeared with them. "Hey girls." "Xayvier? What are you doing here?" She asked surprised. "Your note said that you were following that girl that got on the bus." "I am. This is a copy of myself. It's made of void magic, my original self is currently with her hiding right now." "Well, what did you find out?" Sunset asked eagerly. "She's this world's version of Twilight." I shrug. "ah." Sunset nods. I think she must have thought that i meant personality wise. Not literally. "Well, that's a relief. The last thing we need is another magical so-and-so bent on world domination comin' over from Equestria." Applejack winks at Sunset. "Agreed. I have no interest in another fight against the powers of evil magic. The wear and tear on my wardrobe is just too much to keep up with." rarity complained. "Still, a mysterious figure snooping around the portal? Don't you wanna know what she was up to?" "i don't even want to guess." fluttershy shudders. "Well, you don't have to. Because I've totally figured out who it was!" Rainbow Dash said. "Ooh, ooh! A nighttime statue cleaner? A magical portal maintenance maintainer? A gardener?!" Pinkie Pie asks excitedly. "Wrong on all counts pinks." My copy goes and hugs her. But my arms go right through her. "Oh right." Everyone giggles. "Seeing as how they got off a bus from[/i ]the city and got back on a bus headed to the city, I'll bet they go to..." Rainbow lets the rest of the girls figure it out. "Crystal Prep." They all groan except me and Sunset. "Yep. With the Friendship Games starting tomorrow, they'd totally try to prank us by defacing the Wondercolts statue." "Why would anyone take a bus all the way from the city for that?" Sunset asks "Because the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts are our biggest rivals?" Applejack says Rarity continues by saying "Because that's just what the students at Crystal Prep would do?" "Because even though they beat us in everything – soccer, tennis, golf – they still have to gloat!" She said as she showed various pictures. "Seems kinda silly to me," Sunset said. "Same," I said. "Silly?!" the rest of the girls yelled incredulously. "So I guess you think the Friendship Games are silly, too." Rainbow Dash said. "Well, it's not like we'll be fighting the powers of evil magic." "Or beating a gang of criminals," I smirk. Rainbow Dash glares at me and was about to retort before Fluttershy spoke. "No. We'll be fighting against a school full of meanies. Not everything has to be magical or big to be important." She said. "You're right. I'm sorry. I know it's a big deal." "To them." I cough. "That's putting it mildly, darling. They're still revamping the playing field in preparation." Rarity said ignoring me. "I just don't understand why there's this big rivalry. Aren't the "Friendship Games" supposed to be about our two schools getting along?" Sunset asked. 'Well, it's kinda hard to get along with someone who beats you at everything." Applejack said. "Not anymore! This time, things are gonna be different." Rainbow Dash said. "What do you mean?" Sunset asks "Oh, you'll see what I mean." Rainbow Dash smirks -----------------------------------------------------------------------LATER--------------------------------------------------------------- "As I am sure you all know, tomorrow, Canterlot High School will be hosting our fellow students from Crystal Prep Academy as we join together in the spirit of excellence, sportsmanship, and fidelity to compete in the Friendship Games." Principal Celestia said. "Since the games only happen every four years, I'm sure you're all curious what goes on." "You mean other than us losing?" Flash Sentry calls. "Not this year." I say to him. Flash looks to me. "Oh yeah." "And that is exactly why I've asked Rainbow Dash to come up and give you all a little, um... context." Said Principal Celestia looking a little awkward. "Thank you, Principal Celestia" She said as she took the microphone. "I know a lot of you might think there's no way we can beat a fancy school like Crystal Prep at anything." Rainbow Dash said as she walked along the stage "Unless it's a "losing to Crystal Prep" competition! 'Cause we're really good at that!" Pinkie Said "Shh." I whisper to her. Rainbow Dash groans before continuing. "And I know that CHS has never won the Friendship Games even once." Rainbow Dash said. "Oh, dear. I hope this speech isn't meant to be motivational." Rarity whispers. "Crystal Prep students are super athletic, super smart, and super motivated. But there's one thing they aren't. They aren't Wondercolts!" "Rainbow Dash, that was amazing! Even I feel like we can win!" Fluttershy said as we met Rainbow Dash after the rally song. "I feel like my school pride is at an all-time high!" Rarity said "Is anybody else wonderin' how Dash ponied up without playin' her guitar?"Applejack asked "I know, right? It's probably because I'm so awesome!" Rainbow Dash bragged. "No, it's because you showed the trait that your counterpart is famed for. Loyalty." I smile as everyone looked at me. "You just showed your loyalty to your school, that's why you ponied up." "Oh." They all said. "Well, it would be nice if you girls could get a handle on it. We'd like to keep magic as far away from the Friendship Games as possible. We don't want to be accused of cheating." Vice-Principal Luna said as she walked up to us. "It isn't cheating," I say. "It's just taking advantage of your abilities, which is what all sports are about. Taking advantage of your abilities." I smile. Luna narrows her eyes at me. Ever since everyone had seen my real face, everyone had either been afraid of me or didn't trust me fully. Even though I helped save the school twice. "Still, the Friendship Games are serious business. We don't want any surprises. Especially the kind that could cause us to forfeit." Luna said. "Okay. Does anybody have any guesses what the events are gonna be?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Pie eating? Cake eating? [gasps] Pie-cake eating?!" Pinkie Pie yells as she smashes the two together. "Blah." I say disgusted at the mush. I would eat them when their apart, but like that? No. "They won't even let us see what they're doin' to the field. You think they'd at least tell competitors what they're competing in." Applejack complained. "It could be anything," Fluttershy whispers. "Anything?! How will I ever pick the right outfit?!" Rarity yells worried. "Anyway. I gotta go. The girl is probably going to get called by the Crystal Prep Principal soon. See ya." My copy dissolves into black mist and my consciousness returns to myself. I gasp for air and Spike yelps from the sudden noise. He looks around and somehow sees me. He sniffs me and I bend down and pet him. "Who's a good boy? You're a good boy." I give him some belly rubs. Spike barks a little and relaxes. Suddenly the door slams open. "Spike? SPIIIKE!" She calls. She notices Spike laying on the ground relaxing. "Oh, Spike." She smiles and I move my hand away just missing Twilight hand. She pats spike and focusses on her work. "Last night's field test confirmed it, Spike. With this device, I can track and contain the bizarre energy coming from Canterlot High." Twilight said as spike gave a half heartened growl. "I know you didn't like me going over there, but I just couldn't wait. And soon, I'll have all the time I need. All of Crystal Prep is gonna be there for the Friendship Games. I just hope all that "rivalry" nonsense doesn't get in the way of my research. If I can collect enough data on these EM frequencies, I should be able to extrapolate the waveforms to determine their origin. That would practically guarantee my entrance into the Everton Independent Study Program!" She said as she falls onto the floor from her chair. "WHOA!" I dive and manage to catch her. To her, it seemed like she was floating. "Huh?" Spike merely barked and trotted up to me and licked my face. "Spike? What are you doing?" Twilight said as she got up. I let the chair fall and I move back as there's a knock on the door. Suddenly Dean Cadence enters and looks around, seeing spike she sighs. "Twilight, you know the rules against pets." "Oh, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadence. He's the focus of my research project. Human-canine cohabitation: effects and implications." I internally marvel that at 16, Sci-Twi can lie with the best of them. "If you say so. But Principal Cinch is highly allergic, so I suggest you put on a clean shirt." She says as she picks off some dog hair on Twilight's uniform "Why?" "Because she wants to see you," Cadence says simply. "Oooh. MAybe she has news about my application to Everton!" Twilight says excitedly. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Are you sure that's what you really want?" Cadence asked concerned. "Why wouldn't it be? A program that allows me to focus all my attention on my own advanced math and science projects? What a dream come true!" You could almost hear the squee that came from her. "But there aren't any classrooms with other students. You'll be doing everything on your own." Cadence said as she had her arms crossed. "That is why it's called an 'independent study program.'" Twilight said as if explaining something simple. "I just don't want you to miss out on anything. That's all. Being around other people isn't a bad thing. Sometimes it's how you learn the most about yourself." Cadence said "I guess." Twilight said uncomfortably. "Meet you in Principal Cinch's office in a few minutes?" Cadence said as she turns around and grabs the doorknob. Twilight nods and she leaves. Immediately, Twilight frowns and turns to Spike. "What's she so worried about? Everton is exactly what I need right now." She sighs. "It's not like I have anything left to learn at Crystal Prep." "Three songs in the span of 5 hours? Huh. A new record." I think quietly to myself. I walk inside using shadow walk, and it's extremely easy to hide since it's so dark in the room already. Twilight sees Cadence, who gestures to the wooden stool. She walks over to it and sits down. The door creaks closed and Twilight looks behind her. "Shining Armor? Why is my brother here?" Twilight asked confused. "As an alumni, Principal Cinch thought he could provide some unique perspective." Cadence says. "Perspective on what?" "Why, the Friendship Games, of course." The huge comfortable looking chair spins around to face Twilight. "You competed in the games, did you not, Shining Armor?" "I did." "And you happen to recall who won?" Cinch asks as she stands up. "Crystal Prep did. We always win." I struggle to keep from saying something here. "We always win." Cinch confirms as she walks around her desk "Why did you ask to see me?" Twilight asks as she shrinks a little. I move to her and gently use my shadow walk hand to give her a feeling of security. Twilight shivers a little bit and looks around, but can't see me because of how well I blend in. Nobody notices this. "Twilight, I'll be honest. It doesn't matter whether or not Crystal Prep wins or loses." She says as she polishes a trophy. "The important thing is we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation. And it is that reputation... my reputation that is responsible for everything we have here. For everything you've done here. And you've done quite a lot, haven't you?" Cinch smiles a bit as she walks back around the desk to her chair. "I don't know. I guess." Twilight shrugs a bit. "Oh, don't be modest. You're the best student this school has ever seen. What I can't understand is why my best student wouldn't want to compete." Cinch says as she rolls a pencil across her desk. "In the Friendship Games?" Twilight asks mildly surprised as she adjusts her glasses. "Look, Twily, I know it's not really your thing, but representing the school is kind of a big deal. Plus, they could really use your help." "It seems Canterlot High is undergoing something of a renaissance. Test scores are up, grades, even athletics are on the rise. You see, they are developing somewhat of a reputation. This can not happen!" "Your a jealous bitch is what you're saying," I say without thinking. Everyone Jumps. "Who's there?" Cinch demands. I don't say anything. Cinch narrows her eyes and gets her composure back. Twilight coughs a little. "Principal Cinch, I can't possibly participate in the games. My work here is very..." She is cut off by cinch. "Ah, yes. Your work. Cadance, could you and Shining Armor find my contact sheet for the Everton Independent Study program?" "Of course." Cadence says as they leave. "I understand you've applied. You see, one of the advantages of having a reputation is a certain amount of influence in such things. So, let me offer you a deal. In return for contributing your agile mind to these games, I will use my influence to guarantee your application is approved. Though, I suppose I could also have it... denied. What doyouthink I should do?" "Stop using blackmail like a bitch." I immediately say. "WHO ARE YOU!" Cinch yells. "You'll meet me at the games." There's a smugness in my voice. "Twilight? I'm involved in those frequencies your tracking." Twilight widens her eyes a bit. "And you have no idea how much I wanted to burst out earlier. Seriously, it's hard not to prove something to this woman. And why is it so dark in here anyway?" I move to the light switch and turn them all on. The room immediately brightens, revealing my shadow body. The two girls gasp a bit. "There we go. Anyway. I'll be competing in the games." I then smirk. "On your opposing team." I slip under the crack of the door. ----------------------------------------------------------------Later-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight is packing up her stuff when Spike grabs something of hers and tries to keep her from packing it. "Ugh! Come on, Spike! I was always gonna go to Canterlot High for the Friendship Games." She says as she pulls on it only for it to snap into her face. She shakes her head. The only difference now is that I have to compete. Besides, it's not like Principal Cinch gave me much of a choice. And besides, I need to figure out who that person was that was in Cinch's office. He said he was competing." Spike tilts his head. "Yeah, I think it was male. Or a female with a deep voice. But I wouldn't bet on that." Twilight sighs. Spike whimpers. "I know, Spike. I don't like it either. I probably won't be able to collect anywhere near as much data as I thought. But maybe I can still get some." She says as she makes her gadget into a necklace. Spike whimpers and paws twilight. "Spike, I wouldn't leave without you. Just remember to be quiet. And try not to shed." She says as she closes her backpack she just put spike into. With that, she leaves. Once she's outside of the school, I appear as a shadow on her shoulder. "Twilight. Don't panic." I whisper in her ear. Twilight jumps a little bit and looks to where i was whispering. "Who are you?" She asks. "Not the time. I'm gonna get you through this bus ride. One of the competetors is rather rude, while another is really energetic. I'll get you through them both." "Um... alright." "Ok. First, you see the bus with Dean Cadence standing in front of the door?" "Yes." "That's your bus. The person in front is the one that is rude. Her name is Sour Sweet. A rather fitting name I must admit." Twilight goes to the back of the line and waits for the line to go. Once she goes on, Indigo Zap Burst out. "Are we gonna win?!?!" "Say 'yeah' Don't be unsure of yourself here." "Yeah." Twilight says confidently. Indigo Zap smiles and sits back down. Twilight sighs a breath of relief. "Thank you." She says quietly. "No problem. Now go to the back. The girl with white/gray hair is extremely blunt. So don't be off put by her." Twilight nods and goes and sit down. "You did well with Indigo Zap. I thought you would be a bit intimidated by her." "I thought I was too. But I was just lucky I suppose." Twilight smiles. Sugarcoat shrugs and looks forward again. Twilight smiles and unzips her backpack and pets Spike. "Warning. Warning. The girl next to you is about to give you some loud music to listen to. Turn down the volume before you put it on." Twilight looks beside her and Lemon Zest speaks. "Dude, you have gotta hear this!" She hands the headphones to her, Twilight turns down the volume and puts it on. She listens for a few second before smiling a little. She hands back the headphones. "Thanks. But not my style of music." Lemon Zest nods and smiles turning the volume back to max and put them on her head. She beats her head to the music. "Congratulations. You got through all the girls. Now. I need to send a copy of myself to the girls there and tell them what's happening alright?" "The girls?" Twilight whispers. "Yeah. Some of the other competetors. Don't worry, I'm not giving them inside knowledge. I just need to give them my whereabouts." "Do they have the same powers as you?" Twilight asks. "I said I had something to do with the frequencies right? They do to. Just closer. Now, If you'll excuse me." I send a copy of myself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------LATER--------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I hope the Friendship Games have a music competition, because we would totally rock it!" Rainbow Dash says as she strums the guitar. "HEY GIRLS!" I yell as I appear. Some of them jump while Pinkie Pie launches herself at me. "There you are! We were wondering what happened to you. Where are you now?" "My real body is currently in shadow form and riding the bus coming back. It should be with the students of crystal prep right now." "Ok!" She nods. She then frowns a bit. "You aren't thinking of joining them are you?" "Of course not. Besides, I think I already burned the bridge with the principal." "What did you do?" Sunset groans. "I called her a jealous bitch." Everyone freezes before Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie start to laugh loudly. "Anyway. I've been working on something of my own!" Rarity says happily. "Rarity, what'd you go an' do?" Applejack asks a bit worried. Suddenly clothes racks of clothes appear. "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!" "A FEW!!" I yell in shock. As I see my uniforms. Most of them had hoods and face masks, But some of them had motorcycle helmets with the face shield fully tinted black. "Also, what's with the hoods and face masks. Everyone has already seen my face." "I know, but the Crystal Prep high students haven't. And I know that you like to intimidate people." I open my mouth and close a few times. "Ok, you have a point there." The girls all giggle. "But still, you didn't have to do this." Rainbow Dash said. "I know." Rarity says. "No like... You really didn't need to." "I know!" Rarity giggles. "Anyway. The students are probably going to be here soon along with my body. So I better go." "Bye!" They say as I disappear. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Later------------------------------------------------------------- "Are we there yet?" I say as my consciousness returns to my body. Twilight jumps a little. "Yeah, We're pulling up now." "Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get my clothes changed out of these things." "Huh? Why?" "Mainly because I don't think it would make a good impression on your principal wearing clothes that I put on a week ago." "A week ago? What's wrong with that?" "I haven't changed since." This pauses Twilight. "Yeah, I can see why that might be a problem. I'll open the window for you to sneak out." Twilight taps Lemon Zet on the shoulder and gestures to the window. She gives a thumbs up and opens it. I jump out of it and do a safetly roll, letting shadow walk wearing off and dissolve into black mist surrounding me. The Canterlot high school students barely bat an eye. And none of the Crystal Prep students notice. I smile and run inside. I run into the music room. "Rarity? Do you have some normal clothes that I can change into?" I ask "Um.. Yeah." She nods. "But don't you have clothes at.. wherever your living?" "Yes, but I figure that you might want to see those clothes you made on me first." I shrug. "Ok." She nods and throws me some clothes. "Thanks." I go to the school bathroom and change quickly.