"Hello, Sunny." said Crystal as Sunny entered the office. "How have things been?"
"Do you have a box of tissues? It's a long story..."
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"...and to top it all off," Sunny said between sobs. "Somehow Principal Cinch knows that he died and how it happened!"
"My god." Crystal said, before running over and hugging Sunny. "Have you called a suicide help line?"
Sunny shook her head. "I'm pretty sure I won't ever pull a stunt like that again." she sobbed again. A minute later, she calmed down. "I'm really sick of crying all the time." Sunny made a sputtering noise.
Crystal smiled and broke the hug. "I understand, but-"
"It's part of the healing process." Sunny said, cutting Crystal off. "I know." she blew her nose. "I swear I've heard that almost as many times as I've cried over the course of the weekend." she took a deep breath and sighed. "But seriously, Crystal Clarity...how did Principal Cinch know about Rutherford? The fact that she knew about him at all, let alone that he died in a car crash is going to keep me awake tonight." she put her hands to her forehead. "I think I would have gone ballistic if she knew about my...you know."
Crystal nodded. "Yes, that concerns me as well. Principal Cinch doesn't usually pry into the lives of other students here." she then smiled and looked at Sunny. "It was very brave of you to tell me what you went through. I can only imagine the pain you have been feeling all this time."
Sunny smiled. "Well it was either that or bottle it up, and I think we both know how that works out."
Crystal laughed. "True." she checked the clock on her wall. "I think our time is up."
Sunny sighed. "Well, I can always see you again some time."
Crystal smiled. "That's true too. I'll see you again, Sunny."
"Indeed. See you later." Sunny said as she closed the door.
Once the door was closed, Crystal took out her phone and dialed a number. After a few rings, the call was picked up.
"Hello?"
"Cadence, did you know about Sunny Flare's...'condition'?" asked Crystal.
"Yes." she answered.
"And you heard about what happened with her boyfriend?" asked Crystal.
"Yes. Her parents called me." said Cadence.
"They called you, and not Cinch?" asked Crystal, feeling slightly relieved.
"Yes. I can't imagine why they'd call her." said Cadence.
"Then why did Sunny Flare tell me that Cinch not only knew about her boyfriend, but how he died?"
Cadence's gasp was audible over the phone before the volume went almost completely mute. A couple of seconds later, she apologized. "I'm sorry, I just lost my grip on my phone." she paused for a moment. "How could she possibly know about Rutherford? Almost all of the staff here are on our side."
"You said almost all of the staff." said Crystal.
"Those of the staff who aren't with us are too afraid to take action against her. They're worried about their careers, but also...their families." Cadence sighed. "They mostly keep to themselves, and only interact with her if they have no other option."
"Someone had to have told her, Cadence. Abacus Cinch isn't psychic!" Crystal snapped.
"Calm down, Crystal. I know you want this madness to end as much as I do..." said Cadence.
Crystal sighed deeply. "I know...but I feel bad for Sunny. Hasn't she been through enough?"
"Normally I'd be inclined to agree, but there's something special about her, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sugarcoat and Sour Sweet...and perhaps even Twilight Sparkle. Vice-Principal Luna tipped me off about how things have been improving at Canterlot High because of six girls and their courage against these strange magical forces I've been hearing about. I believe if we get those girls exposed to the girls from Canterlot High, they might see that a change is in order around here." said Cadence.
"I still find it hard to believe that magic is a thing that exists." said Crystal.
"Me too, Crystal, but here we are."
"Cadence...what are we going to do if this plan of ours falls through?" said Crystal.
"I have the utmost confidence that it won't." said Cadence.
"Very well. But back to the main topic at hand: How did Cinch know about Rutherford?" said Crystal.
"Don't worry, Crystal. Myself, Luna, Hope and Benefactor will look into this. Rest assured."
"I'll try, but you know how I can worry sometimes." said Crystal.
"I do." said Cadence.
"Goodbye, Cadence."
"Goodbye, Crystal."
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After Sunny left Crystal's office, she headed for the tryouts. The room was packed with people. She noticed Sour waving at someone, which surprised her. Sour Sweet almost never smiled and waved at people. She found Sour's target to be none other than Lemon Zest. I can't help myself, I just love messing with her. She gave her the same face as last time, and stifled a laugh at Lemon's reaction. She noticed Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap, and simply shrugged. Well, let's get this show on the road then. Sunny heard Principal Cinch's voice and snapped to attention.
"This first round of tryouts will involve academics." said the principal, much to the disappointment of roughly half of those in attendance.
"The hell did you guys expect, moto-cross racing?!" Sour said. Sunny suppressed a laugh. Sour Sweet's outbursts can be amusing sometimes. she thought.
"As I was saying..." Cinch continued. "The first round of tryouts will involve academics. The top fifty scores will move on to the next round. To your seats!" All students did as instructed. "And...begin!"
I should have known there'd be an academic portion. Crystal Prep isn't known exclusively for athletics... Sunny thought as she answered the questions on the paper.
A while later, Principal Cinch shouted "Pencils down!" and the sound of pencils clattering to desks and the floor filled the room. "The results of these tests will be posted later today in the hallways. Dismissed!"
Time to play the waiting game, then. thought Sunny as she made her way to her next class.