“Seriously? That’s why you’re here now?”
“That’s… basically it.”
“What a loser. I mean, come on! He decided to stick up for his girlfriend and pick on you instead of putting the school team first. Put your priorities in check. That’s what Aunt Goldie always tells me. If he hopes for something big in college, then kiss your hopes goodby.”
‘You still focus on winning, like always”
“What else would you expect from me. I always win.”
Tidal was walking on home with a girl that he saw hiding in the bushes in front of the school. When she removed her hood, he knew who is was in an instant.
“You haven’t changed, Indigo.”
“Hey, I plan to win, Tidal. No matter the cost.”
“Does that include spying on our school?”
“Well, I did draw the short stick, so I had no other choice,” Indigo explained. “But it’s now pointless, now that your Wondercolts have been eliminated. Did NOT see that coming. But now the boy’s team should get an easy victory for the championship, like always. At least I was able to come across you once again. When your cousin, Eclipse, said that you were shot, I was surprised that you were even here in the first place. I’m just glad that you’re still alive. I’m not sure how your mother would have handled it in the first place.”
“Well, Aunt Tia is keeping it tight lipped for now.”
Tidal knew Indigo Zap years ago when Tidal’s mother, Ocean Wave, was good friends with Indigo’s aunt, Golden Zap, during the Olympics as roommates, and afterwards when they both retired from their respected sport at the same time.
“By the way, is your mother still coaching the Olympic swim team for next year?”
Tidal let out a sigh. “She is. I’m guess your aunt is doing the same with the track and field team, right?”
Indigo nodded. “Like always. Said that she has a lineup in place, but is waiting for the tryouts to begin in a few months. But that’s typical when you plan to try out for the Olympics, right?”
“It sure is. The only time my mother would have to be away would be during the summers. And she has no plans on retiring from that role soon.”
“Not until they have their records broken!” they both said together, follow by a laugh.
“I guess your aunt still holds the world record in the 1500 meters in track,” Tidal asked, to which Indigo nodded.
“Something tells me it will never be broken. Maybe the 100 meters or 200 meters, but never the 1500 meters. And with three gold medals to boot, just like your mother.” Indigo laughed. “I guess some things never change.”
“And yet, there are some things that do,” Tidal said, looking down, “like my life.”
“Hey, now don’t think that way.” Indigo got into Tidal’s face. “What he did to you was down right stupid, and he, and the school, paid for it big time. Where I come from at Crystal Prep, we plan to win, and we don’t let this kind of small stuff get in the way of the important stuff that makes our school the best. Sure we don’t agree with some things, but when it comes to team sports and the like, we plan to give it our all to win.”
“Your school seems pretty tight.”
“Well, it’s home to the best in just about everything. And to be honest, I don’t think you would be able to cut it, with your learning disability, that’s for sure. But it relies on private funding to keep it going. It’s not a public school like where you attend, which is for the best.”
Tidal raised an eyebrow. “Really.”
“Trust me. Honor classes is no walk in the park. Eclipse does well at the school, but I’m sure her sister wouldn’t fit in that well. I guess your vice principal thought well at who should attend where.”
“That’s because of Aunt Cadence’s help,” Tidal replied. “She is the dean at the school, right?”
“That’s true. I’ll give you credit on that. And I guess I can give Eclipse some credit for helping me out on a problem with a… certain someone.”
It took a moment for Tidal to understand what Indigo was talking about. “Wait. You mean… Ledger!?”
“So you know?”
“Well, he has told me about him, but I never knew it was you that he was stepping in for.”
“That’s because Ledger keeps trying to ask me out every time and doesn’t understand the meaning of NO. So it’s your cousin who hears this and steps in. I mean, seriously, Ledger is nothing but a jerk at the school.”
“Now that we can agree on. I’m guessing you and Eclipse are close.”
Indigo was shocked. “If you mean dating close, then forget it. I mean we have had classes together at the school, and he has better common sense than Ledger, but dating? He’s not really my type. Besides, I’m more focus on getting a sports scholarship when I graduate.”
“In volleyball?”
“Well there’s other sports that I play in so I haven’t-” Indigo stopped for a moment and stared at Tidal. “How do you know I play volleyball?”
“Let’s just say a little bird told me.”
“Oh, so we’re going to play that game, are we. Well, I have heard that the sport is going to be a co-ed sport like soccer. And we do have a few boys at the school that fit the qualifications required to play, not to mention the talent as well. Boys don’t get a chance to compete in volleyball unless it was in the Olympics. And I’m sure yhe boys will be busy with Football to even try out.”
“Well, I guess that’s why I’m trying out myself, since I was given the offer.”
Indigo let out a laugh. “You couldn’t even beat me in tag when we were at Aunt Goldie’s place.”
“Well, let’s just say that playing dodge ball at my old school has built a… fire inside of me.”
“Oh this I have to see. Too bad it won’t be in several months before that could happen. I hope you can stay healthy to make it there. Or I’ll be disappointed.”
“Game on.”
Tidal and Indigo slap their hands together and shook in an agreement.
“So, just one question,” Indigo asked. “Have you found yourself a girlfriend since coming here?”
Tidal was shocked. “Why you bring that up?”
“Because you started to ask if Eclipse was my boyfriend, which he isn’t. Come on. If someone wants you to join the volleyball team, then someone must be interested in you.”
Tidal looked down as he let out a huff of air. “I wish I knew.” Now Indigo was confused. “I got two cards in my lockers early today, and there are no names on them. So I really don’t know if someone is interested in me, or if it’s just some cruel prank like what happened at my old school. And about everyone known about my past, which has it’s own mixed messages.”
“I doubt that it’s a prank. To be honest, I don’t think CHS is like your old school… I think.” This got Tidal curious. “I mean, I’ve been hearing some weird stories from your school, but I think it’s just some fan fiction idea someone created to post online. I mean, a girl that turns into a demon and takes control of the school, now that’s pure fiction if I’ve ever heard it.”
“Yea. Strange, isn’t it.” Tidal was trying to hide the fact that it really happened, even though he was never around to see it happen.
“Well, I need to get going. I’m sure the others are waiting for my report, even if it’s a waste of their time and effort. Good luck finding out who the mystery girls are. And make sure you stay healthy. I want to see what you’re made off in the fall. Otherwise, I’ll be pounding you into the ground if you fail.”
“Bring. It. ON!”
It was another Saturday morning, and Tidal made his visit to Rarity’s place, hoping that she could be of some help in solving this mystery that he was dealing with. But due to his surprise when he went inside, he saw rarity working on a suit for Rivet.
“Hello there, Tidal. I’m assuming you brought the cards, right?” Rarity said.
“I did. But what’s going on here?”
“Oh, this. I’m making a suit for Rivet,” Rarity explained. “It’s just a test run before I make one for Clyde later on for the Spring Fling.”
“I… decided to ask Rainbow Dash out to the Spring Fling,” Rivet explained to Tidal.
“Well… that’s nice, I guess.”
“Well, she has been playing my guitar, and we have been sharing notes about Daring Do books. So I figure I ask her out, since basketball season is already over for us.”
“That’s nice of you to do, dear,” Rarity replied. “After seeing what happened at the end, I was most dishearten at the end result. But, these things happen. Now hold still so I don’t poke you with these needles.”
“I was surprise that you made it to the game, being sick and all,” Tidal said.
“Oh, it was just the stomach flu. A mask was all I need to get out,” Rarity explained. “But I’m all better now.” She was finishing up with Rivet’s suit before putting her stuff away and carefully taking the suit off to be worked on later. “I hope you don’t mind if I work on this later on. I’m sure we have enough time before the Spring Fling. Besides, I want to get on this case that Tidal has to deal with.”
“Thanks.” While Rarity was taking the suit in the back, Rivet decided to ask. “Tidal, Rainbow Dash brought an idea to mind and was wondering if you can pitch the idea to Principal Celestia. I mean, since you and her are family.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but shoot.”
“Well, she was thinking, since she’s been into playing the guitar, she was hoping to do some kind of music event later on. Maybe after the Spring Fling.”
Rarity was able to return to join in on the conversation. “A music event? That sounds like a lovely idea.” Then a light bulb went on. “Oh, we can do a concert event for charity. That would be even better. A way to give back to the people of Canterlot. Oh, and I can even play the piano there as well.”
“Can I finish?” Rivet kindly said to Rarity, before turning his attention back to Tidal. “She wanted to start her own band a some point and was hoping we could have a music event to play at.”
“I’m guessing that she would want some free time in the music room to make this happen, right?” Tidal said.
“Well, that would be the case,” Rivet replied.
Tidal took a moment to think about it. “I guess I could pitch the idea. I’m not much of a music player myself, so I wouldn’t be much help in the process.”
“Oh but you would,” Rarity said. “You would be pitching the idea to your aunts, who in return will make it possible.”
“And if they would reject the idea?”
“Either add the idea that it’s for charity,” Rarity replied.
“Or blame Rainbow Dash if that helps,” Rivet added.
“Now that’s a bit rude,” Rarity said to Rivet.
“It was her idea in the first place.”
“Ok, ok, ok,” Tidal interrupted. “I’ll talk to Aunt Tia about it and see what she has to say. Now can we get back to why I’m here in the first place?”
“Sure, sure, sure. Let me see the cards.” Tidal handed the cards to Rarity, which she started to look at them in detail. “Interesting. One thing for sure, Sunset was right. These cards were done by two different people. And this happened while you were at lunch, correct?”
“I believe so,” Tidal replied.
“Well, for example, this card here. You are a rebel with a cause. That would mean someone knows that, while you have cause some trouble before, they know you have a goal in mind. And right now, that goal, in my mind, is helping Sunset Shimmer with her problem.”
“But isn’t that left between you and the other girls?” Rivet asked.
“That’s true. But the more help she gets, the better things will be. And with Tidal’s… past, I’m sure the rest of the school will understand. Now for the other card. There’s more to you than you think. Someone must think there’s a hidden talent inside of you. By the way, congratulations are in order on joining the volleyball team.”
“I haven’t even join the team,” Tidal replied.
“Not officially, but I know you will. Lyra and Bonbon have high hopes that you will join. Especially Bonbon, since she was co-captain last season. I mean, just look at that fiery spike you displayed on your first day at school. It’s becoming the talk of the town, I must say.”
“Did they told you about that?”
“Wanting to join the team? Yes. In fact…” Rarity placed her finger on her chin. “Now that I think about it, Lyra has started to take an interest in you. I mean, she did like you in that zoot suit that I made for you. But she still has concerns about you hanging out with Sunset at times. I just told her that maybe she should be taking a page from Bonbon. I mean, she’s been… giving Sunset a chance, in a way. Although, she’s not ready to accept that she’s changed for the better, but she’s willing to give it a shot.”
“Well, I doubt it would be them,” Tidal explained. “They didn’t get a chance to see who slipped the cards in my locker at that time. They were busy with the posters that Pinkie needed hanging.”
That was when another idea came to Rarity’s mind. “Could it have been Pinkie that slipped one of the cards?”
“I doubt that. It would have sent the wrong message,” Rivet said. “Besides, Swift finally asked her out to the dance.”
“Really?”
“Well, Clyde really had to push the envelope, so to speak, to make it happen.”
“Point taken,” Tidal responded. “I mean, have you seen how nervous he is around her.”
“You do have a point,” Rarity replied. ‘But perhaps it is someone from the volleyball team that sent the other card. Or maybe both. It seems like they would really like to have you on their team. And I don’t have to repeat as to why. Have you asked Bonbon? I mean, she has a habit of being an agent and all.”
“She felt like that we should wait it out for her to come forward,” Tidal replied.
“Oh yes. I forgot that Sunset told me about it. But still, it would help if we had a better lead. It’s not like Bonbon to just… wait and see.” Rarity took more of this to thought. “I’m going to have to have a talk with her and see if I can get a better lead. She does know the team better than anyone else last fall. But I promise you this, we will get to the bottom of this case. I promise.”
“I hope you’re right,” Tidal said. “I don’t want this to be just another prank.”
Rarity placed her hand on Tidal’s shoulder. “Trust me. There are some who are shy to come forward. I mean Fluttershy is one of them. And I can assume that Swift is another, based of your report. Maybe she’s just a bit scared because you hang with Sunset at times. Or maybe it’s because of your past. Although, the fact that you went through this prank is news to me, I’m sure they don’t know it either. But I’m sure these two girls will come forward and express their love for you.”
“Which would force him to decide who to pick,” Rivet added. “We are talking about two girls and not one.”
That got Rarity thinking again. “You do have a point. That could become a problem. I think it’s best that Lyra and Bonbon are in on this case. It problems do break out, we might need their help to resolve it.”
“I’ll try to help out as well,” Rivet said. “If it makes things easier.”
“I’ll take whatever help I can get,” Tidal said. “As long as is doesn’t draw any serious attention.”
“Oh Tidal,” Rarity replied. “You’ve come to the right person for the job. Now, since this is as far as I can go with this case, I’m going to return to my work. It’s not going to get done by itself, is it.”
Rarity made her way to the back room to return to her work, leaving Tidal and Rivet to themselves.
“You think Lyra and Bonbon would be willing to help this time?” Rivet asked.
“Well, Bonbon was hesitant to help at first,” Tidal replied. “But If Rarity can convince her to look into this, it would make things easier… I hope.”
“Just curious. With the Spring Fling coming up, have you ever thought about asking someone out. I mean, not like some kind of date, but more of a… companion.”
“Like the Doctor’s companion? Well…” Tidal took a moment to think about it when he recalled what Indigo said to him on that night after the basketball game. “If it was more of a companion, than I guess either Lyra or Bonbon will do. Sunset Shimmer would be a distant third, but she doesn’t even want to be around after what she did at the Fall Formal when I hear about it.”
“What about Fluttershy or Applejack?”
“Well, I know that they are… well known after what they, and the other girls, did on that night. But I would be on the fence with both of them. It’s just… it’s something I’m not used to after all I went through at my old school. I guess I was more of a lone wolf in my time. Now, it’s like things are changing for me, I guess.”
“Sounds like that way for us guys, Tidal, since some of us have moved here this past year, starting in a new school and all. But I guess that’s how life goes. You never know if you get to make a name for yourself or not. You just… let it happen, that’s all.”
Tidal let out a quick sigh. “Yea. You might be right.”