//------------------------------// // Team C // Story: Being Brave Part III // by artman7391 //------------------------------// Stiffson paced around the conference room as he continued to smoke a large cigar in his mouth. The head hall monitor nervously twiddled with his cap as he awaited any further instructions. As a man of authority, It was strange to see his boss in such a frantic behavior. And besides, all seemed to be in tip top shape for the head of the department to visit. "May I ask why you brought me here, Mr. Stiffson?" The hall monitor head asked nervously. "DID ANYONE ASK YOU TO TALK!?" Stiffson shouted back as he shook in frustration and burned out his cigar. "And yes. I am getting word about the disappearance of most your crew." "I...have no idea what you mean." The head replied. "What do you mean you have no idea what I mean?" Stiffson asked as he approached him. "Well....I...." "ANSWER ME GODDAMMIT!!" At that moment, the horrifyingly muscular coach stepped in. "Sir...I.." he began to speak in a rather calm, yet strict voice. "There is a problem going over in your office, you won't believe this but..." "Mr. coach." Stiffson interrupted as he shoved the head hall monitor aside. "I need you and a few other classmates to do this school a favor." He reached into a nearby desk a grabbed a picture of a bunch of students posing in front of Canterlot High. "You and your disciplinary students are to report to the Canterlot High School. " He continued as he placed the photo in Coach's hand. "The people there may look innocent, but they are all armed and dangerous psychopaths, who threaten to hurt the head of the U.S. Department of Education. Have your student's take them out!! "How are we supposed to..." "Poison their milk, drown them in a pool, bash them on the head. I don't care how you kill those mongrels, just do it!! And do it now!!! make sure it looks like a horrible accident. " Then he frustratingly sat down and lit another cigar "That would be impossible sir...." the head hall monitor replied in fear. "What?" Stiffson asked coldly as his cigar fell out of his mouth. "It appears as though school ended earlier for them today." The head hall monitor added. What?!!" Siffson snapped louder. "A scout surveyed the school. They're nowhere to be found in the interior or exterior of the premises. They're gone." "But why, did...." Siffson collected himself as he slicked his scalp with his palm. "Nevermind. Get out you idiot!" "But shouldn't we...." "OOOOOUUUT!!" The head scurried outside like a tiny, timid mouse. "As for the school?" the Coach asked. "Just as long as Discord pours in those chemicals, they'll shut it down for good." Stiffson said as he caught his breath. "Now. What is it that gave you the nerve to interrupt me?" "We found a few Canterlot High students on the premises." "What?" "They're the one's that took out the hall monitors." "Where are they?" "They have disappeared without a trace." Suddenly, Stiffson's face turned red with rage, as it always did when he wasn't pleased. It looked as though his head was about to burst from it's socket. "No trace at all?!!!" He shouted hysterically. In a fit of rage he loudly banged his fist against the wall that connected to the detention room. At this point, one would hear the wails of punished students screaming in agony from the vibrations of the wall. Such was a tactic Stuffson would use to keep them quiet. But strangely, there was no response, and that meant something was wrong. After a moment of pause, Stiffson sped out of the conference room and into his office. He quickly opened his desk, took out the keys to the detention door and slowly opened it. Just as one would suspect, the delinquent students had mysteriously vanished. Stiffson shook in a penetration of rage as he clumsily took out his phone. "Mrs. Eldersneege...." He said while trying to hold his anger in. "...cancel my check up with the nurse." Within a split second, both Stiffson and coach burst out of his office, running down the hallway with fists clenched in the air. "Aaaaah!! No! No! Noooooo!!!" Stiffson shouted as he sprinted from locker bay to locker bay. "Find those students immedia..... But now once again, their order would turn against them, for up in the intercom they heard an unfamiliar, yet commanding voice. "FOOOOLLS!!" It shouted as the sound of thunder could be recognized in the background " You dare pass the sanction of the grrreat, and powerful Madam Pinkie?" "Sanction? Madam Pinkie? What is she talking about?" whispered Stiffson, to which coach shrugged. "Now...." The strange voice continued. "You shall feel the wrath of my magic, and all my wonder!!!" It was at that moment the lights in the hallway went out. A second later, they were replaced by projected images, covering the wall, floor and ceiling. One showed a balloon, another showed a rubber chicken, two showed bazookas, and a few more presented what looked like several multicolored horses making funny faces. Each image relating to the subject of fun and/or a party. Stiffson, the coach and the head, who happened to be walking by them, huddled up as if ready to pounce and attack. "Wait, wait wait. Let me try." Said another enthusiastic, yet unfamiliar female voice. "I oughta mow that lawn you call a hair job right off yer scalp!" To which she was referring to the head hall monitor's hair choice. To their left they saw what looked like a blue, rainbow maned pegasus, messaging her hooves as if ready to start a brawl. "We don't like the way you've been treating one of us." She said. "The noise!!" Stiffson said. "It's coming from there." But as they hurried over in that direction, the image disappeared "You mess one apple." Said another voice from the other wall. "You mess with the whole orchard." To their right they saw an orange earth pony with a cowboy cat, tossing an apple in her hoof. "No wait it's there!!" Shouted the coach as they turned in that direction. As expected, they ran into a concrete wall while the screen turned back. "tisk, tisk, tisk." Said an image of a purple maned unicorn to their left. "Did you know it's rude to yell without properly introduced." "That way!!" Shouted the Hall monitor. They ran in that direction while the Unicorn and a yellow pegusi swished their tails in front of them. "Come and get it." She said in a singy voice. Seconds later, once again, the three smashed their heads against a solid wall, staring at a blank screen. Stiffson pounded his fist to the floor as he shoved the coach aside in anger. "Oh, goodness. I'm sorry" Said an angelic voice to their right. "Should I have done that sooner?" As they turned to the direction of a screen from before, they saw a sheepish looking yellow pegasi waving her hoof at them. "We can't pinpoint the source, sir." Said the hall monitor as he messaged his head. "it looks like it's untraceable. in a fit of rage, Stiffson kicked him in the shin and threw a nearby trashcan across the hallway. "JESUS HERAL CHRIST ON A FUCKING RUBBER CRUTCH IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!!" He shouted to the ceiling. Meanwhile, members of TEAM A were stationed in Vinyl Scratch's van, just outside Stiffson parking lot. They were watching the events unfold via surveillance camera, laughing at the ordeal. Just then, one of their walkie talkies buzzed. "AJ here, over." Applejack said as she held it closely. "Cory speaking." Cory spoke on the other line. " Has Team B diverged the staff? Over." "Listen for yourself. Over." She held her device towards the rest of the team as they continued to laugh at their opponent's ordeal. "Great to hear. I freed some of the detention students with the help of CMC. They've been instructed to meet up with you guys. Over." "Roger on that. Over." "I still want to know who this Roger is." Said Human Pinkie Pie who was stuffing her face with popcorn. "Yeah, what gives?" Muffled Tony who was doing the same. "Anyway." Cory continued as he pressed himself against a wall. "I'm inside the school hallways, just near the auditorium, over." "You're really at the point of no return. Over." warned Jolene who was sitting next to Applejack. "I know." Cory shuddered. "But I have to have to do this. It's the only way to free me from the past. Has all of Team A got that footage? Over." "Vinyl Scratch is downloading them as we speak." Tony answered. "We'll have it all transferred to the Department of Education in about an hour. Over." "Good to hear. " Cory replied "What about Team C? Over." "Just about ready as far as I know. Over." Jolene replied. "Great." Cory replied, "You just stay put till they do their part. Over." "What about you? Over." After a long pause.... "I need to settle a score." He responded with a sigh "It's what I came back for. Over and out." He clicked off his device and stuffed it in his pocket as he continued slunk against the concrete wall. Meanwhile, Prof. Discord was on his way to tarnish Canterlot High. His vehicle was not the most adequate of cars. It's chrome coating was fading out, exposing the rusty shell, and the head and tail lights were in desperate need of replacement by a mechanic. In the trunk of this rather messy jalopy were two drums of rather dangerous chemicals he got from his lab. It was with these he was ordered to dump the liquid into the school's sewage pipeline, framing it and eventually leading to a shutdown. As he drove, he messaged his forehead, wishing for a life better than this. But what would be the point? This job he had at Stiffson was the only thing that stood between him and rack and ruin. In a way, working for the principal was his gratitude for being lifted from the streets. Just then, he saw in his rearview mirror that he was being followed by what looked like two young female police officers on motorcycles. Being a law abiding citizen, he pulled over and parked at the side of a curb. The two officers seemed a little adolescent for their occupation, as if they'd just graduated from the academy. One was even sporting a rainbow dyed haircut with a punk style aspect. The other sported a jacket with a number on it, as if she had come back from a varsity game. But most of all, both of their uniforms had a rather unusual color tone of deep purple and magenta. But as a man who wouldn't judge authority, he clumsily fumbled through his pockets for his wallet as they approached his window. "I...I deeply apologize officers." He said nervously "Was I speeding?" "Don't back talk to me Mr." The rainbow dyed police officer said. "You got a lot of nerve driving in such conditions." "What do you mean?" "This car is in no shape for using." Said the other officer as she turned to the other window. "I mean how long have these taillights been broken." "Yes I know." Discord replied "I just haven't thought about repairing this old piece of junk. I suppose I should pay a visit to the mechanic Officer...." He carefully read their name tags. "Rainbow Dash and Rachel." "That's our names." Rainbow Dash replied. "Don't wear em out." "Can't we take a minute to check what's under the hood." Said Rachel who was talking through the other window. "NO...I mean." Discord tried to think of the right words. "I'm in a bit of a hurry for an important engagement and I'll be late if..." "I'm sure you'll be fine." Rainbow Dash interrupted as Rachel tossed her a flashlight. Discord gulped as the two walked around the dusty trunk of his car. He knew there was no reasonable way to explain what was in it. He knew a grand scale of repercussions would follow once they saw the waste. He could only imagine what they'd do to him, or even worse, what Stiffson would do upon hearing this. After a few tense minutes, the two officers walked back over. "Could you step out of the car sir?" Asked Rachel "Shouldn't I show you my license?" Discord replied. "Don't go all smart talk on us." Rainbow Dash added "Out of the car pleaser." As a law abiding citizen, he did just that. "Alright spread out yer limbs." Said Rachel, to which he did. The two of them started patting him down, checking his pockets and searching through his sleeves. After which, they gave each other the nod. "Now hop on one foot." Rainbow Dash commanded. "Excuse me?" Discord asked. "Just do as we say." He shrugged as he hopped on one foot. Next they told him to touch his nose. Then they told him to walk from heel to toe. This was followed by a jumping jack, a jog around the car, and a downward dog. After a few obscure exercises, Discord started to grow suspicious. Finally they told him to stop as they took out their notepads. "So...are we in the clear?" He asked nervously. "Yeah, you're aight." Rainbow Dash sighed. "Oh. good." He said in relief "Cause I'm in need to be somewhere soon." "Not so fast." Rachel said. "What do you mean?" The two officers pointed towards a long line of woodland critters crossing the street. "Really Ladies." He said in exasperation. "They're just animals. I can just drive around them. "Yeah tell that to the humane society." Said Rachel as she leaned on his car. Discord sighed as he walked back into his car seat and waited for the road to clear up At that time, Cory was still snooping around Stiffson Academy, looking for the right spot to expose his enemy. It was then he approached a familiar spot. The place where Principal Stiffson last saw him: bruised, scared, and slumped against the locker. It was here he tried dragged him to his office for one more beating. It was here memories of a troubled past crept into his head. A past filled with agony, abandonment and distrust. However, it was also here he made a life changing decision. A choice that would put him on a path leading to his home and family. A moment where he first proved his strength, dignity, and above all, his courage. It was here, he stood up to Stiffson, ran away, and eventually resided in the safe, promising world of Equestria. After he took a moment to reminisce on that decision, he saw the head hall monitor coming in his direction. He slid behind a narrow corridor as he approached closer and closer. But then he thought to himself, 'This is a perfect opportunity to prove who I am now, and most people don't get an opportunity like this.' Just as he was a few inches away, Cory stepped forward, exposing himself for the first time. "Cory?" The hall monitor said in bewilderment. "I thought we got rid of you." "Apparently you didn't." Said Cory as he clenched his fists. "And now I'm back to finish what I've started." The hall monitor composed himself as he slicked back his hair. "I knew you would slip up someday." He replied as he snapped his fingers. A few of the classroom doors opened as several brawn looking students came out and approached him. Cory knew their faces anywhere, as they were the ones who beat and harassed him mercilessly both in and out school. No matter, Cory clenched his fists and made a fighting stance, ready to defend himself. "What do you say we get this freak out of the way?" asked one of the students. "It will be a pleasure." answered another. Cory held his ground as the students approached closer. He could King Sombra's menacing eyes in their sockets, complete with the purple smoke that seeped through their eyelids. This was only in comparison to their devious smiles that grinned across their cheeks, and the veins that popped out of their muscles. "I'm not afraid of you guys anymore." Said Cory as he held his ground. "We'll see about that." Said the hall monitor. Moments before one of them could lay a blow on him, Cory lurched back and grabbed the arm in record time. Then he pushed the bully aside as more of them approached. He blocked a few kicks, dodged a punch and slap, even grabbed some necks into a fine headlock. Though they tried to plan a sneak attack, he was able to easily outwit them. After a tense minute of fighting and sparring, he looked down at all his opponents, who were obviously in a daze of defeat and conclusion. As he messaged his knuckled, he noticed on one of the projections his five equestrian friends were staring at him with mouths gaped open. "Whoa." Said Pony Rainbow Dash. "How'd ya learn that? We don't even start How to defend against a gang till next week." "I spent some time watching fight off some lighting storms." Cory responded. "You have done well grasshopper." Rainbow replied with a smirk. "Thank you master Dash." he replied with a bow. Upon noticing his opponents were regaining consciousness, he quickly hid himself in one of the empty classrooms. Meanwhile, Prof. Discord was having problems of his own. As the last of the animals were crossing the road, he had come face to face with a construction site. At this point, Discord was growing suspicious on how the nearest road to Canterlot High was closed, and on the day of all days. Though he was a man who wouldn't dare question authority (especially that of Stiffson's), he got out of his car to investigate. "Excuse me." he said as he approached one of the workers. "Don't you think you're a little young to be working at a construction site?" "Don't you think you're a little old to be riding a Jeep like that?" The young worker responded, who was referring to his car. "Please don't judge my mode of transportation." Discord replied firmly. "I only have two payments left on it before I can refurbish the exterior." "Listen old timer." another one of the workers added. "We're plenty old to be having 9-5 jobs. We just look young. Alright?" "Well I deeply apologize." Said Discord "I didn't know you used the cream..look. I'm going off subject. Can you please tell me how long this is going to take?" "Look Mr. Hotshot. I don't know if you're part of the union or anything, but why don't you go back into your jalopy and let us do our job." "But there must be someway I can get to Canterlot High besides this." "Well there's the detour off to the side, but I don't think you'd like it." "Whatever gets me there faster." Then he turned around and walked back into his car. It took awhile for it to start, since the car engine was suspiciously low. With a loud grunt, he finally got it to rev up and sludged the car forward. He made a right turn on the next exit, not caring what would come ahead. The road started to feel very slick and icy on the tires, which was odd since this was the middle of spring. Discord's vehicle swayed to the right and left, unable to control his balance. He slammed his foot on the breaks, but it was no good. Finally, all came crashing down on him as the car tipped over, tumbled down a steep hill and crashed into a large puddle of mud. Surprisingly, Discord came out unscathed, though his uniform was a mess. He rinsed his coat and poured any water out his shoes as he sadly walked over to a nearby rock and moped. "Oh my goodness." Said a voice from afar. "Are you alright?" Discord turned to his left to see a fragile teenage girl with a tank top and green skirt, who happened to be strolling along the open sidewalk. "I saw the whole thing happen." She said as she ran towards her. "I hope you don't have a concussion. Here, let me help you." "No, no, no. I'm alright." Discord sighed. "Wait, scratch that. I am not alright! In fact, I'm as far away from alright as I could be!! My car is destroyed, I'm late for an engagement and the only job that stands between me and rack and ruins is in jeopardy!!" "Oh my. What's the matter?" Asked the girl. "It's none of your business." He replied as he turned his back to her. "Besides I don't know who you are." "Then, maybe we could introduce ourselves?" "Out of the question. My boss would kill me if he saw me do that." "Well, he can't see you now. Can he?" Discord thought for a moment. "I suppose not." He replied. "My name is Discord. Prof. Discord." "Hello Prof. Discord." The girl replied. "I'm Fluttershy." The two of them shook hands. "You must be one of those Canterlot High students." Said Discord. "Aren't you supposed to be in school now?" "Oh I'm just taking a little healthy stroll before the big exam." Discord just replied with a nod. "Now that we've got that squared away," Said Fluttershy as she sat next to him. "Would you mind telling me what's wrong?" "Well," Discord sighed. "It's like this. I've been wanting to get out of Stiffson Academy for so long. Such a dreadful place it is." "I can only imagine why you want to quit." Fluttershy gasped. "So why don't you." "Because this is the only job I could ever get. I have nowhere else to go." "Explain." "Well it was many years ago. I was very desperate for a job, risking anything to get one. You see, my bank account was going to be terminated if I didn't get employed soon. Since Stiffson academy was the only one open, it was my very last chance. I remember having to go on my knees, begging for a position, to which they reluctantly agreed. I've been working there as a teacher for a few good years now. If I get fired at all, especially on a day like this, I'll be taken to streets and die an unsuccessful man, if ever there was any success in my life." "In truth, I always secretly wanted to be a funny clown teacher, combining education with humor in all it's glory. But what do I know? That's just a silly dream. Nothing more. I'm nothing but a failure to everything I do." "Oh Discord." Flutterhy replied as she rubbed his back. "You're not a failure. You're just misguided is all." "Misguided?" "Mmm, hmm. And besides. You've missed out on a revolution in job searching. Careerbuilder, job fairs, Indeed. I'm pretty sure there's one out there that meets your criteria." "Even a clown?" "Of course. Everyone loves clowns. In fact, I'm friends with one." "Do you think the world will love a clown teacher?" "It doesn't hurt to try. All you need is some good friends to see you through, and you'll be on your way." Discord got up and straightened his tie. For the first time, a look of confidence grew on his face. "You know what Fluttershy?" He said. "You're right. What am I doing at that school anyway? I should be sending my dreams afloat. After all, life is too short, and I'm certainly not spending it under the rule of a tyrant! I'm going over right now and give that brute a piece of my mind!" "You do that." Fluttershy acknowledged. "No one's stopping you." Then he marched up the hill and called and called for a Taxi. Fluttershy waited until he was out of plain sight, to which she turned on her walkie talkie. "Fluttershy to Cory." She said with a smile. "Team C mission accomplished. Over and out."