//------------------------------// // Wednesday // Story: Before the Friendship Games: Dean Cadance // by CapNTilfy //------------------------------// Cadance arrived at Crystal Prep Academy early the next day. She was grateful for a decent night's sleep despite all that had happened to her. With cautious optimism and a smile, she reached her office and began her work in earnest. --------------------------------------------- Some time had passed, and Cadance's phone rang. "Hello?" "Dean Cadance...I have something to tell you, and you're not going to like it." It was Hope. She told the Dean what happened between her, Twilight and Lemon. "That's...I don't know how to react to that." said Cadance. "We need to move faster, Radiant Hope. I fear the stress of the oppressive atmosphere here will cause a riot." Hope sighed. "You and me both. As long as Principal Cinch is in power, though, there's little to nothing we can do about it." "Just remember the plan between the three of us." "I know, I know." said Hope. "Twilight was so upset throughout this whole ordeal. I couldn't help but feel bad for her. The poor girl was shaken to her core." "Don't worry, Radiant Hope. I'll have a talk with her later," said Cadence. "Are you going to contact their parents?" Hope was silent for a moment. "No." she said. "Those two have already been through enough and they're genuinely remorseful for their actions." "I understand. It's always hard to see the few good students fall from grace. That's why we need to speed things up. Who knows how much worse things could get here?" "I agree," said Hope. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to call our Third." "Okay. Tell me if anything comes up. Goodbye." Cadance hung up, then sighed heavily. Even Twilight Sparkle and Lemon Zest have been pushed too far... She put a hand to her forehead, then muttered under her breath. "Dammit." --------------------------------------------- Time passed, and Cadance channeled her frustrations into her work. Doing so caused her to finish early, and she smiled. A thought suddenly occurred to her. She grabbed a slip of paper and wrote her phone number on it, complete with her signature, then pocketed it. She had been so caught up with so many other things that she forgot to do something for Sour Sweet! Now that she had some free time, she could keep an eye out for her. Cadance stepped out of her office as a bell signaled the end of eighth period. The hallway gradually filled with students, some glaring at each other, some just plain ignoring each other. The Dean supposed it was better than fighting, which was likely happening elsewhere in the school. "Okay," a familiar voice said nearby. "School day's almost over." "Eager to go home?" Sour Sweet turned around. "A little, I guess," she said as she shrugged. "Not that today's been a bad day, I'm just feeling a little drained." Cadance smiled. "I understand, Sour Sweet. School can be a really exhausting experience." She put a hand on Sour's shoulder. "But as you said, the day is almost over." Sour Sweet smiled back. "Yeah. I can tough out one more period easily." Cadance leaned closely into Sour Sweet. Sour stepped back a little, feeling uncertain. "I wouldn't do this under normal circumstances, Sour Sweet, but I want you to have this." Cadance put her hand into one of her pockets and produced a small slip of paper. She discreetly handed it to the student. "What is-" Sour Sweet unfolded the piece of paper and gasped, nearly dropping it. "Is...is that what I think it is?" She struggled to keep her emotions under control. On the slip of paper was Cadance's signature and a phone number. Cadance nodded, smiling. "It is. Any time you need me, if you just want to talk or there's some sort of emergency, you can now contact me personally." Sour Sweet sniffled. "I-I don't know what to say," she said, her voice quavering. "You don't have to say anything, Sour Sweet. Whatever I can do to help you, I will," Cadance said as she embraced her in a gentle hug. Sour Sweet broke immediately and stayed in her arms until the warning bell for her final class rang. --------------------------------------------- Her day at work complete, Cadance arrived at home. She considered it a blessing that today wasn't as chaotic and maddening as yesterday. I don't think I would've survived if it was... With a sigh, she flopped onto her couch and stared up at the ceiling. Her thoughts wandered... --------------------------------------------- Cadance walked into Crystal Prep Academy with a sense of foreboding. There was no doubt in her mind that everyone there had heard the news. Principal Cinch's father passed away the previous night. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the students walked the halls, filled with fear. Would Cinch be angry? Sad? Nobody but the Principal herself knew what sort of relationship she had with her father. Cadance could feel the uncertainty in the air, and it began to make her anxious as well. She took a deep breath and exhaled, then nearly jumped when the PA system activated. "All students are to assemble in the gymnasium to honor the passing of our founder. Attendance is mandatory." Cadance sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She wasn't all that surprised to not have a choice in the matter. Might as well bite the bullet and tough it out. --------------------------------------------- Cadance made a sputtering noise as she got off of her couch. Even after all those years, she still wanted that hour and a half of her life back. All that happened was Cinch singing the praises of a madman. A madman who founded the school that a better part of her life had revolved around, but a madman nonetheless. Cadance's phone buzzed, which was odd. Who'd be texting her at this hour? Cadance, my daughter knows about S.M.I.L.E. Will send you details. - Night Light The Dean's eyes widened in shock. "Son of a bitch..." She sent a text back. Understood. - Cadance Cadance and Night Light traded texts until a plan was formed. She knew what she had to do... and with that in mind, she strolled upstairs and went to bed for the night.