Cadance took a deep breath, then exhaled in an attempt to calm herself down. Why? Why now?! She couldn't let her emotions cloud her judgment any more than they already have! The Dean sighed heavily. Shining Armor was sure to be there... Dammit, why did this happen?? She didn't want to fall in love until after the dust settled!
As Cadance took another deep breath, she got dressed and closed her eyes as she flashed back to the day before. She really felt bad for Twilight. Someone as gifted as... the Dean's eyes widened. Gifted... Could Twilight be one of the six students?
Cadance cupped her chin in thought. It would certainly make a lot of sense, since she was the top student in every class. The Dean made a mental note and stored it away for later. Today was the fated day, and Cadance needed to be ready for anything. She hurried to her car and started it.
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Cadance arrived in her office and sat down as she took out her phone.
Just a heads up for you.
S.M.I.L.E. gained a new recruit yesterday.
Neon Lights, a student that Sugarcoat is dating.
An image of Shining Armor holding her hand and smiling at her appeared in Cadance's mind. She sighed dreamily, happy to finally- no. She needed to focus! The Dean's phone buzzed, and she grabbed it, grateful for the distraction.
Sugarcoat actually has a boyfriend?! - Luna
I'll be damned.
Never thought I'd see the day.
Cadance smiled.
I was surprised as well, but we'll talk later.
I just wanted you to know now instead of during the games.
Luna texted back.
I appreciate it.
I can't wait to meet the guy who can keep up with her libido.
Cadance sighed. All this talk of dating and love... no. Stop!
Her phone buzzed again.
Are you in your office? - Sugarcoat
Speak of the devils... the Dean sent a text back.
Yes. Why?
Neon and I figured it'd be a good idea to pay you a little visit before we head over to Canterlot High.
You know. Just in case.
All right. I'll be waiting. - Cadance
The Dean pocketed her phone, then tented her fingers. She needed to keep her mind occupied at least until the Friendship Games ended. She'd deal with her feelings then.
A few moments later, there was a knock on her door.
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Neon Lights and Sugarcoat left Cadance's office as she sighed heavily. Try as she might, she was struggling to keep Shining Armor out of her thoughts during the briefing. The Dean thanked her lucky stars for being able to at least keep her composure on the surface. Then again, she had been doing so for years on end.
Cadance checked her phone to see the time. She took a deep breath, then stood up. Zero hour had come, and the Dean prayed to whatever higher power there may be that everything would go smoothly. She had been through far too much for the operation to fall apart, and she didn't know what she'd do if it did.
Clenching her hands into fists, Dean Cadance headed out to the buses to take attendance.
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Cadance went outside to where the buses were with a clipboard. Her mind was swarming with thoughts. Shining Armor, the mission, the attendance... if this all wasn't so important to the Dean, she'd ask for a break!
"Dean Cadance?" said Twilight as she walked up to the Dean, "I'm not really sure where to go."
Cadence turned around, holding up a finger. "One second, Twilight." she said, then walked away. Focus, Cadenza, focus! The Dean took a deep breath, then exhaled as she pretended to look at the seating arrangements. "This is the right bus, Twilight. Go ahead," she gestured towards the bus as she returned.
"But... I didn't mean to cut in front." Twilight said in an apologetic tone.
If Twilight said anything else, Cadance did not hear it. Her mind was still going a mile a minute, and she needed to sit down to clear it!
Several minutes later, everyone save Cadance were boarded on their respective bus. The Dean stared at the bus as several emotions flowed through her. Excitement.
This could be it. The turning point that I and the other agents have been working towards for years!
Fear.
But what if it all goes south? What if something unthinkable happens?
Determination.
No. It can't. I won't let it. Come hell or high water, I will do everything in my power to make sure things go smoothly!
Anger.
That goddamn bitch is going to pay for killing my mother...
Those emotions and more swirled through Dean Cadance's head as she boarded the bus. She knew that whatever was to happen at Canterlot High would change the lives of all present.
...she just had no idea how right she would turn out to be.
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Several weeks after the forced memorial of Cinch's father, Cadance met up with Neighsay in private.
"Well now, Cadenza... to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Cadance looked the Superintendent in the eyes. "I know what I'm going to do to avenge Mom."
Neighsay raised an eyebrow. "Do you, now?"
Cadance nodded. "It turns out that a majority of the student body dislikes Cinch, what with all the animosity in the halls. They miss the days where everything felt safe, that CPA was a haven..."
"So you'd be forming a coalition."
"Yes, and we'd keep in touch on a regular basis to form strong bonds. Cinch couldn't possibly be taken down by people who barely know each other."
"And does this coalition have a name," Neighsay asked.
Cadance nodded again. She knew from the start the name she'd give it, the acronym would come later.
"Cadance, my dear, don't be sad. You're at your most beautiful...when you...smile..."
A tear fell down Cadance's cheek. "I'm going to call it... S.M.I.L.E."
End of Book Seven of the Crystal Prep Chronicles: Before the Friendship Games