//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: In and Out of Phase 
// by Vic Fontaine 
//------------------------------//

“Hey, girls. Ugh, what a day. Pop quiz in Calc two, missed lunch because the library checkout line took forever…”

“Huh? Oh, a soda would be great, Fluttershy. Thanks. I’m parched!”

“Ah! Ice cold too. Phew, that’s better!”

“Oh, by the way, I spotted those two cardinals in the big tree just past the SigEp house on my way over. They seem to be pretty active, so whatever you did for them seems to be working.”

“Well, much as I’d love another chance to kick your butt at Bash Bros, Rainbow, I’ll have to raincheck for later– Hey now, it’s not my fault that you keep picking an easily countered fighter. Alright, you get to pick the stage next time too. Maybe it’ll help you, hehe.”

“You went to the library too, Pinkie? Yeah, amen to that. What a mess it is this semester. It was way easier to get in and out of there when Notepad was running the show.”

“I know, right? He retires and the whole library goes to pot almost overnight! We really need to talk Twilight into taking more volunteer shifts there. She could have it humming again in no time.”

“Oh, see ya, AJ! Hope your evening class goes well! We’ll save some pizza for you just in case!”

“What did you say, Rarity? Oh, yes, well, I guess that's ‘humming’ along nicely too. At least I think.”

“It’s only been two dates, you know. They’ve been great of course, and we both enjoyed the picnic, so thanks for the good idea there. But, sorry, marriage hasn’t come up yet. See, even Pinkie knows that life doesn’t work quite like those romance novels you like to read.”

“Ha ha. All kidding aside though, it’s been great. We planned to see a movie next weekend, so I guess a third date’s in the works. I know, I’m excited too. But… kinda nervous too. Perhaps Twilight is too. I mean, we’re all friends. Great friends. I suppose we’re putting that at risk a bit here, if this doesn’t work out.”

“Oh, I appreciate it, Shy. You’re probably right. If we can survive multiple versions of us and countless magical attacks on our old high school, I doubt a few dates will ruin us.”

“So, Rarity. Need some extra advice here. What’s a good dinner pairing with a sci-fi double feature?”