//------------------------------// // Chapter 60: Friendship University (Rewritten 9/27/22) // Story: Light and Dark: Road to Redemption // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 60: Friendship University A month has passed since the School of Friendship has opened back up since the holidays and things have been smooth so far. Classes have been going along smoothly ever since Chancellor Neighsay attempted to have it shut down along with Midnight’s attempt on her, her friends, and her student’s lives at the now destroyed Castle of the Two Sisters from nearly a year ago. So far Twilight hasn’t heard or found of either pony up to anything since the last time they faced off against her respectively and even with Midnight imprisoned Twilight can’t help but suspect she had something to do with it but can’t but her hoof on what since she hasn’t had any visitors come by Tartarus since she imprisoned her there. “I don’t know why, but there is something very off with all of this.” Twilight thought to herself trying to put the pieces together. Twilight briefly managed to keep her mind off of her worries when she pulled out another postcard Star Swirl had recently sent her to which she has all of them posted in her office all behind her desk. “Dear Twilight, It is difficult to express how grateful I am to you for teaching me the power of friendship. You would think after more than a thousand years, there would be nothing left to learn. And yet, even a pony as old as I can continue to be surprised by how much there is to know. I hope you find these postcards enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing you again, though I can't say when my journey will be complete. Your friend, Star Swirl.” “It must be gratifying to have your idol writing to you about the friendship lessons he's learning.” Rarity spoke in amazement. “I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it.” Twilight thought nothing of it. “Of course, if he really wants to learn about friendship, he could just come to our school. But I’m not going to pressure him into it.” She off-hoof mentioned as Cozy Glow entered the room. “Professor Sparkle? The mailpony just came with, uh, a few things.” Said filly told the two mores as she presented them five large crates outside of her office. “Ooh! The sewing machines I ordered for my class!” Rarity rushed over to the crates in eager excitement. “These came, too. I wasn't sure what to make of them.” Cozy also brought forward with a stack of papers to which Twilight levitated them to her with her magic. “Thank you, Cozy Glow.” Twilight thanked her with a smile. Ever since the stunt she pulled with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Twilight has had Cozy assigned to be her assistant as a way so she can closely monitor her actions as well as learning more of her mother’s plans to which Cozy is also aware of and under Midnight’s instructions has been playing along so she try to obtain the information she needs for next big plan at the end of the school year. “These machines were costly, but I am quite certain the friendship lessons I can teach my students with them will be invaluable.” Rarity remarked at the high quality of said devices as she opened one of the crates. “Hmm.” Twilight questioned at the reading of one of the particular papers that caught her eye. “Oh, don't worry, darling. I'll think of something. And I didn't use the school funds to buy these. I made the purchase entirely with my own bits.” Rarity assured her after assuming it was about her purchase of the sewing machines. “It's not that. It's this!” Twilight calmly replied as she showed her the paper she had just read. "Why waste your time at a friendship school that's just a school? Learn everything they teach and more at Friendship University?!” Rarity read the paper in surprise hearing of this. As the two make their way out of the office with Cozy following after them as she watches them head down the hallway she quickly hides inside Twilight’s office as she hears Midnight’s voice in thin air as she appears before her. “Well, did you bring it?” Midnight asked the young spy. “Brought it to her as requested, dearest mother.” Cozy reported. “In addition, I snagged this from Rarity while her back was turned.” She presented a guard badge she used to sneak inside of the castle before handing to her. “Perfect.” Midnight replied satisfied with her success as Cozy hands her the badge Rarity managed to keep ever since the Sibling Supreme contest. “Keep an eye on the school and remember what to look for when you head downstairs.” “Got it, I won’t let you down.” Cozy Glow said while continuing to put up the cute act to which an amused Midnight chuckled in response before teleporting back to the lair while turning to Grogar who was currently making his way to the exit. “Going somewhere?” Midnight asked the blue ram. “Yes, since our four minions were unable to retrieve my Bewitching Bell, we need another source of great magical power to defeat Twilight and her friends.” Grogar replied as he turned to leave. “In the meantime, you are in charge of watching over them as you see to it that they are still learning to work together.” “Got it.” Midnight simply replied in return with a nod as Grogar leaves the lair. “Coast is clear!” Midnight called out to Sombra, Tirek, Chrysalis, Nightmare, and Daybreaker who all emerge from their rooms. “I don't trust him.” Tirek immediately voiced his disgust towards him. “None of us do.” Nightmare added in agreement as the others nod as well. “Which is why double-crossing him with his own bell will be so satisfying.” Chrysalis deviously grinned as she held up said bell with her magic. “If we can figure out how to use it.” Tirek pointed out as they examined the bell. “And there is a way.” Midnight spoke up gaining the others attention. “How?” Tirek questioned. “The restricted area in the Archives in Canterlot deep within the Castle at Canterlot.” Midnight answered as she presented them an aura display of magic showing said area of the castle. “Of course.” Tirek smiled seeing their key to victory. “Celestia and Luna love to hoard information for themselves. If there's an answer, it's there.” “My triumphant return to Canterlot? I like the sound of that.” Chrysalis eagerly smiled at the idea. “With Twilight and Rarity occupied dealing with this rival school as their friendship mission, Applejack and Fluttershy out on a friendship mission in the Peaks of Peril, and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie out on a friendship mission where the Washouts are trying to encourage Scootaloo into joining them, this serves a perfect opportunity for us.” Midnight then explained. “Thanks to some strings I pulled to create them we should be able to pull this off no problem.” “Yeah, they won’t know what hit it by the time were done with them.” Daybreaker cackled in agreement. “They sure won’t by the end of the school year.” Midnight replied. “Which is why I want you to go the Peaks of Peril and set the area on fire to take care of Applejack and Fluttershy.” “Really?!” Daybreaker eagerly asked as Midnight nods her head. “Finally a chance to set something on fire!” “Remember, do it the best to your ability without being spotted.” Midnight stressed and emphasized on without blowing her cover. “I don’t want anypony getting word of your return yet.” “Of course.” Daybreaker complied with a grudging sigh as she flew off ahead to do so. “Nightmare Moon…” Midnight turned the night alicorn. “You’ll go with her to make sure she doesn’t blow her own cover.” “Of course.” Nightmare replied without question as she followed after her leaving Midnight with the other four. “In the meantime…” Midnight continued giving instructions as she held up a folder of pictures inside. “…Sombra, get these photo copies Chrysalis took of Twilight with her friends and her students to the EEA’s office then watch over Twilight and Rarity at all times while Tirek, Chrysalis, and I go over to retrieve the book to control the ability of Grogar’s bell from the castle.” Sombra nodded as he set out to do so as Midnight turned to an eager Tirek and Chrysalis. “And now that that’s all settled, we’re going to go for a little field trip back to Canterlot to pick up a few things in preparation for what's to come.” She then said with a devious smirk as her heart glowed neon purple as she focuses her orb on said book in said room along with Twilight and Rarity’s glowing cutie marks. Meanwhile back at the School Friendship, Twilight and Rarity are both walking through the halls wondering more about this claimed “Friendship University.” “Who would open another friendship school?” Twilight couldn’t help but wonder. “And why?” “Oh, pfft!” Rarity blew the possibility that it’s better than her friend’s while assuring her as she took control of the paper. “I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. You're the Princess of Friendship. What could this other school possibly offer?” “It isn't just another friendship school. It's a university!” Smolder said to her friends sounding very interested by the place. “It says they teach the same lessons of competing schools in half the time. That's twice the learning!” Ocellus also brought up sounding very excited as her friends. “And it's in Las Pegasus?” Gallus also remarked in amazement. “If Professor Rarity lets us skip her sewing class – road trip!” The Young Six all chatter in excitement as they all run off together. “I think we need to look into this school before any of them get any ideas of skipping class for this.” Rarity then said now feeling suspicious of said school as their flanks start glowing as part of a friendship mission summons Midnight had orchestrated. The two ponies made their way to Las Pegasus where they find the place in question leaving Rarity puzzled by the school’s appearance as it looked like a museum with a posted sign with an open book hanging over the place. “I don't like to judge solely on appearances. But... what kind of friendship school is this?” Rarity questioned the oddity of the place. “Only the best friendship school in the west... and maybe all of Equestria!” One of the ponies holding one of the brochures nearby answered as he went inside along with a bunch of other excited mares and colts as Twilight and Rarity walk inside following behind them. “There's more ponies in here than at our whole school. Who is running this place?” Twilight whispered to Rarity as they made their way up front as they hear voices from up front. “Welcome, friends! You are about to embark on a journey of amazing magnitude! One that will change your lives forever!” A familiar voice echoed through the room. “Prepare yourselves to embrace a new path and become students of...” Another voice followed suit as they appeared. “Friendship U!” Both ponies said in unison as they introduced themselves. “Flim and Flam. Of course.” Twilight remarked with dull surprise. “If you're alone and you can't make friends We understand your plight.” Flim sang as he sadly sat on his flank. “Until now, there was just one way Your friendships could take flight.” Flam sang as he helped his brother up. “There is a school real far away That'll teach you what to know But if you live here, you couldn't stay.” Flim sang as he presented an image of Twilight’s school as said headmare narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “You'd learn you have to go-o-o-o.” Flam sadly sang as his brother conjured up fake tears which fooled the sympathetic audience much to Twilight’s annoyance as Rarity has a “You’ve Got to be Kidding Me.” look. “Now, there is an alternative to all of that adversity.” Flim offered as he pulled up the slide in a more upbeat tone as he sang. “Not just a school, I'll have you know.” Flam sang in emphasis. “But a whole university.” The brothers sang together as they both got down on one knee together. “At Friendship U, our aim is true In a city, not some backwater You'll learn the things you need to know At our new alma mater.” The two snag as they trotted around as they presented a model of their school then dressing one of the enrolling students with a worksheet and graduation outfit. “That's it, everypony, you heard correct!” Flim sang as he rushed over to the podium “Friendship U, the one and only university of friendship!” Flam sang as he pulled one of the ponies with his arm’s reach. “As you can see, we're a success By any kind of stat.” Flim sang as he showed everypony the chart on the chalkboard before turning to spot Twilight in the audience. “Everypony, lookie here That other school's headmare.” Flam sang as he announced to the crowd as Twilight shows no reaction to this. “Her presence is a testament To the mutual respect...” Flim sang as he approached Twilight. “...we sha-a-a-are.” The two brothers sang as the lifted up the alicorn princess. “It really is the final piece To make our work complete.” Flam sang as he walked over to some of the students. “To have the Friendship Princess Bless our school is such a treat.” Flim sang as he bowed to the alicorn who still remains stoic and unfazed even when offered flowers to which she only accepted out of politeness “We're so honored! Flam sang in agreement. “At Friendship U, we teach to you (and you!) All of our friendship knowledge You'll learn it all in half the time At the one and only friendship college.” The two brothers sang together as they all trotted with the enrolling students and directed their attention to Rarity while presenting worksheets, books, and half a clock. “But how can anypony learn friendship in half the time?” Twilight could only question. “Our coursework is so accelerated, to take longer would be a crime!” Flam answered as they presented a cage with iron bars to resemble a jail cell. “The lessons that we teach have been Reviewed and checked and edited.” Flim sang as he showed the ponies their open books. “Which might explain why our new school's.” Flam sang as fireworks and confetti burst out in the room as they sang in unison again. “About to be accredited At Friendship U, oh, yes, it's true Even the Princess of Friendship agrees The only place in Equestria To give out friendship degrees Yeah!” Flim and Flam sang as they had ponies dress up in caps and gowns while Twilight still gives a suspicious and stoic look directed at the two con artists. “Friendship U! Friendship U! Friendship U! Friendship U! Friendship U! Friendship U!” The ponies all chanted in song together in agreement. “That's it, everypony! Let's hear it! Tell us again why it's the best!” Flim further encouraged them to sing it again. “It's the only university of Friendship U!” They all sang together as the two brother said “Yeah!” in agreement as they stood on top of a pyramid constructed by cheerponies holding them up together. Meanwhile, Flam was proudly boasting! "That's right, folks! We, the world famous Flim Flam Brothers have opened up this university to all of you!" “So your school was accredited huh? Impressive.” Twilight said with faux pleasantness. “And by who exactly? The EEA?" "Correct, princess." A head of the EEA spoke himself as he sports a smug smile as the crowd parted ways to make room for him. "Chancellor Neighsay!" Twilight replied with a stern glare and tone along with Rarity. “Long time no see.” “If only I could say the same but we all know better than that.” Neighsay returned with the same tone and glare as well. “Anyways, The Equestria Educational Association has taken an interest in institutions that teach friendship in a pony-first environment. Surely you didn't think your school has a monopoly on the concept?” "Well, she did write the book on it." Rarity suggested. “Ah, yes. How to teach friendship to creatures who will one day use it as a weapon against us?" Neighsay coldly replied. "How could they use friendship as a weapon?!“ Twilight remarked taking offense to that comment. "You tell me. It's your book. Meantime, this university appears to be a promising option for ponies who'd prefer to stick to the EEA book on the subject. In addition, not see to it that I'd get a six month suspension for trying to do my job." Neighsay responded still pressing on his bitter and racist attitude on the alicorn while turning to the two unicorns. “Well, if you really want to find out the answer to question why don’t you ask Flim and Flam yourself.” Twilight suggested with a raised hoof in their direction. “I’m sure they’d be more than happy to honestly answer any questions you have.” “My, my, princess.” Flim laughed it off. “Of course we answered every question the chancellor asked to the best of our ability.” “One would think the headmare of a school of friendship – albeit an unaccredited one – would behave differently.” The chancellor still took their word for it while scolding the princess. “Unless she was trying to undermine the competition? Hmm?” He hinted with another smug smirk causing the crowd to gasp at the thought as Flim and Flam follow suit with the head of the EEA. “Certainly sounds like something Midnight would do herself wouldn’t it?” “That is not what I meant, Chancellor.” Twilight calmly corrected him. “I was just saying that since this school is EEA accredited and they have your complete trust that they wouldn’t mind answering all of your questions about the school with complete honesty. Not to put them in a position or anything after all honesty is one of the core elements of the Elements of Harmony to which I’m sure they will greatly take to heart.” She hinted with a knowing lifted eyebrow. “That is true.” One of the crowd ponies agreed with Twilight as the Flim Flam brother’s eye each other somewhat nervously to which Twilight took quick notice of. "And just to ensure that this is a school right up with mine as they claim…how about doing the friendly thing and show me and Rarity some of your classes.“ Twilight asked of them. “Of course, no problem!” Flim quickly recomposed himself for a split second as he gestured them to follow him. “Right this way.” Outside of the school Sombra was secretly spying on them to oversee part of the progress of Midnight’s plan. “Midnight, the alicorn princess is in the school.” Sombra reported to the dark alicorn while conjuring magic to properly communicate with her who was currently observing the castle from the shadows of a nearby alley with Tirek and Chrysalis. “Good, and you know what to do from here?” Midnight told the unicorn while observing him from his orb. “Crystal clear.” Sombra replied with a nod as he continued monitoring Twilight and Rarity while ending the transmission. “All right…” Midnight then said turning to Tirek and Chrysalis. “…Shining Armor has recently upgraded the castle security since the last time you two were each here in Canterlot so in addition to a much needed distraction from Tirek, you Chrysalis will sneak into the castle, while I lure the princesses away.” She said as she handed the changeling the guard badge in order to get inside. “We’ll met just inside the castle hallways just outside of the throne room while I also guide you on what turns to take. Just listen to the sound of my voice and this whole operation will go through flawlessly.” “We won’t disappoint you princess.” Chrysalis saluted as she transformed into her guard disguise and set out to do her task. “Your wish is my command.” Tirek obeyed with a respectful bow as he snuck around the alley around the castle gate to do his task. Flim led Neighsay, with Twilight and Rarity, following right behind them. "I hope that this school is what you promise because from past experience EEA approval isn’t enough to convince me." Twilight politely told Flim. "And what would it take to convince you, Princess?" Flim asked as he stopped to turn face her. "Well, somepony whose opinion I respect, for one," Twilight answered. "Really…” Flim replied with a grin. “…something like…this?” Flim replied with grin as he opened the door to one of the classrooms. Twilight and Rarity widen their eyes in surprise along with Neighsay as they spot Starswirl the Bearded inside. "Twilight?" The older unicorn said in surprise as he turned to face her as he dropped the pen he held in his magic. "Uh-oh." Rarity could only say in response as Twilight is left trying to process this. "Star Swirl? What are you doing here?" Twilght asked still surprised seeing him here as she trotted up to him. "Why, studying friendship at Flim and Flam's wonderful new school of course!" Star Swirl happily answered. “Oh, please.” Rarity retorted unconvinced. “I think I know a disguise when I see one. So take off that ridiculous beard... Flam!" She then used her magic to pull on what she believed was a fake beard causing to Starswirl scream in pain. "How's it going in here? Everything okay?" Said brother appeared to check up on things as Neighsay still watches on in surprise. "Oops..." Rarity said mortified of her mistake as she let go of his beard. "My bad.“ She added while neatly returning his beard to it's normal state without a single hair out of place. "It-It's really me, I assure you." Star Swirl responded while recovering from the strains of the pulls. "I'd heard rumors of course but I didn't believe them until now. And if a pony of your stature studying here is a promising sign…" Neighsay remarked in astonishment as he turned to Flim. "…Aside from checking up on a few more classrooms. I can definitely say that this school has all but guarantee complete and unreserved EEA accreditation!" "I... I don't understand, Starswirl. Why would you come here and not my school?" Twilight said in shock and disbelief sounding hurt by this discovery. “I know we didn’t get off to the best start, but I thought we moved past this.” "My travels brought me to Las Pegasus. I didn't come for the school, but Flim and Flam convinced me to try it out.” Star Swirl simply replied. "And while I respect that…" Twilight calmly started with what she is about to say. "I’m not sure trusting them immediately is the move I would make considering their reputation. The first time they showed up, they challenged the Apples to a cider making contest for the farm and nearly ran the Applejack family out of town. The second time they were around, they knowingly sold a fake tonic they had made. In addition, they run a resort in Las Pegasus after forcing the previous owner to leave." "Well he did try to ruin our brotherhood bond." Flim calmly replied. “And a pony we know sold us the idea of the tonic in the first place.” He also recalled while giving Twilight a knowing eye to which led to the alicorn silent about bringing it up further since she knows that pony was her as part of her scheme to obtain Applejack’s key to the Elements of Harmony. "And technically our resort is a legitimate business," Flam added. "Just ask the Golden Horseshoe Gals or any of our other high profile clients." "I spent a thousand years thinking the worst of a 'bad' pony. You and your student taught me to look for the best in him. Whatever Flim and Flam's past may be, starting this school shows to me that they want to change for the better. Besides, what's untrustworthy about opening a school of friendship? They don't even charge for classes?” Star Swirl further explained his reasons to the young alicorn. “Nothing.” Twilight honestly answered while secretly unconvinced. “It’s just with all things considered something about this place doesn't feel right to me and I’d have a much easier time believing it if I know deep down they really have changed for the better." "Twilight, I promise I'll visit your school soon enough.” Star Swirl assured the pony who looks up to him. ”But for right now, I owe it to give this school a fair chance. I suggest you do the same." “Fine.” Twilight relented. “If what you say is true that I believe you.” Flim and Flam excitably grinned that they have the Princess of Friendship fooled (or at least what they think) while a satisfied Chancellor Neighsay turns to make his leave. The two mares then left the classroom and trotted back out into an empty as they discuss their next best option. "You don't think a plain old friendship school is what Flim and Flam are actually running, do you?" Twilight asked her friend. "Darling, of course not. Which is why we have to investigate in order to find out as well as figure out our friendship problem!" She then replied as she focused with her eyes with eager determination to go undercover as Twilight immediately gets the idea. A short time later, Rarity emerged from the closet. She appeared with her mane being rough and unkempt with a light blue baseball cap on top of it along with baggy yellow shorts. "Perfect! In these disguises, we could probably pass as students at our own school." Rarity marveled at her own disguise. Twilight following suit trotted out of the closet seconds later wearing a black eye patch over her left eye just barely cover her scar, and a pink jacket that barely covered her wings and her cutie mark along with a black skirt and a pink and black stripped t-shirt as one of the students walked by. “Hey strangers.” The student greeted as Rarity blew on her bubblegum. “Are you two new here?” “We sure are. Completely new.” Rarity replied with a slightly gruff tone. “Great! See ya in class!” The student cheerfully replied as he walked off ahead leaving Rarity squealing in delight. "Now that we have our disguises down..." Rarity said pleased that Twilight is getting the hang of her approach. “Just remember, we need to have our backstories down pat. I can't tell you the number of times in Shadow Spade where that's been what allows her to crack the case. A great detective knows how to blend in." She then cleared her throat as she speaks of her disguised tone. "I'm Plainity and I just love bland old normal stuff. No frills for me." "My name's Scarlett. As you can see I have an eye patch which I don’t wanna talk about, thank you." The disguised princess then said as the disguised fashionista clapped her hooves pleased with her performance. "Perfect! Now he do we start our investigation?" Rarity asked her friend for instructions. "Since Flim and Flam don't know who you are, so you should enroll in their classes and see what they're actually teaching," Twilight instructed to Rarity. "I'll look around and see what I can find, assuming I'm not recognized." "Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean what if it is a trap?" Rarity commented with concern. “Then I’ll just have to take extra precautions to make sure I don’t spring it.” Twilight replied as she casted an invisibility spell so no pony recognizes her. "Just be careful please.” Rarity reluctantly obliged since she has gone through stealth operations before. “If either of us gets caught, the answer we are looking for might not be discovered." She cautioned her friend as the two disguised friends split up to do their own investigations. And while this was going on Sombra closely watched Twilight from the windows before secretly making his way inside undetected as a cloud of mist. In the meantime, Midnight is lurking around the Canterlot Castle as she stealthily makes her way around the bushes and secretly snags a guard’s badge before sending a massive blast of magic right at multiple buildings on the nearby streets to start a massive fire which lead to a mass panic from ponies nearby. She then ducks for the nearby underground entrance to the castle Twilight had used before as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna immediately fly off ahead to investigate and deal with the chaos there. She then emerges inside the throne room via the secret passageway before finding herself face to face with the geese in the throne room to which she effortlessly grabbed with her magic and then dropped them all in the trapdoor in front of the throne before shutting it closed before making her way to the royal vault. Meanwhile Chrysalis managed to effortlessly get through castle grounds and fool the security into thinking she was a new transfer which worked flawlessly thanks to the badge Midnight supplied her with while Tirek managed to sneak by bushes before draining a few ponies of their magic in order to make his way inside while stealing a badge from one of the ponies he drained and steal a pie from the nearby pie cart selling vendor while he was at it for laughs. Once the three all managed to bypass the new security measures they all met together in the hallway just outside of the throne room. “Got to admit, sure feels like home.” Midnight told the others as they made their way towards the Canterlot Archives while carrying a wooden chest in one of her hooves that she successfully obtained from the royal vault. “At least to Canterlot Royalty.” Chrysalis commented. “But it sure has been awhile since we last been here separately. For me it was that wedding that started it all when Twilight became Midnight.” “Agreed.” Tirek responded agreeing with that notion. “Last time I was here was the day Midnight became Twilight.” “And just after we get what we came for we’ll be on our way and on the road to this place being ours under my command.” Midnight then said as they headed downstairs to where the archives are where she uses a key she obtained from one of the guards behind his back to unlock the gate entrance to the area as all three villains enter inside the room. Back at Friendship University, Twilight secretly made her way to Flim and Flam’s office where she snuck around trying to find something useful to no avail other than photos that caught her attention while trying not to fall for the traps Flim and Flam created for her in their room. “I don’t get it!” Twilight exclaimed in quiet shock at seeing the photos which were taken through the school semester of the various accidents and embarrassment incidents which were cut out and pasted to make it look like she and her friends are hurting and abused them. “How could they have managed to get these photos?” She wondered to herself. “That’s because we’ve had inside help.” Flam replied from outside alarming Twilight. “Uh-oh!” Twilight exclaimed to herself as she quickly teleported away before Flim and Flam could catch her in the act and snap an incriminating picture of her. Once Twilight teleported to outside of one of the nearby halls she quickly retreated to a nearby empty room where she would secretly pull her orb and cancel out her invisibility spell after catching her breath. “Surprising for me that was a close call.” Twilight said to herself in relief. “Surprising indeed.” Star Swirl who just happened to be in the same room as her said while surprising the alicorn herself. “Star Swirl!” Twilight exclaimed upon seeing him. Seeing herself in a corner having just emerged from the office and appeared right in front of him. She had no choice here. “Okay! So maybe I truly suspect there is something up with Flim and Flam.” She honestly confessed. “But please before you think any less of me this isn’t what you think. I’m not a jealous mare threaten by the competition.” She also pleaded with him to believe her. “I know.” Star Swirl calmly replied much to Twilight’s surprise. "If I hadn't known for a fact that you would only resort to this with a good reason I would have thought otherwise." “Really?” Twilight now smiled in relief along with wiping the sweat of her forehead, thankful that it didn't turn into those "I don't believe you and I'm disappointed in you." moments like she originally thought would happen if she really got busted. “Phew. That’s a relief.” "You're right to be suspicious of this school, Twilight. Because I have heard rumors that Flim and Flam have been snooping around obtaining photos of you and your friends engaging in acts of misconduct during classes, along with sneaking around with large bags of bits they seem to be stowing away in their office but I was never able to obtain any clear proof on the matter. At least not without getting caught, and I always find myself having to escape being caught at the last second." Star Swirl further explained. “You’re not the only one.” Twilight commented feeling they can relate in that regard. “Those two nearly managed to take a picture of me sneaking into their office and they would have gotten it had I not teleported away at the last second when i did.” “It would seem the two have taken another step up in dealing with you.” Star Swirl could only figure out the best way they could have nearly caught her. “Considering they know you used to be Midnight too.” “But the thing I don’t get is how?” Twilight still couldn’t help but wonder. “How could they suddenly know what I’m up too? They never are that quick to suspect what’s up until it’s too late.” “I don’t know either but if we want proof that they are trying to get your school shut down with scandalous photos we need to be more careful of our approach.” Star Swirl warned Twilight as she tries to do just that. “Because I’m not sure what I can do if you’re caught.” "Don't worry, Starswirl. We'll get to the bottom of this with much more caution this time around.” Twilight assured him. “Also I'm just glad to see that you aren’t easily swayed by those two ponies." "And I can assure you I’m not." Starswirl returned. “And you’re definitely a very smart pony if you’re anything to figure out most things on your own like that.” He also complimented her as they emerge from the closet and come across Rarity. “Scarlett! There you are!” Rarity exclaimed. “What did you find? And where’s your eye-patch?” “Nothing so far.” Twilight honestly replied. “Flim and Flam nearly took a picture of me sneaking into their office. Apparently they are smart enough to know that I’d try to do that no matter what disguise I had in mind.” “We’re we wearing our eye patch?” Rarity felt the need to question much to her friend’s irritation. “Sorry?” She then said upon being glared at. “Fortunately luck would have it, Star Swirl is undercover too.” Twilight then moved on. “So far their operation is technically legal but they have incriminating and fabricated photos of us.” “Incriminating like what?” Rarity wondered as she then panicked at a sudden thought. “Please tell me some pony didn't take pictures of me when my mane fell out!” “Worse…” Twilight replied to assure her unicorn friend that it isn't about her mane. “Photos of us allegedly harassing our students that could get my reputation tanked and the whole school shut down should word get out.” “What?!” Rarity exclaimed in shock. “That’s worse than finding out the lesson plans they had were similar to yours. In fact way too similar to the point I have reason to believe that they copied out of your lesson plans.” “They copied my lesson plans too?!” Twilight asked in disbelief. “Well that does make sense of the friendship lesson part since those lessons were awfully similar to mine.” "And that’s not all darling…" Rarity further went on. "I’m going to have to return the sewing machines I just got.” “Why?” Twilight asked still not understanding what she is putting down. “While the tuition is free, the worksheets sure aren’t if you really want to continue advancing the lesson plans. I even saw a pony sell the shirt off his back just so he could have a single worksheet." She then deduced. "This must be the scam, isn't it?" "Has to be, since that explains the huge number of bits they were recently carrying into their office when no pony was looking." Star Swirl confirmed feeling certain it's true. “Flim and Flam are charging for these?!” Twilight asked in further disbelief as she pulls out a page containing one of her lesson plans to see they were clearly plagiarized. “How can Chancellor Neighsay even approve of this other than out of spite?" “At least now we have found the illegal parts of their operation where this can now be considered a scam like you said.” Star Swirl commented in agreement with Twilight. “Which we can use to put an end to this.” The alicorn then added with determination though her unicorn friend had her reservations when she looked on uncomfortably with her proposal. Not wanting her friend to end up in hot water she moved to advise against this. "But Twilight, maybe I should take over the investigation. Especially since you nearly got busted by Flim and Flam. Should word get out your reputation would be tarnished and your school would have to close." But Twilight's mind was resolute on the matter. "My reputation isn't worth much if I won't risk it for what I think is right. Besides, I have a plan.“ She then said with a new approach to expose the scam artists in mind. After a moment of hesitation, Star Swirl was the first of the two to speak his mind about her stance. “All right then. Whatever you have in mind I’m in.” “Me too.” Rarity reluctantly obliged to her friend’s request as the three all lean in close together for a group huddle. “So what’s the plan?” Twilight smiled before moving to explain it privately in a whisper to ensure no one not even the Flim Flam brothers will hear them. Meanwhile, back at the Canterlot Castle, Midnight, Chrysalis, and Tirek all look around for what they are looking for as they search many bookshelves for what they are looking for. “Now where oh where…” Midnight said as she looked around until she came across the book with the bell picture on the front they are looking for. “Aha. Here it is.” She said with satisfaction as she used her magic to melt the chains holding the book before turning to Chrysalis and Tirek as she presented what they were looking for. “Let’s go!” She said to them who also smiled in satisfaction as they stealthily make their way out of the castle undetected. Back at Friendship University, Twilight secretly follows Flim and Flam as they make their way to their office as they with a bag of their recently collected bits while feeling certain that they weren’t being watched. Once they were inside they use their magic to properly turn the clock to a certain setting along with rotating their self-portraits to open a door to a secret vault as Twilight secretly follows after them with Star Swirl watching and standing by right outside of the room after Twilight enters the vault as the two brothers empty their recently collected bits onto their massive pile of ill-gotten gains as they place red paint to update how much money they have made so far. “Well, brother of mine, we've got almost all the bits we need to expand our resort. If we add another level of classes and worksheets, we'll be there.” Flim remarked of their success so far. “Maybe we should add two levels, just to be safe.” Flam recommended as they turn to their table of their resort and expansion plans. “After all we wouldn’t have been able to get this far without the ideas and guidance we received along with getting EEA approval.” "It's a thing of beauty.” But I was thinking. What if we added another extreme pool slide here?” Flim asked as he placed a mini flag on the model. “Mmmm... Sure, as long as the pipes for the musical chocolate fountain go through... here.” Flam agreed as he placed another mini flag onto the table. "But shouldn't it go closer to the pudding hot tub?" Twilight suggested while pointing her hoof to said area. "Fair point, but—" Flim instantly agreed before he suddenly realized who had just spoken too. "What?!" Both Flim and Flam said in shock upon seeing Twilight after shedding her disguise. “I knew your school was a scam!” Twilight stated head-strongly. “Well, well, well, if it isn't the Princess of Jealousy.” Flim greeted with a smug smile as his brother pulls out a camera. “I guess we'll be going to the papers after all. Once we get a picture of you.” “And I suppose I'll just lead your students into this secret room of bits and resort expansion plans!” Twilight retorted in response while standing her ground even when they take a picture of her. “And exactly how do you propose you're going to prove that this is illegal?” Flim scoffed. “Charging for lesson plans and fees are perfectly legal.” Twilight was having none of their attempts to gain the upper hand against her. “It’s illegal when you copy off of my lessons plans which for the record is also deemed as plagiarizing. And to make fabricated photos of me engaging in misconduct with students.” “And like you knowing matters?” Flam laughed it off once more. “What matters is that we have something on you and you don’t since Chancellor Neighsay believes every word we said no matter what you say in defense because we do a much better job of appeasing to his standards than you and that he is willing to look the other way for a handful of bits and buttered up words.” “And how he’ll be more than willing to shut down your school without second thing once he has proof that your school is deemed unfit to be teaching all of the young minds of Equestria.” Flim also smugly added as he further gloated to the princess’s face. “I mean he is seriously one of the most gullible ponies who any pony can trick him into doing their bidding.” “Besides we didn’t steal your lesson plans, someone else was generous enough to give us a copy along with paying the chancellor off and the pictures.” He also further gloated as Twilight raises a suspicious eyebrow in response. “So even if he were to find out about it he can’t charge us for these allegations and crimes.” Even still Twilight remained unfazed. "You can destroy my reputation if you want, but using your students' bits to expand a resort is wrong, even if the lessons you teach are good ones. And if you really want to make your new business legal than give back the bits and stop charging for my lessons. Then you can teach them as much as you like.” She added in a tone as if she is giving them one last chance to back out before it’s too late. “Nah!” The two immediately responded without second thought. “Running a school is more work than we thought. Besides, we almost have everything we need.” Flim also added as they set off to make their leave just one step away from victory. But before they could do so they were both stopped by Rarity who entered the room just when they reached the double doors. "I think not!" The unicorn declared as she stopped them in their tracks. "Plainity?! My star pupil?!" Flam questioned in shock by this revelation. "Not Plainity but Rarity." She revealed herself as she shed off her disguise. "Who…" Flim could only question in response. "We decided to bring somepony else here to listen to everything you just said!" Rarity added as Star Swirl entered the room. “Hey, Star Swirl. We were just about to…” Flim stuttered in shock as he and his brother realize they are the ones who are truly busted. “Return the bits you've collected from your students and close your school?" Star Swirl firmly answered to which Flam gulped nervously in response. “Yeah that.” Flam said in defeat. “Oh and by the way…” Twilight spoke up. “...I took the liberty of recording every word you both had just said which is now on it’s way to the EEA’s office as an anonymous source who happened to be eavesdropping your conversation.” She smirked at the speechless ponies as a scroll with the EEA insignia appeared in front of her. “Oh, look just got word back from the EEA.” She then opened the scroll as they look on with sweat dripping from their brows in frozen fear as their hearts are racing deep down. “Chancellor Neighsay wants to see you both in his office ASAP and he is not happy.” “Uh… oh boy….” Flim nervously gulped realizing how Twilight tricked them again big time before heading on over to confess their crimes and then do as Star Swirl told them too. "And boys..." Twilight again spoke up while gesturing them with an open hoof. Knowing exactly why, the two groaned as they handed her the fake scandalous photos of her and her friends before heading on out to face the music. Upon taking a quick look at the photos with a brief scan of her eyes, she instantly incinerated with a small burst of purple flames before walking out to see too it that every pony is re-compensated. Immediately afterwards once word got out, Friendship University was closed down. Twilight and Starswirl both watch over to ensure Flim and Flam give back the bits to all who payed for all of the lessons as part of the con artists most recent and attempted scam. "It seems I'll never stop learning from your example, Twilight." He told the alicorn with a sigh after seeing once more of the pony proving her value. "It is a valuable lesson to stand up for what you know is true." “Well I’m just glad that I was able to get to them both of this and put an end to it before anything else could help.” She said as she grabbed ahold of all of the alleged photos before burning it with her magic which all turned to ashes. “Thanks for returning our bits.” One of the students thanked them before wondering. “But how are we going to learn about friendship now?” He asked as the other students wonder the same question. “Well, I can refer you to a fairly reputable establishment just outside of Ponyville.” Star Swirl suggested. “I'm quite certain the headmare would consider letting you in.” Twilight nodded yes in response as all of the students cheer in excitement as Rarity walks up to her just as their cutie marks glow to signal that their mission is complete to which they both smile in satisfaction of a job well done. Sometime later, both Twilight and Rarity are back in the former’s office as Twilight reads the most recent postcard from her idol. “Of course, if I ever go to a school again, I'll make sure it's yours. In friendship, Star Swirl." She said as she just finished reading it. “I still don't understand how Flim and Flam could have gotten a copy of your book if it's true they say that an anonymous source supplied them with it along with those scandalous photos. Not that I care to wonder what they did try to falsely accuse us in the act of.” Rarity couldn’t help but wonder as Twilight turned on music to ensure no pony was hearing them speak or eavesdropping on their private conversation. “And how could they have known so much about all of my tricks of stealth and disguise along with who managed to take those photos and pay off the EEA.” Twilight also wondered the same thing as she thought back to the photographer they have been seeing throughout the semester for class photos as she looked very green-eyed and more sinister looking expressions compared to the few bunch of her students that have green eyes but much more lighter and innocent true to heart. “Or how that fire at the Castle of the Two Sisters really happened and where Cozy Glow got the idea to fail that friendship test on purpose.” She further added as she thought and pondered on her suspicions. “Now that I think about I now have a strong feeling that Midnight is somehow behind all of this.” “But how?” Rarity curiously wondered as the alicorn pulled out her orb to show an image of Midnight’s duplicate in prison along with Chrysalis and Tirek's duplicates that the villainous alicorn has left behind. While it's truthfully possible, she can't quite piece together of how and why she would do all of this. “That’s what I need to know because I have a feeling someway somehow she has managed to escape.” Twilight replied as she examines the clones with a suspicious look. “They were no visitors since Midnight’s previous invasion and her prison is cast with a magic spell that only I can cancel out with guards watching over every second. There was no way she could have escaped. Unless…” She then thought as she thought back to the day when Celestia and Luna swapped roles for the day as Midnight herself as watching the scene back from her lair as Grogar returns. “So did you find what you're looking for?” Midnight inquired as she turned to face him after putting away her orb. “Once again, I've found success where our followers find failure.” Grogar replied with a brief smirk. “I have located what I sought, and tomorrow I will set out to retrieve it. When I return, Equestria will finally be ours for the taking.” He said as he walked off as Tirek and Daybreaker both pout in frustration. “Oh, stop pouting.” Chrysalis told them to get over it. “You knew you couldn't stay that buff. You had to return all the life force to those Earth ponies so Grogar doesn't suspect anything.” Nightmare reasoned with him who still has his arms crossed in response as she turned to Daybreaker. “And you knew that you couldn’t give away your appearance so you had to restrain your involvement in the wildfires that nearly took Applejack and Fluttershy's lives or more accurately I had to restrain you whenever you wanted to confront them.” “I don't have to like it.” Tirek simply replied with displeasure with his arms raised up. “Me neither.” Daybreaker grumbled likewise. “Well even though Twilight and her friends have been managing to prevail and escape my death traps along with having to use my magic on all of the guards to erase their memories over what happened that day, I’m fine with it because for starters revenge is best served cold when you draw it out long and painfully as possible, second I always have a backup plan in place to always stay two steps ahead, and third and most importantly I always find victory no matter what happens since this whole setup was to just distract and keep everyone occupied while me, Tirek, and Chrysalis obtain we truly came for.” Midnight calmly replied as she presented the book on Grogar’s bell and the opens the wooden chest to reveal she also took the time to steal the alicorn amulet as she puts it around her neck leaving her eyes to glow red for a brief second as the alicorn relishes in the surge of power she had just granted herself with a viciously matching grin. “And no time to waste. We have to master the Bell before Grogar returns.” Sombra further added as he emerged from his hiding spot after secretly watching to ensure that Grogar has left the lair. “That means we now need to spend this time up to the end of the school year to ready ourselves for my next big plan which will require all of your training and teamwork to come into play.” Midnight then told her followers as they all pay attention to her. “And I can assure everyone of you it will be well worth bidding our time for when that day comes and very well rewarding.” She then sinisterly smiled as she chuckled evilly as her heart briefly glowed for a second as the others also join in on the laughter too.