//------------------------------// // Ch. 16: The Big Night Part 1 // Story: Rekindling the Flames // by CoJoThom98 //------------------------------// The men’s locker room door opens as Soarin, Flash, and the rest of the boys in their PE class walk in. Their breathing is heavy as if they’ve been deprived of oxygen; a normal state after the Five-Mile Friday run. The boys find a seat on one of the benches or the floor. Some go to their lockers, pull out their water bottles, and begin chugging every last drop. One student, a skinny little freshman with a bowl cut, collapses face-first on the floor. Soarin looks over at the freshman and, through his heavy breathing, says, “Could...someone...pick up...Featherweight?” Bulk Biceps, an abnormally muscular senior, walks over to Featherweight, grabs the back of his shirt, and hoists him up onto his feet. There’s a pounding on the door. “Get showered and dressed, boys!” Coach Spitfire shouts at them through the door. “I don’t want your dates to be put off by your stench tonight!” Following a series of murmured curses, the boys follow Spitfire’s command. Soarin and Flash are the first in and out of the showers. They head over to their lockers to dress; as they do, they discuss their plans for the evening. “Are you feeling ready for tonight, Flash?” Soarin asks as he pulls a black t-shirt on. “Not until I’m in my tux, but I can’t think about that right now,” Flash says, putting his shoes on. Soarin pulls out a dark blue button-up and pulls it over his t-shirt, leaving the front open. “Oh come on, it’s going to be the biggest night of our lives. Who knows? You might even get a dance with you-know-who.” Soarin elbows his friend, playfully winking at him. Flash, rummaging through his locker, looks at Soarin and rolls his eyes. “Maybe, but for right now...” Flash pulls out his backpack, and a small notebook falls out of one of the outside pockets, but he doesn’t notice. He holds up the bag by the top handle and says, “I’ve got an independent study to wrap up with Mr. Turner first. He’s going to want to hear about my research, I’ve got to remain focused before I can think about prom tonight.” Soarin chuckles and rolls his eyes. “You are such an egghead, you know that?” he jests. Flash throws his bag on and smirks. “Whatever you say. I’ll see you at my house later tonight,” Flash says as he closes his locker and makes his exit. As Soarin continues to dress, his phone goes off from inside his locker. He pulls it out and looks at the screen to see who’s calling: it’s Applejack. He accepts the call and puts the phone between his shoulder and ear as he puts on his shoes. “Hey Applejack, what’s up?” he answers. “Hey, Soarin,” Applejack responds. “Twilight wanted me to tell you that we’re meetin’ at Sugar Cube Corner to go over the plan for tonight, can you make it?” “Yeah, I can make it, I’m just getting ready to--” “Hey Soarin!” one of the boys calls out, walking over to Soarin. “You talking to your girlfriend?” he asks in a mocking tone. “You asking if you can have some of her pie?” “Ooooh!” said the rest of the group, mockingly suggestive. Soarin, offended by his remarks, stands up and shoves the boy away with his free hand. “Piss off Thunderlane!” he shouts at him. Thunderlane grimaces, prompting a collective intake of breath from his hangers-on, but he shrugs and walks back to the group. Soarin flips the rest of the group off as he turns away. As he walks back to his seat, he notices a notepad on the ground and picks it up. “What was that all about?” Applejack asks. “Nothing,” Soarin groans. “It’s just Thunderlane being childish.” “Well, in case you’re wondering, there will be some of my family’s apple pie at the prom tonight,” Applejack says. “I don’t think that’s what he meant, but I look forward to having some,” Soarin chuckles with a little embarrassment. “About prom tonight, there’s been something I want to ask you?” Soarin casually flips through the pages of the notebook as he contemplates his question. “What is it, Soarin?” Applejack inquires. “I was wondering...um...if you would,” he stumbles through his words. “If you would save me a d--.” He stops in the middle of his question when he flips to a peculiar page. On it is a list of actions, items, and events that have happened the last few days, all that has been committed by him and the seven girls. A dance lesson, Soarin being rushed out by Rainbow Dash, supposedly numerous secret conversations, a mysterious binder titled “Operation: Rekindling the Flames.” Though the owner of the notebook isn’t written anywhere, he recognizes the handwriting as Flash’s. “Soarin, what do you want me to save?” Applejack asks, bringing Soarin back to reality. “Can-can I ask you later?” he requests. “Something has just come up, and I have to take care of it right away.” “Yeah, sure, I’ll see you later at Sugar Cube Corner,” she responds. Soarin hangs up the phone, rushes to dress and gather his things, and dashes out the door. Soarin’s one job during this whole operation was to keep Flash off the girls’ scent. He knows that if Flash was to find out what was happening behind his back, the reaction would be severe. He thought he was doing a good job, but, as it turns out, Flash has been on their scent the whole time and right under Soarin’s nose! It’s not that Flash suspects what’s going on that is bothering Soarin; rather, it’s wondering how he was finding out about these different items on the list. As far as Soarin was aware, the girls were making sure that everything they were doing would be outside of Flash’s knowledge, so how did he find out? There’s only one person who can tell him how, and that’s the man he intends to confront. Flash knocks on the open door of Mr. Turner, alerting him to his presence. Mr. Turner looks up from a stack of papers to see Flash. “Ah, Mister Sentry,” The history teacher greets Flash. “I presume you’re here to deliver the results of your independent assignment?” “Yes sir,” Flash says as he pulls out a stapled set of papers and walks over and hands it to the teacher. Mr. Turner slowly flips through every page, scanning over the structure and content of the report. He becomes more impressed as he flips through. When he scans through the last page, he sets the report on his desk and looks at Flash. “I must say, lad, this is some fine work,” Mr. Turner compliments him. “I especially liked your inclusion of appropriate pictures, a visual reference can always be helpful.” “Thank you, sir,” Flash says with a proud smile. “Now normally, I would interview the student about their research,” Mr. Turner explains as he stands up. “But, seeing as how prom is tonight, why don’t we postpone to Monday afternoon? I’m sure you’re more than eager to get ready for tonight.” “More than you know,” Flash chuckles. “Expecting a dance or two with a certain young lady?” Mr. Turner suspects, causing Flash to blush since he knows who he’s referring to. “Ahhh, I thought so. It certainly is pleasant to see you and Miss Shimmer smooth things out.” “Things aren’t entirely smoothed out yet,” Flash says. “But that might all change tonight.” “Well, I won’t inquire any further,” Mr. Turner responds. “And I won’t keep you here any longer. Go on home and have a safe, fun evening.” Flash thanks him and heads out of the classroom. When he walks out into the hall, he’s surprised to see Soarin waiting for him. “Soarin, I thought you were heading home?” “I was,” Soarin answers, he holds Flash’s notebook. “But then I stumbled across this in the locker room.” Flash can feel his heart beating faster, he knows he’s screwed if Soarin found the list inside. Though, it doesn’t appear that Soarin suspects him, so he plays innocent. “Oh, my notebook, thanks for bringing it back to me.” Flash reaches for it but Soarin pulls it away. Flash retracts his hand, knowing there’s only one reason why Soarin is resistant to give the notebook to him. Soarin looks at his friend with disappointment. “I’ve already seen the list, would you care to explain what you’ve been doing?” Soarin tosses the notebook to him and crosses his arms. Flash catches the book expertly and looks at it, knowing he’s backed into a corner here. “I guess there’s no point in avoiding this,” he sighs. He puts the book into his back pocket and looks at Soarin. “I’ve been, for lack of a better term, spying on you guys for the last few days. My sister and her friends have been helping me, reporting anything they can find.” Soarin rubs his forehead in frustration, pacing back and forth. “I can’t believe you would do something like this!” Soarin exclaims, followed by various disappointed mumbles. Flash doesn’t say anything, he just watches his friend gear up for a tirade. Soarin stops his pace and points at Flash. “Why were you spying on us? You were more than pissed off when you found out they were watching you last Friday night, yet you’re pulling the same crap on them! I can’t believe you would do something like this!” Flash’s composure doesn’t change, he appears calm and doesn’t show a tinge of guilt. “Is it a mystery why I would go this far?” Flash asks. “Both you and Twilight were acting incredibly cagy and suspicious when I saw something or brought up a certain topic, and Sunset pours her heart out, all of this on the same day and only a few days after the incident. They had already meddled once, and I wanted to find out what you were up to this time. I’ve already tried confronting you and it didn’t work, so I had to resort to spying with my sister and her friends.” Soarin pinches the bridge of his nose. “Oh my God, this feels like Anon-A-Miss all over again,” he mutters. “You would’ve done the same in my place, Soarin,” Flash says. “If the end is to stop a potential repeat of last Friday, it doesn’t matter what means I use to get there.” Flash walks past his friend, feeling he has justified his actions. Soarin darts in front of Flash, stopping him in his tracks. “You’re wrong,” he says. “I get why you’re concerned, you’ve been burned once and you don’t want to be burned again, I get it. But spying on the girls, on me, on Sunset, none of that is right. If you confront them with that list, they are going to want to know how you found out, and I can already tell you that they are not going to like the answer. You want to prevent another repeat of last week, that’s understandable. But that list, and the means at which you constructed it, will only cause more damage than what you think it will prevent.” “You think you and the girls have the moral high ground here?” Flash asks, crossing his arms. Soarin sighs. “Harsh,” he says, “Look, I’m only asking you to extend some trust,” Soarin requests. “If not on the girls, then on Sunset and me. If you truly believe what you say about her, and if we truly are friends, then you will end this escapade. Sunset is more than capable of reeling in her friends if they are pushing the envelope too much. And I know what they are planning is for your benefit. Do what you want with the list, just… think about who is standing to get hurt, ok?” Soarin pats Flash on the shoulder companionably, then heads on towards the exit. Flash doesn’t look at his friend, he just stands there mulling over Soarin’s words in his head. He pulls out the notebook and flips to the list. He’s been so deep in trying to figure out what the girls were up to he never took a moment to contemplate what the consequences would be. He had assumed that he would put an end to whatever scheme they were planning, but hadn’t thought past that. Yes, they had crossed a few lines themselves, but didn’t being on the other end means he should know better? Worse, Sunset hadn’t been involved before. Would she think he was against her? How would she even react to something like this? He knows she’s no longer the bully she used to be, and he assumed whatever was behind this list was another well-meaning but poorly thought-out plan. But was that just another way of saying he doesn’t trust her? Would she think that he expects her to use him again? It flies in the face of everything he believes her to be. Flash sighs. “Alright girls,” he quietly mutters as he rips out the list. “I’ll trust you on this.” He crumples up the paper in his hand and tosses it into the trash. Over at Sugar Cube Corner, the girls walk inside and sit at their usual spot in the store. Mrs. Cake comes over to greet them. “Good afternoon girls,” she welcomes them in her usual cheery tone. “Are you all excited for tonight?” “More than any word can describe!” Pinkie Pie exclaims. “Then what are you doing here?” Mrs. Cake asks. “You should be getting ready for your big night.” “We’re just going to go over our plans for tonight before we get ready,” Twilight explains, patting the binder she’s holding. The girls give Mrs. Cake their orders and begin reviewing. “Alright, before we go through the steps, let’s make sure everything is in place. Pinkie Pie, did you give Vinyl Scratch a good song for the couples dance?” “Yessiree!” Pinkie answers. “I made sure to pick something super romantic!” She leans over to Sunset, who’s sitting next to her, and gives her a nudge with her elbow. “You two won’t be the only couple falling in love tonight,” she whispers, her eyes motioning towards Applejack. Sunset muffles a giggle. “Fluttershy, Rarity, have the seating arrangements been properly made?” Twilight asks, moving on to the next topic. “Most certainly,” Rarity answers. “Sunset and Flash are seated across from each other, just as you asked,” Fluttershy says. “Good,” Twilight replies. “Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer, how have dancing lessons gone?” “Well after more than a few stepped toes,” Rainbow says, causing Sunset to blush and rub her neck in embarrassment. “She’s got a good grasp of the basics. Throw in a little improvisation and she’s good for tonight.” “Alright, Applejack, any word from Soarin?” Twilight inquires. “Does Flash suspect anything?” “Well I asked him to meet us here and he said he would, but he hasn’t shown up,” Applejack says. “Though, before he hung up, he did sound a bit urgent about something?” “Urgent? About what?” Twilight asks. Before Applejack can answer, Soarin enters the shop and walks over to the girls. “Hey, sorry I’m late, I had to take care of something,” he apologizes. He doesn’t take a seat, figuring he won’t be here for very long. “Was everything alright Soarin?” Applejack asks. “You sounded concerned about something over the phone.” “Oh it was nothing,” he answers, trying to avoid giving them the real answer. “I took care of it.” “Well since you’re here, why don’t you go ahead and tell us about Flash?” Twilight says. “Does he suspect anything about tonight?” Soarin looks at all seven of the girls, all eyes are on him. He could tell them what he knows, tell them about the list. But the same thing he told Flash held for himself. Tonight is the big night and it wouldn’t be right to spoil their plans with the knowledge of Flash’s espionage. Maybe this was one of those times when a white lie was better. Soarin shakes his head and says, “No, he doesn’t suspect a thing. You’re all clear to move ahead with the operation.” “Excellent!” Twilight places the binder on the table and opens it up to the plan for tonight. “Let’s get this review done quickly, so we can begin getting ready. Now, for most of the evening, it’s going to be pretty chill but that does not mean we can slack off. Sunset, you need to keep Flash invested in you. Shouldn’t be too hard for you, but if you need prompts, tuck your hair behind both of your ears as a signal for one of us to help you.” “What like this?” Sunset tucks her hair behind her ears but does it exaggeratedly, acting like a valley girl with a wide smile and high pitched giggle, causing Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack to chuckle. “Well, I can never unsee that,” Soarin jokes. “But I wouldn’t be quite that ridiculous. Valley girls annoy the heck out of him.” Twilight rolls her eyes. “I know it’s a ridiculous signal but it’s subtle enough he won’t think much of it while still being obvious enough for us to see it. Moving on, the crucial part is going to be the couples dance near the end of the night. By then, he should be more than willing to dance with you and you give a full confession this time. After tonight, you two will officially be a couple!” She added under her breath, “To within a 90% certainty.” “It’s all led up to this moment, darling,” Rarity encourages Sunset. “It certainly has, hasn’t it?” says Sunset. She leans forward, looking at the binder, feeling some uncertainty creep in. “Feeling nervous?” Fluttershy asks Sunset nods in response. “Don’t feel shame if you are, sugar cube,” Applejack says. “Think of it this way, our chances of success are much higher than our chances of failure.” “And we’ll be with you the entire time!” Rainbow reassures. Sunset sits up in her chair and looks at her friends with reinvigorated confidence and says, “Alright, let’s do this.”