"Now that concludes today’s announcements,” Cinch’s stoic announced through the intercom as the bell rang, concluding the end of the day. She smiled briefly at Dusk Shine’s earlier message. “Will the Selected kindly come to my office, please?” Cinch requested. Dusk Shine titled his head at Sunny Flare as he grabbed his bag. Sunny Flare gestured for Sugar Coat and Sour Sweet to hurry up and follow them. Trenderhoof, Neon Lights, and Suri Polomare stood up as well and aren’t far behind. Their classmates muttered at them. Seven members of their class were selected for the Friendship Games.
“You guys ready to go?” Dusk Shine quizzed his team. They nodded before he led them out the door.
More of their colleagues spoke under their breath, observing them stroll past the hallway. Dusk Shine waved for Lemon Zest and Indigo Zap to join their posse with excited grins on their faces. Upper Crust and Jet Set soon followed hand-in-hand. Woah, way to show off your relationship, you snobs. They look happy together, at least. That’s beside the point. We have more important things to worry about. For instance, Royal Pin closes his locker, strutting to the front of the group with a swagger forcing Dusk Shine to slow down and step to the side. Seriously bro?
“Move to the back, B-team,” Night Blaze grumbled. Finally, he chose a new name for himself. Honestly, Dark Shine, really. What a stupid name without any form or imagination. It’s like he was supposed to be the edgy version of his host in most kids’ cartoons. Shadow Shine would’ve sounded so much better. However, the poll settled for Night Blaze. Sour Sweet snarled at Royal Pin before glancing at Sugarcoat and Sunny Flare. They smiled. Indigo Zap and Lemon wanted in too. Sour Sweet yanked the tail of his coat. He yelped at the sudden restriction when Sugarcoat and Sunny Flare ‘accidentally’ bumped into him, knocking the blue-skinned male in the back. Wait, what type of blue is he? Let me check. Oh, he’s a grayish-azure. Zap and Zest further assisted in pushing him back. Royal Pin opened his mouth to protest when Trenderhoof grabbed his shoulder.
The blonde rapidly shook his head. “Don’t do it, dude,” He cautioned, pointing to the front of the pack. Royal Pin wondered about the warning before glancing in the direction. Sour Sweet issued him a nasty glare as they continued to walk down the hall. Dusk Shine is unaware of this. Sweat formed on Royal’s forehead as her glare held. He gulped. Maybe, staying in the back is the preferable option. More of their schoolmates exited their classes, mingling around their lockers as they mumbled. Some grumbled and frowned at the newly dubbed ‘Shadowbolts’, hoping they would be selected.
On the other hand, few of the members were obvious choices. Dusk Shine, the top student, leading from the front with Sunny Flare and Sugarcoat, flanked his sides as if they were his bodyguards. He doesn’t need the protection. Fleur de Lis rolled her eyes with a scoff, checking her nails while Suri Polomare waved at the crowd. Dean Cadance joined their walk from an adjacent hallway, now wearing flats. Dusk Shine glanced at her new shoes with a faint smirk.
“Not a word, Dusk Shine,” Cadance grumbled to his sheer enjoyment. He chuckled at her annoyed glare. Oh, this is better than saying ‘I told you so’. His teammates gazed in utter confusion at his smile and chuckle. What the hell is with Dusk Shine today? Yeah, they saw him laugh and smile in the lunchroom earlier today. However, that was a mocking cackle at Fleur de Lis, and the smile was on the Dean’s orders. This was genuine. Yet, was it bizarre? He’s talking to his old babysitter. She’s the only person in the entire school that made Dusk Shine laugh or smile. You know, allowing him to be a human. Sour Sweet frowned, gritting her teeth at how easy it was for Cadance. Lemon Zest padded her shoulder in support, offering a slight smile. It did little to raise her spirits but was highly appreciated. Someone’s phone buzzed. The Shadowbolts exchanged glances. It wasn’t any of them. BZZZZZZTTTTTTTT! Again? Cadance and Dusk Shine checked their pockets. They narrowed their eyes at the message. It’s from Shining Armor, frantically sending messages. The top student raised a clenched fist signaling a stop. What’s going on? Cadance cupped her ear, detecting several faint fangirls squealing before pointing to the left.
“Again?” Dusk Shine signed with an annoyed expression.
“Again…” Dean Cadance admitted in exhaustion. He groaned, dragging his palm on his face. “I told him a few more minutes,” Who’s him? His team wondered, only offering shrugs.
“Where is he?” Dusk Shine remarked when Cadance checked the texts. A squad of giggling girls sprinted past them as they went down a flight of stairs. “I know where he is. There’s another route,” He replied, heading right. His babysitter didn’t excuse it as she followed. The rest followed the pair as it could be interesting.
Dusk Shine leaned over a guardrail, observing the bottom floor’s event. A crowd of female Crystal Prep students hoarded around Shining Armor, attempting to give him their numbers. Despite the fact, he’s married with a kid and much older than them.
“Aw shit, here we go again,” Night Blaze muttered to himself. Shining knew what would happen but nooooooooo.
“Is your brother here?” Sunny Flare asked as he nodded in agreement. More of them peaked over the railing.
“Is that Ms. Pearl Wings?” Upper Crust pointed out one of their teachers. They could barely make out her short white hair amidst the rainbow of students. Finally, she has a line after three chapters.
“Isn’t she married or seeing someone right now?” Suri Polomare quired. Cadance shrugged as it was somewhat ambiguous. Shining Armor slowly tried to escape the horde with his hands up.
“I better stop this,” Dusk Shine commented, watching his brother get cornered. He cracked his knuckles preparing for his assignment.
“Do you need help with this, dude?” Lemon Zest offered to him. “That’s a bit of crowd,”
Dusk Shine shook his head while rotating his shoulder. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks. I’ve been doing this for years,” He informed. For years? They glanced at Cadance, who nodded to confirm his statement. “Give me like five minutes,” Dusk Shine calculated the situation. He has to get close to his brother, disperse the crowd and make it back to Cinch’s office.
“Dusk Shine,” Cadance advised her favorite student before he started. “No violence,” She warned in a stern tone. Dusk Shine titled his head back grumbled an annoyed groan.
“I’m not going to do anything,” He defended himself with outstretched arms. Sheesh, no trust. His schoolmates had bewildered looks on their faces as they observed the conversation.
“Dusk Shine, I’ve known you for over ten years,” She narrowed her eyes at him, crossing her arms. “I’ve seen what you can do. Remember the last time,” Cadance emphasized to the disinterested Dusk Shine. Confused looks and shrugs marked the remaining Shadowbolts. He’s done this before?
“I apologized,” Dusk Shine clarified, but it did nothing to ease her glare. “In my humble defense, those girls were a bunch of creeps,” He placed his mulberry hand on his chest before an idea popped into his brain. “Look, here’s my bag,” Dusk Shine took it off and passed it to Cadance. “Happy,” He assumed, putting his hands in his pockets.
“Thank you,” Dean Cadance smiled with closed eyes at his cooperation. She opened them before her heart sank at the tiny purple capsule between his fingers. “Dusk Shine, no,” She ordered.
“Dusk Shine, yes,” Dusk Shine repeated with a blank expression before slamming it into the ground. Cadance coughed at the thick violet smoke cloud. She fluttered her hand to clear the air. Eventually, the cloud cleared, revealing a confused Shining Armor. How did he get here? One moment, a crowd of women surrounded him, but not anymore. Shining Armor stared at his wife.
“Dusk Shine?” The older brother of the top student predicted.
“Dusk Shine,” Cadance confirmed. Of course, it was. Shining Armor shook his head while the couple held hands.
“What’s going on?!” One of them exclaimed while the rest murmured in agreement. “Where did Dusk Shine go?” Sour Sweet acknowledged the missing nerd. How did he instantly swap places with his brother?
“He’s downstairs,” Indigo Zap pointed to their target, speaking to the crowd.
“Hope you ladies know that if for whatever reason my brother considers your offer, you forget one simple detail,” Dusk Shine lectured the crowd, lifting his finger when his eyes flashed menacing cobalt with a cruel smirk. “You’ll be my sister-in-law and have a three-year-old child to deal with,” He mentioned to the sweating crowd. “Also, you have to explain yourself to your significant others why you’re going for a married man,” Dusk Shine tauntingly wiggled his phone with the send button on display. “I caught you girls in 4K,”
“You won’t dare,” A voice in the crowd threatened. Dusk Shine blankly stared at them before pressing send. A chorus of ringing and buzzing erupted for their pockets. Many ran off to take the calls attempting to justify their actions. Now that leaves the seniors. They’re almost out of here. Lucky. This group requires a bit more persuasion.
“I believe I have something that’ll interest you ladies,” Dusk Shine haggled them as the overhead lights shined on his glasses, blocking his eyes from view. The groups scoffed while giving him dismissive smirks. What can he possibly offer them? Their phones vibrated at the notification. Dusk Shine’s phone is sending you something. They accepted the request and gasped. “Yep, a massive sale is occurring right now at several stores where you can get a complete outfit plus accessories if you bought some of the listed items from these selected stores,” He explained to them before checking his watch. It had dresses, shoes, earrings, skirts and more. “And you have a few hours left until closing, and those items are going fast,” That’s all they needed to start running as the bus should be on its way. Mama needs a new pair of heels.
“There you go, nerd!” Night Blaze cackled at his host. Law 33: Discover a man’s thumbscrew. Everyone has a weakness that can be exploited. It’s one of the many things Cinch taught him over the years. A valuable lesson. Dusk Shine desired to spit that vile consideration that Principal Cinch helped him. He couldn’t deny the fact. That lesson did help him. Dusk growled as she made him stronger. What was his weakness? People took advantage of his generosity and kindness, leaving him with heartbreak, tears, and torment while they reap the benefits. Not anymore. His wonderful classmates are nothing more than a path or resource to meet his goals.
“Fucking Tartarus,” Dusk Shine fumed in a low voice before slamming another capsule on the ground. Dusk Shine reappeared in a puff of violet smoke startling his classmates. “See no violence,” He recounted Cadance’s earlier statement. “That’ll be twenty bucks,” Dusk Shine stuck his hand out for payment. “You know the rules,” He remarked as he pushed up his glasses.
“Fine,” Shining Armor rolled his eyes, handing his younger brother a crisp twenty-dollar bill.
“Thank you,” Dusk Shine replied in a rightfully smug tone, placing it in his wallet. “All right, let’s head out,” He grabbed his backpack.
“Um, quick question, what was that?” Indigo Zap shouted the group’s mind. They have so many questions. They learned more about Dusk Shine over the last few hours despite knowing him for like three years. “You’ve done this before?” The family gazed at each other
“Yep,” The husband and wife confirmed. “Hey, Shiny, what number is this?” Dusk Shine wrote in a notebook, recalling the previous events.
“This is number sixty-five,” He reported showing him the dates throughout the years.
“That many?” Shining Armor questioned the amount. He read the detailed notes. “Well damn,” The captain placed his hands on his waist.
“You’re welcome, Boy scout,” Dusk Shine grumbled. They have been doing it for years now. His brother being married helped stop it, albeit not by a lot. “And it’s because you don’t listen and don’t tell them to piss off,” He growled. Come on, bro, you are married.
“Fair enough,” Shining Armor shrugged after a few seconds. Dusk Shine turned up his nose like a true Canterite. Again, I still don’t know if that’s the proper term, but this is my story to do whatever I want. Within reason, of course. Also, if you guys vote for it.
“And what’s with the ‘no violence’ thing?” Neon Lights air quoted Cadance’s previous order. “Were you really going to fight a bunch of girls?” They stared at the straight-faced Dusk Shine. Like, would he really do it? Then again, they don’t really know him at all.
“Him?!” Royal Pin mocked with a scoff pointing his thumb at Dusk Shine. They rolled their eyes at him. He always had a vendetta against the mulberry scholar ever since Dusk Shine became the top student.
Shining Armor cleared his throat. “As the person who knows Dusk Shine the best,” He started by wrapping his arm around his younger brother. “He totally would,” The police captain confirmed.
“I second that notion,” Cadance nodded in agreement. It’s rare, but it happened.
“Wait what,” Royal Pin interjected at the comments before glaring at him once more. “No, he won’t it,”
“Yes, I would,”
“Well, you’re lying,” Royal Pin countered in an accusing voice. They groaned at his hostility.
“Why would I lie?” Dusk Shine arched his brow, replying in a steady tone. “Equestria has been an egalitarian society for centuries especially after the brutal winter storms that united the tribes,” He recalled the history lessons. “Besides a few biology differences, a female can do what a male can do, granted if they both have the skills and qualities. Everything else is individuality,” Dusk Shine pushed up his glasses before continuing. “Henceforth, I consider Sunny Flare and Sugarcoat to be worthy rivals. Both are incredible in their own way,” Their eyes expanded to saucers at his statement as the pair blushed at his praise. Incredible? “Science and math is my specialty. However, when it comes to English, history, and art. I go to them for assistance. I’m simply smarter by a slim margin but I’m not better than them,” Dusk Shine concluded before looking at the teasing smirks of his brother and babysitter. “Shut up,” He pointed a judgmental finger at them.
“We don’t know what you’re about,” Shining Armor teased while Dusk Shine blankly glared at them.
“Bro, I was born at night, not last night,” Dusk Shine argued with his smiling sibling before narrowing his amethyst eyes at beaming Cadance. “Don’t even think about it, Cadance,” He accused his sister-in-law.
“What? I’m not doing anything,” She maintained her grin while holding a small pink book and pen in her hand. He knew what that book was. It’s where she puts all of her calculations for romantic compatibility. Dusk Shine exhaled deeply while pinching the bridge of his nose. He doesn’t get paid enough for this. Wait, he doesn’t get paid at all! They continued to watch the exchange in shocked wonder as they didn’t know what to make of it. This is how Dusk Shine acts around his family? It’s strange seeing Dusk Shine act well like a person. His voice has no passion or drive if Dusk Shine even speaks to them. All of their interactions with him were professional business transactions. Now that they think about it. Did they even treat him like a human?
“Okay, enough of Royal Pin’s hate boner,” Indigo Zap joked as she diverted the conversation. “So, nerd, do you have a set of devices to save your bro or do you just beat them off with a stick?” She grinned as Royal Pin crossed his arms with a snarl. The brothers gave each other a quick look.
“Both. Both are good.” The brothers admitted with a nod. “Didn’t you hit that group of girls with a smoke bomb?” Shining Armor asked.
“Ah, good times,” Dusk Shine sighed with a smile. They remember that afternoon when a group of Crystal Prep girls attempted to enter their house despite dating Cadance at the time. Dusk Shine politely asked them to leave, but they won’t listen to little know-it-all. He tossed a container at them, which one of them caught. The young Dusk Shine closed the door as they inspected the device. Unaware that it was motion-sensitive. They yelped when it exploded in a burst of thick rainbow smoke ruining their hair, clothes, and make-up. “I made sure that it stinks and stains with a bit of hydrophobia. They reeked of curry and grease for a week,” Suri Pololmare placed a hand on her chest with a horrified expression. Curry, grease, and you can’t remove it with water?! “However, a solid punch in the jaw can be just as effective,” Hey, what the fuck did he just say?
“Dusk Shine…” Cadance signed.
“You know how to throw a punch?” Lemon Zest asked. Man, they’re learning more about Dusk Shine in the last few hours than they didn’t know for the last couple of years.
“Yeah, how did you think I became less clumsy over the years?” Dusk Shine shrugged, placing his hand at his sides.
“What did your mommy teach you or something,” Royal Pin mocked. The women shot nasty glares at him. Trenderhoof, Jet Set, and Neon Lights stepped back. Hey, we’re not a part of this.
“Yes. Yes, she did,” Dusk Shine replied, narrowing his eyes at the haughty male. Royal Pin’s eyes widened at the intense glare, wanting to step back. The pressure weighed on his shoulders. What the Tartarus is? Is he…is he being intimidated by DUSK SHINE OF ALL PEOPLE?! The wimpy loser with no friends while he’s on top of the CPA’s social food chain. Faust, what will his father think about this? No, must remain strong and firm. Imagine how your reputation will be tarnished if you let someone like Dusk Shine can make you buckle and yield. He’ll be a mockery. “That’s because my mother actually likes spending time with me while yours needs two bottles of champagne just to tolerant even looking at you,” Dusk Shine sneered with a corrosive distaste for him. Their jaws dropped, with some covering their mouths at the low blow.
“Dusk Shine, relax, my dude,” Trenderhoof fretted. Dusk Shine merely rolled his eyes. Royal Pin’s nose flared with his teeth straining under pressure. HOW DARE HE?! Magma rushed through with his veins as he clenched his fist. Dusk Shine said he could throw a punch. Let’s see if he can take one. Royal Pin attempted to step forward when Sour Sweet blocked his path with Lemon Zest at her side. Sunny Flare, Sugarcoat, and Indigo Zap, who cracked her knuckles, shot him dirty looks. They dared the hoity-pionty punk to touch him. Shining Armor and Cadance glared at him too.
“Well shit, you got your own mini-boss squad,” Night Blaze commented into Dusk Shine’s ear. “Not like you need it. I know you can take that little bitch on. All you know is the proper … incentive,” He persuaded. Royal Pin glanced at his friends, demanding for them to help him. They shook their heads. What are they going to do against the six of the top ten students while Dean and the Police force captain are right there in front of them?
“Fuck,” Royal Pin muttered to himself as he swallowed his frustration. That’s what they thought as they refocused on Dusk Shine.
“What styles do you use?” Indigo Zap asked. Probably something simple like boxing or karate.
“Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu with a bit of Taekwondo,” Dusk Shine answered. He knows other styles, but they don’t need to know that.
“Dude, seriously?” Indigo Zap asked as he answered with a nod. Those styles are pretty good. How long has he been practicing? She got an idea and grinned. “Let’s test your reflexes,” She grunted with a thrown punch. Dusk Shine grabbed her wrist, stopping her attack. “Pretty good,” Indigo Zap smirked, only to frown as she struggled to escape his grasp. They watched Dusk Shine tighten his hold, forcing her hand to open all with a blank expression.
“My turn,” Dusk Shine replied with a bloodthirsty smile and wild cobalt eyes. Her eyes widened with a racing heart that the approaching fist. Zap stepped back only for Dusk Shine to pull her back, closing the distance. She shut her eyes while they gasped at the impending strike. Two light taps on her right cheek. “Two for flinching,” He said plainly while releasing her wrist.
“Bro, don’t scare me like that,” Indigo Zap chuckled in relief.
“I can’t harm you because we need you for the Friendship Game,” Dusk Shine explained. “Plus, you’re a cool girl,” He continued. She held a surprised squeak with a scarlet face. The guys gave him their seal of approval except for Royal Pin, who crossed his arms. “However, I was raised to never make promises that I don’t intend to keep,” Dusk Shine remarked cryptically. They blinked in confusion. He rammed his fist into Indigo Zap’s toned stomach, twisting as he went deeper. Not in that way. Her gamboge eyes widened with alarm at the impact. It forced the air out of her lungs. She groaned with one eye open, holding her stomach, shaking with each step back.
“Damn, you got me while my guard was down. A bit of a cheap shot,” Indigo Zap replied, grumbling at the last part.
“I meant what I said,” Dusk Shine countered, causing her eyes to expand. That was true. “But you still let your guard down. Are you okay?” He asked in concern as his eyes softened at her condition.
“Yeah, I’m okay, just give me a sec, and I’ll head up with you guys,” Indigo Zap responded before shooting Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest a glance. The group left the trio behind while Shining Armor chatted with him.
“Come on, Shiny, you should’ve held back a bit,” The older brother scolded.
“I did,” Dusk Shine confirmed when they were out of view strolling back through the corridor.
Indigo Zap collapsed to her knees with a pained groan. Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest rushed to her aid. “Holy fucking shit, that hurt,” She croaked. What the fuck was that? It wasn’t supposed to hurt this much. Either Dusk Shine is much stronger than he looked, or she overestimated herself.
“Yo, Zap, are you okay?” Lemon Zest fretted as they helped her up. Sour Sweet glared at her for that comment.
“Geez, I don’t know. A punch in the gut that lifted her off of her feet sounds pretty good,” The mood-swapping archer deadpanned in a sugar tone. “Did all of those songs ruin your brain too?”
“Geez, just asking,” Lemon Zest argued. They resumed their journey once Zap caught her breath. Indigo Zap gingerly rubbed her stomach. “Remember to never get Dusk Shine mad if that was holding back,”
“Didn’t you know about this?” Indigo Zap asked Sour Sweet, who flinched at the question. She shook her head. “Really? You have the most history with him besides maybe Moondancer. Did something happen between you two?” The athlete probed when Lemon Zest punched her shoulder. “Hey!” She snarled at the action. Is everything going to use her as a punching bag tonight?
“We just…” Sour Sweet started before hesitating for a moment with a frown. “We grew apart, that’s all,” She gave them her rehearsed answer. There’s more to the story, but they’ll leave it at that. They have a game to win.
They arrived in her office with stoic expressions. Cadance and Shining Armor stood at the back near the door. Usually, Cinch detests tardiness, given Shining Armor’s effect on the female student body. She’ll allow the detour for today. Her fuchsia eyes scanned the group in front of her desk. The A-team consists of Dusk Shine, Sunny Flare, Sugarcoat, Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, and Lemon Zest. These are the forerunners that’ll lead Crystal Prep Academy to another triumphant victory. The B-team consists of Suri Polomare, Upper Crust, Jet Set, Trenderhoof, Neon Lights, and Royal Pin. These were … how would she put this? Suri Polomare and Upper Crust were required for the competition’s baking portion, therefore specialists. The others were competent, or benchwarmers as some people would label them. They weren’t necessary in the grand scheme of things. Royal Pin’s placement on the team was a simple favor. He should still fulfill his role.
Cinch arose from her lavish chair with her arms clasped behind her back. “Congratulations to you all,” She praised her students. “You all have been selected to represent Crystal Prep’s best and brightest in the upcoming Friendship Games,” Sunny Flare and Dusk Shine glanced at each other. What does she have a script for this or something?
“Thank you for the glorious honor, Principal Cinch,” Royal Pin praised much to the chagrin of his schoolmates. They rolled their eyes at this pathetic sycophantic behavior from someone who claims to be an elite.
“Mhm, yes,” Cinch muttered with a blank expression utterly disinterested in his praise. She loves and hates bootlickers. They’re useful tools allowing someone to achieve their goals. Oh, how yes-men sacrifice everything; their name, wealth, status, family, self-respect, even their life. All for the approval of someone that won’t give them a second glance.
Furthermore, Cinch finds them boring. No drive, passion, or desire for higher aspirations. She can never comprehend why a person would be content with being a glorified servant. Not even a part of the inner circle. Just another face in the crowd. That’s precisely why Cinch adores Dusk Shine. He wants her as an authority figure or master to a student. She had a few slips-up during her time as principal with students like Dusk Shine. However, he took her lessons like a fish to water ever since she found him sobbing alone in the library a few years ago. This behavior was unbecoming from the top student of Crystal Prep Academy. Cinch offered him her hand, and he took it. She won’t call him perfect, but it’s a significant improvement. His amethyst eyes were calculated, fierce, and pragmatic. A few more years, then he’ll be ripe for the taking. “However, I can’t take all of the credit,” Cinch grinned as she placed a hand on Dusk Shine’s shoulder.
“Dusk Shine helped convince me in finalizing the team,” They stared at the blank-faced male. He helped make the team?
“HIM?!” Royal Pin complained with a foul grimace pointing an accusatory finger at the top student. Dude, what is your problem?
“Is that a problem, Royal Pin?” Principal Cinch asked the frustrated young man.
“Obviously!” Royal Pin exclaimed. It’s bad enough to be on the same team as Dust Mite, but he chose the final team for the Friendship Games.
“Well then if,” Principal Cinch started to step towards when Dusk Shine used his hand to block her path. She raised her brow at this action. A simple look in his eyes was all that she needed from him. Cinch grinned, taking a step back, enabling Dusk Shine to handle this. He strolled towards the frowning Royal Pin with a hand in his pants pocket. The two stood before each other while Royal Pin glared at Dusk Shine’s bored eyes. The top student snatched the Shadowbolt from Royal Pin’s collar before he could blink.
“What the…?” The bluenette muttered, padding the empty spot with an alarm expression. How is he so fast?
Dusk Shine turned his back at him with a clenched fist. “If that’s such a problem. There’s the door,” He pointed to the exit behind them. “We don’t need weaklings controlled by their petty emotions or imagined grudges on our team,” Dusk Shine demanded with a cold and ruthless voice. Cadance and Shining Armor gazed upon in worry. This isn’t like him. “I do hope that you can explain to your father why you forfeit your position of participating in the Friendship Games,” Dusk Shine continued as the color drained from Royal Pin’s face as his pupils rumbled in his aghast eyes. His father participated in the Friendship Games and won along with their grandfather. It’s a rite of passage for them. To reject this offer, they’ll cast him out. A pariah in his own family. What did the ancient noble families call them? Blank Flanks? “You guys can go with him if you want,” He coldly dismissed the other half of the team before pointing at Suri Polomare and Uppercrust. “Not you two. You stay,” He ordered. Suri’s heart pumped with pride. She gets to stay. The other males exchanged anxious glances and stepped forward, leaving Royal Pin behind. They can’t let this opportunity slip through their fingers.
“Huh, your own allies have abandoned you,” Night Blaze mocked the speechless Royal Pin. Oh, that disheartened and frustrated look is fantastic. Sucks, doesn’t it? To be rejected by your peers, leaving you as an outcast.
“Principal Cinch, shall we check the reserve list for his replacement?” Dusk Shine suggested. There’s a reserve list? Pride and excitement marched Cinch’s succulent lips upwards. He’s maturing. Sunny Flare frowned at the look, unable to recall when or if she looked at her in such a way.
“Certainly,” She prolonged her smirk. “Who do you have in mind?” The principal requested as he played around with the Shadowbolt pin.
“I was thinking of either Coco Pummel or Moondancer,” Dusk Shine announced after a brief pause. “Both are established well-rounders. A high degree of competence along with being much easier to work with, in my opinion,” He explained, causing Cinch to rub her chin. She can’t find a fault in his assessment. Both girls can make the academic portion of the competition a breeze, especially Coco Pummel in the baking event. Same with Moondancer with her infatuation towards Dusk Shine. She’ll be eager to be by his side again.
“Hm, that sounds a bit better,” Cinch revealed as she played his game. “I’ll message them as soon as possible,” She went to her desk with a nod. Royal Pin’s amber eyes rumbled and bounced as they continued to talk. He’s still here in the room! Why are they ignoring him like some pauper?!
Dusk Shine glanced at him in annoyed confusion. “Why are you still here?” He muttered with a shoo gesture like he was a typical hound. “You made your choice, and so did we. So you can sit on the sidelines and pout while we climb to the top,” Dusk Shine boasted. Royal Pin’s elitist paused at the image.
He’s sitting or standing in the crowd applauding the Shadowbolts instead of being with them on the stage. His father’s disapproving eyes pierced the back of his head. Fast forward to graduation and after Crystal Prep. Dusk Shine took a paid internship at his father’s company making leaps and bounds in achievements.
Soon, a permanent position with raises and promotions. The experience left Dusk Shine mature and informed, where he formed his own company later on. Leaving Royal Pin overlooked and irrelevant in the background. It gets worse. The top student’s prestige grows each year with programs, awards, and scholarships dedicated in his name. He, on the other hand, is just there. Royal Pin may take glee in that his wife is more beautiful than Dusk Shine’s, but it’s all for naught. Dusk’s spouse is so much better in every other way. His mind shuffled between Sunny Flare, Sugarcoat, and other Crystal Prep girls. It can also be someone totally random. Pride won’t allow him to sit still and do nothing. He took a gamble while making a business deal. It failed, jeopardizing the business. However, when it rains, it pours. The deal didn’t simply endanger the company. It cannibalized it, forcing them to liquidate tremendous assets just to keep them afloat for the next year or two if they’re lucky given their recent scandal. Then Dusk Shine appeared, offering them a merger and a loan, making him the boss. Royal Pin swallowed what little pride he had left and accepted. The business was booming, yet Royal Pin had a mountain of debt to repay Dusk Shine. Now, his friends and family view him as a disgrace, but the worst is yet to come. He came home after another rough day at work after being demoted to upper-middle manager position when his ears picked up moans coming from his bedroom.
Royal Pin burst through the mahogany door, shocked, speechless at his discovery. Dusk Shine plowed his wife senseless, making primal and guttural moans that he had never heard before. The sworn enemy finished with a deep grunt, leaving Royal Pin’s wife shaking and shuddering in mind-breaking ecstasy with empty eyes and a face-splitting grin. Her round ass remained in the air like a bitch in heat. Royal Pin glanced down as Dusk Shine exited his wife with his seed flowing like a fountain. No condom?! And Dusk Shine is bigger than him too?! Dusk Shine acknowledged with a dull ‘Hey’ while wiping the sweat off with one of his favorite shirts. He calmly explained to his bewildered classmate that it was simply business. His father and wife planned this exchange, particularly his soon-to-be ex-wife. Dusk Shine redressed himself and strolled towards before turning his head, saying, ‘See you next week.’ His wife mumbled an agreement.
Royal Pin shook his head, snapping himself back to reality.“Wait, wait, wait,” He pleaded, gathering their attention. The haughty male relaxed his jaw before answering. “I’ll do it. I don’t have any problems with it,” Royal Pin surrendered with his hand open like a beggar. Cinch tilted her head for Dusk Shine to return the pin to him. He nodded, placing the Shadowbolt pin back in the blue hand. Royal Pain clutched his hand against his chest as if the pin held his entire life.
Cinch went back to her desk, almost spinning out of control in her chair. They tightened their lips to contain their laughter as she swirled and whooped for a few rotations kicking her slender legs attempting to stop. She dug her heels at an angle into the carpet to stop the spinning. The principal fixed her glasses and straightened her collar. She cleared her throat to regain composure. “Any more questions?” Cinch asked as if nothing ever happened. A pink hand was raised. “Yes, Lemon Zest?” She acknowledged before taking a sip of her alumni water bottle.
“When did his balls drop?” The rocker asked with the volume on low to hear the conversation gesturing her thumb to Dusk Shine.
“In his cousin’s mouth for fifty bucks,” He shot off without hesitation. Cinch spat out a geyser with dumbfounded eyes from that unexpected comment. His team snickered too. And here they thought he was all prim and proper without a dirty thought in his calculated mind. “They don’t call her mega-mouth because she’s a gossip,” Tartarus, even Cinch, Cadance, and Shining Armor got in on it too. It’s funny because it’s true.
“Okay, okay, that’s enough,” Cinch wiped her mouth with a handkerchief before reverting to her typical stoic demeanor. “Dusk Shine, are you available on this date for a study session?” She questioned, pulling out a calendar as her nails tapped on the assigned date. He analyzed the calendar.
“I can’t,” Dusk Shine answered. “I already have plans for that day,” They arched their brows. He has plans?
“Can you reschedule it?” Cinch considered. He shook his head.
“I already set it up weeks ago,” Dusk Shine continued before a gentle blush appeared. “Besides, I’m meeting someone,” He shyly replied to their shock. “It’ll be disrespectful to her if I canceled at the last minute,” Cadance and Shining Armor screamed in excitement before embracing him while the rest remained silent. Wait, it’s a her?
“WHAT?!” Someone yelled after a few seconds. When the fuck did he have plans? “Do they go here?” Trenderhoof probed. This has to be good. Dusk Shine shook his head, still his family’s embrace.
“Well, who is it then?” Sour Sweet demanded while Dusk Shine gave an annoyed glance.
“None of your beeswax,” Dusk Shine growled, pointing a finger at the group. “Besides, why do you guys care about my personal life? You don’t even like me. All you guys want are the due dates and the answer keys,” His eyes grew darker and hollow despite the warm embrace of family. It means nothing to the cold indifference he held within. “Or you simply want more stuff to bully me or make fun of,” Dusk Shine accused, remembering his early days at Crystal Prep. They didn’t say anything as the guilty should. Although some of them didn’t participate, they did nothing to help him. Sour Sweet crossed her arms and turned her head with a snobby expression. Guilt and shame bubbled in her stomach as her nails stabbed her biceps. “I only joined to polish my application to the Everton program and given your team. You need some help,” Dusk Shine remarked.
“Is the Everton program that good?” Upper Crust asked.
“Well, duh, especially if I’m applying for it,” Dusk Shine rolled his eyes. “It’s a win-win situation for all of us since I’ll be out of here by the end of the semester, and you’ll get your trophy,” He explained coldly. “Then your meager efforts will finally be adequate or acceptable once again,” Dusk Shine mocked, especially the B-team. Their grades were A’s and Bs before he came around, dropping them to D’s to F’s in some cases. Whatever, he doesn’t care. “I’m doing this for my benefit. Not yours,” He persisted to the sullen group.
“Dusk Shine,” Cadance and Shining Armor whispered before he broke free. There’s no time for this crap.
“So what, you’re not our knight in shining armor?” Suri Polomare asked.
“I can’t be your knight in shining armor,” Dusk Shine stated while Cadance blinked owlishly.
“Why?”
“Because Shining Armor is my brother,” Dusk Shine replied. Cadance leaned on the wall, pushing against her forehead with a heavy groan.
“Faust, give me strength,” She whispered while Dusk Shine and Shining Armor high-fived each other with a blank look. He always made that joke. Cadance wonders how her aunts are doing.
Principal Celestia and Vice-principal Luna were doing wonderfully. Rainbow Dash revitalized the sullen crowd from the countless defeats with a much-needed pep talk and help from the marching band. Canterlot High made massive improvements in the past semester, beating other schools into the dirt. They have a chance now. They can beat Crystal Prep once and for all. The crowd cheered with electricity still in the air. Luna and Celestia, and the Wondercolts were on the stage with microphones in their hands. Celestia tapped on the microphone calming the crowd. “Let’s hear it for Wondercolt every-SMACK!” She announced before facepalm. Same with Luna, Sunset Shimmer, and Trixie in the crowd. Everyone murmured. Why did they do that? The women stared at each other, coming to the same conclusion.
“Dusk Shine,” They responded. Sunset Shimmer’s friends and Trixie’s lackeys, Snips and Snails, sweated at the name. Lyra Heartstring’s brilliant gold eyes widened in recognition at the name.
“You guys know Dusk Shine?” The cyan-haired girl revealed.
“How do you know him?” Bon-Bon or Sweetie Drops asked with a suspicious stare.
“We were friends back in kindergarten until he left for Crystal Prep,” Lyra announced to her ‘best friend’. You girls ain’t fooling anyone. You two are bumping clits.
“He goes to Crystal Prep?” Bon-Bon asked when Lyra nodded. “Is he going to compete in the games,”
“I’ll be surprised if he didn’t,” Lyra answered before pausing at the bombshell. “Dusk Shine’s the top student after all,” That simple sentence removed all of the gathered confidence. Crystal Prep is already a monster to deal with, but now they have a demon in their ranks. They know what he did to Cloudsdale. Also, Griffonstone, Las Pegasus, Fillydelphia, and Manehattan. All were clean sweeps without breaking a sweat.
“You have a picture of him or something?” Bon-Bon asked with flabbergasted eyes. Trixie took out her phone before heading to the projector. Ah, there it is. Their eyes focused on the image presented before them. Dusk Shine the top student of Crystal Prep Academy. His bored amethyst eyes glanced down at them as he sat on a throne made from his defeated foes. They were next.
“Hold up, he looks like that Twilight Sparkle girl,” Someone in the gymnasium pointed out.
“They’re the same,” Luna answered to the confused students.
“Wait, so that cute girl was a dude?!” Snips exclaimed, gripping his head with saucer eyes
“Or is he…you know?” Snails whispered with a hand gesture.
“Is that a problem, Snips, and Snails?” Trixie fumed with Luna, Celestia, and Sunset Shimmer, giving them dirty looks.
“Oh no, of course not,” Snips stammered as the pair huddled together for safety. “Tell him we said congrats on the transition,”
“That’s not our place to say since Dusk Shine has always been a male,” Celestia remarked. “But thank you for the support,” She said with a sunny smile. That being said. Celestia wondered how Dusk Shine was doing at CPA. From what they heard from Cadance. It’s not good. Hopefully, the Friendship Game can give them a chance to talk.
“Dusk Shine, are you going to stop making that joke,” Cadance sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Never besides it’s technically true,” Dusk Shine asked when his phone rang. They stared at him. “Hey, call me back in an hour. I’m with them,” He whispered into his phone, turning away from them. “Yes, we’re still on for this week. Talk to you when I get home,” Dusk Shine ended the call. “Back to our prior conversation, I play a magic-user,” He explained to the fashion designer.
“What are you, a Warlock or Conjuneror or something?” Suri Polomare taunted before being taken back by his fierce glare.
“What the FUCK did you just call me?!” Dusk Shine snapped. Oh no, you shouldn’t have said that. He marched towards her as she stepped back until she met the wall. She flinched and whimpered when he slammed his palm against the solid material locking Suri in place. Her timid grayish-brown eyes locked with his intense amethyst ones. Why does this excite her? To be trapped and helpless against this strapping young man. Was he always taller than her? “Care to repeat what you just said?” He demanded, grabbing her face enabling prolonged eye contact. The rest of the group was dumbstruck by his aggressiveness. What is going on today?! His fingers squished her pale orchid cheeks, forcing her body to shiver and tingle with enough goosebumps to play connect the dots. “Suri Polomare?” Dusk Shine repeated in a heavy breathy tone. The floodgates have opened. Suri Polomare’s face flushed scarlet and required a new pair of panties. Maybe she can give him this pair right now. There’s a spare in her gym bag.
“Dusk Shine, this isn’t paragon,” Shining Armor replied.
“Renegade for life,” Dusk Shine and Night Blaze answered in a dull tone. “Plus, she called me a Warlock, bro,” He released her before marching over. Upper Crust went to vacant-eyed Suri Polomare, whose knees collapsed as she fanned herself. “A Warlock. Do I look like someone who’ll sacrifice their humanity to some eldritch abomination for a crumb of power?” Dusk Shine complained further. “That’s me calling you a Cleric or Fighter with fancier armor,”
“Touche’,” Shining Armor snapped his fingers. “But that’s the benefit of Lawful Good. I won’t care,”
“That’s because you’re a little goody-two-shoes boy scout,” Dusk Shine groaned. Cadance got real nice and close to Shining Armor.
“There’s nothing wrong with a boy scout,” She cooed while holding her husband’s strong hand. “Especially ones that obey their princess,” Cadance teased with a mild blush. Shining Armor laughed nervously while Dusk Shine gagged at the exchange. You two are in public.
“OH, CAN WE NOT?!” He pleaded to the lovey-dovey couple. “At least do it when I’m not around,” Dusk Shine shuddered. He doesn’t want to see this. “If you’re wondering, we’re talking about Oubliettes & Ogres,” He explained, only to receive blank looks and half-hearted shrugs. “Plebeians,” Dusk Shine whispered.
“Seriously? You guys don’t know or have even heard of Oubliettes & Ogres. The most iconic tabletop game,” Sunny Flare, huffed to her ignorant team. ‘Come on, some of the best characters in fiction were created as OnO characters,” More shrugs came her way while Dusk Shine and Shining Armor glanced at each other. This is new. “Ugh, you guys need more hobbies,” She groaned.
“You play OnO?”Dusk Shine asked
“I play, to be exact, but it’s been quite some time,” Cinch revealed. Dusk Shine’s brain had to reboot upon hearing that. She plays OnO?! “I recall playing a Drow Warlock in my early days. Oh, those were fun days,” She recalled in contentment. The brothers stared at each other, dumbfounded by this knowledge. Shining Armor opened his mouth but closed it, joining Dusk Shine in shaking his head. Don’t say anything.
“What’s with the Lawful good business?” Lemon Zest questioned.
“Oh, alignments are the ethical and moral perspective of a character,” Dusk Shine pulled out a chart from somewhere. “Let’s start with the Good. Lawful Good is my brother as he wants to do good within the law. This is the ideal hero. I’m Neutral Good. I tell my brother to do some good. You have to be the bad guy sometimes. This alignment is popular with vigilantes and most superheroes. Chaotic Goods are the rebels and protesters standing up against authoritarian governments who control every aspect of a person’s life. In their mind, why follow the rules if the bad guy makes the rules,” Dusk Shine explained the first row. “You guys following,” They nodded. “Now the Neutrals, starting with Lawful Neutral. They believe that the rules are more important even if they disagree. For example, referees, judges, and political leaders. True Neutrals are the outsiders. They don’t care about the struggles or suffering of others unless it affects them personally,” He continued before pausing for a moment. “Let’s say something happened in Griffithstone. We don’t care what happens to them as it’s their problem. However, we care once it impacts our daily lives,”
“So a disease or disaster,” Sugarcoat calculated.
“Yes, precisely,” Dusk Shine answered before facing the chart again. “Chaotic Neutrals are the free spirits or hedonists in some cases. They do whatever they want to do but don’t actively try to harm others,” The middle row is finished. “Finally, the evils. Lawful Evil is tricky to deal with since they’re often in positions of power and authority using the law and societal expectations to their advantage. These are corrupt politicians, officials, tyrants or anyone in a senior position,”
“Like Mr. Nimble Flash,” Indigo Zap remarked. He was a creepy scumbag who gave ridiculous assignments beyond the student's capabilities then berated them for failing. “Man, he was awful,” The students, along with Shining Armor and Cadance, agreed with that statement.
“He was a pathetic excuse of a man who had to resort to belittling students to feel some level of superiority,” Dusk Shine condemned their former teacher. “Especially that his wife divorced him and needs a high-power microscope and several blue pills to see himself at full mast,” He continued his roast, forcing Cinch to cover her smirk while they snickered.
“Enough about him. We’re on the Neutral Evil. This is evil incarnate,” He sighed.
“Is that a bit drastic?” Jet Set questioned.
“No,” Dusk Shine and Shining Armor remarked. “If I can summarize this alignment in one word. It’s selfish. Everything they do is for their personal gain. They don’t care about anything else,” He revealed when Sunny Flare glanced at Cinch. “Everyone is a tool to them and loves manipulation. Neutral and Lawful Evil often go with each other due to using the law to escape punishment,”
“So what’s the difference then?”Neon Lights shrugged
“Lawful Evil will have values and sometimes even agree with them to a point like abandoning a former ally when they become too much of a liability. Whereas the Neutral Evil will abandon or betray their entire group for an advantage,” Dusk Shine informed. “There’s no line that the Neutral Evil won’t cross to get what they want. They’ll lie, cheat, steal, kill, and betray anyone they come across while looking for legal loopholes to avoid punishment. As long as they’re sitting on an exotic beach with a fruity cocktail in hand and dozens of zeros and commas in their accounts,” He specified the depravity of the alignment. “Finally, the Chaotic Evil. This is rather simple as they do evil things just for fun. They don’t have the sophistication of the Lawful or the logic of the Neutral. All they want to do is burn the world, laughing while holding the match. No concept of love, loyalty, friendship, or trust. An agent of death and destruction. However, that makes them pretty boring,” Dusk Shine concluded with a so-so gesture.
“Thank you for the explanation, Dusk Shine,” Cinch started as she checked her wristwatch. “We’ll continue this another day, but first,” She placed a dark purple envelope with a diamond seal on the desk. “As requested,” Cinch pushed it a bit further. Dusk stepped towards the front of the desk. He paused as he pushed up his glasses, glancing between the envelope and Cinch in suspicion. His hand twitched in anticipation, fearing that she’d snatch it away from him again.
A low, amused chuckle escaped her lips before taking a step back. Take it; it’s yours. Dusk Shine grabbed it before giving Cinch a curt nod as a silent thank you. “Sunny Flare, would you kindly stay behind for a moment, please?” Cinch requested the fearful Sunny Flare. Why did Cinch want to see her? Sunny Flare swallowed her before glancing at Sugarcoat and Sour Sweet exiting the room. Sweat formed on her light turquoisish gray skin when the door closed shut. Breathe, Sunny Flare. Remember your lessons; don’t show fear or intimation.
“Is there something you want to talk to me about, Principal Cinch?” She regained her poise and professionalism.
“Yes, a simple question,” Cinch admitted as she marched towards her daughter. “How could you let this happen?!” She fumed with a snarl. Dusk Shine has arranged plans with a female without her knowledge. His meek demeanor, along with the redness of his cheeks, displayed his interest in the girl. He’s smart enough not to reveal her identity.
“I didn’t know either,” Sunny Flare defended herself. “He already doesn’t like us to begin with. Hell, I learned more about him by watching his interaction with his brother and Cadance in the last few hours compared to the last three years,” She crossed her arms as their eyes exchanged lightning.
“Ugh, he didn’t say that she was his girlfriend so they could just be friends,” Cinch removed her glasses and rubbed her forehead to ease her headache. “You can’t allow him to slip away,”
“Why don’t you do it if he’s so important to you?” Sunny Flare shot off. It’s always Dusk Shine or Dusk Shine that. She wanted to hate him but she couldn't. Nothing she ever did was good enough for Cinch.
“First thing, I’m old enough to his mother so that’s why it’s your job to get into his good graces,” Cinch answered as Sunny Flare rolled her eyes. “If he was at least five to ten years older, I won’t deny his advances,” She revealed with a twisted smile to Sunny’s shock. “However, there’s still a stigma for having such relations with a former student but times have changed making it more acceptable,” Cinch answered with a tinge of glee imagining an adult Dusk Shine. If he’s anything like his father then that’s delightful. “Did you learn anything else from today?”
“He…did say that I was incredible and a worthy rival,” Sunny Flare revealed as she fumbled around thick sleeve cuffs.
“Good, good, good,” Cinch grinned, arching her head upwards. “We still have the advantage,”
“Why do you focus on Dusk Shine so much?” Sunny Flare demanded, There’s others like him probably not as good but still worthy.
“He’s simply of good stock,” Cinch explained. “I missed my chance with Night Light due to Twilight Velvet. She’s a fierce opponent during our days together as students and still is. Velvet has my respect,” She continued before glancing at one of her trophies. A silver one. Twilight Velvet took the gold. “He inherited her determination but this type is more potent. Almost primordial or bestial in nature. It’s … terrifying to say the least.” Cinch confessed. Sunny Flare never saw that look in her mother’s eyes before. Concern and fear. “A shame or a blessing that he’s not tapping into that power. His ancestors were able to fight to the last man, especially those born under certain stars. But enough of that.” Cinch pressed on. “I frankly don’t care if you’re his spouse or mistress. In that envelope was a letter of promised compensation just in case his application to Everton was unfortunately denied,” Frozen terror flowed through Sunny Flare’s veins as her jaw dropped at her mother’s words. She won’t…right? “If Dusk Shine so desires, I will allow him to fill…you…up,” Cinch emphasized, piercing her with unfeeling eyes. “As many times as he pleases. I’ll open you up myself if need be,” She turned her back. “I believe your ride is here. I will see you home,” Cinch strolled to her window caressing her locket ignoring her daughter’s plight. Sunny Flare held the pit in her gut that threatened to devour her. Her distressed cerise eyes stabbed her mother as tears began to form. She shut her eyes, forcing the tears back. Sunny Flare turned to the door wanting nothing more than to burn this place to the ground. Another thought poked her brain.
What’s behind those curtains?