“THE TOP STUDENT OF CHS?!” Their astonished voices bellowed, repeating Moon Dancer’s alarming statement. They rambled on about the possible connections between these two with the driving question; How do they know each other?!
“Enough,” Cadance ordered when their rambling turned into gossip. “I understand the interest, but please gossip to a minimum,” She said when a raised hand caught her attention. “Yes?”
“What’s the relationship between them?” Sugarcoat voiced the class’s mind while They nodded and muttered. It was a legitimate question. Dusk and Sunset have each other’s direct phone numbers.
“They’re friends,” Cadance answered straightforwardly.
“Just friends?” Sugarcoat debated. His reaction implies there’s more to their relationship.
“Yes, but I won’t say anymore,” Cadance declared. “That’s between her and Dusk Shine,”
“Another question,” Sugarcoat declared, turning her focus. “How do you know them, Moon Dancer?” She asked,
“We were a part of the gifted unicorn program together,” Moon Dancer revealed their history. They muttered, impressed with Dusk Shine’s companion. The gifted program is an elite and exclusive course for primary education. I haven’t figured out an alternative name for the three pony races.
“Obviously, they wasted their time with someone like her,” Royal Pin scoffed.
“You didn’t get in, so what’s your point again?” Sunny Flare countered, glaring at her teammate.
“And so did Trixie,” Moon Dancer added another shot in Royal Pin’s faulty insult. He growled but held his tongue. “Some of our old friend group went to Canterlot Highschool,” She continued, relaying the enigmatic history of Dusk Shine.
“Lyra Heartstrings and Minuette?” Cadance questioned as Moon Dancer nodded to confirm. The Dean knows Lyra goes to CHS but doesn’t know about the rest. That’s because I haven’t created lore about the rest yet. It’s tough.
“Also Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts,” Sour Sweet added to the list. They stared at her. “What?” How does she know his former classmates? Damn, Dusk Shine had a bit of a harem before coming to Crystal Prep.
“You sure know a lot about Dusk Shine,” Suri Polomare probed the star sharpshooter.
“Aw, you don’t say,” Sour Sweet. “Newsflash, you bootlegger, we went to the same school,” She clarified behind her snarl, striking a nerve. Everyone in school knows that by now.
Dusk Shine barged through the door. “Cadance, we have a problem,” He informed, his eyes bulging out of his head.
“We?” Cadance denounced her association with their conversation.
“Okay, I have a problem,” Dusk Shine corrected himself. “We argued for a bit, told her to make me, and she’s probably on her way here,” He continued. His heart thumped in fear.
“You told Sunset Shimmer to make you?” Cadance chastised, narrowing her eyes,
“I’m not a smart man when it comes to these situations,” Dusk Shine defended. Academics is his specialization. Shining Armor got all the charm and social skills.
“What did you two talk about?” Sunny Flare questioned.
“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” Dusk Shine confuted. They never cared about his social life before, so why now? The bell rang. Cadance guided the Shadowbolts to their next destination.
The Shadowbolts followed Dean Cadance to the Home Ec room. Moon Dancer, Coco Pommel, the reserve members, and Fleur De Lis joined them, needing extra credit. Principal Cinch and Discord were waiting for them at the door. “Good afternoon, my
Shadowbolts, Dean Cadance,” She greeted the team. Night Blaze rolled his eyes at the formality. This woman is buttering them up. Every syllable released from her lavish lips was a ladened honeytrap for anyone who’ll listen. There’s no shortage of that. Crystal Prep is a nexus point for the exciting concept of six degrees of separation for those wanting to improve their station. Several handshakes, do a few favors here and there until you’re sitting pretty behind a desk with your name on it.
“Good afternoon, Principal Cinch and Discord,” They responded. Discord waved his hand with a wild grin while cleaning his monocle.
“I’ve acquired one of the Home Ec rooms in preparation for the baking portion of the Friendship Games,” Cinch explained, gesturing to the vacant room when a purple hand raised. “Yes, Dusk Shine?” She questioned.
“Do we have enough time for that today, or do we have multiple sessions?” Dusk Shine asked. Home Ec is a double-period class, often in the afternoon or near the end of the school day. They didn’t have lunch yet, with a few classes and afternoon roll call remaining.
“Don’t worry about that,” Cinch explained. “I’ve talked to your teachers. You’ll gain an extended lunch period and skip homeroom,” She informed the students.
“Also, you guys get to eat what’s left over,” Discord added with a smirk, sweetening the deal for the students. Their eyes brighten with smiles reaching their ears. Food and an extended break.
“Make your preparations so we can begin,” Cinch ordered, soothing their jubilation. The students obliged, resting their bags on the provided shelves. They formed lines at a row of sinks, cleaning their hands, forearms, and under their fingernails with lukewarm water and an industrial-sized bottle of green apple-scented soap. The girls tied their hair into tight buns or professional ponytails. Dusk Shine reached into his pants pocket for a dark black hair tie. He secured it between his teeth, enabling his free hands to fix his hair in a ponytail discovering empty space. Where’s the rest of his hair?
“Haircut, remember,” Night Blaze mentioned, stopping his host from the health and safety procedure.
“Oh right,” Dusk Shine acknowledged his shortish hair. He exhaled, returning the hair tie to his pocket. Muscle memory. Dusk Shine retrieved a white apron and secured the garment around his neck and waist, taking his spot by Sour Sweet. Each student paired up at the extended stainless steel kitchen island. The walls were painted a light gray to reflect the heat, keeping the room cool and comfortable.
“Alright, Shadowbolts, we need to develop a strategy for the home ec portion,” Cinch announced at the front of the class with Discord and Dean Cadance. The students were at their assigned stations. “Any suggestions?” She solicited her students on potential desserts.
“I suggest Baklava or Eclairs,” Suri Polomare proposed. Her mouth watered at her choices. The sweet, flaky, crunchy honey-covered Baklava or custard-filled fluffy eclairs with rich chocolate topping.
“No,” The teachers shot down that option. It wasn’t a bad idea. Baklava was ridiculously complex, expensive, and time-consuming for a high school student to craft. Griffthstone had the most authentic version of the dessert. Thus, it’s the priciest. A single plate costs over 375 golden bits at the cheapest. Discord placed Eclairs on the board. They were similar to donuts but required more finesse.
“Cake,” Dusk Shine suggested with a raised hand. The teachers shared a look before nodding as Discord recorded the suggestion.
“Cake?” Upper Crust asked. He nodded to confirm. “Isn’t that kinda … basic?” She opined with a pause arching her brow and squinting one of her eyes. It’s a reliable choice enjoyed by all, with countless variations worldwide. However, that’s the issue. A cornucopia of flavors and styles was littered before them, leading to a gridlock of ideas. They expected something scientific from Dusk Shine. Not a straightforward dish like cake.
“Principal Celestia and Vice-principal Luna love cake,” Dusk Shine notified his classmates. Simple enough.
“Okay,” Upper Crust shrugged, as did the rest of their classmates. Some gathered their cooking utensils, such as spatulas, spoons, oven mitts, and bowls.
“No, I don’t think you’re getting it,” Dusk Shine commented. “Celestia loves cake,” He repeated direly. Those who knew Celestia understood what he meant.
“Got it,” Upper Crust agreed again. Discord facepalmed, shaking his head. She doesn’t get it.
“Upper Crust, if you’re going to listen to anything I have to say, that’s not an answer to an assignment,” Dusk Shine articulated, resting his hand on her shoulder. “I emphasize, implore that you acknowledge that Celestia loves cake,” He warned in an almost pleading tone, attempting for her to heed his words. “Probably more than I love books,” Dusk Shine revealed Celestia’s obsession with cake.
“...Oh,” The color drained from her face like a freshly squeezed, moist sponge. The Shadowbolts exchanged the same chilling thought, weighing them down. More than he loves books. Is that even possible? They can’t afford to enter this section half-heartedly. It cost them the win.
“Celestia always had a slight preference for cake,” Discord remarked.
“A slight preference?” Dusk Shine retorted, narrowing his purple eyes. His voice squeaked at the outrageous claim. “They placed limits whenever she goes to a bakery,” He told his chemistry teacher. Several stores throughout Canterlot and neighboring settlements plastered warning signs with her radiant face. “We had to place her birthday cakes under lock and key,” Dusk Shine stressed, remembering her latest celebration. They need to schedule an intervention for this woman. His classmates snickered at his comment.
“He’s being serious,” Cadance revealed, her eyes partly widened with a straight face.
“What?!” Indigo Zap questioned.
“I was on guard duty,” Dusk Shine revealed, kneading the side of his neck. “That woman is disturbingly persistent,” He shuddered at Celestia’s tenacity throughout the night. Luna had the decency to have self-control during her birthday week.
“Won’t your brother be a better choice?” Sugarcoat queried with a blank expression. He’s bigger, muscular, and trained to restrict a person. What made Dusk Shine the night sentinel? She’s not doubting his abilities but fails to see the logic behind the choice.
“Hahahaha,” Dusk Shine and Cadance laughed at the suggestion. “Him?” Cadance snickered, covering her mouth. She dearly loved Shining Armor, but there was no way he would have succeeded.
“He’s a total boy scout, and you’re misreading our dynamic,” Dusk Shine chuckled, regaining his professionalism. “I’m DPS to his tank,” He announced, pointing to himself with a smirk. That goes for their campaigns when he used to play OnO with Shining Armor’s friends. Dusk Shine kills while Shining Armor protects the party. His character almost died several times throughout their campaigns but didn’t, thanks to clutch dice rolls.
“It’s why your brother could never be the top student,” Night Blaze mentioned with a bored look as he crossed his arms. He was always a goody-two-shoes. You need a level of driven selfishness to achieve such a prestigious rank. To go above and beyond what the average person considers to be supreme.
“The unstoppable force to his immovable object,” Cadance smiled.
“Do you know what it's like to reverse suplex a fully grown six-foot-tall woman in her kitchen at four o’clock in the morning?” Dusk Shine questioned his teammates about Celestia’s uninhibited passion for cake. So many energy drinks.
“Uh...No,” The class replied, dragging their answer as they shook their heads with a whirling storm of bewilderment and half-formed questions. Reverse suplex? They shared a thought cloud imaging how the scene played out. Celestia is quite a wealthy woman. I saw the My little shop of horrors short, where we saw her garden and backyard. CELESTIA GOT MONEY! Now, what could her kitchen look like?
The expansive and magnificent kitchen, with countertops sculpted from opulent sunny quartz. Celestia sneaked around the door’s edge, motivated by saccharine hunger. Her heliotrope eyes panned and brightened the now-vacant kitchen, guaranteeing her success. Dusk Shine must’ve gone to the bathroom. Celestia slinked into the brisk room, zipping up her light purple hoodie. She wore a casual t-shirt and sweatpants instead of her usual flowy nightgown. Why did they drastically lower the temperature? Celestia’s bright smile widened, taking in the glorious sight of her platinum double-door fridge. She galloped to her prize, avoiding Dusk Shine’s sleeping bag and other overnight equipment. Books. The fuzzy slippers muffled her footsteps from the arctic marble floor.
“Come to mama,” Celestia purred, moistening her lips while reaching for the handle with hunger glimmering in her eyes. The birthday woman was about to claim her rightly deserved prize when a pair of arms constricted around her midsection. Hunger morphed into unbridled terror as Celestia twisted her body, observing who was behind her. Dusk Shine's straight-faced expression glared at her. His amethyst eyes blazed in the dark room like a nocturnal predator discovering its prey. “Heeeeeyyyy Dusk Shine,” She stammered with terror clawing her throat despite displaying a nervous smile. His grip tightened.”Wait, wait, wait. Dusk Shine, if you let me go. There’s an entire bookshelf and a folder of video games with your name,” Celestia pleaded with haggard breaths. Her chest thundered as gravity worked against her, removing her feet from the floor. He’s raising her up?! And arching his back too?! Oh no! “Come on, Dusk Shine, we can talk this out!” She exclaimed, kicking her feet like a petulant child. When did he get so strong?! Wow, she needs to dust her ceiling fan. Her mortified eyes viewed the top of her fridge then everything overturned. She yelled before it went black.
“Exactly,” Dusk Shine whispered, pointing to his class. They took more ideas for the home economics portion of the competition.
“Please proceed with your chosen meal,” Cinch instructed before joining her colleagues at a nearby table. They were the judges. Discord pulled out a bib from … somewhere with a butter knife and fork ready. The students went to work, filling the room with a cacophony of cracking eggs and clanking metal against metal. Each group had a blueprint of their chosen sweet. The majority picked cake, cookies, and brownies. Sour Sweet and Dusk Shine operated smoothly together, exchanging brief instructions for the other like a pair of surgeons conducting an intensive surgery. It contrasted with the brittle sisterhood of Moon Dancer, Coco Pommel, and Fleur De Lis.
“Can you get us some berries or accessory fruits?” Sour Sweet requested, mixing some batter in a gray bowl. Those botany lessons should impress Dusk Shine a bit. Some berries like blackberries and raspberries aren’t actual berries, but peppers, grapes, bananas, and pumpkins are. Believe me, I checked. These are the rabbit holes that being a writer can lead you on.
“On it,” Dusk Shine agreed, pasting the bickering trio. Duo, to be exact. Fleur De Lis immediately grabbed the leadership role, dictating what should be done to the other two. Moon Dancer squabbles over who made her in charge, matching Fleur De Lis’s heated glare with one of her own. The classic popular girl vs. the nerdy girl or girl next door. Battling for the main character’s heart? Not in this story. Coco Pommel played a mediator attempting to conclude.
Night Blaze groaned at their barking. “Can they shut the fuck up?” He rolled his azure molten eyes. Just pick one freaking dish already. Dusk Shine opened one of the refrigerators, scanning for his desired objects. He grabbed the bushel of bananas and forest berries. They’re still arguing.
“Geez, pick a random number generator or something!” Lemon Zest fumed at the pointless arguing. She moved one of her earpads, exposing her left ear. Fewer distractions. Moon Dancer and Fleur De Lis grumbled, crossing their arms while Coco Pommel pulled out her phone. The trio began working, much to the relief of the class. “Jet Set, Trenderhoof, add more flour and an egg to that batter,” She commanded the duo in a deep sergeant voice.
They flinched from the tone and saluted her. “Yes, ma’am,” Trenderhoof retrieved the eyes while Jet Set measured cups of flour. Dusk Shine chuckled as he carried the fruits. It reminded him of his grandmother whenever she scolded him, his brother, and their cousins during the summer or Heartwarming.
“I’m done with the batter. Can you put it in the oven? I’ll cut up the fruits,” Sour Sweet instructed, gesturing to the fruit section. Dusk Shine nodded, passing the product to her and glancing at the oven. Hmm? It’s already preheated at 400F. He filled the cake pans with vanilla batter before placing it on his oven mitts. The dry scalding air heated his face as he opened the cooker. Dusk Shine sealed it and activated the timer. That should be done in 30 minutes. Suri Polomare and Upper Crust got a headstart on their dessert. Maybe a few more minutes.
“Hey, Indigo Zap, do you need the hand mixer?” Sugarcoat offered the device.
“Nah, I got the speed,” Indigo Zap bragged, holding the bowl and batter spatula. Her hands created a whirlpool in the cookie dough, getting some splattered on the table.
Dusk Shine approached her while she was mixing. “Indigo Zap,” He called out to her, placing a hand on the athletic’s toned forearm. She turned scarlet, remembering that he called her … pretty. Indigo Zap knew that she was a beach goddess. She doesn’t have Fleur De Lis’s model-like curves, yet it didn’t stop people from enjoying the eye candy. Does Dusk Shine like tomboys? “You’re over-mixing it,” Dusk Shine cautioned, softening his voice. “It’ll make the cookies dense and fattened in the oven,” He explained the consequence of over-mixing. Nobody likes tough cookies.
“Oh, really,” Indigo Zap stammered, still experiencing the heat of his touch. “Can you … show me?” She requested. Cadance’s eyes glimmered at the suggestion.
“Sure,” Dusk Shine agreed, positioning himself at her side, keeping a respectable distance. “It’s all about technique,” He advised, guiding her hand in smooth and continuous rotations. “Feel the difference?” Dusk Shine asked. She shivered at his tingling breath on her ear while nodding. A whiff of his sophisticated aromatic cologne brisked her nose. Moon Dancer growled but focused on kneading the dough. Sour Sweet’s irritation flared, making threatening audible chops on the cutting board. She already dealt with Lemon Zest, but Indigo Zap has a sensible head on her shoulders. A fruity and sugary aroma filled the room as they waited for their dishes to finish. One of the ovens dinged. Upper Crust equipped her oven mitts before opening the oven. She withstood the dehydrating heat and grabbed the cake dish. It’s time to work. Upper Crust and Suri Polomare crafted a simple yet elegant chocolate vanilla cake with a gentle cranberry frosting. This was a practice session. They can afford to slack off. The two smiled, cutting a slice for the judges.
“Dusk Shine, how about you give us your input as well?” Discord offered as Suri Polomare handed out the slices.
“Am I allowed to?” Dusk Shine asked while washing his hands. Cinch nodded to confirm. Night Blaze smirked at the acceptance of free food. The judges consumed the slices with the knives and forks while Dusk Shine chomped on his piece. He chewed slowly to analyze the contents and expertise of the cake piece. The tangy crimson frosting tingled on his tongue, highlighting the deep rich dark chocolate and uplifting the smooth, light vanilla. Suri and Upper Crust smirked at the high scores. Only Dusk Shine remained. “It’s an excellent piece, easily winning a baking competition,” He attested to their skills. They raised their noses and puffed up their chest at Dusk Shine’s acclimation. If it meets his standards, this cake is an infallible shot path to victory. “However,” Oh shit, there it is. His glare chilled and intensified, forcing the girls to sag their hearts. “It’s not good enough for the friendship games. Celestia devoured a whale’s total body mass in cake. What makes yours surpass the others?” Dusk Shine gestured to the cake.
“We worked hard on it, and you said it’s excellent,” Suri Polomare replied.
“That’s true, but what else?” Dusk Shine countered, raising his brow. “Those are basic. The last time I checked, Crystal Prep doesn’t do basic,” He emphasized. Cinch’s lips curled at his encouraging words. She gazed at other students forcing more effort into their craft. Good. “Now, ask yourself these questions. Is this something that’ll be a signature dish? Will Celestia sneak after the match to grab a few pieces or slide you a few bits to make something similar for her? Dusk Shine elaborated on the mind of Celestia. “The taste is great, but the design is unfulfilling,” He criticized the cake.
“We can find these identical designs at some bakeries in the city,” Discord continued the trend. Dusk Shine already voiced their concerns. “Suri, make some designs for the cake,” The chemistry teacher instructed. Suri nodded.
Dusk Shine took another bite, narrowing his eyes. “Mhm,” He mumbled, devouring the rest of the cake. “Hey, Suri, this isn’t your usual work,” Dusk Shine acknowledged the suspiciously lower quality. Her face turned pallid while her entire body tensed up at the comment.
“Oh uh, this is a practice session,” Suri Polomare cracked shrilly. “I’m just…testing things out,” She alluded with a hand gesture and a wavy smile.
“It’s just whenever you pair up with Coco Pommel,” Dusk Shine observed, motioning his reptilian eyes to Suri’s assistant. “The quality increases,” He wiped the dark brown and tan crumbs from his lips with his thumb. The teachers fixated on the two while Coco Pommel worked. “I do hope that you weren’t passing off Coco’s work as your own,” Dusk Shine conveyed the threatening message in his lifeless voice. “It’ll be … quite the shame if we lose the baking round because we had a fraud on our team,” His articulate voice warned as he approached her. Upper Crust backed away, leaving the terrified Suri to deal with this demon. “Right?” Dusk Shine narrowed his amethyst eyes into wrathful embers. Winning the Friendship games is the only way to get out of here. He’s not taking a gamble with someone like her.
“Right…,” Suri Polomare choked out. This is different from when they were in Cinch’s office. The last time was more … comical. His stygianly blank expression and monotonous tone implied that he’d kill her right where she’s trembling if they lose. Dusk Shine grunted a response enabling her to work again. Suri rattled her brain for any ideas to call her own. Moon Dancer smirked at her being rightfully humbled. Cinch’s unyielding glare scrutinized Suri Polomare like an Olympic judge. One inconsequential miscalculation can fail. The same went for the rest of the Shadowbolts. Members of the B-team systemically examined their portions. Even the less academically inclined Shadow Six members progressed with a scalpel’s precise. Lemon Zest shut off her music to avoid distractions. Discord and Cadance shared a concerned look at Dusk Shine. She could have a talk with him after this.
“Any other concerns, Dusk Shine?” Cinch questioned. They need to prepare for all feasible situations.
“CHS improved significantly within the past year,” Dusk Shine explained, using the facts provided by Cinch. “It won’t be a clean sweep like in previous years. Realistically, a two-to-one score in our favor,” He predicted their odds, avoiding the hubris associated with their school. Cinch frowned but agreed with this assessment. “Everything depends on the first round. That Pinkie Pie girl will demolish us in the baking section; besides that, we’ll win,” Dusk Shine broadcast on the possible outcome.
“Pinkie Pie?” Upper Crust questioned.
“She’s that cute bubbly pink-haired waitress at Sweet Snaks Cafe,” Dusk Shine described. Trenderhoof eyes’ widened in recognition. He knew who he was talking about.
“How do you know this, Pinkie Pie?” Cinch inquired.
“She’s one of Sunset Shimmer’s friends,” Dusk Shine explained blankly. Cinch knew who Sunset Shimmer was.
“And what’s your relationship with her again?” Cinch probed further. They can use this to their advantage.
“They’re friends,” Sunny Flare blurted out. Night Blazed grumbled at her tattle-tale nature. You just do whatever Cinch tells you to do, huh?
“What other information can-” Cinch smiled, seizing this opportunity.
“If you’re asking me to spy on Sunset Shimmer, I can’t,” Dusk Shine interrupted, dashing anything underhanded tactics. Discord held a snicker at Cinch’s bewildered expression.
“She knows me too well,” He confessed while she glared at him. You can’t, or you wouldn’t. Or there’s another reason for his refusal. “Besides, isn’t such tactics … beneath us?” Dusk Shine debated in a silvery tone. Cinch relaxed, her stern expression replacing it with interest, wondering about his defense. “Why should we waste our time and sully our pristine reputation on something like that?” He coaxed with a dismissive shrug. “We’ve shown countless times throughout our history that we’re the apex of excellence,” Dusk Shine continued, appealing to her noticeable traits. It won’t work compared to others with a more palpable ego easily swayed by a few compliments. No. Cinch stood on a robust foundation of logic, skill, and desirable results. The purple prose of boot lickers is irrelevant. She heard it all. Why would Cinch idle with crowds of dregs flooding her ears with spoiled golden honey, hoping they’ll be exceptional? She can fixate on a handful of proven elites. For instance, Dusk Shine, Sunny Flare, and the incoming Starlight Glimmer. “No matter what CHS does, we’ll win. So let us allow them to enjoy a minor victory. Not like they’ll be us when I’m here,” Dusk Shine declared. They awaited Cinch’s response. It’s not like Dusk Shine to argue with a teacher.
“Point taken,” Cinch conceded with an arrogant smirk. “I hope your relationship with this … Sunset Shimmer doesn’t hinder your skills,” She quired. The two were close friends, aware of the other’s strengths and weaknesses. Both are the top student in their respective schools.
An amused smirk curled on his features, baring his teeth. “We’re both fighting for the same thing. Sunset Shimmer won’t hold back, and neither will I,” Dusk Shine assured, relaxing his form. Finally, he’ll have a genuine challenge in years.
“I wonder if that Twilight Sparkle girl will show up,” Neon Lights chimed in as they nodded and muttered about the lookalike. Is she as smart as Dusk Shine?
“No, you won’t,” Dusk Shine addressed, taking another piece of cake.
“What makes you so sure?” Sugarcoat questioned, checking her watch. That souffle should be done in five minutes.
“She is me,” Dusk Shine answered nonchalantly, devouring the sweet. They gazed at him with bewildered eyes and eyebrows, kissing their hairline while an oven beeped.
“WHAT?!” Royal Pin shouted, broadly spreading his arms.
“Did I stutter?” Dusk Shine retorted, cleaning his teeth with his tongue. Suri Polomare, Trenderhoof, and Neon Lights shared a look. Welp, at least it wasn’t a changeling.
Cinch arose from her seat. “Dusk Shine, what you do in your spare time is none of my concern as long as it doesn’t harm the school,” She began, her heels clicking with each step. “But would you kindly explain why again?” Cinch questioned. Night Blaze otherworldly eyes flared with rebellion.
“It was during the extended break we had because of the massive plumbing issue earlier this semester,” Dusk Shine explained. The overhead lights blocked her from viewing his eyes.
“Celestia called me, and I relayed the message,” Discord interjected, taking some of the heat off. The headmistress exhaled to herself from the pouching frustration.
“There was a massive internal issue at CHS, and she got my help to investigate before resorting to the police. I had to go incognito,” Dusk Shine went on. The police did help but not enough for a scandal as the culprits went quietly. His shoulders tightened before easing himself. “A smear campaign swirling out of control,” They’ve heard about that through the grapevine. The Anon-a-Miss incident.
“Did you have to dress up like a girl?” Coco Pommel asked.
“Yes,” Dusk Shine stated, pointing to her. “Just look at me and Moon Dancer. I won’t be surprised if there was a Twilight Sparkle somewhere in the world,” He acknowledged the similarities between him and his schoolmate. Over eight billion people in the world, and only a set number of combinations. The possibility is there. “I already looked feminine before my haircut. A simple wardrobe change is an effective tactic,” Dusk Shine messed with his now short hair. The best place to hide is in plain sight and don’t stand out from the crowd.
“Where did you get the clothes? Your mom or something?” Royal Pin and Fleur de Lis taunted.
“No, mine. Most of my clothes are unisex, and the skirt was from Cadance,” Dusk Shine revealed, deflecting their petty insults. “It was surprisingly in my size,” He remarked on how well the garment fit his waist.
“You do have the legs for it,” Cadance commented. She was taken aback by the request but didn’t question it.
“Still need modifications,” Dusk Shine continued, remembering the dress-up. “Your skirts weren’t made for me,” He muttered as his face turned crimson. She pouted too.
“I thought it fit,” Lemon Zest recalled, snacking on a berry.
“It did, but I have my mom’s hips and my dad’s ass,” Dusk Shine announced, gesturing to his body parts. “I have more than what Cadance had at that age,” He teased, patting his thighs. Some of the girls gazed at his rear end. That explains a lot.
“I-...fair point,” Cadance grumbled as it looked incredible on him. Wait, did he return it?
“Why did you help her?” Sugarcoat brought up while Sunny Flare retrieved the souffle. “It was an internal matter,” She weighed in, pondering the enigma of Dusk Shine’s mind. Celestia and Luna should’ve handled it themselves; thus, he had no logical reason to do it. Did they reward him?
“It’s called being a friend,” Dusk Shine answered truthfully under a veil of vitriol. They awkwardly avoided his gaze. “I couldn’t sit and watch it happen, knowing I could do something about it.” He muttered dryly, filled with the anguish of isolation. Sour Sweet hunched her shoulders, observing the oven’s timer.
“It’s called being a traitor, from the way I see it,” Royal Pin accused, roughly taking off his oven mitts. Several people shot a foul glare at Royal Pin, including Cinch, Discord, and Cadance. What the hell is his problem? There was nothing linking Dusk Shine to any form of disloyalty. His allegiance to Crystal Prep is absolute. Other students have friends, family, and even lovers at different schools. Yet Dusk Shine is a ‘traitor’ for assisting someone dear to him. Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest stomped towards him when a mulberry hand pacified them.
“Let me ask you a question,” Dusk Shine said, deepening his voice in a low tone. “Would you do the same for Trixie?” He reckoned, getting into his face.
“What does she have anything to do with this?!” Royal Pin challenged, raising his voice and baring his teeth.
“She’s your cousin, and it’s a simple question,” Dusk Shine goaded, staring blankly at him. Royal Pin refused to answer. The Shadowbolts viewed their azure teammate in disapproval. Why the hesitation? Open your mouth and say yes. “I’ll answer it for you like always,” He lectured before clearing his throat. “You won’t lift a finger to help her,” Dusk Shine answered gutturally as his anger mounted behind the calm mask he wore.
“Yes, I would,” Royal Pin claimed with no conviction in his smug tone. Yeah right.
“Then where the hell were you when she was crying about her father abandoning her and her mother?” Dusk Shine snarled at him. Neon Light slid away from the pale Royal Pin, who bit the inside of his cheek. “Well?” He arched an impatient brow. Royal Pin was a suffocating fish in his attempt to respond. “Typical. You don’t care about anything. Only yourself and whoever can possibly boost your status,” Dusk Shine mocked, frowning at his teammate’s sycophantic nature. No self-respect yet bursting with pride. “If Sunset Shimmer was here, you’ll be the perfect little lapdog as you are with Principal Cinch. Saying yes, ma’am, or right away, Sunset Shimmer,” He belittled, mocking his posh voice. His classmates covered their mouths at the vile disrespect oozing from Dusk Shine’s voice. Veins pulsed on Royal Pin’s neck and forehead while his nostrils flared like a cartoon bull seeing red. A little more should do. “You sail on other’s success because you have nothing you call your own and wonder why you’re always on the B-team. As you’re behind me,” Dusk Shine reproached, jerking his thumb behind him, displaying the gravity of his sentence. The top student’s expression remained neutral, without bravado or cruel amusement. Royal Pin’s anger consumed him as he grabbed Dusk Shine’s apron. Oh. It’s a fight you want? Sour Sweet growled, clenching her fist as Cinch glared at Royal Pin. She’ll have a chat with him and his father. Dusk Shine grabbed the wrist, jerking it in the wrong direction, and pushed Royal Pin off him, creating a small gap. Still holding his wrist, Dusk Shine rotated and forced Royal’s arm into a submissive position against his back. The top student slammed his azure face into the flour-coated counter.
“Woah,” Someone mouthed. Holy shit, that was fast. He was right about being a fighter.
“What the hell are you doing?” Royal Pin struggled against him, only for Dusk Shine to strengthen his hold.
“You started this fight. I’m going to finish it,” The mulberry nerd confirmed as he bent the arm. Royal Pin grunted in pain, gnashing his teeth from the bones and muscles forced out of place. It stopped. “But it won’t be today,” Dusk Shine released his hold, stepping away from his downed opponent. “Thank you for establishing the pecking order with you at the bottom,” He mocked, bowing his head before checking his watch. “Hey, Sour Sweet, how’s our cake looking?” Dusk Shine mentioned shifting his dire mood to casual student.
“It’s almost done,” Sour Sweet informed, masking the tremble in her tone. Why was that? His classmates parted out of his way like the legendary sea as he couched before the heating oven. Some went to check on the humbled Royal Pin.
“I could’ve handled it, Dusk Shine,” Cinch offered with a polished hand on her chest before delivering Royal Pin a frigid sneer behind her glasses. “You shouldn’t have wasted your energy dealing with a barbaric show of insubordination,” She enunciated, shaking her head and folding her arms. Royal Pin arose slowly, wiping the excess flour from his face.
“I know, but what’s stopping him from doing it again?” Dusk Shine questioned, gazing into the oven window. “The Primal Theory suggests despite all of our advancements. We’re still animals. Prone to the same regulations as any social animal. When words fail, actions shall prevail,” He quoted. The vermillion light flickered on his glasses as he waited. Cinch’s heart rate jumped from the statement. His words held a fell vengeance against her and the school. No. Your legacy shall endure for ages long after you’re gone. All the promised boons Cinch provided are enough to placate Dusk Shine for the moment. Maybe she made a few amendments to the school calendar and a few extra benefits to be safe. Her fuschia eyes issued a silent order to Sunny Flare.
“Grrr,” Royal Pin snarled with a rampant surge of magma flowing through his nerves.
“Hey, buddy. Take that bass out of your voice and save the growling for the pound you mutt,” Dusk Shine said in a gruff voice identical to those on the east coast. The swift contrast alarmed everyone sans Cadance in the room. It made Royal Pin smile, knowing that Dusk Shine wasn’t from Canterlot.
“You’re from Manehattan?” Coco Pummel questioned, allowing her hometown accent to slip.
“Nope,” Dusk Shine grabbed a grey towel. “My grandma is from there. I’m a hundred percent Canterlotite,” He explained, blowing on the oven dish and resting it on the counter, allowing it to cool.
“Where are you from?” Trenderhoof asked, using this time to learn more about him
“Luminance Arch,” Dusk Shine replied. Their eyes exploded from their sockets. He won’t tell them that he technically has an ancestral claim to the land.
“Please excuse me,” Royal Pin requested, removing his apron and exiting the room. A raging bellow echoed from the other side of the wall before he returned. The casual atmosphere returned a few moments later.
Indigo Zap stood at one of the ovens, holding a tray of chocolate chip cookies. “Okay, put in the oven at 375 degrees for eight to twelve minutes,” She recalled the instructions.
“Or 750 degrees for half the time,” Discord suggested with a chaotic smile. He raised a glass of chocolate milk.
Dusk Shine paused, spreading the frosting on the cake. “Floor it,” He coaxed, adding to the chaos. His babysitter’s heart dropped to her toenails at the comment.
“Dusk Shine, no!” Cadance yelled, pointing a reprimanding finger at him. Her purple eyes quaked with fear, hoping he’ll listen. No, he won’t. She dug into her pocket and quick-dialed a number.
“I answer to his tolling bell,” Dusk Shine replied cryptically when Indigo Zap closed the oven. 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Cadance exhaled, relieved at the desirable outcome. Dusk Shine and Sour Sweet completed their cake before the oven beeped. He smiled mischievously, grabbing a can of whipped cream and spraying a mini-mountain in his palm. What is he doing? Dusk Shine waited at the door.
“Babe, I’m here. Where’s the fire?!” Shining Armor barged through the door with a fire extinguisher. Does everyone in his family have one?! Dusk Shine flung the whipped cream into his older brother’s face. “...Really?” He deadpanned with his face covered. “Are you proud of yourself?” His arms were crossed, towering over him like a stern parent.
“Yep,” Dusk Shine beamed. “We got cookies, cake, and brownies,” He gestured to the sweets.
“Nice,” Shining Armor followed him for the food. That makes the trip.
“That was kinda weird,” Jet Set remarked, sharing a piece of cake with Upper Crust.
“You don’t have siblings do you?” Moon Dancer calculated, washing her hands. The two shook their heads.
“This is how siblings bond,” Sour Sweet interjected, watching the family eat.
“You have siblings?” Lemon Zest questioned. The two nodded. She didn’t know that, but then again, she never asked.
“Moon Dancer has an older sister, while Sour Sweet has a twin sister,” Dusk Shine answered, munching a cookie.
“A twin?” Lemon Zest shuddered at the thought of two Sour Sweets.
“Sweeten Sour. She’s on the CHS marching band,” Sour Sweet replied before glaring at Royal Pin. “I don’t see you calling me a traitor,” She retorted, flicking her fork at him, who stayed quiet.
“Oh, my,” Suri Polomare purred, biting her lower lip. Her face matched her cake’s frosting. What is she watching? The girl flustered at Dusk Shine tantalizingly eating a cupcake. His shiny teeth peeled the cupcake’s skirt for that delicious cake. Dusk Shine’s succulent lips meet the vanilla-flavored sweet with half-lidded eyes. Oh, they wished they were that cupcake. His tongue removed evidence of the meal, leaving a glossy shine on his lips.
“What?” Dusk Shine swallowed, acknowledging the stares.
“Ah um, can you uh,” Suri Polomare stammered, her cheeks still a brilliant scarlet.
“If you’re wondering if I can eat a girl like that,” Dusk Shine predicted, covering his mouth as a burp crept up his throat. “It depends on how much I like you or for the right price,” He proposed.
“You probably shouldn’t have said that,” Night Blaze advised. Suri Polomare rummaged through her pocket. Oh, fuck, she’s doing it. She went to his side, sliding an orate card to him. Sour Sweet grabbed her by the shirt collar and carried her away. However, the archer desired the same as her.
“If he’s anything like his father/brother,” Cinch and Cadance cooed, recalling amorous memories.
“You and my dad used to….” Dusk Shine whispered, imagining the scene with a slack jaw. Cinch smiled while eating a brownie. He narrowed his eyes, making a disgusted expression. “I’m out,” He raised his hands, losing his appetite. “I’m heading to the vending machine,” Dusk Shine removed his apron and hung it on a hook.
“Same here,” Sunny Flare grumbled, sharing the same stomach-churning as he did from that image. The prime students exited the room with a few others.
They ambled down the hall as the ten-minute bell rang. Lunch is almost done, but not for them. Moon Dancer searched through Ponygram for Sunset Shimmer’s profile.
“Did you find it yet?” Upper Crust questioned. They wanted to know what this girl looked like.
“Give me a second,” Moon Dancer grumbled, typing all possible combinations of usernames. Account private. “Shit,” She groaned. Wait, there’s another one. “Found it,” Moon Dancer smiled as they crowded around her.
“Damn, she’s a babe,” Trenderhoof marveled at Sunset’s beauty. She meets all of his marks and more. This is Dusk Shine’s best friend? They expected her to be a nerd like him, not a punk rocker. He found the bisexual flag in her bio. Oh. No one was in her profile picture. “I’m shooting my shot,” He copied the username, pressing the direct message icon when a dark aura rested on his shoulder.
“Hey Trenderhoof, can I talk to you for a second?” Dusk Shine smiled brightly. His arm repositioned around Trenderhoof’s neck. Oh, fuck, he’s in so much trouble.
“Please don’t hurt me,” Trenderhoof pleaded; panic froze his body. His violet eyes screamed for help. None of them wanted to take that risk.
“Why would I hurt you?” Dusk Shine consoled gently, opening his lifeless eyes. “Do you have a reason why I should?” He probed, tightening his hold almost in a one-armed chokehold.
“Um,” Trenderhoof said, anxiety flowing down his gamboge face. What color is gamboge? Oh, it can be either orange or brown.
“Well, let’s talk in private, shall we?” Dusk Shine advised, dragging the poor student away into an adjacent hallway. They caught an earshot of the conversation but couldn’t hear because of the distance. Something about women being Trenderhoof’s fatal flaw. The two returned with Trenderhoof paler than a bleached skeleton. “Let’s never have that conversation again, okay?” Dusk Shine grinned, patting the quaking haunted Trenderhoof on the back. He left. They wanted to ask Trenderhoof what he said but did they want to know?
Sunny Flare beat and shook the vending machine. “Come on, you piece of junk!” She snarled, glaring at the prize of cheese-flavored chips. It rested at an angle, taunting her, knowing how much she wanted it.
“I got this,” Dusk Shine offered his assistance. Her bug-eyed expression watched him lift the vending machine and shake it.
“Oh yeah, I forgot he can do that,” Moon Dancer and Sour Sweet whispered, marveling at his strength. They gawped at them. Forgot?! Dusk Shine wiped the sweat from his brow, passing the bag to Sunny Flare.
“Thanks,” She smiled, opening the bag. Dusk Shine nodded, stepping in front of the drink machine. He smacked the front in a series of precise hits. It rumbled, ejecting his chosen beverage.
“You want one too?” Dusk Shine asked, turning the green bottle cap
“Hand me a raspberry rush,” Sunny Flare chewed. He nodded, using a different pattern of strikes. The bottle popped out. “Cheers,” They toasted before walking off. The Shadowbolts ogled them with slack jaws. Did they become friends?
Neon Lights attempt the same pattern but to no avail. “Damn cheat codes,” He grumbled, reaching for his wallet. They returned to the Home ec room for their lunch. Several moments passed with the utensils washed. They chatted and enjoyed their lunch, passing the time until the end of school. “You need a knife, Sugarcoat?” Lemon Zest asked her stoic teammate with peanut butter and crackers. They should have a few spares.
“I have a spoon,” Sugarcoat answered, holding the silver object.
“So you’re going to use the spoon’s round ass, then?” Lemon Zest remarked, arching her confused brow.
Dusk Shine snickered, covering his mouth. “I’m sorry,” He chuckled, barely holding his laughter. Okay, this is getting weird. His classmates observed him shift through several moods in the last hour. Serenely indifferent was the default. Cruelly dominant with a hint of manipulation with Royal Pin. Now Dusk Shine is genuinely laughing at Lemon Zest’s comment. “Don’t even think about Dean Cadance,” Dusk Shine warned his beaming sister-in-law.
“I have no idea what you're talking about,” She retorted in a sing-song voice. Shining Armor shared a similar expression.
“I was born at night, not last night,” Dusk Shine argued, getting his lunch container. The two adults chuckled when a savory tomato aroma tickled their noses.
“Wait, is that dad’s bolognese pasta?” Shining Armor asked, his eyes shimmering in hungry.
“No, it’s mine,” Dusk Shine corrected, stirring the pasta with his pasta. “I recreated the recipe,” He stated. The sauce had a darker hue compared to his father’s variant. “Hurry up and take some,” Dusk Shine sighed, observing his brother’s face.
“You can cook?” Sunny Flare acknowledged as the brothers shared the meal.
“Who doesn’t?” Dusk Shine shrugged, answering between his chews. It’s an essential life skill. Some of their hands went up. “To me, there’s no difference between my experiments and cooking,” He revealed the mindset behind his skills. You have your instructions, utensils, and an established end result. “Except mom and dad allow it in the house per my rules,” Dusk Shine smiled.
“What sauce do you use for it?” Cinch asked, wondering about his culinary skills.
“I make my own using our garden,” Dusk Shine answered.
“You garden?” Suri Polomare questioned. He doesn’t seem like the person who’ll get on his knees getting dirty under the hot sun.
“Botany is a science, and … it reminds us of our grandmother,” Dusk Shine confessed with downcast eyes. They recalled his mournful words about his horrible aunt Cozy Glow. “We never got a chance to meet, so this is our way of honoring her,” He continued softly when Sunny Flare rested a sympathetic palm on his shoulder.
“So what about these rules,” Discord diverted the conversation to brighter areas.
“The Decrees of Dusk!” Shining Armor exclaimed. Dusk Shine covered his face at the enthusiasm. “A set of oaths signed by yours truly,” He wrapped his muscular arm around his little brother’s neck.
“Dusk Shine’s not allowed to use the oven unsupervised,” Cadance announced, reciting some of the rules.
“I still think that should be amended,” Dusk Shine grumbled. It’s been ten years already.
“If Dusk Shine starts running, you better start running too,” Cadance resumed, stressing about the running. She brought a comfortable pair of slip-on shoes whenever they went out.
“That’s a rule?” Indigo Zap asked.
“Yes!” The married couple declared. “Dusk Shine is great at risk assessment. If he’s running away from something. You don’t ask questions and follow him,” Cadance explained, where he inadvertently saved them or found something better during family trips.
“There was one time Dusk Shine ran away from … someone when we were at the mall,” Shining Armor recalled. They saw him blitz across the food court, yelling at them to hurry up. No questions asked. He doesn’t remember who the person was. “I think it was a girl,”
“Your ex?” Discord asked.
“Not my ex,” Dusk Shine stressed on the specifics. She was technically Sunset’s ex, but he didn’t want to make assumptions. His phone buzzed. “Hello? Hey uncle” He answered the phone, nodding as Cozy Glow’s ex-husband spoke on the line. “Got it,” The call ended.
“Cozy Glow?” Shining Armor deadpanned, predicting the nature of the call. Granddad relayed a message that his eldest child encountered a few issues in Ponyville.
“Yep,” Dusk Shine replied
“Not our problem,” The brothers and Cadance shrugged. Everyone agreed with that assessment. You don’t state in court that you should’ve killed them when you had the chance, expecting them to help you still. Life doesn’t work that way.
“Did something happen to her?” Discord grinned, hoping for some juicy gossip.
“Karma for the pseudo-feminist,” Cadance bit into a brownie.
“Pseudo-feminist?” Cinch quiered.
“Okay, she wants the rights and benefits but none of the responsibilities,” Dusk Shine explained, wiping his mouth. “Let’s take you, for example,” He gestured to his principal. “You’re an independent, wealthy, sophisticated, reasonably attractive, and well-established woman,” Dusk Shine described without any pointless flattery. She smirked as he listed her traits. “My aunt wants to be you, but she doesn’t want to put in the effort to be you,” He divulged. “She’s fine piggybacking on my uncle,” Dusk Shine scoffed at the entitlement.
“Oh, she’s one of those chicks!” Indigo Zap grumbled; they nodded to confirm. “Let me guess. She offered to be a maid during the divorce, huh?”
“Basically,” Dusk Shine confirmed. Night Blaze checked his nails, grumbling how swiftly pride turned to pleading. Cozy Glow used that tactic before. “We don’t have simps in our family,”
“Well…” Shining Armor blushed, rubbing the back of his head while Cadance smiled.
“You two get a pass,” Dusk Shine assured, pointing at the couple. “I’ll admit, you do have an ideal, almost fairytale-like relationship,” He muttered, keeping his pride intact. Both held Cheshire's grin at his comment.
“Come on, you had at least one simp in your family,” Lemon Zest commented.
“We almost did,” Dusk Shine responded. “My cousin, Frost Star, during the spring break last year before my hair got long,” He started his story, pointing to his hair. “He liked this girl called Sandy Aurora, but I could see that she didn’t like him back, and he didn’t have the spine to ask her out,” Dusk Shine said. Oh, it’s one of those situations. “I tried to convince him since she took several days to respond,” He fumed at how delusional Frost Star was. Come on, take a freaking hint. Some of the guys nodded, wincing at the information. Fleur De Lis did something similar, but at least she was upfront. “I proposed an experiment,”
“Which was?” Discord rotated his hand, wanting the story to advance.
“I asked her out,” Dusk Shine shrugged nonchalantly. “Wasn’t that hard,” He claimed. Sour Sweet’s eyes twitched at his casual statement. Really?! Not that hard?!
“Nice,” The guys gave him a thumbs-up for taking the lead.
“While Frost Star asked someone else to go to the fair with us. It worked,” Dusk Shine continued the tale. “Best scenario, she ignored it or was one of those weirdos that don’t want him but don’t want anyone to have him,” He rolled his eyes, taking a scoop of his pasta. “Don’t remember. He’s happy with the girl he took to the fair,”
“Hey, match-making is my thing,” Cadance joked. Shining armor chuckled, kissing his darling wife on the cheek.
“If you two want to get weird,” Dusk Shine groaned. “Please go to room 339,” He waved them off like a neglectful parent dismissing their child. His classmates blushed at the comment. He knows about room 339?
“How do you know about that room?” Cadance asked, narrowing her purple eyes. It’s the classic room in all high schools where students want to get intimate. The school barely uses that room anymore. They typically use it as a detention room or to store supplies.
“What is he talking about?” Shining Armor questioned.
“Of course, you don’t know about it, you virgin,” Dusk Shine belittled. His brother used his room when he and Cadance wanted a ‘study’ date.
“I have a daughter,” Shining Armor deadpanned, ignoring the petty insult.
“And is that supposed to mean something to me?” Dusk Shine arched his brow.
“When you do have sex, you’ll realize that it isn’t that important,” Shining Armor advised, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
“How do you know that I haven’t had sex?” Dusk Shine argued, narrowing his studious eyes. Some stared at Sunny Flare and Sour Sweet, judging them. If someone took his virginity, then it was those two. Also, Lemon Zest.
“Look at you!” Shining Armor shouted, pointing at him.
“Look at you!” Dusk Shine countered.
“If you two fight, I’ll call your grandmother,” Cadance warned, sternly glaring at the two. The brothers stopped their bickering. “He started it,” They pointed at each other. Cadance rolled her eyes at the brothers.
“Whatever, I’m stealing some stuff for Flurry,” Dusk Shine announced, pointing to the table.
“You know she’s not supposed to, right?” Cadance reminded.
“Do I care?” Dusk Shine, rubbing his chin. “Yes, but she’s a child; let her live a little,” He consoled before heading to one of the tables. Cake or cookies? Both.
“Anyone wants to see Dusk Shine being adorable with his niece?” Cadance whispered, teasing and holding her phone. Several hands were raised. She smiled, activating her phone, and scrolled through the photos. They cooed at the younger Dusk Shine, bonding with his niece. His gentle smile and her jovial expression showed unconditional love as she snuggled into his arms. Some of the girls' ovaries roared at Dusk Shine’s parental capabilities. Dusk Shine peaked over his shoulder. Why are they looking at him like that? Lemon Zest smiled at him, tucking a lock of her green hair behind one of her ears.
Oh boy.
The bell rang for the end of the school day. Cinch asked for Dusk Shine to come with her to her office. He did. She handed him a box, explaining it was from a benefactor who looked forward to his progress. Dusk Shine took it. He examined it upon returning home. An amulet? His fingers grazed the other layer, heat surging throughout his body. Spike’s barks snapped him out of it. How long was he out? His parents returned, bringing dinner with them.
For the first time in ages, Dusk Shine didn’t hear Night Blaze.
Several days later. Principal Cinch authorized a conditioning session for the second portion of the games. The Shadowbolts gathered at the soccer field once the track team left. A few faculty members and students from the Fitness initiative were also there, using this period to work out. Cinch and Cadance included. They chose Zumba for this week. Shining Armor blew a whistle alerting the Shadowbolts. “Alright, everyone, run a few laps, then get split into groups,” He instructed, wearing a royal blue tracksuit. The students jogged around the verdant field; some lingered behind the group, aware that they wouldn't be the final six bringing victory to the school. Shining Armor allowed them to listen to music while they ran. Good music equals a great workout, enabling them to get in the zone. Lemon Zest didn’t need to be told twice, creating a reinvigorating custom playlist combining her and Dusk Shine’s songs. Anything to get the blood pumping. They started to sweat under the glowing sun as the laps prolonged. Few groaned, opting to walk. This is worse than their actual gym class. Indigo Zap led the pack, taking controlled breaths to refuel her body. No music for this girl. The only music she’s jamming to is her thundering heartbeat. A purple blur blitzed passed, overtaking the passionate athlete. Her gamboge eyes widened at the identity.
“Dusk Shine?” Indigo Zap questioned the accelerating top student turning at the corner. She smiled, forcing more energy into her lower body. He’s not leaving her in his dust. Damn, did he get bulkier? The other Shadowbolts copied Zap’s idea. Dusk Shine’s headphones blared a series of more aggressive songs, fueling his body to power through the laps. His feet pounded against the grass, keeping his proper running form. Eyes forward, core engaged, and light footsteps avoid heel striking. It’s how he maintained an A in gym class. But. Why is he showing off? Dusk Shine never cared for showboating his athletic skills. He’s aware that his body wasn’t designed for strenuous physical labor but is capable of doing so. The heavy electric riffs clashed with his stoic expression, sensing Indigo Zap and the A-team catching up behind. His eyes widened for a brief moment. How does he know that? No, wait. Indigo Zap is a competitively determined woman. Seeing him, an academic to his core, bypass her while running laps ignited that competitive spirit. Yes, that’s it. Dusk Shine relaxed, finding an explanation as he lapped some of the students.
“Does anyone else feel this is a weird representation of how Dusk Shine is always ahead of us?” Trenderhoof mentioned, observing the stars of their school pulling ahead of them. Dusk Shine led the vanguard of the elites, followed by the smirking Indigo Zap and the focused Sour Sweet. The rearguard consists of Lemon Zest, Sugarcoat, and Sunny Flare.
“Yep,” They blankly remarked while briskly jogging. Cinch’s stern glare chilled their bones, forcing them to make haste. The whistle blew again, much to the student's relief. Time for a break. They dragged themselves to the benches: their faces were drenched in sweat, puffing with burning lungs and steaming, aching muscles. Moist water bottles were distributed from a blocky cooler. Moon Dancer muttered thanks, accepted the beverage from Coco Pummel, and guzzled the refreshingly cool drink. They used the interlude for small talk while others retrieved and installed the equipment. Moon Dancer’s dark purple eyes glared at the A-team, barring Dusk Shine, as he chatted with them. Why is he being so chummy with them? Was Dusk Shine simply polite? He was always like that since they were kids. Her jaw muscles rigidified, viewing Indigo Zap and Lemon Zest within Dusk Shine’s personal space. Get the fuck away from him! She crumpled the plastic bottle in her grasp, watching Lemon Zest and Dusk Shine chat, probably asking what type of music he was playing. That green-haired, headbanging, irresponsible hedonist should be the last person getting friendly with Dusk Shine. Lemon Zest chased throughout the school like the rabid beast she was. Forced herself onto him like a harlot, warping his brain to achieve her goal. It succeeded. Now she’s worming her way into his life like nothing happened. Moon Dancer roughly considered Fleur De Lis to be a better choice. Roughly! She groaned, taking another sip. Why would someone as amazing as Dusk Shine ever be with dullards and bitches when he can have a nice girl like her? Jesus fucking Christ, I feel gross from that writing that sentence. Ugh, all for characterization.
“Everyone pair up and practice your aim,” Shining Armor instructed the students, gesturing to the recurve bows and arrow satchels rack. A row of targets was ready to be penetrated by their bards. Sour Sweet provided basic instructions before delivering a textbook bullseye shot straight in the center. Their applause erected a slight curl of her lips, peeking over her shoulder like a model in a swimsuit beach photo. Did he see her? Dusk Shine focused on adjusting his posture while examining the weight and feel of his chosen bow. Sour Sweet sighed before barking orders to the slackers of the team. Particularly Trenderhoof ogling the females practicing their Zumba. The Shadowbolts shot their arrows, some being luckier than others. Something rustled in the nearby bushes with a hushed voice attempting to silence another.
“What the hell?” Dusk Shine muttered, glaring at the shrubs. He lowered his bow, scanning for the culprits. A boom mic? The top student approached the green line, concluding it wasn’t a fellow student.
“Dusk Shine?” Sour Sweet questioned, recognizing that glimmer in his eyes. He placed a finger to his lips, pointing to the greenery. She nodded, waiting for him to finish his work. Shining Armor caught the gesture as well. His amethyst eyes discovered a cloud of deep magenta cotton candy and a wild rainbow streak. Dusk Shine’s steps were as silent as a disheveled grave. The two girls were ignorant of his presence, and one scolded the other on the meaning of stealth.
“We're trying to spy on them! Do you even know what the word "spy" means?” Rainbow Dash muttered gruffly. She watched them continue their archery. Her annoyance flared. “It means being sneaky! It means not being seen! It means-” Rainbow Dash stood up with shut eyes.
“Being quiet/BEING QUIET,” Dusk Shine finished the sentence with her. Everyone turned their attention to the yelling. The energetic Latin music occupied the silence. “Can we help you with something?” Dusk Shine asked, looming over the two Canterlot high students.
“Oh no,” Rainbow Dash whispered, beads of cold sweat cascading on her cerulean grayish skin. Her cerise pupils shrunk into pinpricks at their situation. Not only did she get exposed by Crystal Prep. It was by their top student too. Oh, fuck, that’s the Dean. OH, DOUBLE FUCK! Principal Cinch was here as well, glaring at them. “This can’t get any worse,” Rainbow Dash predicted. Oh. You just broke Murphy’s law. It can always get worse. Her toned heart dropped to her butthole, glazing over to the side. Is the fucking police captain? Why is he here?! Sunset Shimmer’s words about Dusk Shine’ echoed in her brain. They’re brothers.
“We’re in trouble,” Pinkie Pie squeaked, picking up the bush. “RUN!” She screamed, twirling her legs like the roadrunner before dashing off. Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly before following Pinkie Pie. The Shadowbolts shrugged and scratched their heads at the situation. What just happened?
“Should we follow them?” Sugarcoat asked. Indigo Zap perked up at the suggestion.
Shining Armor shook his head. “Nah, Dusk Shine got this,” He smiled with folded arms and gestured to the parking lot. “Watch,” The Shadowbolts did, arching their brows while Dusk Shine got into a running start. His muscles tensed, taking a deep breath as the intruders continued to their escape. Three, two, one. Dusk Shine blitzed across the field, leaving a dirt and grass trail behind him, hopping over the fence like a hurdle.
“WHAT?!” They yelled at his starling speed. He’s a hunter on the prowl; none will escape him. “Where was this?!” Some of them demanded to know this alarming running speed.
“He was on the track team when we were kids,” Sour Sweet explained. Dusk Shine wasn’t a star member, as his academic awards overshadowed those feats. Their dumbfounded eyes honed in on Dusk Shine.
“If he could do this, why didn’t he join the track team?” Jet Set remarked. They nodded, wondering about the wasted potential.
“So you can hate him even more?” Sour Sweet sneered, hushing them as they frowned. “Thought so,” She muttered, prolonging her sour glare. He didn’t need more bullshit from his so-called schoolmates. Shining Armor examined her answer. Dusk Shine told him he was rejected from the team despite meeting the requirements.
“Do we lose them?” Rainbow Dash huffed as they neared the basketball. Pinkie Pie shrugged, still holding the bush. She glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “I think we lost them,”
“Well, you thought wrong,” Dusk Shine corrected in a deadpan tone, startling the two. They stopped on a dime, falling on their butts. Their hearts raced at his sudden appearance. How did he catch up with them?! “Your Sunset’s friends, right? Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash,” Dusk Shine calculated, denouncing their identities.
“What, are you a spy or something?” Rainbow Dash snarled. The pot calling the kettle black
“You have rainbow hair, and she’s literally pink,” Dusk Shine retorted, pointing to their features with a blank expression. She smells like sweet vanilla. “Also she’s Sunset’s best friend at your school,” He continued.
“Oh…,” Rainbow Dash cringed at the obvious answer. She gazed at his strong arms and legs. Huh. Egghead was more muscular than she thought.
“Dusk Shine,” Shining Armor called out, waving for him to return. The younger brother nodded.
“Tell Sunset she’s a hacker,” Dusk Shine ordered before walking off. The two shrugged at the request but didn’t question it. It’s time to run.
Moon Dancer positioned herself to take another shot. None of them hit the center. “Okay, deep breathes,” The arrow jetted towards the target, but it bounced off the others into the trees like a pinball. “Uh, no,” She fretted as the barb altered its path to them.
“ROUGE ARROW!” Indigo Zap warned, alarming everyone at the ricocheting bolt. They jumped to the grass, covering their heads, waiting for the threat to pass.
“Is everyone okay?” Shining Armor asked after a few seconds. He raised his head, scanning the field for the missing barb. “Where did it go?” The police captain wondered as they stood up, searching for it. Was it lodged in a tree’s dark brown trunk or somewhere in the nearby shrubs where those two girls were hiding?
Lemon Zest stood brushing the loose soil and grass off her legs. Her amber eyes panned for the projectile. Looking away, she glanced at Dusk Shine before her alarmed eyes widened with a double take. “HOLY SHIT, DUSK SHINE, ARE YOU OKAY?!” She yelled, terror constricting her bombastic voice like an annoying tie. Everyone sharply turned their heads at the school’s prized student. The rainbow of faces bleached at Dusk Shine’s condition. Cadance and Shining Armor gingerly paced toward Dusk Shine with their open hands at chest level, ready to catch him.
“Yeah, I’m fine; why?” Dusk Shine questioned, raising his eyebrow when a dull tinge pulsed in his left shoulder. His confused eyes followed their alarmed gazes, staring blankly at the discovery. “Oh….” There’s the missing dart lodged into his shoulder. “That’s not good,” Dusk Shine acknowledged, blinking owlishly at the dire situation. It pierced the breathable, thin cloth, but Moon Dancer’s insufficient strength prevented the tip from digging into his supple skin.
“Yah think?!” Sour Sweet bellowed at his injury, discarding her gear, and rushed to assess his wound. She stopped before him, analyzing the rouge train of factors steamrolling through her brain. The archer circled him, relieved that it didn’t puncture through to the other side of his shoulder. Shit, did it hit a primary vein or artery?!
“Dude, just … stay calm, okay; we’ll uh get the nurse,” Lemon Zest stuttered, attempting to midgate the situation. Her bombastic voice was rife with fear, unable to compete with her heart’s BPM. Some began to step back to start their search.
“Nah, I got this,” Dusk Shine retorted, halting their medical retrieval. He grabbed the arrow’s shaft, grunting while removing the needle-like head from his shoulder meat. A small hole marking its unintended target. “You want this back, Moon Dancer?” The star student questioned, nonchalantly holding the arrow in the air like a trophy while rotating the stinging deltoid muscle. A single trickle of sanguine fluid escaped from the tiny opening. It trailed down his skin before his pant fabric absorbed the warm life force.
“Um, no, thank you,” Moon Dancer fretted with an anxious headshake. She pressed the bow against her body, shielding herself from Sour Sweet and Cinch’s murderous glare. Nothing can be said to mitigate the damage.
“You sure?” Dusk Shine requested, twirling the projectible between his dexterous fingers. Moon Dancer nodded like a hyperactive pogo-stick on a trampoline. No, thank you. They observed his casual demeanor with concerned interest. Dusk Shine took an arrow to the shoulder and removed it like an old bandage. Either he’s made out of sturdier material, or his adrenaline levels are in overdrive.
“Sour Sweet, Sunnyflare, would you kindly check his injury, please?” Cinch instructed the two in a gritty tone. “While I have a little talk with Moon Dancer,” The stern matron fumed, sneering at the plain girl.
“Yes, Principal Cinch,” They obeyed their principal as she beckoned the fearful Moon Dancer to follow her with her finger. The trio went to one of the sturdy benches and sat as Shining Armor handed the girls a red and white medical kit.
“Are you okay, Dusk?” Shining Armor questioned; the elder brother worried for the younger one
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Dusk Shine answered disinterestedly right when the pain subsided. “I’m already dead inside,” He shrugged at the reply, his dead doll-like eyes shimmering under the luminescent sun.
“You’re one-third hot sauce, several kilograms of hay burgers, and a library of science and fantasy trivia,” Shining Armor countered with a blank expression.
“And you damn right,” Dusk Shine confirmed, pointing at his older brother. Shining Armor chuckled, shaking his head as he walked off. “I handle this myself,” The prime student said as they sat with him, searching for bandages in the medical box.
“Seriously?” Sunny Flare fumed, narrowing her eyes at his insolent independence. “You got shot in your freaking shoulder right before the Friendship Games,” She chastised with a sharp gesture at the tiny hole in his flesh, attempting to convince him to accept their help. Why was Dusk Shine apprehensive about their support? “We need our best student in prime condition,” Sunny Flare softened her posh tone in the negotiation. They’re a team, right?
“Yeah, so just zip it,” Sour Sweet snarled, holding a roll of medical bandages before frowning. “And … let us help you, Dusk Shine …,” She replied with downcast eyes, softening his stern expression. “...Please,” Sour Sweet pleaded in the brittle tone of a repentant spouse, desperately longing for the greener pastures once again. Her focused and defiant eyes were unable to make contact with him. Sunny Flare’s face wrinkled in confusion at their interaction. Dusk Shine being standoffish that’s normal. However, Sour Sweet appears small, even submissive and pleading. That was not normal. Sunny Flare considered Sour Sweet one of her friends. The archer was competitive, bold, skilled, and always had her eyes on the target. To see her like this … is unnerving. What happened between these two? Sunny Flare sneered at her mother, believing she had something to do with it.
“Fine,” Dusk Shine resigned, his body eased to her reassurance. “I don’t have much choice,” He exhaled, pushing up his glasses.
“No, you don’t,” Sunny Flare commanded like a captain lecturing their subordinate. “Take off your shirt so we can see,” She added. The faster they can patch him, the faster they can go home and finalize the games.
“Ugh…” Dusk Shine groaned, rolling his eyes as he maneuvered to discard the shirt, leaving it at the side. The girls' pupils dilated at his tantalizingly lithe arm muscles, highlighted by his black tank top. Dusk Shine took excellent care of his body. A healthy mind requires a healthy body. Sour Sweet broke out of the spell to resume her task. She lowered the shoulder strap to evaluate the puncture. It’s small, barely a few millimeters wide. A superficial wound at best, given stalled blood flow.
“Disinfectant,” The archer requested, putting her hand out. Sunny Flare nodded, searching for the items. She passed the clear rectangular bottle and a bundle of cotton balls. “This might sting a bit,” Sour Sweet warned gently, squirting the sterile antiseptic onto a cotton ball.
“Mhm,” Dusk Shine said indifferently. The mild stinging of antiseptic committing genocide on his cut’s bacteria didn’t fire off any pain receptors. His dull amethyst examined the field while Sour Sweet worked, softly reapplying the disinfectant to a damp cotton ball. Cinch callously scolded Moon Dancer away from anyone to prevent eavesdropping. Poor girl. She’s shuddering like a child who stubbornly refused to wear a jacket per their mother’s advice. Dusk Shine couldn’t decipher what Cinch told her. Whatever the sadistic lecture was, it couldn’t be pleasant. Who can blame her? If it was some random background character on any other day. The punishment would be considerably less severe: Mandatory stern lectures on safety, detention, and some form of probation. However, it happened with Dusk Shine, her top student, before the imminent Friendship games. He’s Crystal Prep Academy’s golden ticket to another glorious victory, establishing their superiority over Canterlot High. The headmistress spoke in a low, controlled frigid voice that shifted molten tungsten into liquid helium. Moon Dancer enclosed herself in a shell, attempting to weather Cinch’s cruel reprimanding. Some bystanders edged away from the disciplinary action while resuming their activities. It’s the first time they’ve seen Cinch angry. Frustrated and/or aggravated would be a more accurate description. Her ominous sneer harbored a cold fury as she reprimanded Moon Dancer, aware that she should know better than to make such a reckless mistake. Cinch made swift and light hand gestures towards the nodding Moon Dancer, her archery equipment, and Dusk Shine. They could predict the logical branch for the headmistress’s dialogue tree. The chastising route was guilt-tripping Moon Dancer for harming her friend; it’ll be her fault if they lose.
“How could you do this to your friend, Moon Dancer? It would be a shame we lose because Dusk Shine’s injury prevents him from focusing,”
“Rise your arm,” Sour Sweet instructed as he followed the order showing off the smooth purple underarm. Dusk Shine’s antiperspirant blocked any foul body odor from their workout.“Is it too tight?” She asked in a worried and gentle tone, wrapping the surgical tape around his shoulder. The wound created abstract art of red blotches splattered throughout the white fabric.
“No, it’s fine,” Dusk Shine replied as she gave one final wrap in a firm binding across his shoulder. Sunny Flare handed Sour Sweet a pair of scissors to remove the excess like a piece of fat from a slab of red meat. CPA’s number two student observed her teammate provide medical assistance to Dusk Shine as she watched from the sidelines following Sour Sweet’s orders. It’s the logical choice, as Sunny Flare doesn’t have the experience to treat the wound. Her cerise eyes darted over to Cinch, still scolding Moon Dancer. However, her mother would begrudgingly agree with that reasoning but won’t like it for a moment. Sunny Flare exhaled, predicting another rebuke from Cinch after this. Trixie Lulamoon, Lemon Zest, Sunset Shimmer, and Sour Sweet.
“Great…,” Sunny Flare grumbled to herself for another perceived failure in Cinch’s eyes. All these girls were strong, gorgeous, intelligent, and capable women. Her lips quivered, outlining her still-developing body. Was…Was she good enough? Sunny Flare simultaneously cares and doesn’t care about it. Her mind couldn’t decipher the turbulent emotions whirling through her brain. She should be grateful for the girls. They can take Dusk Shine off her hands, ruining Cinch’s matchmaking plans. However, it’s possibly Sunny Flare’s only chance for unconditional congratulations from Cinch. A simple ‘Good job.’ Those two words from a parent have a tremendous impact on the child’s mind. She gazed at Dusk Shine, wondering how times he received praise from his family regardless if he succeeded while internally counting Cinch’s appreciation of her. He said he’ll consider dating her once he’s out of Crystal Prep and away from Cinch’s influence. Winning the Friendship Games is Sunny Flare’s only option. Hopefully, Dusk Shine visits often. Doubt it.
“There all done,” Sour Sweet whispered, securing the seal on the wrappings. Her hand lingered on his clavicle, both holding a gaze. Her gentle indigo eyes gazed into his dignified amethyst ones, reminiscing on their youth. Before Crystal Prep and his ascension to the top student rank invoked his social isolation. A kindling of longing held firm in their eyes as his skin radiated a soothing heat under her touch. Perhaps they'd been more than simple friends without the suffocating egotism of Crystal Prep. Cadance bridged her eyebrows while observing this tender moment between them. Sunny Flare gawked at the two, bewildered by their interaction, as they ignored her like the first slice of bread. Were they going to kiss? Their faces illuminated a healthy bright pink, examing the other’s sweet lips.
“Thanks,” Dusk Shine arose, breaking the stare. He rotated his shoulder to examine her handiwork with his shirt clutched between his fingers.
“Yeah,” Sour Sweet muttered as she secured all objects in their assigned spaces. The other half of the Shadowbolts approached them. Their eyes filled with worry for their teammate as his hollow void spaces acknowledged. Dusk Shine doesn’t believe it. He’s cognizant of his role as Crystal Prep’s top student, a smooth ride to another victory. Especially now, they have a chance of losing for the first time in decades. This ‘distress’ for his safety is nothing but a farce glimmer of self-preservation. Victory is the only thing that’s important to them. Sure, a squad of gorgeous women displaying worry for you is an engaging experience solemnly found in reality. Great pay, improved accommodations, and Sunny Flare as his assistant sweetened by implied physical relations. Those boons can pacify anyone. Wealth, prestige, influence, the warm body of a loyal servant who’ll bear his children. All were there. It’s routine as the sunshine during a radiant summer. He wasn’t a fool, perfectly aware of Cinch’s double-sided miasma. A comfy illusion leaving him indebted to her, the chains bound to his wrists and Sunny Flare for Cinch to tug, herding them on the path she wanted. His amethyst eyes blackened as the incomprehensible void of space, inspecting Cinch, concluding her brutal lecture. She aimed her authoritative finger at him, directing the submissive Moon Dancer as if she’s been given the death penalty. Fine, he’ll play your game.
“Dude, are you feeling okay?” Lemon Zest worried, still shaken by the incident. Woah, his arms were chiseled lilac marble.
“I had worse,” Dusk Shine confessed, poking the tender spot, indifferent to the pain. It won’t stop him from achieving his mission of getting the fuck out of this Crystal Prison. “I fell off my roof a few times,” He chuckled when Cadance yelled at him to get off and how he even got up there.
“Please tell me it was your shed,” Sour Sweet pleaded, creasing her forehead with concern. He avoided the question, deciding to be mute. They raised their brows from Sour Sweet’s information. How did she know that he had a shed? Mhm… a likely educated guess because of Dusk Shine and his family gardens.
“Um…Dusk Shine,” Moon Dancer muttered with the confidence of a shaky leaf during an erratic storm. Cinch stood from a distance with crossed arms and a childish pout. She turned her nose, walking off to conduct her post-workout stretching. Sour Sweet and the other Shadowbolts blocked Moon Dancer from getting closer. They can’t risk another injury. Dusk Shine slipped past them, standing in front of his old classmate. Her face inflamed into a blooming rose at his physique, looking up at those glamorous violet stones. She has always seen him in casual business-style attire, disguising his slender form. Dusk Shine’s well-developed build was on full display for her sheepish enjoyment. “I wanted to apolog-” She started when his gentle hand rested on her head.
“It’s cool, Moon Dancer,” Dusk Shine smiled as he patted her hair. Some of them pouted, grumbling his affection, wanting head pats too. A shrill whistle echoed throughout the soccer field.
“Alright, everyone, let’s wrap it up,” Shining Armor instructed as the sun lowered in the background creating a shimmering sea of calming yellow and orange. They dismantled and gathered the equipment for the next few minutes. Dusk Shine carried a few duffle bags filled with arrows, and whatever was left by the track, field, and soccer team from the earlier afternoon. “Sure you can handle that, Shiny?” The older brother questioned, viewing Dusk Shine’s controlled motions as he balanced the weight on his uninjured shoulder.
“Yeah, I am fine,” Dusk Shine grunted. His mother and grandmother didn’t raise a bitch. Cadance cocked her head to the side, motioning for the students to assist him. Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare, and Sour Sweet nodded before approaching Dusk Shine. He exhaled as he passed some of the bags to the girls, knowing that’s impossible to persuade them. The other students placed the sports equipment in their designated spots.
Shining Armor joined Dusk Shine’s group.“What’s the dinner plan today?” He questioned as the sunlight diluted over the horizon, establishing a crisp atmosphere. The brothers strolled over to Cadance, chatting with some of the students.
“I think we can sneak a few burgers before mom finds out,” Dusk Shine suggested. The brothers smirked with a fist bump as they ambled past Cinch. “Oh…” His amethyst eyes widened, flicking with desire at Cinch’s form. The tasteful collage of photos she sent flooded his maturing brain, but those photos didn’t do the reality justice. Cinch had a somewhat intimidating, aristocratic, and exquisite air about her. She can insert herself with cutthroat tycoons and politicians and won’t look out of place. Gaining this woman’s respect or interest is a vital success. Her slimy tactics to placate him proved that: Money, improved amenities turning his lab into a mini lounge area for his leisure, and offering Sunny Flare as a source of companionship. Dusk Shine wasn’t complaining, but it's how Cinch offered the rewards irks him.
Sunny Flare’s eyes followed and screwed up her face at the image. “Ugh!” She winced, angling her body away. What could cause such an adverse reaction? They found Principal Cinch grasping her ankles in a variant of the downward dog position. Her skintight teal leggings caressed her lower body’s smooth curves. The matron’s surprisingly limber with years of yoga and a nutritious diet sustained her mature body’s vitality. She guaranteed that her features endured as naturally as possible. It suits her reputation. Other women in her age group resort to … gauche premium surgeries to sustain their beauty. Those with more self-respect prefer hair dyes. Ponyville’s mayor came to mind.
“Oh geez, not again,” Shining Armor mouthed, scratching his head at his statue of a brother. Great. Another overload. The police captain sighed, rubbing his hands to prepare for rebooting. His teammates stepped back. “Sorry about this,” He raised his hand, delivering a swift smack right when Dusk Shine unconsciously tilted his head. The hand cut the still air. The elder brother blinked at his palm and Dusk Shine. “WHAT?!” Shining Armor exclaimed at the result. This is new! It’s like someone puppeted Dusk Shine's movements or a strange force diverted his palms' flight path. Sugarcoat snapped her fingers, and Sour Sweet waved her hands in front of his blank face. Come on, Dusk Shine, wake up.
“Is everything alright?” Cinch asked, maintaining her form on the mat. Her daughter grimaces at the upside-down sly smirk. Why here?! A measure of teasing floated in her voice and expression.
“Uh…” They stammered with confusion marking their features. What can they say in this situation? Dusk Shine got caught ogling their principal, and he’s still doing it. Lugard sunbeams shone on Dusk Shine’s glasses blocking his violet eyes from their view, rendering his features expressionless. Shining Armor couldn’t get a read on him. Dusk Shine examined Sunny Flare’s body; she blushed at the intense gaze, much to Cinch’s delight.
“No, Principal Cinch. We’re almost done packing, but the sun’s going down,” Dusk Shine answered robotically, pointing at the shimmering orangish-purple sky. Cinch checked her watch, arching her brow at the time. It’s almost half past seven.
“Thank you, Dusk Shine,” She remarked while swapping her form. Cinch’s steadfast forearms supported her mass, pointing her legs and toes heavenward. Blood rapidly slammed into the sophisticated woman’s brain, blurring her vision. Okay, it’s time to stop. The sinking sun retrieved its beams, exposing one of Dusk Shine’s eyes. A cyan flicker in his pupil before smothering itself as they place the remaining bags. Nobody witnessed it. Dusk Shine rubbed his neck as he rotated his injured shoulder.
Cadance approached from behind, lying a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, Dusk Shine. How about you take the next few days off?” She suggested with a tender beam. He’s done a lot in the past few weeks and needs to relax his brain.
“Dean Cadance…fine, I will,” Dusk Shine retorted before resigning after a pause. His dreary voice was an empty funeral; no semblance of life reverberated in his tone. That didn’t concern her. Dusk Shine refers to her as Dean Cadance did. It’s grimly formal, extending the bridge between their familiar relationship. She didn’t like it. Cadance shared a look with her husband, mirroring the stoic expression as they both have similar thoughts. Something happened. Principal Cinch was the foundation. Another question was, what did she offer him when she called Dusk Shine to her office? He said that it was a gift from a benefactor. Oddly convenient. Cadance glared at Cinch as her superior gathered her material. Sunny Flare obeyed the leash constricting her neck, following Cinch to their car. Everyone scattered into their niche groups, ambling to their transports or hanging around the bus stop.
Shining Armor returned with their workout bags. “Let’s head home,” He smiled. Spike popped out of Dusk Shine’s bag, panting with a grin. Finally, he’s out of the bag. Dusk Shine took Spike into his arms as they walked away. Sunny Flare longingly gazed over her shoulder at the ideal family when Sugarcoat nudged her, breaking the stare.
Dusk Shine stepped something smooth and flat. Hm? He glanced at the object. An I.D card? Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie must’ve dropped it when they escaped. Which one is it? Pinkamena Diane Pie. Diane? That’s a weird name. Dusk Shine slipped it into his pocket without the adults knowing as Spike nuzzled into his chest. Cadance suggested that Dusk Shine takes a break. Perhaps he should visit Pinkie Pie later this week.
Dusk Shine approached the old-school style dinner, tenderly holding his guest's hand. He used his free hand to push his spectacles, ignoring the mild aching in his shoulder from Moondancer’s arrow; his amethyst eyes surveyed the building. It’s oval-shaped, yet the sharp edges resemble a lopsided rectangle with pastel lime green and strawberry pink with the back half of a reddish pink vintage car. There’s only one entryway on the left side as people enter and exit. The owners and architects were adamant about the 1950s aesthetic. Was it nostalgia for a simpler time or providing a unique retro experience of a bygone era? Manehatten had a series of restaurants based on the roaring twenties without the broad racism and segregation. Whatever it was, the results were highly effective. This cozy diner was popular for upper-scale casual eating among students and young adults. Some of the pompous lips of Crystal prep sang its praises. Maybe, he won’t see any of them today. Whatever Dusk Shine doesn’t care. The mission is to get in, find Pinkie Pie, hand over her CHS I.D card, and get out with a full stomach.
“Come on, Shiny. I’m hungry,” A pleading childish voice announced, tugging his hand. He chuckled at his lovely niece as the pre-kindergarten hadn’t inherited the family’s dense hunger yet. That went to him, the Blackhole’s avatar or ceaseless hunger as what his family called him. It’s a debate between Dusk Shine and Celestia about who had the vaster gullet.
“Alright, you better finish your food this time, Flurry Heart,” Dusk Shine joked as they walked towards the door. Her eyes were more extensive than her stomach as she pouted at the truth. “Fine, I’ll finish it for you,” He exhaled with a beam, unable to refuse his niece. Those were her parents' rules, not his rules. Two Canterlot high school students chatted outside near the vacant parking lot. A girl with wild shoulder-length, light, brilliant pistachio hair. Her outfit resembles one of Sunset’s old with a leather jacket vest, plaid green pencil skirt, and faded pink shirt with a cherry on the center. Cherry Crash was her name if he recalled from his brief stay at CHS. The man next to her was Valhallen. His orange curtain hid his eyes. Hey, the ’80s and the ’90s called; they wanted their outdated rehabilitated drummer or bass player back. Seriously, dude, how do you see with all that hair?
“Yay,” Flurry Heart cheered, embracing his left leg. Dusk Shine grinned before straightening his lips into a hard line, mere footsteps away from the handle. The uncle-niece duo was welcomed with Golden-era rock n roll music from a classic red jukebox. An elderly couple danced, reminiscing on their youth on the far left. What not having a little fun dusting off these rusty bones? The dual-colored walls were a time capsule littered with records, photos of celebrities, and news clippings. They were approached by one of the waitresses on roller skates. Man, they’re resolute to the era’s aesthetic. Dusk Shine checked out the server. She’s an attractive woman, easily in her mid-twenties. Her amber skin resembled freshly baked donuts tanning in the oven with a white soda jerk covering her neatly tied light mulberry hair.
“Welcome to Sweet Snacks Cafe,” Doo Wop greeted the silvery chime of an entering customer. Her light harlequin eyes scanned the new patron, recognizing the iconic maroon of Crystal’s prep uniform. Turns out harlequin is a freaking color. It’s a shade of green. CPA students always tip well. However, this stellar young man was different from the majority. She straightened her vertebral column into a perfect ninety-degree angle from the calculating gaze of his dazzling amethyst eyes. He could’ve walked in wearing a fitted suit and holding a solid black briefcase and claimed that he was an inspector or official. She would’ve believed it within fractions of a nerve impulse.
“Good afternoon,” Dusk Shine and Flurry Heart replied, their posh high-society Canterlotite accent evident in their voices. She glanced at the cute young child enjoying the music while holding his hand. Was that his daughter? No, too young. The kid is around three years old, at least. His younger sister, niece, or cousin is the more logical answer.
Bon-Bon, or Sweetie Drops, conversed with Lyra Heartstrings, her special friend. She caught Dusk Shine in her peripheral vision over Lyra’s shoulder. “Oh, shit,” Her face bleached at his unexpected appearance, raising a shaking half-eaten golden steak fry in his direction.
“Bon-Bon, are you okay?” Lyra consoled her dear friend, laying a comforting hand on hers. My fellow child in radiance. Just admit that you two are girlfriends. Both of you are married in the Mane Universe. Her brilliant golden eyes followed the fry’s direction. Both expanded while the pupils narrowed into gobsmacked pinpricks. “Oh boy,” She muttered, sipping her creamy tankard of root beer float to calm herself. Why was he here? Dusk Shine goes to Donut Joe’s for a bite to eat. Bon-Bon giggled at the vanilla ice cream mustache. I know her other name is Sweetie Drops, or her real name in the Main Universe, but Bon-Bon is more iconic. Also, people in MLP: FIM can entirely change their names upon marriage, as seen with Mrs. Cup Cake, formerly known as Chiffon Swirl. Holy shit, that must make record-keeping and censuses a total pain in the ass to do. Furthermore, the rampant confusion when addressing them, like do you call them by their new name or both names.
“First-time visitors?” Doo Wop predicted, never seeing Dusk Shine before. Always a benefit to see brand-new customers.
“Yes, ma’am,” Dusk Shine answered; his eyes wandered around, scanning for a cotton candy girl. Was Pinkie Pie even working today, or was she on her break? He’ll leave her school ID with Sunset if Pinkie Pie isn’t here … after getting some delicious food. Dusk Shine was going to leave here with something.
“Let’s get you a booth, sweetie,” Doo Wop gestured for them to follow her. Lyra and Bon-Bon remained collected, following the pair with their eyes. Dusk Shine and Lyra made eye contact as he strolled by their table. He tapped his upper lip gesturing for her to follow. The old schoolmate arched her brow. What was that about? She mimicked the motion, discovering the soft creamy residue.
Bon-Bon giggled, pulling some napkins from a container. “I’ll handle it,” She purred, leaning forward to clean the mess. The two parked themselves on the cushiony aqua semi-circular booth.
“I’ll get you two menus,” Doo Wop remarked, departing to the counter with a smile. Dusk Shine peaked at the dancing section, raising an inquisitive brow at the dancers. Alizarin Bubblegum and Celery Stalk were swaying to the rapid jazzy piano, relishing in others’ presence. They stopped when their eyes locked. The duo's hearts thundered with crimson features at the top student’s appearance.
“Um…?” Both muttered, unable to find a way to explain this in a platonic way. Dusk Shine gave them a thumbs-up, approving of this endeavor. They smiled, grabbing identical science novels at their table before walking out hand in hand. Cadance would be ecstatic over this new love affair. He sniffed the air, discovering traces of ice cream, whip cream, and bananas. Doo Wop returned with two stylized menus, handing Flurry Heart a coloring page and a handful of crayons.
“What can I get for you two?” Sunny Sugarsocks requested, holding a blue pen and notepad.
“A double-decker cheeseburger combo, please,” Flurry Heart ordered with stars in her light opal eyes. Sunny Sugarsocks chuckled at the vigor of the young girl. “With curly fries and a peppermint milkshake, please,” The young girl added.
“I’ll have an um… Rocking Rumble, please,” Dusk Shine continued the order, pausing to finalize. “Can you make mine an extra large, please?” He requested, feeling hungrier than usual. That amulet must have done something to him. A scuttling unease rushed up his spinal cord, yet he remained calm for Flurry’s sake. Dusk Shine couldn’t help but ponder what that damn amulet did to him. He doesn’t know, but all he knows is that Night Blaze has been suspiciously quiet lately. It better stay that way. The waitress arched her brow at the request. A Rocking Rumble, huh? She analyzed Dusk Shine’s lean build. Yep, this kid’s going home with leftovers.
“Coming right up,” Sunny Sugarsocks smiled, recording the order as she retrieved the menus. She pinned the order on rotation. “Pinkie, can you get this one?” Sunny Sugarsocks requested. CPA’s top student glanced over his shoulder at the name. She’s here, after all.
“Okey, Dokey, Lokey,” Pinkie Pie agreed, returning from the kitchen. Her head rotated, discovering Dusk Shine at one of the tables. Deep stoic amethyst locked with brilliant, playful cerulean. “Eep!” She squeaked, ducking behind the counter with trembling eyes. Oh no, what is he doing here? Why didn’t her Pinkie sense warn about Dusk Shine’s arrival?
“Do you know that guy?” Sunny Sugarsocks asked, gesturing her head towards the Prep student. Pinkie Pie’s an eccentric girl, but this is bizarre for her. Was he an ex-boyfriend or something? They had Crystal Prep students before, but none of them caused such a reaction.
“Yes, that’s Dusk Shine. He’s Crystal Prep’s top student and Sunset’s friend,” Pinkie Pie answered, peering over the counter like a puppy begging for food. Her coworkers eyeballed the purple male. He’s the top student?
“So, what’s the problem?” Doo Wap asked.
“Well, Rainbow Dash and I scouted their school while they were practicing for the Friendship games, and he found us,” Pinkie Pie explained, arising and brushing off her skirt as they stared blankly at her. Isn’t that illegal? “Sunset said that he’s a sweetheart and gentleman,” She reassured them, gesturing to the table.
“So, Flurry, what did you learn in school today?” Dusk Shine asked, sipping his damp glass of water.
“Learnt about dragons,” Flurry Heart mentioned, doodling on the coloring sheets.
Dusk Shine blinked owlishly while the answer marinated. “They teach dragons in school now?” The young uncle questioned, arching an interested brow. Why does the more youthful generation learn all the fabulous concepts with attractive teachers while he learns basic topics with somebody’s grandma?
“No, I learn about dragons,” Flurry Heart clarified before pouting. “I don’t know what anyone else was doing,” She confessed, invoking a curt snicker from Dusk Shine.
“Niece?” They asked. Sweet Faust, that’s adorable.
“Niece,” Pinkie Pie answered with a nod. “Plus, I’m his best friend-in-law,” The bubbly party girl rationalized with a glimmering beam. They shrugged at her sugary logic, knowing the impossibility of even attempting to decipher the sucrose labyrinth of their pink coworker’s mind.
“Well, you can always bother him for five stars on Screech,” The fry cook joked while flipping a series of deep brown beef patties under the blazing well-worn steel grill. He glanced at Dusk Shine’s order and whistled at it. This kid is getting a man’s meal today. Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes at the previous incident. You do something once, and you never hear the end of it. They rotated between taking orders and delivering them with a bell ding.
“Order up,” Pinkie Pie announced, sliding to their table with a beam. Flurry Heart eyes glimmered by the kid-sized double cheeseburger with two slices of bacon between each patty. A small fire engine wire basket housed a golden brown web of curly fries. There’s that small glass of peppermint milkshake served with a crown of whip cream and succulent cherry on top.
“That was quick,” Dusk Shine acknowledged, pushing up his glasses as she rested the trays on their table. He examined the massive burger before. Huh. The triple beef patties alone were a kilogram at the minimum. Smeared with pepper jack, sharp cheddar and Colby jack, and a whiff of robust steak sauce and caramelized onions.
“Exactly,” Pinkie Pie emphasized the quality of her work. “How about-?” She advised with a bubbly grin leaning closer to him when her phone vibrated. Her charming blue eyes widened at the notification. Someone rated her five gold stars on Screech.
“Five stars on Screech,” Dusk Shine predicted, holding his smartphone with a casual smirk. “Already did,” He announced, gaining prior intel before arriving.
“Enjoy your food,” Pinkie Pie beamed as she bounced away on ROLLER SKATES. Did she have some form of Aether as well? How else would she be able to…no. Not even going to think about it. Sunset disclosed that Pinkie Pie operates on cartoon logic.
“I’ll worry about that later,” Dusk Shine muttered before munching on some fries. He turned the bright red music box for a little ambiance during their meal. Doo Wap, Sunny Sugarsocks, and … Charboiled(?) bet how long it’ll take Dusk Shine to give up on the Rocking Rumble. Oh, is he being underestimated? Their jaws slanted with bewildered eyes as they observed him calmly devour the burger like a peanut and jelly sandwich. There were no pauses between his bites, only to slake his thirst with his root beer or swap his focus on the basket of crispy curly fries. Only a clean plate and hollow basket remained from his hunger. Dusk Shine wiped his greasy lips as he stacked the cutlery.
“Oh, my tummy,” Flurry Heart groaned, holding her bulging stomach. Her head rested against the table in culinary defeat. She released a lingering blech. “Excuse me,” She mouthed, reaching for the napkins to wipe the sticky residue from her lips.
Dusk Shine chuckled, shaking his head. “I told you so, sweetie,” He boasted, catching Pinkie Pie skating by in his peripheral view holding a stack of dishes. “Excuse me, can we get some to-go bags, please?” The mulberry teenager requested, gaining the carhop’s attention.
“Coming right up,” Pinkie Pie smiled, wheeling to the kitchen door using her rump to push out the door. His amethyst eyes darkened at her deliciously plump figure. He would be an idiot to ignore Pinkie Pie’s attractiveness. She’s a cute vibrant girl as sweet as the candy she serves. Pinkie Pie shows that she’s more than big fun. Dependable, responsible, and has a photographic encyclopedia of routine customers, knowing what they want. Maybe he should give this cutie-pie a cream pie?
“What the hell was that?” Dusk Shine muttered, gulping down the remains of his now flat soda. That was new. Night Blaze usually had those thoughts or exposed some of his inner machinations. Yet Dusk Shine didn’t hear his blazing voice mocking him. The scholar rubbed his neck, acknowledging the sharp spike in temperature. He scanned Flurry Heart’s half-consumed milkshake. “You mean if I have the rest of this?” Dusk Shine requested, pointing to the cup. He needed to cool down. Flurry Heart’s raised thumb signals her support of the demand. The edges of his mouth curved upwards. “Thank you,” He answered, grabbing the mug and allowing the lukewarm candy cane beverage to flow down his throat.
Pinkie Pie returned with stylized containers and a durable paper bag with the restaurant's logo. “Here you go,” She placed the receipt on the table. Dusk Shine wiped his mouth before searching for the money and rested it on the document. Pinkie Pie counted the cash, her eyes widening at the amount. “I’ll get you some change,” She gestured to the cash register. It’s more than double the price of their meal.
“Keep it,” Dusk Shine chimed, moving their food into the boxes. “Consider it a tip and a thank you,” He told the pink party girl. Her baby blue eyes bounced between him and money.
“For what?” Pinkie Pie inquired. She didn’t need the money as the job pays well for a part-timer.
“For helping Sunset Shimmer during the Anon-a-Miss incident,” Dusk Shine revealed, securing the leftovers in the bag. His deadpan voice echoed in the sweetly void of Pinkie Pie’s mind. It carried the malicious foreboding of a shadowy assassin’s dagger. Bon-Bon and Lyra nibbled on their meals, shivering at the cold steel gracing against their necks.
The Anon-a-miss incident. It wasn’t their most … ideal demonstration of school unity. Sunset Shimmer relinquished her iron rule over Canterlot High School after the fall formal with assistance from Dusk Shine in the form of Twilight Sparkle. Aether was involved with that damn crown. How else did she, Snips, and Snails transform into demon-like figures?
(Please note: I’m still trying to figure out the first movie. Hence that statement might be retconned. That’s the sucky thing about AUs. All the retcons and lore changes to fit into the new narrative for the story. Also, I’m not writing these scenes chronologically, explaining why some scenes feel off or are understandable as I’m building off them. I know Aether will play a significant role in all movies and specials. The only issue is how, especially in the first movie, since I didn’t use Princess Twilight. The Dazzlings used Magic for the second movie highlighting future plots and giving me ideas for later chapters, but shit, this is going to be a pain while writing this one)
The majority were relieved by the newfound freedom, and more were shocked and hesitant by Sunset’s slow redemption. Old wounds of humiliation festered and mutated into sadistic revenge for the redhead. Sunset Shimmer was an easy target, with only a few ‘allies’ remaining in her retinue. They were unaware if the former queen bully was genuine in changing her ways.; rumors spread like a repugnant mold in a derelict apartment. Why would they trust her for all she did? Was it a long con?
Hence the wrath of Anon, a ruthless smear campaign against Sunset Shimmer. The secrets were too personal and specific to be a well-woven fabrication. However, the flames of retribution engulfed their school as more secrets were tossed in like an oil-soaked rag, blurring the lines of fact and faction. Trust … a core factor of friendship, became a luxury among the CHS students. No one trusted each other. A thin single-ply toilet paper of cooperation lingered in the air. Shifting eyes viewed the others suspiciously with frigid politeness in their voices, unaware of when Anon would strike using their secrets. Then it stopped. The blog page was heavily restricted due to an independent investigation to prevent the mud-slinging. No more Anon, as they have been punished for a severe amount of time thanks to their fractious actions. CHS was freed from the yoke of Anon, but the scars remained. That’s when the Dazzlings' melodious honeyed voices slithered into their school. However, that’s for another day or chapter.
“...” Pinkie Pie remained silent as her brilliant blue eyes filled with remorse. Yeah, she helped Sunset Shimmer but did she? Pinkie distanced herself from Sunset like all the others. Furthermore, the Anon-a-miss event was a tomato stain on Tupperware for CHS. No matter how much you clean the stain, it always remains.
“I couldn’t help her for most of that hell,” Dusk Shine said, muttering remorsefully, frowning at his inadequacy. The incident was beyond his control, starting as minor payback for Sunset Shimmer’s bullying. She didn’t tell him until after it spiraled out of control. Pinkie Pie stepped back at his tightened jaw, alarming the other CHS students. Can’t blame him. His closest friend endured hell thanks to them. In a twisted way, Sunset deserved to be punished. “But you were there for her, and you have my thanks,” He replied, offering a faint, stellar grin. Her cheeks flushed a cherry red with a squeak, observing his genuine smile. She couldn’t help but smile too. It’s a good smile.
“Sure,” Pinkie Pie stammered as he stood up, holding a gaze. Her roller skates boosted her height to his level. Did…did he get a growth spurt too? She gives a quick scan of Dusk Shine during her infiltration mission with Rainbow Dash and Sunset’s selfie of him. Her light cerulean eyes checked him out, scanning his professional gentlemanly aura. He’s handsome. So this is why Sunset Shimmer enjoys being around him. He is an overall swell guy, still stoic and proper but warm and inviting once his defenses are down. Pinkie Pie neared him, using the front stopper of the skates to avoid violating his personal space. This girl understands the concept of consent. Pinkie Pie’s coworkers smirked, gesturing at the interaction. It’s their turn to play matchmaker with the sugar explosion of mouth-melting cotton candy. Opposites attract, after all. The high-society city boy falls in love with a simple waitress from the local diner.
“Come on, Flurry,” Dusk Shine instructed. “Flurry?” He asked again, glancing at the soft snoring behind him.
“...ZZZZZZ,” Flurry Heart snored, her shoulders hiked up with each slumbering breath.
“Oh geez,” Dusk Shine said, softening his expression at his resting niece. “Come on, honey,” He whispered, stepping around the table and picking her up.
“Shiny,” Flurry Heart mumbled. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled into it with a sleepy smile. They smiled maternally at Dusk Shine’s gentle demeanor as he held his niece. Lyra reminisced on their pre-Crystal Prep days. She almost didn’t recognize him for a moment. Puberty sharpened Dusk Shine's academic features like a disciplinary ruler. His eyes were finely tuned microscopes, studying his fixations to their core. Everyone knew Dusk Shine would climb to the top, reining over them as everything he could achieve was a lax stretch for the remote. However, Crystal Prep did something to him from scant inklings displayed by Sunset Shimmer and Trixie. Lyra shuddered at his frigid eyes and standoffish posture. It carried a silent proud blaze, illustrating that he was superior. Will CHS survive the flame or be burned to ashes on his path to victory?
“Heh, I guess you’re a big old softy Mr. Top Student,” Pinkie Pie teased with a sly grin, poking him in the shoulder.
“Only for my niece and a few selected people,” Dusk Shine confirmed, re-adjusting his hold on Flurry Heart. “You’re Sunset’s best friend, so I’ll make this one exception,” He smiled. “Before I forget,” Dusk Shine reached into his pocket. “You dropped this at my school,”
“My school I.D!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her luminous smile widening at the card. “Thank you,” She placed the card and money into her shirt pocket.
“You’re welcome,” Dusk Shine replied, grabbing the to-go bag. “I’ll see you guys at the Friendship Games,” He declared, widening his smile in a sanguine manner. An azure blaze flickered in his amethyst eyes for the incoming events. Lyra and Bon-Bon gulped from the declaration as their eyes followed him to the exit. Oh boy.
Pinkie Pie rolled to the cash register, depositing the cash, when she caught the teasing smirks of her coworkers. “What?” She tilted her head innocently.
“Oooohhhhhhh,” Doo Wap and Sunny Sugarsocks cooed in a high-pitched tone, clasping their hands and fluttering their eyelashes. “What was that all about, Pinkie?” Sunny Sugarsocks alluded to her chat with Dusk Shine. “Did he give you his number?”
“Oh no, um uh, he returned my I.D,” Pinkie Pie answered, her cheeks were a darker shade of pink. Will Sunset be okay with that? “And he left a tip,” She closed the drawer. Wait, is he single?
“Mhm,” They nodded, prolonging their smirks. It’s back to work. Pinkie Pie’s body rumbled like a stalling engine. What was that? Did she unlock a new Pinkie Sense? But why? Her heart stammered, bouncing her eyes around for the source as Dusk Shine ambled from the other side of the window with Flurry Heart sleeping on his shoulder. Something…someone is behind him. A burning apparition followed him above Dusk Shine; its smile was filled with conceited pride and savage glee. Did it just wink at her?
Pinkie Pie doesn’t know what the Friendship Game will bring, but she’s aware that nothing will be the same after it.
Fun Fact/Trivia
Pegasi have more red blood cells and type two muscle fibers thanks to living high in mountainous regions
Blank Flank was originally a derogatory term for someone who doesn't have a Cutie mark. It means you're nothing or have no skill and/or purpose