//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: The Plan // Story: Equestria Girls- Dimensional Crusaders // by Annalisa Flat //------------------------------// Chapter 2: The Portal My mind was racing as I threw all the possible necessities I would need for my brief trip into a small backpack. I snatched every item, whether useless or of great significance, and stuffed it in my backpack. I wouldn't be able to handle it if I forgot the simplest of items, whether that happened to be a pillow or a ponytail. I thought about bringing Opal along, but I immediately dropped the subject. Twilight's baby dragon turned into a dog in our dimension, and I didn't want her to become something as gruesome and horrid as that. " Sweetie Belle! What is that sound? I'm trying to get my beauty sleep!" Rarity shouted. I had completely forgotten about Rarity, who had been sound asleep in the room adjacent to me. I realized why she was annoyed, though, for the sounds coming from my room sounded like power drills. Suddenly, Rarity came bursting through the door. " What is all this about?" she yelled. "Are you really packing all that for one day of school?" "Um, yes," I announced, knowing she wouldn't let me off without an answer."It's for drama class, and P.E." Rarity examined my eyes as if she was peering into my deepest thoughts. "Well that doesn't make much sense,"She said with a touch of suspicion." but if you say so, be off then. You don't want to be late again." As I ambled out towards the bus stop I made a small, inaudible cheer, knowing I had just gotten away with my plan. I couldn't believe it! Usually when Rarity is trying to get me to crack, I break out in tears, say I'm sorry, and then sit in my room for a day. Frankly, I just pass the time with my research, but there was no need for that today. ~ When the bus screeched to a stop next to Canterlot High, I was eager to bounce out and have a look-see at the portal. I twitched with despair when I saw two guards and the principal standing by the entrance. Why were they there? Then it hit me. That portal was an immortal threat to the school. I wouldn't get five feet without being questioned. Through already seeing failure in my future, I ran over to the principal, seeking answers. "Principal Celestia, what is all this security for?" I asked. "We don't want any more funny business like that of the Fall Formal three years ago, so we are assuring that nobody comes in or out of this portal for the school's safety." Something inside me died when I heard those last few words. My heart sunk, and I was forced to take the walk of shame. Of all the things in the world, this is the worst possible thing that could happen. Everything I've worked for over the last few years, rendered useless because of a couple of security guards. Now I'll have too wait another three years... ~ The bell's earsplitting ring reverberated across the walls, signaling that it was lunch time for everybody. I enjoyed lunch, because it was the first and only period I had with my best friends, Scootaloo and Applebloom. Usually we would conjure up ideas for crusading, because we didn't excactly know what to crusade for. Sometimes it was scout patches, and sometimes it was jobs. today it was going to be for new dimensions. I had informed them the night before about the portal opening, and they were as ecstatic as I was, though a little bit dumbfounded. I didn't know how to break the news to them. I entered the lunch hall and caught a glimpse of my fellow crusaders at our usual table, by the events stage. I skimmed the lunch line, and when I found nothing appetizing, I figured I would just mooch off Applebloom, who got an apple-themed homemade lunch everyday. Hopefully I could get a nibble of her famous apple fritters. "Hi Sweetie Belle!" Shouted Scootaloo, nearly tearing my eardrums apart. " Are you excited for today? I can't wait to visit Equestria!" " Yea, about that..." "We're all going to have so much fun!" cheered Applebloom." I wonder what it's like to be a pony. Oh, and I can't wait to see Twiligh' again!" "Listen girls, we..." "Oh, and I wonder what type of pony I'll be!" blared Scootaloo. " I hope I'm not none of those classy unicorns who only care about diamonds..." "GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Everybody in the room turned and faced me, some scared, some shocked, and some angry. My scream probably deafened a couple of them. "Excuse me," I whispered. Everybody just went back to what they were doing after that. "Geez Sweetie Belle, what is it?"Applebloom asked with annoyance. They both looked at me, expecting an answer. I sighed. "We can't go to Equestria," I said shamefully." Principal Celestia put up guards near the portal." Scootaloo broke out in hysterical laughter. I couldn't understand why she was laughing. "Are you REALLY going to let a couple of guards stop you from following this dream?" questioned Scootaloo. "Come on, what would Rainbow Dash do?" I never thought of it that way. Here I was, inches from acheiving something I so desperately desire, and I'm letting two tall figures and a principal intercept that. Although Scootaloo's Rainbow Dash references were driving me into insanity, I couldn't help but wonder. Rainbow Dash wouldn't stand idly by while someone destroyed her dream. She would take action and get what she deserved. I'm being a full on doormat. "Well, you have a point, but how in Canterlot High are we even going to get to the portal undetected?" "Leave that to me,"said Scootaloo. She had a mischievous smile on her face. So did we. "CANTERLOT CRUSADERS PORTAL TRAVELERS!" ~ Scootaloo's plan seemed infallible the first time I heard it. According to her, during Principal Celestia's lunch break, we were going to go to her office and get her to sign a petition for something random. later, we would cut the signature out and photocopy it onto another letter that reads..... Dear Security Guards, Thank you for your service to our school by guarding the statue. I am happy to report that your assistance is no longer needed and you may leave our campus. We have increased security and are prepared for anything. Thank you. Sincerely, Principal Celestia After the guards left, we would enter the portal right away, in case Celestia happened to find out about this sneaky plan of ours ahead of time. It seemed perfect when she explained it to us at Sugar Cube Corner the day before, but now that we're actually doing it, I shivered with fear and uncertainty. So many unsuspected things could occur during that time period. A natural disaster could occur. Celestia might not approve the petition we create. The portal might not even be open right now. I was drowning in a pool of doubts and worries. "Don't worry Sweetie Belle,"reassured Applebloom."I'm sure Scootaloo's plan will work out perfectly." Applebloom had always been the dependable one, just like her older sister. That day during lunch, We avoided the lunch hall and continued to tiptoe in a comical fashion towards the principal's office. Her office was surprisingly stuffed in between several of the lockers. I would think that somebody with such high power should be in a more fancy office. When we walked into Celestia's office, our eyes were overwhelmed by a collection of calendars, papers, and cluttered books scattered about the room. There was a single desk directly in the middle of the room , covered with pencils, pens, and sticky notes. the walls were adorned with awards and important documents, as well as several photos of past teachers. Lastly, right behind us, there was a large calendar, and written on it, in red ink, was "30th moon: high alert." I would think a principal's office would look more professional and eye-pleasing. "Why hello girls!" Exclaimed Celestia."Forgive me about the clutter, I've been extremely overwhelmed by an upcoming date. What do you need?" "We were wondering if you would sign this petition for us," I said nervously." It is for..for..." "NO PETS! No pet's on school campus," Scootaloo interrupted, right in the nick of time. "You girls do realize I am in charge," Explained Celestia,"and that I can just enforce the rule without the need of a petition, right?" "Yesssss....," said Applebloom,"But you should still sign it!" "Oh fine," chirped Celestia,"but there really isn't any point in......" The second her pen left the paper, we were gone. The library was located on the other side of the school, so we had to run across the hallways. I was sweating a fountain, and nearly cut my leg on a locker while making several sharp turns, but I knew it was worth it if it meant visiting Equestria. Eventually, the entrance to the library was visible, so I used up all my energy to speed over to the tall glass doors. Much to my dismay, Scootaloo and Applebloom had sprinted ahead and beat me to it, and didn't even break a sweat. The library was incredible. everywhere you look, there are tall, wooden bookcases lined with thousands of books. In the middle, several computers were hooked up for research purposes. I remember that one afternoon, when we were seeing how many likes our music video received. Unfortunately, the results weren't as amazing as we thought they would be. To our right, a large, white copy machine stood before us. none of us had ever used a copy machine, but we were willing to experiment with it. There were several compartments and locks on the sides, their uses unknown, and above it was a flat, platter-looking table. Huh, I wonder what that's for, I thought to myself. I decided to take a closer look at the copy machine, so I walked up to it, followed by Scootaloo and Applebloom. When I observed the top more closely, I noticed a red button in the corner. Temptation got the best of me, and I pushed the button lightly. Immediately, a white, blinding light pierced my eyeballs with a burning pain. I leaped in the air, flailing my arms comically until I landed hard on the ground. I stood there motionless for a second, waiting for my vision to return. When it did, I spotted a piece of paper being printed out of the machine, my face plastered on it. "THAT WAS HILARIOUS!" shouted Scootaloo." I wish I had caught that on camera!" "Come on Scoot, it's not like it was her fault that happened!"explained Applebloom."None of us have ever used a copy machine." "I know, but you got to admit, that was laughable!" She admitted. After Scootaloo's unbearable laughing ended, we decided to get back on task. I didn't want anything to do with the copy machine anymore, so I let Applebloom handle that. When she was done, We typed up the short letter, being very cautious about writing it perfectly and professionally. One grammar mistake could be the difference between success and detention for the three of us. As we left the library, I felt a burst of confidence enter my soul. I actually believed that the plan would work now that our first two obstacles were behind us. The plan was coming together perfectly. All we had to do now was enter the portal.