//------------------------------// // Deadly Force/Repairing the Gym // Story: Equestria Girls (New Timeline Version) // by Jongoji245 //------------------------------// A few hours after the big dance, the school bell rang, ending school for the day. A majority of the student body roamed around, wearing the Wondercolt ears and tail as they reached their lockers. At the empty music room, Rarity looked out the doors, admiring the designs she and the other fashionista’s have worked on throughout the day. “Doesn't everyone look just fabulous?” Rarity sighed, her eyes moving left and right as she tracked everyone passing through before turning around. “It was a great idea, Rarity!” Twilight added, “I can’t thank everyone enough for your help!” The others gave a smile before Pinkie Pie bounced forward, quickly embracing Twilight in a tight hug. “Don’t leave me hanging! Group hug!” On cue, one by one the others stepped around, trying to find room as they joined in the hug. Much as Twilight loved it, Spike couldn’t help but struggle as the grip became vice like. The moment was ruined once again when the doors slammed open, revealing Trixie, Snips, and Snails, the first having narrowed eyes and bared teeth. The magician stamped forward dispersing the hug before pushing Twilight towards the window sill. “You may have been brought back from the filth of humility, but Trixie had stood on top for the past summer and her coronation will not be ruined by some newb!” “Big words for a deer in a den of wolves.” Warned Applejack, justifying her point when everyone gave the trio the look. “Whatever.” Trixie walked away, her two compatriots slamming the door on their way out. Sunset leaned over to the youngest of the group, “Fifteen feet minimal distance, do not engage.” With a hiss from his teeth, Dapplewood stepped out of the door, looked both ways before looking walking to his left. “Are you sure it is wise to send a boy when one of you could spy on them?” Asked Rainbow Dash. Sunset turned around, “Dapplewood was the most proactive when we took self-defense classes. It’s safe to assume he will be just as fine as long as he knows what he is doing.” “We shall see who wins at the end of tomorrow, we shall see who ends up grieving.” Trixie, Snips, and Snails walked down the hall, unaware of the young boy walking about the herds of much older individuals as he followed their trail. Twilight sat down on one of the benches - “There is something I must ask.”- The Alicorn woman took off the ears - “Why do you not like Roma Candle?” Many of them lowered their heads, Sunset being the last to look at her second in command. Cosgrove looked at her before nodding, dragging a chair to Twilight, sitting down in front of her, supporting his jaw on his claws and took a deep breath. “Like we said, it happened the past summer.” In a Transformers Prime style flashback, Cosgrove faded out into their world’s Cogsworth unbuckling his seat belt and planting both feet on the dirt, exposing himself to an area much more wild from that of Great Valley Drive. “Every summer, enrolled students and a guest of their choosing are welcome to come to Camp Friendship for the month of July. Then, as now, we made our decisions as a group, no one’s opinion outweighing the other.” About a day later, some of the occupants were walking over to Roma Candle standing on a tree stump, Lorraine and Sierra at her side. “But Roma did not want to be part of the group, she wanted to be in charge of it.” From behind, then the Mane Five, the Maximals, and the Crusaders looked ahead, uncertain of what Roma was planning “For some reason, she believed she knew a lot more than the rest of us. Some of them believed in her.” Later, the campers walked along the trail, many holding beach toys as they migrated towards the starting point of a float trip. Roma thought otherwise and lead her group the other way, Cogsworth being among them. “Soon, she lead them away from the rest of us.” Later on, Roma’s group came across a rock pass, many shrinking back as they heard a few small rocks falling off the bluff, but if this meant they would reach the starting point for the float trip, then they carried on. “They were sure that they were safe” - At the top of the bluff, a mouse was feasting on a sunflower seed, not aware that a hawk was eyeing the rodent - “They were sure they wouldn’t be lead astray” - the force of the hawk pouncing the mouse caused a rock to fall down, colliding with a larger rock, then another, and another, becoming much more noticeable to the campers as a massive rock fell in front of them. They all looked to Roma as the rocks approached them. Their leader and her two best associates ran the opposite direction, their followers running as well. Most of them were able to make it out safely. Dinky tripped on a rock, making her way behind the others. Cogsworth was just at the lip of the pass before turning around, grabbed Dinky by her sweater, and flung her out onto Pipsqueak’s arms. The mechanic ran as fast as he could before he tripps, his upper body just at the lip of the pass. A boulder as large as he is was the last thing he saw before the view became black, Cogsworth screaming in pain. “They were wrong…” The following evening, the camp managers walked around, waiting for additional news on the lost ones. Soon, the moonlit campsite was illuminated again by car lights, stirring up quite a few of the sleepy occupants. Ranger jeeps parked over near the cabins, giving all the passengers the clear to return. All except one, as Cogsworth, battered up and bruised, was lifted to a medical cart before being taken to an ambulance. Derpy reunited with her sister, who began to weep in her arms. “They never told us how it happened, but we knew it was Roma’s fault.” - we now return to the present - “From that day on, Cogsworth won’t be able to walk again, and to help pay off the medical insurance, his parents transferred him over to Crystal Prep.” Twilight placed a hand on his shoulder, “How could it be her fault if she didn’t know the rocks would fall?” “Nonetheless, darling, it is her fault for leading them into such danger.” Answered Rarity. “Rule of leader number one, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash raised a finger “Everything good or bad that happens is your fault.” “But not Roma, oh no.” Applejack added, placing a hand on her hip “She kept changing her story and lying, and scheming and-” Chelsey elbowed the farmer’s shoulder before she could continue. “Have you talked to him recently?” Twilight asked. The Hipparion’s duplicate took a deep breath, “Barely…” Trixie kicked the front door and stamped down the stairway, turning to her right towards the parking lot. “Sierra!” Trixie picked up Roma’s voice just around the corner “Settle down, will you!” “Why should I?” - Sierra lashed out, pushing her boss “Anyway, what are we waiting for? During their flash mob, we could have grabbed the crown and be halfway to town by now!” “Yess!” Roma pointed back to the school “With at least the Maximals right on our tails!” Lorraine, sitting on the grass, cocked her head “Why would they come after us?” “Because Twilight told them that they have seen me. If we leave in a hurry, they might think that we are up to no good." “But we are up to no good.” Lorraine was quickly grabbed by the collar, staring eye to eye with her friend. “Noo-oo! I work for the greater good. My purpose is noble! They have never understood. But soon I will prove I am right!” - Roma turned to the portal - “Until then, we must be careful. We will take action once either Trixie or Twilight win the crown.” Sierra growled as she crossed her arms, looking back to find Trixie standing right behind them, looking furious. “You dare use the Great and Powerful Trixie?!” the magician stepped forward, Snips and Snails walking with her, still unaware of Dapplewood hugging the wall as he peaked one grey-purple eye at the conversation before turning over to his cell phone. “On the bright side,” Fluttershy added while they were still in conversation “we have the school’s approval-” Suddenly a loud, digitized roar was heard, scaring Fluttershy enough to jump onto another bench. The roar stopped for a split second before sounding off again. Cosgrove pulled out his phone, which had a picture of a Pachycephalosaurus. “Dapplewood’s got something.” Said Diver as Cosgrove placed the phone on the table in speaker mode. “- plan to use Trixie for your own agenda then steal her rightful possession!” Trixie’s voice was heard on the other side with a slight robotic filter “Ah ha!” - Pinkie Pie pointed at the phone - “The master was in fact the puppet all along!” “Shh!” Twilight ordered “Ugh! Let got of Trixie!” “Yeah let her go!” Snips’ voice was heard as they all got up. “Let’s move!” Sunset as the first to run out of the room, rushing down the halls to the front door. Lorraine managed to grab the two mooks and slammed their heads together, knocking them out. The crazed girl chuckled before being smacked on the cheek again. “If there's one thing I will not tolerate, it's violence!” Roma scolded “Then why are you hitting me?” “Right, make that two things.” - Roma raised a fist before counting off - “Violence and stupid questions!” before smacking Lorraine again. Trixie struggled in Sierra’s grip when they heard the others reveal themselves to their opponents. “Y'all release Trixie, now!” Applejack demanded as she tilted her hat forward. Roma felt uneasy when she noticed Sierra shuffling Trixie’s pockets, sneaking out a few smoke bombs. “Well, uh, that forces me to make a little adjustment to our plan!” Rainbow Dash and Diver charged towards the three. Sierra threw the bombs on the ground, immediately masking their presence in smoke. Diver was still in the smoke once it cleared away, revealing that they have left the parking lot. “Where’d she go?” Soon, a violet car drove passed them, swiftly moving out of the parking lot. “She’s gotten too far, this time!” Rarity exclaims “I knew she was low, but not that low!” Dapplewood tapped a few buttons on his phone and scrolling back on the touchpad, playing the phrase, “If there’s one thing I will not tolerate, it’s violence!” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, “Sure sounded like she wasn’t making up her mind.” “Cosgrove,” - Twilight asked - “you said that your parents are policemen, maybe you can get them to help us.” “Uh huh…” - Cosgrove chuckled nervously - “I could get grounded for leading my parents on a wild goose chase when they are at work with more lethal criminals.” “It’s true…” Added Applejack. Rainbow Dash looked to the street in the general direction, “Well, whatever they do, they probably won’t come to their homes.” Zipper raised one of his many fingers before saying, “Thentheywouldhavetogotoanisolatedareawherenoonewouldprobablysuspecttofindthem.” A majority of them gave the multiple fingered teenager a look before Twilight broke the silence, “It’s a treasure hunt, that’s what he’s saying.” “More like finding a needle in a haystack,” Applejack added, stretches her arms “There are lots of isolated areas ‘round here.” “I know!” Pinkie bounced up again before pointing to Spike “We can have Spike” - She runs to the tire marks on the street - “sniff this then he could point out where they could be hiding!” Spike made a confused whimper; he’s obviously a dog but in no ways a bloodhound. He looked at the one being he would call a sister. “Well, whatever.” Scootaloo broke the silence “Trixie was tenacious before Twilight showed up, why should we bother to help her out?” Twilight recalled how often that was said in her world, and all more often than not, they were answered wrong when her world’s Princess Luna, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, Cogsworth, and Discord were reformed with a little effort. “Because friendship… is based on forgiveness.” - Twilight turned to Cosgrove again - “What about Cogsworth?” Later on, their cars stand on a street away from Cogsworth's residency. Cosgrove himself walked over to the front door and gave it a few taps. A jiggle of the handle later, the door opens, revealing this world's Pin Wheel holding a half full spool roll. “Oh, Cosgrove! I haven't heard from you in a while!” “Hi, Mrs. Wheel.” Cosgrove looked ahead “Is Cogsworth home?” The mistress of the house led him upstairs to a closed door. Cosgrove entered the door, revealing their Cogsworth, now true to their world, working on his homework, before looking up. “Hi, Cogsworth.” Cosgrove greeted. Cogsworth pivoted his wheelchair to face his body to the window. “Hi, Cosgrove. How’s school going?” “Well, it's a little intense, a book report, a math test. Crystal Prep?” The mechanic pursed his lips as he took in a deep breath. “It’s expectations… are a little high… Why are you here?” “I… we need your help. Roma Candle’s got Trixie.” Cogsworth narrowed his eyes at that name “Why don't you get your Maximals to help you out?” “We need you-” “Cosgrove, how can I be of help?!” Cogsworth twisted his chair towards him, looking furious “I'm paralyzed from that waist down, I can't walk to the bathroom, I have to always work hard as hell to gain respect, and I can't even go to the dance!” Cosgrove was taken aback as Cogsworth huffed and puffed. “Okay. You're right. I’m sorry I didn’t stop you. You may not be able to walk, stand, or even dance. But even then, you are one of the best genius’ I have ever seen. At least you can have fun with us at the Fall Formal.” Cosgrove took out a scratched Maximal charm from his pocket and placed it on his hand. Cogsworth tightened his grip on it… “Only… to get back at Roma…” A few Scoots back to his computer and Cogsworth immediately went to work on tracking their phones. Soon, the tracking program eventually revealed a red dot at a district familiar to them. Soon, they were at this world's Sweet Apple Acres. But Roma wouldn't be that stupid as to hide in the barn, as Winona could have easily snuffed them out and had Big Mac send them off. They'd have to go on foot from here. The Mane Six split off from the Maximals to cover more ground. The first group searches the northern part of the farm. Fortunately, with Applejack by their side, the search should be easier. Their search leads them to a clearing where a herd of sheep grazed along with a few prairie hens here and there. The group hid behind a rock formation, ready for a standoff as their eyes scanned the horizon. “I don't see any of the Ruffians anywhere.” Rarity whispered. “They’re out there.” Applejack continued to crawl on the grass, eventually using the herd as a cover as she rose to a crouch. “Trixie will soon be rescued, her faithful fans will come to her aid and-” “Pipe down or I'll-.” Sierra was about to backhand the magician before- “Sierra! For once, show a little self-control, will you?” Roma ordered “Self-control my tailbone!” Sierra lashed out startling a few sheep “I've been putting up with that bitch since we took off! Trrrrixie this! Trrrrixie that! It's driving me nuts!” The two growled at each other when Lorraine bridged between them. “Look, no-one's coming after us. Maybe we could leave her here and be on our way - yes?” Trixie cocked her head when she noticed a certain someone among the wooly mammals. “Oh, Trixie would not do that if i were you.” Lorraine cocked her head before jabbing a finger, “Leave you behind?” “No,” -Lorraine's eyes widen before looking back at Applejack towering a little over her - “Hiding among my sheep.” Immediately, the farmer punched the crazed girl before Sierra pounces her. “Not so tough now, are you?!” Sierra was about to raise a fist when Roma clutched it. “Sierra-!” Roma was punched by Rainbow Dash. Sierra looked back before being flipped aside by Applejack. “Thanks, Rainbow.” Applejack got up just eyeballing Sierra before she got kicked in the head by Rarity. “While I am not one for violence like the Maximals” - The gracious teen immediately donned a battle stance - “I am not above fighting for my friends!” Sierra growled at Rarity before attacking. with Applejack cornering Roma, the latter moaned, having come into a fist fight with the farmer. All the while, Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy snuck around and reached Trixie. Spike poked his head out of his backpack when he saw Sierra pinning Rarity on the grass, wrapping her fingers around her throat. Spike would not have any of this, he jumped out of the backpack, ignored Twilight beckoning his name, ran to the attacker and bit her on the leg. Sierra yowled before kicking the dog aside. “Spikey Wikey!” Enraged, the fashionista stabbed her nails on Sierra’s wounded legs and pulled, quickly releasing her from the hold. Noticing the blood oozing from the wound, Rarity looked at her nails, now having a blood stain on them “So uncivilized! I just polished them this morning!” “I'm gonna enjoy tearing you apart!” Sierra hissed before charging at the fashionista, leaping up at her when Big Mac grabbed the bully and in one quick arc, flung her a great distance away from the flock. Roma and Lorraine, now outgunned, ran away from the flock and to the forest where they parked their car and drove off. “And don't come back, or Ah’ll call the police!” Yells Applejack. The Mane Six turned back to the rescued Trixie as she got up and wiped the dirt from her skirt. “Are you alright, Trixie?” Twilight was about to place a hand on her shoulder when Trixie batted it aside. “Trixie thanks you, but you are still her opponent for the Crown!” As she stormed off, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie couldn't help but chuckle at the grass stains that cover her backside. “Must have been quite a struggle.” Fluttershy added out of earshot. They arrive back on the farm, meeting up with the Maximals. “I take it Trixie stomped her way passed you?” Rarity asked Most of the Maximals nodded their heads, muttering a few indistinguishable words. The sun began to set over the horizon, prompting many of them to leave. “Oooohhh!” Pinkie squeak as she jumped up and down out of the ranch “I can't wait until tomorrow!” “Yeah! We'll show those creeps how awesome we are at the Fall Formal, right Twi-” Rainbow Dash had noticed that the person they were representing had walked to her right on one of the fences. Twilight leaned on a fence post looking out of the horizon, slowly being joined as the sun touched the horizon of apple trees. Ahead, a small herd of horses galloped back and forth around the field. One of them notices that their owners were watching and ran away from the herd to meet up with them. Twilight shrank back as the animal got closer and closer, revealing its size to them? “Quite a majestic creature, ain't it.” Applejack patted the beast on the muzzle “Big Boy is one of the finest rodeo horses we ever have.” “Hello, Big Boy!” Twilight stretched her hand “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” The animal merely inched his snout closer, rubbing her hand, sniffing it before giving it a lick. Twilight grimaced at her soaked had before the horse brayed and ran away to his herd. “Wait, don’t go!” Applejack noticed Twilight’s sad look, turning to see one of her pets moving further away before looking back at her. “Twilight…?” “It’s… Alright, Applejack.” Twilight regained her focus before joining most of the others “I’ll see you all tomorrow then? Applejack acknowledged that with a tip of her hat before the farmer returned to her home with her siblings, Rarity and Sweetie Belle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo waved Twilight goodbye as she joined the Maximals. This time, it was Chelsey’s turn to ride the bike back home. Discord and Screwball watched the live feed from behind a void once again. Discord appeared to have the upper hand; several of his daughter’s pieces were gone. “It appears Twilight has this all settled out.” Discord chuckled, stroking the chess piece resembling Twilight. Screwball narrowed her spiraled eyes before looking at the void, noticing Roma Candle taking her anger out on her associates. Containing her anger, Screwball curled a massive smile. “I still have a few moves.” Lorraine flopped over to the floor, her teeth bloodied, eyes blackened, and her body bruised, looking up as Roma stared down at her. “Now, let me make this perfectly clear.” Roma rubbed her knuckles “I make the orders, you follow, understood?” - The two mooks shook their heads, Sierra in particular scowling at her before being snatched on the collar “You want to make me happy, then I have something I need you to do.” She looked at the horizon, giving a very deep glare. 24 hours remaining Now back at the school, every student watch Twilight and the gang, sans Dapplewood this time, walk down the hallways. The Fall Formal Dance is tonight, and almost everyone at her side, Twilight's victory is assured. There are still quite a few Trixie supporters, as shown by the magician herself strutting down the halls with Snips, Snails, Fuschia Blush, and Lavender Lace. Snips eyeballed Twilight and her supporters, pointing to both of his eyes before pointing at them. “Don't know what she's smilin' about.” Applejack remarks as they continued down the hall. Twilight once again wasn’t paying attention to what was in front of her when she bumped into Flash once again, almost falling back when the Rocker wrapped one arm around her. From her backpack, Spike was just a nose hair from being crushed when the Alicorn was lifted back on her feet. Twilight blushed a little as her hands made contact with Flash’s jacket before quickly pushing him aside. “Third time’s the charm!” Twilight chuckled as she twirled her hair. Flash also chuckled a little before clearing his throat. “Twilight, there is something I want to ask you.” - Twilight slowly relaxed her mouth while Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity had their eyes widened with excitement - “If you aren’t going with somebody, would you-” The normal soundscape of the school hallways is disturbed by a very loud scream. Running down to the source, what they found was a blow to an otherwise good cause. The gym was a bit of a mess, but not in a bad mess. The tables were smashed, the streamers torn apart, popped balloons littering the floors, and worst of all, a forty inch wide disco ball, available since the school’s first dance night, was on the floor, split in two. Trixie was on her knees, holding one of the torn streamers. “Trixie’s ideal coronation spot… RUINED!!!!” She screamed before curling up on the floor, crying. Her supporters walked up to comfort her. Pinkie Pie, after spending sleepless days preparing the gym for the big night, began to shake, starting with her toes, slowly ascending up to her head as steam seeped out of her ears. “WHAT THE HE-!?” Pinkie’s screech was interrupted by Applejack placing a hand over her mouth, though her muffled swearing can still be heard. Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna scooted the others aside as they looked at the damaged room. “I simply cannot believe someone did all this!” Rarity added behind the authorities. “But who did it?” Fluttershy asked “And you think there should be a security camera.” Rainbow Dash added when Vice Principal Luna walked over to a corner of the gym. “There is…” - Luna squints at the posted recording device before pushing a button. The tall stack of brown rectangles slowly moved forward, pushing aside the garbage on top of it. Climbing up the bleachers, she fingered the other side of the camera before coming back down holding a small rare earth magnet - “Someone sabotaged the camera’s.” Celestia picked the magnet away, squinting at how such a small object can ruin any electronics. “An offense punishable by law, isn’t that right, Cosgrove?” Being raised by law officers does rub quite a few facts about the law. Cosgrove agreed to that with a nod. “Regardless of who done it,” - Luna added - “I am afraid enough damage has been done to the gym that we will have to postpone the dance until tomorrow night.” Twilight shook her head. “Tomorrow night?” Twilight muttered in a worried tone. “If you will excuse us,” - Celestia and Luna walked out of the doors - “we need to let the police know about this latest development.” Flash rubbed his hair before turning his head around, “So, uh, about the dance.” When Flash turned his head, Twilight was already gone, running down the halls “No, no-no-no-no-no, no no no no no! Nonononono! I can't! The portal! That'll be too late!” Once Twilight was out of sight, the Rocker called out, “One ‘no’ would have been fine!” Rainbow Dash walked up to him, “Don’t worry, tough guy, we’ll talk to her.” Twilight runs outside, stopping right in front of the Wondercolt statue, just about to touch the surface when Spike tugged at her hair. “Twilight!” the dragon dog hopped out of her backpack “You can’t leave right now!” “I know Spike! But if I don't get my crown tonight, I won't be able to go back to Equestria for another thirty moons! But if I leave now, Trixie would get the crown and..” Twilight trembled at the worst possible scenario before plopping on the floor, covering her face “Oh, what are we gonna do?” “Hmm...” Spike shuffled around, pacing back and forth on his paws before answering, “We tell them the truth.” - Twilight rose her head, eyes widened as she looks at her companion - “Let them know what's really at stake if you don't get the crown tonight. They'll help us figure somethin' out.” “But what if they won't?” Twilight looked at the mirror “What if when they find out how different I really am...?” Her question was justified when her reflection took on her true self. “Twilight,” Spike crawled onto her lap “these people rallied around you 'cause they saw what was in your heart. They aren't gonna feel any differently about you when they find out you're a pony princess in Equestria.” The reflection becoming human once again, Twilight slowly rotated to the being she often considered to be a younger brother before embracing him. “I'm glad you followed me here, Spike.” “Me too.” - Spike eyeballed the blue sky - “Unless, of course, we get stuck here for another thirty moons.” Twilight noticed a few shadows over her before looking up to see her Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity standing in front of her. “You okay?” Asked Applejack “Yes, but the Fall Formal has to happen tonight.” Twilight got up. “But the gym was demolished.” Fluttershy turned back to the school “Reeka and Draggle are already working on it as fast as they can.” “We could make it happen tonight,” Pinkie placed a finger on her chin “If I only had some kind of... party cannon that could decorate everything super fast!” “It’s just delayed by another day, darling.” Rarity stretched her hands “Why must you worry?” Twilight sighed, looked at Spike, who then nodded at her, looked back at her friends, ready to answer with the most ridiculous answer she could speak. “You see…” Suddenly Pinkie zoomed in front of her, “You're from an alternate world and you're a pony princess there and the crown actually has a magical element embedded in it that helps power up other magical elements, and without it, they don't work anymore, and you need them all to help protect your magical world, and if you don't get the crown tonight, you'll be stuck in this world and you won't be able to get back for, like, a really, really long time!” The other four stared at Pinkie giving a very goofy grin. Twilight and Spike had their mouth agape, completely dumbfounded on how dead accurate the Party Planner is. Rainbow Dash blinked a few times, “Yeah, I'm pretty sure that isn't the reason.” “Nope, she's pretty much spot-on.” The other girls looked down to find that a dog actually talked before Rarity clutched her hair. “He can talk!?” She screeched “Oh, yeah!” Spike walked forward “And back where I come from, I'm not even a dog!” Spike rose up on his hind legs, using his tail as a third “I'm a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon!” Fluttershy’s face beamed with excitement before pushing Rarity and Pinkie aside. “This is so amazing!” - Fluttershy got on her hands and knees crawling forward - “Tell me, what are you thinking right now?” Spike drew his ears back as the caretaker inched closer, adding more to her plea with puppy dog eyes. The dragon dog walked around Fluttershy, stepping towards Rarity. “Sure would love a scratch behind the old ears!” - Rarity, still creeped out that a dog would say that, had her mouth agape with a, prompting him to step away, blushing as he did - “Uh, maybe later.” Twilight shook her head, getting herself back to reality. “How did you know all that?” “Just a hunch.” Pinkie squeaked. “Wait a minute!” Applejack rubbed her temples “Lemme get this straight. You're a pony?” “You're a princess?” Rarity added “You're from another world?” questioned Fluttershy as she rose off her hands. Twilight gulped, rubbing the back of her head, looking back as she blushed at the most likely answer, “Mm-hmm.” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “That... is…” - before she stretched her arms out - “awesome!” Immediately the girls crowded around Twilight, chattering around that they not only helped a classmate but a being from another realm. Spike raised a paw, “See? Told ya.” At the front doors, the Maximals, having eavesdropped on the conversation, were also completely dumbfounded. “Knew she smelt funny.” Said Cosgrove, not even turning his attention away. After eating a quick lunch, the Mane Six returned to the gym. True to Fluttershy’s word, Reeka and Draggle have partially swept up the floor, but it would take quite a while for them to get the floor cleaned and move on to installing new equipment. Draggle turned to the six girls, “Oh, you don’t have to worry, we’ll be fine.” “Yeah.” Reeka rubbed her nose “We can get this done for your big dance, no problem.” “I know you are,” Twilight stepped forward “but, maybe if we all work together?” The two janitors looked at each other before Draggle pointed to her left. “There are many more sweeps in the closet.” Twilight turned around, “Well, what do you say?” “Now that's the kinda can-do spirit I'm lookin' for in a Fall Formal Princess!” Answered Applejack before stretching her hand “Let's do it, y'all!” Rarity placed her hand on Applejack’s, “Absolutely!” Rainbow Dash placed her hand next, “Rock on!” Pinkie wiggled her fingers before placing it on the pile, “Yes, indeedily!” Fluttershy slowly placed her hand before whispering, “Yaaay!” The Mane Five looked at Twilight, waiting for her to join in. Twilight raised the appendage she had for almost three days now before placing it on the pile. Pushing it down, the group raised their hands, cheering as they got ready to work. Twilight ran into the storage closet, grabbed as many brooms as she could before tossing them one by one to her friends. Rainbow Dash spun her’s like a bo staff before she went to work. Applejack held her’s like a guitar before going to work. Rarity, getting the dirtiest of the pile, held the other end with the tips of her fingers, not wanting to scuff her finger paint. Pinkie jumped up and caught hers. Fluttershy, not used to catching objects, ended up getting smacked on the back of her head, making a nervous giggle. They finished sweeping up the litter when the Maximals and Big Mac arrived with a few rolls of heavy duty trash bags. Sixteen were used in total as they were tossed into the garbage dump. Twilight attempted to lift up one of the broken tables to no avail. A Rocker and an Athlete passed by when they saw the struggling Twilight. Running up to her, they picked up both ends of the table and picked it up. Applejack, holding a table on her own with ease, shook her head, chuckling at how two young men were needed to carry one chair. Other passing students saw their progress and decided to pitch in. Setting up new tables, arranging the snacks for the party, tying balloons to the chairs, throwing streamers on the railings, setting up the photo booth, and placing the sound equipment. Pipsqueak was on a ladder placing the stage lights, almost falling over when Button Mash applied his weight to support the ladder. With the help of Micro Chips, Flash’s school band were able to tune in their instruments correctly. Twilight looked at the fruits of her effort: Every student, from Drama to Crusader to Maximal to Techie, all together getting the gym prepared for the big dance. Reeka and Draggle lean by a corner, their arms crossed. “Remember when we were that messy?” Asked Reeka “You mean when you were that messy?” Draggle asked. “Yeah, but I’m glad we’re not!” the two janitors looked at each other before giving a bellied laugh as Reeka slapped her sister to the ground. The Mane Six looked from on top of the stage as the final bits and pieces of the gym were put back together. “This... looks... sooooo… GOOD!” Shouted Pinkie Pie among the talking crowd of students. Their conversation slowly faded away as they turned around to find Celestia and Luna clapping their hands. “All right, everyone! Thanks to your hard work, the Fall Formal is back on for this evening.” A long silence followed the news, adding confusion to the Principals. “Go Canterlot Wondercolts!” Shouted Scootaloo “GO CANTERLOT WONDERCOLTS!!!!” The cheer immediately echoed throughout the interior of the school, with Bulk Biceps adding a loud “YEAH!!!!!” “So you'd better get out of here and start getting ready.” Luna took out a ballot bin “Oh, and don't forget to cast your ballots for the Fall Formal Princess on your way out!” “You got my vote, Twilight.” Shouted Scott as he took out a sheet of paper, wrote her name on it and slipped it in the container as he walked out. “Mine, too!” Shouted Cloud Kicker “Mine too!” Shouted Derpy “Mine too!” Shouted Soarin Victorious once again, The Mane Six watched their classmates leave the gym and out of the school to get ready. Unaware that the back door leading to the soccer field creaked open, revealing Roma Candle glaring at them when Lorraine shuffled her head underneath her left side. “Di-did you see that?! They all repaired the gym!” Lorraine suddenly flinched back as Roma raised her hand, ready to strike. “At least we're lucky we were able to pull this off.” - Sierra hissed - “Imagine what Celestia would do when she calls in Clamp Jaw.” “What’s the plan now?” asked Lorraine “The plan continues:” Roma turned backed to the gym “we need this Formal to go on tonight just as much as she does.” “Hee-hee And then we will get the crown, yes?” “Yes! And I shall take my rightful place.” The two chuckled as Roma and Lorraine took the back door out of the closet. Sierra stayed behind for a while before turning around. “Then maybe there can be a few changes in the pecking order.” She whispered before closing the storage closet.