//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Second Chance // by Bolt Blazer //------------------------------// One more year, let’s do this. My name is Bolt Blazer. I’m 18 years old going into my senior year of high school at Canterlot High. Meanwhile, my little sister, Midnight, is starting junior year, but seems to be pretty confident (then again what else do I expect from her?) In the three years I’ve been at this school, a LOT of things happened. From magical flying creatures to talking animals, I've seen some crazy stuff and I’m pretty sure that not too many people can say that and expect people to believe them. It was the day before the start of the school year and the students were invited to a fair for the senior class, after all, it seems like a nice way to send us off. It was going to start at 1:00 PM so I couldn’t sleep in today. So after waking up at 11:00, grabbing a quick shower, getting dressed, and getting cleaned up, I was ready to go. However, Midnight stopped me. “Y’know Bolt?” She asked. “Huh?” I replied, confused. “You’re so lucky to be going to this. You get to see everyone today and I have to stay home. It almost seems unfair.” Midnight said with a hint a jealousy. I chuckled. “Hey don’t worry Midnight. I’ll make sure that you can say hello to everyone sooner.” “Lemme guess; your phone?” She asked quizzically. “…yes.” I replied in a deadpan voice. Midnight rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Its fine, it’s just I wanted to see them in person.” “I know the feeling. This summer seemed to have gone by way to fast and in some ways, a little too long.” I said. “And not enough meet-ups with everyone.” Midnight added. “In everyone’s defense, they did have things to do.” I said. They did though. Our friends (Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight and Sunset Shimmer) had things to do over the summer. Rarity was with her family in Las Pegasus to be with some family, Rainbow Dash had a summer-long soccer tournament (to which she won, to nobody’s surprise.) Applejack had to help out the family business selling cider (and for good reason, that cider is so damn delicious.) Twilight and Sunset were busy trying to figure out the “Equestrian Magic” solution. It seemed like they were crazy at first, but it was later to be proven true and it’s always interesting to hear about it. Fluttershy volunteered to be a part of a wildlife rescue program to ensure that the habitats that the animals live in are safe and not polluted and Pinkie Pie went to Germaney for the summer with her family (she never stopped posting about it.) It was kind of a boring summer for the two of us, except for the family going to a beach house near our hometown of Fillydelphia. It was nice, but no family members came so the usual family chaos (the good kind not the bad) didn’t happen. After that I said good-bye to Midnight and left. It didn’t take too long to get to school, it's like a 10 minute walk from my house, and the party had just begun. It was a rather big crowd, but I could recognize about everyone there. I saw people I saw regularly and ones I haven’t seen in a while. It didn’t take too long to find the girls. “HI BOLT!!!!” Only one person can have a voice like that. “Hey Pinkie.” “HOWWASYOURSUMMERIHADAGREATONEAN-“ “Pinkie, ah think you had too much caffeine today.” Applejack chuckled. I rolled my eyes, this was usual Pinkie Pie Behavior. I’ve known her and the others since freshman year, even after their little fights (thankfully they were able to make up.) Even back when Sunset was evil, while I was scared of her, I kinda did have a crush on her. It’s faded now and she’s one of my best friends. Soon, we were caught up in the festivities. From bobbing for apples to belching contests (I want to know who in the hell thought of that,) it was a very fun time. By around 5:00, people started going home. I was ready to head home when.. “Hey Bolty!” Oh god, how I dreaded that nickname. Ever since I was little I’ve been called that name by my mother. Soon, it caught on to my friends and sister. They KNOW how much it annoys me, but they love doing it anyway. After an annoyed groan I replied, “Yes Pinkie?” “I’m gonna have a party to celebrate school tomorrow! Wanna come?” Pinkie asked. In case you didn’t know, her parties, are always the bomb and quite a bit of people show up to them. Then Pinkie said; “It’ll only be the 8 of us, I hope that’s not problem.” A party with only friends? That’s not really a bad thing, but whatever. “I don’t mind. I’d love to come,” I replied with a smile. Next thing I knew, I was tossed into a bear hug by Pinkie. “YAY! OHMIGOSH this is going to be SOOOOOO much fun!” Someone seems to have had a little too much sugar today. “Um, Pinkie? You’re kinda crushing my lungs,” I said between breaths. “Oopsies, my bad,” Pinkie said with a nervous laugh. “Come on! Let’s go guys!” They started off, but I decided to stay a bit. “Hey, are you coming?” asked Rainbow. “Oh yeah, I’m coming. I just need a few minutes,” I replied. “Okay! See ya there!” Soon I was all alone and I decided to walk around campus. Shivers went down my spine as I walked through the halls. With all the memories coming back, I felt nostalgic and pretty happy. This place had a lot of memories, both good and bad. Overall, it was a very enjoyable time. From getting my first kiss (from Rainbow but that was through a dare,) to learning to play guitar, it’s been a hell of a ride. Passing by the empty classrooms and looking at the pictures hung up on the walls over the years, it felt like leaving the world to go to heaven. It’s going to feel weird when we all graduate in June. After about 30 minutes of walking around campus, I decided to head to Pinkie’s. They were probably waiting for me anyway. As I walked past the statue, I happened to notice something at the corner of my eye. I turned to see what it was, but nothing was there. “Who’s there? I asked. For a good 10 seconds, I heard nothing until I asked again. “Who’s there? Show yourself!” I then heard a rustling sound from the bushes, and walked towards it, wondering what it was. I got there to find….a rabbit. “Well, that’s odd, I was sure I saw someone or something.” I then shrugged it off. For about 5 seconds. That’s when I saw the same thing at the corner of my eye again, this time I caught a quick glimpse of who it was before they hid behind a corner. “Who’s there?” I asked with a serious tone. “Please don’t hurt me,” the voice said with concern. “Huh?” I asked confused. As I turned the corner to see who it was, my mouth hung agape when I saw who it was. “Adagio?”