//------------------------------// // Chapter 58- Shared Leadership // Story: The normal life of Nitpick Bittersweet // by Ryusun //------------------------------// There comes the moment in your life where you must visit the place that will become your second home. It’s one of those experiences in your youth when you start wondering if that place is destined to grant you the personal growth you need in the future. It’s a tough choice. A choice that you will eventually face sooner than expected. The school that you end up enrolling has an everlasting impact in your life. More than you can imagine… Especially if you no longer assist to that place. We didn’t have sport classes today. Instead, Principal Celestia selected one-hundred students to take the buses of the school and journey our way to my old academy. It was a nice ride… giving the circumstances. I don’t know what to expect in my brief return to Crystal Prep Academy. “Everything ok, Bro? You have been quiet all the trip.” Lightbulb whispered. “No.” I said in the same tone. “Do you think that your school will humiliate you for being a CHS guy now?” “No. According to Sugarcoat, she already covered that issue by now… the problem is…” “Twilight.” I sighed. “I told her not to come but Shimmer and company pushed her forward. Those girls haven’t met the full blunt of Crystal Prep’s harshness yet. They hate Twilight to the point of believing that she helped CHS during the games.” “Just like Sugarcoat.” “Perhaps worse…” “Do you have a plan?” “No. I’m going to separate from the group when we arrive to hang-out with Gily a little while. They’ll probably give you some snacks at the cafeteria of the school and I’ll be gone by then” “Want me to keep an eye on her?” “Just stick with Bon and the rest. If the Idol Six are competent enough, they’ll protect her. Oh, we’re finally here.” One by one, all the students from both buses got down from them and followed our Principal and Vice-Principal to the school entrance. There, Dean Cadence was the host and guided us around. Twilight was happy to see her and tried to close her distance with her role model. The school’s classrooms were full of curious students watching our arrival through the door window. I could clearly see that unforgettable fervor to destroy competition on those eyes of my old schoolmates. It was fascinating. Crystal Prep barely united against a common foe. At least inside the school. All kind of differences between social groups and individuals disappeared when it was time to face an enemy of the school. Like everywhere else, there were exceptions to the rule. But this school’s population, in its vast majority, was, is and it will always be loyal to the Shadowbolt shield and what it represents. I admired their senseless loyalty to some extent. I was a little afraid for Midnight… but as long as she sticks with the multitude of CHS behind the scenes, nothing should happen to her. Now, it was time for a little detour. I got fully separated from the group. My new companions were invited to the school cafeteria which was big enough to host the one hundred people from the CHS population with ease. As for me, I went straight to my old locker. I know they will not miss me that much in there. No doubt they’ll be marveled by that classy food from this place. “My old locker…” “You did come, uh?” “Of course I would come for you, Gily!” “Uhu! Anyway, open your locker and grab your gear! We still have some time before that ceremony nonsense starts!” “Mmm…” Locker B-01. It looks unused. I didn’t retrieve my things so I probably came here in vain. But I wonder if… ‘Click’ “It opened!” My old lock combination worked. “Of course it opened, Nit!” Gily said. “After all, that’s your locker!” “…Sugarcoat, right?” “Yep, she confiscated it for herself, if you know what I mean!” I was amazed to see that all of my things were exactly as I left them these few months ago. My books, comics, mangas… my Nientiendo 3SD! “Oh, I missed you so much, buddy!” I said in tears while rubbing my cheeks on its surface. “Why didn’t you tell me your portable was in there?” “I thought they threw away my things!” “Well, you can leave the rest there! I’ll lend you Sug’s charger to make sure you battery isn’t dead!” “Where are we going?” “To the usual place, my friend!” She rested her arm on my shoulders and I did the same on hers. Walking like this was so melancholic. And we arrived. This is one of the few places that I missed from the academy. The Champion Lounge was a haven for the social leaders to decide, enforce, administrate, and work for the school’s population best interests. “I’m no longer a leader here, you know!” “Yeah, well, I have the key and Sugarcoat doesn’t mind if we go inside! Besides, two of our friends are Champion Leaders, remember?” “Favoritism at its finest!” She took out the key from her pocket and opened the door. Nothing has changed. The three LCD TV’s of fifty-two inches are there, the fridge, the sofas, the massaging chairs, the round table… the saying that said that you started to miss the good life when you already lost it was proving to be true to me. Gily pointed out to a pizza box. Excellent timing because I was hungry. When I opened it up, however… “RABBIT FOOD?” “Have you taken your vitamins as I told you?” “Yes.” “Did you buy the whey protein afterward?” “No.” “Sad luck you have! Now eat because we, your irreplaceable friends, ate the whole pizza for you!” “You motherfuckers…” An opera tune- Oh, come on! -????: ( ◕_◕) -Nitpick: sorry… -????: (◕ ‿ ◕) Double punishment! “Damn it!” I ate my only option of nourishment and took a nap for a while until Sugarcoat’s texted us. It was time to see what this was all about. My 3SD was left charging, and I was grateful that the battery didn’t get damaged. The road to the hall was flooded with students but we managed to get inside. I joined with the rest of my group of the academy in the benches on the upper levels and it was great to be with them. “My beloved friend, the school became a brighter and warmer bastion of knowledge with your arrival!” The royal princess said. “Really? I don’t think anyone noticed him here while he was coming right to us!” The pain said. “Shut up, asshole!” “HEY!” “Quiet! It’s going to start!” Said Sugarcoat. The lights on the Public Hall dimmed until they matched the mood of the cloudy autumn. Numerous teachers, the headmasters of CHS, Dean Cadence, Indigo Zap and her friends took their seats behind the tables. The lights suddenly focused on the entrance of the stage. From there, a middle aged woman was walking elegantly, emanating within her an air of prepotency and undisputable competence in the academic fields. Principal Abacus Cinch has taken control of the whole place by just grabbing the microphone. “Young ladies and gentlemen, key personnel of Crystal Prep Academy and guests from Canterlot High School! After twelve years of regretful situations that prevent us in joining under a single flag for a common goal, I’m pleased to welcome all of you to the Ceremony of Union!” The people clapped at her words. My royal friend giggled in a lady-like fashion. “It seems that our respected Principal still needs some lying lessons, my dearest friends.” “It wouldn’t surprise me if most of the guys here bought that!” I said. “As you may know!” Cinch continued. “All of you represent the future of this distinguished nation! Crystal Prep Academy and its branches always have educated above-excellent individuals and professional leaders for the world! So once again, our prestigious Academy will be put to the test! A test that will challenge your moral values and strengthen your virtues! Your commitments, promises and hard-labor will raise your worth beyond the realm of mediocrity and bestow upon you Ultimate Victory! A Victory that is rightfully ours since the beginning!” She put great emphasis on her last words. All the personal and the vast majority of Crystal Prep Academy made a thunderous applause to her speech. She was pleased, the students and personnel were motivated… except Dean Cadence and the people of CHS. I can see clearly now that they finally noticed her subtle declaration of war. “So it is my greatest pleasure and honor to present to you three members of the most prestigious Inspectors of the International Educative Bureau! Fair ladies and gentlemen, if you please come in!” “Did she say Educative Bureau?” Sugarcoat asked in disbelief. “Yes, my intellectual friend. She truly is obsessed about her conflict against Canterlot High!” “This event should be supervised by the Buffet of the State!” I said confused. “It seems is no longer the case, Bittersweet… what’s going on here?” In the stage, three individuals appeared besides Cinch. They were greeting the staff of both schools and exchanging small chit-chat with one another. I didn’t know any of them… with the exception of one. “That’s one of my teachers…” I pointed out to the woman talking with my Vice-Principal. “My beloved friend, that’s Mrs. Katherine Harshwhinny! Inspector of the Olympic Games, five times referee in the finals of every Rugby Royal Cup since nineteen-ninety nine and winner of Chess Masters in Great Equine for three consecutive times.” “Then it means that CHS has the field disadvantage this time!” Her brother spoke. “She is well known for being unbiased about rules! Whatever happened in the games, Cinch must have gone to great lengths to take her under her sleeves.” “That teacher doesn’t seem to be the betrayer type!” I said. “Ohohoho! My plebian friend, don’t misunderstand loyalties from duty!” My painful friend said. “Shut… no, forget it. You’re definitely right.” “When you give me the reason without a fight is kind of unsettling, you know!” The pain said disturbed. “All right, everybody, settle down!” Mrs. Harshwhinny took Cinch’s place. “As you’re well aware, it’s been twelve years since CHS and Crystal Prep joined in an amiable team to make your service to the community as a part of your formation! I’m pleased to see that, under several circumstances, it is time for you to represent your school once more in such a short fashion!” Chatter… chatter everywhere. Cinch took a spare microphone and- “SILENCE!” She still has it. “Mrs. Harshwhinny, please continue.” “Thank you very much! I’ll be brief so you can make your teams before evening arrives!” “TEAMS?” Zap shouted for answers. “Yes, little miss! You’ll be working in three teams for three different governmental institutions: An orphanage, a retirement center and a nursing home! All three teams will consist of ten students of each school to work in union for the greater picture! In the event of unavailability or necessity, you can alternate teammates as you see fit, but those individuals must take measures for not delaying the flow of your progress!” “This was supposed to be a competition about who can make the best Thanksgiving party for the folks!” Rainbow Dash raised her voice. “It will be a competition for Thanksgiving, Miss Rainbow Dash! But in a spiritual fashion!” “You will have to choose wisely your team members if you want to succeed in the task ahead.” All mighty Vice-Principal Luna spoke beside her. “This is not a house-cleaning or a big party like in previous years! You’ll be helping professionals to fulfill their duty to help the sick and unfortunate!” “Not to mention that every action you do will be qualified by your superiors in each center! The school who wins the approval of two or more institutions will win the event!” Dean Cadence joined the duo. “This is a great opportunity for you, but also a great responsibility! You have to decide your teams’ formations before the end of the week! Once assembled, you’ll receive further instructions during Friday evening in this hall! You can start discussing in the gym hall of our school and reach an agreement of your future associations if you desire it! That’ll be all for now!” Knowing Dean Cadence, I was completely sure that she wanted us to go and discuss now. As expected, all who were interested walked straight to the gym hall. “Do you think those guys from the Educative Bureau will annoy us during the competition?” Gily asked while we walked to the hall. “No. They only came here to put pressure on us. Even Cinch can’t convince people like them to supervise directly the flow of things with us twenty four-seven! Besides, something tells me that this won’t be your regular clash of schools.” Sugarcoat answered. “Even so, we must be on guard in case that they decide to sporadically supervise our progress.” “This will be like the Christmas event of the last year! Only crappier!” I said in annoyance. “Perhaps, my beloved friend. Still, it will be fun! But if you excuse us, we’ll take our leave! Our Father is in the city and wants to spend time with us! Make sure to include us in the team list, my intellectual friend! If you decide to join the competition, of course!” “Consider it done.” Sugarcoat answered. “The rest of you, follow me!” The road to the hall was infested with students walking in an orderly fashion. The CHS population was completely surrounded by my old schoolmates. At least, all the people that the hall could contain in a spacious matter. “Hehehe! Look at them! Whether it is at our school or theirs, Crystal Prep always intimidate the competition!” Sugarcoat spoke with pride. “Imperialist bitch.” Said Gily. “Shut up, Heavensbane!” “So, any ideas which place will be ideal?” I asked. “The nursing home is the ideal place for us! Doesn’t have many kids or old-timers to take care of… well, as far as I know!!” Gily spoke unsure. “Heavensbane, with your experience in dealing with the elderly, like your grandfather for example, the retirement center would be best suited to us. We can learn from you and gain field advantage.” “Sug, my grandpops is old but he still has youth on those rusty bones of his! I don’t take care of him that much so choose for us the nursing home!” “Bittersweet, any opinion you want to share with us?” “If the royal pain will be in our team, better choose a place where he’ll be respectful. The orphanage would be the best choice.” “It seems we are in a disagreement! We’ll discuss it online later to reach a conclusion if possible!” “Yeah… now let’s see if my leadership in one of the school’s committees wasn’t a joke.” We got closer to the CHS community where Sunset and Sunny Flare engaged in parley. “Alright, we should discuss who will team up with whom in the teams! Any ideas, gal?” Flare asked… surprisingly nice. “We still haven’t decided! This is too sudden, to be honest! We were told that we would compete in a party and cleaning event! Not join forces in something as big as this!” “Afraid that we’ll beat you to a pulp in a team effort, CHS Gal?” A random student asked challenging. “YEAH!” Most of the school exclaimed in agreement. “Hey! We came here to discuss things in a civilized manner!” Said Rarity in a scolding tone. “Right! We want this team-up to be as cool as possible!” Rainbow added. “Oh, is that right? Losers!” The students laughed at that and an uneasy argument started between both factions. I could see that Zap, Zest and the others were trying to remain quiet. After all, they formed a kind of camaraderie with some of the people that participated in the games. Even so, they were Shadowbolts in the end, supporting their teammates in a surprisingly civilized manner. “It seems that my old school is as welcoming as ever.” I whispered. “More surprising is that they haven’t seen you, yet!” Gily whispered as well. “How could someone notice him if he isn’t someone important right now?” “Nitty!” A sweet spoke on my back. Oh no! “I have been looking every-“ I shut her mouth. “Twilight, SHH!” I whispered. “What are you doing here!?” She gently took away my hand from her mouth. “I went to the bathroom! Why?” She asked in a normal tone. “Oh yes, the others were looking for you and we thought you got lost! Anyway, let’s join Sunset and the others so we can help the school’s morale!” “No! You go back with them and hide before it’s too late!” “What do you mean by that?” “Sparkle…” Midnight finally noticed that I wasn’t on my own. Gilda was looking at Sparkion in a neutral manner and Sugarcoat soon joined in the stare. “Gilda, Sugarcoat…” Midnight said weakly. “Hello… Sparkle.” Said Sugarcoat with annoyance. “Sparkle?” One of the students nearby asked. “Champion Sugarcoat, who- AH, YOU!” Silence… slowly, one by one, people were looking with despise at Midnight. Stares of unfriendliness. Sights of distrust. “Look! It’s Sparkle, the Traitor!” “The Traitor dared to show her face again in this place!” “The Traitor is back!” “Filthy Traitor!” Endless chants saying ‘Traitor’ flooded the hall. Like a dark ritual ready to summon a demon from hell. “DID SOMEONE SAY ‘TRAITOR’?” I could live for thousands of years and I would never forget that voice. The students made way to allow passage to one of the most influential people in the academy. Her height that nearly matched Gily’s, her stare that looked down on Sparkion’s existence and one of the family members of Indigo Zap. She took by force her shirt and spoke out of her mind! “TRAITOR!” “Back off, Dust!” I intervened. “Remove your hands from her immediately!” “Bittersweet! We meet again at last!” She said in mockery. “Dust. Release. Now!” “I second that! Leave her alone!” Rainbow Dash emerged from the multitude and pushed back Lighting Dust with enough strength to free Midnight from her. “Dash! Step aside! This is school business!” “She is CHS now! Whatever business you have with her, its mine now as well!” She said defiantly. “It’s true! After all, you and the rest of the cheaters of you school are responsible for my cousin’s defeat!” “What are you talking about? We aren’t cheaters!” “Oh, yeah? What about the Friendship Games and your filthy tricks to sabotage Zap’s victory?” “That was an accident! Besides, Sunset won fair and square! Just like we beat you during the running competition from the last time!” “Liar! We now know the truth about your magic tricks, cheater!” “WAIT!” A red-haired girl came through the multitude with her friends at her side. “This is a misunderstanding! CHS isn’t a school of cheaters! Like Rainbow said, it was an accident!” “Accident? ACCIDENT?” Sugarcoat lost her cool in her voice. “I’ll tell you what was an accident! Me and Zap nearly falling to our deaths when we were winning during the motocross rally!” “Let me explain what really-!” “Don’t bother!” Sugarcoat spoke while taking out of her pocket an usb and looked around for someone. “You there! Put this on the computer and turn on the projector! The file’s name is ‘Cheaters’!” He obeyed her command and soon an image was projected at the custom-made wall to showcase the image. After finding the file, a video started. “Greetings, my patriots of Crystal Prep Academy!” Sugarcoat said on the video with several students at her side. “I’m Candie Sugarcoat! Champion of the third-class group and ally of this proud institution! Today, we, the ones that participated in the Friendship Games, and with the aid of several titans of entertainment, will show to you a project that we have been working on for some weeks!” The screen made a movie-like quality transition to a motocross rally. There, Sugarcoat started to explain the events of what happened during the games: The racing, the traps and such. Then the people that worked on the film industry and magic shows explained all the accidents in a detailed fashion. Costumes, practical effects combining the open spaces with window-like materials to produce illusions on the field, and the proof that my new school could make some of those tricks with cheap materials were a testament that they cheated. Sunset and company looked in awe to those explanations. Sparkion was the most baffled of all. The second section of the video was about a complete recreation of the supposed battle between Sunset and Sparkion. Once again, acrobats and actors made the tricks to alternate between one another, perform the flying show using cords of transparent fabric on open fields and reinforcing what everyone knew from the beginning. “As you can see, Crystal Prep was sabotaged this year! Sabotaged with the so called ‘Magic of Friendship’! But it has to be expected. How could an invincible school such as ours could achieve that kind of result without a secret weapon of sorts used against us? We defeated several schools of great renown across the globe since the founding of this institution! I ask of you, my brethren! Is CHS on par with our reputation? I hope this educational video was of your entertainment and gave you food for thought!” The video ended. On the credits were the names that promoted the production of the video. Millionaires like Blueblood, Oakwood, Fleur Dis Lee, Royal Pin and more helped Sugarcoat in this, no doubt. Sunset was troubled. So was the rest of Canterlot. Crystal Prep academy was looking with animosity against their hated enemy. “So… once again I’ll ask!” Dust walked straight to Dash. “Was all that an accident? Did my cousin just bumped into something and fell to the ground during the race?” “…Yes.” She said seriously. It took several seconds for Dust to give her answer. “You disappoint me yet again, Rainbow Dash. You aren’t even worthy of my time!” She turned around and faced me. “Where were we, Nitpick? Oh yeah! Sparkle! Why did you defend her?” “Why are you so proud of being Crystal Prep now, Dust? Even before Rider’s shit, you never were the loyal type!” “The same can be said about you! But I’m defending Zap, and only her! Tell me to the face that she would lose to someone like Dash in a fair competition!” I looked to Rainbow’s face for a long moment and then focused my attention at Zap… The choice was clear for me. “No contest… Zap would win.” I could see that Dash didn’t like that answer. On the other hand, Dust was happy about that and Zap... looked to the side in a strange way. Bitch. “I’m glad that you can still appreciate real talent! Especially after being transferred to that third-rate school… After all, being forced by your dad to be a CHS student was bad enough for your moral, to be honest.” She said with real pity. “Forced?” Sunset asked. I ignored her. “How do you know that, Dust?” “People found out about your sudden transfer and I was the one that explained everything in a public speaking to the students, Nitpick.” “ZAP, WHY?” I was angered. “I’m sorry! But the students needed to know that there is a vacancy for your… old position. Besides, if it wasn’t me, Cinch would have spoken in a twisted way for you!” “You little-“ I was stopped by the arm. “I told her everything, Bittersweet!” Sugarcoat whispered. “Since it was her, nobody, and I really mean nobody resents you… so… forgive me.” We exchanged cold stares. Understanding ones. I know she did it for my well-being. “I’ll ask again!” Dust spoke. “Why did you defend Sparkle?” “Because she is my friend!” “Your friend?” One of my old subordinates asked. “Boss!” “This must be a mistake!” “This is no mistake, everyone!” I said while standing my ground and taking Midnight’s hand. “She is my friend!” Dust and the students were perplexed. Twilight was brimming with a smile in her face. “How could you fall this low by befriending a shitty gal like her?” She asked in disbelief. “She is not a shitty gal!” This wasn’t the first time that we spoke at the same time. I joined forces with Sunset for once. “I can somewhat allow you to call us cheaters but I won’t give you the right to insult MY friend!” Sunset was blazing. “The feeling is mutual, Dust!” “How can you defend them, Nitpick?” Jet Set spoke from behind. “You aren’t the cheater type and they are!” “I can’t believe that Sparkle has deceived you!” Ugh… not her. “…Sour Sweet.” I said with neutrality. “Hello.” She responded in kind. “That school is eroding your mind, Sweet.” “My mind is fine, Sweet!” This gal and I have a troublesome relationship. “Nitty… CHS didn’t cheat! You believe me, right?” Now I truly was in a troublesome position. “Pffff! She even gave you a nickname? Dust is right! You really reached bottom!” “What the hell is wrong with some of you? During the special classes of Wind Rider and the fair, some of you acted nice to her!” I exclaimed in frustration. “That was before we knew the truth about the sabotage!” Said Zap with diplomacy. “Twilight betrayed the school and she is not welcome here anymore.” “Zap! How can you say that?” “I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash! But after talking with my cousin about everything… Look, I like you but those living plants and wings weren’t fair game! It was a tasteless joke!” Pity. That was the feeling I had when I saw Rainbow Dash’s face after hearing those words. “How can we prove to you we are innocent, y’all?” Applejack stepped up. “We don’t want her and Sparkle to participate in the event!” Sunny Flare suggested. The academy students agreed. “WHAT!? You can’t do that!” Pinkie spoke. “That isn’t nice!” “We don’t care if it isn’t nice! As far as we know, all the problems during the games were caused by those two! Want to prove your innocence? Beat us without the ‘magical’ girl stuff!” Said Sugarcoat. I received a quick text message from an unknown sender. In it was written some key words and I understood completely what she wanted. An emoticon of three candies falling in line gave away her identity. “You are a really something else, Bon Bon.” I whispered. She just replied with a smile from afar. “Look! There is a better solution! Want to hear it from me?” “Nitpick, why you don’t tell me first your idea before-“ “Shut up, Shimmer! We don’t trust you for the matter!” Dust expressed. “What’s in your mind, Bittersweet?” Harsh, even for her. “Let them participate in my team so I can supervise them directly and make sure they don’t ‘Power-Up’ or cheat their way against you! Sugarcoat will join me in the group and be my co-worker! Most of you know her! She despises cheating more than me! She is someone you can trust! If these girls, or any of CHS for the matter, ‘transform’ or cheat in any way, then Crystal Prep Academy will automatically win, no matter what decision the judges or whatever reach during the end of this shit!” “And what about if they cheat behind our backs?” “We will discuss that when we receive the complete rules this Friday! We don’t know what we are truly against to begin with! But I believe that those restrictions are more than enough, right? Besides, if the Educative Bureau came to the ceremony, no doubt that Cinch will monitor the events behind the scenes to make sure everything is playing fair and square. If the students of CHS are caught doing something foolish like ‘growing wings’, not only they’ll lose… they’ll humiliate Principal Celestia in the process!” “What did you say?” “You don’t know, Sunset? The reason why I know some of this is because Vice-Principal Luna told me when I went to her office yesterday! If you ‘Power-up’ or make something that could question CHS’ victory during the games, then the Principal’s credibility will be stained in the eyes of the Bureau! And we don’t want that to happen, do we?” Oooh! I could get used to those enraged eyes of her. Midnight on the other hand was looking at me in a guilty fashion. She won’t have to worry about this when this is over. I’ll clean her name by the end of this. Several chuckles were heard around the people of Crystal Prep. Faces of approval were seen with most students in the hall. This could actually work. “Do we have an agreement, then? Remember, Sunset! We are the friendliest school in the nation so we don’t need the Magic to win, right? If we unite our forces, we can do a great service to the community while winning this senseless bullshit… riiiiight?” From CHS, some people were skeptical about my sudden take on the leadership, but most of them started to nod in agreement when Lyra, Bon Bon and Lightbulb joined my side. Eventually, the Idol Six made a troublesome nodding. On the other hand, the people of the academy looked at Sugarcoat, expecting from her an answer. They didn’t have to wait for too long, though. A warm hand-shake was made between us and the first negotiations were over for today. The responsibilities of the position started right away next day. First thing in the morning before classes started, Principal Celestia called Sunset and me to her office. Both sisters were there with a little box in the desk. As Sunset opened it, two silver badges with the word ‘Representative’ imprinted in them were there. It marked our status as leaders of the event. It was an unsettling alliance. One where I held little power in it. Principal Celestia informed us about what Vice-Principal Luna subtly told me the other day. One misstep and the game will be over for CHS. Giving any kind of excuse to Cinch to declare us cheaters would mean ruining this school new-founded reputation and that’s something that Sunset won’t allow. I… just do it because the Vice-Principal asked the favor from me… that and I allowed myself to join Bon and her plans, again. We took our leave and as soon as we were far away from the Principal’s office, Sunset grabbed my hand and pulled me with great strength until we arrived to the roof of the school… the panorama was really pretty. “Do you like it?” “I have seen better views… but it is fantastic, nonetheless.” “Yeah... Nitpick, can I ask you something?” I just looked at her, giving away my answer with a stare. “Will stop talking to Twilight, please?” “This conversation again? I’m going to the classroom!” “No, I need an answer!” “We will miss the first class if you get stubborn like this!” “One day of absence is far more worth it if it means I get to convince you to cut ties with her! You are already poisoning the school’s unity with that little show of yesterday! I don’t want the same for her, understand?” “The school is divided, Shimmer! Face it!” “It was not! But since your arrival, everything has gone downhill gradually!” “Bull- Forget it! I’m going now!” She blocked the door with her body. Her posture exerting danger to my Sixth Sense… there is something wrong with her all of the sudden. “Nitpick! Would you kindly cut ties with her?” “No.” I said bluntly. “Please.” She said between her teeth. “No.” “Is there anything I can do for you to change your mind?” “One of this two things: Be my girlfriend or defeat me in this event! If CHS wins by your hand then I’ll do as you say, but I’ll tell her the truth of why I will do that! As long as we are friends, I promised her that I won’t lie to her ever again and I’m planning to withhold that to the bitter end.” “And if CHS wins by your hand?” “Then you won’t meddle with my friendships or methods ever again!” “I accept your conditions… wait, and if CHS loses against Crystal Prep!” “Then we’ll ask the people who was at fault of our defeat! Whoever is found guilty between the two will be the winner!” “Sounds reasonable!” “Now can we go to classes now?” “Shall we walk together, my love?” She hugged my arm and we walked our way to our class. Nobody was on the corridors anymore with the exception of us. The way we were together… it was just mockery. She knows it… I know it. Both of us managed to arrive to the class on time. Mrs. Harshwhinny was moodier than ever. Questions were asked about the events with Crystal Prep. She didn’t answer any of those, and her strict gaze gave us the subtle signal to not ask further about it. “…Jerk?” A whisper was heard. That came from Rainbow Dash. “…Jerk?” Another one. I won’t look at you. “…Nitpick?” ‘Sigh’ My sight rested on her prideful eyes, full of a blazing but soft flame in her pupils. “…I’ll prove to you that I don’t cheat.” After saying that, she started to work on her essay for the class. It ended up as homework, though. Next class was suspended. It seems that Mr. Bridge caught a nasty cold and couldn’t assist… that gave me time to play Fire Seal on my 3SD. Since its two hours of rest before the next class, I can go home and relax there for a while. Walking through the corridors and going for the exit, I suddenly heard an incredible guitar solo coming from the band room. Then, a tambourine joined its tempo and I couldn’t stop praising in my mind the people who were playing that music. I wonder if it would be too rude to get inside and possibly interrupt them just like that. Curiosity got the best of me and before opening the door, I was thinking for an excuse in case everything went wrong. If they don’t like my presence, I’ll apologize and leave… if they get angry, it would be my fault to begin with. Now, I just need to open the door and- ‘RAINBOOOOOOOOOOM’ ‘SLAM’ … … … A voice was calling me… I could feel a gentle warm in one of my hands… It was dark… But of course… My eyes were closed… She spoke again. I slowly opened them… Dizzy… Hurt… I recognized her face… Even if my vision was extremely blurry… that semi-braided hair of her… those idealistic, kind eyes… “Nitpick!” Said Fluttershy worried. I must have hit my head really hard… she looked like a gentle angel all of the sudden… “Are you okay!?” I didn’t say a thing to her… everything went dark quickly…