//------------------------------// // Canterlot Beauty Rose // Story: Canterlot High Chronicles // by Shadowsnake89 //------------------------------// Inside the walls of Canterlot High, the entire school wass alive with activity as the students went about preparing for the Valentine's weekend dance. “Come on everyone we've only got two hours before they have to lock up.” Amethyst Star led the organizing of the event alongside Pinkie Pie and Rarity in the gymnasium. “Rarity, I have to say this is shaping up to be the best event of the year. No havoc, no chaos, and no magic craziness to ruin everything I've planned. No offense.” “None taken darling. I know what it's like to want things to go off without a hitch only for something to come along and ruin it.” “Thanks Rarity,” The coordinator turned her attention to a group of students who are bringing in boxes of decorations. “Just set those over in the corner. Snips and Snails can you stop making googly eyes with Lavender and Fuchsia long enough for them to hang those banners?” “Sorry, we're on it.” Snips said as the two left their new girlfriends to allow then to complete their assignments. Amethyst watched as the two waved goodbye to the girls, Lavender and Fuchsia blowing a kiss in their direction. Amethyst let out a short sigh before continuing down her checklist. “Nice kids but barely listen to a word you say. I wonder how Sunset ever got anything done with those two.” “A great deal of patience I'm sure.” A short ways away, Starlight was struggling with a stack of boxes as they teetered back and forth. Not far from her an inattentive Flash Sentry sat, staring at the ground. “A...little....help....here.” She muttered as the boy finally took notice. “Oh, sorry. Here let me get that for you.” He grabbed two of the boxes she held and helped her to her destination. “There you go.” “Thanks broham.” Starlight said before looking down, her face slightly blushed as she stood under the taller student. “No problem.” “So I was wondering, that is if you hadn't already had plans, I mean if you want to and it's okay if you don't want...” Starlight stopped herself from stammering through her words and looked up to notice that the boy had already left. “Oh, okay. Maybe some other time then.” She held her head down dejectedly as she got back to the task at hand. Having watched the scene, Amethyst felt the need to comment. “What's his problem? We've got work to do and he's just loafing around.” “I'm afraid Mr. Sentry is a bit down in the dumps today. He was hoping Twilight would accept his invitation to the dance but it seems she has some important diplomatic meeting to attend.” Rarity explained before she looked down at her phone, noting the time. “Oh my, I apologize but I really must be going. I have some dresses waiting at the shop that I really must get back to if they're to be finished for the dance.” “It's alright, everything here will be finished soon enough. Thanks for all the help.” Not far off from the two was Sunset Shimmer was helping Microchips check the sound system to make sure everything was ready for the dance. She'd watched as Flash left the auditorium and couldn't help but feel for his dilemma. She'd known all about the problem of course. It'd been her book through which they'd tried to reach Twilight only to be answered by Spike as Twilight was already well on her way to a delegation by the time she'd written. “Alright, give it a try.” Micro said, catching Sunset completely off guard. “Huh, oh right sorry,” She reached over and picked up her guitar which was hooked up to an amp. She lightly strummed the strings as the sound came through perfectly. “How was that?” “Perfect,” Micro stopped for a moment to make one small tweak. “If you want to see how he's doing that's fine.” “What do you mean?” Sunset said nervously in an attempt to play down her concerns. “It's cool Sunset. I can't say I know too much of where he's coming from. Until you asked me out to the dance I never really thought about dating all too much so I don't think I'm the best person to help him out. You know him better than most of us so go ahead.” “Thanks for understanding Micro. Nice to know you're not the jealous type.” Sunset kissed Microchips on the cheek as she goes to find Flash. "Just look at him." Ringo said as the two watched Flash leave and Sunset soon after. "We gotta fix this. Nobody is going to be alone at this time of year, well except you that is." "Oh, you just had to go there." Brawly said with a frown on his face. "Luckily for you we have more important matters to attend to." "What I have planned is a stretch and it's going to take some serious support. But with a few choice words and an insane amount of luck we can pull this off. And I know just the people who can help. Meanwhile you see if we can get some floral arrangements ordered." "Got it." The drummer said as the two split up. As they leave Sunset caught up with their band leader. “Hey Flash,” She called out as he turn to her. “Got a minute. The Next Day After school let out for the day Flash made his way out to his car where Sunset Shimmer was waiting for him. “Hey, you all set?” “Sure, but where are we going exactly?” “Come on don't spoil it.” Sunset playfully held out a blindfold. “Oh and I'm driving.” Flash couldn't help but give a small grin as he trades the girl the keys for the cloth and promptly puts it on after getting into the passenger seat. “Can you at least give me a hint?” “Nope.” She said with a smile as the two drove off, leaving her friends with her journal. They all wave as she heads off. “Alright we've got the book,” Rainbow stated. “Now what?” “Now we use it to call Spike and help get everything set while at the same time getting ready for the big night tonight.” Pinkie said happily as the others nodded in agreement. As Sunset drove through the streets she periodically glanced over at Flash to make sure he wasn't peeking. After only a few minutes of driving he decided to have a little fun with the girl. “Are we there yet?” “No.” “Are we there yet?” “No.” “Are we there yet?” “No.” The two playfully went back and forth before finally reaching their destination. Promptly pulling the car into a spot, she peered over at Flash. “Don't you wanna ask one more time?” She grinned as he did the same. “Nah, I have a feeling it's a pretty obvious answer.” He removed his blindfold and looked behind them to find they were parked in the lot of the local arcade. “Would you look at that.” “I thought we'd start our trip with a little something familiar. So, you ready to have a blast?” “You know it!” He said excitedly as the two headed inside. They instantly spotted their old favorite game, Galaxy Intruder. “Bet I can beat your old high score.” Sunset removed her jacket and put on her game face. “Them's fightin' words.” The two put their coins in the machine and proceed to play. The two enjoy themselves so much that they paid no attention to the time two hours and thirty dollars worth of quarters later. “Yes! The one and only queen of the galaxy.” Sunset said in triumph. “You must have been practicing since the last time we were here.” “Well I have been known to cruise through every once in a while,” She said innocently. “So are you ready for our next stop?” “Are you sure? It's getting late. Aren't you supposed to meet Micro at the dance?” “We're taking a rain check on the date tonight. You don't have to wait for a special night to show someone you really care.” “And he's alright with you hanging with me, your ex?” “Yeah, he's cool with it.” Meanwhile At the Valentine's dance many of the students are enjoying themselves as the night's entertainment, Thunderstruck, perform on the stage. At the refreshment table Microchips enjoys the company of the few students unfortunate enough to not have a date. “So how's it going?” “Well I still don't have girlfriend and I'm solo on the most romantic night of the year so I've got that going on.” Brawly answered as he stood with Scott, Starlight and High Winds, the latter's gaze shooting across the room at a very happy couple in the form of Adagio and Wiz Kid. She tenses up so much that she unknowingly crushed the punch filled cup in her hand, spilling the liquid on her dress. As the group chat among themselves several others walk over. The incoming consist of Dash and Soarin, Fluttershy accompanied by Sandalwood, and Applejack with Curly Winds. “Hey guys, how's it hanging?” Dash asked. “Uh sis, you got a little something right there,” Curly pointed out to his younger sibling who finally took notice her punch stained dress. She muffled a frustrated scream, throwing her arms around in a rage before stomping off. “High Winds come back. Applejack, could you...” “Don't sweat it. I'll see what I can do.” She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder before heading after the girl. “You know, you're a really trusting guy Micro.” Dash stated. “Why do you say that?” He inquired. “You know, because most guys would be total nervous wrecks if their girlfriend took Valentine's day off to spend with her ex who's better looking, more toned, has great hair, not to mention is the lead in a band. I mean without that kind of trust in Sunset you'd probably be thinking they're somewhere making out right now.” Microchips froze up after contemplating on Dash's words, his eyes blank with terror before passing out. “What's his problem?” Soarin and Sandalwood stepped up and helped the techie to his feet as Fluttershy addressed Rainbow. “Remember that talk we had about being more tactful?” As the others attempted to snap Micro out of it Brawly turned to Starlight. “So you want to dance?” He asked casually. “Yes!” She said with a creepily bright smile as she pulled him to the dance floor. Other Side of Town Finishing up their evening of entertainment, Sunset took Flash to the last destination on her list, a pathway that led to a ridge which overlooked the town. The two enjoyed burgers as they sat on the hood of the car. “Thanks Sunset, this was great. Just what I needed.” “Anytime Flash. And I'm sure Twilight will be back soon.” “I know,” Flash answered with a smile. “I guess I'll have to get used to the idea that we won't be able to spend all of our time together.” “Yeah, I suppose the life of a Princess isn't always fun and games.” Sunset's smile faded as she stared out at the landscape. “I can see why you love her. She's a lot like I was when we first met. Like I pretended to be anyway.” Flash looked over at the girl whose mood had changed so drastically. “Come on Sunset.” He said placing a hand on her shoulder. “I wasn't a very good girlfriend at all was I?” “You were...” “And be honest.” She said staring him in the face. “In that case: A living nightmare might be the best way to put it.” He had a nervous smile on his face for several seconds before the two broke out in laughter. “This is nice.” “Yeah, it is.” Sunset took a peek at her watch and noticed the late hour. “Look at the time. We should probably be getting back. As much as he says he's not the jealous type I'm sure Micro's sweating bullets.” “He's lucky to have you.” Flash says as he hops into the driver's seat. “Not as lucky as Twilight is to have you.” Leaf Family Flower Shop (The Next Day) "You need what? And how soon?" Daisy shouted before Lily, Rose and herself prepared to pass out. The three are held up by Sweet Leaf and Teddy. "Alright, we don't need to go through all that again." Leaf said, decidedly annoyed before turning her attention back to Brawly. "So how can we help?" "We need to get all this done without Flash finding out. Do you think you can make it happen?" "No sweat. I'll make a few calls for some extra hands and see what I can do." Leaf said as she turned to Teddy. "I have a favor to ask." "Already on it." The athlete said as he pulled out his phone. Canterlot High "Alright so Ringo wants us to spread out." Cherry Crash said to her band mates. "Val, you head over to Rarity to see what she and Pinkie can do about the decor and some formal wear. The Rainbooms are Twilight's friends so Mint, Bass, see what Sunset can do to get in contact with her. It'll take some serious coordination to get this just right." "What do I do?" Napalm asked with a smile. Cherry walked up to him, placing a hand on each of his shoulders. "You have the most important, and possibly most awkward, part." The second half she said under her breath. "I want you to go to the marching band and see if they'll help out with some music." Her comment caused him to frown as she smirked. "Why?" "I wanted to see your reaction. And it was priceless." She said as she turned and walked down the hall. "Say hello to Baton Switch for me." Napalm slumped down, not at all ready to begin his assignment. "This is going to be fun." he said disparagingly as he slowly made his way to the music room. Cherry stopped a short ways down the hall. “And now for my part.” She pulled out her phone and began to dial a number. “Hey it's Cherry. Yeah listen I need some serious big time help.” Outside the music room on the far end of the school Napalm stood motionless for a moment. “I'm gonna get you for this Cherry.” He muttered to himself. “No you won't.” She yelled from the other end of the hall before vanishing around a corner. He stood outside of the room for several minutes, listening to the practice before he finally mustered up the courage to knock on the door as one of the band members answered “Oh hey Napalm,” He greeted before peering back into the room. “You know Baton Switch is here, right?” He smiled lightly, a bead of sweat gliding down his face. “Yeah, I kind of needed to talk to her.” “Alright, but it's your funeral. Switch we have a surprise guest.” “Hey, I was kind of wondering if I could ask a favor.” Napalm stepped inside only to be greeted by the disapproving glare of Baton Switch. With a fiery look in her eyes she made her way across the room and got right into his face, furiously staring him down. “You got a lot of nerve showing your face around here after what you did. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take you apart right now.” She cracked her knuckles in anticipation of his answer. “I got a cute smile.” A smirk ran across his face as the girl burst into laughter, wrapping her arm around him. “You always did know how to lighten the mood. So how's the rocker thing working out for you?” “Well it beats playing the sax.” “Aw, but you were so good at it. Not to mention we could have really used you at our last competition.” Switch then remembered Napalm came asking for a favor. “That's all beside the point though. So what can I do for you?” Napalm explains the entire situation along with Ringo and Brawly's plan at length. “Hmm, sounds challenging, overly complicated and a bit risky. So right up your alley.” “You know it.” After a brief huddle with the other band members Switch turned back to him “We're in. On one condition of course.” Napalm slumped his shoulders and lowered his head. “Of course.” Crystal Prep Academy Cherry casually made her way into the building where several students were busy talking before they noticed her. Among them was Royal Pin, who immediately took notice of the girl who had embarrassed him a few months earlier. “Hey fellas. You miss me?” She waved, innocently swaying back and forth. The group quickly surrounded her at Pin's orders. “I don't believe we gave you permission to walk these halls.” “Oh how silly of me,” She snapped her fingers as Teddy, Curly, Heath and Bulk Biceps entered as well. “See these guys here? They're my hall pass and they are not to be trifled with. Now I'd like to speak to Twilight Sparkle and her friends.” “I'll...I'll take you to the office,” Pin said nervously as his compatriots quickly abandoned him. “Right this way.” “Thank you,” She said, putting her arm around the shaky student as the two walked down the hall. “You know Pin, you really are a gentleman and a scholar.” Ponyville On the other side of the portal, Spike went about his daily routine of cleaning the castle as he waited for Twilight to return from her trip. Behind him he pulled a small wagon with cleaning supplies and the book which he'd been using to keep in touch with human Rainbow Dash as she filled him in on the plan that had been thought up. In the middle of washing the windows the book began to vibrate again. “The book!” “Hoo?” Owlowiscious called as he hovered over the dragon. “No time for twenty questions right now Owlowiscious. This is important.” He quickly read over the note Rainbow Dash sent over. “Hey Spike things are almost ready on this end. Is the princess back yet?” The dragon grabbed his quill and responded. “Not yet. She sent a message saying she'd be back in two days. Sure she'll be surprised.” “Hope so. A lot of work went into this. Just be ready at a seconds notice. Once this is in full swing they'll be no stopping it.” “For sure, I'm putting the finishing touches on my end too.” “Cool, see you soon.” Two Days Later “Today's the day,” Curly Winds said as he made his way to his sister's room and knocked. “Hey High Winds come on we'll be late for the thing.” “Not if he is going to be there.” She shouts through the door. “Come on, be reasonable.” “No! I hate him!” “Wiz is my best friend. Things didn't work out between you guys, I get that. But you can't go around being spiteful the rest of your life.” “Yes I can.” “It's just one day. Can't you at least put it behind you for Twilight. I mean she did save the school twice.” The door slowly opened as she stepped out. “Fine, for Twilight,” She points a finger into his chest. “But if he says anything other than hello I'm biting his arm.” “Please, not again.” The two meet up with the rest of their classmates outside of the school. “Hey Curly.” Wiz greeted as he stands by Adagio Dazzle. “Hey guys.” Curly waved before jolting his sister in the arm. “Yeah, how's it going.” She said, forcing the words from her lips. A short distance away the band is preparing for their part, wearing outfits designed by Rarity especially for the occasion. Amid there ranks is Crimson Napalm, fulfilling his end of the deal. Aria walked over with a smirk on her face. “You know I've always been attracted to a man in uniform.” She joked as he wore a frown on his face. “Shut up.” His simple utterance as more guests arrived in the form of the Shadowbolts. “Twilight,” Rarity greeted the girl and her friends as the two hugged. “So glad you all could come.” “We wouldn't miss this for the world.” Sour Sweet said happily before her demeanor changed as usual. “It's not like I had anything better to do.” “This is gonna be a wi-wi-wi-wicked party!” Lemon Zest jumped into the air as Pinkie and Sonata joined in her jubilation. “You're get way too excited about these types of things.” Sugarcoat said bluntly. “Maybe you're right,” Zest turned her gaze to another group of students and ran off. “Hey Bon Bon.” “Sorry about her,” Sunny Flare said as she walked over. “She has no inside voice. Thanks for the invitation by the way.” “Cherry filled us in on the details,” Indigo Zap chimed in. “On a scale of one to ten how cool is this gonna be?” “Take the coolest thing in the world and multiply that by twenty.” Dash described as Zap's eyes glowed. Just then the book under Dash's arm began to glow. She opened it quickly as she responded to the message. “Fluttershy, make the call.” She requested as the girl complied. “Everyone to their positions. This is not a drill.” Applejack clapped her hands as everyone prepared for the next phase. Inside the school Brawly, Ringo and Sunset had surprised Flash as he sat in a chair, again with a blindfold obscuring his vision. “Come on guys. At least give me a hint.” “Not yet bud,” Ringo answered as Sunset checked her phone. She looked up to the others and gave a confirming nod. “Alright, first we're headed somewhere else.” “And no peeking.” Sunset said as they guided Flash down the hall and out to the front of the school which was now vacant as if no one had been there at all. “Okay Flash, just a few more steps. And, just a warning, this might sting at first.” “What?” Ponyville “Almost there Twilight, just a bit further.” Spike said as he guided Princess Twilight whom he had blindfolded through the castle. “Honestly Spike, I know you must have worked extra hard to clean the castle but I seriously doubt it warrants all this. “Trust me Twi, it's more than worth the wait.” She halts as her dragon companion had stopped in front of her. “Alright Twi, now!” He shouted excitedly as she used her magic to remove the cover from her eyes to find herself in the dining hall where a large amount of food had been prepared. To her left was a large group of ponies with instruments that quickly began playing at the signal of their leader who held a baton. On the other side were another group, consisting of ponies she recognized and others she did not, including two sets of her friends, the sirens and her doppelganger from the other world. “What is all this?” Twilight looked around in shock and awe as she stared across the dining table where Sunset stood with two Unicorn stallions, one gray with shades, the other tan with a light blue mane. The three stepped aside as she saw a familiar face, so to speak. “Flash?” “Twilight?” He responded as the two moved toward each other. “You're...you're even more beautiful than I thought.” His comment caused her to blush and turn away slightly. “I know It's a little late but I was wondering if you'd be my date for this special night.” He said as he extended his newly acquired hoof, attempting to keep his balance as he wasn't fully accustomed to the new body. “Yes,” She said as the two embraced. “Thank you.” “Don't thank me,” He said as he gestured to the others. “Thank our friends.” “Thank you everypony for making all of this possible.” She announced to them. “Everypony?” Wiz asked, whispering to Adagio. “It's a thing here. You'll get used to it.” She answered as she looked to her left to see a Pegasus mare with a fluffy blue mane staring at her angrily through narrowed eyes. “Ignore her.” A similarly colored Pegasus stallion told her as he shoved the mare. “Kiss kiss kiss kiss,” Lemon Zest chanted as the other Shadowbolts stared at her. “What, we're all thinking it aren't we?” Flash and Twilight chuckled as they passionately pressed their muzzles together as the band played a soft song. A short while later everyone gathered in the main hall for a dance, the two Pinkies helping the party get into full swing. “Good work everyo...everypony. Ha, still can't get over that.” Curly congratulated Sunset and the others for their efforts. “I'm just glad we could finally get those two together,” Sunset said as she stood next to Microchips with a smile. “Though we should probably leave a few at a time when we head back. We don't want anymore unwanted attention drawn to the portal with a ton of students pouring out of the statue.” “Ow!” Wiz cried out down the hall. “High Winds!” Curly shouted. “What? I bit his foreleg not his arm!” “Excuse me Sunset.” He used his new wings to soar over to sort out the ordeal. Sunset and Micro chuckled as Twilight and Flash danced by. “Thanks again Sunset.” The princess said. “Anytime.” The princess then noticed the thin bespectacled unicorn stallion next to her friend. “You must be Microchips,” He gave a confirming nod to her inquiry. “Sunset, I approve.” The statement gave both blushed faces as Twilight and Flash danced off. “I have to say this has been the best day ever.” The two said in unison, the only difference being they'd used their world's respective holiday name. “Valentine's Day?” “Hearts and Hooves Day?” They looked puzzled before laughing and sharing another kiss as the magical night went on.