Romance and Friendship fanfic between our Mane Seven and our Shadowbolt Five (takes place after Friendship Games)
(After the Friendship Games) Expelled from Crystal Prep Academy by a furious Principal Cinch, our five ex-Shadowbolts; Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare are forced to go to Canterlot High and make friends with our HuMane Seven. After months of building a friendships with each other; some of our characters start developing more-than-friends feelings towards each other.
Pairings include: Pinkie Pie/Lemon Zest, Rainbow Dash/Indigo Zap, and the rest are hidden!
Prologue, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 have been edited to make the story better. Now an AU!
"You are now hereby expelled from Crystal Prep because of your disrespect towards me, towards Crystal Prep property, and for your reckless behaviors. Now get out of my sight!" smirked Principal Cinch, holding files that held incriminating evidence of their "wrongdoings" at Crystal Prep.
Sunny Flare, Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest and Sugarcoat left Cinch's office and walked to their lockers. They knew that so-called evidence was fake, but there was no available way to make the School Board believe them. Principal Cinch still held as much influence as she had before, the tie with Canterlot High had barely affected her reputation. They grumbled as they removed their belongings from their lockers, which were conveniently next to each other. Once they gathered their stuff, they walked down the crystal halls and saw their once fellow students ignore them. They each sighed as they opened the entrance to their school and left. They knew their parents were going to be so ticked off, but because they were all good “pen-pals” with Cinch, they’d believe her word over theirs. As they walked away, they looked back and Crystal Prep and glared at the Principal who was smiling down on them from her office window.
"It was nice while it lasted," sweetly stated Sour Sweet until she adopted a scowl, crossed her arms and sourly added, "I hated it here anyway!"
"Whatever, this place was so completely unradical anyway, I like to stick with actual winners," growled Indigo Zap.
"At least we don't have to deal with a rotten principal who only cares for her own self-interest and reputation anymore and blackmailed Twilight into doing the thing that made her like that," bluntly stated Sugarcoat.
"Ah, dearie. Don't forget that we actually assisted in pressuring Twilight though we did atone by helping out," inputted Sunny Flare, putting her hand on Sugarcoat’s shoulder.
"Wait, dudes. What did you guys just say? I totally forgot to take off my headphones. These are pretty cool, I got them from that awesome DJ girl from Canterlot High," yelled Lemon Zest over her music.
"How about you actually take them off and listen to what we are saying, dearie!" Sunny Flare said.
"Oh yeah!" Lemon Zest yelled again as she turned off her music. Her eyes suddenly widened as she had thought of an idea. "Hey, that's an idea!"
Indigo turned around and shocked was written all over her face, "Wait! You have an actual idea? I don't know what this is, but it is totally unradical now!"
"I'm actually surprised as you are Zap, Lemon Zest never has any ideas, much less any good ones," Sugarcoat bluntly added.
"Yeah, why don't we all entertain and listen to Zest's spectacular idea!" Sour Sweet said nicely, then added with a dark tone, "I bet it is a sucks if it’s coming from her."
"Hey dearie, I actually want to hear our Zesty companion's idea so go on, spit it out," encouraged Sunny Flare as she faced the rocker girl.
"Thanks! I think we should totally attend and enroll at Canterlot High!" yelled Lemon, pumping her fist in the air. She knew her parents wouldn’t really mind and neither did she. It seemed like everyone at that school was pretty cool anyway.
The other girls had shocked faces that suddenly turned into angered ones and then Sunny Flare got in Lemon's face and angrily growled, "SERIOUSLY!?!?"
“What?” asked Lemon Zest, genuinely confused.
“Do you think our parents would even let us attend their anyway?” Sunny Flare started to rant. “CHS is never going to be on the same caliber as CPA. Our parents will probably make us move and attend some other stupid private school.”
“How do you know?” Zest accused as she pointed at Sunny.
“Because that’s what rich parents do!” Sunny exclaimed, her arms flailing in the air for dramatic effect.
“Jeez, when did you get huffy?” Zap asked towards Sunny. The girl turned around to face the athlete and was now breathing heavily, trying to control all her rage she had been building up. She was the leader of this group of theirs, she would not show any weakness nor break down. Her temper almost flared again as Zap’s frown turned into a smirk.
“Fine, we’ll try to convince our parents to enroll in CHS! Will that make you happy?” Sunny Flare asked Zest, retaining to her civilized posture. The girls looked at each other and nodded in agreement as they went their separate ways. What they didn’t know was that their parents were indeed willing to send them to CHS because of its new-found reputation.
Canterlot High School, Six Months since the Friendship Games.
"I still can’t get over the fact that their is another me from a different dimension!" exclaimed Twilight Sparkle as she and her other six friends walked towards the entrance to Canterlot High School. Everyone else was also rushing indoors too or chatting to their own friends. CHS managed to survive the powers of dark magic three times now and didn’t seem like it was ever going to falter again.
"Yup, its kinda weird isn’t it? I hope I don't cross paths with this dimension’s version of me! I don’t want to know how you felt firsthand. I wonder where she is," said Sunset Shimmer, whom was walking on the right side of Twilight.
"Don't worry, the other you isn't in the same city as us. She isn't even in our country!" Pinkie exclaimed from Twilight’s left.
“How would you even know that?” Sunset asked.
"I dunno, but I heard from a little birdy that we are gonna have five new students here and that we actually know them and we'll become friends with them and then each of us is gonna find... Ah crap, I read too far into the script!" Pinkie mused.
"Wait! What script? What friends? What'll we find?" questioned Twilight as the gears in her head tried to start functioning properly again. She knew Pinkie for six months now but still couldn’t wrap her head around how Pinkie had managed to function. She was indeed different from the many people she had came into contact with, even if she could somehow “pony-up” as her friends would say.
"Don't ya remember what we told you about Pinks, eh Twi?" asked Rainbow Dash who was walking on right side of Sunset as she raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"I'm not trying to, but so far it's failing," replied Twilight as she hung her head and sighed.
"It'll give you a headache if you keep thinking about it, darling," said Rarity who was walking on the left side of Pinkie. “It’s just our Pinkie Pie being herself.”
"I know," Twilight said in a defeated tone as her head still hung from its spot. Fluttershy and Applejack looked at each other as they shrugged their shoulders, finding nothing into input into the other’s conversations.
As the seven entered the building, Principal Celestia stepped into their paths and quickly said, "We have new students and since you know this place inside out, I'd like you to give them a grand tour while Vice Principal Luna and I fill out some paperwork. Can I count on you girls?"
"You can definitely do that, Principal Celestia!" Dash proudly stated with a smug look on her face as she folded her arms in an attempt to look cool
Principal Celestia nodded and spun around on her heel but before she left, she quickly added, "Oh yeah, they came from Crystal Prep. They would’ve joined us sooner. I think you guys may have already met."
The seven looked at each other with confused faces and all turned around when they heard the door open. The five that stepped through the doors were none other than the five Shadowbolts they competed against.
"Told ya!" Pinkie smirked as she rushed over to greet them. They saw the pink girl rush over to them and raised their eyebrows. As usual, Sunny Flare took charge as Pinkie greeted them with, "Hello guys!"
"Ah, if it isn't that girl that beat Lemon Zest and I on the speed skating track. It’s a pleasure to formally meet your acquaintance as an official classmate!" said Flare, putting on her usual fake act.
Pinkie just giggled and outstretched her hand which Sunny Flare took and they shook hands and said, "You remind me of when I first met Rarity, the names Pinkie Pie by the way!"
Flare ended the hard handshake and said, "My name is Sunny Flare and companions are Lemon Zest, Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, and finally Sugarcoat."
The rest of the six finally caught up as Sunny Flare started introductions and when she spotted them, Pinkie introduced her friend's names to them. Twilight barely looked at the new students and Sunset glared at them for making Twilight slightly uncomfortable. Pinkie took notice and decided to try to break the ice by suggesting that Twilight and Sunset should go to class and that the rest individually take one of the ex-shadowbolts on a one-on-one tour. They all agreed to Pinkie's plan; with Lemon Zest walking over to Pinkie, Sugarcoat moving over to Applejack, Sunny Flare moving towards Rarity, Sour Sweet grumbling as she walked over to Fluttershy before quickly adopting a happy face and Indigo Zap forced to team up with Rainbow Dash. As they each went down five different halls, Twilight and Sunset looked at each other and shrugged as they moved to their 1st hour.
-R&SF-
Rarity was especially excited to give Flare the tour. She had seen how Sunny acted around Pinkie with a ladylike manner and knew that she might become easy friends with her. She decided it would be best if she immediately showed her the arts and crafts hall. Maybe this girl had a thing for fashion as well. Ooo, she could tell this would mark the beginning of a new friendship. She broke out her little daze and adjusted herself with a more ladylike poise as she started the tour.
"This is the Arts and Crafts hall, darling," informed Rarity as they walked down said hall. "It's where the fashionistas and artists like myself spend our elective courses on."
"Huh, it’s a lot more colorful and less shiny than I'm used to seeing at Crystal Prep. I think I'll take some of these classes since I'm an artist/fashionista myself," Sunny Flare commented. She really didn't want to hang with this girl because she rubbed Sunny the wrong way, but she had to be respectful to her company. Rarity smiled a little bit wider upon the fashionista proclamation. She knew it! She saw that this girl had an eye for creative detail just like herself.
They stopped at the end of the hall and Rarity turned around to face Sunny Flare and asked, "Well, what types of fashion are you into if you don't mind me saying?"
Sunny did mind, but she had to be respectful. She couldn't be as outright as she once was. "Mostly clothing and painting; but Cinch never really cared for fabric design, hence the reason we wore these uniforms," she answered, gesturing towards her outfit. “She kinda made them mandatory, but that’s private school life for you.”
"I, for one, couldn't be seen wearing something so... severe. Do you want a new outfit because I can provide?" Rarity asked politely.
"Nah! This uniform is still a part of my identity, but I would love to see your work sometime!" Flare replied, but only to be nice. She could care less about this girl and her love for fashion. She just wanted to graduate as soon as possible so she can have the life she was expected to live.
Rarity smiled and asked, "Really? Do you think your other friends would like to see it too?"
Sunny just shrugged and replied, "Probably not, but I would still love to, dearie. I think it'll be good for our two groups to mingle. Maybe it will make Sour Sweet and Zap loosen up a bit." She was telling the truth that time, maybe there will be some positives to this new found friendship. She still wanted to graduate quickly though, but this could help life at CHS be a little easier.
"I think that would be marvelous, darling!" Rarity agreed. They continued back down the hall they came from until they heard loud grunts of exertion and pain. They looked at each other with shocked faces that quickly turned into determined looks as they nodded in understanding. They bolted at high speed a towards the disturbance to assist in however they could.
-PP&LZ-
Pinkie Pie had grabbed Lemon Zests hand and ran all over the place, trying to show all of the school as quickly as possible at speeds that Dash and Zap would be jealous at. Zest didn't resist nor mind what this excitable girl was doing and giggled at her antics. She was glad that she had encountered a carefree spirit, thinking Crystal Prep had lacked any excluding herself and that her group of friends were a bit too serious for her at times. A question then popped into her mind and she yelled out to stop the pink blur.
"Yeah!?" Pinkie said innocently as she screeched to a stop, putting her hands behind her back and humming a tuneless song.
Zest almost slammed into Pinkie, but managed to stop before they collided. She found Pinkie's innocent actions to be a bit adorable and asked, "Dude, ya gotta tell me if this place has a rad music program, I can totally rock out one of them awesome electric guitars!"
"Of course we do! I'm the drummer of our band called the Rainbooms!" Pinkie answered excitedly.
"Dude, that is cool! You totally gotta allow me to listen to some of your guys' music sometime!" Zest requested. She was definitely liking this girl's company very quickly. She smiled as she realized that she might be a bit glad that Cinch expelled her. She was a bit bored of CPA’s ways of trying to be the best that they could possibly be. Maybe even their education programs would be a lot more fun to participate in too.
"Gasp, we totally should. Wanna be insta-quick besties?" Pinkie asked, extending her hand while writhing with anticipation.
"Totally, Pinks!" Zest answered, shaking Pinkie's hand while smiling at the prospect of a new friend.
Pinkie gasped at making a new friend and picked Lemon up into one of her Pinkie signature bone-crushing hugs. Zest didn't know how to respond to such a gesture because none of her friends have really hugged her before. She decided her best bet was to return the gesture so she hugged back. They stopped hugging when they heard grunts of exertion and pain. Pinkie and Lemon recognized them so Pinkie grabbed Zests arm and dragged her towards the disturbance.
-F&SS-
Fluttershy was a bit scared of Sour Sweet, remembering her outbursts and her complete 180's in her personality during the tricross relay. Twilight had once told her that Sour Sweet might've been diagnosed bipolar or that it's simply the way she chooses to act. Twilight also told her to be careful what you say or do around her as it might set her off. Why did her friends let her do this to begin with? Why did her friends have to make her try to make a new friend? She’d rather be in class or hanging out in the woods or taking care of the animal’s in the pet shelter than this.
"This place looks lovely!" sweetly commented Sour Sweet as she clasped her hands together before sourly adding, "Crystal Prep can suck it with their stupid sparkly crap."
Fluttershy tried to respond, but she couldn't think of what to say. Sour Sweet recognized the behavior, having dealt with it repeatedly back in Crystal Prep where she was feared. The only person who would ever be able to stand up to Sour was the Principal but that witch was no longer in control of her life anymore.
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you," she sweetly assured before yet again sourly adding, "Unless you make me angry or defy me in any way shape or form."
"I-I'll try n-not to," Fluttershy stuttered, hiding behind her long pink hair.
"Oh, you poor little thing. I'll try to act more sweet around you," Sour Sweet promised, this time not adding a sour remark.
"T-Thanks," whispered Fluttershy, peeking out from behind her hair.
"I'll make you a deal; I'll be more sweet if I can teach you to be a bit more assertive, I don't want you to be afraid of me like everyone at my old school!" Sour Sweet nicely declared before sourly whispering to herself, "This oughta be so much fun."
They both then heard grunts of pain that Sour Sweet and Fluttershy immediately recognized. Sour Sweet silently swore to herself before grabbing Fluttershy's wrist and dragged the poor girl towards the disturbance. The tour that they didn’t really have could wait for next time.
-A&S-
Applejack walked around the school with Sugarcoat while repeatedly trying to get the girl to look like she was interested in something, but she would just input a blunt comment and look completely uninterested. AJ was all for truthful, but the way Sugarcoat acted was beyond that. She didn’t know why she decided to give this girl the tour but she did like the vibe she had over her other ex-Shadowbolt friends.
"So, are ya interested in anythin’ our school has ta offer?" AJ asked while stopping in front of the gym entrance, leaning against the door as she folded her arms.
"No," she said, stopping as well while giving the cowgirl a completely dull look. AJ looked at this girl and felt like she was put into a very similar situation before.
"Would ya care to elaborate?" the farmer asked.
"Is there any need to be more elaborate? I just plainly prefer Crystal Prep," she answered bluntly.
AJ couldn't tell whether to be shocked or offended so she went with the latter and said in a slightly aggressive tone, "And what's that suppost ta mean?"
"It means I prefer Crystal Prep because it had a much more wide variety of educational options," Sugarcoat answered, not at all deterred by the cowgirl’s growing glare.
"Well, ya sure don't like ta 'Sugarcoat' anythin', do ya?" AJ joked as she tried to lighten her own mood so her anger wouldn’t get the best of her.
"That was a pretty bad joke. You shouldn't use jokes like that in public."
"Could ya put that any more bluntly," AJ asked sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
Sugarcoat tapped her chin with her index finger in thought. She readjusted her glasses before looking back at AJ and replied, "No."
"That question was rhetorical and sarcastic," AJ pointed out. This girl was as bad as Pinkie when it came to sarcasm Applejack deduced. Hopefully she wasn’t just as literal.
"I'm not good at detecting sarcasm," she said as she looked away and began to study the posters that were hung on the wall. She noticed that their was a position available in the CHS Student Council and actually smiled.
"Ah can tell," AJ said as a smirk crawled over her features.
"Of course your can, I just told you," she said while raising an eyebrow.
Upon hearing this, AJ facepalmed. There was silence for a few minutes until AJ removed her hand from her face to see Sugarcoat's deadpan expression. AJ wished that face would adopt a different expression, but she knew that'll happen when pigs fly and can shoot lasers out of their eyes. She was about to continue their weird conversation until she heard familiar grunts.
Sugarcoat heard this as well and stated, "Zap has found a new punching bag again. She needs to take some anger management classes."
"Hey! That punchin' bag can punch back too ya'know; Ah shoulda known Dash might get into a fistfight with that gal. C'mon!"
The two turned around towards the fight and bolted as fast as they could towards it. Applejack was very quick, so she easily outran Sugarcoat who mumbled something underneath her breath as she followed the farmer.
-RD&IZ-
While the others fanned out to begin their separate tours of Canterlot High, Indigo Zap and Rainbow Dash stayed at the entrance; staring each other down. They both had the look of determination on their faces as they both knew that the other was very athletic and could hurt each other’s reputations.
"So, I heard you're the top dog in sports around here. Well, time to get out ta the way because Zap's in town to take you down a peg!" challenged Zap, a smile starting to appear on her face.
"Well, I say bring it. It's been awhile since I've had anyone but AJ to rival me in anything. Bet you'll only last two days tops!" Rainbow Dash challenged back, obviously not thinking of backing down from that seemingly intimidating smile the other girl had.
"Ha! You underestimate me. You may have your radical magic powers, but that don't mean squat to this girl!"
"Even without magic, I'd wipe the floor with you in any and all sports!"
With each word, they stepped closer and closer to each other until they came face-to-face. They stared intently at each other, hoping to intimidate each other into submission. They were totally determined to show up each other in any way possible. Some of the jocks that happened out of the gym saw this brewing confrontation and circled around it. They started chanting fight over and over again. CHS never had a fight (disregarding the usual magical conflicts) on school grounds before, but it looked like those days were gonna be long gone. Zap heard the chanting and smiled, thinking this was the way to take her Rainbow-haired opponent down a few pegs.
"So, do ya wanna fight! I'm a black belt in karate and I aced the self-defense courses. Oh, and I won't forget that I was #1 in wrestling."
"Big whoop, so have I!" Dash exclaimed, waving her hands in the air.
"I was the captain of every sports team at Crystal Prep!"
"Well, I'm CURRENTLY captain of every team here!"
"Well, I'm gonna make sure I take your place, Dashie!"
That one jab had finally set of Rainbow Dash as she yelled out, "THAT'S IT!"
It finally broke down; both girls girls at the same time threw wicked right hooks into the others jaw, followed simultaneously with left hooks. The spectator's gaped in disbelief at the fight unfolding in front of them, never expecting an actual fight to break out so they decided to cheer them on. When the cheering started, it only made the fight more intense as they started using karate fighting techniques. By the time the others reached the fight; both Dash and Zap were bloody and covered in cuts and bruises. They were about to break the fight up when a booming shout echoed from the lips of Vice Principal Luna. It instantly diffused the situation as both Zap and Dash stopped throwing punches and kicks.
"RAINBOW DASH AND INDIGO ZAP! GET INTO OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY!" yelled Luna as she pushed her way past the crowd and glared somewhat evilly at the two athletes. The girls looked at each other with worry written on their faces; with the exception of Sugarcoat who kept her deadpan expression and Sour Sweet who really didn’t care at all. As Dash and Zap walked towards the Vice Principal’s office with Luna in tow, they still kept glaring at each other. They knew that this was just the beginning. Dash smiled inwardly to herself. She hadn’t been this excited since AJ became one of her rivals. This was gonna be fun.
Sunset and Twilight had later found out about the fight between Dash and Zap during lunchtime when conversing with the other girls on what they thought of the new students. The cafeteria, as usual, was teeming with teenage life as the cliques would do their usual thing or even converse with other cliques. The six girls were on a table that was at the edge of the cafeteria where they would meet during lunch period.
Sunset was confused on what happened and why the fight started, but when she found out how Zap acted around potential athletic rivals and what she knew about Dash then she knew this was gonna be an ongoing thing. When Sunset asked about how the others felt about the new students; they had these words to say about them:
"Well, darling. Sunny Flare was nice, but I feel like she was using more of a facade and forced herself to say things than anything else. I don't know what the dear is thinking, but I kind of don’t want to find out."
"Zesty was very cool. We became insta-best friends. She actually wants to listen to some of our music; which I said she could. Ooo, and we are totally hanging out after school at Sugarcube Corner. It’s gonna be so FUN!"
"Um... Sour Sweet was a, uh, a bit scary at first but she said she is gonna try to be a little more nice. She even said that she'll teach me to be more assertive and I can't wait for it."
"I think Sugarcoat is a bit... different from what I was expectin’ but that’s what I felt about Maud so I think we can get along."
After all their inputs, Sunset didn't know what to think because Twilight had told her about them and from what she could gather from her, they were mean, excluding Lemon Zest. Twilight also told her that they were all extremely competitive in their old school. Sunset shrugged and figured that maybe they learned to be a bit more nice through the events that had transpired during the Friendship Games.
At a different table across the lunchroom, the four new students were talking about were holding a similar conversation to theirs. They chose this place to congregate because it was a bit abandoned. Sunny Flare had wiped off the table to remove any remaining germs before she allowed the rest of the girls to sit there.
"Rarity has something about her that I don't like, but I think I'll benefit from having her as a friend."
"Well dudes, I think Pinks is totally awesome. We're gonna hang out at Sugarcube Corner after school and I am pumped! Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta listen to some of this awesome tunes she let me borrow!" exclaimed Zest as she put her headphones over her ears to listen to said tunes.
"Fluttershy is nice... too nice, but maybe my 'assertiveness training' will change that a bit... if she successfully passes."
"Applejack is an okay person to get to know."
"Well, dearies... I vote we should take this as an opportunity and befriend them. They might prove useful to be successful here!"
The others agreed, though Flare had to nudge Zest to get her to agree even though she didn't know what they were agreeing to. Flare told them it would be best to try to enhance their new 'friendships'. Flare shuddered a bit at her own plan. Something about Rarity still bothered her; yet there was still no reasonable explanation. She also worried what Sour Sweet's 'assertiveness training' would do to Fluttershy. She always found that the Iron Will guy that Sour Sweet based her training off of as a pretentious brute.
-R&SF-
Sunny Flare thought the best way to get to know Rarity was to see her in her natural habitat aka a place Rarity had named 'Carousel Boutique'. Rarity had glowed an extra bit when Flare asked her about her workplace since it was a place she practiced her speciality and had would show everybody for them all to enjoy. When they walked to the store, Sunny Flare's weird feeling kept bothering her and it grew as she got closer and closer to her destination. She was ranked the 5th best in Crystal Prep and was known for her very helpful instincts and it was painfully obvious that her instinct were telling her something. She was wondering why she was why her instincts were acting this way, but it was answered as soon as they arrived and the two fashionistas entered the Boutique.
It was filled with fantastic dresses and outfits. It took all her willpower to stop her jaw from dropping at the sight. Of course, she realized, Rarity was actually in the way of Sunny's want to be the best fashion artist she had dreamed of ever since she was a little girl. Rarity was a big potential rival, a threat, and the only way to remove a threat was to challenge and beat it. She had to do it professionally of course, unlike the callousness of her other friend, Zap.
"These dresses are okay, but I've made way better. These are seriously B-grade and as y'know, the fashion industry are looking for A-grades," Flare ‘professionally’ taunted.
Rarity was dumbfounded at the remark. The girl had the nerve to disrespect and criticize her hard work she would usually slave over for weeks. She knew this girl was putting on a facade and now with it broken, Sunny Flare's true personality shined in a dark and twisted way. She instantly knew that Sunny was indirectly challenging her and she was going to deal with this newfound situation with ladylike poise.
"Darling, are you sure about that! A lot of famous people like Sapphire Shores have come here, bought from me, and have positively commented on my brilliant work, but a lady doesn't like to gloat!" Rarity pointed out, putting her hands on her hips.
"Listen dearie, if I had opened a store like yours right next to you; you wouldn't be having those customers, those sales, and those comments." Sunny Flare said while imitating Rarity’s pose.
"Oh, I doubt that!" said Rarity as she smiled her alluring smile of hers.
"Fine then, you and me; a fashion duel! We can set up some of the kids at school as judges. I'll prove myself to you as a beat you!" challenged Sunny Flare, very ‘professional’ like.
"That sounds like fun. Alright, I could use a nice, friendly fashion competition. It could add a boost to my business. We've had competitions in practically everything else so why not one such as this."
"Good, but let’s make this more a professional competition. We don't wanna look like Zap and Dash and be completely unprofessional."
"Yeah, me too. We should get to work on our dresses shall we not. Hope you can find the appropriate materials. See you later, and best of luck!"
"Back to ya!" Sunny said as they professionally shook hands and Flare exited the shop. Both were excited at the opportunity to strut their stuff at that fashion competition. It wasn’t what Rarity was expecting, but she would deal with this challenge. She thought of asking her friends for help, but decided against it. She was going to beat this smug girl all by herself.
-PP&LZ-
Lemon Zest was actually excited to meet Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corner. She never found much enjoyment in her friends; or practically anything outside music. She had barely made the Friendship Games' roster, rating at the 12th best student in Crystal Prep. She thought of herself to be very lucky to even reach the Tricross Relay after the Academic Decathlon. She was actually glad that she was kicked out of Crystal Prep as CHS was a lot more fun and forgiving plus the people were a lot more nice. It was her parents that forced her to go to that school anyway and man they were angry when she was expelled. She didn't care though because she considered being besties with Pinkie Pie was worth it. Sure; she liked her other four friends just fine, but Pinks was the only one not to call her plans stupid and didn't consider music as a complete waste of time. Heck, Pinkie was a fan of music too, even if it was a bit more broad than Lemon's tastes.
When she finally entered the Corner, she slammed into a guy she knew as Flash Sentry. Her headphones fell off of her and fell to the ground; causing them to break. Flash quickly apologized as he helped her up and retrieved her broken headphones for her.
"Yet again... I am so sorry. Wasn't watching where I was going," Flash apologized yet again. It was then when Pinkie bounded out of nowhere and scolded Flash, somehow knowing of the events that had transpired.
"First Pony-Twi, then Sci-Twi, and now Lemon Zest. You really gotta pay more attention to your surroundings!" she playfully scowled as Flash smiled a bit, a blush forming on his cheeks from embarrassment.
"It's okay, Pinks. Too bad my headphones have been totally rekted; I hope Vinyl has a new pair or something."
As Flash left, Pinkie said in a bit of a sad time, "Aw! Don't get frowny! I'll get you something that'll cheer you up in a jiffy!"
Pinkie Pie zoomed off into the back of the bakery and Zest shrugged and picked a seat. She looked around and saw two adults working at the counter. She looked around the room and saw that this place was packed. She quickly got bored without her music and/or besties to entertain her. She twiddled her thumbs, hummed a couple of tunes, sang softly to herself and even pretended to rock out! Soon, Pinkie finally came out and plopped a lemon meringue pie in front of her much to Lemon Zest’s surprise.
"Woah dude; how's ya know that I love Pie? Scratch that, how's ya know that lemon meringue was my favorite?!" she asked Pinkie as she shook herself out of her bewilderment.
"Because of the pie art on your headphones. For how I knew your favorite type of pie was just a hunch!" Pinkie answered as she shrugged her shoulders as she scooted into the seat across from her new friend.
"Woah! Thanks dude, I gotta know how to make Pie sometime! Especially lemon meringue!" exclaimed Zest as she was about to remove a slice with a fork and knife that appeared suddenly beside her on the table.
This statement caused Pinkie to gasp, firmly grasp Zest's shoulders and shoved their faces close together; a giant smile spreading over her face. Zest blushed at the close proximity of their faces and nervously smiled.
Pinkie whispered to her, "I could teach you how to bake."
Lemon studied Pinkie's face for any hint that she wasn't telling the truth. No one had offered to teach Zest how to do anything, except teachers but they were payed to do that. Finding nothing that could prove Pinkie was lying to her, she lightly pushed Pinkie away from her and smiled as she answered with, "That would be awesome!"
-F&SS-
Sour Sweet had picked the perfect place to teach Fluttershy to be more assertive and less shy as a part of their deal. It was in the middle of a park barely anybody would come to for reasons unknown. There were many trees and there was a straight path that ran right through it. It was a sunny day with barely any clouds in the sky. She knew Fluttershy loved nature so she decided it would be best to put the girl in a familiar environment to make things a bit easier.
She couldn’t wait to train Fluttershy with her assertiveness techniques. Today, she was a pushover; tomorrow she'll be a force to be reckoned with. If Iron Will's assertiveness techniques could work for her; it could work for this shy girl. At Crystal Prep, she was the most feared student and it was rightly so. She was the third best student at there too for her smarts and her speed/agility. She was so scary, she even intimidated the fearless Iron Will into letting her not pay for his assertiveness training. She used her sweet side to lower other's defenses and provide a false sense of security before she sourly intimidated them. She also used it to play innocent in front of adults to avoid suspicion. She did the switches so frequently that it became 2nd nature in her personality and would even occur involuntarily. But now after this training, she would be forced into using her Sour side because of her promise to be nicer. She could easily remove the habit, but needed a way to deal with the involuntary switches.
She tapped her foot as she awaited for the girl to arrive. It was fifteen minutes before Fluttershy arrived. The girl was slowly walking over, extremely nervous. Sour Sweet smirked; hoping to see these actions no more from her new student. Soon, that girl will exude with confidence and authority just like her.
"Fluttershy, it’s so great you made it!" she sweetly exclaimed.
"T-thanks," Fluttershy stuttered.
All of a sudden, Sour Sweet sourly shouted, "STOP STUTTERING!"
Fluttershy instantly cowered at Sour Sweet's outburst; not expecting it. She looked over at Sour Sweet and saw the girl's innocent posture and smirk.
"Your stuttering may be a bit adorable..." she sweetly started before dropping into her sour tone, "...but it's NOT gonna be helping into making you look and sound assertive."
"O-okay," Fluttershy stuttered again, removing her hair from her face.
"STOP IT!"
"Okay."
"Good! Now we can finally start!" exclaimed Sour as she clasped her hands together out in front of her and put on an adorable face.
"What's the first thing?" asked Fluttershy, trying her best not to stutter so she wouldn’t be yelled at again.
After a couple hours and lessons, Sour Sweet declared that they were done for the day. Fluttershy felt a little guilty to what Sour did to those kids for her assertiveness training so she gathered some gall and asked, "Did you have to be mean to those people?"
"Hey. They did volunteer and they knew exactly what was going on and what I was planning!" Sour Sweet tried to point out even though that was a complete lie.
"Why? Who would want to volunteer for that?"
"I dunno," Sour Sweet shrugged, but the truth was that she intimidated them to do it. Just like she was taught to.
"Okay then... Are we done?" asked Fluttershy, wanting this lesson to be over. She wasn’t prepared for what Sour had showed her and was hoping she would be for their next lesson.
"For today! Tomorrow will be your first test so you better study for it..." she sweetly started before sourly continuing, "...because you don't wanna know what happens if you fail!"
Fluttershy gulped at both the venomous statement and the sour expression on Sour’s face. To Fluttershy, Sour Sweet was absolutely terrifying. When her sourness wasn't directed at her, she would be only concerned for the person it was targeted at. When it was, it had scared her more than anything else ever did in her entire life. Maybe taking these lessons were a grave mistake.
-A&S-
Sugarcoat watched and listened to Applejack as she explained the history of Sweet Apple Acres, the farm they are on, and how to properly take care of the orchard and farm while she was picking apples and tossing them in buckets. Sugarcoat would, at times, would input a question or a blunt statement; to AJ's joy and grief. The joy was from Sugarcoat actually seem interested in something even if she couldn't tell it from her facial expression and grief at her slightly annoying blunt statements that felt like unnecessarily harsh criticism. Sugarcoat noted this and tried to tone down her bluntness, but she would fail as it was a fibre of her being. Sugarcoat was the 2nd best in Crystal Prep, but it would look like she didn't care. At Crystal Prep, she was the head of the student council. She had straight A's, but she knew and acknowledged that Twilight Sparkle was smarter than her. She did enjoy learning and studying, but she didn't like to physically express her emotions a lot. Pinkie Pie had tried repeatedly to try to get the girl to smile or even grin a little, but it would always fail.
"...so yeah! Ya wanna give it a shot?" AJ asked.
"No."
"Why?" asked Applejack as she turned around to face the girl who was sitting on a tree stump next to her.
"Because I am not strong enough nor do I want to."
"Why?" questioned AJ, wanting to know how this girl ticked so she could try to be a better friend for her blunt companion.
"Because I don't like physical activity."
"But why did ya participate in that motocross event then?" asked AJ as she raised an eyebrow. Man, this girl was seriously making Applejack’s brain hurt.
"Because technically, motocross isn't that physical of a sport."
"Well, I guess I can't argue with that there logic, but then why did ya come here if yer ain't interested in any physical activity?"
"Because we can both benefit from 'hanging out' together," she answered like it was the most obvious one.
"What are those benefits?" asked AJ, genuinely intrigued in what the girl was saying this time around.
"Too many to list."
"Well, we got the time," AJ pointed out as she looked at a tree’s shadows. From what she could tell from it, it was getting close to noon and AJ did kind of want to know Sugarcoats opinions on how they could benefit from being friends.
"What about your chores and taking care of the orchard?" asked Sugarcoat as she crossed her arms out in front of her.
"Don't ya worry none. We are already stocked for the approachin' winter," AJ assured the blunt girl.
"Okay then, do you think we can find a comfortable place to sit?" she asked as she got up from her uncomfortable ‘chair’ and brushed off her legs before readjusting her glasses.
"What's wrong with standin'?"
"I don’t want to and that tree stump is getting uncomfortable," Sugarcoat answered as she sniffed.
"'Kay then we'll just head over ta the barn over there," AJ said as she pointed towards the big red barn that was a few yards away from them.
"Okay then."
So AJ and Sugarcoat walk through the army of trees to the big red barn to talk about potential benefits of their friendship. When Sugarcoat recited her list; AJ found herself nodding in agreement to some of the expressionless girls' points. Maybe they will be great friends in the later future.
-RD&IZ-
Indigo Zap was glaring at the rainbow-hair girl next to her. Unfortunately, the girl was staring right back in a challenging way. Indigo never encountered a person who could swing wicked punches before and seeing what Dash could do both excited her and worried her. Zap may not be the best at academic stuff, but she was an expert at sports. She was ranked the 5th best student in Crystal Prep roster. She always had a high intolerance to losing and was determined to best the girl at everything. Unknown to her Rainbow Dash was thinking the exact same.
They, after being yelled at by Vice-Principal Luna and scolded by Principal Celestia, were sent to a freaking counselor's office. They had waited 15 minutes, but neither of them shifted even slightly until they heard the door open. A tall black woman entered the room; her flat dead gray hair looking completely unwashed and messy. Her big buggy green eyes having a spark that the other two girls couldn't place. She walked over and sat behind her desk. Her desk was nearly spotless, excluding the picture from her wedding night as she and her husband were completely covered in black while torches of blue flame wavered in the background. The flowers she were holding were dead for some reason and her husband was draped in shadow.
"Mrs Chrysalis... you're the councilor!" gasped Rainbow Dash. "I thought you were a famous couple's therapist, what're you doing here?"
"Well, let's just say some... controversial stuff happened and my husband said it would be a great idea to come and be a part of his school as a student counselor," Mrs. Chrysalis said while giggling to herself mysteriously. Ah, the wonderful memories of being an influential celebrity.
Indigo raised her eyebrow and asked "Who is your husband?"
"Oh, the disciplinary officer you will be having your in school suspension with on Monday," Chrysalis said playfully while smiling darkly.
"Oh no, I had after school detention with the guy, he's creepy and he loves to keep his room dark all the time," Dash groaned.
Dash failed to miss the new dark expression that was showing on her counselor’s face as she growled, "Hey! That's my husband you're talking about!"
"Sorry," Dash apologized as she saw the woman’s look.
Upon hearing Dash’s apology, Mrs. Chrysalis lightened up a bit, though barely and asked, "Okay then, let's get started! Why did you two fight each other at the school entrance earlier today?"
Both opened their mouths, but Zap beat Dash to the punch. "We're competing to find out which one of us is the most athletic in this school!"
"Yup, that was just the first event. We might even hold an Iron Athlete Competition me and AJ had freshmen year," Dash happily added to Zap’s statement.
"That sounds totally radical! We should definitely do that!" Zap gasped as she looked at Dash, never hearing about an Iron Athlete Competition before.
"Huh, well you gals go do that. This rivalry just needs to be toned down a bit. You shouldn't do anything that disrupts class nor easily injure one of you," Mrs Chrysalis said with a mock facial expression showing fake concern. She knew these girls were not going to follow her advice, but knew things were going to get a bit more exciting if they keep this up. She loved to see the principal’s feathers get rustled from time to time.
"Okay Mrs. Chrysalis. Sounds cool!"
"Yeah Dash, can't wait for the Iron Athlete Competition. We should do it on Friday next week to get some training for it!"
They got and fistbumped and laughed as they exited the counselor's office; with a deviously smiling Mrs. Chrysalis still inside. Once they were out of the counselor's listening range; there happy smiles were quickly replaced with serious glares as they exited the school. What they didn't know was that this weekend was gonna be pretty eventful and not just for them either.
