> Equestria Discord 2: The Friendship Games
>  by Epicdiscord214
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Stranger
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a beautiful day in the human world. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and Sunset Shimmer was on her way to Canterlot High School. The only difference is, she was in a rush to get there She arrived to the front with her friends, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rarity, to find Applejack and Rainbow Dash resting on the front steps.
"I got your text, Rainbow Dash." Sunset said. "Did something come through the portal? Is there Equestrian magic on the loose? Did Twilight come back with a problem only we can solve?"
"Or is there a giant cake monster trying to cover all the cakes in the world in cake?!" Pinkie shouted showing everyone the cakes in her hands.
"Well, I was just telling Rainbow Dash that a broken guitar string doesn't really qualify as an emergency." Applejack said.
"It totally does." Rainbow Dash said holding up her blue electric guitar.
"Really, Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked. "I was in the middle of sewiing a very complex applique on my latest frock."
"And I was just about to tuck everyone in for the night at the shelter." Fluttershy said petting her Angel bunny. "Now, I gotta start the stories all over again."
"What's this about, anyway?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Well," Rainbow Dash said glaring at Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo behind her, "I was going to pony up and show these kids how awesome I am... but I kinda need six strings to do that."
Everyone groaned. Sunset Shimmer reached in her backpack and gave Rainbow a spare guitar string.
"Here. But I think all the musicians went home. The music hall could be locked."
"No problem." Rainbow Dash said replacing her broken string. "The acoustics in the hallway are just fine to show out my awesome skills." She pulled out her phone. "Just let me pick out what kind of song I... Huh? What's this?" She was confused at the sight of one of her apps. She opened it and a picture of the class president filled the screen. "I don't remember buying an app with Discord on it."
"I'm worth every dime." the image replied.
The girls shrieked for a moment and Rainbow Dash dropped her phone. Luckily for her, it landed on her backpack. Just then, dozens of digital pixels escaped the phone's screen. They then materialized into a gray boy with a yellow shirt and brown jacket that matched his brown pants.
"Discord!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Don't scare me like that again! I could've broken my phone!"
"Why are you here anyway?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Well, it's a school day and I'm class president." Discord said. "I think the reason should be obvious. Are you saying I should skip out? What kind of president do you think I am, Taft? I just thought I'd make a unique entrance. What did you think of it, Fluttershy?"
"Um... it was... nice." Fluttershy answered nervously.
"Discord, you can't just pull stunts like that anymore." Sunset Shimmer said. "That's what go you booted out of all those schools you enrolled before this."
"That's not true." Discord said. "Yes, I did enjoy al the shenanigans I brewed up in various schools, but..."
"But nothing." Applejack said. "Discord, you've been class president for two weeks now. I would think you'd take this seriously by now."
"Hey, it was either me or that crazy girl who wanted to make his place so dull and boring." Discord said. "Remember that. Now, I'm going to start the day."
Discord then disappeared in a flash of light.
"He sure does use his powers a lot." Rarity pointed out.
"Yeah." Applejack agreed. "Hey, Sunset, have you talked to him about that?"
"Not yet. I couldn't contact him over the weekend."
"Well, you should tel him soon." Fluttershy said. "Otherwise, we're going to be put in a bit of an awkward situation."
The other girls went on into the school. Sunset stayed behind and pulled out a magical book from her backpack. She liked to use it to contact Princes Twilight Sparkle from Equestria. She pulled out a pen and started writing.
"Dear Twilight, things have been going all right here in Canterlot High. Although we do have our daily headaches from our class president, we can learn to live with it... s long as he is on his best behavior. I've never met the Discord in your world, but if he's anything like what we've got here, then I guess I should express my condolences."
Sunset Shimmer was so busy writing, she didn't notice the bus pull n or the hooded girl getting off of it. The mysterious girl approached the Wondercolt statue and pulled out a handheld device that looked like it was measuring something. She went around the statue, only to be spotted by Sunset Shimmer.
"Hey, what are you doing?!" Sunset shouted. The hooded girl panicked and ran off. "Wait!"
The hooded girl returned to her bus, and it drove away before Sunset could reach the curb.
"Who was that?" Sunset asked.
Finally getting a chance to rest, the girl removed her hood. She had purple skin with a dark-purple hair color. It was the human world's version of Twilight Sparkle She also wore black-rimmed glasses.
The bus stopped and Twilight got off of it back to her school, Crystal Prep Academy. She strolled through the halls until she entered her room where her dog, Spike, was waiting for her. She placed her handheld device down and went on her computer. She took an eye at another device with a spherical shape before she began typing into her message board.
"TS: Dr. T, it appears you are right. The strange energy you told me about is definitely coming from Canterlot High. I will start studying it and report to you when I can. Hopefully then, I can get into your Independent Study Program. I'm just so lucky to find the Everton headmaster contacting me. Again, thank you."
Twilight then pushed the send button.





In another part of town, an update came onto a computer. An unbelievably thin man in a black coat held onto his mouse with his mechanical hand that was attached to a metal arm same as the other hand, and he read the message with his normal and mechanical eyes. As soon as he read it, he smiled.
"It has begun."
> Pep Rally of Chaos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Canterlot High library was packed with students reading any book they can get their hands on. Even the heroes were taking a gander at the pages while Sunset Shimmer was describing her random encounter earlier.
"She was definitely doing something to the portal. Although, I can't figure out what."
"You don't think she came from Equestria, do you?" Fluttershy asked.
"No, I'm pretty sure I would've noticed." Sunset replied. "Whoever it was, I think they were from over here."
"Well, that's a relief." Applejack said. "The last thing we need is another magical so-and-so causing trouble for us."
At first, it was comments like that which bothered Sunset Shimmer, but these days, she just shrugged it off.
"Yeah, I obviously don't have the proper wardrobe for another magic villain." Rarity agreed.
"Still, aren't you curious to know what she wanted to do?" Sunset asked.
"I don't even want to guess." Fluttershy replied.
"Well, you don't have to!" Rainbow Dash proclaimed holding up a yearbook. "I just figured out who it was!"
"Ooh!" Pinkie Pie said. "Was it a nighttime statue cleaner? A portal maintenance guy? A gardener?"
"No." Rainbow Dash said. "Seeing how they got off a bus from the city and got back on a bus to the city, I bet they go to..."
"Crystal Prep." most of the girls answered with great discomfort.
"And with the Friendship Games starting tomorrow, they tried to deface the Wondercolts statue." Rainbow Dash explained.
"Why would our opponents waste time coming here to do that?" Sunset Shimmer said.
"Because the Shadowbolts are our biggest rivals." Applejack responded.
"Because it's something the Crystal Prep stuck-ups would do." Rarity added.
"And even though they beat us in nearly every event--tennis, soccer, golf--they still have to gloat!" Rainbow Dash flipped through the yearbook pages. She expressed the images of past defeats and the image of the statue dressed like a clown.
"It seems kinda silly to me." Sunset said suddenly.
"SILLY?" the girls gasped.
"So, I suppose you think the Friendship Games are silly too." Rainbow Dash said.
"I happen to think that there are all kinds of silly things." a familiar voice spoke. The girls turned and saw Discord standing by a bookcase. "That certainly includes a game of any kind. So... what are we talking about?"
"The Friendship Games." Fluttershy said.
"Ah, yes, the Friendship Games." Discord said. "Just one question: what is that?"
"You don't know?" Sunset Shimmer asked. "Discord, the school's been talking about the Games all month. It was the talk of the meetings you attended all week."
"We actually talk about stuff like that?" Discord asked. "I usually just listen to music I 'borrow' from Vinyl."
"Well, every four years, our school and another compete in a series of competitive events to boost moral and sportsmanship between the two." Sunset Shimmer explained.
"Really, sounds like the Olympics to me." Discord said. "If it's supposed to better our schools, how come every student I see looks miserable."
"Well, it's hard to get along with someone who beats you at everything." Applejack said. "Every time we play, we always lose to Crystal Prep."
Applejack was about to say something else, but Discord widened his eyes and leaned in closer to the girls. He then developed an angry expression on his face.
"Did you say Crystal Prep?" Discord asked in a heavy voice.
"Uh... yeah." Applejack responded. "They're our biggest rivals. They're coming here to compete."
"When?" Discord asked with his red eyes glowing.
"Tomorrow." Fluttershy said. "We're having a pep rally today to get everyone's spirits up. Discord, is something up?"
"Let's just say I'm more than willing to help you beat those Crystal punks into the dirt." Discord growled.
"Uh, Discord, I need to talk to you first..." Sunset said before Discord held up his hand.
"Not now, Sunset." Discord said. "I'm going to get myself ready for the pep rally."
"Discord, I..." Sunset Shimmer tried to speak up, but suddenly, Discord snapped his fingers and disappeared. "He's just not giving me a break."
"Give him time." Fluttershy said. "I'm sure he'll listen soon."





Later that day, the school gym was filled with students who were clearly upset. That didn't stop Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna from addressing everyone. Beside the two was Discord standing proudly, which was worrying the girls.
"Hello, students." Principal Celestia said. "Now, I'm sure you're aware that the Friendship Games will begin tomorrow. I know you're all aware of what's going to happen."
"You mean other than us losing?!" Flash Sentry shouted.
Discord chuckled. "That guy may not have much screen time, but he's quick with a quip."
"As you know," Celestia continued, "The Games only happen every four years, and we are to always ready to support good sportsmanship."
"Yeah, right." Discord said underneath a fake cough.
"So, without further ado, here are some words from our class president, Discord!" Celestia continued. She passed the microphone to Discord.
"Thank you, thank you. Now, get out of here. You're bothering me. Just kidding... maybe." He faced all the students. "Boys and girls, we're here to prepare for the Friendship Games, a competition which I was aware of for only two hours."
Sunset Shimmer looked behind Discord and noticed he was wiggling his fingers and yellow mist started to escape.
"Now, I know that the stuck-ups in Crystal Prep have an incredible winning streak, and this school doesn't seem to have a chance at winning anything."
"Unless it's a losing-to-Crystal-Prep competition," Pinkie Pie shouted, "'Cause we're really good at that."
"Wow." Discord thought to himself. "Forget Flash Sentry. Pinkie has quite the comments." He then spoke aloud. "I happen to believe that we can win. This will be our year. I know it because of one simple reason...

"Anything can happen
Anything can happen
As we proved in the past
Like a reflective door
And magic galore
With imagination
You'll feel a sensation
If you give it a try
Anything can happen
In Canterlot High"

Suddenly, the yellow mist flowed through the students. Sunset Shimmer noticed, but when she felt it, she forgot all about it and stood up with the students and their singing.

"HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
Canterlot... HIIIIIIIIGH
Anything can happen
If you broaden your mind
There's nothing you can't do
Don't waste a minute
If you reach your limit
You just have to break throooooouuuuuugh
With a wave of your hand
You're life's in your command
Don't bother asking why
Anything can happen
In Canterlot High! High! High! High
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh"
"There is a magic pony princess" Rainbow Dash sang.
"You have an alien as a special guest" Sunset Shimmer sang.
"We have a band with a magical spell" Fluttershy sang,
"Don't know how it works, but we know it well"
"There is magic in the bonds that we share" Rarity sang.
"I have a party cannon with a confetti flair" Pinkie Pie sang.
"We each represent a harmony element" Applejack sang.
"There's a reality warper as our president" the students sang.

Suddenly, Discord appeared in a flash of light. He was wearing a tuxedo, a top hat, and carried a black cane. He was dancing as he continued singing.

"Hiya, folks. Boys and girls
From many different worlds
I am at it again"
"He is at it again" the students sang.
"I will do my best" Discord sang,
"And I will never rest
Until Canterlot can win
And then
We'll break our losing streak
And prove we're not meek
Or I'm gonna die
We won't lose again"
"In Canterlot High" the students sang,
"High, high. High, high, high, high"

"So you see, my fellow students?" Discord said. "I will not rest until we succeed in beating the stuffing out of Crystal Prep."

"IT'LL HAPPEN" the students sang.
"With Equestrian worth"
"With our incredible use" Sunset Shimmer sang.
"And the power of Earth" the students sang.
"We can't possibly lose" Rainbow Dash sang.

Then, Rainbow Dash started glowing. All of a sudden, her hair began to extend and she developed blue wings and pony ears. Discord noticed it, but shrugged it off while the other students were chanting.

"Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. Believe it
BELIEVE
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
IN JUST A SNAP
AND YOU WON'T EVEN KNOW
AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
IS CLOSER THAN IT SEEMS
JUST GO WITH THE FLOOOOOOOOOOW
IF YOU CAPTURE THE NOW
WELL, I GIVE YOU MY VOW
YOU CAN TOUCH THE SKYYYYYYYYYYY
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
IN CANTERLOT HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH
IN CANTERLOT HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH
IN CANTERLOT... HIGH"

When it was over, Sunset Shimmer and her friends began to get their senses back. They were confused at first, but as soon as Rainbow Dash's wings disappeared, they turned their attention at Discord, who closed the curtains.
"Oh, it's so nice to have such adoring fans." Discord said. "Perhaps I'll give them a standing ovation after we beat Crystal Prep."
"Discord!" a group of girls shouted. He turned and saw Sunset and the others glaring angrily at him.
"My friends." Discord said. "Come to congratulate me on such a fine pep rally, I assume."
"Discord, would you mind telling us what you just did?" Sunset asked.
"You mean besides the singing and dancing?" Discord asked. "Oh, you mean the yellow stuff. It's just a spirit-raising pheromone of my own creation. Just a touch of this stuff can fill a bunch of gloomy guses with school spirit."
"Discord, you can't use magic to do that." Applejack said.
"Yeah." Rainbow Dash said. "You got me to pony up without rocking out."
"Hate to break it to you, but you're looking at the wrong guy." Discord said. "I may be great, but even I can't force someone to, as you say, 'pony up'. That was all you, Ms. Dash."
Rainbow Dash looked dumbfounded. "But... how? I don't even know how I triggered it."
"Discord, whether or not you did pony Rainbow up, that's still an irresponsible use of your magic." Sunset Shimmer said.
"Oh, come on, Sunset." Discord said. "I was only warming up my magic until Crystal Prep gets here. Then..."
"Then nothing." Vice Principal Luna said appearing behind him. "Discord, it's best of you to hold off on the magic for a while."
"Why?" Discord asked.
Luna turned her head to Sunset. "You didn't tell him?"
"I was trying to, but it's... Discord."
"Tell me what?" Discord asked as he scratched his scalp.
Sunset sighed. "Look, Discord, you've been using your magic a lot lately, even for effortless tasks. You always disappear and reappear just to get across a hallway."
"Yeah, so?" Discord asked.
"Well," Sunset said, "Vice Principal Luna instructed me to investigate this new magic so it can't interfere with the Friendship Games. Also, Discord... it's best that, until the Friendship Games end and Crystal Prep leaves, you should... stop using magic."
Discord paused for a moment. He then laughed hysterically. "STOP USING MAGIC?!" He continued laughing, but stopped when he realized nobody was changing their expressions. "What, you're serious? Why would you not want me to use my magic?"
"Look, Discord, my sister and the mayor are good friends, so that's why she decided not to go public with our school's magic." Luna said. "But we can't afford to let Crystal Prep learn of it and accuse us of cheating. We may be forced to forfeit."
Discord growled angrily before calming back down. "I suppose that makes sense. Fine, I suppose that I'll just have to play fair and square at the games and..."
"Actually, Discord, you're not on the team." Rarity said.
"WHAT?!" Discord gasped. "WHY?!"
"Well, you didn't even know the games existed until a short while ago," Fluttershy said, "And the try-outs were two weeks ago."
"But... but... but..." Discord was at a loss for words. "Then who is on the team?"
'Well, there's me, Sunset, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Applejack, of course." Pinkie Pie said counting with her fingers. "There's also Flash Sentry, Micro Chips, Bulk Biceps, Lyra, Sweetie Drops, and Sandalwood."
"You six... and background characters?" Discord asked in surprise. "Seriously, I barely knew Micro Chips and Sandalwood even existed. I thought you wanted to defeat Crystal Prep."
"Discord, while defeating Crystal Prep would be a nice change," Luna said, "It's not what the Friendship Games are about. If you want, I do know of a position in the games you can do, but I'm afraid you can't participate."
The chaotic teen hung his head down and moped. "Fine. I just wanted to get back at Crystal Prep."
"Get back?" Fluttershy asked. "Why? Do you know them?"
"I don't want to talk too much about it," Discord replied, "But let's just say... they're the reason I'm like this."
> Cinch's Dark Deal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	  Crystal Prep Academy wasn't the most friendly school in the country, but no one can deny how fancy it looked, inside and outside. The very walls look like they're actually made of crystals. And inside one dorm room without any windows, the human Twilight Sparkle was working on a small device. It was a circular, purple gizmo that started to glow when she finished building it.
"Perfect!" Twilight cheered. "Thanks to Dr. T's guidance, I was finally able to build this. It can now locate and contain the strange energy in Canterlot High."
When she mentioned that school, her purple dog growled.
"Now, Spike, I know you don't like it there, but I have to be there to study the enegries. I only hope this silly rivalry doesn't get in the way of my research. If I can find the source of the unexplainable EM waves, it could lead to new foundations in science. That can guarantee my application into the Everton Independent Study Program.

"When I wake up, it only takes a minute
To be aware of what's about to be
Everton's so close. I can't wait to be in it
It's like its sole
Purpose role
Is to call out to me
And so, I'll work my best
Advance my progress
So that when they see me
I won't be a mess
I will not give up
Until the board says yes
My future's around the corner
Canterlot High might be my ticket
Everything around it might be unheard
If I need a topic, then I did pick it
I will trek
And I'll check
Until I make good on my word
AND I WILL DO MY BEST
I WILL LOOK AROUND
I'LL BE THE WORTHIEST GIRL
IN THIS ENTIRE TOWN
I'VE BEEN IGNORED AND SHUNNED
BUT THAT WON'T BRING ME DOWN
THE PAST IS ALREADY FOREVER
I CAN'T WAIT
IT'S FATE
IT'LL BE GREAT
MY FUTURE'S AROUND THE CORNER
Oh, Dr. T, thanks for the help
I know I couldn't get this far myself
I'll make you proud by getting in
Then, the best day of my life will begin"

"Sorry to interrupt your singing, Twilight." a new voice called. It was Cadance, the dean of Crystal Prep, who walked into Twilight's room. She looked and saw Spike. "Twilight, you remember the rule about having pets, right?"
"Oh, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadance." Twilight said. "He's the subject of my latest experiment in human-animal bonds."
"Well, whatever he is," Dean Cadance said, "Try to keep him away from Principal Cinch. She has allergies, so you better put on a clean shirt." She picked off a piece of purple fur off of Twilight's uniform.
"Why?"
"Principal Cinch has asked you see you in her office."
For most students, a call to the principal's office means serious stuff and it usually stresses them out. Not Twilight, though. Instead of stressed, she looked excited. "Maybe she's got a reply from Everton!"
"I've been meaning to talk to you about that." Cadance said. "Are you sure Everton's what you really want?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Twilight asked. "At first, I couldn't believe Dr. T, but when I saw the website and reviews, it felt like a dream come true. It's my dream school!"
"But there aren't any classes with other students." Cadance said. "You'll be doing the work on your own."
"That's why it's an independent study program." Twilight said.
"Twilight, I don't want you to miss out on making friends." Cadance said. "No one should be alone." That's when she left.
"What's she mean by that?" Twilight asked herself. "Everton's exactly what I need."
Twilight left her room and walked through the hallways. Any student that she passes by just gives her the cold shoulder. She began to question her role in the school and began thinking about what she is meant to do. In only a few minutes, she made it to the principal's office. It was mostly dark except for a light shining on the principal's desk that Twilight sat in front of. She then heard the door close behind her seeing Cadance at one side and someone else on the other, someone who Twilight was quite familiar with.
"Shining Armor?" Twilight asked. "What's my brother doing here?"
"As an alumni, Principal Cinch thought he might give us some perspective." Cadance said. Shining Armor really liked her.
"Perspective on what?" Twilight asked.
"Why, the Friendship Games, of course." Principal Cinch replied turning her chair around and revealing herself. Her pale-blue skin glowed in the lonely light along with her dark glasses. "Shining Armor, you participated in the Friendship Games, did you not?"
"I did." Shining Armor replied.
"And do you remember who won?"
"Crystal Prep did." Shining Armor answered. "We always win."
"We always win." Principal Cinch repeated. She turned to the filing cabinet that was being maintained by another woman. She had purple hair and orange skin. "Vice Principal Dawna, would you mind bringing me Canterlot High's records?"
"Sure thing, Ms. Cinch." Dawna said. She pulled out a file, but put it back. "Oops. Wrong one. That one's wrong too. I swear, this never happens to me. Aha!"
Principal Cinch pinched the space between her glasses while Dawna approached her with the file. Cinch took it and opened it up. She noticed one of the papers didn't look right. "This is the electrician's vacation request."
"Oops." Dawna said. She took it away. "I'm sorry... again. ...While we're on the subject, he's been working really hard..."
"Dawna, he can stop working when he retires." Cinch said. "Now, shred that request and keep quiet."
Dawna took the paper and went the corner. She then picked up a blank sheet of paper without anyone looking and put that in the shredder. She also hit the request form in a random folder.
"Deny the simple, unreasonable wish of a hard-working employee, huh?" she mumbled to herself. "I'll shred your request."
Without hearing that, Cinch continued her talk with Twilight. "Now, Twilight, it doesn't matter whether Crystal Prep wins or loses. The only thing that matters is that we are expected to win because we have a reputation to uphold. And it is that reputation, my reputation, that's responsible for everything Crystal Prep has, for all that you've done."
"Thank you, but my work's not that great." Twilight said.
"Oh, don't be so modest child." Cinch said. "You're the brightest student I've ever had the pleasure of attending. What I don't understand is why my star student wouldn't want to compete."
"In the Friendship Games?" Twilight asked.
"Look, Twily, I know it's a little out of your element, but representing our school in the games in a pretty great honor." Shining Armor said. "And we could use you."
"Indeed." Cinch said. She opened up the file that Dawna gave her. "It seems that Canterlot High is undergoing a sort-of Renaissance. Grades, honors, even athletics are on the rise. You see, they're developing somewhat of a reputation. This! Cannot! Happen!"
"But I can't participate in the Friendship Games." Twilight said. "I'm not even sure I want to."
"Okay." Dawna said. Everyone looked at her. "Don't get me wrong. I would like it if we won again, but I don't think Twilight should participate in the games if she doesn't want to. She has a lot of work and..."
"Ah, yes." Cinch said. "Her work. Cadance, Shining Armor, could you bring me my contact sheet for Everton?" Once Cadance and Shining Armor left the room, Cinch turned her attention back at Twilight. "You see, one of the advantages to having a reputation is a certain amount of influence in some things. In fact, a representative of Everton is coming as an unbiased judge in the Friendship Games."
"Really?" Twilight asked excitedly.
"So I'm offering you a deal." Cinch continued. "If you're willing to contribute your agile mind into the Friendship Games, then I will use my influence to guarantee your application is approved." Twilight didn't know what to think, but her expression changed when Cinch still continued. "Though, I suppose I could have it... denied. What do you think I should do?" Twilight was distraught at the sound of it. "I think I got my answer. Now, you better prepare. We leave in the morning."
Twilight looked on over to Dawna, but she couldn't give her any indication of a way out. With that, Twilight left and exited the office. At that moment, Dawna finally spoke.
"Principal Cinch, you can't just..."
"I can, and I am." Cinch interrupted.
"But that's blackmail."
"That's the only way Twilight can cooperate." Cinch said. "And don't even think about speaking out of turn or I'll tell everyone the real reason why I hired you." Dawna was about to speak again, but fell silent reluctantly. "That's better. Now, get ready. We've got a reputation to uphold."
> Rolling Up the Discord Carpet
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight was very nervous about packing more than just her lab equipment. She grabbed her sweater, but Spike tried to pull it away from it. Twilight pulled back
"Spike, let go!" Twilight commanded. "I was planning to go to Canterlot High eventually!" The dog let go and it hit Twilight in the face. "I just didn't think I'd have to compete. It's not like Principal Cinch is giving me much of a choice. The only downside is that I won't get as much data as I thought." She picked up her circular device and wore it around her neck like a necklace. "But maybe I could get some."
Twilight grabbed her backpack, but Spike latched his teeth onto it. He gave a whining whimper that made Twilight smile. She unzipped the backpack and let Spike in.
"Just don't make as much noise and try not to shed."
Twilight exited her lab, the hallways, and the whole building. Outside were three buses that were parked side by side. Right beside the closest bus, Dean Cadance was working on her clipboard in front of a line of students with Sour Sweet talking to her friend, Sunny Flare, at the front.
Twilight walked in front of Sour Sweet (who was upset about that) and spoke.
"Dean Cadance, I was wondering where I'd be?"
"Hang on a minute, Twilight." Cadance said checking her clipboard.
"You could try the end of the line." Sour Sweet growled.
"What?" Twilight asked.
Sour Sweet then put on an innocent-looking smile and talked in a sweet voice.
"Just that someone as special and important as you should definitely go in first.
Twilight took a minute to realize where she was standing. She suddenly felt embarrassed.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I..."
"This is the right bus, Twilight." Cadance said. She left before Twilight could say anything else.
"But... I didn't meant to cut in line." Twilight said quietly.
"Well, it's too late now." Sour Sweet growled.
Twilight then proceeded into the bus, but the very minute she stepped in, another student, Indigo Zap, went into her face.
"ARE WE GONNA WIN?!" she shouted.
"Uh... I don't know." Twilight answered nervously.
"Wrong answer!" Indigo Zap said. "Try again! Are... we gonna... WIN?!"
"Um... I guess?" she asked. 'It's just... I mean... I heard that CHS is doing well now. With their reputation. And, I mean, it's not better than ours, of course. But we can't let them do it, you know? Win, I mean? Right?"
That response didn't get much response, just dirty looks from everyone who was sitting. Twilight then kept quiet and walked down. Whenever she was about to approach a seat, the student on the other one would deny her access. She then found two empty seats in the back and sat down. On the other side was another student who she knew.
"Hi, Sugarcoat."
"That was a really bad speech." Sugarcoat said. "You should consider not speaking in public."
Twilight looked at the seat in front of her and saw another student, Lemon Zest, listening to her loud music on her headphones. Lemon Zest saw Twilight and shouted.
"Dude, you've got to listen to this!"
Without Twilight's permission, Lemon Zest placed her headphones on her ears. Twilight couldn't stand the noise. And that's when the bus ran.





The Rainbooms were rocking out with their instruments. When they were finished, their pony parts disappeared.
"I hope the Friendship Games have a music competition," Rainbow Dash said, "Because we would totally rock it!"
"We're supposed to keep magic out of the Friendship Games, remember?" Sunset asked.
"Um... where is Discord?" Fluttershy asked.
"At the front of the school." Sunset Shimmer said. "He's greeting Crystal Prep along with Celestia and Luna."
"A crazy delinquent who appears to have a grudge with the people he's welcoming." Applejack said. "That shouldn't end well."
"Has anyone figured out what he meant by Crystal Prep made him the way he is?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Nope." Pinkie Pie said.
"Well, while Discord works to keep his temper in and Sunset works to keep the magic out of the games, I've been working on what to put in." Rarity reached behind her and pulled out entire racks of different clothes.
"Rarity, what did you do?" Applejack asked.
"Well, I had a little time on my hands, and since we don't know what the Friendship Games' events are, I made a few options for uniforms."
"You didn't have to." Rainbow Dash said nervously.
"I know." Rarity squeaked happily.
"No, seriously." Applejack replied. "You really didn't have to."
Suddenly, the door opened up and a young man walked in. It was Ricky, president of the computer club. He had a flash drive in his hand and looked around.
"Ricky, what are you doing here?" Sunset asked.
"Have any of you seen Devastator?" Ricky asked. "Has he passed by here through your screens?"
"No, I don't think so." Applejack replied. "Ricky, why are you looking for him?"
"He wants to cram me back, that's why!" a digital voice shouted. A digital face appeared on the wall screen, and it did not look happy.
"Devastator, it's only for a few days." Ricky said. "It's for the sake of the school."
"Uh, what's going on?" Rarity asked.
"I don't want to do this, but Principal Celestia told me to. We can't let Crystal Prep know we have magic, and if they come across an A.I. that's actually living, it won't be long before they put two and two together."
"Four!" Pinkie Pie shouted.
"That wasn't a test, Pinkie." Rainbow said.
"Yes, it is. I won. A+."
"But it's so tiny in there." Devastator said. "Look, I can still act robotic."
"It's not your attitude, D." Ricky replied. "They can't know we have an A.I. at all. When they arrive, Principal Celestia is just going to tell them we have a new system grid. We can't just tell them we perfected artificial intelligence on our own."
Devastator made a sighing sound. "All right. Let's get his over with."
Ricky plugged in the flash drive into the side of the screen. Devastator was then transferred inside. When finished, Ricky pulled out the drive and looked at the Rainbooms.
"Sorry you had to see that." Ricky said as he was beginning to walk out. "I'm going to go help my friends set up the welcoming party. By the way, nice outfits." That's when he shut the door as he left.
Rarity grinned at her friends. "Told you."





The Crystal Prep buses were parked in front of Canterlot High School. The staff were the first to get off. Luna hugged both Cadance and Dawna.
"It's good to see the two of you again." Luna said. "It's always a pleasure, even if it is to see us lose again."
Cadance giggled. "Thank you, but I hear it won't be easy this year."
"Just to give you a heads up," Dawna added, "Someone from Everton is coming as a guest judge."
"Everton?" Luna asked. "Never heard of it."
"Really?" Cadance asked. "One of our students has it as a goal for herself."
Speaking of Twilight, she was stepping out of the bus when Indigo Zap pushed her out of the way.
"COMING THROUGH!"
Twilight fell and landed on Sunny Flare who fell with her. She was not happy about that.
"Seriously?!" Sunny asked angrily.
"Oh, sorry." Twilight apologized getting back up. She was about to continue walking when she almost bumped into Sour Sweet. "Oh, I'm sorry. Go on ahead."
"You are such a sweetie." Sour Sweet said innocently. She then grew angry. "I'm watching you."
Twilight also almost bumped into Lemon Zest and Sugarcoat.
"You are kinda being a doormat right now." Sugarcoat said.
Suddenly, Twilight's device started to hum and a light of it was glowing purple. The light was pointing to the school, and she proceeded. While she was doing that, the two principals were greeting each other.
"Vice Principal Luna can help your students gat settled in if you'd like me to show you around." Celestia said. "There have been quite a few changes since your last visit."
"Oh, yes, Principal Celestia." Cinch said in a stuck-up tone. "I'm sure it's going to be very fascinating. Principal Celestia, would you mind telling me why there's a screen near the front door?"
"Oh, yeah, that." Celestia said. "That's just our school's new grid. The computer club designed it themselves."
"Really?" Cinch asked. "It seems that we have some competition this year. Now, where is your class president?"
"Right here!"
Crystal Prep stopped talking and turned their heads toward the voice. Their eyes widened when they turned to Discord. Their eyes then looked mad.
"What are you doing here, Discord?" Principal Cinch asked.
"Welcoming you to our not-so-humble, state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind school." Discord presented the building.
"You're the class president in this school?" Sunny Flare asked.
"Ah, if it isn't my old friends." Discord said. He then pointed at the five girls. "If memory serves, Bunny Hare, Flour Feet, Reedus Jest, Cinnamon Zam, and... I want to say, Heather."
"It's Sunny Flare, Sour Sweet, Lemon Zest, Indigo Zap, and Sugarcoat." Indigo Zap said.
"My name doesn't even sound close to Heather." Sugarcoat added. 
"Old friends?" Celestia asked. "Discord, did you go to Crystal Prep?"
"It's a long story." Discord said.
"And repetitive." Cinch added. "You go to a school, you stay a couple of weeks, and you get expelled."
"Well, I've been here for a month and I'm class president." Discord bragged. "I'm not a major prankster anymore, but that won't stop me from helping this school beat you. By the way, the Jurassic Period called; they want their skin back."
"Discord, would you please stop?" Celestia asked. "We're here to welcome Crystal Prep to a clean, sporting event."
"But they started it." Discord said.
"Principal Celestia, I won't object to your judgment on getting Discord involved, but I must warn you about him."
"I'm well aware of Discord's pranks." Celestia said. "I happen to believe that everything will be fine. Now, Principal Cinch, Discord, walk this way."
Cinch walked normally, but Discord walked exactly like Celestia was walking. The students of Crystal Prep shot a dirty look toward him.
"So he's here now." Sunny Flare was rolling her eyes..
"Evidently." Sugarcoat said.
"Hey." Lemon Zest said. "Where's Twilight?"
> Meeting Twilight... Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not more than thirty seconds after Twilight entered the doors of Canterlot High, she was already given greetings. Everywhere she turned, there are other students giving her a greeting like they knew her.
"Hi, Twilight." greeted every student who made eye contact with her. The purple girl was so confused, she didn't notice Flash Sentry until she bumped into him. As soon as he saw her, he instantly smiled not knowing which Twilight it was.
"Twilight? I almost didn't recognize her." He then noticed another feature he didn't notice before. "When did you start wearing glasses."
"Um, like, since forever." Twilight said. As soon as she took a good look at him, she started to blush.
"Oh." Flash said. He was confused, but he brushed it off. "So how long are you here for."
"Just for the Friendship Games."
"Right. Of course. We'll totally win with you..."
Before he could continue, Twilight's device started to beep again.
"I gotta go!" Twilight said as she walked away.
"Uh, okay. Bye?" Flash hung his head in embarrassment. Derpy managed to pat him on the back.





"Twilight Sparkle?" Vice Principal Luna asked. "Are you certain?"
"Yeah." Dawna said. "Is something up?"
"No, I just..." Luna started to say. She never got to finish when she caught sight of black car parking at the curb beside the Crystal Prep buses.
Everyone watched as the driver seat door opened up. Out came an unbelievably skinny man with most of his body covered by a black cloak. When he walked, his shoulders didn't move like he wasn't taking a step. He had long sleeves and black gloves. One of his eyes was covered by bandages, which also covered part of his green hair. When he approached CHS, he was singing to himself.
"I've got all my life to live, and I've got all my love to give, and I will..." He stopped when he approached the vice principals. "Hello. I'm Tartus, headmaster of Everton."
"Pleased to meet you." Luna said nervously. "You must be here to judge in the Friendship Games. Make yourself welcome." She, Dawna, and Cadence took a quick look and saw the backseat doors open revealing four people in bright-green uniforms. On the passanger's door, a teenager wearing a black outfit playing video games.
"They're here as my support staff." Tartus said. "The guys in green are my friends, Greengear. The young one is my son, Scimitar. He's just learning the family business."
"Don't care!" Scimitar shouted.
"Well, it's good to meet you, Tartus." Cadence said. "You know, Twilight speaks highly of you."
"Oh, yeah." Tartus said. "Twilight. Say where is the purple prodigy? I've been wanting to talk to her."
"Well, she..." Cadence looked at the students, but she couldn't find any trace of who they were talking about. "That's strange."





Back in the music room, Rarity was still showing off her clothes. Applejack was still not amused.
"Rarity, these outfits are great, but why would you put so much time and effort into clothes we might not even wear? You're gonna exhaust yourself before the games even start."
Rarity scoffed at the statement. "Don't be silly. Putting effort into clothes is what I live for, and spending time with my friends fills me with energy!" With that, Rarity started to float in the air and glowed. Her pony ears and tail materialized out of nowhere amazing the girls.
"And magic too, I guess."
Outside the room. the device lead Twilight to the very door. However, something happened outside of Twilight's expectations. Her device started to open up like a clam. On the other side of the door, Rarity's glow started to dim. Nobody saw it, but the glow was streaming away from her and into Twilight's device making a small ball of light in the middle. When it was done, it clamped down tight.
"That's..." Twilight thought to herself. "It shouldn't do that."
Meanwhile, inside the room, Rarity lost her glow and pony features. When she got back on the ground, she started to stagger.
"Actually, Applejack," Rarity said out of breath, "Now that you mention it, I suppose I could use a tiny break."
"I told you." Applejack said.
The door opened up catching their attention. Like everyone else, they mistook the girl behind it with their friend.
"Twilight!" they cheered.
"Well, I'll be." Applejack said. "I didn't think you'd be here."
"Like, wherever did you get those glasses and clothes, darling?" Rarity observed. "They're so... severe."
"You mean my uniform?" Twilight asked.
"Uniform for what?" Fluttershy asked.
"Crystal Prep." Twilight was still confused. "So would anyone mind telling me how you all know me?"
"Did you say... Crystal Prep?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Suddenly, the backpack zipper popped open, and a certain purple dog popped his head out. Everyone shouted his name when he came out, leaving Twilight even more confused.
"You know my dog's name too?!"
Heading to the music room, Celestia, Cinch, and Discord were strolling through for the tour.
"And our music program has especially taken off." Celestia said.
"If I may, does either of you know what that is?" Cinch asked pointing towards the end of the hallway. There was a big, metal barrel sitting in the corner.
"Oh, that's mine." Discord said. "The whole thing's filled with sports drink. I'm saving it for the end of the Friendship Games."
The principals both looked at each other before turning back to Discord.
"Discord, why do you have that?" Celestia asked.
"Haven't you seen a sports movie, principal?" Discord asked. "They always pour sports drinks on the winning team."
"I don't think..." Celestia was about to say until she looked into the music room and caught sight of a certain purple girl. "Twilight?"
"This is getting ridiculous!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Twilight?" Discord asked. "What's going on?"
"Wait a minute..." Twilight said when she saw the chaos kid. "Discord? Is that you?"
"Do I know you?" Discord asked.
"Well... no." Twilight answered. "But I've seen you around Crystal Prep half a year ago."
"Wait, what?" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise. "Discord, did you really go to Crystal Prep?"
"Forget that?" Discord asked. "How do you know about Crystal Prep?"
"Because she's my student." Cinch said. "I apologize for her curiosity. The smart ones are always so curious. I'll return her to check in with the rest of her classmates."
Principal Cinch lead Twilight out of the room and away from the Canterlot High group. Everyone just kept looking at Twilight.
"I didn't know Twilight had a twin sister." Celestia said.
"She doesn't!" Pinkie exclaimed. "That Twilight is obviously the Twilight from this world since it couldn't possibly be the Twilight from the pony world since the Twilight from the pony world doesn't go to Crystal Prep or wear glasses."
Celestia was about to say something, but she just remained speechless trying to take in Pinkie Pie's observation. "Never mind."
"Surely caught us by surprise." Applejack said.
"Not as much as finding out Discord used to be a Crystal Prep alumni." Rarity said.
"Hey, I wasn't an alumni!" Discord returned. "I've only been there for a month! That's it!"
"Hang on." Rainbow Dash said rubbing her chin. "Is it one of the schools you got expelled from?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Discord growled with gritted teeth.





Outside Canterlot High, Twilight began to apologize.
"I'm sorry, Principal Cinch. I was just following these strange readings. Actually, they led me to those girls and..."
"Twilight," Cinch interrupted, "What you do in your free time is of little interest to me, but while you're here, I... all of Crystal Prep, in fact, require your complete focus."
"But why does everyone at this school seem to know me?"
"Perhaps they were trying to confuse you. Perhaps they were trying to lure you away."
Suddenly, Cinch felt a tight grip on her shoulder. She turned and Tartus was shaking his head left and right at the two of them. Greengear stood behind him. Jade was the only woman in the group, Emerald had a scar over his right eye, Leaf seemed to be missing a tooth, and Verde was the big, stupid one.
"Must it always have to be about the competition to you, miss?" Tartus asked. "Why can't you accept that life isn't always about a game?"
"I'm sorry," Cinch said freeing her shoulder, "But you are..."
The thin man bowed his head and greeted. "Tartus, headmaster of Everton."
"Everton?" Twilight asked. "Are you... Dr. T?"
"Why, yes, I am." Tartus said glaring his uncovered eye at Twilight. "And you must be Twilight Sparkle. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"The pleasure's all mine, sir." Twilight replied excitedly. She then noticed the bandages and couldn't stop looking at it. She took a few moments of silence before realizing what she was doing. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"Is it the eye?" Tartus asked. "Yeah, I'm recovering from a surgery and..."
"Okay, that's more than enough information for me." Cinch said walking away. Tartus watched her leave and as soon as he knew she was far enough, he spoke back to Twilight.
"So what about the device I helped you with?" Tartus asked. "Is it working?"
"Well, yeah, but..." Twilight replied softly looking at it.
"But what, kid?" Jade asked.
Twilight removed it and gave it to Tartus letting him observe it. "It was doing something different than I expected. I thought it was supposed to be searching for energy, but instead, it looked like it was attracting it inside of it."
"Oh, really?" Emerald mocked. "So what, it's turned into some hi-tech night-light?"
Tartus opened the device slightly and was shocked with a bright light. He immediately closed it before it got too bright.
"What kind of night-light is that?!" Emerald shouted.
"Yeah, I would not recommend letting it go." Tartus said. "We don't know what it is."
"Exactly." Twilight said taking the device back. "It might be unprecedented. If we could just understand it, then we could break new foundations in the world of science and..." She noticed the smile on Tartus' face. "What?"
"Your loyalty to the cause of science." Tartus said. "That's what got me interested in you in the first place. You're not looking for fortune and fame like some other small-minded folks."
"Small-minded guys?" Verde asked looking around. "Where?"
"Go back to sleep, Verde." Leaf replied.
"The point is, it's nice to meet someone who knows how to use their intellect properly." Tartus said. "Even my own son... Hey, where is Scimitar, anyway?"
"Last I saw him, he was heading into the school." Leaf said.
"I hope the boy doesn't wander too off." Tartus sighed. He turned his attention back on Twilight. "Back to you, I can't imagine how you're putting yourself in such a commercial stunt like the Friendship Games."
"I don't really have a choice." Twilight replied. "Principal Cinch says she can get my application into Everton denied if I didn't."
"Well, she's going to have to get through me first." Tartus said. "Don't worry, Twilight. I will always support you, and I know that my independent study program is what you need. All you need to do is gather up as much data on your mysterious energy as you can, and I promise that you will have the chance to spread your wings. Right, Greengear."
Greengear nodded their heads and began to express their caring nature to make Twilight feel like trusting them. Jade began.

"You seem discontent"
"Out of your comfort zone" Emerald sang.
"But rest assured, kid" Jade sang,
"You're never alone"
"We'll have your back" Leaf sang.
"Just do not ask why" Verde sang.
"Just trust in us" Jade sang,
"And you will touch... the sky"

"Trust us, Twilight." Jade said. "It will all be over soon."
"Yeah, 'cause in the end, you'll turn into..." Verde was saying until Jade elbowed him in the gut.
"A star!" Jade said. "He was gonna say 'star'." Tartus then approached Twilight.

"You don't need to fear us
We've got a lot for you
So believe us when we say
That every word is true
Other schools would take advantage
Of your poor, naïve state
But stay by our side, and soon
You'll be something greeeeaaaaaat"
"You seem discontent" Jade sang.
"Out of your comfort zone" Emerald sang.
"But rest assured, kid" Jade sang,
"You're never alone"
"We'll have your back" Leaf sang.
"Just do not ask why" Verde sang.
"Just trust in us" Jade sang,
"And you will touch... the sky"
"So when you're unappreciated" Tartus sang,
"Count on the Everton staff
We'll be here to protect you
From Principal Cinch's wrath
These games mean nothing
I'm sure, by now, you know
So we're counting on you
It's gonna be quite a show"

Those words were enough for Twilight to trust them completely. Tartus grinned suspiciously behind her with a strange, ominous, red glow behind his bandages.

"YOU SEEM DISCONTENT" Greengear sang,
"OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE"
"AND NOW, I REALIZE" Twilight sang,
"I'M NEVER ALONE"
"WE'LL HAVE YOUR BACK" Greengear sang.
"I DON'T NEED TO ASK WHY" Twilight sang.
"JUST TRUST IN US" Tartus sang,
"AND YOU WILL TOUCH... THE SKY
JUST TRUST IN US
AND YOU WILL TOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUCH....
THE SKY"

From a distance, Dawna was watching Twilight bonding with the bandaged man. She went to Principal Cinch and talked to her.
"Principal Cinch," Dawna said, "Doesn't that Tartus guy seem suspicious to you?"
"Dawna, I couldn't care less about the people in Twilight's life." Cinch said. "All that matters right now is the face of Crystal Prep, and no thin man without depth perception will distract me from that goal."
Dawna decided to fall silent again. She still pointed suspicious glare's at Tartus' direction.
> The Door is Locked
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	  Discord and the girls had a lot to talk about, but mostly, Pinkie Pie had the most to say... or ask. Discord crinched his teeth while Pinkie Pie was begging him for an answer. Discord was greatly irritated.
"PLEASE!"
"No!" Discord barked.
"Come on!" Pinkie begged. "Please, please, please, tell us what happened at Crystal Prep! Don't make me beg!"
"You are begging." Discord said.
"Then, please, make me stop!" Pinkie continued.
"Listen, I've got better things to do than discuss my feud with Crystal Prep!" Discord snapped. "So why don't you just drop it!"
"Look, at least tell us what the prank was that got you expelled." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm dying to know what you did to those snoots."
Discord sighed. "Fine. Their whole gymnasium had purple paint spilled all over the student body from the ceiling."
"WHOA!" Rainbow Dash said. "That is awesome! How'd you set it up?!"
"I already told you what got me expelled." Discord growled. "I'm not telling you any more."
"I still can't believe that the Twilight of this world goes to Crystal Prep." Rarity said.
"Does this mean that she'll be against us?" Rainbow Dash asked. "She wouldn't do that."
"Our Twilight wouldn't." Fluttershy responded.
The talk of Twilight really stirred up something within Sunset. Suddenly, she exploded.
"Our Twilight is a princess in Equestria and an expert in friendship magic! And if she was, we'd have already figured out why magic is randomly popping up during pep rallies and costume changes!" She took a breath and saw that her peers were staring at her.
"Who soiled your milk this morning, red?" Discord asked.
"Oh, sorry I haven't heard back." Sunset said. "I'm just frustrated that I haven't heard back from her."
"The pony Twilight?" Discord asked.
"She's a princess in Equestria. She's probably got problems of her own to deal with." Applejack said.
"You really think it's a good idea to call a princess in a whole other dimension just for a few minor light shows?" Discord asked. "She'd remove you from her contact list."
"But they aren't minor." Sunset argued. "Magic came into this world when I stole Twilight's crown. It's taken a lot for me to earn everyone's trust, If we have to forfeit the games because I can't think of a way to keep it under control..." She fell silent. "I'm sorry. I've been on edge a lot."
"About what?" Applejack asked.
"Well, I keep thinking that magic should behave here in the way it does in Equestria. Maybe what I really need is... to go back."
"Saaaaay what now?" Discord asked.
"You mean leave us?" Fluttershy asked.
"Of course, I don't wanna leave all my friends." Sunset replied. "But I feel really guilty fro bringing magic into this world. I don't want to be useless to the group, much less the entire human race."
"Sounds like trying to control magic for the Friendship Games is stressing you out, Sunset." Discord said. "Maybe if you let me let loose and help with my own magic, we'd have less trouble. Not saying we should, I'm just saying."
"Oh, Sunset," Rarity said, "Vice Principal Luna only asked you to try your best. I'm sure she didn't mean to put this much pressure on you."
"Yeah, I mean, of course, you're useful." Applejack said. "You're the one who helped us understand what was going on with the sirens. Remember?"
"Twilight was the one who really figured out what we needed to defeat them."
"But don't you remember, darling?" Rarity asked. "What we needed to defeat them was you."
"Take it from the guy who got magic from both you and the Dazzlings." Discord said. "You really make a big imbact."
Sunset took those words to heart and smiled. "All right."
"Come on, guys." Rainbow Dash said walking away. "Let's see if we can find any info about the events and come up with a strategy. You coming, Sunset?"
"In a minute." Sunset Shimmer said. "I need to do something."
"You ladies go on without me too." Discord said. "I've got to come up with some more cracks at the preppies."
Sunset Shimmer turned toward the door when she felt a bump. She toppled backward and shook herself back straight. She looked in front of her and saw a black-clothed teen doing the same thing she was doing. He shot straight at her with a look of anger.
"Watch where you're going, you dunce!"
"Hey, that's not a nice thing to say." Sunset exclaimed.
"Brilliant observation, Sherlock." the teen growled. "Now, let me find someplace where no one can bother me."
"Look, I've never met you before, and you're definitely not Crystal Prep." Sunset said. "So why are you here?"
"My dunce of a dad made me." he said. "He runs Everton."
"What's your name, friend?" Sunset asked.
"Scimitar, and we're not friends." Scimitar moved away and passed them.
"Well, that guy's a real bundle of joy." Discord said rolling her eyes. "Right, Sunset. Sunset?"
Sunset stared at the grouch walking away.
"SUNSET!" Discord called out.
"Huh, what?" Sunset staggered. "Sorry, Discord. It's just... There's something about that guy, something strange."
"Work it out later." Discord said. He looked out the front window and growled at the sight of the Crystal Prep crowd beside the Wondercolt statue. "Look at them, so intense and so sure of themselves. I can't wait for them to lose."
Ignoring what Discord said, Sunset pulled out her book and opened it up to a bunch of blank pages.
"Still no reply." Sunset walked out the door and set her eyes on the statue. She then smiled. "Maybe there's another way I can reach her."
"What are you talking..." Discord said before looking at the statue. "Whoa, this isn't just some excuse to escape to Equestria like you said you wanted, right?"
"It's just to get advice from Twilight." Sunset said.
Unbeknownst to her, the other Twilight's device started to glow purple. Tartus caught sight of the glow and smiled as it glowed brighter and smirked.
"Uh, Tartus..." Twilight said. "It's happening again."
Suddenly, the device opened up again. The purple light orb began to glow brightly. At the same time, Sunset placed her hand on the portal's surface. Right when that happened, a strong force forced a surge of energy went from Sunset on one side to the device on the other. Sunset panicked when she felt the energy draining out of her.
"HEY! WHAT'S GOING ON?!"
"Sunset?" Discord asked. "What's wrong?"
"THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO KNOW!" Sunset panicked. When it was over, Sunset fell backwards. On the other side, the device slammed shut.
"Interesting." Tartus whispered. "But where did the magic..." He looked around the statue and grinned when he caught a glimpse of Sunset Shimmer. "Ah, I see."
Sunset looked around the statue and saw Twilight and Tartus. "What did you do?"
But before Twilight could respond, Tartus placed his gloved hand on her shoulder. "Twilight, I think we need to discuss what just occurred. Besides, your peers are already leaving."
"Whoa, what's going on?" Discord asked showing up.
The sight of him widened Tartus' uncovered eye. "Discord?" he whispered to himself. "But he's not..." She silenced and pulled Twilight away.
"Who was that guy?" Discord asked.
"I... I don't know." Sunset said. She got back up and placed her hand on the statue side. It was a shock to her to feel a solid surface. She was surprised as much as Discord was confused.
"I know I don't know much about your 'Equestria Girls' adventures," Discord said, "But there's supposed to be a portal here, right?"
"Where's..." Sunset panicked. "WHERE'S THE PORTAL?!"
> An Interesting Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Canterlot High gym was decorated in honor of Crystal Prep's arrival. Although, the students themselves didn't show as much enthusiasm as the banners did. The students of Canterlot High and Crystal Prep looked at each other with anguish. In the middle of the two groups of students, Tartus spoke with Greengear.
"Discord's here?" Leaf asked. "I thought you just said the portal didn't work anymore."
"Not that Discord." Tartus said. "I think this world's Discord is attending Canterlot High and working alongside Sunset Shimmer and her friends."
"That's not right." Jade said.
"You're telling me." Emerald said. "I thought it was sickening when the Equestrian counterparts became buddy-buddy. But now, we have to see the human versions do it too?"
"Not that, you bird-brain!" Jade snapped. "Remember what Tartus said about statistics? Discord shouldn't be here."
"So what?" Emerald asked. "It's just one guy. I can beat him with one wing tied behind my back." Just then, green feathers started sprouting from out of his sleeve.
In a panic, Tartus grabbed ahold of the feathers and pulled them off. Emerald tried to scream, but Jade covered his mouth. They looked around, and they saw that everyone was too busy glaring at each other, they didn't bother seeing the Everton group.
When the last feather was plucked, Jade let go of Emerald's face, but she was still mad.
"You bird-brain!" she whispered aggressively. "Tartus said not to change without his say-so!"
"Hey, it wasn't too much." Emerald defended. "It wasn't supposed to be more than a few feathers."
"Regardless, don't ever do it again." Tartus warned. "And as for Discord, all my calculations didn't include his arrival. It's obvious my arrival in this world must have set off some chain of events that lead Discord here. With this unforeseen variable, that makes him a wildcard. So we're going to have to rip that card before it becomes a problem."
"How?" Leaf asked.
"Ooh!" Verde exclaimed. "We could ask him to leave."
"Huh, yeah." Leaf responded. "What do you want?"
"Boys, don't talk out loud." Jade said. "You'll lower the IQ of the whole building."
"I'll tell you how we're going to do it." Tartus said. He reached into his jacket and grabbed something. "With this." He pulled out his hand slightly revealing a shining, yellow apple that widened the eyes of all Greengear.
"Really, boss?" Jade asked. "Here? Now?"
"Fight chaos with chaos." Tartus responded with a sinister grin.





The group walked down the hallway while Sunset told the girls what just happened.
"What do you mean, the portal's gone?" Applejack asked.
"I mean, it's gone, vanished, not working anymore." Sunset said.
"Discord?" Fluttershy asked.
"Hey, don't look at me." Discord said. "You know as much as I do."
"Well, how'd it happen?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Not sure." Sunset replied. "But I bet it has to do with that other Twilight."
"Don't forget that beanpole with one eye." Discord said. "I noticed he was the only guy not surprised by it."
When they reached the gym, they saw the rift between the students. They didn't feel comfortable until they saw five boys heading to them.
"Hey, everyone." Ricky said.
"The Computer Club." Pinkie cheered. "What's hyper, typers."
The guys felt discomfort upon hearing that. "Pinkie, nobody on Earth says that." Terry said.
"But maybe we should." Joe said. "Sounds cool."
"You nerds are making me very uncomfortable." Discord said. "But anyway, what's happening?"
"Well, I just put Devastator in my laptop for safekeeping." Ricky said. "Although, he's so mad at me, he's started messing up my browser history. Anyway, what's happening with you all?"
"Oh, it turns out Twilight's human counterpart is a student at Crystal Prep and competing against us, Discord used to go to Crystal Prep until he spilled paint all over the other students, and somehow the portal to Equestria managed to close shut cutting off our connection to the pony princess Twilight." Pinkie Pie explained.
"What?" Ricky asked.
"What'd I tell you?" Aaron asked. "Rainboom problems."
"How'd it happen?" Marty asked.
Sunset looked and saw Twilight pacing around looking at her device. "That's what I want to find out?"
"You're wasting your time."
Everyone looked and saw Scimitar sitting on the bleachers beside them. He was playing a handheld game console.
"You again?" Sunset asked.
"My dad's good at covering his tracks." Scimitar said. "You'd just be wasting your time."
"Your dad?" Sunset asked. "You mean that thin man with the bandages? What's he got to do with all this?"
"Why would I tell you dunces anything?" Scimitar asked.
"Hey!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "That's not a nice thing to say! Especially to someone who wants to be your friend!"
"First of all, no one is here to be nice." Scimitar replied. "And second of all, the last thing I want is a friend. All they do is get in the way."
"What?" Sunset asked. "Hold on, you. I don't know who you think you are, but you can't talk to us that way."
"Yes, I can." Scimitar said. "It's a simple moving lips and letting words come out. Any dunce can speak, even you all."
"And stop saying dunce!" Sunset replied heavily.
"Easy, Sunset." Ricky said. "What's gotten into you?"
"Is there a problem going on here?" Indigo Zap asked approaching the group with her own.
"Mind your own business!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Look who's talking." Scimitar said.
"Now, hold on, everyone." Appejack said. "Let's just save some of that energy for the competition."
"I wouldn't call it a competition since we never lose." Sugarcoat replied.
"Well, that's not a very nice thing to say." Fluttershy spoke up.
"Well, we're not here to be nice." Lemon Zest replied.
"That's what I said!" Scimitar shouted.
Nervous, Twilight backed up from the crowd, but she bumped into Pinkie Pie, who greeted her with a smile.
"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie."
Twilight was nervous, but she greeted back. "My name's Twilight Sparkle."
"Oh, I know." Pinkie replied. "You're just like our other Twilight friend, just with a different hairstyle and glasses."
"I... don't understand what that means." Twilight responded.
Pinkie Pie then caught sight of the device hanging around Twilight's neck.
"Ooh, what's that?"
"This?" Twilight showed Pinkie her gizmo. "I guess it's some kind of spectrometer. It can detect and observe mysterious energies as well as contain anomalies." She saw by Pinkie's blank smile that she didn't understand what she meant. "It measures things."
"Neat." Pinkie replied.
"Oh, I can't take all the credit." Twilight said. "I may have built the thing, but Tartus knows how it works. He just gave me instructions."
"So if it measures things, does that include this awesome party?!"
"I guess... Although, it doesn't look like anyone's having fun."
Pinkie observed the room and noticed the negativity in everyone's faces. "You're right. I know just what to do. Follow me."
While Pinkie and Twilight were leaving, the teams of CHS and CP were still arguing. Eventually, Discord stepped up.
"Hey, Crystal pompous!" That got everyone's attention. "Why don't you pick on someone you're own ego's size?"
"Stay out of this, Dip-cord!" Indigo Zap shouted. "Or better yet, play a prank that'll get you kicked out again! It'll save us all a headache!"
"Well, this feels like deja vu." Discord replied. "Let me tell you something: I try and I try and I try, but you all kept pushing me."
"If memory serves, your trying wasn't much effort." Sugarcoat said. "You still pulled that prank."
"If you knew the circumstances, you'd be apologizing to me!" Discord growled angrily.
"What are they talking about?" Rainbow Dash whispered.
"Don't know." Applejack replied.
"Look, everyone!" Scimitar said. "I was just trying to find a good place to play my game! Is there no personal space in this human world!"
That very sentence caught Sunset's attention. As soon as Scimitar realized what he had said, he hit himself on his forehead.
"Did you just say..." Sunset asked. "How do you know about..."
Suddenly, the microphone began to cover the whole gym. Principal Celestia spoke to everyone. With everyone's attention on her, Scimitar took the opportunity to slip away and escape. As soon as Sunset noticed he was gone, she growled angrily.
Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie and Twilight returned pushing two big boxes in and opened them up. They are revealed to be two big cannons with colorful patterns.
"What... are these?" Twilight asked.
"Party cannons, silly!" Pinkie exclaimed. She nodded her head at Vinyl, who then turned up the music. The lights then changed into flashing lights that matched the music.
Without questioning the sudden change in environment, everyone started dancing and partying. Discord bobbed his head left and right.
"This is my jam."
Meanwhile, Twilight was a little nervous when Pinkie Pie grabbed ahold of the strings attatched to the cannons. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Absolutely!" Pinkie responded with confidence. She tugged hard at the strings and confetti boomed out bringing more life into the party. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie started to glow and her hair and ears grew. She was ponying up.
Suddenly, Twilight's device started to glow alongside Pinkie. It opened up and all of Pinkie's glow started to get drained. And just like that, Pinkie lost her pony features and became exhausted.
"I'm party-pooped."
This time, Twilight had a harder time to close her device.than before. A spark escaped and slipped under the bleachers. Twilight looked in and saw a dark forest can can be seen through a dark-purple circle. She gasped and closed her device with effort. The circle began to close when the lights came back on. everyone looked and saw Cinch abrupting the music.
"How... interesting." Cinch announced. "Like always, Canterlot High has chosen their champions with a popularity contest while we definitely chose the best in their fields. But still, despite all the loses, I admire Canterlot High for not losing their determination. I look forward to the games, even though the outcome is inevitable."
"BOO, YOU STINK!"
Everyone looked for the source of the outburst. The Rainbooms turned their attention to Discord. "Wasn't me." he said innocently. Suddenly, a halo appeared above his head.
"Discord!" Sunset shouted. She grabbed the halo and removed it before anyone saw.
"What?" Discord asked.
"What is this?" Sunset showed him what was just made.
"By my guess, it must be some golden ring." Discord said.
"Don't be a wise guy." Rainbow Dash said. "I thought you weren't going to use your magic anymore."
"What?" Discord asked with a raised eyebrow. "I didn't make that."
Then, Pinkie Pie came in groggily. Everyone caught her before she had the chance to start falling.
"Are you all right?" Applejack asked.
"A little." Pinkie said. "I was just showing off a good party then I ponied up."
"Of course, you did." Sunset said rolling her eyes.
"When suddenly, Twilight's gizmo started to open up and the magic got drained out of me."
"Drained out of you?" Sunset asked. "Twilight's thing did that?"
"Well, it's not hers, as she said." Pinkie said. "She said that Tartus guy up there told her how to make it."
Suddenly, Tartus took the microphone and the stage. He cleared his throat and presented himself.
"For those of you who don't know me, my name is Tartus. I'm the headmaster for Everton. For more information, look online. Anyway, I am also a third-party judge for the Friendship Games. I guarantee that this will be a year you'll never forget."
Sunset looked away for a moment to get herself a glass of punch, but she was shocked when she saw a drop of punch take the shape of a man and dance around the table. She picked up a paper plate and used it to flatten it.
"Now, I assume you're all wondering 'why would some random headmaster get himself involved with a competition that his school isn't a part of'. Well, I don't really care on who wins and who loses."
Sunset then saw more drops of punch fly out of the bowl. She then poked her elbow at Discord and showed it to him. He then panicked and gestured it's not him. Quietly, the two caught the punch without anyone noticing.
"To me, the Friendship Games isn't about who is superior over the other; it's about who makes the biggest impact. I see that as potential for impacting the world. I hope I can see great impact from each and every one of you."
Suddenly, the punch in the bowl began to shake. Sunset, Discord, the computer club, and the Rainbooms began to worry. Meanwhile, Tartus, holding a glowing Golden Apple in his jacket, glared his uncovered eye at Twilight.
"Or, at least... one of you."
In an instant, the punch bowl exploded. Everyone backed up from it and saw the drink spill across the floor.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Uh..." Sunset Shimmer said.
"I saw it." Dawna called out. "I saw the punch bowl sitting at the edge. That's what made it spill."
Everyone looked at her, Tartus mostly.
"Well, if it's just that, we'll get the janitor on it as soon as possible. In the meantime, start to get ready for the first event. Thank you, Dawna."
"Dawna?" Tartus asked. He took a good look at her and smiled. "Well, well, well."
While everyone was leaving, Ricky observed the spill and rubbed his chin in worry.
"Oh, no."
> The Ala... Alca... Alpaca... The First Event
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ricky walked into the computer lab with the rest of the club following him.
"Ricky, wait! What's going on?" Terry asked.
"Something's wrong with Discord's magic!" Ricky said.
"What?" Aaron asked. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know." Ricky answered. He covered up the window to the door behind him and went to the far end of the room. He opened up his laptop and turned it on. Devastator's digital face appeared on the screen still looking upset.
"You know, Ricky, I'm getting really..."
"Devastator, now isn't the time." Ricky said pulling out his cell phone and a chord. "It's an emergency. Code: Cotton Candy."
"Wait." Devastator said. "Code what?"
"Code: Cotton Candy." Ricky repeated. "You know, Discord's powers are acting up. We've been over this. Just look at these new readings." He connected his phone to his laptop and waited as binary numbers Devastator covered Devastator's eyes.
"Readings?" Joe asked. "Ricky, what the heck are you mumbling about."
"These are readings of the chaos magic Discord made." Ricky said. "I rigged my phone to catch signals of it as data to be analyzed."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Marty asked.
"I did." Ricky said. "That was the subject of our first meeting after Discord became class president."
"Really?" Marty asked. "How'd I forget?"
"Anyway, I've been analyzing Discord's magic since he arrived to keep tabs on him. You never know when he might slip up."
"Done." Devastator said. "You're not going to believe this. The readings you just fed me... They're not Discord's. At least, not all of it."
"What?" Ricky asked. "What does that mean?"
"There are traces of Discord's magic, but it looks to me like an outside source has been triggering it on its own and guiding it."
"So... something's making Discord's magic go off without Discord himself?" Terry asked. "Why?"
"I don't know." Ricky said. "But one thing's for sure: we've got to find the outside source and shut it down. If Discord's magic goes off in front of Crystal Prep, we're in deep trouble."





The next day, the students of both Canterlot High and Crystal Prep filled the lobby. At the center, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Cinch, Dawna, and Tartus stood side by side. Discord stood proud next to the Rainbooms glaring at the Crystal Prep team.
"I really hope you know what you're doing." Sunset whispered to Discord.
"Look, whatever happened the other day, it wasn't my fault. Besides, if anything does happen, Vice Principal Dawna will cover for me."
"You mean the Crystal Prep girl working for Cinch?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Believe me, girls," Discord said, "In the big, bad apple that is Crystal Prep, Dawna is a good seed. You understand what I'm saying, right, Applejack?"
"Just keep your magic to yourself and take extra care." Applejack said. "By the way, where's the computer club."
"Terry told me they were working on a secret project for a bit." Rarity said.
"Good morning, students." Celestia announced. "I'm sure you're all thrilled to start the first day of the Friendship Games. Out competitors will face off in every aspect of the CHS curriculum, culminating in the elimination equation finale."
"Sounds like someone has a word-of-the-day calendar at home." Discord said. "Anyway, that's my cue."
Discord walked toward the center with a set of notecards in his hand. He looked at the words written in and read them aloud.
"The first event of the Friendship Games will be the Ala... Alca..." He squinted to understand the word. "Alpaca... Okay, who named this thing?" He sighed heavily. "Basically, it's just a bunch of little contests. The six students from each team who does the best will move on to the next event."
"I think he means the Academic Decathlon." Discord overheard Sunny Flare say.
"Only Discord can be that illiterate." Sugarcoat said.
"I am not illiterate!" Discord shouted. "My parents were married!"
"Discord, be quiet!" Luna panicked. She gently pushed him back to the crowd.
"Anyway," Dean Cadence said, "Good luck, everyone."
Discord growled to himself and caught up with the Rainbooms.
"Discord, control yourself." Fluttershy said.
"I couldn't help it." Discord said. "Every time those people open their wretched mouths, I just want to take their ponytails and pigtails and shove them up their..."
"Well, isn't that just typical of you." The voice made Discord growl in anger and turn his head toward Lemon Zest, who stood alongside the rest of the team. "Nothing but mischief on your mind."
"Hey, Discord's changed." Fluttershy said. "He's not... that bad anymore."
"I'd appreciate it more if you didn't hesitate." Discord said.
"Well, either way," Indigo Zap said, "It's gonna be satisfying to see his face when we win again."
"We'll see about that, snobs." Discords said. "Because we're not holding back like I did when we were classmates."
What followed was a long day of contests in which the adults judged. During the decathlon, a montage broke out between Discord and Crystal Prep's champions.

"The gloves are coming off
The gloves are coming off"

The first event was a chemistry experiment. Every student mixed up various chemicals to create a stable substance. The only one who didn't get it right was Derpy.

"It's time to let the Friendship Games begin" Discord sang,
"This is the year Canterlot High will win
Call us inferior. You can call us cute
But wait 'til you see what we contribute
Don't go thinking that you're so tough"
"Don't go hoping that your words are enough" Lemon Zest sang,
"Hate to break it to you, but I'm calling your bluff"
"No more Mr. Nice Guy" Discord sang,
"The gloves are coming off"

The next event was baking cakes. Naturally, with Pinkie Pie on the event, Canterlot High won easily. The Crystal Prep students didn't get so much as a pity pat from Principal Cinch.

"The gloves are coming off
The gloves are coming off"
"Prepare to lose" Sugarcoat sang,
"Hate to break it to you, but I'm calling your bluff"
"Prepare to lose
The gloves are coming off"

The next event was woodshop. Two students from each team was assigned to build a birdhouse. They thought the gentle touch of Sandalwood and the intellect of Micro Chip could build the perfect birdhouse, but they were wrong. The judges were more impressed with Crystal Prep's work. To rub salt on the wound, Sugarcoat snapped in half what was left of the birdhouse. Discord tried to tackle her, but Rainbow Dash and Applejack held him back.

"You think you can scare us with your boast" Sugar Coat sang,
"Like always, you're school's gonna be toast
That won't change, even with a position like yours
Even with your tricks, you won't beat our scores"
"Don't go thinking that you're so tough" Discord sang.
"Don't go hoping that your words are enough" Lemon Zest sang.
"Hate to break it to you, but I'm calling your bluff"

The next event was a spelling bee. Both schools were neck in neck spelling complicated words.

"No more Mr. Nice Guy" Discord sang,
"The gloves are coming
Into action
Satisfaction
And off
They're coming off
We're gonna win, not Crystal Prep"
"You talk big, but you won't take a step" Sunny Flare sang.
"Ooh, my knees are shaking" Discord sang.
"You're obviously mistaking" Indigo Zap sang,
"Girls, better get a mop
We're wiping the floor with these people"

There was one last contest. Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle stood in front of different blackboards with complicated math problems. Sunset looked at the crowd and saw Scimitar watching the two girls among many other students. Sunset and Twilight showed their work with many different equations. Scimitar watched Sunset at work and was actually impressed. He put his game in his pocket and continued to watch.

"The gloves are coming off
The gloves are coming off"
"Prepare to lose" Sugarcoat sang,
"Hate to break it to you, but I'm calling your bluff"
"PREPARE TO LOSE
THE GLOVES ARE COMING OFF"

When they were both done, Tartus walked up to the stage and observed both of the girls' work. He first saw Sunset's final answer and reached into his jacket. He clutched the Golden Apple inside and made it glow. Suddenly, a base line in the final 2 vanished. No one noticed that but Scimitar, who then looked upset.
"I'm sorry, Sunset," Tartus said, "But I'm afraid your answer is incorrect."
"What?" Sunset asked. She looked at her answer and looked confused. "But that's supposed to be a 2, not a 7. This doesn't make any sense."
"Well, Twilight Sparkle definitely got it right." Tartus said. "I guess today's event goes to Crystal Prep, thanks to Twilight Sparkle. Give her a big round of applause, kids."
The students of Crystal Prep didn't care less and only clapped gently. Twilight didn't feel as proud as she should have been.
"Mouth breathers." Tartus whispered to himself.
Discord mumbled to himself angrily as he took the stage. "Well, twenty-four people entered the games, but only twelve made it through to the next event tomorrow. The students advancing for Canterlot High are Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack. The students advancing for Crystal Prep are Twilight Sparkle, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sunny Flare, Sugar Coat, and Heather."
"What?" Sugarcoat asked in an upset tone. "My name is Sugarcoat!"
"Really?" Discord asked. "You look like a Heather to me."
"Yeah, well, you still lost." Indigo Zap gloated.
"The games aren't over yet, goggles!" Discord growled angrily. The Rainbooms pulled him away again.
"Discord, you've got to pull yourself together." Rarity said. "We don't want another freak-out like the other day."
"I told you, whatever happened was not my fault." Discord defended. "I told you I was gonna hold back my magic and I did. I don't know what happened with the punch, but I'm telling you, it was not me. I just want Crystal Prep to finally eat their words and choke on them."
"Look, Discord," Applejack said, "I'll be honest with you."
"Naturally." Discord interrupted.
"We all think this whole grudge you have with Crystal Prep is unhealthy. We get it, they kicked you out. But if you think about it, you got no one to blame but yourself. I mean, if you hadn't spilled all that paint on them, then..."
Discord growled angrily until he snapped. He then said four words they didn't expect to hear from him. "I didn't do it!"
The Rainbooms then fell silent. They didn't know how to respond. They looked at each other before turning back to Discord.
"What?" Fluttershy asked.
"I didn't really spill paint all over the school." Discord confessed. "I didn't pull any pranks. It was the first school in which I was on my best behavior."
"But... you said..." Sunset Shimmer said.
"I said that was the prank that got me expelled from Crystal Prep." Discord answered. "But the truth is, I wasn't the one who set it off."
"But if it wasn't you, then who?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"It was me." The Rainbooms looked behind to see who answered them, but Discord didn't need to look. He already knew it was Vice Principal Dawna who answered. "I got Discord expelled, and I deeply regret it."
> So Many Secrets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"WHAT?!" Pinkie Pie asked. "What... What... What just happened? What does that mean?"
"Why did you do that?" Rarity asked. "Discord said you were the nice one."
"And I meant it." Discord said. "When I first enrolled into Crystal Prep, I thought to myself 'Hey, I'm in a rut, and I don't want to make my parents mad again', so I decided to be on my best behavior. No pranks, no schemes, and no mischief. But word about my habit travels fast, especially across Crystal Prep.
"I was called up to Cinch's office and she wanted me to drop out. According to her, having a delinquent like me in their yearbook would put a smear on her beloved reputation. She then made it more tempting by edging me on that I didn't belong there and I didn't want to. But I then stood up to her and refused her offer. I smugly walked out of the office before I heard her break her pencil."
"I made me giggle to see that." Dawna said. "Anyway, after that, all the other students started to pick on him, trying to push and goad him into pranking them."
"They were bullying him and you didn't stop it?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I wanted to, believe me. But Cinch has... ways of getting me to do what she wanted. And what she wanted was for me not to help Discord. But no matter how many time he was picked on, Discord didn't crack. And the more he held on, the more upsetting Principal Cinch was.
"One day, there was a school assembly. Before any of that, Cinch told me to attach several buckets of paint above the school auditorium and spill them when all the seats were filled. I didn't want to, but with Cinch's hold on me, I had no choice. With all the paint spilled everywhere, everyone just assumed it was Discord. He tried to defend himself, but no one believed him. That got him an expulsion and he was kicked out of Crystal Prep. But before he left the ground, I ran up to him and confessed everything Cinch made me do."
"As soon as he told me what Cinch was doing to her, I then directed my anger toward the principal." Discord continued. "The vice principal and I left on good terms, but the damage was done."
"Again, Discord, I am so sorry." Dawna said.
"Don't be." Discord said. "That's just the story of my life. I want attention, I pull a prank, and I get kicked out. Then, at Crystal Prep, I decided to do something different. And how did they welcome me? They picked on me, they pull a prank and pin it on me, and I still got kicked out. I told you before that Crystal Prep made me what I am now, and what I am is a crazy, mischievous delinquent who's used to getting people mad at him on a daily basis."
"Discord, calm down." Fluttershy said. "I'm sorry all that happened to you. And now, I see why you'd want Crystal Prep to lose. But since Crystal Prep is here, why don't you tell them what really happened?"
"It's going to be my word against Cinch's. And Dawna's too frightened to vouch for me. Plus, I really want to get them back for the bullying."
"Well, don't you worry there, Discord." Applejack said. "Now that we know how much this means to you, we'll be working even harded to beating Crystal Prep."
Dawna looked away for a second, but when she saw Tartus, she widened her eyes in shock. It wasn't Tartus she was paying attention to; it was what he was admiring in his hand: the yellow apple. Upon seeing that, Dawna was stepped back and ran off.
"Where's she going?" Sunset asked.
Dawna staggered into the hallway breathing heavily. She leaned herself against a locker and thought to herself.
"That's impossible. Tell me I didn't just see what I thought I saw. How could he..."
"Vice Principal Dawna." Dawna jumped for a second, but was relieved to see Cinch.
"Oh, Principal Cinch. I thought you were someone else."
"Mmhmm." Cinch said without any care. "Anyway, do you know where Twilight is?"
"I think I saw her heading to the front yard watching her little device."
"I swear, that girl doesn't have any focus." Cinch pinched the middle of her eyes.
"She's just passionate about her science. And she really wants to enroll into Everton. Maybe if we just let her be, she..."
"In order to be the best, each and every Crystal Prep student must have complete and utter focus on the primary goal. And right now, that goal is the Friendship Games and maintaining our reputation, not some wild goose chase for a make-believe education."
"Make-believe?" Dawna asked.
"Didn't I tell you?" Cinch asked. "I spoke with Tartus earlier about Twilight's performance in the Friendship Games being compromised by his arrival, but he assured me that he couldn't let Twilight into Everton even if he wanted to. You see, it doesn't exist."
"What?" Dawna asked. "What do you mean?"
"I mean there's no advanced academy, no independent study program, and no classes. Everton is a fake school that Tartus made up."
"But... the website. The reviews. The awards. Are you saying that Tartus made it all up? That's... illegal and wrong. Why would he make up a school?"
"I don't know, and I don't care." Cinch said. "He assured me that all that mattered is that Twilight is not aware of anything. As soon as the Friendship Games are over, he'll pretend her application was denied and she won't know any different."
"Principal Cinch, you can't do this!" Dawna said. "Twilight's been looking forward to her application for two years. And now, you're telling me she's applying for nothing? We have to tell Twilight the truth."
"And lose our best student?" Cinch asked. "I don't think so. And unless you want your secret told, you'll keep your mouth shut."
Dawna wanted to say something else, but she then had second thoughts. Her mind was filled with conflicting choices. She wasn't clear on what to do, so she fell silent. Principal Cinch walked away leaving tears to start leaking out of Dawna's eyes.
"Oh, Twilight.

"Why do I always hurt you
Along with others I'm pointed at
I never wanted anything bad to happen
I just didn't want to face my past
But now, I'm conflicted
And everything is falling apart
The secrets are threatening my life
And ruining my chance for a new start
If I had the courage
I can tell everyone
I can step out of the shadows
And step into the sun
But now, everyone's suffering
'Cause I don't have the nerve
I didn't thiiiiiiiink
THAT THE PAST CAAAAAAN HUUUUUUUUUURT
THE PAST CAAAAAAN HUUUUUUUUUURT
Yes, it looks like the past can... huuuuuuuuuuuuurt"





Sunset Shimmer was walking through a different hallway opening her book. There was still no reply from the Equestrian Twilight. She sighed in disappointment before she heard two people shouting. She looked through a crack at the door and saw Tartus arguing with his son.
"I can't believe you did that!" Scimitar shouted.
"I can't believe you care about that!" Tartus returned. "Since when do you care about what I do, especially with the relic?"
"That's a really dunce move, dad!"
"Listen, son, we both know the magic in this world give Canterlot High a dominating advantage. If they manage to succeed in the second event like it was planned, then that should give our puppet more time to gather a lot of magic. Now, don't question me again."
"You can't tell me what to do!"
"I have to tell you what to do!" Tartus returned. "Otherwise, you don't do anything. If you're going to be just like me, you can't just sit around all day playing your video games. Action speaks louder than words!"
Tartus turned to leave. In a panic, Sunset planted herself on the wall beside the door. Luckily for her, when the door opened, it was opening towards her. She hid herself behind the door and waited for Tartus to leave. When she was sure, she went through the door and saw Scimitar grumbling. He stopped when he saw Sunset approaching him.
"Oh, it's you." Scimitar rolled his eyes.
"So I was right." Sunset said. "You really are from another world."
"That's none of your business." Scimitar said.
"I think it is." Sunset replied. "You see, the truth is..."
"I know, I know." Scimitar said. "You're from a pony world, and you left them to try out your hand in bad stuff in this world, but through a set of events involving bringing magic to this world, you decided to reform and do some good in this world."
Sunset was speechless. "How did you..."
"My dad knows everything." Scimitar said. "He's some big supergenius, and it gets on my nerves a lot. I don't care if he majors in mechanics, genetics, or even chaos theory. Honestly, if he could lose at least fourty IQ points, I'd appreciate it."
"Where did you all come from?" Sunset Shimmer asked. "And why are you in this world?"
"Honestly, I don't know where my dad came from." Scimitar said. "Longer than I could remember, he's been traveling from one world to another making deals and collecting stuff he needs. Actually, as a matter of fact, I can't tell you anything."
"Why, because he said so?" Sunset Shimmer asked. "You know, you're unbelievable. You claim to not need anyone; yet, you're too loyal to your own dad, who even you agree is the worst."
"You don't understand." Scimitar growled.
"What, is it some kind of father-son relationship thing I don't know about?" Sunset asked sounding more upset. "'Yes, father. No, father. I got it, father'."
"HE ISN'T MY FATHER!" Scimitar confessed out loud.
Sunset Shimmer was both shocked and confused. "What?"
Scimitar sighed and revealed. "I told you my dad was a genius with genetics. He made me in an old lab of his out of his own DNA."
"Whoa, hold on." Sunset said. "So... you're a..."
"A clone." Scimitar finished. "When I was created, he started me off as a baby and raised me to be just like him. I don't know why he did it or why he designed me to look different than he does, but I do know that I have no choice. He knows what's best for himself, and he made me to be just like him. I don't have a choice; he made it for me."
Suddenly, Sunset Shimmer leaped toward him and wrapped her arms around him. He stood still while Sunset held on a bit tighter.
"Uh, why are you doing this?"
"Because I know how hard it is to be someone else than you thought you were." Sunset said. "I used to be a completely different person, and I thought that's how I was. But then, when I made friends, they helped me become someone even better." She let go and stepped back. "If this is too much of a conversation for you, I'll step off for now. Honestly, this is too much for me too. But if you ever want to talk about anything, I'll always be ready to hear it."
Sunset turned around and approached the door. Before she walked through, the two of them smiled at each other. Suddenly, Scimitar felt a heavy pounding in his chest. It was a feeling he had never felt before.
> Kindness and Faith
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Discord and the Rainbooms gathered around the Wonder Colt statue and talked.
"So Scimitar won't tell us anything?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I'm sorry." Sunset said. "But he kinda told me something... unbelievable. Even more unbelievable than Equestria. It kinda made me feel sorry for him. So I told him that if he ever wanted to talk more, I'd be ready to listen. I think he'll tell us before his dad goes too far with... whatever he's planning."
"Sunset, you know I'm a mischievous guy." Discord said. "But the fact of the matter is, I don't trust this guy any more than I can make Cinch a decent person. Why do you..." He widened his eyes before putting on a grin. Suddenly, the other Rainbooms knew what he was thinking sharing his grin toward Sunset, who didn't know what they were thinking.
"What?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Sounds like Sunset Shimmer has a little crush on the bad boy." Rainbow Dash teased.
"What?!" Sunset gasped showing a little blush. "That's crazy, girls. You're crazy."
"Let's just get going." Applejack said. "The next event is in three hours. We can talk about Sunset's love life afterward."
"I don't have one!" Sunset denied.
What they didn't know was that Twilight was watching them from behind a column. She then saw Fluttershy sneaking behind bushes and opening her backpack. A little, grey kitten popped out and purred at the sight of Fluttershy.
Fluttershy then caught sight of Twilight, but she smiled and invited her over.
"Would you like to pet her?"
"Looks like I'm not the only one who smuggled her pet into school." Twilight said.
Fluttershy chuckled. "Not just one." Suddenly, a bunch of small animals crawled out of her backpack leaving Twilight amazed.
"Wow. All I have is Spike." She opened her backpack and her purple dog appeared.
"Oh, it's so uncanny." Fluttershy said. "Congratulations on winning, by the way. Although, it didn't look like your teammates were that grateful."
"No one in my school isn't excited about anything they didn't do themselves." Twilight said.
"That's awful." Fluttershy said.
"Well, that's why I want to go to Everton." Twilight said. "There, all your work in contributed and respected. It's hard for me to live where my peer group doesn't appreciate the stuff I do."
Fluttershy saw a small rabbit and had an idea. She picked it up and offered it to Twilight. "Here. Petting a bunny always makes me feel better."
"Well, that doesn't make any sense." Twilight said taking the rabbit. She gave it a soft stroke and smiled a little. "Oh, but it's working." She then got confused. "I'm on the other team and you lost the first event. Why are you being nice to me?"
"You looked like you needed it." Without warning afterwards, a yellow light illuminated from Fluttershy's body as she hovered in front of Twilight. To her amazement, her hair extended and she grew pony ears.
"What the..." Twilight asked. Suddenly, her pendant opened up again. A stream of energy started to escape from Fluttershy and into the pendant. And around them, black holes opened up out of thin air. A rabbit with antlers escaped through one of them and in Spike's way. The dog growled and jumped through a portal after it.
From one hole into another, Spike jumped and leaped until he stopped in the middle of the stream. He tingled for a moment before plopping back down. Twilight managed to shut her device  and check up on her dog while Fluttershy was laying on her belly in exhaustion.
"Spike, are you okay?" Twilight asked.
"Uh... I guess so." Spike spoke. It took a second before both he and Twilight screamed in surprise. Twilight ran into the school and Spike followed.
"Okay." Fluttershy sighed all tuckered out. "I'll be fine."





Twilight ran down the hallway until she stopped. She almost hit Tartus, who was admiring the Golden Apple.
"Whoa, kid! Where's the fire?"
"Twilight, wait up!" Spike's voice called from the end of the hall. As soon as he stopped, Tartus raised an eyebrow.
"Did your dog just... Twilight, is there something you want to tell me?"
"Well, there was a girl that glowed..." Twilight confessed, "And holes popped out of thin air... and now, my dog is talking."
"Yeah, weird." Spike said.
"Holes out of thin air?" Tartus asked. "Sounds like you've just created wormholes."
"Now, I don't want anything to do with worms." Spike said.
"No, Spike." Twilight said. "A wormhole is like a doorway made of energy. But the question is, what's on the other side? Spike?"
"Don't look at me." Spike said. "I didn't have much time for sightseeing. I was chasing that horned rabbit before getting hit by that beam."
"Twilight." Cinch's voice called.
"Oh, no!" Twilight gasped. She opened a locker and got Spike into it. She left it a creek open before Cinch saw her.
"Who were you talking to?" Cinch asked.
"With me." Tartus said. "Twilight was just discussing some of her studies with me. Isn't that right?"
"Yeah." Twilight said nervously. "Were you looking for me?"
"Indeed, I was." Cinch said. "How coincidental that Canterlot High's advanced group turned out to be the same girls you talked to when you arrived, don't you think? Perhaps you should get to know them better."
"I thought you didn't want me to." Twilight said.
"Let's just say I'm covering my bases. We may have won the last event, but they almost caught up. Who knows? Perhaps they'll give you the secret of their newfound success."
"I don't know." Twilight said. "Spying doesn't feel right."
"Of course, it doesn't." Tartus said. "Sorry, but I will not allow Twilight to spy on others if she doesn't want to. And if you try to force her to, I'm reporting you."
Cinch looked at Tartus with disgust and anger in her eyes. She breathed in and walked away.
"Thank you." Twilight said.
"Don't mention it." Tartus said. "Now, why don't you get ready for the next event?"





"I don't know what happened to me?" Fluttershy asked. "I just handed her a bunny and I ponied up."
"Just like Rarity with her dresses, or Pinkie Pie with the party." Sunset said. "I don't understand."
Discord stopped walking for a second to smack his forehead and whisper to himself. "Seriously?"
"It was exciting at first," Fluttershy said, "But then, Twilight's pendant opened up and pulled the magic out of me."
"You're not hurt, are you?" Discord asked.
"No." Fluttershy said. "I was just tired."
"So many things don't add up." Sunset Shimmer said. "Twilight has a device that took magic from us and the portal. The device was indirectly made by Tartus, who I learned is a world traveler who came here for a unknown purpose."
"It wouldn't be unknown if you'd just ask his son for info instead of just be smitten with him." Rainbow Dash said.
"I'm not smitten with..." Sunset tried to deny. She then sighed. "All right. Tell you what. I'll ask him right after the next event. Hopefully, nothing happens to keep me from it."
"Dramatic irony, anyone?" Discord asked.
"Well, as long as this puts me in a playing field, I'm game!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Oh, it puts you in a playing field, all right." Discord chuckled. He opened the door and revealed what it was. The whole field was a big cluster of different sports. In the center, there was an archery course. There was a roller-derby ring circling the center. Lastly, on the outer ring, there were dirt ramps with four motorcycles at the starting line. The sight of it brought surprised looks to the girls' faces.
"Where the hoot did this come from?!" Applejack asked.
"I made it." Discord admitted.
"YOU?!" Pinkie gasped. "Did you use the..." She then snapped her fingers three times. Discord nodded.
"You weren't supposed to use your magic, remember?' Sunset Shimmer asked.
"Nothing to worry about." Discord said. "Last night, Vice Principal Luna called me here and told me to make this. I was able to use my magic, and the Shadowbolts have no clue how we did it."
"Am I the only one who thinks this is overkill?" Sunset asked.
"Um, Rarity," Applejack said, "I don't suppose you made any motocross outfits."
"Why, don't be ridiculous, darling." Rarity said. She pulled out two motor suits. "Of course, I did!"





"I did it!" Ricky shouted. The computer club went to him and saw him hold up his phone. "I didn't get any sleep, but it was worth it. With Devastator's help, we created an app that can locate and identify erratic chaos energy."
"How do you know it works if Discord's magic is the only chaos energy we've seen?" Terry asked.
Ricky stopped for a moment to think. He then sighed in discontent. "You're right. There's no way to know for sure if it works. We can't risk it."
"What are you talking about?" Joe asked. "We don't have any other choice. If we don't do something, things might go bad."
"But we might make it worse." Ricky said. "What if, after so much work on trying to hide it, we're the ones who expose the magic. All we got to go on is an app that probably has a 20% chance of working."
"Ricky, let me tell you something." Devastator called out from his laptop. "I get you're afraid. Heck, even I'm afraid, and I'm a computer program, an AI, a living Wi-Fi hotspot. I shouldn't feel anything, but I still do. You think it's easy for me to run the school network on my own? Every day, I risk exerting myself until I malfunction. It may be discomfort for some people, but for me, it's the same as getting into a car wreck. But I still help because I'm helping my friends. Sometimes, to be a true friend, you have to take a leap for others."
Ricky took a moment to think. He looked at his friends and back at his phone. He smiled before picking it up and standing up. "Thank you, Devastator. Now, let's go find that source."
> The Tri-Cross Relay
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While the crowd was resting themselves, Principal Cinch went to address her Shadowbolts.
"You will race in pairs. Indigo Zap and Sugarcoat will handle the motocross. Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare have requested the short track. Lastly, since archery is a standard requirement at our school, any of you should be able to do it. Twilight and Sour Sweet will start us off."
"Well, that's just marvelous..." Sour Sweet said with a smile. She then became upset. "...If you want to lose before we even start."
"Given that Twilight won the last event single-handedly, I have every confidence that she will be able to pull her weight here... won't you, Twilight?" Cinch said striking a frightening glare at the girl. Twilight was very nervous and couldn't give an answer.
Cinch made her way to a big observation deck and joined Discord, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Dawna. Eventually, Tartus appeared with red-striped bags in his hands.
"I got popcorn." He held up a large bag. "This one is for me..." He then gave Dawna a medium-sized one. "This is for Dawna..." He then gave a extra-small bag to Celestia. "And this is for the rest of you."
"Oh." Celestia said taking the small bag. "Your... generosity is noted, Tartus."
Tartus took a seat right next to Dawna, who was giving him a glare. She whispered to him so that no one else could hear her.
"I don't know what you're up to, but..."
"Me?" Tartus interrupted. "I'm just enjoying a good show."
"Not this." Dawna said. "I'm talking about your lie to Twilight. She's doing all this just because she thinks she's going to get accepted into Everton, but she's going to be heartbroken when she hears it doesn't exist. Why would you lie?"
"To be honest, lying is the hardest thing I can do." Tartus said. "As for my reason, that's my secret. You know about secrets, don't you, Vice Principal Dawna?" He caught a suspicious look from the vice principal. "How's the popcorn?"
Dawna was confused at first, but then she knew he wanted her to check the popcorn he gave her. She dug in until a golden shine caught her eye. She gasped when she saw a golden apple resting in the popcorn. She was almost out of breath as her hands loosened. Her popcorn bag was dropped, but Tartus reached down and grabbed the bag before it hit the floor. He took out the apple and hid it in his jacket.
"You know, you really are something else." Tartus whispered to a frightened Dawna. "I must say, I never expected to see one of your people here, in this world."
"How..." Dawna breathed. "Where did you get that?"
"It doesn't matter where I got it." Tartus said.
"Listen to me, you can't keep that." Dawna said. "You don't know the kind of power..."
"Oh, I know just the kind of power I have here. And trust me, the last thing I want to do at the moment is hurt Twilight, but accidents happen all the time, don't they?
Dawna was too frightened to say anything else. Meanwhile, Cadence was just standing up and gripping the microphone.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Friendship Games Tri-Cross Relay!" she announced. "In this event, our qualifying competitors will face each other off in archery, speed-skating, and motocross! Discord..."
Discord took the microphone and rolled his eyes. "Here are the rules. If a certain school's team finishes their ring, the team from the next one will move on. Just hit a bulls-eye, skate 8 laps, and motocross one lap. Whichever team does all that first wins. Ready... GO!"
And with the alarm, Fluttershy and Sour Sweet started off their teams in the archery. With no hesitation, Sour Sweet gripped the bow and shot an arrow to the bulls-eye with little effort. She put on a smug grin as Twilight began to run.
Fluttershy aimed her bow and shot her first arrow, but she missed the bulls-eye. Sour Sweet turned to see Twilight only to growl in impatience and anger as Twilight kept tripping and hesitating.
Meanwhile, the computer club exited the building and saw the motocross field.
"All right." Ricky said holding up his phone. "The entire assembly is here on this field. If there's anywhere we can find the outside source, it'll be here. Ready to test if this app works?"
"Cross your fingers." Devastator said. "And anyone, cross for me." Suddenly, the screen changed into a green radar with thin line waves flowing from the center.
"There's nothing." Joe said. "Ricky, I think this thing's a bust."
"No, it doesn't work right away." Ricky said. "It only detects unstable magical energy when they are being used."
"We're supposed to prevent this energy from happening, and you built and app that tells us it is happening." Aaron said. "Brilliant."
"Hopefully, we can stop it before anyone notices." Ricky said. "We'll just have to wait and see."
Fluttershy finally managed to hit a bulls-eye while Twilight was having difficulty shooting right. Sour Sweet was getting more and more angry. As Applejack shot an arrow at the bulls-eye, the team of Rarity and Pinkie Pie began their speed-skating. Meanwhile, Twilight still couldn't even hit the rotating wheel.
"It's like she's never even held up a bow-and-arrow before." Discord said. "Cinch, why'd you put her in archery?"
"Archery is a standard requirement in CPA." Cinch answered.
"No." Discord said. "Tucking your shirt is a standard requirement. The ability to count to big numbers is a standard requirement. Archery is too much for one girl to do. Dawna, don't you think... Dawna?" Dawna's hands her shaking. "Are you all right?'
Dawna looked up at Discord before turning her eyes subtlety at Tartus. A red glow shined from beneath his bandages as he grinned back at her.
"I'm... okay." Dawna said. "Just a little nervous about the game."
Discord turned back to the games and saw Rarity and Pinkie far ahead in the lead while Twilight hasn't hit her target yet.
"You're really bad at this!" Sugarcoat shouted.
Discord saw how everyone was disappointed in her and growled. "That's it!" He took the microphone and spoke into it. "Attention, CPA team, I'd like to say something. Since you won the Academic Decathlon, I'm giving you a lifeline! Wow, can't believe I actually said it right."
"A lifeline?" Dawna asked.
"To the CPA archery team, I'm giving you a hint. Stop aiming at the target."
"Ooh, don't aim for the target." Sour Sweet said sarcastically. "That makes a lot of sense."
"Look, just predict where the target's going to be and aim there! It's all about timing! Twilight, you're a brainiac and a whiz in mathematics! Just use that to hit the bulls-eye!"
"Oh, sure." Sour Sweet said. "Definitely take the advice of the BIGGEST LIAR IN THE WORLD!"
"Look, believe it or not, he's telling the truth." Applejack said. "He's not that delinquent anymore... Well, not as much as before. Look, you can trust him. Just breath, aim, and fire."
With a calm breath, Twilight lifted the bow-and-arrow and aimed kept it still at a certain spot. She kept track of the target's speed and the wind. Suddenly, she fired the arrow and watched it fly through. Everyone was at the edge of their seats seeing the arrow soar until it pierced the very center of the bull's-eye. Everyone cheered while Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare zipped through their track.
"Yeah!" Spike cheered. "That's my girl!"
Applejack offered a high-five to Twilight, but she got a hug instead.
"Thank you." Twilight said. "And remind me to thank Discord when this is all over. Has he really changed?"
"I know it's hard to believe," Applejack said, "But when I say that Discord isn't as bad as he was before, then that is the honest truth."
Suddenly, an orange glow escaped from Applejack's body as well as her pony ears and extended hair.
"Uh, oh!" Discord gasped.
"Uh, oh, what?" Cinch asked.
"Um..." Discord stammered. He randomly pointed at a random location behind Cinch. "Over yonder! A monkey!"
Cinch, Cadence, Tartus, and Dawna looked to where Discord was pointing, and while their backs were turned, Discord snapped his fingers and teleported himself to Applejack spooking Twilight.
"What the..." Twilight gasped. "Where did you come from?"
"No time to explain!" Discord panicked. He then materialized a large blanket in his hands.
"Discord, you said you wouldn't do that!" Applejack shouted.
"Have you looked in a mirror lately?" Discord asked. "It's an emergency!" He then covered Applejack with the blanket before anyone could look.
"Discord, what are you doing down there?" Principal Celestia asked.
"Uh... Applejack felt cold." Discord replied nervously.
"Principal Celestia, what is going on?" Cinch asked.
"Look!" Tartus shouted.
The teachers looked and saw the chairs. Suddenly, they started glowing and floated in midair. They stacked each other until they formed a 7-foot monster made of foldable chairs.
"Discord!" Fluttershy shouted.
"It's not me!" Discord defended.
"We got this!" Ricky shouted as he tried to tackle the monster. The rest of the computer club grabbed ahold of the beast as well. They hung on tight regardless it tried to swing them off.
"What are you doing here?" Fluttershy asked.
"JUST HANGING AROUND!" Joe shouted.
"Boo!" Discord cried out.
Suddenly, Twilight's device started to glow again.
"Oh, no!" she cried out. "Not again!"
"WHAT NOW?!" Discord shouted.
The device opened up and drained the glow from Applejack. She staggered back and landed in Fluttershy's arms. Twilight tried to close it, but she accidently fell back and dropped it across the track. It was still open and showing off the purple ball.
"No!" Twilight shouted. "I've got to get it back!"
As she said that, the speed-skaters finished their eight laps signaling their motocross teams to drive across the ramps. Scimitar just entered the area seeing the whole thing.
Suddenly, purple lightning escaped from the pendant and portals began opening up from all over. And from these holes, big, green vines sprouted through and surrounded the motocross track.
As the CHS and CPA riders drove above the plants, a big plant monster emerged and knocked over Sugarcoat and Sunset Shimmer. Rainbow Dash saw Sunset Shimmer in trouble and turned to save her. She picked her up and gave her a ride with her.
"Thanks." Sunset said.
"No sweat." Rainbow said. "I'd never let my friends become plant food."
And without warning, Rainbow Dash started to glow and grow her blue wings. This time, everyone saw it and gasped. Principal Cinch looked at Celestia in suspicion, and Celestia tried to shrug it off.
The race continued on and Rainbow Dash zipped back Indigo Zap and crossed the finish line first. Canterlot High won, but instead of celebrating, everyone saw the magical chaos all around the track.
Discord looked around, from the panicking crowd to the wild plants everywhere to the chair monster with the computer club holding on to it. He zigzagged his eyes to all the points and growled angrily. And suddenly, he snapped.
"That... is... IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!"
Discord turned to the portals and snapped his fingers. The purple outline on the portals suddenly turned dark-yellow and closed cutting off the plants. He then turned to the chair monster and snapped once more. The monster then became disassembled and the chairs scattered across the floor with the computer club landing beside the chair pile.
"FLUFFY!" Discord shouted.
Everyone looked and saw a little, white kitten running toward the remaining plants. Suddenly, the kitty grew to the size of two leopards and slashed them to ribbons. When it was done, it shrunk back down.
Discord stood proud, but widened his eyes when he realized that everyone saw what he did.
Meanwhile, Tartus was laughing and whispering to himself, "This is even better than I thought."
"That's not good." Discord said.
"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We won."
"Yeah, we won," Sunset Shimmer said, "But our secret's out. And worse, some of us were almost hurt. Discord, what was that?"
"Stop coming to me like I have the answers!" Discord shouted. "I don't know what's going on!"
"Um, excuse me." Twilight said getting the Rainbooms' attention. "I'm sorry for what happened. I just wanted to learn about the weird energy. I didn't know it would turn into... this."
"Don't worry about it." Rainbow Dash said approaching her.
Suddenly, the pendant opened once again draining Rainbow Dash's energy. And above them, a large portal ripped open in midair.
"It also creates wormholes to other places." Twilight said. "At least, that's what Tartus said. I don't know how that works either!"
"Is there anything you do know?!" Sunset asked angrily. "Like how to get our magic back, or how to reopen the portal to Equestria?!"
"Equestria?" Twilight asked.
With Sunset's help, Twilight managed to close the pendant and the portal. But Sunset was still upset.
"Didn't Tartus tell you not to mess with things you don't understand?!"
"But I want to understand!" Twilight said.
"But you don't!" Sunset returned. "You risked the magic and you put the lives of my friends in danger! And for what, because Tartus told you to?! How are you so clueless?!"
"I'm... I'm sorry." Twilight started to sob. She then ran off with tears dripping from her eyes.
"Well, that was cruel, even for me." Discord said.
"Hey, Devastator." Ricky said picking up his phone. "Think that pendant thing is the source we're looking for?"
"Don't know." Devastator said. "I didn't get a good scan because you kept swinging the phone around."
"I didn't swing you." Ricky said. "The chair monster did. I can't believe I had to say that sentence. We'll try again later. Right now, there's something I can't get out of my head."
Discord walked toward the teachers who were arguing with each other.
"Surely, you can't call that a fair race." Cinch argued.
"Principal Cinch, we all saw what happened." Principal Celestia said. "Whatever was going on, it was outside of our control."
"I don't know what you expected me to see," Cinch said, "But I know that if there is magic here and you're the only people that can use it, I can't just ignore it."
"The race had some... extenuating circumstances." Principal Celestia said. "Why don't we just end the games now and declare it a tie?"
"That seems reasonable." Discord said. "And for once, I'm down for reason."
"A tie?" Cinch asked. "Is this your master plan, forcing us into accepting you as equals? I'd rather besmirch myself by hugging a smelly ox."
"Oh, that reminds me," Discord said with a grin, "How is your dad?" He giggled loudly.
"You don't get to speak, boy." Tartus said. "Not after what we just saw."
"What you saw was me fixing the whole mess." Discord said.
"And how do we know you didn't create those obstacles yourself to hold back Crystal Prep?" Cinch said. "As I recall, you didn't make them disappear until after your team won."
Discord looked behind himself and saw Crystal Prep students, including the Shadowbolts, glaring at him. They seemed to share Cinch's belief. Discord breathed out heavily before looking at them all.
"Wow. So you're blaming me again. After all, the only thing that's important is your precious, stupid winning streak. You know what that streak does? It boosts your ego and makes you all self-centered. You really believe that you're the center of the whole world and that no one else matters. You're even so quick as to blame me just because you know you didn't do it. The only thing my magic can't do, is make you all decent people. Because every day, you turn into worse people than I ever was. And the pride... THE PRIDE ONLY GETS WORSE! 'Look at me. I've got good grades. I have a shiny, new medal for being a jerk only to need room on my shelf, so I can just stuff it in an unlabeled box in the attic'! Look, I don't want to make waves, BUT THIS WHOLE FRIENDHIP GAMES IDEA IS JUST... STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!"
"Uh, Discord," Vice Principal Luna said nervously, "Maybe you should head on home for the day."
"You know, Crystal Prep," Discord said, "The most chaotic thing around here is that you may always win, but we're still the better school. Principal Celestia, don't bother waiting for me for the final event." He picked up Fluffy and walked away.
"Discord, wait." Fluttershy called out. But Discord didn't even look back.
"Uh, everyone to the gym." Cadence said directing the students back inside. Cinch and Dawna followed.
"I'm sorry." Sunset apologized. "None of this would have happened if it wasn't for me."
"Don't think like that Sunset Shimmer." Luna said. "You clearly tried your very best."
"But I couldn't do it." Sunset said. "I brought magic to this world, I couldn't prevent them from being used, and I still have no idea how it works. And now, Crystal Prep are going to accuse us of cheating... and that's not even the worst part. And it's because of me. Sometimes, I wish..." She stopped herself.
"Wish what?" Rarity asked.
"That I never left Equestria." Sunset said.
From behind the stands, Scimitar listened in and thought hard about what she had just said. He looked and saw Tartus leaving through the other end of the school. He grew angry and followed him.
> Scimitar Revolts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

That night, Scimitar entered the hotel room he and his dad were staying at and walked in on him cackling loud and hard with Greengear watching.
"THAT WAS GOOD! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED! IT WAS LIKE THEY KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING AND HELPING ME DO IT!"
"Dad, I think we should stop." Scimitar said.
Tartus continued cackling, but he stopped suddenly. He looked at his son and stared at him.
"Oh, dear." Jade said.
"What?"
"We're going too far." Scimitar said. "I think we should just tell them the truth."
"Kid, you don't know what you're talking about." Tartus said. "We've already done a lot to mess with them. Not only is Dawna gonna be too scared to tell anyone, but Discord is out of our way since he revealed his magic and his little cat that can grow to the size of a bear."
"I think it's more of a bigger cat, actually." Leaf said.
"What, like a puma?" Emerald asked.
"Yeah, there you go." Leaf replied.
"Dad, none of this is right." Scimitar said. "There's major distrust between the schools, Sunset was really upset, and people were almost hurt.
"And how is that any of our concern?" Tartus asked. "And while we're at it, why do you even care? You've been more chatty here than in any other world we've visited. I just don't see..." He paused before giving an even sterner glare. "What did you just say?"
Scimitar didn't answer. He stayed silent.
"You... said... Sunset was upset." Tartus continued with concern. "Why did you list that with the other stuff that seemed to bother you?" He then chuckled softly. "Oh, this is too rich."
"What?" Leaf asked. "What's so funny?"
"Birdbrain." Jade said. "Isn't it obvious? Sounds like Scimitar has a little crush on the hero girl."
"Son, you've got to get ahold of yourself." Tartus said. "What will she say if she learns you came from a petri dish? I bet she'd..." He then caught sight of a slight clench on Scimitar's lips. He then knew. "You already told her. Oh, Scimitar, you just love messing with me, don't you?"
"Okay, yeah." Scimitar said. "So I like her. Is it that bad?"
"Of course, it is." Tartus said. He then pulled out the Golden Apple and made it glow. Several different forms of yellow light escaped from it and made different constructs that followed his words. "Listen, you're simply not compatible. She's a hero, and you... Well, I don't even have to say it. I didn't breed you to simply care for others, especially girls. Why ruin the natural order of things?

"If you're talking about falling in love
Then I'm busting a gut
The son of a villain liking a hero
It's a kick in the butt
There's no room for having a heart
So put those feelings to rest
I'm your daddy, your flesh and blood
And father knows what's beeeeeeeeeest
If you fall in love, you'll ruin the dance
Between the good and the bad
You must back out while you still have the chance
If you do not, then you'll go mad
Falling in love is a big mistake
Don't fool yourself for goodness sake
Bad guys don't admire. We don't fall
We don't infatuate at all
WE DON'T HAVE FEELINGS WE'RE WILLING TO SHARE
Bad guys don't caaaaaaaaare
You've got to remember your important role
The next generation of vice
So take back the heart that she stole
It's wise to think twice
What kind of pension will you earn
When you care for girls or animals or emotions
How much have you yet to learn
We don't have time for devotiiiiiiiiiioooooooon
True love doesn't apply to our kind
We cast the curses. We don't extract
Get it through your young, stubborn mind
I know all this for a definite fact
Don't let whatever they say stick in your head
Forget about what she has said
SO SHE'LL CRY OUT HER EYES
SO LOVE DIES
SO SHE'LL BE WRECKED
HER FEELINGS UNCHECKED
SO WHAT IF HER VERY HEART TURNS BARE
BAD... GUYS... DON'T CAAAAAAAAAAAAAARE
BAD! GUYS! DON'T CARE"

"MAYBE I DON'T WANT TO BE THE BAD GUY ANYMORE!" Scimitar shouted. That statement bought him silence in the room. "You heard me!"
"Oh, no, he didn't." Verde exclaimed.
All the yellow constructs dissipated while Tartus put on a very disappointed and angry expression.
"Choose your next words carefully, boy." he growled.
"It's ridiculous!" Scimitar said. "Only a complete dunce would go this far! We've been from one world to another making deals and backstabbing other people! If it takes this much effort for whatever you want, then I'd rather stay the way I am where I am. It's less complicated."
"I really did hope you'd back off from this, Scimitar," Tartus said in a disappointed tone, "But if you're going to act like a child, then you will be treated like one. You are to remain here until we are ready to leave this world. Jade, Emerald, and Leaf will come with me to the final event tomorrow morning."
"What?" Scimitar asked. "You can't make me stay!"
"I can't," Tartus agreed, "But Verde can. Verde, keep an eye on my son."
"Yes, sir!" the big, green man said.
"You can't do this!" Scimitar shouted. "This world does not deserve whatever you have planned!"
"What do you know about this world?!" Tartus shouted.
"Apparently, more than you... you DUUUUUUUUNCE!"
"THAT'S IT!" Tartus shouted. "I have been patient with you, trying to be a good father and compromise our dealings, but you have become out of control! Remember, I made you, so I can also refine you! So once we get to our next world, the first thing I'm going to do is wipe away all your memories of this world so you do not rebel against me again!"
And with that, Scimitar stormed off into another room and slammed his fist to a wall.
"Careful, kid. You'll put a hole with that punch."
"Hey, forget you, Creeper! You don't know what I'm going through!" Scimitar threw an angry glare at a little, red dragon inside a birdcage.
"Are you kidding me?" Creeper asked. "The two of you were arguing so loudly, I'm surprised the other guests didn't hear it. I could hear you from here. And, perhaps we can help each other."
"What?" Scimitar asked.
"It's like this." Creeper said. "You want to be free from Tartus, and I want payback on him for breaking his promise to bring back Lord Kul'as. Also, I want the Golden Apple."
"Why, so you can use it to revive your old boss?" Scimitar asked. "Look, I'm not so sure I trust you either."
"Look, how about this then: you let me out, I'll keep a lookout for Tartus' turkey, we get that Discord guy since he's the only one who can match Tartus, we make it to the Friendship Games, we stop Tartus, you save the day, and I'll get the Apple. And, as an extra incentive, if I get the Apple, I promise not to mention this world to Lord Kul'as. Deal?"
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"You don't. But right now, I'm your only option."
Scimitar took a moment to think. After a few seconds of hard thinking, he made up his mind.





The next morning, in Discord's mansion, the kid of chaos laid back on his bed staring off at the ceiling. He kept snapping his fingers making living balloon animals, cotton candy clouds, and jelly-filled bubbles appear out of thin air. Black Tie, Discord's butler, walked in and saw Discord brooding on his bed.
"Still not going to the final event of the Friendship Games, are you, Master Discord?"
"Not if Crystal Prep's going to be there." Discord answered. "Besides, if anything goes wrong, everyone will blame me for it or ask me what's going on even though I don't know myself. I may be magic, but I'm only human."
"Of course, sir." Black Tie said. "But I think you should go anyway."
"Are you just saying that to get me out of your gray hair, Black Tie?" Discord asked.
"Not at all, sir." Black Tie answered. "Look, Master Discord, when your parents won that lottery and hired me as your family's butler, I was nervous at first; especially when you've been expelled from different schools over and over and over and..."
"Okay, I get it!" Discord shouted. "What's your point?"
"My point is this." Black tie said. "I've seen your parents work hard on getting you to school, I've seen you work hard to get out of those schools, but I've never seen anyone work this hard to stay around. If you would rather be alone than with your friends just because of a grudge between you and Crystal Prep, then I'm sorry, sir, but you're dumb for thinking that."
"Okay, that last line put you on thin ice," Discord said getting up, "But, I suppose you're right. I should go on over and at least apologize for my meltdown."
"DISCORD!"
Discord jumped up in shock when he heard his name shouted so loud. Suddenly, the computer club from Canterlot High ran in much to Discord's surprise.
"Here's a new thing, it's called 'knocking'!" Discord exclaimed.
"Sorry, but you need to see this." Ricky said. "Where do I rest my laptop?"
"On the duckway." Discord answered.
"What's a duckway?" Marty asked.
"About four pounds!" Discord exclaimed. "Hey-Oh!"
"Oh, cute." Aaron said sarcastically. "Real hilarious. Meanwhile, something's rotten in the Friendship Games."
"What do you mean?" Discord asked.
"It's your magic." Ricky said. "There's an outside source triggering your anarchistic skills to sabotage the events."
"Word of advice," Discord said, "If you start the day using fancy-pants words, you're going to end up a very lonely man."
"He's saying something's making your powers act up during the games." Joe said.
"Wait, what?" Discord asked in shock. "How?"
"I don't know." Ricky said. "We've been spending the games trying to track it down. We thought we had a lead at the Tri-Cross Rally, but our method failed. But last night, something's been bothering me. And now, I found it. Show him, Devastator."
Suddenly, the laptop screen revealed a video of the teachers during the race. They were watching Discord cover Applejack with a blanket when Tartus pointed at the chairs at the other side of the track. The teachers turned to where Tartus was pointing and saw as the chairs start to glow.
"Yeah, so?" Discord asked.
"Look," Ricky said, "Tartus told them to look at the glowing chairs, but they weren't glowing until everyone looked. Somehow, Tartus knew what was going to happen, which has only one explanation..."
"What, you think Tartus is responsible?" Discord asked. "I know he's a few balloons short of one of Pinkie's parties, but why would he do all that?"
"I'll tell you why."
Everyone looked and saw Scimitar entering the room with Creeper on his shoulder.
"Nobody's heard of knocking anymore." Discord said. "Well, what do you want, Sunset's boyfriend?"
"Boyfriend?" Scimitar asked in a surprised tone. "No, no, you're mistaken. Why, did she say I was?"
"Focus, Casanova!" Creeper proclaimed. "We've got work to do."
"Hey, what's with the gecko?" Joe asked.
"GECKO?!" Creeper asked loudly in anger. "I'll have you know, you Masque-human counterpart, I, Creeper, am a well-respected servant to Lord Kul'as, and I will not take disrespect from..."
"Let's just say we both want to see my dad stopped." Scimitar said.
"You want to help us?" Ricky asked. "Why?"
"My reasons don't matter at the moment." Scimitar said. "Right now, you should know that I have some information for you. I don't know what his overall goal is, but I know what he wants with the Friendship Games."
"All right, pal." Discord said. "Spill it. What's he planning?"
Scimitar leaned in and whispered stuff into Discord's ear. The more that Discord heard, the more his face looked worried. When Scimitar was done, Discord could barely breathe.
"Discord?" Ricky asked. "Are you okay?"
"WE NEED TO STOP TWILIGHT!" Discord shouted in panic. "LET'S GO!"
Before anyone could ask, Discord ran out the room and everyone followed. When they got out, they saw a giant roller-coaster with tracks down the road. Discord was in the front cart getting the engine started. The others got in separate cars and waited before the ride began to move rapidly.
"Come on." Discord thought to himself. "I've got to get there before it's too late."
> Midnight Strikes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the front of Canterlot High, the two schools were standing at opposite ends while Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were holding up two flags from the center.
"Welcome to the final event of the Friendship Games." Cadence said. "Somewhere on campus, two pennants from each school has been hidden. Whoever finds their school's flag and bring it back wins. We'll begin when both teams are ready."
"I don't think I want to play in the Friendship Games anymore." Fluttershy said.
"But we have to play." Rainbow Dash said. "It's the last event."
"Right now, I'm starting to think Discord's right about the games." Applejack said. "All they do is make things worse between us."
"And I feel really awful that I couldn't do anything." Sunset Shimmer said. "I couldn't just ask Scimitar what his father's up to, and worse, I said some mean stuff to Twilight. I really regret it."
"Yeah, especially since she didn't seem that bad of a person to begin with." Fluttershy added. That only made Sunset worse.
"Let's just finish this event and prove we're not a bunch of cheaters," Applejack said, "Then you can go and apologize to Twilight. After that, you should go talk to Scimitar."
Meanwhile, at the other side of the yard, the Shadowbolts had their attention towards Cinch while Tartus stood behind Twilight and Dawna slouched in the corner all sad. Twilight gestured Spike to stay hidden in the bushes.
"I know I'm asking you to beat a team that isn't playing fair," Cinch said, "But Canterlot High must be made to realize that even with magic at their disposal, defeating Crystal Prep is simply not an option."
"What if they grow wings again?" Sugarcoat asked
"A fair question," Cinch responded approaching Twilight, "Though, I believe we may be able to fight fire with fire."
Twilight and Dawna widened their eyes at the sound of it.
"What?" Twilight asked.
"I've seen what your device can do, Twilight. Containing magical energy is fine, but have you ever considered releasing it?"
"But... I don't know. I don't even know how it works."
"But you'd like to." Cinch said. "And since our opponents have already used magic to stay competitive, I see no reason why we shouldn't do the same."
"How about because they haven't used magic to win?" Dawna spoke up. That earned her all the eyes of Crystal Prep. "Principal Cinch, I understand you want to win, but I don't see any evidence that the Wondercolts were using magic to cheat! Besides, you're putting a student's safety at risk! We don't even know what the magic she has is capable of!"
"Dawna, I advise you to shut your mouth." Cinch warned.
"Why, because I'm talking sense while you're being stubborn?!" Dawna asked. "If I was principal of Crystal Prep..."
"But you're not!" Cinch argued. "Remember, I gave you this job and kept your little secret!"
"Secret?" Sunny Flare asked. "What secret?"
"None of your concern." Cinch said.
While the two adults were arguing, Twilight took a step back. She accidently bumped into Tartus.
"What's wrong, child?" Tartus asked.
"I... I don't know." Twilight answered. "Principal Cinch wants me to release the magic so we can win the Friendship Games, but Vice Principal Dawna says it's too dangerous. Not to mention that the magic seems to come from another world, and I can't control it, and..."
"Easy, Twilight, easy." Tartus calmed. "If you want my opinion... I think you should do it."
"What?" Twilight asked.
"I think you should unleash the magic." Tartus repeated. "But not for the sake of the games. Remember, I don't care who wins or who loses. All that matters to me is how big of an impact you make on the world. I mean, that's what you've wanted, right, to make sure you're acknowledged?"
"How do you know that?" Twilight asked.
"Because, believe it or not, I was just like you." Tartus said. "Time to put all cards on the table."
He removed his gloves and rolled up his sleeves. Twilight was shocked to see a set of arms that were made of black metal. The finger tips were sharp as sword points. What's more surprising to her was when Tartus slightly removed his eye bandages and revealed a mechanical robot eye with a red glow. He covered his metal parts again and faced a surprised Twilight.
"What the..." Twilight asked in shock.
"I understand you have many questions." Tartus said. "Let me keep this brief then. Like that Wondercolt with the red hair, I am not born of this world. I am from another."
"Really?" Twilight asked. "Are you from this... Equestria, too?"
"No." Tartus said. "I'm from an entirely different world. You see, when I was a child, I was gifted with great intellect. However, that didn't seem to be enough for everyone else. Growing up with such troglodytes wasn't easy, so I left to pursue my own genius. And now, I can never go back."
"Why not?"
"Let's not focus on that part. It's not important. But here's my point: I missed my chance to make them acknowledge me, but it's not too late for you. If you can unleash the magic, you will fully understand the magic you hold. And then, you can surpass all of Everton's advanced classes. Come on, Twilight. Your future's around the corner."
Twilight took a minute to think. She looked at Tartus and then at the Shadowbolts who were watching Cinch and Dawna arguing. She then decided to start walking forward nervously.
"Look, Cinch, it's obvious Twilight doesn't want to do this, so..."
"Uh, it doesn't look that way." Indigo Zap said pointing at Twilight.
"Twilight?" Dawna asked. "What's she doing?"
Twilight placed her fingers on the rim of the pendant when Dawna was about to shout.
"DON'T OPEN THAT THING!"
Everyone paused at the sound of it, including Dawna, who didn't say that. Everyone from both schools looked at the front and seeing Discord standing there panting and breathing heavily. Scimitar, Black Tie, and the computer club stood behind him.
"Discord? Scimitar? Black Tie? Ricky and the others?" Sunset asked. "What are you doing here?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Tartus growled glaring at his son.
"Twilight," Discord said walking toward her, "Just put that thing down and back away! Please, don't open that pendant! You gotta trust me!"
"What?" Twilight asked. "Why?"
"It's Tartus!" Discord pointed at the skinny villain. "He's the bad guy! He sabotaged the games and set us up for the fall!"
"It's true!" Scimitar shouted.
"What am I?" Tartus asked nervously. "What did I do? Don't you all miss the vivid imagination of childhood?"
"I never had one." Cinch said.
"An imagination or a childhood?" Tartus asked.
"You're not making any sense." Sunset said. "What are you talking about?"
"Listen to me." Ricky said. "The boys and I were investigating what was wrong with Discord's magic, and we found out that Tartus messed with it!"
"Twilight, don't listen to them." Cinch said. "Have you forgotten that most of them are from CHS? They're obviously just saying that to keep us from winning."
"How many times must I tell you all?" Discord asked. "THE GAMES DON'T MATTER! They never did, and that goes double for now! Twilight, if you unleash that magic, you're going to regret it!"
"Maybe..." Indigo Zap said, "Maybe we should hear him out."
"What?" Cinch asked.
"Yeah." Sour Sweet said. "Even though he's a lying sleezy eel, he might deserve to be heard."
"Are you all listening to yourselves?" Cinch asked. "Obviously, Discord's used his reality-warping magic to brainwash you, but I will not stand for this! Twilight, open that now!"
"Twilight, don't!" Scimitar shouted.
Hearing all the directives from different sides put Twilight in a cross hairs. She clutched onto her pendant without opening it not sure of what to do.
"OH, FOR GOODNESS SAKE!" Tartus shouted. He then pulled out his Golden Apple and pointed it at Twilight. Without any warning, yellow lightning burst out and hit Twilight causing her to drop her pendant.
"Ruh-roh!" Discord gasped.
As soon as the pendant hit the ground, the top popped open revealing the purple orb. It grew to tremendous size in an instand before everyone's eyes. Twilight's hand was caught in it and she was being pulled in. She tried to escape, or at least get someone else to help her, but no one would lift a hand.
"HELP ME!" Twilight cried out.
"WE'VE GOT TO SAVE HER!" Discord shouted.
But before anyone could step forward, yellow lightning shot out of the Golden Apple again and hit the front of everyone's feet.
"One step closer, and I won't miss!" Tartus warned.
Suddenly, the bright orb flashed brightly. When it dimmed down, everyone looked and saw Twilight, or at least, what she turned into. Her purple skin was darker than before and she wore an evil attire. A frightening glow surrounded her eyes. Evil wings and a dark horn escaped from her body. But the most vile feature yet was the demonic voice the laughed out.
"You were right, Sunset Shimmer! I didn't understand magic before... BUT I DO NOW!"
Right before everyone's eyes, a white blast escaped from her fingertips and hit the ground. It broke apart revealing a new background that Sunset recognized.
"Equestria!"
Twilight raised her hands and opened more portals out of destroying other pieces of the environment. Sunny Flare then caught sight of Cinch trying to escape.
"HEY! Where are you going?!"
"Anywhere to avoid that... monster! And I suggest you do the same!" Cinch turned back to her exit, but she was stopped when Tartus stood in front of her.
"Don't leave yet. You're missing out on the show."
"What's going on, Tartus!" Cinch shouted. "I thought we had an understanding!"
"An understanding?" Tartus laughed. He removed his bandages and sleeves revealing his mechanical parts. It frightened most of the people. "All you wanted to do with the magic is to win a game of 'capture the flag'! You're completely oblivious to the big picture! I mean, a fraction of the magic in this world is enough to turn Twilight Sparkle into... Midnight Sparkle!"
"Midnight Sparkle?" the purple she-demon asked descending herself to face Tartus. "I actually like the sound of that. Also, I want to thank you, Tartus. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be like this!"
"Much obliged, Midnight." Tartus said. "So, how about a faster way to destroy this world?"
"NO!"
Before Midnight Sparkle could face whoever shouted that, a white light blasted her. Suddenly, Midnight Sparkle found herself struggling against an unknown magic. Everyone looked and saw the light coming from Dawna's hands. There were also several markings made of light imprinted on her face.
"Vice Principal Dawna?" Sugar Coat asked. "What are you..."
"NO TIME TO EXPLAIN!" Dawna shouted. "I'm gonna try to remove the unstable magic from Twilight's body!"
"You can do that?" Discord asked.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Tartus shouted. He pointed the Golden Apple at her, but Creeper leaped up and landed on the apple startling Tartus. "YOU?! Get off of my apple!" He tried to shake him off, but Creeper held on.
"This apple rightfully belongs to Lord Kul'as!" Creeper shouted. "And I won't let go!"
Tartus looked and saw Midnight still having trouble with Dawna. He groaned before shouting.
"KIRA!"
Suddenly, a hooded figure jumped up from a rooftop and landed in front of Dawna. Her surprise broke her concentration and the light surrounding Midnight Sparkle vanished freeing her. The new figure had their whole body covered. The most noticeable thing about this person was the mask they were wearing, which looked like it had a serious face and there was a red circle painted on the mask's forehead.
"Who are you?" Dawna asked.
The masked figure didn't answer. Instead, they raised their arms and moved them around swiftly. Dawna was confused at first, but then, she noticed the black tentacle-like energy beams encircling her. She couldn't escape.
"Scimitar, who is that?" Sunset asked.
"I don't know. I've never seen that guy before!"
Meanwhile, Tartus grabbed Creeper and held him up. Creeper tried to escape, but Tartus held on tightly.
"You know what I did wrong when I imprisoned you? I let you keep your ability to speak! I won't make that mistake again!"
Tartus fired the Golden Apple at Creeper, who's flesh instantly changed to stone in his hand. He then turned to Dawna, who still couldn't escape the spiral around her. She froze when Tartus aimed the Golden Apple at her.
"I warned you not to stand in my way." Tartus said. "So let me show you the consequences! Let this be a lesson to..."
He was interrupted by a giant wad of cotton candy that was shot at his head. He looked and saw Discord hovering in the sky. He had a blue horn and an antler sticking from the top of his head, bird and bat wings on his back, and a red snake tail sticking from below his wings.
"You can pony up too?" Tartus asked. "How?"
"You may be crazy," Discord said, "But don't forget; I'm crazy too!"
"It doesn't matter!" Midnight Sparkle shouted. "I'll take care of him!"
"Twilight, snap out of it!" Discord shouted. "Don't you know what you're doing?"
"Oh, I know what I'm doing." Midnight Sparkle answered. "Equestria has more magic than I ever imagined. I want to see it for myself!"
"But you're destroying this world to get there!"
"So what? There's more magic there. And I want to understand it all! And I won't let you or anyone else stand in my way!"
"How about you cut out the chit-chat!" Discord shouted.
"Once I am done with you, I'll destroy this world to..."
"Ugh, chit-chat!" Discord interrupted.
"Destroy..." Midnight Sparkle tried to speak again.
"Chitty-chat-chitty-chat-chat-chat-chat!" Discord interrupted.
"...Destroy..."
"Chit-chat!" Discord mocked.
Midnight Sparkle attempted to blast Discord, but he created a brick wall that stopped the blast. He then tapped the wall to launch it towards her like a rocket. Midnight Sparkle dodged it and attempted another blast. Discord put on a baseball uniform and redirected the blast back with his bat. This time, the blast hit Midnight Sparkle creating a large smokescreen.
"Ooh, that's a short stop there!" Discord said making his baseball uniform disappear. Suddenly, Midnight Sparkle's hand reached out of the cloud and grabbed Discord's wrist. "Uh, oh!"
Midnight Sparkle flew across the field dragging Discord until she stopped and threw Discord to the Wondercolt statue shattering it on impact.
"You broke the statue?" Discord gasped. "The Wondercolt statue! Harsh!" With a snap of his fingers, several balls of light surrounded him. He pointed his fingers like pistols and made shooting gestures that made the lights fire at Midnight Sparkle. She covered herself with her wings to block the shots.
"They're neck-and-neck!" Scimitar said.
"I don't know whether to be nervous about Discord losing or excited about how awesome this fight is." Rainbow Dash said.
"Come on, Discord!" Fluttershy cheered softly. "You can do it?"
"Seriously?" Lemon Zest asked. "You're putting the fate of the world in his hands?"
"Of course, silly." Pinkie Pie said.
"Look," Rarity added, "I know Discord is mischievous, obnoxious, untrustworthy, irresponsible, loud, wicked, a trifle gassy..."
"Hey, I can still hear you!" Discord shouted still firing his light balls.
"But the truth is, no matter how bad he is, he does as much for the school as anyone else." Applejack said. She then emitted a feint glow the Scimitar noticed.
"What?" he thought to himself. "I thought the magic was gone."
Midnight Sparkle looked around while her wings blocked the attack. She knew they were at an impasse, so she had to find a way to tip the balance. Then, she caught sight of Creeper petrified in Tartus' hand. She then grinned and opened her wings once Discord stopped firing.
"All right!" Midnight Sparkle cried out. "My turn!"
"Bring it on!" Discord cried out. "I'm rubber and you're glue! Whatever you throw, I'll throw back and stick it to you!"
"We'll see about that!" Midnight Sparkle created a little orb of gray light and prepared to throw it. But instead of Discord, she turned and aimed it at the students. Discord panicked when Midnight threw the ball to their direction. He snapped his fingers and got in between them, but he didn't have time to redirect the attack. He got hit by the light's full force. His ponied-up parts disappeared as he hit the ground.
"Discord!" Fluttershy shouted. "Are you okay?"
"Nothing to worry about, everyone." Discord said getting back up. "I can still..." But he didn't move. He looked and his whole body was quickly becoming stone. 
"Oh, no!" He tried to escape, but the petrification reached his arms before he could even turn his head. "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" And in less than a second, he was a mere statue.
"DISCORD!" Fluttershy shouted. She then turned to cry over Rainbow Dash's shoulder, who patted her on the back.
"No!" Sunset gasped. "No, no!"
"Oh, yes, yes, yes." Tartus replied. "Well done, Midnight Sparkle!"
"Thank you, Tartus! Now, about that quick way to destroy this world..."
"The key is to get to the right height." Tartus said. "If you're high enough, your magic can reach long distances." He then floated up. "I'll join you. Kira, disappear."
The two of them launched themselves straight into the cloudy sky while the masked figure ran and left. Canterlot High and Crystal Prep were left to surround Discord's statue.
"No." Sunset began to cry. "This... is all my fault."
"Sunset, you don't mean that." Scimitar said.
"YES, I DO!" Sunset Shimmer cried out. "I ran away from Equestria, I stole Princess Twilight's crown, I brought magic to this world, and now, Tartus and Midnight Sparkle are going to use that magic to destroy this whole world! And to top it off, the only person who can stop them can't even blink anymore! And it's all my fault. And I'm incapable to do anything about it."
When her tears started to fall, everyone else began to lower their heads. Scimitar was the only one who didn't lower anything. He stared at Sunset Shimmer and thought of something.

"Beautiful thing"

Everyone looked at the sound of that singing voice and was shocked when they saw it coming out of Scimitar's mouth. Sunset was the one who was most caught by the sound of it. Scimitar then continued singing.

"I see what is real
And here I sing
Telling you how I feel
If the world's in black and white
You bring color in our eyes
Even the moon shines in the night
As often as it can rise
So if the whole world
Starts to hate you
Just show them the girl
And do what you do
You are who you are
A sun up in the sky
And no matter how far
You held me up high"

He held onto Sunset's hand and helped her stand back up.

"I know you're somethiiiiiiiiing special
As you are
I know you're somethiiiiiiiiiiing special
Like a shining star"

Then, Sunset began to smile. And with that, the rest of the Rainbooms started to glow slightly as they looked happy to hear his words.

"So it is okay to share your love" Sunset sang.
"There's something speeeeecial" they both sang,
"Especially yoooooouuuuuuuu
I know you're somethiiiiiiiiing special
That is clear
I know you're somethiiiiiiiiing special
I'm glad you are here
So it is okay to share your love
There's something speeeeecial"
"Especially yooooouuuuuu" Scimitar sang.
"Ooooooooh, especially yooooouuuuuu" Sunset sang.

Suddenly, the lights escaped from the Rainbooms and hit Scimitar's back. When he looked at his hands, they were shining in a rainbow of colors. When he pointed his hands at a bent flower pedal, the glow allowed it to point straight back up.
"I didn't know you can conduct magic." Sunset Shimmer said.
"Neither did I." Scimitar said. "But I'll tell you what... This might be what we need. You want to do the honors."
Sunset Shimmer looked up at where Tartus and Midnight Sparkle flew up to. She put on a proud face and turned to Scimitar. "Pony me up like never before!"
> Daydream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Midnight Sparkle soared above the dark clouds with Tartus flying behind her. She kept firing in random directions while she laughed maniacally.
"Oh, one little, two little, three little portals ripped," Tartus sang, "Four little, five little, six little portals ripped. Seven little, eight little, nine little portals ripped. And who knows how much is left to go!"
Their celebration was cut short when they caught sight of a slight orange glow getting brighter from underneath. Suddenly, Sunset Shimmer flew up in front of them with firey wings.
"You?!" Tartus asked. "How? You don't have any magic!"
"You're wrong!" Sunset Shimmer shouted. "Twilight, I was once like you! I put on a crown, and just like you, I wanted more power than I needed! But you don't need Tartus to have everything you ever wanted! I learned that true magic comes from loyalty, laughter, kindness, generosity, and honesty! Together, they form the most powerful magic of all: the magic of friendship!"
"Oh, gag!" Tartus exclaimed. "I might actually be sick in my stomach! How is it that you Equestrians say that speech as often as you do without gagging? Midnight, destroy her!"
And with that, Midnight and Sunset battled in the sky, each exchanging different magical blasts. They soared through the sky engaging each other. Meanwhile, all the students watch the magic battle between the two.
"Question," Spike said, "What if Tartus helped to double-team Sunset?"
"I don't suppose your secret magic involves a pair of wings?" Rarity asked Dawna.
"Well, I can fly, but I can't do that and fight at the same time."
"Then we need to even the odds." Scimitar replied approaching Discord's petrified state. He gripped onto his shoulders. "Rainbooms, whatever you did to help me help Sunset, we've got to do the same thing for Discord!"
"We want to help too!" Indigo Zapp offered for Crystal Prep.
"You?" Scimitar asked. "You dunces don't even have magic! Besides, it's partially your fault we're in this mess!"
"Look, just tell us what to do," Sunny Flare said, "And I promise, we'll do it!"
Scimitar looked at the Discord statue and sighed. "All right. Everyone, raise your hands and start concentrating! We need as much energy as we can to break this!"
Everyone, CHS or CPA, circled around the statue and held up their hands. They closed their eyes and tried to focus really hard. The Rainbooms were the first, but much to Scimitar's surprise, everyone's hands started to glow different colors. They escaped their hands and hit Scimitar's back. Then the glow that reached his hands covered Discord's body. It started to crack up and shatter apart. He escaped with his ponied-up form emerging from his back.
"All right!" Discord shouted. "Time for round two! Oh, and thank you, everyone!"
And with that, Discord flew up high before anyone could say a word.
"Go get 'em, Discord." Fluttershy whispered.
Meanwhile, Midnight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer were still at odds with each other. Tartus groaned at the sight of it before holding up the Golden Apple.
"Okay, this was fun at first, but now, it's getting old. I'm stepping in."
"YOINK!" Discord shouted as he zipped up and grabbed the Apple out of Tartus' hands. Tartus was not happy.
"You?! Give me back my Apple! You're too inexperienced to know how it works!"
"You think I don't know how to work an artifact of chaos? Look, I already told you I'm crazy."
"And I told you, I'm crazy."
Discord chuckled. "Look, you cannot out-crazy me. My crazy will take your crazy and shove it in metal tube, fill it with rats, then blowtorch it until the rats have no way to escape except eating their way through your crazy!"
"Wow." Tartus chuckled. "You are oblivious to the avalanche of insanity I'm about to unload. You don't know what I'll do to you!"
"You don't know what I'll do to you!" Discord returned. "I will spin around and throw up all over you and your minions! I simply don't care!"
"I'll stick your face in maple syrup and make you sing 'Winter Wrap-Up'! How does that blow your hair back, Discord?!"
"I will crawl inside you and lay eggs like a baby spider!"
"I WELCOME IT! I HAVE A METAL EYE! SHOWS YOU HOW I LIVE MY LIFE!"
"I WILL BRING A FOLK GUITAR TO A PUMPKIN FIGHT, BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY I WAS BROUGHT UP!"
Tartus paused for a moment before responding softly. "Okay, you lost me at that last one."
"BECAUSE THAT'S HOW CRAZY I AM!" Discord continued. "NOW, RELEASE TWILIGHT!"
"GIVE ME BACK MY APPLE!" Tartus shouted.
Discord then materialized a bazooka in his hands. He aimed it at the Apple which startled Tartus.
"STOP! ARE YOU CRAZY?!"
"Looks like somebody finally realized who's crazier." Discord said smugly. "Now make Twilight normal again or I'll blow this thing to kingdom come!"
"You don't understand!" Tartus shouted. "The apple is alive and sensitive! If you fire, we can kiss goodbye to this half of the Multiverse!"
"Seriously?" Discord asked. His bazooka disappeared and he took a close look at the apple. "Where did this thing come from? Well, Tartus, if you want this thing so bad... GO FETCH!" He then tossed it behind him seeing Tartus go scared. Tartus dove down after the Apple.
Meanwhile, Discord materialized a rope and tossed it over Midnight Sparkle's body. He tightened it around her waist making cowboy noises.
"WHAT?" Midnight Sparkle shouted.
"YEE-HAW!" Discord exclaimed. "I'M GONNA HOGTIE ME A MIDNIGHT! Sunset, do you think you can fix her?"
"I'll try!" Sunset replied. She raised her hands up and fired orange rays from her hands.
Midnight Sparkle was so occupied with the rope, she didn't see the blast coming until it was too late. She screamed when the light covered her very being. When he opened her eyes, she saw her and Sunset floating alone in a white background. There was no rope, no Discord, and nothing that clashes with the background.
Sunset approached Midnight Sparkle extending her hand. "Take my hand, Twilight. Let me show you there's a better way, like someone else did to me."
Twilight's real eyes began to show as they were pointed at Sunset's hands. She slowly pulled up her hand and gripped onto Sunset's.
In the real world, a bright sphere covered the two girls. The sphere lowered to the ground, and Twilight and Sunset were back to normal. Discord landed on the ground and lost his animal parts as well.
"I'm sorry." Twilight apologized. "I didn't mean to go this far."
"I know." Sunset said. "And speaking from personal experience, they'll forgive you."
"That was awesome!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"Couldn't say it better myself." Applejack said.
"Hear, hear." Rarity agreed.
"You girls did wonderful, even if one of you tried to destroy us all." Pinkie Pie said.
"Hey!" Discord exclaimed. "What am I, chopped liver?"
"You did wonderful too, Discord." Fluttershy said hugging him.
"Well, thank you, Fluttershy." Discord said.
"Hey." Sunset turned and saw Scimitar approaching her. "You did well. And... Sorry I've been kind of a jerk to you before. I'm just glad you're okay."
"Thanks to you, you dunce." Sunset chuckled.
"Hey!" Scimitar exclaimed with a slight smile.
Suddenly, Principal Cinch walked away from behind the bleachers and approached Principal Celestia in an angry tone.
"Principal Celestia, on behalf of Crystal Prep, I demand that you forfeit the Friendship Games! Clearly, CHS has had an unfair advantage for quite some time, and it's certainly obvious that your students have been using magic for their own benefit!"
"Oh, boy." Discord groaned rolling his eyes. "Not this again."
"I'd say saving the world benefits us all." Celestia said.
"And be grateful." Ricky said. "If it wasn't for us, you'd be destroyed along with the rest of us. They prevented an apocalypse."
"Which you kinda started when you trusted Tartus and manipulated Twilight into releasing all the stolen magic and changing into a power-hungry demon monster that tried to rip the world apart just to win a game." Sugarcoat added quickly.
"Wow." Pinkie Pie said. "That's a lot to take in when you say it all at once."
"Well said, Heather." Discord said which annoyed Sugarcoat again.
"Well..." Lemon Zest said, "You do kinda look like a Heather."
"The point is, Cinch, you started this!" Ricky said.
"That's ridiculous!" Cinch shouted.
"Nope." Spike said. "That's pretty much what happened."
"Actually, we're all to blame," Sugar Coat said, "But mostly, it was Cinch!"
"Obviously, my students have been influenced by your magic!" Cinch said. "But I plan on taking this up with the school board!"
"May I join in?"
Everyone looked and saw the mayor walking out of a car.
"Madame Mayor?" Cadance asked. "What are you doing here?"
"My work ended early, so I thought I'd stop by and see the end of the Friendship Games. Thought I'd see a show, and it seems I was right."
"Madame Mayor, since you are now aware of the magic that surrounds this school, then you must call Crystal Prep as winners by default!" Cinch insisted.
"You're making it sound like I only just learned about the magic." the mayor said stunning Cinch.
"You... You knew?" Indigo Zap asked.
"I'm the mayor, child. I have to know what's going on in my town. And so far, I have seen no evidence that says that Canterlot High has been using magic unfairly. Frankly, the only ones I saw using magic were your students, Abacus Cinch."
"Ooh, first name drop!" Discord exclaimed. "Go, mayor!"
"But... I... We were only..." Cinch stuttered.
"Cinch, are you going to be finishing any of these sentences?" Discord chuckled.
"In that case," Dawna said stepping up, "I'd like to report some other stuff Cinch has done."
"Dawna, don't you dare!"
"NO, CINCH! I'm not afraid of you anymore! Madame Mayor, Cinch has been using blackmail and manipulation for many things in her career. She forced me to ruin a school event and pin it on Discord, which ended up in his expulsion."
The Crystal Prep student body gasped and whispered to themselves.
"Not only that," Dawna continued. "But she has been lying to Twilight as well."
"Lying to me?" Twilight asked. "What do you mean?"
"Twilight... I'm sorry to have to tell you this... But Everton is a fake. There's no such thing. It's all a lie."
"What?" Twilight gasped.
"That's all I need to hear." the mayor said. "Principal Cinch, we'll discuss your future later." She then approached the crowd. "Well, in light of these circumstances, I think it's appropriate to declare you all winners."
"NOT YOU TOO!" Discord shouted. "Madame Mayor, the Friendship Games are pointless! It was supposed to bring our schools closer, but ever since they started, our schools showed no signs of being friends! I'm telling you, it does not work."
"Actually," Sunny Flare said, "I think it did."
"It did?" everyone asked.
"Don't get me wrong," Sunny Flare said, "Winning is sweet, but... Maybe Discord's right. The universe doesn't revolve around each of us. We need to be a bit more friendlier, and seeing how everyone working together just made us realize it. So... good game. And Discord, on behalf of Crystal Prep Academy... we're sorry... for everything."
Discord was stunned at first, but then he developed a smile. "That's all I wanted to hear." He then walked over to Cinch and offered a handshake. "No hard feelings?"
Reluctantly, under the pressure of everyone watching her, Cinch raised her hand and grabbed Discord. Suddenly, Discord laughed loudly into her face. "Lighten up, Abby. It's just a game."
"How sentimental." Everyone gasped for they realized they forgot something. They saw Tartus standing beside the busted Wonder Colt statue with Greengear and the masked figure at his side. He put the Golden Apple in his jacket with one hand and held onto Creeper's petrified state. He passed it over to Jade. "Everyone seems to think that they're all winners. But now, I have the last laugh."
"You!" Twilight growled. "You lied to me! You made me believe that I was working hard to get into a school that doesn't even exist!"
"It's okay, Twilight." Sunset said. "We already foiled his plan. We got rid of Midnight Sparkle."
"Got rid of Midnight Sparkle?" Tartus laughed. "Twilight, all that magic gave you a hidden thirst for more power. Midnight Sparkle will always be a part of you and you can't escape it. But that's okay. I never wanted Midnight Sparkle anyway."
"What?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"He's right." Scimitar said. "He didn't come to this world to turn Twilight into a monster. He wanted..." He looked around.
"Looking for this?" Tartus held up Twilight's purple pendant device. "Sorry, but it's mine now. You should've behaved yourself when I told you to, Scimitar, but now, you will suffer the same fate as the rest of these fools."
"The device is what you wanted all along?" Twilight asked. "I don't understand."
"Let me explain." Tartus said. "You see, I knew how to make this, but I didn't have the means to. My prosthetics can't be relied on for small machinery. So I needed someone smart enough to understand the blueprints and build it. Of course, that wasn't enough. I needed to make sure its function will serve. I never told you it could steal magic; otherwise you'd never bring it to Canterlot High for a test. I came along because I needed to see the limits this pendant would have. All I needed to do next was for you to empty it out. And once I make the right modifications, I can be able to use this to hold as much magic as I want!"
"What kind of magic would you want to steal?" Discord asked. "You already got a reality-warping apple. What else do you need?"
"Oh, you have no idea." Tartus chuckled.
"There's still one thing I don't get." Twilight said. "How'd you know I'd build it for you."
"That's why I pretended to run Everton." Tartus said. "I gave it all the qualifications you're looking for in a school and high standards so that you'd do anything to be accepted."
"But how did you know I'd want that?" Twilight asked. "We never met before the Friendship Games."
"Because that's exactly what any other Twilight Sparkle would want." Tartus replied ominously. "I've been watching every Twilight counterpart and they all sought knowledge. You are no different." He pulled out the Golden Apple and blasted the statue base. the side of it turned yellow. "So now, I'll take my leave. I can't wait for our next dance, Dawna.

"Well, good game
But all this fame
Will soon be short-lived
I propose
You listen close
To the real winner's name
Tartus, the man with the plan
Who pulled off the greatest scam
Now, that's what I call a good game
Well, good game
But all the same
You are all losers
What a twist
That you all missed
And you're all to blame
The best man has won
And soon, your lives will be done
JUST WAIT! EVERYTHING IS ABOUT TO CHANGE
UNLIMITED POWER WITH UNLIMITED RANGE
THE BLOOD MOON RISES
MANY MORE SURPRISES
ARE ON THEIR WAY
ONCE AGAAAAAIIIIIIN
FAREWELL
AND, WELL, GOOOOOOOOOD GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME"

And with that, he laughed maniacally when he and his minions fell through the portal.
"Did he just say blood moon?" Marty asked. "That doesn't sound good."
"I'll catch him!" Discord shouted. he charged towards the portal, but he didn't go through. He turned flat as pancake when he hit it. "Why can't I catch him?"
"I don't know." Sunset replied. "But this doesn't look good."





As Tartus and his group entered a new world, Emerald approached his boss.
"Sorry about your kid, sir."
"Don't worry about it." Tartus replied. "There's always the other one."
> A New Journey Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	  "Finally!" Devastator cried out as he reappeared on the school's screen. "I can finally stretch my legs!"
"Devastator, you don't have legs." Ricky said.
"I still can't believe you have a living artificial intelligence." Twilight said. "What, did you base him off your own mind?"
"Not really." Ricky said. "He was originally a virus protection software, but then Discord used his magic to bring it to life... although, it was an accident."
"Discord's magic can animate?" Twilight asked. "Wow, you learn something new every day."
"So, Twilight," Cadance said approaching her, "Sorry Everton turned out to be a fraud."
"That's okay." Twilight said. "I suppose it wasn't right for me anyway. I mean, there's still so much I need to learn; not just education, but also friendship. And I certainly won't be learning that in an independent study program."
"So you're staying at Crystal Prep?"
"Actually, it looks like everyone at this school knows more about it than we do. So..."
"I suppose you can transfer here." Cadance said. "I'll set it up."
"Thank you."
"Hey, everyone." Sunset said calling everyone to the portal.
"Any word from Twilight." Applejack said.
"Actually, yes." Sunset Shimmer replied. "She said she's sorry she couldn't reply, but she was in a crazy adventure."
"What kind of crazy adventure?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I don't know." Sunset said. "Something about Equestria's Discord being kidnapped and they had to go to another world and there were superheroes and time travel involved. It's hard for me too keep track."
"Yeah." Discord said. "Sounds like this chaos saga would have to be split into probably four stories." He then turned to the readers and smiled.
"By the way, I think I figured out how magic works here." Sunset Shimmer said. "You pony up when you are being your truest selves. Can't believe I didn't see it earlier?"
"Me neither." Discord said with a slight grin.
"Hang on." Rainbow Dash said. "Discord, did you know?"
"Of course." Discord said. "Frankly, I'm surprised I'm the only one who figured it out before."
"Don't you realize you could've told me before?" Sunset asked.
"Well, I was going to," Discord replied, "But then you started having self-doubts about yourself. You were thinking that all you do is cause trouble for us. So, to cheer you up, I decided to throw you a bone and let you figure it out yourself. You can't expect other people or ponies to hold your hand and give you your answers when you can just figure it out for yourself."
"You're right." Sunset said. "I've got to learn to be more confident in myself. Can't believe I'm saying this, but thank you, Discord."
"Hey." Scimitar said. "I think I have it figured out."
"Figured what out?" Rarity asked.
"I asked Scimitar to find out what Tartus did to the portal." Sunset said. "What did you find?"
"Well, I'm not as big of a genius as my dad, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what he did. When I tossed a pebble through, it just hit a solid object. But when I tapped it with your journal, Sunset, the portal reacted. I think Tartus rigged it so that only matter not from this world can pass through. To anything else, it might as well be solid."
"Why would he do that?" Fluttershy asked. "It doesn't make any sense."
"I'll tell you why." The Rainbooms looked at Dawna who was holding a bag over her shoulder. "He expects me to follow him. ...And I won't disappoint."
"You?" Discord asked. "Why?"
Dawna sighed and fell silent for a minute. "Okay. It's time you all knew the truth. Abacus Cinch didn't learn magic existed since the Friendship Games. She's known is since the day she and I met."
"What?" Applejack asked.
"So that's why she didn't seem confused when the magic appeared." Sunset said. "But how..."
"I'll explain." Dawna sat on the ground. "You see, I'm from another world like Sunset Shimmer and Tartus. I come from a powerful tribe called the Wandors. We traveled from world to world in an effort to chart and map them. The glyphs on our bodies gave us the magic to create constructs and energy that we used for travel. But that all changed in the worst way.
"My father, the elder of the tribe, had a summons back to our home world. As we arrived, we learned that one of our own wanted us to destroy some worlds we find and harvest their remaining resources. Some people agreed and some opposed. This lead to a civil war that lasted five years. Those who wanted to destroy then then created robots that were too strong for their enemies. My father left to a different world to find a magic bullet."
"I don't think a single magic bullet would be enough." Pinkie Pie said.
"No, Pinkie." Sunset Shimmer said. "A magic bullet is an expression. He was looking for a way to end the war."
"When my father returned, he had a smile on his face." Dawna continued. "He then showed us something he was sure would guarantee our win... the Golden Apple."
"WHAAAAAAT?!" Pinkie Pie gasped. "The same Golden Apple that almost destroyed us?"
"What other Golden Apple is there?" Rainbow Dash asked. "So is Tartus the one who wanted to destroy worlds?"
"I don't know if that's his goal, but he's not the one my father was against." Dawna said. "That was someone else. Anyway, I was against the idea of using something we didn't know anything about, but we didn't have much choice in the matter. My father gathered up the elite to be on the frontlines of one last battle. My father used the apple to remove the magic glyphs from the enemy, so their magic proved to be useless. But no one could have expected what would happen next.
"After the glyphs were removed, a robot managed to fire a beam that shot the Golden Apple out of my father's hands and into mine. But then, the Golden Apple began to glow and vibrate violently."
"Wait a minute." Discord said. "Tartus said the Golden Apple was alive and that harming it would mean destruction."
"Indeed." Dawna said. "First, the light hit me. It sent me to another world. Then, it blew up and destroyed my home world along with some of my tribe. I assume everyone thought I was dead. And from what I gathered, my father escaped and, along with a small group, hid the Apple somewhere they thought no one could find it."
"Well, since Tartus has it, it wasn't hidden enough." Scimitar said.
"So it appears." Dawna resumed. "I also learned that the Golden Apple gave me eternal life. I wandered the worlds for millennia until a few years ago when I found this world. I thought I could make a new home here and forget about my troubles. But I never expected to see another magical visitor here."
"So you knew?" Sunset Shimmer asked. "You knew from the beginning about the magic?"
"Not at first. During the welcome party, I saw the punch start flying and you all trying to cover it up. When it spilled, I told everyone I saw the bowl flip over to help you. I didn't want Cinch to get suspicious."
"So how did she know about the magic in the first place?" Sunset asked. "You said she knew years before the Friendship Games."
"When I started working at Crystal Prep, Principal Cinch was about to get crushed by a shelf being moved, so as a quick impulse, I activated my glyphs and saved her. Afterwards, I told her where I came from and how I saved her. It was fine at first, but then she started to blackmail me. She threatened to tell the world about me if I didn't do some stuff for her."
"Like get me expelled." Discord said.
"Or force me to compete." Twilight said.
"Believe me, the last thing I'd want to do is hurt you." Dawna said. "But I didn't want to be reminded. Every time I think about my old life is simply another reminder that... my world was destroyed and the Wandors are gone... but I'm still here." She then began to tear up. She wiped them off. "But now, Tartus has the apple and is planning something big. I need find him and stop him."
"But what about Crystal Prep?" Twilight asked.
"I've talked it over with the mayor." Dawna said. "Principal Cinch will look over Crystal Prep fairly and under supervision while I'm gone. But when I return, she will resign and promote me to the principal. I look forward to helping the students go straight, but first, I need to stop Tartus."
"But if he is leaving the portal open for you, then you could be walking into a trap." Discord said.
"More than likely," Dawna said, "But the Golden Apple has caused too much suffering. I won't have it hurt anyone else. With my magic, I can navigate through the worlds and try to find him, but I don't know where to start."
"Maybe I can help." Scimitar said. "My dad has been to many worlds, so perhaps I can lead you to where he's been. Maybe I can help retrace his steps and piece together what he's up to."
"You're leaving?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"He's my father." Scimitar said. "That makes him my responsibility. But it's going to be dangerous."
"Then I'm coming too." Sunset said.
"What?" the Rainbooms gasped.
"Sunset, I thought you changed your mind about leaving." Discord said.
"I'm not leaving indefinitely." Sunset said. "Just until we stop Tartus. We'll return afterward."
"Sunset, I can't ask you to come with us." Scimitar said. "Like I said, it's going to be dangerous."
"Which is why you need as much help as you can get." Sunset Shimmer said. "I used to learn from Princess Celestia. I think that'd make me a valuable asset. And Princess Twilight's a friend of mine. If we ever need her help, she'll trust me."
Scimitar sighed. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Don't worry about me." Sunset said. "I've got you, don't I? And once we're done, we can come back here and start over."
"I don't know." Scimitar said. "I've been isolating myself from even my father. I don't know how to be a friend."
Sunset Shimmer made him pause my giving him a peck on his cheek. She then held onto his hand and sang.

"I'm a friend
I'lll help you start
I'll teach you
If you let me in your heart"
"I hear your voice" Scimitar sang,
"So I'll let you in
You are something special"
"Definitely something special" Sunset Shimmer sang.
"Let this quest begiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin" both sang.

"Enough with the fuzzy stuff, you two!" Discord said. "Are you gonna kiss or go on a quest?"
Looking at each other, Scimitar and Sunset nodded their heads. They faced Dawna and awaited their leave. Dawna went through the portal first. Everyone shouted "bye", "see you later", and "good luck" as Scimitar and Sunset Shimmer followed Dawna through until there was no trace of them left in that world.

"Anything can happen
In just a quick snap
And you won't even know
An impossible dream
Is closer than it seems
You just have to goooooooooo
If you capture the now
Well, I give you my vow
YOUR FUTURE'S UNFUUUUUUUUUUUURLED
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
IN THIS OR ANY WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD
IN THIS OR ANY WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD
IN THIS OR ANY... WORLD"
> EPILOGUE
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	  There was no sunshine, no moonlight, or any trace of the sky over this pony-populated world. The ponies underneath the dark castle were miserable and scared. They were even startled when a yellow lightning bolt struck in front of them. They panicked and ran in different directions. Meanwhile, the one who caused the bolt, an alicorn completely covered in dark armor, laughed in a demonic voice. He was levitating the Golden Apple, which he used to cast the blast. He was then approached by a dark guard.
"Negahorn..."
"What is it, soldier?" the alicorn rasped. "Can't you see I'm practicing with the Golden Apple?"
"I think it would interest you to know that... he has woken up."
The Negahorn stopped and placed the apple in his bag. He then walked down the steps with the guard at his side.
"Has he said anything?"
"Only a bunch of gibberish." the guard replied. "It seems that the thing you did to him may have messed with his mind."
"Well, I need him whole for my plan to work." the Negahorn said. "Physically and mentally. Has he been fed?"
"That's the strange thing." the guard said. "The only sensible thing we got from him is when he said he wanted his first meal delivered... by you. He said he had something to tell you."
The Negahorn fell silent for a second before responding. "Very well. Bring me his tray."
As they entered a room full of heavy doors and bars with thick locks, the guard handed a tray full of sloppy food and a glass of water to his master. The Negahorn placed the tray down in front of a door and cleared his throat.
"You said you had something to tell me. Well, here I am. So get on with it." There was silence for a minute. "Nothing? I'm disappointed. Well, here's your..."
The Negahorn shoved the tray underneath the door, when suddenly, an eagle claw wrapped around the Negahorn's hoof interrupting him. The Negahorn looked through the door window and saw a filthy draconequus with blemishes almost everywhere. Even the red cape wrapped around his neck had rips and tears. The draconequus gave his captor a twisted smile.
"You never should have brought me back."
The Negahorn forced his hoof free and turned to the guard.
"Are you sure he can't escape?" the guard asked. "That kinda sounded like a threat to me."
"There's nothing to worry about." the Negahorn replied. "Even if he could find a way to break out of these magic-proof bars, I doubt he's got enough sense to cast any spell against me. So if that's all..." The Negahorn kicked the tray into the cell and into the prisoner's paw and claw. "Eat up. We're going to work on making you sane again... Anar D."
The Negahorn and the guard left the dungeon leaving Anar D alone with a tray full of slop. He lifted it up and examined it closely with a nonsensical laugh followed by a musical tone.
"You feed the madness, and it feeds on you. You feed the madness, and it feeds on you. You feed the madness, and it feeds on you."