> Canterlot High: After School > by reading is magic > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Equestria Girls > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was The Fall Formal and the students, dressed in suits and dresses, were all having fun at the gymnasium dancing and celebrating the winner of the Fall Formal crown despite the almost school takeover by Sunset Shimmer. Twilight Sparkle and her friends were having a blast with the rest of the school. Three students, however were outside the gymnasium, taking a break from all the partying. “Hey guys!” A girl with short blonde hair wearing a one piece dress called out. “You won't believe what just happened!” “Let me guess, Champ,” a pink haired girl who wore a bright blue dress sat in the steps in front of the gymnasium, tapping at her smartphone. “You took a video of the whole Rainbow phenomenon.” “Everyone did that,” said the white haired guy who sat near the other girl, who was looking at his smartphone. Champagne Barrels sat in the middle of them with much vigor which made the other two look. “Nope, I get to touch Twilight’s wings!” “What?” Candy Pink said and looked up from her phone, looking at Champagne with disbelief. “That’s kinda gross.” “Hey, it’s not everyday that humans grow wings, right?” Champagne replied. “Besides, they were amazing! It was so soft and strong at the same time. You could really tell that she could feel your hands touching her.” “That’s still kinda creepy to me,” Candy commented and returned to her phone. “What do you think, B.W.?” Champagne called. “I told you not to call me that.” Book Worm lowered his phone and glared at Champagne. “It doesn’t even make sense; nicknames are supposed to shorten names and Book Worm is already short. Calling me B.W. just adds one more syllable.” “Whatever!” Champagne waved her hands upward. “The point is, Twilight’s wings were amazing.” “Let’s hope you don’t find wings on your list of things you like in your lover,” Candy droned without looking away from her phone. “Hmm, I don’t see why not.” Champagne placed her thumb on her chin. “Are you serious?” Book Worm asked, looking at Champagne incredulously. “Hey, tonight we learned that there are things that can turn you into a demon, hypnotize a mob, and literal friendship is magic. What’s wrong with wanting to date angels?” “Fair point,” Book Worm said. “Still weird,” Candy added. “I thought you’d be more excited, B.W.,” Champagne wondered. “Why?” Book Worm locked his phone.. “Because you obviously have the hots for Twilight Sparkle.” Book Worm dropped his phone but then he caught it right after. “What?!” “No need to hide it,” Candy droned as she tapped on her smartphone. “We know how you look at her.” “Look?!” Book Worm looked at Candy. “Yeah,” Champagne agreed. “Ever since she got here, you always look at her.” “Hey, that could be just coincidence.” Book Worm darting his glance between Candy and Champagne. “Coincidence doesn’t happen more than ten times, B.W.,” Champagne retorted. “It’s just…” Book Worm raised his hand and opened his mouth to make a point but then lowered his hand. “Nothing.” “Silence is guilt.” Candy tapped on her phone. “What she said.” Champagne then punched Book Worm’s shoulder. “Too bad you don’t stand a chance!” “What?” Book Worm rubbed his shoulder. “Twilight’s really into that Flash dude, you know,” Champagne said and faced Candy. “What do you think?” “Flash Sentry?” Candy raised an eyebrow. “Sweet guy, not my type. Seems eager to please others. Three out of ten.” “Harsh.” Champagne turned to Book Worm. “Which means you stand a chance.” “Who cares,” Book Worm said dejectedly. “She’s into that guitar dude, and I can’t even play a damn instrument.” “I thought you can play a ukulele?” “Oh yeah, show up to Twilight with a ukulele while her boyfriend holds an electric guitar. Real smooth.” “There’s no cheering you up, isn’t there?” Champagne reached into her dress chest and pulled out a feather. “Here. Take it.” “What’s this?” Book Worm took the feather. “It’s from Twilight Sparkle’s.” “What are— Wait what?!” Book Worm stood up. “Why would you have this?” “Thought you’d like it.” “That’s like keeping a girl’s hair,” Candy commented. “Which is not only creepy, but also borderline stalkerish.” “My thoughts exactly,” Book Worm agreed. “Well, I can always take it back if you don’t want it.” Champagne showed her hand. “I’m keeping it.” Book Worm placed the purple feather in his coat pocket. “It’s not like we’re gonna see her again. She’s from another world, right? She’s gonna go back to wherever she came from.” “I guess so.” Champagne looked at the school front. “You think Sunset Shimmer’s still trying to fix that wall?” “God I hope so,” Candy said, still on her phone. “That demon deserves it.” “Such a shame too,” Champagne shook her head. “Why?” Candy asked. “She’s a total hottie!” “I thought you’re into guys?” Book Worm said as he sat back down. “I don’t know, B.W., there are hot guys and hot girls. I’ll be damned if I don’t get all the options.” “I’m into girls only,” Book Worm stated. “And you think Sunset is hot; are you crazy?” “She is, not me,” Champagne said. “But that doesn’t make her less hot, you know. Even when she became a she-demon, she still looked pretty hot.” “The whole school was under hypnosis and all you could think of was how hot Sunset Shimmer was as a goddamned she-demon?” Book Worm complained. “Of course I cared that a mob of zombie teens was about to assault an alternate dimension! I’m just saying that she looked hot and that I’m not blind!” “Both of you have your priorities wrong.” Candy commented again. “Besides, what are you guys talking about?” “Sunset Shimmer?” Book Worm said. “The demon transformation?” “Oh. I wasn’t there so I didn’t see it.” Candy stated. “Are you serious?” Champagne gasped. “Yeah. Wardrobe malfunction. Had to fix it so I went to the restroom.” Book Worm and Champagne just looked at Candy incredulously. “What?” Candy put down her phone and faced the two. “So what if I miss some magical rainbow blast? Everyone basically uploaded it in the internet.” The other two shrugged as they didn’t actually know what even the point of the event was. “Maybe it was all a show, you know,” Book Worm suggested. “You know the dropping rates of enrollees lately? A little magic show to buzz some interest to this school.” “Kinda stupid then, if you think about it,” Candy said. “I mean, there’s a demon in the school and you expect teenagers to line up to Canterlot High?” “Hey, who doesn’t like a bit of surrealism in their life?” Book Worm answered. “I mean, look at Champ here; she basically is into bird people now.” “I feel like you’re insulting me,” Champagne raised an eyebrow at Book Worm. “The point is,” Book Worm interjected. “The principals don’t have anything to lose doing this kind of stuff.” “Well, maybe you’re right. Principal Celestia does look suspicious with the whole she-demon incident. I expected her to go all crazy and call the cops on Sunset. I mean, she’s an adult, right? Instead she gave Twilight her crown and went back to partying.” “You know what,” Candy stood up. “I’m going back inside. I’m not listening to you two making conspiracy theories on our school principals.” Candy stood up and walked back into the gymnasium without looking away from her phone. “We should get back there too,” Book Worm said as he stood up and dusted himself. “Yeah, I think they still have some of that fruit punch. Pinkie Pie won’t tell me her recipe.” Book Worm offered his hand and Champagne pulled herself up with it. And with that, the other two went back to the gymnasium, looking for some food and eventually danced with the other students. Book Worm was not a good dancer. Cue the ending music. > Rainbow Rocks > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot High Cafeteria. It was Monday, one weekend after the Battle of the Bands and everyone was still in awe of what happened last week. Murmurs and mutterings were filled with topics of The Dazzlings being giant sea demons, while some argued who won the said competition as they all munched on fruit bowls and sandwiches. “That was the worst Battle of the Bands I’ve ever saw in my life.” Champagne took a big bite of her hamburger, sitting on a seat. “What?” Book Worm said as he just got close to their table, holding his tray. “You are talking crazy again.” “I mean, there are no clear winners, The Dazzlings screwed up the competition, and the world was at risk once again.” Book Worm sat across Champagne and laid his tray on the table. “Yeah, but you gotta love the amazing music that came out of it.” Book Worm then took a sip from his fizzy apple cider. “Besides, you complaining about world end is so ironic.” “And why would that be?” “Last time there was magic spectacle you were looking at demon Sunset Shimmer and thought ‘well that looks hot’.” Champagne only raised an eyebrow at Book Worm’s statement. “Hey guys,” Candy greeted and sat next to Champagne, tapping on her smartphone. “What did I miss?” “Nothing much,” Champagne said. “Just the Battle of The Bands. What do you think?” “I don’t know,” Candy shrugged. “Wait wait wait.” Book Worm waved his hands. “You can’t tell me you missed the Battle of The Bands. We didn’t have to go to class or anything.” “Yeah.” Champagne agreed. “Well, I’m not a band person and live bands make my ears hurt so there.” Candy continued to tap on her smartphone. The two looked at Candy with knitted eyebrows. “What?” Candy said after she looked up from her smartphone. “You know what? I don’t care who won the darn thing,” Champagne said then took another bite on her burger. “What matter are The Dazzlings and they are the hotties of the month.” “Not this again,” Book Worm muttered. “I wasn’t sure who would be top among the three of them, but I’d put Adagio on first ever since I saw her dance here at the cafeteria. Shake those hips, baby!” Champagne shook her shoulders. “Adagio wasn’t the only one dancing, you know.” Book Worm unwrapped his sandwich as he pointed out. “Duh, but Adagio has this… this… Uh, look, she swings those hips like no one else could, okay?” “Sure.” Book Worm took a bite on his sandwich. “I just don’t think Adagio’s the best one.” “Yeah, I’m gonna take a guess and say you think it’s Aria Blaze.” “Who?” Candy asked, raising an eyebrow without looking away from her phone. “The purple one with twin tails. Punk outfit.” “Ah. Unique color combination, actually love her outfit. Not a bad taste.” “You remember people by their outfits?” Book Worm asked. “More or less.” Candy didn't move her eyes from her smartphone. “And why would you think I picked Aria of the three?” Book Worm faced Champagne. “Because you always looked at her when they danced here at the cafeteria?” “No I wasn’t.” “What’s with you and purple girls?” Champagne wondered. “Maybe he has punk fetish.” Candy suggested. “Or purple fetish, I don’t know.” “I do not have a fetish,” Book Worm stated with a serious face. “Speaking of purple, Twilight came back, all of a sudden,” Champagne said, dismissing Book Worm. “Magic problem, duh,” Book Worm retorted. “Yeah. Too bad Flash was being a dick to her.” “That asshole’s gonna get it.” Book Worm knitted his eyebrows, taking a big bite off his sandwich. “Ooooh, is that anger I hear?” “Hey, Twilight deserves better.” “Still,” Candy interjected. “I wonder who would win Book Worm’s heart: purple smart or purple punk?” “Now we’re asking the real questions!” Champagne raised her hand. “Give it here!” Candy gave Champagne her high five without looking away from her phone. “Are you serious?” Book Worm muttered, looking with dislike. “Very.” Champagne folded her arms. “So who’s it gonna be? Smarts or Punk?” “Well, purple smart has the advantage here,” Candy commented. “I mean, she’s a heroine of this school, princess of an alternate dimension, and is also a nerd like Book Worm.” “Well said, Candy.” Champagne nodded. “On the other hand, Aria is sexy, sings like a diva and most likely will give you the best girlfriend experience.” “The best… girlfriend experience?” Book Worm repeated, unsure of what he had just heard. “B.W., who’s likely going to do girlfriend stuff?” Champagne placed her hands on her hips. “Twilight’s going to bring you to museums, libraries and will likely blush just by holding hands. Aria, on the other hand, will likely be into public kisses, holding hands and real fun times.” “You’re basing Aria’s actions on her looks alone.” “Hey, it’s not like we got anything else out of her.” Candy said without looking away from her phone. “Fair point.” Book Worm took another sip on his drink. “Seriously though, what’s with you and purple girls?” Champagne finished her hamburger. “It’s like a weird fetish.” “It’s not a fetish, and I don’t have preference with purple girls. They just happen to be purple. At least I don’t look at people who literally are demons and think they’re hot.” “Speaking of Sunset Shimmer,” Champagne said after shooting her burger wrap into the trash bin. “Remember when she sang during the finals? That was so sexy. I kinda expected her to grow wings though.” “Still getting turned on with wings?” “Eh, not really. It’s a plus on a person, though.” “I guess Sunset’s basically one of the good guys now? Kinda hard to believe she would shift so quickly.” Book Worm imitated Champagne’s shot, but missed the bin much to his dismay. “Maybe the Rainbow Beam brainwashed her,” Champagne suggested. “If that’s true, then Twilight’s no better,” Candy added, to which Champagne nodded. “There’s a reason criminals have the right to an attorney.” “Can we just stop talking about this?” Book Worm begged as he covered his face with his hand. “But you still haven't decided who’s the best purple,” Champagne pointed. “Change topic!” Book Worm screeched, his face now covered with both of his hands. “Vinyl’s car was amazing,” Candy commented, still tapping on her smartphone. “Didn't know she was rich.” “Oh yeah!” Champagne agreed. “Wait, I thought you didn't saw the finals?” “What? She drove her car into the stage or something?” “Even better; her car transformed in a giant loudspeakers!” Champagne said, gesturing the huge size of said car/loudspeakers and making Transformers sounds. Candy looked at Champagne with disdain. “I’m pretty sure you're just exaggerating.” “No, it happened!” Champagne pleaded. “Right, B.W.?” “B.W.? I wonder who you're talking to.” Book Worn picked up his drink, and looked away from Champagne’s gaze. “Book Worm!” Champagne stomped, her fists at her side. “Champ’s not lying,” Book Worm said nonchalantly to which Champagne flipped him her middle finger. “Which reminds me of that giant unicorn that blasted a Rainbow Beam to The Dazzlings. “That was awesome!” Champagne pointed. “I know, right? I wasn't sure what the hell that was, but it sure was quite a sight.” Book Worm agreed. “Still could be the principals’ ploy for a higher enrollment rate, you know.” Champagne opened a pack of pretzels. “And this time they got Vinyl Scratch in on it.” “Where would they get money for something like a rainbow-spewing unicorn? I don't think projectors could do something like that.” Book Worm took a pretzel from Champagne who offered. “I dunno.” Champagne tossed a pretzel in air and caught it in her mouth. “You know… We always make fun of Book Worm’s preference over girls,” Candy said, looking up from her smartphone but still tapped. “But if you really think about, you two make a good couple.” “Excuse me?” Book Worm said, looking at Candy with knitted eyebrows. “Ha! Wouldn't you be lucky if that did happen, B.W.?” Champagne slapped her knee. “Good one, Candy.” “I’m not kidding.” Book Worm and Champagne looked at each other. “Not in a million years.” Champagne popped another pretzel into her mouth. “It's not like you're dating anyone,” Candy said, looking at Champagne as she tapped on her phone. “That's because I take my time picking my partner,” Champagne pointed. “Besides, B.W.’s not a hottie.” “You say that as if that makes a good argument.” Candy lowered her phone. “I’ve yet to see you talk to any of the ‘hotties’ you mentioned.” “W-well…” Champagne stuttered. “Yeah, you always talk smack about hotties and whatnot and I haven't seen you talk to any of them.” Book Worm wondered. “It's actually hard, okay?!” Champagne slammed her fist into the table. “I just like talking about pretty boys and girls but I've never found the courage to talk to any of them.” Champagne gestured obscurely. “It's like they got this aura that makes it so hard to even approach them! Like as if they're demigods or something.” “I… know what you mean.” Book Worm admitted. “I couldn't even look at Twilight whenever she looks at my direction.” “Yeah, that!” Champagne agreed. “Common ground.” Candy said. “See, you two are already a couple in the making.” “No,” the two said in unison. Candy looked back at the two who were now looking at her with disdain. “Give it time,” she muttered to herself. The bell rang and the students all over the cafeteria began to move in unison, eager not to be late in class. “Right,” Champagne said, standing up. “Back to darn mathematics. I swear, I’ll never get it.” “I could tutor you,” Book Worm said as he stood up. “What kind of problems are you having?” “Oh yeah, you can teach me!” Champagne walked next to Book Worm. “Candy, you coming?” “I’ll just finish up here,” Candy said, tapping on her phone. “Suit yourself,” Book Worm said as he walked beside Champagne who complained about her failing grades. Candy watched the two from her seat as they walked further from her. She saw them laughing whatever it was they were talking about. From that distance, she took a photo of the two smiling together. Looking at the photo, she smiled to herself. “Give it some time.” Cue the ending music. > Friendship Games > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In front of Canterlot High. Book Worm sat beside Candy who was tapping on her smartphone as usual. The two sat on a bench across the road from the school. Book Worm watched Sunset and her friends hanging out in front of the horse statue. They even laid out a picnic cloth. “Hey, how come we never hang out like that?” Book Worm asked without looking away from Sunset and her friends. “Hang out like what?” Candy looked up from her phone then back to it. “Because there’s just three of us and laying out picnic cloth and just laying around isn’t really a good time for three people.” “I don’t get it,” Book Worm said. “How come we never get together with more people or something? I mean look at them!” Book Worm gestured to them. “They’re really diverse set of people. Rarity a fashionista, Rainbow Dash’s a jock, Pinkie Pie is uh… Well, something. Fluttershy’s a conservatist and Applejack’s just straight up a country girl!” “What are you saying? You want more friends?” Candy tapped on her smartphone. “I don’t know.” Book Worm shrugged. “Maybe I thought we could’ve had more people to talk to instead of just the three of us.” “We’re plenty diverse, don’t worry,” Candy reassured as she tapped on her phone. “I don’t think three people can be that diverse.” Book Worm turned his head to look at Candy. “You’re a nerd, Champ’s a bi weirdo, and I’m a fashionista.” Book Worm just stared at Candy. “What?” Candy asked, looking at Book Worm only by turning her eyes. “How come you don't hang out with the fashionistas?” Book Worm wondered. “Because fashion, Book Worm.” Candy went back to her smartphone, tapping. “Wait what?” “Book Worm,” Candy said without looking away from her smartphone. “When you're a fashionista, talking with other fashionistas means you share fashion ideas.” “And how is that a problem?” “I don't want to share mine.” Candy lowered her phone and faced Book Worm. “Once you share your ideas, it's no longer original. It becomes public domain; anyone can pick it up.” “Isn't that the point of fashion? Giving ideas on clothing, what looks good and what's not?” Candy stopped tapping and turned her head to look at Book Worm with a bored face. “You haven't seen a fashion show, haven't you?” “No?” “When you see one, tell me your definition of fashion again,”  Candy smiled and went back to her smartphone. “Okay?” Book Worm said slowly, looking at Candy with uncertainty. Candy returned to her smartphone while Book Worm looked back at the girls across the street. “Hey guys!” Champagne called out as she moved towards them with her skateboard and stopped next to them. “Sorry ‘bout that, detention’s a bother.” “Why the hell are you in detention?” Book Worm hissed. “Look what she's riding, Book Worm,” Candy hinted. “You skated inside the school?” Book Worm looked at Champagne with a skeptic look. “Well, it’s a long story. Anyways!” Champagne sat in between Book Worm and Candy. “Yesterday! Friendship Games.” “What about it?” Book Worm wondered. “Seriously? We're not gonna talk about all the crazy things that just happened?” Champagne looked at Book Worm and Candy incredulously. “It's not like I can,” Candy said, tapping on her smartphone. “No. Don't tell me you missed the Friendship Games too?” Champagne complained. “Eeyup.” “Oh come on!” Champagne roared, raising her hands and waving them furiously. “How many times are you gonna miss world-crushing events?!” Candy just shrugged. “It's not like people aren't uploading videos of it online,” Candy said. “Can you believe this girl?” Champagne asked Book Worm. “After the Battle of the Bands? Yeah.” “Unbelievable.” Champagne folded her arms, puffing her cheeks. Champagne then noticed Sunset Shimmer and her friends across the street. “Oh hey, Twilight’s there!” Champagne then poked Book Worm with her elbow. “Makes the scenery better, eh B.W.?” “Yeah.” Book Worm droned. “Whoa, you actually agreed with me.” Champagne’s eyes widened. “I know you're gonna make fun of me liking Twilight, so I might as well.” “Ah, now you're keeping up.” “Keeping up with what?” “With me, duh.” Champagne smiled and lightly punched Book Worm’s shoulder. “Sure.” Book Worm smiled back and rubbed his shoulder. “So Twilight was actually from here? Was everything she said from the Fall Formal just her crazy talk?” Champagne observed the group across the street. “I guess? She seems different from what we saw during the Battle of the Bands.” Book Worm said as he looked back at the group across the street. “That’s not the Twilight from the Battle of the Bands.” Candy blurted out. “What?” The other two said in unison, looking at Candy incredulously. “Can’t you tell?” Candy asked, still not looking back at them. “How can you tell?” Book Worm asked. “Look at her,” Candy said. “Her hair on her sides is curly and she always kept her hair in a bun.” “Which is a good look on her,” Book Worm commented, to which Champagne rolled her eyes at. “Her school uniform’s also another indicator,” Candy continued. “Back then, Twilight also wore something that looked like a school uniform, but for her to appear now with an actual uniform? You’ll be saying that she cuts classes, but that’s not how she is. The Twilight we’re seeing now is probably from our dimension while the Rainbow Beam Princess is from the other dimension we heard about. I would tell you my thoughts on her uniform, but that’s for another time.” The other two looked at Twilight across the street. Indeed, they noticed the points Candy said. “I’m not sure if you’re a student here or a detective undercover.” Champagne raised an eyebrow. “Pretty sure we have one of those at Canterlot High,” Candy said as she tapped on her smartphone. “Is that a joke or a real conspiracy inside our school?” Book Worm wondered, scratching the back of his head. “I think it’s real.” Candy answered. “Geez, you two are being weird today!” Champagne giggled. “Book Worm keeping up and Candy talking about a conspiracy!” “Maybe I got infected by your conspiracy virus,” Candy joked, smiling. “Go Wondercolts!” Champagne cheered. “The only magical school team! And probably has the weirdest students ever!” “That means you think of us as weird.” Book Worm countered. “Duh.” Champagne rolled her eyes. “If we’re weird, I think the Shadowbolts got problems. Like serious ones.” Book Worm pointed. “Competitive to the point of losing is a not a possibility for them. To think think their principal asked us to forfeit.” “Why must the hot ones be crazy?” Champagne complained. “I mean, the Shadowbolts were total hotties! Sugarcoat, Lemon Zest, Sour Sweet, Sunny Flare; total works of art!” “I guess?” Book Worm tried which was who. “I think you can count Twilight as a Shadowbolt too. Former. Wait, how did you even remember their names?” “I remember all of the hotties I’ve seen,” Champagne bragged, puffing her chest. “It’s quite useful remembering when I’m ranking them.” “You rank them?” Candy raised an eyebrow. “Eeyup. Wanna know who's number one?” “Not really,” Candy replied. “Okay!” Champagne began counting with her fingers. “Sunset Shimmer is currently number one. I mean look at her! Also she’s really nice and actually sings like an angel. Did I mention she also drives motorcycles? Not to mention, she dresses amazingly.” “I can agree to that,” Candy nodded. “Does that mean everyone at school is on the list?” “Well, yeah. Everyone’s in the list, even Principal Celestia.” “What.” Book Worm blurted out. “Tall women are hot too,” Champagne nodded. “Though Principal Celestia has a higher rank than Vice Principal.” “I can’t imagine them in the top ten though,” Candy commented. “They’re in top thirty, at least.” “Where do the Shadowbolts come in, then?” Book Worm wondered. “Top twenty.” “Huh.” “But if we’re gonna pick who’s number one among Shadowbolts, it’s Sugarcoat.” Champagne rubbed her chin with her thumb. “I do like her unique ponytail,” Candy commented. “It’s quite baffling how she gets that done.” “Change topic.” Book Worm rubbed his temples. “We’re really just gonna talk about Champagne’s preference and how she ranks them?” “Like we have anything else interesting to talk about,” Champagne said. “Um, I don’t know; the actual Friendship Games?” “Oh yeah.” “Twilight really stole the show, huh,” Candy said, still tapping on her smartphone. “Don’t tell me; ‘she looked hot’.” Book Worm quipped at Champagne. “She looked—” Champagne said then made a sour face. “Yeah. But hey, she does! Her outfit looks amazing and her wings; oh my god, she has wings! I kinda wished I touched her wings. They looked different from the Princess Twilight.” “Yep, still thinking about that while the world could’ve merged with another.” Book Worm sighed. “I mean, hey, they turned the whole field at the back of the school into motocross track with skating tracks and even archery gallery but what really caught your attention was Twilight’s demonic rampage!” “Speaking of other worlds,” Champagne rubbed her chin with her thumb. “I think I saw a pony in one of the portals Twilight made.” “A pony?” Candy repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah! It was this cute pony with a cowboy hat!” Champagne said excitedly. “It was so cute! It even had a blonde mane and tail!” “They’re called stetson hats,” Book Worm corrected. “I had the strangest feeling that I have seen that pony somewhere before though.” “Wouldn’t it be funny if that pony thought like ‘Look at that weird human’?” Candy joked then stopped tapping and placed her smartphone on her purse. “Why do buses take so long to arrive?” Candy complained as she looked at Sunset and her friends. “Beats me,” Book Worm replied. Not long after, a person emerged from the base of the statue Sunset and her friends were at. It was Twilight, making there two Twilights at the same time. As Candy said, the Twilight from the statue wore the same outfit from the Battle of the Bands and before Fall Formal. “Did you guys just see that?” Book Worm muttered as his mouth hangs open. “Eeyup,” Champagne confirmed, also her mouth hanging open. “I knew it,” Candy smiled crossing her arms. “Oh, the Twilight from here wears glasses. How could I have forgotten that?” Cue the ending music. > Legend of Everfree > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was an orange sunset, and everyone from Canterlot High were all excited to get home as they rode the school bus enroute back to Canterlot City. Students, wearing matching shirts for camp, were buzzing with what happened at the camp which was, of course, more magic. Three students sat at the very back of the bus on the left side. Book Worm sat beside Champagne who was next to the window while Candy sat in the seat in front of them and was beside Bulk Biceps. Book Worm and Champagne slept but then the bus went over a bump, causing everyone in the bus to gasp and groan at the same time. “Are you alright?” Principal Celestia asked everyone as she turned around from her seat. “What the hell?” Champagne groaned as she yawned. “I was having a great dream.” “What?” Book Worm rubbed his eyes. “We there already?” “No, you moron. We’re still miles away from Canterlot.” “Okay,” Book Worm said as he positioned himself to sleep again. “Wake me when we do.” “You’re gonna sleep again?” “No, I’m gonna sit still and stare at the passing trees,” Book Worm droned as he slipped on his eye mask. “Of course I’m gonna sleep.” “Don't!” Champagne shook Book Worm. “Don't leave me alone awake!” “Go to sleep then,” Book Worm complained. “I can't.” Champagne frowned. “I have hard time getting back to sleep after waking up.” “I don't.” Book Worm laid back on his seat. Champagne pulled Book Worm’s eye mask far and let go. “Ah!” Book Worm winced in pain as the eye mask slapped his face, making a loud sound. “What’s your problem?!” “I don’t wanna get bored! Don’t leave me awake alone!” Book Worm glared at Champagne’s pleading face and let out a sigh. “Fine,” Book Worm said as he rubbed his face where it got hit. “What do you want to do?” “I don’t know; you got any cards?” “It’s in my bag. Which is stored above me.” “Well, go get it.” “I’m not in the mood to stand up, Champ.” “Ei! I see what you did there!” Champagne snapped her fingers and pointed at Book Worm. “Did what?” “Stand up? You know your di—” “Okay, I’m gonna stop you right there.” Book Worm pressed his finger on Champagne’s lips. “You’re no fun.” Champagne pushed his hand away. “Fair point, so let me sleep.” Book Worm turned his back, only to be pulled back by Champagne. “Come on, don’t leave me to my thoughts!” Champagne complained. “Your thoughts full of hotties and angels?” “That’s just one side of the coin. I can get really depressed if I think to myself for too long.” “Like me and everyone else,” Book Worm droned. “So let me sleep.” “And leave me to go depressed?” “Okay fine,” Book Worm sat straight and took off his eye mask. “What do I have to do to please you?” “I thought you’re done with sex jokes?” “What?” “Never mind. You know, let’s just talk. Like Candy in front of us.” “Who is she—” Book Worm saw Candy talking lively with Bulk Biceps in front of them. “Wow, they’re really chatting it up there, huh.” “Yeah. Who would’ve thought she’d get along with Bulk.” Champagne placed her thumb on her chin. “Reality is stranger than fiction, as they say.” “Who said that?” “I don’t know, it’s just a memorable phrase.” “You know what else is memorable?” Champagne’s eye were filled with excitement. “The goddamned camp?” “Geez, do you hate that camp or something?” “Well, mosquitos are everywhere, physical labors are considered activities, we almost got trapped in the goddamned camp for all eternity because of one camp director.” Book Worm gestured with his hands. “And do you want to know what’s the worst?” “What?” “There’s no WiFi,” Book Worm said with a serious face. After a second of Champagne staring at Book Worm’s face with an incredulous look, Champagne facepalmed. “Wow, you really need to get out more.” “I already do that when I go to school.” Book Worm laid back on his seat. “Geez. You should hang out with me on the weekends. You’re missing a lot just by staying at home.” “I probably don’t miss anything. What do you even do on the weekends?” “Shopping?” Champagne said with an unsure tone. “I don’t have the cash to keep shopping every weekend.” “I don’t shop every weekend!” Champagne retorted. “It’s one of the things I do.” “Right.” “What do you do in your weekends?” Champagne wondered. “Watch my shows, assemble my model kits, post on forums about it, read my books. You know, lots of stuff.” “That just reeked of geek.” Champagne raised an eyebrow. “You asked.” “Fine. You know what, you need more variety in your spare time.” “I’m plenty fine with my hobbies, thank you.” “This weekend, we’re gonna hang. Expect a knock.” “If you insist.” Book Worm folded his arms. Champagne stared out of the window. “Still, that was some camping.” “No kidding.” Book Worm drew out his phone from his pocket. “It’s like every Canterlot High event is a flag for a she-demon transformation.” “Still, Gloriosa Daisy looked hot.” “You’re never gonna stop looking at demons like that, won’t you?” Book Worm lowered his phone. “No.” Champagne said without looking away from the window. “Kinda disappointed she didn’t grew out wings. I guess she’s more like nature themed?” “We’re camping in a forest, what else did you expect?” “Eh. Which reminds me.” Champagne turned to Book Worm. “I got Diamond Tent back then and I got Candy as roomie. Where were you assigned?” “Jade. And Flash Sentry was my roomie.” Book Worm tapped onto his phone. “Whoa. Getting in the same room as your rival.” Champagne turned to Book Worm. “Rival?” Book Worm lowered his phone. “I thought you both have the hots for Twilight?” “Hey, I don’t think of anyone as a rival. Besides, he’s not a bad guy. In fact, I kinda feel sorry for him.” “What, why?” Champagne wondered, raising her eyebrow. “Well, you know he got close to Princess Twilight, right? Now he keeps seeing our dimension’s Twilight and she doesn’t know him. He still feels something whenever he sees her.” “Ouch,” Champagne winced. “I can’t imagine how that feels.” “”Yeah. I mean, we talked a bit then he opened up to me. He didn’t even want to tell his bandmates. Then this Timber Spruce guy came around and that made him feel worse. I didn’t even know what to say to what he was going through.” “Hey, what matters is that you listened.” Champagne smiled. “That goes a long way more than anything you could’ve said to comfort him.” “Fair point.” Book Worm returned her smile. “Not to mention, Twilight’s really into that dude from camp. Whatever his name was.” Champagne shrugged. “Speaking of Twilight, kinda jealous they get to have superpowers now.” “What really shocked me when I saw Applejack lift a huge lumber by herself.” “Rainbow Dash has superspeed,” Champagne began counting with her fingers. “Twilight has telekinesis, Pinkie Pie has… uh… make things explode?” “I don’t even know how useful that can be.” “Don’t you watch X-Men? Jubilee has the same power.” “Who?” Book Worm pocketed his phone. “I guess you don’t.” “I don’t know who that is, but I think Pinkie’s power is more like Killer Queen’s ability.” “Killer… Queen? Isn’t that the band?” “You know. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.” “Oh. I’ve been meaning to watch that. It’s that show full of gay men, right?” “I am going to ignore what you just said so I can stop myself from hurting you.” “Easy there, B.W.; I’m not into B.D.S.M.” Book Worm glared at Champagne again. “Geez, calm down, I’m just kidding!” Champagne grinned. “Could we just not do sex jokes? It’s awkward when it’s a boy and a girl telling each other.” “You’re just too sensitive.” “I beg to disagree.” “You can disagree all you want; facts don’t change.” Champagne punched Book Worm’s shoulder lightly. “Still, at least we got to finish the docks fast with their superpowers. Again.” “How many times did we build that damn dock?” Book Worm rubbed his forehead. “I never thought of actually breaking and building and breaking and then building a gift.” “Thanks for magic, eh?.” “Wait.” Book Worm thought out loud. “What was Sunset’s powers? She transformed with them, right?” “Uh...” “Hey guys,” a voice interrupted in front of Book Worm and Champagne. The two looked and saw Candy facing them as she knelt on her seat. “What are you guys talking about?” Candy wondered. “Oh hey, Candy,” Champagne greeted. “I thought you were chatting it up with Bulk?” “He’s tired so I’m letting him sleep.” “Wow, I could use some sleep,” Book Worm said sarcastically. “If only someone could let me do that.” “What were you guys talking about?” Champagne asked, ignoring Book Worm’s sarcasm. “You guys seemed to be really into it.” “Just whatever. We always talk when we meet.” “You… always do?” Champagne asked slowly. “He’s a sweet guy. And we go to the same gym on weekends.” “You go to the gym?” Book Worm repeated. “Gotta keep a good figure, you know.” The two looked at Candy with much disbelief. “What?” Candy looked at her friends, puzzled. “Nothing.” Book Worm waved his hand. “So what exactly do you do in the gym? Lift weights?” “Please,” Champagne interrupted. “It’s gotta be stationary bikes and treadmills for Candy.” “Actually, I do those, but I mainly do it for my boxing lessons.” Again the two looked at Candy with much disbelief. “I’ve been meaning to learn something else, but I’m really stuck with boxing. I can’t find teachers for other martial arts.” “So you mean to say… is that you can hand our asses to us?” Champagne wondered with furrowed eyebrows. “What? Of course not.” Candy grimaced. “I don’t beat up people for the sake of it.” “I mean, if we ever get into a fight.” “Oh yeah.” Candy smiled. “I can probably knock you out.” “Even Book Worm?” Champagne pointed to the said guy. “He’s a nerd. Few shots and he’s down.” “Hey, I resent that.” Book Worm snapped at the conversation. “Can you prove otherwise?” Candy grinned at Book Worm. “With your hands tied, sure.” “I trained my legs too, so I won’t be sure that you want to take my kicks.” “Okay, I give up.” Book Worm raised his hands, surrendering. “You call yourself a man, B.W.?” Champagne punched Book Worm lightly in the shoulder. “Hey, Candy is a boxer and I’m just a man who doesn’t know jack about self defense.” “You know Candy, you just leveled up in my hottie rankings.” Champagne pointed out. “Strong girls are hot.” “Glad to know that. How high am I in the rankings, anyway?” “Hey, if I tell you, you’ll just brag it around.” “Maybe,” Candy giggled then rubbed Champagne’s head. “Hottie or not, I’m still your friend, Champ. You too, B.W..” “You’re gonna start calling me that too?” Book Worm raised an eyebrow then let out a sigh. “I give up. You two can call me that. Only you two though.” “Sure thing, B.W.,” Candy smiled. The bus stopped moving, causing everyone in the bus to look outside. They had stopped at a gas station. “Alright, students,” Principal Celestia called. “First stop over. Those who need bathroom breaks, do it now since we won’t be seeing another stop for a while. If you’re buying food, be sure to keep your trash and not leave it in the bus.” Champagne and Book Worm went out of the bus for a bathroom break and snacks. Candy stayed behind and sat on her seat, tapping on her smartphone. “Are you sure they aren’t dating?” Bulk Biceps asked Candy as he knitted another potholder. “Just be patient, Bulk,” Candy reassured, smiling as she tapped on her phone. “Love is like a flower; when it blossoms, it’s quite a sight.” Cue the ending music. > Equestria Girls; Encounter with Sunset > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Book Worm sat in the library alone for some reading of his newly bought Daring Do book. While he could’ve gone home and read there, the library simply was a divine sanctuary for the said hobby. There was something about the place that made him stay a lot. If allowed, he would even sleep in there! But who would do such a thing? Book Worm dismissed the ridiculous idea and returned to his wonderful reading. The action from the pages gripped his mental focus from anything else. Now how is Daring Do gonna get through this one? Book Worm then felt a tap on his shoulder, to which he ignored and kept reading. He felt another tap. “Not now.” Another tap. Is the library already closing? Book Worm checked his phone on the table in front of him and saw it still was early. Guess not. Then another tap. “Okay, what the hell do you want?” Book Worm laid down his book onto the table, careful not to damage his copy. He then turned around and saw Sunset Shimmer smiling awkwardly. “Oh.” “Hey,” Sunset awkwardly greeted, scratching her head. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Book Worm glared at Sunset. “Okay, I guess I am,” Sunset said, raising her hands defensively. “I’m just gonna go then.” “Well, you can’t just disturb me and get away with it,” Book Worm retorted. “What do you want?” “Um,” Sunset’s eyes darted away from eye contact. “Look, you know how I used to bully everyone?” “‘Bully’ is an understatement, but do go on.” “Well, Twilight’s friends are trying to get me on the right track.” Sunset scratched the back of her head. “They said the first step to connect with everyone here is to apologize.” “Okay?” Book Worm raised an eyebrow. “And I’m here to apologize. To the things I did to you.” Sunset then looked at Book Worm with much sincerity. “Okay, what exactly are you apologizing for?” “What?” Sunset eyes widened. “What are you apologizing for?” Book Worm rested his elbow on the table. “There’s quite a lot of things you did to me.” “I-I can’t exactly name them all!” Sunset stammered. “Then what’s the point of apologies if you can’t remember what you’re apologizing for?” “I probably called you a nerd, right?” “That’s a start, but only a small one.” “Do you really want to remember all the times I was mean to you?!” Sunset said with a look of disbelief. “No, but if I say I forgive you, which I don’t, then I would be saying everything’s water under the bridge, and I mean everything terrible. And there’s quite a lot to forgive.” “Ugh! Why is this so hard?!” Sunset scratched her head rapidly. “I don’t know.” Book Worm sighed. “I’m guessing other people already forgave you.” “Actually… no.” Sunset looked away, holding her left arm. “No?” “Whenever I approach people, they just run away or tell me to go away.” “Oh.” “You’re the only one I’ve actually talked to.” Sunset looked down. Book Worm looked at the crestfallen Sunset. He rubbed his temples for a few seconds then looked at Sunset again. “Take a seat.” Book Worm gestured then sighed again, to which Sunset obliged as she sat across him. “I don’t know if you’re doing this for the sake of Twilight’s approval or you’re genuinely sorry but I can’t forgive you what you’ve done to me and my friends.” “Why not?” Sunset looked at Book Worm in disbelief. “If you don’t remember what things you’ve done to me, then it must’ve been nothing to you. And now you’re crumbling in guilt that you’ve done horrible things to everyone at this very school. Things you didn't even bother to remember. Now you’re trying to alleviate your burden by saying sorry but you don’t even know why.” “I still don’t get your point.” Sunset raised an eyebrow. “My point is that you can’t say sorry to a person without knowing why.” “Why didn’t you just say that?” “I don’t know. ” Sunset looked at Book Worm incredulously. “So you’re saying I can’t just go around saying I’m sorry without knowing why?” Sunset folded her arms. “Eeyup.” “Then how are people gonna know I've changed?!” Sunset yelled, raising her arms. “They don’t.” “What?!” “They don’t.” Book Worm rested his chin on his hand as he laid his elbow on the table. “Look, if you really want change, then you have to do something else than just apologizing.” “Isn’t apologizing doing something?” Book Worm raised an eyebrow at her statement. “Right. Have to know basis with apologizing.” “You really don’t remember what you did to me, don’t you?” Book Worm leered. “No…?” “Wow,” Book Worm said sarcastically. “Hey, there are dozens of students in this school and I can’t remember everything I’ve done to them, okay?!” “Which is probably for the best because if you did remember that, that’ll be really depressing for you.” “Huh. I guess you’re right.” Sunset agreed. “But I still want to apologize for what I did!” “Well you won’t get it from me,” Book Worm stated. “Why?” “How many times do I have to tell you?” “Can’t you just tell me what I did to you?” “You don’t want to know.” “Are you really that petty? Just tell me already!” Sunset slammed her hands onto the table. “Hey, I said I can’t forgive you. But that doesn’t mean I’m not giving you a second chance.” “Huh?” Sunset tilted her head. “You’ve done horrendous things, not just to me but to almost everyone in this school. I don’t think I have it in me to say it’s all fine because it’s not. Sure, that might sound petty to you, but you don’t get to decide if you’re forgiven or not. So no, I hate what you’ve done to me and to everyone else. And yet here I am, still talking to you because obviously you’re different from the girl who shoves kids into lockers that you were. You wanna know why I’m talking to you? Because I’m giving you a chance.” Sunset stared at Book Worm in disbelief for a second then shook her head. “Wow, that’s quite mature of you.” “I’m just making a fair point.” “Huh. You know what, you’re right. I can apologize all I want but that won’t get me the second chance you’re giving me. I have to earn it. If I can show them that I’ve changed, then I’ll be better off.” Sunset then let out a breath of relief. “Thanks for telling me that.” “Sure, I guess.” “I’d even say you made my day better.” Sunset smiled. “Now that’s something I don’t do everyday.” Book Worm returned the gesture. “I’ll remember what you told me.” Sunset stood up from her seat. “I’m gonna go now. This has been pleasant, uh...” “Book Worm. It’s Book Worm.” “Thanks a lot, Book.” And with that, Sunset hurriedly walked away then turned around. “You’re a pretty cool guy, you know that?!” After that, Book Worm was alone at last. And now back to my book. Book Worm opened his book to where he was. As he started to read the sentence, the lights in the library dimmed, signifying the library closing down. . “Are you serious?” Cue the ending music.