> Being Brave Part III
>  by artman7391
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Capricore and the Apple Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capricore (or Cory, as he liked to be called), was recently adopted by two of the most amazing families in all of Equestria, the Apple family and the Twilight family. Because of this, he found a new home, a new talent, and a new life. In spite of his sad past, Capricore was now the happiest boy in any world. And why not? His new mother (and teacher), Twilight Sparkle, was a princess, and his big sister, Applejack owned a prosperous farm. 

As a token of his gratitude, he became an efficient student for Twilight, and a hard working tender at Sweet Apple Acres. Though he once struggled with his basic, and athletic skills, he now excelled with the greatest of ease, thanks to his newfound quadrupedal friends and family. He loved them, and they loved him. 

Even more so, his recognition as an artist became known far and wide in Equestria. You would have to be living under a rock to not know the art of ever talented Capricore. His paintings, sculptures and other crafts sprouted from either used or thrown away item to which he transformed them into something extraordinary. Each one of them selling from 500 to 10000 bits, taking on the forms of murals, statues, mosaics, jewelry, portraits and other high forms of art. 

His dedication to improvement even won the hearts of three young fillies, whom appointed him as their honorary scout master. Here he tagged along one some of their Cutie Mark adventures, striving to figure out who they were, just as much as he did awhile back. Though they always ended up with blank flanks on their rumps, the adventure was still thoroughly entertaining. And with him on their side, it was all the more enjoyable. 

Now today was to be a special occasion for the Apple Family, and a first time experience for Cory. He woke up to the fresh sound of a rooster and the welcoming sight the rays. It was this morning he was residing at Sweet Apple Acres, as he did every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Surrounding his bedroom were different unfinished and/or in progress works of art. As Cory got out of his bed, he took a moment to look at a list attached to his dresser, calculating which of these works were on hold, and which creations were near completion. 

"Mornin Cory!" Said Applejack as she trotted into his room/studio. "Ready to learn some more family history?" 

"More than ever big sister." Replied Cory as he rubbed his eyes. 

"Alright then. Wash up and get dressed. Cause today, you're gonna learn the ups and down's of the zap apple jam extroadinare!" 

Then, with the click of her heels, she trotted back downstairs. 

After  brushing his teeth, fixing himself to some strawberries and toast, and checking himself one last time in the mirror, Cory headed to the living room. There he saw Big Mac, Aj and the Cutie Mark Crusaders gathering around Granny Smith, as if ready to hear a story. She was sitting in her easy chair with a large album in her hooves. 

"Howdy Cory." Said Applebloom. "You're just in time to hear Granny Smith's story." 

Cory plopped down and sat next between her and Big Mac as Granny Smith had her eyes fixed attentively on the album. 

"Will I enjoy this?" Cory asked with a puzzled.

"Just you wait." Said Applejack "If there's one think Granny Smith is good at, it's tellin some good old family tales." 

Granny Smith skimmed through the pages while a look of affection and memory grew on her face. Then, she showed them the album and began her story. 

"When I was a young'n, bout yer age, I was still pretty unsure what world lied ahead o me. My folks and I were just a few travelin Ponyfolk lookin fer a place to call home." 

She presented to them an old, sepia toned picture of what looked like her at young age surrounded by other family members. 

"See, when we first settled in and established town now known as Ponyville, we weren't really sure what kinda export trade we'd be doin. Though we was already skilled in the art of apple harvestin, we still wanted to stand out fer somethin different. We tried horseshoes, carriages, furniture, paint, even a new type o glue that didn't really catch on." 

She turned the page and showed them a few pics of her family with a few failed products. Everypony in the circle laughed, Cory included. 

"Now kids. Y'all know better than to laugh at old ponyfolk." Granny Smith said sternly, to which everyone stopped. "Besides, we were already runnin low on sustenance. But I do admit, some o them failed attempts were funny." Then she turned the pages and continued her story. 

"One evenin while my ma and pa were slumberin on some other wacky - tacky experiment, I decided to sneak out and take a little self tour of the everfree forest. Now I knew that forest was no place fer a young filly like myself to wander in on her own. But I also knew we was running low on food and o course a good hearty meal doesn't just grow overnight." 

She showed the circle a picture of her family trying to eat what looked like small morsels of bean and oats. 

"I also knew critters were brewin in that forest, so there must've been somethin to eat. But I won't lie, it was pretty scary. Every nook and nook and cranny was filled with unidentified vines and vegetation." 

"Just as I was about to turn my tail in the other direction, low and behold, I found myself starin in awe at one of the most beautiful apple trees I ever lay eyes on. I had never seen anything with such vicar, color, and taste." 

She then presented to Cory a picture of what looked a apple painted with all the colors of the rainbow. Never before had he seen something so beautiful, and at the same time, mouth watering. By now, Cory was truly engaged 

"But ya see, danger was brewin in the thick of these foreign woods." Granny Smith Continued  "Cause as I was picking the last of these zap apples, I stared fact to face with a trio of genuine TIMBERWOLVES!!"

She then showed what looked like a drawing of what looked like a large wolf like creature made out of sticks and leaves. 

"This is by favorite part." Applebloom whispered into Cory's ear. 

"I had never run so fast in all my life. Knowin those terrifying critters would jeopardize our clan, I did the only think I could think of. I banged on the kettle with a nearby pan till my teeth grew sore, waking up my folks and shooing away them beasts. It was that following morning we planted them zap apple seeds and before we knew it, we had full grown trees before you could say lickity split."

She then showed a before and after image of what looked some of the most before species of tree life Cory had ever seen. They looked as though lightning was being passed from one branch to the next, as if Tesla had somehow found a source of electric current through photosynthesis. 

"Whoa." He said to himself. 

"Ever since then, I have been put in charge with makin sure the zap apple harvesting season's in tip top shape. Such as how the weather affects the Everfree Forest, or how the Timberwolves howl when the zap apples first start growin, and how they zapped away if ya didn't pick em all in one day. And the fruits of our labor was the best we've ever tasted.  As the years, went on, we started to develop all sorts of Apples, and teach others the trade as well, from Manehattan all the way to Canterlot itself. Soon I was mixin up my own recipe of zap apple jam." 

Then she closed the book as everypony turned towards Cory. 

"Now Capricore." Said Granny Smith "Since you're the newest member of the Apple family. We think it would be best for you to learn the trade." 

"This is gonna be so much fun." Squeaked Sweetie Belle. 

Before he knew it, he was escorted outside to the middle of the orchard. There he found himself surrounded by the exact trees he saw in the picture. 

"Hey girls." Said Applebloom as she, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo huddled in a circle. "This might be our chance to get cutie marks in teaching how to bake." 

"Yeah, especially if it's our scout master." Scotaloo added. "It's a golden opportunity for us." 

The three giggled and gave each other a high hoof as focused their attention back to Cory.

"Now before ya begin." Said Applebloom "We're gonna show ya a demonstration of just how to make zap apple jam just right."

"Huh?" Cory replied

"Ya see Capricore." added Granny Smith "Just like harvestin apples has it's special rules, so does makin zap apple jams." 

"So we're gonna start ya off with checking a simple beehive." Said Applejack as she carted one in. "Your job is to make sure the bees are satisfied with the flowers you give em, so the honey tastes just right when mixing....

"Wait..." Interrupted Cory "Did you just say bees." 

"Don't worry." Said Sweetie Belle "You'll be in a beekeeper suit during the process."  

"Let me just show ya how it's done." Said Granny Smith, to which she put on a beekeeper suit and took out a bouquet of flowers from a satchel nearby.  She calmly presented it to the hive after which several bees came out and started suckling out some pollen. Then as quickly as they came out, they buzzed back in. 

"Now lets see you try." Said AJ

The Cutie Mark Cruaders presented him with one that fitted him just right. As he put on the white suit, slipped his gloves on and fastened his helmet, he delicately picked up a bouquet of flowers and carefully walked towards the hive. 

"Were right behind ya." reassured AJ, to which Cory replied a weary, unsure smile. 

Then, with a shakey hand and a gulp down his throat, he lunged the bouquet towards the comb, waiting for anything to come out. After a few intense moments, a few bees started to emerge, to which they landed on the tops of the flowers, gathered a few tufts of pollen and buzzed back inside the comb. 

"Nice work there grandson." Granny Smith acknowledged "Ya got em to trust ya."

Cory took a sigh of relief as he took off his bee suit. 

"The next step," She continued, "Is to make sure them jars are in tip top shape." 

The family then escorted Cory to the kitchen to which a carefully set row of jars was ready for him. At the edge of the table was what looked like a soldiers hat, much to Cory's confusion. 

"These here jars need some full on talkin to," Explained AJ  "otherwise yer not sure whether they can hold a zap apple jam or not."

"But ya gotta think about who or what makes a steamed." Applebloom added "That way, you can put all your anger on the jar." 

"Like this." Granny Smith continued as she put on an army helmet. 

"ALRIGHT YOU LOW BLASTED BULLYIN VARMINTS!!' She shouted in one of the jars. " IF ONE O YOU SO MUCH LAYS ANOTHER HOOF, CLAW, OR PAW ON MY NEW GRANDSON CAPRICORE HERE, I'LL GIVE YA THE ALRIGHT WHAT FOR!!" 

And just as fast as she blew steam, she took a deep breath and took her helmet off. 

"I think I know who you were referring to." Said Cory 

"Yup." Said AJ "As I've said before. Anyone o those bullies mess with you again, they mess with the whole apple clan." 

"Alright." Cory Replied as he put on his helmet. "Here we go." 

Cory just stared at the empty glass jars. What was there to mad about them?

"Just think about whatever gets you angry and let it all out on them." Said Sweetie Belle. 

Where was he to begin on that subject? So many things in his life filled him with anger. His parents, his orphanage, his peers, his school, and above all, his old principal. It was now a time for him to get some of that hurt out of his system. So he thought of the first words that came out of his mouth. 

"LISTEN UP STIFFSON!!" He started to shout. "I KNOW I WASN'T YOUR PERFECT STUDENT. I KNOW YOU BELIEVED IN EVERYBODY BEING PERFECT AS WELL! BUT THAT'S JUST NOT HOW THE WORLD WORKS! IT JUST ISN'T! ALL THE GREATEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD GOT TO WHERE THEY ARE NOW THROUGH TRIAL AND ERROR!! NO ONE GETS IT RIGHT ON THE FIRST TRY!!! SO IF DON'T STOP POORLY TREATING THOSE WHO AREN'T AS FAST AT LEARNING AS OTHERS, SUCH AS MYSELF....I'M GOING TO CALL THE POLICE ON YOU, AND YOU'LL BE SORRY!!

Cory took a deep breath, as he took off his helmet, much to everypony else's bewilderment. At this time, Granny Smith walked over with a ladle in her hoof and tapped on one of the jars. a quiet ding and a small vibration followed as she pressed her ear against the glass. 

"Was that too much?" Cory asked.  

"Na. Ya got em listening." Granny Smith replied. 

Cory took a sigh of relief as he and everypony else moved on the next tasks. These included such bizarre deeds as painting the living with polka dots, clanging pots and pans in the middle of the orchard and dressing up as a bunny while reciting the alphabet. He began to wonder whether this was a cooking procedure, or some pagan ritual. But all the same, it was entertaining for him.
By late afternoon, Friday of that same week, the rather unconventional tasks were completed. The Apple Family had found themselves setting up a few stands to trade and sell the freshly cooked jam. 

"Capricore?" Said Applejack. 

"Yeah?" Cory replied. 

"How bout ya go over and help the Cutie Mark Crusaders over there. I think they're having a little trouble setting up their stand." 

"Sure thing sis." 

He walked over to his right and noticed how how Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were struggling to keep their wooden structure up. 

"Need some help?" he hollered. 

"As always big brother." Applebloom replied "After all, you are our scout master." 

Cory graciously joined in on their struggle as he picked up a hammer and some nails, and started to pound away. When they finished on that step, he picked up a nearby paint brush as he let his art juices kick in. With every ease, every stroke and every glide on the wooden canvas, a graphic title started to take shape. The CMC just stood in awe as he wrote in neat, beautiful letters: CUTIE MARK CRUSADER ZAP APPLE STAND. Soon lines of Ponyville residents flocked the dusty road, ready to taste the first jam of the season. 

While they obviously came for the zap apples, they also gathered around the CMC, asking Capricore for an autograph or two. At first, he felt a little uncomfortable with this newfound celebratory status of his, but decided to play along after a little coaxing from Applebloom, whom was resting on his shoulders like most little sisters. This put him much more at ease as the day of sell and trade drifted on to dusk.
> CAPRICORE and the Twilight Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was mid-morning on the daily commute to Canterlot. The Pegusi had picked a rather pleasant atmosphere for the train to carry on it's typical comings and goings from one town to the next. There were only a few thick clouds in the sky to compliment it's rather incandescent blue. A pegasus or two could be found soaring across the air, making sure the sky itself wasn't too crowded with one too many of their nimbus creations. The sun, as always, showed it's glistening rays on the Equestrian railroads, giving it a golden sheik of decadence. From the look of the motionlessness of the cloud It was clear the forecast would remain the same throughout the day. Yes it would be another regular morning for residents here in Equestria. 

On this particular morning, the 10:00 AM train found itself carrying two rather special passengers. That being Princess Twilight and her new son, Capricore, whom she recently jointly adopted with her best friend Applejack. A compartment on the train was made especially for, complete with decked out decor, a small bookshelf and a color scheme that would suit any form of royalty. But despite it's exclusiveness, Twilight would always allow any filly or colt to walk her section of the train. And why not? She was deemed the Princess of Friendship. It was at this time Capricore could be found gazing out at the passenger window, admiring the romanticized scenery the day had to offer. 

"Well son!" Said a cheerful voice. "I see your'e up and ready." 

"I'm just really eager to spend a day with uncle Shining Armor." Capricore replied "It's really the first time for us to really have some quality time together."

"Then you are in for a treat." Twilight replied. "I mean. You probably are aware that my brother is the captain of the royal guard."

"I just hope he isn't as disciplinary as they say he is." 

"Oh Cory." Twilight chuckled back. "You're his nephew now. I'm very sure he'll be delightful to teach you about his occupation." 

The train hissed to a stop as it reached Canterlot station. As always, a special royal carpet was made for Princess Twilight, complete with guards and trumpets. Up and center approached a rather young but well built Pegasus with a color scheme strangely similar to Capricore's. 

"Announcing the arrival of Princess Twilight and her new son, Capricore!!" It proclaimed with a booming voice. 


Twilight and Cory stepped off the platform with the customary greeting of autograph hounding fillies and gentlecolts, jumping up and down with pictures of them in their mouths. Strangely, there seemed to be more crowding around Cory than Twilight, most of them aspiring to be artists and craftsmen in their own domain. 

"I read all about your works Mr. Capricore." Said one preppy Colt. 

"How do you make em so quickly?" Asked an eager Filly. 

"You're an inspiration to us all." Commented another Colt with art supplies hanging out of it's satchel. 

"Well, thanks." He replied shyly as he grabbed pens out of their mouths and signed his name on the pictures. "Just remember to keep working hard and get the best support you can, kids. Cause any one of you can make a masterpiece of your own." 

After finishing their last signature on their respected head shots, the two of them continued their way to the castle. 

"Sorry for garnering all that attention back there mom." Said Capricore

"Cory honey." Twilight replied. "Remember what we talked about. You should never be ashamed of being liked. As long as you keep a humble and modest attitude, you will always set a good example to those who aspire to be like you." 

Cory nodded with a confident yes and continued trekking across the city with the mother. Of all the places in Canterlot, one was yet for him to explore: Celestia's castle. Though he knew he would not be able to meet her yet, it was still exciting for him to see the ruler's residence. 

As the two arrived at the incandescent gates, he was not disappointed. The color scheme was a bright combination of white purple and gold, enhancing the feel of a Mardi Gras parade float. The spires which adorned each tower were almost out of children's storybook, complete with a flag and mast, blowing against the light, cool wind. Everywhere he looked, guards kept a watchful eye over any suspicious activity or intruders of any kind. Luckily, Twilight and Capricore were honorable guests in their eyes. Thus, they welcomed them with an open hoof. 

In the center of the crowd of guards marched Shining Armor himself, captain of the royal guards, or as Cory now called, uncle. A smile loomed across his face as he took off his helmet and noticed their entrance. 

"Twily" He shouted with enthusiasm as he galloped towards her. 

"Hi big brother. I haven't seen you since the adoption." Replied Twilight. 

"I know right? We should really get together more often." 

"Hi Uncle Shining Armor." Said a shy Cory. 

"Hey! my favorite nephew." Shining Armor replied as he gave Capricore a little noogie. "Ready to learn some first hand ways of the Royal Guard?" 

"Ready when you are uncle." 

"Then c'mon. Lets get ya all geared up for some jousting."

Capricore gulped a little at the sound of this. 

"I'll be back to pick you up later today Ok?" Twilight reminded

"Sure thing mom." Capricore replied.  Then he hopped on Shining Armor's back and rode off to his destination. 

Before he knew it, Capricore found himself dressed in an iron clad body suit with a jousting rod in his hands, balancing on the back of his new uncle. Judging from his appearance,He looked and felt like Matthew Broderick's character in "The Cable Guy," except he wasn't forced to do such a task. Luckily, the ground was covered with mats to cushion his fall. Surrounding the ring  were other members of the royal guard, cheering him on as if about to watch a fight of some sort. Facing him was a rather large, burly looking Unicorn with another jousting rod in his mouth. Cory took another large gulp, hoping he would be gentle on him. 

"Now remember." Said a confidnet Shining Armor. "When you attack, keep your back arched, your head against your left shoulder, and your fore arms up front close together to block any face blows. Understand?' 

"I think so." Capricore replied. 

"Also, as your opponent's about to attack, hold your ground until the last possible moment. That's the best time to dodge. Cause if there's one thing our enemies have always fallen for, it's the element of surprise."

Upon saying this, He noticed his nephew's legs shivering with uncertainty. 

"Don't worry nephew."  Shining Armor reassured. "I've done this about a thousand times." 

"Pretty sure you have." Replied a rather nervous Capricore.  

"Alright. Now just thrust your javelin forward and leave the steering to your uncle Shining Armor." 

And just as he predicted, the opponent and them started to charge toward each other. With fumbling hands, Capricore kept his javelin steady and his eyes forward. 

"Wait for it." Said Shining Armor as they galloped closer. "Wait for it." 

The opponent's javelin was about 2 feet away when Shining Armor shouted "NOW!" And with those words, Capricore and him dodged to their right, taking the other Unicorn out of position. Soon the three contestants turned the javelin post into an arena. After a few more dodges and a couple other javelin strikes, Shining Armor slid Capricore off his back, leaving him to take care of his worthy adversary. 

"He's all your's kid!" Shining Armor shouted as he leaped into the stands. 

"Wait, What?" asked a surprised Capricore. 

"Don't worry. he'll be gentle." 

Capricore took another gulp as he saw steam coming out of his opponent's snout. Now he was definitely petrified in fear. Yet, as the butch stallion pivoted forward, he remembered what his uncle just told him: ARCHED BACK; HEAD AGAINST SHOULDER; FOREARMS UP FRONT AND CLOSE TOGETHER; AND WAIT TILL THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT. 

"Remember to bend your legs and spread them apart!" Shouted Shining Armor, To which Capricore did right away.

As his opponent came closer and closer, a voice in his head kept saying: Wait for it...Wait for it.. Then, just as he was about to be attacked, he dodged to his left, causing the unicorn to lose balance and trample into the side wall. This was followed by cheers of guards within the banters. But soon, the opponent got back on his hooves and shook off off the dust, to which he counted his right foreleg in the dirt and made a downward dog position. Capricore felt like a matador ready to strike his beastly rival in a bullfight. As the beast charged forward with steam in his snout and a javelin in his mouth, Capricore remembered a few self defense moves Rainbow Dash taught him awhile back. 

First, he dodged the first blow to the stomach, Then, as his opponent tried to sneak up behind him, he swung his javelin underneath his legs, penetrating his chest with a blow. Next, as the stallion turned him around and grabbed him by his armor, he latched his arm around his foreleg and gave him a good hit in the elbow. Finally, as the stallion tried one last attack, Capricore took his own weapon and tripped him to the ground, to which he landed on his back and put him in a choke hold with his javelin. Soon the stallion tapped his hoof to the ground, signaling surrender. 

There was a silence among the crowd of guards as Capricore mounted off his defeated adversary. Nopony could believe he took down such a large animal so easily. Then, out of the silence, Shining Armor started to clap his hooves together in congratulatory enthusiasm. Soon another Stallion joined in, and then another, and another, and another until the whole group of applause and congrats surrounded Capricore. A swelling of pride and accomplishment filled his veins and nerves. Moments later, he was picked up by Shining Armor and his other companions as he was carried away like a football player after a winning game. 

"Awsome job Cory!" Said one Pegasi 

"You da colt, Cory!" Complimented a Unicorn.

"Not bad for a first timer!" Commented another Pegasi. 

"Hey boys!" Said Shining Armor. "How bout a round of cider for this brave young nephew of mine huh?" 

Everyone cheered in agreement as they carried Capricore to a nearby pub.  

It was within this establishment where he was standing in the center of a circle of congratulatory mares and stallions. In their left forelegs were jugs filled what appeared the rich aroma of apple cider, each drink unique in taste and smell. Though of course it was legal for a kid his age to drink this particular liquid, he still felt at that moment like he was over 21. 

"Hey Bartender!" Shining Armor proclaimed "Another round of drinks for everypony, in honor of our little hero of the day." 

The bartender nodded as he filled a few jugs with more freshly brewed cinnamon flavored cider. Then he tossed each one to everypony at the bar while Shining Armor stood on a bar stool. 

"A toast to Cory." He proclaimed. "The bravest, and most awesome nephew anypony could ever ask for." 

"TO CORY!!" the audience shouted back as they lifted their jugs in the air and took a big gulp of cider. 

"Uhhh Cory." Said Shining Armor as he hopped off the table and leaned towards his nephew. "Lets keep this a secret between the two of us OK? I don't think your mother would be happy if she heard that...." 

"SHINING ARMOR." Said a rather stern voice from the bar entrance. It was Princess Twilight, and she did not look pleased. As she stomped her way towards her brother, the customers surrounding her scooted away in fear. 

"uhhh, hey Twily." gulped Shining Armor. "Didn't expect you to come around here." 

"Listen mom." Said Capricore. "I can explain..." 

"Cory. Do not affiliate yourself with this." Twilight snapped back. "Brother. You know better than to let an underage colt to drink." 

"Well, I mean uh." Shining Armor tried to think of the right words. "You see..."

"In my world, they let us kids drink apple cider." Capricore interrupted. 

The whole gasped in shock as he said this. 

"They let you drink cider?" A puzzled Twilight asked. 

"Well, yeah. In fact the last birthday I had with my old friends we had a cider party over at Joanna's barn." 

Twilight thought for a moment and turned her head back to brother. 

"I'm letting this one go big brother." She said  "But if I catch you again, I'm gonna have to monitor you the next time you have a play date with my son from now on. Is that clear?" 

"Yes sister." A rather scared Shining Armor answered. 

"Good." Then she looked at everypony else. "Carry on." 

Twilight trotted back outside while her son tagged behind. 

"Look mom." Cory tried to explain. "I'm really sorry about all this. Truly I am." 

"It's alright." Sighed a rather exhausted Twilight. "You didn't know. Lets head back home son. It's getting late."
> Reunited
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was another day of creativity and imagination for young Capricore. Here, in the middle of the town park, he could be found working steadily on his next master work: a large, whimsical jungle gym made of wood and bolts, whom he was commissioned to design for a school in Appleoosa. Unlike other large, complicated structures, (to which he had difficulty figuring out what the commissioner wanted), he felt more comfortable with this particular assignment. This was due to the fact that he was given a blueprint from sheriff silver-star. Luckily, Like all artists who gain such a recognition, he already received designs for what other towns desired. But this one was the first for such a grand scaled piece of art. Yet he knew the tireless effort would be worth it. After all, a great many of his new cousins resided in Applesoosa, not to mention the reunions and visits he would partake in the months to come. 

Mid day had now passed, to which Capricore had already finished the exoskeleton base. Now it was time to move on to he painting and texture of apples and trees. As he put on his lucky smock and started to lay out the first coating, which he knew would be daunting at best, something in the distance caught his eye. At first he couldn't make out what it was, but as it came closer, it seemed to be what looked like five upright figures. The closer they went, the more familiar they became. After a few seconds, they were more easy to make out. Capricore's face turned white as chalk as the faces became more and more visible. 

Only a year ago had he seen these individuals last. He washed his face with a nearby picture, to make sure it wasn't a mirage. 

Could it be? He thought to himself Is it really them?  How is this even....

As the figures drew closer, they turned out to look what appeared to be: Jolene, Camden, Tony, Rachel, and Katie, in the flesh. 

"Cory?" asked what sounded like Camden's feminine, yet confident voice. 

"C...Camden?" Cory asked back as he dropped his tools. 

"Is that you pal?" asked what looked like Katie, who could barely move from the sight. 

"Katie!" Cory replied breathily as a smile started to grow. 

"After all this time we thought..." Said what was clearly Jolene with a look of shock on her face. 

"After all this time, I thought..." Cory couldn't think of the right words as he started to run towards them. "Jolene!"

"We must be dreaming." Said  what turned out to be a watery eyed Katie.

"This is too good to be true. KATIE!" Cory replied as he ran faster and tears filled his ducts. 

"We have found our AMICO!!" Cried a jubilant Tony as he leaped in the air. 

"Tony!! My friends!! You found me!!" Cried Cory as he reached his arms out to embrace his friends. 

Within a split second, Cory was wrapping arms with Rachel, who wrapped arms with Tony, who wrapped arms with Jolene, who wrapped arms with Camden, Who wrapped arms with Katie in a large, tight, group hug. It was so warm, so joyous, so fantastical of a moment, It was a moment he had waited for so song. A moment where he could finally say HELLO to his old friends again. Cory hoped it would last forever. Now he was truly at one with himself. Now he felt truly happy. Now his life was complete. He had a beautiful home, a commendable talent, a new family, and a reuniting of his friends. He did not want this moment to end, because, as he stated, it WAS too good to be true. 

"Look at you man. You look great" Rachel complimented with her tank top and jeans

"You haven't changed a bit at all Rachel." Cory responded as he caught his breath. 

"If this here's a dream.." Said Jolene who adorned suspenders and pigtails "I hope I do not wake up." 

"You can say that again." Camden Added as he tipped his fedora and fixed his vest. 

"Ay, Cory Macho!!" Cried Tony as he fixed his thick glasses, shook his frizzy hair and spoke in a thick yet understandable Brooklyn accent. "Give me some love man."

It was at that moment Cory and Tony engaged in what looked like a complicated secret handshake, complete with turns,  high fives and chest bumps. Memories were now starting to kick back in. 

"That bit never gets old, especially now." Said Cory. 

"Ya still got it." 

"Oh, I hope no one hurt you." Said a concerned Katie. 

"Well you don't have to worry about that anymore friends, cause I just got a real home, and a new family." 

"Son of a gun. You got adopted?" Jolene asked as she rushed up to him. 

Cory replied with a rather prideful look on his face. 

"I knew you'd get a real place to live." Said Katie as she gave him a noogie. 

"So who's the lucky family?" Asked Camden. 

"You won't believe me if I told you." 

"Oh, it doesn't matter what they look like." Proclaimed a rather dramatic Katie. "What matters is we found you." 

"Looks like the whole gang's back together at last." Tony added as they all embraced for one more big hug. 

"And we're not getting separated this time?" Cory asked in the middle of the embrace. 

"You can bet your sweet behind on that." Jolene replied. 

It was at that moment Cory's friends turned over his shoulder to notice his unfinished master work. 

"Looks like you need some assistance." Jolene commented. 

"Now that your'e here, more than ever." Cory replied. 

"Don't seem fair to have ya do this on your own." Katie added

"I got some extra tools you can use." 

And with those words, the six of them ran towards the structure and started on helping with their friend. What began as an individual project, turned into a team effort.With every brush stroke, every chuckle, and every retelling of days of yore, pictures from the past had seeped easily into Cory's mind, body and heart. Now, memories of the good old days had returned to Cory in physical form. No longer would he have to wait to find his friends, for they had found him. No longer would he have to sleep every night, wondering what happened to them, or where they were. All that was now in the past. All that could be forgotten. All that could be put away for good. But just to be sure, Cory closed his eyes and opened them again, hoping this was not a dream. Two fingers pinched him by the arm. Yep! This was not a dream! This was really happening! This happy moment was actually happening!

And so, the now six unbreakable friends continued with their work, and carried it out into the day. They sung a few songs. They told a few jokes. And they told a story or two from days of yore. Finally, after about several hours of heartwarming toil and collaborative effort, the sextet of companions sat down with a nice swig of Apple cider, a batch to which Cory supplied thoroughly. 

The chain of memories could continue at last. Joyous ones, unforgettable ones, timeless ones that would last to the end.
> Secrets Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day had turned to dusk as Cory and friends sat to a nice jug of freshly brewed cider. Though of course they were underage to drink such a beverage, it was technically not illegal in their world. 

"Boy. You always seemed to get it the worst. Didn't ya Cory?" Katie proclaimed as she took a swig of cider.  		

"So you guys have been looking for me all this time?" Cory asked as he did the same. 

"Ever since that fall formal at Canterlot High." Camden Added. 

"Wait. You guys went to Canterlot High?" Cory asked with a stunned look. 

"Yep. From the moment we got expelled, our folks were able to save up some money to enroll at a much better school." Jolene explained. 

"But you see the thing is that everyone at that school was separated according to their interests and cliques." Rachel added. 

"Then how did you guys stay together?" Cory asked. 

"We just formed our own clique called the "Outsiders." Tony explained. "It may have not been a real clique but everyone else thought so." 

"Then one day, out of nowhere, came this....person, with a rather abnormal yet optimistic attitude, and out of a single day and night, turned our school completely upside down." Camden said. 

"She was like a teenage Mary Poppins, with a bottomless handbag of tricks and trades." Tony added. 

"Thanks to her," Katie further explained. "in what seemed less than 24 hours, all the cliques just vanished. Everyone became friends with everyone else. There were no quarrels, no distances, not even a rivalry anymore. I mean, this girl got appointed to Princess of the Fall Formal for goodness sake. " 

"Then, as strangely as she entered our school," Jolene added "she vanished, without a word, without a sound, without a sigh. It was like her work there was done." 

"And why not?" Tony added. "I mean, the next week, the school was completely different from what we remembered. It was now a school full of laughter, joy and happiness. Just the way we dreamed it to be. And it was all thanks to this one weird yet magical girl." 

"What's more." Rachel Added  "That girl taught us that friendship may not be easy, but it's certainly something worth fighting for. Thanks to her, we took turns searching the whole country for you. Sometimes it was the two of us, sometimes it was the three of us, sometimes we took turns, and sometimes a few others at the school tagged along. 

"Then, just this morning." Tony added "We came across our old hangout shack, and next thing ya know, we ended up here, where we found you at last." 

Cory tried to hold in a chuckle, knowing exactly whom and what they were talking about. 

"Well, thanks for not giving up on me." He said "By the way, what was that girl's name again?" 

"I think her name was Twilight Sparkle." Katie pondered. 

At that moment, a bit of the cider fell out of Cory's mouth in a fit of laughter.

"You OK?" Jolene asked.

"Yeah I'm fine." Cory lied. "It's just, one thing I can't understand is, why was our old principal so indifferent on friendship?"

"Look." Rachel sighed "There's nothing that excuses what he did to us, but, as we attended our new school, we started to learn some things. See, one of our educators used to be really close friends with him."  

Cory spat out a whole chunk of cider upon hearing this. 

"Wait, did you just say friend?!" He asked with a shock on his face. "Stiffson had a friend?!!"

"Ya might say they were inseparable for about 6 months." Jolene explained. "I tell ya what. It was really hard to get her talk about that part of her past. It all started when the two of them met at about the same age we are. He was a transfer student from out of town, and she was on the honor roll. Though she was pretty popular around the school, she was one of the kindest, most pure hear-ted teenage girls you could meet. As for Stiffson, well, he was a far cry from the principal we knew."

"In fact." Katie added solemnly "He used to be a very kind and shy young boy who didn't want any trouble. It's not that he didn't have any support, after all, he did have a mom and dad. He just had trouble fitting in with the crowd. He didn't have a friend in the world. One day, our teacher noticed he was sitting all alone at lunch. Being the sweet woman she was, she decided to sit down and talk to him. From that moment on, for the next half year, they did almost everything together. They went to fairs, shopped for clothes, played games, even made a secret handshake." 

"Don't we have that photo booth pic she gave us?" Tony asked. 

"Oh yeah." Katie reached into her pocket and took out  a small photograph of two young individuals. "She said she didn't want it anymore. Too many memories." As she gave it to Cory and he took a closer examination of it, he noticed how silly and happy the two looked. One of them being a tall girl with a large pony tail, and the other, a small, scrawny boy with a rather rascally haircut. Clearly this was not the Stiffson he knew and feared. 

"But as time went on." Camden added. "Stiffson started to grow more possessive of her."

"Possessive?" Cory asked

"Yep." Tony replied solemnly "Every night he would call her, drop gifts at her doorstep, even go as far as sleep near her front yard. She just couldn't keep Stiffson off her. And like all friends, she grew very concerned about his behavior. I mean after all, she had a great many other friends too who needed just as much attention."

"So one day," Camden added "On the week before prom, she decided to invite him over to the dance so she could introduce him to her companions. But like all possessive individuals, he thought this meeting would be solo. So he scrubbed himself three times that day, put on his dad's cologne, had his parents rent the best tux they could find, and bought a bouquet of flowers that would make a funeral director envious. He believed it was gonna be their night and their night only. But apparently, that wasn't the case. As he entered the school, opened the doors to the gym, and meshed into the crowd of prom goers, he saw his sweetheart mingling with another man. Though it was only another one of her many friends, he was completely crushed at the sight. Upon seeing Stiffson, she ran over to explain. But it was too late. He had already disappeared out the door and into the hallways. All she could find of him was the large bouquet of flowers, to which she broke down in a pool of tears. Luckily of course, she had friends to support her from that devastating night." 

"After that, no one ever saw him at school again." Katie added "But they did sure see him around the neighborhood plenty of times. They saw how his behavior changed. How his mannerisms grew more cynical. How he hardly ever tried to talk to anyone and even when it he did, he spoke in a serious, deadpan voice. Something happened to him. Something...just...snapped. Like all the humanity and innocence in him melted away. As if the sweet boy our teacher knew and liked died from the face of the earth. To this day, we just don't understand how someone can turn so mean, so cruel, so bully-like, all because of one little misunderstanding." 

Cory eyes were still fixed on the photo, to which he promptly tucked into his pocket and let out a sigh. It was at that moment Twilight trotted over to check on her son's progress. 

"Hey there." She said "I see you found company.' 

As she said this, Tony leaped into the arms of Katie while everyone else but Cory took a few steps back in shock. 

"Di..did that..winged...horned...pony thing just talk?" asked a rather petrified Camden. 

"I believe the proper term is Alicorn." Twilight corrected them. "You guys got a lot to learn about Equestria."

"Cory?" asked a spooked Jolene "What's going on here?"

"And why does that pony look and sound so familiar?" Tony asked. 

"Uh..guys." explained a rather shy Cory "I'd like to introduce you all to Twilight Sparkle." 

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you guys." Twilight said with a respectful nod. "I overheard you all attended Canterlot High while I was there."

"Wait, wait, wait, hold on." Jolene said. "You're Twilight Sparkle?" 

"Yes." explained a confused Twilight. 

"You're the one set up that musical number in the cafeteria?" Camden asked.

"Yes." said Twilight

"...and led us in fixing the gymnasium for the school dance?" Tony asked.

"Yes." 

"...and thus united us a school which led to you winning the fall formal?" Katie asked. 

"Yes."

"You're...a PONY!!??" Rachel asked. 

"Yeah..Don't you remember that confrontation outside the school."

They all looked confused. 

"Sunset turning into a raging she-demon?"

They looked as though she didn't know what she was saying. 

"Turning you all into teenage zombies?"

They still looked dumbfounded.

"She tried to get rid of us, the magic counteracted, and all six of us grew wings a tail and pony ears?"

They all shrugged their shoulders. 

"Everybody in the school saw it." 

"We...kinda left for Camden's house after you were crowned to celebrate." Tony explained. 

"Oh, in that case, yes, in my world, I'm a pony. An alicorn pony to be exact, who is also the Princess of Friendship, and who recently, jointly adopted Cory here." To which she gave Cory a motherly pat on the back. 

"Wait, did just say adopted?" Camden asked. 

"Um, guys." Cory explained as he cleared his throat. "This is my new mom."

"And I'm one of his new siblings." Said Applejack who trotted out of nowhere. "Sorry to interrupt, but I overheard ya finally got reunited with yer friends. 

Then she turned over to the five humans as they still tried to wrap their heads over talking ponies. 

"Howdy." She said as she tipped her hat. "I'm Applejack, and let me just say it is a pleasure to see y'all at last. Cory here's been tellin me so much bout ya." 

"Wait, hold on." Tony said as he got out of his state of shock. "You got adopted by ponies, and one of them is a princess, who just happens to be the one that won our school's fall formal." 

"You might say that." Shrugged a prideful Cory. 

"Dude. You...Are....The luckiest guy in the world!!" Said a rather enthusiastic Katie. 

And so all his human friends gathered around him, ready to ask questions, ready to explore this new world, ready to discover something extraordinary.
> Grand Tour
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Cory's friends, the town of Ponyville was like an LSD trip on steroids to the power of ten. Everything was so bright and colorful, as if a skilled confectionery dropped a thousand tons of melted candy and frosting over a quaint village. Even more abnormal were the residents, where everyone was either a Pony, Pegasi, or Unicorn. Not a single bipedal resident could be found, which left his friends to question: How did they build this town with just hooves and mouths? Then again, this was an alternate world, so what were they to complain about. 

Their first stop was Sweet Apple Acres, the first half of Cory's new, permanent residence. Today seemed to be very typical for Ponyville's number one produce station. After all, the orchard was already in full blossom, with each tree glimmering with the fresh ripeness of thick juicy apples ready to be plucked and sold to market. It was then Cory and Applejack stepped inside the Apple barn and introduced to rest of his family to his friends, who still seemed to be wrapping their heads around the idea of talking horses. Though Big Mac, Granny Smith and Applebloom intended to give the five of them a hoof shake, they couldn't decide whether to fist bump them or wrap their arms around their forelegs. 

"Don't worry." Cory said  "I too had trouble greeting them first time around." 

"So you're name's Capricore now huh?" Jolene asked. 

"Basically." Cory replied   "But my nickname's still Cory. I mean, if you're living in a world populated by ponies, it's best to let them give you a proper pony name." 

"And one of your new siblings is Applebloom?" 

"That's my name. Don't hoof it out." Applebloom replied.

"Strange." Jolene said to herself. "That's the name of the girl I share fruit stands with when selling my produce at the local market." 

"Well aint that a coincidence?" Applejack replied. "We make produce for our town and sell it every week." 

"Come to think of it." Jolene continued "I do vaguely remember the Applebloom from our world having a big sister that sort of looked like you." 

"So, how did you find Cory again?" Rachel asked. 

"My friends 'n I found my new brother at the town junkyard." Applebloom explained

"We knew we needed a stable colt workin around the farm." Granny Smith added "So we washed him up and put him to work right away." 

"And he's been workin with us ever since." Applejack added 

"Eeyup" Big Mac added. 

Cory then escorted his friends upstairs to his new bedroom. It was a sight to behold for all five of them. Every nook and cranny of the attic was filled with some of the most articulately crafted artwork anyone could ever dream of. From paintings, to sculptures, to pottery, to fine jewelry, to everything in between, it was like staring at santa's private quarters if he decided to give art instead of toys. Even more so, the light from the attic window appeared to give everything a luminous glow, adding to his dreamy effect. To their left was a messy desk covered in pencils, paint, brushes, paper, and other art related assortments. But the five of them didn't mind. They knew their friend was working on another great project. 

In the center of all the creativity and imagination stood a warm, cozy bed with a nightstand by it's side. There was a small unlit lantern placed on top a large wooden dresser and a rug at the bedside where supposedly Cory placed his feet first thing in the morning. But the item that intrigued them the most was a medium sized, framed picture placed on the wall at the back of his bed. In it was Cory himself surrounded by what was clearly many other members of the Twilight and Apple family. 

"Sorry about the mess." Cory confessed sheepishly. 

"Oh, not at all." Rachel replied. "Your artwork is very beautiful." 

"Yeah, I must admit. It is quite alluring."

"Are you kidding me?" Camden asked "Alluring isn't even a strong enough word to describe this place." 

"I don't think even words can describe this place." Tony added. 

"So your'e like some well known artist in this world?" Katie asked. 

"Well I get commissions from all over Equestria." Cory replied  "So yeah." 

"Sure explains why every building in this town has at least one of your creations." Camden thought. 

The next stop was the eloquent Carousel Boutique. Inside trotted Rarity herself, who was busy conjuring up another one of her wearable masterpieces. At that moment she spotted Cory and his five human friends entering the scene. All but Cory dropped their jaws as they saw this dark purple maned unicorn levitate a few sewing items. How is that even possible? They thought to themselves. 

"Your'e not alone." "I freaked out the first time I saw that happen." Cory chuckled as he clapped Camden's jaw back into place. 

"Sweet Celestia!" gasped Rarity. "Are those your five other human friends Cory?" 

"They sure are." He replied with a gratuitous bow. " Miss Rarity. I'd like you to meet Jolene, Camden, Tony, Rachel, and Katie." 

The five of them just waved back with a meek 'hello,' as they still tried to wrap their heads around the idea of real magic. 

"My, my." Rarity pondered. "It is such an honor to meet you all. Cory has told me so much about you." 

"Uh, the pleasure's all ours?" Camden replied. 

"What's the matter?" Rarity asked. 

"It's just, there's someone back home I knew by the name of Rarity. I think she owned a boutique across the street from my house."

"Oh. Were you two friends?" 

"Well, if by friends I think you'd mean..."  

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you all." Rarity interrupted. "Cory has been my personal chauffeur over the last few months."

Cory blushed as she said this. 

"The two of us have done so much traveling picture taking together haven't we?" 

"Rarity." Cory replied. "You really don't have to go that deep into..."

"As a matter of fact, I believe I do still have that suit you use whenever I need your handsome presence around."

She turned around and started to head for the back room.

"Oh and I do think you should see these photos on the cover of canter lot weekly."

"Ok Rarity. I think you should..."

"The ensemble I made for him was just stunning. Especially how he strikes a pose in them."

As she trotted to the back room, Cory's friends just stated at him in bewilderment.

"I don't think anyone but us ever called you handsome before." Said Rachel. 

"Well," Cory replied " given that I am kind of the first human to set foot in Equestrian, I have been a target for some fashion exposes"

"Come to think of it, I don't think we ever saw you talk so professionally before." Said Camden. 

"I think we can all thank my new mom for that. You see..." 

"HERE THEY ARE." sung Rarity as she dashed out of the back room with a levitating magazine. 

"Oh boy." Cory said as he covered his face. 

"Just look at the form and agility you humans bring in these creations of mine." She continued as she showed the pics to his friends. 

The five of them just winced in confusion as they looked at their friend dressed in what looked like a combination between circus and victorian giddup. The bottom of the magazine pages read: "All the rage." "Human In Equestria." "Two legs never looked so good." Cory just stood in the corner, blushing in embarrassment. 

"Ok Rarity." Cory said as he shoved his friends away. "I think that's enough today. My friends and I need to get a move on." 

"But Cory dear." Rarity insisted. "I don't think your companions have seen the costumes in person." 

"That's sweet, but maybe some other time. bye." 

As just as fast as they came in, the six human friends whisked themselves out. Cory took a deep breath as he leaned himself against the front door. 

"Sorry about all that." He said as he caught his breath. "She's really generous, but she can be quite a handful sometimes." 

"I tell you what. That is one eccentric unicorn." Camden commented. 

"You should see Pinkie Pie." Cory replied "Eccentric doesn't even begin to cover her personality." 

"Pinkie Pie?" Tony asked, to which Cory nodded. 

"Strange. That's the name of...I'll tell you later, could you show us to her?"

Cory nodded as he led them to Pinkie's house. At first, everything inside seemed quiet and lifeless, until suddenly, a large music/baking machine appeared out of nowhere and started to play a jaunty tune. It was then, the cotton candy colored party pony known as Pinkie Pie jumped from the ceiling and started to sing: 



And from out of the machine spewed confetti and streamers followed by five cupcakes that popped out of the oven and into his friends hands. 

"Guys." Cory said. "This here is Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie this is..."

"Gasp. Are you those five humans Cory's been talking about that he was really close friends with named Jolene, Camden, Tony, Rachel and Katie and the five of you went to Canterlot High and saw Twilight in your world when she was getting her crown back and after she left you all decided to band together and look for him and after searching and searching you came across the shack you all used to hang out in that transported you to the Everfree Forest and you finally found Cory who was working on one of his sculptures and now he's giving you a grand tour of Ponyville and introducing you to his pony friends?" Asked Pinkie Pie. 

All five friends just looked at her with stunned faces. 

"How did you know that?" asked a bewildered Katie. 

"Just a hunch." Pinkie answered with a sheepish grin. 

"Strange." Said Tony. "You have the same name, look and personality of a funny girl I knew back home." 

"Oooooo, really?" Pinkie replied. 

"Yeah, the two of us became clown partners shortly after the fall formal. Up until we found Cory, Pinkie and I  took part in almost every special event in town. From town fairs, to grand openings, to holiday specials, to everything in between. We even made a secret handshake just like Cory's." 

"Well I know a secret hoofshake I share with only my most special of friends." Pinkie replied while hopping towards tony. 

"Can't you teach me." Tony asked. 

"Oh, silly. I can't tell ya that." she replied as she leaned to to his ear. 

"It's a seeeeeecreeeet." To which she patted him on the head with her hoof. 

"Oh, by the way, all of you should also know that since I'm technically Applejack's fourth cousin twice removed by a fifth cousin, I'm part of Cory's family too!!" 

"So let me get this straight." Katie said to Cory. "Your new mom is a princess, your sister is a farmer, and your cousin is a party clown of some kind?"

"Basically." Cory shrugged. 

"This tour just gets better and better." she replied. 

The next stop was Fluttershy's quaint little cottage. To his friends, the house was somewhere between a Hobbit home and Snow White's abode. 

"Did we just land in some kind of Fairy Tale or something?" Tony asked. 

"You should see the resident of this place." Cory replied. 

At that moment, they heard from behind the cottage what sounded like the most angelic singing voice imaginable. 

"I think that's her." Said Cory as he escorted them to the back. 

In front of their eyes beheld what appeared to be a light coated Pegasi taming a wide assortment of animals, to which all five stared in disbelief. 



It was at that moment Fluttershy noticed the six of them. 

"Gasp Oh My goodness." She squealed "Five more humans!!" 

In a half second flat, she zoomed up to them like a scientist discovering a new specimen. 

"Cory, are these those friends of your's you've been talking about?" asked Fluttershy. 

"Another one of your friends is a flying horse?" asked Katie

"I believe the proper term is Pegusi." Cory replied. "Guys, I'd like you all to meet Fluttershy." 

"I'm ever so glad to meet you." She answered with a timid voice. "Cory has told me so much about you." 

It was then Rachel noticed all the animals behind her. 

"Are you some kind of animal trainer?" She asked

"Not exactly." Fluttershy responded "I'm a creature caretaker. A certified lover of all animals great and small, except of course dragons. In fact, I actually helped nurse Cory back to health once." 

"Funny." Said Rachel as she walked up to a pair of squirrels "Your name and personality remind me of a certain someone I knew back home." 

"Oh. Was she a caretaker also?" Asked Fluttershy. 

"I think she was a student over at a school we sent to. We met on a few occasions at the local animal shelter. She gave me a few tips on how to nurse baby animals and teach unruly pets how to behave." 

"Really? I actually have a special behavioral technique myself. It's called "the stare." 

She then flew over to a nearby octet of raccoons who were causing a lot of mayhem at what looked like a bird house. 

"Watch closely." she said quietly. 

Then she turned her attention to the rambunctious critters, took a deep breath and opened her eyes with a look that could kill. Just like that, the raccoons dropped the wooden planks and steel rods that held the bird house together. Then, to everyone's surprise, they cleaned up their mess and scurried away. 

"Are you some kind of mind bender?" Tony asked. 

"I wish I had a bit for every time somepony asked me that." Fluttershy replied. 

Soon Cory and friends were back on the trail. Their next stop was a great big field with nothing but clouds to fill the void. 

"Soooo what are we doing here?" Katie asked

"This is where Rainbow Dash usually hangs out and practices some of her moves." Cory replied. 

"Who's Rainbow Dash?" 

Cory pointed to the sky to what looked like a large multicolored lighting bolt heading straight towards them. Everyone but Cory ducked for cover as it came in closer and closer. Then, to their surprise, it did a large loop in the air and landed head first on the ground, making a small crater of dirt and grass. As everyone stood back up and the dust settled, they found themselves face to face with Rainbow Dash herself. To them she looked like the perfect example of a Tomboy on all fours. 

"Hey Cory!" Shouted Rainbow Dash "My main protege!" 

"On time as always." Cory replied. 

Then the two of them engaged in what looked like a combination between a brohoof and a handshake. 

"Oh guys." said Cory among noticing his friends "This is my coach Rainbow Dash. She's been teaching me some self-defense moves since I got here. Rainbow Dash, these are my friends, Jolene, Camden, Tony, Katie, and Rachel. " 

As he said this, an intrigued Rainbow Dash swooped up to them. She looked at their faces, checked out their clothes, lifted some of them up by the arm and felt their skin. 

"Whoa!" Said a bewildered Rainbow Dash. "So these are them friends you've been talking about." 

"Hold on." Katie interrupted "Your name's Rainbow Dash right?" 

"As if I had a better name." Dash responded with a prideful smirk. 

"Strange. That's the captain of the Basketball team I was on back at Canterlot High. I think we made it to the state finals the last time I saw her." 

"Huh. Is that so?" 

"C'mon Rainbow Dash." Said Cory "Lets show em those self defense moves you taught me." 

"Your'e on!" Dash replied. 

The two of them positioned themselves in the middle of the field, while Cory's friends watched nervously on the side bleachers. 

"You ready?" Asked Rainbow Dash

"Bring it on." Cory replied. 

Before they knew it, Rainbow Dash was charging right in front of their friend. 

"I can't watch." squealed a frightened Rachel. 

But, to their amazement, Cory bended over and somersaulted to his left at the last minute. 

"Beat that." Cory said as Dash flew to the edge. 

"Oh, I'm just getting warmed up." Said Rainbow Dash who was cracking her forelegs. 

Then she swooped down as if about to do a super saiyan mega punch. His friends were now holding their breaths. But soon they could breathe as Cory miraculously blocked the blow with his arm and the two began to engage in a small sparring brawl. Jolene, Tony, Camden, Rachel and Katie all dropped their jaws as they saw their friend demonstrate a rather impressive display of kicks, jabs, spins and even a flip or two in the air. The five of them had no idea how much he could take. 

Suddenly, After what seemed to be an eternity, Dash made a trick move and grabbed him in a headlock. Now his friends were truly at the edge of their seats. 

"Anything to say before we call it a draw?" Asked Dash. 

"Just one." Answered a wheezing Cory. "Heads.....UP!!" 

To their surprise, Cory head butted Dash with with a blow to the forehead, to which she landed with a thud on the grassy knoll. Yet, she got up and brushed off the dirt like it was nothing. 

"Nice foot work there Cory." Rainbow Dash acknowledged

"Learned it from the best." Cory replied as he turned to five dropped jaws and ten flailing arms.
> Invitation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day was winding down as Cory and friends ended their trek in Twilight's glorious tree castle. They were treated to a cup of hot cocoa and a few graham crackers to complement their intimate reading time, which they were provided for by the castle's resident, Twilight Sparkle. It was a pleasant way to conclude a tiresome yet exciting afternoon. 

"So, Cory!" Said Twilight as she approached her son. "How was the tour?" 

"Let's just say it was surprising mom." Replied who was lounging and reading on one of the easy chairs.

"It's like there's a pony version for everybody...I mean, everypony in our world." Camden added. 

"Yep!" Said Spike as he entered the scene with a tray of cupcakes "There's a counterpart for just about everyone here." 

"A TALKING DRAGON!!!??" Shouted Tony as he leaped into Katie's arms while the other humans backed into a corner. 

"Hey, hey. Easy guys." Cory reassured them "It's alright. He's friendly." 

"Yeah." added Spike. "You're not alone. Cory here flipped out the last time he saw me." 

"Ha Ha." Twilight chuckled "Where are my manners? This here is Spike. He's a baby dragon, and my personal assistant. And don't worry. He's completely harmless." 

"Wait did you just say Spike?" Katie asked as he dropped Tony. "You mean the pet dog Spike Twilight carried around at school?" 

"Yep." Answered a rather prideful Spike as he carried the tray around. "I was pretty instrumental in turning turning your high school around. Cupcakes?" 

"So, let me get this straight." Said Jolene as she grabbed one of the pastries. "Not only is our fall formal princess really a pony, but her pet is a...talking...dragon?!!" 

Cory shrugged with a yes while. 

"That, is, undeniably amazing." replied Tony as he stuffed himself with a mouthful of cupcake. 

It was at that moment, Spike burped out another letter from the Princess. 

"I thought you said Spike was harmless." Said Katie. 

"He is." Cory explained. "This is just how we get letters from the Princess." 

"But, isn't your mom a Princess?" Asked Rachel.

"I am." Twilight explained as she levitated the letter off the ground. "But I am the Princess of Friendship. These letters are from Princess Celestia, the ruler of all Equestria." 

"So there's more than one?" Tony asked. 

"Yep." Twilight nodded. "In fact, there are four. Me, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence." 

"A monarchy of talking ponies and dragons that puke letters." Katie said to herself as she sipped her hot chocolate. "What'll they think of next?"

"Mom, can I show my friends my room?" Asked Cory. 

"Of course you can sweetie." Twilight responded.

"So, how do you simultaneously live at both Applejack and Twilight's place exactly?" Asked Katie. 

"Simple." Cory responded "I take turns and alternate on certain days of the week." 

"Does that ever become a tiresome?" Camden asked. 

"Nah. They only live about a few blocks from each other. Plus it's good exercise." 

As Twilight opened the letter and examined it with her customary intrigue, Cory escorted his friends upstairs to his sleeping quarters. The light from the setting sun gleamed through a large window and into a rather warmly colored area of tapestry and furniture. There was a wooden dresser to the left and a chest of knick knacks on the right, either for personal reasons or for decoration. In the center was a king size bed with a color scheme of deep purple and bright magenta, perfectly matching Twilight mane and coat. It coordinately sat on top of a large, soft rug complete with tassels, thus truly tying the floor together. Surrounding this centerpiece, were some sketches, doodles and marquees of past works and upcoming projects carefully drawn by it's creator.     

But what caught Cory's friends eyes the most was a large portrait adorning the fireplace. It stood about four or five feet up between two bookshelves and was directly facing Cory's bed. It was the same picture as before from Cory's room at Sweet Apple Acres, only this time, it was much larger, and was adorned by a golden frame with an insignia at the bottom that read: "My Family"

"Amazing." Said Camden. "It's like this place has been waiting for you all your life." 

"I thought so too when I first came here." Cory added as he sat on his bed in deep thought. 

"You alright hon?" Asked Jolene as she sat next to him. 

"It's just..." Cory thought "It just seems too easy for you all to have found me. I always thought I had to go on some triumphant quest of some kind if I ever wanted to see you all again. But I shouldn't be this way. I have everything I ever want and need: a safe home, a loving family, a rewarding talent, an increase in my skills, and most of all, my friends have finally found me. And yet, I feel as though I need to put my skills to test. Somehow I need to prove to everyone that I got what it takes to be more than what once was thought of me." 

"I'm pretty sure something'll turn up." Tony assured him. 

At that moment Twilight entered the room. 

"Cory, honey." she said "This letter's for you." 

"From the Princess?" Cory asked as he took the paper. 

Dear Cory, my faithful subject. It read

I believe it is long overdue for me to exchange letter to you. First off, I would like to congratulate you for your recent adoption to both the Twilight and Apple family. I know in my heart you couldn't have been chosen by two of the best ponies out there. Your past may have been heartbreaking and filled with bumps in the road, but I am confident your new family will be there to help you and love you always, just as much they have with each other. Now onto business. 

Cory. Your work has become known far and wide across all of Equestria, obviously reaching the highest of royalty. I believe there is not a single pony out there that knows your name or your rather exemplary of masterpieces. In celebration of this monumental achievement, and your dedication to your craft, you are hereby cordially invited to present selected pieces your work at a very special solo exhibition in the Crystal Empire. I am looking forward to meeting you next week, and hope all is well.

Best wishes. 
Princess Celestia. 

P.S. Congratulations on reuniting with your friends. I know they mean a great deal to you and I'm eager to meet them as well.  

Cory gently folded the letter up and tucked it in his front pocket as a look of pride fell across his face. 

"WOW, CONGRATULATIONS CORY!" Said Spike as he entered the room upon hearing the letter. "I always knew you'd get a whole event dedicated to you. Not counting your welcome party and birthadoption of course." 

"The Crystal Empire." Cory said to himself "Of all the major cites I've been to in this world, that's still one I need to discover." 

"Well that's nothing some old pals can't explore together." Tony replied as he latched his arm around Cory. 

"Are you sure?" Cory asked. "I mean, you guys just got here, and frankly, the crystal empire popped up only a few years ago."

"Hey, c'mon Cory." Camden added. "We've all been through so much together. Look. From the day we all first met, we made a vow that no matter what obstacles come in front us, we'll be able to conquer it together."

"So whadaya say pal?" asked Jolene. 

Cory looked at Twilight, Spike and all his friends smiling faces. He knew now he had everything he needed. So he took a moment to think and nodded with a yes. 

"Okay." he replied. "I'm confident you all are up for the challenge." 

"That's wonderful." Twilight replied with enthusiasm. "And perfect timing. Spike and I have to check on a certain somepony there."

"Ugh." Spike replied in frustration "I can hardly imagine having to deal with fleas again." 

"Fleas?" Cory asked. 

"I'll explain to you when we get back." Twilight chuckled. "In the meantime, the five of you are all welcome to read any book in the castle library. Cory, you should head over to Sweet Apple Acres and pick which unseen works you want to bring to your exhibition." 

"Yes mom." Cory replied as he ran downstairs. 

"I'm really proud of you son." Twilight replied. 

"So am I" 

And with those words, he rushed over to his sister Applejack's barn.
> The Crystal Empire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been a week and a day since Cory reunited with his old friends, and though their knowledge of Equestria had gained significantly, they still had a lot to learn of their foreign land. After all, they had only physically wandered around Ponyville, and they had discovered but half of the major cities through books and records. Among this yet to be explored land was the still mysterious Crystal Empire. Given the fact that the knowledge of this town to outsiders was limited, they knew the best way to acquaint themselves to it was to see it for themselves. 

Cory, his five friends, as well as Twilight, Spike and their five mane friends found themselves relaxing on the royal crystal train to the empire itself. It was a beautiful day to travel on the gleaming locomotive, with hardly a technical or weather related disturbance to be found. Cory and pals were located in a rather decadent room in the first class cabin, while Twilight and Spike were in their quarters getting ready to meet an old friend. 

"So your aunt is the head of a whole empire?" Camden asked as he drank some rather mouth watering punch. 

"Yep." Cory replied as he took a sip. 

"And your uncle, is the captain of some royal guards?" Katie replied. 

"Yep." Cory replied again. 

"How more lucky can you get?" a rather bewildered Jolene asked herself. 

"I know." Cory replied "It seems only yesterday I was struggling to find someplace where I could belong. But now not only do I feel like I belong in this world, I feel as though I was destined to live here. Still, I do kind of miss being surrounded by my old species."

"I'm pretty sure these unicorns with their magic know how to get from one world to the next." Tony reassured him. 

"But that's the thing." Cory explained "The only other portal that connects their world and ours is mirror portal that opens up every thirty moons. Why would another portal open up near Ponyville for all of us to enter. It just doesn't make sense." 

"Sometimes you just gotta believe in things." Said Pinkie Pie upon entering. "..even if it doesn't make sense."

"That is true." Twilight added who was right behind her. "Believe me, I learned that the hard way."

Suddenly the conductors voice could be heard across the train.

"CRYSTAL EMPIRE, NEXT STOP!" he said "EVERYPONY OFF FOR THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!"

"Awww yeah!" Said Rainbow Dash as she swooped in on the scene "Ready for your first exhibition Cory?"

"I hope so." Cory replied with uncertainty. 

By the time the thirteen of them hopped off onto the platform and through the station, Cory and friends gazed in awe at the most visually stunning city they had ever seen. Every house, every building, every structure, and every street down to the last naturally intricate detail was just as the city's title suggested: a crystal kaleidoscope of unimaginable fathoms. Cory found it difficult to keep his jaw from dropped as he and his friends walked further into the empire. Never before had he been enthralled by a town of geometric proportions with a decor only rivaled by Canterlot itself. 

Even the pony residents were of no exception. Their coats seemed to perfectly match the residences they trotted towards. It was as if they were made from the very material they thrived on. Cory's friends couldn't help but pause for a moment to look at these rather abnormal creatures and wonder how a species could possibly exist. 

"Excuse me." Rarity said under heavy breathing "Pardon me if faint over this glorious display." 

"Boy, you still not used to being surrounded by crystals are ya?" Asked Applejack. 

As they all ventured deeper into the city, Cory and friends noticed what appeared to be a large sculpture of Spike holding a crystal heart. Surrounding were other crystal ponies taking pictures and posing in front of it. 

"So is Spike some kind of legend in these parts?" Camden asked. 

"Yep." Twilight replied "The first time we arrived, Spike here saved the whole Crystal Empire from certain doom." 

"Yeah. I'm pretty much a hero here." Said a prideful Spike. 

"I can only imagine why." Said Jolene as she pointed towards a gift shop with Spike memorabilia. 

"Alright Cory." Said Twilight "You and your friends head on over with your belongings to the hotel over there while Spike and I run a little errand. Spike? Spike?" 

Everyone  looked behind to find Spike surrounded by rather exuberant ponies with pictures of him in their mouths. 

"Eh, you guys go ahead. " Spike said as took out a quill "I got some autographs to sign." 

"Alright." Twilight chuckled "But make it quick. we cannot delay our check up." 

"Mmm Hmm." He replied as if not comprehending to what she said. 

The rest all shrugged and turned back to their business. 

The morning had turned to early noon as Cory, his friends and five other mane companions found themselves in rather posh four star hotel connected to the empire's palace. As they checked in, they separated into two equally lavish rooms, one for humans, and the other for ponies. All were unpacking their things, sorting their clothing, checking if any luggage was left behind or forgotten. Cory, as expected was found rehearsing his speech for the rather important evening that lay ahead, while the others admired the decor of the suite. 

"Boy oh boy." Said Jolene as she approached and patted him on the back. "Seems only yesterday you was struggling with writing an essay. Now look at ya, a celebrity to a whole nation with some good, honest work and a grammatically literate capacity." 

"Thanks, I think." Cory replied. 

"It's almost as if we were all meant to be back together again." Rachel proclaimed "Like some cosmic force of some kind pulled us into this foreign land, ready to take on whatever it throws at us." 

"Still can't shake off the fact that maybe I still have something to do back where we came from." Cory said solemnly, "Like I was destined to be a hero in both worlds." 

"I don't think you should be worrying about that now pal." Tony reassured him. "Ya got us now. What's there to fret on?" 

"Eh." Cory said to himself "Maybe I'm just so used to a down trotted life. But that doesn't matter anymore. We got a whole bright future ahead of us now." 

"That's the spirit." Jolene acknowledged

"I know you'll knock em dead tonight buddy." Katie added. 

"Thanks guys." Cory answered back. "I'm glad to have you all with me again." 

"We we're never the same without you pal." Camden added. 

And with those words, they all huddled up in a group hug.

The day had gone on to late afternoon. It was time for Cory and the gang to prepare themselves for their big night, but not before taking a moment to stare in wonderment at the majesty that was the Crystal Palace. Located precisely in the center of the empire, it stood out among all the structures surrounding it. The architecture seemed to compose itself entirely of a white and blue gemstones, melted together to create a church-like building. The most outstanding part of it being how the center lifted off ground, supported only by four beams firmly rooted into the crystal ground. It was as if the architects of the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal worked together to create a magnum opus of epic proportions. 

As Cory and his friends, both human and pony alike approached the entrance, a rather medium sized guard with a color scheme similar to Cory's welcomed them with the royal treatment. After which he escorted them to the equally lavish throne room of Princess Cadence, to which she and her husband Shining Armor were waiting for them. 

"Hey Cory!" Shining Armor as he galloped towards them and gave Cory a noogie "How's my favorite nephew." 

"Uncle." Chucked Cory "I'm your only nephew." 

It was then he turned over to see his friends behind him. 

"So, these are your friends you've talkin about huh?" Shining Armor asked, to which Cory nodded. 

"It's an honor to meet Cory's new uncle." a rather stunned Camden acknowledged.

"Well, they don't call me captain of the guards for nothing." Armor replied. 

"Hello Cory." Said Cadence with a heavenly voice. 

"Hey aunt Cadence." Cory replied as the two approached and hugged each other in a great embrace. 

"It is so relieving to see you reunited with your friends." She said with enthusiasm "And how joyous it will be to have them present at your first exhibition." 

"Well like we said before, um, your highness," Tony replied "we weren't the same without him." 

"We're just glad to see he's in good han...I mean hooves." Rachel added. 

Shining Armor and Cadence chuckled as she said this. 

"Say, the exhibition doesn't start for a few hours." Said Shining Armor. 

"Why don't you all give yourselves a tour of our palace to pass the time." Cadence added. 

"Thanks guys." Cory replied "Who's ready for an adventure, just like times?" 

"Lead the way Cory!" Replied a rather enthusiastic Katie, and off they went into the hallways of the palace. 

As previously stated, the interior was as complimentary as it's outer shell. With it's perfectly symmetric rotundas, it's wide open study halls, and it's evenly balanced hallways, one could easily improvise on whatever they so chose to any selected room. 
But despite it's rather large capacity, the palace's rooms were hardly empty. Everywhere this sextet of misfits turned, a guard could be found keeping close watch of any suspicious activity, or a delegate and/or servant was seen talking among one another of business related subjects. Though Cory and friends ran around like a gang of troublemakers, nopony seemed to mind their presence. In fact, whenever they were approached by a royal servant or guard, he or she bowed in respect at their presence, to which they bowed back. 

So many rooms and passageways, each unique in their own special way, were to be explored by them. From the spa and bedrooms, to the towers and private studies, they all felt like kids discovering an unknown cave of untouched dreams. But the one place that stood out the most, was a deep cavern, etched at the edge of the castle borders. As Cory and friends approached this rather enigmatic pit, they gazed into the dark abyss, and the rather uneven steps.

"We're goin down?" Jolene asked

"Eeyup." Cory replied

"No journey's too steep for us?" Katie asked. 

"Eeyup." Cory replied, and with that 'eeyup,' they all walked down, one leading the other. 

With every step, the downward tunnel grew darker and darker, while their hearts beat faster and faster. But they knew in their hearts no obstacle was too difficult for a team like them. So, though what lied ahead grew blacker, and what lay below became fainter, they marched onward, without looking back. By the time they reached the final few steps, all natural light had abandoned them, as if Celestia had magically pulled away the sun earlier than usual. The only light source being two dimly lit torches, just a few more steps below, and even they were ready to flicker their last flame. 

By the time they all reached the bottom floor, they could hardly see themselves, nor could they make out who's feet was who's. All they visibly could see were their dimly flickering faces the two blue flamed torches, both hanging on opposite ends of a rather decrepit looking door. Cory went in a state of shock as he lay eyes on this mysterious entranceway. 

"What's wrong Cory?" Asked Camden

"I...I've heard about this door before." Cory replied in a shuttered voice. "Mom told me all about this. It's a door that leads to your worst fears." 

"Well what are we waiting for?" Asked Katie "Let's conquer it." 

"Wait!" Camden shouted as he pulled her back. "We can't just go together all at one time. It could be dangerous." 

"That's true." Cory replied.

"I'll go first." Said Jolene. 

"R..really?" Cory asked "I'm not sure if..."

"Cory," Jolene proclaimed "We searched high and low for you, and we'd do anything to save your ass. Even if it means risking a bit o sanity or two." 

"Than how about the rest of us stand right behind in case you get trapped. Deal?" Katie asked, to which everyone nodded in agreement. 

"Alright." Jolene replied, to which she took a deep breath and approached the door. 

She slowly lunged her arm forward and placed her hand on the knob. Then, after taking one last gaze at her friends, she opened it with the greatest of east. Suddenly, a large, sickly green fog illuminated all around her. 

"Wha..What happened?" She muttered "What am I doing back at..no...oh no...please no...don't take our barn...it's all we've ever worked for...it's our livelihood!!" 

Cory and the rest of his friends approached her, to which they noticed her eyes had turned green with red dots for pupils. 

"No!...Not our things!!" She moaned in agony. "Not the farm!!!" 

"Someone do something!" Cory panicked "Close the door!" 

"God No!! Please N..." The door slammed shut as her eyes turned to normal and she took a sigh of relief. 

"Jolene, what happened there?" Tony asked 

"I.." Jolene tried to think of the right words "I saw...my family's barn being repossessed, my parents being taken to the loony bin, and my livestock being taken to a slaughter mill. But, that's just a stupid fear I had. It aint real." 

"Right." Camden muttered "Now it's my turn." 

He took a deep a breath as his five friends stood a few inches behind him. Then, with one fellow swoop, he turned the knob and opened the door. And just like Jolene, his eyes turned a sickly green with red dots as his face filled with anxiety. 

"No....No...It Cant Be!!" Camden shouted as he gazed in horror. "After all we've done and now this?! Get your hands off me! Get off me!! I'm a human being!! Let me go..." 

His friends quickly closed the door shut as Camden stumbled to the floor. 

"What did you see?" Cory asked as he sat next to him. 

"I..." Camden tried to think of the right words as streams of tears were visible. "I saw a new law being passed. All gays and lesbians alike were to be exiled, and they were taking me away to some psychiatric ward." 

"That's a fear that will never come to pass." Cory reassured him "You will always find a decent place to be accepted for who you are." 

Camden's eyes watered up again as he latched his arms around Cory. 

"Thanks pal" He replied under the choke of his tears. 

"Ok." Tony said "Me next." 

"Were right behind you." Katie said with reassurance, to which Tony nodded back. 

Then, as he took a deep breath, he opened the wooden gate with the greatest of ease. And just as quickly as he opened it, his eyes shifted to that familiar, glowing green hue. 

"Wha..." He muttered "What is this? Why is everyone so...This is right...This isn't right at all...Where's the joy? Where's the love? Where's the hope?!! I can't live this? How can anyone? Ho.." The door immediately closed on him as he wiped away his tears.  

"It was awful." He said "There was not a smile to be found. A bright hue to be seen. Everyone was just serious and depressed, I can hardly even describe it. It's as if...as if all the happiness in the world zapped away." 

"You don't have to explain any further." Jolene said "That's a world that just won't ever exist." 

"Right." He replied with a slight nod. 

"Alright." Katie said with the crack of her knuckles and message of her calves.

She marched forward as her friends stood behind. 

"Come and get me fears." She said as she turned the knob and opened the door. 

Once again, eyes turned green, and pupils turned red. 

"Where am I?" she said bleakly "What's going...No, I don't want this! I don't belong here!! Get me out of here!! Someone listen to me!!! I don't belong here! Help me!!" 

The door slammed shut and Katie fell to floor in tears. Never before had she looked so frightened and so vulnerable. This was not the Katie her friends and loved ones remembered. 

"Well, what did ya see?" Asked Jolene. 

"I saw...." Katie tried to think of the right words. "I saw myself, in a dark place, a blank, empty room with no one around, no one to see, no one to talk to. I was all alone. I guess that's why I always wanted to be so athletic, striving to be the best. Cause I wanted attention. I didn't want to be alone."

"As long as you have friends," Rachel told her "You are never alone." 

Katie latched around Rachel and hugged her, to which she hugged back. 

"I suppose it's my turn." Rachel said with a gulp. 

"If anything happens, we'll be right here." Cory said, to which Rachel nodded back. 

Then, she carefully walked towards the door, turning the knob with a slower motion than her companions. As it opened, so did her eyes, wider than ever before. As her eyes turned green and her pupils turned red, she collapsed into tears. 

"No..." She whimpered "Why? Why is this happening? It's all gone. This can't be true. Every thing's...vanished. There's nothing left! Why!!? Why did they do this? Why..." The door slammed shut as Rachel embraced her friends in a fountain of tears. 

"Don't make me do that again guys." She said underneath her sobbing. "It was horrible." 

"What did you see?" Camden asked. 

"I..." She started "I saw every forest, every mountain, every sea, destroyed by a cataclysmic disaster. All flora and fauna was dead. we human were the only survivors in the parched wasteland." 

"Now Rachel." Jolene said "As long as there are people like you who care for the planet, that is never gonna happen." 

"I hope so." Rachel replied as she wiped away her tears. "I really do hope so." 

"You know what's funny?" Tony realized "All our fears had one thing in common."

"What's that?" Camden asked. 

"We were all alone. There was no one to rely on, no one to talk to, no one to express our feelings with. It was as if, we were all invisible." 

"I can't imagine what it was like for Cory here." Katie said  "A whole year with hardly a future to forward to? I don't think I could ever live it down." 

"I guess I'm the last one." Cory said.

"Like you said." Rachel assured him "We're all right behind you."  

Cory straightened his shirt, rolled up his sleeves and approached the door. 

What fears do I have? He thought to himself Do I have fears anymore? I mean, I've already been through more than one human can handle. What else is there?

His heart thumped against his chest as he slowly opened the door. He could feel his blood rushing through his veins, his muscles tightening around his bones, and his sweat falling against his brow. And just like that, the door fully swung open, his eyes turned green, and his pupils turned red. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out. His friends surrounded him, awaiting for any word of muttering of some kind. Instead, they saw a confused face and a gaping mouth. After a moment of silence, they closed the door, knowing it was more than enough time. 

"Well?" Tony asked "What did you see." 

Cory just stared blankly at the closed door. 

"I..." He started to speak "I saw.....nothing." 

Everyone just looked at him in confusion.  

"Wha...What do you mean you saw nothing?" Camden asked "Like you said, this is supposed to show one's worst fears." 

"Yeah, especially after all you've through." Tony added. 

"That's the thing." Cory explained "My worst fear already did come true. It was losing you guys. I couldn't have imagined a worse fate than my own. Being all alone in the world, with no one care or talk to you? Everywhere you go, you just feel worthless? And no matter what you do it just backfires right in your face?" 

Cory messaged his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks. 

"But now..." He continued "...that's all in the past. My worst fear is gone. I have a new family, a brighter life, and above all, I have you guys again. That's why I didn't see anything. Cause it already happened. There's no point in opening that door anymore. My fears have been spent." 

The eyes of his friends burst with tears as they embraced in a group hug. 

Now it was over, or so they thought, as they continued to roam around the interior of the palace. The sun had already signaled mid-afternoon, thus the guards, servants and delegates we're beginning to prepare for Cory's big night. 

"I hope never to go through that again." Jolene said to herself. 

"You and me both sister." Tony replied. 

At that moment, they saw what looked like a zap of light at the edge of the hallway. Being the curious companions they were, they rushed to the source. As they traveled the end of the corridor and stepped inside, they found themselves in a rather ancient room filled with picture frames and old knick knacks to fill the empty space. But was stood out the most was what lay in front of them. It was the mirror portal, exactly what Twilight described to her son. Surrounding it were a few controls and switchboards, specifically designed to keep this world and the other connected. On top of the mirror was what looked a small journal with a sun like emblem on the cover. Tapped on the frame was a small note that read: 

Dear Castle Guards
Spike and I have entered the other world to complete a small task under Celestia's order. We'll be back by tonight for Cory's gala. Take Care
Twilight Sparkle  

At that moment, Cory came to a sudden realization. He walked onto the platform and touched the mirror. 

"What are you doing?" Jolene asked. 

Cory turned to face them. 

"There is something that has to be done." Cory replied "I need to settle a score with an old foe of mine, and prove my studies have paid off." 

"But we thought you don't have any more fears." Said Camden.

"I don't." Cory replied. "But I don't know if I truly conquered them unless I face them head on. I need to finish what's been started." 

At that moment, his friends approached. 

"We're coming with you." Said Katie. 

Cory thought for a moment. 

"You're right. I can't do this by myself." 

They all held hands as they stared at the unknown abyss that was the mirror portal. 

"You really are the bravest guy we've ever known." Tony said. 

Cory nodded with a smile. 

"Let's do this." He said with confidence. 

and with those words, they all jumped in.
> On The Other Side
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sextet of friends came out the other side with one piling over the other. 

"Get your ass out of my face Rachel." Katie grunted. 

"Just give me a moment to stand up." Rachel replied. 

"Guys, next time we jump from one world to the next," Camden said as he dragged himself out of the pile and brushed off his clothes. "Lets do it one at a time." 

They all nodded in agreement as they scrambled outward. 

"Well whadaya know." chuckled Tony "We're back at Canterlot High." 

Indeed they were. Cory and his friends had found themselves on the lawn of the school he had always wished to attend. A perfect opportunity for him to go in and pass a test he couldn't before. The sky was a calm blue with a few clouds complimenting it's magnificence. Surrounding them were quaint houses and a few small shops, clearly a much nicer and well put together part of town. As he crawled further away from the landing spot, a shadow with a familiar voice bared over him. 

"Cory?" It asked. 

"Mom?" Cory asked back as he looked up. 

It was Twilight Sparkle in the human flesh, with Spike the dog looking over from the inside of her backpack. 

"How did you find me?" She asked. 

"Listen mom." Cory said as he got back on his feet. "I don't have much time to explain. Guys, we better get a move on."

His friends nodded back as they caught up with him and approached the school entrance, but not before making sure where they landed. Apparently a large stone block with a statue of a horse adorning it served as the the portal back to Equestria. Twilight and Spike just shrugged as they tagged along and caught up with them. 

"So, do you think they'll let me in?" Cory asked. 

"Relax." Katie replied "We'll just tell em you're a lost friend of ours and they'll escort you to the library like that." 

Twilight and the gang swung open the doors and scrambled inside. It was truly the first time Cory saw the interior of Canterlot High. It was a much more welcoming place compared to his old school. The color hues, from the banners to the floor tiles, all the way down to the green colored lockers spoke a sense of growth and joy for all the teenage attendees that went there. On the walls were a few pictures of students and faculty alike, mingling and coercing with one another as if they were closest of friends. A far cry from Stiffson academy. But what reassured Cory the most was what appeared on flyers tapped to the bulletin boards. They all seemed to promote music theatre and arts programs. Back at his old school, one could get expelled for committing such as menial as that act. But now he was here, in a school where anyone of any taste would be accepted. 

Suddenly, the bell rang, and like a swarm of insects, the hallways suddenly became crowded with students. Though as different in personality and character as they were, there was not a clique to be found. All had made up a melting pot of different teenagers, from different backgrounds, and different histories, and no one seemed to mind. It truly was the school Cory had hoped to be part of. At that moment, Twilight grabbed Cory by the shirt and pulled him by the lockers, to which friends followed in their direction. 

"Easy there son." She said. "You don't want to get lost in the crowd." 

"Thanks mom." Cory replied as he straightened his shirt. 

"Hey! Aren't you gonna get stuck here in this world or something?" Jolene asked. 

"Don't worry." Spike replied "We have some magical backup to get us home." 

"So you can still talk." Camden said. "That's certainly gonna be in the news."

"Oh guys." Twilight chuckled "Everybody in this school knows Spike can talk. I'm pretty sure it's not gonna be a big deal."

The eight of them looked in the hallways and saw the crowd of students had died down a bit. 

"Anyway." Twilight continued as they started to walk down the locker bay "I don't I think I told you this Cory, but there was another time I was here after the whole crown incident. See, I was summoned here by a magic journal Sunset Shimmer had to fend off a few sirens that threatened to take over this world. There was another journal in my world which she communicated through that is safely attached to the portal. Now thanks to these two books we share, I can go back and forth anytime I want."  

Spike dug into her backpack and took out a picture of her with what looked like her five human friends performing in a band. 

"So, what are you doing here?" Cory asked. 

"We're here to check on a certain friend's progress." She replied "What are you doing here?" 

Cory took a deep sigh and looked at his mother with a confident face. 

"One more thing I have to do." He replied. "And then I'll be free of the past. I'll meet you at the school entrance in three days. Don't wait up." 

And with those words, he followed his friends to the administrators office. 

"Wait, three days?" Katie asked "Aren't you gonna miss your exhibition?" 

"The time span fluctuates between our world and theirs." Cory explained "Now let's go." And off they went.

Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike looked at each other and shrugged once more as they were left with the task at hand. Spike gave her a little checklist tied to a clipboard and a pencil to write with while they looked for Sunset Shimmer. Suddenly, her presence caught the eye of one of the students. 

"Hey everybody!!" The student shouted "Twilight's back." 

Everyone cheered as they gathered around her and muttered a word or two. 

"It's great to have ya back Twilight." A random student said. 

"How ya been?" asked another. 

"Tell us what it's like in the other world." pleaded another

"Guys! guys!" Twilight Chuckled. "I'm just here to check on a certain somebody Ok?" 

"TWILIGHT!!" shouted some familiar voices. 

It was at that moment she turned around and saw her four of her five human counterpart friends staring back at her. 

"HI GIRLS!!" Twilight shouted as they all ran up and hugged each other. 

"I thought we'd never see you again." Said Human Rainbow Dash. 

"Well  that's nothin a little magic couldn't fix." Said Spike as he hopped out of Twilight's backpack. 

"Oh come here you adorable little scamp." Said human Rarity as he picked him up and scratched him by the ears. "I missed you." 

"Oh yeah." Spike replied lustfully. 

"So what bring ya back?" asked human Applejack. 

"I need to see how a certain student is doing." Twilight replied. 

"Oh, you mean Sunset Shimmer?" asked human Fluttershy. "She's in the extra curricular room with some pets at the local shelter." 

The four of them escorted Twilight down the hallway and to the right where they reached a brightly colored door with flowers on it. A sign read "Shhhh, animals sleeping." The interior was no different to it's exterior as the five of them opened the door. The hues of the walls were of pink, lavender and fainted yellow with a touch of grass green on the floor. On the sides were some pens and cages with baby cats, dogs, pigs, gerbils and other assorted pets.  Some were playing, Some were napping, some were eating and others were just staring at the ceiling with doe eyes. 

"Well I'll be." Twilight said with a Smirk. 

Sunset Shimmer was found in a rocking chair near the back wall, bottle feeding a young rabbit wrapped in a blanket with the most tender of care. She wore a green shirt that read "Volunteer" in big white letters and had a motherly face of peace and sincerity as she stared at the little critter. 

"Yep!" AJ said with pride. "She was pretty feisty first time she took up the job." 

"But now she's very sweet and has even made a few friends with the animals." Fluttershy added. 

Twilight slowly approached Sunset Shimmer  who got up at patted the rabbit on the back, allowing it to burp. 

"Hey Sunset." Twilight said solemnly. 

"Hey Twilight." Sunset replied as she put the rabbit in it's pen. "Look I don't want to make any trouble..." 

Twilight lifted her hand up to quiet her. 

"No need to." Twilight replied "Celestia just sent me to check on you. You know. She's always worried about her students. 

Sunset Shimmer nodded back. 

"'Ppreciate it." She said solemnly. 

And so Twilight took out her pencil and checklist while her 4 human friends left the two ponies to their annual check up.
> Similar Faces
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cory and the gang approached the administrators office where one of them knocked on the door.

"Come in." said a voice. 

As they entered they found themselves face to face with Principal Celestia herself. She was a rather attractive looking educator with a posh, yet long hairdo that seemed to cover her back and a professional attire best suited for her occupation. On her jacket was what looked like an emblem of a sun, almost like the one on Princess Celestia, to which Twilight told of to Cory on multiple occasions. Her workspace was a rather adequate one, complete with pens, a marker board, a lamp and a few other business related items 

"Um..are you the principal?" Cory asked as he stepped forward. 

"Yes." She replied calmly yet professionally. "How may I help you?" 

"This is our dear friend Cory." Jolene replied. "He's that kid we've been looking for." 

"Oh, so you finally found him. Congratulations!" Celestia said as she got out her chair to the filing cabinet. "I'll inform the school charity committee they can put down those missing posters." 

"You got the whole school to look for me?" 

"It was the least we could do." Tony replied "You mean the world to us." 

"Thanks." Cory replied surprisingly yet affectionately.

"So what brings him here?" Celestia asked. 

"He's here to see if this school works out for him." Camden replied "He's been through a lot and is gonna need all the help he can get." 

"That's what I've heard." Celestia replied. Then she walked back to her desk and pushed the intercom button. 

"Luna can you come in for a second?" She asked. 

"Wait, did she just say Luna?" Cory asked. 

"Yep." Katie replied "She's the vice principal here." 

"Boy, it's no wonder I could've been better off here." 

At that moment, the door swung open to reveal vice principal Luna in the flesh. Her skin and hair color was almost that of Princess Luna's, only slightly lighter. On her short sleeved turtleneck was an emblem similar to that of Luna's cutie mark. In her hand was a small clipboard with a pen attached to the top. 

"So who's the lucky boy?" Luna asked. 

They all gestured to Cory. 

"Just sign here and we'll give you a visitor's tag."  She replied

Then she placed the clipboard on the desk, to which Cory promptly signed away. Celestia and Luna looked at his signature as their eyebrows raised in curiosity. 

"You're full name is....Capricore?" Celestia asked. 

"Is that a problem?" Cory asked. 

"Not at all." Luna replied, to which she put his name on a sticker and gently placed it on his shirt. 

"Alright. you're all set." Celestia said. 

A smile fell across Cory's face as he and his friends were escorted to the door. 

"Oh, and if you need us." Celestia hollered "Our door's are always open." To which she ironically closed the door. 

"Well, she seems.... friendly." Cory acknowledged as they all walked towards the direction of the school library. 

"Are you kidding?" Rachel replied "She's the nicest administrator we ever had." 

"She's always open to other students opinions." Katie added. "If only every school principal was like that." 

"Alright guys." Cory said with confident. "Lets find this library and get some books to study." 

They all nodded as they walked in almost perfect unison. 

Meanwhile, three young female students, about the same age as Cory and friends, were busy volunteering for the school librarian: Miss Cheerilee. Applebloom was on a ladder sorting a few books by title and theme, Sweetie Belle was at the doorway putting a few flyers on the nearby bulletin board, and Scootaloo was down on her knees fixing some computer malfunctions. 

"Thank you so much girls for helping out." Miss Cheerilee said as she entered the scene. 

"No problem Miss Cheerilee." Applebloom replied "Always glad to some extra credit for our grades." 

"By the way, did you all hear?" Miss Cheerilee added "They finally found that Cory boy the school's been looking for." 

"Really!?" Scootaloo asked as she hopped to her feet. "That's awesome!! Where did they find him?" 

"Not sure, but I believe they just found him today." 

"That's great news!" Squeaked Sweetie Belle as she put the last flyer up. " So when do we get to meet him? From what those five students told us, he sounds like a really swell guy." 

"I believe right about now." Jolene answered upon entering the scene with her companions.

"Jolene!!" Shouted Applebloom as she ran up to her.

"Hey AB!" Jolene shouted back as she ran up to her. 

The two embraced in a big hug as they clicked each others legs in what looked like a secret foot shake. 

"So how ya been?" Applebloom asked "It's been a month since I last saw you!" 

"I know, right?" Jolene replied "We should really work together more often." 

It was at that moment Applebloom saw Cory standing behind Jolene's back. 

"Oh, this here's our friend Cory we've been talkin about." Said Jolene. "Cory this here's..." 

"Applebloom. I know." Cory replied "And the other two must be Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo." 

The three of them dropped their jaws upon hearing this. 

"How did you.." 

"My friends told me." Cory lied as he made a little wink to them. 

"So where can..." 

"SHHHHHHH." Miss Cherilee said as she silenced them. 

"So where can we find some good books to study?" Cory asked in a library toned voice. 

"What kind of books?" asked Scootaloo. 

"Basic skills books." Camden replied "You know, reading, writing, math, history..."

"Oh, you mean textbooks." Sweetie Belle replied. "They're in the back." 

"Thanks." Cory replied as he quickly walked towards the end of the library. His friends followed him from behind. 

For the next 30 minutes, all nine of them spent a good chunk of time gathering and collecting any text books that would suit their needs. Some were of the math department, others were of writing curriculum, and few were on the subject of science. But perhaps the ones Cory would need the most dealt around world history, given the fact he had resided in a different world for some time. Soon, they had full cart of books and instruments for the purpose of studying. They carefully stacked them together and headed towards the door. 

"So what's all this for?" Asked Applebloom. 

"Well." Cory replied "There's a test coming up that I struggled on and I want to prepare myself for it again." 

"Oh." Sweetie Belle squeaked "You mean that required basic skills test we all gotta do?" 

"Basically." Katie replied with a chuckle. 

"Can we come too?" Scootaloo asked "I think we might get extra credit for tutoring." 

The gang thought for a moment. 

"Eh, why not?" Jolene replied "Hop aboard." 

And so Cory, his friends, and the three human CMC scurried out of the library and into the hallway. 

"Alright, now all we gotta do is find a big old space to practice some problems." Said Cory as they all paced from corridor to corridor with the cart by their side. 

"Don't worry." Tony replied "There's plenty of classrooms with vacant space. All we need is to ask someone to..." 

Suddenly, Tony spotted a girl with a frizzy hairdo similar to Pinkie Pie's. Her attire look like a combination between a birthday cake and Pippi Longstocking, complete with boots that belonged in a pie shop. She was putting streamers and stickers all over the locker bay for another upcoming event on the school grounds. 

"PINKIE!!" Shouted Tony in a rather Italian accent. 

The girl turned to face them, clearly caught by Tony's attention. She threw her items in the air and waved her arms like a maniac. 

"TINKIE!!" She shouted back with a voice that could be heard a hundred feet away. 

"COSI BUON VEDERV!!" Tony shouted. 

"E STATO UN MESE!!" Pinkie shouted back. 

Then they ran towards each other and engaged in what was the clearly the most complicated secret handshake anyone could conceive. 



"Oh, Cory." Tony said as he turned to his other friends. "This is my clown partner I was talking to you about. She's..." 

"Pinkie Pie." Cory answered back. "I know." 

Pinkie let out a big gasp and grabbed cory by the shirt. 

"Are you psychic?!!" She asked. 

"No, I just heard you two say each others names out loud." 

"Pinkie." Tony continued. "This is my friend Cory. The courageous kid I was talking to you about." 

Pinkie took a moment to examine Cory's body, like a scientist checking out a new specimen. 

"Hmmm." She said "He sure looks like a rascal to me Tinkie." 

"Tinkie?" Cory asked. 

"That was my clown name." Tony replied bashfully. 

"Yeah!" Pinkie replied "Ever since the fall formal, we took part in almost every special event in town together. Wanna see one?"

"Maybe later." Katie replied "We got some studying to do." 

"Ooooo, Can I come?" She asked. 

"I don't know." Cory replied "We could use some entertainment during our breaks." 

"That's the spirit!" Tony said as he firmly patted Cory on the back. 

"Say." Pinkie Pie added "I know a great place to study! Follow us!" 

Tony and Pinkie grabbed Cory by the arms and took him down the hallway while his other friends followed. Moments later, they found themselves in the middle of the school art studio. It was everything Cory had hoped for. Complete with art utensils, slabs of clay, Cans of every hue and color, and stacks for inspiration and innovation, It truly was an adequate safe haven for any starving artist. There was canvas upon canvas of different paintings and sculptures, crafted by some of the best talented students at Canterlot High. If only he could display his own work here. Here he could've blossom with the fullest potential, rubbing elbows with students of his kind. But this was not the time to reminisce on what might have been. Now was the time to freshen up with what his mother taught him. His friends, the human CMC and Pinkie Pie cleared the floor of desks and any subsiding residue, cleaned the nearby marker board of doodles and sketches and, and placed the books and writing material front and center. 

"Alright guys." Cory said with a confident voice. "This is our time! Let's make it or break it!" 

And with a deep breath, they all sat down and read, with Cory leading the way. 

They started off with a few basic math problems on the board, such as equations, geometry solutions and integers. Next, they worked on their writing skills: putting together paragraphs filled with grammar, punctuation and spelling errors and figuring out what to fix. Following was reading the history and reading textbooks, filling their brains with knowledge of events from days gone by and predictions of what may or may never come to pass. 

But soon it was time to take a breather, and Pinkie and Tony knew just what to do about that. They cleared the front of classroom, took a few instruments from the classroom nearby, put some paint on their faces, and engaged in a novelty clown act. 

"You are gonna love this!" Jolene said to Cory as they all scooted front and center. 



What struck Cory the most was how they were able to engage with their props in almost perfect unison. Not one of them seemed to be making a mistake. And if they did, it was all part of the act. 

So, this cycle of study and play went on for the next few hours till about the end of the school day. It was at that moment the laughter and murmur caught the attention of Twilight's four other human friends. 

"Gotta hand it to ya." Human Applejack said as she leaned at the door. "Pinkie and Tinkie really made ya smile." 

Cory jumped a few feet back at the sight of Twilight's human friends. Aside from their species, they were almost identical to their pony counterparts, right down to the hair. 

"Hey guys." Human Rainbow Dash said. "We're just next door practicing for our band when we heard you guys." 

"Wait, you guys are in a band?" Katie asked. 

"Yeah, don't you remember that battle of the bands incident?" Applejack asked.

"We we're kind of searching for Cory by that time." Jolene replied back.

"You guys really got to be more in tune with what's going on around here." Said Rainbow Dash. 

"It's so great to finally meet you guys." Cory said as he approached them. 

"Oh, this must be that Cory of your's you've been talking about." said Human Fluttershy. "It's so great you finally found him." 

"Oh, it is." Rachel said. "We found him about a week ago and he's been living with Twilight." 

"Well that is a...hold on." Said Rarity. 

"Maybe you shouldn't have mentioned my mom." Cory whispered to Rachel. "I don't think they..." 

"It's not that." Rarity replied "It's him." 

By 'him,' she was pointing towards Camden. It was at that moment he and Rarity gave each other envious stare. The two walked up to each other and looked disapprovingly at one another. 

"Camden." Rarity said sternly. 

"Rarity." Camden replied sternly. 

But moments later, the two of them let out a big laugh and gave each other a rather friendly pat on the back. 

"You were always neck and neck with me." Camden said with a smile. 

"Oh please." Rarity replied with a laugh "You were constantly trying to be one step ahead."

"Wait, I thought you two were enemies." Cory said in confusion. 

"The proper term Cory dear is worthy adversary." Rarity replied. 

"You can't really have a proper without some proper competition." Camden added.

"We just want to say we're really sorry about your friends sad past." Fluttershy said "I hope the poor dear's alright." 

"Actually I've never been better." Cory replied "I got adopted by Twilight and pony Applejack." 

"That is aw...wait. Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked in puzzlement. 

"How's that even possible?" Applejack asked. 

"Well..." Cory replied with a sigh "You see....." But just as he opened his mouth Pinkie started to speak. 

"You entered Twilight's world after running away from Stiffson academy and a shack you and five other friends used to hang out  in was actually be a portal that transported you to Equestria. There, you were found by pony versions of Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle where they took you to pony Applejack's house and made you a stable boy and pony Rarity's personal driver and in addition you found this amazing talent of your's where you can turn anything into a work of art. Now at first you were hesitant to talk about your sad past and how you struggle all the time with math, reading and writing and stuff,  but after a bit of coaxing you were able to talk it through and get the help you needed. Twilight became your after school teacher and Pony Rainbow Dash became your personal trainer and eventually Twilight and Applejack's family decided to adopt you and make you part of their family and now that you've reunited with your friends and improved greatly on your basic skills, you followed Twilight back here so you could settle a score with Stiffson Academy and pass a test you couldn't before." Pinkie described to which she make a smile that enveloped her face. 



Everyone in the room stood in disbelief with dropped jaws and flailing arms. 

"How did you...you know what? I don't even want to know." Cory replied as he snapped back to reality. 

"Whoa! Whoa! Back up a second!" Rainbow Dash intervened "You went to Stiffson Academy?"

"We all did." Joanna replied "We were kinda hesitant to mention that to y'all." 

"That's the most downtrodded school in the whole country." Applejack added with a surprise inflection in her voice. 

"And it's been giving our town of Canterlot a bad name." Said Rainbow Dash. 

"Well, Why cant the state just shut it down?" Rachel asked. "It doesn't seem that hard." 

"Former students and faculty have tried numerous times through court and union." Rarity explained. "But they just can't seem to prove it to the head of the U.S department of education. Oh Stiffson might be nasty, but they do know how to keep their dark secrets in check. " 

"Well then, I guess I'll have to take my test here." Cory responded. "I mean, after all. I always wanted to be a student at this school." 

"Well, shucks." Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk as she approached Cory. "From what your friends told us, you are one tough kid." 

"Hey, why don't we all help you for the test?" Applejack proposed "It's only a few days away and you need all the help you can get."

"I don't know." Katie responded. "Don't you guys need to go home." 

"We got plenty of time." Rainbow Dash replied "Plus during breaks you can listen to our band." 

"Sounds good to us." Camden replied. "Cory. Lead the way." 


And so for the next two Cory and the group of old and familiar individuals huddled up in the school's art studio, engaging themselves in a wide variety of basic academic subjects, comprised of games, quizzes, music, creativity and above all friendship. Even Sunset Shimmer decided to swing by and help along, with Twilight keeping a watchful eye on her actions. Every hour or so, they would give each other breaks, listening to the serenade of the Rainbooms or laughing at other Pinkie and Tinkie skit. 

Soon, it had been a day and a half of work, progress, play, and game, and they all agreed they needed somewhere else to go. So, while Twilight and Sunset were off with their appointed, Pinkie invited the rest over to a slumber party. Now this really brought Cory. It was just like the old days, when he and his five friends all came to each other's houses, as if they were all a family, sleeping under the same roof, sharing all of the same hopes. The party was no different from the study session, filled with math related games, athletic, backyard sports, and a reading of all kinds of stories and tales. It was hard to believe one was really studying. It felt more like he was playing that preparing for something. But regardless, each hour of the session was one where he regained any forgotten knowledge of a subject at hand. Even in sleep, he felt confident. He didn't mind the snores of the others surrounding him, nor did he mind they were all crammed together in one room. He felt warm like a bear in a den of his brothers. For with all the support in that space, he was more and more ready to tackle the tallest of obstacle, and triumph his greatest fear. 

"So..." Said Applejack as she slept next to Cory "You got adopted by Twilight and the Apple Clan." 

Cory nodded back. 

"Gotta say, couldn't've picked a better family."
> Old Foes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Done, Done, and Done!" Said Twilight as she crossed off her list. 

"Well Sunset Shimmer, I must say. You have made a lot of improvement since the last time I saw you." 

"Nothing a few good friends can't help you with." Sunset replied sheepishly.

It was midday at Canterlot High, about two human world days since Twilight, her son and friends journeyed into the human world. The students were just getting back from lunch period, preparing for the next class and chatting with each other regardless of their hobby or habit. At the entrance to another classroom, Twilight and Sunset were found finishing up their annual check up, and from the look of things, Sunset had truly progressed in great stride. She had volunteered in almost every charity and community service program the town had to offer. What's more, because of her tireless efforts to reform herself, she had gained a bit of respect, and even friendship among some students at the school, including the likes of Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. 

"I've noticed how you haven't been writing to me lately." Said Twilight as they walked down the halls. 

"Yeah." Sunset replied. "I've been kind of trying to keep up with my studies. After all, the big test is less than a day from today."

"Well, if you're struggling I can always help you. I mean, I have time." 

It was at that moment Twilight almost ran into another familiar face. It was Flash Sentry, fixing his guitar and getting ready for the next period. 

"TWILIGHT!!" He shouted with glee "You're back again!!" 

"Oh, hey Flash." Twilight replied with a blush in her cheeks. "We.."

"Wait don't tell me." Flash replied back. 

"We have got to stop bumping into each other like this." They said together followed by a chuckle. 

"That never gets old." Said Twilight. 

"So, what brings you back this time?" Flash asked. 

"Oh, I'm just here to check on an old friend." Twilight replied while turning her head towards Sunset.

"Yeah, she sure is gettin better." Said Flash. "In fact, I think about a month ago we we're lab partners." 

"And for once I tried not to be all dominant when it came to a project." Sunset replied with a shudder. "I don't even want to think about the last time that happened." 

"But that's all in the past now, so it doesn't matter." Twilight reassured her. 

"Hi, Twilight." Said a rather small, cross eyed blonde with a muffled voice.

"Who's this?" Twilight asked. 

"Oh, this is my study partner Derpy." Flash replied. 

"It's nice to see you again." Derpy said as she did a few hand gestures, Much to Twilight's confusion. 

"She's deaf." Flash whispered into Twilight's ear. 

" Ah, I see." Twilight said with a nod. " It's nice to meet you as well. Are you two..."

"Nah, we're just friends." 

"Ever since the first time you came here, Everyone here in this town thinks we are crazy." Derpy continued as she continued her sign language. "But we are very happy to be different from most schools, and it's all thanks to you."

"We've even made a statue in your honor." Sunset added.

The three then escorted her to the end of the locker bay and found what was clearly a small sculpture of Twilight with wings. It stood atop of a cubed stone tablet with an inscription that read:

Dedicated To Twilight Sparkle
Who united us all. 

"That might be stretching it a bit too much," Twilight replied "But it is flattering all the same." 

"EVERYONE OUTSIDE NOW!! SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!!"  yelled a random student who was sprinting down the hallway, to which everyone bolted out of their classrooms and out the front door. 

"What is it?" Flash asked. 

"There's a kid," another student replied "From Stiffon... threatening our students." 

"Again?"  Sunset asked. "Who is it this time?" 

"I think it's that group  who was looking for their friend, now come on." Replied another student. 

"Cory." Twilight gasped as she sprinted through the crowd of students, to which Flash, Derpy and Sunset followed. 

"Ugh." Spike yawned as he popped his head out of Twilight's backpack. "Is it time already to go back?"

"Hardly." Twilight answered as she and her friends ran to the situation. 

Earlier that day, Cory and his friends were found having a little R & R from their studies. They decided to spend that time taking a stroll down memory lane. From Tony's house of clowns and mimes, to the town junkyard of collected items, to the park where the six of them always played whatever games their minds could imagine. It was both a pleasant and heart rendering experience for Cory, bringing back such warm and cold moments of his life. 

It was at this time they approached what looked like an abandoned building complex. Through closer examination, it turned out to be the once old, lonely orphanage Cory used to live in. Every loose board, shattered window, and hanging shingle brought back open wounds Cory could not get rid of, filling him with anger and sadness. 

"C'mon Cory, lets go somewhere else." Katie insisted. 

But he wasn't listening, as he furiously picked up some nearby rocks and started throwing at the monument to his dark past. This time, unlike a dream he had so long ago, he was able to hit his target in precise coordination, much to his friends surprise. With every grunt in his voice,  every tear that he shed, and every throw that he executed, it felt so good to demolish at least a bit of his sad upbringing. Then, finally, he collapsed to the ground with tears in his eyes and a numbness in his right arm. His friends surrounded him in a big group hug. It was then something hit him. 

"What the hell are you doing back here?!!" Said a voice that sounded like a wasp hitting his eardrum. "I thought we got rid of you!!"

It was one of the bullies from their old school. He was dressed in a firmly pressed outfit, complete with a plain, button down shirt, black, khaki pants, neatly polished shoes, and a army style haircut. Cory's friends backed up as they gave him some space.

"Listen. I don't want any trouble here Dwayne." Cory said firmly as he picked up the blunt object that hit him. 

"You really are stupid ya know that?" Dwayne replied as he started to approach him. "This is supposed to be the most important day of our school and you just come back here to ruin it." 

"I'm not afraid of you anymore." Cory said as he positioned himself in a fighting pose. 

"Well you should be." Dwayne replied as he rolled up his sleeves and cracked his neck. "Cause the U.S. department of education is coming today, and as a member of the school guards, we don't want any DISTRACTIONS!!!" 

Then he swung his fist in the air as if about to punch Cory in the nose like he always did. Fortunately, Cory dodged the blow, grabbed him by the arm and swung him to the ground. 

"Like I said." Said Cory "I'm not afraid of you anymore."

Dwayne got up and noticed some blood coming out of his nose. Now he was really infuriated as his eyes turned green and a purple drifted out of his sockets. 

"Oh you guys are in for it now." He said in a demonic whisper, to which he started attacking his friends. 

It was at that moment  Canterlot High kids came to the scene, with Twilight and Spike front and center. Knowing he had a choice between making a fool of himself, and fighting for a true cause, Cory went into defense position and kicked Dwayne towards the back of the head. Dwayne ceased his punching and turned his attention to Cory. The green fury embalmed his eyes as he too went into fighting mode. Everybody was completely silent. Then, the one to one combat ensued. 

Dwayne jabbed to the right, but Cory dodged it with his left fist. He swung his left leg into the air and kicked Dwayne across the cheek, almost knocking his head off. Next, Dwayne wrapped his arms around Cory's torso to which Cory did a 360 degree flip, setting himself free. The move continued with a vertical kick under the chin, and a body slam turned headlock across Dwayne's thick neck. The crowd stared in awe as Cory continued to dodge and defend every kick and blow that came at him. 

"Man, those lessons with Rainbow really paid off." He said to himself. 

Just then, as Cory made a finishing blow on Dwayne's other cheek, he saw what looked like a blackish green ooze come out of his mouth. To everyone's surprise, the substance spewed out of Dwayne and turned into a large  slime ball, surrounded by a field of purple and grey electrodes. Within this strange phenomenon a voice could be heard: 

"NOOOOOOOO!!! This is Impossible!!!" It shouted. 

And just like that, the electrodes disappeared and the the ball splattered on the sidewalk, turning into a puddle of useless muck. Cory turned around to see everyone else, excluding Twilight, standing there with gaped mouths and flailing arms. Then they turned their attention to the seemingly lifeless body of Dwayne, lying face front on the pavement. Suddenly, he pushed his head up and looked strangely at everyone around him. Then, as he got up and coughed out a few more drips of the black ooze, he tilted his head towards his opponent. It was then Cory noticed something different about him: His face looked more human-like, and his body seemed less monstrous. But the most striking feature of all were his eyes. The green specs with red dots that once served as his seeing organ were gone. It was as if the evil inside him had finally sucked right of him. 

"Holy shit." Said Dwayne as he noticed a slightly bruised Cory. "Did I do that? I'm sorry." 

"Huh?" Cory asked. 

"Didn't notice ya there man. My mind must've been at a million places at once." 

"Wait. Wait. Hold on." Said Cory. "You don't remember what just happened?" 

"All I remember," Dwayne continued as he scratched his head "Is going to bed after failing an exam and then having the craziest dream. I was this bully and I went to this strict , uptight school and being appointed as an honor student for some reason..."

"Yeah, that kinda actually happened." Jolene added as she brushed herself off. 

"Wait what?" Dwayne replied, to which he looked as his knuckles and noticed a few blood marks. He turned his attention to Cory and then to his friends. Upon realizing what he had just done. He collapsed into a state disbelief. 

"Ho...How did this happen?" Dwayne asked "Was I in a trance or something?" 

"How were you in a trance?" Tony asked. "It's very unlike for someone, or something to make you a bully overnight." 

"I know somepony who could." Twilight said as she examined the ooze with her fingers. "KING SOMBRA!!"
> Making Connections
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"King who-what now?" Asked a student as he raised his hand. 

"Alright." Twilight sighed for the third time. " lets go through this again."

The entire group of students had stopped over in the gymnasium to discuss what had just happened. Though two extravagantly abnormal events had occurred at their school, they were still having trouble getting used to the existence of magic. It was after that fight Twilight decided to set things straight and explain a little more about where she came from, and also how Cory wound up there. 

After she guided everyone through a brief history of Equestria and the adoption of her son, she finally got to the part everyone was asking: What was that mysterious ooze? Still, everyone was having trouble comprehending this, much to Twilight's frustration. 

"A few years ago, or in your time, many years ago" Twilight began as she drew on the marker board with magic. "My friends and I traveled to a place called the Crystal Empire. It was there we were to defeat an ancient evil Unicorn known as King Sombra. 

"I'm not sure if whether this is a history lecture or story time." A student whispered to another.  

"HEY." Human Applejack said as she shooshed them. "This is important." 

"Though we were successful and Sombra was destroyed," Twilight continued "All thanks to my friend Spike here."

"Hold on!" Shouted Rarity. "Your little spikey is a hero to a whole kingdom!?" 

"Yep. I'm known to them as the great, noble, Spike.." Replied a bragging Spike who was in her lap. 

"What's that got to do with this world?" asked Rainbow Dash. 

"It seems as though some of Sombra's dark magic was able to sneak inside the mirror portal. Upon entering, it could latch onto any individual and attack them at their most vulnerable. Once the magic was inside their system, they become consumed by fear and hatred and can even carry that influence onto others, causing the dark magic to spread. And apparently Stiffson academy has been a easy target since." 


"So are they some kind of, Zombies now?" Applebloom asked

"Not exactly." Said Sunset Shimmer as she stood up and walked to the board. 

"They're sort of... in a trance. It's a power fills up inside you, affecting the way you lead your life. It feels good at first, giving you a sense of power and authority. But it makes you lonely and feared by everyone, and unless you have the will to find real friends, the power will lead to your demise. I know because, I fell victim to that sort of feeling. Come to think of it, before the old me disappeared, I may have contributed to Stiffson with some of my magic, thus adding to their suffering. I am so sorry Cory ." 

"You don't need to be." Cory replied. "Cause mom told me to forgive you awhile back." 

Sunset Shimmer left a smile as a tear went down her cheek. 

"Everyone, I think it's time you all knew the truth." He continued as he stepped forward "My name is Capricore "Agees" Sparkle. Formally known as Cory Agees, not too long ago, I attended Stiffson Academy. 

Everyone gasped as he said this. 

"It was during that time I suffered the worst kind of education out there. There was no music, no arts, no imagination at all, and everyone had to follow the strict orders of the principal. I'd get punished beaten, scratched and even whipped just for making a mistake. I even endured the horror of losing my friends, a value Stiffon doesn't understand. I felt so small, and so afraid, I thought all had been lost for me. But then I went on a little adventure of self - discovery, and courage.  On my journey I found some of the best friends and  family anyone could hope for. Now My mom has told you about them, and I think it's time you see them for yourself." 

"Does anyone have two IPads?" Asked Rainbow 

Two of the students rushed forward and gave it to Cory. After they turned on skype , he wrote a small note, rushed outside and snuck the IPAD into the portal. Next, he went back into the gym and connected the other to the screen behind him. For the first time, Cory's world would catch a glimpse of Twilight's

Meanwhile, back in the Crystal Empire, Twilight's pony friends were prepping themselves for the upcoming exhibition. Applejack was pushing a box of some of Cory's work, Rarity was ironing of his tuxedo, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were hanging some of his opened paintings and sculptures, and Pinkie was maniacally throwing streamers and balloons in the air. 

"What?" She said as her other friends looked at her disapprovingly. "Thought I'd spice up the occasion." 

Suddenly, a knock was heard at the far end of the room. Rainbow Dash answered it to which she saw one of the castle guards with a strange object. 

"Item for Twilight's friends." He said as he left it for them. 

The 5 approached the device as they stared at it's strange material. Was it some kind of magic square? Was it a map from another land? What could it be? 
Suddenly, the screen turned on to reveal a circle that said "Answer." Applejack shrugged as she pressed her hoof on it. To their astonishment, Cory appeared on the screen. 

"Hey guys." He said "How ya doin?" 

"Cory?" Applejack said

"How did you get in there?" Asked Rainbow Dash. 

"Guys listen." Said Cory "I need your help in...." 

"OH MY GOSH!!! CORY'S STUCK INSIDE THIS SQUARE!!!" Pinkie screamed "I'LL GET YOU OUT!!" 

She picked up the device and prepared to smash it. Luckily, Rarity stopped her just in time. 

"Would you mind explaining what's going on?" she asked

"Relax." Cory assured. "This is one of many devices from my world that we use to communicate. I chose this one because it's easier to handle with hooves." 

"How did you get there?" Fluttershy asked

"He followed me." Twilight said as she showed her human self to her friends.

"Twilight?" the five of them said in unison. 

"Yep." Twilight replied. "In the human flesh." 

"EVERYONE!" Cory said as he turned head towards the students. "I'd like you to meet my mom's friends from Equestria!!" 

The screen projected the skype message as everyone, stared in awe at these four legged creatures. Now both worlds were truly connected. Twilight's human friends walked towards the screen and took a closer examination of their pony counterparts. In a way, it was like staring in a mirror for them, excepting the clothing and shade of skin color of course. After a minute or two of getting aquatinted, Cory got everyone's attention. 

"Alright, this is why I made this connection." Cory began. "I need the five of you to help us in our mission." 

"Mission? What mission?" Pony Rainbow Dash asked. 

"The mission to expose Stiffson as he truly is." 

"WHAT?!!" the auditorium sounded. 

"That's crazy talk." Human Applejack commented. "You could get yerself hurt." 

"Hurt is an understatement." Pony Applejack added. "My brother could get mangled." 

"I was just thinkin that." Human Applejack replied, to which Pony Applejack made a friendly smirk. 

"Besides haven't you already conquered your fears by talking em out?" Pony Rainbow Dash said.

"Yeah, and not to be a pain in behind." Human Rainbow Dash added to which she was kicking a soccer ball with her head. "We have about 10 hours before the te.."

It was at that moment she noticed Pony Rainbow Dash kicking a soccer ball with her head as well, after which she slid it down her back, spinned in on her hoof, and tossed it into a nearby bin. 

"Whoa." Said Human Rainbow How did you..." 

"Hey." Pony Rainbow replied. "When your awesome, anything's possible."

"You and me both sister." Human Rainbow added. 

"Exactly Rainbow." Cory replied "I think we've all done enough studying for awhile. Now it's time to put our thoughts into actions. Is everybody and everypony acquainted with each other?" 

Cory turned around to see Rarity and Fluttershy talking to their counterparts. 

"What is that gorgeous ensemble you have?" Asked pony Rarity. 

"Oh please, it's just my casual outing." Replied human Rarity. "And where do you get your Mane curls?"

"From yours truly." Pony Rarity replied. "To do without it is a crime." 

The two chuckled simultaneously. 

Meanwhile Pony and Human Fluttershy just looked at each other bashfully. 

"I'm sorry." Human Fluttershy said. "I never really met me before." 

"No need to worry." Pony Fluttershy replied. "Personally, I'm not the best at...."

"Introducing myself." The two said together, to which they covered their mouths. 

"How bout you start first." Human Fluttershy suggested. 

"No, no, you can start." Pony Fluttershy responded. 

"GUYS!!" Cory responded as he turned back to the students. "Look, I know you all have your doubts, but my mom told me that with a little trust and a huge heap of friendship, she was able to unite everyone of you over the course of a single day. I believe if we all get together not just as a  school, but as a team, we can show Stiffson that the magic of friendship can overcome any obstacle."

"Cory." Said Katie as she approached him. " I'm not sure if a gym is the best place to tell of your plan." 

"You're right." Cory Replied. "Everyone come over to the shack and bring the IPAD with us." 

Everyone nodded as they left their seats and headed out the door. 

"Pinkie?" Twilight asked as she noticed Pinkie still staring at the screen. "Aren't you coming?" 

Both pony and human Pinkie seemed to be engaging each other in a copying contest. 

"Say, your'e good." The two said together as they mimicked their movements. "HAH!! Darn. Hmmmmm. Mary Had a Little Lamb, whose fleece was white as.......PICKLE FISH LIPS!!!!" 

"PINKIES!!!" Shouted Twilight. "Lets go, the two of you!" 

"Sorry." The two of them said sheepishly. Then human Pinkie unplugged the IPAD from the screen, picked it up and caught up with the rest of the students.
> The Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Are the handpicked honor students rehearsing their questions!?" Asked Stiffson

"SIR! YES SIR!!" Said the entire school staff. 

"Is security in place?!" 

"SIR YES SIR!!" They replied back. 

"Are all the classrooms cleaned and organized?!" 

"SIR YES SIR!!" They replied once more. 

It was a rather important morning for Stiffson Academy, for today, the head of the U.S. Department of Education was visiting the school district. As with every visit, the schools around the area were preparing to show their most excellent of achievements for all to see. And why not? This visit was a special one: Whoever had the most outstanding achievement in education would be awarded a blue ribbon by the head herself. This was one opportunity Stiffson did not want to miss. So rather than be just mean and ruthless, they added it to a whole new level today by enforcing the following: 

1. All students were to have a 100% grade today, or they would be expelled. 
2. No lunch is to be served today to avoid bathroom breaks. 
3. All clothing is to be firmly pressed and packed, those who fail will be given a expulsion.
4. No noise, regardless of health; or be suspended.
5. Double the hall monitor guards. 
6. NO UNKNOWN PERSONS.
7. NO SMILING.

Yes, this was one day that could make it or break it for them, or so they thought. The principal and staff had found themselves in the conference room, which looked more like a business executive house. Every teacher and worker was standing up in a straight line, like an army of cadets ready to charge into battle. Principal Stiffson had given himself the position of a commanding officer. Though they seemed cool and calm, a bucket of sweat fell down the teachers necks. They had been yelled at one too many times in the past few days, and they could not afford a pink slip, especially on an occasion like this. 

"Dr. Discord!" Stiffson called. No one answered. 

"DR. DISCORD!!!!" He shouted again, to which a tall, yet skinny man jumped out of the line in panic. 

"Yes, sir?" Dr. Discord asked as he made a little soldier salute. 

Of all the members of Stiffson Academy, none looked more different than the science teacher, Dr. Discord. He sported the style of what looked like a Doc Brown wanabee with mix matched clothing. It was he who seemed the most eccentric, given the fact he had a small secret behind his sternness. Though he acted harshly in public, inside him was a science clown ready to give real knowledge to children all over. He wanted to add a sense of nonsense and wonder to general studies, and not confound himself to one topic. He had a versatile amount of knowledge, but in many ways drove him mad, probably because despite his eccentricity, Stiffson chose him as his right hand man: lounging the school for any disobedient students. Though he wished to end this cycle of brutality and discipline, he was afraid to speak up for fear of losing his job. As was for a few other teachers. If Sombra's magic didn't incase them with hatred, it enveloped them in fear. 

"Have all the students with a record in violation been taken care of?!" Asked Stiffson. 

"Most definitely sir." Discord replied nervously. "They're all locked in the detention room. The visitor will not even no they're there."

"I knew I would count on you to discipline those hopeless causes." 

"As is a pleasure to be working with you." Discord lied through his teeth, to which Stiffson snapped his fingers commanding him to get back in the line. 

"Now what about...." Stiffson shivered for a moment "C-Canterlot High?!!" 

Everyone murmured and made a few grunts as they tapped their notepads and stretched their jackets in nervousness. If there was one place Stiffson Academy had a harsh rivalry with, it was Canterlot High. It was everything they weren't. An education metropolis for minds big and small. Not only that. It was a place where everyone was accepted, with a bountiful splendor of fun, compassion, and above all, friendship. This was one place Stiffson could not afford to lose to. 

"Maybe she won't come to their school." Suggested a teacher as he raised his hand. 

It was at that moment the principal swiftly walked up to him and slapped him across the cheek. 

"YOU IDIOT!!" He shouted. "IT'S A VISIT THROUGH THE ENTIRE SCHOOL DISTRICT! SHE'LL BE THERE!!" 

Stiffson took a moment to compose himself and started again. 

"Now look." He continued. "The future of my academy is at stake. Not to mention our personal careers. CANTERLOT HIGH MUST NOT BE ALLOWED WITHIN 3 MILES OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION! Is that understood?" 

Everyone nodded in nervous approval. 

"Maybe we could just blow up the school and blame it on a delinquent?" Another teacher suggested.

"SILENCE!!" Stiffson shouted. "And that is tempting, but I have a better idea. DISCORD!"

"Yes sir?" Discord replied as he shakily walked up to Stiffson's tall presence. 

"Take this serum to the back side of our rival school." Stiffson said as he took out of his front pocket a vial containing a strange blackish green serum. 

"What does it do?" Discord asked. 

"If you pour it down the inner pipes of Canterlot High, it will stench up the entire school with an unbearable scent. It will shut them down within a week."

"But am I supposed to." 

"DONT QUESTION ME! Just pretend you're a plumber or something." 

"Whatever you say sir." Discord replied in defeat. "I'll get my disguise and be out by late afternoon." To which he turned around and walked out of the room." 

"...and not later!" Stiffson hollered out the door. He turned around to see everyone staring at her. 

"Why are you all still here!?" He shouted "Don't you have students to teach?" 

Everyone frantically ran out the door, leaving Stiffson to collect his thoughts. 

"No one will ever know." he said in a harsh breath as he took a glass of brandy to his mouth. 

However, as private as this plan sounded, the staff weren't the only ones listening in. At the edge of the window, a tiny microphone was placed earlier by Vinyl Scratch on the sill, recording every moment of the conversation. The sound and image was transmitted wirelessly through the air and towards the shack of Cory and friends. It was in there every student at Canterlot High was honing in on a large screen projected onto the wall, recording Stiffson's dastardly plans. Cory, of course, was front and center of the large crowd of students, each one had a walkie talkie supplied by Vinyl herself. in the middle as a large table with a diagram of Stiffson academy, and on the side was the IPAD on a kickstand, where Cory's Equestria friends we're still connected, hearing what he had to say. 

"Alright Cory." Said Katie who was sitting next to him. "What's the plan?" 

With a look of confidence, Cory marched up to table as everyone gathered around him. 

"The entrance to the school is exceptionally guarded today." He started. "So we'll need to find a way to sneak through security and expose the inner workings. Everybody is splitting off into three teams." 

Then he took out a pencil and started to draw on the diagram. 

"Team A." He continued. "You will sneak in through the school entrance pretending to be new, incoming students. You will be transported via bus driven by Vinyl Scratch.

"But how are they gonna think they're new students?" Rachel asked. 

"This is where Sunset Shimmer steps in." Cory replied. "Sunset? You've visited the administrative office before haven't you?" 

"I sure did." Sunset replied as she rubbed the back of her head. "I was awarded an honorary student by Stiffson. A position I truly regret." 

"Well in these circumstances we're gonna take it as an advantage." Cory assured her. "You will be the one to pretend to escort the children to the school. If there's one unscheduled visit Stiffson accepts, it's honorary students. Once inside the building, Pinkie and Tony will give you the signal get out your phones and record all that you see." 

He reached into Vinyl's backpack and took out a bag of 3 dozen or so mini cams, handing each one to a member of team A. 

"While you guys are exposing the truth of Stiffson, Sunset will distract the head staff by convincing them to give her a tour of the place. Sunset, I know you may not like it, but I need you to pretend to be your old, nasty self, just so we don't blow our cover. Can you do that?" 

Sunset thought for a moment. She was so enveloped by her new friendships, she couldn't even bear to think about who she used to be. 

"Don't worry." Cory said. "It will just be pretend." 

After a moment or two, she nodded her head. "I think I can." 

"Alright." Cory replied back " Applejack,  Joanna. You two will be on Team A as well. We're gonna need some  bodyguards to take down any hall monitors who might be suspicious."

"Yee haw!" Shouted Human Applejack as she did a high five with Joanna. 

"Finally! some action." Joanna Added. 

"In addition," Twilight added ".. like the fight from earlier, you four may be able to knock out some of Sombra's dark magic from them."

"Mom." Cory continued as he turned to Twilight. "You and Spike will be leading Team B." 

"Why?" Spike asked. 

"Because we'll need some people to infiltrate the back end." He explained. "Mom and her team will disguise themselves as custodians and health inspectors. If they ask, tell them you we're authorized by the school district to come."

"But back up a second." Applejack interrupted. "Aren't we gonna need some disguises or something?"

"After all, it would be kinda weird to have a bunch of kids doing school maintenance." Joanna added.

"First of all.." Cory said. "I know a bunch of times where we had to maintenance around the school. Second, this is where Rarity and Camden come in. You two are good with makeover's aren't you?"

"As is one of our most exquisite specialties." Human Rarity bragged as she poofed her hair.

"GASP. So is mine." Pony Rarity said. 

"Really!!?" Human Rarity squeeled. 

"Really Really. We should collaborate sometime."

"I concur." 

"GIRLS!" Cory shouted. "Focus. Now, the assignment for you is to make Twilight and Team B look like a group of older custodians and health inspectors. Camden. I'm putting you in charge of makeup. Rarity, you're the costumes. Are you two able to pull it off in 90 minutes?" 

"Hey. We can do it with our eyes closed." bragged Camden. "Besides, we got costumes from school plays that will fit right into the plan." 

Cory gave him a thumbs up of approval. 

"Now, when the staff turns to leave after accepting your approval, Mom and Team B will sneak wires through the main cable system. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, this is where you three come in."

"ALRIGHT!!" The three of them said as they all made a high five.

"Pretending to be volunteers for a junior maintenance program, you will all sneak in through the air ducts." Cory continued as he pointed to what looked like a series of tunnels in the school.   They're empty and spacious so don't worry. Once you reach the main shaft, which located right above the administrative office, You will answer Mom and Team B from outside via walkie talkie and send the cables through. Once you grab onto them, attach them to the main security system. This will block out all  cameras in the school. Once the transmission is out, Sunset, who will still be in the administrative office, will give Team A the signal from her phone. From there, everyone on that team will e-mail all video information onto a camera I put in Mom's backpack. Spike will then hop out and take the camera up the main shaft and attach it to the wires, thus exposing the videos to the Head of the U.S Department of Education, who will probably be there by then."

Cory then turned to his Equestrian friends on the IPAD. 

"Now just because Stiffson academy has it's flaws doesn't mean they're dumb." Cory said to them "So, we're going to need to some decoys to trick them as where the culprits are. This is where you five come in."

"AWESOME!" Pony Rainbow Dash cried. 

"Just what I was thinking." Human Rainbow Dash replied. 

"Spike will have a second camera with him and place it on intercoms which all over the school walls. This will trick Principal Stiffson into thinking you guys are already inside. While security searches team A will unlock the detention classrooms. Luckily, we have Sunset to misguide security so  won't go near it. After Team A moves outside with the other students, Twilight will give the signal outside, the cameras will be switched on, and Stiffson will finally be exposed as they truly are. "

"Yeah, but there's still one thing." Said Spike. "How are we gonna stop that counterpart of Discord?"

"This is where Team C comes in." Cory replied as his finger pointed to the road from outside. "Rainbow Dash, Katie. You two will be leading one half of the team disguised as police officers..." 

"With uniforms from your's truly." Camden added. 

"At about halfway between Stiffson and Canterlot, your team will stop and stall Dr. Discord  long enough for our exposure to work."

"AWESOME!!" Human Rainbow Dash replied as she did a high five with Katie. 

"Took the words right outta me."Pony Rainbow Dash replied. 

"Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Rachel will be in charge of the second half of this team." 

"Oh. What will we be doing?" asked Rachel. 

"You will stall Dr. Discord even further by having him sign a pretend petition on the side of the road and force him to wait for a few critters to cross the street. This will give the Head of Education more than enough time to check out Canterlot High before Discord gets the chance to ruin it..." 

"I don't mean to interrupt," Human Fluttershy intervened "But I think we'll need to do more than just stall Dr. Discord." 

"She's absolutely right." added Pony Fluttershy "The Discord in our world was reformed after showing him the kindness of friendship. gasp Why don't you two ask human Discord why he took the position at Stiffson. 

"Really?" Asked Rachel "I don't know about that." 

"I'm pretty sure deep down inside that mean, thick, shell of his is a real sweetheart." Pony Fluttershy assured them. "It worked when I tired it." 

"Well, it's a long shot," Cory thought "But given the time we have, it's worth a try." 

Everyone nodded in agreement. 

"Alright!" He continued with a rather confident voice "The plan is set. If anything backfires, we each a walkie talkie to inform the other. Everybody understand?" 

Everyone made a second nod of agreement. 

"There is one question." Twilight asked as she raised her hand. "What will you be dong?" 

Cory stood up and looked at the open world outside the shack. 

"I need to settle a score with an old foe of mine." He said. 

Both Twilight and Cory's friends looked at each other with a rather parental concern. 

"Are you sure you're up for that?' Twilight asked as she walked towards him. "You could risk more than just your plan." 

Cory thought for a moment and then looked up at her. 

"Mom." He started "This isn't just something I have the urge to expose. I have to do this. It's why I followed you here in the first place. Because not only will it prove my studies and training were all worth while, but will show I have something worth living for." 

"What's that?" Asked Pony Applejack.

"A family of friends." He replied. "So who's with me." 

"We're with you pal." Said Tony as his old friends approached him. "Friend to Friend"

"We're with ya too." Said human Applejack. 

"Aw shucks. Sister's gotta help her brother." Pony Applejack added. "I'm with ya also." 

"Master to student." Said Pony  Rainbow Dash. "We're all right behind ya. 

"I'm with ya Cory." Added Human Rainbow Dash. 

"You the man Cory." Said a Canterlot high student. 

"I'm with ya Cory." Said another

"ALRIGHT CORY!!" Said Pony and Human Pinkie Pie. 

"I'm so with you Cory." Said Spike

"yay." Said Pony and Human Fluttershy.

Soon everyone made a circle with an "I'm with you." and a "We're on your side." 

Sunset thought for a moment and walked up to him as well. 

"I'm with you too Cory." She said affectionately. "You and your mom are an inspiration to me." 

Cory smiled back and gave her a wink.

"Everybody and Everypony," Said Cory as he put his hand in the middle of the circle. "Let's finish this the way it should be. TOGETHER!!"

Everyone immediately put their hands in as well, including the Mane 5, who placed their hooves on the monitor. Then they all looked at Sunset, who grew a smile as she finally put her hand in. Then, they all threw their hands and hooves in the air and began the mission.
> Team A
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was already mid-afternoon. The academy of Stiffson was more busy (and disciplinary) than ever to prepare for this rather important day. The perfectly scored students were diligently tidying up the room while the undesired were locked up in detention hall. Everything seemed to be in tip top shape. Not a sound was heard in the locker bay, nor a speck of dirt could be found on the walls. In addition, every uniform was perfectly pressed, every haircut accurately trimmed, every footstep in exact unison. It was almost enough to put a smile on Stiffson's face.

Just then, a knock was heard at the front entrance. One of the hall monitors walked up to answer it. Staring at him was Sunset Shimmer with a few incoming students behind her, each one a delinquent in comparison to the conservative apparel of the academy. The expression  on his face was obviously an unimpressive one as he grimaced at their rather abnormal stylings before focusing his attention towards Shimmer.  

"Ah, Miss Sunset." Said the Hall Monitor, "What a pleasure to have you here." 

"The pleasure is all mine." Sunset replied with a menacing grin. 

"...If there is anything to be pleasurable about." Katie muttered under her breath, to which Sunset jabbed her in the gut. 

"Shut up you worthless turd!" Sunset snapped. 

"So, what brings you here on such an important day?" Asked the hall monitor. 

"Oh, I was just here to give these hopeless causes a tour of your rather fine institution, You know, to put some sense into their feeble brains. That is of course with your permission." 

"We told you!" Human Rainbow lied. "We're already enrolled in..."

"One more word out of you..." Sunset said in a demonic hiss "And I'll have that on your permanent record." 

It was at that moment the hall monitor was staring at them, to which she made a sheepish grin.  

"Well," Replied the Hall monitor as he took out his clipboard. "For such circumstances such as this, we would need a hall pass. But, since you are our proudest of honor students, I don't see why we can't let you in for free. Right this way." 

"Thank you." Sunset replied. "Front and center maggots!!"

The rest of team A immediately followed behind her, trying their best to walk in perfect unison. 

"I am so sorry about that." Sunset discreetly whispered to Rainbow. 

"No problem." Katie replied. "Good acting though." 

As they were greeted by other members of security whilst they approached the classroom hallways, the students behind Sunset grabbed out their cellphones, unbeknownst to the other Hall monitors. Sunset did her best to distract them by telling of other times she came to the school. It was then Pinkie and Tony tapped thier thigh twice, giving them all the signal to turn on the cameras. They immediately shoved them up their sleeves or stuffed them in their front pockets, to which they peeked them out ever so slightly. Then, they all scattered into different sections of the school. 

"What was that?" Asked one of the monitors. 

"Nothing." Sunset replied. "Probably just a few rodents again. Nothing you exterminators can't fix." 

"Indeed." 

"Say, while these delinquents settle in, would you mind giving me a tour of any new improvements to your highly esteemed academy?" 

"It would be a pleasure Miss Sunset." 

What they caught was a horrifying sight:

In every finely waxed classroom window was a blank room of empty walls consisting of nothing but desks, students, teachers, and an old chalkboard. Everyone sat with their backs upright, their stomachs tucked in, and their mouths shut. All who so much muttered or coughed was sent straight to the detention hall. More than often, a teacher was seen either screaming at, or whipping a student for getting a problem wrong, calling them "idiot" and "worthless" and forcing everyone else to say the same. A few bloodstains could even be seen on the backs of a few of the students uniforms. 

Next, they moved to the mess hall, where the displayed culinary items seemed to parallel that of prison food. Behind the countered were chef's who looked like a cross between crusted bread and old invalids long past retirement. The decor was no better. With it's dreary gray color scheme, it's dim, fluorescent lighting, and it's harsh, stone-like texture, it seemed like a place not even a boot camp would find favorable. 

Moving on, they approached the gymnasium, which from an outsiders perspective looked more like a torture chamber. Even it's smell had the stench of human sweat and formaldehyde dust, an aroma not safe for even the most disciplined of noses. More importantly,Every piece of exercise equipment was a giant rigorous device almost too difficult for any adolescent to accomplish. Traces of sweat and blood could be found on a few rusty bars and unhinged place mats, unsuitable for any physical training. 

Even worse were the boy and girl locker rooms, whom had the sticky atmosphere of a steam room turned up to 200 degrees. There were a few locker doors with dents in them, shaped like the skulls of a students head, and even a large hole or two in the plastered wall. Against the door, there was a large bucket of white, soiled towels  with several large traces of blood from months gone past. There was puff of steam coming from the nearby showers, with it's water temperature either too hot to handle, or too cold to withstand. This was not a safe place to be.  Everyone was shocked. Even Sunset cringed at this sight, though she did her best to hide it.

"Apologies for the mess Miss Sunset." Said the head hall monitor "We will have the undesired students clean this up as soon as the dept head arrives...Sunset?"

"Oh, sorry." Sunset replied as she snapped back into reality. 

"You're lucky your'e an honor student." Said one of his assistants. "Saying sorry here would get you in deep trouble." 

"Yes.." Sunset replied as she made a nervous gulp "Of course." 

"Come, let us escort you to the teachers lounge before we strip these students into uniform." 

"Lead the way."

Meanwhile, Pinkie and Tony trailed behind the group and discreetly exited the locker room, with Joanna and Applejack following as well. The four of them approached the furthest hallway and looked outside the window where they saw Vinyl Scratch's truck in the parking lot. It was there they saw Cory hiding at the rear end waving at them. He quickly trudged toward the school's concrete wall and firmly pressed his body against it. It was then he gave Vinyl the thumbs up to which she blinked her headlights four times, giving the quartet inside the signal. AJ and Joanna hid inside the lockers while Pinkie and Tony played out a scene. 

"Eh, Tony!" Pinkie started to shout. "Get yer little oily hands off my personal space!!"

"I aint touching nottin of yer junk ya Pippi knockoff!!" replied Tony. 

"Who you callin a knockoff ya square faced two bit?" 

"I know you are but what am I?"

"I know you are but what am I?" 

"I'm rubber, you're glue, what bounces off me sticks right onto you!!" They shouted together. 

As they started to wrestle each other, the pretend quarrel caught the attention of two hall monitors who had just returned from their daily excursion of gym.

"Can't believe this is working." Joanna muttered to AJ. 

"Well when you're with Pinkie Pie, you question most anything." AJ replied. 

The hall monitors approached the scene and looked in bewilderment and confusion. 

"You're dumb." Tony said tauntingly.

"No, you're dumb." Pinkie replied with a childlike whine. 

"No you are!"

"You are!"

"You are!"

"You infinity!"

"You infinity plus one!"

"You infinity plus another infinity." 

"You cant do that!"

"Oh yes I can." 

It was then they started to engage in a catlike fight when the the two hall monitors restrained them. 

"What in the name of all discipline is going on here!!?" Said one of them as Pinkie and Tony were shoved away. 

"HE/SHE started it!" Tony and Pinkie said. 

"Of all the days." Said the other one as he messaged his forehead "Of all the days, perhaps the most important of our school, such unruly behavior had to occur. You two are going to be sorry in ways you...." 

Just then, Joanna and Applejack jumped out of the lockers and knocked them out with a punch and a kick. From there Joanna got on her walkie talkie as Pinkie and Tony tied the two unconscious victims up. 

"Joanna to Cory." She said "The first perimeter is clear. Over." 

"Excellent." Cory replied from the other line. "Bring them over to Vinyl's van on the double, Over." 

"We'll be on the lookout for any other Hall Monitors. Over." Tony added as he took out his device." 

"Sounds good. As for me, I'm going in. Over and out."  Cory placed his Walkie Talkie back into his pocket and proceeded towards the back entrance. 

Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer and a few other hall monitors could be found inspecting the teachers lounge. It was bare, dull, and almost menacing with it's damp fluorescent lights and it's empty concrete walls, resembling that of most classrooms in the school. The group was fancying themselves to a small shot of whisky and rum.  

"So," Said one of the Hall monitors as he handed Sunset a glass. "How are things at that dreadful Canterlot High? I trust you are doing everything possible at putting everyone in their correct place." 

"Oh..um...yes." Sunset lied as she clumsily grabbed a glass.  "They have been most definitely disciplined. Almost to the point where they don't remember that friendship nonsense. 

One of the Hall monitors raised one of their eyebrows in questioning as Sunset made a nervous gulp. 

"Indeed." Said one of them. "However, we have been informed of numerous reports relating to such unruly and disruptive behavior there." 

"Is..that..so?" Sunset asked as she sipped a small bit into her mouth. 

"Yes, unfortunately." replied another Hall monitor. "No matter, our rather extremely competent Dr. Discord is to take care of the situation. He's gonna make sure that school will never live through another day." 

Upon hearing this, Sunset threw up the whisky into a nearby napkin. 

"Something wrong Miss Sunset?" asked one of the Hall Monitors. 

"Oh nothing...nothing," She lied " I just need to use the restroom." 

"Second door down."

"Thanks. Dr. Discord you say?" 

"Of course. He's on his way to contaminate that wretched school right now." 

Sunset's eyes widened as she briskly walked  backwards to the bathroom door, closed it shut and got on her Walkie Talkie, 

"Sunset to Rarity, Sunset to Rarity. Do you copy? Over." She whispered frantically. 

"Rarity to Sunset. What is it? Over." Rarity replied. 

"Do you have those makeovers done? Over." 

"We're going as fast we can." Camden added as he got on his device. "This is art not a science. Over." 

"Well I'm sorry but you need to hurry." Sunset replied nervously. "Discord's already on his way to our school as we speak. Over." 

"No need to fret." Rarity assured her. "Team C has already been accounted for. It's just this disguise on Twilight and Team B is murderous labor. Over." 

"That's great," Sunset replied " cause I really don't know what to do at this point. It's only a matter of time before my cover is blown..." 

Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door. Sunset's heart pounded against her chest as she took another nervous gulp.

"Gotta go,  Over and out." She said as turned off her device and opened the door. 

It was Stiffson's 11th grade English teacher Mrs. Orchis whom was awaiting her presence. Like stature seemed to resemble that of a tuckered out pigeon who ate one too many pastries. Her attire, of contradiction was a magentaish pink skirt and business suit, complete with blood red high heels, pencil sharpened fingernails, smeared on ruby lipstick, and a pearl necklace that almost sunk into her fat, walrus-like chin. One could almost mistake her for a villain in a lost Roald Dahl novel. 

Her personality was no better. Like the rest of the administration, she believed on a strict guide line of discipline and cruelty, signifying the epitome of a harsh, no-nonsense attitude. NO FUN, NO MISTAKES, and NO FRIENDSHIP was even engraved on top of the chalkboard in her classroom. Of all the teachers Cory and his friends encountered, they seemed to get it the worst from her.  Punishments, as expected, would range from: Humiliating corner-or-shame moments, to countless instances of lashes with her trusty pocket whip. However, she was not always this way. 

"Something troubling you miss?" Orchis asked in a rather crisp tone. 

"Oh, not at all..not at all maam." Sunset lied as she secretly stuffed her phone in her pocket. "Please do not..."

"No need to." Orchis snapped back. "Your presence here is...most welcoming." 

You see, unlike the students , Mrs. Orchid treated Sunset with the most respect. Upon hearing her tyrannic behavior at Canterot High, Orchid had congratulated her by establishing what appeared to be rather peculiar partnership. Though their planning consisted mostly of framing other students, ending friendships and making certain subjects just as miserable throughout the day, it was the only hint of the former life Orchis had, the life of FRIENDSHIP. 

"How do you do, Orchis?" Sunset shimmer smiled nervously as she thrust her arm forward to receive the old handshake. 

"Gasp."  Orchis gasped as she slapped the hand out of her direction. "You know better than to greet someone with a handshake." Orchis declared snappingly. 

"Sorry." Sunset replied bashfully. 

"The word 'sorry' is not permissible among students, both attending and honored." Orchis continued "No matter, you are the rolll model student to all of us." 

"Yep." Sunset Shimmer gulped. 

"Anyway, I'm here to have you assist me in dealing with a rather peculiar, yet almost unacceptable presence near our school grounds." 

"What do you mean?"

Sunset looked around and noticed the Hall Monitors had disappeared. 

"What happened to the others?" She asked. 

"They left to investigate a rather suspicious disappearance of the new students you brought in, as well as two of our employees." 

"Oh really? You don't say. Of all the days for that happen eh?" 

"No matter, they've probably been escorted to the changing room. Now then, will you please follow me to the outdoor lawn?" 

"Uh...after you, Mrs. Orchid?" 

"Please..." Mrs Orchid replied with a rather menacing grin. "Call me Arianna." 

And off they walked towards the side entrance. 

Meanwhile, the remaining Hall Monitors were on hot pursuit as to where their new group of victims had traveled to. Little did they know they had meticulously camouflaged themselves against the bare walls of the hallway. Without a moment to think, they trampled them over As Aj, Katie, Pinkie and Tony knocked them out like a stealth ninja of the highest degree.  

"AJ to Cory," Said AJ to her device as she tied up the unconscious heap. "..we've disposed all security. Over." 

"Perfect." Said Cory on the other line. "I'm just ready to enter the shaft, You, Pinkie, Tony and Katie will meet Team B on the other side, Everyone else, put the hall monitors in Vinyl's van and make sure you're not seen. Over." 

"Roger that, Cory. Over and out." Replied AJ as she turned off her device. 

"Who's Roger?" said Tony and Pinkie. 

AJ and Katie sighed  as Team A began to walk towards the van. 

"How did you guys get paint anyway?" Asked Katie. 

"We have a whole bag of camo paint," Tony explained 

"In case of super duper special mission emergencies." Pinkie added. 

"Yeah, but how did you do it so...." Katie tried to think of the right words. 

"What?" Tony and Pinkie asked.

"Uh...Katie." AJ explained as she scooted her aside. "Laws of physics don't really agree with Pinkie. Maybe it's best you let it be." 

Katie thought for a moment "Good idea." 

So they left it at that as Team A went to their next destination, while Cory, on the other side, carefully opened the school shaft opening and  crawled in.
> Team B
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and her team were stationed in the back entrance of Stiffson. With janitor tools in their hands and latex masks on their faces, A rather convincing makeover was provided by human Rarity and Camden giving them the impression of older low class citizens.

Meanwhile, Cory was just entering the Stiffson shaft when he got on his walkie talkie. 

"Cory to Rarity and Camden, Cory is Rarity and Camden." He said as he climbed in "Is team b ready? Over." 

"As they ever could be. Over." Rarity replied, who was sitting in a car with Camden that was parked a good distance away.

"Great. I'll meet the CMC over at the center of the shaft. I just hope our cover isn't blown. over." 

"Relax Cory." Camden replied who was observing team B with is binoculars. "This disguise is fool proof. Even Stiffson won't recognize they're students. Over." 

"Just make sure you two don't get caught by hiding in plain sight. Over." 

"Not to worry." Rarity replied gleefully. "I have taken the liberty of making these gorgeous camo suits that will blend us right in with the school lawn, over." 

It was then that rarity took out of one her shopping bags a pair of one piece jump suits hued with a camo colored scheme, yet a texture of sequins. 

"Well you don't have to go all glitz and glamour on them." Human Applejack replied who just happened to be parked next to them. She, and the rest of Team A had returned from their part with the unconscious hall monitors tied up in the back. 

"Who says a lady can't truly express herself on a mission?" Said Pony Rarity over the IPAD. 

"Couldn't possibly have said it better myself." Human Rarity replied. 

"This what you put up with?" Asked an exhausted Pony Applejack. 

"Girl. You don't know half of it." Human AJ replied. 

"Welcome to my world." Pony AJ added, to which they both laughed. 

"Guys. Guys!" Cory interrupted over the walkie talkie. "There'll be time to get more acquainted later. Joanna, Applejack. Are all the Monitors down for the count? Over." 

"The perimeter is clear." Joanna assured them. "You're free to enter. Over." 

"Perfect. I just need you to give the signal from Team B. Over."

"Roger that. Over and out."  Joanna added as she turned off her device. 

"Can someone please explain to us who Roger is?!" Asked Pony Pinkie Pie. 

"Yeah, what's so important about this Roger?" Human Pinkie added. 

The other three slapped their palms to their faces in exhaustion. Then, after the coast was checked, Tony waved a white hanky in the air, giving Twilight, Spike and the rest of Team B the signal to move forward, but not before putting on his camo suit, sneaking forward and hiding the IPAD in Twilight's backpack. 

Each one (CMC included), looked like a plumber, janitor, and/or electrician who had just got out of bed from their single apartments. Twilight, especially, blended in the most. Complete with a 50 something face mask, a hunched back, messy hair tied in a bun and a low class looking uniform, she would easily fit right in with any middle aged laborer. 

It was now that Team B had reached the back entrance of the school and knocked on the neatly polished door. It opened with swift force as a rather portly lady stepped forward with Sunset by her side. 

"How dare you touch your filthy hands on our door!!" She said in a snappy voice.

"Yeah, we just washed it." Sunset added in rather fakey snarl. "What are you doing here anyway?" 

Twilight cleared her throat and spoke in rather deep, hick voice. 

"Uh. We here represent the local electric company." She started as she read from a note card Cory gave her earlier. "...and we've  been told by the board to inspect on your latest installment of circuits." 

"I don't remember our school allowing any such nonsense." The Mrs. Orchid scoffed.

"Actually I'm pretty sure we remember meeting up with you about this." Twilight lied. 

"Want your school to look it's best on it's special." Another member of the team added

"Come Sunset. There's much...."

"Wait!" Sunset interrupted as she took out a clipboard of papers. "I actually do recall you were all scheduled for today."

"What?! Give me that" Mrs. Orchid said coldly as she grabbed the clipboard.  She pointed her sharp, red coated fingernail down the paper until she saw what looked like a slip that had just been paper clipped. 

"Hmmmm." She said through her bulbous nostril. "So you are. Sunset dear, why don't we show them the shaft to the circuits." 

"As you wish Mrs. Orchid." Sunset turned as she started down the hallway with Team B following from behind. 

Spike did his best to contain himself and remain still in the rather tightly crowded backpack of Twilight's. He pulled his hind leg here and his front paw there, but couldn't manage to find a decent spot. Suddenly, without warning, he sneezed, which obviously caught the attention of the two in front of them. Twilight froze in utter fear as she started to sweat nervously.  

"What was that?" Asked Mrs. Orchid as she swiftly turned to Twilight. 

"A......sneeze?" Asked a rather stiff Twilight. 

"Clearly it is Mrs. Orchid." Sunset added as she secretly gave Twilight a thumbs up, to which she replied with a smirk. 

"You're lucky you caught it in your glove, you low life twat." Mrs. Orchid said sharply. "Had a fraction of that sneeze landed on any other surface, I would've had you out of here. And you're certainly lucky you don't have any animals with you, even if it is a seeing eye, flea ridden mutt."

"I'll make sure she needs a seeing eye mutt." Spike whispered through a slit in the front pocket. 

Mrs. Orchid turned back as the group continued their walk down the hall. By now, Sunset Shimmer felt so shameful pretending to be the old her. I'm gonna need a bath after all this. She thought to herself. 

"Speaking of animals, that reminds me Sunset. We have just made the brilliant decision to cut the Equestrian Team."

"Really." Sunset said "I wasn't informed of that." 

"Oh, yes. If there's one creature we just can't withstand in these walls it's horses, and ponies." 

"Pardon?" Said Pony Applejack who was overhearing the conversation through the backpack. "Did she just say what I think she said?"

"Horses?" Asked Sunset. 

"Those dirty, ugly creatures." Mrs. Orchid shuddered in disgust. 

"Alright!! That's it!!" Shouted Pony Rainbow Dash " I'm goin in!! No more miss nice girl!!!"

But just as she was about to zoom off,  Pony Applejack caught her by the tail and slammed her to the ground.

"What was that?" Asked Mrs. Orchid who overheard. 

"Oh nothing." Twilight replied nervously "Just a.....what's it called?" 

"Ringtone." one of the workers whispered to her. 

"Ringtone right, .one of our team members has that for a ring... tone." 

Orchid looked suspiciously with a raised eyebrow. 

"You should check it." She said after a pause "It sounds dreadful. Sunset, continue this way. I need to check on the missing hall monitor situation." 

"Yes Mrs. Orchid." Sunset replied, and off they continued, with Orchid heading in another direction. 

Meanwhile, back at the Crystal Empire, the mane five were pacing back and forth in one of the rotundas. 

"I can't just let my brother get bullied to pieces." Said Pony Applejack " I mean, I made a promise to protect Cory and give him the life he never had." 

"I'm way ahead of you Aj." Rainbow Dash added, who was sitting down with her forelegs crossed. "I say we get there and knock that so called principal all the way to Tartarus." 

"But we can't just barge in like wild animals." Rarity proclaimed "They will be seeing two of each of us. Remember?" 

"Maybe..." Pinkie pondered as she took out a easel with a kid like drawing on it. "Using mainly spoons I found in a fudge mix, we secretly go in and dig a tunnel underneath the school, get ourselves an impossibly huge balloon, float it off in the air and save Cory, Twilight and rest of the gang just seconds before it pops and plummets to the ground. I'll wear this mustache." To she put one on. 

"I like it." Said human Pinkie Pie who was communicating via another IPad. 

"Spoons?" Pony Rainbow Dash asked unenthusiastically. 

"Look." AJ sighed. "Much as I hate to admit it, Rarity's right. There's just gotta be a better way to help em." 

"um, maybe a bit of backup?" Fluttershy suggested meekly. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to sound aggressive."

"That aint aggressive...." AJ responded. "That's genius. Girls. I'm gonna go off to my room and mail to every Apple in Equestria. I'll be tellin em it's  a family Emergency." 

" I can't believe I'm saying this," Rarity added "But this sounds brilliant. Fluttershy, can you communicate to your animal friends via this distance?" 

"Well, I never actually tried that before." Fluttershy answered "But, maybe I can through this bird on the windowsill I found." 

Then she trotted over to the bird of which she discussed. It was a small green finch standing upon the beam that supported the widow's lower structure.

"Hello Mr. Green Finch." Fluttershy said. "I don't mean to interrupt your pleasant viewing of the crystal empire, but we're in need of a little assistance. See my friend Cory is in a bit of trouble and we're going to need a lot of help." 

The bird whistled something. 

"You can really do that?" 

The bird whistled back. 

"Excellent! Fly over to Ponyville and gather all of my critter friends near my cottage. It's right on the edge Ponyville next to the everfree forest." 

The finch nodded and flew off into that direction

Meanwhile, Sunset and Team B were found approaching the duct to the main circuit board. It was at this time Twilight noticed a rather sad look on Sunset's face. 

"What's the matter?" She asked as she walked up to console her. 

"I hope never to do something like this again." Sunset replied with tears in her eyes "It's just....it's just too many painful memories." 

"Sunset. I know how hard you're trying to become a better pony. And if it helps, the fact that you shudder at who you used to be makes us know that you truly are reformed." 

Sunset smiled back with watery eyes as Twilight did the same. 

"Alright team!" Twilight continued. "You know the drill." 

Everyone nodded as they took off their caps and sorted everything out. From their backpacks, they pulled out circuit upon circuit of wires. Next, Twilight and Sunset gathered the pieces and twisted into a fine electric rope. After that, she reached in her backpack and gave Spike and the IPAD to the human CMC. They nodded at each other and climbed into shaft. 

"Applebloom to Cory." Said Applebloom who was on her walkie talkie. "Applebloom to Cory. Come in Cory. Over." 

"Cory to Applebloom." Cory responded as he continued to creep through the other side. "What's the scoop? Over." 

"Scootaloo, Spike, Sweetie Belle and I are in the shaft. Repeat. We are in the shaft. Over."

"Excellent." He replied. "You have the IPAD still? Over." 

"Looking at it now." Said Spike. "Over."

"Alright. I'll meet you at the center of the shaft. That's where all the pipes meet. Over." 

"Roger that." Sweetie Belle replied. "Over and out." 

"So you're the human version of my little sister?" Asked Pony Applejack over the IPAD. 

"Eyup." Human Applebloom replied as she turned off her walkie talkie. "I guess so." 

"Just make sure yer followin orders with the human me." 

"HEY!! I can look after myself pretty good!"

The three other shoosed her as she sighed.

"Well tan my coat." Appljack replied "You sound just like her." 

Applebloom smirked a little as she heard this. 

"Hey how bout when is over we share some tips on farming?" She asked. 

"Sounds good to me." AJ replied. 

"Uh, hate to break u a conversation," Spike interrupted, "..but we're in the middle of a mission now." 

The two nodded as Applebloom tucked the IPAD beneath her arm and the four trudged on. 

Meanwhile, on the other side, Cory continued to trudge as well. Every time he approached a vent underneath, he would pause for a few seconds at stare down at the rooms from below. many were bare, colorless classrooms of the most disciplinary standards. There was no life to them, not even a single window or poster to brighten it's atmosphere. The desks were all perfectly and symmetrically aligned, polished and cleaned to their utmost propriety. Each desk was accompanied by a well dressed student, as if they were prepping for a job interview.  Facing them was the teacher, equally dressed, and progressively menacing. He or she wore a tightly buckled business outfit, complete with firmly pressed suits, delicately polished shoes, and a metal name tag pinned to their shirt pockets. Their faces were cleanly shaven without a freckle or blemish to be found. While the mens hairs were either neatly combed or buzzcut, the women either tied theirs into a bun , pushed into a beehive hairdo, or cut to a point where it only dragged down to their cheekbones. But what really made them all the same was their eyes: Red dots for pupils, and sickly green for their irises.

Now for the first time, Cory could see the floor of each room. After all, it was forbidden to even glance at it, with the result being a smack in the head by a metal ruler. He noticed how a strange, purple smoke like substance was seeping out of the students, crawling just above the surface and fusing into the body of the teacher. He knew from his mother's teachings this was none other than the work of Sombra. In addition, he saw a few open drawers at the educators desks. Inside them were the typical torture devices used for punishing unruly individuals. Such items included either a switch for getting a problem or a sentence wrong, or forgetting something, a diaper for not understanding material,  soap powder for talking out loud in class, and even a leather whip with blood stains on it for those who are slower in subjects. From just thinking about it,  Cory could still feel the aches from those lashes he got periodically. As he crawled further into the dark shaft, he stared down at more vents, revealing other familiar rooms: The cafeteria, the gym, the locker room, the assembly hall, the nurse's studies, all locations of painful memories one would wish to forget. Finally, he reached the room he dreaded the most: The principals office. 

The decor made it look more like the room of a CEO of a large corporation than an educator's. Every last microscopic item perfectly polished and symmetrically aligned, not a pencil or thumbtack out of place. It was there, right below the one way vent, he saw his worst enemy. Principal Stiffson was found neatly postured in his swivel chair, smoking a cigarette, and carefully guarding the detention room located to the left of his studies.  Oh, how he wished he could count the number of times he was sent to that hellhole, where he and many others suffered through such inhumane tortures too cringing to describe. In fact, he could hear 9 or 10 voices wailing in pain. The room, as he remembered was always dark, with the only light being a dimly lit fluorescent tube, and a smell of dust, sweat, urine and sewage water. Surrounding the bare concrete walls were instruments of torture and anguish, inflicted upon the misbehaving student seated in the center in an old rusty chair. 

"I've got to save them." He whispered to himself as he listened on to those screams of anguish. 

"Save who Cory?" Said a voice both comforting and innocent. 

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Spike had finally crossed paths with Cory's as they looked at each other with small smiles. 

"Wow, you girls are a relief to see." Cory responded as he snapped back to reality. 

"Same here." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo added. 

"We got the wires like you said." Applbloom said. 

"Good." Cory responded "You know? You really do remind me of my little sister back home."

"Speaking of sisters," Spike said as he hopped out of Applebloom backpack. "..Pony Applejack wants to say something to you." 

He handed the IPAD over to Cory as he looked face to face with his big sister. 

"Phew." Pony AJ said "Good to see my little brother's still alive and well." 

"I'm just glad to see you." Cory replied. "I just took a painful stroll down memory lane." 

"Cory." AJ continued. "You knew on the day we adopted you I made a solemn vow I'd do everything I could to protect and support you no matter what." 

Cory nodded back. 

"So no matter what happens next, I just want to let you know you added so much to our family, and I'll never forget that." 

"Well to tell you the truth." Cory said "you guys were the ones who gave me a reason to live. I'm just sorry for risking to put you in such a big mess." 

"Hey, no need to apologize Cory. You're an Apple now! Were just returning the favor for all the hard work my brother did. Just make sure you come out in one piece alright?" 

"Thanks for caring about me." He replied with a sniffle. "I love you big sister." 

"I love you too little brother." She responded with a tear in her eye. 

"So tell me where to go." Spike said. 

"Alright." Cory said as wiped his eyes. "There's an extra shaft right below us that leads to the main circuit board, but it only has enough space for a small dog to crawl through. Spike, this is where you come in." 

"Hey. Who says I'm man's best friend for nothing in this world." 

"What will you be doing?" Sweetie Belle asked. 

"There's a few people I have to rescue, in the detention lab." 

"Are you cotton pickin crazy?!!" AJ shouted "You could risk gettin yourself hurt!"

"I know. But I can't let those kids suffer the fate as I did."

The group looked down as Stiffson got out of his chair and left for the conference room on the other side.

"Alright he's gone." Said Cory. " Girls. You three give Spike the wire and stay here till I gather the students. Good luck guys." 

And with those words, Cory took the detour to his right and headed for that dreary room. The CMC tied the IPAD to Spike's back as he grabbed the wires with his mouth and slid down the small shaft. It was a narrow and musty passageway, but if a puppy could do it than so could he. After getting stuck for a moment or two, he continued to crawl until he reached what looked like the inside of a large box. The walls, ceiling and floor were covered with what looked like circuits and switchboards. The exception being a large TV to his right, composed of multiple surveillance cameras of the entire school. He promptly went to work as he pulled every wire from it's socket and replaced it wit theirs. 

Meanwhile, Cory looked over the vent leading to the detention room and carefully slid it open. This caught the attention of the students who were clearly stared stiff. 

"Shhh. It's Ok." Cory whispered. "I'm here to rescue you. 

"Say. Aren't you Cory Agees?" asked one of the students.

"Was." He replied 

"Dude! You're like a legend to our kind." Said another student. 

"None of us even had the balls to escape." Added yet another student. 

"SHHH." Cory whispered sharply. "There'll be time for compliments later. Lets move.

The others nodded as they formed a small ladder and were pulled up by Cory.

"You do realize you're risking all our lives now." Said one of them as they climbed into the shaft.

"I know I know." Cory replied "That's why we need to go quickly."

"Hey! I aint complaining." Another one added. "This is actually exciting. 

"Alright. Is that everyone?" Cory asked as he pulled the last student in, to which everyone nodded back. 

"Ok. You guys go ahead and catch up with Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo on the other side. I need to settle a score with someone." 

"Thanks for saving our asses." Said one of the students. And with that, they crawled to their destination while Cory took the passage to another hallway. 

Meanwhile, Spike was still finishing up with re - calibrating the wires with the sockets.

"Hey Spike! You done in there?" Scootaloo asked from above. 

"Just a sec." Spike responded "I need to teach someone a lesson." 

He took the IPAD off his back and plugged it to the main circuit board that connected with the screen in conference room. It was at that moment Mrs. Orchid had entered to finish up some last minute paperwork, when all off the sudden, the lights went out. AFter a grunt of frustration, she stomped towards the emergency grid panel and turned it on. Then, to her horror, she saw staring at her five multicolored ponies on the screen. 

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!" She screamed as she jumped ten feet back. 

The mane 5 from Equestria started making faces and showing themselves off as Spike chuckled through the vent. Then he connected the IPAD to several other circuits, making their presence all over the walls, ceiling and floor. 

"DAAAAAA!!!! AAAAAAAAH!!! AAAAH DAAA!!" Mrs. Orchid continued to scream as she ran in spastic circles. 

As she tried to run towards the door, she slipped on her heel and fell to the ground. 

"I've said it before, I'll say it again." Pony Applejack said in a theatening voice "You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!!" 

The Mane 5 all stared at Miss Orchid with creepy faces as she clumsily reached for the door knob and ran out with flailing arms. 

"Miss Orchid ?" Asked Sunset Shimmer who just happened to be walking towards her. "Are you alright?" 

Miss Orchid messaged her hair back as she composed herself. 

"Yes." she responded under her breath. "I'm .....fine." 

Meanwhile Spike couldn't help laughing as he fell on the floor in tears of joy. 

"Spike, we have a mission remember?" Said Sweetie Belle as they gathered the detention students. 

"Alright." Said Spike. "I had my laugh." 

Then he unplugged the IPAD and connected it to the school's intercom.
> Team C
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stiffson paced around the conference room as he continued to smoke a large cigar in his mouth. The head hall monitor nervously twiddled with his cap as he awaited any further instructions. As a man of authority, It was strange to see his boss in such a frantic behavior. And besides, all seemed to be in tip top shape for the head of the department to visit. 

"May I ask why you brought me here, Mr. Stiffson?" The hall monitor head asked nervously. 

"DID ANYONE ASK YOU TO TALK!?" Stiffson shouted back as he shook in frustration and burned out his cigar. "And yes. I am getting word about the disappearance of most your crew." 

"I...have no idea what you mean." The head replied. 

"What do you mean you have no idea what I mean?" Stiffson asked as he approached him. 

"Well....I...." 

"ANSWER ME GODDAMMIT!!" 

At that moment,  the horrifyingly muscular coach stepped in.

"Sir...I.." he began to speak in a rather calm, yet strict voice. "There is a problem going over in your office, you won't believe this but..." 

"Mr. coach." Stiffson interrupted as he shoved the head hall monitor aside. "I need you and a few other classmates to do this school a favor." 

He reached into a nearby desk a grabbed a picture of a bunch of students posing in front of Canterlot High. 

"You and your disciplinary students are to report to the Canterlot High School. " He continued as he placed the photo in Coach's hand. "The people there may look innocent, but they are all armed and dangerous psychopaths, who threaten to hurt the head of the U.S. Department of Education. Have your student's take them out!! 

"How are we supposed to..."


"Poison their milk, drown them in a pool, bash them on the head. I don't care how you kill those mongrels, just do it!! And do it now!!! make sure it looks like a horrible accident. " 

Then he frustratingly sat down and lit another cigar

"That would be impossible sir...." the head hall monitor replied in fear. 

"What?" Stiffson asked coldly as his cigar fell out of his mouth. 

"It appears as though school ended earlier for them today." The head hall monitor added. 

What?!!" Siffson snapped louder. 

"A scout surveyed the school. They're nowhere to be found in the interior or exterior of the premises. They're gone." 

"But why, did...." Siffson collected himself as he slicked his scalp with his palm. 

"Nevermind. Get out you idiot!"

"But shouldn't we...."

"OOOOOUUUT!!"

The head scurried outside like a tiny, timid mouse. 

"As for the school?" the Coach asked.

"Just as long as Discord pours in those chemicals, they'll shut it down for good." Stiffson said as he caught his breath. "Now. What is it that gave you the nerve to interrupt me?" 

"We found a few Canterlot High students on the premises." 

"What?" 

"They're the one's that took out the hall monitors." 

"Where are they?" 

"They have disappeared without a trace." 

Suddenly, Stiffson's face turned red with rage, as it always did when he wasn't pleased. It looked as though his head was about to burst from it's socket. 

"No trace at all?!!!" He shouted hysterically. 

In a fit of rage he loudly banged his fist against the wall that connected to the detention room. At this point, one would hear the wails of punished students screaming in agony from the vibrations of the wall. Such was a tactic Stuffson would use to keep them quiet. But strangely, there was no response, and that meant something was wrong. 

After a moment of pause, Stiffson sped out of the conference room and into his office. He quickly opened his desk, took out the keys to the detention door and slowly opened it. Just as one would suspect, the delinquent students had mysteriously vanished. Stiffson shook in a penetration of rage as he clumsily took out his phone. 

"Mrs. Eldersneege...." He said while trying to hold his anger in. "...cancel my check up with the nurse." 

Within a split second, both Stiffson and coach burst out of his office, running down the hallway with fists clenched in the air. 

"Aaaaah!! No! No! Noooooo!!!" Stiffson shouted as he sprinted from locker bay to locker bay. "Find those students immedia.....

But now once again, their order would turn against them, for up in the intercom they heard an unfamiliar, yet commanding voice.

"FOOOOLLS!!" It shouted as the sound of thunder could be recognized in the background " You dare pass the sanction of the grrreat, and powerful Madam Pinkie?" 

"Sanction? Madam Pinkie? What is she talking about?" whispered Stiffson, to which coach shrugged. 

"Now...." The strange voice continued. "You shall feel the wrath of my magic, and all my wonder!!!"

It was at that moment the lights in the hallway went out. A second later, they were replaced by projected images, covering the wall, floor and ceiling. One showed a balloon, another showed a rubber chicken, two showed bazookas, and a  few more presented what looked like several multicolored horses making funny faces. Each image relating to the subject of fun and/or a party. Stiffson, the coach and the head, who happened to be walking by them, huddled up as if ready to pounce and attack. 

"Wait, wait wait. Let me try." Said another enthusiastic, yet unfamiliar female voice.

"I oughta mow that lawn you call a hair job right off yer scalp!" To which she was referring to the head hall monitor's hair choice. 

To their left they saw what looked like a blue, rainbow maned pegasus, messaging her hooves as if ready to start a brawl. 

"We don't like the way you've been treating one of us." She said. 

"The noise!!" Stiffson said. "It's coming from there." 

But as they hurried over in that direction, the image disappeared

"You mess one apple." Said another voice from the other wall. "You mess with the whole orchard." 

To their right they saw an orange earth pony with a cowboy cat, tossing an apple in her hoof. 

"No wait it's there!!" Shouted the coach as they turned in that direction. As expected, they ran into a concrete wall while the screen turned back. 

"tisk, tisk, tisk."  Said an image of a purple maned unicorn to their left. "Did you know it's rude to yell without properly introduced." 

"That way!!" Shouted the Hall monitor. They ran in that direction while the Unicorn and a yellow pegusi swished their tails in front of them.  

"Come and get it." She said in a singy voice. Seconds later, once again, the three smashed their heads against a solid wall, staring at a blank screen. Stiffson pounded his fist to the floor as he shoved the coach aside in anger. 

"Oh, goodness. I'm sorry" Said an angelic voice to their right. "Should I have done that sooner?" 

As they turned to the direction of a screen from before, they saw a sheepish looking yellow pegasi waving her hoof at them. 

"We can't pinpoint the source, sir." Said the hall monitor as he messaged his head. "it looks like it's untraceable. 

in a fit of rage, Stiffson kicked him in the shin and threw a nearby trashcan across the hallway. 

"JESUS HERAL CHRIST ON A FUCKING RUBBER CRUTCH IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!!" He shouted to the ceiling. 


Meanwhile, members of TEAM A were stationed in Vinyl Scratch's van, just outside Stiffson parking lot. They were watching the events unfold via surveillance camera, laughing at the ordeal. Just then, one of their walkie talkies buzzed. 

"AJ here, over." Applejack said as she held it closely. 

"Cory speaking." Cory spoke on the other line. " Has Team B diverged the staff? Over." 

"Listen for yourself. Over." She held her device towards the rest of the team as they continued to laugh at their opponent's ordeal.

"Great to hear. I freed some of the detention students with the help of CMC. They've been instructed to meet up with you guys. Over." 

"Roger on that. Over." 

"I still want to know who this Roger is." Said Human Pinkie Pie who was stuffing her face with popcorn. 

"Yeah, what gives?" Muffled Tony who was doing the same. 

"Anyway." Cory continued as he pressed himself against a wall. "I'm inside the school hallways, just near the auditorium, over." 

"You're really at the point of no return. Over." warned Jolene who was sitting next to Applejack.

"I know." Cory shuddered. "But I have to have to do this. It's the only way to free me from the past. Has all of Team A got that footage? Over." 

"Vinyl Scratch is downloading them as we speak." Tony answered. "We'll have it all transferred to the Department of Education in about an hour. Over." 

"Good to hear. " Cory replied "What about Team C? Over." 

"Just about ready as far as I know. Over." Jolene replied. 

"Great." Cory replied, "You just stay put till they do their part. Over." 

"What about you? Over." 

After a long pause....

"I need to settle a score." He responded with a sigh "It's what I came back for. Over and out." 

He clicked off his device and stuffed it in his pocket as he continued slunk against the concrete wall.

Meanwhile, Prof. Discord was on his way to tarnish Canterlot High. His vehicle was not the most adequate of cars. It's chrome coating was fading out, exposing the rusty shell, and the head and tail lights were in desperate need of replacement by a mechanic. In the trunk of this rather messy jalopy were two drums of rather dangerous chemicals he got from his lab. It was with these he was ordered to dump the liquid into the school's sewage pipeline, framing it and eventually leading to a shutdown. As he drove, he messaged his forehead, wishing for a life better than this. But what would be the point? This job he had at Stiffson was the only thing that stood between him and rack and ruin. In a way, working for the principal was his gratitude for being lifted from the streets. 

Just then, he saw in his rearview mirror that he was being followed by what looked like two young female police officers on motorcycles. Being a law abiding citizen, he pulled over and parked at the side of a curb. The two officers seemed a little adolescent for their occupation, as if they'd just graduated from the academy. One was even sporting a rainbow dyed haircut with a punk style aspect. The other sported a jacket with a number on it, as if she had come back from a varsity game. But most of all, both of their uniforms had a rather unusual color tone of deep purple and magenta.  But as a man who wouldn't judge authority, he clumsily fumbled through his pockets for his wallet as they approached his window. 

"I...I deeply apologize officers." He said nervously "Was I speeding?" 

"Don't back talk to me Mr." The rainbow dyed police officer said. "You got a lot of nerve driving in such conditions." 

"What do you mean?" 

"This car is in no shape for using." Said the other officer as she turned to the other window. "I mean how long have these taillights been broken." 

"Yes I know." Discord replied "I just haven't thought about repairing this old piece of junk. I suppose I should pay a visit to the mechanic Officer...." 

He carefully read their name tags. 

"Rainbow Dash and Rachel." 

"That's our names." Rainbow Dash replied. "Don't wear em out." 

"Can't we take a minute to check what's under the hood." Said Rachel who was talking through the other window. 

"NO...I mean." Discord tried to think of the right words. "I'm in a bit of a hurry for an important engagement and I'll be late if..."

"I'm sure you'll be fine." Rainbow Dash interrupted as Rachel tossed her a flashlight. 

Discord gulped as the two walked around the dusty trunk of his car. He knew there was no reasonable way to explain what was in it. He knew a grand scale of repercussions would follow once they saw the waste. He could only imagine what they'd do to him, or even worse, what Stiffson would do upon hearing this. After a few tense minutes, the two officers walked back over. 

"Could you step out of the car sir?" Asked Rachel

"Shouldn't I show you my license?" Discord replied. 

"Don't go all smart talk on us." Rainbow Dash added "Out of the car pleaser." 

As a law abiding citizen, he did just that. 

"Alright spread out yer limbs." Said Rachel, to which he did. 

The two of them started patting him down, checking his pockets and searching through his sleeves. After which, they gave each other the nod. 

"Now hop on one foot." Rainbow Dash commanded. 

"Excuse me?" Discord asked. 

"Just do as we say." 

He shrugged as he hopped on one foot. Next they told him to touch his nose. Then they told him to walk from heel to toe. This was followed by a jumping jack, a jog around the car, and a downward dog. After a few obscure exercises, Discord started to grow suspicious. Finally they told him to stop as they took out their notepads. 

"So...are we in the clear?" He asked nervously. 

"Yeah, you're aight." Rainbow Dash sighed. 

"Oh. good." He said in relief "Cause I'm in need to be somewhere soon." 

"Not so fast." Rachel said. 

"What do you mean?" 

The two officers pointed towards a long line of woodland critters crossing the street. 

"Really Ladies." He said in exasperation. "They're just animals. I can just drive around them. 

"Yeah tell that to the humane society." Said Rachel as she leaned on his car. 

Discord sighed as he walked back into his car seat and waited for the road to clear up

At that time, Cory was still snooping around Stiffson Academy, looking for the right spot to expose his enemy. It was then he approached a familiar spot. The place where Principal Stiffson last saw him: bruised, scared, and slumped against the locker. It was here he tried dragged him to his office for one more beating. It was here memories of a troubled past crept into his head. A past filled with agony, abandonment and distrust. However, it was also here he made a life changing decision. A choice that would put him on a path leading to his home and family. A moment where he first proved his strength, dignity, and above all, his courage. It was here, he stood up to Stiffson, ran away, and eventually resided in the safe, promising world of Equestria. 

After he took a moment to reminisce on that decision, he saw the head hall monitor coming in his direction. He slid behind a narrow corridor as he approached closer and closer. But then he thought to himself, 'This is a perfect opportunity to prove who I am now, and most people don't get an opportunity like this.'  Just as he was a few inches away, Cory stepped forward, exposing himself for the first time. 

"Cory?" The hall monitor said in bewilderment. "I thought we got rid of you." 

"Apparently you didn't." Said Cory as he clenched his fists. "And now I'm back to finish what I've started." 

The hall monitor composed himself as he slicked back his hair. 

"I knew you would slip up someday." He replied as he snapped his fingers. 

A few of the classroom doors opened as several brawn looking students came out and approached him. Cory knew their faces anywhere, as they were the ones who beat and harassed him mercilessly both in and out school. No matter, Cory clenched his fists and made a fighting stance, ready to defend himself. 

"What do you say we get this freak out of the way?" asked one of the students. 

"It will be a pleasure." answered another. 

Cory held his ground as the students approached closer. He could King Sombra's menacing eyes in their sockets, complete with the purple smoke that seeped through their eyelids.  This was only in comparison to their devious smiles that grinned across their cheeks, and the veins that popped out of their muscles. 

"I'm not afraid of you guys anymore." Said Cory as he held his ground. 

"We'll see about that." Said the hall monitor. 

Moments before one of them could lay a blow on him, Cory lurched back and grabbed the arm in record time. Then he pushed the bully aside as more of them approached. He blocked a few kicks, dodged a punch and slap, even grabbed some necks into a fine headlock. Though they tried to plan a sneak attack, he was able to easily outwit them. 

After a tense minute of fighting and sparring, he looked down at all his opponents, who were obviously in a daze of defeat and conclusion. As he messaged his knuckled, he noticed on one of the projections his five equestrian friends were staring at him with mouths gaped open. 

"Whoa." Said Pony Rainbow Dash. "How'd ya learn that?  We don't even start How to defend against a gang till next week." 

"I spent some time watching fight off some lighting storms." Cory responded. 

"You have done well grasshopper." Rainbow replied with a smirk. 

"Thank you master Dash."  he replied with a bow. 

Upon noticing his opponents were regaining consciousness, he quickly hid himself in one of the empty classrooms. 

Meanwhile, Prof. Discord was having problems of his own. As the last of the animals were crossing the road, he had come face to face with a construction site. At this point, Discord was growing suspicious on how the nearest road to Canterlot High was closed, and on the day of all days. Though he was a man who wouldn't dare question authority (especially that of Stiffson's), he got out of his car to investigate. 

"Excuse me." he said as he approached one of the workers. "Don't you think you're a little young to be working at a construction site?" 

"Don't you think you're a little old to be riding a Jeep like that?" The young worker responded, who was referring to his car. 

"Please don't judge my mode of transportation." Discord replied firmly. "I only have two payments left on it before I can refurbish the exterior." 

"Listen old timer." another one of the workers added. "We're plenty old to be having 9-5 jobs. We just look young. Alright?" 

"Well I deeply apologize." Said Discord "I didn't know you used the cream..look. I'm going off subject. Can you please tell me how long this is going to take?" 

"Look Mr. Hotshot. I don't know if you're part of the union or anything, but why don't you go back into your jalopy and let us do our job." 

"But there must be someway I can get to Canterlot High besides this." 

"Well there's the detour off to the side, but I don't think you'd like it."

"Whatever gets me there faster." 

Then he turned around and walked back into his car. It took awhile for it to start, since the car engine was suspiciously low. With a loud grunt, he finally got it to rev up and sludged the car forward. He made a right turn on the next exit, not caring what would come ahead. The road started to feel very slick and icy on the tires, which was odd since this was the middle of spring. Discord's vehicle swayed to the right and left, unable to control his balance. He slammed his foot on the breaks, but it was no good. Finally, all came crashing down on him as the car tipped over, tumbled down a steep hill and crashed into a large puddle of mud.

Surprisingly, Discord came out unscathed, though his uniform was a mess. He rinsed his coat and poured any water out his shoes as he sadly walked over to a nearby rock and moped.  

"Oh my goodness." Said a voice from afar. "Are you alright?" 

Discord turned to his left to see a fragile teenage girl with a tank top and green skirt, who happened to be strolling along the open sidewalk. 

"I saw the whole thing happen." She said as she ran towards her. "I hope you don't have a concussion. Here, let me help you." 

"No, no, no. I'm alright." Discord sighed. "Wait, scratch that. I am not alright! In fact, I'm as far away from alright as I could be!! My car is destroyed, I'm late for an engagement and the only job that stands between me and rack and ruins is in jeopardy!!"

"Oh my. What's the matter?" Asked the girl. 

"It's none of your business." He replied as he turned his back to her.  "Besides I don't know who you are." 

"Then, maybe we could introduce ourselves?" 

"Out of the question. My boss would kill me if he saw me do that." 

"Well, he can't see you now. Can he?"

Discord thought for a moment. 

"I suppose not." He replied. "My name is Discord. Prof. Discord." 

"Hello Prof. Discord." The girl replied. "I'm Fluttershy."

The two of them shook hands. 

"You must be one of those Canterlot High students." Said Discord. "Aren't you supposed to be in school now?"

"Oh I'm just taking a little healthy stroll before the big exam."

Discord just replied with a nod. 

"Now that we've got that squared away," Said Fluttershy as she sat next to him. "Would you mind telling me what's wrong?" 

"Well," Discord sighed. "It's like this. I've been wanting to get out of  Stiffson Academy for so long. Such a dreadful place it is."

"I can only imagine why you want to quit." Fluttershy gasped. "So why don't you." 

"Because this is the only job I could ever get. I have nowhere else to go." 

"Explain." 

"Well it was many years ago. I was very desperate for a job, risking anything to get one. You see, my bank account was going to be terminated if I didn't get employed soon. Since Stiffson academy was the only one open, it was my very last chance. I remember having to go on my knees, begging for a position, to which they reluctantly agreed. I've been working there as a teacher for a few good years now. If I get fired at all, especially on a day like this, I'll be taken to streets and die an unsuccessful man, if ever there was any success in my life." 

"In truth, I always secretly wanted to be a funny clown teacher, combining education with humor in all it's glory. But what do I know? That's just a silly dream. Nothing more. I'm nothing but a failure to everything I do." 

"Oh Discord." Flutterhy replied as she rubbed his back. "You're not a failure. You're just misguided is all." 

"Misguided?"

"Mmm, hmm. And besides. You've missed out on a revolution in job searching. Careerbuilder, job fairs, Indeed. I'm pretty sure there's one out there that meets your criteria."

"Even a clown?"

"Of course. Everyone loves clowns. In fact, I'm friends with one." 

"Do you think the world will love a clown teacher?" 

"It doesn't hurt to try. All you need is some good friends to see you through, and you'll be on your way." 

Discord got up and straightened his tie. For the first time, a look of confidence grew on his face. 

"You know what Fluttershy?" He said. "You're right. What am I doing at that school anyway? I should be sending my dreams afloat. After all, life is too short, and I'm certainly not spending it under the rule of a tyrant! I'm going over right now and give that brute a piece of my mind!"

"You do that." Fluttershy acknowledged. "No one's stopping you." 

Then he marched up the hill and called and called for a Taxi. Fluttershy waited until he was out of plain sight, to which she turned on her walkie talkie. 

"Fluttershy to Cory." She said with a smile. "Team C mission accomplished. Over and out."
> Equation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cory turned around to find himself in Discord's science room. It was very unique among the other classrooms, given it's antique surroundings and intricate contraptions. Nonetheless, its was still equally frightening. The lightening gave it the impression of a musty dungeon, complimented by the small of stale cats and used tuna. Cory could remember always having to pull his shirt to his mouth just to breathe. 

The walls were covered with rather strange specimens and old dusty maps. Facing them were lab tables with sharp, dangerous instruments for dissecting and experimenting. There were even a few bits of blood still on the scalpels, dripping onto the glass tabletops. 

But what disturbed him the most, was what was displayed in the center of the room. In small unkempt cages were critters of wide variety. Mice, Rabbits,  Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, even Cats and Dogs, one stacked on top of the other, ready to be euthanized and dissected. It was clear they were in uncomfortable positions, with the bigger ones disjointed and contorted in a claustrophobic box, and the smaller ones shaking with hunger in an empty cart. 

"Thank God Fluttershy isn't here to see this." Cory said to himself. 

He walked over to the cages and started opening them one by one. The animals shot out of their prisons like rockets, rodents, pets, birds, reptiles, all scurrying across the floor and heading out the windows and classroom door. One of them, a small puppy, ran up to Cory and licked him on the cheek, followed by a nod of appreciation.

As the last few critters crawled away, Cory cleaned up any residue or evidence of their escape. It was at that moment he noticed an equation on the front chalkboard: It was the one that stumped him the last time he took the test. 

'Now.' he thought. 'Now would be the time to prove I'm brave.' 

He walked over to the board and stared at the equation's complexity. He could remember how just the thought of it would cause a knot in his stomach. Yet now, after his lessons with Twilight, he didn't have that feeling anymore. In fact, he felt sure of himself. Though he and his mother hadn't reached this level of math yet, he had the feeling he was closing in on the answer. 

Knowing stress was  around the corner, he gently put the piece of chalk aside and took a deep breath. Then he sat down and crossed his legs, where he began to meditate. He had remembered on one of his outings with Zecora, and how she gave him a certain technique, allowing him to channel with her whenever he pleased. 

He closed his eyes and started to heavily breathe, thinking of nothing but inhaling and exhaling. Soon, he felt a spiritual presence surround him. It felt as though he was floating in an endless ectoplasmic space. Then, things started to move faster, pushing him forward in the enigmatic expanse. It felt as though it would never end until suddenly, all of it stopped. 

His eyes opened as he found himself in the middle of Zecora's hut. Yet, he had the feeling his soul had left his body, as if he'd been turned into a ghost. It was the strangest feeling he had ever experienced. 

There, at the wall facing him, was Zecora herself, balancing on top of a thick wooden cane. She opened her eyes and smiled at the sight of him. 

"Ah, Cory. You're back." She said. "What knowledge do you lack?"

"Master Zecora." Cory said. "I have come to seek your advice for such a dire circumstance." 

"Speak the problem that is laid, and perhaps I can aid.' 

"I have recently returned to my world, to settle a score with an old foe of mine."

"And what is the equation, that is calling an invasion?" 

"How did you know that?" A surprised Cory asked. 

"You we're mumbling to yourself." Zecora chuckled, "But maybe I can help." 

Cory sighed. 

"It's the one I always got stuck on when I was taking the big test." 

"And what is this test, you wish to invest?" 

"It was the one that determined whether I passed high school or not. Every time I reached the problem, I could not for the life of me figure out the answer. It was so lengthy and complicated that by the time I thought I knew the answer, the test was over. And now that I've improved so much on my math skills, I thought maybe I could seek some help from one of the smartest people I know. You."

"The answer of the question you woe, is closer than you think you know." Zecora said simply. 

"What is that supposed to mean? I mean I can enjoy a riddle or two, but now is not the best time ." 

"Ease your soul, and rest your heart, and...."

"Please Zecora, I'm trying to concentrate." 

But no matter how hard his brain thought, he couldn't wrap it around the equation.

"Alright!" Cory said in exhaustion. "I don't know what it is! There has never been a problem like this before. I remember reading through mom's algebra books and there isn't a trace of it. I mean, what's the point of that equation? There's probably not even an answer to..." 

At that moment, Cory had a vision of clarity. His eyes opened wide and his mouth gaped open as he stared at Zecora, who simply bowed with a nod of approval. 

"Happy to have lend, my student and friend." She said with a smile. 

And with those words, Cory was immediately transported back to the classroom. He opened his eyes at the sudden realization, as he got back to his feet and looked at he problem. 

"There is no answer." He said astonishingly. "The equation i...is unanswerable. It's a false problem!!" 

With one fell swoop, he quickly picked up the stick of chalk and scribbled across the board: THERE IS NO ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION. For the first time in so long, he felt as though he conquered a beast. Like a weight of boulders was lifted from his back, and he could breathe easily. 

"ATTENTION STUDENTS!!" Said a loud booming voice over the intercom. "THE ENTIRE SCHOOL IS TO REPORT TO THE AUDITORIUM FOR AN EMERGENCY MEETING, IMMEDIATELY!!!" 

By now, Cory knew who that voice belonged to. He knew it was time to meet his enemy face to face. It was at that moment he saw a small ham radio in one of Discord's desk drawers. Just to spite the faculty, he took it out and tuned it in to a music station, where it played a classical song he hadn't heard in awhile. Finally, he grabbed a spare uniform from another drawer and headed to the assembly.
> Face to Face
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The entire school and faculty of Stiffson Academy had gathered itself in the auditorium. Like all other parts of the school, it was bare, dull  and musty, with the only bright color being the American flag on the side of the stage. The seating was split in half, revealing a smooth, polished, marble floor, perfect for a school head to proceed through. 

The students and faculty took their places in their seating arrangements, walking in almost perfect unison. For what seemed like awhile, all was dead silent. Not a cough or a sneeze could be heard. Some students were nervously sweating while others breathed heavily through their noses. 

Then, with the swift opening of the backdoor, Stiffson appeared. Escorted by two hall monitors, he quickly walked up to take the stage. Everyone kept their eyes forward, not even daring to move. 

"SIT!!" He shouted as he approached the podium, to which everyone simultaneously took their seats. 

"I suppose you're all wondering why I've called you here," He began. "After all, this is a rather important day for us here at Stiffson Academy, and..SILENCE!!" 

Being the paranoid man he was, he thought he heard someone speak and pointed to a random student. He took a moment to gather himself, knowing he was making a scene. 

"It has come to my attention," He continued "that a certain someone has been committing the most atrocious crimes this school has ever witnessed. He or she has been attempted to destroy the very fabric of these walls, desecrating our good name with it. No matter, our top notch hall monitors are on the lookout for this criminal, to which they will assuredly catch him red handed and bring him to the highest of authority. "

"This is why I brought you all here, to give you all your first and final warning. Anyone here who wishes to aid this perpetrator will be swiftly punished in the most severe way imaginable. Furthermore, anyone with information of his or her whereabouts, as well as any suspicious activity, please step forward now." 

"Not to be judgmental or anything Stiffson." Said a voice in the back. "But your security needs a little work." 

To everyone's shock and amazement, Cory stepped out of his seat, unscarred and untouched, hiding from plain sight. For what seemed like an infinity, Stiffson's face turned white as chalk as his legs shook in both anger and disbelief.  For the first time in about a year, Cory was staring face to face with his biggest enemy and his greatest fear. Yet now, he wasn't afraid anymore, He had internally transformed into the boy he always wished to be. 

"W..why.." Stiffson stuttered. "Why did you return? And how are you still alive?" 

"I've come back to settle the score with you Stiffson." Cory replied. 

"How could you not know he was here!!!" Stiffson shouted at the head hall monitor. 

"We're sorry sir," Replied the head hall monitor. "But like I said before, surveillance had been rigged."

"That's right!" Cory added. "It was me who perpetrated the attacks, and it was me who infiltrated this prison you call a school." 

Some faculty and students murmured to themselves, not with disgust, but with intrigue. Stiffson shook and opened his mouth as if about to  scream to the heavens, but collected himself as he slicked back his bald head. 

"I should've known a freak like you would have the nerve to become a criminal." He said in a sharp whisper. 

"You know, I've been putting up with that shit of yours for a good two years of my life," Cory said. "and it's getting really old. But that doesn't matter now, cause when my friends out back expose the truth, they'll.." 

"What. You mean these delinquents?" Said Miss. Orchid from the back. 

Cory turned to see the worst shock of his life. All his friends and students at Canterlot High had been caught by the untouched Hall Monitors. Even Sunset Shimmer, who was restrained by Orchid's pudgy arms.  

"We caught all these criminals hanging outside the premises." Said one of the hall monitors, "It turns out Sunset Shimmer is a backstabbing traitor." 

"But...how?" A terrified Cory murmured. 

"I'm so sorry Cory." Sulked a tearful Sunset Shimmer. "I didn't know how many there were. They all..." 

Orchid Smacked her in the back of the head. 

"I'll deal with you later you Judas." She said to her. 

"You were saying?" Asked Stiiffson mockingly. 

"N..nothing..sir." replied Cory as he bowed his head in defeat. 

In a single instant, he changed from a boy of confidence, to his meek old self. Then he turned to his friends with a look of shame on his face. 

"I'm sorry I got you all in this mess." He said meekly. 

"Don't be." Said Twilight. "You have nothing to be sorry for. You are my loving son, and I we will not let your mission be in vain." 

"Twilight's right!" Sunset replied as she tugged free of orchids grasp and walked further up the aisle. 

"Listen everyone!" She continued "I know how weird this may seem, but whatever Stiffson is teaching you is wrong. This school can be an amazing hub of imagination and education. If you all put your minds to it, it will become a place where all minds and souls and come together and share their unique talents and gifts, no matter how different they are." 

"Principal Stiffson. I hereby revoke my honorary student position!" 

Then she took out a Stiffson badge and threw it on the cold, concrete floor, smashing it to pieces. Everyone around her just gaped in shock. They had never seen anybody dare destroy a piece of school property. Yet, Sunset stared defiantly into the soulless principal's face. 

"I see." Stiffson replied through his teeth. "Lock her and Cory up in the detention room till death!"  

Cory's friends leaped out in anger, but were restrained. Cory tried to run but was snatched along with Sunset in Orchid's claws. 

"I'll see to it you'll all have your punishment as well." He continued, referring to Twilight and the others. "Let this be a lesson to all students!! Friendships are a waste of learning!! It brings nothing but deceit, drugs, and death!! Nothing ever good comes out of friendship, and nothing ever will!!"

Then Stiffson turned around and slowly started to walk away. 

"What about Celie!" Cory shouted as he released himself from Orchid's grasp. 

Stiffson stopped upon hearing this. 

"I don't know what you're talking about." He replied as if hiding something. 

"Celie? You used to do everything with her?" 

"Yeah. Then she betrayed me." 

"No. She was just hanging out with other friends." 

"She dumped me for other friends!!" 

"Those other friends were for you as well. Don't you see? She was never trying to replace you. She was just wanting to give other friends. But you misunderstood what you saw, and if she couldn't have you as a friend no one could. You lied to all the students and faculty and and you've been lying ever since." 

Cory reached into his pocket and took out the old photo of Stiffson and Celie. Everyone looked at it in shock and awe as he raised it for all to see. 

"Where did you get that?" Asked a now infuriated Stiffson. 

"Celie cried on the night you left her," Cory said. " cause she had loved you enough to willingly aid and assist you."

"She never loved me!" Stiffson scoffed. 

"As much anyone would ever love a friend." 

Then he tossed the picture on the floor, to which everyone got out of their seats and gathered around it for a closer look. Their mutters and whispers echoed across the walls, breaking the sheer silence of the auditorium for the first time. 

"SILEEEEEEEENCE!!!!" Screamed Stiffson, who's voice caused the podium to shake. "Take these two away, now!!" 

Orchid nodded as she grabbed Cory and Sunset by the waist, dragging them out the doors and across the hallway. The two of them could overhear shouts of protest and fear, which grew fainter and fainter as they were pulled further away. However, unbeknownst to the faculty, Spike had jumped out of Twilight's backpack and ran in their direction. 

Before they knew it, the four of them had approached the principal office. Orchid opened the door and violently threw the two of them across the desk. 

"I should've known not to trust someone like you." Orchid said threateningly to Sunset. 

"Leave her alone Orchid." Said Cory. "She was only part of the plan and you knew it." 

"Enough!!" She shouted back. "I'm going to make sure you never see the light of day again." 

At that moment, Spike opened the door with his mouth, seeing Orchid about to lock Cory up in the detention room. 

"You let my friend go!!" He shouted. 

Spike ran through the door, over the desk and onto Orchid's back. And just as she was about to throw Cory away, he opened his mouth and took a big bite out of her arm. She squealed in pain as she grabbed Spike by the collar, releasing Cory from her grip. Then, Orchid did the unthinkable. She slashed Spike across the back with her sharp fingernails and threw him against the wall, leaving him with a bloody gash and a broken paw . Spike tried to stand up but was too much in a daze. Orchid took out a small pistol and aimed it at his  cranium. 

"I'll teach you, you flea ridden mutt." Orchid scoffed. 

"SPIKE!!" Sunset shouted "NOOOOOO!!!!!!" 

She ran towards Spike's direction as Orchid pulled the trigger, pushing Spike to safety in the nick of time. The bullet shot out of the pistol, flew through the air and lodged straight into Sunset's chest. She fell on the floor convulsing from the agony of hot lead running through her veins. Orchid reloaded her pistol, ready to finish her, but an angered Cory got on his feet, leaped forward and punched her across the cheek. The blow was so strong, it flung her back across the room, banging her head on the wooden desk, and knocking her unconscious

Cory ran over to Spike to pick him up. 

"C'mon Spike." Cory said in tears. "Don't die on me." 

Spike opened his eyes and coughed a little, scratchinghis head. 

"Oh, Thank you god." Cory whispered in relief. 

"Don't worry about me Cory, I'm alright." Spike replied. "It's just a little scratch. nothing fatal. Besides I think there's somepony else who needs real help." 

Cory ran over to Sunset Shimmer, but not before tearing off a piece of his pant leg and covering Spike's wound with it. . He picked up her seemingly lifeless body, checking for any signs of life. After a few tense moments, Sunset finally woke up, coughing up a few bits of blood. 

"I...Is Spike ok?" She asked in a daze. 

"I'm alright Sunset." Said Spike as he limped towards her. "Boy, you sure have changed from the old you." 

"Hey, I couldn't let Twilight friend get hurt now could I?" 

She then made a weak smile as Cory propped her against the wall. Then he turned to Orchid, who had regained conscience in a pool of black liquid. Her beehive hairdo was completely frazzled and her makeup had been washed off, giving her a more natural, friendly look. It took a few seconds for her to come to grips with where she was, but when she saw a wounded Spike and Sunset, she gasped in horror and remorse. 

"Oh...My...God." She said with tears in her eyes. "I am so sorry. I'm a monster." 

"Looks like you knocked the Sombra right out of her Cory." Spike proclaimed. 

But Cory was too lost in his own thoughts to listen. 

"Listen Miss Orchid." Said Cory as he approached her. " I do forgive you, but this is not the time and place to repent. There's a critically injured girl here and you need to call an ambulance right away." 

Orchid nodded in agreement as she picked up the nearby phone and dialed emergency services. 

"I should've never come back here." He said to himself. 

"What do you mean?" Asked a dazed Sunset. 

"If if hadn't been for me and this stupid mission, you would've all been safe. It's time for me to set things right."

"There's nothing to blame yourself for Cory. We're on your side no matter what." 

Cory nodded in tears as he walked out the door, headed down the hallway and walked back towards the  auditorium. As he turned the other corner, a few of the hall monitors found their way to the principals office and captured Sunset, Orchid and Spike.
> Sacrifice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cory dragged his feet down the bleak hallway, with a look of fear and despair. He never wanted anyone of his friends or family to get into such a rut. After all, he owed them big for saving his life. Yet at that moment he thought: What is a life if everyone sacrifices just for you? No one should suffer that. Not even if you're desperate. He knew at that moment what he felt had to be done. 

"We all gotta go someday." He said to himself as he snuck behind the stage to the podium. "I'm just a little young for it." 

He peered his eye through a slit in the curtain. The situation had now reached a tipping point. Principal Stiffson and the staff had now gathered all of Canterlot High's students into a single pile, their arms were tied behind their backs, cautiously watched over by one of the school bullies or a faculty member. Each of his friends looked weak and small compared to their menacing guards. The IPAD displaying Cory's friends in Equestria were projected on a big screen by the janitor, forced to watch the event. The principal approached the podium, wiping his hands with a lysol and slicking back his bald head. As he walked front and center of the perpetrators and started to open his mouth, a few hall monitors barged in.

"Hold on!!" One of them shouted. "We found these three in your office trying to escape."

Then, they presented to him a wounded Sunset Shimmer, a scarred Spike, and a now reformed Miss Orchid.

"SPIIIIIKE!!!" Shouted Twilight Sparkle, which was followed by a gasp from her pony friends. "If you so much as lay a finger on him, I swear..." 

A bully slapped her in the back of the head before she could finish.

"Sir please." A remorseful Orchid pleaded. "This girl needs a doctor, she can't..."

"I'll deal with you later, you traitor." Stiffson interrupted. 

He tapped his foot, signaling the faculty and academy students to step away. 

"I am feeling a rare and unusual sense of generosity today." He continued in a cool voice. "You have the option to spare yourselves a lifetime in a loony bin. All you must do is resign your post as Canterlot scum, and enlist in our glorious academy, for there may be a chance for you. The other option is you will all be labeled official terrorists, and be locked in a cell, till the day you die." 

At that moment she approached Twilight. 

"And don't worry." he said with a snicker and palm on her chin. "We'll take care of your pestilent puppy very nicely." 

Twilight chomped her teeth and thrust herself forward, as if to bite him, to which he lurched back in the nick of time. 

"Tick tock Canterlot students." He continued. "The head of education will be here any minute." 

"My god, I really was a monster." Sunset muttered in a daze. 

Twilight stood up and bowed her head, much to her hooved friends's dismay. Yet, in either circumstance, they would never see her again. So they solemly stood there as she stood forward. An entrance was up in front of her, ready to be signed, thus placing her among the confines of the treacherous prison they called a school. But she knew she had no choice: One prison or the other. Then, she defiantly threw the pen to the ground. 

"No." she said in tears. 

"What?" Said the principal. "Freedom? The beauty of the world? Lost to all forever? Don't you see what I'm about to do to you all?"

"Yes." Twilight responded. "But today, we've also seen what you've done to the lives of innocent individuals. I'm very confident both our worlds will go on without us, but I don't think this one will if you continue to incite fear and hatred on those  who deserve better. 

"So, go ahead, lock the key away. We are not...joining...your...school." 

After a moments tense silence.....

"Fine! Your choice" Stiffson said with a spit. 

"WAIT!!" Shouted a voice from behind.. "Kill me instead!"

The school turned to see Cory step out of the shadows and onto the stage. 

"How did you get out?" Asked Stiffson. 

"We're sorry sir." Said one of the hall monitors. "He escaped before we could catch him." 

"You have no right to be here. Guards! take him..." 

"Didn't you hear me?" Cory interrupted. "The whole plan was my idea. I'm the one you want. Not them." 

"They caused just as much..."

"They just went along with me. It won't be fair justice." 

"Cory? What do you think you're doing?" Asked a shocked Twilight. 

Cory raised his hand to shush her as a tear fell down his cheek. 

"Something I should've done." He shuddered. "Stiffson. Let all my friends go.....and......you can put an end to me." 

"Now let me get this straight" Said Stiffson as he approached him. "You are willing to waste your pathetic existence for these losers?" 

"They're not losers!!!" Cory snapped. "They're my family. And I'd do anything to save their lives. After all, I owe them for saving mine." 

"Cory Wait!! Don't do this!!" Tony shouted. 

"We're not worth it!!" Rachel added. 

"You've got your whole life ahead of you!!" Camden added. 

The other Mane 6 just stared at the screen, stunned at what they heard. Applejack, though doing her best to hold it in, was on the verge of tears. Cory turned his head, not even bearing to see his big sister like this. Yet he stared at the captive audience, friends and family whose future was at the cusp of his decision. He took a deep sigh and looked back at his adversary. 

"I'll do it." He said solemly. 

"Speak up!!" Stiffson shouted. 

"I'll...I'll do it. I'll let you kill me, in exchange for their freedom." 

"DONE!!" 

He swiftly shook Cory's hand and walked away. 

"Now let them go!" Cory said sternly. 

Stiffson reluctantly tapped his foot, signaling the faculty and bullies to free Cory's troupe. That was, except for Sunset, still in the Hall Monitors's grasp. 

"Her too." Cory demanded. 

"Really?" Stiffson asked sinisterly. "After all the wicked things she did to your friends? After all the..." 

"RELEASE HER!!! NOW!!!!!" 

Cory's voice echoed across the room, causing the walls to slightly wobble and shake. 

"If that is what you wish." Stiffson said, to which he tapped his foot and set her free. 

"And take her to a hospital." Cory added. 

"Are you.." 

"Do you want to kill me or not?!" 

Stiffson rolled his eyes as he tapped his foot once more, allowing Orchid to carry Sunset outside to the ambulance, but not before she limped over to Cory. 

"You're sacrificing your own life, for my own?" Sunset asked in a daze. "Even after all the terrible things I did your mother? And your School? But why?" 

"Because..." Cory answered. "The Sunset Shimmer I was told about, is long gone." 

Sunset made a weak smile as she was escorted out the exit. 

"CORY!!" Shouted his five friends who ran up to him. "What are you thinking?!"

Cory looked down at them with a sad look on his face. 

"I've lost you guys once, I can't afford that again." Cory replied solemnly. "Besides, you have your whole ahead of you. You should be grateful." 

Before he knew it, Twilight jumped onto the stage, latching her arms around him, and sobbing like never before. 

"It's OK mom." Said Cory as he hugged back. "It's Ok. Just let it out let it all out." 

That moment seemed like an eternity as mother and son embraced each other in what seemed like one last time. 

"Besides." Cory continued. "You have responsibilities back home, and I can't let myself get in the way." 

Then, all of the sudden, Cory turned his head to his friends and made a little wink.  They knew now he was hiding something, but what? Stiffson yanked Cory away from Twilight's grip and was pulled center stage. 

"Your turn now." He said menacingly. 

"Please just make it quick." Cory said. 

"No." He replied coldly. "I'm going to drag this one out. And your friends will be here to see it." 

The principal snapped his fingers, ordering two hall monitors to grab him by the arms and bring him to his knees. A third hall monitor brought forth an old  box that looked like it had not been opened for ages. 

"Oh no." Katie Shuddered. "Not the skinner." 

Sure enough, The head coach opened the box and took out what was clearly a rusty device used for skinning dead animals. Cory bowed his head, awaiting the inevitable, as Stiffon walked to him, inches from his face. 

"Any..Last..Words?" Stiffson asked. 

Cory looked up at the menacing face of his adversary. He could feel the steaming breath from his nostrils. 

"Just one." He replied. "Heads...UP!!"

And with those words, Cory butted his forehead right into the principal's skull. The blow was so powerful, it knocked him right off the stage. Everyone gasped in disbelief. Then, they started to applaud. Next, Cory scratched his right fingernails on the right hall monitor's arm, releasing his arm from his grasp, to which he swiftly grabbed the left hall monitor and flung him off the stage. This brought Cory back on his feet, ready to spar. 

"That's my boy!!" Shouted Pony Rainbow Dash. 

In a split second, a few other faculty ran up to the stage, surrounding Cory, to which he climbed up the back curtain and latched on the stage lights. 

"C'mon!!" Shouted one of the Canterlot High students. "Lets go save our brave friend!!" 

The other Canterlot High students released themselves from the rest of the faculty's grasp and ran towards the stage.  Human Applejack kicked the nurse, Katie punched an athlete,  Camden smacked a math teacher, Human Fluttershy knocked a random bully or two with the occasional "sorry", etc.  Soon the whole auditorium transformed into a brawl of epic proportions. Cory looked over the rafters, observing the event with pride. The scene was worthy of being shown in a movie. In fact, he could've sworn he saw a similar scene in Beauty and the Best. 

To his right, he saw Human Rainbow Dash and Katie fending off a few hall monitors. They nodded at each other and locked their arms together. With that, the two jumped simultaneously and spun themselves around the mop, kicking each head like a punching bag. Then they let go and flew through the air, landing with two feet and a fist to the floor. 

"Nice moves me." Pony Rainbow Dash complimented. 

"Right back at ya me." Human Rainbow Dash responded, to which she ran back to fend off a few more adversaries. 

To Cory's left, he saw Tony and Human Pinkie Pie engaging in what looked like a Marx Brothers esque prank on two of the Math Teachers.   Tony was spraying a powerful seltzer from of his coat pocket into one's face, while Pinkie threw a bunch of confetti from a party cannon into another's crotch.  

"A party cannon?" Asked an amazed Pony Pinkie. 

"Just got it yesterday." Bragged Human Pinkie, after which she made a large grin, to which Pony Pinkie grinned back. 

Cory's excitement had now reached a climax. He had never realized so many people would be doing this for him. So enthralled he was in the action, he didn't realize the Coach climbing up the rafter and approaching him with the skinner in his mouth. At the last second, Cory dodged the arm to face and gave a good kick under the chin. This however, did not faze the Coach, since he looked like a bulk of steel and iron. 

"How dare you hit me." The coach said menacingly. "Now you're gonna get it!!" 

He attempted to throw another swing at him, but Cory blocked it and kicked him in the shin. This caused the skinnerr to fall off the rafters and onto the podium floor.The two now engaged in a fist to fist combat.

What Coach had in strength, Cory compromised with agility. Every blow was blocked, every kick was dodged. Every strike was averted.  Of course, Pony Rainbow Dash watched him attentively, assisting him in any move he had trouble in. 

"Turn left!! Lunge forward!! Strike below!! Uppercut!!" She shouted. 

"Right punch!! Knee kick!! Bend right!! Lower Jab!!" Cory responded 

The spar went on for a few more seconds, when suddenly, the wires that held the rafter went loose. Before he knew it, the platform flew off the stage and across the audience, dangling by mere metal thread. He found himself hanging over the chaos that was happening below, with the Coach just a few feet underneath him. Like a menacing tarantula, he climbed the metal skeleton and clutched on Cory's left ankle.

"I'm going to enjoy seeing you die." The coach giggled. 

"I...Have...had...enough..of..You!!" Cory replied back. 

As he said this, he kicked the Coach multiply in the face with each word, until finally he let go of his grasp, and plummeted to the floor.  Cory, on the other hand, carefully climbed down the rafter and jumped on the hard surface with the greatest of ease. As he put his fists up, ready to fight again, the Coach got up as if nothing happened. Then he ran towards him like a wild animal, with arms thrust forward as if ready to strangle him. But before he could even touch Cory, a zap of magenta lighting flew if off to the side, slamming him against the concrete wall, knocking him unconscious. Cory turned turned to see Twilight, who had now grown wings, a tail and pony ears, as well as the ability to shoot magic from her hands. 

"I've said it before I'll say it again." She declared. "You threaten my son, you threaten me." 

She winked at Cory who gave her a thumbs up, to which she flew back into the air, zapping any faculty who got in her friends's way. Meanwhile, Cory took on a few more bullies with his bare fists, whacking each attempted blow and jab. But one move truly stood out among the rest. It was where he made a handstand and kicked his legs in the stomachs of his opponents, just like Pony Applejack would. This proved affective since they all flew 10 feet back. 

"You truly are an apple to the core." Commented Pony Applejack. 

"Only learned it from the best sister." Cory responded.  

"You can say that again." Human Applejack added, who was lassoing some student's unconscious. 

"That's great and all.." added Katie, who was fending off some faculty. "But I think we're gonna need some more reinforcements." 

Just after she said that, an acorn hit one of the teacher's heads. Everyone turned to see what looked like Fluttershy's pet angel, standing on top of the left windowsill, dressed in warrior regalia. He took out from behind him a small bugle and played what was obviously a 'CHAARGE!!' jingle. Suddenly, all the windows were smashed open by hundreds of critters big and small. They swooped, crawled, ran and galloped towards the scene, clutching onto the faces and bodies of Stiffson academy. 

"Oh my." Pony Fluttershy commented. "Looks like Angel did take my advice, and in record time." 

The animals trounced all over Canterlot's foes, carefully making sure they weren't harming the wrong people. Some rodents scurried inside the faculty's clothing, other birds glided over, pooping on unsuspected bullies, and even an occasional moose or buck rammed a cafeteria lady in the behind, flinging them over the auditorium. 

Then, as the dust cleared, the non-human allies walked back, seeing they'd knocked each Stiffson faculty and student unconscious, except of course for Stiffson, who was nowhere to be found. Human Fluttershy put her fingers to her mouth and gave a little whistle, signaling the animals to walk towards her. 

"Alright little ones." She said. "Lets make sure everyone's ok." 

She gave pony Fluttershy the ok who quickly counted for any missing members.  

"Everyone seems accounted for to me." She replied. 

The Canterlot students turned to see several of the Stiffson faculty and students regaining conscience. Cory and friends stood in a fighting pose with him front and center. The faculty went on their hands and knees, each throwing up the black substance that was once Sombra's magic, which evaporated seconds later. 

"Oh my goodness." Said one of the redeemed faculty. "What are we doing here?"  

Cory approached the dazed and frightened souls with the best of ease. 

"We'll explain everything to you later." He assured them. "Guys? Escort these poor saps outside." 

All of Canterlot High nodded in unison, as they walked over and led each redeemed faculty to the apartment. However, there were still a few unconscious ones left behind. Twilight went to one of them and opened an eyelid. She saw the eye of Sombra still embedded in their sockets. 

"So whatever shall we do with these troublemakers?" Human Rarity asked. 

"We could just throw em in the can." Jolene suggested. 

"I think we got a better punishment for them." Human Applejack concluded with a smirk. 

Cory and Pony Applejack giggled a little as the rest of the students tied up what remained of the Academy, under the supervision of Human Applejack. Cory, on the other hand ran down the school hallway, ready to take down his foe head on. 

Meanwhile, a few of the students drove the 7 unconscious faculty members (Coach included), down to the Canterlot High grounds. From there, they took them out of the car and dragged them towards the portal. A few of the students lifted them up like a log with Pinkie Pie directing the way. 

"Ok guys and gals!! Here we go!! Right down the center!!" She shouted with glee. 

"W..wait. What's going on?" Asked the faculty who was just gaining consciousness. 

"One for the money..." Pinkie continued. 

"How dare you.."

"Two for the show...." 

"I'll have your head for this!!"

"Three to make ready..."

"You cant do this to us!!"

"And four to...." 

"AAAAHHHH!!" 

"GOOOO" 

And with those words, the Canterlot students threw the faculty into the portal, where they came out the other side. The once disciplinary brutes all landed with a thud on the smooth ground of the crystal palace. As they got up on their knees, they saw they were outnumbered by a whole crowd of ponies from the Apple Family, staring down at them with angry looks. Front and center was Big Mac, Applebloom, Applejack and Granny Smith, tapping a rolling pin with one of her forelegs. 

"So you the one who's been pickin on my brother Cory all these years!!" Said a mad Applebloom as she approached them. 

"What are you talking about?" Asked a confused faculty. 

"We got a sayin here in the Apple clan!!" Applejack added. "You mess with one of us, Ya mess with all of us!!" 

"You?" Asked the Coach with a chuckle. "Them? You're...You're a bunch of ponies. What are you going to do? Trample on us?" 

"Oh, we got something much better for the likes of you." Granny Smith corrected him. 

The Apple family grabbed the faculty members and strung them up against the other wall, turning their backs toward them. Then they pulled down their pants, exposing their bare bottoms and took out wooden planks, one for each member of the family. 

"IIIIIIIIT'S SPANKY TIME!!!" shouted a small filly. 

"Wait wha..AAAAAAHG!!!" Shouted the faculty as they were paddled silly by dozens of earth ponies. 

"Now this here's what I call a good ol fashion spankdown!!" Said Applejack who threw a whack at their bottoms. 

"EEYUP!!" declared Big Mac who made a good one as well. 

The hollering of the faculty was so loud, one could swear the students heard it from the other side.

Now Stiffson, wherever he was now, was outnumbered, out of support and out of luck. It was just him, and Cory, ready to duel it out, ready to show his courage, ready to do away with his greatest of fears.
> Cory Vs. Stiffson
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capricore "Agees' Sparkle walked down the now abandoned corridors of the once tyrannical prison known as Stiffson Academy. In his front pocket was a flash drive Vinyl Scratch gave him earlier. The data within it was all the abuse, neglect and prejudice Team A had recorded earlier. Now it was ready to be downloaded on a computer, and sent to the head of the U.S. Department of Education, who was only a few minutes away. 

As he approached closer to the faculty computer lab, he took a moment to reminisce on his past. Less then a year ago, he was a sad, frightened and lonely child with no one to talk to or rely on. Then, within a few months and several weeks, he had transformed into the strong, confident and courageous boy, with the friends and family he only dreamed of. Now, here he was, ready to overcome his greatest foe, and once prove himself a hero, both on Earth, and in Equestria. 

Upon reaching the door, he had noticed it was slightly open. A shadow was moving across the faded glass window, as if it had been spying on him. But as he gently pushed it open, he took a sigh of relief as he saw it was one of students he freed from detention early. 

"Wow, am I glad to see you." The student commented. "I thought you were one of the hall monitors." 

"We got rid of them." Cory replied. "How did you get here?" 

"Through the shaft silly." He replied upon pointing to an opening in the ceiling. 

"Alright listen. I have within me all the info you need to take down Stiffson." 

Cory fumbled through his pocket and took out the flash drive. 

"Download this and send it to the U.S. Dept of Education head. Then he will..." 

Suddenly, they heard a loud, monstrous yell, coming from the gymnasium down the hallway. No doubt Stiffson was now prowling the school to hunt down Cory. 

"I gotta go." Cory said as he quickly handed over the drive. "Can you do it?" 

"It's a no brainer." The student replied. "Say, where you goin?" 

"It's time for me to settle the score." 

With a deep breath, he turned around and headed towards the gym.

He could hear the sounds of clatter and murmur from outside the walls. Probably the students gathering themselves off to safely. He, Stiffson, and the few remaining kids climbing through the shaft were all that remained. He took time to examine the bare floor, empty corridors and abandoned locker bays. Never before had he realized how big the academy even was, minus the students of course. 

Approaching the gym doors, he swung them open with the greatest of ease. As he walked across the rusty wooden basketball court, the doors behind him swung shut, their sound echoing across the room. It was dark, musty and cold. Strangely, the smell of sweat and blood was absent in the gym's atmosphere. The only light source was that of a few unattended florescent lights dangling from the ceiling, and of course the small windows, which were just a few inches from the edge of the ceiling. 

Suddenly, he heard a few trudging footsteps off in the distance. As they drew closer, they sounded as though they were stomping against the wooden pavement, complimenting it was the deep, threatening sound of someone breathing very heavily. Cory clenched his fists and took a fighting stance, ready to defend himself against the incoming enemy. 

From out of the shadows, Stiffson approached him in all his horrific glory, carrying in his right hand his belt, which doubled as a whip. His face steamed red with anger and hate, almost to the point where tears started coming out of his ducts. 

"Why are you still alive?" Stiffson demonically whispered. 

An aud silence fell across the large empty room. then...

WELL!!!!?

"Because I found something worth living for." Cory responded. "Friendship." 

"You think your precious little companions are going to help you now? I have everything, and you have nothing!! You have no family, no help, no home, nothing but the flesh off your back. My power over this school is infinite. I am god here. I am Principal STIFFSON!!!!

"You are no principal." Cory responded defiantly. "Not anymore." 

"How dare you." Stiffson said as if about to explode. "How dare you denounce me." 

"You've denounced me for a good portion of my life Stiffson. You took my friends, my passion and the ability to carry on, and still I had the courage to walk away from this waste of my energy. I found a place where I truly belong. I found my voice. I found my family, and above all, I found a reason to live. And that is something that takes true courage to find, at least under my own circumstances." 

Stiffson stomped towards Cory and grabbed him by the chin. 

"I'll see to it you will spend the rest of your miserable days in a cell, never to see the light of day again." 

It was then Cory gave him a good jab to the chin and kicked him 10 feet back. 

"You couldn't be more further from the truth. I have never been more free in my entire life, I have loving, caring family of endless relatives teachers and most importantly, friends. They nurture me for who I am. And what's more, I've given back to them. What have you done Stiffson. While these students work to the bone, you sit idly by and watch them suffer to your hearts content, and all because long ago you thought someone stood you up, when she was only trying to help you..." 

"SHE WAS NEVER MY FRIEND!!!!" Screamed a now deranged Stiffson as he lunged forward and thrust his whip into the air. 

Cory dodged the blow and tripped Stiffson over.  Next, he did a back flip against the nearby wall, to which he grabbed a jousting stick from a stack to his left. 

"I'm much stronger than you think I am." Said Cory, who was now looking down at the once proud tyrant. "And you can't control me anymore." 

And so, the fight began. Stiffson got back on his feet and lassoed his weapon in the air, while Cory twirled his joust around his torso, after which the two opponents collided. Cory blocked a few lashes as Stiffson came at him like a wild animal, pushing him backwards the exit. But Cory was fast on his legs as he placed the pole upright for balance and kicked him right in the chest. Stiffson did a flip in the air as he latched his belt along Cory's ankle and tripped him to the floor. As he he was about to step on top of him, Cory somersaulted backwards and grabbed his weapon. 

"I learned this from my uncle Shining Armor." He said. 

Stiffson ran towards him like a raging lunatic from an asylum. 

"Back arched, your head against your left shoulder, and your fore arms up front close together to block any face blows." Cory said to himself. 

And with that, Cory jabbed the joust right at his forehead, to which Stiffson responded with a jab to his right cheek. This was followed by a punch to the stomach. Luckily, Cory sucked it in before he could get struck. He grabbed Stiffson's arm and body slammed him to the floor. Stiffson quickly got up and whipped him across his chest. Cory's torso stung with pain as he got hold of his javelin. Stiffson fastened his belt like a pair of numb chucks and flung it towards Cory's head, to which he bent back with each attempted blow. 

Cory dodged to the left and right and then punched Stiffson in the face. He tried to punch again to which Stiffson dodged as well and punched him in the face as well. The exchange went back and forth for a few hours until Cory grabbed his belt and pushed him again in the stomach with his fists, thrusting him 20-30 feet back. Cory looked at his hands, amazed at what he was seeing. A magical glow seemed to be illuminating from his fingertips, with a hue similar to his mother's coat. 

"Mom must've transferred some of her powers to me when we hugged." He said to himself. 

Indeed, as he grabbed his javelin of choice, the glow illuminated across the weapon, transforming it into a purple colored saber of pure energy. Cory stood his ground in a warrior stance as Stiffson got back up and charged forward. 

"Hold your ground until the last possible moment." Cory said to himself. " Cause if there's one thing our enemies have always fallen for, it's the element of SURPRISE!!" 

With those words Cory made a trick move as he flung his weapon in the air and balanced on top of it like a monkey on a tree, dodging Stiffson's blow by only a few inches. Then he climbed back down and swung his beam of light towards Stiffson's belt. The two were at it again as a kung fu styled fight took place. One whacked another, the other threw back, a punch was made, a kick was conceived, a block was thrown, etc. From a distance, Cory looked like a young wizard with the power to conceive electricity, while Stiffson looked like a rabid dog  attacking a random passerby. 

Then, as they just happened to be approaching the exit, the two collided at the same time, with a force so strong it broke each others weapons. Cory's energy staff split in two while Stiffson's whip was ripped to shreds. They dizzily somersaulted out of the gym and back into the hallway, nearly toppling against each other.

After a moment to take a breather, the two made more fighting poses, ready to attack again. By now, both of them looked like they had just gotten out of a battlefield. 

"How did you get so strong?" Stiffson complied. "I thought you wouldn't amount to anything." 

"Well I guess you weren't always right on everything." Cory replied. "And I'm about to prove you wrong again." 

"We will see about that." 

The two charged at each other like wild animals and engaged in yet another martial arts combat. Kicks, punches, thrusts, slaps, dodges, undercuts, flips, one right after the other. At one point, Stiffson commanded the fight, and at another, it was all Cory. The two were like cranes flapping at each other on a cold, cemented floor as they led each other through different hallways. 

Sometimes, they would grab whatever they could find and use it as a weapon. Stiffson picked up some board pins and used them as darts, while Cory took a trashcan and used it as a shield. Then stiffson grabbed a poster and used it as a serrated disc. Cory, on the other hoof , used a set of pencils on the ground as primal arrows. But with each object he touched, it turned into a luminescent glow of light, more powerful than Stiffson's weapons of choice. 

The fight eventually led to Prof. Discord's science lab as Stiffson crashed Cory through the classroom door window. As expected, they continued to fight, grabbing whatever object they could find to attack or defend. From an onlookers perspective, the scene looked like something out of a Jackie Chan/Jet Lee movie. Cory picked up a teaching skeleton as a defense puppet while Stiffson threw some binders at him, missing each time. Cory flipped over a few student desks while Stiffson picked up some pieces of glass and threw them at his face. Cory picked up two of the desks and blocked each incoming shard, shattering it to pieces. Stiffson scratched his fingernails against the chalkboard, causing an earth shattering noise to fall on Cory's eardrums. He silenced him with a kick to the shin, causing him to fall backwards. 

At that moment, Prof. Discord barged in. 

"I know this is not the best time sir." Said Discord. "But I've been thinking about my time here, and I believe it's best for me to.."

For a moment, Cory and Stiffson stopped fighting and looked awkwardly at him. 

"Your'e busy." Discord said upon noticing the scene. "I'll get back to you later." 

He turned to his left and hid inside his broom closet. The two were at it again, both picking up any blunt item as a weapon, with Cory turning his into a magic object. The fight went on for a few minutes, as It seemed as though there was no end in sight. 

30 minutes had passed since the fight began. Both were now clearly exhausted. But just as they were about to battle again, the two saw a neatly dressed woman right outside the classroom window. The Head of the Dept. of Education had finally arrived at the prison-like school. Next to her was one of the detention students from before, sharing with her several videos which he transferred from his laptop to her phone. The Dept. head made a very displeasing look ass he stared at the once proud Principal Stiffson. he presented the video for her to see, exposing him of the atrocities, tyranny, and misfortune he committed across his school. The head opened her mouth as if about to say something, but sighed instead in shame as she gave him a big thumbs down and hopped back into her car. 

The student gave two thumbs up as Cory made an exhausted chuckle, both in relief and in triumph. At last, Capricore "Agees" Sparkle had won the day. He had defeated his greatest foe fair and square. Now he just needed to avoid having his head squashed by two incoming palms which were directly about to smash right into him. Luckily, thanks to his intuition from coach Rainbow Dash and his uncle Shining Armor, he dodged it just in the nick of time. 

Stiffson grabbed him by the shirt and pressed his claw like hand against his face, as his own turned red with anger and spite. Cory could now see his eyes as they turned green with red pupils, complimented by a deep, purple mist coming out of their sockets. He could even see a few veins popping out of his shaven skull. 

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" screamed Stiffson in a furious rage. "YOU...HAVE...BROKEN...MY....DREAM!!!!!"

Cory stomped on his foot and threw him back several feet, causing the back of his suit to get caught in the back cupboard door, which had sealed shut upon impact. 

"No." Cory replied. "You did." 

And with that, Cory ran out of the room, down the hallway, and out the front door, where Vinyl Scratch picked him up in her van.
> Final Showdown
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The van moved at as much speed as it could as Cory in the back layed down in relief. He looked to his left and saw the his other friends and the human mane 6 along with Twilight, rubbing his forehead with a motherly look. Human Applejack was on his other side, checking for any broken bones or fatal bruises. At last, he could rest easy from all the drama. 

"It's over." Cory said. "It's finally over. You all did it." 

"No Cory." Twilight replied. "You did it." 

The two hugged in a warm embrace as Cory looked over his shoulder at his friends in person, and Pony family on the IPAD screen. They were all clapping for joy as Cory was looked at like a true hero. 

"There's gonna be some celebratin tonight when you come back little brother." Pony Applejack said. "You deserve it."

"Just try and stop me." Cory responded. 

Meanwhile, the once proud Stiffson had fallen from his tyrannic throne as the back of his suit was still tied to a cupboard. He stared at the van outside the window, which was now speeding out of the parking lot and onto the highway. His eyes filled with a righteous rage, turning a bright menacing green with two red irises and bright pupils. With the grip of his beast like hands and the strength of 3 men, he yanked himself free of the grip, ripping his jacket to shreds. 

Now he was truly pissed off, as he heavily breathed in anger and insanity. As this was happening, Discord was still hiding in the broom closet, watching the scene through a hole in the door. Stiffson trudged through the room like a wild animal in a cage, breaking all the desks, smashing the test tubes, and throwing the chalkboard across the floor. Discord shook with fear, covering his mouth and anticipating the worst. He had seen his boss go through many tantrums, but never like this. 

Just when things couldn't get worse, Stiffson found a large bottle tucked away in the drawers, with a dark, green elixir inside. On it was what looked like the image of a scary demon, with eyes like Sombra. Without thinking, he grabbed the formula and chugged it down like a frat boy at a party. 

"No..." Discord shuddered. "Not the whole thing." 

Indeed, Stiffson finished the whole elixir down to the last drop. Then, as he smashed the bottle on the ground and headed towards the door, Discord could see he was starting to change. Searing in pain, Stiffon got on all fours and ran down the hallway. 

"Oh dear." Discord said as he carefully looked out the door and saw him trudge away. "I've got to warn Canterlot High."  

He grabbed what he could, opened the window and ran down the parking lot and onto the highway. 

As Stiffson bolted down the locker bay area, he felt the pain of the transformation building inside him. His looked at his hands as they turned into sharp, menacing claws. His feet were ripping out of his shoes, becoming talons that dug in the floor. His back cracked and molded as it sprouted spikes and finished off with a whipping tail at the end. In addition, his body grew into a gargantuan size, ripping out of his clothes and replacing his flesh with black, shiny scales. To top it all off, a pair of horns emerged from his forehead as his face shifted in form, making a furious roar, like T-rex at maximum volume. Stiffson was no longer an educator, nor was he human. He was now the menacing monster he truly was. With the push of this new body, he ran like a large cat down the hallway and burst out of the entrance, causing the front of the school to completely demolish. 

Cory and the others in the van looked up startled as they heard his fearsome roar. Now they could see him in all his horrible glory. 

"Great leapin toads!! What is that!!?" Pony Applejack asked.

"That's Stiffson." Cory said. "In his purest form." 

Twilight gave Vinyl Scratch the nod as she pressed the accelerator and sped up the van. The Stiffson monster jumped onto the highway and began a high speed chase straight out of a movie. Vinyl's vehicle swerved to the left and to the right, nearly dodging every car and truck that was in the way. Cory and friends bumped into each other from side to side as Vinyl Scratch tried to keep her balanced. Eventually they got a grip, holding onto the side bars and stared out at the incoming monster, whom was sprinting nearer and nearer. Unlike them, Stiffson was crashing and stomping on any car that got in his way, causing small explosions behind him.

"That is not gonna look good on his Resume." Katie murmured. 

"So, how do we stop him?" Human Rainbow Dash asked. 

"Throw whatever ya got at him?!!" Joanna suggested. 

They all shrugged and started to pick up any random items in the van, throwing them in the monsters face. Human Pinkie stood out the most as she pulled out a party cannon and spewed confetti right into Stiffson's face. 

"You got a party cannon?!!" Pony Pinkie shouted. 

"Earned it after working in Sugarcube corner." Human Pinkie replied. 

"That's my other me." Pony Pinkie replied as she shed a tear of pride. 

The van swerved around the highway as the chase preceded closer and closer to Canterlot High. Stiffson made a few earth shattering roars while Cory and friends prayed for their own life. The only other lives they prayed for were those other unfortunate drivers who ran into the mess. They couldn't imagine what fatalities would result in all this. But that was now the least of their concerns. Miraculously, they nearly missed every driver. 

Meanwhile, Discord hopped into a taxi cab and directed it to the the schools entrance. Never before had he felt so much regret for all the decisions he made. Now it was time to fix this grave mistake of his. As the cab parked by the curb, he rushed inside and asked a random faculty for Principal Celestia, who just happened to be walking by. 

"May I help you sir?" She asked. 

"Celestia." Discord said in relief. "I'm glad I found you. There is a situation going on involving your students." 

"What happened?" 

"No time to explain. It involves Stiffson Academy, and it is imperative that..." 

"Stiffson Academy?!" She replied with a surprised look. "I haven't heard that name since..."

"Yes, yes, you can discuss later." Said Discord. "Come with me." 

He grabbed Celestia by the hand and the two ran outside for the next taxi. 

Vinyl Scratche's passengers were now in danger as the Stiffson monster drew closer and closer to them. They could almost smell his breath when he made his roars. By now they had run out of things to throw at (with the exception of Vinyl's music equipment), while human Fluttershy had sprouted wings and was behind them trying to pick up whatever trash they littered and scooching any animal away. 

"Fluttershy do you copy? Over." Said human Rainbow Dash who was talking over her walkie talkie. 

"Just trying to make sure no animals choke on this garbage. Over." Human Fluttershy responded. 

"I think we've got bigger problems than that Fluttershy." Said Joanna. "You can deal with that when this is over. Over." 

"Can I at least push it to the side so no animal gets hurt? Over." 

"Ugh. Fine. Over and Out" Replied Human Rainbow Dash as she rolled her eyes. 

"He's gaining on us!!" Camden shouted. "What do we do?"

Cory regained his balance as he got up on his feet and stared at his enemy. His friends looked at him in awe as he never made that face before. 

"If I can beat him back there." He said. "I can beat him here." 

He stoically walked to the edge of van as he kept his balance on the railing. 

"Cory!! What are you doing!?" Yelled Twilight. 

"It's now or never mom!!" Cory responded. "This is why I followed you here!! I need to settle this once and for all!!"

"No, Cory! You have your whole life ahead of you!!" 

"I have to do this mother!! Trust me." 

He looked at Twilight with the most confident face he ever made. No longer was she looking at the fragile, frightened little boy she found almost a year ago. Now, she stared at a confident, intelligent, and brave young man who could triumph over anything. Twilight knew he was all grown up now, at least enough to conquer his fears. What more could a mother ask for? 

"Yes." Twilight replied with tears in her eyes. "I do trust you." 

"Mom." Cory continued. "If I don't come back, just go on without me. Go back into the portal and don't look back. You have responsibilities in Equestria." 

"But what about your exhibition!?" Tony asked. 

".....Dedicate it in my memory." 

He turned away from his friends as his hands turned into fists, ready for another spar with the Stiffson monster. Suddenly sparks started to fly out of his clenched fists. His hair spiked in the air as a forcefield drew around him. His eyes turned ghostly purple just like Twilight's coat. Then, with one hard lunge, he leaped into the air and flew towards the incoming threat, punching Stiffson right in the nose. The two tumbled off the side of the road, finding themselves in a large field, a perfect setting for an ultimate showdown. 

Meanwhile, his friends, only a few blocks from Canterlot, parked the van and just stood there with big eyes and gaping jaws. 

"How is that even possible?" Asked Pony Rainbow Dash. 

Twilight thought for a moment.

"I must've transferred some of my powers into Cory the last time I hugged him." 

Indeed, Cory now looked like a superhero, flying around the monster and shooting beams of light out of his hands. It was like something straight out of an anime, except this was real, very much real. 

"I AM GOING TO CRUSH YOU!!" Stiffson shouted in a thunderously demonic tone as he tried to catch Cory. "AND PUMMEL YOU INTO THE EARTH!!" 

"You'll need to catch me first." Cory responded as he flew around made a few kicks and punches.  

"Come on!" Joanna Shouted. "We gotta help him!!"

The five of them embraced Twilight, as they too felt a powerful surge run through them. 

"Aw shoot." Said Human Applejack. "We gotta help too."

Twilight's human friends picked up some instruments and started to play. They  felt the power of friendship run through their veins as they sprouted tails, wings, and pony ears. Now all eleven of them were ready to fight alongside Cory. Even Sunset Shimmer found strength in her, whose wounds had healed instantly upon touching her guitar. They ran down the slope and entered the battlefield, with Cory leading the way. 

It was then every student and faculty member from Canterlot High, whom had noticed the fireworks and laser show from afar, drove up in cars and buses to the open field. Now the place had turned into a gladiator stadium of over a thousand spectators, cheering "Cory" "Cory" "Cory" as they watched in amazement. This was the attention Cory always dreamed of, but never thought possible. 

The team surrounded Stiffson like a swarm of butterflies and wasps circling around him at once. There were smacks, kicks, blows, spins, strikes, one attack after the other. Yet, their small size was nothing in comparison to the monster. Then, at that very moment, two familiar faces appeared out of the blue. It was Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, still in their pony form, and still with as much magic in this world as in theirs. 

"Aunt Cadence!! Uncle Shining Armor!!" Cory shouted. "How did you find us." 

"Your friends told us silly!" Shining Armor replied. 

"Then why are you two still ponies?!" Twilight asked. 

"Crystal spell. Only the most advanced can do it." 

It was at that moment Stiffson thrust his giant claw at Cory and threw him against a nearby boulder. As he started to charge towards him, Cadence pulled him back with a spell. 

"Get your greedy hands away from my nephew!!" She shouted. 

So the battle continued, with the addition of two more companions back home. Cory jumped on Cadence's back as Shining threw him his javelin, turning it into a sword the moment he touched it. He guided his aunt to the back of Stiffson's head and stabbed his skull, leaving a small mark in the monsters scalp. Stiffson shrieked in pain, slapping Cory off Cadence's back. Luckily, he grabbed the side of his ear and swung back on her. 

Down below, his other friends tried to distract him by throwing off a few moves of their own. Human Applejack and Joanna formed a two person kicking machine as they stomped on top the talons, cracking them in the process. Human Rainbow Dash and Katie played frisbee with a round, flat stone they found on the ground and ricochet it on the scaled knees. 'And Human Pinkie Pie and Tony performed a slapstick routine of "Tag-you're-it," Confusing the monster with their mannerism. Cory never thought he would lead his friends in such an epic battle. 

Just when they thought they were going to beat him, Cory thrust his sword forward at Stiffson's face. But unfortunately, he was stopped by his large tail and pummeled to the ground. Stiffson then deep breath and roared a large gust of wind, knocking everypony and everybody off balance. Everyone was now on the ground in a daze, unable to know which was what. Cory  wearily got up and messaged his left, which he sprained pretty badly. In addition, a few scratches and bruises covered his face and body. He looked around and saw his friends and family, still lying on the ground from shock. He couldn't comprehend what they were saying as all he could hear was a buzzing sound driving through his ear drums. Then, as his senses kicked back in, he heard what they were trying to tell him: 

"CORY LOOK OUT!!" They all shouted. 

Indeed, a large claw loomed over Cory's head. He tried to doge it, but it was too late. Stiffson had caught him in his grasp. 

"I TOLD YOU, YOU'D BE DEAD IN A YEAR." the monster hissed as it pressed Cory's rib. "AND I STICK TO MY PRINCIPALS!!!!!"

"Put..Him..Down..Sheldon!" Said a voice from below. 

Cory's family got up and saw Principal Celestia staring defiantly at Stiffson. In her arm was Spike, whom was still recovering from his scar

"WHO ARE YOU?" Stiffson snickered as he looked below. 

"I'm surprised you don't remember me." She replied. With those words, she pulled back her hair making a luscious ponytail out of it. 

"CELIE?" Stiffson responded with big, sombra eyes. 

"This is not the Sheldon I remember." 

"Sheldon?" everyone responded with shock. 

"The Stiffson I knew would never bring to anyone." 

"IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. YOU MADE ME LIKE THIS."

"I was trying to help you that night of the school dance. I would never have tried to abandon you." 

"WE COULD'VE BEEN HAPPY TOGETHER CELIE. WE COULD'VE DONE SO MANy THINGS. AND THEN YOU FUCKED IT UP." 

"No Sheldon!! You did this to yourself. I only wanted to give you more friends. I knew how lonely you were and that the only way to help you was to introduce you to others. I tried to explain that, but you decided to not listen to me. you..."

"SIIIILEEEEENCCCE!!!!!"

He swung his claw and threw Celestia 20 feet back. Everyone just stood in shock. Not only did he hurt students, but also administrative staff. Then he dropped Cory as he landed with a thud on the hard ground.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN SOFTEN ME WITH PAINFUL MEMORIES OF THE PAST?! HMMM!!!! WELL I WILL NOT BE PROVEN WRONG AGAIN!! I AM THE MASTER OF ALL WHO SURROUND ME!! I AM ALWAYS RIGHT!!! AND I WILL NO... LONGER... BE... DEFEATED!!!

But just as he was about to make one final blow on Cory's little head, he was stopped by a large forcefield that was in the way. Right beside and surrounding Cory were his five friends, all joining in to create a large, luminescent shield of friendship. Right in the center was Capricore "AGEES" Sparkle, Holding all the five parts together with a large ball of magic. 

"Sorry Sheldon." He said. "But you forgot one thing. I have courage. Something you don't have. You may be strong, aggressive, demanding, all these things. But you will never have the one thing that unites us all: Friendship. And believe me, it takes bravery to find that." 

Soon, Katie and Joanna bolted straight into Stiffon's claws, with a force that threw him back and pinned him into the soil. Next was Rachel and Camden, who restrained his legs dug them into the soil. Then, it was Tony, who flew right into his head and tied him securely in his magic grip. Now, Stiffson was helpless, he was like Gulliver on the Liliput, unable to move, unable to fight. 

"You know Sheldon."  Cory said as his power slowly charged up. "All this time you've been throwing us  to the ground, not giving us a chance to show who we are and speak our mind, as if that's how you learn. But you forgot that learning doesn't come from fear or discipline, or any of those strict tactics of your's. It comes from the willingness to try new things, to accept your limitations and embrace your mistakes, to have the desire to explore new things, show off your talent, and above all, make friends along the way. And with honesty, generosity, Laughter, Kindness, Loyalty, and Magic, you can be brave enough to conquer anything. Cause not only does it unite us all, but gives one a reason to LIVE!!

He levitated off the ground as purple flames flowed out of his fists and his hair blew upward like a super saiyan. Everyone in the audience gaped in amazement as they watched their young leader become the hero he was born to be. His wings fluffed out to display for all. His tail swished in the wind the flag on a mast, and his Horse-like ears stood erect, able to hear all that was around him. 

"I'm proud of who I am. I love the life I live. And you can't control me anymore. Cause that's the key to being brave." 

He flew up skyward, leaving a medium sized crater at his previous standing point, and a smokey rainbow streak that glittered in the air. The Canterlot High bunch ran off to safety, but not so much as to miss this once in a lifetime event, just far enough to not be bombarded by debris and magic. 

Cory soared higher, and higher, and higher, beyond the clouds, beyond the stratosphere, beyond where most aircraft dare to go. He swore he could see the entire country of the United States from this altitude. Never before had he felt so alive in his entire short life. Never before had he felt on top of the world above everyone else. Never before had he been this mighty, grand, and brave. Then with the thrust of his body, he zoomed down into the atmosphere and transformed into a fire bolt of pure energy. Strangely, he felt no pain. He felt right, he felt sure, he felt triumphant. As he spiraled further and further, he thrust his arm forward, aiming his target right at what was Stiffson's heart, which was drawing nearer and nearer. Soon, he could see the monster in his range, ready to cleanse of all it's wickedness. 

"SHELDON!!" Cory shouted. "YOU ARE RELIEVED OF DUTY!!" 

He hit his enemy straight in the chest, causing a humongous explosion of almost epic proportions. Everyone ducked for cover as the blast grew and grew. The force was so intense, it left small yet significant damage to any nearby structure. Canterlot High suffered a few injuries (shattered glass and dented walls), but the Academy was left completely obliterated by the explosion, leaving nothing but the base floor and a few stray pipelines. Soon, everyone was within the blinding light as it made a sonic boom across the terrain. The sky was blotted out by this spectrum of all the colors of the rainbow. It was glorious and powerful at the same time.  There were crackles, blazes, flares, sparks every tremendous sound possible. Cory had done it, he had repeated the display his mother made so long ago. All was beautiful, all was stupendous, all was jaw dropping in it's own special way. And then....All was quiet.
> Punishment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dust cleared. The sun broke through the smoke. The breeze kicked away any sparse residue. 

A few trees were knocked out of their roots, and several patches of grass had been wiped clean of the soil. The whole field was flattened by the intense ray of light, yet the spectators had long ducked for cover, safe from the blast.  

A huge crater was found in the spot where the battle had commenced. Even bigger than the one Twilight made when she first arrived there. All was silent. No one spoke as all loomed over the large formation in the earth, hoping for signs of life. 

"CORY!!" Twilight cried as she ran down the dirt coated slope. 

There was hardly a soul to be found in the deep pit. No living thing could possibly survive an explosion that huge. All that was left were crumbling rocks of dirt, and small hills of soot disappearing among the breeze. 

"Cory." She panicked with tears in her eyes. "Cory, please. Please don't leave me.,,I love you." 

Then she collapsed in hopelessness and despair as she covered her head with her hands. Everyone else bowed their heads in sympathy and remorse. They're friend Cory, and five other brave souls saved them all from the tyranny that was once Stiffson, yet not without a cost. Spike, who was still limping from the injuries, climbed down the crater and comforted the saddened princess, who had just lost her one and only son. Or did she? 

On the other side, the two saw a bundle of ashes starting to move. They and their five human friends ran to inspect it, digging into the soil and hoping for signs of life. And sure enough, the familiar yet battle damaged faces of Cory, Joanna, Camden, Tony, Katie, and Rachel came out of the wreckage. 

"Cory!" Twilight shouted in relief as she caressed him in her arms. "Are you alright?"

His response was a harsh cough and a faint "mom," followed by a caressing of the arms around his mother. As predicted, the hero's other friends rose from the ruins, alive yet tattered in rags. Soon the whole crowd exploded in a victorious applause. Some clapped their hands in the air, others made a whistle, there were even voices saying "Way to go Cory." "You're our hero Cory." "You Rock." 

Capricore "Agees" Sparkle and his friends clumsily got back on their feet, weakly waving to their uproarious friends. They felt like gladiators in a stadium, having just defeated their greatest fears. 

"Spike!" Cory said. "Where's Spike!"

"Don't worry Cory." Said a voice from below. "It's just a scratch. 

Spike hopped onto Cory's lap and have him a friendly lick on the cheek. 

"Oh Spike." Said human Rarity as she ran down the slope and picked him up in her arms. "You were so brave. Whatever can I do for my little hero?" 

"Well. I wouldn't mind a little belly rub." He responded to which she preceded to do so. 

"Oh you scamp you." She commented.

"Oh yeah." He replied.

"What about Sunset." Cory said. "Is she alright?" 

"It was almost fatal." Twilight replied. "But she miraculously made it." 

She pointed in her right direction, where Sunset was fragilely standing with the assistance of a cane and an IV stand. She gave Cory a weary thumbs up and large smile, signaling her optimistic recovery. 

Suddenly, they all heard a whiny groan coming from another heap of ashes. They blew away to reveal a fragile, skeletal body where Stiffson once laid. Where was the tyrant? Had he been destroyed? Is it just an undiscovered creature in the mess? No. It was Sheldon Stiffson, in his true form: a weak, pathetic, gangling sack of flesh, wearing a tattered suit and tie. with no humanity, no civility, and no common sense of where he was.

Principal Celestia carefully ran down the crater, trudged through the ashes and stared at the poor, soulless creature that was once her dearest friend. It was breathing very heavily, with eyes bloodshot red and teeth nearly black. She reached into her front pocket and took out a folded note with a bow wrapped around it. It looked like it hadn't been opened in years. She tossed it on the ground right next to Sheldon's hands, to which he clumsily felt with his bony fingers. Then, like a wild animal, he sprang to his knees, quickly unwrapped the bow and opened it to reveal a message from years past. 

My Dear Sheldon
Last night, after the dance, I searched everywhere for you. All over my friends searched, hoping to explain what had really happened back at the gym. I tried to explain I was trying to help you with finding new friends. But you were nowhere to be found. All I can say now is I hope you are well and wish you the best of luck with whatever endeavors you choose. All I ask of you, is for this attempt to unite you with more companions and aquaintances was all for good intentions. 

I am sorry if I hurt you in anyway, and I'm sorry if what you saw broke your heart. But most of all, I am sorry the world you see isn't the way I see it. Yes indeed, the world can be a scary and lonely place, waking up every morning not knowing what to expect when you walk out that door. Sometimes you just wish things could go your way and all your problems would just disappear. Sadly, the world is not perfect, but what we can make perfect, is the friends we make and how we choose. And in spite of everything, I am glad I chose you. 

You needed friendship more and anyone else in the world. And I needed someone that was more than a friend, someone to rely on and relate to, someone I could love for all time. You were the closest I ever had to being that sort of person. Because of this sad truth, that is why I wept myself to sleep, that night you thought I stood you up, when all I was doing was giving you more. 

The love of friendship isn't always about constantly watching each other. It's about knowing what's right for them, and expanding their options in life. Because the more friends you have, the more you have a reason to live. And even more so, it makes you more secure about your looks, personality and what you choose in life. Had it not been for many friends, I wouldn't have satisfied with my choices. I hope someday this comes to you clearly, and we can be together like we used to. 

Lots of love as always, and never, EVER, change the way you are. 

Love
CELIE  

At the edge of the paper was a tapped photo of the two of them smiling and sharing a piece of cotton candy. 

The creature looked up at Principal Celestia's face. Clearly she was not happy with him as she crossed her arms and tapped her foot. Then, something unexpected happened. Tears started to fall down Stiffson's eyes as he began to weep. He let out a terrible moan, like a small child in need of a band aid, pounding on the ground and whining at the top of his lungs. After a few minutes of this remorseful tantrum, he wiped the eyes and got to his feet, with his head bowing to the ground in shame. 

"All...these...years." Sheldon said to himself as he stared at the note. "Wasted." 

At that moment he saw a curious Cory and friends, as well as Twilight walk towards him. 

"S..Stay away from me!!" Sheldon panicked while clumsily walking back. "Please don't hurt me!!" 

"I'm not going to do any more to you." Cory replied. "What happens next is for the board to decide." 

He pointed his finger towards Lauren Faust, the head of the U.S. Dept. of Education, who was staring down at him disapprovingly. The head scuttled to the bottom of the crater, strutting forward until she stood face to face with the pathetic creature. 

"Sheldon Stiffson." she began. "By the power vested in me and the Department of Education. You are hereby fired from your position as principal and headmaster. In addition, for your unspeakable cruelty and unimaginable destruction to the minds and souls of those you failed to teach, you are banned from all public school activity for the remainder of your days. And as for your sentencing, from the look of these records, it most intuitively equates to a lifetime in the state penitentiary." 

Sheldon shook with fear, knowing his time was up, and his goose was cooked. Cory's friends stood there, expecting a triumphant smile on Cory's face. Instead he had a humble expression. In spite of all he had put up with from him, and all the trouble he had inflicted on he and his companions, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the little guy. After all, he was almost like him once. A poor, lonely kid, desperately trying to find a friend. 

"It's alright Cory." Katie said as he patted Cory's back. "The fact you even fell pity for him, is something only a true hero could have." 

"But that shouldn't need to be your concern." Cadence added. "He's beyond our help now." 

Cory gave a little smirk as he brought his friends together in a group hug. At that moment, a strange clown-like figure came riding down the crater in a small, toy car. Discord had now transformed himself into the funny, quirky educator he alway wanted to be. And why not? He had already adorned his face with an innocent makeup job, red nose and all. He had never felt more alive in his entire life, and it was all thanks to the magic of friendship. 

"Good night folks!!" He shouted with glee. "And thanks for everything Fluttershy." 

"Anytime Discord." Human Fluttershy giggled. 

He honked his goofy horn and started to head towards the nearest road.

"DISCORD WAIT! BUDDY!!" Sheldon pitifully shouted. "Where do you think you're going?! Your'e gonna get me out of this right?!!"

Discord turned his little car around, stood up and faced his boss. 

"Oh, I forgot to tell you." Discord replied. " I...QUIT!! I quit. I resign." 

As he said this, he drove his car back until he was only few inches from Sheldon, laughing as he spoke his mind. 

"Is this completely in your ear?" He continued. "I am PROFOUNDLY OUT OF HERE!!. And this isn't even about my housing arrangements. I'm not even complaining about the state of my toilet. But having to hang out in YOUR TOILET and deal with YOUR MESS EVERY SATURDAY!!" 

The whole crowd went into uproarious laughter as Tony and Human Pinkie did a "ba dum-ching" on a small drum set. He had never felt more empowered his entire life. 

"But that's not the point." Discord went on to say as he calmed himself down. "The point is I...quit. As in, ceasing transmission. Leaving the building. That's all she wrote. Keep my last check buddy!" To which he slapped a blank check into Sheldon's palm. Then he started to take a few random objects out of his car and throw them at him. 

"Here's my name tag." He began. "..my coat, my handshake, my buzzer, my fake arm, my extra glasses, my hall pass, my hat, my lucky rabbit, his hall pass, my teaching skeleton, my text books, my pointing stick, my number two pencils, my  telescope, my out of date chalkboard, You can't even get these any more. My scrimshaw whale tooth, my tuna fish sandwich, my graded papers, my elongated beakers, my jarred specimens, my empty pill bottle, and a giant clam I found over the great barrier reef that opens to reveal the American flag held by my brother John Delancie!! So Long!!" 

Everyone laughed and applauded as Discord hopped onto his jalopy and continuing his ascent into the roads unknown, cackling at his triumph. 

"Oh and by the way." He concluded as he looked at his former boss one last time. "In case your'e wondering why I encouraged and even looked forward to mistakes and failures? Let me explain it to you.....THATS..HOW..YOU..LEARN!!! Goodnight!"

And with that, he disappeared into the sunset, ready to tackle whatever the world brought him. 

"Looks like you're on your own Sheldon." Mrs. Faust stated. "Now what do you have to say for yourself?"

Stiffson bowed his head in a state of shame. He looked at the photo of him and Celie, looking at the innocent boy he used to be. Tears once again filled his eyes and his lips quivered with what words to say.

"I...I...I.." He muttered under his breath,  and then:   "I'M SOOORRRYYYY!!!!"

He flung his fists in the air and threw them on the ground, letting out a pitiful tantrum. He stomped his feet, banged his head, and let out a few terrible moans. Now he had hated himself more than ever, realizing now the monster he had become. At last Cory had broken through his hard, stubborn shell, revealing nothing more than a deranged and confused child. After a minute of wailing and sobbing, he looked down in shame and wrapped his poor, pathetic body around Celestia's leg. 

"Oh, I never knew the answers to all my pain and suffering would be solved through just a single package. One misunderstanding, from son long ago, and I become the very thing I hated.  Oh Celie, What have I done? Good god almighty...what...have...I...done?"

"I think you already know what?" Celestia replied firmly. 

"Principal Celestia." Mrs. Faust said. "Since you were closest to him, I've decided to let you give you the sentencing." 

Once again, Sheldon  bowed his head in shame, awaiting his punishment. 

"Sheldon Stiffson." She continued. "Your despicable actions on the new bright minds of this county are unforgivable. But since I can't let go of the friendship we once shared, I've decided to go easy and spare you a life sentence, that is if you do one thing." 

"And what is that?" Sheldon asked. 

"You will only need to serve 2 1/2 years in the State Penitentiary under the grounds that you do community service based on the value of friendship for the remainder of your days. Every weekend, you shall be given afternoon releases under the watchful eye of a guard, where you will receive a friendship task needed to be done, depending on what we choose each week. Are you able to do that?" 

"I...I don't know." Sheldon shuddered. "All I've ever done was whip people and drive them to a point of helplessness. I don't even remember what it's like to have a friend. Nor do I know how to make one." 

"I bet they can teach you." Said the faint voice of Sunset Shimmer, whom had clumsily slid down the crater and pointed to her fellow schoolmates at Canterlot High. 

"So, are you willing to change your ways and become a better person?" Celestia asked. 

Stiffson thought for a moment and looked up at her. "I'll.....I'll try." 

"Very well, your sentencing begins now." 

The whole crowd cheered as two policemen came down and handcuffed Stiffson behind the back. He bowed his head once more as he was escorted to the back of the police car and drove off to his hopefully temporary cell. 

Cory never felt so relieved all his life. For once, justice was secured in his story. He had now triumphed over all that was once thought possible. Because of this, he never felt more grateful to be alive in his life. The monster was gone. The torture was over. Now, he was truly free. He collapsed on the ashen ground in exhaustion, laughing and crying at the same time, to which he was comforted by the gentle back rub of Twilight's hand. 

"I couldn't have done this without you mom." He said. 

"No Cory." Twilight said. "You did this on your own. We just wanted to tag along because we love you. You're the real hero Cory, and you always will be." 

Before he could think, he was hoisted up in the air by thousands of cheering students and peers, along with his five close friends. All around, the chant of "Cory, Cory, Cory" was heard all around the perimeter of hearing. Capricore "Agees" Sparkle truly felt on top of the world as many students shook his hand, gave him a congrats and complimented with a thumbs up. They all carried them out of the crater and walked back to their school, with Cory up and front, a true, brave hero.
> The Test
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The crowd approached the Canterlot High entrance, all in celebratory spirit. Their greatest enemy had been defeated, the prison they called a school was destroyed, and all seemed in perfect balance. And yet, what could be said for the former, purified, students and faculty of Stiffson Academy. They had nowhere to go now. No education, no GED, and no future. In a few years time, best case scenario they would obtain only minimum wage jobs in a low end business somewhere. 

"Excuse me Principal Celestia." Said one of these students, who gently nudged her on the side. "I know it's great and all that our tyrant principal can no longer hurt us. But you must understand. That school was our last chance in making something out of ourselves. Now we'll all just be destitute, living in the street, with nothing  to look back on." 

Celestia thought for a moment. 

"You know." She replied with a smile. "There's always room for more in our Wondercolt clan, that is if you wish to join us.' 

"But how? I mean, you can't really fit all of us in your building. We'd need to have a whole second school for that amount of students. We don't even have an administrator to guide us." 

"I can fix that." Vice Principal Luna replied as she emerged from the crowd. 

"What do you mean?"

"I called the school board and said they'd be able to lease a parchment of land up for sale. Cory. Isn't that building that was once housed an orphanage still up?" 

"Yes." Cory nodded. 

"Then it is settled. The complex will soon be re-furbished  and given extra building space, making way for an extended piece of Canterlot High. And no need to worry. You will be homeschooled for the time being. Plus you're always welcome to have a seat in our classes." 

"And what will this new school be called?" Asked another student. 

"In honor of our special hero today," Celestia answered. "Your new learning center will be: The Capricore School of Arts and Music!" 

Everyone cheered as they shook hands with Cory and gave him a back on the back, with a few congrats tossed in here and there.

"That's my brother!! My little brother's all grown up!!" Pony Applejack commented as tears of liquid pride fell down her cheeks. 

"Um, excuse me Principal." Cory said. "May I ask you something?" 

"Of course." She replied. 

"Well, as you may know there's a big test occurring today across the school district. My friends and I have been studying for 3 days straight and I think we're ready to tackle it. Plus it's challenge I always hoped to conquer someday. So, to come directly to the point, would it be alright if you allowed me to take the test at your school, even though I'm technically not a student?" 

"Cory." She answered back as she knelt down and wrapped her hands around his arms. "After today, you already are one of us. To inspire others to stand up with you, is something only a true Wondercolt would have the capability of. You are welcome to join our troupe of students and faculty whenever you wish." 

"Thank you Principal Celestia." He replied. "This is something I've always dreamed of. But I do think I know where I belong. And that is in Equestria, with my new, loving family. However, I would still like to take the test here." 

"You don't need to ask for that Cory. From this day forward, you are an honorary student at Canterlot High. You're name will go down in history, among the walls of our school, as "Capricore, Capricore the Brave. Congratulations Cory." 

Once more, the little hero was given a standing ovations from family and peers alike. Never before had a student received such an honor. And he deserved it in every way. 

A few minutes later, he found himself walking through the halls of Canterlot High, with friends right behind him. Tucked underneath his arm was a packet to take the test with, pencil, calculator and all. He had always dreamed of this moment, and now it had become a reality. All seemed so surreal, yet at the same time, in the right place. For the first time in forever, everything was going his way. 

They arrived at the door to an empty classroom, perfect for taking a test. Next to it was a long mirror, to which he walked towards it and straightened himself up, brushing off any dust, cleaning up any bruises and tidying up any stray hairs. Now it was time. The time had come to prove his education was all worth while. 

"No matter what happens." Twilight assured him. "We're all right behind you." 

"I know you are." He replied. 

The two gave one last hug as his friends and family parted their separate ways, leaving him to take the test. The room was very adequate for a teaching space. Not glamorous per se, but certainly more welcoming compared to what he was used to. Certainly, there was a marker board, a few rows of desks, a cabinet or two in the back, several posters based on the subject of learning, and a bulletin board to his right, showcasing any upcoming projects and events. Staring down at him was a digital clock, calculating how long it would take to complete this task. He disregarded it, knowing how long it would take wasn't important. What mattered was getting it done. 

He sat at the first desk he laid eyes on, brushing off any remaining residue. Then, he laid out his packet, revealing all the necessary components he needed. This included: 3 number two pencils, a dozen sheets of lined paper a calculator, a compass, a small ruler, several sheets of graphing paper, and the test itself. 

It was the first time he had seen it in almost two years. He skimmed through the pages for closer examination. It had been cut into 5 major sections: English, Science, Math, History, and Arts. Some  were multiple choice, others were fill in the blanks, and few were the dreaded short answer type. A few horrid memories of his other attempts to ace it zipped through his head. But they were scattered away instantly. He knew they were no longer important. Now was the time. The time to show the past was far behind him, and the future was waiting, just beyond the lost page. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, clearing his thoughts of all doubt an worry. Then, with the sweep of his palm, he turned the page, picked up a pencil, and saw as it touched on the first question. 

At first, he started slow, unnerving, shaking at the prospect of failure. Typical for any previous test he took. He tried his best to snap out of it. After all, he knew the answers to the first twenty questions. But soon, he felt something click inside him. Like a bolt of energy that helped him focus. Soon, he was on a role. He was unstoppable, clearing each question and subject with ease, from reading to writing to biology to physics. Even he couldn't explain this feeling. It was as if he knew the answers all along and was made to put them on that test paper. 

And so, on and on he went, striking his pencil on the blank dot or black line, laughing at whatever tricks were behind them. By the time he reached the match section, he was rushing with ecstasy. He grabbed his ruler, calculator and graphing paper, beginning the seemingly long journey to succession. Surprisingly, the process took quicker than expected. 

But as he reached the math section, his heart began to drop. This was the part he dreaded the most. His forehead started to sweat, and his palms trembled once more. Just then, he remembered Zecora's technique, as he stood up, positioned his legs, and soared into a tai chi routine. He breathed in, and lunged out, thrusted front, and swayed back. Within a few minute, his tension had ceased, and his mind became clear. Now he was ready to continue. 

First a couple of multiple choice, then a few fill in the blanks. This followed with several short answers, receding with  a few more true or false. Later he arrived at the problems themselves. Cory soon turned his calculator on, placed a graph paper up forward, and started tracing with his ruler. One by once, each question became harder than the last. It began as a few simple arithmetic problems. But soon, the grew into equations and bar graphs. Eventually, each question filled an entire page. But he still kept going, not caring if he got them right or not. Cause that was how one learned. Every often, he'd check a previous problem, saw if any corrections were needed, and proceeded through. 

After what seemed like an eternity, Cory had reached the final math question. What would it be this time? Would it be another trick? Would it be something that would dupe him once again? He slowly turned the page without a moment to lose. As he saw the equation, he took a sight of relief. It was the one he saw back at Stiffson academy. So with a smile of triumph, he sharpened his pencil and wrote in the blank space in big letters: THERE IS NO ANSWER! IT'S UNSOLVABLE. 

Finally, it was the last two sections. And they were based on what he liked most: History and Arts. As expected, Cory glided with ease. Though a few trick questions tricked him every once awhile, he caught himself and answered them correctly. By this point, the questions started to feel more like a game. He almost wished it would last a little longer. Without even noticing it, Cory had already answered the last question. Upon realizing this, he went into a state of shock: 

"I..I did it." He said to himself as he closed the packet. "I did it! I actually did it!! I finished the test!!!"

he jumped in the air with a sense of joy, nearly topping the desk over. A great weight lifted from Cory's body as he signed his name and date on the front cover. It was a relief that was long overdue. He put the pencils away, placed the test in the bag, and walked out of the door. This was a feeling he thought he'd never get in a million years. In fact, not so long ago, he looked like the least qualified to do so. Cory had indeed taken a 180 degree turn for the better when it came to knowing what there was to know. And what better friends and family to have loved and helped him through and through. 

Cory walked by the mirror once more, but just glancing he saw something that wasn't him. As he turned back to it he saw who it was. There he saw a young, light blue, stallion staring back at him. Cory instantly knew who this was. Capricore, the true capricore. But the more he looked the more he saw himself. But as he stood there Capricore did something Cory would never forget: he smiled. And as Cory smiled back he placed his hand on the mirror, and Capricore did the same. A beautiful light then shimmered in Capricore's eyes, and Cory could just make out what he said.  

"Thank you Cory. Thank you for not giving up. Even when times looked the bleakest" Capricore said " you still didn't give up."

And like that Capricore smiled once more and before Cory knew it he was gone. Cory smiled now looking at his own reflections, and still wondered. What now? What next? What happens over the horizon? Then he thought: 'I don't care much about these answers. I'd rather be surprised and excited than always know what to expect. The halls were empty with the exception the exception of him. All his companions were waiting outside, he took some strides and headed to the entrance. Halfway down, he saw Flash Sentry coming out of the classroom. 

"Hey Flash." Said Cory, who got his attention. 

"Yeah Cory?" Flash responded. 

As he walked closer to him, He had never realized how similar he and him looked. 

"I never got to say 'thanks.' Thanks for saving my life a few months back. 

"Hey it was nothing. After all, that's what big brothers should do.' 

"Yeah and...wait what?" 

Cory was stunned upon hearing this. 

"You mean you haven't heard?" Asked Flash. " It turns out after taking a DNA test, we both have the same dad. My folks weren't able to make a proper baby alone. So they asked an average Joe to donate. That average joe was your birth father."

"Birth father." Cory said to himself. "It all makes sense now. My dad and I looked nothing alike. He wasn't even my real dad. And that wasn't my real mom." 

"Yep." Flash added as he kneeled next to him. "Just surrogate parents. Twilight told me all about it. But you know what also means, right?" 

Cory already knew what it meant as tears filled his eyes. He swiftly wrapped his arms around Sentry's waist and brought him in for a big embrace. 

"Thanks for everything B B B F F."  He said with a warm smile. 

"Your'e always welcome L B B F F." Flash Responded as he hugged back. "I'm always here if you need anything." 

"Right back at ya." 

Cory headed outside, facing the portal, and just as predicted, his friends and family were right at the entrance, waiting for him. Even Principal Celestia was there to give him congrats. They all patted him on the back and gave him a few warm hugs. Now, his struggles were complete. Whatever would happen next, his soul was at peace now. 

"So what are we waiting for?" He asked. "We heading back?"

"As we ever could be." Camden responded. 

"Alright son." Said Twilight as Spike hopped back into her backpack. "Lets go home." 

"You'll need this." Human Applejack said as they started their way. She threw Cory an IPhone, which he caught in midair. 

"Why?" Cory asked. 

"If you ever need us," Human Rarity added. "We are a phone call and/or text away." 

"Thanks." he responded. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to a very special exhibition. Something I don't want to miss." 

"We'll text you when get the results to the test, alright?" Said Celestia. 

"Ok. Thanks for everything." And with those words, they all jumped back through the portal.
> Ascension
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight, Cadence and Shining Armor and Spike stepped out into their own world without a scratch on them. It took a moment for Twilight to adjust to being on all fours, but other than that, no problems were present. 

"Hello Twilight." Said one of the guards who just happened to be walking by. "How's Sunset Shimmer doing?" 

"She is doing great." She replied. "I actually haven't seen somepony with so much improvement before in my life."

"Speaking of which," Spike added "I think there's somepony else we could be a little more proud of." 

It was at that moment Cory and his friends fumbled out of the portal as well. Twilight picked him up and gave him a big hug.

"Is our hero ready for his big night?" Asked Rarity who just happened to be trotting by. 

Cory looked at his friends, who smiled back. 

"More than ever." He replied. 

After a cleaning of their wounds and a bit of wardrobe magic, Cory and family entered the crystal ballroom, where the exhibition was taking place. It was an enormous space painted in the hue of deep magenta and pale blue, as was the look of all buildings in the kingdom. Above them was a glass ceiling, presenting guests to a night sky filled with stars and centerpieced by a full moon. Surrounding the walls and decorating the floor was an endless menagerie of paintings, statues, pottery, jewelry and other visual arts, all crafted by Capricore himself. The room was packed with spectators and visitors all across Equestria, each one traveling to stare and admire at Cory's creations.  There was even a griffon or two, critiquing on the complexity of a makeshift sculpture. This feeling of success and promise was only complimented by the recents events that unfolded early that day. 

Cory walked further into the busy crowd, but not before Twilight magically fixed his bowtie a little bit more. It was then all his pony friends ran up to him, with a wide smile on all their faces. Some of them said "There's our man of the hour." Others said "Thank goodness you're all right." There was even the occasional "That was totally out of this world!!" But all patted him on the back, gave him a hug and surrounded him with eager looks. 

However, it was Cory's big sister Applejack that hugged him the most, caressing him with her warm forelegs and letting tears of liquid pride fall down onto his coat. She had never been more proud of her little brother than this very moment. 

"I could never have asked for a  better little brother." She said with soaked eyes. "I love you so much Cory." 

"Right back at ya big sister." Cory replied. 

"To offer my  own personal critique." Rarity added. "That was the most spectacular sight I had ever laid eyes on!!" 

"I hope you didn't mind some of my critter friends helping." Fluttershy said as Angel and a squirrel sat atop of her. "They were very eager to help." 

"Nothing to it Fluttershy." Cory responded. 

"You are one awesome kid Cory." Said Rainbow Dash as she flew in and gave him a noogie. "I mean, did you see those moves out there? What an athlete" 

"Yeah!! We saw the whole thing!!" Pinkie Pie added. "First he was all Pfffff Ksss Kakakakaka. And then you were all bwaaa brrrr tchhhhh. But then you went all Kabloom!! Drrrrr!!! Pssssssshhhhhh!!" She made a few action moves as she executed these sounds, while everypony else looked in bewilderment. 

"I think what Pinkie here's trying to say is.." Applejack explained. "You're the bravest little guy we've ever met." 

"I just hope those former educators that weren't purified will someday see the error of their ways." Cory responded. 

"Don't worry son." Twilight chuckled. "We won't have to wait that long." 

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, in an insane ward of the local hospital, there laid several new stingy patients, knocked out from a deserved paddling. All those humans had been stripped of their once proud positions and reduced to the rank of an asylum resident. 

The sedative was beginning to wear off as the former educators, coach included, opened their eyes to find themselves facing their belongings, which were being tended to by several pony nurses. In the center was a unicorn doctor, inspecting the teacher's nametags with the help of magic.  The patients tried to move around their beds, but were paralyzed by the numbness of the drug. 

"What the hell are you doing with our things?" Asked one of the teachers in a snooty voice. 

"Your accounts have been terminated." Doctor Horse assured them. "Let's just put these name tags in the office for safekeeping. Shall We?" 

"GET OUT OF HERE YOU BIOLOGICAL FREAKS!!" Shouted the former coach. 

"Because you're all new," The doctor continued. "I shall not give you a timeout this time. Be warned. There's a line you've crossed one too many times in your profession, as is according to our witnessed accounts. But here, you do not wish to do such. Committing that action, so help us Celestia will result in serious repercussions. And us Medical ponies we do not make idol promises here." 

"I can do whatever I see fit you mutant quadruped!!" Another one of the ex-teachers snapped back. "Do you even know who we are? I have been earned prestigious doctorates, earned awards in disciplinary teaching, I even have been given the..."

Before she could finish, she was magically turned over and given a good spanking by one of the nurses, after which she was left with a frozen stiff look on her face. 

"tsk, tsk, tsk. This is a disappointing start." Commented the pony nurse. 

"Is this some sort of kinky furry fetish hotel?" Asked the coach. 

"This is the Ponyville hospital ward for the criminally insane." Doctor Horse answered. "You're lessons on the value of friendship begin tomorrow. Don't be late." 

And with that, the staff left the room, leaving the criminals with a twinge of fear for the first time in their wasted existence. 

Meanwhile, Capricore "Agees" Sparkle was having the time of his life, as his work was being presented for all of Equestria to see. Delegates throughout the land were surrounding him, asking questions, intrigued by his answers. 

"I must say." Commented Fancy Pants while admiring an abstract sculpture . "Your art is most appropriate for this time of year. Tell us, how exactly do you conjure such ingenious creations." 

"Well.." Cory answered. "I suppose it all comes from what you feel like expressing. I get an emotion inside me and I place it on the canvas or in this case, block of clay." 

"Most fascinating." Said Fleur Dis Lee who was resting her forelegs on Fancy Pants back. "I for one wouldn't mind purchasing one of them as a centerpiece. How many bits would that be?' 

"Whatever you feel I guess. I'm just happy when someone brings it into their lives."

"We'll take it." Fleur Dis Lee and Fancy Pants said together, to which Cory nodded in approval. 

"Cory." Said Twilight as she approached him. "There's somepony I'd like you to meet." 

She gestured her hoof at the most gorgeous Alicorn Cory laid eyes on. A glistening white majestic figure with a flowing mane reminiscent of the northern lights. She could easily be spotted since she was the tallest among the pony crowd. Her wings spread out in a dazzling display of neatly brushed feathers. On her thigh was cutie mark symbolizing the sun, welcoming land with it's open rays. Her luminescent presence was only complimented by gold plated hooves, a jewel encrusted pendent, and a crown adorning her head. She was everything Twilight told him about, and and everything he hoped for. At last, Princess Celestia, the ruler of all Equestria, was meeting Cory face to face. 

"Hello, Cory." Her voice was just as angelic as her physicality. "I've heard many things about you." 

"It is an honor to meet you your majesty." Cory shuddered as he crouched into a bowing position, after which his mother gave him a signal to stand back up. He brushed his suit and made a more subtle bow, to which his mother nodded back in approval. 

"You have no need to be that formal." Celestia chuckled. "Would you mind if we chat over at the balcony?" 

"Me?" Asked a shocked Cory. 

He turned to his human friends, who were watching him from a few feet away. They all made "yes" gestures as they egged him to do as such. 

"It would be my pleasure, your highness."

Merely a year ago, none of this was ever possible. One day, Cory was the loneliest boy in the world, without a purpose for his existence. Next thing he knew, he had become the most distinguished artist in the land, with friends and family by his side. So there the two of them were, a renowned artist and a crowned leader, sharing a conversation and overlooking the crystal empire. 

Cory was staring blindly at the vast expanse of Cadence's territory, while his pony and human family looked on with pride. 

"From I have learned from Twilight, you have proven to be a very courageous boy Cory." Celestia commented. " More than most of my subjects would ever even dream to accomplish." 

"To be honest," Cory responded. "I never really expected any of this happen. For a good part of my life, I searched within and beyond myself, just to see if I was worth something. But I usually ended up making a fool of myself."

"Sometimes we must do foolish and crazy things to understand our place in the world." Celestia replied. "You have an incredible gift of creating things that will last for ages to come."

"I suppose, considering how I ended up in Equestria, it wasn't really what you expected." 

"Actually that is why I decided to talk with you here."

This caught Cory's attention as he turned to face her. 

"What do you mean?" He asked. 

"What I mean is, your presence here in Equestria is of no surprise to us. In fact, we sent for you."  

Cory's eyes widened as she said this, as his companions all dropped their jaws in shock and disbelief. 

"Hold on a second!!" Said Pinkie Pie. 

She grabbed a glass of water and dunked it down her throat as if about to execute a spitting gag, to which one of the nearby servers covered her mouth before she could do so. He shook his head and left, leaving Pinkie disappointed. 

"You...Sent for me?" Cory asked. 

"Perhaps we may help to explain." 

Princess Luna appeared out of nowhere as she walked into the scene, followed by Cadence who overheard the conversation. The three of them looked into the sky as a slight breeze blew at their manes. 

"Every thirty moons," Luna continued. "My sister, Cadence and I choose a soul from the other world to see if they can accomplish what their pony counterpart could not." 

"But not just any soul." Cadence added. "A soul who was so lonely and so desperate, he or she would do anything to escape from what they used to be." 

"You were the first to achieve such a feat Cory." Said Celestia. "In fact, you have done more than most beings would ever dream of accomplishing. Through perseverance, love, friendship, and above all, courage, you have achieved the impossible and defied all expectations. In addition, by discussing your fears and doing what you knew was right, you conquered your greatest adversary, and came out a hero. But none of this could've been possible without your extended family." 

She pointed her wing at Cory's human friends, who walked towards him, patting him on the back with "congrats" and "well done." 

"The love and friendship of Cory that you inside through and through helped all of you search for your companion. Even when things seemed bleakest, none of you ever gave up on finding the missing piece in your existence. To devote a great deal of your lives to finding your one friend, is something only a being of true courage can achieve." 

"This goes for you as well Cory. Despite the darkest of times, you persisted and climbed the tallest of obstacles, even when you had nothing to lose. This unbelievable bravery  earned you a home, friends, and even a family. And as you grew, your courage blossomed into leadership. Thus, the student became the teacher, for we all learned something from you Cory. Friendship not only unites us all, but gives one a reason to live." 

"And for that, I am honored to have you as one of my subjects."

The three princesses turned to each other and nodded. 

"It is time." They said together. "Come forward."

Cory nervously walked towards them and held his head up. They gently tapped their horns on his forehead as a strange glow channeled through them. This magic energy surged through his veins and into his cerebral cortex. It was a sensation he never felt possible, something he never felt before, as if the power of the universe was right at his fingertips. 

Then, he started to levitate off the ground, his hair spiking up and flowing against the cosmic infinity of the Princesse's magic. It almost seemed as though he was in a cosmic pool, wading at the deep end. For a while, he felt like a spiritual song was humming around his ears. It was pleasant, reassuring, yet mighty at the same time. 



Soon, he opened his eyes, as they they were now shining beams of light. From out of their sockets surged 5 more rays of energy, each  landing right into the hearts of his human friends. As expected, they too lifted off the ground, joining him in a circle of luminescent friendship. A worried Twilight and her companion ran towards them, to which Celestia halted them with her wing, reassuring everything was alright. 

The energy inside these 6 colleagues spewed out of their bodies. All that could be seen of them were balls of light, each a different color based on their personality. It was a spectacular display seen all across the crystal empire. 

Then, Cory started to feel a physical change among his body. His fingers and toes started to fuse together into hooves. His hair was taking the form of a mane. His ears were sprouting into a pony shape and his face was growing longer and narrower. There was even the beginnings of a tail growing behind him. Strangely, this transformation was not painful at all. It was more of a slight tingle, as if somepony was gently stretching out his body. He looked around his friends and saw they were changing too, except two of them were growing horns and two more were sprouting wings. Before they could comprehend what was happening to them, a large, magical explosion engulfed around them, lighting up the sky in a rainbow of color and hue, just like the one he had seen many years ago. It was so intense, anypony near it covered their eyes from it's immense power. 

As all things, the light started to fade away, and the energy balls containing Cory and friends glided back down to the ballroom floor. Except, the bodies of these 6 brave friends were not there. In place of that were 6 semi-conscious pony bodies with a coat similar to their skin, only slightly darker. The pony in place of Cory adorned a newly fashioned horn and a set of gorgeous wings for flying. The rest were of two earth ponies for Joanna and Tony, two Pegusi for Rachel and Katie, and a Unicorn for Camden. 

"C..Cory?" Asked a stunned Twilight as she trotted towards the Alicorn. "Is that you?" 

The Alicorn woke up and clumsily stood on all four of his hooves. He took a few moments to examine his legs, wings and mane, then turned his head towards the curious princess. Then, he opened his eyes and stared into hers, as they were the same ones as her son. Twilight could not deny any longer. 

"How do we look?" Asked a transformed Cory. 

"you.." His mother responded. "You look just like...a Pony!!" 

"A what?!!" He reacted. 

Soon his other transformed friends got up and examined their new selves. They were all just as shocked as he was. It felt like they had been fit into a suit made just for them, except their bones and muscles were shifted as well. Yet, none of them seemed too displeased. Though of course confused, they seemed pretty excited about what had just been given to them. 

"Don't worry." Said Celestia as she approached Cory. "You can change back anytime you wish....Prince Capricore." 

Everyone gasped with gaping mouths as she said this. 

"I'm...a prince?" He asked. 

"You tell me." Cadence responded. "You are and Alicorn now. And your mother is a princess." 

"AWESOME!!" Rainbow Dash cried as he zoomed in. "I got a few more flying buddies." 

"No need to worry." Rarity said as she approached Camden. "I will show you all the tricks and trades of being a Unicorn." 

"And you'll certainly get used to walking on all fours son." Twilight said. "Plus you can do magic now. Who knows what you can conjure." 

Cory blushed as Celestia approached them. 

"For your immense heroism, unlimited creativity and unbeatable bravery," She proclaimed. "I hereby dub thee, Capricore, the prince of courage." 

She tapped her horn on both sides of his neck as everypony in the ballroom cheered. 

"But what is a Prince without his loyal knights." She continued. "Sir Camden, Lady Rachel, Lady Joanna, Sir Tony, and Lady Katie." 

All galloped and clumsily clicked their heels in the air, as they were still getting used to their new bodies. 

"But, isn't there some instructions on how to be some knights of the round courage or something?" Cory asked. 

"That will all come in due time son." Twilight chuckled. 

"Yeah and like they said before." Spike added. "You can change back anytime you want." 

Cory smiled and hugged his mom and Applejack tightly as he shakily trotted with his friends into the crowd of art spectators. His quest had finally come to an end. He now had found his home and discovered who he truly was. All was well in the world, everything was going to be just fine. At that moment, his phone rang in the front of his coat pocket. He grabbed it with his foreleg and carefully read the message. He triumphantly jumped in the air with the biggest smile he ever had. 

The text read: "You Passed."