Celestia doesn't know what to think. First two new students, now Seven new Superheroes. This is gonna be one school year that she would never forget...
Celestia is the fun loving principal of Canterlot High... where everything is normal. At least it was until this school year started up. Suddenly she has to deal with two new students, one with issues, one with anxiety, figuring out how to convince her students to be school proud and not clique proud, oh...and figuring out a new drill to do whenever a villain attacks too close to the school. Did I mention she also has to deal with the random appearances of the seven new superheroes? Yeah... this school year is definitely one for the history books.
Celestia shuffled through her paperwork, watching out of the corner of her eye as students and staff darted about the school yard. The new school year was to begin in a few days, and everyone was getting ready. Whether it was preparing classrooms, or registering, things were hectic at the moment. Sighing, she turned to face the front of the school again, knowing it was her duty to greet each of the parents of the new freshmen this school year.
Surprise flashed through her upon spotting Zecora, a social worker for Child Services, approaching her with a young teen dragging her feet along behind her. Celestia frowned, wondering vaguely if her old college roommate had yet another trouble child in need of a home. "Zecora, long time no see." Celestia warmly greeted her old friend, reaching a hand out to pull her into a hug.
"Hello old friend." Zecora smiled warmly, accepting her embrace. Taking a step back, she gestured to the young teen behind her. "This is Sunset Shimmer. Long story short. She ran away from home. When we got her back...we found out why. We don't have any available homes at the moment, so I was wondering if you could take her in?"
"Of course..." "Sister! We have a new family that just moved in trying to register their daughter in." Luna appeared on the front steps, her blue gaze piercing into Celestia.
"You remember where I live Zecora? You can just drop Sunset off there." Glancing over at the sulking teen, she quickly gave a bit of information. "The guest bedroom is on the left down the hall. Can't miss it."
"Fine." Sunset scoffed, clearly not impressed with anything at all.
Celestia shook her head, before hurrying over to her sister. "Sorry about that Luna... shall we head down to my office or yours to work this out?"
"They're already down in yours. There's a slight problem. Twilight, that is the new student's name, has anxiety problems. She has a service animal to help her with it. Her folks want to know if its okay for her to bring it to school with her." Luna walked briskly down the hall towards the principal's office.
"I see..." Celestia followed her younger sister towards the brightly decorated office. A minute later, she entered to see a middle aged couple looking over the school's brochure of extracurricular activities, while a young teen sat next to them, holding a small dog in her lap. Glasses covered her features from view, while her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail. "Hello, I am Ms. Celestia Stardust, the principal here at this establishment. Shall we look to see how we can best get this darling settled here....uh..."
"Knight Light, and this is my wife, Velvet Sparkle." Knight Light smiled broadly as he stood up to shake hands with her. Turning he gestured to the teen that was now behind him. "This is our daughter, Twilight Sparkle. And her emotional support animal, Spike."
"Well then... he looks like a very nice fellow." Celestia bent over to shake Twilight's hand, before moving to sit behind her desk. "Now then, it doesn't happen often, but we have dealt with service animals here in our school before, and I'm sure we can figure something out."
"Really?" Twilight blinked, surprise flashing in her eyes as she tightened her grip on the pup. To his credit, he didn't yelp at the pain of suddenly having it tighten around him.
"Oh yes... in fact I'll just place a note next to your name on all the roll calls so that no one will give you a hard time... ah. We do strongly encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities. Did you see anything that might interest you?" Celestia gestured to the brochure, a smile planted firmly on her features.
"Not particularly... I noticed you don't have a science club." Twilight shrugged, her brow pinched as if she didn't want to talk about this.
"You don't have to choice one right away. In fact, it isn't uncommon for students to make a new club during the school year. Maybe you will enjoy one of those better." Celestia offered.
Twilight nodded slowly, still looking uncertain about everything. Celestia silently hoped that once she learned how much fun Celestia tried to make the school year, she would open up more and relax some.
Celestia locked her car door in front of the tall apartment building, rolling her shoulder just slightly as she balanced a box of pepperoni pizza in her one hand. Swiftly moving to the building's entrance, she used her tenant key to unlock the door, before hurrying into the quiet hall. Darting up the first two stories, she entered the third floor with practice ease. Moving down this hall, she quickly approached the apartment door labeled three twenty-seven B. Unlocking it, she slipped in, snapping the door shut behind her. "Sunset? I brought dinner."
Celestia turned away from the door to find the young girl sitting on a couch, staring intently at the bird cage that held a rather beautiful parrot. "I see you found Philomena. She's quite a beauty isn't she?"
Sunset jumped at the sound of her voice, head snapping around to stare at her. Upon doing so, she noticed the box in her hand. "I'm vegetarian."
"Oh..." Celestia wrinkled her nose at that, wondering vaguely if Zecora hadn't known that little detail. "I believe I have the fixings for a salad in the fridge."
"You have a lot of video games for being a stuffy old principal." Sunset commented as she followed Celestia into the kitchen.
Celestia, who had picked up a bottle of water and taken a sip, nearly chocked upon hearing that. "Stuffy...old... principal!? That's it! We're eating in front of the TV so that I can slaughter you at Dragons and Wizards!"
"...Do you even know how to play?"
Celestia didn't respond. She was quickly throwing a salad together, all the while silently fuming. She was not a stuffy old principal! Philomena squawked loudly from her perch, staring questioningly at her owner. Unfortunately, she was too busy getting the popular amongst teens video game ready to notice.
True True Friend!!! Celestia lurched out of her bed, eyes snapping open as the cheerful, popular amongst the next generation song blared from her alarm clock. Slapping her hand down on it, she silenced the alarm. "Morning bedroom!" She sprang nimbly out of bed, throwing her covers as she did so.
Pulling open her closet, she grabbed the outfit she had selected the night before. "Morning closet!" Twirling, she ducked into the hallway, making a beeline to the bedroom that Sunset was sleeping in. Bursting into the room, she flipped the lights on. "Morning Sunset!" She then made her way into the bathroom, leaving the teen to groan at her alone... for now.
"Good morning office!" Celestia burst into her office, a silly grin on her features.
Sunset yawned loudly as she followed her new principal and current guardian into the office. "Are you always this preppy in the morning?" Celestia had greeted each piece of breakfast one by one.... all the while grinning like crazy.
"Yes, she is. You get used to it after awhile." Luna appeared in the doorway, tiredly staring at her sister's twirling form.
"Not a morning person?" Sunset raised an eyebrow at the vice-principal in surprise at how tired she appeared to be.
Luna shook her head, moving to head over to her own office. "Oh no... I happen to be a night owl that is still wondering how she got talked into this kind of job..."
"Oh you love it and you know it!" Celestia rolled her eyes at her younger sister, before pulling out her chair and sitting down. "You best get to your locker to put your stuff in it Sunset."
"Yes ma'am." Sunset rolled her eyes, before seeing herself out of the office.
Celestia grinned as she straightened a few knickknacks on her desk. Nothing bad ever happened on the first day of school, making it the easiest day of the year... right next to the last day of school. Grinning like a buffoon, she stared hard at the clock on the wall opposite her, posed to turn on the intercoms for morning announcements....
"Good morning Canterlot High! This is your favorite principal Celestia Stardust, with today's morning announcements! We have tryouts for cheerleading tomorrow morning before first hour, as well as tryouts for the football team, soccer team, volleyball team, and track. Tomorrow all afternoon classes will be canceled so that you all can go club hunting! Also please don't forget that the Annual Welcome to Canterlot High Assembly is today after fifth hour. All classes will be cut short today so that we can have so much fun this afternoon!" Celestia grinned as she read through her announcements for the day, excitement buzzing through her. She loved her job so much! So many young minds being molded for the future in her care. Not Mr. Blahard's hands. A shudder rippled through her as she pictured her old boss. "Enjoy your first day of school! Celestia out!" She turned off the microphone.
Leaning back, she found herself trying to imagine how she could make this school year even better than last year. Celestia frowned as the events of four years ago before wiggled its way into the forefront of her mind. Shoving it back to the back of her mind, she clicked open her folder on her computer that by chance was the plan for this year's Welcome assembly. Humming to herself, she began working on the logistics of having a confetti cannon go off in the gym during the assembly... or better yet! A dance off between the students and staff! Smiling, she started to add both into the schedule....
"You have to be the only one you actually works hard to make sure that students are having fun. I'm pretty sure the assembly is set in stone so whatever you're adding on this time will have to wait for the next assembly." Luna slipped quietly into the office, already looking even more tired than usual.
Celestia groaned, already knowing that something must have happened already. "No. Absolutely not. It's the first day of school..." A snort escaped her as she noted the time. "First hour just barely started! There's no way we already have a troublemaker!"
"Sorry big sister. But Fluttershy left Angel at home." Celestia groaned at that. Angel was a registered service animal for the shy animal lover. Luna continued on, adding more to the problem. "And Sunset might have bullied Microchip's lunch money off of him already."
"What!?"
"Would you like me to talk to her or call Velma Shy?" Luna asked politely, knowing her sister was in shock over this turn of events. In the last three years, Celestia has been able to avoid dealing with trouble on the first day of school.
"I'll deal with Sunset. You go ahead and call Velma." Celestia rubbed her forehead, wondering vaguely why everything was already going downhill this year.
"Of course. I'll send her in right away." Luna slipped away.
A minute later the com system crackled to life as Sunset was called to the principal's office. Celestia sighed as she waited for her young charge to into the office.
"You wanted to see me... before first hour even really got goin'?" Sunset slipped into the room, arms crossed in front of her chest.
"Yes... I was told that you took Microchip's lunch money." Celestia pressed her fingers together, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"... and I truly hope that you now understand the importance of being nice to your fellow students here." Celestia found herself ignoring how her discussion not lecture took all of first hour and they were now halfway through the second hour.
"Yeah... sure. Can I go now?" Sunset scoffed slightly, annoyance dancing in her features.
Celestia sighed, before waving her hand through the air. "Yes. You may go now." Sunset stood up abruptly, leaving the room without a backwards glance. Celestia sighed, slouching down in her chair as she stared blankly at her computer screen. "What's gonna happen next? An alien invasion?"
BOOOOOM!!!! The office walls, and ceiling, shook so hard that her knickknacks and framed photos fell down to the floor. Grabbing the edge of her desk for balance, she reached for the microphone. Flipping it on, she pulled it closer to herself. "Everyone! Take cover until whatever this is is over with!" Another loud explosion shook the building once more. Gritting her teeth together, she twisted around to pull down her many diagrams of the school for emergency use. Surely one of these would tell you what she needed to do to keep her students safe...?
As she fumbled around, she picked up her remote and turned the news station on her TV on. If you like to read comics about superheroes and supervillains you will love this! A real life supervillain, who is calling himself Gladiator Beast is currently tearing through downtown. The police are already on the scene." The scene behind the news-anchor changed to show the police firing upon the large monster like creature that was wearing all black and dark blood red clothing that was just standing there...until he grunted and slammed his fist into the concrete ground... Celestia tumbled to the ground as the everything shook once more. "Great... he's gonna destroy everything!"
Gladiator Beast swung his arm, easily swatting several tanks over as if they quite literally weighed nothing. Celestia groaned pinching the bridge of her nose. Great... We're doomed now! Unless a superhero shows up out of nowhere..."What do you know! A superhero has arrived on the scene! At least I hope she's a hero and not another villian..." The reporter blurted out suddenly, even as the camera zoomed on to what appeared to be a young cowgirl that was holding a lasso that appeared to be glowing. She was wearing, besides the brown Stetson, a pair of simple brown cowgirl boots that had apple shaped emeralds along the top edges, a long apple red skirt that was longer in the back than the front, a blue denim shirt, a long yellow braid, a gold belt buckle with a bright red apple shaped ruby in the center, and a rather obvious mark, most likely a birthmark from the looks of it of three red apples right up next to her right eye. Celestia gave a slow nod of approval, even as the new arrival spoke up, raising her lasso over her head.
"Don't worry ya'll! Ah'm here to save the day! Or else my name ain't... uh... Lasso Girl!"The new superhero wrinkled her nose, as if that was not what she thought she would say upon arriving on the scene.
"Lasso Girl? What kind of name is that?" Gladiator Beast burst out laughing, clutching his sides with amusement. Celestia grimaced as she grasped her desk as the entire school shook in response to his laughter. Please stop laughing...
The new super hero scowled at him, the lasso in her hand whipping around in a large, quick, circle despite her hands not moving."Hey! I'm new at this!"This just cracked up the villain all the more.Couldn't she have had some experience before today..? Gladiator Beast swung a fist down, slamming it into her. The hero's lasso reacted instinctively, wrapping around his fist tightly, pulling it away from her face.
"How about you tell me your real name little girl!"
"I can't do that! You'll just go after my family!"She shoved back hard with her own two hands, sending him tumbling to the ground."Well I'll be... the of the truth I tell the stronger I am! You may all call me Officer Honest!"
"Hiya Humble Heart! Wait is that Gladiator Beast... weird I thought you defeated him ages ago!"Another superhero, a pink party entertainer version of the newly named Humble Heart appeared out of no where, waving to the heroine with a large smile on her face. Up until she noticed a nearby newsstand."Oh! I accidently time traveled back in time to when you first started out as a hero, before we became besties! Silly me!"With that said, the newcomer zipped off to somewhen...
The news reporter cleared her throat loudly, even as Humble Heart promptly launched at Gladiator Beast. "That just happened. Kind of wish that she had stayed long enough to confirm when she was from... or what her name is. Maybe stayed still long enough for us to actually get a good look at her outfit. Oh well... back to the battle!"
Celestia waved to her students as she entered the cafeteria, glad that Humble Heart was able to get overpower Gladiator Beast semi-quickly. Life was continuing on as normal now. Besides that, as the news reporter pointed out, it probably would be several years before they have to deal with another super villain attack... "Oh! Is no one sitting next to you again Fluttershy?" Celestia paused in her musings, turning her attention to the young teen with pink hair that was sitting by herself, only a single bunny sitting on her lap for company.
Fluttershy nodded meekly, a frown on her face. "I guess no one is still interested in being friends with me..."
Celestia flinched at that, quickly looking around to see if she couldn't find an answer to her dilemma. All of the tables were full, best friends and clubs segregating themselves from everyone else. Not that it mattered. There were a few students that she knew if she called them out would gladly sit next to Fluttershy. A quick scan of the cafeteria was all that was needed to reveal that Rainbow Dash was already sitting with the soccer team, and the FFA club were sitting together, including their club president Applejack. Rarity appeared to be sitting with a group of freshmen instead of her fashionable friends, though seeing as how one of the freshmen happened to be her little sister, that might have something to do with it. Pinkie Pie, a social butterfly that never stuck with the status quo, unfortunately appeared to have decided that she was sitting with the drama club today. A sigh escaped her, just as a nervous Twilight, with Spike right at her heels, left the cafeteria line. Perhaps... "Twilight! I have someone I want you to meet!" Crisis averted, She glanced around to see if she couldn't find Sunset... only to find her sitting with a group of kids that Celestia plainly knew were just plain trouble.
"Yes Ms. Stardust?" Twilight approached her apprehensively.
Celestia smiled as she moved to gesture to Fluttershy, who was trying to hide behind her hair. "This is Fluttershy Shy. She typically eats by herself, how would you like to join her. Just for today!" Celestia hurriedly added that, not wanting her to think this was to be an everyday thing. "She's extremely shy and as some anxiety problems. In fact Angel the bunny is her own service animal, so Spike won't be alone over here." Celestia bit her bottom lip, waiting for the teen to respond.
Twilight appeared to be thinking things over very seriously, before nodding in agreement. "Okay. I think having someone to sit next to until I meet a few more people would be nice."
Celestia clapped her hands together with relief, before leaving the two to eat in peace. Nodding to the lunch lady, she walked out of the cafeteria, knowing that she still had a lot to do before the assembly later that day...
Celestia grinned as she looked out at the gathering crowd in the gymnasium where the assembly was being held. So far, everything was going according to plan. Luna was directing the students to where they should sit, making sure to some what break up the different cliques. How long that will last before the rearranged themselves so that they were sitting in their cliques, Celestia really had no idea. After awhile, Luna gave her a thumbs up as she walked to the back of the room. Grinning, Celestia strolled to the center of the stage. "Good afternoon students... and may I say welcome to a new school year!"
The response was instant... groans escaped all of the students that didn't fall into the teacher's pet category instantly. Ignoring that, the young principal tried to get their attention with her usual enthusiasm. "Now then, I know all of you that have been here before don't really want to hear this, but there is one thing I would love for all of you to do for me this year... and that is to bring in the school pride!" Right on cue the school marching band began to play the school anthem... halfheartedly.
"Why does it even matter? All the other schools are just gonna beat us at everything!" Someone hollered from the top right corner of the bleachers, by the looks of things, one of their football players.
Celestia gritted her teeth, brief annoyance flashing through her. How was it that no one could feel even a smidgen of school pride for Canterlot High? "Come now! I know that Crystal Prep has us beat in academics..." Grumbles rippled through the group as the entire student body shifted uneasily in their seats. "And Griffin Hall has us beat at sports... but that does not mean we can't have school pride!" A series of coughs and scoffs reached her ears as they rolled their eyes at her. "So come on now... I want to hear school pride! I say Canterlot High, you say Wonderbolts! Canterlot High!" Silence met her as no one hollered back Wonderbolts. "Let's try that one more time... Canterlot High!"
"Lamebolts!" Someone hollered, startling her. Instant murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
Celestia felt her heart sink as she stared in the direction that the shout came from. It was one of her trouble students... one that should have graduated from school two years ago. "Now now… no...no need for that...." Aw man... she was already losing them! Again! This was all Mr. Blahard's fault! If he had just been a bit better of a principal this wouldn't be happening! "Students! Please! Uh... marching band, why not regale us with the school anthem once more?"
Groans escaped the group of musically talented teenagers, before they once more halfheartedly played the school anthem. Celestia really wished that they would put some more energy into it... that'll work wonders for bringing back school pride to the school.
"Well... here's all of my syllabuses for you to sign. Need me I'll be in my room... ignoring the world." Sunset dropped the stack of papers on the kitchen table, before disappearing down the hall to her room.
Celestia sighed as she sat down, pausing just long enough to pull out a notebook and pen so that she can make a list of what Sunset needed for this semester. If only... if only she could actually break through with her students on how important school pride was! Rubbing her forehead, she stared blankly at the list for Sunset's first class... algebra. Ugh. She remembered how much she dreaded that class when she was in high school. Only her desire to be a teacher, a principal, allowed her to face that class without too much trouble.
Upon hearing her phone go off, she snagged it up, quickly answering it without looking to see who it was. "Hello? This is Celestia Stardust speaking."
"Hey Celestia. It's me Zecora. How was wondering how Sunset's been able to settle in with you..?
Celestia sighed, burrowing her head into her arms. "I don't think she'll ever get used to living with her principal... that and she was hanging out with the students that spend a good deal of their time in detention and are known for bullying other students even though I've been trying to cut back greatly on that... but it just won't go away!"
"Oh my... sounds like you have your hands full. How was the Back to School Assembly anyways? Better than last year I hope."
"No... I don't think anything I do will help. It's like... its as if even though Mr. Blahard is gone... he has cast a shadow over Canterlot High that can't be broken. Ever. My school is doomed."
"Any chance you can beat Crystal Prep or Griffin Hall at anything this year?"
"Unless a miracle happens... absolutely not. We need a win... its the only thing I can think of that will boost school pride here... and that is what we really need. Mr. Blahard made it impossible for anyone to have school pride and now... no one has it. If we can get it back... then we can save the school."
"What do you mean... save the school? Isn't that a bit extreme?
Celestia took in a deep breath, the warning from the school board just a few weeks ago ringing in her mind. "The school board warned me that if I don't get the school turned around by the end of this school year... they will be permanently closing the school."
"Oh Celestia!" Even through the cell phone, sadness appeared to flood her old friend who knew how much she loved the school.
"I might as well start looking for a new position for next year now. I've tried everything already."
"Clearly you haven't tried everything. I mean... school dances, fundraisers, festivals, none of that seems to be working very well which means you need something new, different."
"Where do you expect me to find inspiration then? I'm running dry here, Zecora!" Celestia nearly snapped the pen in half with how tight she was holding it in her hands.
"Haven't you watched the news? We have a real life super hero now! There is always inspiration, Celestia! You just have to look for it!"
Celestia closed her eyes, feeling her tears threatening to escape. Where could she look for inspiration... some place that she has never looked before obviously. But where would that be? She's pulled inspiration from literally everything, there isn't anywhere she hasn't looked for inspiration! "I'll try..."
"Sunset, have you seen my keys?" Celestia couldn't believe it. Of all the days to lose her keys to the school... it was today! They were hosting a Super Convention, complete with a costume contest. Surprisingly enough, most of the school body actually did sign up to help with it. Who knew that almost two weeks of Humble Heart fending off a surprising variety of supervillains would be all that was really needed?
"You gave them to Vice-principal Stardust when she misplaced hers..." Sunset rolled her eyes where she was working on something on the couch, her knees almost pulled up to her chest.
Celestia sighed as she stopped to grab her cell phone. Better double check with that... "I don't want your shoes on my couch young lady." Sunset grumbled to herself, but dropped her feet, and thus the leather (faux leather, but she won't admit to it) boots she was wearing, back to the ground. A beep from her phone drew her attention away from the rebellious teen that she suspected wasn't as rebellious as everyone claimed she was. "Ah. Okay. Luna does have my keys, and will give them back once I get to the school. Are you absolutely sure that you are not coming Sunset?"
"And what? Look like a geek like everyone else? Not in a million years." The teen glared at her principal, before turning back to her notepad.
"You better not be planning another escape. You're still grounded from last time." Celestia could just feel a headache starting to form just talking to the teen. Though her grades... rebellious teens weren't A+ students, and they don't wear faux leather either, preferring the real thing. Shaking her head, she walked over to the front door. "Remember... my phone number is on the notepad next to the landline. My room is strictly off limits, and no electronics."
"Yeah... whatever." Sunset turned back to the notepad, that Celestia was pretty positive was her working out some plan to runaway again. Shaking her head at her charge, the principal rushed out the door.
"Oh wow! Just look at all those costumes!" Celestia gasped as she spun in a slow circle in the largest gym the school had to offer, where they had set up the various stalls/stations to buy stuff. Various classrooms had been set up for the panels, and the auditorium was where the costume contest was going to be held near the end of the day.
A group of Freshman that were dressed as Humble Heart rushed past her, giggles escaping them as they ran up to the Avenger stand where the latest in Avengers Merchandise was being sold. "So awesome!" One of the girls blurted out, Scootaloo Shutter if memory serves correctly.
Her friends, Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom Smith, agreed with her, eyes sparkling with excitement. Celestia smiled at that, turning to find herself facing Apple Bloom's older sister. "Ah... hello Applejack!"
"Hi Ms. Stardust." Applejack almost looked distracted, standing apart from the rest of the FFA club. She shifted just slightly, scanning the area for some reason.
"Surely you're not worried about that threat Monkey Crazy gave Humble Heart the other day, are you?" Celestia frowned. The idea that one of her students would feel concerned over the threat, coming from the one supervillain that Humble Heart struggled against, was a smidgen distressing.
"It was Baron Chimpanzee." Applejack corrected her without thought on the villains name.
Odd. Why was she so on top of the villains names? This isn't the first time that she corrected someone on the name. "I see. Still appears to be monkey crazy if you ask me. I am sure that Humble Heart can handle him, and get him behind bars finally, next time he shows up. There is nothing for you to worry about."
"That's what I'm afraid off... everyone is counting on...me." Applejack mumbled under her breath, though Celestia didn't catch the last word that she had said.
Just then there was a loud explosion, right before Baron Chimpanzee slammed into the gym floor, causing huge cracks to appear in the flooring. His dark red cape fluttered behind him as his beady black eyes scanned the room. Noticing Celestia, he bared his teeth at her, striding straight towards her even as his army of monkeys scattered, ruining all of their hard work. "Boo." Why did he just say boo to me?
"Mr. Monkey..." She was going to ignore the groan from Applejack as she slipped oddly enough slipped away. Most likely to call the police about this development. "You can buy a ticket along with everyone else in this school."
"Monkey?! Monkey?! I am BaronChimpanzee!!!" He bellowed angrily, before picking up one of the heavy tables that was being used for a stall nearby, he threw it at her.
A gasp escaped Celestia as she dodged the piece of furniture... only for Humble Heart to appear in front of her, grabbing the table midair. "Now hold it right mister, didn't no one teach ya manners?" With a slight grunt, the strong heroine set the table down next to Celestia. "Cause ya need a refresher. Ya don't throw furniture! Very rude ya know." Was it just Celestia, or did Humble Heart's voice sounded familiar?
"You cannot stop me. Last time you tried, you went home to lick your wounds...most of which was your pride!" Crackling with laughter, he didn't noticed that one of his monkey minions had turned on him until the banana splattered into his face. With a very loud yelp, he turned to face his minions, only to find them crowding around a newcomer.
She had long pale pink hair that flowed down to the floor, just like Humble Heart, a pink butterfly on her cheek. She was wearing a sparkly purple dress, with a pale green overskirt around the sides and back that reached down to her ankles. Her ears were just as pointed as Humble Heart's, though she also had wings growing out of her back. Upon noticing that all eyes were now on her, a squeak escaped her. "I...I... I..." She stuttered as she backed away from Baron Chimpanzee.
"How did you turn my minions against me!?" He bellowed angrily as he glared at her.
She squeaked again, looking positively terrified. Humble Heart stepped forward, her magical lasso wrapping itself around his arms and chest in an attempt to pin him down. "Doesn't matter! Obviously she's a hero like me!" She snarled as she magically yanked the lasso backwards.
Baron Chimpanzee slammed into the ground briefly... before somehow slipping out of the lasso, a smirk crossing his features. "Nice try. And I would love to know how she did that! What kind of mind control ability does she..."
"I can talk to animals. No mind control here..." The new hero corrected Baron Chimpanzee so quietly that everyone almost missed what she said.
"Talk to animals?... bwaaahahahaha!" Baron Chimpanzee crumbled to the ground in laughter. "That has to be the lamest power I ever heard of!" As he laughed, a tiny fly buzzed near his ear. Reaching a hand up, he swatted at it, sending the fly crashing into the nearest wall, which was right behind him. "Argh! I hate flies!"
"You hurt an innocent little fly!!!!" As the newcomer bellowed in rage, her muscles bulged and grew until a literal rage monster with a butterfly tattoo on her cheek stood before them. Lunging forward, she attacked. Humble Heart widened her eyes in surprise for a second, before throwing in a punch to help the new hero.
After a few seconds, the two heroes backed up to reveal that Baron Chimpanzee was tied up and unconscious. Humble Heart turned to face the newcomer, tilting her hat up towards the new heroine, who was already shrinking back down to her original form. "Now that is what I call takin' the enemy by surprise. Really had us goin' there for a while that talkin' to critters is all ya can do."
"I... I ... I didn't know I could do that." She stammered out, her eyes wide with horror. "I typically don't get angry..."
"Ya also talk mighty quietly too." Humble Heart tapped her chin thoughtfully, eyeing the new hero curiously. "Do ya have a name for ya self yet?" A quick shake of the head. "Then why not Silent Anger? Ya can be the quiet one that no one wants to get angry."
Celestia wondered vaguely what it was that Rarity Belle wanted to speak with her about. Not that she was too worried, it just wasn't really like the girl to ask for a meeting with the principal. The TV was on in the corner, the volume turned down so that she didn't have to pay all of her attention on Silent Anger's latest capture. Some poacher that the police had been having a hard time finding. The two heroes were clearly solos, having already proven that they work best alone... though Humble Heart would try and track down Silent Anger whenever she found herself up against someone with animal based powers.
"Sis? Rarity is here to see you." Luna stuck her head in the doorway, snapping her back into the here and now.
"Send her in." Celestia doubled checked that her office was tidy, the school board might have said something about sending someone over for an inspection... and update on any improvements. While she could say that everyone was still very much clique proud, more people were showing up for fundraisers and such as long as it was themed around the new heroes.
Rarity slipped in, a quick scan of the usually emaculate student was slightly disheveled, a few strands of hair escaping her elegant looking French braid. Wringing her hands, she glanced nervously down at the floor. "I do not mean to bother you... but Amazinshine is offering an internship to a lucky high schooler... and it happens to be a dream of mine to work there... I was wondering if you wouldn't mind writing up a letter of recommendation for me?"
Celestia immediately felt relief flood her. Here she was thinking it was something horrible, rather something that she had prepared for the second she had heard about the internship. "I was wondering if you were going to go for it. Consider it done." She fought the urge to pull out the already written referral. No need for her to think that she was a smidgen too obsessed with her students abilities to grow in the areas that they enjoy. But seriously though, just applying to the internship, complete with having Celestia write up the referral, would look pretty good the snobby school board.
"Oh! Thank you! Now all I have to do is finish a design for practical part of the interview process!" Rarity leapt up, excitement dancing in her eyes as she suddenly hugged her principal. Realizing what it was that she had just done, Rarity blushed as she took a step back. "Sorry... got a little too excited there."
"Apology accepted. Now then... I believe the drama club is meeting right about now."
If there was one thing that Celestia enjoyed more than sitting in her office while helping her students, it was going to the pier on the weekends. Sunset appeared to be dragging her feet though as they walked away from the Ferris Wheel. "So... what would you like to do next Sunset?" Celestia glanced over longingly at the new roller coaster at the other end of the town's fun zone.
Sunset shrugged, her gaze sweeping through the area almost nervously, as if she was half expecting something bad to happen. Which was nuts. Everyone knew that Humble Heart was in the next town over beating up some supervillain, while Silent Anger was in a meeting with the police. Something about her wanting to see if she couldn't solve some cold cases for them. "I don't particularly care what we do next." She glanced over at Celestia, as if to double check that there is some distance between the two of them.
Celestia sighed at that, glancing around to see if there was anything that might make her change her mind. Somehow something told her that the merry go round, while a classic, wouldn't go over very well. And as much as she would love to try the new ride, its line was way too long for her liking. And then there was the problem that any ride where Sunset might get bumped she was rather adamant on not going on. Thing was though, Celestia knew from watching Sunset interact with Philomena that she didn't seem to mind being touched... though that could just be because she was a bird and not a person. Hmm... maybe...
"Run!" Someone bolted past Celestia, brushing harmlessly against Sunset.
Sunset somehow tensed and flinched at the same time, even as her eyes oddly enough turned into glowing white orbs for the brief second that the contact was. Snapping her head up, she glanced over to where the guy was running to. "Maybe we should run too..." Was it just her, or had some of Sunset's color left her?
"Are you alright? You don't look too good." Celestia moved to touch Sunset's forehead. Sunset dodged her attempt, something that didn't surprise Celestia, but still made her upset. Why was she so against anyone touching her?
"Let's just go." Sunset twisted around, hurriedly scanning the area. "There's a caricature booth over there."
Celestia opened her mouth to point out that she just said that she didn't care what they did... and she didn't remember seeing one, only for the reason for the screaming running away from the Pier's entrance to enter her line of view....and yeah. Maybe running away was the right thing to do. It was a new supervillain, this one had green hair that was acting more like tentacles than hair, and pale skin. A dark purple tightfitting suit did nothing for her complexion.
"Wha... who is that!?" Celestia knew she didn't need to worry too much. A hero was going to show up, insult the villain, causing the villain to reveal their name. Except the smarter, more terrified part of her brain pointed out that they were thousands of miles away from New York, and both Humble Heart and Silent Anger were rather busy at the time.
"Does it matter!? We need to run!" Sunset snapped, already backpedaling away from what was about to turn into a battle scene. No scratch that. It was a battle zone, the police that were patrolling around the city were trying to bring her down as she cackled manically as she destroyed the popular for all ages hang out.
Celestia stumbled after her, her gaze refusing to tear away from the newest threat to her students. Oh man... she had a ton of students here since it was the weekend! "Excuse me! Did no one ever tell you that green hair is so last season... and that suit! Absolutely a crime against fashion! If I were you, I would fire your designer."
Stunned, everyone turned around to see a new super hero standing on what appeared to be a floating diamond midair. She was wearing a mostly light blue outfight, though it did have some dark blue accents, and pale diamonds. Like with the other two, her hair hung down to her waist, and that was with it pulled up into a high ponytail. A blue diamond symbol was on her cheek, her ears sharp points. Unlike the last new hero, she had no extra limbs, though a pearly white horn protruded from her forehead.
"Ugly?! My name is Mane-iac! And I'll show you ugly!" The villain lashed her hair out at the new comer.
A snort escaped her, even as she jumped off of the floating diamond, which then promptly disappeared. A pale looking, almost see through pink parachute appeared, slowing down her descent. "Please darling... I can look good no matter what you throw at me. I am Lady Fashionista after all! With my diamond shields and ability to summon anything fashionable to aid me, you don't stand a chance!"
"Ms. Stardust!" Sunset's voice snapped Celestia's attention off of the rather confident new heroine, towards her charge, who was standing a little ways off, underneath the canopy of a beachfront store.
"Right...coming." She could always watch the highlights of the fight on the news later.
Celestia almost skipped into her office, really with the upcoming bake sale nothing could bring her down! Glancing at her desk, she blinked, confusion settling in upon noticing that there was a closed envelope with her name and nothing else on it sitting on it. Picking it up, she carefully opened the letter, scanning it's contents quickly. All color drained from her as she slowly sank into her chair, the letter's content swimming through her mind. She needs extra hands for the bake sale if the threat in this note was anything to go by. Well, at least Zecora to help out. The new heroes couldn't handle this kind of danger.
Celestia hummed to herself as she sat at one of the tables in the cafeteria, so as to see what all of her students were doing of course, skimming over the sign up sheet for that night's bake sale. No surprise, Pinkie had signed up to bring close to two hundred cupcakes. What was a surprise was the fact that she signed up to bring two hundred vanilla cupcakes. The eccentric social bug normally signed up to bring more... interesting flavors for this kind of fundraiser. Actually... make that for anything at all. Shaking her head, she glanced around the cafeteria to make note of where everyone was scattered. No surprise, everyone was sitting with their cliques. Pinkie was for once sitting with the Rock Club, which was somewhat odd seeing as she didn't really get along with her older sister, Limestone Pie. Sunset was still sitting with the school bullies. Fluttershy was sitting at the same table as the Nature Lovers, while Rainbow Dash was discussing something with the rest of the soccer team. Rarity was staring intently at her phone, still waiting for a response from Amazinshine about whether or not she got the internship, the rest of the Fashionista's appeared to be talking about Lady Fashionista's latest battle. Applejack was working on some assignment, barely paying attention to the rest of the FFA.
Of course that when she noticed that she was short a student... and she knew for a fact that Twilight was present today, seeing has they had ran into each other in the hall earlier. Standing up, Celestia gathered up her stuff and left the cafeteria, figuring she better try and find Twilight, see if the still friendless girl needed any help with anything. After wandering through the empty halls for some time, she eventually made her way into the library to ask the librarian if she had seen her.
Casually scanning the room as she walked over towards the librarian's desk, she most definitely wasn't expecting to see Twilight, with Spike resting at her feet, pouring over a vast number of historical texts. "Twilight?"
"Oh! Ms. Stardust!" Twilight snapped her head up, surprise flashing in her eyes. "What brings you here?"
Celestia chuckled as she settled down in the empty chair next to her. "Believe it or not, you. I noticed that you weren't in the cafeteria and wondered if you needed any help with anything."
"I... thank you ma'am. I'm just having a smidgen of trouble with this history essay. I was hoping to use this time to do some more research. It's on this era that I'm not too familiar with." Twilight picked up a notebook, which was filled to the brim with various notes, and resources.
"I see. Well, I wish you the best of luck on that dear." Celestia glanced at her watch, startled to see that lunch was to end soon... and her meeting with the school board was going to start in another minute or so. "I have to get going, or else I'm the one that's going to be late."
"K. See you later Ms. Stardust."
The Bake sale was a success. Okay, it's only been going on for a few minutes, but come on! Give her a little credit! Everything was set up without incident, and families were mingling about the place casually like they had no care in the world, occasionally buying one of the baked good that was for sale. Celestia paused, eyeing the large courtyard almost warily. It wasn't that she didn't trust people, mainly a certain someone, to ruin the day... okay maybe she did have a good reason to worry.
Zecora slipped up to her, a frown crossing her features. "Perhaps you are worrying over nothing old friend. I do not see any signs that He Who Must Not Be Named is here at all."
"Zecora tells the truth sister. Surely you were mistaken?" Luna slipped silently next to her, seemingly melting out of the shadows.
Celestia rolled her eyes at her, before turning her attention back to the bake sale. "Perhaps you are right... Mr. Blahard doesn't appear to be here." But that doesn't mean his alter ego won't show up. Celestia hurriedly shoved that thought out of her mind, knowing from the slight frown Luna was giving her that she was probably correctly guessing where her thoughts were turning. Celestia shook her head at her, just as a loud explosion threw everyone near the entrance to the ground. Tensing, Celestia scanned them for any injuries, suddenly glad that she has heightened senses. "They're alright..."
"Yes, and soon one of our new heroes will pop in and save the day." Luna assured her, her own eyes scanning the surrounding area quickly.
"Odd." Zecora stared at the culprit, her brows furrowing in confusion. "That is not our old foe."
Startled, Celestia glanced over to see that her old friend was telling the truth, it was not Master Chaos standing in the destroyed entranceway. Instead it was a rather angry looking... clown? Oh boy.
"I hate parties!" The clown... Celestia doesn't want to know what his actual name is, bellowed out in more anger.
"This isn't a party... it's a bake sale!" Applejack informed him as she tried to pry her younger sister off of her. Apparently the explosion had terrified young Applebloom.
"Hey! If you ask me, the most boring thing in the world can be a party if you got friends with you!" The mysterious pink party themed hero that had shown up clear back when Humble Heart made her first appearance popped up, a silly grin on her face. Celestia scanned her quizzically, noting that she truly looked like she was on the way to a rather wild children's party, three balloons painted onto her cheek just like how the other three have apples, butterflies, and diamonds respectively.
The fight that took place wasn't that long, Party Bomb, as the newcomer happily introduced herself as, used her super speed and some kind of explosion, she yelled something about sprinkles before she threw them at him. By the time the police arrived, the clown was knocked out. He also turned into a homeless drunk after he lost conscience. While everyone else murmured in surprise at this new detail, Celestia glanced over to Luna and Zecora.
The three of them frowned, worry creasing their brows. Luna began to speak, worry tinting her voice. "Perhaps we should renew our search for the Lost Elements of Harmony. If he does manage to get ahold of them and corrupt them..."
"They are safe. The Chosen ones have been dealing with the villains that are not Master Chaos or his lackeys." Zecora spoke in a mere murmur, her expression more thoughtful than worried. "I believe we should worry more on saving the school, than trying to locate them."
"If you say so Zecora." Celestia sighed, vaguely wondering if this was one of those times when it was just Zecora trying to remain levelheaded... or if her old ability to peer into the future was letting her know something that they didn't know.
Celestia debated between the two different brands of canned alfredo sauce, trying to decide which one of the two was the better one to buy. Sunset was nearby, hands shoved into her (faux) leather jacket's pockets, scanning everything with an air of boredom. Everything was going to go perfectly. Nothing was gonna go wrong today. A day out buying groceries... no way a supervillain can crash that!
CRASH!!! Celesetia jumped, even as she spun around to see some supervillain, this one appeared to be electricity themed crash through the three aisles next to them, landing with a thump next to a startled Sunset. Sunset darted around Celestia, glancing nervously over at the villain as she did so. The villain hauled himself up onto his feet, electricity already surging up into his hands... before he could blast anyone with it, Celestia really didn't like the way he appeared to be aiming at them, a new superhero charged onto the scene.
This one was wearing a super short sparkly red skirt with sparkling blue leggings underneath that had a yellow stripe down the sides, what looked like blue and yellow tennis shoes with little lightning shaped wings sticking out from the sides, and a red and dark blue top with little yellow shoulder pads. Like the other heroes, she had long hair that appeared to be a combination of a mane and a tail, though hers was a bright rainbow instead of a solid color like the others. Three lightning bolts gleamed on the side of her face, while bright blue wings flapped behind her, her feet not touching the floor.
"Hey you! Leave them alone!" Seriously, what was up with the new heroes sounding familiar?
The newest villain to attack their not so quiet anymore town stood up, shaking some dust off of himself. "Who are you supposed to be?"
"My name's Miss Amazing... and just so you know, controlling the weather is my thing!" With that said, she tossed a literal lightning bolt towards him.
He merely laughed as he absorbed the bolt into what looked like some kind of gauntlet. "That all you got Miss Amazing?" Celestia frowned at that, not too sure if he should mocking the young heroine before learning what all she was capable of. Besides that, she said that she controlled the weather, not that she had electricity based powers.
With a slight huff, she waved her hand into the air and waved it around. Immediately a small tornado appeared and sucked the startled villain into it, trapping him inside. "What part of weather did you not understand?"
Hmm, Miss Amazing sounded a bit too confident for her liking. That was going to come back and bit her later. Maybe she should ask Zecora for help contacting the new heroes to train them on how to actually be an hero. They clearly didn't know the first thing on what they're doing. Especially since overconfidence on the first day was never a good sign.
"Hey Miss Stardust? How about we go check out the next aisle over? Pretty sure I read somewhere that their chips are on sale." Sunset was tense as she inched away from where the police were now flooding into the small area of the store.
Celestia hummed with agreement, even as she slowly backed away from the scene. Villain or not, her first priority at the moment had to be Sunset. Besides that, she retired from the hero business when she took over as principal at Canterlot High. Sometimes ordinary folks get to be the heroes instead of actual super powered individuals. Even if said ordinary folk was secretly a super powered individual.
Celestia stirred the pot cautiously eyeing the boiling mess that was supposed to be some type of stew. It wasn't that she couldn't cook... it was just that stews and soups were above her ability to make. Most likely it will end up being inedible. Oh well... maybe Luna could come over and salvage it?
"Um...Ms. Stardust? What is that supposed to be?" Sunset appeared behind her, one eyebrow already shooting upwards in perplexment on the concoction in the pot.
"Stew."
"Looks more like dog food to me." Sunset didn't bother trying to find something nice to say about it, already grabbing the phone as she punched in a number. "She's doing it again..." That was all Sunset said into the phone before hanging up.
A minute later, Luna was not only over for a visit, but she had banned Celestia from the kitchen. Which was why she was sitting on the couch playing video games with Sunset. Well... trying to play video games with her. She appeared to be more interested in drawing something in her sketchbook that she takes everywhere with her.
"Dinner is..." Before Luna could finish whatever she was going to say, the doorbell rang suddenly and shrilly.
Startled, Celestia walked over, using the peephole to see who it possibly be. Reaching out, she yanked the door wide open. "Zecora. What a pleasant surprise."
Zecora frowned, clearly not seeing this surprise as pleasant at all. "Can we leave Sunset here for a bit? An old friend of ours is in town."
"Sunset? I'm locking the doors. Don't answer the phone or door to anyone. Do I make myself clear?" Celestia was already grabbing the keys, panic already blooming inside of her. This was not a simple night out with friends after all.
Celestia figured none of her students will recognize her in this form. Her always bright mutlicolored hair was now the color of the sun, a horn made of fire producing from her forehead, while wings made from the same flames stretched out from her back. She was also wearing a golden jumper, with matching boots. Flames were dancing around her eyes in lieu of a mask.
She didn't need to glance at her sister to know that she had undergone a similar transformation... only instead of being based on the burning of the sun, Luna's transformation was more based on the night sky... and nightmares with some small details on her costume. Zecora stood not far behind them, almost invisible with herself covered from head to toe in black and white stripes. A single belt that was a dull brown was the only thing that added any color to her outfit. The belt had several pouches lining it that appeared to be full of something.
"Master Chaos... we know that you are here." Luna called out, moving almost gracefully from her spot next to Celestia.
A rumbling laugh rented the air, though their former companion turned archnemesis made no appearance. The three retired heroes glanced at each other, before silently splitting up to search for him.
Celestia pushed the door open almost exhaustedly, her sister right behind her. It was past midnight now, and despite the obvious signs that they found indicating that he was back in town, neither of the three had found him. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she was about to go and warm herself up a bowl of the stew that Luna made when something caught her eye. "What happened in here!?" The entire apartment looked like a warzone had taken place in there....
Though the sight of Sunset sleeping peacefully on the couch with Philomena resting on the couch's arm above her head was rather cute.
Celestia pressed the edge of the mug full of warm apple cider against her lips, ready to take a much appreciated sip.... the door to her office banged open, Luna stepping into the room, with a distressed look upon her. "We've got a problem." She placed a sheet of paper down on the desk, looking a little on the tense side. "Apparently we have a new student starting today. Ms. Sound did the registering last week, signed him up for classes and everything."
Celestia frowned as she walked over to pick the paper up, sitting the warm mug down on her desk. "Really Luna, I don't see the big deal. Ms. Sound typically does all of the paperwork for new students."
"She really should have turned it over to us the second she noticed the last name." Luna crossed her arms, worry creasing her features.
Confused, Celestia looked down at the piece of paper to find a name that she thought she would never associate with a student. "Since when did he have a kid?!"
Celestia really didn't need Ms. Sound to point out the new kid at lunch. The lad, Dennis if she remembered correctly, looked uncannily like his father. She wondered if he knew that his father really ought to be in jail for some of the things he's done over the years. Not that anyone knew he did them. After all, there was no real reason for Celestia to know who Master Chaos was behind the mask. A frown crossed her features as she watched as Fluttershy tensed slightly when the boy joined her at her table, talking rather animatedly to her.
What does that boy think he's doing? Is he trying to corrupt poor Fluttershy? Celestia fretted slightly, uncertainty warring within her. Especially when she remembered that night was the school faculty bowling night. And with this very obvious clue that he was in town... she wasn't too sure that she wanted to leave Sunset home alone for that long.
"If you don't show up for the bowling night, the rest of the faculty will have questions." Luna materialized next to her, exasperation flooding her voice.
Celestia rubbed her arms nervously, not really paying attention to what was going on around her. "I know that... I just... what if he decides to take Sunset hostage because I'm fostering her?"
"You didn't say for now." Luna tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly at her sister. "You have always said for now when fostering someone for Zecora."
Celestia paused, a frown crossing her features as she realized that her sister was right. No matter how much she adored the foster kid, in the past she always presumed that they would eventually move on to another home. "I guess she rubbed off of me a little." Celestia glanced over at where Sunset munching on an apple, leaning against the wall away from the trouble makers she normally hung out with. She appeared to be slightly distressed about something, her gaze frequently darting over to where Pinkie sat with Maud.
I wonder what has her so stressed out about the Rock Club. Celestia rubbed her forehead, deciding now really wasn't a good time to get too anxious over what was going through Sunset's mind. Especially since she had responsibilities to her students and faculty. After all, it wasn't just the students the school board was urging her to try and improve the performances off. The faculty had given up hope long ago, and it showed. And then she had to deal with the fact that apparently Mr. Blahard's son was now attending her school. Which could only mean one thing... Master Chaos was indeed back in town which means the Friendly Trio most definitely have to come out of retirement soon.
Celestia drummed her fingers on her bowling bowl, watching in pure agony silence as Ms. Sound's team, the Soundwaves, went up to bowl. Luna shot her a withering look from where she stood with her own team, the Nightmare Strikers, her arms crossed across her chest.
"What? I'm fine." Celestia shifted just slightly, turning her gaze to her team, the Daybreakers. Zecora and Luna had both cackled upon hearing there name the first time she came up with it.
Luna walked over to grab her bowl, a midnight blue with white specks, her eyes hardening just slightly. "Puh-lease. You are so uptight that Nightmare Moon would be distracted trying to soothe whatever is bothering you via her power to enter one's mind when asleep."
"Kinda glad that the Friendly Trio retired. Nightmare Moon always gave me more villainous vibes than good guy vibes." Miss Cherilee spoke up, her eyes widening just slightly.
Celestia shot a glance over at her sister, suddenly concerned over how she would react to hear someone refer to her counterpart as villainous. "Nightmare Moon appeared to be very close to Daybreaker. I am sure we have nothing to fear from her." Silently she added on the fact that she knew how to push her sister out of her head if she tried to go through with her threat.
Granny Smith opened her mouth, possibly to ask what they all were yapping on about, when there was a loud explosion and another supervillain crashed the bowling alley. Celestia figured this must be a new villain or something. After all, surely the news would have mentioned if there was someone running around with six arms... covered in orange fur that had black stripes. Not to mention the spider webbing it was shooting at an.... anthropomorphic dog?! The mostly purple furred canine, his ears were green in color, curled his fingers, claws?, around the webbing, stopping it from going much farther.
"Masked Magician! Now!" He yelled as he tossed his head back.
A new super hero swooped into the room, her eyes narrowed behind her purple mask that she wore. Actually, scratch that. It was a pair of thick goggles, not a mask that covered her eyes. She had a pair of large purple wings spread out behind her, as well as a purple horn sticking out of her forehead. Her hair appeared to be a dark purple, with a lighter purple and pink streak in it, it was also long enough to be considered a mane and tail combination like the other new heroes. Her outfit was made up of a layered skirt with dark blue, light blue, and purple layers, a sparkly light blue top, dark blue leggings, light blue heeled boots with pink stars on it, and purple gloves with light blue arm guards and pink stars on her arms. On her cheek were three stars. "Right... uh what am I supposed to do again Pup?"
"Use your freeze ray!" Pup, apparently that was his name, yelled out as the villain gave a sharp tug on her webbing, sending the poor guy flying across the room.
"Pup!" Panic seized the new hero as she thrusted her hands out, which started to glow a bright purple. Oddly enough the same purple glow surrounded Pup, stopping his crash to the wall. Turning back to the villain at hand, she wrinkled her nose in concentration... her horn lighting up with the energy that was suddenly fed into it...
With a rather powerful blast the entire room was suddenly coated in ice. A nervous laugh escaped the new hero as she scanned the mess that she had just made. "Oops..."
Celestia could feel panic building up as she dug through the surprisingly large pile of papers in front of her. "No no no no no..." Where is it!? I couldn't have misplaced it!
"Sister, the school boards wants to know what the plans for this year's musical is." Luna stuck her head into the, for once extremely cluttered messy, office. If she was surprised to see that her sister appeared to be distressed about something, she didn't show it.
"I know that! I could have sworn it was right here!" Celestia threw down the stack that she had been rifling through, not finding the necessary paperwork there.
Luna frowned, moving further into the office, closing the door behind her. "If you don't submit your suggestion before the week is up, then you cannot do the play."
"I know that!" She yelled out in frustration. "It's somewhere in here, and I have it all filled out already... I just need to find it!"
"Would you like some help?" Luna leaned against the closed door, aware of how stressed her sister was to get to this point.
"No! Yes! Gah! I need to take a break from this..." Celestia mumbled to herself as she stubbornly rifled through yet another stack of papers.
"Then why aren't you?" Luna stared at her sister, keeping her façade calm.
"Because..." Celestia leaned against her desk, exhaustion flooding her features suddenly. "HE'S back and we don't know where he is hiding or what he is planning. The school is on the verge of closing for good, there are new heroes running around... we also don't know where the Elements of Harmony are to defeat him. I think that I want Sunset to stay with me permanently... but that is so out of character for me I don't even know why I'm considering it!"
Luna blinked slowly, surprise flashing through her. "That is...wow. The school and everything else I was expecting, that bit about Sunset I wasn't."
"Wait... you were expecting me to be stressed out about the school and him? Why did you ask then?"
"Because I know you. You never admit to anything stressing you out. That and I entered your dreams last night." Luna rolled her eyes skyward, even as she dropped her arms down. "You have to let people in sometimes. Also, talk to Zecora. She told me that she's debating asking you to take her in full time since she hasn't tried running or anything since you took her in."
"You snuck into my dreams!?" Celestia yelled, springing up from her seat.
"That's not what I... look you need to take a break. How about you go check on the students while I tidy up in here and look for the paperwork?" Luna stepped up to stand next to her, gently pushing her older sister towards the door. "It's time for lunch anyways. The staff and students will be wondering where you are if you don't make an appearance today."
Celestia sighed at that, knowing that she was telling the truth. She had made a goal to go to the cafeteria everyday to try and help her students when she first started this job. Everyone will notice that she wasn't there if she didn't take a break to go there this afternoon.
The noise from the cafeteria was, like always, a soothing balm to Celestia's soul. Her gaze swept through the large room, noting where all of her various students were sitting and what they were doing. Pinkie was sitting near Fluttershy, Dennis right across from them, rambling about something. Sunset appeared to have caught on that Applejack and Pear Blossom were too similar to not be related and was clearly trying to figure it out, if her eyes flickering between the two was any indication. Rarity was sketching in her sketchbook, possibly a new design for one of her personal fashion shows she sometimes did. Twilight was hidden behind several books, Spike curled up under the table as he dozed during the break.
Celestia smiled to herself as she settled herself down at one of the tables, an empty one of course. None of the students wanted to be caught hanging with the principal after all. Picking up her fork, she moved to eat her salad. Her phone vibrating caused her to pause, quickly lowering her fork. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled the device out, scanning the coded message that flashed across the screen.
Her eyes narrowed in concentration, typing out furiously a response to the text. Looks like her plans for that night has been made for her.
Day Breaker stood on a rooftop, her heart pounding as she scanned the area. She was once again wearing her old alter ego uniform, ready for a fight. Even from where she stood, she could see the havoc that was throwing the entire town into chaos. To make things worse, or better, Master Chaos stood in the midst of it all, cackling with laughter as his minions that she most definitely didn't know he had swarmed everywhere doing his bidding. Narrowing her eyes, she prepared to lunge at him when a hand landed on her shoulder...
Whirling around, she lashed out at the minion, knocking them backwards as she attacked, pure panic rising up from within her. She couldn't let them win...she just couldn't! "Day Breaker! Relax! It's just me!" Suddenly Nightmare Moon was in front of her, raising her hands up in surrender.
Day Breaker gasped, taking a step back to see that her sister and best friend were the only ones near her. "I...I didn't mean too..."
"I know. Now then, let's go fight Master Chaos." Nightmare Moon assured her, before gesturing to the attack taking place behind them.
Master Potioneer took a step forward, a frown crossing her features. "Actually... our opponent appears to have fled the scene."
"What!?" The sisters whipped around to stare at where the villainous supervillain used to be at...only to see that the square was completely empty. Day Breaker spoke up first, shock flooding her voice. "Where did he go?"
"We must be missing something. It is not like Daniel to just leave before exacting his plans." Nightmare Moon mused aloud, confusion creasing her brow.