Equestria Girls: The Witching Hour

Tuesday comes and Brianna is running around her house trying to get ready. "Oh where did I put that book?" Brianna groaned

"Isn't that it on the couch?" Megan replied

Brianna stopped and looked. "Oh." She said with a blush.

Megan smiled "Just calm down Brianna, you're going to be fine. There is no need to run yourself ragged."

"I'm just really stressed Megan, I have to make up for missing yesterday and it's gonna suck." Brianna replied while pouting.

Ember broke in laughing with abandon. "Gee, you're such a mess big sister." Said Ember as she kept laughing.

"It's not funny squirt." Brianna shot back.

"I am not a squirt." Ember replied sticking out her tongue.

"Storm is taller than you Ember." Brianna deadpanned causing Ember to stop laughing and puff up her cheeks. Brianna and Megan laughed as Ember proceeded to pout.

"Now Ember it's not good to make fun of your sister after what she and her friends have been though." Ribbon warned "And you still have to get ready for school too remember?"

"Yes mama." Ember said slinking off to get her books and backpack.

"Are you ready now Brianna?" asked Ribbon

"Yes mama." Brianna replied before turning to Megan. "I'll see you after school Megan."

"I'll see you then Brianna, and I have a nice surprise ready for you when you get back today." Megan replied with a sly smile.

"Okay Megan." Brianna said leaning down and kissing Megan before bolting out the door to Fizzy's car with Ember following close behind.

"One day she is going to catch on to you Megan." Ribbon said with a smile.

"I know, but until then I'll enjoy having the upper hand on her." Megan said with a smile of her own.

"You two are practically married already." Ribbon said smirking.

"Actually, I do need your help with something Ribbon. If you don't mind that is." Megan said smiling and getting Ribbon to raise an eyebrow.

At C.H.S. Mary watched Brianna walk through the halls and felt a strange sense of emptiness as she watched her. "Today sucks, we need something fun to do." Said Mary turning to Gilda and Greta.

"We've got a free period after gym." said Greta

"We could play in the back stairwell. No one uses it." added Gilda

"Good, I hate being bored." Mary replied firmly.

Gilda and Greta smiled and nodded.

Across the school Storm was waiting outside the principal's office. He felt more embarrassed than anything in that moment. He had gotten carried away again and upset those that cared for him. The door opened and Principal Celestia stuck her head out. "You may come in now Storm. And I have all of your classwork from yesterday ready so you can make up for the lost time." Said Principal Celestia.

Storm walked in "I'm sorry about yesterday and thank you. It was my own fault. I did get some sleep but due to the events at the Steel Dragon. Well I was not in the right mind the for the last few days trying to deal with what happened. This led to an abnormal and sporadic sleep that threw off my internal clock, which is something I am ashamed of." Said Storm after taking a seat.

Principal Celestia looked at Storm worried . "I understand that the incident caused you quiet a bit of alarm Storm. It was so bad that Brianna had to be kept home yesterday as I am sure you are now aware." The principal placed her hands on her desk. "You do need to remember that we are here for you Storm and we will try to help in any way we can. It's our responsibility to help our students through difficult times." She said handing Storm's classwork to him from across her desk. "So next time do remember that we are here to help. Oh and you'll be getting a lecture from Dean Cadence on this matter as well. She is very worried about you Storm."

"I understand, Principle Celestia." said Storm

"That is all Storm. Try to have a good day and remember that you're not alone."

"I know I just have to get used to it." He said as he took his missed class work.

The principal smirked. "Aria gave you a lecture of her own then?" Celestia asked making it sound like more of a statement.

"No she gave me a good slap back to my senses, which I needed." Said Storm Smiling wistfully.

Celestia's expression turned sour. "I hope she doesn't make a habit of it, domestic violence isn't a good thing for a relationship Storm."

"I never said it was that." said Storm

"It doesn't matter if you don't say that, others may well view in that way Storm. Aria shouldn't slap you Storm, but then again you should be more careful with yourself as well. It's no surprise that you two will both have a lot of growing to do and my sister and I can advise if you want us to." Celestia then smiled. "We both know what it's like to be young and in love Storm. Now run along to class, and I'm sure your friends will be eager to see you as well."

"Yes Principle Celestia." Said Storm before leaving. Storm's mind felt heavy as he walked to his first class. Logic had always been a highly valuable tool for him in the past and had served him well, but now he was unsure and felt a heaviness in his mind. His heart however was feeling something different, perhaps he could clarify this feeling at lunch.

Later that day Storm walks to the Lunch room and sees Aria in the hallway coming towards him.

"Hey Storm, how do you feel shrimp?" Aria said falling into step beside him as they walked into the lunchroom together.

"A lot better now that my internal clock is working again." Said Storm to Aria.

"Come on Storm let's get our food and join the others." Aria said directing Storm to the lunch line.

Storm followed along gathering his food and sitting next to Aria. "Hey everyone sorry if I worried you." said Storm

"Stop apologizing pipsqueak, it makes you sound weak." Aria deadpanned

"Besides," Fluttershy replied "we know you didn't do it on purpose Storm. Just please, the next time you're having a problem talk to us." Fluttershy said with a slightly pleading tone.

"I didn't even realize I had a problem, not until Aria smacked some sense into my thick head." Said Storm with a smile.

The girls winced. "Well it worked at least." Brianna said with a sigh. "Sometimes it's the nasty methods that work. Megan had to put her foot down with me yesterday." Brianna blushed "I'm a little headstrong sometimes." She said with a nervous laugh.

"Anyway how mad is your mother Rainbow?" asked Storm

Rainbow winced "You're getting an earful." She said plainly.

"Can ya blame Firefly sugarcube? Ya had us all real worried like." Applejack said getting a nod from the rest of the girls.

"A-are you sure you're okay Storm?" asked Marble

"I'm better. Remember that statue broke several laws of physics right in front of me. Laws that govern our realty. As an engineer it's unsettling." said Storm

"Sunset and I have been talking about this Storm and we have reached a consensus given the new evidence we've been presented with. What we have recognized as rules governing our reality have now changed, and changed drastically. We need to pull our heads out of the old mindset and adapt to the new reality we're facing." said Twilight

"Sparky is right Storm. Things have changed a lot and we still don't know why. And that means we need to change with them." said Sunset

Aria rolled her eyes. "I suppose you'll want to run tests on me then."

"Yeah about that." Sunset replied "That's not going to be possible right now Aria. Whatever this is out equipment can't detect it and without accurate readings we'd just get nowhere."

"Which brings us to you Brianna." said Twilight

"Me?" questioned Brianna

"Yes we have a formula that when combined with your meditation techniques might be able to give us some answers, but we can only use it if you're on board."

"It, it's not dangerous is it?" asked Brianna

"Storm doesn't believe so." Sunset replied "But he does know the formula better than we do."

Brianna looked at Storm.

"There is only a one in two thousand chance of of adverse reaction. Um you're not allergic to anything right? We should probably should have a spread of eppie pens on hand just in case." Said Storm stating the second half clearly thinking out loud.

"No, I have no allergies Storm." Brianna replied sounding confused. She looked at Aria "Is he alright? He doesn't seem like he is."

"Hey squirt! What's going on inside that head of yours? Brianna is right, there is something else going on here." said Aria

"Um, maybe Storm's head and heart are telling him two different things. That would confuse me." Marble said getting everyone's attention.

"So is that it Storm? You got that whole head versus heart thing going on?" asked Aria

"No that's not it. I'm still well. This whole mess started with that blasted vision and Nana is no help but she seems to know exactly what's happening, yet she so set in gypsy tradition she can't give strait answers. If you ask her a yes or no question she gives you a poem that means yes, no, and maybe. Plus I saw the news this morning. The topiary garden animals came to life last night and chased people around till dawn. Sunset, Twilight, the laws have not changed then been strait out abolished. I again cast a vote that who or what is behind-the-scenes is out to end the world." said Storm

"Stop panicking Storm." Aria deadpanned "It can't be done, destroying the world is impossible shrimp. It's obvious that whoever is behind this is trying to scare a lot of people and they are doing a really good job of it. Also something your grandma told me kind of made sense. You, Brianna and Megan are all bound by this rainbow thing somehow. I'm guessing it has something to do with this other world somehow."

"So let me get this straight. You're saying that Stormy, Megan and Bri are all tied together by some kind of rainbow connection?" asked Pinkie

"Pretty much." Aria replied "It's such a thing with these three even Storm's grandma knows about it. And I'll bet she knew about it before Storm said anything."

Adagio and Sonata were staring at Aria shocked, this was a side of her they'd never seen before.

"Yes but what is it? And can we use or control it safely." said Storm

"It's the other world, it's got to be." Brianna replied thoughtfully. "There is some connection between the three of us though that world somehow. Storm how soon can this potion you find be ready? We should try this by this weekend at the latest. I would normally want to wait longer but we need answers if we're going to help everyone we can."

"I don't know Brianna, that's an awful lot of risk for you to take on alone." Twilight replied

"Silly Twiliy, she won't be alone." said Sonata "We'll be with her, and so will Megan."

"Then that just leaves the where do we do this question." said Sunset

"I have had it ready two days after I found it. You know just in case. Better to have it not need it then need it and not have it." said Storm "It's in lab freezer under the workshop."

Brianna looked downcast for a moment. "Daddy used to say that a lot too." She replied tears welling up in her eyes.

Storm looked concerned. "Did I upset you?"

Brianna sniffled "Sorry, it's just hard for me when someone says that."

"Yeah, that makes sense." Aria replied "Don't feel too bad about it squirt, you couldn't have known. She never talked about it much anyway." Aria said laying her hand on Storm's shoulder.

"I see. I'll endeavor to avoid saying it if you prefer." Said Storm actually showing he is learning the whole friendship thing or at least starting to.

"I'll just have to deal with it. It's not like you're the only one that says that." Brianna replied

"So we just need to figure out when our best day for this is going to be." said Adagio

"I'd say the weekend, but given the state of things as well as public risk. I'd say we ask Firefly to let us do it during and in the motocross club's next practice. Because well, if whoever is doing this starts messing with traffic lights or vehicles some traumatized park workers would be the least of our issues." said Storm

"I don't think the motocross club's space is the best spot." Brianna replied "Too much can go wrong and it's much easier for someone to get really hurt with all of the stuff around."

"Chillax Brianna, mom is an E.M.T. and the first aid kit is right there if something happens. It'll be alright." said Rainbow

Another good reason to use the room and unless you all made a mess at the meeting I missed the place should just be a little greasy." He looked at Rainbow. "I'm not finding anyone in a pile of part again am I?" asked Storm

"No." Rainbow huffed "Besides Tavi would never go for it if it was a huge mess again. That girl is more of a neat freak than Twilight is."

"Hey!" Twilight replied causing Sunset to laugh.

"She's got you dead to rights on that one Sparky. You go a little crazy when things aren't neat and organized." Said Sunset teasing Twilight and causing her to blush.

"Then I think she will help keep it organized better you do. Miss puts the three eighteenth in the five eighth slot." said Storm

"That was one time!' Sunset shot back.

Twilight giggled "He's got you dead to rights on that one sunny, you need to remember to pay attention when you're doing that."

Sunset turned her head and puffed up her cheeks causing everyone to laugh.

"Anyway you'll have to talk to mom about this Storm. And like I said you're getting an earful. Mom doesn't like it when people are lax in their responsibilities. She is still really worried about you so it's gonna be bad." Rainbow said "And you'll have to remember to bring the stuff with you too. And it's probably best to talk to Principal Celestia and Nurse Redheart too."

"Could one of you talk to them? I have a feeling Firefly may take a while." said Storm

"Well I can talk to Nurse Redheart." Brianna said "She is kind of wanting to get an update on Megan anyway."

"I'll talk to Principal Celestia." said Sunset "I'm sure I can help her to understand why we're resorting to something that may not even work."

"Okay so we have a plan then." said Adagio "We'd better get back to class since lunch is about done and then deal with the rest of the day."

"I'm not jealous of you Storm." said Aria "You've got a tough road ahead of you."

The bell rang signalling the end of the lunch period leaving the group of friends to return to class and Storm to deal with his meeting with Firefly.

Later that day Storm heads to the motocross club's garage and meeting room. He felt nervous as he reached the door and steels himself as he entered the motocross club's room.

Firefly was there naturally and her purple eyes were hard as she looked at Storm. "Okay so what happened Storm?" She asked plainly making Storm aware of the fact that they were alone in the room with only each other.

"I was at the restaurant with Aria when the event happened it had more effect on me then I had realized. This led to me entering a temporary state of obsessive work for the following days which led to me loosing track of time and having an erratic sleep pattern. In short I was stupid and Aria need smack some sense in to me." said Storm

"Storm the whole school knows what happened last Friday. It sucks that your first date was interrupted like that but hey it was interesting at least. Still you can't just punk out like that, you're the best mechanic we've got and you need to be here for every practice, no expectations." Firefly rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Just don't do that again Storm. If there is a problem tell me for fuck's sake. I'm here to help you too ya know. Oh and uh don't let Luna know that I said it like that, she gets a little miffed when I do that."

"Thanks and I won't. After all keeping these bikes running is a actual challenge. By the way did you ever find out who turned that frame in to a pretzel? Or how?" Said Storm pointing to the wall of shame he set up. On it was some broken parts that are do solely to riders being reckless. The center piece was the twisted frame and below it a picture of Lightning Dust from when they found her, with the words, 'Stupidity is Fatal' under it. "And please tell me I have nothing new to add to the wall."

Firefly scratched her head. "That's the thing Storm, I doubt it happened naturally. It's physically impossible to do that to a frame like that. And with all of the weird stuff that's been happening lately I'm thinking it has something to do that. So is there something else on your mind? You've kind of got a look on your face like you do."

"Well the girls and I have not so much a plan but a theory as to how to find out what or who is causing all this and why. But we need a safe spot after school where we won't be disturbed and with on hand medical supplies should something go wrong. That or the power behind the events as of late decides to attack us directly. That said we want to use the motocross club room. Two of the others are talking to Celestia and the school nurse for their help in this matter as well. Because right now nothing too bad has happened. But what if the ones causing this problem attacks a hospital or takes control of cars or traffic signals? What's worse is, what if they are only just getting started? So far I'm the only one they have tried to directly kill. The fact that have to will to try at all means that these pranks have purpose we don't understand. And the only clues are in a strange dream vision me both Brianna and myself have had. And Brianna has had more of them. So can we use the room?" explained Storm

"Okay, lets do this after school tomorrow." said Firefly

"Thank you. Um but just for clarity how much of what I said did you actually follow?" Said Storm just checking she understood the situation.

Firefly sighed and looked away for a moment. When she looked back Storm saw something in her eyes he couldn't quite place. A look of familiarity perhaps? "Trust me I get it Storm, but there are some people I'm gonna have to talk to first. Anyway for now lets focus in today's practice since the weather will let us."

"Provided the the dirt doesn't come alive." joked Storm

"Way to jinx it Storm." Firefly deadpanned as the girls came in.

"I didn't jinx it, that's superstition." said Storm

"Yeah I hear you've using a lot of that lately." Firefly said with a cocky smirk.

As Rainbow walked by Storm she made his situation worse by tossing, "You're still alive after all huh?" over her shoulder.

Before Storm could retort however Aria grabbed him and carted him away. "Come on pipsqueak I need a little help with my bike. It started making a funny noise and I can't figure it out."

Firefly and Rainbow just laughed as Storm was drug away be Aria.

"Well that's one way I guess." Twilight quipped causing Sunset to laugh.

"We don't don't usually get sarcasm out you Sparky." said Sunset

"I have a good teacher." Twilight replied

At the same time Brianna has arrived home from school and has to dodge Ember as she races ahead of her and into the house.

"Heads up Brianna!" Ember calls rushing though the door.

"Hey! Watch it Ember!" Brianna grumbles walking into the house.

"Ember, you need to be more careful sweetheart." warned Ribbon

The young girl deflated. "Sorry mama, I'm just a little spacey right now." Ember replied

Brianna walked by her and patted her on the head. "Got to thinking about Morning Glory again didn't you kiddo?"

Ember stuck out her tongue. "She is my best friend sis."

Brianna laughed "That's how it started for Lyra and Bon Bon too Ember."

Ember's face turned red and she stammered for a moment before bolting off to her room.

Ribbon folded her arms across her chest and looked at Brianna. "I'll never understand how you do that Brianna."

Brianna giggled while walking into the living room. "It's easy to see it when you lived it mama." She continued to giggle until she reached the living and froze. Standing in front of her was Megan without her cast. "When did this happen?"

Megan giggled "Earlier today when you were at school silly." Megan attempted to saunter up to Brianna but only winced as her still weakened leg cramped.

Brianna giggled "I think you should skip the sauntering for now Megan. Anyway let's get this homework done before dinner."

"Okay Brianna." Megan replied only to have Brianna move in and literally sweep her off feet. "What brought this on?" asked Megan

"It's overdue that I got to carry you Megan, it can't be the other way all of the time. That isn't very fun." Brianna said carrying Megan into the living room.

"Wow that was unexpected." Fizzy said with a giggle of her own.

"Indeed." Wind Whistler replied. "Brianna has rather suddenly become a little more bold. This is a good sign for them both I think."