Equestria Girls: The Witching Hour

The next day Marble and Sonata are heading to the lunch room while talking after a shared class. "So Last night was kinda rough with Dagi having a nightmare and there was some weird stuff that happened with the power at home too." Sonata said as she exited the classroom with Marble "Did anything weird happen at your house?"

Marble nodded "Yeah Pinkie had a nightmare too, I think."

Sonata cocked her head "You think?"

Marble gave a confused smile "It's really hard to tell with Pinkie. Even when she has them she just shakes it off and goes right back to being her happy self." Said Mable with a shrug.

Sonata giggled "Yeah that would make it tough alright. So about the party this weekend, it's gonna be a lot of fun and I can't wait to see you in your swimsuit too." Sonata said with a blush. "I bet you'll be totally cute in it."

Marble blushed even more deeply than Sonata "Um, Sonata..." Marble said quietly

"Yeah sweetie, what is it?" Sonata replied

"I, I don't have a swimsuit." Said Marble as they came to the lunch room doors.

"Okay no problem." Sonata said with a giggle. "We'll go and get you one before we go to my house to study for next week's test. It'll be fun."

Marble smiled "Uh huh."

The two of them entered the lunch room to find Pinkie bouncing around her usual table excitedly and talking very animatedly about her plans for the party.

Storm was spaced out. Repeating the words "pool party" softly, his eye on Aria. Rainbow laughing at him as the poor boy tried to process the idea.

Marble looked to Sonata "I-is he okay Sonata?"

Sonata took a long look at Storm and declared. "I have no idea." She said before moving to get lunch and then sitting with the others.

"He just brain fried after thinking of Aria in a swimsuit." teased Dash

"Oh." Marble said as she sat down next to Sonata.

"P-pool party?" Brianna whimpered nervously.

This caused Megan to let out a weary sigh. "Brianna this is a little ridiculous. You need to stop being so nervous about your body like that."

"Indeed." Rarity agreed "It simply won't do to have you acting like that."

"Megan." Brianna whined

"Okay what the heck is going on here?" Rainbow huffed

Megan pulled Brianna into a hug and sighed again before speaking."Brianna is kind of body conscious. It got started because she was..." Megan paused trying to find the right words. "It got started because she was what you'd call an early bloomer and some girls made fun of her for it. They did it because they were jealous of her looks and figure and she has had some trouble ever since."

Brianna just nodded in agreement.

"Storm looked at Rainbow then hit her in the arm. "I just rebooted and yes I heard you."

"That's nice Storm but we've kinda got an issue here." Applejack said with a smirk while Rainbow rubbed her arm.

"Yeah," Rainbow replied "Brianna has got some kind issue with herself. Jeez Brianna I don't get it. You're always so confident for the most part."

The rest of the girls nodded at this.

"Self image, and yes I noticed it." said Storm

Brianna blushed "I know I'm being silly but what those girls said really hurt. I don't mean to cause trouble over it."

"Brianna darling," Rarity replied "you haven't caused any trouble per se, but Megan and I have been ever so worried about you because of this. You are beautiful Brianna and you need be at peace with it."

"That's easier said than done." Fluttershy said finally breaking her silence. "I have always kind of wondered why you stopped wearing certain things like you used to."

"Used to?" questioned Twilight "What do you mean by that Fluttershy?"

Megan sighed again and looked to Brianna who merely nodded. "Brianna used to wear tighter clothing when we were younger. I think she was showing off a little to get my attention." Megan giggled as Brianna's blush deepened. "The bad thing about that is that she already had it, but after that day when those girls said all of those very hurtful things she stopped doing that. It's too bad I really liked those dresses she was wearing," Megan said causing Brianna's blush to deepen more. "they looked nice."

"Wait, wait, wait. If you noticed why didn't you say anything Storm?" said Rainbow

"Because he felt it wasn't his place." Said Adagio who then looked at Storm.

"Correct, if someone dose not wish to discuss something they are dealing with then it's not my place to pry. After all everyone has reasons and issues they need to overcome or deal with themselves." He said then looked at Brianna directly. "Your self image is your business. While I'll admit I don't know all the details or your exact measurement because you choice in clothes causes some discrepancies in measurements. That said based on what I can see you're what many of the fashion minded would consider an ideal body type." Said Storm sounding like ice as he went analytical.

"Sort of." Brianna mumbled her face still red.

"Ha!" Aria said "You should just show how hot you are and make those little bitches eat it."

Megan held Brianna a little tighter to both reassure her and partially to restrain her.

Adagio and Sonata looked at Aria aghast, Sonata looked at Storm with an expression that said "Help." She clearly didn't know what else to do at this point.

"Actually, Aria is right on some level." Everyone looked at Storm shocked. He raised his hands defensively. "A common method for overcoming fears or perceived issues is to well, do it. Like someone who is scared of heights jumping out of a plane or a hydrophobic going scuba diving. Sometimes it can cause a complete brake in the mental barriers. Statistically there is only one percent of those that face their fears like this ever die and fifty percent overcome them or severely lessen them. So doing what Aria said and dressing up and strutting it could actually help." said Storm

Brianna froze. Never before had that crossed her mind. Both Aria and Storm did have a valid point, this was a petty, superficial fear based on no more than the petty jealousy of some girls that had no meaning in her life. Only those she cared about mattered and they never gave a single thought to it. Only Megan, her girlfriend and Rarity who made her clothes for her some of the time even paid it any attention.

Brianna looked at Rarity who merely smiled. "Oh darling I already have something spectacular in mind for you. You'll love it and look so beautiful while wearing it."

"Thanks Rarity." Brianna said "I doubt I'm going to get over it in one weekend though."

"No," said Adagio "but it is a step in the right direction." The others nodded in agreement.

Aria looked at Storm "I guess you're smart after all." She said with a cocky smirk.

"Yes, but it was your idea I just explained the science of it in previous situations. I was once arachnophobic so my brothers made me learn everything about arachnids know I have the second largest pet spider in the nation twelfth in the world in captivity."

Aria glared at Storm "Don't get cocky shrimp, you still haven't proven anything to me. I'm still waiting to see what makes you so special."

Sunset facepalmed "Well at least we're finally getting the motocross club up and running right." She winced at the memory of the dressing down they'd received the day before and wasn't looking forward to the repeat that could come after school today.

Megan gave Brianna a squeeze. "You see, you were worried over nothing Brianna." Brianna nodded and turned her attention to her lunch.

Marble in the mean time looked at Sonata. "Are those two always going to act like that?" Marble asked quietly.

Sonata shook her head and shrugged.

Storm smiles "Just watch me."

Aria smirked "Oh a challenge huh? Fine."

The two stared at each other matching the others conviction. Then Pinkie said "Just kiss already. I mean all the story's readers see it coming."

That caused the girls to look at Pinkie. "What do you mean by that?" Sunset said while the rest just stared at Pinkie confused.

Adagio turned to Applejack. "Is this normal for Pinkie Pie?"

This caused Applejack to chuckle "As bout as normal as Pinkie gets sugarcube."

Brianna buried her head into Megan's shoulder and laughed uncontrollably for a minute before finally calming down. "Pinkie Pie you are so random." Brianna said barely containing her giggles.

Megan simply shook her head, she had known Pinkie for years and yet this kind of thing never failed to surprise her.

The bell to return to classes rings at the end of lunch and Brianna was deep in thought about many things. She made it through her classes and to the end of the school day.

Storm was quite as he stared at the piles of bikes parts and mangled tools. Then he spoke. "I repeat, my previous question. Why are girls mean to their bikes?"

"Hey! I've been doing everything I can!" Sunset defended "It doesn't help that Aria is the only other that pays attention to what's going on." Sunset grumbled

"Oh come on Sunset," Twilight said "you guys just need some organization and that'll help to clear up this mess." She gave Sunset a confident smile.

"Thanks Sparky, it just feels impossible sometimes." Sunset said returning the smile but not feeling as confident.

Aria looked at Storm "Are you just gonna stand there and be useless like Lightning Dust is, or are you gonna help small fry?"

"Ok step back. I have work to do then I will use a wrench on Lightning and Rainbow." He said as he set to work.

"Hey!" Rainbow squeaked "I'm not that messy." Causing both Sunset and Twilight to look at her skeptically. Rainbow proceeded to fold her arms across her chest and grumble under her breath while Twilight began making a list of things with Sunset's help.

Aria watched Storm for a bit before starting to work on her bike. There was another interscholastic race in a few weeks weather permitting and she wanted to be ready to win it.

After two hours of work Storm spoke. "Okay how you get a frame tied in a knot?" He had the parts laid out in rows, three functioning bikes. A pile of scrap, and the tools laid out besides him as he worked on the shrinking pile of unsorted.

Twilight's right eye twitched. "You're kidding right Storm? That is physically impossible to do that." She said without looking up from her checklist.

Sunset was looking similarly frazzled "How did it get this bad?" She moaned while looking at the still unsorted parts.

Aria merely cocked her head. "I say we get rid of Lightning Dust and get someone in here that knows what they are doing."

"We'd need a fourth team member though." Rainbow replied

"It's impossible but I am looking at it." He pulls the frame tied into not one but three knots to the scrap pile. "I hope one of you can explain that later or I will be using the wrench in ways it's not meant to be." He threatened before going back to his work.

Twilight dropped her clipboard. "How did that happen?!"

Sunset and Rainbow were also slack jawed at the sight.

"Huh that's different." Aria said

"Yes if you would beat the story out of, I assume it was assume Lightning Dust whenever she gets here it will save me cleaning blood from the tools and disposing of a body." Said Storm in that iterated tone he has had since he got here. Making many question if he was serious about his threats.

"I've really been wanting to get her out of here." Aria said coldly. "She is bad for the club and we can do so much better than that bitch." Aria then turned to Rainbow "I mean that girl you play soccer with Cloud Kicker I think, I bet she rides and could do a better job that Lightning Dust." Aria's tone was very venomous and it was clear she didn't like Lightning or want her around.

"I don't know." said Rainbow Dash "I'll have to ask her."

Sunset and Twilight just looked at each other. Sunset then scratched her head "Actually Lightning should have been here already. She has been late before but never this late."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Great I wonder what lame excuse she's gonna come up with this time? Anyway I've got to get home to study. If I don't pass next week's test my mom is gonna get mad at me and I don't want to deal with that. See ya later guys."

Storm pulls a part out of the pile causing it to slide apart revealing a unconscious Lightning. "I think I just became a Hindu. Because I am now seeing the results of instant karma." By the looks of the brushes and the bike under her Lightning got caught under a part pile collapse while working before they arrived. Storm was clearly amused.

Twilight panicked "Is she still breathing? We need to call nine one one right now!" Twilight was breathing heavily and shaking while looking quite pale.

"I'll go and get the nurse." Aria said as she left.

"Easy Sparky." said Sunset "You check on her and I'll call for help." Sunset was clearly trying to get Twilight focused she that they wouldn't have another possible emergency on their hands.

"R-right." Twilight replied

"She's alive. She probably just got her stupidity knocked out of her if we are lucky." Said Storm as he held a hand close to her face to feel her breath.

"Well that's a little harsh." Twilight replied as Aria came back with Nurse Redheart who had not yet left for the day because she had to tend to Gilda who had started a fight with a member of the football team.

Nurse Redheart facepalmed. "I see Lightning Dust didn't take any precautions again despite my repeated warnings." She said as she checked over the unconscious girl. "Did anyone call for an ambulance?"

Sunset nodded "The paramedics should be along shortly." Sunset replied

"I don't think they can help what appears to be a case of terminal stupidity. Given you warned her and this has happened before." Said Storm crossing his arms.

Nurse Redheart glared at Storm but Aria laughed. "Okay," Aria said "that was a good one shrimp."

Nurse Redheart sharpened her glare "She has never gotten buried like this before. I did warn that it could happen if she wasn't careful though." The Paramedics were led in by Vice Principal Luna who had been talking with the nurse earlier and that school day ended with a more organized club shop and Lightning Dust being taken to the E.R.

Aria thought it was funny honestly, she'd never liked Lightning Dust's attitude or her showboating. In truth she felt that it was well deserved. An Attitude Storm seemed to share.

Meanwhile at the mall Marble and Sonata are in a clothing store trying to find Marble a cute bathing suit.

Sonata looked thoughtfully at a rack of bikinis and one pieces trying to see if any were adorable enough for Marble. "How about this one?" Sonata said holding up a frilly polka dotted bikini that was light blue in color with purple dots.

"Um, maybe something less frilly?" asked Marble

"Well what would you like sweetheart?" Sonata said not quite sure how to help Marble out.

"Maybe something plain. In a one piece?" asked Marble

"Hmmm." Sonata replied as she regarded the one piece suits. Her eyes settled on a light blue one piece that was simple and yet looked nice to her eyes. She took it off of the rack and held it up for Marble to see. "What about this one?" asked Sonata cheerfully.

"Um okay I'll try it on." She said nervously.

"Don't worry, you'll look fine." Sonata said handing Marble the suit.

She came out a few moments later. "I think it might be a little small." The suit hugged her in all the right ways even riding up on her rear just right.

Sonata's face reddened, her jaw dropped, and it looked like she might faint. "Uh yeah." Sonata giggled nervously "Maybe we can find one that's your size."

"But the tag said it was my size? Dose that mean I've gained weight?" She looked like she was about to cry.

"It did?" Sonata said "Well I don't think you've gained any weight Marble. Either it was made like that, or the tag is wrong." Said Sonata who then turned her head. "Um, you do look amazing though." Sonata's blush could be seen from across the store by this point.

"You think so?" asked Marble

Sonata nodded "As Dagi would say, you're a total hottie Marble."

Marble turned red and tried to hide behind her hair.

"Um we can get that one if you want." Sonata said with a squee. "And then we need to get going soon, mommy is making tacos tonight."

"Well it will do. I don't like having to use the changing rooms. If you like it that is." Marble replied

"Oh I think it's nice." squealed Sonata "I think that's because you're the one wearing it." Sonata blushed again. She knew it was a cheesy comment but she honestly felt that way about it.

Marble blushed and after a quick glance to see if anyone would see her she kissed Sonata on the cheek then went to change.

Sonata gave off a dreamy sigh. "How could Ari not want to have this kind of thing going on?" She mused "It's so wonderful." Sonata giggled and gave a little squeak as one of the sales girls passed. She just gave Sonata a knowing giggle and went back to work.

Later at Sugar Cube Corner

"Nine bikes. I put together nine working bikes from that mess and found seven frames that had to be scraped. How did you all let it get that bad and where was the supervising teacher?" Asked Storm as he finished downing his fourth chocolate milk shake.

"It just got beyond my ability to manage." Sunset replied "I'm more than a little at fault here. I should have gotten more help sooner." Sunset sighed in frustration.

Twilight looked at Sunset "Isn't Coach Spitfire supposed to be on this?"

Sunset shook her head "No she is the girl's P.E. teacher and isn't actually qualified for this. That's the job of Mr. Gearhead the Autoshop teacher and he has been really busy because of some problem students in the class." Sunset groaned and faceaplmed.

Twilight placed her hand on top of Sunset's left hand and smiled." It's okay Sunny we'll straighten out this mess somehow."

"I wish I felt your confidence about this Sparky." said Sunset

"The way she dug in and helped on that last bike, I think her nickname should be spark plug." Said Storm with small smirk sighting how Twilight did help but got herself zapped in the process.

"Hey! I was trying to help!" Twilight defended.

Sunset however laughed. "Nope it just makes the nickname Sparky fit all the more."

"Didn't say you weren't, Spark plug." Now Storm was laughing.

Twilight stuck out her tongue at Storm, the she folded her arms across her chest and grumbled.

Sunset placed her hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Hey you did fine Twilight. Besides you shouldn't get so upset over getting shocked, it's just a part of the job sometimes."

"Yeah!" Pinkie burst in suddenly. "Stuff just happens you know." Pinkie said leaving her three friends clutching their chests in surprise.

"We need to put a bell on her." said Storm

"I'm not sure that would work." said Twilight "Pinkie is a certified mystery."

Pinkie giggled "I'm not a cat Stormy. Although if I was a cat I'd be a cute little pink cat like those girls in the anime Rainbow watches." Pinkie paused "I wonder why those cat girls keep fighting monsters though? I would just go around being adorable myself."

Twilight gave Sunset a confused look. Sunset's only response was to just shrug her shoulders.

"Was it Meow Meow, or Pizza Ninja Kitty?" asked Storm

Pinkie turned thoughtful for a moment. "Not sure, it just had a pink cat girl in it."

"It's more common then you think." said Storm

Pinkie shrugged "It's really Dashie's thing not mine. Anywho I have more work to do. See ya Stormy."

"As much as I would love to stay and analyze Pinkie, I need to go swim trunk shopping." Said Storm as he walked off. A minute after he left Twilight and Sunset realized he left them to pay the bill.

"Why that little!" Twilight shouted

Sunset just smirked. "Don't worry about it Sparky. I have a feeling Aria is going to pay him back for us at the party on Saturday."

The day passes and fades into night. Unbeknownst to the denizens of Canterlot that midnight would bring even more strange events to their city. events that would change the face of their world forever.