Mirror Fidelity: The Series (clean version)

Two days later, Spike and I found ourselves out on another walk.

Things had been a little strained between us. Although my parents hadn't noticed that I'd gotten back late from Flash's house, Spike definitely had. He'd been acting annoyed around me ever since my return, smelling my shoes at every chance and giving me little glares of suspicion. But after some treats and plenty of affection, as well as a shower and full change of clothes, I was back in his good books again. He dragged me around outside, happy as anything, and I let him lead as much as he liked to make up for lost playtime.

Although our path took a longer route this time, it seemed inevitable that I found Spike again with his nose to the ground, following some elusive smell towards Canterlot High. I followed him hesitantly up the streets, finding myself looking around for passers-by. I cleared my throat. "Spike, I know I said this before, but this time I really don't think that this is-"

He stopped and glared back at me, as if to remind me that I owed him. I held up my hands in defeat. "All right, a little further. But that's all, okay?"

It was not all. Spike kept going almost up to the school, still on the scent of something that only his doggy brain could know. We had nearly reached it again when, seemingly from nowhere, I heard a familiar voice. "-complete outrage!"

I froze, then instinct kicked in and I ducked behind a bush. Spike, thankfully, seemed content to stay where he was, stricken - or perhaps smitten? - by the voice. I peered out, holding my breath. Just around the corner I saw Flash Sentry backed against the school wall, being verbally laid into by three girls. Or at least two, with the shy pink-haired one seeming content to stand back with her arms folded. "What were you thinking, throwing yourself at Twilight like that?" Rarity continued, fuming. "You know perfectly well that she has food poisoning! She could have been seriously ill, and that dress of hers is literally irreplaceable! Literally! Irreplaceable!"

I could feel, rather than see, Applejack rolling her eyes beside her. "An' what's this 'bout you uninvitin' Sunset Shimmer from the party?" the cowgirl demanded. "The gal's gonna be heartbroken! She's been waitin' months for this! And you throw her out just because of some old grudge?"

"But... but Twilight..." Flash's stupefied face would have been hilarious if it wasn't also tearing me to pieces. He was interrupted by the third girl, who said something too quiet to be heard from my position, but which caused Flash to turn a shade of white that I'd have been surprised to see on a corpse.

I covered my wrist and slunk away, dragging Spike behind me. He whined in disappointment. "No, Spike. Not now. We need to get out of here." I straightened up and started power-walking like my life depended on it.

I had a feeling that if I didn't find a place to hide, and quickly, then Sunset Shimmer would soon be the least of my worries.