Twilight's Bad Day

Twilight Sparkle kissed her puppy's furry purple head.

"I'll only be gone for a little while," she told him reassuringly. Spike barked in reply. Twilight giggled. He could always make her laugh!

"I knew you'd understand," she told him before turning to pick up her equipment. Twilight's equipment consisted of several video cameras, audio recorders, seismographs, and several other pieces of "science junk" she had bought off E-Neigh. What did she need all this stuff for? Simple: Research.

Twilight carried her stuff outside and carefully placed it all in the back of her mother's car. It was a white convertible, and it had just enough space for all her technology. After double-checking to make sure it was all secure, Twilight climbed into the front seat and adjusted her favorite white lab coat before strapping her seatbelt down.

Twilight turned the key and started the car. She could see Spike watching her from the garage as she pulled out of her driveway. Twilight sent a little wave his way. Spike barked happily, as he watched her leave. Twilight wasn't worried he would chase after the car like other people might worry; Spike was good, loyal, and well-trained. She knew he would stay out and behave.

It's almost like he's a sapient creature, Twilight thought as she silently drove the convertible. The only reason she had a driver's license was because it allowed her the freedom to conduct experiments around town. And lately, Twilight had been driving in one direction: Canterlot High School.

Twilight had first become aware of the school last fall. Well, she had known of its existence since 8th grade, but she hadn't bothered herself to learn more about it. Last fall, however, had been the first time when her thaumometer, a machine which detected magical auroras, has spiked. Twilight had been able to pinpoint the location on Canterlot High.

After months of relative silence, it had spiked again last week. After some investigation, (which may or may not have involved Twilight hacking into the school's database) Twilight had concluded that six girls were involved with these magical spikes.

Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Sunset Shimmer. Twilight listed the names off in her head. They all had a connection with these magic spikes, Twilight was aware of that, but why?

Why was the question Twilight was determined to answer.

Twilight knew the route to Canterlot High very well. It wasn't too far from her own house just inside the city. Not wanting to be spotted by curious students, Twilight parked half a mile away from the school.

First, the cameras, Twilight thought, jumping out and grabbing several video cameras. She had specially modified them so they transmitted a live, HD video feed directly to her lab. Twilight was quite proud of herself for that; the modifications had took her several days.

Twilight also pulled out a light blue wig from the glove compartment. She fit it snuggly on her head so no one would recognize her, if anybody saw her at all. Although she didn't care about it, there had been a really nasty video about her made by one of the girls, Sunset Shimmer, last fall. Twilight wasn't sure who had been in it or how they knew her, but she didn't want to take the chance of being spotted.

Disguised and ready, Twilight walked through the bushes to the side of the school. There were no students out, thankfully, so Twilight didn't have to worry too much.

Twilight set up one camera right outside the entrance. The entrance was always an important place to have a camera. And apparently, only Twilight had thought of this; the school had no cameras outside it. Twilight shook her head in disgust.

The school was also lacking in locks. Twilight easily pushed the door open and walked straight inside. She checked her watch. 10:04. Classes had just started. She'd be alone for a while.

Twilight hurried through the hallways, which were lined with green lockers. She had the Sunset Shimmer girl's locker combination on a slip of paper in her pocket. She had a special mini-camera that was almost undetectable if you weren't aware of its existence. Perfect for sticking into someone's locker.

Twilight found Sunset's locker. Working quickly, she opened it up. A pile of books lay on the bottom and a black leather jacket hung on a hook, but it was otherwise empty. Twilight rolled her eyes.

Punk fashionista. Typical. Twilight took the special camera out of her pocket and stuck it in a crevice between two pieces of green metal.

"Hey, you." Twilight froze. Slowly, she turned around. A tan-skinned girl with spiky green hair was standing in the middle of the hall, watching her. Another punk?

"Yes?" She asked, trying to appear calm under pressure. This wasn't Sunset Shimmer; she knew that much.

The girl narrowed her eyes.

"What are you doing in Sunset's locker?" She asked suspiciously. An alibi quickly flashed into Twilight's mind.

"I'm doing a science experiment!" She told the girl. "I'd explain more, but I'm in such a hurry to get this thing done! But please, don't tell Sunset, it'll ruin the experiment!" Before the girl could respond, Twilight was off down the hall as fast as her legs could carry her.

"That was a close one," Twilight whispered to herself she turned the bend. Now, I think a visit to the cafeteria would be in order.

Twilight walked through the green corridors until she passed by an open door. Twilight paused, peering inside. It see be to be a gymnasium, with a stage set up with instruments at the back.

Might as well set up while I'm here, Twilight decided. She walked up to the stage, where there was a ladder behind the instruments. Twilight set most of her cameras down, leaving only one in her hand. She climbed the ladder carefully, so she wouldn't get hurt.

However, when she reached the top, Twilight was in a predicament. One hand was occupied with the camera, and she couldn't reach the ceiling. If she couldn't reach the ceiling, Twilight couldn't hang up the camera. And this seemed like a likely spot for students to gossip about magical occurrences.

"Dang it," Twilight muttered, reaching out as far as she could with her long lavender fingers. Even stretch ing as far as she could, Twilight barely brushed the ceiling.

Suddenly, the ladder began to quiver. Twilight's legs wobbled.

Oh no. The ladder was unbalanced!

"Woah!" Twilight cried in panic as she nibbled back and forth. The ladder would topple any minute. It was probably better to jump than be crushed, right?

Right. Twilight jumped off the ladder and onto the hard wood stage. The ladder fell right next to her, nearly taking off her right arm. Twilight groaned.

"I think I bruised my rib," she muttered, rubbing said hip to ease the pain.

Suddenly, a school bell began to blare into the gymnasium.

It's not time for school to let out! Twilight thought, scrambling to stand up again. She ran to the doors of the gym and peeked into the hallways. Students of all kinds were emptying out into the hallway. Twilight noticed the majority of them walked in a neat line.

Probably a fire drill, Twilight reasoned. Might as well try to escape now. Without another hesitation, Twilight ducked into the throngs of students.