Playing Their Game

The bell rings. You leave the changing room and head straight for your locker. Someone shoves you inside, but they didn't close the door. "I will beat you to a fucking--" You jump out and raise a fist, but hold it back when you see Twilight is the one who pushed you. "Pulp."

"Nice to see you too." You close the locker.

"Something that you need?" She looks around, making sure that most of the people aren't focusing on you.

"We should move around, just for safety's sake." You follow her down the hallway.

"Norman texted me while I was in the locker room. He wants me to meet him later today, right after sunset."

"Remember the plan. After that, there's no turning back."

"I got it. Anything else?"

"Yeah, I wanted to ask if, you wanted..." You see Fluttershy way down the hallway, tossing in a book and grabbing a different one out. In a quick reaction, you push Twi the other way. "What the--!"?

"Flutters was down the hallway." You mutter.

"Ohh. As I was saying; do you still want to study later today?"

"Yeah, the usual?"

"Yup."

"Fine, I'll bring over my Physics book."

"One last thing; was there any chance that you had something to do with getting someone suspended?"

"Already, that fast?"

"So it was you?"

"Hey, I didn't motivate him to pull down Lightning's shorts."

"Wow. What did you expect?" You were expecting her to eat a nice batch of fresh soil, but you certainly won't tell Twilight that.

"Let her pick up the slack. You would hate it when other people piggyback your success, wouldn't you?"

"Fine, you do have a point there. Some people call it ludicrous on the fact that he's suspended by an honest mistake. Looks like the school might be focused on this for a while before they pay their attention right back to you."

"A breather for us? Finally."

"I'd better head off, I'll see you later." She purposely bumps into you to start a show. "Next time, I want your answers to be PRECISE, I don't care how 'accurate' they are, I demand the exact answer next time!" The students are utterly confused, but it doesn't matter as they shrug it off almost immediately. She walks off, threatening to hit a student with her history textbook. It manages to work as he backs away and raises his own book to cover his face.

You enter the living room with two cans of soda. "Lightning vowed to get you back after her undergarments were exposed?" You pass one of the cold cans of soda over to Twilight.

"Yup, all I did was give her the middle finger as she was being pushed out of the field." Twilight laughs.

"Anon, you're a madman." You swivel the can in your hand.

"It's not like she can do anything. Rules and all of that shit keeps me safe. Plus, if she wants to keep that scholarship, she better stay clean." Twilight opens up her can, but ponders a thought.

"Aren't you worried about yourself?"

"If you want a straight answer, not really." You open up your can.

"Why?" You set your can down on the table and sit beside her on the couch.

"Aside from mediocre grades and a messy record, I'm not really the type of person who will amount to anything in life."

"You could become a wrestler."

"The shit I do isn't staged."

"What about some sort of fighter?"

"I'd like to keep my teeth and bones intact, thank you very much."

"So, what will you do after high school?" You never considered that for years. It was always 'I can't wait to get out of high school' but never the afterthought.

"I wish I knew."

"Hey, it isn't so bad. You can always start off at a community college, do some general classes before working for a career."

"Heh, if you haven't noticed but I prefer to stay away from any form of education right after high school."

"But, don't you want a better and easier life?" She does have a point. Life can only be hard if you make it that way. There must be something out there for you, but nothing if it involved some sort of degree.

"I'll take my chances." You open up your textbook and flip to the current chapter.

"Suit yourself." Twilight says when getting out her own textbook.

Its been hours since you've started studying with Twilight. Four long, painstaking hours reading and you're exhausted. Hold on, four hours? "I got to go." You slam your book close and stand up.

"You have a test tomorrow!" She shouts when you grab your keys.

"I know, but I'll be late!"

"For what?"

You yank the door open. "Norman."

"Ohh." She nods.

"We'll study later."

"When is later?" Twilight asks when you close the door.

"Tomorrow!" You run over to your car and start it up. Twilight waives her book around.

"Is it necessary to run off like this!?"

"I've been waiting all day for this!" You yell with enthusiasm though the window before driving off.

"But I-- need a ride home." Twilight says to herself.

It's dark, but that won't stop you. You pull up by the closed burger shack and shut off the car. "Took you long enough." Norman appears from the back of the shack.

"I was studying and lost track of time." You get out and close the door.

"That's a surprise. Was it with that purple girl? Come on, we both know with what you're doing with them." You keep your temper in control from his implications.

"Will you stop, there's nothing that's going on between me and them."

"Don't mess with me, I know that you're doing this just so that you can get with them." Great, this shit.

"Dude, I'm not doing anything like that."

"Come on, what other reason are you to being their attack dog?" You have your intentions, but you sure as hell won't tell him. "Nothing to say? Figured."

"Just what the hell do you want?"

"We can still make this work, and I know how."

"Okay then, lay one on me."

"I intend to."

"Say what now?"

"I punch you, go around and gloat about the bruise that you have and that'll make me the one who is in control."

"That's crazy."

"But it'll work."

"You'll get suspended!"

"So? I need a vacation. Plus, I might get that purple girl to tutor me during it." You crack the knuckles in your left hand by using nothing but your thumb. "I mean, since you're not interested in her or anything like that, right?" He slightly mocks. "Unless, if you have something against it, I'm sure we can discuss about your other friend." He pulls out his phone. "So, what'll it be?"

Okay, you're done with negotiation. You snag the phone out of his hand. "HEY!" He reaches for it, but stops when you grab his arm. "Wha--" You yank him to the floor and pin him down. As Norman is laying on the asphalt, he squirms around, trying to break free. You set your foot over his left leg and prepare yourself. "You better stop or--" With all of your might, you send your foot down and stomp on his thigh, smashing right through the femur. As he lets out a painful scream, you let go of him and watch Norman grab his damaged leg. "What in the fuck is wrong with you!?" He cries out.

"It's simple, either you give me the passcode to unlock the phone, or it's going to be your kneecap next." You approach him, but he quickly puts up his hand up to stop you.

"Okay! Okay, the code is three-one-three-one." You press in the code and you are greeted with his home screen.

"How do I delete the photos out of the cloud?"

"I swear, I'll--" You bring your foot up and set it on the side of his knee. "ALRIGHT! Just, give it to me, and those photos are gone, okay!?" He tears up, trying to hold it back from sliding out of his eyelids. It was practically icing on the cake for you, all you need is for him to get rid of these photos.

It took him a while for him to do his part, what with all the wincing and leg holding that he constantly did. In the end of about a minute, he managed to delete it all. You swipe around his phone, making sure not one photo is saved anywhere. Aside from a stash of porn, he had nothing. "Are we square now!?" He shouts.

"Yeah, we're fine." You lower his phone, but keep it away at an arms reach. "But, not just yet."

"Come on, what more do you want!?"

"It's not what I want, but rather, what you want."

"The fuck are you going on about!? I'm not going to call the police!"

"I know. You just need to follow everything that I say, and both of us will get away scot-free."

"Fine, whatever! Tell me already so that I can get to the hospital!" You put the phone in your pocket and help him up. "What are--"

"Just get in my car and I'll drive you to the intersection."

"Are you going to finish me off!?" He panics.

"The fuck is wrong with you? I'm not going to do that. I'm going to drop you off, you call nine-one-one, they come to pick you up, you claim that it was a hit-and-run, and we call it a night."

"What if they ask details?" You slowly guide him to the backseat.

"Say that you were on your way for a burger, but someone hit you and ran off. It was all a blur and happened too fast for you to get anything."

"This is insane!"

"It's not. Just say that you couldn't get a good look at the license plate and it was too dark for you to see the color." You set him down.

"I can't believe you did this, just for a set of pictures."

"Hey, you wanted to be something and now you are."

"I'm going to use a fucking crutch for the next few weeks!"

"But, people will give you sympathy points."

"What?"

"You have a broken leg; girls normally feel bad when a guy gets into an accident. When no one knows who did it, they even feel more sad for you. The sadder they get, the closer you are to any of them." He scratches his chin.

"Yeah, I can work with that."

"Hey, they can also write down their numbers on that sweet cast that you'll have."

"Oh ha-fucking-ha!"

"What? I'm just looking at the positives."

"Just drop me off already!"

"Suit yourself." You close the door and hop into the drivers seat.

The noisy alarm on your phone goes off. You slam the button on your phone and sit up. What a night. Norman's screaming stayed in your mind, keeping you up for what had seemed like hours but it was only twenty minutes. Ever since Twilight told you her plan, you were excited to snap his leg into two, but it has been a disappointment from last night. It will eventually pass, besides, he was going to ruin your hard work. At least it's a Friday, so today should be a damn good day. You throw your blanket on the side and slide out of bed. Norman, Bulk, Lightning, even Applejack and her friends should step off now. After your performance from yesterday, there is no way that they can come back.

As the day passes by, it slowly becomes the best day out of this week. The Physics test didn't seem like a problem, Norman's screaming is fading into obscurity, not that many glares passed by, even Fluttershy's friends haven't said anything for the last four hours. You close your locker and walk, heading for your next class, wondering about what kind of pizza you'll get in the cafeteria in an hour from now. Pepperoni, extra cheese... that's pretty much it. Still better than Taco Tuesday, you still wonder on how Sonata can stomach those tacos. Out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash grabs you by the shoulder and stops you. "Do you still think that we're going to back down and give up?"

"If you had common sense, you would have a long time ago."

"Well let me tell you something - we're not going to stop. Don't even think for a minute that you're untouchable." Great, now people are watching you get talked down by Rainbow. So much for a perfect day.

"Here's what you need to learn; if you stop with this shit, you'll be able to keep your spine aligned."

"Do you want to toss in another broken chair?" Sunset asks when approaching you.

"You know that it'll be more than a broken chair next time, Sunny."

"Don't you dare call me that." She threatens in a low voice.

"Whoops, sorry. Forgot that the only person that ever loved you said that."

She lunges at you, but stops when Rainbow Dash grabs her by the waist. "Hey, hey!"

"Say that one more time and I'll--"

"Cry? It almost looks like you're tearing up." She tries to push herself forward, failing as Rainbow Dash keeps her down with the aid of Applejack that has her holding back.

"He isn't worth it, Sunset!" Shimmer stops to straighten her shirt.

"D-darn you..." Applejack rests a hand on her shoulder and guides her away from you.

"You'll have your comeuppance, ya hear me!?" Rainbow Dash shouts at you.

"Oh great, you learned a word that has three syllables. Nice to know that you're actually learning in class now!" She hides her anger by turning back around, walking away with her friends.

"I swear, you're becoming even more of a brute than before!" Rarity blocks you from entering the cafeteria.

"I just want my pizza, damnit." You complain.

"Too bad, you'll--"

"Get what I deserve, feel the wrath of you and your friends, so on and so fourth. Are we done?"

"Uh, not yet."

"What else do you have to say?" Rarity raises a finger and takes a deep breath, but takes a pause. She scratches her cheek.

"You win this one." She moves to the side. "Wait! Don't you dare continue with insulting my friends!" You leave your hand on the door.

"Why? I'm having so much fun." You taunt before entering the cafeteria.

You grab a tray and plate. Without any hesitation, you grab one slice of each. Fuck choosing, no purpose on starting now. You can burn some cash for another slice. The only downfall is what might happen when she comes over. You head over for the usual secluded table and enjoy a few bites out of your pepperoni slice. Over at the girls table, it looks like there is some trouble. You can't hear their conversation, but whatever it is, it doesn't look good for them.

"What do you mean you quit!?" Rainbow Dash almost screams.

"Shh!" Rarity tries to keep her quiet.

"I'm done, I have no intentions on continuing with this shtick."

"This isn't a shtick, this is more than that, and you know it."

"Yeah, but I'm calling it quits before it gets worse."

"Psht, what caused you to coward out?" You rub your still sore bottom when she asked that question.

"My plan backfired, that's all you need to know."

"Seesh, AJ. So much for you never quitting. I expected better from you." Rainbow further insults you.

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity exclaims.

"Don't even bother, Rarity, I don't see you trying anything." RD turns her aggression on her now.

"I am! It's not exactly easy to plan with a pepper spray and a bra." Rarity defends herself.

"Why do you want to humiliate him so badly?" Sunset asks.

"Humiliation is the first step on breaking him." Rarity reveals her plan.

"Yeah, must be great for you to pick out a training bra in the worst color you can possibly think." Rainbow rags on her idea.

Rarity slams her hands on the table. "I'll show all of you! It will be more than that!" She grabs her bag and leaves the table without saying a word.

"What's happenin' party people?!" Pinkie Pie enthusiastically says when sitting down with Twilight.

"Nothing, but I think I'll need a walk." Rainbow gets up and leaves.

"Rainbow, what's wrong?" Pinkie asks.

"She probably needs some time to herself." Sunset talks for Rainbow.

"She looks mighty steamed. It's not our fault that she can't play for squat now."

"You're right. I'll go and try to talk to her." Sunset stands up.

"But you haven't even touched your food." Twilight informs her.

"You keep it." She brushes it off and goes away with Rainbow.

"But--"

"Leave her, Twi." You grab Shimmer's apple. "Sunset will take care of it."

"I should throw a small party for the seven of us this weekend. You know, try to get this silly thing about Nonny out of everyone's mind." Pinkie tries to brighten the mood.

"I think it'll take more than a party to get them to move on, Pinkie." Twilight highlights.

"Then I'll have to bring something strong." Pinkie Pie says in a more serious tone. Twilight scoots away from her.

"I need to use the restroom." Since you haven't used the bathroom for the entire morning, you really aren't lying.

"Oki then. Has anyone seen Fluttershy?" Pinkie wonders.

You watch as they slowly disband. Must be some trouble in paradise. You take a sip out of your milk carton and wonder what's up with them. Whatever. It looks like they will focus on each other, meaning that you might be right; they might back off with everyone else. You keep on drinking until someone steals your milk carton. In a rapid reaction, you get up to threaten them, but stop when it was Fluttershy who is testing you.

"Not so fast." She holds the milk away from you. "Where's my money?" You've prepared for this; hide the actual cash by strapping it to your leg and the chump change in your pocket. You pull out two dollars and a few cents. With a shred of regret, you hand it over to her open hand. "This isn't much." She balls it in a fist. "I'm starting to get angry, Anon."

"L-look, I bought some pizza. I couldn't help myself."

She stuffs it into her jacket and then grabs you. "You're starting to disappoint me. First the homework, now with giving me scraps?" She gives you a ghastly stare that is actually unsettling. "Are you're trying to play with me!?"

"N-no! I'm--" She pours the carton of milk over your head.

"Stalling. You better give me a lot more the next time." She tosses the empty carton at you. "Enjoy your pizza." She takes your pepperoni pizza and heads back to her table.

You're confused, conflicted~~, and somewhat aroused~~ with what she just did. You wipe the milk off your face and sit down.

"What in the fuck..." You mumble to yourself. You take the nearest napkin dispenser and use up a few napkins to dry yourself off. You're aware of the people looking, but you don't care. At this point, you don't even mind it. The more that they watch Fluttershy tightening the collar on you, the more that they will know that she means business. But this is more than that.

This was over the line, at least by her. Although, you should have hinted that when she hit your head into the lockers yesterday. Something must have changed and you need to know soon. For now, you're dragging some people down by shit talking them on an image board. You take out your phone in one hand and grab the other slice of pizza with the other. Let's see on what you can stir up with these--

"Hey! Hey, you!" Some kid with glasses runs up to you, all out of breath.

"What do you want?"

”You’re the one who owns a rundown gray sedan?”

“Yeah, what about it?”

”It’s on fire.”

“WHAT?!” You run out, speeding through the hallways. He must be joking. If not, then what are the chances of it being your car? There are other cars like yours out in the parking lot. Maybe not, but still, it could happen to anyone else. When you barge right through the doors, you gaze at your own car, set aflame from all others. Other students come right out to watch as you slowly approach it, unaware of the sirens off in the distance.

"Everyone, back up!" Vice Principal Luna shouts at the onlooking students. You just stand there, watching as your car is torched by someone who finally had their revenge. Vague thoughts flow through you, such as who did it, why, and is this more than just revenge? Is it a message? Faint sounds of high heels rapidly clicking on the pavement suddenly gets louder and louder until someone grabs you by the arm. "Let's go, Anon." Luna commands. You don't even fight it and mindlessly walk with the vice principal.