Doctor Whooves: Friendship Games Part 1

"Enter." Principal Cinch said, as the door opened. "Sit down. I bet you are wondering why I asked to see you today."

Moondancer nodded. "I have a feeling I know. I'm guessing it has something to do with the Friendship Games."

Cinch nodded, stood up, and began walking toward the Friendship Games trophies. "Moondancer, I'll be honest: It doesn't matter whether we win the Friendship Games or not. The important thing is that we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation." Cinch walked over to Moondancer. "And it is that reputation, my reputation, that is responsible for everything we have here. For everything you've done here. And, you've done quite a lot, haven't you?"

"I'd like to think so." Moondancer replied, fiddling with a loose string from her turtleneck.

"Yes, you are the best student we've seen here," Cinch complimented, "But, what I can't understand is why my best student wouldn't want to compete."

"Frankly, Principal Cinch, athletics aren't really my thing. I'm not very good in them." Moondancer replied, as Cinch walked over to her with a pair of scissors.

"Your grades say otherwise." Cinch said, cutting off the loose string on Moondancer's turtleneck. "After all, you are doing well in your physical education class."

"Well, yes but-"

"What truly matters is that you represent your school in the Games." Cinch sat down at her desk, and pulled out a think packet. "It seems Canterlot High is going through something of a renaissance. Test scores are up, grades, even athletics are on the rise. You see, they are developing somewhat of a reputation. This cannot happen."

"Listen, I can't play in the Games." Moondancer explained, "My work here is very important."

"Ah, yes, your work." Cinch said. "I understand you've applied to Everton, haven't you? You see, one of the advantages of having a reputation is that I have a certain amount of influence in some things. So, let me offer you a deal. In return for contributing your agile mind to these Games, I will use my reputation to make sure your application is accepted. Though, I suppose I could also have it denied. What do you think I should do?"

Moondancer gulped. "I'll...I'll play in the Games."

Cinch stood. "Excellent. Now then, when the Games begin, you must not let any emotional attachment to get in the way."

"Emotional attachment?" Moondancer asked, confused.

"Yes, I understand you have a friend who transferred there." Cinch said, "Her name was Twilight Sparkle, I believe."

Moondancer frowned. "I don't have any friends."

"Well, not now, since your only friend left you, for your school's biggest rival." Cinch said, her voice ice.

Moondancer's face fell. "She didn't even say good-bye..."

"Now what kind of friend would leave you without even saying good-bye, hm?" Cinch asked.

"A very bad one." Moondancer concluded.

"So, wouldn't beating her in the Friendship Games make you feel better?" Cinch asked, "After all, wouldn't Canterlot High losing to Crystal Prep make her realize that she was wrong all along?"

And as Cinch spoke, the ice in her voice found it's way into Moondancer's heart.