Zero was brought to the office of Dean Cadence. Her office was much more welcoming than Cinch. With his arms and legs now tied to a chair, he awaited his punishment.

“I’ve heard quite a lot about you, Zero Gravity.” Dean Cadence spoke up.

Recognizing him, Zero widened his eyes in surprise.

“If you’re wondering how I know you, well, my dear aunts also known as Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna contacted me earlier this week about your grades.” She leaned a bit forward with half-lidded eyes. “You’re not doing much effort in your homework or study for any tests. Nor do you make any notes during your classes.”

“Who are you to tell me how to live my life?” Zero blurted out.

“I am the Dean of this school and I am trying to help you here.” Cadence explained. “I’ve recently got a phone call from Principal Celestia and your parents, who are considering in transferring you to this school.”

Zero flinched after he heard that and looked away.

Dean Cadence noticed it and sighed. “But that’s not the case here and it shall be discussed at your school.” She stood up from her desk and began untying Zero. “As for tonight, you’re under watch till everything is cleaned up from your attempted heist.”

“Yeah right, I’m getting out of here as soon as I leave the office.” Zero thought.

“And don’t get it into your head in trying to escape.” Dean Cadence added. “There are still some Shadowbolts here to keep a close eye on you.”

“Shit, how does she know? Do adults really have eyes on their backs?”

“Twilight, would you please show our ‘guest’ the way to the storage room to pick up all the cleaning supplies?”

A girl around Zero’s age stepped up from behind him. She had lavender skin, purple eyes, and glasses. Her beautiful dark blue hair was tied in a bun, along with her violet and pink streaks in it.

She looked rather shy as she was fiddling with her hands.

“Wow, I didn’t know that eggheads could look so… cute.” Zero thought with dreamy eyes.

Twilight noticed it and waved her hand in front of him. “Euhm, excuse me? But staring is very rude.”

“Oh sorry.” Zero apologized and cleared his throat. “You were saying?”

“I’m going to lead you to the others so you can help them cleaning as your punishment.” Twilight clarified.

Zero groaned with his head down. “Do I really have to? The heist was just a joke to get back at you all.”

Twilight shook her head with closed eyes.“I’m sorry, but you shouldn’t have stayed behind and let yourself getting captured then.” She simply stated.

“Ouch.”

“Now could you follow me please?” As she guided him out of the Dean’s office.

After the two left the office, Dean Cadence tapped her chin until she came up with an idea and quickly tapped a number in on her phone.

An hour later, everyone at Crystal Prep was preparing to head home. Zero just finished cleaning the floor from one of the hallways.

“Would’ve been funnier if I could use water balloons to clean up the mess.” He sighed and wiped some sweat away from his forehead. “Where the heck are my friends? What’s taking them so long to save me?”

Then, someone tapped him on the shoulder. “Hey dude, are you finished?”

Zero turned around to look at the guy and was surprised to see who it was and what he was holding in his hands.

Just outside the entrance were Zero’s friends. They were overlooking their plan on getting him back.

“So, everyone knows the plan now?” Soul said with a tired expression, it was getting late.

“What plan?” Warhawk retorted. “We’re just gonna run in grab Zero and get the heck out of here.” He folded his arms at them. “That’s not even a plan dipshits. It’s just a full frontal assault.”

“Do you have a better idea then, Warhawk?” Swift asked.

Warhawk was about to tell his idea but got cut off when the front doors opened, revealing Zero. “Hey, guys! What took you so long?” He said while smiling.

Everyone stood there with their mouths agape, except for Warhawk and Treble.

“What’s the matter, guys? You look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Zero walked up to them with something behind his back.

Rivet shook his head before he spoke up. “Good to see you in one piece Zero.” He smiled. “But what do you have behind your back?”

“Oh, this?” And showed his friends the trophy that Lone stole earlier today. “This was a little going-away-present from Crystal Prep.”

They all looked at him in disbelieve.

“Yeah right,” Rainbow said. “They’re not gonna let you go with that trophy. There’s gotta be more behind it.”

“Well, if you wanna go into the details I’ll explain everything on our way home.” Zero offered and covered his mouth to yawn. “I’m also tired from all the cleaning.”

“Cleaning?” Clyde asked in confusion.

Zero rolled his eyes. “Like I said: I’ll explain everything on the way. Come on!”

Shrugging at each other, the group decided it was for the best and left the school of Crystal Prep. On their way home Zero explained everything on how he got captured, what his punishment was and how one of the Shadowbolts gave him the trophy back that got stolen earlier today.

Sighing in relief, Lone smiled when he saw Zero leave with his friends. Though he knows that he’s gonna get it once Sunny and her friends discover that he gave the trophy back to the Wondercolts. But he had to do it from Dean Cadence and he also thought it was the right thing to do in the end.

“Bold move you did there Lone,” said a voice behind him.

Lone rolled his eyes and turned around. “Tell me, do you always appear at times that I do something risky Neon?”

Neon nearly shrugged at him. “Meh, mere coincidence.” He replied. “But just so you know, you’re starting to play with fire here. Be sure you don’t get burned!”

Once again, Neon left without saying another word.

“Hey, Lone!” Quill called out to him. “Ready to head home?”

“Yeah, I think we’re done here.” Lone agreed. “Let’s go home.”

The two friends went to the exit until a new voice came in. “Might if I join you guys?”

Looking to their right, they see Bronze Wing walking over to them.

“I- I think-” Quill began.

“Of course you can join us Bronze.” Lone smiled.

Bronze smiled as well and quickly joined the two. Now, the three boys left the school together and headed home.

Around the corner, Neon noticed that Sunny and her friends were keeping an eye on Bronze. They wanted to be sure that he doesn’t do anything bad or mean to the new students. But when they saw Lone accepting him in his group they became a little frustrated at that. Except for Sugarcoat.

“Yup you’re gonna get burned tomorrow Lone.” Neon said while placing a toothpick in his mouth. “I hope for your sake that you’re ready for it,” he walked away and headed home too.

The next morning, Lone was walking together with Bronze to the entrance of Crystal Prep. They got some unsure looks from multiple students. But the two boys barely noticed it due to the funny conversation they were having.

“So really, those gun sounds we heard yesterday. That was actually you?” Lone asked.

“Correcto, It sounded real didn’t it?” Bronze smiled at him.

“Sounded real?! Dude, you sounded like you were shooting for an entire army! It was hilarious!!!” Lone held his hands against his stomach to contain his laughter. “You’re like that guy from the ‘Police academy’ movies.

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far….” Bronze rubbed the back of his head a bit. “But yeah I am pretty good at making those sounds.” He noticed that Lone stopped laughing but was still holding his arms against his stomach.

“Hey dude, you’re ok?” Bronze asked a little worried and placed his hand on his shoulder.

“I… I’m fine,” Lone assured. “I just stood up this morning with a little tummy ache. It went over when I arrived here, but now it’s back and it hurts even more.” Still holding his stomach.

Bronze furrowed his eyebrows a little. “Maybe you should see the nurse office. I can take you there if you want.” He offered.

Lone waved his hand in disapproval. “No it’s ok, I have brought my medicine with me. I think my allergy is coming up again.”

“Your… allergy?” Bronze asked confused.

Lone nodded at him. “I’m lactose intolerant. It means that my body can’t digest the lactose or the sugar in the milk and from other dairy products like cheese and yogurt.” He explained to Bronze. “If my body doesn’t produce enough lactase in my small intestine I get cramps from time to time. Very painful and annoying.”

“So you ate too much dairy products the past few days?” Bronze guessed.

“Yup! I love eating yogurt and cheese.” Lone confirmed and felt his cramps coming up again. “That’s what I get for eating too much of it.”

He grabbed a small bottle out of his backpack and opened it. A few pills came out and Lone immediately swallowed them. “There, that should help to reduce my cramps a bit. If I am lucky, the worst shall be over at the end of the day.”

“I hope so for your sake.” Bronze replied, “Oh, and Lone?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks... for being my friend and all.” Bronze smiled. “I really appreciate it, giving me a fair chance instead of judging me by my looks and the rumors you've heard.”

Lone smiled back at him and placed his hand on Bronze’s shoulder. “Anything for a friend.”

The boys continued their conversation inside the school. Unfortunately, Quill was nowhere to be found. Figuring he was hanging around with Lemon Zest. The two went their separate ways to get their books for their first class.

Sunny was already waiting at Lone’s locker. She wanted to talk to him about last night when he left the school with Bronze. Lemon is already lecturing Quill about how Bronze is not a guy to be trusted and Sunny planned to do the same with Lone. Her friends agreed with her except Sugarcoat.

After looking at her nails, Lone arrived at his locker and smiled once he saw her.

“Good Morning Sunny!”

“Morning, deary.” Sunny replied nonchalantly.

“Well aren’t you a ray of sunshine today?” Lone joked as he opened his locker. “Something bothering you?”

“I noticed you talking with Bronze again yesterday,” Sunny said, hearing that Lone stopped gathering his books. “I also noticed that you dragged Quill into it. Have you already forgotten what I told you yesterday?” She pressed on.

Lone sighed and took the rest of his books and closed his locker loudly. Sunny was a little startled at this. Normally she’s always the one to startle people so that they listen to her.

“I haven’t forgotten that Sunny. But there’s something I’ve come to realize.” Lone said in a more serious tone.

Sunny looked at him with narrowed eyes. “And that is?”

“You agreed with Principal Cinch to be my tutor here at Crystal Prep. Which means that you’ll be helping me in catching up with my studies.” Lone explained. “But as far as I know, tutoring doesn’t involve telling me who I should be friends with. Or is it?”

Sunny widened her eyes at him. Lone has a point. She then glared at him. “I’m trying to protect you, deary. Don’t end up with the wrong people, like Bronze.”

“What’s so wrong with him anyway?” Lone glared back at her. “Is it because how he looks or is it because of the bad rumors you heard about him?”

“Stop! Just stop right there Lone.” Sunny raised her voice a bit. “I know you’ve talked with him yesterday and he’s just-”

“No Sunny, you stop!” Lone interrupted. “In the past 24 hours, I’ve learned something else about you. You believe rumors and judge others before you even get to know them. I only believe things when I see it myself. And from what I’ve seen yesterday and this morning, Bronze is completely different based what you told me. He’s kind, helpful and a very funny guy to hang out with. He’s just misjudged!”

Hearing all this, Sunny was a bit overwhelmed by Lone’s boldness. With her mouth agape, she tried to come up with a counter-argument.

Lone noticed that he was getting through her and pressed on. “Sunny all I am asking of you is, forget the rumors for once and try to get to know him.” He reached his hand out to her, in hopes to gain her trust.

Sunny looked at him. She could see the sincerity in eyes and reached out to him, only to push his hand softly away. “Sorry deary, but I stand by my choice.”

Lowering his hand, Lone retorted “well so am I!”

“Stubborn boy.”

“Why does she have to be so stubborn?!”

They continued glaring at each other until Sunny broke eye-contact and sighed. “That’s it! I’m done with you.”

Lone raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“You heard me. I’m done being your tutor.” Sunny said. “If you can’t listen to me, a girl who gives up her free time to try and help you fitting in here, then forget it!” She huffed at him, turned around and walked away.

“If that’s how you want it, then FINE!!!” Lone shouted at her but she ignored him and walked around the corner. Angrily, Lone grabbed his backpack and walked to his first class of today.

“Once again Lone, you blew it!” He sighed, widening his eyes. “And I am talking to myself again…. as usual…. Wunderbar!” Pinching the bridge of his head. “Miss Rose was right, I am too nice and I try to be more assertive. But why does it feel wrong to say ‘no’ to people sometimes? Maybe I should call Miss Rose about this after school and about my…. handicap.” He looked down to his legs before he entered the classroom.

Sunny took a detour to her class so that she doesn’t have to walk with Lone. With her head still raised up a bit she thought about what happened earlier. “Ugh what an idiot. After all that I’ve done for him and this is how he repays me!? The nerve of him. Principal Cinch will not like it when- ”

Stopping in her tracks, Sunny realized the mistake she made. She promised her aunt that she would help Lone. “Great, now I've done it!” Facepalming herself she continued her way to class while thinking of a solution.

Lunchtime came and Lone was waiting in line to get his lunch. While thinking about what to eat someone tapped on Lone’s shoulder.

“Lone Wolf?”

Turning around Lone looked at a pretty beautiful girl. Recognizing her, he widened his eyes in surprise. “F-Fleur?”

Sunny was eating her lunch with her friends. Although, their conversations were more about who’s the best or who had the highest score on their latest tests.

“I told you I would be the fastest at running five tracks around the soccer field.” Indigo proudly proclaimed. “You guys are too slow for me.”

“Let’s not forget the three times you almost fell face first on the ground.” Sugarcoat commented dryly. “And Lightning Dust nearly beat you to it.”

Indigo growled at her and continued eating.

“Maybe you should better be careful Sugarcoat,” Lemon spoke up. “When we got the results from our chemistry test earlier I had a higher score than you. How come?”

“None of your business Lemon.” Sugarcoat quickly replied and took a sip of her drink.

“Would you all just stop boasting yourselves.” Sour then said. “It's getting on my nerves. At least me and Sunny aren’t bragging about ourselves. Right, Sunny?”

“Mhm.”

“There see? So all of you: Shut up!”

The group reluctantly agreed and continued eating their lunch. Their quiet moment soon stopped when Quill arrived at their table.

“Ah, Quill! Glad you made it come sit next to me.” Lemon offered him.

“T-thanks, Zest.” Quill smiled happily and sat down. “He eh, about-”

“Nah it’s fine Quill, I’m just glad you listen to reason and that you’re back with us instead of hanging around with Bronze Wing.”

Quill nodded but furrowed his eyebrows after. “I- I just wished Lone would too.” And looked a bit down.

“Speaking of the guy, what happened between you and him this morning Sunny?” Indigo asked.

Sunny was using a napkin to clean her mouth before she replied. “Oh, I warned him about Bronze on how the guy really is.” She explained. “But instead of listening to me, he turned my own words against me. I was having none of it and I cut ties with him. Simple as that.”

The group stayed silent for a few seconds in disbelief.

“T-that doesn’t sound like L-lone at all.” Quill finally said.

“It is what it is deary.” Sunny pressed on. “If he doesn’t want to listen to reason, then he’s on his own. Besides, I’m sure he’ll crawl back to me and begging me for forgiveness once he realizes his mistake.”

Lemon was not convinced and leaned her head against her hand, looking up she notices something in the distance and then smirked back at Sunny.

“And what if you’re wrong?” Lemon then asked.

“I am never wrong deary,” Sunny said with full confidence. “Before the school’s over today, Lone shall be waiting at my locker. Just you wait.”

The rest of her friends looked at her in disbelief, so Indigo decided to turn things around. “Hey, since when are Lone and Fleur best friends?” She pointed at the waiting line.

Everyone turned around and saw Fleur and Lone hugging each other tightly. They released each after a few seconds with happy smiles on their faces. The Shadow 5 looked perplexed at this, especially Sunny.

After their hug, they were still holding each other's hands. “Incredible, I wasn’t expecting to see you again here Canterlot and even in Crystal Prep!” Fleur said happily.

“Me neither Fleur, me neither,” Lone replied while wiping a few tears of happiness of his face. “How long has it been since we last saw each other?”

Fleur tapped her chin. “Hmm, I think we met each other during elementary school back in Vanhoover.”

“Right!” Lone remembered. “We met each other when were selected for a yogurt commercial.” He then leaned closer to Fleur. “Not to mention all those photoshoots we had after.” He snickered.

Fleur giggled, “Mhmm those were great times. You certainly got the attention after everyone discovered you have a-” Lone softly place his hand on her mouth. “Not here Fleur. I’ll let the school know when the time is right ok?”

Fleur nodded at him in understanding. “Alright then, say if you’re interested you can join me for lunch.” She offered. “We have so much catching up to do.”

Lone smiled at her idea. “That would be great! Thank you, Belle Fleur.” He winked at her.

“And here I’d hoped you forgot about my nickname.” Fleur fake pouted.

“Never.” Lone teased and they both started to laugh.

The two reunited friends quickly grabbed their lunch, with Fleur guiding Lone to her table where she introduced him to her friends.

Back with the girls, Sunny glared at Fleur and sat back down and continued eating with a grumpy look.

“Well, that takes care of that then.” Indigo dusted her hands off. “Now you don’t have to waste your time on him anymore eh Sunny?”

“Yeah… wonderful!” Sunny growled.

Lemon and Sour snickered at her reaction. But Sunny ignored them.

The rest of the lunch went by quietly. When the bell rang, the students hurried their ways to their next classes.

On his way, Lone thought about the new people he met. Fleur’s boyfriend Fancy Pants was the definition of a real Gentleman. Based on his table manners and his accent Lone learned that Fancy was from the UK.

But Fleur’s two other friends, Jet Set and Upper Crust were acting like snobs. They had no respect for Lone or any other student who had a lower status than them. Luckily Fancy and Fleur stood up for Lone and they flinched a little. After that, the two were careful with their words. Suri and Trenderhoof were friendlier at least. Maybe one day he can be friends with them.

Classes came and go. When the final bell rang, Lone began packing his stuff from Algebra and looked at the test result he got earlier. An A+. He never had such good grade for Algebra. But when he met Sunny, she helped him with understanding the formulas better and even gave him some tips and tricks to remember them better.

Lone frowned a little, thinking about his confrontation in the morning and lowered his head a little. “Thanks for the help Sunny.” He mumbled.

At the same time, Sunny was at her locker and she was looking at the summary of History. She also got an A+. “If it wasn’t for Lone I probably would’ve gotten and C- or something.”

Sunny sighed and closed her locker. Thinking if she actually did the right thing. She looked up and knew exactly who can help her in situations like this. She quickly ran up the nearest stairs to find her.

Lone was now walking to the exit. Still, with his head down, he wondered if he did the right thing. “If you need to talk to somebody besides your fellow students, my door is always open for you.” Widening his eyes Lone turned around and ran upstairs too.

Dean Cadence was finishing her work on her computer for today. She hoped to stop by a nearby snack bar. Since she was having a baby she slowly started to get more hungry and wanted to eat more than usual.

Sighing happily, she softly patted her belly with a smile. “You’re hungry huh? Don’t worry, mommy will get you some food soon.”

At that moment, someone knocked on the door. Dean Cadence quickly recomposed herself before she replied. “Come in.”

Opening the door, Lone entered her office.

“Lone, it's good to see you, please take a seat.” Dean Cadence smiled happily. “You know, you’re off to a good start so far. Keep up your good work and you'll become one of the best.” She encouraged him.

Lone raised his hand a bit so that she would allow him to speak. “Thank you, Dean Cadence but today….” He looked up, revealing his sad face, “I need to talk with you, about Sunny.”

The door opened again, revealing Sunny. “Dean Cadence, I need to talk to you about Lo- Lone? What are you doing here?”

Putting two and two together, Dean Cadence had an idea what this is all about. “Come on in Sunny and let’s talk things out between you and Lone.” She suggested.

Sunny softly nodded, closed the door and took a seat next to Lone. They both didn’t dare to look at each other.

Dean Cadence rested her chin on her hands and spoke up. “So what's bothering you two?”

Author's Note

This is what I had originally planned before the rewrite: Fleur and Lone being childhood friends. And I have a few more of those planned in the upcoming chapters.

Thanks for reading my story so far and I'll see you all in the next chapter!