Flaring Up Our Hearts

by FrostGuardian

Rating: teen
Tags: Drama, Alternate Universe, Shadowbolts (EqG), Sunny Flare, Other, Romance, Original Character, Equestria Girls, Comedy, Main 7 (EqG)
Length: 35412

A school where you have to prove yourself worthy was something that Lone was more than willing to do. But what he didn't know was that one of the popular girls of the school has taken an interest in him.

Doing his best to ‘fit in’. Lone Wolf tries to prove himself worthy of the reputation of Crystal Prep Academy.

Though it’s not always studying and hard work. Lone spends some of his free time with his friends. Particularly more with a certain girl that has an eye for fashion or should I say has ‘an eye’ for him....

My Little Pony and Equestria Girls belong to Hasbro.

I only own Lone Wolf and his family.

The other Oc's belong to their respective owners of the PoME universe.

New Cover art made by Snow Bullet

Published 2016-01-09 21:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2019-07-22 22:43:51 UTC

Settling in

Yawning while stretching his body, Lone fell into the nearest sofa. He was finally done with all his chores for the weekend: mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, washing the dishes and let’s not forget rebuilding his bookcase, his desk, and his bed, all because he’d moved to Canterlot a few days ago.

“Glad that’s over with,” Lone said to himself, smiling proudly.

Resting with his hands behind his head, Lone looked up at the white ceiling. He thought about tomorrow. Tomorrow would be his first day at his new school. “I wonder what kind of school Crystal Prep will be?” Lone thought. “I’ve heard the school has quite the reputation when it comes to education.” He chuckled at the small rhyme he’d made, but he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

The boy’s thoughts were interrupted by a voice coming from the street. “Lone Wolf! Come over here and help me unload the car!” screamed an elderly voice.

Sighing, the blue-skinned boy stood up. Running a hand quickly through his short, white hair and made his way to the front door. “Do I ever get a break here?” Lone complained out loud.

“I heard that, you whippersnapper! You better not be laying on the sofa when I enter the house!”

Gulping at the elder’s reaction, Lone ran outside and was at the car in no time. His golden eyes peered at someone who looked similar, except that this person was much much older and had natural green eyes while Lone’s were yellow.

“About time, Lone.” The elderly man grabbed something from the car’s trunk. “Here. Carry this for me and put it in the kitchen, on the counter.”

Carrying three bags in his left hand while carrying two heavy bottles in his right, Lone made his way back inside. “I suppose it’s not all that bad,” Lone mumbled to himself. Then he stopped in his tracks and looked around.

“Something’s wrong Lone?” the elder man asked.

Lone shook his head. “N-no, nothing, Grandpa. I just thought for a second that I was being watched.”

“Yeah, by me, obviously. To make sure you didn’t get lost.” His grandfather laughed.

Giving his grandpa a dry look, Lone shrugged it off and went inside with the groceries.

After everything was unloaded from the car, Lone’s grandfather parked the car back in the garage while Lone started preparing dinner with his grandfather soon joining him.

While he peeled the last potato, Lone checked the clock on the wall. It was almost six pm.

“Grandpa? May I be excused? I promised to call my educator today,” Lone asked.

His grandpa was cleaning some broccoli before he looked at his grandson. “You may go Lone. I’ll make the rest of our dinner.”

Smiling, Lone stood up.

“But before you go, set the table first.”

Sighing again, Lone did what was asked of him. He was almost out of the kitchen when his grandfather called him again. “Now what?!” Lone grumbled in his thoughts.

“You’re washing the dishes after dinner.” His Grandfather smirked at him.

“Aww, come on, grandpa,” Lone groaned in annoyance.

“No objections, Lone.”

A little bothered by the extra chore, Lone walked to his room upstairs and started up his computer and logged onto Skype.

Pressing the ‘call button’ Lone leaned back in his chair, waiting for a response. After a few seconds, the call was answered by a woman in her forties. She had light green skin, spring green eyes, and long, messy red hair.

“Lone Wolf?” the green woman asked. “Is that you?”

Lone shyly waved at her. “Good evening, Miss Rose. Yeah, it's me, I called like I promised.”

Miss Rose smiled and looked closer at him through the webcam. “My, my, you’re looking quite handsome since the last time I saw you.”

He blushed, then quickly spoke up. “Y-yeah, when Grandpa picked me up, he began complaining about how I looked. About how my hair was too long and quite messy and about the type of clothes that I choose to wear. He was having none of it.”

Rose couldn’t help but laugh a little bit. “Haven’t I told you the same things over and over again?”

“H-hey! I liked the way I looked back then,” Lone defended. “Besides, I-I only agreed for a ‘makeover’ because you have to respect your elders.”

Rose gave him a pouting look. “Are you saying that I am getting old? Hmpf! How rude of you, young man.”

Lone waved both his hands at her in panic. “No, no, nooo! I didn’t mean you, Miss Rose!” he quickly said. “I meant my grandfather. You’re young, kind, and beautiful….”

The red-haired woman laughed at the panicking teenager. “Oh, you’re so easy to tease. I was only joking, Lone.”

“Oh.” Lone scratched the back of his head, his cheeks on fire. “Silly me.”

“And don’t worry; I was not offended by you,” she assured him. “It was actually cute to see you blush. You’re also quite the charmer, complimenting me like that.”

“Well, it’s true I mean the things I say…. except when someone makes me very angry.”

Rose chuckled. “Yes, I know. I’m surprised that you haven’t found a girlfriend yet. I hope you find your true love in your new school Canterlot High.”

“Actually, I’m going to Crystal Prep instead, Miss Rose,” Lone corrected her.

She raised an eyebrow at him. “Crystal Prep? I thought I recommended your grandfather Canterlot High instead. What changed his mind?”

Lone leaned back in his chair a bit. “Well, after he picked me up in Vanhoover, we started a conversation,” he explained. “Eventually I told him about Canterlot High, the school you recommended me to go. He knew but he said that I should go to Crystal Prep instead.”

“Yes I know that, but why did he want you to go Crystal Prep?” Miss Rose clarified

“From what my grandpa told me. Crystal Prep takes education very, very seriously and gives more opportunities for the future.” Lone explained. “I’ve heard some politicians, celebrities, athletes and other important people graduated there. So I-”

“Lone!” his grandfather called from downstairs. “Dinner’s ready.”

“I’ll be right there!” Lone called back and looked back at Miss Rose. “As I was saying, I thought to give the school a chance.”

Miss Rose nodded at him. “Still, Lone, be careful. It may be a school with many opportunities but not everything is what it seems.

Lone leaned a little closer to his computer screen. “What do you mean?” he asked.

Miss Rose furrowed her eyebrows in a little worry. “I’ve heard their principal can very stern and some of the students there aren’t very friendly. Nor are they interested in friendship.”

Lone had a look of concern. “What are you saying?”

The young woman sighed. “I’m saying that you need to be careful with who you befriend and who you trust. You’re a very kind and helpful boy, Lone. Sometimes you’re too kind, which makes you a target for the wrong people who will use you to do their dirty work.”

“Lone!” his grandfather called him again. “Are you coming or what?!”

“One minute!” he replied back. “I gotta go now, Miss Rose. But I’ll keep in mind what you told me.”

Miss Rose smiled again. “I know, Lone and be careful on your first day tomorrow, okay?”

“I promise!”

“Call me if you ever needed to talk to me. Okay? Bye!”

“Bye Miss Rose.” They both ended the call and Lone quickly made his way downstairs.

After eating dinner, Lone washed the dishes while his grandfather cleaned the rest of the kitchen.

Finishing his task, Lone decided to end the day by either watching a movie or playing a video game on his computer. His grandfather, however, had other plans for him.

“Just where do you think you’re going, sonny?”

Lone sighed and turned around. “I’m heading upstairs to my room,” he replied. “Why? Do you need me for something else?”

“As a matter of fact, I do,” his grandfather said. “We have to check if you fit your new uniform.”

“My uniform?” Lone asked, a little confused.

“For your new school. All the students of Crystal Prep wear a uniform," his grandfather further explained. "By the way, do you know how to tie a tie?”

The young man shook his head.

Lone’s grandfather pinched the bridge of his head. “Can’t believe this,” he mumbled. Seventeen years old and he doesn’t know how to tie a tie. In my day I learned it when I was only eight years.

Lone looked at him with a confused expression.

“I was mumbling to myself, wasn’t I?” Lone nodded. “Well, anyways! Head upstairs and get dressed. You’ll find your uniform in the bathroom. Once you’re dressed, call me and I’ll teach you how to tie your tie.“

“Okay, grandpa.” as Lone made his way to the bathroom.

It took nearly an hour but Lone finally knew how to tie his tie inside and out.

“There, now you’ve got it,” his grandfather said, relieved. “Now what’s the last thing you need to do?”

“I need to tighten the knot carefully to the collar by holding the narrow end and pulling the knot up,” Lone explained while also showing it.

“Correct! Well, sonny, you’re ready for tomorrow.” He patted his grandson on the back.

Lone smiled at him and then looked at himself in the mirror. His grandfather did the same and smiled as well before he left the bathroom, leaving his grandson to himself. Though there was one thing that made Lone wandering about.

“Grandpa Wise?”

Wise leaned his head back inside the bathroom. “Yes Lone?”

“Did my father go to Crystal Prep too?”

His grandfather nodded at him. “Yes, he did, and graduated there and went to college after.”

“What about my mother?”

Wise waited a few seconds before he spoke up. “She… went to Canterlot High. The rival school of Crystal Prep.” For a second Wise’s face became sad, only to change into a smile real quick. “But that is a story for another time, Lone.”

Nodding, Lone looked at himself one more time in his uniform. A light blue shirt with a dark purple tie, wearing over it a dark Bordeaux blazer. Slim fitting pants that fit with the color of his tie and some dark grey, leather shoes.

Before he went to sleep he looked at a picture frame on the small nightstand next to his bed. In the picture were a man and a woman. The man looked a lot like Lone in almost every way except for his eyes—they were dark green. He was holding his left hand onto the woman’s left shoulder. The young woman had pink skin, yellow eyes, and long silver hair with a white highlight in it. They both were smiling at the camera.

Lone smiled back at them. “Goodnight, Mom, and Dad….” he said before he crawled into his bed and turned off the lights.

Across the street lived Lone’s neighbors. Their house was split into two different colors and was built in a musical shape. The chimney had the design from pipes of an organ.

It was now early in the morning, a couple left the house and locked the door behind them. They walked together-hand-in-hand towards a Panzer IV tank that was parked in front of the house.

The girl had long and dark gray hair, light gray skin and lavender eyes. She wears a pink bow around her neck, a purple waistcoat with a white blouse under it and a pink skirt with a treble clef symbol on it. She also wears black, open shoes with long, white stockings.

The boy next to her had black hair, silver-white skin, and deep blue eyes. He wears a black chef's coat with gold embroideries, vertical white-black striped chef pants, and black chef shoes.

“The beginning of another week…. at school.” The girl sighed.

“Come on, Octy, it’s not that bad.” The boy moved to comfort her. “Just one more year after this and we graduate.”

The girl looked back at him with a smile. “Oh, it’s not that, Mise,“ she replied. “I’m just not a fan of Mondays. That’s all.”

“Still tired from practicing last weekend?” Mise asked. “You, Vinyl, and Artemis have been practicing way too much for the Fall Festival.”

Octavia yawned and rubbed her eyes before she answered. “I know, I know… But Artemis has something special planned for Aria,” she said. “So that’s why we were practicing so long.”

Mise nodded in understanding and helped his girlfriend into the tank. Just when he was about to close the lid and start the engine, his attention was drawn across the street. A boy and a much older man were chatting with each other in the garage.

“Now who’s that?” Mise thought. “He must be new around here.”

“Mise? What’s taking you so long?” Octavia asked while poking her head out the tank.

“It seems that we have someone new living in the street, Octi.” Mise pointed to Lone.

Octavia looked at Lone as well and after a few seconds, she widened her eyes in surprise. “Oh, no.”

“What’s the matter? Something wrong?”

“He wears a Crystal Prep uniform,” Octavia replied. “He’s a Shadowbolt.”

Mise raised an eyebrow in confusion. “A Shadowbolt?”

“A Shadowbolt is a student that attends to Crystal Prep Academy. Close to the city,” Octavia explained. “They are our school greatest rivals. Especially now with the Friendship games coming. They’ve never been very friendly to us.”

Leaning back a little against the tank, Mise spoke up. “Do you even know him, Octi?” The girl shook her head. “Then how do you know if he’s also like the rest of them?”

“….”

“That’s what I thought,” Mise replied. “Look Octi, I’ve met a lot of people before I came here and I have a big family living all over the globe. Yes, some of them can be a pain sometimes but that doesn’t give me the right to judge my family as a terrible one just because of them. The same goes for this one Shadowbolt who lives across the street from us.” He pointed at Lone.

Octavia looked down with furrowed eyebrows. Mise was right. “Ok, but what do you think we should do then?”

Mise tapped his chin. “When we have time, maybe after school or later on this week, we’ll go meet him. Of course, some of our friends might disagree with this because of the rivalry. But I think it’s worth it if we can get to know him better.”

“And what if he is like most of the other Shadowbolts?”

Mise sighed before he answered. “If he is, we’ll stay polite to him and his family no matter what. Sooner or later we’ll find the reason why these Shadowbolts are so mean to us. If we find the reason we’ll do our most damn best to try and show them a better way and what it means to have true friends at your side.”

“You’re very wise for your age, Mise.” Octavia leaned closer to him. “I’m glad that I have met you.”

Mise smiled back at his girlfriend. “And I am glad that I met you, Octi.” They both kissed each other but they soon got interrupted by a loud cracking noise coming from their home.

There now was a large hole in the roof and the last thing they heard from the sky was: “To infinity and beyooooond!!!”

The couple glanced at each other before they looked back at the roof. “TREBLE/VINYL!!!!” They screamed.

“Sorry guys! Treble forgot to read the manual of these jetpacks. We’ll get it fixed after school. Promise!” screamed a female voice from inside the house.

“Oooow Vinyl….” Octavia groaned while massaging her temples. “What she sees in him I’ll never understand.”

“As long as they are happy and fix that roof of our home, they can do whatever they want,” Mise said and went down in the tank to start the engine.

After witnessing the exploding sound from the neighbors and the giant Panzer IV tank parked at the front, Lone said goodbye to his grandfather and went off to Crystal Prep on his bike. The ride went smoothly until a driver who hadn’t been paying attention almost missed a red light and nearly hit Lone.

But despite his shaky legs, Lone managed to arrive at Crystal Prep in one piece and finally got a good look at the school. It was a rather majestic place: the gates were decorated with crystals, as were some parts of the roof from the school buildings. There were also two crystal towers on each side of the main building.

Lone kept looking at the building while making his way to the entrance. Some other Shadowbolts were looking at him oddly. Instead of smiling or saying hello, they just ignored and glared at him.

He stood now in front of the entrance of the school. He took a deep breath to relax. “This is it. First day in my new school. Hopefully, I don’t get into trouble.” Shaking that thought off, Lone opened the door of Crystal Prep and went inside to meet his fellow students.

Author's Note

And that's the first chapter of my reboot. Let me know what you think about it.

Also, I've decided to end each chapter with a song or a soundtrack that could fit with the chapter itself. Enjoy!

P.s: Yes, I am a Code Lyoko fan.

P.p.s: The chapter is now edited thanks to Jarvy Jared, a fellow PoME author. Thanks man! You're the best. :eeyup:

A coincidence

Earlier that morning in the more high-class region of Canterlot, was a beautiful mansion with a big driveway and a small fountain in the middle. On the right were three garages. Each garage gate was labeled with a name.

The third gate with the name ‘Sunny Flare’ on it, opened and an Audi TT drove out and was heading for the street.

Sunny Flare, who was driving the car, is a girl with light turquoise blue skin, shortcut, purple hair with pink streaks and cerise eyes. She was enjoying the early morning sun with her sunglasses on and the wind flowing through her hair. She turned on the radio for the extra sphere as she let out a sigh of relief.

Her happy moment got interrupted by a phone call from her dad, making Sunny rolling her eyes. “What does he want now?” She thought in annoyance, before answering the call. “What is it, dad? I’m driving! so make it fast.”

“Sunny, you left the house without saying goodbye to me and your mother…. again.”

The purple haired girl groaned before she replied. “Really dad? I was in a hurry and besides, I wanna be on time. I hate being late.”

“You haven't even had breakfast!” Her father pressed on. “And I don’t remember seeing you at dinner yesterday.”

“Because I was studying!” Sunny retorted. “Geez dad, I’m working extra hard now with the Friendship Games coming this month. Not to mention I am also responsible for making the uniforms for the games. I have a lot of work to do these days!”

“Sunny… You and I both know that you're only doing this in hopes that Principal Cinch will notice the hard work you're putting in all your schoolwork and give you the respect you deserve.” Her father said. “But you don’t need to continue doing this. Your grades are excellent, you’re one of the best! Your mother and I are proud of you. We just don’t want to see you overstressed or have a mental breakdown.”

Sunny remained silent. She knows her father only wants what’s best for her even though he’s so overprotective. Although her mother wants Sunny to reach her full potential. But not in the way that she’s doing right now and Sunny knows her father was right. She just wanted the respect of her aunt. She let out a deep breath and closed her eyes for a second.

Focusing back on the road, Sunny realized she was nearing a crossroad and had a red light. On the left was a biker, who had a green light and was ready to cross.

In a panic, Sunny pushed the brake pedal with heavy force. Inhibitory sounds filled the street, making the bystanders looking up at her.

The biker himself looked to his right and saw the Audi TT coming at him with high speed. Widening his eyes in fear, he accelerated his pace on his pedals.

Sunny stopped the car just in time and looked at the biker who drove away as fast as he could. She was still shaking, she nearly caused an accident. Placing her hand over her heart and took deep breaths to calm down.

“Sunny? Sunny? What was that?” Her father asked.

Nearly forgotten that she was still on a call, Sunny spoke up again. “I-it’s nothing dad. S-some crazy driver ignored a red light and nearly drove into the car before me.” She lied. “I managed to stop just in time.”

“Are you ok? Do you want me to pick you up after school instead?”

Sunny scoffed at his suggestion. “Dad, I’m fine. Nothing happened to me.” She assured him. “I’m not the little helpless girl like I used to be. I’m a proud young woman now.“

“Okay, just… if something is wrong, call me and I’ll be there immediately.”

“Duly noted, now If you'll excuse me I’d like to drive to school in peace and quiet. Bye, dad!” Sunny ended the call without giving her dad the chance to say goodbye.

Leaving the parking lot Sunny opened her purse and took out her hand mirror, admiring her beauty.

“Is that all you do these days?” A female voice said next to her. “Watching yourself in the mirror all the time, maybe you should start a relationship with it and later on marry it.”

Sunny glared at the girl but quickly changed it into a smirk once she saw who it was. “Good morning to you too Lemon Tart!”

“Ah! Stop calling me that.” The green haired girl pouted. “It’s Lemon ZEST, not Lemon Tart! You know I hate that name.”

“Then you shouldn’t tease me about my mirror.” Sunny retorted. “You know I can roast people if I want to.”

Lemon Zest raised her hands in surrender. “Fine, fine! I’ll stop if you stop calling me Lemon Tart, deal?”

“It’s a deal dearie”. Sunny smiled and puts her mirror back in her purse.

“ ‘morning Sunny, morning Lemon Tart!”

“What did I just tell you?!” Lemon shouted at her. Sunny rolled her eyes at her and pointed at someone behind Lemon.

“Geez Zest! Maybe you should take off your headphones once in awhile so you might hear who was calling you.” Said a girl with goggles on her forehead.

“I don’t care Indigo! You damn well know I hate that name. So you better stop calling me that.” Lemon Zest urged.

“Yeah, yeah whatever!” Indigo said and crossed her arms. “Oh yeah, almost forgot! Sunny! Principal Cinch would like to speak with you, immediately.”

Sunny widened her eyes. “What does she want to see me for?”

“I don’t know.” Indigo shrugged. “I guess it’s about the new students that are coming this month. You better hurry to her office, you know how she can be when someone’s late.”

“True, I’m on my way. Talk to you later girls.” Sunny said and left her friends.

Heading upstairs to the Principal's office Sunny bumped with her shoulder into one of her fellow students.

“Watch where you going, moron.” She said and took a quick glance at the person she bumped into and continued her route.

Arriving at the office, Sunny knocked three times before entering the dark office. She sat down on the small stool in front of the desk.

Sunny gulped before she spoke up. “Indigo said you wanted to speak to me Principal Cinch?”

The big golden chair turned around, revealing Principal Cinch herself. “Indeed and do you also know why I called you here?”

“Something about three new students that are joining our school this month?” Sunny guessed.

“Correct! One of these three new students has arrived today.” Cinch explained. “Right now Dean Cadance is giving him a tour of the school. But that’s not the reason why I wanted you here.”

“Then what is the reason?” Sunny asked.

Holding the new student’s file in her hands Cinch looked back at Sunny. “As you remember Sunny Flare, a few weeks ago you and your friends let Heavenly Quill go through your ‘Shadow initiation'." She finger quoted that last one. “I want you to do the same with the new student today, to see if he’s worthy of the reputation of my school.”

“That’s it?”

“Of course not!” Cinch retorted. “If he succeeds I want you to help him prepare for the Friendship Games and I want him to become a ‘straight A student’.”

Sunny gave Principal Cinch an unamused look. “Seriously? I know it’s tradition to do the Shadow initiation with every new student but making him a straight A student? This is something for Twilight or Sugarcoat.”

“Are you saying that you’re not up for the task I’m giving you?” Principal Cinch curtly said and turned her back to Sunny. “I was expecting better from one of my best students in the school.”

Cringing Sunny quickly recomposed herself. “No, no that’s not what I meant!” She proclaimed. “I was just surprised that you would let me help a new student, that’s all.”

The Principal Cinch turned around again and sighed. “The reason I ask you to do this is that I trust you.” Sunny’s eyes lit up as Principal Cinch continued. “Lemon Zest said that Heavenly Quill shall be ready when the Friendship Games are here. Though I’m not really convinced by her. I want certainty that all of my students are at their peak level, especially the new ones.”

Principal Cinch now stood in front of Sunny and lifted her chin up. “Who better to do this then my dear niece?” She said in a caring tone.

Hearing those honest words from her aunt, Sunny smiled and stood up as well. “I’ll make sure this new student shall become one of the best ones this school has ever seen. This I promise you.”

“Excellent! Dean Cadance and the new student should arrive at any minute now.” Principal Cinch said while looking at her watch. “This moment between us never happened. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal clear, Principal Cinch.”

"Good."

As soon as Lone entered Crystal Prep, he realized that the school was even more beautiful on the inside. Crystal pillars, trophy cabinets on the sides and some tapestry’s here and there with a giant ‘S’ on it.

Looking around, Lone didn’t notice that someone was standing behind him. “Hey, Newbie.” The boy pushed Lone a bit. “If you’re looking for the pony rides, they’re outside,” as the boy passed him by.

Lone furrowed his eyebrows at the boy with the spiky brown hair. He also noticed that the boy dropped his sunglasses. “Excuse me, dude! You dropped your sunglasses.” as Lone picked them up and gave them back.

“Thanks…” Said the boy and puts them back on. He then analyzed Lone up and down. “You’re not from around here are ya?”

“Nop, I’m new here otherwise why would you call me a newbie?” Lone replied.

“Fair enough.” The boy shrugged. “But I give everyone at this school a nickname… If I want to…. depends on what mood I am.”

“This guy doesn’t care much about things.” Lone said in his thoughts. “Or maybe he just hates Mondays.”

“You got a name or what newbie?” The boy then asked.

Getting out of his train of thoughts Lone replied. “My name is Lone Wolf. What’s your name?”

“Neon Lights is the name.” The boy pointed to himself proudly. “Well since you’re new here, I think you and the other newbie could become friends.”

Lone looked at Neon with a raised eyebrow. “Other newbie?”

Neon raised an eyebrow before he smirked at Lone. “What? You think you’re the only newbie here? The other newbie’s name is Heavenly Quill. Green skin, white hair, blue eyes and wears glasses. Can't-miss him.” Neon described. “He's the first new student to join us this year and it seems that you’re the second one.”

Lone smiled a little, at least he knows now that he’s not the only new guy around here.

“Well, I must be off.” Neon said as he checked the time on his watch. “Don’t wanna get detention for Archery, blech!” he pouted.

“Wait! I don’t know what my first class is. I don't even have my schedule.”

“Don’t worry, Dean Cadance will be here shortly and gives you a tour of the school along with your schedule.” Neon assured him from around the corner. “Oh, one more thing you should know Lone. Crystal Prep is a school that learns how to look out after yourself. So don’t expect much help from our fellow students here. But I’m sure that won’t be a problem for you. After all, your name said itself ‘Lone Wolf’.” He laughed before disappeared.

“Very funny.” Lone rolled his eyes. “At least he doesn’t call me a Newbie anymore.”

Waiting for a couple more minutes a young, pink woman in a blue uniform walked over to Lone. She cleared her throat before she spoke to him. “Excuse me, are you the new student Lone Wolf?”

“Yes, that’s me and I assume you’re Dean Cadence?”

“I am. A pleasure to meet you Lone.”

“Likewise ma'am.” As they both shook each other's hands.

“Just Dean Cadence is fine.” She smiled and checked her clipboard. “I’ll be giving you the tour of our school. Once the tour is done I’ll introduce you to our Principal and I’ll give you your schedule after.”

“Fine by me Dean Cadence.” Lone shrugged. “Lead the way.”

Dean Cadence nodded and began the tour with Lone following behind. She showed him the computer class, Art class, the Gym and all the other classrooms, including the cafeteria.

During the tour, Lone bumped into Sunny Flare she only gave him a quick glance while passing him and said: “Watch where you going, moron.”

Glaring at her, Lone shrugged it off and went back to Dean Cadence to continue the tour.

“And finally there is the soccer field where the students also have Archery.” Dean Cadence said finished the tour. “I think they’re practicing right now with Coach Aspen.”

Looking out a nearby window, Lone saw the students standing in a row. One by one waiting to fire their arrows at the target. He spotted Neon near the front of the row. But what really got his attention was a yellow-skinned girl with a pink ponytail and a green highlight in the middle.

The girl made a tumble first and immediately shot three arrows after, hitting the bullseye with all three of them.

“That girl got some skills,” Lone said, impressed.

“That’s Sour Sweet.” Dean Cadence said. “She’s the best archer in our school and she’s also the Captain of our Archery club.”

Looking at the rest of the students, Lone tried to find the boy that Neon mentioned and he found him. Heavenly Quill was standing now at the front and fired his arrows too, hitting the bullseye with the first one. The second and the third one hit the second circle.

“He’s not bad either.” Lone thought.

“Well, that ends our tour, Lone.” Dean Cadence said while overlooking her papers. “All that’s left is meeting the Principal. Come on, I’ll show you the way.”

“So Dean Cadence, I was wondering… what kind of a Principal is Cinch actually?” Lone asked while they were on their way to her office.

“Ah yes, Principal Cinch. Well…” Cadence tapped her chin a bit. “She’s a proud woman who wants her students reach their full potential by any means necessary.”

Lone raised an eyebrow at her. “By any means necessary?”

“Though I admit that she's sometimes overdoing it on some of our students. Which made those students then come over to me to talk about her extremer methods.” Making Dean Cadence sigh. “But I always manage to convince them to give Principal Cinch’s methods a chance and in the end, the things work for the best and the students are very grateful that they tried her methods.”

“And…. what kind of methods does she use on her students? Nothing bad I hope?”

“Oh dear, no Lone!” Dean Cadence gasped. “Maybe I explained things in the wrong way but Cinch doesn’t do anything bad that would endanger the reputation of this school. She can be very stern when she needs to, but she means well and cares about her students. She doesn’t show it much but she does.”

Lone let out a sigh of relief. “Then I think I’m gonna get along with her just fine. I take my work very seriously. Especially when it comes to studying for tests or overlooking things for lessons the next day… you name it. I can be a hard worker when I need to.”

“I’m glad to hear that Lone.” Dean Cadence smiled at him. “If you need to talk to somebody besides your friends, my door is always open for you.”

“Thank you, Dean Cadence. I appreciate that.”

Back in the office of Principal Cinch, Sunny and her aunt were waiting for Lone’s arrival. Cinch was tapping her fingers on her desk. “Dean Cadence is sure taking her time with him.”

“I don’t know, maybe the new student has a lot of questions about Crystal Prep.” Sunny guessed while she secretly contacted her friends on her phone for another initiation. “If I may Principal Cinch, who are the two other students and when do they arrive?”

“The two others? They are Dark Steele and Lilac Steele. You should know them from your Freshman year.” Cinch replied. “They're both brother and sister.”

Sunny nearly dropped her phone. “What?!” She exclaimed. “The boy with the bad attitude and the cheery girl? You expelled them and now you want them back? Why? I can understand you want Lilac back but Dark? He will cause problems in less than five minutes.”

Principal Cinch folded her hands on her desk before continuing. “Because I’m willing to give them a second chance and let bygones be bygones.”

Sunny folded her arms as well and looked with half-lidded eyes at her aunt, unconvinced.

“Also your English teacher has decided to retire and I needed to find a replacement as soon as possible since the school year has already begun.” Cinch explained. “Their mother was an excellent teacher here. So I called her if she was interested in coming back and she gladly accepted it.”

Sunny found that acceptable reasoning but she couldn't help but doubt if this is really a good idea.

Principal Cinch noticed Sunny’s uncertainty. “Do you doubt my decisions?”

Before Sunny could reply someone knocked on the door.

“Enter” Cinch quickly said.

The door opened, revealing Dean Cadence. “Good morning Principal Cinch and… Oh, and good morning to you too Sunny Flare. I’m here with the new student.” As she entered the office.

“Good, well? Where is he?”

Dean Cadence stepped aside, revealing Lone who was a little nervous with his head looking down a bit.

“G-Good morning Principal Cinch.” Lone kindly said. He then saw Sunny, who widened her eyes when she saw him.

Lone recognized her as well.

“Oh you have got to be kidding me!” They both thought.

Author's Note

And that's it for my second chapter. Honestly, it looks better than the previous chapters I've written. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below.

This chapter is not edited yet. But when my editor is back, I'll let him overlook it. In the meantime, I'll try to do it myself. I apologize if you find some mistakes in it.

And here's the next song as promised. Enjoy!

Lone's initiation

After his meeting with Principal Cinch, Lone got his schedule and left the office with Sunny. When the door was closed, Dean Cadence and Principal Cinch were now starting a conversation about their newest student.

“So what do you think about him Principal Cinch?” Cadence asked while taking a seat.

Principal Cinch was tapping her fingers with her eyes closed before she answered. “That is hard to say Dean Cadence. His records of the previous schools he attended were above average, which is not bad but there is still room for improvement.”

“Is that why Sunny Flare was here earlier?” Cadence assumed. “To see if she could help Lone improve his grades?”

“Correct,” Cinch confirmed. “It’s up to the both of them to see that they don’t fail me.”

“When I was giving him the tour, we asked each other some questions and I learned that Lone is actually a boy with great potential and a ‘by the book’ kinda guy.” Cadence finger quoted. “He also said that he takes his studies very seriously and is willing to work hard for it.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Cinch stood up. “But only time can tell if he’s true to his words.” She added in a stern tone.

“I agree.”

There was a silent moment between them as Cinch made her way to one of her cabinets. “There is one more thing we should discuss.” She said while grabbing something.

Cadence raised an eyebrow at her. “And that is what exactly?”

Smiling, Cinch turned around with a bottle of champagne in her hands. “Congratulations…. Mother Cadence.”

Widening her eyes in surprise, Cadence smiled with tears of joy. “Y-you didn’t have to.”

“Why not? You’re an excellent Dean at this school. I was planning to give you a little something for all your hard work. I just needed the perfect moment to do it.” Cinch explained and tried to open the bottle. “When I heard from Shining Armor yesterday that you were pregnant I thought I should give you something to congratulate you."

In gratitude, Dean Cadence hugged Principal Cinch. Which, Cinch returned with the bottle still in her hands and smiled while closing her eyes. “And don’t worry Cadence, it’s alcohol-free. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be allowed on school grounds and it wouldn't be healthy for the baby.” She winked.

“That’s a relief.” Cadence replied. “If you crack open the bottle I’ll grab us some glasses.”

“Excellent idea.” Cinch agreed. “Oh and Cadence? Keep this just between us, please. I don’t want the entire school to see that I do have a soft spot. It might weaken the reputation of our school.”

“My lips are sealed Principal Cinch!” Cadence said as she motioned it with her fingers.

In the hallways, Sunny was guiding Lone to History Class while glancing at him a few times. “He’s tall, very tall… and a little skinny….” Sunny thought.

Lone was also glancing at Sunny a couple of times. But every time she looked back at him he quickly looked away. He didn't really know what to say to a girl who that nearly hit him with her car earlier and then bumped into him again later on. And now she is gonna help him ‘fit in’ here. It was all a little overwhelming for him to say the least.

“This is so awkward.” Lone thought.

Arriving at the classroom Sunny stopped him. “Before we enter, I need to make a few things clear between us. You better listen carefully because I’m not telling you twice!”

A little startled at her sudden bold attitude, Lone slowly nodded his head.

“You may be new here but that doesn’t mean I’ll be nice and go easy on you. In fact, Crystal Prep isn’t a school about being nice it’s about getting results!” She proclaimed. “Good results that will increase the reputation of this school. I worked very hard to earn my status here. No one, not even you are going to ruin everything I have accomplished. So you better catch up with your studies fast if you wanna make something out of yourself. Don't screw up or I’ll be the one to blame in the eyes of our Principal. Is that clear?” She finished with only inches away from him. Gulping, Lone carefully nodded at her.

“Good then you’ll have nothing to fear and we’ll both get along just fine.” She opened the door. “By the way, have I told you my name?”

Lone shook his head after being so close to her and furrowed his eyebrows in anger. “No you haven’t told me but I do know your name.” He retorted. “Your name is Sunny Flare, niece of the Principal here. You drive an Audi TT, nice car but you lack experience. I know you because you’re the girl who nearly hit me with your car earlier and then later bumped into me here at school.”

He walked up next to her. “But I’ll let bygones be bygones, nothing terrible happened. So, nice to meet you too... Sunny. Ladies first!” As he gestured to let her enter first.

Sunny just stared at him with her mouth agape. “Eh, what?”

He motioned for her again to enter the classroom first. “Ow,” Sunny then realized and quickly entered. “Thank you, deary.”

“You’re welcome,” Lone replied and followed her in.

They both took their seats next to each other, grabbing their books and notes. Sunny also checked her phone really quickly for any replies to her message. Sour, Indigo and Lemon had already replied that they’re in for another Shadow initiation during lunch. “Excellent! Now all I need is a reply from Sugarcoat.”

As on cue, Sugarcoat’s reply came in. “That fine by me as long as we don’t make it too easy this time. How are you planning to do this Sunny?”

Sunny quickly typed her reply down. “I already have an idea for his initiation. All of you meet me at my locker after class. I’ll explain everything then.”

“I've heard from Neon that his name is Lone! Pfft! Lame!” Indigo replied with a laughing smiley.

“How cute, Sunny is already best friends with him.” Sour then replied in a teasing way.

Glaring at their replies, Sunny puts her phone away again and looked at Lone who was already reading the first page of the book.

Opening her book as well, Sunny needed one more thing to say. “Hey eh…” Making Lone looking at her. Sunny then realized, she hadn’t asked for his full name.

“It’s Lone Wolf.”

“What?”

“I said my name is Lone Wolf,” Lone repeated while looking back at his book.

“How did you-”

“As far as I remember I haven’t told you my name,” Lone explained. “Unless Principal Cinch already told you. I figured she didn’t, so that’s why I’m telling you my name.” He closed his book and looked back at Sunny. “Now what is it that you wanted to tell me?”

“He is quite the logic one.” She thought with a slight hint of an impression in her eyes. “Right, well… Lone.” She calmly began. “Normally I don’t do this for others but since you’re new I’m willing to make an exception. You need to catch up quick with the classes here. So you’re allowed to copy some of my notes when you need to. And in case there’s something you don’t understand you can come to me for help or ask the teacher. I’ll leave that choice up to you deary. But you seem like a boy who knows how to take care of himself and what’s best for himself.” She winked.

Lone’s cheeks felt warm after that and smiled. “Thank you Sunny, that’s really kind of you.”

“Anytime deary, just don’t mention this to others.” Sunny quickly added. “I don’t want them to use me for their own benefits.”

“Understood, Sunny. I know what that’s like.”

“What?”

“Nothing, never mind.” Lone quickly said and opened his book again.

After that, their teacher entered the classroom and the less started. History wasn’t that hard for Lone. He made a small schedule of important dates and people. While writing a small explanation what happened then and wrote the page number of each date on it to find more information in the book. Halfway through, they had to make a small summary of what they learned.

Sunny was smirking at first. Thinking Lone would need her help but it was actually the other way around. Lone finished his summary then minutes earlier than her and used the time he had to share his notes with Sunny.

It was now Lunchtime and Sunny hate to admit it be she was rather impressed. Lone was catching up fast with all their classes so far. Though here and there she had to help him explain some formulas in Algebra. That is what Lone seems to have the most trouble with. She was so deep in her thoughts that she didn’t realize that she lost sight of him.

“The idiot must’ve gone the cafeteria.” As she pinched the bridge of her head. “Better hurry and find him so that his initiation can start.”

Running through the halls Lone finally found the entrance of the cafeteria only there was a long waiting line before him. Sighing in annoyance he joined back the of the line.

A minute later, the hall became quiet. Lone looked at his fellow students, they looked like they had seen a ghost. Lone tilted his head a bit and realized that they were not looking at him but at something or someone behind him.

Turning around, Lone stood eye-to-eye with a boy of his age. The boy had light gold skin, long black hair along with a mustache and a goatee. Besides his Crystal Prep uniform, the boy also wears dark sunglasses and had piercings in both his ears and one on his right eyebrow.

Eyeing him, Lone was a little hesitant about what to do next. The boy looked very intimidating but hadn’t said a word. It was like he was waiting for Lone do say something.

Shrugging off his doubts, Lone smiled at him. “Hi my name is-”

“Lone! What are you doing?” Sunny exclaimed. “Get away from him hurry!”

Startled, Lone took a few steps back from the boy and ran off to Sunny. The boy furrowed his eyebrows and looked down in disappointment.

“What were you thinking Lone?” Sunny whispered as they were walking away.

“Nothing, I was just going to introduce myself to him.” Lone defended. “There’s nothing wrong with that as far as I know.”

“Lone, trust me that boy is trouble!” Sunny insisted. “He’s a mean person who’ll use you and hurt you. Certainly not someone to be friends with.”

“That’s not what I saw.” Lone said in his mind.

Sunny didn’t notice Lone’s ‘absence’ and continued, “Once you pass your initiation, I’ll introduce you to Heavenly Quill. He’ll be a much better friend than Bronze Wing.”

“Wait, what?” He shook his head in realization. “What do you mean? What initiation?

Sunny pinched the bridge of her head again. “The initiation where you have to prove yourself worthy to Crystal Prep. Also known as the ‘Shadow initiation’.” As she opened the door of a nearby room. "You don't think that we allow just anyone to join our school now? Get in!"

Entering the room, Lone met Lemon Zest, Indigo Zap, and two other girls. He recognized the first girl when he was watching Archery earlier with Dean Cadence. She had an annoyed look on her face when she saw Lone.

The second girl had light purple skin, darker purple eyes with orange glasses and has white, twin-tailed hair. She looked rather unimpressed by Lone’s appearance. “So you’re the new student I assume?”

“I am and who are you, girls?”

“Our names are not important. You’re here to-”

“Come now Sugarcoat.” Indigo interrupted. “At least introduce yourself to him.”

Sugarcoat rolled her eyes at Indigo. “That is now completely pointless since he knows my name now thanks to you.” She dryly replied.

Indigo groaned at her. “Always the serious one.” She mumbled to herself.

“Well if we’re going to introduce ourselves then I’ll start,” Lemon said while walking over to Lone. “Hi I’m Lemon Zest the fastest and the most chillax girl of Crystal Prep,” she said with full confidence.

“My name is Indigo Zap. I am the best athlete here. Don't try to beat me. You'll always end up losing, I assure you.”

“No you’re really not.” The girl from Archery quietly said and then looked at Lone. “Hello Sweetie, my name is Sour Sweet. You better remember it.”

Little shocked at Sour’s sudden outburst, Lone raised his hands a bit. “Don’t worry…. I... won’t forget your name... Sour Sweet.” He assured.

“Good.” Sour smiled again. “Then I’m sure we’ll become good friends…. not.”

Lone then looked at Sugarcoat. “As Indigo said before I now know your name. So, let me say to you all then: nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, yeah good to meet you too.” Lemon patted Lone and lead him to a nearby table. “Now let’s get down to business.”

“I assume Sunny told you about the Shadow initiation that we do with every new student here?” Indigo said from the other side of the table.

“Yeah, something about proving myself worthy to the school,” Lone remembered. “Am I correct?”

“You’re right, Quill passed it and now it’s your turn deary,” Sunny said. “Now your task is going to Canterlot High and steal one of their artifacts. It can be a trophy, a medallion… as long as it is something valuable.”

Lone widened his eyes in surprise after he heard what they asked him to do. The thought of stealing something is wrong but it also sounded pretty exciting.

Sunny noticed the doubt in him and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry Lone, we made an agreement with the school. We’ll return it when the Friendship Games begin.”

“Really?” Lone said hopefully.

“Of course Sweetie,” Sour added. “We’re not a bunch of criminals,” and folded her arms at him.

“Besides it’s payback time, last time they vandalized our precious relic of the school: The Crystal heart,” Indigo said and showed him a picture of the Crystal Heart that was completely painted black.

After seeing it Lone had a serious look. “Then I guess you’re right Indigo. It’s payback time!” Making the girls smirk at him.

Sunny was driving her car to CHS with Lone sitting next to her. He rested his chin on his fist as he looked at the houses, cars, and people passing by.

“Scared Lone?” Sunny asked while still focusing on the road.

“A little,” Lone admitted. “Though I’m also a little excited to do this.”

“That's understandable. But if I were you I wouldn't bother with those feelings. You need to clear your mind and focus on the task at hand.” Sunny replied. “We, the Shadowbolts have learned to put our feelings aside and to concentrate on doing what must be done correctly and with the best result, for the greater good of our school”

“I’ll try Sunny,” Lone said and rubbed the back of his head. “But what if I got caught by the students or the staff there?”

Sunny let out an irritated sigh. “You use your escape route that you have planned before you entered the school and if that doesn’t work, then….improvise!”

“But I-”

“Plan things ahead for what is to come, it’ll help you a lot.” She proclaimed. “It helped me a lot in my studies and my work. So I’m pretty sure it’ll work for you in the initiation.”

Lone took a deep breath to relax his nerves. “Alright, let’s do this.”

“That’s the spirit deary.” As she stopped the car close to the statue of Canterlot High. Lone stepped out with Sunny tossing him a black hoodie. “It’ll help a little in ‘blending in’.” She said. “Be back as soon as possible otherwise I'm gone without you got it?”

Lone nodded in understanding.

“Good, then I’ll see you later.” Sunny started the engine again. “I’ll be back in then minutes, good luck deary!” and she drove away.

Hidden behind the statue, Lone put on the hoodie he got from Sunny. After he looked at the school, finding no students outside.

“Guess it’s also lunchtime for them” Lone assumed. “That’ll make things much easier. Now what to do if I get caught?” He thought as he made his way to the entrance.

Canterlot High was a whole lot different than Crystal Prep. The students didn’t wear uniforms, the halls were painted yellow which created a much warmer atmosphere. Lone passed some students on their way to the cafeteria, luckily none of them talked to him. There were some who looked at him and assumed he's a new student here.

Lone continued his search and passed a few couples. There was a girl with red and yellow hair who was talking to her boyfriend, asking his opinion about her new clothes she had on.

Another couple was a boy with grey skin and black, spiky hair holding hands with a gorgeous white-skinned girl with long purple, curly hair.

“Thank you so much, Clyde, in helping me study for Algebra yesterday.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I probably wouldn’t have passed the test.”

The boy called Clyde smiled at her and kissed her back. “Anything for my Boo.” Making the girl blushing at him.

“Guys! Guys!” Shouted a boy from the other side of the hallway. “I’ve got it!” as he sprinted towards the two couples.

“Zero watch out! Scrubby just cleaned the floor!” A boy with white and spiky hair said.

Zero, who looked a lot like Clyde tried to slow down but it was too late. He lost his balance and slipped further on the floor straight into Lone, making him fall in the process. Their sliding stopped in the middle of the great hall.

“Ugh... Strike!” Lone managed to say while being a little dizzy from the impact.

“Zero!” The others approached him and helped him up. “Are you ok?” Said the boy with white, spiky hair.

“I’m fine Soul don’t worry,” Zero assured him. He then turned around to Lone. “Here dude, let me help you.” Zero offered his hand.

Hesitating a little Lone grabbed Zero’s hand and he helped him back up.

“Thank you,” Lone said in appreciation.

“Don’t mention it. It was my fault after all.” Zero said and scratched his chin. “Haven’t seen you before. You new here?”

“What?.... Oh! Eh, yeah that’s it! I'm new here.” Lone said with a nervous grin. “I was on my way to the Principal's office to register me but I got lost. Can anyone of you tell me the way please?”

“Sure, it’s up the stairs, the first hall to the right, last door at the end.” The girl with the red and yellow hair explained. “Do want me to bring you there?” She offered.

“No!” Lone exclaimed, making the group a little startled. “I mean no, it’s fine. I know the way.” He said in a more calmer tone.

“Darling, are you ok?” Rarity asked

Lone's head was turning red again. “D-don’t worry, I’m fine. I’m just… a little nervous about meeting new people.” He said while scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

“Are you sure you’ll find the way?” Clyde asked. “We don’t mind showing you.”

“It’s up the stairs, the first hall on the right, the door at the end,” Lone remembered. “Am I correct?”

“Yup! You’re right!” Zero confirmed. “Well then guys, if our new friend knows the way then we’re off to the cafeteria so that I can explain my plan for getting the Crystal Heart tonight.”

“The Crystal what-now?” Soul asked in Confusion.

Lone eyes widened after he heard that. “Note to myself, inform Crystal Prep about this.”

“Hey, shouldn’t you go to Principal Celestia?” Clyde noticed.

“Oh…” Lone shook his head. “Yeah, I better go to her, thank you. Later everyone!” He waved them goodbye and walked to the nearest stairs.

The group happily waved back at him before they made their way towards the cafeteria.

“Huh, I just realized something,” Zero said. “I haven’t asked for the dude’s name.

“Well ask him later.” Soul suggested. “Right now I’m hungry and you have your big plan to tell us and the rest of our friends."

Zero smiled and nodded at him. “Yeah, you’re right. It's gonna be big! Spectacular! Magnificent!!!”

"We get it Zero." They all said.

Soul then looked at his girlfriend Sunset Shimmer. ”Sunny? You seem distracted. What’s the matter?”

“Just thinking about the new student we just met,” Sunset said, tapping her chin with half-lidded eyes. “There was something... off about him.”

“Do you think he’s a creature from the same world as Princess Twilight?” Rarity guessed. “although, the pants and the shoes he was wearing looked familiar. But I can’t seem to put my finger on it.”

“Could be, but he doesn’t seem harmful though,” Sunset replied with a shrug of her shoulders. “We’ll see later on.”

Upstairs, was Lone sighing in relief while wiping the sweat from his forehead. “Thank goodness they fell for my lie. Now how to get one of those trophies?” Looking over the rail he spotted trophy cabinets around the hall where he and Zero crashed into each other.

Lone decided to pick the big golden one with a giant number one on it and a small hashtag to the left. As his prayers were answered, someone which Lone assumed was the Janitor, approached the trophy cabinet while carrying polish supplies.

Already got a plan, Lone walked back downstairs as the janitor opened the cabinet. “Excuse me, ...sir!”

“Can Scrubby help you?”

“Y-yes, I have to help you cleaning the trophies from the Principal.” Lone quickly said.

“What was the reason that Principal Celestia ordered you to help Scrubby?”

“I arrived a few times too late in class and she said that I have to do my punishment during Lunch by helping you cleaning the trophies,” Lone explained.

Scrubby raised an eyebrow at him.“Really?” and stepped closer to Lone. “As far as Scrubby knows, Principal Celestia always gives detention to people who arrive too late at class.”

Lone started to flinch a little as Scrubby came even closer. “W-well, I’m new here in Canterlot and I don’t know the school inside and out yet so instead, Celestia said that I should help you… as a lighter punishment.”

The janitor had an unamused look. “Scrubby smells something suspicious here.”

Lone quietly gulped but before he could say something else Scrubby stepped away from him.

“Scrubby goes to Principal Celestia and ask her if it’s true what you said to him.” He pointed to Lone. “You are coming with Scrubby and don’t try anything funny.” He warned.

Lone was starting to get nervous again. He had only 3 minutes left. Checking the trophy cabinet, he noticed that it was still open. Thinking of a new plan the boy agreed with Scrubby. “Lead the way.”

Scrubby nodded and turned around with Lone following in behind until they passed the cabinet. As quietly as he could Lone took the big trophy he wanted and immediately ran away.

The janitor heard him and started chasing him through the halls. “Give that back you, thief! That is school property!!!”

“Sorry Scrubby! But I need it to complete my task!” Lone screamed back at him. “I’ll bring it back I promise!” He started to run faster, making the distance between them bigger.

“If Scrubby’s legs were longer he would’ve caught you by now!!!” He started to slow down until he finally stopped and couldn’t go on. He began to breathe heavily as he leaned an arm against the wall for support. “Scrubby -sigh- needs to -sigh- work -sigh- on his endurance.”

A blur of Rainbow hair passed the exhausted janitor. It was Rainbow Dash, one of the best athletes in the school. She saw the whole scene happen between Lone and Scrubby and didn’t hesitate on helping in getting the trophy back.

“The dude’s fast I’ll give him that.” Rainbow admitted while grabbing her phone. “Gotta need help to catch him.”

Her call got quickly answered by another boy. “Dash! What’s up?”

“Rivet! There’s another Shadowbolt in our school and he’s getting away with one of our trophies.” Rainbow explained. “Help me catch him and ask Night too!”

“Got it Dash! We’re on our way.” As Rivet hang up.

“Knew that I could count on him.” Rainbow smirked proudly. “Once we get you Shadowbolt, you’re gonna be sorry that you messed with us Wondercolts.”

Sunny was sitting against the back of her car, tapping her feet impatiently. Lone was supposed to be back 5 minutes ago and he still wasn’t here. Sure, she could drive back to CPA without Lone but if she does that and Cinch finds out it then she’s going to be disappointed by the actions of her niece. Nop! That wasn’t an option.

While checking her phone again, she heard the front doors swung open revealing Lone running with a trophy in his hands.

Smiling, Sunny waved at him but then she looked terrified as she saw an entire group of Wondercolts going after him. All screaming and raging in an attempt to capture him.

Recognizing some of them, Sunny immediately stepped into her car and started the engines. She started to drive away while Lone just opened the door.

“Sunny! Are you craaaaaaaaaazyyyyyyy?!” He screamed while trying to get inside the car.

“Deary grab my hand quick!” Sunny reached out. Grabbing her arm, she pulled him inside with all her power.

“Full speed! Hurry!” Lone said in a panicking tone as he fastened his seatbelt. Just in time. The first few Wondercolts only manage to touch Sunny’s trunk.

Cheering in Victory, the two headed for Crystal Prep. “Yes! Whoohoo!!! I did it! I did it!” Lone exclaimed with a raising fist.

“Took you long enough.” Sunny retorted with a slight glare. “But never the less, you passed. Congratulations deary.”

Lone grinned back at her and showed her the trophy. “Look what I got.” He said in a teasing tone.

Sunny widened her eyes in surprise. The trophy was bigger then she thought it was. “That’s a nice trophy you stole there deary.”

“I did what you girls asked me. So, am I now a Shadowbolt?”

“If Principal Cinch and the rest of my friends see the trophy you stole? Definitely yes. But of course, that remains to be seen." She teased.

Lone looked at Sunny with a pouted look. She rolled her eyes at him in return. “Of course I vouch for you. For me, you’re a real Shadowbolt now. Happy?”

Lone grinned at her. “Of course that’s all I needed to hear.” He leaned back in his seat and relaxed.

The rest of ride went quietly. Lone had closed his eyes while Sunny kept focusing on the road. She did look at him a few times. when he was “Hmm, he passed his initiation. He’s better than I expected. Maybe this whole plan of my Aunt won't turn out so bad. After all, he also helped me with History. God, I hate that class!” She gave Lone a kind smile and parked her car behind Crystal Prep.

“Hey Loney, wake up you sleepy head.” As she shook his shoulder a little.

“Ugh, five more minutes Miss Rose,” Lone turned around in his sleep.

“I’m not Miss Rose whoever that is,” Sunny said with a puffy face. “And if you don’t get out of my car I’ll slap you.... hard.”

Lone shot his eyes open and quickly stepped out of her car, only to fall face first to the ground because his feet got stuck in the door opening.

Sunny snickered at him. It was kinda cute... “That's what you get for being hasty."

"You threatened to slap me." Lone retorted while trying to get up.

Sunny sighed and walked over him to help him. "You okay deary?”

Lone had covered the front of his face in hopes to ease the pain a little. “I’m…. I’m fine.” He managed to look at her.

“Good, now let’s….” Both of them were looking at each other and forget the world around them for a moment.

“Something on my face?” Lone then joked.

Sunny leaned closer to him. “Lone….

“Yes Sunny?”

“... You have a nosebleed.”

“Heh?” he touched his nose and felt some red liquid on his fingers. “Oh damn!”

“Here, let me help you.” Sunny handed him a handkerchief.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it, deary.”

“Oh, before I forget.” Lone suddenly realized. “Sunny, I’ve heard from some Wondercolts that they’re planning to steal the Crystal Heart tonight.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I’ve heard Zero telling his friends about it.” Lone confirmed.

“If that's the case you need to come with me. We're gonna have a lot to talk about with my friends.” Grabbing his hand, she dragged him back into the school. Lone blushed a little at this. Walking hand in hand, it almost felt like they were a couple.

Author's Note

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

I hope you all had a great time celebrating with your friends and families. I hope that 2018 will be great for us all.

Here's the next music video for this chapter. Enjoy my friends and I'll see you all in the next chapter.

Operation: H.E.I.S.T.

CPA

Crystal Prep Academy

Operation: H.E.I.S.T.

Human
Endurance
Intelligence
Stealth
Test

School was over for today as the students of Crystal Prep prepared to go home. Some of them stayed at school to do their homework in the library or were starting their after-school activities.

Lone was walking through the hallway while talking with his new friend, Heavenly Quill. After he and Sunny got back, Sunny, as promised, introduced Lone to him.

“So your initiation was putting stickers of the Shadowbolts on every locker in Canterlot high?” Lone asked.

“Y-yeah, I did.” Quill confirmed. “and...after, I had to paint the statue of their school a little bit.” The green skinned boy frowned. “Things went downhill after that.”

“How so?”

Quill took a deep breath before he continued. “I… got caught by Rainbow Dash and Zero along with some of their friends.”

“Did you escape?”

“I…. I actually did.” Quill nodded. “But in order to escape, I accidentally hurt Rainbow Dash when I climbed on the statue to paint it. Zero was furious at me... even after I apologized to Rainbow.”

Furrowing his eyebrows, Lone patted Quill in comfort. “You regret what you did and you apologized for something you didn’t even do on purpose. I think you’re a good person Quill and I’m sure I am not the only one who thinks that.”

Quill managed to smile a little at his words. “T-thanks Lone…. That means a lot.”

Lone returned a smile of his own. “Anytime.”

“So Lone, how was your initiation?” Quill then asked.

Back in the room where Lone met The Shadow 5, the girls were overlooking their plans to stop the attempted heist from the Wondercolts.

“Right then.” Sunny stood up from the headdesk. “Everybody knows what they have to do tonight?

Her friends nodded in confirmation.

“And do we have all the supplies we need?”

“We have everything.” Sugarcoat confirmed, while overgoing the checklist. “I even double checked. We’re ready for tonight.”

“Then triple check it!” Sunny ordered.

“You’re starting to sound like Twilight.” Sugarcoat retorted with a roll of her eyes.

“Just do it.”

Sugarcoat sighed and checked the list again while the other three girls just finished loading thirty paintball guns.

After a few minutes, everyone was ready to head home and they gathered at the door.

“Okay everyone ready? I’m closing the do- Wait! where’s Indigo?” Sour noticed.

Suddenly the light went out and it was completely dark since the room had windows. “Oh, very funny Indigo!” Sunny said annoyed.

The girls heard someone approaching them. Turning around they saw a dark figure with red eyes and a deep robotic voice spoke up. “Don’t worry girls… I’ll be BACK!”

Sunny and Sour screamed in fear and hugged each other tightly while Sugarcoat only stood there raising an eyebrow at the figure.

“Nice mask of the Terminator you got there… Indigo.” Sugarcoat commented.

“Aw come on!” As Indigo removed her mask. “How did you know it was me?”

“First, you were missing and second you’re the only one in our group who loves pranking others.” Sugarcoat stated dryly.

Indigo rolled her eyes as she put the mask away, not noticing the hating glares from Sunny and Sour.

“Indigoooo….” Sour whispered angrily.

“Also can someone get Lemon Zest out of the closet?” Sugarcoat pointed to it. “She hid in there.”

“Okay, I’ll get her.” Sunny opened it, revealing Lemon wearing a mask of the Joker from Batman. Sunny looked at her in disgust.

“Sugarcoat, why so serious?” Lemon imitated the Joker’s voice.

“Ew, deary your makeup is terrible!” Sunny commented, making everyone in the room laugh. Sunny then started to laugh too. It’s rare to see all her friends in the same room laughing about some silly jokes and pranks. It felt… good.

After his conversation with Quill, Lone was now grabbing the books that he needed to study for tonight. “Only my first day here and I already have tons of homework!” He complained in his thoughts.

“Quite the impression you’ve made on your first day here.” Neon said behind him.

A little startled at the unexpected voice, Lone saw Neon leaning against one of the lockers with his arms folded at him.

“What impression?” Lone asked. “I haven’t done anything special that I know of. Or is this about me passing the initiation?”

“None of those actually.” As Neon stepped closer to him. “It’s about that guy you tried to introduce yourself to. Bronze Wing, ring any bells?”

“Yeah, I remember,” Lone replied. “What about him? Do you think he’s a bully as well?”

“Ah, you already know then.” Neon said. “Good! that saves a lot of time and I can ask question number two: What is it with you and Sunny?”

Lone raised an eyebrow at him. “Nothing, she’s just helping me catching up with my studies.”

Neon lowered his sunglasses, revealing a bit of his blue eyes. “So Cinch is pulling the strings on her. Oh, that woman is impossible.”

“Watch what you’re saying. She’s our Principal!” Lone snarled a little at him.

“Relax man, I’m not gonna ‘roast’ her while we're on school grounds.” Neon replied. “So, you and Sunny are working together now eh? Well, better be careful around her.”

Lone looked at him with half-lidded eyes. “What do you mean?” He asked confused.

“Exactly as I said you, idiot. Sunny Flare isn’t a girl to mess with.” Neon warned him. “She’s very strict about rules and getting things done on time. So, you better not disappoint her or she’ll snarl at you for a week…. maybe a month.”

“Aren’t you exaggerating a bit?”

“Nop!”

Lone sighed in disbelieve. “The strict part and getting things done on time, I can believe that, but the snarling part that’ll probably last a day or two but not for a week left alone a month.”

“You obviously don’t know Sunny very well. Then again it’s your first day here.” Neon turned around and started walking away. “But I’m sure you’ll find things out soon enough.”

Lone watched him leave the school before he closed his locker. He then started thinking about what Neon told him. “He could be right, he could be wrong… wait and see I guess?”

Sunny was also busy filling her backpack with the books that she needed to study for. Once she closed her locker her path was blocked by a boy who looked like Lone. Except, this boy’s hair is wavier and has light orange eyes. He also wears a white ascot tie.

“Sunny Flare,” the boy simply greeted.

“Royal Pin,” Sunny said in a similar tone.

The two remained silent for a minute until Royal sighed. “I’ll just cut to the chase. What is it with you and the new student?”

“Nothing that will concern you…. as long as you stay out of my way.” Sunny curtly replied. “Which you aren’t doing right now. So if you’ll excuse me-” She walked away, only for Royal grab her arm.

Sunny startled at the bold move from Royal but she didn’t let her guard down. “He’s new here and I’m helping him catching up with all his classes. Orders from Principal Cinch. " She clarified. "Does that satisfy you?”

Royal looked down at her and scoffed. “You? You can’t even get an A+ for history! Not to mention how terrible you are at sports."

Sunny glared at him and grabbed his collar. “I have you know… deary, that History is hard for almost everyone here in our school. I’m not terrible at sports, you know that. I’m just terrible when it comes to swimming. So if you have anything else to say I suggest you shut that dirty mouth of yours and leave me alone!”

Letting him go, Sunny left a dumbfounded Royal Pin behind. She stopped around the corner and looked at him once again. “You know, I’m glad that I broke up with you. You’re even more spoiled and uptight then I’ll ever be” and she left with a proud smirk on her face.

It was now dark at night, with streetlights illuminating the city. The gates of Crystal Prep were still open. Inside, were thirty Shadowbolts who volunteered in protecting the Crystal Heart, including Lone, Quill and the Shadow 5. They were getting everything ready to ‘greet’ their dear rivals.

Lone grabbed a Soldier 76 mask from the game: Overwatch, while Quill took the space mask from Peter Quill/ Star-lord.

“Ready Quill?”

Quill loaded his paintball gun and looked at him with glowing red eyes. “R-ready as I’ll ever be Lone… Let’s d-do this.”

They both nodded at each other and joined the rest of the briefing that was being held by Indigo Zap. “Alright, you rookies! It’s almost time to get this party started. I just received word from Neon that everything is ready to welcome our guests.” The goggled girl snickered a bit before continuing. “Now, with our weapons in hand we all go to our hiding spots and open fire as soon as the signal is giv- Hey! Who invited this creep?” Indigo pointed to a boy wearing a mask from the band: Lordi.

With a smug look, the boy took off his mask, revealing himself as Bronze Wing. Immediately the Shadowbolts around him whispered to each other and started backing off.

“T-the creep i-is here?” Quill stuttered.

Lone gave Quill a small glare but he couldn’t see it due to his mask.

“I ask again, who invited the creep?” Indigo asked louder.

“I did!” Sugarcoat said from behind Indigo.

“What?! Are you crazy?!”

Sugarcoat rolled her eyes. “Why I invited him here is none of your business. He could've declined my invitation but he didn’t. He’s here for the same reason as all of us are: to protect the Crystal Heart. If you’re smart enough Indigo, take all the help you can get.”

Reluctantly Indigo agreed. “Fine then! but he better be useful when the Wondercolts are here.”

Rolling his eyes at her, Bronze puts his mask back on and Indigo continued with the briefing.

“As I was saying, when the signal is giving we start shooting. But don’t, I repeat don’t shoot at their faces or their private parts. We’re not a bunch of barbarians. Understood?”

The group nodded in understanding.

“Good! Any questions? This is your last chance.”

Bronze raised his arm.

“Yeah Bronze?”

“What’s the signal and when will it go off?”

“We have boobie-traps all over the place to slow them down,” Indigo explained. “If they still managed to find the real heart and capture it… you’ll know the signal.” She smirked at everyone. “Is that all? Alright, then we still have some time left so I suggest you test your paintball guns out at the shooting range or speak some strategies with your friends. I’ll let you know when ‘our guests’ arrive.” Indigo jumped off the small stage as the briefing was now over.

Lone and Quill decided to follow Indigo’s suggestions and headed outside to the soccer field to target practice.

The shooting range was a wall of small hay bales were you could lean on or reload your gun with the target roses from archery a couple meters away to test your aim.

Quill spotted Lemon Zest at one of the bales and quickly run off to her. Looking around at first, Lone spotted Sunny as she was struggling to fire her gun. Seeing no one would help her, he walked over to her.

“Stupid gun! Why won’t you work!” Sunny said, frustrated and puts the holder back in place angrily and tried to fire again. “Stupid gun!!!” She was about to throw the gun down in frustration.

“Woah! Take it easy there Sunny.” Lone held her arm with the gun in her hand.

“Let go of me, Lone! This stupid paintball gun is broken. It won’t shoot anything.” Sunny said in annoyance.

“I’ll help you fix it. But lower the gun first, relax and take a deep breath.”

With a puffed face and red cheeks, Sunny relaxed and lowered her gun. “Ok Lone, I’ve calmed…. down. Now, can you tell me what’s wrong with my gun?”

“Actually, there’s nothing wrong with it,” Lone replied as he overlooked it. “You simply forgot to turn off the safety switch look!” He pointed to a small switch above the trigger.

“Seriously?! That’s it?! I-I mean I could’ve found that out on my own.” Sunny snarled while looking away in embarrassment.

“Yeah, I believe you,” Lone replied with a dry look as he readied his own gun and started to shoot at the nearest target.

After shooting a few rounds, Lone smiled at his results. Hitting a lot of bullets close to the center. With here and there a few missed rounds. “Not bad at all.”

“Nice aiming deary.” Sunny complimented while still testing out her shooting skills. “Wish I could shoot as good as you.” As she missed the center of the target again.

“Ugh!” Sunny groaned. “Missed again! For goodness sake!”

Sighing, Lone walked back to her and looked at the way Sunny was shooting. He quickly found the mistakes she made.

“Here, let me help you with that.” As he reached for her gun but Sunny moved it away from him.

“Just because I am a lady doesn’t mean I can handle myself.” Sunny huffed.

“I know that Sunny, you seem like an independent and strong young woman for that,” Lone said. “But sometimes you need the help of others to become better at something. You can't expect yourself to have all the answers. Accepting help from others can be a great experience in life and you can learn something new out of it.”

Hearing those words, Sunny looked back at him in amazement. Normally she would have dismissed those lectures coming from her friends or her parents but Lone was new here and she wasn’t sure what to make of him. She’s not even sure if she could consider him a friend but she could see that he was sincere and meant every word he said.

She softly nodded and allowed him to help her out.

“Right, now hold your weapon like you used to.”

Sunny did what was asked and stood in position with her gun ready. The next thing surprised her a little. Lone came from behind her and pulled the stock of her gun closer to her shoulder and held his hands on hers. Sunny couldn’t help but blush a little at his touch.

“Now, you need to have a good grip on your weapon when you’re about to shoot your target. That’s why I pressed the stock of your gun against your shoulder.” Lone explained. “Also the hand with the strongest grip pulls the trigger while your weaker hand holds the stubby grip of the gun.”

With him holding her hands, Sunny realized that Lone was right. She had a better grip on her paintball gun now and it felt easier to aim and move around with it.

“S-so, what happens now?”

Sadly Lone released her hands while smiling at her. “Pull the trigger and see what happens.” He whispered in her ear.

After half an hour, everything was dark at Crystal Prep, including the big lights on the soccer field were out. The gates were locked otherwise it would’ve been to easy to get in and the Wondercolts might get suspicious.

Finally, a few cars and motorcycles arrived at the gate. The biggest car was a dark green armored Jeep Rubicon.

“This is it my friends. Crystal Prep in all its glory.” Zero announced as he stepped out.

“It’s a lot bigger than Canterlot High.” Said a boy with light blue skin and black hair. “I think we’re gonna get lost in there.”

“And I think we’re gonna be just fine Swift. Don’t worry so much.” A tan skinned boy with dark brown hair then said as he was putting his green jacket back on.

“It’s too bad that some of our friends are not here with us tonight.” Vinyl said while adjusting her purple shades. “It’s not the same without them.”

“Mise, Artemis and Daemon clearly said that they have no quarrel with Crystal Prep and they would like to keep it that way.” Rarity replied. “Though I am sad to hear that Fluttershy and Night weren’t interested in doing this.” She lowered her head a little.

“Ah can’t blame them. Fluttershy did make a valid point about the heist.” Applejack added. “If we’re going to steal something from them like they did to us, then we’re no better than them." She remembered Fluttershy's words.

“I can respect that and Night’s choice in supporting her,” Rainbow admitted as she took her helmet off. “But I’m sick and tired of not doing something back. The Shadowbolts always do something to us and we don’t do anything about it. It’s time to make a stand! We’re going to steal that heart no matter what it takes.”

“I’m starting to like you guys even more now. So rebellious all of the sudden.” Said a purple girl with giant twin-tails. “Who are you all and what have you done with those idiots I used to hate?” Aria joked.

“Can’t believe you guys actually convinced me in doing this.” Said the driver of the jeep. A tall green guy with long brown hair and red eyes. “After all the shit I’ve said to some of you…You guys still wanna hang out with me.”

“Darling, you apologized to us when things went… eh, how do you say that? Toolbar? With your surprise party from Pinkie Pie at your home.”

“Fubar.” Clyde corrected.

“Right, that… and besides, it was also you who showed us the error of our ways when we didn’t see eye to eye with the Dazzlings.”

“Yeah well…” Warhawk scratched his head a bit. “Just don’t any more of those friggin surprise parties at my apartment and I’ll try to be less harsh on you all.”

“Fine by me dude.” Said Straight Edge, a dark grey boy with tattoos on his arms.

“What are you doing here Punk?” Warhawk asked. “Didn’t you say that you live with someone from Crystal Prep? Isn't being here some sort of betrayal to your roommate?”

Straight scoffed at him. “I was promised delicious cake from Applejack!” He retorted and folded his arms. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be here either.”

“Ha! You just let yourself bribed!” Warhawk laughed, making Straight turning red.

“Alright everyone, let’s not make things more difficult before the heist even starts.” Applejack stepped in. “We have a plan and I say let’s get to it! Rarity, if you please.”

Smiling wildly, Rarity tossed everyone their black clothes in order to blend in ‘the dark’. Lastly, to cover their faces: black masks with holes for their eyes and mouths.

“Pinkie!” Swift proclaimed. “We all agreed to wear black masks.” As he pointed to his own. “Black masks!”

“But Swift Wifty.” Pinkie pouted. “My clown mask fits with my gloves. Can I please, please, pleeeease wear them?” As she fluttered her cute puppy looking eyes.

Swift couldn’t resist it and gave in. “Alright, alright.”

“Yaaaaaay!” She happily jumped and gave him a bone-crushing hug, making it very hard for Swift to breathe.

But Pinkie wasn’t the only one wearing a different mask. “A Deadpool mask Treble…. Really?” Rainbow noticed.

“And why not?” Treble said. “It fits my character! Ask the readers if you don’t believe me," pointing at up at the sky.

Chirping crickets were heard for a few a seconds.

“.... Okay then.” Zero scratched his head before he took a grappling hook out of the car along with a flashlight.

“Where the heck did you get all this stuff?” Warhawk asked as he leaned against his car.

“Bought it from a store called ‘Thieves ‘R Us’ or something like that….” Zero explained. “It was easy peasy. So, are we ready Team Dynamite?”

“Aww, I thought we agreed with the name of ‘Team Super Cools’.” Vinyl pouted.

“And if I recall it was ‘Team Awesome’,” Rainbow added with one of her karate moves.

“I voted for ‘Team Alpha Wolf Squadron’.” Rivet said.

Zero walked up to them and thought about a new name for the team. Then he got an idea and smiled. “Alright, alright then. From now on we’ll be known as ‘Team Alpha Super Awesome Cool Dynamite Wolf Squadron’. Everyone fine with that?”

“Yeah."

"Yup!"

"That’s fine…”

“Good!” Zero said as began swinging the grappling hook and threw it over the wall. “Then let’s do this!” And started to climb with the rest soon following him. Except for Warhawk and Sonata.

“You guys are gonna walk into a big shitstorm!” He yelled at them. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

The group ignored his warning and they all jumped off the other side of the wall.

“Idiots” Warhawk muttered under his breath and noticed that Zero left the grappling hook hanging on their side. “Fanfuckingtastic now those bastards don’t have a way out of here.” Pinching the bridge of his head.

“We can just follow them,” Sonata suggested.

“Not gonna happen Sonata,” Warhawk replied. “I agreed to bring them here but that’s it.”

Sonata gave him a slight glare and huffed. “Well if you don’t wanna go after them, then I go alone…. without you,” as she made her way to the grappling hook and started to climb.

Jumping off on the other side, Warhawk was now alone frowning a little. He didn’t like the idea of this Heist as a whole but he doesn't want Sonata to get hurt either. Growling, Warhawk locked his car and started to climb the wall and took the grappling hook with him.

Zero and his friends were now at the entrance, admiring the Crystal Heart that was turning around on a pedestal.

“It’s so beautiful….” Rarity said with her mouth agape.

“Sparkling….” Pinkie said in amazement.

“That’s it? They left it here for us to take it? Easy as Pie!” Zero chuckled.

“Oooh, I love pie!” Pinkie added.

“Then let’s grab it and get the heck out of here,” Swift advised while looking around in panic. “I don’t want the cops getting in on us.”

Zero was about to grab it but Applejack pulled his arms down. “Hold on there Sugarcube, I doubt this will be easy. For all, we know this could be a trap.”

“Applejack does have a point.” Clyde agreed. “This is Crystal Prep we’re talking about.”

“We don’t know if it’s a trap unless I grab it.” Zero retorted. “Maybe this is the real heart and they want us to believe it’s fake so that we leave it there and enter the school to try to find the fake heart what we think is the real one.”

The group looked at each other in doubt, they couldn't find an answer to Zero’s argument.

“I’m taking it.” Zero stepped up and took it. Holding it above his head. “Behold my friends the heart of Crystal Prep. We’ll be heroes to our fellow stude-”

SPLAT!

The Crystal Heart exploded spreading green paint all over Zero’s body.

Everyone tried to hold in their laughs as their friend was now completely covered in paint. They failed miserably.

Zero gave them all a dry look and threw the fake heart aside. “Yeah, yeah I look ridiculous. You guys should be glad that it’s me and not you covered in paint.”

Aria wiped her tears of enjoyment away and spoke up. “So since the Grinch here failed already I’ll take the lea- Woah!” The twin-tailed girl was about walk up the stairs but her boots slipped away from under her and fell with a huge smack on her back.

Aria slowely stood back up, ignoring the pain and glared at her companions who started laughing again. Laugh all you want you jerks! I’d like to see you walk up the stairs filled with slippery soap on it.”

“Then just hold the handrail.” Treble snickered.

“Easier said than done.” Rivet said as he was trying to walk up the stairs while holding on the handrail. After the third step, he slipped and fell off as well.

Seeing that this ain’t gonna work, Swift thought of a plan. “Come on. Let’s work together here to reach the entrance.” Swift encouraged. The others agreed as they tried to crawl their way up to the entrance together.

Swift’s plan worked and with the lockpicking skills from Zero they entered Crystal Prep.

“It’s so dark in here and spooky.” Rarity trembled a little in fear. “Oh, I hope we don’t walk into an ambush.”

Clyde gave her a comforting hug. “Don’t worry Boo I’ll protect you.” And he gave her a kiss on her forehead.

“Thank you, Clyde. I feel much safer with you protecting me.” She smiled and kissed him back.

“Alright, alright enough with the girly romantic stuff here.” Applejack said. “Let us now focus on- woah!” Applejack nearly fell due to her boots being stuck on the ground.

“Applejack? What’s going- Aah Fuck!” Straight nearly fell face first on the floor due to his shoes got stuck as well.

Rainbow got stuck too and soon the rest. “The heck?! Who filled the floor with glue?!”

“Crystal Prep apparently.” Swift guessed. “They don’t want us to reach the Crystal Heart.” He then widened his eyes in realization. "They know.”

“No shit Sherlock.” Aria proclaimed. “Why do you think they put a fake heart on the pedestal outside? Or the fill the stairs with soap? Do I need to go on?”

“They know or they don’t. I don’t care.” Zero retorted. “I am the mighty son of White Star and Sound Barrier. I was born to do great things in life. I met the lord of all lords and he gave me awesome powers. When I was 3 years old, I defeated Vegeta without using the Dragonballs. I traveled the world in less than 80 day-”

“Just get to the point Zero!” Soul interrupted.

“Right, right.” Zero quickly recomposed himself. “Guys, are we just gonna give up? We’re the Wondercolts and we will not let Crystal Prep win. Not this time.” He stuck out his arm that was still covered in green paint. “Are you guys with me?” He smirked.

“Rock on!!!” Dash said.

‘“I’m in!”

“Count me in!!!”

“Yipper dippers!”

Everyone placed their hands on Zero, though Rarity hesitated at first.

“Then let’s do this!” Zero exclaimed with his fist raised up. “Besides, it’s not that things will get any worse.”

“Ha! Jinxed it!” Pinkie laughed.

After some time they all finally reached the Principal's office in hopes to find the heart there. Things got worse for all of them. After they took out their shoes and Pinkie and Swift stayed behind to free them from the glue, the rest walked into some more boobie-traps.

Clyde and Rarity were soaking wet due to a ‘bucket-of-water-standing-on-a-door-trap’. Rainbow Dash and Rivet sneezed constantly since they fell in sneezing powder. Applejack and Aria tripped in a firework trap and were covered in ash and coughed due to the smoke they inhaled. Treble and Vinyl had bruises all over them since they fell on the second floor that was filled with marbles. Only Soul and Sunset were still unharmed.

“It’s…. Achooo!.... Not fair.” Rainbow said. “How are you two….Achooo!... still unharmed?

Sunset shrugged. “No clue, I guess we got lucky Dash.” Making Rainbow Dash groan.

“Then how about you two do the honors then?” Applejack managed to say through her coughs. “You two grab the Crystal Heart in the Principal's office and then we’ll get the hell outta here.”

“Alright, that seems fair Cousin.” Soul agreed

“You might need this.” Zero threw them a flashlight.

Catching it, Soul and Sunset opened the door slightly and shone into the office a bit. Slowly they opened the door further. Looking right and left and sneaked inside.

“Aachoo!”

“Bless you, babe,” Sunset replied.

“Eh Sunny?”

“Yeah?”

“That wasn’t me.” Soul gulped.

Widening her eyes Sunset quickly shone the flashlight around the office. Her eyes met the eyes of many Shadowbolts wearing masks and pointing their guns at her and Soul.

“Uh-oh.”

Just then, the lights of the office went on. Every other Shadowbolt came out of their hiding spots with their guns ready.

“Was that the signal?” Asked one of the Shadowbolts.

“Damn right it is!” Said another one.

In panic, Soul dropped the flashlight, grabbed Sunsets hand and made a run for it. "Ruuuuuun!!!”

“Is that Soul I hear screaming?” Treble asked, leaning against the wall. He then heard a loud ‘oof’. “Yeah, that was him.”

The door swung open with Soul running for his life with Sunset in his hand. “Babe, I can run by myself you know.”

The others looked at them running and then looked back inside only to be met with paint bullets. “Aaah run! Run for your lives!!!” Rivet screamed.

Screams of pain and shooting sounds filled the hallways of Crystal Prep. Soul and his friends were nearing the main exit and were met with Pinkie and Swift.

“Hey guys! We just managed to free all of our shoes and the floor blinks like a mirror again.” Swift smiled proudly of his work. “Why are you guys running?”

“Take a guess genius!” Aria pointed to the group behind them.

Widening their eyes in realization, Swift and Pinkie quickly grabbed their shoes and ran outside with the rest. They managed to lose them for a few minutes as they approached the wall that they climbed on, only the grappling hook was gone.

“Oh Faust no!” Rarity yelled. “We’re stuck here with those hoity-toity Crystal Preppers! What are we gonna do now?” She began to hyperventilate and waved her hands against for extra wind.

“Rarity calm down, we’ll find a way,” Clyde assured her.

“And stop screaming like a little girl for fuck sake!” Straight said in anger. “You’re gonna give away our location.” Making Clyde and Rarity glare at him.

“Something’s moving in those bushes!” Rivet noticed.

The bushes moved again, two figures stepped out of it. One was big and bulky while the second one was smaller, thinner and had a big ponytail.

The group got themselves in a defensive position, ready to fight if need to. But Pinkie recognized the two figures.

“Hi Warhawk! Hi Sonata!” Pinkie happily waved, her happy face then turned serious. “Where have you two been?”

“We’ve hidden in the school till we know it was safe and found this.” Warhawk allowed Sonata to step forward.

She was holding something covered with a towel. Removing it, she showed the Crystal Heart to her friends. They all looked in awe at it.

Clearing his throat, Warhawk swung the grappling hook over the wall so that they all could escape. “Come on! Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

“Too late!” Aria pointed to a Shadowbolt aiming his gun at them.

Some of the girls started to flinch and covered their faces. But instead of shooting them the Shadowbolt lowered his gun and removed his mask.

“Bronze?” Pinkie recognized him.

“Pinkie, you know him?” Soul asked in surprise.

"Well Duh! Bronze here is our delivery guy at Sugarcube Corner." Pinkie clarified.

“Pinkie, get your boyfriend and the rest of your friends out of here.” Bronze ordered. “I’ll distract them.”

“Yeah right, we’re not taking orders from a Shadowbolt.” Rainbow stepped up. “How do we know we can trust you?”

“No Dashie it’s ok! You can trust him." Pinkie assured. "Bronze is my friend. Just trust me on this.”

Rainbow looked at Swift, who nodded at her and sighed. “Fine! Let’s get the hell out of here” and they all started to climb up the wall.

“Hurry Pendejos! They’re coming this way.” Bronze warned them and ran away to a hiding spot.

“Wait, he just left us here? What a coward!” Straight said still climbing up the wall.

“Oh, no Straight. You are mistaken.” Pinkie replied. “Bronze is gonna create a distraction. Don’t worry!”

Straight raised an eyebrow at her. “How is he-”

Sounds of shooting guns were going off from the direction Bronze went to. “They’re over there get them!” Screamed one of the Shadowbolts. Making everyone following the leading Shadowbolt to the sounds of Bronze's fake shooting imitations.

“Nevermind!” Straight said and continued climbing.

Soon everyone else was over the wall and immediately went to their vehicles and drove away as fast as possible.

At the parking lot of Canterlot High they stepped out and congratulate each other on their successful heist.

“Well done everyone! We did! We got the heart!” Soul said in excitement.

“We!? WE!? It was Sonata and me who did all the hard work you dipshits!” Warhawk corrected.

“Aw come now Warhawkie.” Sonata hugged him. “If it wasn’t for them, the Shadowbolts would’ve surely found us and we couldn’t have stolen the Crystal Heart.”

“Except it isn’t the Crystal Heart.” Rarity said looking through a diamond magnifier. “It’s fake, made of glass.” She tossed the heart to her friends. “I’m sorry darlings.”

“For Fuck sake, all that planning and all those obstacles we’ve been through was for nothing then?!” Straight moved his arms up and down in anger. “Can it possibly get any worse?!”

The group looked down in shame except for Treble. “Hey, where the heck is Zero?”

Looking around, they noticed that Zero was nowhere to be found.

“Trebs, you don’t think he’s…” Vinyl gasped.

“Crystal Prep.”

“Oh no forget it, I’m not going back there!” Aria said with folded arms. “I’ve been enough embarrassed for today.”

“I agree with Aria here,” Warhawk spoke up. “It was his stupid idea of doing this fucking heist. He shouldn’t have stayed behind and played the hero.”

“We can still save him.” Clyde countered. “He’s our friend. He would’ve done the same for us.”

“But Clyde we just escaped from there.” Swift reasoned. “We can’t go back there now.”

Clyde looked up at his friends in doubt. “Yes, we can… and we must!” Clapping his fist in his hand.

Author's Note

And that's it for the Heist. I love using references in stories. I think I'm gonna do that more often. They are from movies, games, series... I'll leave it all up to you to find them. Some are easy some are hard to find.

This time I used two soundtracks that seemed fitting for this chapter. I think they fit well with the heist ending. Enjoy it my friends and I'll see you all in the next chapter.

Victory

Defeat

Being wrong

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. :raritywink:

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

Resolving it

The sun was about to set for today. Slowly, the blue, cloudy sky was changing colors and started to make place for the twilight.

At Wise’s home; Lone’s grandfather was preparing dinner. Normally he would’ve waited for his grandson to come home and make it together. But it was getting late and Wise decided to prepare dinner on his own.

“His second day at school and again he’s late.” Wise grumbled while peeling a potato. “Welp! He’ll wash the dishes once he gets home.”

The sound of the doorbell went off. Wise sighed and stood up. “Could be my grandson, but I doubt that. He has a key to get in.” He thought.

Opening the front door, Wise was right. Instead of Lone standing there, stood six teenagers that Wise knew all too well. “Well, if it isn’t my crazy neighbors from across the street.” Wise smiled while leaning against the door a bit. “What can I do for you all?”

Lone and Sunny were still in the office of Dean Cadence. They told her about their conflict that they had this morning and how they ignored each other for the rest of the day, until now.

“So if I understand correctly,” Dean Cadence spoke up. “You stopped tutoring Lone because he’s friends with Bronze Wing?”

Sunny nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying Dean Cadence. He refused to listen to me no matter what I said. So I decided to cut ties with him.” She placed her leg above her other one and looked away in annoyance.

Lone looked at her with a neutral look, folded his arms and took a deep breath. “Yeah, that’s pretty much it.” He confirmed. “But I don’t see what’s wrong about that.”

“Because he’s playing with you Lone. Don’t you see?!” Sunny exclaimed.

Lone rolled his eyes at her and scoffed. "No, you just can't seem to open up your eyes!"

The two began to argue with each other again and Dean Cadence had enough of it.

“Stop it! Both of you!” She shouted. “Arguing isn’t going to help. It will only make things worse between you two!” She calmed down and took a deep breath, too much stress isn’t healthy for her baby. “Lone, could you please wait outside? There’s something I need discuss with Sunny…. in private.”

Lone nodded and stood up from his seat and left her office while looking back at the two with a confused look.
After closing the door, Dean Cadence and Sunny turned their attention back to each other.

“Sunny, you did it again.” Cadence sighed. “Why do you always want others to do what you want them to do?”

“Because I know that I am right.” Sunny retorted with folded arms.

“Then let me tell you this then; you’re wrong!” Cadence said out loud, making Sunny flinch a little. “Tell me Sunny, besides the rumors you’ve heard. Have you ever see Bronze doing anything mean or harmful? Be honest.”

Tapping her chin, Sunny thought about it. To her surprise, she couldn’t find or remember anything bad that Bronze did. Only rumors. She widened her eyes in realization.

Dean Cadence noticed it. “Sunny,” she began in a gentle tone. “From your group of friends, you seem like the most poised of them. A bit arrogant maybe, rude and an aloof demeanor. But you can’t expect from yourself to have all the answers.”

“Funny, Lone said the same thing about me not having all the answers. Maybe… maybe you’re right.” Sunny reluctantly admitted while lowering her head a bit. “What do you want me to do about it?”

“Well, how do you feel right now?”

“I feel upset. I’m mad at Lone for not listening to me.” Sunny specified. “But also…. I feel guilty… He helped me out with History and I helped him with Algebra and we both got good scores on it, thanks to each other's help.”

“Go on.” Dean Cadence encouraged with hopeful eyes.

Sunny frowned a little. “I…could be wrong but I sensed some sort of a connection. Like more than just working together to improve his grades.”

“Why do you think that Principal Cinch asked you to help Lone?”

Realization started to hit Sunny with a shocked expression. Did her aunt plan all of this? Did she know that Sunny was struggling with History and wanted her to help Lone so that he could help her?

She covered her eyes and softly shook her head. “I’m such an idiot.” She mumbled.

Dean Cadence walked over to her and placed her hand on Sunny’s shoulder in comfort. “You’re not an idiot Sunny.” She told her. “You just made a mistake and that’s normal. Everyone makes mistakes in their lives. Now that you realized it, it's time you learn from it and correct your mistake.”

Slowly, Sunny looked back up at her Dean. “What do you want me to do?” She asked with small, watery eyes.

“Continue helping Lone.” Cadence simply stated.

Sunny snorted at that idea. “Are you crazy Dean Cadence? There’s no way Lone wants me back as his tutor.”

“Or maybe he’ll forgive you. Lone doesn’t seem like a guy to hold a grudge for long.” The Dean explained. “And if you do it, you’re gonna feel a lot better after. Trust me.” She encouraged.

“Huh...” Sunny was considering the idea, but if she goes through with it, then that means she has to apologize. The thought alone gave the girl a bitter taste in her mouth. On the other hand, Dean Cadence said she would feel better if she does it.

“Alright, I’ll do it.” She finally said while standing up.

Dean Cadence smiled at her. “Shall I ask Lone to come back into my office?” She offered.

“No... I’ll go out and talk to him myself.” Sunny said as she made her way to the door. She stopped and turned back to her Dean. “Thank you, for your guidance Dean Cadence.”

“It was my pleasure to help you Sunny.” Cadence smiled. “You’re doing the right thing here. You might gain a new friend beside the girls. Or something more.” She said that last part in her thoughts.

Sunny returned a smile of her own and left the office.

Closing the door for her, Dean Cadence went back to her desk to finish her work. After a couple of minutes, she turned off her computer and prepared to head home.

While closing her office, Dean Cadence kept thinking about the situation between Sunny and Lone. “Those two might actually look cute together. Oh dear, my matchmaking thoughts are coming up again. Where's the time that I played matchmaker for everyone at my time at high school?” She giggled at those fonding memories.

She considered the idea of Sunny and Lone as a couple. Knowing that's for another day. She walked around the corner, heading home.

Sunny was heading to Lone with mixed feelings. She was happy that she can set things straight between them. But she was also annoyed that she has to apologize to him. Sunny has her pride and mostly it’s the boys who come to apologize to her and not the other way around.

Walking around the corner, there she found him, leaning against the wall and looking away from her. He seemed to be in deep thoughts. Hadn’t he heard her coming?

Sunny did some girl moves to get his attention, yet he didn’t notice her. She then waved her hands at him and still no response.

Growling at him, Sunny cleared her throat, making Lone turning around, looking at her.

“Oh hey, Sunny! I didn’t hear you coming.”

“Then maybe you should stop dreaming or thinking… whatever it is you were doing.” Sunny said dryly. “So you notice some more things that are happening around you instead.”

Lone blushed a little while scratching his head. “Yeah sorry about that, I was thinking about something…. personal.” He then held his hand against his stomach. “Not now, stupid allergy.”

Sunny didn’t notice it and continued with her conversation. “So deary, I want to apolo… I want to apologi-...”

Lone raised an eyebrow at her. “What did you say Sunny?” As he moved closer.

Clenching her teeth, Sunny took a deep breath. “I… want to… apologize.” She said with her eyes firmly closed.

Silence filled the hallway, Lone blinked a few times to let Sunny’s words get into his mind to process it.

“Well?” Sunny then asked impatiently. “What’s your answer?”

Ignoring his pain, Lone managed to smile at her. “Apology accepted Sunny. Also, I’m sorry too for being so stubborn to you.” He frowned at her. “You were only trying to help me. I’m also to blame.”

Sunny was a little surprised at this. Sure she had boys who came to apologize to her for minor things. But, Lone sounded really sincere, she could see the regret in his eyes.

“I really do feel better after apologizing, thank you Dean Cadence.” Sunny smiled back at him and took his hand in her own. “Let’s just pretend this all never happened between us and we’ll continue to move forward. Does that sounds fair to you deary?”

“That sounds great… deary.” He winked at her.

She softly punched his shoulder. “Ow, you little tease.”

“I know,” Lone smirked.

They both laughed at the fun moment they were having until Sunny gained her serious look on her face again. “Just so you know deary, tomorrow in the late afternoon we have gym class. This gives you the opportunity to show me and the school what you’re made of.” She explained. “Don’t disappoint me. Keep your mind clear of distractions and focus on what must be done. Understood?”

“Understood.”

“Good, then I’ll see you tomorrow.” Without thinking she quickly gave him a kiss on the cheek and headed outside, leaving Lone perplexed with his hand on the cheek she just kissed.

Outside at her car, Sunny realized what she just did. With her mouth agape, she stepped into her car and headed home.

Wise was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently, after the short visit from his neighbors he continued cooking dinner. Now everything was ready even the table was set and still Lone hadn’t arrived home.

Checking the time on his watch Wise let a growl. “I swear if he doesn’t arrive in the next half hour I’ll ground him for the rest of the week.”

The doorbell rang again and Wise quickly ran to the front door to open it. There he was, Lone, still with the same perplexed look on his face but Wise didn’t notice it.

“Well, well look who finally came home,” Wise said angrily with folded arms. “Have you been studying that long? I doubt that. There must be-” Wise then noticed the kiss mark on Lone’s and widened his eyes. “Oh, I see, that’s why. Come on Lone. You must be hungry.”

At Sunny’s home, the family was already eating dinner in their dining room. Sunny’s father was sitting on the left side of the table, Sunny in the middle and her mother on the right side.

Sunny Glow noticed that her daughter wasn’t eating much of her dinner. Instead, she was softly tapping her spoon on the plate and resting her head in her other hand as if something was bothering her.

“Sunny, dear, why aren’t you eating your bouillabaisse? It’s your favorite.” Glow said. “Chef Gustave Le Grand worked really hard to satisfy your taste buds. So eat up!” She added with a stern voice.

Sunny wasn’t paying attention to her mother but she slowly took a bite of her dinner and chewed on it rather calmly.

Her mother sighed, as her daughter isn’t listening as always. She then looked at her husband, in hopes that he could talk to her.

Cosmic Flare was looking at their daughter with concern. “Sunny, how was school today?” He asked. “Did something bad happen?”

Sunny dropped her spoon, leaned back in her chair and spoke up. “I had a fight with a friend today, a boy.”

“A boy? Was it Royal Pin again?”

“No dad, it wasn’t him.” Sunny replied. “It was one of the new students.”

Glow raised an eyebrow. “A new student got you upset?”

“Yes and no, we managed to work things out between us thanks to Dean Cadence.” Sunny explained. “But that’s not what’s annoying me.”

“Then what is it, honey?” Cosmic placed his hand on her shoulder. “You know you can tell us everything.”

Sunny rolled her eyes at her father, always the soft, overprotective father he is. It annoyed her sometimes.

“Take your time deary,” Glow added. “We’re not going anywhere.”

After taking a deep breath Sunny replied “I kissed him on the cheek…. And…. I liked it.”

Cosmic and Glow looked at each other when they heard that. Glow smiled while Cosmic looked more worried.

“Aw, could it be that our dear Sunny has a crush on the new guy?” Her mother teased.

“S-shut up! I don’t-”

“Language young lady!” Her father said sternly.

“Sorry, dad.”

Cosmic took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his head. “How long do you have this crush on him?”

Sunny began explaining how she and Lone met and how she was giving the task to tutor him by Principal Cinch. Her parents were surprised at that as Sunny continued. She also told them how his initiation went, the attempted heist from the Wondercolts to everything that had happened today.

“In the end, we forgave each other and before we went home,” Sunny started blushing again. “I kissed him on the cheek. I only do that to close friends. But I don’t even know him that well, yet I did it anyway.” Sunny groaned. “It’s so confusing.”

Glow started snickering at her daughter, knowing exactly how she felt when she met Cosmic. “Oh Deary, whether you believe it or not you do have a crush on the new guy.” She said.

“But don’t worry about it, hun.” Cosmic added. “It’s just a crush, it’ll go over in a few days.”

Glow shot him a glare, making him flinch a little before they looked back at their daughter.

“Y-you think so?” Sunny asked in a hopeful tone.

“I’m certain about it.” He winked at her.

“Oh good! That’s a relieve. I feel better already.” She stood up from her seat and stretched her arms. “Thanks, dad! That's what I needed to hear” And she happily left the dining room.

“You didn’t eat your dinner!” Cosmic shouted but Sunny ignored him because she felt so relieved at her father’s words.

After the butler closed the door, Cosmic and Glow continued eating their dinner with Glow still glaring heavily at her husband.

Cosmic finally noticed it. “What?”

“Don’t you ‘what’ me good sir!” Glow retorted. “Why did you say that to her? This was a chance for Sunny to have herself a boyfriend.”

Cosmic glared back at her before speaking up. “If you spent some more time with your daughter instead of your work, then you would’ve understood how her last relationship with Royal Pin went.”

“I am a nurse of the Canterlot hospital!” Glow defended. “I can’t always help it if I have to work overtime!!!”

“Again it’s all about you!” Cosmic retorted. “We’re talking about our daughter right now.” He massaged his temples to calm down. “I don’t want our daughter go through the same pain like last time.”

Glow frowned, she stood up and comforted her husband. “Neither do I deary. But our little girl is growing up. We can’t protect her from everyone and everything.”

“I know, I know,” Cosmic said with his head low and going through his hair. “I just hope her new ‘crush’ is a better one then Royal Pin.”

“I may not what he did to our Sunny, but I will do my best to protect her and support her.” Glow stated firmly. “As should you.”

Cosmic sighed. “Yeah you’re right.”

Glow leaned closer to her lover. “We’ll make it through this together, trust me,” as she kissed his forehead. “And I’ll do my best to spend more time with her and with us. I promise.” She told him.

They smiled at each before they went back to eating their dinner and enjoyed watching a romantic - comedy after, with a nice glass of red wine

Back at Wise’s home, he and his grandson were finally eating their dinner. Wise was in a happy mood since he saw the lipstick mark on Lone’s cheek. He couldn't help but tease him for it.

“Hahaha, what’s next Sonny? You’re gonna bring her home and introduce her to me?”

“Grandpa!” Lone exclaimed. “Quit it! It’s nothing like that.”

“Yeah, yeah. That’s what they all say.” As he wiped some tears from his face. “You're more like your father then I thought. You have his looks and now also his charms.” Wise once again started laughing.

Lone started to become more and more peeved. He kept himself calm and continued eating while ignoring the laughs and taunts from his grandfather. Once he was finished he placed his dishes in the sink and was about to leave the kitchen

“Where do you think you’re going, Sonny?” Wise teased. “Since you're so late, you're going to wash the dishes.”

“Then you should’ve stopped teasing me when I said so,” Lone smirked and went to his room.

He could still hear his grandpa complaining while walking upstairs, making Lone smirk even more.

After he finished his homework, which wasn't much for today. Lone also checked his account on ‘MyStable’ to see if anything interesting happened lately.

He had received several friendship requests from Fleur (obviously), Quill, Bronze, Sunny, Neon and a couple of other students from Crystal Prep. Lone assumed he gained a lot of respect from the students after he warned them about the attempted heist from the Wondercolts.

After he accepted their requests, one more request appeared on screen with a message.

“Thanks for giving our trophy back dude. Maybe you’re not so bad at all. Whadda Ya say? Friends? - Zero Gravity.”

Smiling, Lone accepted Zero’s friendship request as well and answered:

Friends! 😉

And closed his computer, getting ready to go to sleep.

Before going to bed Lone received a message on his phone, two in fact. One was from Fleur and the other one was from an unknown number.

Fleur's message read:

It's really great to have you back Loneny! Hopefully, we share the same classes. We have a lot of catching up to do. Goodnight! 😘

Lone chuckled at Fleur's message and quickly typed down his reply. Then, he checked who the second message belonged to. Reading it, he already knew who it belonged to.

Goodnight deary! X

Shaking his head while smiling Lone knew that this has to be Sunny.

Goodnight Sunshine! X

After sending his reply Lone put his phone on 'silent mode' and tucked himself in. Tomorrow is another day, hopefully, it will be a better one than today.

Author's Note

And that's it for this chapter. Now you've also met Sunny's parents. Yes I know, you don't know what they look like, but that's for another chapter.

Also, my apologies that this chapter took a little longer than I expected. After I published the previous chapter some things happened at home. It took me a while to fix things and to get over it. But now I'm back on track with writing.

I'll see you all in the next one and here's the song for this chapter, enjoy!

Getting fit

Getting Fit

Two weeks passed and a new morning rose over Canterlot as the people of the beautiful city were starting their morning routines. Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast and getting ready for work or school.

There are always some early birds who wanna go for a run before it’s time for school. At the exit of the park was a boy and a girl in a running outfit. Right now, they were doing some stretch exercises as they were preparing themselves to run back home to fresh up.

“Ah, that was a good morning run we had Minuette.” Night said as he bowed down to reach his toes with stretched legs. “I feel better already.”

Minuette was lifting one of her legs up behind her back before she gave him a happy smile. “Glad you enjoyed it Night.” She then leaned closer to him. “I hope you’re ready to run twice as much after school.”

“As much as I want that, I can’t.” Night replied sadly.

“Aw, why not?” Minuette asked.

“I…” Night was fiddling his fingers rather nervously. “I promised Fluttershy to help her out at the animal shelter after school, sorry Min!”

“Oh… ok.” Minuette replied, a little disappointed. “Tomorrow then?”

“Sure.”

That gave Minuette a small glimmer of hope again. “At the park, same time as usual?”

“You got it!” Night nodded.

“Sweet!”

Minuette then got an idea. Smirking, she sneaked up behind him and gave him a little push, losing his balance. “Race ya home!” And she ran off.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” Night laughed and quickly stood back up and ran after her.

Laughing, the two friends ran down the street, enjoying each other's company. They passed Lone who was already on his way to school.

Sunny was already at school. She was in the cafeteria along with the rest of her friends. They were talking about the ‘Friendship Games’. The event where they have to compete against their rivals: The Wondercolts from Canterlot High. Their school won all the previous games and they sure as hell are planning to win this year again. Defeat is not an option.

“So Sunny, how far are you with the uniforms for the games?” Indigo asked. “Clock’s ticking you know.”

Sunny gave her an unamused look but smiled nonetheless. “They are coming along nicely Indigo.” She retorted. “We’re just doing the finishing touches. At the end of the week, Principal Cinch and Dean Cadence will see the results.”

“Impressive Sunny.” Sugarcoat admitted. “We thought you would be more distracted by other factors.”

“What can I say, deary? Planning and organizing is my thing.” She said with a proud look. “And what do you mean by distracted?”

“Gheez, I don’t know.” Lemon Zest joined in. “Maybe a new student that goes by the name of Lone Wolf?”

“Oh, him. He means nothing to me.” Sunny curtly replied.

Lemon raised an eyebrow at her. “Really now? Then why were you so jealous of him a few weeks ago?”

“Yeah,” Sour leaned in. “Your were looking quite mad at him. Especially at Fleur.”

Sunny scoffed at the two. “And that says the girl who spends more and more time with Quill then us.”

“Hey, Quill is a cool dude if you get to know him better.” Lemon defended. “But touché nonetheless.”

Sunny then looked at Sour. “And you, if you lowered your sour attitude a bit you might make some more friends.”

Glaring at her, Sour huffed and looked away. “Why should I need more friends? I’m stuck with you lot!”

“And to answer your question: Yes, I was jealous and before you ask further I might have a crush on him. Happy now?”

Cricket sounds were heard for a couple of seconds.

“Well, that was fast.” Sugarcoat said dryly.

“It’s easier to say it to people you can trust instead of saying it to the person that it’s actually meant to.” Sunny stated.

“Oh, really.” Now it was Indigo’s time to smirk. “What makes you say that we won’t tell Lone?”

Glaring at Indigo at first, Sunny smirked back. “Because I still have my USB stick with all your embarrassing secrets on it.” Holding it in her hands.

“You’re bluffing.”

“Am I? My dear Sugarcoat do you really wanna find that out?” Sunny replied with a mischievous look.

The twin-tailed girl replied with a glare of her own.

“Eh, better safe than sorry,” Lemon interjected with her waving hands. “You have my word, I won’t tell Lone and I think I speak for the rest of the girls. Right?” She looked back at her friends with the hope of some support.

“Yeah totally!

”uhum.”

“Whatever… fine!”

Satisfied, Sunny puts her USB stick away. “I am so glad that we can trust each other with secrets like this.” She smiled happily. “But it wouldn't be fair to you all if I wouldn’t do something in return. So, as long as you keep it secret you have my word that I won’t release your dirty secrets to everybody else. Deal?”

“Deal!” They all said.

Sunny felt so relieved that her friends believed her bluffing tactic. Knowing what she said to them, she would never blackmail her friends. But it wouldn’t hurt to pretend that you hold all the good cards in the game. On her USB stick were only the files of her schoolwork and her designs.

The bell rang, signaling the start of their first class of today: Gym.

After getting dressed in their gym uniforms; a Bordeaux T-shirt, dark purple shorts, and dark-blue sneakers. The students were all waiting in the gym-hall for their coach to arrive.

“You’re ready for it Sunny? Today we’re gonna run some laps around the field to test our endurance for the games.” Indigo said.

“Oh, deary, please. I can run for as long as I want.” Sunny replied. “I may not be as fast as most of you, but I can hold on.”

“We’ll see about that.” Indigo thought, knowing Sunny is lying again.

Bronze was sitting on the sidelines with a couple Shadowbolts sitting further away from him. He ignored the scared looks since he was already used to it. Out of boredom, he started to flip a coin while waiting for Lone to arrive.

“Hey there.” Said a new voice.

Looking up, Bronze came eye to eye with Fleur Dis Lee.

“Hola Hermosa.”

“What?” Fleur asked confused.

Bronze sighed. “It means ‘hello beautiful’.”

“Why, thank you.” Fleur smiled at his compliment. “You’re Bronze Wing right?”

“The one and only.” He replied with his hands up and a cheeky grin. “Is there something you want from me?”

“Not at all,” Fleur said and sat down next to him. “I just never noticed you here at our school until Lone started hanging out with you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah and I’ve heard some nasty rumors about you.” She admitted.

Bronze scoffed and already looked away from her.

“B-but that doesn’t mean I believe it.” Fleur quickly added. “I want to give you a fair chance to-”

“Oh, now I’m going to have to prove myself again?” Bronze interrupted. “What a surprise.”

“That’s not what I mean. I-”

Just then, Coach Aspen came in and blew his whistle, starting the gym.

They were heading to the soccer field to start their then laps. Most of the Shadowbolts were fine with that. Except for the spoiled ones like Jet Set and Uppercrust.

Arriving at the field, Sunny noticed that Lone wasn’t with them. She noticed that Fleur was also looking for him.

“Excuse me, Coach Aspen?” Sunny raised her arm. “Where is Lone Wolf?”

“Lone will be here shortly,” Aspen replied. “He had to meet with Principal Cinch and Dean Cadence to get some paperwork done for his handicap.”

“Handicap?” Sunny raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know he had a handicap.”

“Neither did I.” He replied while overgoing the names on his clipboard.

Speaking of the devil, Lone finally arrived on the field with a paper in hands.

Seeing him, Sunny gave him a happy smile wich Lone gladly returned. But then she widened her eyes in surprise. Under his short, Lone was walking with a black prosthetic leg.

Sunny was not the only one surprised. Her friends, Quill, Bronze and a couple of other students had surprised looks on their faces.

Lone walked on the field with an uncomfortable feeling. He knew that everyone would find out his secret. So he tried his best not to look at them and walked over to Coach Aspen and handed him the paper. He quickly overlooked it and nodded at him. He patted Lone on the back and gestured him to join the rest.

Fleur quickly walked over to him, in hopes of comforting him, much to Sunny’s dismay.

“Jealous, told you,” Lemon whispered to Sour, making her snicker.

Sugarcoat rolled her eyes at them and nudged Sunny to make a move. Confused, Sunny shrugged. Pinching the bridge of her nose Sugarcoat walked over to Fancy.

She said a few words to him, making Fancy then looking at Fleur and Lone and motioned for her to come over.

“Go!” Sugarcoat ordered Sunny. “This is your chance to talk to him.”

Grateful, Sunny thrust her chest and walked over to Lone with high courage. “Thanks, Deary.”

Silently Sugarcoat shook her head and turned around, looking for Bronze.

“So deary, I must say this is unexpected.” As she approached him.

“If you mean this,” Lone pointed at his prosthetic lower leg, “then don’t worry about it. I can still run fast.”

“Good, I wasn’t planning on making things easier for you because of that.” She smirked. Sunny then got an idea. “Say, deary, how about we start together?”

“What?”

“Coach Aspen always let us run together with two at the beginning.” Sunny explained. “So that means you, me, running together. In this way, I can test your physical sides. Unless…. you think you can’t keep up with me.” She teased with a huge smug on her face.

Seeing what she’s going for, Lone smirked back. “Is that a challenge Miss Flare?”

“What too soon?” She rests her hands on her hips. “I didn’t get this beautiful figure by just eating healthy food you know.”

“In that case, challenge accepted. Miss Flare.” Lone replied. “But what do I get for it if I finish first?”

Sunny tapped her chin, thinking. “How about… if you win…

“I’ll take you out for dinner.”

“That’s a great- What?!” She nearly shouted.

“I said I’ll take you out for dinner.” Lone repeated. “You may not have noticed it Sunny but you look very stressed out lately. You must have a lot of work on your shoulders. You're my tutor, you’re also the head of the sewing club and all. I figured some time off after school would be good for us both.”

Sunny tried to stay professional but her cheeks were turning red. “W-wait a minute here, are you asking me out on a date?”

“No, not a date. Just two friends trying to have a good time.” Lone clarified.

“I see.” As she smoothed down her shorts. “But what if I win?”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Hmmm.”

“I’ll carry all your books for a week,” Lone suggested.

“Nah, that’s too cheesy.” Sunny then snapped her fingers. “I’ve got it! If I win you will be my mannequin for…. a month!”

Lone tugged his shirt collar a little. “A.. a month?”

Sunny heard the doubt in his voice and smirked. “What? Too much for you to handle deary? Or am I not good enough?” She pouted.

“No, no that’s not what I meant,”Lone said in a nearly panicking tone. “But isn’t a month a little too much?”

“Then make sure you’ll finish before me and you’ll have your date with me.” She winked at him. “Like it or not, you gotta take risks sometimes in life deary.”

Lone thought about it for a moment, Sunny had a fair point. If he wins, he can get to know her better but if he loses… “I still spend some time with her… in a more embarrassing way then.” Lone shuddered at the thought of wearing some girly froo-froo stuff.

“Alright, if I lose, I’ll be your mannequin for a month.” Lone reluctantly agreed. Sunny nearly squealed and was about to hug him.

Coach Aspen blew his whistle again, ordering the students to get ready. All partnered up, the students were ready to go on the Coach’s signal.

Lone and Sunny looked at each other with full determination, believing that they would win their bet.

Behind them, Royal Pinn looked at Lone with disgust in his eyes. Fleur looked at Sunny in the same way. There was a slight hint of green in her eyes.

“Oh Lone, you’re falling for the wrong girl again. I… I must warn you about Sunny and fast.”

“On your marks! Get set! GO!”

Lone was starting to get tired as he began on his 8th lap. “Oh, man! I need to get back into shape after this is over.”

Looking behind him he saw most of the students already gave up and were sitting on the sidelines that included Fleur, Fancy, and Royal. It surprised Lone that Coach Aspen allowed them to quit.

“I guess that’s an ‘F’ for their endurance.”

But Sunny was not one of them, she was still running but was one round behind. He was impressed. He just assumed that Sunny was bluffing like some other girls. Glad he was wrong.

“That date is in the pocket.” Lone smirked. “Wait, what did I just say?”

Shaking it off, Lone noticed that Indigo and Bronze were showing signs of fatigue. Sour and Lemon were slowing down their pace.

Passing them, Lone gave them a quick salute to encourage them not to give up. Sour glared at him while Lemon gratefully smiled.

Quill, on the other hand, was far behind them and was starting to have trouble keeping up with the rest.

The 10th lap began and Lone was starting to get a side cramp. Holding his stomach, he focused more on his breathing in and out at a slow pace.

The sun was getting higher, temperature rising. Everyone felt the sweat dripping off their foreheads. Sunny looked more and more exhausted. She started to run slower and began having trouble breathing.

“Must... keep… running….” She wiped the sweat from her forehead and continued. Halfway the final lap she stopped, her head started spinning. She looked up at the sky as everything turned black.

“Sunny!” was the last thing she heard before she lost consciousness.

Fluttering her eyes open, Sunny had a slight headache and was confused. Slowly rising up from the bed, she looked around.

“Ah Sunny, it’s good to see you awake again.” Said a relieved voice.

Looking to her right, Sunny met the nurse of Crystal Prep. She has light blue skin, light green hair that was tied in a bun. Her light pink eyes were relieved to see that Sunny was going to be just fine.

“Euhm, Nurse Tenderheart… what exactly happened and how did I get here?” Sunny asked confused.

“Oh Sweetie, you had a heat syncope during gym.” Nurse Tenderheart explained. “Lucky for you one of the students close behind you was able to catch you just in time. He carried you here and helped me get you on the bed and stayed with you till the end of the class.”

Sunny smiled in gratitude and thanked Nurse Tenderheart. “So, who brought me here? I would be inappropriate of me if I didn’t thank the one in person.”

Nurse Tenderheart folded her arms on her lap. “I’m not sure who it was, to be honest. though, he looked a lot like Royal Pinn. I think he’s one of the new students here.”

“Lone Wolf?”

“Yes, I think that was his name.”

“Huh,” was all Sunny could say and then checked the time on her watch. It was nearly lunchtime. Had she been here the rest of the morning?

Nurse Tenderheart examined her face to find any traces left of the heat syncope. “There you go Sunny. You’re the picture of health again. But I recommend staying out of the sun for the rest of the day and drink regularly.”

“Duly noted,” Sunny replied while slowly getting off the bed.

“Before you go, here,” She handed Sunny a hall pass. “And don’t worry, your teachers are aware of your situation.”

“Thank you Nurse Tenderheart,” and Sunny left the office.

On their way to the cafeteria, Bronze told Lone what happened between him and Fleur. Seeing it was all a misunderstanding Lone called Fleur out to settle things between them.

“... So I apologize for my behavior.” Fleur said.

“It’s fine senorita.” Bronze assured her. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I’m sorry too.”

“Oh, good. That’s a reliever.” Fleur said relieved.

Lone walked between the two with his hands on their shoulders. “So we’re all good?”

Bronze looked at Fleur with a friendly smile and both nodded at Lone. “Yeah, I think we are Lone.”

“So friends?” Fleur raised her hand at Bronze. He happily shook it, sealing their newfound friendship.

“Hey everyone!” Quill approached the group. “D-did I miss anything?”

“Besides Fleur and Bronze are now friends? Not so much Quill.” Lone said.

“Well, I’ve got something to talk about.” Said another person behind the group.

“Neon, how have you been?”

“Doing just fine ya little wanker.” Neon teased.

“Am I to assume that’s my new nickname now?”

“You bet it is!” Neon smirked widely. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner, you remind of a loser I know from Canterlot High. So, get used to it! From now on I dub you: wanker.” He proclaimed with his arms spread wide. Lone chuckled and rolled his eyes at him.

“Get to the point Neon,” Bronze said annoyed. “What do you want to talk about?”

Neon pointed at Lone’s leg. “That is what I want to talk about.”

“My leg?”

“No, the floor you’re standing on of course your leg you wanker.” Neon said with a stern voice. “How did that happen?” He asked in a more worried tone.

Bronze and Quill looked at Lone in curiosity, wanting to know it as well.

Lone looked at Fleur in worry. She looked at him in the same way and softly shook her head. Sighing Lone took a deep breath trying to find the right words.

“I’m sorry Neon but that’s kinda personal and I… don’t feel like talking about it right now,” Lone replied with a rather uncomfortable look.

“Fine then.” Neon shrugged. “I’ll find out myself...eventually” and walked away.

“Mysterious fella isn’t he?” Bronze commented.

“M-most certainly.” Quill agreed. “H-he always a-appears on moments that … you l-least e-expect it.”

“Shall we go to the cafeteria?” Fleur suggested.

They all agreed and went on their way.

Over at The Shadow 5, Sunny had just joined their table.

“Well lookie here, Sleeping beauty finally awoke.” Indigo teased. “Did Prince Charming kiss you awake?”

Lemon spat out her drink and started laughing along with Sour Sweet. Sugarcoat gave them a dry look and continued eating.

Sunny glared at them and tried to ignore them.

Lemon patted her shoulder a little, “Aw come on Sunny we’re only teasing you.” She said.

“Whatever I’m not interested in talking anyway.”

“Why?” Sugarcoat asked. “Normally you love to talk about the latest gossips around the school.”

“Because I feel embarrassed.” Sunny growled. “I had a heat syncope in front of the entire class. My pride was on the line here so yeah I am very mad at the moment.”

“Is that it?” Indigo said. “You feel embarrassed about that?”

“That and I have lost a bet against Lone.” Sunny added while covering her face with her hands.

“Oh, come now Sweetie, it can’t be that bad.”

“I agree with Sour here,” Lemon said. “So you lost a bet, how much do you owe him?”

“....I owe him a date.” Sunny replied while blushing madly.

School was now over for today and Lone and Fleur were studying in the library. Fleur suggested it but it was more of an excuse to warn Lone about Sunny. Lone just finished sending a message to his grandfather that he’ll arrive later at home as he focused back on his English essay.

Fleur was already done as she was overlooking her classes for tomorrow in case they have a pop quiz. Finishing reading, Fleur looked at her childhood friend.

“Lone?”

“Hmm?”

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

Lone stopped writing his essay and looked at Fleur. “What is it?”

“It’s about Sunny.”

Lone could already guess what this is all about. “Look my Belle Fleur, if you’re worried about that conflict I had with her yesterday then relax. We managed to work things out between us.”

“I am relieved to hear that. But just be careful around her. She might use you for her own gain.” Fleur warned. “I don’t want you to make the same mistakes again with the other girls in your previous school.”

“I appreciate your concern for me Fleur,” Lone said gratefully. “But I know what I’m doing and I’ve grown and learned a lot since last time.”

Fleur sighed. “Ok, I trust you. But if anything happens, you let me know ok? I’ll do what I can to help you.”

“Thank you, Fleur.” Lone smiled. “Know, that you can count on me as well.”

The two reunited friends hugged each other before returning back to their schoolwork.

“Lone Wolf?” Said a voice behind them.

Turning, Lone and Fleur saw Sour Sweet standing behind them with a file of papers in her hands.

“Hello Sour Sweet.” Lone greeted kindly, “can we help you with something?”

Smirking, Sour handed Lone the papers. He looked at them, confused. “What am I supposed to do with these? Do we have more homework?”

“No you idiot! I-I mean, no sweetie these are the notes of our classes that Sunny missed.” Sour explained. “Normally I would’ve given them to her but silly me… I forgot about it.”

Fleur snorted at her acting. She already knew what Sour forgot those notes on purpose..

“Since you’re so good friends with her, could you be a dear and bring these notes to her home.” She said with a cute look and fluttering eyes.

“Oh, sure. I can do that.” Lone scratched the back of his head a little. “But I don’t know where she lives.”

“Here is her address.” Sour handed it to him. “You better go now. Sunny doesn’t like to wait.” She whispered in his ears.

Immediately, Lone packed his stuff and went on his way without saying goodbye.

Fleur pinched the bridge of her head. “He’s gonna learn it the hard way again.” Sighing, she packed her stuff as well and left the library. She and Fancy had a date tonight and it was time to get ready.

Sour was already outside and send a message in their friends-chat-group. “He’s on his way.”

On his way to Sunny’s home, Lone was starting to get hungry. He decided to do a pitstop at the local bakery called Sugarcube Corner.

As soon as Lone entered the bakery, he felt all eyes were on him. Feeling a little nervous he quickly made his way to the counter.

Ms. Cake was happy to help him. A customer is a customer for her and Lone seemed very friendly.

“That’ll be 5 dollars for the donut and the chocolate milk dear.” She said.

Happy to oblige Lone grabbed his wallet and paid for his order. “Here you go, Miss.” He smiled at her. “You can keep the change.”

“Thank you, dear, that is very kind of you.” Ms. Cake replied with a smile of her own.

With a friendly nod, Lone left and headed for the exit. Looking at the other customers he realized that there were no Shadowbolts around. Lone assumed that this must be the hangout place from the Wonderbolts since some were glaring at him.

Accelerate his pace, Lone didn’t notice someone stuck out his leg. Falling on his stomach, almost everyone began laughing at Lone. Turning on his back he looked at the guy who tackled him.

A rather bulky young man stood above Lone smirking down at him. “Oops, I’m sorry I didn’t see you there. Shadowbolt.” He taunted.

Lone tried to stand up while ignoring the boy. It was difficult though. Like he was missing something
“Aaah! He lost his leg!” A girl screamed.

“Oh no.”

Lone looked down and saw that his left prosthetic under leg fell off. “Shit,”

Still smirking at Lone, the boy grabbed his leg and held it in the air. “Aw, what’s the matter? Can’t the little Shadowbolt get it?”

Lone’s anger increased at this as he struggled to stand up.

“Knock it off Ledger!” Said a voice behind the boy.

The boy now called Ledger was grabbed by his collar and held up by a tall young man who had peach colored skin, spiky orange hair and green eyes. He had an intense glare on his face.

“What’s the matter with ya? I knew you were a bad apple but this.” Grabbing Lone’s prosthetic leg out of Ledger’s grasp. “This is just out of hand! Get out of here and think about your actions.”

Dropping him on the floor, Ledger glared back at him and then left, rubbing his back. The boy then turned to Lone and handed him his prosthetic leg.

“Thank you,” Lone replied. “What’s your name actually?”

“Yer welcome, my name is Big Macintosh. Big Mac for friends. Here, let me help ya with that.” As he helped Lone sitting up. “So, what’s yer name?”

“Oh, right. My name is Lone Wolf. Just Lone is fine.”

“Nice to meet ya, Lone.”

Lone gave him a genuine smile as he attached his prosthetic leg back onto him. At least some people like Big Mac are still around to help others, unlike the bystanders who did nothing. Though some of them looked at Lone with some regret in their eyes.

Standing back up, Lone was as tall as Big Mac himself, who gave him a pat on his shoulder and smiled back at him.

“There, good as new partner.”

“Thanks again for your help, Big Mac.” Lone checked the time on his watch. “I wish I could stay longer and talk some more but I need to get going. “

“No problem partner.” Big Mac patted him on his shoulder. “If you wanna hang out with me and meet my friends you can always find us here after school.”

“I’ll keep that in mind Big Mac thank you.” Lone smiled. “Until then” and left the bakery.

Big Mac waved him goodbye and went back to his seat nearby one of the windows where another boy was sitting.

The boy had yellow skin, blue long hair that covered a part of his pink eyes. He saw everything happen a few minutes ago between Big Mac and Ledger.

“That was really kind what you did back there Big Mac.” Said the boy. “You think we’ll see him again?”

“Eyup! I’m quite certain of it No Clue.”

Finally arriving at Sunny’s home, Lone was waiting at the big, dark grey gates. While admiring the Classical design of the mansion, Lone pressed the doorbell.

“Who’s there and what do you want?” Said a tall butler through the monitor.

Startled, Lone dusted himself off. “Eh, good evening. I am here to bring Sunny Flare the notes that she forgot at school.”

“There is no one who lives under that name here Sir, I have to ask you to leave.” Said the voice curtly.

Lone frowned, this was the address that Sour Sweet gave him. He was quite certain of it. “Odd, her friend Sour Sweet gave me this address that Sunny Flare lives here.”

“... All visitors are required” The butler then got cut off and pushed aside by none other than Sunny Flare.

“Don’t be so formal Max and check if dinner is ready or something like that…” She then looked at the monitor. “Who is this?

Lone removed his helmet and looked at Sunny with a smirk.

“Lone? How did you find out where I live?” Sunny asked in surprise.

“Sour Sweet told me and she wanted me to give you this.” As he showed her her notes from her missed classes.

“Oh, well, in that case, come on in” as she pushed the button to open the gates.

Driving in, Lone placed his bike at the small angel designed fountain across the front door. Looking around, Lone heard a dog barking from inside the mansion. Walking up to the front door, Sunny opened it with a red-orange german shepherd sitting next to her barking at him.

“Garble! Hush! He’s a friend.” Sunny commanded.

Garble stopped barking and lay down on the floor growling softly at Lone.

“Sorry about that deary. Garble is our guard dog in case strangers try to rob our house.” Sunny explained. “He doesn’t show it but he can be a real sweetheart once he gets to know you.”

“It’s fine Sunny,” Lone assured and handed her the notes. “Here are the notes of your missing classes.”

“Thank you, deary. I almost forgot about it.”

“Your welcome now get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow…. my tutor.” Winking at her, making Sunny blush a little.
He turned around, ready to leave. “Wait!” Sunny called. “About our bet.”

“It’s off the table,” Lone told her.

“Why?”

“Sunny, let's be fair. we made a bet that whoever finished ten laps first wins. But after you lost consciousness due to a heat syncope I didn’t finish my ten laps. I helped you to the nurse office and I stayed with you until class was over. So, no one wins.”

Sunny giggled at Lone’s explanation. “I guess I can’t argue with that. So what happens now? I still need someone to help me with the boy's uniforms for the Friendship Games next month.”

“If you really, really need a boy for your opinion on the uniforms then I’ll help,” Lone suggested while rolling his shoulders. “As long as you don’t let me wear any girl uniforms.”

“No girl uniforms for you deary I assure you.”

“Good and in turn I’m taking you an evening out.” He smirked.

“I have a seriously deja-vu right now.” Sunny stated dryly while rubbing her forehead.

They both were sharing a good laugh and started talking about something else. “Say, deary, after today it’s clear that you’re well in shape, compared to me, i-it seems that I need some improvement,” Sunny admitted.

Lone scratched his chin, thinking a way of helping Sunny. “How about we start training together? Could we let’s say run a few rounds around the park as a start? It’s good for when you’re feeling stressed with all the hard work you’re having these last few days.”

“Hmm. That’s actually not a bad idea.” Sunny agreed. “But when shall we start?”

“Monday, around six pm at the entrance?”

“Alright, I’ll be there and you better be there too.” She pointed firmly at him.

“I will. Don’t worry.” He assured her.

“Good, then I’ll see you tomorrow then deary.” She started closing the door. “Make sure you are on time.”

Lone nodded at her. “Good evening Sunny ” and headed home.

“Good evening deary.” She waved. “Come Garble, let’s see what Gustave made for us tonight.” And Sunny closed the door. Immediately after, Sunny sends a message to her friends-group-chat. “It worked.”

Lone stepped on his bike and went home. Smiling at himself, proud that he managed to open up some more to Sunny and she to him. Maybe they could be friends, well, he already considers her a friend but he wasn’t sure if it’s also the other way around. But something tells him that things are going to be just fine.

Author's Note

Another one of my original ideas, Lone has a prosthetic leg. I was planning on using it in my original story but at that time the author of Aftermath Bliss already came up with a similar idea.

I didn't want to come over as an idea stealer so I gave Lone that giant tattoo instead. A choice I regretted later on. So when I started my reboot, I asked if the author of Aftermath Bliss was ok with Lone having a prosthetic leg and he was fine with it.

Here's what Lone's prosthetic leg looks like.

So with that explained I wanna thank you all for reading my story/ chapter so far and let's end this chapter with a song:

Getting somewhere

Lone yawned in boredom as he was standing on a small step stool. He was currently in the middle of Sunny’s workroom, standing still with his arms spread out. Yesterday he agreed to be Sunny’s mannequin. But he did not expect it to last this long.

“How long have I been standing here?” Lone asked.

“About four minutes.” Sunny replied.

Lone groaned. “Seriously?”

“No deary, I was kidding. We’ve been here for two hours. Don’t worry I’m almost done.” She assured him with a few pins in her mouth. “Now be quiet! I need to concentrate.”

“How much long- Ouch!”

Sunny pinned one of her pins in Lone’s butt. “I told you to be quiet.”

Groaning, Lone rubbed his butt. “Duly noted.” He replied in annoyance.

Smirking, Sunny continued her work. She was currently finishing the last set of uniforms for the Friendship Games. Since Principal Cinch isn’t allowed to tell what the games are, Sunny had to make a lot of different uniforms. From Archery uniforms to Motorcycle ones.

Sunny thought a change of color would be nice for the guys and with a small suggestion from Lone, she used the colors; black, silver and blue.

Done with her work, she walked around Lone. Eyeing him up and down and smiled in satisfaction.

“Oh deary, you look perfect.” Sunny complimented. “Here, take a look at yourself in the standing mirror over there.”

Stepping down, Lone looked at himself in the nearby mirror; A black leather jacket with a big silver lightning bolt on the dark-blue suit under it. And the finishing touch: high black boots with the ‘S’ of Shadowbolts printed on the front.

Lone admitted that he looked awesome with this outfit. Doing some silly poses with a cheeky grin, Sunny couldn’t help but laugh at what Lone was doing.

“Oh, deary stop doing those silly poses. You’re killing me.”

Lone looked at her with a fake guilty look. “Oh my, I would never kill such a beautiful and sweet girl like you.”

“Oh, is that so handsome?” Sunny teased back.

Flattered Lone looked away from the girl’s compliment. Sunny gazed at the ground with red cheeks and didn’t know what to say.

“Look, deary, I know we sometimes flirt and the other person flirts back. It’s fun do it sometimes but really, are we going somewhere with all of this?” Sunny then asked.

Lone felt some sincerity in the strong-willed girl and looked at her with a mutual expression. “You’re…. more to me than just my friend Sunny. But I don’t know if it’s just a crush or something more than just that.” He replied in an honest tone.

Silence filled the workroom again. Lone kept glancing at Sunny. It was getting warm in this new uniform and started going to the change room but was grabbed by Sunny, who looked sincerely at him.

“You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable deary.” Sunny sighed. “It’s just what you said was really kind but also a little overwhelming.” She pursed her lips a bit. “Is that how you really feel about me?”

Lone turned around and looked back at the strong, cute blushing girl. “Yeah, I do.” He replied in an honest tone. “Do you feel the same?”

She mumbled something but it was too soft for Lone to hear. “Come again?”

“I said: I would be lying if I didn’t feel the same about you,” Sunny admitted, looking the other way with blushing cheeks.

Lone smiled in relief, though he had a feeling that there was something else that Sunny wanted to say.

“But-”

“Ah, here it comes; The rejection.” Lone thought and looked down, sadly.

“I don’t want to rush things between us deary.” Sunny replied. “You’ve been here for nearly a month and I don’t know that much about you yet.”

“I understand, I probably would’ve said the same thing. I just wanted to tell you how I feel about you.” He smiled. “We don’t always see eye to eye but I know I can depend on you and I’m happy to call you my friend Sunny.”

Fluttered by Lone’s complement she gave him a small kiss on the cheek. “You can be a real sweetheart deary.” She smiled. “I can see why Fleur likes you so much.”

“Yeah, Fleur and I know each other for a long time,” Lone replied while scratching the back of his head while realizing something. “You don’t mind me hanging out with her right?”

“Of course not deary!” Sunny assured. “I am a lady, I don’t even know what the word jealousy means.” She winked.

Lone raised an eyebrow at her and grinned. “Is that so? I haven’t even asked if you were jealous.”

Sunny felt a lump in her throat. She realized that Lone outplayed her and looked at him with a nervous smile.

“Relax Sunny, I’m only teasing.”

With puffed cheeks, Sunny grabbed the nearest fabric and threw it at Lone’s face.

After cleaning up her work and Lone changing clothes, they made their way to the exit. Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar shouting voice, coming from around the corner.

“For the love of Peace! How many times are you gonna bump into me, you moron!” Shouted a familiar voice from around the corner.

“Sour Sweet?”

Peeking around the corner, they saw Sour Sweet arguing with a boy who has peach skin, dark blue eyes with long black and blue striped hair. He was glaring immensely at Sour Sweet. There was also a young girl standing between them, trying to calm the situation.

“Please Dark, don’t start this mess again.” She pleaded.

“Can it Lilac!” The boy rudely replied. “This Bipolar freak doesn’t know the difference between an accident or when it’s on purpose!”

“You dare calling me a Bipolar freak, you dufus!” Sour exclaimed with clenched fists.

Dark smirked at her. “I have an entire list of things I can call you. You want me to name them all?”

Sunny had enough of it and stepped in. “Alright, that’s enough!” As she pushed them both away from each other with the help of Lilac. ”Sour are you ok?”

“No, I am not. As long as he’s here.” She pointed at Dark. He glared back at her and was about to say something back. But Lilac placed her hand over his mouth.

“Let’s just go our separate ways before we do all something we’re going to regret.” Lone suggested, standing in the middle of them.

“I agree with Lone. “Come on deary let’s get out of here and get ourselves a smoothie to calm down.”

Reluctantly, Sour agreed and followed Sunny down the hallway and headed for the main exit. With Dark sending death glares at Sour and vice versa.

Lilac and Lone started helping Dark picking up all the stuff he dropped. “Come on big bro, let’s head home. Mom is probably waiting for us at the car.”

Dark nodded at her while he dusted himself off and then looked at Lone. “Shouldn’t you be getting home as well? Or are you planning to stay here for the night?”

Lone frowned at him “Let me get out of your way then. If I’m really that much of an annoyance to you.” He curtly replied.

Dark furrowed his eyebrows a bit. “You’re not annoying me, if there’s someone that’s annoying me then it’s Sour Bill.” He gestured to Sour.

“Her name is Sour Sweet.” Lone corrected. “And what did you do to make her so pissed of?”

“How should I know? We just bumped into each other by accident two, twice!” Dark proclaimed.

Noticing he went a little too far with his outburst, Dark sighed. “Come on Lilac, let’s go home.”

He looked at Lone one more time with a sign of mutual respect. At least he wasn’t so harsh to him, unlike some other students he’d met. “I’ll see you around?”

Lone nodded. “Definitely.”

“Good.”

Lone watched them leave the hallway and opened his locker. “Ugh, homework, pop quizzes, essays. Do we ever get a break from all of this?”

“You’ll get used to it. Trust me.”

Turning around, Lone saw Neon with a huge grin leaning against the lockers on the other side of the hall.

“Hello to you too Neon.”

“How’ve you been Wanker?” As he walked over to Lone.

“Good, how about you?”

“Never been better.” Resting the back of his head against the lockers next to Lone. “You’re one lucky s.o.b. you know that?”

Lone raised an eyebrow at him. “How so?”

“I‘ve overheard your conversation with Sunny earlier and it turns out that I was wrong about her. Which is very rare.” He replied in a very serious tone.

“What are you trying to say here Neon?”

Neon sighed and stood up firmly. “She’s acting differently around you Lone. She’s nicer to you and more helpful. I haven’t seen her like that since her relationship with Royal Pin.”

Lone flinched at little after hearing that Sunny had a boyfriend before. It could explain why she doesn’t want to rush things. She’s afraid that the same thing will happen again.

“So, what do you want me to do then?” Lone asked.

Neon shrugged at him. “How should I know you wanker. Every girl is different and I lack experience when it comes to relationships. I only got one relationship with a girl and it didn’t work out because we had barely time for each other.” He started scratching his chin. “Actually, I do have one tip for you. If you don’t have time for a girl you love, then MAKE time for her. Or else you’ll end up like me and Vinyl. Got it?”

“Crystal.”

“Good, then we’re done for today. I’ll see you around… wanker!” He winked and left Lone alone in the hall, thinking about the tip Neon told him.

“Make time for her….” With so deep in his thoughts, Lone didn’t notice the big figure standing behind him.

“Good evening Lone Wolf.” Said a stern and firm voice.

Recognizing that voice, Lone quickly turned around and saw his Principal with a neutral look.

“Good evening Principal Cinch.” He closed his backpack and puts it on his back. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Cinch’s expression hardened. “Always willing to help another instead. You really should take time for yourself some more young man.” Silence filled the hallway until the Principal sighed. “But that’s not the case I am here. I am here to evaluate your progress this month. Follow me to my office.” She ordered.

Lone gulped. Evaluations always give him the creeps and he always thought about the good things and bad things he did, mostly the bad ones. He prayed to the heavens above that things are gonna be alright.

Arriving in her dark office, Lone sat on the small stool in front of Cinch’s desk. Cinch was currently taking Lone’s file. Finding it, she sat down with the file in her hands. While overlooking it, Cinch spoke up. “Lone, after receiving some remarks about your progress in class and the reports I get from Sunny Flare… I’m mildly impressed with your progress here at Crystal Prep.”

Lone looked up at her, surprised. “Really?”

“Yes,” she stood up from her seat. “You managed to catch up with your classes faster than most of the new students here.” Turning her back at him and looked over her shoulder. “I take it your eidetic memory has given you an advantage?”

“Y-yes and I have also Sunny to thank for her help,” Lone admitted.

“That’s what I thought.” She slowly walked back to him. “So that’s why I have decided to put you in the reserve team for the upcoming Friendship Games.”

Lone gasped. Only the best of the best from Crystal Prep are allowed in the games. Even when he’s just in the reserve. Though he doubts if it’s a good idea to let a new student in. “Maybe I’m overthinking things too much. Principal Cinch wouldn’t ask me without reason.”

“I am waiting Lone Wolf.” Cinch tapped her fingers impatiently on her desk..

“Alright, I’ll do it,” Lone said confidently.

Cinch curled her lips up. “Excellent! I expect you to keep improving your skills.”

“You can count on it Principal Cinch.” Lone excitedly saluted her.

“Good, you may go now. I’ve got a lot of work to do for the games.”

After Lone closed the door, Principal Cinch sighed in relief. Another promising student on her side for the Friendship games. So far, everything was going according to plan. All that was left was her most prized student; Twilight Sparkle. And she already has a plan to convince her to joining the games.

While getting their smoothies, Sunny offered Sour a ride home. Sour accepted it but she still hasn’t said a word to her. Sunny assumed that Dark is still going through her head. Her friend looked really angry and sad at the same time.

“Deary, please talk to me.” Sunny pleaded. “Normally you can’t stop complaining after a heated argument.”

Sour didn’t reply, she simply looked ahead with no emotion. Sunny sighed and focused back on the road.

“Am I a freak?”

Sunny looked back at her. “What?”

“Am I a freak Sunny?” Sour clarified. Her eyes were red and watery from Dark’s insult.

“Of course you aren’t deary!” Sunny said in her defense. “You’re my best friend. Why would I think that about you?”

“.... You do make a good point.” Sour dried her tears. “Next time I meet Dark he’ll be so sorry!” She proclaimed..

Sunny rolled her eyes. “Will, you ever change?”

“Excuse me?!”

Sunny pulled over her car, turned off the engine and looked at Sour with a very serious look. “Deary, it’s always the same thing with you. Every time someone bumps into you or is rude to you, you go all sour on them.”

“That’s because they do it on purpose!” Sour defended.

“And what if they’re not?” Sunny objected. “Has that thought ever crossed that thick skull of yours?”

Angered more, Sour opened her mouth for a counter argument but she couldn’t find one. “Maybe…. maybe you’re right. But what can I do about it then?”

Sunny scratched her chin. “Well, first of all, you need to work on your patience. Don’t just explode immediately when someone accidentally bumps into you or gets on your nerves.”

“And how do I do that?” Sour snarled.

“Well, you can start by making yourself more presentable, straighten up and try to act friendlier and less Sour. “

Sour already didn’t like this plan. Acting all friendly like is not exactly her cup of tea. Left alone smiling. But if she wanted to change she had to take on Sunny’s advice.

“Also do what Dean Cadence taught us. When things get tense; stay calm and collected. Take a deep breath and slowly breathe it all out.” Sunny showed her. “It always helped me when I had to multitask things. But above all; you must control your temper!”

Groaning, Sour held her forehead. “Alright, alright fine! But where do I start?”

Snapping her fingers Sunny grabbed her backpack and took a small yellow ball out and gave it to Sour Sweet.

Sour looked at it a couple of seconds and scoffed. “What am I supposed to do with this? Play with it?”

Sunny’s smile faded at Sour’s statement. “No deary, it’s a stress ball.” She explained. “Whenever you feel mad about something or someone and you’re about to lose it squeeze the ball as hard as you can to vent out all your frustrations.”

The ponytailed girl looked at the yellow ball with an uncertain expression. “You really think this could work?”

Sunny gave her a comforting smile. “I know so deary. I used this stress ball for years to vent out all my anger and stress and look where I am now. I feel calmer and collected than I ever was.” She said with a proud voice. “If it can work for me, I’m certain that it can work for you.”

“But what if it doesn’t work?” Sour asked doubtfully.

“Then try Dean Cadence’s method and if that doesn’t work, we’re gonna talk with her about you wanting to change your attitude.”

“And if none of these methods work? Then we’re back at square one.”

Sunny sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “We’ve got to start from somewhere deary. And if none of these methods work then I’m sure we’ll find another way.”

Sour thought about the tips that Sunny gave her. If she really wanted to change her attitude she might as well give her friend’s advice a chance.

“Alright then Sunny, I’ll try your method with the stress ball.” As she squeezed it hard with her mouth twitching a little.

“That’s the spirit deary.” Sunny patted her shoulder. “If you need help or you want to hang out just give me a call ok?” She winked and started the engine again, heading to Sour’s home.

Sour hates to admit it but she’s glad to have Sunny as her friend. Of all her other friends, Sunny is the only one who truly helps her out with things like this.

Arriving at her home Sour said goodbye to her best friend before heading to the front door to enjoy her weekend.

Arriving at his home, Lone noticed that there was another car parked on his driveway that he didn’t recognize. “At least it’s not a Panzer IV like our neighbors have.” Lone thought.

Assuming his grandfather either bought a new car or they have a visitor, Lone shrugged it off and opened the garage gate to head inside. He was getting hungry and needed to eat something.

Entering his home, his ears were immediately welcomed with nostalgic music and drunk, false singing notes from his grandfather and a voice that Lone didn’t recognize.

“Country roaaads, take me hoooooome, to the plaaaaace I belooooong West Virginiaaaa, mountain mamaaaa, take me home, country roads.”

Rolling his eyes in amusement, Lone made his way to the kitchen. Checking the fridge and the freezer, no dinner was left for him. Frowning, he walked to the living room and saw his grandfather and their guest were having a good time.

He was around Wise’s age with light amber skin, brown eyes, curly white and light grey hair with a small light brown stripe in the middle. He was currently laughing at Wise’s terrible singing talent.

Lone cleared his throat to get their attention.

“Ah… Ss-Sonny! *Hick* You’re finally *Hick* home.” Wise leaned back on the sofa. “W-what took you *Hick,* so long?”

Sighing, he folded his arms before replying. “I told you that I would be later at home. I’ve sent you a message on your phone. Didn’t you receive it?”

Scratching his chin, Wise shook his head. “Nope.... *Hick* and since when do I have a-a phone ya... Whippersnapper *hick*?”

Wise’s friend; who was still sober chuckled at him. “You actually do my friend you still have it in your pocket.” He pointed to Wise’s phone that stuck half out of his pocket.

Embarrassed Wise grabbed his phone in his drunk state on the sofa, while his friend introduced himself to Lone.

“Forgive me, young man. We haven’t met yet.” He stood up, raised his hand in greeting. “My name is Grand Pear. I am a good friend of your grandfather.”

Shaking his hand, Lone smiled back at him. “A pleasure to meet you Grand Pear. How did you know my grandfather?”

Grand Pear tightening his green scarf a bit before speaking. “He hasn’t told you yet? Well, I’ve known the bastard since we were in 4th grade.”

Wise heard him and glared softly at Grand Pear. “Hey! Who’re you calling *Hick* a bastard? M-mr. Grumpy pants!” He snickered. “By the way *Hick* what is this?” Holding a small electronic device.

“That’s your mobile phone grandfather.” Lone clarified. “I send you a message that I would be late. Remember?”

“Oh right... right!” Wise focused his attention back to his phone.

“You’re getting old Wiser.” Grand Pear joked.

“I’m not old, *Hiccup* I’m a classic!” Wise defended with a firm finger. The absorbed alcohol in him was starting to take its toll. He laid down on the sofa and immediately fell asleep, snoring loudly like an old saw.

Not wanting him to catch a cold, Lone took a nice warm blanket from the sofa and tucked his grandfather in.

Grand Pear looked at Lone and how he cares about his Grandfather so much. It reminded him of his better days before he moved to Vanhoover… He frowned, remembering the stupid mistake he made in the past.

“Grand Pear, are you ok? You look kinda sad.”

Shaking his thoughts off, Grand Pear smiled back at Lone. “Don’t worry about me dear boy. I was just thinking about the old days with Wiser of there.” It was not a total lie. “But anyway, I should go. It’s getting late and my home is on the other side of the city.” He said while looking at his watch.

Nodding in understanding, Lone guided Grand Pear outside and they said their goodbyes to each other. Grand Pear then stepped in his car and started the engine.

Before driving off, he glanced one more time at Lone with a kind-hearted smile. “They grow up so fast, I think his parents would be very proud of him.” He waved one more time at the boy and drove off, heading home.

Letting out a loud belch, “Excuse me.” Lone tapped his stomach in satisfaction. Since there was no food left, he decided to order a large pizza with ham and bacon.

He stood up and started to clean up. After, he emptied the bin and took the trash outside for the garbage truck tomorrow. While doing so Lone noticed that one of his neighbors from across the street was also taking out the trash.

Mise finished cleaning the kitchen after cooking a delicious meal for his girlfriend Octavia and all of his friends. After washing the dishes with the help of Vinyl, using her ‘wub machine’ the Irish boy was now taking the trash outside and used the chance to be alone to take a small sip from his favorite whiskey.

While enjoying his drink, Mise looked up and came eye to eye with Lone. Stopping, in the middle of his drink, the young cook smiled and waved at him. “Evening neighbor.”

“Good evening.” Lone waved back and looked at the whiskey bottle and then back at Mise. “Aren’t you a little too young to drink?” He asked with a little suspicion.

Mise proudly shook his head. “Nope! I am a 21-year-old, young adult thank you very much. Want some?”

“No, thank you.” Lone kindly declined. “I am not really a fan of alcoholic beverages.”

“Suit yourself.” Mise shrugged and took another sip. “We haven’t properly met. I’m Mise En Place.

“Lone Wolf.” He introduced himself and they both shook hands.

“Nice to finally meet you, Lone.” Mise smiled and rubbed his chin. “Say, how about I introduce you to my friends? They would love to meet you.”

“Eh...”Rubbing his neck, Lone doubted if that was a good idea.

Mise noticed it and placed his hand on Lone’s shoulder. “Hey, if you’re worried that we’re still mad about that trophy you stole from us at CHS, then don’t worry we’re not. Nor are we mad that you tricked our friends in their attempted heist at your school.”

Lone looked at Mise, wide-eyed. “You’re not? We didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye back then.”

Mise sighed, “I admit that some of our friends might still be sour about you but they’re not here just a few who’d like to know the real you.” He said in all honesty. “So, what do you say?”

Thinking about Mise’s offer, Lone remembered Sunny telling him that the Wondercolts are not to be trusted and that they’re only trying to distract you from accomplishing your goals. But! She and her friends were wrong about Bronze Wing being a creep. And the people he’d met during his initiation at CHS were actually pretty nice.

“Alright then Mise, I’ll tag along.”

“Sweet! I’ll go tell the others that we’re expecting you.” Mise said. “Go take the stuff you need and if you want you can stay over for tonight. But I’ll leave that choice up to you my friend.”

“Got it,” Lone nodded.

“One more thing.” Mise pointed at Lone’s uniform from Crystal Prep. “Wear something else then your uniform. I mean seriously, some Wondercolts think you also sleep in them.” He snickered.

Lone rolled his eyes at Mise’s statement before he headed back inside to change

Finishing getting dressed, Lone was now wearing his favorite black hoodie with dark-blue jeans, along with his favorite belt and grey sneakers. Then, he started packing everything for the sleepover.

Before leaving, he left a message behind for his grandfather when he wakes up along with some aspirin on the table for his splitting headache. Satisfied, Lone quietly left his home.

Arriving at the house with two different designs; classic and modern, Lone gently knocked the door three times. Instead of Mise, Vinyl was the one to open it with a huge grin on her face.

“What’s up, dude? Can I help you with something?” Lowering her purple sunglasses, checking Lone out. “Nice belt you got there, especially your buckle, the head of a howling wolf. That’s cool.” She complimented him.

Lone blushed a little at the Dj’s compliment. “Oh, eh... thank you.” Clearing his throat. “Mise invited me to stay over for tonight. I take it you’re Vinyl Scratch?”

“Yup that’s me.” She pointed proudly at herself. “And I assume you’re our new neighbor from across the street?”

“I am.”

“Awesome!” She clapped her hands. “Well? Don’t just stand there, come on in!”

Smiling, Lone entered the house. While looking around, another boy was sneaking up on Vinyl.

“Surprise!” Treble exclaimed while hugging his girlfriend.

Vinyl screamed as she felt his arms around her torso. “Trebs! Faust sake! Don’t do that to me.” She exclaimed with a blushing face.

“You know you love it Vin,” Treble said with a huge smile, still holding his girlfriend. He then eyed Lone who was looking at him awkwardly.

“So Frost, we finally meet face to face in your story. It’s about time.”

Lone raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Eh, are you seeing me for somebody else? Because that’s not my name.”

“I know who you are dude,” Treble assured him. “It’s all good. Besides Frosty Fuck knows what I am talking ain’t that right Frost?” He looked up at the ceiling.

Lone looked even more confused now. “Who is this crazy Fruit Loop?” He thought.

“Alright Trebs, enough craziness you might give our guest a mind blow.” Vinyl interjected and handed him Lone’s stuff. “How about you make yourself useful and carry his stuff to the spare bedroom?”

“Okidoki!” Treble grinned and happily jumped up the stairs with Lone’s backpack.

“So now that’s out of the way, how about I introduce you to the rest of the house?” Vinyl suggested.

Agreeing with that, Lone followed Vinyl to the living room. Relieve washed over him as he recognized some of the people that were there; Zero Gravity was lying on the sofa laughing at a show on TV. Big Mac was also there, sitting on the sofa on the other side of the room. Surprisingly, Bronze Wing was there too.

“What’s up people? Our final guest has arrived.” Vinyl proclaimed.

Lone rolled his eyes at her and smiled, “Hello everyone, how are you all doing?”

Zero recognized Lone immediately and stood up. “Hey, man. I wasn’t expecting to see you here. How have you been? Is it true that Crystal Prep is a living hellhole?”

“Oh yeah, it’s terrible. It’s hell in that school. Lots of homework, tests and pop quizzes.” Lone said sarcastically. “Good to see you again Zero.”

Zero smirked. “Good to see you as well Lone.”

After their fistbump, Lone then greeted at Big Mac. “Good to see you again too.”

The tall farm boy nodded and with his catchphrase “Eyup”.

“Nice to see you outside school this time Lone. I like your clothes.” Bronze complimented.

“Thanks.”

While greeting everyone, four people with Mise included joined the group with snacks and drinks in their hands.

“What’s up everyone? Ready for another movie night?!” Exclaimed a dark-blue boy who almost looks identical to Lone.

“Now hold up Arrow!” Said a purple girl with giant twin tails. “Who’s this guy? I’ve never seen you before.” She pointed at Lone.

“That my dear Aria, our neighbor from across the street,” Mise replied while patting Lone’s shoulder. “Glad you decided to show up man.” He smiled.

“So you’re our new neighbor who lives with Wise Wolf?” The girl with the long dark grey hair said. She placed the snacks and drinks on the nearby table. “Pleasure to meet you, dear. Octavia Melody.”

Lone gently shook hands with her. “The pleasure is all mine.” He smiled while making a small bow.

“Hey now Lone, don’t try to flirt with my girl eh?” Mise said.

“Don’t worry Mise I’m only being a gentleman,” Lone assured him. “Or trying to at least. Besides I wouldn’t dare to steal a girl from someone else.”

Seeing the sincerity in Lone’s eyes, Mise smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “Alright then everyone let’s have some small talk while I’ll go get some movies at ‘Blockbuster’ I’ll be back in ten minutes. Eat some snacks or drink some soda to your wish desire.”

When Mise started the engine of his Panzer IV and left, Lone got to know his neighbors better, including making some new friends: Aria Blaze and Artemis Arrow. The latter two he got along pretty well since they’re fans of Kingdom hearts and they can’t wait for Kingdom Hearts III to come out. Since Lone was a fan too they had a lot to talk about the upcoming game.

Lone also apologized to them all for his actions at their school and during the heist. They told him they already forgave him for it, but Lone felt better if he really said it to them in person and they respect his choice for it.

Zero talked Lone’s ears of about anime. About all the series he has seen to some posters and statues he collected of his favorite characters. He even asked if Lone had seen any of them. Smiling sheepishly, Lone told Zero that anime is not his cup of tea. Though he watched a few when he was younger like Pokémon, Beyblade, and One-Punch-man.

Offended by his lack of knowledge, Zero texted him a list of Anime series that Lone has to see. Treble, who overheard them handed Lone a list of his favorite anime.

The conversation between Lone and Big Mac was rather one-sided, with Lone asking questions which the tall farm boy replied mostly with “Eyup” or sometimes “Enope”. Though he did learn that Mac has two younger sisters and is an apple farmer.

With Vinyl and Octavia, Lone learned that they both have musical talent. Vinyl specializes in making remixes and Techno. Octavia, on the other hand, is an excellent cello player and loves classical music. Artemis added that he also plays the violin.

It surprised Lone that Bronze Wing was friends with Mise and Zero. He chuckled and told Lone the whole story on how he met Zero, Mise and the rest of their friends. After getting some ice cream he and her sister were on her way home, through an alley his sister stumbled and got hurt. Helping his sister, Zero and some of his friends just arrived but misunderstood the situation and started to fight Bronze. Luckily her sister was the voice of reason and told them all it was a misunderstanding. They apologized to Bronze for their actions and decided to become friends.

“So you guys really have no problem with me being a Shadowbolt?” Lone asked in surprise.

Artemis quirked an eyebrow at him. “Why would we? You obviously don’t act like a brat or a know-it-all kinda guy.”

“And honestly, we don’t care about the rivalry between our schools,” Zero added. “If you’re nice to us, we’re nice to you. Simple as that.”

“Next month are the friendship games,” Aria stated. “We don’t care if we win or lose, we play for fun.” She then eyed her boyfriend, Arrow. “I blame you for this btw.”

Artemis merely shrugged at her. “As long as you don’t forget that me, Daemon and Warhawk helped you and sisters sing again.”

“Fine! You got me there.”

At that moment the front door opened again revealing Mise with a bag in his hand filled with a couple of movies. But he wasn’t alone, stepping aside another boy made an appearance. Though he didn’t look happy.

“Hey everyone! I want you to meet my friend; Tiberius Silverfang.” Mise introduced him. “He’s new here in Canterlot and I want you all to make him feel welcome here.”

“Though I prefer that you call me ‘Fang.’ Tiberius added. “It’s shorter and much easier to remember.”

Mise noticed that all the snacks and drinks were already gone. “Aw come on, couldn’t you guys at least left some for us?” He complained.

“Shouldn’t have kept us waiting with your movies.” Aria countered.

“Fair enough,” Mise replied and looked at the pale brown boy. “Mind helping me getting more snacks and drinks from the kitchen?” In which Fang agreed.

“Oh Mise, next time we have guests please clean up your strong drinks. I found nearly then bottles on the ground all over the house.” Octavia complained from the sofa. “I’m sick and tired of doing it all for you.”

Nodding at her, Mise and Fang headed in the kitchen while the rest decided which movie they wanna see tonight.

“Alright, then my fellow couch potatoes tonight we can choose between three movies: Braveheart, The Sandlot or Jurassic Park.” Artemis presented them on the nearby coffee table.

“Gee, they all sound sooo good,” Aria said in a dry tone.

“Yeah, it’s really hard to pick.” Zero agreed while scratching his chin.

Treble then jumped on Zero’s head with his legs spread out. “How about we watch them all?!” He suggested excitedly, making Aria’s eyes twitch.

“I second that,” Lone added.

“Here we are again with more snacks and dri- woah!” Mise dripped over one of his bottle’s that Octavia missed while cleaning up. The Irish boy tried to maintain his balance on the bottle that kept rolling forward. Sadly Mise fell with all the snacks and drinks up in the air.

Lone noticed all the popcorn, the butter, the chips along with the nacho cheese and soda were about to fall on him. He closed his eyes while mumbling “Mother-”

Author's Note

Aaand I'm back! Sorry that I took so long in making this chapter but if you've read my latest blog then you know a lot was going on in real life and takes priority.

So that's it for this chapter, the next one will be shorter since it's the end of the first arc and after I have a special chapter. Nothing big but I hope you'll like it.

Enjoy the song and I'll see you in the next chapter my friends.

With you

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Special 1: Reversed

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Time for change!

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