Contest of Rivals

Chapters

Contest of Rival: Prelude to Sorrow
Contest of Rivals: Reason for Celebration
Contest of Rivals: A Solemn Arrival
Cinch: Annoyance and Anger
Cinch: Frustration and Fury
Contest of Rivals: An Awkward Lunch
Cinch: Dealing with Devils
Contest of Rivals: The Friendship Tragedy
Contest of Rivals: Her Inner Daemon
Contest of Rivals: Dealing with Loss Part 1
Contest of Rivals: Dealing with Loss Part 2
Contest of Rivals: Dealing with Loss Part 3
Contest of Rivals: A Better Future...?
Inner Workings: Contest of Rivals
Contest of Rivals: The Academic Decathlon
Contest of Rivals: The Tri-Cross Relay

Contest of Rival: Prelude to Sorrow

Author's Note

Hey all!
Welcome to Contest of Rivals!

This here is just a small teaser, happening a few days before the start of the arc, and meant to serve as a little taste of what is to come~ ^^

It is incredibly short, but just meant to get people (hopefully) interested in what I have to come~

Expect the first chapter, Contest of Rivals: Reason for Celebration, to be posted sometime on July 1st!

Contest of Rival: Prelude to Sorrow

Contest of Rivals: Prelude to Sorrow

“Are you sure about this?”

Cinch set down the folder, paperwork lined with grades and markings spilling out.

“This doesn’t appear to be anything like what Canterlot High has been able to do in the past.”

“I-I-I assure you, P-P-Principal Cinch!” stuttered the bespectacled man, “Those are all the recent gradings from Canterlot High! All their scores are up!”

Cinch removed her glasses, sighing as she rubbed her temples. “Not only are academics on the rise, but also athletics?” The man nodded in response, keeping his eyes glued to the ground. “And what is this rumour I have heard about a recent spat of… Cyber-bullying was it?”

“Y-y-yes! Recently a student of that school was framed for actions she hadn’t caused! It happened over the month of December, and ended with three younger girls being revealed as the ringmasters in January!”

“And what of the student?” Cinch asked, though she was pretty certain she knew the answer already.

“The student was one S-S-Sunset Shimmer! Sh-sh-she transferred her-”

“I know that you bumbling buffoon!” Cinch threw the folder at the cowering man, “Sunset Shimmer.” The name rolled off the womans tongue with vile resentment. “She has replaced Twilight Sparkle as the top student thanks to the fact Twilight is unable to run without tripping over herself so her athletics scores are among the worst we have ever seen.”

Cinch turned to regard the man, “Well? Pick that mess up!” She barked as she turned and looked out of the window over the school grounds.

“Seeing as Canterlot High is having a… renaissance as it were, I will have to redouble my efforts on securing Sunset for the Friendship Games…” Cinch trailed off as she saw the girl in question entering the school grounds, chatting with some other students. Sunset seemed impervious to the rather shark tank atmosphere of Crystal Prep, even gaining a small band of noticeable friends and allies in her time at the Academy.

“B-b-but I thought that Dean Cadence said that it would be unwise to have the girl return to that school? We could sued if she were to have a mental relapse…”

Cinch turned on her heel and affixed the man with a fiery gaze.

“If I ever wanted your opinion I would have to be sent to an asylum due to insanity!” She slowly walked over to the wall affixed with various trophies and accolades she had won since being assigned by the school board to oversee Crystal Prep Academy. “I will have her, I just need to find the right key to turn first…”

******************************************

“You what!?”

Sunset slammed her hands onto the table, unable to believe the words coming from the older woman’s mouth. It was a few days into March and Sunset had been called to Principal Cinch’s office just as school was ending. She had waved farewell to Twilight and Cadence as she turned and made her way to the office at the top of the building.

“I do believe you are intelligent enough to understand what I said, Miss Shimmer.”

Sunset had been admitted to the room by the personal secretary, the shy wisp of a man motioning for her to enter even as he was unable to even spare her a gaze. She had entered into the room, it’s curtains drawn and light only spilling from the ornate lamp on the desk. Cinch had her chair turned away from the entry, the tall back hiding the woman from Sunset’s height.

“Do you even know what you are suggesting!?”

Susnet had taken the empty seat at the opposite end of the desk, just as Cinch turned around and faced the student. What had followed had been an incredible surprise to Sunset, having a hard time even trying to understand the heresy the woman was spouting.

“As I said initially,” Cinch started, “I want you, Sunset Shimmer, to head the Crystal Prep team for the Friendship Games that will be hosted at Canterlot High School on Friday of next week.”

“Which I declined, seeing as I have no reason to ever want to return to a school that drove me to the brink of suicide.” Sunset said as she attempted to glare through the woman before her.

Just let me loose~ came honeyed words in Sunset’s subconscious, No one would suspect you if she were to suddenly combust~ Just one little spark is all I would need~

“To which I informed you that should you decline, I will use my reputation, as one of the most storied Principals in all of the city, nay, the entire province, to make sure that you and Twilight Sparkle would never be able to attend a single source of post secondary education.”

Sunset was seeing red as she stood up, taking rapid ragged breaths to attempt to calm herself. “Why would you even bring her into this? I’m the one you’re after!”

“Because you so obviously care for her. After all her and her family were the ones to take you in after you failed killing yourself during December.” Cinch stated cooly, face unreadable.

“And what makes you think I won’t tell somebody what you are up to? I doubt your reputation would be able to save you from claims of blackmail.” Sunset slowly felt herself slipping, the darkness that had been rekindled in her soul from the event’s of Anon-A-Miss rising up to the forefront.

“You are welcome to try, but I guarantee that with only your word versus my own… Well, let’s say you’d have better chances of finding magic.”

Sunset chuckled darkly, If only the witch knew. “Fine. For the sake of Twilight I’ll do it. But remember,” She stared at the beast before her, “if anything, and I do mean anything, were to happen to Twilight, be it so much as you giving her the cold shoulder, I-”

She walked forward towards the desk.

“Will-”

Her hands slammed down on the edge, cracking and breaking the extended lip between her hands.

“End you.”

Sunset slowly stood up as she walked away.

“You may want to get that looked at.”

Contest of Rivals: Reason for Celebration

Author's Note

Hey! Guess what! I got to excited about the story again and decided to write!
So have the first actual chapter of Contest of Rivals~

Contest of Rivals: Reason for Celebration

Sunset grumbled as she stalked through the packed hell that was Crystal Prep Academy’s lunchroom during lunch break. Students could be heard laughing at their compatriots comments, phones emitting various noises as videos played or pictures were taken, or even the hurried scratching of pencil on paper as students rushed to finish homework due the next period. Sunset paid no mind to any of that, her mind instead focussed on trying to think if anything could be done about Principal Cinch’s threat.

“There ya are, Red! Get over here already!”

Indigo Zap’s voice broke Sunset out of her mindless march, causing the teen to walk over to the open spot at the group’s usual lunch table. Sunset was still amazed at how well the last few months had gone. She had reached top of all of her classes, the Shadowbolts had been warming up to Sunset more and more, the Sirens had spent time with her in Equestria, and Twilight had been… well…

“So, Sunset,” The lavender teen asked, hands digging into her bag and pulling out a small, rotund, disc shaped device and held it out towards Sunset, the device giving a slow steady buzzing of some sort. “I still haven’t figured out why Ethyl Mk.2 is acting out like this around you and the sisters. You sure you have no idea why?”

Sunset shrugged as she shook her mane of gold and crimson. She didn’t want to tell Twilight about her hunch that the device was detecting the slowly building magic reserves from the four Equestrians, as absurd as a concept that it was.

“Sorry Twilight, I don’t have a single clue as to why… Ethyl was it?” Twilight’s head nodded like a proud parent as Sunset properly remembered the devices name. “I don’t know why she’s acting up around us.”

Sunset noticed the look from Adagio, the amber teen responding with a knowing shrug. “So how come everyone’s acting so excited? Was there some kind of free desert thing going on or something?”

“All these monkeys are hoping to hear about who made the team for the…” Sour Sweet shuttered as she paused, obviously finding the next pair of words appealing. “Friendship Games. Such a stupid name for a pointless event. CHS has never even given us even a modicum of resistance in anything we have faced them in.”

Sunset nodded at the ponytailed girl’s tirade. She knew Sour Sweet, all of Crystal Prep for that matter, had a hate-on for CHS, seeing them as inferior. Sunset knew that while the average Wondercolt wouldn’t be able to hold a flame to the average Shadowbolt, there were some of the students at CHS that would be able to do well at this school. Academics and athletics aside, Sunset knew that the students at CHS were the same as the average student at Crystal Prep. Cruel, heartless, and only looking out for themselves. She was sure the Sirens would agree, Aria had made some “tasteless” jokes as Adagio put it, mentioning how the Sirens should have come here for their negative energy hunt. Adagio mentioned how surprising it was that the students seemed to be warming up to Sunset, instead of seeing her as a threat or rival, mentioning the fact that Sunset was doing her best to be warm and approachable seemed to be helping.

“Yeah!” Lemon Zest shouted, louder than necessary due to the music blasting from her headphones around her neck. “I don’t know why they keep trying, it’s kinda sad if you ask me.”

“I still don’t know why they call it the,” Sugarcoat monotoned, her fingers doing air quotes, “‘Friendship Games’. There’s no friendship between the two schools, and even less of a game.”

“So why does all the students here dislike CHS so much?” Sunset asked, looking around the table at the various Shadowbolts, “And aren’t these games about strengthening the bonds of camaraderie between the two schools?”

“Hard to have any sort of bond if they never try to improve themselves.” Sunny Flare stated as she paused in eating her pasta.

“Agreed.” Sour Sweet said, “They have yet to prove that they are worth interacting with.”

All around the table the native Shadowbolts confirmed that CHS was viewed as a lesser school, the Sirens shaking their heads when asked since they had no opinions to share.

“I don’t see why we couldn’t at least try being… polite at the very least.” Twilight said quietly, “They may have some neat things to share.”

“What could they share that you don’t already know?” Aria said bluntly, “I mean, the only thing they know that you don’t is how to betray somebody.”

“What happened to no opinion, Aria?” Sunset said, hoping that the Shadowbolts ignored the last sentence that came out of the straightforward Sirens mouth.

Aria shrugged, “You know what I mean, Shimmer. They were the ones to use you after all.” All around the lunch table girls fell silent, watching the fuchsia girl address the amber teen. “Used you to beat us then threw you away. I’m surprised you even still care about that shithole.”

Sunset looked down, her earlier frustrations multiplying as Aria brought up the past, somehow she was still bothered by it even though she had said she was done with that chapter in her life.

“Aria, I’m glad you care about me, but that was the past, alright? Now can we get back to eating?”

Aria gazed at the steely vision of her saviour, before sighing. “Whatever.”

“Attention, all students of Crystal Prep Academy.” Everyone in the lunchroom fell silent as the intercom blared to life from silence. “There is going to be a quick school assembly at the start of the next period. Everyone is to meet in Gym One before heading to their next class. That is all.”

Sunset looked around at all the student’s starting to whisper in hushed voices, looks of excitement starting to take over the throng of teenagers.

“You think she’s finally gonna let us know who’s on the team!” Lemon said, her voice buzzing with barely restrained excitement.

“I hope she makes me Captain!” Indigo said, “After all I am the obvious choice!”

“As if, Specs!” Aria countered, slugging the goggle headed teen in the arm, “We both know that Sunset should run the event. Hell, she could probably destroy that entire school singlehandedly and you know it!”

Twilight looked at Sunset, worried look on her face. “You did tell Cinch that you didn’t want to participate, right?”

Sunset shrugged apathetically. She still hadn’t told anyone about the threats that Principal Cinch had made. She didn’t want to risk it, Twilight had a bright future and Sunset was certain that every university in the world was clamoring to get the genius to study at their campus. Even if she told someone it wouldn’t make much of a difference. Cinch would deny it and there was little to no chance that she could get the devil in Prada shoes to admit her guilt under recording.

“Meh, if I get chosen I’ll participate. What’s the worst that could happen? A being of untold magical power threatening to tear the world apart in the search to understand a power not of this world?”

**************************************

“I am sure you are all wondering why we host such an impromptu assembly.” Principal Cinch stated after silencing the crowd of students standing before her, “As you are well aware, Canterlot High School shall be hosting the Friendship Games this year, with the event being held next Friday. As a result the school shall be having a holiday, so all students that are not participating shall be allowed to stay home.”

There were quiet murmurs of happiness as the students started to plan their long weekends.

“However there are some students that shall be accompanying the team, so not all of you shall be having an extra free day.”

Some groans escaped the crowd at that comment.

“If you are all done bellyaching, I would like to announce the twelve students that I have handpicked based off of your academic standings to participate as members of the illustrious Team Crystal Prep.”

Everyone fell silent as they stood in wait to see if they would have the glory of smashing CHS.

“Would the following students please come to the stage when your names are called.” Cinch cleared her throat, “Miss Suri Polomare, misters Neon Lights, Royal Pin, and Trenderhoof,” she paused as the students slowly started to snake their ways through the crowd, “Mister Jet Set and Miss Upper Crust, and misses Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sour Sweet, Sunny Flare and Sugarcoat.”

Sunset, Twilight, and the Sirens whooped and clapped as their friends made their way to the stage, even as the students started to look around in confusion. Why were only eleven students called? Didn’t Principal Cinch say there were supposed to be twelve people called up?

“Now while all of these students are indeed the amongst the cream of our crop, but there is one student that rises above all of you.” Cinch started, waiting for the students to calm down and quiet themselves, “I would like to call the Captain for the Friendship Games to the stage, miss Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset put on her best fake smile, even as she simmered with anger inside, as she made her way through the crowd to the front of the stage, ignoring the glares of anger from students who thought they should have made the team. She made her way up the steps, standing back from the edge and doing her best not to take long strides as she came to stop before her fellow teammates. She smiled at the eleven other members, only receiving lazy shrugs, or in the case of her friends, proud nods.

“Now, I want you all to continue to apply yourself, regardless of the fact that you shall not be competing for the glory of Crystal Prep. You are all dismissed.” Cinch turned back around to the twelve teenagers, pausing them with her hand as they started to depart. “You twelve shall be coming with me, we have a lot to discuss and your teachers have been informed that you shall be late.”

They all shared looks of disconcern, shrugging and falling in line behind the older woman.

“What do we have to talk about?” Sugarcoat monotone, her white pigtails bobbing in time with her steps, “You aren’t allowed to talk to us about what the event will contain afterall.”

Cinch refused to respond, Sunset biting back a response of her own at the woman, and the group continued up to the club rooms, Cinch unlocking one with a key and leading the team inside. It was a rather extravagant room, large plush recliners and sofas littered the floor, different sizes of tables with lamps and shelves ran along the walls and in a small group towards the far wall. Bookshelves laden with knowledge sat along one wall, breaking only for a large section with a pull down screen secured to the roof. A bank of computers in one of the far corners, one of them having a cable run all the way to a projector on the roof.

“Woooow…” Lemon Zest had to pick up her jaw of of the floor as she and the rest of the teens looked around in shock at the room. None of them had ever been in here, the door had a sign preventing anyone access that was not permitted by Cinch herself.

“This room shall be available to you all for use after school and on the weekends for private study and self examinations.” Cinch stated as she turned on her heel to regard the group of teenagers. “Sunset shall have access to the key, as well as myself. I expect you all to use this privilege, and to see you all in here whenever you have time to do so.”

With that statement the woman dropped a key into Sunset’s out reached hand, departing and allowing the door to swing shut behind her. Half of the teens shrugged before departing after the Principal, leaving Sunset, Indigo, Sunny, Lemon, Sour, and Sugarcoat alone in the room.

“This place is so awesome!” Indigo shouted as she ran and vaulted herself onto one of the recliners, kicking its leg rest up and she relaxed. “And we have access to this place until further notice? Boss!”

Sour Sweet made her way through the room, running her hands across the mahogany desks and tables. “This is definitely well equipped, it almost doesn’t feel like we are at school, more in a private study.”

“It’s sound proofed.” Lemon stated, tapping her hands against the wall where she could, “Could host some killer parties in here!”

“I hope you mean study parties?” Sunny asked, eyebrow raised, “I sincerely doubt that we would have access here for long if anything unacademic occured in here.”

“These systems are state of the art.” Sugarcoat mentioned as she scrolled through a menu on the system she booted up. “Better even than any of the systems in the computer labs.”

Sunset looked around, regarding the room with a serene sense of appreciation. “I doubt that those six will be here often, will they?”

Indigo let out a harsh bark of laughter, “I always knew you were a genius, Red. Truth be told, I doubt most of us will be here often.”

Sunset rested her hands on her hips. “Really? I figured I could help you all here, maybe help you prepare for your tests?”

That sold it. The other five girls instantly crowded around Sunset, nodding in agreement. They may all have been good students, but Sunset seemed to be on an inhuman level.

“You know what this means, right?” Indigo carried a dangerous tone in her voice.

****************************************

“Wooo! Paaaar-taaaaay!” Indigo shouted, glee spilling out as the teen thrust her arms up in the air. Sunset sighed as she observed the mess that littered the basement room the teens inhabited. She wasn’t too surprised by the fact that Indigo wanted to host a celebration party, what was surprising was that all five of the Shadowbolts that were invited decided to come.

“Sorry about all this Velvet,” Sunset said, wincing apologetically, “I didn’t think that it would actually happen…”

The mother laughed, patting the teen on the back as she replied, “Don’t worry, Sunset. It’s a great achievement to be selected for the team, let alone as captain!” Velvet pulled Sunset into a deep hug, before continuing. “Now go and relax, I’ll bring down some refreshments.”

The woman disappeared up the stairs, completely ignoring the state of her house as Sonata and Indigo started to roughhouse for control of the first player controller. Sunset was about to break them up when she noticed the head Siren motioning to her, beckoning he unicorn over to a quieter corner of the room.

“Whatcha need, Adagio?” Sunset asked, leaning back against the wall as she regarded the poofy haired girl.

“What’s been eating at you?”

Sunset spluttered, not expecting such a blunt question from the Siren who was more well known for dancing around with words. “What? What are you talking about?”

“The others may not have noticed it, but you’ve been sulking a lot of late. Why?” Sunset could see the worry held in Adagio’s eyes, the concern and worry for a friend. Sunset sighed before she looked around at the room. Sonata and Indigo were playing one of their games again, the crowd all hooting and hollering as the two teens mashed buttons and threw out playful jabs.

“Fine, but not a word to anyone else, got it?” Sunset stated as she put her hands on Adagio’s shoulders. “I can’t afford this to be mentioned to anyone. Not your sisters, not Twilight, Tartarus, not even Princess Celestia can know, alright?”

Adagio nodded, worry starting to bubble to the forefront of her facade. “Whatever it is surely at least I could be of some help? Or do you not trust us yet?”

“I trust you with my life, Adagio. You, your sisters, you are incredibly close to my heart. I was worried when I first saw you back in January, but you’ve done nothing but prove that you have become better people… or went back to being better people?” Sunset shook her head, perplexed by the history of the three Sirens. “I’m still confused about what all happened.”

“I’ll have your club membership card in the mail.” Adagio winked, playful grin on her face, “But seriously Sunset, what’s wrong?”

Sunset looked around the room one last time, making sure that the rest of the group was preoccupied, and as far as she could hear, Velvet was still upstairs milling around in the kitchen. “I didn’t want to participate in the Friendship Games, but I’m being blackmailed my Cinch to participate.”

Mirth shifted to shock. Shock shifted to worry. Worry shifted to fury.

“That…” Adagio started before yelling out an incredibly colourful curse in Equestrian, causing Sonata to cry out from before the television.

“Hey! That’s five for the Curse Jar when we get home, Dagi!”

Giggles broke out from the crowd, all of them laughing at the eldest Sirens new monetary commitment.

“Why?” Adagio said once she calmed herself down to merely shaking in Sunset’s firm grasp.

“Why…?” Sunset wasn’t sure where Adagio was heading with that word, though she could tell how livid the woman was.

“Why have you not told anyone? What sort of blackmail could she have on you?”

Sunset paused as she looked at the crowd, her gaze falling on the lavender skinned girl sitting on the edge and laughing with all the others.

“It’s not blackmail on you… is it?” Adagio said softly, her gaze following Sunset’s to wash over the back of Twilight. “What could she have on Twilight?”

“It’s not what she has… It’s what she can do…” Sunset sighed, her face crestfallen. She remained silent for a few moments before looking up at Adagio. “She’s threatening to put word into any post secondary school we apply to, promising that we would never be accepted by a single one of them. I know I will never have a chance, Tartarus, I’m surprised I even managed to get into CHS and not drug off to be experimented on when it was realized I didn’t belong here.”

Sunset looked to Adagio, seeing her face in a heavy frown. “But that’s not all, is it.”

“She has a future Adagio. I can’t allow it to be taken.” She shook her head slightly as tears started to drip down her face, “She may not be Princess Twilight, but she saved me in her own way. Her and her family, they rescued me from my darkest moment and have helped me rise far above where I ever was before. I can’t risk it.”

Adagio studied the crying girl before her, the weight of understanding washing over her. Slowly she slid forward, out of the firm grip of the much taller teen, and wrapped the girl in a tight embrace.

“Sunset, as you know I have seen a lot of bad. I caused most of it too. Some of it will never be forgivable, me and my sisters know that. Maybe it’s why we’ve tried so hard to make amends since the Battle of the Bands. To try and prove we are not the same people who caused the two worlds to start to fight.” She rubbed a hand slowly up and down the girl’s back as Sunset crushed her fellow Equestrian in a massive hug. “I know why it is that you haven’t told anybody, and while I still think that you should, I understand why you haven’t. I want you to know that I am here for you. Always. And I can promise that Aria and Sonata are the same. You helped fix us Sunset, and while our fix took a lot less time we will do our best to help fix you.”

Sunset shuddered with barely repressed sobs as she held onto Adagio, her face most likely making a mess of the plume of orange curls the girl cultivated.

“If you are done making her motorboat you over there, Shimmer, we could sure use you over here!”

Aria’s callout made the two separate, a blush coming to Adagio’s face as she hurled playful insults at her crass sister, while Sunset started to giggle as she wiped the tears off her face.

“I guess we should join them, huh?” Sunset asked, offering a hand out to her friend, smiling as it was taken. “Thanks, Adagio.”

“No worries. You can pay me back by helping me bury a body after the party.” She winked as she grinned maliciously.

“Your face is all red!” Sonata cried out, pointing at Sunset as the pair joined the rest of their group around the flickering paused screen. “Did she do that thing with her tongue?”

Adagio face palmed as Sunset’s face decided to become more akin to a cherry made of fire. Aria slapped Sonata on the back, laughter tearing through her body at her carefree sisters comment. Indigo, Sunny, Sour, Lemon, and Sugarcoat all stared in shock, mouths agape at the implications they just heard, as Twilight tried to explain the situation.

“I’m sure Sonata didn’t realize what she said!” The teen stuttered as she held her hands up disarmingly, “You know how she can be!”

Slowly everyone shrugged in agreement, causing Sonata to adopt a pout so adorable everyone felt suddenly diabetic.

“Is everyone ready for drinks?” came Velvet’s voice as the matriarch shouted down the stairway, before starting her way down. “I’ve got some different juices, pops, and some water both cold and warm, along with some tea bags for those of you interested.”

She paused as the teens all bolted up, blushes still lying across a few faces, causing Velvet to giggle as she remembered being a teen at the end of high school. “I’ll just leave it on the table over here, just make sure not to spill anything and we should all be fine.” She waved as she left, responding that it was no worries when all the teens thanked her for the refreshments.

“So what does everybody want?” Twilight asked as she walked over to the table, taking the glasses and various jugs of liquids and box of teas off the tray and spreading them across the table. “We got… Apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, berry medley juice…” she paused in her description giving herself time to catch her breath, before stoically continuing, “cola, cream soda, root beer, lemonade, ice tea, not iced tea, citrus tonic, and a bunch of different teas.” Twilight finished as she opened the ornate wood and metal box, before placing it on the table with the rest of the drinks.

“Oh! Oh oh oh! Pick me!” Sonata started yelling, jumping up and down and waving her arm around.

Twilight giggled at the display. “Yes, Sonata? What would you like?”

“Can you tell me what you have again? You lost me after the juices.” Sonata said with a face so straight that if the girl was capable of lying she would run Las Pegasus bankrupt with her casino runs.

Everyone burst out in laughter as Twilight shook her head. “How about you all come up and pour yourselves what you want?” Twilight turned and poured a tall glass of ice tea before vacating the area as a herd of thirsty teens rushed to slake their dry throats.

“Hey! Don’t take all the cola, Sunny!” Indigo shouted out, reaching over to grab the large bottle from the short haired teens grasp.

“Where’s the cream soda?” Sonata asked as she pushed aside bottles in her search for the bottle of pink heaven.

“Damn! Your mom knows her stuff! She’s got the best root beer available!” Aria complimented as she started to refill her glass before everybody had even poured their first.

Sugarcoat made sure to slink to safety after she poured herself a half glass of cranberry juice, joining Lemon who was guzzling down her citrus tonic.

“She also knows her teas.” Adagio complimented as her bag of some kind of Neighponese green tea started to seep into the warm glass in her hands. “I haven’t had this blend in ages.”

Sunset made sure that everybody had gotten their first glasses, watching as the Sour poured herself a glass of grapefruit juice, before she pounced. “Does anybody want any lemonade?” she asked, watching as all present shook their heads. “Good, cause I ain’t sharin!”

There was a mixture of cheers and gross outcries as Sunset grabbed the pitcher and upended it, slowly draining the entire contents in one long continuous pull, before slamming the pitcher down and let out a loud sigh of pure happiness.

"That's the stuff." She moaned happily.

Contest of Rivals: A Solemn Arrival

Author's Note

Wow, this is my longest chapter I have written yet o.O
Hopefully it doesn't come off too rambly ^^; I had too much fun writting the interactions between the Shadowbolts and the various groups of CHS~

Contest of Rivals: A Solemn Arrival

8:26 AM

“It’s too damn early!” came yet another complaint from Lemon Zest, the teen obviously not a morning person causing Sunset to giggle

The week of team prep had passed by incredibly quickly for the students of Crystal Prep. As Sunset had guessed the other six students didn’t show up at all, leaving the room to be entirely used by Sunset and her friends. They even invited Twilight and the Sirens to join them, Twilight and Adagio being of great help with the studying and review while Sonata and Aria made sure to keep the morale high with various gags and wisecracks.

“Stop complaining, you blabbermouth!” came the irate response from Sour Sweet, the girl messing around with her makeup to try and hide her own tired appearance. “We all have to deal with waking up this early.”

“Why couldn’t the schools agree to start at a reasonable time though?” the audiophile leaned her head against the cool plush leather of the bus seat. “This is ridiculous!”

“For someone complaining about being tired you sure are lively.” Sugarcoat mentioned, her eyes closed as she too rested in her seat.

“If you don’t stop complaining, Lemon, I will strangle you with the uncountable number of earbuds i know you have with you.” Sunny Flare stated as she turned around in her to face her friend.

“Well what about you, Indigo?” Sunny asked the girl to her right, only to receive light snoring as her reply. “Hey, not fair!” she yelled as she lashed out at the sleeping girl.

“Wha-huh? Ow! Hey!? What the crap, Lemon!?” Indigo was furious at being woken up from her nap. “Why the hell- Ow, seriously!?- are you hitting me?”

“How dare you! Sleeping so peacefully!” Lemon continued to rain a flurry of blows on her teammate, only stopping when Dean Cadence intervened.

“Now girls, stop roughhousing. It wouldn’t be a good show to Canterlot High if we were arguing and bickering with one another, now would it?” The cerise skinned woman stood up, steadying herself on with hands planted on different seats. “We will be arriving momentarily and we come to a full stop I would like you all to exit the bus and line up outside. Once the other bus arrives we shall take a quick roll call before we head to the gym for a brief assembly.”

Sunset gazed out of the window, watching her former apartment complex shoot by. She had officially moved out of the building at the start of February once she decided to take Twilight Velvet's and Night Light’s offer to move in with them. Sunset had no reason to go back to that small hole in the wall, and felt like she was living with a family whilst at that house. She thought back on all the times the Rainbooms had held sleepovers at each of their homes, Sunset always insisting that her place was too small to hold all of them. She remembered the looks on their faces when they had all took shelter in apartment when a rather unseasonal rainstorm drenched the town and took out the roads for a few hours. Sardines would appear to have an ocean of space compared to the six teens.

“There it is!”

“That horse is so corny.”

“It looks so drab.”

“That’s supposed to be a parking lot?”

“At least we won’t have to walk far.”

Sunset was snapped back to reality when the students started to chatter about the upcoming school, only stopping when Cadence stood and held up a small hand.

“Now team, I know you all have your dispositions about this school, but I want you all on your best behaviour. You are the representatives of Crystal Prep Academy, so I expect no hostility towards the students and staff of CHS, and please, no pranks.” the educator face palmed as she shook her head. “It is not cheap cleaning that horse statue.”

Light laughter flitter through the bus as it screeched to a halt. The students stood up and slowly made their way to the front, pausing as Cadence motioned to Sunset. “Any words you’d like to share before we exit, Captain?” the woman winked as a smile shone from her face.

Sunset looked around, her friends nodding as Indigo chanted, “Speech! Speech!”, and the other six stared blankly or rolled their eyes.

“Um, well…” Sunset started, looking back to Cadence as she nodded encouragingly, “I know that I may not have been the Captain some of you wanted, but I promise that I will lead us through this day. To the victory that awaits us in these halls.”

Sunset blushed as she scratched her head, an uneasy smile complimented the similar silence that echoed throughout the bus.

“You suck at speeches.” Laughter broke out amongst the teens as Sugarcoat gave one of her patented blunt responses, even causing Cadence to giggle.

“I love you too, Sugarcoat.” Sunset responded before she strode to the front of the bus, thanking the driver before she vaulted to the worn pavement of the CHS parking lot. She stared over the school, unease building in her core as she took in the view.

I can fix it all~ started the voice, There is no Princess to stop us this time, and once we have them all under our control we can burn this place down. All you need to do… well, you already know~

“Sunset?”

The teen shook her head as Cadence’s voice washed over her, the woman grasping a firm shoulder. “Are you alright?”

There was a warm, concerned smile looking back at Sunset, love and worry washing over her. “Ya, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Sunset said, doing her best to smile in a non worrying manner.

“Hmm…” Cadence studied the teen, before nodding and gripping the uniformed shoulder firmly. “Well, if you have any issues you be sure to let me know, alright?” Sunset nodded as the woman disengaged, heading to the front of the lineup of students to do a quick headcount.

“So how bad do you think we are going to crush them?” Indigo asked, nudging Sunset’s arm with her elbow. “You are the one with experience of CHS after all.”

Sunset did her best to hide her conflicting emotions, shrugging as she furrowed her brow. “We should have it pretty easy, though that depends on the events. There are some… unique individuals at this school.”

“Is that related to what Aria blabbered about last week?” Indigo was staring at the Captain, her face an open book of unexpecting wonderment. She obviously meant no harm, but she didn’t really think too much of it.

“Kinda… Not something I wanna really talk about honestly. I’ve moved past it.” Sunset wasn’t looking at Indigo as she said that, her eyes scanning over the aged walls of the high school, taking in the atmosphere. The school was deathly quiet, understandable since there were very few students even awake at this hour let alone at school yet. She saw the front doors start to open, familiar figures crossing the threshold as the second Crystal Prep bus’ engines died down behind Sunset.

“Well, at least our entourage finally showed up.” muttered Sunny Flare, as her hands found purchase on her hips, “What took them so long?”

“I thought cheerleaders were supposed to be at the event ahead of the team.” Sugarcoat mentioned with her usual lack of emotion.

“Cheerleaders would actually cheer, unlike those ingrates.” Sour Sweet said as she flipped her ponytail back over her shoulder.

“I’m sure Sonata would cheer if you asked nicely enough, Sour.” Lemon jested, poking the teen in the cheek. “Though I doubt you have it in yourself to be so nice.”

Slowly the other bus disgorged more Crystal Prep students, the poor souls who were conscripted by Principal Cinch to form the student delegation of the Academy’s visit. Cinch left first, walking over to Dean Cadence and talking to the other woman in hushed tones.

“Sun-Shim!” Sonata cried out as she bounded off the bus, rushing over and near tackling the unready teen. “Are you ready to get revenge on these meanies?”

“Sonata, down girl!” Adagio commanded as she made her way over, Aria and Twilight trailing her. “You are being most unbecoming, and I am certain Cinch would be chewing you out if she wasn’t preoccupied with the principals.”

Aria pried Sonata off of the struggling Sunset as the amber girl peered over to the gathering of the four women. Celestia and Luna were putting on their best fake smiles, that much was obvious, while Cadence appeared to be empathetic as Cinch looked around apathetically.

“Are you sure you want to deal with them?” Twilight asked, worry on her face as she looked at her friend.

“I’m gonna have to, Twilight. Though truth be told, I’m more worried about how they will react to the Sisters.” Sunset jerked a thumb towards the three Sirens who were doing their best not to make too much a further scene.

“Welcome to Canterlot High School!”

Sunset turned and watched as Celestia and Luna approached the teens who had left the bus, Cinch glaring at the students who had yet to leave the comforts of the second Crystal Prep bus. She saw the two sisters faces light up with shock when they saw the Sirens, glancing over to Sunset in worry, passing over Twilight along the way.

“Hi again!” Sonata said cheerfully, waving warmly to the two women, “We’re super sourry about trying to- mph!”

Adagio clamped a hand over the girl’s still moving mouth, shooting a harsh shushing whisper as she did so.

“Er, hello you three… Sunset and, uh… Twilight.” Luna responded. Sunset could see the worry mixed with weariness in the woman’s eyes, the look magnified tenfold in the appearance of Celestia. “It is certainly… surprising to see all of you again.” She put as much of a smile on as possible. “We hope you all have a… good time here.”

“Thanks, Vice Principal Luna,” Sunset responded, offering a hand to the woman who looked shocked by the rather warm reception from the four former students of CHS. “I look forward to competing in these games, and I can guarantee that the four of us will do our best to not cause any trouble.”

Luna looked over at the three former taskmaster’s of the school, studying the, before looking once more to Sunset, her eye’s down at the hand she held as she tried to pierce through the cloth.

“We… appreciate it, Sunset Shimmer… And should any trouble arise I hope the four of you feel comfortable enough to inform us about it.” She looked back to her sister who nodded in confirmation. “We promise to listen to you this, as we should have in the past.”

Sunset’s smile faltered as she looked at the two women, before nodding sadly as she withdrew her hand.

“For now, allow Us to welcome you all to Canterlot High. We hope you enjoy your time here, and use it to build strong bonds of friendship.” Luna said aloud as she stepped back and regarded the girls before her. “My sister shall be giving Principal Cinch a tour of our facilities, while I welcome you all to follow me and join our students in the gymnasium for a small welcoming.”

Celestia and Cinch went off their own way, Celestia looking obviously uncomfortable around Cinch, but playing the part of welcoming host nonetheless. Luna started walking, chatting happily with Cadence who had just returned from gathering the student delegation of Crystal Prep from the other bus. Sunset followed in the middle, pausing when she suddenly bumped into Twilight who had stopped randomly in the hall, her head down.

“Wha… Twilight? Why’d ya stop?” Sunset asked, trying to gaze over and see what had the teen’s attention.

“Ethyl is getting some readings. Very faint, almost not strong enough to be detected, but they’re here.” Twilight looked down the hall to her left. “They seem to be coming from this way…” She muttered before following the beeping from the device in her hands.

“Twilight, wait!” Sunset called out softly, looking ahead to Cadence and the others, before following after her friend, hurrying to catch up to the oblivious girl.

“Why aren’t you going to the welcoming?” She asked when she finally caught up, stopping the lavender teen with a firm hand.

“I can’t not go after these readings! They are similar to the ones I keep getting from you and the three sisters! Maybe they will help me find out if what I’m getting from you four is legit or just a hiccup.” She stated before continuing on her way.

Sunset shook her head. There was no reasoning with any Twilight once they got their minds set on something, especially if it was study related. She stayed beside the smaller teen, bobbing and weaving through the empty halls, going up and down stairs before ending up before a rather familiar room, its door slightly ajar allowing both light and soft, muffled voice to sneak out.

“Hey! Why’d you five take off?”

The pair turned around to find Aria, hands on her hips as she awaited an answer from the two, and the rest of their group of friends behind them.

“Twilight here just had to check out these readings she was getting from her device.” Sunset responded as she playfully nudged the mentioned teen. “Says hey are similar to the readings she gets off of us.”

“Why would she…” Adagio started before she looked at Sunset, her eyes narrowing as she hypothesized what was going on.

“Looks like she just decided to head in.” Sugarcoat mentioned, pointing to the now open door and the missing Twilight.

“T...Twilight…?” Came a shocked voice from inside the room. “What are you doing here?”

Sunset burst into the room, worry becoming a burning coal in her gut. There was a reason she recognized the room. She had come here often during her attempts at penance in this school. She had practiced here with her guitar, Jimmy, along with the rest of the teens that were holding council inside.

“Sunset?” Rainbow Dash asked, shock rushing over her features as she saw the red and yellow maned girl burst in after Twilight, who had stopped instantly when she entered the room. “You too? Why are you here?”

“Why’re all ah y’all here?” asked an incredulous Applejack, head turning to look over the eight other girls who entered in after Sunset, before stepping back in shock when she noticed three certain Equestrians with the group. The other Rainbooms did the same, all of them seeming ready to grab their instruments at a moment's notice.

“Oh…” Adagio sighed, obviously upset at who they had walked in on. “It’s just you five. Twilight, honey, I think we should leave before their combined stench rubs off on us.”

“Why the petty words?” Rarity asked, her tone haughty and downputting. “I’m sure that I am not the only one shocked that Sunset and Twilight put up with you.”

“You seem very oxymoronic.” Sugarcoat stated, crossing her arms as she regarded the five unknown students before her.

“What did you just call her?” demanded Rainbow as she stepped forward. “I don’t know what you just said, but you better take that back!”

“Allow me to explain in a way that your feeble minds could understand.” Sunny Flare said as she stepped forward, “What she said conflicts with itself.”

The eyes of Pinkie Pie slowly started to drift apart as Rainbow looked at the unknown Crystal Prep student with a look of befuddlement.

“Seriously?” Sour Sweet whispered harshly, “She made a petty comment about Adagio supposedly being petty! But seeing as this is how you act around here,” the girls arms swung out around her, “I think Adagio is right. I feel bad that the four of them had to come to this festering slum of a school.”

“That’s not a very nice thing to say.” Fluttershy said as she stepped out from behind her hair and tambourine shield, only to go back to shuddering when Indigo responded.

“Nice? From what little we have heard it’s ‘cause of this school that the four of them are now at Crystal Prep!” She crossed her arms before her, gazing over the five before her. “Obviously they came here to get a feeling of happiness when we grind you into the ground.”

Pinkie Pie and the other’s leaned back in shock before looking over one another. How much did those girls know? What had Sunset told that school?

Look at them~ The voice returned, blocking out the arguing of the students around her. Bickering and fighting. If only there was someone strong enough to unite them, give them purpose~

“Sunset? Do you have something on you?” Twilight asked, her device pointed towards the teen, it’s buzzing and beeping louder than before, but slowly returning it’s regular pattern. “Nevermind…? Weird I thought I had fixed the bugs?”

Sunset looked around before stepping forward, her arms shooting out.

“Enough!” She shouted, “Stop it, all of you! I didn’t come to this place again to see fighting! I watched this school tear itself apart. Twice! I don’t need to see the people I know fight one another!”

“I wouldn’t really call them people,” Twilighted muttered a little too loudly, “Not after they made try to kill yourself…”

Twilight suddenly realized how loudly she was talking when everybody in the room stared at her, her hands shooting over her mouth as her eyes widened in shock. The Rainbooms all slowly looked at Sunset, before looking down at the ground in self disappointment. The Sirens looked at each other uncomfortably as the other Shadowbolts stared at Sunset in shock and horror. What did they just hear?

“Sunset…?” Indigo started, breaking the pall of silence that had ushered itself into the small music room, “Is that… right?” Fury started to come across the goggle wearing girl. “No… Please don’t tell me that these… assholes did- you mother- I oughta beat the shit out of you all!” Indigo dashed forward, fists clenched, only to be stopped as Sunset appeared in front of her, arms wide to stop the girl.

“What are you doing, Red! They obviously don’t care about what they did to you! Look at them!” She pointed past Sunset and at the Rainbooms, who were staring in shock at both their assailant and their saviour.

Sunset slowly lowered her arms. “Look, Indigo? I appreciate that you’ve come to care about me so much, but I can’t allow you to harm them. Not only would that disqualify you, as well as the rest of us most likely, but… you can’t. I’ve moved past it.”

“You can’t honestly tell me you forgave them for driving you to suicide?” questioned Sunny Flare, a glare worthy of her name etched on her face as she stared at the slinking Rainbooms.

“I’ve moved past it. The past is the past.” Sunset said, slowly looking over her shoulder at her former friends. Conflicting feelings of sorrow and joy, love and abandonment, acceptance and anger, washed over her. They had been her friends, right? Then…

Why did they hurt you?

Sunset sighed as the voice echoed in her mind. “Look,” she said, turning around fully to look over the five of them. “I think we should all just focus on the games, alright?”

“And this is where…” Celestia’s voice died out as she stood in the hallway just outside the music room. “Girls? What are you all doing here? Shouldn’t you all be at the welcoming?”

“Sorry about that.” Sunset said, bowing her head. “I ended up feeling like exploring the school again, and my classmates here came after me.”

Twilight looked at Sunset in shock. She was covering for her? But why? She was a competitor, couldn’t this cause issues for Crystal Prep?

“Don’t, uh… Don’t worry about it, Sunset. I can’t really blame you for feeling that way, but next time please listen to your classmates, alright?”

“Obviously my prized students were overcome with morbid curiosity.” Cinch stated, her arms crossing before her as she looked down coldly on everyone else. “Why else would they explore?”

“Wow. I see where the students get it from.” Rainbow said, unimpressed by her first interaction with Principal Cinch. “Let’s go girls, the less I have to hear of this the better.” She started to walk out of the room with purpose, pushing the Crystal Prep students aside, pausing beside Sunset to whisper something.

“We need to talk, all six of us.”

She didn’t wait for the amber teen’s response, continuing on her way as the rest of the Rainbooms regarded Sunset sadly as they passed.

“I guess we should get going as well. This way, girls.” Sunset said as she shepherded her fellow Shadowbolts out. “Sorry about this, Celestia. Won’t happen again.”

Celestia nodded as the ten girls went towards the gymnasium.

**********************************************

“Ah, looks like the rest of the you decided to join us after all.” Luna’s voice rang out through the gymnasium, thanks to the sound system. “As I was starting to say, We welcome all you students of Crystal Prep Academy to Canterlot High School for the Friendship Games. It is a multi part competition consisting of events based on all sorts of scholastic learnings.”

The Vice Principal looked down over all the teens gathered before her, doing her best to have a warm smile as she regarded all the present individuals. “While I am sure you are all interested in what is coming up for our two teams, I think instead it would be best if we all instead took some time to mingle. We have a warm welcome for our comrades from Crystal Prep to present, so please enjoy yourselves before the event.” Luna bow as she vacated the stage, an embarrassingly pitiful amount of applause echoing in the air. A few students of CHS sighed as they walked up to the students from Crystal Prep, inviting them to come enjoy some snacks and music. Lots of shoulders were shrugged as teens reluctantly followed one another, music starting to fill the void of silence. Rather familiar music.

“Wait… is that…” Lemon Zest shut her eyes and removed her headphones as she listened intently to the music being played. “It is! That’s one of DJ-Pon3’s songs!”

“Oh yeah, I’m not surprised that they have Vinyl doing her thing on her turntables.” Sunset responded as she watched Lemon Zest’s face drop in wonder.

“Vinyl? Who’s that?” she asked, before Sunset wrapped an arm around the girl and started leading her towards the impromptu DJ booth set up near the stage.

“Come along, all. Time to show you that there are are at least four students worth knowing at this school.” She called out, waving her hand back and directing the others to follow her. With nothing better to do, the other eight girls tagged along, ignoring shocked glances of worry and confusions as the student body of CHS saw both someone who appeared to be Princess Twilight in a Crystal Prep Shadowbolt uniform, but also the three Sirens in the same uniform.

Sunset knocked on the side of the booth, waiting for a moment before stepping aside as Vinyl popped out, leaving her music to auto play for a little bit.

“What up, Pon-3?” Sunset greeted one of the few CHS students that didn’t attack her during the Anon-A-Miss events. “I thought you should meet your biggest fan at least from Crystal Prep, if not the city or even the world!”

Lemon Zest had slowly started to shudder more and more, before starting to shake with violent tremors. “T-t-t-those glasses.” She stared at the teenager before her, nervous energy flooding her body. “Y-y-you’re… are you?”

Vinyl cocked her head, playful smile playing across her face before she nodded.

“Ohmaigawd! It’sDJ-Pon3! Ihaveboughtenallyouralbums! Yourmusicissoawesome! Heresignmyheadphonesplease! HolycrapIcan’tbelievethis!”

“Lemon, dearie, I think you might need to visit a bathroom and change your underwear before you fangasm any harder.” Sour Sweet snarked, smiling in amusement at the audiophile’s inane fangirling.

“Yeah, you may want to breathe there.” Sunset laughed as the girl received her headphones back from Vinyl. “Hey, V? Think you could call Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon over? Preferably with some treats from Bon Bon? Heck, I bet Octavia and Lyra have their instruments, don’t they? I got a couple girls hear that would love to hear some strings being strung.”

The DJ threw back a weird looking hand sign in response, before fishing around in her pocket and vanishing behind the threshold of her music den.

“Does she talk?” asked Aria, puzzled look on her face as she regarded the closed door. “I don’t remember her talking when we were here before.”

Sunset shrugged as she led her friends over to the bleachers, the ten of them taking seats as Sunset continued. “Vinyl can be very talkative, she would actually do pretty well with your crassness, Aria.” She blinked one aquamarine eye at the ponytail Siren, who responded with a very crass digit.

“Sunset! So good to see you, love!” came an extremely sophisticated voice. “I am so very glad to see that you are well. And these must be your friends from Crystal Prep.” Octavia bowed as she set down her cello case, before offering her hand to the girls one at a time. “Octavia Melody, pleasure to meet you all.” The teens all shook hands with the slate girl, unable to refuse the offered hand from such an obviously refined young woman.

“Really, Octavia? Shouldn’t you be the least bit worried?” Lyra commented, resting her lyre on one shoulder rather casually.

“Oh hush, Lyra.” came Bon Bon’s response, the candy makers hand laden with a tray of treats she had obviously made for the event. “Please ignore Lyra, she means well but is as kooky as they come.” The smile she wore infected the girls that sat before her.

“You say that now, but just wait! I bet the Dazzlings there will try something!” She said, smile playing on her face as she swapped two fingers between the front of her eyes and towards the girls before her. “Just joshing ya’s, Sunset let us know month’s ago that you were safe now.”

“And you bought her? Just like that?” Adagio asked, confusion lighting her face.

“Sure, why not? She seems much better there than here.” Lyra shrugged as she took a seat on the bleachers. “And after everything that happened, I think we could tell when someone was… well, not thinking straight.”

Sunset shot a glare at the lyrist, telling her to shut up before she slipped up and blabbered about the magical happenings around CHS. Bon Bon also intervened, distracting the Shadowbolts by holding out her tray of sugary treats.

“Here! You are all welcome to try these. Whipped them up myself!” the girl smiled with every fiber of her body as she handed the tray to the group of Shadowbolts before her.

“Are those…” Sunset started before she looked up at Bon Bon in awe, only to receive her response in the form of a single nod. “Mine!” Sunset shouted as she dove at the tray, hands scrambling to grab as many of a particular treat from the tray, stuffing them in her mouth like squirrel with nuts.

“Um… Mind telling us what you’re freaking out about?” Sunny Flare asked, slight disdain evident as she watched Sunset’s embarrassing display.

Octavia sighed as she giggled, “Sunset and Vinyl both have a rather unbecoming obsession with Bon Bon’s caramel squares.”

As soon as the words left Octavia’s mouth, the door to the DJ booth slammed open, the occupant had her trademark shades resting on her head as carmine eyes stared in shock at the group before her. Once she spotted her prize in Sunset’s hand she raced over, tackling the teen in an effort to dislodge her grasp on the sugary treat.

“Vinyl!” Octavia admonished, hands ripping Vinyl to her feet and away from Sunset, who grinned as evilly as she could with her cheeks full of pure sugar. “Show some manners! I swear, you are worse than an alley cat in heat!”

Vinyl kneeled in feigned sorrow, before slowly crawling over to Sunset on all fours, pausing and kneeling before her candy holding overlord. With puppy dog eyes that were so cute even Sonata felt her blood sugar level spike, Vinyl stared up at Sunset, who merely closed her eyes and rolled the candy around in her mouth. Slowly the aquamarine irises peeked open, a smile coming to the girl's face as she held out a hand, a couple small cubes of caramel offered to her friend. Vinyl embraced Sunset with bone crushing strength before nabbing the treats and depositing them in her mouth, struggling to make her way back to the booth as her legs wobbled weakly.

“Um… Are these treats going to make me fight others?” Sonata asked, breaking the silence and causing everyone to burst out in laughter as the tray started to make its way around the group, each teen finding a treat that looked apatizing.

“Dear god!” Indigo shouted, “These are amazing!”

“I think this is better than all my orgasms, combined!” moaned Aria.

“I swear Aria, you get worse every day.” Adagio scowled as she took a bite of her chocolate looking treat. “Oh my… I take that back.” she said after tasting the treat.

Slowly all the treats were devoured, everyone singing Bon Bon praise worthy of Valhalla itself, much to the blushing stuttering of the teen. Eventually Adagio spoke up, her curiosity of the instruments in the hands of Lyra and Octavia.

“So you two are musicians I take it?” She asked, “More of the classical type it seems?”

“That we are.” Octavia confirmed as she stood up and dug her cello out of the its protective carrying bag. “Would you like to listen? We are pretty confident in our abilities.”

Lyra took a smug bow before she walked over to Octavia. “Cello Suite No.1? Just the Prelude, don’t need any of these girls leaving in body bags after all.”

Adagio let out a harsh bark of laughter, giving a come hither look as she looked at the two young girls before her. “Wow me.” She challenged, leaning back.

Octavia took a seat on her performing chair and readied her cello. “Your count, love.”

Lyra gave three quick taps of her foot before she starting running her delicate fingers across her lyre, as if making love to the instrument, as Octavia matched with the deeps tones of her cello, the two perfectly in sync. All the teens gathered watched in silent awe as the two young masters of their crafts performed a short, private, and very impromptu piece of art. Vinyl even opened her door and rested her headphones around her neck, happy smile plastered on her face as she listened to her sister’s majestic tones of pure music.

The end came quicker than the audience expected, tears gracing cheeks at the unbridled beauty the had just been witness to. Sunny Flare and Adagio in particular seemed the most affected, Sunny had a handkerchief dabbing at her welling eyes as Adagio slowly picked her jaw up off her lap.

“Never, in all of my years, have I heard something so… moving…” Adagio whispered, slowly standing up and approaching the two of them, before bowing much to the shock of the two musicians. “Thank you so much for sharing your passion. You two are truly gifted.”

“Agreed.” Sunny stated as she got up, walking forward and offering a pair of identical cards to the two teens. “If you should ever find yourselves in need of musical employ, I am certain my family would be blessed to hear you two play.”

“Wait… You’re the heir to the…” Lyra trailed off as she looked from the card up to Sunny Flare, the Shadowbolt nodding before returning to her seat.

“Well, seeing as I think everybody here is in desperate need of fresh underwear, how about we all take a quick run to the washroom before the events start?” Sunset asked, chuckling at the various blushes spreading across her two groups of friends.

Cinch: Annoyance and Anger

Author's Note

Real short little One-Shot here~

There will be a few of these peppered throughout the arc, showing the view of everyone's favourite Principal~ 8'D

Okay, so no one likes Cinch XD
But these are meant to show some of her conniving behind the scenes of the games, hinting at things to come~ >;'D

Cinch: Annoyance and Anger

Cinch stared at the grouping of three women, laughing at some sort of pointless joke or equally worthless tale that Cadence had shared. She grimaced as she watched the three in their merriments, why did she have to be surrounded by such idiots?

For some reason the students flocked to Cadence, a lot of the teachers doing naught but singing her high praises. But why? What had the Dean of students done for Crystal Prep? Cinch had saved the Academy, raising its academic and athletic scores to the highest in the province, and among the highest in the whole country. It now had a reputation of excellence! And it was all thanks to her.

So why was Cadence the one that was so well liked? Coddling students did not help them. You had to be strict, cleaver. Dangling a carrot off of the end of a stick was a good way to motivate them, but making them compete for something greater was an even better plan. Make them fight one another on the battlefield of knowledge, and you shall separate the strong from the weak. And then you further temper the strong, moulding them in the crucible to become better than all others.

Friendship was a weakness, and strength made right. Not the baseless notion of raw brawn, but rather intellect. Knowing how to use those around you, that was proper strength. To achieve a position of power and prestige involves sacrifice, but none of it needs to be yours.

All of this was slowly imparted on the students of Crystal Prep Academy by Cinch. She smiled cruelly as she looked over her various students that had been… convinced to join the team, to show off just how superior they were over the lowly vagrants of Canterlot High.

But Cadence was proving to be more trouble of late. She was comforting the students too much, making them grow lax and weak. Inspiring them to look into the falseness that was friendship. Cinch had been keeping an eye on the Dean over the last months, noting how she acted, trying to spot any sort of mishap that could be used to replace her with someone more suited for the glorious Academy of Crystal Prep.

And if Cadence wouldn’t reveal something, Cinch would just have to find something. Just like she had with that Sunset Shimmer girl. She stared coldly at Sunset and the group around her, noting a few students of Canterlot High actually laughing and smiling with Cinch’s superior specimens.

Sunset Shimmer was a unique young woman. Utterly brilliant, yet for some reason was shackled to the epidemic that was friendship. After Cadence was… dealt with, Sunset would need to be next.

Cinch: Frustration and Fury

Those imbeciles! How could they embarrass Crystal Prep Academy like that? How could they embarrass her like that!? Cinch was fuming as she stalked down the halls of Canterlot High School, slowly making her way to the field that had been renovated for the Tri-Cross Relay. Cadence was ahead of her, talking to Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna, whispering something about how to deal with the attitudes of the students at CHS. Something about them being like this ever since ‘that’ happened, whatever they meant by that.

The conversation continued as they exited the school, the four judges heading off to the side as the students filed out, shocked by what stood before them. Pathetic was her only way to describe how the students were acting, the teens gawking in awe at the field before them. Instead of wasting her time with them she made her way over to the other three women, their backs turned to her.

She overheard the three of them talking about something, anonymous? What were they discussing? Oh, apparently the students were all bitter with one another because of this Anonymous thing. Something about personal secrets being shared online? Why did that matter? Maybe the faculty should be more strict about what they allow to be accessed on the school network.

Her ears perked at what she heard next. Some students were still blaming Sunset Shimmer, even though she had been proven innocent. So that was the actual reason Sunset transferred to Crystal Prep Academy, to avoid being assaulted by students. It was already a nice screw to turn, Sunset transferring to Crystal Prep, but to hear that there was still resentment was just icing on the cake.

Now Cadence was talking about how well Sunset was doing at Crystal Prep, how she was making some good friends. Cinch grimaced, more talk about that infection. Why did it matter so much to these plebeians? She remembered two girls in the past promising they were all friends, only to throw her to the sharks when everything went wrong.

Why did she have to deal with all this? Students were meant to study, to prepare for their lives of contributing to society, why did they need friends? If they were unable to handle something as simple as school work on their own, what good would they be in the rest of life?

Cadence started talking again about what to do to fix the attitudes of the students. Would she ever shut up? Her annoying babbling and preaching was grating at the best of times, and she was solely responsible for the current slide of quality from the students. Always coddling them and telling them everything will be fine, bah.

She heard Celestia and Luna ask about her, if she was still being mistreated. How dare they! She had half a mind to confront them, only to have Cadence say something about Cinch being no different than normal. That little, sniveling- That was it! They had mentioned some students that were… aggressive. She shall seek them out and see if they were inclined to accept her… employment.

Contest of Rivals: An Awkward Lunch

Author's Note

Boom! Another chapter!

I just had to stay up and get this one done, I'm really feeling the desire to tell this story~
Hope you all like the (not so) calm before the storm~! >;'D

Contest of Rivals: An Awkward Lunch

Contest of Rivals: An Awkward Lunch

12:14PM

“You weren’t kidding…” Twilight whispered as she took in the cafeteria of Canterlot High School. It was pretty generic for a high school cafeteria with Granny Smith manned the counter solo like normal, probably thankful for the lighter load than normal. The tables may have been in the same locations roughly as Sunset remembered them, but they were different, looking worn and dirty? The paint had started to peel on some of them, seeming to be caused by gashes it looked like when she managed to peek a closer look. The normally vibrant walls, full of colour and silly images were bare and empty, the colour seeming dead.

“What happened in here?” Sonata asked as she looked around, sorrowful frown on her normally upbeat features. “This place is like, a total dump from what I remember.”

“You and me both…” Sunset muttered before she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned around, greeted by a slate grey girl with long coal hair.

“That is probably because of the general moral of the populace of this school, sadly.” Octavia said as she came to stand with Sunset and the Shadowbolts,Bon Bon, Lyra, and Vinyl joining them, causing Lemon Zest to start freaking out to be in close proximity to her idol once more.

“Down, girl!” Sour Sweet chided playfully, flicking Lemon’s nose with a delicate forefinger and causing the girl to recoil and cover her stinging feature.

“What the hell, Sour?” She groaned, her voice nasally for a moment. “Why’d you do that?”

“In all honesty,” Lyra started, shrugging nonchalantly. “The school has gone to shit since that assembly a few months back. Everybody is still upset at one another over Anon-A-Miss.”

“But still…” Sunset said as she paused and look around. “Aren’t Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna trying to do anything?”

“Try as they might, but they aren’t making any progress.” Bon Bon replied, the pink and blue haired confectioner stepping forward with a solemn smile. “Everybody is still taking it pretty hard and no one is listening to Principal Celestia or Vice Principal Luna, causing them to stress out more and try to think of something that could be done.

“I think that it would be best to drop the subject, loves.” Octavia said, looking at Vinyl who had an absolute truckload of lunch tray’s in her pale alabaster arms. “Vinyl was nice enough to grab us all trays while we dallied, and I suggest we get in line while there is still food to get.”

“Dibs on any tacos!” Sonata shouted in glee as she dashed towards the line of students waiting for food, but not before grabbing a tray from Vinyl on her way. Everyone shared a small chuckle before they each grabbed a tray from the encumbered DJ, Lemon Zest still shaking as she received hers.

“So does Granny Smith still serve-” Sunset started before she was cut off.

“Oh you know it!” Lyra said, receiving a high five from her friend in response.

“Dare we ask what they are talking about?” Sugarcoat monotoned, receiving a shrug and a chuckle from Bon Bon.

“Those two both adore some kind of specialty salad that Granny Smith makes for just a select few people.” The confectioner stated, walking with the rest of the group before gathering with Sonata, who had already laden her tray in preparation for tacos.

“Hiya!” Sonata greeted Granny Smith cheerfully. “Do you have any tacos?”

The elderly woman dropped her ladle in shock at seeing the bubbly Siren, before looking and noticing the other two as well as Sunset, her eyes pausing as she studied the amber teen.

“Hi, Granny Smith. I hope you are doing well?” Sunset greeted the woman with a nod. “Don’t worry about us, we just wanted to stop by and get some food before you ran out.”

The woman gulped and nodded. She had heard about Sunset being proven innocent from Applejack, had been the one to dole out punishment to Apple Bloom upon the younger teen being found out to be part of Anon-A-Miss. Last she heard Sunset had been ignoring Applejack and her friends. Ladle recovered she turned and looked at Sonata.

“Er, tacos, wazzit?” Her gravelly voice asked, Sonata’s head reaching near light speed as she nodded. “An’ what would ya, er, like on it?”

“Everything and anything!” Sonata near shouted, which would have been deafening if Sunset had slid a hand over the over enthusiastic girl’s mouth to muffle her.

“So, er, Sunset…” Twilight started, shifting nervously as she started her request of the former Wondercolt. “What do you recommend?”

“You know, there are four actual students here, and three additional former students, yet you ask me?” Sunset giggles as Twilight devolves into a blush.

“Well, you have eaten with us before.” Sunny Flare said, noticing Granny Smith starting to return with Sonata’s nirvana. “So you would be a good judge on what to recommend.”

“Well so have the Sisters!” She added, starting to worried about what to recommend. “I make worse suggestions than I give speeches.” She added, hoping to deter everyone from asking her opinions.

“Well what about this ‘special salad thing’?” Indigo asked, doing finger quotes when she brought up the salad.

“What!?” Lyra shouted out ahead of Sunset. “How do you know about that!?” Her eyes shot to Bon Bon who blushed and tried to whistle innocently. “Bon Bon? How could you!” She ran to the front of the line. “Granny! Give me my usual!” She called out, standing and saluting the elderly woman who merely chuckled at the mint haired lyrist.

“Care to explain, Shimmer?” Aria asked, shit eating grin on her face as she balanced her tray on one hip. “It’s not something with meat is it?”

Adagio gave an exaggerated fake gasp as she jumped in on Aria’s playful jab. “It’s not something with horse meat, is it?”

Sunset blanched at the comment, tray nearly leaving numb fingers, before she shook her head. “Oh gross! Gods, you two! I am not a can-” She blushed as she stopped her comment. “You know I am a vegetarian!”

“Why not try something with a little meat then?” Aria chided. “What are you, chicken?”

“I am not!” Sunset, her face becoming as red as her hair. “I don’t want to eat meat alright? Especially if it could end up being horse somehow!” She gave a disgusted face and shook her wild mane of hair. “The mere thought makes me want to vomit!”

“I’d suggest not saying that out loud, love.” Octavia pointed out, her hand pointing over to behind Sunset. “And I suggest you give Granny Smith your order.”

“Whoops!” Sunset spun around, blush still tracing across her face. “Sorry Granny Smith! Um, would it be possible to get-”

“Yer usual..?” The elderly food maker muttered softly, sadness pouring from her eyes as she looked at the teen.

“Er, yes please…” Sunset nodded, handing over her tray as the woman took it in both hands with a weary smile.

“So what is this special salad?” Sour Sweet asked, standing close to the team captain that had eliminated her.

“Oh, just a mix of spinach, lettuce, and fruits, like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, chunks of orange, and the most important part,” Sunset’s mouth nearly started leaking when she remembered the best part of her special salad. “Strawberries!”

“What’s so special about all that?” Indigo asked, unimpressed at the description.

“It sounds like a steak salad without the steak.” Lemon Zest added.

“Here ya are, Sunset…”

Granny Smith had returned, causing Sunset to turn around one last time to regard the woman, sad smile on her face as she handed Sunset the tray laden with her special salad, as well as a special treat.

“Is that…?” Sunset looked down at the cup full of what looked to be powdered strawberries.

“Fresh from Sweet Apple Acres…” The woman said softly, releasing the tray into Sunset’s hands. “Ah’m glad to see yer doin well…”

“Thanks, Granny Smith.” Sunset said with a reflective smile. “I hope the harvest goes well this year.” She added before standing aside and letting the others order.

“So where should we sit?” Sunny Flare asked, peering at the packed yet empty tables.

“Over here!” Came Sonata’s voice, leading the large group of teens towards the far wall.

“These ones were empty for some reason.” She said as shrugged, mouth full of taco. “Dunno why though.”

Adagio looked at Sunset, who froze mid step, with a knowing look. Sunset gulped before she walked on. “Yeah, er… it sure is… strange…” She uttered softly before taking a seat, the large group taking their usual seating pattern at the end of the table, leaving Bon Bon, Lyra, Octavia, and Vinyl to take seats beside them.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked, noticing how uncomfortable Sunset, Adagio, Aria and the Wondercolts seemed. “Is something wrong with these seats?”

“Well…” Bon Bon started, before being cut off.

“That’s where we usually sit.”

Everyone seat turned their gazes to the sky blue girl that seemed to be addressing them, save for Sunset who merely remained focused on her salad.

“Isn’t that right, Sunset?” asked Rainbow Dash, the athlete seeming quite down as she looked at the former Wondercolt.

“Why don’t you meanies sit somewhere else, huh?” Sonata said, standing up as taco dribbled from her mouth. “We got here first!”

“Relax, Sonata.” Sunset said, doing her best to placate the taco loving Siren. “Why don’t you five sit down beside them?” Sunset asked, motioning to the Orchestra group with a sorry smile.

“We, er, mighty appreciate it, shugahcube.” Applejack said as she tipped her hat, moving around the table and sitting down beside Bon Bon. Rarity took her seat beside the farmer, smiling sadly at the confectioner and the lyrist beside her.

“Whatever.” Rainbow shrugged as she sat down heavily beside Octavia, the refined girl grimacing as the food on the rainbow crowned girl’s plate threatened to slosh over onto her own. Fluttershy took the seat to the immediate right, Pinkie Pie beside her. The party planner’s hair a mess of curls and straight bangs.

Everyone sat in silence, no one wanting to be the one to start talking.

“Look, if nobody is gonna start, I frakin will!” Indigo said aloud, her hands slamming down onto the table. “You five are lucky that Sunset told us not to attack any of you, ya know that?”

“What are ya implyin?” Rainbow said cooly, eyebrow arching into her mess of bangs.

“I’m sayin that you five should be lucky that Sunset is civil enough to agree to let you whores sit with us!” Indigo spat.

“Hey!” Rainbow shouted, shooting to her feet. “Watch your mouth, bitch!”

Twilight started to slink down, not wanting to be witness to this burgeoning violence.

Not even five minutes and they are already at one another’s throats, rather pathetic, don’t you agree?

Now is not the time for you.

Isn’t it? It seems like someone strong of will is needed here to corral these weaklings~

I’m the weak one… Still having to put up with you…

So let me loose~ Let me show them what true power is~

“Stop!” Sunset stood up, looking between the two teens who seemed ready to jump onto the table and trade fisticuffs. “These Games are supposed to be about our two schools coming together in camaraderie, to build friendships between two separate groups of people! So why must you fight!?”

The two bullheaded girls paused as they watched tears start to well in Sunset’s aquamarine eyes, before glancing at one another one more time.

“She was the one who started it…” Rainbow muttered, crossing her arms.

“I. Don’t. Care!” Sunset stated, leaning on the table to make sure her tears didn’t drip onto her precious salad. “Hatred is the path that everyone at this school followed, and I refuse to have it be the path that me and my friends take!”

And who are your friends~?

…

Well?

“Both of you, apologize for disrupting lunch.”

The two teens looked at each other and muttered half hearted apologies before sitting down and starting to dig back into their respective lunches.

“I guess that will do…” Sunset said as she wiped away tears before sitting down and starting to eat again, the bliss of her special salad spreading across her taste buds.

Silence started again for a few moments before Applejack cleared her throat, startling everyone at the table.

“That was a pretty amazin shot, Sunset.” Applejack complemented, gaining nods and grinds from the Shadowbolts at the table.

“Pretty badash ya mean.” Rainbow added, half chewed food spraying from her mouth as Rarity cried out. “Heh, shorry Raresh!” She said sheepishly as she swallowed her mouthful.

“You were more like a superhero than a mortal, dear.” Rarity added once she picked herself clean. Pinkie and Fluttershy nodding in agreement as Sunset blushed and rubbed the back of her head.

“Er, thanks, girls.” she said, humbly accepting the praise from the various Rainbooms as she paused from eating her salad.

The two groups remained relatively silent as they finished, the two teams not wanting to do something to upset Sunset.

“If We could have your attentions, please!” Luna called out from the entrance to the cafeteria. “If you would please finish up your lunches before meeting outside in front of the school, we shall discuss the next event!”

Teens shot up and started rushing to various garbage cans, tossing away residue and stacking the trays on top before hurrying out of the venue, obviously more interested in getting away from one another rather than watching the next event.

“Dean Cadence? What are you doing here?” Twilight asked as the woman happened to be passing by.

“Oh, Twilight, hi!” The woman greeted before looking over the other girls, trepidation in her body language as she passed over the Rainbooms. “Principal Cinch just asked me to go grab something from the bus for her before the next event. See you all there!” She waved as she continued on her way.

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am ready to get my Game on!” Indigo shouted, bolting from her seat towards a trash can to deposit her leftover.

“I guess that’s our que to head off then.” Sugarcoat muttered, standing up and heading towards the exit herself.

Each of the teens hurried to finish off the last of their food before hurrying to join the rest of the students who were already outside. Eventually only Sunset and Adagio remained, Sunset finishing off her cup of sugar frosted strawberries while Adagio watched.

“Er, shouldn’t you be outside?” She asked the Siren, trying her best to ignore the studying look she was receiving.

“When did it start to grow stronger?” She asked bluntly, causing Sunset to sigh.

“Oh right, you three can see my corrupted magic…” Sunset said. “Don’t worry, it shouldn't cause too many issues.”

“Except for the issues it’s already causing.” Adagio sighed as she looked around the empty room. “Look, Sunset, I know you think this is nothing major, but talking from over two thousand years of experience? I think you need to take this more seriously. I’ve watched as this… let’s call it ‘darkness’, alright?” Sunset nodded as Adagio continued.

“This darkness has been growing, ever since we first met again at Crystal Prep, I have seen it grow in strength. Tartarus, I’ve even seen it grow exponentially over the last week!” Her arms flew out to her side as she talked in hushed murmurs about the obviously touchy subject. “Even today, it’s been slowly creeping around you more and more!”

Sunset finished swallowing the last crystal encrusted fruit, relishing the sweetness before having to dive into the bitter subject. “Well the voice has been talking to me a lot more of late.”

“Voice?” Adagio asked, one eyebrow peaked.

“Yeah. The voice is the ‘darkness’ as you put it.” Sunset stated with accompanying finger quotes. “She’s a manifestation of the corruption of my magic from the night of the Fall Formal, when the Element of Magic sensed my darkness and corrupted me, turning me into a raging she-daemon with an alternative take on my lunatic plans.”

“You’re rather… calm about this all.” Adagio commented, returning to studying the girl. “Doesn’t it seem odd that you more or less have to argue with yourself?”

Sunset shrugged. “In all honesty, I would love it to be gone but I’m not sure how. With the Magic of Friendship potentially gone from from this world, I don’t know how else it could be purified once more, or even if it would work.”

“Why note bring it up to Twilight?” the lead siren asked, head tilted at her friend.

“Twilight? Are you nuts Adagio?” Sunset chuckled. “She would probably try to cut me open and study how I tick if she learned about magic.”

“As true as that is, I was referring to the Royal one.”

“Oh.” Sunset blushed as she realized what the Siren had meant. “I don’t want to worry her. She’s already done so much for me, I don’t want to impose on her once more.”

“Then I’ll ask her next time we meet. I’ll let her know what is happening since you are too scared to.” Adagio stated as she stood up, departing before Sunset could respond.

“Horseapples.” Sunset said as stood up herself, departing the now empty cafeteria and heading towards the front school grounds.

“And We are telling you, sister, that it is not that easy!”

Sunset paused as she heard Luna’s voice come around a nearby corner.

“Well what do you suggest then, Lulu?” Celestia asked back. “I’ve done all I could, but none of these teens will stop being angry for even one moment! I’m at my wit’s end!”

“Principal Celestia? Vice Principal Luna?” Sunset called out as she rounded the corner on the two educators. “What’s wrong?”

“Sunset!? Why are you here? You should be outside!” Luna asked in shock, backpedaling into her sister.

“I just finished eating and was heading there, but overheard you two talking.” She said as she held up her hands disarmingly. “I guess Lyra was right about the school being a mess, huh?”

The two women shared glances, before Celestia sighed and looked at the former student. “Not a word of this leaves here, alright?” She asked of Sunset, the unicorn nodding. “The only reason I tell you is because of everything that has happened, but if word of this comes out, it could mean the end for us.”

“I get it.” Sunset said, nodding once again. “I promise I just want to try and make the Games a more positive experience for everyone.”

The two sisters shared one last look before Luna beckoned Sunset closer. “The students are unwilling to forgive one another for the secrets that were shared during that debacle, though we wish it was more that they were disappointed in one another for scapegoating you.”

Sunset nodded as Celestia continued on after her sister. “We laid down punishments on all students after the assembly, which only further angered the students.”

“No internet on school computers, phones were to be handed in to the homeroom teacher at the start of the day and only to be recovered at the end of the day, extracurricular activities were all cancelled.” Luna added.

“Except for these Games.” Sunset said. “Why?”

“Because,” Celestia gave a dark chuckle. “The students have been such a hassle that I just wanted to punish them, to break their days.” Sunset’s mouth shot open in shock, this was more of Luna’s gig!

“We had personally hoped that the senior year would rally together and put aside the past in an attempt to give an actual challenge to the team from Crystal Prep Academy.” Luna said, silencing the teen in front of the two.

“So I’m guessing the absolute beating they are getting isn’t helping.” Sunset muttered, chuckling grimly.

“They are all looking forward to going home after this event.” Celestia said, her hands curling into fists. “I just want to yell at them, attempt to make them realize how utterly stupid they are acting! But no, instead the school board wants Luna and me removed, saying we have failed our job as Principals!”

“What?” Sunset asked in horror. “How could they justify that?”

“You probably heard that we had to hire security for the three ringleaders of Anon-A-Miss a day after they returned to school?” Luna asked, to which Sunset replied with a sad nod. “Well in addition to all that, they blame us for the whole thing! They say we were responsible for it because we allowed students to use MyStable at school!”

“Really? But that’s ludicrous!” Sunset whispered harshly, starting to feel a slight pang of remorse for the two women. She knew how of how many times they tried to apologize for their actions, and Sunset had forgiven them much sooner than others. They had all the reason to potentially feel betrayed if Sunset were indeed Anon-A-Miss, but how could they be faulted for students using that social media platform?

“Not stupid enough of a reason for the idiots on the school board.” Growled Celestia. “Look, I honestly don’t give a crap about these Games as far as results are concerned. I knew we were gonna lose, and that was before I found out you were gonna be the captain of the team.”

“For now, we two sisters play the gracious hosts, attempting to welcome the students of a rival school.” Luna added with a nod. “Even as our own students do naught but bicker and fight. But enough of this, you should head out and meet with your team. The last event is about to start.”

“You mean the third, right?” Sunset asked humbly.

“You know that is a dream from another world, Sunset.” Celestia chided playfully, shooing the girl away. “We will be right behind.”

Sunset nodded before waving farewell to the two women, the both of them having far more on their plates than they should.

But maybe it is right that they are punished for their failures~

Seriously? How could they know about Anon-A-Miss? Celestia can barely use her phone, let alone a computer, and Luna doesn’t seem the type to use social media.

Would probably go around ‘role playing’ as xi_Nightmare_Moon_ix~

… Really? I knew you sucked, but that was lame.

Do you deny it?

I don’t know why you would insist that Luna would become some kind of variant on Nightmare Moon in this world.

Fine, lie to yourself. It doesn’t matter to me~

The only lie here is you.

You would call yourself a lie?

If you think yourself to be a part of me, you are the delusional one here.

Oooh, Pony girl has a horn, huh?

Just be happy that there is little magic in this world, or else I would rid myself of you in an instant.

You think that you could be cleansed of your real self? Honey, stop being so delusional~

Sunset pushed the front doors open, making steady steps down the risers before stopping on the landing.

“There ya are, Red!” Indigo Zap called out. “I was worried about ya!”

“What took so long?” Sunny Flare asked, worry seeming to break through her stone like facade.

“Just had to finish enjoying that food,” Sunset joked, smiling and wishing the Games would end already so she could deal with this damned voice. “Those strawberries are to die for!”

“I’ll take your word for it, though I would hope that you wouldn’t actually die for something as simple as mere strawberries.” Sunny responded.

“Hey, it would probably take a literal sun crashing into this monster to end Sunset!” Indigo snarked, clapping a hand onto Sunset’s shoulders. “I mean, have you seen the guns on her? Seriously though, don’t you think about going and dying on me… I need someone awesome like you in my life as a role model!”

“Heh, I won’t be dying anytime soon.”

Cinch: Dealing with Devils

With all those simpletons preoccupied with their silly cold cut sandwiches, or some kind of overly brothy soups, it was simple for Cinch to sneak away, trailing a small band of students who seemed to be of the sorts that she needed for her plan. They seemed more occupied with lighting their cigarettes than paying attention to their surrounds as they made a mazing path towards… somewhere?

She waited for them to slip out of the double wide doors, pausing and getting herself ready. She pulled out her wallet from her coat, counting the stack of bills inside. More than enough for someone with actual standards. Nodding with a grim smile she made her way out of the door, doing her best to not make too much noise. Thout it seemed to not matter as they were nowhere to be seen. She looked around, trying to think of where they could have gotten off to.

To her left was the front of the school, an obvious no for students who were attempting to hide their smoking habits. Straight ahead was the little bit of forestry beside the parking stalls, the location that she had planned but not one where they would try to hide. She decided to follow the wall to her right, a good choice as she heard deep guffaws and whiney cackles.

“Seriously, I hope to hell we get a chance to spend some more… personal time with that Anon-A-Bitch, if ya know what I mean!” Came a rather cruel sounding voice, the humour on it’s tone almost overwhelmed by the deep natural rasp.

More cheers sounded, before being cut off when the students discovered they were being watched.

“And what do you want?” The girl asked, her white hair spikey with purple streaks at the tips. She took out her cigarette and gave a powerful puff.

“I was wondering if you and your…” She looked at the three different boys that stood with her, wearing what appeared to be dog collars around their necks. “Associates, would be interested in some paying work?”

“Why’d a bitch like you want us to work for ya, huh?” The girl asked, still leaning against the wall as she took another drag of her coffin nail.

“I will ignore any petty insults coming from your uneducated little minds.” Cinch responded, before reaching into her pocket and pulling the large stack of bills from her wallet. “Instead I offer each of you a sum of money that you would probably never see in your miserable little lives, but only if you accept that is.”

The boys looked at the wad of bills in the woman’s hands, dollar signs seeming to appear in their irises, before the ringleader stepped forward, throwing them to the side.

“And what makes ya think that we couldn’t just take the money, huh? There ain’t exactly any sort of security cameras around here after all.”

“Because, I can offer you something that you seemed so interested in.” Cinch responded coldly, glaring down at the child standing just ahead of her.

“And what, pray tell, could that be?” the girl asked, impressing Cinch with the fact that she had more than basic cursing as her vocabulary.

“Sunset Shimmer.”

The girl froze, before her eyes looked down at the stack of bills. “I think this could be a great partnership.” She said with a lazy grin.

“But first, you must complete your jobs for me.” Cinch stated, stashing half the bills away in her wallet. “Half up front, half upon completion.” She chided as she walked forward, bills held before her.

“Alright, we get it. What needs done?” The girl asked, riffling through the bills and taking half of them before throwing the other half to the three bumbling brothers.

“I’m guessing that you four have some kind of…” Cinch stuttered as she described the basic tools that would be needed. “Knifes, of some sort?”

The three boys instantly pulled out some kind of switchblade, the leader nodding as her hand slid down the front of her vest, pulling out a short… bowie knife? How did she get away with hiding that thing?

“Good. You four shall go wait by the busses over there, quietly.” She emphasized with a stern look. “A woman with pink skin and multicoloured hair shall be there in about ten minutes. Get rid of her discretely, then come and find me. After that, I will get you a chance with Sunset Shimmer.”

Author's Note

Ooooh baby!
It's time that Cinch's plot is revealed!
What will happen from it?
Find out next chapter~ >;'D

Contest of Rivals: The Friendship Tragedy

Author's Note

And here it is, the climax, pivotal, all the stuff hitting the fan chapter of this arc! I do have to say that I need to start writing something fluffy after this >.<
But sadly, that will have to wait~ There will be a few more chapters in this arc still~

Contest of Rivals: The Friendship Tragedy

1:32pm

“The next event shall involve the remaining students to track down a pennant for their respective school.” Cinch said, holding up what looked like duplicates. “The first team to find and return theirs shall win this round.”

“Where’s Cadence?” Sunset asked, noticing that the Dean of Students was strangely absent from the other judges. “Shouldn’t she be back by now?

Indigo Zap and Sunny Flare looked around, noticing that they also couldn’t find the woman.

“She’s probably in the washroom or something.” Indigo said, shrugging before she started to stretch. “I mean, Cinch is up there, right? She wouldn’t start without Cadence grabbing whatever she needed her to.”

“I agree,” Sunny added with a quick nod. “We should focus on winning this event. We don’t want to do anything to gain the wrath and ire of Cinch.”

Sunset nodded grimly, noticing the three Wondercolts across the concrete from here. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all had their eyes forward, paying attention to the instructions Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna were saying.

“The area where the pennants could be is limited to the school grounds, up to the chain link fences but not the parking lot, and the school building proper, minus the main office and cafeteria.” Celestia said. The woman seemed to have recover somewhat from the lunch break, here weary face faking a smile as best she could. “You shall have a half an hour from the sound of the horn!”

Luna nodded before stepping forward, air horn gripped firmly in both hands. With a nod to nobody in particular she pressed down and the horn rang loud. The three Wondercolts all ran off in different directions, Rainbow and Applejack behind from where the started, and Pinkie Pie into the school.

“Okay, game plan!” Sunset called out, calling the other girls into a quick huddle. “I want the three of us to start with the school grounds, cover as much area as we can before we tackle the school. Indigo, take the northern fields, Sunny the east.” The two teens nodded as Sunset continued. “I’ll take the west, meet me here in fifteen minutes if you don’t find the flag. Go!”

The three teens shot off in their respective directions, Sunny and Indigo bolting towards where Applejack and Rainbow went as Sunset dashed towards the parking lot. She waved to the Twilight and the Sirens as she passed them, her three fellow Equestrians cheering loudly as Twilight just barely looked up from her device in time to wave. Sunset could swear she heard some kind of beeping from Twilight’s device, but she couldn’t afford to waste time, there was a flag to capture!

I believe they said it was a pennant sweetie~

Can you really not leave me be for any amount of time?

Please, we both know how lonely you would get without me~

You are just so full of yourself, aren’t ya?

What can I say, I am your better parts after all~

How do you think?

Your pride, your ambition, your drive~ Without me you would have most likely died on the streets of Canterlot all those years ago~ You would have never been able to impress Celestia enough to become her personal protege~

And look at what you did! You drove me to lunacy! To betray her and throw everything she ever tried to teach me back into her face! How are you my better parts? Look at me now, I have friends.

How much you want to bet that they only see you as a tool to be used? You are the most gifted student in that pathetic little hovel they call a school after all~

Sunset could feel sweat start to bead on her head. This Crystal Prep Academy Uniform was definitely not made for this kind of exercise! She fumbled with the buttons of the blazer, flinging open the burgundy material to hopefully allow some airflow to cool her down as she ran. Canterlot High School didn’t have the same massive fields and school grounds that Crystal Prep Academy did, but it was by no means small. At least her section was smaller than the other two Shadowbolts, the parking lot cutting a good section out.

Maybe you should look in the treetops~ I mean, you are descended from monkeys most likely in this world~

Sunset ignored the voice, continuing her pace towards the carefully maintained foliage that sat in front of the sturdy chain link fence.

“HEL-”

Sunset froze, what was that? Was someone calling out for help? A loud crack resounded through the air as another voice nearly shouted out.

“Shut up, ya stupid cunt!”

Sunset looked around, none of the other participants were nearby and the school was too far away. Her hands shot into her pocket for her phone, only to realize it was missing. It must have slipped out when she was messing with her coat!

“Aw, horseapples!” She hissed, realizing that she had to try and help whoever that was. If only she had some sort of way to get some help!

Slowly she crept towards the stone wall that surrounded the parkade, making her way to the side entrance that sat open. Whoever was here wasn’t trying very hard to keep people from getting in it seemed. At least she could sneak in without getting seen hopefully.

“Just couldn’t keep quiet, could ya?” Came a raspy sounding female voice, one that seemed really familiar to Sunset as she crept through the open gate, sliding behind a nearby car.

“Seriously, calling for help never helps.” Gilda said, the teen keeling down with a fistful of multi colored hair. Sunset could recognize the girl by the personalized denim vest she always wore, a griffin embroidered on the back, but it was the woman whose head she dangled just above the concrete that caused Sunset’s blood to boil.

“Cadence!” She whispered softly, anger starting to burn inside as she watched blood start to drip down the delicate forehead of the seemingly unconscious woman. Sunset shot to her feet, ready to charge the teen who had attacked Cadence, only to feel a rather large hand on her shoulder.

You… Idiot!

Sunset barely heard the voice before a large fist slammed into her nose.

********************************

What was with these readings?

Twilight was stunned. All throughout the day, Ethyl Mk.2 had been getting stronger and stronger readings, especially around Sunset, but why?

And now they were rising again!

She turned the small compact device towards where Sunset had ran off to, only to have Ethyl start beeping even louder. Glancing around she made sure no one was paying attention to her before stealthily making her way down the bleacher and towards where Sunset had headed off to, the beeping growing louder with every step.

******************************************

Sunset drifted through the starry space, observing the constellations of her home world as they drifted past her.

You are seriously an idiot, you know that right?

Sunset watched as a large red humanoid with fiery hair and great bat wings materialized beside her, a deep scowl on her daemonic features.

Why would you draw attention to yourself in a situation like that?

“Well I had to try and help her.” Sunset said as she paused her flight. “I have a soul unlike you.”

We both know that you forfeited yours when you put that Element upon your head.

“Just because it reacted negatively to you, doesn’t mean that I lost my soul.” Sunset said defensively, floating back from the towering figure before everything started shaking, stars exploding and darkness starting to spread through the cosmos.

I think our… hosts, as much as they are, want your attention.

“Eyes open, Anon-A-Bitch!” Gilda shouted into Sunset’s right ear, causing the girl to try to open her eyes, her left sore and caked shut while her right fared little better.

“There we go.” Gilda said with a smug look on her face. “Couldn't have ya be asleep while we paid you back for everything you did.” She mocked as she rapped the back of her hand across Sunset’s cheek. Why was she getting hit? She heard three voices… chuckling? What was so funny?

“Oi, eyes up here!” Sunset felt her face jerk the other way as the other side of her face exploded in pain, followed by a yelp of pain as her scalp was assaulted. Her head slowly tilted upwards toward the cold sneer that Gilda was wearing.

“I hope you had fun,” She said, letting go of Sunset’s hair and letting the amber teen’s face bounce off the pavement that rushed to greet her. “Escaping to Crystal Prep Academy of all places! Leaving the rest of us to suffer after you somehow got those three young saps to take your fall for you.”

Sunset felt her side give way to something hard, as Gilda swung her steel toed combat boots into the unprotected side.

“W-why…?” Sunset gasped through the pain, darkness threatening to embrace her once more.

“Why? WHY!?” Gilda near shouted, digging her heel into the back of Sunset’s head “Because you humiliated me! You made me a laughing stock of the entire fuckin’ school with your little stunt!”

“I… inno-” Sunset started before crying out in pain, her left arm going numb as something… punched it?

“Bullshit! Stop lying for once in your miserable life, you sordid little bitch!” Gilda screeched, Sunset unable to see the girl as the pavement swam in her vision.

“You three! Get her standing up!” Gilda barked as Sunset felt multiple arms roughly hoist her upwards. “I want the last thing she see’s to be my knife cutting her apart.”

Sunset slowly cracked her only good eye somewhat open, her entire body screaming in agony. Gilda stood before her, brandishing what looked like a six inch long bowie knife in one hand.

“I can’t believe the luck of this day.” Gilda chuckled, looking over the girl held up three different individuals. “Not only do we get paid to take out the bitch you failed to save, but we get to deal with you first!”

Sunset could feel the skin in her abdomen give as Gilda thrust her knife forward, the blade effortlessly slicing through the cloth covering Sunset’s body before the teen pulled it back and held the bloody blade in front of Sunset’s shaking eyes.

“Well whadya know,” Gilda said with an evil smile. “You bleed just like the rest of us.” She said as she flicked the fresh blood onto Sunset’s face before pulling back and burying the blade in Sunset once more time, this time into the lower part of her torso, causing the girl to pitch forward as a result of the force.

“Why not one more for good measure?” Sunset heard as she numbly felt the blade leave her torso, only to be plunged into the soft flesh between her neck and right shoulder. She cried out in agony, her voice muffled completely by the putrid hand covering her mouth.

“Why don’t you three enjoy her a little bit?” Gilda said, turning her back to Sunset as she looked down at Cadence. “I think we should finish this and get out before anyone gets suspicious.”

Sunset vaguely felt her body hit the pavement in a sprawl, tears running from her last good eye as she watched the three Diamond Dog Brothers loom over her with chuckles.

“S-Sunset?”

Everyone paused as they heard something hit the ground. Sunset couldn’t move to react, but she knew what she had heard.

“What’s she doing here?” Sunset heard Gilda ask. “Nevermind that, get her you three! No witnesses!”

The last thing Sunset heard was Twilight give a small shriek.

**************************************

Twilight was terrified, more than she had ever thought possible. She was being held captive, her mouth covered by one boys absolutely disgusting smelling hand as one of the others held her hands above her head roughly.

“So what’s Princess Twilight doing gracing us with her presence?” The white haired girl asked, bloody knife pointed at Twilight’s tear riddled face. “Especially in a Crystal Prep Academy uniform after that blasting you gave us those months back at that assembly here.”

Twilight shook her head, what was this girl talking about? What assembly? Why was Sunset bleeding out on the ground? Dear god was she dead? She wasn’t moving! Twilight kicked and struggled to get free, noticing Dean Cadence lying unconscious on the ground not far away. What was going on!?

“Playing dumb huh? It’s not gonna help you here.” The girl said menacingly, ghosting the bloody edge of her knife down the girl’s delicate features. “I just cannot believe our luck today, first Sunset, now you?” The girl gave an evil cackle as she bent over and slapped her knee.

“Well how about we stop the foreplay and get rid of you so we can get out of here, huh?” Gilda stopped laughing before regarding Twilight with a cold sneer. Was she about to die? Ethyl Mk.2 had been blaring out beeps, before the beeps turned to such a rapid pace that it sounded more like a buzz.

“That’s a really annoying toy you got here.” The girl snarled, before she brought her foot down, crushing the innocent device. “Good, you’re next.” She said, drawing back her knife and causing Twilight to shut her eyes.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Came a deadly calm tone.

“What the?” The girl said aloud as she felt her arm freeze, Twilight opening her eyes to see… Sunset?

“I think you should stop while you have the chance, Gilda.” Sunset said, or at least Twilight was trying to tell if it was her friend or not. The towering figure sure sounded like Sunset, though the tone was cold and quiet, unnervingly so in its delivery.

“Wh-what are you doing here!?” Gilda shouted in shock, backing away and bumping into Twilight. “I killed you!”

“You failed.” Came the cold response, Twilight tumbling to the ground as she heard contact be made to the cars around her, alarms blaring to life. “Now that those three are taken care of…”

Twilight flailed around as she searched for her glasses, finding them and fumbling them onto her face, gasping at what she saw.

A large red human looking girl, with gold and crimson hair floating like fire, stood before the cowering Gilda, hovering barely off the ground even though her massive bat like wings remained still.

“I will be generous. Gilda.” The figure said in a calm, echoing mimicry of Sunset’s voice. “You may have the first swing.” The figure pointed at Gilda’s still bloody knife, the girl looking down in terror at the item in her hand. Without a second thought she lunged forward, giving a savage cry as she thrust the blade into the lava red skin of the figures lower abdomen!

“How pathetically droll.” The figure said boredly as the knife shattered into dust as it struck her, before lashing out with blazing speed and grasping the teens head in her taloned hand. “You are too weak-minded to do something like this on your own. Talk, or else I will crush your pathetic excuse for a head.”

Gilda screamed as the pressure from Daemon Sunset’s hand intensified on her head, her own hands scraping haplessly against the extremity.

“T-t-t-that other bitch! Sh-she paid us to- Gaaah!” Gilda cried out as she felt more force applied to her head, Twilight falling to her knees and covering her mouth in shock. This wasn’t possible, there was not scientific explanation for this! This couldn’t be Sunset!

“Cinch,” She stated, relenting her grip slightly to allow Gilda to continue spilling her guts.

“Y-yeah! Her! She paid us t-t-to attack that woman d-down there! Said we w-w-would get a swing a-at you a-a-after the G-G-Game- Waaaahg!” Gilda screamed as Sunset hurled the girl carelessly into the bus, her body ricocheting off and landing on the concrete with a sickening thud.

Twilight watched as Sunset turned and started floating towards the front of the school. “S-Sunset…?” Twilight called out in terror. That… thing couldn’t be her friend! Sunset was never this cruel, even when dealing with the people that drove her to the point of suicide! So what was this… daemon!?

“Take care of Cadence.” Sunset uttered before continuing on her way, Twilight rushing over to her Sister In Law.

***********************************

“Has anyone seen Sunset?” Indigo shouted. Sunny and her had returned to the front of the school already, Indigo having found the pennant hidden in some bushes and yelling out to Sunny Flare as the girl searched the side of the school. They had been waiting for a few minutes, the pink girl had already returned with their schools pennant by this point and everybody was standing around waiting for Sunset.

“I can’t find Twilight!” Sonata called out, worried at losing her friend. “Has anybody seen her?”

“She is fine now.”

Screams filled the air as everybody turned to see where that strange, echoing voice had come from.

“What’s she doing back!?” Some random Wondercolt screamed.

“What is that thing?” A Shadowbolt yelled out.

Everybody was panicking as the daemonic figure slowly floated into the middle of the school yard.

“Sun… Sunset?” Adagio whispered, the black aura having nearly consumed the natural aquamarine Sunset gave off.

“Dean Cadence will be fine in time as well.” The Daemon said in an echoing version of Sunset’s voice. “We have saved her, Cinch.”

Everyone was frozen in terror, watching as the figure pointed out with taloned fingers as a swirling aura of night and aquamarine coloured the air around them.

“W-what the!?” Cinch yelled out, suddenly floating through the air before being left hanging in the air as if crucified, directly in front of the Daemon. “What are you?” She breathed, horror muting her voice.

“I am what you hired those four teens to kill.”

Murmurs shot through the crowd when they heard the declaration from the figure, what was it talking about?

“Sunset! Let her go!” Aria shouted, running forward and standing beneath the thing her friend had become.

“Please! Don’t do this Sun-Shim!” Sonata begged as she joined her sister.

“Calm down and let us help you, Sunset.” Adagio pleaded as she stood with her sister’s, hoping there was still something of Sunset left in there to reason with, wondering what had caused this to happen.

“You would suggest that I am not calm?” Sunset asked, her voice a calm so deadly the people around could swear they felt their lives end. “After she would hire students to murder Dean Cadence?”

Shocked gasped rang out in the air, was that true?

“Abacus! Surely you didn’t!” Celestia shouted in pure terror.

“I suggest you repent, Cinch. Before I make you do so.”

Cinch struggled to free herself from this figures grasp. What was happening! This couldn’t be real, could it? Why was she in this situation, she had done nothing wrong! That sniveling whore, Cadence, she was the problem! She was destroying everything Cinch had done for Crystal Prep Academy! Her and that slut, Sunset Shimmer! So why was she hanging many feet from the ground in the crushing grasp of some sort of Daemon!?

“Do it.” The figure commanded, squeezing her fist together as the force that held her aloft started to embrace her tighter, air starting to flee her lungs.

“F-fine! I-I-I admit it!” She bellowed, gasping and gulping in air as the force relinquished its hold on her. Cries of horror and shock erupted from everyone present.

“How could you!?”

“You monster!”

“You should rot in jail!”

“What is wrong with you!”

She struggled as she watched everyone standing beneath her pelt her with verbal insults and threats of harm, even her own Shadowbolts, the students of Crystal Prep Academy that she had hand raised into beings of superiority attacked her!

“Looks like your plan failed, Cinch.” The figure said, the woman screaming as she flew up towards the figures face.

“S-Sunset…? Is that really… you?” She asked, noticing that the figure’s face did indeed look like the teen. Her eyes were different from each other, one aquamarine iris in white sclera, the other aquamarine orb encased in blackest night, even as her red and yellow hair billowed upwards like living flame.

“You could say that.” Sunset responded, before forcing the woman away through the air. “I want all of you down there to be my witness, as I remove a real monster from this world.”

A mixture of cries filled the air, most of them shock at the thought of being witnesses to a murder, a few seeming to edge the figure on into doing it.

“Sunset! Stop!”

Everyone paused what they were doing and turned to look to the south west of the school.

“Killing her would be sinking down to her level!” Twilight shouted, tears streaming down her lavender face. “Don’t be like her!”

The Daemon paused and turned to regard the girl that stood alone, her firm arms crossed over her chest.

“And what would be gained from sparing her?” Sunset asked as she spun the woman around to face Twilight, who was helping Dean Cadence to limp along.

“Sunset…?” The bruised, bleeding woman asked, shock and sorrow spread across her face. “Is that… really you?”

“I am glad to see you up, Dean Cadence.” Sunset said, regarding the two of them with her never moving facade of emptiness.

“H-how are you still alive…?” Principal Cinch asked, horror stricken that all of her plans had failed.

“Sunset saved me, you miserable bitch.” Cadence responded as loud as she could. “And as much as I want to see you suffer…” Cadence turned back to Sunset as her face changed from scowl to sad smile. “I agree with Twilight. Don’t stoop to her level, Sunset. You’re better than this!”

“Yeah, Sunset! You aren’t a monster! You’re the most loyal person I know!” Shouted a raspy voice from behind the daemonic figure looming in the sky.

“Rainbow is right, dear!” Rarity added. “We know you are an incredible generous person, always willing to listen to others, even if we weren't!”

“You are kind and understanding…” Fluttershy said, much louder than anyone had ever heard her speak before.

“You never tell a harmful lie, always willin’ to take the fall fer others!” Applejack yelled in her country accent.

“You always found a way to make us laugh… Even if we ended up stealing your happiness!” Pinkie Pie said solemnly.

“You can do superhuman feats of awesomeness!” Indigo said, flexing an arm and holding onto it’s bicep.

“You always seem to have the right answer, even in an impossible situation.” Sunny Flare started.

“You know so many different things about this crazy world!” Lemon Zest said, removing her headphones fully, fingers tracing over the DJ Pon-3 signature as the morse code song blared through the speakers.

“You always find a way to find out everything about a person, but never hold it over them.” Sugarcoat monotoned.

“You never harass me about how I act around others, as insufferable as it is you always put up with it, or let me know when I cross the line.” Sour Sweet said as she stared at the being in the sky.

“I always knew you were crazy!” Lyra shouted, only to receive a sharp jab from Bon Bon. “Crazy amazing I meant!”

“Who else could find that hidden message in my song?” Yelled Vinyl, holding hands with her sister.

“You support the two of us, in everything we pursue!” Octavia added in her cultured tone.

“You always share my treats, even if it means you get so little.” Bon Bon said with a sad smile.

“You put up with my insane antics all the time!” Aria shouted, throwing her arms out wide.

“You took us home, after saving us from what you are going through right now.” Adagio whispered, her voice carrying itself into the Daemon’s ears.

“You reaaaaally love tacos!” Sonata yelled, causing everyone to look at her. “What? She has her priorities right?”

“You see, Sunset, people care about you.” Twilight said softly. “We care about you so much, and don’t want to see you make a mistake as drastic as this!”

Cinch had fallen silent as she listened to everyone's declarations, refusing to struggle anymore and allowing Sunset to really pay attention to her friends.

“You may think I am worth it…” She said sadly, a solemn smile slowly coming to her face. “But there will always be those of this world that hate me…”

She rotated around and studied all the teenagers before her as she slowly started to float closer to the ground.

“W-what’s happening!?” Cinch screamed as she felt the force surrounding her weaken, before giving out completely and causing her to hurtle towards the ground. People yelled out in terror, point and screaming as the woman fell, only to be caught by Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna.

“Sunset!” Someone screamed as the Daemon suddenly fizzled away, leaving an amber teen in a blood stained Shadowbolts uniform to plummet to the ground.

Contest of Rivals: Her Inner Daemon

Author's Note

Well here we are~
The penultimate chapter in this arc~!
What shall happen after this?

Contest of Rivals: Her Inner Daemon

???

So why do I have to stare at your ugly mug? Sunset asked, arms crossed as she floated in emptiness.

You know why, dearie, The Daemon responded, coy grin on her face. Isn’t it only right that your supposed greatest failure be the last thing you see?

Sunset remained silent as she continued to scowl at the massive figure. You still call yourself my failure, huh?

Delusional to the end, huh? The Daemon laughed, crossing her arms in front of her belly as she doubled over in hubris. At least I should compliment you on holding on as long as you did~ I didn’t think you would have had enough strength to stop me from completely taking over~ A shame really, that monster had it coming~

You’re the real monster. Sunset said, her arms moving to her sides as her fists clenched in anger.

And what does that say about you? The host of this monster~ The Daemon chided playfully, only to have her body rocketed away as Sunset’s fist connected with her crimson cheek.

Fuck. You. Sunset said as she flew after the figure, intent to make the monster suffer for everything she had put Sunset through.

Pony has claws now, huh? The Daemon asked as she rubbed her cheek, stopping her hurtling moment in time to look at the teen approaching once more. Sadly it will take more than that to even tickle me. It responded coldly as it caught the girls fist with her own, a blast wave of silent noise rippling around their fists from the contact.

Regardless of what happens to me, I promise this, Sunset said with a steely gaze as she shifted backwards. I will rid myself of you, once and for all. With that she flew forward once again, her arm drawn back and shimmering with an aquamarine aura.

******************************************************

“She just can’t catch a break, can she sis?” Stoic Heart asked as he helped rush a gurney ridden Sunset through the halls of the hospital towards emergency triage.

“Now is not the time for your dark sense of humour, Doctor.” Kind Heart responded as she motioned people in the halls out of the way. “Focus on saving her.”

“Looks like four stab wounds, incredibly deep and cutting into some major organs, both arms have major damage from their stab wounds, and that doesn’t include the damage from falling.” Stoic said quietly, his hand rushing over to grasp Sunset’s own.

“C’mon girl, you can fight through this… just like last time…”

****************************************************

Blow after mutilating blow crashed across Sunset’s arms, the clothing torn off as she held them before her face in protection. The Daemon had gone on the offensive, raining blow after blow on the unicorn whilst flinging dark magics interspersed with the crashing of her talons.

Come now girl, The Daemon chided, We both know that I alone can save you~

Sounds to me like someone here is afraid to die. Sunset grunted in response as she flew back from the latest blow that The Daemon had landed on her.

What makes you think that I will die should your body fail you? The Daemon crossed it’s arm with a smug smile as it stared intimidatingly at the Equestrian native.

Because you are a part of me. Sunset smiled coldly, I know what you think, and you are scared.

You know nothing! The Daemon hissed as it renewed it’s assault.

Sunset could swear she felt something squeeze around her hand as the Daemon flew forward.

***********************************************

“Damnit!” Stoic cursed, his hands bloody as he struggled to save the teens life. “I don’t want to lose her!”

Nurses and Orderlies scurried around the man, handing him tools upon request and doing their best to help stabilize the dying teen.

“Doctor! We need more blood for transfusion!” Someone yelled, Stoic grunting as he continued his work.

“Well get some then, for fuck’s sake!” He bellowed, concentrating on his own work. “Why do you need my permission to try and save this girl’s life!?”

***********************************

Damn you… The Daemon spat black ichor from it’s mouth along with a shattered tooth. I will not lose to someone as pathetic as you!

Says the one on their knees in defeat. Sunset jeered as she rotated a shoulder and spat a wad of blood from her own mouth. Her uniform had long since been torn to shreds, her entire body a mess of bruises and oozing cuts, though The Daemon had not been let off easy itself.

It’s gonna take more than just you to defeat me! It snarled as it rose to it’s feet.

Good thing I am not alone then. Sunset said with a sad smile, before a figure stepped out from behind her. It was vaguely humanoid though it was a solid mass of teal light, and from it stepped two more figures, an orange and a royal purple one.

What…? The Daemon asked, watching as five more figures stepped out from behind her. Indigo, lime green, rose, white, and turquoise.

What is happening? The Daemon demanded as it looked at Sunset in fury. More and more figures appeared. Yellow, sky blue, pink, buttercream, light purple, lavender, slate, alabaster, mint green and a swirl of fuschia and blue.

Your end. Sunset said as she and all the people around her charged at The Daemon.

*********************************

And in a world far away, surrounded by people that knew not the real heritage of the girl on the operating table, a machine beeped one last time, before a flatline filled the still air.

Contest of Rivals: Dealing with Loss Part 1

Author's Note

Decided to change things, add a little bit more to this arc before it ends~

Prepare for a bunch of brief, One-Shot style "chapters"

Contest of Rivals: Dealing with Loss Part 1

One week later

“Okay, so I want you all to remain calm.” Said the girl said, her hands running through her yellow streaked hair. “Especially you, Twilight.”

The lavender girl was shaking and bouncing about in the basement of her house. “How could I possibly remain calm!?” She asked stepping from one foot to the other. “We are about to meet another sentient species, from another plane of existence no less!”

“Maybe it would be best if you composed yourself, Twily.” Shining Armour said, his voice not nearly tired sounding as he appeared. It had been a week of nonstop work for him and Cadence, his fiance having been instated as acting head of Crystal Prep Academy with the arrest of Abacus Cinch. Teachers that were loyal to Cinch refused to work under Cadence so the two of them had to rush to get upstanding substitutes to cover those classes for the rest of the year.

“Shiny is right, dear.” Night Light said, resting a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “I think we should contain our exuberance at such an amazing prospect.”

The girl pouted at her father, drawing a chuckle from Principal Cadence, the woman finally able to walk on her own without crutches after she suffered damage to her legs from the assault of The Friendship Games.

The newspaper had a heyday with the event, twisting the name rightfully to ‘The Friendship Tragedy!’, and spent the week hounding the hospital trying to get an interview from Cadence.

“Bah! You are all killjoys!” Twilight harrumphed as she crossed her arms, staring at the young woman before her. “Can we get on with this? I want to prove these meanies wrong!”

“You stole my phrase!” Sonata shouted indignantly, her cheeks puffing out adorably as everyone broke into slight chuckles.

“Relax, Sony.” Aria said, slapping her boisterous sister on the back gently. “I’m sure Sparks meant nothing wrong.”

A small cough silenced the the people in the room. “If you are all ready now, I’m going to ask our guest to come on in.” She lifted a notebook emblazoned with a 2 toned sun, scrawling something in it, then smiling when it gave a small purple glow and vibrated a moment later. She turned herself towards the large stand alone mirror that had been drug into the basement, taking a small step back and waiting.

“Waahg!”

Everyone gave small cries of shock when a lavender skinned girl with long dark purple hair with dual toned magenta streaks running down it fell through the portal, the girl giving a small shriek when she pitched forward through the mirror and tripping onto the ground in a graceless pile.

“I swear I will never be able get through the portal without tripping!” the girl said as she stood up, rubbing the small scuff on her forehead.

“T...Twilight?” Velvet asked in shock, staring at the duplicate of her daughter that stood before her. She was clad in a purple skirt the colour of her hair, with a baby blue blouse that had a red ribbon tied around the collar.

“Yes mom?” The girl responded, standing at attention as the woman addressed her. “Er, sorry… Force of habit.” She chuckled sheepishly as she blushed in embarrassment. “Oh boy, where do I start?”

“Start by introducing yourself.”

Twilight nodded in response to the girl beside her. “You’re probably right. Alright then!” She turned and smiled to the people gathered ahead of her. “The resemblance is uncanny…” She muttered, before she shook her head. “Right! My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, and I come from the land of Equestria.” She bowed as she finished her introduction, before looking at the gaping mouths of the people standing before her. “This will be a lot to take in I guess?” Twilight said with a silly smile. “Don’t worry, it’s not anything complicated.”

“Listening to a double of my sister call herself a Princess and say she comes from another world isn’t supposed to be complicated?” Shining Armour asked.

“Oh BBBFF, I am certain you will be able to handle this.” Twilight giggled as she watched her not-brother step back in shock at being addressed by her sister’s pet nickname for him. “Looks like I also use that moniker here to, huh?”

“Here too?” The human Twilight asked. “You mean that…”

“Yup! My brother, Prince Shining Armour, is married to Princess Cadence, and I do indeed call him BBBFF.” She said with a silly giggle. “Speaking of Cadence…” She peered over at the cerise skinned woman. “I want to check one other thing…” She took a step forward.

“Sunshine, Sunshine!”

“L-ladybugs… Awake…?” Cadence replied in shock. Was this really Twilight from another world?

“Looks like I was right!” Twilight giggled as she stepped back. “Okay, enough fooling around. Time for the reason I came here.” She nodded as she beckoned Aria and Sonata to stand with her. “Myself, Sonata, Aria, Adagio, and Sunset Shimmer are all from the world of Equestria. It is a world that is a parallel of your own, filled with magic and dragons and other such things that you all relegate to legends.”

She watched as the group before her took a moment to think about what they had just heard. “The most important difference in this world is that it is not inhabited by Humans, instead the most prominent race is that of Equines, or Ponies as we call ourselves.”

“Ponies!?”

Princess Twilight looked with a smile at the outburst her human counterpart just had.

“Yes, Ponies. Sonata is a Pegasus, Aria is an Earth Pony, and Adagio a unicorn.”

“What about yourself?” Night Light asked, Twilight pleased to see her father was ever the inquisitive soul, even in another world.

“I am what we call an Alicorn.” She said, noticing the confused looks on everyone present. “Think of me as a combination of three races.”

“And you can use magic?” Human Twilight asked.

“Yes! I can actually give you a demonstration, if you would all like?” Princess Twilight asked, wearing a big smile at the idea of showing magic to those who had never seen it before.

“Yes! Yesyesyesyesyes! Oh please, yes!” The other Twilight begged, throwing herself onto her knees before her other dimensional self.

“Velvet, if I may call you that?” Princess Twilight asked of her mother not-mother, receiving a nod. “Is it alright if I gave a brief demonstration? I promise it won’t be anything destructive.”

“Please mom!? Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleeeeeeaaasse!?”

Velvet laughed at her daughter’s reaction. “Go ahead Twilight, I trust you not to destroy this house.”

Princess Twilight nodded before she started to explain what she was going to do.

Contest of Rivals: Dealing with Loss Part 2

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Contest of Rivals: Dealing with Loss Part 3

The pair stood in silence as the looked down, sorrow filled eyes taking in the scenery around them.

“I can’t believe it…” Princess Twilight said softly, a single tear starting to make it’s way down her lavender cheek.

“I’ll leave you two be for a bit, I think she’d prefer it that way.” Adagio said as she patted the girl on the back softly before stepping away.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone, Sunset…” Twilight continued, her fist’s clenching in sorrow. “Why did you feel like you couldn’t tell anyone you were being blackmailed? We could have helped you!” Twilight’s pitch was rising, her voice becoming a harsh yell as her sadness started to erupt out from her.

“Why didn’t I come save you in the first place all those months ago? I could have made it so you likely didn’t come to this point in your life! I could have let you live in the castle! Tartarus, Princess Celestia herself forgave you!” She yelled as she took a step forward toward the mound. “But why didn’t you reach out for help when you were getting blackmailed? You’re stronger than that! I know you are!”

“I think you’ve made your point.” said a soft voice, the mound of bedsheets rustling as an amber arm slid over the top of the comforter and pulled the heavy amalgamation of cloth and warmth down. “Hiya, Twilight.” Sunset yawned as she stretched her arms above her head. “Man, healing magic really takes it outta ya. I haven’t been able to do much more than get help walking to the washroom twice a day.”

“Your lucky that I found a way to get Equestrian alchemy through the portal without it losing it’s magical properties.” The Alicorn scolded as she watched her friend swing her legs out from under the covers and onto the cool carpeted floor.

“And I appreciate it, really!” Sunset gave a goofy smile as she looked at her friend, the Princess seeming ready to strangle her. “I still can’t believe what happened though, I thought I was a gonner.”

“I guess being able to purge the corrupted magic from your body manage to kickstart you back to living enough for the doctors to stabilize and then save you.” Twilight shook her head as she thought about the miracle that saved her friends life. “I’ve never heard nor read of someone cleansing corruption from themselves. I mean look at what happened with the Elements of Harmony!”

“It didn’t manage to full cleanse me though,” Sunset said as she finished pulling on a clean pair of boys trunks and a tank top. “It makes me wonder about the Sirens in all honesty.”

“Well I can promise that we are completely clean.” Adagio said as she walked in with a tray holding three glasses of water, setting it on the dresser beside where the trio of friends stood. “The three of us can’t detect a single ounce of the dark magics on us, and now you're clean as well.”

“Hopefully it stays that way this time…” Sunset said sadly, hugging herself softly.

“I think you’ll be fine now, Sunset.” Twilight said, putting a hand gently onto the firm shoulder of her friend. “On the plus, you don’t have any scars now thanks to the potions Zecora and Apple Bloom brewed up for you back in Equestria!”

Sunset chuckled as she looked at the inside of her forearms, running fingers down the now unmarred flesh. “Yeah, though scars can be kinda cool.”

Adagio giggled, surprising the two younger Equestrians that the woman could produce such tones. “Scars or not, I still think Aria and Sonata will do their best to pursue you.”

Sunset blushed as she looked down at the ground, Twilight looking at her friend in shock.

“When were you going to tell me this?” She asked playfully, clapping the solid back of the taller girl in mirth.

“Well truth be told I don’t really remember them coming onto me.” She said, fingers brushing first her cheek, then her lips.

“I haven’t seen Sonata kiss someone like that since Hoofstock!” Adagio burst out laughing as Sunset’s face turned cherry red, Twilight chuckle in amusement.

“I don’t know why they though to kiss a bloody girl that they just caught falling from the air,” Sunset said, looking up to Adagio with a cheeky grin. “And don’t think you get off scot free yourself, Adagio! You got awfully frisky with the girls when you laid me on the ground.”

The Siren blushed and gave a small cough as she looked away, Twilight bursting into fresh giggles.

“Well I wasn’t sure I would ever get the chance to.” Adagio responded softly, only to hear Sunset bark out a laugh.

“So you waited until I was on my death bed to fondle me?” She slugged the smallest Siren playfully. “Anyways, I think I should join the rest of you guys downstairs for lunch, huh?” She asked as she headed to the door. “Those two sisters of yours should get a kick out me like this, huh Dagi?” Sunset winked as she grabbed the door.

Author's Note

And there we go~

The One-Shot's are done~ Sunset is alive and well thanks to the power of magic~

Dealing with Loss is a reference to the loss of Sunset's scars, as she had a thing for them, thinking they added some cool ice breaking things or trophys she could play up~ xD

Get ready for the last Chapter of this arc~ I will try to have it out this week end, and have my behind the scenes stuff posing after that~ ^^

Contest of Rivals: A Better Future...?

Sunset took a deep gulp of the hot draught the cup in her hands held. It was a strange feeling sitting in Sugar Cube Corner again after all this time, the Cakes were doing their bests not to stare at the girl who was sitting so calmly in their building. Sunset looked down at the french vanilla that was steaming up from the cup, smiling as she enjoyed one of her favourite treats again. Tearing her gaze away from the piping liquid, she looked out the window and started people watching.

“Sorry for the wait, darling.”

Sunset slowly turned back around to face the door that just opened, the bell chiming pleasantly.

“Hello, Rarity.” Sunset said with a small smile, looking up to the fashionista that was leading the other Rainbooms to the area that the six of them used to share long ago. “Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie, good to see you all made it.”

“We’re more surprised you made it.” Rainbow responded, looking up and down Sunset’s body, attempting to find the scars from the attacks she suffered from.

“Rainbow!” Rarity whispered harshly, shocked at the comment her friend had made. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“Aw, come off your high horse, Rarity!” Rainbow responded, before looking over at Sunset, “Sorry if you find that term offensive, Sunset.”

Sunset giggled when she heard the term from Rainbow, then smiled at the apology that the athlete gave. “No worries, Dash. It’s not like it’s something offensive or anything.”

“Regardless, you could at least use a pinch of subtlety, dear.” Rarity said as she crossed her arms in a mock pout.

“Anyways,” Applejack said in a somewhat loud voice. “Ah do agree with Rainbow, It is good ta see ya up and walkin.”

“Ya, how come ya never responded to our texts, only to call for a meeting between us all?” Rainbow asked as she stood up from her seat.

“Ooi…” Groaned Pinkie Pie, as Applejack and Rarity face palmed simultaneously.

“Seriously?” Applejack question incredulously, staring at her friend from between her fingers.

“No, it’s fine,” Sunset said, holding up her hands as she attempted to broker a peace between all six teens present. “Truth be told I regret not responding sooner.” She said with a sad smile as she looked down at her slowly cooling drink.

“Truth be told I was super busy, what with the criminal investigations into Cinch, Gilda, and the Diamond Dogs, recovering from the attacks, plus schoolwork.” Sunset chuckled as she recalled her previous few weeks of non stop activity.

“You were forced to still go to school?” Asked a strangely adamant Fluttershy, the girl having a fire in her eyes that wouldn’t be out of place in Rainbow Dash.

“Oh! No! Nonono!” Sunset said as she shook her head with a goofy grin. “No, I had Twilight gather up my work from the other girls and bring it home each night with her.” She gave a sheepish grin as she blushed, rubbing the back of her stylized mane.

“Anyways, I am sorry that I didn’t reach out to you all sooner, and I am sure you are all wondering why I asked for us to meet up here.”

All five members of the Rainbooms nodded as they looked at Sunset.

“I figured that it was finally time we had a good talk about what happened.” Sunset said with a solemn smile. “You all let me know how sorry you were during the Friendship Games, and Celestia- sorry!- heaven knows I have had enough time to contemplate it, and think it over.”

“Well I’m glad we got to talk to you at least.” Rainbow said, kicking her feet up onto the table and earning a stern glare from Mrs. Cake and a slap across the legs by a rather disappointed looking Fluttershy. “Sorry.” The sky blue skinned girl said as she removed her feet from the surface.

“Aaanyways,” Applejack said, clearing her throat with a cough. “Ah do think Ah speak for all o’ us when Ah say it is good to hear from ya again, sugahcube.”

Sunset smiled a she looked at the five girls. “Thanks, I just wish I could have gotten back to you five sooner.”

“I’m just glad to see you smiling again!” Pinkie Pie cheered softly, her hair almost fully back to it’s regular poofy state.

“I agree…” Fluttershy whispered softly, nodding gently as she peered out from behind her hair.

“So what did you want to talk to us about again?” Rainbow asked after giving an over dramatic bout of gagging.

Sunset giggled as everybody scowled at the rainbow maned teen. “I have decided on what my response is to what you girls talked to me about back during the Friendship Games.

All five grew quiet, anticipatory looks on their features as the leaned in to watch the amber coloured teen.

“Truth be told, I am still hurting from how you girls abandoned me. You told me I was your friend, that I was family.” Sunset said with a sad smile, the other five shirking back as they remembered their actions.

“But I can’t exactly say it was unwarranted, giving to the fact of what I did in the past. You girls only had three years of me being the head bitch of the school, then turning into a raging she daemon and brainwashing almost the entire school followed by me trying to kill you all.”

“So… What then?” Rainbow asked, looking at the Equestrian intently.

“You girls threw me away, threw me to the wolves and never even gave me a chance to defend myself, to prove that I was innocent. You girls were the straw that broke the camel’s back and drove me to the point of wanting to kill myself.” Sunset said with a calm face, watching how the other teens reacted. Fluttershy started to hiccup as tears streamed down her cheeks while Rarity padded at her eyes with her handkerchief, Pinkie’s hair started to deflate it seemed and Applejack pulled her hat in front of her face.

“So that’s it?” Asked Rainbow Dash, the girl surprisingly teary eyed. “You call us all here just to let us know how much we fucked up?”

Sunset sighed tiredly. “No, Dash. I wanted to start by explaining how I felt to you girls. I wanted you all to know that you deeply hurt me,and that everyone in my life now wants me to never talk with any of you again. And can you really blame them?”

“What do you mean!?” Rainbow questioned, standing up from her chair.

“Velvet has only seen you five once, during that incident at the mall, so she doesn’t have the highest opinions of you. The Shadowbolts also don’t like you, given that they now know about how you all were the final straw in me attempting to kill myself. The Sirens, who have lived a very tragic life themselves, don’t like you.” Sunset explained as she looked around the table, Rainbow slinking back into her chair slowly.

“But i’ll be honest, I don’t care what they say.”

All around the table, looks of confusion spread across the faces of the Rainbooms.

“We know you messed up. We know you all are sorry for what you did. We know you want a second chance.” She looked up with a sad smile. “Hatred is a dark path, one I never want to walk again. It does nothing but bring sorrow and sadness, and I hope to never have to deal with it again.”

“Does that mean…?” Pinkie Pie asked quietly, her hair starting to poof up again.

“I will give you girls a second chance.” Sunset said with a slow nod.

Cheers of happiness rang out around the table, sighs of relief intermingled within.

“But.”

The five friends quieted when they heard Sunset start again.

“This will be like starting from scratch. You are all going to have to earn my trust, and my friendship. This time… I am not some charity case hoisted upon you all by Princess Twilight, agreed?”

All five agreed in their own fashion, party balloons and streamers shot out from Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy started to cry even more profusely, Rarity smiled and reached over to give Sunset a hug, Applejack nodded and rested her stetson back onto her head, and Rainbow Dash did a small lap around the perimeter of Sugar Cube Corner.

“We promise, Sunset!” Rainbow said as she jumped up onto her chair. “We promise not to fuck up this time!”

“I get it, Dash.” Sunset giggled as she motioned at her friend to get down off the chair. “So, how have you all been since the Friendship Games?”

They all looked at each other, before Rarity started talking. “Well Canterlot High has been shut down since the Games.” She explained with a frown.

“Yeah, there’s a whole bunch of big men and police officers combing the school looking for evidence.” Pinkie Pie explained, throwing her arms out.

“Probably trying to find stuff out for that court case…” Sunset muttered, stroking her chin in thought. “But that has come and gone, why aren’t you all back in school?”

Fluttershy looked down and sniffed. “Because the school board has put the blame for everything that has happened since December solely on Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna…”

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked, a pit of worry starting to burn in her gut.

“They’ve been canned.” Applejack said bluntly, crossing her arms with a scowl. “The school board is getting people brought in.”

“Tartarus…” Sunset whispered. “I didn’t know…”

“It’s fine, dear.” Rarity said, resting a pale hand on Sunset’s.

“Truth be told,” Rainbow said with a smirk, “Some of us have found ways to cope.”

Sunset gave the grinning teen a confused look, noticing how Rarity shot a look at the athlete, her face turning red as Applejack shot up to her feet.

“Land’s sake, RD!” Applejack bellowed. “When are ya gonna drop that!”

“Umm… should I even ask…?” Sunset said with a small smile.

“I found our resident farmer and fashionista makin out- mmph!” Rainbow was tackled by Rarity, the girl vaulting over the table and smashing a hand over the blabbering mouth of the sky blue skinned girl.

“Rainbow Dash! I did not go around spreading your secret when I found you and Fluttershy in the girl’s changeroom, now did I?” Rarity had an extremely deadly glint in her eyes as she looked down at the girl below her, Fluttershy blushing as she hid behind her hair.

“Wait…” Sunset was wearing a massive smile by this point as she looked over to Pinkie. “So if I understand this right, Rarity and Applejack, and Rainbow and Fluttershy have all done the horizontal mambo?”

The four mentioned teens look at Pinkie Pie, their eyes threatening the party planner of what they would do should she talk.

“They haven’t gone that far, Sunset.” She said with a forced smile. “Far as I know at least.” She winked as she whispered the last bit.

“Oh man, that is priceless!” Sunset laughed out loud. “Seriously, what is with Humans and being so skittish about these sorts of things?”

“A proper lady does not kiss and tell.” Rarity said as she stood up, allowing Rainbow to make her way to her own feet.

Everyone started giggling at Rarity’s comment, Sunset pausing as she felt her phone vibrate. “Looks like I gotta get heading.” She said with a small smile as she deposited her phone. “I’m glad I could catch up with you all again. We will have to do this again soon.”

“How soon?” Pinkie Pie question with her patented look of crazy.

“Probably gonna be a little bit, Cadence has arranged for the senior year to spend a weekend out at Camp Everfree.” Sunset said with a smile.

***********************************

Sunset brought her bike to a stop, the traffic ahead of her passing by at a blazing pace, and leaned back and stretched, her leather clothes unhappy at the motion. She flipped up the visor of her helmet up as she peered around, looking at the life bustling through the city, her gaze pausing as she watched four individuals leave a rather fancy restaurant to her right. She recognized Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna, or rather the ex Principal Celestia and ex Vice Principal Luna, and Nurse Red Heart who had her hand firmly entwined with Luna’s, the two women’s skin contrasting the others. But who was the fourth?

She gave a small honk of her horn, waving when the women looked over to her. “Hiya!” Sunset said with a warm smile, quickly realizing her helmet was hiding her smile from the four of them.

“Sunset Shimmer?” Asked Luna, shocked to see the girl out and about. The two sisters had stopped by to see Sunset while the teen was in the hospital, but neither of them expected to see her out so soon.

“Good to see you all again! Let me just park here quick!” Sunset said as she threw on her right hand turn signal, taking a tight turn and stopping in a street side parking stall.

“What are you doing out and about, Sunset?” Celestia asked as the teen threw down her kick stand, shut off the engine and dismounted the bike, flourishing her hair as she took off her helmet.

“I was actually just meeting with the girls at Sugar Cube Corner.” She said with a smile. “Er, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow, and Rarity. Figured it was time to get the band back together.”

“Really?” Celestia looked shocked at the comment. “Sorry if it seems out of place, but I thought you six weren’t on the greatest footing due to Anon-A-Miss?”

“Anon-A-Miss? Wasn’t that what you had me looking into, my love?” Asked the ebony skinned woman with teal hair that had her arm wrapped around Celestia's waist.

“Yes, Chryssi, that’s the one.” Celestia nodded.

“Sorry, but who is this?” Sunset asked with a confused frown.

“Oh jeez, my apologies, Sunset. This is-” Celestia started before the lime eyed woman stepped forward.

“You may call me Chrysalis, and I am the lover of your dear little Principal here.” She said with an over dramatic bow before resting her arm on the slightly shorter shoulder of Celestia.

“C-Chryssi!?” Celestia cried out in shock. “Not in public!”

Everyone started giggling as Chrysalis gave a loving noogy to the spectrum haired woman.

“Speaking of Principal…” Susnet said with a sad smile. “I heard about what happened to the two of you. I am so sorry to hear that those idiots at the school board blame you for what happened.”

“You cannot blame them, Sunset Shimmer.” Luna said as she stepped forward. “We were slow to take the matter of Anon-A-Miss seriously, and then four of our students are enticed to commit murder? We are indeed lucky to be merely removed from our positions.”

“I actually left with them.” Redheart said as she stepped forward, grabbing Luna’s hand with a loving smile once more. “I don’t want to be a part of that school anymore, in fact, I got a position at Canterlot University starting next semester.”

“That’s awesome Nurse Redheart!” Sunset cheered with a bright smile.

“Wait, you are not even one bit weirded out by me being the lover of your ex principal?” Chrysalis asked, giving a pout so adorable it was worthy of Sonata.

“Really, Chrysalis?” Celestia asked as her forehead met her palm.

“It’s fine, really.” Sunset said with a small chuckle. “I had assumed something was up with you four when I saw you holding hands with one another.” She nodded to the two couples. “And besides, if each of you love the other, why should I be one to judge? Just make sure to get Luna outside once in awhile.” Sunset said with a small wink to Redheart, causing Luna to pout.

“We are actually thinking of using the Canterlot University fitness centre whilst We are enrolled.” Luna pointed out.

“Oh? You’re gonna do some studying there?” Sunset asked with a happy smile on her face. “What subjects?”

“They recently added some game design courses.” Luna gave a proud smile as she beat her chest. “We plan to woo everyone with our genius!”

“More like make everyone snore.” Chrysalis said, sticking out her tongue and causing Sunset to gasp at the ball studs sticking out of it.

“Going a little crazy there, Celestia?” Sunset asked with a playful smile.

‘Oh hush, you child. You are yet to turn eighteen and should not be commenting on such matters!” The pale skinned woman scolded.

“Actually, I’m older than that.” Sunset said with a straight face, before blushing and kicking an errant foot. “Truth be told, I’ll be turning thirty technically.”

“What!?” Chrysalis gave a loud shock as she stared at the teen before her. Yes, Sunset was indeed quite well endowed, but thirty?

“Oh, has Celestia or Luna not told you?” Redheart asked, looking at the two women.

“Told me what?” Chrysalis was still staring in shock at Sunset.

“I’m a Unicorn from another world.” Sunset said with a small smile.

Chrysalis paused in disbelief, before a small grin crept across her face leading to her bursting out in laughter. “A-a-a-a unicorn?” She said between loud laughs. “G-good one kid, you got an active imagination!” Chrysalis continued to laugh, slapping her knee as she doubled over and the other three individuals present gave shrugged their shoulders. “If your a unicorn, then I’m a bug horse hybrid queen!”

“Weeeell…” Sunset started.

Author's Note

Well here we are, the end of the Friendship Games arc~

Sunset has come to terms with Anon-A-Miss, and is preparing for the trip to Camp Everfree~

I decided to start droping some (not so) subtle hints about some of the ships for this AU in the last pair of stories, and will be working towards some more happy stories for Sunset~

The next arc is going to be based on an alternate take of the fourth Equestria Girls movie, Legend of Everfree. It shall be titled; Happenings at Camp~ (I know I suck at titles xD)

It shall be alot more romcomy, more goofy and fun focussed~ mostly >;'D

Also in the works are the following:

Sunset in Equestria: My take of Sunset's goofy antics in Equestria with the Main 6, The Sirens, and The Royal Pony Sisters~ It shall take place in an AU of Equestria as well~

Sunset After Dark: More adult oriented stories from my AU, not necessarily sex, but some good fun and more lewd happenings~

PLANNINGS: UofC: First Semester: This one I will leave up to you all~ ^^

Inner Workings: Contest of Rivals

Author's Note

Just like Fall of Harmony, I have decided to share the planning sheet for this arc~

You will notice a lot of extra chapters that didn't make it, and some that got combined, there were even some added as you will see~

My writing style (if i even have one) is very... wingy. I write what I feel like, and only very loosly follow my structure I write out ahead of time~

This will also give a timeline for the story as well~

Hope you like this behind the scenes look~

Inner Workings: Contest of Rivals

Contest of Rivals: Prelude to Sorrow Monday, February 29th

Contest of Rivals: Reason for Celebration Friday, March 4th

Contest of Rivals: A Solemn Arrival Friday, March 11th 8:26AM

Cinch: Frustrations and Fury Friday, March 11th

Contest of Rivals: The Academic Decathlon Friday, March 11th 9:03AM

Cinch: Annoyance and Anger Friday, March 11th

Contest of Rivals: The Tri-Cross Relay Friday, March 11th 11:37AM

Cinch: The Last Straw Friday, March 11th

Contest of Rivals: An Awkward Lunch Friday, March 11th 12:14PM

Cinch: Dealing with Devils Friday, March 11th

Contest of Rivals: The Friendship Tragedy Friday, March 11th 1:32PM

Contest of Rivals: The Daemon Unleashed Friday, March 11th 1:49PM

Contest of Rivals: Her Inner Daemon Friday, March 11th ???

Contest of Rivals: Recovering and Informing Friday, March 18th

Contest of Rivals: A Better Future? Saturday, March 26th

Team Crystal Prep

Captain - Sunset (Twilight)

Indigo Zap

Sunny Flare

Sugarcoat

Lemon Zest

Sour Sweet

Jet Set

Upper Crust

Suri Polomare

Royal Pin

Neon Lights

Trenderhoof

Team Canterlot High

Captain - Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Pinkie Pie

Fluttershy

Lyra Heartstrings

Bon Bon

Derpy

Flash Sentry

Sandalwood

Micro Chips

Bulk Biceps (Sunset)

Academic Decathlon- CP 1-0 CHS

Chemistry - CP 1-0 CHS

CP:

Sunset Shimmer

Indigo Zap

Sunny Flare

Sugarcoat

Lemon Zest

Sour Sweet

Jet Set

Upper Crust

Suri Polomare

Royal Pin

Neon Lights

Trenderhoof

CHS:

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Pinkie Pie

Fluttershy

Lyra Heartstrings

Bon Bon

Derpy

Flash Sentry

Sandalwood

Micro Chips

Bulk Biceps

Cooking- CP 1-1 CHS

CP:

Sunset Shimmer

Indigo Zap

Sunny Flare

Sugarcoat

Lemon Zest

Sour Sweet

Suri Polomare

Royal Pin

Neon Lights

Trenderhoof

Jet Set

Upper Crust

CHS:

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Pinkie Pie

Fluttershy

Bon Bon

Flash Sentry

Sandalwood

Micro Chips

Bulk Biceps

Lyra Heartstrings

Derpy

Construction- CP 2-1 CHS

CP:

Sunset Shimmer

Indigo Zap

Sunny Flare

Sugarcoat

Lemon Zest

Sour Sweet

Royal Pin

Trenderhoof

Jet Set

Upper Crust

Neon Lights

Suri Polomare

CHS:

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Pinkie Pie

Fluttershy

Sandalwood

Micro Chips

Bulk Biceps

Lyra Heartstrings

Derpy

Bon Bon

Flash Sentry

Spelling Bee- CP 2-1 CHS

CP:

Sunset Shimmer

Indigo Zap

Sunny Flare

Sugarcoat

Lemon Zest

Sour Sweet

Jet Set

Upper Crust

Neon Lights

Suri Polomare

Royal Pin

Trenderhoof

CHS:

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Applejack

Pinkie Pie

Fluttershy

Bulk Biceps

Lyra Heartstrings

Derpy

Bon Bon

Flash Sentry

Sandalwood

Micro Chips

Elimination Equation- CP 3-1 CHS

CP: Sunset Shimmer

CHS: Rarity

Tri-Cross Relay- CP - 2-0 CHS

Archery - CP

CP: Sour Sweet & Sunset Shimmer

CHS: Fluttersyhy & Applejack

Short Track - CP

CP: Sunny Flare & Lemon Zest

CHS: Rarity & Pinkie Pie

Motocross - CP

CP: Indigo Zap & Sugarcoat

CHS: Bulk Biceps & Rainbow Dash

Capture the Flag- CP 3-0 CHS (TRAGEDY)

CP: Sunset Shimmer, Indigo Zap, & Sunny Flare

CHS: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, & Pinkie Pie

Contest of Rivals: Prelude to Sorrow

Sunset meets with Cinch, is blackmailed into participating in the Friendship Games

Contest of Rivals: Reason for Celebration

Sunset is annoyed, meets with New Shadowbolts for lunch. Twilight starts to blab about Anon-A-Miss. Assembly, Team CP is announced. Celebration at Twilight’s house, Adagio confronts Sunset.

Contest of Rivals: A Solemn Arrival

Arrive at CHS, Twilight follows extremely faint signal of Equestrian Magic to Rainbooms. New Shadowbolts and Rainbooms interact, before heading to Gym for welcoming. New Shadowbolts interact with Orchestra Group.

Cinch: Frustrations and Fury

Cinch angry about Cadence, plotting to deal with her. Sunset as well potentially.

Contest of Rivals: The Academic Decathlon

Chemistry - Sunset wins, talks with Rainbow then Sour Sweet

Cooking - Pinkie wins, is paired with Sunny Flare, talks with Pinkie and Fluttershy, Sunny during

Construction - Sugarcoat & Indigo win, Sunset paired w/ Lemon Zest, talks to AJ, Lemon during

Spelling Bee - “I BLAME MY PHONE!”, Principal Cinch chews out CP

Elimination Equation - Sunset wins, talks to Rarity, then Sugarcoat and Indigo

Cinch: Annoyance and Anger

Cinch angry at the abysmal display from the spelling bee, at Cadence for trying to console the students. What is she thinking?

Contest of Rivals: The Tri-Cross Relay

Archery - Sunset does ladderstall 360 yy noscope to win

Short Track - Sunny more fit than Lemon

Motocross - Indigo by a mile, then RD, then Sugarcoat, BB bike breaks at start underweight

Cinch: The Last Straw

Cadence is attempting to placate Luna and Celestia, who are upset at the CHS student actions, Cinch decides it is time for her to go

Contest of Rivals: An Awkward Lunch

New Shadowbolts end up at Rainbooms table, Rainbooms sit beside cause “it’s their table” lots of “discussion”

Cinch: Dealing with Devils

Cinch meets with Gilda and DD brothers outside, hires them to attack Cadence.

Contest of Rivals: The Friendship Tragedy

Sunset, Sunny and Indigo spread out, Sunset heading to the southwestern part of the school, ends up getting attacked trying to save Cadence. Twilight follows her and is about to be attacked.

Contest of Rivals: The Daemon Unleashed

Daemon Sunset saves Twilight, threatens to kill Gilda if she doesn't talk, goes after Cinch, almost kills her after making her talk but Twilight stops her, passes out due to blood loss.

Contest of Rivals: Her Inner Daemon

Sunset fights Daemon in her own subconscious while life saving surgery is performed at hospital by Stoic Heart. Sunset lands last blow as she flatlines.

Contest of Rivals: Recovering and Informing

Sunset informs Cadence, Twilight, Velvet, Night Light, and Shining to remain calm, Princess Twilight exits portal into Sunset’s room, greets Sunset, Sirens, and her otherworld family. Explanations are given, and Sunset decides to stay on Gaia, same with Sirens. Sci Twi loves Sunset unicorn form.

Contest of Rivals: A Better Future?

Sunset meets with Rainbooms at Sugar Cube Corner and discusses things. Explains that she was extremely hurt by their actions, but cannot blame them, nor the school. She has moved on, and says that their friendships will recover over time. Mentions Camp Everrfree.

Contest of Rivals: The Academic Decathlon

Author's Note

Ooooh booooy, are my fingers angry at me~
Remember how I previously said I had written my longest chapter? Well say hello to the new longest chapter xD

Got this written up over today so I could take the weekend easy to enjoy Canada Day~

Contest of Rivals: The Academic Decathlon

9:03AM

“The first event shall be the Academic Decathlon.” Cadence started, addressing both the two teams of students before her, as well as the two groups of student cheerleaders who stood behind them. “It is a best of five event, with the bottom two scoring students of each team being eliminated from the remaining rounds of the event. After one team has achieved the three wins necessary to win the event, the top six scoring students shall move onto the second event.”

Luna stepped forward as Cadence finished. “We shall be starting with Chemistry, so if you all would follow Us, We shall lead you to our first competition.” She turned around and started leading the students away from the gymnasium entrance, and towards the stairs up to the next level.

“Chemistry, huh?” Indigo mentioned, scratching her chin in thought. “Wonder what they want us to do?”

“I hope it’s something explosive!” Lemon Zest exclaimed in hush tones, doing her best to avoid the now backwards gaze of Principal Cinch.

“I hope for all our sakes that it is not the case.” Sugarcoat muttered, eyes straight ahead as she followed diligently with the rest of Team Crystal Prep.

Sunset kept her eyes forward, looking over the team that CHS had assembled. The Rainbooms were the first she studied, trying to find out what Rainbow Dash meant by the six of them talking. Why did they still want to talk to her? Did they think that a massive group hug would make everything better? She shook her head as she frowned slightly, hoping no one else was paying too much attention to her. She would think about it later, after the first event.

Aquamarine orbs turned to the ones around the Rainbooms, spotting Lyra and Bon Bon instantly as a sad smile came to her face. A pity they had to be involved in this fiasco-to-be. Derpy’s shoulder length blond hair faced the former CHS student, its bearer trudging along slowly like the rest of the students, whilst Flash Sentry, Sandalwood, and Micro Chips kept shooting looks back at Sunset before looking back to each other and whispering things. Boys, Sunset thought, before pausing and looking at the hardest to miss character on the team.

They got Bulk Biceps to participate? Sunset was shocked as the white mountain of a boy strode along. He wasn’t exactly the brightest student, but that was the case for a fair number of the team that CHS had put together. What did they do, base it on popularity?

“Here we are, teams.” Luna stated as she paused before a large set of double doors. “The chemistry lab, where you shall perform in the first event of these Games!”

Sunset always enjoyed chemistry. Not as much as alchemy back home, but at least on this world she didn’t have to worry about mishandeling dragon fire, or accidently drinking a potion brewed with basilisk venom instead of lime extract. Sure there wasn’t the same level of magical brewings and ancient incantations, but chemistry followed a lot of the same principals. Careful measuring of different components, delicate heating and diluting, there was even chances for interesting explosions!

“Make sure to grab yourselves a proper sized lab coat and a pair of safety goggles and meet me over by the stations.” Luna said before she moved over to the metal tables, their surfaces littered with racks of beakers and burners. Sunset looked over at the herd of students swarming over the rack of snow white coats, one obviously sized for Bulk stood out amongst the others. She waited for the sea to calm before she made her move, digging through the coats. Surely it was still here! She flipped the collar of each lab coat, checking the inside of each one that she handled.

“There!” Sunset pulled out a lab coat, hugging it close.

“There, what?” asked a half hearted Sour Sweet, the girl fitting her goggles over her eyes.

“Clover! The lab coat I always used!” Sunset had a massive grin on her face as she held out the lab coat, some strange scrawling written on the inside of the collar. Sour Sweet rolled her eyes before handing Sunset a pair of goggles.

“You don’t have a personal pair of goggles, do you?” the ponytail wearing teen asked, playful venom dripping from her mouth as Sunset giggled and grabbed the goggles away quickly.

“Nope, they had to replace these things too quickly for me to be able to name one.” She shook her head as she shrugged playfully, affixing the clear plastic headgear securely to her face, before joining the rest of the students at the first battleground of many.

“Welcome, competitors, to the first event… Chemistry!” Cadence called out redundantly, pleasant smile on her face as she greeted the twenty four teens before her. “In this event, all of you shall be working separately, you are going to be unable to assist your fellow team members.”

Celestia stood forward as she took over from the Dean of Students from Crystal Prep. “Now, whoever finishes first will gain extra points for their school. But don’t rush! We will also be scoring based on how well each of your finished…”

Sunset tuned out the yammering of everyone around her. She stood at the far end of the table from where Principal Celestia stood, Sour Sweet to her left, while Rainbow Dash and Bulk Biceps stood across from her, the athlete constantly stealing passing glances over at the amber girl. She paid it no mind, if Rainbow wanted to be distracted, let her. Sunset was here to make sure Crystal Prep Academy won, so as to make sure Twilight would be able to go to her inevitable post secondary schooling of highest acclaim.

“...And remember! The two lowest scoring members of each team will be eliminated at the end of the round. Good luck!” Celestia’s voice called out as an air horn belted out it’s annoying wail. Sunset looked down, taking note of everything before her, reading labels and starting to prep for the coming concoction brewing.

“Why do you keep staring at her?”

Sunset tore her eyes away from her frenzied, yet calm, hands as they mixed and measured the different chemical agents before her. Sour Sweet was seeming to confront Rainbow Dash about her constant lookings at Sunset. Great start to the competition.

“Why do you care?” Rainbow shot back, pausing from her own clumsy mixings to stare at Sunset’s apparent bodyguard. “What are you, her keeper?”

“Does it matter? From what little I know, it seems I’ve done better with her than you ever have.” Sour Sweet gave one of her trademark sarcastic smiles as she looked down. “And if I were you sweetie, I’d pay more attention to your own work.”

Rainbow let out a small yelp as she noticed her tube bubbling over. She rushed to remedy the situation as Sour nudged Sunset carefully. “I’ll keep her off your back, you just focus on what you’re doing.”

Sunset nodded thankfully, returning to calibrating the flame before her. Slowly everything came together for her, the vial cooling as Sunset worked on the second reagent, grabbing a small dropper’s worth of the fluid before depositing it into the vial and giving it a careful swirl, the glass pleasantly warm in her hands. Once it settled, calm overtaking the liquid within, the compound cleared, becoming a crystal clear colour.

“Finished.” Sunset stated calmly, finally taking notice of the large number of Canterlot High and Crystal Prep students watching off to the wings. No one from CHS seemed happy, all of them wearing scowls and keeping a great distance between one another. Thinking it odd, probably judging the teens to be angry to see Sunset and the Sirens, Sunset looked over to her other side, seeing Twilight and the Sirens motioning to her. Aria had to hold Sonata down, the aqua Siren waving super enthusiastically from the sidelines. Adagio nodded and waved with a smile, as Twilight tore her eyes from her Ethyl device to wave happily to her friend.

“You are finished, miss Shimmer?” Luna asked as Sunset waved to her friends. She turned around to see the two Principals, as well as Cadence and Vice Principal Luna standing before her, clipboards and pens at the ready. Cinch had a subdued scowl on her face, though Sunset could see the… resentment? What was the look in the woman’s eyes?

“Yes, maams.” Sunset responded, stepping aside to let the four judges look at her work. A flurry of scratching filled the air as the four looked over the teen’s chemical creation, a warm smile on her face the whole time.

“Good work, Sunset.” Cadence said as she turned to the girl. Sunset could tell the woman was just barely holding back from patting Sunset on the back. “You finished first as well as a perfect job. You may join your peers on the sidelines after you wash up and return your safety equipment.”

Sunset nodded in thanks as the four departed, Cinch still wearing a cold and dangerous air about her. Her eyes shot down both ends of the table, taking in the efforts of both teams. Few had barely even gotten to a quarter of the way through, most of them stumbling slightly. Except for Sugarcoat. The Advanced Chemistry student had made it to the halfway point of the task, her brows furrowed in an uncommon display of emotion. The rest of her new friends were all doing well, though the rest of the Shadowbolts were not doing as hot as they should be. Most of CHS was nipping on the heels of their competitors, making steady progress of their own.

“Good work, Sun-Shim!” Sonata congratulated once Sunset joined her four personal cheerleaders, wrapping her arms around the unicorn in an overflow of friendship. “I knew you were crazy smart!”

“Sonata, dear, please let the nice prodigy go.” Adagio commanded, her voice carrying the obvious intentions should the cheery girl not comply.

“Gotta say, Shimmer,” Aria added as she slapped her friend playfully across the back, maybe a little more firmly than what was necessary, “You sure showed those bitches what for.”

“Aria!” Twilight’s face blushed a deep crimson at the crass statement from the Siren, “Mind your manners! We are at another school after all!”

Sunset chuckled at the whole display, ignoring Twilight delving back into her device as it started beeping again. The five of them made small talk as they watched the rest of the two teams start to near the end of their work. Sugarcoat had joined them a while after Sunset, sharing a comment as she sat down.

“The atmosphere here sucks.”

Sunset regarded the ever blunt girl. She noticed it as well, huh?

“Yeah, I was expecting them to be a bit more welcoming.” Sunset looked around as she responded, the rest of the Crystal Prep Academy students all nose deep in their phones. “Guess this school really doesn’t like me…”

“I think it’s more the fact that we’ve always beaten them for the last decade in anything and everything.” Sugarcoat montoned, her body unmoving. “And not just beaten, humiliated. And we would always show them the superiority of our Academy.”

“So Crystal Prep has the reputation of being the ungracious winners?” Sugarcoat nodded slightly in response to Sunset’s inquiry. “Great, no wonder they dislike us being here. That party didn’t have the usual Pinkie Pie exuberance or Rarity flair.”

“Yo.”

Sunset turned to regard the newcomer, feeling the Sirens around her tense up in response.

“What do you need, Rainbow?” Sunset’s response was calm and collected, though cool and careful. She remembered Rainbow said that Sunset and the Rainbooms needed to talk, but she was hoping it could be after the event.

“Come with me.” she tentatively reached a hand out to Sunset, eyes showing a deep hope that the girl would take the extremity.

“Why should she, you big bully!?” Sonata demanded, standing up and moving between Rainbow and Sunset, her hands on her hips. “What are you gonna do, yell at her? Call her a traitor!?”

“Sonata, relax.” Sunset interjected as she stood up, putting a hand on the girl's shoulder.

“Don’t tell me you are actually gonna do it, Shimmer?” Aria asked in shock, unable to stand up.

“May as well here them out.” Sunset shrugged as she looked at the athlete. “Where to?”

Sonata stepped aside, looking like she possessed all the worry in the world as Sunset followed Rainbow, the pair slipping out into the hallway as Sunset heard small buzzings from Twilight's device.

Sunset leaned against the wall as Rainbow stood before her. Neither said anything as the stared at one another.

“Well?” Sunset finally asked, breaking the pall of silence with her flat question.

“I’m sorry.” Rainbow said, staring into the aquamarine irises of the girl before her.

“Is that all?” Sunset asked when Rainbow grew silent once more. A few more moments of silenced washed over the girls before Sunset pushed off the wall. “Look, I’ve moved on, I suggest the rest of you-”

“We fucked up.” Rainbow said, cutting Sunset off, her sky blue hands clenching into fists. “We were fucking insensitive assholes who turned on our friend -our family!- for no reason.” Tears filled the magenta eyes of Rainbow as she looked upon Sunset, taking in the Shadowbolts uniform. “I don’t blame ya for not wanting to ever talk to us again. We fucked you over in the most impossibly cruel way ever. We may never be able to make up for what we did, but please… Sunset… for all the good times we had together… let us at least try to show that we apologize.”

“Why should she let you?”

The pair looked at the girl standing at the doors that connected the hall and the chemistry lab.

“If you fucked up as bad as I’ve learned, why should she give you a second chance? Shouldn’t she value her life more?”

Sour Sweet slowly made her way to beside Sunset, her hands resting crossed before her as she casually flips her ponytail.

“I suggest you head back inside.”

Rainbow regarded the newcomer with a scowl before turning to Sunset one last time. “Listen to the others, let us try to help fix this.”

Sunset watched the teen, her insides squirming as she listened to the girl spill her guts before standing up straight and wiping the tears from her eyes, before Rainbow departed back into the lab leaving the two Shadowbolts alone.

“I want to know the whole story”

Sunset sighed as she leaned back against the wall again. First Rainbow wanting to apologize, now Sour Sweet wanting to grill her. How else could this day get any worse?

“You want the long or the short?” She asked, not looking over at Sour who was still gazing at her, arms crossed in front of her body.

“Well I agree with Sugarcoat that you suck at speeches, so how about the short?” Sour said, her usual range of cruel or sweet strangely absent as she adress Sunset.

“Well,” Sunset chuckled, “The five we met in the music room were once my friends, damn near family, ya know?” She turned at looked at her fellow Shadowbolt. “At least I thought they were. The school hated me for my past actions even though I did the best I could to repent, and when some students set up a smear campaign everybody believed it and came after me.”

Sunset paused, fingers fiddling with her ever squiggly bang as she waited to see if Sour would respond. When the teen didn’t, she continued.

“I was attacked verbally for a few days, not a single person believing I was innocent, before it got so far as to have one student attack me with a knife.” Sunset didn’t feel like talking about how much she had pleaded and begged, or the fact that the knife was just a box cutter. “I didn’t get physically hurt from the attack, but it drove home the fact that I wasn’t welcome here anymore. I tried to meet with the five of them one last time, where they more or less fully disowned me.”

She looked to the listener, Sour’s face unreadable.

“I spent that night walking through the massive blizzard we had, ended up somewhere on the end of town near Crystal Prep, before I tried to kill myself. Cadence happened to be passing by and got me to the hospital in time, Twilight’s family ended up taking me in and I transferred to Crystal Prep. You know the rest.”

Sunset studied the stare that she was still receiving from Sour Sweet, the girl’s eyes much wiser and understanding than Sunset thought possible.

“I understand why you thought that suicide was the only choice left.” She started, flipping her ponytail as she spoke. “Sometimes life gets to be too much, and no matter how much you give it’s not enough.”

Sunset studied the girl, wondering where this sudden bout of deepness was coming from.

“My father committed suicide when I was sixteen. My Mother had driven him to the point of no return, and his family disowned him when he married her. He was too proud to listen to them about what kind of woman the Witch was.”

Sunset took a step back in shock. “Sour…”

“I left after that, took the inheritance he left only to me and started living on my own. The Witch keeps trying to get everything she can from me, but-”

Sour went suddenly silent when Sunset lunged forward and grabbed the girl in a deep hug. “Sour, I am so sorry…” Sour remained still, Sunset nestling her head onto the girl's shoulder. “I am so sorry that you have to live through this…”

“It’s fine, Sunset…”

“It’s not.” Sunset countered, looking into the girls tearing eyes. “It’s obviously affected you in a pretty severe way. I know I’m a newcomer but I count you amongst my good friends, and I hope you do the same because I want to help you. I know I’ll never be able to make it fully better, but I am here to talk should you ever want to.”

The pair remained silent, Sour Sweet remaining motionless in the caring embrace of the taller Sunset. She eventually motioned to Sunset to let go, the amber girl giving one last squeeze before backing off.

“We should head back inside…” Sour whispered softly before heading back to the chemistry lab, Sunset following a few steps behind.

“Ah, there are out missing competitors.” Cadence said, “I was just about to send out a search party for you two.”

“Sorry, Dean Cadence, I needed to use the washroom and Sour came after me.” Sunset bowed her head in apology, Cadence’s soft giggles floating through the air.

“No worries, Sunset. Just make sure to let us know next time.” the cerise skinned woman turned to regard the two teams. “Congratulations, students, on a job well done. You all did well, but there can only be one winner.”

Everyone grew quiet as they awaited the results, though Sunset could see the students of the two schools already expected the answer that came from Cadence’s mouth.

“Congratulations to Team Crystal Prep for winning the first event, and especially to Sunset Shimmer to not only finishing first, but also having the best score!”

A pathetic round of apathetic applause filled the air. CHS students grumbled as they were forced to clap when Celestia looked over them, while Crystal Prep students gave empty sighs and golf claps. Except for Sonata, who easily doubled the volume with her own enthusiastic cheerings. Adagio, Aria, and Twilight each gave their own cheers, though did so in a much more respectable manner.

“Congrats, Sunset.”

She turned to regard Bon Bon and Lyra who held their hands out, Sunset shaking each in turn. “Thanks you two, I appreciate it.”

“I can’t believe the students though.” Lyra commented, “They are being so cold.”

“I think I understand why…” Sunset muttered, scratching the back of her head absentmindedly. “Guess Crystal Prep has a pretty… sour reputation.”

The two “best friends” turned and look at each other, before turning back to face Sunset, Bon Bon’s face in a deep frown.

“Actually, Sunset, the whole school’s been like this since that assembly.”

Sunset tilted her head. What did the confectioner mean?

“You know, the one where Anon-A-Miss was revealed and you blew up at Rainbow and company?”

Sunset dropped her head in shame, remembering the events.

“Lyra! Honestly!” She gave a cross look to the lyrist, before reaching a hand out and resting it on Sunset’s shoulder affectionately. “Look, no one judges you for those events. It’s more that the school is upset at itself. A lot of secrets were spread and friendships were ruined, damage irrevocably done so to speak.”

“Everyone has been dealing with some pretty harsh punishments. Hell, the school had to hire a security detail for the three girls the day after they showed back up at school.” Lyra said, her hands resting behind her mint coloured hair.

“Wait, really?” Sunset stuttered, shocked at what she was hearing. The Orchestra Group, Vinyl, Octavia, Lyra, and Bon Bon as Sunset collectively called them, had let her know a bit about what was happening but never went into much detail.

“Excuse me, you three, but it’s time we announce the next round and who will no longer be participating.” Luna had approached the three, nodding as she spoke.

“Probably me and Derpy.” Lyra said, a sad chuckle escaping her mouth. “I damn near had mine explode, and Derpy somehow got hers to do so.”

Sunset waved and grimaced at the two teens heading back to their respective team, before standing in formation with her own, face steeled and posture set as she prepared to receive the news.

“The following competitors shall sadly not be moving on, though they gave it their best.” Cadence started, before Cinch cut in.

“Jet Set, Upper Crust, I am disappointed in you two. You both failed to even attempt to try, and don’t give me the excuse that you didn’t want to dirty your clothes. You were wearing lab coats!”

The other three women cringed as Cinch blasted the two former competitors, the pair shrugging as they walked over to the Crystal Prep Academy student delegation, talking with Fleur de Lis.

“Lyra, Derpy, sadly you two shall not be continuing on.” Celestia said, sad smile on her face.

“Called it!” Lyra said, “No way the girl who almost made her chemical explode and the one who did were going on.”

Derpy had a rather cross look, or at least Sunset thought she did. The poor girl’s wall eyes making it hard to tell sometimes.

“Er, yes.” Celestia said before she turned to regard the remaining twenty students. “Now, the next competition shall be Home Ec. Each of you shall pair up with another member from your team and work together to make the best cake possible within the time limit. Both presentation and taste shall be judged.”

The teens scrambled about to make their pairings, Sunset sighing and chuckling at the same time.

“What’s so funny?” Sunny Flare asked, standing before the blood and gold maned girl.

“Oh,” Sunset turned to regard the girl, “Just the fact that CHS is going to win this one so amazingly.”

“Really?” The girl seem unconvinced. “They had one chemical explosion and one near chemical explosion. I doubt they will be able to do much with this cooking segment.”

“Prepare to be amazed.” Sunset chuckled again, “Wanna be my partner?”

Sunny Flare shrugged in confirmation, “What do you expect them to do? Make a cake with the Manea Lisa inside?”

****************************************

“Told ya so.” Sunset said, her hair tied back in a ponytail as icing smudged across her face and hands.

Sunny Flare stood in shock, the look strange on the normally cold teens visage, staring at the massively tall cake that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy had made. Inside was indeed the Manea Lisa, smiling back in cake form at the four judges who all dropped their pens simultaneously.

“What. The. Hell?” was all the girl could manage as Sunset handed her a damp cloth.

“Don’t think to hard about it. Pinkie is a strange magical creature.” Sunny Flare wiped at her face rapidly, before looking again in shock at the cake staring back at her. She could swear the thing winked at her. “Howabout we go grab a drink from the water fountain? I don’t know about you but I am parched.”

Sunset motioned to Cadence, making a drinking motion and pointing to herself and Sunny Flare, the Dean nodding and whispering to the two women in charge of CHS. The pair made their way out, walking a short way down the hall to the metal water dispenser.

“So what made Sour Sweet talk about her past to you?” Sunny Flare asked, startling Sunset and causing her to start coughing up water that attempted to make it’s way to her lungs.

“What are you talking about?” Sunset hacked and spluttered as she looked up at the girl looming above, eyes tearing as her body fought to vacate the offending liquid.

“She doesn’t talk to anyone about her past, so why did she tell you?” Sunny asked again, body language further confirming her solid stance on the issue.

Sunset slowly cleared the water from her airways, giving one last cough before clearing away tears and facing her baking partner.

“I told her about the events that caused me to transfer to Crystal Prep.”

“Oh yes,” Sunny said, fingers coming to her chin, “The stuff Twilight and Aria have mentioned.”

“Yeah, the school drove me to suicide.” Sunset said, nodding in confirmation. Why did she keep having to bring this up?

“Why?”

More inquires.

“Cause I felt like I had nothing left.” Sunset said, sighing as she got prepared to tell the story for the second time that day.

“Didn’t you have friends here? You’ve had an easy enough time making friends in the shark tank that is Crystal Prep.”

“I thought I did.” Sunset said lifelessly, “They joined on the bandwagon when I was getting framed for spreading secrets about students.”

Sunny Flare took a few steps forward, resting her hands on Sunset’s shoulders. “If something like this ever happens again, talk to me. I can help you, give you someone to talk to or somewhere to stay at the very least.”

Sunset looked at the Shadowbolt in surprise. Where was this coming from. “Thanks, Sunny. I appreciate it.”

“I promise on the honour of my family that we will take care of you.” The girl removed her hands before bowing. “The Kindheart Conglomerate looks after it’s own.”

“Wait… You’re part of the Kindheart Conglomerate!? They own most of the land and assist all the independant businesses in Canterlot! Not to mention across the country!”

Sunny Flare nodded. “As heiress to the throne, so to speak, I have the sway to help should you need it.”

Sunset bowed, honoured by the offer. “Thank you Sunny. I hope that I never have to accept your generosity though.”

“Sunset?”

The pair of Shadowbolts looked and saw two Wondercolts looking at them, one hiding behind her long pink hair while the other pink haired girl tried to get the attention of Sunset.

“Can we, uh… Can we talk?” Pinkie Pie asked, Fluttershy nodding in agreement.

“Should I leave you three be?” Sunny Flare asked, obviously wanting to stay with her friend.

“We’ll be fine Sunny, thanks though. Go join the rest of the team, I shouldn’t be long.”

Sunny nodded before departing, not sparing the two Wondercolts even a passing glance. The two walked forward, Fluttershy still hiding away while Pinkie was much more timid than usual. She’s almost like Fluttershy… Sunset thought as the two stopped before her.

“So… Rainbow put you up to this?” Sunset asked, her tone neutral and not carrying any sort of malice.

“No!” Pinkie cried out, taken aback by Sunset’s claim. “We have to talk about this Sunset, it’s not good for anyone to ignore what happened.”

“Who say’s anything about ignoring what happened?” Sunset asked, her head tilted. She was still extremely uneasy about talking to the Rainbooms, not wanting to give them a chance to attack her, but she knew that the six of them had to talk about this. “I’ve moved past it, and I told Rainbow to pass that along to the rest of you.”

“Moving past it doesn’t mean that it’s over though.” Pinkie said, surprisingly calm and solemn. “We broke our promises to look after you and to take care of you. We took away your smile, your happiness, all because…” She died out as she started to sniffle, Fluttershy reaching over to pat her friends back reassuringly.

“Yes, you girls did. But it doesn’t matter, as I said I’m over it.” Sunset said as Pinkie started to sob silently. “If you are all looking to be forgiven, fine, I forgive you all.”

“You know it’s not that easy, Sunset…” Fluttershy whispered. “Just because you lie and tell us you forgive us, doesn’t mean anything…” She wiped a budding tear out of her eye before she continued. “We were cruel, and uncaring, not even giving you a chance to defend yourself. We allowed the students to attack you and bully you. We treated you worse than how you treated us, and allowed people to cross lines that you never did…”

“Okay, and?” Sunset asked, doing her best to not break down and cry. They knew they had messed up, they were trying to apologize, so why did Sunset feel so sad? Why didn’t she just accept it?

“I know we can never make it up to you.” Pinkie started again, looking up with tear filled baby blue eyes, “A party isn’t gonna be able to make things better, nor can we hug and make things better… But we want to try, Sunset. All of us…”

“Please, let us try, Sunset…” Fluttershy added quietly. Sunset remained silent, eyes closed so the two teens couldn’t see the tears threatening to break free.

“I think we should head back.” She finally said, “They are no doubt waiting for us.” Sunset passed the two and went back to the crowded home ec room.

“Congratulations to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy of Canterlot High for singlehandedly winning the event for Team CHS!” Cadence called out, smile on her face as three of the judges clapped. Cinch had her arms crossed as she stared coldly at the display. The students of CHS were infinitely more excited this time, clapping somewhat excitedly upon hearing the news. The two teams stood side by side, Bon Bon to the left of Sunset. “With the round score tied one apiece, I think it is time we inform those who will sadly be joining the cheering sections who they are.”

Cinch started to tear into Suri Polomare and Neon Lights as Luna stood before a furiously blushing Bon Bon and a scowling Flash Sentry.

“I’m sorry you two, but we asked for cake, not bread. Sadly you two shall not be continuing on.” Luna said with a sad smile.

Bon Bon bowed knowingly as Flash stomped off, whispering something about Bon Bon being useless.

“Pay him no mind, Bon Bon.” Sunset reassured, “He’s kind of an ass when things don’t go his way.”

“Heh, yeah… Though truth be told I kind of didn’t want to even participate in the Friendship Games, and once Lyra was eliminated I decided I didn’t want to play anymore.”

“So that’s why the girl voted best confectioner by the Canterlot Food Elites three years running made bread instead of cake?” Sunset wore a playful grin as Bon Bon whistled innocently and kicked a foot. “Go hang with your girl, Bon.” She chuckled as she dismissed the pink and blue haired girl with a wave of her hand.

“Now for the next event, we welcome all sixteen remaining competitors to follow us down to the Shop, for the Construction portion of the Games.” Celestia called out as she stood by the doorway leading from the room.

***********************************

“So,” Lemon Zest grunted as she brought her hammer down onto the nail sticking out of the wood, “want to talk to me about something?”

Sunset looked up from her knees as she held the wood together that the pair hoped would become a birdhouse. “What brings this up?” She said, worried about the audiophile missing the wood and wailing her hand with the metal hammer.

“Sunny and Sour said to talk to ya about something, that’s all they said.” She replied as she fished around for another nail.

“Oh, that.” Sunset glowered as she looked down at the wood again. “What should I tell ya?”

“Sour said, and I quote, ‘Ask for the short and sweet version.’... I think?” Lemon paused and refitted her goggles as she looked down at her partner.

“Fine, since you asked so nicely.” Sunset sighed, “I told them about how I used to study here and was driven to suicide by being framed by the students for something I didn't do, and my best friends didn’t stand up for me.”

“That’s really shitty, Sunset.” Lemon hammered in the point by hammering in the final nail. “Though I’m used to being abandoned…” Sunset could barely hear what Lemon whispered after.

“Come again?” She asked, hoping to get some sort of repeat or other other response.

“I remember tellin ya months ago that my family was military?” Sunset nodded as she remembered the conversation, the two of them talking about morse code when Sunset discovered Vinyl’s hidden message. “Well they left me to live by myself a lot, always out at base or something. Eventually they moved away and let me stay in the old house. Both died when I was fifteen, leaving me with a good chunk of money as well as the Military paying for a bunch of stuff.”

Sunset listened in silence as Lemon unloaded her sad story. Seems that the girl had a sorrow filled past of her own.

“Music is my escape, from the pain and the silence.” Lemon paused her hammering, motioning to Sunset to stand up. “Looks finished to me, hows about we paint this sucker!” Lemon was instantly back to her normal self, looking around for paint to use. “Maybe some flame designs? That would be so boss!”

Sunset shook her head, still digesting everything that she just heard. “Whatever you say, Lemon.”

The pair shared small chat and wise cracks as they painted the birdhouse, the flame designs expertly applied by Lemon Zest after Sunset laid down the base coats.

“Looks finished to me, let’s call the judges over.” Sunset said, waving down the four women. “You fine staying with them? I need to wash my hands.” Lemon nodded, allowing Sunset to make her way over to one of the cleaning booths the room had set up. She found it odd that there was multiple moreorless cubicles set up in the room to allow a few people at a time the ability to wash up.

“Well… Now ain’t this a sour apple.”

I’m going to strangle every person called Murphy, Celestia as my witness! Sunset sighed as she realized she entered on of the booths that wasn’t unoccupied.

“You should probably stay and chat, shugahcube.” Applejack said, the farmer lathering her hands with cleansing soaps.

“I guess I should.” Sunset replied, starting to soap up her own extremities as the pair stood in silence, the air only being disturbed by the sound of rushing waters.

“Ah know we probably have no chance in hell ta make right our fuck up.” Sunset was shocked to hear the farmer cuss. Usually only Rainbow dropped f-bombs in casual speech, Pinkie sometimes as a giggle, but Applejack? The girl was the moral, straight headed one of the group. “But ah hope that ya give us all a chance ta prove ourselves ta ya one more time.”

The farmer turned and faced Sunset, removing her stetson from her head as regarded the amber teen. “Ah’d like ta say that ah’m sorry for how we all treated ya, Sunset. You deserve better, and ah hope you have it, but ah also hope that ya would allow us ta prove that we still want ya.”

Sunset looked into the eyes of the farmer, she knew Applejack was the most honest person around. But then why?

“Why didn’t you believe me back then?” She asked of the farmgirl, Applejack standing in silence as she looked down at the hat in her hands.

“Ah… ah don’t know, Sunset… Ah judged ya unfairly and never gave ya a chance ta prove yerself…” The girl kept her emerald eyes to the ground as she spoke.

“My past actions wouldn’t help in what you all think of me.” Sunset added, watching as Applejack’s head shot up and stared sadly at her.

“But ya proved yerself, multiple times. Ah mean look at the Battle of the Bands. Ya saved us all.” Applejack watched as it was Sunset’s turn to look down at the ground.

“Applejack…” Sunset’s aquamarine orbs never left the tiles beneath her feet. “If Princess Twilight hadn’t asked you five to take care of me, would you have tried to be my friend?”

Applejack looked sadly at the former Wondercolt. “Ah don’t know, Sunset… Ah don’t know…”

Sunset looked up with a sad smile, “A white lie is still a lie, Applejack…” She said before she left the room, leaving the farmer alone once again, slowly moving across the room and joining her teammates over by the Sirens and Twilight.

“Why are you fiddling with you thing so much, Twilight?” Sunset asked as she approached, noticing the lavender girl tinkering with her device.

“Well, I’m getting all sorts of new readings…” Twilight started as her device started buzzing again. “There we go again, what is happening with you, Ethyl?”

“Are you alright, Sunset?” Adagio asked, her wise eyes narrow as she studied the girl, taking in the solemn weight that weighed the girl down. “Holding together alright?”

“Nothing a little relaxation won’t fix.” She said, faking a smile as she relaxed into a vacant chair, only to feel firm hands starting to massage her shoulders.

“Don’t you normally pay for that, Ar?” Indigo asked when she saw Aria working her hands into Sunset’s firm shoulders.

“Ha. Ha. Ha.” Aria said, dead tone showing her disinterest in the snark from the girl. “She looked like she needed it.”

“Ya, what’s up Red? Ya doin okay?” Indigo looked at the captain who had her head leaned back as she melted under the surprisingly delicate hands of the purple Siren.

“I’ll be fine when we get to lunch.” She stated, and was about to continue when Cinch stormed over and started a tirade.

“Royal Pin, Trenderhoof! The both of you shall have weekend studies for the rest of the year! That was an embarrassment to Crystal Prep Academy!” The two teens groaned, skulking off to clean up. “Now, you remaining six shall be competing for the remainder of the event. Up next is a Spelling Bee, and I pray you six are able to win it so as to not have to require a tiebreaker.”

Sunset looked around, taking in the steely gaze of her five remaining teammates, and nodded.

“Let’s rock.”

********************************

“What. Was. THAT!?” Bellowed Cinch, the six teens recoiling from her fury. The spelling bee had been a disaster for both schools, with eleven of the twelve competitors failing on their first word, with Sunset being the only one to not mess up. “How could you fail such an easy event!? All of you shall be serving week and weekend detention for the rest of the year! I pray to whatever gods you worship that Sunset can win the Elimination Equation.” Cinch stormed off without waiting for a response from the six girls.

“Well someone just hit menopause.” Indigo said when the woman was out of earshot, causing them all to start out in giggles and chortles.

“Yeah, why is she so angry? It’s not our fault they chose such asinine words!” Lemon complained, throwing her hands into the air in frustration.

“I blame my phone having autocorrect.” Sour said coldly, “It does all the work.”

“Well I don’t know about you five, but I am stoked!” Indigo started up, excitement glinting in her eyes. “We get to see Sunset demolish some poor girl in the Elimination Equation! She is the frontrunner for the Crystal Heart Scholastic award after all!”

“This should be a done deal.” Sugarcoat muttered, her usual tone of indifference carried her mood across.

“Thanks for the praise, but I doubt it will be easy. I don’t even know what they have planned.” Sunset said, waving her hands in front of her dismissively as Cadence walked over to her.

“Time to head up to the stage, Sunset.” She wore as forced of a smile as Sunset had ever seen. The teen nodded, keeping stride beside the woman.

“She didn’t ream you out as well, did she?” Sunset asked quietly.

“Nothing more than her usual temperament.” Cadence responded before stepping side and motioning to Sunset to climb the stairs to the stage one last time.

“Welcome you two.” Cinch said, barely welcoming Sunset and her competitor to the stage. “You two shall have five minutes to complete the equation on your respective white boards. You will start when you hear the air horn.”

Sunset nodded, first to Cinch, then to Rarity. Seems Rarity ended being the student voted to try and tie up the event. The air horn cut off her thoughts, and Sunset raced to her whiteboard and studied her equation. Nothing too complicated, easier than what she had been doing in her Advanced Math class. Her hand beat a steady path across the board, her marker scrawling her work across the white surface. Two minutes had hardly passed before Sunset finished, hands clamping the lid back onto the mark and leaving it to sit on the boards tray. She studied it quickly before shrugging, no need to second guess what she knew was right. Eventually the air horn sounded again, signaling the five minutes were up and that the two teens had to step away from their boards. They met in the middle as the Cinch walked over to Sunset’s board first.

“I’m guessing you will want to talk as well?” She asked the marshmallow skinned girl, she glanced over and saw how rough she looked. Make up helped mask her exhaustion, though her hair was not it’s usual expertly styled self. The purple maned teen nodded silently, arms crossing before her as Cinch moved over to look over Rarity’s and immediately shook her head.

“The competitor from Team CHS has given the incorrect answer.” Cinch stated cooly, a few cheers of congratulations arising from the Crystal Prep students that were Sunset’s friends. Cinch glared at the noisy students to silence them, motioning to each girl to return to their teams.

“Great work, Red!” Indigo said, clapping her arm across the taller girl’s back. “I knew you would do it!”

“Indeed,” Twilight added, looking up from her near frenzied device. “That was harder than what Mr. Wave would give us!”

Sunset shrugged as she received her praise from her friends, smiling reservedly as she sat down. Guess she still was a prodigy.

“Tallying up the scores, Crystal prep takes the win in the first part of the Friendship Games.” Celestia announced, gaining the attention of everyone present. “We now welcome you all to follow us outside to the next portion of the Games, the Tri-Cross relay!”

Excited murmurs echoed through everyone, what was this relay gonna be? CHS students knew the field had been closed for awhile, a massive set of walls and roof set over top as the field was renovated for the event.

“Darling…?” Rarity asked, breaking Sunset out of her people watching. “Can I borrow you?”

“Yeah, sure.” Sunset shrugged. “You girls go on ahead, I’ll be right behind you.”

Indigo and Sugarcoat looked at each other and shook their heads as everyone else went along following the principals.

“We’re gonna wait by the doors, give you two some privacy.” Indigo said, before Sugarcoat finished off for her.

“But we need to talk when you are done with her.”

The two Shadowbolts made their way, leaving Sunset and Rarity somewhat alone.

“So you’re the last one, huh?” Sunset asked. These meetings had been taking a toll on her, she could feel the voice trying to talk to her in the back of her mind.

“A lady always allows others to go before her, it’s polite after all.” Rarity said, her normal mock haughtiness instantly coming to the front, before she sighed and deflated. “Truth be told, I didn’t know how to talk to you about this.”

Sunset regarded the fashionista. “Well, just let it out then. No need to try and honey words or not hurt feelings.”

Rarity looked up in shock, worried that Sunset was not happy to be in this situation, not knowing that she was correct, however Sunset just looked back with a bored expression. The pale white girl swallowed before she opened her mouth.

“We all messed up. We used you and threw you away, the Sirens were right. We were selfish, ignorant, petty little cretins who didn’t deserve to know you.” She looked at Sunset’s eyes, trying to glean something from the aquamarine irises. “I doubt we will ever be able to make up for what we did, but I hope you will be generous enough to give us all the chance that we don’t truly deserve of you.”

Rarity walked off without waiting for Sunset’s reply, walking past the two Shadowbolts without a second look and headed towards the next event.

“So what are you two going to grill me about?” Sunset asked as the three of them approached one another.

“I just want you to confirm something for me, Red.” Indigo said. She was always the straightforward one. “Do you think they deserve the chance to even talk to you?”

Sunset paused, and had to think over her answer. Did they deserve a second chance? She didn’t know, it was a difficult question. They had done something that was unforgivable, true, but hadn’t she been pretty bad herself? They had forgiven her, but it required Princess Twilight to ask them to.

“Everyone should be allowed to explain their position and opinion, as long as said explanation is not violent and destructive.” Sunset quoted from Princess Celestia.

Indigo nodded after a moment. “Your turn, Sugarcoat.” She nudged the white haired teen as she backed up.

“I did some digging into this… Anon-A-Miss event was it?” The girl started, Sunset nodding in confirmation before Sugarcoat continued. “It seems like it almost destroyed this school, though it seems for the better as it got you out of an obviously destructive environment.”

“Not exactly in a good way, though.” Sunset said as she ran a hand down one of her arms, tracing the scars through the sleeves of her uniform.

“Undeniable, however you gained something from the event. Knowledge, the ability to judge true friends from the fairweather ones.” she looked down as her tone quieted, Indigo reaching a hand across the girl’s back.

“You want me to tell her?” Indigo asked softly, quite surprising given her usual brash attitude. Sugarcoat nodded as she continued to stare at the ground. “Sugarcoat here was adopted and abused by her adoptive parents. She ’s my First Cousin, and her parent’s, well… They are no longer part of the family and Sugarcoat lives with me and my family.”

“I am so sorry to hear that…” Sunset said quietly, hand rubbing the sombre Sugarcoat’s arm. “I was adopted to, before I ran away on no fault of my mother’s. I was too proud for my own good, refusing to listen to her when I let my pride take me the wrong direction.” Sugarcoat looked up with sad eyes and nodded, appreciating the comment from Sunset. “But no matter what, we are here for you. Let us all be your family.”

Sugarcoat shuddered with silent sobs, Indigo wrapping the girl in a loving embrace.

“We should hurry out there.” Indigo said, he three of them nodding and following Sunset as she led them out of the gym.

Contest of Rivals: The Tri-Cross Relay

Author's Note

WARNING!
UNBELIEVABLE ACT OF FAN FICTION AHEAD!

Contest of Rivals: The Tri-Cross Relay

11:37AM

“What. The. Hell?” Sunset was shocked, the two Shadowbolts that were accompanying her shared her look of awe, but not her confusion. The school’s athletics fields had been completely changed, completely constructed over with wood and dirt. There was an obstacle course that lead to an archery range it looked like, two pairs of targets making different movements on a wooden backboard. A wooden track, it’s oval shape curving around the ‘corners’, encircled the obstacle course, itself encased by a peak and trough ridden course for… were those motocross bikes?

“I call dibs on the bikes!” Indigo Zap shouted, running towards where Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna, and Dean Cadence stood in front of the other nine teen competitors. Sugarcoat sighed in her usual tone before walking after her cousin as Sunset looked around the mock stadium. Two sets of wooden and metal bleachers stood all around them, the seats full of teens from both schools. Bon Bon, Lyra, Octavia and Vinyl waved from the CHS section, the surrounding teens glowering at the four girls, whilst Adagio, Aria, Sonata and Twilight waved, and cheered in Sonata’s case, from the Crystal Prep section.

“Now,” Cadence started as Sunset arrived, “How would you girls like to split up who will compete in which leg of the race?”

“Dibs on the bikes!” Indigo reaffirmed, shouting as her hand shot up, as the entire team’s eyes trained on the goggled teen.

“Er, anyone… else?” Cadence asked, tired smile on her face.

“Why don’t we ask the Captain?” Lemon Zest stated, taking her headphones off as she turned to Sunset.

“M-me?” Sunset took a step back as everyone turned to look at her. “I, er… I don’t really know sorry…” She looked down at her feet.

“How about I help?” Sugarcoat mentioned, everyone now turning to the glasses wearing girl. “Me and Indigo on Motocross, Sunny and Lemon on the track, and Sour and Sunset on the obstacle course?”

“Works for me.” Sunny Flare nodded, looking around at the rest of the girls who did similar actions of approval. “Is that okay, Dean Cadence?”

The woman smiled as she nodded, jotting down the names into the proper slots on her sheet before heading over to Celestia and Luna.

“So…” Sunset started as she looked down at her uniform, grabbing the bottom hem of her skirt. “Are we supposed to compete in these?” All six of the teens looked around at one another, each of them unsure of the answer. “I’m gonna go ask Dean Cadence quick.” She said as she jogged off to catch up to the educator.

“Dean Cadence?” Sunset asked when she got closer, Cadence pausing what she was talking to Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna.

“Yes, Sunset?”

“Me and the girls were wondering if we are supposed to compete in our uniforms or not?” She asked, hands pulling her burgundy blazer down.

“Oh my! Principal Cinch was supposed to bring you six the uniforms.” Cadence had a worried look on her face as she dug around in her pockets, before pulling out a key chain and single one of the many metal objects out from the rest. “Here you go Sunset, could you go grab the uniforms off of the second bus for me?”

“No problem!” Sunset smiled as she received the chain from Cadence. “I’ll be right back.” She waved as she started to jog off once more.

“Hey, where are you headed to?” Sour Sweet asked as Sunset came close.

“Cinch was supposed to have gotten us our uniforms, but she’s MIA so Dean Cadence asked me to go grab them.” The amber teen turned around and jogged backwards as she passed them. “I won’t be too long.”

She made her way around the school, thinking over the events of the day so far. The Rainbooms had each approached her, begging for a chance to apologize to her for their actions during Anon-A-Miss. Just like how she had begged and pleaded that she was innocent, yet they ignored her. Should she give them the chance? Pure emotion said no, they threw her away and they weren’t worth the risk of getting hurt again, but…

If she said no, wasn’t she no better than what they had been? She kept saying she had closed that chapter of her life, had moved passed it and no longer wanted to deal with it. Right?

We both know that isn’t true~ came the voice once again, You are still hurting, still feeling betrayed~

Stop that.

Stop what? Explaining your own thoughts to you?

I’m over it. No point in following the path of hate and anger… I know where that leads and I don’t want to walk down that road again.

So instead you suffer with heartache because of them~

…

… I could fix all this. I could make it so that everyone would love you, would treat you like the Princess you obviously deserve to be~

You’re insane!

Says the girl arguing with a voice in her head~

Touche.

Regardless, at least I will always be here for you, to give you the power to-

I don’t need you. You are a parasite, something I had hoped to cleansed of.

And yet I remain~

Sunset shook her mane of crimson and gold, sliding the key into the lock of the bus and turning. She slid the door open and hurried up the stairs, peering around and looking for something that looked like it could be related to uniforms.

“And what are you doing here?”

Sunset jumped, before frowning and taking a deep breath. “Hello, Cinch.” She said as she turned to regard the devil of a woman that came into the bus behind her. “I am here looking for the team’s uniforms for the Tri-Cross Relay at the behest of Dean Cadence.”

The older woman sneered as she looked up at the taller teen. “Are you all so impatient that you cannot wait for me to bring them?”

“From the looks of it I beat you here.” Sunset said as she crossed her arms coldly, glowering at the blackmailing witch that stood at the head of the bus.

“I was… preoccupied.” Cinch stated, “I had to take care of something first.”

“What could be more important that making sure that we had what we needed to compete in these Games?” Sunset asked, mood darkening steadily, the voice starting to whisper once more to her. “This is your reputation on the line after all.”

“Don’t you dare talk as if you know a damn thing you insolent little child!” Cinch shouted, fire pouring from her eyes. “You were lucky that Cadence managed to convince me to allow you into my prodigious Academy!”

Sunset smiled, she had managed to strike a blow against the woman.

I could strike a more permanent blow~

“Seems to me that you-”

“Do I look like I give a damn about anything that could come from your slovenly maw?” Cinch interrupted. “If you hadn’t wrapped so many of the pathetic teachers in the school around your finger I would have you expelled for you flippant behaviour!”

Sunset chuckled, wishing she had her phone recording this outburst. If only.

I can fix her attitude~

“Look, how about you get your granny panties out of their obvious knot, get the massive stick out of your ass, and show me where the uniforms are so I can get them to the girls so we can win the Friendship Games for you?” Sunset had a cheeky grin on her face, she knew she had won this encounter.

I could make sure you don’t have another encounter~

“You!” Cinch stomped her foot, before taking a deep breath and straightening her hair and glasses. “You shall head back and let them know I shall be along shortly.”

Sunset shrugged as she passed the woman, not even looking back.

“Don’t be long.” She sang.

************************************************

“The first leg of the race shall be the Obstacle Course.” Celestia called out, forced smile on her face as she shared the commentators booth with the other three women. “The competitors shall start one at a time, and must get a bullseye before the next teammate can start their attempt.”

Sunset looked over the obstacle course. Hay bales had to be vaulted before reaching a hill with a pit that had to be crossed by swinging over on a rope, but not before grabbing a bow and quiver of arrows first.

“Once both members of the first leg get their bullseyes the second portion can start.” Sunset turned to observe the Short Track as it had been dubbed, Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare joking and laughing as Pinkie Pie and Rarity looked hesitantly at one another. “Each team needs to make eight laps, which shall only be counted when the last member of the team crosses the line. Once all eight laps are done the Motocross racers shall start.”

Indigo was constantly revving her engine, probably wearing a huge grin the whole while, her helmeted head turned towards Sugarcoat. Rainbow and Bulk Biceps sat patiently on their bikes, Sunset wondering if the bike could hold the massive weight of the muscled mountain of a teen that was mounted on it.

“The winner of this event shall be the team to cross the finish line!” Luna added, standing up as she regarded the two teams before her. “However, three members of each team shall be eliminated. The ones who are last for the Motocross and Short Track.”

Cadence stood up next, airhorn in her hands. “For the obstacle course, a combination of speed and accuracy shall determine who is eliminated. Now if the competitors can line up.”

Sunset nodded to Sour Sweet, the girl had put her normal pigtail into a pair of buns, while Sunset had tied her hair back in a ponytail. She always chuckled at the term the Humans gave this hairstyle. The Ponies of Equestria had just casually said that they tied their hair back, the few that did as manes were a lot different to try and style than the hair of Humans.

Sour Sweet walked up to the starting line, stretching briefly before getting down into a sprinting position, Fluttershy having gotten down into the same position after flipping her own braided ponytail over her back. The two teens were not down for long before the air horn sounded and the two started their way through the course.

Sour Sweet vaulted the bales with what seemed to be practiced ease, while Fluttershy slowly slid over them, and gained a substantial lead. She ran up the hill, her boots giving her a steady grip as she reached out and grabbed her bow and quiver, sliding them over her shoulders before jumping and grabbing onto the rope with both hands. Once she cleared the pit she lept off, hitting the ground before rolling and knocking three arrows, loosing them in a spray. Two of them landed in the outer ring of the target, it’s back and forth motion continuing until one landed just inside the bullseye, stopping it. She smiled cockily, before looking back at Sunset.

Sunset nodded, ignoring the look Applejack was giving her before starting her own way towards the goal. She vaulted over bales as if they were hurdles, not even touching them before her feet found purchase on the ground past them, making amazing time as Fluttershy finally started to knock arrows of her own. She covered the third bale, the fourth, and the fifth, all before Fluttershy had even come close to hitting the target, before rushing up the hill and grabbing the bow and a single arrow.

Time seemed to slow down as shock started to cross over Sour Sweet’s face, the girl looking at the single arrow Sunset carried in her mouth like a pirate would hold a knife. Sunset remained calmed as she continued her pace, foot landing on the edge of the pit as she launched across, grabbing the arrow from her mouth before knocking it and letting loose mid air, the arrow rocketing out of the bow and towards the circling target, landing in the direct middle as Sunset hit the ground on the other side of the pit, rolling to her feet.

The stadium grew silent as Sunset fully stood up, her hand brushing her ponytail back over her shoulder, everyone in shock at the girl’s action. Fluttershy wasn’t even paying attention as she let go of her bowstring, the arrow flying through the air and embedding itself in the center of the horizontally moving target. Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest both shook their heads before starting around the track, not wanting to waste the large lead they had received from Sunset and Sour Sweet. Applejack started sprinting her own way towards the target, hoping to get her teammates started as soon as possible in hopes of catching up to the pair of Shadowbolts.

Sunset ignored the silence around her, turning to Sour Sweet with a friendly smile, her hand outstretched. “Nice shot there, Sour.”

Sour stared slack jawed at the hand offered to her, before chuckling and accepting it. “Ever the humble one, aren’t ya Sunset?” She commented as she felt her hand squeezed in the firm shake.

Sunset tilted her head, “What do you mean? You had a nice shot and I wanted to compliment it.”

Sour shook her head, laughing. “I now understand where Aria and Indigo come from in their fangirling.”

Sunset shook her head, “How about we head to the finish line and cheer on the other two?” She watched as Sunny Flare crossed the line a fair distance ahead of Lemon Zest. “I think Lemon could use some motivation.”

The two made their way towards the finish line, walking around the bales of hay that they had crossed on the way to the archery range. They noticed little excitement in the stands, Crystal Prep students were watching boredly or playing with their phones, while the students of Canterlot High had arms crossed and looking incredibly unhappy at how behind they already were.

“Looks like they’ve consigned themselves to their fates finally.” Sour pointed out, head jerking towards the section of bleachers that CHS remained in. “Well, most of them at least.” She muttered as four girls waved at the pair of them.

“You know you like them.” Sunset joked as she nudged the other girl with one arm, while she smiled and waved at the Orchestra Group.

“Whatever.” Sour shrugged as the pair stopped a little ways away from the wooden track. “I don’t know why we need to be here. We’re gonna win anyways and,” She looked at the track as all four teens were making their way around, “it looks to me that Sunny is going to win handily.”

“C’mon Lemon!” Sunset shouted, one arm cupping her mouth the other in the air. “You don’t want to lose in front of your idol, do you?” Sunny looked to have a small grin as she passed the line, Lemon following behind Pinkie and shaking her head.

“Four laps to one- make that two.” Sour commentated, hands on her hips. “Wonder why they don’t forfeit already, they all know they are gonna lose and none of them look too happy to be here.”

“Yeah…” Sunset added as she frowned at the bleachers. “I thought the students would be more welcoming…”

“Well from what you have told us all, it seems that the school is still fighting itself. No wonder they can’t succeed at anything.”

Sunset frowned as she looked at Sour Sweet, the girl watching the two teams do their laps around the course.

You aren’t disagreeing with her~

Just cause I haven’t said anything doesn’t mean I agree with her.

That still doesn’t answer the question~

Fine. I’m not sure, alright? I understand that they are all bitter with one another because of the events, but I don’t think it’s cause they feel bad about what they did to me. It’s cause they were betrayed by their friends that shared secrets.

Isn’t that what happened to you and Them?

That’s different.

Is it?

“Sunset?”

The ponytail wearing teen shook herself back to the real world, noticing Sour Sweet elbowing her in the side.

“Looks like I was right.” She stated, pointing to the scoreboard. “Eight to four, and Sunny finished first.”

Sunset shook her head with a smile, walking over to her two teammates that were sitting on a bench as they removed their rollerblades.

“Good work you two!” She cheered as she approached the two seated girls.

“Thank you, Sunset.” Sunny said, not looking at Sunset. “It was a nice change of pace to do something athletic instead of academic.”

“I can’t believe I embarrassed myself infront of DJ-Pon3!” Lemon complained, throwing her head back and rubbing her hands through her hair.

“Could have actually tried out there.” Sour snarked with a grin, drawing a playful scowl from the audiophile. “At least you get to join me in the cheap seats for the next event.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked, though more out of being polite than confusion.

“Stop being so damn humble girl, damn!” Lemon chortled, slapping the girl's leg playfully. “Everyone here knows that you’re going onto the next round with that shot. Like, holy shit! I totally understand Aria and Indigo now! You're a freaking beast!”

Sunset blushed and rubbed the back of her head. “Thanks…” she muttered softly. With things going the way they were, Twilight’s future was all but secured, much to the great relief of Sunset.

“Hey! Watch where you spray that dirt!” Screamed Sunny Flare as Indigo roared past on her bike, Sugarcoat a ways back.

“I swear that hooligan is part monkey.” Sour chided, swiping a fleck of dirt off of her outfit.

“At least she’s having fun…” Sunset muttered, looking at the CHS students as Rainbow and Bulk Biceps’ started their bikes. Fluttershy and Applejack walked over to Pinkie Pie and Rarity, smiling sadly at the two who looked over at Sunset and the three other Shadowbolts.

“Yeah, with the exception of Pon3 and her group, everyone here is really… down? I don’t know how to describe it.” Lemon said as she shook her hair loose upon removing her helmet. “Maybe we should go hang out at the finish line? At least we can catch some shade.”

“True.” Sunset agreed, her legs already starting to carry her over there while the other three followed behind. They all shared small talk as they crossed the field towards the end of the Motocross track, happy to have the chance to catch their breaths.

“Dammit, let go of me Sonata!”

“What the…?” Sunset wondered as she heard Aria’s voice call out from the other side of the massive dirt pile, hurrying to get to the other side.

“No way!” Sonata cried back, struggling it sounded like Sunset judged. “You can’t keep doing this Aria! Right, Adagio?”

“She does indeed have a point, Aria.” Adagio’s calm voice replied, though it carried atone of amusement.

“Bah! Of course Mommy-Dagio would agree with ya, Sonata.” Aria shot back, just in time for Sunset to round the corner. “Ah, there ya are Shimmer!”

Sunset waved, confusion on her face as she watched Aria pull loose of Sonata, the bubbly siren falling down onto her ass as Adagio and Twilight watched with smiles for the former, worry for the latter.

“Hey all, how are you doing?” She asked, doing her best to not break out into giggles, though that couldn’t be said for Sour Sweet, Lemon Zest, and even Sunny Flare.

“I’d be doing better if I could spend my money without others judging me.” Aria scowled as she looked back at her sisters, Sonata puffing up her cheeks adorably and stamping her foot, while Adagio sighed and rubbed her temples with delicate digits.

“And Crystal Prep crosses the line first!”

The girls all looked up at the observation deck where Cadence called out the victory for Crystal Prep Academy. Indigo shot a wild grin as she tore off her helmet, fingers running through her wild crown.

“Woah baby, that was a rush!” She called out as she walked the bike down the slope and parking it in it’s stall before walking over to her friends. “Not as much of a rush as Red here gave me though!” She winked as she gave the lewd compliment, the girls around her blushing or scoffing except for Aria, who reached a hand out and got a resounding high five from her comrade in crassness.

“Just in time, Zap!” Aria said with a grin, pulling out and snapping taught a fifty dollar bill. “You can pay me back later.” She said offhandedly as she handed the bill towards Sunset.

“Please tell me you aren’t still all caught up in this?” She asked, even though her hand shot forth and grabbed the bill and deposited the bill in a bra strap.

“Says the girl who accepts the cash with no remorse.” Indigo giggled as her hands reached forward. “Now roll that sleeve up, Red!”

Sunset sighed as the girls around her giggled, slowly grabbing the sleeve and rolling it up her firm arm. “I swear, you two are worse than guys…”

******************************************

“Now that you all had a chance to cool down, it is time to have a quick recap of the previous event!” Celestia called out, failing at forcing a smile across her face. “All of you competed amiably, though sadly only three members of each team shall be moving on.”

“Congratulations to Miss Sunset Shimmer, Miss Sunny Flare, and Miss Indigo Zap for moving onto the next round!” Cadence called out, grimacing smile on her visage.

“We would like to commend Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash for qualifying for the next round.” Luna said with a somewhat happy nod.

Once more a smattering of claps and cheers could be heard from the crowd of students, with Sonata drowning out the Crystal Prep Academy students, and Bon Bon, Lyra, Octavia, and Vinyl overwhelming the Canterlot High School student body.

“Now We think you should all take a moment to rest, and join us in the cafeteria for lunch.” Luna added, before the four women made their way down the stand and towards the doors back inside.

“Congrats, Shimmer!” Aria cheered as she clapped her friend across the back, taking a little bit longer to remove her hand than was probably necessary.

“Indeed.” Adagio added, smiling as she nodded at the teen.

“Enough about me, what about the other two?” Sunset asked, eager to get attention off of her.

“Sunny made me look bad infront of DJ Pon3 herself!” Lemon called out, harrumphing as she did so. “She deserves no acclaim.”

“I say I deserve some pity.” Sour Sweet added, playfully jabbing Sunset in the side. “I thought that I was guaranteed to move on with that shot of mine, but then this beast comes and blows me out of the water.”

Sugarcoat nodded. “I am still unsure how you did that, though I am glad I at least didn’t finish last.”

Indigo burst out laughing, slapping her knee as she doubled over. “Oh man! How embarrassing would that have been, Specs? One member passed you, and the other would have if he hadn’t have crushed his bike under his weight!”

Everyone chuckled as they recalled Bulk Biceps standing up and hefting the mangled remains of the motocross bike over his broad shoulders, sheepish grin worn across his blushing face.

“At least we won!” Sonata cheered, jumping up in the air in joy. “Now we get to have lunch!” Her stomach growled out in time with this, causing everyone to burst out into fresh laughter. “I wonder if they have taco’s today?”

“I’m sure if you ask Granny Smith nicely she would be more than willing to make some for you.” Sunset chuckled as she lead her friends towards the cafeteria.