The Funny Thing About Magic
Twilight passed through the portal to the Canterlot High realm once again, it had become almost regular at this point to her to come through the portal and see herself in human form. She wanted to surprise her girlfriend Sunset with her arrival and hoped she would be somewhere around the school. It’s not everyday that a princess get’s a day off. She giggled. She looked around to see the school being set up for an event of some sort. I wonder what this is all about? Sunset had mentioned in her notes to me that some sort of event was happening. I wonder what it could be? She thought with excitement as she hurried through the doors to try and find Sunset.
XXX
Twilight looked around the school as the students set up decorations almost begrudgingly, making the enjoyment of seeing this bittersweet for Twilight. Why does everyone seem almost upset about all of this? Twilight wondered to herself as she walked through the halls towards the music room. I’m sure Sunset would know what’s going on. Her and the girls are almost always in the music room. She peeked her head through the door and saw that it was empty besides the girls’ instruments in the corner. Twilight walked over to the instruments and smiled as she moved her hand over Rainbows guitar. I wonder what they’ve all been up to since I left. Twilight smiled as she thought of the band that she was still technically part of. She then heard a bell ring over the intercom followed closely by the voice of Principal Celestia.
“All students please make your way to the gym for the Friendship Games pep rally!” Celestia announced over the intercom.
Twilight perked up at the announcement. The Friendship Games? Twilight suddenly was filled with excitement. Oo, this is so exciting! I wonder what it’s about? Twilight rushed out of the music room and towards the gym. I should have brought my books with me for research, I should remember to bring Spike next ti… Twilight stopped dead in her tracks outside the gym. Right, I guess I can’t anymore. I hope he’s alright. Twilight sighed as she opened the door to the gym to find the entire school there for the rally. Twilight saw Sunset and the girls minus Rainbow sitting on the bleachers. Twilight smiled and began to walk towards them before hearing Celestia start the rally. I guess I’ll wait here while the rally goes on. Twilight leaned against the bleacher by the door and listened intently.
“As you all know tomorrow marks the beginnings of the next Friendship Games!” Celestia announced with a smile on her face. “This year we will be hosting the Games for our fellow school of Crystal Prep High to compete in the Friendship Games.”
The reaction to her words were lukewarm at best as the rest of the students cheered halfheartedly.
I wonder why everyone isn’t into it so much? Twilight thought to herself as she looked out at the crowd. Isn’t this meant to be the ‘Friendship’ Games?
Celestia cleared her throat and continued. “And here to encourage some school pride and give an inspirational boost, Rainbow Dash!” She added as she moved aside to let Rainbow Dash get to the microphone.
Dash quickly grabbed the microphone and paced to the far side of the stage as she began her speech. “Thank you Principal Celestia. Now I know that most of you think that we can never beat a fancy school like Crystal Prep at anything,” she began.
“Except if it’s a losing competition, because we’re really good at that!” Pinkie Pie yelled from the stands.
Rainbow simply rolled her eyes and continued. “And I’m sure most of you believe we don’t have a hope against them,” Rainbow said as the grip on her microphone tightened. “But I’m here to tell you that you're wrong, because we have something that they don’t,” Rainbow paused for dramatic effect. “We have the power of friendship!” She added as the curtain opened to reveal a marching band. She then broke into an inspirational song that brought the entire school together.
Twilight smiled from the sidelines as she watched Rainbow lift everyone's spirits. She’s really come a long way, I’m proud of you, Dash. She thought to herself as Rainbow jumped back up onto the stage.
As the song reached it’s climax Rainbow started to power up. Dash flew up into the air as the baton holder threw her baton into the air. Dash grabbed it and held it high above her head as the light of her magic illuminated the gym.
Twilight looked on in wonderment as her eyes grew wide and she desperately searched around for something to write on. I knew I should have brought my books with me, I need to make a reminder for myself next time. She thought to herself as she resorted to memorizing everything so she could write it down later. This visit just got way more interesting.
XXX
Twilight moved to the backstage area where Rainbow was just exiting. I have so many questions! She thought to herself as she waited.
“Twilight?” A familiar voice asked from behind.
Twilight turned around to see Sunset Shimmer running up to her, embracing her quickly in her arms as soon as she got close enough to her.
Twilight returned the hug, finally remembering the reason she was here in the first place.
“I’m sorry, Sunset. I completely forgot about everything else when I saw Rainbow Dash go super like that,” Twilight said with a slight blush.
“That is so you, Twily,” Sunset replied with a giggle. “I’m sorry too, I should’ve told you about the Friendship Games, but I guess I got caught up in my experiments into magic in this world,” she added as she broke the hug slowly.
Twilight giggled and nodded. “And it looks like things just got more interesting too,” she said.
“If by more interesting you mean totally awesome right?” Rainbow proclaimed as she walked up to the pair with a proud smile on her face before hugging Twilight.
Soon after the rest of the girls showed up and embraced Twilight too.
“So what are you doing here, Darling?” Rarity asked when they let Twilight down.
“Yeah, ‘am sure you didn’t come all this way here just to see Rainbows new party trick,” Applejack added in with a short chuckle.
Twilight smiled and nodded. “I actually wanted to visit as a surprise, I had a day off finally so I wanted to drop by and see how things were going,” she said as she looked over to Sunset.
Pinkie popped up between Twilight and Sunset. “So that means you were hoping to get some alone time with Sunset to do the nasty,” she said with a giggle as she made two o’s with her first finger and her thumb and placed them against each other.
Twilight and Sunset blushed profusely but before either could respond Vice Principal Luna’s voice broke through as she approached.
“That was quite the speech you gave today, Rainbow Dash, I trust that that stunt you pulled was planned,” she said as she crossed her arms.
Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head and chuckled. “I’m actually not quite sure how I did that,” she said.
“We best find out the reason quickly then, we wouldn’t want Crystal Prep accusing us of cheating,” Luna started as she looked to Sunset. “I trust you can handle this matter, Sunset Shimmer?” She asked.
Sunset smiled and nodded. “You can count on me, Luna. I’ll have this figured out in no time,” she said with confidence.
“Good,” Luna simply said as she turned to look at Twilight and smiled. “It is good to see you as well, Twilight. We’ll surely win the games with you here,” she added and turned around to leave.
Twilight smiled at Sunset. “I’m sure you’ve already got this figured out then, right Sunset?” She asked with a gleam in her eyes.
Sunset sighed and shaked her head. “Actually I have no idea, Twily. I have my work cut out for me,” she said as she put her hand to her chin in thought.
XXX
Dean Cadance stood outside of the Principal's office, hand resting on the doorknob as she took a deep breath and put on her best fake smile.
She opened the door to reveal a darkened room lit by a single light over the single richly adorned desk in the middle. She saw a bulky man on the other side of the desk clad in a blue striped suit admiring himself in the mirror.
“Principal Sombre, the students are ready to hear your address,” Cadance said as she tried her best to maintain her smile.
“Crystaaal…” Sombre coughed. “I mean good,” he said as he adjusted his tie. “And remember it’s Lord Principal Sombre,” he added as he looked over his shoulder with a cocky grin.
“Of course, Lord Principal Sombre,” Cadance replied as she closed the door.
Sombre took his seat. Well now CHS are you ready for another thrashing? He grinned wider as he turned on the intercom.
Author's Note
Well It's been a long time hasn't it? I've gotten a little older, not a lot wiser but I'm still in love with this ship. I've been trying to get back into this for forever but I've just never found the right way to write it until now. But now I'm back! And I'm not going anywhere, I've wanted to do this again for so long and I won't let anything stand in my way. So I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it, and can I just say, It's good to be back. 
I've also started up a Patreon account in the hopes of making this a full time thing, because I absolutely love to write this and I want to continue doing so. So, if you're feeling generous and wish to donate to the cause feel free to go to my Patreon here and help me achieve my dream.
Sombre turned on the intercom and cleared his throat, “This is Lord Commander Principal Sombre speaking, as you all know an elite select group of our best students will engage Canterlot High tomorrow in the Friendship Games.” He spoke as he sat back in his seat, “the students at Canterlot High have recently shown great promise as their skills have risen unexpectedly as of late, however, it is nothing compared to our skill. I trust the skills and capabilities of our students and hope they will not let us down,” a sneer appeared on Sombres face. “Our school’s reputation depends on it. Remember that as we declare our dominance once more! That is all,” he added as he turned the intercom to a different channel. “Dean Cadance, would you please collect Miss Sparkle and bring her to my office, I wish to have a word with her.”
“Of course, Lord Commander Principal Sombre,” came the exasperated reply from Cadance on the other line.
Sombre sat back in his chair with a grin on his face. Let’s see how Canterlot High can handle my most prized student. I will make an example of them and prove once again that we, Crystal Prep, are superior!
XXX
Cadance opened the door to Twilight’s study room to find Twilight toppled over onto her back with papers covering her face and her dog Spike licking her cheek. What was she doing this time? She sighed silently and smiled. “I see you’ve been busy,” she said as she stepped in and helped Twilight up.
“You could say that,” Twilight smiled as she collected her papers. “I think I might’ve found my way into the Everton Independant Study program!” She exclaimed as she hugged the papers to her chest.
“About that,” Cadance started. “Are you sure you still want to go through with the transfer?” She asked as she put her hand on her sister in law’s shoulder.
“Are you kidding? Of course I want to,” Twilight replied. “It’s been my dream for so long,” she added as she walked past Cadance to look at her charts.
“But you’d be all on your own, Twilight, you wouldn’t be able to make any friends…” Cadance trailed off as her smile fell slightly.
“Well duh, that’s why it’s called an independant study program,” Twilight said as she placed her notes down.
Cadance sighed and shook her head. “Anyways, Principal Sombre wants to talk to you in his office,” she said as she walked towards the door.
“What about?” Twilight asked with a look of confusion.
“He didn’t say,” Cadance said as she looked back at Twilight. “You might want to make yourself a little bit more presentable though,” she added with a giggle as she looked at Twilight’s disheveled state.
Twilight giggled nervously in response and nodded. “Got it, Cadance, give me like five minutes?” She asked as she grabbed a new uniform.
Cadance laughed and nodded. “Alright,” she replied as she opened the door. “Oh, and Twilight?” She added.
“Yeah?” Twilight asked as she started to take off her shoes.
“Please be more careful with Spike around, you know there’s no pets allowed on campus,” Cadance said with a smile.
Twilight giggled and nodded. “Sorry about that. I’ll try harder next time,” she said returning the smile.
Cadance nodded as she exited the room and closed the door behind her.
XXX
Twilight walked through the hallways of Crystal Prep as she looked through the doors of the various classrooms. Why is it so hard for Cadance to understand why I want this? It’s my dream to study all sources of knowledge, people just get in the way. She thought as she sighed. I know there’s more out there for me that lies beyond these walls. She held her hands to her chest as she walked past a group of students who glared at her. Nobody here understands me anyways, why do I need people when I have everything I could possibly need. She leaned against a pillar and looked to the ceiling. But is it the right thing to do? This is what I really want... isn’t it? Twilight started walking up the stairs to the principal's office as she smiled slightly. Of course it is, I know there’s more out there and I’m going to find the answers, whether I’m alone or not. Twilight sighed as she placed her hand on the doorknob. I’ll find those answers someday. She opened the door to Sombre’s office.
When Twilight entered the office she was met with Sombre’s inquisitive gaze on her from across the room, Twilight’s older brother Shining Armor and Cadance were standing on either side of him.
“Please Miss Sparkle, close the door and have a seat,” Sombre said as he leaned back in his seat, his eyes not breaking from Twilight for a second.
Twilight nodded nervously as she closed the door and took a seat on the other side of the desk. “Why is my brother here?” She asked as she shifted nervously in her seat.
Cadance was about to speak but Sombre cut in first.
“I asked your brother here to provide context on this conversation,” Sombre said as he pressed his fingers together.
“Tell me, Shining Armor, you participated at the Friendship Games did you not?” He asked not even looking towards Twilight’s brother.
“I did,” Shining Armor replied proudly.
A subtle grin grew on Sombre’s face. “And can you tell me who won the Friendship Games?”
“We did of course,” Shining Armor said with a chuckle.
“We did indeed, would you say that your sister would make a good addition to the team participating?” Sombre asked again.
Twilight looked to her brother as he stood there with a wide smile.
“I think she would make an amazing addition to the team,” Shining Armor replied looking down to his sister with a proud smile. “We couldn’t lose with her there.”
“And what of you, Dean Cadance? Do you believe that miss Sparkle would make a good addition to the team?” Sombre asked as he leaned forwards and placed his elbows on the desk, his fingers still pressed against each other.
Cadance glanced at Twilight with a worried look painted on her face.
Twilight shifted uncomfortably in her chair as everyone looked at her. Why do they all want me to compete? She thought as she gazed up to Cadance.
“She would make an invaluable asset to the team, bu-” Cadance started but was cut off.
“Thank you, Dean Cadance,” Sombre said. I have all I need now. “Now, Miss Sparkle, it is completely up to you whether or not you would like to participate in the Friendship Games. But answer me this one question first,” he added as his grin grew wider behind his hands.
“Y-yes?” Twilight asked as she grew more nervous.
“Would you really want to let everyone down by not participating?” Sombre asked. “Imagine if we lost the Friendship Games,” he added letting it sink in on Twilight.
Twilight looked downward. I don’t want to let everyone down, especially not my brother.
“So what will it be, Miss Sparkle?” Sombre asked pressing the matter.
Twilight sighed and looked up to Sombre again. “I’ll do it, I’ll compete in the Friendship Games,” she said before lowering her head again.
Sombre bent back with a satisfied smirk. “Good, you may go now, Miss Sparkle. We will depart tomorrow.”
Twilight merely nodded and stood up to leave the room, followed closely by her brother with a proud smile on his face.
After the door closed Cadance turned to Sombre. “That was completely out of line!”
“I will do what I must to make sure we win the Friendship Games, Dean Cadance,” Sombre said as he turned to glare at Cadance. “I suggest you don’t let your personal feelings get in the way, I could easily find a replacement for you,” he added as he stood up and straightened his tie. “Be thankful I didn’t threaten to deny her entry to Everton,” he grinned as he saw Cadance stare in surprise. “That was plan B however.”
Cadance sighed. “Is there anything else you require, sir?” she asked as she tried to maintain a professional composure.
Sombre looked at himself in the mirror behind his chair. “That is all, Dean Cadance. Be sure to have the busses ready to move by nine O’clock tomorrow morning,” he said as he inspected his suit.
“Of course,” Cadance nodded and left the room.
Sombre retrieved a red apple from his desk and took a bite from it. Soon we will have another win under our belt. He grinned. It’s almost time now.
Author's Note
So this was an interesting chapter to write, I spent the longest of times just trying to figure out the final scene in the office. But I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing. I personally am loving writing Sombre's character, I'd like to know what you guys think though.
And as you all know I have a Patreon account that you can donate to here.
