Equestria Girls: The Outside World.

Chapters

My First Taste Of The Outside World.
Everyday Normal Day Of Crystal Prep.
The Tour And Reunion Part 1.
The Tour And Reunion Part 2.
Familiarity

My First Taste Of The Outside World.

“Honey, I’m going out to buy some groceries, be right back!”

I took a deep breath, that was it, that was my queue to get the fuck out of here. I’ve been trapped in this jail for 15 years and not once have I seen the outside world except from that small little quaint window in my room. But no more, today is the day I break this monotonous routine of doing carnival tricks with no audience but myself. Today I break the mold that made me into the person I am. Just had to set the plan in motion.

I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror, same peach skin and sky blue hair tied to a bun that let clusters of hair to spread out and baby blue eyes.

One more deep breath and I closed my eyes in concentration. I can feel every cell in my body change and alter genetically, I can feel my genes mutate.

After a minute of feeling my genes mutate, I opened my eyes and looked at myself in the mirror, and I was no longer a mix of peach skin, sky blue hair, and baby blue eyes. But rather, dark caramel skin, white hair, and dark blood red eyes.

After this phase of my plan, I went to my room and got a change of clothes. Once I was done, I was no longer wearing the white button shirt and black pants, but rather a pink long sleeved shirt, light brown pants, a black vest, and a white ascot. No longer looking like the Skystar my mother raised.

Now, for the last phase of my plan; to actually get the fuck out.

I raced to the front door to open it up and get my first, sweet, succulent, taste of the outside world that I have been starving for for years.

But the moment the door to my freedom came into sight, I froze in my place but my heart raced a hundred miles an hour and threatened to burst out my chest like it was a piece of paper.

I stared for what felt like eternity at the door.

Why couldn’t I do it?

Why was I hesitating?

This was the answer to all my problems! Just one time! Just one fucking time! That’s all I need, just one goddamn fucking time out this hellhole of a house and I’ll be set. I’ll be set knowing that I didn’t die not seeing the outside world at least once.

So why am I hesitating?

This is my ticket, my ticket to the outside world.

So why is my heart acting against my body?

It was like a forcefield that blocked me from my freedom.

Maybe it wasn’t a good idea?

Maybe I should stay here?

NOOO!!!!

I refuse to stay here any longer, my life is chipping away every breathing moment and I’m standing here, not knowing when I may die and not take this golden opportunity that can change my life!

I REFUSE TO LET THIS MOMENT TO SLIP AWAY FROM ME!!!

I unlocked the door and closed it before running to the exit stairs. I didn’t even run down the stairs, I just carnivaled my way down the stairs.

Once I got to the bottom, I ran towards the exit, ignoring the many questions I got from the apartment staff.

I burst through the door and stop once again, but this time, instead of it being out of fear, it was out of pure astonishment.

I was frozen, the city looked so beautiful. Buildings so tall it felt like they kissed the sky. The streets were wide but short. The many cars people were driving was amazing.

Again, as if my heart wasn’t working with my brain, I started walking in a random direction.

The amazing architecture that was the buildings that looked better from out here than from out my window blew me away. It almost felt as if I was in another world entirely.

*Beep Beep Beep*

I turned my head to see where the sound was coming from and it was the supermarket that I see people enter and exit.

My curiosity got the better of me and I entered the supermarket and was blown away again. There was many people going where they wanted, getting whatever desired and paying for it at the front of the store.

And again, my legs started working on their own as I started walking in a random direction.

My walking had led me down an aisle where I bumped into a boy, he was about my age, had dark scarlet hair tied in a samurai ponytail and had crystal blue eyes, he wore a white shirt with a checkered white and blue short sleeved polo shirt, light brown pants and dark brown boots.

We stare at each other for a bit before I realized I was staring, “I’m so sorry for staring!” I apologized.

He shakes his head and smiles, “It’s okay, I should have been paying attention more.” He assures me, “So, I haven’t seen you around, you new here?” He asked.

I chuckled nervously and twirled my finger through my hair, “I guess you could say that…” I trailed off.

He nods, “So, what’s your name?” He asked.

“My name’s Skystar Robins.” I introduced.

He hands his hand out to me and I hesitantly shake his head, “My name’s Ryoko Shadow.” He introduces, “You want to hang out, I don’t have anything else to do after shopping?” He asked.

Now, I know what I’m about to say next is not the smartest thing to say, I know about the classic stranger danger type of deal, but this Ryoko guy seemed sincere, like I wouldn’t be killed if I go along. So, I nodded, “Yes, please.” I agreed and walked to the side of his cart.

He nods, “Great, all I got is one more thing and we’re good to go.” He announces before walking off, with me following close behind.

“So, how long have you lived here?” He asked.

I was a little hesitant to answer, I know this might be a little fast for the first time telling someone about my problem, but I feel like I can trust him.

“Will you promise not to tell anyone?” I asked.

His face expression becomes one of seriousness and he nods, “I promise.” He assures, “But you don’t have to tell me if it’s too personal.” He adds.

I nodded, took a deep breath and sighed, “My mother kept me locked up for 15 years of my life…” I started, “But I promise she wasn’t doing it for anything you think she was, she did it because she wanted to keep me shielded from the dangers of the world.” I explained.

He nods, “I see, so your mom was just overprotective, I can get that, my mom’s overprotective too.” He shares, “Although she shows it in a much more different way than yours.” He adds, “So, what’re you into?” He asked.

I shrugged, “I watched a lot of movies, and pretty much self-taught in many carnival trick.” I replied, “What about you?” I returned his question.

He shrugs, “I like movies too, and my mom taught me a few hand-to-hand techniques, nothing to really go crazy about.” He admitted, “What’s your favorite movie?” He asked.

I tapped my chin in deep thought, “Probably ‘The Mysterious Mare Do Well’ I like a good mystery movie, and the villain Mane-iac is a perfect personification of being evil for the sake of being evil.” I answered.

“My favorite movie has to be ‘Pennywiser’ I like a horror movie.” He informs.

And we talked some more about different topics as he got what he needed, brought it, and we were now walking to his home.

I don’t know why, but this Ryoko guy was just charming, more charming than any actor I’ve seen on the screen. It also felt as if every word he spoke was genuine, like he wasn’t going to turn around and try and kill me anytime soon.

I was so stuck in our conversation that I didn’t even realize we stopped at his house.

“You want to come in?” He asked.

I shook my head, “I’ll wait out here.” I replied.

He nods and opens the door with his key and enters while I sit on his porch swing.

I waited for a few minutes and he comes out and locks the door before turning to me, “So, since you don’t know this place very well, where do you want to go?” He asked.

I tapped my chin in deep thought, “Is the park okay?” I asked.

He nods, “Sure, I know a great park we can go to, come on.” He replies, taking me along with him.

We arrived at the park and sat down on a bench, we talked for what seemed like hours when my stomach rumbled.

I groaned in annoyance, “Looks like I’m a little hungry.” I complained.

Ryoko chuckles a little, “Alright, stay here for a while and I’ll get us something to eat.” He says, getting up and leaving to the my right.

He comes back a few minutes later with a popsicle with two handles.

I arched an eyebrow in curiosity, “How are we supposed to eat that?” I asked.

He smiles before he pulls the popsicle apart, resulting in a half popsicle for the both of us. He hands me one before sitting down, “This popsicle is meant to be eaten like this.” He informs me.

I nod and smile, “Thanks.” I thanked him and we started sucking on our popsicles while getting off to different topics.

(2 hours later)

I looked up at the starry sky while chatting with Ryoko and realize a crucial factor.

“Oh my god, it’s nighttime, no doubt my mom’s home!” I freaked out.

Ryoko looks at me with a confused expression, “What is it? Didn’t your mom allow you to come outside?” He asked.

I shook my head, “No, I snuck out!” I replied, holding my head in frustration, “Ugh, she’s going to kill me! And it’s late as all hell, how the hell am I supposed to get back home, I don’t even know where my home IS!” I freaked out even more, starting to cry, covering my eyes with my hands.

In the midst of my crying, I felt Ryoko lightly grips my shoulders, “Calm down Sky, I’ll help you get home, just try and tell me what you remember about where you lived and I’ll lead you there.” He assures.

I take a deep breath and open my eyes and look him dead in the face, “I live in an apartment building, it’s pretty big, probably the biggest building on the block, you could see it if you looked around the supermarket.” I informed him.

He nods and takes me hand, “I know what building you’re talking about, c’mon.” He assures me as he began to lead me to the my apartment building.

And as I was following me, I was washed with this overwhelming feeling of safety and security, like Ryoko was emitting it himself. It truly felt magical.

We eventually make it back to my house, I was about to run for it when something hit me in the head. I stopped in my tracks and turned to Ryoko, “Ryoko, how’re you going to get home?” I asked, concerned for his safety.

He smiles at me with the same majestic smile he’s had on all day, “No, I’ll be good, no need to worry about me.” He assures me.

The next moment, I am hit with this strange feeling in my chest, a feeling I’ve never felt before, a feeling that instinctively compulsed me to give Ryoko one of the most heartfelt hugs I’ve ever given to anyone. And I started crying again, but this crying wasn’t one of sadness and fear, but one of genuine happiness and gratitude.

“T-t-thank y-you.” I thanked him between shaky breaths.

I reciprocates the hug and I can just feel his smile plastered on his face, “It’s okay, no need to thank me.” He assures.

After a minute of hugging, I pulled away, and wiped tears from my eyes, “Bye Ryoko.” I payed my farewell.

He turns around and starts walking away, but not before waving back, “Bye Sky.” He repeated.

And I just realized that he was calling me ‘Sky’ instead of ‘Skystar’, it was a nice nickname.

But I had no time to be mesmerising the events of today, I got a much more important task at hand; confronting my mother.

I was scared, but I knew that this cannot be avoided, this had to happen now, and I had to get rid of it immediately or it’ll come bite me in the ass.

I took a deep breath and entered the building, got in the elevator, and pressed the floor I was on, the 4th floor. Once the elevator reached my floor, I got exited the elevator and walked to my door.

Again, once in front of this door, I froze. I was afraid of confronting my mother, I knew she was infuriated with me, I knew she was, she had to be, after 15 years of dominance over my life, finally having that control broken obviously pissed her off.

But this time, I didn’t hesitate as much and opened the door, which was unlocked by the way.

“Mom, I can explain…”

To be continued.

Author's Note

So, this is the first chapter of an EQG story using ideas from the two forums in the description.

Everyday Normal Day Of Crystal Prep.

I woke up this morning with the worst headache in the world. Damn medics. Took way too much.

Whelp, nothing complaining gonna do about it now. Plus I’m a half an hour late for work. Damn, Sombra’s not gonna be happy with me.

I sighed and got ready for my day, I got in the car and skipped breakfast, I just got a feeling it’ll make my headache worse.

I arrived at Crystal Prep and was able to find a parking spot in the front of the school. Lucky me, the closer the school, the less time my head has to be exposed to the heat.

I get out the car and into the school only to have my phone ring the moment I step in the school.

I take the phone out my pocket and take a look at the screen to see it was Sombra calling me. I sighed and picked it up.

“Hope, you’re late, is everything okay?” Sombra’s voice came through, a little more concerned than usual.

“It’s fine, I just had to take some medications last night and woke up with a headache, but everything’s fine, no need to worry about me.” I explained.

“Okay, if you’re not feeling like you can do it today, then you can leave.” He replied.

I shook my head, “No, I’m fine.” I assured, taking a look at my clipboard, “So, one of our teachers is absent today, am I right?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“We don’t have much substitute teachers for science today, do we?” I asked.

“No.”

I nodded, “Okay, since it’s the next class after lunch today, I’ll be there and after that, I’ll check on the electrician.” I listed.

“No need, Principal Cinch already checked in with the electrician, so you don’t have to worry about that, but you may want to check on in the cafeteria, the English teacher said that Kiraina forgot his medication today.”

I took a deep and annoyed sigh. Damn’t Kiraina, you could get near perfect grades in every class, including P.E, but you can’t remember to take your medication.

“How bad is it?” I asked.

“She said that he was talking to himself in hushed tones and was jerking every now and then, a little too often as she described it.”

I sighed, “I got my medication, so I’ll give him some, that is if he isn’t too far down.” I replied.

“Okay, see you later.” Then he hangs up, just as I was in front of the cafeteria.

I didn’t even have to open the doors myself as they was swung open and Principal Cinch was thrown out the cafeteria. After a skidding halt, she looks up at me with the same frightened face I’ve seen countless times.

In addition to her looking like she’s seen hell, but she also was covered in bruises and cuts, and she even had some parts of her clothes ripped off, and a boot missing.

“Please, Hope, you have to do something about the-AHHHHHHHHH!” She screamed for her life as she was dragged back into the carnage that was the cafeteria.

I sighed, this is what Crystal Prep is on a daily basis; the children are pushed to the bone with no reward in sight for miles on end and they become restless, and when they are restless, they are more acceptable to aggravation, and when they are more acceptable to aggravation, they will lash out in whatever way makes them comfortable, and sometimes, that comfort can only be found in releasing all that held up frustration and anger onto others.

The real problem is that the school staff was not ready for these kind of outburst, the school staff have no real way to stop these outburst, even the gym teacher, who trains them in combat, are eventually overwhelmed by the students sheer numbers.

It’s as if I was watching wolves tearing at each other to get the last piece of rabbit meat.

I sighed again, took out a whistle in my pocket, and blew extremely hard. And this seemed to stop the fighting immediately and everyone stood away from a battered Principal Cinch who had blood spilling out her mouth and nose and a few teeth was on the floor.

The students were all beaten, but they showed no sign of even caring or registering the pain.

I sighed again before speaking, “What happened?” I asked.

One of the kids, one of the most honest of the kids, raised his hand.

“Yes Jack Sain.” I allowed permission to speak.

“It all started when Knight chose to mess with Kiraina, and since he didn’t take his medication today, he lashed out and Knight reacted violently and the rest was history.” Jack explained.

I shook my head and clapped, “Knight Faust and Kiraina Kanpeki, come here now.” I demanded.

The two children in question stepped out of the crowd, and from Jack’s explanation, these two really were in the middle of the conflict, because outside of Principal Cinch, they had the most damage done.

They both had very ashamed expressions on their face and bowed in apology, “We’re very sorry Mrs. Hope.” They apologized in unison.

I sighed, “C’mon you guys, let’s go to the nurse’s office so I can check on you…” I started, and all the students, except for the two trouble makers, lined up, “You two pick up Principal Cinch, I’ll take care of her after I’m done with you.” I ordered.

The two kids pick up the battered Principal and I led the children to my office where I checked them out, and they all were fine, aside from the occasional bruise and hickie, but nothing too major.

After checking all the students, I moved on to Principal Cinch, who obviously had the worst of the worst punishment. It seemed not only did the students give her a few bruises and cuts and made her lose some teeth, they also managed to break her arm and give her a black eye. Damn, these kids are merciless.

After checking out Principal Cinch, I made sure that Kiraina and Knight stayed with me.

They sat down and waited for me to scold them, “Knight, why did you mess with Kiraina?” I asked.

Knight shrugs, “I don’t know, I was fine and minded my own business, but something clicked in me and I wanted to fight.” He explained.

I shook my head, “You both forgot your medications today, didn’t you?” I questioned.

They both nodded.

I sighed and stood up, walked over to my medicine cabinet, took out two bottles, one for Bipolar Personality Disorder, and the other for Borderline Personality Disorder.

I gave them both a bottle, and gave them a water bottle, “Take these and go to the Science classroom, I’ll be there in a little.” I ordered.

They nodded, took the medication, and went to the Science classroom, leaving me alone.

I sighed, I’m going to have to talk to Sombra about the students.

The rest of the school day went as per usual, and by per usual, I meant the students were constantly bickering and throwing the occasional punches, though it never erupted into volcanic explosion of a fight that happened in the cafeteria.

After school was finished, me and Sombra were in his office discussing the matter of the students.

“What is it that you wanted Hope?” He asked.

“We need to do something about the students schedule.” I stated bluntly, “We need to stop pushing them so hard, they can’t take it anymore.” I added.

Sombra sighed, “We’ve been over this Hope, I will not reduce the workload.” He stated, “They’ll learn to take it.” He assured.

I immediately jolted out of my seat with rage, “They’ve been taking it as best as they could, compared to this Sombra, breaking Principal Cinch’s arm is tame to what they’ve done together.” I said, “Need I remind you of what happened to the Verko’s mob when they were mad.” I reminded.

He nodded, of course he’d remember. It was the most infamous moment in this school, and probably this year’s France news station, and probably most of the world.

It all started on a field trip to France that took the wrong turn too quickly when Verko decided to raid the restaurant our students was eating at. And they acted as any normal student put under the harshest school regiment in the world; they reacted with violence. And let’s just say that there was a lot of casualties when they acted, though none on the students side, half of Verko’s mob at the time was killed, the other half was sent to the hospital, either being treated for broken body parts or some even on their deathbeds, so more than half of Verko’s mob died.

“That’s not a valid argument, Hope.” Sombra declined my argument.

I slammed my fist on the desk in anger, “The hell do you mean that’s not a valid argument?! They killed half of Verko’s mob in France, and the other half either went to the hospital for major surgery or died!” I shouted, “And don’t forgot that the students were led by Knight and Kiraina, two kids with personality disorders, if they was able to take out Verko’s French mob, then imagine what they could do to us.” I presented more facts.

Sombra again shakes his head, “Verko is nothing more than a mob of gangs that have no formal training, are students are trained in both unarmed and armed combat, Verko’s French mob was nothing more than a test drive.” He denied.

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back as I lunged across the desk and gripped Sombra’s shirt, “Listen to me Sombra, those kids are dangerous, more dangerous than you think. They can turn the city upside down if they wanted to. You wouldn’t know this because you hardly interact with the students, all you do is sit on your fat lazy ass and obsess over that damn crystal you found 2 years ago….” I paused, “But I have interacted with them, I know what goes through their little minds everyday, and all they want to do is for a smaller workload. And if you won’t give it to them, I’ll take action myself. Don’t you forget what happened to my father because he was a dictative piece of shit.” I seethed and scowled.

It seemed that I was able to break through that skull, even if was a little, “Alright Hope, I’ll see if I what I can do about the students workload.” He gave in.

I sighed and let him go once he saw my side of the argument, “Trust me Sombra, this’ll be for the better.” I assured.

He sighs, “I hope you’re right.” He said before turning around to look out the window.

I nodded and left the office where I was met with Principal Cinch who had a look of terror on her face, “So what’d he say?” She asked.

“He said he’ll try to tune down the workload for the students.” I informed.

She gave a breath of relief and wiped her brow that was building up sweat, “Sweet Jesus, I don’t think I could last another hell like today.” She admits.

I nodded, “You up for some coffee?” I questioned.

She shrugs, “Sure, why not? Got nothing else better to do.” She agrees.

I smiled and we left the school for coffee.

Author's Note

Sorry for the sucky ending, I'm terrible at cutting chapters short like this.

The Tour And Reunion Part 1.

I looked on at the high school that was standing in front of me in all of its glory. To a normal person, this place must’ve been nothing new to them. But to me, it looked like paradise.

“C’mon honey, we need to hurry, we don’t want to keep Principal Celestia.” Mom urged, walking ahead of me.

I snapped out of my daydreaming and caught up to Mom, “So, Mom, what’d you tell ‘em when you sent my application?” I asked, not really wanting to explain my whole backstory to everyone I met.

Mom gave a hefty sigh, “I’m not sure about the students, but I’ve known Principal Celestia for a few years, she’s one of the few people who knew I had you, so she already knows everything.” She explained as we approached the school doors, “And knowing the type of woman she is, she most likely told all the students.” She predicted.

I nodded as I took a look at our surroundings, and despite my initial thoughts, this place was real empty, like I only saw a few students in the hall.

“Why is there so less students today?” I asked, my curiosity piquing.

“It’s the weekend Skystar.” Mom answered.

My eyebrow was raised at this information, “Why the hell am I being introduced to the school on the weekend? And why are there students here if it is a weekend?” I questioned.

She shrugs, “I don’t know, that’s just how they do things around here.” She guessed.

I shrugged, “Seems like this’ll be interesting…” I said, trailing off.

(A few minutes later)

We were in the principal’s office and Mom and Principal Celestia was chatting it off while me and Vice Principal Luna sat there in complete and utter silence. It was honestly maddening.

“So, what’s it like having an overprotective mother?” Luna asked, breaking the silence.

I was startled by her question and as a result, was late with my reply, “It’s a little hard to explain in great detail without gushing, so I’m sorry if this feels a little biased; I guess it’s just refreshing to know that someone is so loving towards you that they think of everything that can harm you, but at the same time, you feel like you’re being coddled like a baby, even when you’re completely capable of taking care of yourself.” I replied.

She nods, “I know how you feel, Tia herself is a little overprotective.” She admits, “One time when we were 10 years old, she used to sleep with me while she held a kitchen knife for a whole month.” She regails me in a hushed tone, holding back a chuckle, “The problem was that she moves a lot when she’s asleep.” She adds.

I struggled to keep myself from laughing, “What’s it like being a Vice Principal?” I asked.

She smiles, “It’s like being a Vice President but on a much smaller scale.” She answered simply.

I nodded, “I can imagine that.” I agreed.

She nods and we continued to nonchalantly talk about everything we could. It was honestly fun.

“Principal Celestia, you called?”

Me and Mom turned around to the newcomer’s voice and was greeted by a girl with light skin, red and yellow hair, and light emerald eyes. She wore a black leather jacket with orange stripes over top of a green dress and a yellow see through skirt, darkish blue jeans, and grey heel boots with the same orange stripe as her jacket.

Principal Celestia nodded, “Thanks for coming Sunset Shimmer.” She thanked, “I would like for you to take our newest student here, Skystar Robins, around the place.” She explained.

Sunset Shimmer nods and turns to me, “Hi, my name’s Sunset Shimmer, although you already knew that.” She introduced, holding her hand out to me.

I shook her hand and nodded, “And you know mine.” I replied, getting up from the chair with her help.

She nods again and takes a good look at me, “You got a pretty good taste in fashion.” She noted.

I smiled, “Thanks, and you do too.” I returned her compliment.

She smiles, “So, should we be going now?” She asked.

I nodded, “Sure, let’s get on with it.” I agreed as we were about to walk out the office.

“Sunset Shimmer?”

“Yes Mrs. Robins.” Sunset replies, both of us turning around to come face to face with my Mom.

She glared at Sunset with a very sinister looking glare, “If my daughter comes back to me in tears, so help me I’ll cut your tongue off with dentist utensils.” She warned in a frightening tone.

We both got chills down our spines as we bolted out the room without saying a word.

Once we were a good few feet away from the principal’s office, we began walking at a leisurely pace, catching our breaths.

It wasn’t long before Sunset broke the ice, “Was your mom serious?” She asked.

I shrugged, “I don’t know, but she was a surgeon before I was born, so I’d imagine she’d know how to do it, and she has done some pretty outwordly things before, such as the time she engraved a tattoo of a tank on a robber’s forehead with a nail because he almost shot me.” I replied, “So it’s best to stay on her good side.” I added.

She swallows her spit and begins searching for ways to carry the conversation, but every attempt she made was met with a iron wall dead end.

But all my senses were stolen from me and I immediately found myself plastered on a door in the hallway.

“It seems like they’re going at it again…” Sunset guessed, “You wanna see the Culinary Club first?” She asked.

I turned to her and nodded.

She chuckled and opened the door to the Culinary Club and my sense of smell was assaulted so horribly, it should be a crime.

And the scent was coming from the middle of the room where two teenagers stood at their stations. One was dark skinned with white hair and red eyes and was fairly tall, he wore a regular white chef outfit and was very lively with his cooking.

The other one on the other hand was a little bland, his movements were slow and lazy as if he lacked any conviction whatsoever. He even looked like he was a extremely lazy, with his black unkempt hair and light blue eyes with bangs under them, all he wore was a black sleeveless vest with matching pants and boots, he also had a red thing wrapped around his wrist.

“The one on the right is Hoshi Joichiro and the one on the left is Isshin Kurosaki.” Sunset informed me.

“Hey, Sunset!”

We turned our attention to the caller and it was a a light skinned girl with blonde hair tied into a ponytail by a red band, she had green eyes and was a bit taller than me. She wore a white apron that covered everything she wore down to her brown boots. But what it didn’t cover was the top of her chest, which left a little too less to the imagination.

Sunset shook hands with the girl, “Hey, Applejack, what’s going on?” She asked.

The now introduced Applejack shrugged, “Isshin challenged Hoshi to another cooking match.” She informed with a slight southern accent, “And you must be the new student, I’m Applejack Smith, the president of this here Culinary Club.” She introduced, handing me her hand.

I shook her hand, “Skystar Robins.” I introduced, “You said that Isshin challenged Hoshi to a match?” I asked.

She nodded.

I let go of her hand and turn to the two chefs, “I don’t see him winning with that kind of attitude.” I admitted.

Applejack chuckles, “Just wait and see Robins, Isshin’s about to unleash his true nature.” She assures.

And just as she finished her sentence, Isshin takes off the thing on his wrist and wraps it around his head, making a makeshift headband.

But the thing that made me nearly rocket out my skin was his near immediate attitude change. The moment Isshin put that headband on his head, he became a completely different person, changing from the lazy and unenergetic character he was to this monstrously wild beast.

He was cutting and crushing many lobster shells and handling other seafood with such grace that I could only dream of.

Applejack chuckles once more, “That’s the magic of Isshin, once he puts that headband on, he’s a totally different person.” She promises, “Even though I am the president of this club, both of their skills are the closest to me.” She admitted, “Well, at least in this club…” She trailed off.

“Done!” Both chefs spoke in unison as they presented a bowl of chili, one with noodles and one with rice.

“Well now we need a judge.” Hoshi said, and the moment that sentence left his mouth, everyone moved far away from the duo.

I raised my eyebrow, “Why is everyone afraid of tasting the food, from what I smelt, it smells delicious.” I questioned.

Applejack smirked, “Then why don’t you judge, it’ll surely knock you out of yer seat.” She assured.

I shrugged, “Okay, sure.” I agreed.

She pats me on the back and leads me to a seat in front of the table.

“Hoshi and Kurosaki, our new classmate, Skystar Robins will be the judge for today.” Applejack announced.

They both nodded, “But I can’t judge which one’s better if I don’t know which one belongs to which.” I stated.

Kurosaki, being very pissed off at this, shouts in rage, takes a permanent marker and rights his name on the bowl of chili with rice.

“Now eat it!” He demands in a frightening voice.

I momentarily shit my pants before picking up the chopsticks beside the bowl and start with Kurosaki’s chili and rice.

And the moment the chopsticks entered my mouth, I was assaulted with this heavy rich flavor.

“Holy shit that’s a strong flavor!” I exclaimed, “It’s almost as if I’m being punched in the face. The mollusks and shrimp give off a great savory taste and the crushed lobster shells give the chili a nice crunch and the chilly powder adds a nice spiciness to the mix.” I complimented, “And the blandness of the rice is great because the blandness gives a nice break from the heavy flavors!” I added.

Kurosaki nodded in agreement while wearing the biggest grin on his face.

I nodded to myself before taking a bit of Hoshi’s chili and noodles, and again, I was assaulted with a rush of flavors, although most of them was mostly lenient.

“Goddamn’t that’s good!” I exclaimed, “The chilli and paprika powder compliments the small pieces of beef and turkey in the chili, along with the corn, beans, and small bits of brown sugar mellows out the savory taste.” I observed, “You used cinnamon and horseradish, didn’t you?” I asked.

Hoshi nodded, “Cinnamon provides a sweet but spicy flavor and horseradish gives a very high kick to the sense of smell and taste.” He explained.

I nodded again, “And the blandness of the noodles are a breakaway from the flavors here too.” I said.

“Now which one’s better?!” Kurosaki asked.

I put the chopsticks down and thought very hard; both dishes were very good, but Kurosaki’s was very heavy in flavor and so was Hoshi’s, but Hoshi’s flavor was more lenient, and so the bland noodles helped the other flavors be more digestible than Kurosaki’s. After some long and hard thinking, I chose the victor of the match.

“Hoshi Joichiro wins.” I stated, “While both of you utilized the flavors you used to a magnificent degree, Hoshi’s lenient flavors combined with the blandness of the noodles made it easier to digest.” I explained.

Kurosaki’s face fell with anger and rage, “Joichiro, you win this time, but next time I’ll crush you!” He declares.

Hoshi only shrugs, “Save that for when you beat me Isshin.” He responded confidently.

“Alright Skystar, let’s get going before you’re forced to down a whole elephant.” Sunset urged.

“But what about the chili, we can’t let it go to waste?” I asked.

Applejack shrugged, “We’ll have it saved for tomorrow, that is if we haven’t already eaten it.” She said as she took the bowls to the rather large refrigerator and placed them there.

“C’mon Sky, the day’s still young but we got a long way to go.” She urged again.

I nodded, got up and followed Sunset out of the Culinary Club.

After catching up to her, I started conversation, “Those two seemed pretty interesting. I can already tell I’m gonna have a blast here!” I cheered.

Sunset chuckled, “Trust me, those two aren’t even the strangest thing that happens around here.” She replied.

Baffled by her response, I was about to question her when my thoughts were interrupted when I heard a song.

The song was a classical one, almost orchestral in nature, but no operas, nothing but a sole piano accompanied by nothing else. I turned to the source of the sound and it was coming from a door named “Classical Music Club”.

Even if a sole piano was the only thing I heard, I still recognized the song being played.

“O Fortuna.” I stated.

Sunset looks at me, puzzled, “O Fortuna?” She repeats.

I nod, “Yeah, O Fortuna, an old poem in the 13th century, turned into classical music by Carl Orff in 1935-1936.” I explained.

She smiles, “You really know your music.” She congratulates.

I shrugged, “Me and my mother used to watch all these movies and documentaries about classical music artist, such as Beethoven and Wolfgang.” I replied, approaching the door, “I wanna see what's in here.” I said.

Sunset nodded, “Well, c’mon, let’s go.” She agrees, opening the door, allowing the full force of the piano to hit me in the face.

And when we stepped in, I saw the pianist that was working the piano, and for some reason, I was hit with a strange sense of deja vu.

The long, messy ginger hair and the taller than usual stature beat my subconscious memory, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

And then the final pieces of the puzzle were placed when the pianist and the two girls around him started conversation.

“Very good Carl.” The one with long, kempt raven black hair praised.

“See, practice makes perfect.” The mint green haired one added.

“Thanks girls, guess a little practice was all I needed.” Carl spoke.

That voice. That voice. I know that voice.

“Carl?” I called out.

Carl turns around to see me, and my baby blue eyes and his blood red eyes meet, and I knew without a doubt that this was the kid I remembered was.

He looks at me bewildered, but still speaks, “Sky?” He asks, before his bewildered confusion became unbridled joy, “Sky, it really is you! HAHAHA! So good to see you again!”

To be continued…

Author's Note

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I left you guys on a cliffhanger... I'm so evil.

The Tour And Reunion Part 2.

There are many moments that feel so surreal, that even when the moment is confirmed to be real and not a dream, it still feels like a dream. And this surreal emotion is what was hitting me right now.

Carl had already hugged me and we were already telling each other how much we missed each other, but any and all sentences that came out of his mouth fell on deaf ears and a blank mind.

It has been so long since I last saw Carl. So, long. I couldn’t believe that we’d meet again in a place like this.

“So, I take it that you two know each other.” Sunset says, finally breaking me out of my trance.

We both nod, “We go way back.” Carl confirms, finally letting me go.

I nod, “Yeah, he was one of my only friends during kindergarten. We talked a lot and collaborated on a lot of projects.” I explained, “But one day, he stopped attending class, and on the last day, he stops by and messages me during class saying that we probably won’t see each other again.” I added, pain and loneliness seeping into my voice, “How could you leave us?” I ask.

Carl looks at me, his face becomes a short frown, but then turns to that trademark awkward smile he used to give me during class, “Some issues came up, me and my family started going around the country, and even to other countries for a while, so I started going to public schools.” He explains vaguely, “Sorry I couldn’t contact you the whole time, I just couldn’t find the time to.” He apologizes.

Now, this is the point where somebody would ask, ‘you really didn’t have the time to contact me at all in 9 years’ or some cliche bullshit response, but my few months with Carl told me when he gives you a vague answer, it means he’ll explain later, when you’re alone. And I give him the hardest, ‘you’ve got some explaining to do’ look I’ve ever given to anybody in my life.

And we stayed staring at each other, conveying a million and one emotions with just mere eye contact.

Until…

“Hey! We’re still here, y’know!”

We all turned to the voice, seeing that it was the mint green pony.

I smiled and approached her, “Sorry, the names Skystar Robins.” I introduced.

She happily shakes my hand, “Lyra Heartstrings, you’re the new student right? How do you like it here? Is it good? Did you make any friends? Did you meet Rover Bobson yet?” And she asked me many, many more questions.

I was a little bewildered and didn’t quite know how to respond, luckily the long-haired girl tapped her shoulder, forcing her to stop.

“Calm down Lyra, she hasn’t even been here for half a day, give her at least a week to adjust.” She scolded.

Lyra smiles, “Okay, a week.” She agrees.

The girl shakes her head and holds out her hand, “Sorry about that, she’s just happy to meet you.” She apologizes, “My name is Octavia Melody.” She introduces.

I chuckle and shake her hand, “Well, she’s definitely interesting.” I complimented.

Octavia nods, and was about to respond when Sunset interrupted.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but we only got a about an hour minutes before school ends today, and if we want to show you the whole school, then we need to get going now.” She urged.

I nod and start leaving out the Classical Musical Club, waving the musicians and my old friend goodbye, “See you later.” I said.

They all waved goodbye, and before I left the room, me and Carl locked eyes again, as if to tell each other that they will see each other again, and he will tell me what happened.

We started touring some more of the school, and the end of the tour ended at the gym, which I was a little more excited to see.

“Damn, this place is huge.” I praised.

Sunset chuckles, “You think this is big? You have to see the outside obstacle course.” She replies.

I turn to her, “Can we go see it?” I asked.

She nods and begins walking towards the doors. When we opened the door, I was greeted by the biggest high school obstacle course. Granted, it was the only high school obstacle course I’ve seen that wasn’t on television.

What I also saw was three girls, one with prismatic hair color, the other with gamboge hair, and the other with white hair, and they looked like they were ready to run.

“Iris, , Gilda, Hikari come meet the new student!” Sunset called.

The three girls turned to face us as we approached them.

Iris smiled and shook my hand, “Iris Dash, nice to meet you.” She introduced.

Then it was Hikari’s turn, “Hokori Hikari.” She introduces.

Gilda on the other hand, was a little more rude, and instead of shaking my hand like a normal person, she swats my hand away, “Gilda Gruff.” She introduces.

I raised an eyebrow, but otherwise let it slide, “So, you three about to race?” I ask.

Hikari nods, “Just a little warm up for when we go up against Crystal Prep in the next Friendship Games.” She explains.

I smile, “Mind if I join?” I questioned.

They all looked at me, Hikari and Iris stifle a chuckle, while Gilda began to laugh like no tomorrow, “You really think you can beat us in a race?!” She taunts while laughing in between words.

I shrug, “You’ve never saw me run before, so you don’t know what I can do.” I reply, “Unless you’re too chicken to accept a challenge.” I taunt right back.

Her head snaps at me the moment ‘chicken’ left my mouth and gets up, “Oh, you’re on!” She accepts my challenge, getting into a racing stance.

Hikari and Iris do the same while I gave Sunset my bag, “Mind watching this for me?” I requested.

She nods, “Sure.” She assures.

I join the three athletes on the track.

Sunset then stands in the middle of the four of us and raises her hand, “On your mark, get set, GO!”

And we’re off.

I’ll admit, at the beginning, I had a bit of trouble catching up, but once I got the hang of it, I was able to at least keep up with the other three.

“Hahaha! Need a break newbie?!” Gilda taunts.

I shrug, and to show of a bit, turn around and start running backwards, “I don’t know, you tell me!” I replied, and completely by instinct, began doing cartwheels and backflips, and other carnival tricks.

The three gazed upon my athleticism in awe.

“How are you able to do that?” Hikari asked when I finished my little carnival show.

I shrugged, “Years and years of practice.” I replied.

Iris and Gilda smile, before they begin to pick up the pace, eventually getting a few feet ahead of us.

Me and Hikari responded accordingly and picked up the pace, and just like before, was able to catch up with the two racing veterans.

And we continued to race, until we reached the finishing line, which took about 6 minutes at best.

We were all tired and sweating like crazy, my face was all red from the heat, did I mention it was like 67 degrees outside.

Sunset approaches us and gives me my bag, “That was close, but Gilda came out first.” She says.

Gilda cheers herself on, “Yes!” She celebrates.

Iris and Hikari were half fuming, “That’s because you’re freaking tall as hell!” Iris replied.

Gilda shakes her head, “It’s just that you’re short.” She taunts.

I was busy drinking a bottle of water and gave the three of them a bottle.

Gilda smiles, “You were pretty good, for a newbie.” She congratulates.

I shrugged, “Truth be told, this is the first race I’ve ever been in, the first time I really ran actually.” I reply.

She chuckles and slings an arm over me, “Well, for a first time, you sure gave me a run for my money.” She says.

I nod, and was about to reply when Sunset intervened again.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but the tour is over and we need to go.” She says.

I nod and began leaving back into the school, waving goodbye to the athletes.

The trip back to the Principal’s Office was uneventful, Sunset asked me how I liked the school so far, and I said that it was something I was definitely looking forward to attending for 4 years, and I was.

When we entered the Principal’s Office, we were met with Mom, Principal Celestia, and Vice-Principal Luna eating cookies and drinking tea.

Mom turned to me as we made ourselves known by a subtle cough, “You done with the tour already?” She asked, clearly not expecting an hour to go by so easily.

I nodded, “Yeah, this place is really cool.” I said.

P. Celestia chuckles and gives Mom a pamphlet, “Well I’m excited to have a new student here, and I think I speak for everyone when I say you’ll have a lot of fun here.” She says.

V.P Luna nods and they all hug.

“See you girls again soon.” Mom farwells, kissing them both on the cheek before breaking the hug.

P. Celestia and V.P Luna nod, “See you again Novo.” P. Celestia agrees.

I give Sunset Shimmer a hug, “See you tomorrow?” I ask.

She nods, “Yeah, can’t wait.” She assures before we let go.

Mom smiles and began leaving the Principal’s Office, “Come on honey, let’s go.” She says.

I follow Mom out the Principal’s Office, and eventually the school, all with one thought coursing through my head: I definitely made the right choice that night.

Author's Note

I bit of a shorter chapter. Next chapter, Carl explains himself.

Also, Hokori Hikari is Lightning Dust. Hikari is Japanese is for 'light' and Hokori is 'dust' in Japanese, put them together and you get Light Dust in English.

Familiarity

Idle chat passed us by as me and Carl traversed the school yard, getting caught up with each other’s lives after being disgraced with each other’s absence for nearly a decade. We talked about the most trivial of matters, but it felt like we were sharing 100 years of wisdom with each other, every singular solitarily intricate syllable meant a thousand words to me. And if his grin is anything to lead by, I can say he felt the same.

Caught up in our conversation, I paid no attention to the increasingly changing terrain around us until my peripheral vision seized something to my right. Since I had only caught a glimpse of the object, I bolted out my skin and jumped into Carl’s arms.

“What the hell was that?!” I blurted out in my fearful state.

Carl chuckles at me and sends me this cocky glare, “I never knew you were afraid of a lizard.”

Pouting comically, I release myself from the bridal grasp, “Shut up…” I replied.

He laughs again before approaching the lizard, “Whatever you say drama queen.” He then reaches his hand out to the lizard which crawled on his hands.

He then turns to me and hands me the lizard, causing me to flinch a bit, “Go on, he isn’t going to bite.” He assures me.

Steeling my nerves, I met his hand and slipped the creature off his palm, taking the lizard for myself. The thing was apparently eager to explore because he started crawling all over me. I didn’t feel anything on my hands for I had gloves on, but once it made it to my arm, I couldn’t hold in the laughter.

“Canterlot Albino Lizard: small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.” He describes the creature running up my arm.

Seeing as the little guy was reaching my forearms, I intercepted his journey with my other hand and put him back on the tree where he wasted no time in climbing to the top of the tree to never be seen again.

Finally paying attention to the surrounding around me, I almost found myself choking on the pure beauty of the forest-like area around me.

“Wow, it’s…”

“Beautiful? Pretty? Elegant?”

I shook my head, “All of the above.” I breathed in every air I could so I would not choke upon this ethereal forestry that stood before me, “Feels like this place was protected by God.” I said.

“This place is full of exotic creatures and plants only known to thrive in Canterlot.” He explains, “Scientist have been trying for centuries on end to explain the unnatural phenomena that occur here.” He begins to walk further down the path, “Some say that no matter how many times you impurify the water here, it’ll become pure days later safe to drink.”

I nodded, following his steps, “So, where we going?” I inquired.

He points ahead, “I want to show you something… special.”

His hesitation on the word ‘special’ had me a bit worried and curious at the same time, so I followed him.

I soon appreciated the choice of following him as he lead me to this large clearing, a clearing adorning such beauty that it could only be described as the pride and joy of God.

“Wow… this is just stunning.” I couldn’t think of any words to express what I was witnessing.

Carl on the other end seemed naturally unfazed by this beauty as if he bore witnessed it beforehand, “Trust me, things get much more interesting.” He said as he approaches the lake. But to my surprise, when he steps onto the lake, he does not fall at all, instead, he walks upon the surface as if the water was ice instead.

By some stupid force of curiosity, I tried to emulate him, but I failed and ended up falling chest deep into this lake, getting almost everything soaked.

“Hahaha, should’ve told you that was going to happen.” Carl reached a hand out to me.

I took it and was able to stand up in the water, noting that he himself was standing utop the water as I have observed, “What the hell’s happening?” I question.

He smiles as some water raises from the pond and above his hand, forming a sphere, “Why I left.” He answers vaguely.

I shake my head, “Care to give more detail smartass.” I began to reach my boiling point.

“You see Skystar, I’m not like other kids.” He began, “I was born stranger than the rest, it wasn’t until I was 6 years old, the day I left, that I found out that I had hydrokinesis.” The sphere of water disappears into his hand, “Me and my family went around the world trying to find out what’s wrong with me, we eventually met this woman who said I was a Familiar: a child born with powers known as Familiarities, meaning we have some certain power.”

“And yours is hydrokinesis.”

He nods, “The time these types of children started popping up isn’t clear, but many believe the origins to be right here in Canterlot.” He explains.

Hearing his story, I nod, “So you’re trying to find these other children or?” I inquire.

He shakes his head, “No, after a decade of searching for answers, me and my family just said ‘screw it, let’s just settle for now’.” He corrected, “I showed you this only because I wanted you to be at peace of mind, y’know.”

I couldn’t help but release a little chortle. “I don’t know how finding that one of my best friends has hydrokinesis is putting me at peace of mind, but whatever.” I reply, “But I understand, my life just basically hit the fan a week ago.” I sat down on the rocks.

He sits down with me, “Yeah.” He agreed.

For the next few hours, me and Carl did nothing but continue on with mindless innocent banter. Little did I know, this event will open my eyes to more opportunities.

Author's Note

I apologize for the short chapter, but this here is here to establish a few things to come. Next time, we get back to Ryoko Shadow for a bit, so be excited for that.