Within the Shadows

by Kpopjunkie

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle (EqG), Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Shadowbolts (EqG), Sad, Drama, Equestria Girls, Spike (EqG), Principal Cinch, Dean Cadance
Length: 3421

Twilight and the Shadow-five come together and learn about the magic of friendship. Easier said than done as their different personalities end up causing chaos with each other.

After the event at the Friendship Games, Twilight Sparkle, Sugarcoat, Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap Lemon Zest and Sunny Flare come together attempt to learn about the magic friendship.  Easier said than done, as they struggle through obstacles with each other and themselves.

Published 2017-12-27 14:40:07 UTC
Last updated 2017-12-30 06:19:22 UTC

Daybreak

The sun was shining innocently as the Shadowbolts of Crystal Prep Academy were preparing to leave the grounds of Canterlot High. Many of the students from both teams were getting to know each other as an aura of color surrounded them. It was like there were rainbows in the air.Twilight was standing in line, looking up at the pigeons flying in the sky. She was thinking of how the Friendship Games went and the events that had recently. happened. Soon, her train of thoughts ended abruptly is Indigo Zap spoke.

“I don’t care what Principal Cinch says.” Indigo Zap said as she turned and walked into the bus. “ It’s been more fun getting to know everyone at CHS than it ever was playing against them.”
Twilight was a little startled, but nodded and smiled by her teammate's words and watched her climb the stairs of the bus.

Dean Cadence was reading her clipboard then glanced at Twilight. “Crystal Prep is definitely going to be a different place now.” She happily assured her on how the school may improve for the better with the changes.

Spike popped out from inside the bus, wagging his tail. “Hey Twilight! Any idea who you wanna sit next to on the way back? I already have a waiting list.”

Sunset Shimmer walked up to Twilight, as Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were following close behind. “It’s actually kinda nice to know there’s someone at CPA I have so much in common with.”
“And it’s nice to know that CHS is a place where I can always find the magic of friendship.” Twilight said with a cheerful smile.
“I bet you’ll be able to find it a Crystal Prep pretty soon too.” Sunset said as she gave Twilight a hug. The rest of Sunset's group hugged.

Twilight climbed onto the bus. Spike jumped happily jumped into her arms. She have him a small cuddle as she looked around her. Most of the students in the bus softly waved at her. She wave back

“Twilight!” Indigo Zap shouted as she waved Twilight down. “Come sit over here!”

“No!” Sour Sweet exclaimed. “Sit over here!”

“No offense, but I think you’re that last person she wants to sit next to.” Indigo Zap said.

Sour Sweet stood up and grabbed Indigo by her shirt. “And what is that supposed to mean, Porcupine?” She shouted.

“It means that you’re a friggen tyrant!” Indigo Zap screamed. Twilight and Spike look at each other.

“You sure you’re ready to deal with all this?” Spike asked. “Oh, I got an idea! Why not transfer to this school? I mean the students here are so much nicer and and the principal isn’t such a heinous witch.”

“Spike, shush!” Twilight began. “Besides, I feel that there’s a chance things will be different from now on.”

When the buses of CPA finally finally drove off, Sunset waved as she watched her new friend drive off into the distance. Twilight was waving back to her, hoping the they will have a chance meet again.

Twilight felt herself in a world of nothing but darkness and emptiness. There was no light and no time. She felt like she was floating, as she didn’t feel any ground under her feet. Everything felt open and spacious. A sinister laugh had echoed through the darkness, making Twilight’s blood curdle.

“W-who’s there?” Twilight’s voice echoed through the darkness.

“Don’t think this is over.” The voice said. It was a familiar voice Twilight didn’t want to hear. The darker version of her own.

“N-no! It can’t be you! GO AWAY!” Twilight screamed.

Midnight Sparkle appeared out of nowhere. The gaze of her glowing eyes engulfed Twilight in fear. “I’ll never go away. I am a part of you. I’ll always be a part of you!”

Twilight shut her eyes. “No…you’re not…you’re not a part of me!”
Midnight smirked. “I’ll always be there, slowly gaining more control of your mind. And once I do…there will be no stopping me!”

“No! I won’t let you win!” Twilight asserted.

“Fool! I already have!” Midnight’s laughs echoed through the dreamscape.

“NO!” Twilight shouted as she woke up, her body was shaking and covered in cold sweat. She found herself in her bedroom, trying to calm down as she told herself that it was only a dream. A few moments later, Spike jumped up on Twilight’s bed, looking up at her with eyes filled with concern.

“Twilight! Are you okay?!” Spike asked.

“Yeah…I’m fine Spike…I just…had another nightmare.” Twilight responded in a soft-spoken tone.

“Was it…about…her?” Spike asked.

Twilight slowly shook her head. There were a few moments of silence that surrounded the room. She looked at her alarm clock and saw that it was 3:42 AM in the morning.

“Twilight…. are you sure you’re gonna be alright?” Spike asked.

“Oh, Spike…of course I am” Twilight responded as she slowly climbed out of bed.

“Are you sure?” Spike began. “You’ve been having these nightmares for the past few nights now, not to mention how weak and ill you’ve been feeling. And now that today is going to be your first day back at Crystal Prep since the Friendship Games, I’m kinda worried about how it’s going to be for you.”

Since the Friendship Games, Twilight Sparkle has not been doing so well. At first, she thought she was going to be fine, but as the memories replayed in her mind and the nightmares were repetitive, Twilight has not been eating or sleeping much, and it’s taking a toll on her health. Both mentally and physically. It surely has been rough for her during these past few days. Twilight looked down at Spike with a gentle smile. “Don’t worry Spike; I’ll be fine.”

Twilight walked through the main doors of Crystal Prep Academy. Students were scattered throughout the main floor either going through their lockers, walking through the hallway, or talking. The atmosphere of the school was the same as always.It was as if nothing had happened. As Twilight was about to turn a corner, she heard a familiar voice talking on the other side.

“...and it was insane!” The voice said.

Twilight peeked over and saw Sunny Flare standing in front of her locker, talking to two other girls. Twilight wasn’t familiar with them.

“Ooh! What happened?” One of the girls asked.

“She became this huge, magic-crazy demonic monster with flaming eyes that ripped the fabric of reality!” Sunny Flare told them. “It was just...unbelievable!”

“Oh my god!” The other girl exclaimed. “That’s….I have no words.”

“Long story short…” Sunny Flare began as she picked up a book from her locker. “Everything went back to normal thanks to the help of some girl from CHS.”

“So, how’s this Twilight Sparkle girl doing?” One girl asked. “She alright?”

“She’s fine, but...Ugh, she thinks that we are gonna be some cheesy, friendship loving group of clowns like those degenerates at Canterlot High.” Sunny Flare said. “Stupid, right?”

“Drop-dead retarded.” One girl said and started to giggle.

“What does she think this is? A kid’s show?” The other girl said. “Like seriously! We’re here for the sake of our education. Not waste time with people who matter less to us just to less insecure.”

“Well I know one thing.” Sunny Flare said as she closed her locker. “It is never going to happen.” All three girls laughed as they walked down the hall.

Twilight felt like sinking to her knees. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

“I’m an idiot.” Twilight thought. “I thought there was a chance for this school to be as bright as Canterlot High was, but I was wrong. No matter how much magic is involved, no matter how much reality is torn, There’s not way that it’s going to happen. I wish I hadn't come back here.”

Twilight was in her little laboratory, taking down all of her stuff from her recent research of what’s going on at Canterlot High. She didn’t care anymore. It doesn't matter. She got her answer, and she knew her entrance the Everton Independent Study Program wasn't going to happen. Twilight had a small trash bag on the desk as she took down everything from the wall and placed it inside.

“All that work you did…” Spike began. “You’re just gonna throw it all away?”

“None of it matters anymore, Spike.” Twilight responded.

“Of course it matters.” Spike said. “You worked so hard on all this. And this whole Everton thing you wanted to do...maybe there will be another chance, or maybe, there’s something else out there for you. But...no matter what you face, I’ll always be by your side.”

Twilight smiled as she kneeled down and held Spike in her arms. “Aw, Spike.”

“Will you ever leave me behind?” Spike asked.

Twilight smiled and scratched Spike’s ear. “Oh, Spike, I’ll never leave you behind. I promise.” At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in!” Twilight called.

The door opened and Dean Cadence entered. “Good morning, Twilight.”

“Good morning, Dean Cadence.” Twilight responded with a soft smile.

“How are you feeling?” Dean Cadence asked.

“Oh, I’m fine…”Twilight softly responded.

“Are you sure? You don’t look too good.” Dean Cadence said.

“Don’t worry, Dean Cadence. I’m alright…” Twilight Reassured.

“Alright. Anyway…” Dean Cadence began.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“I have a bad feeling about this but…Principal Cinch wants you in her office, along with some the girls…” Cadence said.

“Other girls…?” Twilight asked.

“Indigo Zap, Sugarcoat, Lemon Zest, Sour Sweet, and Sunny Flare.” Dean Cadence answered. “I’m sure you remember them?”

“How could I not?” Twilight responded as she looked down.

“Twilight…?” Dean Cadence began. “What’s the matter? You can tell me anything.”

“What if you don’t believe me?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight.” Dean Cadence placed a hand on Twilight’s shoulders. “Did something happen that I don’t know about?”

“Principal Cinch….” Twilight began. “You see...she…”

“Hm?” Dean Cadence tilted you head.

When Twilight made it to the top of the flight of stairs that leads to where Principal Cinch’s office is, she spotted Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, Sunny Flare, and Lemon Zest were standing in front of the door. There was an awkward silence as Twilight looked at them.

“Well took you long enough.” Sour Sweet hissed.

Twilight didn’t say anything. She felt nothing was worth to be said at this point. Sugarcoat walked up to Twilight, showing no expression.

“Feeling alright?” She asked.

Twilight was a bit shocked upon being asked a question like this by one of her Crystal Prep classmates. She shook her head but remained silent.

Sunny Flare walked to the door to Cinch’s office and opened it. The rest of the girls followed her inside. Twilight followed far behind. Once she entered, the door had been closed shut by Sunny Flare. All six girls stood in the dimly lit office. The dense atmosphere surrounded them. The air was so hot you could practically suffocate. Principal Cinch sat at her desk, staring down the girls from across the room.

“Come closer.” Principal Cinch demanded.

The girls started to walk closer to the desk. They stood a good two feet away. Twilight turned to her left and looked at the closed drapes that covered the window.

“I wonder what this room would be like if those drapes were open?” Twilight asked herself. ”I bet it would be so much brighter in here.”

“Do you all understand why I called you here?” Principal Cinch asked.

“Not really...” Indigo Zap said

“Is... This about...the other day?” Sour Sweet asked.

“I just want to tell you young ladies that I am not happy with what went down at the Friendship Games. You all know that we had a reputation to uphold, and you all just destroyed it. I counted on you girls, and you didn’t even attempt to fight for it at the end. You all ‘chickened’ out and turned against me. There is no way I’m going to let this go overlooked.” Principal Cinch said as she glared at the girls.

“What?!” Sour Sweet

“W-what are you going to do to us?” Lemon Zest asked.

“I could give you girls a fair punishment. Since I lost everything I worked to maintain, I will make you girls lose everything you worked for.” Principal Cinch said.

“Principal Cinch, we understand why you’re mad, but we only did what we did because we eventually felt you were taking things too far.” Sugarcoat stated.

“We helped save the world from being torn! And it wasn’t just us; it was everyone else who helped while you ran and hid. Why do you have the six of us here like this? Why are we--” Indigo Zap was cut off.

“SILENCE!” Principal Cinch shouted. The room was now silent as a frightening feeling overcame the girls.

“Now, you girls may not know much about each other, but I know a lot about each of you. For starters, Twilight simply wanted to apply for the Everton independent study program, am I right, Twilight?” Principal Cinch asked as she looked at Twilight.

“Mmh…” Twilight

“Denied!” Principal Cinch exclaimed as she tore the application in her hands and torn it in half. The sound of the paper tearing echoed through the room. Twilight made no response as she just looked down at the floor. She saw this coming.

“And Lemon Zest.” Cinch began as her gaze turned to Lemon Zest. “ Not as wealthy as most of the students here. Long story short, she must rely on a small scholarship to help her father pay. Well, I should have those scholarships terminated.”
Lemon Zest gasped to what she just heard. “What...No, please! Don’t do that!”

“I wish you luck on figuring out a way to make your payments from now until your graduation.” Principal Cinch said.

“But...Principal Cinch! I really--” Lemon Zest begged, but was cut off.

“And as for Indigo Zap...a girl with such enthusiastic and competitive spirit. I kinda feel bad to have her booted from the girls’ basketball team. Which is a shame since there was a scholarship coming your way.” Principal Cinch said.

“That’s not fair! I--!” Indigo Zap also started to beg, but she was cut off.

“You know that drama club you worked so hard on, Sunny Flare? Well...I’m having it closed.” Principal Cinch said.

“What!” Sunny Flare exclaimed.

“Same for your silly little dance club, Sour Sweet. It didn’t that many members anyway.” Cinch said as she took the glasses off her face to clean the lenses.

“Principal Cinch, Please! I worked so hard to-” Sour Sweet began.

“And Sugarcoat…” Cinch began as she placed her glasses back on her face. “I see you’ve been working hard to get into that good business school upstate. It’s significant for you since you need to take over your family’s business in the future. Well just like Twilight’s application to Everton, I will have yours denied. Good luck getting your business education somewhere else...although it may not be that good.”

“Principal Cinch...why are you doing this to them?” Twilight asked. Her voice was shaking a bit.” They didn’t do anything. They...helped. This isn’t fair at all...”

“It’s perfectly fair, and if you dare tell anyone about this...you’ll all be expelled! Now, you ladies are dismissed.” The girls stood there frozen, unable to process what just happened. They could not help what’s going to happen to them from now on. Cinch looked at them with frustration. “Well...what are you all waiting for? Leave!”

“I can’t believe she’s doing this to us!” Indigo Zap threw her fists into the air. Her voice echoed through the empty hallway.

“What are we gonna do?” Lemon Zest asked, her voice filled with concern.

“That old hag needs to be fired.” Sunny Flare said.

“HOW IS SHE JUST GONNA SCREW US OVER LIKE THIS?!” Sour Sweet screamed.

“We have to tell Dean Cadence.” Sugarcoat said.

“And get expelled? You heard what she said back there! She’ll quickly expel us if anyone finds out about this!” Indigo Zap exclaimed.

Twilight was following behind the girls, not knowing what to do or say. She was feeling light-headed, and her heart was racing. Then, she heard a voice in her head. This voice did not belong to anyone around her. It sounded familiar. It was a voice she did not want to hear. It was the voice of Midnight Sparkle.

“Twilight…”

“No... Not you…” Twilight whispered, shutting her eyes tightly.
The argument continued and echoed through the round cathedral hall.

“I just don’t understand...why the six of us?” Lemon Zest asked. “ All we did was help out, and it wasn’t just us...other classmates of ours too. So... why is she targeting the six of us?”

“Maybe it’s because we were the ones who made it to the final round, and we were expected to win? Or...something like that. I don’t know!” Sunny Flare exclaimed.

“But we did win!” Lemon Zest exclaimed.

“In her eyes, both teams winning isn’t winning.” Sugarcoat stated.

“This is all thanks to big-mouth Sugarcoat and Two-faced Sour Sweet!” Indigo Zap exclaimed.

Sour Sweet frowned and walked up to Indigo’s face. “Who are you calling ‘Two-faced,’ Porcupine?” She said through gritted teeth.

“And how is this our fault?” Sugarcoat asked.

“It’s probably because you two opened up your mouths, made it clear we were turning against Cinch and made her more shook than she should be! Back at the Friendship Games, you and Sugarcoat talked back to her.” Indigo Zap said.

“I admitted we screwed up!” Sour Sweet yelled.

“And made things worse by blaming most of the incident on her!” Sunny Flare yelled back.

“Shut up you snob-faced brat! You are the one who walks around thinking she’s better than everyone!” Sour Sweet shouted, walking up to Sunny Flare’s face.

In the back, Twilight had stopped walking as she heard the voice again.

“This isn’t over, Twilight.” Midnight Sparkle’s voice echoed through Twilight’s mind. Twilight tried her hardest to ignore it.

“No... stop it….” Twilight whispered to herself as her body began to shake.

Lemon Zest noticed that Twilight wasn’t looking too well. She walked up to Twilight and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Twilight...are you alright?” Lemon Zest asked.

“You’re just a two-faced nobody that yells at people. You’re the one here who thinks you’re so perfect and everyone else around you are flawed.” Sunny Flare said as she continues to argue with Sour Sweet.

“What the hell! I’m not two-faced!” Sour Sweet shouted.

“You’re insecure...which is why you act the way you do.” Sugarcoat quickly stated.

“Insecure? You’re the insecure one! Acting all disinterest and detached from people. Not even caring how your words will affect someone! At least I have some emotion! You practically walk around with no soul!” Sour Sweet shouted as she turned to face Sugarcoat.

“Wouldn’t I be dead if I didn’t have a soul?” Sugarcoat rhetorically asked as she maintained an expressionless look.

“Might as well be!” Sour Sweet yelled as she pointed her middle finger at Sugarcoat.

Just as Sugarcoat was about to respond, a thud was heard. Everyone turned around and found Twilight lying unconscious on the floor. Lemon Zest quickly kneeled down and lifted Twilight into her arms.

“Twilight! Are you okay!” Lemon Zest shouted with worry in her voice. The others ran up to them and circled around.

“Oh my god! What happened!” Indigo Zap shouted.

“I don’t know!” Lemon Zest exclaimed.

“Oh my god! I-Is she okay?” Sour Sweet said.

“Twilight?” Sugarcoat called. She placed a hand on Twilight’s forehead. She was not feverish, but she was covered in cold sweat.

“Twilight!” Sour Sweet shouted.

“Twilight! Speak to us!” Sunny Flare called, trying her best not to freak out.

“She’s not responding!” Sugarcoat said.

“Come on, Twilight!” Lemon Zest pleaded. “Wake up!”

“Oh god, what do we do? What do we do? What do we do?!” Indigo Zap panicked.

“Somebody get help!” Sour Sweet cried.

Author's Note

Hope you like the story Don't worry, it's not gonna be like this throughout the series. Most of the story is quite motivational. We learn more about the shadowbolts and their personal lives and basically why they are the way they are. I hope it turns out to be interesting, especially Sugarcoat's relationship with her mom.

I'm sorry for the pacing here. I suck at the first chapters.

If there are any mistakes in this chapter or you have any questions, please PM me