Author's Note

The Friendship Games are tomorrow...

Thursday Morning

Twilight woke up with a heavy sigh. Today marked the first day of a whole month without her lab. She slowly arose from her bed and went into her bathroom. Once there, she put on her glasses and stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, and her expression was something between a frown and a scowl. Something told her this was going to be a long, long month. The only thing that could possibly cheer her up (besides her lab) would be Spike.

After she finished brushing her teeth, Twilight got into her school uniform, then grabbed her backpack and went downstairs. She began walking downstairs, when she saw Velvet, her mother, waiting for her at the bottom. Apprehension began to take hold of her as she descended the staircase. "H-Hey, mom," she said. Velvet remained silent for a moment, then opened her arms. Twilight smiled warmly and embraced her mother.

"I thought you might need one of these after everything you've been through lately," Velvet said softly as she ran a hand through Twilight's hair.

Twilight sighed happily and tightened the hug. "Thanks, Mom," she whispered. She closed her eyes and enjoyed her mother's warm embrace, feeling some of the stress she accumulated melt away. Reluctantly, she broke the hug. "I really did need that," she said with a smile.

Velvet smiled back. "You're welcome, sweetie. Try not to get into trouble today, okay?"

"I'll do better than try," Twilight said. "I won't!"

"That's my girl," Velvet said.

Twilight smiled again, then called out for Spike. A moment later, the purple puppy scampered in, panting excitedly as he ran around the foyer. Twilight looked at Velvet. "Would it be okay if I took him with me?"

"Of course, hon. Just be sure to-"

"'Keep him out of the public eye'," Twilight finished as she put Spike in her backpack. "I know, mom," she said reassuringly. "You tell me that every time." She walked towards the door. "See you after school!"

Velvet smiled. "Have a good day!"

"Will do!"

Twilight left and walked over to the bus stop. Maybe being without the lab isn't such a bad thing. She'd just need something to distract her for a month or something. She snickered at the thought. What could possibly keep her occupied for that long? She spent hours at a time in her lab, all cooped up... Nobody to keep her company but Spike... A smile started to form on her face. Aside from her quest to investigate Canterlot High, she could stand to have more friends as a distraction. Not that she'd see them as such, she just needed to keep her mind off of her lab for a while.

Twilight reached the bus stop, then quickly looked into her bag to check on Spike. Her purple dog looked back up at her, his head tilted slightly. Twilight smiled and gently pet him on the head, then zipped the bag back up, leaving just enough of it open for him to breathe. The bus arrived, and Twilight boarded.

Twilight sat down by herself and stretched. She was grateful to have had a good night's sleep. If she had another, she'd be back on track! She stared out the window as the bus left her stop and continued on its way to Crystal Prep. She thought about what she might find at Canterlot High, then giggled as she remembered her conversation with Lemon. "Magic", she thought with a smile as she rolled her eyes. She held nothing against those who truly believed in magic, but the very idea was ludicrous! Magic was nothing more than a fantasy. A plot device for fiction!

Twilight began speculating what the energies could possibly be. And why, of all places, were they emanating at a high school? She may not have access to her lab at home for a while, but at least she had a mini-lab back at Crystal Prep. She had some energy measuring equipment there, so she should be fine. She cupped her chin as she continued thinking until the bus reached her school. She grabbed her backpack and walked off the bus.

Twilight walked up to, then entered Crystal Prep. All the students murmured among themselves, speaking almost exclusively about the Friendship Games. Oh, right. That's tomorrow. She'd only come along so she could investigate, she could quite frankly care less about some bragging rights competition. She'd just have to be discreet. She can blend in with the crowds and not be noticed by her fellow students.

Twilight blinked, surprised. It was sad, but unfortunately true. She was always praised by her teachers and other staff members, but aside from Lemon and maybe Indigo she'd been either largely ignored or the subject of contempt among her peers. She sighed heavily. This was a hole she dug for herself, and she was now on her Junior year! It may be far too late for most of her fellow students, but maybe she could win over a freshman or two.

Twilight stopped in the middle of a hallway and put a hand to her face. Who was she kidding? She'd been an outcast ever since she set foot in here! Maybe it was time to move on to something else. There's a wide, wide world out there and she knew she couldn't grow as a person if she stayed here! Maybe the Everton Independent Study Program was what she needed... Maybe. Then again, she'd be all by herself. No chances to make friends. She grabbed her head and growled in frustration. This internal conflict was one of the last things she needed right now!

Twilight felt someone tap her shoulder, snapping her out of her thoughts. She yelped, then turned around. As she saw who stood before her, she thought that perhaps her internal conflict would be preferable to what she was about to experience...

"Hello, Twilight," Dean Cadance said with her arms folded. "I'd like to speak to you for a few moments."