Equestria Girls: Love Is Magic

Chapter 99: A Date with Danger

(CHS)

Things were progressing faster than anticipated.

Neighsay mumbled to himself as he took a sip from his cup.

When he took the assignment to this godforsaken backwater country of a school, he thought that it would be nothing more than a simple expedition. Granted, a part of him thought that the whole thing was blown clearly out of proportion. He believed that he would come over, take notes, fix a few errors here and there and then disappear back into the bosom of his organization without anyone even realizing he was ever there.

But ever since he arrived… things have been… tremendously complicated.

And while he would want nothing better than to bring out the full might of the Black Stone Order and bombard whatever problem out of orbit. A more subtle approach seemed to have better effect.

When he heard that a bunch of school girls managed to defeat not one but two of their agents, many took it as nothing more than a fluke. A luck of draw, or even an exaggeration, and nothing more. Even he once thought that it was just a coincidence. But ever since his first encounter, his opinion of these… Equestria Girls, have changed drastically.

Especially that of a certain Twilight Sparkle.

No doubt that she was the brain of the group. Despite her tender age, her technical and practical understanding of magic has been a source of wonder of late. A simple glimpse into her designs made others think that she had been studying this topic for years. Not even their best scientist could reach her level of understanding without some outside help.

If he could somehow get her to join their organization, she would not only be a valuable asset, but a great contributor to all of their research. She may even revolutionize their way of understanding magic itself.

It was a pleasant thought. One that his master may share.

The only problem is that she is undoubtedly loyal to her friends. And their trust towards him and the organization wasn’t stellar to say the least.

He knew who to blame for that.

He reached for his black gemstone, and called.

(House by the Hill)

Starlight felt a sense of calm come over her as she took a quick stroll around the house.

No. Correction. Sunset’s house – or something along the line. She said that she was renting the place for a while. And that it belonged to someone else. She was merely staying here until she gets her footing back on the ground at least. Whatever that meant.

Though she had to admit that this place did look better than her old apartment, if judging by size alone. There was so much space here, it was no wonder her whole gang managed to settle in like they all lived here. There was a library, a whole kitchen, and an underground lab. Even Pinkie managed to fit her giant confetti cannon up on the attic for… reasons.

There was even a large enough free space outside to hold all manner of events. Rainbow and Applejack mostly use it for their silly sports activities. But can you imagine the wind flow out there? You can hold a kite flying competition, or a party, or a kite flying competition. And don’t even get her started on the view off the cliff. Beach front property? Isolated? And with all the amenities you could ask for, and more? You’d be an idiot to sell this place.

It was no Crystal Castle, but that was another thing entirely.

“Ow…!” A loud bonk brought her out of her calm daze. Starlight turned over, finding Sunburst land face first on the floor. “Aheh… a little help?”

“Sunburst? What are you doing? You shouldn’t be up yet. You’ll open up your wounds again.”

“I know.” He whined and groaned while wabbling around like he was trying to move his arms and legs together. “I thought I could practice with my new appendages, but that wasn’t working the way I thought it would. Walking on two limbs is a lot harder than it looks.” She knows that feeling far too well.

“Tell me about it. It took me a few hours to get the hang on balancing. I must’ve looked like a complete idiot prancing around on all-fours. Sunset gave me a few tips on my form. But I don’t think it’ll work on you. Not that you had good form in the first place.”

“Hey! That’s not true.”

“Remember when Cadance asked you to be Flurry’s dance practice partner? You couldn’t tell your hooves apart.” The guy couldn’t find any rhythm, and ended up falling on the first two steps.

“I didn’t know dancing had more than one step!”

“And during your O&O game? You tried the bard class?”

“Ok. Fair enough.” He rolled it off his head. “So my form needs work. But that aside. It’s not all bad. These apposable thumbs on the other hoof, are amazing! Look at it. I can actually grab things like a claw without using any extra accessory or magic! It’s incredible!” He demonstrated by holding up a cup like it was the greatest discovery in ponykind.

“What you find incredible is considered normal around here.”

“I’m just saying that a single extra pinky can make all the difference in the world. Can you imagine if everypony back in Equestria has something akin to this? The efficiency of Earth Ponies alone would skyrocket! Why… I could probably write faster if I just knew how the rest of my fingers worked.”

“That’s a mystery you’ll have to solve another time. Because right now, I’m taking you back to bed.” Starlight slowly worked her magic on the boy, only to pause halfway when she noted a strange ink like mark under the boy’s neckline. “Huh?”

“Is something wrong?”

“Did you always have a mark on your neck?”

“I do?” He shuffled his hands over his collar revealing his bare squishy chest for all to see. “Where?”

Odd. She was sure that it was there a second ago. It looked… snak-ish.

“That’s weird. I was sure that…” Their little interaction was interrupted however when a buzzing noise called to their attention. Starlight scanned the area, only for her gaze to fall on the thick book in the middle of the living room. “Uh oh.”

“What? What is it?”

“It’s the magical diary that Princess Twilight used to communicate with Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunburst gave it a thought. “So… was that a good ‘uh oh’ or a bad ‘uh oh’?”

That entirely depended on who was writing on the other side. If it was Princess Twilight, then all the better. But she was still going on her Equestria-wide coronation tour. If it were Shining Armor or Princess Cadance, they were safe.

But if it was Princess Luna, Celestia… or Celestia forbid, Starswirl. They were cooked.

With some hesitation, she opened the book and peeked at the last page written, partially expecting a barrage of scolding from the other side.

The words were… gentle and worrisome.

“It’s Princess Cadance.” She breathed a sigh of relief, wiping an invisible sweat off her brow. Dodged a bullet there. “She’s asking for an update.”

“What do we tell her?”

“The truth, obviously.” Starlight responded as a matter of fact. “She’ll be happy to know that our mission in rescuing you, was a success. And that we’ll be going back as soon as your injuries heal up. Hopefully that’ll keep the Princesses and Starswirl from scolding us too badly.”

The boy tilted his head in confusion. “Wait… why would Starswirl scold you?”

“Oh… nothing too serious. It’s just say that… we… might’ve put the entire universe in danger by opening an entirely new portal to Ezaquatel, and saving you? That and… we might’ve stolen some of Starswirl’s research, putting the human world in danger as well. See? Nothing too serious?”

“Endangering the universe? How is that even possible?”

“It’s a long story. But trust me. Everything will go back to normal the moment we get back to Equestria. Then we can put this whole interdimentional disaster thing behind us.” Sunburst looked like he had more to say but decided against it for now. “Some good news too. Things around Canterlot is settling down too. Everypony is still on alert for any disruption but things are starting to calm down. No one seems to notice our absence. The Princesses are busy cleaning up the mess back at Starswirl’s lab.” She paused for a moment, allowing the ink to settle in. “And get this. Princess Twilight is officially on her last visit to Griffonstone. With a few trips left around the north-eastern part of Equestria. At this rate, she might even get back by next week.”

“And that’s a good thing… right?”

“Of course it is! It would mean that the most powerful pony in all of Equestria can finally help us! With her at our side, there’s nothing that’s impossible!”

“And that Princess Twilight can get to finally ruling all of Equestria. And we can go back to running the school of Friendship.”

She paused. “Yeah… of course. That too. As long as nothing else goes wrong.”

She was challenging fate by putting those words out in the universe.

“Oh… and uh… Starlight. One more thing.” Sunburst added, his legs wobbling. “I’ve been meaning to ask. But uh… how do I use the bathroom here?”

Just need to hold on a little bit more.

(Rainbow Dash’s home)

It wasn’t often that Rainbow Dash would dread coming home. Normally she’d be thrilled whenever she got home early. She’d kick off her shoes, grab a snack by the fridge, binge the next episode of the Daring Do series, do a few laps around the city with her magic speed pwers, and leave her homework until the last possible minute before remembering it and copy the answers off Twilight the day after.

You know… standard teenager stuff.

But today was anything but standard.

The whole dating fiasco, as Rarity calls it, was becoming too much, even for her.

The entire CHS chat room was filled with all sorts of gossips and rumors all focusing on Flash Sentry and his very interesting, yet very complex, love life. Rainbow never really paid attention to the website. Not unless it had something to do with her sports team winning some big league.

The rumor corner never really struck her fancy… until now at least.

Seriously. Don’t these people have anything better to do? Who cares who’s-dating-who? It’s all just some silly speculation? No one should take anything here seriously.

Come on. Flash two-timing? How ridiculous is that? That kind of thing only happens on drama shows, or teenage vampire angst movies with parental issues. Real life ain’t that dramatic.

And honestly… who’d even believe that Flash Sentry would be going out with her of all people? Sure, the guy was good looking, great at shredding guitar, a good listener, sweet at times, pretty good in sports, and braver than most kids his age. Not to mention he had his heroic streak fighting off a giant Timberwolf. Not a lot of people can top that.

So… overall… there were worse people she could be dating.

No. Stop. You’re getting off track R.D. Remember: You’re here to break things off. Tell your folks that it’s over. That you had a little spat over some silly things and that we’re just taking a break. You then tell mom to take down that picture and everything should be in the clear.

The rumor will end, and no one gets their feelings hurt. They then go back to their ordinary lives without anyone being the wiser.

She hoped.

“Hey there, Sweetie. You’re home early today.” Bow Hothoof poked his head out of the kitchen followed by the smell of something delicious being cooked on the stove. The man dressed in a lovely pink apron with the word ‘Kiss the Cook’ printed on it. “Hope you got a good appetite. We’re having your pappy’s signature spaghetti tonight.”

“Uh huh. Sounds great dad.”

Her somewhat annoyed tone didn’t escape her pop’s notice. “What’ the matter, Honey Bun? Practice cut short? Did your team fail to qualify?”

“Something like that.” She responded half-heartedly. “Ahey, dad. Is mom around? I need to talk to her real quick.”

“She stepped out to get something at the groceries. She should be back right before dinner. What’s the matter? Got some school problem? Is it math again?”

Hey, I resent that.

“No. Nothing like that. It’s uh… more of a personal problem.”

A plate fell. “Oh my.”

“Dad?”

The man rushed over, grabbing her arm gently before dragging her over to the couch. “What’s the matter, Precious? What’s got you all riled up? Tell me everything and spare no details. I am here to help. Do you need anything? A cup of hot coco? Some blankets? Your favorite hanky?”

“Dad! No!” Rainbow snapped. Though a part of her did feel the need to ask for a hot coco. “It’s not that big a deal.”

“Any problem you’re facing is always a big deal to us. Now don’t be shy. Just say what you need and we’ll get through this. Hold nothing back. You have my full attention.”

Ugh… she was regretting this already. Rainbow Dash often forgets how hands-on her parents can be. They really enjoy being part of her life, right down to the smallest detail. You should’ve seen them when she got her braces.

Still… this might be a blessing in disguise.

“Ok. It’s… about my… boyfriend.” The word itself felt foreign coming from her mouth. It almost sounded like a whole’nother language.

Her father’s face beamed. “Oh you mean Flash Sentry. Course I remember him. Strapping young fellow. Not a bad fit. A little outdated in terms of fashion, but still nice. What about’em?”

“Well… we… might’ve gotten into a… fight.”

“Oh my.” He gasped, but quickly brushed it away. “I mean…… what about?”

What about indeed. Rarity’s script didn’t cover this part. She said to make it as vague as possible to avoid unnecessary questions. It was her version of ‘Wing it’ and hope for the best.

“Uh… just some stupid stuff.” She quickly responded, avoiding eye contact. “And then one thing led to another and… well… we… kinda broke it off.”

“You broke it off?” Bow actually sounded more aghast than shocked. “So quickly?”

“Yeah. I figured things weren’t working out for us, so… better if we just cut our losses.”

“But you seemed so happy with him.”

“Yeah. Well. The magic was gone. So this is the way it should be. Right?”

Her father paused. Eyes and mouth puckered as if in deep thought. His brain rattled as he tried to add pieces to the story, making things up as he went.

It took about a full minute before he finally answered.

“You’re absolutely right.”

“I am?” She balked. “I mean… of course I am. About what exactly?”

“A breakup is a messy business. And you did it with gusto. I’m proud of ya, kiddo. You faced your greatest challenge and came out on top.”

She did?

Rainbow Dash wasn’t entirely sure what her pops was trying to say, but he seemed happy about the whole thing, so win-win.

“And now it’s time for you to win him back with revenge!”

…

Ah… what now?

“Huh?”

“A breakup isn’t just about mutual separation, Sweetheart! It’s about who wins!” It is? “I’m so happy you came to us for help. You won’t be disappointed.”

“Ah… what’s happening?”

“Don’t you worry about a thing, Rainbow. By the time we’re done. Flash Sentry will be regretting the day he broke up with you.” Bow cheered. “Why. I wouldn’t be surprise if he came back on his knees, begging for you to take him back.”

“You lost me dad. And who’s we?”

“Hi Sweetie!” A voice chimed from a phone that seemingly appeared on her dad’s hands.

“Mom!? Since when were you on call?”

“Since the whole conversation started, Sweetie. Don’t you worry. I heard the whole thing. And your father is right. A breakup is more than just mere separation. It’s a contest to see who wins the game.”

“What game!?”

“The breakup game of course.” Her dad said in the same cheery tone as his wife “You have to show that Flash Sentry, that you’re not taking the back end of this deal. You need to make him regret it.”

“You need to make him regret his actions! I mean what kind of idiot breaks up with our dear Rainbow Dash? She’s perfect!”

“She’s more than perfect!”

“Guys… guys!” Rainbow snapped. “I don’t think that making Flash regret his actions is the way to go.”

“Of course not! You need to make him suffer!”

“Make him squeal with pain.” Bow added with a maniacal grin. “Oh! I need to get the folder!”

“There’s a folder?”

“We had a backup plan. Just in case, Sweetie.”

Rainbow tilted her head. “Mom. Where are you calling from?”

“The highway.” She answered in a singsong tone. “I went to the car straight away when your father texted me that you had a personal problem.”

“Weren’t you in the groceries?”

“Oh don’t worry. I just put the whole cart into the car. I didn’t really take much.” A loud horn blared through. “Hey beat it you slowpoke! I’m trying to get home! My daughter needs me!”

That… didn’t sound good.

“Mom. I think you’re taking this a little too…”

“Found it!” Bow Hothoof returned, slamming a thick folder onto the couch. “The emergency breakup plan, Volume 1.” You mean to say there’s more!? “Your mother and I have been working on this bad boy ever since you started dating Flash.”

“Oh… wow. That’s umm… big.”

“You should see the one about your wedding.” Yeah… not interested. “Now. Let’s get to work.”

“Oh… gee dad. I don’t think this is necessary.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Honey. We’re just looking out for you. And I guarantee that if you follow the first ten steps, you’ll be in the lead in the breakup game.”

“Mom. Should you really be talking on the phone while driving?”

“I can multi-task, Sweetie. It’s not as hard as it sounds.” She would’ve been convincing if the sound of police sirens didn’t come through afterward. “Oh dear. Looks like I’ll be a little late for dinner. Bow, please take her through the first part. Don’t you dare do step 9 without me.”

“Copy that, Windy. See ya soon.” It was kinda cool, yet also somewhat disturbing how Bow didn’t even flinch hearing that mom was getting pulled over. “Alright. Onto step one of getting back at the one who broke my baby’s heart.”

“Dad. This really isn’t…”

“Step one!” He cut her off, pulling up a photo of Flash’s band. “Getting back at the guy. You can tell that Flash is a boy who prides himself of being the ‘Top Dog’. So we’re going to use that to our advantage.”

“Wait… I thought this was supposed to get me back with Flash.”

“We’re getting there. But to do that, you need first make him jealous. Boys his age are super sensitive when they have their first major breakup. So, in this scenario, we will set you up with one of his bandmates instead! He won’t be able to resist, and will be rethinking his life!”

Yeah… this wasn’t working.

She needed to call Rarity. Stat.

Gods… she hoped Fluttershy was doing better.

(Fluttershy’s home)

“Step two! You take your date to the next big event and strut him around like a trophy!” Mr. Shy declared earning a collective nod from everyone around the table.

“Nice thinking, pops.” Zephyr Breeze agreed readily. “That’ll really get that guy riling.”

“Oh. We should also post this on the web. Help get the information out.”

“Yeah! I’ll have my friends help. And we should have them kiss in public. One shot of that and he’ll be crawling like the snake that he is. Ain’t that right sis?”

Fluttershy smacked her head on the edge of the table, both hands grabbing chunks of her bangs as she tried her darndest to hide her madly blushing face.

A small defeated squeak came as her answer.

(On the road)

Flash could hear Adagio seething next to him.

Her teeth grinded together like a saw, and the way she tapped her foot over the glove compartment signaled that she was close to kicking things down and bolt out of there at a moment’s notice. The only thing that kept her calm were the flowers he’d given her prior to this date.

Her eyes kept wandering towards the soft fragile thing, fingers casually caressing its petals like they were the most precious gems in the world. She tried her best to hide her soft and playful smile, but on occasion they’d peek out of the corner of her lips.

Who would’ve imagined that the once proud and powerful siren would be purring like a kitten in his car? It was enough to make the boy smile.

“Stop. Doing. That.” Her voice creaked over like she wanted to scream the words.

“Doing what?”

“That!” She dug a finger onto his cheek. “Stop giving me that stupid look. It’s annoying!”

“Was I looking?” He feigns ignorance. “I didn’t notice.”

“Don’t get cocky just because you won one over me. You got lucky because I was in a foul mood.”

“Having a bad day? Been there.”

Her eyes sharpened like daggers. “Are you mocking me?”

“Mock you? Me? I would never.” He was. He totally was.

“I am this close to tearing you and this car to pieces.” She held her hand up, pulsing with energy only to die down when she noted it hurting the flowers.

It wasn’t as intimidating as he thought it was. “I wouldn’t do that. I just got this car fixed up from the last time you and your sisters wrecked it. And I get the feeling that you’re not keen on walking.”

The siren gave it a thought and reluctantly put her hand back down. She returned to her original posture, folding her legs in annoyance while unconsciously fiddling with the petals.

“Where are you taking me exactly?” Adagio asked, mostly to fill the silence rather than curiosity.

“Why curious all of a sudden?”

“To prepare myself. This isn’t exactly going to the city center.” Her glare narrowed. “You’re not planning something… malicious. Are you?”

“You’ll be fine. I promise.” He rolled her eyes at her. “Besides, if I was gonna try anything, you’d blast your magic and turn me into an otter or something.”

“Hmph… clever boy. At least you know your place.” A smug returned to her face. They stayed that way for a short while before she added. “So… is this how you always handle your dates? Taking them along with your fancy rides on long cruise around the city, enjoying the peace and quiet?”

Flash chuckled. It normally was. Sunset looked practically amazed when she first rode on his car. All the buttons and gadgets must’ve looked alien to her. Even more so seeing that she was from a whole other world.

“Only the really pretty ones.” He responded casually. “Though I could bring my private jet next time. Why? Car not to your fancy?”

“I’ll have you know I’ve ridden on things far more luxurious than this carriage. And don’t even bother with planes. I can fly on my own just fine.” Right. Because you’re a different being that have wings. “And just so you know. It doesn’t matter where you take me. I’ve seen everything there is to see in this world. So don’t be surprised if you fail to impress me.”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

“A challenge that you will fail. Because there’s nothing a spoiled rich brat like you can do to reach the level of dating, I’ve been through. The only reason why I agreed to all this is because I can enjoy the free food.”

“And because you like me.”

“And so I can see you FAIL spectacularly in person!” She added that last bit with a growl. Though the blushing cheeks said otherwise. “If you think for a moment that you’re coming out on top out of this, then you’re sadly mistaken.”

“Hmm… I dunno. I feel like I’m already on top.”

“Then you’re delusional.”

Aha… an opportunity has shown itself.

“Alright. How about we make another bet?” Flash added much to her increasing annoyance.

“As if I’d be foolish to make another gamble with you.”

“Aww… afraid you’ll lose?”

“Afraid of you? Never.”

“Then it’s a bet.” A triumphant tune rang in his head. “If I can wow you on this date – you’ll have to teach me magic for a whole week.”

An interested brow rose from the Siren’s face. She heard about his sudden affinity for magic, but never saw it firsthand. “And if I win?”

“I’ll do one thing of anything you ask me to.”

“Anything?” Somehow it sounded disturbing coming from her.

“Uh… no crime involve?”

“Make it three.” Of course she’d bargain.

“Oh come on. You know three wishes are overrated.”

“Now who’s afraid to lose?” Her cocky grin showed itself.

Dang it. She’s got him on the back foot here.

“Two wishes.” He negotiated. “With limits.”

“Deal.” Adagio looked satisfied. “I already know what I’m going to ask you to do for school tomorrow.”

Trust me lady. You won’t get the chance to use those wishes. I’m Flash Sentry. And if there’s anything I’m known for - Is that anyone hanging out with him will always have a good time.

Anything less than that is an insult.