Author's Note

Goliath, Goliath...

PART 3: XIX - Of Their Own Accord

"Well Sunset, uh... Ah... guess it's safe to say where all your irritation has come from... and your swearin'... definitely your, uh... your swearin'... recently..."

Applejack attempted to strike up any conversation she could muster for the third time this hour with Sunset or any of the girls at all. It failed miserably. Possibly even worse considering nobody even flinched.

Despite Sunset's pillory at both Noah and Twilight, they decided she needed them more than ever at that point. Notwithstanding being thought of as fake friends in her mind. They choose to head back to Sugarcube Corner until the third and decisive half of the Friendship Games.

Initially, it was to talk, but now it seemed everyone was just broken. Sunset wasn't talking directly to them either during her rant, it was simply the thought. They'd realized it themselves, they were just frauds.

Rarity looked up at Sunset as she shut off her phone. Sunset had buried her head in her arms and was possibly crying so much, the tears began to leak from under her arms. Creating a miniature puddle. Rarity imagined her eyes would be as red as blood if she were to raise her head.

Rarity sighed, longer than conventionally as well. "Sunset... we... we understand if you may believe us to not actually be your friends. A-And I'll admit, I was a terrible person, and thought that's how I should deal with the situation. The situation being you.

"I wasn't thinking. I wasn't thinking that; this girl is broken, and she needs a friend. She needs a multitude of friends. But unfortunately, I was too self-centered to think that. And I'm the Element of Generosity... how repulsively inconsiderate.

"But... I want you to know that's not how I feel. That's not how any of us feel. You're important to us. You're important to everyone. They may have deemed otherwise in the past, but that's the past.

"I understand if you may detest Noah for leaving, but it's his choice. He doesn't belong in Equis just like you don't either. And if he and his friends feel that if the world they grew up in has changed, then we have no reason to stop them. Home is where the heart is, after all.

"Furthermore, I feel your pain in losing your best friend, but I feel even more pained knowing it wasn't me or any of us that you considered a best friend. Moreover that if any of us were to leave, you wouldn't care as much."

Fluttershy raised her head, "Rarity's right, Sunset. We care for you so very much, regardless of whether or not Twilight asked us to be your friend. It was only a matter of time considering how you are now that we'd befriend you in the future if the events had changed."

Sunset had finally stopped her quiet cries when Rarity finished, and Fluttershy's addition brought her sniffles to a halt. Reluctantly, Sunset raised her head and revealed herself.

Just as envisioned, Sunset's eyes were blood red with near dozens of streaks of tears down her cheeks. They were shed so far, a few tears were dripping off her chin. Not only that, but her hair was a mess. Rarity vividly remembered how Sunset was tugging and scratching at it in Pinkie Pie's minivan. Almost like she was attempting to yank it right off her scalp.

Rarity cringed as she inspected every detail of Sunset's face. Her inner fashionista tingled inside, but she took a deep breath and continued. Ruining a moment like so with fashion would send Sunset off the deep end.

"We-"

"I'm sorry," Sunset cut off. "I wasn't thinking straight. All of my anger towards Twilight just shifted when Noah spoke up. I couldn't handle my emotions. They were like... like a volcano waiting to erupt, and what Noah said was the last straw.

"I understand that you guys may think I don't see you as true friends, but the words just slipped out. But... they also didn't. For the longest time, I've felt like I was only friends with you because of Princess Twilight. After the Battle of the Bands, the feeling began to wane. But then I realized how much time I was spending with Noah.

"I wasn't lying about what I said. We truly went everywhere together. More than I could ever believe. He bought certain things for me too to show his appreciation. Food, drinks, he even bought me this outfit as a gift for Christmas." Rainbow Dash's eyes flared in slight surprise to this news.

Sunset continued, "He always treated me so well. Told me I was one of his greatest friends. That having someone who didn't insult or curse at you twenty-four-seven was better than he'd expected. And I didn't know how to react because I never had that type of care from anyone. Not even you."

Applejack took off her stetson and trimmed it along the brim regretfully. Sunset continued, "But now... now he's probably not gonna let me see him again after the Games. Now he's leaving because of me... and I never got a chance to say how I feel..."

"Pardon?"

Rarity perked up faster than a hawk as Sunset mumbled her last words. And it seemed she wasn't the only one as they all perked up as well. The red in Sunset's eyes swiftly flushed to her cheeks. "I, uh... um... I... well... uh..."

"You like Noah? Like... like like him?" Pinkie Pie questioned, quickly intrigued.

Sunset covered her face with her hands in an attempt to hide her blush. "I-I... uh... um... no, I... I..."

Rainbow Dash grinned, "Well, why didn't you say so? Why didn't you say anything, actually? Welp, maybe now that might be in trouble because of your outburst back there."

Sunset grimaced, " I know! A-And I don't know what to do! I just was so broken up about him leaving that the feeling consumed me. Now he probably won't even let me see him leave when he does. He probably even despises me!"

Applejack frowned as Sunset's tears returned and welled up in her eyes. "Easy now, Sunset. There's always the chance that he could feel the same himself. Either way, he likely understands your pain if he's been your greatest friend for some time now.

"Even though he's leavin', you should at least clear things up with him. Apologize, and he'll most likely do the same. And maybe if you're lucky enough, Noah might decide to stay! It's too early to assume now! Well, that's not true technically but, you get what I mean."

Sunset wiped her tears threatening to fall, "Well, then what do I do!? There's no way I can change his mind now!" Fluttershy smiled, "Just show him how much you care. How much you cherish him as he does you."

Rarity nodded, "Indeed, that'd go perfectly. Though I encourage you to gather yourself quickly. We have to be there in fifteen minutes."

Pinkie Pie seemingly exploded, "Fifteen minutes!?"

Rainbow Dash stood up and raised a fist, "Then let's do this! We'll finish these Friendship Games, stop Twilight, and help Sunset make Noah hers! No exceptions! You guys ready?!"

"Ready!"

THIRTY-MINUTES EARLIER

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final half of this year's Friendship Games!" Celestia announced, receiving a cheer from both schools as the recent event ignited a fierce fire in the eyes of Crystal Prep.

This was it. The ultimate competition to determine the winner of the Friendship Games, and if the Milky Way would live to see another day. The stage was set. Both schools faced each other horizontally in front of the school. The sky was opaque, cloudy, and rather gloomy. It seemed a storm was imminent, but it appeared the thought hadn't occurred to anyone.

Celestia continued, "Since the score is tied, the final event will determine the winner of the Friendship Games. Somewhere on campus, a pennant from each school has been hidden. The first team to find their school's flag and bring it back shall be crowned the winner of this year's Friendship Games."

"And as soon as our teams are ready, we'll begin," Dean Cadence finished. On the left side facing the opposite side of the school was CHS, and in between the bleachers were the Rainbooms. Well, most of them.

Sunset and the others were indeed standing between them, but they were missing Noah. He'd decided to stand away from them and at the edge of their side of the school's driveway. He was staring Twilight down the whole time, and his foot tapped as it seemed he was highly anxious.

Twilight's device was blaring with energy like an airport runway light bulb. All across the device were the rings all filled and bright. Though it was an abhorrent thought, Twilight had gained magic from everyone.

Not to mention she was probably supercharged from the magic inside of the portal. This meant Noah couldn't take her on even if he tried, so stopping her from opening it was the only choice he had.

Fluttershy sighed, "I don't feel like playing these games anymore."

"But we have to play!” Rainbow Dash replied. “This is the last event! And we can't leave either! We have to watch Twilight until these games are finished. So we can live long enough to die old."

Rarity ran a hand through her hair as she peeked over at Crystal Prep. "That's just it. It'll be quite hard to focus knowing Twilight could end everything we hold dear to us by a simple hand movement."

"And I feel awful about what I said to her... and him," Sunset replied, staring off at Noah. He hadn't spoken a word to any of them and seemingly just popped up. The others thought he was just uneasy, but Sunset knew what they truly thought.

Fluttershy crossed her arms, "Yeah, and Twilight’s actually pretty nice. I can't imagine what she'd become if she does open that compass." Sunset gently rubbed her face in mortification and remorse. The other Rainbooms' faces fell flat as they glared at Fluttershy. She dropped her head and slid away, unmistakably embarrassed.

Applejack brought her hands to her hips, "Let's just get through this last event, prove we aren't cheaters, and stop the galaxy from being destroyed. Then you can go apologize Sunset. To both of them."

Returning his attention to the present, Noah narrowed down Twilight and found that her principal along with the other competitors were addressing her.

The hell?

...

"I know I'm asking you to beat a team that isn't playing fair, but Canterlot High must be made to understand that even with magic at their disposal, beating Crystal Prep is simply not a possibility. Not a choice. And I believe we can now fight fire with fire."

Principal Cinch stood before Twilight with her hands behind her back, the competitors behind her, and her signature look planted dead center on her face. Twilight shrunk and frowned.

She continued, "I've seen what your device can do, Twilight. Containing magical energy is fine, but have you considered releasing it?"

Twilight shook her head, "But, I don't even understand how it works!"

"But you'd like to. And considering our opponents have already used it to stay competitive, I see no reason why we shouldn't do the same. Unless, of course, you have no interest in Everton. Though honestly, I think there's more knowledge packed in that little device then any independent study could offer."

Twilight stared into Cinch's eyes fearful and she only bored back. Twilight cupped the device and slowly lifted it towards her. She gazed upon it. The blaring began to get to her. Becoming mesmerizing in a sense. It called to her.

"More knowledge packed in that little device then any independent study could offer."

Twilight took a step forward.

...

"What is she doing?"

Noah spoke almost without thinking as his heartbeat fastened. He spoke so blatantly that the Rainbooms heard him, and Rarity raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about-"

"What is she doing?" Noah repeated, disregarding Rarity's words as if they didn't exist. The Rainbooms turned their attention to whom he stared at and felt their hearts fasten.

Twilight had emerged from the small group crowding her with her eyes locked on the compass. Instead of cupping it, Twilight held it by its top and bottom as if she were to open it.

Noah gazed at Crystal Prep and saw something that made his stomach turn. They were smiling. They were letting Twilight out with a weapon she couldn't bear to comprehend to win some meaningless games.

Without thinking, Noah crossed the edge of his side and called out, "Twilight, what are you doing?"

"I-I," she stammered. Her eyes not even darting to meet his.

Noah took another step, "Answer me, damn it!”

The noise from Noah's shout quickly attracted each and every student's attention, including the principals. Instead of calling out, they watched with confusion as the situation played out.

Twilight's pupils seemed to enlarge, and Noah felt every hair on his body stand tall as a bright crack appeared from the compass. The Rainbooms took a step back and stared in horror.

Feeling immediately threatened with no other choice, Noah drew his father's gift from his back pocket and aimed down his sights at Twilight. His vision pulsing similar to when he witnessed the dimension of Equestria.

He shouted again, "Twilight, you shut that thing closed or I'll blast your fuckin' head off!"

It was at this point that everyone's wonder quickly turned to panic when they spotted the chrome handgun. They knew magic was odd and unpredictable, but a gun had only one purpose.

Luna hastily stepped in front of both Dean Cadence and her sister and shouted out. Quickly switching to defense mode. "Rictorshine! You put that thing away right now or so help me!"

Noah held his sights on Twilight whose hands began to tremble and her eyes twitched somewhat. She didn't change her position though. Instead, she raised the top higher, and Noah heard the crackle and thunder of lightning above.

"Rictorshine! You fire that thing, I'll have you expelled and arrested! Holster the weapon imme-"

"Shut the fuck up! Twilight! Drop it! Now!"

Principal Cinch scoffed, disgusted. "How repulsive! Canterlot Highschool not only uses vulgar language and cheats with magic to win, but when a counter makes itself known, they draw weaponry?! How utterly revolting!"

Twilight's hands only raised by half an inch within every moment, and Noah couldn't handle the pressure and tension. He needed to stop her. She wasn't going to herself. Noah cursed under his breath and stood his ground. With careful ease, Noah pulled the trigger.

*Click!*

"...What?"

*Click Click!*

"No."

*Click Click Click!*

"No."

*Click Click Click Click!*"

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!"

*Click Click Click Click Click Click Click Click!*

Noah felt his heart hit a truck. "M-My magazine, i-it's empty... why is it empty? I-It shouldn't be empty! H-How's it empty!? I-I don't, h-h-how, t-this doesn't make any s-sense! I-I get ammo every... every... every..."

"Ya got a spare? "

"No..."

"Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare?"

"Every..."

"Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare? Ya got a spare?"

"Ya got a spare?"

"Thursday..."

Noah dropped the gun. The schools fell silent with the thud. The principals felt their eyes widen. Applejack removed her stetson. Rarity grew even whiter. Fluttershy felt tears begin to well in her eyes. Pinkie Pie froze. Sunset ran both hands through her hair. Rainbow Dash... began to whistle nervously.

"Rainbow!"

*Shine!*

Noah took a step back as he watched in dread. Twilight had opened the compass wholly and a bubble of magic and blinding light blew everyone away in an explosive shockwave of magic.

The magic released from the compass began to twist reality at will like a palm tree in a hurricane. Noah felt like he was in the middle of the desert, then in the north pole, then in the Atlantic ocean, and then Mount Everest.

The colors of reality began to distort and black became white. White became black, and the opposite of every color flashed back and forth through multiple shockwaves. Noah felt his vision fade in and out. Backward and forward.

As the shockwaves past, Noah found himself on his back next to Sunset. The structure of the school looked like it had been hit by miniature cars in all places, and half the students had fallen unconscious. Including Pinkie Pie.

Noah laid his eyes on Twilight and found her slowly being enveloped by a bright sphere of purple and white magic. The compass dropped onto the floor with a clatter, and Twilight bared the magic in her hands.

Principal Cinch and the students of Crystal Prep stared in terror. Some on the bleachers were shaking their classmates, begging them to wake up out of fear. Some did, but only some.

Noah shortly stood up and pulled Sunset up by her shoulders, "Get everyone out of here, now!"

"Where do we go?! She'll kill us all!"

"Take everyone to the movie theater and pray! I'm gonna hold off Twilight for as long as I can!"

"That's suicide! She absorbed the portal! She'll tear you in half!"

"What other choice do we have Sunset?! I have to try!"

"Noah, but-"

"Go!"

"But I love-"

"Sunset, if you don't get the fuck out of here, I'm gonna kill you! Go!"

Terrified for Noah and her home, Sunset sprinted to the other Rainbooms. She reached them and promptly explained the situation and they instantly worked on getting everyone away from the school and to the theater. Pinkie Pie in Applejack’s arms. Twilight was still being enveloped, but her screams began to pierce the ears of all as the magic enfolded her arms.

Noah pulled his necklace from out of his shirt as thousands of students ran past him. Screaming and crying in unadulterated horror. He cursed himself as some students were still left behind, some even looked dead as blood poured down the bleachers with still bodies close by.

Noah's eyes began to water as he heard the last words of Twilight Sparkle. He increased his grip on his necklace and closed his eyes. Noah's eyes began to water as he heard the last yet fateful words of Twilight Sparkle.

"Help...me... ahhhhh!"