Chapter Seven: Second Day of Competition

The next morning Pinkie and I woke up early enough that, while Rainbow was still asleep, we were able to sneak away for an early morning shower together. Rainbow was never a morning person in either world apparently. So, Pinkie wanted to take a shower with me this morning. And not a hot and steamy let's get it on type of shower either but one where we would simply take our time with one another. Where we would take our time washing each other in the shower as a time to simply enjoy each other's company. To enjoy each other's touch. So, that's where we were right now. Both of us were in the hot shower with me sitting on a little seat with my head resting comfortably against Pinkie's ample breasts while my arms were around her waist and my hands lightly rubbing against each butt cheek. Meanwhile, she was humming contently while washing my hair. It was almost euphoric in a way. And dang near putting me back to sleep.

While she washed me there was no need to get each other off, so to speak. No, this morning was to simply enjoy each other's touch. To feel the slow loving care that I took with her and how she took care of me. Each touch was filled with love and care for each other. Because of that, we didn't have to say how much we cared for each other because we said so with our hands. And the light kisses we each placed on the other all over each other's body. She told me that as she carefully preened my wings. And as she washed my hair while my head rested on her breasts with me placing light lazy kisses against them.

I relished the chance when it was my turn. This time she was the one that was sitting down and resting her head against my chest as I washed her hair. Slow, lovingly, and with care, I washed her body. She giggled and playfully wiggled her butt after I gave it a couple of light playful slaps. She closed her eyes and hummed contently while my soap-covered hands glided around and over her plump luscious breasts. Each round luscious curve of those beautiful orbs was mine alone to explore and love. Her eyes were still closed with a wide smile on her face as I worked my way slowly down her stomach. Then letting out a slow soft moaning sigh of contentment as I washed her lower lips. With each stroke and with each kiss I wanted to tell her how special she was to me. After we were done, we started doing that all over again while drying each other off.

Pinkie dried me off first, then it was my turn to dry her off. It was when I was drying her off that Rainbow finally woke up and walked into the bathroom. Both of us were stifling our mirth at how Rainbow was walking in like it was the morning of the walking dead. Her eyes were only half-open as she slowly stumbled into the bathroom with a low soft moan that would make any zombie proud. Her hand came up to shield her eyes right after she walked in and complained, "Too bright," before groaning her way into the tub slash shower. I was surprised that there was any hot water left after how long we took.

One thing to remember about Pinkie's tub shower is the completely see-through shower curtain. And after watching Rainbow put her hands on the wall putting her head under the surprisingly still hot water, I looked over at Pinkie because she wiggled her eyes at me with a wicked mischievous look in her eyes. At first, I had no clue what she had in mind. However, when she started reaching into the shower toward the hot and cold knobs, I got a pretty good idea. So, while she was reaching into the front, I snuck in behind Rainbow while being careful not to make a sound. Or at least not much of one. Right after getting in place, Pinkie turned off the hot water.

Rainbow's reaction was quick and immediate. With a sudden shriek of a shout, she backed up right into me. And that was my cue to wrap my arms around her and walk us right back into the water. "What are you doing?! Don't you dare!" Rainbow nearly shouted as I pushed her toward the ice-cold water.

She didn't stand a chance as I pushed her back into the water while rapidly saying to her, "Why good morning, Rainbow. Why don't you start off with an ice-cold morning shower?" And that wasn't all. Pinkie pulled back the shower curtain just enough to lean in, take the showerhead off its rest, and pointed it toward Rainbow. With all the cold water washing over her shocked body, thanks to Pinkie, Rainbow was now shocked enough to keep still just long enough for my hands to quickly rub all over her front. From neck to crotch, my hands were quickly spreading the cold water while Rainbow was trying to wiggle away. I didn't let her and trapped her between my hands and my body while rapidly saying, "Yes, there's nothing like an ice-cold shower to jump start your day, not to mention your heart." I paused just long enough to put my hand over her left small breast. Meanwhile, she also paused in all her wiggling to glare at me with an intensity that would put the fear in the hearts of lesser men. Then immediately continued after patting her breast. "Yep, definitely doing your heart good."

She had stopped trying to wiggle away at this point and was simply glaring up at me. Her body had started shivering at this point while I never stopped talking and continued talking while sounding like Pinkie on a sugar rush. When I thought that her front was now thoroughly wet, I grabbed the soap.

And that's when she reached up, grabbed my hair, and brought my head down where she growled in my ear as her voice shivered as much as her body did. "If y-you don't t-turn on t-the hot w-water, I'll c-cock bl-block y-you for a y-year."

Luckily, Pinkie turned on the hot water without hesitation with a hearty, "Well, I think that Rainbow is wide awake now, so we'll just warm her up a bit." Which my dick is thankful for and made a mental note to thank Pinkie later. And to make sure I was still on her good graces, I went ahead and washed her like I did Pinkie.

^_^

Because of the great job I did with her, Rainbow said that she wouldn't cock block me. After thanking her with a passionate kiss, I rushed out of the bathroom and back into the bedroom because my phone was ringing. "Good morning, Rarity," I greeted warmly after picking up the phone and seeing who was calling.

Good morning, darling, Rarity's sweet voice came rolling out of the phone with that tone of voice that just screamed that she's about to ask me something that I wouldn't like. I'm so looking forward to tonight. Reminding me about tonight. Possible consequence maybe? But I need you to do something for me.

"And what would that be?" I asked warily as Pinkie and Rainbow walked into the room and started dressing in front of me like a reverse stripper.

I want you to talk to Sunset Shimmer.

I dang near hung up the phone on her. However, I took a breath, put the phone on speaker, and sat down in the chair next to the small table underneath the window. "Why?"

Because you have been avoiding her and we all think that it's time that the both of you talk about it.

"We?" After asking that very simple question, I watched Pinkie and Rainbow walk around the bed to the side of the bed I was sitting near and sat down on the bed. Rainbow was already dressed in her sports bra and shorts while Pinkie was wearing a white t-shirt and pink skirt. And because Pinkie's nipples were trying to poke through the shirt, it was obvious that she wasn't wearing a bra and probably wasn't wearing panties either. At least the skirt went past her knees.

"Look...stud," Rainbow said slowly after she sat down and leaned forward resting her hands on her legs. "We all agree that what she did and tried to do was wrong. And we also know that it was very personal to you. We get it. But she's turned over a new leaf and she's not the same person she was."

"Fred?" Pinkie was next and she spoke in a contemplative tone of voice that she rarely uses with a serious look in her eyes to match. "She really has changed. We're not asking you to immediately forgive her because we know that it will take time for you. But we are asking you to at least talk to her and maybe acknowledge that she really has changed for the better."

Please, Fred? Do it for us?

Or probably not spend some time with Rarity tonight. That was the next thought that ran through my mind. That was the understood notion after reading between the lines. And even though I didn't like the subtle push, after looking between them, I finally said, "Alright, I'll talk with her." Smiles appeared on their faces until I held up a finger, "However, I make no promises. As you said, it's personal for me. And I'm also a prince from another country and she has been banished from those lands. So, I'm also seeing her as per my position from that other country."

There was a long sigh from the phone, Well, I guess that will have to do. If you three wouldn't mind coming to the school right now? We'll be playing just before lunch against Trixie's band and we'll need to practice while Fred talks with Sunset.

And that's what we did. I quickly got dressed in my shorts and shoes then we all got into Pinkie's car and headed over. Once there, Rarity, AJ, Fluttershy, and Sunset were waiting for us. The look in Sunset's eyes told me that she didn't want to talk either which was fine with me. However, the look from the others told me that it was definitely going to happen anyway.

"Alright, y'all. The first order of business is to get Fred and Sunset in a room."

It was how AJ said it that had me smirking at her while crossing my arms over my chest. And with mischief clearly in my eyes, I felt my inner asshole rear its ugly head by saying to her, "We're not there yet, thank you."

Rainbow was laughing her guts out while Pinkie and Fluttershy were both giggling. AJ and Rarity, not so much. Both were all but glaring at me while Sunset looked away with a straight face with a blush on her face that was quickly growing beet red.

"Fred!" she nearly screamed at me in protest, looking like she could spit nails. But she calmed down when Rarity gently touched AJ's arm with one of her disarming smiles.

Then Rarity stepped up to me, put both of her hands on my cheeks, lowered my head down for a gentle kiss, and then looked up at me with half-lidded bedroom eyes then said something that was totally contradictory to the sweet alluring voice. "Fred? Know that I love you with all my heart but if you say something like that again-"

"Oh come on, Rares," Rainbow interrupted while trying to keep her laughter under control. "Lighten up. That was too good not to say something. She left it so wide open, if Fred didn't say anything, I would have." Then less than a heartbeat later, she walked over to me and started pushing me toward Sunset. "But yeah, we need to get the both of you on talking terms with one another." I just let her lead me toward Sunset and once we were close enough, Rainbow started pushing her too. With the rest of the girls behind us, Rainbow pushed us both toward the school, then into the school, and then toward the first empty classroom. "Alright you two, I want to hear some chatter out of the both of you." She looked serious too as she shut the door behind us.

"First off, it wasn't my idea," was the first thing out of her mouth after I turned to her. The room we were in was a typical high school room with three rows of desk chairs with a teacher's desk, chair, and whiteboard at the front. She picked a desk nearby, put her backpack on it, and sat down. "I know that you don't like me and want nothing to do with me because of everything that I've done. Because of that, I don't blame you. Matter of fact, I'm still surprised that you didn't kill me on the spot but chose instead to banish me here. I'm thankful for that. Which is why I've been trying to simply stay out of your way."

I gave her a nod while leaning against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest, "You're right so far. They want us on speaking terms at least because they say you've changed. Quite frankly, I don't know and to be totally honest I'm not sure if I care actually. This is your punishment and as far as I know, there's no way for you to gain any magic here, so your life is what you make it."

"I understand," she said softly with a somber look but still with a thankful one on her face. Then looked up at me with curiosity in her eyes. "But why did you spare me and simply banish me here?"

It took me a minute to figure out how much to tell her, or to tell her at all. Finally, I looked over at her saying simply, "It was a request." She had an "O" look on her face as she sat back at the desk in slight shock. "I decided to honor it."

She was still curious when she asked, "Will you tell me who requested it?" I just shook my head. "Oh, ok. Well then, thank you again for sparing my life even if you only did it because it was requested of you."

"You're welcome." Right after I finished saying that, the journal started vibrating in her backpack. So, we paused as she reached in, took it out, and started to read. Then without a word, she handed it over to me. What I read was a little troubling.

My Sunshine Boy,

Normally I don't try and bother you with what's happening in the Equestrian Council. However, ever since the trouble we've had with them lately, I've had some of the members monitored in case we got wind of some questionable dealings. It's small but might be significant. I think that some of the stun guns have gone missing.
It could be nothing but I'm having it looked into.

There was enough of a pause there for me to write in, so I took out the pen from within the bookbinding and wrote down, Really? I hummed in thought while also writing them down. Hopefully it's just a clerical error. Otherwise, the worst-case scenario is that somepony is planning on making some new, and possibly dangerous weapons. They may be built for stunning only but that doesn't mean they can't be modified. It didn't occur to me before but if somepony was smart enough they could use those as a platform for a pistol that kills.

Hopefully you're right that it's just a clerical error but I'll keep an eye on it. How are you and how are things?

Sunset was keeping quiet as she sat at the desk as I wrote my reply. The human Twilight and Adagio are up to something and Vice-Principal Cadence is nearly powerless to stop them. Adagio went to Principal Cinch and I'm pretty sure that Cinch wants Twilight to finish her research so the school could possibly benefit from it. That's just a guess since Cadence can hardly talk to Twilight right now due to Cinch blocking her. It's a waiting game and you know how I hate waiting for something to happen.

I didn't hear the girls outside and when I peeked through the door's window they weren't there, so it appeared that they went to a practice room. Just be careful, my sunshine boy. Luna and I can't wait to see you again when you get back.

With a smile, I wrote back, Tell you what, after things are stable here, Aunt Luna, You, and I will have a night to ourselves. What do you say?

I think that's a great idea. You're probably busy, so you can hand the journal back to Sunset, I'd like to talk with her.

Alright, Mother. Love you.

Love you too, my sunshine boy.

With that done, I put the pen back into the bookbinding, folded it back up, and stepped over to Sunset's desk. "Thanks, Mother wants to talk with you," I told her and put down the journal in front of her. "I'm going to check on the girls." And I left her there while she wrote in the journal talking with Mother. Immediately after walking out of the room, I realized that they didn't tell me where they were practicing. Then again, they shouldn't be hard to find considering how relatively empty the school is right now with only so many places that they could practice. The band room was my first stop because that was the most logical. Mom and Aunt Luna were, more than likely, judging bands in the Concert Hall, so I didn't have to go looking for them. However, I did run into Vinyl as I searched for the girls. We were in the westmost hallway that led to the band room.

Vinyl took off her shades for me, giving me a wide inviting smile, "Hey, what's up dude?" I stopped in front of her, looking down at her with a smile of my own. She's kind of like the Pinkie Pie of music in that she could always bring a smile to my face. I was about to greet her but she stopped me when she gave me a condescending punch in the chest. "You still haven't explained about that pink wing of yours."

"Oh, sorry," I apologized then extended my pink wing for her to take a closer look at. "I think it's fairly obvious that I got my wing in the other world. And in that other world there's another you, another Vinyl Scratch that's also a DJ. Just like there's another Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and nearly everyone in this school." Her eyes widened when I told her that but remained silent as I continued. However, she did lean in to take a closer look at my pink wing and even ran a hand over the main bone. "Just like there's another Cadence in that world like the Vice-Principal Cadence of Crystal Prep. It was the Cadence in that other world that gave me this Pink wing after we entered into a committed relationship."

"How does that even happen?" she asked while carefully running her fingers through my feathers.

"Magic, naturally." She lightly punched me again after rolling her eyes.

"Can you fly?" she asked while looking up at me with a pleading and hopeful expression. Right off, I knew what she was really asking.

I smiled and gave her a nod. "Yeah, I can and I'd be happy to give you a ride a little later. The girls are playing against Trixie in about an hour or so. So, maybe join us for lunch where I can fly you there maybe?"

"Heck, yeah. A chance to go flying is something I'm not going to pass up." The look in those beautiful red eyes was the same look that Rainbow gave me when I told her the same thing.

"I'll call you when we beat Trixie. I don't even know what plans they have for today."

"Alright." There was a smirk that spread across her face and a lustful look in her eyes as those eyes roamed up and down my body. "After giving me a ride, maybe I could ride you?" Today she was wearing her white short sleeve shirt that zipped up in the front with a matching white skirt and long skin-tight purple stretching pants underneath. She surprised me when she started lowering the zipper, "After all, I decided to follow Fluttershy's and Pinkie's lead." My eyes were immediately drawn to her expanding shirt and the apparent lack of a bra underneath. My body was already starting to respond as she reached down with her other hand, grabbed mine, then raised it up and then inside her shirt placing my palm against her breast. "And not wear any underwear." I couldn't help but gently squeeze her soft luscious orb in my hand. Her breast was bigger than my hand and I enjoyed feeling how soft and full it felt. She must use moisturizer because her skin felt so soft and a real joy to feel, touch, and caress. We've always been close friends sure but not sexually intimate. So, this was a surprise move for her. One that I wasn't exactly complaining against.

While still looking up at me with those half-lidded red bedroom eyes, she put one hand against mine and gave it a little squeeze. Then lowered the other to the growing tent in my shorts, pressing her hand against me firmly. "What do you say?" I was so lucky that we were the only ones in the long hallway. Because even though I didn't know what to say, my fingers knew what to do. I brought a couple of fingers to her hard nipple and gently squeezed them while giving it a little twist. Her eyes were still looking up at me when she closed her eyes and softly moaned her approval. "I'll take that as a yes," her voice was soft but filled with a lustful glee as her hand squeezed against my now hard cock in my shorts. "So, give me a call, dude," she said then stepped back, removing her hand from my crotch, and my hand being removed from within her shirt. Then she zipped up her shirt and started walking past me with a gentle pat against my crotch.

So, now I was walking down the hallway to the band room with a tent in my shorts that looked like my dick was pointing the way. By the time I got to the band room, where the girls were, my body had calmed down enough. It was easy enough to tell they were in the band room by the familiar song they were playing. It was Shine Like Rainbows. Perfect song for the competition against Trixie. It was just ending as I opened the doors and walked in. "I think that's the perfect song to play against Trixie."

"Yay," Fluttershy cheered softly while clapping her hands together looking happy to see me. All of them were on the slightly raised portion of the floor near the back wall. And while each had varying degrees of smiles on their faces when I walked in, Rarity's look was more reserved.

"Did you talk with Sunset?" Rarity questioned me while her eyes looked over at me with a firm look in them.

"Yes and we have come to an understanding," I said honestly, though I didn't go into details. Hopefully, I won't have to either.

Rarity narrowed her eyes at me with a slight hum as I walked across the room. "I suppose that will have to do."

"Yeah, I think we'd win against Trixie no matter what we played," Rainbow smirked while unplugging her guitar from the amp as AJ and Rarity did the same.

"Just don't get cocky and you'll be fine," I told them where they immediately started giggling at me. It took me a couple of seconds to figure out why and when I did, I slowly nodded my head with an amused smirk. "I get it."

"Where's Sunset?" AJ wondered while slinging her bass guitar over her shoulder.

I watched the girls slung their guitars, or keytar in Rarity's case, over their shoulders as they prepared to leave the band room. "I left her in the classroom as she talked with Mother through the journal. Mother wanted to talk with her." When the girls didn't say anything, I sighed and shook my head slightly in frustration. "Look, girls... I know you want me to be friendly with Sunset because you think that she's turned over a new leaf. She very well may have but for right now, I just simply can't do it. It's too personal. I'll be civil, of course. But for now, that's as much as I can do."

It was Pinkie that spoke first as she stood up from her drums, put her drumsticks in her hair, walked around the girls, and then walked up to me giving me a big hug. "It's alright, Freddie Weddie. We understand that it's going to take time." Kissed me lightly on my lips then turned around pressing her back up against me and grabbed my hands to wrap around her waist.

AJ stepped down from the raised stage and up to us, "Having gone through something like that, feelings can't be changed overnight. I went through the same thing when my folks were killed." Her eyes were filled with understanding for what I was feeling and remorse for the memories that got turned up in her own mind. "You were there." A slow nod at her was my response to that.

"And you are giving her a chance," Rarity had her keytar slung over her shoulder as well when she stepped off the platform and walked over to us. And gave me a smile when she said, "And we are proud of you for your decision and glad that you chose banishment over...the ultimate punishment."

Just then the door opened and the object of our discussion walked in. "Principal Celestia is calling for us. We're up and Trixie is about to play," she said with her backpack slung over a shoulder.

"Alright!" Rainbow thrust a hand up into the air and started marching toward the door. "Let's go kick Trixie's butt."

^_^

Sunset joined me backstage while Trixie was playing, so we patiently waited for both bands to finish. We beat Trixie, although I agree with Rainbow that it didn't seem hard to me. Especially when she played the same song as last time. Which, according to my mom, was one of the reasons why she didn't win this round because a good band would be able to play more than one song. Needless to say, Trixie wasn't happy about the outcome and immediately started claiming that the Rainbooms won was simply because of me. That argument didn't work, naturally and so she wound up stomping off the stage in an angry huff.

With Trixie out of the way, it was time for lunch. And with that, I took out my phone to text Vinyl.

You: Hey Vinyl, we beat Trixie and we're breaking for lunch at Sugarcube Corner. Meet me out front and I'll fly you there.

"Who are you texting?" Rainbow asked as she and the girls walked off the stage to where I was standing off to the side.

I looked up with a smile as they approached. "Vinyl, she wanted me to fly her to Sugarcube Corner where we're having lunch. It's still on isn't it?"

"Yepperooni," Pinkie skipped over giving me a quick kiss. "Don't worry about a thing. I've got everything there for us to have a great lunch."

"The Cakes don't mind?" Sunset asked, her voice sounding curious and cautious.

"Nope," Pinkie shook her head with a happy laugh, "not as long as I don't use the equipment and only my own stuff, I can use the space. So, it will be fine with it being just us."

Vinyl: Isn't that closed because the Cakes are away?

You: Yep but Pinkie lives on the top floor, she's got everything we need for lunch, so it will be just as downstairs. She's allowed to use it for personal things as long as it's small and not using any of the equipment.

Vinyl: Awesome! All to ourselves, huh? 😉 That gives me some ideas. What are we having?

You: Sandwiches and potato salad.

Vinyl: 😋 Be right there.

Rainbow was leaning in to watch while I texted her then cheered when Vinyl texted back. "Alright! She's in, let's go." And while the others giggled at her antics, Rainbow grabbed my arm and started pulling me toward the door. "I'm getting hungry."

Once in front of the school, the girls got into their separate cars and headed to an empty Sugarcube Corner. I felt sorry for Sunset as she was riding with Rainbow. So, I waited for Vinyl. Unfortunately, someone else was also waiting for me. She was able to hide behind a large bush by the front steps out of sight until the girls left. And only then did she step out from behind the bush and start using a magic draining device on me. Of course, I didn't know that until the device was already quickly draining me, and then turned around to see her holding it in her hand.

"It's working!" Twilight cheered with an excited grin that sent shivers up and down my spine. And it was then that I noticed the crude-looking device she was holding. It looked like a large version of a locket but was crammed with tech with a light that was starting to pulse inside of it. And I would have run over to grab it from her and smash it but for one problem. The world started to spin around me. I was getting dizzier by the second the longer that blasted device drained me. "Wow! You have a lot of that thaumic radiation...or magic as you call it."

"Stop..." I mumbled as my voice slurred slightly because of how dizzy I was. Couldn't even stand anymore but fell to the ground as the world spun faster around me. "You...don't know...what you're...doing."

At this point, all I could hear was her voice and by the tone, in her voice, I could almost see her eyes rolling in her head. "That's what experimentation and research are for," there was an oh please tone in her voice while she walked closer to me as I now lay on the ground while struggling to look in any one direction because I was soo dizzy. "And all that made this little energy collector possible. And after collecting the energy from your friends, I'll be able to see if Adagio and I will be able to use it for ourselves. Because this will also transmit the energy directly to the user."

"Don't do it," I tried telling her, pleading with her. "That's dangerous... Don't let Adagio...absorb magic." I was beginning to pass out as the world started getting dark. The only thing I could see at this point was Twilight standing over me, silhouetted against a blue sky. "All she wants...is power."

I heard her scoff at that idea. "There's nothing wrong with power. I felt how powerful I could become in that other world if I had the knowledge. And I want to understand it all and Adagio is willing to help me."

And then I passed out.

^_^
"Fred? Fred?!" I wasn't sure how long I was out but it probably wasn't long because I thought Vinyl was trying to wake me up. I recognized her voice but it sounded distant and faint. After what felt like forever, I was finally able to fully wake up and look up at her concerned red eyes. "Fred? Are you alright? I chased off Twilight but what was she doing to you? Why? And why was she wearing a Crystal Prep uniform?" She had to help me sit up because I still felt weak but at least the world wasn't spinning anymore. She was on her knees beside me while steadying me with her hands, one on my back and one on my chest.

"That wasn't the Twilight that you knew from before," I told her with my voice sounding tired, as if I had just woken up and was still drowsy. "That's the human Twilight of this world. And she goes to Crystal Prep. Adagio went over there because Twilight is researching Equestrian magic. I'm surprised that she's already created a crude device that started draining me of my magic. And she wants to do it to the other girls as well." She looked at me in total shock with her mouth hanging open so wide that if this was a cartoon her jaw would be on the ground. "We all tried talking her out of it but it didn't work. Aria left and Sonata is back in Equestria."

Vinyl helped me stand up but when I did the world started spinning again. "Careful, dude," she cautioned, letting me lean on her as I put an arm around her shoulders. "I take it the flight has been canceled?" she asked with a little chuckle.

It worked and brought a smile to my face as I looked down at her, "Yeah, afraid so. She's got to be stopped but I'm not sure what we can do. We need to take your car and get over there to warn them."

"Let's go, dude." Vinyl helped me to her car, which I always thought was cool looking, like her. I might have been walking but it was slow going because I still felt weak with the world threatening to spin on me if I walked too fast or got up too quickly.

After I was in the car and we were underway, I sat there with my eyes closed and mumbling to myself as she drove. "I never expected her to create something this soon, this quickly. It was obvious that she wanted to do something and could detect my magic. But this quickly? I didn't think that this world had sophisticated electronics advanced enough to do what it actually did. I thought we had more time. God, how stupid I was."

"Dude, you're not stupid," she chastised me with heat in her voice. "Don't beat yourself up. I doubt even Twilight that we know could have seen this coming. The question is: What can we do now?"

I noticed her turn on the street that Sugarcube Corner is on and sped down the road toward it. "Good question." After my hand landed on my phone, I pulled it out and dialed mom. "But I have to let Mom know about this." She was probably judging bands still but she also knew that I wouldn't call her unless it was an emergency. And this certainly counted.

Fred? What is it? Is something wrong? Her voice sounded concerned because she knew I wouldn't call unless it was an emergency. I didn't hear any band playing in the background, so it was either between bands or she paused everything. Either way, she was worried simply because I called her when she was busy.

"Yes, Twilight of Crystal Prep showed up with a crude device that drained me of my magic."

She what? Are you alright? I heard Aunt Luna ask what was going on in the background with some sounds coming from the stage.

"I got dizzy before passing out when she was draining me. Now, I just feel weak. The girls went ahead to Sugarcube Corner for lunch and we're almost there to warn them. Other than that, I feel alright. Just weak." She pulled into the parking lot and parked next to Rainbow's sports car. "Now I know how the other ponies felt like when Tirek drained them of their magic." Vinyl looked over at me in confusion where I just shook my head slightly, letting her know that I would tell her later. She shut off her car, got out, and walked over to my side.

At least you're alright physically, right?

I was able to open the door but Vinyl still had to help me out of the car some. Felt a little embarrassing actually, as if I was eighty years old or something. "Yeah, I'm mostly alright. We're at Sugarcube Corner, so I need to call Vice-Principal Cadence and let her know what happened."

Alright son, be careful and let me know.

"I will, Mom," I told her then hung up the phone and put it back in my pocket as Vinyl helped me up to the front door of the cafe.

"Vice-Principal Cadence?" she questioned as she opened the door and helped me inside.

"Yes, Cadence is on our side on this and she needs to know what happened," I said as we walked in and got the attention of the rest of the girls. They all stood from their place around the nearby table as we walked in. Every eye, now on me and filled with worry.

"Tarnation, Fred! You look like you're ready to pass out," AJ said as she quickly walked around the table and up to my other side. Then helped me to the nearest seat for me to sit down. Which so happened to be the one that Fluttershy vacated for me.

"Fred, darling, what happened?" Rarity asked as I was helped into Fluttershy's seat where she then sat down in my lap while Pinkie went to the kitchen. I think she did that for two basic reasons. One was to get a good look at me considering she does have some emergency medical experience. The other, I'd imagine was simply to sit in my lap. She did, however, start looking me over while taking a minute to look at my now limp wings.

"Twilight happened," I said simply as AJ walked over to her seat and sat down again with the girls scooting aside, so Vinyl can sit on the other side of me opposite from Rarity. "She's already created a crude device that drained me of my magic enough for me to get dizzy then pass out."

"I chased this other Twilight wearing a Crystal Prep uniform away from him after seeing him passed out on the ground," Vinyl filled in as Pinkie put a can of Coke in front of me.

"Thanks," I said to her, though it was for all of them and not just Pinkie.

"But how?" was Sunset's shocked question. She was staring at me with wide eyes filled with shock, awe, and disbelief. "I didn't think this world's technology was even capable of draining magic no matter how much research Twilight did. And how did she create something that could even do so, in such a short time?"

I shrugged a little with a slight shake of my head as I held Fluttershy with one arm. Meanwhile, Fluttershy reached over, popped open the can for me, and made sure I didn't drop it while taking a sip from it. Which I gave her a grateful smile for it. "I didn't either," I told her then pulled out my phone from my pocket with my free arm and put it on the table. "But I need to check in with Cadence. She needs to know what happened." After dialing her phone number, I put the phone on speaker as it rang.

Hello?

"Cadence? It's Fred. I'm at Sugarcube Corner with the girls and you're on speaker right now. I need to know if you know where Twilight is? She was just at our school and used a device on me that drained me of my magic. And she wants to do it to the others."

Oh no, are you alright?

"I'm weak, Cadence. Like a ninety-year-old man weak," I said to her through the phone. "But right now, forget about me. You need to find Twilight and Adagio. Find them and see if Twilight has used her device to give magic to Adagio. Twilight said that she could use the device to give magic to her."

I'll try, she told me with an unsure voice. And I knew why she was unsure. It was because she wasn't sure how to go about finding out because how she was being blocked at every turn. As you know, Twilight isn't talking to me anymore. I heard her loud sigh even over the phone. It spoke of a broken heart. Every time she sees me, she turns and walks away.

"Surely there's someone you can talk to," Rarity suggested aloud.

I could try talking to her brother, Shining Armor. Persuade him to find out because I'm sure he's concerned about his sister. She hasn't been the same since Adagio started talking to her.

"Thanks, Cadence. I know you'll do what you can. Now that the device exists, and I'm sure that Twilight is giving Adagio all, or most, of the magic that she stole from me, both worlds are now in danger." When I said that, all of them got very concerned and had somber looks on their faces.

You're welcome, Fred. I'll call you back when I have word. And she hung up.

"Is there anything we can do?" Rainbow asked then motioned to me with a wave of her hand. "Look what she did to Fred. And she wants to do the same for us? Hell no to that."

Rarity took Rainbow's hand and slowly lowered it to the table with patience written all over her face. "I agree with you on the sentiment, Rainbow. However, what do you expect us to do? March into the school and destroy it ourselves?"

"If we have to," Rainbow agreed with a little heat and frustration in her voice. I felt the same way. However...

"Even if we did, Rainbow, Twilight would still make another and then another," Sunset put in with a look of contemplation on her face. "Crystal Prep, at large, doesn't know anything about magic. They don't know the danger."

My hands shook a little as I put down the Coke can. "I could tell that Adagio has gotten to Twilight. Twilight might have been researching magic purely out of curiosity but not any longer. When Twilight went to Equestria she felt, and I quote, 'How powerful I could become.' Adagio was able to use that to get Twilight to want more power like Adagio does. It's not about research and curiosity anymore. Twilight wants power, just like Adagio. And she's created a device to do just that. She said that her device can give both her and Adagio the magic that she stole from me."

Fluttershy was still in my lap and hugged me out of concern and worry for me. "Can you get it back somehow?"

"Well..." Sunset spoke slowly as she sat back in her chair in thought. "If we had the device, yes, he could get it back because Twilight said that it could also transmit magic. Not just take it. However, at the same time, it might not be necessary to get the device to restore his magic." Now all eyes were on her, even mine, as she continued to explain. "When a unicorn's magic is drained, it's similar to one of your cell phones running out of energy. When that happens, their magic will simply replenish naturally in Equestria."

"That wasn't the case with Tirek," I pointed out.

She gave me a short nod, acknowledging that. "Yes, but when he drains ponies, he drains them completely and drains them of their ability to replenish their magic. Thus leaving them permanently helpless. I don't think that's the case here, though. Not the way you described this device. It sounds like this device is working similarly to the way her gem works. If that is the case, then there's nothing to worry about because your magic would replenish naturally. It's unclear if yours would replenish here in this world though."

"So, all he needs is to return to Equestria, plug himself in, and then come back."

"Sounds like it, Pinkie," I chuckled at that. Pinkie could always give me a laugh when I needed it most. "However, even if I did that, there's nothing to stop her from doing it again. And again. And again." I felt Fluttershy's worry for me and this whole situation in how she hugged me. Her arms were around me and her head rested on my shoulder as if she would help protect me. My heart went out to her for that, even though there wouldn't be much she actually could do.

"Then we have to go over there and destroy it," Rainbow said again, this time with anger in her voice, and a pound of her fist on the table that made it shake slightly.

"Unless the Tree of Harmony can protect me from the device as she protected me from Tirek," I thought aloud as they were looking at me now. "When Tirek was loose he was going to drain the Tree of Harmony herself. So, she sought my help and gave me the temporary ability to keep Tirek from draining my magic. She has that ability naturally. It's a part of herself. However, she cautioned that the more powerful that Tirek got the easier it would have been for him to force his way through that innate protection."

"Could we get that same protection?"

"I honestly don't know, AJ," I shook my head a little at that.

"Well then, why don't you ask?" Sunset shrugged and offered. Then reached into her backpack, took out the journal, and shoved it across the table toward me. So, Fluttershy shifted in my lap a little and moved the journal enough that I could reach the table and start writing in it.

This is Fred. I need to speak with my mother, Aunt Luna, and Twilight. Human Twilight of Crystal Prep has already created a device that drained me of my magic.

"While you do that, I'm going to make our sandwiches," Pinkie announced, stood up, and skipped away happily toward the back.

"I'll help you," AJ then stood up and followed Pinkie, just without skipping or happily giggling away.

Things were a little quiet while AJ and Pinkie made the sandwiches, so while we waited for that and the journal, I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. And simply relaxed and enjoyed how Fluttershy felt in my arms and in my lap. Right now, I simply didn't know what to do. I could possibly go back temporarily to regain my strength and magic but there's nothing to stop her from doing it again. Especially during a fight, if it came to that. My thoughts were interrupted when the journal started vibrating.

My sunshine boy, are you alright? Fluttershy giggled softly when she read that.

I took it in stride while writing back in the journal, Other than feeling drained of my magic and feeling weak, like a ninety-year-old man, I'm fine. I'm thinking that it might be a good idea for me to cross over long enough for you, Aunt Luna, and Twilight to find out exactly how the device drained me and get my magic back. We think that by crossing over my magic should naturally return. That Twilight's device is acting as an electronic version of Adagio's gem.

Might be a good idea, Mother wrote back as I watched Pinkie and AJ return with the sandwiches and the potato salad. We should be able to get an idea of how it works by analyzing how it affected you.

Keep the journal nearby then because after we're done having lunch, I'll cross back over and find out how it works. Hopefully, there's a way to block it.

Alright, my sunshine boy. We'll be waiting.

"What did they say, darling?" Rarity asked as she began nibbling on her potato salad and water.

"That it's a good idea for me to cross back over long enough for my magic to return. And to let them analyze me to find out exactly how the device drained me, so we can fight against it better."

"Hey stud, could I-"

"No Rainbow, you can't go back so you can fly again," I smirked at her while cutting her off. She responded with a frustrated huff, grabbed her sandwich, and bit into it in frustration. Much to the amusement of the rest of the girls as they either smiled, smirked, giggled, or chuckled at her antics.

^_^

(A little over an hour later)

After we had a course of action, we settled down for a quiet lunch. A lunch that was still filled with talk and laughter. For a little bit, I could forget about everything that was happening outside and just enjoy this quiet lunch with the girls. Still with Fluttershy sitting in my lap and helping me eat. She said it was completely fine with her because she was also sharing my plate. It was great to just sit back, relax, and enjoy time with them.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. So, over an hour later, Vinyl and the rest of the girls followed me back to the portal. By this time, I was able to fully walk on my own while still feeling like I was at least eight years old. Mother, Aunt Luna, and Twilight were waiting for me on the other side after stepping through.

"My sunshine boy," Mother's voice shook just a little as she hugged me as soon as I emerged on the other side. Then led me to a sofa on the side of the portal room and sat me down between Twilight and Aunt Luna. While Twilight and Aunt Luna both turned toward me, activated their horns, and started scanning me. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the sofa while feeling Mother's concerned hands on my knees because she was kneeling in front of me. And for the next few minutes, I relished in the comfort of my mother's touch and the soft gentle sound of Twilight's and Aunt Luna's magic scanning me. During those few minutes, though, I could guess what they were going to say because my strength was already recovering.

Twilight's voice sounded soft and thoughtful as she told us her findings. "From what I can gather, her device isn't like Tirek where he steals your magic and the ability to regenerate. Here, it appears that the device simply drains you. Did you get the same, Luna?"

"Indeed, Twilight," Aunt Luna said with a grateful sounding voice.

That was echoed by the thankful sigh from my mother, "Thank the sun and moon."

"Thought it will take a little bit of time to fully recover."

"Yes, Aunt Luna," I confirmed to her then opened my eyes and smiled at her. "I can already feel my body recovering." To help prove it, and because I could now raise my arms freely now, I looked over at Twilight, raised my hand to her cheek, and then brung her in for a deep thankful kiss. "Thanks, Twilight. I love you."

She kissed back and whispered a grateful, "Love you, too."

"Thanks, Aunt Luna," I turned to her and kissed her cheek.

"Thou art welcome, nephew," she told me with a smile that said she was also thankful that I was recovering. "We are glad you will be alright."

"So am I. Now, I need to see if the Tree of Harmony can protect me from it?" Right after saying that is when I looked up and saw the Tree of Harmony herself appear behind Mother. She wasn't wearing anything like before and looking exactly like Twilight except for some purple-looking crystals on spots of her body with a glowing aura around her. Now, however, there was concern all over her face as she walked up behind my mother and gently put a hand on her shoulder. When mother turned her head to look, she slowly stood up with a look of awe on her face, and then stepped aside.

That look of silent awe was still on her face as the Tree of Harmony herself stepped up to me and knelt down in front of me just as Luna said, "You are the Tree of Harmony." It wasn't a question but a statement that held their feelings of awe and reference in it.

"Yes," was the only thing that Harmony said as she gently put her glowing hands on my knees with those beautiful concerned eyes now looking up at me.

"Can you protect my son from being drained again?" Mother asked, her voice filled with cautious hope.

The look in Harmony's eyes told me everything. She didn't know. Which was confirmed when Harmony said just that, "I don't know but I will try." While still looking up at me, I watched her hands glow and a warm magical feeling rushed through me. There was such a quick rush and influx of magic that it made me gasp a little as strength suddenly returned to me. She started to explain what she was doing. "I'm returning his magic. The method used to take it is different than Tirek. However, I'm giving him the same protection that I have." There was a hopeful smile on her face when she said, "This time, it's permanent."

I clenched my hands a couple of times as if waking them up from a deep slumber before reaching out and putting them on her cheeks. "Adagio got to Twilight somehow. Convinced her that it's all about power. It might have been about pure curiosity before but now all that is to an end. Power. She also said that her device can give the magic that she stole from me to Adagio. I don't know what's going to happen or if I can stop them without..." I trailed off my words as Harmony lifted a hand and gently put a finger to my lips.

"I know." That's all she said but it was the tone in her soft voice that told the sentiment behind those two simple words. That I might have no choice but to kill Adagio and maybe even the human Twilight. She knew that I didn't want to but that I might not have any other choice either. It was one of those silent moments between us.

"Two Twilight's?" which was broken when Sonata came walking in then stop halfway across the room when she saw that there were two Twilights with me. I wasn't all that surprised to see her but now might not be the best time either. I threw Twilight a cautious look as Harmony stopped what she was doing and stood up.

"I told Sonata that something happened to you, so she wanted to see you and get an update," she said a little sheepishly because the look on her face told me that she didn't know how Sonata would take it either. After a short sigh and a nod to Twilight, I stood up, stepped next to Harmony, and motioned Sonata over to us.

After Sonata walked up, I gently put my hand on her shoulder and motioned to Harmony. "Sonata, this is the Tree of Harmony."

Sonata's eyes went wide in what looked to be shock, awe, and even a little fear. Her mouth hung open as if she was going to say something but didn't. More than likely because she didn't know what to say considering her background as a siren.

"I'm pleased that you've chosen a peaceful path, Sonata," Harmony said to her, smiling.

"I...wanted to have a life...maybe even a family," she said while still looking a little nervous.

I think Harmony wanted to console her by gently touching Sonata's arm, "Then continue seeking peace and harmony and you will find it." She then turned toward me, pulled my head down, and kissed me. "Be careful."

"I'll try," I said softly to her then watched her turn and walk away. She teased me as she did by lifting her tail and ran it along my butt and waist while she faded away. Then nothing but silence as Sonata and I were still looking toward the place where she disappeared. So, I decided to break that silence. "Hey, Twilight?" There was a smirk on my face that she couldn't see as I asked that to get her attention.

"Yeah?"

There was a nice look of curiosity on her face when I turned my head to look at her. "You have a wonderful ass." That look changed to a mixed reaction of embarrassed shock that I would say something like that and confusion on if I was referring to her or the Tree of Harmony. I think it was such a change of gears that she didn't know what to say. However, I did know what to say to Sonata. I always did like the single ponytail look that she has her hair done up in. Her low v-cut front light blue purple striped dress wasn't bad either. The low front with her good-sized firm breasts made some great cleavage eye candy. "Sonata?" After getting her attention, I gently took her arms and simply told her, "Twilight of Crystal Prep has already created a device that drained me of magic. A device that she said is capable of giving that magic to Adagio. And she wants to drain the others as well. I'm afraid that Adagio is going to have to be stopped."

Resigned sadness came across her face while she mulled over that new information. I didn't want to put that sad look in her drooping eyes but it had to be said. We all knew that she needed a few seconds just to absorb the possibility. But there was also a look of understanding in her eyes as well when she looked back up at me.

"I'll try my best not to kill her unless it's the absolute last resort."

"I know," she said softly with a little bit of trembling in her voice. "Adagio was always the one who always came up with the plans. Always was the one that encouraged us to keep trying to get more and more power." She looked up at me with a small smile. "I am glad that you were able to convince Aria to quit but I'm not surprised that Adagio wouldn't want to."

A thought hit me and so I offered her this. "Sonata? I don't know when Twilight and Adagio will try something. But I think it's a safe bet that things could get bad really quick. Maybe you could offer her one last chance. To plead with her when it gets bad."

"That's not a bad idea," I heard from Twilight as she got up from the sofa walking over to us. "You could tell her everything you've been through here in Equestria."

"At least you could try," Mother encouraged while both she and Aunt Luna walked over as well.

"Indeed," Aunt Luna confirmed as well.

"Thank you. I think I'd like the chance to try at least," Sonata said while looking up at me with a grateful smile.

"Then we should get going," I told her before looking over at Mother, Aunt Luna, and Twilight. "Hate saying hello and running but..."

"I understand, my sunshine boy," Mother brought me in for a hug before giving me an exaggerated kiss on my cheek. "We'll have time to ourselves after this is all taken care of."

"Indeed, nephew," Aunt Luna agreed with a hug of her own.

Twilight, on the other hand, stepped up to me, and brought my head down for a deep passionate kiss. I felt her passion for me not only in the kiss but by the way she wrapped her arms around me and pulled my body against hers. It was satisfying to feel her against me, my arms around her, and feeling her breasts squished up against my chest. Too bad there was a dress between those beautiful luscious orbs and me. "Be careful?" it was a rhetorical one, naturally.

"You know me," I smirked slightly at that.

She smirked back, saying, "I know that's why I said it." Then added, "Just come back," to us as I led Sonata back through the portal back to the human world. The girls were still there when we walked through the other side and their reaction was immediate.

"Sonata!" almost all of them exclaimed simultaneously as they surrounded us. Most of their attention was around Sonata while wondering why I brought her back over. Especially after seeing that I looked recovered, the girls turned their attention to Sonata.

"While it is good to see you, and please don't take this the wrong way, darling, but why are you back here?" Rarity asked while her eyes trailed over the dress Sonata was wearing.

"Fred thought it might be a good idea for me to try and talk to Adagio again. And talk her out of whatever she has planned," Sonata responded, looking around at the girls with a look of appreciation at their welcome.

"Do you think it will help, sugarcube?"

"I don't know, but I want to try again. Maybe now that I've started a life for myself in Equestria, hopefully, she'll listen," Sonata shrugged with a look of uncertainty that clearly showed her doubts. Seeing the doubt in her eyes, both AJ and Pinkie put their arms around her.

"The only thing you can do is try." Every once in a while Pinkie will say something that shows there's more to her mind than silliness. This was one of those times, even though it wasn't earth-shattering profound.

"Why don't we go over there right now?" Rainbow questioned with a certain look in her eyes that told me she was just itching for a fight. The smile on her face now was the same look she got whenever she was facing the opposing team on the playing field. She might not have put her fist in her hand but the look on her face held the same sentiment.

"Rainbow Dash, if we do go over to Crystal Prep to confront Adagio and Twilight, could you please remember that we'd be there to stop a fight, not to start one?"

"Even though I agree with Rainbow's feelings on the matter," AJ added with a look toward Rainbow, "Rarity's right. Especially considering that both of them might already have magic already. And other than Fred here, there's no way us normal folk would be able to do anything against them. There's just no way we could fight against honest to goodness real magic."

Rainbow turned to face AJ as their competitive nature seems to have no end even in this. "So, we just don't try?" Rainbow questioned while nearly getting nose to nose with AJ.

AJ put her nose right up against Rainbow's. "No! What I'm saying, Rainbow Dash, is not start a fight that we might not be able to finish."

I held up a finger, "Correction. That I might not be able to finish." Right then, as if on cue, my cell phone rang. After taking it out of my pocket and looking at the screen, I noticed that it was Cadence calling. "Hold on, girls. Cadence is calling, so she might have news," I held up the phone for them to get them quiet while I took her call. "Hi, Cadence."

Oh, Fred, Cadence's voice came through the phone as the girls tried to listen as it wasn't on speaker this time, how are feeling?

Sonata was the closest, naturally, and the other girls were almost quite literally pressed up against me trying to listen in on the conversation. With a roll of my eyes, I lowered the phone and put it on speaker so the others could hear. All while giving them a "Is that better?" look. "I'm fine now. I crossed over into Equestria enough to recover."

That's good. I was worried that it might have been permanent. Cadence sighed before continuing again. I'm afraid that I still wasn't able to talk to Twilight or Adagio. Principal Cinch is now physically blocking me from the science wing. She'll either stand in front of the doors herself, or she'll get some of the students to physically block me.

While she was talking, I was watching Sonata's reaction. The look on her face told me everything I needed to know. "Cadence? There's still a chance that we can stop this before it gets worse. I've brought back Sonata, so she can try and speak to them. Come to the school and pick Sonata and me up. We'll give them one last chance."

Alright, I'm on my way. The tone in Cadence's voice was both nervous and hopeful before she hung up.

Then I looked at the disappointed looks on the girls. Each one of them had a look that said they clearly disagreed with my decision. I wasn't surprised to hear Rainbow speak up first and she was giving me quite the upset look too. "And just why are we not going?" If she was her counterpart, this would be the point where she would have snorted like a bull. She had the typical arms over her chest and eyes narrowed at me look about her.

My own look toward Rainbow was equally firm when I said, "Because, Rainbow, as AJ pointed out, there's no way you can defend yourself against magic. I might stand a chance against fighting my own magic but not you girls. I don't want to put you in danger."

"Um...I'm afraid that he's right," Sunset spoke up in my favor, which was a little surprising. "Remember that Twilight took his magic. That means Twilight and Adagio could possibly have all his abilities as well. As far as I know, there's no way we can withstand fire if they chose to use it."

"Perhaps we shouldn't go," Fluttershy offered softly.

"Girls?" Pinkie spoke up for the first time while putting a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. The look on her face was troubling. She was showing deep concern and worry. The type of worry that now worried me. "I think we should stay here. I'm getting the feeling that we'll just make it worse if we go."

AJ crossed her arms over her chest with an I told you so look at Rainbow. "That settles it for me."

Rainbow grumbled softly, "Fine," while giving both AJ and I a resigned disappointed look.

Fluttershy came up giving me a big hug, then looked up at me with a worried look of her own. "Be careful, alright?"

"Yeah, don't get killed or anything, sugarcube."

It was a couple of minutes later, after the girls expressed their worries and concerns, that Cadence showed up. I encouraged Sonata to sit in the front seat of Cadence's Dodge Series K car while I sat in the back. I know the girls wanted to come and I didn't blame them. However, I was immensely grateful for Pinkie speaking up the way she did. It also worried me about what could happen if they actually did come with me. Meanwhile, Cadence and Sonata were talking among themselves. I was initially surprised that Cadence knew Sonata then mentally slapped myself when I realized that the three of them went over to Crystal Prep in the first place. Sonata was quick to apologize for all the trouble Adagio was giving the school. Then went into how she's spent her time in Equestria in hopes that her experience will get Adagio to stop. It was only a few minutes until we pulled up at Crystal Prep and I had no idea how it was going to go down.

Because I've never been to Crystal Prep I was surprised at how much it looked like the Crystal Castle in the Crystal Empire. It was just as wide as Canterlot High but three stories tall with a dormer style roof on either side of a taller gable style roof with a clock in it. The whole property just screamed "Pride." The building was built with red bricks with square crystal painted mini-towers on all four corners. Crystal painted triangle spikes lined the roof but the wide center of the building had wide double glass doors with a covered entrance. Vines had snaked their way around the front entrance and working their way down each side of the building. Another smaller gabled roof building was off to the side of the main building that looked almost exactly the same. The uniform that the students were dressed in was similar to what Cadence was wearing. The girls were dressed in red plaid skirts with dark purple undershirts covered by a dark red vest.

As Cadence started passing the school, I noticed the chest-height smooth stone wall that went completely around the property. From the tall metal gate, there was a stone path that led up to the three double glass doors on the front of the building. Apparently, we were headed toward the back of the building because after we passed the school we turned left on the next street by the second smaller building. Then left again into a back smaller parking lot.

"Wow, Cadence, this is a nice place you got here," I said while we got out of her car and started walking toward the back entrance. "I'm surprised at how much this looks like the Crystal Empire's castle in Equestria."

"Really? I think I'd like to see it someday after all this calms down," Cadence said with a smile my way, even lightly bumped my hips with a wink. That had my mind gleefully jumping into the gutter with images of both her and Equestria's Cadence with me at the same time.

"I'd be more than happy to show it to you someday." I'm sure I had a lopsided smile on my face when I said which I'm sure gave away where my mind went. She even swayed her hips a little as she walked away from me. Sonata noticed and giggled a little in amusement at my reaction. I'm glad that they walked in front of me because it gave me a chance to watch the sway of their hips as they walked. Sonata's wasn't bad either but I was partial to Cadence's. But all that went away once we went inside the main building.

Once inside, I was all business so to speak. The hallway and lockers had the same crystal color scheme, looking all spiff and shined. We were immediately spotted by the students that were roaming the halls. And it was like we had just walked in a saloon in the wild west or in a room when the record player scratched the record when it stopped playing. All eyes turned to us. They knew Cadence, being the Vice-Principal and all. And they knew Sonata. But they didn't know me, nor were they used to seeing a guy with a pair of wings, especially with one black wing and one pink wing. All their eyes went directly to me as I followed Cadence and Sonata down the hallway with my wings stretched out. My wings were stretched out almost the width of the wide hallway we were walking down and almost brushing up against the student that had backed up against the lockers.

Naturally, the murmuring and whispering started soon after we walked in. Especially about me considering they weren't used to seeing a half-naked man that was wearing only shorts and shoes with wings walking down the halls. It brought a smile to my face after hearing some of the girls whisper how good I looked. It does a man's ego good to hear girls whispering such things. It was like that with each hallway we turned into. The students would quiet down and part like the red sea as we walked down the hall.

However, the next hallway we turned down was quite clear that we were nearing the science wing of the school. Why? Because halfway down the hallway was another set of doors. And in front of those doors were four students. Two guys and two girls. I didn't recognize them and because I was technically a guest here and because Cadence is the Vice-Principal, I let her take the lead. Until I was needed of course. Either way, we were going through those doors. I think they knew it too because their eyes widened when they got a good look at me.

"Miss Sour, Miss Zap, Mister Trenderhoof, and Mister Lights, let us through." As we walked up, Cadence called out to them in an authoritative voice but it did no good just like I thought. Not with Principal Cinch's influence on them. And just like I thought, they all shook their heads. Not sure which one of the guys was Trenderhoof but I definitely recognized that name.

"Can't let you in Vice-Principal Cadence," one of the girls said with her arms crossed over her chest and a stern resolve look on her face. "Principal Cinch has made it clear we were not to let you enter."

"Please let us through," Sonata pleaded, taking a step forward, "I need to tell Adagio to stop what she's doing. It's not worth it. I've found a better way, a better life."

"Nope, not letting you," the other girls said, also with a shake of her head.

After I spoke up I took a look around and noticed that all the other students were gone and we were the only ones in the hallway. This proved great for me because the fewer eyes that notice my magic the better. So, now it was my turn. "Then let me just say, let us through or I can, and will, remove you." When I said it, I made sure to put a tone in my voice that was unmistakable. "One way or another we are going through that door."

One of the guys just rolled his eyes, the one with the shades on, "You and what army?"

With a wicked smirk on my face, I gently put my hands on Cadence's shoulder and on Sonata's shoulder. And when they stepped aside, I lifted a hand and ignited it. "I don't need an army. I am one." It was so satisfying to watch their eyes widen and lock onto my burning hand. "Now then, are you four going to step aside? Or..."

It was the other guy that shook his head at me and said, "Nope." Although, I should mention that his voice shook when he said it and there was clear fear in his eyes while looking like he was fixing to pee his pants.

"Fine," I simply said, put out my hand, and switched to my magic. My hand glowed with magic and a second later all four of them yelped in alarm as they were raised above the floor and moved aside. While they hung in the air, I used my magic to open the doors and with an overexaggerated motion with my hand, I said, "After you ladies." Even though Cadence and Sonata were both amused, they both walked through the door. As I started passing by the two guys, I paused long enough to ask, "Which one of you is Trenderhoof?"

"I am," the one without the shades answered, now looking extremely nervous.

"Stay away from AJ and Rarity if you want to live." That was the only thing I said to him before walking through the door, closing the door, and then used my magic to magically lock the doors behind me where only my magic would unlock them. And then followed Cadence and Sonata down the hallway. This area of the school wasn't so populated. Matter of fact, we didn't see another student until we got to our destination. Just one door in a hallway filled with them. And without flare or announcement, Cadence walked up to one of the doors, yanked it open, and walked in with Sonata behind her.

"Twilight please stop this," I heard from Cadence right after she walked in.

Sonata was next with, "Adagio, please don't do this. I've been to Equestria. I've got friends. I've got a life."

I waited outside for a couple of seconds to get a feel of how this would go. Right off, I knew it wouldn't go well. Especially after hearing what Twilight and Adagio said.

"Cadence? What are you doing here? Principal Cinch told you to stay out. My work is very important to Adagio and the school." I recognized Twilight's voice immediately and she wasn't sounding too friendly right now.

"Sonata!" And that was Adagio. "You dare show your face here again after what you have done?!"

"I did it to give you a future," Sonata nearly shouted back. "Stop this and you'll have a chance to return to Equestria as I have."

"There is no future without ultimate power," Adagio's voice was filled with evil glee. "And now I have another partner. A partner that enjoys power as much as I. And now that we have a replacement for our gems we can have that power." There was a pause before Adagio's voice changed. Her tone went from angry to that of a tone that told me she was about to kill. "But not for you Sonata!"

Once I heard that I ran into the room to see Adagio and Twilight on the other side of the room. Both of them looking angry at both Cadence and Sonata. What Adagio was doing quickly got my attention though. Adagio had her hand raised and was already glowing at Sonata. I got up a shield between them and Adagio and Twilight just in time.

"And there's no need for power if there's no life to use it, Adagio!" Was my growling response as Adagio's magical attack hit my shield and fizzled out. Both of them shouted out in alarm when my shield took her attack.

"Twilight, please don't do this," Cadence pleaded from behind my shield.

"Adagio, stop!" Sonata also pleaded as Adagio looked on in shock.

"What?! How?! Your power was drained!" Adagio shouted as she raised both hands this time. I had only a split second to brace the shield before Adagio fired off fireball attack after fireball attack at my shield. "No matter," Adagio dismissed with a wicked cackle while her attacks fizzled out against my shield with an angry hiss. "Twilight will just take it all from you! Then I can destroy my traitorous SISTER!" Even though I was still more powerful than she was, she still had my magic and was using it against me. So, it wasn't like I wasn't under some strain as I stood there behind the girls with both hands raised toward the shield that protected them. "Twilight, hurry! While I keep him busy."

"Twilight, please don't. Stop! Don't go down this dark path. Does our friendship mean nothing to you?"

Unfortunately, Twilight wasn't listening and quickly raised that device again and activated it. And I found out that the Tree of Harmony's protection worked. A smile worked its way across my face which turned to a grin as Twilight looked down at her device, tried again, and when it failed once more she tapped it. "It's not working!" Her voice turned to worry and then fear when she looked at me.

"And it won't ever again!" I shouted, reached out toward my magic, grabbed the device, and yanked it out of Twilight's hand. Then before either could say anything, I smashed it against the floor. Its death was in a glorious shower of sparks and what magic was left inside of it. Which, unfortunately, wasn't much.

"NO!" Adagio screamed out in frustration then clapped her hands together and let out a sudden blast of light. It was the magical equivalent of a flash grenade just without the sound. Only this lasted longer than the chemical counterpart. I couldn't see and couldn't take a chance that Adagio would walk around and hit us from behind, so I had no choice but to surround us with a shield. "Get your spare, Twilight," Adagio growled out while I heard footsteps and drawers opening and closing. "We're leaving."

"Twilight, no."

"Adagio, please..."

But their plea fell on deaf ears while I heard the sound of a magical teleport activating. When we could see again, Twilight and Adagio were gone.