The Friendship Games: The Pack Of Careersby TheGatheringChaptersCato I - Messing AroundCato 1.5 - The Gang’s All HerePrincipal Cinch’s Speech Scene - Things Have ChangedSci-Twi I - A Mind-Wrenching ReadjustmentCato II - Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 1Sunburst I - That Sinking FeelingCato III - Why It Pays To Bring Your Sword Along In Case Of Monsters From Another DimensionSunburst III - Fateful MomentsMidnight Sparkle’s Rampage Scene - Pure Darkness, Until A Light Comes To Challenge ItCato IV - A Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 2Cato VI/Sci-Twi II - That Pack Of CareersEpilogue - NightmaresUrchin I - Story Of The Friendship GamesSunburst II - A Very Tense Pre-Event MeetingClove I/Cato V/Applejack I - The Confession And The ChoiceCato I - Messing Around“Hey Assholes, We’re Panzer Grenadiers, Not Panzers!” That was what came out of my mouth during this particular moment for this particular recording session for YouTube with me, Urchin, Flash, and Micro Chip playing Company Of Heroes where at this moment, my teammate who happens to be Urchin is literally sending infantry without anti-tank weapons at one of Flash’s 17-pounder Shermans like a dumbass. “Wait no.. Ah shit..” Urchin realized it too late and could only helplessly watch as the infantry squad is mowed down by machine gun fire. “Dang it..” I meanwhile was too busy having fun channeling Micro Chip’s and Flash’s assaults on my area into a town bordered by a ridge on the far side with climbable slopes with a river running around the town right in front of my positions as the ridge and river curved around the town on both flanks. Right now, I was reducing the town to rubble as infantry units were pounded to bits by mortars and machine gun fire from bunkers at the base of the ridge, as well as Grenadier Squads and Snipers in short sections of sandbagged positions. Meanwhile, the use of Nebelwerfers and rocket mounted halftracks made short work of any mortar groups that tried to support the embattled infantry. As for the enemy tanks, multiple tanks, anti-tank guns, Stugs, and 88mm guns were shredding the tanks and other vehicles as well as some infantry to pieces, supported by armored cars and motorcycles and Flak Panzers. Altogether, I was giving both of them a nearly impossible time assaulting my position. "Dear lord, that volume of fire emitting from Cato's line is like a volcano. The camera is shaking so much from the explosions.." Micro Chip muttered. As if that wasn't enough, I was dropping rocket barrages every now and then while receiving support from Stormtroopers, Stuh 42 assault guns, and Tiger Tanks that Urchin positioned within my defenses. "Dude, you're seriously just making this look like a worst version of Omaha Beach, man. Just ease it up with the freaking buzzsaw of death, Cato" Flash sighed. "Nope. I'm having way too much fun with this" I replied. I wasn't kidding. I really was having too much fun grinding up forces to dust under absurd weight of fire. Absolute fun all around, like Joker laughing insanely type fun. It was just pure fun for me, not so much for the two on the receiving end of it though. “Cato.. dude. I’m literally burning through my manpower funds right now. Fall Back Already” Flash said. “I don’t care. This is the United Bank Of.. Money” I replied, with a particular emphasis on the last word that caused my friends to burst out laughing. “Oh my god, Cato, dear lord.. ha ha.. that was just good..” Urchin laughed. Inside my brain, I could only think to myself four words as the match went on. This is the life. When we walked into school tomorrow, it seemed like it would be a normal day. Standing by the door, waiting for me and Urchin, were Applejack and Adagio. Then, my eyes shifted to the left to look at Urchin, and I was stunned. There waiting on the side of the stairs, talking to each other, were 22 familiar faces. “Clove? Jason? Everyone? Is that you?” I called out. I saw the brunette spin around, and there she was. Clove. Which meant the others were here, too. “Cato? Urchin?” Cato 1.5 - The Gang’s All HereAuthor's Note Technically, this counts as an extension of the previous chapter, but this is just to give you backstory into the rest of the 74th Hunger Games Tributes in this universe and how they connect with Cato and Urchin. Cato 1.5 - The Gang’s All Here I probably should tell you about the people that used to make up Panem School District’s 74th Edition of “Top 24 Graduating Students Of Panem Central Elementary”. Clove, my best friend, was 6th on the list. Urchin came 11th, and not surprisingly, yours truly came 1st. But the other 22 kids do share a connection to me and Urchin in their own unique way. Glimmer Belcourt was 15th on the list, and for a time, my next door neighbor during 7th Grade. She came from a rich family, that fortunately for the rest of us, didn’t embrace her with a snotty rich girl attitude. Instead, she was one of the kindest kids in school. Marvel Sanford and I got along well in 4th and 5th Grade. Due to his rather lanky height (He was already 5’ 5” by the time we graduated), the other graduates called him “Beanstalk Marvel”, a name that I still call him by every once in a while. He was a natural at spear throwing when I first met him, due to his dad being a hunter. He was 13th. Noah Stanford was just as much of a nerd as I was, which is typical since he came from District 3, but he was more into engineering. In contrast, I would focus my attentions more to chemistry, history of a lot of things, and math, which would come into play during the friendship games. Noah built a lot of crazy machines throughout the years, from what I heard in middle and high school, leading him to earn the nickname “Noah_duz_machines”. He came 20th. Amber Ludwig was a shy girl, but with a brilliant mind. Also being from District 3, her family worked in computer science, but her real interest, as she told me, was that she wanted to work as a newspaper editor. Being the supportive guy that I am, I told her to go for it and also protected her from bullies. She came 10th. Marina Waters was Urchin’s best friend during middle and high school, and according to Urchin, she was his crush before he met Adagio. She was good with a sword, though not good as me. Her dad was friends with my dad, so our families would have dinner at a fancy place every once in a while. She came 23rd. Marissa Finch “Foxface” Silvers was one of the fun girls in the group, coming in on the list at 5th. She and Rue had a habit for pranks that more often than not, Marvel would find himself on the receiving end. She ended up falling in love with him by the time graduation rolled around, and they’ve been steady all this time from then to now. Brent Mathers was a rather anti-social kid, as until he met the rest of us. Coming from District 5 like Finch, he had a taste for mythology. He ranked 14th. Tamora Sinclair was more interested in music than working on the railroads as that was what her parents’ jobs were, and yet, she still had to convince them a lot to let her get a violin. They were so stubborn that it took one of my rants to get them to buy her the violin. She was 12th. Jason Roberts was an oddball, that much I can say. He and Marvel competed for the spot of “Class Jock”, since both of them were in sports. But, despite Marvel having the height advantage, Jason’s determination and resolve to persevere eventually won out in the end. He was 8th. Nettle Sinclair, Tamora’s sister, wanted to be in woodworking, since her mother, who is Tamora’s father’s second wife (Tamora’s mother have passed away from Cancer), was from District 7. She got along well with the others, and prospered. She ranked 24th. Brian “Wood” Simmons got his nickname due to his knowledge about woodworking, since his family were master woodworkers. He and Nettle became best friends, and have been that way since. He came 21st. Lacey Smithers was, like Noah and me, a nerd. In her case, she specialized in music history, which meant that she became close friends with Tamora. She also wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty when it came to bullies, as some of those that picked on Amber found out the hard way. She was 4th. Ryan Jones was about as tall as Marvel by graduation, and possibly the most physically intimidating kid beside Thresh at graduation. He was the reason I put on all that muscle and weight in middle school, because my head had been an arm rest for his arm too many times in 5th Grade. He was 18th. Juliet Pierce was a quiet girl, usually not saying much. But she was as kind as Glimmer, and got along well with the others. Boy, was she scary when you got her angry. The girl practically scared one of the people bullying Amber so hard that he fainted. She placed 21st. Rye Morgan came from a farming family in District 9, who themselves had moved there from District 10. Skilled with a sickle and scythe, he was one of the best farmhands I had ever seen. He got along well with the rest of us, even showing me how to use a scythe. He ranked 16th. August Smith was about as quiet as Juliet, and alongside Rue and Urchin, was the smallest of our group. But she could give you a death stare that made you shit your pants if you messed with her friends, particularly Amber. She was like a safety zone for the girl. She placed 2nd. Thaddeus Thorax had a crippled leg that had him permanently on crutches, yet it didn’t stop him from effectively using said crutches as a weapon. He placed 22nd. Rue and Thresh Simpson were siblings. Thresh was the physically intimidating one that watched out for Rue. Rue was the angel that was best pranking friends with Finch. They respectively had 17th and 7th. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from District 12 were like polar opposites that somehow got along. Peeta was from a baking family, and he wished to follow in his family’s profession. Katniss, like Marvel, had a dad that taught her how to hunt. Both of them made fast friends with the rest of us and until graduation, the 24 of us were all very close, near inseparable. I’ll let you guess as to where they placed. Principal Cinch’s Speech Scene - Things Have ChangedAuthor's Note Welcome to the moment where Crystal Prep realizes that this Friendship Games is going to be anything but an easy ride for them.. Also, this is going to be in third person since describing this in first person wouldn’t do justice to what happens here.. Extra Note: Pinkie Pie ponying up and Twilight stealing her magic doesn’t happen in this scene for plot convenience. Principal Cinch’s Speech Scene - Things Have Changed They all waited in the shadows of the gym on either side of the party Pinkie Pie and the others had set up to invite friendship among them. So far, the Crystal Prep students weren’t doing their whole cocky, arrogant attitude yet. “This is what we have to go up against?” Marvel whispers to Cato. “Seriously, I thought they were going to be stronger than this.” Cato looks back at Marvel. “Don’t underestimate them yet, dude. They are basically like us, academic and athletic skills honed to a fine edge. From what it looks like though, they send their very best apparently.” “Okay, bro” he says just as Cato catches sight of Ryan doing hand signals from the opposite side of the gym. “Crystal Prep group, with principal. At mic” Cato repeats as sure enough, the music comes to a halt and is replaced by the sound of a voice that soon, Cato’s going to really fucking hate. At this moment, he and his friends stay in the shadows, not yet seen by any of the Crystal Prep students. (Author’s Note here: Even if you know what Cinch says at this particular point in the movie, stay a while. Because I’m going to add a bit extra..) “I like to thank Principal Celestia for her.. unconventional welcome” Principal Cinch said while standing at the mic. “It’s been four years since the last friendship games..” “Four years?” Thaddeus whispers to Thresh. “Freaking Hunger Games Middle and High School Competitions were yearly back in Panem City. Why 4?” “I think it’s based on the Olympics the nations have worldwide, I think” Urchin whispered. “Now shut up.” All the while, Cinch kept talking. “..but it feels if as though nothing has changed.” Cato smirked. That’s what you think, he thinks to himself. He knows in his heart that Cinch is dead wrong and can’t wait for the right moment to start the seed of truth to sprout in her brain. “..Canterlot High continues to pick its competitors in a popularity contest that has no real meaning of determining skill level..” Cinch continued, as Cato and his friends noticed the sad looks of Crystal Prep and Canterlot High students alike. That’s when Cato realizes something, one simple truth that changes his whole perspective and starts his burning hatred of Cinch. They’re not that way because they want to. They are that way because of her. “..and Crystal Prep continues to field its top twelve students. It is a comfort to know that even after so many years of losses..” The way Cinch placed emphasis on that word, Ryan swore he saw a vein pop on Cato’s forehead. Clearly, the Crystal Prep President was really getting on the monstrous boy’s nerves. Cato turned, and looked at Flash, who was deliberately standing at the back of the room. Flash looked back at Cato, waiting for the signal to do his thing. “..your school remains committed to its ideals, however misguided they may be.” Cato clamped a hand on his mouth to prevent himself from screaming. The only fucking misguided thing around here is you, you bitch! “..I wish you all the best of luck, regardless of the inevitable outcome that is sure to happen to Canterlot High every time we do these games” Cinch finished, just as Cato nodded at Flash, who then spoke up. By now Canterlot High and Crystal Prep had separated into two packs, leaving Flash with a clear line of sight to the stage and vice versa. “You know what they said, the status quo is always meant to be broken” Flash speaks up, catching everyone in the room by surprise. Cinch chuckles and looks down at Flash with a smug look on her face. “Oh really? Do you think Canterlot High has even any chance of defeating Crystal Prep?” “The answer to that is yeah, we do” Cato says out loud, the sound of his voice causing everyone on Crystal Prep’s side to jump. Cinch searches the auditorium, looking for the person who said that. “Which one of you said that?!” “Um, that would be me” Cato says as he steps out from the shadows, walking to the center of the auditorium while Flash walks to a spot just in front of him. The effect was instant. The Crystal Prep girls either couldn’t stop staring in awe and adoration at the drop dead gorgeous hulk that just made himself known, while most of the boys were visibly intimidated and even scared at the sight of the monstrous hulking boy. Even Cinch couldn’t find the words immediately to bring up her rebuttal at the sight of Cato. “W-what I-in the n-name of god are you?” she asks. Flash answers it for her. “He’s a recent transfer here. And he’s not alone.” One by one, the others walk out from the shadows and take their place in a line facing the Crystal Prep students. If the boys were intimidated or scared before, they were probably practically peeing their pants at the sight of Thresh, Ryan, Marvel, Peeta and the rest of the group. “H-Holy crap” said someone from the Crystal Prep side. “Our top twelve have to go up against that?” Then, a rather arrogant voice rose up through the crowd. “Guys, come on! They can’t be that challenging! Heck, the big blonde probably has more brawn than brains!” Cato chuckled, while staring the Crystal Prep students down with a glare so cold that even the girls had to back up a step away from him. He then turns towards Cinch, and he speaks with every hating fiber of his being. “The name’s Cato Hadley, and this is the year Canterlot High wins these games. Prepare to see your school go down.” Applejack looks at Cato and sees the fire in his eyes. She sighs in anxious breaths. Cato, I hope you’re not biting off more than you can chew right now, love. Sci-Twi I - A Mind-Wrenching ReadjustmentIt’s taking every fiber of my being to prevent myself from having a breakdown right now. Like, where in the hell did he come from? Cato was just straight up massive. Shining Armor couldn’t compare to that massive hulk of a Canterlot student. He seriously made chills run up people’s spines like wildfire, there was something about him that just made me feel so insignificant. He was like the Grim Reaper given a human disguise. I know it’s not just me that’s having these thoughts right now. I just have to look all around to see it. Sour Sweet is hyperventilating, Sugarcoat is desperately trying to stay calm, Indigo Zap has a scared expression on her face, Lemon Zest is playing her music a lot louder than normal, and Sunny Flare is just pacing back and forth worryingly. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Sunburst is shaking Trenderhoof by the shoulders and telling the now insecure boy to get a hold of himself, Jet Set is also hyperventilating, Royal Pin is trying to convince himself that Cato and his friends don’t pose a threat, Fleur de Lis is just sitting in a seat with a blush on her face probably thinking of Cato, and Suri Polomare is panicking. There’s also Upper Crust who appears to be doing the same thing Fleur de Lis is doing, Neon Lights is just staring at the wall for some reason, Ember is freaking out like he has not before, Rising Star is actually crying, the list goes on and on. How’s my brother doing in all of this? Not very well. As far as I know, my brother is puking in the bathroom as we speak. Cato really did a number on him from his glare. (Author’s Note: And for the Crystal Prep students I haven’t mentioned by name yet which is literally the rest of the school that is not on the Shadowbolts, don’t worry. They’ll all get a place in the story.) “You okay, Twilight?” Cadence asks me. “Yeah, Dean Cadence, I’m fine.” I obviously wasn’t fine. “Principal Cinch has been out of sorts since that hulking boy stared her down in the gym. Don’t know what’s up with him, but he’s just.. fierce.” “Cato Hadley” I say, repeating the boy’s name. “He obviously has to be a transfer, because I have never heard a name like that before.” “Yeah. And did you notice the scars on his cheeks?” “What?” “I swear, I saw some scars on both of his cheeks in there. Wonder what he’s been through.” “I wonder too. He’s such an interesting boy, and..” I stop, turning to the other Shadowbolts. “..I can certainly say we all are going to need a readjustment because of him.” Author's Note So yeah, Cato is well.. let’s just say, something that Crystal Prep isn’t prepared for at all. Really sums up how powerful he’s become at this point, from an anti-social nerd with a big heart to a deadly mix of the monster in the 74th Games and his nerdy self at once. Cato II - Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 1Author's Note The chapter title is a quote that Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) says in the 2010 movie Unstoppable, which features trains. While this chapter doesn’t involve trains, it does preface the butt whooping Crystal Prep is about to get in the first round of the Friendship Games. In case anyone wonders what the one at the end is for, let’s just say this won’t be the only chapter in the story with that title name. Cato II - Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 1 The first event for the Friendship Games was the Acadeca, basically a fancy way of saying “Academic Decathlon” for short. (Author’s Note: That is a reference to the song in the movie, only here I basically just explained where they made the song name from.) It was a cheesy name, for sure, don’t get me wrong on that. But, as a nerd, academics was where I excelled.. well that, and swords. But that was back in District 2 Middle and High. Here, there was no events based on weapon skills, much to my disappointment as well as some of my friends. But again, that didn’t matter. All that mattered here was defeating the Crystal Prep contenders. It was around before the start of this event that I noticed that Crystal Prep had a girl that looked exactly like Twilight Sparkle. I nudged Urchin, and gestured in her direction. “Of all the ironies in the world..” Urchin sighed. “This is just great. You got this, Cato.” I smiled back. “Yep, I do.” Standing there as Dean Cadence explained the first event to everyone, my eyes just scanned the Shadowbolts. Each of them couldn’t stop practically staring at me, though it seemed that one of them was staring at me more in adoration than fear. It was very obvious to me anyway that with me around, there were definitely not going to be on their A-Game. Deep down inside, I smirked. You all have no idea who you’ve brought upon yourselves. It started off with Chemistry, and then progressed subject by subject. As expected, with my big, nerdy brain, I was just flying through. While some of my teammates weren’t as like useful as I was, whose names I will not mention here, the fact that I was seriously wiping the floor with Crystal Prep’s best students due to my brain, quick on the draw reflexes, and killer instinct more than made up for it. At least unlike them, I really did have something to fight for and a reason to give it my all. I promised Applejack that I would take down Crystal Prep, and I’ll be damned if I come short on that goal. I was smart enough to entrust my teammates with stuff that I wasn’t really skilled in like baking with Pinkie Pie. Seriously, that Mona Lisa we did, that was a work of art. In effect, this combination allowed me to basically soar through the roof with the highest number of points among the competitors. Typical for me, I know. But hey, being a hulking nerd with a brain has its advantages. I honestly found it amusing to watch the Crystal Prep students’ faces gawk in disbelief as their school just went down in one event after another. It was just pure gold to me, music to my ears. I was giving a big middle finger to the status quo of the Friendship Games and the Status Quo couldn’t handle it. Even though Rarity had been like drained of her energy somehow midway through the first event, it was already too late to Crystal Prep to salvage their fortunes in the first round. Soon, it came down to just me and the Crystal Prep Twilight, with Cinch as the judge of the final round of this event. I had honestly expected from my first look at her that she would do anything to help Crystal Prep’s fortunes. Sure enough, she tried to do so during the final round of the first event by saying my answer was incorrect only for Marvel, Flash, and Thresh to protest. She tried to dismiss having to take a second look, but just one terrifying death stare from August and she relented. I swear, that girl’s death stare can make you do anything out of fear. Just like that, she corrected herself and said that I had the right answer first, just like I knew it was. Shaking hands with the Crystal Prep Twilight, beneath the mask of sportsmanship, I could see fear in her eyes. I found Rue immediately, who wasn’t competing. “Hey Rue, mind doing me a favor?” “Yeah, Cato.” “I need you to spy on Crystal Prep’s Twilight when she isn’t competing. There’s something fishy going on about her, one that she really doesn’t want to show, and I don’t know what.” “You can count on me.” As Rue headed off, I sighed and thought to myself, leaning up against the locker during the break in between the first and second event. You’re really making mincemeat out of the competition, Cato, I thought inside my mind. I chuckled at that. That was what I came here to do, and I wasn’t going to stop. Besides, I was now one step closer to giving Canterlot High a win and healing the trauma in Jackie’s heart. My train of thought was broken when I heard the sound of footsteps approaching me. I turned to see the source. Two Crystal Prep students, both female and one being one of the Shadowbolts, approached me with flirtatious looks on their faces. I groaned, turned, and left. I had seen too many high school-related material about dating to know where this was going. Besides, they could have been sent to me to try to throw me off my prime. Nope, nope. Not going down that route. Sunburst I - That Sinking FeelingThis is not a very good day. No, really. This is not a very good day. That freaking blonde was messing up everything. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen. Why in the hell did someone with the IQ of a Crystal Prep student transfer into our rival school? Better yet, why did twenty four of them transfer into Canterlot High? For the first time I had ever seen, our mighty Shadowbolts were getting tossed around like rag dolls. This wasn’t possible. This shouldn’t have been possible. Those two sentences kept repeating over and over in my head. And yet, it was. The moment that towering blonde appeared, things started going against Crystal Prep. Like, he wasn’t just straight up towering. He was fucking terrifying. Then again, that little girl of the bunch, with her death stare, was probably more fucking scary than he was. Like, that stare actually made me pee my pants. So yeah, I was scared and embarrassed. It honestly didn’t help my school’s cause that fanclubs for the strongest students ever fielded by our rivals was forming in our own ranks. Like, I was pretty sure at this moment that Fleur De Lis and Upper Crust had developed a massive crush on Cato, and could already tell from Lemon Zest’s movements that she was getting a crush on the small, curly haired dude. Either way, the fact that two of the Shadowbolts had developed crushes on members of the opposition did not bode well for the future. Our Principal Cinch, on the other hand.. my reactions to this turn of events were considered mild compared to hers. Some of my friends told me they heard her go into the bathroom and just start screaming her head off in anger. Like, I knew she was going to be upset.. I just didn’t imagine that she would be this upset. After Cato wiped the floor with Twilight at the end of the first event, I met up with Trenderhoof, Jet Set, Royal Pin, and Neon Lights. They were all standing around, looking disappointed in themselves, and I had a few choice words for them. “Guys, what the hell?! What kind of smack-shit performance was that?!” Not one of them spoke for a while. Finally, Jet Set broke the silence. “He’s.. scary.. that stare of his.. seriously makes me feel like I’m just a little kid again.” Trenderhoof was the next to speak up. “Dude, that’s girl stare was more terrifying than his. Like, I’ve seen horror movies, but nothing in those can top that stare. Pure scare factor.” Royal Pin punched the wall out of nowhere, surprising the rest of us. “This isn’t happening! This is not happening!” he yelled. “Well it is, so you four need to shut the fuck up and man up” said a voice from behind us. I turned around. There was the last person I wanted to see when our school’s fortunes were failing. Blueblood. The school’s worst bully, and leader of the group that supported Principal Cinch all the way. “Those dipshits.. those weaklings cheated, I’m sure of it. There’s no fucking way that Canterlot High has gotten this good. As Cinch said, nothing has changed. We’ll just own them in the rest of the games.” Royal Pin ran up to him, and shook him in desperation. “Open your eyes, dipshit! Things have changed! We’re actually fucking losing to our rivals.. and they have a monstrous boy and girl whose stares are making us not be on our game!” Blueblood roughly shoved Royal Pin off him and into a locker. “What monstrous blonde? All I see is the same weaklings that Canterlot always has.” “Are you fucking blind?” Neon Lights screamed. “They have 24 new students we didn’t even know had transferred in there, and at least 4 of them are basically making us look pathetic!” “Canterlot High doesn’t have strong competitors. They’re pulling all these points due to fraud. I dutifully expect that at the end, those points will be given to our school as the rightful winner of those points. Canterlot High will always be inferior to Crystal Prep, and will never be able to win the Friendship Games. They never can, and they never will. Nothing has changed, except what is now a team of fucking weaklings off their rockers” Blueblood scoffed, and then turned around and left. Jet Set put his arm around Royal Pin, who was now crying. “What the hell is up with him?” Jet Set asked the rest of us. None of us could answer that question. It made zero sense as to why Blueblood was acting like nothing had changed, even though everything had clearly changed. Canterlot High had won those points fair and square, and for some reason, Blueblood refused to accept that. If things had been bad before, the things that would happen if Crystal Prep actually lost the Friendship Games didn’t look any brighter and only more dark. Author's Note A bit of foreshadowing to the sequel that will come after this, and the introduction of the person Cato will face as a minor enemy in the sequel. Inspired by the story “Shadowed Bolts”, this is my own take on a villainous Blueblood in Crystal Prep. Either way, things are not going well on Crystal Prep’s side outside of the games.. Cato III - Why It Pays To Bring Your Sword Along In Case Of Monsters From Another DimensionI was really, really angry. Both at Crystal Prep Twilight and Cinch, but it was more Cinch than Twilight. First off, what happened to Rarity had also happened to Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and my girlfriend by now. The second was that Rue had apparently discovered that Cinch had dragged Twilight along via use of using her university application to Everton as blackmail. That just made me sick to my stomach. It was wrong, it was just fucked up. Cinch herself did nothing to improve my burning hatred for her, as she just screamed and insulted Twilight and the remaining Shadowbolts in the competition as we waited to start the second event. It was clear that I had really gotten under Cinch’s skin, but it was also now clear that this woman was freaking delusional. She’s literally acting as if I and the others don’t exist, I thought to myself. I didn’t have time to think it over longer, because Vice Principal Luna came along and told us which events we would be competing in. Much to my comfort, I got placed with Applejack for Archery, something that I had placed a very good amount of time in. Not as much as I had with swords, but still a good amount of time. Jackie was still feeling odd at the moment. So I took upon myself to carry both of our bows and quivers of arrows to where we were supposed to shoot. “Cato, thanks. I really appreciate all that you’re doing for me” she said as we got our bows out. “Anything for you, love” I said as I kissed her forehead, and a chorus of noise rose up from the Crystal Prep side. I just ignored it, as the two competitors from Crystal Prep walked up to the archery area, which happened to be Twilight and a girl named Sour Sweet. Great, this is now totally awkward, I thought to myself. Soon enough, the event started. Jackie was shooting fine and everything was going okay, at least until what seemed to be like a page rip open near me and a big massive tentacle pops out. “Okay. Holy fuck-“ I shout, but was cut off by Jackie screaming and running away. Sour Sweet and Twilight did as well, leaving me there. I take out my sword and I slice the thing right down the middle. It bleeds and retreats. I turn around. Rainbow Dash had “ponyed-up” and was saving some people from it, but soon her magic was absorbed by Twilight and she fell hard. She found herself scooting away from a very interested tentacle in fear as I approached at rapid speed. “Don’t you fucking touch her!” I shouted, slicing into it with my sword. Like the other one, it fell back and the tears cease. I look down at Rainbow Dash. “You okay?” “Hurting and Tired, but I’m fine.” I helped her off the field as everyone just gasped at what had happened. Things were like a powder keg now unfortunately. It wasn’t going to be long before it all blew up. Sunburst III - Fateful MomentsYeah, it’s safe to say that things have gone from bad to worse. After the second round and the weird oddities that occurred, as well as the revelation that Cato carries a sword around and is dating Applejack, the latter of which was particularly shocking to me since I had no idea how such a massive boy could win the heart of such a beautiful girl with anything other than his looks, our situation looked pretty desperate. The Wonderbolts practically trounced us in the Tri-Cross Relay, with another revelation being that the monstrous blonde is good at archery. Like Jesus Christ, is there anything that this guy isn’t good at? Either way, he was something that was unstoppable and Principal Cinch knew it. Speaking to the Shadowbolts nearby, she said that failure was not an option. “If we are to win these games, then we shall have to fight fire with fire, and turn Canterlot High’s magic against them.” I was stunned. Was she crazy? The answer was yes when it turned out that Twilight Sparkle, one of our own students, had Magic contained inside a device of hers. Twilight tried to refuse, but Cinch apparently decided to fucking blackmail the poor girl by using her application to Everton as leverage. That was just fucked up. I felt betrayed. Then, things went from bad to worse when Sunny, Lemon, Sour, Sugarcoat, and Indigo joined her in pressuring Twilight to “unleash the magic”. “Are they all fucking insane?!” Royal Pin said next to me. Then, Blueblood and his gang joined in the calls to unleash the magic. Pretty soon, every other male Crystal Prep student except for me, Trenderhoof, Royal Pin, Neon Lights, and Jet Set had joined the chant. “Dudes, I don’t mean to state the obvious, but this looks bad” Trenderhoof said, causing anxious murmurs of agreement from the rest of us. “Agreed. But what can we do?” asked Jet Set. “The only thing we can do. Wait till shit hits the fan, and then run for our lives” said Royal Pin. I turned to Canterlot’s corner. There was Cato himself, staring back over at our corner. I honestly do believe one look at my eyes told him all that he needed to know, because his face turned deadly serious and he sheathed his sword and cracked his knuckles, obviously preparing for a fight. Soon, it came time to start the final event. As soon as Principal Celestia said go, Cinch yelled at Twilight, accompanied by practically every other student, except a few, from Crystal Prep. “Now, Twilight! Release The Magic!” “No! DON’T!” I called out. But it was too late. A transformation had begun, the results of which would never leave us the same ever again. While that was happening, part of the magic literally split away from the ball surrounding Twilight and went straight for Canterlot’s side, engulfing none other than.. Cato. Author's Note Bet you did not see that one coming, did you? Now with Twilight and Cato both transforming, how is the climax of the movie going to go? Tune in next chapter to find out.. Midnight Sparkle’s Rampage Scene - Pure Darkness, Until A Light Comes To Challenge ItAuthor's Note Due to plot convenience, the showdown between Cato and Midnight Sparkle won’t happen until next chapter, and until the end of this chapter, Cato will still be transforming due to unknown reasons. Bad news for everyone, except Midnight Sparkle… until it isn’t. But warning: pain, suffering, and pure terror. Also, this will be in third person, as will the following chapter. Midnight Sparkle’s Rampage Scene - Pure Darkness, Until A Light Comes To Challenge It “CATO!” The sound of Applejack and Clove’s terrified screams can leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that something was going terrifyingly wrong. Both Cato and Twilight couldn’t move as the magic engulfed their bodies. “Help!” Twilight called out, while being engulfed by the magic in mid air. Cato, meanwhile, felt himself in just a world of pain, unable to move most of his body while lying on his back on the ground. All he could do was turn his head and stare at the others, his eyes literally overwhelmed with terror and tears falling down his face. “Jackie, please. It hurts so much. Please, someone help me..” Then, Twilight’s ball erupted in a blinding light just as Cato’s ball of magic finished consuming the terrified boy. Inside the ball, he couldn’t exactly see what Twilight had transformed into, but he could see the outline and the dark aura that engulfed her, causing sweat to drip down his already tear-stricken face. Cinch moved away from the scene as Spike dropped his ears down in fear. Applejack curled in a ball on the ground, scared out of her mind. Not only was the human version of her best friend now a demon like Sunset Shimmer was, but the terrifying possibility that the same thing could happen to Cato now existed. It was too much, even for her as she cried like a scared child, whimpering Cato’s name, calling out for him. Clove was equally scared, but she didn’t panic like Applejack did. Instead, she stood, frozen in place by fear. The sight of Cato crying and hollering in pain made her heart break and tears flow down her eyes. She really wanted to call out his name, to come save her and the others from this nightmare that was now unfolding in front of them, but Cato was temporarily out of action. Twilight laughed manically before turning to Sunset. “You were right. I didn’t understand magic before. But I do now!” The horn on her head lit up, and then she fired a burst of energy at the statue, destroying the horse on top. The portal opened, as well as a crack running along the ground. Cato’s eyes widened in horror as he figured out what was happening. Son of a bitch, she’s going to bring the two worlds together and probably destroy them in the process! She threw a second bolt at where Applejack stood, and Cato could only breath a temporary sigh of relief when she got out of the way just in time. More tears were opening up, and Twilight was throwing magic at every one of them. Sunny caught Cinch moving away behind her. “Hey, where are you going?” Sunny yelled at her. “Anywhere but here, to get away from that.. monster! And I suggest you do the same!” Cinch replied before running off. Nearby, Urchin and Adagio both watched as things erupted in chaos. “Well.. Urchin..” Adagio said, clinging to Urchin in terror. “What do you think our odds are of surviving this?” Urchin could only look her in the eyes with fear in his own and mouth, “I don’t know.” Sunset now spoke up. “Twilight! You can’t do this!” “Why not?!” Twilight yelled back. “There’s a whole another world right there, and it’s just filled with magic!” “But your destroying this world too!” Sunset countered. “So what?” Twilight replied. “There’s more Magic there, and I want it understand it all!” She threw a ball of energy at the ground, causing a portal to appear and a massive, massive tentacle creature to arise out of it. In addition, a large magic shield cracked the ground in a half kilometer circle centered on Canterlot High, that miraculously didn’t split any buildings in two, but trapped everyone inside it. As tentacles begin grabbing people, and other portals began opening, Cato saw a peculiar looking sword on the ground next to him. The handle looked weird, but it seemed to beckon him. Toughening up and ignoring the pain, Cato tried to reach out for it. He grabbed onto the sword, just as his ball of energy began transforming him, only this transformation was a lot less brighter than Twilight’s. As Clove and Applejack and many other students, mostly females, tried and failed to free themselves from the tentacles, which now slowly led them towards the monster’s many mouths and possible devourment, its head and the mouths were decapitated off from the rest of its body in a flash. The tentacles wilted and the students became free. As Twilight began summoning pumpkin like tentacle creatures to attack the students, a fist came out of nowhere and punched her square in the face. “Ow!” she cried, before growling. “Who did that?-“ She stopped her question when she saw Cato, floating in the air. The boy had transformed into something so bizarre, so weird that one had to see to believe it. (What Cato has basically turned into is the Shredder Tengu from TMNT 2003, just scaled down to Cato’s height.) The boy growled. “You want a fight, Twilight? Then, here it is!” He held out the sword he had grabbed, whose blade now pulsed with visible energy waves. “Fine then!” shouted Twilight, who generated her own sword and then attacked Cato. Cato IV - A Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 2Author's Note It’s a chapter with Cato as the focus, but it’s still in third person. Either way, time for the fight you’ve all been waiting for: Cato Hadley vs. Midnight Sparkle! Cato IV - A Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 2 Both swords clashed, and the sound of the dueling caused everyone else, especially the Canterlot High students, to be relieved. Applejack cried tears of joy, since her boyfriend wasn’t dead. Clove cried tears of joy as well, for reasons that Cato would find out after this was over. She shook off her tears however, as she started throwing knives into the creatures as the rest of the Panem City transfers either took out their weapons to start killing creatures and cover the others who were helping Crystal Prep and Canterlot High Students from falling into the portals. The creatures kept coming, but Clove, Marvel, Glimmer, Katniss, and the others that were using their weapons kept them at bay, like a modern yet old fashioned depiction of the thin red line. As all this went down, Cato and Twilight fought above them, like two great beasts. “Why do you resist me if you are a demon like me?!” Twilight shouted at Cato. “Because I’ve come too far to lose everything. For the sake of the world, my family, my friends, and for Jackie, I’m going to defeat you!” Cato roars back. “Why in the world wouldn’t you want to take the power for yourself?!” Twilight hissed. “Because the power of friendship and love will always triumph over evil!” Cato fires back, as he goes psycho on Twilight, the full weight of his training coming into the fray. He doesn’t hold back, laying into Twilight with full-blown fury. All that anger he had felt about Cinch unleashed over 10 agonizing minutes for Twilight. She realized too late what she was dealing with. Somehow, by touching the sword, Cato’s mind hadn’t warped like hers. Instead, she was dealing with a boy that really didn’t take kindly to what she was doing, and also massively out-matched her in speed, training, and power. As all this was going on, Sunset found Twilight’s magic container. Looking at Cato and watching as the magic glowed around her friends, she had an idea. “This isn’t the way, Twilight!” she called out towards said corrupted girl, who merely shoved Cato aside to look at her. “I know you feel powerful right now, like you can have everything you want. I’ve been where you are, I’ve made the same mistake you’re making. I put on a crown and just like you, I was overwhelmed by the magic it contained. I thought it could get me everything I wanted.” Twilight cackled. “Oh, you’re wrong. Unlike you, I can have everything I want!” She started summoning a ball of energy to blast at Sunset, only for Cato to slam into her side and cause her to stop summoning. Twilight hissed and attacked Cato with her sword again. This time though, it seemed Cato was the one being outmatched. Sunset saw this and knew that Cato wouldn’t last long. She had no choice. “I’m sorry..” she said, as she prepared to open the device. “But it’s for your own good!” She opened it, letting the magic flow back into her friends and start sucking the magic out of Cato and Twilight. Twilight screamed in agony, while Cato eventually managed a smile while holding back his groans. It took two minutes, but then, it was done. Both had transformed back to normal and gradually descended to the ground like a piece of paper. Cato’s friends stared at each other, before they accepted that it had all stopped. The portals were gone, the creatures were gone, they had won. “That was awesome!” Marvel shouted. “What the hell just happened?” asked Jason. “I don’t know, but I liked it” Cato spoke, just as he spotted Clove and Applejack rushing towards him, screaming his name. Clove got there first, pulled his head down, and kissed him.. right on the lips. Cato VI/Sci-Twi II - That Pack Of CareersAuthor's Note This chapter is inspired by Leo Archon’s story “Her Legacy Won’t Endure”. Though here, it’s a more rated T version since Cato by now is totally pissed off by Cinch.. Cato VI/Sci-Twi II - That Pack Of Careers A woman steps out of the shadows, along with Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor. Now it’s Cato’s turn to smirk, to which Cinch finds that confusing. “What are you smirking for? It’s obvious that Superintendent Faust is disappointed in Canterlot High for all the magical cheating..-“ Cinch gets cut off by the superintendent, who clarifies her previous statement and shocks practically everyone, except Shining Armor, Thresh, Rue, Celestia, Luna, and Cato. “Actually, I’m disappointed in your conduct, Abacus Cinch.” Cinch was at a loss for words, while from a distance, Blueblood and his gang were seething. They didn’t try to get themselves thrown under the bus by trying to defend her, but it was clear their hatred of Cato had only intensified. “I-I beg your pardon?” Cinch asked, bewildered. Faust holds up a tape and plays it. What everyone hears is the sound of Cinch blackmailing Twilight. There’s a moment of silence, before an angry Royal Pin breaks the silence. “Principal Cinch, blackmailing one of us students?! How could you?!” “I don’t understand. There was nobody around us when that conversation was made” Cinch sputtered. “How did you-“ “Never underestimate the stealth capabilities of Rue Simpson” Thresh says, and Cato nods. “But don’t blame me for sending her to spy on you and record that conversation to give to Superintendent Faust. Blame Cato.” Cato nods again, and everyone else, even Blueblood and his gang, can’t help but have their jaws drop open in shock at the boy. It’s become clear to everyone that Cato is far smarter and more perceptive and observant than he lets on. “While the evidence is damning..” Faust starts. “I couldn’t make any moves until I had more proof of your criminal ways. I was listening in on your conversation before the start of the second round and when you, along with most of the other Crystal Prep students at the games, pressured Twilight to release the magic. In light of the events of this day, I have to rule in favor of Canterlot High. They were not using magic to cheat. Ms. Rainbow Dash was saving students from the monster that would have nearly ate her had not Mr. Hadley stepped in to save her. While I do find him carrying a sword around a bit.. alarming, in the circumstances, it was used properly in the right place at the right time.” “But.. But..” Cinch sputtered. “No buts. In light of the serious damage and loss of life that could have occurred, Abacus Cinch, you leave me no choice.” Suddenly, police cars swept down on the school, and officers moved to arrest Principal Cinch. “Abacus Cinch, you are under arrest for Child Endangerment, Abuse Of Power, and Blackmail. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say could be used against you in a court of law..” As Cinch walked along towards the police car, she was stunned by her sudden downfall. Then, in a final burst of anger, she turned and screamed at Cato. “Curse you! Curse you and your meddling friends! Answer me, do you make it a career to bring down the reputation of the school that rightfully won these games?” She was pushed into the police car and driven off. In the silence that followed, Cato and his friends reflected upon Cinch’s words, mostly Cato and Urchin. In the end, it was Rainbow Dash who broke the silence. “I guess they do make it a career of saving everyone..” Marvel was the next to speak. “I like it. We should call ourselves the Careers.” The others agreed, and eventually, so did everyone else, including Cato and Urchin. (Bit of an author’s note here: I know I already have one three way crossover between TMNT/Hunger Games/Equestria Girls, but I think I’ll do another one with the sequel to this one. True to my ways, though, how this will crossover is probably one possibility you haven’t thought of.) Epilogue - NightmaresSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Urchin I - Story Of The Friendship GamesI couldn’t believe it. Fate had somehow brought the 24 of us back together. But just as that moment, we heard a scream. A scream that was familiar to both me and Cato. Applejack. Turning around, we both raced off to where she was, our friends hot on our tail. When we got to where she was, Adagio was trying to comfort her and pointed to a sign on the wall. “Friendship Games?” I asked, looking at that. “That’s an odd name for a competition.” “Probably should be called Dragged Through The Dirt Games If you asked me” said a voice to the left of us. There was Flash standing there. “Hey Flash, mind explaining to me and Urchin and our friends from our Panem City Days what this is all about?” "The Friendship Games is a competition that we and Crystal Prep have every few years. Even though these games are supposed to be about Friendship, that couldn't be anywhere close to the truth. In effect, the games are in essence the ritual of us getting our butts handed to us by our fierce rival Crystal Prep and we get pranked by them in the aftermath. Basically, it's the bullying Sunset Shimmer used to hand out 5 times over. Applejack.. well, let's just say she ended up on the receiving end of it a lot. It got so bad that then when Sunset Shimmer came along, it didn't take long before she turned into the quiet, scared girl that you brought her out of, Cato." Then, there's the sound of a fist punching a locker in anger, and I don't have to turn around to know what's likely the cause of that. Cato is now obviously pissed off. Applejack runs into his arms and cries into his chest. We all look at the two of them. Cato's thinking, really hard. "Are you seriously thinking about taking on Crystal Prep, Cato? I'm in" says Marvel. "Same here" Noah joins in. "We're with you, buddy" I say. One by one, the rest of the gang joins in. Applejack looks at them, and through the tears, she smiles. "Cato.. if anyone can take down Crystal Prep, it's gonna be you.." she says. "Don't let me down.." "We're not" says Katniss. "Because if there's anything the twenty four of us are never going to do in our life span, it's letting someone down.." "She's right" says Peeta. "They want to curbstomp, we'll just curbstomp them." "So what's the plan, Cato?" asks Clove. "I don't know yet.." he says. "But one thing's for sure, Crystal Prep isn't going to find things easy this year." Sunburst II - A Very Tense Pre-Event MeetingI was still trying to understand why Blueblood was acting so bizarrely when the Shadowbolts were called to meet with Principal Cinch before the start of the second event. She was truly pissed off at this point, like really, really pissed. At this point, we only had Twilight, Lemon, Sunny, Sugarcoat, Sour, and Indigo still in the games. For Canterlot High, they had the monstrous Cato, and girls named Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Cato, by now, had been recognized by other students at Crystal Prep as a very tough opponent to beat. While Blueblood and his gang, true to his word, acted like Cato and his intimidating friends didn’t exist, the rest of the students not on the Shadowbolts had mixed responses. The Soccer and Track Team just watched him carefully, as if studying him. The rest of the girls’ teams either paid him no attention or just acted like fangirls. As for the guys, while some were scared and intimidated, most of the rest were either envious, in denial, or just plain jealous. All told, like I said before, it didn’t bode well for the future. Cinch was practically screaming the remaining Shadowbolts down, throwing insults and profanity everywhere. That woman was off her rocker, totally. It was insane. “We have, and always will be, the only ones that win these Friendship Games! Canterlot High has always been the inferior piece of shit with low quality competitors and that hasn’t changed!” So it isn’t just Blueblood and his gang. It’s Cinch, as well. Fuck, I thought to myself. This was not a good state of affairs, really not good. It was then I noticed something about Cato. He seemed more pissed now, like he had taken a boatload of anger steroids. He was staring directly at us, and his face looked like it was out for more curb-stomping. Somehow, between the first and second event, we had made Cato mad. Meanwhile, Cinch continued her hate and denial-filled rant. Other students looked at her, either appalled, shocked, indifferent, or worst case, approving of it. Like, there was nothing good about this. In a competitive environment like Crystal Prep who works together as a team for these things, adults are supposed to help us grow and cheer us on, not berate us. Nothing was really making any sense right now. Like, nothing really was. All my mind was telling me was that this isn’t right. I wanted to do something, but Cinch was way too intimidating for me to do anything. So I just stood there, and felt guilty afterwards as the games continued on. Clove I/Cato V/Applejack I - The Confession And The ChoiceAuthor's Note As for why Clove is kissing Cato… My friends, welcome to a Hunger Games ship fans like to call Clato. Clato is good, though honestly, I can see Cato with Applejack as well. Clove I/Cato V/Applejack I - The Confession And The Choice Everyone else stops dead in their tracks, shocked by the sight of Clove kissing Cato. Even Applejack was stunned. Clove pulls away from Cato and speaks up for all to hear. “As much as I ship Cato and Jackie, I do have to admit that I had feelings for him ever since I met him. After he left, I thought I would never see him again, so I pushed them aside. But when we came here, and I saw you again, those feelings came back, only way more stronger than before. It was when you saved me from being devoured, Cato, that I realized that I, like Jackie, was also in love with you. And as much as I want to keep you for myself, I can’t because I’ll feel guilty for breaking Jackie’s heart. So..” She trails off, mustering up the courage to say what she is about to say. “Mind if we both be yours, Cato Hadley?” Cato looked at Jackie, then at Clove, then back at Jackie. Logic was telling him to choose one, but he couldn’t bring himself to break his best friend or his girlfriend’s hearts by choosing one over the other. In the end, he took a deep breath. Fuck logic. “Clove, Jackie, the only word I can say here is.. yes.” All three of them hugged each other, both girls kissing Cato’s cheeks. He couldn’t believe it himself. It was like he was on top of the world. But the joy and happiness of every one around them didn’t last long, as everyone heard a loud ahem from one person. The person that had made Cato’s blood boil for the past few hours. “So.. can we expect that Crystal Prep has won the games to the other side’s cheating?” Cinch asked, causing Cato to jerk away from the two girls and storm towards Cinch, only to be held back by the combined efforts of Peeta, Thresh, Marvel, and Ryan. “Hey! Let me go!” Cato roared. “Dude! Calm yourself right now! At this level of anger, you’re probably going to snap the woman’s neck if you get your hands on her!” Marvel replied. Cato calmed down eventually, steaming in anger at Cinch’s smug face. But it was broken seconds later by the sound of another voice. “I have to say, I’m disappointed in this.”
Cato I - Messing Around“Hey Assholes, We’re Panzer Grenadiers, Not Panzers!” That was what came out of my mouth during this particular moment for this particular recording session for YouTube with me, Urchin, Flash, and Micro Chip playing Company Of Heroes where at this moment, my teammate who happens to be Urchin is literally sending infantry without anti-tank weapons at one of Flash’s 17-pounder Shermans like a dumbass. “Wait no.. Ah shit..” Urchin realized it too late and could only helplessly watch as the infantry squad is mowed down by machine gun fire. “Dang it..” I meanwhile was too busy having fun channeling Micro Chip’s and Flash’s assaults on my area into a town bordered by a ridge on the far side with climbable slopes with a river running around the town right in front of my positions as the ridge and river curved around the town on both flanks. Right now, I was reducing the town to rubble as infantry units were pounded to bits by mortars and machine gun fire from bunkers at the base of the ridge, as well as Grenadier Squads and Snipers in short sections of sandbagged positions. Meanwhile, the use of Nebelwerfers and rocket mounted halftracks made short work of any mortar groups that tried to support the embattled infantry. As for the enemy tanks, multiple tanks, anti-tank guns, Stugs, and 88mm guns were shredding the tanks and other vehicles as well as some infantry to pieces, supported by armored cars and motorcycles and Flak Panzers. Altogether, I was giving both of them a nearly impossible time assaulting my position. "Dear lord, that volume of fire emitting from Cato's line is like a volcano. The camera is shaking so much from the explosions.." Micro Chip muttered. As if that wasn't enough, I was dropping rocket barrages every now and then while receiving support from Stormtroopers, Stuh 42 assault guns, and Tiger Tanks that Urchin positioned within my defenses. "Dude, you're seriously just making this look like a worst version of Omaha Beach, man. Just ease it up with the freaking buzzsaw of death, Cato" Flash sighed. "Nope. I'm having way too much fun with this" I replied. I wasn't kidding. I really was having too much fun grinding up forces to dust under absurd weight of fire. Absolute fun all around, like Joker laughing insanely type fun. It was just pure fun for me, not so much for the two on the receiving end of it though. “Cato.. dude. I’m literally burning through my manpower funds right now. Fall Back Already” Flash said. “I don’t care. This is the United Bank Of.. Money” I replied, with a particular emphasis on the last word that caused my friends to burst out laughing. “Oh my god, Cato, dear lord.. ha ha.. that was just good..” Urchin laughed. Inside my brain, I could only think to myself four words as the match went on. This is the life. When we walked into school tomorrow, it seemed like it would be a normal day. Standing by the door, waiting for me and Urchin, were Applejack and Adagio. Then, my eyes shifted to the left to look at Urchin, and I was stunned. There waiting on the side of the stairs, talking to each other, were 22 familiar faces. “Clove? Jason? Everyone? Is that you?” I called out. I saw the brunette spin around, and there she was. Clove. Which meant the others were here, too. “Cato? Urchin?”
Cato 1.5 - The Gang’s All HereAuthor's Note Technically, this counts as an extension of the previous chapter, but this is just to give you backstory into the rest of the 74th Hunger Games Tributes in this universe and how they connect with Cato and Urchin. Cato 1.5 - The Gang’s All Here I probably should tell you about the people that used to make up Panem School District’s 74th Edition of “Top 24 Graduating Students Of Panem Central Elementary”. Clove, my best friend, was 6th on the list. Urchin came 11th, and not surprisingly, yours truly came 1st. But the other 22 kids do share a connection to me and Urchin in their own unique way. Glimmer Belcourt was 15th on the list, and for a time, my next door neighbor during 7th Grade. She came from a rich family, that fortunately for the rest of us, didn’t embrace her with a snotty rich girl attitude. Instead, she was one of the kindest kids in school. Marvel Sanford and I got along well in 4th and 5th Grade. Due to his rather lanky height (He was already 5’ 5” by the time we graduated), the other graduates called him “Beanstalk Marvel”, a name that I still call him by every once in a while. He was a natural at spear throwing when I first met him, due to his dad being a hunter. He was 13th. Noah Stanford was just as much of a nerd as I was, which is typical since he came from District 3, but he was more into engineering. In contrast, I would focus my attentions more to chemistry, history of a lot of things, and math, which would come into play during the friendship games. Noah built a lot of crazy machines throughout the years, from what I heard in middle and high school, leading him to earn the nickname “Noah_duz_machines”. He came 20th. Amber Ludwig was a shy girl, but with a brilliant mind. Also being from District 3, her family worked in computer science, but her real interest, as she told me, was that she wanted to work as a newspaper editor. Being the supportive guy that I am, I told her to go for it and also protected her from bullies. She came 10th. Marina Waters was Urchin’s best friend during middle and high school, and according to Urchin, she was his crush before he met Adagio. She was good with a sword, though not good as me. Her dad was friends with my dad, so our families would have dinner at a fancy place every once in a while. She came 23rd. Marissa Finch “Foxface” Silvers was one of the fun girls in the group, coming in on the list at 5th. She and Rue had a habit for pranks that more often than not, Marvel would find himself on the receiving end. She ended up falling in love with him by the time graduation rolled around, and they’ve been steady all this time from then to now. Brent Mathers was a rather anti-social kid, as until he met the rest of us. Coming from District 5 like Finch, he had a taste for mythology. He ranked 14th. Tamora Sinclair was more interested in music than working on the railroads as that was what her parents’ jobs were, and yet, she still had to convince them a lot to let her get a violin. They were so stubborn that it took one of my rants to get them to buy her the violin. She was 12th. Jason Roberts was an oddball, that much I can say. He and Marvel competed for the spot of “Class Jock”, since both of them were in sports. But, despite Marvel having the height advantage, Jason’s determination and resolve to persevere eventually won out in the end. He was 8th. Nettle Sinclair, Tamora’s sister, wanted to be in woodworking, since her mother, who is Tamora’s father’s second wife (Tamora’s mother have passed away from Cancer), was from District 7. She got along well with the others, and prospered. She ranked 24th. Brian “Wood” Simmons got his nickname due to his knowledge about woodworking, since his family were master woodworkers. He and Nettle became best friends, and have been that way since. He came 21st. Lacey Smithers was, like Noah and me, a nerd. In her case, she specialized in music history, which meant that she became close friends with Tamora. She also wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty when it came to bullies, as some of those that picked on Amber found out the hard way. She was 4th. Ryan Jones was about as tall as Marvel by graduation, and possibly the most physically intimidating kid beside Thresh at graduation. He was the reason I put on all that muscle and weight in middle school, because my head had been an arm rest for his arm too many times in 5th Grade. He was 18th. Juliet Pierce was a quiet girl, usually not saying much. But she was as kind as Glimmer, and got along well with the others. Boy, was she scary when you got her angry. The girl practically scared one of the people bullying Amber so hard that he fainted. She placed 21st. Rye Morgan came from a farming family in District 9, who themselves had moved there from District 10. Skilled with a sickle and scythe, he was one of the best farmhands I had ever seen. He got along well with the rest of us, even showing me how to use a scythe. He ranked 16th. August Smith was about as quiet as Juliet, and alongside Rue and Urchin, was the smallest of our group. But she could give you a death stare that made you shit your pants if you messed with her friends, particularly Amber. She was like a safety zone for the girl. She placed 2nd. Thaddeus Thorax had a crippled leg that had him permanently on crutches, yet it didn’t stop him from effectively using said crutches as a weapon. He placed 22nd. Rue and Thresh Simpson were siblings. Thresh was the physically intimidating one that watched out for Rue. Rue was the angel that was best pranking friends with Finch. They respectively had 17th and 7th. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from District 12 were like polar opposites that somehow got along. Peeta was from a baking family, and he wished to follow in his family’s profession. Katniss, like Marvel, had a dad that taught her how to hunt. Both of them made fast friends with the rest of us and until graduation, the 24 of us were all very close, near inseparable. I’ll let you guess as to where they placed.
Principal Cinch’s Speech Scene - Things Have ChangedAuthor's Note Welcome to the moment where Crystal Prep realizes that this Friendship Games is going to be anything but an easy ride for them.. Also, this is going to be in third person since describing this in first person wouldn’t do justice to what happens here.. Extra Note: Pinkie Pie ponying up and Twilight stealing her magic doesn’t happen in this scene for plot convenience. Principal Cinch’s Speech Scene - Things Have Changed They all waited in the shadows of the gym on either side of the party Pinkie Pie and the others had set up to invite friendship among them. So far, the Crystal Prep students weren’t doing their whole cocky, arrogant attitude yet. “This is what we have to go up against?” Marvel whispers to Cato. “Seriously, I thought they were going to be stronger than this.” Cato looks back at Marvel. “Don’t underestimate them yet, dude. They are basically like us, academic and athletic skills honed to a fine edge. From what it looks like though, they send their very best apparently.” “Okay, bro” he says just as Cato catches sight of Ryan doing hand signals from the opposite side of the gym. “Crystal Prep group, with principal. At mic” Cato repeats as sure enough, the music comes to a halt and is replaced by the sound of a voice that soon, Cato’s going to really fucking hate. At this moment, he and his friends stay in the shadows, not yet seen by any of the Crystal Prep students. (Author’s Note here: Even if you know what Cinch says at this particular point in the movie, stay a while. Because I’m going to add a bit extra..) “I like to thank Principal Celestia for her.. unconventional welcome” Principal Cinch said while standing at the mic. “It’s been four years since the last friendship games..” “Four years?” Thaddeus whispers to Thresh. “Freaking Hunger Games Middle and High School Competitions were yearly back in Panem City. Why 4?” “I think it’s based on the Olympics the nations have worldwide, I think” Urchin whispered. “Now shut up.” All the while, Cinch kept talking. “..but it feels if as though nothing has changed.” Cato smirked. That’s what you think, he thinks to himself. He knows in his heart that Cinch is dead wrong and can’t wait for the right moment to start the seed of truth to sprout in her brain. “..Canterlot High continues to pick its competitors in a popularity contest that has no real meaning of determining skill level..” Cinch continued, as Cato and his friends noticed the sad looks of Crystal Prep and Canterlot High students alike. That’s when Cato realizes something, one simple truth that changes his whole perspective and starts his burning hatred of Cinch. They’re not that way because they want to. They are that way because of her. “..and Crystal Prep continues to field its top twelve students. It is a comfort to know that even after so many years of losses..” The way Cinch placed emphasis on that word, Ryan swore he saw a vein pop on Cato’s forehead. Clearly, the Crystal Prep President was really getting on the monstrous boy’s nerves. Cato turned, and looked at Flash, who was deliberately standing at the back of the room. Flash looked back at Cato, waiting for the signal to do his thing. “..your school remains committed to its ideals, however misguided they may be.” Cato clamped a hand on his mouth to prevent himself from screaming. The only fucking misguided thing around here is you, you bitch! “..I wish you all the best of luck, regardless of the inevitable outcome that is sure to happen to Canterlot High every time we do these games” Cinch finished, just as Cato nodded at Flash, who then spoke up. By now Canterlot High and Crystal Prep had separated into two packs, leaving Flash with a clear line of sight to the stage and vice versa. “You know what they said, the status quo is always meant to be broken” Flash speaks up, catching everyone in the room by surprise. Cinch chuckles and looks down at Flash with a smug look on her face. “Oh really? Do you think Canterlot High has even any chance of defeating Crystal Prep?” “The answer to that is yeah, we do” Cato says out loud, the sound of his voice causing everyone on Crystal Prep’s side to jump. Cinch searches the auditorium, looking for the person who said that. “Which one of you said that?!” “Um, that would be me” Cato says as he steps out from the shadows, walking to the center of the auditorium while Flash walks to a spot just in front of him. The effect was instant. The Crystal Prep girls either couldn’t stop staring in awe and adoration at the drop dead gorgeous hulk that just made himself known, while most of the boys were visibly intimidated and even scared at the sight of the monstrous hulking boy. Even Cinch couldn’t find the words immediately to bring up her rebuttal at the sight of Cato. “W-what I-in the n-name of god are you?” she asks. Flash answers it for her. “He’s a recent transfer here. And he’s not alone.” One by one, the others walk out from the shadows and take their place in a line facing the Crystal Prep students. If the boys were intimidated or scared before, they were probably practically peeing their pants at the sight of Thresh, Ryan, Marvel, Peeta and the rest of the group. “H-Holy crap” said someone from the Crystal Prep side. “Our top twelve have to go up against that?” Then, a rather arrogant voice rose up through the crowd. “Guys, come on! They can’t be that challenging! Heck, the big blonde probably has more brawn than brains!” Cato chuckled, while staring the Crystal Prep students down with a glare so cold that even the girls had to back up a step away from him. He then turns towards Cinch, and he speaks with every hating fiber of his being. “The name’s Cato Hadley, and this is the year Canterlot High wins these games. Prepare to see your school go down.” Applejack looks at Cato and sees the fire in his eyes. She sighs in anxious breaths. Cato, I hope you’re not biting off more than you can chew right now, love.
Sci-Twi I - A Mind-Wrenching ReadjustmentIt’s taking every fiber of my being to prevent myself from having a breakdown right now. Like, where in the hell did he come from? Cato was just straight up massive. Shining Armor couldn’t compare to that massive hulk of a Canterlot student. He seriously made chills run up people’s spines like wildfire, there was something about him that just made me feel so insignificant. He was like the Grim Reaper given a human disguise. I know it’s not just me that’s having these thoughts right now. I just have to look all around to see it. Sour Sweet is hyperventilating, Sugarcoat is desperately trying to stay calm, Indigo Zap has a scared expression on her face, Lemon Zest is playing her music a lot louder than normal, and Sunny Flare is just pacing back and forth worryingly. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Sunburst is shaking Trenderhoof by the shoulders and telling the now insecure boy to get a hold of himself, Jet Set is also hyperventilating, Royal Pin is trying to convince himself that Cato and his friends don’t pose a threat, Fleur de Lis is just sitting in a seat with a blush on her face probably thinking of Cato, and Suri Polomare is panicking. There’s also Upper Crust who appears to be doing the same thing Fleur de Lis is doing, Neon Lights is just staring at the wall for some reason, Ember is freaking out like he has not before, Rising Star is actually crying, the list goes on and on. How’s my brother doing in all of this? Not very well. As far as I know, my brother is puking in the bathroom as we speak. Cato really did a number on him from his glare. (Author’s Note: And for the Crystal Prep students I haven’t mentioned by name yet which is literally the rest of the school that is not on the Shadowbolts, don’t worry. They’ll all get a place in the story.) “You okay, Twilight?” Cadence asks me. “Yeah, Dean Cadence, I’m fine.” I obviously wasn’t fine. “Principal Cinch has been out of sorts since that hulking boy stared her down in the gym. Don’t know what’s up with him, but he’s just.. fierce.” “Cato Hadley” I say, repeating the boy’s name. “He obviously has to be a transfer, because I have never heard a name like that before.” “Yeah. And did you notice the scars on his cheeks?” “What?” “I swear, I saw some scars on both of his cheeks in there. Wonder what he’s been through.” “I wonder too. He’s such an interesting boy, and..” I stop, turning to the other Shadowbolts. “..I can certainly say we all are going to need a readjustment because of him.” Author's Note So yeah, Cato is well.. let’s just say, something that Crystal Prep isn’t prepared for at all. Really sums up how powerful he’s become at this point, from an anti-social nerd with a big heart to a deadly mix of the monster in the 74th Games and his nerdy self at once.
Cato II - Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 1Author's Note The chapter title is a quote that Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) says in the 2010 movie Unstoppable, which features trains. While this chapter doesn’t involve trains, it does preface the butt whooping Crystal Prep is about to get in the first round of the Friendship Games. In case anyone wonders what the one at the end is for, let’s just say this won’t be the only chapter in the story with that title name. Cato II - Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 1 The first event for the Friendship Games was the Acadeca, basically a fancy way of saying “Academic Decathlon” for short. (Author’s Note: That is a reference to the song in the movie, only here I basically just explained where they made the song name from.) It was a cheesy name, for sure, don’t get me wrong on that. But, as a nerd, academics was where I excelled.. well that, and swords. But that was back in District 2 Middle and High. Here, there was no events based on weapon skills, much to my disappointment as well as some of my friends. But again, that didn’t matter. All that mattered here was defeating the Crystal Prep contenders. It was around before the start of this event that I noticed that Crystal Prep had a girl that looked exactly like Twilight Sparkle. I nudged Urchin, and gestured in her direction. “Of all the ironies in the world..” Urchin sighed. “This is just great. You got this, Cato.” I smiled back. “Yep, I do.” Standing there as Dean Cadence explained the first event to everyone, my eyes just scanned the Shadowbolts. Each of them couldn’t stop practically staring at me, though it seemed that one of them was staring at me more in adoration than fear. It was very obvious to me anyway that with me around, there were definitely not going to be on their A-Game. Deep down inside, I smirked. You all have no idea who you’ve brought upon yourselves. It started off with Chemistry, and then progressed subject by subject. As expected, with my big, nerdy brain, I was just flying through. While some of my teammates weren’t as like useful as I was, whose names I will not mention here, the fact that I was seriously wiping the floor with Crystal Prep’s best students due to my brain, quick on the draw reflexes, and killer instinct more than made up for it. At least unlike them, I really did have something to fight for and a reason to give it my all. I promised Applejack that I would take down Crystal Prep, and I’ll be damned if I come short on that goal. I was smart enough to entrust my teammates with stuff that I wasn’t really skilled in like baking with Pinkie Pie. Seriously, that Mona Lisa we did, that was a work of art. In effect, this combination allowed me to basically soar through the roof with the highest number of points among the competitors. Typical for me, I know. But hey, being a hulking nerd with a brain has its advantages. I honestly found it amusing to watch the Crystal Prep students’ faces gawk in disbelief as their school just went down in one event after another. It was just pure gold to me, music to my ears. I was giving a big middle finger to the status quo of the Friendship Games and the Status Quo couldn’t handle it. Even though Rarity had been like drained of her energy somehow midway through the first event, it was already too late to Crystal Prep to salvage their fortunes in the first round. Soon, it came down to just me and the Crystal Prep Twilight, with Cinch as the judge of the final round of this event. I had honestly expected from my first look at her that she would do anything to help Crystal Prep’s fortunes. Sure enough, she tried to do so during the final round of the first event by saying my answer was incorrect only for Marvel, Flash, and Thresh to protest. She tried to dismiss having to take a second look, but just one terrifying death stare from August and she relented. I swear, that girl’s death stare can make you do anything out of fear. Just like that, she corrected herself and said that I had the right answer first, just like I knew it was. Shaking hands with the Crystal Prep Twilight, beneath the mask of sportsmanship, I could see fear in her eyes. I found Rue immediately, who wasn’t competing. “Hey Rue, mind doing me a favor?” “Yeah, Cato.” “I need you to spy on Crystal Prep’s Twilight when she isn’t competing. There’s something fishy going on about her, one that she really doesn’t want to show, and I don’t know what.” “You can count on me.” As Rue headed off, I sighed and thought to myself, leaning up against the locker during the break in between the first and second event. You’re really making mincemeat out of the competition, Cato, I thought inside my mind. I chuckled at that. That was what I came here to do, and I wasn’t going to stop. Besides, I was now one step closer to giving Canterlot High a win and healing the trauma in Jackie’s heart. My train of thought was broken when I heard the sound of footsteps approaching me. I turned to see the source. Two Crystal Prep students, both female and one being one of the Shadowbolts, approached me with flirtatious looks on their faces. I groaned, turned, and left. I had seen too many high school-related material about dating to know where this was going. Besides, they could have been sent to me to try to throw me off my prime. Nope, nope. Not going down that route.
Sunburst I - That Sinking FeelingThis is not a very good day. No, really. This is not a very good day. That freaking blonde was messing up everything. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen. Why in the hell did someone with the IQ of a Crystal Prep student transfer into our rival school? Better yet, why did twenty four of them transfer into Canterlot High? For the first time I had ever seen, our mighty Shadowbolts were getting tossed around like rag dolls. This wasn’t possible. This shouldn’t have been possible. Those two sentences kept repeating over and over in my head. And yet, it was. The moment that towering blonde appeared, things started going against Crystal Prep. Like, he wasn’t just straight up towering. He was fucking terrifying. Then again, that little girl of the bunch, with her death stare, was probably more fucking scary than he was. Like, that stare actually made me pee my pants. So yeah, I was scared and embarrassed. It honestly didn’t help my school’s cause that fanclubs for the strongest students ever fielded by our rivals was forming in our own ranks. Like, I was pretty sure at this moment that Fleur De Lis and Upper Crust had developed a massive crush on Cato, and could already tell from Lemon Zest’s movements that she was getting a crush on the small, curly haired dude. Either way, the fact that two of the Shadowbolts had developed crushes on members of the opposition did not bode well for the future. Our Principal Cinch, on the other hand.. my reactions to this turn of events were considered mild compared to hers. Some of my friends told me they heard her go into the bathroom and just start screaming her head off in anger. Like, I knew she was going to be upset.. I just didn’t imagine that she would be this upset. After Cato wiped the floor with Twilight at the end of the first event, I met up with Trenderhoof, Jet Set, Royal Pin, and Neon Lights. They were all standing around, looking disappointed in themselves, and I had a few choice words for them. “Guys, what the hell?! What kind of smack-shit performance was that?!” Not one of them spoke for a while. Finally, Jet Set broke the silence. “He’s.. scary.. that stare of his.. seriously makes me feel like I’m just a little kid again.” Trenderhoof was the next to speak up. “Dude, that’s girl stare was more terrifying than his. Like, I’ve seen horror movies, but nothing in those can top that stare. Pure scare factor.” Royal Pin punched the wall out of nowhere, surprising the rest of us. “This isn’t happening! This is not happening!” he yelled. “Well it is, so you four need to shut the fuck up and man up” said a voice from behind us. I turned around. There was the last person I wanted to see when our school’s fortunes were failing. Blueblood. The school’s worst bully, and leader of the group that supported Principal Cinch all the way. “Those dipshits.. those weaklings cheated, I’m sure of it. There’s no fucking way that Canterlot High has gotten this good. As Cinch said, nothing has changed. We’ll just own them in the rest of the games.” Royal Pin ran up to him, and shook him in desperation. “Open your eyes, dipshit! Things have changed! We’re actually fucking losing to our rivals.. and they have a monstrous boy and girl whose stares are making us not be on our game!” Blueblood roughly shoved Royal Pin off him and into a locker. “What monstrous blonde? All I see is the same weaklings that Canterlot always has.” “Are you fucking blind?” Neon Lights screamed. “They have 24 new students we didn’t even know had transferred in there, and at least 4 of them are basically making us look pathetic!” “Canterlot High doesn’t have strong competitors. They’re pulling all these points due to fraud. I dutifully expect that at the end, those points will be given to our school as the rightful winner of those points. Canterlot High will always be inferior to Crystal Prep, and will never be able to win the Friendship Games. They never can, and they never will. Nothing has changed, except what is now a team of fucking weaklings off their rockers” Blueblood scoffed, and then turned around and left. Jet Set put his arm around Royal Pin, who was now crying. “What the hell is up with him?” Jet Set asked the rest of us. None of us could answer that question. It made zero sense as to why Blueblood was acting like nothing had changed, even though everything had clearly changed. Canterlot High had won those points fair and square, and for some reason, Blueblood refused to accept that. If things had been bad before, the things that would happen if Crystal Prep actually lost the Friendship Games didn’t look any brighter and only more dark. Author's Note A bit of foreshadowing to the sequel that will come after this, and the introduction of the person Cato will face as a minor enemy in the sequel. Inspired by the story “Shadowed Bolts”, this is my own take on a villainous Blueblood in Crystal Prep. Either way, things are not going well on Crystal Prep’s side outside of the games..
Cato III - Why It Pays To Bring Your Sword Along In Case Of Monsters From Another DimensionI was really, really angry. Both at Crystal Prep Twilight and Cinch, but it was more Cinch than Twilight. First off, what happened to Rarity had also happened to Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and my girlfriend by now. The second was that Rue had apparently discovered that Cinch had dragged Twilight along via use of using her university application to Everton as blackmail. That just made me sick to my stomach. It was wrong, it was just fucked up. Cinch herself did nothing to improve my burning hatred for her, as she just screamed and insulted Twilight and the remaining Shadowbolts in the competition as we waited to start the second event. It was clear that I had really gotten under Cinch’s skin, but it was also now clear that this woman was freaking delusional. She’s literally acting as if I and the others don’t exist, I thought to myself. I didn’t have time to think it over longer, because Vice Principal Luna came along and told us which events we would be competing in. Much to my comfort, I got placed with Applejack for Archery, something that I had placed a very good amount of time in. Not as much as I had with swords, but still a good amount of time. Jackie was still feeling odd at the moment. So I took upon myself to carry both of our bows and quivers of arrows to where we were supposed to shoot. “Cato, thanks. I really appreciate all that you’re doing for me” she said as we got our bows out. “Anything for you, love” I said as I kissed her forehead, and a chorus of noise rose up from the Crystal Prep side. I just ignored it, as the two competitors from Crystal Prep walked up to the archery area, which happened to be Twilight and a girl named Sour Sweet. Great, this is now totally awkward, I thought to myself. Soon enough, the event started. Jackie was shooting fine and everything was going okay, at least until what seemed to be like a page rip open near me and a big massive tentacle pops out. “Okay. Holy fuck-“ I shout, but was cut off by Jackie screaming and running away. Sour Sweet and Twilight did as well, leaving me there. I take out my sword and I slice the thing right down the middle. It bleeds and retreats. I turn around. Rainbow Dash had “ponyed-up” and was saving some people from it, but soon her magic was absorbed by Twilight and she fell hard. She found herself scooting away from a very interested tentacle in fear as I approached at rapid speed. “Don’t you fucking touch her!” I shouted, slicing into it with my sword. Like the other one, it fell back and the tears cease. I look down at Rainbow Dash. “You okay?” “Hurting and Tired, but I’m fine.” I helped her off the field as everyone just gasped at what had happened. Things were like a powder keg now unfortunately. It wasn’t going to be long before it all blew up.
Sunburst III - Fateful MomentsYeah, it’s safe to say that things have gone from bad to worse. After the second round and the weird oddities that occurred, as well as the revelation that Cato carries a sword around and is dating Applejack, the latter of which was particularly shocking to me since I had no idea how such a massive boy could win the heart of such a beautiful girl with anything other than his looks, our situation looked pretty desperate. The Wonderbolts practically trounced us in the Tri-Cross Relay, with another revelation being that the monstrous blonde is good at archery. Like Jesus Christ, is there anything that this guy isn’t good at? Either way, he was something that was unstoppable and Principal Cinch knew it. Speaking to the Shadowbolts nearby, she said that failure was not an option. “If we are to win these games, then we shall have to fight fire with fire, and turn Canterlot High’s magic against them.” I was stunned. Was she crazy? The answer was yes when it turned out that Twilight Sparkle, one of our own students, had Magic contained inside a device of hers. Twilight tried to refuse, but Cinch apparently decided to fucking blackmail the poor girl by using her application to Everton as leverage. That was just fucked up. I felt betrayed. Then, things went from bad to worse when Sunny, Lemon, Sour, Sugarcoat, and Indigo joined her in pressuring Twilight to “unleash the magic”. “Are they all fucking insane?!” Royal Pin said next to me. Then, Blueblood and his gang joined in the calls to unleash the magic. Pretty soon, every other male Crystal Prep student except for me, Trenderhoof, Royal Pin, Neon Lights, and Jet Set had joined the chant. “Dudes, I don’t mean to state the obvious, but this looks bad” Trenderhoof said, causing anxious murmurs of agreement from the rest of us. “Agreed. But what can we do?” asked Jet Set. “The only thing we can do. Wait till shit hits the fan, and then run for our lives” said Royal Pin. I turned to Canterlot’s corner. There was Cato himself, staring back over at our corner. I honestly do believe one look at my eyes told him all that he needed to know, because his face turned deadly serious and he sheathed his sword and cracked his knuckles, obviously preparing for a fight. Soon, it came time to start the final event. As soon as Principal Celestia said go, Cinch yelled at Twilight, accompanied by practically every other student, except a few, from Crystal Prep. “Now, Twilight! Release The Magic!” “No! DON’T!” I called out. But it was too late. A transformation had begun, the results of which would never leave us the same ever again. While that was happening, part of the magic literally split away from the ball surrounding Twilight and went straight for Canterlot’s side, engulfing none other than.. Cato. Author's Note Bet you did not see that one coming, did you? Now with Twilight and Cato both transforming, how is the climax of the movie going to go? Tune in next chapter to find out..
Midnight Sparkle’s Rampage Scene - Pure Darkness, Until A Light Comes To Challenge ItAuthor's Note Due to plot convenience, the showdown between Cato and Midnight Sparkle won’t happen until next chapter, and until the end of this chapter, Cato will still be transforming due to unknown reasons. Bad news for everyone, except Midnight Sparkle… until it isn’t. But warning: pain, suffering, and pure terror. Also, this will be in third person, as will the following chapter. Midnight Sparkle’s Rampage Scene - Pure Darkness, Until A Light Comes To Challenge It “CATO!” The sound of Applejack and Clove’s terrified screams can leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that something was going terrifyingly wrong. Both Cato and Twilight couldn’t move as the magic engulfed their bodies. “Help!” Twilight called out, while being engulfed by the magic in mid air. Cato, meanwhile, felt himself in just a world of pain, unable to move most of his body while lying on his back on the ground. All he could do was turn his head and stare at the others, his eyes literally overwhelmed with terror and tears falling down his face. “Jackie, please. It hurts so much. Please, someone help me..” Then, Twilight’s ball erupted in a blinding light just as Cato’s ball of magic finished consuming the terrified boy. Inside the ball, he couldn’t exactly see what Twilight had transformed into, but he could see the outline and the dark aura that engulfed her, causing sweat to drip down his already tear-stricken face. Cinch moved away from the scene as Spike dropped his ears down in fear. Applejack curled in a ball on the ground, scared out of her mind. Not only was the human version of her best friend now a demon like Sunset Shimmer was, but the terrifying possibility that the same thing could happen to Cato now existed. It was too much, even for her as she cried like a scared child, whimpering Cato’s name, calling out for him. Clove was equally scared, but she didn’t panic like Applejack did. Instead, she stood, frozen in place by fear. The sight of Cato crying and hollering in pain made her heart break and tears flow down her eyes. She really wanted to call out his name, to come save her and the others from this nightmare that was now unfolding in front of them, but Cato was temporarily out of action. Twilight laughed manically before turning to Sunset. “You were right. I didn’t understand magic before. But I do now!” The horn on her head lit up, and then she fired a burst of energy at the statue, destroying the horse on top. The portal opened, as well as a crack running along the ground. Cato’s eyes widened in horror as he figured out what was happening. Son of a bitch, she’s going to bring the two worlds together and probably destroy them in the process! She threw a second bolt at where Applejack stood, and Cato could only breath a temporary sigh of relief when she got out of the way just in time. More tears were opening up, and Twilight was throwing magic at every one of them. Sunny caught Cinch moving away behind her. “Hey, where are you going?” Sunny yelled at her. “Anywhere but here, to get away from that.. monster! And I suggest you do the same!” Cinch replied before running off. Nearby, Urchin and Adagio both watched as things erupted in chaos. “Well.. Urchin..” Adagio said, clinging to Urchin in terror. “What do you think our odds are of surviving this?” Urchin could only look her in the eyes with fear in his own and mouth, “I don’t know.” Sunset now spoke up. “Twilight! You can’t do this!” “Why not?!” Twilight yelled back. “There’s a whole another world right there, and it’s just filled with magic!” “But your destroying this world too!” Sunset countered. “So what?” Twilight replied. “There’s more Magic there, and I want it understand it all!” She threw a ball of energy at the ground, causing a portal to appear and a massive, massive tentacle creature to arise out of it. In addition, a large magic shield cracked the ground in a half kilometer circle centered on Canterlot High, that miraculously didn’t split any buildings in two, but trapped everyone inside it. As tentacles begin grabbing people, and other portals began opening, Cato saw a peculiar looking sword on the ground next to him. The handle looked weird, but it seemed to beckon him. Toughening up and ignoring the pain, Cato tried to reach out for it. He grabbed onto the sword, just as his ball of energy began transforming him, only this transformation was a lot less brighter than Twilight’s. As Clove and Applejack and many other students, mostly females, tried and failed to free themselves from the tentacles, which now slowly led them towards the monster’s many mouths and possible devourment, its head and the mouths were decapitated off from the rest of its body in a flash. The tentacles wilted and the students became free. As Twilight began summoning pumpkin like tentacle creatures to attack the students, a fist came out of nowhere and punched her square in the face. “Ow!” she cried, before growling. “Who did that?-“ She stopped her question when she saw Cato, floating in the air. The boy had transformed into something so bizarre, so weird that one had to see to believe it. (What Cato has basically turned into is the Shredder Tengu from TMNT 2003, just scaled down to Cato’s height.) The boy growled. “You want a fight, Twilight? Then, here it is!” He held out the sword he had grabbed, whose blade now pulsed with visible energy waves. “Fine then!” shouted Twilight, who generated her own sword and then attacked Cato.
Cato IV - A Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 2Author's Note It’s a chapter with Cato as the focus, but it’s still in third person. Either way, time for the fight you’ve all been waiting for: Cato Hadley vs. Midnight Sparkle! Cato IV - A Train That Size Going That Fast, It’ll Vaporize Anything That Gets In Its Way 2 Both swords clashed, and the sound of the dueling caused everyone else, especially the Canterlot High students, to be relieved. Applejack cried tears of joy, since her boyfriend wasn’t dead. Clove cried tears of joy as well, for reasons that Cato would find out after this was over. She shook off her tears however, as she started throwing knives into the creatures as the rest of the Panem City transfers either took out their weapons to start killing creatures and cover the others who were helping Crystal Prep and Canterlot High Students from falling into the portals. The creatures kept coming, but Clove, Marvel, Glimmer, Katniss, and the others that were using their weapons kept them at bay, like a modern yet old fashioned depiction of the thin red line. As all this went down, Cato and Twilight fought above them, like two great beasts. “Why do you resist me if you are a demon like me?!” Twilight shouted at Cato. “Because I’ve come too far to lose everything. For the sake of the world, my family, my friends, and for Jackie, I’m going to defeat you!” Cato roars back. “Why in the world wouldn’t you want to take the power for yourself?!” Twilight hissed. “Because the power of friendship and love will always triumph over evil!” Cato fires back, as he goes psycho on Twilight, the full weight of his training coming into the fray. He doesn’t hold back, laying into Twilight with full-blown fury. All that anger he had felt about Cinch unleashed over 10 agonizing minutes for Twilight. She realized too late what she was dealing with. Somehow, by touching the sword, Cato’s mind hadn’t warped like hers. Instead, she was dealing with a boy that really didn’t take kindly to what she was doing, and also massively out-matched her in speed, training, and power. As all this was going on, Sunset found Twilight’s magic container. Looking at Cato and watching as the magic glowed around her friends, she had an idea. “This isn’t the way, Twilight!” she called out towards said corrupted girl, who merely shoved Cato aside to look at her. “I know you feel powerful right now, like you can have everything you want. I’ve been where you are, I’ve made the same mistake you’re making. I put on a crown and just like you, I was overwhelmed by the magic it contained. I thought it could get me everything I wanted.” Twilight cackled. “Oh, you’re wrong. Unlike you, I can have everything I want!” She started summoning a ball of energy to blast at Sunset, only for Cato to slam into her side and cause her to stop summoning. Twilight hissed and attacked Cato with her sword again. This time though, it seemed Cato was the one being outmatched. Sunset saw this and knew that Cato wouldn’t last long. She had no choice. “I’m sorry..” she said, as she prepared to open the device. “But it’s for your own good!” She opened it, letting the magic flow back into her friends and start sucking the magic out of Cato and Twilight. Twilight screamed in agony, while Cato eventually managed a smile while holding back his groans. It took two minutes, but then, it was done. Both had transformed back to normal and gradually descended to the ground like a piece of paper. Cato’s friends stared at each other, before they accepted that it had all stopped. The portals were gone, the creatures were gone, they had won. “That was awesome!” Marvel shouted. “What the hell just happened?” asked Jason. “I don’t know, but I liked it” Cato spoke, just as he spotted Clove and Applejack rushing towards him, screaming his name. Clove got there first, pulled his head down, and kissed him.. right on the lips.
Cato VI/Sci-Twi II - That Pack Of CareersAuthor's Note This chapter is inspired by Leo Archon’s story “Her Legacy Won’t Endure”. Though here, it’s a more rated T version since Cato by now is totally pissed off by Cinch.. Cato VI/Sci-Twi II - That Pack Of Careers A woman steps out of the shadows, along with Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor. Now it’s Cato’s turn to smirk, to which Cinch finds that confusing. “What are you smirking for? It’s obvious that Superintendent Faust is disappointed in Canterlot High for all the magical cheating..-“ Cinch gets cut off by the superintendent, who clarifies her previous statement and shocks practically everyone, except Shining Armor, Thresh, Rue, Celestia, Luna, and Cato. “Actually, I’m disappointed in your conduct, Abacus Cinch.” Cinch was at a loss for words, while from a distance, Blueblood and his gang were seething. They didn’t try to get themselves thrown under the bus by trying to defend her, but it was clear their hatred of Cato had only intensified. “I-I beg your pardon?” Cinch asked, bewildered. Faust holds up a tape and plays it. What everyone hears is the sound of Cinch blackmailing Twilight. There’s a moment of silence, before an angry Royal Pin breaks the silence. “Principal Cinch, blackmailing one of us students?! How could you?!” “I don’t understand. There was nobody around us when that conversation was made” Cinch sputtered. “How did you-“ “Never underestimate the stealth capabilities of Rue Simpson” Thresh says, and Cato nods. “But don’t blame me for sending her to spy on you and record that conversation to give to Superintendent Faust. Blame Cato.” Cato nods again, and everyone else, even Blueblood and his gang, can’t help but have their jaws drop open in shock at the boy. It’s become clear to everyone that Cato is far smarter and more perceptive and observant than he lets on. “While the evidence is damning..” Faust starts. “I couldn’t make any moves until I had more proof of your criminal ways. I was listening in on your conversation before the start of the second round and when you, along with most of the other Crystal Prep students at the games, pressured Twilight to release the magic. In light of the events of this day, I have to rule in favor of Canterlot High. They were not using magic to cheat. Ms. Rainbow Dash was saving students from the monster that would have nearly ate her had not Mr. Hadley stepped in to save her. While I do find him carrying a sword around a bit.. alarming, in the circumstances, it was used properly in the right place at the right time.” “But.. But..” Cinch sputtered. “No buts. In light of the serious damage and loss of life that could have occurred, Abacus Cinch, you leave me no choice.” Suddenly, police cars swept down on the school, and officers moved to arrest Principal Cinch. “Abacus Cinch, you are under arrest for Child Endangerment, Abuse Of Power, and Blackmail. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say could be used against you in a court of law..” As Cinch walked along towards the police car, she was stunned by her sudden downfall. Then, in a final burst of anger, she turned and screamed at Cato. “Curse you! Curse you and your meddling friends! Answer me, do you make it a career to bring down the reputation of the school that rightfully won these games?” She was pushed into the police car and driven off. In the silence that followed, Cato and his friends reflected upon Cinch’s words, mostly Cato and Urchin. In the end, it was Rainbow Dash who broke the silence. “I guess they do make it a career of saving everyone..” Marvel was the next to speak. “I like it. We should call ourselves the Careers.” The others agreed, and eventually, so did everyone else, including Cato and Urchin. (Bit of an author’s note here: I know I already have one three way crossover between TMNT/Hunger Games/Equestria Girls, but I think I’ll do another one with the sequel to this one. True to my ways, though, how this will crossover is probably one possibility you haven’t thought of.)
Epilogue - NightmaresSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Urchin I - Story Of The Friendship GamesI couldn’t believe it. Fate had somehow brought the 24 of us back together. But just as that moment, we heard a scream. A scream that was familiar to both me and Cato. Applejack. Turning around, we both raced off to where she was, our friends hot on our tail. When we got to where she was, Adagio was trying to comfort her and pointed to a sign on the wall. “Friendship Games?” I asked, looking at that. “That’s an odd name for a competition.” “Probably should be called Dragged Through The Dirt Games If you asked me” said a voice to the left of us. There was Flash standing there. “Hey Flash, mind explaining to me and Urchin and our friends from our Panem City Days what this is all about?” "The Friendship Games is a competition that we and Crystal Prep have every few years. Even though these games are supposed to be about Friendship, that couldn't be anywhere close to the truth. In effect, the games are in essence the ritual of us getting our butts handed to us by our fierce rival Crystal Prep and we get pranked by them in the aftermath. Basically, it's the bullying Sunset Shimmer used to hand out 5 times over. Applejack.. well, let's just say she ended up on the receiving end of it a lot. It got so bad that then when Sunset Shimmer came along, it didn't take long before she turned into the quiet, scared girl that you brought her out of, Cato." Then, there's the sound of a fist punching a locker in anger, and I don't have to turn around to know what's likely the cause of that. Cato is now obviously pissed off. Applejack runs into his arms and cries into his chest. We all look at the two of them. Cato's thinking, really hard. "Are you seriously thinking about taking on Crystal Prep, Cato? I'm in" says Marvel. "Same here" Noah joins in. "We're with you, buddy" I say. One by one, the rest of the gang joins in. Applejack looks at them, and through the tears, she smiles. "Cato.. if anyone can take down Crystal Prep, it's gonna be you.." she says. "Don't let me down.." "We're not" says Katniss. "Because if there's anything the twenty four of us are never going to do in our life span, it's letting someone down.." "She's right" says Peeta. "They want to curbstomp, we'll just curbstomp them." "So what's the plan, Cato?" asks Clove. "I don't know yet.." he says. "But one thing's for sure, Crystal Prep isn't going to find things easy this year."
Sunburst II - A Very Tense Pre-Event MeetingI was still trying to understand why Blueblood was acting so bizarrely when the Shadowbolts were called to meet with Principal Cinch before the start of the second event. She was truly pissed off at this point, like really, really pissed. At this point, we only had Twilight, Lemon, Sunny, Sugarcoat, Sour, and Indigo still in the games. For Canterlot High, they had the monstrous Cato, and girls named Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Cato, by now, had been recognized by other students at Crystal Prep as a very tough opponent to beat. While Blueblood and his gang, true to his word, acted like Cato and his intimidating friends didn’t exist, the rest of the students not on the Shadowbolts had mixed responses. The Soccer and Track Team just watched him carefully, as if studying him. The rest of the girls’ teams either paid him no attention or just acted like fangirls. As for the guys, while some were scared and intimidated, most of the rest were either envious, in denial, or just plain jealous. All told, like I said before, it didn’t bode well for the future. Cinch was practically screaming the remaining Shadowbolts down, throwing insults and profanity everywhere. That woman was off her rocker, totally. It was insane. “We have, and always will be, the only ones that win these Friendship Games! Canterlot High has always been the inferior piece of shit with low quality competitors and that hasn’t changed!” So it isn’t just Blueblood and his gang. It’s Cinch, as well. Fuck, I thought to myself. This was not a good state of affairs, really not good. It was then I noticed something about Cato. He seemed more pissed now, like he had taken a boatload of anger steroids. He was staring directly at us, and his face looked like it was out for more curb-stomping. Somehow, between the first and second event, we had made Cato mad. Meanwhile, Cinch continued her hate and denial-filled rant. Other students looked at her, either appalled, shocked, indifferent, or worst case, approving of it. Like, there was nothing good about this. In a competitive environment like Crystal Prep who works together as a team for these things, adults are supposed to help us grow and cheer us on, not berate us. Nothing was really making any sense right now. Like, nothing really was. All my mind was telling me was that this isn’t right. I wanted to do something, but Cinch was way too intimidating for me to do anything. So I just stood there, and felt guilty afterwards as the games continued on.
Clove I/Cato V/Applejack I - The Confession And The ChoiceAuthor's Note As for why Clove is kissing Cato… My friends, welcome to a Hunger Games ship fans like to call Clato. Clato is good, though honestly, I can see Cato with Applejack as well. Clove I/Cato V/Applejack I - The Confession And The Choice Everyone else stops dead in their tracks, shocked by the sight of Clove kissing Cato. Even Applejack was stunned. Clove pulls away from Cato and speaks up for all to hear. “As much as I ship Cato and Jackie, I do have to admit that I had feelings for him ever since I met him. After he left, I thought I would never see him again, so I pushed them aside. But when we came here, and I saw you again, those feelings came back, only way more stronger than before. It was when you saved me from being devoured, Cato, that I realized that I, like Jackie, was also in love with you. And as much as I want to keep you for myself, I can’t because I’ll feel guilty for breaking Jackie’s heart. So..” She trails off, mustering up the courage to say what she is about to say. “Mind if we both be yours, Cato Hadley?” Cato looked at Jackie, then at Clove, then back at Jackie. Logic was telling him to choose one, but he couldn’t bring himself to break his best friend or his girlfriend’s hearts by choosing one over the other. In the end, he took a deep breath. Fuck logic. “Clove, Jackie, the only word I can say here is.. yes.” All three of them hugged each other, both girls kissing Cato’s cheeks. He couldn’t believe it himself. It was like he was on top of the world. But the joy and happiness of every one around them didn’t last long, as everyone heard a loud ahem from one person. The person that had made Cato’s blood boil for the past few hours. “So.. can we expect that Crystal Prep has won the games to the other side’s cheating?” Cinch asked, causing Cato to jerk away from the two girls and storm towards Cinch, only to be held back by the combined efforts of Peeta, Thresh, Marvel, and Ryan. “Hey! Let me go!” Cato roared. “Dude! Calm yourself right now! At this level of anger, you’re probably going to snap the woman’s neck if you get your hands on her!” Marvel replied. Cato calmed down eventually, steaming in anger at Cinch’s smug face. But it was broken seconds later by the sound of another voice. “I have to say, I’m disappointed in this.”
