Meanwhile, back on the Nemesis, Soundwave went to Starscream to report what happened. “Starscream, Skyquake’s life signal is terminated.”

“Autobots…” Starscream growled. “But he ran into the Autobot called Bumblebee in the Everfree Forest area before he was destroyed,” Soundwave explained. “Other Decepticons haven’t found anything to report on the mysterious energy radiation signature. I haven’t found its source either.”

“Soundwave, can you track the source of the readings, including its origin in another way?” Starscream asked, as Soundwave nodded. “Laserbeak, eject. Location: Canterlot City. Operation: find the source of unknown energy readings and retrieve information.” Soundwave then opened the cockpit on his chest and then let Laserbeak out so the red and black bird-like surveillance drone could start his mission as he flew out of the ship.

At Crystal Prep, Sci-Twi walked through the hallway carrying her books. As the school bell rang, she took a deep breath and walked through the students, who rudely bumped into her as she spoke, “Excuse me. Sorry. Pardon me.”

Later on, this world’s Spike was sleeping on Sci-Twi’s chair, until he heard her come in and then he panted over to the door, before she accidentally bumped it into him.

Sci-Twi then sat down and looked around for her dog, “Spike? Spike?!”

Spike barked as he emerged from the trash can and went over to his owner.

Sci-Twi giggled, “There you are, you silly dog.”

Spike barked, and then licked her face. “Okay, okay!” Sci-Twi giggled, until Spike turned around and sat down on her lap, and panted. “Last night's field test confirmed it, Spike. With this device, I can track and contain the bizarre energy coming from Canterlot High,” Sci-Twi explained, showing her device to Spike, until he started growling after he heard the school’s name.

Sci-Twi stroked his green hair on his furry head, “I know you didn't like me going over there, but I just couldn't wait. And soon, I'll have all the time I need. All of Crystal Prep is gonna be there for the Friendship Games. I just hope all that "rivalry" nonsense doesn't get in the way of my research, because I’m nearly there. If I can collect enough data on these EM frequencies, I should be able to extrapolate the waveforms to determine their origin. That would practically guarantee my entrance into the Everton Independent Study Program! Whoa!” She then fell backwards.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and entering the room was a young and beautiful woman named Dean Cadance. She looked down at Sci-Twi being kissed by her dog, “Twilight, you know the rules against pets.”

“Well, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadance. He's the focus of my research project. Human-canine cohabitation: effects and implications,” Sci-Twi explained.

“If you say so. But Principal Cinch is highly allergic, so I suggest you put on a clean shirt,” Dean Cadance said.

Sci-Twi put Spike down, “Why?”

“Because she wants to see you,” Dean Cadance replied. Sci-Twi suddenly felt excited, “Ooh! Maybe she has news about my application to Everton!”

“I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Are you sure that's what you really want?” Dean Cadance asked. “Why wouldn't it be? A program that allows me to focus all my attention on my own advanced math and science projects? What a dream come true!” Sci-Twi replied with excitement.

“But there aren't any classrooms with other students. You'll be doing everything on your own,” Dean Cadance said in concern.

“That is why it's called an "independent study program",” Sci-Twi said.

Dean Cadance then smiled at Sci-Twi and then spoke up to her calmly, “I just don't want you to miss out on anything. That's all. Being around other people isn't a bad thing. Sometimes it's how you learn the most about yourself.”

“I guess,” Sci-Twi replied, feeling unsure. “Well, I’m glad we’ve had this talk. Meet you in Principal Cinch's office in a few minutes?” Dean Cadance asked, receiving a nod from Sci-Twi until Dean Cadance left the room with the door closed.

Sci-Twi turned to Spike, who was playing with a tug rope, “What's she so worried about? Everton is exactly what I need right now.” She then sighed, “It's not like I have anything left to learn at Crystal Prep.”

She then left her personal laboratory and then started her way to Principal Cinch’s office, but decided to wander around the school halls.

Sci-Twi

I've walked through all these halls before
I've been in and out of every door, oh-whoa-oh
There's nothin' in this school that I don't know
In every class, my grade's the best
The highest score on every test
I think that means it's time for me to go

I know there's more that's out there
And I just haven't found it yet
I know there's more that's out there
Another me I haven't met

This school is full of people
But still I don't belong
They only dream of winning
Look at me like something's wrong
Maybe I'm better off alone
Will I find what I'm lookin' for
If I just do it on my own?

I know there's more that's out there
Something to fill this hole inside
I know there's more that's out there
And I'm not afraid to try

There's only so much this school can offer
And I'm not saying that it's wrong
But I know there's more that's out there
'Cause I've been searching all along

Beyond these rooms, beyond these walls
So much to learn, I can't see it all
There's somethin' out there callin' me
And it's a mystery that I can't wait to see

'Cause I know there's more that's out there
Another place, another way
And I know there's more that's out there
And I'll find out someday!

I'll find out someday...

The door creaked open as Sci-Twi entered Principal Cinch’s office, and then sat on the chair near her desk.

The door creaked halfway closed as she saw her brother Shining Armor, who was wearing a black t-shirt underneath a dark blue zip up hoodie, black pants, and dark bluish gray sneakers.

“Shining Armor? Why is my brother here?” Sci-Twi asked. “As a member of the military, and former alumni of Crystal Prep, Principal Cinch thought he could provide some unique perspective by supporting you,” Dean Cadance said.

“Perspective on what?” Sci-Twi asked, until Principal Cinch turned around facing Sci-Twi. “Why, the Friendship Games, of course. You competed in the games before you graduated for military training, did you not, Shining Armor?”

Shining Armor cleared his throat, “I did.”

“And you happen to recall who won?” Principal Cinch asked. Shining Armor chuckled, “Ha ha, Crystal Prep did. We always win.”

“Correct. We always win,” Principal Cinch said.

“Why did you ask to see me?” Sci-Twi asked.

Principal Cinch then spoke up to Sci-Twi, “Twilight, I'll be honest. It doesn't matter whether or not Crystal Prep wins or loses.” She then wiped a smudge on a trophy, and then put it back. “The important thing is we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation. And it is that reputation... my reputation that is responsible for everything we have here. For everything you've done here. And you've done quite a lot, haven't you?”

“I don't know. I guess,” Sci-Twi replied.

“Oh, don't be modest. You're the best student this school has ever seen. What I can't understand is why my best student wouldn't want to compete,” Principal Cinch commented.

“In the Friendship Games?” Sci-Twi asked.

Shining Armor then spoke for her, “Look, Twily, I know it's not really your thing, but representing the school is kind of a big deal. Plus, they could really use your help.”

Principal Cinch then looked at a file of Canterlot High’s increase of records, “It seems Canterlot High is undergoing something of a renaissance. Test scores are up, grades, even athletics are on the rise. You see, they are developing somewhat of a reputation. This can not happen!”

“Principal Cinch, I can't possibly participate in the games. My work here is very—”

“Ah, yes. Your work. Cadance, could you and Shining Armor find my contact sheet for the Everton Independent Study program?” Principal Cinch asked.

Dean Cadance replied, “Of course.”

She and Shining Armor then left the room after the door closed.

Principal Cinch then looked at Sci-Twi sinisterly, “I understand you've applied. You see, one of the advantages of having a reputation is a certain amount of influence in such things. So, let me offer you a deal. In return for contributing your agile mind to these games, I will use my influence to guarantee your application is approved. Though, I suppose I could also have it... denied. What do you think I should do?”

Sci-Twi continued packing her bag for Canterlot High, until Spike growled as he was tugging a sweatshirt. “Ugh! Come on, Spike! I was always gonna go to Canterlot High for the Friendship Games.” She then got the sweatshirt back and then placed it in her bag. “The only difference now is that I have to compete. Besides, it's not like Principal Cinch gave me much of a choice.”

Poor Spike whimpered sadly, until Sci-Twi comforted her dog, “I know, Spike. I don't like it either. I probably won't be able to collect anywhere near as much data as I thought. But maybe I can still get some.”

Spike whimpered at her again.

Sci-Twi then held her dog for a hug, “Spike, I wouldn't leave without you.” She then placed Spike in her backpack, “Just remember to be quiet. And try not to shed, okay?” The door creaked closed as Sci-Twi looked at her laboratory one last time.

Sci-Twi then walked over to the bus where Dean Cadance was standing, “Dean Cadance, I'm not really sure where to go. Can you help?”

“One second, Twilight,” Dean Cadance replied as she was busy checking on the students.

“You could try the end of the line!” Sour Sweet commented sourly. Sci-Twi turned around facing Sour Sweet and Sunny Flare, “What did you say?”

“Just that someone as smart as you should definitely go first,” Sour Sweet replied sweetly. “I... I didn't mean to. I was just asking,” Sci-Twi said.

Dean Cadance then smiled and spoke to Sci-Twi, “This is the right bus, Twilight. Go ahead.”

“But... I didn't mean to cut in front,” Sci-Twi said apologetically. Sour Sweet scoffed sourly, “Well, it's too late now.”

The bus door opened, as Indigo Zap looked at Sci-Twi very closely, “Are we gonna win?!?!”

“I... I don't know,” Sci-Twi replied.

Indigo Zap made a buzzer sound, “Wrong answer!! Try again! Are we gonna win?!?!”

Sci-Twi suddenly felt uncomfortable, “Um... I guess? I-It's just... I mean... I heard that CHS is doing well now. With their reputation. And, I mean, it's not better than ours, of course. But we can't let them do it, you know? Win, I mean? Right?”

The students felt confused and embarrassed about what she just said.

“You're gonna have to take a seat!” the bus driver shouted. Sci-Twi then went to the back to find a seat, and saw Sugarcoat next to her, “Hi, Sugarcoat.”

Sugarcoat then spoke unsympathetically but honestly, “That was a really bad speech. You should consider not speaking in public.”

The bus’s engine started, as Sci-Twi looked at Spike in her backpack and petted him, “Well, Spike, at least I've got you with me.”

There was suddenly rock music playing on Lemon Zest’s headphones. “Dude, you have gotta hear this!” she yelled, as she placed her headphones onto Sci-Twi’s head, and she started vibrating.

Outside the school, Bulkhead was doing some exploring of the city. “Not a bad place, but I kinda didn’t like the way they treated that girl right there. Maybe she needed a friend to talk to. Huh, the same energy readings are back. Better check them out.” Bulkhead then drove off to the source of the energy readings to investigate: Canterlot High’s statue and the Mane 6.

Author's Note

Just so you know, I will make sure that the Autobots and Decepticons have a battle and meet the Rainbooms, but not right now.