The Friendship Games: New Student

Twilight made her way toward Cinch's office as she let out a sigh. What could she want from me?. A hopeful thought crossed her mind. Maybe she's going to approve my application for the Everton program. She opened up the door to see Dean Cadence and someone else. Someone who she wasn't expecting to see: A young man a few years older than her. His hair was the blue and light blue streak. His attire was a purple sweater with a tie and collar. He also wore a pair of purple blueish dress pants. It was Twilight's older brother: Shining Armor who had also attended Crystal Prep before his sister.

"Shining Armor? What are you doing here?" Twilight was curious wondering why her brother was in the office. Shining smiled at his younger sister.

"Hey, Twily. I know it's probably a surprise me being here and all but Principal Cinch thought since I was an alumnus, I could provide some unique perspective."

"Perspective? Perspective on what?" Twilight asked.

"The Friendship Games of course," answered a cold voice. The big chair in front of the desk had its back turned towards Twilight. Whoever was sitting in it spun around to face her student for the first time. Twilight looked into the cold eyes of her Principal. An elderly woman with light purple and purple streaked hair. She wore small red glasses, pearl earrings, a blue suit with a dark blue dress skirt, and casual dark blue heels.

"The Friendship Games...I don't understand," Twilight started to say.

Principal Cinch got up from her chair and cleared her throat. "Shining Armor, do you remember when we traveled to Appleloosa for the Friendship Games?" she asked addressing Twilight's brother.

Shining couldn't help but smug. "Of course I do."

"And can you recall who won?"

"Crystal Prep did."

"Now what about the time we traveled to Philydelphia for the finals? Tell me who won."

"Crystal Prep. As always."

Cinch looked at Twilight. "You see, Twilight. We ALWAYS win. It doesn't matter who we compete against and for that, we've developed a sort of REPUTATION. My reputation. It's not just Canterlot that knows us too well. Appleloosa, Taiwan, Manehattan, Phillydelphia, heck even Paris from the other side of the world know about us!"

"I still don't get why you called me here," Twilight said, feeling a little nervous.

"Twilight, you are one of my best students...right?" Cinch asked giving her a cold glare. Twilight seemed to shrink back in her chair a little.

"I-I think so." she stammered.

"Think so? Twilight, you have the best test scores out of all my students here in Crystal Prep. Not ONE other student of mine has even reached the genius level you achieved. I have no doubt you would bring great tribute to the Friendship Games."

It suddenly dawned on Twilight what Cinch wanted her to do. "You want me to compete in the games?"

Cinch didn't even bother being vague on her answer. She nodded and gave Twilight a stern look. "With your great ability, I have no doubt we can push our reputation even farther."

"But...I don't know anything about the games and my work-"

"Ahh yes...your work. Shining Armor, would you please bring me Twilight's Application to Everton?" Cinch addressed him. Shining nodded and headed out to retrieve the paperwork. He came back a few minutes later with a tan colored folder with a few papers inside. He handed them over to Cinch and walked out leaving the two of them alone. "You see, Twilight. One of the benefits of having such a high winning streak is having a sort of influence. In other words, I can easily have your application approved."

Twilight's face lit up with hope. "Really? You can do that?"

"Don't get your hopes too high, Miss Twilight! If you want me to approve of your application I'd suggest you compete in the games...or I could have it...denied!" Cinch said coldly folding her hands on her desk. Twilight gulped and looked down. She was being blackmailed! Either compete in the games or refuse and have your application of your dream education taken from you! "So, Twilight what's your answer?"

Twilight took a moment to think things over in her head. I don't know anything about the Friendship Games, but if I refuse, there might not be any more chances at getting my application approved!. After a few moments of fidgeting with her fingers, Twilight gave in. "I'll compete,"

A grin spread across Cinch's face. "Excellent choice." She mused. "Now I suggest you go and get ready for tommorrow. It's going to be a big day."

Twilight got up from her chair and headed on out. For the first time in her life, she would be competeting in these games. As she made her way back to her dorm room, she thought to herself maybe this won't be so bad but then again I don't know anything about the games!.