Sour To The Rescueby TheKing2001ChaptersChapter IChapter IIChapter IIIChapter IVChapter II slammed my head on the lunch table in frustration, lifting it up and doing it again. Sunny Flare and Indigo Zap were probably the only two to react, the first watching in concern and the second laughing. Sugarcoat, as freaking usual just watched with no emotion. Lemon Zest, well the less said about her the better. All she does is listen to music twenty four seven. It’s a miracle she’s a senior and not a freaking freshman still. “What’s eating you?” Sugarcoat asked as she ever so slightly raised an eyebrow. “This place sucks!” I snarled and slammed a fist down on the table. “Talk about an understatement dearie,” Sunny commented as she pointed at me with a fork. “This place was always awful if you think about it.” “But ever since the Friendship Games, it’s gotten more noticeable,” Sugarcoat stated dryly as she examined the dead silent lunch room. “Oh gee thank you for pointing that out!” I said sweetly and clasped my hands in front of my face before glaring at her. “Because we totally couldn’t tell for ourselves!” Sugarcoat glared back as she pushed her glasses up with a finger. A nervous cough made us both look over at Sunny Flare as she covered her mouth and blushed. “Sugar is right,” Indigo grumbled as she pushed around her pasta half-heartedly. “I never noticed how competitive and awful the sport teams were until after. And it’s not just the soccer team, it’s all of them.” “Same with the drama club,” Sunny Flare agreed as she propped her head up with a hand. “It’s just so cutthroat. What have you three noticed?” “Cinch is a bitch,” Sugarcoat said bluntly as I chuckled. “I heard a rumor from mom that Dean Cadence might take her spot in the coming months.” “That would be epic!” Lemon Zest exclaimed as some pieces of food flew out of her mouth. Sunny Flare and I gave her disgusted looks as we both leaned away from her. “Cinch is like the worst!” “That is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen,” Indigo whispered to me and I nodded. “Have any of you all befriended the Wondercolts?” We all looked at each other and shook our heads with the exception of Lemon. “Yeah. Vinyl Scratch. She was the girl who threw the welcome party before Principal Bitch ruined everything,” Lemon answered as she started drinking her pop at a startlingly rapid rate. We all gave her stunned looks as she slammed the can down. “Woah,” Indigo muttered in awe. “Not even I can do that.” “What can I say, it’s a talent,” Lemon boasted with a grin. “And here I thought your talent was being overly obnoxious,” I muttered as Indigo snickered. “No that’s yours,” Lemon retorted and stuck a tongue out in my direction. Indigo’s snickering turned to full blown laughter as I rolled my eyes. “I think that what was her name? Shimmer Sunset was nice,” Sunny commented with a grin. “The way she carried herself, the confidence, splendid! I wish I could see her on an acting stage, she would do great!” “Sunset Shimmer,” Sugarcoat corrected with a faint smile. “And yeah, she was nice. Way nicer than what we deserved. Probably what got Twilight to stay there and leave here.” We all looked down with sudden guilty expressions at the mention of our former classmate. We had been awful to her since day one of freshman year. If anything, she should have been angry with us. “Well, can you really blame her?” Lemon commented as she took her headphones off to my astonishment. I think the only time I ever seen her without out them was at the Games. “A majority of her life was here and evidently none of them were great experiences. Everyone except me was mean to her. I quite liked her, all our interactions were friendly.” “You helped convince her to release the magic with us,” I pointed out with a glare. “That’s not really nice.” “Well, I was scared. Indigo isn’t a person to mess with, nor is Sugarcoat or Sunny. Or you for that matter. You all would have beat me up or something if I didn’t. You all technically pressured me into it,” Lemon shot back as we all looked away sheepishly. “She’s right,” Indigo agreed after a moment. “We did kinda make Lemon do it. I’m sorry.” “Sorry dearie.” “Sorry we are the worst people ever,” Sugarcoat said bluntly and everyone looked at me as I continued eating. “What?” I asked as Indigo rolled her eyes and elbowed me under the table. “Ow bitch!” “Apologize,” Indigo hissed under her breath and her eyes flicked to Lemon. “Fine,” I grumbled and pushed my tray away. “I am sorry I assisted my classmates in pushing you to help us push Twilight into releasing the magic and for scaring you.” “Forgiven,” Lemon commented as she tossed a handful of Reeses in her mouth before pushing the bag to the center of the table. “Wow, you sounded like you meant it,” Sunny gave me an approving nod as I rolled my eyes. “Of course I meant it!” I sneered angrily. “I’m not a monster! I’ve actually been bettering myself, thank you very much.” “She has been nicer,” Sugarcoat admitted as she folded up her napkin neatly. “You just have to pay attention very hard to see it.” I didn’t know if I should insulted or not. I decided to take it as a compliment and run with it. The bell rang and we all jumped up as I grabbed my lunch tray. “See you girls after school?” Sunny asked hopefully as I shrugged. “Maybe,” I said hesitantly. “I don’t really have plans often.” “Nah, I got tennis practice to get to,” Indigo said as we walked to the trash can nearby. With everything else in Crystal Prep, it was overly fancy. We got in trouble if we called it anything other than a trash receptacle. I didn’t think you could get possibly more fancy with a trash can of all things. “I got nothing,” Lemon said as she dropped her tray of on top of mine. We all looked at Sugarcoat as she sighed. “Fine, I will be there.” “Awesome!” Lemon exclaimed as she pumped a fist enthusiastically in the air before we started going our separate ways. Everyone except me and Indigo because we shared the next class hour. “Uh class is this way Sour,” Indigo gave me a confused look as she jerked her thumb behind me. “I know. I gotta go to the bathroom. I’ll be late but eh,” I said with a shrug. Indigo nodded and disappeared down the hall as I started walking to the bathroom. “Please don’t!” I heard someone shout from the bathroom as I raised an eyebrow. I was half tempted to turn away and go to the different bathroom but I felt obligated to go. “Hold her down!” Someone else shouted as I walked in and my eyes slightly widened. A terrified blue haired girl was on the ground with her skirt tossed aside as another girl held a broom in one hand. I pushed down the urge to vomit as I gave them disgusted looks. It didn’t take a genius to guess what was going on. “I suggest you let her the fuck go,” I sneered as the five girls looked at me. “And what exactly are you going to do if we don’t?” One of them taunted as I clenched a fist. “Oh, you don’t wanna do that.” I may have been a mean bitch back then, but even before the Friendship Games I wouldn’t have allowed this to happen. I may be no Indigo Zap, but I can hit pretty hard. I took a deep breath and swung, my fist hitting the girl with a broom in the face. “Get her!” One of the girls on the ground shouted as she let the terrified girl go and I gulped. I winced and gasped as I felt a fist connect to my stomach as I dropped to the ground. Maybe I bite off more than I could chew here. I curled up in a ball to protect my head as someone kicked my back and I groaned in pain. “Let’s leave her. I’m bored,” one of the girls grumbled as they stepped over me snickering. I grunted as I listened to their footsteps fade away and I pushed myself up, ignoring the pain my body felt. “Are you okay?” I muttered as the girl shivered. “Why did you do that?” She asked nervously as I slid over to her. “I wasn’t about to let them get away with well that,” I said as she hugged me and started bawling into my neck. “T-they were going to-” “I know,” I said with a softness that stunned me. I hesitantly rubbed her back as she continued crying. “I know.” We sat on the bathroom floor as she continued crying and I felt a feeling I hadn’t felt since that Friendship Games. Rage. At the girls for this and for the stupid teachers for never being around when you actually needed them. “Come on, get dressed,” I said softly as she lifted her head. “Your skirt and underwear is over there.” She nodded sheepishly as she wiped her eyes and I looked away as she picked them up. I didn’t know it then, but this was the start of me doubting everything I ever knew about myself. Author's Note Little bit darker than what I normally write but hopefully you all enjoy it. Might change the title in the future too. Chapter III stood up and pulled the girl up with me. Now that I wasn’t dealing with a crowd of psychopaths, I slightly recognized her but I didn’t remember her name. “Come on,” I said quietly. “Let’s go.” “Wait where are we going?” The girl asked cautiously as we poked our heads our of the bathroom and looked both ways. I sighed in relief when I saw no teachers or better yet, no Cinch. “I’ll tell you when we get in the car. Now come on!” I hissed and grabbed her arm. “I’m not going anywhere with you. You might do worse to me than what they would have!” “Listen, I’m not going to hurt you. I stopped them before they could remember?” I asked as we started to sneak down the hall. She gave a slow nod and I gave what I hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’m Sour Sweet. What’s your name?” “Coco. Coco Pommel,” Coco answered softly and brushed a strand of blue hair away from her eyes. I snapped my fingers in recognition. “That’s right! You hang around uh what’s her face, Suri Polomare. The bitch,” I snarled slightly and opened my locker. I looked back and forth quickly before grabbing my backpack and shoving some items in it. I grabbed my keys off the coat hanger and shoved them in my pocket on my skirt. “She’s not that bad,” Coco protested weakly as I gave her a flat look. “Okay, she’s pretty bad but she does have her nice moments.” “Uh huh, I’m sure she does. And the moon is made of cheese,” I grumbled as I gently shut my locker and hoisted my back pack on. “Where’s your locker?” “Right down there,” Coco pointed down towards the doors and I gave an approving sound. “But why?” “We have to go for the rest of the day,” I answered and ushered her quickly to that general area till she stopped and pointed at a locker. “You can’t defend yourself and I’m just one girl. And none of the other girls are here right now to help us if those girls from before come back. I’ll tell you more in the car.” I watched as she opened her locker and grabbed her back pack, shooting me a distrustful look. Typically I’d be offended but giving what happened, I’m fine with that. I’ll just earn her trust like I did with Sunny. “Let’s go,” I grabbed her shoulder and started walking her out of the school. “Sour Sweet, Coco Pommel. Where are you going?” Dean Cadence called out as she stepped outside behind us and I gulped. “Blue four door Chevy. Dent in the passenger door,” I whispered to Coco. “It’s unlocked. We run for it, okay?” “Wait but I don’t-” “Girls?” Dean Cadence asked warily as she stopped behind us and we both looked back. “Five, four, three, two and one!” I exclaimed and we took off running. “Girls, stop!” Dean Cadence shouted as I faintly identified her jogging behind us. I slid across the hood of my car and faintly made out Indigo watching from the fourth floor window with a stunned expression. I opened my door and sat inside as Coco did the same on her side. “Come on,” I muttered to myself as I turned the key and I watched Dean Cadence getting closer. The car started and I sighed in relief as I backed out of the spot and took off down the road. Dean Cadence quickly became a speck in my mirrors before disappearing completely. “Okay, we’re in the car,” Coco said nervously as she put her seat belt on. “Where are we going? Is this a kidnapping?’ I gave a frustrated sound and rolled my eyes as I stopped at the red light. She had quite the imagination and it was starting to anger me. “No this is not a kidnapping. We are going straight to the police station so you can tell them what those girls did and get them arrested,” I said firmly as Coco shrank back. “We can’t! They will probably hurt me worse!” “Coco, they were about to rape you with a broom,” I snarled in a blunt manner more akin to Sugarcoat than me and I instantly wish I hadn’t. Tears welled up in Cocos eyes and I inhaled. My next words sounded much more calmer. “Listen, if you don’t tell someone what they did, those girls could hurt someone else. And they might be successful. What they were about to do is illegal and quite frankly, gross.” “I know.” “Then why on earth don’t you want to tell someone?” I demanded as the light turned green and I went for it. “I’m scared. If they find out or anyone else, I’ll be ruined. I’ll never be looked at the same,” Coco answered and looked out the window. “Please don’t make me.” I sighed and pulled into a gas station as I pressed my forehead the steering wheel. I had no real right to force her into doing this but at the same time, someone could get seriously hurt. She could get hurt if they tried it again. “I won’t,” I sighed and finally looked at her. “While I think you should at least tell someone, I can’t and won’t make you. But we aren’t going back to school. Where’s your house at?” “Oh uh I can’t go home. My parents would absolutely kill me if they found out I ran from school,” Coco said nervously and played with her shirt collar. “Can you take me to Suri’s?” “I’m not entirely sure that’s a good spot either. I wouldn’t necessarily trust Suri,” I answered and looked at her. She had surprisingly bright cyan eyes that matched her hair. “Oh,” Coco mumbled and looked down as she hugged her backpack. “You can drop me off anywhere you want then.” I didn’t really want to tell her that it was probably fucking Suri that most likely got her in this situation. Suri had a lot of enemies unsurprisingly. Hell, even Sunny Flare didn’t like her. Ever since it came out that Suri cheated to win in a fashion competition to beat our classmates, a lot of people had it out for. Stealing would do that to you. “I’m not leaving you on the side of the road,” I decided as she gave me a confused look. “My apartment is a few blocks away. You can hide out there till school is over and head on home. I can drop you off after if you like.” Coco paused before nodding slowly. I nodded and left the gas station parking lot. “I’d like that,” Coco said softly and I shifted a bit in my seat. “And thank you. For saving me. I’m a mess right now.” “It’s understandable that you’d be one. I’d be more worried if you weren’t one. And don’t thank me, it’s what anyone would have done.” Coco fell silent as I continued driving. I reached out and turned the radio on, subtly bobbing my head to the country music playing. “I never took you for a country music fan,” Coco commented with a curious expression. “I alternate,” I answered as I watched her nod out of the corner of my eye. “Oh and Coco?” “Y-yeah?” “If you ever come out about what happened, don’t tell people I helped. I have a strict reputation to maintain after all.” Coco gave a small genuine laugh that I oddly adored. Chapter IIII pushed my key into my apartment door and unlocked it, pushing the door open as Coco shyly walked inside. I pocketed the key and shut the door behind me. “Welcome to my humble apartment,” I commented casually and tossed my backpack in the corner. I untied my bow and tossed it on the kitchen counter, unbuttoned my first top buttons of my shirt. Coco looked around and dropped her back pack. I didn’t entirely think my two bedroom apartment was all that but it was home. A few pictures decorated the walls along with my archery awards and my prized bow hanging on the wall above the doorway. “Wow,” Coco mused as she started to take off her shoes. “I assume shoes off?” “Sure. My sister is more annoying about it than me,” I said and plopped down on the couch lazily. I yawned and closed my eyes. Inside, I was still furious and a little bit at Coco. At the same time, if our roles had been swapped, I wouldn’t have told either. Coco hesitantly sat down next to me and rested her hands in her lap as she quietly looked around. “You have a sister?” She finally asked and I nodded. “Yeah. She goes to Canterlot High and is the band captain,” I explained as she nodded slowly. “I think I know who you’re talking about. I saw her at the Friendship Games with the other students.” “Yeah, Baton Switch,” I confirmed and stretched out a bit. “Nice kid at times. Bit of an ego at times but it isn’t worse than Crystal Prep as a whole.” Coco gave a nod as we both fell silent. “Can I ask a question?” I asked suddenly and her eyes flicked over to me. “I guess?” Coco answered cautiously. “What is it?” “Why did they pick you of all girls to attack?” I asked and she tensed up. “I know you don’t wanna talk about this. Last question about it for now and we won’t bring it up again today.” Coco stared down at her lap and I sighed. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it all. I’d probably want to put it behind me too if I was in her shoes. “How do you feel about girls liking girls?” Coco asked finally and I froze, staring at the blue haired teen. I never really thought about it. Growing up, I was always told it was unnatural and wasn’t right. That girls dated boys, not each other. I always silently judged the few people at cpa were openly dating the same gender but I guess it never really hurt me personally. “I think,” I started and looked away as I wet my lips. “I think it’s none of my business what happens. Who people want to date is up to them. I always was raised to think it wasn’t natural to date the same gender but now that I think about it, it never personally hurt me if that makes any sense.” “Acceptable answer,” Coco smiled a bit and sighed. “I like girls. And well, those girls didn’t like that. Said that it’s because I’ve never slept with a man and hadn’t had anything inside me to make me like a man. They said they w-would-” “It’s okay,” I said reassuringly as she wiped a tear away. “You don’t have to finish.” “No I want to,” Coco said with a confidence that stunned me. She hadn’t displayed it earlier at all. “They said they would help me realize I was wrong by using the uhm you know. They also said they had one of their boyfriends waiting nearby for them to come help me.” I sat in stunned silence as I once again fought the urge to vomit. I didn’t entirely think something like this would happen in my school. You always hear about it elsewhere or see it on crime TV shows like the ones my sister loves to watch late into the night. I jumped slightly as Coco sniffed and her head slipped onto my lap. “I’m scared,” she muttered as my skirt got wet. “I don’t wanna go back. They’re gonna kill me probably for even telling you this. They’re gonna kill you for stopping them. You should have just let them-” “Are you fucking insane?” I demanded as she looked at me nervously. “I’m not about to let them do that ever. And they won’t kill you because you’re not going to be alone on school property again. You’re going to be with me or the other girls.” “But why?” Coco demanded as I handed her a tissue from the nearby tissue box. My sister was absolutely obsessed with having them all over the place in case we were sick. “Why help me?” “You looked like you needed it. And besides, you don’t deserve to be treated that way. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, no matter who they were. You’re s good person from the short span of time I’ve spent with you. So yeah, I’m not about to just throw you to the wolves like a piece of meat.” I inhaled as Coco watched me nervously from below as she fiddled with her hands. I idly realized that I was yelling and my neighbors were certainly going to be wondering why I was yelling. Me yelling certainly wasn’t making her feel any better. “I’m sorry for yelling. That wasn’t cool of me,” I muttered sheepishly and sighed. “I’m not entirely well good when it comes to displaying my emotions.” “I know. Your uhm how should I put this mildly, freak outs are quite well known throughout the school,” Coco said with a smile. “I don’t freak out!” I shouted as Coco hid a giggle behind her hand. “Oh. Okay maybe sometimes I do, but not all the time.” Coco nodded as I slightly felt a bit uncomfortable with how long her head was resting in my lap. We both looked to the door as a key was jammed in it and the door pushed open. My sister walked into as she hung up her backpack, giving us both confused looks. “I was going to shout that I’m home but looks like that won’t be necessary,” Baton Switch said dryly as she hung up her band coat in the closet. “I had a half day. What are you doing here?” “It’s complicated.” “Uh huh,” Baton said as she raised an eyebrow slightly before plopping on the other couch. “And who is this exactly?” “This is Coco Pommel. She’s a friend,” I said and squeezed her shoulder gently as she made a surprised sound. Heck, even I was surprised. I didn’t entirely plan on being her friend. “She goes to school with me.” “I noticed,” Baton commented flatly as she picked up the TV remote and placed her boots on the coffee table. I gave her a glare and she rolled her eyes, kicking her boots off toward the door. “She’s not going to be as bad as your other classmates I hope. A certain girl named Upper Crust come to mind?” I winced slightly as Coco looked curiously at us. Upper had came over because we were forced to be partners on a project. She had been less than kind to my sister. To my sisters defense, Baton could dish out disrespect and attitude pretty good. Enough to make Upper Crust storm out in a rage. “I’m not like the others,” Coco said softly as my sister gazed at her. “I’ve always quite liked CHS. Rarity goes there, she was always nice to me whenever I came to shop at her work. Suri doesn’t really like Rarity though.” Baton examined her before giving a wide smile. “Well, okay. Rarity is cool I suppose. She did design all of our band uniforms,” Baton said with a shrug. “It’s nice to see Sour having friends. I still say she should transfer to CHS but eh. Any friend of Sour is a friend of mine. Within reason of course. If she becomes Upper Crust or Shit Sets friends, I’ll move out.” “Is that uhm a nickname for Jet Set?” Coco asked with a blush. My sister nodded sagely and gave a thumbs up. “Precisely.” “Anyone want pizza?” I asked suddenly as I grabbed my phone off the end table. “Sure,” Baton said as she waved a hand lazily. “Ooh a new Dateline episode!” I looked at Coco and she nodded after a second. “Sure. And you watch Dateline?” Coco asked curiously as Baton nodded eagerly. I stifled a groan as I opened up the pizza place we usually order from. “Yeah. Wanna sit up or are you comfortable watching from my sisters lap?” Baton asked with a wicked grin. Coco and I turned faintly red as we looked at each other. I may have forgotten about her heads placement. Coco sat up and Baton smirked again. I oddly felt glad they got along. But Baton did always get along with most people. I only hope my other friends did the same. Chapter IV“So what’s her story?” Baton asked me quietly in the kitchen as I watched Baton pack a lunch. Coco had accidentally fallen asleep on the couch and ended up staying the night. Her parents had been surprisingly okay with it on the morning. Based on the sounds, it sounded like the girl was taking a shower at the moment. We had both insisted upon it. I looked around quickly and gestured for my sister to lean in. “You cannot tell anyone and I fucking mean anyone this, got it? Not the police, not your super hero friends or any of the principals. Got it?” I demanded as Baton nodded slowly. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Baton recited some weird ritual with her hands and poked her eye. “What the hell was that?” I asked in confusion as she smiled. “Pinkie Pie promise. It can’t be broken no matter what you’re about to tell me.” The name sounded familiar and I raked mind as to why, snapping my fingers. “The pink girl who baked the Mona Lisa inside a cake who brought a confetti cannon into the gym. Pinkie Pie is her name. That makes sense she would have some weird ritualistic code,” I said as Baton laughed and tossed a granola bar into her lunch bag. “Yeah she’s a unique one.” I took a deep breath and told Baton everything. What I walked in on in the bathroom, me technically getting my ass beat, running from Dean Cadence, trying to convince Coco to tell the police what happened. My sisters face grew more angry and disgusted looking by the second. “What the actual fuck is wrong with people?” Baton fumed as she slammed her milk glass down. “All because she’s different? We have multiple gay or bi people at chs. Lyra, Bon Bon, Vinyl, Octavia, Derpy, Sunset, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Trixie to name a few. I for one am proud as fuck of you. But what are you gonna do about the Dean?” I didn’t have a good answer for that. I had spent all night wondering that myself before I passed out. I could kiss my clean school record goodbye after that stunt. Probably going to have to hang out with Indigo and Lemon Zest in detention. Those two always got in trouble for something. “I don’t know,” I said finally and sighed as I put my backpack on. “I just don’t know.” We both looked back at Coco walking down the stairs nervously with her head bowed and her hands clasped in front of her. “I am so, so sorry for accidentally falling asleep on your couch. I didn’t mean to. You girls didn’t need to make me breakfast, I could have got something at school,” Coco muttered as Baton and I smirked at each other. “It’s no problem at all,” Baton reassured the shorter girl. “This apartment gets lonely at time so it’s always nice to have a nice girl like you around.” “Oh okay,” Coco muttered as she put her shoes on, picking up her back pack. “I’m glad I pack a spare set of clothes for after gym class. Will you take me to school please? I’ll pay you back for the food you used and gas when I can.” “Don’t worry about it,” I said and waved a hand lazily. “We certainly aren’t the richest people like Sunny Flare or Fleur, but we get by. We will be fine.” Coco bit her lip in an oddly adorable fashion as she seemed to have an internal fight with herself before sighing. “Okay. You win I suppose. But if there’s ever a next time, I will be paying you two back and that’s final,” Coco said sternly and I stared in surprise. I hadn’t ever expected her to be stern like that. “Okay well uh we will see. Let’s go to school, shall we?” And face the music and inevitable detention, I silently added to myself. “Do you want a ride to school qBaton?” “Nah, Blueberry Cake is coming to pick me up. Thanks though sis,” Baton said as I followed her out the door, closing it behind Coco, ensuring it was locked. “No problem. See you after school.” It had been a fairly quiet drive to school. We didn’t talk much except for small talk here and there. The radio filled the silence with news. I always did hate how they rarely played music in the mornings but it would have been too awkward without something filling the silence. The closer we got, the more terrified Coco seemed. I will give her this, she hid it well but I could tell. It was weird, I could always tell when people were afraid. It was like a special talent of mine. “We can turn around right now if you want,” I said quietly as we sat in the parked car. “We will get in more trouble but you can avoid those girls and have the weekend away.” “We should go. You uh you’ll be there right?” Coco asked hopefully as I nodded. “All the way,” I promised as we each slowly got out of the car. Our fellow Shadowbolts were shuffling like zombies past Dean Cadence. She always greeted us as we came in. I recognized one of the girls from the incident and I gave her a cold glare as she smirked at us. Oh what I would give to just tackle her right now and beat her ass. Dean Cadence noticed us and her eyes narrowed as she started in our direction. I grabbed Cocos wrist and started dragging her to the side entrance most students used to hide from faculty during school hours to smoke cigarettes. “Come on,” I grumbled and kept dragging a quietly protesting Coco. We passed the greenhouse as a pair of hands grabbed us and yanked us inside. I spun around and balled a fist to defend myself as Indigo back away sheepishly. Lemon, Sugarcoat and Sunny Flare stood behind her with nervous expressions as I sighed. “Oh it’s just you four.” “Easy girl,” Indigo said hesitantly as she raised both hands. “We were looking for you. We all tried calling and texting you yesterday but you didn’t answer after your guys little escape from school.” “Yeah what the hell was that about?” Sugarcoat demanded as she stared at Coco. “And who exactly is this?” “This is Coco Pommel. She’s a friend of mine and she will be hanging out with us permanently from here on out,” I said adamantly as Sugarcoat narrowed her eyes. I knew I was about to be in a verbal fight. Sugarcoat and I both claimed to be the impromptu leaders of our group. “And why exactly is she going to be doing so?” Sugarcoat demanded as she pushed her glasses up and stepped forward. “Because I said so. I can’t and won’t say more than that,” I growled as I stepped forward to get in her face. I idly noticed Coco getting more nervous and I inhaled. “And if you aren’t going to support it, well then I’ll just end our friendship.” “Woah now,” Indigo said as Sugarcoats eyes widened. “Let’s not go that far girls. I’m sure Sour Sweet has a good reason and besides, Coco is a nice girl. I share my history class with her. And Sugarcoat just wanted to know what was going on, didn’t you Sugar?” Indigo shot the girl a glare. “I would like to be made aware of these things,” Sugarcoat grumbled as she placed her hands on her hips and looked away. “I know you,” Sunny Flare pointed at Coco. “You’re in my drama class. You’re always running with Suri.” “Mhm. Sunny Flare correct?” Coco asked and Sunny nodded. “I’m quite good friends with Suri. I’m surprised she hasn’t introduced us before-” “She calls you Dummy Flare behind your back,” Coco interrupted quietly as we all stared at the two. Sunnys face turned red as she clenched a fist. “Never mind. She is no longer my friend.” “And one of us will always be with Coco till she safely gets in her parents car or I drop her off. You understand me?” I sneered at Sugarcoat as the others all looked at each other. “I don’t think it’s really cool to force them to do that,” Coco said softly and retreated a bit when I shot her a look. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t apologize. This is for your own good. Especially if they come back,” I said coolly as Indigo raised an eyebrow. “Who is they?” Indigo demanded as I paused. I didn’t know those girls names myself in all honesty. “Blueberry Curls and Sheer Perfection were a few,” Coco admitted under her breath as she shrugged. “Speak of the devil and they appear,” I muttered under my breath as the door opened. The pink girl from before opened the door and gave a cold smile our way. I shoved Coco behind me as Lemon Zest caught her. “Why hello there,” the girl I presumed to be Sheer Perfection commented casually. “Having a nice time I see. We missed you earlier Coco.” “I think you should leave,” I growled and pushed her a bit. “She doesn’t want to see you and frankly, nor do I.” “I don’t entirely know what’s going on but if Sour wants you gone, then you gotta leave,” Indigo chimed in as she stepped forward with a fist. “Oh she didn’t tell you?” Sheer Perfection smirked and I narrowed my eyes. “She interrupted us trying to help reform poor Coco here from her misguided life of liking her own kind.” “Her own kind?” Sunny Flare echoed in confusion. “You mean girls?” Sheer Perfection nodded as Sugarcoat coughed into her fist. “Technically, you can’t stop her from dating who she wants,” Sugarcoat said as she pushed her glasses up. “And why don’t you tell them just what your methods were,” I added angrily as Sheer Perfection shook her head. “That’s what I thought.” “Come back when you want our help again Coco,” Sheer Perfection smirked faintly as she turned around to leave. “Don’t want you corrupting poor Sour Sweet and her gang of friendly misfits.” “Oh I’ll show you just what a gang can do,” Indigo growled as Sugarcoat and Lemon held her back as Coco sat in the back watching nervously. “Now I know what you mean when Coco needs to be around us,” Sugarcoat muttered as we watched Sheer Perfection continue walking to school. “She’s a bitch.” “Oh you don’t know the half of it,” I commented idly. “We should get to class,” Coco muttered as Lemon pulled her to her feet. “I hate school.” “I can agree with that,” Lemon chuckled as her headphones hung around her neck. “This place is the worst ever.” I had no words but just simply nodded my head. I hated this place with a burning passion.
Chapter II slammed my head on the lunch table in frustration, lifting it up and doing it again. Sunny Flare and Indigo Zap were probably the only two to react, the first watching in concern and the second laughing. Sugarcoat, as freaking usual just watched with no emotion. Lemon Zest, well the less said about her the better. All she does is listen to music twenty four seven. It’s a miracle she’s a senior and not a freaking freshman still. “What’s eating you?” Sugarcoat asked as she ever so slightly raised an eyebrow. “This place sucks!” I snarled and slammed a fist down on the table. “Talk about an understatement dearie,” Sunny commented as she pointed at me with a fork. “This place was always awful if you think about it.” “But ever since the Friendship Games, it’s gotten more noticeable,” Sugarcoat stated dryly as she examined the dead silent lunch room. “Oh gee thank you for pointing that out!” I said sweetly and clasped my hands in front of my face before glaring at her. “Because we totally couldn’t tell for ourselves!” Sugarcoat glared back as she pushed her glasses up with a finger. A nervous cough made us both look over at Sunny Flare as she covered her mouth and blushed. “Sugar is right,” Indigo grumbled as she pushed around her pasta half-heartedly. “I never noticed how competitive and awful the sport teams were until after. And it’s not just the soccer team, it’s all of them.” “Same with the drama club,” Sunny Flare agreed as she propped her head up with a hand. “It’s just so cutthroat. What have you three noticed?” “Cinch is a bitch,” Sugarcoat said bluntly as I chuckled. “I heard a rumor from mom that Dean Cadence might take her spot in the coming months.” “That would be epic!” Lemon Zest exclaimed as some pieces of food flew out of her mouth. Sunny Flare and I gave her disgusted looks as we both leaned away from her. “Cinch is like the worst!” “That is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen,” Indigo whispered to me and I nodded. “Have any of you all befriended the Wondercolts?” We all looked at each other and shook our heads with the exception of Lemon. “Yeah. Vinyl Scratch. She was the girl who threw the welcome party before Principal Bitch ruined everything,” Lemon answered as she started drinking her pop at a startlingly rapid rate. We all gave her stunned looks as she slammed the can down. “Woah,” Indigo muttered in awe. “Not even I can do that.” “What can I say, it’s a talent,” Lemon boasted with a grin. “And here I thought your talent was being overly obnoxious,” I muttered as Indigo snickered. “No that’s yours,” Lemon retorted and stuck a tongue out in my direction. Indigo’s snickering turned to full blown laughter as I rolled my eyes. “I think that what was her name? Shimmer Sunset was nice,” Sunny commented with a grin. “The way she carried herself, the confidence, splendid! I wish I could see her on an acting stage, she would do great!” “Sunset Shimmer,” Sugarcoat corrected with a faint smile. “And yeah, she was nice. Way nicer than what we deserved. Probably what got Twilight to stay there and leave here.” We all looked down with sudden guilty expressions at the mention of our former classmate. We had been awful to her since day one of freshman year. If anything, she should have been angry with us. “Well, can you really blame her?” Lemon commented as she took her headphones off to my astonishment. I think the only time I ever seen her without out them was at the Games. “A majority of her life was here and evidently none of them were great experiences. Everyone except me was mean to her. I quite liked her, all our interactions were friendly.” “You helped convince her to release the magic with us,” I pointed out with a glare. “That’s not really nice.” “Well, I was scared. Indigo isn’t a person to mess with, nor is Sugarcoat or Sunny. Or you for that matter. You all would have beat me up or something if I didn’t. You all technically pressured me into it,” Lemon shot back as we all looked away sheepishly. “She’s right,” Indigo agreed after a moment. “We did kinda make Lemon do it. I’m sorry.” “Sorry dearie.” “Sorry we are the worst people ever,” Sugarcoat said bluntly and everyone looked at me as I continued eating. “What?” I asked as Indigo rolled her eyes and elbowed me under the table. “Ow bitch!” “Apologize,” Indigo hissed under her breath and her eyes flicked to Lemon. “Fine,” I grumbled and pushed my tray away. “I am sorry I assisted my classmates in pushing you to help us push Twilight into releasing the magic and for scaring you.” “Forgiven,” Lemon commented as she tossed a handful of Reeses in her mouth before pushing the bag to the center of the table. “Wow, you sounded like you meant it,” Sunny gave me an approving nod as I rolled my eyes. “Of course I meant it!” I sneered angrily. “I’m not a monster! I’ve actually been bettering myself, thank you very much.” “She has been nicer,” Sugarcoat admitted as she folded up her napkin neatly. “You just have to pay attention very hard to see it.” I didn’t know if I should insulted or not. I decided to take it as a compliment and run with it. The bell rang and we all jumped up as I grabbed my lunch tray. “See you girls after school?” Sunny asked hopefully as I shrugged. “Maybe,” I said hesitantly. “I don’t really have plans often.” “Nah, I got tennis practice to get to,” Indigo said as we walked to the trash can nearby. With everything else in Crystal Prep, it was overly fancy. We got in trouble if we called it anything other than a trash receptacle. I didn’t think you could get possibly more fancy with a trash can of all things. “I got nothing,” Lemon said as she dropped her tray of on top of mine. We all looked at Sugarcoat as she sighed. “Fine, I will be there.” “Awesome!” Lemon exclaimed as she pumped a fist enthusiastically in the air before we started going our separate ways. Everyone except me and Indigo because we shared the next class hour. “Uh class is this way Sour,” Indigo gave me a confused look as she jerked her thumb behind me. “I know. I gotta go to the bathroom. I’ll be late but eh,” I said with a shrug. Indigo nodded and disappeared down the hall as I started walking to the bathroom. “Please don’t!” I heard someone shout from the bathroom as I raised an eyebrow. I was half tempted to turn away and go to the different bathroom but I felt obligated to go. “Hold her down!” Someone else shouted as I walked in and my eyes slightly widened. A terrified blue haired girl was on the ground with her skirt tossed aside as another girl held a broom in one hand. I pushed down the urge to vomit as I gave them disgusted looks. It didn’t take a genius to guess what was going on. “I suggest you let her the fuck go,” I sneered as the five girls looked at me. “And what exactly are you going to do if we don’t?” One of them taunted as I clenched a fist. “Oh, you don’t wanna do that.” I may have been a mean bitch back then, but even before the Friendship Games I wouldn’t have allowed this to happen. I may be no Indigo Zap, but I can hit pretty hard. I took a deep breath and swung, my fist hitting the girl with a broom in the face. “Get her!” One of the girls on the ground shouted as she let the terrified girl go and I gulped. I winced and gasped as I felt a fist connect to my stomach as I dropped to the ground. Maybe I bite off more than I could chew here. I curled up in a ball to protect my head as someone kicked my back and I groaned in pain. “Let’s leave her. I’m bored,” one of the girls grumbled as they stepped over me snickering. I grunted as I listened to their footsteps fade away and I pushed myself up, ignoring the pain my body felt. “Are you okay?” I muttered as the girl shivered. “Why did you do that?” She asked nervously as I slid over to her. “I wasn’t about to let them get away with well that,” I said as she hugged me and started bawling into my neck. “T-they were going to-” “I know,” I said with a softness that stunned me. I hesitantly rubbed her back as she continued crying. “I know.” We sat on the bathroom floor as she continued crying and I felt a feeling I hadn’t felt since that Friendship Games. Rage. At the girls for this and for the stupid teachers for never being around when you actually needed them. “Come on, get dressed,” I said softly as she lifted her head. “Your skirt and underwear is over there.” She nodded sheepishly as she wiped her eyes and I looked away as she picked them up. I didn’t know it then, but this was the start of me doubting everything I ever knew about myself. Author's Note Little bit darker than what I normally write but hopefully you all enjoy it. Might change the title in the future too.
Chapter III stood up and pulled the girl up with me. Now that I wasn’t dealing with a crowd of psychopaths, I slightly recognized her but I didn’t remember her name. “Come on,” I said quietly. “Let’s go.” “Wait where are we going?” The girl asked cautiously as we poked our heads our of the bathroom and looked both ways. I sighed in relief when I saw no teachers or better yet, no Cinch. “I’ll tell you when we get in the car. Now come on!” I hissed and grabbed her arm. “I’m not going anywhere with you. You might do worse to me than what they would have!” “Listen, I’m not going to hurt you. I stopped them before they could remember?” I asked as we started to sneak down the hall. She gave a slow nod and I gave what I hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’m Sour Sweet. What’s your name?” “Coco. Coco Pommel,” Coco answered softly and brushed a strand of blue hair away from her eyes. I snapped my fingers in recognition. “That’s right! You hang around uh what’s her face, Suri Polomare. The bitch,” I snarled slightly and opened my locker. I looked back and forth quickly before grabbing my backpack and shoving some items in it. I grabbed my keys off the coat hanger and shoved them in my pocket on my skirt. “She’s not that bad,” Coco protested weakly as I gave her a flat look. “Okay, she’s pretty bad but she does have her nice moments.” “Uh huh, I’m sure she does. And the moon is made of cheese,” I grumbled as I gently shut my locker and hoisted my back pack on. “Where’s your locker?” “Right down there,” Coco pointed down towards the doors and I gave an approving sound. “But why?” “We have to go for the rest of the day,” I answered and ushered her quickly to that general area till she stopped and pointed at a locker. “You can’t defend yourself and I’m just one girl. And none of the other girls are here right now to help us if those girls from before come back. I’ll tell you more in the car.” I watched as she opened her locker and grabbed her back pack, shooting me a distrustful look. Typically I’d be offended but giving what happened, I’m fine with that. I’ll just earn her trust like I did with Sunny. “Let’s go,” I grabbed her shoulder and started walking her out of the school. “Sour Sweet, Coco Pommel. Where are you going?” Dean Cadence called out as she stepped outside behind us and I gulped. “Blue four door Chevy. Dent in the passenger door,” I whispered to Coco. “It’s unlocked. We run for it, okay?” “Wait but I don’t-” “Girls?” Dean Cadence asked warily as she stopped behind us and we both looked back. “Five, four, three, two and one!” I exclaimed and we took off running. “Girls, stop!” Dean Cadence shouted as I faintly identified her jogging behind us. I slid across the hood of my car and faintly made out Indigo watching from the fourth floor window with a stunned expression. I opened my door and sat inside as Coco did the same on her side. “Come on,” I muttered to myself as I turned the key and I watched Dean Cadence getting closer. The car started and I sighed in relief as I backed out of the spot and took off down the road. Dean Cadence quickly became a speck in my mirrors before disappearing completely. “Okay, we’re in the car,” Coco said nervously as she put her seat belt on. “Where are we going? Is this a kidnapping?’ I gave a frustrated sound and rolled my eyes as I stopped at the red light. She had quite the imagination and it was starting to anger me. “No this is not a kidnapping. We are going straight to the police station so you can tell them what those girls did and get them arrested,” I said firmly as Coco shrank back. “We can’t! They will probably hurt me worse!” “Coco, they were about to rape you with a broom,” I snarled in a blunt manner more akin to Sugarcoat than me and I instantly wish I hadn’t. Tears welled up in Cocos eyes and I inhaled. My next words sounded much more calmer. “Listen, if you don’t tell someone what they did, those girls could hurt someone else. And they might be successful. What they were about to do is illegal and quite frankly, gross.” “I know.” “Then why on earth don’t you want to tell someone?” I demanded as the light turned green and I went for it. “I’m scared. If they find out or anyone else, I’ll be ruined. I’ll never be looked at the same,” Coco answered and looked out the window. “Please don’t make me.” I sighed and pulled into a gas station as I pressed my forehead the steering wheel. I had no real right to force her into doing this but at the same time, someone could get seriously hurt. She could get hurt if they tried it again. “I won’t,” I sighed and finally looked at her. “While I think you should at least tell someone, I can’t and won’t make you. But we aren’t going back to school. Where’s your house at?” “Oh uh I can’t go home. My parents would absolutely kill me if they found out I ran from school,” Coco said nervously and played with her shirt collar. “Can you take me to Suri’s?” “I’m not entirely sure that’s a good spot either. I wouldn’t necessarily trust Suri,” I answered and looked at her. She had surprisingly bright cyan eyes that matched her hair. “Oh,” Coco mumbled and looked down as she hugged her backpack. “You can drop me off anywhere you want then.” I didn’t really want to tell her that it was probably fucking Suri that most likely got her in this situation. Suri had a lot of enemies unsurprisingly. Hell, even Sunny Flare didn’t like her. Ever since it came out that Suri cheated to win in a fashion competition to beat our classmates, a lot of people had it out for. Stealing would do that to you. “I’m not leaving you on the side of the road,” I decided as she gave me a confused look. “My apartment is a few blocks away. You can hide out there till school is over and head on home. I can drop you off after if you like.” Coco paused before nodding slowly. I nodded and left the gas station parking lot. “I’d like that,” Coco said softly and I shifted a bit in my seat. “And thank you. For saving me. I’m a mess right now.” “It’s understandable that you’d be one. I’d be more worried if you weren’t one. And don’t thank me, it’s what anyone would have done.” Coco fell silent as I continued driving. I reached out and turned the radio on, subtly bobbing my head to the country music playing. “I never took you for a country music fan,” Coco commented with a curious expression. “I alternate,” I answered as I watched her nod out of the corner of my eye. “Oh and Coco?” “Y-yeah?” “If you ever come out about what happened, don’t tell people I helped. I have a strict reputation to maintain after all.” Coco gave a small genuine laugh that I oddly adored.
Chapter IIII pushed my key into my apartment door and unlocked it, pushing the door open as Coco shyly walked inside. I pocketed the key and shut the door behind me. “Welcome to my humble apartment,” I commented casually and tossed my backpack in the corner. I untied my bow and tossed it on the kitchen counter, unbuttoned my first top buttons of my shirt. Coco looked around and dropped her back pack. I didn’t entirely think my two bedroom apartment was all that but it was home. A few pictures decorated the walls along with my archery awards and my prized bow hanging on the wall above the doorway. “Wow,” Coco mused as she started to take off her shoes. “I assume shoes off?” “Sure. My sister is more annoying about it than me,” I said and plopped down on the couch lazily. I yawned and closed my eyes. Inside, I was still furious and a little bit at Coco. At the same time, if our roles had been swapped, I wouldn’t have told either. Coco hesitantly sat down next to me and rested her hands in her lap as she quietly looked around. “You have a sister?” She finally asked and I nodded. “Yeah. She goes to Canterlot High and is the band captain,” I explained as she nodded slowly. “I think I know who you’re talking about. I saw her at the Friendship Games with the other students.” “Yeah, Baton Switch,” I confirmed and stretched out a bit. “Nice kid at times. Bit of an ego at times but it isn’t worse than Crystal Prep as a whole.” Coco gave a nod as we both fell silent. “Can I ask a question?” I asked suddenly and her eyes flicked over to me. “I guess?” Coco answered cautiously. “What is it?” “Why did they pick you of all girls to attack?” I asked and she tensed up. “I know you don’t wanna talk about this. Last question about it for now and we won’t bring it up again today.” Coco stared down at her lap and I sighed. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it all. I’d probably want to put it behind me too if I was in her shoes. “How do you feel about girls liking girls?” Coco asked finally and I froze, staring at the blue haired teen. I never really thought about it. Growing up, I was always told it was unnatural and wasn’t right. That girls dated boys, not each other. I always silently judged the few people at cpa were openly dating the same gender but I guess it never really hurt me personally. “I think,” I started and looked away as I wet my lips. “I think it’s none of my business what happens. Who people want to date is up to them. I always was raised to think it wasn’t natural to date the same gender but now that I think about it, it never personally hurt me if that makes any sense.” “Acceptable answer,” Coco smiled a bit and sighed. “I like girls. And well, those girls didn’t like that. Said that it’s because I’ve never slept with a man and hadn’t had anything inside me to make me like a man. They said they w-would-” “It’s okay,” I said reassuringly as she wiped a tear away. “You don’t have to finish.” “No I want to,” Coco said with a confidence that stunned me. She hadn’t displayed it earlier at all. “They said they would help me realize I was wrong by using the uhm you know. They also said they had one of their boyfriends waiting nearby for them to come help me.” I sat in stunned silence as I once again fought the urge to vomit. I didn’t entirely think something like this would happen in my school. You always hear about it elsewhere or see it on crime TV shows like the ones my sister loves to watch late into the night. I jumped slightly as Coco sniffed and her head slipped onto my lap. “I’m scared,” she muttered as my skirt got wet. “I don’t wanna go back. They’re gonna kill me probably for even telling you this. They’re gonna kill you for stopping them. You should have just let them-” “Are you fucking insane?” I demanded as she looked at me nervously. “I’m not about to let them do that ever. And they won’t kill you because you’re not going to be alone on school property again. You’re going to be with me or the other girls.” “But why?” Coco demanded as I handed her a tissue from the nearby tissue box. My sister was absolutely obsessed with having them all over the place in case we were sick. “Why help me?” “You looked like you needed it. And besides, you don’t deserve to be treated that way. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, no matter who they were. You’re s good person from the short span of time I’ve spent with you. So yeah, I’m not about to just throw you to the wolves like a piece of meat.” I inhaled as Coco watched me nervously from below as she fiddled with her hands. I idly realized that I was yelling and my neighbors were certainly going to be wondering why I was yelling. Me yelling certainly wasn’t making her feel any better. “I’m sorry for yelling. That wasn’t cool of me,” I muttered sheepishly and sighed. “I’m not entirely well good when it comes to displaying my emotions.” “I know. Your uhm how should I put this mildly, freak outs are quite well known throughout the school,” Coco said with a smile. “I don’t freak out!” I shouted as Coco hid a giggle behind her hand. “Oh. Okay maybe sometimes I do, but not all the time.” Coco nodded as I slightly felt a bit uncomfortable with how long her head was resting in my lap. We both looked to the door as a key was jammed in it and the door pushed open. My sister walked into as she hung up her backpack, giving us both confused looks. “I was going to shout that I’m home but looks like that won’t be necessary,” Baton Switch said dryly as she hung up her band coat in the closet. “I had a half day. What are you doing here?” “It’s complicated.” “Uh huh,” Baton said as she raised an eyebrow slightly before plopping on the other couch. “And who is this exactly?” “This is Coco Pommel. She’s a friend,” I said and squeezed her shoulder gently as she made a surprised sound. Heck, even I was surprised. I didn’t entirely plan on being her friend. “She goes to school with me.” “I noticed,” Baton commented flatly as she picked up the TV remote and placed her boots on the coffee table. I gave her a glare and she rolled her eyes, kicking her boots off toward the door. “She’s not going to be as bad as your other classmates I hope. A certain girl named Upper Crust come to mind?” I winced slightly as Coco looked curiously at us. Upper had came over because we were forced to be partners on a project. She had been less than kind to my sister. To my sisters defense, Baton could dish out disrespect and attitude pretty good. Enough to make Upper Crust storm out in a rage. “I’m not like the others,” Coco said softly as my sister gazed at her. “I’ve always quite liked CHS. Rarity goes there, she was always nice to me whenever I came to shop at her work. Suri doesn’t really like Rarity though.” Baton examined her before giving a wide smile. “Well, okay. Rarity is cool I suppose. She did design all of our band uniforms,” Baton said with a shrug. “It’s nice to see Sour having friends. I still say she should transfer to CHS but eh. Any friend of Sour is a friend of mine. Within reason of course. If she becomes Upper Crust or Shit Sets friends, I’ll move out.” “Is that uhm a nickname for Jet Set?” Coco asked with a blush. My sister nodded sagely and gave a thumbs up. “Precisely.” “Anyone want pizza?” I asked suddenly as I grabbed my phone off the end table. “Sure,” Baton said as she waved a hand lazily. “Ooh a new Dateline episode!” I looked at Coco and she nodded after a second. “Sure. And you watch Dateline?” Coco asked curiously as Baton nodded eagerly. I stifled a groan as I opened up the pizza place we usually order from. “Yeah. Wanna sit up or are you comfortable watching from my sisters lap?” Baton asked with a wicked grin. Coco and I turned faintly red as we looked at each other. I may have forgotten about her heads placement. Coco sat up and Baton smirked again. I oddly felt glad they got along. But Baton did always get along with most people. I only hope my other friends did the same.
Chapter IV“So what’s her story?” Baton asked me quietly in the kitchen as I watched Baton pack a lunch. Coco had accidentally fallen asleep on the couch and ended up staying the night. Her parents had been surprisingly okay with it on the morning. Based on the sounds, it sounded like the girl was taking a shower at the moment. We had both insisted upon it. I looked around quickly and gestured for my sister to lean in. “You cannot tell anyone and I fucking mean anyone this, got it? Not the police, not your super hero friends or any of the principals. Got it?” I demanded as Baton nodded slowly. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Baton recited some weird ritual with her hands and poked her eye. “What the hell was that?” I asked in confusion as she smiled. “Pinkie Pie promise. It can’t be broken no matter what you’re about to tell me.” The name sounded familiar and I raked mind as to why, snapping my fingers. “The pink girl who baked the Mona Lisa inside a cake who brought a confetti cannon into the gym. Pinkie Pie is her name. That makes sense she would have some weird ritualistic code,” I said as Baton laughed and tossed a granola bar into her lunch bag. “Yeah she’s a unique one.” I took a deep breath and told Baton everything. What I walked in on in the bathroom, me technically getting my ass beat, running from Dean Cadence, trying to convince Coco to tell the police what happened. My sisters face grew more angry and disgusted looking by the second. “What the actual fuck is wrong with people?” Baton fumed as she slammed her milk glass down. “All because she’s different? We have multiple gay or bi people at chs. Lyra, Bon Bon, Vinyl, Octavia, Derpy, Sunset, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Trixie to name a few. I for one am proud as fuck of you. But what are you gonna do about the Dean?” I didn’t have a good answer for that. I had spent all night wondering that myself before I passed out. I could kiss my clean school record goodbye after that stunt. Probably going to have to hang out with Indigo and Lemon Zest in detention. Those two always got in trouble for something. “I don’t know,” I said finally and sighed as I put my backpack on. “I just don’t know.” We both looked back at Coco walking down the stairs nervously with her head bowed and her hands clasped in front of her. “I am so, so sorry for accidentally falling asleep on your couch. I didn’t mean to. You girls didn’t need to make me breakfast, I could have got something at school,” Coco muttered as Baton and I smirked at each other. “It’s no problem at all,” Baton reassured the shorter girl. “This apartment gets lonely at time so it’s always nice to have a nice girl like you around.” “Oh okay,” Coco muttered as she put her shoes on, picking up her back pack. “I’m glad I pack a spare set of clothes for after gym class. Will you take me to school please? I’ll pay you back for the food you used and gas when I can.” “Don’t worry about it,” I said and waved a hand lazily. “We certainly aren’t the richest people like Sunny Flare or Fleur, but we get by. We will be fine.” Coco bit her lip in an oddly adorable fashion as she seemed to have an internal fight with herself before sighing. “Okay. You win I suppose. But if there’s ever a next time, I will be paying you two back and that’s final,” Coco said sternly and I stared in surprise. I hadn’t ever expected her to be stern like that. “Okay well uh we will see. Let’s go to school, shall we?” And face the music and inevitable detention, I silently added to myself. “Do you want a ride to school qBaton?” “Nah, Blueberry Cake is coming to pick me up. Thanks though sis,” Baton said as I followed her out the door, closing it behind Coco, ensuring it was locked. “No problem. See you after school.” It had been a fairly quiet drive to school. We didn’t talk much except for small talk here and there. The radio filled the silence with news. I always did hate how they rarely played music in the mornings but it would have been too awkward without something filling the silence. The closer we got, the more terrified Coco seemed. I will give her this, she hid it well but I could tell. It was weird, I could always tell when people were afraid. It was like a special talent of mine. “We can turn around right now if you want,” I said quietly as we sat in the parked car. “We will get in more trouble but you can avoid those girls and have the weekend away.” “We should go. You uh you’ll be there right?” Coco asked hopefully as I nodded. “All the way,” I promised as we each slowly got out of the car. Our fellow Shadowbolts were shuffling like zombies past Dean Cadence. She always greeted us as we came in. I recognized one of the girls from the incident and I gave her a cold glare as she smirked at us. Oh what I would give to just tackle her right now and beat her ass. Dean Cadence noticed us and her eyes narrowed as she started in our direction. I grabbed Cocos wrist and started dragging her to the side entrance most students used to hide from faculty during school hours to smoke cigarettes. “Come on,” I grumbled and kept dragging a quietly protesting Coco. We passed the greenhouse as a pair of hands grabbed us and yanked us inside. I spun around and balled a fist to defend myself as Indigo back away sheepishly. Lemon, Sugarcoat and Sunny Flare stood behind her with nervous expressions as I sighed. “Oh it’s just you four.” “Easy girl,” Indigo said hesitantly as she raised both hands. “We were looking for you. We all tried calling and texting you yesterday but you didn’t answer after your guys little escape from school.” “Yeah what the hell was that about?” Sugarcoat demanded as she stared at Coco. “And who exactly is this?” “This is Coco Pommel. She’s a friend of mine and she will be hanging out with us permanently from here on out,” I said adamantly as Sugarcoat narrowed her eyes. I knew I was about to be in a verbal fight. Sugarcoat and I both claimed to be the impromptu leaders of our group. “And why exactly is she going to be doing so?” Sugarcoat demanded as she pushed her glasses up and stepped forward. “Because I said so. I can’t and won’t say more than that,” I growled as I stepped forward to get in her face. I idly noticed Coco getting more nervous and I inhaled. “And if you aren’t going to support it, well then I’ll just end our friendship.” “Woah now,” Indigo said as Sugarcoats eyes widened. “Let’s not go that far girls. I’m sure Sour Sweet has a good reason and besides, Coco is a nice girl. I share my history class with her. And Sugarcoat just wanted to know what was going on, didn’t you Sugar?” Indigo shot the girl a glare. “I would like to be made aware of these things,” Sugarcoat grumbled as she placed her hands on her hips and looked away. “I know you,” Sunny Flare pointed at Coco. “You’re in my drama class. You’re always running with Suri.” “Mhm. Sunny Flare correct?” Coco asked and Sunny nodded. “I’m quite good friends with Suri. I’m surprised she hasn’t introduced us before-” “She calls you Dummy Flare behind your back,” Coco interrupted quietly as we all stared at the two. Sunnys face turned red as she clenched a fist. “Never mind. She is no longer my friend.” “And one of us will always be with Coco till she safely gets in her parents car or I drop her off. You understand me?” I sneered at Sugarcoat as the others all looked at each other. “I don’t think it’s really cool to force them to do that,” Coco said softly and retreated a bit when I shot her a look. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t apologize. This is for your own good. Especially if they come back,” I said coolly as Indigo raised an eyebrow. “Who is they?” Indigo demanded as I paused. I didn’t know those girls names myself in all honesty. “Blueberry Curls and Sheer Perfection were a few,” Coco admitted under her breath as she shrugged. “Speak of the devil and they appear,” I muttered under my breath as the door opened. The pink girl from before opened the door and gave a cold smile our way. I shoved Coco behind me as Lemon Zest caught her. “Why hello there,” the girl I presumed to be Sheer Perfection commented casually. “Having a nice time I see. We missed you earlier Coco.” “I think you should leave,” I growled and pushed her a bit. “She doesn’t want to see you and frankly, nor do I.” “I don’t entirely know what’s going on but if Sour wants you gone, then you gotta leave,” Indigo chimed in as she stepped forward with a fist. “Oh she didn’t tell you?” Sheer Perfection smirked and I narrowed my eyes. “She interrupted us trying to help reform poor Coco here from her misguided life of liking her own kind.” “Her own kind?” Sunny Flare echoed in confusion. “You mean girls?” Sheer Perfection nodded as Sugarcoat coughed into her fist. “Technically, you can’t stop her from dating who she wants,” Sugarcoat said as she pushed her glasses up. “And why don’t you tell them just what your methods were,” I added angrily as Sheer Perfection shook her head. “That’s what I thought.” “Come back when you want our help again Coco,” Sheer Perfection smirked faintly as she turned around to leave. “Don’t want you corrupting poor Sour Sweet and her gang of friendly misfits.” “Oh I’ll show you just what a gang can do,” Indigo growled as Sugarcoat and Lemon held her back as Coco sat in the back watching nervously. “Now I know what you mean when Coco needs to be around us,” Sugarcoat muttered as we watched Sheer Perfection continue walking to school. “She’s a bitch.” “Oh you don’t know the half of it,” I commented idly. “We should get to class,” Coco muttered as Lemon pulled her to her feet. “I hate school.” “I can agree with that,” Lemon chuckled as her headphones hung around her neck. “This place is the worst ever.” I had no words but just simply nodded my head. I hated this place with a burning passion.
