Chapter 4

I wish I could say that it was a normal day at school. I wish I could say that I was looking forward to the rest of the year without a problem at all. But ever since the other day, I get the feeling that all my hopes of any normalcy have officially been thrown out the window. It was now lunch time, after half a day of math and English classes, and the other students and I were just leaving our science class. The teachers were pretty nice, and they actually gave me some slack when they heard I was absent yesterday because I was a new student. Flash and I had planned to meet in the cafeteria for lunch to discuss our plan for when we go back to that other world.

As I entered the bustling cafeteria, my eyes scanned the room for Flash. I spotted him at a table in the corner, I moved over before sitting down across from him.

“Hey,” I said.

“Sup,” Flash said.

“You eat alone all the time?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’m used to it,” Flash shrugged.

As I pulled out my packed lunch, I noticed some of the other students were staring at me. More noticeably, they were also staring at Flash, and some gave him dirty looks.

“Hey…why are they looking at you like that?” I asked Flash.

“Me?” Flash said and looked around. “Take a picture! It’ll last longer!”

That got them to shy away and return to their lunches.

“Hmph, if they got a problem, they could just say it to my face,” Flash scoffed.

I was about to question him again when I noticed Sunset walk in with a group of girls. She was chatting along with them until she noticed me and gave me a wave.

My focus immediately shifted to the two individuals standing beside her. One sported a striking, deep purple hairstyle that was fashioned into one enormous curl cascading down her back like a majestic waterfall. She wore a crisp white blouse that contrasted against her midnight navy skirt, which flowed around her legs like an enchanting mist. Her feet were adorned with heeled boots that stopped just below her knees, adding an extra touch of refinement to her appearance. Beside her stood a woman with vibrant violet hair, streaked with hints of pink and purple. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail that swayed with every step she took. The glimmer of her black glasses added an intellectual flair to her overall look. She wore a pink sweater vest over a white collared shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and a cute pink bow tied at the collar. Her outfit was completed with a purple knee-length skirt adorned with a pink star, knee-high socks, and black shoes.

“Who’re they?” I asked Flash, gesturing to the six girls who walked in with Sunset.

“That’s Rarity and Twilight” Flash said, taking a bite of his lunch. “Remember how I told you this school has had its fair share of bizarre events?”

“Yeah?” I nodded.

“Well, all three of them were usually found right in the middle of them,” Flash said.

“Really?” I whispered; my curiosity piqued by the sight of the pair.

“Not just them,” Flash said as four more girls entered the cafeteria to join them. There was a pink-haired girl, a blonde girl wearing a stetson, a rainbow-haired girl, and a pink-haired girl.

“And here comes, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy,” Flash said. “If you wanna talk about people with a reputation, they’ve got the biggest rep in school. One might even say they’re somewhat celebrities.”

“Just what kind of bizarre events are you talking about?” I wondered as I ate my sandwich.

“You wouldn’t believe me,” Flash shrugged.

“Try me,” I insisted.

“Well, there was the time when Sunset was the worst of the worst and turned into a giant she-demon and tried to take over the school,” Flash said so easily. “Even managed to take control of everyone in the school.”

I had to take a moment to process what he just said. The fact that the girl I just bonded with over good music the other day was once a hated individual and even turned into a demon because of it, baffled me to no end. I glanced at Sunset while she sat with her friends at a table and back at Flash.

“I don’t really know why but after recent events that you and I have gone through, I somehow believe you…” I said, feeling my eye twitch a little.

“That’s only the start of what’s been happening around here, dude,” Flash chuckled.

“I’ll take your word for it,” I said.

Suddenly, the doors swung open again to reveal the entitled ass, Blueblood, and his two cronies waltz in like they owned the whole cafeteria. Flash and I both scowled as we watched him cut in front of a few students to take his lunch order.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the seven misfits of CHS,” Blueblood mocked. “What sort of crazy magical catastrophe are you planning to inflict on us now? Turn the whole student body into animals? Perhaps flip the entire building upside down? Oh! Perhaps you will teleport all of us to random locations around the planet?”

“Piss off, Blueblood” Sunset barked out not even meeting the pricks gaze.

“You shouldn’t talk to Blueblood like that, you know,” Snips snickered.

“And what’re you gonna do about it?” The girl with the stetson glared.

“Wanna get your ass best again?” The rainbow-haired girl added while cracking her knuckles. “I’d be happy to give you a shiner to match that bandaid on your nose.”

“Shut your mouth, cumt lickers!'“ Blueblood snarled at the pair. “In case you forgot, I’m Principal Celestia’s nephew, if I say so she’ll expel you if you so much as look at me wrong.”

Rainbow moved to attack Blueblood; however, she was stopped by her friend in the stetson hat.

“You really like running your mouth, don’t you?” Sunset said back.

“Just leave us alone…” the pink-haired girl tried to say. Blueblood turned his attention to Rarity and smiled smugly.

“I must say, Rarity, you’re looking quite… exquisite as always,” Blueblood drawled, his gaze lingering on her attire. “A shame you waste your talents mingling with this lot of misfits.”

Rarity fixed him with a steely glare, her elegant facade slipping for a moment to reveal a flash of irritation. “I would rather be amongst friends than in the company of someone as insufferable as you, Blueblood.”

“Why Rarity, you wound me,” Blueblood said dramatically. “Still sore after last year’s fall formal?”

“You left me to dance with other girls!” Rarity snapped.

“An honest mistake, my dear.” I watched him lean in almost too close for comfort. “Even you can agree that I have high standards.”

Rarity’s eyes narrowed dangerously as she leaned back, a disdainful smirk curling her lips. “Oh, I wholeheartedly disagree, Blueblood,” she said sweetly, the saccharine tone dripping with venom. “And it’s abundantly clear that your standards are as low as your IQ if you believe for one moment that an ounce of flattery could mask your odious personality.”

Blueblood’s face flushed with anger, and he took a step back, clearly unaccustomed to being spoken to in such a manner. His cronies shifted uncomfortably beside him, sensing the rising tension in the air.

“You will regret those words, Rarity, mark my words!” Blueblood said as he raised his hand.

I don’t know what exactly came over me but seeing Blueblood’s inexcusable behavior set me off in ways I had not felt before. I stood up from my table, with Flash in tow, and marched up behind Blueblood.

“Hey.” Blueblood paused and turned around to face me. “Are you too stupid to see that the girl’s not interested?”

Blueblood’s eyes widened in surprise at my bold confrontation, clearly not used to being challenged in such a direct manner. His cronies exchanged nervous glances, uncertain of how to react to this unexpected turn of events. I could sense the tension in the air, the cafeteria falling into an uneasy silence as all eyes turned towards our confrontation. Blueblood cleared his throat as he gave me another one of his smug smiles.

“Ah, the new kid comes and tries to save the day?” Blueblood mocked. “Stay out of this, you’re being a nuisance.”

“Not so much to save the day, more like trying to keep the peace,” I said. “You’re clearly making her uncomfortable with your prattling, and everyone’s trying to enjoy their lunch. So, tell me. Who here’s the real nuisance?”

Blueblood's face contorted with rage; his entitlement shaken by my defiance. He took a step closer to me, his eyes flashing with a dangerous gleam. "You have no idea who you're dealing with, kid," he spat, trying to intimidate me with his imposing stature. But I stood my ground, unflinching in the face of his aggression.

“Does it matter?” I retorted, meeting his gaze head-on. “Just do us all a favor and leave them alone. Can’t you see they want nothing to do with you?”

The cafeteria had fallen into a tense hush, the students watching the confrontation unfold with bated breath. Blueblood’s cronies shifted uncomfortably beside him, unsure of how to react to their leader being challenged.

Blueblood soon noticed that he was causing a scene and ultimately backed off. “You’d better watch your back from now on, new kid.”

Blueblood stormed off with his cronies quickly following behind. I sighed as I looked back at Flash who was smiling approvingly at me. I just gave him a small nod, and then turned my attention to the girls sitting at the table.

“Hey there,” I said with a small wave. “Apologies for the late introduction no thanks to Mr. Entitled. Name’s Rodney. Rodney Dvorchack.”

The girls looked at each other, sharing a silent moment of understanding before giving me warm smiles. Rarity was the first to speak, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Rodney. Your intervention was most chivalrous.”

Applejack nodded in agreement. “Sure thing, Rodney. We sure do appreciate it. Ah’m Applejack, and these here are my friends - Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Sunset Shimmer.”

Fluttershy gave me a shy smile from behind her long hair. “Um, thank you for standing up for us. I-I’m Fluttershy.”

Pinkie Pie bounced in her seat with excitement. “Hiya Rodney! I’m Pinkie Pie, but you can call me Pinkie or Party Planner Extraordinaire! Whichever you prefer!”

“It’s nice to meet you all,” I said. “I’m sure you all know Flash.”

“Hey girls,” Flash said absentmindedly.

“Oh, hello Flash,” Sunset said. “How’ve you been?”

“Managing,” Flash shrugged.

“Are ya sure, partner?” Applejack asked.

“I’m fine,” Flash affirmed. “Really. Nothing I can’t handle for another two years anyway.”

Sunset’s gaze softened as she looked at Flash, a flicker of concern crossing her features before she masked it with a small smile. “Well, just remember we're all here for you, okay?” She said gently.

“Would you two care to sit down with us?” Rarity offered.

“Sure, we-,” I was about to say but Flash cut me off.

“Sorry, we’re busy with other stuff,” Flash said and grabbed me to pull me away.

I gave Sunset and her friends a goodbye wave before we made it back to our table and sat back down.

“What was that about, Flash? They were just offering to let us sit with them,” I questioned my friend.

“It’s best not to get involved,” Flash dismissed. “Not when we have more important things to talk about. Like how we’re going about the castle this time around. You think you’ll still have those cool powers of yours?”

“It’s possible” I say. “But at the same time, I can’t say for certain.”

“What about those guards?” Flash asked. “I think you can take them again?”

“That also I can’t say for certain,” I said. “It felt like I was an entirely different person in that world. I was just swinging that sword and cane without any coordination.”

“So, I guess that means we’re gonna have to sneak around, huh?” Flash said.

“It’s preferred, if possible,” I nodded.

Flash shoved his hands in his pockets as he began to think. “We need a plan. Sneaking around can only get us so far. We have to figure out a way to get to the castle without getting caught.”

“There is that hole that Spike showed us,” I reminded Flash.

“Oh yeah, Spike!" Flash perked up. “You think we’ll run into him again?”

“I’d hope so,” I said. “He seemed pretty capable in a fight since he too has a persona.”

Flash grinned. “That’s true. Hopefully, he can lend us a hand if things get messy.”

As we finished discussing our plans, the bell signaling the end of lunch period rang, prompting us to gather our things and head to our next class. As we walked through the bustling halls of Canterlot High, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that trouble was brewing beneath the surface.

After a long day of classes and lectures, the ending bell rang, and I was making my way to the bleachers so I could meet with Flash. The unwavering feeling during classes still lurked in the back of my mind. Willingly returning to the world beyond our own was the last thing I’d expect to be doing today, especially since Flash was so eager to go as well. I made my way out of the school building through the front doors and proceeded towards the track field. There were many students I passed by each going about their ways, either staying on campus for a while or waiting to be picked up from school. To be honest, I somewhat wished I could head home too. I eventually made it to the bleachers where Flash was already waiting for me.

“Hey, Rodney,” Flash greeted me with a nod, his expression serious. “You ready to get this show on the road?”

“Sure, as I’ll ever be,” I shrugged as I set my pack down.

“So, how do we even get there?” Flash asked, already aware that I was the reason we were able to enter the Metaverse in the first place.

“I think it was this weird app I’ve been trying to get rid of,” I said, pulling out my phone and showing it to Flash.

“An App?” Flash said, swiping my phone from my hands.

“Interesting,” Flash muttered as he examined the app on my phone. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. You sure this is how we got to that castle place?”

“I’m positive,” I confirmed. “Every time I try to delete it, it just reappears.”

“Then it’s probably a key!” Flash said.

“A key? Really?” I spoke.

“Why not? It makes sense,” Flash shrugged. “I wonder what happens if I tap it?”

“Flash, hang on-!” I tried to say but he tapped the app already.

In an instant, it felt like the world around us became distorted. Looking towards the school, I saw the towering spires of the golden castle in its place.

I turned to Flash, who stood beside me, his jaw hanging open in awe. “We’re back,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Warn me next time!” I said, taking my phone back. “Startled me there…”

“Woah!” Flash shouted startling me. “Dude, your clothes.”

I arched a brow and looked down to see that I was wearing the same clothes that appeared on me. I also noticed that the cane sword I used to fight was clipped to my fancy belt, and I was wearing the mask I had torn off when I was back in the cell.

“Damn, don’t think I’ll get used to this automatic wardrobe change,” I said, looking behind me.

“Kinda wish I had a cool costume like yours” Flash said with a pang of jealousy.

“Maybe you’ll get one eventually,” I teased, nudging him playfully. “But for now, let’s focus on the task at hand.”

“Wait, hang on a second” Flash reached behind him before pulling out what looked like a Desert Eagle pistol. “Here, it might prove useful.”

“They hell?! Where’d you get that?!” I yelped.

“Relax, it’s just a model,” Flash said as he handed it to me. “Friend of mine has a hobby of collecting model guns and he let me have one for my birthday last year. It’s only been on display in my bedroom, so I figured it might come in handy over here.”

I took the model gun from Flash, inspecting it closely. It was intricately detailed, with a weight that felt surprisingly real in my hand.

“Thanks, Flash,” I said, securing it in my belt next to my sword. “I was worried for a moment that you had brought a gun to school to kill Blueblood.”

“Damn, dude, that’s cold,” Flash said with a chuckle as we headed towards the opening on the side. “I mean, I hate the guy but not that much.”

A small chuckle escaped my lips as we made our way around the towering castle, its dark stone walls looming above us. Spike had shown us a hidden hole that led inside, and we carefully maneuvered towards it. Flash’s voice echoed off the cold walls as he whispered.

“Remind me again why we couldn’t have just walked through the front gates like normal people?” Flash sighed.

I glanced back at him and rolled my eyes, trying to keep my nerves in check. “Because normal people don’t have to worry about getting caught by palace guards,” I replied.

As we crept deeper into the shadowy tunnel, I kept my eyes peeled for any sign of danger. Suddenly, a flash of purple caught my attention, and I froze in place. Peering ahead, I saw a pair of eyes staring right at me.

“You two?” I backed out of the tunnel and out came the little dragon, Spike. He looked up at both of us and crossed his arms. “No wonder the shadows are more active. And I certainly didn’t expect to see you two here again.”

“We came willingly,” I said.

“That’s twice in a row, I’ve been surprised,” Spike said, arching a brow. “Care to explain why?”

“We’re here to get dirt on that bastard, Blueblood,” Flash answered.

“We know he’s up to no good, and we want to put a stop to it,” I added, meeting Spike’s gaze.

Spike studied us for a moment before nodding slowly. “Alright, follow me. But stay close and keep quiet,” he whispered, leading us to the castle.

Flash and I followed Spike back through the hole until we came out in the small storage room from before.

“Okay, if we’re gonna do this, there are some things you need to know,” Spike said.

“You got that right,” Flash said. “What exactly is this place?”

“Can’t you tell from the big sign outside that read Canterlot High School?" Spike questioned.

“That’s what I don't get though!” Flash said. “This is obviously a golden castle!”

“Keep it down!” Spike barked. “This is the school because it’s how the castle’s ruler sees it through his distorted desires.”

“That makes even less sense!” Flash groaned.

“Are you as dense as you are loud?” Spike teased.

“Wanna say that again, lizard!?” Flash said irritated by the dragon.

“I am not a lizard!” Spike shouted.

I stifled a laugh at the banter between Flash and Spike, but then cleared my throat to refocus their attention.

“Guys, come on, we’re here for a reason, remember?“ I interjected, trying to keep them on track. Spike and Flash both quieted down and turned to me, waiting for instructions.

“Good. So, what do we need to know, Spike?” I asked, eager to get the mission underway.

Before Spike could answer, the sounds of screams of anguish and pain echoed throughout the halls of the castle's interior.

“The hell was that?!” Flash yelped.

“Most likely the prisoners,” Spike answered. “It’s round the clock torture for those people, by Blueblood’s command. Not to mention, he’s still in a bad mood for allowing you two to escape.”

“Bastard…!” Flash cursed, clenching his fists. Even I was ticked off after hearing what Blueblood was doing to those poor kids.

“What’s with your friend?” Spike asked. “He must really hate this guy.”

“It's a long story,” I said. “Something he’s yet to disclose but only on his terms.”

“Fair enough,” Spike said.

“We gotta help those people!” Flash proclaimed.

“I agree, even I can’t ignore this,” I said with a nod.

“Well…if you’re both bent on going through with this, I suppose I can help guide you,” Spike said, scratching his chin.

“For real?! That’s great!” Flash grinned before turning to me with a grateful smile. “And thanks for agreeing with me.”

I nodded at Flash, a sense of determination washing over me. “We have to do what’s right, no matter the risk,” I replied, looking at Spike. “Lead the way.”

Spike nodded and began guiding us through the winding corridors of the castle. The air was thick with tension and the distant cries of the tortured prisoners only fueled our resolve.

As we navigated the labyrinthine halls, Spike suddenly held up a claw, signaling us to stop. He pointed towards a group of guards patrolling ahead, their armor glinting in the dim torchlight.

We waited for them to pass until he nodded at us and led the way. We eventually made it to a familiar staircase that led to a lower level where the dungeon was. The screams of anguish and despair rang out louder than before.

Spike moved stealthily, his claws tapping softly on the cold stone steps, leading us towards the source of the agonized cries. The torches flickered ominously, casting dancing shadows on the damp walls. As we reached the bottom of the staircase, we found ourselves in a long corridor lined with heavy iron doors.

“Hey, look,” I said, pointing above the cells. “There’s plaques with writing on them.” As we passed by each cell, each plaque had titles on them that made my gut churn.

“Mathematics Slaves, Biology Slaves, English Slaves?!” Flash said, sounding disgusted. “The fuck is this shit?!”

“Sounds like he has certain students who are good at specific subjects under his thumb so he can copy their work,” I said bitterly.

“We need to put a stop to this,” I said, my voice full of determination. Flash and Spike both nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring my resolve. We approached one of the iron doors labeled English Slaves and peered inside.

The sight that greeted us was harrowing. A group of students were huddled together on the cold, damp floor, surrounded by stacks of papers and textbooks. They looked up at us with hollow eyes, clearly exhausted and defeated.

“I can’t take this anymore!” One of the students said.

“Quiet! Do you want king Blueblood to hear you?! We have to finish this report by tonight!”

“My hand is bleeding. I can’t write anymore…!”

I felt a surge of anger and sympathy wash over me as I watched the students struggle under the oppressive weight of their assignments. Without hesitation, I turned to Spike and Flash, determination burning in my eyes.

“We have to help them,” Flash said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

“Help them? You can’t,” Spike shook his head.

“Why the hell not?!” Flash barked.

“Because they’re not real,” Spike explained. “They are just cognitions of how Blueblood sees them. Think of them as fake copies of the people in real life. In this world, and similar to the real world, Blueblood sees them only as slaves for his own gain.”

“What the hell does that even mean?!” Flash asked angrily.

“It means that there’s no point in helping these people because they’re not real,” Spike groaned.

“Then we’ll help them another way. Flash, take a picture with your phone,” I said to Flash.

Flash quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the students trapped in the cell, their tired faces a stark reminder of the tyranny they faced. But when he tried to show me the photo, his screen was blank.

“No good, Rod,” Flash grumbled, frustration evident on his face. “My camera doesn’t freaking work for some reason. Looks like we can only use the nav app while we’re in here.”

“Shit!” I cursed.

“Now hold on a sec, we can still help them even if they’re not real,” Flash said and peered into the cell. “If what Spike said is true, that they represent the real ones in the real world, then we’ll just have to memorize their faces.”

I wished it could’ve been simpler with just taking a photo, but our cameras were useless in this world. I sighed and nodded in agreement as I stood next to Flash and analyzed the three poor souls being forced into this situation.

The first individual was the thinnest of the trio, with short brown hair and matching brown eyes. He wore a tattered white shirt and loose-fitting jeans that appeared to be two sizes too big for him. His hands trembled as he wrote on a crumpled sheet of paper, his expression reflecting a mixture of fear and exhaustion.

The second one had a more muscular build than the first, with apple green hair and eyes. Like the first, his clothes were torn and worn, but this person opted for a red flannel shirt and cargo pants.

The last person seemed significantly older compared to the others. They wore thick-framed glasses with a noticeable crack in one lens, along with a white dress shirt underneath a beige sweater and black tie. Their choice of attire also included a pair of brown slacks.

“We won’t forget your faces,” I whispered to them. “We’ll find a way to release you from this torment.”

They ignored me as we moved onto the next row of cells. These students were sitting in chairs that had them locked in place. Their hands and feet were chained down, their heads strapped against the back of the chair, and their eyes were forced open. In front of them was a projection screen that played a bunch of math equations and formulas at high speed.

“Stop! Stop! It’s too much! I can’t memorize it all!”

“Please…my eyes hurt! I need rest! My head feels like it’ll explode!”

“Have…to…remember! Don’t…want to…die! Must…let him…copy!”

“Looks like Blueblood is forcing kids to memorize double the material than usual so they can just give Blueblood the answers during tests,” Flash growled.

My heart hammered against my chest as I took in the grotesque scene before us. The pained cries of the students echoed off the stone walls, their voices laced with desperation and sorrow. It was torture, plain and simple, a twisted means to an end that only benefited the cruel king.

“I think we’ve seen enough,” I said through gritted teeth, my fists clenching at my sides. “Have you memorized their faces yet, Flash?”

“Yes, got them locked in here,” Flash said confidently, tapping the side of his head with a grim determination.

“Let’s get outta here then!” Spike said and we ran back the way we came.

As we did, I noticed some more cells that looked like adults inside. They were all sitting at old-fashioned computers and were fervently typing away with their eyes glued to the screen.

“If I give him a passing grade, I won’t get fired.”

“He’ll complain to the principal again if I don’t do this…”

“Please don’t dock my pay! Please! It’s tough enough as it is being a teacher!”

“What the…?” I spoke. “Is Blueblood also manipulating the teachers?”

“Looks like it,” Spike said as they neared the dungeon’s exit. “Looks like every aspect of this school is under his thumb, from the students to the teachers.”

“That’s just all kinds of fucked up,” Flash said as they neared the front hall of the castle. “And if you noticed there was a single girl in there, I’d hate to see what he thinks of the chicks of this school.”

Just as we were about to make our exit, a platoon of guards was waiting for us in the main hall. Right in the middle was none other than Blueblood himself.

“Blueblood!” Flash spat.

“I knew If we waited long enough the roaches would scurry back into my gilded castle” Blueblood laughed as the platoon of guards surrounded us.

With their armor gleaming under the flickering torchlight, the guards formed a tight circle, trapping us in the center of the hall. Blueblood stepped forward, his sneer a grotesque slash across his smug face.

“Did you enjoy your little tour of my kingdom?” he drawled with a mocking tone, eyeing each of us with disdain. “See something you like? Or perhaps you’ve seen too much?”

“You’re one twisted dude, Blueblood,” I said as I gripped my cane. “Forcing others to do the work, claiming it to be your own, even pressuring the staff to give you good grades. You’re the epitome of fraud.”

Blueblood’s laughter rang out, echoing off the stone walls, full of self-assured mockery. “Fraud? Oh, but you see, in this domain, I am the law. What I say goes, and what I want, I take. And right now.” He paused, his eyes narrowing, “I want to teach you a lesson about meddling in affairs that are none of your business.”

The guards inched closer, the sound of their armor clinking a steady cadence as Blueblood continued to gloat. “You think you’re heroes? You’re nothing but insects to me.” His hand waved dismissively at us before flicking toward his men. “Dispose of them.”

“Let’s do this, newbie!” Spike said. “Harlequin!”

“Right!” I nodded and unsheathed my cane sword and made my mask disappear in blue soul-like flames. “Hercule Poirot!”

Both mine and Spike’s Personas manifested behind us, the guards turned into shadows turned them into what looked like horses with two curved horns on its head.

“Bicorns!” Spike shouted as his Persona threw a few of its daggers

Hercule and I worked in tandem as we slashed our blades together and Hurcule snapped his fingers to cast Kouha on them.

At first, we were winning, until several joined together to form a new monster. He looked like one of the guards but wore red armor atop of a black horse grasping a large spear in its hand, it charged at us with a thunderous clatter.

“Watch out, newbie!” Spike cried as he rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the sharp point of the spear.

I tightened my grip on my cane sword, aware that our small victory against the Bicorns had been but a prelude to this true test of our strength. Spike’s Persona whirled through the air, launching another barrage of knives, but this time they glanced off the knight’s armor, barely leaving a scratch.

I tried charging at the knight and slashed at him as he thrusted his spear my way. The force was like being tackled by a football player as I was shoved back. I then tried making Hurcule cast Kouha on him again but failed to stop a counterattack from behind.

Spike tried to aid me but was quickly engaged by two more of the same monstrous knights that had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

Even as we fought desperately, more shadows seemed to pour into the hall like a dark tide, solidifying into menacing forms ready to tear us apart. Blueblood watched, his contemptuous smile never wavering as our situation grew dire.

“This is bad,” Spike grunted, dispatching one knight but staggering back as another landed a heavy blow. “We’re not gonna make it at this rate!”

“Come on…come on…!” I grunted as I blocked a bicorn’s thrust but was suddenly struck in my back again. I cried out in pain and fell to my knees as they started to surround us. “There’s too many! Hercule! Help us!”

Unfortunately, my Persona was run through by the knight’s spear, Hercule vanished in blue flames as my mask returned to my face. Before I could react, a heavy boot connected with my side, flipping me onto my back. I gasped for air, the wind knocked out of me as the shadows loomed over both Spike and me.

“Guys!” Flash yelped as I coughed painfully.

“Flash! Get out of here!” I yelled.

“Are you nuts! There’s no way I’m gonna leave you here!” Flash argued.

“Why not, Flash?” Blueblood mocked. “After all, you’re no stranger to abandoning your friends when it matters.”

“I…I didn’t abandon anyone” Flash stammered out as the knights grabbed hold of his arms. “Hey! Let go!”

“Don’t delude yourself, worm,” Shadow Blueblood laughed. “You are nothing but the fallen star of the basketball team.”

“Fallen Star?” I repeated.

“Oh? He didn’t tell you?” Blueblood asked with a wide grin on his face. “Flash Sentry was once the star player of Canterlot High’s basketball team, until a certain…mishap during the most crucial game of his career. Isn’t that right, Flash?”

“N-No that’s not true…” Flash whimpered. “I’d never do something like that to my team!”

Blueblood’s grin only widened, relishing in Flash’s distress. “Ah, but the records say otherwise,” he taunted, waving a dismissive hand. “You choked when it mattered most. Missed a three-point shot just as the buzzer sounded. You let them down. And now, what are you? A has-been. A nobody. Pathetic. But I’ll let you in on a little secret.” Blueblood grinned like a Cheshire cat. “I was the one who slipped a little something into your drink that day. Just a tiny amount of a certain substance to ensure you wouldn’t perform at your best. After all, I couldn’t have someone else stealing the spotlight at my school, could I?”

“You…” Flash slumped in defeat, his eyes reflecting the crushing weight of realization. "You sabotaged me…?”

I watched him fall to his knees as the realization hit him. Blueblood was laughing like a madman which infuriated me more than I anticipated. However, most of my anger was directed at Flash. I knew he was stronger willed than this.

“Are you just gonna take that?!” I snapped, making Flash slowly look at me. “When the hell are you gonna man the fuck up, dude?! This ass hat fucked you over, and you’re just gonna let him get away with it?! What happened to doing what’s right?! What happened to always having my back?! Don’t let this pompous fraud define who you are, Flash!”

Flash 1st POV

My mind roiled with a tumult of emotions—anger, shame, betrayal—but at the new guy’s words, something within me crystallized. A fire I thought long extinguished ignited once more. I couldn’t let this be my end—not here, not like this, under the heel of this pompous fraud.

“You turned everyone against me…” I growled. “My team, my friends, the whole damn school…because you couldn’t stand to see anyone else succeed.” My voice hardened with each word spoken. I looked up at Blueblood, my hands clenched into fists. “But you know what? I don’t need their approval. I don’t need the glory of being a star player. What I need is to stand up for myself and my friends!” I glared at Blueblood with unbridled rage.

“SO, STOP LOOKING DOWN AT ME WITH THAT STUPID-ASS SMILE ON YOUR FACE, YOU FUCKING SHIT-HEEL!” I screamed.

I felt something stir inside me, a deep well of power that had been dormant, suppressed by doubts and humiliation

I reckon you’ve made me wait long enough.A disembodied voice rang within my head. Soon a huge pain flared through my head, causing me to thrash and scream.

Ya wish to be powerful, kid? Then how’s about we make a deal? You’ve already been given a raw deal, Sentry,the voice continued, with a drawl that seemed to echo from a bygone era. I can give ya the means to set things straight. To fight back against those who’d do ya wrong. Your name has already been dragged through the mud, it’s time ya cast away with the law and take all that you want, partner. The voice coaxed with the allure of untamed freedom. It’s high time ya stop playin’ by their rules and become the Outlaw that your inner self desires. I Am Thou, Thou Art I. The voice declared with the authority of an old west outlaw laying down the law. There is no turning back now. From this day forward, you shall aim for justice and claim what is rightly yours!

Then, an ineffable force surged within me, as if every cell in my body was awakening to its true potential. The pain that once wracked my skull now transformed into a searing focus. My breath quickened, and my heart pounded like the hooves of a galloping stallion. A spectral mask formed over my face - not one of fear or submission, but of defiance and strength.

“Quit wasting time and finish them off!” Blueblood’s voice boomed with anger.

Driven by a surge of adrenaline, I reached up to remove the mask from my face, no matter how agonizing it was. The searing pain reached its climax, and with a blinding flash of blue flames, the mask shattered into pieces. A shockwave rippled through the air, knocking back the shadows and knights that surrounded my friends. In that moment, all the pent-up resentment and betrayal within me burst forth like a raging inferno.

Rodney 1st POV

I had to cover my arm from the blinding light of the flames that suddenly enveloped Flash. When the flames finally subsided, I lowered my arm to see a spectacle that made my eyes almost bug out of my head.

Standing tall was Flash, clad in a long dark blue coat with bandoliers of bullets strapped across his chest. He had pulled up the collar to conceal his identity. A red bandana was tied around his neck, representing his loyalty to his own code of justice. A black hat with a wide brim rested on top of his head, casting a shadow over his masked face and adding an air of enigma to his appearance. His attire was simple but sturdy: dark pants and a black shirt. Spurs jingled on his boots with every step as he carried a six-shooter in his holster and what appeared to be a tomahawk at his hip.

His Persona stood behind him, its armored body shining with a metallic sheen that seemed to radiate rebellion. Its white spiky hair contrasted against the black mask that concealed its face, leaving only two glowing green eyes visible. The intense stare fixed on Blueblood with a silent threat. Adorned in a red jacket with the word KID emblazoned on the sleeve, and black pants held up by a studded belt attached to a chain, the Persona’s boots were a blend of red, black, and white. In its grasp were two black revolvers, ready for action.

“No way” I heard Spike shout. “He’s got a Persona too?”

“Flash?” I said in awe.

“Woah…” Flash marveled at the power he had received. “So, this is my Persona…? Heh…now we’re talking!” Flash pointed his finger at Blueblood’s men. “Let’s show them what you got! Billy the Kid!”

In a flash, Flash’s Persona took aim before firing two shots which ricocheted off the walls with an uncanny precision, striking down the shadowy figures that had been keeping me and Spike down. The bullets seemed to carry a force beyond mere lead — they were like bolts of justice, unerring and true.

The shadows recoiled in agony as each bullet found its mark, their forms dissipating like smoke in the wind. The remaining figures hesitated, fear creeping into their eyes as they witnessed the newfound power that Flash wielded with such effortless command.

“Roddy, Spike,” Flash called out, his voice carrying a newfound strength as he turned to face us with a smirk. “You guys all right?”

“Yeah, we’ll manage,” I said as I picked my sword back up. “I knew you had it in you, bro.”

“Certainly caught me off guard,” Spike said. “But now the tables have turned in our favor!”

Blueblood, sensing the shift in dynamics, grasped for control. His eyes narrowed as he observed Flash’s transformation from a distance, his arrogance now tinged with a trace of concern. “This changes nothing,” he sneered with forced confidence. “You think this little trick will save you? You’re still nothing but a traitor and an outcast.”

“If I have to live in a world where you live like a king…” Flash said as his hand inched towards his gun. “I’d rather be an outlaw!”

“Let’s go!” I said and we all charged at the red knight.

Flash reached into his coat and pulled out dual hatches that he spun around before gripping tightly. He jumped in the air, with an air boost from his Persona, and came down on the knight while swinging his weapons. Despite the difference in size, Flash made up for it in dexterity as he managed to push the knight back a bit with sheer strength. The knight staggered under the relentless assault, their once formidable stance crumbling as Flash's presence loomed over them. The sounds of battle echoed through the air, punctuated by the sharp ring of metal against metal.

“Show ‘em what we’re made of, kid!” Flash’s Persona whispered with a voice that seemed to blend with the wind. With an imperceptible nod from its charge, the spectral figure raised its arms high, revolvers at the ready, and unleashed a barrage of ethereal bullets that danced through the air. Each shot was a proclamation of Flash’s determination and might.

As I swung my sword with renewed vigor, inspired by Flash’s transformation, I could feel the tide of battle shifting in our favor. Spike fought with a ferocity that matched his name, his own abilities magnified by the surge of energy filling the room. Blueblood retreated step by step, his face contorted into a snarl.

“Finish them off!” Blueblood shouted as he turned and fled. “That is an order from your king!”

“All together now!” I shouted as I held out my hand, and Hurcule Poirot did the same.

Spike aimed his daggers as Flash held out his hands too.

“Kouha!”

“Maragi!”

“Garu!”

The combined might of our Personas erupted in a display of elemental fury. Light, fire, and wind converged upon the retreating shadows, weaving into a whirlwind of color and devastation. The very air seemed to crackle with the power we unleashed. Blueblood’s minions stood no chance; they were swept away as if they were mere dust caught in a tempest.

The dust settled, and the once-mighty knights of shadow lay defeated, their forms evaporating into the ether from whence they came. The ominous chamber that had been filled with the clamor of steel and the cries of battle now echoed with an eerie silence.

Flash holstered his hatchets and stepped forward, his boots thumping solidly on the stone floor. “Blueblood won’t get far,” he said, his voice cool and resolute. “I’ll make sure of it.” However, Flash soon lost his footing as a wave of exhaustion hit him causing him to drop to his knee.

“Woah, hey man,” I said as I stood by his side. “You really pushed yourself back there.”

“Quite unexpected,” Spike said while gazing at Flash. “To think, you had the potential as well.”

“By the way, nice digs, dude,” I said as I helped him stand back up.

“My digs?” Flash looked at his body before realizing his clothing changed. “What the hell?! I look like I belong in an old western movie!”

“You look like Clint Eastwood, dude,” I joked.

“Is that good or bad?” Flash asked as I helped him to his feet.

“If you two are done, we need to make our exit,” Spike said.

“Now? But we just kicked serious ass!” Flash said.

“After narrowly escaping death!” Spike barked. “This isn’t a game, you know! Our lives are constantly on the line in this world!”

“He’s got a point, man, we probably wouldn’t have survived had you not awakened,” I said.

“Speaking of which, you seem more calm than usual after that encounter,” Spike said to me.

His statement made me pause and think for a moment. “I suppose you're right,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders in agreement.

Suddenly, we heard the unmistakable sound of metal footsteps rapidly approaching us.

“We should probably make a run for it,” Spike suggested, as Flash and I followed suit and quickly exited the castle to return to reality.

We had all managed to make it out of the castle from the way we came and were now taking a slight breather.

“Man, talk about a series of crazy-ass events,” I said. “You doing alright, Flash?”

“I will be” Flash breathed out as he rested his hands on his knees. “Once I get some food and a nap.”

“Hey, I just thought of something,” I said. “Wouldn’t we be kinda screwed now that Blueblood knows that we’re onto him?”

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” Spike said. “This Blueblood, and the Blueblood in reality, are two sides of the same coin. However, this Blueblood is the reality of the real Blueblood’s manifestation of his innermost desires.”

“So, what’s that mean?” Flash asked.

“Did the Blueblood in reality remember anything from the events in the cells?” Spike asked.

“No, he didn’t,” I said, recalling the odd detachment of the real-world Blueblood from his shadow self. “It was like they were completely separate entities. He had no idea what was happening here.”

‘Exactly,” Spike continued, his eyes intense with the knowledge he’d gleaned from our experiences. “The shadows hold the darkest parts of a person’s psyche, their hidden feelings and desires.”

“Then I guess we got nothing to worry about,” I nodded. “But we should still get going.”

“You mean back to your world?” Spike asked. “Y’know, I’ve always wondered what your world is like.”

“But can you even come to our world?” Flash asked the small dragon.

“I…I’m not sure,” Spike said, sounding like he was thinking about something. “It doesn’t matter. You guys should get going. If you find out anything else in the real world, feel free to come back now that both of you are Persona users.”

“Will do, Spike.” I knelt down and raised my fist at him. “Thanks for everything. You’ve been a big help.”

Spike bumped his own tiny fist against mine, a smile of camaraderie lighting up his reptilian features. “Just be careful, both of you. This is only the beginning.”

Nodding in agreement, Flash and I turned toward the rift that would take us back to our world. As we stepped closer to the shimmering tear in reality, I felt an odd sensation, as if gravity itself was warping around us. In one smooth motion, we leapt through the portal.

The transition was always disorienting, a rush of colors and sensations that defied explanation. When our feet finally hit solid ground again, we were back in the abandoned alley where our adventure had started. The mundane sounds of the city filled my ears, a stark contrast to the fierce battles and otherworldly experiences we’d just left behind.

‘Well,” Flash said, checking his attire which had reverted back to his casual clothes that seemed so normal now compared to his western garb from moments ago. “That sure was trippy.”

“Whew! We made it!” I said, then I noticed Flash looking at his hands. His expression was completely different compared to before he awakened his persona. “You okay?”

Flash turned his gaze up from his hands and met my eyes, a flicker of newfound determination shining through the weariness. “Yeah, I’m okay,” he affirmed. “Just processing it all, you know? It’s not every day you discover you've got some…some supernatural alter-ego ready to fight the demons in your heart.”

I chuckled softly. “You can say that again. But now we’ve got this power, and there’s no turning back.” I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders alongside the relief of survival. “We’ve got to use it wisely.”

Flash nodded solemnly and pushed himself up from his resting position against the bleacher’s grimy pole. “Right,” he said, brushing off the mud from his pants. “For now, though, let’s grab something to eat. I feel like I could eat a horse.”

I nodded as we both picked up our bags and headed back to the main building. I had no idea what was to come from here on out, but I knew one thing for sure. This school was under the thumb of an egotistical fraud. And if no one was gonna have the guts to stand up to him, then Flash and I were the only ones capable of doing so.

Author's Note

Another has awoken to defy the threads of fate.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…