Twilight groaned as she rubbed her ears as she sat on the steps of Canterlot High, trying in a failed attempt to process everything that happened today.
“Lot on your mind?” Cadence asked as she sat down next to her and crossed her legs.
“Oh, you have no freaking idea,” Twilight answered as she lifted her head. “I almost killed everyone, turned into a raging demon thing and now the Friendship Games are a tie. Don’t even get me started on the whole different world out there or the magical students!” Twilight flung a hard around her as Cadence wrapped an arm around her.
“That was Cinch, that wasn’t your fault Twilight. And partially mine for not doing a better job of looking after you,” Cadence admitted as she rubbed the back of her head. “For that, I’m sorry. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s her fault as you said,” Twilight said as she glanced at Sunset talking with her friends before they all glanced at her and waved.
“I don’t suppose I can stop you from going to Everton now,” Cadence sighed and shook her head. “Not that I blame you, I’d be more than happy to transfer you if that’s what you want. Or here even. You seem to have friends here too.”
“Actually I was thinking of staying at CPA,” Twilight admitted and held up a hand as Cadence gave her a stunned look. “I know it wasn’t good to me and I love the atmosphere at Canterlot High along with the girls I became friends with today. I can still see them on the weekends and after school hopefully while learning more about friendship from them but I also wanna learn from you. You’ve always been there for me and well, I can’t think of anything else. So uh can I stay?”
“Of course you can stay,” Cadence hugged her as she smiled. “If you’re sure this is what you want, I will always support you just like I always have. Just make sure your parents are okay with it too.”
“Do we have to tell them what happened? What if they throw me out?” Twilight asked nervously as she looked up from the ground and hugged her back.
“Your parents love you Twilight. They won’t throw you out and I can leave out some bits,” Cadence said as she winked at her. “I’m not sure even I believe all that happened and I was there. Not even sure Shining would believe me.”
Twilight nodded as Cadence looked over her shoulder and let her go with a smirk before pointing behind Twilight at Sunset and the others waiting patiently.
“Looks to me your friends are waiting for you,” Cadence said with a smile. “Go talk to them while I call your mom to get you. I have to ride on the bus with the others unfortunately to make sure they don’t misbehave.”
Twilight nodded as she stood up shakily and walked over to them slowly as Fluttershy hugged her.
“Uhm hi,” Twilight said as she eyed them all nervously as she awkwardly patted Fluttershy on the back.
“Heyo,” Rainbow said as she pulled Fluttershy off of her. “Let the girl breath Flutters. Hugging the life out of someone is Pinkie’s gig.”
“Sorry,” Fluttershy said quietly and stepped back.
“So you coming here or what?” Pinkie asked as she gazed at Twilight. “We can have parties and eat cake and play games and be besties and-”
“What she means is she wants you to stay but would support your decision to stay at cpa,” Sunset interrupted as she placed a hand over Pinkie’s mouth.
“I uh I’m going back to CPA,” Twilight admitted as the others faces fell. “But I do want to spend time with you all. I don’t really know much about friendship but you all do if you don’t mind being my friend.”
“Of course we don’t mind Sugarcube,” Applejack said as she flung an arm around Twilight. “Anything ya need, we’re here for ya.”
“She’s right darling,” Rarity added with a smile. “We’re not going anywhere.”
“I don’t get why you wanna go back to that hellhole but you’re cool in my book,” Rainbow shrugged as she punched Twilight’s shoulder with a grin as Twilight winced. “Heh sorry, didn’t mean to hit you that hard. Anyway, good luck at cpa. If they give you trouble, let me know and I’ll fight em.”
Sunset rolled her eyes as Rainbow started punching the sky behind her and saying random words to herself, Sunset occasionally hearing Cinch’s name. She had to admit, she wouldn’t mind laying out Cinch right here on the concrete but she’d get suspended or worse, arrested.
“Phone,” Sunset said as she held out a hand and Rainbow quit her fight with the air to walk over. Twilight raised an eyebrow but complied, handing Sunset her unlocked phone as Sunset typing for a few moments before handing it back. “Now you have all our phone numbers and I texted myself. I’ll add you to our group chat once I get home because my phone is dead.”
“Twilight! Your mom will be here in five minutes!” Cadence called as Sunset flinched briefly. She still was getting used to seeing Cadence of all people. She hadn’t heard that voice in forever it seems.
“Okay!” Twilight called back as she sighed. “My mom is almost here. I’ll text you all later and- oof!”
Pinkie hugged Twilight as she gave a strangled gasp, inhaling rapidly as she felt her body practically being broken in two.
“A-air!” Twilight begged as Applejack and Sunset separated the two. “Thank you. I’ll see you around I suppose?”
“You can count on it,” Sunset commented with a shrug and smirked.
“You should totally join our band, it’ll be awesome!” Rainbow suggested and Pinkie made a gasping sound that Twilight didn’t know if she was dying or what.
“That’s an awesome idea Dashie. Then she can’t avoid us.”
“I guess I’ll consider it but I don’t really know how to play an instrument other than piano,” Twilight mused as she folded her arms. “It would be exciting to learn something new.”
“Sounds like a yes to me,” Rarity said with a faint smile. “I presume that adorable little car is your moms.”
Twilight blushed as she looked at her mom waving at her from a small silver Chrysler.
“Your mom drives a PT Cruiser?” Rainbow asked with a smirk as Applejack smacked her upside the head and Twilight sighed internally.
“Yes, yes she does. I’m sorry for almost destroying the world by the way.”
“Eh we’re used to it,” Rainbow shrugged as she yawned. “It’s kinda our thing, ya know? Saving the world.”
“We will let you go,” Applejack said as she pulled Rainbow Dash back. “Ah got a game to beat Dash at. Ah’ll see ya around Twilight.”
Twilight nodded as the others followed suit or in Pinkie’s case, practically killing her by hugging as Twilight gasped for air before Pinkie released her, bouncing away with a grin.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” Sunset said as she squeezed her shoulder. “Trust me, I’ve been where you are. It’s a lot to handle after what you’ve been through and it’s gonna be super rough with the after math of it all but I’ll help you. I do know this area best.”
“What does that mean?” Twilight asked and Sunset grimaced before looking away.
“Story for another time. Go be with your family, I’m pretty certain they are worried about you.”
“I’m more worried about how I’m gonna explain how Spike can suddenly talk,” Twilight muttered as Sunset chuckled as the two girls looked at Spike chasing his tail nearby as the Shadowbolts got on the bus with one blue haired girl with goggles glancing back nervously at them.
“Yeah,” Sunset said and rubbed her shoulder. “Can’t really help you there on that front. Science experiment gone weirdly right maybe? You’re a smart girl, I’m certain you can figure it out.”
“Maybe,” Twilight mused as she glanced back at her mom waving her over. “I really have to go, mom seems impatient today. I’ll uh text you if that isn’t too much?”
“Text me day or night and I’ll answer,” Sunset smirked and paused. “I’ll be a bit grumpy during the night so there’s that but I’ll be there for ya.”
“Sunset! Quit your flirting and get over here! Pinkie is driving me up the wall!” Rainbow shouted as Sunset and Twilight turned bright red.
“Well, that’s my cue,” Sunset mumbled as Twilight nodded. “I’ll text you later. See ya!”
Twilight waved hesitantly Sunset ran to the pink minivan as she yanked the door open and climbed inside, Twilight making out faint arguing inside from Sunset and Rainbow as she turned to her own ride.
“Oh here we go,” Twilight muttered as she started walking to the car. “Spike! Come on!”
“Coming!” Spike called back as Twilight patiently for the dog, picking him up.
“Do me a favor, don’t talk in front of mom and dad. They will flip Spike and I want to come up with a reason why you can suddenly talk,” Twilight said as she scratched Spike’s ear.
“Uh magic?”
“They won’t believe in magic. Heck, I can still barely process it and I was there!” Twilight exclaimed as she pushed her glasses up. “I promise we will tell them soon, just need time.”
“Fine. I just hope I don’t talk in my sleep!” Spike laughed as Twilight groaned.
Internally, she hoped the same thing.
Twilight sighed nervously as she across from her parents on the couch as Night Light crossed his legs and stared at her with an unreadable expression.
“So you couldn’t tell us at all you were being blackmailed or bullied?” Night Light asked finally as Twilight stared down at her lap.
“No, because then I couldn’t go to Everton most likely. That was the only thing I wanted but well, I changed my mind,” Twilight answered as Twilight Velvet raised an eyebrow.
“We would have found another way to get you into Everton, Twilight. You should have told us immediately when she threatened you,” Twilight Velvet commented with a sigh. “Cinch and I are going to have words come Monday morning.”
Twilight gulped nervously as Spike kicked his legs in his sleep. So far, he hadn’t talked so she was taking that as a win.
“And you still want to stay at Crystal Prep?” Night Light asked as Twilight nodded. “Why? You said you have no friends there and were bullied.”
“If I may,” Cadence interjected as she raised a hand. “The school board is meeting next Saturday to discuss Cinch’s employment because they mysteriously caught wind of her constant blackmail.”
“Mysteriously huh?” Twilight Velvet mused as she gave Cadence a small smile and Cadence rubbed the back of her head sheepishly with a guilty expression.
“Yes, mysteriously,” Cadence insisted. “Anyway, Twilight will be safe. I’ll be watching her like a hawk. Don’t worry and need I remind you she lied to me too about people bullying her or being threatened?”
“Okay,” Twilight Velvet relaxed her glare as she nodded. “We will allow you to keep going but if you get threatened again, we are pulling you out of cpa. We’ll either home school you or send you to Canterlot High but something will be done.”
“Yes mom,” Twilight nodded as she picked up Spike. “Am I allowed to go to my room?”
“Yes,” Night Light answered as Twilight stood up with a sigh. “Sleep well.”
“Thanks dad. You too,” Twilight said as she started walking away.
“Twilight?” Night Light called out and she paused.
“Yes?”
“We love you, we hope you know that,” Night Light said as Twilight glanced back.
“I know. Love you too.”
Lemon Zest laid idly on her back on the merry go round at the park near her house, lazily spinning herself around as Indigo sat on the swings with Sour, half-heartedly swinging. Sugarcoat and Sunny Flare sat at the benches, watching with bored expressions as Indigo cursed loudly, causing everyone to look at her.
“Do you just normally curse randomly or is this a new thing?” Sugarcoat asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Shut up over there Glasses,” Indigo shot back with a scowl. “You guys ever realize how we are the bad guys?”
“How do you figure?” Lemon asked as she continued spinning around. “Feel like I’m gonna vomit.”
“Thanks for the lovely tidbit of information,” Sour growled as Sunny turned green. “Because that will make our everything so much better knowing.”
“Would you two shut up and let her finish?” Sugarcoat snapped as she rolled her eyes. The two shot her dirty looks but compiled as Indigo nodded gratefully. “Carry on Goggles.”
“Thanks. Anyway, think about it. They’re called Wondercolts, we’re called Shadowbolts. We were darker colored clothing, they wear much brighter clothing and seem way happier than we ever are,” Indigo explained as Sunny rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
“Brighter colors do usually symbolize joy, energy and positivity. Colors like orange, red and yellow can evoke feelings of happiness and enthusiasm,” Sunny commented as she continued painting her nails a light purple. “I don’t think Indigo is entirely off dearies.”
Indigo gritted her teeth slightly but kept her mouth shut. The amount of times Sunny said dearie honestly got on her nerves. She said it at the end of every freaking sentence or even started a sentence off with it.
“I suppose,” Sugarcoat started as she pushed her glasses up before crossing her legs. “We did blackmail Twilight into doing whatever that was with her pendant. I’m assuming she’s going to CHS now with Sunlight or whatever that girls name was. The red head.”
“She’s staying at CPA,” Lemon commented as she set her phone down. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”
“Why the hell would she do that?” Sour demanded as she slowed down her swinging. “Our school is a hellhole, especially for her and especially with Cinch in charge. Cinch ruins everything her old, delaptied body looks at.”
“I think you mean dilapidated,” Sugarcoat pointed out flatly. “I don’t know what on earth you just tried to say but it wasn’t even close.”
Sour huffed and turned to a snickering Indigo.
“Can I hit her?”
“No,” Indigo answered as she jumped off the swings and skidded to a stop. “Anyway, how do you know she’s staying at Crystal Prep? None of us were even near her afterwards unless you count the brief period when we turned on Cinch with the Wondercolts.”
“I heard her telling Cadence about it,” Lemon said as she shoved her headphones into her backpack. “Asking if she could stay. Then she talked to Sunset and the other Wondercolts that have magic or whatever for a bit before they went to some sleepover.”
“What is a sleepover?” Sour interjected as she got stunned looks. “What?”
“I’m a anti social person who’s overly blunt with practically no friends and even I’ve heard of a sleepover,” Sugarcoat commented.
“Don’t ask. Anyway, what else did you hear?” Sour asked as she hid her embarrassed blush.
“The rainbow one yelling at Sunset to quit flirting with Twilight, uhhh Sunset allegedly being where Twilight’s been. Oh! Twilight feeling guilty about almost killing everyone in the nearby area and stuff.”
An silence fell over the group as they all looked away with guilty expressions.
“So what now?” Sunny asked suddenly as she stretched her arms above her head. “It’s almost ten pm and we’ve never really all hung out together in the past so why start now?”
“I don’t know about you all but I’m not entirely feeling going back to the cold, lonely hierarchy of Crystal Prep trying to be better than everyone else,” Indigo announced as she placed a hand on her hip. “Being lonely sucks dick, alright? And I’m not into that shit.”
“I’m pretty sure Twilight could give a better speech than this,” Sugarcoat muttered under her breath.
“And as I was saying,” Indigo continued as she shot Sugarcoat a glare. “None of the other Crystal Prep students except for Lemon Hearts, Minuette, Twinkleshine and Moondancer helped us. So since Sugarcoat is obviously not interested in being my friend, I suppose the rest of you feel the same. I’ll see you at school.”
She turned to leave with a huff, shifting her backpack onto her back as she inhaled.
“I never once said I don’t want you be your friend,” Sugarcoat stood up and Indigo glanced back at the girl, recoiling slightly. Sugarcoat had probably the most angry expression she had ever seen on the girl before as Sugarcoat continued walking to her. “And don’t you dare think you get to decide if I’m not interested. Don’t you dare walk away without allowing me to speak my mind, am I clear?”
“So you’re in?” Indigo asked and gave a faint grin.
“Might as well. Crystal is pretty fucking awful being alone. It might be better off with some friends,” Sugarcoat shrugged as the pair looked back at the other three. “What about you all? We were all somewhat friendly to each other in the past.”
“Aw hell I’m in,” Lemon exclaimed as she shot to her feet. “I’m always down for starting a riot or some shit.”
“I don’t think we are starting a riot dearie,” Sunny corrected as she joined the three girls. “Or well, yet I suppose. There may be time for that as a last resort if Cinch is still here.”
“I’ll break her jaw,” Sour growled as she stood up. “Respectfully of course with my books. I don’t want her blood on my clothing or fist. That’d be difficult to get rid of.”
“Don’t even wanna know,” Sugarcoat shook her head with a sigh. “Not one bit.”
Indigo nodded her agreement as she stuck her head out.
“What?” Sugarcoat pushed her glasses up as Indigo gave a sheepish smile.
“Every soccer game, we always say let’s go Shadowbolts. Considering we’re about to do probably the most craziest thing CPA has ever seen, might as well do it with a bang, right?”
“This is so cliché,” Sunny commented as she shrugged. “But I do like the school spirit aspect.”
“I’m not doing this,” Sugarcoat states firmly as she folded her arms. “Not in a million years. This is childish and weird.”
“Look at Lemon,” Sour ordered as she pointed a finger. “You’re breaking her heart. Now add your fucking hand before I break your fingers.”
“Fine,” Sugarcoat sighed as Indigo grinned.
“Ready?”
“I cannot believe I’m doing this,” Sugarcoat muttered as Lemon rolled her eyes.
“Shut up Glasses!”
Sugarcoat bit back a remark as she raised an eyebrow, idly listening to Indigo count down as she prepared herself for the most stupidest thing she’s ever done in her life. Or well, the second most stupidest thing in her life.
“Let’s go Shadowbolts!”
