Adventure at Canterlot High

In the school library, Tristen enters and sees Twilight was manning one of the computers, albeit not using the keyboard properly.

Perplexed, Tristen walked to his feminine compatriot. “Doing some research, I see.”

Twilight looks to see Tristen. “Oh, Tristen. Where were you?”

“I got caught up in something.” Tristen replied.

"Attention students, the library will be closing in five minutes.”

It was then that Twilight realized something, "I haven't even thought about where we're going to sleep yet."

‘Damn! I never really thought of that until now!’ Tristan thought to himself.

Luckily, Spike seemed to have the solution. "Way ahead of ya."

Twilight and Tristen looked at each other in confusion before following Slike. Eventually, they found themselves in the very back, where Spike made a bed made of books.

"It's a little... dusty, but nobody comes back here." Spike said as Twilight sat on the makeshift bed.

"It's perfect, Spike." Twilight says.

“Good thinking, buddy.” Tristen thanked his canine friend, rubbing his head.

“Sorry I didn't make one for you, Tristen.” Spike replied.

“It's all good.” Tristen replied with a smile. “At least we have a roof over our heads.”

“I found this book.” Twilight pulls out a book with a blue cover. “It's called a yearbook. It seems to be something they use to keep a record of things that have happened at the school.”

Twilight then opened it up, and there Tristen saw a picture of younger versions of Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, and two other girls.

“That's Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and I'm gonna bet the girl on the far right is Rarity.”

“There's a Rarity here!?” Spike asked with enthusiasm, earning a smirk from Twilight. “Uh, I mean, uh... interesting photo.”

“It's interesting because they look like they're friends.” Twilight postulated.

Tristen looked at the photo, noticing that the five girls in the photo looked really chummy. “But it doesn't seem like they're friends now. I just can't help but get the feeling that Sunset Shimmer had something to do with it.”

“I don't doubt that for a second.” Cortana said as she materialized from the Omnitrix. “Based on how I've seen her act, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.”

“But she wanted your crown 'cause she's planning on doing something even worse!” Spike added. “If you're gonna stop her, you have to focus on making friends here.”

“Am I not one already?” Tristen asked with pure melodrama. “I'm wounded.”

Twilight giggled at Tristen's use of theatrics. “I wouldn't count you out, Tristen. You've helped me out even though we hardly know one another.”

Tristen chuckled bashfully. “Hey, what can I say? I help those in need.” Tristen placed the tarp over Twilight as if it were a blanket. “I'm sure we'll fix the mess Sunset made tomorrow.”

Tristen looked up at the roof, which was see through, eyeing at the moon and starry night. And with a yawn, he succumbs to sleep.

Tristen woke up to find himself in a different place. It looked a lot like a futuristic city with everything being green in color. Even the sky was green.

"Where am I?" Tristen asked himself.

“You're in the Omnitrix’s inner workings.”

Tristen jumped and turned around to see Cortana standing before him. She was now at least two feet taller than Tristen instead of being tiny in size like whenever she appears from the Omnitrix's faceplate.

“Cortana?” Tristen asked. “Wait! What do you mean I'm inside the Omnitrix's inner workings?”

“I mean you're inside the Omnitrix.” Cortana replied, taking Tristen by surprise. “Well, at least through a mental link.”

Tristen was stunned, but he just shook it off. “Ok, so basically, I'm dreaming while I'm also in the Omnitrix. Do I have that right?” Cortana nods in affirmation. “Ok then. So, why are you here?”

Cortana smiled. “Figured you and I could have a little one-on-one.” Cortana materialized a chair before sitting down. “You know, to chat.”

Tristen smiled as he leaned against a nearby building. “Yeah.” Tristen sighs. “Funny how attached I became with Two and Spike. Though I'll probably head back home after this whole thing is over.”

Cortana cleared her throat. “Well… about that, that might not happen.”

Tristen went wide-eyed in disbelief. “Wait! WHAT?! What do you mean I might not go back?!"

“Uh… oh boy, I'm not sure how to explain this.” Cortana clears her throat yet again before getting up. “Tristen, I'll keep this as simple as possible. When you donned the Omnitrix, uh… another version of you was made and ended up here.”

Tristen, absolutely stunned speechless by the reveal, said nothing as he just stood there with his mouth agape. “Hold up!” Tristen rubs his temples, trying to ward off a headache. “You're saying that… another me was made the moment I put that watch on?”

Cortana nods in reply. “In fact, that other Tristen just so happens to be you.”

Once again, Tristen was speechless as he tried to process this information. As he took this information in, then plopped down.

"T- this... this can't be..." Tristen muttered in shock, rubbing his temples.

Cortana walked to her human friend before sitting next to him. "I'm sorry you had to find out this way, kiddo.” Cortana placed a comforting hand on Tristen’s shoulder. “But I thought it'd be better to just rip the bandaid off."

“So… I'm not the real Tristen Tenner?” Tristen asked. “I'm just some cheap knock off?”

“Hey, don't think like that sweetie.” Cortana said, comforting her friend. “Besides, you are sent here for a good reason.”

Tristen looked at Cortana. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

“For one, you managed to get something you've always wanted.” Cortana said, confusing Tristen. “Friends.”

Tristen instantly remembered Twilight and Spike, Fluttershy, Applejack, and even Pinkie Pie. Despite not knowing them for too long, he felt that they had instantly become friends. A smile began forming in his face.

“And around here, in this world, you can become the one thing you've always wanted to be.” Cortana continued. “You can help those who need it. You can be the hero like the one you've idolized as a child.”

Tristen smiled even more now at the words of encouragement that Cortana was giving him.

“Besides. I now have a second chance.” Cortana explained. “You may already know this, but I've done some things I'm not particularly proud of in my own world.”

Tristen looked at Cortana. “Yeah. The Created and how you were going to use the Guardians to rule the Galaxy.”

Cortana nods. “But eventually, I've had a wake-up call and sacrificed myself to give the Master Chief a chance in beating a new threat.” Cortana continued, looking down with shame. “To be perfectly honest, I was fine with ceasing to exist after all the atrocities I've done.”

Tristen nods his head in understanding, even sympathizing with Cortana.

“But the moment I was installed into the Omnitrix, I had a new beginning. And a new purpose.” Cortana said. “I no longer have John, but he has a new partner to aid him. Just like I have you as mine.”

Tristen, tearing up a little, hugged Cortana let's his tears fall. “Thanks, Cortana.”

Cortana, saying nothing else, wraps her arms around him to return the huh. “Anytime, hon.”

After Tristen finally calmed down, he wipes his tears away and looks at the Omnitrix. "If I'm gonna be stuck here, then I might as well make the most of it.” Tristen said. “I’ll be sure my pals have my back, and I have theirs.”

Cortana smiled softly in response. “There you go, sport.” Cortana ruffled Tristen’s hair, earning a small chuckle from him.

Morning struck, and Tristen woke up from his little chat with Cortana in his mindscape, and came face to face with Spike. He then looked up to see Twilight stood over him with a worried expression.

"Are you okay, Tristen?” Asked Twilight. “You were crying in your sleep."

That got Tristen's attention. He reached up to check for tears, and sure enough, his face was wet from crying.

"I'm good, Twi.” Tristen replied dismissively. “Just got a little lost down memory lane."

“You sure?” Spike asked. “If you want to talk about it…”

“I'm alright, Spike. Really.” Tristen interjected, ruffling the canine’s head.

“Good morning, students, and happy Thursday.”

Tristen looked up in response.

“Just a reminder to pick up your ballots for the Princess of the Fall Formal today. They are due at the time the dance starts tomorrow night, so don't forget to turn them in and make your voice heard.”

“Well, I'm gonna go hit the restroom.” Tristen got up and stretched. “I'll meet up with you in a bit.”

(Later)

After finishing his business, Tristen walked out of the boy's room.

But suddenly, he felt hand grip his collar pull me into a different hallway.

“Whoa, whoa! What the fu-” Tristen was cut off as he was slammed into a locker. “Ow! Hey, what's your-” Tristen again was cut off upon seeing Sunset Shimmer in front of him.

"Miss me?" Sunset asked.

“Oh great! What do you want this time?” Tristen asked.

"Just want to have a few words with you!” Sunset replied as she pulled out her phone and played a video of Tristen fighting the monsters from yesterday.

‘Oh crap!’ Tristen thought to himself.

"First off, where did you get that watch?” Sunset pointed to the Omnitrix.

“Wouldn't you like to know?” Tristen shot back.

Sunset however was not having any of it as she slammed Tristen against the locker again. “Whatever! Hand it over!”

Tristen glared at her defiantly. “What?! Hell no!”

Sunset punched Tristen in the gut, making him grunt out a bit. “I'm not asking! I'm demanding! Now hand it over!”

“Even if I wanted to take it off, I couldn't!” Tristen declared as he tried to remove the Omnitrix. “So yeah, you're shit out of luck bitch.”

Sunset growled out in response. “I don't care if I have to saw off your arm and rip it off your wrist! I will get that watch!”

“You'd really go that far?” Tristen asked with a sly grin. “Well, I'm afraid that would ruin your image, and also ruin your chances of winning the Fall Formal.”

Sunset was losing her cool by now. “A wise guy, huh?” Sunset grabs Tristen by the collar. “Also, how do you know I’m from Equestria?!”.

Tristen smirked at that question. “I had a feeling you'd catch on.”

Sunset growled even more at that and slammed him against a locker. “Don't make me ask again!” Sunset demanded. “No doubt Twilight told you!”

“Maybe she did, maybe she didn't.” Tristen replied. “I guess we'll never know.”

Sunset was losing her composer fast. And just before things could get any worse--

BRRRRRRIIIIIIINNNG!!!

Sunset groaned out while Tristen had a smug grin.

“Talk about being saved by the bell, am I right?” Tristen quipped.

Sunset released her hold on Tristen, but she still kept her glare. "This isn't over, smartass!"

With that, she walked away as if her little interrogation never happened. Tristen watched on with a smug grin before walking off as well.

“Psst! Tristen!”

Tristen looks behind him to see Twilight peeking through a door.

“Twilight?” Tristen walks over to her. “What the pro-” Twilight grabs him by the wrist and drags him in the room.

“We've got a problem.” Twilight said as she leads a link laptop. And with a click of a button, Pinkie played a video. Tristen’s eyes widened in shock as he saw the video, which was clearly Sunset’s attempt to try and keep Twilight from winning.

“Twilight Sparkle wants to be your Fall Formal Princess. But what does it say about our school if we give someone like this... such an important honor?”

“Oh, that slippery bitch!” Tristen declared in rage. “That's just hitting below the belt!”

"What am I gonna do?" Twilight asked, "No one is gonna vote for me after seeing this!”

“Not that it'll make any difference, but I'll still vote for you.” Fluttershy said. “You and Tristen were so nice to stand up for me when Sunset Shimmer was picking on me yesterday.”

“If ya still wanna run, maybe there's something I can do to help!” Pinkie offered.

“Word of advice? Don't accept her help.” Flutteshy said, casting a nasty glare at Pinkie. “She doesn't take anything seriously!”

“Why do you have to be so awful to me?” Pinkie asked in defense.

“Guys…” Tristen said, but nobody could hear him.

“Oh! Pff. Kch. Ts! Don't play innocent, Pinkie Pie!” The purple haired girl named Rarity shot back. “You are no better than she is!”

“And what is that supposed to mean?!” Pinkie fired back.

“Guys.” Tristen said again. But again, he was unheard.

“I am happy to offer up my assistance as well.” Rarity said to Twilight while glaring at Pinkie. “To someone who would appreciate what I have to offer!”

“Listen to y'all carryin' on!” Applejack chimed in. “Get over it and move on!”

“You mean like how you've gotten over what happened with Rainbow Dash?” Rarity shot back.

“She said she'd get the softball team to make an appearance at my bake sale.” Applejack replied in defense. “I tell everybody they're comin', and then not one of 'em shows up! She made a liar outta me! That's different!”

As the four girls argued on, Tristen sighed out before grabbing a nearby textbook and slamming it onto a desk. The loud noise stopped the argument and made the girls look at him.

“Will you guys knock it off, already?” Tristen looks to Twilight. “Twi, you've got that yearbook?”

Twilight nods and hand shin the book. And upon opening it, he shows the four girls the image Twilight found last night. “Look here. Does this image ring any bells?”

The four girls look at the picture, definitely remembering it.

“The Freshman Fair.” Applejack muttered.

“You guys were friends at some point, but then something happened to make you go at each other's throats like monkeys having a shit fight.” Tristen spoke. “And that something is a certain bacon haired girl.”

“Bacon haired…” Rarity asked but quickly understood what he was talking about. “You mean Sunset Shimmer?”

Tristen rolled his eyes. “Who else?” Tristen replied.

“Well, it's a nice theory, darling, but Sunset Shimmer had nothing to do with it.” Rarity replied.

“Oh really?” Tristen asked before looking to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, what exactly happened that led to your falling out with Pinkie?”

“Well, Pinkie ruined my silent auction for the animal shelter by bringing fireworks and noisemakers!” Fluttershy looks at Pinkie Pie. “It was supposed to be a serious event, and Pinkie Pie ruined it!”

Pinkie Pie was confused upon hearing the accusation. “What are you talking about? I got a text from you saying that you didn't want a silent auction.” Pinkie Pie said as she pulled out her phone. “You wanted a big party!”

Fluttershy was now confused as well. “Uh! I never sent you a text!”

“You didn't?” Pinkie Pie asked back.

Rarity then figured it out. “You don't think she's the one who's been sending me those e-mails, do you?” Rarity asked. “Every time I volunteer to help with the decorations at a school function, I get an e-mail from Pinkie Pie saying she has plenty of volunteers! And then I find out she's done everything herself.”

“I never sent you any e-mails!” Pinkie replied, even more perplexed.

“Maybe she's the reason Rainbow Dash didn't show up for my bake sale!” Applejack theorized.

“You think?” Tristen replied with sarcasm. “Did you even bother to ask her why she didn't show up?”

Applejack looked away with embarrassment. “I guess I kinda stopped talkin' to her at all after that.”

Twilight approached Applejack. “Maybe now would be a good time to start.”

The group were at the soccer field, where they see Applejack talking with the Rainbow Dash.

“They're actually talking!” Rarity said with a smile. “That's a good sign!”

They then see Applejack and Rainbow Dash huh it out.

“Hugs! Ooh, hugs are always good!” Pinkie Pie gushed out.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked to them.

“Somebody, and I think we can all guess who, told Rainbow Dash that my bake sale had been moved to a different day.” Applejack explained. “Dash showed up with all the softball team and thought I'd canceled on her!”

“Glad you guys talked it out.” Tristen said with a soft smirk.

Rainbow Dash looks to Twilight. “So, you're lookin' to dethrone Sunset Shimmer and become Princess of the Fall Formal, huh?” Rainbow asked. “Gotta say, I'd really love to see that happen.”

“That makes two of us, sister.” Tristen added with a chuckle.

“I'll totally help you out! All you gotta do is beat me in a game of one-on-one.” Rainbow said, surprising Twilight. “First to five goals wins.”

(Later)

After a long game, Twilight sadly lost.

“Oh great.” Tristen muttered out in defeat.

“I... really thought you were gonna... pull it off there in the end!” Rarity said with a nervous laugh.

“So what's the plan?” Rainbow Dash asked as she helped Twilight up. “How can I help you be princess instead of Sunset Shimmer?”

Tristen and Twilight were surprised by hearing that. “But... I... lost!” Twilight spoke.

“Of course you lost. I'm awesome!” Rainbow admits. “But I'm not gonna help just anybody try and beat Sunset Shimmer. The Fall Formal Princess should be someone with heart and determination. You've proved that you've got 'em both!”

Tristen smiled at hearing Rainbow’s words. “Couldn't have said it better myself."

“My, my. What a touching reunion.” The dark figure said with a malicious chuckle as he eyes the gang through his crystal ball. “Shame that it's about to be short lived.”

Tristen was getting to know Rainbow Dash when he noticed the Omnitrix flashing orange again, indicating that a threat was nearby.

'Oh God no!' Tristen thought to himself as he noticed a familiar purple mist appear, and so did the girls.

“What the…?” Rarity asked in surprise but noticed the mortified look on Tristen’s face.

“Tristen?” Twilight asked, but Spike then looked off into the mist and growled. “What is it, Spike?”

“Guys…?” Fluttershy stuttered in terror, pointing in a direction.

The others look and spot a massive puddle of black liquid appear. They stood back a bit in shock as a large mass black and purple mass erupted from it.

And moments later, the mass took on the shape of a large lizard about twice the size of an alligator. A trail on bony spines then emerged from its back that went from the back of its head to the tip of its tail, boney blades emerged from its fore arms, a boney barb formed from the tip of the tail, and a thick bony plate with a single horn formed on the top of its head.

The creatures developed red eyes before emitting a powerful roar.

“What in tarnation?!” Applejack asked in shock as Fluttershy hid behind her.

“Guys, get someplace safe!” Tristen said to the girls. “I'll handle this overgrown handbag!”

“Are you crazy?! You're going to fight that thing by yourself?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Relax, R.D. I got this.” Tristen reassured as he dialed up the Omnitrix.

"What're you doing?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"Just watch!" Tristen replied as he searched through his alien index, until he found the alien he wanted. He then tapped the screen, creating a green flash of blinding light.

Tristen’s arms grew in length and became bulkier, his hands increasing in size, and his body now became stocky while he grew to twice his regular height. His skin changed to a red coloration before a thick coat of gray fur covered his whole body. A pair of brown leggings formed on his legs, followed a gray and yellow loincloth by a golden belt that bore the Omnitrix insignia. Once the transformation was complete, his arms sparkled with yellow electric as he called out his new name:

“Thunderclap!”

The girls were shocked upon seeing Tristen’s new transformation. But Twilight and Spike were probably the most stunned.

“Whoa...” Applejack muttered in shock.

"Oh my…" Fluttershy said with a gasp.

“What just happened?” Rarity asked in disbelief.

"Awesome!" Rainbow said in amazement.

The lizard monster roared out and charged at Thunderclap. But Thunderclap smirked before clapping his hands together, creating not only a deafeningly loud sound, but also a powerful shockwave that sent the monstrous reptile flying into the nearby bleachers.

But the lizard beast was not going to give up as it rushed Thunderclap again.

“So you want me to bring on the thunder, huh?” Thunderclap asked as his arms sparked with yellow electricity again.

When the lizard got close enough, Thunderclap delivered an uppercut while also sending a surge of electricity through its whole body. The beast roared out, but it lashed its tail at him in response. The barb of which slashed at Thunderclap’s right arm, making him yell out and grasp at the wound while the girls watched on in worry.

“Wanna fight dirty, huh?” Thunderclap asked with a grin before his hand sparked with electricity. And with another clap, he sent waves of yellow electricity at the monster, making the beast roar out in pain. As this occurred, the girls watched on in shock and awe.

“Look at him go.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.

“He sure knows what he doin’.” Applejack said. “Maybe he does have it under control.”

The lizard charged at him, and Thunderclap sends a punch. But this time, the creature dodges before biting down on his arm. Thunderclap yells out in pain before his whole body sparked with electricity, electrocuting the reptilian monster in the process.

Despite this, the beast wasn't going to let go easily. So Thunderclap used his free hand to forcefully open the creature's jaws.

Wanting to help, Rainbow Dash used the soccer ball and kicks it in the monster’s direction. The creature looks at her and snarls, but Thunderclap topples the creature over and delivers a salvo of punches at its chest. After delivering one final electrically charged punch, the creature fell limp as it began to evaporate.

Shortly afterwards, the fog that enveloped the soccer field began to dissipate, and Thunderclap reverted back to Tristen in a red flash.

Tristen hissed in pain as he grabbed the gash onto his arm.

“Tristen!” Twilight cried out in concern as she and the others ran to him. “Are you ok?”

“That gash looks pretty bad.” Applejack said as she examined the wound. “We better get you to the nurse’s office.”

“Guys, I'm fine.” Tristen protested.

“It's bleeding profusely!” Rarity shot back, pointing to the bleeding gash on Tristen's arm. “I seriously doubt that counts as fine!”

“She's right.” Applejack nodded in agreement. “Come on. Let's getcha latched up.”

And with that, the girls took Tristen off to the nurse’s office.

“Gotta admit though. That sure was an… electrifying fight.” Pinkie Pie chuckled at the link she made, while the others didn't even titter.

But as they walked, they failed to notice Sunset and her two goons had snapped pictures of the whole soccer game while also clearly bore witness to the fight.

"Did you see that?" The skinny boy asked the pudgy boy.

"Yeah." The pudgy boy nodded. "I'm not sure what that thing was, and I'm not sure I want to find out?"

"The lizard or the electric guy?" The skinny boy asked.

"Enough!" Sunset Shimmer interjected. "We've got what we need." Sunset smiled wickedly, ready to put her plan into motion.