Adventure at Canterlot High - All fun in games

The next day, the gang were meeting up at the library while Sunset was explaining about her encounter with the stranger.

“She was definitely doing something to the statue,” Sunset explained, pacing back and forth, “or was going to.”

“Do you think she came through the portal from Equestria?” Fluttershy asked.

“No, I'm pretty sure I woulda noticed that.” Sunset answered. “I think she was from over here.”

“Well, that's a relief.” Applejack added. “The last thing we need is another magical so-and-so bent on world domination comin' over from Equestria.”

“Agreed.” Rarity added in agreement. “I have no interest in another fight against the powers of evil magic. The wear and tear on my wardrobe is just too much to keep up with.”

“And hopefully we don't have another incident like Decibot.” Adagio added with a nod of her head. “I'm still bitter over the fact that walking tin can played me and Aria like fiddles.”

“Still, a mysterious figure snooping around the portal?” Sunset continued in perplexity. “Don't you wanna know what she was up to?”

“I don't even wanna guess.” Flutteshy replied with a discomforted expression.

“Well, you don't have to.” Rainbow chimed in. “Because I've totally figured out who it was!”

Tristen casts a surprised look at Rainbow. “Really?”

Rainbow nods. “Seeing as how they got off a bus from the city and got back on a bus headed to the city, I'll bet they go to…”

“Crystal Prep.” The other girls, save for Sunset and the Dazzlings, spoke in unison.

“Yep.” Rainbow nods again. “With the Friendship Games starting tomorrow, they'd totally try to prank us by defacing the Wondercolts statue.”

Tristen, Sunset, and the Dazzlings look at each other in confusion. “Why would anyone take a bus all the way from the city for that?” Sunset asked.

“Because the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts are our biggest rivals?” Applejack responded.

“Because that's just what the students at Crystal Prep would do?” Rarity added

“Because even though they beat us in everything – soccer, tennis, golf – they still have to gloat!” Rainbow added her two cents.

“That last part kinda reminds me of somebody.” Aria said, looking at Rainbow, earning a jab in the ribs from Adagio.

Tristen crossed his arms. “They kinda sound like a bunch of douchebags, based on what you guys just described.”

“They are actually.” Rarity replied with a nod of agreement. “Not exactly the words I would use, but accurate.”

“Seems kinda silly to me.” Sunset said.

Sonata nods in agreement. “Yep.”

“So, I guess you think the Friendship Games are silly, too.” Rainbow replied.

“Well, it's not like we'll be fighting the powers of evil magic.” Sunset shrugged.

“No.” Fluttershy replies. “We'll be fighting against a school full of meanies. Not everything has to be magical to be important.”

“If those pricks are as bad as you're making them out to be, then I'm sure as hell glad I'm not in their school.” Tristen said with a shrug and a roll of his eyes. “This must be a big deal to you guys, huh?”

“That's putting it mildly, darling.” Rarity scoffs. “They're still revamping the playing field in preparation.”

“I just don't understand why there's this big rivalry.” Sunset pondered, still perplexed. “Aren't the "Friendship Games" supposed to be about our two schools getting along?”

“Well, it's kinda hard to get along with someone who beats you at everything.” Applejack replied bitterly.

Tristen was stunned at hearing that. “Everything? For real?” Tristen asked in disbelief. “You mean you guys never won even once?”

Fluttershy shakes her head in reply. “Sadly, no.”

“But not this time!” Rainbow added with confidence. “This time, things are gonna be different.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked.

“Oh, you'll find out.” Rainbow Dash replied, a confident smile on her face.

(Later)

Everyone had gathered in the gymnasium, overlooking the stage where Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna stood.

“As I am sure you all know, tomorrow, Canterlot High School will be hosting our fellow students from Crystal Prep Academy as we join together in the spirit of excellence, sportsmanship, and fidelity to compete in the Friendship Games.”

The students cheered unenthusiastically in response. "Since the games only happen every four years,” Celestia continued, “I'm sure you're all curious what goes on.”

“You mean other than us losing?!” Flash called out from the crowd.

“And that is exactly why I've asked Rainbow Dash,” Celestia looks over to Rainbow, who was standing beside her, “to come up and give you all a little, um... context.”

Celestia hands Rainbow the microphone.

“Thank you, Principal Celestia.” Rainbow clears throat. “I know a lot of you might think there's no way we can beat a fancy school like Crystal Prep at anything.”

“Unless it's a "losing to Crystal Prep" competition!” Pinkie called out. “'Cause we're really good at that!”

"Crystal Prep students are super athletic, super smart, and super motivated," Rainbow listed off to her fellow classmates, "But there's one thing they aren't," she mentioned, "They aren't Wondercolts!" she stated as the curtains behind her opened up to reveal the high school marching band, being led by the female baton carrier as they stood behind the speaker.

Once the song had finished, the many students cheered with such enthusiasm.

“Rainbow Dash, that was amazing!” Fluttershy cheered. “Even I feel like we can win!”

“I feel like my school pride is at an all-time high!” Rarity added.

“Is anybody else wonderin' how Dash ponied up without playin' her guitar?” Applejack asked.

“Who cares! That was badass!” Aria replied while still pumped up from Rainbow’s performance.

“Well, it would be nice if you girls could get a handle on it.”

The gang looks to see Vice-Principal Luna. “We'd like to keep magic as far away from the Friendship Games as possible.” Luna said. “We don't want to be accused of cheating.”

“We don't need magic to defeat those hoity-toity Crystal Preppers.” Rarity replied.

“Still, the Friendship Games are serious business.” Luna replied. “We don't want any surprises. Especially the kind that could cause us to forfeit.” Luna then looks at Sunset. “Sunset Shimmer, you came here from a world of magic. Perhaps you can get to the bottom of our magical development.”

“I'll do my best.” she replied, getting a nod from Luna before said woman walked off.

In the city, Aggregor was keeping himself hidden from the public eye while observing his surroundings. As he observed, he noticed the strange coloring the people had.

“Strange.” Aggregor muttered to himself as he saw the many people walk by. “They appear human, and yet their color palettes are nothing like regular humans.”

Aggregor then heard a beeping noise, making him reach into his belt and pull up a small device. Upon knowing that he had found an energy source, Aggregor smiled deviously in response.

“Hey!”

Aggregor’s smile dropped as he looked past his shoulder, seeing a trio of delinquent boys.

“If you're looking for the nerd convention, it's over at the mall!” Said one of the boys as he and his two goons laughed. But their laughter was cut short when a red laser blast was shot a few inches above their heads. They looked to see Aggregor pointing his staff in their direction, and out of fear, they backed away.

“Breaking news, another instance of strange creatures stopping crime!”

Aggregor looks ahead to see a nearby store, spotting a TV showing a news broadcast.

“It seems no matter where crime comes, these bizarre heroes show up to stop it.”

Aggregor was transfixed to the television, seeing these heroes in question being shown on the broadcast. But upon closer inspection, he took notice of a familiar symbol on them.

A circular badge with an hourglass shape on it, only.it was white behind a green background. When Aggregor saw the symbol, he could think of one person.

“Tennyson must be here!” Aggregor said, a wicked grin forming. “What a lovely coincidence.”

Meanwhile, at Crystal Prep Academy, the Twilight lookalike was walking throughout the hallways. Now dressed in a plaid skirt, a button-up shirt that included a maroon top over it, a tie, purple stockings, and black dress shoes.

She was holding some hooks as she navigated through the crowd. After some unexpected collisions with various students, she enters her lab.

“Spike? Spike?!" The girl called out repeated.

Moments later, she sees a small, purple puppy with yellowish-green ears hop off a swivel chair and runs over to her. “There you are.”

As Twilight sat at her desk, the puppy yipped happily before hopping on the desk to lick her face, making her giggle some more.

Spike stops his action as he seated himself upon Twilight's lap, wagging his tail excitedly while he panted.

A knock then came at the door before opening to reveal a 15-year-old boy. He has dark brown eyes and short black hair. He is also quite skinny for his age, though he has a lot of muscle definition. And his attire consisted of a white sleeveless shirt with dark blue jeans pants and black sneakers.

“Hey, Twi.” The boy greeted.

“Alex.” The bespectacled girl smiled as Spike ran towards him.

“Hey, Spike.” Alex greeted the canine, picking him hip and holding him while the dog kicked her. “So, how'd it go?”

"Last night's field test confirmed it," Twilight explained, reaching into her desk drawer to pull out her pendant-like contraption. "With this device, I can track and contain the bizarre energy coming from Canterlot High."

As Alex eyed the device, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "I know you guys didn't like me going over there, but I just couldn't wait." Twilight said, wheeling herself over to the desk on the other side of the room. "And soon, I'll have all the time I need. All of Crystal Prep is gonna be there for the Friendship Games."

Alex looks at Twilight with uncertainty. “You've had that thing tested, right?” Alex asked. “You know, to make sure that it doesn't wig out?”

“Not yet, but I will by tomorrow.” Twilight replied, taking a few sheets of paper. "I just hope all that 'rivalry' nonsense doesn't get in the way of my research. If I can collect enough data on these EMF frequencies, I should be able to extrapolate the wavelength forms to determine their origin."

“I dunno, Twilight.” Alex said with uncertainty. “What if whatever it is turns out to be more than you bargained for?”

“I'm sure nothing will happen, Alex.” Twilight replied. "Besides, this will practically guarantee my entrance into the…”

“Everton Independent Study Program! Yeah, yeah." Alex finished for Twilight with little to no enthusiasm. “You're really dead set on attending that place, aren't you?”

“Of course I am!” Twilight replied with glee.

Another knock was heard before the door opened to reveal a new figure.

It was a woman with light grayish cerise skin, eyes that were A light grayish purple, and hair that was a moderate violet with brilliant rose and pale gold streaks. She was dressed in a blue suit with a long skirt, she had a gold necklace around her neck, and a crystal-like, heart-shaped pin near the collar of her coat.

"Twilight, you know the rules against pets." The woman noted sternly.

"Well, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadance." Twilight reassured as Alex handed him to her. "He's the focus of my research project, Human-canine cohabitation." she declared, holding him out to the school official, "effects and implications," she added.

"If you say so." Said Cadance. "But Principal Cinch is highly allergic, so I suggest you put on a clean shirt.”

"Why?" Twilight asked.

"Because she wants to see you.” Cadance responded, causing her to smile excitedly while Alex looked away in disdain.

“Oh great.”. Alex said bitterly with a roll of his eyes. “Wonder what she wants.”

"Maybe she has news about my application to Everton!" Twilight said in elation.

Cadance however looked to her in concern. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that." Cadance said. "Are you sure that's what you really want?".

"Why wouldn't it be?" Twilight responded with glee. "A program that allows me to focus all my attention on my own advanced math and science projects? What a dream come true!"

“You know that I won't be there, right?” Alex asked Twilight, making the bespectacled girl look at him. “I’m not as smart as you, you know that right?” Twilight looked down a bit solemnly, honestly never thinking about that. “Besides, that place hardly has any classrooms with other students. You'll just be doing everything on your own.”

"That is why it's called an 'independent study program'.” Twilight pointed out.

"We just don't want you to miss out on anything." Cadance told her. "That's all." Cadance placed a hand upon her shoulder again reassuringly. "Being around other people isn't a bad thing. "Sometimes it's how you learn the most about yourself."

"I guess…" Twilight replied while she nervously rubbed her right shoulder.

“And that assuming the wicked witch of the west keeps her word.” Alex muttered to himself

Cadance, hearing every word, casts a light glare at Alex. “Consider yourself lucky Principal Cinch isn’t here, Alex. Otherwise, she’d give you detention for the whole school year and summer school for that.”

“Like I’m not already suffering from her.” Alex replied with a roll of his eyes. “The fact the old hag gets on my case daily is already bad enough, and I hardly do anything to upset her. I swear, she must have a hate boner for me.”

“Just try not to upset her today.” Twilight said to Alex with slight worry. “Last time you did that, you got janitor duties for a month.”

“Give me a break! I just said that she had one gray hair.” Alex replied while holding up his right index finger. “Just one. And it was barely noticeable.”

“That still got you in hot water.” Twilight replied.

“And she still tells you to wear your school uniform when on campus.” Cadance added.

“The day I wear one of those stuffy things is the day when hell freezes over.” Alex grumbled to himself.

"Meet me in Principal Cinch's office in a few minutes." Cadance said to Taillight. “And Alex…” Alex looks to Cadance, getting his attention, “Try to stay out of trouble, please?”

“No promises.” Alex said with a shrug. Cadence just sighed before walking out.

"What's she so worried about? Everton is exactly what I need right now," Twilight stated, sighing sadly. "It's not like I have anything left to learn at Crystal Prep…"

“Well, I better get going. Good luck with granny.” Alex said before walking out of the lab.

Twilight casts a deadpan look at him. “And you wonder why Principal Cinch can’t stand you.” Twilight said with another sigh.

Twilight walked out of the room, adjusting her tie with a depressed look upon her face, closing the door behind her as she trotted onwards.

♪I've walked through all these halls before…
I've been in and out of every door, oh-whoa-oh…
There's nothin' in this school that I don't know-oh-oh-oh!
In every class, my grade's the best,
The highest score on every test
I think that means it's time for me to go♪

♪I know there's more that's out there!
And I just haven't found it yet
I know there's more that's out there!
Another me I haven't met♪

♪This school is full of people,
But still I don't belong
They only dream of winning,
Look at me like something's wrong
Maybe I'm better off alone
Will I find what I'm lookin' for,
If I just do it on my own?♪

♪I know there's more that's out there!
Something to fill this hole inside!
I know there's more that's out there!
And I'm not afraid to try♪

♪There's only so much this school can offer,
And I'm not saying that it's wrong!
But I know there's more that's out there!
'Cause I've been searching all along♪

♪Beyond these rooms, beyond these walls…
So much to learn, I can't see it all…
There's somethin' out there callin' me,
And it's a mystery that I can't wait to see!♪

♪'Cause I know there's more that's out there!
Another place, another way!
And I know there's more that's out there…
And I'll find out someday!♪

♪I'll find out someday...♪

After arriving at the top floor, she opens the door to Cinch’s office. She looked to her right to see Cadance standing beside her, who gestured out towards the seat that was before her.

She takes a seat, then turns around and see a man standing. He has pale white skin and blue hair with cerulean streaks. He wore a violet sweater that had a symbol depicting a shield near the collar over a dress shirt that included a black tie.

"Shining Armor?" Twilight asked in surprise. "Why is my brother here?"

"As an alumni, Principal Cinch thought he could provide some unique perspective." Cadance explained.

"Perspective on what?" Twilight questioned, in confusion

"Why, the Friendship Games, of course."

Twilight turns her attention towards the desk in front of her, where she sees Principal Cinch.

She was a woman with fair, cerulean skin, hair in streaks brownish-red, pink, and light and dark purple done in a bun. She wears red glasses over her eyes and had a uniform much like the one Cadance wore, with a turtleneck sweater and pearl earrings, along with a beauty mark on her left cheek.

"You competed in the games, did you not, Shining Armor?" Cinch asked Shining Armor.

"I did." he responded.

"And you happen to recall who won?" Cinch asked.

"Crystal Prep did," Shining Armor responded, laughing lightly, crossing his arms as he looked over at the school dean. "We always win."

"Why'd you ask to see me?" Twilight asked as Cinch went over to a small display area on the side of the room, littered with trophies and awards.

“Twilight, I'll be honest. It doesn't matter whether or not Crystal Prep wins or loses.” Cinch explains as she grabs a trophy, polishing it with a rag. “The important thing is we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation.” Cinch placed the trophy back on the shelf and walked back towards Twilight. “And it is that reputation... my reputation that is responsible for everything we have here.” Cinch takes a seat back at her desk. “For everything you've done here. And you've done quite a lot, haven't you?”

“I don't know. I guess.” Twilight stammered.

“Oh, don't be modest. You're the best student this school has ever seen.” Cinch replied. “What I can't understand is why my best student wouldn't want to compete.”

“In the Friendship Games?” Twilight asked.

“Look, Twily,” Shining began, earning Twilight’s attention. “I know it's not really your thing, but representing the school is kind of a big deal. Plus, they could really use your help.”

“It seems Canterlot High is undergoing something of a renaissance.” Cinch continued. “Test scores are up, grades, even athletics are on the rise. You see, they are developing somewhat of a reputation. This cannot happen!”

“Principal Cinch, I can't possibly participate in the games.” Twilight said.” My work here is very-”

“Ah, yes. Your work.” Cinch looks towards Cadance. “Cadance, could you and Shining Armor find my contact sheet for the Everton Independent Study program?”

"Of course," Cadance responded, heading out of the door as Shining Armor opened it for her, following her out before he closed it while his sister watched somewhat worriedly.

"I understand you've applied.” Cinch said, holding up a vanilla folder. "You see, one of the advantages of having a reputation is a certain amount of influence in such things. So, let me offer you a deal." she told her, "In return for contributing your agile mind to these games, I will use my influence to guarantee your application is approved."

"Though, I suppose I could also have it…denied. What do you think I should do?" Cinch asked in a threatening tone, as Twilight rubbed her hand nervously.

Outside the office, Alex was by the door with an angered expression. Clearly hearing everything.

“That no good old bitch.” Alex grumbled in fury.

Aggregor was walking the streets, following the directions his tracker was giving.

Eventually, he found the source of the energy signature he was looking for. Upon looking up, he saw that he was standing before Crystal Prep.

“An illustrious facility.” Aggregor smiled wickedly. “Now all I have to do is-”

Aggregore stops himself before looking down, seeing a flier for the Friendship Games under his right boot. With piqued intrigue, he picks up the flier and examines the contents.

“Friendship Games?” Aggregor muttered out as he read the flier. A devious grin forming in his face as a plan began to formulate in his mind. “How convenient.”