Previously on MLP EG: Friendship Games...
"Seems like they've got everything under control. Nothing to worry about." Pinkie stated as I went after my boyfriend.
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Sundown Glare POV
I was in the library, sitting down at a table that is filled several sheets with notes, which regards with my obvious frustration and disgust before sweeping them aside with a groan. After a moment hunched down over the table, hands pressed to temples and elbows supporting my weight, I straighten up with a sigh and retrieves her journal and pen from the mess.
"Hey, Dusk. Haven't heard back from you yet. I guess you must be pretty busy with your role as Prince, but I could really use your advice right now. You see, I've been given the job of keeping magic under control here at CHS, even though I still haven't quite wrapped my head around it. And now, after seeing Rainbow Dash and Y/n pony up the way they did, it makes me think our magic might be...changing. Everyone is looking to me to figure things out—and I really don't want to let them down, but I'm not sure I have enough experience with friendship magic to solve this." I wrote in the journal.
"Hey Sundown, you doing okay?" Y/n asked from behind me as I jumped a little.
"Y/n, you scared me, don't sneak up on me like that." I stated.
"Sorry Sundown, didn't mean to. What are you doing with all these notes? Why don't you take a break and we can go to Sugarcube Corner, get a drink?" Y/n asked as I nodded.
Human Dusk Shine POV
It was another typical day at Crystal Prep Academy, everyone was walking around and talking and me, I was on my own like always.
My glasses slide down her nose; I nudge them up, took a deep breath, and started walking again. The first student I pass elbows me roughly aside.
"Excuse me." I said as another one does the same.
"Sorry." I said.
"Pardon me!" I said as I passed through a crowd of students and I walk off gloomily.
I walked to my private lab, away from everyone in the school. I enter and walk to the chair, no longer carrying my book.
"Spike!...SPIIIIIKE!" I called.
He sticks his head up from an overflowing trash can with a cheerful bark and jumps out to climb onto the desk where I am now sitting which stands opposite the one seen a moment ago.
"There you are." I said.
He licks my face and yips; I laughs and pets him on the head.
"Okay, okay!" I said as he curls up on my lap and his tail wagging.
"Last night's field test confirmed it, Spike. With this device, I can track and contain the bizarre energy coming from Canterlot High!" I stated.
He barks and snarls angrily; I scratch his head to calm him down.
"I know you didn't like me going over there, but I just couldn't wait." I stated as Spike jumps down from my lap to the floor.
"And soon I'll have all the time I need. All of Crystal Prep is gonna be there for the Friendship Games. I just hope all that rivalry nonsense doesn't get in the way of my research. If I can collect enough data on these EM frequencies—I should be able to extrapolate the waveforms to determine their origin! That would practically guarantee my entrance into the Everton Independent Study Program!" I exclaimed as I went too far back in my chair and I fell back.
"Whoa!" I exclaimed.
Then there was a knock at the door and Dean Cadence came in and saw me on the ground with Spike licking my face. I push Spike away a bit so I could get up.
"Dusk—you know the rules against pets." Dean Cadence stated.
"Well, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadence. He's the focus of my research project. Human/canine cohabitation—effects and implications." I stated, lying about Spike not being a pet.
"If you say so. But Principal Cinch is highly allergic, so I suggest you put on a clean shirt." Dean Cadence stated as she pulled a loose hair off of my shirt.
"Why?" I asked as I put Spike down on the floor.
"Because she wants to see you." Dean Cadence stated.
"Ooh! Maybe she has news about my application to Everton!" I said, getting happy.
Dean Cadence rests a hand on my shoulder.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Are you sure that's what you really want?" Dean Cadence asked.
"Why wouldn't it be? A program that allows me to focus all my attention on my own advanced math and science projects? What a dream come true!" I said, ecstatic.
"But there aren't any classrooms with other students. You'll be doing everything on your own." Dean Cadence said, sounding a little worried.
"That is why it's called an independent study program." I stated.
"I just don't want you to miss out on anything, that's all. Being around other people isn't a bad thing. Sometimes it's how you learn the most about yourself." Dean Cadence stated.
"I guess." I stated, a little uncertain.
"Meet you in Principal Cinch's office in a few minutes?" Dean Cadence asked.
I nodded as Dean Cadence left, closed the door behind her and then I turned to Spike.
"What's she so worried about? Everton is exactly what I need right now. It's not like I have anything left to learn at Crystal Prep." I stated.
I've walked through all these halls before
I've been in and out of every door, whoa
There's nothing in this school that I don't know
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 looking 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 something out there calling 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
The door creaks open to expose a close-up of a single round overhead fixture casting its light almost straight down from a high vaulted ceiling, and a slow tilt down picks out an identical one several yards back. Bookcases and cabinets are set up along the side and back walls, and a high bookshelf runs the full circuit of the room. The farther of the two lights shines on an imposing desk; an ornate, high-backed chair is placed behind this, its back to the camera, and each far corner of the room sports a pillar topped by a brass spheroid set with a mosaic of blue crystal pieces.)
Cadence stands off to the side opposite the door, in front of a group of shelves loaded with plaques and trophies, and two more pillars with the odd brass/crystal creations are placed in these two corners. I hesitantly steps across the empty expanse of floor, the camera zooming out slightly to frame the front edge of the desk and a sliver of a figure seated in the chair. Blue-clad shoulder, multi-toned purple hair arranged in a bun at the nape of the neck.
I seat myself on a stool in front of the desk. This one is male, with blue eyes in a white face and slightly unruly, three-tone blue hair—my older brother, Shining Armor. He wears a violet sweater set with his pony self's cutie mark over a light gray shirt and dark gray necktie, medium gray pants with a dark blue belt, and two-tone gray shoes.
"Shining Armor? Why is my brother here?" I asked.
"As an alumni, Principal Cinch thought he could provide some unique perspective." Dean Cadence stated.
"Perspective on what?" I asked.
The chair swivels to present all of the figure sitting in it, Principal Abacus Cinch; very pale blue skin; hair carefully arranged; dangling pearl earrings; pale pink-violet eyes with pale lavender shadow, behind half-moon glasses; beauty mark on left cheek; purple blazer with lapels and diamond-shaped buttons in lighter hues; medium blue, high-collared blouse; deep red lipstick. Resting her elbows on her desk, she holds her hands folded at throat level. Her face is set in a patrician expression of aristocratic haughtiness, accented by one raised eyebrow, and her voice is a perfect match for it, with an occasional roll on the R's.
"Why, the Friendship Games, of course." Principal Cinch stated.
She stands up, exposing a sliver of dark purple skirt and a gold-framed red brooch at her collar.
"You competed in the Games, did you not...Shining Armor?" Principal Cinch asked.
A surprised little blush hits the white cheeks. He clears his throat.
"I did." Shining Armor stated.
"And do you happen to recall who won?" Principal Cinch asked.
"Crystal Prep did. We always win." Shining Armor stated after he chuckled.
"We always win." Principal Cinch repeated.
"Why did you ask to see me?" I asked.
Now Principal Cinch has circled around to a group of trophies on display at a side wall.
"Dusk, I'll be honest. It doesn't matter whether or not Crystal Prep wins or loses." Principal Cinch stated.
Up comes a cloth, which she rubs over the surface until it reflects her severe countenance.
"The important thing is that we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation. And it is that reputation—my reputation—that is responsible for everything we have here. For everything you've done here. And you've done quite a lot, haven't you?" Principal Cinch asked.
"I don't know. I guess." I said.
"Oh, don't be modest. You're the best student this school has ever seen. What I can't understand is why my best student wouldn't want to compete." Principal Cinch stated.
"In the Friendship Games?" I asked, pushing my glasses up against my nose.
"Look, Dusky. 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." Shining Armor stated.
"It seems Canterlot High is undergoing something of a renaissance. 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 stated as she narrowed her eyes menacingly.
"Principal Cinch, I can't possibly participate in the Games! My work here is very—" I said, before Principal Cinch cut me off.
"Ah, yes. Your work. Cadence, could you and Shining Armor find my contact sheet for the Everton Independent Study Program?" Principal Cinch asked.
"Of course." Dean Cadence said.
Shining Armor opens the door, lets Dean Cadence exit first, then follows her out and pulls it shut.
"I understand you've applied." Principal Cinch stated.
Now she brings up a file folder from another drawer and assumes the smug manner of someone who has an adversary backed into a corner.
"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. In return for contributing your agile mind to these Games—I will use my influence to guarantee your application is approved." Principal Cinch stated.
On the end of this, Principal Cinch inches the paperwork toward me. I reach out for the folder, only for Principal Cinch to pull it back.
"Though I suppose I could also have it...denied." Principal Cinch stated.
"What do you think I should do?" Principal Cinch asked.
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Hey, my little ponies!
The next chapter is coming out on Saturday!
I hope enjoyed today's chapter!
I love you guys so much!
PEACE OUT BABY!