Equestria Girls: Starlight's Story

[Scene 11: The Prodigal Star Return]

[INT. Auditorium-Crystal Prep Academy-Afternoon]

[The auditorium is massive, with large rows of chairs. The stage is big with dark purple curtains, crystal frame features, and an orchestra pit in front of it. Most of the entire student body are in their seats. Starlight is walking around on the stage, with the Staff of Sameness in one hand and a headset microphone on. She speaks to the audience like some form of motivational speaker, with an equal sign background behind her.]

Starlight Glimmer: So you see, the price for greatness costs more than it's worth. By hiding what makes you unique, you can see the world in a much better light. Look passed the thing that makes you different from everyone and you will see we are all exactly the same underneath. I will assure you my new school program will help you be happier than you are alone. Join my program, and you will clear your mind on those silly little distractions in your life. Because remember; you're no better than anyone, put on a big happy smile, and…

Audience: EQUALITY IS EVERYTHING!

Starlight Glimmer: Equality is everything, right. I've had a talk with Principal Cinch about making the alterations permanent. She just needs some time to see the light more clearly. So don't forget; just ignore what makes you special and you will be all EQUALS!

[She throws equal sign pins, just like the one she is wearing on her school uniform, at the audience. When they catch them, they start to applaud. Though some; the Shadow Five especially, just sit in their seats, watching with worry.]

[EXT. Auditorium-Hallways-Crystal Prep Academy]

[The students from the assembly's audience start walking out of the auditorium, discussing what they've heard, some with their pins on.]

Dumb-Bell: So what do you think? You really think we should change ourselves?

Fleur Dis Lee: I don't know. Giving up what makes me unique just to be happy? Seems like a very big decision I might not be willing to take.

Double Diamond: To be honest, I don't know anymore either. Sure, she tried to deceive us, but it seems different this time. She seems to really have the power to help us.

Party Favor: Maybe it will be different. I really think Starlight has really made some improvements to her methods. Where did she even get that staff anyway?

Sugar Belle: I don't know. I don't think I can go through all that again.

Night Glider: It'll be fine. Besides, she said she'll have to get Principal Cinch's approval to make all this permanent. It won't last long.

Trenderhoof: As long as it's against Cinch and makes us forget that unfortunate incident at the Friendship Games, I don't mind joining.

[As they continue walking down the halls, Starlight appears behind them, watching them leave.]

Starlight Glimmer: Don't worry, my friends. We'll be the ones to change Crystal Prep. And if Cinch says otherwise, I can change her. [She manifests a magic aura around her fist and gives off an evil grin.]

[INT. Bus-The City]

[Twilight, Sunset, Spike, and the rest of the girls are onboard, heading towards the city. They look down on Twilight's device and ponder, as its light is glowing in one direction.]

Sunset Shimmer: We're almost there, girls. Who could be using Equestrian magic?

Applejack: Are you sure that gizmo of yours is working right, Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: I hope not. We may have to put our search for Starlight on hold.

Pinkie Pie [hanging upside-down from the luggage rack]: Or maybe it's Starlight who's using magic.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh no! What if she goes mad with power and become another magical entity we'll have to fight?

Sunset Shimmer: It's okay. Let's just find the source of this magic and go back to finding Starlight.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah. We're already good at fighting magical menaces. We'll handle it, no problem.

Bus driver: Next stop coming up!

[The bus stops, and the Humane 7 and their dog get off it.]

Rarity: Alright then. Let's get this over with, and get back to our mission.

[The light on the detector glows a bit bright.]

Twilight Sparkle: We're close! It's probably near here. [The bus drives off, and Twilight can see where the device is pointing to. But she is shocked to see where it is pointing to.] And I think we don't have that far to look.

[The others look at what Twilight is staring at, and they are as surprised as she is. They realized they are across the street in front of Crystal Prep.]

Fluttershy: Crystal Prep?!

Rarity: This is where the magic signal is coming from?!

Rainbow Dash: So Starlight really does possess magic.

Sunset Shimmer: Or worst…Principal Cinch.

Twilight Sparkle: We have to find the source before it could be used to do any harm.

Applejack: Alright. Lead the way, Twilight. You seem to know this place pretty well.

[They all walk across the street, go through the gate, and run across the courtyard. They then go up the front steps to the door. Twilight puts her hand on the handles, but pauses in hesitation.]

Sunset Shimmer: What's wrong, Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: I never thought I'd be back here.

Rarity: Oh I understand. It must be a bit unsettling being back at your alma mater.

Spike: Don't worry, Twilight. You're not a student here anymore. There nothing more they can do to you.

Sunset Shimmer: And you don't have to go in on your own this time. We'll be here with you all the way.

[Looking at her friends with assuring looks on their faces fills Twilight with confidence.]

Twilight Sparkle: Alright then.

[Twilight proceeds at opening the door. But when they look inside, they are all surprised at what they see.]

Rainbow Dash [to Twilight]: I'm starting to see why you were eager to leave this place.

[They walk in to look at Starlight's alterations to the school; the equal sign banners, the empty trophy cases, the posters with Starlight's philosophy on them…]

Rarity: This place looked a lot more glamorous on the outside.

Twilight Sparkle: I don't understand. What is all this? What happened here?

Applejack: If I had to guess…Starlight Glimmer happened.

Sunset Shimmer: This must be that "equality" thing of hers Princess Twilight warned us about.

Rainbow Dash: Oh man. It's already spreading throughout Crystal Prep. We need to find Starlight and stop this.

[The detector starts glowing brighter and "booping" again, which catches the girls' attention.]

Twilight Sparkle: Alright. But first, let's take care of this magic signal. We got to hurry, but be careful. Everybody probably went home, but we don't want to get into any trouble if we get caught.

[Everyone agrees, and they run down the hall, with Twilight leading the way. She follows the direction the device is pointing to. They slowdown in every corner and check to see if they are clear, and then continue onward. They go through a couple of hallways and turn on a few corners. But then, Twilight hears a voice and has the whole group stop.]

Twilight Sparkle: Wait, stop! Listen.

Voice: I don't care what that little girl wants. I will not stand for this!

Twilight Sparkle: It's Principal Cinch!

Fluttershy: Oh no. What do we do?

Rainbow Dash: We need to hide.

[In a hurry; Twilight, Sunset, Fluttershy, and Spike hide in a broom closet, while Applejack and Rarity go into a classroom on the opposite side. Rainbow Dash sees an open locker, and pushes Pinkie Pie in it, and then steps inside as she closes the door. Afterwards, Principal Cinch walks out of the corner, talking with the janitor. The girls in the closet crack the door open slightly, the girls in the class look through the door window, and the girls in the locker look through the grate.]

Principal Cinch: I want all of this taken down! Put everything back the way it was! Got it?!

Janitor: You got it, ma'am.

Principal Cinch: And I want it done by tomorrow, you understand?! The meeting with Canterlot High starts then and I don't want them to see any of this. And I want you to search through my office. I don't know how, but she probably rigged it to do those strange things. Even with all the stuff that girl has on me; she is getting thrown out of this school, one way or another.

[The janitor nods and walks back around the corner, while Cinch goes down the hall the girls are hiding. The girls get nervous as she is walking by them. Cinch goes on her cellphone as she proceeds.]

Principal Cinch: If only I can get in contact with that idiot, I—[She suddenly stops, her eyes turn red and start to water, and she start to sneeze.]—ACHOO! Ugh, my allergies. Did—did someone let a dog in here?!

[She continues to walk down the hall. Twilight sticks her head out the closet when she is gone, and the girls start to relax, especially Spike, who almost gave away their position. Then Twilight hears something, and sinks her head back in the closet.]

Twilight Sparkle [whispering to the girls]: Shh. Someone else is coming.

[As they hide, they see it is just a blue-skinned boy in a Crystal Prep school uniform. The boy has turquoise eyes, and his dark azure hair is held in a turquoise Greek-style hairband. He just stands right by where the girls are hiding, looking at where Principal Cinch left. Then he just pulls out his cellphone (with a cellphone skin that has an image of a vase on the back), and starts texting. Then he just leaves, and the girls give off a sigh of relief. But Spike notices something strange and starts sniffing.]

Spike [whispering to himself]: That scent.

[When he's gone, the Humane 7 and Spike come out of their hiding place.]

Sunset Shimmer [looking back in the closet]: Hey, look. [She opens the door to reveal the archery, speed skating, and motocross equipment from the Friendship Games inside.] They've kept the equipment from the Friendship Games.

Pinkie Pie: Phew! That was a close one.

Rarity: I agree. Let's get this over with and out of there.

[The girls are in agreement and continue their search, while Spike looks back at where the boy left with uncertainty.]

[INT. Girls' Bathroom-Crystal Prep Academy]

[Starlight has changed out of her school uniform and into her regular clothes. She then washes her hands while using her magic to brush her hair, pulling out a paper towel, and levitates her cellphone and backpack. After washing her hands, she puts on her backpack and goes on her cellphone, as the hairbrush continues brushing her hair.]

Starlight Glimmer: I can get used to this. Now let's see if Cinch is following my direc—

[The door starts to open, and Starlight swiftly snatches the hairbrush out of the air, and puts her hands behind her back. Then the Shadow Five come in, all in their regular clothes.]

Sugarcoat: There you are, Starlight.

Starlight Glimmer: Oh, hi girls. What are you still doing here?

Sunny Flare: We'd thought we'd stay. We need to talk.

Starlight Glimmer: Okay. What do you want to talk about?

[Then the magic auras around Starlight's hands begin to fade.]

[INT. Hallways-Crystal Prep Academy]

[As the Humane 7 continue the search, the light on the device starts to fade. Twilight notices this, and stops running. The others stop as well.]

Applejack: Twilight, what's wrong?

Twilight Sparkle: I lost the signal.

Rainbow Dash: Terrific. Now what do we do?

Spike: What else? We go back to our original mission: Finding Starlight Glimmer.

Twilight Sparkle: But, Spike, we don't know where she might be.

Spike: I think I do. When Starlight was at Canterlot High, she said she recognized me by seeing me on a computer screen.

Rarity: Okay…so…?

Spike: So…how many computers are there at Crystal Prep to have a picture of me?

[Twilight is in wide-eyed surprise at what Spike is implying.]

[INT. Girls' Bathroom]

[The Shadow Five confront Starlight, as she is casually delighted to see them.]

Indigo Zap: What do you think you're doing?!

Starlight Glimmer: What? I'm just showing my classmates a better path. Did you like my assembly?

Sugarcoat: We actually find it very appalling. The advice you gave was completely irrational.

Sunny Flare: I can't believe of the things you said to the others on that stage.

Starlight Glimmer: I only told them what they needed to hear.

Sour Sweet: [sweetly] Starlight, you know we care deeply and we worry about you. [sourly] But this has gone too far!

Sunny Flare: How did you do that thing with the staff? I thought you said it was just a piece of wood.

Starlight Glimmer: It seems my belief in equality is stronger than it was back then. Now everyone will be able to experience "true friendship" for the first time.

Sour Sweet: You can't just tell people they have to change who they are.

Starlight Glimmer: Why not? Isn't that what you all wanted?

Lemon Zest: Yes, but not like this. It all feels so…wrong.

Starlight Glimmer: Wrong? What's wrong about it? No one's being overly competitive; everyone is in agreement…what's there to worry about?

Sugarcoat: Only because you catered to their guilt and mutual dislike of Principal Cinch. That doesn't sound like "true friendship" to me.

Indigo Zap: Yeah. Speaking of Cinch, aren't you afraid the old witch would take down what you built?

Starlight Glimmer: That won't be a problem with the leverage I have on her. And besides, if she even tries, I'll just put it back up just as easily. Either she accepts what I trying to accomplish, or… [chuckles]…it won't matter until tomorrow.

Sour Sweet: Tomorrow?

Starlight Glimmer: That's right. Cinch is set for a meeting tomorrow with Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna, and the heads of both school boards to discuss her future here at Crystal Prep. Once they see all this, Cinch would be ridiculed for what I've done. And that is "Strike 3". But that's only the beginning. If they do decide to get rid of Cinch, then I'll just have to leave everything up, and I'll start working on her replacement next, and the whole thing starts all over again. This school is mine now. So relax. You will see just how wonderful the Un-Marking can be.

Sour Sweet: Starlight, please. Don't do this.

Starlight Glimmer: I only want to help those unfortunates find a better path, and repair the damage they have inflicted. But if you girls aren't gonna help me, then you can just get out of my way.

[Starlight walks past the door and makes her way to the door, but Indigo Zap blocks her path.]

Indigo Zap: Oh no! You're not going anywhere.

[Starlight firmly grasps onto Indigo's blouse and forcefully pulls her up against the wall beside her.]

Starlight Glimmer: I've come too far to turn back now.

Sour Sweet: Hey!

[The other girls try to stop her, but she throws Indigo into them.]

Starlight Glimmer: I mean it, girls. Don't get in my way. Now leave me alone. [She walks out the door.]

Lemon Zest: Starlight, wait!

[The five girls get up and run out the door after Starlight. They step into the halls looking for her.]

Sugarcoat [pointing at Starlight]: There she is.

[She is already turning the corner at the end of the hall.]

Sunny Flare: Let's go! Don't lose her!

[Then the Shadow Five run after Starlight.]

[EXT./INT. Starlight's Research Room-Crystal Prep Academy]

[The Humane 7 have arrived at the door of Twilight's old research room.]

Rainbow Dash: So, here is where you usually hang out, huh?

Rarity: A musky old supply closet?

Twilight Sparkle: Uh-huh. This is where I conduct my experiments and study in peace. A nice, quiet place where I can be alone with my thoughts, getting away from everyone else, and a secret place to keep Spike while I'm in class.

Spike [in Twilight's arms]: Yep. It is here where Twilight taught me how to type.

[Twilight and Spike notices the others looking at them with an awkward stare.]

Twilight Sparkle: What? I'm very busy and needed someone to take notes.

Applejack: You really think we'll find Starlight here?

Sunset Shimmer: Only one way to find out. [She grabs to door handle, but can't get the door open.]

Twilight Sparkle: Hold on. [She puts Spike down and walks towards the row of lockers on the side wall. She starts standing on her toes and reaches her hand to the top of the lockers. She then grabs a key that's been sitting there on top.] Good. It's still here. [She then blows the dust off the key, and walks toward the door. She puts the key in the lock, takes a deep breath, and unlocks the door.]

[She opens the door and the seven girls and dog are surprised to see what's inside.]

Spike: Okay, this is unexpected.

[They all step into the room to find Starlight's workspace. Laboratory equipment everywhere, multiple computers on the work desk, gadgets loaded into boxes. Everyone looks in amazement, while Twilight and Spike are shocked to see everything's changed. Fluttershy is closest to the door when she closes it slightly, and one of Starlight's crash test dummies falls on top of her, scaring her.]

Fluttershy: [screaming]

Rainbow Dash [helps get the dummy off of Fluttershy]: Relax, Fluttershy. It's just a crash test dummy.

Applejack [to Twilight]: Hoo-wee, Twilight. Did you make all these doohickies?

Twilight Sparkle: Some of it. I don't know where these new devices came from.

Pinkie Pie [holding a blaster Starlight used at Canterlot High]: Hey! It's all that stuff Starlight used at CHS. [Then she starts playing with it, making "pew pew" sounds.]

[Spike jumps onto the work desk and moves to one of the computers. He then moves the mouse, taking it off its screensaver, and revealing the picture of Spike wallpaper that Starlight had left.]

Spike: See? There it is. Told ya.

Sunset Shimmer: So it's true. Starlight really has been coming here.

Fluttershy: Oh my goodness!

[The other girls turn to Fluttershy, and are appalled to see that she found a computer with surveillance footage from all over the school. Rainbow Dash then discovers the chart with Canterlot High and the evidence of the magic coming from it.]

Rainbow Dash: Hey, look! It's our school. Has she been spying on us?

Twilight Sparkle: Uh…actually, that's all mine. You see, I was investigating the strange energy surges coming from Canterlot High. That was before I knew it was magic and decided to—

[Twilight is still feeling ashamed at the Friendship Games; Sunset put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Rarity notices the other chart on the back wall, with the sheet covered over it.]

Rarity: What about this one?

[The others look at it, with Twilight and Spike looking very confused.]

Spike: That's new to me.

[Twilight walks up to it and slowly pulls off the sheet. When it comes off entirely; Twilight, Spike, and the rest of their friends looks in fright at what they find. Pinkie Pie pops up, wearing headgear similar to Doc Brown's brain-wave analyzer. She sees her friends terrified, looks at what their staring at, and expresses the same kind of fright as them. They look at the picture of Principal Cinch; only this time, it's seems the eyes and mouth have been scratched off with a pen in the form of an equal sign. With dozens of documents and pictures surround the Cinch picture and most of the threads connect those to the photo have been severed. While in shock, Twilight looks down and sees the miniature magic reactor Starlight made from her own device on the table. She seems devastated when she puts her detector down and picks the wormhole generator up, and sees that the designs are extremely similar to her own spectrometer. She then puts it down and finds her notes on the device next to it on the table. She picks it up and goes through them.]

Sunset Shimmer: Twilight, what is it?

Twilight Sparkle: They're the notes I'm made for the magic stealing device. Everything I gathered in my investigations, the designs put in to detect and sustain the EM frequencies; what I know was written in here. It's all ri—[She then finds the new pages Starlight had wrote.] These aren't mine.

[Twilight looks through Starlight's notes, and is more horrified than before from what she finds. Sunset approaches her, then takes notices of the laptop on the desk and sees it is set to the video log Starlight has made.

Starlight Glimmer [video]: "Starlight Glimmer's Video Log #1:" I am recording these for future reference. It has been a few days since I've first enrolled here at Crystal Prep Academy. I have stumbled upon this room which previously belongs to the former star-student, Twilight Sparkle. I have made this my new base of operations. I hope to make Crystal Prep the bedrock of my vision of equality. The only thing standing in my way is Principal Abacus Cinch's ideas of perfected superiority. "Nothing But the Best." But I seem to have found something that can change all that. [She flashes Twilight's notes at the camera, and reveal Twilight's chart behind her.] It's seems that Twilight have discovered something from Crystal Prep's rival, Canterlot High School. She was trying to figure something out, and I want to know what.

[The seven girls (plus Spike) are complete stunned of what they just saw. Then Sunset starts to play another video log.]

Starlight Glimmer [video]: "Video Log 2:" The research that Twilight discovered is unparalleled. The fluctuations of EM frequencies coming from Canterlot High. This new energy may be useful in my plans for Crystal Prep…

[INT. Hallways]

[The Shadow Five are still in pursuit of Starlight. They are close to Starlight's research room when she tries losing them by taking the next corner. When they make the turn, Starlight disappears.]

Sunny Flare: This way!

[The five run down the hall, while Starlight hides behind a corner. Relieved that they're gone, she dispels it and runs the opposite direction. Starlight takes the corner to her private room, but stops to find her door is slightly opened. She starts and walks firmly towards the door to see who is in her room.]

[INT. Starlight's Research Room]

[Twilight keeps reading the notes, while Sunset is skipping through some more video logs.]

Starlight Glimmer [video]: "Video Log 31:" After a few calibrations, everything appears to be functioning perfectly. There have been a few surprising outcomes since I installed those extra components from Twilight's device. It has brought me some intriguing results. I'll have to do one more systems check, then all the parts will be ready to put together. I will start my invention's first completed test, tonight.

[Sunset and the other girls seem more unsettled than before. But before she could go to the next log, Starlight bursts in through the door.]

Starlight Glimmer: What are you doing in here?! [The seven girls (plus Spike) turn to the doorway to the face disgruntled Starlight.] YOU!

[Twilight grabs her half of the device and hides it behind her back before Starlight can see it. Everyone, especially Starlight, stay on their guard.]

Starlight Glimmer [to Twilight]: So the prodigal star returns. You like what I've done with the place?

Rarity: Well personally, I think some burgundy drapery and lovely laced cushions would fix this place up nicely. Perhaps if I work on this place a bit, it would really—

Starlight Glimmer: Enough! What are you all doing here? [Everybody stays quiet. Starlight then sees that her Cinch Chart has been uncovered, her notes are in Twilight's hands, and the magic reactor is right behind Sunset and Twilight.] Well, it seems I'm gonna have to ask you to leave. [She hides her hand behind her back and it starts to spark a bit.]

[INT. Hallways]

[The Shadow Five continue their search for Starlight. They make it to the hall right outside Starlight's door, when they find it is opened slightly and hear voices coming from it.]

Starlight's voice: Get out. Now!

Applejack's voice: Nothin' doin'. We're not leaving til you give us some answers.

[The five girls move in on the door.]

[INT. Starlight's Research Room]

Rainbow Dash: Yeah! Like what's the big idea attacking our school?

Starlight Glimmer: Oh I see. Looking for payback, aren't you? Now leave! Unless you all wish to be converted.

Sunset Shimmer: "Convert"? What's she talking abo-? [She turns to Twilight, still zoned out about the notes.] Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle [to Starlight]: What is all this?

Starlight Glimmer: You really want to know?

[The hand behind her back begins to generator a magic aura around it, while at the same time, a light from Twilight's device begins to glow (though no one has noticed), pointing at Starlight. Rainbow Dash flexes her feet just slightly, Applejack clenches her fist, Rarity moves her finger into position, and Pinkie moves her hand closer to her hair. Everyone, including Starlight, is getting ready for a fight. Starlight is about to make the first move, until the Shadow Five open the door behind her and they became excited at what's inside.]

Shadow Five [overjoyed]: TWILIGHT SPARKLE?!

[This startles Starlight into disabling her magic, which causes Twilight's device to shut off as well. The five Shadowbolt girls come into the room to greet their old friends and rivals. Sunny Flare and Sour Sweet start hugging Twilight, and Lemon Zest scratch behind Spike's ears and mingle with the Wondercolts along with Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap.]

Sour Sweet: [sweetly] Twilight, we've missed you so much. [sourly] Which we wouldn't have if you hadn't left us in the first place.

Twilight Sparkle: Uh...it's great to see you too, Sour Sweet.

Sunny Flare: We heard about the attack on your school. Are you all alright?

Sunset Shimmer: We're alright. It's okay. There's really nothing to worry about.

[Sunset places her hand on Sour Sweet's forearm, and her eyes begin to glow. She is now looking into Sour's thoughts and emotions.]

[Cue Memory Sequence]

[The time the Shadow Five first talked to Starlight in the cafeteria (as seen in Scene 4).]

Sunny Flare: Listen to me, Starlight. You can't trust Cinch with anything.

Starlight Glimmer: Of course I don't trust her. That's why I'm using her.

[The memory of when they confront Starlight in the hall (as seen in Scene 9).]

Starlight Glimmer: I had to keep them under complete surveillance; to make sure no one inspires all sorts of free thinking. [chuckles] I even took a piece of wood I found and passed it off as something called "The Staff of Sameness". [chuckles] I can't believe they bought that. […] This is what I was talking about. Different opinions lead to disagreements, which leads to conflict, which leads to hatred, which leads to misery.

[When she witnessed Starlight using her "Staff of Sameness" on Double Diamond and Party Favor (as seen in Scene 10).]

Starlight Glimmer: Consider that an example. Now I don't blame you for your doubts earlier. You've spent your whole lives thinking being unique was a good thing.

[End Memory Sequence]

[Sunset lets go of Sour Sweet's arm, looking more concerned than ever. As the rest of the girls are still socializing in their reunion, Indigo Zap just takes notice of the room.]

Indigo Zap: Wow. Look at this place. So this is where you've been going between classes.

Starlight Glimmer: Thank you. In fact, the place used to be Twilight's before I moved in. You didn't know that? Oh the stories of what she'd done here.

Sunny Flare: Oh, girls. Here, let me to introduce you. This is-

Sunset Shimmer: Starlight Glimmer. Yeah, we know who she is.

Sunny Flare [to the Humane 7]: So what are you girls doing here?

Rarity [pointing at Starlight]: Her.

Sunset Shimmer: And apparently… [She points at the mini generator on the table.]…that.

Twilight Sparkle: Is that my EM spectrometer?

Starlight Glimmer: Yeah, what's left of it. The design was…"exceptional". I've made some improvement.

[She moves towards the table. The Shadow Five are now concerned that Starlight is working on that device Twilight had at the Friendship Games.]

Sugarcoat: "Improvement"?

Applejack: Seems like a lot of trouble to go through for you just to steal it.

Sour Sweet: "Steal it"? What's she talking about?!

Rainbow Dash: The way she went berserk on our school was nothing but a cover-up. She broke into Sunset's locker and stole that device Twilight used at the Friendship Games.

Sunny Flare: Is this true?

Starlight Glimmer: Of course not. I simply demonstrated what a Crystal Prep Shadowbolt is capable of. Also, all those students at Canterlot High were all too different with their own styles and ideals. I casted awareness of our school's rivalry because people need to realized that everybody should be equal. Stealing the device was just a bonus.

Applejack: Equals? Those are our friends you just thrashed!

Fluttershy: Now let's calm down. Why don't we just take a deep breath and start all over? [She clears her throat and faces Starlight.] Hello, Starlight Glimmer. My name is—

Starlight Glimmer: -Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: [gasps] You know my name?

Starlight Glimmer [to the other]: And you're Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Sunset Shimmer, and you're Pinkamena Diane Pie.

Pinkie Pie: Whoa! She's good.

Applejack: How'd you know?

Starlight Glimmer: I hacked into your school's database and browsed through your student profiles.

Sunset Shimmer: You hacked into our school's computer?! Are you crazy? That's illegal.

Starlight Glimmer: Oh don't worry. There's no way they can trace it back to me. Besides, there's nothing in there that I want. I have everything I need right here. [She looks at her mini reactor.] I took the liberty of taking the device apart and applying the pieces to my own. Only it had the necessary parts and data that I needed. This is the key to achieve my cause, and restore Crystal Prep to what it is meant to be. That's why I took it. Anymore question?

Sunset Shimmer: As a matter of fact, we do. What is with all this equipment? What do you hope accomplish? What are you planning to do?

Pinkie Pie [holding slips of paper]: And what are you doing with these papers with Twilight's name on it?!

Twilight Sparkle: Wait, what? [She takes the letters from Pinkie.]

Applejack: Where'd you get those?

Pinkie Pie: They were pinned all over the wall.

Twilight Sparkle: [reading the messages] "Twilight – Bring the spectrometer to the Sweet Shoppe. I have a few modifications I think would go excellent with it. I'll be seeing you there. – Sunset" "Twilight – I need some help on math homework again. Feel free to stop by and help a girl out. – Rainbow Dash" "I'm making cupcakes, if you want to come over. – Pinkie Pie" "Don't forget to pick up milk after school. – Mom" [Twilight looks at Starlight with a horrified face.] You hacked my email?!

Starlight Glimmer: It wasn't that hard, Smartypants42.

Rainbow Dash: Smartypants42?

Starlight Glimmer: Her username. I can only look what you're doing once you're browsing on the computer. I got a lot I need to do, and I don't have a lot of time to do it.

Twilight Sparkle: I see. Wait! Can you hack our cellphones too?

[Everyone then stares at Starlight with concerning looks.]

Starlight Glimmer: Yeah, but they're kinda tricky. With everyone owning a cellphone at that school, it's really hard to know which signal belongs to which cell.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh.

Sunny Flare: Wow. That is very impressive.

Sunset Shimmer: But my locker. How did you get into my locker?

Starlight Glimmer: I can explain that. [She walks over to her desk and picks up the device she used to open Sunset's locker during her Canterlot High assault.] This little gadget here is what did it. It opened the lock, allowing me to gain access to the device.

Sunset Shimmer: But how did it know the combination?

Starlight Glimmer: It didn't have to. [She goes to one of her computers and brings up a few images on the screen.] This is a diagram of the combination mechanisms to every locker at CHS. You can see the combination dial is connected to these notch discs. Each disc is set to release the lock lever when the dial is turned to the number they're assigned to. [She turns on the device and shows them the bottom, revealing ripples of rings and small metal plates rotating on them.] By using electric magnets, each of the notches inside will move until the slots are aligned, releasing the lock lever. I can open a safe with this thing.

[Everybody looks dumbfounded at Starlight from what she explained.]

Sugarcoat: Wow.

Rainbow Dash: That was awesome…in a brainy, egghead sort of way.

Starlight Glimmer: So, did I answer all your questions?

Lemon Zest: Uh, actually, I got one. I been wondering, how did you do it? How did you make those messages on the intercom?

Starlight Glimmer: It was simple. I snuck into the vents one night, which are surprisingly roomy by the way. [She picks up a blowtorch.] I cut through the metal wall with this blowtorch and got into the school's wiring system. [She puts down the blowtorch and picks up a little bugging device.] Then I planted this to piggyback the intercom's feedback frequency. Now that everything is proceeding as they should, everyone will now experience a new happier Crystal Prep. There will be no more competitive conduct, CHS and CPA won't have to fight anymore, and everyone here will have a friend exactly like them.

Applejack: Ya don't understand, do ya? You can't force nobody to be friends! It don't work like that!

Sour Sweet: I don't know, Starlight. I think she's right. We should probably listen to them. They seem to know better than we do anyway.

Starlight Glimmer: Well, it seems you girls inspire all sorts of free thinking around here, don't you?

Rarity: [laughs nervously] Well, w-we certainly didn't intend to cause any disruptions to your charming little—

Starlight Glimmer: Good. Why don't we keep it that way, shall we?

Twilight Sparkle [looking worried at the notes, the surveillance monitors, and the Cinch chart]: This is all wrong. This is all so very, very wrong.

Starlight Glimmer [now looking at Twilight with a displeasing look]: Girls. It's a bit crowded in here. So could you all go wait outside? I wish to speak to our dear, dear friend here…alone.

Rest of the main cast sans Sunset: [various complaints]

Sunset Shimmer: Forget it, Starlight. Anything you got to say to Twilight, you can say to us.

[Starlight snarls at Sunset's response, until she takes notice of the necklace around Sunset's neck. Then she sees the necklaces being worn by the others.]

Starlight Glimmer: Those are some pretty necklaces. Where did you-?

[She starts palming Sunset's necklace to examine it, but then Sunset quickly grabs hold of her wrist. The two look at each other with wariness, while Twilight starts to think.]

Twilight Sparkle: You know, girls. Maybe you all should go wait outside.

Sunset Shimmer: But, Twilight—

Twilight Sparkle: I will be fine. At least I'll know you'll be somewhere close in case there's trouble.

[Sunset is hesitant at first, but then she finally agrees by delivering a nod to Twilight.]

Applejack: Well, alright. Just holler if you need anything. Come on, girls.

[The rest of the Canterlot High girls leave the room with a displeasured look on their faces, and the Shadowbolt girls leave as well with more of a worried expression. Sunset looks back into the room, seeing a smirking Starlight slowly closing the door. Now there is no one left in the room except for Twilight looking devastated at the note once again, Spike sitting quietly on the work desk, and the sly Starlight looking at the worried Twilight.]

[EXT. Starlight's Research Room-Hallways]

[Sunset is still pretty antsy about Starlight, while the other girls start to mingle.]

Applejack: I'm sure she's gonna be okay.

Sour Sweet: [sweetly] Really, it is so good seeing you all again. [sourly] Just wish it was under better circumstances.

Indigo Zap: Yeah, look. We're really sorry about Starlight. I know her methods can be a bit strange.

Rarity: Darling, "strange" doesn't even begin to cover it.

Applejack: I'll say. You sure look like you got your hands all tied up over here.

Lemon Zest: You don't know the half of it. Just today, the weirdest thing you can imagine just happened. Starlight has used a—

Sunset Shimmer: -Magical staff she calls the "Staff of Sameness" to strip the various talents out of people in order to make everybody equal. You were right. I don't know how an ordinary piece of wood was able to do all those things either.

Lemon Zest: Y-yeah.

Sugarcoat: With all this weird stuff that's been happening today, I had a suspicion you Canterlot High girls had something to do with it. Doesn't that magic stuff come from your school?

Sunset Shimmer: Yes, but somehow magic is being leaked into this world. Maybe some of that magic got into Starlight's staff, and that's how it was able to do all those things it was meant to do. I bet that new device has something to do with it too.

Fluttershy: You really think so?

Sunset Shimmer: I'm not sure. But maybe we'll figure it out once we have that staff. [To the Shadow Five] Tell me, do any of you know where it is?

Shadow Five: [shattering]

Indigo Zap: Last time we saw it was at the assembly. We don't know where she keeps it.

Rainbow Dash: She's probably keeping it in her locker. I'm sure that little magnet thingy of hers would help quite a lot.

Sugarcoat [sarcastically]: Yeah, I'm sure she would be happy to let you do that.

Sunset Shimmer: We need to get our hands on that staff. It's much worse than we thought.

[INT. Starlight's Research Room]

[Twilight is still stunned while going through Starlight's notes, Spike looks upon Twilight with concern, and Starlight looks at Twilight with a grin.]

Starlight Glimmer: You know, that Sunset friend of yours is very persistent.

Twilight Sparkle: Starlight, what have you done?

Starlight Glimmer: I've done what you couldn't. I'm fixing this school by cutting it off from its problem.

[Twilight looks upon the chart with the ruined picture of Cinch.]

Twilight Sparkle: This is about Principal Cinch, isn't it?

Starlight Glimmer: The witch? She must be punished for all the suffering she has caused.

Twilight Sparkle: But aren't you afraid you might get in trouble?

Starlight Glimmer: I don't think we'll have to worry about Cinch anymore. She has been most cooperative lately. Finally, she can be put in her place. I know she forced you into the Friendship Games by threatening to take away your scholarship to Everton. I thought you'd be thrilled.

Twilight Sparkle: I know Cinch's decisions are not all that good for everyone, but she's only doing what she thinks is right for Crystal Prep. You can't blame her for being overcritical.

Starlight Glimmer: "What is best"? You're so naïve. Cinch doesn't care about the school; she only cares about the reputation that comes with it.

Twilight Sparkle: Then how'd you get her to agree to your change?

Starlight Glimmer: That's just it, she didn't. It's amazing when fabricated documents, phony email, [She picks up the voice-changing device, puts it against her throat, and speaks in Cinch's voice.] and misleading phone calls, [She put the device down, and picks up a pair of scissors.] I have successfully cut Cinch off from any of her contacts that would cause me any trouble. [She walks over to the chart and snips off the thread connected to Cinch's picture.] Even if she could try to find a way to stop me, she won't do anything so long as I got plenty of dirt on her. [She then turns to her surveillance monitors.] I need to be sure they all aren't doing anything wrong. The cameras are very small and camouflaged. To everyone, they're just little specks on the wall. Oh that reminds me. [She then hits a button on the keypad.]

Principal Cinch's voice: I don't care what you say! Keeping looking!

Dean Cadance's voice: Principal Cinch. We've torn this office apart from top to bottom and hadn't found a thing.

Principal Cinch's voice: Don't give me that! I know she's done something to this office that made her do what she did, and I'm gonna find out what! Keep searching!

Twilight Sparkle: You bugged Cinch's office?

Starlight Glimmer: Yeah, I used a listening device of the same nature. I had it planted since Day 1. Looks like the witch hasn't found it yet. Even if the school board doesn't fire her tomorrow, I'll just have to keep toying with her again and again until she accepts our ways.

Twilight Sparkle: Starlight, this is not the way to do it.

Starlight Glimmer: "Not the way"? This is Abacus Cinch we're talking about. She has to pay for what she's done at the Friendship Games, to this school…to you.

Twilight Sparkle: But that's all in the past. I will never stoop to that level for something that already happened. I'm sure Cinch has matured enough to let it be.

Starlight Glimmer: You sure about that? [She walks up to one of her computers and brings something up.] Behold! Your school record here at Crystal Prep.

Twilight Sparkle: Starlight, you can't just go ahead and-!

Starlight Glimmer: Cinch has already put an asterisk on each and every one of your test scores.

Twilight Sparkle: [walking up to the computer in shock]: What? No, it—it can't be. Asterisks are only for records and scores that don't count as result of cheating. How could she have done this?

Starlight Glimmer: Well according to the history, she made this little change shortly 'after' the Friendship Games.

Twilight Sparkle [now becoming furious: But…she can't do that! After all the work I've done here, it's about to be recognized as "meaningless"!

Starlight Glimmer: As long as Cinch is still in position, nobody's future in Crystal Prep is safe. You were just a liability to her. That's why she needed me.

[Twilight just looks at Starlight with a wary look.]

[INT. Hallways]

Lemon Zest: So how'd you know about the staff? And about Starlight?

Sugarcoat: Plus all that other stuff in between?

Sunset Shimmer: These crystal necklaces we're wearing are connected with the magic we have inside of us. Whenever we're near them, they activate some form of new power in each of us.

Indigo Zap: Really? Like what kind of power?

[Rainbow Dash then super-speeds right past the Shadow Five and ends up at the other end of the hall in an instant. The Shadow Five are astounded to have seen this.]

Rainbow Dash [boasting]: Oh, nothing special. [Then she sprints back to where she was before.]

Indigo Zap: Whoa! That was awesome! What else can you do?!

[Rarity steps forward and raises her hands, and her diamond energy shield forms around her.]

Sunny Flare: Now that is just splendid!

Rarity [as the shield fades out]: It's stylish and functional.

Applejack: And I got super strength, Fluttershy can commune with animals, Twilight can move stuff with her mind, and Pinkie Pie can blow sweets up just by touching them.

[The Shadow Five take a step back from Pinkie Pie just in case.]

Sunny Flare: Wait. Sunset, what's your power?

Sunset Shimmer: Telepathic Empathy. I am able to see people's memories and feel their emotions just by touching them. That's how I was able to know all about Starlight and her schemes after I touched Sour Sweet.

Sour Sweet: [sourly] And you did so without asking.

Applejack: Hey. Sunset, what did you see in Starlight memories? Maybe it'll give us some clue on how to deal with her.

Sunset Shimmer: I didn't.

Rainbow Dash: What?! But we all saw you touch her.

Sunset Shimmer: No, I touched her sleeve. It doesn't work when clothes are in the way.

Sunny Flare: So where did you get those necklaces anyway?

Applejack: We got them at Camp Everfree. It all started when Equestrian magic hit a bunch of geodes in a rock quarry. We'll tell you about it another time.

Sunset Shimmer: This is more serious than we anticipated, girls. Starlight has been scheming and manipulating this school into going after her goals. And for some reason, I can't tell if that's really a good thing or a bad thing. I think that feeling came from Sour Sweet.

Sugarcoat: If I am to be honest, I kinda feel the same way.

Applejack: Say what?

Indigo Zap: Yeah, me too. We've been trying to befriend Starlight as a way to make up for what we did to Twilight. After the way we treated you all these years, I just don't think we should be responsible for our own actions.

Rainbow Dash: What?! That's crazy talk. You can't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do.

Indigo Zap: And what if whatever I 'can do' hurts everybody and I 'can't do' anything about it? I've treated Twilight so badly at the Friendship Game and I didn't even bother looking out for her.

Rainbow Dash: Hey, hey. So you've made a few mistakes in the past, big deal. What's important is that you recognize them. You want to look out for your friends now, right? Well I say go for it. Like you said, you're trying to make up for what you did now. Don't let past deeds get in the way of what you got to do, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise on what you feel is right. Just stay true to yourself and you will be more AWESOME than you ever were before.

Indigo Zap [smiling]: Gee. Thanks, Dash. Guess I really needed to hear that. It's got to be better than doubting myself, huh?

Sunset Shimmer: Or wishing you were someone else entirely. Isn't that right, Sour Sweet?

[Sour Sweet turns her head, facing away from everyone else.]

Fluttershy: Oh, Sour. You don't have to put off how you feel, even if you don't like it. For the longest time, I was afraid of expressing myself in worrying of how it'll make everyone feel about me. But now I know those thoughts and feelings are merely just a part of me. I get to choose what kind of person I can be. You may not be perfect, but you have a very unique way of expressing yourself, and I think that is what makes you very special, Sour Sweet.

Sour Sweet [touched]: Thanks…I think.

Sugarcoat: That's all very fine and dandy, but I seriously doubt Starlight would feel the same way about it.

Applejack: Oh Pony Feathers. I'm pretty sure she can't be that finicky.

Sugarcoat: Well, now that you think about it…

[INT. Starlight's Research Room]

[Starlight shows the leverage she has on Cinch on her cellphone to Twilight, and she is appalled.]

Twilight Sparkle: I don't believe it.

Starlight Glimmer: I know. It's not a pretty sight, isn't it?

[Both Starlight and Twilight looks upon the device Starlight made from Twilight's.]

Twilight Sparkle: So, you're going to sabotage Cinch's career…with this?

Starlight Glimmer: Magnificent, isn't it?

Twilight Sparkle: Reinforced shielding, particle acceleration distortion, advanced electromagnetic locking…

Starlight Glimmer: Yes. I have finished what you have started. When I discovered your notes, I knew the strange readings you were looking for were interdimensional. I was able to break through the dimensional barrier. If it wasn't for the components from your spectrometer, I would never be able to discover the energy signature of its source.

Twilight Sparkle: And you are able to lock on to the EM frequencies and extract it from that dimension.

Starlight Glimmer: Like puncturing a hole into a bucket of water.

Twilight Sparkle [dumbfounded]: Brilliant.

Starlight Glimmer: It wasn't difficult to alter your original designs. You've already done the hard part. But figuring out I could use the device with interdimensional paradigm theories to bring the bizarre energy to me? [short laugh] I even impressed myself with that. It takes an upgrade to get the job done. With this, I have discovered a source of clean sustainable energy. Most of the devices here are powered by this thing. This could help our cause nicely. We will be able to bring a great change. After all, isn't that what you attempted to do when you seeked it out?

Twilight Sparkle: No. I didn't do it to make progress, I did it because I was curious. I had no right to seek out this strange power. I was wrong to meddle with such a thing. What you're doing is extremely dangerous if you can't control it.

Starlight Glimmer: What do you know anything about it? The greatest find in recorded history and you don't want anything to do with it? What's the point of learning about its secrets if you don't intend to use it?

Twilight Sparkle: But you don't know what it truly is. How do you know you can control it?

Starlight Glimmer: As long as it does what I set it off to do, I don't really care. With Cinch no longer influencing the other students to this "nothing but the best" nonsense, they'll just have to accept my philosophy, and see that being the best is only making them the worst. After all; different talents lead to different opinions which lead to misery and unhappiness. Equality is everything.

Twilight Sparkle: Everybody has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea—

Starlight Glimmer: [giggles] Such backwards thinking. You're obviously confused by the mix all those different styles and personalities of Canterlot High. I know everybody treated you so badly here at Crystal Prep. You had the top score in all your classes and they despised you for it. They treated you as if you were nothing, just because you were so different.

Twilight Sparkle [with more confidence]: No! They're not like that anymore. They've already apologized. There is no problem here. Crystal Prep is doing fine on its own.

Starlight Glimmer: Maybe from your perspective. But in reality, this school has been a nesting-ground for the most arrogant, hateful people that had ever come out into the world!

Twilight Sparkle: They weren't "hateful", they were just so eager at winning and they took it too far. It's not their fault!

Starlight Glimmer: It was a broken system and you knew it!

Twilight Sparkle: There was nothing I could've done!

Starlight Glimmer: No, there was plenty you could've done! If you had just tried, everyone would've treated you with respect. But instead, you chose to back away as they looked at you as if you didn't belong. You were an outcast to them, isn't that why you made this room all for yourself, as a way to hide and retreat from those who would hurt you?

Twilight Sparkle: No! I made this room so that I can study and work in peace!

Starlight Glimmer: And you didn't bother to share it with others because none of them share the same interests as you.

Twilight Sparkle: I—[She pauses, realizing there is a bit of truth to what Starlight said. Meanwhile, Spike just sits where he is, helpless to act up around Starlight.]

Starlight Glimmer: Everyone here was blinded by the false promises Cinch had made to them. She preyed on you because you were the only one immune to her poisons and she took advantage of you for it. Obviously, smart people seem to take school quite more seriously than others. But you followed her blindly and without question. If you had taken your chances then, you too would rebel. She turned them all against you, looking at you as if something was wrong, never realizing that you were never the problem, they were. I'm doing what you couldn't! I'm setting these kids right!

Twilight Sparkle: Influencing these students into changing their life choices would make you no better than Cinch, maybe worse.

[Starlight becomes enraged and firmly pulls on Twilight's blouse, bringing their faces closer together, frightening Twilight.]

Starlight Glimmer: Don't you dare compare me to that witch! I'm nothing like her.

[Spike starts to growl at Starlight for threatening his friend. Then Starlight roughly lets go of Twilight.]

Twilight Sparkle: Why are you doing this? The other students don't even trust Cinch anymore, you've already ridiculed her. What more could you want?

Starlight Glimmer: [turns to face Twilight, all serious] I want her gone…for good. [Twilight now feels a bit uneasy at the moment.] I have turned everything in Cinch's life against her. Well, all except in one matter. Who is Midnight Sparkle?

[Twilight seems worried at what Starlight is implying.]

[INT. Hallway]

Applejack [to Sugarcoat]: She said what?!

Sugarcoat: Yep. She told me so herself. And to be honest, she was right. I was so focus on making myself better, I saw no need to show any concern to those less fortunate. All I've ever done is tell people what makes them terrible, only to make me feel good about myself.

Applejack: Whoa nelly. I had thought you'd understand how bad you make others feel if you were in their shoes, but I'd never imagined it would go down like this.

Sugarcoat: Well is that's how I make other people feel, then maybe it's best if I never existed at all.

Applejack: Now hold on there, sugarcube! Don't you ever say stuff like that! Sure you can go a little overboard when it comes to speaking your mind. But that's no reason to be selling yourself short. You're a really nice person, Sugarcoat. Trust me, I know you are.

Sugarcoat: How can you trust me? I can't even trust myself.

Applejack: Because I know now that your heart is in the right place. And you speaking to others is not all bad. You just notice all the faults in everything they do. If people are unaware of all the little things they're doing wrong, they wouldn't bother to make room to improve. And more importantly, you've now noticed the flaws in yourself. Now you're on your way of making yourself a better friend than you ever were before, and I couldn't be more proud of you on that.

Sugarcoat: Huh. I never thought of it like that.

Applejack: That's the spirit, maybe.

Rarity: Splendid! Now, what about you, Sunny?

Sunny Flare: Well, it's just—do you think it's alright to change ourselves? I tried to help Starlight by attending to her complexion. But she told me improving oneself just for the sake of impressing others is just as bad as being different from them.

Rarity: What?! That is ridiculous?! There is nothing wrong with a little primping.

Sunny Flare: I know. Ever since the Friendship Games, I have waiting so long for things at this school to get better. But I fear what I can do just isn't good enough.

Rarity: Oh I completely understand, darling. You simply just want everything here to be just as fabulous as I would. We girls pamper ourselves so that our inner beauty can be radiated outwards, just as you want this school to be as bright and innocent on the inside as it looks glamorous on the outside. It's about making one looking fabulous, to make one feel fabulous.

Sunny Flare: Yeah. Yeah, I guess you're right.

Rarity: It really doesn't matter what others thinks. You just keep giving your all to make this place as marvelous as you hope it'll be.

Lemon Zest: But none of that really matters if people still think of us as the pack of meanies we were before.

Pinkie Pie [popping out of nowhere]: Oh, Zesty. Nobody has to see you as those mean bullies if you let them. You really know how to rock out, and have fun, and bring out the best of yourself. If you can show them just how much fun and happy you can be, then you can inspire them to bring out that very same happiness inside of them. Then you won't have to be hated anymore, and you will make lots and lots of friends, and you will all be having fun in the best party EVER!

Lemon Zest [cheerful]: Yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about! Right on, party girl! [She high-fives Pinkie Pie.] I'm sorry about Starlight attacking your school. [To Sunset] Is that why you came looking for her?

Sunset Shimmer: Actually, we are here for many reasons.

[She looks back at the door, worrying over Twilight.]

[INT. Starlight's Research Room]

Twilight Sparkle [frantic]: I'm sorry. I just don't understand what you are asking.

Starlight Glimmer [strict]: You're stalling, Twilight! Who is this Midnight Sparkle that everyone's been trying to hide from me?! Every time I ask about her and the Friendship Games, those who know are being pretty vague about that incident. Principal Cinch wouldn't tell me, Dean Cadance wouldn't tell me, not even the other students who were actually there wouldn't tell me…and now you. So who is she? Is she your sister, your cousin, an old acquaintance of yours? Not even Shining Armor knows who she is.

Twilight Sparkle: Shining Armor? You know of my brother?

Starlight Glimmer: Something happened at the Friendship Games that brought the two schools together and persuade you to transfer to Canterlot High. And I know this Midnight had something to do with it. If she did cause so much trouble for Cinch back then, then she would be of great use to me now. Midnight is the only piece of Cinch's life that I know nothing about! [She pounds her hand on the pictures of Midnight (which is just an outline with a question mark on it) and Twilight on the chart (both thread together).]

[Twilight is now worried about her situation, until she takes notice of another image of a question mark figure outline above the two.]

Twilight Sparkle: Apparently, it isn't. [She points out the picture for Starlight.]

Starlight Glimmer: Oh that. That's Cinch's mysterious representative.

Twilight Sparkle: Representative?

Starlight Glimmer: Yeah. Someone had convinced my therapist to have me enrolled in Crystal Prep on Cinch's "good word". It turns out, whoever he is, has deceived Cinch and failed to inform her about my time at juvenile hall, and I don't know why. But this dead end has been bugging me for quite some time, and I got to know who this mystery man is.

[Twilight starts to think for a bit, and then has an idea.]

Twilight Sparkle: What if me and my friends help you to find out?

Starlight Glimmer: What?

Twilight Sparkle: Well, isn't it quite obvious the person you're looking for is really difficult to find. So I figured that having a few extra hands might give you a better chance in your investigation.

Starlight Glimmer: And why do you want to help me?

Twilight Sparkle: Umm…well…because…that's what friends do. [Nervously smiles]

Starlight Glimmer: Well, isn't that sweet? And also, a bit too ominous. If we're really friends, then join me in my Un-Marking ceremony, then we can talk. It's quite clear you want to help on my little problem to make me forget all about Midnight Sparkle. [Twilight looks even more worried, and then Starlight cracks a little smile.] But as long as it helps get this issue off my back, I have no judgements. That's real nice of you, Twilight. I can see why everybody likes you. We'll talk about Midnight later. But are you sure your friends will be willing to help as well?

Twilight Sparkle: O-of course. Why wouldn't they?

Starlight Glimmer: No reason. It's just that they all have so many different styles and difference behaviors; I can only assume that their response will be a lot different than you hoped for as well. So why don't we go tell them the good news, shall we? And then we'll see just how dependable a group of friends with different outlooks really are?

[Starlight then walks over to the door with a smirk on her face. Twilight is about to tell her something, but she can't bring herself to say anything. She just looks at Spike with an upsetting look, and then looks back at Starlight's device on the table.]

[INT. Hallways]

[The door opens, and Sunset and the other girls turn in surprise as Starlight steps out with a smile. They all look at her with their guard up. Twilight and Spike walk out shortly after. Then Sunset rushes past Starlight, who gives a resentful stare, and Sunset proceeds at comforting Twilight.]

Sunset Shimmer: Twilight! What happened? Are you okay?

Twilight Sparkle: Yes. I'm fine, Sunset. [Clears her throat, to Starlight] So, you've actually met my brother? I know he's heard about you, but he's never mentioned of meeting you.

Starlight Glimmer: Shining Armor? Of course we've met, Twily. He was actually here one time. He's a really nice guy, speaks so highly of you. Mild demeanor, really handsome, and deeply respects your wishes. It's no wonder he and Dean Cadance are currently dating.

Twilight Sparkle: I know. He is very—WAIT! THEY'RE WHAT?!

[Twilight, her friends, even the Shadow Five are feeling a bit awkward about what they have learned.]

Lemon Zest [aside]: Drama Bomb!

Starlight Glimmer: Yeah. Alright, girls! Let's get going!

Applejack: "Going"?

Sunset Shimmer: Going where?

Twilight Sparkle: Well, you see, I sort of promised her we would do a little favor for her.

The rest of the main cast sans Starlight: [various complaints]

Pinkie Pie: Are you kidding me?!

Applejack: You saying we have to go with her to do who knows what?

Rainbow Dash: Forget it!

Starlight Glimmer [to Twilight]: You see what I mean, Twilight. Totally different responses.

Fluttershy: Oh! I'm not so sure about this.

Rarity [to Twilight]: Why in the world would you agree to such an offer, Twilight?

Starlight Glimmer: Because she's very considerate. She's like that, you know? Here 'and' at CHS. And if any of you are such "good friends", then you're gonna come with me and help me out on this little problem I've been having. Unless, you all wish to prove me right.

Indigo Zap: Right about what?

Starlight Glimmer: Oh just about what I told you Crystal Prep girls before of how Twilight abandoned you all to get herself better friends.

[The Shadow Five, even the Humane 7 are stunned to hear of this.]

Twilight Sparkle [aggressive]: That's not true! I would never discard these girls for choosing someone over them!

Starlight Glimmer: Oh really? Well then correct me if I'm wrong. But I seem to have heard a great deal of tension between you and these girls, and even after they decided to apologize to you, you still turn them down. Am I right? [Twilight is about to respond, until she pauses to think deeply on this statement.] Anyway, free to assist if you want. But if any of you don't, I won't hold it against you.

[Everyone starts to think on the matter.]

Sunset Shimmer [to Twilight]: Are you sure about this, Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: I'm sure. [whispers] We are here to help her anyway, are we? Trust me, Sunset.

Sunset Shimmer [thinks for a minute and sighs]: Alright, Twilight. I trust you.

[Sunset gives the girls a nod of assurance. They're still pretty hesitant, and then they all give a nod in agreement.]

Starlight Glimmer: Super! Now follow me, I'll explain on the way.

[Starlight walks ahead down the hall, with Twilight and Sunset's friends following behind her. As she turns the corner, she looks back at the two with a menacing grin.

Sunset Shimmer: I sure hope you know what you're doing, Twilight.

[Sunset goes to join the others; leaving Twilight, Spike, and the Shadow Five as the last to leave. The Shadowbolt girls are about to follow Starlight, until…]

Twilight Sparkle: Girls, wait! [They all stop.] I need to tell you something. [To Sunset] Uh, you go on ahead. We'll catch up, okay?

[Sunset gives a thumbs-up and disappears around the corner.]

Lemon Zest: What is it, Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: Look, girls. I don't think you should come with us.

Indigo Zap: What?! Why not?

Sour Sweet: [sourly] Is it true? Did you really brush us aside just for them? I should've known this would happen. This is what we get for pushing you around and making you feel unwanted. You—

Twilight Sparkle: Girls! I need you to do something for me. [She takes out a notepad and pencil, and writes something on it. Then she rips the paper out of the pad and gives it to Sunny Flare.] Go to this address. There's someone there who can help us with Starlight.

Sugarcoat: Well who is it?

Twilight Sparkle: Just tell them Twilight Sparkle sent you. You'll understand once he explains everything. I really want to help Starlight, I figured this might be the way. You still got my cell number?

Sunny Flare: Of course.

Twilight Sparkle: Great. Just keep me in touch once you got everything settled. Could you do that for me? [The Shadow Five look at each other with uncertainty, but then they each give Twilight a nod.] Thanks, girls. I'm counting on you. Come on, Spike.

Spike: I'm right behind you.

[Both Twilight and Spike begin to walk down the hall to join with the others. But the Shadow Five start to feel really bad.]

Sunny Flare: We're sorry. [Twilight and Spike just stop and turn around in confusion.] We're really sorry for the way we treated you back then.

Sour Sweet: You didn't deserve any of that. We weren't very good friends to you.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh, girls. It wasn't your fault. I don't blame you for it.

Sour Sweet: But we had no right to do so.

Sugarcoat: We tried helping Starlight ourselves to make up for failing you. But it seemed more difficult than we intended.

Lemon Zest: You were right to transfer to Canterlot High. You seem to take friendship pretty well, better than us. You deserve better friends.

Twilight Sparkle: But I've already forgiven you. It's all in the past. We're all friends now. Everything's fine between us.

Indigo Zap: Sure, you can say you forgive us. But it not so easy telling yourself that.

Sunny Flare: She's right. Maybe if we hadn't listened to Cinch, Midnight Sparkle wouldn't have existed.

Sugarcoat: And us pressuring you into releasing that much magic at the Friendship Games and having you turned into a monster, without even considering the consequences, makes you wonder where you're truly standing.

Twilight Sparkle: That's alright. We were all victims of the same thing. I trusted Cinch too, so it's not entirely your fault. And believe me; I know far too well how hard it is to forgive yourself. As long as you all stand together and look out for each other, then no one will able to stray you off the path you have made for yourselves.

[The Shadow Five begin to smile just a bit.]

Sunny Flare: Thank you, Twilight. It means a lot coming from you.

Indigo Zap: You've really changed since you were last here. I guess CHS really does know more about friendship.

Twilight Sparkle: And you can learn more about it too. You're even trying to help Starlight become a better friend as well. But it seems you're having some trouble with her over here. She must be very difficult to handle.

Sour Sweet: [sweetly] Oh she's a bit like you...[sourly] but insane!

Sugarcoat: Starlight keeps staying true in her belief that equality is all that really matters in making friends. She won't take any exceptions. So making friends with someone like her is next to impossible.

Twilight Sparkle: Which is why it's more important now to help her out to see things differently. I know a little about Starlight, and she is a lot more complicated than you know. She's a real girl, I just know it. I was worried she might be influenced by Cinch as we were, but this is much worse.

Lemon Zest: Then how are we gonna get her to accept friendship the way we see it?

Twilight Sparkle: Well if this plan of mine works, it might be possible she'll find everything in her little world has changed.

Sunny Flare: And if it fails?

Twilight Sparkle: I rather not think about it. If I go with Starlight and try to reach out to her on my end, you can speak with this person that will assist us in reforming her. So please, you have to do this little favor for me, and for Starlight.

[Sunny Flare looks back at the other four girls, and they all give her a nod.]

Sunny Flare [to Twilight]: Alright, Twilight. We'll go see this person you speak of.

Twilight Sparkle [excited]: Thank you so much for doing this, girls! I better get going. You have no idea how much this means to me. I wasn't trying to replace you, you know? I really wanted all of us to be friends. It really is great seeing you again. [She then runs off to catch up with Starlight and her friends.]

Spike [to the Shadow Five]: I don't have a clue about this plan as much as you do. But I just want to let you know, we're all rooting for you.

[Spike leaves as well after Twilight, leaving the five girls with a frown on their faces.]

Indigo Zap: I guess somebody has to.

To Be Continued…

So sorry for the delay, folks. I was unaware it was gonna run long. So I've made a couple changes, but not with much effort. Just wanna let you know that in the next chapter "THE TRUTH WILL BE REVEALED"…well part of it, anyway.