Equestria Girls: Starlight's Story

[Scene 5: Where the Magic Happens]

[INT. Crystal Prep Academy-Hallway-The City-Afternoon]

[Starlight Glimmer is packing things from her backpack into her locker.]

Starlight Glimmer: There's nothing to worry about. They'll understand. They'll all understand. Once I get that snobby principal to give up on her ideals, the school will be exactly the way I—

[Then Starlight hears some form of music playing. She listens in to the music in the empty halls. It is the music of the song from the series "Our Town". Starlight is shocked to have recognized it.]

Starlight Glimmer: That's…that's the song from my village.

[She listens to the sound coming from one of the halls. The she chase down the song to locate the source. Every time she runs closer to the sound, she hears it coming from somewhere else, as if it was moving away from her. So she has to make turns, and pushing through a few students along the way, trying desperately to find where the music is coming from. Finally she stops and finds the song is coming from a door cracked open at the end of a small corridor, with a big black pipe going through the wall on each side. She opens the door and finds a small storage room with boards on the wall, a computer, a laptop, electronic equipment, papers pinned to the wall, a desk, a study table, and books. Starlight is amazed at what she had found. She walks in and looks around at the scientific splendors. She turns on one of the computers, and the background image of a cute purple dog with a treat in his mouth appeared on the screen. She looks around some more and sees a board with pictures and red thread wrapped around their pins, and all the threads connect to one in the center with a picture of Canterlot High.]

Starlight Glimmer: What is all this?

[She turns to the study table and sees an MP3 player on speakers, playing the song she was chasing.]

Starlight Glimmer: There you are. [Turns off the music] But how did you get her?

[She picks up the player and notices a stack of paper clipped papers underneath it. Starlight looks through the pages with drawings, notes, and schematics of a circular device, and what it can do. She flips back to the front page and notices a name written in the corner.]

Starlight Glimmer [reading]: "Twilight Sparkle"?!

[EXT. Crystal Prep Academy]

[Outside the window of the room, Starlight is still seen reading through the motes in astonishment. Meanwhile, a mysterious character (showing only his hand and shadow) is watching her on the other side and then leaves without her noticing.]

[INT. Storage Room-Crystal Prep Academy-Night]

[Starlight stayed and read Twilight's notes about the device and her investigation on the "strange energy" from Canterlot High. She reads the notes all with her eyes wide open, her hair a bit messy, and looking as pale as a ghost.]

Starlight Glimmer [reading]: "As the readouts confirm; the bizarre energy fluxes originated from Canterlot High. During my investigation, my equipment has analyzed the strange EM frequencies. I believe I have found the solution to these anomalies. New data has led me to believe the source of this new energy could be 'otherworldly'."

[Starlight raises her head.]

Starlight Glimmer: IT CAN BE DONE!

[Lightning flashes from outside the window, followed by a thunder strike.]

[INT. Crystal Prep Academy-Day]

[Starlight walks down the hall with a wicked smile on her face, pulling a cart with boxes full of electronic equipment in them. She passes a couple of confused students on her way to the storage room. She brings the equipment inside, and puts them in various places. Machines, tools, laptops, parts and circuits, chemistry sets, textbooks…Starlight has successfully turned the room into a working laboratory again. In her free time, she would draw schematics of a variety of gadgets and handheld weapons. Then she would get to work on building these devices. She tests these devices on some crash test dummies she keeps. Some are rocket-powered, some give off electricity, and others fire off harmful, but not lethal projectiles. Starlight would go to the school's library and look up books with scientific manuals to correspond with Twilight's research. On the side, she's been coming up with new ways to reconfigure the designs of her device. She secretly works on these notes outside or during classes (especially literature, where Fleur Lee Dis is fawning over the teacher, Fancy Pants). She even places some of her inventions in curtain parts of the school. In her lab, Starlight also put up her own board on the empty wall; with a picture of Principal Cinch in the center and threads connect her to different pictures. Starlight would assemble the new device and set up video logs about it on her laptop.]

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. Twilight had created a device that can track the bizarre signatures like a spectrometer, and then captures it. Clever. But I think we can make it better. Twilight's notes suggest the strange energy as being "otherworldly". So it got me thinking, what if I remodel the device and outfit it with a miniature cyclotron and combine it with a set of interdimensional paradigm theories? That way, instead of going towards the source, I will just let the energy come to me, like a magnet. And turn it into a reactor.

[Starlight is finishing setting up the circuits on the device, and then attaches multiple cables into it.]

Starlight Glimmer [video]: "Video Log 5:" My first prototype is finished. Now we're gonna see if this puppy will do the job. "Test 1".

[She switches it on, and the lights come on, generating some form of power in a rising humming sound. Starlight smiles with certainty that it seems to be working.]

[INT. Principal Cinch's Office]

[Principal Cinch is sitting at her desk, signing a few papers. Until she is surprised to find the room shaking, followed by the sound of a large boom.]

Principal Cinch: What the-?

[INT. Dean Cadance's Office]

[Dean Cadance has a similar experience.]

Dean Cadance: What in the world?!

[INT. Hallways]

[After the shaking, dozens of students and faculty walk out of their classrooms, wondering where the explosion came from.]

[EXT. Crystal Prep Academy]

[Starlight opens the storage room window, letting out large clouds of smoke. Her hand is shown waving to blow away the smoke while coughing.]

[INT. Starlight's Research Room (Storage Room)]

[Starlight sets up another video log. She's covered in soot with a little smoke coming off of her, and hair a bit of a mess.]

Starlight Glimmer [video]: "Video Log 6:" I blew myself up, because I am an idiot. See, I forgot to count for a full systems check to make sure that the power is compatible to the circuits. Judging by the massive readouts Twilight uncovered, I'm gonna have to reinforce this device in order to contain this power. So I'm gonna start all over again, as soon as my ears stop ringing.

[Later on, Starlight would make parts of the devices, individually, and test each one to see if they can handle the massive power. Sometimes she would go on the internet and research about Twilight, Crystal Prep, and Cinch.]

[INT. Cinch's Office]

[Principal Cinch is looking at a file, smiling with delight.]

Principal Cinch: She's been here for a whole week, and she is progressing better than I expected.

[The door opens and Starlight walks in.]

Starlight Glimmer: You wish to see me?

Principal Cinch: Ah yes, Starlight. Please, sit down. [Starlight complies with Cinch's request and sits down.] I have been looking at your test scores for the past week, and I must, say, what I see amazes me. Even your athletic scores are substantial. You are now top ranking of all your fellow classmates. Even your teachers are impressed by your grades and projects.

Starlight Glimmer: Why thank you, Principal Cinch. Though I don't think I deserve it. After all, I am no better than anyone here.

Principal Cinch: Oh don't be so modest.

Starlight Glimmer: [chuckles] No really...[changing mood to annoyed]…I meant what I said.

[Cinch's expression changes from surprised, to confused, and back to delightful.]

Principal Cinch: Yes, well…I have informed the school board of your excellence and am impressed by what you have contributed. They are most pleased that I recommend such a girl into our academy.

Starlight Glimmer: Are they now?

Principal Cinch: Indeed. In fact, they are expecting you are doing more in your development. You seem to be making a name for yourself.

Starlight Glimmer: Really? You know, despite all of my "bizarre" research methods and "zany" experiments everyone—

Principal Cinch: Starlight, what you do in your spare time is of little interest to me. What's more important is that you keep on what you're doing so that Crystal Prep's reputation stays afloat.

Starlight Glimmer: I see.

Principal Cinch: I'm suggesting you take our personal aptitude test so that your exquisite mind can be recognized throughout the educational system. Just think about it. Universities and study programs will be offering you scholarships for you to attend their special courses. You will be accepted in the most successful colleges in the country, it will lead you toward a bright—

Starlight Glimmer: No.

Principal Cinch: What did you say?

Starlight Glimmer: I'm not gonna take the aptitude test. Cause if I did, then everyone will know just how smart I really am, and everyone at this school will just hate me for it. I don't think it would be fair if I've taken the test and get the top score.

Principal Cinch: What sort of nonsense is this? I'm talking about giving you the chance of a better future. Why should anyone matter because of it? Nothing but the best.

Starlight Glimmer: Oh, my future is not the reason I came to this school. I don't want to be the best.

Principal Cinch: Then what?

Starlight Glimmer: The Friendship Games. [Cinch becomes appalled.] This school has lived off of its "reputation" of beating Canterlot High every time in the games, except recently when they decided to end it in a tie. The students here wanted to end their quarrel as equals. I admire that very much. Cause after all, equality is everything.

[Cinch just sits there dumbfounded and confused from what Starlight had said to her.]

Principal Cinch: You cannot be serious.

Starlight Glimmer: Aw don't feel bad, this is perfectly normal for those who haven't seen the light just yet. The only way we can be truly happy is if we are all equal. No one will be left out, no one will feel superior, and everyone wins!

Principal Cinch: Enough! Now you listen here. I'm giving you a choice to rise into greatness so tha—

Starlight Glimmer: What? Did you ever give Twilight Sparkle a choice? [Cinch is caught off guard.] Oh yeah. I know all about your former star-student, and that you exploited her just to get what you want.

Principal Cinch: That's ridiculous.

Starlight Glimmer: Yes, ridiculous…but true.

Principal Cinch: Twilight Sparkle was weak. She had the passion of learning, but lacked the confidence and determination to do whatever it takes to win. I thought she could make a lasting impression for Crystal Prep, but all she ever brought us is nothing but shame.

Starlight Glimmer: I see. Is that why you' resorted to that "disaster" I've heard about?

Principal Cinch: I was desperate. Canterlot High has gotten an advantage by switching over to underhanded tactics and coordinated attacks.

Starlight Glimmer: Are you saying they were…cheating?!

Principal Cinch: I wouldn't put it that bluntly. But yes, they were.

Starlight Glimmer: [stunned] Whoa. I can't believe it…[suddenly cheerful] They should've thought of that ages ago!

Principal Cinch: What?!

Starlight Glimmer: I am intrigued. How bold. Even though I don't know anything about CHS, I say they made a wise decision.

Principal Cinch: Now you listen here! Are you saying it is right for Canterlot High to depend on dubious tricks to win, that it's alright for them to play unfairly?

Starlight Glimmer: Is it possible that it was you who were being unfair to them?

Principal Cinch: What are you implying?

Starlight Glimmer: Think about it. The Crystal Prep Shadowbolts are much more educated and athletic than the Canterlot Wondercolts. With the Shadowbolts getting the top scores and winning at every single event they were in, it's quite obvious their success would cause the Wondercolts to feel sad and useless. You know, I don't blame them for cheating though. All they ever wanted was to be our equals. In order for them to ever match up to such advanced students, they had to find another way. And you wanted to win so badly, and never thought about how badly if affected your opponents. Such selfishness. Frankly I think all of them should end in ties.

Principal Cinch: That is ludicrous! I refuse to throw away all that I work for just to see our rivals as equals. I will never back down to Canterlot High for what they—

Starlight Glimmer: Tell me something, Cinch. Did you ever compete in the games?

Principal Cinch: What sort of question is that? Of course we have. It's a tradition we—

Starlight Glimmer: No. Not the school. You. You yourself, Abacus Cinch. Were you a student here at Crystal Prep once upon a time?

Principal Cinch: Ye-Yes, I was once. But that was a long time ago?

Starlight Glimmer: Did you compete in the Friendship Games then?

Principal Cinch: Why yes. I had no interest at first, but seeing how everyone was making such a fuss about it, I figured I should take part to represent my school.

Starlight Glimmer: And did you win, apparently?

Principal Cinch: But of course. We always win. In fact, I was the one who delivered the final act that allowed the Shadowbolts to attain the taste of victory.

Starlight Glimmer: Really? How did it feel?

Principal Cinch: Alive. It felt as though I was on top of the world. The sensation that comes from achieving at something great. The praise delivered by fellow classmates. The feeling of satisfaction from overpowering opponent. It made me realized how insignificant I was before. I was just going through life like any normal person. No plan. No ambition. Without a care in the world. Studying for every test they gave me and listening to every lesson they taught me in class like everyone else. Just another face in the crowd. I was a nobody. Until I took part in the Friendship Games, I've gone through all the events to what I was capable of. My eyes were finally open to what Crystal Prep had to offer. I never wanted to feel that feeble again. I wish those few minutes of glory would last forever.

Starlight Glimmer: [whispering to herself] So that's how it all started.

Principal Cinch: What did you say?

Starlight Glimmer: Oh nothing. My point is I see no reason for taking that aptitude test, since it would be unfair to the other students. If we have both taken that test together and got the top scores, the whole school would've turned on us. Winning isn't everything, equality is.

Principal Cinch: Is that what you think? Well, if that—

Starlight Glimmer: Oh, if you're thinking about my enrollment here at Crystal Prep, I've heard that you and the school board are having a bit of a falling out. If they thought you were unconfident before, could you imagine how they will feel if they learn that you recommended a student for being the best out of all the others, only to be expelled after one week? Now that wouldn't look so good for your image, now wouldn't it.

Principal Cinch: But I just said they were—

Starlight Glimmer: Oh they were referring to me, not you. So I don't think it counts. [Cinch starts pondering to what Starlight said.] Like I said, I'm here to help you, and this school. Tell you what, let's hold off on the test for a while, and I will continue making this school great, okay? But don't you worry; I won't go mouthing off on what happened here. After all, you have a reputation to uphold. We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to it, now will we? [Starlight walks toward the door and opens it halfway.] I assure you, whatever I have to offer will be something that nobody will forget.

[She leaves the office and closes the door behind her. Cinch just sits at her desk with an unsure look on her face.]

[INT. Research Room]

[Starlight is working on part of the device. She switches on the power and it builds some form of energy in the center. She points her tools into the spot and pulls them away from each other. The tools are stretching open the energy to reveal a mini vortex. Starlight smiles at what she had discovered. Just then, the door starts to open. So Starlight quickly turns the power off, grabs a nearby gadget from the shelf, and points it at the doorway. Luckily, the visitor is only Dean Cadance, startled at Starlight's reaction.]

Starlight Glimmer: Oh, it's only you.

Dean Cadance: What is that thing?! Is that a weapon?!

Starlight Glimmer: Oh, no it's not. Here, watch.

[She puts the gadget onto the special stand against a small cushion standing vertically. She ties a string around the hilt and trigger. When she pulls it, a wave of energy bursts out, and the invention flies backwards, and hits the cushion with great force.]

Starlight Glimmer: I'm already working on making a bigger version of it though. So what are you doing here?

Dean Cadance: Sorry. It's just I heard noises in here, and I could've sworn it was—nevermind. [She looks around the room, amazed at what Starlight had done to it. Luckily for Starlight, the board with Cinch's picture and the threads is covered by a large sheet.] Wow. You fixed this place up real nicely.

Starlight Glimmer: Well I can't have all the credit. I can't believe someone left all this stuff here.

Dean Cadance: Well Principal Cinch did plan to have this stuff removed once, but the room still smelled of dog.

Starlight Glimmer: What? Is Cinch afraid of the stench or something?

Dean Cadance: No. She's just highly allergic.

Starlight Glimmer: Really?

Dean Cadance: I'm glad I found you. Could you please come to my office? I would like to ask you a few questions about your time here at Crystal Prep.

Starlight Glimmer: Um…sure, no problem.

[Starlight puts the pieces away, and walks out the room with Cadance.]

[INT. Dean Cadance's Office]

[The office is half the size of Cinch's office. But it is well decorated and neatly arranged to make it a homely and comfortable workspace. Dean Cadance sits at her desk, while Starlight takes a seat in the chair facing it.]

Dean Cadance: Thank you for coming. We have lots to discuss.

Starlight Glimmer: Of course. I am so glad you want to talk to me…I'm sorry. What was your name again? [Reads the name plate on the desk.] Ah, "Dean…Mi Amore Cadenza"?

Dean Cadance: Heh, "Dean Cadance" will do just fine. Now let us begin, shall we? How to do feel about being here?

Starlight Glimmer: It's great.

Dean Cadance: Have you had any problems during your stay?

Starlight Glimmer: Not at all.

Dean Cadance: And how are you getting along with your fellow classmates?

Starlight Glimmer: Pretty good actually.

Dean Cadance: Now I've notice you haven't been interacting with them much for days. In fact, I've heard you have assaulted two students on your first day with what some students are calling "a Taser ring".

Starlight Glimmer: Well you see, they were being very unpleasant with me. I had to defend myself. You must understand.

Dean Cadance: Oh I do understand. But I have some concerns about your choice of actions. I do not want to see such behavior bringing harm to any of my students.

Starlight Glimmer: Ah yes, they were talking about you caring for their wellbeing, that you are the most trusted person to have at this school.

Dean Cadance: Well I'm flattered. Thank you.

Starlight Glimmer: As for me not interacting with the others, that is because I'm working on a very important project that will revolutionize the way this school is run. Once everyone starts to appreciate it, I'll have plenty of friends I can rely on.

Dean Cadance: Are you sure about that? Has it even been approved?

Starlight Glimmer: Oh trust me. I am all for making new friends, and what better way than to make friends you can relate to.

Dean Cadance: Really? Well that sounds promising, but I don't really know. You're a very smart girl Starlight, and I would hate for you to make friends the wrong way. Knowing other people can help you learn more about yourself.

[Starlight notices the picture with the Friendship Games team on the shelf behind Cadance.]

Starlight Glimmer: Is that the same advice you gave Twilight Sparkle?

Dean Cadance: You know Twilight?

Starlight Glimmer: Not really. I only heard of her from the other kids. They seem to talk so much about her. Did you know her?

Dean Cadance: Why yes. She was so smart, so kind…it's quite a shame she had to leave.

Starlight Glimmer: Sounds like you were close.

Dean Cadance: All the students here would focus on success, but Twilight was different. She's the most brilliant student we ever had.

Starlight Glimmer: And it was because of that brilliance, the others didn't appreciate her.

Dean Cadance: Well I wouldn't say that. Twilight just had difficulty connecting with others, so the—

Starlight Glimmer: Now I don't blame her for that. After all, who would want to be friends with a school full of ungrateful barbarians who been blinded by the false promises of their success? Now tell me, Dean Cadance. If this was such an issue, why didn't you do anything about it?

Dean Cadance: Well, it—

Starlight Glimmer: Abacus Cinch, right?

Dean Cadance: Now wait just a min—

Starlight Glimmer: Her position has cast a certain influence over the entire student body, and you are just too powerless to do anything about it, are you?

Dean Cadance: Look. Despite what you believe, Cinch is just concerned for the school's wellbeing.

Starlight Glimmer: Such backwards thinking. She only wants to make herself and everyone at this school feel more special than others. The only way people can be happy is if we are all equal. Kinda like what the students here are aiming for right now.

Dean Cadance: Well I'm glad you've noticed our students struggling to reach out to each other, but all the things you said are what Crystal Prep is about. It's about taking chances, pushing boundaries, and making yourself better than you were before.

Starlight Glimmer: That's not how I see it. If everyone here is to better themselves, then they should start giving up on what makes them better. Cinch, on the other hand, uses their unique gifts to build up her own measly reputation. Do you know what that is called? A parasite. A being that feeds off of others to strengthen themselves for their own satisfaction. Cinch projects her image so she can possess the power that comes with it. You won't tell her about this, will you?

Dean Cadance [smiling]: You have my word.

Starlight Glimmer: Thank you. You really are considerate to your students. Now if you ask me, I believe Cinch has been at this for far too long. Now if it was up to me, I suggest she stand down. Crystal Prep would be better off with a new stronger leader, a better leader.

Dean Cadance: What? Are you suggesting me?

Starlight Glimmer: You? Well I've never considered it. But now that I think about it, I would love to make you a candidate.

Dean Cadance: Thank you. Principal Cinch really was reckless at that incident with Twilight. But until the school board can be fully convinced, Cinch cannot be removed.

Starlight Glimmer: I see. Speaking of which, how is Twilight doing?

Dean Cadance: Well it is quite a shame that she left. But it was for the best. She was originally going to apply to the Everton Independent Study Program, but she changed her mind and asked for a transfer to Canterlot High. She made plenty of new friends, so she's doing great. I try keeping in touch with her through video chats.

Starlight Glimmer: Really? Well that sounds great. I guess I have nothing to worry about; now I know she's in better hands. Seeing that she couldn't handle the high quality efforts that Crystal Prep put on her, keeping her from fixing the damage they have brought themselves, I guess it's up to me to pick up where she left off. So as you can see, I'm doing fine, and you don't need to worry about what happens to me. I'll make Crystal Prep go exactly the way it's supposed to be. [She gets up off her seat and walks towards the door, where she notices a shadow moving in the crack.]

Dean Cadance: Okay. I hope you know what you're doing.

Starlight Glimmer: But of course. I can take care of myself.

[Starlight quickly swings the door open, and Shining Armor, who was leaning on the other side of the door, falls to the floor.]

Dean Cadance: Shining Armor! [She gets up from her chair and helps Shining Armor up.] Are you alright?!

Shining Armor [grunting]: Yeah. I'm alright.

Starlight Glimmer: Wait, who is this?

Dean Cadance: This is Shining Armor. He's an alumnus of Crystal Prep.

Starlight Glimmer: Really? [To Shining Armor] Tell me something, Shining. Have you competed in the Friendship Games?

Shining Armor: I sure have.

Starlight Glimmer: And did you win?

Shining Armor: Of course, we always win.

Starlight Glimmer: Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. [Shining Armor seems confused.] And I suppose Abacus Cinch was your principal at the time, correct?

Shining Armor: Yes, she was. [To Cadance] Cadance, who is this?

Dean Cadance: Shining Armor, this is Starlight Glimmer, our new star-student.

Shining Armor: Oh. Well it's nice to meet you.

[Both Starlight and Shining Armor start shaking hands.]

Starlight Glimmer: Hello.

Dean Cadance: So what are you doing here anyway?

Shining Armor: Well…it…I…thought I can stop by and…

Starlight Glimmer: I believe it has something to do with this.

[She holds up a picnic basket. Shining looks at his hand and realizes it's not there. So he grabs the basket from Starlight.]

Shining Armor: I just…thought I could deliver some lunch for Dean Cadance here.

Starlight Glimmer: Really? Feels like a lot of food for just one person. So how long have you two…?

[The two start blushing and stammering.]

Dean Cadance: Hey! Shining Armor, were you spying?

Shining Armor: Sorry. I was about to knock when I overheard my sister's name through the door. I just couldn't help myself but to—

Starlight Glimmer: Whoa, wait. Sister? What sister?

Dean Cadance: He's referring to Twilight.

Starlight Glimmer [To Shining Armor]: You're Twilight Sparkle's brother?!

Shining Armor: Well yeah.

Starlight Glimmer: Tell me, did your sister ever tell you what happened at the Friendship Games?

Shining Armor: I really don't know what to tell you. Details of that event were a bit sketchy. After the games, my sister decided to transfer over to Canterlot High. I just don't get it. I tried asking Twily what happened, but she was being vague about it. I even asked Cadance here about it, but she doesn't want to talk about it either. But whatever is it, I'm sure they had a good reason not to tell me.

Dean Cadance: Yeah. [She then takes the picnic basket from Shining Armor.] Why don't I just set this up so tha-?

Starlight Glimmer: Just one more question before I go. [To Shining Armor] Do you have a sister named "Midnight"?

Shining Armor: No, I don't. Never heard of her. [To Cadance] Who's Midnight? [Cadance raises her shoulders, pretending she doesn't know anything. Then he turns back to Starlight.] Where'd you heard that?

Starlight Glimmer [smirking]: Oh, well that's alright. Just a little rumor I heard. I'll just leave you two alone then, okay? It was nice meeting you both.

[Starlight then leaves Dean Cadance's office, as Shining Armor and Cadance watch her go, both looking perplex.]

To Be Continued…

Now this is the longest chapter I've worked on. With Starlight finding Twilight's secret notes, Starlight and Cinch show each other their "truth selves", and bringing Dean Cadance and Shining Armor into the story; I figured I could squeeze these moments in the chapter and get it over with. Now tensions are high and conflicts between protagonist and antagonist have risen, what might happen next?