Ch. 4: More That's Out There

Meanwhile, at Crystal Prep, this world's Twilight, who was now wearing the usual academy uniform. This Twilight was much like her Equestrian counterpart was before she moved to Ponyville; had trouble making friends, oriented to her studies, and really not confident around people. This was obvious as she stared down the crowded hallway. Her glasses slipped down her face a bit, but she reset them and started walking down it, bumping into a few people along the way.

Later on, in her private lab in the academy, Spike was sleeping on her chair when he heard someone walking down the hall. He knew it was Twilight, so he quickly got up and was whacked away into a box by the door.

"Spike! Spii-iike!" said Twilight as she closed the door and sat down. The little pup quickly stuck his head up out of the wastebasket he had fallen into and barked. Twilight giggled as he hopped onto her desk. "There you are!" Then he jumped onto her and started licking her. "Ok, ok," she said calming him down. Then she opened a drawer and pulled out the necklace she made.

"Last night's field test confirmed it, Spike," she said. "With this device, I can track and contain the bizarre energy coming from Canterlot High." At the mention of the school's name, Spike started growling, but Twilight made him cut it out by petting him. "I know you didn't like me going over there, but I just couldn't wait." Spike jumped off her as she pushed her swivel chair over to another desk. "And soon, I'll have all the time I need. All of Crystal Prep is gonna be there for the Friendship Games. I just hope all that rivalry nonsense doesn't get in the way of my research."

Then a ladybug flew around and Spike tried to catch it. "If I can collect enough data on these EM frequencies, I should be able to extrapolate the waveforms to determine their origin," Twilight continued. "That would practically guarantee my entrance into the Everton Independent Study Program." Then she lost her balance in her chair just as someone opened the door. She had pink skin, tri-colored hair, purple eyes, and a dean's outfit. Then she got up with Spike licking Twilight's face.

"Twilight, you know the rules against pets." she said, helping her up.

"Well, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadence," said Twilight, thinking quickly. "He's the focus of my research project; 'Human/Canine Cohabitation; Effects and Implications."

Sonic Prime: Y'know, that sounds like a pretty interesting field, if I'm being totally honest.

"If you say so…" said Cadence, picking a piece of Spike's fur off her shirt. "But Principal Cinch is highly allergic, so I suggest you put on a clean shirt."

"Why?" asked Twilight.

"Because she wants to see you." said Cadence.

"Ooh! Maybe she has news about my application to Everton," said Twilight hopefully.

"I've actually been meaning to talk about that," said Cadence. "Are you sure that's what you really want?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" asked Twilight. "A program that allows me to direct all my attention on my own advanced math and science projects? What a dream come true!" Yeah, in case you didn't notice yet, this Twilight's a bit of an ubernerd. Anyway, back to the story…

"But there aren't any classrooms with other students," said Cadence. "You'll be doing everything on your own."

"That is why it's called an Independent Study Program," said Twilight matter-of-factly.

"I just don't want you to miss out on anything, that's all," said Cadence. "Being around other people isn't a bad thing. Sometimes it's how you learn the most about yourself."

"I guess," said Twilight.

"Meet you in Principal Cinch's office in a few minutes?" asked Cadence. Twilight nodded slightly and she left.

"What's she so worried about?" Twilight asked Spike. "Everton is exactly what I need right now. *sigh* It's not like I have anything left to learn at Crystal Prep." Later she had changed her shirt and she was heading up to Cinch's office as Sonic and his siblings, who were playing their instruments, which somehow carried over to the city, lightly filled the air before Twilight started singing.

(Play "What More is Out There?" – Original Movie)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'll find out someday...

Once she was done, she opened the door to Cinch's office. Back at CHS, Rainbow was looking at Sonic and his siblings who had finished performing.

"Why'd you just play that?" she asked.

"Eh. we were kinda tense. Playing helps calm us down." said Sonia. Back at Crystal Prep, Twilight was both ecstatic and shaking in her boots, since she was in the same room as the principal of Crystal Prep, Abacus Cinch, a rather stone-faced reclusive woman. Hell, most of the students figured she lived in her office and hadn't left it since the last games four years ago. Then the door closed to reveal a white-skinned young man.

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

"As an alumni, Principal Cinch thought he could provide some unique perspective." said Cadence.

"On what?" asked Twilight.

"Why, the Friendship Games, of course," said Cinch, a turquoise-skinned woman. "You competed in the last games, did you not, Shining Armor?"

The young man was surprised, but cleared his throat and answered quite simply "I did."

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

Armor chuckled a bit before he answered. "Crystal Prep did," he said. "We always win,"

"We always win," Cinch copied before walking over to a trophy case in her office.

"Why did you ask to see me?" asked Twilight.

"Twilight, I'll be honest," said Cinch. "It doesn't matter whether or not Crystal Prep wins or loses. The important thing is that we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation. And it is that reputation… My reputation, that is responsible for everything we have here. For everything you've done here. And you've done quite a lot, haven't you?"

"I don't know," said Twilight. "I guess."

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

"In the Friendship Games?" asked Twilight.

"Look, sis, I know it's not your thing, but representing the school is kind of a big deal," said Armor. "Plus, they could really use your help."

"It seems Canterlot High is undergoing something of a Renaissance," said Cinch. "Test scores are up. Grades, even athletics are on the rise. You see, they are developing somewhat of a reputation. This. Cannot. Happen."

"Principal Cinch, with all due respect, I can't possibly participate in the games," said Twilight. "My work here is very-"

"Ah yes, your work," said Cinch. "Cadence, could you and Shining Armor find my contact sheet for the Everton Independent Study Program?"

"Of course," said Cadence and she and Armor left.

"I understand you've applied?" asked Cinch slyly. "You see, one of the advantages of having a reputation is a certain amount of influence in such things. So let me offer you a deal; In return for contributing your agile mind to these games, I will use my influence to guarantee your application is approved. Though I suppose I could also have it denied. What do you think I should do?"

Twilight was worried the competition would get in the way of her research, but this was her chance to get into Everton, so she was forced to concede. Later, she was back in her lab with Spike, loading up for the trip. Spike tries to not make her go, but she resists.

"Come on, Spike! I was always gonna go to Canterlot High for the games," she said. "Only difference now is that I have to compete. Besides, it's not like Principal Cinch gave me much of a choice." Spike whined and Twilight patted him on the head, cheering him up. "I know, Spike. I don't like it either. I probably won't be able to collect anywhere near as much data as I thought." Then she picked up her pendant and pondered something. "But maybe I can still get some," Quickly she put it on. Spike was worried she would leave him behind, but she just hugged him and put him in her bag. "Spike, I wouldn't leave without you. Just remember to be quiet. And… try not to shed." Quickly, she zipped out to the bus where she found some of her more competitive classmates, all of whom were extremely rude as they rumbled down the road in the bus.