Chapter 02: Better Than Ever

The scene opens up towards a familiar high school within the human world version of the pony-verse of Equestria: Canterlot High. There were many of the students just entering the building as we speak to start things off, and were carrying some boxes. Inside, many of the students pass the halls, chatting with one another, being as happy as can be. But the focus goes towards what’s going on in the auditorium , as many students are setting up banters on the ground and look to be decorating it; each with its own uniqueness. Heck, even the CMC girls look to be doing it, with Apple Bloom painting a line, then helped out by Scootaloo who look to Sweetie Belle, and vice-versa, they were doing pretty good. Then a surprise happenS that something took a paint brush from Sweetie Belle’s canteen, and to their surprise eyes, it was…Sunset Shimmer!

“Want some help?” Sunset Shimmer asked in wanting to know if the girls here need help, she was looking like she was trying to be very friendly and wanted to be a part of this.

“Uh, no thanks; we’re good. Not dat we don’t want it, it’s just…we’re already about done now.” Apple Bloom politely replied to Sunset Shimmer’s request as she and the other two look to the big girl with nods.

“Oh…” Sunset Shimmer responded surprise to hear that, and seem…to get her. “Okay.” She responded with a slight sorrow on her face, knowing that she’s not needed here.

Soon Sunset Shimmer returnS the paintbrush into Sweetie Belle’s canteen, knowing THAT she’s not needed with this group.

“Sunset Shimmer,” Then a loud voice was heard that got most of those near Sunset Shimmer’s spot of who called her name. “Over here!” Then it’s shown to be Pinkie Pie waving up to tell the girl to join her and the Main Five working on their banter, as they showed smiles.

Sunset Shimmer soon showed a smile on her face, feeling happy to be needed. But as the girl makes her way across, many of the other students she pass by glared and gossip about her as she held her left shoulder. She walked pass many and even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, everyone was showing their glares and gossips about her, much to the girl’s disappointment, even Trixie back on stage did the same thing with her group.

“Hugh. I had no idea the whole school would be here.” Sunset Shimmer sighs in disappointment to stand near the Main Five, seeing that she was not feeling much love or welcome. But then Fluttershy patted her shoulder to help cheer the girl up. Then Pinkie Pie and Rarity look to the other, bent down to pick up their new banter poster of a night start sky with musical instruments.

“Quite the eye catching investment, if I do say so myself.” Rarity boasted out to make a claim of how well this design was on their behalf.

“And…it smells like Cake!” Pinkie Pie happily stated on what their poster banter smells like.

“It does?” Fluttershy asked off surprised, that do sound interesting and she wonders how. She tries to smell the cake, but Pinkie Pie came up too close to her face to smash the poster in the girl’s face.

“I just used frosting instead of paste.” Pinkie Pie explained to which when the poster was removed; Fluttershy had blue cake frosting on her nose and some frosting toppings that look like freckles on her face.

“Uh, Fluttershy; ye got a little something…uh…” Applejack held up her hand and tries to mention to her friend that she has a little messy spot on some part of her face.

Fluttershy heard that, used her left hand to wipe off a small check spot of the frosting toppings before checking her hand. “Did I get it?” Fluttershy asked with a smile if she got the spot while not knowing there was a lot more that she missed.

“Hugh, not exactly,” Applejack smiled to shake her head ‘no’ that the girl didn’t get all of what she had.

Now the girls watch as Sunset Shimmer takes out a hankie to help wipe the frosting mess off Fluttershy’s face, they’ve seem to come along nicely in their friendship.

“Good afternoon, students.” Principal Celestia spoke forth that made everyone see her and Vice-Principal Luna enter the auditorium. “I just want to tell you, how pleased I am.” As she spoke, Celestia & Luna pass over a smiling Diamond Tiara & Silver Spoon making a crown on their poster, “That so many of you are going to participle in the first ever Canterlot High School Musical Showcase,” The principal & vice principal stops in the center to where Celestia announced this news to the whole student group of what they are preparing.

“Yyaaahhhh/Alright,” Many of the students are seen cheering and celebrating this news like it’s the best news they ever got. Even Trixie on stage (heh, knowing her type, would choose to work ON Stage) stood up to cheer along with her two friends in what their principle said to give them compliments.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for all our after school programs, here at CHS.” Celestia declared this news of what they are working towards for their school. “So keep working on those signs and posters.” She encouraged everyone to do their best in making an effort in their work to help. “I think it’s going to be most exciting events we had at CHS…” She announced this with a very happy expression on her face in how great this Musical Showcase is gonna be, “Since the Fall Formal.” She stated that this next event will be even better than the last one they had.

As the Main Five & Sunset Shimmer were by their spot to smile in hearing this news, what was said lastly kinda made them all a bit surprised, especially Sunset. Soon many quiet groans and glares are stare at Sunset, even Trixie who was snipping her scissors on a ’T’ with her group glared at the one that cause them all to have some sorta bad memory of the Fall Formal. Sunset Shimmer held up her left arm over her face in blushing with humiliation, knowing she’s the center of such things. This makes the girl give out to slide down against the retractable auditorium steps to curl herself up to her knees and cover her hands to her face and buried it in her arms in shame. The Main Five shared pity expressions for what their friend is going through.

Nearby, Golden Heart & Pinkamena who work on their own poster could tell Sunset Shimmer was suffering from the angry glares of the crowd.

“Man, that’s gotta hurt.” Golden Heart stated in seeing Sunset really suffers much.

“I know, still being hated after all this time. They should let it go, like we did.” Pinkamena stated to her brother in what the other students should do.

“Not easy sis, don’t forget what we saw and what the others didn’t.” Goldie shook his head in reminding his sister of what Sunset did that she’s in such a state.

“Hugh, they were zombies, they didn’t see or understood much. But maybe someday they will.” Pinkamena signs in defeat in knowing not a lot of kids forgive what made them be zombies of evil. “After all, the CMC were not being mean or rude, just…being honest.” She stated about how the CMC handle Sunset Shimmer, they were not being mean or anything when they said they were good on their work.

“Right, this recovery is for Sunset to get over.” Goldie nods his head to say this in knowing what’s gotta be done.

That much the two siblings nod to, for Sunset Shimmer has a long road to recover to deal with.

Noticing Sunset’s sad look, Luna whispers to Celestia, “Sister, I think you may have hit a bad mark with what you said.”

“I know, it will take a while for Sunset to be fully forgiven by everyone.” Celestia whispers to Luna right back in pity. The Principal and Vice-Principal just like the Main Five, the CMC, Golden Heart and Pinkamena has also forgiven Sunset for her actions especially from what they just saw. The two don’t hold what happened against her as well. “I will apologize to Sunset Shimmer later. For now, we better meet the new students who are supposed to be joining our school today…”

--------------

At this very moment and time, the scene changes to another part of the school where the kids walk pass two double doors leading to…a band room which held the poster banter the Main Five worked on. Inside the band room, the Main Five were station as if preparing to play their instruments from left to right; Rainbow Dash on the electric guitar, Pinkie Pie on drums, Applejack on bass, Fluttershy on tambourine, Rarity on key-tar. But as for Sunset Shimmer, she sat on an old classic piano, just hanging with the girls while…looking miserable.

“Gaaaugh, I am NEVER gonna live that down.” Sunset Shimmer groans to complain, as she huddle herself a bit, looking like what she did in the past is something she can’t easily forget; as it’s a constant reminder.

“You were pretty bad at the Fall Formal.” Fluttershy stated as she reached over to grab her instrument from a shelf.

“A Demon,” Sunset dryly stated off in how to express the matter of how ‘bad’ she was. “I turned into a Raging She-Demon.” She rolled her eyes in remembering that horrible matter of what played out when she took Princess Twilight’s crown, her negative influence of evil caused her dark desire to manifest and turn her into Demon Sunset Shimmer.

“Aaaand tried to turn everyone here into Teenage Zombies for your own personal army!” Pinkie Pie pops in to say this with a cheery face, made a zombie motion to the stunt Sunset while the pink girl was clueless of the matter of what she said; just made Sunset feel worse that Rainbow also noticed.

“Aaah darling,” Rarity’s voice is heard speaking to get everyone’s attention, even Sunset. “You have us.” She smiled to state the positive outlook of what happened afterwards from Sunset’s issue from the Fall Formal. “And we’ve forgiven you for your past…hmmm…boo-boos.” Rarity was kindly stating, clear her voice to address the behavior Sunset performed.

“Too bad the same can’t be said for Boris who after his illegal actions of blackmailing students & teachers, got sent to a military school. Won’t see him getting on our nerves now,” Rainbow Dash smirk off to say this thankful fact; after the clean-up at the Fall Formal, Boris was transfer to a military school to pound discipline in his thick skull, at least that’s one bully the gang won’t see causing problems at this musical showcase. Trixie was a bit sore about it though.

“Ta be honest.” Applejack spoke off to say this with a more honest smile expression. “Ah say de whole experience brought everyone at Canterlot High closer than EVER before.” AJ tune her bass in speaking honestly of how that experience did do something good in the end, brought all the different types of students closer together than being apart.

“One…Two…Three,” Pinkie Pie tap her sticks together in starting the countdown, as the gang are gonna rehearse now as the Rainbooms. As the song was called “Better than Ever” by the band group is heard.

The Rainbooms: There was a time we were apart
But that’s behind us now

Rainbow Dash begins to lead while looking at Fluttershy as they were all starting to sing their song.

See how we’ve made a brand new start
And the future looking’ up, ah-oh, ah-oh

The entire band plays out their song here in rocking up, as they say this last part while almost sounding like the ‘up’ phrase of their meaning.

And when you walk these halls
You feel it everywhere
Yeah, we’re the Wondercolts forever, oh, yeah!

The scene shows much of the students happily walking the halls, even Green Cycle & Captain Planet are putting up a poster to show the upcoming CHS Musical Showcase ‘WHAO!’ on it while giving each other a fist bash.

We are all together
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)

As the scene shows more students getting along in the cafeteria with one calling the other to join them, the screen slips to showing Rarity on left screen & Applejack on right screen, then Rainbow Dash in the middle screen, Fluttershy on far right screen, and Pinkie Pie on the mid screen as they sang and play their instruments.

Now it’s better than ever
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)

As the girls were playing and singing, something magical happens that Applejack gets her pony ears and tail, even Pinkie Pie was getting hers too.

You can feel it, we are back (You… can… feel… it…)
And I’m so glad that we’re better

Now we see Rarity singing before getting her own pony ears and tail, then Rainbow Dash got hers along with Pegasus wings, and even Fluttershy got all three transformations of ears, tail and wings.

Better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we’re better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh

The Main Five continue to rock out with their singing as it was boosting their morale. And even outside the school, we see the CMC on the horse statue with Big Macintosh as Photo Finish took his picture while Trixie & Snips watch before the flash blinded our view. To which it was reveal to be taking pictures of the CMC girls, Big Mac, Snips & Snails and even Trixie wanting the spotlight.

Rainbow Dash: There was a time we couldn’t see
Past the differences

Now we see Rainbow & Fluttershy leaning from right and left side to Sunset’s spot, helping the girl put a smile on her face.

Applejack: ‘Dat separated yew an’ me
An’ it left us on our own

Applejack sang off this part while looking around in worry about what it’s like to be on their own, alone. Then Pinkie Pie did a drum beat here with a happy face.

Pinkie Pie: But now you walk these halls
And friends are everywhere

During the moment, the scene shows the students walking in the hall, chatting, doing fun tricks, enjoying each other’s company.

The Rainbooms: Yeah, we’re the Wondercolts forever, oh, yeah!

Then a scene shows a pencil pusher guy bump into a tall guy with puffy blue hair & tornado symbol on his shirt while the former’s Wondercolt’s ears flip off and landed on the other guy. But instead of being mad, they just laugh it off.

We are all together
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)

Rainbow Dash & AJ took moments in the mikes to sing this out while having a blast.

Now it’s better than ever
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)

Scene shows Rarity look back to see a happy Sunset get off to stand up with her friends as Fluttershy & Applejack are seen enjoying the other’s work in singing along.

Now that we are back on track (Now… that… we… are…)
Yes, I’m so glad that we’re better
Better than ever

Rainbow Dash and the rest played out in really jamming it up with their band, and it was so wonderful that Sunset Shimmer closed her eyes to snap her fingers and open her eyes to tap her left foot to the beat; this was a great number. And on that last part, Rainbow play down on her guitar in really making the scene.

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we’re better than ever

Now we see Fluttershy shaking her tambourine, Rarity doing her key-tar, and then Rarity lean to Fluttershy and AJ came near the yellow girl in the perfect moment.

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we’re better than ever

As they sang, Sunset was clapping her hands in really loving this song, it was living things up.

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we’re better than ever!

We see Pinkie Pie beating on the drums, and then we see the entire band of the Rainbooms pose on that last part of their song. Then as the song ended, did the magic of the ears, tails, even the wings, vanished away from their bodies. But the Mane Five smiled in not feeling bothered, they just love to rock. Even Sunset clapped for the finish, as it was amazing.

“Ahahaha…hugh, I still can’t believe that happens when we play.” Rarity giggled a bit while stating the fact of what happened to them whenever they play their instruments. “Oh, I got to look into some new accessories!” She yelped in brainstorming a moment as a fashion ate stylish girl. “Something that looks good in a longer ponytail.” She was thinking up a plan for when they get the long ponytail during the magic that appears when they play. “Ooooh, maybe some clip on earrings when I get those adorable pony ears!” She dramatically spoke in having thought up a fantastic idea of the next style.

The gang smiled at Rarity’s thoughts for fashion, but there was something to puzzle their minds.

“Ah just wonder WHY it happens.” Applejack asked off puzzled, as even Fluttershy who sat with her on the steps heard the question. “Princess Twilight took her crown back ta Equestria.” AJ brought up a subject of their friend from another world. “Shouldn’t dat mean she took all de magic back wit’ her?” They had magic from Twilight from Equestria, but why was it the magic never left to return.

“Who CARES why it happens?” Rainbow Dash shrugs off with an excited expression to say while Sunset look puzzled to think the question. “It makes my band Totally Awesome!” She taps her chest in making this statement to the rest.

“Ooohh…Your Band,” Rarity cringed to turn around i shock in hearing what she heard.

“Duh; it was my idea to start the Rainbooms so we can be in the showcase.” Rainbow Dash brag off with pride to the dry expressed Rarity of who was the one to get credit for thinking up such a plan. “Plus, I’m the lead singer & guitarist!” She pointed to herself in pointing out other facts of why it’s her band and why she’s giving herself the credit to the group; even as Pinkie Pie was leaning a cymbal on her head.

Then without warning, there was a knock on the band room door that got the girls’ attention. Who could that be? The answer came when Flash Sentry came in to check up on the girls.

“Ugh, heard you outside.” Flash stated off to say this, while looking like he wanted to intrude, but waited to do so at the right moment. “You guys are starting to sound really tight.” He walks in to comment the group on their excellent work in synchronizing each other’s work to sing together.

The girls smiled in hearing that, until Rainbow decided to chat with the guy.

“Ugh, where getting there.” Rainbow Dash stated off on the subject of how ‘tight’ they are in their band. “Rarity’s still coming in a little late on the second verse. And Applejack’s base solo could use a little work.” She was stating out to improvements for those she mentioned, much to them standing next to Rainbow to frown a little. “They’ll get it together in time for the showcase.” She winks to issue that they’ll get things together in time for the musical showcase event.

Course Rarity & AJ frown to puff a bit in hearing such criticism about their side of performance while Fluttershy nervously hid her face behind her tambourine in seeing this scene may turn ugly.

“Well I got some good news to tell you all, you know how I got connections with Johnny Brock.” Flash Sentry stated to remind the gang of how he was tutored by the famous rock star they know and love his music.

“Why the most famous rock star, oohhhh, darling, who hasn’t heard of him,” Rarity spoke to almost feel ready to faint in having to know such a famous celebrity.

“Well he just told me some news that the teachers & staffs are keeping quiet to not get everyone so uproar. But, when the Main Event begins…we’ll be hosting the guest of honor; Autobots & the Yaegar Family.” Flash Sentry’s news really was gonna be the surprise for anyone to hear, the Main Five and Sunset Shimmer were stun speechless of who the guest of honor for the Mane Event would be; as they have heard about the Yaegar Family and more importantly, about the Autobots.

“Wait, you mean…those giant robots that can change into any vehicle? They’re gonna be here? How will they fit through the door? Where will they sit? Where…hmm-hmm-hmmmph,” Pinkie Pie was going on about this shocking discover to almost go crazy if AJ didn’t cover her mouth.

“Settle down Pinkie! Flash, are ye sure about dat info? Them Yaegar Family Ah can understand, but GIANT Robots, really, at our school?” Applejack tries to calm her excited pink friend down while asking Flash if he’s serious about this.

“Hey, Johnny Brock is a great guy in the music business, he never lied about it. How it’ll be pulled off, got me,” Flash Sentry explained the case to the group as he was told by one great living rock legend about this big a deal, but how it goes off is anyone’s guess. “But it’s probably because those guys saved the Earth from danger and its good press. But the real news is that the winner of the Main Event will play their music alongside with the popular high school band: Hyper Linking Dragon.” Flash explained the news a bit more further of what happens afterwards, and what prize the winner gets.

“Seriously; I heard of those guys! They’re said to be the best band from another school! And WE get to jam with them?” Rainbow Dash replied off in shock to hear they can jam with Hyper Linking Dragon who are said to be the best band from another school.

“Well, it sounds like someone knows their rock bands.” Rarity lightly teases her friend in seeing someone knows her rock-n-roll biology.

“Oh my, are they really that good? Um, not that we aren’t as good, right,” Fluttershy shyly asked the question over the subject here.

“Cough…well I say they are ‘about’ our greatest competition. But, I’m sure we can handle them.” Rainbow Dash coughs to recover her image to make sure she isn’t seen uncool about jamming with such a famous school band.

“Well get this, we’ll be judged not by just the principal and vice-principal, but by our guest of honor.” Flash Sentry explained that Celestia & Luna will have more judges from the Yaegar Family & Autobots during the matter.

“Well now, don’t dat just be all.” Applejack scratch her head in feeling like this stuff has blown them away.

“Ugh, I don’t suppose any of our Friends from um…out of town…might be come?” Flash Sentry rub the back of his head while having some trouble to ask this question to the Main Five about some ‘friends’ who are out of town; in the likely meaning of the words of it, “Ugh, this being a special charity event an all?” He put his hands in his coat, shrug himself to the left in trying to make this sound like a casual question, and not sounding like an actual, hoping for a ‘yes’ request.

“Sorry Flash.” Applejack spoke off in turning the question down for a no as the others watch in knowing who Flash was talking about. “Ah don’t think Twilight, Ben and their group from Equestria are gonna be back at Canterlot High anytime soon.” She spoke honestly of the question, as the Main Five all shared the same feeling; they miss their friends from the pony universe, and don’t know if they will ever come back.

“Especially when the ones here are working out of states and country for someone they didn’t mention. And that Twilight’s younger brother who be Nyx’s older brother, pick them up in a strange shadowy copter.” Pinkie Pie stated off this statement about their own Equestria Human versions of the Sparkle Family, and what happened to them.

“How do you know all that?” Fluttershy asked a bit stump to hear that, no one even knew that except that their own world’s Twilight and family members left on a trip.

“I watch & overheard them…real spy-like action.” Pinkie Pie smiled off to admit the truth of the fact, though crazy as it sounds.

“Pinkie Pie, you are random, but your randomness helps out…somehow.” Rainbow Dash slowly stated about her friend here about being helpful, but in the strangest of ways.

“Ah-hahahahh…Oh yeah.” Flash Sentry let off a nervous chuckle to rub his two hands together after hearing the truthful state of his question. “Okay…I just, you know? Thought I ask,” Flash look a little lose in what to say, before he gave a finger gun hand sign to say ’see ya’ to the girls in being cool and all over the answer of who isn’t coming. “Ugh, keep on rocking it!” Flash tries to say this to the group of girls while deciding to back away towards the door.

But as the guy was backing up, he bump against the wall of the band room by mistake. Flash Sentry made a silly smile expression before moving correctly towards the door while giving his pointed finger in saying ’see ya’ & ‘rock on’ to the girls before leaving. Sunset Shimmer watched the guy leave in such a goofy way, not said a thing over the subject.

“Well-hehheheeell…I don’t wanna sound mean to tease, but…someone is quite the smitten kitten. Gehah,” Rarity came up to say while making it sound a bit playful about Flash’s behavior. “And by that, I mean how much he hides his feelings of missing our friends.” She stated off that subject of how Flash didn’t wanna be seen through of his latter questions about seeing their other world pony pals, “Huuagh! Oooh, sorry,” Rarity then did a double take to realize something, and saw Sunset have a disappointed face because of the subject with Flash. “I always forget you and Flash use to be an item.” She stated her apology about how Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry were once boyfriend and girlfriend long ways back before…things fell apart.

“It’s okay.” Sunset held up her left hand to calm the group down with a little honest smile face. “Flash is a great guy and all that, but I never really liked him liked him.” She spoke off to say and rub the back of her head to state about what she felt for the guy.

“Really, you sure seem to like him liked him. Cause he reminded you of the same guy from Equestria.” Pinkie Pie randomly asked off this sudden question that struck Sunset Shimmer by surprise to almost blush.

“What! No, really. We’re just….friends now, nothing else!” Sunset protest off to say this; after her she-Demon fiasco, she and Flash reconcile & became friends (unknown that both felt despite in feeling like they wanted to be together again). “Besides, even if there ‘were’ old feelings, I was just using him to become more popular.” She shrug off to mention this as her basic plot of having Flash around to make her more popular in the school; only to freeze up with wide-eye shock of what she just said. “Ugh, the old me really was just…awful, wasn’t she?” She moans to cover her right eye in groan off about how bad her old self was in the past.

The Main Five were slowly muffing their responses by silent ‘hmms’ and nods to the question or for Fluttershy look her head down to not say anything to hurt one’s feeling, “Eeyup!” Pinkie Pie responded off to simply say the answer in her own way.

“But ‘de important thing is dat you’ve turn yet-self around.” Applejack approached the gloomily Susnet, stood her up to encourage her that made the girl smile in hearing such thoughtful words.

“Eh, thanks Applejack.” Sunset replied off to say in being happy to hear such things to get her on her feet. “But I’m not sure everyone else at CHS feels the same way. Besides your sister, Rarity’s sister, Rainbow’s little fan, even Golden Heart, Pinkamena & Flash that just manage to handle me. Even Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna are giving me the benefit of the doubt.” Sunset responded to say while beginning to pout, everyone but THOSE mentioned names, feel like giving her another chance while the rest still hold grudges.

Then without warning, a beeping voice was heard, as it caught the attention of anyone in the school.

“Sunset Shimmer,” Celestia’s voice was heard over the announcement board. “Please report to the main foyer.” Celestia’s voice instructed to the requested student to come by.

“Gotta run,” Sunset spoke to the rest in preparing to leave them at this time near the open band room door. “I volunteer to show some new students around the school.” She explained what she volunteered to do and that’s why she was called upon. “Thought it be good for them to get to know the NEW me.” She made a sheepish smile in trying to state something about having new students know about the Sunset Shimmer of today… “Before they heard all the stuff about the OLD me,” She pouted with a frown in knowing that once the new students know who Sunset Shimmer was, it might be hard having new friends that DON’T hate her. She tries to put on a hopeful smile to her friends before leaving.

The Main Five watches Sunset leave as Rainbow wave her farewell and now it was down to the band members.

“We still got a few minutes before lunch starts.” Rainbow Dash turns to her pals in knowing they still got time before they have their lunch period. “What do you say we do ‘Awesome AS I Wanna’?” She pumps her fist in getting raring to go and do the next song she has in mind.

“Um, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy spoke with a shy tone in holding a pink-violet book in her hands. “I was wondering if we could maybe play the song I wrote.” She meekly smiled and showed her book in froth of her shy face, asking they do a song she wrote for the band.

“Uh, we’ll get to that one.” Rainbow Dash waved off to tell her friend they do that later, as she already decided on what they’ll do first.

“Oh, okay.” Fluttershy meekly replied with a little sad frown in seeing her friend was busy that they have to get to it later.

Rainbow Dash plays her guitar without noticing the little sad face Fluttershy had in hearing they won’t do the song she wrote yet….but maybe someday they will; Right?

------------

Just outside of the band room when Sunset Shimmer left, something was seen crawling along the walls, it look like a black widow spider. But on closer looks, we see that it’s not what it appears, it was instead some sorta advance mechanical robo-spider with a built in camera lens from its mark on its behind. As the camera was zooming in, it was focusing around Sunset, as images of her were transferred back…to its connected source. And that’s when we find the images coming in from a lab-top from within a room label ‘security’, and it looked like there were some people inside.

One was a light crimson Chinese man with black spiky hair at age 39 dressed in gray coat, pants and crimson scarf; he was known as Blazefist.

The second was a light green Chinese man with gentle short hair at 30s dressed in dark green shirt within brownish coat and long dark brown pants; he was known as Laxtinct.

Third was a cyan female with a bit muscular at age 39 dressed in light cyan sleeveless shirt, long navy pants, her wrists are covered navy cloths and had the navy jacket tied around her waist; she was known as Aquastroke, or Aqua for short address means.

Fourth was a guy about 40-years-old, he was a pale Greek-Chinese man with black short gentle hair dressed in white uniform, black pants and black coat; he was known as Terrorcreep.

Fifth was a lightish yellow man with black spiky hair dressed in light green shirt within the black jacket and dark green long jean, holding his Chinese Sword; he was known as Saber Dragon, or Saber for short address means.

Sixth was a curved brown haired of a dark brown man at 50s dressed in silver samurai's armor with brown coat and long white pants that came with his samurai sword; he was known as Lightningblade.

Seventh was a greenish robotic armored samurai with black coat and had a black patch on his left eye; he was known as Burnblast.


Eighth was a light red man at 20s dressed in scientist's suit; he was known as Shorty Thinking.


Ninth 24-years-old American-Chinese Woman with red/blond lion hair like fire, wore the gray t-shirt with a black vest cover, wore the navy long pants that's similar to Sora's but long, and wore a Japanese pair of shoes & speaks a Texas Accent; she was known as Flare Tiger. And she appeared to be nervous, but kept in hidden for mysterious reasons.



The other one was someone who we've seen too well, he was none other than...Shadow Dragon. As there is much shrouded mysterious about this guy as there was for Flare Tiger.

They were none other than the Dragon Strike Force, under orders from Chief Commander; Azure Phoenix, to infiltrate Canterlot High School to blend in as a part of teacher & staff, or for some, students at the school. Within the room of who’s role they act as Blazefist and Aquastroke are gym teachers, Shorty Thinking is a Science Teacher, Lightningblade and Burnblast were Kendo Teachers for the kendo activity program, Saber Dragon was the Cooker for the Bakery class, Terrorcreep was on security duty, Laxtinct was a janitor, and Shadow Dragon was the Discipline Teacher. The ones not in the room had other active duties, like Icy and Tailtech were students for the school that transferred way back. The last one was Flare Tiger as a consultant teacher and with this group. Their mission objective is to learn if those related to any alien invasion plots are to be hatched, especially to watch the Main Five, the CMC, and this Sunset Shimmer girl for any suspicious actions to prove a question to their minds; are the alien doppelgängers here peaceful or enslavement of humanity? Their teacher and staff outfits are left to hang on the shelf while they are doing their real objective.

“Looks like they finished their chat; Now Sunset Shimmer is heading for Celestia’s office,” Shorty Thinking stated in watching the action on his lap-top.

“Nothing much will happen here. So, should we brief what we’ve learn since being here?” Burnblast stated in what they should do, get down to what they know so far.

“Hugh, about as fair as all of you have gotten, I’ll bet.” Aquastroke sighs to say that she might not have done as well as the others have. “During practice as coach, I asked Rainbow Dash certain questions to not lead off about what happened here.” She explained what she did to question the girl she and Blazefist got in sum class.

“And; what happen, I was doing the boys sector by then.” Blazefist asked off in awaiting an answer from the girl he’s in love with (cough, and he’s her fiancé from the ring that she has on.)

“Nothing but how awesome she was in facing up against such threats and being loyal to her friends.” Aqua rolled her eyes in explaining how Rainbow told her stuff that wasn’t much answers to questions. “I’ve asked things that were personal, but she said that she wouldn’t betray her friend’s loyalty to spill the beans.” She stated in feeling that one girl is not so easy to crack as she’s a tough girl to beat.

“Well then Terrorcreep, how about you? You scare the info out of Fluttershy?” Lightningblade asked off in thinking the other guy must have gotten something.

“Oh sure, since I’m scary and she’s so frail and shy, she crack up like a piñata.” Terrorcreep responded off to say this stuff in a sarcastic kinda response.

“And…did she?” Flare Tiger asked a bit nervous, however…

“Not exactly, since I’m close with her family as a…uncle of sorts.” Terrorcreep shook his head off for ’no’ on not scaring the info out of Fluttershy. “I did ask questions and she kindly told me stuff that she tried her best in areas and believed in her friends, power…etc.-etc., so no. Nothing juicy if that’s what you wanted to hear.” The guy got zipped info about anything of what they wanted to know.

“Hugh…” Flare Tiger signed in relief, glad for the news in secret.

“I asked Applejack some things, being family partners and all that. But it felt like when I asked her to be honest, she seem to be quick effort to say honest stuff without being pin down or even lie.” Saber Dragoon responded to say in what he was doing, but Applejack was pretty good in making honest claims while making certain they weren’t lies without showing hesitation.

“I went over to Pinkie Pie and she talked alright.” Laxtinct stated with his head resting on his hand on a table.

“Now we’re getting somewhere.” Shorty Thinking replied in seeing they got something to work with now, but…

“And kept talking….and talking…and talking…and before I knew it, I forgot what I was gonna ask her.” Laxtinct stated off to say in feeling like he really got nowhere with Pinkie Pie, that girl is random.

“Uuugh! And my luck with Rarity hasn’t gotten me much. Even being her father’s close yet former partner.” Shorty Thinking sighs in regret to say that he also had no luck fairing to get Rarity to tell him anything too.

“Go to camera two for Tailtech & Icy’s progress.” Shadow Dragon gave the order to check up on their own further inside members of this operation.

Shorty Thinking did so in getting a camera image of their other two operatives that were playing the young and blend in the crowd mission when in this high school. One student was an orange American boy with lightish orange hair at 15 wore the goggles; he was known as Tailtech. The second student was a white British girl with braided blond hair at 15 dressed in cyan shirt and black skirt; she was known as Icy. These two were just finished with a chat with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo as they said their goodbyes.

“Report, anything from the little sisters & fan girl,” Shorty Thinking asked off in seeing the two finished talking to the CMC girls.

“Nothing from them, they say they were only briefly active while hanging out with their friend.” Tailtech shook his head no in not having anything to report.

“We’ll keep you posted of anything while not being suspicious. Over.” Icy relayed back to say while they end their transmission.

“And what about your side Shadow Dragon, when you told the principal of who was gonna show up in the Main Event?” Burnblast asked this interesting question out of nowhere.
Shadow was in deep thought about that statement, as certain memories began to come into his mind.
SHADOW DRAGON’S MEMORY
The scene shows what was Shadow Dragon as he appears now in the past as he’s dress today, a 38 years-old man dressed in crimson zipped-shirt and long black pants. He wore over his face black shades to cover his eyes. And with him was Tailtech who was dressed in a white T-Shirt and orange vest, and blue jeans. These two were in the office of Principle Celestia in giving some news about the Musical Showcase that was happening before the principal would join Luna to check on the students. Before Shadow Dragon would say or do anything else, he asked Tailtech to leave them be for a while to discuss some ‘grow-up’ stuff that didn’t involve techie stuff, which the young guy nods to before leaving.

“Isn't this exciting? I cannot wait to start the Main Event.” Celestia spoke in sounding very pleased by what’s coming. “I am so honored that you manage to convince the heroes of Earth to come to our school to be our guests and judges. And of course, for you too, to be part of it.” Shadow Dragon informed her about the Yaegar Family & Autobots being their honor guest and judges for this Musical Showcase, even Shadow Dragon want to be a part of it. “And I sure hope your family comes for it.” She stated about knowing this man has a family that must surely want to come for this.

“If only that was simple...” Shadow Dragon sighs to say, as if the subject is an unlikely event to play out.

“You haven't talked with Iris? I thought you and her were a great couple, and especially since you’ve had a great relationship with my son and his girlfriend.” Celestia spoke to question Shadow Dragon about certain family matters that played out that have shaken this man to be in a different state. “I thought we would become a great family. Whatever happens in the past is not your fault. It happens to her and everyone that was involved in that accident. You should be grateful that they were alive than just drifting away from them.” Celestia was speaking about what happened to this man that tragedy struck, and that it was almost costly if not short of a miracle that he did not lose something that holds life meaning.

“I know, Celestia. But…” Shadow Dragon spoke in trying to make up something in his defense. “I must put my duty first before family. I'm sorry. But I can't afford to put a risk on them again…” The man exclaimed that he has a job to perform, which comes first then his own love ones as it’s for the good of the world.

“Hugh…You sound just like Azure Phoenix.” Celestia sighs a bit in making this statement from what she’s heard. “I really did love him, but there is one thing I can't stand of him…it was neglecting the ones he loved and especially Iris Crystal.” She was stating how she and Azure Phoenix once shared a flame with another, but that faded out long ago when the man neglected his love ones.

“I'm truly sorry about it.” Shadow Dragon bow his head in apologizing over such a matter.

“It's okay. But think about it. Those teens and kids really like you for being a responsible and great teacher.” Celestia shook her head to say it’s fine, she’s not upset over the past, and tries to change the subject to something else for Shadow Dragon to understand.

“I do what I can, ma'am.” Shadow Dragon informed the principal that he does what needs to be done.

“Please... Promise me to talk with her. Talk with my daughter. Talk with Iris…” Celestia spoke in asking that this man at least speaks with her daughter, the one Shadow Dragon cares for.

“I will...” Shadow Dragon nods his head to say as he’ll try to do this.

Now Shadow Dragon leaves the principal’s office to return to his duty to the school as everything fades back into darkness of this old memory.

THE PRESENT

Back at the security room, the Dragon Strike Force was starting to feel like their long undercover mission has gone on so long to blend in without letting off who they are, is starting to wear thin. They’ve dug through the school files but seem the part about Canterlot High’s Fall Formal is gone, most likely from Celestia’s work. Even the truth about a She-Demon Sunset Shimmer wrecking the school structure was made into a prank gone wrong. The only leads are from those that Sunset Shimmer mingled with, but Boris The Gunman probably doesn’t know anything else after he was transferred away from the school, and that goes for the stooges of Sunset’s old group; Dum Dum & Boxco, even Snips & Snails, who are not so bright to even know what even went on or how to explain it in the first place. They also asked Flash Sentry of what he knew, but he stated facts that Sunset went too far with her mean-street and it backfired on her WITHOUT going into the real details of the event. There were plans to check in with two characters who acted weird like Pinkamena that wanted to guard the statue all day and her brother Golden Heart, they also might lead on to knowing more stuff, but haven’t approach them yet.

“We’ve been at this for a long while now. And so far, we’ve only gotten so little of what we are trying to find out?” Blazefist sighs to say that they are digging up nothing while spying on a couple of teen girls.

“Maybe we should try focusing on one who might be…a vulnerable point.” Burnblast wisely stated they change their strategy a bit to go for the one on the screen as their next target.

“Sunset Shimmer…it’s true, she’s the only true lead to unraveling this case.” Lightningblade stated off in hearing his master’s advice, she is somewhat inter tangled in this case from the beginning.

“Then we wait till she’s alone down a dark hall and I get her too us where there is no light. And if she doesn’t give us the right answers, it’ll be close calling.” Terrorcreep explained his term view of a plan as he revealed his hidden vampire teeth that grew out from his mouth that was shrunk in to conceal them.

“Ah yah crazy; Yah draw too many eyes ta take her while she struggles!” Flare Tiger protest of the idea, especially the last one about threatening to drink the girl’s blood.

“Hey, I’m lucky to go out when there’s not much sunlight for this vampire and stay coop’d here all day and come out at night.” Terrorcreep was arguing of his own problems in being a part of security, sure he watches stuff, and can’t go out except at night because he’s a vampire.

“Wait, something’s happening.” Aqua spoke off in noticing something strange going on the screen.

The image shows that Sunset Shimmer didn’t look where she was going, and yelp from slipping on some wet floor and she looked almost like she loses her balance and fall when….The signal got lost by a static screen on the lab-top; running the moment Dragon Strike Force was gonna see what happened.

“What the; the camera just went all static!” Saber Dragoon spoke off in seeing what happened just now.

“You think it’s busted?” Blazefist asked off if their camera is broken.

“Better not be, you know how expensive a Spidercam bot for infiltrating dark enemy bases are almost 20,000 dollars for the advance parts, programming and signal broadcasting & protective layers to block tracing signals & jamming signals.” Shorty Thinking protest to say that what they are using is highly expensive from what the government was working on.

“But is it High School Proof?” Flare Tiger pointed out slyly that while the spider cam can get by okay in evil enemy territory, in a high school, things are a little more active.

“Hugh, Laxtinct; go and find out what happened and make sure no one learns about our objective.” Shadow Dragon sighs to seeing this problem, and gave the task to one to clean up the mess before things get any messier.

“Right, get the guy who’s stuck on janitorial duty? Man, why I get stuck on the short straw?” Laxtinct rolled his eyes to say while knowing this was a job he rather not has gone with to begin with.

Soon Laxtinct got into his janitor outfit before leaving the others in the security room to retrieve their broken device.

Meanwhile, the spider cam was knocked down by some large rocky pebbles and looked really busted up on the ground. The culprits were Snips & Snails, as they had slingshots and seem to have noticed the spider to decide to have some fun, and they got it and it went SPLAT!

“Ehehehe, nice work Snips, we squash that creepy thing!” Snips laughed off in seeing what they did here.

“Yeah, and it made them weird noises too. Kinda weird too,” Snails replied of dumbfoundly in what else happened without caring.

But right now we focus on one girl that lost her balance on the floor to almost come to it, only for Sunset Shimmer to be caught. And the girl sees she was helped up from almost falling by an unlikely surprise by an old janitor friend; Hoboken “Hobo” Joe; The same guy that helped deal with saving Ben Mare from trouble by Boris’ bully group and even helped when she went all she-demon. But…why was he doing this with an honest and happy expression without knowing or recalling her past evils.

“Ye okay missy?” Hobo Joe asked off in making sure the girl wasn’t hurt.

“Oh, um…yes, thanks.” Sunset responded to say with a blush, as she dusted herself a bit.

“No problem, be careful around these here wet floors.” Hobo Joe stated off without a bother, as he continues down the hall.

“Um, sir…” Sunset turn a bit to speak to the man…

“Please, call me Hoboken Joe, or Hobo Joe for short.” Hobo Joe smiled off to say that Sunset can address him by name, like they are pals or something.

“Why…did you save me…back there?” Sunset twinkle her fingers in wondering why this man helped her just now.

“Why else? Ye would’ve been hurt.” Hobo Joe stated his reason for doing what was the right thing to do.

“But…that wouldn’t have bothered anyone around here? And…I’m surprise you would…after…what I did to you & everyone.” Sunset spoke in looking down at the floor in sadness, knowing she didn’t deserve such kindness from what happened at the Fall Formal.

“Ye mean zombifying de school, try ta waste Benny boy & Twilight & pals, an turn me into a mindless zombie?” Hobo Joe issued off all the stuff that this girl did to many of them in the past.

“Aaaahh…” Sunset nervously was looking like she was in a corner with that question.

“Eh, water under de bridge, I say. I’ve fer-give & fer-get.” Hobo Joe waved off all jolly like in letting that past bad experience go. “Besides, ye clean up after yah mess, so it’s all good.” He spoke this stuff out, much to the girl’s surprise.

“But after everything I did to the school, what Boris did to you to you, and…” Sunset stopped herself in knowing the more bad things she brings up, the worse she feels now in realizing her mistakes.

“Now hush now, dat fella Boris is paying’ fer his lousy crime, but ye already be pass it.” Hobo Joe spoke forth in helping the girl not get drag down in the dumps unlike the other fella.

“I wish it was that simple, I don’t think anyone would wanna be near me after what happen at the Fall Formal. Everyone hates me.” Sunset held her arms in looking discomfort on knowing where she stands…alone.

“Everyone Hates Yah? Ye sure…cause my noggin seems ta recall something’ about five girls wanting’ ye ta be a part of something?” Hobo Joe asked off with a sly tone in knowing Sunset isn’t giving herself enough credit that she does have those that don’t hate her.

Sunset lightly smiled to look up at Hobo Joe, he was right…she has been helped to be a part of something and her friends are doing just that.

“Listen, ye be in a deep hole yah dug yer self in. And no matter how hard ye try, can’t get out.” Hobo Joe came up to pat the girl’s right shoulder in explaining what Sunset must be going through. “But, if an ye had friends by ye side, they help get yah out cause it shows…yah not alone. So keep telling’ ye self dat, an yah won’t be as miserable as ye think.” The guy maybe a hobo working as a custodian, and might be having a hard life, but he is wise in his words that Sunset can’t be completely miserable when she does have those who care.

“Thanks Mr. Joe. That helps…” Sunset closed her eyes to nod at the guy; that really, really helps encourage her. “I gotta go now, see yah.” She stated in where she has to be right now, and says her goodbye now.

“Hmph, see ya Sunset Shimmer.” Hobo Joe spoke off as Sunset was heading off to get to the foyer asap. “Hope dat girl recovers, it ain’t easy ta get forgiveness, but at least its better ta have some friends dat stand by her if an de WHOLE world is against her.” He spoke off in knowing that Sunset needs all the support she can get, at least then, she won’t feel there is nothing left for her; which is why friends can guide one in his mind.

As Hobo Joe leaves to continue his duty, near the spot where long pass Snips & Snails bug crushing victory, those two left. And soon Laxtinct is seen picking up the broken spider cam with Tailtech & Icy nearby in seeing him do his work.

“Ugh, great; Shorty Thinking ain’t gonna like this?” Laxtinct signs in feeling like this was something he knows one guy ain’t gonna be pleased to see; an expensive tech busted by children, how will the government handle such insurance policy.

Just then, Laxtinct’s earphone was going off that he took a message to hear it. When he was done nodding his head, he had a weird outlook before the communication ended. Tailtech & Icy look to each other puzzle before asking what was up with their ally.

“Hey Laxtinct, what’s wrong?” Tailtech asked off in what was bugging this guy.

“Just got word from Shadow Dragon, Azure Phoenix has given us some new orders with our current mission still going.” Laxtinct explained the case of what can be understood; they got new orders to carry on with their primary task.

“What is it?” Icy asked in not knowing what else they are to do here besides uncover the truth of an alien threat or not.

“To watch out for some new arrivals coming to this school; something about them might not be right.” Laxtinct explained the order as clearly as he could on what he was told over the secure line.

The three were silent in knowing what that could mean, and if it’s from their Chief Commander Azure Phoenix, then it must have something to do…with the extraterrestrial situation they are currently doing. That’s just what they need, more work in trying to figure out what’s going on with this place, one’s gotta think high school was never THIS exciting or popular to get so much attention. Which apparently…it is for the unknown…as everyone goes dark at this time.

Author’s note
And there we go, the second chapter is made. And for the next chapter, Sunset (& apparently Flare Tiger as well who spies from afar) met and encounter three new girls; 'the Dazzlings' before showing them around the school & get an eye contact about a musical showcase. Sunset starts to feel there is something weird about the new girls in the cafeteria with her friends just before the Dazzlings perform a little rousing song to get everyone to wanna turn their event into a BATTLE OF THE BANDS competition. But as many students begin to feel drawn in, all but Sunset Shimmer, the Main Five, Golden Heart, Pinkamena and Cutie Mark Crusaders are magically taken in. And it's not only the students, but many teachers & staff show strange behavior as if...under a spell. But of course, not all staff are taken in, the Dragon Strike Force have averted the moment to fall under the Dazzlings’ strange spell. Then in a new attempt, Sunset seeks the way to get a message to Equestria for help...in which Twilight receives it. Read, review and suggest.