Chapter 03: Twilight’s Research

The scene shifts towards Canterlot Library, in where we find students were busy either reading books or using the computers. But currently, we find Sunset Shimmer was by herself at a table, looking over some scientific studies & trying to come up with written paper works of diagrams showing humans & ponies. This was most likely to figure out the case involving the pony transformation Rainbow Dash performed, from what could be explained, in the past, the Rainbooms got their magic from Pony Twilight & it only showed up during music practices. But Sunset was tapping her finger in having real dilemma of a problem in solving why Rainbow Dash Pony-Up without her instrument that’s the key, it just….it just didn’t make sense.

“UGH!” Sunset was so furious, she knocked off the papers she wrote down in not getting anything, before she sat her head down to clap her hands on the forehead. “Hahhh….this is going to be harder than I thought.” Sunset sighs in feeling that this was not an easy case to solve before the day of the games.

“Sunset?” Then entering the scene was Flash Sentry, surprising Sunset to not know he was nearby.

“Flash…wha…what are you doing here?” Sunset yelped in surprise to see the guy she likes here, making her blush a bit of this unexpected encounter.

“Came to check up on the last few events the school did, see which I them I might help out in. You?” Flash showed a yearbook of the Friendship Games to give him some helpful tips, while wondering what Sunset was doing.

“Stuck trying to solve the magic thing. Hugh, I could really use some help solving this.” Sunset sighs again in feeling like this was a tough case to crack.

“Hey, you know what…maybe Detective Dan can help, he helped us out before. I got his number, hang on.” Flash stated off to say this in recalling someone that could help them out, a known detective that saved their kids during Smaug’s Apocalypse Order; maybe he can figure something out if Sunset’s having problems solving something that’s a mystery.

Now Flash dialed up his cell phone, as he was hearing a ring before after a few moments, it got connected, as he & Sunset listen closely. “Hello, you reach Detective Dan. Can’t come to the phone right now as I’m not in my office. Either I’m on a case, been captured, or using the john. Anyway, leave a message & I’ll get back. Alright, that’s enough, NOW HOW DO I TURN THIS THING OFF?” What they heard was Detective Dan’s voice mail in stating he’s unable to come to his phone while saying for someone to leave a message before that last part sounded a bit loud just as it went to a beeping noise; while leaving the two lovers a bit…stump in having heard all that kids of weird & random acts?

“Okay….backfired.” Flash slowly responded a bit weirded out & puzzled to have heard such a weird voice recorded message.

“Heh-heh, it’s sweet of you to help out Flash, but…this is something I’ve been put in charge in.” Sunset giggled under her breath to smile a bit in thanking the guy for his thoughtfulness.

“Okay, but if you need help, just ask your friends. We’re here for you.” Flash smiled off to say this that the girl has others to help while not doing things all on her own.

“Thanks Flash.” Sunset smiled off to nod in thanking the guy for his support.

“Okay, see yah around.” Flash replied off to say this off to the girl in wishing her luck before turning around to wave back.

Course after Flash left her, Sunset looked back at the books to see that she is back to square one again to rest her chin on her hands to think what to do. As Sunset gets up to gaze down at her magic message book, the girl kinda got so gloomy & copy, that…she decided to reach for it & open it up; maybe it’s time to get some ‘real’ expert help here. She opens it to ponder what to write with a pen in hand, before starting while looking kind of down.

“Hey, Twilight. Haven't heard back from you yet. I’m guessing you must be pretty busy with your role as princess. That & keeping Equestria safe from magical evil forces of evil.” Sunset speaks out in her mind in stating about how busy Twilight must be being a princess, but she sure seem kinda down in the dumps here. “But you know, I could really use your advice right about now. You see, I've been given the job of keeping magic here under control at CHS, even though I still haven't quite wrapped my head around all of it.” Sunset explains this stuff of as she reads it out loud of her voice in her head, as she sulks a bit in feeling like this was really straining the girl. “And now after seeing Rainbow Dash pony up the way she did during a pep rally speech, it makes me think her magic might be...changing. That activating it without an instrument is not the only way.” As Sunset writes, she scratch her head in stating a theory of what she believes is going on, that for Rainbow Dash to Pony Up like what she saw, changed in a way unseen. “Everyone is looking to me to figure things out, & I really don't wanna let them down when they are counting on me. But I'm not sure I have enough experience with friendship magic to solve this. Please tell me, what should I do?” Sunset’s voice spoke all of this out in looking pretty beat about having the hardest trouble with this caper, especially when it concerns with magic revolving around friendship that the girl has no idea how to solve it while really needing some help.

Sunset stops writing to look on in feeling like she really wishes that Pony Twilight could be here; hugh, if only things were as simple as that though. Things blur out now as we have a change….in location.

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Soon the scene shift changes towards a different school that was none other than…Crystal Prep. Then there was a loud school bell heard ringing, as it was now time for students to begin their next sections on classes. The scene changes to what was happening inside, as someone was seen walking in the hallway to where the person stops by the blue locker area. The camera zooms upwards from a girl’s shoes to where we find it’s…Twilight Sparkle? Wait, no…it’s the other one…the Techie type as we see her holding a book while looking a bit nervous. The reason why, was acrossfrom her were the rest of Crystal Prep students & as it’s a boarding school, this academy has an apparent dress code; all students including Twilight wore reddish-purple blazers or vests, dark-blue ties or bow ties & black shoes. The male students however wore different clothing of their types which were dark-blue slacks while female students wear reddish-purple tartan skirts. Twilight adjusts her eyes, takes a deep breath before moving through the crowded hallway.

“Excuse me.” But Twilight yelps from bumping into a girl student that looked at her annoyed while excusing herself. “Sorry.” Then Twilight yelped from when another girl came from behind which she bump the glassing wearing girl back that she adjust them while apologizing while trying to stand clear of anymore accident matters. “Pardon me.” Twilight yelped when she bump across what looked like a female human version Fleur Dis Lee as she just looked down in feeling really uncomfortable about now before just quietly moving along. Everything goes black for a blink moment for the girl moving down the hall.

The scene changes to what looked like a research area of a microscope, beaker, a computer with a picture of…Spike the Dog having a chewy. Then there was a familiar board with red lines connecting the dots of different events that all lead back to Canterlot High. And the scene now shows someone sleeping on a computer wheelie chair, & it was…Spike, the dog of course. Just then, Spike’s ears lift up in hearing something, sat up to pant & wag his tail all excited to leap off the chair. Spike came near the door, ready to see who was coming in when…

“Urrrhmmm…” Spike yelped as the door opened & whack against him as someone entered the room; guess who.

“Spike? Spike?!” Yes, Twilight entered the room while sitting down, but was calling out her dog’s name to come as she called; but got no response.

“Bark!” Spike barks off from popping out of the trash can filled with chunk paper notes before coming out to get near the girl.

“Huh-huh, heh…there you are Spike.” Twilight giggled a bit to smile in amusement of what her dog just did as Spike climbed up on the desk to be near where the girl sat.

“Bark!” Spike barked for joy to leap near Twilight’s face to lick her happily to see she was back.

“Okay, okay! Enough with the tickle licks!” Twilight giggled a bit to grab & place Spike down in being happy to see him too; as Spike moved around on her lamp to seat & held out his tongue in being so excited. “Guess what? Last night's field test confirmed it, Spike.” As Twilight spoke, she reached into a draw to pull out her advance tech compact she made. “With this device plus the amulet inside that Dr. G Gar loan me, I can track & contain the bizarre energy coming from Canterlot High.” She smiled off to explain to tap the device, which made a light readout motion around the rims, Spike wanted to touch it as it seem interested until…

“Grrr…Wraff-wraff!” Spike growls in being all antsy in having heard about this, knowing that the place to check for whatever is happening there sounded…dangerous for his owner to do.

“Yes, I know you didn't like me going over there by myself, but I just couldn't wait.” Twilight pats Spike’s head to calm him down in understanding his worries as she pick him up to explain her reasoning. “And soon, I'll have all the time I need to get ready.” Twilight then pushed herself away from her first desk to approach the second desk of her desktop image of Spike. “All of Crystal Prep is gonna be there for the Friendship Games pretty soon.” As the girl spoke, she took a piece of paper of her notes to know what her school will be doing during the timely visit. “I just hope all that "rivalry" nonsense doesn't get in the way of my long hard research at that school.” The girl rolled her eyes in knowing how Crystal Prep & Canterlot High aren’t much friends, but she’s hoping it won’t stop her research. “If I can collect enough data on these EM frequencies, I should be able to extrapolate the wavelength forms to determine their origin.” As Twilight was explaining the science stuff, Spike growled in being distracted to pounce a butterfly, but lift a right paw to see he missed. “Just think, if I make the discovery of a lifetime in understanding all of that, fellow scientist would surely be impressed. And that would practically guarantee my entrance into the Everton Independent Study Program!” The girl was smiling off to say this & held up her notes in feeling excited in what her work will mean if she pulls this off. “Whoa-ahhhh!” But Twilight yelps from leaning too far back in her chair, causing her to fall backwards & drop her paper on the ground.

But at the same time, a little photo slipped out which Spike noticed, it was a picture of him Twilight, along with Ben, Nyx, Phobos & Starlight…ah, the memories.

“Hmmm. Hmm…Hmmm,” Spike moans off to pat a paw o the photo for Twilight to see this as he misses those that they use to always be with.

“Oh, Spike. It’s okay. I know how you feel.” Twilight patted her dog in seeing what was making him upset. “I’ll admit that I ALSO wanted to pay a quick visit to Ben, Nyx & hope that Starlight was there when I went. Unfortunately, Sunset spotted me while I was analyzing the statue & I had to get out of there before she recognized me. If that happen, Strikespell may have given me detention for disobeying him to go near the school unattended.” Twilight admits this that when she was sneaking around, she had to vamoose before her cover was blown, & she would have gotten in a lot of trouble if someone who owns Crystal Prep learn of this. “Though now that I think about it, Sunset wasn’t alone, who were those others she was with?” She spoke off to ponder this in recalling with Sunset was Megan & her siblings, she vaguely recalls the older girl from somewhere, but the other two were…a mystery.

“Hrrmmm…” Spike raised an eyebrow in not really sure where Twilight was getting at.

Then without warning, a knock was heard from the door, before someone just opened it to intrude. And it was a human version of Cadance, dress in a nice dark turquoise office vest suit with long sleeves, light turquoise short-skirt, & inside yellow shirt, & wore a yellow necklace & yellow shoes, & lastly wore a badge with a familiar crystal heart symbol. But Cadance looked down in puzzlement in being lightly stump to find Twilight on the floor in what seem like she lean too far on the chair, now Spike was liking her forehead before she push her dog away for a moment.

“Oh Twilight, you know the rules against pets being brought on Crystal Prep grounds by students.” Cadance lectures with a concern tone of voice of what Twilight was doing having dog on school grounds while helping the girl up.

“Well, technically, Spike isn't a pet, Dean Cadance.” Twilight stood up from the help to respond off to the claim about Spike being a simple ‘pet’ to her for the woman that is a Dean of the school. “He's the focus of my research project. Human-canine cohabitation: effects and implications.” Twilight picks up Spike to give a sheepish smile to pat her lovable perky dog in stating who Spike is to her as a research project to hold him out in hoping this will allow her to have Spike not leave school grounds.

“Well if you say so.” Cadance responded off a bit pre-awkward of the matter of such an excuse, but she’ll buy it. “But you should know that Principal Cinch is highly allergic, so I suggest you put on a clean shirt.” She place a left hand on Twilight to pull off to Twilight’s surprise dog hair; Cadance advise Twilight to wear a clean shirt so the principle will not sneeze when near Twilight for having come in contact or owning…a dog.

“Um….Why?” Twilight asked off puzzled in not knowing about this discussion.

“Because she wants to see you. With a few others waiting as well.” Cadance informed Twilight as she place Spike down to hear the news of wanting to see the girl right away.

“Ooh! Maybe she has news about my application to Everton!” Twilight responded off in being excited to clap her hands in excitement about her shot of going to Everton for that Independent Study Program she’s wanting to go for.

“Well Twilight, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.” Cadance approached Twilight to rest her hand on the girl’s shoulder in sounding…concern about Twilight’s decision. “Are you sure that's what you really want to do even after graduation.” She shrug off her left hand in stating to Twilight’s puzzlement, if that was indeed what the girl truly wants.

“Why wouldn't it be? I read all about it.” Twilight shrug off to say this with a smile across her face in what she wants. “It’s a program that allows me to focus all my attention on my own advanced math & science projects. Helping the world solve problems & help bring about peace. It’s like a dream come true!” The girl was all excited in how much she can use her brain to do things & clasp her hands in thinking it’s the perfect place for her to challenge herself on advance stuff.

“But there aren't any classrooms with other students in them.” Cadance shook her head off in stating that such a place has no need of classrooms. “In short: You'll be doing everything on your own all the time.” Cadance lightly shrug off to wave a left hand in being concern that Twilight will be alone when she’s there.

“That is why it's called an "independent study program”, right. To study things independently.” Twilight smiled off to lightly explain that such a program is about smart independent people that can do such things; by their own hard work to achieve.

“I just don't want you to miss out on anything. That's all.” Cadance expression her concerns for Twilight, which made the girl feel a little sad to hear this. “Being around other people isn't a bad thing, just like you & me. Sometimes it's how you learn the most about yourself.” Cadance rest her right hand on Twilight to explain how being with others, can be a nice thing to have as she rest her hands on her waist in hoping her words can help the girl out.

“Well I…that is…um…hugh, I guess.” Twilight lightly rub her right shoulder in kinda agreeing with a worried motion in having been told this.

“After all, you use to enjoy having company here, remember?” Cadance ask, reminding Twilight of Ben, Nyx and Starlight, who are no longer attending Crystal Prep, thankfully for them.

“Right, used to. Before they transferred & I couldn’t.” Twilight lightly spoke this off in sorrow. She still find it unfair that Strikespell won’t allow her to go.

“Meet you in Principal Cinch's office in a few minutes.” Cadance smiled off to say this to Twilight as she grab the doorknob in about to go as Twilight gave a little smile nod in understanding. Afterwards, Cadance left out the door while closing it, leaving Twilight alone now to meet her at the principal’s office in a bit.

“I tell you Spike, what’s she so worried about?” Twilight frown a bit to turn to Spike in stating the matter to her dog that was chewing a chew toy. “Everton is exactly what I need right now. It’s my focus point to move forward.” As Twilight explained, Spike stopped chewing to look up at the girl in puzzlement. “Hugh…It's not like I have anything left to learn at Crystal Prep. For that matter, anything else for me to even stay here.” She shrug off her shoulders in stating this that there was nothing else the girl has to learn here that she doesn’t already know; but she sighs in feeling kinda blue in feeling sad that...there was still a missing piece within her heart even now.

Next the image outside the research room, shows Twilight tucking in her tie before shutting the door, then sighing while looking a little…sad. At this moment, a little melodrama song called; ‘What More Is Out There’ in the background to move this in a slow emotional pace…Soon Twilight begins to move out into the hallway before…she starts to sing?

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

Twilight exclaimed from walking across the halls while being ignored by other students passing by. Then the sorrow feeling girl approached a class room door to explain forth the class that’s being taught by the teacher, that Twilight has been through & done all of that already. As the teacher teaches the class that are writing down notes, Fleur Dis Lis approaches to close the door’s window blinds down, reflecting a sad looking Twilight.

Twilight: 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

Now we see Twilight move away from the class to approach a trophy case to tap on it as she explained how she gets the best grades around. Twilight moves across the display in seeing the awards had in way, her name ‘Twilight Sparkle’ for outstanding results of her brain work, but the girl still feels…sadness in looking at empty trophies? She clutch her right hand away from the displays, exclaiming that with everything done for her here, it maybe time that she…is ready to leave.

Twilight: 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

Twilight was stepping out in the hall in announcing this claim of more things out here than what’s here. Then the girl clutch her arms to frown a little to lean on a pillar, feeling that something she wants is out there somewhere, but hasn’t come across it as of now. Twilight was claiming this factor in wanting to find something, she even smiled in feeling like there was possibly, another part of herself she has yet to find & experience…before going down the next hall.

Twilight: This school is full of people
But still I don't belong
They only dream of winning
Look at me like something's wrong

We find a cautious Twilight walking with the open hall near the entrance of the school, as many students are seen walking around. But Twilight stops to not bump into someone that didn’t care, in fact, she sighs in feeling that, nobody is much of being ‘friendly’, & even Twilight looks down in feeling that this place with such students; it’s like she doesn’t belong here at all. Twilight cautiously states concerns about how others are like, seeing jocks running down & then yelps when two girls look at her annoyingly as Twilight nervously moves away in knowing that she’s the odd one out of the whole bunch.

Twilight: Maybe I'm better off alone
Will I find what I'm lookin' for
If I just do it on my own?

Now Twilight looks down in feeling blue in what she feels she is best off doing as she approaches the stairs where there’s some light from a window. The girl asked herself that question before she begins to slowly go up the stairs.

Twilight: 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

Twilight sings to herself as she climbs upwards in expressing herself, to clutch her chest with a right hand; stating that she needs to find something to fill in a void in herself. She stops by the window in declaring this matter of her opinion of what more is out there, she sang off in not being afraid to try to find what else is out there for her; as the scene zooms away from a tower part of Crystal Prep in viewing Twilight’s determine focus to explore the unseen wonders.

Twilight: 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

Now Twilight clutch her hand to her chest in stating such a fact as she moves away from the window, as she goes up the stairs to wave her arms out in stating that there was nothing wrong in what she learn from this school; it’s given her much education. Now she arrived at an open crystal style hall area, as she moved near the stair rail to express about finding more things outside than what’s in this school. Twilight then stops near a reflective wall to sing off this exclaim, as both her & reflection were speaking how much they been searching for something else to find. She closed her eyes sadly as she moves away from the wall now…

Twilight: Beyond these rooms, beyond these walls
So much to learn, I can't see it all

The girl exclaimed to speak in looking around herself, of all the rooms & walls that surround her as she sang & opened her arms out to say. The camera was zooming upwards as Twilight was expressing how there was much more things to learn, but many of it, she cannot see any at all.

Twilight: There's somethin' out there callin' me
And it's a mystery that I can't wait to see

Now Twilight held a hand to the chest, went up another flank of steps to stop in speaking on high with a smile, feeling something was out there that called her to come find them. Now Twilight begin to smile in feeling with some joy & excitement, to solve a mystery that she is looking forward to unravel it.

Twilight: 'Cause I know there's more that's out there
Another place, another way
And I know there's more that's out there

Now Twilight begins going up more stair steps in going from sad & gloomy to being up & determine with a gutsy motion to drive her. The girl reach the end of the steps in stating what else was out there to see, just as she was in front of a strange door. Twilight clutch & swung her hands down in exclaiming her feeling to see more things outside of school to see & experience.

Twilight: And I'll find out someday!
I'll find out someday...

Twilight smiled forth in proudly singing off the first part in a stretch motion of her words, feeling really happy to someday find what else was out there. But around the final part of the song, she went from happy to sad in wishing to someday, maybe, find what she’s looking for…someday, eventually that is. With that, the song had finally come to a close at this point…

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Soon we see the creaking of the door, as Twilight was opening the door before her to stare into an office at the top of the school. But looking inside, the place look different from the bright shiny display of Crystal Prep, this place had a globe chandelier light for the room, as everything look like…dark crystal decoration filled with book shelf cases on left & right, & in front was a desk as many things were having jewels for the decorum. Twilight looked to see Candace on the left side in signaling her to go on in, which the teen girl did in holding her hands nervously before taking a lonesome stool seat by the principal’s desk. Then Twilight heard the door closing, & to her surprise, Cadance was not the only one here. This one appeared to be a human version of Shining Armor, wearing blue jeans, a light violet theater shirt, black tie, well managed hair to look like someone that graduated the school.

“Shining Armor? Why is my brother here?” Twilight asked off puzzled in seeing her older brother was here; if she didn’t know any better, something serious was happening the tension in the air.

“As an alumni, Principal Cinch thought he could provide some unique perspective.” Cadance responded off to wave to Shining Armor in stating some claim of the case while the guy looks to the girl next to him…with a smile of course.

“Wasn’t that the obvious point?” Then standing from around the side of the wall was none other than Jason.

“Jason, your here too?” Twilight yelped off in seeing the Mystic Knight of all staff members was here as well. “But wait, a perspective? Perspective on what?” Twilight asked off i not understanding anything, what is this talk about ‘perspective’ that involves her being here.

“Why, the Friendship Games, of course.” Then from a turning seat, Twilight saw from the desk to hold her hands firmly to speak with a morale tone, was none other than the Principal of Crystal Prep, Principle Cinch. “From a former student of our school. You competed in the games, did you not, Shining Armor?” Principle Cinch stood up to speak clearly to Shining Armor in liking a request; unaware that Shining Armor & Cadance were smiling at other in showing…a ‘like’ affection for another.

“Hey Romeo, she asked you a question. Take a second off Cadance to answer.” Jason cuts in that made both the young adults yelp in knowing that they were in need for a response to a question.

“Gugh-Humm…I did, Principle Cinch.” Shining Armor responded respond off to clear his throat to make a smiling response of competing in the games.

“And do you happen to recall who won?” Principal Cinch leans on her desk in asking Shining Armor for a response to another question at hand.

“Ha ha, easy question. Crystal Prep did. We always win the games.” Shining Armor chuckled off to respond to the question like it was easy while crossing his arms to look at a smiling Cadance more who smiled back.

“Oh Shining Armor.” Cadance rolled off her eyes in seeing what the guy was doing, speaking of victory claims to impress her, which were working…a little.

“What, it’s true. You cheered me on to win, so I did.” Shining Armor replied off a bit to state what was said was true in how it all went.

“Exactly…We always win.” Principal Cinch stood up firmly in addressing this with hands behind the back in stating this to Twilight who seem nervous, but curious of the discussion.

“Um, if it’s too much to ask, but…Why did you ask to see me?” Twilight asked off worried as the principle got up from her desk to move around towards a trophy case embedded in the wall.

“Twilight, I'll be very honest here. For you see, it doesn't matter whether or not Crystal Prep wins or loses.” Principal Cinch responded off to issue this matter if a strict, but firm gesture of tone while taking a trophy to begin polishing it with a rag to get dust off so it shines with her reflection seen. “The important thing is we are expected to win because Crystal Prep has a reputation to uphold of its founder of the Phoenix Family.” She strictly explained the matter as she held the trophy up in stating that even before the games begin, their school is expected to win….like always to maintain a reputation of sorts. “And it is that reputation...my reputation, that is responsible for everything we have here that you see.” She approached Twilight in stating how thanks to such a reputation of always being winners, & from her being in charge, this school has what is needed…for the best. “For everything you've done here…. And you've done quite a lot, haven't you? As expected of a student picked by Azure Phoenix himself to accomplish important task by our school’s founding family member.” Principal Cinch pointed her hands out to Twilight in stating all the things the girl has done that the school has, to which she smiles off proudly to move away from Twilight in stating; the smart girl has done a lot for the school.

“I don't know. I guess. Maybe….” Twilight responded off a little bit uneasy if it’s not that big a deal about all she’s done for Crystal Prep that she has learn & achieved.

“Oh, don't be modest, Twilight.” Principal Cinch exclaimed to say this to a very good girl who is not being so snobbish to feel she doesn’t deserve too much credit…when in fact; she does by the principal’s eyes. “You're the best student this school has ever seen. Your aid in areas has impressed the Phoenix Family to know, how important it is, to keep & watch you grow under our…wing, so to say.” She sat down in her chair in exclaiming how special Twilight is, the girl has such great potential that Crystal Prep is proud to have Twilight Sparkle as their student. “However…What I can't seem to understand, is why my best student wouldn't want to compete.” Principal Cinch fiddled with her pencil on her desk to look with a narrow frown face at Twilight in why the girl as magnificent as Twilight, won’t take part in the games.

“In the Friendship Games?” Twilight fixed her glasses in figuring out what this was about as this caught her by surprise in what the discussion is about as the principal folded her hands together in awaiting the girl’s moment to absorb all this. “But, Strikespell spicily order that I not take part.” Twilight was stating off in recalling that she can’t partake because Strikespell forbidden her from even competing.

“Didn’t you get the memo Twilight, Strikespell changed his mind.” Jason spoke off in stating something about Twilight’s concerns over not being aware of…a change.

“Wait! He did?” Twilight yelped off in being surprised to suddenly hear this.

“That’s a rare thing to be told.” Cadance whispered to Shining Armor in not believing that Strikespell, who never changes his mind much was in such an agreement.

“But Azure and Strikespell disapproved it! They'd never allow it! You should know that. That's their order. I'm not allowed to compete in Friendship Games.”

“You're right. It's their rules. I did request for Twilight to compete in the event for quite some times. It was obviously denied until this morning.” Principal Cinch said with a shrug, much to Twilight’s confusion.

“I don't believe it...” Twilight said as Principal Cinch hands her the memo as proof.

“Take a look, my dear. It's the truth. All was signed by your beloved mentor's son.”

“It... It can't be...”

“If you disobeyed that direct order, your title as Azure Phoenix's Student will be discarded and turn him into a laughing stock.” Principal Cinch points out a fact that if Twilight refuse, it will end badly for the poor student. “If I were you, you'd better do what you're told.”

“But…how?” Twilight asked off in not knowing how such a thing was even possible. The girl still has no idea how or why Strikespell has changed his mind all of the sudden!

“I had something to do with it.” Then seen on the far right side of the room of the office was someone siting in a chair while another stood. The first was a blue skin man in his 30-40s, had gray silver hair & a goatee, his eyes were red; wore what was likely some overall dark long coat with dark gray furry design steel toe boots, light blue pants, dark blue gray shirt, & was wearing some little gold chain necklace with a bell dangling from it. Then appearing with the man was some 30 year old skinny & skimpy man with light brown skin, wearing an orange & brown clothing style as if he was cosplaying a French man of old as if being a service man & lackey assistant with a donkey image on his shirt. The blue man sat in a chair while the brown man brought some tea.

“Miss. Sparkle, I take it you know very well of our School Counselor & Therapist: Dr. G. Gar, & his assistant, Brays.” Principle Cinch self-introduced the blue man & brown man to whom Twilight knows about.

“Doctor?” Twilight responded off surprise to see this man here.

“I felt as your therapist, I should also be here for some…moral support means.” Dr. G. Gar responded off to say this in what was needed as Bray poured more tea for him.

“Let me get this straight. You convinced Strikespell to allow me near Canterlot?” Twilight asked off in surprise to see who were the ones to convince Strikespell tallow her to go to Canterlot High when the guy was against it.

“Yes….the doctor was….very convincing in having Strikespell agree to the term.” Bray exclaimed to say this in being a bit straight forward while making a creepy laugh about it.

“Enough Bray.” Dr. G. Gar silenced his assistant that caused the guy to be quiet. “With this in mind Twilight, you won’t have to fear about upsetting Strikespell or getting in trouble. I’ve made the preparations & such.” Dr. G. Gar exclaimed off to say this in being very certain of what he’s done will be helpful.

“Not that I’m grateful, but…why…why have me be allowed in the games now?” Twilight replied off to say this in being thankful for such a chance, but…she was pondering why she was given the chance now so suddenly.

“Look, Twilye, I know it's not really your thing & all that, but still, representing the school is kind of a big deal.” Shining Armor spoke off in trying to council his little sister in understanding that as the best student at Crystal Prep would mean she’s perfect to represent in how the boarding school makes winners from its long reputation. “Plus besides all that, they could really use your help.” He smiled in trying to sugar-coat the thing that his sister can help her fellow classmates with the games.

“Well….” Twilight was a bit uncertain, going back to Canterlot High…only to compete against their students…which meant competing against those that were transferred there too.

“It seems that as of recently, Canterlot High is undergoing something of a renaissance.” Principal Cinch spoke off in mentioning this as Twilight turn to her as she held up a sheet of paper that had some notes of a report. “From what we’ve learned so far, test scores are up, grades, even athletics are on the rise.” She explained forth that from all things considering, Canterlot High has undergone a change to become better than it was as she drop the paper to tap her hands to look to Twilight. “You see my dear, in Canterlot High, they are developing somewhat of a reputation.” She held to lightly wave her hands in calmly stating how Canterlot High has built a new reputation as of recently. “This…matter…can not….happen!” Principal Cinch narrow her eyes in sounding very strict about such a thing must not be allowed of their rival school gaining a reputation; it will not stand.

“Agreed, the school that never had much of recognition is gaining such to compete with this school that the Phoenix Family started & has held for generations. So, Strikespell sees that all of our best are needed to compete to bring order.” Jason issued off to say this in knowing that Crystal Prep was build by Azure Phoenix’s family from long ago & has a high reputation that cannot be stain, so…for that in where Canterlot High has started to be better, this school will have to bring their best ‘A’ game here.

“Principal Cinch, Jason, I appreciate the idea of visiting Canterlot High, but I can't possibly participate in the games.” Twilight nervously shrug off her arms in stating that she can’t possible partake in the games against Canterlot High, it’s all so sudden. “My work here is very…” She was about to explain about her work that she’s currently doing until…

“Ah, yes. Your work.” Principle Cinch held up her hands to stop Twilight right there before grasping them in recalling of Twilight’s little…’work’ matter. “Cadance, could you and Shining Armor find my contact sheet for the Everton Independent Study program?” Principal Cinch asked off this thing in a polite matter in being humble to see something that she would like to be presented.

“Of course.” Cadance replied off to say this as she & Shining Armor soon opened the door to leave the office to get such a contact sheet, leaving a worried Twilight alone with Principle Cinch, Jason, Dr. G. Gar & Brays.

“Now I’m aware that you have had, hmm, a relationship with Principle Celestia’s son, correct?” Principle Cinch lightly spoke off the subject in who Twilight has had relationships to.

“Um…yes…” Twilight nervously replied off to the question, she & Ben did have a relationship before he left, but…well, the girl hopes he hasn’t moved on.

“And since you were one a temporally student over at Canterlot High, you must have some knowledge of the school in general which may give us an advantage, for you of course.” Principal Cinch spoke off that if Twilight knows the school’s areas in general, then she & her team will know what to make of what learning & teachings CHS has helped their students to perform.

“Um, yes ma’am.” Twilight replied off a bit concern in where this conversation is going, it’s like spilling secrets about someone to be exposed.

“If recalled correctly, you once studied as Mr. Secretary’s double agent to learn of the incident, the secrets, & especially some of the videos about you which clearly were not you. Is that true, or not?” Principal Cinch exclaimed forth to tip her glasses to ask the question about the girl in what she did during some….certain uncovering of weird cases which involved & revolve around Canterlot High.

“I…well, I guess so.” Twilight lightly stated off the subject in recalling those.

“Then would you care to share any of them with us, we all are curious to know.” Principal Cinch smiled off to offer this out to the girl gently in liking to hear anything intriguing.

“I…I can’t, because….I’m not really certain about all of it. And I…promised someone. And…others that I met.” Twilight looked away in feeling unsure about telling something that she promised to keep secret, & another reason was from…others she knew way back at…CHS.

“Why so nervous, little one? We only want to know so we know?” Bray asked off to chuckle a bit in finding this funny.

“Quiet Bray…” Dr. G. Gar silenced his assistant who shut up at that time.

“May I remind you Miss Sparkle, you are Azure Phoenix’s prize keep in being recruited & assign here because you are special. You are the proud example for the Imperial Phoenix Scientist & Shadowbolts to hold pride till the end….we are all the best, none better than us!” Jason exclaimed forth in leaning near the girl to be the bad cop in trying to push Twilight to spill the beans while taking pride that she is Crystal Prep’s prized student that Azure Phoenix was proud to bring in. “We've got the mighty Bladestrike as the Coach, Strict Stakker as the History Teacher, William Cautious as the scientists, Miss Fluteheart as the drama teacher and finally Clawdestroyer as our head of security.”

“Now, now…lets’ not forget about some other acquaintances, such like the Dragon Strike Force & Agent Simmons, was it not whispered about that they helped certain students rise to the occasion? It’s not like we’re calling her traitor or anything, because we are so much better than that. Correct, Principal?” Dr. G. Gar held up his hand to sip tea as he explained by being the good cop to settle the matter to which his reasoning seem to work wonders.

“Very well, I suppose such things mean little…as long as you don’t forget were you should be loyal to. After all, was Azure Phoenix not like a mentor to you before his standing down from his position of power?” Principal Cinch exclaimed forth in stating this in knowing that so long as Twilight knows that she is a Crystal Prep & should take pride in what Azure Phoenix done for her in seeing something…special about her.

“Yes…but, I don’t understand what’s going on now. Why the sudden questions?” Twilight shook her head in not knowing what was going on next here; it’s like an interrogation of sorts.

“It should be obvious, pay attention.” Jason spoke with a strict tone for the girl to listen & pay heed to everything.

“I understand that you've applied.” Principle Cinch issued this off in a sly tone to state the matter, as she read down to pull up…a folder of some sorts. “You see my dear, one of the advantages of having a reputation is a certain amount of influence in such things. For this school, its name says it all & its history of the Phoenix Family founders is important, even to Strikespell.” She skim through the folder in what it seems to be an application for Twilight’s shot at Everton, as she explained the case of how reputation gives one an edge in life. “So, let me offer you a deal.” She slowly spoke to tap her index fingers together in wanting to offer Twilight…a deal of sorts. “In return for contributing your agile mind to these games, I will use my influence to discuss with Strikespell, our school’s important head family figure, to guarantee your application is approved.” Principle Cinch taps her two fingers on the folder to lean it to Twilight, as the nervous girl seem to slowly follow that for her future…this was the only way to get into Everton. “Though, I suppose I could also have it...denied.” Before Twilight could reach out for her application folder, the principal slowly took it back while making a…narrow firm & dark statement of deciding to; deny Twilight’s dream of going to Everton instead, just like that as if threatening the child to think carefully. “What do you think I should do?” As Principal Cinch was speaking in pondering of what her position of deciding Twilight’s future to be is up to the girl instead.

“Rest easy Twilight, don’t look at this as a full glass; look at it half full. You can take this chance for your research!” Dr. G. Gar exclaimed off to say this in leaning down to tell the girl something.

“My…research project?” Twilight quietly responded off in hearing him remind her of this.

“Yes, I know you’re still doing it, & if opportunity is knocking, why not take it than risk it? Think of this carefully, you might never get a chance this perfect again!” Dr. G Gar exclaimed off that Twilight should accept to solve the mystery at Canterlot High by being there during the games.

Twilight seem to hold her hands in feeling like she was boxed in now; feeling that her shot to Everton is at stake. If she doesn’t compete, the only thing she has left to go for will be shot down. But competing in the games, well…there were so many reasons why she can’t, but…Should she do it anyway, compete & be closer to Canterlot High for her research of the unknown energy? But then what about…meeting old friends &…former classmates? Twilight is in a tight spot, what will be the choice that will decide her fate, living a dream or living without one, there is only one choice to make…as everything goes black at this timely moment.

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

Meanwhile, we see Galvatron was entering a large abandoned facility somewhere in Russia, as the cold climatic was quite chilling for anyone with flesh. But as the giant metallic robot was busy, he was not seeing anyone that was moving around in getting into positions before.

“Freeze Galvatron!” Then appearing from above the giant robot on the second floor rail was G.I. Joe. They were appearing with all weapons aim at the giant machine, as even some of the Dragon Strike Force’s members were arriving to apprehend this Decepticon.

“Well now, isn’t this unexpected, a furious feline caught in a trap, by mere mice?” Galvatron spoke off in seeing where he was apparently surrounded by mere humans while not sounding concern.

“Stand down Galvatron.” Then entering the scene was Optimus Prime followed by his Autobots, even Wheelie & Brains rode on Hound for the lift.

“Optimus….so you still prefer to serve these weak creatures than to have them at your mercy.” Galvatron asked this off in seeing who was here & still trying to be cozy with humans.

“I’ll show you mercy, right here!” Hound issued off to say this in holding his blaster in about to fire & blow the Decepticon’s head right off without a second to spare.

“We’ve been tracking you & learn you been storing secret weapons in this place we had eyes on for days.” Shorty issued off in what they have known & came to make sure they nab this top villain.

“It’s only now that we’ve taken precaution to set up this trap.” Aquastroke explained in what steps they took to lay out a plan to capture the enemy when he appeared here.

“Galvatron, there is nowhere for you to run.” Shadow Dragon issued forth that this was the end of the line for the Decepticon leader.

“The only exit is right behind us.” Blazefist pointed in where they came out one side, there was no other exit out of this building.

“Right, you’re trapped.” Laxtinct replied off in saying the guy was trapped with all eyes on the creep.

“Resistance is useless, surrounded now or we will open fire.” Flint issued off to warn the Decepticon that it’s either surrender or be destroyed.

“How very intriguing, to be cornered like a rat, & if I resist, you’ll open fire. It seems my options are very limited.” Galvatron stated to say this in not being at all bothered by this little matter of what’s going on.

“Man, can you believe we actually managed to catch one of the top most wanted villains on the planet after endless searches of their activities, this was easy.” Ripcord spoke off in finding the chance to catch Galvatron to be an easy thing to bag for them.

“Right…maybe too easy.” Scarlett stated off in narrowing her eyes at the surroundings, as if feeling something was…off. Then the girl took her crossbow, fired a shot that imploded to make a wooden crate’s side drop open.

“Woah-woah-woah, what are you doing, we don’t know what those crates are stock with!” Tunnel Rat issued off to have the girl not be so rash, they don’t know what the enemy was shipping here could be anything.

“Ugh, guys…I think she just did!” Lady Jaye exclaimed to say this in looking a bit concern in what she was seeing.

Soon everyone was looking at what they are seeing, it was filled with alien tech, but it was shaped like…a familiar mini version of something even some recalled & learn to fear for their survival…

“Those…are Seed Grenades, Mini Versions to the original Seed!” Saber Dragon gasped in recalling those products the Apocalypse Order guys ordered & make to sell on the blac kmarket base on something from alien tech.

“It couldn’t be….check the crates!” Tailtech exclaimed to say this in fearing of what else they may find if this was but the first terror to uncover.

Now many were opening the crates near them, Drift slash a large towering crate that ended up showing a lot of timers connected to Seed Grenades. There was so many that everyone in the room was very shocked in what they stubble across. There was enough to almost likely turn this entire building into a metallic figure of Transformium.

“It’s DA BOMB, Man!” Bumblebee spoke off in a radio voice in clutching his hands on his head in stating this with worry in what they got; time bombs.

“Crickey, this place is full of them & all of them with timers!” Crosshairs exclaimed in seeing what they got here was some messed up moment.

“What is the meaning of this?” Terrorcreep asked off the Decepticon captive of what was the meaning behind this.

“The meaning, is this…the trap of cornering me, was also…a trap.” Galvatron smiled off to say this in stating to say what was him being caught, was more the opposite.

Then without warning, something happened that many of the inactive timers were active to show a ‘3 minute’ clock counting backwards. At the same time, the only exit out of the building shut down tight with some heavy iron wall from outside, as it smack down hard to make it seem like getting out was impossible. Everyone was corner in what was happening, they seem trapped with bombs ticking…

“The bombs are set to blow!” Jinx exclaimed off to say in seeing what was happening here, the deadly bombs are ready to blow in 3 minutes.

“If they go off, we’ll become metal figures made of Transformium!” Flare Tiger gasped off in realizing what will happen to them; that will not be good.

“What is your game Galvatron, you let your allies use you to destroy us all in one spot.” Optimus aim his cannon blaster in demanding an answer for this rash action of using Galvatron as a scapegoat to finish them off.

“Correction, this will be your final moment, for the games themselves are only beginning. Like a phoenix, you rise to the occasion, but now….” Galvatron spoke off to say this in staring off with confidence, before he looks to a sewer pipe. “The spark will fade, & soon for you all, your phoenix will fall from its final moments, & we of the fallen will rise again.” He issued forth to state this strange claim of what it is to happen in due time…

Then Galvatron turn into dark cubic particles to start swarming around & then went through the pipe & then managed to escape everyone’s eyes. The jerk had a means of escape by using that Transformium made body to escape.

“Of course he escape down a sewer pipe that’s too tight for anyone but a rat to get through.” Tunnel Rat rolled his eyes in seeing what bot that could turn into particles just did.

“You’re a rat, arn’t you?” Ripcord pointed off that Tunnel Rat was someone that dealt with sewers, he can go after the dude.

“No, I mean an actual rat, not me.” Tunnel Rat corrected the misinformation about what he is & what he does.

“You go around in sewers, don’t you?” Ripcord pointed off that the guy was basically one of the rats, cause he goes in sewers a lot & smells like them too.

“Focus here, we have to blast our way out!” Crosshairs issued off to say this in trying to blast through the reinforce walls of iron steel.

“The simple solution is obvious to one who clears his mind. To bring down a strong defense, attack the weak point.” Drift claimed himself to state this in hand clap motion of being one, to not fight rash, but to focus to find the weak point of this defense.

“Where’s that?” Roadblock asked the bot in where the weakness was against something this tough.

“Right…here!” Drift issued to say in getting his sword, leaped upwards to find a black box electronic device then soon sliced it that caused an explosion. Then without warning, the gate began to slowly open itself back up, but only half way through.

“Everyone, head for cover!” Optimus issued out the order for all of them to immediately get out before the bombs blow.

“Look out! She’s Gonna Blow!” Bumblebee exclaimed a radio voice in stating this historically as he & everyone ran for their lives.

Soon everyone from Autobots lifting the gate more let the humans escape first before following afterwards. Soon the facility exploded in a bright flash of smoke, then as it became clear, what was left was now a metallic frame of what was there. Many sighed in relief, if that was any closer, they be turn to metal figures of Transformium. But the moment to relax ended when Dragon Strike Force answered their com-links in their ears to hear…someone contacting them.

“What is happening there?” Strikespell’s voice was heard from the com-links in wanting an explanation.

“Um, everything’s….fine.” Laxtinct slowly spoke off with a sheepish grin in hoping to not say the failure of the mission.

“Don’t kid with me, I have spy satellites watching your movements!” Strikespell’s voice issued off this in sounding very strict about what he’s seen from his side of the world.

“Say wha?” Blazefist asked off shock, Strikespell was spying on them?

Back in Strikespell’s location underneath KSI’s building in where he watch the completion of his warship; he was seen using an advance system tracker that displayed the Dragon Strike Force & the rest of the others location & display live video feed. From what the guy was seeing, he did not seem all too pleased in what was going on.

“Listen carefully, our enemies have gotten wind of our project. They are being active in getting something ready.” Strikespell issued off to say this in seeing the enemies are moving in trying to be prepared for something against his Cybertronian Warship.

“We know that, we’re going around trying to locate & capture any for interrogation.” Aqua’s voice is heard in stating a reason of what they are trying to do here.

“Listen carefully, the next time you come across Galvatron, or the Dark Terrorist leader Dark Curse, or Smaug of the Apocalypse Order, do not hesitate, eliminate them on sight.” Strikespell issued off the order with a strict & very firm decision of what to do next time someone sees, recognizes the main enemy leader of any operation unit; to be terminated.

“But last time, the Dark Terrorists was using a small nation as a cover up, it took as 2 days to flush them out.” Shorty stated off in how long it took them to flush out some enemies using a nation to hide their activities from before.

“Then it was a waste of time…you should have gone in Full Force to defeat & conquer that nation.” Strikespell issued off darkly in sounding upset that the strike squad & others wasted time with precautions than going in & ending things in a quick motion without safety measures of other lives at risk.

“Sir, there were more than just enemies, there were civilians too.” Icy’s voice explained her reason of caution about the safety of civilians that were on that nation that was under enemy control.

“Do you know much about the Kuvira style, Strike Force? She was said to defeat & recruit her enemies, after that, the world had been conquered.” Strikespell spoke off in telling Strike force a story about someone that had done something long ago in the times long since past of how someone conquered the world.

“What’s that got to…?” Tailtech was pondering why the guy was bringing up that subject until…

“Defeat the enemies, capture any of their soldiers, torture them into either submitting to default from their evil order to our side….or put them out of their miserable lives.” Strikespell exclaimed to say this with a darken & threatening tone as his eyes were lightly blur with darkness, stating in what he wants done to cut off their enemies strength by making their troops their own…or beat them into submission…or just to their death.

“Strikespell, that’s…” Shadow Dragon’s voice was about to make a stated argument, but…

“Remember, focus on finding our enemies, everything else…time off, social daily life, friends & family moments….put aside all things unless you don’t care what happens to the world of tomorrow! If you get that, then do your job for the sake of world, or else…’I’ will do something about it.” Strikespell issued off in mentioning this in a threatening & cold tone, that if those out there don’t find their enemies, the Dark Terrorists, the Apocalypse Order, Galvatron & his Deceptions, then the world is not safe & unless they do something; no one is doing anything worth doing. Then he turns off the com-link, before leaving his spot while his eyes return to normal, while he was leaving, Snake Eyes watch from a vent in seeing how strict Strikespell was to his teammates, he has a mission to make sure the warship doesn’t fall under enemy hands, but it sounds like there was more than that on the line.

Back at the others in Russia from the chilly winds blowing, some of the Joes members overheard the loud com-link chat of what was going on; sounded pretty heavy.

“Gee, he’s a real smooth talking prince charming you guys got.” Tunnel Rat rolled his eyes to state what Strikespell is for those that serve under him in the military unit that’s a part of the Phoenix Family.

“Man, if that dude was stricter than his father, maybe you guys should have kept Azure Phoenix than let him step down a rank.” Ripcord shrug off to say this in being for real about who was better to handle with; Azure Phoenix, or Strikespell.

“Hmmm…Azure Phoenix…..phoenix…” Optimus was speaking under his breath in pondering the term word ‘phoenix’ that was strangely popular at this moment.

“What is it Prime?” Crosshairs asked their leader of what was bugging him.

“Something Galvatron said has me worried.” Optimus stated to say this in having thoughts of concerns.

“Aw let it go boss bot, he was playing mind games.” Hound waved off to say this in thinking that was nothing.

“Yeah, that’s it, mind games.” Wheelie nods off to say this in what was likely the answer here.

“Yep, the dude was whack about a bird!” Brains nods off to say this in agreement over the thought.

“A bird…or….no, it couldn’t be.” Optimus was suddenly having another second to think things through before; it dawn to him in shock. “Autobots, fall in….we need to get back!” He issued the order to return to the USA without delay.

“Optimus, what’s wrong?” Saber Dragon asked in what was going on here.

“Galvatron said our phoenix will fall in its final moments, the one you take command from was a member of a Phoenix family, was it not?” Optimus stated that what his arch foe spoke sounded as if the ‘Phoenix’ meant the family members under the Phoenix Military.

“Wait, you’re saying Galvatron’s going after Strikespell, because he & the others got word about his Warship?” Duke raised an eyebrow in thinking that the enemies are gonna try to rub out Strikespell who’s now in charge of things.

“What if it’s not Strikespell they have a hard time going for, but…” Terrorcreep spoke up in having another option about another potential target in mind; which dawn to Strike Force.

“Oh no….” Shadow Dragon slowly spoke off in having a bad feeling about this…

Soon without warning, many of the bunch of Autobots began to transform to vehicle mode to drive off with some of Dragon Strike Force aboard while G.I. Joe rode in their own vehicles. They were in a rush, because there maybe unexpected danger to arrive from an unlikely location on a target they didn’t expect would be in danger. The scene fades off into darkness, as none know what will happen when the enemy…strikes next…

Author’s note
There's chapter 3 done, here's what's next. As Twilight gets herself ready to ride over with her Crystal Prep team to Canterlot High, the Rainbooms try to figure out what will be happening during the games. Upon arrival, Twilight tries to not draw attention to herself while trying to locate the unknown energy readout, only to end up bumping into...some old friends. But of course everyone thinks she's a 'different' Twilight until they come to realize, it's the Twilight of their world from Crystal Prep. What shocking matters will it mean when now they may have to compete against their school rival with a friend they once knew aboard? And what transactions happen in between when Azure Phoenix is reported in a hospital from an accident, but Twilight can't even go see him because of the games starting...what will happen next?