Chapter 08: Spell Strike Out

The scene shifts towards what was likely an office area that was Luna’s, but was being occupied by those from Crystal Prep, Principal Cinch, Jason, Dr. G. Gar, Bray & Strikespell sitting in the Vice-Principal of CHS’s seat in having brought their gather meeting…to order. It’s already been five minutes since the end of the Second Round of the Friendship Games to which CHS took the win. But had things gone differently if not for sudden ‘plant attackers’ that appeared out of nowhere, Crystal Prep would have prevailed.

“So, why are we here again?” Bray asked off in having no idea why they are here while he let off a snicker.

“Be silent Bray, we’re about to discuss something important.” Dr. G. Gar silently hushed his assistant as he looks around in seeing they are about to come to order.

“Yes, it was the recent action seen in the second round of the event, it should not count!” Jason protest to state this in what should be done that what happened should not count as a loss for Crystal Prep.

“Perhaps….or perhaps….it may serve something else.” Strikespell stated to say this in how things might just be able to turn out for them.

“What do you mean, Mr. Strikespell?” Principal Cinch raised an eyebrow in what the head of the Phoenix Family was suggesting.

“In all of the long years that my family built Crystal Prep, it has always been winning against Canterlot High. However…” Strikespell spoke off in stating the family long history of being in the position of winners even for the boarding school, but… “This year, from all of the strange activities that happened that revolve around this school, things began to rise up to have a new reputation. And it may have been possible….for CHS’s final six members.” He stated in seeing that CHS got it’s strange rising through those known as the Rainbooms.

“I knew they were suspicious.…ever since we sent those to learn what happened at this school, what did we learn…nothing compared to what we seen!” Jason sternly issued in seeing that because of the Rainbooms, Ben, Nyx, Starlight, even Twilight became affected to never hear about what they have witnessed from the second round of the games; the existence of magic.

“Given more time, the three transfers of Ben Mare, & Twilight’s younger siblings, Starlight Sparkle & Nyx, those three would have grown under being fine examples of what Crystal Prep would provide them.” Principal Cinch tipped her glasses in stating the matter of how things would have gone, if three of their students didn’t leave their school.

“Even still, Twilight is the main focus, is she not?” Dr. G. Gar asked off in knowing how things may go here that as long as Twilight is in their school, there is nothing to be concern about.

“And now….in the first time ever, Canterlot High has tied against Crystal Prep. This will be a history in the making of how close it’s been to deciding which of our rival schools shall remain…champion!” Strikespell exclaimed in seeing that for a first time, both schools are tie in where the final round of the Friendship Games will decide the winning outcome.

“Well we cannot let Canterlot High win this time in the final round. They are using something that will ruin our winning streak!” Principal Cinch exclaimed to say this in being firmly serious that losing to CHS by what sort of thing that was…magic will ruin Crystal Prep’s reputation.

“I agree on that. Something must be done to prevent this. It’s clearly obvious Miss Sparkle knew about the events going on here & yet father made her promise not to say anything.” Strikespell issued off coldly in seeing that Twilight knew about the weird matters at the school to study it, but was told to never tell anyone except….to Azure Phoenix.

“Then if it involves this magic, we need a way to somehow gain an advantage over it.” Principal Cinch rubbed her chin in trying to think, if CHS is having this…magic kind of energy, around…how can Crystal Prep get by it?

“Perhaps...and this sounds like a sketchy idea…if we were to say, get Miss Sparkle to release her magic she collected…” Dr. G. Gar spoke off in being a gentleman to state his opinion in having Twilight release the magic energy she collected.

“What are you saying, doctor?” Jason raised an eyebrow in not following what the guy was going on about.

“Well, she wasn't supposed to say anything...but I gave her an amulet in our first session that allows her to help research what has been going on here as well, as one of the reasons Crystal Prep has been winning so far. Wasn't on luck alone & all that sort of thing.” Dr. G. Gar exclaimed off to state that a certain amulet she gave Twilight to her research CHS about any unusual energy results, plus the thing has been the key to help Crystal Prep earn its winning streak. “She put the amulet in some device before we came over here…& it has been collecting amounts of magic from her friends, as well as the portal leading to Equestria…that the military has kept mostly hidden from any public eyes outside CHS.” The doctor explained the rest of the matter of how things have gone from where thanks to a certain amulet embedded in Twilight’s device, has collected much of CHS’ unknown magic.

“Yes, yes, father told me there was one portal here, but wouldn't tell me where it is.” Strikespell waved off in having already know about that case; but Azure Phoenix decided to not reveal the whereabouts of where the magic portal to another world is located within CHS.

“We just need to give Miss Sparkle the push needed...perhaps you should give her that push, Strikespell.” Dr. G. Gar spoke off in mentioning something in what may be needed that they can do if given Twilight a certain….push to the matter.

“And how….may I ask, can it be done?” Strikespell raised an eyebrow in where the doctor was getting at here.

“As a therapist, people have emotions….& those they care about….drive emotions…” Dr. G. Gar spoke off in explaining the case in point of what it is that one learns in being a therapist to give others sessions. “Right now, was there not someone Miss Sparkle wanted to see when she heard the terrible news about….your father?” He issued this off that Twilight wanted to go & see Azure Phoenix, but couldn’t because of the games.

“Oh doctor, you want her to see a man who’s almost dead from that accident? Heheheh….” Bray let off a chuckle in knowing how cruel that sounds for a girl to see a man who’s knocking on death’s door.

Strikespell gazed at Bray with a stone cold stare that silence the assistant to gulp with worry, but the man closes his eyes to call himself in thinking this through a bit…

“I see…but tell me, will that one push be enough?” Strikespell spoke off in slowly following what the doctor was thinking, but will that act alone be enough.

“Oh, that will only be the start…for the bigger one to come….to secure our win by the end of the day.” Dr. G. Gar stated off to calmly say this in knowing what will be the next step to secure victory on their side.

Then sudden on Jason’s little communicator pack, he picks up his iPhone device to look it over to see a text message. After seeing to nod at it, he turns it off to look at the others here.

“That was Cunning Fury, Cadance has announced to the students that the final event of the games will be held later this evening, we had the second round at noon, to that gives us approximately 4 to 5, to 6 hours.” Jason issued off ni what was gonna be happening, the next & final event of the games will come to a close, but it will be sometime close to when it’s later to being around the evening.

“Contact Twilight Sparkle to meet by the Vice-Principal’s office, I will handle the first push of the matter.” Strikespell issued off to say this, as Jason nods in understanding this as everyone watches the man getting up…Everything blurs out now as something will soon be taking part now.

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Soon we see that Twilight was sitting outside the Vice-Principal’s office, rubbing her little teary eyes from what happened outside during the second round of the games. She felt heartbroken in knowing that she almost did some terrible things because of her curious mind not knowing how to handle it. After receiving a call to come by, Strikespell was seen leaving the office to look down in seeing Twilight who rubbed off tears from crying so much.

“Twilight Sparkle….you seem distress.” Strikespell stated in seeing the girl looked terrible.

“Why do you care?” Twilight looked away to coldly state about the man who doesn’t care about her to ask that now.

“I care because you are our school’s prized student. As well as my father’s choice of seeing you with special potential.” Strikespell issued off to state this in what Twilight is to them; that concerns are in order.

“I’m not sure if I have that potential now…” Twilight looked down in feeling unsure if she can be called a special potential type student after what she pulled.

“Then perhaps….you will rethink things if I told you….where my father is being treated.” Strikespell stated off to say as he moved a bit far from the office door, but what he said, made Twilight yelp wide awake.

“Azure Phoenix…” Twilight looked to the man in knowing what he was talking about, did that mean…

“You recall how my father ended up in a so-called…accident by attackers, do you not?” Strikespell asked off in stating this fact as Twilight stood up to approach the backside of the man while being…slightly curious.

Arriving behind the scene was Ben & Megan’s group at the time. After Cadance said the last part of the games would be in the evening part that was hours away, they split from the Rainbooms & Goldie’s group to cover ground to find Twilight. But then as they came near a corner, they saw Twilight, but hid from when they spotted Strikespell talking to her…as if some serious conversation was going on.

“But….but then…the games?” Twilight asked off in recalling about the games that are still not over & told to compete.

“During the games continuous, you could not go, but the final event to settle the matter is going to happen around the late evening, that gives you some extra hours. I will inform my driver to take you to where he is kept, but then you are to return no later.” Strikespell issued off in stating that the last part of the games will be delayed, so he’s giving Twilight the opportunity to visit his father that is being taken care of.

“Why are you doing this…why would you let me see him now?” Twilight asked off in being so confused, why was the man letting her go now instead of earlier….why?

“Because…I care about my father…I care about what he’s done…& if you are something he wanted to help grow…then in order to make you not fail all that he has done for the Phoenix family, for the school & his reputation to not be in shambles…” Strikespell issued off in stating these harsh, but crucial facts for the girl to slowly absorb, as the man turn to gaze down at her. “See him now, then return, with the resolve that you been lacking from all of the other Crystal Prep students.” He issued this off in being strict that when Twilight returns, she’ll have what she’s been lacking that all other Crystal Prep students have come to possess.

“And…that is…?” Twilight slowly felt weird to ask this, but was worried about what it maybe.

“The drive….to go beyond your limit…& grasp at the destiny lying in wait for you.” Strikespell issued this off with a cold stare in stating what it was that Twilight needed what the girl ‘HAS’ to have to do things.

Twilight was silent in trying to figure things out, would she need what this man said she was missing that she felt…like an outcast to Crystal Prep. But knowing she can see how Azure Phoenix was…tempting, & she was worried, but also…she didn’t want to disappoint her old mentor. Taking a deep sigh from her breath, everyone saw…a little sorrow on Twilight’s face, as she came to a decision.

“Thank you sir, I’ll make sure to get back before the final event of the games start.” Twilight spoke off to say this with a sadden & gloom face, feeling that for once….there was no argument against Strikespell; he was right & so…she will do that while visiting…her mentor.

“I knew you would accept, now go…” Strikespell soon approached to rest his right hand on the girl’s shoulder, giving her a comfortable motion in knowing what she’s said…was the right answer.

Now Twilight quietly leaves the spot as Strikespell watches her go down the hallway in the direction of where the man said his driver would take the girl to where she wants to go…to visit a sick-bed patient, aka Azure Phoenix. Ben would have tried to call out to the girl that was leaving, but…he felt quiet.

“Twilight…” Ben was quiet in seeing Twilight go, he softly was calling out to her…but she was out of hearing distance.

“Ben, what are you waiting for, go talk to her?” Molly told Ben to go after Twilight to help cheer her up.

“I don’t know, she wants to see Azure Phoenix, & learning he was in some attack accident, then…” Ben was unsure, to realize why Azure Pheonix never came as Strikespell stated to them, he left out about an accident; the news must have Twilight devastated to not think about anything else.

“Ben, you said you wanted to cheer Twilight up, so why not go there together?” Danny stated that if Ben wants to help Twilight, he should go with her to help her out in seeing how the guy in question is doing.

“Wait….something else is going on.” Megan hushed everyone in seeing that something else was still in play here. For appearing behind Strikespell was Dr. G. Gar & Bray, but they seem to show strange expressions in what occurred.

“You were quite good Mr. Strikespell, perhaps you should considered using therapy skills to manipulate your soldiers as you did for that girl.” Dr. G. Gar stated off in commenting how the man managed to manipulate Twilight into doing the kind of action she do in having expecting it.

“Manipulate?” Ben silently spoke off in having heard that, did that mean that Strikespell just…

“Seeing my father in such a state will help Twilight….but it will weaker her resolve to go against everything her respected mentor has strived for. Namely, be less rebellious & more obedient.” Strikespell issued off in coldly stating these facts in having pushed Twilight into the right direction in where from this act, will make things for the better…& for Twilight to listen carefully. “Leading to her to forget about this school’s life & focus everything for Crystal Prep’s victory & forever be under one’s thumb…in the Imperial Phoenix Army.” The man explained forth this means to an end, that Twilight will continue to be a supportive resource for the Imperial Phoenix Army, as they will not let her go….even by means of weakening her little ’spirit’ to do so.

“Heheheh….you so bad, it’s scary!” Bray laughs off crazy in thinking that plan was so evil fron the guy.

Now Strikespell leaves the scene to go down one hallway as Dr. G. Gar & Bray went down another route instead. But Ben & Megan’s group couldn’t believe what they overheard, it was the most…despicable act that they could have ever been present to listen in about their poor friend Twilight.

“That jerk….he wasn’t trying to help Twilight, he’s just making her be more under his control like some…some….object!” Ben clutched this right fist in getting angry at what Strikespell was really doing, he’s making Twilight dance in his palm like some puppet.

“It looks like that therapist didn’t seem to be objective about the idea, he must have wanted Strikespell to make Twilight follow through.” Megan stated in having seen what that doctor was doing that he was all for the idea than being against it.

“What do you think they are up to?” Danny asked off in what those creeps are trying to pull here.

“Only one way to find out, Megan, you all trail that doctor…find out what he’s hiding….seeing him do this after everything till now…if it’s about Twilight, we have to know.” Ben issued off in what he wants Megan to do for him, tail Dr. G. Gar to see what it is he’s up to in having a hand in messing around with Twilight.

“What about you?” Molly asked in what Ben was gonna be doing if they did that.

“I’m going to do something I should have done a long time ago & this time…not walk away from it.” Ben issued off with a stern face, as it’s time he face something he should have done way back when…

Megan’s group nod in agreement as they secretly tail the doctor, as Ben went off after…Strikespell. The scene begins to darken now as strange events are underway of what was occurring here….

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Meanwhile we see the Rainbooms, Goldie’s group, along with Nyx with Phobos in her bag along with Sunset walking through the hallways at this time. After everyone had gathered at the gym, they were hoping to find Twilight, not so much. Now all of the other students of both schools were told to wait in the Cafeteria to await & just do anything they wanted to pass time till the final round of the games would be ready. The gang couldn’t find Twilight amount the CHS & Crystal Prep students, soon they left to try to find Twilight, but they saw her going in a direction towards the outside doors.

“Look, there goes Twilight” Sunset pointed off in seeing where Twilight was, but where was she going.

“Where’s she going?” Nyx asked off in where her sister was going to.

“Quickly, let’s try to not lose her again!” Rarity issued off to say that they mustn’t lose their friend after she ran off from them.

The Rainbooms & Goldie’s group were quickly moving themselves to quickly try to catch up. Twilight was already out the school doors before heading straight for a black vehicle that had Strikespell’s driver there who opened the door to let the girl in. As the others got out the doors, they saw where Twilight was heading for, but could not believe where she was planning to go at this time.

“She’s entering that car? But why….the Friendship Games aren’t over.” Goldie stated in being puzzled by Twilight’s action at this time.

“Maybe it’s cause they’re delayed, who knows where she can go?” Applejack stated about Twilight needing to go somewhere as the games are delayed for a while.

“But where to?” Fluttershy asked off in not knowing the answer to that question.

“Only way to find out, is to follow her. Come on!” Pinkie Pie issued off that they need to trail Twilight some more.

Before the gang managed to reach the edge of the street, the vehicle was seen driving off with Twilight never looking back to see her old friends; they sit missed another.

“Dang! She left!” Rainbow Dash curse in seeing that they missed Twilight by a hair.

“I have an idea….TAXI!” Pinkamena issued off to say this before suddenly yelling out for a taxi cab. Then to everyone’s surprise, a taxi cab was seen pulling up near them, isn’t that just weird? “To The Other-side Of Town! And Step On It!” Pinkamena gave out orders to the drive as they all got in to prepare to follow where Twilight was heading.

Everyone was buckled up in when the driver was seen pulling out to get going. But by the time they reach the edge of the school, in a turn point, the driver of the taxi cab halted progress.

“Wait, why did we stop?” Applejack asked off in not knowing what the hay-seed was going on here.

“Um, that’s why….we arrived.” Fluttershy pointed at seeing a street sign that said ‘Otherside if Town’ & ‘Step On It’ label there; they reach their destination, just….differently done.

“Curses…..It’s a reverse-order of puns!” Pinkamena cursed off in seeing that they got pulled into a weird gag of not being careful of the words during an important chase.

“Ehh, it happens to the best of us.” Pinkie Pie shrug off to say this while Twilight in the vehicle ahead went ahead & was out of their sight.

“How are we gonna follow them now?” Sunset asked off to say this as they got out of the cab…but paid for a dollar for the ride since the cabby was keeping track.

“You need a ride?” Spoke a strange voice of someone that was nearby that sounded different from a normal person, but not sounding like a threatening type.

Then something was seen driving up towards the gang at this time; a silver car that looked like it’s built for speed. Then if that wasn’t strange enough, it began to transformer from a vehicle to….a giant robot. He appeared like a towering bot with tire feet for skate motion, comes with two blades off the wrist & appears like a true warrior. This was non-other than Sideswipe, though proficient with guns, he prefers melee combat to ranged weapons, & employ any maneuver it takes to get close enough to his enemies to use his arm-mounted Cybertanium swords, his agile wheel-legged form more than allows for this. His tactics are merciless & he’s utterly unapologetic about this…war, after all, is messy. Right now, the bot was towering the children in seeing that they were in need of help.

“Sideswipe, what are you doing here?” Sunset responded off surprise to see this Transformer of an Autobot that was being like a guardian to her…ever since a certain resolve issue that happened after the Fall Formal but before the Battle of the Bands.

“Optimus sent me to watch over this area, fearing that with Strikespell around here, whoever got Azure Phoenix target him.” Sideswipe issued off to say this in what he was doing

“Wait….something happened to Azure Phoenix? Where is he?” Nyx yelped in having heard this while being concern about the man.

“Optimus told us that he’s in a building compound that was abandon by KSIO, but Strikespell took it over to build something. It’s high security stuff.” Sideswipe stated off in having heard about where Azure Phoenix was being kept during his recovery.

“Can you take us there?” Jack Zen asked off if the guy can help them get to that destination.

“Alright, climb aboard!” Sideswipe stated as he was transforming into his vehicle form, as he opened the doors. Soon the Rainbooms were getting in along with Goldie’s group to squeeze to get comfy with them almost taking up extra room.

“You coming with us or not, Sunset?” Phobos asked off from popping out of Nyx’s bag if the last one that hasn’t gotten in was coming with them.

“Sorry, you guys go on ahead, I’m gonna find out where Ben is…knowing him, he might not even know that Twilight just left the school.” Sunset stated off in what she needs to do here in knowing that she needs to find & tell Ben about Twilight’s action of leaving, where he was she was not sure.

“Good call, then we’ll meet up afterwards when we learn what’s happened.” Goldie replied off in seeing that was a good plan to go with.

“Take care Sunset…” Sideswipe said as he rev his engines to shut the door before he was soon taking off with his passengers while Sunset watch them drive off.

“Hugh, I just hope I can figure out what’s what. But first, find Ben’s group…” Sunset sighs in knowing that she needs to figure out where Ben & Megan’s group are that they miss out to find where Twilight went to. “Hugh, one time I didn’t bring my phone, this is what happens. I’ll just have to look around till I find them.” She sighs to say this in knowing if she had a phone, she call Ben, but the girl will have to search the school the old fashion way.

Now Sunset was seen moving herself to quickly head back inside Canterlot High as she went through the doors. The scene begins to fade out as one side is playing out, but another is about to begin here…

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The scene begins to show Ben entering the vacate gym, where he was seen wearing some protective gear of iron boots, iron gloves, & wearing a light class chest armor while he had a sword in its sheath. As he came into the area, he saw Strikespell was alone as he seem to be practicing his own swordsmanship until…he sense someone was near.

“Strikespell…we need to talk…NOW!” Ben issued off in being forceful in his tone to get the guy’s attention.

“My, you sound forceful.” Strikespell responded off to say this in hearing Ben nearby as he slowly was turning around. “And…strangely suited….for a high schooler that is not competing in the games.” He remarked off in seeing Ben dress up like he’s ready to fight.

“Your mad games of using others & building weapons…I’m putting a stop to them right now.” Ben snapped off to scythes in standing here to stop this guy.

“Is this about Twilight?” Strikespell asked off in looking at his sword as it reflected his image while the other half showed…a ticked off Ben.

“It is….I won’t let you use Twilight like her being matters little to you, other than having her brain help make something to your benefit. You’re going so far to break her will to keep her under control.” Ben snapped off in having had enough, after overhearing what he & Dr. G. Gar was doing, that crossed the line in messing with good people’s hearts to weaken their spirits & their will.

“What will you do about it?” Strikespell asked off bored in not feeling anything until…

“By challenging you…to a Duel Combat!” Ben declared forth in what he’s doing as this statement made even Strikespell become…curious.

“My, how rare. Last time, you walked away…perhaps you found a drive to push you to this extend.” Strikespell responded in being lightly surprised, he wasn’t expecting Ben to come challenge him…could perhaps Twilight’s involvement push him to finally face him.

“If I win, you will give Twilight the chance & freedom she deserves than keeping her like a bird locked in a cage.” Ben stated off to say this in what he wants if he wins, then the guy will let Twilight be…no more controlling the girl like a puppet on strings.

“If you’re not with us if you cannot see what the Imperial Phoenix Army is striving to achieve…in needing a girl of her special talent…then you are no better than an enemy.” Strikespell issued off to coldly state this in moving himself over to a bag of his as he opens it to bring out…some gear of his.

“Only someone of evil deals with things in absolute, & you pretty much covered that base.” Ben stated off to say this before he was seen pulling his sword in front of him, ready for combat. “So I will do what I have to…for Twilight’s sake!” He issued this off that he’s gonna do this, to help Twilight be free of anyone’s control.

“You will try.” Strikespell lowly spoke off as he was seen placing on his protective gear

Then as Ben held out a sword, Strikespell pulled out his own, then in an instant, both fighters leaped at each other to where their blades clash against another. But in an offset motion, Strikespell was seen pushing Ben backwards as one was being on offense & the other was on defense. As they were striking with blades, Strikespell kicked Ben backwards across the floor, but he rolled himself back up to continue the fight.

“I see, so…you improved.” Strikespell issued off to say in showing a sly cocky smile in seeing how well Ben managed to hold out there.

“I’ve toughen up, & now, I’m not gonna walk away when something’s ob the line. Not now, not ever again!” Ben responded off to say this in what he’s doing that he’s not going to back down…

“I’ve waited to do this for a very…long…time!” Strikespell exclaimed to show a sly smile in feeling like he has waited to do this, & now…it’s here.

This fight was gonna be going on for a while, as the shift shifts at this time….

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The scene changes to a location in which it was where KSI’s Underground base is located. Right now, Twilight was seen exiting the vehicle that Strikespell’s driver brought the girl in. Twilight showed her ID badge as the guard soon opened the door to allow the girl in. But then after Sideswipe arrived to which the Rainboom’s group got out, the bot transformed to see where Twilight just went towards.

“There she goes!” Nyx pointed in seeing where Twilight went towards.

“After her!” Phobos issued off that they need to go after Twilight while they see her.

The group ran off to reach where Twilight went into, but before they could, the guard stopped the children’s progress.

“Halt, no unauthorized personal!” The guard stated in stopping those that were not authorized personal to enter this area.

“Check again, they’re with me!” Sideswipe stood over the guard i stating that since he’s around, the children have an Autobot’s permission to enter a military own base.

“Um, okay…I guess you’re clear.” The guard nervously responded in seeing this bot was being serious, & decided not to argue.

Now the group was seen entering the doors while Sideswipe was gonna wait outside by transforming into his vehicle mode. Then as the group were taking a cart elevator down to a certain floor, there was an extra wide large space that look like something was here, but it seemed moved recently. But the main focus was on a glass box in which the group saw…someone they knew that was on a surgeon bed; Azure Phoenix.

“Is dat guy…Azure Phoenix?” Applejack asked off surprised & shock of who they were seeing.

“Woah, wha happened to him?” Rainbow Dash asked off stump by what was before them, that seem…pretty awful.

“The poor thing looks like he suffered a terrible accident & has yet to heal.” Rarity stated off her concerns in seeing that Azure Phoenix doesn’t appear like he can even stand.

“Look, I see Twilight entering the see-through box thing! And her bro., Starlight Sparkle is there!” Pinkie Pie pointed off in seeing who was entering the picture along with someone else seen too.

As the pink girl said, Twilight was seen coming into the clear box room while seeing a shade of curtains blocking Azure’s bed area while her brother Starlight was there for her.

“Twilight….what are you doing here?” Schemetrick asked off surprised in seeing the teen girl from Crystal Prep was here.

“I came to see Azure Phoenix.” Twilight stated off in what she was here for, to see her mentor who was hurt.

“But we thought you were a part of the games, are they over?” Anger asked off slightly puzzled that last they heard, Twilight was a part of the Friendship Games.

“No, the last event has been delay to late this evening, Strikespell gave me a chance to visit Azure before going back.” Twilight stated to say this in what happened that she was able to come here because Strikespell allowed her because of an extra bit of hours before the last round.

“Strikespell allowed you, for real? I thought he never changes his mind that much when he’s stuck on something.” Starlight raised an eyebrow in hearing this, Strikespell doing this for Twilight sounds…funny to him.

“I wanted to come here sooner, but…I was representing Crystal Prep, so Principal Cinch told me to stay put & try to focus on doing my best to help our school win…to honor him & wish him a healthy recovery.” Twilight stated off in what she wanted to do when she heard sooner about Azure Phoenix’s condition, but…she was told about what that would do during the games & would shame the man.

“Well isn’t that a swell thing for you to think,“ Then someone was seen pulling the curtains to Azure’s bed spot as it was none other than….Ben’s father’ Jack Silver.

“Jack Silver? Why are you here?” Twilight raised an eyebrow in seeing the father of Ben was here.

“I was called here.” Jack Silver pointed off in stating that he was called to come here.

“Earlier, Azure Phoenix wanted him here.” Starlight pointed out that when the man was awake, he asked for Jack Silver to come.

“So tell me, how are the games?” Jack Silver asked of in being curious of how the Friendship Games are doing.

“We’re….tied.” Twilight looked a bit skeptical in answering the question with…an unexpected surprise.

“Hugh…well that’s a surprise…Azure here would be astounded to learn of this.” Jack Silver stated off to rub his head in finding this surprise info to be, well, surpassing that for a first; Crystal Prep & Canterlot High are tied.

“Is he alright?” Twilight asked the man in getting back on the main subject.

“He is. For now. Can't be sure of how long can he still stand. Guarantee it's not good. They tried everything they can, but it seems like nothing’s working at all. The wounds are too great, not to mention he's getting old. The only thing to do…would be to put him out of his misery.” Jack Silver nods lightly to say at first, but then was getting down to some serious motions while issuing something that was…kinda shocking.

“No…we can’t!” Twilight protest the idea that…they would kill Azure Phoenix just to have his mutant powers rive him; they are not barbarians.

“Relax….that’s a last resort….the medics believe his Mutant Phoenix Powers can help him revive & be good as new, but…whatever made him in this worse shape, his revival ability might not do the trick.” Jack Silver held up his arms to calm the girl while stating these facts, but the latter ones did not sound all too pleasant.

“Mr. Silver. That's not helping.” Starlight narrow his eyes that what the guy said looked to be making Twilight more sad than happy.

“Sorry. I was just trying to help. But go & talk with him…he should be awake.” Jack Silver shrug off to say this much while allowing Twilight a moment to speak to the man.

“Hmm….Twilight….is…that you?” Azure Phoenix showed himself waking up as Twilight approached close to the guy’s headrest area.

“Azure Phoenix…I’m…I’m…I’m so sorry!” Twilight sobbed & sniffed tearfully in apologizing for something.

“Why do you cry, child?” Azure Phoenix asked off in why the girl was so sad.

“Because I failed you….I failed to be strong as you wanted….I couldn’t even pull my own weight when it was needed the most! I couldn’t do it….I failed miserably!” Twilight cried fearfully in knowing that she may have failed to live up to the man’s expectation.

“Tell me, why do you feel that way?” Azure Phoenix softly asked this off in seeing the girl was terribly troubled.

“Sniff…because I’m representing Crystal Prep in the Friendship Games…I’m supposed to show to everyone that as a student you chose’d was not a mistake or to ruin your good name or the school. But in truth…” Twilight sniffs a bit before she was stating about trying to do her best with something to prove, but… “I didn’t want to compete against Canterlot High…because…everyone I met…everyone I knew…the memories…they made me feel….so happy, even if my mission was to solve what was going on there!” She felt torn between competing against CHS when she has built up so many memories, even if it was to solve a mystery for a spy task.

“Twilight…” Starlight quietly spoke off his sister’s name, he can tell…the girl was feeling really sad.

“Now…whenever I see them, I feel like I want to belong with them…but….it’s not possible.” Twilight sadly stated this out in knowing what she would want, but feels it’s impossible. “I’m too valuable to let go from Crystal Prep, everyone says they need me, but…I feel like I need something, but they don’t have. And even if I wanted to…leaving would put a bad remark to your family, I didn’t wanna end up hurting you…you were my mentor who taught me things, helped me to be a good student…almost like….like…” Twilight felt like she would never be free to leave Crystal Prep because even if she wanted, it would cause a bad harmful impact to Azure Phoenix, the man was kind to her & to do something so selfish is….well, the man treated her like family, like…

“A daughter I once had….I know…” Azure Phoenix slowly responded to say that to him, Twilight was like a daughter to him.

“Sniff…I was glad to be your student….I just…wish there was something that would make me happy…but not make you unhapp.?” Twilight sniffs again while stating this fact about wishing there was a way to gain happiness. “And now…I feel like I lost the friendship I once had from being so…blinded by curiosity…I don’t know what to do…I feel like…I lost everything…even my path.” She looked down in more sadness, she would hurt Azure by leaving Crystal Prep, she hurt her friends at CHS from the absorbed magic she took from them, everything is falling apart around her world.

“Cough-cough….Twilight…you are a good child…but not all of your decisions need to be what makes others happy.” Azure coughed heavily to place a hand on Twilight’s stiff shoulder to calm her down & listen to him.

“What?” Twilight looked up in having heard what the guy was saying.

“Cough-cough.…do what you feel will make you happy….you see everything around you…others may say what will make you happy, but…cough…is that what you want?” Azure Phoenix issued off between more coughs, telling the child to seek her own happiness.

“I…I don’t know.” Twilight looked away in still being unsure about any of that.

“Child, you are lost on your path…but know this…when you find the happiness you seek, it will be shared when you feel…it is right for you & for those you care for.” Azure Phoenix explained fourth this in trying to help the child not be so lost, that what she seek, maybe be close at hand…

“Azure…” Twilight looked up to her mentor, feeling as if those words seem to almost…help.

Then Azure was coughing a bit more roughly, shocking Twilight as the monitor was going a little higher; everyone in the room became concern.

“He’s going through another procedure! Give him antistatic!” Schemetrick issued out in what they need to do to keep the man alive.

“Alright, that’s enough….time for you to leave now, the doctors have to do their job.” Anger stated to push those here out of the room while everyone else gets to work.

“No, I can’t leave…I still have so many questions!” Twilight protest as Anger was using her & Starlight out.

“Goodbye Twilight…at least, I got to see you….before…” Azure slowly spoke as his eyes were seen shutting, as the monitor continued to make louder sounds.

“Before…before what?” Twilight was calling out i having not heard what the man was going to say… “AZURE!!!” She yelled out in being pushed further & further away from her mentor as the medical staff was about to get all those out of the room.

Soon Twilight was pushed out of the room as she, Starlight, and then later Jack Silver were out the door. Soon the medical sign lit up as the surgeon operation was going on.

“He can’t be dying…he just can’t be!” Twilight cried into her hands in feeling that Azure Phoenix is about to die from what she almost saw.

“Twilight, sis…do you…wanna stay until the doctors tell us if he’s stable?” Starlight patted his sister’s back in trying to help her out, but….

“I can’t…I’m needed back before the finale for the games.” Twilight shook her head off to say this i knowing she’s on a time clock motion to be due back soon. “It’s just…I really don’t want to see Azure Phoenix go out like…this.” She felt so sad in wishing that her mentor was not about to leave this world…in such a state.

“Kid, if there is anything I know, it’s this….that old feather duster won’t bite the big one yet, he’s too stubborn to know his own good.” Jack Silver spoke up in stating this thing as he approached the bunch to speak his own mind. “But until we know for sure, you should get back…& hope the guy will pull through.” The man pointed off in what Twilight should do while they hold down the fort here to make sure Azure will get better.

Twilight slowly nods her head before slowly turning to leave the two behind…she just…wants to be alone for now.

“The doctors feel that unless they can find something to speed up the recovery, Azure Phoenix may not survive. If only there was another source to help his Mutant Phoenix Powers against this with the lowest risk.” Starlight stated off in what he was told by the docs that are concerning about Azure Phoenix & if he’ll make it through.

“Hmmm…tell me, has Azure Phoenix donated his own blood before?” Jack Silver asked this question off in having a thought about such a thing.

“Well, yeah…but it’s to help be used to quickly heal critically injured shoulders because his blood has his mutant power to revive the dead cell tissues.” Starlight lightly responded to the question while explaining what such a thing can do.

“Could enough of that possibly save him?” Jack Silver asked if maybe Azure’s own donated blood with special reviving dead cell properties could save the guy as it’s fresh & nothing wrong with it.

“The doctors don’t know, yes, it’s his own mutant blood, but whatever is affecting him might reject it.” Starlight lightly nods to the thought, but the doctors say something else that it’s 50 to 50 chance of anything.

“It’s worth something, come on…we got work to do!” Jack Silver stated to say this in knowing if they got a chance, best to take it.

As things played out, the Rainbooms were feeling like what they saw was kinda…making them sad. Seeing Twilight so sad when it looked like Azure Phoenix looked like he might…well, they rather not think about it.

“I don’t think now’s the time to talk with my sister…” Nyx stated off to say this in feeling like this was not the time to meet up with Twilight.

“Why not?” Phobos asked Nyx that seem really down here.

“Seeing Azure like that, I think we need to let her recover first, otherwise, she’ll only feel worse.” Goldie stated to say this in knowing that Twilight looks like meeting them here after seeing Azure on death’s bed…won’t be too pleasant.

“Come on, we better get back….maybe we can make up to Twilight during the last event.” Jack Zen stated in what they can do instead that might be a better idea then talking to Twilight in a military spot where Azure is currently getting treatment.

“Jack’s right; that…would be for the best, but still…it feels like things may only get worse before they get better.” Pinkamena nods her head in feeling that the idea sounded best, but what can happen afterwards feels like the case may just get harder, perhaps.

With that, the Rainbooms & Goldie’s group leave out the same way they came in, met up with Sideswipe to quickly get them out of the area. No questions were asked, just before Twilight arrived later in going to get in Strikespell’s vehicle to get going here. The scene begins to fade out now as something else will play out…

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

Meanwhile back in the gym, Ben & Strikespell were still clashing their swords in what seem like almost one hour to two hours & they seem to be sweating. But while Strikespell was still continuing to go, Ben looked like he was falling apart, as he was exhaling at a rapid rate while countering or reeling a strike but it pushed him back. Ben’s opponent was strong, as expected of Azure Phoenix’s child & a man in high ranking in military & governmental power.

“You are nothing but a filthy ingrate! Everything I’ve done was for the world & my family!” Strikespell issued off to snap in what Ben was that could not see what he’s done.

“No! You’ve only done it for yourself! You’re not changing the world, you’re starting a war! You’re just as bad as Cobra Commander & Galvatron! The fact remains…they’re pure evil…& you….you may as well almost be like them with that cold heart!” Ben argued off to say this in knowing that what Strikespell is doing, is no different then what the enemies trying to start a war are doing.

“Poor choice in words…” Strikespell issued off to say this in seeing those will be…the last words Ben ever mutters.

Then without warning, Strikespell was suddenly shifting his movements to a new paste in which Ben yelped from the extreme movement. The guy was apparently not having gone full strength, but this strength felt…to surprising, before another blow skid Ben backwards to import against the wall. Then Ben yelped to dodge a sword that pierce the wall, as Ben managed to doge & ran clear away from his opponent, as he pulled his weapon out.

“Okay... Maybe I should have taken more training. Strikespell, it doesn't have to be this way. We can work this out. Put our grudge behind now.” Ben stated off in seeing that while he’s having a hard time, he wants Strikespell to put whatever they got against another aside.

“Still trying to run from the fight, is it? Like father, like son. I should have known that you tried to take my sister away! Well, you're gonna feel how I feel! Cunning Fury was right. By taking her & breaking her spirit, you will be broken!” Strikespell issued forth this matter of what Ben was trying to do, but it won’t work, he will settle things by breaking the wall before him…Ben Mare.

“That doesn't sound like Cunning Fury! I don't know what he said to you but you shouldn't trust him!” Ben issued off to say this in feeling the guy was going way off about something that isn’t even remotely related to what he’s doing.

“Wrong! You are! By taking my beloved sister away, I will take something you cherish! Twilight is someone you love….she will stay where you cannot have her!” Strikespell issued fourth in making this claim that Ben will lose the one person he loves & never get her back.

“Then, you're a lost cause! Iris still loves you! It's not too late to turn back…” Ben stated off in trying to speak reason for the guy to listen to.

“This is the end, my brother…” Strikespell issued off to clutch his weapon as he prepares to end this.

Then Strikespell was seen dashing himself straight across the room, as he was going to attack an exhausted Ben with this next swing. But Ben looked up with some eyes of determination as he kept envisioning Twilight….she was his main focus to help save…she was…his drive.

“The only end here…..is your foolish ambitions!” Ben shouted off to say this as he clutch his blade in preparing to take the attack.

Then in a stunning feat, as Strikespell was preparing for a big move, Ben suddenly moved faster than he’s ever felt….as struck across the body armor of his opponent. The blow was enough to knock Strikespell off guard to release his sword & impacted on his backside.

“Uuuagh….impossible…” Strikespell groans off to say this in feeling like what happened, just couldn’t be. “He was on the end of his rope, yet he knocked me off balance!” He looked up in seeing Ben was approaching him, ready to seize victory by pointing the sword at the defenseless opponent. “I can’t lose…..I can’t lose….to someone….powerless…” As he spoke, the watch showed a familiar Dark Stone glowing, as then the guy did something…a hidden mini-gun strap slide down into his hand, and…

“It’s finished, Strikespell, I win…” Ben issued both in pointing his sword at the guy’s neck in wanting him to admit surrender.

“So…why not finish it?” Strikespell spat off in why Ben will not end this now…as the darkness from the watch began to pour out more into the guy in feeding off the anger.

“Because I’m nothing like you, you may be doing every evil thing you say is for the good of the world….but, I made a promise to Iris not to hurt you; because you’re her brother & still mine too.” Ben stated to say this in withdrawing his sword from Strikespell, stating he made a promise & won’t be killing the guy. “I will tell you this, keep away from Twilight & my family…it’s all over.” He pointed off in being serious about what he wants after winning the Duel Combat, to which…Strikespell must owe up to as per their agreement.

“Over, yes….but not for me.” Strikespell issued off to say in where something was seen as the guy drew up his right arm with….a weapon that was not a sword.

Outside the gym, Hoboken Joe was just passing through in about to do any of his daily task here, when… Just then, a loud gunshot noise is heard that echo out to the hall that made the custodian drop everything.

“Wha in tarnation?” Hoboken Joe yelped off in having heard gun fire, that can’t be good news.

And just across the hallway, Iris Crystal was carrying a folder before having heard the sound of gun fire to be so shock, she dropped the folder.

“Gun fire….it can’t be.” Iris Crystal gasped off in feeling that something terrible must have happened.

Soon the scene returns to show us that blood was dropping on the ground, as we see Ben was….clutching his left exposed shoulder that was….SHOT! And then from a smoking gun in hand, Strikespell is seen standing up to tower over the weaken boy before him with cold stares.

“Grrruaghh…..You….that’s uncalled for!” Ben groans from feeling the pain of his arm gone numb fro that cheap shot.

“Call it what you like…but in every challenge…victory is essential…by any means.” Strikespell coldly stated this off in where his eyes seem to swirl with a dark cloud.

“Even if it means dirtying your hands to do it, like building a weapon to hold the world hostage?” Ben groans to grit his teeth in stating what this guy was willing to do that was not right by anyone’s thoughts.

“Think what you will, my way will save lives.” Strikespell boldly & coldly stated this about his logic was sound.

“By putting them in fear…this isn’t what will bring peace….your no different than anyone invading to take over our world.” Ben snapped off to say these things, things that made the man before….more hateful towards Ben.

“I’ve had just about enough out of you.” Strikespell stated in pointing his gun towards the unguarded Ben. “I may have injured your left shoulder….but the next shot…will be through your heart…& you will know how it feels when a heart is broken beyond repaired.” He coldly & emotionlessly stated this as he was going to put Ben out of his misery…for being a thorn in Strikespell’s life.

Then the entire scene was gone in a sudden white & blurry scene as Ben stared in seeing that he couldn’t dodge when hurt, Strikespell was seen about to pull the trigger. But none saw someone moving across the picture, just before… “Bangruvhmmmm…” A gun fire was heard as everything was white out, many think Ben was shot again, but….The picture focuses on both a stump Ben & even shock Strikespell, as one man grabbed the shooter’s wrist o the gun & the other free wrist in a gridlock….it was the serious looking….Hoboken Joe!

“YOU…..The Black Apple Op!” Strikespell scorn to see that someone from his father’s old military outfit was here….interfering with what he was finishing…

“HIIIIIYAAAH/Powfruvhmmm….” Then Hoboken Joe then made a karate battle cry & did the most unexpected thing to catch anyone off guard, by swinging forth to give Strikespell a major….HEAD-BUTT!

“GruuaaArughh….” Strikespell cried off from the impact that was forceful as Hobo Joe let him go. “Clupovhmumm….” He fell onto the ground on his back, his gun fallen out of hand, & was apparently down for the count.

“Hoboken Joe?” Ben called out stump to believe it, what was CHS’s custodian doing here while being thankful for the save.

“Aye-aye, AYEEEE…..de guy’s head is about as hard as is heart!” Hoboken Joe held his head in feeling like that move really smarts, Strikespell’s head was pretty hard to fit his personality. “Augh, anyway, ye alright?” He lightly shrugs off his own pain to focus on Ben’s condition.

“Sorta, but….what are you doing here?” Ben asked off the bigger question on the topic.

“Ye think I wouldn’t investigate a gunfire in de school & not come find out who was doin’ it?” Hoboken Joe sternly was stating this in having heard a gunshot & came to check it out. “Besides, them Joes, even Strike Force know ta not fire indoors with students around, somebody could get hurt.” He pointed that off as the logical reason no guns are allowed i school.

“Arrrugh, yah….I can tell.” Ben cringes to groan from trying to stand, but his shoulder was pretty banged up.

“Hold still, I was taught how ta give first aid when out in de field, this’ll only take a second. Can ye handle de pain while I remove dat bullet & fix yer arm.” Hoboken Joe issued off in about to help get Ben better by treating his arm that was shot.

“If it’ll stop the pain, then I have no complaints.” Ben stated off to say this in what he’s willing to handle.

Soon Hoboken Joe was currently working to help fix Ben’s arm, but they never saw that Strikespell was coming around again to stare at those that were making a fool mockery of him.

“Grrr….curse you….how…why would an old retired soldier pass his prime help…him? He’s weak.” Strikespell spoke off in not seeing why Ben was being helped, why would someone help someone that doesn’t amount to anything. “Hahah……haaahh…..get in my way, & you will pay the price.” He was deep breathing from holding his head that had a bit of a bruise mark, but he was trying to stand again.

Strikespell then pulls out a second gun as he was preparing to fire this off to the fools that do not see him. But like Hoboken Joe, another one came to interfere with the fight…. For standing before Strikespell now was…a target using her own body to act as a shield, & it was…Iris Crystal!

“Strikespell, stop this!” Iris Crystal pleaded out for her brother to stop.

“Wha de hugh? He wasn’t fully clunk’d out!” Hoboken Joe looked back in seeing that something was going on.

“Iris…” Ben spoke off in seeing who was here helping them.

“Iris Crystal! Move aside now!” Strikespell sternly was ordering the girl to get out of the way.

“Please... Don't do this. This isn't you.” Iris pleaded for her brother to not be doing this.

“Give me one good reason why I should spare this half-breed! He doesn't share our father's blood!” Strikespell protest forth in why he shouldn’t just go ahead & end Ben’s life. “He has ruined our family’s reputation when Celestia went & fell in love with his father! He has taken even you away from me! I will have my revenge!” He issued forth in wanting to gain vengeance from what Ben has robbed of him & his family.

“Then, tell me... If you do, will you be satisfied with what you want? Does hurting your own sister satisfied enough for you?” Iris Crystal asked this off with a firm expression to ask these questions here.

“Yes! Wait….No! No I-I-I…What I mean is…” Strikespell was somewhat lose in what he was trying to say here. “I want you back! I want him out! He doesn't belong to us! He's nobody!” He snapped forth i stating this with darken eyes in wanting to get rid of Ben from his sight.

“And so am I…” Iris Crystal stated to say this with a firm expression.

“How... How could you say that? Why are you siding with him?! Why?! WHY?!” STrikespell asked forth in looking ready to lose it, why is his sister trying to protect Ben from him.

“Because... He's my brother. And he's yours too.” Iris Crystal issued off to say this in what Ben is, a brother that is the son of Celestia, the same mother they know gave birth to them.

“Mei Mei…” Strikespell spoke these words off towards the woman.

“Ge Ge... “ Iris spoke off these words towards the man.

“Um….what are they saying?” Ben asked off in not knowing what the two were saying here.

“Well from what language they are speaking’ Mei Mei means Sister, while Ge Ge means Brother. Hope de girl knows wha she’s doin’.” Hoboken Joe stated off in trying to state ii this best guess on the subject.

“If you kill him, you have to kill me. But ask yourself this, what does your heart tells you?” Iris Crystal stated off to say this message for Strikespell to take heed of. “You know the reason why I didn't continued studying politics. You know the reason why I gone to Canterlot High. And you know the reason what my purpose is. And above all, you understand me... Please, look inside your heart…” She spoke this out in wanting Strikespell to look deep inside to know what is right & wrong…& this was wrong.

“Iris... I'm warning you! Move now!” Strikespell spoke off in which his hand o the gun was…shaking.

“I’ll move out of the way…if you’re willing to go so far to push me out of your life…” Iris Crystal stated off to say this in being very firm, she’ll move…when her brother forces her by her death. Strikespell was shown struggling, as if he couldn’t do it…but then from his watch, the Dark Stone fragment began to lit up…unleashing a stronger pulse around the man’s body.

“Grrr…Uurrragh….WRRAAARUUGHHH!” Strikespell was seen clutching his head as if feeling annoy all of a sudden, much to everyone’s shock.

Entering the scene from hearing a lot of commotion was Sunset & Megan’s group that bump into each other to see…something going on around Strikespell.

“HRUUAARRUGHHHH-Aarrrguhhhhh!” Strikespell was holding his head as if feeling intensive pain in struggles, this was causing many to think something was not right.

“Hmmm…not good! Iris! Somethin’ ain’t right with him, but whatever yer doin’, keep doing it!” Hoboken Joe stated in seeing that something was WAY off with Strikespell, but Iris seem to be causing an effect.

“Please brother…don’t become someone that I’ll feel I lost you, as you have lost me.” Iris spoke off i wanting Strikespell to not become something he isn’t.

“Everything….is for power…POWER…Cannot…Betray you….” Strikespell issued this off in sounding much more darker as if everything except for power…will betray & turn on him. “You Betrayed Us….You….Sided…With this Creature….Who’s Aided Those Who Helped From Another World! The World….Will Never Be Safe from Invaders…So I Will….DESTROY ALL THAT STAND IN MY WAY!” The guy was looking like he was possessed as his eyes flash with redness like a Demon as he was shown aiming his gun to kill his targets…to kill Ben for being with the Rainbooms for having been connected to an alien from an outside world.

“Noooooo!” Then in a sudden emotional moment, Iris leaped forward to clutch Strikespell in a hug, trying to restrain his movements as the guy didn’t seem to resort to hurting her. The watch on the right wrist with the gun was seen glowing & that caught some attention…

“Iris! De Watch! Remove it!” Hoboken Joe yelled out for the girl to take a chance, the source of Striekspell’s weirdness is from that object.

“Trziziivhmmm….” The watch unleashed a dark surge as Iris tried to remove it…but it was not giving up. “GRUUAAGHHH/Raarrrughhh!” Iris & Strikespell let of cries of painful annoy, as the Dark stone was hurting them for being tampered with until… “I love you, brother…please…go back to who you were.” Iris spoke out this words of what was in her heart…love; which made Strikespell’s eyes widen & change from red….to near normal as the woman tried to pull the watch off with all her little might… “Crack-Crack….Breakfruvhmmm…” Then without warning, the watch showed cracks before completely being broken off to scatter…the Dark Stone’s glow soon faded to become dull & the two fell on the ground.

“Iris….are you alright?” Ben asked off as he & Hoboken Joe check the two out.

“Yes…but….Strikespell.” Iris slowly said as she tried to get up, but wondered about her brother.

“He’s unconscious, but still alive.” Hoboken Joe checked Strikespell’s pulse, the guy will live.

“Wah…even just happened? That almost looked like….magic?” Sunset asked off as she & Megan’s group were coming in from inspecting the commotion, only to see what was happening; Strikespell seem to be exhibiting magic aura for a moment.

“That was magic?” Ben asked off puzzled in never seeing magic act like that before.

“Not just any type of magic….dark magic. But how did Strikespell even unveiled a dark aura like that?” Sunset was puzzled in knowing that Striekspell shouldn’t even be capable of using magic…so how’d he come across it.

“How’s about looking’ at this here busted watch…look at wha was between its gears!” Hoboken Joe pointed off in spotting the source of the trouble from the broken remains.

Soon Sunset & Megan’s group approach the area in seeing the destroyed watch, before the human siblings gasped upon finding what looks like…a dull looking stone.

“Hey wait, is that…” Danny yelped in having seen what the dull looking stone was.

“Oh my gosh! It is!” Molly gasped in looking worried now because they know that stone.

“A Dark Stone? How did it get here?!” Megan stated off in recognizing such a dangerous & evil stone from Equestria Prime. “Hugh….At least, this one is a fragment.” Megan sighs to say this in seeing that from the small size of this stone, it was not truly dangerous.

“What's wrong? What was going on? Do you know what that thing did to my brother?” Iris asked off in wondering if someone could explain what had even happened.

“I can’t even believe that I’m seeing it for the first time either, a real Dark Stone! I thought they were just the Myth!” Sunset exclaims, stunned in what she’s seeing here.

“Everyone but Siblings and Sunset: What is Dark Stone?!” All but Sunset & Megan’s group asked off because they wanna know what a Dark Stone is.

“Dark Stone... Said to be the most dangerous & dark mystical stone ever created for a long time ago. We don't know how or what it was made of. One thing for sure... Once it touches you, it will turn you evil or even turn your dislike personality into cold-stoned, raged & pure hatred and fury, like a monster.” Megan explained off in recalling the tales about the Dark Stones that she & her siblings one witness long ago in the past of what such stones can do. “That's not the worst of it. It can turn the dead into undead or even grant your abilities far more powerful extends & make one dangerous as well.” The girl stated off in now once someone has a Dark Stone, they will not only change a good soul, it will make them become more powerful, but at a cost of turning to the dark side.

“I know how it was created. It was said in ancient times that it was created by the first terrified Demon God; someone by the name of Apocalypse Devil.” Sunset spoke off in stating about her little knowledge about some old Equestria history about the Dark Stones & who created them.

“Who’s that? Do you know about him?” Ben asked off if Sunset knew anything about the guy called Apocalypse Devil.

“I don't know much of him per say, but probably be glad he’s a myth. But I know one thing for sure... He's the God of Destruction who desired one purpose in his life…destruction of life and creation.” Sunset explained while she held her shoulders over the thought the subject of someone that evil. “And it is said that he and the Mystic Heaven have battled for nearly centuries. They even created their own personal warriors…Thirteen Chaos Heralds & Twelve Elemental Guardians. And at the end, the Mystic Heaven won the battle while Apocalypse Devil vanished and never been found again.” The girl explained off in stating that there was a tale about who defeated one Demon God & his forces long ago.

“So there was a Demon God hugh, well at least dat’s a problem we won’t have ta fear, right?” Hoboken Joe commented off i seeing that the problem was solved, right?

“Wrong…there’s a new Demon God, a Dark Elf who is known as the Overlord King if Tartarus, Grimmore.” Sunset shivered in being fearfully terrified about the new Demon God in Equestria. “While Apocalypse Devil was the most terrifying guy back in the day, Grimmore became a new, & possibly greater threat because…he wields power that were so terrifying that it nearly brought an end to Equestria, if not for the first Mystic, Mystic Avatar, who used the Elements of Light & Darkness, but it was a risky gamble…” She explained the history about what almost happened to Equestria by Grimmore’s reign until he was stopped, but…not without risk.

“Why?” Ben raised an eyebrow in not liking the sounds of this.

“The original plan was to destroy the new Demon God, but Mystic Avatar only succeeded in sealing him in Tartarus, a prison meant to contain the most ancient & powerful evil to keep Equestria safe…Grimmore was that dangerous. The toll from that battle ended Mystic Avatar’s life, while Grimmore still lives, awaiting the day the seal is broken & he will roam free.” Sunset stated this off in being very concern over the matter of how two Demon gods hold different tales, one was destroyed, but the other wasn’t, & that one was Grimmore who will be free to reign over all life. “Compare to fighting me as a She-Demon & the Dazzlings, even fighting against the Dark Terrorists & Decepiticons…Grimmore’s in a league that with a single wave of a pinky could level a country.” Sunset waved out her arms in stating how terrifying it is if they had to face someone that doesn’t put effort to facing small minor creatures who can’t even be i the same power league as a Demon God like Grimmore who’s that dangerous even while still imprisoned.

“Boy, hate ta run into a dangerous fella like dat!” Hoboken Joe rubbed his noggin in thinking that’s an issue they wanna be kept out of.

“I’m just hoping there isn’t another version of him here; that would be even more terrifying.” Iris prayer out in hoping they do not come across someone that is like the Demon God in their world, or they will have greater problems than before.

“But then what about the Dark Stones, how’d one even get here?” Ben asked off in not figuring out about the Dark Stone case.

“To be honest... I don't know how one or possibly other Dark Stones got here. But I have the feeling is Grimmore might have done this. Remember that strange black hole that almost doomed the world before it vanished.” Sunset thought about this while not having the answer, believed that Grimmore was the case as they all recall a dangerous black hole that almost got them & their world from before.

“Who could forget, my father & brother have been trying to understand who even caused it. Wait, you’re not saying…” Iris was stating so far before she gasped in fright, was Sunset suggesting the cause of that black hole was…from the Demon God from Equestria himself.

“Right, Grimmore must have done it, but decided to leave the world alone….something might have happened back in Equestria, but that might not be all there was.” Sunset held her chi not think that if Grimmore caused the black hole event, but closed it up, he may have also done something else when not were paying attention. “He might have been using this world’s fear in a plot to escape, with so much negative energies, the Dark Stones could be powerful enough to create a rift hole for him to escape into this world.” The girl explained in thinking that the negative energies & through the large amounts of Dark Stones, Grimmore may have plan so far ahead to make an escape into another world.

“Let's hope no one else is using them...” Megan stated off today this that if such a thing were the case, then this world will be doomed.

“Question, how much negative energy we talking about could make the Dark Stones be powerful enough ta do de trick?” Hoboken Joe asked off in now much negative energy was needed to make a rift hole large & powerful to allow even an imprisoned Demon God to…be free.

“By a wild guess, almost something to power up either a whole city or an entire state. Maybe even a country.” Sunset pointed out to say this in guessing as far as how much negative output would be needed to do the trick.

“For now, let’s worry about getting Strikespell to the nurse’s office, he might be out for a while.” Ben suggested this in feeling they may have to first help out a guy that was a victim of something he never saw coming.

Everyone was in an agreement as Ben & Hoboken Joe carry Strikespell to the nurse’s office while Iris follows them, hoping her brother will be alright. Sunset went off to join Ben while Megan’s group had to find out more about the Dark Stone…they may have an idea of ‘who’ might have given Strikespell such a dangerous object. Everything begins to fade out now while the scene changes…

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At this moment, Twilight had arrived outside CHS, & left Strikespell’s driver to slowly approach the school. But as she was about to go through the double doors, someone came out to stop the girl to look down to her firmly; Cunning Fury.

“Cunning Fury, I was….I haven’t missed anything, have I?” Twilight nervously asked off scared in thinking she’s in big trouble for leaving the school grounds even though the games have yet to be concluded.

“No, you’re on time…in less than ten minutes, the final announcement for the third round will commence.” Cunning Fury smiled off in stating this factor for the young girl to know.

“I see…” Twilight nods in slowly about to enter, but…the man continues to speak.

“You seem troubled. Worried about losing?” Cunning Fury spoke off in seeing that Twilight has something on her mind; no doubt from all the sad experiences she has dealt with.

“It’s not that, well…maybe…but….” Twilight looked down in feeling concern about this, she endangered her friends, CHS & now Azure’s condition may lead to his death, but…

“Then allow me to offer some advice….don’t think too hard & be delayed about what may or may not happen. Use everything you possess, to show them all…that you’re not weak.” Cunning Fury spoke in wisely giving the girl some friendly advice to do what was within her capability.

“Everything? Like my brain….” Twilight looked up curious about the thought.

“Your genius mind….but so much more….whatever you have on you….use it. Because if you don’t, & if Crystal Prep loses…” Cunning Fury exclaimed off in stating this while slowly bringing up…something else that will happen if the girl doesn’t win.

“Why…what’ll happen?” Twilight seem scared in not liking the sounds of this.

“Then reports will come in, about the plant attacks during the second round, seeing it’s on CHS’s property, all signs will point to the school. And harshly decide they attempted to cheat while endangering students. Such actions will not go…unnoticed by the board & the law.” Cunning Fury waved off his left hand in stating these factors that all the endangering events at CHS will be reported that happened during the games.

“But…that’s not true…” Twilight gasped off to say in saying such things were not true, the cause was from her & her tech pendent.

“Reality is reality, my dear…so I advise you listen to whatever it is you must do…& win by any means.” Cunning Fury grasped his right hand in stating that Twilight must learn the harsh truth of reality & focus on doing what can be done to overcome this obstacle. “Or else not only will Crystal Prep, the heart & well-respected boarding school the Phoenix Family has built a reputation in bringing out the best in people…be ruined…CHS will be closed down for having had enough losing streak.” He stated this to approach to tower over Twilight, making the girl feel pressured in having to have so much weight of both schools & their futures on the line.

“But…you can’t…” Twilight asked off worried & unable to oppose the man.

“We’ll be pulling all the stops in a…hostile takeover, & as for the students….they will be transferred to different schools, never to see their friends again. Which also means…those you knew….be out of your life…forever.” Cunning Fury explained forth what will happen when they gain government control over CHS, they’ll shut it down & sent the students elsewhere because of the rift holes & attacks that happened all around the time of the games.

“You can’t just use CHS like a hostage matter to force me into cheating to win!” Twilight protest out to ay this in concerns that it sounds like the man is wanting her to cheat to win, she can’t do that….but using CHS in a hostage holdup made her feel like she had no choice.

“Oh, but I don’t have to…& I didn’t say…cheat, to win. On the contrary, I said for you to win…in whatever you possess, to make Crystal Prep obtain victory.” Cunning Fury stated off to say this leisurely to calmly settle Twilight about not meaning such…underhanded actions; he meant for her to use whatever she has to win is all. “Do that…& everything will be the same…you won’t fail your school, ruin the Phoenix Family’s reputation…& best of all…CHS will still be standing. Your friends can handle losing…if it means they can be together, isn’t that what friends do…make hard choices? The choice…is yours to make.” The guy was laying it all pretty thick, Twilight can help out here in which nothing will be her fault, nothing will change & everything will be as it was…especially if those Twilight felt were her friends…will not leave one another; the girl…doesn’t wanna cause a stifle against them…anymore.

“I’ll…see what I do…to help us win.” Twilight nods off to say this with a sad face, her will to oppose was…shot down, she can’t go against that claim when…she doesn’t wanna cause any more trouble..for anyone.

“That’s a good girl, remember….it’s not cheating…if you use whatever is on hand that you hold, that is the key…to everything.” While Cunning Fury rest a hand on Twilight’s left shoulder, the girl never saw something crawl out the man’s sleeve….a strange tech bug that concealed itself in the girl’s hair.

Soon the man lets go & Twilight slowly leaves with a sadden mood on her face, unsure what will happen from here on out. But out of hearing, Cunning Fury tapped his earpiece to…speak into it.

“This is C.C. reporting, Dr. Mindbender’s little harnesser is in place, when you hear the signal…we will begin the operation.” Cunning Fury whispered this out in stating to someone about what he placed on Twilight now.

Soon Cunning Fury begins to walk back in with a calm smile as he slips in while having slip something on Twilight in which something may happen. The plot keeps thickening each time, as everything goes dark…no one knows what will happen next…

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Meanwhile, after Megan’s group left Ben after the settle resolve issue of his Duel Combat match against Strikespell had come to a conclusion, they return to their earlier work…trailing Dr. G. Gar. Right now, the doctor was seen opening a suspicious door leading to too the school’s boiler room. The group followed after the guy, only to find a few box crates stash around as they find what looks like the doctor searching for something.

“What’s that guy up to?” Danny whispered this out to Megan in seeing that the doctor was behaving & acting strangely.

“Let’s find out, but be very quiet, okay.” Megan stated this off to say this in what they best be doing.

“Okay Megan, we will.” Molly nods her head in understanding what they need to do here.

Now the siblings quietly slip inside the darken room as they hid behind some crates that were left there. But they see that Dr. G. Gar was pulling out what looked like a porto-disc that displayed a holographic image of the solar system, which was showing the planets coming together.

“Yes….the timing is perfect….soon, the alignment will come to pass.” Dr. G. Gar exclaimed in looking very pleased to see this, the time was getting closer.

“Alignment?” Molly raised an eyebrow in hearing this while not following.

“What’s he talking about?” Danny asked Megan in what the strange doctor was talking about.

“An alignment is usually something about the planets forming a line row, but….what does that have to do with anything?” Megan raised an eyebrow & held her chin in being lost about this, why would someone be interested in a planetary alignment.

“Everything is all set, the timing & the collected magic energies are about to come to pass. After all these long years of waiting, all is falling into place.” Dr. G. Gar smiled both in seeing that soon, all things will come into view as everything has been brought together.

“We better alert the others, come on.” Megan whispered this off to her siblings that they need to tell the Rainbooms & the rest about this.

Now Megan’s group were turning to head up the stairs to leave the boiler room to alert the others of Crystal Prep’s therapist having some weird agenda. But then the three yelped when a rope net was tossed onto them, causing them to fall down the steps. Dr. G. Gar turned in seeing & hearing a disturbance, as Megan’s group tried to get free but with no luck, especially when above the stairs was…Bray who caught them.

“Hehehehaahahhh…..going somewhere?” Bray laughed off wickedly in seeing that he caught everyone completely by surprise.

“Ugh, your laughter reminds me of a really annoying donkey I once knew.” Danny rolled his eyes to state this about hearing Bray make something that makes him really not wanna recall.

“Hey!” Bray sounded hurt in having heard that, that was uncalled for.

“So, we had some little snoops moseying about.” Dr. G. Gar issued off in seeing what was going on here, someone was overhearing him by eavesdropping. “Ironic in how you are now foolish captives in my latest ploy.” He issued forth in stating this to Megan’s group here.

“What are you planning, Dr. G. Gar? What is it you’re doing during the games?” Megan asked off in demand in what this guy was up to during the games.

“Oh, you’ll find out soon….only this time, there will be no one to save you!” Dr. G. Gar exclaimed off to simply say this in knowing that those here will learn, but by the time that happens, it’ll all be too late.

“This time….you act as if we met before?” Molly asked off in not getting what this weird doctor was even talking about.

“Sorry, but I’m afraid I can’t answer that now…Bray!” Dr. G. Gar issued off to simply cut off the question while turning to his assistant.

“Yes master…” Bray responded off in hearing he was called upon.

“Throw these children in the broom closet after you tie them up, then afterwards….set a little goodbye present for them.” Dr, G. Gar smiled off to say this in a dark tension of having these three to be taken out of the picture…for good.

“Ohhh….I will….hehehehahahaahhhh…” Bray replied off to say this while making another creepy laugh.

“Whatever you’re doing, the others will stop you!” Megan protest to say this that what the evil doctor was up to, he will not get away with it.

“Oh, but it’s just begun. You may have stop that fool Strikespell from continuing his duties through my advice….but the games will come to an end.” Dr. G. Gar issued off to say this in knowing that though one thing was stopped, Strikespell under the control of the Dark Stone, but the rest of what’s to happen…will continue until the very end.

Now Bray began to do his work in tying up the three children’s hands & feet, while Dr. G. Gar was looking at his bell ornament, as it shimmer & shine, as if almost about to do something….but not yet.

“The final push is near….once the time is right, the bell will ring….of the end!” Dr. G. Gar exclaimed to say this in looking at his bell, very soon, something will occur & then…an event will happen to spell the end for many…

From the guy’s shadow, again we see aDdemonic ram with glowing red eyes as he was seen making a maniacal laughter in seeing everything was going well. The scene begins to fade out no, as what is going to happen next will come to its full view….at the final round of…the Friendship Games!

Author’s note
Things are heating up now! Now onto the next event, the last round of the Friendship Games. However, before the final round begins, Principal Cinch realizes to beat the competition, they need to have magic of their own to aid them...& Twilight has the key for that. With the weight & pressure of everything & a weak-will, Twilight lets her curiosity release the stored magic in her pendent device. But something goes wrong, the magic corrupts her, & soon...what stands before all is...a new foe, Midnight Sparkle, through which she tears more rifts leading to Equestria & endangers everyone. No one is able to stop her, but soon...Sunset must make amends to save someone she has done wrong from doing what she did...& through that, a new magic will come to her to help her become...Daydream Shimmer! The final clash will begin of who will outdo the other...who will peril & what sort of unknown acts are yet to follow after this magical feat is settle...stay tune...