The next day, the school day began to go by like any typical day with one exception; everyone has been acting annoyed for some reason. The best I can understand is that it has to do with something called the Friendship Games. I try to ask some of my classmates about it whenever I get a chance, but none of them give me a direct answer. They mostly ridicule me either for not knowing what the Friendship Games are or for bringing it up.

When it is finally lunch period, I find my lunch table mostly empty, except for Caramel and Soarin.

"Hey guys, where are all the ladies?" I ask.

"They're at Vice-Principal Luna's office discussing the Friendship Games with the other members of the school's Friendship Games team," Caramel asks.

"Something I should be doing with them," Soarin grumbles bitterly.

I sigh annoyed before I ask, "Okay, what is this whole Friendship Games thing? I've been hearing about it all day, and I have no idea what it is."

Soarin and Caramel look at me, confused.

"You mean, you have no idea what it is?" Soarin ridicules. "Everyone knew about it over the past month. Heck, Sunset is on the team."

"What?!" I exclaim. "She never told me about this."

"Well, Rainbow and AJ did say she only learned about it today too," Caramel says. "Maybe you two have been too snoggy-woggy with each other since you two got together that you haven't been paying attention when the teachers have been bringing it up the past couple of weeks."

"Heh, that makes sense," Soarin says with his arms crossed. "You guys have been pretty focused on just exchanging saliva every chance you get for a while. It probably doesn't help that you two are probably the most worried about Sonata apart from the Apples ."

"Hmmm. I guess that makes sense," I said, scratching the back of my head. "Anyway, what is the Friendship Games?"

"The Friendship Games is a tournament between us and our rival school, Crystal Prep Academy, that happens once every four years. It's a big school event where twelve students represent each school and compete in the games," Soarin explains. "And when I say compete, I mean Crystal Prep destroys us at everything with no effort, and they even gloat over it by pulling pranks on the Wondercolt statue."

"Yeah, Canterlot High has never come close to winning the Friendship Games," Caramel says.

"Why's that?" I ask.

"The students of Crystal Prep Academy are overachievers when it comes to their education," Caramel explains. "Because it's a very expensive school, it has a reputation for being the best because they practically devote every single moment of school on more education than any normal high school could teach in four years."

"And this large amount of education includes activities for the Friendship Games?" I ask.

"Oh, you have no idea," Soarin says. "Last week, Rainbow Dash tried to spy on the tryouts for the games before Pinkie Pie obnoxiously blew her cover, but she saw enough to know that they mean serious business to keep their winning streak."

"Did we already have tryouts?" I ask.

"Yes, that's what I was doing yesterday," Soarin says, annoyed. "But I didn't make the team because Vice-Principal Luna decided that half of our team should be the Rainbooms even though neither of them except for Rainbow Dash tried out."

"Seriously?" I ask, surprised. "I mean, I imagine our team will need people who are smart and active like Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Sunset, but it seems like favoritism with Rarity and Fluttershy who aren't that big on playing games."

"Yeah, I think Principal Celestia's idea was that they would be good for moral support given everything they've done to protect our school and the fact that they are six of the highest-scoring students academically," Soarin says. "But, I hear Crystal Prep has done some special picking too with one of their students who didn't compete in the tryouts either, so neither side is innocent of not picking favorites."

"Who else is on our team?" I ask.

"Flash Sentry, Sandalwood, Micro Chips, and believe it or not, Derpy, Lyra, and Bon Bon," Soarin announces.

"Really?" I ask, surprised. "How did they make the team?"

"I didn't get to see Derpy's audition, but as for Lyra and Bon Bon ... that's a little harder to explain," Soarin answers reluctantly. "You see, they competed with each other trying to prove that one was better than the other. They did a gazillion things at once to try to prove it, ending with them about to attack each other with Lyra dressed as a peacock and Bon Bon dressed as an owl."

"Somehow, that is neither the weirdest nor creepiest thing I've heard about those two after our time in the E.M.R.," I say, smirking.

"Yeah, though Micro Chips has their fight posted online," Caramel says.

I frown and say, "I take it back; that's really creepy."

"Agreed," Soarin says. "Still though, it feels like ages since we've heard of those three or Vinyl, Doc or you-know-who as Sunset so lovingly calls Octavia."

"Yeah, it has," I say. "I wonder if they're still on their crusade against evil magic."

"If they are, they're probably in a hiatus since nothing serious has happened since the Battle of the Bands," Soarin says. "If they're smart, however, they would have given up by now as long as the only magic stuff that happens anymore comes from our girlfriends when they pony up with their friends. I'd be surprised if Vinyl and Doc, in particular, haven't called quits by now."

"Agreed," Caramel says before turning to me. "That said, though; I've wanted to ask since we're alone without Sunset, do you think about Octavia at all, Rough Draft?"

I hesitate before I answer Caramel.

"You know, I haven't thought that much about her since Sunset and I got together," I say. "I mean, I still miss her a little, but my mind is too devoted to Sunset for it to have an impact. Maybe what I have with Sunset is what my relationship with Octavia would have been like if I wasn't struggling over how I felt about what happened at the Fall Formal. Who knows?"

"You say that like you've been wondering what might have been if it wasn't for the Anon-a-Miss incident," Soarin says suspiciously.

I sigh before I answer, "Sometimes, I still do. Maybe I was meant to be with Sunset eventually either way, but it still is frustrating that things with Octavia ended over nothing as opposed to... I don't know, just figuring out on our own that we weren't meant to be or something. Every now and then, I wonder what would happen if I see her again. Would she still hate me? Would she not say anything, or would she try to be friendly and ask how things are going as if we are old friends who haven't seen each other in years and, more importantly, how would I handle it if that day ever came."

"And that's assuming if you two would even have a chance to talk," Soarin says with a smirk. "If Sunset is there with you, she might not even let you and Octavia talk because she's so determined to pretend Octavia doesn't exist."

I chuckle lightly at the thought.

"Yeah, she hasn't been shy about how she feels about Octavia ever since we got together," I say. "Either way, I hope she's as happy with that Treble Clef guy as I am with Sunset. And believe me, I'm thrilled."

"We know," Soarin and Caramel say at the same time making the three of us laugh.

"So, back to the Friendship Games, when does that happen?" I ask.

"Tomorrow," Soarin answers. "There's a pep rally for it during seventh period before the Crystal Prep team comes in the morning, and then we have some welcoming party during second period, and the rest of the day is focused on the Friendship Games."

"Sounds fun," I say.

"You only think that because you don't know how good Crystal Prep is," Caramel says. "I love AJ, and I hold Rainbow and Sunset in high regard, and even then, I'm more nervous than optimistic about how they're going to handle themselves against this school. This isn't something that they can win by using magic."

"Maybe, but I for one will root for my girl to the end," I announce.

"I second that with my girl," Soarin says. "Actually, she hinted to me that she has something special planned for the pep rally."

"Really? What's that?" I ask.

"She didn't tell me," Soarin says with a smirk. "She says I'll find out, and knowing my Rainbow, that can only mean she's planning something big."

*********************************************************************************************

During sixth period, Mr. Iron Will had us lift weights again since the gym is being used to get ready for the pep rally. An hour later, class ends, and we are all ordered to proceed to the gym where students are already sitting on the bleachers and folded chairs. I look around for a place to sit until Caramel and Soarin call over to be from the back row of folded chairs. I sit down between the two of them when I notice that Sunset is sitting on the bleachers with Rarity and Fluttershy. She's looking concerned about something, and I wave my arms, hoping she would notice me. It takes a moment before she sees me and waves happily before blowing a kiss at me, which makes me blush much to her amusement as usual.

"You know, bro, you really should be used to Sunset doing something like that by now," Soarin says, smirking. "I know she is a little more flirtatious than Tavi was, but it's starting to get silly how often that girl makes you blush."

"Eh, what can I say, dude?" I say, scratching the back of my head. "My sunshine knows how to make me blush whenever she wishes just like you-know-who did."

Before Soarin can make a counterpoint, we hear the sound of a microphone turning on, and we turn to see Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna on stage, beginning the pep rally.

"As I am sure you all know, tomorrow, Canterlot High School will be hosting our fellow students from Crystal Prep Academy as we join together in the spirit of excellence, sportsmanship, and fidelity to compete in the Friendship Games," Principal Celestia announces.

The entire student body mumbles fake cheers and weak claps in response.

Wow, I've never seen a school so devoid of spirit since back when Sunset was ruling the school. Crystal Prep must have really done a number on our school in the past with these Friendship Games.

"Since the games only happen every four years, I'm sure you're all curious as to what goes on," Principal Celestia continues.

"You mean other than us losing?!" Flash Sentry calls out from the benches.

Holy cow, he's on our team, and he's positive we're going to lose? That is not a good sign. Principal Celestia frowns at Flash Sentry before her smile returns, and she continues.

"And that is exactly why I asked Rainbow Dash to come up and give you all a little...um...context," she says as Rainbow Dash enters the stage and swipes the microphone from its pole.

"Thank you, Principal Celestia," she says proudly before she turns to the crowd and clears her throat. "I know a lot of you might think there's no way we can beat a fancy school like Crystal Prep at anything."

"Unless it's a losing to Crystal Prep competition because we're really good at that," Pinkie Pie calls out sadly as she sits with Sunset and the other Rainbooms.

For the love of heaven! Even Pinkie Pie, the most optimistic and energetic person on the planet, is expecting us to lose?! This is getting ridiculous!

Rainbow Dash scoffs before she continues, "And I know that CHS has never won the Friendship Games even once."

At this point, the morale of all the students are lower than before. Even Soarin is starting to feel uneasy with his girlfriend's words.

"Rainbow, what in the world are you doing," He whispers loudly.

Suddenly, I hear drums beating proudly from behind the curtains on stage, followed by trumpets and other musical instruments. I don't know why I feel so uplifted. I look around and see Soarin, Caramel, and the other students starting to smile already from the music as Rainbow Dash continues her speech.

"Crystal Prep students are super athletic, super smart, and super motivated," Rainbow Dash says. "But there's one thing they aren't: they aren't Wondercolts!"

At that moment, the curtains open to reveal the school band playing proudly as Rainbow Dash begins to sing.

We've fought magic more than once

And come out on top (Oh, oh)

There's other schools, but none can make those claims (Na, na-na-na-na, oh)

Together we are Canterlot

Come and cheer our name (Oh, oh)

This will be our year to win these games

As she sings, she begins to march off the stage and across the gym with the marching band following her. Everyone in the gym begins to feel energetic and proud as Rainbow Dash, and the marching band sing together.

We'll always be Wondercolts forever

And now our time has finally arrived

'Cause we believe in the Magic of Friendship

And you know, at the end of the day, it is we who survive

Suddenly, the gym speakers are roaring with dubstep music as it appears Vinyl has plugged her portable DJ board into them. She plays with all her might making me glad that she's helping Rainbow Dash despite her distant feelings on the Rainbooms like the rest of the E.M.R. Either that, or she just heard a good beat and she wanted to join in the music. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she's joining just for the music while still in unideal terms with the Rainbooms. Regardless of Vinyl's reasons, her record scratching helped the music play louder and prouder than before as Rainbow Dash continues to sing.

We're not the school we were before (Before!)

Yeah, we're different now (Oh, oh, hey, hey! )

We overcame the obstacles we faced (Overcame the obstacles we faced, Hey!)

We're Canterlot united (Unite!)

And we'll never bow (Oh, oh hey, hey)

So get ready to see us in first place!

As the song continues, the marching band tosses Canterlot High ears and tails to everyone, and we excitedly put them on as the music motivates us to stand up and sing.

We'll always be Wondercolts forever

(Three! Two! One! Go!)

And now our time has finally arrived

(Our time is now!)

'Cause we believe in the Magic of Friendship

And you know, at the end of the day, it is we who survive

At the end of the day, it is we who survive!

The next thing I know, we all start clapping to the rhythm as Rainbow Dash, and the marching band make their way back to the stage.

Na, na, na-na-na-na

Wondercolts united together

Na, na, na-na-na-na

Wondercolts united forever

As we continue singing, Rainbow Dash sings her part of the song.

We'll always be Wondercolts forever

And now our time has finally arrived

She hops on the stage as she lifts her hands, proudly showing her school spirit.

'Cause we believe in the Magic of Friendship

I sing along with everyone happily before I notice that Rainbow Dash is starting to glow blue. It takes a moment before I realize that she's starting to pony up. Before I can say a word to anyone, her pony ears, wings, and tail suddenly pop up, and she starts flowing up high. The leader of the marching band goes along with it and throws her pole at Rainbow Dash, and she catches it to finish the song.

And you know at the end of the day, it is we who survive

At the end of the day, it is we who survive!

My mouth hangs open in surprise as everyone cheers, letting out their reforged school spirit. I join the cheer, but deep down, I'm wondering how in the world did Rainbow Dash just transform without playing music. I turn to where Sunset is, and she and the other Rainbooms are cheering too. I stand there confused as to why she is so happy about this when she was so interested about her friends' magic yesterday.

"Woohoo! Yeah, Rainbow Dash! That's my girl!" Soarin cheers with pride.

"Yeah, go, Wondercolts!" Caramel shouts excitedly.

I reluctantly rejoin the cheering again until Principal Celestia comes back on stage with the microphone.

"Thank you, Rainbow Dash and the Canterlot marching band for that encouraging song," She says happily. "And I'm proud to see all of you excited to see our school compete at the Friendship Games. I expect all of you to be on your best behavior when the Crystal Prep team arrives in the morning. Until then, we'll see you all tomorrow. Go Canterlot Wondercolts!"

The crowd cheers one more time before we eventually begin to disperse.

"Let's meet the Rainbooms at the front entrance," Caramel suggests.

"Good idea," Soarin says enthusiastically. "I can congratulate my girl on a job well done."

"Agreed," I say, smiling while secretly hoping to talk to Sunset about the transformation.

*********************************************************************************************

Caramel, Soarin, and I make our way through the crowd to the front entrance, waiting for the Rainbooms to meet us there as everyone else leaves for the day. It takes several minutes or so before we eventually find Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and surprisingly, no Sunset exiting the building.

"Rainbow!" Soarin calls out as he races to his girlfriend.

"Hey, Soarin," Rainbow Dash responds, smirking. "Proud of your girl?"

"Here's a hint," Soarin says, smirking back before he wraps his arms around Rainbow Dash and smashes his lips together with her. Rainbow Dash keeps her smirk for a moment before she closes her eyes and wraps her arms around Soarin's neck, deepening the kiss. The rest of us roll our eyes and shake our heads in amusement before we turn to each other.

"So did either of you wonder why Rainbow Dash suddenly ponied up without playing her guitar?" Applejack asks Caramel and me with her arms crossed.

"Thank you!" I exclaim. "I thought I was the only one. I'm surprised that even Sunset wasn't worried about it."

"Oh, she's worried, alright," Applejack says. "She was smiling and full of school spirit like everyone else out there, but when we went to talk to Rainbow Dash backstage, she didn't hesitate to show that she's pretty perplexed about it."

"Whew, that sounds a little more like my girlfriend," I say, a little relieved. "Where is she, though?"

"She's probably at the library," Rarity answers. "Vice-Principal Luna came to us and asked her to find out why Rainbow Dash ponied up so we can avoid any magic occurrences during the Friendship Games. She's trying to keep us from being accused of cheating because of any sudden magical encounters."

"I better talk to her," I say as I eagerly run back inside to the school library.

"I wouldn't bother her, Rough Draft," Pinkie Pie calls out cheerfully. "She has everything under control!"

I ignore her words and race through the halls, determined to see my girlfriend. When I make it to the front doors, I bang them open loudly, which earns a fierce "SHHHH!" from Ms. Cheerilee and some of the students. I ignore them as I scan the room to see Sunset rubbing her forehead as her table is full of books and some papers scattered across the floor. I kneel next to her as I place my hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise.

"Whoa, whoa, it's just me. It's just me," I say, calmly as I lift my hands in defense.

Her startled face falls into a worried one again as she says, "Hey, Rough Draft."

I frown as I put my hand back on her shoulder and ask, "Are you okay?"

Sunset sighs before she answers, "Not really. I thought I shouldn't have to worry about how magic works with Rainbow Dash and the others, but now she just ponied up in front of the whole school without playing her guitar, and Vice-Principal Luna just tasked me to figure out why before the Friendship Games. I just sent Twilight a message about it, but since she hasn't even replied to my previous message, I'm starting to think she's not going to be able to help me anytime soon."

"But isn't the answer obvious?" I ask. "Could it still be just the magic of music that caused her to transform? I mean, she was still singing a song as loud and proud as she loves to do, right?"

Sunset gives me a small smile before she frowns again.

"I don't think it's that simple anymore," She says. "After all the weird stuff that happened during band practice yesterday and now Rainbow Dash ponying up at the pep rally, I think everyone's magic is changing. I wish I knew why it's changing and how it can be controlled for the games, but I don't know I can do anything without Twilight. "

She groans sadly, and I quickly wrap my arm around her for comfort.

"It's okay, Sunset. It's okay," I say quietly.

Sunset takes a moment before turning her head to look at me with an appreciative smile.

"Thanks, babe," she says.

"Anytime, sunshine. Hey, that almost rhymed," I say jokingly, which makes her chuckle. "So, is there anything I can do to help?"

Sunset's smile fades away as she turns to her pile of books.

"Not this time," she says. "I think I should look into this alone."

"Are you sure?" I ask, concerned.

"Positive," she says sincerely. "Magic is my work of expertise, and even though friendship magic is new to me, Vice-Principal Luna assigned me to find out what is happening."

I look at her unconvinced that it's a good idea, but I sigh in defeat. I place my hand on her cheek to turn her face towards me again and look at her deep in her bright, cyan eyes.

"If you need anything from me, even if it's just to rant again, my phone is always on," I say seriously.

Sunset smiles at me sweetly before she leans in for a kiss.

"I will," she says. "I love you, Rough Draft."

"I love you too, Sunset," I say with a smile before I reluctantly stand up and turn to meet the others outside. As I open the library doors, I give Sunset one last look as she opens a book and begins reading it carefully. I sigh as I turn around and walk out of the library.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day for my poor girlfriend.

Next Chapter: Chapter 38: Let The Games Begin Estimated time remaining: 10 Hours, 56 Minutes