Author's Notes:

Okay, so this one I wanted to do different. Not on our main characters, (I know, what a shock) but I wanted to do this one cause I think it'd be some fun. I hope you all enjoyed it, and stay tuned for some more shorts! I think I might make some more, actually.

Enjoy!

Canterlot High School wasn't the only school within the Canterlot area. There was actually another school, only it was waaay out in the big city! Where there were tons of people and it was so tight it was like you could barely breathe. This school was the prestigious, Crystal Prep Academy. It was a high school much like CHS, but it was more of a private school than a public school.

The students at the school however weren't different like everyone else. They were just ordinary kids with their own lives. Going to Crystal Prep Academy wasn't as different as going to any other school. Everyone wore their own clothes, had their own food, their own circle of friends, etc.

An alarm clock started to beep on and off on a nightstand. A single pale hand slapped the top of the clock, halting the alarm. A big amount of messy indigo colored hair rose out of bed, attached to a grinning face of a teenage girl. She stretched her arms, cracking a few bones. She opened up her window and screamed as loud as she could, up to the heavens.

"Good morning, city!"

Closing the windows, she started to do a few stretches, trying to get her entire body moving.

"Alright Indy, let's get ready for the day!"

A quick jump in the shower and back was enough to wake her up completely, feeling the nice hot water. In addition, her hair was cleaned up, face was cleaned, she was almost ready! Well almost ready.

As fast as possible, she managed to get her clothes on in perfect time. Standing out of her room, she carefully adjusted her clothes, trying to make herself look as cool as possible. She wore a pair of running boots over her blue jeans, and a nice yellow t-shirt with a graphic of a lightning bold coming out of a thunder cloud. In addition, she slipped on a pair of baby blue fingerless gloves on her hands.

She slid down the stairs, with herself sliding down on a railing, perfectly jumping onto the floor. Zipping her way into the kitchen, she found her little brother eating breakfast and her mom busy making breakfast.

"Morning Mom! Morning little buddy."

Indigo gave her little brother a side-hug, and in surprise she was given one back.

"Happy Birthday, Indigo," her brother said.

"Aww, thanks squirt." She hugged him back.

"Someone's in a chipper mood," Indigo's mom smiled.

"You bet!"

"I take it you're excited cause its your birthday?"

"No! Well, a little bit, but I know for a fact the Friendship Games are on their way, and if my hunch is correct, I think me and the girls are going to participate!"

"That's great sweetie. Now why don't you sit down before you decide to go a little crazy? Don't want to have to take a second shower, now do you?"

Calmly, she sat back down, and got her breakfast that her mom finished making. But she couldn't help but try to hurry herself up. She couldn't wait to hear the results, she just couldn't!

After gathering her belongings and her items for the day, Indigo was ready to head out the door.

"Indigo Zap!"

She froze in place. She knew whenever her mother used that kind of voice it was never a good thing. Hopefully she wasn't gonna get called out on anything, was she? Slowly turning around, she looked to see her mother standing with her hands behind her back.

"A-Am I in trouble?"

"You can't leave without opening this first."

She put her arms in front of her, and in her hands was a small colorful gift wrapped box.

"But Mom, shouldn't I open gifts later today?"

"Yes, but I think you should open this one."

Indigo didn't argue back with her. If it meant a present in the morning, then why not? Her hands grabbed the gift and started to tear away at the wrapping paper. Opening up the top of the box, she looked inside and gasped when she looked. A perfectly clean, new, and brand new pair of golden aviator goggles. The lenses were clear, but the ocular pieces were shiny gold.

"No... no way! How did you--"

"I know you were disappointed when you broke your last pair on that bike ride, so I found these ones and I thought they'd do the trick."

"They do!"

Indigo lunged at her mom, giving her a big hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh this is awesome!"

Indigo's mom giggled, hugging her back. "Now come on, you've got school."

Indigo clutched the new pair of goggles, and carefully strapped them on top of her head perfectly in place. Only a small tuft of her hair stuck out in the front of it, but it didn't bother her. It was her traditional puff up. But before leaving--

"Oh, one more thing."

"Yeah?"

Her mom gave a warm smile.

"Have a happy birthday, sweetheart."

She gave a kiss on her cheek, and Indigo hugged back. "Thanks Mom. I will!"

The bus ride to school wasn't stressful, and thankfully it wasn't filled with a lot of loud teenagers. Everyone was usually calm on the bus rides anyway.

Stepping off, she could see several of her classmates and many friends all scattered about in the courtyard, talking with each other. Everyone was off in their own cluster of friends, and no one looked unhappy or sad in the slightest. It was always a good sight to see.

Upon stepping off the bus, she started to walk towards the main doors of Crystal Prep. And as she walked, she saw a few people walking by that she knew, all of them greeting her.

"Hey Indy. Happy Birthday!"

"Thanks Neon!" She gave the guy a high-five as she passed on by.

"Happy birthday, darling!"

"Hope you have a great day!"

"Thanks Upper! Thanks Jet!"

She pushed the doors open to the school, seeing a hallway with a few students hanging out and just like on the outside, they were in their own clusters and groups. But just down the hallway...

"Indigo!"

She saw a girl with yellow skin and cherry colored hair call to her. She wore a green tank top over her pink skirt which had a graphic of a diamond crossing over a heart, and she wore green boots. She recognized that freckled-cheeked girl, Sour Sweet.

"Indigo! Come on, give me a hug hon!" Sour smiled. "Give me a birthday hug!"

Indigo gave in, and she allowed Sour to lift her off her feet, swinging her around in a big hug. She always enjoyed Sour's sweet demeanor (despite being called Sour Sweet). She set Indigo back down, letting her get back on her feet.

"How are you doing?" Sour beamed.

"Pretty good. Just got a new pair of goggles today."

"And I can see they're fitting you pretty well." Sour giggled.

Indigo walked with Sour over to a set of lockers, where the two more of their friends were gathered.

"Morning girls!"

The other two girls turned their heads and smiled. Indigo was happy to see them all; Lemon Zest and Sugarcoat.

Lemon Zest was more of a dark skinned color of pink, and while her hair was green but it was cut in a style of a punk, with it being spiked up in a few places and hanging off on a side of her head. She wore yellow short shorts with black running shoes, a pink t-shirt with a graphic of lemon slices, and on her hands were a bracelet and a fingerless glove. In addition, sitting below near her feet, was a little boom box that came with a cassette player.

Sugarcoat however wasn't as wild looking as Lemon. She looked more classy with her hair woven perfectly and her pigtails hanging behind her head. She wore a yellow shirt which had a graphic of a colorful stick of dynamite, a small blue skirt that dangled over her smooth legs, and a pair of heeled shoes. In addition, her skin was of a dark and gray blend of blue, and she had a pair of glasses hanging around her neck by her shirt.

"Happy Birthday, dude!"

"Happy Birthday, Indigo."

It was Lemon Zest's turn to leap at Indigo, giving her an even bigger hug than before.

"How's it feel to be 17, ya silly?" Lemon giggled.

Indigo smiled. "Pretty alright, though not that different."

Lemon let go of her, allowing her to dust herself off.

"I see you got a new pair of goggles. Birthday gift?" Sugarcoat asked.

"Yep!"

"They look rather well on you," Sugarcoat smiled.

"Aww, thanks."

Sugarcoat smiled as she leaned against the locker, adjusting the clip in her hair that resembled the graphic on her shirt.

"Where's Sunny Flare?" Indigo asked, looking around.

"She said she had to take care of something first, then she would meet all of us back here."

"Girls!"

Their heads turned towards the source of the call. Sliding down the hallway was the last friend in their little social group; Sunny Flare. Her skin was cyan with long purple hair that extended down her back. She wore a short black jacket over her pink blouse, and a purple skirt which had a sunny and cloudy graphic.

"Hey Sunny." Indigo smiled.

"Indigo, dearie! Happy Birthday!" Sunny gave Indigo Zap a big hug, making her smile.

"Aww, thanks."

"Why are you in a rush? School's not starting yet." Sugarcoat asked.

"Well, I know Principal Cinch is going to be coming by soon, and she has the final results for who's going to participate in the Friendship Games!"

"Is there anyone we do know who's participating?" Sugarcoat asked.

"Well, I can't think of anyone so far. I know Jet Set and Upper Crust made it in," Sunny Flare replied, looking back at her friends. "And if I'm not mistaken, I think Neon Lights may have made it on the team."

"Whoop! Everybody, Principal coming."

Down the hallway, moving ecstatically with a lot of energy was the head of the school herself, Principal Cinch. She was much more older than most of the other staff at school, but she had the spirit of a young lion inside. Always optimistic, always friendly, she was perhaps one of the best principals on the planet.

"Oh, good morning girls!" She called out.

"Morning Principal Cinch," all five said in unison.

"Do you by any chance have any confirmation on who's going to participate at the Friendship Games?" Indigo asked.

"I do, indeed. And I was going to make this announcement later today so everyone will be told but... you five have made it in."

All of them let out gasps and big grins were on their faces.

"Really? We are?" Sour asked.

"Yes, you are Miss Sweet."

"How come? I'm not asking to sound unappreciative, but I just thought I'd like to know." Sugarcoat asked.

Principal Cinch chuckled. "Because, Miss Sugarcoat, I know for a fact you five are perhaps some of the most brightest and most sweetest students I've ever had at this school. Its the friendship that you five possess that makes me believe that you're fit to partake in the games."

Sugarcoat smiled.

"But we're not just gonna play to win right?" Lemon asked.

"Lemon Zest, you mustn't worry." Principal Cinch chuckled, shaking her head. "It doesn't matter who wins or loses. The important thing is that you are to have fun and make some new friends. Isn't that the whole purpose of the games?"

The girls nodded.

"Exactly. So don't stress if we lose, its not about if we win. Just have some fun, alright?"

"We will." Indigo nodded.

"Oh, and before I forget, there was something I wished to talk to you girls about."

"What is it?" Lemon asked.

"Well, going over the roster," Principal Cinch said, flipping through the clipboard, "It would appears we're a teammate short. And there's one student in particular who I believe should participate with you all."

"Who?" Sunny asked.

Once Principal Cinch said the name, the girls dropped dead cold. The name she dropped wasn't a name they were hoping to hear, and it was something they feared.

"Oh... her?" Sugarcoat asked, nervously.

"Is there something wrong? Has she been bothering you five?"

"No, she hasn't, its just... well... we know she's not really the most social and, well..."

"--She's kind of a nutball."

"Perhaps what she needs is just a little bit of some social interaction. Its just something to keep in mind girls, I'm not telling you to ask her now."

The Shadowbolts gave a few nods, giving her signs of understanding.

"Well, I better get back to work. School should be starting in a few minutes, and I strongly suggest you make haste and get your materials together. See you girls around!"

Principal Cinch briskly started to walk off, but then halted in her path. She turned around and looked back at the group, still holding that friendly face.

"One more thing. Indigo Zap?"

"Yeah?" Indigo asked.

"Have a happy birthday."

Indigo smiled. "Thank you!"

Once she finished her greetings, Principal Cinch turned back around and kept going on her merry way. As soon as she was far away, the Shadowbolts let out a few squees and cheers. Lemon Zest gave her friends several big hugs, swinging them around and literally sweeping them off their feet. She couldn't help it. They made it onto the team! They were going to be in the games!

The Shadowbolts hit on their one hour break. Now it meant they could do anything they wanted. Indigo Zap and her friends however decided to pick this time to do some practice for the games. Where? The soccer field!

Every one of the girls were dressed in their gym uniforms, and were all out on the field. Well, Indigo Zap and Sugarcoat were. Indigo Zap stood at the defense field while Sugarcoat stood a few feet in front of her in the main circle. The soccer ball was in front of her feet, and she was ready to move.

"Alright, so lets see how well you can still block."

"I've got you covered Sugarcoat. Kick it!"

Sugarcoat winded herself back up, and made a hard kick. Indigo could see the ball aiming for her face, and bracing for impact, she raised her arms up to cover. The ball only bounced off her arms rolling back at Indigo. Sugarcoat only cringed from how hard it hit her.

"Sorry!"

"Its okay! Just try not to aim for my face, please?" Indigo shouted, trying to make her voice clear.

Off the sides, Lemon Zest, Sunny Flare, and Sour Sweet just sat and watched. Soccer wasn't their strongest strengths, so they had no reason to be out on the field.

Once Sugarcoat hit the ball again, Indigo Zap jumped up and let the ball bounce off her chest, protecting the goal again. Sugarcoat kicked it again, and Indigo stopped it again. And again. And again, and again, and again, and again! She never let up! She blocked every ball that was thrown at her and didn't let up. It was like she could go on forever!

After what seemed like an eternity of blocking, Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap were holding onto their knees, trying to catch their breaths. Sweat ran down their forehead, dripping onto the grass.

"You know what, maybe we should try something else." Sugarcoat asked.

"I agree! But what?"

"I think I have an idea, give me a second!" Sunny said, quickly running off.

10 Minutes Later

Indigo Zap was back on the field again, though this time, everyone was working together on this one. Sunny Flare pulled out a contraption from one of the storage sheds in the gym room, something she remembered one of their students assembled. The same one they were afraid to talk to...

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Indigo asked.

"Positive, lets give this a shot. The minute a ball comes towards us, we each try to keep every single one of them from going into the goal. Sound good?" Sunny asked.

"Sure, I guess but this doesn't seem very, you know, safe." Sour asked with some worry.

"I'm going to have to agree with Sour, this thing's never been tested."

"Better to try it now, isn't it?"

"She didn't hear a word we said, did she?" Sugarcoat asked, shaking her head in fear.

Sunny Flare quickly flipped the key on the machine, turning it on. Then once it was on, she hit a few controls and ran back to the rest of the girls to get ready.

"Alright, I think the balls are gonna run fast so be ready." Sunny Flare said, getting into guard mode.

"I don't know Sunny... this was designed by her. Are we sure this wasn't just a means to get out everyone from the soccer fields?" Indigo asked.

"Look, Principal Cinch is right. We're a bit judgemental of her, we should give her the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure nothing bad will ever--"

Right at that moment, a soccer ball came flying in like a flaming spear, and it slammed right into Sour's face, knocking her down. And worse, she didn't get back up. It didn't even look like she was okay!

"Uh, Sunny..."

The machine fired another soccer ball, this time smacking right into Sunny Flare's crotch, and then her head.

"Oof! OW!"

Sunny collapsed onto the ground, right down with Sour Sweet.

"Hit the deck!"

Sugarcoat and Indigo acting with instinct, dropped to the ground, covering their heads just as more soccer balls came flying at them. Lemon however didn't make it in time, and she got hit in the face as well. Her body slumped down and fell like a sack of potatoes.

"Lemon's down! Medic!" Indigo cried again.

Not even a few seconds came by, and more and more soccer balls came flying through the air. They were speeding right above them like bullets out of a gun. It was like they entered a war zone and the two of them were directly in the line of fire. And it was an area they did not want to be in a part of!

"Stay down, I'm gonna try and get to that machine!" Sugarcoat crawled off to the side, getting as far away from the firing range as she could.

Indigo stayed huddled down, but in an attempt to keep her friends safe, she stayed as close to them as she could, bracing herself. If there was a soccer ball coming to hit them, she'd be one to take the bullet!

A few minutes more passed by, until eventually, the soccer balls stopped firing. No more came flying at her or any of the other girls. The machine had finally died down. She raised her head up, and a sigh of relief escaped her breath. Sugarcoat made it to the controls and she had shut it down.

"Okay, this should just be a rule. Any contraption we make at this school, we test on something non living first." Sugarcoat declared.

"I agree!"

Indigo picked up her feet, brushing the grass off of her and rubbing at her bruises.

"Lets go to the nurse's office. I think all of us will need to go."

"Yeah. I agree." Indigo said looking down at her possibly knocked out friends. A frown was on Sugarcoat's face, looking at them.

"Sorry this is how we're spending your birthday," Sugarcoat frowned.

"Hey, its okay. There's still plenty of time today, we can still have some fun. Besides, I've got all of you. You always make my days here fun."

Sugarcoat's frown turned upside down. A glimmer of hope sparked in her heart. Opening her arms up, she offered a hug to Indigo who she kindly accepted. The two hugged it out for a bit, finally calming down from the ruckus that had just happened a few moments ago.

"So, once we get them to the nurse, what do you want to do until then?" Sugarcoat asked.

"I don't know. Maybe we could--"

"--BEING QUIET!!!!"

They nearly jumped back from the yelling. Turning their heads around, they found where the source was coming from. A cyan skinned girl with rainbow colored hair was standing and yelling at the girl right near her side. She looked back at Indigo and Sugarcoat who were staring at her in complete shock and confusion. Who was this girl? Did she even go to school here? And wait. Was she there the whole time?

"Who... the heck... are you?" Sugarcoat asked.

The girl blinked for a second, and then listened to the words coming from her friend below.

"Pinkie to Dash. We've been spotted! RUN FOR IT!!!"

A pink skinned girl holding up a bush like a pair of pants, sped away in a flash from the area. Without any other ideas, the rainbow haired girl followed right behind her as well. The two dashed off into the parking lot, leaving only the confused Shadowbolts to watch them flee away.

"Did we just get spied on?"

"Yes. Yes we did."