It was about two weeks after the first day of school that this took place. Applejack had a bake sale going on right in front of the school and she wanted Rainbow’s softball team to show up. That way both could enjoy some profit and promotion. I was with Applejack right after she set everything up.

“I’m surprised that Rainbow isn’t here already,” I told her while sitting down in a chair beside her behind the table. There were about three tables total filled with all kinds of baked goods that weren’t all apple-related. More was under the table as well.

People were already starting to show up and take some samples and look around as she looked at me, “Yeah me too, I told her today specifically.”

That got me thinking. Rainbow would never be late or not bother to show up at something like this. “I wonder,” I said aloud while taking out my cell phone.

“What is it sugarcube? You think something’s up?” she asked me after attending to a customer.

“Yeah and the name is Sunset Shimmer,” I told her and dialed Rainbows number.

Hey stud, came Rainbows voice over the phone, How’s it hanging?

“You realize that the bake sale was today right?” I asked while eyeing Applejack then put the phone on speaker mode holding it between us.

WHAT?! What do you mean today? I got an email from Applejack saying that it was tomorrow and not to show up today.

“But Rainbow,” Applejack spoke up, “I didn’t send anything to ya.”

Applejack? I don’t get it, I got an email from ya.

“Why don’t you and the team show up, if you all can manage it. Bring a copy of the email with you so we can compare notes. Can you do it?”

There was a pause as Rainbow was obviously thinking about it. Yeah, I think so, but it’ll take at least thirty minutes to get everyone together.

“We’ll still be here for another two hours, so that’ll work Rainbow. See you when you get here.”

OK AJ, Rainbow said, I’ll get the team there asap for you. See you there.

And with that out of the way, I waited until she and the team showed up. After hanging up I put the phone into my front pocket. While Applejack attended to the customers I sat back in the chair and gave it a little thought. If Sunset is the reason that Rainbow almost didn’t show up today, why? Why would she go through all of this? For what ultimate purpose?

All was relatively quiet between the time I hung up and the time that Rainbow showed up. It was just her as she pulled up in her sports car. It took her about ten or so minutes to show up. She also had the print out with her as she walked up to us.

“Where’s the rest of the team Rainbow?” Applejack asked her.

“They're coming,” Rainbow told us while handing me the printout, “I thought that having them show up on their own would be better. That way if not all of them can show up at least some if not all could.”

“Good plan,” I told her while looking at the printout.

“What do you got sugarcube?” Applejack asked while leaning over. I showed it to her where she looked at it and shook her head, “I didn’t send this.”

Then something hit me, “Applejack, take a close look at the email address. Is it yours?”

Applejack took the printout from me to look closely as Rainbow looked down on it, “No it’s not, but it’s just one character off from being mine.” She turned to Rainbow and pointed it out, “See this?” Rainbow nodded. “This shouldn’t be there. It’s an underscore right at the end of my name right before the “at” sign.”

“Yeah now I see it,” Rainbow said as she looked between Applejack and I. “I didn’t see it before, but who would do this and why?”

“I have an idea of who, but as to the why I have no clue,” I said.

“Sunset,” Applejack told Rainbow and stood up putting an arm around Rainbow, “But thanks to Fred and your quick thinking you’re here now. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome AJ. After all, I never leave my friends hangin’,” Rainbow said putting her own arm around Applejack. Then she looked at me, “Thanks stud, I’d hate to miss this.” Then she motioned toward a van as it rolled up, “Here they come.”

I turned and watched as the van parked and sure enough about ten of Rainbow’s softball team started to unload themselves. Smiling to them I waved as it was a perfect day for it. It was fall and the leaves have begun to turn colors. With the temperature still a little bit warm, there was a cool breeze that blew across the yard creating a very pleasant atmosphere for us. Since the school was in the middle of the city it was smart that Applejack used the breeze to blow the sweet smell of food around. It was a way of free advertisement.

And by the looks of things, it appears to be working. More people showed up as Rainbow and her team mingled with the customers. It felt good to see this working for the better, even if it was only for another hour or so. But for that hour things went perfectly in spite of the late start and I was happy about it.

It was later after everything was put away and stored, that we stood around our cars. We were discussing what we found regarding the email. “The question is why, if it is Sunset that is?” I asked while looking between Applejack and Rainbow.

“Got me sugarcube,” Applejack spoke up.

“Someone really didn’t want the team showing up today for whatever reason,” Rainbow mentioned then turned to me, “You sure it was Sunset?”

“I see no one else that would want to do something like this. She has been the one that’s been harassing us for the past two weeks,” I looked between them. “It might be a good idea to let others know about this email. Also about what happened just in case she, or whoever it is, tries this again.”

“Agreed,” Rainbow said, “I’ll tell Pinkie.”

“I’ll take Fluttershy,” Applejack mentioned.

I sighed looking between them with my arms over my chest, “Well that leaves Rarity to me then. Do you like seeing me tortured?”

I smirked as both of them giggled and chuckled fist-bumping each other, “Yeah a little,” Rainbow said stepping up and looking up to me.

Then Applejack chuckled, “Besides, you look rather cute when you’re flustered or exhausted.”

I just looked down at them with a smirk, “Oh really? Is that the real reason why you two work me silly during PE?”

They looked between each other before both of them patted my chest, “Yeah, among other things,” Rainbow said. Then they both giggled and fist-bumped each other again then returned to their cars.

With a sigh and a happy smile, it was time to head home. I decided not to speak of it with my mother and aunt because it all worked out and we were looking out for it in the future. That was the first major incident though. The first clue that something was coming.

The second incident was between Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy was hosting an auction for the animal shelter and wanted some soft and quiet entertainment for the people. Because of the animals, it would have to be quiet and not loud. I wasn’t there when Fluttershy and Pinkie talked about it, but I was at the auction itself. It was nearly a month later when I was at the animal shelter with Fluttershy when the auction was about to begin.

“Is everything ready?” we were standing in the lobby of the animal shelter. It was late at night after the shelter had already shut down for the night, that the event was going to be held for only an hour. That way no one had to take care of the animals until the next morning.

“Yeah, it is,” she told me with a smile, “that is until Pinkie shows up.” Then she looks to me with appreciation, “Thank you so much for coming here tonight. I really appreciate it.”

I nodded to her putting one arm around her shoulders. Although because of the height difference between her and me my arm was more draped over her. She barely came up to my chest as we stood next to each other. She was the smallest between us. However, she was also the kindest person that I knew.

She hugged me back putting her arms around me and laying her head on my chest. That is until we heard a loud noise going off like a big party streamer going off. All of us jumped nearly out of our skins. Including Fluttershy which jumped into my arms as Scooby does to Shaggy. Loud music started coming from nearby and when I turned to look…

“PINKIE,” I shouted over the music that was blasting from a boom box. After setting Fluttershy down and waving to Pinkie, I quickly turned it off. “Pinkie,” it was an effort to keep my voice even and calm, “just what are you doing?”

“Putting together a loud party silly, so the animals can party,” she said while looking into my eyes as if nothing was wrong.

“Didn’t she tell you for it to be quiet?”

“Yeah, that is until I got this,” Pinkie pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me.

The first thing that I looked at was the email address and sure enough, it was nearly exactly the same. Only that one single character changed to something else and it stated in the email that Fluttershy had changed addresses. I handed the paper to Fluttershy when she walked up then looked down at Pinkie. Gently I took her arms in my hands, “Pinkie listen carefully.”

“Okay,” she said simply.

“Fluttershy didn’t make this Pinkie,” I explained to her, “didn’t Rainbow say to watch out for this?”

“Yeah, but this said that this was her new email,” Pinkie said then Fluttershy came up.

“Pinkie, I didn’t send this email and I haven’t changed my email,” Fluttershy said to her friend.

Pinkie’s mouth formed into an O as her mind comprehended it, “Oh, I’m sorry Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy and Pinkie hugged each other as Pinkie apologized once again.

“That’s OK Pinkie,” Fluttershy said to her friend, “No real harm done. But why don’t you set up for our original agreement OK?”

“Oki Doki Loki,” Pinkie said and only put up only simple decoration and turned down the music to soft and soothing. From there, things went along as they should, but while Pinkie and Fluttershy were handling the auction I was thinking.

I was sure who was behind it, but the question of why was still running through my mind. She wants to run the school granted. But it’s me that’s really in her way of really ruling this school. Other than my mother and aunt that is. But why? What’s her end goal to all of this?

Fluttershy brought me out of my thoughts sometime later. I just chuckled while looking into her beautiful eyes, “I guess I was really lost in thought. How did things go?”

“Things went great Fred,” Fluttershy said and hugged me, “thank you for being here.”

“Yeah if you weren’t here then who knows what could have happened,” Pinkie said and hugged me too.

I smiled looking between them, “Well what are friends for? We need to get the group together regarding this tonight. Girls get the others and meet me at my house OK?”

Pinkie in her usual happy manner comically saluted me like a soldier would and took off with all her stuff in tow.

Fluttershy giggled as we left together. Something had to be done.

^_^

“Fluttershy darling,” Rarity said from where she sat on the couch by the front door, “did she, or whoever it is, strike again?”

“Yes he or she did,” Fluttershy said from sitting next to Rarity, “they sent an email to Pinkie that I supposedly sent, which I didn’t.”

“Well that wasn’t very nice, did things turn out alright?”

“Yeah,” Pinkie pipped up, “Once Fred told me what was going on.”

I was sitting in a chair across from them as they all sat on the couch. “Alright girls,” I said to them, “I have a good hunch that it’s Sunset Shimmer doing this. She always wants to ‘run’ this school. And I think the reason why she sent those things is that she wants to separate us as friends. More than likely so she can run this school.”

“Which means that we have to keep an eye on ‘er,” Applejack mused as she sat on one of the sofa’s armrests.

“Right,” I nodded to Applejack, “Pinkie aren’t you going to start decorating for the Fall Formal starting tomorrow afternoon?”

“Yeah and I really could use the help Rarity,” Pinkie said clapping her hands together.

“Right,” I interrupted before Rarity spoke, “which means that no matter what anyone sends you Rarity, ignore it and go. Plus anyone else that has the time to show up. I will as well.”

“Good idea and if there’s any doubt I’ll call. It makes me rather upset that Sunset is trying to separate us,” Rarity said with a huff.

“I think it’s also a good idea that if any one of us sees her doing anything that’s out of the ordinary that we watch her. Then reporter her.”

I nodded to Rainbow who sat on the other end of the couch, “Good idea Rainbow, then at the end of each day from now on we can compare notes.”

“And hopefully stay one step ahead,” Fluttershy stated simply.

“Yeah, nobody messes with my friends and gets away with it. So, don’t worry stud, we’ll track her down and stay one step ahead of her this time,” Rainbow grinned.

“What’s going on here,” I heard my mother say as she walked into the living room. She was already wearing her nightgown and by the looks of her face, she was puzzled as to why we had met.

“Oh Principal Celestia,” Rarity spoke up first, “We are talking about that wicked woman Sunset Shimmer and how we are going to keep tabs on her from now on.”

“Oh? Why is that? She hasn’t broken any of the rules as far as I know,” my mother said simply.

“That’s just it mother, she knows how to toe the line, so to speak,” I told her as my hands ran down my face in frustration. “Sunset knows just how far she can go to get what she wants. And that’s to run the school. Most kids are already afraid of her right now, just think of what it would be with us out of her way?”

“I see your point,” Mother said simply, “and I’ve also noticed how she intimidates the other students. However, as you pointed out it’s not necessarily against the rules.”

“No, but it isn’t nice and she’s mean all the time.”

“That’s true Fluttershy,” Mother said, “and if she’s caught in something that’s against the rules she will be punished accordingly.”

“Then it’s a good idea that we’re keeping an eye on her,” Rainbow grinned to my mother.

“Indeed,” Mother said then turned to me. “I’m going to bed dear, goodnight.” She smiled at me then leaned over kissing the top of my head.

“Goodnight mom,” I smiled hugging her before she left for her room. When my eyes met the rest of the girls they were just either grinning or smiling at me. I didn’t say anything.

“Well, now that he’s been embarrassed by his mother I’d say it’s time for us to go to bed ourselves,” Applejack chuckled and stood up from the couch.

“Yeah, besides he’s going to be worked hard tomorrow right AJ?”

Applejack just chuckled and fist-bumped Rainbow, “Oh yeah.”

I just shook my head and rolled my eyes, “Alright girls, goodnight.”

And with that, everyone said goodnight hugging me and each other before they all headed out the door. I for one was deep in thought all the way to my room for the night.

^_^

During the past two and a half months I’ve dreamed of this woman under a cloak. I felt so safe and secure and loved while in her arms. But after a month of this something just felt off about her. She was my mother, that I knew. However, it was something that I just couldn’t put my finger on. Something was just off about her that I just couldn’t figure out.

Tonight was different for I found myself being held by my father. He looked so happy with me in his arms with him making faces and me with the usual baby noises. Everything felt so right, but I didn’t recognize the room. And for another thing, this was a lucid dream. I could see everything as if it was real, but I couldn’t control where my head was. My dad was a tall man, clean-shaven, rather good looking, with a crew cut that most women like. But it wasn’t my long blond hair though.

I could see the rest of the room behind him and it wasn’t anything that I’ve seen before. It looked like he was sitting in a big stone chair. I was bundled up in a blanket as it was cool in the room and he didn’t want me to get cold. The top of the chair and a sun symbol on it was visible. Where am I and why is that there? If I didn’t know better it appeared that we’re in some type of throne room, but why and where?

“Who’s daddy’s little boy?” he cooed down to me. I giggled and cooed back as a typical baby would. But my adult mind was trying it’s best to burn the image in my mind.

So this is my father? I wondered as my tiny hands reached out to him.

Leaning his head down my tiny hands grasped his cheeks, and it was then that Mother’s voice was heard. “Honey,” she called out, “It’s about that time again. You know the drill.”

“Look at that,” father said down to me with a wide smile, “that’s mommy calling to us.” He stood up and began walking away from the stone seat but I didn’t get a chance to see my mother. Because right before she was supposed to step into view I woke up.

^_^

I woke up with a start as everything from the dream was still in my mind. It wouldn’t stay that way forever, so I quickly picked up my phone from the bedside table. “I just had the first dream regarding my father, but it wasn’t anywhere that I recognized. I was in a big stone room with my father sitting on a type of marble throne with a sun symbol on the top of it. My father was tall with a black crew cut, square jaw rather handsome guy. I still don’t see how I got my long blond hair though. Mom was there though and she called out to us that it was time. Time for what? I still didn’t get to see her. Not that it’s a problem for I see her every single day. But where was that place? I don’t recognize it.”

After I was done I turned off the voice recorder on the phone, set it back down onto the bedside table, and thought about the dream. Just where was I? And what was that throne with the sun on it? Was it really a memory or was my mind just trying to make something up?

Grabbing the phone I looked at the clock. It was six a.m. in the morning and my mind was still fumbling over the dream. With my pj’s on I knocked on my mom’s door.

There was a loud moan from inside then a tired and weary, “Yes?” was heard.

“Mom can I come in?” I asked and waited, but was anxious too. For she never really spoke of my father to me.

“Come in son,” she said and I opened the door then shut it behind me. She was sitting up in bed in her usual nightgown as I walked up and sat on the edge of the bed.

“I had a very strange, but lucid dream just now.”

“Oh?” she asked with a smile, “It must have been quite the dream if you wanted to wake me up. What was it about?”

“I think I just saw my father,” there was excitement in my eyes. She stiffened slightly, but ignored it and continued, “I was just a baby and he was holding me. I could feel and smell the air. Although I didn’t recognize where I was. It was a large stone room and we were sitting on a stone throne with the symbol of a sun on it. He was tall, black crew-cut hair, tanned skin with a chiseled face. I was wrapped up in a blanket of sorts and he was talking to me. Then your voice came saying that it was time…for something. Then I woke up.”

For a moment I thought that she looked sad then it went away. She just smiled and patted my shoulder, “I think it was just your imagination showing you what you wanted to see. Lucid dreams can do that. You can ask Luna, she is well versed in it.”

A frown hit me because she didn’t believe me, but for the first time in my life, I was sure about something. But what did it mean? I left her room for my own to get ready for the day. If she wouldn’t listen then Luna is next. Then again I could speak to my friends about it as well. At the moment nothing could be done until I got to school, so I got ready.

^_^

“So what has got you on Pluto today stud?” Rainbow asked me while nudging me during lunchtime, “Even though you kept up with us and are in great shape, thanks to AJ and I, you were a million miles away.”

“I noticed it too all morning,” Fluttershy spoke up softly.

I looked to my friends as they nibbled on their lunch still lost in thought a little, but finally decided to tell them. “I thought I saw my father in my dreams last night. Mom thinks that it really wasn’t him, but something that my mind just made up.”

“But you think differently,” Rarity said simply, “we know you darling.”

I nodded to her, “Yes, I think differently. I’ll still talk with Aunt Luna after school today, but still.” Lost in thought again it took me another minute to respond. They waited. “It was so real. I could feel and smell the air and the breeze. My father was holding me, I was a baby and wrapped in a blanket of sorts. The room I didn’t recognize. It was a stone room and he was sitting on a stone throne of sorts with a sun symbol at the top. Then I heard mom’s voice saying that it was time.”

“What do you think sugarcube?”

I looked over at Applejack with an expression of uncertainty, “I’m not sure. I’ve never really experienced something like this. For the past four months, I’ve been having this dream of being held by mom. Again as a baby wrapped in that same blanket.” Then I stopped and thought, “The blanket.”

All eyes were on me as my mind went a mile a minute. For me, nothing else existed right now but the table that my friends and I sat. Not the other kids in the cafeteria. Not all the sounds, voices and conversations. I was so concentrated that everything else took a back seat. “I just realized something,” I said softly now looking between them. “I was wrapped in the same blanket in both dreams. The exact same one. Does this mean that both of the dreams are connected somehow? And if so, then where was I in the dream last night and what does it mean?”

“Got me stud,” Rainbow just shrugged it off and went back to her lunch.

“Maybe Luna will have some answers for you,” Pinkie smiled to me.

I just shrugged starting to munch on my lunch, “Maybe.”

“You may want to put that aside for now sugarcube,” Applejack spoke up while munching on an apple.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

She motioned her head toward the food line. When I turned to look I saw Sunset Shimmer getting her food. She looked to be in the same mood as all the other times. Hateful and rude she still was trying to intimidate others around her, but something was off this time. “Something isn’t quite right,” I said softly while staring at her, “I can’t put my finger on it.”

“Ya noticed it too did ya?” I nodded to her.

“Yeah she has been more reserved than her usual hateful self,” Rainbow said looking to her then turning back around.

“I hope she isn’t planning anything,” Fluttershy said choosing not to look.

“You know I think that’s exactly what she’s doing,” I mused and turned back to my meal to finish it. “She tends to get a little quiet when she’s thinking. Question is what?”

“What about trying to keep me away from helping Pinkie this afternoon?”

“Possible Rarity, possible,” I thought aloud as everyone went quiet in thought. “In any case no matter what just go ahead and help Pinkie. I’ll show up and help a little before going off to follow her.” With that agreed lunch was finished and we went to our classes, but it was at the end of the day when I was walking toward the gym that I saw Sunset Shimmer.

^_^

Turning a corner, I saw her coming out of my mother’s office, so I ducked back around the corner. After a wait and a listen her footsteps faded off into the distance. Peeking my head around the corner she was holding up something. It was the crown for the Fall Formal. It’s to be given to whoever is crowned princess. Does she think that she owns it just because she won the last couple of years? Of course, that was because she forced the other girls to drop out because of her ruthless tactics. Snips and Snails always do her dirty work, so why aren’t they with her now?

She was staring at it like a starved man then she just chuckled like the wicked witch of the west, “Finally I can get Twilight’s crown for myself, and all that Equestrian magic will be mine.”

Equestrian magic? What the hell is she talking about? I better follow her, and took out my phone and turned all sound off leaving the phone on vibrate. Didn’t want to be discovered by her. Furthermore, how the heck did she get into mother’s locked office in the first place? When Sunset turned the corner at the end of the hall I followed her. Steeping on my toes I tried being as quiet as possible. I knew that Rarity was probably already at the gym helping Pinkie, so at least they would be safe there. Still, I had no clue what she was talking about and how it related to what she was doing.

It took me another minute or two to get to the end of the hall and when I peeked around the corner again seeing her walk toward the front double glass doors. Where is she going?

With one eye staring at her from around the corner I watched when she stopped at the doors and took a look around. Luckily the light was out overhead so she didn’t see me peek around the corner. Then when she was satisfied that no one was watching she went out the front doors. Is she stealing it for herself? It’s not even a real crown, so it’s about as worthless as a paper crown at Burger King. So why does she want it and…

Sunset walked up to the statue then she just disappeared. To my shock I actually watched her walk up to the statue and then walked into it as if she was walking through a door. “What the hell?” I took off in a sprint toward and then out the front doors. It was well after school and most of the students were gone now. Considering it was almost five in the afternoon the only ones that was here was my friends and I. Even my mother was gone for the day, but Aunt Luna supposedly was going to help Pinkie and Rarity.

Slowing down to a halt right before the statue, I stared at it like a monkey doing a math problem. It’s impossible, she couldn’t have gone inside of it. It defies the laws of physics. I took a deep breath and a gulp steeling myself for the first experiment. Putting my hand up close to the wall of the base of the statue I took another deep breath then shoved my hand forward.

No, that’s…that’s impossible. Thoughts went wild in my head and quickly took my hand back out. No words could describe the feeling as my hand went through what I thought was a solid cement block. It was like looking through the surface of water as your hand goes below the water’s surface. The feeling was warm and tingly.

And it sent so many shivers up and down my spine that my whole body was shaking. I have never seen anything that weird, or frightening, in my life. And Sunset went completely into it. “What the hell is going on?” my shaky voice said aloud as I just turned and ran from it like a monster was coming after me.

It was like someone running from a monster in a horror flick with me rushing through the double doors of the gym. After a quick search my eyes spotted whom I wanted to see and ran to her, “Luna, Aunt Luna.”

She looked at me and when she saw the state that I was in she looked worried. “Dear nephew,” she asked while gripping my arms and looking up into my eyes. “What has gotten you in such a state?”

My whole body was still shaking as my mind tried, and failed to comprehend what my eyes told me. I tried to steady myself while my friends rushed over, but it was no use. My voice came out excited and unsteady while trying to recount what I saw, “Sunset took the crown…I followed her…she…”

“Calm down darling,” Rarity said looking up to me trying to comfort me, “We’re here, just calm down and tell it.”

It wasn’t just my emotions but something else slowly welling up inside of me. Like an upset stomach it slowly grew with the world slowly going black, “She walked into the statue and was gone. I put my hand into it and…” quickly tried to recount what I saw but was already hyperventilating and before I could finish the world went dark.

^_^

When I came to the first thing in sight was the ceiling. To my left was the bleachers. To my right was my friends and Aunt Luna. Slowly and carefully, I sat up making sure that the world wouldn’t start spinning. When it wouldn’t I leaned myself against the bleachers putting my hands to my face. Just breathe.

“Fred,” I heard Rainbow call out then a bunch of footsteps heading my way. Everyone was around me after taking a breath and putting my hands down.

Luna knelt down in front of me putting her hands on my shoulders, “Are you OK nephew?”

I nodded to her, “Yeah I’m OK I just lost it for a minute, but I still can’t believe what I saw.”

“Start from the beginning darling,” Rarity spoke up gently, “and slowly.”

“I saw Sunset take the Fall Formal crown from mother’s office. She looked at it saying that finally she could get Equestrian magic.”

Everyone looked puzzled but, Aunt Luna stiffened just enough for me to notice. “Continue,” she said to me.

“I followed her watching her from around corners as she walked up to the statue. Then disappearing inside of it. I just could not believe my eyes. So, I ran up to it and thrust my hand toward it.” I looked up between them with awe in my eyes, “It was like sticking my hand into water. It felt tingly all over and warm just like putting my hand in water. I guess I freaked out.”

“I would have too if I saw and did all of that,” Fluttershy stated softly to which I was really thankful.

“Thanks Fluttershy.”

“What do you think Vice Principal Luna?” Rarity asked while I collected my thoughts.

“I don’t know what to think honestly,” she said standing up, “he hasn’t ever lied before, but this truly is a wild tale.”

“There’s more,” I looking up to my Aunt, “I saw my father in a lucid dream last night. He was holding me in his arms wrapped in a blanket. We were sitting in a stone throne with a sun symbol on it in a large stone room.”

“It was just a dream nephew,” she told me, but something in the back of my mind just didn’t accept it.

I nodded while sitting back as she went back to work. Most of them went back to work as well, but Pinkie sat down beside me. “You don’t think it was a dream do you?” she asked me while putting an arm around me.

I shook my head and smiled to her, thankful for her support, “You’re right I don’t think that it was just a simple dream. What if it was a memory? Can’t you relive some memories within lucid dreams?”

“What does your heart tell you?” she just smiled to me.

I closed my eyes and thought. Something in me just screamed at me. “It tells me that it’s true,” I mentioned softly while opening my eyes and looking into hers. All she did was smile and pat my back. Then she got up to help the others. Meanwhile I sat back, closed my eyes, and got lost in thought. My mind was going a mile a minute. I couldn’t dismiss what I saw. That was simply otherworldly, while my dream seemed that way too.

An hour and a half later I, along with everyone else, decided to close up the school and head on home.

^_^

When I got home the first thing on my mind was to find my mother. I found her in the kitchen cooking dinner. “Smells good mom,” my nose sniffed the air while watching her cook.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile coming over and hugging me. “It’s simple tonight. Hamburger with chips.”

“Thanks Mom,” a smile and a hug later she went back to cooking. Not really knowing what she would say I leaned up against the frig, “Something happened today that I need to tell you and ask you about.”

“Oh? What is it?” she wondered while pouring some chips into a large bowl.

“Sunset Shimmer took the crown for the Fall Formal.”

She stopped and looked at me, “You sure?”

“Yes, I saw her myself take it from your office.” I sighed, turned around, and took a can of Crystal Pepsi from the frig.

“Do you know what she would want with it or where she took it?” she asked while removing the patties from the skillet.

“I don’t know the why, but I do know the where,” I told her while taking a sip from my drink.

“And?” she looked at me after putting the skillet down.

“I watched her walk out the front door, walk up to the statue, and then disappeared inside of it,” I then watched her reaction. She stopped and looked at me with a shocked look.

“You must have blinked when she walked around it.”

“So I tested that theory,” continuing to answer her statement, “I ran up to it and thrust my hand toward it.” I stepped up to her looking her in the eyes, “It was like putting my hand into water. Just like in water I saw the ripples created around my hand. It was warm with a tingling sensation all over my skin.”

She started to shake her head, but I continued before she could say anything.

“I’ve had dreams about a woman in a cloak singing to me in the living room, but I can’t see her face. Then I have a dream about my father last night in a place that I don’t recognize.” I hold up the arm that I pushed into the base of the statue, “Then I see something that seems to be impossible. I watch Sunset walk into the base of the statue and disappear inside of it and put my own hand in it.” When she didn’t say anything I continued, “What’s going on mom? Just what is that statue and who is Sunset?”

She sighed, “Fred, just have dinner,” she dismissed me and started to prepare my plate.

“What about my father mom?” I didn’t wanting her to dismiss me, “how come you never speak of him? Do you know of the place that I dreamed of?” I wanted answers.

“No, I’ve never been to that place,” she told me while placing my plate onto the table.

Sitting down at the table we began eating, but I didn’t stop there, “So who was my father? What was he like? And Just what is that statue? Because you can’t tell me that it’s nothing mom.”

She just kept eating and didn’t even look up at me.

“Mom.”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” she finally said but she hesitated when she said it.

I threw up my hands in frustration, “Ugh, you want to be that way fine. But I’m going to continue to investigate this on my own whether you like it or not.”

“It’s really nothing for you to worry about,” she said more forcefully.

“Really? And why is that? Is someone else going to take care of it? Am I connected to all of this or not? Because I don’t know-“

“Fred,” she nearly shouted at me.

“Fine, but you can’t stop me,” I told her, quickly finished my dinner, and went up to my room.

^_^

Waking up the next morning the events of yesterday was still in my mind. The preparations for the Fall Formal in the gym still had to be finished today. So, I quickly got dressed, went to my car, and went to school. Snips and Snails had to be questioned today. Which I was more than happy to do. I watched out for them while making my way to my first period homeroom class. I didn’t see them, but I did see Fluttershy took my customary seat next to her.

“Hey Fred,” she greeted me with a hug, “How are you feeling?”

I sighed a little while running my hands down my face, “A little frustrated actually.”

“Oh?” she looked at me curiously while taking a book out of her bag that she intends to read.

“Yeah. You see I spoke to mom last night and even with everything I said she just sidestepped the whole thing. She hasn’t really done that to me, so I have no choice but to investigate this on my own,” determination raged through me. “Have you seen Sunset, Snips, or Snails this morning at all?”

She shook her head, “No I haven’t sorry.”

I smiled, “Nothing to be sorry about, but I want to talk with Snips and Snails though.”

“Why?”

“They might know what’s going on considering they are her henchmen,” I leaned back into my chair thinking. Quickly taking out my smartphone I started texting everyone.

Rainbow first.

::Rainbow have you seen Sunset, Snips, or Snails?::

::No I haven’t seen them.::

:: In that case watch out for them and let me know when you see them and what they are doing OK?::

::You got it stud::

Next was Applejack. I knew that she was still getting a lot of her apple cider together to bring tomorrow, so she would be in and out of the school all day.

::Applejack have you seen Sunset, Snips, or Snails?::

::No I haven’t sugarcube, but if I do I’ll let you know.::

:: Thanks, you read my mind.::

Rarity was busy with designing the dress, which means that she wouldn’t necessarily be in the halls much. However.

:: Rarity please watch out for Sunset, Snips, or Snails today OK, and report to me what they’re doing?::

:: OK darling, I’ll let you know if I see them.::

Last was Pinkie Pie. She's being her usual strange self there’s no telling what she will see.

::Pinkie will you do me a favor and watch out for Sunset, Snips, and Snails and report to me what they’re doing? I want to talk with Snips and Snails.::

::Okie doki loki. I haven’t seen them yet.::

With my friends watching for them there wasn’t much that I could do but wait. So that’s what I did throughout first, second, third period, and even when we got together for lunch.

^_^

“Hey girls,” I sat down with a full tray, “I gather you haven’t seen hide nor hair of them huh?” The full tray was because I didn’t have breakfast and Applejack and Rainbow upped the workout during second period. I was hungry. They all shook their heads to me each one saying that they haven’t. Which frustrated me, which they saw, but there wasn’t anything that we could do about it either.

However, they had to eat so I ate and watched out for them. Then a few minutes later, “There’re Snips and Snails now.”

“Where darling?”

I pointed over to the entrance then stood up, “Excuse me ladies while I go ask a few questions.” While walking up to them they saw me and immediately turned and started walking back out. They weren’t running, but they weren’t walking either. Right after leaving the door, I took off to catch up with them. This is where the hard work AJ and Rainbow put me through came in handy. Because I caught up with them quickly enough and grabbed them by their shirt collars.

“Hey let us go,” Snips demanded from me.

“Yeah you’ll be sorry when Sunset gets back,” Snails said and that’s exactly what I wanted to know.

I slammed them up against the lockers in the short hallway, which was always dark due to the light flickering on and off all the time. “Alright you two just what’s going on with Sunset stealing the Fall Formal Crown from the Principal’s office?” my eyes were slits and glared at them with all my frustration.

“You won’t get anything from us,” Snips said to me with a smile. Making me glare at snails with all the fury that’s been inside my frustrations as of late.

“Yeah we won’t tell you how she took the crown through the portal into Equestria to switch it with a real one,” Snails said then slapped his hands over his mouth.

“What?” I was clearly confused as Snips slapped Snails quite a few times saying for him to shut up. While shaking Snips to get him to stop I glared at Snails once again, “What’s this Equestria and where is it?”

When Snails didn’t say anything I shook him hard once and that loosened up his tongue, “It’s through the portal.”

Then it hit me, “The statue. This Equestria is on the other side of the portal which happens to be the base of the statue out front.”

“I told you not to tell him,” Snips slapped Snails again.

“Why all this trouble? What’s the real crown worth to her?”

“HA,” Snails said as he grinned at me, “We don’t know because she didn’t tell us.”

“Figures,” I let them go with disappointment, but not really surprised, “I’m not surprised that she didn’t tell you for this very reason. It’s a wonder that she trusted you with this much, but that is all I need now you two get out of here.” They took off. Now more questions started rushing through my mind. What is this Equestria? What does Sunset need with a crown from there? The statue out in front is actually a portal to this Equestria? How come no one has noticed before?

As the rest of the day wore on I couldn’t help but keep wondering about what Snips and Snails said to me. Then other questions flooded my mind. Like how could Sunset fit into that Equestria without raising an alarm? If they’re human there then that would mean she wouldn’t be so much out of place. But what if they aren’t human then how would she blend in? Furthermore, how does she know when and where to find this “real crown” that she’s looking for?

Even at the end of the day when I was in the gym, along with the rest of my friends helping decorate for the Fall Formal, that I had some answers to some of the questions. I had a streamer in my hand and had a hold of the loose end while tossing the roll over one of the rafters. It was at the moment that a thought occurred to me, “She’s been there before,” my body froze when I said it. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

“Sugarcube,” Applejack asked as she approached, “you alright?”

Turning my head and lowering my hand down I looked to her then to the rest of my friends as they walked up to me. “She’s been there before. That’s the only explanation.”

“Who’s been where before?” Rainbow asked. I was still deep in thought when I turned and walked over to the bleachers and sat down.

“Darling?” Rarity asked trying to get my attention.

I just voiced out my thoughts, “She’s been there before. Sunset’s been to Equestria before. That’s how she knew who had the crown and where the crown would be at a certain time and place.”

“I don’t understand Fred,” Fluttershy said from beside me.

I shook my head and took a breath to organize my thoughts and start from the beginning, “OK when I talked to Snips and Snails it was Snails who told me that she went through the portal and into this Equestria to switch the fake crown with the real one.”

They nodded following, “OK now the question is: How did she know where to look and who had it? Because she’s been there before and knows about that other world, plus she knows what the crown is and what it does. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be that important to her. It’s the only thing that makes sense. She had to have been there many many times and got to know this world and its people in order to predict where this other crown will be at a certain time and place.”

“Oh I get it,” Pinkie spoke up, “you’re right.”

“OK so what do we do?” Applejack wondered and I didn’t have a clue.

I shrugged, “Nothing that we can do, unfortunately. It would be too dangerous to cross over ourselves without knowing what’s on the other side. No, unfortunately, the only thing we can do is watch and wait. I don’t know what this crown can do, but if she wants it then it must be something that can do harm. Keep our eyes and ears open for anything about her no matter what she’s doing OK?” Salutes all around.

Soon we got done with the decorating and went our separate ways and I was back home again. Sitting on the sofa by the front door my mind was lost in thought. My bare feet were up against the short coffee table in front of the sofa with my arms crossed.

“You look deep in thought,” my mother asked as she prepared dinner for us. Obviously, she took some time from the kitchen to check up on me. I could tell that she’s been wondering about me ever since I got home. Part of me wanted to tell her, but then what she said yesterday came to mind. How she dismissed the whole thing.

Gazing up at her I was still wondering whether or not to tell her, “You’re right I am. And just like I said last night I know more about what’s really going on. I know why Sunset wanted that crown. And I bet that the crown still hasn’t shown up yet either has it?”

“No,” she told me as her eyes looked at me curiously, “it hasn’t. Do you know where it is?”

I nodded and stood up from the couch looking her right in the eyes, “I do, and I also know that there’s no way for you to get to it. The bad part is that we have to wait for her to get back. The worst part is when she gets back and what she plans to do with the “other” crown, the one that isn’t ours.” I watched her carefully and sure enough, there was a split second of recognition. Right before her face returned to her normal near stoic self.

“What do you mean? Where is it?” she asked, but I had to press on. I went that far might as well go all the way.

“Right now, if she hasn’t returned, then she’s still in Equestria on the other side of the portal. Which happens to be the base of the statue. Not only did I see her walk into it, but like I said before I put my hand in it. Ever since this started you’ve been hiding something from me. I think this is it.” Looking into her eyes I could tell that she knew something at least, so I pressed on, “What is this Equestria? Why are you hiding what knowledge you have? I know she plans on doing something with this other crown. What I don’t know, but obviously something that can help her.” I took one of her arms in my hand pleading with her, “And we both know that whatever she has in mind isn’t good. Now you can either help me or let me deal with it on my own. You’re choice obviously, but I would like for us to do it together.”

She just blinked and turned around walking to the kitchen without another word.

So without another word of my own, I went up to my room and grabbed a small bag, and packed clothes for tomorrow. Once done out came my phone I started thinking about which one is the closest to me. Rainbow was the closest, so I sighed with a smirk and dialed her number.

Hey stud, she answered her cell phone, what’s up?

I just sighed, “Hey Rainbow. Can I bunk over at your place tonight?”

There was a slight pause before she spoke again, obviously shocked by my question. Sure, but why? What’s wrong?

“I’ll tell you when I’m over there OK?” I told her grabbing my bag and headed to the front door. Mother’s dismissing the whole thing really got to me. I was too frustrated and upset right now, so out the door, it was and onto Rainbow’s place.

OK stud, see you when you get here. And with that she hung up.

^_^

“Alright, stud,” Rainbow sat down on the edge of her bed next to me and my bag, “spill.” Yeah, she is one to be arrogant and self-praising, but she’s also extremely loyal and caring. Any of them I could talk to without fear of any sort of ridicule.

“I told mother everything that I know up ‘till now and she just turned and walked away,” I laid my back on her bed putting my hands behind my head. “I told her that I am going to find out what’s going on. I knew that she was withholding information from me. I’d rather figure this out with her, but instead, she just turned and walked away.”

“How do you know that she’s hiding information?” she asked curiously.

“Because I saw her reaction and I know Luna has some of that information too because of the same reason. But I don’t know why they won’t tell me.” My eyes met hers in almost a pleading way, “Why? Why would they not tell me when the school could be a risk from something from another world. Especially when that something could be dangerous?”

“I don’t know,” she spoke softly while looking down at me, “Why don’t you ask Luna?”

I nodded in agreement, “I’ll have to tomorrow. Maybe she’ll be more forthcoming than mom is.”

There was some pause as we just looked at each other. Then she put a hand to my shoulder and pulled me up, “In the meantime, why don’t you sleep on it. Take a shower, get something to eat, and then go to bed. I’ll take you tomorrow to school OK?”

With a nod, I sat up, “Alright Rainbow. I’ll start by taking a shower.” After standing up I turned to her with a grin putting one finger on her nose comically, “And no peeking.”

She just grinned back at me, leaned back on the bed, and crossed her legs. Then I felt one of her legs rub up against one of mine as she kissed the tip of my finger, “You sure?”

For the first time that I’ve known her, I felt a chill go up and down my spine. I knew that I was blushing as well. Why? Because this time I felt that she just wasn’t messing with me to get a laugh. That this time was genuine. Is she really serious? I was just standing there with my mouth hanging open and when I didn’t respond she stood up and put her hands on my chest. Then with one finger, she trailed it down my chin while looking up into my eyes with her half-lidded ones. “Or we could take one together,” she cooed softly at me with a sexy smirk on her face.

My mind simply shut down. I had never seen her acting like this before, not that I was complaining any. She does have a very sexy and athletic body. Not to mention one of my best friends. I was lost in her eyes when something interrupted us.

“Oh hi dear,” came an older female’s voice, “I didn’t know we had a guest.”

It was enough to snap me out of my thoughts and turn around to see that her mother had stepped in. “Yes, Misses Dash,” my voice sounded almost apologetic, “I needed a place to crash for tonight and Rainbow here offered.”

I felt Rainbow’s head resting against my back as her mother spoke to me, “Well you are welcome anytime Fred.”

“Thank you Misses Dash,” I smile. “Now if you will excuse me I have a shower to take.” I started walking out the door and heard Misses Dash call out, “The last door on the right dear.”

Unknown to me Rainbow was glaring at her mother with her arms over her chest.

While turning on the shower my young male brain went back to Rainbow and I felt my body responding. It was a shower slash tub conversion which looked really good considering it started as a tub only. It was the first time that she really acted that way and those eyes of hers. Wow. My head shook to get rid of the whole experience and just took my shower.

When I finished with the shower I changed into a basic t-shirt and shorts. After dropping my bag off in their guest room the dining room was the next stop. Mister Dash, Rainbow's father, was there.

He smiled when he saw me and stood up to shake my hand, “Hi there Fred, how are you?”

I shook his hand then sat down across the table, “Mom and I had a little disagreement.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” he said while folding his paper and setting it aside.

“It’s not,” I mentioned with a sigh leaning forward putting my arms on the table, “It’s a long story that started a few days ago. Events have happened at the school that I’m still trying to figure out that is rather…otherworldly.”

He just raised an eyebrow at me.

I just chuckled and nodded my head, “I know how it sounds, but it’s also very true. I’ve seen things that I simply can’t believe and yet it happened right before my eyes.”

“My daughter in danger?” he asked as I was expecting.

“If I’m right then the whole school could be in danger,” I simply told him. This time he leaned forward looking at me intently. I knew what he wanted and I wasn’t sure what to tell him. “Rainbow is part of my group that is investigating this on our own. My mom wouldn’t listen. I don’t like it but I can’t help it either. I’m sorry that I can’t tell you more, but her safety and the safety of the whole school is my top priority.”

“I believe you, but do you think that this might be over your head?”

“I’ve thought about that yes, but without mom’s help, I have to do what I have to. Not only Rainbow, but Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack are all onboard since it started.” He could easily tell my frustration.

“At least you have help.”

I nodded with a smile, “And I couldn’t do it without them.” Then the whole thing seemed funny and put my head in my hands, “It sounds like something from the twilight zone I know. But I can’t deny what my eyes and ears have seen and heard. Plus there’s something else, something that I just can’t put my finger on that’s…” I just stopped and shook my head, “Sorry I didn’t mean to ramble.”

“It’s OK stud,” Rainbow calls out as she walked in, “he’s a good listener.” Then she walked up behind me and wrapped her arms around and over my neck while resting her head on mine. I chuckled when she sighed rather comically and whispered, “Finally. Of course, this could be better.”

“Sorry, but your dad is right here plus there are armrests on this chair,” I chuckled actually enjoying this little bit of silliness.

What her father did surprised me. He leaned back in his chair and smirked at me, “Well she is old enough to make her own decisions.”

“Exactly, thanks dad,” Rainbow gleefully said as she pulled back my chair and climbed up into it. Her legs were over one of the armrests at her knees with her arms around my neck. And while she was grinning at my face her legs was happily swinging away, “And I think I know how to sit in this chair in someone’s lap.” Then she leaned in where her lips were against my ear and whispered ever so softly, “Did you think of me?”

I couldn’t really answer, but a certain part of me made its feelings known, unfortunately. She softly giggled into my ear, “Thanks for the compliment stud.” When she got off with a quick laugh of her own I had to cross my legs in order to hide it.

“So when’s dinner?” I asked trying to get their attention away from me for obvious reasons. It didn’t work as her father chuckled with Rainbow laughing.

“Coming right now actually dears,” Misses Dash told us while she brought out what looked like Alfredo noodles with chicken pieces in it and some steamed vegetables.

“Looks good Misses Dash,” I complimented while she set the bowls down, “thank you.”

“Oh think nothing of it, dear,” she told me with a smile. “Why you’re practically family.” I wondered what she meant, other than just being a friend of the family that is? When I looked over at a wickedly grinning Rainbow I had my answer. Are they trying to play matchmaker? Luckily for me, dinner was served and the subject got changed.

“Thank you,” is all I could say while dinner was served.

“Tell me, dear,” Misses Dash started on some conversation, “Rainbow tells me that there’s something going on at the school.”

“There is,” I confirmed, “like I was telling your husband Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and I are working on a growing threat against the school by Sunset Shimmer.”

“Sunset Shimmer,” she mused as if remembering something, “Ah yes isn’t she the one with the yellow and red hair?”

Rainbow and I looked between us then Rainbow spoke, “Wait mom, you know her?”

“Oh no dear, I just saw her last years ago,” she remembered and started to tell us. “It was about seven or eight years ago now I think. I was driving by the front of your school when I saw her by that statue. She looked to be disoriented, dazed, and even a little scared, the poor thing.”

We looked to each other before whispering to Rainbow, “That must have been the day she first appeared through the portal.”

“I wanted to help her so I did, but she was headstrong and didn’t stay long,” Misses Dash finished her story and looked around at us.

“And now she wants to do something evil to the school,” Rainbow commented.

“That frightened girl?” her mother asked with shock in her voice.

“That frightened girl has years to change and believe me she has,” I told them sadly. “Just exactly what she’s planning on doing I don’t know, but I do know what she’s planning on doing it with. That’s why Rainbow and I with the rest are looking out for her, so we can stop her.”

“I wish you luck then Fred,” her father told me, “for all of us.” There was sincerity, hope, and even a little sorrow in his voice.

I nodded while Rainbow put her arm around me with a grin, “Don’t worry dad, we got it covered.”

Soon dinner was done and I stood up to excuse myself retreating to bed, “Dinner was great Misses Dash thank you. If you don’t mind I’ll go ahead and go to bed.”

“Of course, good night,” Misses Dash beamed at me.

Meanwhile, her father stood up and shook my hand then I left for the guest bedroom. The next two days would change my life forever.

Next Chapter: Chapter Three: Twilight's Crown Estimated time remaining: 25 Hours, 33 Minutes