I had almost no faith in Flaming Star’s plan, and I didn’t want to be a part of it. But I also didn’t have much faith my being able to study as much as I needed to survive one of Prof. Skull’s tests. So I decided to roll with it.

“OK, fine, I guess it might work. But how are we going to search for it? Prof. Skull Mustache will probably be keeping his eye on us for the whole night, and if his invitation is also a dare he’s bound to know what we are trying to do.”

“Um, good question ... and frankly I have no idea. Not yet, anyway. But I’m sure we’ll find a way.”

“I hope so.”

“I will let you know if I come up with anything, but for now I gotta go. So, see ya.”

He backed away from me, took a turn and was lost from sight.

Knowing that I didn’t need to study anymore was a relief, but the feeling was short-lived since the thought of how we were going to pull this off was moving around in my head and I just couldn’t forget about it. It was a very risky thing to do but at the same time it was totally worth it. But the longer I bounced between the two thoughts the more paranoid I felt.

It wasn’t doing me any good. I decided to try distracting myself, just not thinking about it. But I knew that I also needed to do something, something physical.

So I headed to the fencing club, expecting to see Flaming Star there as well. But he wasn’t there and surprisingly Flaming Star was absent.

I had never known him to miss a chance to sharpen his skills. And, to tell the truth, I was hoping he’d be there so I could challenge him to a rematch. But I had to admit to myself that even after all my practice, I still couldn’t beat him. Even if I managed to hit him, he’d change from a defensive fencer to an aggressive one! The most I managed to get against him was a draw, and I just ended up being so intimidated I was like a turtle hiding in its shell.

But since he was absent, there was nobody else anywhere near as intimidating. Long story short, I got my old confidence back.

I didn’t see Flaming Star again that day. I had to wonder whether he was trying to come up with an actual plan or not. But that started the paranoia cycle again! I needed to relax.

Well, when in doubt, get in touch with your friends. And then I remembered that they girls wanted to rehearse. Since the whole study-till-midnight plan of mine got canceled I had free time.

I walked through the hallways of school, looking left and right for them. It took me while but finally I found them.

“Hey, guys!” I announced myself. “I’ve got good news!”

They all turned around and looked at me, but before I could say anything Pinkie Pie spoke up.

“Are you and Flaming Star going to steal the exam papers from Prof. Skull Mustache so you don’t have to spend lots and lots of time studying for it and that’s why you showed up for rehearsal?”

I’ve heard Pinkie Pie say these sort of things before, but for me it’s always a surprise!

“Uh ... how did you …?”

“I just guessed.”

“Well, … never mind. Yeah, I’m free for rehearsal.”

The rest of the girls looked very puzzled and confused at what just happened. I’d have thought they’d be more used to it by now

“Ooookay, but uh, what about the rest of it?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Rest of what?” I asked.

“Of what just Pinkie Pie just said! What about those?”

“Yeah!” Applejack joined in, “what the hay was she just talkin’ about?”

I took a deep breath before answering. “It’s a long story!”