It was a normal business day at the First National Bank of Canterlot. People were lined up in an orderly manner and were around to make the usual transaction or withdraw from their accounts, whether it be for personal or business reasons.

Well, it was a normal day until purple smoke emerged from the vents and windows. The people coughed and got to their knees, the strange gas is too much for their lungs. They collapsed, trying to see what was going on. Nothing was seen at first until suddenly, a swarm of snakes appeared on the ground. Everyone jumped in shock and was pushed to a wall out of fear of being bitten.

The doors burst open, and more smoke appeared in the bank. A person wearing a purple cloak stepped inside, his black mask concealing his identity. He curled his metal-gloved hand into a fist. Everybody stared in awe at the costumed stranger making their entrance.

“It appears my entrance has intimidated you all. I do not blame you.” the stranger spoke. With a flick of his wrist, he brought everyone onto their knees through some unknown force.

“W-Who are you?” someone managed to ask.

“I am... Spellcaster!”

---

After passing a few classrooms, Rainbow and Fluttershy stopped at Rainbow Dash’s locker. The pink-haired girl leaned against the other lockers and waited patiently as Rainbow turned her combination lock. When she opened her locker, a note fell out of it. Rainbow bent down to pick it up.

"What does it say?" Fluttershy asked, craning her neck to see.

Rainbow glanced at the note and burst out laughing. "This is so dumb!"

"What is?"

"It's from Soarin. He always leaves funny little jokes in my locker." She snickered. "Where did Mariposa go after the explosion?"

Fluttershy's mouth curved in thought. "Hmm. I don't know. Where did she go?"

"EVERYWHERE!" Rainbow's laughter echoed the hallway, attracting odd glares fro every direction.

Fluttershy looked down. "I didn't think it was very funny."

"But it's so dumb, it's good, right?"

"Not really."

"Hello, girls!" Rarity called out to them, carrying her purple binder over to them. "Oh--what's this, Rainbow Dash?"

"It's another joke," Rainbow said, showing her the note. "It's even dumber than the last one!"

Rarity's eyelids lowered. "Another?"

"Yeah, he puts one in my locker all the time."

"Ooh...It wouldn't be from a certain someone from the Soccer team, would it?"

Rainbow Dash gave her a weird look. "Yeah..."

Rarity grinned from ear to ear and fluttered her eyelashes. "Aaaaand?"

"...Aaaand?"

The fashionista's face dropped, and a faint vein began throbbing in her forehead. "AND!?"

"...and that's it. They're dumb..." She grinned. "But funny!"

Rarity began to shriek, but Fluttershy covered her mouth and shook her head. Rarity wrestled free and jumped up and down when Rainbow turned her back. "He's sending her jokes!" she whispered furiously as Fluttershy began to guide her away. "He's sending her jokes!"

"Take a walk, Rarity," Fluttershy whispered, sending her off.

"This is the tenth time this month!"

"Walk it off," Fluttershy urged gently as Rarity stormed off.

While Rainbow Dash struggled to stuff her large bag into her locker, Fluttershy turned back to her and tapped her fingers against her books. “So...how long were you and Soarin practicing for?”

“Hmm?” Rainbow said distractedly. “Oh, Soarin? Well, we weren’t practicing. I mean, I was, but then Soarin came out and told me that class was about to start.” She grunted as she nudged her elbow into the bag. “If it...wasn’t for him--nngh! I’d be in special History class by now.”

Fluttershy seemed to perk up at this. “Oh? Well, that was very nice of him.”

“Yeah. I owe him big time. He was tardy to his class just to warn me.” Her expression faltered a bit. “Aaaand, I feel like an awful person.”

“Is he...always this nice to you?” Rainbow looked at her and she gave a sugary sweet smile. “I’m just curious.”

Rainbow thought for a moment. “Well...yeah, I guess…” she slammed her locker shut and turned the combination lock once. “I mean, I am the Captain.” She smirked, adjusting her backpack straps. “Of course, he’s nice to me.”

Fluttershy tilted her head. “I suppose. That’s good. I’m glad.” As they continued down the hallway, Fluttershy glanced over with an odd smile on her face. “I sure wish I had someone to carry my things to my class like that,” she said wistfully. “Not many people do that for each other these days, you know.”

Rainbow lifted her eyebrows. “Flutters, if you want your stuff carried, you can just ask. You have me to do that.”

“I--but--” Fluttershy stammered, but it was too late. Rainbow Dash had already taken her books and ran off.

“C’mon, Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy stood there until she sighed and trailed after her. “That’s not what I meant,” she murmured. "What happened to Twilight and the others."

---

"Of all the--" Rock Roller exclaimed while she, Pheonix, and Cyber Witch saw police cars gather around a bank across the street. Curious, she crouched down and watched the scene unfold. Through the window, they could see a man wearing a fishbowl helmet holding a group of innocents hostage.

"Behold, another example of disregarding the scared arts,"

"How about we banish you," A person grabbed a crowbar.

"Daval icras eie rtrme

The figure summoned a dragon that scared every in the bank, but with a snap of the figure's fingers, the dragon was gone.

"That should send a message to those Rainbooms."

“A message that you look ridiculous in that helmet?” Rock Roller taunted.

"Besides nice trick, bubble head!" Pheonix joined in. "Goes great with the cheesy magic act."

"You dare call Spellcaster a mere magician?" Spellcaster asked. "Fool, Spellcaster is not illusionist playing parlor tricks, I master of the Arcane Arts!

Spellcaster opened his palm and shot a sphere of electricity at the three.

Placing her hand out, Sunset created a red barrier in front of her, nullifying the sphere. “Funny. I know a thing or two about magic myself. And the only your good at is talking in the third person."

"We shall see."

Spellcaster threw a pellet, the room began to cover itself in purple smoke once more and the costumed crook was no longer present where he was standing. The Rainbooms looked around, wondering where Spellcaster vanished too. Suddenly, Rock Roller felt electricity course through her body and collapsed, Spellcaster standing before her. She grunted in pain as Mysterio spoke, “Ah. You are quite unruly it seems. I expected more from you.”

Cyber Witch acted fast and threw a Dyna-Sparkle Star forcing Mysterio back. The girl helps up Rock Roller, “You just got lucky there.”

“Did I now?”

More smoke covered the floor and the girls looked around, once more searching for Spellcaster. Pheonix saw the fishbowl helmet appear in front of her and attempted to punch it. However, she recoiled her now aching hand back. “Ow, ow, ow...” she murmured in pain, realizing that punching was harder than it looked. Seizing the opportunity, Spellcaster opened his palm and the Pheonix suddenly found her body weakening and she collapsed to her knees, “W-What did you do...?” she weakly asked as she struggled to stand.

“That will remain a mystery to your grave.” Mysterio answered, revealing a blade.

As he lowered his sword, a red bubble suddenly surrounded it, rendering it useless for Mysterio. Pheonix managed a smirk as she got the strength to put it down. Even she was surprised she did that. Mysterio hummed, “Your will is stronger should turn to the spiritual world perhaps be more of a formidable opponent but not today he admitted while bringing forth a thunderbolt and strike right at Pheonix.

You have more chance to escape that vault," Spellcaster exclaimed.

"I staying the hell in here," the account said as Spellcaster brought forth more snakes.

“You have a choice. Save the hostages and let me free or risk their lives to catch me.” Spellcaster said as disappeared in a cloud of smoke. “You better choose wisely.”

Without even thinking, Cyber Witch used her magic to entrap the snakes in a field before they could so much as hurt the hostages. However, she accidentally threw them aside harder than she anticipated, making them crash into a wall. What she didn’t expect, however, was the sound of metal clanging. Curious, she knelt down and grabbed one of the snakes, noticing sparks emitting from its body.

‘Robots?’ she questioned. ‘Why would a supposed Master magic user like him use robots?’

“You’re all free to leave. Is anyone hurt though?” Rock Roller asked.

“Thanks to you we aren’t. Thank you so much.” one of them said.

“Great to hear,” Pheonix replied, leaving the police to clean up the mess as she went after Spellcaster.

Then Sunset and the others ran out the back hoping to catch Spellcaster’s trail. The heroes were unable to find anything. No clues or anything. It was almost like he was a ghost. Annoyed, she rubbed her head in disappointment, “Damn it. We'll run into him again."

---

Later in the cafeteria.

"Is everything okay?" Soarin asked while looking at Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah, coming down little something," Rainbow said then sneeze a bit. "But I'm really upset at the Daily Crown blaming on the Rainbooms. How did they know that was battling a real-life sorcerer."

"I wouldn't about them, Crash, I'll bet this Spellcaster dude is just like Trixie, hell I'll bet that where Trixie got the idea of talking in the third person."

"Speaking of, after school does want to grab a bite?" Rainbow asked.

"Sure, what time do want to be picked up?"

"How's about eight?"

"Done, Got to go!" Rainbow left for his next class.

She barely heard Soarin’s reply, for she was already dashing towards the locker room. On the way there, she spotted Applejack carrying three boxes of cider. “A.J.! Hey A.J.!”

The blonde turned her head and stopped. “Howdy, Rainbow!” she called with a smile. “Where you runnin’ off to?”

“Getting ready to shower,” Rainbow panted, slowing down and leaning against the small gated fence that separated them. “I’m about to leave with Soarin to get some ice cream.”

Applejack lifted an eyebrow. “Really?” She glanced at the field and spotted Soarin collecting his things in the far distance. “Who asked who?”

“He asked me,” Rainbow said, jerking a thumb towards herself.

“That so?”

“Mmmhmm. But I’m buying.”

Applejack smirked. “Takin’ care of business, aren’t you?”

“It’s the least I could do. I kind of owe him.”

“I heard. Not to sound like Rarity, Dash, but...might I ask what you’ll be wearin?”

Rainbow shrugged. “What I always wear.” She paused, looking a bit uncertain. “What, should I...wear something else?”

Applejack shook her head.. “Nope. Just make sure you don’t get any food stuck between your teeth.” She winked. “Boys hate that.”

Rainbow waved a hand dismissively. “Aw, it’s just Soarin. He won’t care.” Another pause. “Would he?”

“Shucks, you know him better than I do. People just hate that in general.”

“...Okay, I FEEL like you’re trying to tell me something.”

Applejack grinned. “Is there somethin’ you want to hear?”

“A.J.! Get real with me, should I wear something else?”

“No, you’re fine. I’m just sayin’ that you’re not eating with the girls this time, so I suggest you show off your 'awesome' manners for a change, hmm?”

Rainbow playfully punched her in the shoulder. “Yeah, right! You’re the one to talk!” The two of them snickered.

“Well, I gotta get these boxes over to the Gym,” Applejack said. “Pinkie Pie’s got her hands full with the Winter Formal so she needs all the help she can get.”

“You sure you don’t need my help?” Rainbow asked.

“We got it covered for now. Go on, you don’t want to keep him waitin’ do you?” The two said their goodbyes and Rainbow continued on her way to the locker rooms. After a few steps, Rainbow slowed down and turned. “Applejack…”

Applejack stopped to look back. "Yeah?"

Rainbow teetered on her shoes and gripped her backpack straps tighter. "I...feel like I'm missing something here...am I?"

Applejack smiled warmly. "I got a feeling that you won't miss too much after tonight. See you!"

---

Meanwhile at a Jackal Corp.

"Dorm amak akv!" Spellcaster forced the security to fall to their knees. I summon the dark forces, show us your master plan for this sully world.

Lighting came down at the building, then three more security guards show and armed their guns.

"Gavac varus damerus hevole!"

Spellcaster called forth three serpents and surrounded them they fired but it did nothing.

Fools, your technology can't hurt them, but don't touch poisonous skin.

"Don't mind us, darling," Ice Breaker as the Rainbooms minus Rainbow Dash came in.

"We have to get out of the cold," Sparkplug said.

Spellcaster fired an energy sphere only Ice Breaker blocked it with her gem shield.

"Nice try, so what did we miss, besides getting tagged of your will-weakening spells?" Cyber Witch asked.

"Nothing, I saved the best for last and it's just for you."

"Hol torrr venta tabku!"

From the outside of the cloak, several bats departed from him and swirled around the girls.

"Shoo, you rodents!" Ice Breaker fired an ice bolt at some of them.

Cyber Witch picked up a chair at hurled it at three bats that dispersed upon contact.

"Vine, use powers to stop them from attacking us," Rock Roller shouted as she punch seven of them.

"I can't! I think they're robots," Vine exclaimed.

"If they're robots, then it's time for The Big Shock!" Sparkplug exclaimed then proceed to do an electric clap shorting all of them out.

"Darling, the next your going to do that, give us a warning!" Ice Breaker said as the rest girls' hair was frizzed.

"My work here is done, Farewell. Frrenr Correa Jeret Tjre!" Spellcaster vanished in a cloud of smoke once it was clear he was gone but not before the Rainbooms entrapped them to the storage unit.

Spellcaster walked behind a curtain, without knowing that Vine used her chameleon camouflage to make her and the others invisible so he couldn't see them.

"Where are we?" Rock Roller asked.

"It's a prop house," Sparkplug said. "That would only mean..."

"That Spellcaster is nothing but smoke and mirrors," Pheonix explained. "And now for the man behind the curtain."

Before Pheonix reached the curtain, Spellcaster threw a smoke pellet down, then Lighting Bolt came down on them, forcing them to dodge.

"We know it's an act so enough with Latin!" Rock Roller called his bluff.

"Ah, but it's a good one and the Latin adds just the right touch!"

Then two robot arms came out of nowhere and tried to grab them, but Ice Breaker froze them solid.

"Uh, guys, train dead ahead!" Vine said as the girls braced for it but it went right through them.

"What the hell!? It was fake?" Rock Roller asked.

"Another illusion projected on mist," Cyber Witch then Spellcaster appeared right in front of them.

"It appears you catching on, but what is illusion and what is reality?"

Spellcaster summoned a spell circle to trap the Rainbooms inside where a tiger and serpent closed in.

So many threats to life and limb, but which is real is which is not?"

"There only way to find out, Sparkplug, take the lead," Phoenix said.

"Will do," Sparkplug said. "And the Pinkie Sense be with me."

The tiger leaped for only to go through, the Pinkie's arm started stiff, warning the others the axe came down on them but missed. The serpent came right and none moved as it disappears, then once her Pinkie sense came right on time when a giant bear was on and tried to slash them, but Rock Roller busted its arm and use it to destroy.

"It's kinda fun when you allow unnatural forces to take charge," Sparkplug said then hair acted out wildly. "Look out darts, inbound!"

Ice Breaker created a gem-like dome making the darts bounce off.

"It seems your magic tricks, are good but not effective," Phoenix said. "So, let's put the show on hold, and let's finish this."

"As you wish." Now there are multiple Spellcasters.

"Are that hard-headed, your illusions won't work on us," Rock Roller said.

One of them charged forward. Pheonix ducked below his fist and shot him with a sphere of fire, causing him to vanish. “Huh. Guess you weren’t the real one, but there’s still more where that came from.” she huffed and kicked back another Spellcaster before spinning her body and driving her foot into his hip, making him disappear next.

Another Spellcaster jumped in with a sword. Cyber Witch blocked it with her magic and shot a small beam out of her hands, pushing the fake Spellcaster back lightly. It too vanished in smoke.

A Spellcaster appeared behind Vine and Ice Breaker and pinned their arms back, allowing another two of the clones to punch them in the stomach. Vine called forth a root and wrapped one of them, while Rocke Roller spat some saliva and kicked the other one into a group that Ice Breaker was fighting.

"Look," Ice Breaker pointed at Spellcaster going behind the curtain.

"I guess Spellcaster doesn't want to play anymore," Cyber Witch exclaimed as she used her magic and threw at the real one with the bot releasing smoke.

"Dormi!" Spellcaster called his will-weakening spell but Ice Breaker grabbed his glove.

"It's about misdirection, darling," Ice Breaker said. "Magic Spell to zap our will or odorless and color gas to bring us to our knees, I'll take a hard pass."

"Built-in remote control, nice," Cyber Witch said as Ice Breaker froze it and then smashes it.

"I guess underneath the fishbowl is a head," Ice Breaker exclaimed Spellcaster unveil his head.

"Congrats, it's me," Spellcaster said in his normal tone.

"Say your quite familiar," Ice Breaker got a good look at him and then figured it out. "Your Chance Prichard, Trixie Lulamoon's former assistant but why?"

Chance sighed “Why do you think? No one wants to watch a magician anymore… I needed a new way to bring attention to myself. What better way than to become one of the many supervillains? My initial idea was getting revenge on Trixie but what settle the score when I can make big bucks!"

"Unfortunately, your gags and illusions won't be needed where your going," Cyber Witch said.

---

As the girls put a stop to Spellcaster's plans, Rainbow Dash was preparing to meet with Soarin.

Rainbow Dash was worried. Though, she wasn’t really sure what she was worried about. Soarin had taken them to Sugarcubes, the most frequent hangout place among the Canterlot High students. Tonight, however, there weren’t as many students around. The evening had grown so cold, that Rainbow could see the fog of her breath and everything she exhaled. As cold as it was, it was too late to turn back now.

“H-h-how about an h-hot ch-ch-chocolate instead?” Soarin suggested, his teeth chattering.

Rainbow nodded in response as another customer opened the door, letting in another gust of ice-cold wind into the room. They both shivered and moved over to the booth farthest away from the front door. They sat down and spent a few awkward seconds staring at each other before laughing. Rainbow lifted her arms and waved the large dark sleeves that hung off of them.

“Thanks for letting me wear your jacket. I literally almost died out there."

Soarin grinned at her. “Hey, someone had to be sensible enough to bring a jacket.”

“Hey, how was I supposed to know it would get cold?”

“It’s Winter, Dash. It’s no sweat. It might be a little big for you…” He laughed at the long sleeves on Rainbow Dash. “But at least you look better in it than I do.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled slowly, suddenly feeling embarrassed. But she didn’t understand why. She craved for compliments, almost as much as Rarity did. She didn’t feel bothered by it, but she couldn’t help but feel...weird.

Soarin chewed on the inside of his cheek and nodded his head as Mrs. Cake came by with a large red tray. “Here we are!” she chirped, setting the tray down on the table. “Two cups of hot chocolate!”

“Thanks, Mrs. C,” Soarin said as they both grabbed their mugs.

“You’re welcome, dear.” Picking the red tray up again, she glanced at Rainbow Dash and gave her a very unusual smile before leaving. Rainbow Dash stared after her with her cup in hand.

Why’s everyone acting so weird today?

“Gyaah!” Soarin exclaimed, holding his tongue between his fingers.

Rainbow Dash guffawed. “It’s hot chocolate, remember?”

Soarin waved his hand next to his lolled-out tongue, causing her to laugh more. Soarin glared at her, but it only lasted a moment before his stony expression gave way, and he snorted.

“We should call you Hot Lips now,” Rainbow snickered.

“Actually,” Soaring said, his speech a bit slurred due to his burnt tongue. “That’s not half bad. But only the girls can call me that.”

“Nuh-uh,” Rainbow grinned, shaking her head. “This has to be an everyone thing. It has to.”

“I thought you were trying to be nicer to me this time,” Soarin said, blowing on his hot chocolate before taking a small sip.

“Hey. I’m always nice to you, Soarin.”

Soarin smiled above his cup. “I know.”

Rainbow set her cup down and fiddled with the sleeves of Soarin’s soccer jacket. She hesitated before looking up. “Is...this what I think it is, Soarin?”

Soarin looked at her. “Hmm? What?”

Rainbow glanced around pointedly before her eyes returned to Soarin. “This. The whole...bringing me to Sugarcubes thing.” She swallowed hard. “Is this...a date?”

Soarin regarded her for a moment and slowly placed his mug on the table. He drummed his knuckles on the wooden surface before shaking his head. “Not...really. I wouldn’t want to drag you into one without asking you.”

“But you did ask me.”

Soarin shook his head again. “No. I asked you if you wanted to get some ice cream. I asked you because I wanted to hang out with you.” He smiled a little. “To get to know you.”

Rainbow fidgeted in her seat, finding a sudden interest in the table. “Have you been on one before? A date?”

A pause. “Yeah.”

Rainbow’s fingers found their way out of the large sleeves and intertwined with each other. “Did you like it?”

“...Sort of. I remember the food more than I remembered the date.” He tilted his head. “Middle school was pretty confusing for me.”

The corner of Rainbow’s mouth twitched. “Would you...ever want to go on one with me?”

There was a longer moment of silence before Soarin finally answered. “...Yeah.”

A long shaky sigh escaped Rainbow’s lips as she finally looked up. “I’m really stupid sometimes,” she said quietly.

“You're not stupid,” Soarin said in a soft tone. “I was just being…” He sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair. “I was sort of glad that you didn’t know. I didn’t want it to be...weird between us. But I did want to know more about you. You off the field, that is.”

Rainbow nodded. "So, uh..." her eyes darted around awkwardly. "Does anyone else know?"

Soarin's cheeks tinted red. "Let's just say...a lot of people."

A loud sigh escaped her as she sat back in the booth. "Why don't people just tell me? I'm not some mind reader!"

Soarin played with his hands. "This is...kind of embarrassing," he chuckled.

Rainbow smiled at him and nudged his foot under the table. “I’m glad we hung out today. I...wouldn’t mind doing it again.”

Soarin's features brightened. He reached across the table and put his hand over hers. Her heartbeat increased a little, and small goosebumps began to form on her arm beneath Soarin’s jacket.

“Got homework?” Soarin asked.

“Tons.”

Soarin grabbed his mug and raised it to his lips. “How about finish our cocoa and go study?”

Failing to suppress her large grin, Rainbow nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

Outside Sugarcubes, Rainbow's friends, and the Wondercolts team all groaned a sigh of relief, huddled together in their Winter coats.

"Finally," Sunset shivered.

"I don't have to keep it a secret anymore!" Pinkie Pie cheered, bouncing up and down.

"Someone owes me a twenty," Spitfire smirked, holding her hand out. Fluttershy sighed and gave her the bill.

Back inside, Rainbow Dash reached into her pockets to get out the money but froze when her fingers only hit the bottom. She quickly unzipped Soarin’s jacket and her hands flew to her vest pockets.

“Uhh...Soarin? You don’t have any money on you, do you?”

Soarin reached into his own pockets and pulled out the insides. They stared at each other for a moment, and Rainbow groaned, slapping her hand against her face.

Soarin bit his lip. “Oh boy.” Suddenly, a pair of warm lips pressed against Soarin’s cheek. He froze, and his mouth hung slightly open as Rainbow pulled away and leaned off of the table.

“Tell my story,” she whispered earnestly. With that, she scooted out of the booth and walked towards the counter, sighing. “Hey, Mrs. Cake…”

---

At an unknown location.

"Look like the cops, fell for it, boss," Sombra said on his earpiece. "Both them and the Rainbooms recovered nothing. Everything that you asked Spellcaster to rob is still here and accounted for."

"Of course, Sombra, everything is going according to my master plan."

Next Chapter: Episode 22-The Icy Depths Estimated time remaining: 37 Minutes