Everyone’s a Winner

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Principal Cinch was ready to declare victory for her school the moment everything had quieted down. “Principal Celestia,” she announced, “on behalf of Crystal Prep, I demand that you forfeit the Friendship Games. Clearly, Canterlot High has had an unfair advantage for some time, and it’s certainly obvious that your students have been using magic for their own benefit.”

“I’d like to think that saving the world benefits us all,” said Principal Celestia with a tight smile.

Sugarcoat stepped forward and spoke up. “At least they didn’t manipulate Twilight into releasing all the stolen magic and turning into a power-crazed magical creature that tried to rip the world apart just to win a game.”

“Wow,” said Pinkie Pie, wide-eyed. “That’s a lot to take in when you say it all at once.”

Principal Celestia turned to stare at Principal Cinch. Was it true?

“That’s ridiculous,” huffed Principal Cinch.

But Spike also was ready to speak up. “Nope. That’s pretty much what happened.”

After everything that had occurred, no one even blinked at a talking dog.

Sour Sweet sighed. “Actually, we’re all to blame.” Under her breath, however, she added, “But mostly it was Twilight.”

Principal Cinch wasn’t going to give in. “Obviously, my students have been infected with your magic, but I plan on taking all of this up with the school board.”

“Good,” agreed Principal Celestia. “I’m sure they would be very interested in hearing all about the magical students with wings.”

“And the portals to different dimensions,” added Vice Principal Luna.

“And don’t forget to tell them about the talking dog.” Dean Cadance smiled.

“Because that would ruin your reputation,” agreed Spike.

Principal Cinch looked from Vice Principal Luna to Principal Celestia to Dean Cadance and realized that she was beaten. Frowning, she stormed back into the school.

Principal Celestia noticed that all the students were gathered around her. “I know these Friendship Games haven’t been what any of us expected, but given what we’ve all just been through, I think it’s fair to declare us all winners.”

There were going to be medals and ribbons for everyone!

Everyone cheered—even Spike.

Dean Cadance walked over to Twilight Sparkle. “I guess that was one way to finish up your time at Crystal Prep. Pretty sure Principal Cinch will be fast-tracking your application after all of this.”

Twilight wasn’t so sure. “I’ve been thinking about it, and I’m not so sure now is the time for me to apply to Everton.”

“Really?” Dean Cadance was surprised.

Twilight Sparkle looked thoughtful. “I may know about a lot of things, but friendship really isn’t one of them, and I’m definitely not going to learn more about it by being alone all the time.”

“So you’re staying at Crystal Prep?”

Twilight bit her lip. An idea had come to her, but she was tentative about speaking it out loud. “Well,” she began, “it seems the students here at Canterlot High know an awful lot about the subject. I don’t suppose…”

“You could transfer to this school instead?” Dean Cadance suggested.

“Really?” Twilight Sparkle could barely contain her excitement.

Dean Cadance was a little sad, but she understood. “I’d miss you terribly, but I think that’s a great idea. I’m sure I could speak to Principal Celestia about it. She’s like an aunt to me.”

Twilight and Spike looked at each other, delighted. The next thing to do was tell the Equestria Girls.

They were all clustered around the statue of the Wondercolt. Sunset Shimmer had found her journal.

“Still no word from Princess Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Sunset Shimmer shook her head. “Not yet. But I think I figured out how magic works in this world. We pony up when we’re showing the truest part of ourselves. I was so busy waiting for someone else to give me the answers that I gave up looking for them myself. I’m sure there will be more magical problems that pop up in this world. Like Applejack said, Princess Twilight has her own problems to worry about in Equestria. We can’t expect her to always be around to help us.”

That was the thing about magic. You might not understand it, but you didn’t have to, really, because whenever friends got together, you could be sure it was going to happen!

Twilight Sparkle approached the girls. “I’m not sure how much help I can be, but I’d like to try. If you would all give me a chance…”

Principal Celestia, who had just finished conferring with Dean Cadance, came over to join them. “It seems we have a new Wondercolt here at Canterlot High! I’m sure I can count on you girls to make her feel at home.”

“You sure can!” Sunset Shimmer promised.

The girls all hugged one another—and Spike, too.