Sunset sat near the gateway to her world. It was a year to the day since the beginning of her fall. Since HIS betrayal. She'd come through intact, indeed she had come out stronger. But HE had left, left after ....... what had happened. Sighing she looked up to the sky, not for the first time wondering where he went. He couldn't have returned home, that way was barred as long as their ... agreement held. So, much wrong she'd done him, she both hoped for and dreaded his return. The one whose name she dare not say, dare not even think, but longed to hear. To be held like that again, to feel like that again. Shivering against the suddenly cold day, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, Sunset failed to note the alabaster skinned girl approaching.
"Are you okay, Darling?"
Startled Sunset jumped, then chuckled nervously. "Sorry, was just thinking."
The pretty purple haired teen sat next to her friend. Leaning against the statue, she said.
"Oh, no I am well aware of that look. Like you've been stood up for a date. Even Rainbow Dash has noticed how you've been mooning around, lately. Now spill, who is he?" Thinking for a moment, she smirked at the flushing Sunset, "Or is it a She? Come now dear, none of us would judge you if you prefer the touch of a woman."
Sunset glared at Rarity, then snorted in amusement. Shaking her head she turned to her romantically obsessed cohort.
"Rarity, this is something I'm not allowed to talk about. Just saying this much might cause issues. The only thing I can say is once someone was here and now they're not. Despite myself I miss them. I was never able to find out what they were to me besides a weapon, a tool to use and discard. In the end they left. That is all I will say or can say. Nothing more and Nothing Less."
Getting up from her resting spot Sunset helped Rarity to her feet.
"Come on, let's go join the others, my free period is over and everyone is about to meet at our table for lunch."
Pursing her lips, Rarity replied, "Fine then be enigmatic, keep your secrets. I would think you'd be able to share this with us, after all you've been open with everything else."
Rarity turned to walk away, but Sunset's hand stopped her.
"This is not my secret alone to tell. The consequences for revealing it without permission were dire enough to scare me at my worst. Only they can give permission and they're not here. So, please, let this go."
Rarity narrowed her eyes at Sunset's sudden seriousness, "Surely it can't be as bad as all tha....." Rarity paused, in all her time knowing Sunset she'd never shown fear. Even during scary movie marathons Sunset had barely jumped or flinched.
"But you scared now, aren't you?" The fashionista thought, indeed her friend was darting her eyes as if trying to see in all directions at once. Her grip on Rarity tight, her arm tense.
"This 'They' you speak of," Rarity began, "It's not someone who will hurt you, is it? No. It's someone that will hurt us."
Sunset's shiver was all the answer she needed. Pulling Sunset into a hug, she reassured her. "Well, let's keep this between us shall we?"
Sunset leaned into her friend, glad of Rarity's understanding.
"Why don't we do as you suggested and go join the others. It's gotten a trifle bit chilly here and the outdoor tables are at least in the sun."
Pulling herself out of Rarity's hug Sunset followed the shapely girl over to join the rest of their friends, not knowing that today her longing would be answered.
A dark shape shifted within the shadows, emerging into the light, it was revealed to be a handsome young man, of the same age as sunset. He was dressed in black cargo pants, brown hiking boots, and wore a windbreaker that concealed far to many pockets, all filled with useful items. He was glad Sunset's friend had gotten the hint, despite his duty he took no pleasure in the taking of a life. Chuckling to himself he moved off into the stream of students, well aware that one HAD seen him. Seen him and knew him, he smiled as Flash Sentry bolted to go find Sunset Shimmer. Smiled, as he walked to get into position. He had finally found his way out of that damnable ..... agreement. He had finally found a way to end this. It required just a few more movements on the board. Shaking his head, he sighed, melancholy overtaking his features. It was good to know that she still thought of him, that she thought of him as more. But, he needed to know a different thing, he desired more than anything else if his feelings for her were real. Or just a byproduct of that horrid agreement. It had been on him so long. He wanted the truth of things.
This SHALL bind her to thee,
And Thee to Her
That So Long As The Terms Hold True
That He SHALL Let No Harm Come To You.
AND Upon Your Enemies His Anger Wrought
Their Works Come To Naught.
All Debts Must Be Paid In Full
A moment Of Kindness
A Moment Of Cruelty
A Moment Of Cruelty
A Moment Of Kindness
Thus An Accord Is Met
For Thrice Be Said And Be Done
Blessing Be Upon Those That Honor
A Curse Upon Those That Betray.
He'd agreed, willingly. as had she. They both had been idiots. Two damaged individuals brought together. He was her Cerberus, his very name given to him for this purpose. He was her Garm, she was his Hel. He knew no other name for himself, nor other purpose. His very mark molded to it. He would be free of his purpose, of all that was forced upon him. He just wanted to be FREE.