//------------------------------// // 4. Quiet Contemplations // Story: Spectacular Seven // by Albi //------------------------------// A bumblebee hovered by the windowsill, its buzzing wings filling in the pauses between Professor Quick Notes drones. It brought with it the refreshing aroma of springtime flowers in bloom. Keeping her chin in her hand, Moondancer looked out the open window to the back garden. The sun and the smell of flowers tantalized Moondancer to go out and play, but there were two problems with that idea. One, Professor Quick Note, while not mean, was strict, and never saw the point of holding any of Moondancer’s lessons outside. She was perfectly capable of learning multiplication and division indoors. Two, she had no one to play with anymore. Not since her mother had gone to sleep like a princess. Moondancer still didn't understand why. The scary lady did something, now her mother was asleep, her father didn't spend time with her anymore, and she couldn't go outside the house, except for the garden. So, Moondancer had to go to school at home, and talk to the maid and her butler, and learn piano on her own. And yes, Moondancer got more breaks and better food than schools would give, and her maid and butler were nice and asked her how her day was, and she was getting good at piano, but, Moondancer felt like a princess trapped in a tower. Eyes still on the myriad of flowers waving outside, Moondancer breathed a quiet sigh. It was enough for Professor Quick Note to take notice. He tapped his ruler against the desk, making Moondancer jump in her seat. “Pay attention, Miss Moondancer. You’ll be having a quiz tomorrow.” “Yes, sir.” Her eyes returned to the blackboard, but her mind continued to wander.  She missed playing pretend with her mother, where her father would sometimes join and be the big, scary dragon or evil knight. She missed having sleepovers with kids from her private school. She missed going to plays and seeing people dressed up in costumes and saying funny words or singing on a stage. Sometimes, she would wrap her blanket over her shoulders and read lines from her Shakespeare book to pass the time. Professor Quick Note released Moondancer from her math lesson an hour later so she could have lunch. She took her usual seat at the dining room table: the left side of the head. Looking down the long table at the empty seats, Moondancer wondered if they had ever been full. She would love to see that someday; every chair filled and the dining room noisy with laughter. Even before the scary lady came, it had just been her and her parents. Though Moondancer would be happy to eat with them again, too. Lemon Fresh brought out her lunch and set it before Moondancer. “Here you are, My Lady. How is your day so far?” Moondancer took a moment to stare at her food. She fixed her mouth into a smile and looked up at Lemon Fresh. “Just fine, thank you for asking,” she lied. She was getting good at that. ******* Digging the spade through the soil was as easy as scooping out ice cream from a container. She scooped out a nice hole, set the spade aside, and gently lifted the chrysanthemums into their new home. They would look lovely growing next to the dahlias this summer. Moondancer covered the roots with soil, then reached for her watering pail and dowsed the flowers in a generous sprinkle. She straightened up and wiped the right side of her face clear of sweat. The left side would just have to suffer, sweltering under her mask. Summer loomed ever closer, sending warmer weather and clear skies ahead of it. While it was hotter than Moondancer had been prepared for, she remained in her garden, planting, trimming and rearranging the flowers. It was all she had to do at the moment. It was quiet though. Moondancer had asked her servants not to bother her. She preferred to work in the garden alone. It gave her time to think, to reflect. Thoughts came clearer and easier now that she wasn’t wearing the Archon Amulet anymore. She got to her feet, wiping the excess dirt off her gloves and apron. She inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet aroma of pollen and freshly watered flowers. Just a little weeding, then she’d be done for the day. She adjusted her sun hat, picked up her flower basket, and moved onto the next section. Moondancer knelt by the flowers sitting closest to the stream running through her backyard. She took her sheers from the basket and began carefully cutting at the weeds getting too close to her precious babies.  She paused, her hand starting to tremble. The scars on the left side of her face heated up again, magnified by their confinement. She resisted the urge to press a hand against them, knowing it would only make it worse. Instead, she closed her eyes and waited it out. Sunset’s furious glare awaited her in the darkness. Moondancer’s eyes snapped open, and she dropped her shears. After several short breaths, her scars’ heat dwindled back to their normal irritating burn. Why? Why won’t you go away? Thoughts may have come clearer and easier, but that didn’t stop them from getting tangled or becoming unpleasant.  She had crossed lines. Many of them. She had broken the one solemn vow she had made to herself: never endanger Twilight. Yet, even for just a moment, Moondancer had been ready to sacrifice her to ensure her own survival. But, that was what she had to do. She had to survive. She had to endure all of this until the day Tirek came back. She hadn’t wanted to give up Twilight, but she didn’t have a choice. It didn’t stop her from feeling disgusted with herself. She had been wearing the amulet for far too long. It was all moot now. Twilight no doubt hated her.  Moondancer moved her hand to her neck and pulled on the silver chain, fishing a silver heart-shaped locket from her shirt. After month of wearing the amulet, putting this around her neck felt like an old friend returning to embrace her. She kept it cupped in her hands for a moment, running a finger over the smooth facets. Carefully, she flipped it open. Two photos were tucked inside, windows into the past. One showed a young Moondancer sitting on the shoulders of her mother. Apalla had her wand out and had summoned a stream of butterflies. Little Moondancer was trying her best to catch one. The older Moondancer looked up to the window on the third floor. She couldn’t see her mother from here, but knew her vacant eyes were on the garden. Returning her gaze to the locket, Moondancer focused on the other picture: Twilight from years past. Like most pictures taken of her, Twilight kept herself hunched trying to make herself as small as possible. At least you’re safe for now. Moondancer didn’t know how, but one day, she would try to make it up to Twilight if she could. She gently snapped the locket closed and placed it back in her shirt. While the day was hot, the warmth her jewelry brought was comfortable, pleasing even. Moondancer picked her sheers up, snipped a weed, and laid in the basket.  Of course, I don’t think there’s a gesture grand enough that makes up for trying to take your best friend’s soul. She sighed. The best Moondancer could hope for was that, when it was all over, Twilight would at least understand why.  A bead of sweat trickled into Moondancer’s left eye, and her hand instinctively jumped to her face, stopping just before she touched the mask. As much as it stung, she refused to rub it. Still, the gashes heated up again making Moondancer feel like her face was pressed against a fire. She gnashed her teeth together, unable to do anything except wait for the flare up to die down. It took several long, agonizing minutes, but the heat reduced itself once more. It happened at random, her scars heating up until Moondancer wanted to cry out in pain. Yes, she had crossed lines. She was wrong to try and kill Sunset. But this? This was completely unfair. This was additional torment on top of her isolation from the rest of the world and Tempest’s cold threats.  But Sunset got to go home, perfectly happy at the end of the day. Moondancer sat on her knees, lowering her sheers. “I hate you,” she whispered. “Every time you win, I lose something.”  She didn’t want Sunset dead. No, there were only two people she wanted to die. Moondancer just wanted Sunset to know a loss. But, she also knew better. Even with the Archon Amulet, she had been unable to stand up to Sunset. Without it, Moondancer didn’t stand a chance, and had no desire to try. The best she could hope for was that someone, someday, would put her in her place. “Keep winning in the meantime,” Moondancer said, putting away her sheers. “I’ll take any excuse to see Tempest frustrated.” ******* Sunset heard a knock on the front door half past eleven. She wasn’t surprised in the slightest to find Twilight waiting outside, bouncing from one foot to the other. She had on a plain purple t-shirt and a pair of old jeans. Sunset couldn’t help but smirk. “You know you’re here early, right?” “I know! But, I couldn’t really sleep that well because I was so excited and nervous and anxious, so I got up early and started doing some research online for helpful tips about swordplay. Of course, I don’t know which discipline Selena is going to teach me, so I started reading through as many as I could, but I didn’t want to be late so…” Sunset escorted Twilight into the kitchen and gave her what remained of the egg scramble she and Selena had made. In between bites, Twilight continued to talk about what she had read online. At a quarter to noon, Selena came downstairs dressed in a blue gi with an ankle length blue skirt. She had a notebook in one hand, and two training swords under her arm. “Oh, you’re here already,” she said, pleasantly surprised. “Well, if you’re ready, we can start early.” “Yes!” Twilight shoveled her last forkful of egg into her mouth and jumped to her feet. “I’m ready, sensei!” Selena laughed. “Just Selena is fine. But…” She leaned forward and inclined her head toward the floor. “It is proper for a teacher and student to bow to one another before each lesson.” Twilight quickly imitated her, falling into a respectful bow. “Come along, then. I’ve got our whole lesson planned out.” Selena waved the notebook as she lead Twilight and Sunset to the backyard. Sunset intended to mostly observe. Selena had given her a few sword lessons months ago, but Sunset found she wasn’t much of a sword girl. Selena stepped off the patio and sat down in the grass, setting her things aside. She pointed to space in front of her, gesturing for Twilight to sit as well. “First, we’ll begin with meditation. I know you’re excited, but I want you to clear your mind. Empty it of all distractions and focus only on your inner self.” Twilight sat down and crossed her legs, but look at Selena with confusion. “My inner self?” “The deepest part of yourself. What makes you, you. What you are when you remove all the layers and barriers you put up.” “Ummm….” Selena let out a weak chuckle. “Okay, we’ll work up to that. Just focus on your breathing and your heartbeat. Drown out the world until you can only hear those two things.” “Okay, I can do that.” Sunset sat down adjacent to them. Meditating was something she could do. She could remember those lessons with Princess Celestia like they were yesterday; the two of them out in the garden or on the balcony of the castle.. She closed her eyes, pushing the past out and trying to reach down to her center.  The world around her fell silent. She could only hear the synchronous breathing of Selena and Twilight, and the occasional gust of wind through her hair. She could feel the sun on her face and the grass on her legs. She breathed slowly, in through her nose, out through her mouth. She couldn’t remember the last time she had truly meditated. Slowly stripping her excess thoughts away brought a level of peace she didn’t know she could get to. It felt like she was diving into herself, looking for enlightenment. She dove down, past her memories, past her insecurities, until there was only darkness. Not the foreboding or sinister kind. Just an empty space, waiting to be filled.  Sunset breathed again, willing herself deeper. There was something glittering in the darkness. She reached a hand out as she drew nearer. It was warm and familiar. It grew larger, filling the darkness with light. The warmth blossomed forth, and Sunset felt her pony ears return and her hair lengthen. There was a subtle shift in weight on her forehead as something long poked out of it. A light golden aura enveloped her, shining through her eyelids. Unable to ignore what had just happened, Sunset opened her eyes to find Twilight gaping at her. “How did you do that?” Selena opened an eye, looking slightly irritated. It vanished when she saw what had caused Twilight’s distraction. “Hmm…. Meditation is one way to become in tune with one’s soul. Sunset must have reached deep within herself and channeled her magic.” Sunset looked down at herself, examining her glow. It wasn’t as bright or as warm as her transformation at Prom. She wondered, if she found a way to keep going, could she power up to that again? She held a palm up, trying to conjure a ball of fire. Nothing happened. Everyone else got powers. Why can’t I do anything in this form? Twilight stared fixedly at Sunset, then looked to Selena. “Moondancer said she got magic by training and meditating. Is it possible for someone like me to do that, too?” Selena gave a hesitant nod. “It is. But, that requires years of dedicated training and focus. I would say Moondancer had an easier time because she came from a family of magic users. It’s certainly not impossible though.” “I see.” Twilight looked down in thought. She straightened up, closed her eyes, and began taking slow steady breaths. As Selena closed her eyes and joined Twilight, Sunset quietly stood up and excused herself back into the kitchen. Her excitement at the idea of exploring her new magic had dimmed when she saw the self-conscious doubt Twilight carried about her lack of abilities. The last thing Sunset wanted was to look like she was showing off. She also hoped Twilight didn’t have the ridiculous idea of meditating until she gained magic. But when Twilight put her mind to something, it was hard to stop her. Sunset didn’t think it would be dangerous per se, but the thought still left her uneasy. While Twilight and Selena meditated, Sunset took to cleaning up the kitchen. Curiosity compelled her to try to see if her telekinesis worked. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to get any magical power to manifest. “What is the point of this then?” she grumbled as she washed out the frying pan. “There’s only so many problems you can solve by shooting rainbows at them.” She reached up and ran a finger down her horn, feeling the familiar spiral grooves. She had a horn again. It didn't thrum with power as it had in Equestria, but still, just feeling its presence, Sunset felt complete in a way she hadn't since she had stepped through the portal. Something shuffled into the kitchen behind her. Sunset turned around to find Lamia, hair a mess, clothes filthy, bags still under her eyes. They looked a little smaller though. Spot trailed behind her, wagging his tail as he spotted Sunset.  “Morning, sunshine,” Sunset said as Lamia began rummaging through the cabinets.  Lamia gave an acknowledging grunt as she pulled out a box of cereal. When she turned to actually look at Sunset, she gave something close to a smile. “Nice ears, you look like a furry.” “Nice shirt, you look like a hobo.” Lamia held up her middle finger, then went to find milk and a bowl. She set her afternoon breakfast on the counter and looked out into the backyard. “What are housewife and purple smart doing?” Sunset stacked the last of the dishes into the drying rack. “Selena is teaching Twilight how to use a sword.” “Oh good, maybe she’ll finally contribute something to your little sentai squad.” Sunset balled a fist. “She contributes plenty already!” “Please.” Lamia took a spoonful of her cereal. “The most she does is believe in you guys. She’s like the Heart of the Planeteers.” “I don’t know what that is, but I feel like that’s an insult.” Lamia took another bite. “It was.” “You know, I can still send you to jail.” “You know, I can still kick your ass.” Sunset used both her hands to massage her temples. She now knew what other people went through whenever they dealt with her. “Would it kill you to not act like a jerk for ten seconds?” Lamia was silent for a while, slowly chewing on her cereal. She swallowed and said, “Huh, guess not. But it’s really boring.” “I hate you.” “That’s cool. I hate everyone.” She looked outside again. Twilight and Selena were getting to their feet and starting stretching exercises. “So, like, have you banged her yet or what?” Sunset, who had just poured herself a glass of lemonade, almost dropped the container. “What?” Lamia looked at her, the corner of her lip curling up. “Have you banged your girlfriend? Genuinely curious. I’m betting yes because the only reason she was looking so hard for you must be because the sex is good.” Sunset’s cheeks burned. From embarrassment or fury, she couldn’t say. “No, I have not… slept with Twilight yet!” “Damn, I owe myself ten bucks.” Lamia lifted the bowl to her mouth and took a long slurp. “Nerdy girl like that? I bet she’s into some real kinky shit.” “Stop,” Sunset growled. Lamia shrugged. “Just callin’ it as I see it. You should check her computer files. Bet you’ll find some really interesting hen—” “Lalalalalalala!” Sunset shoved her hands over her ears. “Done listening! You’re dumb and I’m done listening!” Done with her breakfast, Lamia stood and dropped her bowl into the sink. She scooped up Spot and headed out the kitchen, flashing Sunset a raunchy grin as she left. Sunset moved her hands from her ears and back to her temples. And here she thought only Pinkie could induce headaches just by talking.  Twilight is not some depraved sex maniac! Sunset thought as she turned to reluctantly clean Lamia’s bowl. “Tentacles!” Lamia yelled from the stairs. “I hate you!” ******* “So, I’m thinking, ‘oh yeah, he’s totally gonna come from the left,’ but at the last second, he feints to the right, throwing me off, then kicks the ball so it curves from the left straight into the goal!” “Mmmhmm.” “I mean, I’m awesome and all, but that was pretty cool! Anyway, I beat him 5-4 before we both decide we’re too tired to keep going. So, we just sit and chill for a while. I mean, when he’s not being a total tryhard, Soarin’s actually really cool! I told you he wants to join the air force, right?” “Yes.” “Yeah! He starts telling me about his grandfather! He flew for the army during the war! Oh man, I wish I could have met him! Soarin told me some of the intense stories he used to tell! I mean, if this soccer things doesn’t work out, maybe I could still enlist!” “You could.” “Anyways, we talked for like, three hours before I decided to call it quits. But, he asked me to the movies tomorrow, and like, I dunno, I couldn’t say no! I mean, he’s not my level of awesome, but he’s pretty high up there. And, I dunno, maybe… maybe this is a date? Should I call it a date? He’s not bad looking. And he’s good at soccer! And whenever he drops the cool guy act, the way he looks at me… maybe he actually likes me and doesn’t just want to get into my pants? What do you think, ‘Shy?” Fluttershy paused her knitting. She was halfway through making a kitten-sized sweater. Sure, winter was a long way off, but she wanted to be well stocked for the animal shelter this year. Plus, it gave her a minor distraction from any unwelcome thoughts. But, now that Rainbow had asked her a question, Fluttershy didn’t have a choice but to think. And did she tell Rainbow her honest thoughts? Fluttershy looked at the phone sitting on her bed. Rainbow was waiting patiently on the other side. Fluttershy wanted to say Rainbow should tell Soarin to go… to go… somewhere far away! But, that would be mean. Rainbow seemed really excited about this boy. Instead, Fluttershy went with the safe answer. “I think you should do what feels right.” Rainbow was silent for a moment. “Yeah. Yeah, you’re right! Okay, so it’s not a date. We’re just going to the movies together. Alone. Totally not a date though! No, if he wants this, he has to earn it! And that’s even if I want him back!” Fluttershy almost smiled. She had no reason to be worried really. Rainbow had too much pride and self-assurance to be wooed by some meany like Soarin. “Anyway, what are you up to tonight?” Rainbow asked. “Just a little bit of knitting. I don’t know what my first semester of college is going to be like, so I’m getting my winter wear out of the way now.” “Smart. Don’t worry about it too much though. I hear freshman year is pretty easy as long as you don’t go out and party all the time. But, you’re a party animal, so you might have trouble.” Fluttershy giggled. “You know me.” “Yeah. Oh, hey! Soarin just texted me! Hahaha! He sent me a meme of one of my favorite soccer players! Oh man, it’s actually really hilarious! Hang on, I gotta send something back.” Fluttershy poked herself with the knitting needle. Her mouth fell to a thin line, and she felt something very peculiar stirring in her heart. Rainbow had never been excited about a boy before. When she had taken Thunderlane out for the Winter Ball, it had been a date of convenience—just to prove a point. Sure, it had stung Fluttershy in other ways, but not like what she was feeling now. It was like someone was slowly driving a nail into her heart, and that nail was dripping hot liquid into her stomach. “Okay, I’m back,” Rainbow announced. “What were we talking about?” “College parties,” Fluttershy said in a perfectly calm voice. “Right. I mean, I’m definitely gonna go to at least one. Just to say I did, you know? I mean, being on the soccer team, we’ll probably have plenty of parties, but I’m talking one of those huge fraternity parties! The kind you tell your kid not to go to! I wanna see someone running through the hall in nothing but a bedsheet shouting, ‘toga!’” “I don’t know. Those parties are dangerous for girls.” “I know that. I’m not stupid. If someone offers me a cup of anything, I tell ‘em, no. I’m only drinking stuff from cans, and they aren’t leaving my sight once I open them. And if any guy gets too friendly, swift kick to the crotch.” “That’s a good plan, but—” “Hang on, Soarin’s texting me again.” Fluttershy jerked her hand again and poked herself. The hot liquid made her stomach rumble very unpleasantly. She couldn’t understand why. She knew this was a possibility. Maybe a slim one, but a possibility nonetheless. Still, hearing Soarin’s name made her brow furrow. He was the reason Rainbow had hurt herself. Now, he had the gall to try and get close to her? It made Fluttershy peeved at the very least. But, if it had been any other boy, Fluttershy knew she’d probably still be feeling the same way. She didn’t like it. And she couldn’t understand why she felt it. Maybe because, until it actually happened, Fluttershy could pretend, could dream, could hope. Now, that dream was ending, and Fluttershy had no choice but to wake up to reality. “Back again, sorry about that. Where were we?” All of Fluttershy’s insides squirmed. “Actually, Rainbow, it’s almost nine. I should be getting ready for bed.” “Right, yeah. Man, you and Twilight are such early sleepers. All right, talk to you later, ‘Shy.” “Good night, Rainbow.” Fluttershy ended the call, then pushed her phone underneath her pillow. She set aside her half made sweater and stared out into space. There was nothing she could do. Rainbow had all the obvious signs of having a crush on Soarin. Fluttershy couldn’t intervene into something like that. Well… if she told Rainbow she really didn’t like Soarin, maybe she would change her mind. But Fluttershy didn’t have the heart. Rainbow seemed happy and excited. Fluttershy couldn’t stand in the way of that. Her heart fluttered sadly. Besides, even if Fluttershy did something now, another boy would come along while Rainbow was at college. Or on tour with her soccer team. Fluttershy couldn’t stop the inevitable. She looked up to her dresser, where a picture of a younger her and Rainbow was framed. She had pigtails back then, and Rainbow’s hair was shorter. Both of them were smiling. Rainbow had one of her bottom teeth missing. Aside from their rocky two years apart, Fluttershy had always had Rainbow beside her. She was ready to let Rainbow go and be the awesome athlete Fluttershy knew she was. But, after all these years, Fluttershy still wasn’t ready for this. Rainbow was dating someone. ******* Sunset kept a gentle hand on Twilight’s shoulder as she shambled up Pinkie’s driveway.  “Everything’s sore,” Twilight whined. “I know, baby.” Two days of sword training had left Twilight visibly exhausted. From the way she limped and sagged, Sunset knew Twilight had used every muscle in her body. Given that Twilight’s exercise routine prior to this was non-existent, Sunset was impressed she was even standing. From what Sunset had observed, Selena was a kind, but firm instructor, having Twilight perfect her stance and the way she held her practice blade until it was ingrained in Twilight’s muscle memory. She taught her own hybrid of sword techniques. She said the foundation was built on the practices of Kendo, but had mixes of several other types of swordplay she had learned over the years.  For someone with no athletic skill, Twilight kept up well enough. Though, with the way she clung to Sunset, maybe she needed to take the lessons even slower. The Spectacular Seven were set to have a movie marathon, graciously hosted by Pinkie. While she would be providing homemade pizzas, the other girls pitched in by agreeing to bring snacks and sodas. Sunset carried a liter of root beer and a large bag of chips under her arms. They were the only thing stopping her from carrying Twilight the rest of the way. “Sunnykins, can I have a massage when we’re watching the movie?” “Of course you can.” Twilight raised her arm to ring the doorbell, then dropped it like a limp noodle. “Ow.” The door swung open, and Pinkie popped her head out. “Yaay! Sunlight’s here!” “Come again?” Sunset asked. “Sunlight! It’s your ship name! See, because Sunset and Twilight make Sunlight! Isn’t it cute?” Pinkie smiled wide. Sunset gently pushed Twilight inside. “Sure it is, Pinkie,” she said, just to placate her. “I keep telling her it won’t catch on,” Rainbow said from the couch, already snacking on a bowl of popcorn. Twilight collapsed onto the couch next to Rainbow and let out a sigh of relief. “What’s up with you?” “Selena’s teaching her how to use a sword,” Sunset said, setting her party contributions down on the snack table. “The egghead’s finally getting some exercise? Cool.”  Fluttershy walked in from the kitchen, holding two glasses of water. “Here, Twilight. You look like you need this more than I do.” She handed one glass to her and the other to Rainbow. Twilight took it and drank it all in one gulp. “Thank you, Fluttershy. I’m enjoying the lessons, really. I just forgot, having no previous physical conditioning makes this really hard.” “You’ll get used to it.” Rainbow tossed a kernel into the air and caught it with her mouth. The doorbell rang again, announcing the arrival of Rarity and Applejack.  “Sorry we’re late,” Rarity said, helping to carry a case full of apple cider, “we had to help Granny Smith with some chores around the farm.” “Ah helped. You sat and watched.” “I provided morale and encouragement. And I daresay it worked. You finished your chores in record time.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “So, what do we wanna watch first?” Rainbow looked over the spread of DVDs on the table in front of the television. “Well, it’s not late enough to watch a horror flick.” Fluttershy, who was laying out a mass of blankets for everyone, pressed one against her mouth. “C-can we not do scary movies today?” “So, how about an action movie?” Rainbow asked, not hearing Fluttershy. “Or a spy flick?” Rarity took a pillow and got comfortable on the blankets. “I’ll watch anything, so long as we see at least one romance before the night is over.” “Sci-fi,” Twilight groaned from the couch. Sunset leaned over and started rubbing her shoulders. “Well, there’s no way we’re gettin’ through seven movies in one evenin’,” Applejack reasoned, joining Rainbow at the DVD table. “So, we’ll have to double up on some genres.” They picked one that promised action and comedy first, though they talked over the first half as they caught each other up on the weeks they had. “So, Rainbow, tell us about your date with this Soarin,” Rarity said with her cat-like smile. “It wasn’t a date,” Rainbow said, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “We just went to the movies together.” “Mmhmm.” Rarity smiled wider. “And how was it?” Rainbow took a handful of popcorn and shoved it in her mouth. “Its wash aweshome.” Rarity squealed, hugging her pillow tight. “I never thought this day would come! Rainbow Dash has a boyfriend!” “I do not!” “Then who have you been texting the last two hours?” Pinkie asked, carrying a pizza from the kitchen. “My dad!” Applejack smirked. “Is your dad spelled ‘Soarin’ in your phone?” “No one likes a screen peeker, A.J!” “Rainbow’s got a boyfriend! Rainbow’s got a boyfriend!” Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack sang. Sunset, who was still massaging Twilight, saw Fluttershy shift uncomfortably and retreat into the nest of blankets she had built. “Yo, guys, can’t hear the movie.” The girls quieted down some, thought Sunset could see Fluttershy had mentally checked out already. Her eyes were to the floor, and she hadn’t touched her slice of pizza. Sunset had a hunch, but would have to wait until later to ask what was wrong. They finished the first movie and took a quick break to refill the snack bowl and use the bathroom. Just as their romantic sci-fi movie started, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it!” Pinkie sang. She leapt over the huddle of blankets and landed with a pirouette before sliding across the wood floor to the front door. “Hellooooo…” The ‘o’ dragged out, becoming quieter and quieter until Pinkie fell silent, her mouth still opened. The silence spread to the rest of the girls as they turned to the front door, every eye wide with shock and horror at the three figures standing on Pinkie’s porch. Applejack and Rainbow jumped to their feet, fists clenched tightly. Fluttershy made a squeal and dived under the blankets. Twilight clapped her hands over her ears, and Rarity helped by clapping her hands over Twilight’s. Sunset slowly rose as well, unsure of which she should be feeling first, shock or fury. Her whole body tingled warmly, and she had a feeling if she tried hard enough, she might be able to pony up, possibly go even beyond that. “What the hell,” she said slow and evenly, her eyes fixed on the girl in the front, “are you doing here?” Adagio Dazzle rubbed her shoulder and looked away, her lips pressed tight. Aria stood with her arms crossed, torso turned away from the door. Sonata stood further back, holding her arm behind her back. No one, neither the Sirens nor the Spectacular Seven, looked like they wanted to be there.