A light snowfall had started when I reached home, but it didn’t dull my mood. I skipped the door and went straight through my window, landing right in my room. I set the book on my desk and go to the closet, rummaging through some old Wonderbolts memorabilia and odd pieces of clothing. Finally, I find what I’m looking for: a dusty old record player and a plain black record, still in its sleeve.
I set it on my nightstand, hooves working on autopilot. I barely register that it’s started when I hear a familiar old song come out over the speaker. I never liked the song. I always thought it was kind of sappy, but tonight it just seemed… right. I closed my eyes, remembering the words.
“But I hear you singin’
Slow down, you’ve figured it out,
I know I’ll see you soon.
Some day,
We’ll find a way,
Until then
I hope I’ll see you again
I hope I’ll see you again, love.”
“That’s the song mom used to sing every night,” comes a soft voice from behind me.
“Sure is,” I say. I turn around to see Daring sitting on my bed, swinging her rear legs absently.
She nods, smiling. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard it.”
“Me too, Sis.”
“Oh, love, it’s alright, it’s alright,
Everything’s alright,
My love, it’s alright, it’s alright,
Everything’s alright...”
Daring sighs, hopping off of the bed. “Well… I guess it’s time for me to go.”
I nod. “I wish you could stay, but I wouldn’t want to keep you.”
“Keep me?”
I chuckle and point behind her. Daring turns as the bedroom fades away into the white room. In the distance, a group of ponies are conversing. I fly towards them, motioning for her to follow.
As we draw closer, the group notices us and parts so we can land. Daring blinks in surprise as she looks around, recognizing every single face that stood around her. On our left stands Redblood, Minute Maker, Slow Burn, and Free Fall. On our right are their real-life counterparts; Redheart, Minuette, Braeburn, and Fleetfoot, along with Twilight and our parents.
“It’s time to go, Sis,” I say sadly.
Free Fall steps forwards and offers Daring her pith helmet. Daring blinks in surprise before taking it, placing it atop her head. Free Fall smiles and pulls her in, planting a quick kiss on the cheek. She takes Daring’s hoof and starts walking towards the others.
Daring hesitates and turns to look at me.
“Time changes everything,
But I love you, can’t you see.”
“Rainbow, I don’t want to go,” she whispers. “I’m scared.”
“You’re in good hooves,” I reassure. I feel my eyes getting damp again, but fight it back. “And it’s okay to be scared. But remember, you’re a hero. You can conquer anything.”
“Time changes everything,
Even you and me.”
Behind me, the real ponies gather up, giving her comforting smiles. Daring turns again, seeing her fictional friends patiently waiting. She extends a wing around Free Fall’s body and hugs her tightly before taking a deep breath. “Okay. Goodbye, Rainbow.”
“Goodbye, Daring.”
With a final wave, Daring Do turns again and joins her friends. They share a hug before walking off towards some adventure unknown. On the other side, I watch my sister fade away until she’s gone. A single tear falls down my face, but it doesn’t stop my smile.
“Oh, love, it’s alright, it’s alright,
Everything’s alright,
My love, it’s alright, it’s alright,
Everything’s alright.”
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End.