//------------------------------//
// II – Pre-Chorus 
// Story: Closer 
// by Avery Day 
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{ Pre-Chorus 1 }


As I disembarked from the flight, I felt far more energetic than I had in months. I wasn’t sure if it was because I was so excited or if that was a testament to how miserable I’d slept throughout the tour. My mind didn’t spend much time on that thought, however. All I could think about was the reward that lay at the end of this maze of tourists, terminals, and trams.

My breath quickened as I navigated through the Canterlot Airport. Occasionally, my gaze would float over to the tall windows. Everything was wet and icy—a stark contrast to the warm, dry climate I lived in while off-tour. For a brief moment, I remembered how much I used to hate the winter and the slushy snow it brought with it. The city I lived in now rarely ever saw snow, and as such, my disdain for it had faltered. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, as they say.

The trip back started with a long drive, another short drive, a flight, a layover, another flight, another layover, and one last flight. Now, there was only an escalator between me and baggage claim. That’s where she’d be waiting for me. A wave of warmth splashed over me at that thought. Over the last few months, I’d heard her voice and seen her face, but only in abstraction. A data stream delivered to a handheld device was nothing compared to the real thing.

The descent was painfully slow. I'd have run down the stairs if it weren’t for everyone taking the same path to the floor below us. I had half a mind to start shoving people out of the way, but I’d already learned my lesson about how seriously humans take airport security once before.

My heartbeat picked up as more of the baggage claim came into view. It didn’t take long for me to spot my entourage in the crowd, most of which stood not far from the bottom of the escalator. Most of the gang (barring Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash) were there and ready to greet me—Applejack, Rarity, and most important of all, Twilight.

Their faces lit up as they spotted me descending the escalator. Once I reached the bottom few steps, I got a little pushy with the few people left before me and practically began trotting toward my friends. As I approached them, Twilight broke off from the group and started walking in my direction, her pace quickening the closer we got. Dropping my bags on the floor behind me, we sprinted toward one another, and before long, we were wrapped tightly in each other's arms. 

The girls weren’t far behind Twilight by the time we met. I could tell by the looks on their faces they felt a little out of place during our affectionate reunion, so I pulled away from the hug before things could get too awkward.

Looking down at Twilight, I couldn’t help but smile wide. “So,” I began, “do I know you?”

At first, Twilight was smiling as much as I was, but as my words registered with her, it faded quickly. I wouldn’t have thought anything of it, but her expression promptly filled with fear.

“B-But you have to be the right Sunset,” she stammered. “I-It was supposed to work this time…”

“Jeez, I’m just messing with y–” My eyes widened, blood running cold as I gripped Twilight’s shoulders. “–wait, the ‘right’ Sunset? What was supposed to work?! Dash made it back yesterday okay, didn't she?! What happened while we were gone?!”

The look of concern on her face gave way to a smug grin. That’s when I realized it wasn’t her who’d been had, but me. Immediately, I glared at Rarity.

“This has you written all over it,” I playfully snapped. “You’re a bad influence!”

Rarity scoffed, her mouth agape as she placed her hand against her chest. “Our first time face to face in months and this is the first thing you say to me? Not even a greeting?! Ugh, the audacity!”

“Hi, Rarity,” I greeted. “You’re a bad influence.”

“Well, I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, but if I did have anything to do with this, I would say you should try not to be so predictable next time.”

We all shared a laugh for a few seconds.

Suddenly, I heard Applejack’s voice from behind. “So, are we leavin’ these here or what?”

Turning to face her, I saw her carrying both bags I had unceremoniously dropped moments ago in one hand.

“Right!” I exclaimed. “I can get those.”

AJ shook her head. “I got it, don’t worry ‘bout it.”

“No, really, it’s fine–”

“I said don’t worry ‘bout it,” she repeated. “Besides, ain’t there somethin’ more important you should be holdin’?” A smirk spread across her face as she gently elbowed my side.

“You’re hilarious,” I replied sarcastically.

With that settled, all of us began walking toward the airport exit. Right before we got to the door, a thought crossed my mind. 

"Say, where's Pinkie?" I asked.

"Oh, she–" Applejack stopped mid-sentence, looking behind herself briefly. As she faced forward again, she chuckled. "Y'know, y'all might just wanna brace yourself."

I raised an eyebrow, but before I could formulate a question, a high-pitched song and frantic, percussive footsteps rang out from behind.

"SUUUUUNSEEEEEET!"

Turning around, I shut my eyes tight with a smile. I wasn't looking forward to being violently tackled to the floor by the loud, pink blur rapidly careening toward me, but after the last few months, I was happy to accept my potential demise.