//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: Prelude to Rock [OLD] // Story: The Soul's Savior // by Dusty Old Qrow //------------------------------// Time Turner didn’t get much sleep that night. He should be happy, right? One of his daughters is trying to get used to him, to let him back in their lives. But at what cost? If Berry Punch finds out, they’ll be Hell to pay. He tossed and turned, grunting as he tried to get comfortable, but he just couldn’t. He had decided to let Derpy sleep in his bed this night, and he laid on the couch in the living room. Not very comfortable, but it wasn’t the first time he slept on it... Though, it had been nearly twenty years since he did so. ... This day has been eventful, he thought to himself. And it was true, the day had changed two big things. Derpy wanted to see him, and was willing to try to ease Dinky to the idea as well. And he and Luna... What were they, he and Luna? Were they a couple now? I suppose we are... I don’t know... They had kissed, he remembered that. And he kissed her again as he left. And she had been the one to initiate the first kiss, so... Did she like him in that way? Did he like her in that way? She’s my best friend. But do I love her?  Or... Am I looking for a replacement for Ditzy? He wanted to punch himself for even thinking about it, but was he? Did he truly want to be with Luna, or was he using her as a way to forget his wife? With a sigh, Turner turned to lay on his back and raised a hand into the air, stretching it so that the back of his hand faced him. He stared at the ring finger, and the ring around it, with sad eyes. I never moved on, did I? These past twenty years. I spent all of my time wallowing in my sorrow. Trying to make up for my past mistakes. Now who does that remind you of? That’s right... I’m no better than Sunset Shimmer. She at least has friends, and is on her way to a better life, but me? What have I done to redeem myself? Sure, Derpy seems to have forgiven me, but nothing’s stopping her from changing her mind. I’ve given her no reason to stay. I need to fix that. With newfound determination for tomorrow, Turner closed his eyes. Derpy, Luna... He thought as his mind began to drift. I’ll make things right. I promise. With that, he slept. Crimson Napalm and Azure Strike- Bat-Guy had informed the girls of his name- had long since awoken and been untied, completely unharmed. They were informed of where Featherweight was, and were promptly shoved out of the door courtesy of Rainbow Dash, who was simply glad to have the whole thing over with. Rainbow had slumped herself against the door, her knees up to her chest and her head hanging down. “Are you alright, darling?” Rarity asked, walking over to Dash and putting a hand on her shoulder. “This was a dreadful situation for all of us- and dare I say, you were almost shot, Rainbow Dash. I know that I would be wreck after that!” The fashionista said with dramatic flair. Rainbow sighed and lifted her head, looking at her purple haired friend. “Look, Rare... Just drop it, okay? It’s been a long day.” Her words were tired, weary. As she got up, she locked eyes with Sunset, who gave her a reassuring smile. “I know you guys are worried, but I’m not the only one who got attacked, remember? Sunset did too. And I know the rest of you were pretty scared.” The other girls nodded in agreement. “So,” Dash continued. “Let’s just get some sleep, alright? We’ve got band practice tomorrow, and the Musical Showcase is next week today! We need to be at the top of our game!” She said with much vigor, running up to Sunset and enveloping her in a one armed hug. “Ain’t that right, Sunset?” Sunset laughed awkwardly and rubbed her arm. I’m not in the Rainbooms, though... Still, Sunset smiled and returned the hug. But then she noticed Pinkie Pie practically shaking in her skin. “What?” Sunset asked the hyper girl. Pinkie let out an insanely high “Eieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” as she hopped out of the chair and hugged both Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer at the same time. “Oh, I knew it! I just knew you two would be good for each other, that’s why I said ‘just kiss already’ earlier, you remember that right? But you two got all embarrassed and were all ‘oh no we must break the hug and blush awkwardly’ and then you left and now that you’re back I mean it's just plainly obvious that you kissed I mean just look at you two!” Pinkie Pie said all that in one breath, with barely a stop between words. Sunset and Rainbow Dash looked at each other awkwardly, small smiles forming on their faces. “Uh...” Sunset began. “... Thank you?” She said lamely, raising an eyebrow. “Wait,” Rainbow interjected. “So... Does this mean we’re dating now? I don’t know, I’m not good at this romance stuff.” The athlete shrugged as she glared at Pinkie, who still held the two in a tight hug. “Seriously, Pinkie, let go!” “Oopsie!” Pinkie said sweetly. “Sorry!” The pink girl let her arms fall back to her side, releasing the other two girls from her iron-like grip, causing Sunset and Rainbow Dash to breathe a deep sigh. Just then, Fluttershy tapped Dash on the shoulder. “Um, excuse me, but...” The shy girl began quietly. “Would... Would someone mind explaining what Pinkie Pie is talking about? I’m a little lost...” Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy, then at Sunset. “Yeah, no.” She said. “You’re explaining it, Sunset. I’m no good with this kind of stuff.” Sunset’s expression flattened. “Gee, thanks.” “Yeah, your friend, who you’ve known practically forever, just kissed the girl who tormented all of you for the past four years and we just might be going out now. Surprise!” Yeah, that’ll go over well. Tuesday... “What.” “You heard me, Sunset Shimmer.” Principal Celestia said with a smile on her face. She leaned forward and placed her arms on her desk. “I want you to escort three new students around the school. I know that your past actions have left a... stigma, against you among the student body...” Sunset shook her head and crossed her arms. “No kidding.” She said simply. “Regardless, I feel that this may be a good chance to show them that you’re not a monster, Sunset. You already have five girls who like you- maybe even one that likes you like more than a friend, if certain rumors are true?” The woman said with a sly grin. Sunset blushed and tilted her head down. “I-I uh...” She stuttered. “Heh, I uh... Yeah, sure.” Celestia allowed herself a slight chuckle. “Yes, well, the students you will be chaperoning are,” Celestia reached down to her desk and pulled out a drawer. She then pulled out a piece of paper and began reading from it. “... Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk, and Aria Blaze. Well, very charming names, aren’t they?” The principal said with a slight chuckle. As she looked at Sunset, she noticed her uncomfortable look. “Okay, Sunset. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. I understand that you my be a little uneasy about it, but please, I implore you to at least think about it.” Celestia gave Sunset a warm smile. “If you need to talk, my door is always open.” Sunset returned the smile and got up, leaving the office.