//------------------------------// // Chapter 59- Persuasions... // Story: The normal life of Nitpick Bittersweet // by Ryusun //------------------------------// “Ugh…!” “Shh… sleep!” I soaked a towel with fresh water that the nurse instructed me to dab on his head. I didn’t have my class of trigonometry today. The teacher was arranging some car insurance papers on the Town’s Hall. That gave me time to nurse my partner’s health until he wakes up. Little by little, the young man who lied on the bed was coming back to his senses. I saw his struggle to wake up from his forced slumber, sweating, mumbling words of wings, magic… and betrayal. Ooh! Betrayal is an interesting word. Betrayal, according to the dictionary, is the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations. From all that you could say that is simply disappointing the hopes and dreams of one or several subjects. But what makes a betrayal… a real betrayal? Is it the impious action that violates the trust given to you? And what makes a lie… a real one? The series of words and actions that contradicts the reality? Could it be that there is something beyond that? If so… what is the answer? What could it be, my partner in life? “Uh…” He opened his eyes lazily. “Where am I?” It seems that my time of reflection has ended for today. “You’re in the school’s infirmary. Fluttershy brought you here.” “Ah… it’s you, Bon… How long was I out?” “Ten days!” “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?” I couldn’t stop laughing after seeing his perturbed face. “SHH!” The nurse came to shut me up. This is the second time someone shuts me in my life… I should try to not laugh like that in public places. “Oh, you are awake, young man! But by the looks of it, you should rest a little while longer!” The nurse said to him. “Oh, and thank you for your assistance, little miss!” “I was glad to help a friend in need!” “Tell me that you are lying about that, Bon!” “Hee hee! Youngsters these days! Call me if you need anything.” She went back to her desk to continue her paperwork. “The ‘ten days’ stuff was a joke, right?” “Of course it was a joke!” I said playfully. “You have only been knocked out for twenty-three minutes. Impressive! Considering that it was a full blow to the head. You have a thick skull, you know.” “What happened to me? The only thing that I remember is that I was trying to meet the people that were playing some cool, voiceless music, and then a rainbow shockwave of sorts hit me… I saw Fluttershy with wings… she looked gorgeous to be honest.” “Well, this is what happened as far as I know: Rainbow Dash, in a fit of rage for reasons unknown, was playing the guitar on her own. But Fluttershy joined her and played her tambourine to soothe her up, making her feel relaxed and on the mood of making a power solo. When you opened the door, she threw away the guitar from the excitement, hitting you on the face with enough force to push you back and make you fall savagely to the ground, giving place to a small concussion on the head.” “Oh, so that’s why all my head hurts.” He rubbed his face and back-head. “Yes.” “But that doesn’t explain Fluttershy’s wings! They looked… real!” “When I arrived to the scene, you were nearly unconscious. Fluttershy’s wings were in fact… well, I don’t know if I must tell you…” “What are you hiding, Bon?” I sighed. “The truth is… that Fluttershy… is a cosplayer.” He analyzed my answer for a moment. “…what?” “She is an anime and manga fan that hasn’t come out of the closet… she likes Pirate Moon, Kokun Ball C, Neon Illuminati Evangelic and a few others more… only Rainbow Dash, and by some extent Lyra and me, knows her shameful secret.” “That’s not shameful! What she does is an expression! So she must have been the one that gave the idea of the magical girl stuff during the games! With that, she fulfilled her dreams of cosplaying in the school through Sunset and Twilight… poor girl. She only wants to spread the magic of this art. Stupid school and its closed-minded tastes… no offense.” “Don’t worry. I know when my school makes a baseless judgment! And I’m glad you are open-minded about this!” Excellent! He bought that story… sorry for using your secret, Fluttershy. “Well… since it came to this, I better look for Sunset and speak about our team members.” “Aren’t you in bad terms with her since yesterday? I could smell the bloodlust coming from both of you in Crystal Prep. You gazed on her some serious eyes!” Pretty. “Yeah but I still have a responsibility to do… even though I don’t like it one bit.” “Then why did you agree to participate in this?” “You already know the answer… I’m being used by you, remember?” He said jokingly. “So… I can use you for whatever I want…” I mumbled the last with a smile. “What did you say? I didn’t hear that!” “Oh, nothing at all! Anyway, instead of talking to her, why don’t you allow me to make some arrangements first so you don’t go unarmed on your next meeting with her? Give me until Friday morning to do those, ok? ” “What do you mean by ‘arrangements’?” “Three more members before the end of the week, remember?” “I don’t think that I like where this is going. You should-” “Shh…” I sealed his lips with my fourth and pinky fingers. “Why don’t you rest for a while before the next class start? Play with your 3SD, sleep some more, or read one of your books from your backpack while I think about our next move, ok?” “…what are we, exactly?” “Friends! And I’m your right hand in the developments of the coming competition!” I sweetly winked at him with all my hypocrite love. “Don’t do that… ever again…” He said with shiver, not falling for my act. “Tee hee hee! I really like you!” “…just do me a favor and pass me the shaker in my bag.” I retrieved the vase from his backpack and I saw some powders in it. “Whey protein and almond milk? Want to get stronger?” “I only want to be as healthy as before.” “For this to work flawlessly, you also have to change your diet.” “I did that… I bought rabbit food and various source of healthy protein and fats like Greek yoghurt and other stuff that a sport nutritionist in his gym recommended me… Iron Bull was his name, I believe…” He said while trying to remember his name. “Or it was Will…” “If you ever want a training session, let me know and we can train together! I happen to know a thing or two about strength, nimbleness and some defensive skills!” Ask Bulk-Bicep about it… I dislocated his elbow before the Friendship Games, if memory serves me well. “No thanks. Gilda and I are doing fine! Also, she wants to crush you in the next Mechanical Bull competition, you know?” “Huh, interesting!” I prepared for him his nutritive beverage, secretly adding a special, concentrated ingredient that will speed up his strength recovery. After watching him drink it and being amused of his ever funny way of expressing himself because of the spicy taste, I left the infirmary. Now it was time for me to work. Three more members will join him, that’s what I told him. But in reality, they’ll become more in the coming weeks. We have a fifth of the school in agreement with him taking the lead, but they lack a backbone to express their opinions. Something he clearly wants from them. Fortunately for us there are individuals, popular and charismatic ones, who can help him out in the task ahead. One was a humble guy who loves soccer more than winning, wishing he could transmit his passion to others. One was a reclusive artist whose social circles were severely damaged thanks to a backstabber some years ago. And the last one was an overprotective friend, willing to get into fighting with his own friendships for the sake of making them see reason. All of them have one thing in common! One thing they wished it could be brought back to their lives: The old days of the school! The time where we were truly a institution of camaraderie and very few people disturbed the unity of the community. Those three will unite and strengthen the resolve of this little revolutionary group nicely. But how do I convince them to join the cause? They serve no flag and are pretty close to the people that support the Idol Six. Well, there lies the answer. I just need to ignite in them the will to join him… and kill their false allegiances with the others. I’ll be subtle, of course. And it begins with Soarin during today’s soccer practices. Like always, the assertive ones are training the students since we lack a proper sport’s teacher. They do it with a militaristic sense of authority. He, on the other hand, offers them water and some friendly advice. “Come on, guys! Just two more crunches and you’ll be done!” “I don’t know, Soarin! My stomach hurts!” One of the girls said. “Yeah…” “This is hard!” “Hey! I know all of you can do it, so trust me!” All of them were motivated by his words, managing to do a crunch and a half. “That’s it for today! Job well done!” “Thanks, So-“ “Job well done? They didn’t finish the last crunch, wimp!” And there she comes! Our distinguished trainer! “Spitfire, they can’t do no more! Let’s leave it like this until tomorrow!” “You’re too soft, Soarin! And all of you better do that last crunch properly or I’ll make you do it myself!” “B-but!” The school bell rang to save their hides, and my teammates were glad this class was over. Spitfire and Soarin engaged in discussion about their methods. She was doing all the talking, of course. The victims on the other hand were walking to the bleachers of the fields with the others to retrieve their belongings. Well, let’s kill some time before my next move. “Hey, Microchips! We did have a fun sport class, didn’t we?” “Hi Bon Bon! And… well, you could say that.” That means ‘No’. “What do you think of Soarin’s treatment with us?” “He is a great dude and everyone knows that! If it wasn’t for him, Spitfire would… oh, nevermind…” “You know, I heard that Soarin was joining the school’s team to help them defeat Crystal Prep.” “Oh, good luck to him with that! Everyone knows that Sunset Shimmer and the others will manage to win this time… without our help.” “Perhaps! But I heard a rumor that he would join Nitpick’s group, instead!” “Bittersweet’s group? Really?” “You don’t trust him?” “No, well, I mean… I would, but…” “What’s wrong with him? You can tell me anything!” “I know! You are really a good gal after all.” “Oh, thank you! But I’m just a good, old and trusty Wondercolt like everyone else!” Right. “Well, if people like Soarin join him, perhaps I would consider joining him too.” “Yeah! Soarin is a nice boy! And somewhat handsome too! Many people would join him if he says the word!” Mystery Mint joined the conversation. “Not to mention that he treat us great and trains us for the sake of having fun with us unlike… oh, look at the hour! Gotta run!” Ringo left the scene. “And I must go before my mechatronic classes starts!” Microchip hasted his steps to his destination. “Bye, Bye! I have some chores to do in my home… boring!” Mint said. “I see… very well, then. Let’s see what happens and see you later!” My information about Soarin’s popularity was indeed top notch. Like always. Now that I have waited for him to go to the gym hall and retrieve the special equipment of the soccer team all by himself, I decided to join and have a talk with him. There he was, arranging the equipment on the cart. His typical routine of counting, cleaning and making sure everything was in order was known to me by now. I spent the last week studying his school’s habits, after all. “Hello, Soarin! Didn’t think anyone would be here!” “Bon Bon, hi! What are you doing here?” “Oh, you know! Wasting time until Lyra mails me to join her outside, that’s all!” “I bet that is the case!” He chuckled nicely after saying that. “Anyway, need some help with those?” “Oh no… I’m doing just fine!” “Come on! I’m not Spitfire and I’m sure you really need the help!” Seriously, this is too much for one person to do in less than fifteen minutes… unless is me, of course. “Really? I mean, I don’t want to be trouble!” He started to arrange the last jumping cords. “Nonsense!” I helped him with the weights. “This is what friends do all the time, right? Helping each other, improving themselves to strengthen their self-esteem, right? Just like soccer team does in their practices with all of us!” He stopped his motion. Now he only needs to say ‘Yeah… something like that’ or similar. “Yeah… you are right, Bon Bon… something like that!” Good boy. “Tell me; is it true that you’ll join the battle efforts to defeat Crystal Prep in the coming event?” “Rumors spread fast around here recently, don’t they?” “It’s been always like this as far as I remember! I believe it all started with Sunset’s arrival!” “…Yeah, I think so too. But she turned out good later, don’t you think that?” “Right! She just keeps improving the school with her politics of Friendship! As long as we follow her, nothing bad could happen ever again… right?” Beautiful and intoxicating, soundless environment! He didn’t know how to respond… how could he? The only words he could possibly express were… “I wonder about that, sometimes!” He put the last item on the cart and started to push it to the fields. Nice answer. Good answer. “Why you say that?” “Call me crazy but… I miss the old days where we just stuck together as individuals unlike the rocker, fashionista and other ‘groups’ nonsense that Sunset brought to the table… it was far nicer a few years ago…” He said with melancholy. “Indeed…” I responded in kind. “That’s why I’ll join Nitpick’s group during the competition!” “Really?” He said surprised. “I saw a list circulating around the school about a group that he was creating to balance things up with Sunset… but I thought it was a joke! I mean, last time I met him… he looks nice but I can safely say that he doesn’t like the school that much!” “And that’s exactly why I’m joining him! He is unbiased and doesn’t care about who joins him! As long as we work together, he is fine with that!” “But what about Lyra? Won’t she join Sunset’s team?” “Oh no! Dancer and Lightbulb are Nitpick’s childhood friends, so they’ll join him instead! I’m their friend too so I’ll stick with them and Lyra decided to join us as well by her own choice! It will be fun! That’s what this is all about, isn’t?” “…I suppose.” We arrived to the fields and it was time to spill the last drop to the filled glass. “But you can choose whatever path you desire! If you stick with your team, you’ll achieve the same results, don’t you think so?" I poked at his cheek with my index finger. "Having fun is Spitfire’s specialty after all! I’m sure she and Rainbow Dash will do something fun during the events! Perhaps the Orphanage would be ideal for their tactics! As for me, I’ll try something different for a chance! Have fun during your special training, Soarin!” I slowly walked away from him and as soon as I had the chance, I quickly hid behind the bleacher structure. There, I looked Soarin from afar. He was looking at his team’s performance. So fierce! So dedicated! So… self-centered! A shell of their former glory. You should never pressure your ideals on people you’re trying to get on your good side. A little subtlety is good enough for the likes of him. One hour passed after my talk with him and I was with Lyra eating some pizza and drinking fresh juices. Two hours passed after our talk and I was leaving her at her home! Three hours passed and I started to train in the training room of my home! Four hours passed and a standard ringtone rang from my phone. -Soarin: Do you think he needs another hand during the competition? One down, two to go. Next day in the morning, I was preparing to strike down my next objective. The timing must be perfect or I’ll lose her support. She was walking through the school’s corridors to the empty band room, carrying her homemade lunch with her. By the looks of it, it was a veggie sandwich with lots of spinach in it… tasty. Also, she had a fizzy apple cider in her possession. Blasphemy! Hard Apple Cider is love! Hard Apple Cider is life! I must follow quietly so- “Good morning, Bon Bon! It’s a nice day! Even if it’s windy out there, don’t you think so?” Uh…You… “Of course, Sunset! It’s another friendly day at CHS!” “Yeah! Anyway, I hope you’re ready for the gathering of students to select our participants after classes are over!” “Of course I am!” I already am gathering students for Nitpick, dear. “Oh, gotta go! I need to find Twilight before someone else does! See ya later in the selection!” “See ya!” I waved her off. Bitch. Where was I? Ah yes… I could hear the beautiful melody behind that door. A sound of gracefulness. A hymn of delicacy. The cries of hardened fingers that desired to be heard by a humble public. I opened the door and the music stopped. Octavia Melody looked at me with a subtle shade of tenderness. “Bon Bon… it’s you.” She said elegantly. “Sorry to interrupt, but I hoped to hear more of it closer to the source if you don’t mind!” “Why, but of course!” She said pleased. And she started again. The detail of the compositional structure of the tune, her performance, and mastered rhythm only learned through long sessions of near-endless practice were a welcoming change of style to my ears. The music ended abruptly. “What happened? Why did you stop?” I asked with a tone of curiosity. But I already knew the answer. “I can’t perform as perfect as I want!” “Don’t be picky about your skills, Melody! You are the greatest musician I know!” I said honestly. “Although I’m flattered by your praise, I admit that I AM picky. I simply know good music when I hear it, and will accept nothing less. What I’m doing is not close to the art I want to achieve!” “And what’s stopping you to achieve that, if I may know?” “I don’t know, Bon Bon… you and I have known each other since middle school and I was hoping if you… well… No, forget-“ “You can talk to me about anything, my friend.” I interrupted her empathetically while holding her hand. She put a small but warm smile on her face... I like her genuineness. “To be honest, ever since I lost during the Battle of the Bands I have felt… out of rhythm! I can concentrate no more like I used to! The notes are there! The timing is there! But when I actually play it on my cello… the pace is distorted! Like a torrent of endless noise that won’t cease…Like I-” “Need to prove you could perform far better than the average music you were defeated with. You want to have a second shot and be heard again in a small audience so people can judge you, critique and praise or complain about your music! You want an audience that can help you improve your talents through sheer failure, perfecting the fluency of the notes through the flames of exhilaration!” “YES! Heavens! I didn’t know you would understand me so well!” She said passionately. “I just happen to pay attention to every conversation I’m into!” That! And I know the feeling of what she was passing through. “Well, it matters not! I just need to keep practicing and eventually, I’ll recover my sense of pacing!” She started to eat her lunch. I joined her in the act. “I have… ‘Nom, nom, nom’… sorry, I love Lyra’s lunches!” She chuckled a little. “I have a better solution! Why don’t you participate in the coming event and program a little classical music show for the people? I’m sure the Retirement Home folks will enjoy it!” “Do you think so?” “Of course!” I know. “I’m not sure! I don’t think that Sunset will approve of that!” “Why not? There is no reason for her to deny your petition! What the old grannies and grandpas want in their lives is some peace of mind! And classical music, no less!” “Really?” “Sure!” I know. “But we don’t know if these coming events will allow something like a little concert!” “What about if it is allowed and you do nothing about it? Don’t you see? The things you don’t do in high-school will never be achievable in college if you don’t take the first step now! Octavia, with the way you have handled all you school subjects, this could be your last year in CHS! You must do something meaningful before leaving this place!” “Nonsense! I will graduate with everyone else in one year and half! Even so, with Sunset leading the teams, I could never get a shot! The Rainbooms will probably do everything by themselves… again!” “I believe you wanted to say, ‘Sunset will do everything as she wants, again’!” I said bluntly. She stayed quiet in her seat, time freezing for her. She remembered. The gossips… the fracture of her old band… Sunset’s influence… she was frowning in an upset fashion while looking at the floor. Now, for the next step… “Why don’t you join Bittersweet, instead? I’m sure he would listen to your petition if you present him a good case!” “Nitpick Bittersweet? That mongrel with the lousy language?” I couldn’t stop laughing from her no-nonsense comment. “I didn’t know… pfff, you were a comedian!” She released a small chuckle. “What?” She said with serenity. “I’m speaking the truth!” “So you’re going to join Sunset instead, huh?” “I believe so… Will he really give me a shot?” “Dancer and Lightbulb will approve of your idea… So will Lyra and me! But let’s not jump to conclusions just yet!” I ate the last bite of my lunch. “Ask Sunset and company if you can play something during the event, if possible!” Someone knocked the door and got inside the room. It was them. Perfect timing, girls. “Hey, y’all! Are we interrupting something?” Applejack asked with her usual friendliness. “No! We are done here, actually!” Octavia replied. “YES!” Rainbow Dash said in excitement. AJ gave her the mean look. “I mean, nice! May we use the band room before the break ends? We need to practice for the possible concert against Crystal Prep!” “Oh really?” I said. “I was wondering if we could add some classical music in it!” I embraced Octavia close to me. “You know, give the folks something relaxing to their ears and stuff!” “I don’t know! I heard that Crystal Prep will do a rock concert and if we want to beat them, we need to attack with fire as well!” Rainbow said. “Oh… I see…” Octavia said. “Don’t worry, Octavia!” Sunset came into scene. “If we have the space to include your performance, we’ll call you right away!” That means ‘Not likely’. “Where is Vinyl?” Sunset asked. “She said that she was tuning her DJ motherboard! She’ll come here any minute!” Rainbow answered. “Vinyl… will help you out?” Octavia asked a little doubtful. She was doing more than that lately, dear. “Yeah! After the Battle of the Bands, she has been couching us in how to tune our instruments more effectively! We even made some new songs together!” Rainbow said. “Oh… that sounds nice.” “She is awesome! Not like me but-“ AJ gave her the look again. “Ok, she is awesome!” AJ smiled in triumph. “Well, we should go and let you practice!” I said while grabbing gently Octavia from the hand. We walked away from there until we arrived to the gardens. There, she stopped her pace. “We have known each other for ten years… and we have never written a song together…” “I’m sure… uh, that she has her reasons!” I said with complete empathy. Damn it… “Perhaps you are right… She’s the social type, and I’m just-” I rested my index finger on her lips. “Hey! She is your friend, remember? I’m sure that she would never leave you behind! And I’m also sure she’ll understand if you join Nitpick’s group as well! After all, your best chance is in the least expected place, don’t you think so?” You want to convince a doubtful individual to join your side? Give her words of hope with a strong truth backing them up, and some time to reflect on it. “I’ll… alright! If you are there, count me in! I’ll help in any way I can!” “Oh! I’m sure you‘ll definitely help us out, Octavia! I’m sure you will!” I have great plans for you in the long run, after all. That makes two down, one to go. She went back to the band room to safeguard her cello. Then, Nitpick appeared from the corner of the school. No doubt he was eating in his spot all this time. “Hey, friend! How are you?” “Fine, I just forgot to take my portion of protein and I’m going for it!” “Let me come with you!” “…uh… sure.” I walked with him to his locker and he withdrew his soon to be beverage. As he was arranging his locker’s stuff, I put another kind of a concentrated, special ingredient in there and prepared it for him. When he drank it, though… “Ughhh! CRAP! IT’S BITTER NOW” His face! “Hehehehe! Healthy food sometimes is bitter as well!” “Damn it, Gilda!” Classes ended and it was time to think about the last member. And this will be the hardest one. Not because of the complexity of turning him over… but the implications of what will happen to his surroundings. After leaving Lyra at her home, I decided to drink a cappuccino over the Cake’s Café. Sugarcube Corner didn’t have many customers at seven in the evening, giving me time to think about my next move in peace. My home wasn’t ideal… I would only end up training and losing myself in that. Now… how can I convince Thunderbass to join him instead of her? No doubt he will join Shimmer because of Flash. That guy was rejected horribly by Sparkle. I saw it by accident from afar. He was devastated. He was defeated. He was thinking what went wrong. I was brimming with joy at his suffering. It is safe to say that Thunderbass was the only one that officially knew the story from him by now. Sparkle no doubt kept her mouth shut, not wanting to hurt anybody. What a fool and pitiful hypocrite. Ah! I can’t concentrate as I hoped in here. Too much pink in this place. “You look troubled, Bon Bon! Everything ok?” A gentle voice spoke. Ohoho! What an incredible coincidence! “I just have a headache, Thunderbass! Thanks for asking, nonetheless! What brings you here on your own?” “Well, I was meaning to speak with you in private about something… you’re the only one I can trust with it!” “About what?” “It’s about Flash… something… happened between him and Sparkle… I need vent this with someone I trust!” What was his favorite phrase? Thank you, Truth of the existence? Well, thank you, Truth that rules everything. “The school has noticed that he looks somewhat down. We are getting worried about him! What happened?” “Flash acted like a fool! That’s what happened!” Tell me about something I don’t know already, please! “Flash, a fool? No way! He is a smart guy!” My tongue suddenly felt that it was burning with sulfurous acid. “Please, spare me your compassion for him! But I believe I can’t stop you… you always were the empathetic type with people like him!” Those words made me feel that my head was being blown away by an expansive shotgun shell. “I just do what anyone else would do to help a friend in need.” I grabbed one of his hands. “Like you who needs a listener in your time of need!” He blushed softly and put away his hands. “Thanks… Appreciate it. Anyway, long story short: You know that Flash liked Princess Twilight, but since her cousin came to the school, he was infatuated with her too. You know! The similarities and stuff! Especially the magic power, if you know what I mean!” He mumbled the last part. “Yes, go on!” “Well, he was rejected by her… badly, I might add! But how could I blame her? The dude was trying to replace the Princess with her! How stupid could he be?” “Sometimes love can blind people!” That and Flash was an imbecile. “You and I know that what he was feeling wasn’t love, Bon Bon!” He hit the table with force. “Easy there, friend!” I acted weakly. “I’m so sorry for that! I didn’t want to scare you!” “Oh… that’s ok!” I have seen worse foes in life. Your anger doesn’t scare me… but it amuses me, no less. “Please, continue!” “…Thanks! Well, my problem is this: he hasn’t given up and he will join Sunset’s efforts to try and get closer to her again! I told him that it was a foolish idea! But he didn’t listen!” “And you are frustrated that your friend could end up more hurt than before, right?” “…yes.” Always the selfless one, aren’t you? “Well, what do you want me to say to you? That everything is going to be alright?” “No… I want an honest opinion from someone unbiased!” “Don’t help him anymore, Thunderbass! That’s my opinion!” He sighed in depression. “I don’t want to abandon my friend…” “Sometimes the best way to help someone is to leave him at his own… One’s opinion can harm more to their loved ones when they don’t give the right answer for him or her!” “But I’ll end up helping him with this… I just know it!” “Then why don’t you join Bittersweet’s group, instead? He doesn’t like Sunset as you do and Flash could question himself when his best friend is joining the adversary of the school!” “I don’t think that makes sense… and I don’t hate Sunset!” Gotcha! “I never said anything about hate, Thunderbass!” “N-no, well, I…” I sealed his lips with my index finger. “You still haven’t forgiven her for her break up with Flash, right? You still resent her after all the effort your friend put in his relationship with her! He always thought of her, giving his all, only for him ending up receiving the short end of the stick! That wasn’t fair! And if Sparkle is learning how to be sociable under her wings, Flash will receive an even more painful rejection than before! Do you really want that?” “No!” Excellent answer. “Then do what you must! If you join him, you will only give him a false sense of camaraderie! If you join no one’s side, you would be escaping from any responsibility! If you join Nitpick’s group, however, you can make the difference in his state of mind! He will eventually confront you seriously and if he really values your friendship, he’ll understand your reasons!” “Well… I don’t know… are you sure your plan will work?” “No. But it is the best I got!” This is why Thunderbass was the hardest one. He has a real friendship he could end up losing because of me. It made me sick of… “I met Bittersweet during a bowling match… he looks somewhat picky! No pun intended.” “He is picky, but if you noticed, he only chooses genuine people as friends! He has Dancer as a friend! Also Lightbulb, Lyra and even me!” “You and him are friends?” He said in disbelief. “Yeah! He is a great guy once you know him well! Even Soarin and Octavia will join his group… well, they’re joining because I convinced-“ “You say that Octavia will join his group?” …Ow! That little bright in your eyes! “You know, Melody wants to perform some classical music during the event! Say, do you still play the acoustic guitar?” “Y-yeah!” “Tomorrow we will reunite in the library to discuss our team members! Sunset must have chosen her fifteen members already so we only have until tomorrow to make a decision! If you decide to join us, you know where to find us! Choose wisely, and follow your heart!” I leaved him alone in the table. I won’t blame him if he doesn’t join up. It was Friday. The time: lunch break. I texted Nitpick to meet me with the others in the library, and behind me, three people were following my lead. Inside the library, Lyra, Dancer and Lightbulb were greeting us with a wave of their hands. Nitpick was left speechless there. I snapped my fingers at him and we started our little reunion. Unsurprisingly, we came to an agreement quickly. Soarin gathered some students who wanted to join him in whichever team he would end up choosing for them. Thunderbass’ band will join his friend as well. Octavia couldn’t bring anyone to the table, but that’s okay. Her presence is more than enough for Thunderbass’ morale. The distribution will be like this for now: Nitpick, Lightbulb and I will join with two of Soarin’s friends with Sunset’s team. Thunderbass, his band and Octavia will join with Dash’s team. And finally, Lyra, Dancer, Soarin and the rest of his friends will join Pinkie’s team. We took in consideration that Dancer can’t help us during the week because of her job. I’m sure we will think of something for that. “Alright, I believe this is it!” Nitpick said. “All of us agree with the team distributions! All of us agree that the remaining fifth of the school will help us with the tasks that are beyond our reach, if possibly! And all of us agree that the Golden Brand Apple Cider is the shit!” All of us nodded in agreement. “Perfect! We will see each other again in the bus ride to Crystal Prep after classes are over! Teammates, dismissed!” I stayed behind with him as the others went ahead to enjoy the rest of the break. When he and I were finally alone, he looked at me skeptically. “Bon Bon…” “Was my service not of your liking?” I said in reverence. “Can you tell me what do you want to get of this?” “No.” I said with a big smile. “I’m not your friend, remember?” “We are in school hours, Bon Bon!” “The line you are trying to reach has technical issues! Please try again later!” I imitated an answering machine. “You are a bitch, you know?” I embraced him. “I know…” I whispered at his ear. “So, what’s the plan?” “No doubt that tomorrow we will do a tour in the institutions that accepted us as a part of the social services! Today’s meeting will just tell us what this is all about!” “And?” “And nothing else for now! We will go to the meeting, receive our instructions, go home and rest for tomorrow!” “Mmm…” “What? Have any plans for today?” “Yes. Train with Gily at the gym.” “So you really joined a gym with her?” “I don’t mind training with her. I started this last Tuesday and I don’t feel as tired as I thought I would be!” “Really?” “Yeah! I believe the whey protein actually worked!” “I’m glad to hear that! Did you drink your beverage, already?” “No, I have it right here, in fact!” “Can I join you for breakfast at your spot?” “…uh… sure, why not?” “Excellent!” We went to his spot and sit there. He forgot his backpack in the library and quickly went to retrieve it from there. Perfect timing. I took his shaker, put a little dose of the medical gentian herb in powder form that my grandma sent me from the east, and done. When he came back and drank his drink… “ARGGHHHH! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS SHIT MADE OF? Now it tastes like crap today! The label says that it was the flavorless kind! NOT THE ‘SHIT ME MY LIFE’ FLAVOR!” “HAAAHAHAHAHA! Achieving real health is hard, you know?” This guy! “Your laugh scares me, Bon.” “Uh, sorry!” I said truly embarrassed. I need to control my outbursts! No matter! Two doses more, and he’ll be back to his old strength by the end of the week. He will need it soon.