//------------------------------// // A Colorful Result // Story: I just wanted to go to Equestria! // by Ditz //------------------------------// Studying . Of course, what else would be the bane of my existence as finals are fast approaching, leaving me with the countdown that is preparing for that ticking bomb with the material I may or may not have. “This is fucking impossible!” I gracefully shout, letting my head carefully hit the table with enough force to bring me pain. Ouch. I feel a completely different pain as someone pinches my arm, which makes me look up to see Trixie holding her plate in one hand, the other guilty hand raised near my shoulder. “If you are going to complain about your ignorance, at least do it in a table Trixie isn't eating at, Lime.” “Shut up, I'm suffering,” I grunt, looking at Pinkie giggling and Sunset smiling similarly right across me… though, I guess I'm glad I can see Sunset smiling even if it's only my suffering, I mean, it's not like everyone has been piquing on her, but there are some people who aren't quite as believing of an amnesiac girl, Rainbow Dash notwithstanding. Honestly, I'm just glad we can finally eat lunch in a place that isn't Celestia's office, I say that was punishment enough. “You know Lime,” Trixie jumps into the conversation again. “Trixie does not have the same classes you do, but she might be able to help you study anyway… if you were to beg her,” oh yeah, there is always a catch, isn't there? “Um, actually,” Sunset mutters next to me, I didn't even see her get up . “Can I sit?” “I don't see why not,” I shrug, opening a spot for her. “What's the matter?” “Yeah, can't you see Trixie is working her magic?” comes the peanut gallery performance by Trixie. Feel free to avoid tipping her. Waving her away (to my own satisfaction) I turn to Sunset again. “Ignore her.” Nodding quickly, Sunset reaches into her bags, taking out a notebook. “W-well, we have the same math class, so we can compare notes, and maybe I can teach you some of the things you are having trouble with.” “I…” God, if you are up there in the heavens… I wonder what color you are in this dimension. “Thank you! Yes! Let's do this!” “Okay!” she answers content, opening her notebook and starting into an explanation… and… well, one that keeps going. She is, um, talking about x? Wait, what is that about the leftover values? “… And finally, you subtract what's left, and that's it! Easy, right?” “R-right, easy…” I mutter without any attempt at hiding my discomfort. I look over at my yet-to-be-eaten lunch and think over just ditching this stupid studying thing and going for it, I mean, if even an amnesiac girl can easily deal with math problems, I must be stupid. Then again, maybe I was too focused on going home to bother… Crap, here I go again. I'm not even sure why, but for some reason the exams have brought memories of my home, well, my ORIGINAL home. I guess it's just sunk in that I'm stuck here, never to go back... just the more reason for me to memorize it! I'm not Patrick anymore, I'm just a sour fruit left behind... or something deep like that. *Slam* is the sound that a hand makes as it is suddenly dropped on the middle of the table, rudely leaving behind what appears to be a flier of sorts, one which we all stare at and say nothing to. I would welcome it, but fliers are too rude to respond back. “Hello, random flier!” Pinkie welcomes it. What a trooper. “You were supposed to ask what it was,” complains Rarity; white hand owner extraordinaire. “Is it the solution to my lack of studies?” I ask in vain hope. “Pinkie Pie, I'm sure you recall what the Fall Formal is, don't you?” she asks Pinkie, ignoring my desperate plight for help. Pinkie gasps dramatically, looking at the flier with intense shock. “Of course I do! And I just remembered I didn't help you with the talent contest! I was supposed to take picturesss!” she cries out, swinging the camera that I'm already sure she didn't have, but hey, who am I to judge such random crap with her anymore? “Come now Pinkie, it's quite alright,” Rarity asserts, patting the head of the saddened Pie. “You've had a rough couple of weeks, and I really didn't feel like bothering you. Besides, that's all in the past! I only look forward to what the future will bring, hence why I'm here!” Taking this as a cue, I promptly shove my property into my bags and attempt to walk away, only to be stopped by the white hand of doom herself. “Where do you think you are going, Lime?” Rarity asks, the feeling of her presence overwhelming me back into my seat. “Good! This means you have some interest in helping me, don't you?” “I knew it,” I should have known from the moment she got here. Ignoring me once more, Rarity continues. “So, does this mean you'll help out, Trixie?” I nearly fall off my seat at the sound of her words, looking over where Trixie sits, expecting annoyance, but getting more of a flustered reaction instead. “I, er, Trixie did promise she would… and she always fulfills her promises, I guess…” “Trixie…?” I mutter, shifting my view to Rarity. “Do you two even really know each other?” Looking as if I asked a very dumb question, she scoffs. “Lemon dear, Trixie was one of the girls who helped out with the talent contest! Though, I must admit it came off as a surprise…” “Quiet!” Trixie growls. “Trixie was only helping because you seemed to be doing most of the work on your own! Don't think it was a friendly move or anything!” “Duly noted,” Rarity giggles. “In any case, does this mean I can count with your support as well, Lemon? There is only a week left, and my hands are rather full!” she explains, dramatically crossing her arms. “Besides, with my influence, you could get some tickets to take Pinkie Pie to the Formal!” “Wha-” I barely manage to respond, spitting out the drink I had just picked up. She planned this! “Trixie believes that Lime is already choking to the idea,” Trixie chooses to comment with the perfect addition. I can't even be mad. “Rarity, I…” dammit, I really don't want to, but… maybe I can get something more out of this. “Okay, how about we make a deal then?” “Interesting,” Rarity hums. “What kind of deal?” I look over to Pinkie, recalling the stuff Dash had told me. “I'll tell you about it later,” I reply as Pinkie just waves me hello for no apparent reason. A thoughtful look later, Rarity nods, shooting me a wink. “Of course, I fully understand!” She totally doesn't understand. “Right, and we'll even get help from this one here to boot,” I say, pointing at Sunset who only bothers to look in my general direction for a second before going to back to looking at my notes, pencil in hand. “Lemon,” Rarity whispers to me, looking over to Sunset, who seems too occupied erasing bits of my notes and jotting in her own. “As much as I appreciate the help, are you su- “It's fine, trust me,” I whisper right back. “Very well,” she replies with a very resigned sigh. “Sunset Shimmer, are you available to help us? I wouldn't want Mr. Lime here to force you into doing it, after all,” she asks with a very unnecessary addition. Sunset looks up, quickly forgetting my poor notebook, which is promptly tossed aside. “I, no! I mean, really? I w-would love to help!” “Good, I'll see you there!” Rarity nods and smiles, which then fades into a more serious look towards me, whispering to me again. “Speaking of, will I be seeing Flash there? I have not seen him for days now.” “Sorry, I actually haven't seen him either,” I shrug. “The last time I even heard of him was when Sunset told me he helped her get to me weeks ago.” “I see…” Rarity hums thoughtfully for a second, at least until she doesn't, waving her hand as if pushing the issue from her mind. “In any case, I expect to see you all there. If you get lost, message me!” Aaaaand she is on her way. Well, this should be a little bit fun, hopefully nothing stupid happens. ~~~~~ “This is fucking stupid,” I groan. “Don't be such a butt butt!” Pinkie reprimands me (I think?) instantly, skipping into the gym with Trixie and Sunset right behind her. “My butt has all the right to be a butt! How come there is only three of you?” I point out to not the two principals Luna and Celestia, but to the help that encompasses just Rarity. “More people will be here soon, Lemon,” Rarity points out, calmly jotting something down on her notepad. “Lulu!” Pinkie suddenly shouts, running past us and towards the two adults, one whom appears to be taken aback by the nickname, as usual. “You guys didn't tell me!” The principals shrug at each other before Celestia replies. “What are you talking about, Pinkie?” “The talent contest! Big, huge, duuuh!” Pinkie explains. I do recall her crying about it earlier. “I could have been so much help!” Luna smiles, simply replying. “Excuse us, Pinkie, it's just that you didn't bother asking.” “Hey, Rarity,” I whisper, pulling her aside while Pinkie distracts the others with her unjustified rage. “I wanted to ask you something about Pinkie.” “Pinkie?” Rarity asks intrigued. “Whatever would you ask me about your girlfriend that you wouldn't know about?” “Well, actually…” I up and tell her about the stuff Dash said to me, I don't bother going into full detail, I don't need more drama over it. Besides, Rarity's usually composed demeanor seems to deteriorate as I continue. “It wasn't Dash's place to say,” Rarity shakes her head, groaning annoyed. “But yes, what she said about Pinkie is true. Though, I'm certain it wouldn't be strange for Pinkie to have had other partners, I mean, would you find it strange if Fluttershy didn't have someone she cared about that way before? Not even touching that one. “All I want to know is if Pinkie has been led on before. Is that true?” Rarity nods solemnly. “Sadly so, Pinkie trusts others far too easily, and it has been a subject of her bouts of depression, at least the years I've known her. It's almost as if she is part of a different world, somehow trapped in place where someone like her can't flourish.” Boy, you can say that again. “So that's why Dash is so protective…” “We all are, it's just that the rest of us aren't quite as apparent,” Rarity explains, giggling to herself. “For being someone so protective, you sure are okay with telling me this stuff, I mean, why?” I point out. “Isn't it obvious?” she asks, lightly tapping my head with her notepad. “I trust you.” Notepad pain aside, this brings out a smile. “Thanks, glad to see you do.” “No problem at all,” she states, returning to her pad. “Now, let's not waste anymore time, we have work to do.” “Actually!” I stop her, feeling suddenly nervous. “I wanted to ask you something else as well…” “Honestly Lemon, we really need to get started,” Rarity sighs, smacking the notepad lightly against her palm. “No, it’s just…” I try to think of the words to use. “This is going to sound weird, but, have you ever felt homesick?” “Homesick?” Dammit, I knew it! “It’s nothing, just forget I asked, okay?” She shakes her head, still smiling. “It’s not a problem, I understand what you are feeling full well.” She does? “You do? Why is that?” Rarity giggles, glancing aside in a way I can refer to as melancholic. “I was actually born outside the country and raised there until my parents moved here when I was still in middle school, losing a few friends in the process, of course. The family business always came first after all,” she explains before I can even ask. “Do you have something on your mind?” “Well…” okay Lemon, just go for it. “Do you miss it? If you were given the choice to go back there, abandoning all of the friends you met here for the ones back home and your old life… would you do it?” “Hmm… that’s a rather specific question, are you moving by any chance?” she asks, looking worriedly over to Pinkie for a second. “Moving? No! I’m just wondering, I mean, I haven’t been living here quite as long, but I still like the people here… it’s just a weird feeling I have, you know? Am I being an asshole by not moving on already? Just, and, um, does that make sense?” it totally doesn’t. “I see what you are trying to say, but whatever brought this up?” she asks. “Exams… thought it has been something that has been plaguing my mind on the occasion,” I reply quickly. It’s not like I’m lying about it, thinking about studying literally brought it up. Education bringing misery confirmed. Smiling, Rarity places a comforting palm on my shoulder. “... I’m sure you’ll come with the answer to that at some point, don’t worry too much about it.” “Um… okay…” not gonna lie, that felt like a total copout. “Wait, you didn’t answer my question! What would you do?” She stares silently, turning away from me. “I told you not to worry too much about it.” “Um, okay,” so, yeah… with THAT abrupt end to our chatter, we return to the group to find out we have a couple more faces joining us in the form of Fluttershy who seems ready with scissors in hand, and of course, Rainbow Dash, who appears about ready to kick my face in, if the look she gives me isn't clear indication. Annoyance aside, Rarity gives a short speech, proceeded by assigning us into groups, go figure that no one else showed up. Applejack of all people didn't, actually. “She is taking care of food already, I'm not making her work more than she has to!” is Rarity's explanation, I mean, whatever helps her sleep at night. The focus then switches to Pinkie. “Can I take pictures, please?” “Save budget by using a digital camera and you are in.” “Yay.” Issue quickly resolved… guess Rarity really knows how to deliver the tasks in a way that satisfies everyone. “What!? Why does Trixie have to handle such a menial task!” complains Trixie, having been given an unsatisfying task and being the mistress of always proving me wrong. “A-actually, I'm doing it too,” Fluttershy tries to explain, showing that her name was not false advertising by shying hard enough to be barely audible. “I-I could do it alone, too…” I mean, is that what she said? I don't know! Rarity is quick to give her word, walking up to Trixie with a smile. “Trixie, I wouldn't let just anyone deal with such a 'menial task' as you call it, decorating requires an eye for detail! I'm certain that a magician of your caliber would be best suited for such a task, don't you think?” Trixie retorts with her cutest frown, puffed cheeks and everything. “Fine! If only because I'm the best for the task! I-it's not like Trixie wants to help you, or anything! Idiot!” she replies, realizing moments later as to what she said, and angrily storming with Fluttershy in tow. Boy, am I teasing her about it later. “Don't laugh, it's your turn next,” Rarity chuckles before her face contorts into a worrisome look. “Oh my...” “What's with that 'oh my'? Something wrong?” She shakes her head. “Not quite a terrible thing, it's just that I just realized we are a bit short on materials and we'll need to get more, but the store isn't what I would call close.” “Shoot, I don't know,” I shrug. “What do you want me to do? Heck, Sunset doesn't have a car either, so that's out of the question already,” I point to the poor, ignored Sunset by my side. “Oh, of course!” Rarity then smiles, the seeds of a devilish plan hiding behind that grin of hers – no wonder she can handle Trixie. Well, might as well ask. “Okay… what do you have in mind?” ~~~~~ I am a stout believer that as the world turns, there are possibilities for numerous different events, with every possibility confined to its own limits, which are in turn usually confined to the very event, obviously. Example? Take Sunset and I going to the store; just us, walking together in order to gather the materials that Rarity needs using money given by her, and that would be that. However, I've learned that every possibility can come with an anomaly, an unseen (totally not forgotten!) value that drastically changes that possibility. What's an example of that? Well… “Shut up!” How about an angered Rainbow Dash who drives her car with a clear show of anger, having both Sunset and I in the back saying absolutely nothing since we departed, and yet, Dash continues telling us both to be quiet. My dumb analogy aside, I would be lying if I said I wasn't having some fun with her raging, but I'm not exactly happy to be here with her. Honestly, I'm only here because of Sunset, weird that she wanted to come after Rarity practically forced me into helping Dash with this. Complaints aside, we arrive at the place without any real issues, haphazardly parking into an empty spot while barely avoiding a cart that stands nearby because no universe is holding daredevil Dash in check. “Out! Now!” Rainbow sweetly suggests, tapping her foot not even a second out of her car. “Hurry up! I don't have all day!” “Um, Lemon?” Sunset calls, tugging at my shirt. “It's okay, we'll be fine,” poor Sunset, she is probably terrified of the jerk. “Hey, idiot! So what are we getting?” Dash demands to know. “Hold on,” I groan, reaching for the paper with instructions Rarity gave me, only to suddenly have it snagged away forcefully by the girl with the highlights… no, wait, let me try that again. “Stop standing there and let's go! I'm not leaving you alone in my car,” says Rainbow, walking ahead and leaving us back with the car. “Come on!” Sunset hurries me along, pulling and tugging at me to the store where Rainbow waits at the entrance, silently… her eyes glued to Sunset's hand currently holding mine. “Dash, it's not what it se-” “I don't care! Just stay out of my way and shut up! I'm doing this alone,” she shouts, grabbing a cart nearby and stomping her way into the store while Sunset and I try to keep up with her quick step. This is the worst field trip ever. Finding myself frustrated and with nothing to do anymore, I turn my eyes to something to entertain myself, though nothing really appeals to me, seeing how this place is nothing but a place for party supplies. Pinkie might be a fan of it, though. “Stupid, dumb markers! Where are you!?” Dash growls, keeping her voice low and searching quickly through the shelves. I would comment something to make fun of her, but that’s probably not a good idea with her in this mood. "Oh!" to my surprise, Sunset walks ahead to talk to Dash. “I know where they are! I'll help you find them!” “W-what?” Dash asks just as surprised, just before showing her 'fuck off' face. “I-I thought I told you to shut up!” she hisses. Never backing down, Sunset speaks up again. “I-isn't this this place big? I mean, we can probably split up and look for the stuff! I'm sure it will be fas-” “I said shut up!” Rainbow says again through gritted teeth, pushing the cart past Sunset to look ahead. “Sunset,” I speak up, grabbing onto her shoulder and stopping her. “What are you doing?” Without turning, she tilts her face to look at me, giving me a very determined look. “Please let me do this.” “Sunset…” I whisper, barely helping the smile stuck on my face, gotta admire her determination. “Alright, go for it,” I say pointlessly, she was going to go anyway. Now I understand why she wanted to come with. Opting for the ‘never give up’ move this time around, Sunset catches up to Dash again, the words already leaving her mouth before even passing her. “We should ask someone! It'll make this so much eas-” “Just stop!” Dash suddenly shouts, pushing the cart with enough force to make it fall over. “Just shut up, shut up, shut up! I don't need help! I don't need your help! I… I…” she trails on, still staring at Sunset before she runs off, pushing the passerby who had decided to stop to stare at the outburst. I seem to be involved in those more than I care to admit. “Dash…” Sunset whispers, looking defeated. “Oh no, did I go too far? I just wanted her to like me… I have to go find her!” “I'll go,” I say before she tries to run off after her. “I'm sure at this point I have a better chance to talk to her than you.” “But…” she tries to question, but seems to get my point when she resorts to just nodding. “O-okay, I'll wait here then.” Having successfully stopped her from possibly getting a beatdown, I go to get Dash in her stead, running out of the store expecting her to have run off, just to find her right outside the store, chewing on gum… a LOT of gum if the bajillion wrappers on the floor say as much. “You are here,” I say, struggling with the fact that I have no idea what to say. While I had the best intentions to come out and find her, I was too focused wondering if I would succeed, and didn't really think up of something to say. “Hi?” “Go away, idiot,” she responds appropriately, I totally deserved that. “Right, so, what’s the deal with all the gum and stuff?” I ask, careful to not get too close to her grabby hand; if that thing can lift me so easily, its punching power must be off the Rainbow charts. “I chew gum when I’m stressed, that means I’m stressed, in fact, I feel like chewing even more gum right now,” she says, shoving a handful of it into her mouth as if it were nothing. “Healthiest choice I have other than, well… stuff.” Huh… huh. “Right, well, maybe I should go straight to the point, shouldn’t I?” “Are you for real?” she asks, chewing even faster. “I thought I already told you, idiot!” “I’m not bringing up myself, I’m bringing up Sunset whom you left back there, feeling like she is a terrible person,” I explain, feeling almost like a stern parent talking to a child who can actually hit me back super hard. She sighs, dropping down on the floor like a rock. “I hope I’m starting to sound like a broken record, because I’m sure I already told you why as well.” “Well, I’m sure I’m side b of that record because I told you as well, but you just won’t believe me! I mean, if the others trust me, why can’t you!?” I ask her, feeling the desperation in my voice, and saying something out loud that I'll probably regret forever. “Stop being such a stupid asshole!” She shoots me a look that somehow encompasses both surprise, and pure anger. “What the hell did you say to me, punk?” she growls, quick to jump on her feet and lifting me up much like before. “You wanna know something? No matter what you tell me, I’ll think you are full of crap, and just because you think Sunset is good, that doesn’t mean I’ll ever think that! Because she won't change, she won't ever be good! She’ll be back!” “Shut your mouth!” I shout, and without thinking it over (much like everything else I ever seem to do) I launch my foot forward, managing to land a blow to Dash’s stomach, forcing her to stagger back and hold her stomach in pain while I drop to the floor like a rock. We say nothing, the sound of our breathing being the only thing that I can focus on as the reality of the situation sinks in. “Oh my god I just kicked Rainbow Dash,” I exclaim out loud, I’m way too panicked. What if I hit her so hard that she is bleeding internally? Oh god, what if I broke a rib or something? I just gave her and STD! AH! I’M PANICKING OVER HERE. “You son of a…” Rainbow says through ragged breathing. “Dash, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to do that, I was just…” I try to come up with something, but there is nothing I can say, I mean, it’s one thing to slap a girl because she is the biggest jerk, but kicking her!? I’m so screwed. “Okay, I believe you now,” she replies, laughing while she gets back on her feet. “Not gonna lie, I was SO not expecting you to fight back.” … Huh? “What? How? Why do you believe me now!?” I do my best to return to the event in the back of my head, trying to recall something I said to guarantee the reaction, because I’m pretty sure a kick to the ribs wasn’t fucking it. “No, you idiot,” she groans, tossing a packet of gum at me. “Don’t you even see it? You punched back!” “Kicked!” I correct. “But what does that have to do with anything!?” “You stood up to me,” she replies calmly. “No one other than my friends do that! It’s like, did I step out of line? It’s okay! Did I push someone and caused an accidental foul? They didn’t see where they were going! My friend’s boyfriend is hitting on me!” “Um…” “Shut up! I kicked that guy’s butt for even trying!” she replies. I’m pretty sure that last one isn’t something she should be telling anyone. But no time to judge! Use it! “So what you are saying is that you believe me? Really?” I ask in disbelief. Have I finally gotten through to her? “Eh? Kind of,” she shrugs. “What do you mean ‘kind of’?” I ask even more confused. “It means that I trust you, but that doesn’t mean I trust Shimmer,” she says simply, standing back against the wall with a serious look. “Cheating her way into being boss of others, even ruining lives in the process! I mean, you can’t really believe that I would trust her just like that, do you?” “I guess looking over Sunset didn’t give me any points, huh?” I begin, feeling more at ease now. “You know, I felt the same way in the beginning, but trust me when I say she is different! Why do you think I’m still trying!” “And do you think you can actually do it?” she asks, frowning while she does it. “Do you actually think she changed for good?” “Well, I changed, didn’t I?” “That’s not even what I asked,” she replies. “That isn’t even related to what we are talking about!” Okay, attempts at misdirection didn’t work. ”Good point… but if you can't trust her, can you believe in the you that believes in the me that believes in Sunset to change?” Dash chuckles, shaking her head amused. “Dude, I have no idea what you said, but whatever.” *Ding* “Phone!” I yelp, quickly reaching for my pocket to look for it, only to realize I don’t even have it on me. “Huh? That was weird, did my butt hit the floor too hard?” “H-hey!” I hear a voice, and turn to see Sunset standing near the entrance. “What are you doing out here, Sunset?” I ask her, looking at both girls, expecting some sort of attack from Dash. “You should go wait insi-” “I came out here to a-apologize to Rainbow Dash!” she cuts me short, fidgeting nervously. “I m-m-mean, I know you don’t wanna be friends with me, and I respect that, but I needed you to know that I didn’t mean any harm by what I did… that’s all I needed to say, I’ll get out of your way now.” Dash doesn’t say anything, walking back to the store, stopping by the open doors. “What are you doing just standing there? I thought you were going to be helping me.” Sunset’s mouth hangs open, she blinks rapidly while processing what Dash said, I mean, I know I still am. “O-of course!” she laughs, running back inside and past her, already pointing out things. As the door closes behind them, I swear I could see Dash giving me one last look before following Sunset and leaving me standing out here on my own... surrounding by another crowd. “What? Show's over, how about you guys fuck off!" as the crowd dissipates, I drop to the floor, sighing in relief. "I can't believe that worked. “Neither do I.” “Aah!” I yelp, noticing Rarity standing where other people were watching. "Hello," she waves briefly before approaching me. Questions need to be asked. “What the? Where did you come from? What are you doing here?” “I’ve been watching you guys from afar,” she answers calmly. No shit! “But why? Weren’t you supposed to be helping out with the preparations?” ”Well, I realized that it might have not been a good idea to have let you and Sunset go with a person who seems to hate you, but it seems like my worrying was unwarranted,” she explains as she shakes her head with disappointment. “Still, while you clearly brought about a change to Dash’s opinion of you, I was expecting you two to fight it over with words, not fists!” “Technically speaking, it was feet… and mostly mine,” I correct once more, to Rarity's clear disapproval. “I can’t really fault you too much, Rainbow Dash is very hotheaded as you already know, frankly, it was the correct path despite my complaints,” she sighs, coming to terms with that fact, thankfully. “All’s well that ends well?” I shrug. “Perhaps…” Rarity mumbles, looking over the distance with some sort of interest. “Something up?” I ask, calling to her attention. “What you looking at over there?” “Um… have you seen Flash today?” she asks instead, while I look over to where she is looking over to, but seeing nothing. “No, never mind. I’ll just let you guys finish, so please don’t forget anything.” “Dash has the list,” I point out. “And Sunset is helping, so I’m sure they’ll be fine.” “Of course,” Rarity nods, looking just a bit uncomfortable – guess RD isn’t the only that needs to get used to Sunset. “And Lemon?” “Huh?” “The reason I didn’t answer your question earlier is because it wouldn’t do much,” she explains suddenly. “And to be perfectly honest, it’s not an answer I’ve really thought of; you really sprung the question on me.” I suppose that explains that attitude change earlier. “Sorry about that, didn’t mean to put you on the spot.” “It’s fine, but if I had to tell you anything, I would tell you to do what you think is right,” she answers, giving me an embarrassed look. “I know that’s the most generic thing to say, but it’s the most I can really give you… though if I were to weight in my two cents, I’d much rather have you around.” “Input is welcome,” I reply with a legitimately smile. It’s just good to know that I’m not just wanted to keep Pinkie happy, though that’s not really a complaint. “In any case, I should go, Pinkie must have filled the camera by now,” she explains, turning to leave. “But before I go, I must warn you.” “Warn me?” what is that supposed to mean? “Rainbow Dash isn’t one to let something like that kick of yours go, so expect her to retort without warning,” she explains as she walks off. “I…” slowly, I follow behind her, a fear suddenly rising up within me. “Y-you are just joking about that, right?” ~~~~~ Holding my aching arm, I enter the gym, barely holding onto the multiple streamer packets with one hand, struggling to even make it to the table at the other side of the gym, which is just there, taunting me. “Screw this,” I groan, dropping them halfway there. It is I who will have the last laugh. “Lemon!” Pinkie calls me, welcoming me with a wonderfully painful hug, but it’s totally worth it. “Here you go, dummie! You forgot your phone!” “Thank you, I kinda missed it,” I exclaim, happily returning it to my pocket and feeling complete once again. Aaaah, dependence on technology is the best. “Ouch!” “What’s wrong with your hand?” Pinkie asks, unable to ignore the obvious telltale sign I’ve shown. “Come on, mister! You are totally sitting down,” she orders me, grabbing my other hand and making me feel important. “I need to take a picture of you while sitting!” Oh. “R-right, I do need to take a little break anyway,” I reply, letting myself fall on the cold metal. Wasting no time, she takes the picture she coveted, taking a seat next to me right after. “Sooo, how did it go? Did you and Dashie make the friends?” “Huh?” I hum utterly confused. “How did you know?” Pinkie shrugs. “Dashie doesn’t look so grumpy anymore! I mean, she may seem grumpy, but she totally isn’t! She is usually calm and understanding!” “Right,” yeah, that conversation doesn’t need to happen. “Anyway, I wanted to ask you something, Pinkie.” “Yes, I do!” “Pinkie, I haven’t asked you anything yet.” “You don’t need to, silly, I love that kind of frosting!” “Um…” I better get this back on track. “I just wanted to know if you liked to dance, is all!” Her face seems to light up instantly, eyes shining brightly as if I had just hit the jackpot. “Boy do I looove dancing!” “Well, I don’t,” I quickly reply, getting her hair to visibly deflate in front of me. “No! I mean, I don’t really, but I would love to do it if it were with you!” I waste no time reaching into my pockets and taking out two tickets. “Pinkie, would you like to go to the Fall Formal with me?” Pinkie holds her hands over her mouth, her eyes tearing up. “WELL DUH, I WOULD!” she shouts, getting the attention of everyone else in the room just as she dives into my lips for a full blown kiss. “I’m so happy!” I smile in return, turning to Rarity, Fluttershy, Sunset and Trixie, the latter of which simply nods, while the rest of the girls actually clap (including an especially excited sounding Shimmer). On the other hand, Rainbow Dash just shrugs, walking on without much of the angry reaction I expected. It’s a start. You know? Sitting here, I look over them diligently working, helping Rarity as best as they can with everything she needs, it just occurred to me… they care for each other, and heck, they probably care about me too. I mean, they visited me in the hospital, so that has to count for something, right? Hell, in retrospect, what am I so worried about exams for? I’ve dealt with worse crap with things like teen drama to fighting outright criminals – thought that last one has been mostly me. I still miss my real family, but is there anything I can really do to at this point? I really don’t think so. Maybe it’s for the best, since finding trouble seems to be easy when you are actively looking for it. Besides, a suit isn’t gonna find itself, is it? A few nights later, a shadowy figure stalks the school grounds, looking up to the silent building. “Canterlot High…” I can’t help but laugh as I look up to the empty place, the darkness of the night revealing how pathetic it really is. “But that’s not quite fair, it’s not completely useless.” I turn my attention from the building, focusing instead on that OTHER thing in this stupid place, namely the statue that stands in the middle of the entrance grounds. “Hello, old friend,” I’m not one to talk to inanimate objects, but I feel this time it warrants it. I look up to the sky, watching the clouds float away, revealing the full moon’s light which then shines down upon the statue. “Oh, yes…” I reach into the statue, and watch as my hand easily fazes through it, filling me with a very nostalgic sensation... it's time. “Hello Equestria, hope you missed me, because Sunset Shimmer is back.”