Offensive Defensiveness
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Snatching Defeat From the Jaws of Victory

Offensive Defensiveness

Sunset Shimmer stomped forward with her arms crossed and her eyes watching the sidewalk. She gritted her teeth and furrowed her brow with her fists tightly clenched. The more she considered the events that transpired several hours ago, the angrier she grew.

Rarity walked by her side with a mirthful smirk, her hand on her chin as she wondered what to say. "We're almost there, Sunset. I was sure you'd be calmed down by now," Rarity said.

Sunset stopped walking and looked up to the sky. "I just can't believe her sometimes. Who does she think she is?!"

"Rainbow Dash, dear. That's who." Rarity chuckled under her breath and shook her head. "It's just who she is. Honestly, you should be used to her by now. Are you planning to fill me in on exactly what happened between you two? I mean really, how bad could it have been?"

Sunset released a deep sigh and placed her fingers on her forehead. "Fine, I'll tell you since you're just dying to know."

Rarity glanced away and shrugged. "You know I love keeping up on the latest gossip, but... if it's something you aren't comfortable talking about yet, then I'll drop it. I just want to help cheer you up, darling." Rarity placed her hand on Sunset's shoulder and offered a soft smile.

Sunset inhaled deeply and loosened her fists. Her eyes softened and she mustered up a subtle smile. "Thank you. I'm sorry I'm so wound up over all of this, and I don't mean to take it out on you. You're a great friend, Rarity, and I'm sorta being a bad one right now. Aren't I..."

"Nonsense, love. No need for apologies. And for the record, you've always been just as good of a friend towards me." Rarity nodded towards their destination and resumed walking with her friend, then chuckled. "Well, for the past year or so, anyway."

Sunset smirked and rolled her eyes, then cleared her throat and brushed the lock of hair from her face. "So, when I was in the locker-room after soccer tryouts, Dash came up to me and..." Sunset snapped her teeth and growled. "Grr! Why am I still so angry?!"

Rarity pouted and patted her friend's back. "Oh, darling. Rainbow didn't, did she?" Rarity shook her head and smacked herself in the forehead. "She said you didn't make the cut, I'm guessing. Don't beat yourself up over it; Rainbow is very strict and takes her role as captain very seriously."

"It's not just that," Sunset said, her voice soft and cracked. "I practiced so hard all spring so that I could make the team, because I really wanted to try and bond with her."

Rarity nodded. "I understand how you must feel. I'm sorry things worked out this way. If you'd like, I can talk to her for you and maybe see about--"

"No, no. That's not necessary," Sunset interrupted. "The thing that really got to me was the fact that I did a damn good job. I deserved to be part of that team. I scored more goals during our scrimmage match than Raindrops did, but she made the cut and I didn't. The worst part is the way Rainbow approached me about it. She said that she doesn't think I have the passion about soccer she's looking for. That's bull!"

Rarity flinched and shook off the startling shouting. "Well, I'll agree that you're clearly as passionate as they come."

"You know what it is?" Sunset asked. "It's that damn Cloud Kicker! She hates me, and I don't know why. All I know is that she looks at me like I'm a monster. Maybe she... maybe she hasn't forgiven me for what I did."

Rarity reached over and placed her hand on Sunset's cheek, using her thumb to wipe a stray tear away. "Please, darling. Dwelling on these types of things will only eat away at you until you're a sobbing wreck. Believe me, I've been there."

"Then you know how hard it is to let it go." Sunset scoffed. "I should have backhander her. She's lucky I'm not the same girl I was a year ago."

"While I can't condone violence, I'll admit that she needs a stern talking-to at the very least. And yes, I do know how hard it can be to let things go, which is why I brought you here." Rarity gestured towards the glass doors leading into her favorite spa.

Sunset stared bemusedly at the spa's sign and huffed. "The spa?"

"Correct! The spa is the perfect place to unwind and let that stress leave your body." Rarity twirled around and held the door open, a bell chiming as Sunset walked in.

"I have to confess that I've never been to one of these." Sunset scratched the back of her head and glanced around the luxurious lobby.

Rarity flicked the dangling lock of hair off of her shoulder and grinned. "You're going to love it. I can promise you that."

Sunset skeptically raised an eyebrow as she stared at a poster depicting round stones in a stream, and reading, 'A sound mind lives in a sound body. Treat yourself.' "Is this expensive?" she asked.

Rarity blushed as the receptionist shot her a glance upon hearing her friend's question, then she nonchalantly laughed and flicked her wrists. "Of course not. The prices are fair. Very fair. And don't worry, it's my treat."

"Okay," Sunset said with a shrug while Rarity swiped her credit card. She pulled out her phone and unlocked the screen, then saw four new text messages from Rainbow Dash. She grunted and shoved the phone back into her pocket.

Rarity grabbed Sunset's arm and led her toward the large black massage chairs through the doorway. "Relax," she said.

Sunset rolled her eyes. "So, what do they do here? Like, put cucumbers on our faces or something?"

"What? No." Rarity laughed. "Unless you want a facial, that is... Do you really have no idea what to do in a spa? Do they not have these where you're from?"

"I've heard of them. I just haven't been inside of one," Sunset explained. "I was always too busy with my studies to waste time on something like this."

Rarity frowned and raised an eyebrow. "Well I thought you'd be a little more appreciative."

Sunset gulped and flashed a bright smile. "I didn't mean to say it's a waste of time. I do appreciate this, Rarity. Thank you."

"That's what I like to see. Sit, and keep that smile going, will you?" Rarity smiled back as she scooted onto the chair and propped her boots onto the footstool in front of her.

Sunset watched her friend and mimicked her actions. "You never told me what's about to happen. I honestly don't know what to expect."

"Oh it's not much. I just ordered us a mani-pedi and an hour each in these chairs. If you'd like, we can set up an appointment with the masseuse after this," Rarity explained.

"No, I'm perfectly fine with this." Sunset smiled, her eye twitching as she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. "So what's a mani-pedi?"

Rarity winked as a young girl plugged in a small tub that bubbled with fragrant water, then pulled off her boots. "It's a manicure and a pedicure. You'll see."

Sunset chuckled and blushed as another girl removed her boots and sat them off to the side. "Uhm, I can get that if you..."

"Just sit back and relax, Sunset. Let them do their thing." Rarity leaned back and closed her eyes as her nails were filed and her feet soaked.

Sunset squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip as she felt her socks being pulled off. She squeezed the arm of the chair while the beautician rubbed her feet with rough pad. "Is this part of it?" she asked, her cheeks red. "I feel a little awkward."

Rarity opened one eye and glared. "Sunset, yes, it's part of it. Will you please relax? That doesn't seem to be such a difficult request in a spa. of all places."

Sunset took a deep breath and forced herself to loosen up. She tilted and adjusted her seating, causing the beautician to lean up with a frown. "Sorry," she said waving the girl back down, then closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath.

Rarity giggled. "That's more like it."

The manicurist reached for Sunset's hand and went to work on her fingernails. Sunset watched the file smoothing out her nails and grinned.

"You like that, huh?" Rarity asked with a chuckle. "I think you might actually enjoy the masseuse. Why not give it a try?"

Sunset shrugged and nodded. "Maybe. I think I'm beginning to understand why you like this place so much," she said as a glossy layer of blue polish was applied to her nails.

Rarity yawned and leaned back with her eyes closed. "Well in any case, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

The spa girls filed her nails and scrubbed away the callused skin. Sunset found bliss in the sensation of her body being rejuvenated while her chair heated her lower back and massaged her. Her bliss was short-lived as her pocket vibrated yet again, stealing her attention. She glanced to Rarity, who remained still with her eyes closed as her nails were being painted.

Sunset unlocked her phone and bit her tongue as her thumb hovered over the messaging icon. With a deep breath, she tapped it and brought up the six unread messages from Rainbow Dash.

3:31 PM: Seriously? You're gonna yell at me and run off?

3:46 PM: Look, I'm sorry, okay? I just had the best interest of my team in mind. It's nothing personal and I thought you were good.

4:03 PM: So what you're ignoring me? Forget you then!

4:22 PM: Come on Sunset. Don't be like that.

4:28 PM: We're still cool, right?

4:55 PM: Forget it I don't care anymore. Have fun ignoring me!

Sunset started blankly at the screen for several long seconds, then rolled her eyes before typing out a reply.

5:17 PM: I'm still mad at you. Stop texting me and I'll call you later. We have a lot to talk about.

"Are you texting Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked, leaning up. "Sunset I asked one thing of you," she said with a whining voice. "Please try to get back into the spirit of this place. You were doing so well a minute ago."

"I just told her I'd call her later so we can work things out. That's good news, right?" Sunset asked as she fidgeted with the buttons on her chair, causing the vibrating spheres to more vigorously roll across her back. "Ah... that feels nice."

"Doesn't it, though? I love these chairs. What I'd give to own one." Rarity wiggled against her seat and closed her eyes.

Sunset's phone vibrated once again, and she clenched her fist, fighting the urge to check it. "Here," she said, handing her phone over to Rarity.

Rarity eyed the device for a moment, then smiled with a knowing nod. "Thank you. You'll be glad you did this later," Rarity said as she tucked her friend's phone into her purse. "You can have this back after your massage. The masseuses here are amazing, just you wait!"

Sunset smiled and nodded. "Sounds fair."

"I am glad you two are patching things up, too," Rarity said. "That was rather quick, I might add."

Sunset scoffed and shook her head. "Look, I know I might have some anger problems, and maybe I overreacted a little, but I'd never admit that to her. She really ticked me off and she knows exactly what she did to do so. The thing is..."

"...she's your friend. I get it, love. You can't just stay mad at her forever. May as well make up sooner than later, yes? Move the inevitable along and whatnot." Rarity looked over her manicured nails and beamed. "It wasn't all for naught; it gave us an excuse to come here, after all--not that I need one, but nonetheless."

Sunset chuckled and rolled her eyes. "True, and you're right about Rainbow. Did I ever tell you what she did to me in the locker room a couple weeks ago?"

Rarity raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "No, dear. What happened?"

Sunset giggled. "She totally came onto me. I was changing into my gym uniform, and while wearing nothing but my bra and panties, she leaned in on me and told me I have a 'rockin' body,' and I was like, thanks?"

Rarity wore a sly grin as the juiciest of gossip graced her ears. "That definitely sounds like Rainbow's idea of flirting. What did you do from there?"

"Well, I was mostly just freaked out inside and tried to keep my cool. I can't say that anyone else has flirted with me since I've... you know, I changed my ways." Sunset shrugged. "But still, it felt really good even though I wasn't sure how to react. I think Rainbow expected me to just throw myself at her, like, she wasn't expecting my reaction at all."

"You don't suppose that has something to do with you not making the cut, do you?" Rarity asked.

"I don't think so," Sunset answered. "I really do think Cloud Kicker is responsible for that, but anyway, I totally embarrassed myself by clamming up after that, then she just walked away. So honestly, that was my main reason for wanting to join the team."

"No," Rarity gasped. "You actually have a crush on her? I mean, I recall you saying you wanted to get closer to her, but I didn't realize... oh my, darling. I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," Sunset said with a sigh and a half smirk. "I don't really have a crush on her anyway. When I first starting practicing for tryouts a few months ago the idea had never even crossed my mind. Look, I'm just being silly about the whole thing. It probably meant nothing and I've just been dwelling on it for no good reason. I definitely shouldn't let it affect my feelings towards learning soccer, or Rainbow as a person."

"You have a point, dear. Just remember that the heart is a powerful thing, and if you're truly passionate about something, it's best not to suppress it. Let your passion shine!" Rarity stated as she placed her hands over her heart with sparkling eyes.

Sunset waved her friend down and quietly laughed. "I think I'm all passioned-out for one day."

"We'll certainly see about that, won't we?" Rarity winked and tapped her purse. "You can work this mess out in private in a few hours. For now, let's let these troubles drift away. Close your eyes and sink into the moment while it lasts."

Sunset smiled and leaned back into her seat, the soothing sensations washing over her. "Sounds good, Rarity. Thanks."

"My pleasure, darling."

***

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash paced back and forth across her bedroom floor. She wore her soccer uniform and had her hair tied up in a ponytail while she clutched onto her phone. She stopped and looked at the screen, noticing fifteen minutes had past and Sunset had yet to reply. She huffed and tossed her phone onto her dresser, then fell backwards onto her bed.

"Damn it, Sunset. Why do you have to be so sensitive? Jeez!" she asked herself, rubbing her temples. "This is so weak!"

Rainbow leaned up and snatched the phone off her dresser, then her thumbs went to work. She typed out a harsh reply, then stared at it, reading it over and over before deleting it and throwing herself back onto her bed.

"This is stupid! I'm done," she said aloud in the empty bedroom, then stood off the bed and walked up to her closet. She flung the doors open and snagged a pair of running pants and a light gray hoodie. She shimmied out of her shorts and tossed her jersey onto the floor, then slipped into her fresh clothes and stepped into a pair of sneakers.

"I'm going out!" Rainbow shouted down the hallway before exiting her home. Her fast-paced walk became a jog as she headed down the sidewalk in the brisk early-evening air.

She picked up her pace to a full run. Her long silky hair trailed behind her as it shimmered in the warm, gentle sunlight. Her breaths quickened, but she kept them controlled and composed herself. A slight burn crept into her calves while she maintained her quick pace, still sore from the long day she had on the soccer field, but it was a sensation she was used to. She ran down the quiet suburban street, the taps of her shoes hitting pavement spawning faint echoes. As she ran past each home and each perfectly trimmed lawn, the scent of freshly cut grass filled her lungs. The clouds overhead promised evening rain as they trailed in from the horizon.

A slow jogger stepped off to the side as Rainbow sped past, her fists tightly clenched as she ground her teeth, and her mind wandered while her body-heat increased.

That damn Sunset Shimmer. Who the hell does she think she is? Rainbow thought. She's lucky I let her down so easy.

Rainbow slowed to a stop as she reached a red traffic light with cars traveling across her path. With her hands on her hips, she leaned back and attempted to catch her breath. The slight burn in her legs became a tingle, and she smiled widely. She rubbed her hands over her glistening forehead and pushed her dampened bangs back on top of her head as her smile sparkled. "Nothing like a good run, huh?" she said as the jogger caught up to her.

"You can say that again." The jogger flashed a smile as she carried on.

Rainbow Dash considered darting ahead of the girl once again, but hesitated. She kicked at the ground and sighed, then turned around and jogged back towards her home at a much more leisurely pace. Her mind was on her phone, which she left on her dresser. She couldn't help but hope for a reply, and the hope pushed her forward. Her stride was perfectly spaced as she ran, her back straight and her arms pumping with each step. She was a true athlete, and a master of proper form.

In everything she did, she was sure to perform with the utmost sense of excellence and raw talent, but she knew that it didn't come easily. She worked constantly to hone her skills, be it practicing her guitar scales and arpeggios or performing sprints by herself across the soccer field. Perfection didn't come cheap, and she was well aware of the sacrifices needed to be made in order to be the best.

"Sunset..." she whispered, rehearsing her speech. "You can't just practice a sport you've never even played before for a few months and expect to make the team."

Rainbow came to a slow stop in front of her home. She then walked to the gate at the side of her house leading into the backyard. In the grass was a soccer ball, which she stepped on, then rolled on top of her shoe before launching it into the air. She lifted a leg and bounced it off of her knee several times before switching legs. The ball landed on her left shoe, and she balanced it there for a few seconds. She then kicked it straight up and bent her left knee. Her stomach tightened as she prepared to deliver a powerful kick, but as the ball fell into range, she hesitated, and it hit the ground, bouncing in the grass.

She sighed and closed her eyes, then turned around, watching the ground as she walked to the sliding glass door. "I'm back," she called out, kicking her shoes off and pulling open the refrigerator door.

"Hello?" She snatched a bottle of water from the fridge and shut the door, then a note caught her eye.

'Your father and I are going out to dinner. We'll be back by eleven. Love you,' it read.

Rainbow rolled her eyes and reopened the refrigerator. She grabbed an apple for dinner and headed upstairs to her bedroom, where she eyed her phone resting atop her dresser. Biting down on her apple, she grabbed the phone and unlocked the screen to see that Sunset had neither replied to her nor attempt a call.

"Shoot!" Rainbow groaned and called her, noting the time. Already eight o'clock, she thought.

She took a seat on her bed while the phone rang, her hand on her forehead.

"Hi..."

"Hey, Sunset."

"I'm not able to get to the phone. Leave a message." BEEP!

Rainbow Dash groaned and ended the call, then took a large bite from her apple. She felt the fiery anger in her chest simmer down to a smolder. She took a deep, calming breath, then another bite of her fruit. Her mind wandered. She contemplated the situation, for the first time, with a more level head.

"What really happened?" she muttered to herself.

***

"Thanks again, Rarity. This is exactly what I needed," Sunset said as she examined her blue polished nails.

Rarity smiled and bumped Sunset with her elbow. "I knew it would cheer you up. Oh..." she said as she reached into her purse and pulled out a cell phone. "Don't forget this."

Sunset grabbed her phone and nodded. "Thanks."

"Rarity!" a voice squeaked as a small girl crashed into her big sister, tightly hugging her legs.

"Hello, Sweetie." Rarity rubbed her sister's hair and glanced down to see her hands wrapped in aluminum foil. "What are you wearing, sweetheart?"

"I am Cyberhands. My cyborg punches have the power missiles," she said in monotone before punching Rarity's thigh.

"Hey!" Rarity shouted and jumped back.

Sunset covered her mouth and giggled. "She's so cute."

"I am not cute," Sweetie protested. "I am... Cyberhands."

"Get in the car!" Rarity ordered, glaring at her father who sat behind the wheel chuckling. "You too, Sunset. We'll give you a ride home."

"Oh, thanks!" Sunset smiled and climbed into the backseat next to Sweetie Belle.

Rarity sat in the front seat next to her father while she rattled off a string of complaints about her day. Sunset glanced over to Sweetie, who sat perfectly still, her cheeks red and her eyes facing straight forward.

"Hey there," Sunset said, her voice soft and inviting. "Are you shy?"

Sweetie Belle gulped and shook her head. "No..."

Sunset scratched her head and blushed. "Uhm... I think your cyborg powers are cool."

"Thanks," Sweetie squeaked and tapped her knees, then slipped the foil gauntlets off of her hands.

"Oh. I get it," Sunset said with a sigh. "You're still afraid of me, aren't you?"

Sweetie Belle shrugged and nervously fidgeted with the crumpled aluminum.

"It looks like I still have a long way to go making my amends," Sunset said, squeezing the bottom of her blouse. "I know I might have been a bad person in the past, but I can promise you that those days are behind me. I can't change what happened, but I can change the way I handle things from now on. I'm sorry if I ever hurt you, and I... well, I get it if you feel uncomfortable around me."

Sweetie lowered her eyes and wiped her nose, then looked up at Sunset, her pastel green eyes sparkling beneath the passing streetlights, and she smiled. "It's alright. I forgive you."

Rarity pointed forward, still rambling on. "Take a right here, then a left at the light. So anyway, where was I? Oh, yes... so she said my choice of colors on the gown I was designing seemed too commercial, but I had to disagree considering that while white and pink are in right now, the pattern I've created makes it its own. You know?"

"Yes," her dad said absentmindedly.

"And then she starts questioning my process. It was almost as if she was implying that I stole the pattern concept. Can you believe that? Accusing me of being an art thief?!" Rarity scoffed and shook her head. "It's the apartment complex right up here. Thanks, daddy."

Sunset tapped Sweetie's shoulder and smiled at her, then exited the car. "Thank you guys for everything," Sunset said, waving through the passenger window. "I really appreciate you, Rarity."

"Please, darling. This is what friends do." Rarity held Sunset's hand through the open car door window, then winked. "I'll see you soon. Text me, love."

"Will do," Sunset said as her fingers slowly slid out of Rarity's hand. "Bye."

Sunset let a deep breath fall from her chest, watching forlornly as the red taillights disappeared down the road. She grabbed her phone and noticed the missed call from Rainbow Dash. "Oh boy..." she mumbled.

She rifled through her pocket for her keys, then headed into her apartment building. As she walked upstairs, she returned Rainbow's call. She unlocked her door and stepped in, plopping down on her couch and stretching her legs out while the phone rang.

Rainbow held her phone, staring at it as it vibrated, an image of Sunset glowing on the screen. She groaned and swiped the green circle to the right, answering the call. "What..."

Sunset raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Hey, Dash."

"Finally ready to talk?" Rainbow asked sternly.

"Yeah, I think so."

Both girls remained silent, a thick tension filling the air in each of their rooms.

Rainbow huffed into the phone. "Well? Are you going to apologize for freaking out on me or not?"

"What?!" Sunset shouted. "No! I'm waiting on you to apologize to me for screwing me over. I know the only reason I didn't make the team is because your best friend Cloud Kicker hates me."

Rainbow Dash recoiled, taken aback. "That has nothing to do with it. I don't think Cloud Kicker even cares whether or not you join. The reason you didn't make the team is because you're not that good. I can't just let you on because you're my friend. It wouldn't be fair."

"Wouldn't be fair? It's not fair to me. Why did Raindrops make the team when I did better than her during the scrimmage match?"

"What makes you think you did better than her?"

"I scored more goals than she did, plus I was faster than her."

"Sunset... if that's what you think, then it just proves that I was right not to let you onto the team. You need to learn a lot more about the game."

Sunset lowered her eyebrows, her cheeks growing red. "What are you talking about? I thought I... I... did good!"

Rainbow Dash covered her eyes with her free hand and sighed. "You did do good. I tried to tell you that but you just got pissed and ran off when I said you didn't make the team."

"Fine... then tell me what I did wrong."

"Well, for starters, just because you scored more goals than Raindrops doesn't mean you did better than her. You scored five goals, but you took about fifteen shots. Not good. You have speed, but your aim is awful. Raindrops scored three goals out of three shots, also she isn't afraid to pass the ball. Get it?"

Sunset gulped and nodded. "Yeah... I get it..."

Each girl fell awkwardly silent yet again.

After several long moments, Sunset sighed into the phone. "You know, I wouldn't have flipped out on you if you didn't approach me the way you did."

"I don't sugarcoat things, Sunset. You should know this about me by now. If you want to get better, tough love is what it takes. Pain and dedication. That's why I was going to offer to let you come to our practices and learn how the game works for next year's tryouts. But you ran off before I got a chance, plus you pissed me off so badly I wanted to take the offer back anyway."

"...Does the offer still stand?" Sunset asked, her voice low.

"Lemme think about it." Rainbow rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Of course it does. But if you're going to be a part of this team, even if it's just during our practices, you have to show me some respect as Team Captain. Got it?"

"Got it." Sunset shook her head and smiled. "I don't know what came over me, Dash. I just... I got carried away. I'm still working on controlling myself."

"Maybe I was a little too harsh," Rainbow admitted. "Look, if you're willing to forget about it and get serious about soccer, then I am too."

"Sounds good. To be honest, the reason I decided to try out for the team was so I could get closer to you. If I let this mess up our friendship, well, that would be pretty stupid of me, right?"

"Right." Rainbow took a deep breath. "So, in addition to joining our practices, I can help you out a little on the side, too, with one on one sessions before school if you're up for it."

Sunset beamed and perked up. "Yeah, totally. When should I meet you?"

"Be on the practice field at six in the morning. That'll give us an hour and a half each day to warm up and run some basic drills."

"I'll be there. Thanks for this, Dash. I really, really appreciate it."

"Sure thing. But please try not to be so sensitive in the future, or this'll never work."

"Got it." Sunset blushed and shook her head.

"Alright good. Now get some sleep. You'll need it."

"Will do. Bye."

Sunset ended the call and set an alarm, then sat her phone down on the end table next to her sofa. She then bent over and pulled off her boots, setting them next to the couch before laying down on it. She leaned back against the arm of her couch and sprawled out. The bright blue nail polished glimmered as she wiggled her toes, and she smiled. "Phew, that went a lot better than I had hoped," she muttered to herself.

Sunset sighed in relief and grabbed her TV remote with her free hand, then channel surfed. She closed her eyes and let her full day catch up to her, imagining the day to follow. Within a few minutes she drifted off to sleep while absentmindedly listening to tomorrow's weather forecast on her television.

"A high of fifty-four with periods of light rain in the morning and afternoon... scattered thunderstorms in the evening... a low of..."