Equestria Girls: Believe in Magic

Chapters

Lost But Not Forgotten
Moving Forward
In the Heat of the Night

Lost But Not Forgotten

Author's Note

Additional tags for this chapter: Sad and Tragedy.

Lost But Not Forgotten

Canterlot, Friday night eleven o' clock pm.

Bob and Karen Drake exit the movie theater into the increasingly humid night. The area around the theater was wet from an earlier light rain that reflected the lighting form the street lamps and the theater itself. Bob made a note of it and was resolved to make it home in one piece so that Brianna wouldn't have to see her parents in the hospital.

Bob then turned to his wife with a smile and said. "You know Karen, Brianna was right, these romantic comedies are sappy." He said taking his wife's hand as they walked

"Oh come on sweetheart, it wasn't that bad was it?" Karen replied interlacing her fingers with her husband's.

Bob's response was a boisterous laugh. "We've both seen better movies dear. I think the writer for this one was trying way too hard to have those two young ladies look like they really had good chemistry. The actresses did alright with what they had, but the writing was just to much."

Karen giggled as they reached their car. "I see you've been listening to our daughter again Bob."

Bob smiled "What can I say? Our little girl seem to have a knack for writing this kind of thing well." Bob stopped and looked at his wife. "Hey now, there is a thought. Maybe Brianna can be a writer someday and bring the world more grounded romance novels."

Karen shared her husband's smile. "Maybe sweetheart, but will anyone read them?"

"I'll start a publishing company if I have to in order bring the world our little girl's best efforts." Bob proclaimed dramatically his hair moving in the light breeze that came up at that moment.

Karen broke down into a fit of laughter before getting in the car an putting on her seat belt. "Oh Bob what am I going to do with you?" Karen giggled closing the passenger side door.

Bob got in a closed his door and then put on his seat belt. "Well I have a few suggestions for you dear." He said teasing his wife waggling his eyebrows as her started the car.

"You're just awful Bob. Thankfully our daughter doesn't have your dirty mind." Karen replied pulling her hair back. "Oh this humidity is just messing with my hair tonight."

Bob laughed again and started to pull out of the parking lot. "And that is why we can trust her Karen. She has a good head on her shoulders." Bob retorted as lightning flashed in the now rainy night sky followed by the crash of thunder as they proceeded down the street and stopped at a stop sign. "Wow it's really bad tonight." said Bob

Karen nodded in ascent. "I'm glad Brianna is with Megan tonight, the poor dear wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise."

Bob nodded as they waited before pulling out into the intersection. It was then that things took a turn that would change everything. A car came barreling down the street at a high rate of speed striking the Drake's car head on. Within minutes the police were on the scene investigating the event.

The rain had started to come down when a red haired police woman came onto the scene with and stepped out of her patrol car. She looked around the crash site and noted that the firefighters were working on what was left of an old tan colored town car. She shook her head sadly and walked over to a junior officer. "So what did the witnesses say Silver Star?" She asked as some other officers that were investigating the scene took pictures and gathered evidence.

The younger woman sighed sadly. "It was pretty bad captain. They saw the second car come around the corner and slam into the first car head on at a high rate of speed." Silver Star replied as the fire team had finally cut the roof off of what was left of the towncar using their equipment.

The older officer shook her head sadly as two bodies were pulled from the wreckage of what had been the Drake's towncar. "Any I.D. on the victims? Or the driver that caused the crash?"

"We have only identified driver right now Captain Nightshroud. We identified Tomas Allen as our driver. Officer Silver Star replied.

Captain Nightshroud scratched her head thoughfully. "Tomas Allen? I know that name; what do we have on him?"

Silver Star winced. "It's not good Captain Nightshroud." she replied "Tomas Allen has had multiple D.W.I.s in the past year. He was also cited for reckless driving with a minor in his car and the charges were pending."

Captain Nightshroud's eyes widened. "And he still had his licence Silver? How?"

"That's the thing ma'am, he didn't" Silver replied

Captain Nightshroud sighed. "Fuck me sideways. Do we have an I.D. on the victims?"

"Not a solid I.D. yet ma'am, they were unrecognizable but the licence plate number of the victim's car is being run and we should have it soon ma'am."

"Did we get any other information from the witnesses at least?" Asked Captain Nightshroud.

Silver Star shook her head. "Not really ma'am, just one of the witnesses saying something about a bright flash of light just before the crash is all."

"It was probably just the lightning they saw." Nightshroud replied as another officer jogged up to the two officers. "What have you got rookie?" Asked Captain Nightshroud.

Lightning flashed in the night sky as the rookie officer handed a clipboard covered with a clear plastic sheet to Captain Nightshroud. "I have the licence plate information ma'am" The rookie officer said shakily as he handed the captain the paperwork

"Thank you officer Ride a Long." Captain Nightshroud replied as she looked over the licence plate information. "Shit!" She swore under her breath.

Officer Silver Star looked at Captain Nightshroud. "Ma'am?"

Nightsroud looked up from the clipboard. "The victims are Bob and Karen Drake. It's a damn shame too, they were good folks.

Officer Ride a Long looked at her. "Did you know them captain?"

"Not personally, but I met them briefly when I picked up my sister at an office Hearth's Warming party last year. I think they have a daughter but I don't remember her name right now." Captain Nightshroud replied.

Silver Star facepalmed. "So we need to find out who she is and tell her that she is an orphan now. Wonderful, just wonderful." She said dryly.

Captain Nightshroud gave a weary sigh. "First things first, we finish up here and get to the paperwork when we get back to the station. Also somebody had better inform the Allens that their son is dead too." The captain shook her head, it was going to be a long week.

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The Williams family ranch ten o' clock a.m. the next day.

Megan and Brianna are standing in the kitchen talking about their plans for the weekend and their anniversary the next week when Brianna's phone rings.

"Who is it Brianna?" Asked Megan curiously.

"It's auntie Ribbon." Brianna replied looking at the caller I.D. before answering. "Hi auntie, what's up?"

"Brianna sweetheart I have something I need to tell you." Ribbon replied tiredly.

"Sure auntie, what is it?" Brianna replied

"I'm coming to see you Brianna. I won't tell you this over the phone because you deserve to hear this in person. I'll be there in half an hour." said Ribbon

"Okay auntie, I'll see you then." Brianna replied sounding unsure as she hung up.

"What did Ribbon want Brianna?" asked Megan

"I'm not sure." Brianna said "She sounded off somehow though. I wonder what happened?"

"We'll know soon enough I guess." said Megan

Thirty minutes later Megan and Brianna met Ribbon at the door with the rest of Megan's family.

Ribbon looked tired and disheveled when she arrived and walked up to Brianna and hugged her.

"W-what's going on auntie Ribbon?" asked Brianna

"Ribbon's green eyes showed pain as she began to speak. "Brianna, sweetheart. I am afraid that last night your parents were killed by a drunk driver."

"K-killed!?" Brianna replied as tears started welling up in her eyes.

"Yes Brianna, I learned about the crash on the local news this morning and went to the police station and confirmed it." Ribbon replied

"D-daddy, mama." Said Brianna as her knees buckled and Megan caught her to keep her from falling down. Brianna was crying and leaning on Megan as they absorbed the news.

"Uncle Bob, Aunt Karen." Molly said quietly as her mother and father held her.

Danny just pulled the bill of his baseball cap over eyes and stayed quiet.

Ribbon looked at Brianna. "I am so sorry sweetheart, none of us wanted this to happen." Ribbon sighed "There is some good news though."

"Good news?" Brianna sniffled

Ribbon gave a broken smile. "Yes, you see your parents and I made arrangements just in case something like this happened. You won't be sent to an orphanage or separated from your friends, Megan, or any of us that love you. You will be able to stay here where you will have all of the love and support you need." Ribbon's smile faded. "For right now I want you to stay here with Megan and her family until I get everything cleared away, okay Brianna?"

Brianna nodded and started crying again prompting Megan to pick her up and carry her back inside.

"I'll do everything I can to calm her down for now." Megan said as she carried Brianna to her room. Once inside Megan placed Brianna on her bed and took her shoes off as a barely contained Brianna whimpered and sobbed. After taking off her own shoes Megan laid down next to Brianna placing Brianna's head head on her chest. Megan caressed Brianna's cheek and spoke to her softly.

"I can only imagine what you're going through Brianna." Megan said quietly as Brianna began to cry harder. "I want you to know that I will always be here for you Brianna. I will love and care for you for the rest of our lives Brianna. I won't let anyone hurt you I promise."

Brianna couldn't respond to Megan's loving gestures as she lay there paralyzed by grief. Her heart felt heavy and sadness began to cloud her mind as she lay crying in Megan's embrace.

Megan held Brianna softly talking to her and trying to calm her to avail. Megan looked at her broken girlfriend and almost felt Brianna's pain and despair. Megan felt a sense of desperation as she was unable to calm Brianna and her frustration began to mount until an idea came to her. She looked at Brianna once more and began to sing softly to Brianna. The song came to Megan naturally, and came from her heart.

There's always another rainbow,
Search until you find it.
Don't look at the cloud, look behind it,
There's a rainbow there somewhere.

In the depths of Brianna's sadness Megan's voice started to reach her and her tears slowed as Megan's song took hold.

There's always a ray of sunshine,
Though it all seems tragic.
You may turn around and like magic,
There's an answer to your prayer.

Now you feel forlorn,
But hope can be reborn.
Try and lose that frown;
Look up, not down.

Brianna opened her eyes and listened to Megan as she became calmer. Her crying ceased and she slowly slid her arms around Megan's waist and held onto her tightly. She continued to listen intently as Megan sang, Brianna relaxed closing her eyes once again as sleep began to overtake her.

And you'll find another rainbow,
I can guarantee it;
Even though you think you've reached the rainbow's end!
There's always another rainbow,
Always another rainbow,
Round the bend!

Megan looked down on Brianna's face seeing that she had fallen asleep. Megan gave a pained smile as she watched Brianna, but felt a great sense of relief that her song had for the moment calmed Brianna's heartbreak. Megan sighed, she knew that Brianna would be feeling lost, and likely even trapped. Megan steeled herself, she would not let Brianna lose herself in the sense of hopelessness she would feel.

"I'm here for you Brianna. Our friends are too, we'll take care of you. I'll take care of you." Megan said softly kissing Brianna on the forehead and feeling silly for moment. She yawned as her own eyes grew heavy and closed sending her to sleep.

An hour later Megan awoke to the sounds of a hard rain coming down on the roof of her house. She stretched and was immediately reminded of her girlfriend's presence as she did so. She looked down at Brianna whose head still rested against her chest as she shifted and whimpered in her sleep.

Megan gently caressed Brianna's cheek settling her for the moment. "Poor Brianna. She really has be dealt a harsh hand all of the sudden. At least she has Ribbon to take her in so she won't be separated from us." Megan thought as she watched Brianna sleep. "Now we just have to break the news to our friends. And we have to get her to realize that she needs to focus on herself as well."

This thought caused Megan to smile as Brianna shifted again and the opened her green eyes and looked up Megan. "Hello there sleepy head." Megan said softly. "I won't ask how you're feeling. I know it's really bad right now Brianna, but it will get better, eventually."

Brianna sniffled. "I'm really worried about Fluttershy, and Pinkie Megan. This won't be very easy for them either." Brianna's eyes started to water again. "Especially because Pinkie and daddy got along so well. It's not going to be the same without them Megan. Daddy was such a goofball and I miss him. And mama, she would always worry and fuss over daddy and I both."

"Of course you do Brianna, they are your parents and they were really great people." Megan replied smiling even with the pain that was welling up in her heart as well. "And they will always be with us because they are a part of you Brianna. And as long as you're here with us they will be as well." Megan said as she wiped the tears from Brianna's eyes.

"R-really?" Asked Brianna uncertainly.

Megan's smile grew warmer and more confident. "Yes really. You, my special girl are they reason they will stay with us for a long time." Megan locked eyes with Brianna and saw her girlfriend start to settle down a little. "Let's get up and have something for lunch okay Brianna?"

Brianna shook her head. "I'm not hungry Megan; I just want to stay here right now."

"Brianna I'm not going to let you make yourself sick because you won't eat. You need to be healthy so we can help you move on." Megan said firmly, before her face and voice softened. "Now let's have some of that pizza left over from last night and I'll make some tea for us too."

"O-okay Megan. I know you only want to help me." Brianna said clinging more tightly to Megan.

"I love you Brianna, that is why I want what's best for you." Megan replied warmly. "Would you like me to carry you Brianna?"

Brianna shook her head again. "No, I can walk to the dining room myself." She said releasing Megan and struggling to get up. Brianna looked at Megan sheepishly and gave a weak smile.

"It's okay Brianna, take your time." Megan replied as she got to her feet.

"I think I might need some help getting there actually. My legs don't want to cooperate right now." Brianna said her face flushing with embarrassment.

"It's okay Brianna." Megan said getting up and going to Brianna. Megan took Brianna's right arm and placed it across her shoulders. "Okay Brianna let's try this again shall we?"

Brianna opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by her stomach rumbling very loudly. Brianna looked at Megan her face now very red and just nodded instead of answering.

Megan smiled and shook her head. Rain continued to fall as Megan helped Brianna into the dining room and sat her down at the table. "Okay Brianna, would you like the pepperoni of the cheese pizza we have left?"

Brianna's stomach growled loudly once more. "Um I think I'll have one of each." Brianna replied sheepishly.

"Okay." Megan replied opening the boxes and retrieving a slice of each and putting them both on a plate. "Here you are, now don't eat too fast Brianna. I don't want you getting sick."

Brianna gave Megan a broken smile and said. "Okay mom." In response causing Megan to giggle.

"I think you'll be just fine Brianna, it will take a long time but you will be fine I just know it." Said Megan while filling the tea kettle and turning on the stove. The water started to heat up and Megan turned her attention to back to Brianna. Megan watched Brianna eating and was concerned by her silence. She walked over to Brianna and slid her arms around Brianna from behind. "What are you thinking about Brianna?"

"Not much." Brianna turned her head and looked at Megan. "Hey Megan, do you remember that camping trip we took together two years ago?"

"I do." Megan replied. "I had so much fun with you, Bob and Karen. It was kind of hard to not laugh at Bob's antics though. He was so silly the whole time."

Brianna giggled. "Yeah and mom was always getting on him for being like that. I swear I thought I was going to need a pair of padded gloves with the way he was acting."

Megan held Brianna tighter. "I know, I had never laughed that much without Pinkie being around." Megan's smile warmed Brianna's heart. "Brianna, I know this is hard for you like I said. But there is something very important here that you need to remember."

"Important? What's that important thing Megan?" Brianna said tears welling up in her eyes again.

Megan squeezed Brianna gently. "I can be by you side for the whole summer Brianna. I will be here for you everyday and every night too."

Brianna's eyes widened in realization. "The whole summer? Everyday?"

"Yes Brianna, everyday. I'll spend the whole summer with and do everything I can to make it better." Megan squeezed Brianna again and kissed the top of her head. "Everyday Brianna, I'll take care of you the whole time."

Brianna placed her right hand on top of Megan's. The words she had wanted to say were quickly replaced with words that came to her from her heart. "I love you Megan." She said sadly.

"I love you too Brianna." Megan said as the tea kettle started to whistle. "I'll get that, you just wait right here and finish eating okay sweetheart."

Brianna nodded in reply and resumed eating her pizza.

Megan poured the tea and got herself some pizza. She rejoined Brianna at the table and the two girls sat and ate quietly.

==========================
Two weeks later

Megan has stayed beside Brianna everyday and night after they had learned about Bob and Karen's deaths and now Brianna has fallen asleep leaning against Megan while Megan's mother Donnamarie drives Brianna across town to Ribbon's house. Ribbon had spent that time moving Brianna's things from her old house into her own where Brianna would reside from today onward. Megan was looking out the window watching the scenery pass by as Donnamarie's truck made it's way through town.

"You've been very quiet the whole time Megan. Is something wrong?" Donnamarie asked.

Megan gave a tired sigh. "I am really worried about Brianna mother. The funeral is in a couple of weeks and I don't know if she can handle it. I also feel bad about not being able to stay with her tonight."

"Well there are some things that we need you for tomorrow morning Megan. After that we'll handle the rest so you can take care of Brianna. Besides a day for you to decompress will be better for her Megan. I know you're a strong and mature girl and can take care of yourself, but that doesn't mean you should forget to do just that."

"I know mother." Megan replied. "The last thing I want to do is upset Brianna more and hurt her with bad judgment." Megan stroked Brianna's cheek. "She is relying too much on me to afford to make a mistake like that right now."

Donnamarie smiled. "I know sweetheart, and I know she'll appreciate it too." The rest of the drive was quiet and ten minutes later they arrived at Ribbon's house.

"Wake up sleepy head." Megan said softly while Brianna.

Brianna opened her eyes and looked at Megan. "I'm awake already." She replied while rubbing her eyes.

Megan smiled and opened her door and unbuckled her seat belt. "Come on Brianna, let's get you inside and settled." Megan said getting out and retrieving Brianna's bag full of her clothes and other things from the truck's bed.

Brianna exited the truck closing the passenger side door behind her and walked to the door with Megan falling into step beside her. "Do you have to go home tonight Megan?"

Megan nodded. "I wish I didn't Brianna, but mom and dad need my help tonight and tomorrow morning. After that I'll be back with you for the whole summer. I promise."

The pair stopped at the front door and Brianna sighed. "I don't want to be alone tonight Megan."

Megan put the bag down on the porch and cupped Brianna's face in her hands. "I know Brianna, but I have to go home tonight and I will be back with you tomorrow." Megan smiled warmly. "It's just for tonight, and I'll call you before we go to bed okay?"

"O-okay Megan." Brianna replied in acceptance. She gave a weak smile before leaning in to kiss Megan who gladly returned the gesture while pulling Brianna into her arms.

The pair embraced for a long while before separating. Megan looked at Brianna and smiled once again. "Be strong my special girl, you can get through this and we'll help. And now you have sisters to help you through it too Brianna."

"Yeah, you're right Megan." Brianna replied bending down to pick her bag. She turned towards the door then stopped and looked back at Megan longingly for a moment. "I'll see you tomorrow Megan, I love you."

Megan smiled through her building heartache and replied. "I love you too Brianna. Why don't you take a bath before bed, it will help."

Brianna nodded meekly and walked up to the door which stood open with Ribbon, Wind Whistler, and Fizzy standing there having witnessed the exchange quietly. The three of them embraced Brianna and Ribbon said to Megan. "We'll look after her tonight Megan. And thanks for taking care of Brianna for me Megan."

"Of course Ribbon, and thank you for taking care of her for me." Megan replied before turning back to her mother's truck and getting in.

As Megan closed the door and put her seat belt back on her mother started the truck and began to back out of the driveway. "I know that wasn't easy for you to do Megan. And Brianna knows that too."

Megan nodded in reply as they drove back to their ranch.

================================================
Later that evening Megan walks into her bedroom and throws off her vest as she walks towards the bathroom. She would never tell her family, and she would especially never tell Brianna, but the work she was doing this night and she would be doing the next morning was her distraction from her own pain at the loss Brianna had experienced.

She and Brianna had known each other for seven years at this point and Brianna's parents had become as much a part of Megan's life as her own had become a part of Brianna's. Both girls' families had gotten close and become friends over that time and this loss had hurt Megan and her family as well.

Megan entered the bathroom and closed the door before getting undressed and turning on the water in the bathtub. As she waited for the water to reach the correct temperature she struggled to maintain her composure. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she turned the center knob to start her shower and got in. She slid the shower curtain closed after getting in with the water hitting her skin and started to sooth her tired achy muscles she started to remember.

"Hey Megan, do you remember that camping trip we took together two years ago?" Megan did remember. And whether or not she wanted to the memories came back unbidden of that camping trip two years prior. it was the first time both girls' families had gone on an outing together.

The trip had been full of memorable moments like when Megan's father Marty tried teaching Bob to fish. This had resulted in Bob hooking a much to large catfish and ending in a broken fishing rod. During that minor fiasco Donnamarie had shown Karen how to use the grill and Brianna's mother had done a fair job her first time. Their lunch had been good if slightly overcooked, which Danny had chosen to complain about until Donnamarie told him that he would be getting the firewood for that night's outdoor activities.

Said activities naturally included ghost stories that made Brianna jump and squeak made and Megan realize how cute she thought Brianna was. Megan's heart began to race as she washed herself in the shower from that memory and another from that trip. It was the memory of when she first taught Brianna how to shoot a bow. Megan would not admit it to their friends but that moment when she sparked Brianna's interest in archery was one she'd treasure forever. To her, this most private of moments was the one when she had realized that she was beginning to fall in love with her best friend.

Megan actually smiled as she remembered how closely she had stood to Brianna while helping Brianna get her form right and the utter joy Brianna had felt the first time she hit the target causing Megan to giggle a little. Brianna got excited in her really adorable way. Then she remembered how Bob had called her aside at one point to tell her that he had noticed how Megan was looking at Brianna and how he thought, or rather knew as he'd put it that they would make a great couple one day. It had been a truly special event, one that should have been many when their two families did things together.

Megan shook her head at that memory, she still couldn't believe she had been that nervous when Bob called her aside like that. She knew him better than that and should have realized it would be nothing bad, but she just got nervous anyway, it couldn't be helped.

And now Megan's heart was filling with pain and emptiness because there would never be any moments like that again. "Stop it!" Megan scolded herself, this was about Brianna and how she needed to be strong for her. Megan did not have the time for selfish thoughts, she had to take care of Brianna and not worry about herself right now. And then Megan thought about what her mother had said to her about taking care of herself and decompressing so she can take care of Brianna.

It was in that moment that Megan allowed herself to cry. She needed to, she needed to get it out for Brianna's sake, and her own. They couldn't mover forward in their lives together if she didn't. And this was because the only thing that actually scared Megan at this time was losing Brianna too, that was something Megan couldn't bare.

Megan exited the shower and dried herself off. As she got dressed before heading into the dining room for dinner she actually found herself looking forward to the call she would be making soon. She looked forward to the next day even more however.

Moving Forward

Ribbon sighed as she watched Megan and Donnamarie leave before turning to face Brianna, Wind Whistler, and Fizzy. "Okay Fizzy why don't you take Brianna up to her room and help her get situated? Wind Whistler I'll need you to keep and eye on Ember while I start making dinner."

"Yes mother." Wind Whistler replied.

Fizzy moved over to Brianna. "Come on Brianna, let's go put your things away," She said sympathetically.

"O-okay Fizzy." Brianna replied. "Auntie Ribbon." Brianna started with tears forming in her eyes.

Ribbon hugged Brianna. "It's alright sweetheart," She said. "Let's go inside and dinner will be ready in a little while. Fizzy will look after you until then okay."

Brianna nodded and broke the hug before following Fizzy into the house.

Wind Whistler looked at Ribbon. "Mother I am concerned about Brianna's current circumstances. We can't possibly replace her parents."

Ribbon gave her daughter a patient smile. "We can't replace Bob and Karen dear, but we can give Brianna a new family that loves her just as much. Just be her sister like you have been up till now and things will work out for her."

Wind Whistler smiled. "Of course mother. It was quite endearing when Brianna started looking at both Fizzy and myself like older sisters. I wish only the best for her."

"That's what we all want for her Wind Whistler," Ribbon said as she walked into the house with Wind Whistler following her. Ribbon walks into the kitchen and starts working on dinner while Wind Whistler goes into the living room where little Ember was napping to check on her.

Seeing that Ember hasn't quite woken up yet Wind Whistler sits on the couch and waits for Fizzy and Brianna to come back downstairs.

Meanwhile Fizzy had escorted Brianna to her new room which caused Brianna a sense of disorientation with how familiar it was. As Brianna looked around she saw the numerous picture of her friends and family as well as her game consoles, and her most cherished possession. A pink unicorn plush with a purple striped white mane, purple embroidered eyes, and five purple stars on her flanks that Megan had made for her two years before. It was her room in all but the color of the wallpaper.

Brianna sniffled. "Fizzy," She said before breaking down into tears again.

Fizzy hugged Brianna and held her as she cried. "I'm sorry Brianna." Was all the older girl could manage.

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Downstairs in the living room Wind Whistler let out an annoyed huff after placing Ember in her playpen.

"Is there a problem Wind Whistler?" Asked Ribbon from the kitchen as she secured a sheet of aluminum foil over the cake pan containing four seasoned chicken breasts before placing it in the oven. "Ember isn't being too much of a handful is she?"

"No mother." Wind Whistler replied over her shoulder. "I am simply having a great deal of difficulty figuring out how to help Brianna effectively. I am finding this situation to be extremely difficult and have no logical solution to help her with."

Ribbon giggled. "Oh sweetheart, logic isn't always going to help you solve problems. This is a matter of the heart Wind Whistler, and all we can really do for her is be there and let her know that we support her."

"I do understand that Mother; and yet I find myself wishing to do more." Wind Whistler sighed heavily. "I wish I were not suffering from a singular lack of inspiration on the matter."

Ribbon smiled at her daughter. "Wind Whistler you are a very considerate person for saying that. But even though we want to do more at times we simply can't. A broken heart can only be mended with time and love. So let's give Brianna plenty of both."

Wind Whistler was thoughtful for a moment. "So what you're saying is that ultimate success can only be achieved by taking small steps along the way? That is very logical of you mother."

Ribbon nodded. "You see the logical solution was there and simply missed it Wind Whistler."

Wind Whistler nodded in response. "I do not yet possess sufficient experience to work through such things on my own it would seem. And now that I think about it something occurred to me just now. Those small things you suggested we do is why you are making the baked chicken breast recipe and the rice for dinner tonight is it not?"

"Yes Wind Whistler, this will help Brianna to settle down for tonight," Ribbon said turning her attention to a box of rice she still had to prepare.

"Well I hope it will be enough until Megan can come back mother." Wind Whistler replied while turning her attention back to Ember in the playpen.

"Mama!" Ember said joyfully from the living room causing Ribbon to smile once more.

While Ribbon starts to prepare the rice and Wind Whistler continues to watch over little Ember Brianna and Fizzy come back downstairs. Wind Whistler looks up to see them and frowns after seeing Brianna.

"Are you sure you're alright Brianna?" Asked Wind Whistler.

Brianna just shook her head and looked at Wind Whistler showing her eyes were still red from crying.

Fizzy guided Brianna to the couch and sat down with her holding Brianna to reassure her.

"This will be difficult." Wind Whistler thought to herself as they waited for dinner to be ready.

==============================

Later after dinner Brianna sits in the bath tub having taken Megan's advice by taking a bath before they talked on the phone and she went to bed. She sat in the tub with her mind wandering. She looked up at the ceiling ignoring the sounds of the rain that had started during dinner. She wondered why it had to be anyone's family that was hurt by this driver, more so what did it have to be her parents.

"Why do people do these things?" She asked herself in an attempt to come up with something, anything that might make the turn her life had taken make sense to her, but she could come up with nothing. Brianna gave a heavy sigh and removed the drain stopper from the tub to drain the water before getting out and drying off, before changing into the nightgown that Megan has slipped in with the rest of Brianna's clothes when she was packing them for her.

The pink and white nightgown was one of Megan's naturally. Brianna smiled as she put it on and sighed again. She exited the bathroom and walked into her bedroom and saw Wind Whistler standing by her bed.

"What's going on Wind Whistler?" She asked.

"I wanted to know if you're feeling any better." Wind Whistler replied.

"Not really." Brianna replied sadly. "This sucks forever Wind Whistler."

Wind Whistler's face softened. "Of that, I have no doubt Brianna. I just want to let you know that while I may not be the best at expressing it, I do care about you a great deal. I also wish to say that I will be here for too."

"Wind Whistler," Brianna said hugging her.

Wind Whistler awkwardly returned the hug. "Well, as I said I care about you and want to help you."

Brianna giggled. "You're being all awkward again Wind Whistler."

Wind Whistler blushed. "So anyway, when did you get the new nightgown." She deflected lamely.

"It's actually one of Megan's nightgowns. She must have slipped it into my bag when I wasn't looking." Brianna replied.

Wind Whistler broke the hug. "Well that was very sweet of her. It shows just how much she cares about you Brianna." Wind Whistler said with a smile.

Brianna nodded and then turned her head when her phone started to ring. "I'd better get that, thanks Wind Whistler."

"You're welcome little sister, good night." Wind Whistler replied while leaving and shutting the door.

Brianna smiled and shook her head as she went to pick up her phone. "Hi Megan," Brianna said softly.

"Hey there Brianna; how is my special girl feeling?" Megan asked already knowing the answer.

"Not, not so great. I miss mama and daddy a lot." She gave a heavy sigh. "Auntie Ribbon made chicken and rice for dinner, so that was nice."

Megan wore a pained smile. "What did you think of my surprise by the way."

"It-it's nice. Thanks Megan, I can give it back to you when I see you tomorrow too." Brianna replied while sitting down on her bed and picking up her plush unicorn. "It feels like you're holding me when I wear it though. It even smells like you somehow."

Megan giggled. "Smells like me huh?" Megan teased lightly drawing a blush to Brianna's cheeks that she couldn't see but knew was there. "Anyway, I'd like you to keep my nightgown. I have a feeling you're going to need it when I'm not able to be there with you."

Brianna's red face reddened even more. "I'll have to ask Rarity to make some adjustments then. It's not quite my size." Brianna coughed out. "I'll manage though."

Megan giggled. "As long it's not too uncomfortable for you Brianna." Megan wanted to say more, but suddenly found herself with nothing to say to Brianna and an awkward pause set it for a few moments.

It was Brianna that ended up breaking the silence after a bit. "Megan, what's wrong? You don't seem like yourself tonight."

Megan sighed. "I didn't want to say anything, but this has been hard for me too Brianna. I really want to help you right now, and I am doing everything I can, but I just feel like I'm letting you down."

"Oh Megan, you could never let me down. I know it's not easy for you too, but I am happy that I have to help me through this." Brianna whimpered but kept her composure. "I'll see you tomorrow okay?"

Megan sighed. "Okay Brianna, good night."

"Good night Megan." Brianna replied as they hung up their phones. Brianna placed her phone on the nightstand next to her bed and plugged it in. Sighing once more and then jumping as thunder tore through the night sky she dove under her covers and clutched her plush unicorn. "Darn it." Brianna said getting up to turn off the light. "Stupid thunder." She squeaked as she got back into bed.

Brianna laid her head down on her pillow and closed her eyes. and sighed once more. "Megan." She whispered quietly to herself and drifted off into a less than restful sleep. She tossed and turned as her dreams turned strange and disturbing. She didn't know how long it went on before she finally lapsed into a more dreamless state and waking up when Ribbon called out to her sometime the next morning.

"Brianna, Brianna are you awake in there?" Ribbon said while knocking on the door.

Brianna sat up in bed. "Yeah Auntie Ribbon. I'm awake, sort of."

Ribbon opened the door and saw Brianna's disheveled state. "Brianna are you okay?" Asked Ribbon as she crossed the room to Brianna's bed. "You aren't getting sick are you?" Ribbon asked placing the back of hand against Brianna's forehead.

"No auntie, I just didn't sleep well last night," She said with a sigh. "What time is it?" Brianna asked still trying to shake off her fatigue.

Ribbon removed her hand but still wore a worried look. "It's nine thirty. Megan just called by the way, she said she'd be here in about an hour. And we still have breakfast ready too for when you come downstairs okay Brianna."

"Yeah," Brianna said. "Just give me a bit and I'll be down. Thanks auntie," Brianna said hugging Ribbon.

"It's alright sweetheart. I'll see you downstairs." Ribbon replied while returning the hug before releasing Brianna and leaving the room.

"Ugh," Brianna said as she got out of bed and shambled into the bathroom. "If Rarity could see me right now, she'd freak." Brianna grumbled after seeing herself in the mirror.

===========================================
Across town Rarity sat at her sewing machine and sneezed.

"Are you okay Rarity?" A small voice asked getting Rarity's attention.

"Oh, I suspect it was just a modicum of dust that got into my nose dear. I'm fine." Rarity replied looking to her little sister Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity. "So what are you even making anyway?"

Rarity sighed heavily. "I'm finishing up the dress I'm making for Brianna for her parents' funeral Sweetie Belle. It's sad that this is the occasion that she will be wearing a dress once more."

Sweetie Belle didn't respond but chose instead to look at the floor.

"I know darling, this has been hard for all of us." Rarity said hugging Sweetie Belle.

=======================================

Back at Ribbon's house Brianna has come downstairs to have breakfast with her new family.

"Baba!" Ember says as Brianna passes by her playpen.

Brianna stops and smiles. "Hey there Ember. Having fun?"

Ember knocked down her blocks and giggled. "Baba!"

Brianna laughs. "You're having fun alright," She said before reaching into the playpen and poking Ember's nose lightly. "Boop." Brianna says sweetly.

"Baba! Baba! Baba!" Ember replies while moving her little arms up and down.

"No Ember, it's Brianna. Can you say Brianna?" Fizzy asked correcting her sister.

"Baba!" Ember replied giggling again.

Brianna giggled too. "Just let it go Fizzy, she is too little to say it right now." Brianna said walking into the kitchen and sitting down at the table.

"Are you feeling any better Brianna?" Ribbon asked while placing a plate of pancakes, bacon and eggs in front of Brianna.

Brianna shook her head and picked up a fork. "Not really, I had a bad night auntie," She said picking up her knife and starting to cut her pancakes.

"Did you have nightmares Brianna?" Asked Ribbon while rinsing some plates and then loading them into the dishwasher.

Brianna chewed quietly on her food for a few moments before responding. "I guess," She said sounding unsure. "I remember something about a pair of witches, some goblins, and I think there was also a unicorn, and maybe an elf. I really don't know."

Wind Whistler sipped her tea before placing her cup on the table. "It's only natural that your dreams would be unsettled Brianna. Megan will be here soon and she'll help with that. Having some tea will also help you out as well."

Brianna gave a weak smile in reply.

=================================
Two weeks later...

Brianna stands beside Megan in a Canterlot graveyard in front of her parent's closed caskets. The service had a canopy set up over the rows of chairs due to the colder and wetter than usual weather. She places a hand on each one her eyes watering as she does so.

"Mama, daddy." Brianna whispers. "I miss you both so much."

Megan held Brianna. "Come on now Brianna, the others will be here soon. Lets go sit down alright?"

Brianna nodded and then the two of them moved to sit down with their families.

"Baba?" Ember said from her spot in Ribbon's lap.

"Are you holding up alright Brianna?" Asked Ribbon.

Brianna sniffled. "Not really auntie. This is the worst day ever," She said sadly as Megan pulled her into a side hug.

"I know it doesn't seem that way Brianna, but things will get better with time." Donnamarie replied from her chair in the row behind Megan and Brianna.

"I guess." Brianna replied leaning her head on Megan's shoulder as the others began to arrive. Brianna looked at the people and realized that she didn't know many of them. "Auntie Ribbon, who are those people?" Brianna asked.

"Those are some of the people your father and I worked with Brianna. Bob had a lot of friends at the office." Ribbon replied. "I would have thought to see some of the rest of your family here too."

Brianna winced. "My grandmas and grandpas died when I was really young. I don't remember them at all. And mama and daddy didn't have any brothers and sisters, and I don't know if they had any cousins anywhere."

Ribbon's heart ached for Brianna as she cringed at her own insensitivity. "I'm sorry Brianna, I didn't know."

"It's okay auntie." Brianna replied quietly.

Shortly after the exchange with Ribbon Brianna's friends started to arrive with their families. Rainbow was first with her mother Firefly and little sister Scootaloo, followed shortly by Fluttershy and Posy. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were next with their parents and their aunt Heart Throb followed by the Big Mac, Applejack, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith. Finally among the last to arrive were Sunset Shimmer along with her mother Celestia and her aunt Luna.

Brianna was familiar with both women of course being that they were her friend's family and that they worked at Canterlot High School. Trailing behind the trio was Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, and Sonata Dusk along with their parents Nightshade and Wave Dancer. Brianna didn't know the three girls particularly well, but was glad to see them on some level. Seeing them was oddly reassuring and she reminded herself to thank them later.

After everyone was present and seated the service began; but Brianna barely noticed as her emotional dam burst and she began crying again. Megan held her as the service went forward knowing that she could only offer a shoulder for Brianna to cry on.

After the service was over Megan stood behind Brianna holding her as Bob and Karen's caskets were lowered into the ground. When Ribbon threw the first shovel full of dirt into her parents' shared grave Brianna turned towards Megan and completely broke down unable to watch any longer. Megan gently guided Brianna away from the scene and took her inside as it started to rain lightly. It would be twenty minutes before Brianna was composed enough to walk under her own power.

At that point she looked at Megan. "Megan," She said.

"Yes Brianna?" Megan replied squeezing her gently.

"I want to go and talk to Adagio, Aria and Sonata for a bit," Brianna said softly. "They didn't have to come today and I want to thank them for it."

"Okay Brianna." Megan said smiling. "You're right by the way. They weren't obligated to come and they did. That was very sweet of them."

Brianna nodded as they exited the funeral home and caught up with the girls and their parents outside in the parking lot. Brianna approached them. "Adagio, Aria, Sonata," She said as they turned to face her. "You didn't have to come her today and I am really glad you did. Thank you for this, thank you so much."

Adagio walked up to Brianna and placed her hands on her shoulders. "Of course Brianna, it's the least we can do."

"Crap like this shouldn't happen to nice girls like you anyway." Aria replied bitterly. "It ain't right."

Brianna's eyes widened. She had heard that Aria could be blunt, but she hadn't expected such a response from her. It did seem in character from what she knew of Aria. "Thank you Aria," She said softly.

Sonata walked up to Brianna as Adagio stood aside and simply hugged her. "Ari is right, this kind of thing shouldn't happen to someone like you Bri."

Brianna sniffled. "Oh Sonata, you're so sweet," Brianna said returning the hug.

Off to the side Adagio smirked. "If anyone gives you any trouble over this Brianna just let me know. I'll deal with them." Adagio's tone promising real problems for anyone that tried to harass her with this.

"Or I will," Aria said menacingly.

Sonata sighed and looked at Brianna after breaking the hug. "I'm sorry about that Bri, Dagi and Ari get that way sometimes."

"It it's okay Sonata. They're just trying to help in their own way." Brianna replied.

"Okay girls, let's let Brianna get back to her family. You'll get to see her again soon enough," The girls' mother Wavedancer said. "And Brianna, I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances."

Brianna nodded. "Yeah," She said. "This is not the way to have met you."

============================================================

Ribbon looked on as the Brianna and Megan finished their talk with the three girls and their parents before turning and seeing Donnamarie heading her way.

"Donnamrie," Said Ribbon.

"What do you need Ribbon? You look worried." Donnamarie replied.

"I was wondering if you'd drive Brianna back to my house. I don't want her to be separated from Megan right now. Not after all of this," Ribbon said.

Donnamarie scrutinized Ribbon for a moment. "I can do that. But couldn't the girls just ride with you Ribbon?"

Ribbon shook her head. "Not with Ember's car seat in the back. And I am very worried about Brianna being away from Megan right now even if it's only for a little while. She needs Megan more than she needs anyone else right now Donnamarie."

Donnamarie reached out to Ribbon an placed her hand on Ribbon's shoulder. "I'm not saying I disagree with you Ribbon; but we also need to be careful not to place too much weight on Megan through this situation. I know my daughter is a strong girl and really mature for her age. But Megan is still young Ribbon." She sighed. "And it worries me that too much time together could strain their relationship under these circumstances."

Ribbon shook her head. "Honestly I don't think it will in this case Donnamarie." Ribbon turned and looked at the young couple through the glass doors of the funeral home. "I think these two need as much time together as they can get. You said that Megan is strong, but when has she had to deal with something like this before?"

Donnamarie's followed Ribbon's gaze and she watched the girls for a moment through the doors. Brianna and Megan stood in the parking lot holding each other's hands as they waved to the Dazzlings and their parents as they left. "I think I see what you mean Ribbon. We have had pets and horses die, but never a direct member of our family. And every time that happened Megan was always looking after Danny and Molly."

"Exactly. And since Bob and Karen were such a big part of all of our lives Megan is going to be struggling too. I think this may actually be harder for her in some ways," Ribbon said.

Donnamarie folded her arms across her chest and thought for a moment. "Megan needs to learn how to open up about this. And you think that Brianna can help her learn to do that."

"I do." Ribbon replied.

"Okay Ribbon, I'll do it," Donnamarie said.

"Thank you Donnarie. I'll go tell the girls and we can get ready to leave," Ribbon said before walking out the doors. Ribbon sighed heavily as she approached Megan and Brianna.

"Megan, Brianna," She said getting their attention.

"What is it auntie?" Brianna asked turning to face Ribbon.

"I've asked Donnamarie to rive you home so you can stay with Megan on the way back Brianna. You've been through a lot today and I think it's a bad idea for you to be apart from Megan even for the trip back home Brianna." Ribbon replied.

"Okay Ribbon, I'd rather be with Brianna the whole time anyway. Is that alright with you Brianna?" Megan asked receiving a nod in reply. "Okay we'll wait at my mother's truck Ribbon."

"Thank you for all you've done for her Megan. I'll go pass the word along to your mother now," Ribbon said before leaving to inform Donnamarie.

Megan actually smiled. "It's the least I can do Ribbon," She said before turning to Brianna. "Okay let's go Brianna," Megan said guiding her to the truck.

The girls didn't wait for long as Donnamarie met them at her truck a few moments later. The drive to Ribbon's house was a quiet and uneventful affair with Donnamarie bidding the girls goodbye before returning home.

Afterward Megan and Brianna walked into the house and Brianna walked over to the living room couch sitting down with a weary sigh.

"I never want to do that again," She said sadly.

Megan placed her hand on Brianna's shoulder. "I don't think anyone does Brianna." Megan replied as the two of them locked eyes for a moment. Megan bit her lip as she broke the eye contact. Brianna was a perfect mix of Bob and Karen... "I-I need to use the bathroom. I'll be back in a little bit okay Brianna."

"Okay Megan, sure." Brianna replied getting the feeling that something was off.

Megan gave Brianna a smile and walked up the stairs heavily.

Wind Whistler looked on thoughtfully and said. "Curious." Without realizing it.

"What's so curious Wind Whistler?" Asked Fizzy.

Wind Whistler shook her head and replied. "It's curious that Megan would go upstairs to use the bathroom rather than use the one down on this floor instead."

Fizzy shrugged. "I don't know Wind Whistler, maybe she just wants a few minutes to herself," Fizzy said as she sat down on the couch with Brianna.

"I suppose so Fizzy." Wind Whistler replied while sitting down as well.

=========================================================
Upstairs...

Megan walked through the hallway to Brianna's room, moving through the door and walked into the bathroom closing the door behind her. After she'd finished using the bathroom she stood in front of the sink looking at herself in the mirror. Megan looked at felt tired, her shoulders were slumped and she could barely look at herself in the mirror.

"I have to be strong for Brianna." She told herself over and over again for what felt like an eternity. Deep inside however Megan knew she couldn't keep it up. "I have to be strong for Brianna," She said aloud trying to convince herself. "I have to be strong for Brianna." She repeated her voice cracking.

Megan's face in the mirror told her a different story as tears began run down her cheeks. "I-I, I have to , I have to, I... have..." Megan couldn't finish her sentence as she broke down into tears and began crying uncontrollably. She slumped to the floor to the floor as her emotional dam finally gave way. She couldn't tell how long she lay there on the bathroom floor crying in front of the still running sink.

=======================================
Downstairs, some time later...

Wind Whistler sat on the couch wearing a disgruntled expression. "It doesn't make any sense." she muttered under her breath.

"Wind Whistler, sweetheart. What's wrong?" Ribbon's concerned voice came breaking though Wind Whistler's thoughtful state.

Wind Whistler looked up at Ribbon. "Megan's behavior mother. It doesn't make any sense." She sighed. "Megan was acting differently than normal. She seemed distant, her shoulders were slumped, and I think her hands might have been shaking. I can't say for sure, but I think that she hasn't been forthright with how much she has been hurting."

Ribbon's gaze shifted across the room to where Brianna was sitting on the couch. She sighed. "If Megan hasn't been entirely honest about her feelings Wind Whistler it's only because she has been trying to spare Brianna from seeing her in a bad state during all of this."

"I do understand that mother, but that doesn't really help Brianna," Wind Whistler said as she stood up and walked over to where Brianna was seated.

Brianna looked up. "What is it Wind Whistler?" She asked.

"Brianna, I believe it would be best of you checked on Megan. She has been up there for a long while and I think she is in more need than she has been letting on."

Brianna's eyes widened in realization and she got up and bolted up the stairs shouting, "Thanks sis!" as she left.

Ribbon looked on and turned to her daughter. "I hope you did the right thing Wind Whistler. I'm not sure that Brianna can handle seeing Megan that way if you're right about this."

"They need each other mother, she can manage. Besides Brianna is more resilient than she realizes." Wind Whistler replied.

================================================

Brianna has stumbled a few times as she raced down the hallway to her room. She just barely managed to get to her room without falling and stopped briefly at the door panting and out of breath. "Darn it." She wheezed. "I need to slow down next time." She chastised herself before standing up straight and entering her room.

"Megan? Megan are you alright?" Brianna called as she walked into the room closing the door behind her. Brianna froze a few feet into her room upon hearing some muffled sobbing through the bathroom door. "Wind Whistler was right. Something was wrong" Brianna told herself while crossing the room and opening the bathroom door.

Megan had no idea how long she'd been on the bathroom crying and was only vaguely aware of the figure that entered the bathroom and turned of the the still running sink. She was still only barely aware when she was pulled into someone's arms and heard a familiar voice addressing and trying to comfort her.

Megan looked at the source of the voice through her tear filled and tried speaking only to be stopped by an index finger being pressed against her lips.

"Oh Megan, I'm so sorry. You said this was hard for you too and I, I." Brianna stopped for a moment to collect herself. "I should have have paid more attention to you this whole time. I'm sorry Megan, I'm just sorry." Brianna said squeezing Megan. Brianna sighed heavily. "I'm here now, j-just let it out Megan." Brianna sniffled a little as she held Megan.

Megan continued to cry while being held by Brianna. Some time later she began to calm down and looked up at Brianna. "Brianna, I-I-I'm sorry," Said Megan.

Brianna shook her head. "No Megan, don't apologize. You don't need to." Brianna sighed. "Come on, let's get up now. The bathroom isn't the best place for this."

"Okay," Megan said as both girls struggled to stand up for a moment before exiting the bathroom and going in the bedroom.

Brianna flopped down on her bed and blew a raspberry. "Come on Megan, join me. Let's just not be apart right now," Brianna said weakly.

Megan looked at Brianna before starting to take off her shoes. "What was that for anyway?" Asked Megan while laying down on the bed next to Brianna.

"I don't know. It's all so messed up and I don't know what to do is all." Brianna replied pulling Megan close. "I just want to be here right now and not worry about anything for a while."

Megan cuddled with Brianna. "Okay Brianna, let's do that." She replied resting her head against Brianna's chest.

The role reversal felt odd to Brianna, in the past it was always Megan taking care of her like this and now it she was the one taking care of Megan. She mused at the change for only a moment longer while both she and Megan gradually fell asleep in each other's arms. Brianna thought she'd noticed an odd glow as she drifted off but paid the matter no mind. There were more important things to concern herself with.

The following years would be a growing time for both girls and their friends as they adjusted to more new changes that lay in store for them.

In the Heat of the Night

Friday night five o' clock p.m. May thirty-first.

Twelve-year-old Brianna Drake sits in front of the vanity in her bedroom with her mother Karen brushing her hair. The task is made difficult by the fact that Brianna is having a hard time sitting still.

"Brianna, I know you're excited for your weekend with Megan but I can't get this done if you don't sit still," said Karen sternly.

Brianna giggled nervously. "Sorry mama, I'm just really excited for our party tonight." Brianna partially deflated. "It does kind of suck that our friends can't make it though. At least I'll be able to spend it with Megan, so there's that."

"Well it's out of your friends' hands I'm afraid. Besides you know they are coming to your anniversary party next week so it's not all bad." Karen replied.

"Yeah, but it's kind of weird that Megan and I have our birthdays just a day apart." Brianna's mother laughed. "What's so funny mama?"

"It's just that it happens more often than you'd think sweetheart." Karen finished by tying the royal purple ribbon in Brianna's hair. "There." Karen stepped back to appraise her work. "Now don't forget your present for Megan, Brianna. And make sure to get downstairs soon too; Ribbon will be taking you there tonight so your father and I can make it to our dinner."

"Okay, Mama. Oh and you and Daddy have fun tonight. It's been a while since you both got any time to yourselves." Brianna replied stood up and retrieved a small box wrapped in red paper.

Karen smiled warmly. "It's just part of life when you're grown up, dear, so don't grow up anytime soon, okay, sweetheart?"

Brianna blushed and looked away. "Oh come on Mama. It's not like Megan and I are getting married yet."

Karen looked at Brianna sternly. "It's the 'yet' part that makes us scared that you're growing up too fast Brianna."

Brianna stuck her tongue out at her mother's remark causing Karen to stick her tongue out at her daughter. The two shared a laugh went downstairs where Ribbon was talking to Bob.

Brianna paused for a moment watching both her father and his coworker. Bob was a tall slender man with short, light brown hair and a habit behaving in a goofy manner. Although her father's outgoing and silly nature frequently caused Brianna to cringe she loved her father all the same. Naturally Bob and Pinkie got along very well given their similar personality types.

Ribbon, a long time family friend however was a more warm and motherly individual know for her caring and patient personality. Ribbon stood shorter than Bob by a few inches and was a striking woman. Her sandy blonde hair had a single streak of red running through it complimented her dark blue skin. Ribbon's green eyes always carried a hint of playful mischief in them.

Brianna smiled. She felt lucky to have such wonderful people in her life. Even if Bob was little more than a great big goofball most of the time.

"Hi,Daddy, hi, Auntie Ribbon." Brianna said brightly before rushing over to hug them.

"Hey Princess, looking good." Bob replied "Did you remember your present for Megan, sweetheart?"

Brianna nodded "I've got it right here, Daddy." She replied holding up the red wrapped box.

Ribbon smiled at Brianna. "So what did you get her Brianna?"

"Well, I got her something she'll like a whole lot Auntie Ribbon. It's a locket." Brianna replied

"Oh? A locket is it? I take it that means that you're really serious about her then?" teased Ribbon.

"Oh, for Heaven's sake, Ribbon. I swear you're you're just trying to get a rise out of me." Karen retorted

Bob laughed. "Settle down dear; it's not an engagement ring. So our little girl isn't growing up that fast."

Karen sighed. "I suppose you're right Bob. I just worry is all."

"Oh it's okay, honey." Bob replied "Though I still can't believe my little girl found true love in a sandbox."

"Daddy!" Brianna squeaked "It's not one of those dumb romantic comedies that keep coming out of Applewood every year."

"No," Karen said. "it's more like a romantic novel and that's why I'm worried."

Ribbon giggled "Oh come now Karen, it's not like our little Brianna has gone and fallen for one of those bad girl types. Megan is the best choice for Brianna. And think about this you'll get to help plan the wedding someday."

"Auntie Ribbon!" Brianna squeaked now blushing.

The three adults shared a laugh as Brianna scowled at them and stuck out her tongue.

Ribbon smiled "Oh come on now sweetheart, we're just having a little fun with you."

Brianna tried to maintain an air of indignation, but couldn't. "Ha, ha, ha very funny." Brianna finally deadpanned. "Anyway how are Wind Whistler and Fizzy doing?"

"They are doing fine Brianna, and so is little Ember." Ribbon replied causing Brianna to squeal.

"Oh Ember is sooo cute!" Brianna squealed again. "I can't wait to babysit for her again!" Brianna said bouncing in place and nearly dropping Megan's present. "Whoa!" She shouted fumbling with the box for a moment before catching it and breathing a sigh of relief. "Woo, that almost sucked."

Bob, Karen, and Ribbon laughed again at Brianna's antics.

"Well princess you'd better get going. You don't want to keep Megan waiting now do you?" said Bob

Brianna hugged her mother and father for a moment. "Of course not daddy. You and mom have fun tonight okay?"

"It's a deal princess." Bob said with a smile.

"See you later daddy." Brianna said heading for the door. "I Love you!" She called over her shoulder.

"We love you too Brianna." Her parents said in unison.

Ribbon smiled "Have a good time tonight you two."

"We will." Karen replied as Ribbon followed Brianna to the door. Karen smiled and looked at her husband of fifteen years. "One day Megan and Brianna are going to get married Bob. I just know it."

"Maybe," Bob said "but I think we'll have to wait and see dear. Anyway let's finish getting ready shall we?"

"Yes we shall dear." Said Karen with a smile.

As Ribbon and Brianna made their way to Ribbon's car they were talking about Brianna's still blossoming relationship with Megan.

"You're very lucky to have found someone at your age Brianna. Normally it's very difficult to find the right kind of person for you." Ribbon smiled "I'm very glad that it is with someone so caring as Megan is. Although I think any of your friends would be a good match for you."

Brianna giggled "Not really auntie Ribbon. Rainbow is way too competitive and sports oriented, Pinkie is way to energetic, and Sunset talks way to far above my head sometimes. Listening to her is kind of like listening to Wind Whistler; I get all confused."

The pair reached the car and Brianna went to open the door but stopped. "Shoot!" she said

"What's wrong Brianna?" asked Ribbon

"I forgot the bag of my clothes and stuff I need for the weekend." Brianna said facepalming.

"Oh you don't need to worry about that Brianna. Your father brought it to me when I got here. He said something about you probably forgetting it if he didn't." Ribbon replied with a smile.

"I don't do it that often." Brianna whined

"No, but you are forgetful at times sweetheart." Ribbon replied with a smile.

"So?" Brianna said with a blush.

"Oh nothing Brianna." Said Ribbon getting into the car.

Brianna got in after her. "So where is it anyway?"

"In the back seat." Ribbon replied as they buckled their seat belts.

"Okay, thanks auntie Ribbon." said Brianna

The pair pulled out of the driveway and began the trip to Megan's family ranch with Ribbon asking Brianna. "Did you remember to tell Megan you were on your way sweetheart?"

Brianna facepalmed. "Geez Louise, what's with me tonight?" She replied pulling out her phone and texting Megan."

Ribbon giggled "You're just excited dear. It happens to all of us, you'll be fine Brianna."

Brianna nodded "Auntie Ribbon?"

"Yes sweetheart?" Ribbon replied

"I do wonder what it would be like if Megan and I were married. Am I thinking to far ahead? I don't want to ruin what we have." Brianna said sounding unsure.

"I would be worried if you didn't Brianna. You and Megan both have that kind of personality and mindset. And it is healthy that you both want the same thing out or your relationship because it means you have a chance of actually making it work in the long run. That said you shouldn't think to much about it at the same time or you'll lose sight of what you have. And you don't want that now do you Brianna?" Ribbon replied

"No." Brianna replied "I just want to stay with Megan, our friends, my family, and you too auntie Ribbon."

Ribbon giggled "One day you'll have a family of your own in addition to all of your friends Brianna. I dare say that's when you'll be happiest knowing you the way I do."

Brianna giggled in response. "I know, but I can wait for it. That's a long time from now."

Ribbon smiled "Your mother would be relieved to hear that Brianna. You are right though, you and Megan have all of the time you need. And when that day comes you'll find it's a lot different then when you and Megan used to put on those play wedding dresses and pretend to be married, it will be much better because it will be real."

Brianna's face reddened and she turned towards the passenger side window causing Ribbon to laugh as they drove on.

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Across Canterlot at the Williams family ranch.

Megan looked at her phone once more and smiled. Brianna's text was simple and sweet as always. It read "Auntie Ribbon is bringing me tonight, see you soon. :heart: " Megan giggled lightly at the message, that was Brianna in a nutshell. She placed her phone on the end table next to the couch she was sitting on and turned to look out the window for the car that would be bringing her girlfriend soon.

"Someone is really eager to see her tonight I see." Said the woman's voice with a laugh.

Megan turned to see her mother Donnamarie standing there and smiled. "Yes mother I am, I have been waiting all week to be able to give her the presents I got for her. She'll love them I just know it." Megan said with a smile.

"Of course she will, you did work really hard to be able to get them for her after all. And we know how much Brianna appreciates that." Donnamarie mother replied smiling.

Megan was about to reply when another voice broke in interrupting her. "Yuck! I can't understand how you can be into all of that girly stuff Megan." Said her brother Danny who was always complaining about how affectionate Megan and Brianna were with each other.

"Danny Williams! What have I told you about teasing Megan and Brianna about their relationship?" Donnamarie said in a strong motherly tone.

The redhead deflated. "You said it wasn't nice and that I shouldn't do it mom." Danny replied

"That's right; would you want one of your friends teasing about your girlfriend?" Said Donnamarie with a stern look.

Danny looked for a moment like he was going to protest, but decided against it when he saw the look he was getting. "No mom." He said dejectedly.

"Good now go and wash up for dinner." Donnamarie said firmly.

"Yes mom." Danny said leaving.

Donnamarie turned to Megan and smiled. "Megan why don't you go ahead and order the pizzas while we're waiting?"

"Sure thing mother; do you want to me to go and check on Molly too?" asked Megan

"No sweetheart, I'll go and check on Molly. You stay here and wait for Brianna, she should be along soon." Donnamarie's smile widened. "Knowing her she'll be so excited that she'll forget something and need you to help her with it."

Megan giggled "Probably, I just hope she doesn't spend to long playing the new game I got her too."

"I'm sure she'll want to spend her time with you more than anything this weekend Megan." Donnamarie said leaving the living room.

Megan smiled at that remark. The thought of spending the full weekend with Brianna which would be one of many with summer coming up was leaving Megan with a warm sensation that she never wanted to end. Megan picked up her phone and ordered the pizzas and turned back to the window to wait. Brianna would arrive soon and she wanted to meet her at the door when she did.

After ten more minutes of waiting Megan saw the headlights of Ribbon's car coming up the road. It had become dark and cloudy rather suddenly in the last twenty minutes and Megan was already planing ways to keep Brianna calm through the night. "She really doesn't like thunder very much." Megan thought to herself as she got up and walked over to the door.

Outside Brianna was getting out of Ribbon's car and opening the back door to retrieve her bag from the back seat. "Okay I've got everything, thanks auntie Ribbon. Have a nice weekend."

Ribbon smiled "Have fun Brianna, and try not to give Danny too hard of a time with how you and Megan are okay sweetheart?"

Brianna giggled "It's not my fault he can't take the heat in the kitchen so to speak. And thanks again auntie."

Ribbon smiled and drove off after Brianna closed the passenger side door. Brianna walked to the door and raised her hand to knock when it opened to reveal Megan standing there. Brianna gasped "Whoa! How did you do that Megan?"

Megan smiled "I was watching for you from the window silly."

Brianna's eyes lit up in realization. "Oh." she replied "Anyway I brought your present with me." Said Brianna handing Megan a red wrapped box.

Megan took the box and leaned in to kiss Brianna. "Thank you Brianna." She said when they separated a few moments later. "So do you have everything you need for this weekend?"

"Eeyup." Brianna replied holding up the bag as she and Megan walked through the door together.

Megan smiled. "Are you sure you didn't forget anything Brianna?"

"Oh come on Megan! Not you too." Brianna whined before unleashing a devastating pout.

Megan just turned to Brianna smiling still. "Come on Brianna, I'm only kidding." Megan pulled Brianna in close and held her. "You know I'm only teasing you because I love you so much."

Brianna harrumphed. "I swear you're as bad as Rainbow or Sunset sometimes Megan."

"Maybe." said Megan "But do either of them ever give you this?" Megan kissed Brianna once again causing her to melt.

"That's not fair, you fight dirty Megan." Brianna said dreamy sigh.

"It's amazing you can still think straight after we kiss Brianna. Come over to the couch with me and we'll cuddle while we're waiting for dinner to get here." Megan said guiding a somewhat unresponsive Brianna to the couch and scooping her up in her arms like a new bride.

"M-M-M-Megan!" Brianna stuttered bushing furiously.

"Now there's my girl." Megan said sitting on the couch while still cradling Brianna. "Let's get these shoes off since you won't need them tonight." Megan said removing Brianna's shoes with one hand and setting them on the floor. "Now that's better. I have you right where I want you Brianna."

Brianna gulped "A-and just what are you planning Megan?" She asked nervously.

"Oh I just want to make the most of our time alone before the party starts is all." Megan replied before leaning in and kissing Brianna again leaving her breathless for a moment. Megan pulled back, smiled and kissed Brianna once more.

As they started to kiss more deeply the sound of a camera going off got their attention. Both girls looked up to see Megan's mom and dad standing there smirking with Megan's mom holding her digital camera.

"Wow girls that was a good one. Just like those romantic movies from back in the forties and fifties." Said Donnamarie laughing.

"I might have to turn a fire-hose on you two someday." Joked her father Marty knowing that these girls were actually quite tame.

"Daddy!" Megan replied "We're not that bad."

The red haired man gave a hearty laugh. "I know that Megan, but I can't help it. The last time I saw anyone so in love it was your mother and I." He said causing his wife to elbow him lightly in the side.

"The point is that we are very happy to see this relationship of yours is off to such a solid start Megan." Donnamarie stated smiling.

Brianna looked up at Megan's parents. "I don't know, I think Lyra and Bon Bon are more lost on each other than we are."

The older couple laughed in reply. "Those two are certainly good together too Brianna." Marty said. "Now why don't we start getting everything set up? Dinner will be here soon and then you girls can have your cake and presents."

"Okay, I'll help too." Brianna said starting to get up before being lifted up by Megan again. "I can walk there myself you know." Brianna deadpanned still blushing.

"I know," Megan said "But I like having you in my arms Brianna."

Brianna buried her face in Megan's shoulder blushing even harder.

"Come on now Megan." Donnamarie said trying and failing to stifle her laughter. "Give the poor girl a break alright?"

"Okay mom." Megan said gently lowering Brianna to the floor.

Brianna smiled as her feet touched the floor. "Okay let's get this done then." Brianna squeaked enthusiastically.

Megan took Brianna's hand and walked with her into the dining room.

Donnamarie looked at her husband. "Our little girl is something else isn't she?"

Marty nodded in agreement smiling. "She somehow brings out the best in those around her alright."

Donnamarie looked at Brianna. "You really don't need to help us set up the table Brianna dear. We can do it and you girls can just have some more time together."

Brianna shook her head. "No, I want to help. I prefer doing something rather than standing aside when I can help."

"Are you sure sweetheart?" Asked Donnamarie.

Megan smiled "It's fine mother. We don't mind really." Megan replied while Brianna nodded in agreement.

"If you're sure girls." she replied

During the set up Molly came into the dining room followed by Danny.

"Brianna!" Molly said happily.

"Well hey there Molly. How have you been?" asked Brianna

"I've been fine. I think my pony and I have a chance in the next jumping contest."

"Oh nice." Brianna replied "I can't wait to see how you'll do Molly."

Molly smiled "I can't wait to see how you'll do at your next archery tournament Brianna."

Danny scoffed "She'll probably miss by a mile."

Brianna replied by shooting Danny with a sharp look that caused Danny to cringe.

"What? I was only kidding." Danny defended lamely.

"Danny." Donnamarie said in a warning tone.

"Okay so it was a bad joke." He said weakly.

Brianna and Megan both rolled their eyes at Danny's antics and went back to helping set up the table. When it was done Megan and Brianna sat and talked while waiting for the pizzas to arrive while Megan's mother took her son aside for a talk.

"Danny how many times do we have to tell you not to tease either Brianna or your sisters like that?" Donnamarie said firmly.

"Oh come on mom." Danny replied "Those two are always getting all of the attention, it's not fair."

"Danny I know it's hard for you being the only boy in a sea of girls; but you've got to recognize what a rare thing Megan and Brianna have. To honestly be so in love at such a young age almost never happens and you should be happy for them." His mother retorted sternly.

"But it's so sappy mom." said Danny

Donnamarie laughed. "Now Danny you can't really be feeling that unappreciated. You help your father all of the time with the repairs that need to be done and your little friend Surprise certainly seems to like what you can make."

"I know mom it's just hard to deal with, that's all." Danny shot back.

"One day you'll have a girlfriend too Danny and you'll start to understand these things. Maybe it'll even turn out to be Surprise who is your girl. You two are sure close enough." His mother said teasing her son a little.

"Bleech, mom! Surprise is my friend that's all." Danny replied while sticking out his tongue.

"Son," Marty said breaking in. "That's what every boy your age says. And then you'll learn the magic of being in love when the time is right."

Danny scrunched up his face in disgust. "Yuck dad, that's just crazy." He said causing both of his parents to laugh.

"One day you'll understand Danny." Donnamarie said standing up. "Now go sit at the table dinner should be here soon."

"Okay mom." Danny replied before going and sitting at the table.

As Danny sat at the table Megan embraced Brianna from behind and listened as Brianna and Molly continued to talk.

"So where are your mom and dad tonight Brianna?" asked Molly

Brianna smiled "They are out tonight Molly. Mom and daddy decided to go out to dinner and a movie and just have some fun tonight."

"That's good." Molly said "They deserve to have fun too."

"Yes they do." Brianna said in agreement.

"Okay everyone the pizzas are here." Donnamarie said reentering the dining room with her husband following her in carrying the pizza boxes.

"Oh nice, I am really hungry right now." Brianna said as her stomach growled.

Megan snickered "Oh Brianna what am I going to do with you?"

Brianna got a devious look on her face for a moment and replied. "Feed me Seymour."

Megan stared at her girlfriend shocked for a moment before everyone herself included dissolved into a fit of laughter with Molly laughing so hard she fell out of the chair she'd been sitting in.

Marty put the pizzas down on the table and helped Molly up. "Are you okay kiddo?"

"I'm fine daddy." Molly replied trying and failing to hide her embarrassment.

"It's okay sweetie, it happens to all of us sometimes." He replied smiling at his daughter.

Molly just gave a nervous smile and blushed.

"Okay everyone let's settle down so we can have dinner and the birthday girls can open their presents." Donnamarie said.

Dinner was a largely uneventful save for Megan and Brianna feeding each other and continuing to be cutesy with each other. After it was done the cake and the singing was next with Megan and Brianna giving each other what they'd worked so hard to get for the other.

"Okay Brianna, here it is." Megan said handing her a small box wrapped in silver paper. "I hope you like it." Megan said with a smile.

"Oh I doubt that will be a problem." Brianna said unwrapping the box and opening it. Inside the box was a silver, heart shaped, locket with a note on a small piece of paper that read. "The memories we make together are the next best part of being with you. Love Megan. Brianna looked at Megan with watery eyes and smiled. "Thank you Megan, thank you so much."

Megan smiled back. "Go ahead and open it Brianna, I'm sure you'll like what's inside."

Brianna opened the locket and found the picture Megan had taken of the two of them on their first date nearly a year ago. They were sitting at a table in Sugarcube Corner with a large chocolate milkshake with two straws in it tn front of them. It had been a very simple lunch date that ended with the shake and the picture. Brianna sniffled "I love it." She said happily. "Will you help me put it on Megan?"

"Sure." Megan said getting up and moving behind Brianna. She opened the lock on the back the the necklace's chain and placed it on Brianna's neck while Brianna held up her long brown hair to keep it out of the way of the necklace. Megan finishing securing the chain around Brianna's neck and stepped back. "I'm glad you're happy with your present Brianna. It took a while for me to figure out what to get for you."

Brianna smiled "Yeah, I love it Megan. Thank you so much."

"Well I do have one more present for you, but I'll give that to you later. I think you
will like this one too." Said Megan smiling.

"Okay now you get to open the one I got for you. I think you'll like it Megan." Brianna said plucking the red wrapped box from the table and handing it to Megan as she sat down.

Megan looked at the red box for a moment before opening the wrapping paper and then the box within. She turned to Brianna with a smile. "I see we were thinking the same thing Brianna."

Brianna blushed "Well I didn't come up with the really sweet note you did, but I do feel the same way." Brianna squeaked eliciting a giggle from Megan.

Megan smiled as she took the red, heart shaped locket from the box and opened it. She saw a copy of the same picture contained within. Megan's smile got a little bigger. "Brianna I don't need a note with sweet words in it to know how you feel about me." She leaned over to Brianna and kissed her cheek. "I can clearly see how you feel, especially with the picture you choose. So will you help me put this on?"

Brianna nodded and repeated the same process that she and Megan had done earlier to secure the locket around Megan's neck. "I'm glad you like it Megan, it took me forever to figure out what I should get you." Brianna said

"It's fine Brianna, I really appreciate the thought." Megan replied bringing a large smile to Brianna's face.

With dinner and the party done Megan and Brianna made their way to Megan's room.

"You didn't have to get me another present Megan." Said Brianna as they walked through the bedroom door.

"I know Brianna, but I know you'll really love this one too." Megan replied as she walked over to her bed and retrieved the gift from a door in the nightstand by her bed. "I still have no idea why you love those movies so much, but I saw this and knew you would love it." Megan handed the game case to Brianna.

Brianna looked at the case and squealed when she read the game's title. "Eeeee! Godzilla Save the Earth! Thank you so much Megan!"

Megan smiled "I knew you'd like it sweetheart. So are you going to start it?" asked Megan

"Actually, I thought I'd take a bath and then we could do something together, like watch a movie or something." Brianna replied while putting the game down with her P.S.2 and the rest of her games and memory cards.

Megan crossed the room and started to untie the ribbon in Brianna's hair. "Do you want me to wash your hair for you Brianna?"

Brianna blushed "If you want to I won't say no. Besides I haven't exactly mastered having hair this long yet."

"Speaking of, why did you let your hair grow this long? I like it, but I also like you with short hair too Brianna."

"Well, it's because I wanted to have longer hair like you do Megan. It looks so nice, and I think, I think it just makes you so beautiful. I kind of wanted to be more pretty like are." Brianna squeaked

Megan giggled "You're beautiful too Brianna. You don't need to ware your hair like mine for that."

"I know, but I want to. And Rarity did say that we look really good together." Brianna laughed "Remember how she was squealing about how cute we are?"

Megan smiled again. "I do remember that. Rarity is something else, always acting like that. I wouldn't trade her for the world though." Said Megan as she finished untieing the ribbon in Brianna's hair.

Brianna's own smile reached Pinkie Pie proportions. "Yeah we have awesome friends, I love them. Even if we do still have to ask Fluttershy to speak up once and a while."

"Quiet and sweet are two of her defining characteristics after all." Megan replied with a laugh.

"They sure are." Brianna giggled heading into the bathroom.

"I'll find a movie for us to watch and get some snacks while you're in the bath." Megan said going over to her D.V.D.s. "now what should we watch?" Megan asked herself.

Brianna turned on the faucet and started the bathwater running as she got undressed and got in. She jumped a little at the temperature and turned down the hot water. She sat back as the tub filled with now warm water and recalled what Ribbon had said to her earlier in the night about her dream of marrying Megan.

Brianna sat in the water lost in thought until the sound of thunder shocked her from her revere. She gave a startled "Eep!" and slipped a little in the bathtub banging her elbow on the side of the tub.

"Brianna are you okay?" Asked Megan while sticking her head in the door.

"My elbow hurts a little, but I'm okay Megan." Brianna replied with a squee.

"Okay I'll be back to wash your hair for you in a bit. And you're sleeping with me tonight." said Megan

"Megan." Brianna whined.

"No arguing Brianna. I don't want you up all night because you can't sleep." Megan said firmly.

"Okay Megan." Said Brianna acquiescing.

"It'll be fine Brianna, I promise. I'll be back in a few minutes." Megan said leaving.

Brianna smiled, even when Megan got firm with her she always felt better. And when Megan touched her either by hugging, holding her hand, or by caressing her as she so often did Brianna would feel a jolt of euphoria and feel so calm and at ease. She didn't understand it, but when Megan showed this kind of affection to her she just felt much better. "It's almost like magic." Brianna said quietly.

"What is like magic?" Megan said reentering the bathroom.

"Oh!" Brianna squeaked "It's just when I think about you holding me or even just my hand that I feel so," Brianna paused searching for the right word. "Different, it feels really amazing you know."

Megan smiled "I think it must feel that way for everyone who's really in love Brianna."

"Maybe, I don't know though." Brianna replied as Megan started to wash her hair. She relaxed and enjoyed the quiet of the moment they shared.

A few minutes later they emerged from the bathroom talking as they made their way to Megan's bed and laid down to watch the movie Megan had picked. It was some sappy animated adventure/romance about a young woman who wanted to become a knight that falls in love with a dragoness during their journeys together. Megan look at Brianna as the end credits rolled watching her sleep and smiling again as she turned off the D.V.D. player and then the t.v. with the remotes.

She placed the devices on the nightstand beside her bed and got Brianna beneath the covers and slid under them to join her. A thunderclap sounded causing Brianna to shift uncomfortably until she felt Megan's warmth beside her. Cuddling up to Megan Brianna let out a small coo as Megan brushed a lock of hair out of her face.

"Goodnight Brianna." Megan whispered softly as she closed her arms around Brianna and snuggled with her. Megan held Brianna as she closed her eyes and fell asleep while a soft, pale pink glow surrounded the two of them.

Manehattan earlier that day

"I said stop it!" she yelled, pushing the older boy away from her friend. Soft Glow sniffled on the ground behind her, clutching the kitten they'd found protectively in her small arms, trying to keep it safe. They'd seen what he did to small animals before.

The older boy laughed. "Aw, the little freak thinks she's so tough!"

Her fingers curled into fists. She hated being called a freak. It wasn't like she'd asked to have weird eyes.

"What's the matter?" the boy continued. "Don't like being called names, freak?" He began chanting the word,
pointing at her and laughing.

Gritting her teeth, she charged him, her hands balled into fists, ready to hit him until he stopped laughing. It was, unfortunately, exactly what he wanted her to do. The boy jumped back from her swing, then grabbed her outstretched arm and pulled, setting her off balance and tripping her to the ground. Once she was down, the boy charged over to Soft Glow and grabbed her by the arm.

"Give it!" he shouted at her, trying to open her arms.

Soft Glow was crying now, trying to wriggle free and keep the kitten but it was quickly becoming clear the boy was going to take it.

She stared furiously at the scene, angrily batting away strands of her blue hair. Her only friend was being hurt and she couldn't do a thing to stop it; he was just too big and strong.

A feeling of helplessness began to overcome her as she got to her feet but just as quickly it was replaced by something else. She could still protect Soft Glow but it would probably mean she'd get really hurt. Almost as quickly again she dismissed the worry; it would be worth it to keep Soft safe. As she charged the bully again, she felt stronger, more confident that no matter how much he hurt her, she'd hurt him just as much.

She didn't know why her hand opened as she got close. Her initial idea had been to punch, but something told her slapping him would work better. "I said," she yelled as her arm swung, "STOP IT!"

Her hand connected and, surprisingly, there wasn't as much resistance to the hit as she thought there would be. Her fingertips, they felt odd, seemed to catch and pull him away from Soft Glow, sending him stumbling a few feet away. She resumed her protective stance over Soft, a feeling of intense power coursing through her. He wouldn't hurt Soft anymore, not while she was there. A satisfied smile began to grow.

Then he turned back to them.

He was holding both his hands up to the cheek she'd hit him on, and blood was pouring out from between his fingers. Deep gashes ran from just below his ear almost to his nose. His face was a mix of confusion, surprise, fear, and pain.

The growing smile immediately disappeared and, through her own shock, she felt something wet on her hand, and she brought it up to look. Bright, fresh blood, a stark contrast to her jet-black skin, was running down from her finger tips, which now were pointy and sharp, like claws.

All the sense of strength and power she'd felt only a second before drained away. Why was her hand like that? She hadn't meant to do that; she just wanted him to leave them alone. Why was there blood?

"MOMMY!"

She was jerked out of her thoughts as the bully screamed and ran away, still clutching his face, blood drops on the pavement marking his retreat. She stared blankly after him, unsure what to do. She turned and looked at Soft Glow, only to find her staring back at her. More pointedly, at her bloody, clawed hand.

"Midnight?"

Author's Note

Thanks again go to Chaotic Ink for the proofreading on yet another story. And the help with ideas for this new work as well.

Also he provided this rather powerful moment at the end of this chapter for his O.C. Midnight Storm.