How Heavy The Downpour

Since the dawn of creation, rain and darkness have covered Equestria. This darkness was not one of malevolence, but rather, one of sorrow. When the pony race was first formed, they were intrigued by this phenomenon. However, as time went on, the lack of light caused a shift in their minds. Many grew weary of the dreariness surrounding them. In the modern day, few remain who care enough to leave their homes. In fact, only seven close companions remain in the small town of Ponyville who still interact with each other on a regular basis. Many regard them as strange because they are commonly seen walking through the soaked streets together, often wearing hoodies depicting heavy metal logos. Their names are Twilight Sparkle, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Spike.

"How are you guys holding up," Twilight asked.

"Same as usual," Rainbow responded.

"Yeah. I hear you."

The crew walked together in a close formation. Their eyes were only half open, indicating the overabundance of melatonin was at work.

"Do you think things will ever get any better, Twi?"

"I wish I could respond with a yes, but chances have always looked slim. I just try to keep a positive attitude about it, ya' know?"

"I can tell. It's just so hard sometimes."

"That's what we have metal for. We're not the only ones who are tired of this."

"I don't really understand," Spike stated, "We know about the water cycle now, so why can't we do anything?"

"If we break that cycle's natural stages, it could disrupt Equestria's resources and overheat the planet, not to mention what it could do to our mental states. All we can do is wait for it to pass, if it ever does," Twilight replied.

The rest of Twilight's companions remained quiet.

"Don't worry guys. Once we're at the library, we can relax for as long as we want. The light will help make us feel a little better."

"Who's turn is it to pick out a record right now," Twilight asked.

"I think it's Pinkie's," Rainbow replied.

"Yep. It's mine."

"I must admit," Rarity stated, "I'm not very fond of most of the screaming, but that one album you played last time was an exception. What did you say it was called, darling?"

"Theories of Despair by Renounced. Actually, I have their other records too. I'm gonna' put in the one they released before that. It's called the melancholy we ache."

"The last one made me sleepy," Fluttershy said softly.

"That was kind of the point," Pinkie responded.

"Why would a metal record make someone feel tired," Twilight inquired.

"Renounced puts a lot of emphasis on melody and emotion during certain points in their albums. Melody is naturally calming, isn't it," Pinkamena asked her knowledgeable friend.

"Yeah, it is."

"We should probably go to sleep while we listen. We need all the energy we can get. Maybe we'll have good dreams while we listen at a low volume."

"That's not a bad idea."

"The leaves on the album cover are as red as our apples on the farm."

"They're autumn leaves. I'm not really sure what kind of trees those are though," Pinkamena mentioned.

"Anyway," Twilight interjected, "We should probably rest up now. Sixteen hours a day is no small amount."

"Right," Rainbow agreed.

"Goodnight, everyone."

"Goodnight," Twilight's friends replied simultaneously.

Pinkamena loaded the album into the CD stereo and turned down the volume. Everyone got their sleeping gear afterwards. Within minutes, they were all out like lights, ready to be embraced by the merciful land of dreams.