Chapters It had been weeks since the Sirens had left the situation in Canterlot High. For weeks, there have been no sign of them. It had been a long time since anyone even heard from them. A search party was set out to look for them. But up until now, there have been no traces or leads on where they could have gone. It was just eventually given up as a ‘dead end’.
The rest of Canterlot High was able to recover quickly. Granted, those who were affected had a major headache from all that brainwashing in the song spells. It was just a minor side effect, but soon faded. Once that was taken care of, they all were working on rebuilding the friendships they damaged during the whole stretch of time.
For the Rainbow Rocks group, they had a while to regain their magic back as well. But the ordeal atleast gave them a chance to reach out to one another to tell them how they really felt. Now, they worked as a team, and not a one leader with several assistants. But this time, they had a new addition to the group. And that new addition, dear reader, was Sunset Shimmer.
The orange girl had gotten really well with the school after the whole show from the Battle of Bands. It was from that way of protecting their school did they forgive her and accepted her as a changed girl. She was happy to finally be accepted and forgiven. She did her best to even help with the group that drew her close. And now that she had her own Pony-Up form like the others, she felt a missing piece of hers from Equestria was put back.
“You know that blue one with high energy?” Rainbow asked one time while they were taking a break from their practice. “What’s up with her?”
“What do you mean, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
“I mean, compared to the others, she’s a little less trouble. She went crazy for the tacos when they were the specials”
“Well, she can’t really be blamed” Pinkie spoke up. Infront of her was a plate of tacos. She opened her mouth like an egg-eating snake would, and engulfed the whole plate in one bite! She chewed for a bit before swallowing it all in one gulp. “They are delicious!”
Everyone all stared at how the pink girl was able to do such a thing. Fluttershy seemed to be more surprised than they were. She thought only snakes were able to perform it. Rarity, on the other hand, was wiping Pinkie’s mouth clean with a napkin, much to her protest.
“Pinkie, dear! Mind your manners, please! This is a school, not your house! And even then, you shouldn’t do that!” the purple-haired girl reprimanded her while trying to get as much sauce off her as possible.
“I think I better just stop talking about those Sirens. They’re long gone anyway” Rainbow spoke up before she took another sip from her drink.
“Still, I don’t think we should really talk bad about them” Fluttershy spoke in almost a whisper.
“Are you kidding me? They turned us against each other! A little bad talk about them won’t hurt”
“I actually agree with Fluttershy here” Sunset nodded. “It’s not really that nice to make fun of people, even if they did the same thing to you before. Let’s not forget: I did worse and you still forgave me”
“Rarity, come on!” Pinkie gently pushed her off. “Aww, I was saving that sauce for later”
“Darling, would you rather smell like tacos all day long?”
She nodded.
The fashionista sighed before she facepalmed. “How were you raised?”
“On a farm, but later on in the bakery!”
Sunset was about to try and regain their attention again when she suddenly sensed a familiar feeling. She tried to shake it off, but it felt so strong. It was as though it was trying to reach out to her.
“Sunset, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked, concerned.
“Yeah, I’m alright, it’s a…” she was cut off by a sudden headache. It was painful. It felt like someone was trying to break into it. She let out a cry of pain.
“Oh my!” Fluttershy cried.
“Sunset?”
The pain seared through her skull. It was like a needle was trying to break its way into it. She swore she heard shrieking all around her. It was as though souls in agony were trying to tear her apart. She caught her breath as soon as the headache left her. She took deep breaths to try and make herself calm down. Soon, the aftermath of the headache left her. She felt lightheaded from all that. It hurt so much.
“Darling, you worried us!”
“What happened?”
“Are you alright?”
Sunset looked up weakly to the last person who spoke up. “I’m fine, Fluttershy. I’m fine. It was just a headache”
“Are you sure? You were screaming”
“I’ll be alright. I’ve had worse” she assured her.
She then glanced over at the window nearby, looking out to the front entrance of Canterlot High. She saw a familiar glow appear all of the sudden on the area of the statue where the portal was. It flashed for a bit before it suddenly let a small blur out. It didn’t look like Twilight, however. It looked more like…
“Oh my” Sunset gaped.
Without warning, she dashed off from the group and down to the halls. She made her way down the stairs to the first floor. Her friends tried to catch up with her, but they soon lost their breath and fell back. Her own lungs were burning, but she had to get down to where the portal was. Finally, she burst through the doors of the front entrance. She paused for a quick breath before she looked up to the figure by the portal.
Having recovered her breath, she ran over to the unconscious figure.
By then, her friends had caught up with her. They were out of breath and panting.
“Sunset…what…is…going…on?” Rainbow breathed out.
They all looked to see that Sunset was kneeling by the statue containing the portal to Equestria. She was holding another person in her arms. They all rushed over to see what the fuss was about. They were quite surprised to see who it was.
It was a boy, right about their age. He had black hair. His eyes were half-lidded as they stared as Sunset for a bit before they closed, but they could tell they were chocolate brown. He wore an orange shirt, blue pants, and red shoes. He looked rather tired as he fell asleep.
“It’s alright. Don’t worry, I got you…” Sunset whispered to him. “…Uni”
Uni…Uni, wake up!
A boy named Uni woke up to the sound of a familiar voice in his head. He slowly opened his eyes to the bright light. His vision blurred for a bit before they readjusted and he could see clearly again. He suddenly found himself on a bed. He looked up to see a familiar face that had always been with him since the day they met.
This figure was triangular in shape. He was color yellow throughout on his triangle form. He had black arms and legs. He wore a black bowtie and top hat. He had one eye.
“Ugh…Bill, what happened?” Uni groaned as he sat up.
“You tell me. We went through that portal and…hang on…what just happened to you?”
Uni looked down as he noticed his hooves were no longer hooves, but hands. He let out a scream from the surprise. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He never had hands before. In fact, he just thought he had grown tentacles on his hooves. He looked down and noticed the change in his hind legs as well. They were now longer. How did this happen? He was about to panic again when Bill snapped him out of it.
“Uni, you must keep it together!”
The boy took a deep breath before sitting up. “What does the rest of me look like?”
“Mostly you, but not you” Bill then noticed something else. “Since when did you change into clothes?”
Uni looked down and noticed that as well. “I have no idea”
“Is everything okay?” a voice rang out.
At the sound of the voice, both looked over to the source when they noticed the door nearby was opening. Uni made a gesture to Bill before the creature hid himself in the boy’s head. Uni then stood defensive, quite afraid of who or what was going to show up.
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Sunset neared the door of where she was keeping the boy she found at the statue. She wondered how he was able to get through the portal without the security of the guards or Princess catching him, but she was more concerned as to how he just fainted. Well, that wasn’t a surprise. The first time when you make contact with the portal always was the worst. She got worried when she heard a scream and she made her way upstairs. The rest of the girls were in her living room, waiting to see what was going on. She told them not to go with her as it may startle the boy so much.
Finally, she opened the door and peeked in gently. She looked over and saw the boy was awake, alright. But he stood rather defensive as he sat on the bed. It was fine that he was awake, what was not was how he was acting towards her.
“Hello, Uni” she spoke gently with a warm smile.
It only made him tilt his head in confusion. “How did you know my name?”
Sunset was quite surprised to hear that. But then again, she didn’t recognize the ponies with their human counterparts here the first time. She sat on the bedside, making him face her.
“It’s me, Sunset, Sunset Shimmer”
Uni looked surprised before he felt at her face, as though for assurance. Sunset giggled a bit when he did this. She remembered he used to do this whenever he was trying to be sure it was her.
“Sunset? I can’t…is that really you?”
She nodded. “Who else would it be?”
Uni smiled as he let happy tears stream down from his face before he pulled in Sunset for a tight hug. Sunset only giggled as she returned it. It had been so long since she last saw him. She didn’t know how he got though the portal with all the security guarding and all that. But she just wanted to enjoy the moment.
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“So, that’s everything you all need to know about each other” Sunset finished giving all the details from each side.
Quite after a reunion with Uni, she had to explain a few things where he was and why he transformed. Pinkie went in the room and kinda scared him a bit. She had some explaining to do. It took some while to help Uni get down the stairs to meet with the others. It took even more strain from the girls to not overwhelm him with so much at once. She then had to explain everything about Uni to them.
Uni was actually Sunset’s childhood friend back in Equestria. Before they met, she explained that his own parents were killed in an accident and was raised by a dragon that found him. By the time he and Sunset were twelve, they first met. She befriended him and he was later on adopted by her parents. They were very close. Also, her past behavior was caused by when her parents forbade her to see him one day and sent him away.
“So that’s why you were so cold to everyone” Rainbow mused.
Sunset nodded. “When Twilight calmed me down with Equestrian magic, I began to miss him”
Uni and Sunset looked at each with a smile.
“So, I guess now is a good time for introductions” Rarity spoke up.
Sunset nodded. “Of course. Uni, these are my friends. Meet Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Girls, meet Uni”
“How’re you’re doing?”
“Howdy”
“Heya!”
“Um, hello”
“Nice to meet you”
Uni waved with a smile.
“So…” Sunset fidgeted on her sleeve. “Um, is anyone hungry or…?”
A low growl came from Rainbow, Applejack, and Uni. They blushed in embarrassment. Sunset giggled as she went for the phone. “I’ll go order some pizza; you guys get to know each other”
They all nodded, Uni waving to her before she left. She waved as well. He then turned around to meet with the others again. They all looked at each other, a bit nervous.
“So…how’s it hanging?”
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“Pizza’s here!” Sunset called to the others as she entered the room, carrying boxes of pizza in her arms. She was a little surprised at what greeted her when she opened the door.
Uni and Rainbow were arm wrestling on the coffee table. Pinkie and Applejack were cheering them on. Though, the farm girl was massaging one arm with the other. From the sidelines, Fluttershy was just watching worriedly while Rarity had little hearts in her eyes as she looked on.
Sunset giggled as she sat beside Fluttershy after the setting the pizzas down. The yellow girl moved a bit to give her some space.
“What’s happening here?” Sunset asked.
“Uni and Applejack were arm wrestling a while ago while you were away. Uni beat Applejack. Then Rainbow challenged him, so, now they are…” she nervously looked at what was going on.
“Applejack looks pretty beat up” she noticed how the farm girl still tended to her arm.
“Uni was so strong, and she kept trying…and then…” she whimpered.
The orange girl sighed before she pat the yellow one’s back to calm her down. Fluttershy always hated violence, even if it were just minor. Her confidence was boosting slowly, but the violence was still one to work with. The worst thing for her was getting a spotlight shone on her when she was performing with the band. But that’s was just the girl she was; always hated when people got hurt.
“And there! I win!” Uni cried triumphantly after pushing Rainbow’s arm down.
The athlete just stared, eyes agape while her hand pulsed red with her blood. She shook it off when it went back to normal. “Rematch!”
Uni smirked when she shouted. He positioned his arm infront of hers again. Pinkie then put their hands together and spoke. “Ready, set, GO!”
And they were off again.
“He’s so muscly…” Rarity purred as she watched Uni. “…and strong…”
Sunset swore she could see the hearts coming out of her head.
Well, things went pretty well. After Rainbow had a seventh round of arm wrestling lost by Uni, she had conceded, but promised she would be back for more soon. They all then settled down for pizza. Sunset had quite a while to teach Uni how to eat it by using his hands. And after much discussion, they all agreed that Uni was to stay at Sunset’s so she could help him get acquainted with the human world. Luckily, she had a guest bedroom all set up for him to stay in. The rest of the group then bade goodbye before returning home.
“If you need anything, my room is just down the hall” Sunset told Uni after helping him get up the stairs and into his room.
“Thank you, Sunset”
“Goodnight, Uni”
“Goodnight, Sunset”
He listened as Sunset’s footsteps grew fainter and fainter, until they were finally gone. He felt a sudden surge of energy in him suddenly break out. Then, Bill Cipher was out of him.
“She’s cute” the creature mused.
Uni blushed slightly from that. “Bill, we discussed this. She’s just a friend!”
“The red on your face says otherwise” he seemed to be smirking. “So, who’s gonna win her in this game of passion? I’d like to see you both runaway together”
“Bill, no”
“Bill, yes”
Everything had gone fine since Uni arrived. He lived with Sunset as she helped him get better acquainted with the human world and even how things worked around here. It took some time for him to get used to walking on two legs like everyone else, but he managed to pull through. He also soon got used to the hands and enjoyed using them when playing video games.
He was soon enrolled in Canterlot High, and stayed close to Sunset. She didn’t mind it much, but she had to teach him some independence and meet new friends. The rest of the girls provided that for him when they weren’t in the same class. Soon enough, he decided to join the PE Club. They were proud to hear that, especially since he was doing well in there.
Uni had gotten used to the rest of the girls, and decided to get to know each of them better by spending some quality time with each. He had to make a plan to meet with them each so that their schedules don’t get interrupted. Then he found it: Five girls, and there are five school days a week. So, a day with each of the girls and the weekend and home time with Sunset would sound fine.
“That sounds like a great plan, Uni!” Sunset spoke with him as they neared the school. “So, who are going to spend the Monday with?”
Uni thought for a bit. “I think Rainbow might seem fine for today. Do you know where she goes?”
“Rainbow, let me think” the orange girl put a face to her head for thinking. “Ah! Right! She’s sometimes hanging out in the PE Club, in the band practice room, or on the field outside the school playing soccer”
“Great! Thanks!”
“I’m proud of you, Uni. You’re doing well” she congratulated him.
Uni spent the day with Rainbow to get to know her better. It was rather fun being around someone who was quite like him. Later that day, he found her coming out of the PE Club after school. She just got out of changing and seemed pretty tired. He decided to probably walk her home.
“Hey Rainbow!” he called to her.
She put away her tiresome to look alright. “Oh hey, Uni, what’s up?”
“You’re about to go home?”
“Yeah, no band practice today, and I’m beat” she took a deep breath.
“Well, I’m going home too. Wanna go together?”
“Oh, sure. Why don’t we go somewhere along the way?”
“Sure”
“Okay then, let’s go”
Uni walked with Rainbow, letting her lead them. They soon came to a café that was just near the neighborhood where their homes were. They took a table and each ordered a drink. Uni decided to start some conversation when the drinks finally came.
“So, what was up back there? You looked pretty worn out” he spoke.
She took a deep breath. “Yeah, no kidding. It’s tough being one of the team managers in PE Club. Sure, you’re leader and you get to be with the best of the best, but the lesser ones in the team give you little respect. While the older ones know their place, the newbies on the team just act like little kids”
She then imitated some things which he assumed were shown by the ‘newbies’ in the club. “‘Where’s my towel?’ ‘Can you wash this for me?’ For goodness sake, I’m your manager, not your mother!” she then took a deep breath before calming down. “Well, I guess it’s not at all that bad. I stay in shape just running around while Spitfire and Soarin’ deal with the other things. How about you, Uni? Are you enjoying the PE Club?”
“Yeah, it’s a lot of fun”
“Oh, that’s good to hear. I thought it might be boring for you, since you’re better than they are. You have your own style, you don’t waste your energy, you know what to do, and I don’t need to worry that much. I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if you get promoted in the team soon. But if you have any problems whatsoever, just ask help from me or any other manager”
“I’ll put that in mind, thank you, Rainbow” Uni smiled at her.
She smiled as well before she noticed the time. “Well, I’ve gotta run. There’s a new show I want to catch. See you around!” she waved before she left the establishment.
________________________________________
The next day…
Uni thought it would be best if he hung out with Pinkie Pie today. The little pink girl was excited about it. Then again, she was always overexcited. It was pretty lively around her. Though, talking was a main issue since she was just too fast. He felt like he was around a child, really. But then, she was just Pinkie Pie. After school, she asked if he could accompany her to an area near the school. He obliged, and she just dragged him there.
“Pinkie, careful! You’re gonna pull me arm right off!” he warned her.
“We’re here!” she chirped as she came to a stop, also halting his movements.
He caught his breath before he took a good look at where they were. It was a bakery, but not the one where she lived in. It looked rather run down and abandoned. That was rather odd. Pinkie was hyper and hated being sad, why would she come down here?
“I come here sometimes with Gummi. This was actually where I first met him” she explained. “I was about seven back then, and my family was rather depressed. I couldn’t smile back then, and my hair wasn’t even poofy like now, it was flat. We never smiled. One day, after school, I was going home when I got tired and took a rest here. That was when I saw him. He was sad and all alone. I thought about bringing him home. That day, I learned how to be happy, and Gummi showed me just how” she giggled at the memory. “He just opens his mouth and shows his toothless gums!”
She then burst out laughing from that. Uni got what she meant by that. Atleast now he knew why she owned a pet alligator with no teeth. She had a rough past before becoming the happy girl she was today. It was nice to see that she didn’t let the past get to her and even blossomed from it.
“Well, let’s stop talking about the past, it’s not nice to get all sad about what happened or scrunchy-faced about what couldn’t be. Time to live in the present. We better go home”
Before Uni could react, he was taken by her hand and dragged along again.
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The next day…
Uni massaged his arm the whole way from home to school that day. Pinkie had dragged him along with her all the way back to Sunset’s and then dashed off after biding goodbye. He had to keep massaging his arm to get it back to its socket. Bill couldn’t stop laughing about it. Now, he was just hoping for some calmness today.
He decided to spend the day with Rarity. She was delighted about it, though he swore he could see the little hearts coming out of her eyes. He decided to take her out for lunch at one of the cafes nearby the school. She said she wanted to try one that she was too afraid to go to due to how she was never there before. He agreed with her. It was noodle house. He was rather surprised at that, but then again, she was always one for fancy stuff.
While they were eating the noodles, she suddenly spoke up. “Psst, darling, please tell me what etiquette there is. Are there any customs I need to follow here?”
He shouldn’t have been that surprised about her question. He just told her one trick that may help her enjoy the food. “Eat your food quickly”
She was a bit taken back, but understood. “I understand. So I should eat the noodles quickly before they expand. Doing so must show appreciation for the chef. Bon appetite! Let’s eat!”
They then both settled down for the meal. Uni found it funny just watching Rarity try with hers. She was trying to eat fast, but also tried to retain her composure as a lady. It was quite the sight. Soon enough, she stopped for a breath and wiped her mouth with a napkin nearby.
“Hmm, the taste is interesting. I thought it would taste strange at first, but as I continued, it had a subtle charm to it. It’s quite delicious” she then called for the wonder of the café. “Pardon me, chef”
Uni then just watched as Rarity began to converse with the owner of the café. If Sunset or Pinkie were here, they would’ve been laughing. Who would’ve known Rarity was as ignorant about something as simple as noodles? It’s literally the cheapest thing a person could eat! He just dug in while she talked with the owner, who was just staring at her. Soon enough, he left to go back to work.
“I’m sorry about that, darling” Rarity turned her attention back to Uni. “Truth be told, I’ve been waiting to try this ramen for a long time. Does that make me strange?”
Uni shook his head. “No, not all”
“Oh, that’s good. I was never able to try this type of food, and I am not used to this type of restaurant. I feel extremely awkward coming here along. I’m so glad you came with me. You’ve taught me so much about this ramen etiquette. Let’s eat here again sometime”
She smiled at Uni as he smiled back. Her eyes were shaped like little hearts again. Uni then looked at his wristwatch that Sunset gave him to tell time.
“Uh, we should get going. We’ll be late for class”
Rarity snapped out of her daze. “Why, of course”
As they left, Uni felt slightly awkward that she was just trialing behind him all lovey-dovey.
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The next day…
Well, that day went pretty well. Rarity was so lovey-dovey yesterday that Uni just chose to ignore it. Though, the rest of the girls knew that it would be a major problem for him in the future. They already had a fit from when she met Trenderhoof and Blueblood, and on just didn’t feel like going back into a fancy dress again with an accent.
Well, today was Thursday, two days more before the weekend. He already hung out with Rainbow, Pinkie, and Rarity. Now, his choices were down to Applejack and Fluttershy. The choice was made today when Applejack invited him to spend the day with her.
It was nice. It felt like being with Rainbow, but she was less proud and very hardworking. She also asked if she could meet him up at the rooftop after school. He did so. She then gave him a small cup of a drink that had a rainbow color.
“It’s a cider mah sister Applebloom made from the Zap apples. Rainbow gave her idea and she wanted to see if they would be better than ordinary apple cider. Mah sis always wanted to try new things. But we never tried it before and this is just a sample” she explained. “Now, I want your honest opinion. How is it?”
Uni took a small sip from the cider uncertainly. It tasted slightly sour, but he tried his best not to be rude. He put on a small smile. “Not bad”
“R-really? Please let me know if there’s anything she can improve on. Ah’ll try to get her to add something like honey to make it sweeter. But Ah know you’ll be honest with me”
Uni smiled at her. “I sure will”
She smiled back before noticing the time. “Ah shoot! It’s getting late. We should be going now”
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The next day…
Uni couldn’t get the sour taste out of his mouth from yesterday. Still, he was glad he bit his tongue so as not to offend Applejack. Today was Friday, last school day of the week. That left his choices down to Fluttershy.
Out of all of them, she was the calmest and quietest. She was very shy and quiet. During the first few days of his presence, she was slightly frightened by him. But when she talked, it was adorable. She had the sweetest little voice he ever heard. It was like listening to angels. In fact, Bill spaced out to avoid it because he thought he was listening to angels. At one point, she let him pet her rabbit Angel. The bunny took a liking to him immediately. She was happy to see it.
Uni liked her company. She had this very kind and gentle vibe. In the midst of a group filled with excitement, she was the balance and calmness in it. Her fears were an issue, but that just emphasized her soul more. She was so fragile and sweet. She was like a little rose in a desert.
He couldn’t help but notice from the other days of the week that she always went home alone. It seemed rather risky, especially for someone with her demeanor. He offered to walk with her home to make sure she was on a safe road. She tried to decline, but just went along with it.
“Um, is it really okay?” she suddenly asked when they neared the door. “I mean…I’m glad you’re willing to b-but…”
Uni knew she was nervous and uncertain so he tried to ease her. “Just relax”
She sighed after a deep breath. “You’re right. I’ve always walked home since the others have their own places to go to. I should try and keep calm more often” she then noticed the clock. “Oh! It’s getting late! Let’s go!”
Uni smiled as he walked with Fluttershy. She wanted him to go home first so that she was sure he was fine. That was very selfless of her, mainly because of how she’s more vulnerable to robbers. He tried to persuade her into letting him walk her home, but she insisted. He had no choice but to go with it.
Along the way, he started some conversation with her and found that she actually had a love for animals, and that was why she sometimes brought them in her backpack to school. But she also had a love for poetry or fables. She confessed that she sometimes read them to her animals when they were at home. That was really sweet.
“You must really love your animals” he mused to her.
She nodded slightly. “They’re so sweet”
He chuckled. They then looked up to see that they were infront of Sunset’s house.
“So, this is it, right?” she spoke gently. “My house is in the other direction”
“How rude of me not to ask” he teased.
She slightly panicked. “D-don’t apologize, please! It’s my fault…I…I didn’t say anything” she then calmed down. “Th-thank you very much for making time for me today, Uni”
“Oh, Fluttershy, it’s been a pleasure” he smiled at her.
She smiled back faintly before looking at the time. “W-well, I’ll go now. Excuse me…”
Uni then watched as she bolted up to the direction of where her house was. She was speedy, really. If Rainbow was here, she would’ve been jealous. He chuckled before he went into his house.
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“I see you’re getting along with the girls pretty well” Sunset spoke with Uni. They were out of the house and at an eatery. They were at an ice cream parlor, and were eating some sundaes. Sunset thought it would be nice to talk about his progress in private. Uni was still not used to being in a group yet so a one-on-one talk was a great step.
“Yeah, they all seem pretty nice” he smiled.
“So, how do you think of them all, individually?”
Uni thought for a bit. “Well, Rainbow’s proud and loyal. Pinkie is bubbly. Applejack is hardworking and loves her sister, and work. Rarity is fancy, and she’s giving me weird looks. Fluttershy, she’s kind and loves animals and poetry”
“Poetry? I didn’t know she was into that” she then thought about Rarity. “What goofy looks do you mean from Rarity?”
“She just stares at me, smiling, and her eyes are so weird. I think I saw little hearts coming out of them”
Sunset blinked before gulping down her sundae. Uni was so oblivious to the danger ahead.
“Does she do that all the time?”
“Eh…sometimes” she remembered what happened with Trenderhoof.
Uni looked at Sunset for a minute before he noticed the weird look on her face. She seemed rather nervous and slightly alarmed, but he didn’t know why. He hated to see her so disturbed and unsettled. He had to snap her out of it.
He smirked. “What’s got your panties in a bunch, sugar?”
Sunset’s eyes widened to the size of pinpricks. “N-NOTHING!” she yelped out.
Her sudden outburst drew the attention of the other customers in the eatery. They all stared at the couple before going back to their own businesses. Sunset turned bright red from embarrassment while Uni laughed his heart out. She covered her face with her hands as she screamed internally. As soon as she recovered, Uni wiped a tear off his eye.
“Sorry, Sunset, I had to snap you out of it”
She took a deep breath before giving a warm smile. “Just don’t say stuff like that again”
Uni chuckled before they settled back into their sundaes. He couldn’t help but stare at sunset. It was nice now that she was back to normal. He felt bad about how he spoke earlier, but he was more concerned about her.
I’m rooting for you
Bill, stop
Uni’s relationships with the girls seemed to be getting more and more serious each day he spent with them. They were all just like acquaintances before, but now they were closing the gaps to growing closer bonds. He learned a lot from and about each and every one of them. They also began to grow close to him as much as they grew close Sunset.
Rainbow was becoming a rival at PE at first, but she began to accept it as competition like Applejack. Uni learned that she also watches over the younger members of the club to help them get better at their practices. It was tough work for her, especially since some of the younger recruits were fans of hers.
Pinkie remained hyper and child-like, but would sometimes grow serious when need be. She and Uni once bumped into a few cats and dogs and just kept thinking about how it was like when she got Gummi. Uni also understood that she bloomed a happy-go-lucky girl from a gloomy family. She also let him come with her to meet the Cake Twins and help with babysitting when Mr. and Mrs. Cake were not around.
Rarity began to come out and try simpler things in her life more often with him. He took her to a fast food restaurant once and she was surprised at the facilities. It was quite funny to see how she didn’t know anything like this before. But then again, this was Rarity. She still looked lovey-dovey around him and just wouldn’t give up. The girls just hid their worries.
Applejack loved her little sister Applebloom very much. She was trying to help her to get better with the baking and cooking of the apple treats the Apple family made. Uni was happy to help by being a taste tester to help find if anything was wrong. Applejack began to appreciate him more because of this. He learned that the best way to be friends with Applejack is care about her beloved sister.
Fluttershy was beginning to open up to Uni now. She began to talk more at ease with him now that there were no other voices to compete with. He learned that she was part of animal shelter group in terms of part-time jobs. He sometimes went with her to meet the dogs. He found it so sweet that she knew they could all find a forever home. He helped her gain her courage to speak more often, even if in large groups.
Sunset held a special place in Uni’s heart. He knew her before he met them and even tried to make up for the time they lost within the many years of separation. Out of all the girls, she was the one he was closest to. He was sometimes protective of her, though she insisted she was strong now.
“Can…you…slow…down…out of breath!” Rainbow panted as she struggled to keep up with Uni.
The boy chuckled before he turned back to her and walked back up to her. She took a while to regain her breath. Once she did, he held her hand to make sure they would be on the same pace. She blushed slightly at the touch.
Uni smirked. “Are you shy?”
She covered her face. “It’s not like that! It’s just…moving too fast?”
“I thought fast was your style”
They both went to the mall today because Rainbow noticed that the younger recruits were heading there instead of the park. She wanted to see what they were up to. Only thing is, she used so much energy in running there that she ran out of breath the time they got there. Uni kept a steady pace and soon ran up ahead when she got tired.
Rainbow snapped back to her senses when one little boy bumped into her from behind. He fell backwards, but Rainbow fell forward. She was in an awkward position now that she looked like she and Uni were hugging. She was extremely flushed now! Uni blushed slightly, but helped her pull away. Rainbow took a bit to recover before she recomposed herself.
“Rumble, you need to be more careful! It won’t matter how fast you are if you don’t know where you’re going!” she reprimanded the boy.
“Sorry, Ms. Dash” he hung his head low as a group of three came up behind him.
“Do you know him?” Uni asked.
“Yeah, he’s one of the kids from the team”
“Uh oh, Rumble’s in trouble!” one of girls teased from the sidelines.
“You all are!” Rainbow yelled in frustration, catching all of their attention. “This is no place to play or practice! It’s okay this time since you only bumped into me, but what if it was a stranger? Now, all of you head down to the park”
“We can’t go there! The sixth graders are playing soccer! They said they would move if we beat them in a race, but we’re two years younger than them! That’s not fair!” another girl whined.
Rainbow thought for a bit before speaking up. “Alright, all of you come with me. Uni, you wouldn’t mind if you came along, right?”
He nodded.
“Great, come on”
Uni walked along Rainbow as she led them all back to Canterlot High. They headed over to the field course. Rainbow then announced that although they weren’t supposed to be here, today was an exception due to the situation these kids were in. She set up some ground rules, and had to be the couch to supervise them all. Uni helped as well to make sure an extra pair of eyes could keep all under supervision.
While the kids were taking a break, Rainbow had a talk with Uni.
“Sorry about that. Once they called me Coach, I just couldn’t resist! Sorry I kept you around for this. But, can you help me train them some time? I may know how to keep them fast, but I can’t keep eyes on all of them at once!”
Uni smiled with a nod. “I’d be happy to help”
Rainbow sighed in relief. “Oh, thank you. I swear, those sixth graders are about to have a word with me and Spitfire once she gets a hold of this! I’m so gonna make them pay!” she then realized she said that infront of Uni. “Sorry I keep dragging you into these things, Uni. You can go now; I’ll be sending them home soon”
________________________________________
The next day…
Uni walked with Pinkie out to get her back to the Cake’s residence. It was yet another fun-filled and lively day. Okay, a little too lively since she just wouldn’t stop playing around. Pinkie had thought about letting Uni meet with the Twins again. As they walked, they passed by a familiar face. It was Cheese Sandwich with someone who looked like his mother.
He was having a chat about something, but he soon ran off. Pinkie could see he was clearly upset so she ran after him. Uni had no choice but to come along with her. They soon found him, and Pinkie did most of the talking. Cheese didn’t seem to be too upset about her presence at first, but it was escalated when he noticed Uni. This went on for a while before Cheese left, leaving Pinkie confused and Uni rather embarrassed.
“I don’t it with Cheese. He’s usually not that angry” she whined. “But now I made his even more angry. What did I do?”
Uni sighed but spoke gently. “He saw me as your boyfriend”
“Well, you are a boy, and you my friend. What does that have to do?”
Uni sighed. Pinkie still didn’t know that concept.
“Oh, it means that other thing, huh?”
He nodded.
“Well, I didn’t mean to make him mad. Oh! I know! I’ll just throw him a forgiveness party tomorrow! That’ll cheer him up!”
He let out another sigh, but smiled as well. With Pinkie Pie, that’s her answer to everything.
“Though, to be honest, Uni, I didn’t know Cheese would be so offended if I did have a boyfriend. And my own feelings to him are a little weird. He has that spark in his eyes and his personality is just like me. Why, people thought he was the male version of me! We even have the same hairstyle!” she suddenly pouted. “But, what is nasty feeling I’m suddenly getting?”
Uni giggled. She didn’t know her own emotions after happy and sad. Well, angry was also around when someone breaks a Pinkie Promise, not that anyone would dare do that.
“Well, I better go; the twins will get cranky if I don’t show up in time for their bedtime story. Bye, Uni!” she waved before she dashed off.
“Bye, Pinkie!”
________________________________________
The next day…
Uni decided to take Rarity out for a movie today. She said she had never been to one before, but now was an opportunity. Uni purchased their tickets and they went in. They were watching some romance movie, much to Rarity’s delight. After that, they exited and went out to chat about how she felt about the experience.
“It was so easy that I never expected it” she commented. “You purchase a ticket and then just go in to see your movie. It may sound strange to you, but have always been eager to experience a film in an actual movie theatre. Even though we sat near the end of the aisle, I don’t think my view was compromised. It was so interesting that so much thought has been put into design and construction of the theatre”
Uni smiled. “I’m glad I could help”
“Thank you, Uni. I have always felt so awkward coming here alone. I don’t think I would normally have this type of conversation, but…”
She paused, somewhat uncertain. “What is it?”
“I didn’t want to bring this up due to how you lived with her, but Sunset seems to be the type of girl who wouldn’t feel inhibited watching a movie all by herself. I shouldn’t be surprised due to her independence before she became a bully in the school. She would seem more suited to riding a motorcycle”
Uni furrowed his brow at that. “A motorcycle?”
“Oh, right, I forgot. A motorcycle is like a bike, but you don’t need to pedal in order to keep it moving. You need gas to make it move. To maneuver it, you need to think it’s like a bike’s hand rails and control its wheels”
“Sounds awesome! We should go for a ride!”
“Together? Just the two of us?” she blushed slightly at that, nearly swooning as hearts came out again. “I feel much better right now. If you don’t have any objections, I’d like to stay here with you for a little while longer”
________________________________________
The next day…
Well, yesterday made Uni feel a little awkward. Rarity just kept on trying to flirt with him, but it didn’t seem to work as he kept just thinking she was just playing with him. Though, he swore she almost swooned when he started back to Sunset’s after walking her home.
Now, he was on the rooftop of Canterlot High with Applejack. She brought him along for another taste testing. He was praying it wouldn’t go as bad. The last time he went, it looked fine, but it tasted so bad even a cat hissed and ran away from the scent! Applejack nearly puked when she tried it, so he was spared.
“Don’t worry; it won’t be like last time. You’ll be able to eat this” Applejack then handed him a slice of apple pie.
It looked rather alright. He took a tentative bite. Surprisingly, it was actually edible. In fact, it was delicious. He found himself taking another bite.
Applejack seemed rather pleased. “Well, how does it taste?”
“She did great job”
“R-really? I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you. Applebloom was practicing for quite some time now. Ah taught her closely until she finally got it right. They’re simple to make, but the amount you need takes some time to get just right. You’ve taught her so much. Thank you, Uni”
“I’m glad I could help”
“So am I. Ah’m just glad she managed to finally get the basic one, though she will be trying to aim for harder ones now” she chuckled. “Anyhow, oh my, it sure is getting late. We better go before Sunset gets worried about ya”
________________________________________
The next day…
Uni was glad things went well with Applejack yesterday. She was very proud of her sister and somewhat also proud that Uni had taught her how to be better and strive as well as accept trying at the basics. He was glad he could help both of them. Applebloom for being humble and Applejack for being supportive.
He was now exiting a sweet shop with Fluttershy. She had to pick some flour up for her mother who was with her. He accompanied her to help her for it. He was also worried about her well-being from the last time they met up when going out. She looked like she was slightly sick after some guy tried to beat her up. He saved her, of course. She made a run for it after thanking him since she suddenly felt like she was coming down with a fever. Come to think of it, she was absent on Monday due to being sick.
As they exited the shop, Fluttershy looked down uncertainly when they stood on the sidewalk. She seemed rather nervous. What should I do? She thought.
Uni decided to start the conversation. “So, how was it?”
She snapped out of her trance. “Huh? Oh! Sorry, I was lost in thought. Remember when you saved me from that guy, Uni?”
“Yes?” she was concerned about her.
“Well, from that day on, my health hasn’t been so great. But I’ll be fine. But…”
“What is it?”
“Well, I guess I could tell you. But, don’t think I’m weird, please?”
“Fluttershy, I’m your friend, you can tell me anything. I won’t judge you”
“Okay, here I go. I…I…I had dreams about you for a few nights, Uni!” she looked down, rather flushed, trying to hide it.
Uni could tell she was feeling scared and frightened about it. He tried to ease her. “It’s probably just a coincidence”
“I thought the same thing. But, I got them nearly every night since you saved me from that guy. This never really happened before. I think my mind felt safe at night when it remembered what happened. I appreciate how nice you’ve been to me, Uni. Thank you so much”
“I’m glad I could help”
“I’ve been starting to regain my confidence more since you helped me up! I still am slightly frightened by attention, but not as much as it was before. As long as it’s nothing so serious, I’ll be fine!”
Uni smiled at Fluttershy. She was doing pretty well now. It was a big relief to know she was also well and would be fine. It was rather touching to hear that she felt she could trust him with her life. He noticed she was getting rather nervous again. When they started for her home, he took her hand.
She blushed slightly at the touch, but allowed it. He chuckled at her behavior. He made sure to walk her home and only then did they part ways.
________________________________________
The next day…
“Well, that’s a big relief to hear about Fluttershy” Sunset spoke to Uni as they walked around. They were having a stroll around the park to get some fresh air and roam around a little. Uni was just telling Sunset how it went with the girls.
“Well, it’s nice to know that her mother went there to watch her when she got sick”
“I still can’t believe she was able to get home after that incident. Is she alright now?”
“Yeah, but I helped her home yesterday for her safety”
“That’s so sweet!” she smiled at him. She then felt at her bag for something when her eyes widened. “On no!”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“My wallet! It’s gone! But…I had it when we left the house…wait a minute! I also bumped into someone at the bus station! Sorry, but I’m gonna go back and look for it”
“I’m going with you” he spoke as she turned to leave.
She was quick to stop him. “No, stay here! It’ll just take a minute. It’ll be okay, so don’t come after me” she assured him before she turned heel and ran to the station nearby.
Uni was unsure about it. Still, he waited for a while for her. A few minutes passed and Sunset had not returned. He was getting worried now. He knew she told him not to, but he went after her. It didn’t take long for him to find that she was surrounded by punks. They outnumbered her, and she was frozen in place. He couldn’t let them hurt her. He felt Bill’s speaking to him again.
You must save her.
I know, Bill. But how? I can fight, but there are three of them!
Your power, Uni. Just a little, of course, but enough to help you.
Uni was uncertain at first, but allowed it. He closed his eyes as he let bill’s power flow into him. He only took enough that he needed. That settled, he went up to fight off the punks. It was verbal at first, but they soon went to physical violence. Luckily, Uni was able to fend them off. They fled when they realized they were no match for him.
He then let Bill remove the power as he calmed down. He then turned his attention back to Sunset, helping her back up. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you”
“What a relief” he sighed.
“Hey, I thought I told you to stay put. You didn’t need to come after me. I found my wallet before I bumped into them”
“You took so long that I got worried. Am I not allowed to worry when my friend could be in trouble?”
She calmed down. “No, you could worry. Sorry, I just wanted to try being independent even if I’m attacked. I guess I can’t”
“Well, there’s no need to get disappointed. I mean, it’s okay to ask for help. That’s how we all learn, right?”
Sunset chuckled. “Yeah, sorry about that. Let’s go”
Uni then took her hand. She flinched at the touch, but relaxed soon after. They then walked, hand in hand. Sunset felt somewhat safe now. Uni felt a faint affection coming from her.
Good move letting me help.
Bill, quiet.
The next few weeks were rousing some tension amongst the girls. Each were seemingly counting the days for their next turn with Uni. They began to develop feelings for him, each for their own causes. Sunset was the only one who wasn’t caught in the crossfire as she hid her feelings well. The other girls didn’t want to talk about it infront of her. Then again, she was also his family in a sense so she couldn’t have a shot with him.
Rainbow was trying because of how Uni was like her and understood her duties as a team manager. Pinkie was open to him and he was quite a match for her personality in showing her how some things she got wrong can be corrected. Rarity was just at it because of her ‘love at first sight’ thing. Applejack was there for how he supported her and her sister. Fluttershy felt safe around him and could trust him, but she didn’t speak as much as the others.
“Uni likes me, so back off!” Rainbow yelled at Applejack. They were in their band practice room, arguing over who Uni loved. Well, there were only four of them now. Fluttershy went out because she was getting them calming drinks while Sunset was working on a project assigned to her to Principal Celestia.
“As if! You’re just jealous because he didn’t go to the movies with you!” Rarity smirked at her reflection in the mirror.
“Oh, hush, you’re just there because he looks good. Ah bet you won’t like if he wasn’t how he was!” Applejack pointed out.
“He helped me with the Cake Twins, and I even called him my boyfriend once!” Pinkie pointed out.
“YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT BOYFRIEND MEANT!” the other four girls yelled simultaneously.
“I brought tea…what’s going on here?” Fluttershy spoke softly as she entered the room with a shuffle of tea and some cups.
“Nothing” Rainbow grumbled as she took a cup and Fluttershy poured some for her. After Rainbow had hers, she turned to the others and gave them each a drink.
“My, Fluttershy, this is very nice, what tea is this?” Rarity asked after taking some sips.
“Elder flower tea. It helps calm the nerves” she spoke gently. She then noticed that her shuffle was running out easily. No surprise with how many cups she poured already. “I’ll go get more”
Rainbow waited until she heard Fluttershy’s footsteps fade away. “Back to our fight?”
Applejack nodded. “Back to the fight”
“Girls, please, why can’t you be more like Fluttershy? She’s just offering us tea even though we’re fighting. She’s not minding it even if she will lose him” Rarity spoke. “You’re such savages”
“Says the girl who pretended to be a farm girl just to impress a writer!”
“He was an impressive writer, and I thought we agreed to never speak of it again!”
________________________________________
“Sorry, I could’ve just given this to you at the Gym, but, it gave me an excuse to see you” Rainbow spoke with Uni. They were at the field of the school again, but under the bleachers. Everyone else was just too distracted and caught up on their own works. Rainbow thought it may be a good time to tell Uni how she felt about him.
“An excuse?” he chuckled.
“N-now you’re making me feel guilty” she cursed herself mentally for stuttering. “Anyhow, remember those kids we couched? The four each wrote something for us. They’re kinda mouthy, but they have their moments…”
“That’s actually true”
She giggled. “You’re so sweet, Uni. Here, this is for you” she then handed him one of kid’s letters. “They told me to give it to you. That’s why I called you up, and that’s my excuse for calling you over under here. It’s a really great place when you want some privacy”
“From what?” he smirked.
She turned from light blue to bright red. “D-don’t make me say it! Quite staring at me! I already know my face is red so don’t point it out!” she then calmed down. “So, you helped me with even Scootaloo so she can push herself to be better. I’m so glad we met”
“I’m glad too”
“Yeah, so…I wanted to say…”
“Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire’s voice suddenly rang out, causing both of them to look at her. She was fuming and angry. “Get your butt over here! There’s too many members and too little of us! You can date your boyfriend later!”
The blue girl sighed before nodding. “I’ll be over there!” she then turned to Uni.
“What were you gonna say?”
The moment was just gone. “Thank you for everything. Now, I have to go before Spitfire takes it out on my laps”
She then ran over back to where the rest of the team was. She let a faint tear slip out of her eye. Maybe she could try again next time.
________________________________________
The next day…
“Pinkie, easy!” Uni yelled as the pink girl dragged him by the arm again. Only this time, he was blindfolded so he had no choice. “My arm’s gonna pop off!”
“Oh, sorry, Uni, but we’re almost there! I can’t slow down now!” she continued to drag him to wherever she was leading him to.
Uni said nothing anymore until she finally stopped in place. She then took off the blindfold and he was quite amazed by what he saw. They were in the Gym room of the school. The entire place was decorated beautifully in party supplies. It looked slightly like how it was when Twilight came for her crown.
“Whoa, nice work, Pinkie. What’s the occasion?”
“Something me and Cheese whipped up. We’re having an Anniversary party for Mr. and Mrs. Cake today! There’s gonna be singing and dancing! The girls are coming along as well. They’ll all be here! They could bring along their pets and families too! Cheese and I were trying to make this the best we can. So, what do you think? ”
“As always Pinkie, you know how to host a party”
“Thank you! Are you coming?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world”
“Oh, yay! Hang on, I wanted to give you something” she then reached down into her pocket and handed him a thank you card. It was very well-done and could last for years due to the mint wrapping. “It’s a little small compared to everything else I’ve done, I know. But I just thought it would be the perfect thing to carry around as a token for our friendship. I used some things from the shop to make sure it would last for a long time”
Uni smiled at it. “It’s beautiful, Pinkie”
“Thank you” she then paused as she gazed into his eyes. “Just, I wanted to say something”
“Yeah?”
“I wanted to say…”
The lights suddenly off. They got surprised and frightened at it. When they turned back on, Pinkie saw someone take a couple of her balloons out of the room.
“Hey! Give them back!” she yelled angrily as she chased after them.
________________________________________
The next day…
Uni just thought it was hilarious seeing Pinkie chase after whoever tried to steal her balloons after turning out the lights. She did get them back, but they were tied to a staircase railing by that time. Whoever was messing with them must’ve been pretty fast because she couldn’t find them anymore.
Today, he was out at the town square with Rarity. She was somewhat better today in keeping herself from flirting with him. They were walking to the fountain today. When they got there, they sat on the bench nearby.
“My sister Sweetie Belle and I used to go here when we were younger. She would sometimes throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish” she spoke.
“Used to?”
“Yes, she began to spend time with me less and less when she met her Crusader friends. But I don’t really mind it so much. She and I still talk since we live together, but we don’t really go out so much anymore”
“I see”
She then suddenly got nervous. “Oh! I almost forgot! I wanted you to have this” she then handed him a gemstone centerpiece. “It’s a centerpiece made of gemstones I made for you. Gems are extremely hard to find, but I managed to have enough to make this just for you. I believe it may be very helpful to you in the future when you ever need something special for a special occasion”
Uni smiled. “It’s beautiful, Rarity”
She blushed. “Oh, thank you, Uni” she then gazed into his eyes, her white skin turning red visibly. “Uni, I…”
It must’ve been a bad week for the girls because at that moment, a bird flew up ahead and decide it would be the perfect time to lay its droppings. Unfortunately, it hit fell directly on Rarity. She shrieked in disgust, drawing attention from the other people nearby. She then excused herself before running off to go find somewhere to wash it off. She told Uni he could leave as she may be a while.
________________________________________
The next day…
Uni was beginning to think that the girls were having some bad luck this week with all that has happened. He managed to get a gift from each of them so far, and he kept them in his room as tokens of their friendship. He was a little worried about how these things kept happening to them, but was just glad they were nothing serious.
Now, he was at the park with Applejack. She took him there so he could meet her little sister in person. It was nice to meet the little girl. She seemed happy to meet him too, thanking him for how she was able to finally pull off something without getting it ruined. She then left to go meet with her friends, but wished a goodluck to Applejack.
“Sorry about mah sis’ behavior. She gets this way nearly every time any of us is with someone else who is the opposite gender” she apologized. “The last time it happened was around Big Mac and Cherillee, and it got pretty awkward. And it happened again when he met a girl named Sugar Belle”
“Hey, it’s alright”
“Thank you”
They then walked and talked for a bit. It was nice to have a quiet stroll in the park and quality time with one another. Applejack mostly thanked Uni for all her had done, and all he had taught this family.
She soon stopped walking and he followed. She then took something out of her pocket. “Ah want you ta have this”
She then handed him a new video game series. “Ah noticed how ya’ll liked video games aside from arm wrestling so Ah went and got you one. This is the latest Ah could find”
Uni smiled at it. “Thank you, Applejack, but you didn’t have to”
“Ah insist. Afterall, it’s the least Ah could do for what you’ve done”
“Well, Applejack, I…” he then smiled gently. “Thank you”
“Aww, shucks, ya’ll are too kind”
Applejack held her breath. She was gonna do it. She wasn’t gonna back down. Taking a deep breath, she was about to speak when a dog nearby ran up to her and knocked her down. It then ran off as fast as it could from the scene. Uni helped Applejack up.
“Oh my goodness, are you okay?”
She nodded, adjusting her cowgirl hat. “Ah’ll be fine. But that mutt was nuts”
“OH, COME ON!” a voice yelled from the bushes across where they were. They looked and three heads immediately fell back down into hiding.
Applejack sighed. “Ah’m gonna go and talk to them. Ya’ll can go now. Trust me; I’ll be having quite a talk”
Uni hesitated, but did as Applejack told him. He watched as she walked over to the bushes before he himself started for home.
________________________________________
On Sunday…
The girls had met up again at the band practice room in Rainbow’s house. They were going to discuss who was the lucky one who got Uni to love them. They made a bet and the bet was whoever gets Uni to love them first gets to keep him. They didn’t say a thing to each other due to how it had to be a surprise. Now, while Sunset was out with Uni for their own bonding, they each arrived.
“Out of all the times she could’ve noticed I was missing, why did she choose that time?” Rainbow groaned, falling back on her chair.
“Ah could’ve told him if that dog didn’t send me flying”
“Whoever turned out the lights and stole my balloons are complete meanies!”
“Atleast none of you got pelted by bird feces”
They all stared at Rarity, who was shivering from the memory. They then went back to moping on about their complete epic fails. It went on for quite a while.
“This has been bad luck for all of us, huh?” Rainbow leaned on her chair.
“Eeyup” Applejack mimicked her brother.
“Wait, has anyone seen Fluttershy?” Pinkie piped up.
“She’s in the kitchen making tea for us again” Rarity smiled, cheering up slightly. “She’s so sweet, trying to help in any way she can”
“It’s a miracle for us that Uni hasn’t tried asking her out” Rainbow sighed. “With kindness like that, we would’ve lost him”
“I’m so sorry I took so long” Fluttershy spoke up as she entered the room with a pot of tea. She had already set the tea cups on the table they were on. “The tea sometimes takes a while before its ready”
“It’s fine, really” Rainbow assured her.
“The sandwiches will be done soon. Once again, thank you, Rainbow, for letting me use the stove and toaster”
“Meh, don’t sweat it. They’re always the best when fresh”
Fluttershy gave a kind smile before she proceeded to start pouring the tea in their cups.
“How do you stay so sweet and kind?”
“I just hate to see my friends fight, no matter how small. By the way, what were you fighting about?”
“It’s nothing” Rainbow assured to make sure she wouldn’t panic.
“Okay”
Rarity then flinched when something caught her eye. “Hang on, darling, where did you get that bracelet?”
The others didn’t notice it at first, but now that Rarity brought it up, they all saw it. On Fluttershy’s left wrist was a bracelet. It had a red band with a pink butterfly on it.
Fluttershy smiled when she saw it. “Oh, Uni gave it to me last Friday”
________________________________________
Last Friday…
“This was the illustration I wanted, remember? I managed to get all three. I’ll admit, it took most of my earnings from when I worked at the shelter, but it was worth it” Fluttershy smiled as she showed Uni the book.
He smiled at her. “I’m happy for you”
“I also got you the latest copy of that series you liked” she handed him the book.
He smiled as he received it. He was so surprised she managed to find it and get it for him. “Thank you, Fluttershy, you’re such a sweetheart”
She turned slightly red. “No problem. I just thought you might like it”
“And I do” he stood up infront of her. She stared into his eyes, nearly losing herself in them. He then checked his watch. “Oh my, it’s getting late”
“W-wait!” she was quick to stop him.
He turned around, concerned for her.
“My mother just called, she said she’ll be home late, I-I’ve heard of some assaults on women in the area lately. I-I don’t want to be here alone. The animals are even at the vet’s office for a check-up…Please…just stay a little longer…”
Uni could tell she was scared, but he also worried about how Sunset would feel. “It’s getting late”
“Please! Just for thirty minutes!” she begged, obviously desperate and scared. “I know I’m being selfish now, unlike you Uni. You’re such a great person and you make those around you happy as well. Please, just grant me this one wish. I’m just scared”
Uni could tell she was. It was true, he heard about those warnings before. And yes, her animals were away at the vet’s. He cared about her, second only to Sunset. He wanted her to know she was gonna be alright and safe. He went up and hugged her. She flinched slightly, but soon relaxed as she returned it.
“You’ll be alright. I won’t let them get you. I’ll always be here when you need me” he whispered soothingly to her.
She smiled happily. She then felt him pull away slightly, before taking out something from his pocket. It was a bracelet with a red band and butterfly centerpiece.
“Here’s a little something to show you that” he told her.
She let her hand out as he slipped it onto her. She felt it was so nice. She felt safe around him. And he was sure to help her when she needed him.
________________________________________
“I’m glad about it” Fluttershy blushed as she viewed the bracelet. The others around her were so surprised, all dropping their jaws to the floor. The caretaker was so love-struck that she didn’t notice. She snapped back to reality when she heard a ting from the kitchen.
“Oh! I’ll go get the sandwiches!” she then left.
They must’ve really not wanted her to know due to how they all waited until her footsteps faded away before they reacted.
“WHAT?!”
The next week was quite a disappointment for some of the girls. They barely acted like themselves since the day that Fluttershy came in with a bracelet from Uni. They pretended to be fine the best they could, but the boy himself knew something was wrong.
Rainbow was pushing herself too much on the field that it sometimes scared the kids. Pinkie wasn’t so enthusiastic as ever, but did her best to hide it. Rarity didn’t feel so awkward going out alone anymore since she barely paid attention. Applejack just hid it well by helping her sister but she just cried on the inside.
Uni himself grew worried about them. He hated to see that they were not acting well. He thought they were sick. Fluttershy was worried too. Sure, she was happy, but she still cared enough to know that her friends weren’t being themselves. Sunset was worried as well when she noticed.
It went on for quite a while until Sunset had arranged a meeting with them. They did their best to come over. She let Uni got out and play at an arcade game station nearby since she didn’t want him to be around when they talked.
“Okay, I suppose you’re wondering why I have gathered you all here today” she called their attention after they all took a seat.
They all nodded.
“Well, in case any of you haven’t noticed, you haven’t been acting like yourselves for the past couple of days. Now, we have tried to settle this and find out why back at school, but it looks like we need to have a one-on-one talk with each of you. I want you to be honest and say whatever is bothering you”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, mom” Rainbow groaned.
Sunset interviewed each of the girls one by one to see how they were acting. It was quite hard just trying to get even the tiniest bit of information out of them. Luckily, she had some help. Since Fluttershy was still normal, she assigned the yellow girl to keep an eye on three girls while she talks to one. She was happy to oblige. She even made tea to try and help calm their nerves, especially since they were in her house.
“Pinkie, come on! Just tell me what’s going on so I can help you!” Sunset whined as the pink girl refused to answer her questions but kept trying to change the topic.
“Well, I’m sorry bit I aint coughing up anything! Make me all you want, I’m not spilling the beans!” she huffed in her chair.
“Pinkie, please! I want to help you! We want to help you, and the rest of the girls! Just tell me what’s going on, please”
“Oh, please, as if the same girl who stole him from me is going to give him up without a fight...”
Sunset perked up at that. “What?”
“Yeah…I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised with her kindness and gentleness, and cute face, but that barely made any sense since if I remember correctly, she was scared of him the first couple of times…”
“Wait, are you talking about Fluttershy?”
“Who else?”
“And who is this boy you’re talking about?” she knew Pinkie had a tendency to slip her tongue without knowing it.
“Uni, and he even gave her a bracelet!”
Sunset was surprised to hear that. She put two and two together from how they were all acting, and finally got it. Uni was closer to Fluttershy than he was now with the others, and they had a crush on him. They were all just jealous.
“Thanks, Pinkie” Sunset thanked the pink girl before she ran off to meet with the rest of the group.
“And then he just gave her a bracelet…” Pinkie rambled on without noticing that the orange girl she was talking to had left to the other room, until she came back to bring her along.
________________________________________
For the past few minutes, Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity just sat in the living room on the couches. Rainbow fell asleep at one point and went on until she was awoken by Rarity, due to ‘being rude’. They were all just hoping that none of them spilled the beans and told Sunset what was going on. It would be a little hard for that in each of their cases. Rainbow does anything if challenged or if her ego was fluffed up. Rarity could lose temper or be flattered. Applejack can’t lie.
“Hey girls, gather around” Sunset called to them as she entered the living room with Pinkie. They all groaned, but got up immediately.
Rainbow then suddenly perked up when she noticed something. “Hang on, where’s Fluttershy?”
“She went back into the kitchen to make more tea” Applejack spoke up. “You were asleep”
“Anyway, I finally found why you were all acting so strange lately”
They all looked nervous suddenly before they began to check on each other. Each had a suspicious look given to the other. They kept saying to each other who didn’t do it and who did, but they all just were stuck. They then eyed the last one who entered the room to be interviewed. Pinkie just shrugged nervously.
Sunset sighed. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is I found this out about all of you: You’re all jealous”
Rainbow blew a raspberry. “Jealous? Me? As if!”
“It’s true. You’re all just jealous of Fluttershy because she seemed to be closer to Uni than the rest of you. You’re jealous because he cared so much about her that it made you feel threatened. And don’t think that I don’t know you each have a thing for him”
All their faces turned a bright shade of red. Rarity then spoke up. “Wouldn’t you feel the same way if somebody you have a crush on is interested in somebody else?”
“That’s not the point! The point is that Uni has made a close connection to Fluttershy…”
“A close connection?! She’s his girlfriend!” Pinkie pointed out.
“Okay, fine! She’s become his girlfriend, and you all didn’t get to have that. But that doesn’t mean that you should let it get to you. Uni can love whoever he loves, and he loves Fluttershy. All you can do now is accept it and move on”
“Easy for you to say”
Sunset mostly regretted what she had said. She herself felt some affection for Uni, but she hid it so much that it wasn’t as obvious as the others. She feared it ruin her own friendship with him. But Sunset knew that Uni would tell him if he ever got a girlfriend due to their old bond. It most likely that he and Fluttershy were just as close as them. But if he did like her, she knew she would have to just support him and hope she enjoys him as much as she could’ve.
“And sandwiches are ready!” a familiar soft voice called out as she entered the room with a plate of sandwiches. “I’m sorry it took so long”
Pinkie marched up and took the plate of sandwiches from her hands, taking one and eating it in one bite before throwing the rest. Rarity was quick to catch it, reprimanding the pink girl for being so rude.
Fluttershy immediately felt frightened. “Oh, I’m sorry if you didn’t like cucumber, Pinkie. That’s okay; I’ll go and see if I have some cookies…”
She turned to leave again when the pink girl stopped her. “Oh no, don’t think you’re fooling me this time”
“Um, I’m sorry?” she was confused.
“You should be sorry!”
“Pinkie, stop” Sunset tried.
“Don’t think you can get away this time, Animal girl. I know what you did”
“Um, what?” she was getting really scared now.
“Stop pretending to be innocent! I know you what you did! It wasn’t that hard to find out!”
“Pinkie, what are you saying?” Sunset and the others were now getting confused.
“We could’ve gotten a chance to tell Uni how we felt, if she didn’t call in her little friends from the shelter to stop it!” she then pulled out a camera from her hair. “And I got it all right here!”
________________________________________
“Soarin, get a hold of your brother!” Spitfire ordered the boy. She was having a hard time just keeping all of the younger members under control. Apparently, someone mixed up the drinks between the energy drinks for the older member and the vitamin water for the younger ones. Now, there were hyperactive kids everywhere.
“I’m trying! They’re all so fast on their feet!”
“Ditzy, keep them on the bench! I need all hands on deck! Where’s Rainbow Dash?!”
The rest of the crew was already getting scared from how angry their main Captain was getting. If this kept up, they were surely going to be an outlet for her anger later on.
Spitfire then felt something tug on her pants. She looked down and saw a dog tugging on her. She tried to get it off, but to no avail. It bit hard, as though trying to pull her along with it. It soon let go, but she watched as it looked at something under the bleachers nearby. She went over to see what it was and saw Rainbow Dash with Uni.
“Rainbow Dash!” she called to her, causing both of them to look at her. “Get your butt over here! There’s too many members and too little of us! You can date your boyfriend later!”
The blue girl sighed before nodding. “I’ll be over there!”
As Spitfire left to head back to the team, the dog left as well in the opposite direction. It headed back to the gates of the field and to a yellow girl with a backpack.
“Did you do it?” she asked.
The dog barked with a smile.
“Good boy. Thank you, Jack” Fluttershy pet him before giving him a few doggy biscuits.
________________________________________
Screams were heard inside the Gym room when the lights turned off. In the darkness, a small figure ran around, grabbing balloons in its mouth before making a fast sprint to the door. It then turned the lights back on before sprinting again.
“Here, Venus, come here” Fluttershy called to it as it ran up to her by the staircase. She caught the kitten as it jumped into her arms. She then took the balloons out of her mouth before tying them to the rail of the staircase and running off before she herself got caught.
“Thank you, Venus. There’s extra cream for you tonight”
“Meow!” the kitten purred happily in response.
________________________________________
Fluttershy held her finger out as a bird flew back to her. She had watched the whole thing go down at the fountain and was rather ashamed about that.
“Did you have to poop on her, Cody?”
The bird just tweeted in response.
“Oh well. A promise is a promise, here you go” she then handed him a handful of sunflower seeds and nuts as they went to the viewing area.
________________________________________
Fluttershy readied one of the dogs of the rescue she was assigned to. By chance she spotted Applejack and Uni and knew she was about to confess too. She positioned the dog towards Applejack.
“Okay, Sparky, I know you’re not supposed to do this, but please just this once. Please?” she begged the dog.
The dog barked, wagging its tail before dipping its head in preparation. Fluttershy guessed it meant yes. She then let her go when the time was perfect, covering her eyes when Applejack got knocked down. Sparky then ran around for a bit before returning.
Fluttershy pet her head. “Thank you, Sparky. I got these for you”
She then handed the dog a handful of treats, which was eaten.
________________________________________
“How do you even know where she was going to be?” Rainbow asked, surprised at the footage that was all played.
“I just had a feeling, called Pinkie Sense”
Sunset’s jaw nearly dropped. “Fluttershy, is this true?”
The yellow girl looked rather frightened. The look of someone caught in the act was right on her face. She fidgeted with the bracelet as she backed into a corner.
“Admit it: Guilty is written all over your face”
The scared girl then looked down before she closed her eyes. At first, Sunset thought she was about to cry or something from the pressure of being accused, but she didn’t. Something in the corner of her eye was caught. The bracelet on the caretaker’s hand began to glow a scarlet red on the band with the butterfly turning blue as she fidgeted with it. Then, the wearer herself slowly opened her eyes, revealing they had now also turned a scarlet red from their natural cerulean.
“What the?!”
They didn’t get to react when a huge spark of light suddenly arrived in the room. They all covered their eyes to avoid the brightness. Only when it was gone did they re-open them. They were surprised to see who it was.
It was Uni, and he was surrounded by a scarlet red glow. A cold blue glow was emitting from his hands. His eyes turned bright blue as well to suit it.
“Master” Fluttershy spoke up, her voice gone monotone. “They found me out”
“Wait, Master?!” Sunset was frightened as much as the others.
“I’m sorry”
“It’s okay, you did your best” Uni spoke to her, his voice gone deep.
Author's Note
Sometimes we surprise ourselves, or rather...each other!
Fear. That was all Sunset could feel when she saw what she was seeing now: Fear. Her eyes widened to the size of pinpricks. Her heart beat fast as adrenaline coursed in. She could tell the others were also feeling it too.
She knew something was wrong, but she didn’t expect it to be something like this. Sure, Uni had some tendencies to act a little off, but she just assumed that was just how he was. She didn’t expect that she would see him using Equestrian magic like this, and controlling Fluttershy nonetheless. How did this even happen?
“Come here to me, Fluttershy” Uni commanded the yellow girl.
She quickly obliged by making her way to him. She was as emotionless as Maud was, her face deprived of any emotion whatsoever.
“What did you do to her?” Rainbow demanded as she got back up on her feet.
“Oh, nothing. I just had a little chat, and well, that was when she starting talking”
He then put a hand on Fluttershy’s head, causing her eyes to turn white before he lifted his free hand to show a memory to them all.
________________________________________
A few weeks ago…
“I’m so happy that Angel likes you” Fluttershy smiled as she watched Uni pet her bunny. Said bunny was nuzzling him affectionately. They were outside on the field area, just by the bleachers.
“I’m happy too. He’s adorable”
“Why, thank you”
Uni then spoke up as she continued to pet the rabbit. “Hey, Fluttershy, can I ask you something?”
“Of course”
“Why were so scared of me when we first met? You were so frightened easily, even when I just greeted the others”
Fluttershy looked down, uncertain and slightly alarmed. Uni let Angel down and he returned to his owner’s backpack. He then walked up and faced the shy girl.
“Come on, you can tell me. I won’t judge”
The shy girl took a deep breath before speaking. “I was always shy when I first meet a new person. But when I met you, I felt some other type of fear. Something kept telling me that something was not right, and something was going to happen”
Uni looked rather surprised at her.
“But, as I got to know you better, I put those things aside. You’re kind, funny, fun-loving, and you care about those close to you. I wonder why I got that impression in the first place”
Uni still looked rather surprised at Fluttershy, but put it away and smiled at her. He then placed a hand on her head as though she were a child. She looked at him, confused.
“You yourself are very sweet, Fluttershy”
She smiled at him, slightly covering her face from the compliment. He then looked rather alarmed before he excused himself for a minute. He then ran under the bleachers. She waited for him patiently to return. She soon heard some distressing noises coming from where he went. She resisted to go at first, but soon went. She had to know if he was alright. She found him, but she was surprised by what she saw.
Uni was talking to some creature. This figure floated infront of him, speaking with him. It had a blue glow in their hands, though Uni himself was also surrounded by a scarlet glow in the rest of his body.
Uni was somehow levitating an old bench with a scarlet red glow before it suddenly fizzled and dropped to the ground with a thud.
“Your own magic is running low. There’s no time to lose. We must pink one of them as a source to use before we can pull through with our plan” the creature spoke to Uni.
“Yeah, but which one? And don’t say Sunset, Bill”
“The rainbow one seems rather powerful and speedy. But that pink one seems to defy the laws of physics; I haven’t seen anything like her since Gravity Falls. The one with the purple hair is too easy to convince, but not enough magic. The farm one? She’s a no. That one you were just talking to however…”
Fluttershy was frightened by what she was hearing. Uni, and this Bill he was talking to, were planning something against her and her friends? Was everything he did and said just an act? And he was even planning on using one of them for power? What does that mean?
She turned away to make a run for it when she was suddenly enveloped in an aura of scarlet. She flailed around in a desperate attempt to escape, but it was all in vain as she was lifted in the air and levitated to where Uni and the figure were.
“Well, looks like the decision was made for us” Bill seemed to speak.
“Fluttershy, you saw all that, didn’t you?” Uni spoke as he approached her calmly. To her, it was almost eerily calm.
“Uni, what’s going on? Who’s this?” she squeaked out.
“This, dear Fluttershy, is my friend Bill Cipher, but I call him Bill. We were just discussing some plans before we found a certain someone was just eavesdropping nearby”
The yellow girl was already frightened by all that, even though the magical grip on her was gone. She was shaking from fear. She glanced at the creature, before he flew infront of her. It made her cringe and scream from surprise. Bill laughed at her cowardice. Uni reprimanded him before turning his attention back to her.
Bill then floated over to Fluttershy before he suddenly flinched when he felt her forehead. “She has what we need”
Uni nodded. “Fluttershy, relax. I’m prepared to offer you a deal”
“A d-deal?”
“Yes. Bill and I need some help and it looks like you’re the closest one we could find who could provide what we need. So, you help us and in turn, we make sure you are safe and unharmed”
“But, what about the others?”
Bill seemed to glare at her.
“They’ll be fine” Uni told her.
Fluttershy shuddered. He was going to use her to aid in some sick plot with her and the girls. She could tell this would be terrifying indeed. Still, it looked like she had no choice. He just told her that they would all be alright, though she had her doubts.
“Now, do we have a deal?” Uni then held out his hand to her, which was now glowing a bright blue.
She hesitated for a bit before she gulped. She then shakily took his hand, and shook.
“Good”
Before she could react, a scarlet glow enveloped her. She didn’t want to break the deal so she stood still. If it meant some safety for her friends, she had to do it. She had to be brave if it meant even the slightest bit of safety for them all. It was starting to hurt her in the head. It felt like someone was breaking a sharp needle into it. She let out a whimper, but resisted fighting back.
“Shh, it’s okay, it will be over in a sec” Uni assured her.
She bit her lip as she shut her eyes tightly. But soon enough, those words seemed to have calmed her down. The magic then relaxed her. It soon died down. She then reopened her eyes, revealing they had turned a scarlet red than their normal cerulean.
“There, that didn’t hurt a bit, did it?” Bill spoke.
Uni took a deep breath. “Forget what you saw here. I’ll call when you’re needed”
“Understood, Master” she spoke in monotone. She then turned and went back to where she was standing before. After that, she forgot what she saw; only knowing she was going to be alright.
________________________________________
Uni then took his hand off her head, returning her eyes back to the scarlet they were in. Bill then came out of Uni. “She was one brave little girl since she took the pain even though it would hurt. You should’ve listened when she felt something. Too bad you only did when it was too late”
“As for how close we were, it wasn’t entirely an illusion. I just took away the memory of what she saw. She only ever went this way when I called her up for when Bill and I needed her. About how she acted to make sure you girls wouldn’t confess, I had her do that. I couldn’t bear the thought of breaking your hearts, so I had her stop them. As for the bracelet, it deepens the influence we have over her. Still, I actually enjoyed her company”
Bill put his arm on Fluttershy’s shoulder, absorbing some of her Equestrian magic. “She’s so powerful, it’s a miracle she hasn’t used them for anything so great. Though, we were kinda expecting you to notice from how she acted like a slave these past few weeks. But I guess some people just see her as a common minion!”
Nearly everyone just stared at Rarity because of that. She chuckled nervously before shrugging. “I thought she was just being kind?”
Bill laughed as he felt her magic course into him. He then stopped for a sec. “Hey, Uni, can you get our pet here to fetch some snacks?”
Uni sighed. “Fluttershy, go get snacks”
The yellow girl nodded as she made her way out of the room.
“But, why did you have to take Fluttershy even if you could just erase her memory?” Rainbow asked, still frozen.
“Well, there was another reason other than how she found us out. When Bill felt her forehead, he felt a surge of Equestrian magic coursing through her veins. It was stronger than the amount he felt from either one of you, except for Sunset”
“It felt like she actually made contact with an artifact of Equestrian magic itself. A very powerful one, indeed due to how much that I could feel. It’s even amazing how she could withstand that much despite her weak form. I just wonder: What object did she make contact with?”
Sunset thought for a bit. Fluttershy had the same amount of Equestrian magic as her? But how? She thought back to when the girl first made contact with anything related to it. And then it hit her.
“Twilight’s crown!” she remembered. “An Element of Harmony hit her on the head!”
“But, it was just a slight touch, wasn’t it?” Rarity asked. “How could that have happened if it was just a faint touch?”
“You humans are susceptible to many things. Equestrian magic is very strange and powerful, but even a slight touch can allow it to seep in to your body upon first contact” Bill explained. “And the Elements of Harmony are extremely powerful indeed, the strongest being the Element of Magic”
“Aww! No fair!” Pinkie whined. “How come she gets all the magic?”
“I could’ve been able to do cooler stuff with all that!” Rainbow boasted.
“You’re just going to cheat in soccer, Sugarcube”
“Girls, please stop making a fuss about such a little thing! Although, I wonder how she hid it for so long”
“Girls, this is not a good time to talk about what you could’ve done if you were hit in the head with a crown filled with magic!” Sunset tried to get their attention.
They kept on rambling on and on about it. Sunset was trying her best to get them to stop. Uni just watched, rather confused as to why they were just quarreling over it. Fluttershy just stood emotionless and bored. Bill, however, was getting annoyed.
“ENOUGH!” Bill yelled, freezing all of them in a blue aura. They were unable to move, just stuck. Uni made a gesture to Bill, prompting the creature to unfreeze Sunset.
“Are you okay?” he fretted over to her as he helped her stand.
“Am I okay?! That’s all you can say?!” she yelled at him.
“Sunset, calm down” he tried.
“Calm down?! How can I clam down with everything going on here?! You’ve just brainwashed Fluttershy, captured me and my friends, and now you’re going to do something bad with that thing over there!”
“It’s not like you wouldn’t have done the same thing” Bill spoke up.
Sunset was taken aback by that. Sure, she was a bully herself once, but that was all in the past now. She was a changed girl, and these very girls around her were the ones she had to thank for. She had to save them as much as they saved her.
“I’m not that girl anymore!”
“But you were once!”
“Bill, stop”
Sunset then looked at bill more closely. Something about him seemed rather familiar to her. She tried to pull hard to remember why. Finally, she found it. It came along with several other she knew too fondly, but she got it. It was one memory long forgotten and hidden into the deepest parts of her subconscious, but now it saw the light.
“You made me that way!”
Sunset Shimmer roamed the nearby forest to get some fresh air into her lungs. She wanted to play around for a while before she went home. Her parents let her be on the condition she didn’t stray too far and come back in a few minutes.
She knew she could’ve just gone and played with the other fillies and colts, but she wasn’t the type to be social. She spent most of her time indoors, reading books and practicing her magic. Overtime, she grew strong with such power. She was smart, but she lacked friends.
A small snap nearby drew her attention. The young filly crept over to where it came from. She was surprised to see what she had found.
It was a Unicorn colt, just about her age. He had a black mane and tail. His skin was orange and his eyes were chocolate brown. He didn’t have a cutie mark. He seemed to be rather bruised up and hurt.
For a moment, Sunset watched as the colt looked around his surroundings. He seemed to be rather confused and waiting for something. His ears then perked up as he walked around further. He then started to make his way over to where Sunset was. She hid under the bush. But watched, rather intrigued. He kept making his way over to her before they were literally face-to-face.
At first, she was expecting some violent reaction or something. But she was surprised when he raised his little hooves and felt at her face, as though looking for something. She just let him.
“You’re…just like me” the colt finally spoke, a small smile growing on his face.
She was feeling rather awkward, but shook it off she gave a small smile of her own. “Yeah, I guess I am”
“I knew I wasn’t the only one!” he laughed.
Sunset giggled at him. “I’m Sunset Shimmer, what’s your name?”
“My name is Uni”
“Oh, nice to meet you, Uni”
________________________________________
Sunset began to meet up with Uni in the forest almost every time she was let out to play. Her parents were happy to hear she made a new friend, but were curious as to why they lived in the forest. Sunset and Uni played most of the time. Sunset talked about her life with her family while Uni talked about life with dragons.
She found that Uni once lived with ponies before as he was one himself, but his parents were killed in an accident and he found by a dragon that found him, took him in, and raised him as their own. The only downside was that he never made any real friends since he lived with another species.
Uni soon learned to use magic himself. It took some strain and practice, but he soon was finally able to do it. He was surprised he was able to use it. Sunset was happy to see how he was when he realized he could use magic afterall.
One day, Sunset came to play with Uni again, but she was surprised at what she saw. Uni was crying as he lay beside a giant dragon, which was fatally injured. They were around fifteen feet high and ten feet tall. They had red and black scales as well as enormous wings. It had scars and cuts all over its body, and was badly burnt as well.
When Uni saw Sunset, he began to sob more. Sunset could only guess that this dragon was the one that adopted Uni. She went over and checked the dragon to see if there was anything she could do. But the wounds proved fatal and it would die in any second.
The dragon then saw Sunset and smiled at her. “You…must be Sunset…”
She was slightly afraid, but she nodded.
“Uni…told me…you were…nice…”
“Mom, please…please don’t die” Uni sobbed as he hugged the dragon by the arm.
“It’s alright, my child…you’ll…be alright…”
The dragon then looked back at Sunset, moving its other arm weakly to her. She then pulled her gently as she joined the hooves of Uni and Sunset together.
“Take care of him for me…okay?”
She tearfully nodded, feeling both the sorrow and pain of both Uni and this dragon. She watched on, as the female dragon took her last breath and closed her eyes forever. Uni then sobbed as he cried even louder now that his own mother was gone. Sunset did her best to try and comfort him as she kept herself from crying as well.
Where do I go from here?
________________________________________
Sunset took a while to help Uni bury his mother among the Dragon Lands. He mourned for a long time. But Sunset knew he was too young to live alone. She brought him over to her own family and she had to explain everything. They decided to adopt Uni so he could have a family to live with.
He took a while to mourn before he started acting like himself again. He was found to be a very fun-loving colt for his age. Sunset enjoyed his company as he began to adapt to life amongst ponies again.
One day, Sunset was sent to Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. She had to pass an entrance exam, but she did it with flying colors. Uni came along too, with the same results. It wasn’t that much of a surprise due to how it was Sunset who taught Uni to use his magic. He took small steps, but he was soon in sync with her own magic. Celestia was even so amazed at their gift and advancement that she had made them her very own personal protégés at the school. Their parents were proud of them, and they were happy to be going together.
They mostly kept to each other, always staying together. When it came to group works, they worked together. In individual tasks, they checked each other. It helped a lot. They were the talk of the school due to how they seem to always be in sync with each other. In fact, other students thought that they were twins, despite the difference in looks.
At one point, Sunset noticed that Uni had this tendency to go into the woods alone. At first, she thought that he was probably just visiting his dragon mother and let it be. But soon enough, he went more frequently, and he started coming home later and later and later.
Sunset sometimes asked Uni what he was doing out there, but all he would say is that he was ‘talking with his new friend’. She didn’t mind it as it was a healthy sign, but she grew lonely as he soon stopped playing with her. In fact, he started to gain an attitude for any bullies who hurt them at school. It was fine at first, but it soon grew violent. He then started to be rather hostile to almost everyone else. The only exception was Sunset. Their parents grew worried as well due to his changes.
Sunset grew more and more worried about Uni with each passing day as he grew up with attitude. She soon followed him into the forest one time to see just what was going on. The path was the same as the one going to where they buried the dragon mother, but it strayed at the last meter. She followed closely and was surprised at what she saw.
Uni stood infront of a huge figure. This figure was triangular in shape. He was color yellow throughout on his triangle form. He had black arms and legs. He wore a black bowtie and top hat. He had one eye.
“How was school today?” the creature asked.
“It was fine, I guess. Some kids were giving us the look again and scurried off, such cowards” Uni spoke with a grimace.
“I see, and your little Sun friend?”
“She’s been great”
“Good to know, and how’s your power?”
Uni looked around for something to practice on. He then rested his eyes on a dead log that would be heavy to fillies and colts that carried it. He then started to rest his magic on it. Sunset knew the color of his magic was scarlet red, but this time, it turned cold blue. He then caused the log to stand up, and then retake root in the soil, before becoming an alive tree again.
The figure clapped. “Getting better each day”
“Yeah, and the white Alicorn Celestia? She hasn’t even seen half of what I can do. I just wish I could do the same thing to Sunset. She and I would be powerful and unbeatable if we worked together”
Bill seemed to stay silent for a bit before he finally spoke up. “What do you wish to be when you grow up?”
“I want to be great and powerful, and have Sunset by my side, with the same power as me!”
“Well, you can see right now, Uni, that you are both just so young. This wish you want, it’s too hard for even me to grant as your current age. It takes a lot of skill and practice. But if you strive hard enough, one day, you will get her to join you. And your vision will come true”
Uni smiled as he hugged Bill. “As always, you know just how to make me feel better, Bill”
“Why, of course”
Sunset flinched at what she saw seeing. So that was how Uni was changing. This Bill character was what was causing him to be so hostile. She had to get away before she could be spotted. Unfortunately, she stepped on a twig.
Uni and Bill looked at her direction, but she ducked just in time. “Who’s there?”
She couldn’t hide anymore as she bolt for it. They tried to catch up with as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She did her best to dodge anything that would cause her to trip and fall as well as keep running. Her lungs were burning, and her legs ached, but she had to get away.
She soon neared the clearing which would lead back to where her parents were, but she was caught in a scarlet red aura and levitated up in the air. She flailed around in a desperate attempt to escape, but it was all in vain. She was soon brought to face the creature called Bill Cipher.
“I see your little friend here actually followed you” he spoke.
“Sunset, you were spying on me?” Uni asked.
“Well…” she played around with her hooves for a bit. “I worried about you”
“Bill, let her go, please”
“I’m sorry about this, Uni, but it must be done” Bill spoke up. He then faced Sunset as he enveloped her in a scarlet red glow. She struggled against it, but to no avail. The magic soon reached her own mind.
Uni watched for a bit, trying his best to not get scared, but Sunset soon fell into deep sleep from the magic. He then called out. “Bill, stop! Can’t there be an alternative to this? I don’t want her to get hurt!”
Bill looked at him, before speaking for a bit. “Very well. I’ll let here live, but she’ll lose memory of what she saw back here. She’ll gain some of your own attitude in the process, but she’ll be alive nonetheless. Do we have a deal?”
Bill’s hand glowed blue as he reached it out to Uni. The colt thought for a bit before nodding as he shook hands with him. Bill then continued on to Sunset. He reached into her mind and altered her attitude slightly. He took away the memory of what she saw today. He then put her back down, still unconscious.
“She’ll awake in a while”
“Thank you, Bill”
Bill then turned into mist as he reentered Uni via the mind. Uni himself then used his strength to carry Sunset back home.
Sunset hadn’t been the same since the incident in the woods. She gained some hostility towards others, even worse than Uni’s really, if we’re being completely honest. She was strong as ever in her magic. Celestia began to grow concerned when she noticed the changes in both protégés.
One day, Sunset’s parents had decided Uni could be the influence of why their daughter was acting up. They had Uni sent away to an orphanage for his own good. They had no choice but to forbid the filly from seeing him as well.
Sunset flinched as the final memory came back into her mind. It was hard just absorbing them all at once, but she finally got them all. The blue flame of Bill’s final hold on her dissipated like smoke as it left. Bill stared in disbelief as Uni reeled back in shock.
“But how?! My magic should’ve been able to withstand anything your little mind could put up with!” Bill yelled.
“There are even stronger forces here than your own magic” Sunset then glared at Uni. “And you, Uni, were the main reason I got banished from Equestria and hurt so many people! How could you?! I thought we were friends!”
“Now, Sunset, this could all be compromised if you just let me explain…” Uni tried to put a hand on her.
She was quick to stop it from getting to her. “No, I’m not falling for that again! You and I were the best of friends, and then what? You abandoned me for this creature just because he grants you deals and sorts? You’re not the same Uni as I knew before. I want the real Uni back!”
Sunset then concentrated her magic together. She felt it course around through her veins as it soon allowed her to free her friends from Bill’s magical grasp and put them back on the ground. She couldn’t snap Fluttershy out of her trance, however. But she did allow a burst of magic to hit Bill, taking out most of his magic.
“I won’t hesitate to fight for it”
Bill glared as he and Uni backed up slightly. The dream demon knew he was getting weaker. The magic he consumed would go out if he kept getting hit. With it, his grip on Uni will also falter and he’ll turn back into a…there’s no way he’s going through that again. He looked for a source, before resting his eyes again on Fluttershy. He seemed to grin before he reached out to her.
“No!” Rainbow cried as she tried to run and stop him, but it was too late.
Bill had placed his hand on the entranced girl’s head. A blue flame surrounded her as a pink mist escaped her and went into Bill’s hand. She seemed to stumble slightly as Bill retracted his hand from her and would’ve fallen if she wasn’t caught by Uni. Bill then laughed and Uni smirked as her magic seeped in and powered them up.
Sunset and the others knew that with as much power gained, it would be impossible to defeat this thing. They didn’t even know how to defeat something like this. They didn’t want to do it, especially with one of them being controlled, but there was nothing to do now. They had no choice but to flee.
Uni then helped Fluttershy stand up steadily. “Whoa, easy there”
He then noticed something new about the animal lover: Her skin was starting to seem rather pale, she also felt slightly cold. That hasn’t really happened before. Okay, maybe she stumbled a little bit a few times ago when they took some of her magic, but it wasn’t as serious as this. Was it just him or did it seem she was looking rather tired?
“Is something wrong, Uni?” Bill asked.
“Uh, how much magic did you take from her this time?”
________________________________________
Sunset and the girls fled a bit of a distance off from her house and to a corner. Only then did they stop to catch their breath. As they did, they were starting to try and absorb all that they saw and heard back there. It was a major discovery for all of them. They still couldn’t believe it was all true.
“Oh, what are we gonna do?” Rainbow asked, worriedly.
“I don’t know. He’s got Uni, he’s got Fluttershy, and now we just don’t know what he’s planning on doing next. Okay, his name is Bill Cipher and he drains magic from others to gain his own power. But we still don’t how just how to beat that thing”
“Well, we have to figure something out soon, or he’s going to do what-not with our friend!” Pinkie yelled.
“Um, he has two captives?” Sunset pointed out.
“Uni is crossed out, that traitor!” Rainbow growled. “He pretends to be our friend, and he’s brainwashed one of us, and now he’s going to destroy our world, just like those Sirens tried!”
“Ah hate to break it to ya’ll, but if we don’t do something soon, then he will also find his way to Equestria and destroy their world as well!”
“Yeah, but what are we going to do? I met Bill before, but only briefly. I don’t even know that much about him! I don’t even know how to destroy him!”
“You don’t, but we do” three familiar voices rang out.
The girls all turned around to meet with three old faces they had hoped to never see again. They thought they were long gone and fled the town, but they were just standing infront of them. They were even well and alive. They were in good health.
“So sorry we took a while to reveal ourselves” Adagio spoke up.
“We didn’t want to jump to conclusions” Aria added.
“But we just knew from how he got through!” Sonata piped.
________________________________________
It was very surprising to all for them to see that all the Sirens were still alive. They never thought to see all of them here, together and alive. They were even well; they had expected to see them separated from each and in poverty.
They then all explained what was going on. After the Battle of the Bands, the Sirens had fled from a ten mile radius of where the school was and kept themselves in low profile. Without their necklaces, they couldn’t charm people anymore, but they were able to put their other talents to some good use.
Sonata turned out to be a good chef and even took up a position as assistant in a restaurant, and the people just loved her dishes. Aria was an artist and sold her works to the people. Adagio was able to become a tutor for students due to her broad knowledge of those history times she had all met.
They then explained what they had meant when they appeared. It turned out that they were all just on a day off during the weekend when they felt some sudden force of magic. It wasn’t very nice when they felt it. Unlike the Equestrian magic that was soothing to them, this type of magic was giving them headaches. They set out to find the cause of this and soon felt it at its highest when they spotted Uni.
For weeks, they had observed the guy. They each had to juggle between the jobs and observing, but they were able to do so. Granted, it also really hurt their minds. They needed major ice packs after each shift due to how close they had to be. Sonata witnessed when Uni and Bill took control over Fluttershy and that was when they were able to make their suspicions clear.
It turns out that this trio actually knew about Bill before when they were travelling about three years before they even arrived in the area. They saw how he could’ve destroyed an entire town, and also witnessed how he could be defeated.
“We didn’t want to approach at first because of our last introductions and all” Adagio explained.
“Plus, we did take some time to create a seal that should keep him stuck in Canterlot High’s track field” Aria panted, nearly sinking to her knees. “Don’t even get me started”
“Wait, what?!” Rainbow suddenly realized what Aria meant.
“We managed to save a little Equestrian magic in ourselves, but we don’t use it. To trap that demon, however, it was the perfect thing to save for” Sonata explained.
“Okay, but how do we get rid of this thing?” Sunset asked as she finished writing her note to Twilight.
“Did you call the nerd?”
“Yeah, she’s on her way”
“Is she bringing the dog?”
“Hopefully”
“Good, they’re needed for this. We better get to the school now”
Things went on pretty well after that night. After Bill was defeated and Uni was saved, everything managed to fix itself from there. Sunset was able to revive Uni’s memory using an old scrapbook she kept from her life in Equestria. The boy recovered his memory and confessed that he only agreed to be Bill’s host because it enhanced his powers. He had quite a lot of apologizing to do.
The Sirens went back to Canterlot High upon request by Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna due to their part in stopping Bill. They had quite the time to adjust, but did well. The other students thought it was nice to see that even those three could be changed. Their talents were well-used in the facilities.
The girls forgave Uni for what happened, knowing it wasn’t his fault. Rarity, however, took some time to get over it. Sweetie Belle had to deal with her crying and eating tubs of ice cream in the morning. Fluttershy seemed rather fine. She had no memory of ever loving Uni, just knowing he was a good friend. Sunset thought it was sad. Not for just for Fluttershy, but for Uni.
“Well, how did it go with Fluttershy?” Sunset asked Uni one weekend. He still kept his weekly quality days to the girls. Right now, they were just in the house, watching a rented movie.
“She’s fine. She doesn’t a remember anything from beyond being friends. About her magic, I don’t know”
Sunset nodded. “I see”
“It’s for the best. I’m just worried about Rarity. Her sister is getting tired”
“Right, poor Sweetie Belle. Someone call Child Services”
Uni laughed slightly from that.
“Fluttershy’s magic is fine now. We all just checked on her. Apparently, you and Bill siphoned enough magic from her that now she can deal the rest of it without painful side effects. Still, Rainbow is determined to keep her promise. It looks like she’s being the protective big sister now”
“Good to hear” Uni then bit his lip a bit before he spoke up. “Look, I’m sorry about what happened back there. I only listened to Bill because he made me more powerful. I didn’t realize it would corrupt my thoughts like that”
“Oh, Uni” Sunset went up and hugged the boy. “You didn’t need his magic or have to agree to his deal, you’re powerful just the way you are”
“Really?”
“Really”
He smiled as he hugged back. “Thanks, Sunset”
They were watching the movie for quite a while. At one point, Uni decided now would be a good time to tell Sunset how he really felt about her.
“Hey, Sunset?”
“Yeah?”
“You know how I made Fluttershy think she loved me?”
“Yes?”
“Well, I think I’m getting a taste of my own medicine now”
The orange girl looked at the boy in confusion.
“Sunset, I love you”
The orange girl looked at Uni in surprise, her face gaining a pink tinge. “For real?”
“For real” Uni nodded, looking away. “But I understand if you don’t like me back, I just…”
The orange girl pulled the boy in for a kiss. He froze for a bit and didn’t return it at first, but he soon did. Sunset then pulled away, looking into his eyes. “Does that answer your query?”
The boy blushed from that. “I’m redder than a tomato now, huh?”
“Payback for that one time with me”
The boy giggled with Sunset. Atleast that meant he did get to tell his true crush how he truly felt. This would be an interesting thing to say to the girls when Monday comes.
“Why did you absorb so much from her, you idiot?!” Uni yelled at Bill.
The dream demon flinched a bit from the rage his pawn displayed. He felt frightened by those words. Uni was already stronger even without his help so it felt like he was talking to an old foe from his past. He couldn’t have controlled how much magic he siphoned off Fluttershy. It just happens. And if he didn’t, Sunset would’ve surely finished them by now.
Uni helped Fluttershy before she was able to stand on her own. She nodded, assuring him that she was alright now. He then checked her bracelet to see it was just fine as well. He then took a deep breath before he calmed down.
“I’m sorry for yelling” he apologized to the demon. “I was…I was just upset about how much you absorbed from her. I know you did what you had to do just for us to avoid getting caught by Sunset”
Bill flew over to Uni to check on him. He put a hand on his shoulder to calm him. Uni appreciated the gesture. Bill was not one to be very caring about his pawns or hosts, but he valued Uni as a friend rather than a pawn.
“I’ll try to absorb a little less from her next time if that helps”
The boy nodded. “That would be nice”
The demon noticed that the boy wasn’t being himself at the moment. “Hey, are you messed up about the orange girl back there?”
Uni nodded. “I deceived her, Bill. She and I were very close, even before I met you. I lied to her about what happened and now she’s also upset about how I’m the reason she got banished here in the first place. I don’t really blame her, but that is just…You trust someone so much until you realize all they said was a lie and you’ll…you’ll…”
Bill nodded as he gently pat his back. “Well, I was rooting for you two”
Uni smiled softly before going back to the main idea at hand. “We better get ready. But don’t take so much at once. We need her alive”
“I know. It’s too bad though she’ll only follow what you say. If I give her a command, she won’t listen”
“I was the one who made the deal with her so, therefore, it’s my word she’ll follow”
Bill groaned slightly. “Oh well”
Uni then got Fluttershy to come to him. “We better find Sunset and the others before they find any help to stop us”
Bill laughed. “You’re not actually worried, are you?”
“I kinda am! And with good reason” he eyes the entranced Fluttershy cautiously. “She has so much magic stored up in her just from contact with an object of Equestria alone. How much more magic if the others team up and use their own magic against us? It’s two against five!”
Bill only laughed. “Oh, Uni, you really don’t get it, do you? Sunset’s strong with the magic she has from just being a born citizen from the source, but she hasn’t controlled it fully yet. The others only have half of what our little pawn has! Even that will not be enough to stop them!”
“You sure stay positive in the face of danger”
“Ah, yes” Bill put a hand on Fluttershy’s head and took some of her magic. “Besides, they don’t know how to really defeat me. Even with how powerful their magic is, they won’t have the right resources to beat me. They’ll all just end up as our little friend here”
Fluttershy stumbled slightly, but caught herself. Uni got a bit worried.
“Let’s go get that bacon-haired girl” Bill laughed as he and Uni prepared to leave the house with Fluttershy.
Bill was getting excited to be out for once, and not just viewing from within Uni’s mind. It had been so long since he moved about on his own. But just as they were about to approach the door and leave, three voices rang out. They sounded like they were singing. Before he or the boy with him could figure out what was happening, an aura with a mix of orange, purple, and blue surrounded them all.
“What?! What’s going on?!” the demon yelled.
“You’re not doing this?!”
“No, are you?”
“No!”
They closed their eyes as a white light enveloped their sight. Once it died down, they opened their eyes to see what was going on. They suddenly found themselves in the track field of Canterlot High, a huge forcefield right above them. Uni tried using his own magic to break it, but he couldn’t. They were trapped in.
Bill groaned. “Okay, who else is here?”
“I still find it hard to believe” Twilight spoke after Sunset and the girls filled her in the details of what had happened. She arrived shortly after they got to Canterlot High, and Spike came along with her. She was still pretty surprised to see Bill in the barrier area that the Sirens had set up.
“Believe me, it’s hard for some of us too” Sunset assured.
“You mean to tell me that some demon that the Sirens knew is currently using your friend and also has control over Fluttershy and plans to use her Equestrian magic to destroy the world?”
“Yep” Pinkie spoke.
“And Fluttershy gained more magic just because my crown hit her literally in the head?”
“Couldn’t understand how” Rainbow shrugged.
“And this demon…”
“Bill Cipher” Rarity pointed out.
“…Bill Cipher is now trapped in the track field of Canterlot High while we’re out here in the main entrance?”
“Eeyup” Applejack mimicked her brother.
“Um, guys, no offense but, how do we beat this guy? Without Fluttershy, the Elements of Harmony are useless!” Spike pointed out.
“You won’t need the Elements” Adagio spoke up as she appeared on the scene. “Sorry it took so long. Sonata power feeds and she really loves those tacos. Anyway, let’s go. She and Aria are currently at the track field as we speak”
The girls stood up and followed Adagio as she led them to the place. They were quite surprised with how Adagio was acting towards them. She and her Sisters were helping them, after what they had done? They literally just destroyed their only main source of power and yet they are helping them?
“Why are you guys doing this?” Rainbow asked suddenly.
“Hmm?” Adagio looked back.
“Not that we’re ungrateful or anything, but why are you helping us after our last encounter? We literally destroyed your pendants!”
The Siren just smiled. “We don’t hold grudges for long, especially with Sonata around. Those pendants were pain in the necks and they corrupted our thinking anyway. And if we let Bill get his way, we’re all doomed”
Rainbow nodded while the others also understood. They soon reached the track field area. As said, Bill was inside with Uni, trying to find a way to get out. Beside the boy was a hypnotized Fluttershy, who began to look rather tired. Bill was glaring at Sonata, who was singing to keep the barrier in place. Aria stood beside her, with two other people. They were Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna. She held some sort of compass in her hands.
“How did you get them to come over?” Adagio asked Aria upon approaching.
“I just told them it was urgent over the phone” she then turned to the others. “Yes, we had their phone numbers”
“How’s Sonata?”
“She was hard to get in letting her eat her tacos, but she sprung to work almost immediately after her last bite. Right now, she’s giving the field everything she has”
“I’m gonna make you proud, Dagi!” the baby blue Siren called as she kept the field up via singing.
“Oh, Sonata” she chuckled at her youngest sister’s antics before she turned her attention back to the middle one. “Do you have it?”
Aria nodded, handing her a spray can with black paint.
“Ready, girls?” the eldest Siren called to her sisters.
Sonata and Aria nodded. Aria got in a sprinting position infront of where Fluttershy was. When Adagio counted to three, Sonata shut her mouth for a second and Arai sprinted to where Fluttershy was. She quickly picked up the caretaker and ran out of the track before Uni or Bill could stop her. The baby blue Siren then reclosed up the barrier as the purple one set Fluttershy down. She then had to try and calm her down as the yellow one tried to get to Sonata.
“Okay, first things first, snap her out of whatever mind control that one-eyed freak and his pawn have over her” the middle sister commanded as she tried to hold the girl from the back with her arms. “She really has a lot of magic. I wonder how she was able to hide it”
“Let me go!” the yellow girl yelled as she tried to free herself from the Siren’s hold. “I must free Master!”
“Huh, different eyes with a bracelet and calling the controller Master” Adagio mused. “Now that is complete brainwashing”
“Snap her out of it!” Aria yelled as she tried to dodge the hands the yellow girl threw at her.
Sunset and the others then approached the angry caretaker. Her eyes once shone with kindness and timidity, but now they only reflected anger and control. She even tried kicking Aria from behind, but the Siren was just trying her best to swallow the pain.
“Fluttershy, darling, please calm down, and do stop being a mind controlled puppet to Uni and Bill” Rarity tried.
“Let me go!”
Aria wasn’t amused. “Seriously? That’s the best you can do?”
“Hey! Fluttershy! It’s me, Rainbow Dash!” the blue girl yelled at the girl, causing her to focus her attention to her. “Why don’t you cut the hypnosis act and go back to normal?”
Fluttershy glared at her at first, before she closed her eyes. At first, they thought she was going back to herself. But when she opened them, her eyes widened with an angry stare. She directed it entirely at Rainbow. The blue girl flinched and seemingly turned paler than a ghost when she saw it. She then walked away like a zombie with eyes widened and pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks.
“Ah yes, the Stare” Pinkie mused. “The one thing other than her magic that is very powerful. She mostly only uses it on her animals if they ever go mean”
“You don’t wanna know what I saw back there” Rainbow shivered in fear as she hid behind Applejack.
Bill laughed so hard he was back flipping in the air. “This is how you actually treat her? No wonder she didn’t hesitate so much when Uni offered her the deal”
“What do ya’ll mean?” Applejack asked while she tried to calm Rainbow down.
“Ah, this is rich” Bill wiped a single tear from his eye. “Don’t you get it? Uni here managed to cement his control by being an actual friend to her. He supported her, helped her with her fears, even defended her from a punk. Heck, he was even there when she was so scared. Look at how you treat her. With yelling and getting angry like that, as well as not minding how she acted like a maid, I question why she still cares about you. Well, cared, since she doesn’t anymore!”
Uni nodded. “All I did was show her I was her friend and she could trust me and she just pledges loyalty to me. I bet if I let her out of that state right now, she’d still side me and Bill. Come to think of you, you barely even cared about her. She told me on one occasion that she was suffering from massive headaches and would sometimes be called in sick. The Equestrian magic in her was eating at her due to how much there was. I asked her why she didn’t tell anyone about this and you wanna know what she told me?”
Bill then held Uni’s hand before another memory was shown. This had Uni and Fluttershy in it. They were sitting on a bench in the mall with Uni putting an icepack on her head.
“I don’t want them to be worried” Fluttershy spoke softly as the coolness of the ice calmed her head. “They are busy anyway. I don’t want to be a bother”
The memory then went away as Bill and Uni parted hands. “See that? She told me she didn’t want to be a bother! You made her feel she was a burden! I don’t know how she put up with all that for so long, but I can tell that she did it alone! Some friends you guys are”
Everyone just stared at each other in disbelief. Rainbow spoke up. “Fluttershy, is this really how you felt?”
Uni nodded to the yellow girl. “Go ahead; tell them how you feel as honest as you could”
She growled at Rainbow before spatting venom. “You don’t even know the half of it! I never said anything because I know you would just brush me off anyway so I stopped even trying. On really bad days at home, I felt like the pain was going to kill me! Why do you think my parents moved in when I was absent on that Monday?”
They all stared at each other after she spoke. They each in their own way had taken Fluttershy for granted. She was sweet and kind, but also vulnerable. She never came to tell them about what she going through or how she was feeling because she feared it would disturb them. They never thought they were letting her suffer extreme pain all alone.
Rainbow stood back in disbelief. “Fluttershy…I had no idea”
“You had no idea? Have you ever wondered why I wasn’t around on our usual outings anymore? It’s because I was at home, trying to make the headaches go away. At one point, it was so severe I actually threw up blood. The animals were worried of course, and so was my mother. They didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t either. There was no end to stop it. You ever even asked, let alone noticed”
They noticed her voice sounded like it was cracking. There was a redness in her eyes apart from the scarlet pupils. She was crying. This was not a brainwashed Fluttershy compelled to lie about how she truly felt. This was their Fluttershy telling the truth about what went on. She was hurt.
“The only one who I could talk to other than Master was Sunset” the yellow girl tried to hide the hurt. “They listen. They care. But you don’t. I highly doubt you would even if I jumped off a ten story building to make it all end”
They couldn’t believe what they were hearing. They had let this poor girl suffer in silence. She never told them what went on with her because she feared she would be a burden. They left her to suffer all alone.
“Oh Fluttershy” Rainbow bent down to meet the caretaker’s gaze. “I should’ve just listened. Hehe, I’m supposed to be leader of this group while Twilight’s away, but I can’t even keep an eye on all my friends. I was so caught up in my own fame that I didn’t realize one of my friends were suffering”
Fluttershy glared at her, ready to use the Stare again when the others came up.
“I’m a terrible best friend, aren’t I?” Rarity spoke up. “I should’ve known something was wrong when you started to act more hospitable than normal, but I was just too caught up with a love life”
“I can’t believe I actually yelled at you like that, and threw your sandwiches away like they were garbage” Pinkie laughed weakly. “I’m the real meanie, aren’t I?”
“Ah should’ve been the more observing one, but even I got too caught up with the competition” Applejack took her hat off and put it to her chest to express her apologies.
Fluttershy started to listen to them as they spoke to her. Bill and Uni were just unimpressed. They had full confidence that she wouldn’t listen to them.
Rainbow then made the caretaker face her. “But I’m the absolute worse. I’m supposed to be like a role model and big sister to those kids at the track team. But I can’t even do that to the one I actually considered as my sister. All that time I was bragging and showing off you were in the dark. I can’t imagine what you went through. But I can tell it wasn’t pretty”
Fluttershy bit back tears when those words settled in. She thought of her as a sister? She always thought she was viewed as only a friend and lyricist. Uni’s hold on her was weakening from the words. She looked away to avoid letting them see her tears.
“Now you act as if you actually care! They only ever do once it’s too late! You never cared back then, who’s to say you care right now? You’ll just leave me again when this is over anyway! Just stop…go away…please…”
Rainbow leapt forward and held Fluttershy in a tight embrace. Aria saw she could let go now and she did to provide some space. The yellow girl flinched and did not move as her eyes widened from shock. Rainbow never hugged her, even for assurance.
“If I actually listened and knew what was going on, I would’ve never let this happen! I took you for granted. This is all on me. But I don’t want you to hurt anymore. I’m so sorry, Fluttershy. We all are. Please forgive us. I’ll never let you feel like a burden or shadow again. I promise”
Fluttershy felt her tears stream down. She could feel Rainbow was crying too. She knew they were no crocodile tears. She really meant it. She returned the embrace as she sobbed into her shoulder. As the tears streamed down, Uni’s hold on her went with them. The bracelet stopped glowing, lost its grip on her wrist, and dropped to the ground as her eyes returned to their normal cerulean. The others looked on, tearily.
“You gotta be kidding me!” Bill and Uni yelled at once.
Fluttershy soon calmed down. She and Rainbow then faced each other again. The blue girl smiled at her, which was returned.
“I’ll never leave you again”
They soon returned their attention to Adagio. The eldest Siren then took the spray can and bent down onto the ground infront of Bill. She then turned to Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna. “We’ll clean up afterwards”
They nodded their approval.
The oldest Siren then shook the can before she started to spray with it on the ground. Everyone watched to see what she was doing. It was also at that moment did Bill stop yelling at Sonata for her to stop. He looked over at where her eldest sister was. Uni looked over as well, clearly mirroring how scared the demon was. Adagio soon finished what she was spraying and stood back before letting the others see what it was.
It was a giant circle that had two layers. The second and inner layer was larger and had a picture of Bill in the center. There were ten symbols in the thinner, outer layer. From clockwise, they were a question mark, a bag of ice, a crescent moon, a pine tree, a star with an eye in the center, a hand with six fingers, a lama, a shooting star, a stitched heart, and a pair of glasses.
“Umm, Adagio, what is that?” Twilight asked.
“You don’t need the Elements to defeat Bill, you just need each other” the eldest Siren explained. “Aria, start determining the bearers”
The middle sister nodded as she pulled out the compass. It had the same ten symbols on its sides, but one arrow stayed on one symbol while the other kept moving until she found its match.
Aria then went around and pointed to each of the ten people with them to tell which area they had to go to. They were, as follows: Spike was the question mark, Rainbow the ice bag, Applejack bore the crescent moon, Rarity had the pine tree, Twilight took on the star with the eye, Pinkie had the hand with six fingers, Fluttershy took on the lama, Celestia had the shooting star, Luna was the stitched heart, and Sunset held the pair of glasses.
“Good, now hold hands together. When the circle is powered up, Sonata will let go of the forcefield and therefore the circle’s power will defeat Bill” Adagio commanded as she and Aria neared their youngest sister.
They all nodded before they all held hands while standing in their respective slices of the circle. A blue glow began to envelop them as the circle powered up from their presence. Bill and Uni were getting more and more anxious by the minute. They were both trying to break the forcefield down with the combined magic, but it was all in vain. Uni even tried to call to Fluttershy in a last ditch effort, but she didn’t budge as Rainbow kept giving her an assuring look. Soon enough, the circle powered up completely as they were engulfed in blue flames, before their power energized the symbols.
“NOW, Sonata!” Adagio called to her sister.
The youngest Siren then stopped her singing as the forcefield was brought down. Bill and Uni tried to escape, but they were both put into the circle as it held them down. Bill screamed as he began to weaken and Uni felt his own magic from the demon began to fade. The blue flames then trapped Bill down and put him forcefully into Uni’s mind. The boy fell unconscious as the flames died down.
Sunset got worried. “What happened? I thought you said it would banish Bill!”
“It will. There’s just one last step” Aria then took out a small gun-like object. She set it to ‘Complete Blank’ before pointing it at the unconscious Uni.
“What is that?”
“It’s a Memory Gun. We have to erase Uni’s mind with Bill in it to ensure the demon’s never coming back”
“Wait, what will happen to Uni?”
Aria gave her a look that said, I thought you know. Sunset closed her mouth with her hands at that. If this Memory Gun takes down Uni’s mind with Bill in it, then Uni will forget everything. She hated for that to happen. But under the circumstance, it looked like there was no other alternative. Closing her eyes tightly, she nodded her approval with a heavy heart.
Aria nodded before she shot it at Uni. A blue ray of light came from the gun and it was aimed at the boy’s head. Sunset couldn’t bear to watch, but had to.
Inside his mind, the demon was panicking as he knew what awaited him now. Uni himself had just been freed from his influence and punched the weakened Bill into nonexistence. He found a photo of him, Sunset, and her parents on a table nearby. He held it closely as the flames engulfed him.
“Thank you, Sunset”