P3R50N4: Equestria Girls

Sunset woke up the next morning feeling oddly refreshed, despite all that had taken place yesterday. Even though she was happy that Rainbow was able to awaken her own Persona, it only made her question herself more. Why was this happening? How was it happening? No one, not even Igor, was able to give her a straight answer.
No point in worrying about it now, she thought to herself. In fact, she should be more worried about whether Rainbow can actually keep her secret a secret.

As she made her way to school, she was surprised to bump into Fluttershy of all people. “Oh hi Sunset,” Fluttershy said quietly. “Normally I’d drive to school but my van was having battery issues so my parents are having someone come pick it up.”

The two of them talked on their way to school but it wasn’t long before Fluttershy said something that took Sunset off guard. “Rainbow texted me this morning, saying she wasn’t feeling good. Actually, it was more like she was just physically exhausted. Oh, I hope she didn’t push herself too much yesterday, I always get on her case about that.”

That doesn’t sound like Rainbow at all…unless… The only thing she could think of was the awakening of her Persona. But if that was the case, how come she hadn’t felt like crap the day after?

“Um…Sunset?” Fluttershy’s voice cut through her thoughts.

“Huh? Oh sorry, I was just thinking about…um….”

“Oh don’t worry, I don’t think she’s actually sick, at least I hope she isn’t. I think she just needs a day off to recuperate.”

“Right…of course…”

Once they reached the school, the two of them went their separate ways, Fluttershy saying she had to go by the Agriculture Club room and clean up after the critters from last night while Sunset got her things and made her way towards her first class.

Sunset was finding it hard to stay focused in class, and even Twilight, who usually was focused on taking her notes, was able to notice. “Is everything alright?” she asked near the end of class. “You were kind of zoning out.”

“Sorry…I had a few things on my mind,” Sunset said, sighing as she quickly tried to copy down her notes.

Twilight was silent for a moment, thinking Sunset was going to elaborate but when she didn’t, she let out an awkward cough. “No, I understand, really. It took me awhile to transition to…all of this.” She then smiled. “So…I’m here to talk if you ever need to.”

“Thanks…” She paused for a moment. “You know, I might take you up on that offer. If you’re not too busy doing homework that is.”

“I might be able to find some time in my schedule…” Twilight teased. “Though I guess you can always try calling too.”

“It’s a deal then.” Sunset smiled.

“Oh listen, before I forget, I know we were talking about checking out the music club today but…something came up and I won’t be able to stay after school.”

“Oh…sorry.”

“Don’t be, there’s always tomorrow,” Twilight assured her. “But you know, I heard some of the sports teams have last-minute openings. If you’re into that of course.”

Now that she thought about it, it would probably benefit not just her but perhaps her Persona as well. “I’ll take a look…” Sunset said.

The rest of the morning went smoother and Sunset was almost eager to get to the cafeteria when lunch time came around. The rest of the girls, minus Rainbow, were already sitting at the usual table. “I’m just saying, this isn’t like her at all and I’m kinda concerned,” Applejack was saying as Sunset came to the table.

“Applejack, darling, this is Rainbow Dash we’re talking about,” Rarity said matter-of-factly. “Even she has her limits.”

“Um…are you girls really that worried over Rainbow?” Sunset asked.

“Nope, just Applejack!” Pinkie said.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “I’m worried cause she wouldn’t push her limits like this two days before one of the biggest soccer games of the season. Believe me, I know this cause she wouldn’t shut up about it last week.”

“And they’re playing…Crystal Prep right?” Sunset asked,

“Unfortunately,” Rarity said. “Don’t be surprised if they end up trashing the bleachers or something.”

“That doesn’t sound like something students from a well-recognized school would do,” Sunset said.

“Oh no, they do it,” Pinkie said. “You wouldn’t believe the things they wrote on some of the walls. It doesn’t help that the principals of both our schools don’t get along either.”

“Now I feel bad that Twilight had to live through that kind of environment,” Fluttershy said.

“Then we’ll just have to show her how Canterlot High treats its fellow students,” Applejack said. “Speaking of which Sunset, still not sure whether you want to join a club?”

“I…might decide to take a look around, but not soccer,” Sunset said. “I really don’t think I have the stamina for that sport.”

Maybe it was her imagination but she could’ve sworn she saw a twinkle in Rarity’s eye. “Well don’t wait too long, tomorrow’s the last day to decide,” she said.

Once the school day came to a close, Sunset got her things and made her way towards the gym. She saw a note on the bulletin board and took a glance. Three of the sports clubs taking in new members were girl’s soccer, the cross country team, and girl’s tennis. Soccer was definitely a no, cross country was kind of boring, but tennis…

Sunset had played some tennis when she was younger and she knew it wasn’t an easy sport for it took speed, reaction time, and good hand-eye coordination. Still, it’s not like once she was in she would be stuck with it, in fact maybe it could be fun…except for the fact she didn’t have a racket. Maybe I can take Rainbow up on her offer…

She got changed into her gym attire and made her way towards the tennis courts. Most of the girls were already warming up, a few she recognized from class. She went over to an older woman who she assumed was the coach. “Excuse me, I’m here to sign up for the tennis team.”

The woman glanced over and looked up and down her body. “You’ve ever played before?”

“When I was younger, yeah, but I’ve never actually played on a team.”

“You one hundred percent committed to this?” the coach asked.

“Um…not one hundred no,” Sunset answered honestly.

The coach sighed. “Listen dear, I’m going to be blunt about this: if by the end of the day you’re still unsure, don’t bother showing up tomorrow. I only want girls who are here for the long-run and if anything seems like it’s too much to handle, don’t bother showing up again.”

“Y-Yes ma’am…”

“You got a racket?”

“No, but I’ll be sure to get one…if I come back.”

“Fair enough. Luckily we have extras. Rarity! The new girl’s practicing with you today!”

Wait…did she say…? Sunset looked over and she saw Rarity over in the far court. “Now get over there and get warmed up cause in fifteen minutes I’m going to be running your asses to the ground," the coach said.

“R-Right, thanks coach.” Sunset quickly made her way over to the far court. “Rarity!? You didn’t tell me you were on the tennis team?”

“Didn’t I? I guess it slipped my mind,” Rarity said with a sly smile. “Actually, I was worried if I said something it’d influence your decision, though I have to say I am surprised you’re even interested in tennis. Played before?”

“If you got an extra racket I’ll be happy to show you.”

After getting a racket, the two of them spent about ten minutes hitting the ball between one another, giving Sunset some much needed practice while at the same time showing how experienced Rarity was. “How long have you been playing?” Sunset said after the two took a small break.

“I started playing when I was much younger, though I didn’t really get into it until freshman year,” Rarity said as she took a sip from her water bottle. “And even then I was only average in skill, it took a couple of years before I got to where I am now. Honestly, it’s kind of hard to balance between sports and doing clothing lines…” She then smiled. “But enough about me. It’s going to be tough from here on in but I’ll be here to back you up if you need anything, even some extra training.”

Sunset chuckled. “I’ll be counting on you then.”

In that moment, there was a flash of light and it was almost as if time itself stopped in that very moment. Sunset then heard a voice.

Thou art I…and I am thou…
Thou hast established a new bond…

It brings thee closer to the answers thou seeks

Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Empress Arcana…

Sunset could see the card of the Empress Arcana as it slowly dissolved and the aura left behind seemed to mend with her own body. She then remembered something Igor has said. “While fighting will make your Personas grow stronger, it is the bond that you have with others that will increase your powers exponentially.”

Now she understood. If this was the case, she could easily create bonds between her new friends, maybe establish ones with other students as well. And just like that, time appeared to start anew again.

A whistle then could be heard. “Well, that’s the signal from Coach Harshwinny,” Rarity said. “I hope you’re ready to do some running.”

As expected, the entire practice was exhausting but Sunset didn’t feel deterred from coming back to the next practice. Luckily, they only had practice a couple days a week. “Now everyone remember that our next match is this Tuesday,” Harshwinny said. “Shimmer, you won’t be participating in this match but I expect you to be there so you can see what the environment is like. Anyway good practice girls, now go ahead and hit the showers!”

After getting washed up, Rarity and Sunset said their goodbyes as they both headed home. Sunset was exhausted but at the same time she was kind of excited about being able to play in a match, even though it wouldn’t be until after next week. Even better, Rarity let her keep her extra racket for the time being.