The warm light of the sun showered over the town. School had just let out the previous day, leaving many a youth to contemplate how to spend their free time. Growing weary of the endless hours of isolation within the confines of her home, Sunset Shimmer began to reflect on her life. When the roots of evil took hold of her heart, she lost everything. All that remained was a lust for power. With now even that gone, she was forced to question the meaning of her own continued existence. Unlocking her phone and scrolling through her limited list of contacts, she located Fluttershy's number. Sunset dialed her friend.
"Hello?"
"Hey."
"Oh! it's you!"
"Are you busy right now?"
"Not really. I was just about to feed my pets. Did you need something?"
"I'm not doing anything today. I was wondering if we could all hang out in town and maybe have a sleepover at my place tonight."
"I'd love to."
"Cool. Would you mind hitting up everybody else and letting them know?"
"Of course."
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
"Not at all. It's the least I can do."
"See you soon."
"Bye."
"Bye..."
Half an hour later, Sunset heard the knock she had been anticipating. Each of them brought their own sleeping equipment and entertainment.
"You guys can drop your stuff off in my room. We're gonna' head out pretty much right away."
"I can never get over how homey this place actually feels," Rainbow commented.
"You can say that again," Applejack agreed.
Sunset watched them from a distance. A weak yet warm smile spread across her face. Once the load had been lightened, the party exited the house. Sunset took out her phone again. This time, she accessed her mobile data.
"A few buddies of mine around the east coast got me super into metal. The nu metal and alternative stuff is my favorite so far."
"Oh snap," Rainbow exclaimed, "It's about time we got a full-fledged metalhead in the group!"
Little did Rainbow know, in Fluttershy's mind, the timid girl was hearing the blasphemous chaos of Vital Remains. It was either commanding her to sacrifice babies to the dark lord Satan or just there to sound neat. She wasn't entirely certain.
The party ordered lunch and settled themselves at a nearby table. After a few minutes of talking, they received their food. Pinkie stuck two fries between her teeth and dipped them in ketchup.
"I vant to suck your blood! Blegh!"
"How did you know I was into kinky stuff," Sunset joked.
Rarity looked from side to side with wide eyes, a slight tint of red in her cheeks.
Near the end of their meal, Sunset's attention diverted to the side window. She saw an older, heavyset man lying on a bench. By her estimate, he was in his mid-fifties or early sixties. Her smile deteriorated.
"I'll be back in a minute."
She got up and walked out of the restaurant, leaving the others somewhat taken aback. She gently nudged the man awake. Through his grogginess, she could discern an audible southern accent.
"I'm sorry, youngin'. Am I in your way?"
Sunset shook her head.
"I just came to check on you."
The man sat up, allowing the high school student to sit next to him.
"How are you doin', man?"
"I'm alright, all things considered."
Sunset played innocent so as not to seem rude.
"You uh...Waiting for somebody?"
"No. I get tired real easy in my old age."
"I guess age catches up with the best of us."
"I reckon so."
"Have you eaten anything yet?"
"Can't say I have."
"Would you mind staying here for a minute?"
"Might as well."
Sunset went back inside. Her friends were more than a little curious as to what was going on.
"What's up with that old dude," Rainbow inquired.
Sunset muttered her response.
"He's homeless..."
Rainbow shrank back, realizing in retrospect how her initial question sounded. After ordering a bag of food for the man, Sunset took it out to him.
"Here you go, man. There's some chicken strips and salad and stuff in here. Thought it might help you keep your energy up."
"You yankin' my chain?"
"I'll tell you a little something about myself. I was what you could call something of a bully back in the day, and that level of cruelty was something I would never think to sink to. I couldn't stand punks who did crap like that. There's a huge difference between giving somebody a hard time and being a downright monster. Unfortunately, those boundaries have been blurred somehow."
"Not very often I see a young person understand that so well."
"I just do what comes naturally. Hope the food's good, man. Take care."
"I will. Name's Bobby by the way - Bobby Green."
"Everybody just calls me Sunset."
The two shook hands before parting ways.
After eating, the girls headed to the mall. Their intention was to find new pieces of entertainment, whether it be games, music, movies, and the like. As with any scenario involving a large group of teenagers, the conversation eventually turned to romance.
"Is there anyone you like," Twilight grilled Sunset.
"I'm a strong, independent horse lady who don't need no man!"
"You didn't say anything about a woman," Rainbow teased.
"We get it, Rainbow; you're as bi as a grocery sale."
Rainbow could barely prevent herself from falling on the floor in laughter.
"And I thought my analogies were strange," Applejack remarked.
"I did mean it seriously," Twilight protested.
Sunset grimaced.
"If it's okay, I'd rather not talk about it..."
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean any harm..."
"Don't sweat it. It's just super personal is all."
"Can I say something that might sound a bit strange?"
"Go for it."
"If I was into the same sex, I think I would like you."
The others gave Twilight a startled stare.
"Gotta' admit, I wasn't expecting that."
"There's this vibe about you that I feel like is incredibly magnetic."
"Hm."
"Are you upset?"
"No...I'm flattered, actually. I feel a similar way when it comes to you."
"I'm glad."
Continuing their browsing, they didn't notice the hilariously confused look on the cashier's face. He would definitely bring this up to his bros after work.
Rain descended upon the town. The group had just finished shopping, and were about ready to return home. However, there was one more thing Sunset needed to take care of.
"Rainbow, let's have a sparring match."
"Don't tell me you wanna' wrestle me 'cause I turned you on in there."
Sunset placed her hand on Rainbow's shoulder, her face, contorted into a heartfelt frown all the while.
"I want to show you something."
"Oh...You're for real about this."
"..."
"Well, if you're sure. Gotta' warn you though, I do a little martial arts on the side here and there."
"That's why I asked you."
Handing their bags to their friends, the two assumed their fighting stances.
"You ready?"
"Whenever you are," Sunset affirmed.
With a swift kick, Rainbow pushed Sunset back. The edge of Rainbow's shoe struck with enough force to open a small wound above Sunset's brow.
"Holy crap! I didn't mean to cut you! My bad!"
"I'm okay. Let's go again."
Rainbow hesitated, but relented. She went for another kick. Sunset was ready this time around. Quickly grabbing Rainbow's leg with both hands, she lifted it, taking Rainbow to the ground before letting go.
"How!?"
"You get it, don't you? The power to overcome trial and hardship - that's what truly makes us human."
"Wha...!?"
"When I started to get used to this place, I got my first taste of depression. I was constantly alone with nothing but my thoughts of revenge to get me through the day. I knew it was killing me, but I was too stubborn to admit it."
Sunset helped Rainbow off the ground.
"Remember what Yuri said."
"...'No matter how many times I lose, or collapse, or spit blood...'"
"'As long as I have my life, and as long as I don't give up...'"
Both of them ended the recitation simultaneously.
"'I can always stand up and fight again!'"
Sunset and Rainbow engaged in a long, emotional battle.
Rainbow and Sunset were bruised and exhausted. Their fight had ended in a draw when both of them felt they could no longer carry their weight on their legs.
"You did it," Sunset spoke gently, "I have a whole new level of respect for you."
"Same goes for you. I never knew someone could fight so hard."
"I won't let the gloom overtake us - not anymore..."
"Is there an army of gloom Pokemon or something?"
"Tsss. you're funny."
"A comedic genius."
"Let's go home..."
"Yeah..."
Sunset suddenly collapsed. In a last burst of strength, Rainbow caught her before she hit the ground. The others rushed to their aid. They carried each other through the frigid downpour. Something told them it would be a quiet, restful night.
