Hushed voices whispered to eachother. Feets shuffled around. A group of youngsters and a few older people stood before a house. One of the bigger ones, even in this street. It had two stories and, most likely, also a nicely sized basement and attic. Its facade seemed old yet sturdy and well maintained, giving the building the vibe of an old mansion that been there since the beginning and, when you would enter it, would swallow you and unleash horrors and/or wonders one might find in movies.

And there had been a few myths and stories around this particular house, mostly told by teenagers to eachother, speculating on the dark and mysterious history of the estate.

Yet this group still stood there, making themselves ready as they had done so many times already. Forming two lines in the snow, huddled together for warmth, a smoke cloud eminatting from their mouths, they prepared for what was to come.

One of them, the oldest and most experienced walked towards the door. He turned around, looked at the group who nodded in affirmation. Taking in a deep breath, he ringed the door bell.

Silence. Flakes floated down all around them, joining the thick layer of white already here. Not many cars were active, a good portion were simply the city’s workers trying to keep the streets clear.

So they all heard the thumping sound approaching the door. Everyone inhaled.

The door opened, revealing a young woman with long purplish hair with cyan streaks in it, and skin of a lighter purple hue.

Immediately the group sprang into action, as each member started to sing. A beautiful, well practised christmas carole filled the air. Those people who were walking by in the frigid cold turned and listened to the song.

For about ten seconds tops. Then the door slammed shut.

“Well. We tried. Thats what counts, I guess.“ The leader said, somewhat downtrodden. The carolers slowly turned around and made their way off the lawn, many with similar repressed moods.

“She really didn’t have to be so rude. I mean everyone else here was rather kind.“

“Yeah. Even if they don’t want to listen they usually give a little donation.“

“To be honest the owners of this estate are always like this. IF they’re even home at all.“

“I just don’t understand some people, really they don’t have to be so... ugh!“

“Atleast they didn’t shoot crossbows at us.“

That earned the man several odd stares from many of the younger members. He just sighed, with a face that read very clearly Don’t ask me right now.

Then they heard the sound of a door opening and slamming shut again, from right behind them. Immediately they turned around, some of them even before the door was shut again, their bodies in a pose that looked like they were expecting to run away really fast.

Luckily, here did not seem to be a particular reason for them to take flight, atleast on first glance. No one had stepped out of the house and the lack of actual crossbow bolts flying through the air certainly helped to put the carolers more at ease. That was when they noticed the small basket sitting on the front porch, a white cloth draped over it.

The group shared several glances. This was beyond suspicious, even more so since the person who put the basket there had retreated back into safety immediately. The reputation and experience with this house just added up on the paranoia and the voice telling them to just go.

On the other hand, even those, especially those, that had endured those past interactions were now itching to take just a small peek under the cloth. In the end curiosity proved stronger.

Like a group of shy wild life they made their way towards the house again. Slowly, ten meters, then eight, then five, then three, then they stopped. A particularly brave, and young, member tip-toed his way towards it, reaching with a gloved hand that trembled slightly with anticipation.

It met the veil and held onto one of the corners. White breath filled the air as the young man waited, internally counting to ten, then fifteen. Then he ripped the veil away.

The rest of the group couldn’t see past him into the basket, but he hadn’t screamed very loudly. Neither had the basket exploded, so that was good. Then they saw him straightening again, seemingly holding something, before he finally turned towards them.

The basket was containing a sizeable collection of small nuts, oranges and wrapped chocolate of various flavors and sizes. Money bills were strewn between the contents, wrapped in several rolls and each sporting a little bow. The center of it all was dominated by a chocolate-santa, who was strangely lying on a santa hat with a bell at the end.

The sight of this gift melted the carolers bad mood almost instantly, as they quickly collected the bills and secured the goods in their bags. Several began to start their song again and soon the sweet melody once again filled the streets.

Singing, smiles on their faces and their hands waving towards the seemingly empty mystery house, the group made their way onwards on their route. Only one of them stopped for a minute when they reached the street.

He looked down to his hands, which were clutching the belled hat. His eyes were fixated on the two holes that cut through the fabric in a straight line. His right hand stroked over his bare head absentmindedly. Then he looked towards the house again, where he had lost it, and now found it again.

A genuine grin slowly etching itself on his mouths, he put the hat onto his head and quickly followed his group.

Shouts echoed through the hall, cries of pain, orders and yells filled the air. Mixed with the constant tack tack tack tack tack it created a cacaphony of sounds. Several dozen people were running around, all clad in some sort of clothing or gear that covered most of their bodies and marked in one colour or another, alongside a symbol of sorts.

It seemed like the battlegrounds was just a chaotic mess. But well, it seemed like that. If one were to continue watching from a good spot, say directly above them, they could recognize a sense of organisation. Three different colours, three smybols, three teams. Each of them held a strongpoint of sorts, a particularly large building or something like that. At this point, the teams stored small marked boxes which were the main priority of all this.

It was simple really, get the boxes to your own base, hinder the others from doing the same with your boxes. And how to do this?

Tack tack tack tack tack tack tack tack

tack tack tack tack tack tack tack tack!

From her vantage point above the battlefield, Dawn watched the flanking attack of the green team falling apart as their bodies were painted red. Eight bodies slumped, the unlucky players squirming and groaning under the pain inflicted by the enemy’s firing line.

Almost immediately, most of the impromptu ambushers surged foward towards the ground of their recent attackers. They were trying to take advantage from their small win and elimination of eight enemies, to find any weakpoint in the green’s defense caused by sudden understrength. This was how it had went for the entire time that Dawn had watched the game and probably hours longer than that. Small probes, ambushes and subsequent counterattack.

This was how the battle was fought at the flanks. Then there was the center grounds. Stretching her back a little, Dawn began to walk along the metal catwalks above the battlefield towards another spectator who stood where she could view the entire hill.

“Sooo, how often does she do this?“ The red girl asked her… driver? She was still not sure what she could consider Limestone as, or even Marble. For that matter, she did not know what she could consider Aria, other than her generous roommate and kinda caretaker, maybe adoptive family member?.

Hrmp! Concentrate!

Luckily for her, Limestone had not turned to see her briefly flushed face, instead she was sweeping her gaze across the fake landscape underneath them. Mimicking her, Dawn put down her arms on the railing and leaned foward to take in the chaotic mess underneath her.

“Kinda regularly, once a week, sometimes more, sometimes she doesn’t go. Told me that she has been trying to come here more often in recent weeks, to be more active and that.“ The grey girl said in her usual, yet somewhat misleading, grumpy tone.

Dawn nodded and looked over the center of the field, an artificial hill of sorts with many boulders and sandbags making it into a bastion and thusly the sight of the heaviest shootouts. At the moment blue and green dominated the area after red had been pushed out, and the two sides were locked in a deadly battle (figuratively). It was a complete mess and a spectacle to behold, atleast from up above it.

It was like a game of tug of war. Back and forth, forth and back, again and again. Players were shot in rapid succession, leaving them to try and get back to their territory without receiving too many extra shots. A task just as difficult as actually making any gains it seemed, as the returning players were prime targets for the opposition. The fact that they clearly were hit already did not seem to be overly cared for by everybody else.

Luckily for the ‘casualties‘, fresh fighters arrived almost constantly. And an enemy that shot back at you was certainly a much more important target than one running for safety.

“Ah! There is she is.“ Immediately, Dawn turned her head towards the direction that Limestone pointed towards. “Next to the crashed car, the one with light blue and yellow stripes on her shoulders, see?“

A hail of red bullets flooded the center battleground, as a warcry was roared into the air. A massed assault curtesy of the red team stormed towards the fortified position. At first her senses where overwhelmed by the explosion of colour and movement, only after a couple of minutes did she spot Aria.

The girl was letting her paintgun rattle empty into the enemy lines, or rather the mess that was the middle ground. Leaving the safety of cover she sprinted foward, while loading a new paint magazine with practised motions. One vault over the first line of sandbags and she was in the point itself, right in the brutal close quarters fighting.

Her mind was completely in fight-mod as she advanced alongside her comrades. The flag point was almost instantly swept free from members of the opposing team, with the reds simply firing until literally nothing remained standing, very much to the pained chagrin of the previous combatants. But this was the easy task.

The hard one was reserved for her.

The ground surrounding the flag platue was a maze of trenches lined with sandbags. Although spacious enough for two people to walk side-by-side, it was claustrophobic in the heats of battle. It was also easy to lose one’s orientation. But not Aria, she had fought here more than enough to find her way through them without hesitation, although she simply relied on her gut and instinct than any actual plan.

And so she fought, an endless task of scouring the trenches clean of anything not red. Soon she was alone, the ones beside her either shot already or lost to their own devices. But she didn’t notice or care. With her gun in one hand, barrel balanced on the other that held her soft and painted blade, she reaped her toll.

For half an hour, it went on and on. The constant gunfire report. The shouts and screams. People yelling, begging others not to shoot them (more then necessary). Trench after trench she cleansed in crimson red. Only when she saw someone in similar red gear did she not shoot and as time ticked on those became more and more.

Eventually she found herself at one of the entrypoints to the most inner and raised platform, where the marker for the exact center stood tall and proud.

“How’re the trenches?“ One of her comrades yelled, all the while shooting towards the enemy. She quickly took cover next to him. The center was practically a dinner plate if you were unlucky or not careful enough.

“Mostly clear!“

It was also currently held exclusively by the red team, just like the surrounding defensives. While this was good on for them, it also meant that the enemy had more troops to spare right now. And in this battle it always resulted in one thing-

“INCOMING!“

Aria ducked down, as did everyone else. Blue splashed over red, feet trampled. The opening barrage had begun. Just like any other time. They knew what would come after that. The red team had just finally cleared the center, now they already had to defend it to the last fighter.

BROOOP! A deep and gutteral sound echoed over the battlefield. It was a signal, the last twenty minutes had begun. It also meant…

“GET TO THE CRATES!“ Aria was up and sprinting before the words were even shouted, as were many others. They cared not for the bullets now, even though three of them were claimed by them mid-sprint. Soon the first reached the flag, around which there were three heavy boxes that had remained closed the entire match. Until now.

Already the locks were open, so nothing held them back from opening the lids and claiming the content. The rest of the red team rose up as one, trying to provide cover for them, and started firing back into the two masses that swarmed the middle of the field.

Likely, every single combatant was present now. This was the last battle.

“We’ve got it!“ The comrade next to Aria shouted as they once more dove behind the cover of the sandbages with their precious cargo. Already she could hear the enemy closing in on them, the first were already in the trenches.

It was good if they were. Those who weren’t would not last long, not now. Not anymore.

Three figures, clad in red, rose above the cover. The contents of the three boxes were in their hands, three bulky contraptions. Heavy machine guns.

And in unison they opened fire, tearing through the mass in front of them in a hailfire of red.

Now the rest of the team surged foward. Either directly into the trenches to engage in close quarters again or over them and towards those currently assaulting their position.

Aria plunged inbetween the narrow walls, a frenzy of movement all around her.

A second deep and more threatening BROOOOOP! Echoed in the building. It signaled the beginning of the end. Now, anyone who was down, stayed down.

It meant almost nothing to her. She fought like always.

Her gun had finally run dry completely, she had been fighting non-stop for hours, it had been too long since she had even the chance to return and restock. Yet it didn’t mean that she couldn’t fight.

And so she dashed through the corridors with only her blade, jumping over the bodies of those already defeated. The sounds of combat grew ever thinner, slowly but surely. But there always seemed to be another one, and then another.

She didn’t know how long until almost all sounds were gone, and she finally stopped.

The clacking of the paintguns were not a constant anymore. Rather, sudden bursts signaled the moment of two players suddenly meeting and exchanging paint. Then everything went silent again, with atleast one player less.

Carefully, Aria poked her head out above the sandbags to look around. She could not spot anyone still standing. That meant everyone who was left was either in cover or…

“WHOA-!“ The green player jumped as he carefully rounded the corner and just saw red darting towards him. His pellets went wide, yet her blade struck true and painted a thin red line over his chest.

Tack! Tack! Tack!

It was over soon after.

The truck of the Pie family slowly pulled into its usual parking spot, the two sisters who had been driving it stepped out as soon as the engine was turned off. They immediately went to unstrap the motorbike that had been transported on the truck’s loading platform, while the other two occupants also left the cabin.

Aria moved in to help lift her bike onto the ground, she had been too exhausted from the previous match to make the drive to the quarry right afterwards. So she and Dawn had gladly taken the offer of Limestone to use the family vehicle instead.

This was also Dawn’s first real meeting with the third sibling of he family, Maud Pie. Maybe her experiences with Limestone and Marble should have atleast warned the girl somewhat to expect an unusual monochrome attitude with the other two sisters. But there was no preparing or bracing oneself for the first meeting with a member of the Pies, Aria could attest to that herself.

Maud was devoid of emotion, atleast that was how she came across. Only the gods, and her sisters, were able to read anything on her face, the rest of the world would forever be subjected to her unnerving and dull expression. The only way to make her creepier would be by making her eyes widen all the time.

Now that would be properly creepy. Not that Aria minded terribly. In fact she rather enjoyed Maud’s non-expressing manner. She actually enjoyed the company of most of the Pie family for different reasons.

Limestone, she could harmonize with in some aspects: general attitude, music, behavior and things that one liked and could talk about. Marble was best socialized with on her own terms, while one self acted as if one was around a wild animal. One that was more afraid of you than the other way around. Meaning once you could get her to trust you and did not agitate her, she was very nice to have around, especially when all you wanted was peace and quiet.

As the group moved towards the house however, they could spot not only another truck parked in front of it, but also two girls talking to each other.

They were easily to distuingish and Aria was not at all happy to see both of them, even though she was prepared for the presence of one. With a frown she started to move in position, behind Limestone at an angle in which it would be difficult to make out her form. Maud also moved in to cover her better. It was too late that either of them seemed to realize that one of them was neither aware of what they were doing or knew how to respond to it in any way.

Dawn was in fact weirded out a lot by the behavior of the others. Yet before she could ask them, thus maybe spoiling the wanted effect and creating an interesting situation, she was spotted by the two figures talking in front of her.

One of them stood out from the surrounding mess of snow and greyish rock that was the quarry, by being almost completely pink. A massive pink ponytail that looked like cotton candy instead of hair bobbed up and down with the girl’s swift movement, just as Dawn realized that the girl was currently sprinting towards her. The only other details that she could make out was that the girl wore no clothing appropriate to the current temperatures and that she had a small crocodile attached in her hair. Then she was already stopping, only milimeters in front of the red girl’s face.

“HI THERE! *GASP* I know you! You were in the mall not so many days ago! Are you a new friend?“ It seemed like she had spoken everything in one single breath, at a speed which made it really difficult to sort out all the words. And as soon as she finished sucking in air through her shocked face, the cascade of sentences continued without missing a beat. “I didn’t even tell what my name was! I am really sorry, normally that is one of the first things I do, but I saw you and then I remembered that I saw you before and I really wanted to ask you some questions! Like, are you friends with my sisters? What do you do? What flavor of ice do you like? When is your birthday? Did we ever meet eachother, because you kinda remind me of someone, but oh! Please don’t count that time at the mall because only I saw you and you didn’t see me atleast I think you didn’t. Also would you like to be friends and what is your name? My name is Pinkie Pie, sorry for forgetting, nice to meet you!“

It took Dawn several seconds to process the influx of words. In that span she just stared at the girl in front of here, the pink hand stretched towards her escaped Dawn’s mind entirely.

“Uuhhhhh… I’m… Dawn Fire?“ was everything she could come with at the moment. Her eyes left the feverishly nodding, and bouncing, girl in front of her and looked towards the rest, seeking someone familiar like a lifeline.

Alas, it seemed that Aria had disappeared into the house already, alongside Maud. Limestone leaned against the railing of the porch and slowly shook her head, both annoyance and understanding in her eyes. However it was the other girl that spoke up with a country accent in her voice.

“Geez, Pinks. Way ta give that girl a real scare.“ She had simple blonde hair and light orange skin, with an old stetson hat placed on top of her. She was also clad in more responsible winter attire, unlike the pink one she had talked with mere seconds ago.

“Too late, man. I think she just overloaded her brain. Should have warned her that could happen.“ Limestone said as she walked towards her, now very sheepishly looking, sister and started to gently lead Dawn into the house.

They only got a few steps before Pinkie ran besides them, then walking backwards so she could face them.

“I am SO sorry. I know, I can be a handful sometimes, but I really want this to be a nice christmas and I wanted to get to know you. We’re going to do this again inside, this time I’ll be better, I promise. Okie? Great!“ She turned and started running across the snow and into the house, all while yelling “BYE JACKIE! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!“

Said country girl could not stop chuckling as she put her own coat into the open cabin of the truck. Turning to the last two girls she tipped her hat. “Well, Ah’ll be going now, I guess. Don‘ worry girl, if she’s promising somethin she keeps it.“

“T-thank you miss Jack. Have a nice christmas too.“ Dawn said. She was certain she that she had recovered from the little shock just now. Limestone seemed to also feel that and moved towards the house on her own, intend on getting out of the cold.

“Ah shoot, right.“ The blonde country girl said, extending a hand towards the red head with an open smile. “M’names Applejack Apple, of the Sweet Acres Apple Clan, just call me Applejack. We’re related with them Pies here and I’m good friend with Pinks. Nice to meetcha, can I ask for ya name?“

“Dawn Fire, also nice to meet you.“ She said with an equally warm smile, shaking the hands of the other. “I’m… invited to the family, by association I guess.“

Applejack cocked her head a little in confusion, not fully understanding.

“It’s personal. I don’t know them very long but they are really nice people… and kinda the only option right now.“ Dawn answered a bit meekly, all the warmth in her seemed to dissipate suddenly as she stared away. Luckily, the country girl seemed to understand.

Patting her shoulder, she said: “Well, then you got one of the best families to take you in, trust me on that. Don’t worry on nothin‘ today, enjoy it.“

Finally climbing into the truck, she closed the door and started the motor before slowly turning in the driveway.

“Happy Christmas to ya, Dawn Fire. I’m gonna bet we’ll see eachother again, the Apples will visit tomorrow.“ And with that she drove off towards her own farm. Dawn waved after her.

Upon finally entering the warmth of the Pie family's home, Dawn was directed towards the living room by Maud. Aria was already in the kitchen, lending her hands to the matriarch for the dinner, while Mr. Rock was setting the table with Limestone. Marble hushed around like a ghost, carryieng things and making the last decorations. For her comfort, Dawn always tried to not pay her any attention and avert her own eyes.

Setting down on one of the couches, she saw Pinkie sitting close to her. In her pink hands was a leatherbound book, in which the girl was writing.

Watching her, Dawn felt a slight tingle in her chest, almost where heart was. Her hands were getting anxious, a sense of longing filling her.

"Is that yours?" She blurted out suddenly.

Pinkie looked up, surprised at first. Then she gave a rather subdued smile and closed the book. "Kinda. I'm holding onto it... for a friend of mine."

"Can I see it?"

Nodding, the pink girl carefully handed the journal over. Now with the tome in her own hands, Dawn could see the sigil on its cover. A blazing sun, coloured yellow and red not unlike a Ying-Yang symbol. Absentmidently, one hand combed through her own locks of hair, while the other brushed over the sun motive. All the while, Pinkie was watching her intendly.

What both failed to notice, was another pair of eyes observing the whole exchange. A pair of eyes that narrowed dangerously, its crimson gaze piercing the two girls sitting on the couch, not noticing the observer in the slightest. Then the eyes ducked away.

"Pinkie! Your mother wants you in the kitchen for the dessert!" Aria called.

"Okidoki, just one moment." Pinkie replied with the same volume. Taking back the journal, she quickly rushed upstairs, coming back down not even a minute later without the book.

Meanwhile, Dawn was frowning as she tried to shake off the weird sensation that had gotten hold of one of her hands. It felt like had suddenly fallen asleep, going numb and then being pricked by lots of needles. It faded eventually, not just from her hand, but also from her mind. And as the sun began to set and dinner was almost ready, she did not think of it anymore.

The last of the plates were cleaned and the family assembled in the living room. A fireplace crackled, alongside several candles they bathed everything in nice warm light. The two elders of the house took seat in their respective armchairs. The girls were divided unto the two couches that stood at an angle towards each other; Maud, Pinkie and Marble on one and Limestone with Aria on the other. Dawn had opted to sit down in the nook of the two pieces of furniture, using a beanchair that had been brought down for her.

It was the time for the presents.

Of course, it was mostly the Pies that gave away and subsequently received them. But she was still genuinly happy for them all. Maybe the happy feelings were infectious, it certainly felt like that. And she was sure she saw Aria smiling, without her usual grumpy-ish attitude.

They laughed, they joked. It felt great. Gifts were exchanged.

Aria got a hand-made sweater from Misses Pie, emblazoned on it a star and a symbol that Dawn was sure had something to do with music. Behind her Marble shuffled around, getting more and more comfortable with sitting so close and so exposed to someone new, a new cyan blue bow now in her hear that was courtesy of her sister Maud. It went back and forth, with the sisters (except Marble) always standing up and moving around; almost every present was followed by a hug. Dawn was no exception to this, after she got a wonderful leather bracelet with a small ruby, made by the patriach personally. To say that she was overwhelmed would be an understatement.

Eventually, Aria was handed the box that contained Dawn’s gifts. Dawn was temporarily distracted by a question from Cloudy Quartz when Aria had her first good look.

“Now this is interesting!“ The fuchsia girl held the, supposed, wooden rider in one hand. Her left eyebrow was raised upwards as she examined the small woodwork. Pinkie immediately blitzed over to her, eyeing the construct and chattering at her unnormal speed.

"You made those yourself, if I'm correct?" Dawn nodded happily.

"Oooh, a Nuckleavee, I like it." Pinkie chirped as she fawned over the figure.

While confused at first, Dawn's face became just a bit redder as she had to sheepishly explain that this was not the representation of an old myth's demon, but a normal horse plus rider, atleast supposedly.

But Aria really seemed to like her gifts, as she looked every single wooden creation, as well as the gems that Dawn had received from Marble. She even thanked her. It made the red girl happy, to hear that her efforts had come to fruition, that her presents were well received.

But she had not catched Aria’s full reaction, no one really had. For in the small tick, when the room’s occupants had paid more attention to the question asked by Cloudy Quartz, Aria had already opened the box.

And so nobody saw her face scrunch up in a multitude of emotions, as her eyes laid on three shining, crimson crystals. Shock, anger, grief; everything at once in a span of a second.

But this crucial moment was already gone and the fuchsia girl’s facade was established again.

Everything after that went on without issue. The pile of presents was getting smaller and smaller. Limestone gifted Aria a book centered around cooking more ‘healthier‘ food, along with a well-natured snarky comment.

It was then that Aria took the last of the wrapped packages in her hands and walked over towards the couch with Dawn and Marble on it.

“Here ya go Dawny, for you.“ She said, while sporting a look of utter indifference with only the hinds of a nice expression visible. Handing it over to the confused red head, she returned to her own seat and watched almost like a hawk looking at a mouse hole.

It was small, just a bit bigger than her own hand, and definitely rectangular. Dawn was actually surprised to get anything from Aria, her own gift could be explained by all the things the fuchsia girl had done for her without even knowing her. The second thing was, now that she had one of Aria’s right in her hands, she could actually take in the very well done wrapping of the gift.

The entire assembled family plus Aria were looking at here, prompting her to open it with their eyes. It made Dawn feel all fuzzy inside, but in a good way. It made her comfortable.

Carefully, to preserve the wrapping, she began to open it. To her surprise, under the paper was a compact wooden box, with no decorations to speak off. There was also no lock or anything to stop her from opening it, so she did.

Inside was, of all things, a smart phone.

“A-Aria, that… that is just… Thank you!“ Setting it down on the table she swiftly stood up and wrapped her arms around the fuchsia girl, before Aria had any chance to prevent it or escape. The taller girl stiffened at the sudden contact.

Dawn noticed this, and she also suddenly remembered that this was basically the first time they had hugged at all. Hastily she seperated again, although a part of her wished for the embrace to last longer.

The other girl’s face was unreadable, atleast in relation to the surprise hug. Cocking her eyebrow, she continued as if nothing had happened. “And? You like it? Just thought it was something you would need in the near future.“

“It, it is great. I… I don’t know if I really, I mean, we don’t even know each other really long-“

Everyone chuckled at the reaction, even Dawn herself after a moment of calming herself.

“Sorry, no refund. You just gotta accept it, girl. Accept it and use it.“ With that Aria stood up and walked into the adjacent kitchen. Little could she have predicted that Limestone would use this opportunity immediately, scooting over to the red girl and whispering very clear for everyone to hear.

“Don’t worry, she didn’t actually bought it.“ An obviously exagerated gasp came from Pinkie to their left. Undeterred from this, Limestone continued to speak with a meaningful tone in her voice, a suggesting smirk on her face.

“HowEVER, that is still a very good piece she gave you right there. If I’m being entirely honest here, it almost seems like Aria Blaze actually values your wellbeing-“

“LIMESTONE! I CAN STILL HEAR YOU!“

Pinkie broke out in full uncontrolled cackles, while her parents restrained themselves to light yet still genuine laughter, even Marble produced a quiet giggling. Maud… well Maud was Maud as far as she could tell. Even if Dawn was rather flustered at hearing all this, it was not something she wished to escaped from.

“Well, let me congretulate you.“ Limestone reached with her left hand to her as if expecting a handshake, or offering one. “You are officially the first person that the grumpy rockhead here actually cares about. With your new positions you have new privileges, such as an endless supply of insults, and the experience of the AriaBlazeGrumpyHateIndifference™ 24/7 straight.“

“LIMESTONE PIE, I’M GOING TO TURN YOU INTO THE CHRISTMAS LAMB IF YOU DON’T STOP!“ The entire (almost entire) Pie family was laughing at this point and Dawn laughed with them, just as much. It made her feel… like she actually belonged in here. To her right, from her old armchair, Cloud Quartz held her hands to her mouth to shout something to the kitchen.

“Use the knife hanging from the second rack upwards, third to the left! That’s the one I always use!“ Shortly after, the telltale sound of someone quickly sharpening a blade was heard from the kitchen. Limestone only seemed to talk faster, without even glancing towards the kitchen.

“As part of your promotion, you will receive the following duties.“ Heavy footfalls pounded in their direction. An angry snarl could be heard. “You will have to make sure that she eats more than just junk-food, stop her from destroying her ears with too much metal, get her to wear more colorful attire, apply make-up even if she doesn’t like it-“

Aria looked like a figure straight out of a horror movie. Long hair framed and partly covered her face, a long and gleaming blade in her hands.

“Makesureshestayshealthyanddoesn’tgetintroublekeephercompanywhensheneedsitthemostmaybeevenarelationshipOK-BYEEEE!“

As fast as the grey girl could manage, she sprinted towards the stairs to seek safety. Just as she was past her assembled family, a swift motion caused her head to reflexivly pull down.

With a resounding crack, a butcher knife embedded itself in on of the old wooden posts close to her. For a second she turned back, still from the sudden shock. Aria had apparently not just grabbed one knife off the rack, she had taken all of the knives. One was even held between her hissing teeth.

Limestone practically flew up the stairs with Aria hot on her heels, yelling “ShitshitshitshitshitSHITSHITSHIT!“and leaving her family laughing back in the living room.

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t kill her.“ Maud said, expressing no emotion at all, as she stood up and walked upstairs at her usual calm pace.

“I’ll go make hot cocoa for everyone!“ Pinkie was the next one to leave the room, bouncing towards the now empty kitchen. Dawn for her part just leaned back to recover from the heated exchange just now, the gift still in her hands and a smile on her face. Something told her not to worry for the safety of Limestone. Maybe it was the fact that nobody else did, which had to mean that they trusted Aria enough to not cause any actual harm.

Just then a sudden touch on her head caused her to jump and quickly turn her head. A small sqeak and Marble once again took cover behind her blanket. For a moment four eyes stared into each other akwardly. Then Dawn gave an apolagetic smile, turned and once again leaned back, closing her eyes.

Not long and Marbles nimble fingers once again touched her head. Combing through her hair, she began to slowly form it into a braid, humming a soft melody to herself. It was relaxing, soon she found herself joining into the tune, almost unconciously.

Above her, some heavy sounds went here and there, whatever the three were doing up there.

Some of Limestone’s words were still resonating in her head. The question she asked herself the last days, today over the battlegrounds, was swirling around inside her. If Aria was more than just her benefactor. If maybe, she could consider her a friend.

But right, now she could ignore it.

Right now, even if she knew she wasn’t, she felt like part of a family.

It felt nice.

It felt right.

The sun had already gone down hours ago. giving everything a certain atmosphere of closeness. When you could not see the cold outside of your home, the warm inside grew just a bit more comfy and huddly. The many lights, generated from street lamps, cars, and of course christmas decoration, somewhat polluted that atmosphere. But those could still be seen as something nice and even something atmospheric.

Dawn Fire had already gone to bed, tired from the days festivities.

Yet she was not.

Aria had had another nightmare this night. They were not frequent or really deprived her of her rest, both things she could be thankful for. But every single time when she woke up, she felt the pain in her chest again. She could feel the tears on her face, even though she cried none.

All the tears were shed weeks ago.

That was why she had visited the house, her house, and why she had participated in the celebrational hours-long paintball match. She needed to remind herself of everything that had happened, of what she had lost. After that, she desperately needed the familiar feel of battle. To feel the rush of adrenaline, to dodge the bullets, track down and eliminate the enemy.

Paintball was close enough to do the trick.

But as soon as the game had been fnished, the presence of… It always broke her out of her routine, her unhealthy comfort. Sometimes she pondered if she should have given herself more time, but then she had moments where she enjoyed having Dawn here. Not just someone; Dawn’s curious yet always careful attitude was nice to have here.

The glass filled with whiskey was lifted off the table and ist contents disappeared in Aria’s throat, meanwhile her right hand still held the stones that Dawn had gifted her.

They looked so similar. Why did they have to look so bloody similar?

Aria knew that her new roommate was approaching a solid minute before the red girl stepped into the light of the living room, her eyes squinted and her mouth hang slightly open.

The other girl looked at her for only a few moments, her eyes analyzing the stance, expression and behavior. Then she returned to look at the beautiful stone in her hands. “The toilet is at the further end of the hallway.“

A sleepy grumbling sound apparently passed as an answer, as Dawn quickly shuffled off to relieve herself. After a few minutes she was coming back, noticeably more awake and functional, and sat down at the table opposite of Aria.

The fuchsia girl looked up at her face and she looked down at the stone she had gifted her roommate with.

“Aria, I… uhm I wanted to ask you-I mean“ Dawn wanted to talk about it so badly, yet the moment she opened her mouth the words were lost on her. Surprisingly, Aria seemed to wait patiently for her to make actual coherent sentences, her presents still twirling between nimble fingers.

“Uhm… Aria, I wanted to tell you how thankful I am. For everything really. This… this means a lot to me, really, without your help... Don’t know what I would have done, propably still in the hospital. So, yeah…“ How could she ask it? What was the best way to bring up a deeply personal question, of something that was clearly still a point of discomfort if not emotional pain for the other?

“Come on, Dawny.“ Aria said, friendly although she still allowed herself a light smirk. “I’m not a plastic toy or a frail little pony. I can take it. So whatever you want to ask, just be direct.“

“Uh ok.“ Breathing in, breathing out. “But only if you want to answer. I, well I noticed that you… behaved a bit strange, so to say. Like, you were still attuning to… well me being here instead of somebody else. And you said that recently someone moved out of the apartment. And a couple of days ago I talked to Marbl-“

Aria’s eyebrow lifted up before the red girl could stop herself from spilling all the beans. But it seemed she messed up already, Aria’s smirk had already vanished. She didn’t look outright pissed, but definitely not glad in any way.

“Did you now? And what, pray tell, did Marble tell you, Dawn?“ The words held no malice or edge, yet she still winced at hearing er name.

“She didn’t say anything bad, I promise! I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have tried to-“

“What, did she say?“

Breath in, and out. “She… said that you were in a bad state when they met you. Nothing more.“

Silence. She couldn’t look up, it felt too wrong. She hoped against her logical side that it wasn’t that bad.

A chair was pushed away. She walked away, not to her room, but to her kitchen. This was even scarier for Dawn. She had seen what Aria could do with knives. That throw was delibrately aimed against the pillar, what could she achieve when not aiming to miss?

What when she would decide to aim to hit?

Dawn couldn’t stop her. The other girl surpassed her in strength, dexterity and endurance by huge margins.

The telltale sound of a stopper being pulled from a glass bottle and the following flow of some liquid did little to appease her mind.

It also didn’t recede when she could hear the bottle being put away again. Or when she could hear Aria Blaze approach, even though she hadn’t heard any sign of a blade being pulled.

Why was she even so scared? Wasn’t she stronger than this? She had the right, as-

Thunk

The empty glass now stood between them; a frazzled, tired and now startled Dawn and Aria, eyes closed and holding herself in cold annoyance. Than the fuchsia girl sighed, her shoulders slumped a bit.

“Well. For one, you’re very perceptive. Second, stop looking like you’re about to be punished by your parents.“

This was the thing to break her out of her shock. Slowly, she finally met the other’s purple eyes.

“You are right with most things already. Yes, up until one and a half months ago, I was living with two other people here. That’s why the other bedrooms look like they do. It is also why I am acting the way I do. We were together a long time and I felt alone up until recently. But I was not prepared that, once you entered this apartment and thus my life, I would slip back into my old routine of having them around, old reactions to certain things, et cetera. And yes, when they both left me suddenly I was in a very bad state, which was when I met the Pies. Do you follow?“

Dawn just nodded. What was she to say right now? I’m sorry? Aria really didn’t feel like the type that would accept it. Also… she didn’t want to interrupt her.

“Now, there are two things that you have not figured out yet. They are also the two most important things for me.“

No turning back now.

“First of all: They were not my roommates. Or even my friends. They were my sisters.“

“They… they were your sisters?“

“Yes. And they did not leave.“

“They both died.“

“You should go to bed now. It is late.“

Her voice sounded dead. Just as her eyes bored themselves into her, passing through her and looking at something else. Dawn had no will to disagree.

As she was just about to walk out of sight and into her room though, she stopped. She had to stop. If she did not say it now, when would she? It had to be now.

“I am sorry Aria. I am sorry for your loss.“

There was no response. She knew there would be none tonight.

“I want to help, in any way I can. As a friend. Please, just tell me how.“ Then Dawn entered her, no her sister’s former bedroom. Sleep came only after what felt like hours. At some point, her eyes had filled with tears. Everything just felt so surreal, it all came so suddenly down onto her.

As a friend. Two red orbs stared at the door in front of them, piercing the darkness with ease. A friend. I knew it, she sounded so familiar. Though, even with everything that has happened, I’ll have to look into that more closely to be sure. But if I’m right…

Author's Note

Talk about a 180° in emotions.

Poor Dawn, she just wanted to help Aria and be a friend, now she feels like she is sleeping in someone else's bed. Let's see how this all will evolve.
Especially with the crimson eyes watching her.

A big thank you to everyone who has followed the story this far already. It means a lot to me.
I'll try to stick to my roughly bi-weekly uploading of new chapters, since I am out of vacation (which was great, got a lot of stuff done for this story.)

Please, let me now what you think of this chapter.

Be safe, and don't forget to love eachother.