Deepression

Chapters

Impending Slumber
Separation
Consideration
Barricades
Epilogue: Wings of Faith

Impending Slumber

Sunset inhaled under the warmth of afternoon's light. Her eyes were closed in silent contemplation, her ears blocked out by white earbuds. Her mind wandered in a dark abyss, consumed by emotions she kept hidden from the world. Even with her senses dulled, she could sense the presence before her. A gentle hand touched her shoulder.

"What's up, kiddo?"

"Um...Are you Sunset Shimmer?"

"Yeah. You're Diamond Tiara, right? I've seen you hanging around with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle."

"I was wondering if I could talk to you about something..."

Sunset recognized the look on the child's face. It was one she'd seen in the mirror many times before.

"Yeah. I'm all ears."

Diamond moved beneath the closest tree, masking herself in the shade.

"Lately, I've been feeling...Really tired..."

"Of what?"

"I don't know..."

"I can take a guess."

Diamond gazed directly into Sunset's eyes.

"Nothing is really fun anymore. I just don't want to do anything, and I feel...Sad...All the time."

"I'm gonna go out on a limb here and assume my friends pointed you in my direction."

"They told me you've felt the same things before."

"I never stopped feeling them. I guess...I just have more experience than the others."

"Can I make them go away?"

"I wish I could say yes, but...I've never seen a case where someone was cured."

"How long have you felt this stuff?"

"Since I was younger than you."

"..."

"...Come on. Let's get something to eat."

Sunset led Diamond to a restaurant in town. They took a booth in the farthest corner, away from prying ears.

"Thanks for lunch."

"Don't mention it."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"What do you do when you feel like this?"

"A lot of things I probably shouldn't..."

"Huh?"

Sunset rolled up the sleeve of her shirt. Dark scars lined her shoulder.

"I don't understand."

"Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?"

Diamond's face twisted in horrified shock.

"It's not something I'd recommend unless you plan to end it on the spot."

"You..."

"Yeah..."

The two sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity.

"H...How did it start?"

"I jumped in front of my neighbor's truck when I five. That should've been the first red flag. I didn't think twice about forcing him to crush me."

"How did you survive?"

"My mom pulled me away seconds before he hit me. Neither of us got hurt, but I got a good scolding for it. I knew what would happen, but for some reason, I just didn't care."

"Jeez..."

"Tell me, have you ever asked yourself what the reason for our existence is?"

"I mean...Sometimes..."

"There's so much bad shit it's enough to drive a person crazy. Therapy and medication might control the symptoms for a while, but reality comes back to bite us in the ass eventually."

"So I'm stuck feeling this way forever?"

"There are moments when the pain regresses, but it never fully subsides."

Diamond leaned back. She sighed in defeat.

"What do I do now...?"

"You made a good call coming to me. Finding people who feel the same way you do might provide some relief in the long run."

"Would it be okay if I hang out with you, then?"

"Absolutely."

Diamond followed Sunset to the outskirts of the city. Clouds began to fill the sky with a dark gray hue. Sunset lit a cigarette and drew on the unlit end. She held it out to her new companion.

"Want a drag?"

"I guess at this point, it doesn't really matter."

"Trust me, the sooner you quit worrying about small shit, the better off you'll be."

Diamond took the cigarette from her friend's hand.

"Don't smoke too fast."

Diamond puffed the stick and blew the excess smoke away from her face.

"So what did you mean earlier, about ending it on the spot?"

"You could say I'm vigilant to the point of borderline paranoia. If shit gets bad, I'm jumping ship. I'm not giving anyone the satisfaction of adding me to their body count."

"You mean if you don't have a choice?"

"The way things are going, it's a real possibility. There's been a string of cyber attacks recently that are putting people's lives at risk. If the attacker's in another country, the situation could easily devolve. Regardless, it's beyond my control anyway. All I know is, I'm not sticking around for a pointless bloodbath. If history's anything to go by, there's nothing down that road worth gaining."

"Isn't there anything we can do?"

"Not really. We're just collateral. No one cares what happens to us. We could scream until we're blue in the face and it wouldn't make any difference. The way I see it, if people think I'm disposable, I can return the favor."

"I guess that's fair."

"That's my golden rule. Give what you get: no more, no less. Be kind when the opportunity presents itself, 'cause you'd be surprised how many people feel like us."

"Really?"

"They're fed up just like we are. Just look around. You've got rampant addiction, poverty, famine, domestic abuse, all sorts of vile shit to contend with. This world sucks on so many levels. If I had it my way, things would be a lot different."

"I wish I was a superhero."

"Don't we all."

"By the way, what were you listening to earlier?"

"A band called Staind. I don't know if you like rock music, but I grew up on those guys."

"Mom and dad only listen to classical. I've heard some bluegrass at Apple Bloom's place, but I don't know much about rock."

"Here. I think you'll really like this song. There's lots of melody and harmonized chords."

Diamond put the earbuds in. When the chorus hit, her eyes went wide.

Sunset and Diamond reached the older girl's home just as it began to rain. Once they were inside, Sunset closed the door behind them.

"Well, this is my humble abode. You're welcome to whatever's in the fridge. My room's in the back. We can play video games or watch a movie if you want."

"Actually, can I take a nap?"

"Yeah. I'd imagine having all this dumped on you would be exhausting. You can take my bed if you want."

"Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

"Of course. Let's get you tucked in."

Diamond snuggled under the blankets, eager to rid herself of the anxiety she now lived under. Her grateful smile did little to hide her heavy heart.

"I feel awful." she stated bluntly.

"What's wrong?"

"I used to be a huge jerk. I don't think I'll ever live that part of my life down."

"I know the feeling. Self-resentment's a bitch and a half."

"To top it off, now I have to add the fear of death to the list."

"I want you to do a mental exercise with me. Imagine you were never aware of your own mortality. You didn't know you were going to die. Would you still be afraid?"

"Probably not."

"We've been conditioned to think death is the be-all end-all, but the components that make up our chemistry never disappear. The nature of reality is chaos. Even if this life is nothing more than random chance, that randomness will eventually circle back around. Trillions of years from now, when the universe is submerged in darkness, matter will compile itself some other way. Don't give up yet. This could just be a stepping stone to something new. That thought is what keeps me going."

"I think I understand. I'll always exist in some way, right?"

"Right, and until then, I want you to do what I do. Approach the world with a defiant middle finger."

"...Thanks."

"Hey, people like us have to stick together. I have faith we'll come out on top in the end. Even in the deepest ruin, there's always a foundation."

"If I die in my sleep, I think I'll be okay with it now."

"Just try to hold out as long as you can. I'll be here every step of the way. If push comes to shove, I'll make sure your end is as quick and painless as possible."

Diamond closed her eyes. Sunset held her hand as she drifted off.

"Sweet dreams."

Author's Note

Separation

Diamond inhaled sharply as she awoke. The room was devoid of light, save for a dim glow reflected from the ceiling.

"Where am I...?"

A familiar voice jogged her memory back to reality.

"You must've been tired."

"Sunset..."

Diamond cleared her eyes. Once she could see again, she realized Sunset was playing something.

"I messaged your parents a while ago. I told them you were staying at a friend's place. They didn't press much further beyond that."

"Figures..." the child replied hoarsely.

"Sounds like you have a rocky relationship with your folks."

"Sometimes I wonder why I was born in the first place. They're not particularly family-oriented people."

"I'm sure they're trying."

"You don't know them very well. Think textbook aristocratic snobs. Where do you think my cruel streak came from?"

"You were just a kid lashing out. I'd hardly call it cruelty."

"Maybe not compared to what we talked about earlier, but still..."

"That's just typical sadism stuff. I seriously doubt you enjoy the suffering of innocent people."

"Not really, no."

Diamond stretched, cracking her joints before leaping next to Sunset.

"How'd you sleep?"

"Good. Mattress is a bit firmer than I'm used to, but I like it."

"It's good for posture support."

"You're strange, you know that?"

"I know."

"So...What are you playing?"

"Final Fantasy 7."

"I've never seen a game like this before."

"You mean the series, or...?"

"In general."

"You've never played an RPG?"

"Video games aren't my usual thing."

"I guess that makes sense given your upbringing. Wanna give it a whirl? I'm pretty strong at this point, so you shouldn't have to worry about dying."

"Sure."

Sunset taught Diamond about the game's progression system and how materia worked. An hour passed by in the blink of an eye. Diamond's stomach began to growl.

"I'm getting kind of hungry again."

"Come on. I'll fix you something."

When they reached the kitchen, Sunset opened the refrigerator.

"I've got some leftover chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. That work?"

"Sounds good."

"Comin' right up."

Diamond waited patiently for the food to reheat. In the meantime, she spoke more about her home life.

"Most of the time, when we eat together, we just talk about the same stuff. It's the same thing every day."

"So you don't feel close to either of them."

"Pretty much."

"Have you tried talking to them about it?"

"What would I say?"

"I'll admit, it's not easy to tell your folks you're going through an existential crisis. I never spoke to mine about it, but my circumstances are a bit different."

"What should I do?"

"Try saying something like 'I'm feeling sad because I don't know why I'm here, and I want us to spend more time together'."

"Will that really work?"

"No parent likes hearing their kid is going through a rough time. The trick for any situation is using it to your advantage. Because we're aware we could go at any time for any reason, we can do some incredible things many people would be scared shitless of."

"What do you mean?"

"How should I put this...Imagine you were faced with a serial killer, but you'd long since come to terms with your own mortality. Facing them directly instead of running or screaming would really fuck with their head. The fear is what motivates those kind of people. Take that away and you strip them of their power."

"Huh. I never thought of it that way."

"You can see examples of this in comics like Johnny the Homicidal Maniac. He says himself he finds no satisfaction in killing those who aren't afraid of death."

"What about you?"

"Hm?"

"Why do you feel the way you do?"

"I guess...Because I feel alienated, like I have no place."

"You have people who care about you too, though."

"That's true, but I'm the awkward one of the bunch. The most I can contribute is a few dirty jokes for a cheap laugh. It's hard to find joy when there's not much to laugh about."

"Damn..."

Diamond covered her mouth. Sunset chuckled.

"No need to hold back on my account."

The microwave beeped.

"Food's ready."

Diamond and Sunset ate in silence. When they finished, Sunset was the first to speak.

"I want to show you something."

They threw their paper plates away and washed the silverware. Diamond followed her friend back to the bedroom. The bulb revealed how basic and bare-bones it was. There was only a bed, a TV, and a computer desk. Sunset reached under the frame. She pulled out a medieval sword with a golden handle.

"You like swords?" Diamond asked in surprise.

"Everybody's been into guns since action movies got big. I prefer something a bit more skill savvy. Melee weapons have one major advantage over firearms."

"What's that?"

"No reloading. Run out of bullets, you're pretty much screwed. Break a blade, it still cuts."

"Now I get the dark alley joke my dad always tells."

"I practice a little every day. If you want, I can teach you a few techniques later."

"Sounds kind of cool."

"Stick with me and I'll help make your day-to-day a bit more interesting."

Diamond gave a weak smile, but it was genuine nonetheless. She was beginning to grow curious. What secrets could the unhinged corners of her mind unlock? Sunset returned the weapon to its hiding place. She turned around to face the younger girl.

"Wanna watch a movie before we hit the hay?"

"Yeah...I'd like that."

Author's Note

Consideration

Diamond awoke again around four in the morning. Unlike the first time, her heart rate remained steady. The shadows gave her time to ponder.

"I'm bored. Maybe she wouldn't mind if I took it for a while..."

Diamond pushed herself off the bed. She knelt down and pulled out the blade.

"I don't know what her endgame is, but she's the only one I can trust..."

Diamond crept into the hall leading to the living room. She paused when she saw Sunset sleeping on the sofa.

"I have to be quiet."

Silently, the child slipped out the front door. The cool air somewhat eased her mind. She strolled behind the house where trees covered the landscape as far as the eye could see.

"Jeez, this thing is heavy. Still, maybe there's something to all this."

Using both her arms, she took one swing, then another...

Two and a half hours later, Sunset heard what sounded like strained grunts coming from the back yard. The pitch told her right away who it was. She wiped the saliva from her mouth and headed outside. She stood back to avoid being struck by the sharpened steel.

"Morning."

Diamond flinched, nearly causing her to stumble. Sunset caught her just before she fell.

"Careful."

"Sorry..."

"Don't sweat it. I figured you'd wake up a bit earlier today."

The pair rebalanced themselves.

"Sounds like you were practicing pretty hard."

"I didn't really know what else to do."

"Initiative is a good trait to have."

"Dad says the same thing."

"Speaking of which, we should get you home so you can pick up your stuff. Take a break and we'll head out in a few minutes."

"Okay."

Sunset gathered her school supplies before sharing another cigarette with Diamond. When it burnt out, they headed toward the city.

"You should probably brush your teeth before you go to school."

"Yeah."

"I was kind of worried you'd leave before I got up. Ya gotta be careful on the streets, especially at night. There's a lot of people in this world looking for blood."

"Why?"

"There's a lot of reasons. Some of 'em are down on their luck. Others just don't value life in general."

"Kind of like us?"

"We still care outside ourselves. Those guys, not so much."

"I think I get it."

"Do you know why I showed you my scars yesterday?"

"Not really."

"Because I don't want you going down the same road I went. Cutting might bring temporary relief, but it's a cycle that doesn't solve anything in the long run. We have to find more constructive ways to cope, at least until we decide our time is up. You're in a situation where you can afford medical care, but most people aren't so fortunate, and like I said, it only helps so much for so long."

"What can I do?"

"I can't tell you because I don't know. It's different for each person. It's something you'll have to find for yourself."

"...I don't feel like talking anymore..."

"I gotcha. I'll turn on some music until we get there."

Diamond led Sunset to a gated mansion on the west side of town. A fountain stood tall in the center of a blooming garden.

"This is your place? Not too shabby."

Diamond entered her family's code into the panel. The gate promptly opened in response.

"Hey, listen," Sunset spoke, "I have to get going. If you want, I can drop by to pick you up this weekend."

"I'd feel better if you were here."

"I know, but this is more of a family issue. My presence might be less than welcome."

"I understand."

Diamond and Sunset exchanged contact information so they could keep in touch.

"See you later." Sunset reassured.

Diamond nodded.

The kindred spirits went their separate ways.

Sunset met her friends on the campus of Canterlot High. Twilight and the others gazed at her with fond expressions.

"How is she?" Twilight asked.

"I think I got through. I couldn't leave her there."

"She came to Applejack asking for help. We didn't know where else to turn."

"Her presence prevented me from relapsing, so I guess it was a positive experience overall."

"We're all really proud of you. You seem to be gaining control over your urges."

"You're either alive or you're not. Existing between the two is hell. If her folks love her like I think they do, they'll get the memo."

The bell rang.

"We should get to class."

Around five that same evening, Sunset messaged Diamond.

"How'd it go?"

"It's weird. It's like their personalities completely changed."

"Told ya."

"We're going to see a movie tonight."

"How are your arms?"

"Sore, but it's not too bad."

"You're tougher than I gave you credit for."

"Thanks."

"I'll see you soon. Take care."

Author's Note

Barricades

Three days later, Diamond arrived at Sunset's residence with her parents in tow. Despite her exhaustion, the teen did her best to be welcoming.

"You must be Mr. and Mrs. Rich. Nice to meet you."

She extended her hand. Filthy returned the gesture.

"Please, come in."

Diamond's family entered the quaint space. It was tidy with minimal clutter.

"We owe you our deepest gratitude," the older gentleman said, "We had no idea Diamond was struggling with something so unprecedented. Without your help, we may have never known."

"It's easier to talk about with people in similar situations. She didn't know how to tell you."

"So it would appear."

"The best thing you can do for your daughter is listen. Look into the nuances of her condition. Everyone's circumstances are unique, even if it's just in small ways."

"Well, we're just glad she found someone she can relate to."

"What time should I have her ready?"

"Sunday afternoon should suffice."

"Gotcha."

"If you need anything, give us a call."

Filthy handed Sunset a business card with his number printed on the bottom.

"Thank you."

The man nodded. He led his wife out the door. Sunset turned her attention to Diamond.

"Should we get practice out of the way or relax first?"

"I just wanna get it done."

"I'll show you the royal combat style used by nobility."

"How's it work?"

"It's a one-handed style that relies on firm posture. Mastering it will make you look more imposing."

"Are you nuts? I could barely hold that thing with two."

"If you do it right, your stance will evenly distribute the blade's weight. The remaining resistance will ease off when you get a bit stronger."

"If you say so."

Sunset told Diamond to stop after thirty minutes. Dusk was already setting in.

"That's good. Don't push yourself. Last thing we need is for you to get injured."

"I'm so tired..."

"I know. Just breathe. I'll go get you some water."

The teen went inside. She filled a glass with liquid and dropped three ice cubes in its confines. She returned to the house's exterior and handed the drink to Diamond.

"Sip it slowly. If you chug it, you might get sick."

Diamond held the glass to her lips. The ketones from the physical activity caused it to taste sweeter than usual.

"Come on. Let's chill out on the roof."

Sunset jumped next to the house. She gripped the edge of the apex, pulling herself up.

"Hand me the water first."

Diamond gave the glass back to Sunset.

"Take my hand."

Diamond jumped next. The older girl pulled her up.

"So this is what it's like hanging out with a high schooler, huh?"

"Exciting, isn't it?" Sunset replied with playful sarcasm.

Diamond let out a quick exhale through her nostrils.

Diamond and Sunset laid together on the roof for a while, watching as the sun sank further behind the trees.

"Why is it I've never seen you with a guy?" Diamond suddenly asked.

Sunset frowned.

"Relationships aren't all they're cracked up to be. Movies and books only show the good parts. I've seen people much older than us separate for really messed up reasons. I couldn't bear that kind of heartache."

"What kind of reasons?"

"Pedophilia, rape, abuse, that kind of shit."

"Eew! Gross!"

"Tell me about it."

"So there's no such thing as a happy ending after all?"

"Not quite. It's rare, but there are relationships that have been lifelong."

"I hope I can find something like that someday."

"Is there someone you like?"

"Kind of..."

"But...?"

"She's a girl..."

"I won't ask who 'cause that's your private business, but you should talk to her. Get to know her. She might feel the same way."

"Isn't it weird, though?"

"Maybe by archaic dark age standards, but people are more open-minded these days. Ironically it's one of the few things we seem to be making progress on, albeit slowly."

"What if she doesn't like me?"

"Rejection sucks, but trust me, I'll take that over dating a lunatic any day. Some things just aren't meant to be, and remember, you can always hit me up if you're having a bad day."

"I guess..."

Sunset pulled the child into a gentle embrace. She hated herself for spilling such ugly truths, but lying would've done more harm.

"I know it's hard, but as long as you're around, there's time. Don't give up before you've given your all."

"I won't."

"Come on. I bought us some goodies. We can pig out and watch Hellraiser."

Author's Note

Epilogue: Wings of Faith

The following Sunday, Diamond returned home. She was more uncertain of her feelings than ever. All she had to go on was the advice of someone she barely knew, and yet somehow, she felt she'd known Sunset her entire life. She felt she could trust her. She knew what it meant to have faith in the unknown, and she was relying on that faith now.

Monday morning was the moment of truth. Diamond waited patiently for the final bell to ring. It was hard concentrating on her schoolwork, but she managed. Her mind kept wandering back to one person. When class finally let out, she followed her friends to the front of the school.

"Man, today was so boring." Scootaloo complained.

"You really need to stop falling asleep in class." Sweetie reprimanded.

"Give me a break, would ya? They're putting letters in math for God's sake. How is anyone supposed to figure that crap out?"

"Practice." Diamond muttered.

"Huh?" Scootaloo asked in surprise.

"That's how you get better at something."

"I mean, I know that, but I just can't stay motivated."

"Try thinking about who you want to be in the future."

"I don't think school has anything to do with soccer."

"Don't be so sure. Remember when we learned about trajectories?"

"Kind of. It's a little fuzzy."

"They measure the approximate area where a moving object will land."

"Hey, yeah! I remember now!"

"Without that skill, you can't find the right angle to kick the ball. That's why you have to learn until it's second nature."

"When did you become a smarty-pants all of a sudden?"

"I've been getting tutoring in my spare time."

"Pretty cool you knew that. Maybe I'll start paying more attention after all."

"Come to think of it, where have you been," Sweetie inquired, "We haven't seen you much outside school lately."

"I've had a lot on my mind." Diamond admitted.

"Is everything okay?"

"I'm not sure. I'd feel more comfortable talking to Apple Bloom alone if you guys don't mind."

"Um...Okay...?" Scootaloo replied with a curious expression.

"I need to go home, anyway. Rarity gets huffy when I'm out late without telling her."

"We'll see you guys later. Take it easy."

Scootaloo and Sweetie disappeared over the horizon. Apple Bloom and Diamond faced each other.

"What's wrong?" Apple Bloom questioned with concern.

"There's something I've been wanting to say for a while, but I wasn't sure how."

"Well, what is it?"

"I like you, Apple Bloom...A lot."

"i like you, too. We're friends, right?"

Diamond shook her head.

"No, I mean...the other way."

Apple Bloom's mouth dried. Blood rushed to her face.

"O...Oh..."

"You guys were the only ones who stood up to me when I used to pick on people. Everyone else was afraid because of my family's money. They thought I might do something bad."

"Y-yeah. I guess so."

"You were the only ones who saw me as an equal. I came to admire your bravery over time. The more time I spent with you all, the more I understood why you were the leader in particular."

"Why's that?"

"Because...You never give up."

"Aj says I'm persistent."

"I guess what I'm trying to ask is...Do you like me, too?"

"...Most of my life, I knew ya as a bully, but I knew ya weren't so bad deep down."

"You did?"

"It's nothin' about you I don't like. I just don't like girls like that."

"I had a feeling..."

"I'm real sorry."

"Why?"

"I've seen Aj get all sad about this stuff before. I know you're probably feelin' the same way."

"Don't worry about it. I knew this might happen."

"We're still friends, right?"

"Yeah..."

"Ya got somethin' in your eye?"

"It's nothing. I have to go."

"Where ya goin'?"

"To see somebody."

"Hey, I'll see ya tomorrow. Applejack and Big Mac probably need my help right about now."

"Yeah...See you later..."

Diamond walked away slowly to avoid causing a scene. Her heart swelled in her throat, threatening to choke the life from her at any given moment.

Diamond waited in front of Canterlot High for over two hours. By the time Sunset emerged, the younger girl's tears were already dry. Sunset told the others to go on without her. One look at the child's eyes was all the adolescent needed. The last of their emotional distance crumbled to dust. They clung to each other all the way back to Diamond's mansion...

That Monday changed everything. Seeing Diamond so utterly heartbroken destroyed Sunset completely. After talking to the others about what happened, she receded into silence for the remainder of the school year. She began wearing her hair over her left eye: a gesture meant to conceal the anguish behind. From then on, she and Diamond spent every day together.

During summer break, Diamond kicked her training into overdrive. Her strength grew exponentially at a rapid pace. She eventually broke the sword in two when she smashed it with all her might against a tree. With Sunset's help, she used her connections to contact a bladesmith. He crafted two new blades much sturdier in quality than the original.

Five months after Diamond's rejection, Halloween crept up on the calendar. Sunset's friends invited her to a party that evening.

"Only if Diamond can come too."

"Of course, sugarcube. She's always welcome."

"Aj?"

"God, it's good to hear your voice again. After school let out, you went dark on us. We were startin' to wonder if somethin' happened."

"She took it really hard. I know I told you, but words don't really do the situation justice."

"I know. I'd need a break from everyone too if I was in her shoes."

"You didn't tell Apple Bloom, did you?"

"O' course not. I don't want her to blame herself any more than you do. She can't change who she is."

"We can only change ourselves for her sake..."

"Right."

"I'll be there. Just give me a couple hours."

"See ya then, darlin'."

Sunset hung up. She gazed at Diamond with a forlorn expression.

"How are you holding up?"

"I think I'm okay. It took a while to get used to it, but it doesn't hurt as much anymore."

"That's good. I'm glad."

Diamond chuckled with a smile.

"We should get our costumes ready."

Diamond followed Sunset to the restroom. They put on dark lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. Sunset helped Diamond even out her makeup. She placed a set of colored contact lenses over the child's eyes. They were a much deeper blue than Diamond's natural color. The duet finished things off with a bottle of black nail polish and a set of plastic fangs each.

"How do I look?" Diamond asked.

"Beautiful as always."

Diamond blushed.

"After tonight, it's probably best if people don't see us alone together for a while. They might get the wrong idea."

"I'd say I don't care, but I'd rather you not get in trouble."

"We can still hang out with your parents, but it's easy to tell we're not related. Plus, with my birthday being last month and everything, it would look kind of strange."

"Actually, there might be a couple ways around that."

"Yeah?"

"You can tell them you're my babysitter. Mom and dad will back you up. If no one believes us, leave it to me."

"You've gotten a lot more street-smart since we met. Kids these days are really something."

"I think everyone's starting to question the meaning of reality. We have no idea why we're here or what we're here for as you so generously established in our first conversation. My generation will likely grow up in an existential nightmare. That's why we need people like you. We won't last very long without your help."

"I don't know how much help we'll be, but we'll try."

"We will too."

"We've still got some time. Wanna play Dead Space until it's time to go?"

"How far are we from the end?"

"Still another six chapters. We'll finish it by the end of the week, if not sooner."

"We should put a few power nodes into health."

"Learned that the hard way."

Back in the bedroom, Sunset slipped on a hooded jacket and retrieved their swords.

During the party, Diamond and Sunset maintained their distance from the crowd. Filthy and Spoiled took photos of them in various poses under a white oak tree. Diamond put her regal stature on full display as the vampire princess she was born to be. Sunset, meanwhile, revealed the deepest depths of gloom from under the shadows, her face, turned away.

"Astounding," Filthy uttered, "It's like meeting our little girl all over for the first time."

"There are many walks of life," Sunset spoke, "I'm showing her what seems truest from my own experiences."

"By the way, there's a matter I wish to discuss with you: a proposition I think you'll find most intriguing."

"I'm all ears."

"Spoiled and I were wondering if you would like to be part of the family."

"You mean...!?"

"Diamond's always telling us how kind and thoughtful you are. It only seems right."

"Wow...I don't know what to say...!"

"Will you do it?"

Sunset looked the man in his eyes.

"I'd be honored."

"It's settled, then. We'll sign the papers Monday."

They embraced each other in a tight hug.

"Welcome to the family."

"This means more than you'll ever know."

"Oh, I can imagine. Constant isolation would drive the sanest man crazy. While we're on the subject, I would very much like to meet your relatives in the near future."

"Yeah. Just let me know and I'll call them so we can arrange a time and place."

"Excellent."

Sunset walked over to where Diamond and Spoiled were standing. She knelt before her new sibling.

"Guess I'd better start packing, squirt."

"What?"

Diamond gave her mother a curious stare. Spoiled simply smiled down at her.

"Looks like I'm moving in."

"But I didn't-"

"We thought ahead." Spoiled interjected. She released her daughter's shoulders from her grasp. Sunset lifted the girl onto her back.

"Remember when we met? I told you there was a chance another door could open, even in the face of certain doom."

Diamond was so overwhelmed with emotion she couldn't speak. She paused for a long while before closing her eyes and resting her head on Sunset's shoulder.

"If no one else is here for you in this world, I will be. I promised myself that from day one. Neither of us has to be alone anymore..."

"Mm..."

"We should go inside. The others are waiting..."

Diamond whispered into her sibling's ear.

"I think I'm ready to try living now..."

Sunset whispered back.

"So am I..."

The young woman carried the child inside. They surrendered their trust to the future, silently praying for one worth living for...