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