Author's Note

Now that the dark shit is out of the way, I can focus on developing the relationship between Ian, Harmonic, and Atmospheric. I noticed Atmospheric's speech patterns are kind of mixing formal English with youthful dialect. Kind of makes for an interesting internal dynamic. Might stick with it if I can make it flow smoothly enough for the story.

Rebound

After her conversation with Ian, Atmospheric reflected on something Harmonic told her during the original timeline. As a colt, he was able to bounce back much more quickly from emotional distress. She wondered how she could extend this trait into his adolescence and adulthood.

"I'm already working to remove one obstacle, and between me and Ian, the other's no longer an issue. I guess all I can do now is just be there for him. Fear not, my love...I'll be there soon..."

The following Saturday, Atmospheric returned to Ian and Harmonic's house. Harmonic looked up at his brother with a curious expression.

"It's cool, man. I invited her here."

"Okay..."

"You guys wanna play some Street Fighter," the elder stallion inquired, "I bought snacks."

"Can we play Mortal Kombat, too?" Atmospheric asked.

"You know the fatalities?"

The filly nodded.

"Nice."

Atmospheric followed the brothers inside. She was fascinated to learn the kitchen was the first room in the house. Ian led them to his room. She pulled Ian aside, allowing Harmonic to pass. She mouthed a vital warning.

"This is where it happened. Be on guard from here on out."

"I gotcha."

Ian set up the console while Harmonic and Atmospheric picked out their resting places. Atmospheric pulled a plastic case from her jacket pocket.

"I brought a CD for us if you want to listen to it."

Ian retrieved the disc, curious about what style of music it was.

"12 Stones?"

"You guys are into Linkin Park and stuff like that, right?"

"Yeah. They're pretty cool."

"Go ahead and pop it in."

"On it."

Ian powered on his stereo. He finished setting up the system and opened his copy of Hyper Street Fighter 2: Anniversary Edition.

"Who's your favorite character?" he asked Atmospheric in particular.

"Ryu. Yours is Ken, isn't it?"

"How'd you know?"

Atmospheric tilted her head in Harmonic's direction. Harmonic gazed between them in confusion.

"Right, right. How 'bout you, bud?"

"I don't know..."

"His is Shun from the Alpha animation."

"Don't think he's seen that one yet." Ian cautioned.

"I know." the Pegasus replied coyly.

"How...?" Harmonic asked.

"Guess I'm just lucky."

Atmospheric winked at Ian. Though the stallion failed to see the action through her mane, he sure as hell felt it. She was building his brother's interest through her understanding of the colt's psychological profile. The stallion smiled.

"Dang, she's smooth. I gotta step up my game."

Ian won most of the rounds between him and Atmospheric, though she was able to adapt to his strategy towards the end for an impressive comeback.

"You got skills. Respect."

"Ready to bow down to the new queen of fighting games?"

"Nah. I'll get you back."

"Why don't you teach Harmonic how to play?"

"Sure he won't throw a tantrum when I whoop his ass?"

"I don't think so. There's more important things in life than winning..."

"Deep."

Atmospheric passed the controller to her future groom.

"Don't be mad if he wins. The effort's what counts. Fall in love with failure, and victory will follow."

"Somebody's 'bout that grindset." Ian teased.

"I'm living proof, aren't I?"

"True that."

Later in the evening, Ian and Harmonic introduced Atmospheric to their mother. During dinner, the Pegasus adopted her childish persona to avoid raising suspicion. If necessary, she could reveal her true self at a later date. For now, it was best to keep things simple. Ian and Harmonic saw her off just before sundown. Before she left, she gave Harmonic a peck on the cheek.

"I'll see you at school." she said sweetly. She swiftly vanished in the distance.

"Somebody's got a girlfriend!" Ian prodded.

"Shut up..."