Author's Note

I thought it might help to explain why the story's so different from the typical pony stuff. I wanted to try something that broke the rules in a meaningful way to create a sense of realism. In a modern setting especially, it makes sense some of the characters' personality traits would be different, but their core characteristics are still intact. They're just more complex and nuanced. I figured if grimdark could make them spooky and scary, I could go another direction and alter them for other purposes. Think of it as a mix of our world and theirs without as many of the over-the-top aspects.

Laurelei

After the movie, Rainbow offered to walk Noah home. He accepted, using the last of what time he had to make small talk. The glare of the sun summoned bittersweet memories within.

"So you said you dated an aspiring Wonderbolt for a while? What was his name?"

"Why? You jealous?"

"Just curious. I really don't know much about you. I knew about your friends in school, but that was really about it."

"His name was Soarin. He was a lot like me - rambunctious, impulsive. We were pretty compatible until I lost my zest for adventure. To be honest, I don't know what changed. For the longest time, all I wanted was for the world to know my name, but as time went on, I started caring less about what other people thought. By my early twenties, I wasn't the same person anymore. Once I hit twenty-three, everything fell apart."

"So the wounds are still fresh, huh? I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. It wasn't your fault."

"After school ended, I missed seeing you play. It didn't feel the same without cheering for my hometown superstar. I went to a couple games to see what the pros were like, but nothing wowed me like you did."

"Looking back on it, my ego was way too inflated. I thought too highly of myself, and my friendships suffered for it."

"The fact you realize that means you've grown. When I saw you leap over the couch, I could tell something was different. It was more focused and less strained. You've learned how to conserve your energy."

"Back then, I had more to spare. I still have a lot, but it's not limitless like it used to be."

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

"May as well."

"Are you happy with how things turned out?"

"I've thought about it for a long time. I really don't think I am, but I don't know how to change it. I was content for a while, but after Tank died, my mind started to slip into a dark place I'd never been before. I've just been kind of stuck there ever since."

"Tank?"

"My pet tortoise. Flutters gave him to me during senior year. He saved me when a boulder collapsed and crushed my wing. Somehow, I made a full recovery. I miss him every day..."

"If you don't mind me being a bit nerdy for a moment, it sounds like you're looking for a way to live life meaningfully. You must've realized your goals were less fulfilling than you thought. You lost your way, and now you're not sure where you're going."

"Pretty much, but how'd you know?"

"Philosophy classes and a healthy dose of personal experience."

"You mean you've been through the same thing?"

"Yep. Growing up, I wanted to be the most famous scientist in the world, but fame doesn't mean much when it separates you from others. The lives we live are uneventful, but stable. There's no divine guidance to tell us what to do or who we should be. That's up to us to decide. Unfortunately, we don't know the answers yet ourselves. To be frank, there's a real chance we may never know. The best we can do is be kind to others and do what we love until our final day. Does that make any sense?"

"Yeah...I think it does."

"Good. 'Cause I was just goin' by the seat of my pants."

"You're a good guy, Noah. I could tell from our first conversation. I hope one day you'll find what you're looking for."

"Same here. You've grown a lot from the person you used to be. From my point of view, you'll be just fine, whether you figure it out or not."

"Thanks. I feel better getting it off my chest."

"Well, looks like we're here. You're welcome to meet my folks if you're interested. Ma cooks up a storm in the kitchen."

"Actually, I'm a bit worn out today. Does tomorrow sound good? I've got everything ready for Halloween, so I'm free during the day."

"Sounds like a plan. Go home and rest. You've earned it."

"I will. Bye."

"Try not to feel too down, okay? Sometimes things have to get bad before they get better. That's the way of the world."

"I'll keep that in mind. Later."

"Yeah...Later..."

Rainbow scoured her room, skimming over her record collection. Noah's words echoed through her head. Did he really miss who she was? Who she used to be? Did she? What did she want? Who did she want to be? Pulling a record from her shelf, she let her thoughts express themselves in musical form, jamming out on her drums to melodic grooves and distant screams. Her limbs reacted on auto-pilot, driving her to new depths of creativity. She had one choice to make. Would she remain the same and live out her days in desperation, or would she grow side by side with the love of another?

"I can't go on like this...Not anymore..."