Fallout Equestria: Imagination (想像)

by AndyHunter

Rating: mature
Tags: Sex, Science Fiction, Fallout, Profanity, Slice of Life, Crossover, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Fetish
Length: 9770

Sunny Aozora and her friends are practicing for the release of their album, which they believe will catapult them to the peak of success.

The idol band Mona Lisa Overdrive is diligently practicing for the release of their new album, "Imagination." This album is set to unexpectedly catapult them to fame, making them the most renowned idol band in all of Japany and establishing their name throughout the entire region.

BT - Dreaming (Imagination Theme)

This is a prequel to the arc of Sunny Aozora and her difficult life as an idol. Since her arc is somewhat short, I wanted to expand it a little more. If you want to know how her arc continues, you should read Fallout Equestria: Mona Lisa Overdrive. All songs in this story were written by Andy Hunter; everyone is free to use my lyrics in other stories.

It is also not necessary to read the main story to understand this prequel.

About the Panty Sessions:
It is not mandatory to read them for those who do not like panchira, but they do reveal more aspects of each idol during their privacy.

Published 2024-07-28 06:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-07-28 06:30:00 UTC

Panty Session: Sunny Aozora (パンティー・セッション: サニー・アオゾラ)

Author's Note

Panchira (パンチラ) is a Japanese term that refers to a glimpse or peek at a woman's underwear, often by accident or as a playful tease. And all the idols are fillies.

Panty Session: Sunny Aozora (パンティー・セッション: サニー・アオゾラ)

Sunny had just stepped out of the shower, her mane still damp and her body refreshed. The idea of recording her first album filled the young idol with excitement. "The day has finally come," she whispered to herself, a mix of anticipation and nervous energy coursing through her veins. Before getting ready, she had spent a couple of hours practicing her vocals, ensuring she was in top form for the recording session.

Standing on her soft hooves, she wrapped herself in a cozy towel and padded across the room towards her closet. Sunny's bedroom was a reflection of her vibrant personality—a comfortable haven filled with cherished possessions. Her bed, adorned with stuffed animals that she loved to cuddle, invited her to rest after long days.

Across from her bed was a television perched atop a cabinet. Sunny kept her favorite mangas neatly tucked away inside, most of them belonging to the Yaoi genre. However, hidden among them was a single Yuri manga that she cherished but kept secret due to her parents' disapproval of her attraction towards mares. It was a side of herself she carefully guarded, not willing to reveal her true feelings to them.

The room also bore traces of her hobbies and passions—model gunplas assembled with care, their tiny pieces scattered across the floor. The lyric sheet she had been practicing with lay crumpled next to her bed, a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Sunny, her sexy body glistening with post-shower warmth, began the ritual of drying herself. She ran the soft towel over her dedicated pink coat, the fabric absorbing the droplets that clung to her curves. Her long yellow mane, still damp, was carefully towel-dried, the strands falling smoothly around her shoulders.

As Sunny continued drying, the towel grazed her intimate areas, eliciting a tingling sensation throughout her body. She felt a familiar urge to explore, a desire to indulge in some private pleasure. With the knowledge that her mother was occupied with household chores and her father away at work, Sunny decided to seize the moment.

The filly idol's curiosity got the better of her, and she found herself touching her vagina, a foreign yet enticing sensation. Her hoof caressed the delicate skin, igniting a fire within her that she couldn't quite name. It didn't matter, though, as the feeling of exploring her virgin vagina took precedence.

"It's been a while," Sunny thought, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She set the towel aside on the bed and turned her attention to her dresser. Sunny had an organized collection of panties, sorted by color—vibrant pinks, sunny oranges, and pristine whites. Each pair was unique, adorned with charming designs—hearts, playful nekos, and fruity strawberries.

With a playful glint in her eye, Sunny perused her collection, searching for the most kawaii pair to accompany her for the day. Sunny's heart raced as she imagined the sensations each pair might bring, the soft fabrics brushing against her sensitive skin.

A playful smile crossed Sunny's face as she made her decision. "I know the perfect pair!" she exclaimed softly to herself. Her collection included several cherished panties that she had worn since she was just a young filly at the age of thirteen. Sunny believed that the smaller and tighter the panties, the more revealing and enticing they became.

She selected a pair of white panties with playful orange lines and a delightful orange fruit design. Although they were a bit small, having been worn since her early foalhood, Sunny, now fifteen, cherished the memories they evoked—a time of innocence and carefree days filled with school and playful adventures.

With delicate precision, Sunny used her front hooves to lift her back hooves, one at a time, and step into the panties. She slid them up her legs, the soft fabric caressing her skin. Once they were snugly in place, Sunny turned to her mirror, striking a pose. The panties, slightly small and thin, hugged her intimate curves, teasingly hinting at the contours of her vagina while leaving just enough to the imagination.

Sunny's heart raced as she admired her reflection, her back turned to the mirror, posing provocatively. "It's perfect, and I've certainly improved my skills over the years," she thought, a hint of satisfaction in her tone. With a final admiring glance, Sunny turned away from the mirror, heading towards her closet to don the rest of her seifuku, her mind already envisioning the delightful sensations the day would bring.

Sunny possessed an extensive collection of seifukus, each holding a special memory. "I think I'll go with one that fits me just right—snug and comfortable, with a short skirt to showcase my panties," she said, a playful tone in her voice. Sunny sought an outfit that not only exuded kawaii charm but also carried a hint of sexy allure.

Her search led her to a beloved seifuku she had worn when she was just ten years old. She had kept it all these years, occasionally donning it for the comfort it brought and the playful exposure it offered. Sunny fantasized about delighting a future partner with her cuteness, emulating the scenarios often depicted in her favorite mangas.

She began dressing, starting with the crisp white short-sleeved shirt, complete with a charming red bow tied neatly at the neck. The centerpiece of her ensemble, however, was the shortest skirt she owned—designed to tease and reveal her panties with ease. Sunny was well aware that this skirt came with a trade-off—it restricted her movement, and even the slightest breeze could become a potential hazard. But in the privacy of her room, such concerns melted away.

To complete the outfit, Sunny slipped into a dark blue jacket and paired it with long, elegant white stockings. The contrast of colors accentuated her figure, creating a captivating silhouette. Dressed as an adorable yet sexy student, Sunny returned to her mirror, her reflection beaming back at her. She picked up a comb from the dresser and began to gently tame her long, golden mane, styling it to match the look of the captivating mares she adored in her manga collection.

Sunny extended a delicate hoof and dabbed a touch of Sakura perfume on her neck, filling the air with a delightful fragrance. In Nippony culture, the use of perfume was typically reserved for formal occasions, but Sunny enjoyed indulging in this small luxury, taking pleasure in not only being clean but also smelling delightful.

She carefully returned the perfume bottle to its designated spot and turned her full attention to her reflection in the mirror. With a slow and deliberate movement, she rose to her full height, exposing her vibrant orange panties beneath the short skirt. The contrast of colors created a tantalizing display.

Sunny spread her back hooves apart, granting herself an unabashed view of her intimate wear. The sight of her panties transported her back to a memorable day when she was just seven years old—the day she embarked on her idol career. She recalled posing provocatively in a sukumizu (スクみず) alongside her former group, their photoshoot in a pool generating quite the buzz.

"I never expected to be considered attractive by so many ponies..." Sunny thought, a flush of embarrassment warming her cheeks. "But when I look in the mirror, I can understand why," she added, a hint of confidence creeping into her voice. As she spoke, her hoof drifted downward, caressing the soft fabric of her panties, grazing the sensitive skin above her vagina. A shiver ran through her body as she relived the memory of her early idol days, a time when she first discovered her allure.

As Sunny's hooves trailed along her panties, her mind wandered to fantasies of a handsome stallion or a beautiful mare, their face buried in her intimate wear, tasting every inch of her. It was a scene straight out of her favorite animes, one of the many experiences she yearned to bring to life. "I doubt my parents would approve of me having a partner right now," she mused, a hint of longing in her voice. "So, for now, this will have to do."

With a playful glint in her eye, Sunny turned, presenting her cute, round ass to the mirror, her pose on all fours accentuating her figure. Her cutie mark, a microphone surrounded by stars, shone proudly, a testament to her musical talent. She enjoyed the sensation of being in such a vulnerable yet empowering position.

Sunny's long, golden tail, a striking contrast to her yellow mane, draped over her backside, requiring a playful flick to the side to reveal her ass in its entirety. She began to shake her hips from side to side, imagining a loving and passionate pony, enamored by her beauty, yearning to touch and caress her soft skin.

The filly idol was thoroughly enjoying her solo exploration, knowing that she couldn't indulge for too long without reaching a climax, her body already responding to her teasing touches. Occasionally, she would lift her skirt, exposing her panties, and then slide them to the side, revealing her vagina, glistening with small drops, the fabric already damp with her arousal.

"I should be practicing..." Sunny's voice trailed off, a mix of pleasure and guilt washing over her. After all, she had already dedicated ample time to practice that morning and even squeezed in a rigorous three-hour session before breakfast.

Sunny took her role as an idol seriously, but she recognized the importance of carving out moments for herself—moments where she wasn't performing for her fans but indulging in activities that brought her joy. Balancing her idol life with her personal desires could be challenging, but Sunny refused to deny herself the simple happiness of exploring her body.

Despite the assurance of privacy in Nippony, Sunny couldn't shake the worry of being discovered in such a compromising position by her mother. She valued her privacy and independence, so she took extra care to keep her moans subdued, even as her hoof gently glided over her sensitive vagina, igniting sparks of pleasure throughout her body.

Sunny lowered her head to the floor, spreading her hind hooves wide, exposing her wet ass and vagina to the mirror's gaze. The carpet beneath her, damp with small drops of her vaginal fluids, served as a testament to her escalating pleasure.

"Ohh, this feels incredible," she whispered, her voice strained with arousal. Waves of pleasure crashed over her body, threatening to overwhelm her senses. "Just a few more minutes," she pleaded, her eyes darting to the clock. So engrossed in her exploration, she had lost track of time, but she wasn't ready to relinquish the delightful sensations just yet.

Sunny's imagination ran wild, picturing one of her favorite anime characters, their tongue lapping at her vagina, savoring her essence. She quickened the pace of her caresses, her hoof moving in urgent circles, desperate to prolong the blissful experience. Her teeth sank into the soft carpet, a silent cry of pleasure, as she struggled to muffle the moans that threatened to escape her lips.

With her front hoof, Sunny adjusted her damp panties, ensuring they covered her vagina, before settling onto her side, pressing her virgin ass against the mirror. She wanted to admire her curves from every angle, even as she continued to rub a hoof over her panties, teasing herself.

Her reflection blushed deeply, despite the absence of an audience. Sunny, though curious and adventurous, knew she had much to learn about sex and intimacy. Still, she understood the importance of privacy—these were experiences and desires that belonged solely to her.

Sunny lifted her skirt, her hoof caressing not only her panties but also her ass, igniting a spark of an idea. "Now that I think about it... I am quite attractive," she mused, lifting her left hoof to strike a sexier, more provocative pose. "Perhaps I could sell images of myself in panties to strangers," she contemplated, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I could earn some bottlecaps on the side, money that I can keep for myself." Sunny yearned for financial independence, tired of her mother controlling the earnings from her idol career for family expenses.

At fifteen years old, Sunny lacked basic knowledge of financial management, but she craved the freedom to spend her earnings on gunplas and mangas, tired of the same old entertainment. "I only get new things on Heart Warming Eve..." she thought, her voice laced with determination. "I could hide these earnings from my mother, a little secret just for me."

Sunny's confidence in her attractiveness shone through as she caressed her cutie mark, a symbol of her talent and charm. "It's almost impossible for them to refuse me anything," she thought, a hint of mischief in her eyes. She believed that her plan carried minimal risk, as the images would only capture her wearing panties, nothing more. "I'll only do it until I can buy something new, then I'll stop," she reasoned, rationalizing her potentially risky decision.

Sunny, naïve to the complexities of adult life, remained oblivious to the potential consequences of her idea. She knew very little about the challenges and pitfalls that lay ahead, but she vowed to proceed with caution. "If my mother finds out, I'll be in deep trouble," she acknowledged, the weight of her decision settling in. The prospect of earning extra bottlecaps for her desired toys and mangas was enticing, but the potential fallout gave her pause.

Her attention turned to the camera in her parents' room. "I'll just have to borrow it without them noticing," she said, kneeling down, her eyes narrowing in determination. As she plotted, a sudden gust of wind from the open window lifted her skirt, teasingly exposing her panties. Sunny hadn't intended to act on her plan just yet, but the thought had been lingering in her mind for months, a tempting proposition that she couldn't quite shake.

The sensation of the wind caressing her intimate wear sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of excitement and apprehension. Sunny found herself drawn to the idea of exposing her panties to the elements, a playful dance between modesty and desire.

Despite Sunny's exemplary behavior, her mother was frugal, only indulging her desires once a year. Sunny understood the consequences of pushing her luck, so she vowed to limit herself to just one manga and one gunpla—a small treat to break the monotony of her idol life.

Being an idol came with its challenges—the slow climb to fame, the relentless practice sessions, and the repetitive routine. Sunny yearned for novel experiences to spice up her days. Despite the wind's playful caresses, teasingly revealing her panties and butt, Sunny remained unfazed.

She got on all fours, her body poised gracefully, and reached for her white backpack, adorned with heart and Shiba Inu stickers. Inside, she carefully placed her lyric sheet for practice and the gunpla she intended to assemble with her friend Mizuki in the studio. The backpack, a trusted companion, sat on the edge of the bed, near the open window, a gentle breeze teasing its contents.

Sunny, embracing the sensation of the wind on her skin, allowed her thoughts to drift, the worries of her plan momentarily forgotten. The wind's caress relaxed her, offering a respite from the torment of her internal debate. With her backpack secured, she headed for the exit, leaving her room behind, ready to face the day ahead.

1. Blue Plastic Pony (青いプラスチックのポニー)

Sunny was in the studio, fiddling with the Gunpla figure she had built several days ago. She had arrived a little early and had to wait for the music booth to be ready and for the other staff members to arrive so they could start recording.

Sitting in the lobby, she played with her Gunpla. "The wings make it look really cool," Sunny said, moving the model with one of her front hooves as if it could truly fly.

She had the model XXXG-0W00 Wing Gundam Ultimate from the Entry Grade (EG) series, perfect for beginners. Sunny had been exploring the world of Gunpla for a couple of years, but as an impatient filly, she often found herself easily frustrated when assembling her Gundam kits.

Completing the XXXG model was a significant achievement for her. Not only did it require impressive patience, but it also seemed that she was more excited about successfully building the Gunpla than about her idol career, which was on the verge of taking a new direction.

Sunny placed her Gunpla on the table, as if the robot itself had just landed in a stylish pose. She gripped the gun that came with the Gunpla and aimed it at a vase, imagining it as her enemy. "Shinu, shinu, shinu!" she exclaimed, moving the Gunpla back slightly as if it were firing. She mimicked the sound of a laser gun, saying "Pew, pew, pew! See you evil ponies!"

Lost in her imaginative world, Sunny had grown tired of constant song practice. At fifteen years old, who wouldn't crave a bit of fun?

Sunny rose from her chair, quickly growing bored of using just the studio lobby as her battlefield. She desired to turn the entire place into a battleground where she could combat other evil robots. "I'm going to save the whole region with these amazing wings and my laser machine gun!" Sunny declared loudly, embarking on her mission through different parts of the building without any supervision, believing she could do as she pleased.

Trotting with her Gunpla, she held it aloft as if it were flying at full speed, completely oblivious to the backpack she had brought along with her toy and the sheet of lyrics she was supposed to practice today.

Sunny found herself in a large, open hallway illuminated in yellow and white, with a spotlessly clean and bright floor. With no one else around, she felt the place was entirely hers, like a vast playground.

"I'm going to destroy you, Byakuya Senshi!" Sunny declared, regarding it as her greatest adversary. Byakuya Senshi was another evil robot, characterized by its silver construction and armed with powerful weapons like a Vulcan gun, beam sabers, and an FHA MSX34 model bazooka.

Despite Byakuya Senshi's intimidating arsenal, Sunny remained steadfast with her laser machine gun and shield.

Sunny ran down the hallway at full speed, her gaze fixed on the Gunpla she had worked so hard to build, paying no attention to where she was going.

She made laser gun sounds as she fired at Byakuya Senshi. "Pew pew pew!" Sunny placed her hooves on her Gunpla's gun, moving it as if it were really shooting.

Byakuya Senshi dodged all of Sunny's attacks and launched a missile at her.

Seeing that it was a guided missile, Sunny strategically flew her Gunpla toward the ground, causing the missile to hit the floor while she ascended back into the air unscathed.

"Your guided missiles won't do anything to me, Byakuya Senshi!" Sunny exclaimed, trotting to the left to keep her distance and plan her next move.

Both robots were preparing for their next attack, setting aside firearms to engage in an epic sword fight.

Sunny drew her lightsaber, while Byakuya Senshi brandished a sword that emanated an aura of purple darkness. It was slightly longer than Sunny's, but she wouldn't give up so easily.

Sunny and Byakuya Senshi stared each other down before starting the battle with their laser swords. "Nippony is too big for the two of us. One must fall, and that will be you!" Sunny declared. With her hooves, she adjusted the sword of her Gunpla into a combat position.

"Saidai iryoku no ken kōgeki!" Sunny shouted, preparing her sword attack at maximum power. She trotted towards the other side of the hallway at high speed, her gaze fixed on her Gunpla, extending her hoof in the air without paying attention to where she was going.

While Sunny was completely lost in her imaginative world, she didn't notice the table decorated with ajisai, purple flowers that matched the interior of the studio, standing right in front of her.

Sunny ran straight toward the table, but before her sword could collide with her enemy's, she tripped over it. Her body collided with the ajisai vase perfectly placed in the center, sending the vase and dirt crashing to the ground along with Sunny's Gunpla. The hallway was now littered with dirt and broken pieces of the base where the plants had been.

Sunny couldn't help but laugh at her little accident, raising a hoof to her head. "Oopsie, I can be really silly sometimes." But when Sunny realized her Gunpla wasn't in her hooves, she frantically looked around—left, right, and then down—desperately searching for it.

"Where's my Gunpla?!" Sunny searched everywhere, ignoring the fact that she had broken a vase that surely would have cost many bottlecaps. Her biggest concern was finding the Gunpla that took her so long to build.

It didn't take her long to find it. It was on the right side of the table, covered in dirt, making it hard to see. Only its wings and hind hooves were visible.

Sunny didn't waste any time. The first thing she did was make sure her Gunpla didn't have any scratches. She knew her parents wouldn't buy her more Gunplas until the next Hearth's Warming Eve, and that was still many months away.

Sunny carefully checked her Gunpla. "Please don't have any scratches," she said, examining every small part, praying to Celestia she wouldn't find any, even small ones. She took good care of her models as if her life depended on it.

Sunny carefully checked that her toy had no scratches. After scanning the toy in its entirety, including limbs, accessories, and weapons, she realized it was unscathed. She assumed the dirt had cushioned the Gunpla's fall, protecting it from damage.

Sunny blew the dirt off her Gunpla and ran her hooves over its parts, removing every trace of dirt. She gave her robot another check to make sure everything was in order. But there was another problem she had overlooked.

"My Gunpla is fine, that's the positive, but what do I do with the broken vase? Platinum-sama will surely be angry if he finds out about this!" Sunny said, looking at the dirt and flowers strewn across the ground.

"I can't do anything, I'll have to hide it. I guess there aren't any cameras in this hallway." Sunny looked around for security cameras, knowing she would get scolded if caught. She didn't like going through embarrassing situations like that.

There was no camera pointing in the direction of the accident, so Sunny let out a sigh of relief. She still had to hide the dirt and flowers. "I think there are only like three ponies in this building. I hope they don't find me." The studio consisted of three floors, it was quite large, giving Sunny some hope of hiding her mess.

"Chikushō! I have to collect all this dirt. It's going to take me a while, but if I hurry, nopony will notice," Sunny muttered as she left her Gunpla on the table and quickly began to gather the dirt with her hooves. Clumps of earth fell from the center and sides as she worked.

Hooves aren't the best for grabbing objects, especially something like dirt. "If I were a unicorn, everything would be easier!" Sunny thought, frustrated. She had always wished to be a unicorn so that tasks would be simpler.

Being an earth pony, she sometimes felt useless, and it seemed to require more effort to do activities that would be extremely easy for a unicorn, such as cleaning.

Sunny carefully took the dirt and hid it under the seats placed strategically in the aisles near the doors where only authorized ponies could access.

As much as Sunny was quick to hide all the dirt, there was still a trace of her mess, with less dirt making it impossible to pick up with her hooves.

She needed a broom or some other tool, but Sunny had an idea. "I think I could just kick the dirt and push it under the seat," she thought as she took the flowers and placed them underneath to hide them.

In her desperation, she heard a warm and sweet voice that took her by surprise. "Ohayō gozaimasu, Sunny-chan!" Hearing that voice, Sunny froze, thinking of a quick excuse for what she was doing.

"Etto... What are you doing?" asked the pony behind her. It was Yuki Flowers, a member of Mona Lisa Overdrive, who was seventeen years old and the oldest in the group.

Sunny stayed still, unable to think of an excuse to tell Yuki. She knew that despite being friends, Yuki liked to treat Sunny like her daughter, believing she had the authority as the oldest.

"What should I say to Yuki? Come on, Sunny, invent something believable," Sunny thought. At only fifteen, Sunny had not yet learned how to apply tatemae and how useful it would be for her. Despite being a filly, she knew that foals are usually forgiven for mischief, but Yuki, not being a family member and being one of the most responsible of the group, would not take this mischief lightly.

Sunny stood up and stood on all fours, directing her gaze at Yuki. "I was playing with my incredible robot, which took me hours to build." Sunny stood on two hooves, putting both front hooves together and looking in several directions except at Yuki. "And I found this broken vase. I'm trying to fix it," Sunny said, using her cuteness as a weapon against Yuki.

Yuki analyzed Sunny's expressions, noting how she looked in all directions and adjusted her voice to sound very cute. "I can't believe she's the lead singer of the group," Yuki thought, narrowing her eyes. "She's supposed to be practicing, and she's... doing anything except practicing. Besides, she broke a vase. I was supposed to be the lead singer of Mona Lisa, not Sunny! I'm sure they only chose her because she's younger and a sexual fantasy for old ponies."Yuki's envy towards Sunny always frustrated her, but even so, Yuki did her best to stand out. She took her career as an idol very seriously.

"Can you help me clean up this mess? It was like this when I got here," Sunny said, taking her gunpla and holding it close to her chest.

Yuki brought a hoof to her face. "I know that's not what happened. You probably broke it playing with that thing." With more experience in reading the atmosphere (kuuki wo yomu) and understanding social cues (tatemae), Yuki could easily deduce what had really happened without Sunny admitting it.

Sunny leaned back in surprise and fear. "I didn't break it! That's how it was when I arrived!" She denied everything, hugging her gunpla and sitting on the ground, looking away from Yuki.

"You're a terrible liar," Yuki said, applying her true feelings (honne). "It's impossible that somepony from the studio staff would trip over a table that's clearly in sight," Yuki continued, maintaining a serious and authoritative tone.

"I already told you it wasn't me!" Sunny said, raising her voice almost to the point of breaking. She hated being scolded; it made her feel humiliated and ridiculed.

Yuki sighed inwardly. "Sometimes I don't know if she's a bandmate or my daughter. That's why I dislike dealing with such young ponies; they can be so bothersome," Yuki thought to herself, preferring all band members to be serious and focused like her. "I'll need to calm her down somehow, applying a bit of tatemae," Yuki thought, taking a few steps closer to where Sunny stood.

"Relax, Sunny-chan. I'll take care of this mess, but please behave next time. This is a music studio, not a playground," Yuki said, using tatemae to reassure Sunny and prevent her from bursting into tears in front of her.

Sunny felt somewhat calmer, though the fact that her lie hadn't worked bothered her. "She found out... I'll need to be more careful next time. But besides playing, I don't know what else to do. And I really don't feel like practicing the song again; I've already done it like ten times this morning," Sunny muttered to herself, standing back on her hooves.

"How are you going to clean that up, Yuki-chan?" Sunny asked, glancing towards where she had hidden the dirt under the seat.

"I'll talk to some staff who are unicorns to clean it up and hopefully repair the vase," Yuki replied, heading towards the hallway opposite. Before leaving, she paused and gave Sunny a serious look. "Go back to the lobby and wait there until they're ready to start recording." Yuki gestured with her hoof towards the hallway leading back to the lobby.

"Hai!" Sunny replied energetically, trotting back to the lobby, humming the song she was supposed to sing and carefully holding her gunpla in her mane.

While looking for help, Yuki took the opportunity to wander in her thoughts, reflecting on something that had been tormenting her for weeks. "I still can't believe they chose a random Chika Idol and made her the lead singer of the group..." Yuki placed a hoof on the wall before continuing to trot. "She took everything from me. I used to have the most kawaii voice in all of Nippony. I was also very attractive." Yuki trotted towards the next floor of the studio, climbing the stairs and glancing out the window at the calm day outside. "But she... just because all the old ponies want to take photos with her and grab her by the hooves, she took my place as the lead singer..."

Yuki placed her hooves on the window, gazing out. "If I want to make a living from this, I will have to treat her like another member of the group. I can't make her cry or make her feel despised; that would be against the agency's rules. I could lose my career."

Yuki reflected on her situation. Sunny's arrival had shaken her, and she felt her position was unfairly taken by a pony who mostly thought about playing and having fun. Despite being a good singer, Sunny's priority for fun frustrated Yuki even more.

"Nanda ka naa... I suppose I'll just have to endure it, like Gaman taught me. Whatever obstacles life throws at you, you have to endure them without complaining, without saying a word," Yuki thought, gazing out at the wet streets of Roppengi. Rain had started unexpectedly, and she watched as the drops streaked down the window. She was surprised by the sudden change in weather from intense sunshine when she had arrived.

The sky darkened, giving the impression of nightfall, and outside, the locals switched on the characteristic neon lights of Tokyolt, despite it only being nine in the morning.

Stepping away from the window, Yuki ascended to the next floor in search of a staff member to assist her in cleaning the hallway.

Yuki, upon reaching the hallway on the second floor, couldn't help but look at the posters of other idol bands that had been part of the agency before her. It was like a hallway that preserved all the stories of the ponies who had been part of this industry.

The hallway, from left to right, displayed records from the year 2865 to 2884, with the most recent year being the last one.

The photos seemed to follow a pattern: there was always one pony in the center with the others standing beside them. For Yuki, it was a reminder of what had once been taken from her. She didn't want to harbor negative feelings toward Sunny; for Yuki, she was somepony tender and somewhat clumsy, with a talent for music despite being focused on other things. But she was just a girl of only fifteen years old.

This led Yuki to place a hoof to her heart and look at the ground for a few moments, feeling pathetic for being envious of a little girl. "I can't help but think back to when I used to be the lead singer with Mizuki," Yuki took a few steps forward, looking at the posters of other idols.

"All the attention was on me. I used to be the prettiest, the most kawaii between the two of us... Many ponies wanted to take photos with me and hold my hooves, even though my fans were mostly lonely adult ponies who found happiness in interacting with fillies. When they touched me and carried me as if I were a baby, it was something that was lost and that I will never get back. It feels like the love that my parents never gave me," Yuki said, reflecting on her situation, placing a hoof on the poster.

"It's not like I can go back to being twelve years old and have the level of fame I had before... the only thing I can do is try my best to sing better and be better than Sunny. That way... maybe I can win back some of the fans I lost," Yuki thought, determined to continue with her goal of surpassing Sunny in all aspects. She knew that appearance and youth, things she couldn't change, were fundamental in the industry. Although she was no longer the youngest and most kawaii of the group, she was determined to be the best at singing and surpass Sunny at least in that aspect.

Yuki trotted to the right of the hallway. It was quiet, and she could hear voices echoing in the room where the songs were recorded.

Realizing there were ponies there, she assumed there must be a unicorn among those inside. Above the door, it said '関係者以外立入禁止' (Authorized personnel only). She did not enter; she simply knocked softly on the door to avoid making too much noise.

Yuki heard both a female and a male voice. The door opened, revealing a unicorn mare who was surprised to see Yuki there. It was not common for idols to knock on this door.

"Oh, ohayō gozaimasu Akemi-san." The staff mare gave Yuki a warm smile, and they both made ojigi almost simultaneously.

"How can I help you?" The staff mare asked, referring to Yuki by her birth name, which was common practice outside of the stage and fan environment.

"I'm very sorry to bother you. One of our group members, Sunny Aozora, broke the ajisai vase while she was playing with a toy," Yuki said with a tone of respect and sincerity, applying her honne.

"Of course, I know a repair spell. Where did the accident happen?" The staff mare asked, raising a bent front hoof toward Yuki.

"It happened in the hallway on the main floor, near the stairs to access the second floor. You can accompany me if you'd like," Yuki said, directing her gaze backward and moving her front hooves toward the hallway and stairs.

"I know which hallway you're referring to. I can go clean it. I'll be back in a moment," said the staff mare, referring to her partner with whom she had been having a friendly conversation. The mare avoided saying 'no' to Yuki's polite request, a common custom in Nippony.

"I'm sure they have a lot of patience with Sunny, just because she is the youngest of the group and they don't want her to leave. They know that thanks to her, the agency now earns a lot of bottlecaps," Yuki thought, placing a front hoof on the red wall next to her. "Even if she makes mistakes during the song, that won't matter. They will simply reschedule the practice for tomorrow, or Mizuki and I will sing the rest of the songs that correspond to each of us."

Yuki leaned against the wall, taking advantage of these moments to vent in her mind without any other pony knowing. She didn't like to talk about negative topics with others, especially with Mizuki. Despite being friends for many years, Yuki feared that sharing her problems would cause Mizuki to distance herself or adopt a cold attitude.

This is where the customs of Tatemae and Gaman come into play. Yuki, almost an adult, had learned these customs from her parents, who taught her the basics to survive in Nippony and avoid being alone forever.

The phrase 'お互い様' (Otagaisama), which means to help each other in times of need, has unfortunately lost its meaning over the years. Now, this word has become just a memory that lives only in the minds of the ponies who lived in ancient Equestria. It is still used in these years, but not with the correct meaning.

Yuki lives with the paranoia that if she asks Mizuki or another pony for help, she would be seen as weak, unable to overcome obstacles. This could lead to possible isolation, and Mizuki might not want to know anything about her, fearing that Yuki would disturb her environment with personal problems, potentially putting the harmony of the group at risk.

The only option Yuki feels she has is to keep her troubles to herself and focus solely on surpassing Sunny and being the best singer in the group. Her frustrations and discomforts can only be expressed in the depths of her mind, without any other pony knowing.

"Sometimes I consider Nippony to be a kind of hell on earth," Yuki thought deeply. "Despite the technology, the positive environment, and the comforts of living here, all of it comes at an emotional cost that I'm not sure I can handle. But for now, I'll just focus on doing my best today. It’s not every day you get the chance to sing for an album." Finding the positive side of her situation has become a coping mechanism for Yuki. This approach helps her manage stress and maintain her mental health by focusing on the opportunities amidst her adversities.

Nippony has been one of the few places in Equestria not affected by the balefire bomb. This has led to hard work and effort being highly valued, with the hope that Equestria can return to how it was before and make Nippony the only safe place in the land.

Escaping from Nippony is not an option either. It is always said that other cities are contaminated with radiation or plagued by crime, which motivates the ponies of Nippony to stay in a world of technology, comfort, and luxury, but at the cost of testing the sanity of its inhabitants.

In the studio lobby, Yuki sat on a red seat with all her hooves tucked underneath her. She held the sheet of lyrics with her wings, focused and comfortable, far away from Sunny. Yuki was determined to practice her song without any distractions, but Sunny made that difficult. The younger pony moved everywhere, playing with her gunpla, making sound effects with her mouth, creating an obstacle to Yuki's concentration.

"I wonder how somepony as irresponsible as her even managed to get selected in the audition? I don’t think she could have been chosen just by playing; there must be other reasons... maybe I’m judging her without really knowing her," Yuki reflected, reading the lyrics and silently reviewing them in her mind. Unlike Sunny, Yuki highly valued silence and respecting the personal space of others.

"I remember spending hours locked in my room practicing for the audition, from seven in the morning until midnight. I only took two-hour breaks to eat and sleep. I can't let this random chika idol make my effort seem in vain," Yuki thought, determined to avoid letting Sunny's noises distract her. She was willing to do her best and do everything possible not to make mistakes or have to re-record the song. Yuki wanted it to take just one shot, to show that she took her career seriously and could surpass Sunny.

The sound of Sunny's hoofsteps made it difficult for Yuki to concentrate. Sunny moved around the lobby, her shoes creating even more noise.

The other ponies in the studio went about their tasks, ignoring the commotion Sunny was causing.

Yuki had no choice but to apply the Gaman and endure the noise while she practiced. In her mind, she tried to block out Sunny and immerse herself in her own world.

"Look, Yuki, do you know how long it took me to build this gunpla?" Sunny said proudly, approaching Yuki and trying to sit close to her on the edge of the seat where Yuki was sitting.

Yuki let out a quiet sigh of annoyance, masking her frustration by covering her face with the lyrics sheet. "I guess many hours," Yuki responded, her tone polite but lacking genuine interest. Although it appeared she was engaged and eager to converse, she was neither interested in gunplas nor in chatting with Sunny at that moment.

"Lots of hours! Do you have any gunpla? Can you bring one so we can play and have a fight?" Sunny asked eagerly, extending her hoof to show Yuki her robot. For Sunny, it was like winning a medal, a difficult achievement she wanted to share with her friends.

“Maybe one day I’ll get a gunpla,” Yuki said, applying her tatemae to avoid hurting Sunny’s feelings. She subtly sidestepped a direct refusal.

“Do you think you can get one this coming Hearth's Warming Eve? It’s only two months away!” Sunny asked eagerly, moving closer and inadvertently blocking Yuki’s view of her lyrics.

"I’d have to talk to my parents; it depends on whether they want to buy one or not," Yuki said, smiling as she set the lyrics aside. She was aware that Sunny’s enthusiasm was making it difficult to focus on her practice. "The truth is, I’m not particularly interested in gunplas, but I need to handle this carefully so I don’t upset her by being too direct. She might seem exuberant and cheerful, but she could have a delicate heart," Yuki reflected internally. She didn't share Sunny's hobby, and she needed to choose her words carefully to avoid causing any distress.

“When you get one, maybe I can teach you how to build it. My skills have really improved—you could say I’ve got mad skills now!” Sunny said, enthusiastically moving her gunpla close to Yuki’s face.

“That would be wonderful,” Yuki replied with a level of enthusiasm that didn’t quite match her true feelings. “I wish I could enjoy those things more. Mizuki also likes those robots that fight each other, which sometimes makes me feel a bit isolated,” Yuki thought, recognizing a growing need to find personal hobbies and not be solely consumed by her career as an idol.

“Sunny-chan, why don’t you practice your song? As far as I know, you’ll be the first to sing,” Yuki suggested, her gaze fixed on Sunny with a hint of disinterest. She was hoping for a response that would give her a competitive edge.

“That’s true, but I’ve already practiced a lot before coming here, so now I’m just having fun. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed myself this much,” Sunny said, still engrossed in manipulating her toy with her front hooves.

“Maybe this will give me a chance to shine,” Yuki reflected. “If she doesn’t practice, she might make many mistakes, which could allow me to demonstrate my worth. After all, we can’t read the lyrics while singing; we need to memorize them to convey more emotion and make the performance feel more genuine.”

"I wonder where Mizuki is..." Yuki thought as she glanced to her left, looking out the window. "I guess the rain delayed her; the traffic gets heavier when it rains," she mused, worried about her friend's delay.

"When Yuki gets her gunpla and builds it, I’m sure I’ll easily beat her with my robot with angel wings!" Sunny said, zipping around the lobby with her toy like an airplane. The sounds she made with her mouth and the rain outside were the only things breaking the lobby's silence.

"She's the only true friend I have and the reason I'm not a hikikomori... I can't lose her," Yuki thought, resting her head on her front hoof placed on the side of her seat. Becoming a hikikomori was one of Yuki's greatest fears, and Mizuki's friendship was her anchor to the outside world.

Hikikomori (ひきこもり): A condition in which a pony is socially avoidant to the point of staying isolated at home for at least six months without social interaction.

Yuki realized that she was showing weakness by slumping in her seat. Subtly and slowly, she raised her head and placed her front hooves back on the seat. "I can't show weakness. I have to make sure everything is okay; I just have to wait for her to arrive." By adopting a more confident posture, Yuki no longer appeared worried, at least on the outside.

"I remember the day we met. It was at the audition to become an idol. It was obvious that they would select me—I had practiced very hard. But Mizuki was one of the few who dared to talk to me and treat me like a normal pony... She is the only friend I have, and being an idol, I can't have more friends. It's very difficult," Yuki thought. Despite the limitations of an idol's life, Yuki felt happy to have at least one friend and a few fans who continued to support her and give her the attention that kept her self-esteem stable.

"I just have to calm down. I know I can handle Nippony's pressure and remember all the behavioral protocols. I think with that, I'll be fine; I can't make a single mistake," Yuki thought, sitting still and avoiding any movement that might make noise or reveal her inner turmoil.

In Nippony, the concept of Kuuki wo Yomu—reading the atmosphere—is highly valued, and many inhabitants are expected to master it. Yuki didn't want anypony to apply it to her; it's hard to tell when someone is using it on you, but she tried to appear calm and ignore her problems, as if they would disappear if she didn't acknowledge them.

Looking to her right, Yuki saw her friend Mizuki arriving, shielding herself with an umbrella. Mizuki wore casual clothes to avoid attracting attention from fans and dark glasses that obscured her yellow eyes. Yuki felt a surge of excitement at seeing her friend and wanted to hug her, but she restrained herself, knowing that public displays of affection were frowned upon and would invade personal space.

Mizuki put her wet umbrella in her bag and used a handkerchief to dry her shoes, careful not to dirty the studio. As she entered, both Yuki and Sunny looked at her.

Sunny, being farther away, approached Mizuki, while Yuki, already close to the entrance, simply stood up.

"Ohayō gozaimasu," Mizuki greeted, and the three ponies bowed in unison, adhering to the protocol of their professional environment. There was no physical contact or overt display of emotions; they followed the etiquette expected in their setting.

"I don't understand why we have to do this... why can't we just give each other a hug or shake hooves like they do in anime? Sometimes I feel like a robot," Sunny thought, feeling frustrated by the customs they were expected to follow. She took a step back to give Mizuki her space.

"I'm glad to see you, Mizuki-chan. How are you?" Yuki asked, concealing her true excitement at seeing her best friend. She longed to hug Mizuki but knew she had to restrain herself for now.

"Thank you for asking. I'm glad to see you too. I'm fine, and I hope I didn't delay the start of the recording," Mizuki replied, smiling in a subtly forced way to avoid worrying her friends and to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

Yuki almost said 'no' but caught herself just in time. She leaned back into her seat and adjusted her response to a more positive tone without being too direct. "You're right on time, Mizuki-chan. Everything is fine," Yuki said, applying tatemae to maintain the harmonious atmosphere. It was true that Mizuki was the last to arrive, but Yuki didn’t want to cause any unnecessary tension.

"I wonder why Yuki would say that? Everypony was waiting for her, and I’m not sure if I should mention it," Sunny thought, listening intently to the exchange between her bandmates. "I’d better stay quiet to avoid disrupting the mood."

"I'm glad to hear that," Mizuki said, placing a hoof over her chest. "I suppose we’re all set to begin," she added, offering a warm smile to her friends.

"And are we not going to have another gunpla battle, Mizuki-chan?" Sunny asked eagerly, her excitement clear as she looked forward to another imaginary match with Mizuki.

"I’m sorry, Sunny-chan, but that will have to wait for another time. I did bring my gunpla, but we won’t have the chance today. Besides, after recording the album, we’ll need to start preparing for the next event," Mizuki responded with an animated voice, gently denying Sunny's request while maintaining a cheerful demeanor.

"Is she still thinking about that? This only confirms the number of mistakes she'll make, especially since she's going to sing first... I still find it hard to believe they chose a pony as irresponsible as her," Yuki thought, convinced that Sunny's apparent lack of focus would lead to errors. She let out a quiet laugh, almost imperceptible.

Sunny lowered her head, disappointed. "I understand, we can do it another time," she said, quickly raising her head again to maintain a cheerful demeanor for Mizuki and Yuki. "Let's sing!" Sunny exclaimed, raising her front hoof enthusiastically.

Mizuki smiled, covering her lips with a hoof. "As enthusiastic as ever, Sunny-chan. I wish I could share that level of joy," she tought.

"I can't wait to see you stumble, Sunny. I will be the best singer in this group," Yuki thought, glancing away from Sunny to hide her thoughts.

At the recording studio, Sunny stood poised with an indelible smile on her face, her excitement palpable as she prepared for her first time recording an album. The anticipation filled her with a mix of nervous energy and joy, making her tremble with excitement. Despite her bubbling enthusiasm, Sunny knew she had to maintain professionalism and deliver her best performance.

The studio buzzed with quiet activity as sound engineers took their positions, each focused on their tasks. They adjusted the settings on the large mixing console, ensuring the levels and acoustics were perfect. The room was lined with soundproofing foam, and various microphones stood ready for use. The soft hum of the equipment and the gentle rustling of paper as engineers checked their notes created a subdued yet electric atmosphere.

Sunny stood in front of a microphone, which had been adjusted to suit her small stature. The microphone gleamed under the studio lights, surrounded by a pop filter to ensure clarity. Despite the technical setup, Sunny had no need for the lyric sheet; she had memorized the song by heart. The studio felt both vast and intimate, a space where her voice would soon fill every corner. She took a deep breath, ready to pour her heart into the song and make her mark as a budding idol.

Meanwhile, Yuki stood at the door, balancing on her hind legs as she peered through the glass window into the recording studio. She was eager to witness Sunny's performance, hoping to catch any mistakes. "I can't see much from here, but I think it will be enough," Yuki thought to herself, placing both front hooves on the door next to her face for a better view.

Mizuki, sitting nearby and waiting for her turn to sing, noticed Yuki's unusual behavior. "Yuki-chan, what are you doing?" Mizuki asked, curious about her friend's actions.

"I want to see how Sunny is doing. It's our first time recording an album, and she must be nervous. I'd support her if I could, but there's not much I can do from here," Yuki replied, using tatemae to mask her true feelings. In reality, she was more interested in watching Sunny fail. "I just want to see her stumble again and again," she thought privately, her concern for Sunny's performance being feigned.

"Sunny-chan and I practiced our songs together, and I must say she has a great talent for music. I'm sure she'll do an excellent job," Mizuki said, recalling the pleasant moments they had shared while practicing and sometimes just having fun together.

Yuki felt a twinge of annoyance at Mizuki's support for Sunny, which only fueled her envy. Still, she kept her feelings hidden. "Anyway, it doesn't matter," she thought, "Sunny doesn't take this as seriously as I do. Her chances of making mistakes are much higher."

Outwardly, Yuki smiled and responded in a positive and friendly manner, "Me too. I hope she doesn't need too many takes to record her song." Her tone was light, but her thoughts were anything but supportive.

Everything was set to begin. One of the engineers signaled to Sunny, catching her attention. "Are you ready?" she asked, speaking to her through the microphone.

Sunny excitedly raised a front hoof, giving a spirited "Hai!"

The engineer nodded and pressed a button, starting the instrumental track. It was a mix of trance with a slightly fast rhythm and ambient sounds, creating an engaging atmosphere. Sunny knew that in certain parts of the song, she needed to sing as if she were telling a story, adjusting the tone of her voice to match the mood and narrative.

As the instrumental began to play, Sunny felt the music envelop her. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the rhythm guide her as she prepared to start singing at just the right moment. The combination of excitement and concentration was evident on her face as she focused on delivering a great performance.

[Verse 1]

"Asami wa midori no rakuen ni sunde iru" (アサミは緑の楽園に住んでいる - Asami lives in the green paradise) Sunny began to sing, her voice flowing smoothly as if she were speaking, yet with a melodic quality. She adjusted her tone to sound pleasant and kept her pace at a medium speed, perfectly in sync with the rhythm.

"Kanojo no egao wa mare ni" (彼女の笑顔は稀に - Her smile is so seldom)

"Soshite kyō wa" (そして今日は - And today)

"Kanojo wa eki e to" (彼女は駅へと - She heads to the train station)

"Soshite eki de kanojo ga tatsu toki, toki wa yukkuri to nagareru" (そして駅で彼女が立つ時、時はゆっくりと流れる - And when she stands at the station, time flows slowly)

"Torinaki kumo wa, shita no sekai o yudanete, jiyū ni ukabu" (鳥鳴き雲は、下の世界を委ねて、自由に浮かぶ - The birds and clouds float freely, leaving the world below)

"Shizuka na densha, kanojo wa sunao ni hohoemu" (静かな電車、彼女は素直に微笑む - In the quiet train, she smiles honestly)

"Minna no manazashi ga kanojo ni yadoru" (みんなの眼差しが彼女に宿る - Everypony gaze rests on her)

"Kanojo wa subete no shisen o kanjite" (彼女はすべての視線を感じて - She feels all the gazes)

"Kanojo wa omoku nosaru fuan" (彼女は重くのしかかる不安 - She feels the heavy pressure)

Sunny's voice swelled with energy as she approached the chorus, her tone rising to match the song's increasing intensity. Her body moved slightly with the rhythm, embodying the excitement and passion of the lyrics. The chorus was the most vibrant and uplifting part of the song, and Sunny's delivery reflected this, her voice clear and powerful.

[Chorus]

"Midori no hoshi o yumemiru aoi purasuchikku no ponī, sore wa watashi no kako no sugata" (緑の星を夢見る青いプラスチックのポニー、それは私の過去の姿 - Blue plastic pony dreaming of a green star, the pony I used to be.)

"Me wo tojite, yume no naka e" (目を閉じて、夢の中へ - Close your eyes, into the dream)

"Kokoro wa nokotta wazukana anzen'na basho" (心は残ったわずかな安全な場所 - The heart is one of the few safe places left)

[Verse 2]

"Chansu ni afureru neonsiti" (チャンスにあふれるネオンシティ - The neon city, overflowing with opportunities)

"Yūjō no michi o sagashiteru" (友情の道を探してる - I'm looking for the friendship streets)

"Irotoridori no tatemono ga michi o terashiteru" (色とりどりの建物が道を照らしてる - Colorful buildings are lighting up the path)

"Ima, midori no mori o tōku hanarete" (今、緑の森を遠く離れて - Now, far from the green forest)

"Kyō kara atarashī jinsei ga hajimaru" (今日から新しい人生が始まる - My new life begins today)

"Nani o subeki ka, yoku wakatte iru" (何をすべきか、よくわかっている - I know exactly what to do)

[Chorus]
"Midori no hoshi o yumemiru aoi purasuchikku no ponī, sore wa watashi no kako no sugata" (緑の星を夢見る青いプラスチックのポニー、それは私の過去の姿 - Blue plastic pony dreaming of a green star, the pony I used to be.)

"Me wo tojite, yume no naka e" (目を閉じて、夢の中へ - Close your eyes, into the dream)

"Kokoro wa nokotta wazukana anzen'na basho" (心は残ったわずかな安全な場所 - The heart is one of the few safe places left)

[Verse 3]

"Asami wa sora ga haiiro ni kawaru no o mita" (麻美は空が灰色に変わるのを見た - Asami saw the sky turn grey)

"Kanojo no kashi wa watashitachi ni kibō o kureru" (彼女の歌詞は私たちに希望をくれる - Her lyrics fill us with hope)

"Shinzō ga dokidoki shite iru" (心臓がドキドキしている - Hearts beat fast)

"Daremo ga kanojo no namae o sakebu" (誰もが彼女の名前を叫ぶ - Everypony shouts her name)

"Kanojo o teniireru kyōsō ga hajimaru" (彼女を手に入れる競争が始まる - This is a race of who gets her)

"Sutēji ni niji ga kagayaku" (ステージに虹が輝く - Rainbows shine on the stage)

"Gaiken nante kanojo ni totte ichiban ki ni shinai koto da" (外見なんて彼女にとって一番気にしないことだ - Appearances are the least of her concerns)

"Watashi wa chanpionshippu ni mukatte iru yo" (私はチャンピオンシップに向かっているよ - I'm heading to the championship)

[Chorus]

"Midori no hoshi o yumemiru aoi purasuchikku no ponī, sore wa watashi no kako no sugata" (緑の星を夢見る青いプラスチックのポニー、それは私の過去の姿 - Blue plastic pony dreaming of a green star, the pony I used to be.)

"Me wo tojite, yume no naka e" (目を閉じて、夢の中へ - Close your eyes, into the dream)

"Kokoro wa nokotta wazukana anzen'na basho" (心は残ったわずかな安全な場所 - The heart is one of the few safe places left)

Sunny had finished her song and was pleasantly surprised to have recorded everything perfectly on the first try. She felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that all her hard work had paid off. As she caught her breath, having sung continuously without getting tired, she thought to herself, "I did it! I can't wait to tell Yuki-chan and Mizuki-chan." She breathed quietly, recovering some air after her energetic performance, her heart brimming with excitement and pride.