Rough Draft's P.O.V.

It's been over a week since the Friendship Games, and things have been both better yet weirder than ever. Sunset has been a lot happier after understanding the Magic of Friendship better and saving Human Twilight (or just Twilight as we've started to call her) from her demon form that we now call Midnight Sparkle, and it's been a relief to see her so much better. Since Twilight started going to CHS, Sunset has been hanging out with her a lot to talk about magic and other things and explain what happened at the Fall Formal and the Battle of the Bands. Part of me feels a little bummed that I'm not the only one who's interested in Sunset's past anymore, but it's worth it to see my sunshine have someone to relate to when it comes to turning into a raging demon.

What has made the last few days a little weird, though, is what happened the day after the Friendship Games. The Rainbooms decided to have a picnic next to the remains of the Wondercolt statue, but by the time Caramel, Soarin, and I arrived bringing drinks, we walked right into Princess Twilight staring at a nervous Human Twilight in the middle of the picnic. So the three of us, along with the other Rainbooms, had to awkwardly witness Sunset explaining everything to the two Twilight Sparkles from separate dimensions and watch both of them (but mostly Princess Twilight) try to process everything. It eventually got better once both Twilights settled down and we all went back to the picnic with Sunset introducing Princess Twilight to me as her boyfriend, but somehow seeing two versions of the same person has officially become the strangest thing I think any of us have witnessed, and we have Pinkie Pie as one of our friends.

But despite that strange encounter and having a new person added to our group of friends, life is starting to come back to normal. Soarin and Rainbow Dash had another playoff game with our soccer team the Saturday after the Friendship Games and, of course, won. This was especially joyful to Rainbow Dash, as this means they only have to win one more game to compete for State. Caramel and Applejack seem to be getting a little closer, though we aren't sure because they are still keeping their dates unknown to us. I don't know how that makes sense either, but Caramel appears to be very happy, which means that they could become a couple soon, which Soarin and I are eager to see that happen finally. And while Sunset has been spending time with Twilight, she still finds time to be with me. On occasion, she'll spend time with her all day, but when she's finished, she calls me up on a text or a phone call to either come to her apartment or for her to come over to my house to spend time with each other by watching movies, talking or ... making up for lost time.

Eventually, I told Sunset that it was Octavia who saved my life at the Friendship Games. I explained that I didn't want to tell her right away because it didn't seem like the right time with everything that was going on that night, but I wanted to make sure that she knew what happened. She was displeased with this news, but she knew I had good intentions and appreciated that I wanted to be upfront with her, given the situation. It was hardly the most comfortable conversation we've ever had together, but I felt better after telling her the truth and hearing her say that she understood what I did.

All in all, the only real downside with the past week is that we still miss Sonata. She hasn't been making any calls to Granny Smith or the other Apple family members recently to let them know that she's still okay, which has been especially worrisome for Granny in particular. Even I have started to worry about her a little more than usual at this point. I hope it's not too long before I can see that cute, faithful, absent-minded yet loving girl again, not worrying about what her sisters are up to out there. I would like to see my blue buddy safe and sound where I can tell her what she's been missing since she left.

On Tuesday during lunch, Rainbow Dash announced that she, Soarin, and the rest of the soccer team are going to be leaving after school on Friday for their away playoff game against Vanhoover High. The game is a several hour-long drive, and Mr. Iron Will said he would like some of our friends to join the trip for moral support as we, as Rainbow Dash puts it, "Play in enemy territory." Immediately, Pinkie Pie volunteered, followed by Fluttershy and Sunset. Applejack and Rarity politely declined due to needing to work on the farm and Carousel Boutique, respectively, and Twilight didn't feel comfortable to be involved with something like that after only being in our group for a week.

Sunset, however, was a little worried about leaving me alone even though it's just for the weekend. In fact, it feels like she's constantly making sure I'm okay whenever we spend time together after hearing I almost died falling into that portal. At times it gets a little much, but at the same time, I feel the same at times after almost seeing that beam hit her and for all I knew could have killed her, so it kind of evens out.

Come Friday, Sunset and I walk to the school parking lot hand in hand after school ended for the day. She has an extra backpack for clothes and other accessories for the trip as she has her head on my shoulder, reluctant to be apart.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay without me?" She asks me.

"For the final time, Sunset, yes," I say as calmly as possible. "Honestly, I'm glad that you care, but you shouldn't need to worry about me so much. I'll be fine."

She sighs sadly.

"I know, but it's just unsettling that I could have lost you like that. I know we're going to have more magical problems in this world, and I've accepted that. I just want to know I can protect you while I handle whatever problem I might encounter with the girls," she says.

"Sunshine, you've protected me plenty just by saving the world again from Midnight Sparkle," I say reassuringly. "If we encounter another magical problem, you'll figure it out. You've done it twice already against Twilight and the Dazzlings, and you can do it again."

"You really believe that?" She asks as she lifts her head and looks at me in the eyes.

"I truly do," I say. "But if it makes you feel any better, how about I never leave the house all weekend? I do nothing but play video games or something until you're on your way back, and I'll head to the school parking lot waiting for you."

Sunset smiles, appreciatively at my suggestion.

"That's sweet of you, babe," she says. "Although I do have a request for you that does require you to leave your house while I'm gone.

"And that would be?" I ask.

"Well, since they're staying for work, Rarity and Applejack suggested a trip to the mall with Caramel and Twilight tomorrow evening," she says. "And I would appreciate it if you'd come."

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" I ask.

"This is going to be Twilight's first hang out outside school grounds, and I would love for you to be there on a get together that doesn't involve magic or bumping into the pony princess her from another world," Sunset explains. "She really wants to understand friendship better, and I want you to be a part of that outside of seeing her at school."

I smile kindly at my girlfriend as I step in front of her and look at her bright cyan eyes.

"I will do anything I can to help, my sunshine," I say.

"You're just saying that so that you will get a kiss," Sunset says, giving me a playfully suspicious look.

"I am, but I do mean it when I say that helping Twilight is a good idea," I say honestly. "It's taking her a while to accept that our group - or anyone at CHS forgives her for her actions."

Sunset sighs sadly at this.

"She was driven by so much power that she was willing to destroy both this world and Equestria just to get more magic," she admits reluctantly. "I wanted to rule a whole world, and even I can't imagine what that kind of regret must be like."

"I can't even try to imagine," I say. "In any case, she's basically in the same shoes you were, and I'd like to help however I can."

Sunset smiles at me lovingly before she gives me a soft kiss.

"I appreciate that, Rough Draft," she says when we part. "So, if you would be so kind as to come to meet Applejack, Caramel, Rarity, and Twilight at the food court around 5, that would be great."

"Consider it done, Sunshine," I say.

"Thank you, babe," she says before she leans in for another kiss, and we continue our walk to the parking lot.

By the time we get there, Rainbow Dash was tapping her foot impatiently, waiting for us.

"It's about time," she says, annoyed. "Did you just make out with him after class again, forgetting that you were coming here?"

"I should be so lucky," I answer, making Sunset roll her eyes with a smirk.

"Sorry, Rainbow, we just had a little talk along the way," she explains. "Besides, it's not like the game is tonight."

"No, but we're expected to be at the hotel at a certain time," Rainbow Dash says. "Everyone, including Pinkie and Fluttershy, are already here, so we're waiting for you."

Sunset shakes her head before she turns to me and wraps her arms around my neck while I wrap my arms around her waist.

"Well, this is it then," she says. "I'm gonna miss you."

"I'm gonna miss you more," I say, smiling. "Text me when you get to your hotel room?"

"You know I will," she says before she leans in for a deep, passionate kiss. When we part, she stares at my eyes deeply and says, "I love you, Rough Draft."

"I love you too, Sunset Shimmer," I say back as we hug each other before she gets on the bus.

"Hey, Rough Draft," Soarin calls out from an open bus window. "Wish us luck!"

"Knock 'em dead, Soarin!" I call back as the bus turns on and starts moving. I tack a couple of steps back for safety as it drives away with Sunset waving goodbye and blowing a kiss from the very back window. I wave back until the bus is out of sight, and I sigh sadly.

It's not going to be easy being apart from my girlfriend for a whole weekend.

*******************************************************************************************

The rest of Friday came and went with me just staying at home, doing homework and playing video games before Sunset starts texting me from her hotel. We texted until it is late at night, and Mr. Iron Will orders lights out on all rooms, so we reluctantly had to say our good night's, and I love yous.

The next day, I got a good morning text from Sunset, and our conversation continues. I wouldn't put past Rainbow Dash ridiculing her for texting me while she's having breakfast with her, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. We keep texting through the day as she watches the team practice with Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie and I go about my day playing more video games or watching a nerdy TV show on Netflix. Finally, around 4 in the afternoon, she has to end the conversation because the game is starting, and I have to get ready to meet Rarity, Caramel, Applejack, and Twilight at the mall. We text our I love yous again before I get ready to walk over to the mall.

By the time I arrived, Applejack, Caramel, and Rarity are waiting for me at the food court.

"Howdy, Rough Draft," Applejack greets before she teasingly asks, "You holding up without Sunset, okay?"

I roll my eyes at her teasing before I reply, "As long as we're texting through the weekend, it's almost like she never left."

Applejack shakes her head in amusement while Rarity coos at my words.

"How adorable," she says.

"Yes, yes, it is," I say proudly. "Anyway, where's Twilight?"

Before either of them could answer, we hear rapid footsteps and panting as Twilight runs over to us out of breath.

"Sorry! Sorry!" She shouts as she tries to catch her breath. "I didn't mean to be so late!"

The four of us look at each other confused until Applejack checks the time on her phone and chuckles.

"It's alright, Twilight," she says kindly. It's only 5:01."

"Exactly!" Twilight exclaims. "I was supposed to arrive approximately 69.3 seconds ago! Oh, I knew I should have taken the bus at 3:14 instead of 4:14!"

"Let me stop you right there, Twilight," Applejack says, placing her hand on Twilight. "It's okay to be a little late. You don't have to be on the dot with something like a friendly get together. It's normal to be a little late once in a while."

Twilight takes the information in before she sighs and gives Applejack a small smile.

"I'm sorry, Applejack," she says. "I guess this just shows how much I have to learn about friendship."

"That's what we're here for, Sugarcube," Applejack says, smiling back. "Speaking of which, let's get this trip to the mall started, shall we?"

"Oh, I can hardly wait!" Rarity says excitedly.

For the next half an hour or so, we mostly show Twilight around before we start browsing from store to store. Eventually, the girls decide to look at a couple of women stores and suggest that Caramel and I hang out at the arcade until they're done. So Caramel and I start playing some games and have a fun time being the nerds that we are until I decide to strike a conversation with him.

"So...I probably already know the answer to this question," I begin. "But how are things going between you and Applejack?"

"Sorry, bro," Caramel says, his eyes glued to a first-person shooter game. "I'm not allowed to say anything."

"Oh come on, man," I protest. "The two of you have been mysteriously hanging out or dating or whatever it is you're doing ever since your first date. Can't you at least give me a hint as to whether or not you're officially dating the girl of your dreams?"

"Sorry, Rough Draft, I can't make any exceptions," he says before his character in the game dies, and he puts the gun attached to the machine down before he turns to me. "Although, if it helps, I could let you in on something I have planned for Applejack."

I raise an eyebrow in interest.

"Okay, I think I can settle for that," I say.

"Do not say so lightly," Caramel says warningly. "You must not tell anyone about this."

"I won't," I say.

"I mean it, dude," Caramel says firmly. "You must Pinkie Pie promise on your future first-born son and daughter that you won't say a word."

I stare at him for a moment before I carefully say, "I Pinkie Pie promise on the future souls of Revan and Rey Draft that I won't tell anyone. Cross my heart, and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Satisfied with my answer, Caramel gestures me to come closer and whispers in my ear.

"I'm gonna ask her to be my girlfriend."

My eyes widen, and I stare at my best friend, unable to believe what I just heard.

"Y-you're going to what?" I manage to say.

"You heard me," he says. "I won't give away how things are going between us, but I feel confident enough to ask her to date me officially."

"Uh...I don't know what to say to that," I say. "Part of me wants to say 'go for it, dude,' but the rest of me thinks this is as bad as you could go on a long line of - and I love you as one of my best friends when I say this, really bad ideas. Honestly, I can't decide without knowing how things are between you now."

"Exactly," Caramel says, pleased with my response. "The only people who know how things are going between us are her and me, and there's nothing you can do to help me with what I'm planning. I'll be doing it all by myself, my shyness gone, my confidence ever-growing, and my love for her as strong as ever. It's the perfect opportunity."

I stare at my friend again, still dumbfounded with what I'm hearing. I want to ridicule Caramel for even thinking about making this risk after everything that's happened to him in the past, but I don't want to make him stop trying to pursue Applejack. Then I start to remember that Applejack has been appearing to be interested in him ever since the New Year's Eve party, if not further, and she was the one who asked him to dinner after he performed his song with Sunset and the others. A small smile enters my face as I turn back to Caramel.

"Then go for it, dude," I say. "I'm still worried about your chances, but if you feel this is the right time, then I hope this will finally be your time to be together with her."

Caramel beams at my answer.

"Thanks, Rough Draft, you're a good friend," he says.

"I try," I reply with a small smile.

********************************************************************************************

Eventually, the girls finished teaching Twilight how to browse and try out different outfits, and we all meet up to go back to the food court for some snacks. We grab some pretzels, nachos, and sodas and are having a good time until Applejack decides to grab some more, and Rarity and Caramel join her, leaving me alone with Twilight. Both of us feel a little uncomfortable because we haven't really talked since the Friendship Games and we haven't said a word to each other the whole trip to the mall. We look away from each other until I remember Sunset asked me to help her interact with us more, and I clear my throat.

"So, Twilight," I say awkwardly. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm okay," she answers nervously.

"Are you sure?" I question. "You seem uneasy."

Twilight sighs and adjusts her glasses before she replies.

"Well, it's just that we haven't spoken much since the Friendship Games, and ... after talking to Sunset Shimmer so much I ... I have a question for you as her boyfriend did the trick if you don't mind, that is."

I shrug in response and say, "Go ahead," before I start drinking my soda, awaiting her question.

"Well ... it's just ... how are you okay with kissing a horse?"

I choke on my drink, and some of it went down the wrong tube. I nearly spit some of it out as I cough hard for about a minute before my throat is cleared.

"Sorry, sorry!" Twilight says apologetically.

"That's okay," I say, raising my hand. "I didn't expect you to ask that."

Twilight looks down on the floor and turns her head away from me in response.

"It's just that I know she's planning to stay here as a human and everything, but I can't help but wonder how you or that guy, Flash Sentry can be okay with knowing that you guys are/were dating someone who is originally an animal," she says.

"Well, it probably helps that I've only ever known her as a human instead of a unicorn from another world," I answer. "And the morals behind the matter of traveling to different worlds are a little ... complicated to the point that it's better to accept that she's only a pony in Equestria and that I would be too if I went through the portal myself. And who knows? Maybe in the future, I might go to Equestria with Sunset. I did like what little I already saw when I was hanging on for dear -"

I held my tongue as I realized what I was bringing up, but the damage was done. Twilight's face fell, and she looks away from me sadly.

"Sorry," I say, regretfully.

"It's okay, you didn't mean any harm," she says sadly.

I mentally kick myself for bringing up the Friendship Games and try to think of something else to say. Unfortunately, only one thing comes to mind, and I hope it will help.

"So...I know it's a touchy subject, but how do you feel about that?" I ask. "In my experience, it helps to have people to talk about how you're feeling."

Twilight looks at me, and I give her a sincere look on my face to show that I care. She sighs before she answers.

"I've been doing ... better, but still uneasy," she answers. "I know everyone is so forgiving about my actions and want to be friends with me, which I appreciate, but sometimes it's just hard to forgive myself. I mean, I almost destroyed our world and Equestria just to understand magic. I didn't care who would pay the price, whether it was you, Sunset, the other Rainbooms, Dean Cadance, even my own family; my parents, my brother, Shining Armor, even Spike. I didn't even think about them. I just wanted to understand magic no matter the cost, no matter who gets hurt. How can you accept that it wasn't your fault, that you were just consumed by this energy that has little rhyme or logic to it? You know?"

I sigh before I put my hand on her shoulder, comfortingly.

"I know what you mean," I say. "I haven't turned into a demon or anything like that, but I know what it's like to have magic manipulate who you are. Like pretty much everyone else in the school besides the Rainbooms and Princess Twilight, I was brainwashed by Sunset and the Dazzlings. I had no control over how I acted or what was going to happen to me if either of them won. I don't even remember what it was like to be a zombie or some drone adoring The Dazzlings. But you know what? Sunset once told me that common sense rarely falls into play when you have a desire for power. I guess what I'm trying to say when I bring that up is that magic in many ways is stronger than the mind. Even Sunset didn't have much control of herself when she became a demon. In fact, she was afraid of what was happening to her when she put that crown on her head. But you were able to break free from what you turned into. You didn't have to have it forced out of you by rainbow magic powers or whatever; you broke free from being Midnight Sparkle the moment you looked at Spike. And from what Sunset explained to me when she hit you with that beam, she asked you to take her hand and let her show you a better way, and you did. So if you look at it that way, Sunset didn't just save you, you saved yourself, and now you're walking a better path learning about friendship like Sunset was before you."

Twilight thinks about what I said. She doesn't seem too convinced that what I'm saying is right, but then she looks at me with appreciative eyes.

"Thanks, Rough Draft," she says. "That makes me feel a little better."

"Happy to help," I say with a smile. "And besides, I think it's clear that what happened at the games was more Principal Cinch's fault than yours. She did trick you into unleashing all the magic you had on that pendant. Frankly, I wish that she didn't get away with what she did even though magic is kind of meant to be a secret outside of CHS."

"Actually, I heard from Rarity that the school board is going to fire her over this weekend," Twilight says.

"Really?" I ask, hopefully.

"Yeah, Rarity started keeping touch with one of the Crystal Prep students, Sunny Flare, and according to her Dean Cadance found out how Principal Cinch blackmailed me to compete in the Friendship Games."

"She did?" I ask, surprised. "I don't recall hearing about that."

"Well, it was a private thing," Twilight explains. "You see, I was applying for a study program at Everton, and Principal Cinch could influence their decision of whether or not to accept me. So she forced me to compete against CHS and investigate what the Rainbooms were up to. But Dean Cadance and Shining Armor found out shortly after the games and reported it to the board. By the looks of things, they're going to tell her at the end of the week, and Dean Cadance will take her place."

"Ah, now that's what I like to hear," I say pleased. "I'll tell you one thing, Twilight, that woman was probably one of the most arrogant and egotistical people I've ever met. And I've been at a ball with my then-girlfriend full of people like that."

"Do you mean the same then-girlfriend that saved your life?" Twilight asked.

My smirk fell a little at her question.

"Sunset told you about that, huh?"

"Yeah," Twilight answered. "To be honest Rough Draft, I'm a little surprised you did tell her about it. She told me how she prefers that you guys generally never mention her again after you two got together and - "

"And it would've made more sense that I kept that information from her?" I interrupt. "No, I couldn't do that. I know how she feels about Octavia, but I don't want any secrets from us. Besides, hiding something about another girl I have a past with is what cost me my relationship with Octavia, and that destroyed me emotionally. I don't ever want to lose Sunset, least of all by a similar misunderstanding I had with Octavia. I'm afraid of what would happen if anything like that happened between us."

"Yeah, she's told me as much about what happened between you and this Octavia girl," Twilight says. "I still remember how you worried her when you told her that you almost died falling into a portal."

"Yeah, I remember, too," I say. "And I pray nothing like that will ever happen again. I mean, I'm not as shocked as I probably should be about it, but I don't ever want to find out what would happen if she found out something did happen to me. She's already been acting a little worried about me getting hurt somehow ever since the Friendship Games."

Twilight gives me a sad smile as she says, "Face it, Rough Draft, she's deeply in love it you."

I give her a small smile before I take out my locket and open it to stare at the picture of Sunset and me smiling at the camera as she holds out her rose.

"And I am deeply in love with her, too," I say.

Nothing is said or heard except for the chatter coming from the people around us.

Suddenly, my eyes widen as I get an idea.

"Hey, Twilight, could you tell the others I'll be right back?" I ask. "I need to run over to a store for something."

"Oh, sure," she says, confused before I start running out of the food court.

*********************************************************************************************

3rd person P.O.V.

Twilight watches Rough Draft run back to the mall, confused with his sudden attitude. She wonders if there was something she said before Rarity, Applejack and Caramel return to their seats with more food.

"Darling, where's Rough Draft?" Rarity asks.

"He said he had to run over to a store and will be right back," Twilight answered. "I hope I didn't say something to offend him somehow."

"What were you two talking about?" Applejack asks.

"Just stuff about his love life and how much Sunset Shimmer loves him," Twilight answers.

"Ah, then there's nothing to worry about," Caramel says, smirking. "If I know Rough Draft, you probably gave him an idea to buy something for Sunset Shimmer for when she gets back from Vanhoover."

Applejack chuckles before she says, "Yep, that's probably what happened. No need to worry, Twilight, it's probably just him being the hopeless romantic that Sunset is bonkers for."

Twilight smiles, satisfied with the answer, and the group goes back to eating their food while they wait for Rough Draft to come back. They eat and talk for about ten minutes when a mall guard suddenly approaches them.

"Excuse me," the guard says calmly. "I need the four of you to come with me."

All four of them look at the security guard surprised.

"Did we do something wrong, sir?" Applejack asks.

"No, ma'am, we just need to take you to our security office," the guard answers.

"Sir, we have a friend with us who's coming back," Caramel says.

"I know, one of my men is fetching him," the guard says impatiently. "Listen, you're not in any trouble, but we need you at our office for your own safety immediately."

Applejack, Rarity, Caramel, and Twilight look at each other worryingly before they reluctantly obey the mall guard and follow him out of the food court. He escorts them to the security office where they go in, and Applejack, Rarity, and Caramel's surprise see two familiar detectives and an even more familiar cute, blue face.

"Sonata?!" The three of them shout.

"Who?" Twilight asks, confused.

Sonata gives the four of them a sad smile before she says, "Hi guys."

Immediately, Applejack runs over and hugs Sonata tightly.

"Why haven't you called?" Applejack asks seriously. "We haven't heard from you in two weeks. Granny has been worried sick."

Sonata frowns sadly at Applejack's words.

"I know," she says. "I just haven't had the chance. We've been so focused on finding Adagio and Aria lately and - wait, is that the princess wearing glasses?"

"Um...not exactly," Twilight answers bashfully. "It's a long story."

"Yes, well, stories like that will have to wait," Detective Stewart says.

"Hey, aren't you two the cops we saw at the Curly Sombrero?" Caramel asks.

"Yes, we are," Detective Sentry answers. "We have been tracking Adagio and Aria for some time. We've been close to catching them a couple of times, but for some reason that we don't understand they find a way to give us the slip, usually by using some sort of fire or electronic devices that destroy whatever evidence there was that they were even there."

"Excuse me, sir, but did you say fire and electronic devices?" Rarity asks.

"Yes, ma'am," he answers. "Ms. Dusk said her sisters have likely created some kind of device or devices of that description that likely caused the explosion at the apartment complex. At the moment, we have reason to believe that they are here in Canterlot, and they might be after you, Ms. Belle and Ms. Apple, as well as some of the other members of your band."

Rarity, Applejack, and Caramel gasp at this news.

"Adagio and Aria are here?!" Applejack exclaims.

"Yes, now tell me, where are the other members of your group; Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Sunset Shimmer?" Detective Stewart asks.

"They're over in Vanhoover with our school's soccer team for a playoff game," Rarity explains. "They're not expected to be back until tomorrow afternoon."

The two detectives look at each other with grim looks on their faces before they take out their phones and gesture Sonata to continue explaining things while they make calls. Sonata nods and gestures Twilight, Caramel, Applejack, and Rarity to move to the corner of the room to talk secretly.

"Okay, seriously, Sonny, are Adagio and Aria capable of creating devices that throw fire and electricity?" Applejack demands.

Sonata scratches the back of her head reluctantly before she answers.

"Not exactly," she whispers. "As skilled as my sisters are, they aren't that inventive. That's just my fake explanation to the police to cover up what I think is really going on."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asks.

Sonata looks at Caramel, Applejack, and Rarity and head gestures to Twilight.

"Don't worry, Sonny, you can trust her," Applejack assures. "She knows all about magic and has become part of the band."

Sonata sighs before she gestures the four of them to lean closer to her.

"I may not be as knowledgeable as Sunset about this, but I think there's something...out of this world about all the fire and electricity stuff," she whispers.

The four other teenagers gasp at this.

"Are you saying they somehow have magic?" Caramel whispers.

"I think so," Sonata whispers back. "I've made sure the police don't know about it, so I led them to believe that Dagi and Aria made gadgets to do that stuff. As far as the cops know, my sisters just have such a complicated hatred against the Rainbooms, that it could be the reason why they're here now."

"So, you lied to the police to hide that there's magic?" Applejack quietly asks in a skeptical tone.

"I know, AJ, I know," Sonata whispers shamefully. "I'm not proud of it, but I know we need to keep magic a secret outside of school. I kind of had to think like my sisters to tell a story plausible enough that they have no reason not to believe that -"

Suddenly, a thought enters her mind, and she looks around the room before she asks, "Where's Rough Draft? Isn't he with you guys?"

"He left for something shortly before security brought us here," Twilight explains.

"What?" Sonata exclaims worryingly. "What in the world could he be up to when Adagio and Aria are out there?"

******************************************************************************************

Rough Draft's P.O.V.

After about five minutes of running, I finally make my way to my destination; Sunburn Jewelry. I stand in front of the entrance in nostalgic thought, remembering when I last came here with Sunset, and we bought Octavia's necklace. I walk in and begin browsing through the jewelry eagerly until I find what I am looking for. My eyes widen with excitement as I stare at the jewel before I call out to the woman in the counter.

"Excuse me, is this the correct price for this jewel here?" I ask.

The woman behind the counter walks over, looks at the jewel, and smiles.

"Yes, it is, sir," she says. "It's a part of our April sale."

"Excellent," I say, grinning. "I just want to make sure because I came here last December, and there was an error in the ad between the sapphires and the rubies."

"Ah yes, I remember that," the woman behind the counter says. "Rest assured that is the correct price."

"Perfect," I say enthusiastically. "I'd like to buy it, please."

The woman behind the counter smiles and says, "Certainly, sir," before she opens the case, takes out the jewel, and puts it in a small black box. Then, I follow her to the cash register, and she starts pressing buttons.

"Would you like it gift-wrapped, sir?" she asks.

"No, thank you," I say, politely.

"Very well, your total is $37.98, please," she says.

I grin happily to hear the price smaller than last time as I take out my wallet and give her two 20 dollar bills. The woman behind the counter takes the money and completes the transaction before she gives me the change and the box containing the jewel.

"Alright, you're all set. Have a nice day," the woman says.

"Thank you very much, you do the same," I say, happily as I put the change in my wallet and put the box in my pocket before I leave.

I make my way back to the food court excitedly. Many ideas come to my mind as I brainstorm how and when to give Sunset my gift. But then, I start needing to use the restroom and walk down the hall to where the bathrooms are.

When I come out, I hear a serious voice come from right next to me.

"Mr. Draft?"

I turn around to see a mall security guard approach me with a serious look on his face.

"Y-yes, how can I help you, officer?" I ask.

Just as the officer was about to open his mouth to respond, he suddenly starts screaming in pain as several volts of electricity run through his body. My eyes widen in horror as the guard falls down unconscious to reveal Aria standing behind him. Before I can say anything, an orange hand covers my mouth with a piece of cloth, and I struggle to get away before the stuff in the cloth takes effect.

I only have a moment to see Adagio's mischevious face as she watches me blackout.

*********************************************************************************************

3rd person P.O.V.

"The Wondercolts are going to the state championship!!!!"

Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Sunset Shimmer cheer at Rainbow Dash's proud announcement as they raise their bottles of apple cider excitedly in their hotel room. Rainbow Dash chugs her cider down in seconds before grabbing another bottle while the others drink at their own pace.

"Oh Rainbow Dash, that was an amazing game," Fluttershy compliments.

"I know, right?" Rainbow Dash says proudly. "I gotta admit Vanhoover High had some skills, but in the end, they were nowhere near as awesome as we are."

"It certainly was a game, Rainbow," Sunset Shimmer says. "The Vanhoover team was a much bigger challenge than the past few teams."

"I'll say," Pinkie Pie says. "I mean, you were sooooooo lucky to not be here for the first playoff game on Rough Draft's birthday, Sunset. That was such a super-duper slaughter that even I was getting bored."

"Yeah, well now I, Soarin, and our team have to work even harder now," Rainbow Dash says already on her fifth bottle. "The final match is against Crystal Prep, and just because we're friends with them now does not mean we're going to go easy on them in the slightest."

"I don't think they'll expect anything less," Sunset Shimmer says with a smirk. "By the way, Rainbow, shouldn't you go easy on the cider?"

"No way," Rainbow Dash says. "I worked hard for this victory, and I'm going to help myself to all the well-earned comfort that only Sweet Apple Acres cider can give."

Sunset Shimmer shakes her head in amusement at her friend until she feels her phone vibrating in her pocket. She takes it out and finds out that she has a call from "Babe's Mom."

"Sunset, is Rough Draft seriously calling you at this hour?" Rainbow Dash ridicules.

"Actually, this would be his mom," Sunset Shimmer answers while she stands up and walks to the hotel door.

"Ooooooooo, you got your future in-law's number, eh?" Pinkie Pie teases. "You better be careful, Sunset. Sooner or later, she'll start calling you all the time about when you and Rough Draft are gonna get married and give her lots and lots and lots of grandchildren."

"Pinkie!" Sunset exclaims while secretly blushing and smiling at the idea of getting married and having children with Rough Draft as she exits the hotel room and answers her phone.

"Hi, Mrs. Draft," she says, chuckling. "Is Rough Draft too depressed to pick up his pho -"

But before she can finish her sentence, Mrs. Draft interrupts Sunset Shimmer, sobbing as she speaks. Sunset Shimmer's smile fades with every word that her boyfriend's mom says until it is filled with nothing but shock and horror. She only has enough willpower to utter a few words as Mrs. Draft speaks.

"What? ... where? ... What are you saying? ... no ... no, this can't -"

Her eyes begin to water as she takes everything in until she's leaning her back on the wall, and her phone slips from her hand. She stays in this state of shock for a moment before she grows angry and determined, picks up her phone, and bursts the hotel room door open.

"Whoa, what's the matter with -" Rainbow Dash begins.

"We need to leave now!" Sunset Shimmer demands.

"What?" Rainbow Dash asks. "It's 10:27, what do you -"

"I don't care what time it is!" Sunset Shimmer barks as she starts shoving her belongings into her backpack. "I need to go back to Canterlot now!"

Fluttershy squeaks in fear at the sudden demeanor of her friend while Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash look at each other, confused.

"Sunset, what's gotten into you?" Rainbow Dash asks.

Sunset Shimmer turns to her friends, giving them a scared look as tears begin to fall down her face.

"It's Adagio and Aria," she answers. "They kidnapped Rough Draft!"