>You swear you've had this one before >The one where you're grown up, but you're playing with Trixie and Moondancer >And apparently it was a premonition >Your heart starts pounding against your chest >This was a bad idea >This is a BAD idea >Has it come to this? >If the rest of your nightmare comes true, the girls will come in and make fun of you >No, that's crazy, that's not gonna happen >Just calm down, Twilight >Just— >"Trix, Twilight!" >Sunny waves you over, and you give a meek wave back "H-Hey, Sunny..." >"Hey Twilight! I'm glad you came." >She shoots you a smile >You cough >You sit down next to her, and Trixie sits next to you >Moondancer looks to be the DM >She's got some gross front-bun thing going on >Literal nerd glasses with the tape in the middle and everything >Still looks like a pasty, ugly version of you >So >You can kind of feel good about being the third best looking person at the table >She furrows her bushy brow and stares at you from over her screen >"Sparkle." "Moondancer." >She just... keeps staring "Yes?" >"So you think you can just waltz in here like things are all okay?" "Are they not?" >Moondancer snorts >"Where's Four Eyes?" >You snicker, someone's parents hate them >"He told Trixie that his mom forced him into doing chores today." >Moondancer shrugs and looks at you with disdain >"Sharp Shot the Elf suffers a heart attack and dies, then, if he's not going to be here to play." >"W-What?! B-But Sharp Shot was a gallant friend to the Great and Powerful—" >"He's not here." >Sunny looks at Moondancer with concern >"From what I know, that's not been the rule before, Moondancer." >"Well rules change!" >"T-Trixie says it's not fair!" >"LIFE ISN'T FAIR! That's what you taught, me right Sparkle?" >Moondancer snarls above her screen >Her eyes attempt to pierce your soul with their spergerous temperament >You just shoot her a very confused, incredulous look "No offense, but what are you talking about?" >"WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?" >She slams her fist on the table, causing some of the miniatures to fall over >"You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about, Sparkle. The day you ruined my life, you showed me that life... Life doesn't give a fuck about anyone! The universe is a cruel place!" "What the fuck are you talking about? W-W-What, like, what? What?! I... I-I, Sunny, help me out here! I—" >Moondancer is getting really worked up now >"So you're just going to pretend you don't remember!" >"Moondancer, Twilight, what's going on?" >"Shut up, skank!" "WOAH, don't talk to my friend like that!" >You see Sunny bite down on her lip, fist clenched >"Please, girls, settle down." >"TELL HER TO APOLOGIZE FOR WHAT SHE DID TO ME." >Sunny looks at you and sort of nudges her head towards Moondancer >Ha, like you're going to give in >We don't negotiate with terrorists here >Plus, you have no idea what she's talking about >"T-Trixie would like you two to stop. We should be happy and pl—" >"SHUT IT!" >Moondancer literally growls >"Twilight, I have awaited this day for YEARS! To show you that I've gotten stronger in your absence! To prove to you, that I don't NEED YOU!" "What the fuck is happening here. I... We haven't seen each other in years. Years! What did I do that made you think your life was a fucking revenge anime?" >Moondancer lowers her head into her hand, tearing up >Real dramatic, dude >"It was the first and only party I'd ever thrown—" >Wow >"—and you, Twilight... You were my best friend. My only friend. We did everything together." >This isn't how you remembered it >"You were the one who introduced me to my second greatest love. Tabletop gaming. I grew my storytelling abilities, my love of fiction, everything because of you. And I started to branch out. To get new friends! I could... I could finally talk to other people..." >You force your eyes open, trying to stay awake >Moondancer always had this effect on you >Her voice is just so fucking boring >Just try to listen to her sob story, Twilight >"Hell, I even convinced my dad to buy this shop here so we could play whenever we wanted..." >Wow, your dad can just buy places >Your life sucked so hard Moondancer >You look over to Sunny >She's actually listening to this sperg >How's she get her skin to look so nice? >Do girls actually practice kissing with each other, or is that just an internet joke? >Maybe you could ask her to help you practice your kissing... >"...and even when I'd opened up, you were still my best friend. My closest friend. Towards the end there, I think we both know we'd become more than friends..." >Your ears prick up >You think you heard Moondancer say something weird >Eh, whatever >You continue to pretend to listen while staring at Sunny >Why did she get amazing breasts and you got nothing >You literally don't even know what boobs feel like >Bags of sand? >"...and then, finally, I worked up the courage to throw a party. I was confused about myself, about my place in the world... But at the very least, I was finally going to have friends, and you'd be there, by my side! BUT YOU NEVER CAME! You knew it meant the world to me, I told you time and again how much I needed you, and you left me to rot! That's when I realized the world was a sick place, the inhabitants sicker!" >'...oh Twilight, I never realized how hot you were, take me...' >He he he >"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING?!" "Sorry. I lost you at the part where your dad bought the store." >"I WAS TALKING FOR LIKE FIVE MINUTES PAST THEN!" "You know, I'm sorry for whatever it was I did to you, didn't come to a party or something. I mean, it's a party. We were, like, thirteen." >"Miss Sparkle," Trixie says sniffling, "Y-You should have listened to her." >"Yeah Twilight, she poured her soul out to you." >Sunny frowns at you >You shrink back into your seat "U-Uh, I-I'm sorry, okay. For whatever. Missed your party. Very sad. I'm sad. We're all sad. Very sad." >"YOU... You're just making fun of me! Even after all this time, your only purpose is to torment me!" "Please, get a hold of yourself. Not everything is about YOU, Moondancer." >She huffs >And she puffs >Which are really weird to do >"THAT'S IT!" >Moondancer stands from her seat and points an accusatory finger at you >"I CHALLENGE YOU TO A REGULATION GAME OF MAGIC THE GATHERING, WINNER TAKES ALL!" >Oohs exude from the crowd that had apparently formed around you >A crowd of fat and/or ugly boys and girls >You were, for once, the cool alpha bitch >You lean back in your chair and crack your fingers "Moondancer, do you really want to challenge the three time Regional Magic the Gathering Minor League Champion. I may have quit, but I'm still good enough to beat your ass" >You smirk >"Things have changed, Sparkle. You're looking at the champion of the last four years. Think you can handle me now? Think I'm such a joke?" >Fuck >"I'll make you WISH you'd never had, uh, not come to my birthday party!" >Nevermind, she's still retarded >Things will be fine >Sunny leans over to you >"What does 'winner take all' mean here?" "I don't know. I think she thinks that life is an anime." >"Like Gurren Lagann or something?" >You nod and chuckle >Oh Sunny >You're pretty >But you are still but a pleb >Some fat autist brings out a card table >"OKAY EVERYBODY, REGULATION RULES, NO CHEATING, A THIRD PARTY WILL SHUFFLE THE DECKS." >The two of you take your seats opposite of each other >Moondancer is still trying to glare holes through you >Trixie and Sunny are sitting off to the side, looking nervous >"Nervous, Sparkle?" "Well, we're playing a children's card game, so no." >"DON'T INSULT THE GAME. You know you used to be part of this world." >Every time I get out >They just keep pulling me back in >The decks have been shuffled, and Moondancer and I get ready >Moondancer, if you remember correctly, is more of a tempo player >You'd never been one for set strategy >You just, ugh >It hurts to remember >You liked to call yourself a "Magic Savant" >You were so full of yourself >You swear you said "heart of the cards" unironically once >Not even the proper property >You think about killing yourself briefly >Anyways, you flew by the seat of your pants >You didn't play your deck, you played the game >Ugh >Plus, you had a little something up your sleeve, anyways >"Sparkle, before I destroy you, I just want you to know that I'm not going to enjoy this." "Why would you play a game if you don't enjoy it?" >"Sh-Shut up! I'm saying it will bring me no pleasure to crush your body and spirit." "We're playing a card game." >"SHUT UP! I'm the Champ! This is serious!" "Whatever. I was the Champ before you were." >"Okay guys, ready to go when you are. Keep it clean!" >You draw your cards >Oh Moondancer, you poor fool >You don't know what coming for you >You cackle silently to yourself and leer over at her >She's sweating >Wait, no fuck, don't get into this >Be cool, Sunny is watching >If you get too into this, people will think you're lame >You hear some noise off to the side >Some guys are setting up a table and... >Are those microphones? >"Hey guys, and welcome to Magic, On the Net, your favorite Magic The Gathering podcast! And today, we've got a serendipitous match between the former three time Regional Minor Champ and prodigy, Twilight Sparkle, and the current Regional Champ, and also a former Regional Minor Champ, Moondancer." >What the fuck >"Hey guys, it's Jugular Follicles, as always, and my friend—" >"It's Cheeto Dust!" >"—and we're here witnessing what will probably be, one of the, if not the, greatest matches to go down in the Canterlot County area." >You start to sweat >Why are people commentating this >What have you gotten yourself into? >No, be cool >Be cool >Yeah, be cool while playing Magic the Gathering >Doable >Fuck fuck fuck >It's Moondancer's turn first >Just hope she has nothing but shit >"It looks like Moondancer is bringing out a Gladecover Scout. Now, that has hexproof, which means it can't be targeted by Twilight's spells or abilities." >"That's ride Juggo. If by hexproof, though, you mean girlproof, and spells and abilities, you mean the touch of another human body and the love of another soul, then you've just described my life!" >"Nice one, Dusty." >Jesus Christ >Whatever, just ignore them >Typical opening >Just cause she's, you know, the actual Regional Champion, for adults, you know, doesn't mean anything >She's still going down >But aloofly and all cool >You take your turn >God you're so out of practice >Do you remember exactly every card in your deck? >... >Okay, okay, good, just be cool... >"We've got safe starts on both sides right now, possibly setting up some big plays ahead!" >Shut up! This isn't a sport! >Moondancer snickers at you >"Have you even kept your deck up-to-date, Sparkle?" "U-Uh, duh. Even if I don't play anymore I still get the new cards and keep my deck as strong as possible." >"You don't even play but you still deck build?" "Yup." >The wipe the sweat from your brow as the game continues >Fuck, the commentators are making this a lot more nerve wracking than it should be >Who the fuck commentates a card game for fuck's sake? >Sure, you used to be big into the scene >But you can tell it's dumb now >You feel like you're drowning >Moondancer's control of the field is fucking intense >It's like being up to your neck in water right now >When did this shit become popular? >Aggro decks are so fucking annoying >Fucking meta, you were sure you were on the up-n-up >You guess you're more a white/blue control deck, but you've got some tricks >Yes you do >God you're fucking retarded >"Former Regional Minor Champ, Twilight Sparkle, is starting to look nervous, isn't she?" >"That's right. She's starting to look like me, if I were going to try and talk to her!" >"Except not as fat." >"H-Ha. Yeah. Yeah... Anyways, we've got an exciting match so far, with Moondancer seemingly dominating the game!" >You continue to wipe sweat from your brow >You want to look cool, but it's hard >"Nervous now, Sparkle? You can quit if you can't handle it." "Pff, I'm fine." >You've been playing the cards you've been dealt perfectly >But you're not exactly getting the luckiest draws here >Even with the right plays, it's not enough... >Moondancer laughs and bites her lip >"I'm afraid we're coming along to the end of the road, Sparkle." >Playing the villain in her own story >What a fucking autist >You look over to Sunny and... >She doesn't seem to know what's going on at all >Trixie is constantly at her ear >Probably whispering the gist of what's going on >You wonder if she's rooting for you... >Moondancer looks at her hand, at you, at the cards in play, at her hand... "Are you going to do something?" >"I'm just savoring the moment is all." >God >"It looks like Twilight's in real trouble. You know, I'm not sure she can bring this one back." >You look at your hand, think to your deck, and try to formulate a plan >Despite your deck being chock-full of 'em, the first portion of play was rough with land cards >Though, you've been getting more lands in play... >What exactly can you do from here, though? >Maybe... Sphinx's Revelation to stabilize you >Supreme Verdict would even things out... >You're sure your deck can beat Moondancer's >The early game was hers, but you've survived this long >She's becoming less effective as your hand grows >Just gotta... >Yes! >"What an exciting match so far, Dusty. The Reigning Champ has been in the lead, but Twilight's still holding on!" >"Yeah, you know, it's always fascinating to see pros at work. It's Twilight's turn now and... Oh, it looks like Twilight's played Supreme Verdict, wiping all creatures from the field!" >Moondancer snarls, causing you to laugh >"I'm still winning..." "For now." >You exhale slowly, your mouth slowly forming a small grin >The student isn't going to become the master >Not today, Moondancer >Urgh >Stop being autistic, it's just a card game >You wipe your brow again and look to Sunny >She's nodding as Trixie whispers in her ear >You smile shakily at her >She smiles back >WHAT DOES IT MEAN? >"You're going to pay for missing my party." "Shut up about the party, sheesh." >"YOU BROKE MY HEART. YOU RUINED MY LIFE." >You try not to laugh >Moondancer's face goes red >You've taken a lot of damage, but you can win this! >Judging by your cards, you think you can win in two turns >Moondancer, prepare to taste defeat >The ugly, raging autist begins her turn >Your eyes widen as she puts cards down >Why is this shit in an aggro deck? >That shit's a little heavy for this, fuck >"I'LL SHOW YOU." >You look at your hand >Fuck >She keeps going >You look over the field >Does she have lethal? >You think she has lethal >Well, this is it... >Moondancer crosses her arms as she ends her turn >You hear the commentators behind you >"Did... Did she not see that she had lethal?" >"I think she's become blinded with rage, Juggo." >Moondancer looks confused >She looks at the cards in play >"Oh my God." >The fucker even begins shaking >"Oh my GOD. I-I-I can still win next turn!" >You draw a card and... >Begin to laugh >Holy fuck "Holy fuck." >A shit-eating grin forms on your face >Moondancer, for the first time, looks fearful >"N-No." "Just let it happen, baby." >You begin the play that ends the world >"Oh... OH MY GOD. SHE'S STILL GOT IT. TWILIGHT'S GONNA WIN. HISTORY IN THE MAKING FOLKS." >You watch as the life drains from Moondancer's eyes, and her life total >"No, no, no, no... Not like this!" "YES LIKE THIS." >You tap your cards like it's a fucking Shonen anime >You slam cards into the table >You're on your feet now >"OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. NO ONE HAS EVER DONE THAT. IN THE HISTORY OF MAGIC." >"JUGGO, I'M EJACULATING. I'M ACTUALLY TURNED ON RIGHT NOW. HOLD ME." >"NO." >You're almost hyper-ventilating >It's almost like your heart's gonna beat out of your chest >You let out a laugh, jump, and fist pump in the air "NO ONE CAN BEAT THE CHAMP! I'VE STILL GOT IT! SUCK IT!" >You begin pelvic thrusting at Moondancer >Cheering is heard all around you >People are going out of their minds >Moondancer has her head down against the table >She turns to you, sobbing >Ha ha, fucker, cry motherfucker "HA, BITCH! HA. IN YOUR FACE. EAT A DICK. YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD CHALLENGE THE CHAMP? YOU DISRESPECT ME IN MY HOUSE?" >You spot Sunny out of the corner of your eye >She's frowning and looking away >Ugh >"Twilight, why? Why do you hate me so much?" >Wow you assumptuous little fag >"Why wouldn't you just come to my party..." "Y-You're being a real bummer, here. Just... Just let me have this." >She turns away from you, sobbing into the tablecloth >You turn to Sunny and see that she's getting up to leave >But you won! >Why would she... >You know why, but still >You look down at Moondancer and frown "Look, I'm sorry, okay?" >Moondancer shakes her head >"No you're not. You never cared about me" "Like you wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if you won! Like you wouldn't rub it in my face!" >She sniffs >Fag >"I thought that, maybe if I b-beat you, you'd feel how I felt..." "Why... Why would my 'life get ruined' over a card game?" >"B-Because it was all you cared about! It was your life! I spent the last five years of my life becoming the best, to beat you!" >Geez >What kind of autist logic is that? >'Oh I beat you at a game, now I have my vengeance!' >Absolutely retarded >You spot Sunny standing, looking at you >Trixie is holding onto her, trying to stop her from leaving >Probably because Trixie thinks we're gonna play some fucking games after this >Surrounded by fucking autists... "Is this really about a fucking party?" >Moondancer stands up, poling her finger into your chest >"Maybe you don't know what it's like, having no friends, having people mock you. You were always the smartest one. The one everybody liked!" >Revisionist history if you ever heard it >"I wanted to be like you! I... And you just threw it all in my face. Don't you know what it feels like to be thrown away? It sucks..." "W-What about Trixie?" >"OH LIKE SHE COUNTS AS A FRIEND!" >Moondancer begins crying >Again... >You look around >Even the awkward inhabitants of the shop are being weirded out "Shouldn't have started a fight you couldn't finish. I don't need to apologize to you. You lost the apology when you lost the game." >You hear Sunny scoff and begin walking out of the shop >Fuck >"I get it. I'm pathetic. I'll never be YOU. Go on and live your fucking perfect life!" >It's really quiet now "Come on, you guys were with me before, right? Suck it!... Nothing?" >People shake their heads at you >"Have a little grace, man." "O-Oh shut up, you fucking dork. Go back to making out with your fat friend over there." >Moondancer looks... absolutely pathetic >This isn't your fault >She might think it is, but it's HER fault for focusing on YOU >Who holds a grudge for this long over nonsense? >"Please just leave me alone." >You shrug "Look, I don't know. Want to play again? I'll apologize if you win?" >Seems fair >Instead, Moondancer throws her cards to the ground >They scatter along the floor of the shop >"NO, I'M QUITTING!" >"But you're the Regional Champ, you can't quit!" >Moondancer rubs at her eyes and runs off >People just stare at you silently >Judging you "Oh come on! You know, this... This is just what I get for being associated with this fucking game." >First Trixie >Now this >Magic the Gathering is ruining your life >THIS is exactly why you swore it off >THIS kind of situation just fucking crops up >You never should've started playing this fucking game >At the very least, you know one thing >YOU'RE STILL THE CHAMP >Rusty as fuck and you can beat a Regional Champ >If Moondancer is the kind of garbage that can win tournies now, it's good you got out when you did >You decide to leave, the crowd jeering >As you approach the exit, you can hear Moondancer sobbing, running out the door >"What's wrong? What happened? Twilight?" "She lost a card game." >"Oh that girl, every time..." >You quickly power walk out the door >Fresh air, thank fuck >You spot Trixie and Sunny on the sidewalk, walking home presumably >You chase after them "Guys!" >They probably can't hear you "Guys!" >Man, running sucks >You're out of breath, but you finally catch up to them "What the... heck... guys... I was calling out for you!" >Sunny turns to you and— >"You know Twilight, I got suspended for you. I'm lucky I wasn't EXPELLED! Do you know what my school record looks like? Do you know how hard I've been trying to keep my record clean?" "Hey, S-Sunny, c'mon..." >"Don't Sunny me! Do you know what Anon said about you when you left? I... I'm not going to repeat it here, you know, I don't like that kind of language. But assholes get what's coming to them." "Look, I'm really glad you did what you did, but I didn't force you to—" >Sunny stomps her foot on the ground >"Of course you didn't force me to! I did it because I wanted to! Because you were my FRIEND. Because I don't believe people should f... should bully people! Because I thought you were different!" >Sunset walks towards you, and you take steps back >Your legs begin to feel wobbly >"And you know, I gave you the benefit of the doubt when I heard what you did to Trixie. Ever since I've hung out with her, she's only had good things to say about you! You know why? Because she considers you a FRIEND!" "Y-You don't have to yell... W-What d-did I do?" >"What did you—" >Sunset pulls at her hair >"Do you seriously think what you did in there was okay?" "Okay, geez... Maybe I got a little overzealous with the victory celebrations. But it's not my fault Moondancer is a fucking crybaby." >You flinch as Sunny raises a fist >"Calm down... Calm down..." >You can barely move >You'd never really considered her intimidating >But she is >Sunny takes a deep breath and then smiles at you >It feels... Eerie >"Twilight, I care about you. But I don't think you care about anyone but yourself. Of all people, I'd have thought you would understand what Moondancer was going through." "I-I do care about other people..." >"The Twilight that I saw back there? She doesn't care about other people. She's the Twilight who talks behind people's backs, who ruins their mementos, who laughs in their faces, but can't handle it coming the other way." >You gulp "S-Sunny, I-I'm not really like that. I-I'm a good person. A-After you left, I-I apologized." >She snarls >"You did?" >She leans in, her face inches from yours, staring you in the eyes >You both incredibly scared and also turned on "O-Okay, n-no..." >"Wow. Well, now I can put liar on the list of things that you are, but I didn't think you were. What is it that you actually think of me, Twilight? Do you hate me too?" "N-No!" >"How can I possibly believe th—" >You lean in for the kiss >You see Sunset's eyes flare up >Your faces are touching >You've never felt anything like this before >Her hot breath on your face >Her soft, supple lips on yours >The death stare doesn't bode well, though >You pull away >Sunset's face is still frozen in some weird mix of anger and confusion >You sort of stand around and kick at the ground >"What exactly..." >This was the most amazing you've ever felt in your life >And judging by Sunny's face >It's also the last thing you'll have ever done >"What exactly do you think you're doing... What the fuck was that?" >Sunset seems completely frozen "I-I don't know... But, I don't hate you." >"God Twilight... God... I don't... You don't just..." >It's like she's a machine confronting a paradox or some shit "Also, Moondancer's dad said she cries whenever she loses, so—" >"TWILIGHT, SHUT UP." >You cower before Sunset >You don't know why, but you're tearing up >Fuck, this isn't how you thought this was going to go >You won the game >You get the girl, or whatever >That's how that's supposed to go... >Sunset grits her teeth >"If I were you, this would be the part where I rub shit in your face, wouldn't it? But I'm not going to do that." >You nod >"And stop crying." >She mutters to herself and starts to calm down >"I think you should go on ahead, because I'm not sure how calm I can be while you're still here." "O-Okay..." >"And if you want to even dream about being friends again... You're going to have to apologize to Moondancer." "O-Okay." >"And we're never going to talk about this again, okay?" "O-Okay. D-Does that mean you didn't li—" >"TWILIGHT!" >She clenches her fist >You run away from Sunset in the direction of the game shop >And away from your house >You'll just... have to take the long way around >Your list of friends is now zero >And Sunset was going to punch you... >All because of that fucking Moondancer >Autists ruin everything... >It's night by the time you return home >You stopped crying a long time ago >Though, your eyes still burn >You burst through the door and drop your things to the ground >"Twilight? Where in the world were you?! I—" >Dad shrugs as you run past him >Dashing into your room, you lock the door behind you and collapse on your bed >Fuck everything >Fuck Moondancer >Fuck Trixie >Fuck Sunset... >No, fuck yourself >God you're retarded >You're the cringiest motherfucker ever born >Why the FUCK did you kiss her >It was awesome, to, you know, not be a kissless virgin >But still >Fuck, does this mean you can't be a wizard? >FUCK, does that even matter, get a hold of yourself >Couldn't you just humor Moondancer? >Her fucking shit life wasn't your fault >She shouldn't have gotten so attached to someone... >You bury your face in your pillow >Maybe you ARE an asshole... "Spike?" >God your lungs hurt from crying "S-Spike?" >You roll over to the edge of your bed and spot Spike on the floor below you "C'mon Spike, I need you buddy..." >You prod him in the sides >He shakes himself, yipping in confusion >Spike turns to look at you "C'mon boy." >You pick him up and set him down in the bed next to you "I'm the worst, aren't I, Spike?" >Spike licks at your face >You're not sure if that's a yes or no >Moondancer... You have to apologize to her before Sunny's suspension is up >Ugh >You decide that you'll accompany Trixie back to the game shop at some point >Hopefully you can stomach the pain of saying sorry to that sore loser >Sure, you did a sort-of-shitty thing to her, but... >It's not like her situation is your fault, though >Maybe... Maybe you can try hanging out with the girls in the mean time >Maybe Sunny will like you if you learn ho to talk to people >You set your sights lower than usual >'Oh Twilight, we enjoy talking to you and don't think you're stupid and ugly!' >You pull Spike closer to your body >'We're sorry for making fun of you all the time!' >Tomorrow...