Sunset stepped into Discord's office. She had come here right after school. The sooner she got this done, the better. It was pretty much the same as it was the last time she was here. She guessed gangsters didn't need or care much about interior design. He was seated behind his desk just as he had been three years ago, except this time there seems to be a heaviness on him that wasn't there. It wasn't anything overt, just a shadow, a shade that hung just beneath the skin that made him look off.

Discord for his part had been feeling off for months. He was planning on retiring in a year. But something else tugged at him. Maybe it was boredom. Maybe it was just old age. Whatever it was he didn't like it. Still, seeing Sunset walk into his office made him feel better for some unknown reason.

"Ah, Ms. Shimmer. It's been a while. How have you been?" he asked with his usually predatory charm.

"I'd tell you but you wouldn't believe me," Sunset replied flatly.

"I don't believe much of anything people tell me my dear." He took a drink of water from an expensive, crystal glass. "So, I take it we're doing the papers thing again? Aging up are we?"

Sunset nodded. She hated this man. In their first dealings she was at a slight disadvantage. She was full of rage but new to this world and still unsure of how to operate in it. Now she was full of confidence. She had saved the world twice and had ascended to the rank of Princess. She was in full possession of herself and would not be bullied or taken advantage of.

"Twenty, maybe twenty-one. I don't want to push things; not with this face. Also school transcripts showing I graduated. Just in case." She didn't think the transcripts were important but she also wanted to make sure all her "I's" were dotted and "T's" crossed. You never knew what might come up later.

"That I can do," Discord said smugly. "And I assume you have the money for my services?"

Sunset reached into her jacket and pulled out a fat envelope. "In full," she simply said and placed it on his desk.

Discord took the envelope, opened it, and counted. He smiled and placed it back down on his desk. "I must admit Ms. Shimmer, I wish all my clients were as good as you. It shall be done."

"The sooner, the better."

There was a vague hint of authority and warning in Sunset's voice. It took Discord by surprise. He had dealt with other smug narcissus who thought they wielded more power than they had; but Sunset's tone wasn't that. It was the tone of a sovereign, one who was power and not just one who temporarily possessed it.

"As always. I am a professional as you know." He finished with a greasy grin.

"Hmph," Sunset snorted and turned to walk out.

"Wait."

Discord's voice caused Sunset to stop dead. It wasn't what he said but how he said. He still spoke in that sly, smooth voice of his; but underneath there was almost a pleading quality that made Sunset stop and turn around.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Your Vice-Principle Luna, I used to know her back . . . early times. You could say we were even friends at one time."

"And?" Sunset asked slightly annoyed she didn't know where he was coming from or what he was getting at.

Discord breathed deep. "I'm old my dear. I'm at that point of life when one wants to slow down and reflect. Both of which I have been doing. And when I do, reflect that is, I find I have very few regrets. Almost none to be honest.

"But, one, not regret, but consideration I have is for my old running buddy Luna. Maybe only because I knew her when I was still capable of having an attachment of any sort to another person." He reached into the top drawer of his desk and pulled a DVD. "Give this to her. She'll want to see it."

"And I should take your word why? I have no idea what's on there. And I'm not going to do anything to hurt her."

"A woman after my own heart. I understand, I do. So take this as proof of my good intentions; you can have all your money back. Take it. I will do your papers for free as long as you give this to Luna."

Sunset was stunned. Was he really doing this? She thought this might be a set up, but still, she really did need to keep that money (especially not knowing how much longer she would be here and having Adagio as well).

"Ok, I will." She started walking toward him when she stopped. "I have a friend, she'll need papers too. You can keep that as a down payment."

"Fair enough."

Sunset took the DVD . She looked at it and then Discord. "Know what, I will take that money, just in case this is something bad. If all checks out, I'll be back."

"As you wish."

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

Maud was at the window, looking out for Big Mac to show up. They were going out tonight. She wasn't sure if she wanted to leave Pinkie and Sonata (who were playing Trouble on the living room floor) alone together; but she had to put her homophobia aside. Plus she really just wanted to be with Big Mac.

It wasn't too long before he pulled up. He was one of the most punctual people she knew. She was shocked when he saw who he had with him; Aria.

Maud turned to Pinkie and Sonata and asked, "Did you invite Aria here?" Her question was directed at both of them.

"Ari's here?" Sonata asked in a voice that was a mixture of excitement, fear, and surprise.

"No, we didn't," Pinkie answered confused.

"Big Mac brought her." Maud turned back to the window. "She's coming up the walk now."

Sonata jumped and went to the door. Even though it had only been one day since she last saw her former Siren; it somehow felt like a lifetime ago. She found that she had slipped in so easily with Pinkie and her friends; that it felt like she had just always been there. But she hadn't and here was her reminder of that coming up to the door.

Sonata opened the door just as Aria got to it. The two just looked at each other. Aria had a look of pure anger and agitation (even more so than usual). She looked at Sonata with mild disgust. Where as Sonata just looked at her in nervous fear. Aria pushed right pass Sonata, walked into the living room and sat down. Big Mac came up right after and gave Sonata an "I'm sorry" look and walked in.

"What's she doing here?" Maud asked bluntly as soon as Big Mac walked in.

"Apple Jack's studyin' for a test and Granny and Apple Bloom are at the school. Her class is doing some sorta recital. I thought it was best for all parties if she came here during our date. If for no other reason than to keep her and Apple Jack from killin' each other."

Maud looked over at Aria and then Pinkie and Sonata. While it was true that both Aria and Sonata were both Sirens; Sonata seemed different. It was hard to imagine anyone as bubbly as her could have done the horrible things she had done. That and her and Pinkie seemed to almost merge into one person in the course of one day.

She turned back to Big Mac. "Ok," she simply said, got her purse and walked out. Big Mac shrugged and left after her.

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

Micro Chip was surprised when he got to Apple Jack's, she was the only one there. "Uh, where is everyone?" he asked confused.

"Apple Bloom has a recital and Granny went to see that. Big Mac is out on a date," Apple sighed. Her face was slack, her shoulders drooped. There was no light or energy coming from her. She was enveloped by a grey haze of sadness.

"Are you ok?" Micro was worried. Yes she had a test coming up but this was more than just pre-test jitters; this was something deeper.

"Apple slumped down on the couch and rubbed her forehead. "Naw, I'm not." She looked at Micro who just looked at her with a "tell me more" expression. Apple breathed deep and continued.

"All my life, all I wanted to be was a farmer. I love it. I love the work, the lifestyle, everything. Just a simple country girl, that's all I was and wanted to be. But now, I don't know. Twilight and Sunset are princesses, Fluttershy is The Mystic, Rarity - The Healer, Rainbow- The Warrior, Pinkie - The Trickster; and me? - I'm just a simple country girl."

Micro sat beside her and put his arm around her. She laid her head on his shoulder.

"You'll get your title soon." He tried to comfort her.

"What if I don't? We've been through so much, me an' the girls. We've fought off demons and monsters, saved the world. Now they've achieved this next level and I'm still just . . ."

"Amazing," Chip said with a smile. "You have a great heart. You're kind, caring, giving, honest, loyal, strong, and beautiful. You never were nor will you ever be just a country girl."

Apple turned her head to look at Chip and smiled at him. "You would think that." She then gave a small laugh.

"Of course," Chip agreed enthusiastically. "And remember, you were worried about not having a boyfriend and now look."

Apple laughed even harder. She then patted his knee and leaned up to kiss him. He bent down to ensure she was successful in her attempt. It was meant to just be a light kiss; but when their lips met, something happened. Each felt an instant charge, an energy passing between them. The kiss lasted longer and longer; their lips slowly parting and cautious tongues slowly came out and probed the others mouth. Apple put her left hand behind Chip's head and her right arm went around his waist and tried to pull him on top of her.

Chip bolted upward and backed away from the couch panting. Apple looked at him not sure if she was scared she came on too strong or insulted that he backed off.

"Uh, um, sorry. I, um, WOW! Yes. Um, ok," stammered as he paced back and forth, rubbing his hands together.

"Chip," Apple asked confused and annoyed, "what in the heck is wrong with you?"

"Uh, wrong, wrong? WRONG! Oh nothing, nothing."

"Then why did . . ."

"I'm a virgin, I don't have a condom, and I'm too young to be a dad." He then got a horrified look on his. "Unless that wasn't going where I thought it was."

Apple burst out laughing. She slowly got, went over to him, and hugged him.

"No, it was sugar cube; it was," she said with true happiness in her voice.

"Oh, well, um glad I guessed right then." He then let out a nervous laugh.

Apple pulled away and looked him in the eyes with a big smile. "And that's why I love you. Any other guy would've been all on it. You, that big, beautiful brain of yours, you were able to see the bigger picture and pulled out."

They both just looked at each other for a second before bursting out laughing at Apple's unintentional double entendre.

Once Apple recovered she put her hands on his arms. "I've been on the pill since I was thirteen. Granny might be old, but she aint naïve. She said it was better to be prepared than a teenage mom."

"Oh," Chip blushed. "Well, ah, there's still that, um, first thing."

"I hate to say it Sugar Cube, but I figured you were one of those. And don't worry, I am too."

"But studies have shown that male virgins achieve climax quicker and are less satisfying than males with more experience. I, I, I just don't want to be a disappointment."

"So you want to sleep around first so you can get some experience?" It was a teasing question not an accusing one.

"WHAT?! NO, no, not at all! But, uh, well, servos; I guess you're right."

Apple then stepped up against him and slipped her arms around him. "Here, why don't we just kiss again and see what happens from there? Ok?"

"I concur with that mrph," was all he could get out before Apple locked onto his lips again.

Author's Notes:

Book four is the romance and relationship book. It will cover the girls emotional story arc dealing with boyfriends, girlfriends, and the tragic outcomes that are inevitable when fighting absolute evil. Also I want to explore familial relationships as well. The action will start again in Book 5.