The rest of the day went by quickly for Lemon, who was more than eager to get home. Naturally, she told her parents all that had happened over the course of the day. And as expected, they were supportive of their daughter. But to Lemon, everything that happened today was in the past, and she was focused on the future. The Friendship Games, that is. Though it's now starting to reach the point where I just want it be done and over with. I'm starting to get tired of hearing about it. She took off her headphones and stared at them. I'm going to rock out to music on you so fucking hard tomorrow. Gotta make the limited time I have with you count.

Lemon blinked, then rolled her eyes. Oh, great. Now I sound like I'm hot for my headphones. She made a sputtering noise and looked outside. "Gah!" she said. "If only there was a way to speed up time!"

"Dinner's ready!" said Citrus.

"Coming!" said Lemon, and she ran downstairs.

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"So." said Citrus as they all gathered around the table. "Guess what?"

Lemon blinked. "Okay...what?"

"I just got a call from your favorite cousin. He said he plans on moving here to be closer to us!"

Lemon's eyes went wide. "No way."

"Yes way!" said her father.

Lemon could barely contain a squeal. She hardly ever heard from him, but when he came over it was never a dull moment. "I can't believe it! Golden Crossbow's gonna be in our neighborhood!"

"He'll move in to a nearby house within a few months or so." said Citrus. "He told me he's really looking forward to seeing us all again."

"All right, enough talk. Let's eat, I'm hungry!" said Florid.

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The rest of dinner was a blur to Lemon. Not only were the Friendship Games tomorrow, but her favorite cousin's going to move closer to be with her and her parents! She looked at the clock. "Come on...move faster, dammit!" Suddenly, Lemon had an idea. Maybe texting Twilight will help pass the time.

Hey, how's things without the lab? - Sent by Lemon Zest

I'm holding up okay, thanks for asking. - Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Yeah, no prob. Are you excited for the Friendship Games? - Sent by Lemon Zest

Yes and no. - Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Yes and no? - Sent by Lemon Zest

Yes, because I want to check out all the strange energy readings. - Sent by Twilight Sparkle

No, because I didn't want to participate in the games in first place. Remember? - Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Lemon slapped her face with the palm of her hand.

I forgot. Been pretty hectic lately. - Sent by Lemon Zest

Tell me about it. I just want the Games to done and over with at this point. - Sent by Twilight Sparkle

You and me both, Twilight. You and me both. - Sent by Lemon Zest

Okay, I think I know what to do... thought Lemon.

"I'm going for a jog, parentals!" she said.

"Come back soon, we're open all day!" said her father.

"I just might." said Lemon. "The service here ain't half bad!" she closed the door behind her.

Lemon took a deep breath and exhaled, starting to pace. The sun was starting to set, giving various windows from nearby houses a golden sheen. "Gah!" Lemon shielded her eyes. "Shit, that's bright!" She quickly looked around, making sure there were no cars nearby. Satisfied, she waited until all the spots in her vision disappeared, then moved forward.

A few minutes later, Lemon found herself in familiar territory. This is Sour Sweet's neighborhood...Maybe I should try to find her. She shook her head. No. That'd probably be a bad idea. I wasn't expecting old wounds to open yesterday, I should let them heal before speaking to her again.

Lemon jogged away, unaware that Sour was hiding behind a telephone pole. That was close. Sour thought. I don't want to make things worse than I already have...

Lemon started making her way back to her house.

"Hey!" said a familiar voice. Lemon turned around to see Indigo Zap. "You excited for the Friendship Games tomorrow?" she asked.

"Well of course I am, Indigo!" said Lemon. "What have you been doing to prepare for them besides hyping everyone up?"

Indigo grinned. "Whatever I can. Nobody knows what all the events are until the last minute! That's part of what I love about it!"

Lemon smiled and rolled her eyes. "Of course it is." Lemon suddenly had an idea. The expression on her face changed from a smile to a wicked grin.

"Uhhh...are you okay, Lemon?" said Indigo. "You look like a mad scientist about to resurrect a corpse."

"Oh, I'm fine, Indigo Zap." said Lemon.

"Okay, you're starting to freak me out here..." Indigo said as she backed away slowly.

"I've just had the most wonderful idea ever...how would you like to make a bet?" said Lemon, still sporting a somewhat frightening smile on her face.

Indigo stopped backing up. "You have my attention." she said, starting to smile.

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Lemon jogged all the way back home, grinning widely. Oh, this is gonna be great! she thought. She entered her house. "Hey, parentals!"

"How was your jog, sweetie?" asked Florid.

"Oh, I wager you'd say I enjoyed it." said Lemon, enjoying the pun that she made.

"If you say so." said Citrus.

Lemon checked her phone for time. "Not much longer..." she said, the anticipation getting stronger. Okay, calm down, Lemon. Don't want to get too excited otherwise I won't sleep well tonight. "Screw it!" said Lemon. "Mom, Dad, I'm going to bed early to get well rested for the Friendship Games!" She hugged both of her parents goodnight and ran upstairs.

She closed the door to her bedroom and jumped into her pajamas. Lemon stared up at the ceiling, listening intently to the noises in the background. Cars passing by, the local wildlife chittering and howling, dogs barking. Lemon closed her eyes and let sleep take her away.