Sonata the Husbando Stealer

by WriteFriendSprite

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sad, Romance, Slice of Life, Human
Length: 56119

You and Sunset have been together for a few months. Suddenly, a new group of girls poses a challenge to your relationship.

You and Sunset Shimmer have been in a good relationship for the past few months. Suddenly, the new girls come into the school and start causing trouble. How will your relationship hold up to the new magical girls?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-11-21 04:12:27 UTC

A Dazzling Redemption

Adagio sat up in her bed with an irritated sigh.

She looked over at the bed across the room.

"Aria? Are you awake?"

Aria groaned. Not a tired kind of groan, but more of a moody, pissed off groan.

"What?"

"..Can't sleep either, huh?"

Aria rolled onto her back.

"For the first time in several hundred years, no. I can't."

Adagio looked down at the bedding.

"Let me guess..."

The two looked at one another before speaking at the same time.

"Sonata."

"That's... Kind of scary, Adagio."

Adagio chuckled softly.

"I guess great minds think a like. Do you think she's okay?"

Aria grumbled and turned on her side again.

She didn't respond.

Adagio got out of bed.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll just be right back. The little pony's room is calling."

"Fine, whatever.."

You fling yourself forward as you jump awake.

You're breathing heavily.

You look to your left.

Sonata is sprawled out, half out of her sleeping bag, just snoring away.

To your right is Fluttershy and Sunset.

Sunset looks like she slept on her face most of the night, drool being on her pillow.

Fluttershy was turned away from everyone.

You couldn't explain the feeling of dread, but that dream just... There was no way that it meant nothing.

Since daylight has already broken, you decide to get up for the day.

Walking outside of the tent, you're greeted by Applejack.

"Well howdy partner. Nice ta see yer up early. Sleep well?"

You nod.

"Yeah, it was a pretty good sleep, I suppose."

Applejack looked at you questioningly.

"Somethin' on yer mind, partner?"

You shrug.

"It's nothing. Just some dream."

"Alright. If yer going into the house watch out fer the.."

You trip over something.

"...Kindling..."

Today was just going to be great... You could feel it in your bones.

Oh wait, that's just pain.

>>2026348220263482 (You)

You and Applejack sat by the fire pit.

Applejack wanted to show you something, but said it had to wait until the others were up.

You wondered why that was...

Looking down at your mug, your morning coffee was a little lack-luster today.

You grumble softly.

Applejack looked at you.

"So, wanna talk about what happened last night?"

"Last night? Oh, nothing. Just got stuffed into a pile of girls all night."

Applejack laughed.

"Ah'm sure y'all must've had a fun time."

"Actually, it was kind of..."

Suddenly your tent started to rattle and move.

Seconds later a screaming Sonata charged out of the tent and straight toward you.

She trips and falls against your chair, causing you to spill your coffee into the fire pit.

You went along with it, getting a face full of ash.

You cough.

"....Good morning to you too, Sonata."

"O-oh, Anon I... um... Sorry.."

Applejack fell backward in her chair from laughing so hard.

"Woah nelly, that's one way ta greet someone!"

You sit up and dust yourself off.

"Mind explaining what that was about?"

Sonata pranced a bit in place, looking scared.

"I thought I felt the hook on my shoulder again..!"

You remember last night's stories and roll your eyes.

You look at Applejack whom in turn shrugged.

"Rainbow was in mah tent all night. Haven't seen her out yet."

You get up.

"Alright, let's go and see what this... Hook really is."

You and Sonata look around the tent. No branches. No sign of anything tearing into it...

You poke your blackened face into the tent.

Sunset was now on her back.

She probably flipped over and hit Sonata.

"It was nothing, Sonata... Just... Go sit by Applejack for now. I need to wash my face."

You look down at your empty mug.

"And get some more coffee."

You come back outside to see that almost everyone was up. The only two that weren't up were Fluttershy and Sunset.

You walk back over to the fire pit with the cloth you used to clean your face, and your mug of coffee.

>>2026432520264325 (You)

You sit down in your chair quietly as the others were already talking.

"So Anon, how was that face full of ash?"

Rainbow laughed.

"Now now, darlings... It was but an accident! It could have happened to any of us."

"Yeah, but Anon had his face pushed into the ash pile! By Sonata!"

Pinkie and Rainbow laughed again.

Laugh it up you two, I'll get back at you yet...

Sunset and Fluttershy sleepily staggered their way out of the tent.

"What's going on guys?"

Sunset yawned loudly.

"Why is everyone sitting around the fire?"

Sunset squat down next to you.

"And why do you smell like ashes, Anon?"

"Don't.... Ask."

Sunset stole a quick kiss from your cheek before taking off with your coffee cup.

By the time you notice she took it from you, she was already half way to the house.

"Hey! That's my coffee!"

Sunset stuck her tongue out.

"You snooze, you lose, Anon!"

The group laughed as you chased after Sunset, tripping over the chair as you jumped up.

You clumsily get back onto your feet and run after her.

"Give me back my coffee!"

The group sat around idly talking with one another.

Sonata sat in the chair with the plush, still wearing Sunset's necklace.

"So, Sonata. What's your plan from here?"

She looks at Rainbow with her head tilted.

"Plan?"

"You know... Where are you going to stay? What will you do now that you aren't with those other two?"

Sonata kind of hid behind the plushie.

"I... I don't know... I was kind of hoping to stay with Nonny and Sunny.."

Sonata spoke like she was a younger sister.

Hell, she could have made the part too, she was damn cute enough.

The girls looked at one another.

"Well, that certainly wouldn't do... I'm sure Sunset and Anon have their hands full as it is."

Sonata seemed disappointed.

"Well, here's an idea! Why don't we take turns with letting Sonata stay with us! Then she can decide who she wants to be with!"

Applejack looked at them.

"Any objections?"

They all shook their heads.

>>2026491620264916 (You)

You and Sunset both walk out of the house a few minutes later.

You had finished your coffee and she had hers.

You look at the group.

"So... What's going on out here?"

Applejack sat back and looked at you.

"Well, Anon. We're goin' on a campin' trip!"

Sunset spat out her coffee.

"Camping trip!?"

"Yup!"

The door to Adagio and Aria's room opened up.

They both groaned softly.

"Come on now girls, time to get up. There's food waiting for you."

Aria shot up.

"Did he just say..."

Adagio looked at Aria.

"Food!"

They both jumped out of bed and followed him into the kitchen.

"Now girls... After you're done eating, I want you two to both tell me about yourselves... And how you ended up like this."

The duo looked at each other with uneasy expressions.

"It... Really isn't that good of a story, sir."

He laughed heartily and stroked his beard.

"After breakfast, dears. Eat up, you'll need the energy."

Aria and Adagio's eyes glistened as they saw all of the freshly cooked food.

Eggs, toast, ham, hash browns, milk...

They immediately began to dig into the food.

He chuckled and sat in his living room, just off of the kitchen.

"Hey, Aria?"

"What?"

"Don't you think that this is a little suspicious?"

Aria shrugged.

"I don't care. Free cooked meals are free cooked meals. I can't complain."

Adagio shrugged.

Aria and Adagio sat back in their chairs after stuffing their faces.

They cleaned off every single plate of food that was set for them.

They pat their stomachs.

"I haven't had a meal like that in ages."

"Yeah, that was amazing..."

The man popped up behind them.

"I take it you enjoyed the food, girls?"

The Dazzling duo froze up before turning to look at him.

"Good, then it's time to put you to work."

He chuckled with a dark tone.

They felt that things were about to get very, very hard for them...

>>2026521120265211 (You)

Adagio and Aria grumbled as they stood at the sink, washing dishes.

"Ugh, I can't believe we got reduced to washing dishes like maid... This is so stupid, Adagio."

"Hey, don't complain. He took us in for shelter and food, so it's the least we can do for now..."

"Now girls, make sure those dishes are spotless! Some discipline should help you both."

He chuckled heartily, putting a pipe into his mouth.

With a grin he blew into the pipe, bubbles blowing out of the end.

"Something about him seems... Familiar."

"I know what you mean, Adagio... It feels like we've seen him before.."

A few minutes later, he walks over to the dish rack to inspect the handiwork of the duo.

Smiling, he claps for them softly.

"Well done, girls. You may rest now. But we will have our conversation..."

Adagio and Aria sat on their beds again.

"Adagio Do you... Think that Sonata is okay on her own?"

Adagio looked at the window quietly for a few moments.

She seemed unable to really speak of Sonata.

Aria looked at her, her normally angry eyes now softer and caring.

"Adagio..."

The man poked his head into the room.

"Knock knock, girls. I'm coming in!"

Aria rolled her eyes and sat her head on her left hand.

The man walked into the room and sat down on a chair.

"Now, let's talk about you two."

The siren duo took their time explaining who they were, how they got there, and the events of the last few days.

He sat back and stroked his beard.

Adagio was shaking, neither he nor Aria could tell whether it was from pure rage, or sorrow.

"And that's when.... That's when Sonata just tossed her gem into the river and... And..."

Adagio broke down, sobbing into her hands.

Aria held one of her arms, trying to keep herself strong.

The truth of the matter was that Aria was just as upset as Adagio was, but never really knew how to show her feelings.

The man chuckled heartily once more.

"Ah, yes. I understand."

>>2026618320266183 (You)

Aria looked at him irritably.

"Alright, you got what you wanted from us. Now it's about time we got what we wanted."

"Oh, you'll get what you want in due time, my dear... But it won't come easily."

He stood up and walked to the window, both of his hands behind his back.

"Friendship isn't something that just comes to you... You have to work for it."

Aria looked at him.

"And what makes you think that I care about friendship?"

"You two aren't the quietest people."

Aria rolled her eyes.

Adagio finally calmed down a bit, wiping her tears away.

"I have a good feeling as to where your friend Sonata is. And who she's with... But that will come with time as well."

"Just... Just who are you?"

"Me?"

He turns around to face them.

"My name's Discord, but you can call me Professor Chaos."

Both of the girls looked at him in shock.

"P-Professor..."

"..Chaos?"

"But how did you... When did...?"

It finally came to them. The numerous times that they passed him in school, and the few times you have brought him up.

"So you're the one who that boy was talking about..."

"Maybe I am. But let's not digress any more. I'll leave you two to sort yourselves out. When you come to a conclusion on my offer... I'll be outside."

With a smile, Professor Chaos left the room.

Adagio and Aria looked at one another.

"Do you think he can..?"

Aria looked down at the ground, clearly unsure.

"...He gives me the creeps, Adagio.. I don't know."

You and the girls hiked up a mountain path.

The air was crisp and fresh.

You and Applejack carried two larger bags of supplies and tools.

The rest of the group carried smaller bags on their backs with smaller things you couldn't carry. Tents, clothing, spare tools...

You'd be out there against the wilderness for a whole day and then some...

"So, Applejack. Where are we going to camp exactly? All I see is a bunch of forestry..."

Applejack chuckled.

"Why, we're gunna make our own campsite!"

Rarity rolled her eyes.

>>2026665720266657 (You)

"Woah woah woah. How are we supposed to MAKE our own camp site?"

Applejack stopped near some trees and looked into the forestry.

"We'll cut down some trees and work away at it! Trust me, no one ever comes up on these here mountains."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

You couldn't help but laugh.

The group went into the woods to find a suitable spot.

You all split up into groups of 3 to cover ground faster.

You look at Rainbow Dash and Pinkie who were on your group.

"What are we stopping here for Anon?"

You point just up ahead.

"...Water? But we already have..."

"Not just any water, Rainbow Dash. Fresh, clean, running water."

You run up to the river bank.

The water was pristine and clear. IT looked to run down from somewhere up ahead.

You breathed in the scent.

Pinkie hopped along.

"This place looks like it'd be great! Should I go find the others?"

You nod.

"Yeah, Rainbow and I will start to set up camp."

"Wait, what?"

Pinkie hopped off.

You sat your bag down and handed Rainbow a hatchet.

"What do you expect me to..?"

You take another one and begin swinging at a tree trunk.

"Cut. Now. We gotta get this place going before nightfall or we'll be stuck without a place to sleep."

Applejack. Sunset, and Fluttershy all traveled as a group.

They went to go and check for any animal habitats nearby.

Fluttershy looked around quietly.

"Well, doesn't look like there's any in this area, girls. Ah reckon that we should meet up with Rarity's group by usin' the perimeter."

Sunset nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, it sounds like an idea. But what if we run into a bear?"

Applejack pointed to Fluttershy who was playing with some butterflies.

"That's why we get her."

"Riiight..."

Rarity, Sonata, and Twilight all went as a core.

Their job was to find foods, mostly fruits, and bring them back if they were edible.

Sonata couldn't help but look at and touch everything.

>>2026710920267109

Rarity rolled her eyes as she kept slapping Sonata's hand away from various plants.

"Really, Sonata.. Must I have to babysit you?"

Sonata looked at Rarity.

"What? Everything looks so pretty here!"

Twilight coughed slightly.

"We're here for a reason Sonata... You can do some sightseeing later."

Sonata whined and stomped her foot.

"But I found some berries!"

Rarity and Twilight stopped to look back at her.

"What kind of berries?"

"Different kinds! Blackberries, blue berries, strawberries..."

"Where did you find them...?"

Sonata had been secretly stuffing her face with berries for a little while now.

"On bushes that were on the ground on our way here."

Twilight face palmed.

"And you didn't tell us WHY?"

"You two were so busy looking at the other stuff, I thought it wasn't important..."

"SONATA!"

Pinkie Pie eventually caught up to Twilight's group.

The pranced along as she normally did.

"Hey, Twilight! Twiiliiight!"

Twilight turned around.

"What is it Pinkie? Are Anon and Rainbow in trouble?"

"No silly, they're starting to set up camp and sent me out to get everyone!"

Pinkie looked over at Sonata, who was still stuffing her name.

"Nom nom,.... So juicy..."

"What's gotten into her?"

Rarity and Twilight both rolled their eyes.

"Don't ask."

You and Dashie finished cutting down an open area to set up camp.

It was extremely exhausting, especially cutting out the roots and trunks of the trees... But totally worth it.

You both sat at the edge of the river, looking into the water.

"So uh... Anon."

"Yeah?"

"I kinda wanted to know something."

>>2027726320277263

You look over at Rainbow Dash.

Something tells you that what she was going to ask wasn't going to be pretty.

She heaves a sigh.

"How do you feel about having Sonata around?"

You blink a few times.

You expected something... More drastic.

"Sonata? Well... At first I wasn't really sure about it, since my head was all fuzzy.."

You look up into the blue sky.

"But I'm glad to have her around. She always tends to lighten the mood. Like a little sister I never had."

Rainbow Dash looks at you.

"Really? Are you sure you're not pulling my leg here?"

You nod.

"Yeah, I'm sure. She may be a Siren, Dash... But it doesn't mean she can't learn to be like us."

She shrugs.

A little while later, the rest of the group showed up, with Pinkie in the lead.

Applejack took her hat off as she surveyed the land.

"Well, ah'll be. Y'all did great settin' this place up. Got room fer tents, the fire, got easy access ta water..."

She looks around a bit.

"And y'all even set up a sittin' stool fer the fillies' room."

You smile softly.

"Oh, it was all Rainbow's idea. She spotted the place and I helped her shape and dig this place up."

"Wha- Hey No, I..."

Applejack chuckles and pat Rainbow on the back.

"Good job, Rainbow. You two rest some more while we set up camp."

Adagio and Aria worked outside in Professor Discord's yard.

Aria mowed while Adagio cleaned up the grass cutlets.

"Ugh, remind me again why this is supposed to help?"

"Oh girls! Come on now, let's not waste any time!"

He sat in a chair on his porch, drinking a glass of chocolate milk.

He chuckled to himself softly.

"Some day those two will get it. For now.. I'll just toy with them."

Adagio stretched, holding her tired back.

"Man, who would have thought living normally would be so hard?"

Aria finished her work on the grass.

"Oh, Aria, dear. There is still the backyard to do!"

She groaned loudly.

"Can't we take a break!? I'm really tired out!"

He raised an eyebrow at her.

>>2027905420279054 (You)

"Not with that attitude, you won't."

Adagio snarled at Aria.

"Yeah, Aria... Not with THAT attitude..."

The two began to bicker and argue.

Professor Discord put his glass down and stood up without saying a word.

He walked up behind them quietly.

"Do I need to separate you two like little school girls?"

They both stopped what they were doing and looked at him once before screaming.

"N-No sir..!"

Aria and Adagio held onto one another in fear.

Professor Discord's dark, looming face lightened up.

"Good. Maybe that will teach you two to not bicker so much. By the way, Adagio..."

He turned to walk back to his drink.

"If you're that hungry, don't eat the grass."

She looks at him before shrinking back in embarrassment.

You lay back on a raft you and Applejack built together and tied to a stake on land.

The tents were set up and the fire pit was built.

Food was organized, storage was built...

Finally some time for some good old group relaxation.

Bloop.

You can't believe the air quality here.

Bloop.

Even Sunset seems relaxed.

SPLASH!

That last one nearly tipped you over, forcing you to sit up.

"What the hell was that?"

You look a bit upstream.

Sonata was learning to skip rocks with Pinkie.

At least they were up there...

You notice Sunset sitting by the fire pit alone.

The others were busy chopping away at the trees you and Rainbow cut down to make into kindling.

You get up and walk to sit beside Sunset.

"Oh, hey Anon."

She didn't seem very happy.

You sit down.

"Something on your mind, dear?"

She shrugged.

You pull her into a warm embrace, kissing the top of her head.

"Well, whatever it is, I'm here to help."

>>2027963920279639

Sonata and Pinkie continued to skip stones.

You could her them both giggling at one another as they counted the skips.

You sit back with Sunset until you hear Sonata begin to speak up.

"Ooooh, the water's so pretty... It's like a mirror!"

"No, Sonata, wait!"

SPLASH

You both look at where Pinkie and Sonata were.

Pinkie had ah and on her face while Sonata sat in the river, a trout in her mouth.

The trout slaps her with its tail before swimming down the stream.

No one could help but bursting into laughter.

Sonata just pouted.

Sonata sat by the fire, still trying to dry off.

You and Applejack sat by the river, fishing.

"You know, Anon. Ya ain't half bad with a carvin' knife."

You fiddled with an over sized knife as you watched your hand crafted fishing pole.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Never did think of taking up whittling, though."

She simply laughs and pats your back.

Rainbow Dash sighed.

"So what are we supposed to eat?"

"Well, Rainbow... If you want to wait, I'm sure they'll catch some fish... Or you could dig into the bags and try to find something."

She shrugs silently.

You rod starts to tug downward a bit.

"Oh, hey I got something!"

You grab onto the fishing pole and begin tugging on it.

Because it didn't have a way to reel the line in, you had to rely on your own strength... Which was losing.

"Woah there, Anon. You sure you got this?"

Good god, that must be one giant fish to be able to drag you along.

Seeing you lose the battle, Sonata jumped up after you.

Unfortunately, she trips over a log and you both fall into the river.

You look at her, now the both of you were soaked.

Sonata holds up the fish that had your hook in it, with the goofiest smile.

"I got the fish for you..."

"Ugh... Sonata!"

Everyone laughs.

>>2029278320292783 (You)

You sit next to the fire about an hour later.

Between you and Applejack, you caught enough fish to feed everyone in the group, and then some.

Sonata stared at the fish hungrily; drool coming out of her mouth.

You shake your head and sit back.

Pinkie was telling jokes to everyone.

"So when I said... Oatmeal!? Are you CRAZY!?"

Everyone laughed softly.

"Ah..."

Applejack held up a mug full of some hot chocolate cooked over the fire.

"Ta our first outtin' as friends!"

"Huzzah!"

You all tap your mugs together with a unanimous "clink!"

You take a swig of it.

It didn't taste half bad... A little smokey, but still good.

It wasn't your coffee, but... It will do.

Sunset held Sonata back from the fire.

"Sonata, bad. No going near the fire. Fire hot. Fire very hot!"

Sonata pouted cutely at the way Sunset spoke.

"I... I know that..."

She puffed her cheeks out, causing everyone to smile and laugh once more.

"So, Twilight... What's it like being the Princess of Friendship?"

Twilight almost choked on the hot chocolate from the question.

"Well uh... I don't quite know. I mean.. I don't really treat it like it's anything special..."

Even though most of the light was coming from the fire in front of you all, you could barely make out Twilight's blush.

"And what about Princess Celestia?"

You could hear Sunset's tone get a bit mopey.

"She's... Good. She has Princess Luna to help her now."

You look between Sunset and Twilight as they spoke on and on.

Applejack interrupted them a few minutes later.

"Soups on, everyone! Fish should be more than well cooked by now!"

Sonata snatched hers and took a bite out of it.

Her face went from delight to a cry of agony as she struggled against the hot fish.

She managed to swallow it, but quickly ran to the river to wash it down with cold water.

You shake your head and laugh.

"Maybe you should have warned her about THAT instead, Sunset."

Sunset giggled as she watched Sonata lap away like a thirsty dog.

>>2029671520296715 (You)

Adagio and Aria sat back to back in the backyard.

They finally finished their work, completely exhausted from all the chores.

Weeding, grass cutting, leaflet gathering...

"I hope we NEVER have to do that again."

Adagio groaned.

"It's so hard to move... I have no energy left."

Professor Discord stepped out onto the heavily shaded back porch.

"Oh, girls!"

Just hearing him made Adagio snap.

"What do you want you old, washed out person!?"

Even Aria was caught off guard by her reaction.

Professor Discord wasn't taken aback by her sudden explosion.

He could see in her eyes the amount of pain and frustration she had built up.

It was beginning.

He stepped off of the deck, and walked toward the two.

Adagio's angry demeanor quickly shifted into fear as she fell backward and began to scramble away.

"No, no..! I... I'm sorry, I..!"

Aria covered her face as Professor Discord stood over Adagio.

This was it. Adagio was done for.

Silence.

Adagio looked at Discord, her eyes shaking in fear.

He stood above her with his hand out to help her up.

"Are you going to take it?"

Aria looked at the two nervously.

Adagio nervously took his hand and got up to her feet.

Without even a simple warning, Discord pulled her into a soft hug.

Adagio just stood there stunned.

Mindlessly, she reached around him to return it before beginning to break into tears.

He simply smiled.

"Just let it out. This is what friends do for each other."

He looks over at Aria, now standing up herself.

She would be harder to crack, but he could see through her iron wall as well.

The three of them sat down for dinner together.

It was a bit of an awkward silence for the beginning of the meal, but Adagio eventually spoke up.

"So... Why did you do that, exactly?"

He paused with his food half way to his mouth.

"Because my dear... Friends don't get angry at their friends when the explode from being so upset."

He ate his steak, chewing away happily.

>>2029784420297844

Aria sat at the table, looking down at her plate.

She was dead silent, just playing with her food.

Adagio went back to being quiet as she went deep into her thoughts.

Discord chuckled softly.

"Some on now, my dears... Surely there must be something worth talking about."

Aria's fork stopped on the plate as she glared at him.

"Why don't you just butt out?"

He looked at her with another piece of steak in his mouth.

"My my, such a temper..."

Aria grunted and stormed off into their bedroom.

"Why, miss Blaze! Don't you want any dessert? It's Apple Pie!"

"NO!"

Discord shrugged and looked at Adagio.

She ate slowly.

"Still not feeling the best, miss Dazzling?"

Adagio took a moment to think before responding with a head shake.

"You know... Bottling it up will only cause another explosion. Just like a chemical reaction gone bad! I'm... Also the school's Chemistry teacher..."

He took a drink from his glass of milk.

"I'm surprised after what happened the last time. Big explosion with pink clouds of mist all over the place. Colorful! ...but took forever to clean."

Adagio snickered softly.

"Oh, you find that funny, do you?"

Adagio tried to calm herself a little.

"N-No sir..."

"Mmm.. That's a shame. I was hoping to try and lighten the mood."

The both of them ate quietly until they both finished.

Discord stood over by the sink.

"Would you like some dessert?"

"Yes, uh... Please."

He smiled.

"Good, you're getting the hang of this."

He brings her over a slice of pie and sits down on his chair once more.

"Now... What's gotten into your friend there? She doesn't seem to be very... Socialistic."

"Oh, Aria? She's probably still upset over Sonata..."

She began to explain Aria's life and how they all interacted with one another.

Aria stood around the corner of the room, eavesdropping as they did so.

She eventually turned the corner to stare at them.

"Oh, Aria. When did you get here?"

"Adagio... Why did you have to tell him that? Why..?"

>>2030485020304850

Adagio turned around to see Aria.

Aria was obviously struggling to hold her tears back, her clenched fists trembling.

"How could you do this...!?"

"Aria, I... he.."

"I can't believe you!"

Aria stormed out of the house and took off running.

Discord simply sipped his drink.

He smacked his lips a couple of times.

"Almost there, not quite... But almost."

Adagio turned to glare at him.

"This is YOUR fault! Aria.... She's gone now!"

He chuckled softly.

"Lost, but not gone."

Aria sat on a hill and sobbed into her hands.

Why did they have to go through this stupid nonsense? Why must it be them that had to suffer?

And why did that stupid Sonata have to leave?

She looked up into the cloudy night sky.

The moon's light shimmered off of her tears.

"I... I hate everything..."

"Oh ho ho... Is that was you truly believe?"

Aria looked down at two shadowy figures at the bottom of the hill.

"What do you want?"

"Well, I don't know. What is it that you want?"

She stares idly down at the figures.

>>2030533420305334

Discord and Adagio walked down the streets.

He looked around quietly while Adagio hugged herself nervously.

"I... Have never seen Aria like this before.. It's almost scary."

He didn't hesitate to respond.

"New things with old friends can be very scary at first... But once you know how to handle it, your friendship can get stronger."

He looked up at him.

"How do you know so much about this?"

He chuckled softly.

"I may be older than you... But it doesn't mean that I didn't have past friendships that I needed help with."

Adagio looked at the ground.

Discord put his arm out to stop her and brought her into some brush.

"Ssshh... Aria is right there."

"I.. I hate everything..."

Adagio held a hand over her mouth as they listened to Aria talk.

They step out of the shadows to confront her.

"What do you two want?"

Discord ushered Adagio along.

Hesitantly, she walked up the hill.

"Aria, I..."

"What? Have you come to make me feel worse? Is that it?"

Adagio flinched.

Now the both of them were borderline crying.

"...I'm sorry.."

Adagio spontaneously hugged Aria.

Aria, taken back by this, sat there in shock.

"...I didn't know that you were hurting so bad."

Aria began to lose control again, and openly wept.

Discord walked up to them and held them both, one on each side of him.

"Let's take tonight to watch the stars. No troubles, no pains... Just relaxation."

They both nodded slowly.

"And maybe tomorrow we'll get along a little better."

>>2030548820305488

Discord, Aria, and Adagio laid on the hill, watching the stars.

The Dazzlings never had a real chance to just stop and admire the things around them.

It was always a constant struggle to feed..

"Hey, Adagio.."

"Yeah?"

Aria pointed into the sky.

"I can see different shapes in the sky."

Discord smiled softly.

"Yeah, I can see a bear there... And then a spoon.."

They spent some time learning about the constellations, and how certain stars worked.

Discord looked at his silly Screwball watch.

It was almost time.

"Why are you looking at your watch? Are you late for something?"

"No, it's nothing, Adagio. Just watch the sky."

She shrugged and went back to stargazing.

A few minutes later, Discord snapped his fingers once.

A meteor shot across the sky.

Both of the girls' eyes grew wide.

"Wow... Was that..."

"...A shooting star?"

"Yes, it was. I hope you both made a wish."

You and the girls took the tops off of your tents.

They had screens on them so that you could see out, but bugs couldn't get in.

Sonata and Sunset snuggled in close to you.

Sonata's eyes lit up as she watched the stars you points to.

"That's the Ursa Major. Big Dipper..."

Sunset took your hand and pointed to another one.

"Orion?"

You nod.

"Yeah, Orion."

You watch the sky quietly.

Sonata sat up to look at you.

"Anon, what's a shooting star?"

"Well, Sonata... A shooting star is actually a meteor flying through space really fast. Because it is going so fast, it causes the thing we see as the shooting star. If you see one, you make a wish. But don't tell anyone!"

"Ooooh."

Sunset rest a hand on your chest.

"Do you think we'll see one tonight, Nonny?"

You look up and watch.

"I think we will."

A few moments later, the same shooting star shot across the sky.

"Oh, there's one!"

You chuckle.

"Make a wish, you two."

>>2030566720305667

"Welcome to the show! We're here to let you go!"

Sonata looked around her.

Adagio and Aria circled around her.

"Our time is nooow! Your time is running out!"

A crowd suddenly appears before her as she uncontrollably moves toward them.

"Dagi, Ari! Waaait!"

She was thrust into the crowd.

Everyone stood around her and laughed, even Adagio and Aria.

Sonata tried to sing, but her voice kept cracking up.

"What a loser!"

"She has no talent!"

"Good thing we left her!"

Sonata began to run through the crowd, sobbing openly.

"Now it's time to finish you!"

Sonata flung herself upright.

She put a hand on her chest as she breathed heavily.

It was just a dream...

She looks at you and Sunset.

Sonata quietly sneaked out of the tent and sat by the river.

She sighed heavily.

"Why is it that I have to dream about that..?"

You stir in your sleep from the sudden loss in heat.

You sit up and look where Sonata was supposed to be.

"Mmm... Sonata?"

You step outside of the tent and look around with a flashlight.

You eventually spot Sonata a little ways down the river by herself.

You get out and walk to her quietly.

As you approach, you can barely make out her faint sobbing.

You stand next to her.

"Lovely night, isn't it?"

She looks up at you in shock. Must've had her eyes closed while crying.

"A-Anon... I.. What are you doing out here?"

You sit down next to her.

"Do you want the silly answer or the direct answer?"

She looks at you.

"Direct answer.."

"Well, when you moved, you kinda woke me up with the cold air."

"Oh... Sorry."

She looks down into the river before you turn the flashlight off.

"So why are you out here all alone?"

Sonata didn't respond.

You pull her into a close snuggle.

"I see.. Well, I had nightmares too."

"You... Did? Wait, how did you..?"

You chuckle softly.

"I learned a thing or two from Professor Chaos that wasn't Physics or Chemistry."

She didn't smile.

You look up at the moon quietly.

>>2032236520322365

"I had nightmares about Sunset's older demon taking her away from me. No matter how hard I tried, she'd just keep getting away from me..."

Sonata looked at you.

"Sounds scary..."

You nod.

"It was really hard for me to talk about it with anyone... I thought I was just crazy. But it kept coming back and coming back..."

"How did you fix it?"

"I had some help from a good friend of mine."

You smile softly.

"And thanks to that, I got over it... And still got to keep Sunset."

Sonata looked back into the water quietly.

"So... Wanna talk about it?"

She seemed very hesitant.

You gently stroked her hair.

"I'll listen.. I promise."

She looked up at you with the stars sparkling in her eyes.

You look down at her quietly.

She blushes a bit.

She sat up before explaining to you her nightmare.

You nod slowly.

"Sounds kind of like what I had..."

You had a grave look on your face as you went over the possibilities.

She frowned before you held her tight again.

"And this isn't the first time its happened?"

She shook her head.

"No..."

You sigh softly.

"We'll figure it out.

>>2032253420322534

You continued to sit by the river as Sonata went into the tent to sleep some more.

You couldn't help but think over what her dream could mean.

Some time through your thoughts, Twilight managed to sneak up on you.

"What are you doing out here, Anon?"

You look at her as she sits down.

"Oh, I'm just thinking. No big deal."

She sits back.

"Sonata?"

"Yep."

"Dream?"

"Yep."

"Can't figure out what it means?"

"Nope."

She seemed amused by your responses.

"You know, Anon... You're a lot like someone else I know."

You look at her questioningly.

"From the other world, I mean."

"..Ah."

"I'm sure that whatever it is, it'll sort itself out. You should really get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long day."

She was right.

As much as you hated to admit it, tomorrow was going to be hard...

After your group finished with their camping, you had to go with them to help pick out.... Outfits for Sonata.

You're about to lose your man card... Again.

"Yeah, I suppose I should."

Twilight laughed at your dark tone.

"Not looking forward toward the shopping?"

"...Nope."

Twilight rolled her eyes as she went back to her tent.

"You'll be fine."

Adagio and Aria lay on their beds, staring out the large window.

Aria seemed very restless.

"...So what did you wish for, Adagio?"

Adagio rolled onto her back.

"Does it really matter? It's not like it will come true.."

She hugged one of her two pillows tightly.

Aria rolled onto her own back, arms spread out.

"If it counts for anything... I'm glad you said what you did..."

"What do you mean, Aria?"

Aria tried to keep herself from getting overly upset again.

"Just... Shut up."

She turned away from Adagio.

Adagio smiled softly, rolling her eyes.

"Well, good night to you too."

>>2033324220333242

You sit up in your sleeping bag.

By the sounds of things, everyone else was already up.

You open the tent and drag yourself out.

"Well, howdy. Look who got himself up and outta bed!"

You grumble softly and join the group.

Sonata looked at you with a tilted head.

"What's the matter, Anon? Didn't sleep well?"

You look at her grumpily.

"I need. My. Coffee."

Everyone begins to laugh.

"Well, there ain't no coffee here, but a swim in the river would help you out."

You roll your eyes.

"Have you guys eaten yet?"

"Nope, we've waiting for you, sleepyhead."

"And since yer the last one up, you can get the water fer boilin'!"

You rub your head a bit, trying to make yourself less tired.

Grabbing one of the bigger pots, you walk to the river.

"Why do I always get myself into these things..?"

Sonata and Sunset quietly sneaked up on you.

"Happy Birthday, Anon!"

Before your slow mind could catch up to what had happened, you were pushed into the river.

Sunset quickly took off her skirt and shirts to jump into the river in her two-piece swim suit.

Sonata just carelessly jumped in.

The rest of the group began to complain.

"Hey, that wasn't a part of the deal!"

Sunset giggled.

"You snooze, you lose, Dash!"

Rainbow got steamed as Applejack laughed.

"You know, Rainbow, she has a point darling."

"Why I oughta...!"

You surface and wipe the water from your eyes.

The chill of the water quickly brought function back into your brain.

"How could I forget that it was my own birthday!?"

You go to facepalm, but quickly remember that your hand had a metal pot in it...

Adagio and Aria woke up the next morning with major bed head.

"Ugh, I really wish I had my brush..."

Aria snickered.

"Really? Looks like normal to me."

Adagio growled at Aria.

Discord opened the door to the room, fresh scents of another home cooked meal wafting in.

"Oh, girls! Who's hungry?"

They both look at Discord before their stomachs simultaneously growled.

>>2033480220334802

You get out of the water as the others ran in with their swim suits on.

You mull over how you could forget your own damn birthday...

Shrugging it off, you set the pot of water by the fire on a chair and go into the tent to change.

The girls laughed and splashed each other.

"Hey, Sonata? Don't you have a swimsuit?"

Sonata looked down and shook her head.

"Only this and my stage dress..."

"Riiight... We'll have to fix that."

Sunset looked at Rarity.

"Is something wrong, darling?"

"Sonata doesn't have other clothes for her.... I think we might want to do that for her too today."

Rarity thought for a moment.

"I mean, I do have a spare set in my bag..."

Sonata smiled softly.

"I'll get it!"

Without even a warning, Sonata shot off like rocket toward the tent.

"No, no, no, WAIT!"

Sunset tried to chase after her.

Sonata walked into the tent as you were in the middle of changing.

"Oh, Anon! I uh.."

You stood there with your manhood on show for a few seconds before covering yourself up.

"SONATA! What the hell!? Out!"

Sunset flinched as she heard you.

Sonata backed out slowly.

"I'm so so soooo sorry..!"

Sunset chuckled softly as the others stared at them.

"I tried to warn you that you shouldn't go in there..."

Sonata's face was just frozen in shock, fully red.

"Uh... Are you okay?"

Sunset waved a hand in front of Sonata's face.

"I he... We... Ohhhhh..."

Sonata looked ready to melt as her brain digested what she just saw.

"What in tarnation has gotten into her."

Rarity laughed.

"She got a good look at Anon's birthday suit, by the looks of her!"

Fluttershy squeaked and covered her embarrassed face just at the thought of it.

"Mew!"

Even Rainbow couldn't help but laugh.

Sunset took Sonata over to the campfire and sat her down before lightly poking the tent.

"Is that you again, Sonata?"

"No, it's Sunny."

You say nothing as she comes in.

You were already dressed but even your face was flushed red.

Sunset couldn't help but giggle.

>>2035146220351462 (You)

Sunset pat your back softly.

"Don't be so upset about it... I know she just walked in you, but it was my fault for not warning her..."

You hang your wet clothes up on a pole to dry a bit.

"And judging by her reaction, she liked what she saw... I know I do~"

She ran a finger down your abdomen.

Just the way she spoke and her sly movements made you ease up.

"And... You aren't mad that she got to see it?"

Sunset shook her head.

"As I said, it was my fault. I'm the one to blame!"

"Well, if you say so..."

You walk out of the tent.

Sunset drags Sonata into the tent to help her get dressed.

You decide to just charge for the water and cannonball in.

"No, no, no, wait!"

SPLASH!

You send what felt like a tsunami crashing over the others.

You surface with a laugh.

"ANON!"

Sonata got her soaked clothes off and stood in her undergarments.

"Listen, Sonata... You can't tell anyone what you saw, okay? That's some very private information... Pun not intended."

She nodded quietly.

"But.. He... Do you...?"

Sunset's face flared up as she laid out the one-piece swimsuit.

"We don't talk about that either. I'll turn away while you get dressed."

Sunset turned toward the door.

Sonata quickly began to get herself dressed in the suit.

"...I'm sorry, Sunset."

"For what?"

"Running in on your boyfriend like that. I... uh.. It wasn't right, was it?"

Sunset rolled her eyes.

"It wasn't right, no... But you should apologize to him, and not to me."

Sonata smiled a bit.

"But this will mean war, Sonata. There's no way I'm going to let you get away with that one."

"War?"

"I'll find a way to get back at you... Soon enough."

Sunset waggled a finger at her.

"Just watch your back."

Sonata giggled, figuring it was a game.

"You're on!"

>>2035259920352599 (You)

"Okay, I think I have it on right."

Sunset turned around.

She gave her a once over as Rarity would before nodding.

"You're a tad thinner than I am, but it fits."

Sonata giggled softly before dashing out of the tent.

"Hey, get back here!"

Sunset ran after her.

Sonata dove into the river.

"10!"

"10!"

"Eeeh... 8."

Everyone looked at Rainbow.

"What?"

Sunset followed her in.

After half an hour of swimming, you and Rainbow set up a next across the stream to play some water volleyball.

It was going to be hard with how deep the water was, but thankfully the stream was very slow and calm today.

The teams had already been picked.

You, Applejack, Sunset, and Twilight on one side.

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Sonata, and Rarity on the other.

Since you and Applejack were on one side, you all thought it'd be better for your team to have the lower end.

After all, who could compete with such a studly man like you?

Damn it Anon, don't go gay for yourself, you narcissistic idiot.

Rainbow threw the first serve.

"Ah got it!"

The game was on.

The ball bounced toward Sonata.

She puts her hands up to protect her face.

"Sonata, no! Hit it back to them!"

Sonata got a wild charge of energy and just punched the ball.

The angle of punch... Trajectory of the incoming ball...

That sucker was going straight for you.

And fast.

Without even thinking, Sunset dove in front of you to hit the ball away.

"Sunset, you just... Why?"

"Couldn't let your pretty face get hurt..."

Sonata puffed her cheeks out and stomped in the water.

You laugh softly before returning the ball.

The game drew on for a while.

The ball bounced between both teams.

Applejack set you up for a smash.

You're going to go in for the game winning hit..

Sunset took the shot instead.

As her fist collided with the ball, you could HEAR the force she used.

PA-WHING!

The ball shot at Sonata.

Before she could even react, it bashed her in the forehead, submerging her.

>>2035471520354715 (You)

Rainbow and Fluttershy dove into the water and brought her up to the surface.

"Hey, Sonata! Are you okay?"

She seemed to be in a daze from the hit.

It sure as hell sounded like it hurt...

"Well ah uh... Suppose that's the game?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, sure, fine.."

You and Sunset take the net down and put the ball on the shore while everyone else got out.

"Do you think I over did it?"

You think for a second.

"Nah, she just didn't have time to react. We all get into the competitive hype from time to time."

She smiled at you softly.

"You always know what to say."

You and Sunset walked to the fire with towels around your necks.

You leaned over Sonata's chair.

"You okay, Sonata?"

She tilts her head back to look up at you before turning red at how close you were to her.

"I uh... heh... Yeah, I'll be fine..."

You look at her questioningly.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah... Yeah, I uh.. I'll be fine."

You shrug and sit down next to Sunset again.

"So when are we going to head out?"

"Well, lookin' at the sun... It's probably almost noon. So in about an hour?"

Everyone seemed to be in agreement.

"At least going back won't be as bad as coming up..."

"Yeah, less things to carry. But it was fun while it lasted."

You notice Dash out of the corner of your eye.

She crept up on Sonata with a twig.

"Wheeereee's my shoooooeeee!?~"

Rainbow touched Sonata's shoulder with the twig.

Her already blue face went even more blue before jumping into your arms.

"SAVE ME, ANON!"

You sat there quietly before patting her back.

Everyone else laughed.

"Oh man, you should have seen the look on your face!"

>>2035505920355059

Adagio and Aria lazed about on Discord's couches as they watched TV.

They already finished their morning work.

Discord was down in the basement getting... Something out.

"Hey, Adagio. What do you think he's digging for down there?"

"I have no idea. Why should I know what some chemistry and physics teacher keeps in his basement?"

She flipped through some channels.

"Well, whatever he is doing, it sure it making a lot of noise."

"Mmm..."

Discord moves his way through a bunch of boxes and to a nearly buried room.

"I hope that my tools are still good."

He unlocks the door and goes inside of the room.

He turned on a light before jumping at the sight of some of the old masks he collected.

"Oh, they get me every time.."

"Say... since it got me... I wonder how much it'd scare the girls..?"

He chuckled to himself softly.

Adagio and Aria continued to laze about.

Shuffle.

Aria looked at Adagio.

"Did you hear that?"

"Must've been your imagination."

"...maybe."

Shuffle.

"Okay, now that was NOT just me."

"Sounded like something moving..."

Shuffle.

The girls both began to become unnerved.

Discord popped out from around a corner, releasing a demonic wail.

Both Adagio and Aria jumped into one another's arms, shrieking.

"Gaaaah! Get... Get back!"

He inched closer to them.

"I... I know how to use magic!"

He stood over them menacingly.

The girls jammed their eyes shut and held onto one another.

Discord laughed hysterically before taking the foreign mask off.

"Oh, that was beautiful. You should have seen the looks on your faces!"

Discord imitated the girls' horrific expressions.

They both coughed and let each other go.

"That was NOT cool..."

>>2036240720362407 (You)

Discord sat in a chair as he chuckled softly for a moment.

"I couldn't resist the temptation to scare you both."

"Where did you even get that mask?"

"Oh, during my travels..."

"Riiight. So, did you find what you were looking for?"

"Yes, actually. I have it all set up downstairs. If you'd follow me.."

"Into a dusty basement? I'd rather not."

Discord coughed.

"I keep the main areas tidy, mind you.. Unless you both want to dust it and clean it top to bottom."

Aria and Adagio both froze up.

"...Forget I said anything."

The girls followed Professor Chaos downstairs.

It was very wide open in the room they were in... There was another door with glass around it.

Inside looked to be a bunch of chemistry tools.. Beakers, burners, chemicals...

"Now, before you both go inside, you HAVE to be sure you're properly prepared."

"For what?"

"Well, accidents happen when it comes to this stuff... And I wouldn't want you two to get hurt."

He opened a closet door where goggles, masks, gloves, and lab aprons hung.

"One set for the both of you."

"Greeeat we get to be maids again..."

He coughed as he put on his own gear.

The girls quickly got suited up.

"Now, unless I tell you otherwise, do not touch anything. Got it?"

They both gulped.

He wore a very grim expression to get his point across.

"Got it, sir."

"Good, let's go in then."

"Wow, there is a lot of stuff in here... Why were you removed from the chemistry role again?"

"That Pinkie Pie and her hyperactivity..."

All three of them shuddered at the thought.

Professor Chaos stood behind a table.

The tables in the room looked dissimilar.. Like lab tables.

Sinks, burners, beakers, holsters, utensils...

The girls just wondered what he did down there.

"Alright you two, stand back... It's been some time since I've fired these babies up."

He flips a switch as the burners roared to life.

Adagio jumped back.

"Today class, we'll be learning how to mix chemicals to make a certain outcome!"

>>2036292220362922 (You)

"You were just waiting to tell that punchline, weren't you?"

Adagio and Aria didn't seem to amused.

"Well, kind of. It's been a few years since I've said that..."

Professor Chaos dug underneath his table and brought out two containers before dusting them off.

"Hydrogen Peroxide, and Sodium Iodide... A classic."

The girls looked at one another in confusion.

"Hydro what now?"

"So dee um... Eye oh died?"

Professor Chaos laughed heartily.

"Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Iodide. You might like what happens when I mix the two..."

The girls leaned on their table in interest.

He turned off the stoves for the time being and set up a large beaker.

"One third Hydrogen..."

He dumps a bit of the first liquid in.

"Two thirds Sodium..."

The girls stared at the beaker.

"And voila!"

As if on cue, the mixture reacted into a large, goopy paste.

The girls' eyes sparkled.

"Wow. That's... Actually kind of cool."

He laughed once more.

"I bet you two want to try it, don't you?"

They nod slowly.

"Just make sure that you measure everything out.. And for god's sakes be careful."

It took a few minutes, but the girls eventually got what they thought they needed.

The only problem was... Their measuring wasn't.. The best.

"Alright, Hydrogen first."

They both follow the orders.

"And then the Sodium."

They pour in their liquids and watch closely.

Aria's had a bit too much Hydrogen in it, and her mixture blew up into her face, marking her with more purple.

She coughed once.

Adagio laughed as she watched her friend's dumbfounded face.

"Hey, I wouldn't laugh if I were you!"

"Huh?"

Adagio's beaker shook a bit before her goopy mixture just flooded out.

A little too much sodium iodide caused her goop to act more like the Smooze.

"Gah!"

She fumbled with trying to get the beaker into the sink.

Discord shook his head and laughed.

"You two will be perfect for my lessons, if you even make it!"

This was going to be a long and interesting day...

You and the girls finally reached the mall.

Wow, you can't believe that you're being accompanied by a horde of women... To the mall.

"Now, Sonata. Stay close to us dear. This is a big place and you can get lost very easily."

Sonata rolled her eyes.

"Duuuh. I'm not like... dumb, Rarity.. I'm just excited that we get to go shopping!"

You sigh softly, shaking your head.

You can just see your man card going into the garbage...

You all decided in an action plan for today.

You and Sunset would go to the jewllery store to get Sonata's new necklace.

The others would take her into some clothing stores to help her find some outfits.

You and Sunset double check that you have enough money...

"It was sure nice of everyone to actually pitch in for Sonata's necklace."

You nod slowly, mentally counting the cash as you flipped through it.

"Yeah, otherwise this could have been really, really bad..."

Sunset reached for her collarbone where the necklace would have normally rested, but let her hand hang down in disappointment.

"Hey... You'll get it back before the end of the day, I promise. And if there is anything wrong with it, I'll fix it as soon as I can."

Sunset smiled warmly at you.

"Thanks, Anon... You're a real gentleman."

You chuckle softly.

Sonata bounced around the clothing store.

Various things were laid out... Jeans, sweaters, pajama sets, hats...

If you were there, you'd swear Pinkie gave her some of her home-made crack.

"There's so many things here!"

Rarity put a hand on her shoulder.

"But only some of it will be yours."

She seemed to want to try on absolutely EVERYTHING, regardless of what size it was.

She walked out of a changing room in a very bright dance outfit.

"Nooo... Too flashy."

Heavy sweater with a dark hat.

"Too dark."

She walked out in a gypsy outfit.

The other girls shielded their eyes, Rarity waving her back in.

"Not that one either!"

They ran through several different styles.

>>2038321720383217 (You)

You looked through several different necklace styles and gems.

"No... No.. Nope.. Not this one.."

Sunset was looking at the other end.

"Hey, Anon! I think I found one!"

You walked over to her to take a look.

She points down to a navy blue gem-ridden necklace in the shape of a specific music note.

"Hey uh..."

A fancy-looking girl walked over to you.

"Yes? How can I help you?"

You look up at the girl.

Holy shit, Octavia worked in that store.

"Oh, Anon. Hello. Shopping for your girlfriend?"

You cough softly.

"Not exactly.."

"What can I help you with?"

You point to the necklace.

"How much?"

She grins.

"My, my. We've got ourselves a good eye, I see... A..."

She paused to make a face.

"Jazzed out... Quarter note. Fairly big one at that.."

Sunset looked at you two quietly.

Octavia looked at a chart before taking out the necklace and weighing it.

"299."

You were about to flinch at what she said but quickly lowered your guard.

"Wait, 299?"

"Yes, 299."

You look at Sunset.

That was a bit below the highest threshold for the expenses... But you wouldn't complain.

"I'll take it."

Octavia smiled and rang you through the register.

She encased it in a purple leather box and put it into the bag.

You had some cash left over and handed some to Sunset.

"What's this for?"

"We have money left over, so I'm going to give it back to everyone."

"But then you'll be flat broke and won't be able to eat!"

Your stomach growled a bit.

"I'll live."

The two groups met up at the third clothes store.

"Oh, Anon. Sunset. How'd it go?"

You hold up a bag.

Sonata must have been in the changing rooms...

"Can we hurry this up already? This is getting boring.."

You had to admit that you agreed with Dash...

Clothes shopping just wasn't that fun.

The room's door opened and Sonata stepped out in a large dress with sleeves going halfway down her arms.

She winked at you and twirled.

"How does it look?"

You stand there, looking in awe.

"I uh..."

>>2038419020384190

Sunset waved her hand in front of your face.

"Anon? Helloo?"

Sonata smiled slyly.

"I guess he fell under this spell too."

Sunset looked at Sonata with a not so happy expression.

"No. Now go and try on the next outfit."

You just kept staring at how the outfit defined her features.

Sunset, and even Rarity, eventually slap you back to your senses.

"Ow!"

"Maybe next time you'll learn to stop gawking you ruffian!"

You hold your face... Two slaps at once did not feel good.

It took some time, but your group finally found some really nice outfits for Sonata.

Dash picked out a comfortable work-out outfit for her, complete with stylish track pants and matching tank top.

Sunset and Fluttershy helped out with PJ duty. Lots of cute things there...

Rarity did the fancy shopping with her.

Pinkie and Twilight helped with her casual day clothes. Skirts and tops, some pants, shorts...

You all sit down at the food court to eat.

"So, Anon. Didn't you say that you had something for Sonata?"

You nearly choked on the burger you were eating.

Real fucking subtle, Twilight...

You swallow the food in your mouth before nodding.

"Yeah, I do actually."

Sonata's eyes lit up as she held her hands together in excitement.

You reach into the bag.

"Close your eyes."

Sonata closed her eyes, and Pinkie Pie held her hands over Sonata's eyes so couldn't peek.

You put the velvety box into her hands.

"Alright you can look now."

She looks at the box before tilting her head.

"A Box? Why'd you get me a box?"

You resist the temptation to facepalm.

"Open the box."

Sonata opens the box slowly before the necklace reflected off of her face.

"Oh. My. Gosh."

She looked like a little kid opening gifts on Christmas Morning.

"It's SOOO pretty! Can I put it on? Can I? Can I? Can I?"

Sunset giggled.

"Of course you can, Sonata."

Sonata took Sunset's necklace off and handed it to her before taking the new one and putting it on.

>>2041607020416070

The necklace shone for a second, but you shrugged it off as the light reflecting off of it.

Sonata's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked down at the trinket.

You took Sunset's necklace and looked it over for a second.

"Wow Anon, you really do have a taste for jewelry.."

"Oh, this wasn't my doing. Sunset here is the one who picked it out."

Sunset blushed timidly and played with her hair.

"It just looked like it'd fit is all..."

Sonata jumped over and table and hugged Sunset.

"Thank you thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!"

Even tried to resist the temptation to laugh, but small snickers came out.

Sunset smiled bashfully.

"You're welcome, Sonata..."

You all finished your food and returned to your rounds of shopping.

Everyone got something, even you.

You picked yourself up a vest, hoping that it'd protect you from the impending Sonata glomps of worldly destruction.

Sunset got herself a new summer dress.

The others just got... Whatever they felt like.

Sunset whined softly.

"Anon, my legs are tired..!"

You look at her quietly for a moment as you continued to walk.

"Carry me?"

Oh god, she's giving you that adorable, pleading smile with the batting eyes...

You couldn't say no to that...

"Okay, fine, up on my back."

You squat down as she hops onto your back, her legs around your stomach and arms over your shoulders.

She seemed to be cuddling into you.

Sunset was also very light... You must have been getting stronger.

You continue to walk with the group.

Sunset looked at Sonata and stuck her tongue out at her.

The other girls giggled.

You shrug it off as them thinking that what you're doing is cute.

"So, where are we off to next?"

Pinkie Pie gasped.

"ARCADE!"

Without even a warning, she shot off like a rocket.

"That girl has too much energy fer her own good..."

You all nod in agreement.

"Might as well take some time to relax and play some games."

>>2045534120455341

You look around the arcade center . all that you see within the darkness is a bunch of arcade machines.

Fighters, shooters, racing, and even some classics.

Pinkie Pie was already playing one of the shooters...

You hope to god that she isn't as good of a shot as she looked.

Dash ran over to some fighting game.

"Hey, Applejack! Ready for another round?"

Applejack sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Fine, ah'll be glad ta whoop ya once again."

You walk with Sunset and Sonata over to the machine they were at.

Fighting is Magic.

Sunset facepalmed as she watched the two go at it.

You look at the screen as two well-done pony-like characters bounce around and fight.

"See Anon? That's... Kinda what I looked like back in Equestria."

She kept her voice down so only you could hear.

You nod slowly.

"Except I was a unicorn. No wings.. Orange.."

She rolled her wrist in a so-on and so-forth manner.

Sonata ran over to one of those plushie games and bounced up and down.

"Anon! Anon! You GOTTA get me that puppy!"

You walk over to the machine and look at the assortment of plushies.

Dogs, cats, snakes, bears...

Sunset shrugged.

"I don't know, I mean... I'm not the BEST at these kinds of games..."

Sonata gave a whining, puppy dog pouty face.

You heave a sigh, it was Sunset 2.0....

"Fine.. I'll TRY, but I can't guarantee anything."

"Yippe!"

You put money into the machine as it whirred to life.

Sonata watched the claw as it moved toward the plush.

She held onto you in overly dramatic suspense.

You take careful aim and lower the claw...

Score.

Sonata's eyes lit up as the claw made its way upward.

It began to move to the deposit box.

Just before it made it, the plush drops from the claw and back into the pile.

Sonata's excitement quickly turned sour.

Just looking at her you prepared for the worst wailing of your life.

Sonata just openly began to cry.

You and Sunset both cover your ears before Rarity walked over to assist.

>>2045727820457278

Rarity waved you backward as she took the controls for the game.

Sonata kept wailing, the waterworks on full force.

Before you knew what was happening, Rarity already had the plush in the claw and was bringing it back to the deposit box.

Ka-ching!

The plush lands in the box and pops out.

Rarity picks it up and hands it to Sonata before quietly patting her head and walking off.

Sonata seemed to calm down as she cuddled it closely.

You and Sunset both lower your hands from your ears.

Yours were both still ringing...

"Is... Is it over?"

"I think so..."

"But how did she..?"

"It comes with sewing my dears. It takes a very steady hand to be able to finely sew a piece... I just treated it like it was a dress!"

You and Sunset both look at one another.

"Well, okay then."

You go to find Fluttershy.

You see her hand bag on the floor outside of one of those racing machines...

You try to listen in on her.

"Yeah, you'd better get out of my way! Cut me once more, and I'll tear you a new one, pal!"

You wait for a few minutes after listening to her go on and on.

Fluttershy eventually walks out.

"So you'll tear them a new one, huh?"

Fluttershy meeped and covered her red face.

"You.... You heard all of that?"

"I think the people in China could."

She took her bag and ran off.

Even Sunset snickered.

"You are SO mean, Anon!"

You shrug.

"It'll make for some great stories later."

Sunset rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, you dork. What should we play?"

You think for a few minutes...

"What about one of those beat-em-ups?"

She shrugs.

"Fine by me."

>>2049595520495955

Just by the sounds of it, Sonata was learning the ropes of the game quickly.

Rarity set up the balls once more.

"Alright darling, your turn to lead the break."

Sonata took her position and made her shot.

The balls scattered across the table.

One went into a pocket.

Then another.

And another.

Rarity just stood there, speechless.

Breaking shot.. She sunk three solids.

"Why... How... Beginner's luck!"

You could hear how upset Rarity was.

Sonata giggled and stuck her tongue out at her.

"Myeh!"

You shook your head and continued to play with Sunset.

Sonata approached you and Sunset about an hour later.

Rarity was behind her.

You could swear that Rarity was about to break someone's face...

...And you hoped it was not yours.

"How'd it go, Sonata? Did you have a good time?"

Sonata giggled almost menacingly.

"Yeah, I TOTALLY kicked her butt!"

You looked at Rarity who was muttering under her breath.

Sunset held a hand to her lips to stifle a laugh.

"Well..."

You look at your watch.

Jesus, you guys burned over two hours in that Arcade.

"Looks like we should try to find the others and get going."

Sonata and Sunset both yawned at the same time.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, Nonny."

Sonata clung to your right arm.

"I think I hear supper and our hammock calling."

Sunset clung to your left arm.

"Alright, alright... First thing's first... We need to find the others."

>>2051032620510326 (You)

Thankfully Fluttershy wasn't too hard to find.

Must've been messing around with one of those simulation games again...

Heading toward the front of the Arcade, you and the group find AJ and Rainbow still duking it out.

You roll your eyes.

You didn't want to interrupt them, so you stood back and watched the two of them fight.

By the looks of it, AJ was royally kicking her ass.

31-4

Holy fucking shit how would she even...

You take a glance at AJ's hand movement on the joypad.

It looked like it was near flawless, like a professional pianist.

"GAME. OVER."

"Now, how do ya like them apples?"

Rainbow looked very steamed.

"Fine... You win."

Dash turned away and pouted.

She actually admitted defeat for once in her life.

You chuckle softly.

"That was amazing. 32 to 4?"

"Her hands and arms kept cramping up. Ah always have lots of exercise with mine thanks ta the farm work."

"Yeah right, you just got lucky..."

"32 times?"

Everyone laughed.

"Anyhow, we're just missing Pinkie Pie now, and---"

"Hiya guys!"

Pinkie popped out from on top of some of the machines, a large stuffed alligator on her back.

"Hey kid, get off of that machine!"

Oh Jesus, the store manager was running at her with a broom.

"It's about time we make like Bananas and split!"

Everyone split in their own direction and just gunned it.

"Don't let me see you back here again!"

You sat in the food court once more while you waited for the others to return.

"Oh man, just the look on his face... TOTALLY worth it."

They were probably talking about the manager.

You took a sip of your drink.

Everyone else sat down around the table.

"So what's next on our list?"

"Well, we gotta figure out who Sonata will stay with first."

Sonata held onto her plush puppy timidly.

She probably didn't like the idea of being away from you.

Sunset put a hand onto Sonata's.

"Hey, it'll be alright. It's just like having a sleepover every day."

She seemed to smile softly from Sunset's words.

>>2051077820510778

The group mumbled and talked among one another trying to figure out the best course of action.

"Well, why doesn't Sonata stay with you two for the first night, then we can rotate?"

You sat back to think.

You knew that Sunset was craving you, given that it's been quite some time since you two were last alone together...

"I don't know. I mean, this one is up to Sunset."

You look at her.

She seemed to be reading your mind just as you did with hers.

She played with her hair a little bit out of nervousness.

"Well, I... I don't know, I mean..."

Sonata gave you both the sad, lost little puppy look.

You held a hand up to your eyes to try and block it out.

Sunset just stared at her.

"I..."

"Well, what could go wrong, my dear? I mean she hasn't caused us any--- Well, TOO much trouble."

Rarity looked right at you.

"Yeah, yeah.. Yuck it up."

"Well, I mean.. I wouldn't really have a problem with her being with us but I just thought Anon and I needed some time alone to relax and..."

Sunset caught herself and stopped her train of thought.

"Never mind."

Rainbow Dash burst out laughing.

"You mean you..."

She points at Sunset, then over to you.

"And him... Are actually..? Bahaha!"

She falls backward in her chair.

Applejack and Rarity both glared at her before giving her a gently kick to each side.

"Ow! What was that for!?"

"That was fer makin' a mockery of them. What they do is their own business."

"How uncouth..."

It took Pinkie a second to understand what was going on.

"Ohhh! I get it now!"

Sonata blinked in confusion.

"Uh... What?"

You sit back in your chair, heaving a heavy sigh.

There was no way this wasn't going to be spread around...

"I'm sorry Anon, it just slipped out of my mouth.."

"It's fine... We'll just... Deal with it, I suppose."

"Sooo... Who do I get to stay with?"

"Well um... I always..."

Fluttershy got cut off.

"Well, seein' as how RD here wanted ta be so rude, why not stay with her for the first night?"

"But I um.."

>>2054184220541842 (You)

"Hey! Just because she doesn't have her freaky powers anymore doesn't mean that I should take her!"

"But girls, I..."

"Yet, here ya are, makin' fun of these two!"

"Girls..."

"Only because they deserve it!"

"GIRLS!"

Everyone sat there and just stared at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy exhaled softly.

"I offered to take her."

"Are... Are you sure darling?"

The pink haired girl nodded.

"Yeah, I mean we could do all sorts of things. And I bet she'd love to meet some of my animals."

Sonata looked at Fluttershy with interest.

"Animals? Like what? Bunnies? Cats?"

"Yep, and so much more."

Sonata clapped happily.

"I wanna go with her!"

You chuckle softly and shake your head.

"Just be sure to keep and eye on her."

Your comment made Sonata puff her cheeks out.

"Anon! I'm not some kid..."

"No, but you might break something. ...Or someone."

You all laugh at Sonata's pouting.

Adagio and Aria finished cleaning up the lab.

It looked better than it did before.

They already had their gowns off and washing, along with Discord's.

"You know, Adagio... If I didn't know any better, I think he's messing with us."

Adagio looked at her as they ascended the staircase.

"What do you mean, messing with us?"

Aria thought for a moment.

"I don't quite know yet, but something feels... Wrong."

Adagio shrugged her shoulders.

"Probably just your imagination again."

Aria scowled at Adagio.

"You're just the worst..."

The scent of the fresh food wafted past their noses.

Just the smell of it made their mouths water.

Adagio's jaw dropped open as she drooled a bit.

Discord laughed as he watched them walk by mindlessly.

"You're drooling, Adagio."

Adagio shook her head.

"Oh.. uh.. So I am."

Aria kept quiet.

A minute later, both of their stomach rumbled loudly, causing both girls to blush.

"Heh... Yeaaah..."

>>2056000420560004 (OP)

Adagio and Aria cleaned themselves up and help set the table.

By now, they've gotten used to the routine; Food gets cooked, table set, cleaned up, eat, wash the used dishes.

This night's supper was different from the others..

It was more... Vocal.

Adagio finished chewing the carrots that were in her mouth.

"You know, uh..."

Discord chuckled softly.

"If you have such a hard time remembering it, you can just call me Professor."

He cut into his steak and ate a bite of it.

"Right, Professor.. That uh... Chemistry thing was kinda fun."

Discord stopped mid-bite to look at her.

Adagio's glance quickly went down to her plate as she continued to eat.

"I mean... We don't exactly know how chemistry works and all of that... But just being able to play around with silly things and have such a... Reactive response just feels fun."

He chuckles at her stammering.

"Good, I'm glad you find it fun."

He looks over at Aria.

She's just playing with some peas on her plate, her had resting in her left hand as she spaces out.

She hasn't seemed to be really eating much that day.

Discord's gaze was fixated on her, almost as if he was peering into her mind.

Aria's spine suddenly got a large chill shot down it, causing her to shudder violently.

"Could you stop doing that? I feels weird when you stare at me."

Discord chuckles heartily.

"Oh ho ho... You don't hide in there forever, my dear..."

He points his fork at her, still having some steak on it.

"Soon enough you'll come out of that shell of yours."

Aria went back to sitting as she was.

"Yeah. Right."

Adagio could feel the intensity of Aria's tone.

Adagio and Discord continued to idly chat through the meal, leaving Aria there to just think.

"I expect you both to try and get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

Adagio looked at him questioningly.

"Big day?"

Why yes, tomorrow is Monday. That means school is back in session."

School.

Adagio forgot about that.

>>2056015220560152

Adagio knew that sooner or later she'd have to face the music, and atone for her heinous deeds.

She looked at Aria.

Was she thinking about the same thing? Or something else?

Discord sat back and pat his stomach.

"I DO make a fine cook, I must say."

Adagio came back to her senses a few seconds later.

"Yes, your cooking is really skillful. Um... What, exactly, will we be doing..?"

Discord stood up and walked toward the kitchen window.

It was borderline dusk outside.

"I'm going to take you two to Vice Principal Luna, and that oooh, luscious Principal Celestia..."

He wiggled a bit as he mentioned Celestia before coughing slightly.

"To have myself reinstated at the school's Chemistry teacher, and you two as my official assistants."

Adagio raised an eyebrow at him.

"You can do that?"

"I may have had it revoked before... But once they see how well you two do in the labs, I'm sure there will be no problem."

Adagio tugged at the collar of her shirt nervously.

"Yeah... No problem."

Discord walked out of the room and onto the porch.

"You two know the drill!"

Adagio cleaned up most of the table, cleaving Aria's utensils, plate, and drink.

She sat down next to her quietly.

"Hey Aria, are you okay?"

Aria didn't say anything.

Adagio was used to her usual snarky remarks, but the silence and tension from her was too much to bare.

She puts a hand on Aria's shoulder.

Aria rolled her shoulder to get it off.

"Aria, please... You should tell me what's wrong."

Aria's eyes rolled toward the door where Discord stepped outside.

"Not now."

Adagio looked down at the floor.

"At least eat, please?"

"Not hungry."

Adagio bit her lower lip hesitantly as she kicked her legs under the chair idly.

Adagio came up with a very silly idea.

"Aria, you'd better eat that food, or I'll feed it to you!"

Aria looked at Adagio questioningly.

"Who are you, my mother?"

"Well, if you're going to be all pouty, then I might as well be! Now, are you going to eat?"

>>2056033520560335

Aria put her fork down at glared coldly at Adagio.

It was one of her "You wouldn't fucking dare" kind of looks.

Adagio shook her head.

"Tsk, tsk... Look at you. Now I gotta do it for you."

She took the fork and put some vegetables on it before holding it up.

"Here comes the aeroplane!"

Aria just sat there in shock.

Adagio was just relishing this moment.

"Adagio, seriously, you're being--"

Aria was stopped mid sentence as Adagio put the forkful of food into her mouth.

"I know you don't like it being this way, but you need your strength just as much as I do."

Adagio growled quietly, something she hasn't done since they discovered the Equestrian Magic.

Aria just looked at her, almost in fear.

Aria swallowed her mouthful.

"Fine... I.. I understand."

"Good."

Adagio went to go clean the already used dishes as Aria ate her food.

Fluttershy and Sonata walked out toward the edge of town, both of them carrying some bags that contained Sonata's new clothes.

Sonata skipped along happily as she usually did.

"So, um... Sonata. What do you like to do in your spare time?"

"What do I like to do...?"

She paused to think.

"I... Don't really know. I was always doing whatever 'Dagi and Ari' told me to do..."

Her expression fell to a frown at the thought of the other two girls.

"Well, hey, don't feel bad. It's the start of something new, so you can always experiment."

"Exper... Experi... Exper..."

Fluttershy giggled softly.

"Try new things."

"OH!"

The two walked and talked all the way back to Fluttershy's little hut.

"Now, be careful. There will be lots of small animals around, indoors and in the backyard."

Sonata nodded.

Fluttershy opened the door.

"Say uh... Where will I be sleeping?"

Soanta pointed to herself questioningly.

"Well, there is one place you could sleep..."

Fluttershy pulled out the bed that you had slept on only months earlier.

Your cast imprint was still there...

>>2056821320568213 (You)

"This is where Anon slept when he stayed with me. I um... I slept beside him, too."

Sonata looked at Fluttershy, her mouth agape.

"Don't you have your own bed?"

Fluttershy's face went red as she squeaked.

"Well, um.. Yes. But he was having such bad nightmares that being next to him calmed him down."

Sonata blinked and looked at the bed.

"Musta been some really bad nightmares."

While setting up the bed, Fluttershy took the time to explain to Sonata about your nightmares involving Sunset.

She seemed to fascinated by the story.

"Wow... Sounds like Nonny... Err... Anon must have had a really hard time."

Fluttershy nodded slowly.

"Yes, it was hard for him. But everything worked out in the end, and I'm happy for him."

Sonata laid out on the bed like a lazy teenager would.

"Happy for him? What's that supposed to mean?"

Fluttershy stood up.

"Oh, nothing. It's nothing, just a saying."

She waved a hand in front of her face in nervousness.

"Just me saying that I'm glad it all worked out."

Sonata raised an eyebrow at Fluttershy.

"Riiight... Anyway..."

Sonata reached into one of the bags next to her bed and took out a fuzzy pair of purple pajamas, grinning excitedly and pseudo-snuggling them.

Without a warning she began to undress.

Fluttershy squeaked again and looked away.

"Sonata, what are you doing?"

"Oh uh... I was going to get ready for bed. Is there something wrong..?"

"You should have warned me so I could give you some privacy!"

"O-oh! I'm sorry... I guess doing this in front of Rarity and Sunset gave me the wrong idea... Heh..."

Fluttershy walked into the kitchen.

"Just.... Do it already. I'll make us some supper."

You sat in the pool's warm water in the backyard.

It felt great to be able to just float there and let your muscles relax.

Sunset was on the other side, laying on one of those pool chairs.

You heave a heavy sigh as you sink a bit lower, still holding onto the edge of the pool.

"Something the matter, Anon?"

>>2056869620568696 (You)

You look at Sunset Shimmer through your tinted sunglasses.

"I just can't stop thinking about what might happen tomorrow..."

You look toward the sky as Sunset floated past you.

"You mean at school? How she would... React, let alone fit in?"

You nod slowly.

"Yes, and what will happen if the other two.... Oh, what were there names..?"

You snapped your fingers, trying to jog your hazy memory.

"Adagio and Aria?"

"Yeah, Adagio and Aria. What will happen if they show up..."

Sunset went quiet for a moment.

"Well, we may not have Twilight here any more... But if they want to cause some more trouble, we have more than enough firepower to stop them again."

You bite your lower lip at that thought.

What if they somehow got their powers back? You'd be fresh pickings...

"That's what I'm afraid of..."

Sunset float by you again.

She must have turned on some of the jets to spin her around for shits and giggles.

"Well, we'll worry about it when the time comes. For now it's just you... Me... And our lovely bed."

You look at her, lifting your glasses up.

You say nothing, but you both had the same thought regardless.

Fluttershy and Sonata were both dressed in their pajamas and eating some snacks.

They had been telling stories to one another about each other's pasts.

Fluttershy seemed to be extra interested about Sonata's past life in Equestria, including the bits about Starswirl.

"Wow, I didn't know that such a powerful thing could exist."

Sonata looked at the cookies in front of her.

"Yeah, it was so long ago. But apparently time flows differently here than there."

Fluttershy tilted her head.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, here... It's only been a few years, so I'm still rather young but... Over there, according to Twilight... It's been thousands."

"Oh my... That boggles my mind just thinking about it."

Fluttershy giggled softly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh--"

Sonata snickered a bit.

"I guess it is kinda funny, though."

>>2056897420568974 (You)

Sonata quietly nommed on a cookie.

"You know... These aren't as good as Tacos."

Fluttershy laughed and shook her head.

"That's because they are two totally different foods."

"Riiight."

Fluttershy went to reach for a cookie before Angel jumped into her lap.

"Oh, dash a coot bunny. Whas it's name?"

"His name is Angel. He sometimes helps me keep things straight around here."

Fluttershy took her attention down to the impatient rabbit in her lap.

He seemed to point at the clock with an angry look.

Fluttershy looked at the clock before gasping.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Angel! I had no idea it was so late! I gotta feed you all before bed!"

Sonata blinked quietly, unsure of what just happened.

Fluttershy jumped up and ran around the kitchen, getting various foods and bowls.

Sonata watched through the little peeking hole between the kitchen and the den.

"How many animals do you have?"

"Well, I feed about ten... The rest can hunt on their own. You know, foxes, bears, that sort of thing."

Sonata nodded.

"I just feed the birds, Angel, the chickens, squirrels sometimes..."

Sonata seemed to light up.

"Need some help?"

"Oh, if you don't mind..."

"I'd love to!"

Sonata jumped off of the bed and ran into the kitchen.

"So the small bowls are for the bird food... The tinier ones are for the squirrels and their nuts..."

Sonata nodded and began to fill each bowl accordingly.

"I'll go and feed the chickens."

A few minutes later, Sonata came outside with all the bowls filled.

She seemed to be balancing them perfectly.

"Oh my, are you sure you don't want help with that?"

"Nah, I got it."

Sonata set down the majority of the bowls on the ground, spaced apart.

She put the remaining two onto the bird perches and stepped back.

Fluttershy watched as the animals came around and tested the food.

They seemed to be satisfied.

Some even came over to say hello to her.

Fluttershy smiled softly as she watched Sonata enjoy herself.

>>2056920020569200

Adagio sat backward on a chair, staring out of the bedroom window.

Aria lay on the bed, facing the ceiling.

Adagio heaved a sigh.

"So, do you want to talk about what that was all about earlier?"

Aria moved her head and looked at Adagio.

"What are you talking about?"

"The whole... Not eating thing."

"...."

Aria rolled onto her right side so that Adagio couldn't look at her face.

"...I just... I can't stop thinking about her, Adagio..."

Her voice was soft and shaking.

She was probably trying to hold back her tears, but was fighting a losing battle.

Adagio kept looking outside.

"I know... And she keeps coming back into my mind, no matter how often I try to shove that ditz out..."

Discord was eavesdropping in on them from the other side of the door.

He smiled slyly.

Aria sat up.

"I know that I really shouldn't be like this... But... I'm just really worried about her."

Adagio moved the chair over beside Aria's bed.

She put a hand onto Aria' back, stroking the crying's girls spine slowly to try and soothe her.

"I know... I may not show it, but I'm really worried about her too. That ditz could have gotten herself..."

She bit her lower lip, trying to swallow her own worry and sadness.

"...Killed."

Aria proceeded to just sob harder.

"Maybe we'll get to see her some time soon... I'm sure she's doing just fine."

Adagio sat on Aria's bed quietly.

Aria thrust herself into Adagio's arms, now crying hysterically.

"Shh... It's okay."

Adagio quietly rocked back and forth and hummed.

Her humming wasn't rugged or scratchy like their voices were when their pendants shattered, it was more melancholic. Soft.

"We just need to keep each other going and we'll make it..."

>>2058318220583182 (You)

It took another moment, but eventually Adagio's softer side came through.

She began with light sobbing before breaking out into a full on crying spree herself.

The two Dazzlings held one another close.

Being next to one another felt more... comforting, even if they didn't have Sonata with them.

Without even a word, they both decided it would be best if they just slept together for the night.

Discord adjusted his tie and stood up with a businessy look on his face.

"Well, it seems like the two of them are coming along nicely... Perhaps tomorrow I shall... Break them from their shells. But first, cake!"

Sonata laid sprawled out on the couch mattress.

She stared up at the ceiling as her and Fluttershy idly talked to one another.

"Say, why is there this random indent? It feels like a rock was here or something."

"Oh, that? That was where Anon's arm was. It was in a cast you see... It was kinda broken."

Sonata sat up and looked at Fluttershy.

"Broken? What happened?"

"Well... You see, a few months ago, Everyone else and I were hanging out at the doughnut shop parlour... Thing... I never really knew WHAT that place is... Anyhow, these bullies came up to us and began to push some of us around."

Sonata looked at her with interest.

"Some of them began to tease us, and hit us... Some of them even took Anon down to the ground when he tried to stand up for us."

Sonata nodded slowly, curling up into the fetal position as she listening.

"Anon saw that they were going after another one of us, and he got really angry... Managed to get the two of them that were pinning him down off... And really beat up the third one. I think he ended up with quite a few skull fractures and a broken nose..."

"Oh wow..."

"It was really scary to see him fight with such a bloodlust... But he drove them off. He unfortunately had his arm and shoulder broken, as well as the muscles ripped apart in certain places..."

>>2058342720583427 (You)

Sonata's eyes lit up as she pictured you fighting off a bunch of bad guys like a knight in shining armor.

"Wooow..."

"Yeah, but it scared Sunset away from him... She even tore off her necklace and broke it."

Sonata looked down and held the necklace around her neck.

Just gripping it made her feel warm inside, like she could do anything.

"It must have been really, really scary..."

Fluttershy nodded.

"Because things weren't going well, he stayed here with me until he was better."

Sonata nodded slowly and sat against the back of the couch.

"So you uh... Said that you slept with Anon, didn't you?"

Fluttershy's face went red.

"N-not in that sense! Just as a friend who cared!"

Sonata giggled softly at her reaction.

"What was it like... sleeping next to someone else? Did you get to see or do anything?"

Fluttershy's face contorted into a frustrated, embarrassed look.

"I saw nothing of him aside from him in his clothes and the sheets... And all that we did was sleep... And cuddle a little... And talk about his nightmares.."

Sonata giggled as Fluttershy's gaze dropped to the floor.

"You liiike him don't you?"

"Meep! I uh..."

"So you DO like him!"

"She shook her head.

"No! No I don't! Not like that!"

Sonata crept closer to her.

"You sooo totally like him! Like... For realzies!"

Fluttershy covered her ears.

Sonata grinned slyly.

"I knew it."

She sat back on the mattress.

Fluttershy eventually let her guard down.

"So uh... Look at the time, we should probably sleep."

"Fluttershy?"

Sonata looked at Fluttershy with her cute pout.

"Can we sleep together..? Just for tonight?"

Fluttershy bit her bottom lip.

That gaze was just too irresistible..

"F-Fine... But just for tonight."

Sonata clapped.

Alright Fluttershy, it's just Sonata. No big deal. She isn't that... Hunky, gentleman Anon... It's just a sleepover!

Fluttershy turned out the lights, closed curtains, and locked the doors.

Sonata was already snuggled up under the blankets.

She watched Fluttershy with a cute little grin.

Fluttershy sighed softly and sat on the side of the bed.

"Are you sure about this?"

Sonata nodded.

"Yuppers!"

Fluttershy slid under the covers and turned away from Sonata.

She still felt uneasy about this.

Sonata giggled before yawning.

"I bet you're still thinking about this morning."

"What... Do you mean?"

"When I walked in on Anon..."

Fluttershy felt her face grow hot.

"Probably just wondering what I saw..."

Sonata slid closer to Fluttershy.

"Just opening the tent to find him there..."

She leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"..Naked."

Fluttershy squeaked loudly as she hid under the blankets.

"Sonata! Why would you say that!?"

Sonata giggled and went back to her side.

"I just wanted to mess with you~ 'Night~"

Fluttershy's mind was now filled with the lusting curiosity of what Sonata DID see...

Fluttershy somehow managed to still fall asleep.

Adagio tossed and turned.

She was locked into a nightmare.

"Listen to the sound of my voice."

"Aaah~ Aaaah~"

"Soon you'll find you don't have a choice!~"

"Aaah~ Aaah~"

Adagio looked at herself.

She was wearing her stage outfit again.

She was also being shrouded by a purple mist.

"Captured in the web of my song!~"

"Aaah, aah oh~"

"Soon you'll all be singing along!~"

The mist seemed to grip onto her; Adagio struggled to move.

"No..! I don't want to...!"

In front of her a stage lit up where the trio floated.

They were in their stage outfits, fully transformed like back in the Battle of the Bands.

"We've got the music, makes you move it. Got the song that makes you lose it!"

Adagio fought against her constraints, some tears coming to her eyes.

"We say jump, you say "How high?" Put your hands up to the sky!"

The mist held onto her as it shot her into the air.

Adagio felt her heart skip a beat.

She was immediately released as she fell.

"No! I don't want this!"

>>2058430620584306 (You)

Adagio threw herself forward.

She panted heavily, and put a hand over her chest.

Her heart raced at what felt like a million miles a minute.

She wiped her eyes, expecting the usual sleep powder to be there.

She was met with tears.

Was that nightmare really that intense...?

It felt so real to her.

Aria sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"What's wrong, Adagio? You were tossing pretty bad throughout the night."

Aria lowered her hands once she noticed that Adagio was in distress.

"I... I..."

Her eyes welled up with tears.

Aria quietly pulled her into an embrace.

"It was awful... I saw all of us on stage again... And we were singing... And there was this purple mist... And it tossed me really far up..."

Aria quieted her down a bit.

"It was just a dream, Adagio... That would never happen."

Adagio continued to shake for a bit from the fear.

"It... It felt so real..."

Aria frowned softly.

"Hey, listen... It'll be fine, Adagio. We have a new day for us... I'm sure you'll forget all about it."

Aria held onto Adagio's shoulders as she looked at her eyes.

Adagio was still in distress.

Aria cracked a warm, reassuring smile. Something that hadn't happened in eons.

Adagio sniffled and nodded.

"Yeah... I'm sure you're right..."

"Hey, you know what we should do?"

"What?"

"We should surprise the Professor with some breakfast before he's even up."

Adagio smiled a bit at the idea.

"Yeah, I think he'd like that."

They got out of bed and quietly sneaked into the kitchen to begin making the food.

Discord remained fast asleep upstairs in his own bed.

>>2058456420584564 (You)

Adagio and Aria went to work in the kitchen.

They cooked up a pretty mean breakfast.

Bacon and eggs, toast, some slices of ham, freshly made juice...

They were really trying to impress him with this wake up meal.

It took them a good hour to finish with the preparations.

The table was set, food was cooked...

Aria and Adagio stood at the foot of the table.

Aria had her arms crossed.

Adagio had hers on her hips.

"I'd say we did a good job."

"I mean... It doesn't look THAT bad..."

The two sat down in their chairs and sighed a bit.

"I'm still a bit sleepy..."

"I would imagine so... You had a rough night."

Adagio yawned a bit.

Aria smiled softy and turned her chair a bit, patting her lap.

Adagio laid across a few chairs, resting her head in Aria's lap.

She quickly fell back to sleep.

Discord's eyes shot open.

The weak scent of food had gotten into his room.

He looked at the clock...

6 AM.

Were the girls up already?

He slid himself out of bed, dressed in his striped blue and white sleeper outfit.

He even had a hat to go with it.

Sliding some bunny slippers on, he made his way down the stairs.

He yawned softly.

"Are you two up alr--"

He was cut off by Aria angrily "shhh"ing him.

She pointed into her lap.

Discord chuckled softly.

"This looks wonderful... Should we wait for her?"

Aria nodded slowly.

Discord went back upstairs to take a shower while they waited on Adagio.

She looked to peaceful as she slept there.

>>2058484220584842 (You)

Twenty minutes later, Adagio stirred from her sleep.

She sat up and stretched, yawning softly.

"How long was I out?"

Discord was already sitting at the table.

"Oh, I'd say about twenty minutes, give or take."

Adagio looked down.

"Oh, sorry.. I guess the food must be cold, then huh?"

Discord shook his head.

"No, actually. Since it's the warmer season, food takes longer to chill off."

"Oh... Well uh... We tried to surprise you with this."

"And it looks amazing, you two. Thank you."

Adagio pointed to Aria.

"Her idea."

Discord chuckled heartily.

"You are very thoughtful, my dear."

The three of them began to eat.

Discord went over how the day was going to go for them. Class schedules, responsibilities.. All that fun stuff.

Aria sat and ate quietly as she normally did.

Adagio was the obscenely quiet one this time.

Her silence caught Discord off guard.

"Adagio? Is something the matter?"

She said nothing. She was as distant as Aria was the previous night.

Discord looked at Aria.

"Do you know if she's okay?"

Aria shrugged.

Discord fixated his gaze onto Adagio.

"Adagio, you really shouldn't---"

As he reached out for her, she raised her hand to stop and silence him.

"I just... Had a bad night, that's all. Just sleepy."

He nodded, but kept an eye on her.

There was no way that was the sole issue.

"If you say so, my dear..."

Adagio went back to finishing her food in silence.

What if her dream was to become a reality..?

What would happen to her, or more importantly Aria and Sonata?

Her mind began to become clouded with terrible thoughts.

>>2058504420585044

You sit up in bed, yawning and stretching.

Sunset was still sleeping peacefully next to you.

You smile softly as you put your robe on and stand up.

Sunset grabs your hand.

"Where do you think you're going?"

You look down at her in surprise.

She looked like she was wide awake.

She probably must have been waiting for you to wake up.

"I was just going to go get some breakfast."

"Breakfast? Without pleasing me after last night? I don't think so."

She pulls you back down.

You chuckle softly.

"Alright, alright... I suppose one more round wouldn't hurt."

Sonata sat up in her bed, rubbing her eyes softly.

She looked to her left.

Fluttershy was halfway off of the bed, face on the floor, snoring away and drooling.

She probably fell off some time during the night.

Sonata kicks the blankets off of her and heads into the kitchen.

"I wonder what she has in here...?"

Opening a lower cupboard, Angel pop out of it.

Sonata jumps back and shrieks.

"Gah!"

Angel crossed his arms and tapped a foot.

Sonata blinked a few times before squatting down.

Angel pointed to the fridge.

"What? Are you hungry too?"

He nods and shows her a picture of an ice cream sundae.

"Oh um... I don't think that you should have that..."

Angel gave her a death glare.

Sonata was immediately unnerved.

"I mean... I don't really know what else bunnies eat outside of like... some herbs and carrots... Can't I just get you one of those?"

Sonata kept trying to work her way around Angel.

Fluttershy eventually fell onto the floor completely, waking her up.

"Hunh...? What's going on?"

She sits up, still half dazed as she holds her head.

"Sonata...?"

>>2060841420608414 (You)

Sonata ran into a corner to try and get away from Angel.

Angel was chasing her down with a fork, stabbing it toward her like an angry villager.

"Oh my..."

"No! Go away you demon bunny!"

Sonata was very afraid at this point.

Fluttershy watched as Angel continued to harass her.

"Oh um..."

Sonata kicked toward Angel, her foot barely breezing past his nose.

"Go away!"

"Angel..."

Angel stabbed Sonata's foot with the fork angrily.

The fork couldn't penetrate the skin, but damn did it hurt.

Sonata jumped backward down the hallway, holding her foot.

"Angel!"

Sonata grabbed a nearby broom with long bristles and raised it into the air.

"I got you now!"

She glared down at the rabbit with a sinister look.

"STOP IT YOU TWO!"

Both Sonata and Angel looked at Fluttershy as she exhaled heavily.

Sonata and Angel both sat on the bed once more with Fluttershy sitting in a chair in front of them.

"Now, you will explain to me what that was all about."

Angel started to make a series of flippant, spastic motions.

Fluttershy threatened him with... "The Stare."

He sat back down quietly.

Even Sonata got the chills from The Stare.

"Well.. I woke up... And I went into the kitchen to find some food. When I opened a cupboard, I was ambushed by Angel who was demanding an ice cream sundae..."

Fluttershy looked at him.

Angel turned away.

"When I told him no, he started to chase after me..."

Sonata's head hung low.

Fluttershy sighed.

"Angel... Can be a handful sometimes, just by himself. He can be mean sometimes, but he only means well."

"Means well? He stabbed me. With a fork."

"Yes, well..."

Sonata pouted a bit.

"Stupid demon bunny..."

"How about I just make us all a nice breakfast..?"

>>2061047420610474

Sonata and Fluttershy sat at the kitchen table.

Fluttershy made them both some fresh oatmeal with apples and orange juice for breakfast.

Sonata poked at her oatmeal in confusion.

"What IS this goopy stuff?"

"It's called oatmeal. It's like um.. Soup, but thicker and more healthy."

"Oatmeal... Huh..."

She sniffed it before taking a taste test with the tip of her tongue.

She was met by a scalding hot liquid.

"OW!"

Fluttershy giggled as she watched Sonata chug down her juice, trying to get rid of the burn.

"You probably should have blown on it before trying to taste it..."

"Oh yeah, shure, NOW ya thell me!"

The two of them ate in silence.

Eventually it was Fluttershy who broke the uncomfortable quietness.

"So uh... Are you excited for today?"

Sonata looked at Fluttershy.

Sonata had been trying that silly trick of sticking a spoon to her nose.

"Excited? Oh... Yeah, that.."

Her gaze fell down.

"I... I can't really say that I am."

Fluttershy tilted her head off to one side.

"Why not? You get to start a whole new life with us. Attend school. Be... Normal."

Sonata took the spoon off of her nose.

"I'm just worried that I might run into Ari' and 'Dagi... I'm afraid that they'll see my necklace and think I have my powers back..."

Fluttershy looked at Sonata quietly for a few seconds.

"Your... Powers? But how could they..?"

Sonata's attention came back to her as she held the necklace you bought her.

"Nothing! Just... Forget I said anything."

Fluttershy stood up and walked to Sonata's side.

"No, no... Just... Here. Try singing something."

"Oh, I don't know if I should..."

"Anything. Even just a hum."

Sonata clutched the necklace tightly as she pictured you.

Just the thought of you gave her the nerve to attempt it.

The necklace shone slightly.

Taking a deep breath in, she began to hum a bit.

Her voice was a little scratchy, probably from the meal.

Yet, it was still very soft and melancholic.

Fluttershy looked a bit shocked.

>>2063370120633701 (You)

Sonata stopped a moment later.

She looked at Fluttershy's face of shock.

"...Did I do something wrong again?"

Fluttershy shook her head.

"N-no! I um... Just. Wow. That... I don't know what to say."

Fluttershy seemed to dance around the topic.

Sonata looked down at the floor quietly.

"Let's just... Hurry up and get going."

Sonata grabbed her things and walked into the bathroom to change and prepare.

Fluttershy looked outside at her animals.

They looked to be acting normally.

"I... I wonder..."

Discord parked his car in his designated spot.

"Now girls, remember. Unless given permission otherwise, you are to stay in line, and stay by me today, got it."

Aria said nothing.

Adagio rolled her eyes softly.

"Yes, sir."

Discord glared at them both through the overhead mirror.

They both had the familiar chill run down their spines.

They promptly looked at him with full attention.

His gaze lightened up.

"Good, good. If things go well today, maybe... MAYBE I can give you a bit more leniency later in the week."

They kept quiet.

Adagio gulped nervously.

"I want you both to have a good day today. Now, come on. We have a meeting to get to."

Luna was already in Celestia's quarters.

"Dear sister, do you think that this would be a... Wise choice, given his history? And those two girls..."

Celestia held a hand up.

"Relax, Luna. We shall see once they arrive. I know Professor Chaos... He wouldn't just do this without having some sort of plan."

"...If you say so."

Celestia's buzzer went off.

"Excuse me, miss Celestia? The three you've been waiting for has arrived."

She pushed a button.

"Send them in."

She spun in her chair to look out of the window.

Luna stood next to her quietly.

Discord and the two Sirens walked into the room.

The girls took the outlying two chairs while Discord stood and bowed to Celestia.

He brought his fancy cane today.

"Good morning Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna."

He had a very cheerful tone.

A Dazzling Redemption 2

>>2063469120634691 (You)

"Please, Professor. Take a seat."

Celestia's voice was fairly demanding, almost strictly so.

"As you wish."

Discord takes his seat, holding onto his cane idly.

Celestia spun in her chair to face them.

Luna turned as well.

Neither of them seemed to be too thrilled about the meeting.

It highly unnerved Adagio.

Aria tried to hide her nervousness with her normal angsty attitude.

"Now, tell me, Professor. Why is it that you have decided to try and reopen the lab again?"

He coughed before puffing his chest out.

Adagio looked at him.

He wore the most serious face she ever saw.

"You see, Celestia. Unlike before when I was running the lab alone... I have two very skilled and... Enthusiastic assistants."

Luna raised an eyebrow.

"And I assume by 'assistants' you mean these two... Girls?"

Adagio looked down, holding her left arm as if she was in pain.

Luna's hesitant pause on "girls" really hit home.

Professor Chaos looked at Luna.

"Yes, my dearest Luna, I do. I had them both stay with me over the weekend, and I even allowed them into my own personal lab. They performed to satisfactory expectations, and then some."

Celestia sat her head on her hands.

"And you are aware of what these two have done, are you not?"

He nodded.

"Yes, these two filled me in on any information I had been missing. Rather than leaving them out on their own... I decided to take them under my wing."

Celestia and Luna looked at one another quietly.

"Excuse us for a moment, would you? We need to discuss this in private."

Celestia and Luna both left the room.

Discord exhaled heavily.

His hands shook on his cane.

"Seeing her like that is always intimidating. How are you two holding up?"

Aria stuck her nose up, clearly still trying to keep herself bottled up.

Adagio was worse for wear. She looked like Sonata did every time she was insulted; Hurt.

Discord put his hand onto Adagio's and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. I'm sure this will work out."

>>2063490620634906 (You)

Adagio looked away quietly.

She was probably hurting beyond words from just how hard Luna's words hit home.

Discord sighed softly.

The door behind them opened up.

"Professor, we wish to have a word with you."

Discord stood up and walked to the door.

"This should only take a few minutes, girls. Behave yourselves."

The door closed.

The aching silence in the room made the wait feel like an eternity.

"Hey.. 'Dagio?"

"...Yeah, Aria?"

"Do you think that we'll...?"

"...I'd definitely count on it."

Aria looked down at the floor quietly.

"And what if we..?"

"We won't do anything. Anything that puts us at jeopardy puts her at risk as well."

Aria went back to being silent.

The air in the room grew dark and heavy.

The door opened quietly as the three facilitators walked in.

Celestia sat straight up in her chair, her hands folded on the desk.

"Well, girls... If what the Professor says is true... I will need you both to sign these papers."

Luna handed the both of them a paper each that seemed to be like a contract.

"Only then can we allow you to work as his assistants."

They both scanned over the paper.

"What is this...? A safety agreement sheet or something?"

Luna coughed slightly.

"They are forms that say any damages intentionally done to the labs are taken into your own responsibility."

The girls looked at Discord.

He nodded slowly.

"They mean if any trouble comes up and costly damages happen... Doesn't mean anything like equipment breaking from malfunction or anything like that."

"...Oh."

"It also says that you both will take the proper lab safety tests to verify that you both know how to handle things in the lab."

They nod once more.

Adagio and Aria both sign the papers on the bottom and hand them back.

Celestia looked at the trio quietly.

The silence felt like it lasted forever.

Her stone gaze lightened to into a smile.

"Glad to have you aboard, girls. Your safety is now in the hands of each other, and the Professor."

>>2063502420635024 (You)

You met up with the girls outside of the school.

Sunset hugged the group of girls as Sonata charged you down for a hug.

"Nonny!~"

You cough a bit as the dust cloud settled.

"Morning to you too..."

What was with girls and tackling you down?

She gets off of you and helps you up.

"So, how did last night go?"

"Umm... It was okay, I guess."

She tipped back and forth idly on her heels and tippy toes.

You look at her questioningly.

"Are you sure? Doesn't sound like things were okay."

"Yeah, yeah. Everything was fine. I just... Had to chase out a rodent problem."

Rodent problem?

Well, it WAS Fluttershy's house... So it wasn't surprising.

You take her to the group again.

"So, you're absolutely, one-hundred percent sure about this?"

"Yes, I am... That's what I saw and heard."

"Well dear, that's a pretty big accusation but... We'll just watch her for now."

You poke your head in.

"What 'cha talking about?"

They all jumped back.

"Anon! Don't do that!"

You laugh quietly.

"I couldn't resist. You were all so serious that I needed to break it somehow."

Sunset grabbed a hold of your arm.

"It's nothing, Anon. Just some girl talk."

Of course, it's ALWAYS girl talk...

"Riight. Anyhow, what's on today's agenda?"

"Well, we were thinking of having a study session today... Then maybe quiz one another..."

You look down at Sunset with a look of disbelief.

She giggles softly.

"I'm just pulling your chains, Anon. Just the usual hanging out."

You shrug as they all laugh at you.

"Um... What about me? What will I do for the day..?"

You look at a very bashful Sonata.

"Well, we need to get you registered with the school. I'll see if we can pull some strings to get you to share classes with one of us."

Sonata seemed to cheer up a little.

However, she still wore a very worrysome expression.

>>2063531920635319 (You)

You took Sonata and Sunset into the school's office.

Professor Chaos was just on his way out with some papers.

You dismiss it as just today's test.

He nods to you.

"Good morning, Mister Anon."

"Good morning Professor."

"Going to see Principal Celestia?"

"Yes, actually. We were going to ask her about something."

"Well, whatever it is you're going to ask about, I'm sure you'll do well. You seem to have a way with words."

He took note of Sonata's presence.

"And by the looks of it, the ladies."

He chuckles as he walks up to his classroom.

You stand there in disbelief.

Sunset put a hand on your shoulder.

"Professor Chaos being Professor Chaos?"

"...Yep."

You walk up to the secretariat's desk.

"Excuse me, is Principal Celestia in?"

"Yes she is. Is she expecting you?"

"Um... No, not really. We just wanted to ask her something important."

"Alright, just take a seat and I'll let her know you're here."

The three of you sit down on a bench.

A few minutes later the secretariat came back.

"She's ready to see you now."

"Oh, good. Thank you."

You stand up before Sunset tugs on your arm gently.

"Are you sure we can do this?"

"Relax, I'm sure if we explain this to her, she'll let her in."

Sunset seemed unsure.

The three of you walk into Celestia's office.

"Ah, Anon. Sunset. Two very good students, come in, take a seat."

You both do as instructed, leaving the middle chair vacant.

"How can I help you both?"

"Well... We want you to enroll a friend of ours."

Celestia looked at you questioningly.

"And who might this... Friend be?"

You whistle before Sonata walks into the room, her head hung low in embarrassment, and her hands folded together in front of her skirt.

Celestia's light demeanor quickly turned serious.

"Her? Sonata Dusk? Surely you're making a joke."

"No, he isn't! We're trying to help Sonata adjust to a normal life, like I am and..."

You look at Sunset before Celestia cut in.

>>2063851720638517 (You)

"And let her tear the school apart again? I'm sorry, but I MUST forbid it."

"Her? Sonata? Destroy the school on her own? How would you figure THAT to be possible! She doesn't even have her own powers!"

You stand up in outrage at what she had claimed.

Celestia merely closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

"Because, Mister Anon and Miss Sunset... Miss Adagio and Miss Aria are in the building as well."

Sunset's heart sank as her face went a ghastly white.

You sit down in your chair, you facial expression growing very dark and serious.

Sonata stood in the room in complete shock.

"... So they are here after all."

"Yes, and I'm afraid that having all three of them running around might cause another problem."

You really have to think hard on this one.

Adagio and Aria were in the school, just as you had feared.

All the more reason to keep Sonata with you.

"Principal Celestia."

She looks at you, even she felt the impact of your flat tone.

"I will ask you this once more. Please, allow Sonata to enroll here. I will personally see to it that she doesn't cause any harm to any of the students."

Celestia just keeps her gaze fixated on you.

"And why should I do this? The last time all three were around, they hypnotized everyone."

"You... I destroyed the front of the school, and you STILL kept me here!"

Celestia looked over at Sunset.

Sunset glared at her, fists clenched and shaking out of pure frustration.

"Why can't she be another exception? He's offered to PERSONALLY handle Sonata."

Celestia remained quiet for a moment.

"And how do I know she won't somehow cause more havoc like before?"

"...If she still had her power to hypnotize people... She'd still have me latching onto her."

"Excuse me?"

It all came back, clear to you.

Everything you did with the Sirens... It all was perfectly clear in your mind.

"I was one of the students who got sucked into their spell. She took me away from Sunset for herself."

Sunset hung her head down at the memory.

>>2063886520638865 (You)

Sonata bit her lower lip at the thought.

She really didn't want to dig up her past wrong doings.

"...I can attest to that. Things got pretty bad between us and... I gave him the boot. It wasn't until after we defeated the Dazzlings at the end of the Battle of the Bands that he came back to me."

You nod.

"And I witnesses first-hand that Sonata... doesn't have any power in her."

Celestia sat motionless as she deliberated.

Your gaze goes back to Celestia.

"We've been trying to get Sonata to adjust to a normal life, and we felt that attending school would be good for her as well... I also promised to protect her from the other two."

"Protect her?"

"Yes... Make sure that Sonata doesn't have to suffer..."

You punch the arm of the chair.

"...From their abuse any more."

Celestia closed her eyes as she drew a deep breath.

Silence.

The tension was so thick that you could cut it with a chainsaw.

Even the girls outside could feel it.

The silence lasted for what seemed like forever.

A few minutes later, she finally broke the silence.

"...Very well."

Sonata's face lit up.

"But only under one condition."

"..Name it."

Celestia spun around in her chair to look out of the window.

"If anything were to happen to the student body, or faculty because of the actions of these girls.. You and Sunset Shimmer will be held responsible, and consequently expelled from Canterlot High."

You and Sunset look at each other as your hearts sank further down.

She nods to you in silence.

You swallow your pride and stand up.

"...Done."

"Very well, then. She shall share your exact schedule, Anon. Do NOT disappoint me."

You nod slowly and turn to walk out.

A dark air hung over your head.

"Come on, girls. Let's leave."

The other girls were out in the hallway, eagerly awaiting your group.

"So, how'd it go? Did she say yes?"

You look off into another direction.

"She did... But at the cost of some grim information."

"Grim... Information?"

Sonata and Sunset kept quiet.

>>2063897620638976 (You)

"...Adagio and Aria are in the school somewhere. I'd advise everyone to be on high alert, as we don't know what they are capable of doing."

"Well what the hay?! If we beat them once, we can do it again!"

They all agreed.

"...We don't want to start another conflict. If something happens to anyone outside of us because of them... Then Sonata can't stay with us."

Everyone went quiet.

"Well, what if we just... Find them and keep an eye on them?"

Pinkie had a point.

It would be irrational to make any hasty movements on them without proper safety measures.

The first bell for classes rang.

"Well, I guess we'll see you guys later, then."

You all part ways.

First class, Math.

Sonata seemed to just stare blankly at the blackboard.

She really must not have a thing for math if she's drooling while awake.

Or what you assume to be awake.

Second class, art.

Sonata actually had a lot of fun in this class.

You worked on your project while she sat next to you and seemed to make a mess.

Yet, somehow, her paint-slinging tactics somehow managed to create a picture.

The art teacher seemed impressed.

"Oh my, darling. This is fabulous! Whatever do you call it?"

Ugh, that stuck-up accent of a higher class...

"Uh... Well, it's just a picture that I had in my mind.."

You took a closer look at it.

It looked like Adagio and Aria when they were in their stage outfits.

What really went on inside of that girl's head?

"Well, it is amazing! For a new student, you have a lot of promise!"

Sonata beamed at the praise she was getting.

Third class, music.

You sat down and tuned a purple Silvertone Guitar.

Sonata sat next to you as she listened to the notes.

She even copied the sound it made with her voice, which was very impressive.

You played a few notes using alternating chords and power chords.

She still followed them.

"How DO you do that?"

She shrugged.

"I guess all that business with the other two gave me an ear for it."

>>2063914620639146 (You)

The music teacher walked over to you two.

"Anonymous, do that again. Play a slow riff."

You look up at him before shrugging.

What could one little bar hurt?

You play the first thing that came to your mind.

It sounded oddly familiar...

Sonata's brain kicked in.

Her necklace shone for a second.

Her voice kicked in as she began to hum softly.

Everyone turned to look at you.

Her humming mixed with your guitar, it all pieced together.

You were accidentally playing Battle of the Bands.

Immediately your hands stopped what they were doing.

Sonata's voice eventually trailed off.

"Anonymous? Why did you stop?"

"I... I'm sorry, sir.. I just... I didn't like what I was playing! You know, artist's intuition!"

He looked at you questioningly.

"Regardless, that was amazing. The way you two kept in sync with the notes and tone... You, my dear, have a gift."

Sonata said nothing to this praise.

She knew full well what she had just done.

"Everyone, round of applause for miss Dusk. We have a prodigy in our midst!"

She got a slow clap from everyone.

She looked at you guiltily.

"I messed up again, didn't I?"

You shake your head.

"No, no you didn't... It was my fault. That was the first thing that came to my mind..."

She watched as you looked at your hands.

Could she really have somehow gotten her powers back?

Or is there some other catch to it..?

You decided to not press your luck.

"Maybe... Doing some theory would be better for us for today."

She nods slowly.

"If... If I did do something wrong, Nonny... I'm sorry."

She sounded genuinely upset.

You pull her into a gentle hug like back in the park.

"It's okay... We'll just work on theory for the rest of class and sort this out later."

Finally, lunch hour.

You and Sonata made your way down to the cafeteria.

"Anon, do they sell tacos today?"

You chuckle softly.

"No, Sonata... That's tomorrow. You know... Taco Tuesday."

Sonata wiggled a bit.

"I looooove tacos~"

"I can certainly tell."

>>2063926220639262 (You)

You both made your way into the cafeteria.

You spot the other girls sitting at the far table.

You take Sonata by the wrist and run toward them.

Sunset looks in your direction.

"Oh, there you are, slowpoke!"

She gave you a kiss on the cheek.

You reach into your pocket and give Sonata 10$.

"Go get yourself some food at the food station. We'll be here."

"Okay, Anon!"

Sonata walked away while you sat with the others.

You sigh.

"What's wrong Anon?"

"...I think she still has some power left."

They gasp.

Everyone except for Fluttershy.

"How could you possibly know, darling?"

"When I was tuning my guitar, she was able to mimic every note I played, even when I did some practice shreds."

"Well you know... That kind of doesn't say that she's got those freaky powers still."

You look at Dash.

"Just saying."

"The teacher came over and asked me to play a bar or two... So I played the first thing that came to my mind. At first I didn't know what I was playing... But then Sonata chimed in..."

They lean in closer to you.

You take a breath in to steel your nerves.

"I ended up playing one of the Dazzlings' songs... No one seemed to have been affected by it, but they were definitely suspicious."

Sonata watched you and the others as you talked about her.

She could tell that you were speaking of her.

When you looked at her, she shrugged and averted her gaze back up to the menu board.

"Anyhow... I don't know how this happened... But I plan to try a few things to find out."

"Like what, sugarcube? It's not like y'all can just haul it outta her."

"No, but she seemed to be able to follow the theory I was doing with her voice..."

You scratch your chin in thought.

"There is no way that you're thinking what I think you are, Anon..."

Sunset sounded serious.

"We'll try to draw it out of her using the Rainbooms. Then we'll know for sure."

"No way! I'm not tossing my--err, OUR Band into harm's way like that!"

"Sit down, Rainbow. Let the man speak his mind."

>>2063959320639593 (You)

"Look, I'm not asking you do to the impossible. And I'll be there to help out... I just want to test my theory out."

"And if yer theory is right?"

"Then we will find some way of controlling her power, and especially keep her away from the other two."

"And if you're wrong?"

"Well, then we have nothing to fear from Sonata."

They mumbled a bit.

"If you don't want to be there, that's fine... Just come to the auditorium after class."

Sonata came back with a tray of food.

She sat down next to you.

"So... What's going on?"

"Oh, nothing darling. We were just talking about today so far."

"Say, speaking of today... Who's turn it is to house Sonata?"

"Ah can take her. We always have room fer more on the farm!"

Sonata gagged a bit.

"What? Don't like the idea of being on the farmyard?"

"Not really, no... It sounds really... Dirty."

Applejack shrugged.

"It's dirty, but it can be fun too!"

"I guess."

Sonata's usual cheer demeanor dropped like a rock.

You all ate in silence today.

Fourth period. Science.

Today you guys were working on your plants.

The teacher seemed to like plants a lot... That damn hippie.

Professor Chaos was out this afternoon so you wouldn't have a chance to consult with him.

Sonata seemed to enjoy watching the plants.

She even got to see a ladybug eat.

"Wow Anon, they're so pretty!"

You took down some notes about your plant.

"Yep. but the plant is what we're focusing on."

You tried to explain how a plant lived and how it grew.

She looked to have tuned you out in favor of the ladybug on her hand.

The fourth bell rung and the insect flew out the window.

"Aww... It left."

Final class.

Study hall.

You sat down in the library, reading away in your physics textbook.

Sonata tried to read it, but it seemed to scramble her brain a lot worse than before.

You were actually surprised that the Professor didn't leave the tests for your class...

It just meant another day to study, so who were you to complain?

"Anon?"

>>2063971320639713 (You)

You look over at Sonata.

"Is something wrong?"

She seemed to be distant as she sat in one of those leather chairs.

"You were talking about me to the others earlier weren't you?"

You took a moment to think.

Should you lie to her? Or tell her the truth?

"Well... Yes, I was. But it was for a good reason."

She looks at you, almost angrily.

"For what? So you can... Throw me to the wolves again?"

Her body expressed anger and frustration. Her eyes screamed pain and fear.

You give her the same stone gaze as you gave Celestia.

She seemed to settle down a bit.

"No... It is for your own protection... If you can wait until later, it will become clear to you what we're doing."

She put a book over her face, trying to hide her tears by "reading."

Except the book was upside down.

"Look, Sonata... We just... We want to do what's best for you. It may not seem like it now... But later we'll explain everything. I promise."

"...For realzies?"

"For realzies."

Adagio and Aria sat in the Chem Lab, reading through various papers.

Adagio had her hand on her head in frustration.

"Man, why is there so much of this stuff!?"

"There is so much, dear Adagio, because there are many... Bad things that can happen in a chemistry lab."

"Like what?"

"Remember what happened back in my lab? Picture that, but with acid able to eat away at the things it touched.

Adagio and Aria pictured that scene.

"None of us would be here now if it were acid. Sometimes, people accidentally make miniature bombs with certain combinations... Things like that. So we need to make sure you're properly trained to deal with things."

They both grumbled and went back to reading.

"And after we finish this...?"

"You write the test."

"Right..."

"Now, look up here."

Discord gave them another run down of safety protocol, as well as how to operate the various machinery.

The girls seemed to follow it well enough.

They even got some of the chemical names and types right.

>>2063986620639866 (You)

They worked at this straight through until the afternoon.

Adagio sat back, yawning loudly.

"Can we take a break yet? We've been at this literally.. All day."

Aria merely grumbled.

Discord chuckled.

"I'm surprised you didn't ask sooner. Very well, take an hour off. Eat, rest up.."

The girls stretched and got off of their seats.

Discord walked out of the room and off somewhere into the school.

"Finally a break. All this stuff just for one simple job just... Ugh."

"I hear that one, Aria..."

"Hey, you wanna see what else is going on in the school?"

"Sounds like a good idea.

Adagio and Aria roamed the halls of the school after eating some food.

All that was around was mostly faculty working on marking or organizing things.

Going to the lower floor, they bypass Vice Principal Luna.

"Oh, girls."

"Yes, Vice Principal Luna?"

"Please, just call me Miss Luna.. And where is the Professor? Shouldn't you be training for the test?"

"Yeah, but he gave us an hour break. We've been working at this since this morning."

Luna smiled a bit.

"Glad to see the dedication. Carry on, then."

Adagio and Aria shrugged, looking at one another.

They heard some faint music coming from down one of the halls.

It sounded vaguely familiar.

"Do you think that's...?"

"Only one way to find out."

They followed the sound to its source.

Adagio and Aria stood in front of the closed auditorium doors.

There were curtains draped over the other side of the windows...

"That sounds like..."

"Yeah... OUR song."

Opening the door quietly, the duo sneaked into the room.

"Let's have a battle! Battle! Battle! Battle of the bands!"

You stand up, holding your chin in thought.

"As I thought... She does still have some vocal power in her..."

"Oh does she now?"

Everyone turned to face Adagio.

She stood there smugly, one hand on her hip.

"Then I guess we'll take back what's ours."

Sonata stood at the front of the stage, looking down at them.

"D-Dagi...! A-Ari...!"

>>2063996620639966

You glare at the two Dazzlings as they approached the stage.

"Oh, my darling Sonata... I thought we lost you for good."

Adagio snaked her way around Sonata.

Her voice sounded genuine, but her body read sinister.

Rainbow pulled Adagio away from Sonata.

"Back off, sister! Sonata isn't with you weirdos anymore!"

"Oh, but on contraire, dear Rainbow Dash... She is and always will be a Siren."

Sonata stood there, unsure of what to do as Aria stood next to her.

"We were planning on finding her ourselves... But you saved us all the trouble."

Sonata looked over at you.

"Sonata, don't listen to them! They're just saying that to get to you!"

Sunset tried to reach out for her, but she kept her gaze on you.

"And by the sounds of things... She even still has some of her powers left. So we'll be taking her back now."

Sonata looked at you with a pleading look, her face just begging for you to tell her that what she was saying was a lie.

You shake your head slowly.

Adagio put her hands on Sonata's shoulders.

"Dearest Sonata... Won't you come back with us? We can be a trio again... Start over."

Sonata's body began to quake a little as she jammed her eyes shut.

"No."

"What was that?"

Aria looked at her in surprise.

"I won't go back with you two."

"But Sonata... They don't want you. They only want to take your powers away.. and then get rid of you."

Adagio moved closer to her, trying to give her a hug.

Sonata spun around and back handed Adagio.

You couldn't tell if it was intentional or not.

Adagio held her face, looking at her in sheer shock.

"...Unlike you two, these people have been nothing but nice to me."

Aria stared Sonata down.

"Why you little ingrate--"

Adagio stood between them, looking at Aria.

"A-Adagio..?"

She shook her head.

"...It shouldn't be like this."

Everyone watched in confusion.

"What in the hay is going on?"

"But Adagio, we... Your plan..."

She just quietly looked at Aria, tears in her eyes.

"...'Dagi..."

>>2064592220645922 (You)

Aria swallowed nervously.

"F-Fine.."

You looked at Adagio's face.

She looked about ready to break down.

Wasn't she supposed to be the strong one?

"We'll leave you alone for now... But this won't be the last time we meet."

They quietly walked out of the room.

"Yeah, well we can still beat you!"

Sonata just collapsed to her knees, sobbing.

Everyone gathered around her.

"Sonata! Are you okay?"

She tried to speak through her muffled sobs.

"I... That was so scary.. I didn't know what to do..."

Rainbow Dash bit her lip, but rubbed Sonata's back gently.

"You did good, kid. You did real good."

"Yeah, sugarcube.. It isn't easy to stand up to people like that."

"I think we all felt the gravity of that one..."

You remained quiet.

Everyone continue to console Sonata until she felt better.

Sunset sat next to you.

"Is there something on your mind, Anon? You're not normally this quiet."

"...Something wasn't right about Adagio."

"What do you mean? She seemed normal to me."

You shook your head.

"Think about it. Normally she'd let Aria just wail on whomever dared to touch them."

"Maybe she just wanted Sonata intact?"

"No... When she stood between them... I could see it. She was feeling... Distress."

"Distress?"

Adagio washed herself up in the bathroom.

Right where Sonata had struck her, there was a large red mark.

Her mascara was running a bit from her crying.

"Why did you stop me, Adagio?"

"Because, Aria... If you two had gotten into a fight, it wouldn't be good for any of us."

Aria leaned against a stall.

"What, you're going soft now?"

"I may be soft... But... What if he was right?"

Aria shrugged a bit.

"You're actually letting that old man get to you? Really?"

Adagio looked at her reflection.

On the outside was a beautiful teenage girl.

The inside contained a broken, distressed person.

Even deeper, she saw a monster.

Adagio slammed her fists on the counter top in frustration.

"I... I cant explain this feeling..."

>>2064602420646024 (You)

Aria bit her bottom lip.

She also did feel a bit upset over that run in with Sonata.

But... How could she be able to sing still? Their pendants were smashed...

"Look, we should probably just get back to the room for now. The professor is probably waiting for us."

Adagio exhaled heavily.

"Yeah, you're probably right."

Aria walked Adagio into the classroom, wrapping her arm around her comfortingly.

Discord was already in the room working on some Chemical equations.

"Ah, girls, you've returned. Good, good.."

Neither of them said anything as they returned to their seats.

Adagio looked like she was still in distress and disarray.

Discord turned to look at them.

Principal Celestia walked into the room.

"How are things in here, Professor? No issues, I trust?"

"No, no. Everything's fine... But I'll ask that yo hold on to the exams until tomorrow."

"Oh? did something happen?"

Discord put on his usual smile.

"No, I just think they need some more time to study up. That's all."

"Uh huh... Okay then. Just came up to check on you. Good luck, girls!"

They didn't respond as Celestia walked out the door, closing it behind her.

Discord moved from his desk and sat in front of them.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Aria kept her eyes on Adagio.

"..It was Sonata."

Discord's attention piqued.

"Sonata, you say? ...Mmm... Let's call it a wrap for today, then."

"Are you sure? You don't want to get into any more trouble--"

"Relax, Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna won't mind if we left a bit early. I'm not necessarily on shift anyway."

Aria nodded before leaning into Adagio.

"Come on, 'Dagi. We're going home."

Adagio merely nodded.

You were the last of your friend out of the school.

You stayed behind to finish cleaning up the stage.

As you walk toward the shop, you notice the Professor going to his car.

He was here after all?

He also looked to be accompanied by the other two girls...

What was he up to this time?

>>2064625120646251 (You)

You can faintly make out what they're saying.

"You'll not need to do anything tonight, dears... It'll be a free night, okay?"

He unlocked his car.

"Yeah.. I think she'll need it."

"Not just her... You too."

Aria went quiet.

Was he housing those two?

That would be a very big deal if he was...

Just looking at Adagio, you felt your heart wrench again.

Jesus fucking Christ heart, stop that. You're not supposed to have feels for the bad guys.

Still, you couldn't just ignore your instincts.

After they left, you got up and began to walk to the shop, thinking quietly to yourself.

On the way there, you bump into Brad.

You both stumble backward.

"Oh, woah, I'm sorry, man. Wasn't watching where I was goo---"

He jumps at the sight of you.

"Ah! Anon!"

"Oh, Brad uh... Hey."

"Look man, don't hurt me, okay! I didn't mean to--"

You shook your head as you flipped a silver coin idly.

"No, it's my fault. I wasn't paying attention."

You offer him a hand to stand up.

He hesitantly takes it.

"Uh... Thanks, I guess. You seem uh.. Troubled. Everything alright?"

You debated on telling him.

"No, not really. It's a complicated situation. Something you don't want to get involved in."

"Well, Anon... You know if you need someone--"

"..I know. I can talk with you. But not now, I need to get to the girls."

He nods, dusting himself off.

"Well, good luck with that then. Hopefully things will work out."

"Man, what's taking Anon so long?"

Rainbow Dash giggled.

"Maybe he's looking at some stuff he's not supposed to."

Fluttershy went red at the thought.

Sunset blushed, but smacked Rainbow on the head with a rolled up folder.

"Ow! Haha... What was that for?"

"For being you."

You walk through the doors.

It wasn't just a casual walk in.

You nearly swung the doors off of their hinged, western cowboy style.

You take a seat in the middle of the group quietly.

Joe slides you down a milkshake.

"Thanks, Joe."

You flip the coin to Joe who caught it.

>>2064637520646375 (You)

"Anytime, kiddo."

Joe went back to washing the dishes as you sipped on your shake.

"So, what took you so long, mister 'I have to make a big entrance'?"

You stop and put the glass down.

"...I saw the Professor with the girls."

It felt as if time had stopped for your group.

"The Professor..."

"With them?"

"There's just... No way."

You look down at your glass.

"And by the sounds of it... He's housing them, too."

"But why would he...?"

"I have no idea... But that Adagio..."

You look at Sonata.

She wasn't looking at you, but still felt the chill of your gaze.

"She looked to be in worse for wear shape."

"Well, yeah. I mean, she just got slapped by her ex best friend!"

You shake your head solemnly.

"No, it isn't that. It's something... More. Something deeper."

"Deeper?"

You take a breath in.

You were about to tread on some very thin ice.

"Sonata... Are you still having those nightmares?"

"Nightmares?"

The others seemed to be confused.

Sonata didn't say anything, but she nodded.

"...As I thought. Sonata's still trying to come to terms with her own inner demons... I wonder if they're doing the same."

"Inner demons? But didn't we like... Totally destroy those things?"

"Maybe... Maybe not. If Sonata still has her ability to sing, and is having these nightmares... Who's to say that they aren't as well?"

"I guess that makes logical sense..."

Sunset put a hand onto your shoulder.

"But what can we do about it? That whole... Agreement with Celestia..."

"You guys won't do anything... Me, however... I think I have an idea."

You look at Applejack.

"Let us take Sonata for the night. I know this is out of the blue, but it... It's a part of the plan."

"Well uh, sure sugarcube. If it means that y'all can sort this mess out... Anythin' fer ya."

You don't know how well this will go over, but you couldn't just pussy out like this.

Not when the possibility of lives is on the line.

You just hope that you can catch them at a good time...

>>2064655620646556 (You)

You spent the remainder of the afternoon and a bit of the evening with the girls.

Today's hang out... Was not the easiest to do.

You walked with Sunset and Sonata back to Sunset's house.

"So... Anon.. What's this plan you have cooking up?"

"Well.."

You paused to look into the sky.

"I'm going to drag the Professor into this."

"The Professor? Why?"

You bite you lip, thinking of the big risk you're taking.

"He's the only one who seems to be close enough to the other girls without putting anyone at risk..."

"..Right.. And what can he do?"

"I'm hoping that he'll lend me a hand in settling this issue once and for all."

Sunset didn't like the sound of your ultimatum.

Sonata kept quiet for the entire walk home.

Discord and the girls sat in the den.

The air was thick and heavy, nothing Discord was unfamiliar with.

Adagio was curled up a bit on the couch.

Aria looked off to the side silently.

Eventually Discord broke the silence.

"I'm going to be forward about this... What happened?"

He wasn't using his usual playful tone.

Instead, he sounded drop-dead serious.

Adagio quivered at the thought, biting her lower lip.

"Well? Tell him, 'Dagi."

"We uh... Ran into Sonata. And the members of that..."

Her tone dropped to a more angry, spiteful level.

"...Rainboom band..."

He sat up and nodded quietly.

"We... Tried to coax Sonata to return with us... But she wouldn't listen... And when I tried to give her a hug she just..."

Adagio flinched and held her face.

Aria rolled her eyes.

"Sonata swung her arm backward and slapped Adagio clear in the face."

"I see... What happened next?"

"I tried to go after Sonata for striking her... But Adagio stood in the way. She wouldn't let me get to her."

Discord closed his eyes solemnly as he thought.

"And how, exactly, did you confront them?"

"...What do you mean?"

"Well, were you polite about it, or were you mean?"

Adagio and Aria looked at one another.

"I... I guess I was kind of mean..."

>>2064962720649627 (You)

Adagio sat up, resting her head on her knees.

"I kind of... Let my Siren side take over, and tried to sway her using that..."

Discord looked at her.

"And you say that she swung at you?"

Adagio nodded.

"...Sounds like what you did hit a nerve."

"...Hit a nerve?"

"Yes, when you do something that upsets or offends someone, it's called hitting a nerve. Your actions probably brought up a bad memory and she retaliated in defense."

Adagio kept her head down.

Aria's breaths became shaky.

"Now, there's no way that was just the problem... Earlier you were snappy. Care to talk about that too?"

Adagio remained quiet.

"It was a nightmare, wasn't it?"

She nodded quietly.

Discord moved his chair beside her and rubbed the upper part of her back.

"Come now, you need not hide them. Luna has taught me a thing or two about dreams."

"I just.... You wouldn't believe me..."

Discord went to say something before his phone rang.

"Hold on, I have to take this."

He left the room to take the call.

"Hello?"

"Yes, Professor Chaos?"

"Oh, Anon! What brings you to call me?"

"...I need your help with something."

His tone became serious again.

"It's those girls. Adagio and Aria. By now I'm sure you've heard of what happened."

"Naturally."

"I'm worried that if we don't work things out for this... Things will get real bad, real fast."

"..."

Discord stopped to think.

"Just what do you propose we do?"

"I think that we need to try and break them, then rebuild them."

"You mean like your robotics project last year?"

"Yeah, except much more delicate."

Discord stroked his beard.

"What you're asking is a big task, Anon... I cannot do this alone."

"I am aware of this. That's why I'm going to assist you. I'll do what I can on my end with Sonata... And I'll try to help you with Aria and Adagio. Sound fair?"

"Risky... But I suppose it could work out."

You continued to plan the best course of action with him.

>>2064974420649744

You hung up the phone quietly.

Sonata had her head poked around the corner.

You sigh a bit.

"Sonata, how many times do I have to tell you to not spy on people like that?"

You didn't even have to turn around to know she was there, which caught her by surprise.

"I... I'm sorry, Nonny... But that was about me, wasn't it?"

You put the phone on its base, which hung on the wall.

"Yeah, it was."

"...Am I being pushed out again?"

You turn and walk to her.

She looked really disappointed, almost ready to cry.

You quietly pull her into a hug before she broke into tears.

"No, you aren't being pushed out of anything by anyone..."

Sunset stood at the end of the hall, watching you try to calm Sonata down.

She felt a bit jealous, but she held her tongue.

After all, wouldn't it be selfish to get in the way of someone else who was going through a similar hard time as you?

"Here, how about I make us some hot choco and we can talk about it?"

Sunset walked down the hall.

"I'll get the kettle started."

You smile softly.

"Thanks, hun. Come on, Sonata. Let's go on the back deck."

You stood against the railing, Sonata snuggled up next to you as she quietly sobbed.

You rubbed her back gently to calm her down.

"Sonata, I want you to try something for me."

She looked up at you.

"Wh..What is it?"

You look up into the sky.

"Try singing for me once more."

"Wh-what!? Are.. Are you crazy?"

You look down at her with such an intensity that she shook there almost petrified.

"Please... Something's been on my mind since I heard you earlier today. ...I have a theory about your... Power."

She nods slowly.

"Do you want me to grab the guitar again?"

"U-um... It'd kind of help..."

You quickly go inside.

Thankfully, since Sunset didn't like the prospect of you playing inside that much, you kept your guitar equipment just inside the back door.

You bring it out and hook it all up.

Tuning was adjusted.

Guitar shined.

Everything was set.

>>2068937720689377 (You)

Sunset stood in the doorway quietly.

You turned on the amplifier and slid your finger pick down your E and A strings simultaneously, causing a neat little sound.

You look up at Sonata who nods.

"Anon, are you sure about thi--"

You hold your hand up to Sunset.

"I'm just testing my theory out. I'll explain later."

She looked overly worried, but decided to not say anything.

You take a deep breath and raise your guitar to start playing.

Just like before, you let your fingers do as they pleased, dancing around the guitar with chords, individual notes, slides...

Sonata's ear twitched a bit as she quickly picked up the tune.

That's right... Just let the music flow through you.

She began to hum along.

It was fairly scratchy this time, as opposed to before.

Regardless, you kept on playing.

Sunset got an idea and brought out a cheap glass you had in the cupboard.

"Aaagh.. gah.."

Sonata was choking up, but continued to try and sing.

It didn't take long, but her messed up throat shattered the glass.

You stop your playing.

"Well... That was a catastrophic failure."

You pick up the glass shards to examine it...

...They all were cut in the same way; Large shards with rough edges.

"I... I'm sorry, I just couldn't get it right..."

You carefully set your guitar down and glass shard down before patting Sonata on the head.

"It's okay, Sonata. I couldn't expect it to go well after a crying session."

Sonata looked down at the comment.

Good job, Smooth McGroove.

"Look, let's just rest for a bit until the choco comes, alright?"

"Okay..."

A few minutes later, Sunset walked out of the house with the mugs of choco.

You had been looking over the shards quietly the entire time.

"I swear, Anon. You get obsessed over the silliest of things."

"...I'm not obsessed. I'm just making some... Scientific observations."

>>2068950620689506 (You)

"Riiiight."

Sunset gave one to Sonata, then one to you before sitting down on a chair.

"So, what's this big theory plan thing?"

You took a sip of your hot choco without blowing on it. Such a man.

Just for shits and giggles you even splashed a bit onto your face.

Lowering your mug, Sonata giggled softly at your chocolate mustache.

"Well... It turns out I was right about the Professor."

You raise your mug a bit.

"He IS housing Adagio and Aria."

Sonata looked down quietly.

"So... What's going on with that?"

You close your eyes quietly for a moment.

"He's... Trying to reform them, kinda."

"...Kinda?"

Sunset looked at you curiously as she took a drink.

"Basically, he's trying to... break their shells and teach them how to actually function as 'good' people."

Sonata looked up at you.

"Isn't that what you're doing to me?"

You and Sunset almost choke on your drinks from the subtleness of the comment.

"No... No.."

You cough a couple of times.

"Well, kind of. He is taking a different approach. We, as friends, are teaching you by the best way possible; having friends."

"Ohh... Okay. But what about 'Dagi and Ari'?"

"He... Is trying to work them hard in order to wear them out, then proceed with the gentle treatment."

Sonata hadn't even touched her choco yet.

"Why's that, Nonny?"

You sigh heavily.

"Adagio... And especially Aria, have a lot of bottled up feelings, so their... Mind barriers are really strong."

Sonata tilted her head.

"Bottled feelings? Mind barriers?"

"You see, Sonata... When people don't like to, or don't want to show their bad feelings, they just sort of... Bottle them up and hide them. Like a toy you want to hide from someone."

She nodded in understanding.

"This causes some people to make a wall or barrier around themselves that stops other people from seeing those bottled up feelings."

"So uh... 'Dagi and Ari' are like... Super sad or something?"

You sit back in relaxation as you take another swig to think.

>>2068968120689681 (You)

"Yeah, something like that... Though as far as I've seen and heard, their barriers are fairly strong."

You pause, thinking your next words out carefully.

"Adagio is already buckling under the pressure, if not already collapsed. As for Aria... I don't know if he can do it alone."

Sonata looked a bit upset.

"I must have really been the absolute worst, like Ari' said, if they're that angry and upset..."

Sunset put a hand onto Sonata's shoulder.

"I'm sure it wasn't you... I mean, it probably was a lot of things..."

You nod slowly.

"It takes a lot for someone to build a barrier as strong as theirs."

Sonata remained quiet.

"So, I'm going to try and help him break them... With you."

"Me?"

"Her?"

"Yes, you, Sonata. From what I saw, and what I heard... Adagio didn't mean what she did earlier today."

"How... How could you know that?"

"The Professor told me that Adagio was terribly torn up after you slapped her. She wouldn't speak a single word."

Sonata dropped her mug onto the deck as she clasped her hands around her mouth, eyes watering.

The drink spilled.

"I... I didn't hurt her... D-did I...?"

"I don't think you hurt her physically... But emotionally."

Adagio was still cuddled against Aria, even late into the night.

It was very quiet. The three of them watched the fire's sparks flicker.

Discord sat in a rocking chair, swaying back and forth.

"Now, dear... Why don't you try to explain to me the dream?"

Adagio looked up at him quietly.

"I... I don't know if I could."

He continued to rock back and forth.

"Well, if you don't get it out, then we can't help you."

She looked at the fire again.

"Well... I heard us singing... Then I saw us all on stage like back at the Battle of the Bands..."

He nods slowly.

"I was in my stage outfit again, and everything felt wrong... A purple mist surrounded me... It took a hold me, and no matter how much I struggled I couldn't break free..."

She took a very shaky breath in.

>>2068981020689810 (You)

Just the thought oh the dream was shaking her up.

"It just... Lifted me up and just dropped me... I had no control over anything. That's.. That's when I woke up, crying."

Discord closed his eyes and stroked his beard.

"I see... That is very troubling, indeed. By the sounds of it, your sub-conscious is starting to come forth and the guilt from your past actions is coming back to haunt you."

"And... What does that all mean, exactly..?"

"It could also be that you may still have some of that power left inside of you."

Aria glared at him.

"Why would you like... Even think of that? Our pendants were shattered, if you haven't forgotten."

He chuckled softly.

"And you guys are forgetting that sometimes we can have an extra bit of power inside of ourselves!~ Just think back to your little friend, Sonata."

Aria and Adagio looked at one another.

"That... Would make sense... But she didn't have her pendant either. How could she..."

It just hit Adagio that Sonata was wearing the necklace you had given her.

"...Could she have found another gem within that necklace to do it?"

"You're delirious, Adagio. Our Pendants were made of... Equestrian Magic. There shouldn't be any in some gem."

"No, no, Aria. She has a point."

"What, are you crazy too?"

They both look at Discord once more.

"No, just listen. You ran into this... Equestrian magic before, have you not?"

They nod.

"Yeah, we tried to feed on it."

"What if... That wasn't just the only source of power? What if there was something more?"

"...Something more?"

He chuckles and turns to the fire again.

"Yes, something else to give you power... Something else magical."

The girls were both confused.

"What if that other power source... Is that your friend Sonata found, and you have yet to find it?"

"What... What could that even be?"

He grinned slyly.

"That is for you to find out, my dears."

They grumbled quietly.

"Now.. I think it's just about time to get some rest, no?"

"Yeah... I guess so."

>>2069004420690044 (You)

Adagio was just as upset as earlier.

Discord's normally uplifting expression turned grave.

"Adagio, I know you're upset, but I need you to be strong through this. I know that once we get through this... Set back, that things will get better."

She sniffled.

"I... I'll try, but..."

He put his hand on her head gently.

"You were their leader, were you not?"

She nodded softly.

"Then stand up on your own two feet and prove that you are."

"Wh-what?"

Adagio looked shocked.

"A leader doesn't just sit down and cry when the going gets tough, my dear. They stand at the front of the lines and fight to bring their ideals to light."

Adagio couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Not only did her very close friend reject and hit her... Their guardian was also questioning her leadership.

Adagio began to sob heavily and took off into their bedroom.

Aria tried to chase after her, but Discord blocked her with his arm.

"What are you doing you old man!? Do you realize what you just did!?"

He grinned as he listened to her angry and upset tone.

Aria struggled against his arm.

"Let.. Me... Go... You stupid, stupid... Person..!"

Aria eventually wore herself out and hung half-limp on his arm.

His arm was being dampened by her now flowing tears.

"YOU are literally THE worst!"

She looked up at him angrily.

"You know who else you've called the worst?"

Discord grinned as he got right into her face menacingly.

"That lovely little Sonata of yours."

Aria's eyes shook from the memories of her constant fights against Sonata.

This only proceeded to make her body shake from the emotional overload.

"I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU!"

Aria was now screaming as she took off into the same room.

Discord wiped his arms off and crossed them in front of his chest.

He looked like a mildly displeased father.

"That went about how I expected it to..."

He shook his head and went downstairs.

"Maybe that will help shed some light onto them."

>>2069013920690139 (You)

Aria sat in a dark corner on her side of the room, sobbing heavily.

Adagio looked out the window, the pale moonlight streaming into the room.

"He... He didn't mean that... Did he?"

Aria didn't respond.

Adagio held her head as she fought against herself for control of her thoughts.

Her mind was so cluttered with thoughts of Sonata, and their past mixing with Discord's words.

It was hard to make sense of any of it.

It hurt really bad to think, and it only caused to make her cry harder.

Adagio began to hit her head on the window trim in frustration.

It wasn't until her fifth or sixth strike that she she managed to hear Aria screaming at her.

"STOP IT! JUST STOP IT! STOP!"

Adagio looked back toward where Aria was.

She had never seen Aria in such a state of disarray.

Aria was holding herself in a fetal position.

"JUST STOP WITH EVERYTHING!"

Adagio gulped nervously.

"A-Aria..."

Adagio got up and slowly walked over to Aria.

"Go away! Leave me alone! I don't want to see any of you!"

Her words stung almost as hard as Sonata's slap did.

Adagio squatted down and hugged Aria from behind.

"Aria..."

Aria tried to throw Adagio off of her.

Adagio held on tightly. Just sitting there, she could feel Aria's pain.

It was like a stinging cold mist...

She kept thinking about Discord's words.

Stand on your own two feet and prove you're a leader.

She kept holding onto Aria as she wore herself out.

The broken Aria sat there, still sobbing.

"Why... Why do you bother with this, Adagio..? I'm a.. a..."

Adagio snuggled in closer to Aria, still crying softly.

"No.. You're not... You're not a monster..."

"How could you say that..!? I drove Sonata away...!"

Adagio managed to turn Aria around.

She looked at Aria as the moonlight shone into Aria's eyes, highlighting her tears.

"You didn't... We both did..."

Aria looked at the conflicted Adagio.

"...'Dagi..."

"...I'm not going to leave you..."

"...Why..?"

"...Because, Ari... I... I love you."

>>2069026520690265 (You)

Involuntarily, Adagio pulled Aria into a tight hug.

Aria was caught completely off guard, but returned hug.

They rested their heads on each other's shoulder.

"...Adagio..."

Adagio couldn't explain the sudden new feeling in her stomach.

It wasn't bad... But it was... Unfamiliar.

"No more words now..."

Slowly their sobbing began to die down as they held each other in the embrace.

Adagio and Aria ended up moving their beds together and right next to the wall.

They sat next to one another, looking out the window.

"..Adagio, did you really mean... What you said back there?"

She nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I did... It took a little push but... I finally realized that I really do care about you... And Sonata."

Aria bit her lip a bit.

She really didn't know how to respond.

Aria never did have anyone actually say "I love you" and mean it.

She was always considered a monster because of what she was born into...

She snuggled up close to Adagio who put her arm around the purple-haired girl.

"You both have been around me for so long... I guess I just consider you my sisters now..."

"Sisters..."

Aria smiled softly at the prospect of it.

Adagio was the eldest, so it made sense that she was the leader... But a sister?

The Dazzlings never really had a true family.

"...I like the sound of that."

Adagio felt warm and fuzzy inside.

"I thought you would..."

Adagio and Aria quietly talked to one another as the night dragged on.

They eventually fell asleep in one another's arms.

Discord came into the room to check on them.

Seeing them the way they were, he smiled and quietly approached the bed.

"Well, I'll be. It worked."

He gently put their blanket over them and stroked their heads once.

"Sleep well, you two. Tomorrow will be a new start."

>>2069037420690374 (You)

You sigh softly as you relax into the large two-person tub.

The warm-hot water felt amazing on your body.

Sunset was in the other side, relaxing with her glasses on, almost like she was sunbathing.

"Mmm.. It always feels good to relax after a long day."

"You said it, Sunny."

Sonata knocked on the door.

"Are you guys done yeeet?"

"No, Sonata! We only got in like.. Five minutes ago!"

"Well hurry up!"

Sonata whined as she hopped from foot to foot.

You roll your eyes.

Sunset lifted her glasses and looked at you.

"Just let the poor girl in. We have the curtain anyway."

"Are you sure?"

Sunset shrugged and went back to relaxing.

You pull the curtain across.

"Fine Sonata, you can come in. But make it quick!"

The door slammed open as Sonata charged in.

You try to tune her out as she sighs audibly.

The stream of her urine was loud as can be.

"Oh, by the way, Nonny... You never did explain to us what your the... the... uh..."

She always did struggle with more sophisticated words.

"Theory?"

"Yeah, that!"

You facepalm and groan.

"Now's not the time or place to be talking about it."

"Well, she does have a point, Anon."

You try to hide in the strawberry scented bath bubbles.

Sunset threw a bar of soap at you.

"Ow!"

"No hiding."

Sonata giggled as she listened.

"Now start talking, mister secretive agent."

That was a new one.

"I just... When I heard Sonata singing earlier today, it didn't feel anywhere near as dark or menacing as when she still had her pendant."

"So?"

"So... I had the theory that she might be getting this power from somewhere else."

"...Somewhere else?"

Sonata sounded legitimately curious.

"Yeah, like... Others' music or something like that. But our trial tonight... Kind of ruled that out."

Sunset looked at you again.

"What do you mean... Ruled out?"

"Remember the glass? When I looked at it, I expected the cuts to be fine and smooth. Like how sound pierces the ears and the mind. But it was totally rough and jagged."

>>2069086720690867 (You)

"So that means what, exactly?"

"It means that Sonata DOES have some power in her... But it isn't the music itself that draws it out."

Sonata pondered as she did her business, kicking her legs quietly.

"So the music is like uh... A guide for me?"

"That... Is a possibility. I'd like to think that, but I can't be totally sure. Something has to be able to bring out that power."

Sonata sighed softly.

"I don't know, Nonny. I mean... What if I hurt people again?"

"Believe me, Sonata. The voice I heard when you sang was not malicious. It felt and sounded more soft and melancholic."

"Mel... Mel... Mel..."

Sunset giggled a bit.

"Melancholic. More harmonious. It sounded prettier."

"Ohhh!"

Sonata finished and washed up.

"Well... I still don't trust it..."

You look at the bubbles in front of you.

Maybe the Professor could help you figure it out.

"Don't worry about it, Sonata. Just go get some rest. Long day tomorrow for both of us."

"Alright, Nonny."

Sunset sighed and laid back.

"I don't know what you expect to get out of this, Anon... But I don't think anything good will come of it."

You went under the water and came back up with a bubble beard and monocle.

"Well, my dear. I do believe this act shall be beneficial for all parties involved."

Sunset giggled at how silly you looked before splashing it off of you.

"Aw... No beard?"

"No beard."

>>2069095620690956 (You)

It was a very quiet night for you three.

You slept on the floor and let Sonata sleep in the bed with Sunset.

Sure, it wasn't that comfy, but you'd have to get used to it.

Sonata rolled toward you.

"Nonny, you still awake?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"I'm kinda afraid."

"Of what, Sonata? You have your friends to watch over you."

"Of what Adagio and Aria would do to me if I ever.... Forgave them."

You didn't really think of it from Soanta's point of view.

She had been pushed around and abused by them for thousands of years...

To just up and have to accept them would seem fairly hard...

But still, you had confidence in Sonata's innocent judgment.

Her young, silly, innocent judgment.

"Listen, I don't know how things will be for the next little while... I don't mean to scare you, but it will be... Different."

"..."

"Having Adagio and Aria around will definitely make everything harder... But I want you to promise me something."

"What is it..?"

You roll over and look at her, your hand on the edge of the bed.

"Promise me... That you'll trust me. No matter what happens, you'll trust me and my instincts."

Sonata's silence showed her hesitation.

She eventually grabbed your hand with both of hers.

"Alright, Nonny... I will."

"Good, now get some sleep... We all need it."

Sunset growled threateningly.

"If you both don't pipe down and sleep, I'll throw you both to the WOLVES!"

"Sorry..."

Sonata giggles before whispering to you.

"She's scary when she doesn't sleep. How DO you live with her?"

You chuckle quietly.

"Very carefully."

You sit up in bed the next day.

The fresh sunlight is streaming in through the window and lights up the entire room.

You look at the alarm clock.

7 AM.

Looking over to your left, you see that Sonata and Sunset were both already up and out of the room.

Walking into the kitchen, you rub your tired eyes groggily.

"Good morning sleepyhead~"

Sunset seemed to be in a good mood.

"Hiya, Nonny. Sunset and I were just talking.

>>2069245720692457 (You)

"Yeah? What about?"

You dug through the fridge for your usual coffee ingredients.

Sunset smirked.

"Oh, nothing. Just how good you are in bed."

Sonata giggled.

"Oooohh!~"

You slammed the fridge door shut and gave Sunset the most evil stare possible.

If you closed that door any harder, it would have ripped right off.

"You WHAT?"

"Oh, you know. Curious minds needs their nourishment~"

Sunset swayed her hips from side to side.

Sonata kept giggling.

You go into the freezer and take some ice cubes out.

"Oh, did you now? Well, then that calls for this!"

You put the ice cubes into the back of her bed shirt, causing her to squirm uncontrollably.

She began to flail ans squeak.

"ANON!"

Now you and Sonata were the ones giggling it up.

You took over her cooking as she got the ice cubes out of her shirt.

"That wasn't nice, Anon!"

"Well, you looked so hot, so I had to turn the heat down."

"I... You..."

Sunset looked at you in confusion for a second before a grin came to her face.

"I see what you did there... You sly dog, you."

Sonata smiled softly.

"Is this what you two normally do?"

"Nah, not always. This is just one of those silly mornings, it seems."

"It sure is."

Sunset gave you a kiss on the cheek before taking the stove over again.

You made your coffee as the three of you talked about today.

You got your things ready for the day, and helped Sonata organize her stuff.

You even offered to split your supplies with her so she could actually do her own thing in class.

She'd at least need the sketch book for the afternoon... No doubt about it.

"Are we all set, Sunset?"

"Yep. Everyone's got money, books are all in, everything's organized... Just gotta meet the girls now."

Sonata yawned a bit.

"Let's goooo already. It's bad enough I gotta sit around these boooring classes, I don't wanna have to wait for them too!"

You and Sunset chuckle softly.

"Welcome to the world, Sonata."

>>2069288220692882 (You)

Adagio was the first of the two girls to wake up.

She sat up and stretched with a loud yawn.

That sleep felt amazing.. Best she had in years.

She looks next to her.

Aria was still sleeping soundly, sort of in a jumble as she drooled a bit.

She was at least smiling, which made Adagio feel good.

She remembered last night's events.

Now that her head was clear, she could actually think.

What he said was true, she wasn't really a true leader cowering behind things...

But at the same time, what did he say or do to Aria?

It must have been pretty heavy to make her break like that...

She looked surprised as the thought jumped into her head.

It was must have been his plan the entire time.

Adagio smile slyly.

That sneaky bastard...

Still, she couldn't hate him, though his tricks were admirable.

Adagio gently stroked Aria's hair before stepping out of the room.

Aria rolled onto her back and mumbled quietly.

"nnf.. noo... Bacon and eggs... mm..."

Adagio went outside and got the paper from the end of the driveway.

Derpy was doing the same thing in her yard.

Adagio looked up and waved at her, trying to be friendly.

Derpy made a scrunchy face.

Adagio slowly lowered her hand down.

This... Was going to be harder than she thought.

Regardless, she brought the paper and began to go to work in the kitchen.

"Maybe today I'll just make some flapjacks. Yeah, with some sliced fruit.."

She worked her way around the kitchen quickly, working on this and that as ideas came to her.

Discord stumbled down the stairs.

"What's going on down here?"

Discord walked into the kitchen as Aria walked out of the bedroom.

"...'Dagi? What are you doing?"

She yawned loudly.

Adagio flipped the flapjacks without even batting an eye.

"I'm making breakfast for you guys."

Discord looked at her questioningly.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay, Miss Dazzling?"

She continued to dance around the kitchen, preparing the food.

>>2069305620693056 (You)

"After last night, I feel so much better. I finally came to grips to some things, and my head feels much clearer... So I wanted to return the favor to you both."

Discord and Aria looked at one another.

"Both?"

Discord eyed Aria curiously, stroking his beard in thought.

..Could what have happened last night... Be the key to this?

He would have to really keep an eye on them.

Aria looked over at Adagio.

"And why didn't you wake me up? I could've helped you, you know."

"You looked so happy and peaceful for once that I didn't want to ruin it."

Aria sat in her chair quietly.

She had a hard time responding to that statement.

It felt like she had a golf ball in her throat.

"...Thanks."

Discord's ear twitched.

Did... Did she just say "Thanks"?

Aria Blaze, Miss "I can do what I want." just said "Thanks."

Discord was in complete shock for a moment before snapping himself out of it.

You did it again, Discord. You mastermind...

He takes his seat as Adagio began to set some plates of food down.

"So, what's on today's breakfast menu?"

"Flapjacks, lightly spiced with cinnamon, served up with fresh green and yellow melon slices, freshly squeezed pineapple juice with a hint of sugar, and some maple syrup if needed."

The table looked professionally done.

Adagio gave a sigh of accomplishment.

Discord gave the flapjacks a taste.

Of all the flapjacks he ever had, these had to be the best he tasted.

"Wow, Adagio... This is amazing!"

Aria took a bite of hers.

Her face lit up with delicious tastes, similar to how Sonata's did.

"Mhm! This is just... Ish sho gewd!"

They began to eat happily in silence.

"I'm glad you both love it so much. I added one other special ingredient in it..."

They both look at her.

"A hint of care, some fine craftsmanship... And a tid bit of love~"

Adagio winked at them.

Discord chuckled softly and clapped.

"Bravo, my dear. Truly, a feast for all."

Adagio took her seat next to Aria and began to eat.

>>2069320520693205 (You)

For once it was a lively breakfast.

All three of them talked and ate together.

Discord noted the more positive air between Adagio and Aria.

They also seemed to be a lot closer.

"I see you brought the papers in, too."

"Oh, uh.. Yeah. I did."

Discord looked at Adagio.

Her cheerfulness dropped a few notches.

"Did something happen?"

She looked down at her melon slices.

"I saw that Derpy Hooves outside, across the street."

"Oh, Miss Hooves? She's a goofy one, that girl."

Adagio poked at a slice.

"But, continue."

"I tried to be friendly and wave at her... But she just scrunched up her face and looked at me angrily."

Discord sighed softly.

"Adagio... Forgiveness isn't just instantaneous. You have to work to earn it."

She nodded slowly.

"I figured as such but it felt so... Awful having her do that to me."

Discord cut a slice from his flapjack.

"And how do you think that miss Dusk felt when you two pushed her around?"

Aria fell silent.

Adagio shook a bit from self frustration.

"...The same way."

"Correct."

Adagio put her fork down.

Her shoulder shook uncontrollably as she began to cry again.

Aria looked to be on the verge of crying as well.

"Sonata... I... I..."

"Save it, my dears."

They both looked at him as he chewed his food.

"Apologizing here wouldn't.."

He paused to swallow.

"...Do any good. Save it for when you see her next. Tell it to her like you mean it."

"But... What if she rejects us again?"

"Then give her time. She's probably distraught about it too. Time and space can help one come to a resolution."

Adagio and Aria looked at one another quietly before wiping their tears away.

"Okay..."

Discord coughed slightly.

"Now, once again, I expect you both to be on good behaviour. This morning you have your exams... I expect no less than success?"

They nod.

"Yes, sir."

He smiled softly.

"Good answer. I have complete faith in your abilities. You're both good girls."

The comment made the both of them smile and blush.

>>2069346320693463 (You)

Adagio, Aria, and Discord got out of the car.

It was a REALLY warm morning today, the sun felt great on them.

"Alright girls, straight to the lab, okay? I'll be up with Principal Celestia shortly."

They both nod.

"Alright, Professor."

Adagio and Aria took off into the school.

Discord chuckled as he made his way into the office.

"Oh, Professor. Here to see Principal Celestia?"

"That I am."

"Well, you'll have to wait a moment, she's currently busy with Vice Principal Luna."

He takes a seat and waits.

"..'Dagi? Are you worried about this exam?"

Adagio sat back on her chair, her boots up on the table.

"Nah. It's just one of those silly tests... We already know lab procedure, so it shouldn't be that hard."

"I know, but we promised..."

"I know what we promise, Aria. Just trust me with this. We'll be fine."

"..."

A few minutes later, Discord and Celestia walk into the lab.

"Good Morning, girls."

Celestia spoke lightly and with a soft smile on her face.

"Good morning Principal Celestia."

"Good to see you're both doing well. Now, you're aware of the exam, yes?"

They nod quietly.

"I'll be here to watch over you while Professor Discord instructs his students."

They seemed a bit uneasy.

Discord took a breath in before tapping his cane on the floor.

"Girls, just remember... You have each other for support. I have the utmost confidence in your abilities. Trust your instincts."

He smiled warmly and winked to them.

They both smiled.

"As usual, you have your way with words, Professor Discord."

He nods and walks out of the room.

Celestia handed both girls what looked like an encyclopedia sized stack of papers.

"This... Is your exam. It will take you a few hours to do, but there is no rush. Just like with the lab, safety must be taken carefully and slowly."

That was a new metaphor for them.

"You don't need to be separated for this... But, good luck. If you need anything, I'll be up here doing some paperwork."

>>2069376020693760 (You)

You, Sonata, and Sunset met up with the others outside of the ol doughnut shop.

Rainbow Dash probably had to make a stop for a doughnut or a bagel or something...

"Oh, there's the marvelous trio!~"

Rarity gave you all some hugs.

"So, how did the night go?"

"It went... Surprisingly well. Sonata was great, got some good sleep... No trouble at all."

"Oh my.. And how do you feel, Sonata?"

Sonata kicked at the ground bashfully.

"Oh uh... I'm fine, I guess. Just kinda nervous."

"Oh, that'd to be expected. It IS your second day of school after all."

"Yeah... Let's go with that?"

Rarity looked at Sonata in confusion.

You whisper to her.

"Don't press it, Rarity. She's still shaken up from the run in with the other two."

"Oh, got it."

"Sooo girls. what's on your agendas for today?"

"Well, I'm going to the pet store to help them out again."

"Ah've got farm duties ta tend to."

"I dunno, really. I'll probably just do the usual."

"Anon and I are going to a movie together~"

You chuckle softly.

"What about you, Sonata?"

"Well um... I kinda don't have anything to do today."

"Oh, why not come with me to my boutique? I could always use a third hand around, especially when Sweetie Belle is off with her friends."

Sonata smiled softly.

"Sure, I guess that'd be nice."

You all walked and talked your way to school.

It's hard to believe that only a few months prior, you and Sunset were the dead weights of the school.

No friends, no real emotional attachment...

And it had all changed that one day.

Just thinking about it made you smile.

The first bell rung.

First class today, music.

With some guidance from your teacher, you helped Sonata learn to cite read.

She seemed to enjoy it, and was really good at projecting her voice.

Oddly better than last night, but not so powerful as when you played for her.

Sonata seemed to be warming up to Music class quite a bit.

>>2069392920693929 (You)

Second class, English.

Miss Cheerilee kept a close, skeptic eye on you both.

You did your work and followed along as you should.

Every now and again she'd throw a piece of chalk at you for talking.

She never once thought that you were trying to explain some things about the literature the class was reading, and what certain words or phrases meant.

Sonata was more bashful in this class as she was called upon to read a few lines here or there.

She did fairly well for a first timer reading through William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Third class, Physical Education.

You and Sonata were both geared up for the outdoors today.

Today was a drill run day. Obstacle courses as far as the eye could see.

Just looking at it made you wish you were a cloud.

But at least you had Sonata by your side for it.

As per normal, Rainbow and Lightning were having that cock sizing contest...

"Don't those two ever get tired of it?"

"Nope. Been this way for years."

You both watch as they cleared the course together.

The coach blew her whistle.

"That's a record time, girls! Impressive!"

You couldn't stop looking at Sonata.

That suit Rainbow picked out really just... Suited her.

Lunch hour.

You and Sonata had your showers to freshen up.

You both made your way into the lunch line.

Taco Tuesday.

You and Sonata both ordered some Tacos before going to meet the others.

They all had some tacos too.

Sonata sat down on your right, while Sunset was on your left.

You pick up a taco.

"Everyone. Let's have a taco toast. To our new, great friend.. And adorable singing dork... Sonata!"

"To Sonata!"

Everyone crunched their tacos together before digging in.

Sonata giggled and wiggled about like an excited little girl.

You couldn't tell if it was from the toast, or from it being Taco Tuesday.

You were on your way to your fourth period physics class before you bumped into Adagio.

You both fell to the floor.

"Oh, ouch..."

You got up at the same time.

>>2069404320694043 (You)

"Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was---"

You both even spoke at the same time.

"You!"

You didn't look too happy to run into Adagio.

Her gaze was equally as intense, but quickly lightened up.

"I'm sorry, I should have been watching where I was going..."

You lowered your guard.

She didn't seem malicious...

"No, no.. It's okay. I was lost in thought."

"You're... Anon, aren't you? Sunset's old boy-toy?"

You flinched at her calling you that.

"I suppose you could say that, yes. And you're Adagio Dazzle, leader of the Dazzlings."

"I see my err.. Reputation precedes me."

"..Is it true that you're working with Professor Chaos?"

Adagio looked a tad surprised to hear that being brought up.

"Who told you about that?"

"A little draconnequuis told me."

"Riiight... Anyhow, yeah... Uh. We sorta are. We're upstairs taking the lab exams."

You stop to think.

Did they really have any aptitude for chemistry?

"I... see."

"Um... Hey, uh..."

You look at her questioningly for a moment.

Adagio scratched the back of her head.

"How's... Sonata doing? Is she okay?"

You lean against a door and look at the floor.

"She's doing well. Still a bit shaken up from yesterday though."

Adagio nodded slowly.

"Yeah... I know the feeling."

You tried to not stick your nose into things too far, in case you messed up the plan.

"Listen, as long as the Professor has you in his sights, I don't want to see you causing any trouble for anyone, alright?"

Adagio looked at you with some shock as your tone shifted from neutrality to a harsh negativity.

You pointed to yourself with your thumb.

"Sonata is OUR friend, and we will do what it takes to keep her safe. Got that?"

Adagio didn't even try to fight back.

She simply nodded.

"U-um.. Excuse me. I.. I should return for the test."

She took off pretty quickly.

...Were you too hard on her?

You ponder that as you walk to your fourth class.

>>2069416420694164 (You)

Fourth class, Physics.

This was it, today was the day you wrote that large test.

You had study hall after this class, so taking more time to write it wouldn't be an issue.

Looking at the front of the room, you see Professor Discord with his back to the class.

As expected, he was in the building today.

"Now class, I hope you all studied and prepared for this test. It's quite a big one..."

The room was silent, as he liked it.

"It will cover the materials we've been studying up until now. I wish you all good luck, and that you may score high on it."

He passed out the tests, ending with yours last.

He looked down at you sternly, but smiled after a few seconds.

"If you don't mind, miss Sonata... I would like to speak with you alone for a bit."

Sonata looked at you in confusion and panic.

"It's okay Sonata. This is the Professor we were talking about. He's a good guy."

She nods to you and walks out of the room with him.

You go to focus on your exam, flipping through some pages.

This will be child's play.

Discord sat down with Sonata in another empty classroom down the hall.

Sonata was very uneasy around him.

"Would you like a drink, miss Dusk?"

"How... How do you..?"

"Mister Anonymous and I are in close relations, Miss Dusk... He and I are... Cohorts, if you'd will."

She tilted her head.

"We do things for one another that help each other. Partners."

"Oh."

He coughed slightly before taking a drink of coffee.

"I suppose by now that you know of what is going on."

Sonata kept quiet.

"Come now, Miss Dusk... You don't need to be intimidated by me. ...Or is the formality scaring you?"

She held up two fingers.

"Ah... My apologizes then, Sonata. But still... The issue remains."

"...You're talking about 'Dagi and Ari'."

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"That's how you address them?"

Sonata nodded slowly.

"Well, yes. I am talking about them. It seems they are... Worried about you."

Sonata looked confused.

"Worried... About me?"

>>2069425320694253 (You)

He took another drink.

"Yes, they are."

"But... But that goes against what Nonny and Sunset told me last night about bottling feelings and mind barriers!"

He took another drink, nodding in response.

"Indeed it does... But I have my ways of getting through those barriers. At first, they wouldn't say much of anything to me. As time went on, then eventually began to break down their barriers... And I got them to shatter. More or less."

Sonata looked at the table she sat at.

"They express a lot of distress and sadness over you, Sonata."

Sonata began to shake a bit, her thoughts becoming jumbled up.

'Dagi and Ari' worried about me? That.. That doesn't make any sense... They never cared...

"Adagio cried last night when she told me you hit her."

Sonata was broken out of her thoughts upon hearing that.

"And Aria broke when she realized how badly she treated you."

"...'D-Dagi... A-Ari'..."

"However, their recovery won't be a simple process... How do you feel about them?"

Sonata looked at her shaking hands.

How DO I feel about them..? I should hate them, but... Something inside me says I can't...

But they were so mean to me..!

Sonata seemed to struggle with her mixed feelings.

Discord put his hand on her shoulder.

"I can tell you're in a lot of distress over this information. Let me tell you that this afternoon won't be easy for you."

She looked up at him.

"They want to find you, Sonata."

Sonata's eyes went thin as he said those chilling words.

He said nothing else, just left it at that cryptic statement.

Discord took another drink.

"Give yourself a few minutes to compose yourself... Then come back to the class."

He left the room to go and check on the class.

Sonata sat there, still shaking.

"I... I don't know... What... What should I feel? There's no way 'Dagi and Ari' care about me... If they did, they wouldn't have been so mean to me... If they cared, they'd be like Nonny and Sunset, and all the others..."

>>2069433320694333 (You)

You took your sweet time going through the test.

You knew pretty much everything there was on here.

It was almost like it was some sort of cruel joke from the Professor to put this many questions.

He walked into the room without Sonata.

Immediately bells went off in your head.

Did he do something to her?

"Class, I trust you are all doing well?"

"Yes, Professor."

"No cheating, I presume?"

He stopped next to Thunderlane.

Thunderlane tensed up.

"N-No sir..!"

Discord looked down at him menacingly before smiling.

"Good. Carry on!"

He sat at his desk and began to mark some papers.

You didn't realize it, but your "Casual" speed took you straight into your study hall.

The bell rang, and there was still no sign of Sonata.

The others were finished, leaving you behind with Professor Chaos.

"Something the matter, Mr. Anonymous?"

He didn't even look up from his work.

"Uh... No, sir. Why do you ask?"

"Normally, you'd be one of the first few done. And I don't see your handwriting in the pile here..."

"I uh... decided to take my time on this one. You know... free period, don't want to mess anything up."

"Uh huh... Come, my boy, why don't you sit up here again?"

You pick up your things and Sonata's things, and move them to the front.

"You know you can't hide things from me, my boy."

He looked at you from behind his shiny glasses.

"...I'm just---"

"Worried about Miss Dusk?"

"...Yeah."

"Well, it has been some time since I've spoken to her.. I'm sure she's fine, though."

You sure as hell hope so.

"What did you even speak to her about?"

He chuckled softly.

"Oh, I just told her about what was going on with the other two...Told her about how they really felt... And told her to stay on her toes."

The graphite from your mechanical pencil broke.

"...Stay on her toes for what?"

"Oh, just that Miss Dazzle and Miss Blaze were going to look for her."

You heave a great sigh.

"And you are just telling me this NOW!?"

>>2069444420694444 (You)

Discord put his hands up to try and calm you down.

"Woah there Anon... It isn't anything bad. They just want to find her to apologize.."

"She can't do that alone! Sonata... Sonata's not ready for it yet..."

Discord thought quietly.

"You'd best finish up that test quick then and find her before they do."

Sonata wandered the quiet halls by herself.

She constantly kept muddling over what Discord said, and tried to sort her feelings out.

"Adagio and Aria can't like me... I'm just... The worst. I screw up everything..."

Adagio and Aria walked out of the Chemistry lab, stretching.

"Good job, girls. I'm sure you did well."

Bam.

All three of them bumped into one another and fell to the floor.

"Ugh, my head..."

"Oh man, who was that?"

The girls looked at one another.

Adagio and Aria looked at each other.

"Is that...?"

"It looks like..."

"Sonata!"

Sonata stood up, but kept her distance.

"Wh-what do you two want? Haven't you done enough damage?"

Adagio and Aria shrunk back from that last insult.

Prove yourself to be the leader you are. Stand up on your own two feet.

Adagio took a deep breath in.

She looked at Sonata in the eyes.

Sonata could feel the immense pain just by looking at them.

"Sonata I... We..."

She seemed to struggle with what she wanted to say.

"What I'm trying to say is... We're sorry."

"You're... What?"

"L-Look, Sonata."

Aria stepped forward.

"This isn't easy for us. We're sorry for how terrible we treated you... It... It wasn't right of us."

Aria began to shake as she fought to control her own emotions.

Adagio held her lightly.

Just seeing this affection confused Sonata beyond control.

"All the bad things we said and done to you... We wish we could take it all back... Truth is, Sonata... We miss you."

Sonata took a step back.

You eventually found the three of them.

Oh, Sonata, no...

You ran down the hall toward her.

"You... You're lying to me!"

>>2069459720694597 (You)

"S-Sonata... I..."

Adagio tried to reach out for her.

Sonata covered her ears and took another step back.

"Stop lying to me! You just want to hurt me and take me away from my friends!"

"Sonata, please listen to me!"

"Celestia poked her head out of the door.

Sonata began to float into the air, surrounded by a light blue aura.

You stop to watch her.

"Shit shit SHIT. This is bad!"

Discord rounded the corner and saw the action.

His face went grave as he dropped his cane and charged toward Aria and Adagio.

"Just go..! Leave us ALONE!"

With a loud bellow, followed by shrill, reverberating "ahhh" screech, a shockwave resonated through the halls.

It seemed to be sound based, and with the doors closed, no one else but those in that one area would know it was happening.

Sonata took one more shaky breath before firing off a jagged beam at Adagio and Aria.

The two of them huddled together in fear.

BOOM.

You and Celestia cover your eyes as the sound wave collides.

When you look, you see Professor Chaos in front of the other two Dazzlings.

He blocked the shot for them.

You continued to run for Sonata as she slowly came down to the ground.

The aura dispersed as she dropped.

You barely managed to catch her.

"Sonata, are you okay!?"

She looked at you wearily.

"Nonny..?"

She passes out.

Discord suddenly falls to the ground.

Adagio and Aria shriek in fright.

"PROFESSOR!"

Celestia stood there, mouth agape.

She simply could not comprehend what just happened.

She sees you holding Sonata.

"Mister Anonymous. See. Me. In. My. Office. Now."

She sounded like she was about to really drop the hammer on you.

"Professor! Why... Why would you do this!?"

He takes a few breaths.

"Because, girls... One's life for the beauty of another... It worth the sacrifice..."

He ends up passing out as well.

Something tells you that this is not going to end well...

>>2069472920694729

You sat in Principal Celestia's office.

Even Vice Principal Luna was there.

Celestia paced back and froth behind her desk.

Sonata was outside of the office with Sunset and the others, presumably still out of it.

"Mister Anonymous... I thought we had an agreement that no one was to be harmed if I allowed miss Dusk into the school."

"Yes we did--"

"Then why do we have two terrified girls, a girl that is unconscious, and a faculty member who was just rushed to the hospital?"

You grip the arms of the chair you sat in.

Your hands were entirely bleached from how hard you were gripping onto it.

"Because things... Did not go as planned."

Just saying that was hard enough.

"Planned? You had planned this out?"

Luna looked straight at you with a stone gaze... Must have run in the family.

You swallow the rock in your throat.

"Yes, Professor Cha--I mean Professor Discord and I had a plan set in motion that took that unexpected twist."

Celestia slammed her hands onto her desk.

"Mister Anonymous, after what I just personally witnessed, why should I be inclined to believe what you say? You caused this mess, and you shall atone for your deeds."

You flinch a bit as this assault.

"Because of you, we just lost one of our best faculty members!"

Your rage was starting to build up to uncontrollable levels.

"Your little friend is nothing more than a monster! A beast! She should have never come back!"

You end up digging your hands into the chair as the ends of the arm rests snapped off.

"No, YOU are the beast!"

"Excuse me?"

You stand up and grab Celestia by the collar, staring into her eyes with an undying fury.

"You have no idea what you are talking about, you half-witted lazy sack of shit! You have NO idea what goes on behind closed doors because you do not care to interact with your student body!"

Luna tried to separate you both.

She only managed to get a single arm of yours off of Celestia.

"Mister Anonymous you shall release her, or be charged!"

>>2070112120701121 (You)

"And just why should I!? You do just as much as her! You're a disappointment to the entire school! You have NO idea what I've had to work through on this to be stopped by a kink in the road! We had this planned out!"

"There you go with that foolish plan again! We have zero reason to believe you and the Professor were working together!"

Through the chaos and confusion, Adagio and Aria stood in the doorway to the office.

"You should believe him... Because it's true."

Celestia and Luna look at the two girls.

You turn your head to them.

"Excuse me? You're taking his side after what he did?"

Adagio looked extremely torn up about the whole ordeal.

"Yeah... I pieced it together not too long ago. What Anonymous is saying... Is true. They did have a plan."

You let go of Celestia as she fell back into her chair.

"..Adagio..."

"At first, I thought it was just the Professor messing with us as I saw him do with some other students... But after last night and today... I... I finally was able to put two and two together."

Celestia looked between you three.

"Miss Blaze?"

Aria looked away quietly for a moment.

"I third that notion. He always was trying to help us improve ourselves... But I guess things just got out of hand..."

Luna and Celestia look at you.

You had your head hung down, shoulders shaking in frustration as you cried.

"I worked so hard to help Sonata... To help all of them... And all I did was hurt everyone in the end."

The air in the room quickly became heavy.

Time slowed down.

"...Mister Anonymous..."

"Anon..."

"Do with me what you will... But do not blame Sonata. It is our fault this happened. We... We could not have foreseen this coming."

Celestia turned her chair away silently.

Even Luna was at a loss for words.

"We shall hold our decision until we can speak with the Professor himself. Until then, you are suspended from school lest we call upon you. Understood?"

"...Understood."

Adagio nodded her head toward you.

>>2070119920701199 (You)

Aria walked with you out of the office.

Adagio stayed behind to talk with Celestia and Luna.

The girls looked in your direction before putting their heads down.

Everything was silent for what felt like an eternity.

"...No luck, Anon?"

You heave a great sigh.

Not just any kind of sigh.

One of those sighs that could just pierce the mind of any being, forcing your own emotion into them.

"..I got off easy for now, thanks to Adagio and Aria."

Sunset looked up at you as she stroked Sonata's hair gently.

"...But I'm pretty much finished. Suspended until they call me back... They won't make a decision until if and when they can hear from the Professor."

"And with how that there blast felt..."

Applejack held her chest tightly, gritting her teeth.

"That most likely won't be for some time..."

You look around at the girls, they all seemed to flinch at the thought.

Could that blast wave actually have had an impact on them as well?

You squat down and lightly brush some hair out of Sonata's face.

"I'm so sorry, Sonata... I wish I could have been there sooner."

Adagio walked out of the office, looking down and holding one arm.

"Any luck, Adagio?"

She shook her head.

"No... And I don't think that he'll make it from that blast..."

Everyone went silent.

You take Sonata into your arms.

"Seeing as how I'm no longer welcome here... I'll take her home."

Adagio went to say something, but held her tongue.

"But, Anon, my dear... Isn't she supposed to---"

"I'm pretty sure she'd want to see me when she wakes up."

"You sure you don't want any help, Anon?"

Sunset put a hand onto your shoulder.

Adagio and Aria watched quietly.

"Yeah, I'm sure... Just go have fun with the others, Sunny. She's my responsibility."

Quietly, you walk out of the school with Sonata and head for home.

"...I can't believe what we've done..."

"Yeah, you'd better be ashamed! You're nothing but poison!"

Applejack elbowed Rainbow Dash.

>>2070125720701257 (You)

"Ow, what the hay, Applejack!?"

"That isn't helpin' any of us, Rainbow!"

"But they..!"

"Not. Helping."

Adagio sighed.

"No, she's right... It's our fault. We're the ones who really caused this.."

Sunset stood up and put a hand onto her shoulder.

"No... No one could have known that such a thing could happen. Don't beat yourselves up over it... There's someone else who needs the support more."

Everyone looked at Sunset.

"Who?"

"I'm sure that the Professor is waiting for you both."

"Yeah... Like he'd want to see us..."

"Oh, you'd be surprised."

You lay on your bed, staring at the purple ceiling.

The blinds were closed, causing the sun to shine their colors above you.

Next to you say Sonata, still out cold.

Closing your eyes, you try to unscramble your brain.

Where could it all have gone so wrong?

Sonata seemed just fine up until Physics...

Was it something the Professor said?

"Oh, just that Miss Dazzle and Miss Blaze were going to look for her."

You roll onto your side, facing away from Sonata.

Then there was that blue aura... What was that about?

And how did she have enough power to launch such a blast?

You struggle with your thoughts again as you keep trying to piece it together.

Since you had an indefinite time to yourself, you should be able to figure it out... Right?

Sonata stirred next to you.

"Nnnf..."

She yawned and stretched.

"Where... Am I? And why does my head hurt?"

You sit up to look at her.

"You're at home, Sonata..."

"What happened..? And why was I asleep?"

You explained to her what you saw.

Sonata didn't seem to remember much of it, but looked down at her necklace.

"I... Did all that?"

You nodded slowly.

"Yeah... It really messed everyone up, something fierce. Your blast even got to the others."

Sonata gripped the necklace tightly.

The center gem was completely cracked, almost falling apart.

"...I... I can't believe I did that..."

"Yeah, me either..."

"What about you..?"

"Suspended."

>>2070138720701387 (You)

"I.. I'm so sorry, Anon I..."

You lay back against your pillow and look up.

Various colored stars littered the roof from the curtains.

"No, it's fine... It was my own fault. I'll figure out a way out of this."

Sonata sat up and laid against a pillow like you did.

"Sonata... Can you remember anything about what the Professor said to you?"

She tried to think.

"Ow, ow, ow..."

Sonata held her head.

"Still too early to think... It hurts.."

"That's okay... Just take it easy. That blast wave was something fierce. You were all... Glowy and shit."

Glowy?

"What do you mean... Glowy? What color was it?"

You look at her, thinking it to be irrelevant.

"Blue, why?"

Sonata sat quietly for a few seconds.

"...Nothing. It's nothing."

She looked at the roof.

"Anon, why are there stars on that curtain? ...It reminds me of something."

You chuckle softly.

"Reminds me of that one girl..."

"Trixie?"

"Yeah, that's the one."

You grin softly at the memory.

"I was a big fan of Trixie's. Got her permission to make some curtains based on her cape's style."

"Why'd you do that?"

You shrugged softly.

"I guess I was just as much of a crazed lunatic for her as I was for you and Sunset."

Sonata frowned at the comment.

You look at her quietly.

"Hey, I didn't mean it like that. I just really liked Trixie and what she did. That's all."

"...Oh."

"...Anon, what's a lunatic?"

Sunset walked with Aria and Adagio through town to the hospital.

On the way there, they ran into Brad and his sporty car.

He pulled over to the side of the road.

"Hey girls. Why are you walking alone? Where are the others?"

"Oh, uh.. Hey Brad. They're off doing their own things. I'm taking these two to visit someone in the hospital."

"Oh, want a ride, then? It'll be easier."

Sunset looked at the other two.

"Sure, I guess.."

Sunset briefed Brad on what had transpired that afternoon.

"Ouch, man. That sounds rough. I hope that the Prof will be alright."

He parked his car outside.

>>2070146220701462 (You)

Adagio looked to be even more down in the dumps.

"I don't rightfully know... That sound wave was pretty strong. It would take a miracle or magic to help him out..."

"Well girls, knowing him, he'll pull through. The Professor has a record of surviving some pretty weird things."

Brad's comment didn't really help to lighten the mood.

"Thanks for the lift, Brad."

Sunset gave him a soft hug.

"Hey, is it cool if I come in with you? I mean, when I ran into Anon yesterday, he didn't look too good."

"Oh uh, sure.."

The four of them made their way through the hospital.

Fifth floor, room 18.

Brad opened the door and let the Dazzlings in first, followed by Sunset and himself.

Discord, much to their surprise, was awake and sitting in front of the room's window.

"Ah, so you have come to visit me."

"Pr-Professor..."

He took a slow breath.

"That was some blast, I will tell you what."

"We... Oh, Professor... We're sorry we got you into this..."

Adagio and Aria walked over to him, on the verge of tears.

Discord sighed softly.

"What have I told you about leadership and crying?"

Adagio wiped her eyes, but the tears just came back.

"We were so worried about you! We didn't think you'd make it..."

They sobbed into his chest as they surrounded him for a group hug.

He even began to cry a little.

"Oh, girls... Now you've got me going..."

He held them closely.

Sunset and Brad sat on the bed.

"So, I see you're here too, Mister Sentry and Miss Shimmer. How are Miss Dusk and Mister Anonymous doing?"

Sunset was hesitant.

"Well, sir... Sonata was unconscious and as for Anon... He..."

Discord let the girls go as he closed his eyes solemnly.

"...I see..."

He put his hands on the arms of the wheel chair and stood himself up to look down through the window.

"Professor!"

The two girls tried to grab him to keep him from falling.

"I'm just fine, girls. ...But this whole situation is out of control."

"Out of.. Control?"

He nods slowly.

>>2070155620701556 (You)

"This is going to be one big mess for the both of us to clean up."

He turned to Sunset and Brad.

"Tell me, what happened with Celestia and Luna?"

The both of them shrugged.

"So no one here knows..."

"U-uh... I do, Professor."

He looks at Adagio.

"And it wasn't pretty."

Adagio took her time explaining what happened in the office.

How you lost control of yourself and nearly struck Celestia while also fighting with Luna.

And how they came in to try and support you.

Discord went quiet as the thought.

"...Things are worse than I thought."

He stumbled once before the girls caught him.

They carefully put him back into his wheelchair.

"Thank you, girls... I guess that blast hit me harder than I thought."

"Speaking of the blast... How are you able to still move after that?"

He tapped his nose two times.

"Magic."

"Magic?"

Everyone seemed to be confused.

"They don't call me Professor Chaos for nothing."

"Okay then..."

"Anyhow, I should be expecting a call or visit from Celestia and Luna any day now..."

He looked at Adagio and Aria.

"I want you two to go back to the school tomorrow."

"Us? But why? We.. We shouldn't be there without you... And we don't have any place to stay..."

He chuckled softly.

"I'm sure your exams will be marked... And I think that being around those girls will help you a bit."

Sunset and Brad moved off of the bed to let Discord lay on it.

"Um, sir, if it isn't too much trouble.."

"Yes, what it is my boy?"

"I could take care of them while you're here. If they really don't have somewhere to sleep..."

Discord shook his head.

"No, no. No need for that. They've shown me that they can function on their own..."

He dug into his jacket pocket and handed them some keys.

"Those are the keys to the house. I trust it to you until I'm ready to leave."

Adagio holds the keys and nods quietly.

"And remember..."

He points to Adagio.

"You're the leader... You have to take charge. You can do it, Miss Dazzle."

>>2070166120701661 (You)

The nurse came into the room.

"Alright everyone... Mister Discord needs his rest. Come on now."

Adagio and Aria reached out to him, scared to be on their own again.

He merely smiled and waved to them.

Sunset frowned deeply.

"So what will you two do from here?"

"I... I guess we'll just go back home and... Do what we always do."

"Hey, if you need a lift to and from there, I can help."

"Thanks uh..."

"Brad."

"Right."

You were outside doing some yard work as the sun set.

Sunset was always bothering you to till up the ground for a garden.

Since you had all the time in the world to work, you decided to start on it now.

Without noticing, Sunset managed to creep up on you.

You walked backward into her, causing you to jump.

"Jesus, Sunset! Don't scare me like that!"

Sunset was very quiet, almost disturbingly so.

"...Sunset? What's the matter?"

"...I don't know what to think anymore, Anon. This whole mess just has me confused."

You frown softly.

"You and me both. I'm still trying to piece together some things... How was the visit with the Professor?"

"It... Was okay. Ran into Brad. Looks like he's going to help too."

Brad...

You knew that you shouldn't trust him... But you had no other choice.

"Well... Sonata's inside soaking in the tub. That poor girl is just as lost as we are."

Sunset nodded before hugging you softly.

"I just want this all to be over, Anon... I just want thing to be normal and fun...!"

You pat her back quietly.

"I know... I know."

>>2070172920701729 (You)

Sunset went into the house as you went back to tilling up the soil.

Gardening always was a pain in the ass.. Tilling, planting, fertilizing, watering, weeding...

It just felt so tedious.

But Sunset was the one who wanted to plant some flowers..

Sunset screams from inside the house.

You vaulted over the deck railing and charge into the house.

"What happened!?"

She pointed into the bathroom.

The tub was still full of water, untouched.

Sonata wasn't there, and the window was wide open.

"She didn't..."

"I... I think she did."

Damn it Sonata, you're just going to make this night harder on us all.

You pass the portable phone to Sunset.

"You call the others, I'm going to go track her down."

You put on a vest and your sunglasses before hauling ass out of the house.

You ran yourself dry on energy and strength as you ran around town looking for her.

She wasn't in the park, wasn't at the school, wasn't at Joe's shop...

Where could she have gotten off to?

Exhausted from all the running, you sat down on a bench to rest.

"Damn it Sonata... Where could one person have gotten off to?"

Sunset eventually caught up to you with Fluttershy.

"Anon! Any luck?"

You shake your head.

"Anything from the others?"

"They've all split up to look around town. ..But why would she run off?"

You take a few heavy breaths before looking at Fluttershy.

You both spoke at once.

"She feels guilty for what she did."

Sunset looked at you both weirdly.

"How did you...? Never mind. We gotta keep looking!"

Sonata sat at the mouth of a river.

She tossed stones into the water, watching it ripple in rhythm.

"No one wants someone like me... I can't do anything right."

The moon reflected in the water, giving it a dark blue hue.

"I'm just a hybrid freak that no one will understand..."

She curled up into the fetal position.

"Is that really what you think, sugarcube?"

Sonata looked behind her, a black silhouette standing behind her.

"Now that ain't no way ta think."

>>2070248120702481 (You)

"What do YOU want?"

Sonata snapped at Applejack as she walked out of the shadows.

"Oh, ya know.. Just wanted ta go out fer a mid-night stroll.. See some ducks..."

She paused for a few seconds.

"...Find a friend."

Sonata looked back at the water, tossing another stone in.

"How can you even call me that after what I did?"

Applejack sat down on a log beside her.

"Sugarcube... What you did... Wasn't yer fault."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"We all make mistakes, Sonata... We all get these ideas in our heads that mess with us."

Sonata remained quiet.

"..Would ya believe me if ah said that the other girls and ah used ta hate one another?"

"...There's no way you guys hated each other. You're too good to one another for that."

"Well, it's true! Sunset managed ta split us up and make us hate each other with her little schemes. Heck, we'd still hate each other if it wasn't fer that there Twilight steppin' in."

Sonata just listened as she tossed another stone.

"We all had this idea that what happened was each other's faults... But Twilight showed us that it was all a big misunderstandin'. She got us back together and we kicked the butt of that inner demon Sunset had."

"Inner demons, yeah..."

Applejack smiled softly and took a hold of Sonata's arms.

"Look, if ya wanna skip a rock, ya gotta flick yer wrist, like this."

She guided Sonata's arms accordingly, making the rock skip a few times.

"Just like that rock... You can choose to skip with yer friends... Or sink to the bottom. We chose to skip together."

Sonata nodded in slight understanding.

"And ya know what? That little beam ya made...? It touched every single one of us."

"Really..?"

She nodded.

"Really. At that moment, we all felt what you did... And it was not pretty."

Applejack took her hat off and held it.

"But... How could you..?"

"As Twilight would put it... The bonds of friendship can always keep us together."

Sonata sighed, feeling unsure about it all.

>>2070260620702606 (You)

Applejack looked at her phone as it rang.

She muted the ringer, choosing to ignore it.

"Now, y'all can choose ta believe it if ya wish... But ah know there's more ta you than any of us know. Some... Hidden potential."

"Yeah, if only for destruction..."

"Now that ain't true..."

Applejack sat on the ground and gently held onto Sonata.

Sonata recognized the hold... It was the same as the night in the park.

She involuntarily snuggled up into Applejack, crying softly.

"I.. I didn't mean to hurt anyone... Honest..!"

"Ah know, sugarcube... Ya were just caught in a bad situation is all.. No one is blaming you."

Rarity hung up her phone.

"She didn't answer..."

"Did something happen to her!?"

"Rainbow! I'm sure she's fine..."

"Yeah, I mean it's not like she would explode... And then explode again!"

You roll your eyes.

"We should probably find Applejack first. That might give us some answers.

You moved with the group.

"So, last time you spoke to her... She was on the farm yard?"

"Yeah, that's pretty much right. Said she had some sort of feeling about Sonata."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's hurry up and get there!"

Adagio and Aria sat at the dinner table, eating quietly.

Today had taken a great toll on their minds, from the exam, to the confrontation with Sonata, and Discord getting blasted.

Neither one of them said a word.

Adagio had a really troubled look on her face as she slowly ate.

Aria reached out to her slowly.

"Adagio, are you..?"

Adagio slammed her fists on the table.

"Why can't anything go right anymore!?"

"Adagio..."

"Everything has gone straight to hell since we found that Equestrian Magic! We lost our chance.. We lost our powers... We lost Sonata.."

Aria grunted a bit before slapping Adagio across the face and grabbing her collar.

"Pull yourself together, Adagio!"

Adagio held her face and looked at the furious Aria's eyes.

Aria let her go a moment later, seeing the fear in her friend's eyes.

>>2070272220702722 (You)

"I... I'm sorry I snapped at you.. I..."

Adagio sighed softly.

"No, I needed that. It's my own fault... I'm just a failure as a leader."

"Adagio.. You aren't a failure... We just ran into some rough bumps in the road."

"I just... Sonata must be in so much pain right now... We really must have messed up for her to just blast as us like that."

Aria pulled Adagio into a soft hug.

"Just thinking about this whole thing... I just have no appetite for anything."

"Come on Adagio, lighten up a little.. We'll try again some other day."

She shook her head slowly.

"I don't think we get another day, Aria. Not after what happened in that room..."

Aria looked down at the plate before chuckling softly.

She reaches out and grabs Adagio's fork, putting some food onto it.

"Just what do you think you're doing?"

"Open wide for the aeroplane."

Aria began to make some aeroplane noises with her mouth.

Adagio began to giggle and opened her mouth widely.

"There we go... Better?"

Adagio nodded a bit.

"Besher."

Adagio and Aria would spend the rest of the night by themselves.

Even though it was deathly quiet without Discord around, it felt kind of nice.

They lay on their combined beds, looking at the moon once more.

"Hey, Adagio?"

"Yeah?"

"What was your favorite thing about Sonata?"

"I dunno... I guess just the way she always seemed to lighten the mood with her sillyness. What about you?"

Aria took a minute to think.

"Her goofy obsession with tacos."

The two giggled as they continued to talk to one another.

Sure, they had a lot to deal with...

But they had each other to get through it.

>>2070281820702818 (You)

Applejack and Sonata kept talking to each other quietly.

They talked about the things they did, things they enjoyed, and how they got around different life obstacles.

They could hear you and the other girls searching and calling for Applejack.

Eventually Pinkie stumbled upon them.

"HEY GUYS! THEY'RE OVER HERE!"

Moments later, Applejack and Sonata were surrounded by their friends.

You and Sunset look at Sonata who stood up with her head down.

"Sonata! What were you thinking!? Why did you--"

Sunset tugged on your arm to quiet you down.

"What he meant to say was... We were worried about you.. Taking off like that without telling anyone is a bad idea, Sonata..."

"I.. I know... I just didn't want to burden you guys anymore."

"Burden? Darling, why would you ever thing you were a burden?"

"All I seem to do is hurt people and cause trouble.. Like an actual Siren would."

Sonata clutched her necklace tightly.

Sunset walked forward and took Sonata into a warm hug.

"People make mistakes... It's all a part of life's learning curve... But your friends will be there to help you along."

"S-Sunset..."

"That's what ah've been tryin' ta tell ya all night."

"That's right, darling. Friends aren't friends if they won't support you through rough times."

"Hay, yeah. They'll always stick by you, even if you mess up with them!"

"Plus, friends are super awesome for parties!"

"Oh, yes... Being gentle with people is always something someone sensitive needs."

You scratch your head as they all group hug her.

You couldn't think of anything to say.

"Anon, aren't you going to join us?"

"I... Don't belong in that hug."

"Non-sense, Anon. Friends always accept each other, no matter the quirks or kinks!"

You shrug and join the group hug.

"You guys..."

Sonata sniffled.

"...Thanks..."

>>2070294920702949 (You)

Adagio and Aria woke up the next morning.

They smiled at one another softly.

"So, what's on today's menu, Chef Adagio?"

Adagio shrugged.

"Cereal, I guess?"

Aria shrugged as well.

"Sounds fine to me."

Adagio sat at the table, blankly starting into her bowl as she ate.

Aria was pouring her own in before she noticed Adagio's spacey stare.

"You alright, 'Dagi?"

Adagio looked around for a second.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine."

Aria poured the milk in before putting the things away and taking her seat.

"Had another nightmare?"

"..."

"Thought so."

Aria began to munch on her cereal.

"Sho... What wash it about dish time?"

"...Sonata."

Aria almost choked on her food.

"What!? It was about who now?"

"It was about Sonata... I just..."

Adagio gripped the bowl tightly.

"I can't stop thinking about what she did... That was so... Not like her."

"Well.. Everyone has melt downs in their own way. Maybe this was her's."

"I don't know... Something about that sound blast felt... Off."

"Off?"

"Yeah, like... It wasn't one of our own. We've used sound magic before but this... Was on a whole other level."

Aria continued to eat, thinking quietly.

"What if..."

"What if, what, Aria?"

"What if what the Professor said was true? What if she found another source for her magic?"

Adagio took some time to think about it.

"...I'll bet it was that necklace of her's."

"But, the gemstones from this world couldn't be charged with magic..."

"No, not by any normal means... But what if something else charged them?"

The girls pondered about this possibility.

You were up bright and early.

Sonata and Sunset were both still snoozing away.

You smile softly as you go out into the kitchen to make your morning coffee.

While you were at it, you decided to make them both some breakfast too.

Seeing as how you were more or less kicked out the day before, you had all the time in the world to do as you pleased.

But what WOULD you do?

You fired up the stove.

>>2070366920703669 (You)

As the food sizzled and cooked, Sonata stumbled out into the kitchen.

"Nonny..? What are you doing?"

"I'm making food, Sonata."

"Why are you making food? Isn't that Sunset's job?"

"We usually take turns, but seeing as how I have nothing else to do.. I thought I'd let you both sleep in while I cooked."

"Oh."

Sonata yawned cutely and gave you a sleepy hug from behind.

"I don't wanna go to school today."

You pat her head with your free hand.

"I know you don't.. But I have a really important task for you to do today."

Sonata groaned groggily.

"I need you to get my work for the next week and bring it to me, okay?"

"But why? Aren't you kicked out?"

"Kinda, yeah... But I don't want to fall behind. You never know when something might happen..."

"Fine..."

Sonata half-heartedly pouted and walked off into the bathroom.

You continued to cook the food.

You were setting the table as Sunset walked in.

"Oh, Anon. You made food, thank you."

"Well, how else would I reward such a lovely person?"

"Oh, stop... You still got yourself kicked out."

"Even so, I saved your ass from being kicked out with me."

Sunset rolled her eyes and took a seat.

You offered her a sip of your coffee.

She took a swig before gagging.

"Oh, yuck! How can you stand that crap?"

You chuckle softly.

"I guess it's just me."

You casually spoke about the day's plans with the girls.

You even helped Sonata pack and prepare for the day.

"Sonata, listen to me."

You looked her straight in the eyes.

"No matter what happens, you stay near Sunset today, alright?"

She nodded slowly.

"I can't risk you causing something with the other two again... You're there to help me get my stuff, then you don't have to go back until I do. Got it?"

"Got it, Nonny."

"Anon, you treat her like such a child."

"Yes, well, maybe so... I just care for her safety."

"She deserves SOME freedom!"

You look at Sunset.

"Alright, alright.. I get the point... Come on Sonata. Let's get going."

>>2070378720703787 (You)

Aria and Adagio walked through the school's front doors.

Everywhere they went, they got piercing glares.

They really felt alone without the Professor to help them.

"Oh, girls!"

Vice Principal Luna was waving them down to her office.

"Come on now, hurry up."

They walked down the hall and into her office quietly.

"So, you went to visit the Professor yesterday, didn't you?"

"Yeah... We did. With Sunset and Brad."

"And how was the old man?"

"Surprisingly... He looked to be fairly well. Can never really tell with him, though..."

"I see.."

Luna turned her back to them quietly for a moment.

"Your exam marks are in, and I must say..."

She paused.

Aria and Adagio's hearts beat a mile a minute.

"...I'm impressed. You both did near perfectly."

Luna handed them their laboratory protocol and procedure exams.

96 on both.

"With that high of a mark, I have no problems entrusting you two with the Chemistry Lab... However, without the guidance of the Professor, I'm afraid that there isn't much work for you to do."

"We... Are aware of that. But he still sent us here anyway."

"Oh? What other tricks does he have up his sleeve?"

Luna looked at the girls curiously.

"N-No tricks, Miss Luna... He just wants us to uh... Hang around Sunset's friends for the day... Help us learn a little bit more."

"I see... Does he realize that is a risky thing to do?"

They shrugged.

"Knowing him, he might just be trying to blow us all up."

Luna chuckled softly.

"Very well... You are dismissed, girls."

Adagio bowed.

"Miss Luna?"

"What is it?"

"If it means anything... I'm sorry for what happened to the Professor... We had no idea that Sonata was capable of such things."

Luna said nothing for a few moments.

"Think nothing of it for now, Miss Dazzle. We shall have it sorted out soon enough."

>>2070384920703849 →

On the way out of Luna's office, Adagio and Aria bumped into Sonata and her group.

"Okay, this REALLY has to stop..."

Adagio dusted herself off quietly before seeing who she ran into.

Straight into Sonata.

The three Dazzlings looked away from one another quietly.

The tension was still really high.

Sunset coughed to break the silence.

"Girls... If you're going to be around one another... You gotta learn to work out your differences."

Sonata scuffled back behind Sunset.

"Oh noo, Sonata. They're your friends!"

"But Nonny said...!"

"I know what he said, but this is your battle."

Sonata was very hesitant to speak with Adagio and Aria.

Fluttershy and Applejack put a hand on each of her shoulders.

Sonata looked between them both as they nodded.

Stepping forward, she takes a shaky breath, clenching her fists.

"U-um... 'D-Dagi... Ari'... I..."

They both look at her quietly.

Sonata took a hard swallow.

"..I'm sorry for what I did yesterday... I... I didn't mean to hurt anyone..."

They both look down quietly.

Sonata clutched her necklace as it made another cracking sound.

Their silence only made it harder for Sonata.

Sunset's ear twitched from the noise.

"Come on girls, let's get to class. I'm sure they have a lot to think about."

The group turned to walk away.

"Wait..."

They stop and look back at Adagio.

"Sonata.. I..."

She flinched as she couldn't bring herself to say what was on her mind.

"...Never mind. I'll tell you later."

Adagio kept her gaze at the floor while Aria watched them walk away.

"Adagio... Why didn't you say anything to them?"

"I.. I couldn't... It didn't feel like it was the right time."

Aria held Adagio gently.

"Come on, let's go to the lab and start setting things up for the Professor.

Adagio nodded.

"Yeah... Yeah, sounds like a good idea."

Sonata went through the day as usual, following your schedule.

Geography was the first today.

>>2071187320711873 (You)

Turns out they were studying rock types, rock formations, and minerals.

From what you heard from Sunset, Pinkie's sister Maud would have a field day in this class.

One of the gems that showed up looked eerily similar to the one embedded within her necklace.

Sonata looked down at it.

The gemstone was cracked even more.

Still, she put a surprising amount of focus into listening to this lecture.

"So, class. Can anyone tell me what kind of mineral this is?"

Someone raised their hand.

"Isn't that one of those.. Lapis Lazuli crystals?"

"Very good! This gem is called a Hauyne crystal, of the Lapis Lazuli family. It is said that the hauyne crystals can reflect one's inner feelings."

Inner feelings?

Sonata looked down at the gemstone once more.

...Could there be a connection between the gemstone cracking, and what she felt?

"It's almost a magical gemstone of untapped power! Magnificent, isn't it?"

Second class, art.

There really wasn't anything to get here. Sonata barely drew anything at all.

She just kept her mind on Adagio and Aria...

And her broken crystal.

Absent minded, she ended up drawing what looked like her old siren form.

As per usual, the art teacher gave her some high praise for her work.

Sonata wasn't really into it today.

Third class, music.

The teacher seemed to be surprised that Sonata walked in without you.

Regardless, he gave her the citation for the day, along with your work for the next week.

No matter how hard she concentrated, Sonata just couldn't get her voice to project.

It always kept coming out scratchy, forcing her to cough.

"Mmm.. Take a break, my dear. Maybe your vocal chords are worn out."

She nodded quietly.

Lunch.

Lunch was the usual. Sitting with the girls, idle banter...

Sunset kept staring at Sonata's necklace.

Something just felt off about it...

Looking over at the lunch line, Sunset spotted Adagio and Aria.

Looks like Brad got to them first and invited them to his table.

>>2071195220711952 (You)

Looks like Sunset wouldn't get the answers she wanted.

Fourth class, Math.

She got your work, and she didn't have a single bit of aptitude for math... So she decided to take a little nap.

It didn't please the math teacher, but he let it slide for now.

Math was boring anyway.

Last class, study hall.

You had a lot of study halls on your list... But Sonata decided to take the time to go about to each class and get the work.

She meandered the halls before running into Sunset.

"Oh, Sonata. Just finishing up with the work load?"

"Oh, uh.. Yeah. Just getting the last few done."

"Say, Sonata.. Are you okay? You're awfully quiet today."

Sonata looked down.

"I just... I've just been thinking about what I heard earlier today."

"Heard? From who?"

"Anon's geography teacher. Said something about my crystal reflecting how I felt.. or something like that."

She looked down at her crystal.

Sunset was quiet for a minute.

"I didn't want to bring it up, but I might as well.. I thought something was off about your necklace."

"Off?"

"Yeah, how it cracked and cracked... But never fell apart."

"...I guess that is kinda weird, huh."

Sunset took Sonata and sat on a bench in the main hallway.

"...You're still heartbroken, aren't you?"

Sonata said nothing.

"That's the only thing I can think of as to why it is cracking so much."

"...How can you tell?"

"Women's intuition."

"...Right..."

Sunset looked up at the staircase in front of them.

"Listen, before you go see Anon today... I want you to stick around in the auditorium, alright?"

"Why?"

"...I... Have a surprise in there for you."

Sonata began to get excited.

"Surprise? What is it? A gift? Ooh, a new dress!? Maybe its a puppy!"

Sunset giggled softly.

"Not going to ruin it for you, Sonata."

"Aww..."

Sonata pouted softly.

"Just... Make sure not to take off, alright?"

"Okay..."

Sunset gave Sonata kiss on the forehead like you would before going upstairs.

Sonata got up and went on her way.

>>2071199820711998 (You)

Adagio and Aria spent the say tinkering with the lap equipment and making sure everything was functioning properly.

Adagio seemed to have a lot of fun with the open flame burners.

Aria enjoyed looking at things under the microscope.

"Who would have thought that all this sciencey stuff would be so... Interesting?"

Aria shrugged.

"No idea. But I'm sure that once the Professor sees how clean and professional this place looks, he'll give us a big reward."

Adagio shook her head.

"It's not about the reward, Aria... It's about the accomplishments. Plus, we get to have some fun."

Aria shrugged again as she began to clean out some of the beakers and containers.

Adagio moved over to the rinse station, testing and checking to make sure that everything worked properly and was not out of date.

Sunset knocked on the door before walking in.

"Um... Girls?"

They both look at Sunset, almost spitefully.

"Oh, it's you... What do you want?"

Aria's words still stung.

"Aria, that wasn't very nice."

"Oh, sorry. I uh.. Let that one slip."

Sunset closed the door behind her, giggling softly.

"It's okay, I'm used to it. Listen, I want you two to do something for me."

"Us? Do something for you?"

Adagio and Aria looked at one another in confusion.

"Yeah. I have a plan for this afternoon."

Sunset took a few minutes to explain her plan.

"You really expect this to work?"

"It think it will if you put your all into it. ...It worked with Anon and I..."

Adagio looked unsure.

Aria shrugged again.

"I.. I guess we could try.."

"Thanks, girls.."

Sunset turned to walk out of the lab.

"By the by, nice job on cleaning this place up. Looks much better than before."

Adagio and Aria smiled at the compliment softly.

"Just don't blow anything up~"

The final bell rang.

Sonata was already sitting in the auditorium on the stage's edge.

Most of the other girls were piling in.

Sunset was nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, has anyone seen Sunset?"

>>2071205020712050 (You)

"I haven't seen her since... Last period. Told me to come here after school and wait."

Sonata kicked her legs idly.

"She told us the same thing..."

"Odd."

A few minutes later, Sunset walked through the open doors with Aria on one side, and Adagio on the other.

Everyone looked at them quietly.

Adagio and Aria held the heads down.

"What the hay is going on now, Sunset? Are you out of your mind!?"

Sunset glared at Rainbow.

Rainbow Dash settled down immediately.

Sunset walked the two of them onto the stage.

A light shone from above, highlighting the three of them.

Adagio and Aria stood in front of two microphones nervously.

Sonata got up and looked at them in confusion.

Adagio and Aria both looked at her necklace, nearly cringing at the sight of it.

"Go on, girls."

They both took a deep breath as Sunset took a step back.

Adagio was the first to speak.

"Rainbooms.. And Sonata..."

She paused.

"I... Aria and I just want to apologize for everything we did... We know what we did was wrong..."

She drew another shaky breath.

"It took some time for us to realize this... And so much had happened since our battle... and..."

Adagio bit her lip, trying to keep herself from breaking down.

Aria took over from here.

"It took a lot of work, but your Professor managed to help us really see all the damage we did... Not only to you as a group of friends... But to your peers... And to Sonata..."

Sonata began to tear up.

Her necklace cracked again.

"We aren't really that big of a threat to you anymore... We're pretty much powerless. But... We still come asking for forgiveness for our wrong doings..."

Aria began to shake.

Adagio straightened herself out.

"...Sonata we... Aria and I are really, truly sorry for all the mean things we did to you... We... We had no idea that we hurt you so much until you abandoned us that night... And..."

They both took a breath in.

"...We miss you, Sonata..."

Time seemed to stop for Sonata.

>>2071212420712124 (You)

She couldn't believe what she was hearing and seeing.

Adagio and Aria were broken. Completely stripped of all emotional strength.

They had been fighting back their tears and sobs so they could speak.

They were trying to reach out for her...

She could only manage to get out one sentence.

"F-For realzies..?"

Adagio and Aria looked at each other for a second.

"For realzies."

Rainbow began to flare up again.

"Why the hay should we believe your little sob story!? You're the ones who caused this whole mess!"

Sonata held her arm out, as if to block Rainbow.

"Whether or not you all forgive us... Is up to you. As we said... We have no power in us any more. You could easily wipe us out if you wanted to..."

The room grew deathly quiet.

No one said a thing for what felt like an eternity.

The light's energy could be heard.

Celestia and Luna were standing in the door way, quietly observing and listening.

"Do you think she'll accept it, sister?"

"I don't know... Anything could happen now."

Sonata fought for control over her own thoughts.

This was it. A make or break situation...

Reject them... And break them forever. Lose your two oldest friends for good...

Or accept them, and risk being exposed to more abuse.

Rarity wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Don't tell me you're crying too!"

"I.. I can't help it darling, this... This is too tense and touching..."

One by one, the Rainbooms went onto the stage and put their support into Sonata.

Sonata looked at them before Adagio and Aria.

"..'Dagi... Ari'..."

They both looked at her.

"I... I'm so sorry..!"

She ran at them, jumping at them for a group hug.

All three of them cried and cried.

"We missed you so much, Sonata..."

"I missed you both, too...! I... I felt awful after running away..."

Rainbow Dash felt some tears coming to her eyes.

"Ain't we the emotional one, now?"

"What? Me? No! I just... Have something in my eye..!"

"Riiiight."

Celestia and Luna smiled softly.

>>2071217720712177 (You)

They both walked into the room, clapping slowly.

"Bravo, girls. Bravo..."

"Huh? Principal Celestia? Vice Principal Luna?"

"Why the hay are you two here?"

"Because we invited them."

You walk in from the other entrance, assisting Discord in.

"Anon? Professor?"

Sunset smiled softly, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Adagio and Aria ran to Discord, hugging him tightly.

"Professor! You're alright!"

He chuckled quietly.

"A little tired, yes... But otherwise in good health."

He looked at Celestia and Luna with a soft smile.

"I'm glad you were able to put aside your differences and get your message across."

"Now, hold on jus' a darn minute. What's going on here?"

"This was an improvised part of our plan."

Sunset giggled softly.

"Anon explained it to me the other day... It had a few holes in it, but we managed to patch it together. Looks like it really did work."

She walked off the stage and lightly punched your shoulder.

"Professor Discord... That student of yours is truly a genius. Albeit emotional..."

You chuckle softly.

"Yeah... Sorry about that..."

"It's fine. We'll be having that meeting on Monday. I'm glad things were able to be worked out between you three girls though."

The Dazzlings looked at one another.

Sonata's necklace shone as the cracks began to magically fix themselves.

"Sonata, your necklace..!"

"I guess what that teacher said was true... This crystal DOES reflect how I feel on the inside..."

You hold out your fist to Discord.

He accepts the fist bump with a grin.

The girls all huddled in for a group hug.

"I'm so, so, sooo glad that I could meet you all..."

Sonata was crying harder now.

"You girls still have a long way to go for redemption, though..."

Luna looked pretty serious.

She quickly lightened up.

"But still, relish in this while you can."

>>2071222920712229 (You)

You all sat about and talked among one another.

Even Celestia and Luna partook in the discussions.

"So, that's the story of you three..."

Celestia took a drink out of her mug.

Adagio looked down at her knees.

"Yeah... It hasn't been an easy life... But we managed to scrape by."

Aria sat back in her chair.

Sunset got up on the stage.

"By the way girls..."

Everyone looked up at the stage.

"I have one more surprise for you all."

Sunset whistled and held her hands up.

With some showy lights, a banner unraveled itself from the top of the stage behind her.

CANTERLOT HIGH BAND NIGHT

"Band night? What's that all about?"

Celestia clapped her hands.

"Well, you see. Sunset came to us with an idea. She first managed to convince us to come watch these two make up for their past mistakes... And now that we truly see what is happening, we agreed to have one more school band session before the end of the year."

"Wow... Even after the battle of the bands?"

Luna coughed.

"We are well aware of what happened then..."

The Dazzlings all hung their heads down.

"And though we do have suspicion of their powers remaining... We thought that having a more friendly session where the top four bands could play in one night would be a marvelous idea."

"T-Top four..?"

Adagio tugged at her collar.

"I don't think that... We'd be able to do it..."

You and Discord look at each other.

"Girls.."

"Sonata.."

"We both believe in you. We know that a spark of power is still inside of each of you... A spark that can be ignited into a brilliant flame if you put your faith in each other... And your friends."

Adagio and Aria looked at Discord.

"But our pendants, they..."

You put a hand on their shoulders.

"Are totally worthless. This spark... Comes from inside of each of you. Like how the Rainbooms' power comes from each other when they play."

Adagio stopped to think for a moment.

"I... guess we could try... But what could we sing..?"

They looked at one another.

>>2071458720714587 (You)

Sonata and Aria shrugged.

"Should we just.. Improvise?"

"Well, while you guys debate on that... We need to get this place set up."

"Right!"

Everyone spread out and did their own thing. Bannister works, stage preparation, tables and foods, posters...

You walked with Discord and the Dazzling Trio up to the Science lab.

"So, you girls had a surprise for me?"

"Yeah uh... We worked on it all day..."

They open the door as you walk him inside.

Sonata takes off the bandana around his eyes.

Immediately his eyes lit up like fireworks as he saw the pristine condition of everything.

"Girls, this... This is amazing! I.. I don't know what to say..."

That was a shocker. For once the old bag was at a loss for words.

Adagio and Aria picked up their papers and showed him their marks.

You could feel him going limp.

"Oh, girls... I... I'm so proud of you.."

He began to tear up.

Adagio and Aria hugged him tightly.

"We were only able to do this because of you, Professor... We had to thank you somehow, so we restored the lab.."

You could feel some liquid pride squeezing out.

"Girls... I couldn't have imagined any of this happening... Thank you. First thing next week..."

He reached into a drawer and put on a pair of goofy goggles.

"WE DO SCIENCE!"

Everyone got a good laugh.

"By the way... How are we supposed to go out on stage like this? Our stage outfits are... Ruined.."

You sit Professor Chaos on a chair before reaching into a bag you had on your back.

"That's why I'm here. Ta-Da!"

You hold out their stage uniforms, completely revamped from their demonic state.

All three girls' eyes lit up.

"Wow! They're so pretty..!"

"I had them redone by Rarity... And the Professor here paid for them."

They look at you both.

"Was this part of your plan?"

Professor Chaos shrugged.

"We improvised."

"Aww..."

You both were forced into another group hug.

"You three should get dressed. It'll be show time soon."

>>2071470120714701 (You)

Downstairs, Trixie and her band burst through the doors.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie demands to know who did the schedule for the bands tonight!"

Dash sighed heavily.

Rarity chuckled.

"I'll handle this one, Dash."

She walked over to Trixie.

"Was it YOU, Rarity? Ugh, I knew it."

Trixie pouted.

"Is there something wrong with it, my dear?"

"Of COURSE there is! Trixie's band isn't playing first! Who was the imbecile who made this!?"

"That... Imbecile would be Anonymous. And he's upstairs. I could take a message if you'd like."

"No, I'll take to him thank you very much."

Trixie turned and walked out, her entourage in tail.

"That girl will never get over herself..."

"TRIXIE HEARD THAT!"

You and Discord sat outside of the lab while the girls changed.

You had been idly talking about the night's events.

"Are you sure this will work, Anon?"

You nod slowly.

"If I could spark Sonata's power... Why shouldn't they be able to spark their own together?"

He stroked his beard.

"It makes sense. You know, Anon... I'm glad to have met you."

You look at him questioningly.

"You have been the most... Interesting student I've ever met. One of the smartest as well."

You smile softly.

Your conversation is cut short by an angry Trixie stomping toward you.

"YOU!"

You look around before pointing to yourself.

"Me?"

"YES, YOU! How DARE you invite Trixie and the Illusions WITHOUT making us the opening band!"

You shrugged softly.

"If you want it so bad, why not swap with the Rainbooms?"

"Why if I had a--- Wait, huh?"

You chuckle.

"We can swap with you if you want. We don't mind."

"Well... Trixie..."

She seemed stumped.

"...Trixie accepts this then."

Discord chuckled.

Trixie snapped her fingers as she went back downstairs.

She tripped on her own cape.

"Trixie... Is okay!"

"Smooth one, Mister Anon."

"Thank you, good sir."

>>2071481020714810 (You)

Some time later, you and Discord make your way down to the auditorium.

You got him a very comfortable seat in the back so he could rest and enjoy himself.

"So, Anon. Is everything set?"

"Yep."

"Took care of that Trixie problem?"

"Yepper."

"Remembered to change your underwear?"

You look back at her.

"Excuse me?"

"Just teasing~"

Sunset stole a quick kiss from you.

"You're an amazing man, Anon."

Sunset skipped off to join the other Rainbooms.

You sat down next to Discord.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready as well?"

"Me? Why? I'm not a part of the show."

"Oh, but I think you are."

He nods toward the open doors where the Dazzlings stood.

They all waved at you.

Sonata held up your prized Silvertone guitar.

It was now emblazoned with the marks of each of the Rainbooms, and even the Dazzlings.

"Looks like the girls want you to play with them."

"Oh, I..."

"Do it, Anon. They're calling for you."

You don't know how, but his words always got into your head and seemingly hypnotized you...

Was that the magic he always spoke of?

Regardless, you went to go find something better to put on.

An hour later, you stood behind the front doors in between Celestia and Luna.

Wow, it looked like EVERYONE from the school was attending... Even the faculty.

The pressure was on...

Everything was set up and good to go.

You even had the school's PA system hooked up to the soundboard so everyone around the school could hear it.

You look at the two Principals as they nod to you.

You step outside as they hold the doors open.

"Everyone..."

They all looked at you in your leather jacket. and flame-emblazoned pants.

"The school event is now.. Open!"

Tossing your hands up, the crowd hoards into the building, nearly crushing all three of you.

Brad was sitting on a flower container.

"You too, Brad. Your band is second to play."

"Woah, seriously Anon?"

"Yeah, man. It's the top four after all."

Brad ran up before playing it cool and fist bumping you.

>>2071489320714893 (You)

"Rockin', Anon."

You smile to him.

"Lovin' the digs, by the way."

You roll your eyes.

"You did good, Brad. For once.. You did good."

He ran inside to get ready as you walked in.

You watched over the auditorium. Everyone seemed to be having a good time as Trixie and the Illusions played their signature "Tricks Up My Sleeve."

You had to admit, that shit was pretty damn catchy.

You even found yourself singing along to it from time to time.

The girls always giggled at you when they caught you doing it.

Sunset ran a finger under your chin.

"Someone's a fan boy~"

"I am not!"

"Trixie curtains? Signed Trixie photo? ...Singing to her songs?"

"It means nothing!"

Everyone got a laugh out of it.

"Oh, yuck it up you jerks..."

Trixie's song ended as they came back off stage.

"Trixie thanks you for that opportunity."

She still kept herself high and mighty.

"That was an amazing job, Trixie. Truly worthy."

"As expected~"

Brad and his band got on stage.

You went back with the Dazzlings who were still mulling over what song to play.

"Well we could do Under our Spell again..."

"No, no.. It should be Welcome to the Show! This is a big event..."

You could feel their nervousness.

You squatted down next to Sonata.

"Having a hard time deciding?"

She nods.

"We have so many songs... We just don't know what one to pick!"

You look back at your guitar.

"Why not Battle of the Bands? It's fitting."

"But we don't want to lull them into another daze..."

"Trust me, you won't. This power will be different."

She seemed hesitant.

Brad's band finished up and walked off.

Sunset hugged him gently.

"That was great, Brad!"

"H-hey, are you sure that..?"

He looks back at you.

You nod slowly.

He returned the hug.

"Thanks, Sunset. Aren't you guys next?"

"Yeah, we are. We're hoping that we can do just as well."

"You'll do great."

Sonata looked at you.

"Aren't you going to go out there with them?"

"Nah. I'm with you guys, then our group sing together."

>>2071498020714980 (You)

The Rainbooms squad walked onto the stage.

The crowd starting roaring wildly.

This unnerved the Dazzlings.

They were down Twilight, but it wouldn't matter with Sunset around.

They took their positions.

Pinkie led them off.

"We just got the day, to get ready! And there's only so much time to lose! Because tonight, yeah we're here to party! So let's think of something fun to do!"

The rest of the band become more lively.

The crowd seemed to dance along.

Even the Dazzlings were moving to the beat.

"We don't know, what's gonna happen! But we just know, that's it's gonna be alright! Our friends are here... And it's time to ignii-iite the liii-iights!~"

Instantly the band's sound roared to life.

"Shake your tail, 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!"

Sunset held the mic out to the crowd.

They sang in unison.

"Shake your taaail! Shake your taaaail!"

"Shake your tail, 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!"

"Shake your tail! Shake your taaail!"

You watched everyone play, having the time of their lives.

You remember the control the Dazzlings had over you...

You didn't get a chance to enjoy the music.

"So what if you didn't get it right the first time?"

"Laugh it off, no one said it is a crime!"

"Do you think, you know you're an original?"

"Yer ideas are so funny that they're criminal!"

The guitarists Rainbow and Sunset bobbed as they played.

Even Fluttershy was having the time of her life.

The sound died down pre-chorus.

"Aaaaa-Aaah!~"

"We just got the day, to get ready! And there's only so much time to lose! Because tonight, yeah we're here to party! So let's think of something fun to do!"

The girls began to glow.

"We don't know, what's gonna happen! We just know, it's gonna be alright! Our friends are here, and it's time to ignii-iite and lii-iiights!~"

As the chorus came through, the girls transformed.

Ears, tails, the whole works.

>>2071510120715101 (You)

They continued to play.

Their sound mesmerized everyone as they danced.

You swear, you had never seen a larger group of people have so much fun...

"Shake your tail, 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!"

"Shake your tail! Shake your tail!"

"Shake your tail, 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!"

"Shake your tail! Shake your taaail!"

"Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!"

As the song ended, each of the girls struck a pose.

You couldn't help but feel totally charged for your performance.

"I don't know if we can top that..."

You look at the Dazzlings who seemed down.

"Girls.. It isn't about being better than one another."

"Huh?"

"It's all about pleasing the crowd and having fun... Together."

"F...Fun..?"

"Yeah.. Look at how the girls were playing. They were smiling and enjoying themselves. The crowd did the same thing."

"I... I see.."

The Rainbooms came off of the stage.

"Those transformations are still WAY cool!"

"They really are quite fabulous~"

Sunset walked over.

"You guys ready? It's your turn."

You look at them.

They still seemed unsure.

"Listen... You won't be out there alone. You have each other.. And me. You can do this."

"Yeah..."

Adagio kept thinking about Discord's statement.

She stood up with an adamant, courageous fire in her eyes.

"Let's do this girls! ...Together. As a family."

Sonata's eyes lit up.

"F-For realzies?"

"Yeah. Let's give them a show!"

You smile softly as you watch them run out.

You follow in suit with your guitar strapped to your back.

"You can do this, Anon. You did it twice before."

"Yeah... Fingers don't fail me now."

>>2071517020715170 (You)

The smoke machines started up from each side of the stage.

The trio walked out.

"Aaaaah!~ Aaah!~ Aaaaah!~ Aaaaahh.."

Everyone seemed confused, on edge.

You begin to play your guitar.

"We heard you want to get together... we heard you want to rock the school."

Pyrotechnics in the front went off.

Adagio's voice didn't have any maliciousness inside of it.

It was silky smooth.

"We thought of something that is better... Something that changes all the rules!"

The crowd seemed to move in unison from side to side.

"Why pretend we're all the same... When some us shine brighter!"

"Briiighter!"

"Here's your chance to find your flame..."

Adagio paused as she felt herself grow warm.

"Are you a loser, or a fighter!?"

Her eyes flared with a passion.

Even Discord could feel it as he smirked.

"Something on your mind, Professor?"

"Nothing, my dear Celestia."

"Me and you, you and me..."

They began to perform as they did in the cafeteria.

"Why don't we see who is better? We don't have to be one in the same thing! Oh, what's so wrong with a little competition? Are you afraid of failing the audition?"

Adagio took the front of the stage.

"You're a star and you should knooow it. Yeah, you rise above the rest! It doesn't matter who you hurt... If you're just proving you're the best!"

"Aaah.. Aaah, aaah aaaaahh!~"

"BATTLE!"

"You want to win it!"

"LET'S HAVE A BATTLE! BATTLE OF THE BANDS!"

The crowd seemed to join in too.

"BATTLE!"

"We'll go all in it!"

"LET'S HAVE A BATTLE! BATTLE OF THE BANDS!"

Trixie and a few others rushed on stage.

"BATTLE!"

"I could beat you!"

"BATTLE!"

"Hah, you WISH!"

"BATTLE!"

"I Soo want this!"

"BATTLE!"

"Not if I get it first!"

"Me and you, you and me... Why don't we see who is better? We don't have to be one in the same thing! Oh what's so wrong with a little competition? We're going up and winning the audition!"

"BATTLE!"

"You want to win it!"

>>2071525220715252 (You)

"LET'S HAVE A BATTLE! BATTLE! BATTLE! BATTLE OF THE BANDS!"

You pant a bit from the intensity of the song.

Your fingers felt like they were on fire.

The Dazzling Trio stood on the stage as everyone watched them.

Professor Chaos stood from in the back, clapping slowly.

One by one the crowd began to follow suit until they roared to life with cheers.

Adagio, Aria, and Sonata looked at one another before bouncing with joy.

"ONE MORE! ONE MORE! ONE MORE! ONE MORE!"

Brad walked out onto the stage.

"Alright everyone, settle down. There is still another round for tonight. The bands need some time to prepare themselves, so sit tight. Our very own DJ, miss Vinyl Scratch will keep you moving until then! Take it away!"

You walk with the four of them off the stage.

"Man, Anon. That performance was WILD!"

"Yeah, I know. And by the looks on their faces... They discovered their spark."

You both look at the Dazzlings

"Gear up, Anon. Next track is going to be a doozy."

"Yeah, I know... Can't wait to shred it against them."

"Gunna be sick."

You fist bump Brad once more.

After a few of Vinyl's tracks were played, Celestia took the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen... Thank you for coming tonight. I would like to thank all of the participating bands for their performances tonight. We have one final performance to end the night. Everyone, give it up for the Rainbooms AND the Dazzlings!"

Everyone cheered and stomped.

"Alright girls, it's show time!"

They nod.

"Yeah!"

"Let's knock them off their feet!"

>>2071532820715328 (You)

Each of the bands took their place as the stage opened up.

Brad began to play the bass.

The five of you walked out.

"Aaah!~ Ohhh aaah!~ Aaaaah!~ Oh aaah~ Aaah!~"

"Welcome to the shoooow~ We're here to let you knooow~ Our time is now! Your time is running out!~"

"Ah ahh aaah ahhhh!~ Oh aahh!~"

Their outfits began to glimmer in the lights.

Without realizing it, your guitar and Brad's bass began to glow a bit.

Every note sent down a sound wave over the crowd.

"Feels the waves of sound! As it crashed down! You can't turn away, we'll make you want to say!"

The crowd began to cheer.

Adagio, Sonata, and Aria became cloaked in a light.

Just like how the Rainbooms did, they managed to spark each others' power.

Their got their ears and tails... But they weren't Siren-like.

They looked more natural.

"We will be adored! Come tell us that you want us! We won't be ignored! It's time for our reward! Now you need us... Come and feed us! Nothing can stop us noooow!~"

You and Brad stop as the Rainbooms took over.

"Oh ah oh aaah oh~ I've got the music in me! Oh ah oh aaah!~"

The crowd roared more.

It was like a true battle of the bands as the Dazzlings and the Rainbooms had a friendly face off with their music.

Both bands played their hardest to the end.

The the end of it, everyone who was performing was exhausted.

Smiling, but exhausted.

The crowd cheered harder than ever.

The Dazzlings look toward you.

You smile and point out to where Discord was.

He was standing on his own two feet on his own.

He pointed to a hand mirror.

They ran back stage before screeching in delight and running out.

"We have ears..! And tails...!"

The Rainbooms walked over and clapped.

"Though you guys still have a long way to go... You've earned them. Together, you have more strength than any one person alone."

Adagio began to break down from the emotional weight.

>>2071542620715426 (You)

Discord nodded to you slowly.

"Adagio..."

"I.. I just can't believe this... I... Was this really our destiny?"

"Well hay yeah, it must have been! Otherwise you wouldn't have gotten them!"

"But we did... We did so much evil..!"

"It's true you did..."

You held your hand out to her.

"...But with time, you can atone for your mistakes and wrong doings. This will be the start of a new life for you three..."

Some more tears began to come from your eyes.

"Yo, Anon. Are you crying?"

"What? Me? No! It's just liquid pride!"

Even Aria and Sonata were tearing up.

Sonata more so.

"Nonny... Does this mean we can't be friends any more? Are we not going to see each other now that this is all fixed?"

You look at Sunset.

She shrugs.

You shake your head.

"No, Sonata. Aria. Adagio. I think this is just the start of your life... Here in Canterlot High. With your new friends."

"Aww...!"

You got tackled into a group hug as the crowd clapped.

You forgot they all existed.

Now everyone is going to call you Sappy Anon, the Cry Baby.

It was well worth it.

You managed to help some more people out, with the aid of some others.

The road was long and bumpy... But you turned three powerful enemies into three amazing friends.

No one would know what would come from this.

But you had a feeling that things were about to get really silly around here.

--End.

Sonata the Husbando Stealer

It's been a few months since you and Sunset originally got together.

You two only grew closer as time went on.

You and Sunset went on dinner dates together quite often, with the occasional movie here or there when you had the time and money.

She always wore the necklace you gave her that faithful night.

Your friendship with the other girls even grew, too.

One day, when you and Sunset came to school at Canterlot High, things seemed different.

You couldn't quite figure out what was going to happen, but you tried to proceed through your day as normal.

Sunset leaned against your locker.

"Well, today is the big day, Anon."

You look at her, trying to remember what was supposed to happen today.

"Please tell me you didn't forget."

"Uh... I didn't forget?"

She lightly hit your arm with one of her textbooks.

"Anon! It's the day those new girls are supposed to be arriving to attend Canterlot High!"

Sunset seemed kind of upset that you forgot about such a big event for her.

"I told you a few days ago that I volunteered to show them around..."

You nod slowly as you organize your locker again.

"Yeah, I remember now. You wanted to make friends with them before they heard about the old you, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

You give her a quick kiss.

"Will you be around to help me?"

"Sorry, Sunset.. I have a meeting with the Physics Professor today. Maybe I'll meet them another day."

Sunset seemed kind of disappointed.

You both went through your usual morning classes. Today, you had Physics before lunch, so instead of buying from the cafeteria, you brought your own.

"Would Sunset Shimmer please report to the main office?"

Professor Chaos laughed to himself a bit.

"Did she get in trouble again, Anon?"

You shake your head.

"No, sir. She just volunteered to show the new girls around."

>>2019272020192720

You worked away with the Professor on some Physics problems.

During that time, you also engaged in idle conversation.

"So, what is going on between you and that Sunset girl? I've seen you two around quite a bit."

You tap a chalk stick on your chin, thinking about the problem on the board.

"Oh, us? We're a couple now. Been that way since the Spring Fling dance. You know, the one you helped out with."

"Ah yes, the dance. You know, I didn't get to thank you for that."

You look at him.

"Thank me? For what? I thought I was only helping you get into the dance."

He chuckled heartily.

"My boy, thanks to you signing that voucher, I got to dance with that Principal Celestia. Let me tell you, that girl has got some moves."

You stop what you were doing to shudder.

Just picturing him and Principal Celestia dancing together was just... Yuck.

A loud commotion came from downstairs.

It sounded like... A bar brawl was going on down there.

"Now what in the world is that?"

You shrug.

The girls, Pinkie, AJ, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Sunset all sat at their table together as yelling and fighting broke out around them.

"Ohhhh. THAT kind of off!"

They all glared at Pinkie.

"Let's have a battle, battle! Battle! Battle of the Bands!"

The three girls, Adagio, Aria, and Sonata stood at the center of the room.

They looked like they were... Absorbing this odd gas cloud that wafted about the room.

Sunset looked very worried.

>>2019287720192877

Also, I dubb'd.

You meet up with Sunset and the others as they were making their way down toward the Principal's office.

"Oh, Anon. Good timing."

You give Sunset a soft hug.

"Yes? What's going on? What was all the commotion about earlier?"

Sunset looked down worriedly.

"It's those new girls, something... Isn't right with them. They kind of just came into the lunch room, began to sing and... Everyone just started bickering and fighting."

You look at Sunset and the other girls.

"And you guys weren't affected by this?"

They all shake their head.

"We don't know what got into everyone, but we're definitely going to go and warn Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna."

You nod. That sounded like a good plan.

You follow the girls to the offices and wait outside.

You run into the Dazzlings as they walked by you.

Sonata winked at you, and waggled her fingers in your direction.

"Ugh, come on Sonata. Don't fall behind!"

That purple haired girl seemed pretty aggressive as she dragged the blue one along...

A few minutes later, the girls piled out of the offices.

"Ugh, man. I can't believe they already got to Principal Celestia, and Vice Principal Luna!"

Sunset looked down, she was clearly upset.

"I can't believe Vice Principal Luna would say such a thing to me like that..."

"Well, we'll justh ave to call Twilight back! ...Even if it has only been a few months since she's been here."

You hold Sunset close to you.

"Yeah, but how will we do that..? The portal is still closed. And what about the Battle of the Bands?"

You look at Fluttershy.

"Battle of the Bands? Whatever happened to school's get-together musical?"

Sunset pouted a bit.

"Those girls happened..."

>>2019316820193168

You hold Sunset Shimmer as you rock side to side. It always seemed to help calm her down.

You can't stop thinking about those three girls who bypassed you... You haven't seen them around, so could they be the ones causing the trouble?

The Dazzligns sat at the burger joint in their usual corner.

"Ugh, Adagio... This still isn't enough. It didn't taste as raw at that school's..."

Adagio chuckled softly.

"Patience, Aria. Soon enough we will have control over them all, and the Equestrian Magic will be ours."

Sonata kicked her feet under the table.

"I dunno guys, that boy we passed looked kinda cute."

Aria glared at Sonata.

"You are literally. The. Worst. Sonata."

Sonata shrunk back a bit.

"But... He is kinda cute..."

The other two roll their eyes.

"Look, let's just focus on the Battle of the Bands, girls. Of course... We'll win that thing easily with our voices, but we have to be sure to milk them every step of the way."

"If we're going to win so easily, why should we even be worried?"

Adagio pointed over to the softly humming Sonata.

"Riiiiight..."

You walk past the burger joint.

Looking at it, you see just about everyone bickering and fighting.

"What the hell has gotten into them? Wasn't our school supposed to be... Friendly?"

Three hooded figures walked out of the building, seemingly not fighting like the rest.

You got a very uneasy feeling just from looking at them.

Who were those three?

One of them wiggled their fingers at you, just like how that girl from earlier did.

You stand there in confusion as she runs along.

You feel your forehead to make sure you weren't having a fever spawned hallucination.

Nope, no fever or sickness here...

What the hell was going on in this town now..?

>>2020692220206922

You lay in bed with Sunset after a long day.

She seemed to be reading a book quietly while you stared off into nothingness.

"Are you okay, Anon? You seem to be a lot quieter tonight than usual."

You nod slowly.

"Yeah, I'm just thinking about those girls you told me about."

Sunset closed her book and looked over at you.

"What about them?"

"What do you know about them?"

Sunset stopped to think.

"Well, all that we know is what they look like and how many are in their group. Three girls, one with purple hair, one with orange fluffy hair, and a third with blue hair... They wear these gems around their necks..."

You think about what you say when going past the burger building..

"And what did you say they did?"

"Well, they sang and this like... Green mist started to appear as everyone began to fight with one another."

Could she be talking about those same girls you ran into at the school? And the hooded figures from the burger place?

Sunset rolled onto her side, facing toward you.

She put a hand onto your chest.

"Well... Whatever is on your mind, it can wait until tomorrow. Let's sleep now, Nonny."

She yawned cutely, which brought you out of thought.

You smile at her softly as you slide down under the covers, turning the light out beside you.

"Goodnight, Sunset."

The next day you decide to stick with the girls, and made no plans with anyone else.

You really needed to know hat was going on, just in case something would happen to your Sunset Shimmer.

The morning went by unusually quietly.

It wasn't until lunch that the heat really started to pick up.

Everywhere you went, you saw friends fighting friends. Couples arguing over the dumbest of things...

You couldn't explain it, but this whole situation just reeked... And it wasn't that mist that even you could see.

You were so busy watching the others on either side of the hallway that you didn't notice someone standing in front of you.

You bump into them, causing them to topple forward.

>>2020722320207223

You hear a soft groan from the floor.

"Oh, owwie, my head.."

That voice... It was familiar.

A hooded figure came up off of the floor, the hood falling down to reveal the blue haired girl.

"Oh uh.. I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."

She giggled softly.

"Hey, you're that cute boy from yesterday!"

"You see I was... Wait, what?"

You look at her in complete confusion.

"Say what now?"

"Aww, you don't remember me? I passed you in the hall! And then I saw you again outside of the store!"

It came back to you. You did see this girl before.. And she just confirmed that it was her trio that was at the burger place.

"I... think I caught your name... Sonata?"

She nods.

"Yup! I'm Sonata Dusk! One of the Dazzlings! ...Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that..."

You go to ask her some more questions, but she interrupts you.

"Oh, sorry cutie! I gotta get going! Bye!"

She zips past you as you stand in the hallway, totally befuddled.

Dazzlings? Who or what was that? Was that the name of the trio?

You meet up with the girls during the afternoon.

They're all going on about Twilight and the upcoming musical face-offs.

Sunset was a bit quieter than more, but not nearly as quiet as you.

You continue to try and piece together what that Sonata girl said to you...

"Hey, girls. I have a question."

They all look at you.

"What is it, Anon?"

"Who... Or what is the Dazzlings?"

They look among one another.

"Now hold on jus' a minute here. Where did y'all here that name, Anon?"

You proceed to tell the group about how you encountered the hooded girls not once, not twice, but three times.

You even spoke to one of them.

Sunset looks at you sternly.

"Anon, I want you to stay away from them. You got that? They're nothing but trouble."

Trouble? That Sonata looked, spoke, and acted nothing but sweet.

"Yeah, those girls... They're just.. Not normal. Somethin' ain't right about them."

>>2020760020207600

"The unfortunate thing with this is that we don't know what the Dazzlings are exactly.. Just that they're a trio of girls who have magical powers."

"Yeah, and they're using them to turn the whole school against one another!"

You leaned against the statue.

This story... Really doesn't surprise you. It is a little bit hard to understand how it worked, but you expect that bookworm Twilight to be able to help... If she even got the girls' message.

"Girls with magical powers? Sounds like someone else I know."

You look as Sunset who blushes and fiddles with her hair.

"Anon..! This is serious!"

You could tell through her whines that she enjoyed the attention.

It took some time, but eventually that Twilight girl popped out of the base of the statue, catching you completely off guard.

You jump back a bit as she lands on the ground.

"I really need to figure out why the portal just spits me out like that..."

The girls all seemed to be so excited that Twilight came back.

"So, any news on those girls we told you about?"

"Yeah, and it isn't good.. Those girls you told me about, sound an awful lot like the Sirens that were banished long ago."

Sirens? Banished? You'd really need to stick around for this one.

You sat in a chair in the music room with the group.

They went on and talked about how they got ears and tails when they played their instruments.

Ears? Tails?

"That sounds like some of the Equestrian Magic was left behind... But it should have come back with me when I took the crown back. Well, if you say that it only comes out when you're playing, then I guess it's fine."

All this talk about magic kept you listening intently.

"So, Twi.. How are we supposed to beat these Sirens?"

She thought for a minute.

"Well, if the Equestrian Magic is still here, maybe we can use that to stop them like how we stopped Sunset Shimmer."

Sunset looked a bit hurt.

>>2020793820207938

The Dazzling trio walked around town a bit.

As always, they had their hoods up, looking to make some trouble.

Sonata skipped along behind them.

"Ugh, is she going to be like this ALL the time?"

Adagio looked at Aria.

"You know, in the couple hundred years that we've been stuck with one another, this is the first time that I've seen her like... THIS."

"Do you think it will mess up our plans?"

"It certainly better not."

They stop at some street corner to chat, trying to not act suspicious.

"Sonata, why are you all... Like this?"

Sonata looked at Adagio, tilting her head.

"Like what?"

"Ugh... You're all uppity and skipping along. Why are you being so... You?"

"Well, I ran into that cute guy from before..."

Adagio and Aria looked at one another. The same thought ran through their minds.

Oh no.

"Sonata, that boy... Did you say anything to him? Anything at all?"

Sonata bit her lip, she knew she had goofed up, but needed to tell them.

"Well..."

Aria facepalmed.

"Oh, good god Sonata.. What did you do THIS time?"

"Well, he kinda bumped into me... And I kinda sorta told him my name... And kinda made am oopsie telling him I was one of the Dazzlings."

Adagio facepalmed.

Aria shook with anger.

"Sonata, you are the WORST. Ugh, why do we even both with you?"

"I'm sorry guys..! It just sorta slipped out!"

The other two rolled their eyes.

"Just... Don't bother with him again. In case you've forgotten, you have a job to do."

Sonata looked at the ground as they walked again.

"Sorry, guys..."

You watched the girls play.

They had spoken about some kind of... Counter spell that used music as its source.

You've heard of music having magical qualities to it that can influence a person, but this was just ridiculous.

Watching their practice performance, you take not on how each of the girls played.

As always, Rainbow HAD to take the lead...

>>2020824820208248

Pinkie was using her hyper activity on the drums. Rainbow and AJ played their guitars, Rarity on a guitar piano, and Fluttershy on a tambourine.

You and Sunset both seemed to enjoy the performance.

Without warning, ears popped on their heads, one by one.. They looked like the ears from the Wondercolts uniform... But different.

Their performance ended as you, Twilight, and Sunset applaud them.

"That sounded great girls. And it looks like you were right about the transformation Very... Odd, but it shouldn't be a problem."

The girls went on to talk about the band and practicing while you and Sunset sat watching them.

"Do you think we'll have a shot at this, Anon?"

"I don't know. I mean, you're missing my good looks."

You tried to lighten Sunset's mood with some boastful teasing.

It seemed to work as she smiled and lightly pushed you.

"Oh, get over yourself. I'm just worried that we won't be able to stop those girls."

You nod slowly.

"I know what you mean. Going up against such a... prominent threat is a very difficult thing to do."

The Siren trio sat in the auditorium, watching the various groups bicker and fight.

Adagio giggles with a hand in front of her mouth.

"Soon, girls... Soon this will bring back our true powers, and we will reign dominant once more."

Aria rolled her eyes.

"Are you even sure this will work? I mean, this is all just weak stuff. When will we get to taste the real magic?"

"In time, Aria. All good things take time."

Adagio laughed quietly.

Next to them, Sonata sat rocking back and forth, patting her lap with her hands as she listened to some of the groups play.

Aria crossed her arms.

"Sonata, you are such a dork. Why don't you go and be useful for once? Get us something to eat."

Sonata looked at them.

"What would you want to eat?"

"Anything! Just... Go get something."

Sonata saluted and ran off into the hall to find some food.

>>2021688420216884

You walk down the hall toward your lock to put some of your things away.

The girls' music can be heard behind you, but only faintly.

You kind of wanted to tap to the beat or dance, but you just didn't have the nerve.

One thing kept running through your head.

Those three girls, the Dazzlings.

You knew of what they could do... But why is it that something about them always just sends a chill down your spine?

You bump into someone, causing you both to topple over.

"Ah, jeez. Sorry about that."

You both apologized at the same time.

You look ahead of you just to see that you ran into that Sonata girl.

That REALLY needs to stop happening before Sunset shoots you.

Sonata rubbed her head a bit.

"Owwie..."

You stand up and offer her a hand.

She takes it and gets up before taking a look at you.

"You're that... Sonata girl. Yeah, the one from earlier."

Sonata looked around cautiously for a moment.

"Yep, that's me! I never did get your name."

She got up close to you, running a finger down your chest.

Still taken back by the confrontation, you blink a few times.

"Uh... I'm Anon."

You fool, why did you go and tell her that?

She giggles softly.

"Anon, huh? A guess a cute name matches a cute person."

"Yeah... Hey, listen. I wanted to ask you some things. Think you can answer them for me?"

She thought for a moment.

"Aww, I wish I could, but I really have to get going! I gotta get some food for me and my friends!"

Damn, and you really needed those questions answered too.

"Hey, what if I tag along? Could you answer them then?"

She thought for a second.

"I suppose that wouldn't hurt."

She began to skip her way down toward the cafeteria as you followed her.

"So uh... Sonata. What exactly are the Dazzlings?"

"That's the name of the group my friends and I are in! We're going to be in the Battle of the Bands!"

You nod slowly.

"I see... And what is it that you do?"

She ordered some tacos.

But it wasn't Taco Tuesday... Must like tacos.

>>2021718320217183

"Well, mister Anon.. We sing. We're a singing trio."

You nod once more.

"I see... That's... Very interesting to know. Do you know anything about why the other students are so... Angry with each other?"

Sonata froze up.

"I um... am not allowed to talk about that."

You look at her questioningly as she takes the order of tacos out with her.

"Aaaand... What about those tacos?"

Sonata giggled softly.

"I just really really like Tacos!"

You roll your eyes.

This girl was really strange.

"It was nice talking to you, Anon!"

She gives you a kiss on the cheek before darting off.

Sunset sighed softly.

"What the heck is taking Anon so long? He should have been back by now."

"Maybe someone should look for him?"

Sunset stood up.

"I'll do it. He's my responsibility, anyway."

"Are you sure? What about the Sirens running about?"

She shrugged.

"I'll just find him and quickly come back."

Sunset walked down the hall, watching her corners everywhere.

Eventually she finds you down by your locker.

"Are you okay Anon? You've been out here for some time."

You took a minute to respond.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

You close your locker and turn to her.

Sunset sees the blue lipstick on your cheek.

"...Anon? What's that?"

She points to the mark.

You touch your face to find some of it sticking to your fingers.

"Uh..."

>>2021761820217618

"Man, those two are taking forever. I wonder they're okay...?"

"Well, seeing as how Sunset was immune to the Sirens' spell, she might be but..."

They all looked a bit worried.

"Anon might not be so lucky if he was caught by them."

"Oh come on now, guys. I'm sure things are just fine."

Rainbow Dash opened the door.

"ANON! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!"

The girls all gasped.

That was Sunset's angry voice.

"Aaaaand the door gets closed again."

You look down at Sunset.

"Listen, I can explain!"

"So who was it, Anon!? Trixie?"

You put your hands up to defend yourself from the raging Sunset.

"No! I swear, I'm not doing anything behind your back!"

"Yeah? Then explain THAT little mark on your cheek! How did THAT get there within the last ten minutes!?"

You really weren't having any luck trying to settle Sunset.

"I can't believe you'd go and do something like this! After all we've been through..."

You hang your head in shame.

"...It was that Sonata girl."

Sunset's tone quickly changed.

"Sonata? As in... The Dazzling, Sonata?"

She looked at you.

"Kind of short, blue hair...?"

You nod.

"Yes, that's the one."

"Oh this is just greeeeat."

"It isn't what you think, I swear! I just ran into her while on my way down here, and I stopped to ask her some questions... Before I knew it, she just up and kissed me and ran off!"

"Yeah... Likely story..."

You could feel the tension getting really bad.

This was just as bad as a few months ago, if not worse.

And there was still the party later this afternoon with all the bands...

You and Sunset walk into the music room, Sunset with her arms crossed.

No one said a thing for some time.

"So uh... What happened out there?"

Twilight dared to venture into no-no territory.

"That... Jerk over there is cheating on me! With that Sonata girl!"

They all gasped.

"Cheating!? With... With THAT girl!? Anon!"

Oh shit, here comes the enraged Rarity.

She stomps her way over to you.

>>2021965420219654

Rarity raises a fist up to you.

"Anon! It's been two months, and you're doing THIS!? Why, I oughta--"

Applejack holds Rarity back.

"Now hold on just a minute here, partner. Let's give the man a chance ta speak."

Thank god, Applejack to the rescue.

You sit down in a chair to recount the story you told Sunset. How you ran into Sonata--quite literally, and how you were after answers to your questions and she just... Kissed you.

They all seem unsure of this.

"How do we know you're not brainwashed like the others?"

You scratch your head, thinking of a way to prove your side of the story.

"Well... If I was brainwashed, wouldn't I be sitting here fighting with you all?"

They all mumble and nod their heads.

"Yeah, that does sound right..."

"Regardless, that... Lipstick mark on your cheek from someone other than Sunset! ...Or your mother... is unacceptable!"

You drag your hand down your face.

They just didn't get the point.

"Look, she kissed me, and caught me off guard. I didn't ask for it, she just did it. End of story."

Sunset sank into a chair.

Everyone looked at her.

"Look, girls.. We'll.. Solve this later. Right now, you guys need to focus on practicing for this afternoon."

"Yeah, ah suppose he has a point. Let's get back to work, y'all."

The Dazzlings were still seated in the same spot as before.

Sonata ran up to them with the tacos.

"Really Sonata? Tacos? Again?"

Aria grumbled.

"You really just... Are like the worst, Sonata."

"But you said..."

"I know what I said! Just... Be quiet and hand some over."

Sonata seemed a bit more energetic than before.

The other two took notice.

"What's gotten into you, Sonata?"

"Ooooh, nothing. Just that I met that boy again."

She kicked her feet as she bit into a taco.

"Hish name ish Anon. And I even got ta give him a kish."

Adagio looked back at Aria.

"You didn't tell him anything, did you?"

"Uh..."

"Sonata..."

"I kinda told him that we were a singing group... But that's it! I swear!"

>>2021989720219897

Adagio looked at Sonata with interest.

"Nothing else?"

Sonata shook her head.

"Well, actually..."

"Yes? What is it?"

"I got to feed off of some pretty strong negative energy."

"Did you now? Whose was it?"

"Anon and that Sunset Shimmer's."

Adagio and Aria grinned widely.

"Good job Sonata, I didn't think you had it in you. You did good, kid."

Sonata squeed.

"Girls, this is but the beginning. Soon we'll have all the power we need."

You helped the girls move their equipment onto the stage.

Your some things that only make noise, some of them were heavy...

You managed to get the lipstick off, but Sunset still wouldn't talk to you.

You hear a commotion going on out in the auditorium.

"Friendship. Is. Magic!"

Nothing happens.

"Oh my, talk about throwing down the gauntlet! Looks like this group is so sure that they have this in the bag... But that's being a bit to cocky, isn't it?"

That must be Adagio, the leader...

"Yeah right, I'm so going to win this!"

"In your dreams, Trixie! Our band is the best at Canterlot High!"

Wow, they even got Brad...

You see the mist going around, and even being sucked into the gems around the Dazzlings' necks.

Now you know what the girls meant...

The battle of the bands went on.

Most of them sounded good. Trixie and the Illusions, Brad's band, the Rainbooms, hell even the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Finally, it was time to hear the Dazzlings.

You couldn't wait to hear how they sounded.

>>2022034320220343

The Dazzlings trio walked out to the center stage.

"Ohh ah oh~ Ohhh ah oh!~ You didn't know that you fell!"

Just hearing them sent shivers down your spine.

"Oh ah oh!~ Oh ah oh!~ Now that you're under our spell..."

Spell? Is this... How they use their magic?

"Blind sided by the beat~ Clapping your hand, stomping your feet. You didn't know that you fell!"

You tried to listen the best you could, but you mind felt cloudy.

"Now you've fallen under our spell!"

"Ohh aaahh oh~"

Your eyes went droopy. What was going on here?

"We've got the music, makes you move it! Got the song that makes you lose it! We say jump, you say how high? Put your hands up to the sky!"

What was this... Feeling coming over you? you wanted to desperately look away. Run away, but... Something kept you in place.

"Oh ah oh! Oh ah oh!"

"You didn't know that you fell!"

"Oh ah oh, oh ah oh!"

"Now that you're under our spell!"

You feel almost... Almost like you can't control yourself anymore. Like some foreign body has taken over.

"Listen to the sound of my voice!"

"Ohh ah ohhh!~"

"Soon you'll find you don't have a choice!"

Sunset poked her head from behind a curtain to look into the crowd.

"Captured in the web of my song!"

"Ah ohh, aah oh!"

"Soon you'll all be singing along!"

Adagio reached out.

You couldn't help but stand up.

"We've got the music makes you move it, got the song that makes you lose it! We say jump, you say how high? Put your hands up to the sky!"

Sunset finally found you among the crowd.

She put her hands to her mouth.

"A-Anon... N-no..!"

"Oh ah oh! Oh ah oh!"

"You didn't know that you fell!"

"Oh ah oh! Oh ah oh!~"

"Now that you're under our spell!"

"Oh ah oh! Oh ah oh!"

"You didn't know that you fell!"

"Oh ah oh, oh ah oh!"

"Now that you're under our spell..!"

You sat back down, your eyes shining green for a second.

Sunset ran backstage once more, now in tears.

"What's gotten into her?"

The group shrugged.

Applejack took a look into the crowd.

>>2022056520220565

Applejack went back to the group.

"This doesn't look good, girls..."

They looked at Applejack.

"More victims?"

She nods.

"It's... Anon, this time..."

Some of the gasped.

"Not Anon!"

Fluttershy seemed a bit upset too.

"Afraid so, girls... He... He's fallen to them too."

"Fine then. We'll just have to go and win them back, then!"

"But the counter spell isn't ready!"

"Right..."

The audition proceeded.

Many of the bands were knocked out. The final four came down to Brad's group, the Rainbooms, The Dazzlings, and Trixie and the Illusions.

The Dazzlings overthrew Brad's band with relative ease.

It was now down to the Rainbooms and Trixie's group.

"There is no way your lame band is going to win, Rainbow Dash. You shouldn't even be allowed to participate with such an unfair advantage."

The girls began to bicker some before they went onto the stage.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!"

"Awesome as I wanna be!"

Sunset watched them play from the side of the stage.

Rainbow Dash was letting herself get too riled up.

Her ears began to form before Sunset tackled her down, causing the entire performance to fall flat on its ass.

"Hey! There's the bad girl we love to hate!"

The crowd laughed at them as they went off stage.

"Great performance, Raingoons! I especially loved the part where Sunset took down Rainbow Dash in a fit of jealous rage!"

Sunset stomped her foot. Some more of the mist was coming from her.

"It.. was NOT jealous rage!"

"Hey, they are about to announce who is moving on!"

"What's the point? It isn't going to be us..."

Celestia and Luna walked up to the stage.

Behind them was the Dazzlings.

They sang to the facilitators for a brief moment.

"Without further ado... The group moving on will be.. The Rainbooms!"

"What!?"

Trixie stomped past the group.

"This is NOT over."

The Dazzlings approached them.

"Looks like we're going head to head in the finals. Should be... Fun."

"Yeah? Just you wait! We'll take you down!

>>2022099620220996

"Yeah? Is that so? Well, good luck to you then, Rainbooms. Oh, and we also got your precious boyfriend, Sunset~"

Adagio winked at Sunset, chuckling softly.

Sunset got very infuriated at her, trying to charge her down.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash caught her.

"Adagio! Just you wait! I... I'll...!"

"You'll what, Sunset? You're all alone. You have no power. There's nothing you can do."

Sonata stuck her tongue out at Sunset before the trio walked away.

Sunset fell to the stage floor, crying.

"Aw, shucks Sunset... We'll get them. Don't you worry."

You and Sunset sat at home that night.

You didn't converse with her much. Instead you sat and watched some TV.

Sunset stood outside, looking up at the night sky.

"You know, Anon.. You could say something you know."

You don't respond.

"Anon, I'm serious, here... This.. Isn't like you. At all."

She seemed to be trying to break the spell on her own, but to no avail.

Sunset turned toward the screen door.

"Anon! Stop ignoring me!"

"Why? It's not like you have anything important to say."

Sunset was hurt by that comment.

"Just like Adagio said... You're nothing."

Sunset hung her head, her shoulders shaking.

"Then... Get out."

You look at her.

"Excuse me?"

"Get.. Out.. And take your stupid necklace with you!"

Sunset took the gift necklace you gave her off of her neck and tossed it at you.

You pick it up and shrug.

You pause as you walk out the door.

"No one liked you anyway."

Later that night, the Sirens were at the school.

They must have been preparing for the night's battle there.

"That was WONDERFUL, girls! Not only did we get the feast of a lifetime, but we are also tearing those girls apart one... By... One."

Aria nodded.

"Finally, one of your stupid plans is working Adagio. It's about time."

Adagio tried to shrug off the comment.

She approached Sonata.

"And it is all your doing, Sonata. You did a really good job tearing that couple apart."

She smiled widely and clapped her hands.

>>2022114020221140

You open the doors to the auditorium.

This caused the Dazzlings to jump and assume an offensive posture.

You walk in and bow to them.

They seem to lower their guard.

"Well, look who it is."

"Yeah, it's Sonata' play toy."

Sonata runs over to hug you.

"What 'cha doin' here silly?"

You stand up.

"I thought I'd come by to uh.. See how things were going here."

Adagio sat down.

"Things are going just fine. you may leave."

She waved a hand at you.

Sonata pulled you into a hug.

"No! I don't want him to leave! And you don't want to either, do you Anon?"

She dragged a finger down your chest slowly.

Your eyes shimmer green again.

"Of course not, Sonata. Why would I want to leave you?"

Sonata giggled.

"You know, Sonata. I'm... Actually kind of impressed. Not only did you manage to stir up some trouble in their group, but also managed to take their precious little man and make him your own."

Adagio looked at Aria, then back at Sonata.

"But when did you charm him?"

Sonata thought for a minute.

"During our performance, I suppose. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him and I guess it just lured him into me."

Adagio and Aria looked at one another.

Aria shrugged.

"Well, it's helping our plan, so what do we care?"

"Very well, then. He can help us by feeding us more energy."

The girls gathered at the grand stage.

They were testing their instruments and microphones.

Sunset kind of sat back quietly.

Twilight put a hand on Sunset's shoulder.

"You alright, Sunset?"

She shook her head.

"Where's Anon?"

She shrugs quietly.

"....Why are you so quiet? And where did your... Don't tell me."

They all looked at her.

"Hey now, sugarcube... Just let him go. He's under their spell now, and all we can do is try to break it."

She stands up slowly.

"He... Said some very nasty things."

They all looked kind of guilty.

"Well, ya still have us. We'll make sure he comes back to you."

Sunset wiped her tears away, nodding.

>>2022197220221972

You and the Dazzlings stood at the entrance of the concert area.

"Now girls, watch as how our little friends here... Get taken care of."

"Taken care of? I thought we were trying to get rid of them!"

Aria rolled her eyes and Adagio facepalmed.

"It is a saying, Sonata... God, sometimes..."

Sonata shrugged.

The girls down on the stage continued to talk and test their equipment.

Trixie and her group stepped onto the stage.

"What are YOU doing here, Trixie? The losers are supposed to be up there in the cheap seats."

"I don't know how you managed to get to the finals, but I deserve to be in this spot, and Trixie will NOT be denied!"

"What are you even talking abou-- Whaa!"

Trixie pulled a level for a trap door, causing the Rainbooms to fall under the stage.

"See you never!"

"See girls, I told you all that they needed was a little... Push."

Sonata shrugged.

"But that wasn't a push... She just pulled the lever."

Even you had to facepalm at that one.

"Go back to sleep, Sonata."

Sonata cling to your arm, grinning like a giddy child.

"Soon, girls... Soon our time will come, and we will have full control over everyone."

"Well, this is just great. What else could go wrong?"

"Gee, I don't know. Maybe you actually being of some HELP, Sunset!?"

The group began to bicker and argue.

"It isn't my fault that all those stuff is happening!"

"Girls! Stop this fighting this instant! It isn't going to get us anywhere!"

Rainbow looked over at Rarity.

"And neither are you and your... Fancy clothing!"

The group argued on and on.

"Girls, come on! This isn't going to do us any good!"

Twilight stood up.

"Sitting here and arguing over this will only let the sirens win!"

"Yeah? Well they have already won, in case you haven't noticed!"

Sunset began to shake again.

Her fists tightened as she kept her head low.

Applejack paused her arguing to look at Sunset.

"Woah nelly..."

AJ walked over to Sunset and reached out to put a hand onto her shoulder.

>>2023172920231729

Sunset pushed Applejack aside, marching toward Rainbow.

"Woah! Hey, Sunset..!"

She grabs Rainbow by the collar and hold her up a bit.

"YOU'RE the reason this group is failing so hard! You're so caught up in yourself that you refuse to give anyone else some spotlight, let alone an opinion!"

Rainbow struggled against Sunset.

Sunset's eyes glowed a fiery red, with the passion she once held before.

"Hey... Let me go.. Sunset..!"

Rainbow squired in her grip, trying to break free.

The rest of them just looked on in shock.

"Rainbow Dash... You've been nothing but terrible to your friends! You've demanded total control over the group, and pushed others aside... I've chosen my words carefully, perhaps you should have too."

Twilight put a hand onto Sunset's shoulder.

"Sunset, don't do this! It isn't worth it!"

"No, Twilight. She has this coming."

More of the Equestrian magic mist seeped out from them, escaping up onto the stage.

Sunset brought one of her fists back.

"Maybe now you'll learn."

With a swift motion, she strikes Rainbow in the face. At the same time, she released Rainbow Dash from her grip.

Rainbow landed on the ground after slamming into the door.

"Rainbow!"

The Dazzlings were on next.

Standing backstage, they look at the floorboards and the mist coming up out of it.

It wasn't green like before, it was actually colorful.

"Girls.."

Aria and Sonata looked at Adagio.

"It's finally time."

Sonata and Aria laughed softly.

"Your plan actually worked Adagio. I can't believe it."

Adagio turned to the three of you.

"And it is all thanks to Sonata and her little ploy to take that... Anonymous away from them."

Sonata blushed and rubbed one of her arms shyly.

"I... only wanted to have him. But hey, it worked out!"

"Yes, and you did a great job."

Sonata looked up at you.

"Oh, Anon.. You can go stand in the crowd now. Be sure to cheer for us, won't you?"

She runs a hand down one of your arms.

"Of course, Sonata..."

>>2023209420232094

You take your leave, bowing to the trio.

They laugh and talk among themselves as Trixie's show ends.

"Beat that!"

Adagio made a mocking quivering motion.

"Oh, I don't know if we caaan!"

The trio giggles.

The girls down below stood in shock at what just happened.

"Did Sunset really just..?"

"Wow, I didn't think she'd..."

Rainbow held her face where she was stuck.

"S-Sunset you..."

"I know what I did... Maybe it will knock some sense into you."

No bones were broken, but Rainbow still felt the pain and the shock.

Sunset stood in the middle of them.

"If we're going to save everyone, pointless bickering won't help us."

"But Sunset you just..."

"I know. Let it be a wake-up call. We need to work together to solve this, or else everything is lost."

Twilight looked away quietly.

"...The counter spell I made isn't ready."

"Well um.. If our magic comes out when we play... Why not just play any song?"

Rainbow stood up, nodding slowly.

"Yeah.. Fluttershy has a point. We should just pick a song and play it."

The door opened behind Rainbow.

"Spike! And... Vinyl?"

The Dazzlings walked out onto the stage, bass guitar reverberating heavily.

"Aaaah!~ Ah ah ahhh!~"

They held their arms out.

It was time.

"Welcome to the show! We're here to let you know!"

The crowd stared on at them.

"Our time is nooow!~ Your time is running out!"

"Ah ah! Ahh oh ahhh!~"

You stood near the back of the crowd. The music was mystical; alluring. you even followed their motions.

"Feel the wave of sound! As it crashes down!"

An intense wave hit the crowd, causing some of them to fall to their knees.

You were one of them.

"You can't turn away! We'll make you want to stay!"

The Rainbooms quickly regathered themselves and made for the hills.

Vinyl followed them up there.

"We have only one shot at this girls. Are we SURE we're ready for this?"

They all nod.

"We HAVE to be ready, Twilight."

>>2023278920232789

The Dazzlings kept singing.

"We will be adored! Tell us that you want us."

Everyone was mesmerized by the song, cheering the trio on.

"We won't be ignored! It's time for our reward!"

They seemed to be dancing to attune to their singing, making them even more trance inducing.

"Now you need us! Come and heed us! Nothing can stop us NOW!"

The girls looked at one another, nodding.

"Oh ah, oh ah oh!"

"I've got the music in me!"

They began to play with the most concentration they had ever used.

"Don't need a crowd cheering out my name! Didn't come here seeking infamy or fame!"

The Dazzlings looked up at the hills before snarling.

The crowd seemed to turn toward the Rainbooms.

"The one and only thing I've come to bring is the music; is the music in my song!"

Your head felt torn. Like an entire battle was raging on inside of it.

"Gotta break out! Set myself free, yeah!"

Free. Free...

"Gotta let it all go! Just let it be, yeah!"

Sound waves flooded the area. Light blue sound waves to oppose the red sound waves from the Dazzlings.

"If it's a real Battle of the Bands you want... Well, you're going to get it!"

The Dazzlings levitate into the air. Their bodies began to glow red as they transformed; getting ears and bat-like wings.

"What we've got in store! All we want and more! We will break on through! Now it's time to finish you!"

The red waves flew over everyone as they turned back toward the Dazzlings.

Their spell seemed to be getting stronger.

A great battle occurred. The Sirens' true forms attacked the Rainbooms, sound wave for sound wave.

The Dazzlings eventually overpowered the Rainbooms. It seemed like their power was increasing by the minute.

You stand there in a daze, trying to clear your head. You couldn't quite tell what was going on.

Before anyone knew it, Sunset stood in front of the Sirens.

She still felt shaken up by everything that was occurring, but held strong.

Sunset looked down into the crowd.

>>2023297720232977

Check them dubs.

Sunset spotted you in the crowd, looking idly onward.

She remembered what you two had just been through, spell or no spell.

She also thought of the good times you two had together.

Sunset held up the microphone. It was her time to save you.

"You're never gunna bring me down! You're never gunna break this part of me!"

She looked at her friends who got up one by one.

"My friends are here to bring me 'round! Not singing just for popularity!"

Sunset pointed at the Sirens, giving them an intense look.

This one is for Anon, and everyone else you cured beasts..!

Twilight stood beside her and nodded.

"We're here to let you know! That we won't let it go!"

"OUR MUSIC'S A BOMB AND IT'S ABOUT TO BLOW!"

The Sirens backed up a bit in surprise.

The crowd down below began to stir as the magic started to wear off.

"And you can try to fight, but we have got the light of friendship on our side!"

You rub your head.

What the hell happened..?

The last thing you can remember it being in the audience when the Dazzlings came on...

Oh shit, did you get taken under their spell too?

"Got the music in our hearts! We're gunna blow this thing apart! And together, we will never, be afraid of the dark!"

The Sirens tried to fight back, but the power of the Rainbooms held them at bay.

Sunset began to float up as she glowed.

It was happening, she was finally getting her tail and ears.

"Here to sing our song out loud! Got you dancing with the crowd!"

Several beams of light shot up into the sky, combining into one orb.

That orb quickly formed into a beautiful horned and winged horse.

"As the music, of our friendship... Survives!"

You watched at it lowered its horn.

"Survives...!"

The rainbow beam shot out of the horn, straight at the Sirens' true forms.

"Surviiiiives!"

You look around you as the crowd seemed to be back to normal.

Singing, dancing, having a good time.

The Dazzlings lost their form and fell to the stage as their pendants broke.

>>2023319820233198

Adagio picked up her fragments as they tried to sing again.

They were promptly booed off stage.

The Rainbooms came down from their little floating act.

They smiled at one another.

You tore ass up the hill, not even caring that you were slipping along the way.

Twilight pointed toward you as Sunset turned around.

You hug her tightly.

"Sunset, you did it! You actually did it...!"

She was taken by surprise.

"A-Anon..? What are you..?"

You look up at her, tears in your eyes.

"I knew you could do it.. All that you needed was to help your friends... And you pulled through."

Sunset looked away shyly.

You look at each of the girls.

"And by the looks of it..."

You pat her head, giving her new ears a little scratch.

"You've earned your place, too."

She wraps her arms around you before sobbing loudly.

"I missed you so much, Anon..! I... I'm sorry for what I did..."

You stroke her hair softly.

"I know you are... But it was neither of our faults. The Sirens got to me, but you guys managed to save us all... Again."

You look at Twilight and the rest of them.

They knew exactly what was on your mind.

You turn with Sunset Shimmer.

The both of you take a breath in.

"Who's ready for an encore!?"

You hold the microphone out as the crowd cheered.

"We can't hear you!"

They cheered louder.

The Dazzlings sat by a small river.

"We had it... We were supposed to win this... Why didn't we win?"

Aria tossed a rock into the river in a fit of rage.

"We must not have broken them enough."

Sonata kept quiet.

"But how? Everything was going perfectly... We shattered their bonds thanks to Sonata!"

They kept bickering over whose fault it was, and any reasons why they would have lost control.

Sonata shook a bit.

"I'm tired of this!"

Sonata just... Exploded in anger.

"I'm tired of you two always doing this stuff! I don't want to be a stupid siren anymore! I don't want people to like me for power! I'm DONE!"

Sonata tossed her gem fragments into the river.

>>2023334720233347

Adagio and Aria looked at Sonata as she did so.

They never saw this side of her before.

Sonata ran off, crying her eyes out.

She didn't care where she ran to, as long as it was away from those two.

"Sonata..."

Adagio legitimately felt guilty as she stared into the water.

She didn't know why, but this feeling welled up inside of her, driving her to cry.

"Are you seriously going to..?"

"..I can't believe we did that to her."

A deep cough came from behind them.

A teary-eyed Adagio and slightly upset Aria looked behind them.

"I do believe you girls have some... Explaining to do."

The person gave a deep, hearty laugh.

You and Sunset sat on the grassy hill next to your friends.

The night was winding down. The past few days were very crazy.

Sunset sighed softly, rolling away from you.

"What's the matter Sunset? Aren't you happy that we beat those Sirens and saved everyone?"

"Yeah, ya even got yer ears and tail too, sugarcube! Why the glum face?"

She looked at the ground.

"I can't help but think about that night... I... no longer have Anon's necklace..."

You sit up and look at her. You dig into your pocket, but nothing was in there.

"I tossed it at Anon and he took it with him..."

"But I don't have it?"

You all sat up.

Sonata sat in the park by herself, crying heavily.

Thankfully there was a pond there to throw stones into.

It seemed to help alleviate some of her pain.

As she moved to toss another stone, something jingled under her shirt.

"H-huh..? What was that?"

She reached down into her shirt and pulled out Sunset's necklace.

Her eyes grew watery again as she openly sobbed.

She now had a constant reminder that the one boy she liked, she would never be able to see again.

She wouldn't be able to enjoy his company, or have him adore her.

Sonata felt absolutely dreadful.

You and the girls stood outside of the park.

You could hear the familiar tone of Sonata's voice, even though she was crying.

>>2023355220233552

You and Sunset look at one another before nodding.

"You should go see her. I'm sure that she needs someone like you."

The girls all stood beside you, each giving you their support.

On the way over to the park, you had explained to the girls about Sonata.

You told them of how she felt so innocent, and how she was nothing more than a follower.

They were fairly hesitant to try and give her the benefit of the doubt.

Somehow you were able to retain your memory of the time you spent with her, however short it may have been.

The Dazzlings didn't even treat you that badly.

Regardless of how much they resented her, you kept your foot down that Sonata didn't deserve any of it.

The hatred should have been shared and targeted at Adagio the mastermind, and Aria the aggressive sidekick.

They eventually decided to put their trust into you.

You took a deep breath as you walked into the empty park.

It was dark, so it was kind of hard to see.

At least the moon was out, so you had that.

You follow the sound of the sobbing over to a bench and the pond.

"...Hello? Sonata?"

A soft gasp comes from behind the bench.

Sonata cautiously poked her head out over the bench, looking straight at you.

You could just see the moon's light shimmer off of her tears.

Even though you had Sunset to take care of, you couldn't neglect your duty to help others who may have a hard time with friends.

This included Sonata.

Just seeing her like this made you feel upset.

"It's okay, Sonata... We aren't here to hurt you."

You hold your arms open.

Without thinking twice, Sonata jumped up over the bench and ran to you for a hug.

"Anon..! I didn't think you'd want to come back, especially after what we did..!"

You shush her gently.

Just like with Sunset, you stroked Sonata's hair gently.

"Come on, let's sit down and talk about this."

>>2023368620233686

Sunset paced a bit.

"Calm down, Sunset.. Ah'm sure that things are fine in there."

"I don't know, Applejack... I mean, we ARE talking about one of the sirens here. What if they have him again?"

Twilight shook her head.

"No, I don't think that's possible. Without those pendants, they're powerless."

"Well, maybe we should go check on them. Just to be sure."

They debate over it for a minute.

"Fine.. Let's just go and check on them.."

Twilight didn't seem to impressed, but followed the group into the park.

"And... That's when I threw away my gem and run away.."

You hold Sonata gently, patting her back.

"That must have been really hard for you, needing to deal with that for so long."

She nodded.

"It was awful... Aria always picked on me, and Adagio pushed me around..."

You sigh as you try to console the broken Sonata.

The group of girls approached you both.

Sonata looked up at them before hiding her face in fear.

You rub Sonata's back gently as you stand her up with you.

"They're not here to hurt you, Sonata."

"Anon? What's going on here?"

You took the time to explain to the girls what Sonata had been through, and why she had the compulsive need to cling to you.

Sunset was very unsure of this.

"So, you're saying that she just... Up and left them? Just like that?"

You nod.

"Yeah, and now she really doesn't have any place to go. And I'd rather not leave her out here on her own. Who knows what would happen, especially if those two show up again."

The group looked at one another.

Sunset walked forward, reaching out to Sonata.

Sonata flinched and hid behind you.

Sunset seemed to be almost as upset as Sonata did.

"It's okay Sonata... She isn't going to hurt you."

"Are you sure, Anon?"

Sunset looked down for a second before drawing a breath.

"I... Know what you're going through, Sonata. I may not have had it as long as you, but... I know what it is like to be alone."

Twilight smiled softly as she watched everything unfold.

>>2023390020233900

First 00 dub. Woo.

Sonata poked her head out from behind your shoulder, looking at Sunset.

"That's why I... want to be your friend."

The girls gasped.

"Sunset! Are ya sure about this? I mean she..."

You look at Applejack sternly.

"She's fine. She is of no threat to us now."

Applejack took her hat off quietly.

Sunset reached out to Sonata once more.

"Do... You really mean that? ..For realizes?"

Sunset nodded.

Sonata was very hesitant. She didn't know if she should trust them...

Everyone held their breath in anticipation.

Sonata eventually reaches out and took Sunset's hand.

Stepping out from behind you, they pull each other into a friendly hug.

Sonata was still crying a bit.

"I promise.. I won't let those other two get to you again."

"Th-thank you.."

You couldn't help but tear up a bit from the sight of your little Sunset making an effort to help others.

"Hey, is anyone else hungry?"

The crowd nodded.

You smile softly.

"Late night tacos for everyone! On me!"

Everyone cheered.

This wasn't going to be good for you, but you knew it was Sonata's favorite food.

"Now, you two will sleep here tonight. And I expect you both to be on your best behavior."

Adagio and Aria nodded as they sat in a bedroom, two bed on opposite sides of the room.

"You won't have anything to worry about, sir. We promise."

"Good, good. Rest well you two, you have a long day ahead of you."

The door closed.

Adagio and Aria laid on their respective beds.

"Hey, Adagio?"

"...Yeah, Aria?"

"Are you worried about Sonata? She... She didn't seem like herself."

Adagio rolled over and looked at Aria.

"Yeah.. I am. It's been hundreds of years since we've been apart... And to see what we've done to her is just..."

Aria sighed and rolled over to look at Adagio.

"It hurts, doesn't it?"

"More than you could imagine."

They both sigh before getting up and looking out of the one large window.

Adagio began to sob first. Aria quickly followed suit.

"Sonata..."

>>2023413720234137

The nine of you sat at Joe's diner.

Normally he doesn't make such things as Tacos, but for a special group like yours, he was willing to do it.

Your group laughs as they enjoy a good time together.

On one side of you, Sonata sat clinging to your arm. The other side sat Sunset.

Joe brought the tacos over to you guys.

You hold out your fist to him.

He bumps knuckles with you.

"Thanks again, Joe. You're the best."

"Hey, don't sweat it, kid. After the way you beat those bullies outta here, and your friends saved everyone, business has been boomin'. It's the least I could do for ya."

You smile at him, paying him the amount needed and then some as a tip.

"You kids enjoy your night."

Rarity looked at Sonata.

"Sonata, isn't that Sun--"

You wave a hard over your neck.

Damn it Rarity, don't say anything.

"Is what, what?"

Sonata has her face stuff with Taco.

"N-Nothing dear. Anon, can I talk to you for a second?"

You carefully get up and follow Rarity to the other side of the diner.

"Anon, why is she wearing Sunset's necklace!?"

You scratch the back of your head.

"I must have given it to her while she had me under her spell..."

"And you didn't get it back because...?"

She looked rather cross.

"I want her to hold onto it for now as a security item... I'm going to get her a specially made necklace for herself."

Rarity cocked an eyebrow at you.

"You know Sunset won't like that."

"I'll... work something out with her. Just... Don't mention it for now."

"Right..."

You two return to your seats.

"What was that about, Anon?"

"It was nothing. Rarity just wanted to know something."

"Sure..."

Sunset didn't sound very trustful of you.

You all hung out until late into the night.

At least it was a Friday night...

"So, who's going to house Sonata?"

"You know... We never did sort that out."

They all look at Sonata, who in turn shrunk down.

"Why doesn't she decide?"

You look at Sonata.

>>2023589620235896

Sonata shrunk back in her seat, slithering down under the table.

"Well, it's obvious that she'd want to stay with Sunset and I but..."

You and Sunset look at one another.

"I don't think there is really any room outside of maybe the couch..."

You all mumbled as you thought of some ideas.

Sunset stirred her milkshake with a straw.

"Hey, I have an idea!"

You all look at Sunset.

"Why not have another slumber party at my place?"

"That sounds like a fabulous idea, darling!"

"Hey, it actually does sound like a good idea. We can tell ghost stories by the fire and do whatever we want."

You think for a moment.

Sonata slithered her way back up.

"Slumber.. Party? What's that?"

Rarity's jaw dropped open.

"My word, dear! You've never had a slumber party before?"

Sonata shook her head.

"Well, that settles it, then! We simply MUST have one for her sake!"

"Well, hold on now... We just have one problem. We don't have enough tent space for all of us."

Applejack chuckled softly.

"Not a problem, partner. Mah family goes on lots of outins, so we have some spare tents ah can go and bring."

Everyone looked at one another.

"So, that settles it then. Everyone meet back at my place in say... An hour?"

They all nodded.

Everyone finished eating before taking off in their own directions.

Sonata clung to you nervously.

Sunset was even worried about her.

"I.. Don't know about this, Anon... I've... Never had a slumber party."

You chuckle softly.

"It'll be okay, Sonata. Slumber parties are you. You play games, tell stories, sometimes roast foods over an open fire..."

"Yeah, and the girls even sometimes to hair, make-up, and nails!"

Sonata looked at Sunset.

"It does kind of sound fun..."

Sunset giggled softly as she looked up at you.

"You'll love it, I promise. It's how Anon and I met each other."

You smile softly.

"It wasn't THAT simple, Sunny."

Sonata seemed to lighten up a bit.

>>2024587520245875 (You)

Back at Sunset's house, you have the backyard lights turned on so you could properly set up the tent and the fire pit.

Sunset and Sonata were inside the house getting some things ready.

It was a good warm night, so you didn't mind being outside in just shorts and a t-shirt.

Sunset moved around the kitchen to gather various things. Campfire foods, drinks, the whole works.

Sonata stood in the doorway of the kitchen, holding onto one of Sunset's plushies for security.

Sunset was already in her purple PJs.

"Um... Sunset?"

Sunset paused to look at Sonata.

"Yes?"

"Do you um.. happen to have anything I could wear..? I only have my stage outfit and my day clothes..."

Sunset giggled softly.

"Give me a few minutes to finish getting this stuff and I'll find something for you."

Sonata smiled softly, holding the plushie up to her face.

"Thanks.."

The rest of the group showed up outside.

Applejack had a bag with her, which you presumed was the tent.

"Well, we made it, y'all."

Rarity nodded.

"But where are Sunset and Sonata?"

You had a stake in your mouth, so you pointed toward the kitchen.

"Oh, must be getting food, huh? Well, I suppose that I shall go help them."

With a toss of her hair, Rarity went inside.

Applejack and Rainbow set up the other tent as you finished with yours.

"So um... Anon? Are ya REALLY sure that trustin' this girl is the best idea?"

You stand up and stretch from being hunched over.

"Yeah. I mean, it took a lot of trust to keep our group together. Why not put it into someone else?"

They mumbled and nodded.

Fluttershy hugged you.

"Oh, I'm so glad that you're such a generous person Anon. I'm sure that you'll make everyone happy."

You chuckle softly.

Rarity walked inside.

"Sunset? Sonata? Where are you?"

"In my room, Rarity!"

Rarity walked down the hall.

Sunset was picking out an outfit for Sonata to wear.

Sonata sat on the bed quietly.

"No... Noo... Not this one. Hmm.."

"Need some help with that, darling?"

>>2024636320246363 (You)

Rarity helped pick out an outfit for Sonata.

They decided on a red and yellow set for Sonata.

"They're my favorite pair of PJs... so please don't ruin them.."

Sonata nodded.

"I won't! I promise!"

Sonata took her outfit top off, the necklace jingling against her body.

Sunset looked at her.

"Hey, Sonata.."

"Yeah, Sunset?"

Sunset pointed at the necklace.

"Where did you get that?"

Sonata looked down at it.

"I got it from Anon when I had him under my spell, why?"

Sunset bit her lip softly.

"No reason."

Rarity looked back at her worriedly.

The duo walked out of the room and left Sonata to get ready.

You lit the fire.

It quickly took ablaze and lit up the area.

Sleeping bags were in the tents, fire was ready, place was cleared out..

All set for the night.

Until Sunset stormed out.

"Anon! You, me, inside. Now!"

The other girls looked at one another.

You gulp nervously before getting up and going back inside with Sunset.

You two stood in the living room.

"Tell me, Anon. Why does Sonata have my necklace?"

She really did not look pleased.

You sat down on the couch.

"I.. must have given it to her while I was under her control."

"And she still has it because?"

You look up at Sunset.

"She seemed to like having something to remember me by, so I didn't want to ask for it back... I'm planning on getting her a new necklace so that we can get that one back."

"And when would that be?"

You bite your lip.

You really were tapped out of money right now...

You'd be able to buy something cheap, but it wouldn't feel right.

You decide to give her the straight answer.

"I.. Don't know... Maybe in a month or two, but... I just don't have the money for a decent one..."

"Anon... That's MY necklace.."

You two go on to debate over the necklace.

Sonata had her head poked around the corner.

She held the necklace in one hand.

Sonata goes to take a step back before tripping up.

You look in her direction.

>>2024660620246606 (You)

"Sonata? What are... How long were you there?"

She took a step out away from the corner, fully dressed and holding the plush.

"I heard you two fighting over me and the necklace..."

You rub your face with your hand, trying to think of an appropriate response.

Sunset looked down in guilt.

"It's her's, isn't it?"

You nod slowly.

"Yeah, it is... But seeing how much it really made your day to have it, I thought it'd be okay for you to wear it until I got you a new one..."

Sonata took the necklace off, tearing up quite badly.

"J-just take it..!"

"Sonata, I..."

Sonata tossed it onto the couch before running outside in tears.

You and Sunset look at each other quietly.

The group watched as the hurt Sonata ran off.

"What's gotten into her?"

"I dunno. Maybe we should go see what's going on inside."

"Y'all go ahead. Ah'll stay here and tend ta the fire."

The group walked into the house to find you and Sunset still in the living room.

Neither of you two said a word.

They see the necklace on the couch.

"What happened in here? Why did Sonata just take off?"

You look at the floor.

Sunset looks over at them.

"Sonata had my necklace... Anon thought it'd be a good replacement for her pendant that we smashed, and she overheard us bickering over it..."

"She heard you two fighting over the necklace? Oh my... I hope that she didn't take it the wrong way..."

"By the looks of things, Rarity.. I'm pretty sure miss siren took it pretty bad."

Rarity took the food outside to let you and Sunset explain to the group.

"So what were you going to do about that, Anon?"

"...I was going to get Sonata a new one, so that Sunset could have hers back. That was the whole idea but... I won't have enough money for a few months."

"You really do care about your friends, don't you?"

Twilight put her hand on your shoulder with a soft smile.

You nod slowly.

"Yeah... But as usual, I'm always the one to screw things up."

"Well why don't we fix it?"

>>2024716720247167 (You)

Sunset lifted you chin up slowly, greeting you with a warm smile.

"..Together."

You couldn't help but smile.

"All of us, as friends. We can all pitch in for Sonata's new necklace, that way... She doesn't feel left out."

They all nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, sounds like a good plan to me."

Sonata sat on the curb at the end of the street.

The only companion she had with her was the plush she held onto.

She cried softly into the plush.

"They wouldn't understand... I... I just don't fit in with them.."

Sunset put her hand on Sonata's shoulder, which caused her to jump.

Everyone but Applejack was there.

"You don't fit in where, Sonata?"

The blue haired girl looked down quietly.

"I wouldn't fit in with you guys... I'd only weigh you down..."

Sunset wiped Sonata's tears off of her face.

"Sonata... Listen. It will take some time to adjust from being with those... Awful girls, to having friends like us around. Just because we all mess up doesn't mean we don't want you."

Sonata looked at you.

"Fuh... For realzies?"

You and Sunset nod.

"For realzies."

Sunset and Sonata hugged each other.

Twilight walked up and put a hand onto Sonata's shoulder.

"Just for you, Sonata... We're pitching in money to buy you a new necklace. All of us."

Sonata's eyes went wide with hope.

"Seriously..? All of you are doing that... For me?"

The group nodded.

Sunset let go of Sonata as she bounced up and down.

"Eeee..! New besties..!"

The group laughed softly.

"Say uh... How's about we go back to the house? I'm getting a tad chilly out here."

You and Sunset both roll your eyes.

Rainbow was just making an excuse to get away from all the mushy friendship stuff.

Applejack was laying back in her chair, staring at the sky.

The group came into the backyard through the gate.

She sat up and looked at everyone.

"Ah reckon y'all sorted that whole deal out?"

Sonata nodded, still holding onto the plush.

"Well, yer jus' in time. Fire's at its peak point."

>>2024788220247882

You all sat around the fire, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs.

Sonata ended up igniting her food a few times, which enticed everyone to laugh.

"Sonata darling, you really should be watching your food! Letting it burn like that is such a waste!"

"Sorry, Rarity... I just get to caught up in these stories."

You all laugh again.

"Hey, everyone was a rookie at one point or another, let's give her some slack."

You hand her over a fresh smore you made.

She takes it and eats it.

"Mmm.. dish ish gewd!"

You eventually finish off the food and begin to tell campfire ghost stories.

Dash got up close to the fire as she told hers.

"And to this day, whenever someone walked into her forest alone... She'd stalk them quietly with her hook.."

Sonata shook beside you.

"Where's my shoe..? Where's my shoooe...?"

Dashie walked around through the darkness up behind Sonata.

"WHERE'S MY SHOE!?"

She touched Sonata with a hook-shaped twig.

Sonata screamed and jumped into your lap.

Everyone laughed heartily while Sonata hid her face in your chest.

"Hah... Hoo wee, that was a good one, Rainbow."

Rainbow Dash and Applejack fist bumped as Rainbow took her seat.

"Didn't expect the newbie to be so easily scared."

You look at Sunset.

Sunset was trying to hide her laughter, but was having some difficulty doing so.

You gently pat Sonata's back to calm her down.

"Alright, who's next?"

You and the girls spent the next hour telling stories.

The fire was but a mere spark in the night now.

You poke it with a stick before yawning.

"Y'all reckon it's time ta rest?"

Everyone nodded slowly.

Sonata was still shaken up by Rainbow Dash's story.

You and Applejack kick some dirt onto the fire to fully extinguish it.

The group went into their separate tents.

You, Sunset, Sonata, and Fluttershy in your tent, while the others slept in AJ's tent.

You lay down inside of your sleeping bag, with Sunset on side, and Sonata on the other.

>>2026106320261063 (You)

You look over at Sonata.

She's laying on top of the sleeping bag, trying to figure out how it works.

You chuckle softly.

"Um... Sonata.. I uh... You sleep inside of the bag."

Sonata looked genuinely confused.

"Inside? How? It looks like big ol worm to me."

You reach over and unzip the top of it so she could get in.

"Ooooh. So THAT'S how it works."

You shake your head softly.

Sunset rolled over toward you, putting an arm around you.

You put a finger up to your mouth.

"Not tonight?"

"Not tonight. Not while these two are here..."

Fluttershy sat up in her bag and looked at you both.

"Not tonight, what?"

"Uh... Snuggles. Yeah. I just thought it'd be awkward for you two."

"Snuggles!? I want sooome!"

Sonata whined as she wiggled over to you.

Fluttershy giggled softly.

"Oh, I'll have some too if you don't mind."

You sigh.

Just let it happen, Anon. This is probably the first and last time you'll have three really good looking girls snuggling up to you.

"Looks like everyone wants a piece of you, Anon."

Sunset ran a finger down your shoulder.

"Alright, fine. We can all snuggle for tonight. At least it'll keep us warm."

Good cover play by Anon. He takes the ball and... TOUCHDOWN!

You were now fully surrounded. Sonata right next to you on your left, Sunset holding onto you in your right, and even Fluttershy somehow managed to squeeze in.

Hey, you couldn't complain.

"Oh, I wonder how they're doing over there.."

"Relax, Rarity! I'm sure they're having super awesome fun time!"

Applejack chuckled.

"Yeah, ah'm sure it ain't no problem fer them in there. We're all friends here."

"Yeah, except for Sunset and Anon."

Applejack glared at Rainbow.

"What? I'm just saying."

"Regardless, ah'm sure things are just fine."

"Well... I'm at least glad he had the courage to help that... Sonata. The poor girl must have been through so much."

Rarity laid down on her side.

"Yeah, can't say ah could know the feelin' any..."

The night grew quiet.

--END