Music helps the Heart
-Sweet Melody’s Perspective-
Growing up didn’t come smoothly for me. Most ponies just grow up normally, nice house, sweet parents, maybe a few siblings.....Making memories......
I’m a bit different.
My name is Sweet Melody. I’m a white pegasus with a maroon red mane, which has a couple black streaks in it here and there. I have a scar across my eye (don’t ask...) but you wouldn’t see it... I usually keep my mane over it anyways.
You’ve probably never heard of me, most ponies haven’t, even though i’m the daughter of royalty. Most people only remember my sister, Skyla, probably because she was actually born an alicorn. After she, along with my parents, died in the changeling war, I didn’t really know what to do. How would Equestria function without a princess of love? Skyla was supposed to take on these responsibilities, not me!
So yes, you remember Skyla because.... Well, because she was me for all those years..... I disguised as her, I took on the duties..... Started when I was 4, and continued on for awhile.... Even though it was hard, there were some.....upsides.
Part 1: Somepony New
Bright sunny day, it was warm, I sat right outside the door to the arena. The ponies outside were eager for the princess to come out to the royal box so the games could begin. I looked up at Celestia, Luna, and Twilight. I was only about 10 or 11 maybe at this time.... Still disguised as my sister, Skyla, I stepped out nervously to the royal box, where the thrones were. Soon followed by the other princesses, I sat down on my mother’s throne, as if it was my own, although it didn’t really feel like it.
I took a deep breath and gave my best smile, waving to the ponies as they cheered. The host of the games announced our arrival, and the beginning of the games. I began to grow nauseous with all these ponies staring at me.... What if my disguise wore off? What if one of them knew who I really was? What if one of them was here to get my power?! I had to get out of there for now..... I told Luna that I would be back, and before she could even nod I ran down to the food stands as fast as I could.
I looked around at all the ponies about the food stands, I decided that I would just hide behind a food stand where the owner has already closed up. There I could take a breath. I was there for about an hour when I heard a voice, “Hello? Are you open?” the pony said. I froze. I didn’t know what to do. I thought somepony knew I was behind there and I began to shake.
I peeked out to see a faded white unicorn colt, with a blue mane. I sighed and stepped out, “They are closed, sorry, the games are about to begin anyways...” I said. His eyes widened at the sight of a princess, and my ears folded down as I noticed his reaction. He bowed to me, saying the usual “Your Highness...”, and almost falling over from amazement. Of course I thought, Why wouldn’t he be amazed.... It’s not everyday you meet a “princess”.... I explained to him that he didn’t need to address me like that, and he can just call me Skyla.... Which only just made him fall over all the way....I actually just giggled as I watched him stumble to his hooves. Something felt different about this pony, he didn’t seem like the others for some reason...
He stood up and gave a slight blush, saying “Sorry Princess...”, which only made me cringe. I think after that he realized that I was serious when I said that I didn’t want to be addressed that way. I asked his name and he said Silver Staff. Silver Staff I thought, This is somepony I want to remember.... Before I, or he, could say anything else, the horns sounded for the end of the games. “It was nice to meet you, but I need to go now!” I said as I ran back up to the thrones. I climbed back up on Cadence’s throne and waved with the other princesses as the ponies left. I sighed, realizing that this would be the last Equestria Games, and I didn’t even watch it.... I looked down as the other princesses started to leave.
Twilight asked if I was coming, but I didn’t want to go back to Canterlot.... Not yet. I told her I was going to stay there. I was surprised when she didn’t question my actions, but i’m guessing she knew that the games brought back painful memories. I laid down in the throne, with my head in my hooves, trying to push away any thoughts of the past from my head. After everypony left, I got up, and flew down to what was left of the Crystal Castle.
I looked around once more to make sure nopony was around. I didn’t see anypony, so I undisguised, like I usually do when i’m alone. I walked around the castle ruins, starting to hum a lullaby my mother used to sing to me. I always liked to come back to the ruins and look for anything that may have survived. I’ve found many things before, like old pictures, and even a music box once.
I began to start singing the song, instead of humming. I unfolded my wings just as a breeze began to blow. I flew up and watched the dirt start to blow off some debris. I smiled as I got to my favorite part of the lullaby. Oh gosh, how I loved this part..... love the world, even though the pain I sang. This song had helped me get through ever part of my life. Beginning to tear up, I started flying down to land.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a pony. I basically crash landed in fear, stumbling back up to my feet. I started shaking massively, I was so nervous.... Who was this pony?! Who’s over there?! Did they see me?! Oh no, oh no, oh no! I kept repeating in my head. I didn’t even realize it, but I was running. What else was I supposed to do?
I looked back, seeing the blurred image of white and blue. I stopped, eyes widened. Was it him again? Should I keep running? Why am I not afraid of him, like I am with other ponies? Panting, I stared at the image until it finally moved. He was going towards the library. Thats my home! (Yes, I live in a library)
I started trotting after the pony as he approached the library. I ran inside to see him reading a book. I stared at him for a moment before he realized that I was there. I must have startled him because he jumped back and yelled “Sorry!”. I felt bad after that, my ears went down and I mumbled, “No, you’re fine, but how did you get in here?”. He chuckled and explained that the door was open, and he didn’t know it was my home. He started to walk out, but I followed him. I felt like I should.
He didn’t question why I was following him, but i’m pretty sure he was curious, and possibly a bit creeped out. He asked me what my name was. Realizing that he didn’t know that I was Skyla, I told him my name, “Sweet Melody” I said. He smiled at me, and without even thinking, I smiled back. I’ve never done that, not without knowing the pony first.
I followed him all the way back to the train station, but when we got there he seemed shocked. I asked him what was wrong and he explained to me that his father and uncle must have left on the last train. How would he get back to where he lived? I thought.
I asked where he was from and he said Fillydelphia. Oh gosh, that’s a long way from here....
Sighing, I volunteered to travel with him back home. We could go by hoof, since that was the last train to leave. He smiled and nodded, “Thanks”. I smiled a bit but warned him that there could be dangers. He looked at me like he knew there would be, but I don’t think he knew that I meant because I was going with him, that more dangers could come.
You see, I have this necklace. It’s more than just an ordinary necklace however, it’s actually the Crystal Heart. After the empire was destroyed, the heart shrank, to the size of an acorn. I’m connected to it, and I didn’t realize how much until that happened.... So I put it on a chain, and I wear it around my neck. Only consequence is, if I take it off, my eyes turn grey, and I lose all my power until I can get it back on. This means it’s kinda easy to get my power because I can’t stop you after you take it.
Many ponies have tried to take it. Luckily i’ve got it back with some help. Doing this has brought ponies to face dangers they have never wanted to. I’ve lost friends, many friends, to the dangers it involves. Yet, this pony doesn’t seem to care.... why is he so different from the others?
We started walking towards Fillydelphia. I think he took notice to my cautiousness, because he kept looking at me funny. I laughed a bit nervously after seeing him do so, and stopped looking around. We kept walking for most of the day, somehow with no dangers. It’s probably because nopony knows i’m even doing this.
Eventually we stopped to camp out for the night, we were about halfway there. He fell asleep easily, but I just sat there, watching out for anything to come. I just felt like I should, I sensed something. I didn’t know what, but I wanted to stay cautious.
I don’t know how long I was awake, but when I actually did wake up, there was a blanket on me. What? When did this get here? I looked back at Silver to see him asleep without his blanket. I smiled, but this time it was a real smile.... I don’t remember the last time I really smiled....
I picked up the blanket and put it back on him, and walked out. I looked around then saw somepony. I looked back at him quickly then ran towards the pony. “Get it over with!” I yelled. The pony looked straight at me. I honestly didn’t even know who it was, but sure enough, he said “fine.” and kicked me back. I closed my eyes tightly as the necklace was ripped from my neck.
I must have passed out after that. I heard the faint voice, “Melody? Melody?! Wake up!”. I opened my eyes slightly to see Silver standing above me. I coughed, and a sharp pain went through my chest. I must have yelped without realizing it because Silver stepped back, looking very worried. I slowly got up and looked at him, “I’m fine... don’t worry....”
His ears went down and just out of habit, I added, “Not that you would care.....” and started walking towards Fillydelphia again. He ran in front of me, “What makes you think that?” he asked. I stopped, “Nopony does, or at least they don’t care about me.....”. He looked down for a moment, then looked back up at me, “But you care about them....”. I felt myself start to tear up, with my voice cracking, I replied “Yes, I do....” and walked past him.
As I was walking, I heard him say, “Well, I care....”.
I don’t know what came over me after that. I turned around quickly, tears rolling down my face and screamed, “Of course you do! So does everyone else in Equestria!”. His eyes shrunk and he scooted back when I said that. I took a breath, and looked down as another tear fell from my eye. Mumbling, I said “You’re no different.....”.
He walked over and lifted up my head to meet his. I looked at him in the eyes, he looked extremely serious. “No matter if you believe me or not, I do care....”. He smiled at me, and I felt myself start to blush. I shook my head and continued walking. I sniffled and wiped off my tears as I went. I looked back to make sure he was following, and sure enough he was. I looked back ahead. Thoughts filled my head, He does care.....What.... Why is he so different? I don’t understand!
“Stop....You have something on your neck...” he said. I knew exactly what he was talking about... I felt it when he yanked off my necklace. It must have cut me. He started walking towards me and I turned around and covered it with my mane, “It’s nothing...”.
If I knew one thing, it would be to never show anypony that you are hurt. He tilted his head in confusion. I chuckled nervously and began walking once again. I really just wanted to get to Fillydelphia, then get back home...
“Weren’t you wearing a necklace when we started this?” he said as we continued walking. I nodded and moved my mane a bit over my eyes so he couldn’t see they were gray. “Where did it go?” he asked. I bit my lip, and mumbled, “Well, you know... things happen and things are taken...”. I’m pretty sure he got confused after that because he didn’t say anything for awhile. “Why would they want to take your necklace? It’s just a necklace... isn’t it?” he finally said.
Should I tell him what it actually is? I looked back at him. “Actually... It’s the crystal heart...”. His eyes widened, which was expected. I sighed and looked down, and continued to walk. “Don’t you need that?!” he exclaimed. I nodded slightly and replied, “I can get it back after our journey.... We need to get you home first.”.
He ran up and stopped me, “No, we need to get it back, i’m pretty sur-”. He stopped and stared at me for a moment. I didn’t understand why, but then he moved my mane aside. I knew then what he was doing, he saw my eyes were gray. I stepped back quickly, moving my mane back over my eyes quickly. He tilted his head, then stood back up straight, “We have to go get it back”.
“No! Really! I can get it back after! I don’t want you to get hurt!” I yelled. I realized what I just said and covered my mouth with my hooves. “I don’t care... I want to help... Now tell me, who took the necklace?” he said.
I looked about for a moment. I can’t believe i’m letting him help me... “I don’t know who it was... I’ve never seen them before.... and they knocked me out before I could get a clear look of their face.” I said nervously.
“We will figure out who it is...” he replied, “Do you have any way of tracking it?”. I started to shake my head, but then realized that I actually do have a way. “Actually.....”I started, then sighed and explained how I was connected to it. He nodded and looked around, “Lead the way then....”.
I really didn’t know why I was trusting this pony. He could be the son of the person who stole my necklace for all I know, but he was my only hope at this point. I started walking in whatever direction felt right. I mostly just went with my gut on this, hoping that I was going the right way.
Sooner or later we got to a building. “Is this it?” Silver asked. “I sure hope so...” I replied. I looked back at him, “Stay here. I’ll be back.”. He opened his mouth to say something, probably to come also, but I was already inside before he could get a word out.
I looked around quickly. “Show yourself” I said. I didn’t even know if there was a pony here. Am I in the right place? Is the pony here? “Show yourself!” I yelled louder. Suddenly, I see a flash of blue, then i’m tackled before I can even respond. I let out a yell of terror before the pony tries to hit me with magic. I moved my head out of the way of the blast and kicked the pony back. “Give it back.”. The pony laughed and replied, “Give me a reason.”. I growled and yelled “Oh, I’ll give you a reason...” and charged after him.
I’m not all sure what happened after that. I saw a flash of light from my necklace and suddenly went weak. I’m not sure if I was passed out or just got really weak, because I could still hear everything that was happening. Lots of bangs and crashes and some muffled yelling.
I opened my eyes a couple hours later and noticed I was laying under a tree, with Silver shaking me a bit. “Huh....? What....?” I mumbled. My head..... It hurts so much.... “Melody, I got it.... You’re ok now....” I heard him say. He put the necklace around my neck and I felt my strength start to gain back. I opened my eyes all the way and gave a small smile.
He smiled back, “I had to get you out of there.... Are you ok?”. I nodded, and stood up. “He didn’t hurt you.... did he?” I said. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if he had gotten hurt.... What would his parents say? He shook his head, and I had a sigh of relief.
“Let’s get going, we might be able to make it before sundown if we start now” I said as I started to walk. “But....” I heard him say. I looked back, “Is something wrong?”. He sighed, “But you’re hurt.... don’t you want to rest?”.
I giggled a little bit, “I’ve been hurt way worse than this, and survived on my own just fine....”. He gave me a sad look, and I sighed, “I’m sorry.... I just really want to get you home before anything more happens”.
He nodded, and started walking again. I followed.
A little after sundown we finally made it to Fillydelphia. We both smiled and I asked where he lived. He pointed towards some houses and we walked there.
We knocked on a door and a mare opened the door. I’m pretty sure it was his mom, because she exclaimed, “Silver! There you are!”, and he replied, “Sorry! I had to walk here!”. He looked back at me and smiled. I gave a slight smile back.
“Who’s this?” his mother said. “Sweet Melody” He replied, “She helped me get back here.”. I blushed a little bit and waved slightly. She smiled and thanked me. “No problem.... I was happy to do it” I said.
I unfolded my wings right as a heard two other voices. One said “What’s going on out there, lass?”, while another squeed and yelled, “Silver! You came home!”. I giggled and mumbled to Silver, “I need to leave now....” He lost his smile a bit, but nodded. I turned around to fly off, but before I could he ran over and hugged me tightly.
I blushed really hard, but smiled, and hugged back.
“Please come back to visit sometime....” he said.
“I will” I replied as I started to fly back home.
Silver Staff....
There was something different about him....
I still can’t wrap my head around it,
but he’s special.....
And I will come back.
Author's Note
I hope you guys like this story! Check back often to see if I post new Chapters to it! >w< The story is always continuing!
