Unsung Melodies

by delicate-danger

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Equestria Girls
Length: 6214

She was the definition of an enigima: mysterious and shrouded in rumours and spectulation. Her mother was detirmined no-one know ... but why? Why was she so different?

She's the daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle and a filly with a powerful inheritance: music. Magical musical ability; and thanks to Ponyville's local musicians, she begins to fine-tune her talent after one rainy day spent at Sugarcube Corner. But one question still remains: where did come from? And what is it - an unknown magic or something more?

And what could possibly make Twilight Sparkle so afraid that she never lets down her guard? A warrior princess and an Element of Harmony; but also a great leader and mare of the people … scared? Of what? The royal sisters watch from afar as Twilight descends into a paralyzing grief of unknown cause, closing herself off from friend and family member alike. Even Discord is wary of the shadow the Princess of Friendship has transformed into and he isn't alone.

The arrival of a former student of Celestia changes it all and the filly's world is flipped on it's head. She gets her answers but she also discovers that she, and she alone, can bring her crumbling family back together and heal the scars left by her parents' mistakes. She's the bridge of an unsung melody - and the next chapter in a story long left unfinished.

[size=0.75em][Part of the Melody of Worlds universe][/size]
[size=0.75em]Updates on Fridays unless mentioned beforehand! [/size]

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-06-25 04:03:45 UTC

Rain, Beat Down

UNSUNG MELODIES - Rain, Beat Down

The little filly paused at the sound of the rain against her window, flinching at the sudden boom of thunder. Another scheduled thunderstorm ... that would make it the second one this week. Closing her book with a snap, she jumped up from her bed and trotted over to the window, pressing her muzzle up against the glass. Outside, Ponyville was drenched in rain, the streetlights casting a warm glow over the townsfolk as they enjoyed the wet weather. Ponies trotted along, kicking up water as they went, laughing and talking.

Her wings twitched as she saw a few pegasi darting about in the overcast sky, and she sighed wistfully. It would be nice to be out enjoying the weather, instead of being shut away inside the castle. Thing was, she could only go out if Spike or Starlight were with her, just to make sure she didn’t do anything too ... dangerous. She’d go stir-crazy if she had to stay inside for one more storm. She loved the rain.

One more storm... it’s just one more storm.

Humming quietly to herself, she trotted through the castle, eyes closed as she listened to music only she could hear. Her feathers rustled as she walked, creating a backdrop for the melody that rang through her head; brand new and totally unsung. An unsung melody.

Her mother didn’t like her singing, so she kept it locked up until Twilight was away on friendship quests; or away in Canterlot. And though her hooves itched and her heart burned with the longing to learn to play an instrument, she couldn’t. Music fell in the same category but, strangely enough, only the songs she sang when they popped into her head. Twilight was terrified of those songs.

“-And Star, have you seen the latest comic?” Spike’s voice asked. “It’s so out-of-this-world! Like, spaceships and secret agents, y’know?”

Starlight giggled. “Sounds pretty epic – I’ve always wanted to try my hoof at writing a novel like that but I’ve never had the chance.”

Spike chuckled. “Why don’t you try? Some talents aren’t defined by our destinies. You and I know that, so why not?”

“I...I can only try, right? I’ll give it a shot. So, spaceships and secret agents, huh? Is that the latest in comics?”

“Uh-huh! Even in 'Batmane' – there’s an alternate timeline branching off; I can’t wait to see where they take it!”

“So the writers have gone for the multiverse theory route? Fascinating!” she exclaimed. “I’ll have to check it out!”

The filly laughed as she followed her friends’ voices towards Spike’s room, pausing to stop and listen to make sure she was headed in the right direction. After all, even with all the signs and variations in crystal colouration, it was hard to locate rooms in this vast, and often confusing, palace she’d grown up in. She had no idea how Spike managed it so well – she was more like Starlight, still getting lost on the rarest occasion. The pink mare was her best friend - she’d seen Spike and Starlight as the siblings she’d never had since she was seven.

And she wasn’t alone in that. Spike viewed her as his baby sister; his little Diva. He watched over her when Twilight and Star couldn’t; sneaking her out of the castle under the guise of visiting Fluttershy or the Apple family, and then cutting across town to see Pinkie at Sugarcube Corner instead. And sometimes they did go visit Fluttershy on Tuesdays – she found Discord hilarious, even if Spike was more than a little wary of the draconequus. He was quirky and strange; and she wasn’t sure life in Ponyville would be the same without him.

Her hooves sounded loud on the crystal floor, a two-beat clip-clop rhythm that made her start bopping along, humming rising in pitch as she threaded her way along the corridor. With a hop, skip and a jump, she skidded to a halt outside Spike’s room, nudging the door open with her nose. Starlight looked up in surprise, her eyes widening in delight when she saw her stick her head in, and waved.

“Melodia! I thought I could hear you! What’s the song called this time?” she asked, grinning at her.

She ducked her head, blushing behind a curtain of hair. “‘One More Storm’,” she replied shyly.

Spike chuckled, sliding off his bed. “Inspired by the weather, Diva?” he teased. “Good thing your mother’s not around, huh?”

“Mm-hmm. And speaking of the weather ... I’m going stir-crazy. Can we get out of here?”

“Do you even have to ask? Of course we can!” he exclaimed. “You coming with us, Star?”

The mare nodded vigorously. “Sure! As long as we grab a bite to eat from Sugarcube Corner and stop by the Boutique, sure!”

Melodia bounced, grinning. “I bet Rarity will love that! And who can say no to one of Pinkie’s triple-chocca-locca cakes?”

“Not me!” Starlight replied with a giggle. “We’ll split it! What do you think, Diva?”

“Sounds like a plan!” she chirped. “Anyone up for a rain dance on the way?”

“I know I am!” Spike cheered. “Let’s go!”

Laughing, the three friends took off through the castle, slipping and sliding as they raced to see who could make it the entrance first. Having polished crystal floors was so awesome sometimes – they could skate even when it wasn’t winter and they didn’t have to worry about bundling up to do it either. And it was just as much fun, too. Perfect for the crazy competitions they held in the dead of the night.

Melodia would have won, but Spike beat her to it; darting in low to slide to the finish line. Starlight got her revenge in spectacular style; wrenching the doors open so that they swung forward on their hinges and sent a startled dragon bouncing down the steps into the rain. She giggled, pressing a hoof to her lips to smother her laughter, peering at her ‘big brother’ as he lay on the ground, complaining.

He got up unsteadily, blinking at them, and grinned. They grinned back before stepping out into the weather, the downpour immediately drenching them. The rain soaked into her coat and water-logged her feathers, her mane and tail dripping as she raised her face to the sky. Wings half-open, she stood there and just breathed it all in – the moisture, the heightened smells wafting through the town, the atmosphere. It was so beautiful to her – like a clear-cut diamond. Infinitely precious. Rain and overcast days ... just were.

Opening her eyes, she smiled at the sight of Starlight with her head bowed, the rain dripping down her muzzle. Stormy weather was important to all of them; all for different reasons. She loved it because of the seemingly magical atmosphere it brought; but for Starlight she knew it was a reminder of her past mistakes, and the power of forgiveness. Her mother hadn’t thought twice to give Star a second chance, and she could understand if it wasn’t just rain hitting the ground beneath the mare. But they were happy tears; not sad ones.

Starlight raised her head and gave her a tentative smile, her ears displaying her uncertainty. No words were needed, she just laid a hoof over her friend’s and nodded – she understood. It was a bittersweet pain, but a necessary one for Starlight to bear. She could understand; it was similar to how she felt about her mother’s evasiveness about the topic of her father. Confused, hurt and a little bit uncertain.

It was a bit like how awkward her cousin Flurry Heart felt about her heritage as the only natural born alicorn. Consequently, by the time she reached the age of twenty-one, she would rival Twilight, and even the royal sisters, in terms of magical power. And it terrified her. Understandably – it was only through Starlight’s foalhood friend, and Flurry’s advisor, Sunburst, that she had kept another disaster from overtaking her kingdom. But she never kept her power locked away, either. Her cousin had a surprisingly amount of control.

“Star?” she whispered. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I am now, Diva. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

“Okay, ladies,” Spike called, waving an arm theatrically. “To Sugarcube Corner!”

Laughing a little at his enthusiasm, Starlight enfolded them all in a magic bubble-like barrier and they started on their way across town. Looking out from the inside, everything had this shimmery magic turquoise kind of effect that made her want to press her muzzle up against the barrier and study it all. It just looked so cool – she couldn’t help it. The rain was rolling right off; and Spike’s periodic bursts of flame helped both to warm them up and dry them off as they walked. Magic was fascinatingly helpful at times.

Her mane was starting to curl at the ends from the sudden change in temperature, too. She shook her head in amusement – neither her mane nor tail were dead straight. Instead they had a curly wave to them that reminded her of stylised fire; and one that absolutely fascinated Rarity: to the point that the fashionista would tease it out to see what could be done with her hair like that. Melodia didn’t mind – it gave her a chance to get out of the castle, and unlike her mother, she actually liked having Rarity fuss over how perfect her coat was in comparison to the cooler tones of her hair and eyes.

She was one of few ponies in memory to have visible fetlocks – little flowing tufts of hair the same colour as her coat – plus finer-boned legs and hooves. Her hooves were narrower than a normal pony’s and they gave her a graceful, loping gait whenever she ran. Her legs also were more defined; more like a deer’s than anything else in comparison. It was odd … strange, even, but she never brought it up with her mother because she would never receive an answer like most other questions regarding her heritage.

“Do you think Rarity would appreciate it if we got her a coffee?” she asked, directing the question at no one in particular.

Spike frowned. “I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt. It’s almost time for her Fall Collection – she’s been run off her hooves designing it all.”

Melodia made a sympathetic noise. “Poor Rare … it’s a good thing she loves what she does, isn’t it?”

“Sure is!” he replied cheerfully. “It helps of course that she’s absolutely brilliant; but this is Rarity. She’s nothing but fabulous.”

Starlight giggled. “Is that admiration I hear, Spike?” she queried. “Are you still crushing on Miss Generosity?”

Spike shook his head. “No, Star. I know it wouldn’t work … I’ve let go.”

“Aw, our little Spike is growing up!” she teased. “But no, seriously. That must have been hard.”

“It was,” he mumbled.

Melodia grinned. “…You’ve got your eye on somepony, right? Who is it?”

He just smiled. “Somepony you know.”

“Aww, Spike, that’s not fair! Just tell me!” she complained.

“Nope. It’d ruin the surprise.”

Chuckling at her expression, he pushed open the door to Sugarcube Corner and they stepped inside. The bell tinkled as the door shut behind them, and Starlight dispelled the barrier with a faint ‘pop’. The place was packed; but it was a rainy day and nearly everyone wanted something warm and sweet to chase away the dreariness of the storm outside.  Exchanging conspirator’s glances, the three of them hurried to join the queue of ponies waiting to order, Melodia already hungry at the thought of all that chocolate cake she’d get to eat. It was absolutely delicious – even if it was a Pinkie creation and you couldn’t really expect much else of it. Yum.

After what seemed like an hour, though it was probably only ten minutes, they reached the front of the queue and met Pinkie Pie’s cheerful grin as she slid in place in front of them. Gummy still clung to her tail, jaws fastened securely around the curly hair.

“Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!” she exclaimed happily. “What can I get you?”

Spike chuckled. “One sapphire cupcake, one warm triple-chocca-locca with ice-cream and a piece of apple slice, please, Pinkie.”

“Okie-dokie-lokie! Anything else?” she chirped, scribbling it down as she spoke.

Starlight nodded. “Two hot chocolates, thanks. And do you know what Rarity’s usual is? We were planning on dropping in to see her after we finished here. That’s what the apple slice is for, right, Spike?”

“Right,” he confirmed. “We’re just looking out for her – you know busy she is lately, don’t you?”

“Sure do!” Pinkie replied. “She normally gets a cappuccino with extra chocolate and spice-y cinnamon – better add the whipped cream and the nuts today though. It looks pretty miserable out there. Is that to takeaway with the slice? I can bag it and everything for you!”

Melodia smiled, amused as ever by Pinkie’s antics. “That’d be great. Thanks a tonne, Pinkie!”

“No problem-o, Mel-Mel. Have a great day – and don’t let Star eat too much of that cake!”

“I won’t!” she replied, giggling. “She’ll get fat otherwise!”

Ignoring Starlight’s playful glare, she bounced over to a vacant booth and sat down, sliding over in her seat to watch the rain outside. Rain, rain, rain. It was so pretty – she couldn’t understand how some ponies didn’t like it. Personal experiences, she supposed, and left it at that. It was too nice to spend such a day pondering over what could be, after all. Far too nice a day, especially with friends.

She started drumming her hooves on the tabletop, humming idly. Tap, tap, ta-ta-tap; repeat. Switch it up, change the rhythm; increase the tempo. A few ponies turned to look for the source of the sound; smiling in delight when she grinned back at them. She had so much energy – as soon as the music started, she felt like opening her mouth and singing. So sing she did; impromptu and all.

“It’s one more storm

Charged with electric, arcane energy

Magic a mystery, a melody

Can you hear the beat?

Can you hear the beat form?

Ooh, oh, oh...”

Encouraging cheers and whistles made her blush, shy now that all the attention was on her. Glancing around the room, she caught sight of the three local musicians, Vinyl, Octavia and Lyra grinning at her and saw a pen bathed in Vinyl’s cyan magic scratching down notes. Lyra waved cheerfully and she ducked her head, embarrassed that she’d been caught watching. Oops.

“Keep going, dear!” Mrs. Cake called. “We’re all listening ... don’t be afraid. You’re quite talented!”

“It’s one more storm

Charged with electric, arcane energy

Magic a mystery, a melody

Can you hear the beat?

Can you hear the beat form?

Ooh, oh, oh...

It’s one more storm

Charged with electric, arcane energy

Magic a mystery, a melody

Can you hear the beat?

Can you hear the beat form?

Ooh, oh, oh...

It’s one more storm

Charged with electric, arcane energy

Magic a mystery, a melody

Can you hear the beat?

Can you hear the beat form?

Ooh, oh, oh...

It’s one more storm...

Just ... one more.”

The shop erupted in applause, and it was deafening – a standing ovation. Ponies; unicorns, earth ponies and pegasi alike, clapping. Clapping for her; her and her music. It was both humbling and incredible. And she wanted more of it – it felt amazing, it really did. If only her mother would let her though … Twilight would never admit it, but Melodia knew there had to be a reason behind why she didn’t want her daughter to have anything to with music; vocal or instrumental. It was super frustrating.

Pinkie came nosing her way through the crowd, and gently placed their order on the table in front of them. The food came first: Spike’s sapphire cupcake followed the massive – and delicious - collection of dishes and cutlery for the triple-chocca-locca cake; then the drinks as per Starlight’s request – the hot chocolates. Warm and sweet and, well, chocolatey.

She felt like she was starving, but didn’t trust herself to speak after such a display, so instead she just gave Pinkie a grateful grin and a nod, which the mare returned enthusiastically. Both Spike and Starlight were positively beaming, thrilled that she was stepping outside her comfort zone. They wouldn’t tell Twilight … they never did. It was just between the three of them, one of their many secrets.

“That was awesome!” Pinkie whispered excitedly. “You smashed it, Mel-Mel! You’ve got some voice, I mean, wowsers!”

She giggled. “Thanks Pinkie. Promise you won’t tell Mum?”

Pinkie nodded, looking a little like a bobble-head. “Mm-hmm! Pinkie Promise!”

“And we know she won’t break that one, that’s for sure.” Spike  added with a chuckle. “Good on you, Diva – that was fantastic!”

“...Aw, gee, thanks. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off!”

Licking her lips, she let Starlight levitate a portion of the cake into her bowl, practically drooling at the sight of the rich sauces and melting ice-cream. Ooh-oh-oh, yum. This was going to delicious – she really couldn’t wait to get started on this piece of sweet heaven. Just as she was lifting the spoon to her mouth, eyes watching the morsel of food as she went, somepony spoke close by.

“Hey, kid. Got a minute?” Melodia jumped at the soft, yet still raspy, voice of Vinyl Scratch, feathers ruffling in surprise.

“Uh, sure!” she replied nervously. What now?

“Cool, thanks.”

“No problem. Um, just let me-” she placed the spoon back down in the bowl with a soft ‘clink’. “Sorry, you kinda startled me.”

Octavia chuckled at her roommate’s unabashedly cheerful smirk. “She has that effect on ponies, love. No need to worry.”

“‘Tavi!” the unicorn complained. “I just want to talk to the kid!”

“A kid who happens to the daughter of our very own Princess Twilight?” the cellist retorted.

“Oh, pssh. Twi’s cool; and her daughter has some totally rad talent. Serious platinum potential.”

Melodia gaped, eyes wide. “You really think so?” she breathed.

“I do. You’ve got it in spades, kid.”

“U-um, thanks? I-I just ... I’m not allowed singing lessons or anything like that.”

“What? Surely you jest, dear!” Octavia exclaimed, horrified.

“She’s not, Octavia,” Spike interrupted tiredly. “Twi’s ... terrified of Diva even touching an instrument. Much less singing,”

“Vine, we can’t offer her this – she’d be breaking her mother’s trust!”

Vinyl snorted in dismal. “Offer her what? She’s got a good ear for music – she can help us and Lyre out with recording.”

Starlight beamed. “I think that’s a great idea! What do you think, Melodia?”

“I...” she paused uncertainly, staring at the table in thought. “I don’t know, Star. I want this but...”

“Kid, there’s no pressure,” Vinyl continued. “If you don’t want to, the offer’s always open.”

“We’d love to have you help us, Melodia,” Octavia added. “We could pay you if you’d like, too.”

“Whoa, whoa, wait!” she spluttered, waving her hooves in the air. “Pay me? I haven’t even said yes yet!”

“It doesn’t have to be right away!” Lyra chimed in. “Call it … a testing phase if you will.”

“O-okay. Okay, I’m in. Mum’s going to have a heart attack but … I’m in.”

“Yes!” Vinyl cheered. “Okay kiddo, see you tomorrow. Ten alright?”

“…Sure!” she replied. “At least now I can eat my dessert,”

Her little attempt at a joke got a surprised laugh out of the three mares, and Star reached across the table, ruffling her mane with a hoof. She ducked her head away with a sigh, and started to eat, finally tucking into the chocolate cake and ice-cream she’d been delayed from enjoying. The rain continued to roll down the windows and pool in puddles on the road outside. They still had to go to the Boutique and deliver Rarity’s snack to her when they finished here and grabbed the takeaway bag from the counter.

It hadn’t been so bad for a rainy day; and especially one that hadn’t finished yet. Her mother wasn’t due back for another week and it would interesting to see just how much could change for her. At this pace, it was likely to be a lot and very fast. She couldn’t wait for it to start.

Singer, Weave Me A Melody

UNSUNG MELODIES - Singer, Weave Me A Melody

The chill wind ushered them inside Carousel Boutique, Rarity’s coffee bobbing dangerously in Starlight’s telekinetic grip as the door slammed shut, bells clanging noisily instead their usual soft tinkling jingle. Melodia winced, ears flattening against her head in protest to the discordant sound, one hoof-tip scuffing a shallow groove in the carpet. She hated off-key noises like that ... they hurt.

All was silent in the Boutique, except the rhythmic clack-whir of Rarity’s sewing machine. Unicorn mage lights lit the interior and she could catch glimpses of Rarity’s ice-blue magic from the half-shut door to the fashionista’s workroom. She was working – still working, the poor mare. She must be exhausted by now, Melodia thought sadly. Did she even stop to sleep? No, this was Rarity. She wouldn’t.

“Rarity?” she called into the quiet building. “We brought you something – thought you could use a good coffee.”

“Darling, you didn’t have to!” Rarity protested dizzily as she trotted into view. “I’m practically fine!”

“Rares, generous and hardworking as you are; take the word of a friend – you’re not fine.” Spike replied with a frown.

“Don’t be silly, Spike! I’m just a little tired, that’s all.”

“Okay, I’m going to pull a Sparkle-”

“Hey!” Melodia complained. “Rude!”

“-and ask you to describe it as best as you can. Please?”

Rarity swayed dangerously on her hooves. “I’ve been running on coffee the last two days and I haven’t slept properly in a week.”

“...Ponyfeathers. Okay, that’s it. I’ve had enough,” he growled. “Rarity, you’re taking the day off.”

“Nonsense! I don’t have the time!”

“You won’t have time for anything if you keep this up!”

It was true. She looked exhausted because she was. If what Rarity said was, in fact, correct, then when her mother got back home from Canterlot she was going to want to have serious words with her fashionable friend. Serious, stern words too. Sighing, she blew her fringe out of her eyes and gave Rarity a small smile, feathers ruffling as she trotted up to the mare and draped a wing over her barrel. This was bound to work – Rarity could never resist the temptation of a makeover.

“Take the day off – get some sleep, eat some decent food – and I’ll give you free reign coming up for a new outfit for me.”

Rarity perked up immediately. “Oh, dear, how positively fabulous! ... And I could use a break, I suppose. Thank you, Melodia.”

She giggled. “Anytime, Rarity. Go take a nice, long, relaxing bath – your poor mane’s a mess!”

While Spike guided the unsteady unicorn upstairs to her living quarters, Melodia and Starlight got to work. They didn’t need to speak, not now, when a friend needed their help. Starlight’s turquoise glow tugged and adjusted as fabric and ponnequins returned to their proper places; the dust that been collecting on surfaces swirling to the floor in great, elegant arcs to pile in heaps upon the ground.

A flap of her wings lifted her off the floor, and she closed her eyes as she tapped into her race’s innate magic. Each wingbeat sounded as loud as a drum in her ears; and she twisted the air into form with a neat pirouette. ‘Round the room she raced, taking the spinning funnel with her in her wake – dirt and grime torn, helpless, from their resting places by a great wind as she travelled.

Throwing Star a sharp salute, she darted out the door with the ease of a hummingbird and dispelled the dust-devil with a clap of her hooves. It had hardly drifted down to the road before she lifted herself higher, already zeroing in on her chosen cloud. She stopped with a near-audible screech, wings beating at the air as she alighted down on the fluffy surface. She was no weatherpony but that didn’t stop her.

One hoof tapped her perch experimentally, and she gave a satisfied hum. Yes, this would do just fine.  Now ... how did Rainbow do it? She burrowed through the cloud and out the bottom, before flipping over mid-fall and twisting back around. There was no need to fly at breakneck speed; but speed was still a requirement as she zipped around gathering enough vapour to form a decent raincloud.

Dropping earthward with evenly-timed flaps, she nudged her cloud back towards the ground, hooves damp from brushing the grey mist. The door opened and she shoved the rain-filled mass into the centre of the room. Magic bubbled up, weatherproof barriers slamming into place over easily damageable goods; and with a nod from her unicorn companion, she began the second phase.

Flap. Flap. Flap. The drumbeat returned, and she found herself humming along as she sprinted towards the low-lying cloud. One smooth pivot later, and her back hooves struck the cloud with enough force to knock apples off a tree in the Apple family’s orchard.

“And, go.” The words were like a dropped pin in a silent room.

“Diva, if you can’t handle it...”

“Relax, I’ve got this.”

“That sounds suspiciously like a Rainbow Dash line, Melodia.”

“What? Just because I happen to be confident means I’m pulling a Rainbow? Have a little faith in me, Star.”

The rain was already starting to fall, which meant she had to work fast. Putting the conversation in the back of her mind, she shoved the shrinking cloud across the room, watching with as a critical eye as it slowed, then vanished with a soft ‘poof’ as if it had never been there in the first place. Spike slid down the stairs, coming to a halt on all four legs at the bottom with a smug, content grin.

“She’s all good, guys. Need someone to steam clean the carpet for you?” he asked cheerfully.

“That’d be great, thanks!” she replied with an answering grin.

It was an interesting experience, watching Spike work, but there was no lack of speed and precision in the manner he worked. Rarity had been his childhood crush, a friend, an Element of Harmony and so much more. Fashionista, designer, charity volunteer ... he could relate to the mare in many ways and that made his inclination help her out that much stronger. It was fascinating, it really was.

Being the daughter of a princess had its perks sometimes, especially if your mother was the Princess of Friendship, so it wasn’t all that bad – just confusing and a little lonely. Yeah, lonely – you’d expect her to have a tonne of friends, but no, she didn’t. Sure, she had Starlight; and she had Spike, but apart from them? She couldn’t count many others as friends – others her age, anyway.

Discord, because he listened and cared; Roseluck because she understood the frustrations of not being able to express yourself the way you wanted; and Silver Spoon was ... Silver Spoon. She didn’t exactly have friends; and Princess Luna made an excellent conversationalist when it was the middle of the night and everyone else was asleep. At least she knew what it felt to be like this.

And thank goodness she did; because Melodia wasn’t sure she could have survived this long without the Princess’s advice. That, and her cousin’s company. Flurry Heart was a Faust-send sometimes, with her Pinkie-like abilities in cheering ponies up. Her cousin was never afraid to go out on a limb for her people, and the same went doubly for friends and family. She’d have to send her a letter later; tell her the news.

Flurry would be ecstatic – she could already imagine her reaction. Full of capitals and exclamations; not to mention smiley faces.  Meoldia giggled as she fluttered off her seat on Rarity’s banister and went to find the mare herself. It was a good thing she’d spent as much time as she had around her mother’s friends as she had; it meant she knew her way around and knew exactly where to look for a sleepy fashionista. Sure enough, she found Rarity curled up on her bed, still damp mane and tail wrapped up in towels.

Grabbing a blanket in her teeth – it was a cashmere/wool blend, a fact she noticed purely out of exposure to the white mare – she draped it over the sleeping Rarity. Shaking her head, she dropped back to all four hooves and trotted quietly out the door, shutting it behind her. It was best to let her sleep.

Armed with the knowledge that there was no way Rarity would accept payment for her makeover, Melodia busied herself in cleaning. Thankfully, she had no need to go grab a cloud or two, Rarity’s broom cupboard had all the supplies she needed. Plates at least a week old sat piled up by the sink, dirty and in desperate need of a wash. It was simple, repetitive work; not that she minded - it was just dishes.

Only when each plate and glass gleamed, clean and dry, did she watch the water go down the drain. Returning to the cupboard, she grabbed a bottle of wood polish and a soft rag. Clearing the knickknacks off the table, she memorized the placement, so she could put them back later, just the way they were. Music bled softly through the speakers of the radio from where it sat on the bench, and she couldn’t help but dance along as she went.

Next was the shelves, and as she swept a feather-duster over Rarity’s disorganised collection of fashion magazines and sketchbooks, the amount of dust that fell nearly made her shudder. After all, the white unicorn, by her own admission, was a neat freak. It was sad that Rarity had driven herself to the point that she didn’t have time to keep everything neat and tidy the way she liked it.

Melodia had just fetched the broom when she heard hoof-beats in the hall. She felt Rarity’s eyes on her, and turned around slowly, shuffling her hooves nervously. She took in the fashionista as she more than likely did the same. Rarity’s mane was swept to one side, her forelock covering one side of her face – and though she still looked a little tired, she appeared much better. This only made her aware of her own state however, and the amount of dirt and grime that clung to her coat. She looked like a mess; and felt like it too.

“Uh, hiya, Rarity. I hope you don’t mind that we kinda cleaned up a bit – your house needed it, to be honest.” she confessed.

“Oh, not to worry, dear. In fact, you’ve done me a great favour! Now, to return it ...”

“Oh, um, before we start ... we kinda sorta grabbed you a coffee and a piece of Pinkie’s apple slice. You might want to eat them.”

Still, she had to wince at the rushed manner Rarity devoured the food and drink. Clearly she hadn’t been looking after herself properly, especially if she was this hungry. Maybe Sweetie Belle could check in her sister over the next few days or so? It was a well-known fact that the young mare couldn’t cook – there were some pretty impressive horror stories of the times she had tried (how did you set water on fire?) – but she still cared for her big sister and it would bother her a lot to hear about the state Rarity was currently in.

Then she was swept downstairs and yanked into an overly-expressive group hug, with Rarity exclaiming her gratitude over and over. Only the promise of a makeover drew her away and Melodia quickly resigned herself to the unicorn’s fussing. Particularly over the mess her coat was – she couldn’t help it if it was full of soap residue and dust from her cleaning spree! She’d just be busy; it hadn’t been the time to complain how dirty she was going to end up. For Faust’s sake!

Starlight and Spike got pushed to one side; giggling as Rarity’s magic tugged and teased. After a particularly ruthless, and sudden, bath thanks to a warm bucket of water; and a brisk rubdown with a bunch of towels to get dry again, did Rarity declare her ready. Try as she might, she couldn’t stay mad at her, and she was soon laughing along with her two friends – even more so when Spike found a fake mustache and started dancing around, acting like he had a posh accent.

Cloth and blue magic surrounded her in a dizzying blur as Rarity got to work, holding rolls of various fabrics up against her coat – silk, cotton, wool, cashmere ... the list went on and on. Colours flashed before her eyes and then disappeared again; all the shades of the twilight hour – dusky blue and deep purple; pale gold dipped in amber, grey tinged with silver. She had no doubt that whatever Rarity came up with, it would be a masterpiece. It always was.

Sketches were soon scattered over the floor of Rarity’s workshop, all swooping lines and comfy winter clothing. After an hour of sketching up a hoof-full of ideas; she showed them to Melodia and explained the general ideas; then fetched a measuring tape and started getting her measurements. Melodia held perfectly still, following Rarity’s instructions to the letter. She’d offered to do this, so the least she could do was make it as easy as it could possibly be.

Pins held the fabric in place as Rarity darted around her, muttering to herself as she compared the design to the pattern – altering things here and there so her wings could sit free; and peppering her with questions about whether or not she wanted her ears sticking out of the hood. After getting the confirmation that it would be fine either way – ‘whatever you think works, Rares’ - she was off again.

So the sewing machine started up, and Melodia was allowed to sit down to Starlight and browse Rarity’s messy sketches. Though Rarity called her aside to check a couple of things, it wasn’t that bothersome and she rested happy in the knowledge that her mother would be proud of her efforts today – one good turn deserved another, and with Rarity you could never say no. She just did it anyway.

“Melodia? Darling, could you come here for a minute, please?” the fashionista called, levitating a scarf. “I need to check something.”

“Sure!” she replied, trotting over. “What is it this time?”

“Just got to see if this scarf sits right, dear,” Rarity responded distractedly. “Maybe if I layered the amber and the grey? ...Possibly.”

“You know, Rares, I think that just might work!” she exclaimed. “And what, instead of layering it, you maybe it reversible?”

A slow smile erupted. “Oh, that’s brilliant! It’ll be fabulous; and that way you can wear whatever way you want!”

“That would be awesome! Thanks, Rarity!”

Rarity giggled. “No, dear, thank you! You’re always a pleasure to work with.”

Soon she was slipping on a deliciously comfortable hoodie, Rarity’s new masterpiece complete. She could only grin as she listened to Rarity explain every detail; like the fact the lining was satin, and that there were pockets for her ears in the hood if she didn’t want them sticking out in the cold – that addition was genius. It felt amazing and looked just as great. It was a Rarity piece, of course it was.

When Rarity finished wrapping her new scarf around her neck; and promised to show her the manestyle she plaited up, Melodia’a makeover was complete. As she approached the mirror, she couldn’t believe her eyes – Rarity had outdone herself yet again.

The outer layer was a dusky blue – there was a layer of wool between the cotton and the satin for insulation - and made from a toughened, but warm cotton. There were tiny diamantes around the edge of the hood; and silver and gold beads up one side of both sleeves. She spread her wings, giving them an experimental flap and could have tackled the fashionista in a hug. It was perfect.

“Oh, Rarity, this is fantastic!” she squealed. “I love it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

So when the three of them exited the Boutique into the early evening air, waving goodbye to a much happier – and healthier – Rarity; Spike and Starlight couldn’t stop giving her compliments about how good her new hoodie and scarf looked. They were right; and they went home laughing and giggling about how good a day it had been. It had been difficult to deal with at times, but they’d done it.  And Melodia couldn’t be happier ... it really had been a good day.