Chapter Five: Magic can do Wonders

A soul is a complex construct, but not as indestructible as many seem to believe. A soul can have a vessel, however there are instances of formless souls: ghosts, spirits, poltergeists, wraiths and many more. If a soul has a physical form, it can be taken out of it. If the soul is unwilling to leave it's physical form, then it will take some effort for a necromancer to tear it out. The more complex the soul, the more difficulty you will have with extracting the soul into a more vulnerable location for it - outside its vessel.

A soul is mainly composed of everything it has experienced, like a self-writing story. It can be rewritten, if you have the means to do so. (Refer to chapter one hundred twenty four) Rewriting your own soul is not recommended, unless you are experienced in the subject, or you have someone that is, with you at the time. Failure in rewriting a soul will end up in it turning into a 'blight'. (Refer to chapter one hundred twenty five.) The most important detail to note is-

This is pointless. I lean back in the chair and begin massaging my face with my hands. I release a tired sigh and look back in the book. I have been reading the guide for over an hour, trying to learn necromancy. I have found out, that runic magic is basically programming reality via runes, under certain conditions. Supposedly it doesn't tire the caster, but the downside is, that you need to make the rune circles first, which takes more time than simply casting a spell. There are special runes in the book, that are used for creating spell matrixes, or programs only known by dark mages, however: therein lies the problem. I don't know what the 'basic' runes look like, or what they do.

Oh sure: there are images of the runic circles depicted on the pages, but this is a guide to necromancy, so it doesn't give me the complex spell matrixes that are on my equipment. I suppose the good news is, that I have found out what the soul is. As far as I understood: a soul is a mind. It's where I was before, or should I say: what I perceived earlier.

I shouldn't have been able to do so naturally, but I did it anyway, thanks to the magic on the helmet. I tried to understand what at least some the enchantments on the armour piece did, but was unable to, since all of the circles had 'basic' runes in them. Of course I could start experimenting, but I don't want any accidents to happen. Especially when I am very tired from malnourishment and lack of sleep. Aria was right. Two energy bars is not enough.

Wait...are there books on runes on those shelves in the kitchen? I haven't actually checked, so I head upstairs, turn on the light in the kitchen and start searching through everything. Most of the tomes were about histories of different nations, or novels such as 'Daring Do and the Golden Box' or 'Very Deep Under the Sea'. The others were all labeled as 'Magical Theory on yadda by yadda', however there was nothing on runes. Sunset clearly has a passion for runes, but doesn't have any books on them?

Madness.

I stare at the pile of books on the table and sigh. I seem to do that a lot lately. I notice a basket of green apples sitting on the kitchen counter and make my way to it around the table. I take one of the tasty looking apples and twirl it around in my hand for a bit. Walking over to the sink, I give the apple a good wash and take a bite out of it, without bothering to dry it. So sour. I scrunch my nose a bit, but swallow anyway. After finishing the apple, I drink straight from the tap, not even bothering with getting my glass. As I close the tap, I hear hoofsteps in the living room.

"Aria is that yo- Oh, hi." The sleepy unicorn smiles at first, but frowns when she sees the books on the table.

"Hello Sunset, I was just gonna put these back. I didn't wake you did I?" I ask, as I start reshelving the books in, hopefully, the same order as they were before.

"No you didn't. I awoke by fal-I just woke up and heard running water downstairs, so I decided to investigate. What are you doing this late in the hour? What are you searching for?" She didn't sound upset, just curious.

"Well, I woke up from hunger, so I helped myself to a little snack." I nod at the apple core, lying on the counter, since I forgot to throw it away. "I read the combusting book a bit and realized that in order to understand the runic circles on my equipment, I need to know the commonly known runes, but I can't find any information on them." I crouch to put one of the 'Parry Otter' series in the lower shelf.

If the only place I can get this info from is the 'Royal Archives', then I will have a lot of trouble with figuring out what anything does. It's not just my armour I'm concerned about. My daggers might be the most dangerous weapons in the world and I won't even know it. I can't find out anything about Thorn though, since it has zero runes on it. The only way I'm going to be able to figure out it's properties, at the moment: is by trial and error. I know it's not the 'normal' Thorn, because when I pick it up it also lights up. At this point any difference could be the difference between 'staying in one piece' and 'taking the whole world down with you'. Even if I am over-exaggerating, I'd rather not risk it.

"Oh! I have a book on runes in my room, I can get it for you if you want." I look up at Sunset. She had the book. Of course, she had the book! I'm so dumb.

"Could you get me something to write on and with as well, please?"

"Sure,"-she let's out a massive yawn-"I'll be right back." Sunset walks out of sight and I go back to shelving books.

After a couple of minutes pass, she comes back with some things in her hands. I had a small burst of energy and managed to put all the books in their previous place on the shelves, somehow remembering what order to put them in. Throwing the eaten apple into the stainless steel bin, I turn to her and she hands me a book, some parchment, a pencil and an eraser.

"Thanks Sunset. Sorry I bothered you." I say as I take the items. Runic magic and it's Uses. By Clover the Clever.

"You are welcome and don't worry about it. I don't think I'm going to fall asleep anytime soon anyway." She releases another yawn.

"If you say so, I'm going to return to the basement and try to finally figure out what most of my stuff does. See you in the morning." We walk out of the kitchen and she switches off the light. It gets super dark.

"See you in the morning." Sunset replies, as she goes back up the stairs.

My attempts to not fall headfirst into my room rewarded me with a graceful descend. And by graceful I mean: I managed to not die. I would have turned on the light, but the switch is at the top of the stairs and I don't know how much lighting costs here, if you even have to pay for it. You probably do. Putting everything on the table, I sit in the chair once more.

The most important detail to note is: while a soul might be most vulnerable outside a vessel, it is also the most effective. A physical form has many limits, so necromancers have created what is called the Necromancers Eye. It allows the soul to extend some of the limits of it's physical form, primarily: see more, than you would usually. If a necromancer wishes to learn the intricacies of all magic, without leaving their body, the Necromancers Eye is usually the most effective tool, however you will first have to get rid your 'windows' for the spell to work.

On the other side of the page was an image of the spell matrix, that's required to use the Eye. To the right of the diagram, was a very detailed black and white picture of the Necromancers Eye. It was a monochrome version of the cyan, burning eyeball of doom. I grin. I can do this... Although...

-however you will first have to get rid your 'windows' for the spell to work.

I think I need to gouge out my eyes, in order to use this. The eyes which just got healed recently. Nope. I want to see the world around myself with my own two organic eyes for the time being, thank you very much. Plus I don't want to learn all the 'intricacies' at the moment, I have two books on runes and that's enough for me at the moment. I turn to take a look at the horned helmet and see its emptiness staring back at me. I imagine a blazing eye in the empty space.

What if I don't need to sacrifice my eyes? After all: the helmet seemed to have the smoke effect, so why wouldn't it have the eye? I'll just have to find out later. For now - books! No matter how I say it, I will never be truly excited about a book. I prefer practice over theory, but I also don't want to add another catastrophe to the ones above. Above the basement I mean. Wait...I'm on a mountain, so the basement is pretty high. Then again...I don't really care about the ones below. I stop my mental rant, before it could derail further and finally focus on the books. I focus on the books. I focus on the...books... I collapse on the books.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunset Shimmer

The past three days have been surprisingly calm. Vadon would occasionally chat with us, but he would spend most of the time in the basement, reading the two books and making notes. He told me he didn't want to show me the notes, until he was sure, that all of them are a hundred percent correct. Neither I nor he told the others what he was doing in the basement. Yesterday, Adagio decided she had enough secrecy, and sneaked in Vadons room, while he was asleep. She found out that he was doing something with magic and threw him off the bed, demanding answers.

Vadon must have nerves of steel, because he didn't even flinch once at Adagios tone and volume. I had to go down there myself and explain to her, that I knew what Vadon was doing and that he promised to show me what he worked on.

-You knew? And you didn't tell anyone?!

-Adagio, calm down! What would he do? Why would he turn on us? He has no reason to do so.

-I'm just looking out for us!

-By pushing away everyone you meet?

-No, by keeping them at a certain distance.

-Who's them?

-You be quiet.

-Adagio...There is no reason for us to distrust him.

-I am willing to trust, as long as there are no secrets.

-What, you want my life story?

-No, but telling me, what you're doing down here would certainly increase my trust.

-...Are you sure about that? Ow! Sunset I'm just messing with her. Alright look: I promised to show Sunset what I've found out about my stuff, but only when I'm ready, and if she wants to tell you anything about it - it'll be her decision.

-...When are you going to do that?

-I think... if I start now and pull another all-nighter, I should be good tomorrow.

-What do you mean another? How many have there been so far?!

-Rela-ax Sunset. I know my limits.

-You've been barely eating for the past couple of days, how are you even wide awake right now?!

-I ate a fish.

-Exactly: a fish. What you're doing can't be healthy. At least eat something else, we have a bunch more food.

-Like I said: I know my limits. Now: if you two want to find out more about my research, you'll have to leave now, so I can concentrate.

-Fine. But I want you to know, that I really don't like this. Let's go Sunset.

-Oh I'm loving this...I meant the research, but messing with you is fun as well. Just go already! You can glare at me later.

After we got to the top of the basement stairs, I turned to Adagio and told her, that she shouldn't worry about this. I reminded her, that I'm not naïve and that even if Vadon does anything to hurt any of us, I am an elite mage and a personal student of princess Luna herself, therefore: capable of restraining him. If Adagio doesn't trust him, she can at least trust me. She dropped the matter and retired to her room. I spent the entire day behind a book as well, reading up on mythical creatures and the ones not so mythical. I shouldn't read, before learning new things since it decreases the chance of me remembering, but I will be taking notes of my own, so it doesn't really matter and there is nothing else I can do, to spend time.

Finally the next morning arrived, with the Queens sun shining through the window. I slowly stir in my covers. Suddenly my eyes flash open and I jump out of bed. Grabbing my clothes from a chair, I change from my pyjamas to my purple shirt and blue pants. Walking out of my room I see Aria standing near the bathroom door. She notices me a greets me with a small smile and nod.

"I slept well, how about you?"

She grimaces and gives a so-n-so gesture.

I point my gaze to the door. "Both are occupied?"

She nods.

"I'm going to have breakfast now. You want anything?"

She waves me off.

"Alright then. Good morning, by the way." She gives a grumble in response.

Rolling my eyes, I walk down the stairs and into the living room. It seems today is one of the more brighter days, which puts me in an even better mood. I enter the kitchen, open a drawer and take a knife with a cutting board. Placing them on the counter, I walk over to the fridge and start searching inside. I take out some vegetables and fruits from it and put them on the board, closing the door with my leg. As I am about to start cutting, I feel weak vibrations coming from bellow in similar intervals. What in the world? I stand frozen, thinking of what could possibly be causing this, until a thought hits me. The basement is right below me...

Before I could ponder any further, the vibrations frequency changed drastically. I drop the knife and rush to the basement door. Turning on the light, I rush down the stairs, but stop midway as I hear...Singing? I slowly walk down the rest of the way. After reaching the bottom I can definitely hear music and singing. I push open the door and a strange sight appears before me.

Standing near the table, dressed in his entire armor, except for the helmet, is a dancing Vadon. He's not moving around the room, it's just his upper half he is dancing with. The helmet is sitting upright on the table, it's front turned away from me. The music, which I finally recognize as electronic, is playing at an incredibly fast pace, which Vadon seems to match perfectly. The singer has a high voice, sounding like it's mixed with lightning, however despite it, I can still recognize the voice is that of a stallion. The lyrics are mostly the same, with the song being about someone losing their mind. My mind finally catches up with the fact, that some of the runes on the chest piece are glowing.

"Vadon?!" The runes stop glowing and the music instantly stops. He whirls around, surprise etched on his face.

"Good...morning?" He looks at the clock above me. "Yeah, good morning Sunset. I wasn't expecting you so early, but feel free to come in." I step into the room and look at the time. Eleven? How is that early?

I face him and notice bags under his eyes. "Why are you working so much? It's not good for your eyes." His tiny smile falters slightly, but then it's back up again.

"I'll be fine. Like I said many times before: I kn-"

"Know your limits. Yeah, I remember. I just can't help but think, that you're doing things exactly at your limit." His expression seems frozen, even as he speaks.

"Just let it go Sunset. Stop worrying so much about me." I frown.

"But-"

"Stop, or I won't show you what I've been doing." I keep frowning, but don't say anything.

We keep staring at each other, for a few more seconds. He purses his lips slightly and his head gives a 'follow me' motion.

"C'mon then." I walk over to the table, and notice various parchments with a multitude of messily placed formulas and designs. How do you find anything in this mess...

"Uh... I guess what I want to know first is: where was the song coming from?" I can't see any speakers in the room, or anything that could possibly play music.

"Ah, yes. Yesterday, after you and Adagio left, I have been doing my best in decoding the runes on my armour." The chestplate makes almost no sound, as he gives the it a few taps with his knuckle. The armor is not made of metal? But it felt metallic, when I touched it...

"I haven't had time to figure out the function of every single matrix, but I still found out some pretty cool stuff. Apparently my helmet connects with my mind and this right here-" He points at a runic circle on the armor that protects his neck. "- allows me to voice anything from my memory." The runes light up once more.

"Are you mammalian?" My eyes nearly bulge out of my head, from hearing my own voice.

"I am actually. How'd you know?"

"You have fur and a mane, so I figured-"

"Hair. It's called hair Sunset."

"Oh. I also noticed canines, are you a carnivore?"

"No I'm actually an omnivore. That a problem?"

"No, it isn't. The girls are also omnivores, plus I'm used to meat-eaters. I've seen a bunch of Gryphon vassals during their visits to the palace. Besides-"

Our voices cease and the runes stop glowing. I simply stare, mouth agape at what just happened.

"There is a certain set of runes on the helmet, that allows me to... play anything from my mind. So all I have to do, is remember I've heard, activate the spellwork and the armour will play the memory." He gives me a toothy grin.

"And uh... how exactly does that work?"

"I have no idea!" ...Well that's comforting.

His face goes blank for a second and he quickly spins towards the table, rummaging through his mess. He keeps mumbling negatives to himself, until he releases a victorious shout and snatches one of the notes. Turning to me faster than I can blink, while still grinning like mad, he shows me a parchment with an incredibly complicated rune circle and some notes written underneath.

"This is a little something I made myself. In theory: this spell should let you understand the basics of my magic if you manage to cast it correctly, if not...Well let's not think about the hidden failsafe." I can't help but shudder.

"What kind of magic is that?"

"Necromancy, golemancy and shadowmancy."

"Okay, I recognize golemancy and shadowmancy, but what's necromancy?" He looks at me with a strange expression.

"You don't know what necromancy is?" I shake my head "Then don't worry about it. But if you do find out what it is, remember: necromancy is so much more, than some may think."

"Vadon, you changed a lot over the past few days. You've become incredibly-"

"Ecstatic?"

"-Psychotic." He stops grinning, but his lips is still separated. We keep staring at each other silently and I actually begin feeling worried. He clicks his tongue.

"Wow. Thanks Sunset, you're a great support. I've been sleepless for almost three days straight, trying to learn to learn three types of magic at once, despite not having any way to get knowledge safely for two of them and willing to reveal you secrets, that some would have to pay a hefty price to learn, for free. I might come of a psychotic, but there is a reason for that." He says in a dry voice. I feel my ears instinctively fold against my head.

"I'm sorry." I look down.

"Don't be. There is no reason for you to be sorry. I'm not offended and I'm not mad Sunset. I don't get mad over such silly things." I look at him incredulously.

"Calling you insane is a silly thing?" I wanted to shout, but was too caught off guard, to even raise my voice.

"Of course. I know I am not insane, because for me to be insane there have to be two conditions. One: I must be delusional about things around me, which am not. And two: there have to be such things as right and wrong. There aren't by the way." I open my mouth to interject, but he cuts me off. "No Sunset, they don't. It's simply different, no actual right or wrong. Therefore I literally cannot be insane."

I just stare at him, my logical side telling me to play along, and then hand him over to the guard. However, he reminds me so much of Adagio back when we just met... but also different. While Adagio was distant, rude, sarcastic and pessimistic. He seems nice, sarcastic and optimistic, however still capable of being cold. What made him think like that?..

"That is..."

"Pessimistic? I know, but it's actually realistic. It's just that, that's the way things are in life: few rainbows and sunshine, lot's of everything else." I can't help, but feel that he is correct. Even though things haven't always been this way, not in Equestria at least. I decide to change subject.

"So, anything else you've found out?" My voice sounds weak.

"Yeah actually." He picks up the helmet and puts it on his head, the space in the middle instantly filled with smoke-like shadows, obscuring his muzzle entirely. "Do you mind standing near the door for a second, and switching the light on an' off quickly?"

"You mean off and on right?" I say as I stand in the doorway. I give a small smile, despite what was said earlier.

"You know what I meant." He sounds annoyed, but I can tell he is smiling as well.

"Alright I'm ready, when you are."

"Good. Just keep looking at me and when I give the signal, turn off the light for just a second." What is he planning?

He turns his entire body to me, and stands still near the table. "Now!" I shut off the light and quickly turn it on. He is now standing almost half of a meter away from me, with hands on his knees and breathing heavily. I shout in surprise and nearly jump back in fear. "Ta...da!" He rasps out.

"What was that?! That wasn't teleportation, there was no flash!"

"That's...because...I didn't teleport. Give me a moment." He exhales and takes a deep breath. "I didn't teleport, I ran up to you. It leaves me exhausted, but it doesn't appear to actually drain my energy. I believe, the spell is a shadowmancy one, since it seems to only work when I'm in the dark. I can't find the set of runes for it either, so the spell is probably ingrained into the armour." What.

First there's some kind of necromancy, of which I have never heard before. And now a set of armor that allows the wearer-correction: Vadon, to move faster than light? I...This is fantastic for better understanding of magic, but all of... this, doesn't feel like it should be meddled with.

I look at his weapons lying on the table.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Vadon

"What about your daggers, or the other thing?" I look at my weapons lying on the table. Chewing on my lip, I think about what to tell Sunset. Finally deciding on what to say, I turn to her.

"Well: the daggers have a pretty complicated matrixes, for which you have to know the basics of necromancy to understand. As for the gun... I have no idea what it does. And since it doesn't have any runes: I can't find out its properties without using it and I... don't want start testing something, when I have almost no idea as to what it does. You see where I'm going with this?" She nods. "I might act reckless at times, but never, ever...would I do something, that I don't know the consequences of." Unless, I'm extremely bored and got nothing to lose.

"I-I'm not sure if I want to know everything else you've been doing." She turns away from me.

"I haven't found out much else, unfortunately. Besides: it's not like I'm doing something illegal, or anything that could threaten any of you, right? I've practically been avoiding you all, staying here - in the basement, most of the time."

"Why though? I don't understand." I look at her, without meeting her cyan eyes.

"Because all of this is temporary. After the storm cloud leaves Canterlot, I will leave." She opens her mouth to say something, when Arias head peeks through the doorway.

"Sunset, Vadon! It's finally happening! Let's go!" She disappears and I hear her hooves running up the stairs. A silent moment passes by.

"Aria wait! What's finally happening?! Go where?!" Sunset call out to her.

"The storm is leaving and the Queen is going to make an announcement! We'll be waiting on the balcony, hurry!"

Sunset and I look at each other in surprise. Well this is convenient... She looks at me for a few more seconds and then rushes out of the room. I quickly unstrap my armour, simply dropping it to the floor and follow after Sunset. As I reach the living room, I can see a lot of sunlight shining through the windows. I sprint across the room and up the stairs to the second floor.

I have never been here before. There is an open door in front of the stairway, leading to a room, that's filled with various equipment, some of which I don't even recognize. That's probably Sunsets room. I turn the corner and enter a hallway with a soft red carpet, lined across it's entire length. Midway into the corridor, there is a set of large framed doors opened inwards. I see Sunset walk onto the balcony, taking a spot to the right of the three sisters. Sonata is leaning on the marble railing, squealing with joy. Aria doesn't show as much excitement as her sister, instead choosing to fidget on her hooves. Adagio seems to be the most calm of the three, simply standing with her arms folded. I go to the balcony and take a place beside Sunset, but not too close.

Now that I am able to see Canterlot in all it's beauty, without the heavy rain impending my vision, I start soaking in all the details. I see a bunch of different Ponies standing on balconies of their own. All the houses are made of the same materials: marble and grey wood, in some cases decorated with either gold or silver. They do not look the same however and quite a few have pretty funky designs, that makes them look like little castles. Our hou-The house I've been living in, looks like a simple two-story house with a couple decorative extensions and indentations here and there.

The balcony gives a nice view to the lower parts of the city, and the plains below. However there are rounded walls to either side, so I can't see the neighbours, which I consider to be an architectural flaw. Suddenly a female voice cuts through the air.

"Citizens of Canterlot! I - Queen Celestia, am happy to announce, that the royal mages have discovered a way to contain the Rainbow Storm. The team in charge of the project has come up with an ingenuous invention, with the assistance of my personal student: Twilight Sparkle. The 'Storm Tower' construction has been completed at last! Observe the 'Lush Fields'!"

Despite the voice being incredibly loud, my ears are surprisingly not ringing. I squint at the fields, hiding the cringe at their name. My eyebrows raise in awe at the sight. There, in the far distance, is something beginning to rise. Whatever it is: it looks massive, even from this distance. A long spike, moves upwards from the main body of the thing. Suddenly, various lights appear on the tower and at the top, three giant spikes spread like flower petals. Most of the storm appears to be circling the tower, occasional lightning hits the tower, sending rainbow arcs across it's entire length and making the lights glow brighter. They built a lightning rod. A huge lightning rod for a big storm... Seems very unoriginal.

"The storm and lightning are attracted to the tower, making other places safe. There will be more 'Storm Towers' set up over Equestria, in the span of the next two weeks. This is a temporary solution, they will contain the storm, until we find a way to get rid of it, permanently."

The Queen stops talking and cheering erupts from everywhere. After the noise quiets down, a new voice continues.

"All towers shall be maintained and protected by a company of Solar and Lunar guards. Anyone, who gets near a Storm Tower, without a royal permit, will be captured and interrogated. No exceptions. This is for your own safety, the area around the base of a Storm Tower is more dangerous and unpredictable, than the Everfree Forest."

"Yes. As my sister said: please do not get near the towers, unless you are permitted by us to do so. The rest of Equestria and other Nations, will receive this message, so that no accidents happen. You are free to leave your homes, however you are not allowed to exit the city at the moment. I wish you all a good day." More cheering, however not as loud this time.

"Did you hear that Aria?!" I swear she must be a relative of Pinkies.

"No Sonata, I didn't hear the Queens speech." Aria gives her sister an obvious unamused gaze... Which Sonata seem to ignore completely.

"Oh. Well she was talking about this amazing tower thingy, that you can see in the distance, there! See it?" She points at the admittedly cool looking lightning rod, that keeps getting zapped, distant thunder reaching our ears.

"Ohhh! I didn't notice that before." Aria rolls her eyes, but still smiles at Sonatas antics. Adagio and Sunset have smiles of their own, looking at the giggling siren. I take a deep breath and begin walking into the hallway.

"Where are you going?" I stop and turn around to look at Adagio.

"I'm going to start packing." She raises an eyebrow, Sunset frowns and the other two get surprised expressions.

"Vadon... You heard the Queen, you can't leave the city. The guards might stop you." Sunset says with a tone of sadness.

"This city has a waterworks system, right? So all I have to do, is leave via the sewer."

"The sewer leads to an incinerator in the caves, below the city." She monotones.

"..." Shit.

"Vadon, why do you want to leave?"

"Sunset. I may live here, but I'm not a permanent resident of this house, so technically - I'm invading someone else's property." Adagio has both brows raised now and stares into space with a thoughtful look.

"No you're not! You're our guest!"

"Which I still consider an invader." Her mouth flops like that of a fish. Sonata looks at me with tears welling up in her big eyes.

"D-do you not like us?" She even gives a sniff.

"It's not about me liking you, or not. The owner simply doesn't want me in their home, so I will leave." Adagios eyes look up at mine. "Why should I create problems for her." She keeps staring at me with no emotion. Aria joins the conversation.

"This house doesn't have a single owner, y'know." I face the purple siren.

"So? What does that change?" She smirks and gives a huff of laughter.

"A lot. For one: I don't mind you being here, neither does Sonata."

"And for two?" I make myself sound disinterested.

"Adagio doesn't decide everything." The orange siren looks at Aria, not showing a single emotion.

"No. But she does her best to protect you from danger."

"And are you a threat to us?" Aria leans in.

"Does it matter? Just let me leave and I won't appear in you lives ever again." Sunset finally loses it.

"WHY?!"

"Because no one cares about me. And I'd like to keep it that way."

"I care." I tilt my head.

"I remind you of someone, don't I?" She flinches as if struck, then goes back to her cold demeanor.

"Yes, but that is besides the point-" I don't let Sunset finish.

"Oh no. That is exactly the point. Whoever it is, I remind you of, you must realize, that I am not them right? So there's no reason for you to care about me."

"You are so egoistical." She practically snarls at me.

"And you're not?" Sonata steps in between us.

"Guys, c'mon. Please stop fighting."

"I prefer: having an arguement." I say, while still looking in Sunsets eyes. Adagio walks up to my face.

"Sonata is already nearly in tears. If you make her cry..." She tells me in a calm tone. I look at Sonata and notice, that she indeed seems close to tears.

"Please stay out of this."

"No! I will not have my friends fighting each other! Apologize together, now!" She roars, however I show no signs of being intimidated.

"Since when am I your friend?"

"Anyone, who has no intention of hurting my family or my friends is my friend." She must have a lot of friends then, oh wait....

"...You want me to stay? Fine let's make a vote: who wants me to stay here?" I am the only one, who didn't raise a hand. Even Adagio raised hers. I had to do a double take on that.

"I thought you hate me?"

"I don't hate you. Plus Sonata likes you and that's enough for me." She smirks.

"Even if I stay, what am I gonna pay you with? I got no money." Sonata leaps over and puts a hand over my shoulder.

"That's because you don't have to." I can't stop the deadpan.

"...Way to make me feel like a parasite."

"Or you could go find a job." Adagio suggests.

"Oh really? You think anyone would hire something like me?"

"You could help Sunset with her research on magic, since you seem to be interested in that as well." I turn to the unicorn in question.

"What kind of research?" She looks less upset, but perks up at the question. Guess it hit her hard.

"Usually, I am trying to find out the inner workings of magic. But recently: I've been given a task by my mentor, to find out what is causing the fluctuations in the leylines energy flow. I think it's the paradoxical thaumic xer-" Aria decides to interrupt.

"Enough of all this complicated crap, none of us have even had breakfast yet and you're already conducting a lecture." Rude. Although, it's not like I wouldn't have said the same thing. Adagio puts a hand under her chin.

"I suppose we should, after breakfast we could go shopping. And yes, Vadon you can come as well, plus you need some new clothes. When was the last time you changed?" About three days ago.

"A while. You're right I suppose, but how am I going to pay for them?" Sunset walks past me.

"Don't worry I'll handle the payment. As long as it's nothing too fancy." Sonata finally let's go of me.

"Fantastic! Let's go then!" She disappears so fast, I can see an afterimage. ...She is definitely related to Pinkie, hundred percent.

"What are you going to have for breakfast?" Adagio asks me as we start walking down the stairs.

"A fish." An awkward silence follows my answer.

"No, you're going to have more than a single fish."

"No." My stomach releases a mighty rumble. "Maybe." She smirks victoriously and walks into the kitchen.

I follow after and start feeling something resembling excitement.

After all: I have a whole city to explore.

Author's Note

You know... you'd think a being of pure energy would never get tired...- Order or Chaos

I'd appreciate some proper feedback on this chapter. Either mail me, or feel free to write in the comments.

If you have any questions, post them in the comments as well and I'll answer them.

If you find any typos, mail me. Do not post my mistakes in the comments for all to view.
Well... I mean you can... but I'll just delete the comment. So save me some time will ya?

The next chapter should be released much soon than this one.

*Cue the music. In the next chapter, Vadon is going to do many things, such as-

To be continued.