Steely Heart, Perpetual Spark

The muffled chirping of birds could be heard from inside her wagon as Chrysalis pulled the pillow over her head. The strain of creating her violin had taken its toll on her. While her body was rested, her magical reserve was dangerously close to depletion. To make matters worse, a changeling didn’t rejuvenate their magic like other magical beings.

A depleted reservoir was the equivalent of a starving creature. When a changeling completely exhausted their magic, their higher cognitive functions were completely eclipsed by the desire to feed. A changeling’s body could process actual food, excellent for blending with the crowd, but only the consumption of positive affection could fully sate their hunger.

With a low grunt, she sluggishly flipped the pillow off her and got out of bed. To an onlooker, her body showed every sign of receiving a healthy amount of sleep. However, her mental awareness was slightly impaired. Conserving what magic she had left, Chrysalis performed her morning routine manually except brushing her hair since she couldn’t find a brush.

Opting to run a hoof through it several times, she donned her disguise. Disgusted by how disheveled her hair looked, she tore her gaze from the mirror to fetch her violin. Feeling diminished, she manually placed her violin and bow upon her back. Careful not to drop it, she exited the wagon. Closing the door, she made her way to Rarity’s Boutique.

Unfortunately, she soon found her condition to be worse than previously assessed. Nearly stumbling several times, her vision was beginning to fluctuate. Barely reaching the fountain in the town square, Sonorous felt her hind legs give out. A few passing ponies stopped to investigate the dull sound that originated from beside the fountain. Sonorous was now struggling to breathe, a symptom of her rampant condition.

Ignoring the sting in her ankles, she sat perfectly still. Propped up by her front legs, the growing numbness within caused them to shake. “Are you alright miss,” one of the by passers called out. Sonorous remained still except her horn, which began to glow a light green. The concerned pony, along with a few others that had stopped, took a few steps back upon witnessing the influx of magic.

Attempting to steady her breathing, a faint scent reached her nostrils. Quickly identifying it as concern for her wellbeing, which now hung heavily in the air. Her stomach shamelessly publicized its yearning for nourishment with a deep grumble. However, she refused to allow such primal desires to dictate her actions.

With great effort, she turned to lean her back against the fountain’s foundation. Levitating the violin and bow that had fallen a couple of feet away, she placed them in her awaiting hooves. Firmly grasping the bow in her right hoof, the neck of the violin in her left. Once she had a grip, her magic quickly dispersed. Positioning the chin rest under the left side of her jaw, she drew the bow across its strings.

Although a was a simple scale, it effectively silenced any murmurs among the small gathering. No longer able to see anything other than a sea of distorted colors and shapes, Sonorous closed her eyes. Now playing in earnest, she slid the bow across the strings. The resulting notes were so sad and melancholy that an onion would have cried. After performing a few bars, the melody began to conjure several images of her past.

The first being the hatching of her first clutch of eggs. The start of her hive in the badlands, the small larvae wiggled and squirmed to break through their shells. She stood proudly watching them as any parent would with their offspring. That memory faded only to be replaced with another, Sonorous recognized this one as being a few days afterward.

Entered the hatchery where her larvae were playing, transforming, and a few were even fluttering about. Upon seeing their mother, they stopped what they were doing and rushed toward her. Like fledglings birds greeting their parents, they squeaked with glee. With love brimming in her eyes, she smiled broadly at them. Gathering the love she’d collected from her recent hunt into her horn, she evenly distributed it to every larva.

By now she felt tears welling up in her eyes but she refused to stop until she was done playing. The next serving of pain arrived in the form of moments after being expelled from Canterlot. She found herself sprawled on the ground surrounded by her scattered brood. Getting up, she surveyed and divvied up a portion of the love she had acquired from Shining Armor to each of her changelings.

Soon they were back on their hooves, thanks to the assistance of their benevolent queen. The next memory was when she leaped off the ledge in the Badlands. Although she had acted hateful and steely, her heart had shattered from the betrayal of her brood. An uncontrollable fountain of tears was left in the wake of her hasty retreat. Unwilling to continue, due to her bow-hoof starting to shake, Sonorous drew out the final notes before stopping.

She kept her eyes closed, stubbornly holding back her tears. Sonorous slowly lowered her violin and bow to the ground, she remained still as her head drooped low. So overcome with emotion, her other sense barely registered as a result. An eerie silence hung over the town square until a single stomping sound broke the silence. The lone sound quickly grew into a thunderous cacophony.

Bitter happiness began to swirl within Sonorous’ mind. Although she wouldn’t be able to avenge her fallen changelings. Gods willing, at least she’d be able to see them again and finally rid herself the pain that plagued her heart. This odd sensation stoked a flame she believed dead along with her reign. Abandoning her instrument on the ground, she rose from her slouched position, standing erect, with her head high.

Equestria might claim my body this day but it’ll never break the spirit of QUEEN CHRYSALIS! She stomped a hoof while loudly reciting her epitaph within her mind. Her eyes shot open, allowing her tears to flow down her face unobstructed. She was ready to face her attackers, to spit in their faces. However, the scene she beheld was so jarring, it left her stupefied. What had begun as a few ponies staring at her, had grown into a multi-layered encirclement.

Slowly gathering her wits again, two incongruities immediately caught her attention: the first was the cheering crowd of ponies. They were all smiling, while tears of varying intensities streamed down their faces. The second incongruity was the fact that she hadn’t reverted to her original form. Retreating inward to figure everything out, she was oblivious to the outside world.

The group of ponies began to disperse after announcing their praise and compliments. Meanwhile, Sonorous had deduced that she had absorbed love, or at least enough affection, that had preserved her consciousness. Not having extracted any energy from them nor convinced that sadness was suddenly a filling substitute. She was left with a strange conundrum.

Sonorous was snapped from her deep thoughts as a voice called to her. “That was absolutely sublime darling,” Rarity commented as she approached the statuesque unicorn.

By now the bulk of the crowd had already left. Sonorous turned her head to gaze at Rarity. “I’m pleased that you liked it, although I wish it could have been a more cheery song,” Sonorous replied.

Rarity whipped her eyes with the back of her hoof before scoffing at her comment. “It doesn’t matter if the song is happy or sad. In the end what matters is the life you bestow it. From what I caught, it sounded quite personal,” Rarity finished.

“That song was dedicated to the loved ones that I’ve lost,” Sonorous grimly replied as she recovered her instrument with her magic. No longer emotionally compromised, her other senses were slowly returning. She positioned her violin and bow to float beside her. Rarity gasped and before Sonorous could react, she was confined in her embrace.

Sonorous stood awkwardly as Rarity squeezed her neck in an attempt to comfort her. “I‘m so sorry for your loss dear, I just wish there was something I could do." You could die, Sonorous venomously thought as she pried Rarity from her neck.

“To be completely honest, I was actually on my way to your boutique. I have decided to take you up on your offer from yesterday. However, I was overwhelmed by emotion and the song just burst forth as I played,” Sonorous conveyed her reason for the impromptu performance.

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of, I’ve also had moments where I felt compelled to exercise my craft,” Rarity replied matter-of-factly. “Unfortunately, I was on my way to the spa when I heard your performance. If you want to come along I wouldn’t mind and you’d get to meet Fluttershy as well.”

Sonorous genially thought about the offer, having her hair cleaned and primed was tempting. Especially in light of the morning’s rush, besides she could spend the time pondering about what exactly happened while she was playing. “Sure but I don’t have any bits with me,” Sonorous replied.

The white unicorn gave a subdued chuckle before responding, “There’s no need to worry about money, it’ll be my treat.” Looking at Rarity, Sonorous tried to ascertain the real reason for Rarity’s insistence. However, after studying her expression and analyzing her tone, she concluded there wasn't any hidden agenda.

“Alright then, lead the way,” Sonorous said before falling in line behind Rarity. A few minutes later, they entered The Ponyville Spa where Rarity was greeted by Fluttershy. After seeing the yellow coated, pink-haired pegasus. Sonorous realized that it was Fluttershy who was serenading the animals the previous night.

A small eep issued from the pegasus, who was now hiding behind Rarity. Fluttershy had just noticed that Sonorous was observing them intently. “Where are my manners, Fluttershy, this is Sonorous Forte, Sonorous this is Fluttershy,” Rarity politely stated.

A weak hi and hoof wave was all the subdued Fluttershy would convey. Ignoring her timid demeanor, Sonorous returned the greeting and asked if she was the pony she witnessed serenading a group of animals the previous night. With a couple of steps backward, she turned her head so that her face was hidden behind her flowing mane. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you, I wasn’t aware that anypony was around,” she squeaked.

“Not a problem, in fact, it was quite inspiring,” Sonorous replied. A barely audible, thank you, penetrated her thick locks.

“Her singing voice is quite pleasing to hear, now if only we could draw her out of her reclusive shell. I’m convinced she could take the musical world by storm,” Rarity proudly stated. Before either of them could reply, a voice issued from an open door.

“Ah Rarity, I’m so glad you finally arrived, do you and Fluttershy want the usual?” asked a light cerulean pony. Rarity confirmed the pony‘s assumption with a slight head nod. She then turned her azure eyes toward Sonorous. “Hello my name is Lotus and welcome to The Ponyville Spa, have you decided on a treatment?” she asked while pointing a hoof to the list of services above her head.

“She’ll be joining us today Lotus,” Rarity interjected. Lotus lowered her hoof and gave the three of them a comforting smile.

“As you wish Miss Rarity but I‘ll have to ask your friend to allow me to store her violin at the desk until her visit is complete.” Sonorous reluctantly levitated her instrument to Lotus, “I’ll just put it right under the counter. Now if you’ll please follow me,” Lotus finished while turning to guide them down the hall.

Her pale pink hair gently bounced with each step she took, Lotus turned into the third room on her left. Standing on the other side of the doorway, she gestured to some empty seats. Sonorous raised an eyebrow in puzzlement at the chair’s small backrest. What really caused her confusion was the small square shaped hole that appeared to have been cut from the seat.

Observing Rarity and Fluttershy, Sonorous soon discovered that was where you stuck your tail through. Quickly following their example, she stuck her tail through and sat down beside Fluttershy. Lotus was busy gathering shampoo and conditioner bottles, which she placed beside the large sinks behind Fluttershy and Rarity. Next, she strolled over next to Sonorous. “What are you doing,” Sonorous asked as Lotus reached for her hair.

“Don’t worry ma’am, I’m just checking to see what type of hair you have so I can choose the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for you. Do you dye your hair?” Lotus inquired. Sonorous replied with a no, “I only ask because that’s an unusual hair color. I’ve only seen one other pony with it,” Lotus mentioned as she walked back to the cabinet.

“Are you the only pony here today,” Rarity asked curiously. Not turning around, Lotus stated that her sister was assisting another employee with a couple of ponies.

"Last time I checked they should be finishing up soon,” Lotus stated having placed the bottles she was carrying down behind Sonorous. Slowly her chair began to recline back until Lotus was satisfied with it’s adjusted angle. Gently pulling Sonorous’ mane so it would hang into the sink, Lotus turned the water on. Adjusting the faucets until the water was a fairly warm temperature, she removed the shower head.

Careful not to get water in Sonorous’ eyes, she began to spray down her mane. After thoroughly drenching her hair, Lotus turned the sink off and replaced the shower head into its holder. About this time a kind feminine voice sounded within the room. Sonorous was unable to see from her current position but from the conversation, she surmised it was Lotus’ sister.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted both Rarity and Fluttershy’s chair begin to recline as well. Returning her gaze to the ceiling, the sudden message of her scalp made her sigh with pleasure. I could get used to this, Sonorous thought as Lotus shampooed, rinsed, and lathered conditioner into her mane. After a few moments of having her scalp messaged, Lotus began to rinse the conditioner out.

“Please hold still while the chair is elevated,” Lotus said to Sonorous. After being lifted a few feet off the ground, Lotus halted the chair’s motion. She applying the same process to her tail that her mane had received. Once completed, Lotus dried her tail with a large towel before lowering the chair to its original height. Drying Sonorous’ mane was easier due to dripping dry while her tail was being washed.

Once the chair was sitting upright and Lotus had finished brushing her mane, Sonorous got out of the chair. She noticed the two additional employees as both Rarity and Fluttershy were having their mane brushed. The attendant next to Fluttershy was a white mare unicorn with sandy colored hair. The pony next to Rarity was undoubtedly Lotus’ sister.

This pony had a pale pink coat, azure-colored eyes, and light cerulean hair. To Sonorous’ astonishment, both sisters had a lotus flower as a cutie mark. After a few more minutes both Rarity and Fluttershy were finished and standing next to her. “If you’ll follow me I’ll lead you to your next treatment,” Lotus said as she walked to the door. The group of three followed her up the hall to the second room on the right.

This room contained several chairs but unlike the last, there weren’t any sinks to be seen. Another difference was these chairs had a taller backrest and resembled the pathway of a wide arching snake. The three ponies took their seats, their backs sank into the chair’s gentle curve. Their rear hooves stuck into the air, due to the chair’s convex shape.

The masseuses gathered supplies from the cabinet and placed them on rolling trays. Lotus soon returned to Sonorous’ side, the other masseuses did likewise to their chosen clients. “Close your eyes please,” Lotus politely requested. Cautiously, Sonorous did as requested.

She felt a warm washcloth against her face followed by a dry one. Afterward, she heard a soft squishing noise, like mud being trampled under hoof. Sneaking a peek, Sonorous spotted Lotus dapping a medium sized brush into a green colored substance on the tray. She quickly closed her eyes again before Lotus noticed. She didn’t have to wonder for long about the green substance, as a cool like paste was being spread across her face.

Sonorous immediately felt her face begin to tighten under the applied goop. “What is this suppose to do?” Sonorous inquired. Lotus informed her that it was a beauty mask that would rid her facial pores of dirt and grease. Reassured, Sonorous relaxed and remained so until Lotus had finished applying the mask.

Assuming that it was Sonorous’ first spa visit, she informed her that she was placing cucumbers over her eyes and decided to walk her through each portion since she currently couldn’t see for herself. “I’m going to file down any rough areas on your hooves now,” Lotus informed Sonorous.

A light clanking noise was heard from the tray which led to Lotus gently lifting Sonorous' right forearm with her own. Sonorous twitched slightly when she first started to file her hoof. However, she soon relaxed as the file sent a gentle pulse through her leg with each rhythmic stroke. After their treatment was over and Rarity paid the bill, Sonorous retrieved her violin on her way out the door.

As they departed, Sonorous discovered that she had mixed feelings about her spa visit. While the experience was very enjoyable, it dredged up memories of her attentive brood. “Well that was quite invigorating, wouldn’t you say?” Rarity asked nopony in particular.

“That was very nice Rarity,” commented Fluttershy in a quiet tone. Spinning on a hoof, Rarity did a one-eighty to face them with an enthusiastic expression.

Both ponies stopped suddenly as Rarity happily chirped, “You know what would make this day simply magnificent, a violin solo.” Quickly recomposing herself, she turned to Sonorous and humbly added, “that is if you wouldn’t mind Miss Forte.”

Sonorous smiled as she replied, “I don’t mind besides I was on my way there anyway.” Much like the cat that filched the salmon from the table, Rarity’s smile bridged her ears together.

“It sounds like you two have plans so I’ll just go,” Fluttershy said in a disheartened voice. However, Rarity caught her by the hoof.

“Nonsense, I’m sure Miss Forte wouldn’t mind a few additional attendees,” she exclaimed. Rarity gave Sonorous her best puppy dog eyes. Sonorous pulled her head back, wide-eyed, as she gulped loudly. They might have interpreted her actions as nervousness, in truth it was to cover up a dry heave from Rarity’s cutesy act.

She averted her gaze to Fluttershy, who seemed to flinch under her scrutiny. “If you insist Miss Rarity,” Sonorous answered after a few seconds.

“Please call me Rarity, Miss is so formal and I believe we're past that,” Rarity corrected.

“Sure, if you’d extend the same courtesy,” Sonorous added. Although Fluttershy still seemed subdued, she was at least smiling and showing some excitement about being included. The three ponies walked side by side, as they made their way to Rarity’s boutique. “There’s something I’d like to ask you about your earlier performance, why didn’t you use your magic,” Rarity queried.

“I’m sure your aware of what happens when a unicorn has been mentally compromised to an extreme. Their magic can become faulty and possibly fail altogether. I didn’t want to botch the song, given my personal feelings attached to it,” Sonorous calmly replied.

Rarity gave a silent nod while Fluttershy didn‘t know how to react. Remembering that Fluttershy wasn’t present at the time, Sonorous merely stated that the song she played was about the loss of her family. As expected Fluttershy gave a sharp gasp and apologized for her loss. Sonorous was getting very annoyed at hearing everypony apologize for her loss.

Yes, it was a traumatic experience but she didn’t need to hear their hollowed words of pity. She walked the rest of the way stewing in her hatred and fortifying her desire to hurt Princess Celestia. It was true that her brood’s betrayal was perpetrated by Starlight Glimmer. However, she was merely a pupil to Twilight Sparkle which in turn was Celestia's pupil.

Although Celestia was captured, it was her that started the chain of events that lead to her brood's betrayal. She’d deal with the rest in a time of her choosing but Celestia had to pay, the sooner the better. “We’re here Sonorous,” Rarity announced as they approached her boutique.

Sonorous snapped out of her self-indulging imaginings and looked at the building that stood in front of her. “It looks really nice Rarity,” Sonorous choked out, to which Rarity only giggled in delight. It’s perfect Rarity, a rejected circus building for a pony that probably uses more product than a clown on debut, Sonorous hatefully thought. She stifled the ensuing laughter by a cough.

“Darling, are you alright? If you‘re not up to it, we could always reschedule,” Rarity spoke as she turned to look at Sonorous.

“I’m fine, my throat is a little dry though,” Sonorous replied. Despite her inner voice mocking the place, there was something that Sonorous found appealing. Maybe it was how the mannequins appeared to have been skewed through the barrel. Perhaps it was the symmetric window looking eyes, silently observing ponies as they scurry through their tedious lives.

As Rarity opened the door, a young unicorn filly rushed out to hug her. This filly had the same white coat as Rarity yet her hair had streaks of grayish mulberry and light grayish rose. Her eyes were a light harlequin while her cutie mark resembled a heraldic shield with stripes of cerise, light rose, and bright amaranth. Sonorous could barely see more designs within but they were hard to make out.

“I’m glad your home sister,” the filly exclaimed in excitement.

“So am I,” Rarity replied before breaking the hug and stepping aside. “Sweetie Belle, I’d like to introduce you to Sonorous Forte. She has agreed to perform a song on her violin,” Rarity concluded. Sweetie Belle dashed up to Sonorous and extended a hoof.

Putting aside her cynical self, Sonorous took Sweetie Belle’s hoof in her own and shook it gently. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Sweetie Belle,” Sonorous responded.

“What would everypony like to drink,” Rarity queried as they made their way inside.

“I’d appreciate some earl grey if you have it,” Sonorous answered.

“I’d like some rosemary tea, if you please,” Fluttershy spoke softly. As Rarity made her way to prepare the tea, Sonorous, Fluttershy, and Sweetie Bell retrieved a stool, Sonorous took two, one for Rarity when she returned, from against the wall and sat at a small table in the showroom. The room was fairly spacious, a slightly elevated circular platform occupied the upper-center of the room. Behind the platform stood a tri-paneled mirror, its outer panels barely folded inward.

This slight adjustment bestowed a hundred and eighty-degree vantage point for whatever it reflected. Flanking both sides of the platform in an evenly spaced line stood a couple of elegantly dressed mannequins. Each mannequin proudly displaying a different outfit for anypony to admire. In the center section of the room sat two small circular tables, strategically placed at the quarter and three-quarter point of the room.

These tables probably displayed something small, like jewelry or accessories. Against the interior wall mirrored a couple of curving clothing racks, hanging from them were a multitude of outfits. Dressers about shoulder high sat in front of the windows and at the end of the cloth racks. Both dressers appeared to serve the same function as the small circular table did.

Sonorous had a sneaking suspicion that the thin drawers also housed additional complementary pieces within. Like the windows, the dressers flanked the entryway. In between the two display tables was a small circular counter big enough for a single pony to occupy. “Make yourselves at home, tea will be done shortly,” Rarity announced from an open door in the back of the room.

Above the door that Rarity poked her head out of was a large painting depicting a strawberry colored pony. She had a mane of flowing gold locks, her tail was cut short yet just as radiant as her mane. She was portrayed in mid-twirl, the lower portion of her face was covered by her cascading mane. Above her head was her left hoof in a way that looked as if reaching for an unseen lover. The dress she wore was violet, its design was very formal as if created for a fancy gala.

Like her mane, her full-length skirt leisurely cascaded to the right while its hem imitated a gentle wave pattern. The pony was dancing in a newly cut field, the sky painted orange, violet, and midnight blue by the early morning sun. After glancing around the room, her gaze returned to their table.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Sweetie Belle began to bombard Sonorous with questions. “I haven’t seen you in town before, did you just arrive in Ponyville? When did you meet my sister and Fluttershy? Are you a traveling minstrel or a traveler that can play the violin?”

Sonorous gave a slight chuckle as she interrupted the curious filly. “One question at a time, otherwise how am I to give you an answer?” clearing her throat before continuing, “I arrived in Ponyville two days ago. Your sister chased me down in the marketplace to compliment me on my mane and I met Fluttershy at the spa when I tagged along with Rarity.”

Sweetie Belle burst out in giggles as she imagined Rarity gushing over Sonorous’ hair. Although she had to admit, she did have pretty hair and its color was vibrant. Sonorous took a breath before answering the last question, “I learned to play the violin to help lift the spirits of my family. Being a nomadic tribe, we never stayed in one place for long.”

“So classifying me as a traveler that plays the violin would be an accurate observation.” Before Sweetie Belle could continue her inquisitive stream of questions, Rarity returned with a large silver tray. Sonorous levitated her instrument from the center of the table to the counter to make room for the tray. Rarity gingerly levitating it onto the table before pulling the fourth stool to the table.

Sitting between her sister and Fluttershy, she levitated the proper beverage to the correct pony. Having prepared a cup of earl gray for herself, she gave Sweetie Belle an apple juice box. Sonorous noticed the tray also contained packets of honey, sugar, creamer, and a saucer of mint leaves. Looking around the table, she spotted Fluttershy emptying a packet of honey into her tea.

Rarity took two mint leaves and let them simmer in her tea. “Is something wrong dear, you haven‘t touched your tea,” Rarity asked while looking at Sonorous.

“Not at all, I was merely observing how everypony prepared their tea. You might be interested to know that your preference in tea, among other things, could be used to better know what type of pony you are. This small bit of information would help me in deciding what sort of melody to play. Perhaps you would be so inclined to listen to what I've deduced?” Sonorous replied.

“By all means,” Rarity proclaimed, interested to hear what their tea had revealed about them. Sonorous took a sip of her tea before she turned to look at Fluttershy.

“Your tea says that you prefer candor when interacting with others. Yet the honey suggests that you prefer tact opposed to bluntness.” Fluttershy just smiled which only credited Sonorous‘ words. Sonorous then turned to face Rarity, “Your tea says that your ready to seize the day for everything it’s worth. While the addition of mint suggest that you may become blind sighted if a personal project goes extremely awry.”

A gasp issued from Rarity’s mouth, which she quickly covered with a hoof. Her eyes were wide as the accuracy of Sonorous words struck home. Finally, Sonorous turned to Sweetie Belle, who was feeling slightly nervous about being portrayed based on apple juice.

“Your drink states that you enjoy the simple things. You know what you want and will do your best to achieve your objective.” Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but blush in amazement. She could understand how Sonorous might have guessed Fluttershy and Rarity’s personality from their tea.

Yet apple juice was a far cry from anything so defining but Sonorous was able to accurately guess her personality regardless. “What does your tea say about you Sonorous,” Rarity asked curiously. Obliging her curiosity, Sonorous stated that both she and Rarity had earl gray. Remembering what was stated about Earl Gray Tea, they quickly nodded for her to continue.

Concluding her explanation, she revealed that by not adding a garnish or additive meant that she could become overconfident if things were going perfectly. Rarity began to clap her hooves, Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy joined in moments after. “That’s quite an impressive talent you have Sonorous,” Sweetie Belle chimed.

"Thank you, my elders taught everypony of the tribe this talent. We utilize it to detect if somepony tried to conceal something or a merchant tried to swindle us,” Sonorous explained.

“That’s so cool,” Sweetie Belle admitted with elation, “can anypony learn how to do that?”

Sonorous replied with a grin, “of course they can but it takes extensive training to be able to notice all the telltale signs.” Sweetie Belle gave a disheartened groaned before taking a long draw of her juice. The conversation soon turned to idle chit-chat as Rarity and Fluttershy took the reins. Sonorous sat silently as she piecing together a song to play while sipping her tea.

Sweetie Belle seemed to have adopted a similar pose. However, the bridge of her nose was slightly scrunched up as if hopelessly trying to grasp an elusive concept. Sonorous leaned over to speak with her, “What’s wrong Sweetie Belle?”

Somewhat startled from her thoughts, she replied without shifting her gaze from the table. “Well, I was just thinking of what my friends and I could do tomorrow. We used to try everything we could to get our cutie marks. Once we finally got them, we decided to help other ponies find their cutie mark. Lately, it seems that nopony needs our help though,” Sweetie Belle confessed.

“Have you attempted to expand your services beyond the confines of Ponyville?” Sonorous asked in a calm tone.

“We sure did but it hasn’t really improved things as much as we thought. We did get to help a griffon and even traveled to Mt. Aris to help a hippogriff but that was all. I love helping ponies in need, its just the waiting becomes discouraging at times,” Sweetie Belle finished.

Sonorous offered a solution with an almost sagely tone. “Well, it sounds like you need to take your business on the road, although Mt. Aris might be a bit far-reaching at your age. Maybe start at one of the surrounding towns or city, then as your reputation spreads you could attempt to branch outward.”

“That sounds great but we’re only fillies, we aren’t allowed to travel alone.” Sweetie Belle slouched forward as she spoke in a sad voice. “It took forever to get our cutie marks, most of the time ending in failure. I'm just concerned that since we're still young, this might end in failure as well.” Sonorous couldn’t help but sympathize with her, even if she didn’t show it.

She leaned closer and whispered into Sweetie Belle‘s ear. “A failure teaches us more about ourselves than an easy victory ever could.”

Sweetie Belle gave a weak smile as she finished her juice box. Downing the small amount of tea left in her cup, Sonorous stood from her chair. Wrapping her magic around her instrument, she extending her magic to encompass her stool as well. With little effort, Sonorous moved the stool several inches away from the table and took a seat.

Fluttershy and Sweetie Bell turned on their stools to face her. Positioning her chin against the violin’s rest, Sonorous slowly levitated the bow to sit on the strings. Pausing briefly to make sure they were settled. The bow gently caressed the strings and with it, a strong set of tones burst forth. Gradually increasing her pace, the three listeners soon found themselves swept away by an energetic melody.

Unlike her previous performance, Sonorous kept her eyes open in hopes of witnessing the cause of her inexplicable recovery. Watching the three ponies become enamored caused her to smile. If she knew music was the ponies’ Achilles Heel, she would have conquered Equestria long ago she thought. Sonorous’ gaze drifted between the three ponies but soon landed on Sweetie Belle.

She had closed her eyes, wanting to be completely enveloped by the enchanting music. As she listened, Sweetie Belle’s previous worries of doubt and failure faded away. In its place were thoughts of happiness and joy, starting with a booming cutie mark camp. Piled upon her and her friend’s shoulders were their ever-mounting successes. So successful in fact that they reduced the bullying of blank flanks by eighty-five percent.

Taking notice of such an achievement, the princesses of Equestria agreed to grant them a single desire each. Having conveyed their desires, the princesses merged their magic high in the air. Which speedily shot toward the three friends in a mixture of amethyst, topaz, rose, and sapphire streaks. The impact engulfed the three fillies in its magical aura.

Once the spectacle faded, it appeared as if nothing happened until Scootaloo went to inspect her wings. Tears immediately formed in her eyes as fully developed wings had replaced her underdeveloped ones. Scootaloo eagerly leaped into the air, struggled to stay aloft, and fell to the ground.

A rainbow blur rushed to assist her but Scootaloo’s overwhelming happiness completely eclipsed the setback. Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom watched their friend with insurmountable joy. Tears began to form in Sweetie Belle’s eyes at the sight of Scootaloo hovered in the air, even if it was only five feet. Before anypony knew it, She was zooming through the air beside Rainbow Dash. Even if she couldn’t fly, Sweetie Belle's spirit was so high it felt like she was right beside them.

After a few simple aerial maneuvers, Scootaloo landed beside her friends. No words could describe the joy on her face as she tackling them. They laid on the ground laughing with joy at the fulfillment of Scootaloo's deepest desire. Unfortunately, reality wrenched Sweetie Belle from her wonderful daydream as the music stopped. Opening her eyes, she was greeted by three curious mares staring at her.

She quickly wiped her eyes and sniffled softly. She was saddened by the crushing realization yet it reiterated her desire to help others. Sonorous’ song, along with her imagining, rekindled the fire she felt when she first joined the CMC. “That was beautiful, where did you learn to play like that?” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

Fluttershy and Rarity smiled, realizing that Sweetie Belle was alright while Sonorous explained that she was self-taught. Sweetie Belle’s jaw dropped, completely befuddled from what she heard. Rarity quickly closed Sweetie Belle’s gaping mouth with a gentle upward motion of her hoof. “That’s very impressive to be able to teach yourself to play with such heart,” Fluttershy replied.

“Thank you, Miss Fluttershy, but it was supposed to be a happy song,” Sonorous politely argued.

“It was happy, so happy that it brought tears to my eyes,” Sweetie Belle croaked hastily.

“Quite true,” Rarity concurred as a gentle aura seemed to radiate from her jovial expression. Sonorous took a slight bow, honored by their praise. As she raised her head, a glimpse of a pony staring through the window caught her attention. Not drawing attention to them, Sonorous gestured to the clock above the entrance instead.

The mysterious pony seemed to relax until Sonorous shifted her gaze toward the window and smirked, causing the hidden observer to bolt. “Oh my, is it really that late,” Fluttershy exclaimed in a low gasp. With a hasty farewell to the group, she dashed to the door, opened and closed it behind her, before flying into the painted sky of deep lilac, burnt orange, and scarlet.

“I guess I’ll head back to my wagon, thanks for the tea,” Sonorous stated.

“Don’t mention it, darling, truthfully it is I who should thank you.” Rarity stood from her stool and walked to the side of the counter. “You indulged a strange pony with your wondrous composition when you could have easily declined.” A dull grinding noise could be heard as Rarity had apparently opened a metallic drawer. Pulling something from under her desk, she withdrew a clump of bits.

After several seconds, the grinding sound could be heard again. Rarity levitated a pouch of deep purple from behind the counter. Pulling the drawstrings tight, she made her way back to the table. “I’m a mare of my word, compensation for such a beautiful performance,” she finished. Rarity’s light blue aura retracted as Sonorous’ green aura surrounded the bulging pouch.

Sonorous shifted her gaze from the bag to Rarity. “You know I didn’t really expect you to pay me,” Sonorous admitted.

“I insist besides what are bits compared to an original composition?” she countered.

“Well, if you insist then who am I to argue,” Sonorous conceded while levitating the pouch next to her instrument. With a final farewell from the sisters, Sonorous departed from the boutique. Rarity gave a final look after Sonorous before closing the door. Sonorous was in a particularly joyful mood despite having spent the day with her enemies. Not wanting to accidentally contradict herself later down the road, she was truthful during her own analytical breakdown.

It was that very flaw that cost her a victory during the Canterlot invasion. However, the current mystery was the reason why she was in a good mood. It would provide an alternative focal point for when her arrogance began to rear up. Sonorous decided to put that particular distraction away for such an occasion. She suspected that it was intertwined with her playing but how intricately remained shrouded.

The walk to her wagon was uneventful but only after she was inside and the door locked did she relax. Placing her violin and bow on the shelf, she made her way to the bed. Sonorous placed the pouch of bits on the nearby nightstand as she laid down. The near catastrophe was a harsh reminder that the longer she procrastinated, the greater chance they would have in discovering her true identity.

Fortunately, she now had a fairly solid plan to infiltrate Canterlot. The only possible hitch was convincing another musician to accompany her. Although Equestria was pretty lax in security, the appearance of a strange musician wanting to perform for the princesses would most likely draw the attention of the guards. However, an already know and trusted musician would be able to deflect most of their mistrust over a new face.

Letting her guise vanish, Chrysalis sighed heavily. That gray pony from the theater was her preferred choice. Hopefully, her reconciliation with Vinyl would be enough to persuade her to be more civil. Her alternative was that condescending ass of a unicorn, the mere thought of that caused her to shake her head in disgust. Figuring the best place to start would be to revisit the theater.

As sleep began to claim her, she reminded herself to keep an eye out for Vinyl as well. Remembering that the gray mare called Vinyl her friend, perhaps she would find them together and save herself a trip across town.