A Song Worth Singing...by LoveandEdifyChaptersPrologue: A Riddle Worth Asking...Chapter 1: A Road Worth Traveling...Chapter 2: An Effort Worth Giving...Chapter 3: A Truth Worth Seeking...Prologue: A Riddle Worth Asking...Author's Note Hey everyone, I know. The story's a little off through description and everything. Main reason being is that at the last second, I wanted to change it from a Second-Person story to where it occasionally goes from first-person (mostly done by my OC) to third person and back again. If someone could tell me how to change the definition up top (the little colored definition word things) to fit my story, that would be great. As this is my first story here on FimFiction. I want to shoutout Nordryd for inspiring me to make this first story about Sonata. I've had so many different ideas for my first "test the waters" story; and then, as I was reading this, I was immediately inspired by my own realization that sometimes, a recognizable villain can be redeemed, as long as someone who is kind, faithful and trustworthy is there to help guide them, that this story came into my mind. There is going to be a few concert scenes in this story, but they'll be different from "An Audience of One" (Nordryd's Story). If you wanna read Nordryd's story, check it out. It's worth the read. Also, shoutout to Agent0Fluffy, honestly; if I could have anyone other than Andrea Libman read Pinkie Pie for me, it would be her. When this thing's completed and she want's to assemble an awesome VO crew to narrate, that would be perfect. Thank you everybody, I look forward to making friendship with you. Or is it magic? Eh, they're the same anyway. #FriendshipisMagic See ya guys next chapter. (Update: I figured out how to change the colored-definition-things. ) Prologue: A Riddle Worth Asking... A Song Worth Singing Prologue: A Riddle Worth Asking... Rapid Crest's P.O.V. "Watch your STEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!" I heard a familiar, singsong voice call out as she practically skated past me across the hallway. A way too familiar pink blur almost knocked me over, had I not thought of dodging her the very second I heard her warning. As she was continuing her merry way, it became apparent as to why she was in such a big rush. She was carrying a small plate of cookies, cupcakes and other assorted goods, which almost went careening off her plate. Thinking fast yet again, I grabbed her quickly yet gently by the shoulders so that she wouldn't create a new variety of "faceplant" for our friend Wallflower's garden. "Phew. Thanks, Rapid Crest. My special 'Thank You For Your 5 Years Of Service' treats for Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna would've been totally splattered!!!" Pinkie-Pie thanked, with no underlooked detail of gratitude. She was one of the most caring, energetic and optimistic friends that I have ever known since transferring to Canterlot High. I was lucky enough to have this crazy yet kind friend be one of the first that befriended me at the high school. Ok, that's a tadoff. She actually was the first to befriend me. Even though it initially made me feel somewhat uncomfortable, since my family died in a snowy car-crash a couple of years ago. But eventually, she proved to me that she could be both the surprising, joyful, party-girl; and also the compassionate, dependable friend I have come to know over the years. During that time, she helped introduced me to Sci-Twi, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow-Dash. Their little group eventually became known as The Rainbooms, and even though I wasn't as official of a member of the team (due to me being a guy), I was honored and privileged to have joined them. Both on epic, world-saving adventures; and simple, everyday, friendship things. "No problem, Pinkie. But you better hurry up if you want to give them your cakes before school closes!!!" I alerted her, as I pointed to the clock. School was already out, it being 2:06, but I figured that she should better be on her way; much less wait in a long line for the two Headsof the school (although, knowing Pinkie, she'd think that the line would be fun for... well... don't look at me, I'd have no idea as to how that would be fun, AT ALL!!! No thank you, no fun, whatsoever!!!) "Got it, thanks!!! Hey, wanna come over there with me? You can tell me more about your day while we wait. " Well then again, the only time that lines would remotely be fun was with a friend by your side. Especially one like Pinkie. "Sure, why not. It was a pretty dull day though, anyway." Before I could say anything else, however, we both did a quick jog over to the Principal's office, which (sure enough) had a nice, annoyingly, boringly (is that even a word?) long line. Oh well. at least it wasn't as annoyingly long as lines past. Only about 16 or so students this time. "So, whatcha wanna tell me about this time, Rapid Crest?" Pinkie asked in anticipation. My mind drew a blank. I really couldn't think of too much off the top of my head to tell her. Oddly enough, whether it was whoever the heck this "LoveandEdify" magic person that Pinkie kept conspiring to me about was putting stuff there, or opportunity just gave me a love tap; but I turned to see the same girlthat I've seen for the last month, studying my locker as if it were the Final Exams before summer vacation. Her familiar light-blue skin and slightly darker blue hair almost seemed like they were from a nice, calm pool of water near a pleasantly drawn sandy beach. She turned towards me, as I saw her hand seemingly memorize my locker combination with ease as she waved at me with her other hand and smiled sharply, coolly, calmly yet invitingly towards me. I politely smiled and waved back, then she opened up my locker, and placed a small envelope inside, then shut the door. This had me a bit suspicious. "Pinkie, do you know that girl over there?" I asked, as we were now about 9 people away from the office. I figured that if anybody knew who my mystery stalker would be, Pinkie-Pie (who happens to know everybody in the entire school) would tell me. "Ooooh, you mean Sonata Dusk?" she asked, turning with me to see my strange stalker now smiling, blushing and hiding behind the corner towards the nearest locker. "She's one of the former Dazzlings. She's coming to this school now so that she could turn over a new leaf and make new friends." After taking a brief moment to walk ahead to where there were only 8 students left in front of us, we both turned to see a familiar light blue hand that wore a pink bracelet with blue sapphire spikes pop out of the corner for a brief second, then she reappeared from the corner again, as if she was playing Peek-a-Boo with Pinkie and I. We both waved at her and she waved in response. "You know, I think she really likes you, Rapid." she happily suggested. "Likes me?" I turned to her, unsure of whether Sonata would hear me if I told Pinkie-Pie about this. During my hesitation, Pinkie tapped me on the shoulder. "Tell ya what, why don't you go over there and see what she's up to?" she suggested. I eyed the corner suspiciously, now seeing no-one appear from it. "Sonata must be gone by now." I thought. "I don't know, Pinkie." I nervously reasoned with her. "If she really was one of the Dazzlings, then I don't know how much I should trust her. If at all. Besides, everywhere I go, and I know this is gonna sound crazy; but I think she’s been following me everywhere." "Oooooh, fascinating. Tell me more..." Pinkie probed, as if she were a gossip column artist desperately seeking that huge scoop that could change everything in her imaginary career. I sighed, and turned towards Pinkie. 5 people to go in the line now. "Ok, so at the basketball games I play at; I swear that I've seen someone that at least looks like her holding up some crazy sign that's like 'Let's TACO 'Bout Rapid; 'Cause He's Gonna BURRITOS Shots!!!'" I vented in confusion. "Oh yeah, I remember that." Pinkie reminisced, "She was going on about you for some part of the game. Plus, you gotta admit; those were good puns." "Yeah, except I play in a REC league with Rainbow-Dash because I couldn't crack the high-school team." I reminded her, breathing out toxic, angry fumes with that sentence. When my family died while I still lived in Bostallion, my dad put it in their will that I'd live with their butler/family-friend Stalwart Avalanche in Canterlot and for me to go to Canterlot High. While I was the greatest basketball player on my team at Bostallion Middle, I couldn't even figure out how to work at the speed and scheme that Coach Spitfire would want me to play in the new team. Yes, I was very talented; second to only the captain of the team, Flash Sentry. But because I wasn't the right fit for the scheme, Spitfire sympathetically told me that I would be on the 3rd string. I told her that I would rather redshirt this season and play on the second-string, so I could learn from Flash and my other teammates for next season. However, she sadly told me that even though she would like to see me play, she said that she'll keep me as an emergency redshirt, but that I would be better off not with the team in uniform but in street clothes because of how unlikely I would play. I understood. Even though Spitfire was my cousin (and a close friend), I respected her for always wanting to do what she thought was right, instead of what was easy. Right after that, Rainbow Dash invited me to join her in a co-ed rec league she did on weekends that helped keep her on her game and in tip-top shape. Wanting to be better friends with Rainbow anyway, I agreed. And soon enough, we found a greatway to bond closer together and strengthen our friendship, because, Friendship is Magic, right? But still, why would that many people want to come to our rec games anyway and be so passionate about it? Much less wave a sign for someone who shared an even amount of time between court and bench. After mentally reflecting on that for a few brief seconds, I resumed my rambling on about Stalk, er... sorry, Sonata. "Yeah. Plus, for the past few weeks, she's been decorating my locker with all these posters of her." I went on, back to wandering curious confusion in my tone and thoughts. "Well, maybe she's just promoting her show." Pinkie replied, deductively. It obviously made sense, as other areas and lockers in the school were splattered with posters for her upcoming performances. "Maybe," I concurred, "But why would my locker also be covered with stickers, pins, and even have memorabilia from her inside?" I reasoned. "Good point." Pinkie agreed. "Yeah,” I concurred, “I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the hoodie, mug, thermos, t-shirt, cd, confetti, book, and that ‘commemorative’ blanket." I stressfully went on. "You didn't throw it all in the dumpster, did you?" Pinkie asked, hoping that I wouldn't risk offending Sonata, hurting her feelings and potentially ruining a chance at a new friendship. If there was such thing with a Dazzling. "No, of course not," I replied, honestly and reassuringly, "The only thing I'd have to throw away is that blanket. My body has a reactionary disorder to wool. My skin puffs up almost like a balloon every time I come in contact with it. Donation Center didn't want it, I have no family to give it to, I asked around school and nobody else wanted it..." I rambled on, before Pinkie interrupted. "Well, I could take it off your hands if you need someone to take it." She offered, eyes brightening up from the opportunity. I didn't want to say no to my friend anyway, she's always so kind to me even when I don't deserve it, so I enjoy finding new opportunities to brighten up her day. She gasped in excitement, "You mean it?!"she asked with excitement in her voice. I nodded, then she wrapped me uplike a sleeping bag in a big hug. "Oh thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! " she responded gratefully, as we turned to realize that we were now the ones holding up about 7 students. "Tell ya what, howaboutwegopickuptheblanketafterourhangoutatSugarcubecornerandthenwe'lltalkmoreaboutSonataafterthat." she suggested. I, didn't say anything, but rather nodded and quickly made my way to my locker so I could check to see what Sonata hid this time. Because the lockers weren't that far from the office, my jog was easy enough to get to my locker. Which was, weirdly enough, two lockers away from the corner that Sonata waved to me from. Turning the combination and holding my breath, I open to discover the small note she left me. I opened up the envelope to see a message, neatly folded up. As I unfolded it, I read the contents of the message. If you had a taco right now, who would you share it with? -- Sonata 😁 "Ok, that was weird." I thought quietly to myself. "Solved the riddle yet?" a familiar, bubbly voice awoke me from my distracted thoughts. I turned to the corner to see Sonata, standing right behind me in anticipation. I jumped back slightly, not out of fear, but because I was caught off guard by my blue-skinned stalker. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare ya." Sonata apologized in a friendly tone, "I just wanted to see ya get my letter to ya before I left today," "It's quite alright, Sonata." I replied, trying to regain my cool after the minor jumpscare. "How long have you been hiding behind there?" I asked, mentally crossing my fingers hoping that she didn't hear what I told Pinkie-Pie about her behind her back. Sonata scratched her chin, recollecting the memory before responding, "Well, after I waved to you and Pinkie, I left to get my school things and then I came back here just now." she said, holding out a bag. I inspected it to find, not schoolbooks, but rolled-up posters. "Whoopsies. This is my merch bag." she said, blushing for her mistake. I rolled my eyes in indifference. "If you want, I could help hang these posters up for you while you get your schoolwork." I offered, knowing that it would be the right thing to do. "Oh no, I couldn't let you do that." she said, shying away from the offer. “Why not?" I asked, wondering if she meant because she was trying to be nice by deciding to take her things back, because she would be hiding some sort of scheme, if she needed me for something else, or all three. "Because you'd probably need to be somewhere right now, and I don't wanna hold up your precious time." she nervously explained, with her eyes looking downward, as if she wasn't wanting me to go anywhere for a while. I turned to see Pinkie waving at me, ready to get the day going. I turned to wave at her, then to Sonata. "I do have to be going soon; but tell you what, after I get all of this hung up, I'm going to be meeting Pinkie at my house, and then we're going over to Sugarcube Corner for dinner. If you want, we could talk more then." I hoped my offer was generous enough. Even though the last thing I wanted was to entertain the idea of having her bug me again, I figured that it'd still be the right thing to do; plus, there could be more to her than met my eyes. Who knew? "Y-you really mean it?!" Sonata asked, excitedly. "It's not a date, but I thought that you could at least get to know me better and maybe make some new friends. Or maybe help me with this riddle?" I politely informed her, self-control being the key factor. "Wow." Sonata responded cheerfully, giddly running in place while happily screeching in a high-pitched noise that made me cover my ears, like, vice-like. After she stopped, I quickly uncovered my ears. "Well, the riddle you should really solve yourself; but I'd love to meet with you and your friends!!! 😁😁😁" I mentally fist-pumped. I knew that the riddle part was gonna fail anyway, but 2 out of 3 wasn't bad, right? "I gotta get my school stuff, and I'll just hang it all tomorrow. But would you mind holding my stuff for me while I get it. Please?" she asked. "Sure." I shrugged, then I was being wrapped around like a taco and then she jumped up and down like a jackhammer on 57,000,000 energy drinks and almost as high as a professional pogo-stick-jumper. "Thank you so very much!" she thanked, before releasing me as I nearly hit the ground before quickly recovering. "I'll be right back with my stuff, you're the greatest, Rapid!!!" she happily screamed as she sprinted towards the place she last left her things. Luckily, it was just me and Sonata inside the school; otherwise we'd all be going to the Principal's Office for the not-fun reason right now. I sighed in relief, hoping that everything would go well for all of us, tonight. "I really hope I don't get fanboyed too much by her this time. I don't even get why she would do it for someone like me." I thought in curiosity. Chapter 1: A Road Worth Traveling...A Song Worth Singing Chapter 1: A Road Worth Traveling... Normal POV “Oh my Celestia, you have to tell me more!!!” Sonata shrieked and cheered out like the schoolgirl she was. A few months ago, she was reluctantly a part of the group of musical villainesses known as The Dazzlings, until she realized that what she was doing, along with her being pushed around by her sisters, was something she could no longer stand for. Now, in the present moment, she was taking this opportunity of redemption and milking it the best possible way she knew how. Be yourself, only better. Each day: this was grounded into her heart and soul as her mantra, proverb and song; and even though a good majority of the people at her new school at Canterlot High either shunned, mocked, or ignored her, she continued to persevere with said mantra in mind. This new mindset, combined with her already bubbly optimistic personality and attitude, helped her carry on through what most people would consider as the most trying time of their lives. Even Sonata herself had admitted that it was tedious to get back in everyone’s good graces, and that at times, she also considered giving up. But it was also during said times, that she remembered who she did it all for in the first place. Herself. This didn’t mean or imply that Sonata didn’t want to make friends at all, which she did, very much so in fact. She wasn’t at all picky with who she would attempt to befriend, and try to impact for the better as well. From the school janitor, to the Rainbooms themselves; there was no one sonata considered less than, or greater than to be worthy of love, friendship and acceptance. However, just because Sonata wasn’t picky about who she would want to make friends with; didn’t mean she didn’t have her favorite people, or (in this case) her favorite person. She first heard of Rapid Crest, right after the Battle Of The Bands she was forced to take place in; and quickly heard tidbits of information about him from other students, including the Rainbooms. From what she had heard, he was very confident, humble, relatable, compassionate and loyal to his friends (even when times were difficult). After careful observation (or a crazy amount of stalking, take your pick), she confirmed that they were true. Right after realizing this, something happened in her heart that she had always heard others discuss, experience, or even exaggerate. But after her first close-up encounter with him; everything within her confirmed the rumors floating on in her mind. She was in love with Rapid Crest, and there was no denying it. After realizing that, she became determined to not merely include herself in his life; but to become a constant source of light and positivity in his life for the better. Such things included small things: like following him on Pictagram, learning more about him from other students, becoming his personal cheerleader at every event he was in (no, literally, one time, she even cheered for him while he was in debate club. Do debate clubs even have cheerleaders? ). While other things were much bigger: such as walking up to him to offer encouragement after a tough game, walking into his conversations to give him reassurance about how awesome he was, DMing him to see if he needed extra help in certain areas of study, going above and beyond helping him at whatever events he had set up, and especially making sure that the door was open for him in every aspect of her life. Every aspect. Every door, was open for him. She would always be there for him when he felt like talking to her, or if he needed her. No matter what. Maybe that’s why she finally felt overjoyed that she was going to transition from fan to (hopefully) friend, as Rapid invited her to come along with him and Pinkie to Sugarcube Corner for a hangout. It wasn’t that long of a walk to his house, so Sonata spent the better part of the trip chatting with Pinkie about their favorite Rapid moments, as well as things to know about him. “So Sonata, I heard you got your new concert coming up...” Pinkie-Pie commented, briefly changing the subject matter as they were approaching the last mile of the road. “Have you considered inviting Rapid?” she asked, wondering how into her best friend Sonata would be. Sonata laughed. “I’d love to see him at my concert next week,” she affirmed, “Although if I could do a concert for just Rapid, that would be even better.” Pinkie-Pie happily gasped at her new friend’s reply. “Like a private concert?!” Pinkie asked. Sonata simply nodded in response, not knowing what else to say that she either hadn’t already said before or how to not go into another gushing session over her crush. Pinkie happily shrieked, “Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh!!! You wanna know what would be even better?!?” Pinkie asked enthusiastically. Sonata was about to respond, but turned back and noticed that Rapid stopped walking about 30 paces behind them. She wondered what would have been going on inside his head that would make him stop walking with his friend, especially Pinkie-Pie, because (from what she heard and observed) he was the closest to this member of the Rainbooms out of all of them. “OneofthosemovietheaterswherethemanagerreservesatheaterJUSTforyoutwo, andthenthemoviestartsandyoutwoarekissingandhuggingandeatingpopcorn...” Pinkie paused her rambling when she noticed that Sonata had waled back to check up on Rapid. Pinkie mentally facepalmed for not thinking about checking on him herself. “Are you alright, Rapid?” Sonata asked, concerned that something she did or didn’t do, might have been causing some of this anguish he must have been feeling inside. She wiped the sweat that was inevitably going to be forming from her brow; yet chose to put her feelings and concerns for Rapid first, so she wouldn’t be thinking solely of her own nervousness. “Yeah, I’m fine. Hey, can you let me be for a while so that I could finish this phone call first? I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m done.” Rapid politely explained. While she did see him sitting down on the sidewalk with his head bowed down from a distance, she didn’t notice that he had his cell-phone in his hand. “Yeah, sure thing.” Sonata politely responded, turning and stepping away as Rapid continued his conversation. “Have you ever considered that this Sonata Dusk really likes you?” the voice on the other end of the line questioned. Rapid huffed out in frustration, holding his phone up to his left ear with his left hand, and tapping the fingers of his right hand on his right kneecap. “Yeah, she really likes me alright.” Rapid said, sarcastically. “Really likes me enough to try and take over the whole school with her sisters the first month I move in, then pops up with this bubbly fangirl person, then pretty much worships me for no reason whatsoever.” “Ok, sounds like somebody needs to do another one of Uncle Stalwart’s Perspective Shift Challenges.” Stalwart Avalanche insisted over the line. Rapid shrugged, as if to openly question his butler and friend’s advice. “Now don’t you dare interrupt me and say another word, Rapid.” he went on. “I know you don’t really like all the hard things I do for you sometimes, but you gotta know that when I do them for you...” “I/You do it to strengthen your/my character.” they both said simultaneously. “Yes, you catch on quick, boy.” Stalwart remarked, impressed with the bright intellect of his friend and protege, “But none of those things you learn or things aren’t gonna do you any good if you don’t apply them. And sometimes the best way to see if what you have is any good is to test it. And to test it, you’re gonna have to challenge it; no matter how insane it is to do it.” the butler affirmed with a pure balance of 100% sternness and authority that one could expect from a father figure, but also 100% of the love, care and respect of a true friend. “I understand, Master Stalwart.” Rapid reverently concurred, after taking a few seconds to process everything he had just heard and for catching his breath. “So, what challenges are there this time?” he asked, so he could at least have a grasp on what his friend was trying to teach him. “So here’s what you’re gonna do,” his butler/father-figure replied, “I’m gonna give you 3 challenges. Now, they’re not easy, son. That’s why they’re called ‘challenges’, but they’re pretty simple compared to what you had to go through with...” “Please, let’s not talk about that right now.” Rapid pleaded, respectfully yet vulnerably. Even though it had been a couple of years since his immediate family died in a terrible accident, and through the help of his loving butler and newfound friends, he had coped with it well. It was still an emotional and touching subject for him nonetheless. “Right, sorry I went a bit too far there.” Stalwart apologized, knowing that he can sometimes take his well-intentioned barbs too far. Rapid simply nodded in forgiveness and understanding. Challenge Number One: Accept Sonata for Who She Is “Now that means always accepting her for her. No matter what. And from what you’re telling me, all these things she’s trying to do is because she really likes you for some reason. She wants to prove to you that she’s not the same person who wanted to take over the world. She wants friends now, I know it. And you know that you’re the best option for her too. Deep down, you feel it.” Stalwart affirmed, in a matter of fact tone of voice. “But what about when she starts to go all Anime fangirl on me?!” Rapid questioned, somewhat confused at this whole idea. “Well obviously she’s doing all of this to show you that you’re her number 1. And I'm surprised that out of all the years I’ve known you, you seem to be too modest. Shunting all those times people bring up your name, deflecting all of the good things people do and say about you. But if you stay too humble, then it’ll only just hurt the people who just wanna help you in the first place.” the butler clarified. Rapid looked up from the ground quickly, “I haven’t really thought of it that way.” he admitted, finally grasping the point his friend was attempting to gently pound in. “Mhm.” Stalwart concurred, “Now I know that it’s gonna get to be overkill at times, so if you do feel a little uncomfortable; tell her, but do it lovingly. You want to make your point, but don’t ever lose that friendship. “I understand.” Rapid agreed, “What’s the next challenge?” Author's Note I’m gonna leave this here, mainly because the algorithm is seeing some problem about having a lot of paragraphs being spaced out (which, ironically enough, was what I needed to do to solve the last two problems I had). Unlike last time however, it wouldn’t let me fix the issue, so this is being cut short. Now, about Rapid Crest. As promised. He’s a Freshman at Canterlot High, he’s an athlete extraordinary with the determination and grit to match. He’s 5’11 with the dunking ability and athletic prowess of someone 6’5. Unlike Rainbow-Dash, he’s proud of his accomplishments but doesn’t brag highly of his abilities or anything else he does. He’s also very bright when it comes to social norms and is very dependable when it comes to problem solving. When he’s not at school, you can find him hanging out with/helping out friends, working on whatever sport he needs to work on (primarily basketball), tinkering with his car, or organizing community benefit events. That’s all I’ll leave for now, you’re all gonna look forward to getting to know Rapid Crest. Next chapter, the other two challenges will be abbreviated because one, they will be shown more in action than in word. And also, we’ll also be seeing Sonata, Rapid and The Rainbooms having fun at Sugarcube Corner. As always... Keep Loving, Keep Edifying, Keep LoveandEdifying See ya next chapter!!! Chapter 2: An Effort Worth Giving...A Song Worth Singing... Chapter 2: An Effort Worth Giving... Rapid Crest’s POV Luckily for me, Stalwart had two more challenges. Challenge Number 2: Be The One Doing Her Part... This one was easy, because it simply meant, “Try being the one doing all the observing, researching and being her biggest fan that she was being.” However, it was the third and final one that stumped me. Challenge Number 3: Don’t Trust Sonata, Have Faith in Her Instead... Now, I know what he told me what it meant; but by the time he told me most of it, I asked him to just hurry and pick us up. I didn’t mean to brush him off like that, but you try sitting around patiently in the cold waiting 20 minutes for some numbskull to get off their phone on a cold winter day and tell me how it feels. Go on, go ahead. Try it. Didn’t like it too much? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Anyway, I didn’t want my friends to feel as if they were waiting for nothing to happen, so I decided to just have Stalwart pick us up instead. “So, who’s this ‘Stalwart’ person you were talking to?” Sonata asked, curiously. Part of me knew that this was a good opportunity to accomplish the third challenge; but on the other hand, I’ve seen people also act absolutely flaky around people who have been blessed the way I have been. Not that I thought Sonata would have judged right off the bat, but I’d rather not rush into the personal details right away. So I was honest with her. “He’s an old friend of mine. A very close friend.” I told her, which indeed was true. Sonata put her smooth, soft, gloved left hand on my right shoulder and gave me a small smile. “It’s awesome that you have so many amazing friends for realsies. 😁😁😁” she squealed happily, “I wonder who else gets to be such awesome friendsies with somebody like you?” As if on cue, Pinkie slid next to Sonata with a friendly left arm on Sonata’s right shoulder and winked and smiled at me. Sonata then turned and ruffled Pinkie’s naturally curly, boingy hair. “Present company excluded of course.” she said, happily looking at Pinkie before the two engaged in a friendly tickle fight. It was then I realized something I had observed many times, but now realized the gravity of. Sonata was always shunned by someone (or something) every day. Although I wasn’t obnoxiously fanboyish about her as she was of me, I did see her enough to know that she was never around too many other people besides me. Now I felt terrible for pushing her off, and writing her down as nothing over as a stereotypical villain was totsilly a bad call. (Dang, now it’s rubbing off on me already.) But the one thing I’ve learned about friendships is that they always take time, and whether I meant to or not, I never really taken the time given to me in the first place. She was always reaching. Waiting. For someone to take her hand and walk through life with her. And for some weird, unexplainable reason she chose me. And the only thing I wanted to know from her, whether it would be sooner or later down the line, was why. 5 minutes later... Normal POV Right after getting picked up by Stalwart in what was an incredibly high-tech, high end SUV, the trio were finally on their way to Sugarcube Corner. Normally a 10 minute drive from the school, turned out to possibly longer due to weather reports of ice on the roads and a few minutes stall time to put the chains on the tires. After Rapid had Pinkie and Sonata decide amongst themselves as to who would take shotgun, Pinkie agreed to flip a coin to see who would sit there and on the way back. The coin seemed to favor Pinkie sitting in the back with Rapid the first go-around and have Sonata sit with him on the way back. Pinkie jumped up and down in excitement, almost forgetting that shaking the car while it was on icy roads probably wasn’t the best idea. Meanwhile, a much quieter scene was unfolding in the front seat with Sonata and Stalwart. Either way, seeing that their ride was going to be delayed; both groups made the most of their time in their own way, as the private, soundproof shade effectively divided the two sections. “Yes Mrs. Sonata, as you can clearly see; this car’s one of the most high-end all-terrain vehicles of its time. All purpose tires, amazing torque/mpg ratio, all-wheel-drive; and even all the bells and whistles you young bucks can dream of.” Stalwart bragged, clearly proud of the machine he piloted. “Does it make tacos, too?!?” Sonata asked excitedly, curious as to what exactly the limit was for the car they were in. Stalwart let out a hearty, good-natured chuckle in response. “Not quite that impressive, but it can tell you wear the nearest restaurant or stand is based off of review ratings, vegan-options, comments from your social media...” Stalwart explained, before being quickly interrupted by a joyfully squealing Sonata Dusk. “OMGoodness, SLAM THE FRONT DOOR!!!” she yelled, almost loud enough to catch the driver off guard. However, being experienced as he was; he was able to shrug off the noise and keep his focus on the road. “Sorry,” she awkwardly apologized, “It’s just that I really love tacos!!! They’re my favorite basic food group for realsies ever!!! 😁😁” Stalwart couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s quite alright, Sonata. Rapid’s little brother was the same way when he was around.” Stalwart chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Sonata, on the other hand, turned her head towards him, with a more serious, searching gaze on her face. “Wait. Was around?” she asked, sympathetically. Hoping that nothing too bad happened to Rapid. She didn't mind not knowing some things until it was time, and was content to let Rapid be the one setting the pace. But sometimes, she also couldn’t help but wonder what went on behind the scenes of other’s lives. Not knowing what else to say, Stalwart softly and solemnly said, “I’m sure he’d rather tell you the whole story himself when he’s ready, but his family died in a horrible accident.” This made Sonata’s heart start to crack. How could she have possibly guessed that this was going on inside her idol’s heart and soul? “Oh no. That must be totally be not so goodsies for him.” she consoled, hoping that she didn’t greatly upset the driver. She turned to gaze out the window thoughtfully for a few minutes, then turned back to the driver, who wore a friendly smile on his face. “It’s alright, Sonata. That’s why I’m glad he has such great friends.” he replied, then he smirked, “Speaking of, some little birdy’s been telling me that you have quite a thing for my boy Rapid Crest, am I right?” At that, Sonata became her normal, cheery self once again. “Only always!!!” she cheered, ecstatically and joyfully, “I know I sound like a creeper when I’m around him, but he’s got the most amazaingest, pure heart I have ever seen. And of course he has the cutest passion about him that just brightens up the room. Oh, and also, he’s just the greatest, no, the bestiest when it comes to how he treats the people around him...” 30 Minutes Later... While Sonata and Stalwart were chatting around up front, Pinkie and Rapid were checking their phones to find some terrible news. “Aw nuts, I should have known this would happen.” Rapid moaned, as both he and Pinkie checked their texts. “Well, at least our friends decided to stay home where it’s nice, warm and safe instead of possibly wrecking their cars and getting into accidents and us having to show up in the hospital and...” Pinkie’s repetitive rambling was interrupted by Rapid putting a finger to her lips. “Ok, I get it, Pinks.” he huffed out of annoyance, “I’d rather my friends be safe too; but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck that they can’t come.” Pinkie just looked out the window empathetically, “Yeah, you do have a point there.” she said, feeling for her friend. She then perked up, “Well look on the bright side though, it’ll be you, me, Sonata and Stalwart alltogether at the Corner!!! ” “First off, Stalwart agreed to pick us up because it was on his way to the Sporting Goods Convention in Fillydelphia for the next few days.” Rapid replied, matter of factly, “And second, I hardly even know Sonata. Besides, doesn’t this seem a little too much like a ‘date’ setting to you?” he asked, nervously. Pinkie simply chuckled at that statement. “Oh Rapid, you can be verrrrrrrry silly sometimes, you know that?” Pinkie informed, “It doesn’t have to be a date when there’s three of us around, ri-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ght? Besides, this is the PERFECT chance for you to get to know Sonata better. I mean, that is why Stalwart sent those challenges to you, ri-i-i-i-i-i-ight, Rapid? ”Rapid just stared at her, completely confused, “Wait, how did you know that...” he started, then let his demeanor go from flustered to calm as he stared at his friend’s small, closed-mouth, yet smiling and welcoming face so that he could let the situation de-escelate around him. “Oh I get it now, you heard into our little conversation on the phone earlier. Didn’t you?” Pinkie simply smirked. “Well there’s that...” Pinkie confirmed, “and the fact that I’ve seen forces that are about 5’9, skinny-fat, amazing intellect...” Moving on, now... “What are you babbling about, this time?!” Rapid asked, calmly yet confused about yet another one of his friend’s seemingly random ramblings about a “creator”. Pinkie just shrugged. “Oh, nothing.” Pinkie innocently claimed. “But you probably should tell Sonata the news real quick.” She reminded. “Ah, right. Thanks for the reminder, Pinkie-Pie.” he thanked, slightly embarrassed that in his stress about Sonata, he neglected to be as sharp and concise as he normally was. He deeply exhaled the negative stress inside of him, then refocused on making the most of this, more or less, unplanned situation. After explaining the change of plans to Sonata and Stalwart, everything was finally set. Stalwart offered to leave Rapid the car and that he could just get a Hoofer to get to the airport; but Rapid told him that he could summon the Silver Stallion to take his friends back to their houses so that he wouldn’t have to worry about it. After the two agreed about the deal, Stalwart gave Rapid a warm hug and told him that he should be home within a couple days. He then went over to Rapid’s friends. “Well, hope you two have fun tonight. Promise to keep my boy Rapid out of trouble, alright?” Stalwart asked, with a teasing tone in his voice. “Sure thing, Stalwart sir!!!” Pinkie-Pie affirmed, with a small soldier salute. Contrastingly, Sonata just simply nodded along with Pinkie. “Alright then, have a great time my lovelies.” he said, first giving Pinkie a hug and then spinning her around for a loop. Then he walked over to Sonata for a hug as well. She initially back away, still feeling a bit anxious about the whole ordeal. “Hey, it’s gonna be all right, Sonata darling.” he said tenderly, “Just enjoy yourself tonight, and if you wanna ask my boy Rapid some questions or try knowing him better, I say go for it. Nothing bad’s gonna happen if you sit still; but that’s just gonna mean nothing’s gonna happen at all.” Sonata had to let out a small giggle at that statement, then hugged Stalwart as he sent himself out back to the car to leave for the airport. While her time with Stalwart definitely helped calm her nerves, and it did help her with information about her Rapid; that didn’t mean that she wasn’t nervous nonetheless. Still, it was fun to enjoy the opportunity to hang out with what would hopefully be two very close friends. Though, in her heart, she was hoping that one would eventually become closer than the other. “No no, Sonata” she scolded internally to herself. “You can’t even think about that until you win a chance to become friends with him!!!” “You two ready to go in?” Rapid asked politely, holding the door open for both of them. “Come on, Sonata. It’ll be fun.” Pinkie encouraged. Sonata walked through with her; but it became obvious that their two airs were different; with Pinkie’s being one quick with joy, while Sonata’s was quick out of nervous anticipation. Finally, the three friends were ready to settle in and eat. Luckily for Rapid, he found three booth seats right in front of the ice-cream parlor part of the store. “OooooohIjustremembered!!! Ihavetocoverafriend’sshifttodaybecauseshehadtogoto, uh... thedoctor, yeah!!! It’sliterallyonlyforonehourbecauseIcoveredherotheronesearlierandIalsoaccidentallyleftmywalletinthefridge!!! See ya!!! ” Before Rapid could say, “Pinkie, get back here!!!” her friend already ducked behind the employees desk, giggling all the way. “Why would you leave your wallet in the fridge?!” Rapid asked out loud, both ticked off at his friend’s “excuse” that left him and Sonata alone. “Wait. How could you understand what she’s saying?” Sonata asked, clearly impressed and baffled at the same time. Rapid just shrugged in response. “Well, when you get to be good friends with somebody; you just know them to the point where you kinda get everything they’re saying. Even when it sounds a little, well... Pinkie.” Rapid then tried to explain. It wasn’t that Sonata wasn’t at all interested in what Rapid was saying. Quite the opposite, actually. She was just into Rapid himself. The way that his eyes were like reflective mirrors in which she can see the very best of the two of them, the way he calmly explained things to his friends, the way he... “Nonono, focus now, Sonata!!!” she scolded herself internally, attempting to show more dignity and respect. Luckily, she actually did hear what Rapid said amidst the lovestruck nonsense so she could respond. “Oh yeah, that makes sense.” she agreed, “I wish more people were more like that in general. Wanting to get to know people instead of make the worst possible assumptions about them.” Sonata rambled, then facepalmed in frustration. If there was something else other than being a love-centered mess that she didn’t want to be tonight, it was to be an overtly open book. “I mean, heh-heh-heh...” she quickly and awkwardly recovered, not knowing how else to respond. Rapid just chuckled and smiled, “It’s alright, I get what you mean. It’s great that you’re wanting to turn over a new leaf after all this time. I just hope others will see it soon too.” This was one of Rapid’s many abilities, being able to find out what exactly the best thing to say in “clutch” situations when they arise. He thoroughly analyzed Sonata, who seemed to be at ease with that statement. While he himself was tense with the two being together; he knew that this was also the perfect opportunity to help lead Sonata into the right path and hopefully she would be strong enough on her own later down the line. “Awe gee, thanks Rapid.” Sonata gratefully responded. She couldn’t help but blush slightly at the compliment. “Speaking of, there’s something I wanted to ask you, Sonata.” Rapid asked calmly, quickly shuffling which of the many questions he had for Sonata. “Oh, of course.” Sonata responded. She was nervous about which of the many questions that Rapid might have had for her (or how few, knowing her undesirable past) “I know that you’ve only been to this school for a couple of months, and I know that you’ve been following me like a hawk...” Rapid started, but then was interrupted by a re-nerved Sonata. “Oh, it’s the stalking, isn’t it?!” Sonata asked jitterishly. Rapid couldn’t help but sigh. “No, that’s not it at all.” Rapid tried to reassure her; but you might as well have tossed an oil tanker before Sonata’s eyes and she wouldn’t have lost her concentration in her rambling. “Look, I’m so very sorry about the stalking; but I just want you to know that I like you very very much and...” “Sonata?” “... and I think that you’re super awesome, you’re funny, you play awesome sports and you’re this completely awesome...” “Sonata?!” “...guy. Not that nobody else is awesome, and I know that you don’t like bragging or anything like that; but you just gotta know that I...” Rapid knew that he had to get Sonata’s attention fast, so he went in for a quick hug and massaged her shoulders, then released. Hoping that Sonata would calm down a bit. If this was going to be one of the probably many times he was going to hang out with Sonata, he at least wanted to get a few basic questions out of the way beforehand so that he would know a little more about what to expect. “Sorry. I just get SO excited when I see you.” Sonata apologized, trying to scoot past her inherent awkwardness. Rapid just put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine, Sonata.” he gently affirmed, “Now, back to what I was trying to ask you. How did you first find out about me?” he namesakedly asked, before Sonata drove her train off the rails again. He was relieved to discover that, while she wasn’t nervous, anxious or agitated as she was before; she was still excited to answer. “Oh, that’s supeity-dupity easyios. 😁😁😁 So right after I enrolled in the school, I wanted to see if there was anyone else out there I could be friends with and that actually wanted to be friendly with. Except not too many people wanted to be around me because of my past and everything; I didn’t even wanna think about asking the Rainbooms after all of those shenanigans I pulled on them. Then I saw this random poster for a community taco drive for the Donation Center, and when I went to help with that, I took a look at the boss and I was all like, ‘Uh, that dude looks familiar...’” Sonata rambled, as Rapid honed in and listened with intentional detail, “So I find the closest tolerable co-worker I found, I think her name was Fizzlepop Berrytwist” “Oh, I know her. She helps me with community projects every once in a while and we get together sometimes on the weekends.” Rapid briefly interrupted, in remembrance. “Yeah,” Sonata resumed, “Anyhow, she told me that the boss’s name was Rapid Crest and that he was like, the coolest guy ever. 😄😄😄” “Oh she did, did she?” Rapid asked, playfully; letting the delight of the moment overcome him. “Yeah,” she affirmed, but then struggled for words. She knew that whatever she would say next could alter her chances at friendship, much less what she secretly desired for her and Rapid. “It’s just... I really wish everyone knew how awesome you are.” Although Rapid was very beloved Canterlot High; Sonata’s statement was correct. Popularity, a very good thing for those who use it responsibly, was mainly given to Rapid’s good friends, The Rainbooms. Besides being at the school longer than Rapid; the success by his friends was very well-deserved. But unlike most people who would’ve been jealous or envious in these scenarios; Rapid was genuinely content with the status he had, and felt honored and privileged to be a friend of the Rainbooms and a member of Canterlot High. It was for these reasons that he wanted to help give back to his new home city of Canterlot; especially after what happened to his family, helped solidify already concrete core values of service, community, humility and gratitude. “I don’t know about that, Sonata.” Rapid explained, playful yet genuine, “I’ve got great friends in the Rainbooms, I got great sets of friends in class, I’ve got great people in the community. Plus, this funny little fangirl who keeps following me around.” he puncuated, which rewarded him with a slight blush from his sweet little fan. “So yeah, I think I’m good.” he confirmed, with the sort of gleam in his eye that would have made you think that he was currently on a luscious, warm, tropical beach with an iced-lemonade in a fancy glass in his hand with the sunset gleaming over him with the calming sounds of gentle waves crashing over the crest of the sandy beach. He was still thinking about sandy beaches, when Sonata let out an adorable squeal. Rapid awoke from his dream to see himself with a literal lemonade in his hand, a beach hat on his head, and Pinkie-Pie offering him a small wave before quickly ducking back behind the booth. The two friends both couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, Pinkie.” he sighed in sarcastic annoyance before giggling again. Author's Note Well, I’m gonna leave this chapter here. I hope that everyone’s having a Happy Holidays and that they’re really enjoying this story. So next chapter, it’s Rapid’s turn to get a deeper look into Sonata’s life; and hopefully, some scars will be healed from Sonata’s past. Until then; Keep Loving, Keep Edifying, and KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP LoveandEdifying. See ya on the next chapter. Chapter 3: A Truth Worth Seeking...A Song Worth Singing... Chapter 3: A Truth Worth Seeking... Sonata Dusk’s POV Oh my goshiness!!! This actually turned out to be the very bestest day of my life!!! And there’s gonna be a lot more of them too!!! Turns out Rapid was every bit of nice of a guy as I thought he was; genuine, kind, benevolent... *sigh* What else could there be? Oh yeah, sorry. Totsilly spaced out on you all for a sec. I kinda knew this about Rapid Crest from my first time stalking him; but the guy is very very rich. I know, right?! And I’m really excited for him!!! 😁😁😁 Only... my sisters and I were very wealthy and successful for a while too. And that was by stealing and turning people against each other. 😞😞 But nope, nope, nope. Never gonna be that Sonata Dusk ever again. My Past Is Not Today!!! 😁😁😁 (Now where have I heard that one before? 🤔🤔🤔) Ugh!!! I keep spacing out. Anyway, I feel a bit terrible for him too. It just seems that nobody wants to talk about the great things he brings to the community. I mean, the guy is rich and successful in more than the money sense of the word; but he acts like he doesn’t need any of it. As if it literally were pieces of green paper and small metal coin-like coinsy-type things. Like they’re nothing. He seems to be happy without all the things he has; yet he also seems to be very grateful for all he does. Not just the stuff he earned like the businesses, the cars, the sponsorship deals, the stocks and bondages (sorry, I could never understand financy-type words 😂😂😂); but he seems to invest more in the things that money can’t buy. Here’s an exemplary for ya... so one time he builds this sleek brand new car that he found and brought parts for, and at the same time, his school’s about to cancel their academic decathlon trip because most of the funds were going to the basketball team going to their own tournament. So get this; he holds out of practice, he gets the whole team to hold out of practice until the school got their fundings and priorities squared away, and guess who made a deal with the coach to give half of their funds away because the two of them were close friends and they both saw where it was going wrong?! Rip-Roaring Rapid Crest, that’s who!!! 😁😁😁 STILL not enough for you?!? He sells the car he made for around $750,000 (which funds the team’s trip to the State Championship); oh and by the way, this all happened when he was 13 in his second-to-last year in Bostallion, while he was in their MIDDLE school. MIND... wait for it, BLOWN!!! *sighs dreamily* The more I follow him; the less I see him for the things he has and the things he does, but more for who he is. That’s not to say that it isn’t cool that he’s got all of these awesome things he does; they’re great. But unlike those people (like my sisters and I at one point) who are better than everyone else because of the abilities, toys, gifts, whatever that it overshadows them as a person; it’s the exact opposite with him. Everybody else might just see what he does; but I’ll promise to let him know that I love him for more than that. No, I’ll Pinkie-Promise him that. Let’s see... how does that go? Hmmm... Cross my Heart, Hope To... Hope To...? 🤔🤔🤔 Oh well, I’ll ask Pinkie later. 😁😁😁 Normal P.O.V. All things considered, things started off very well between Sonata and Rapid. Rapid had to admit that Sonata was way more of a pleasant “date” than he had assumed earlier. It was true that she was very bubbly; but, in surprise to him, she was actually focused and sympathetic when he eased in a few more serious topics. Most of their conversation was light-hearted and served as a bit more of an ice-breaker in theme. And although he wisely discerned that he shouldn’t veer his conversation to super-serious matters yet; yet when he did decide that he should test those waters, Sonata swam through them with grace and understanding. “I think the night turned out well, wouldn’t you agree, Sonata?” Rapid asked, while tapping a few apps on his phone. Sonata didn't seem to hear Rapid’s question; for she seemed to be starring at the moon and the stars, as if the very constellations replayed their night together. “Sonata?” she heard a voice softly call out to her. “Hmmm? Oh, sorry Rapid. I guess I was just daydreaming again. What were you saying there?” Sonata asked in reply. She then turned to see Rapid laughing at something. She turned away in embarrassment, hoping that she didn’t say or do anything that could have turned a favorable night out into an embarrassing one. “Sorry,” Rapid apologized, slowly ceasing his laughter, “it’s just that you said you were daydreaming and it’s the middle of the night.” Sonata looked around her and did indeed finally recollect herself to remember where she was and what time of day it was as well. She laughed softly herself, “I guess I did deserve that kind of laughter, eh Rapid?” she asked. She then noticed that Rapid now had a hand on her shoulder. “No, you were great. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you like that back there; I just couldn’t help myself.” he apologized. Sonata was about to put a hand over Rapid’s shoulder; but as if her body were possessed by some crazy-love portion of her brain, she kissed him on the cheek instead. Rapid looked at Sonata not with anger or disappointment, but rather caught off guard and taken aback. Sonata just couldn’t help but back away slightly, give a small smile and blush profusely. “Awe yeah, woohoo!!! I knew you could do it, Sonata Dusk!!! ” a familiar voice called out, snapping the two of them out of their trances. They turned to see the familiar voice of Pinkie-Pie; now out of her work uniform and back into her regular clothes from just a few minutes ago. “Hey Pinkie-Pie, how was ‘work?’” Rapid asked, partially sarcastic yet genuinely interested. Pinkie quickly walked over to them. “Oh, it was great. I’m really sorry for bailing out on you two. But my other friend really needed help and I couldn’t just leave them hanging, you know?” Pinkie explained quickly, though not as fast as she could due to her knowing that Sonata wasn’t well kept up on Pinkie-speed as Rapid was. “Neither do I, Pinkie.” Rapid replied, giving his friends a confident smirk and a wink. “Neither do you, what?” Sonata asked in confusion. She turned to Pinkie-Pie, who simply jumped up and down with her eyes closed and a big smile on her face in excitement. Sonata noticed that her new friend was almost about to land on a slippery patch of ice, but before she could even turn to help her, Pinkie’s hair turned into a parachute and she landed a couple of steps away from the icy patch. “How do you do...” Sonata’s question to figure out Pinkie’s, well... Pinkie-ness was interrupted by Pinkie rapidly (no pun intended) turned her body around to show her the luscious piece of machinery that was in front of them. “Are you two gonna flip for shotgun again?” Rapid asked his friends playfully. Before Sonata could respond, she noticed that she was being bridal-style carried by Pinkie and then slammed into the shotgun seat (although it felt more like a mother gently putting down her baby in a carseat, for some reason. ) “Nope, we’re all goody-two-shoe-goodily-good-good-Raritying to go!!! ” Pinkie affirmed. “Good.” Rapid happily affirmed, as the roaring smooth engine of the car started by itself. “Let’s enjoy the ride.” A good 15 minutes later... “So let me get this straight... you made this when you were 14?!?” Sonata asked. “Yup.” Rapid verified. “Using broken parts that would have otherwise been scrapped?!?” she asked again. “Yep.” Rapid told her nonchalantly. “And not only did you make all the tech yourself; but it was all powered by a new element you discovered and created yourself when you were merely 4 years old?!? 😁😁😁” “Eeyup.” Rapid stated in monotone, clearly bored with the unnecessary praise he was recieving. “Wow!!! 😁😁😁 You’re SO awesome, Rapid!!! ImeanIknowIkeepsayingthisandIknowthatyouprobablyneverhearitenoughbutyou’reSOOOOOOOO...” “ENOUGH!!!” Rapid yelled, with his patience starting to wear thin. He grasped his hands to the wheel and attempted to refrain from sobbing. Sonata on the other hand, didn’t refrain from doing what she thought was right. She gently massaged Rapid’s back and held the steering wheel to keep them on the road. “Sshhhh, I’m sorry I overwhelmed you like that. It’s ok, Rapid. No more crazy fan talk, ok?” As if on cue, Rapid put his eyes back on the road. Sonata clearly saw some kind of anguish and pain in his eyes that she had never expected to see out of eyes like his. She sympathized with him, as she knew that everyone had their secrets. She had secrets, the quote-unquote “perfect” Rainbooms had secrets. Everyone had secrets they wanted to hide. For some reason. She had yet to meet someone who was perfect and had no evil whatsoever; and Rapid was the closest thing she found to that person. Regardless of the secrets, she learned that the least and the best deserved love. Not because of anything special, but that they just did. That was why she left the Dazzlings. That was why she loved Rapid Crest. And tonight, even though she saw cracks in him for the first time; she still vowed to treat him as a masterpiece. Because he was Rapid Crest. And because she was Sonata Dusk. And because no other reason was needed. 10 minutes later... “Hey Sonata, you said where you lived was the Sidebrook Complex, am I right?” Rapid asked, putting a hand on Sonata while he pulled over on the side of a small two-way road heading towards where his new friend lived. Although Sonata was very tired from the night’s ordeal, she stayed awake enough to soak in every moment with Rapid. “Wait, I didn’t tell you where I li...” Sonata’s exclamation was interrupted by Rapid putting a finger to her mouth. They turned to see their exhausted friend Pinkie-Pie, looking as if she was knocked out after a prizefight. And the way she “attempted” to put the two together, she must’ve thought that her two friends were “knockouts” for each other, if you catch my drift. “How did you find out where I lived?” Sonata asked more quietly, but still not any less shocked. Rapid turned to face her and smirked. “Hacked Biometrics. I programmed a software program into an old laptop computer I had lying around to research the human body and data to theorize how to maximize the potential in every human out there. The commercial goal of it would be to have the device shipped out to doctors to help them analyze patients with brain traumas, neurological disorders, destroy existing cancer cells and prevent new ones from happening... that sort of stuff.” Sonata looked like she was about to burst again before Rapid quickly interrupted her, “However, there’s a reason I haven’t sent that work to anybody. You see, anybody who wants to use this technology can obviously use it to help people in third-world countries that would desperately need it; but some other doctor can use it to become the dumbest person alive due to greed and power-lust.” “Uh, what does this have to do with how you found out where I lived?” Sonata asked gently, trying to get back on topic. “Ah yes, sorry...” Rapid quickly apologized, with both of them looking away from each other and blushing; then taking a few moments of awkward silence before resuming. “You see, I made a special genetic version of the software that can be converted from computer coding to human genetics.” “Simply put, I can obtain any information I need from a human by looking at them directly or touching them. Kinda like a dollar-store Sunset-Shimmer.” Sonata quaked slowly in her chair, afraid of the possibility of yet another power-crazed demon amongst Canterlot High. She wasn’t there when Sunset Shimmer, the resident former-bully of Canterlot High, started to use magical powers to take over Canterlot High and reform with help of the Humane 6; but was witness to what Sunset was capable of as she was the leading catalyst of how the Rainbooms beat the Dazzlings in a magical battle of the bands. Whether she wanted to admit it or not; fear was the sole reason that she wanted to start her own reformation. But not just fear of Sunset. Fear itself. Fear of her unintentionally slipping up on her journey, fear that everyone would make a mockery of her for her past and fear that no one would even consider her worthy of their lives. In spite of the fear; the youngest Dazzling wanted to be good from the get-go, but didn’t know where or how to put her own foot in the ground until after the Battle Of The Bands. She didn’t want to reveal that part of her past of Rapid just yet, but she probably had it revealed anyway through the bio-metric scan. “Is something wrong, Sonata?” Rapid asked. He must’ve sensed her uneasiness about everything because she saw sympathy, rather than judgement in his eyes. At least she hoped it was sympathy anyway, and not some false sense of security that would fail her later. She took a deep breath, “Nothing for you to worry about. Let’s just say that Sunset Shimmer and I, we haven’t had it easy in the past.” As if a light were just flipped on, he remembered that it was to the Rainbooms that her sister’s band ended up losing to in the epic Battle Of The Bands, and that Sunset Shimmer was the one who had lead them to victory. Although he knew of the story of the Battle Of The Bands due to him first transferring the week after that chaotic battle, he didn't really get anyone’s real perspective of the battle, aside from Sunset’s. Now seeing from the opposite side of the playing field, he must have figured that (judging by her reaction) she must have been extremely traumatized by the whole ordeal. “I forgot that you’re friends with Sunset too,” she confessed, fighting to prevent tears from coming out, “I hope that you don’t think I’m a bad person.” she sobbed, her hands covering her face as she said so. Although Sonata’s voice was cracked and muffled through her sobs, Rapid was able to hear and deduce everything just fine. He waited to see if Sonata would spill any more information for him. She did not. “She must be stronger than she realizes.” Rapid mentally observed. He was instantly running through the best responses, verbal and nonverbal alike, to choose what would hopefully help heal her; or at the very least, give him some more information from her side of the battle. “Can you do me a favor, Sonata?” he asked tenderly. He saw her turn with bleeding scars from her past, coupling with the literal tears that she had failed to restrain in the present, streaking down her face and down to the front neck collar of her shirt. She whimpered and nodded in response. “If you’re worried about what Sunset and the others might think of you; leave them to me. I know we just met; so I’m not expecting that I would earn your trust 100% after today. But...” he took deep breaths, mentally preparing himself for what he was going to propose, “just give them a chance, like you gave me a chance.” Apparently, somebody needed to think of bringing an axe, a chainsaw or even a laser for these brief few minutes of silence. But oh how brief they were. For, a few seconds later, Rapid felt a hand gently massage his back. He turned to see Sonata with a gentle smile on her face, and the crystal pools in her eyes beckoning, as if to tell him that everything was going to be more than alright. “Rapid Aqua Crest, did you ever think for a moment that maybe you’re not the one who needs to worry about everything?” she asked, firmly yet calming. Rapid wanted to process, but everything was coming too quick. Sonata wanted to know what to say; but she knew she couldn’t think quick enough. There was only one way this could go. Autopilot. With the rapids flowing smoothly. “Maybe you don’t understand everything I’ve gone through; and that’s ok. I’ll never think of you any less of a person for it. Cross my heart, hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye.” as she went through the motions of the promise, she heard Rapid chuckle slightly. She couldn’t help but giggle at her friend being so happy; but she also gave herself a fist-pump for remembering that confusing catchphrase. “Point is, it’s not you who’d have to face Sunset. It’s me. It’s not you who needs to own up to their mistakes. It’s me. But Rapid,” she paused. before continuing, mentally processing what she was about to say next, “you can’t expect to know everyone’s problems. Or solve them right away. But that’s ok. Sometimes all you need to do is just be there when I do need you. Ok? No pressure.” Rapid couldn’t help but stare, surprised yet impressed, at her selflessness. He seemed to have been off by miles and not have even known it. He knew that it was only a few hours; yet something out there in the back of his mind was calling him. A more... childish thing, if you will. Like as if these past few hours were all that Sonata should need to prove herself. Normally, he would wonder where these emotions of peace and assurance in something that was only tested for such a short amount of time. Only this time, it wasn’t knowledge that served as how he would know best. It was faith. And he was now beginning to realize it. “Uh, are you alright there, Rapid?” Sonata asked, confused as to why he seemed to be in another dimension at the moment. Rapid turned and gave Sonata Dusk a gentle hug in response. While she was caught off guard by it, Sonata wasn’t at all ungrateful as she warmly accepted his embrace. The Next Day “Wait, you’re doing what now?!?” Sunset Shimmer asked, shocked at Rapid’s idea. She and Rapid, along with Sunset’s boyfriend (who was also Rapid’s best male friend, Solid Streak) met at Sunset’s house to discuss the plans for a big surprise that Rapid proposed for Sonata Dusk. “I don’t know, the idea sounds pretty great to me. Especially with a guy like Rapid who has all the resources in the world and then some.” Solid rebutted with a sly remark. “Right, because that’s all I’m ever good for.” Rapid quipped back sarcastically. Sunset sighed in annoyance at the boys’ antics. “Well, I definitely know your heart’s in the right place, Rapid. Sonata could really use some friends right now and we’ll be more than happy to be that for her. But are you sure she needs this other big idea?” she asked, not wanting to knock down her friend’s noble intentions but still keep the ever-flowing Rapid somewhat dammed (not that kind of--- you know.) “I’ve seen the conditions she’s been in, Sunset,” Rapid gently affirmed, “and I’ve already done all the research and requested a leave of absence from Principal Celestia. I don’t just think it’s a good idea; I believe it’s the right thing to do. And I need your help.” he humbly petitioned to his two friends. Sunset and Solid looked at each other, considering all that Rapid proposed and then nodded. “Count us in, Rapid.” Sunset approved, with her boyfriend nodding before walking to the fridge to get some orange-juice. “Two questions though. What’s the surprise, and what do you need us to do?” Author's Note Well, just like Sunset; you’ll all figure out what the surprise is in the next chapter. Shout-out to Sunset_sparkle for bringing this story to my attention. This part of the story had a few different variants to it before deciding on this particular take. Sunset Shimmer will be important in Sonata’s development throughout the rest of this story. I hope you all will enjoy it. If you’re looking for other stories to read during QuaranTime. Here’s my other stories on FimFiction: Fully Healed and Waxing and Waning Also, here’s a hint of a new story I will have upcoming. 🐉🐘🐅🦌🦇🦎 Not convinced? Yeah, they didn’t give me the appropriate emojis for this one. Try this one. 💚🖤💛💙💖🔴 No? Yeah, I really hate how limited the emoji range is on this site. Alright, let’s go to way deep into the grid to see if you can guess now. Yep, new story series coming soon. Looking forward to it, as well as this story. 😁😁😁 StayStrong in these tough times; and as always, Keep Loving, Keep Edifying and KEEEEEEEP LoveandEdifying. See ya next chap.
Prologue: A Riddle Worth Asking...Author's Note Hey everyone, I know. The story's a little off through description and everything. Main reason being is that at the last second, I wanted to change it from a Second-Person story to where it occasionally goes from first-person (mostly done by my OC) to third person and back again. If someone could tell me how to change the definition up top (the little colored definition word things) to fit my story, that would be great. As this is my first story here on FimFiction. I want to shoutout Nordryd for inspiring me to make this first story about Sonata. I've had so many different ideas for my first "test the waters" story; and then, as I was reading this, I was immediately inspired by my own realization that sometimes, a recognizable villain can be redeemed, as long as someone who is kind, faithful and trustworthy is there to help guide them, that this story came into my mind. There is going to be a few concert scenes in this story, but they'll be different from "An Audience of One" (Nordryd's Story). If you wanna read Nordryd's story, check it out. It's worth the read. Also, shoutout to Agent0Fluffy, honestly; if I could have anyone other than Andrea Libman read Pinkie Pie for me, it would be her. When this thing's completed and she want's to assemble an awesome VO crew to narrate, that would be perfect. Thank you everybody, I look forward to making friendship with you. Or is it magic? Eh, they're the same anyway. #FriendshipisMagic See ya guys next chapter. (Update: I figured out how to change the colored-definition-things. ) Prologue: A Riddle Worth Asking... A Song Worth Singing Prologue: A Riddle Worth Asking... Rapid Crest's P.O.V. "Watch your STEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!" I heard a familiar, singsong voice call out as she practically skated past me across the hallway. A way too familiar pink blur almost knocked me over, had I not thought of dodging her the very second I heard her warning. As she was continuing her merry way, it became apparent as to why she was in such a big rush. She was carrying a small plate of cookies, cupcakes and other assorted goods, which almost went careening off her plate. Thinking fast yet again, I grabbed her quickly yet gently by the shoulders so that she wouldn't create a new variety of "faceplant" for our friend Wallflower's garden. "Phew. Thanks, Rapid Crest. My special 'Thank You For Your 5 Years Of Service' treats for Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna would've been totally splattered!!!" Pinkie-Pie thanked, with no underlooked detail of gratitude. She was one of the most caring, energetic and optimistic friends that I have ever known since transferring to Canterlot High. I was lucky enough to have this crazy yet kind friend be one of the first that befriended me at the high school. Ok, that's a tadoff. She actually was the first to befriend me. Even though it initially made me feel somewhat uncomfortable, since my family died in a snowy car-crash a couple of years ago. But eventually, she proved to me that she could be both the surprising, joyful, party-girl; and also the compassionate, dependable friend I have come to know over the years. During that time, she helped introduced me to Sci-Twi, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow-Dash. Their little group eventually became known as The Rainbooms, and even though I wasn't as official of a member of the team (due to me being a guy), I was honored and privileged to have joined them. Both on epic, world-saving adventures; and simple, everyday, friendship things. "No problem, Pinkie. But you better hurry up if you want to give them your cakes before school closes!!!" I alerted her, as I pointed to the clock. School was already out, it being 2:06, but I figured that she should better be on her way; much less wait in a long line for the two Headsof the school (although, knowing Pinkie, she'd think that the line would be fun for... well... don't look at me, I'd have no idea as to how that would be fun, AT ALL!!! No thank you, no fun, whatsoever!!!) "Got it, thanks!!! Hey, wanna come over there with me? You can tell me more about your day while we wait. " Well then again, the only time that lines would remotely be fun was with a friend by your side. Especially one like Pinkie. "Sure, why not. It was a pretty dull day though, anyway." Before I could say anything else, however, we both did a quick jog over to the Principal's office, which (sure enough) had a nice, annoyingly, boringly (is that even a word?) long line. Oh well. at least it wasn't as annoyingly long as lines past. Only about 16 or so students this time. "So, whatcha wanna tell me about this time, Rapid Crest?" Pinkie asked in anticipation. My mind drew a blank. I really couldn't think of too much off the top of my head to tell her. Oddly enough, whether it was whoever the heck this "LoveandEdify" magic person that Pinkie kept conspiring to me about was putting stuff there, or opportunity just gave me a love tap; but I turned to see the same girlthat I've seen for the last month, studying my locker as if it were the Final Exams before summer vacation. Her familiar light-blue skin and slightly darker blue hair almost seemed like they were from a nice, calm pool of water near a pleasantly drawn sandy beach. She turned towards me, as I saw her hand seemingly memorize my locker combination with ease as she waved at me with her other hand and smiled sharply, coolly, calmly yet invitingly towards me. I politely smiled and waved back, then she opened up my locker, and placed a small envelope inside, then shut the door. This had me a bit suspicious. "Pinkie, do you know that girl over there?" I asked, as we were now about 9 people away from the office. I figured that if anybody knew who my mystery stalker would be, Pinkie-Pie (who happens to know everybody in the entire school) would tell me. "Ooooh, you mean Sonata Dusk?" she asked, turning with me to see my strange stalker now smiling, blushing and hiding behind the corner towards the nearest locker. "She's one of the former Dazzlings. She's coming to this school now so that she could turn over a new leaf and make new friends." After taking a brief moment to walk ahead to where there were only 8 students left in front of us, we both turned to see a familiar light blue hand that wore a pink bracelet with blue sapphire spikes pop out of the corner for a brief second, then she reappeared from the corner again, as if she was playing Peek-a-Boo with Pinkie and I. We both waved at her and she waved in response. "You know, I think she really likes you, Rapid." she happily suggested. "Likes me?" I turned to her, unsure of whether Sonata would hear me if I told Pinkie-Pie about this. During my hesitation, Pinkie tapped me on the shoulder. "Tell ya what, why don't you go over there and see what she's up to?" she suggested. I eyed the corner suspiciously, now seeing no-one appear from it. "Sonata must be gone by now." I thought. "I don't know, Pinkie." I nervously reasoned with her. "If she really was one of the Dazzlings, then I don't know how much I should trust her. If at all. Besides, everywhere I go, and I know this is gonna sound crazy; but I think she’s been following me everywhere." "Oooooh, fascinating. Tell me more..." Pinkie probed, as if she were a gossip column artist desperately seeking that huge scoop that could change everything in her imaginary career. I sighed, and turned towards Pinkie. 5 people to go in the line now. "Ok, so at the basketball games I play at; I swear that I've seen someone that at least looks like her holding up some crazy sign that's like 'Let's TACO 'Bout Rapid; 'Cause He's Gonna BURRITOS Shots!!!'" I vented in confusion. "Oh yeah, I remember that." Pinkie reminisced, "She was going on about you for some part of the game. Plus, you gotta admit; those were good puns." "Yeah, except I play in a REC league with Rainbow-Dash because I couldn't crack the high-school team." I reminded her, breathing out toxic, angry fumes with that sentence. When my family died while I still lived in Bostallion, my dad put it in their will that I'd live with their butler/family-friend Stalwart Avalanche in Canterlot and for me to go to Canterlot High. While I was the greatest basketball player on my team at Bostallion Middle, I couldn't even figure out how to work at the speed and scheme that Coach Spitfire would want me to play in the new team. Yes, I was very talented; second to only the captain of the team, Flash Sentry. But because I wasn't the right fit for the scheme, Spitfire sympathetically told me that I would be on the 3rd string. I told her that I would rather redshirt this season and play on the second-string, so I could learn from Flash and my other teammates for next season. However, she sadly told me that even though she would like to see me play, she said that she'll keep me as an emergency redshirt, but that I would be better off not with the team in uniform but in street clothes because of how unlikely I would play. I understood. Even though Spitfire was my cousin (and a close friend), I respected her for always wanting to do what she thought was right, instead of what was easy. Right after that, Rainbow Dash invited me to join her in a co-ed rec league she did on weekends that helped keep her on her game and in tip-top shape. Wanting to be better friends with Rainbow anyway, I agreed. And soon enough, we found a greatway to bond closer together and strengthen our friendship, because, Friendship is Magic, right? But still, why would that many people want to come to our rec games anyway and be so passionate about it? Much less wave a sign for someone who shared an even amount of time between court and bench. After mentally reflecting on that for a few brief seconds, I resumed my rambling on about Stalk, er... sorry, Sonata. "Yeah. Plus, for the past few weeks, she's been decorating my locker with all these posters of her." I went on, back to wandering curious confusion in my tone and thoughts. "Well, maybe she's just promoting her show." Pinkie replied, deductively. It obviously made sense, as other areas and lockers in the school were splattered with posters for her upcoming performances. "Maybe," I concurred, "But why would my locker also be covered with stickers, pins, and even have memorabilia from her inside?" I reasoned. "Good point." Pinkie agreed. "Yeah,” I concurred, “I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the hoodie, mug, thermos, t-shirt, cd, confetti, book, and that ‘commemorative’ blanket." I stressfully went on. "You didn't throw it all in the dumpster, did you?" Pinkie asked, hoping that I wouldn't risk offending Sonata, hurting her feelings and potentially ruining a chance at a new friendship. If there was such thing with a Dazzling. "No, of course not," I replied, honestly and reassuringly, "The only thing I'd have to throw away is that blanket. My body has a reactionary disorder to wool. My skin puffs up almost like a balloon every time I come in contact with it. Donation Center didn't want it, I have no family to give it to, I asked around school and nobody else wanted it..." I rambled on, before Pinkie interrupted. "Well, I could take it off your hands if you need someone to take it." She offered, eyes brightening up from the opportunity. I didn't want to say no to my friend anyway, she's always so kind to me even when I don't deserve it, so I enjoy finding new opportunities to brighten up her day. She gasped in excitement, "You mean it?!"she asked with excitement in her voice. I nodded, then she wrapped me uplike a sleeping bag in a big hug. "Oh thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! " she responded gratefully, as we turned to realize that we were now the ones holding up about 7 students. "Tell ya what, howaboutwegopickuptheblanketafterourhangoutatSugarcubecornerandthenwe'lltalkmoreaboutSonataafterthat." she suggested. I, didn't say anything, but rather nodded and quickly made my way to my locker so I could check to see what Sonata hid this time. Because the lockers weren't that far from the office, my jog was easy enough to get to my locker. Which was, weirdly enough, two lockers away from the corner that Sonata waved to me from. Turning the combination and holding my breath, I open to discover the small note she left me. I opened up the envelope to see a message, neatly folded up. As I unfolded it, I read the contents of the message. If you had a taco right now, who would you share it with? -- Sonata 😁 "Ok, that was weird." I thought quietly to myself. "Solved the riddle yet?" a familiar, bubbly voice awoke me from my distracted thoughts. I turned to the corner to see Sonata, standing right behind me in anticipation. I jumped back slightly, not out of fear, but because I was caught off guard by my blue-skinned stalker. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare ya." Sonata apologized in a friendly tone, "I just wanted to see ya get my letter to ya before I left today," "It's quite alright, Sonata." I replied, trying to regain my cool after the minor jumpscare. "How long have you been hiding behind there?" I asked, mentally crossing my fingers hoping that she didn't hear what I told Pinkie-Pie about her behind her back. Sonata scratched her chin, recollecting the memory before responding, "Well, after I waved to you and Pinkie, I left to get my school things and then I came back here just now." she said, holding out a bag. I inspected it to find, not schoolbooks, but rolled-up posters. "Whoopsies. This is my merch bag." she said, blushing for her mistake. I rolled my eyes in indifference. "If you want, I could help hang these posters up for you while you get your schoolwork." I offered, knowing that it would be the right thing to do. "Oh no, I couldn't let you do that." she said, shying away from the offer. “Why not?" I asked, wondering if she meant because she was trying to be nice by deciding to take her things back, because she would be hiding some sort of scheme, if she needed me for something else, or all three. "Because you'd probably need to be somewhere right now, and I don't wanna hold up your precious time." she nervously explained, with her eyes looking downward, as if she wasn't wanting me to go anywhere for a while. I turned to see Pinkie waving at me, ready to get the day going. I turned to wave at her, then to Sonata. "I do have to be going soon; but tell you what, after I get all of this hung up, I'm going to be meeting Pinkie at my house, and then we're going over to Sugarcube Corner for dinner. If you want, we could talk more then." I hoped my offer was generous enough. Even though the last thing I wanted was to entertain the idea of having her bug me again, I figured that it'd still be the right thing to do; plus, there could be more to her than met my eyes. Who knew? "Y-you really mean it?!" Sonata asked, excitedly. "It's not a date, but I thought that you could at least get to know me better and maybe make some new friends. Or maybe help me with this riddle?" I politely informed her, self-control being the key factor. "Wow." Sonata responded cheerfully, giddly running in place while happily screeching in a high-pitched noise that made me cover my ears, like, vice-like. After she stopped, I quickly uncovered my ears. "Well, the riddle you should really solve yourself; but I'd love to meet with you and your friends!!! 😁😁😁" I mentally fist-pumped. I knew that the riddle part was gonna fail anyway, but 2 out of 3 wasn't bad, right? "I gotta get my school stuff, and I'll just hang it all tomorrow. But would you mind holding my stuff for me while I get it. Please?" she asked. "Sure." I shrugged, then I was being wrapped around like a taco and then she jumped up and down like a jackhammer on 57,000,000 energy drinks and almost as high as a professional pogo-stick-jumper. "Thank you so very much!" she thanked, before releasing me as I nearly hit the ground before quickly recovering. "I'll be right back with my stuff, you're the greatest, Rapid!!!" she happily screamed as she sprinted towards the place she last left her things. Luckily, it was just me and Sonata inside the school; otherwise we'd all be going to the Principal's Office for the not-fun reason right now. I sighed in relief, hoping that everything would go well for all of us, tonight. "I really hope I don't get fanboyed too much by her this time. I don't even get why she would do it for someone like me." I thought in curiosity.
Chapter 1: A Road Worth Traveling...A Song Worth Singing Chapter 1: A Road Worth Traveling... Normal POV “Oh my Celestia, you have to tell me more!!!” Sonata shrieked and cheered out like the schoolgirl she was. A few months ago, she was reluctantly a part of the group of musical villainesses known as The Dazzlings, until she realized that what she was doing, along with her being pushed around by her sisters, was something she could no longer stand for. Now, in the present moment, she was taking this opportunity of redemption and milking it the best possible way she knew how. Be yourself, only better. Each day: this was grounded into her heart and soul as her mantra, proverb and song; and even though a good majority of the people at her new school at Canterlot High either shunned, mocked, or ignored her, she continued to persevere with said mantra in mind. This new mindset, combined with her already bubbly optimistic personality and attitude, helped her carry on through what most people would consider as the most trying time of their lives. Even Sonata herself had admitted that it was tedious to get back in everyone’s good graces, and that at times, she also considered giving up. But it was also during said times, that she remembered who she did it all for in the first place. Herself. This didn’t mean or imply that Sonata didn’t want to make friends at all, which she did, very much so in fact. She wasn’t at all picky with who she would attempt to befriend, and try to impact for the better as well. From the school janitor, to the Rainbooms themselves; there was no one sonata considered less than, or greater than to be worthy of love, friendship and acceptance. However, just because Sonata wasn’t picky about who she would want to make friends with; didn’t mean she didn’t have her favorite people, or (in this case) her favorite person. She first heard of Rapid Crest, right after the Battle Of The Bands she was forced to take place in; and quickly heard tidbits of information about him from other students, including the Rainbooms. From what she had heard, he was very confident, humble, relatable, compassionate and loyal to his friends (even when times were difficult). After careful observation (or a crazy amount of stalking, take your pick), she confirmed that they were true. Right after realizing this, something happened in her heart that she had always heard others discuss, experience, or even exaggerate. But after her first close-up encounter with him; everything within her confirmed the rumors floating on in her mind. She was in love with Rapid Crest, and there was no denying it. After realizing that, she became determined to not merely include herself in his life; but to become a constant source of light and positivity in his life for the better. Such things included small things: like following him on Pictagram, learning more about him from other students, becoming his personal cheerleader at every event he was in (no, literally, one time, she even cheered for him while he was in debate club. Do debate clubs even have cheerleaders? ). While other things were much bigger: such as walking up to him to offer encouragement after a tough game, walking into his conversations to give him reassurance about how awesome he was, DMing him to see if he needed extra help in certain areas of study, going above and beyond helping him at whatever events he had set up, and especially making sure that the door was open for him in every aspect of her life. Every aspect. Every door, was open for him. She would always be there for him when he felt like talking to her, or if he needed her. No matter what. Maybe that’s why she finally felt overjoyed that she was going to transition from fan to (hopefully) friend, as Rapid invited her to come along with him and Pinkie to Sugarcube Corner for a hangout. It wasn’t that long of a walk to his house, so Sonata spent the better part of the trip chatting with Pinkie about their favorite Rapid moments, as well as things to know about him. “So Sonata, I heard you got your new concert coming up...” Pinkie-Pie commented, briefly changing the subject matter as they were approaching the last mile of the road. “Have you considered inviting Rapid?” she asked, wondering how into her best friend Sonata would be. Sonata laughed. “I’d love to see him at my concert next week,” she affirmed, “Although if I could do a concert for just Rapid, that would be even better.” Pinkie-Pie happily gasped at her new friend’s reply. “Like a private concert?!” Pinkie asked. Sonata simply nodded in response, not knowing what else to say that she either hadn’t already said before or how to not go into another gushing session over her crush. Pinkie happily shrieked, “Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh!!! You wanna know what would be even better?!?” Pinkie asked enthusiastically. Sonata was about to respond, but turned back and noticed that Rapid stopped walking about 30 paces behind them. She wondered what would have been going on inside his head that would make him stop walking with his friend, especially Pinkie-Pie, because (from what she heard and observed) he was the closest to this member of the Rainbooms out of all of them. “OneofthosemovietheaterswherethemanagerreservesatheaterJUSTforyoutwo, andthenthemoviestartsandyoutwoarekissingandhuggingandeatingpopcorn...” Pinkie paused her rambling when she noticed that Sonata had waled back to check up on Rapid. Pinkie mentally facepalmed for not thinking about checking on him herself. “Are you alright, Rapid?” Sonata asked, concerned that something she did or didn’t do, might have been causing some of this anguish he must have been feeling inside. She wiped the sweat that was inevitably going to be forming from her brow; yet chose to put her feelings and concerns for Rapid first, so she wouldn’t be thinking solely of her own nervousness. “Yeah, I’m fine. Hey, can you let me be for a while so that I could finish this phone call first? I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m done.” Rapid politely explained. While she did see him sitting down on the sidewalk with his head bowed down from a distance, she didn’t notice that he had his cell-phone in his hand. “Yeah, sure thing.” Sonata politely responded, turning and stepping away as Rapid continued his conversation. “Have you ever considered that this Sonata Dusk really likes you?” the voice on the other end of the line questioned. Rapid huffed out in frustration, holding his phone up to his left ear with his left hand, and tapping the fingers of his right hand on his right kneecap. “Yeah, she really likes me alright.” Rapid said, sarcastically. “Really likes me enough to try and take over the whole school with her sisters the first month I move in, then pops up with this bubbly fangirl person, then pretty much worships me for no reason whatsoever.” “Ok, sounds like somebody needs to do another one of Uncle Stalwart’s Perspective Shift Challenges.” Stalwart Avalanche insisted over the line. Rapid shrugged, as if to openly question his butler and friend’s advice. “Now don’t you dare interrupt me and say another word, Rapid.” he went on. “I know you don’t really like all the hard things I do for you sometimes, but you gotta know that when I do them for you...” “I/You do it to strengthen your/my character.” they both said simultaneously. “Yes, you catch on quick, boy.” Stalwart remarked, impressed with the bright intellect of his friend and protege, “But none of those things you learn or things aren’t gonna do you any good if you don’t apply them. And sometimes the best way to see if what you have is any good is to test it. And to test it, you’re gonna have to challenge it; no matter how insane it is to do it.” the butler affirmed with a pure balance of 100% sternness and authority that one could expect from a father figure, but also 100% of the love, care and respect of a true friend. “I understand, Master Stalwart.” Rapid reverently concurred, after taking a few seconds to process everything he had just heard and for catching his breath. “So, what challenges are there this time?” he asked, so he could at least have a grasp on what his friend was trying to teach him. “So here’s what you’re gonna do,” his butler/father-figure replied, “I’m gonna give you 3 challenges. Now, they’re not easy, son. That’s why they’re called ‘challenges’, but they’re pretty simple compared to what you had to go through with...” “Please, let’s not talk about that right now.” Rapid pleaded, respectfully yet vulnerably. Even though it had been a couple of years since his immediate family died in a terrible accident, and through the help of his loving butler and newfound friends, he had coped with it well. It was still an emotional and touching subject for him nonetheless. “Right, sorry I went a bit too far there.” Stalwart apologized, knowing that he can sometimes take his well-intentioned barbs too far. Rapid simply nodded in forgiveness and understanding. Challenge Number One: Accept Sonata for Who She Is “Now that means always accepting her for her. No matter what. And from what you’re telling me, all these things she’s trying to do is because she really likes you for some reason. She wants to prove to you that she’s not the same person who wanted to take over the world. She wants friends now, I know it. And you know that you’re the best option for her too. Deep down, you feel it.” Stalwart affirmed, in a matter of fact tone of voice. “But what about when she starts to go all Anime fangirl on me?!” Rapid questioned, somewhat confused at this whole idea. “Well obviously she’s doing all of this to show you that you’re her number 1. And I'm surprised that out of all the years I’ve known you, you seem to be too modest. Shunting all those times people bring up your name, deflecting all of the good things people do and say about you. But if you stay too humble, then it’ll only just hurt the people who just wanna help you in the first place.” the butler clarified. Rapid looked up from the ground quickly, “I haven’t really thought of it that way.” he admitted, finally grasping the point his friend was attempting to gently pound in. “Mhm.” Stalwart concurred, “Now I know that it’s gonna get to be overkill at times, so if you do feel a little uncomfortable; tell her, but do it lovingly. You want to make your point, but don’t ever lose that friendship. “I understand.” Rapid agreed, “What’s the next challenge?” Author's Note I’m gonna leave this here, mainly because the algorithm is seeing some problem about having a lot of paragraphs being spaced out (which, ironically enough, was what I needed to do to solve the last two problems I had). Unlike last time however, it wouldn’t let me fix the issue, so this is being cut short. Now, about Rapid Crest. As promised. He’s a Freshman at Canterlot High, he’s an athlete extraordinary with the determination and grit to match. He’s 5’11 with the dunking ability and athletic prowess of someone 6’5. Unlike Rainbow-Dash, he’s proud of his accomplishments but doesn’t brag highly of his abilities or anything else he does. He’s also very bright when it comes to social norms and is very dependable when it comes to problem solving. When he’s not at school, you can find him hanging out with/helping out friends, working on whatever sport he needs to work on (primarily basketball), tinkering with his car, or organizing community benefit events. That’s all I’ll leave for now, you’re all gonna look forward to getting to know Rapid Crest. Next chapter, the other two challenges will be abbreviated because one, they will be shown more in action than in word. And also, we’ll also be seeing Sonata, Rapid and The Rainbooms having fun at Sugarcube Corner. As always... Keep Loving, Keep Edifying, Keep LoveandEdifying See ya next chapter!!!
Chapter 2: An Effort Worth Giving...A Song Worth Singing... Chapter 2: An Effort Worth Giving... Rapid Crest’s POV Luckily for me, Stalwart had two more challenges. Challenge Number 2: Be The One Doing Her Part... This one was easy, because it simply meant, “Try being the one doing all the observing, researching and being her biggest fan that she was being.” However, it was the third and final one that stumped me. Challenge Number 3: Don’t Trust Sonata, Have Faith in Her Instead... Now, I know what he told me what it meant; but by the time he told me most of it, I asked him to just hurry and pick us up. I didn’t mean to brush him off like that, but you try sitting around patiently in the cold waiting 20 minutes for some numbskull to get off their phone on a cold winter day and tell me how it feels. Go on, go ahead. Try it. Didn’t like it too much? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Anyway, I didn’t want my friends to feel as if they were waiting for nothing to happen, so I decided to just have Stalwart pick us up instead. “So, who’s this ‘Stalwart’ person you were talking to?” Sonata asked, curiously. Part of me knew that this was a good opportunity to accomplish the third challenge; but on the other hand, I’ve seen people also act absolutely flaky around people who have been blessed the way I have been. Not that I thought Sonata would have judged right off the bat, but I’d rather not rush into the personal details right away. So I was honest with her. “He’s an old friend of mine. A very close friend.” I told her, which indeed was true. Sonata put her smooth, soft, gloved left hand on my right shoulder and gave me a small smile. “It’s awesome that you have so many amazing friends for realsies. 😁😁😁” she squealed happily, “I wonder who else gets to be such awesome friendsies with somebody like you?” As if on cue, Pinkie slid next to Sonata with a friendly left arm on Sonata’s right shoulder and winked and smiled at me. Sonata then turned and ruffled Pinkie’s naturally curly, boingy hair. “Present company excluded of course.” she said, happily looking at Pinkie before the two engaged in a friendly tickle fight. It was then I realized something I had observed many times, but now realized the gravity of. Sonata was always shunned by someone (or something) every day. Although I wasn’t obnoxiously fanboyish about her as she was of me, I did see her enough to know that she was never around too many other people besides me. Now I felt terrible for pushing her off, and writing her down as nothing over as a stereotypical villain was totsilly a bad call. (Dang, now it’s rubbing off on me already.) But the one thing I’ve learned about friendships is that they always take time, and whether I meant to or not, I never really taken the time given to me in the first place. She was always reaching. Waiting. For someone to take her hand and walk through life with her. And for some weird, unexplainable reason she chose me. And the only thing I wanted to know from her, whether it would be sooner or later down the line, was why. 5 minutes later... Normal POV Right after getting picked up by Stalwart in what was an incredibly high-tech, high end SUV, the trio were finally on their way to Sugarcube Corner. Normally a 10 minute drive from the school, turned out to possibly longer due to weather reports of ice on the roads and a few minutes stall time to put the chains on the tires. After Rapid had Pinkie and Sonata decide amongst themselves as to who would take shotgun, Pinkie agreed to flip a coin to see who would sit there and on the way back. The coin seemed to favor Pinkie sitting in the back with Rapid the first go-around and have Sonata sit with him on the way back. Pinkie jumped up and down in excitement, almost forgetting that shaking the car while it was on icy roads probably wasn’t the best idea. Meanwhile, a much quieter scene was unfolding in the front seat with Sonata and Stalwart. Either way, seeing that their ride was going to be delayed; both groups made the most of their time in their own way, as the private, soundproof shade effectively divided the two sections. “Yes Mrs. Sonata, as you can clearly see; this car’s one of the most high-end all-terrain vehicles of its time. All purpose tires, amazing torque/mpg ratio, all-wheel-drive; and even all the bells and whistles you young bucks can dream of.” Stalwart bragged, clearly proud of the machine he piloted. “Does it make tacos, too?!?” Sonata asked excitedly, curious as to what exactly the limit was for the car they were in. Stalwart let out a hearty, good-natured chuckle in response. “Not quite that impressive, but it can tell you wear the nearest restaurant or stand is based off of review ratings, vegan-options, comments from your social media...” Stalwart explained, before being quickly interrupted by a joyfully squealing Sonata Dusk. “OMGoodness, SLAM THE FRONT DOOR!!!” she yelled, almost loud enough to catch the driver off guard. However, being experienced as he was; he was able to shrug off the noise and keep his focus on the road. “Sorry,” she awkwardly apologized, “It’s just that I really love tacos!!! They’re my favorite basic food group for realsies ever!!! 😁😁” Stalwart couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s quite alright, Sonata. Rapid’s little brother was the same way when he was around.” Stalwart chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Sonata, on the other hand, turned her head towards him, with a more serious, searching gaze on her face. “Wait. Was around?” she asked, sympathetically. Hoping that nothing too bad happened to Rapid. She didn't mind not knowing some things until it was time, and was content to let Rapid be the one setting the pace. But sometimes, she also couldn’t help but wonder what went on behind the scenes of other’s lives. Not knowing what else to say, Stalwart softly and solemnly said, “I’m sure he’d rather tell you the whole story himself when he’s ready, but his family died in a horrible accident.” This made Sonata’s heart start to crack. How could she have possibly guessed that this was going on inside her idol’s heart and soul? “Oh no. That must be totally be not so goodsies for him.” she consoled, hoping that she didn’t greatly upset the driver. She turned to gaze out the window thoughtfully for a few minutes, then turned back to the driver, who wore a friendly smile on his face. “It’s alright, Sonata. That’s why I’m glad he has such great friends.” he replied, then he smirked, “Speaking of, some little birdy’s been telling me that you have quite a thing for my boy Rapid Crest, am I right?” At that, Sonata became her normal, cheery self once again. “Only always!!!” she cheered, ecstatically and joyfully, “I know I sound like a creeper when I’m around him, but he’s got the most amazaingest, pure heart I have ever seen. And of course he has the cutest passion about him that just brightens up the room. Oh, and also, he’s just the greatest, no, the bestiest when it comes to how he treats the people around him...” 30 Minutes Later... While Sonata and Stalwart were chatting around up front, Pinkie and Rapid were checking their phones to find some terrible news. “Aw nuts, I should have known this would happen.” Rapid moaned, as both he and Pinkie checked their texts. “Well, at least our friends decided to stay home where it’s nice, warm and safe instead of possibly wrecking their cars and getting into accidents and us having to show up in the hospital and...” Pinkie’s repetitive rambling was interrupted by Rapid putting a finger to her lips. “Ok, I get it, Pinks.” he huffed out of annoyance, “I’d rather my friends be safe too; but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck that they can’t come.” Pinkie just looked out the window empathetically, “Yeah, you do have a point there.” she said, feeling for her friend. She then perked up, “Well look on the bright side though, it’ll be you, me, Sonata and Stalwart alltogether at the Corner!!! ” “First off, Stalwart agreed to pick us up because it was on his way to the Sporting Goods Convention in Fillydelphia for the next few days.” Rapid replied, matter of factly, “And second, I hardly even know Sonata. Besides, doesn’t this seem a little too much like a ‘date’ setting to you?” he asked, nervously. Pinkie simply chuckled at that statement. “Oh Rapid, you can be verrrrrrrry silly sometimes, you know that?” Pinkie informed, “It doesn’t have to be a date when there’s three of us around, ri-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ght? Besides, this is the PERFECT chance for you to get to know Sonata better. I mean, that is why Stalwart sent those challenges to you, ri-i-i-i-i-i-ight, Rapid? ”Rapid just stared at her, completely confused, “Wait, how did you know that...” he started, then let his demeanor go from flustered to calm as he stared at his friend’s small, closed-mouth, yet smiling and welcoming face so that he could let the situation de-escelate around him. “Oh I get it now, you heard into our little conversation on the phone earlier. Didn’t you?” Pinkie simply smirked. “Well there’s that...” Pinkie confirmed, “and the fact that I’ve seen forces that are about 5’9, skinny-fat, amazing intellect...” Moving on, now... “What are you babbling about, this time?!” Rapid asked, calmly yet confused about yet another one of his friend’s seemingly random ramblings about a “creator”. Pinkie just shrugged. “Oh, nothing.” Pinkie innocently claimed. “But you probably should tell Sonata the news real quick.” She reminded. “Ah, right. Thanks for the reminder, Pinkie-Pie.” he thanked, slightly embarrassed that in his stress about Sonata, he neglected to be as sharp and concise as he normally was. He deeply exhaled the negative stress inside of him, then refocused on making the most of this, more or less, unplanned situation. After explaining the change of plans to Sonata and Stalwart, everything was finally set. Stalwart offered to leave Rapid the car and that he could just get a Hoofer to get to the airport; but Rapid told him that he could summon the Silver Stallion to take his friends back to their houses so that he wouldn’t have to worry about it. After the two agreed about the deal, Stalwart gave Rapid a warm hug and told him that he should be home within a couple days. He then went over to Rapid’s friends. “Well, hope you two have fun tonight. Promise to keep my boy Rapid out of trouble, alright?” Stalwart asked, with a teasing tone in his voice. “Sure thing, Stalwart sir!!!” Pinkie-Pie affirmed, with a small soldier salute. Contrastingly, Sonata just simply nodded along with Pinkie. “Alright then, have a great time my lovelies.” he said, first giving Pinkie a hug and then spinning her around for a loop. Then he walked over to Sonata for a hug as well. She initially back away, still feeling a bit anxious about the whole ordeal. “Hey, it’s gonna be all right, Sonata darling.” he said tenderly, “Just enjoy yourself tonight, and if you wanna ask my boy Rapid some questions or try knowing him better, I say go for it. Nothing bad’s gonna happen if you sit still; but that’s just gonna mean nothing’s gonna happen at all.” Sonata had to let out a small giggle at that statement, then hugged Stalwart as he sent himself out back to the car to leave for the airport. While her time with Stalwart definitely helped calm her nerves, and it did help her with information about her Rapid; that didn’t mean that she wasn’t nervous nonetheless. Still, it was fun to enjoy the opportunity to hang out with what would hopefully be two very close friends. Though, in her heart, she was hoping that one would eventually become closer than the other. “No no, Sonata” she scolded internally to herself. “You can’t even think about that until you win a chance to become friends with him!!!” “You two ready to go in?” Rapid asked politely, holding the door open for both of them. “Come on, Sonata. It’ll be fun.” Pinkie encouraged. Sonata walked through with her; but it became obvious that their two airs were different; with Pinkie’s being one quick with joy, while Sonata’s was quick out of nervous anticipation. Finally, the three friends were ready to settle in and eat. Luckily for Rapid, he found three booth seats right in front of the ice-cream parlor part of the store. “OooooohIjustremembered!!! Ihavetocoverafriend’sshifttodaybecauseshehadtogoto, uh... thedoctor, yeah!!! It’sliterallyonlyforonehourbecauseIcoveredherotheronesearlierandIalsoaccidentallyleftmywalletinthefridge!!! See ya!!! ” Before Rapid could say, “Pinkie, get back here!!!” her friend already ducked behind the employees desk, giggling all the way. “Why would you leave your wallet in the fridge?!” Rapid asked out loud, both ticked off at his friend’s “excuse” that left him and Sonata alone. “Wait. How could you understand what she’s saying?” Sonata asked, clearly impressed and baffled at the same time. Rapid just shrugged in response. “Well, when you get to be good friends with somebody; you just know them to the point where you kinda get everything they’re saying. Even when it sounds a little, well... Pinkie.” Rapid then tried to explain. It wasn’t that Sonata wasn’t at all interested in what Rapid was saying. Quite the opposite, actually. She was just into Rapid himself. The way that his eyes were like reflective mirrors in which she can see the very best of the two of them, the way he calmly explained things to his friends, the way he... “Nonono, focus now, Sonata!!!” she scolded herself internally, attempting to show more dignity and respect. Luckily, she actually did hear what Rapid said amidst the lovestruck nonsense so she could respond. “Oh yeah, that makes sense.” she agreed, “I wish more people were more like that in general. Wanting to get to know people instead of make the worst possible assumptions about them.” Sonata rambled, then facepalmed in frustration. If there was something else other than being a love-centered mess that she didn’t want to be tonight, it was to be an overtly open book. “I mean, heh-heh-heh...” she quickly and awkwardly recovered, not knowing how else to respond. Rapid just chuckled and smiled, “It’s alright, I get what you mean. It’s great that you’re wanting to turn over a new leaf after all this time. I just hope others will see it soon too.” This was one of Rapid’s many abilities, being able to find out what exactly the best thing to say in “clutch” situations when they arise. He thoroughly analyzed Sonata, who seemed to be at ease with that statement. While he himself was tense with the two being together; he knew that this was also the perfect opportunity to help lead Sonata into the right path and hopefully she would be strong enough on her own later down the line. “Awe gee, thanks Rapid.” Sonata gratefully responded. She couldn’t help but blush slightly at the compliment. “Speaking of, there’s something I wanted to ask you, Sonata.” Rapid asked calmly, quickly shuffling which of the many questions he had for Sonata. “Oh, of course.” Sonata responded. She was nervous about which of the many questions that Rapid might have had for her (or how few, knowing her undesirable past) “I know that you’ve only been to this school for a couple of months, and I know that you’ve been following me like a hawk...” Rapid started, but then was interrupted by a re-nerved Sonata. “Oh, it’s the stalking, isn’t it?!” Sonata asked jitterishly. Rapid couldn’t help but sigh. “No, that’s not it at all.” Rapid tried to reassure her; but you might as well have tossed an oil tanker before Sonata’s eyes and she wouldn’t have lost her concentration in her rambling. “Look, I’m so very sorry about the stalking; but I just want you to know that I like you very very much and...” “Sonata?” “... and I think that you’re super awesome, you’re funny, you play awesome sports and you’re this completely awesome...” “Sonata?!” “...guy. Not that nobody else is awesome, and I know that you don’t like bragging or anything like that; but you just gotta know that I...” Rapid knew that he had to get Sonata’s attention fast, so he went in for a quick hug and massaged her shoulders, then released. Hoping that Sonata would calm down a bit. If this was going to be one of the probably many times he was going to hang out with Sonata, he at least wanted to get a few basic questions out of the way beforehand so that he would know a little more about what to expect. “Sorry. I just get SO excited when I see you.” Sonata apologized, trying to scoot past her inherent awkwardness. Rapid just put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine, Sonata.” he gently affirmed, “Now, back to what I was trying to ask you. How did you first find out about me?” he namesakedly asked, before Sonata drove her train off the rails again. He was relieved to discover that, while she wasn’t nervous, anxious or agitated as she was before; she was still excited to answer. “Oh, that’s supeity-dupity easyios. 😁😁😁 So right after I enrolled in the school, I wanted to see if there was anyone else out there I could be friends with and that actually wanted to be friendly with. Except not too many people wanted to be around me because of my past and everything; I didn’t even wanna think about asking the Rainbooms after all of those shenanigans I pulled on them. Then I saw this random poster for a community taco drive for the Donation Center, and when I went to help with that, I took a look at the boss and I was all like, ‘Uh, that dude looks familiar...’” Sonata rambled, as Rapid honed in and listened with intentional detail, “So I find the closest tolerable co-worker I found, I think her name was Fizzlepop Berrytwist” “Oh, I know her. She helps me with community projects every once in a while and we get together sometimes on the weekends.” Rapid briefly interrupted, in remembrance. “Yeah,” Sonata resumed, “Anyhow, she told me that the boss’s name was Rapid Crest and that he was like, the coolest guy ever. 😄😄😄” “Oh she did, did she?” Rapid asked, playfully; letting the delight of the moment overcome him. “Yeah,” she affirmed, but then struggled for words. She knew that whatever she would say next could alter her chances at friendship, much less what she secretly desired for her and Rapid. “It’s just... I really wish everyone knew how awesome you are.” Although Rapid was very beloved Canterlot High; Sonata’s statement was correct. Popularity, a very good thing for those who use it responsibly, was mainly given to Rapid’s good friends, The Rainbooms. Besides being at the school longer than Rapid; the success by his friends was very well-deserved. But unlike most people who would’ve been jealous or envious in these scenarios; Rapid was genuinely content with the status he had, and felt honored and privileged to be a friend of the Rainbooms and a member of Canterlot High. It was for these reasons that he wanted to help give back to his new home city of Canterlot; especially after what happened to his family, helped solidify already concrete core values of service, community, humility and gratitude. “I don’t know about that, Sonata.” Rapid explained, playful yet genuine, “I’ve got great friends in the Rainbooms, I got great sets of friends in class, I’ve got great people in the community. Plus, this funny little fangirl who keeps following me around.” he puncuated, which rewarded him with a slight blush from his sweet little fan. “So yeah, I think I’m good.” he confirmed, with the sort of gleam in his eye that would have made you think that he was currently on a luscious, warm, tropical beach with an iced-lemonade in a fancy glass in his hand with the sunset gleaming over him with the calming sounds of gentle waves crashing over the crest of the sandy beach. He was still thinking about sandy beaches, when Sonata let out an adorable squeal. Rapid awoke from his dream to see himself with a literal lemonade in his hand, a beach hat on his head, and Pinkie-Pie offering him a small wave before quickly ducking back behind the booth. The two friends both couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, Pinkie.” he sighed in sarcastic annoyance before giggling again. Author's Note Well, I’m gonna leave this chapter here. I hope that everyone’s having a Happy Holidays and that they’re really enjoying this story. So next chapter, it’s Rapid’s turn to get a deeper look into Sonata’s life; and hopefully, some scars will be healed from Sonata’s past. Until then; Keep Loving, Keep Edifying, and KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP LoveandEdifying. See ya on the next chapter.
Chapter 3: A Truth Worth Seeking...A Song Worth Singing... Chapter 3: A Truth Worth Seeking... Sonata Dusk’s POV Oh my goshiness!!! This actually turned out to be the very bestest day of my life!!! And there’s gonna be a lot more of them too!!! Turns out Rapid was every bit of nice of a guy as I thought he was; genuine, kind, benevolent... *sigh* What else could there be? Oh yeah, sorry. Totsilly spaced out on you all for a sec. I kinda knew this about Rapid Crest from my first time stalking him; but the guy is very very rich. I know, right?! And I’m really excited for him!!! 😁😁😁 Only... my sisters and I were very wealthy and successful for a while too. And that was by stealing and turning people against each other. 😞😞 But nope, nope, nope. Never gonna be that Sonata Dusk ever again. My Past Is Not Today!!! 😁😁😁 (Now where have I heard that one before? 🤔🤔🤔) Ugh!!! I keep spacing out. Anyway, I feel a bit terrible for him too. It just seems that nobody wants to talk about the great things he brings to the community. I mean, the guy is rich and successful in more than the money sense of the word; but he acts like he doesn’t need any of it. As if it literally were pieces of green paper and small metal coin-like coinsy-type things. Like they’re nothing. He seems to be happy without all the things he has; yet he also seems to be very grateful for all he does. Not just the stuff he earned like the businesses, the cars, the sponsorship deals, the stocks and bondages (sorry, I could never understand financy-type words 😂😂😂); but he seems to invest more in the things that money can’t buy. Here’s an exemplary for ya... so one time he builds this sleek brand new car that he found and brought parts for, and at the same time, his school’s about to cancel their academic decathlon trip because most of the funds were going to the basketball team going to their own tournament. So get this; he holds out of practice, he gets the whole team to hold out of practice until the school got their fundings and priorities squared away, and guess who made a deal with the coach to give half of their funds away because the two of them were close friends and they both saw where it was going wrong?! Rip-Roaring Rapid Crest, that’s who!!! 😁😁😁 STILL not enough for you?!? He sells the car he made for around $750,000 (which funds the team’s trip to the State Championship); oh and by the way, this all happened when he was 13 in his second-to-last year in Bostallion, while he was in their MIDDLE school. MIND... wait for it, BLOWN!!! *sighs dreamily* The more I follow him; the less I see him for the things he has and the things he does, but more for who he is. That’s not to say that it isn’t cool that he’s got all of these awesome things he does; they’re great. But unlike those people (like my sisters and I at one point) who are better than everyone else because of the abilities, toys, gifts, whatever that it overshadows them as a person; it’s the exact opposite with him. Everybody else might just see what he does; but I’ll promise to let him know that I love him for more than that. No, I’ll Pinkie-Promise him that. Let’s see... how does that go? Hmmm... Cross my Heart, Hope To... Hope To...? 🤔🤔🤔 Oh well, I’ll ask Pinkie later. 😁😁😁 Normal P.O.V. All things considered, things started off very well between Sonata and Rapid. Rapid had to admit that Sonata was way more of a pleasant “date” than he had assumed earlier. It was true that she was very bubbly; but, in surprise to him, she was actually focused and sympathetic when he eased in a few more serious topics. Most of their conversation was light-hearted and served as a bit more of an ice-breaker in theme. And although he wisely discerned that he shouldn’t veer his conversation to super-serious matters yet; yet when he did decide that he should test those waters, Sonata swam through them with grace and understanding. “I think the night turned out well, wouldn’t you agree, Sonata?” Rapid asked, while tapping a few apps on his phone. Sonata didn't seem to hear Rapid’s question; for she seemed to be starring at the moon and the stars, as if the very constellations replayed their night together. “Sonata?” she heard a voice softly call out to her. “Hmmm? Oh, sorry Rapid. I guess I was just daydreaming again. What were you saying there?” Sonata asked in reply. She then turned to see Rapid laughing at something. She turned away in embarrassment, hoping that she didn’t say or do anything that could have turned a favorable night out into an embarrassing one. “Sorry,” Rapid apologized, slowly ceasing his laughter, “it’s just that you said you were daydreaming and it’s the middle of the night.” Sonata looked around her and did indeed finally recollect herself to remember where she was and what time of day it was as well. She laughed softly herself, “I guess I did deserve that kind of laughter, eh Rapid?” she asked. She then noticed that Rapid now had a hand on her shoulder. “No, you were great. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you like that back there; I just couldn’t help myself.” he apologized. Sonata was about to put a hand over Rapid’s shoulder; but as if her body were possessed by some crazy-love portion of her brain, she kissed him on the cheek instead. Rapid looked at Sonata not with anger or disappointment, but rather caught off guard and taken aback. Sonata just couldn’t help but back away slightly, give a small smile and blush profusely. “Awe yeah, woohoo!!! I knew you could do it, Sonata Dusk!!! ” a familiar voice called out, snapping the two of them out of their trances. They turned to see the familiar voice of Pinkie-Pie; now out of her work uniform and back into her regular clothes from just a few minutes ago. “Hey Pinkie-Pie, how was ‘work?’” Rapid asked, partially sarcastic yet genuinely interested. Pinkie quickly walked over to them. “Oh, it was great. I’m really sorry for bailing out on you two. But my other friend really needed help and I couldn’t just leave them hanging, you know?” Pinkie explained quickly, though not as fast as she could due to her knowing that Sonata wasn’t well kept up on Pinkie-speed as Rapid was. “Neither do I, Pinkie.” Rapid replied, giving his friends a confident smirk and a wink. “Neither do you, what?” Sonata asked in confusion. She turned to Pinkie-Pie, who simply jumped up and down with her eyes closed and a big smile on her face in excitement. Sonata noticed that her new friend was almost about to land on a slippery patch of ice, but before she could even turn to help her, Pinkie’s hair turned into a parachute and she landed a couple of steps away from the icy patch. “How do you do...” Sonata’s question to figure out Pinkie’s, well... Pinkie-ness was interrupted by Pinkie rapidly (no pun intended) turned her body around to show her the luscious piece of machinery that was in front of them. “Are you two gonna flip for shotgun again?” Rapid asked his friends playfully. Before Sonata could respond, she noticed that she was being bridal-style carried by Pinkie and then slammed into the shotgun seat (although it felt more like a mother gently putting down her baby in a carseat, for some reason. ) “Nope, we’re all goody-two-shoe-goodily-good-good-Raritying to go!!! ” Pinkie affirmed. “Good.” Rapid happily affirmed, as the roaring smooth engine of the car started by itself. “Let’s enjoy the ride.” A good 15 minutes later... “So let me get this straight... you made this when you were 14?!?” Sonata asked. “Yup.” Rapid verified. “Using broken parts that would have otherwise been scrapped?!?” she asked again. “Yep.” Rapid told her nonchalantly. “And not only did you make all the tech yourself; but it was all powered by a new element you discovered and created yourself when you were merely 4 years old?!? 😁😁😁” “Eeyup.” Rapid stated in monotone, clearly bored with the unnecessary praise he was recieving. “Wow!!! 😁😁😁 You’re SO awesome, Rapid!!! ImeanIknowIkeepsayingthisandIknowthatyouprobablyneverhearitenoughbutyou’reSOOOOOOOO...” “ENOUGH!!!” Rapid yelled, with his patience starting to wear thin. He grasped his hands to the wheel and attempted to refrain from sobbing. Sonata on the other hand, didn’t refrain from doing what she thought was right. She gently massaged Rapid’s back and held the steering wheel to keep them on the road. “Sshhhh, I’m sorry I overwhelmed you like that. It’s ok, Rapid. No more crazy fan talk, ok?” As if on cue, Rapid put his eyes back on the road. Sonata clearly saw some kind of anguish and pain in his eyes that she had never expected to see out of eyes like his. She sympathized with him, as she knew that everyone had their secrets. She had secrets, the quote-unquote “perfect” Rainbooms had secrets. Everyone had secrets they wanted to hide. For some reason. She had yet to meet someone who was perfect and had no evil whatsoever; and Rapid was the closest thing she found to that person. Regardless of the secrets, she learned that the least and the best deserved love. Not because of anything special, but that they just did. That was why she left the Dazzlings. That was why she loved Rapid Crest. And tonight, even though she saw cracks in him for the first time; she still vowed to treat him as a masterpiece. Because he was Rapid Crest. And because she was Sonata Dusk. And because no other reason was needed. 10 minutes later... “Hey Sonata, you said where you lived was the Sidebrook Complex, am I right?” Rapid asked, putting a hand on Sonata while he pulled over on the side of a small two-way road heading towards where his new friend lived. Although Sonata was very tired from the night’s ordeal, she stayed awake enough to soak in every moment with Rapid. “Wait, I didn’t tell you where I li...” Sonata’s exclamation was interrupted by Rapid putting a finger to her mouth. They turned to see their exhausted friend Pinkie-Pie, looking as if she was knocked out after a prizefight. And the way she “attempted” to put the two together, she must’ve thought that her two friends were “knockouts” for each other, if you catch my drift. “How did you find out where I lived?” Sonata asked more quietly, but still not any less shocked. Rapid turned to face her and smirked. “Hacked Biometrics. I programmed a software program into an old laptop computer I had lying around to research the human body and data to theorize how to maximize the potential in every human out there. The commercial goal of it would be to have the device shipped out to doctors to help them analyze patients with brain traumas, neurological disorders, destroy existing cancer cells and prevent new ones from happening... that sort of stuff.” Sonata looked like she was about to burst again before Rapid quickly interrupted her, “However, there’s a reason I haven’t sent that work to anybody. You see, anybody who wants to use this technology can obviously use it to help people in third-world countries that would desperately need it; but some other doctor can use it to become the dumbest person alive due to greed and power-lust.” “Uh, what does this have to do with how you found out where I lived?” Sonata asked gently, trying to get back on topic. “Ah yes, sorry...” Rapid quickly apologized, with both of them looking away from each other and blushing; then taking a few moments of awkward silence before resuming. “You see, I made a special genetic version of the software that can be converted from computer coding to human genetics.” “Simply put, I can obtain any information I need from a human by looking at them directly or touching them. Kinda like a dollar-store Sunset-Shimmer.” Sonata quaked slowly in her chair, afraid of the possibility of yet another power-crazed demon amongst Canterlot High. She wasn’t there when Sunset Shimmer, the resident former-bully of Canterlot High, started to use magical powers to take over Canterlot High and reform with help of the Humane 6; but was witness to what Sunset was capable of as she was the leading catalyst of how the Rainbooms beat the Dazzlings in a magical battle of the bands. Whether she wanted to admit it or not; fear was the sole reason that she wanted to start her own reformation. But not just fear of Sunset. Fear itself. Fear of her unintentionally slipping up on her journey, fear that everyone would make a mockery of her for her past and fear that no one would even consider her worthy of their lives. In spite of the fear; the youngest Dazzling wanted to be good from the get-go, but didn’t know where or how to put her own foot in the ground until after the Battle Of The Bands. She didn’t want to reveal that part of her past of Rapid just yet, but she probably had it revealed anyway through the bio-metric scan. “Is something wrong, Sonata?” Rapid asked. He must’ve sensed her uneasiness about everything because she saw sympathy, rather than judgement in his eyes. At least she hoped it was sympathy anyway, and not some false sense of security that would fail her later. She took a deep breath, “Nothing for you to worry about. Let’s just say that Sunset Shimmer and I, we haven’t had it easy in the past.” As if a light were just flipped on, he remembered that it was to the Rainbooms that her sister’s band ended up losing to in the epic Battle Of The Bands, and that Sunset Shimmer was the one who had lead them to victory. Although he knew of the story of the Battle Of The Bands due to him first transferring the week after that chaotic battle, he didn't really get anyone’s real perspective of the battle, aside from Sunset’s. Now seeing from the opposite side of the playing field, he must have figured that (judging by her reaction) she must have been extremely traumatized by the whole ordeal. “I forgot that you’re friends with Sunset too,” she confessed, fighting to prevent tears from coming out, “I hope that you don’t think I’m a bad person.” she sobbed, her hands covering her face as she said so. Although Sonata’s voice was cracked and muffled through her sobs, Rapid was able to hear and deduce everything just fine. He waited to see if Sonata would spill any more information for him. She did not. “She must be stronger than she realizes.” Rapid mentally observed. He was instantly running through the best responses, verbal and nonverbal alike, to choose what would hopefully help heal her; or at the very least, give him some more information from her side of the battle. “Can you do me a favor, Sonata?” he asked tenderly. He saw her turn with bleeding scars from her past, coupling with the literal tears that she had failed to restrain in the present, streaking down her face and down to the front neck collar of her shirt. She whimpered and nodded in response. “If you’re worried about what Sunset and the others might think of you; leave them to me. I know we just met; so I’m not expecting that I would earn your trust 100% after today. But...” he took deep breaths, mentally preparing himself for what he was going to propose, “just give them a chance, like you gave me a chance.” Apparently, somebody needed to think of bringing an axe, a chainsaw or even a laser for these brief few minutes of silence. But oh how brief they were. For, a few seconds later, Rapid felt a hand gently massage his back. He turned to see Sonata with a gentle smile on her face, and the crystal pools in her eyes beckoning, as if to tell him that everything was going to be more than alright. “Rapid Aqua Crest, did you ever think for a moment that maybe you’re not the one who needs to worry about everything?” she asked, firmly yet calming. Rapid wanted to process, but everything was coming too quick. Sonata wanted to know what to say; but she knew she couldn’t think quick enough. There was only one way this could go. Autopilot. With the rapids flowing smoothly. “Maybe you don’t understand everything I’ve gone through; and that’s ok. I’ll never think of you any less of a person for it. Cross my heart, hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye.” as she went through the motions of the promise, she heard Rapid chuckle slightly. She couldn’t help but giggle at her friend being so happy; but she also gave herself a fist-pump for remembering that confusing catchphrase. “Point is, it’s not you who’d have to face Sunset. It’s me. It’s not you who needs to own up to their mistakes. It’s me. But Rapid,” she paused. before continuing, mentally processing what she was about to say next, “you can’t expect to know everyone’s problems. Or solve them right away. But that’s ok. Sometimes all you need to do is just be there when I do need you. Ok? No pressure.” Rapid couldn’t help but stare, surprised yet impressed, at her selflessness. He seemed to have been off by miles and not have even known it. He knew that it was only a few hours; yet something out there in the back of his mind was calling him. A more... childish thing, if you will. Like as if these past few hours were all that Sonata should need to prove herself. Normally, he would wonder where these emotions of peace and assurance in something that was only tested for such a short amount of time. Only this time, it wasn’t knowledge that served as how he would know best. It was faith. And he was now beginning to realize it. “Uh, are you alright there, Rapid?” Sonata asked, confused as to why he seemed to be in another dimension at the moment. Rapid turned and gave Sonata Dusk a gentle hug in response. While she was caught off guard by it, Sonata wasn’t at all ungrateful as she warmly accepted his embrace. The Next Day “Wait, you’re doing what now?!?” Sunset Shimmer asked, shocked at Rapid’s idea. She and Rapid, along with Sunset’s boyfriend (who was also Rapid’s best male friend, Solid Streak) met at Sunset’s house to discuss the plans for a big surprise that Rapid proposed for Sonata Dusk. “I don’t know, the idea sounds pretty great to me. Especially with a guy like Rapid who has all the resources in the world and then some.” Solid rebutted with a sly remark. “Right, because that’s all I’m ever good for.” Rapid quipped back sarcastically. Sunset sighed in annoyance at the boys’ antics. “Well, I definitely know your heart’s in the right place, Rapid. Sonata could really use some friends right now and we’ll be more than happy to be that for her. But are you sure she needs this other big idea?” she asked, not wanting to knock down her friend’s noble intentions but still keep the ever-flowing Rapid somewhat dammed (not that kind of--- you know.) “I’ve seen the conditions she’s been in, Sunset,” Rapid gently affirmed, “and I’ve already done all the research and requested a leave of absence from Principal Celestia. I don’t just think it’s a good idea; I believe it’s the right thing to do. And I need your help.” he humbly petitioned to his two friends. Sunset and Solid looked at each other, considering all that Rapid proposed and then nodded. “Count us in, Rapid.” Sunset approved, with her boyfriend nodding before walking to the fridge to get some orange-juice. “Two questions though. What’s the surprise, and what do you need us to do?” Author's Note Well, just like Sunset; you’ll all figure out what the surprise is in the next chapter. Shout-out to Sunset_sparkle for bringing this story to my attention. This part of the story had a few different variants to it before deciding on this particular take. Sunset Shimmer will be important in Sonata’s development throughout the rest of this story. I hope you all will enjoy it. If you’re looking for other stories to read during QuaranTime. Here’s my other stories on FimFiction: Fully Healed and Waxing and Waning Also, here’s a hint of a new story I will have upcoming. 🐉🐘🐅🦌🦇🦎 Not convinced? Yeah, they didn’t give me the appropriate emojis for this one. Try this one. 💚🖤💛💙💖🔴 No? Yeah, I really hate how limited the emoji range is on this site. Alright, let’s go to way deep into the grid to see if you can guess now. Yep, new story series coming soon. Looking forward to it, as well as this story. 😁😁😁 StayStrong in these tough times; and as always, Keep Loving, Keep Edifying and KEEEEEEEP LoveandEdifying. See ya next chap.
