After a bit of self motivation and a cold shower, Zipp went to the main room of the lighthouse to let her friends know her final decision.

"So… why the sudden change of heart?" Hitch asked.

"You… probably wouldn't believe me if I told you." Zipp sighed.

"Try us." Pipp laughed. "Don't forget. We spent a long time believing some crazy stuff about each other before Sunny brought us together."

Shrugging, Zipp took a deep breath. "I've been seeing an old stallion appearing and disappearing all day. And every time he wanted me to sing the song mentioned in that old book. And when I went to my room he finally told me what the song was."

"And… wait…" Pipp gasped. "You mean… it's that one?" Seeing Zipp nod she asked. "Are you going to sing it using your name or hers?"

"He… never told me who she was… so… my name I guess." Zipp shrugged.

"Well if we're going to do this. We should do it right." Pipp announced.

"Please don't tell me…"

Just then the door to the lighthouse flew open as two ponies stepped in cheering in unison "MAKEOVER!!!!"

Zipp groaned and hung her head before submitting to her fate hoping to come out of this without too many mental scars.

A few hours later, Hitch and the girls were back in town where a stage overlooking the ocean was ready for the singing contest. And from the sounds the crowd made, the group could tell they were eager for the show to begin.

After a short speech from Sunny and Pipp about the event and how this year each tribe brought a little of how they separated it. The singing began.

Zipp took several deep breaths as she peeked out from behind the curtain and gasped before the idea for a quick retreat popped into her mind.

"What's the matter sis?" Pipp asked, seeing her sister.

"Mom's here. I thought she'd be at home running the year's event, as usual." Zipp explained. "I can't go out like this and sing that."

"You have nothing to worry about." Hitch announced as he trotted over with a confident smile. "I took care of it."

Zipp knew Hitch meant well. But if there's one thing she knew about her mom. It was that she tended to take things out of context. Especially when it came to comments about her daughter's. ESPECIALLY if a stallion said it. "Hitch. You lovable dumbass." She thought with a sigh.

"Hitch?" Pipp asked. "What exactly did you say to our mom?"

"That Zipp was going to sing the song she sang to you… and that you looked amazing in your costume… and I can't wait to hear your amazing voice." He replied as the two sisters facehoofed.

"Pipp?"

"On it." Pipp sighed before trotting out to try and avoid disaster.

"Hitch." Zipp sighed. "You do realize my mom likely thinks you have feelings for me… right?"

"Of course I do. You're my friend." He laughed.

"I mean that you have a crush on me." Zipp corrected. "You know. Like you want me to be your marefriend."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" He asked.

Zipp blinked in shock. "Wait… you're kidding right? But what about Sunny?"

"We've been childhood friends for ages. She's practically my sister." He laughed. "Besides, you and Pipp have a special kind of beauty that I can't get enough of."

Zipp blinked a few times before replying. "You should definitely tell my sister that stuff. I… I should really focus on getting ready for my turn on stage." She said as she quickly turned to move to a relatively safe distance. "Besides… no offense. But after that mess with you going rule crazy…"

"Oh… right." He laughed nervously. "Well. Hopefully you can be ready soon. It's almost your turn."

Once he left, she took a few deep breaths and moved into position to perform.

As the currents opened she heard her sister finishing the introduction as the music started to play. The sound of soft violins and flutes filled her ears and brought her back to when she heard her mother sing. Reminding her of every word and note.

As she began to sing, she knew the song would call him. But to her surprise… she was… at peace with it. She knew he would return. And if she was right about the book and song was true. He would come for her.

"My name is Zephyrina. A princess young and pure…" She sang, knowing she changed the words a bit. She needed to. She needed HIM to hear it. To know this wasn't just HIS song. It WAS theirs. And now… it's her's.

As she took a breath ready to finish, her ear twitched as a voice reached her. One that seemed to be coming from the fog.

"I am the prince of thousands. But none I rule this land…" came the reply.

She froze as her eyes widened in shock. He was there? When? How? Did he come when she started? Was it the first verse? She had so many questions. But to her surprise was one that was quickly answered. They didn't hear him.

The crowd cheered as she gave a bow before quickly moving backstage. Her heart raced with every step. Fear? Anticipation? Why? Why did his voice have this effect on her?

Lost in her thoughts, Zipp didn't notice her friends as they gathered around her cheering her performance.

"Zipp? You ok?"

"No… I'm not OK, Pipp…" Zipp replied breathlessly as she looked up at her sister with terror filled eyes. "I just called an ancient pirate to Maretime Bay."

Author's Note

Now that's a cliffhanger. Lol