>Adagio sat up in her bed with an irritated sigh.

>She looked over at the bed across the room.

>"Aria? Are you awake?"

>Aria groaned. Not a tired kind of groan, but more of a moody, pissed off groan.

>"What?"

>"..Can't sleep either, huh?"

>Aria rolled onto her back.

>"For the first time in several hundred years, no. I can't."

>Adagio looked down at the bedding.

>"Let me guess..."

>The two looked at one another before speaking at the same time.

>"Sonata."

>"That's... Kind of scary, Adagio."

>Adagio chuckled softly.

>"I guess great minds think a like. Do you think she's okay?"

>Aria grumbled and turned on her side again.

>She didn't respond.

>Adagio got out of bed.

>"Where are you going?"

>"I'll just be right back. The little pony's room is calling."

>"Fine, whatever.."

>You fling yourself forward as you jump awake.

>You're breathing heavily.

>You look to your left.

>Sonata is sprawled out, half out of her sleeping bag, just snoring away.

>To your right is Fluttershy and Sunset.

>Sunset looks like she slept on her face most of the night, drool being on her pillow.

>Fluttershy was turned away from everyone.

>You couldn't explain the feeling of dread, but that dream just... There was no way that it meant nothing.

>Since daylight has already broken, you decide to get up for the day.

>Walking outside of the tent, you're greeted by Applejack.

>"Well howdy partner. Nice ta see yer up early. Sleep well?"

>You nod.

"Yeah, it was a pretty good sleep, I suppose."

>Applejack looked at you questioningly.

>"Somethin' on yer mind, partner?"

>You shrug.

"It's nothing. Just some dream."

>"Alright. If yer going into the house watch out fer the.."

>You trip over something.

>"...Kindling..."

>Today was just going to be great... You could feel it in your bones.

>Oh wait, that's just pain.

>>2026348220263482 (You)

>You and Applejack sat by the fire pit.

>Applejack wanted to show you something, but said it had to wait until the others were up.

>You wondered why that was...

>Looking down at your mug, your morning coffee was a little lack-luster today.

>You grumble softly.

>Applejack looked at you.

>"So, wanna talk about what happened last night?"

"Last night? Oh, nothing. Just got stuffed into a pile of girls all night."

>Applejack laughed.

>"Ah'm sure y'all must've had a fun time."

"Actually, it was kind of..."

>Suddenly your tent started to rattle and move.

>Seconds later a screaming Sonata charged out of the tent and straight toward you.

>She trips and falls against your chair, causing you to spill your coffee into the fire pit.

>You went along with it, getting a face full of ash.

>You cough.

"....Good morning to you too, Sonata."

>"O-oh, Anon I... um... Sorry.."

>Applejack fell backward in her chair from laughing so hard.

>"Woah nelly, that's one way ta greet someone!"

>You sit up and dust yourself off.

"Mind explaining what that was about?"

>Sonata pranced a bit in place, looking scared.

>"I thought I felt the hook on my shoulder again..!"

>You remember last night's stories and roll your eyes.

>You look at Applejack whom in turn shrugged.

>"Rainbow was in mah tent all night. Haven't seen her out yet."

>You get up.

"Alright, let's go and see what this... Hook really is."

>You and Sonata look around the tent. No branches. No sign of anything tearing into it...

>You poke your blackened face into the tent.

>Sunset was now on her back.

>She probably flipped over and hit Sonata.

"It was nothing, Sonata... Just... Go sit by Applejack for now. I need to wash my face."

>You look down at your empty mug.

"And get some more coffee."

>You come back outside to see that almost everyone was up. The only two that weren't up were Fluttershy and Sunset.

>You walk back over to the fire pit with the cloth you used to clean your face, and your mug of coffee.

>>2026432520264325 (You)

>You sit down in your chair quietly as the others were already talking.

>"So Anon, how was that face full of ash?"

>Rainbow laughed.

>"Now now, darlings... It was but an accident! It could have happened to any of us."

>"Yeah, but Anon had his face pushed into the ash pile! By Sonata!"

>Pinkie and Rainbow laughed again.

>Laugh it up you two, I'll get back at you yet...

>Sunset and Fluttershy sleepily staggered their way out of the tent.

>"What's going on guys?"

>Sunset yawned loudly.

>"Why is everyone sitting around the fire?"

>Sunset squat down next to you.

>"And why do you smell like ashes, Anon?"

"Don't.... Ask."

>Sunset stole a quick kiss from your cheek before taking off with your coffee cup.

>By the time you notice she took it from you, she was already half way to the house.

"Hey! That's my coffee!"

>Sunset stuck her tongue out.

>"You snooze, you lose, Anon!"

>The group laughed as you chased after Sunset, tripping over the chair as you jumped up.

>You clumsily get back onto your feet and run after her.

"Give me back my coffee!"

>The group sat around idly talking with one another.

>Sonata sat in the chair with the plush, still wearing Sunset's necklace.

>"So, Sonata. What's your plan from here?"

>She looks at Rainbow with her head tilted.

>"Plan?"

>"You know... Where are you going to stay? What will you do now that you aren't with those other two?"

>Sonata kind of hid behind the plushie.

>"I... I don't know... I was kind of hoping to stay with Nonny and Sunny.."

>Sonata spoke like she was a younger sister.

>Hell, she could have made the part too, she was damn cute enough.

>The girls looked at one another.

>"Well, that certainly wouldn't do... I'm sure Sunset and Anon have their hands full as it is."

>Sonata seemed disappointed.

>"Well, here's an idea! Why don't we take turns with letting Sonata stay with us! Then she can decide who she wants to be with!"

>Applejack looked at them.

>"Any objections?"

>They all shook their heads.

>>2026491620264916 (You)

>You and Sunset both walk out of the house a few minutes later.

>You had finished your coffee and she had hers.

>You look at the group.

"So... What's going on out here?"

>Applejack sat back and looked at you.

>"Well, Anon. We're goin' on a campin' trip!"

>Sunset spat out her coffee.

>"Camping trip!?"

>"Yup!"

>The door to Adagio and Aria's room opened up.

>They both groaned softly.

>"Come on now girls, time to get up. There's food waiting for you."

>Aria shot up.

>"Did he just say..."

>Adagio looked at Aria.

>"Food!"

>They both jumped out of bed and followed him into the kitchen.

>"Now girls... After you're done eating, I want you two to both tell me about yourselves... And how you ended up like this."

>The duo looked at each other with uneasy expressions.

>"It... Really isn't that good of a story, sir."

>He laughed heartily and stroked his beard.

>"After breakfast, dears. Eat up, you'll need the energy."

>Aria and Adagio's eyes glistened as they saw all of the freshly cooked food.

>Eggs, toast, ham, hash browns, milk...

>They immediately began to dig into the food.

>He chuckled and sat in his living room, just off of the kitchen.

>"Hey, Aria?"

>"What?"

>"Don't you think that this is a little suspicious?"

>Aria shrugged.

>"I don't care. Free cooked meals are free cooked meals. I can't complain."

>Adagio shrugged.

>Aria and Adagio sat back in their chairs after stuffing their faces.

>They cleaned off every single plate of food that was set for them.

>They pat their stomachs.

>"I haven't had a meal like that in ages."

>"Yeah, that was amazing..."

>The man popped up behind them.

>"I take it you enjoyed the food, girls?"

>The Dazzling duo froze up before turning to look at him.

>"Good, then it's time to put you to work."

>He chuckled with a dark tone.

>They felt that things were about to get very, very hard for them...

>>2026521120265211 (You)

>Adagio and Aria grumbled as they stood at the sink, washing dishes.

>"Ugh, I can't believe we got reduced to washing dishes like maid... This is so stupid, Adagio."

>"Hey, don't complain. He took us in for shelter and food, so it's the least we can do for now..."

>"Now girls, make sure those dishes are spotless! Some discipline should help you both."

>He chuckled heartily, putting a pipe into his mouth.

>With a grin he blew into the pipe, bubbles blowing out of the end.

>"Something about him seems... Familiar."

>"I know what you mean, Adagio... It feels like we've seen him before.."

>A few minutes later, he walks over to the dish rack to inspect the handiwork of the duo.

>Smiling, he claps for them softly.

>"Well done, girls. You may rest now. But we will have our conversation..."

>Adagio and Aria sat on their beds again.

>"Adagio Do you... Think that Sonata is okay on her own?"

>Adagio looked at the window quietly for a few moments.

>She seemed unable to really speak of Sonata.

>Aria looked at her, her normally angry eyes now softer and caring.

>"Adagio..."

>The man poked his head into the room.

>"Knock knock, girls. I'm coming in!"

>Aria rolled her eyes and sat her head on her left hand.

>The man walked into the room and sat down on a chair.

>"Now, let's talk about you two."

>The siren duo took their time explaining who they were, how they got there, and the events of the last few days.

>He sat back and stroked his beard.

>Adagio was shaking, neither he nor Aria could tell whether it was from pure rage, or sorrow.

>"And that's when.... That's when Sonata just tossed her gem into the river and... And..."

>Adagio broke down, sobbing into her hands.

>Aria held one of her arms, trying to keep herself strong.

>The truth of the matter was that Aria was just as upset as Adagio was, but never really knew how to show her feelings.

>The man chuckled heartily once more.

>"Ah, yes. I understand."

>>2026618320266183 (You)

>Aria looked at him irritably.

>"Alright, you got what you wanted from us. Now it's about time we got what we wanted."

>"Oh, you'll get what you want in due time, my dear... But it won't come easily."

>He stood up and walked to the window, both of his hands behind his back.

>"Friendship isn't something that just comes to you... You have to work for it."

>Aria looked at him.

>"And what makes you think that I care about friendship?"

>"You two aren't the quietest people."

>Aria rolled her eyes.

>Adagio finally calmed down a bit, wiping her tears away.

>"I have a good feeling as to where your friend Sonata is. And who she's with... But that will come with time as well."

>"Just... Just who are you?"

>"Me?"

>He turns around to face them.

>"My name's Discord, but you can call me Professor Chaos."

>Both of the girls looked at him in shock.

>"P-Professor..."

>"..Chaos?"

>"But how did you... When did...?"

>It finally came to them. The numerous times that they passed him in school, and the few times you have brought him up.

>"So you're the one who that boy was talking about..."

>"Maybe I am. But let's not digress any more. I'll leave you two to sort yourselves out. When you come to a conclusion on my offer... I'll be outside."

>With a smile, Professor Chaos left the room.

>Adagio and Aria looked at one another.

>"Do you think he can..?"

>Aria looked down at the ground, clearly unsure.

>"...He gives me the creeps, Adagio.. I don't know."

>You and the girls hiked up a mountain path.

>The air was crisp and fresh.

>You and Applejack carried two larger bags of supplies and tools.

>The rest of the group carried smaller bags on their backs with smaller things you couldn't carry. Tents, clothing, spare tools...

>You'd be out there against the wilderness for a whole day and then some...

>"So, Applejack. Where are we going to camp exactly? All I see is a bunch of forestry..."

>Applejack chuckled.

>"Why, we're gunna make our own campsite!"

>Rarity rolled her eyes.

>>2026665720266657 (You)

>"Woah woah woah. How are we supposed to MAKE our own camp site?"

>Applejack stopped near some trees and looked into the forestry.

>"We'll cut down some trees and work away at it! Trust me, no one ever comes up on these here mountains."

>Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

>You couldn't help but laugh.

>The group went into the woods to find a suitable spot.

>You all split up into groups of 3 to cover ground faster.

>You look at Rainbow Dash and Pinkie who were on your group.

>"What are we stopping here for Anon?"

>You point just up ahead.

>"...Water? But we already have..."

"Not just any water, Rainbow Dash. Fresh, clean, running water."

>You run up to the river bank.

>The water was pristine and clear. IT looked to run down from somewhere up ahead.

>You breathed in the scent.

>Pinkie hopped along.

>"This place looks like it'd be great! Should I go find the others?"

>You nod.

"Yeah, Rainbow and I will start to set up camp."

>"Wait, what?"

>Pinkie hopped off.

>You sat your bag down and handed Rainbow a hatchet.

>"What do you expect me to..?"

>You take another one and begin swinging at a tree trunk.

"Cut. Now. We gotta get this place going before nightfall or we'll be stuck without a place to sleep."

>Applejack. Sunset, and Fluttershy all traveled as a group.

>They went to go and check for any animal habitats nearby.

>Fluttershy looked around quietly.

>"Well, doesn't look like there's any in this area, girls. Ah reckon that we should meet up with Rarity's group by usin' the perimeter."

>Sunset nodded in agreement.

>"Yeah, it sounds like an idea. But what if we run into a bear?"

>Applejack pointed to Fluttershy who was playing with some butterflies.

>"That's why we get her."

>"Riiight..."

>Rarity, Sonata, and Twilight all went as a core.

>Their job was to find foods, mostly fruits, and bring them back if they were edible.

>Sonata couldn't help but look at and touch everything.

>>2026710920267109

>Rarity rolled her eyes as she kept slapping Sonata's hand away from various plants.

>"Really, Sonata.. Must I have to babysit you?"

>Sonata looked at Rarity.

>"What? Everything looks so pretty here!"

>Twilight coughed slightly.

>"We're here for a reason Sonata... You can do some sightseeing later."

>Sonata whined and stomped her foot.

>"But I found some berries!"

>Rarity and Twilight stopped to look back at her.

>"What kind of berries?"

>"Different kinds! Blackberries, blue berries, strawberries..."

>"Where did you find them...?"

>Sonata had been secretly stuffing her face with berries for a little while now.

>"On bushes that were on the ground on our way here."

>Twilight face palmed.

>"And you didn't tell us WHY?"

>"You two were so busy looking at the other stuff, I thought it wasn't important..."

>"SONATA!"

>Pinkie Pie eventually caught up to Twilight's group.

>The pranced along as she normally did.

>"Hey, Twilight! Twiiliiight!"

>Twilight turned around.

>"What is it Pinkie? Are Anon and Rainbow in trouble?"

>"No silly, they're starting to set up camp and sent me out to get everyone!"

>Pinkie looked over at Sonata, who was still stuffing her name.

>"Nom nom,.... So juicy..."

>"What's gotten into her?"

>Rarity and Twilight both rolled their eyes.

>"Don't ask."

>You and Dashie finished cutting down an open area to set up camp.

>It was extremely exhausting, especially cutting out the roots and trunks of the trees... But totally worth it.

>You both sat at the edge of the river, looking into the water.

>"So uh... Anon."

"Yeah?"

>"I kinda wanted to know something."

>>2027726320277263

>You look over at Rainbow Dash.

>Something tells you that what she was going to ask wasn't going to be pretty.

>She heaves a sigh.

>"How do you feel about having Sonata around?"

>You blink a few times.

>You expected something... More drastic.

"Sonata? Well... At first I wasn't really sure about it, since my head was all fuzzy.."

>You look up into the blue sky.

"But I'm glad to have her around. She always tends to lighten the mood. Like a little sister I never had."

>Rainbow Dash looks at you.

>"Really? Are you sure you're not pulling my leg here?"

>You nod.

"Yeah, I'm sure. She may be a Siren, Dash... But it doesn't mean she can't learn to be like us."

>She shrugs.

>A little while later, the rest of the group showed up, with Pinkie in the lead.

>Applejack took her hat off as she surveyed the land.

>"Well, ah'll be. Y'all did great settin' this place up. Got room fer tents, the fire, got easy access ta water..."

>She looks around a bit.

>"And y'all even set up a sittin' stool fer the fillies' room."

>You smile softly.

"Oh, it was all Rainbow's idea. She spotted the place and I helped her shape and dig this place up."

>"Wha- Hey No, I..."

>Applejack chuckles and pat Rainbow on the back.

>"Good job, Rainbow. You two rest some more while we set up camp."

>Adagio and Aria worked outside in Professor Discord's yard.

>Aria mowed while Adagio cleaned up the grass cutlets.

>"Ugh, remind me again why this is supposed to help?"

>"Oh girls! Come on now, let's not waste any time!"

>He sat in a chair on his porch, drinking a glass of chocolate milk.

>He chuckled to himself softly.

>"Some day those two will get it. For now.. I'll just toy with them."

>Adagio stretched, holding her tired back.

>"Man, who would have thought living normally would be so hard?"

>Aria finished her work on the grass.

>"Oh, Aria, dear. There is still the backyard to do!"

>She groaned loudly.

>"Can't we take a break!? I'm really tired out!"

>He raised an eyebrow at her.

>>2027905420279054 (You)

>"Not with that attitude, you won't."

>Adagio snarled at Aria.

>"Yeah, Aria... Not with THAT attitude..."

>The two began to bicker and argue.

>Professor Discord put his glass down and stood up without saying a word.

>He walked up behind them quietly.

>"Do I need to separate you two like little school girls?"

>They both stopped what they were doing and looked at him once before screaming.

>"N-No sir..!"

>Aria and Adagio held onto one another in fear.

>Professor Discord's dark, looming face lightened up.

>"Good. Maybe that will teach you two to not bicker so much. By the way, Adagio..."

>He turned to walk back to his drink.

>"If you're that hungry, don't eat the grass."

>She looks at him before shrinking back in embarrassment.

>You lay back on a raft you and Applejack built together and tied to a stake on land.

>The tents were set up and the fire pit was built.

>Food was organized, storage was built...

>Finally some time for some good old group relaxation.

>Bloop.

>You can't believe the air quality here.

>Bloop.

>Even Sunset seems relaxed.

>SPLASH!

>That last one nearly tipped you over, forcing you to sit up.

"What the hell was that?"

>You look a bit upstream.

>Sonata was learning to skip rocks with Pinkie.

>At least they were up there...

>You notice Sunset sitting by the fire pit alone.

>The others were busy chopping away at the trees you and Rainbow cut down to make into kindling.

>You get up and walk to sit beside Sunset.

>"Oh, hey Anon."

>She didn't seem very happy.

>You sit down.

"Something on your mind, dear?"

>She shrugged.

>You pull her into a warm embrace, kissing the top of her head.

"Well, whatever it is, I'm here to help."

>>2027963920279639

>Sonata and Pinkie continued to skip stones.

>You could her them both giggling at one another as they counted the skips.

>You sit back with Sunset until you hear Sonata begin to speak up.

>"Ooooh, the water's so pretty... It's like a mirror!"

>"No, Sonata, wait!"

>SPLASH

>You both look at where Pinkie and Sonata were.

>Pinkie had ah and on her face while Sonata sat in the river, a trout in her mouth.

>The trout slaps her with its tail before swimming down the stream.

>No one could help but bursting into laughter.

>Sonata just pouted.

>Sonata sat by the fire, still trying to dry off.

>You and Applejack sat by the river, fishing.

>"You know, Anon. Ya ain't half bad with a carvin' knife."

>You fiddled with an over sized knife as you watched your hand crafted fishing pole.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Never did think of taking up whittling, though."

>She simply laughs and pats your back.

>Rainbow Dash sighed.

>"So what are we supposed to eat?"

>"Well, Rainbow... If you want to wait, I'm sure they'll catch some fish... Or you could dig into the bags and try to find something."

>She shrugs silently.

>You rod starts to tug downward a bit.

"Oh, hey I got something!"

>You grab onto the fishing pole and begin tugging on it.

>Because it didn't have a way to reel the line in, you had to rely on your own strength... Which was losing.

>"Woah there, Anon. You sure you got this?"

>Good god, that must be one giant fish to be able to drag you along.

>Seeing you lose the battle, Sonata jumped up after you.

>Unfortunately, she trips over a log and you both fall into the river.

>You look at her, now the both of you were soaked.

>Sonata holds up the fish that had your hook in it, with the goofiest smile.

>"I got the fish for you..."

"Ugh... Sonata!"

>Everyone laughs.

>>2029278320292783 (You)

>You sit next to the fire about an hour later.

>Between you and Applejack, you caught enough fish to feed everyone in the group, and then some.

>Sonata stared at the fish hungrily; drool coming out of her mouth.

>You shake your head and sit back.

>Pinkie was telling jokes to everyone.

>"So when I said... Oatmeal!? Are you CRAZY!?"

>Everyone laughed softly.

>"Ah..."

>Applejack held up a mug full of some hot chocolate cooked over the fire.

>"Ta our first outtin' as friends!"

>"Huzzah!"

>You all tap your mugs together with a unanimous "clink!"

>You take a swig of it.

>It didn't taste half bad... A little smokey, but still good.

>It wasn't your coffee, but... It will do.

>Sunset held Sonata back from the fire.

>"Sonata, bad. No going near the fire. Fire hot. Fire very hot!"

>Sonata pouted cutely at the way Sunset spoke.

>"I... I know that..."

>She puffed her cheeks out, causing everyone to smile and laugh once more.

>"So, Twilight... What's it like being the Princess of Friendship?"

>Twilight almost choked on the hot chocolate from the question.

>"Well uh... I don't quite know. I mean.. I don't really treat it like it's anything special..."

>Even though most of the light was coming from the fire in front of you all, you could barely make out Twilight's blush.

>"And what about Princess Celestia?"

>You could hear Sunset's tone get a bit mopey.

>"She's... Good. She has Princess Luna to help her now."

>You look between Sunset and Twilight as they spoke on and on.

>Applejack interrupted them a few minutes later.

>"Soups on, everyone! Fish should be more than well cooked by now!"

>Sonata snatched hers and took a bite out of it.

>Her face went from delight to a cry of agony as she struggled against the hot fish.

>She managed to swallow it, but quickly ran to the river to wash it down with cold water.

>You shake your head and laugh.

"Maybe you should have warned her about THAT instead, Sunset."

>Sunset giggled as she watched Sonata lap away like a thirsty dog.

>>2029671520296715 (You)

>Adagio and Aria sat back to back in the backyard.

>They finally finished their work, completely exhausted from all the chores.

>Weeding, grass cutting, leaflet gathering...

>"I hope we NEVER have to do that again."

>Adagio groaned.

>"It's so hard to move... I have no energy left."

>Professor Discord stepped out onto the heavily shaded back porch.

>"Oh, girls!"

>Just hearing him made Adagio snap.

>"What do you want you old, washed out person!?"

>Even Aria was caught off guard by her reaction.

>Professor Discord wasn't taken aback by her sudden explosion.

>He could see in her eyes the amount of pain and frustration she had built up.

>It was beginning.

>He stepped off of the deck, and walked toward the two.

>Adagio's angry demeanor quickly shifted into fear as she fell backward and began to scramble away.

>"No, no..! I... I'm sorry, I..!"

>Aria covered her face as Professor Discord stood over Adagio.

>This was it. Adagio was done for.

>Silence.

>Adagio looked at Discord, her eyes shaking in fear.

>He stood above her with his hand out to help her up.

>"Are you going to take it?"

>Aria looked at the two nervously.

>Adagio nervously took his hand and got up to her feet.

>Without even a simple warning, Discord pulled her into a soft hug.

>Adagio just stood there stunned.

>Mindlessly, she reached around him to return it before beginning to break into tears.

>He simply smiled.

>"Just let it out. This is what friends do for each other."

>He looks over at Aria, now standing up herself.

>She would be harder to crack, but he could see through her iron wall as well.

>The three of them sat down for dinner together.

>It was a bit of an awkward silence for the beginning of the meal, but Adagio eventually spoke up.

>"So... Why did you do that, exactly?"

>He paused with his food half way to his mouth.

>"Because my dear... Friends don't get angry at their friends when the explode from being so upset."

>He ate his steak, chewing away happily.

>>2029784420297844

>Aria sat at the table, looking down at her plate.

>She was dead silent, just playing with her food.

>Adagio went back to being quiet as she went deep into her thoughts.

>Discord chuckled softly.

>"Some on now, my dears... Surely there must be something worth talking about."

>Aria's fork stopped on the plate as she glared at him.

>"Why don't you just butt out?"

>He looked at her with another piece of steak in his mouth.

>"My my, such a temper..."

>Aria grunted and stormed off into their bedroom.

>"Why, miss Blaze! Don't you want any dessert? It's Apple Pie!"

>"NO!"

>Discord shrugged and looked at Adagio.

>She ate slowly.

>"Still not feeling the best, miss Dazzling?"

>Adagio took a moment to think before responding with a head shake.

>"You know... Bottling it up will only cause another explosion. Just like a chemical reaction gone bad! I'm... Also the school's Chemistry teacher..."

>He took a drink from his glass of milk.

>"I'm surprised after what happened the last time. Big explosion with pink clouds of mist all over the place. Colorful! ...but took forever to clean."

>Adagio snickered softly.

>"Oh, you find that funny, do you?"

>Adagio tried to calm herself a little.

>"N-No sir..."

>"Mmm.. That's a shame. I was hoping to try and lighten the mood."

>The both of them ate quietly until they both finished.

>Discord stood over by the sink.

>"Would you like some dessert?"

>"Yes, uh... Please."

>He smiled.

>"Good, you're getting the hang of this."

>He brings her over a slice of pie and sits down on his chair once more.

>"Now... What's gotten into your friend there? She doesn't seem to be very... Socialistic."

>"Oh, Aria? She's probably still upset over Sonata..."

>She began to explain Aria's life and how they all interacted with one another.

>Aria stood around the corner of the room, eavesdropping as they did so.

>She eventually turned the corner to stare at them.

>"Oh, Aria. When did you get here?"

>"Adagio... Why did you have to tell him that? Why..?"

>>2030485020304850

>Adagio turned around to see Aria.

>Aria was obviously struggling to hold her tears back, her clenched fists trembling.

>"How could you do this...!?"

>"Aria, I... he.."

>"I can't believe you!"

>Aria stormed out of the house and took off running.

>Discord simply sipped his drink.

>He smacked his lips a couple of times.

>"Almost there, not quite... But almost."

>Adagio turned to glare at him.

>"This is YOUR fault! Aria.... She's gone now!"

>He chuckled softly.

>"Lost, but not gone."

>Aria sat on a hill and sobbed into her hands.

>Why did they have to go through this stupid nonsense? Why must it be them that had to suffer?

>And why did that stupid Sonata have to leave?

>She looked up into the cloudy night sky.

>The moon's light shimmered off of her tears.

>"I... I hate everything..."

>"Oh ho ho... Is that was you truly believe?"

>Aria looked down at two shadowy figures at the bottom of the hill.

>"What do you want?"

>"Well, I don't know. What is it that you want?"

>She stares idly down at the figures.

>>2030533420305334

>Discord and Adagio walked down the streets.

>He looked around quietly while Adagio hugged herself nervously.

>"I... Have never seen Aria like this before.. It's almost scary."

>He didn't hesitate to respond.

>"New things with old friends can be very scary at first... But once you know how to handle it, your friendship can get stronger."

>He looked up at him.

>"How do you know so much about this?"

>He chuckled softly.

>"I may be older than you... But it doesn't mean that I didn't have past friendships that I needed help with."

>Adagio looked at the ground.

>Discord put his arm out to stop her and brought her into some brush.

>"Ssshh... Aria is right there."

>"I.. I hate everything..."

>Adagio held a hand over her mouth as they listened to Aria talk.

>They step out of the shadows to confront her.

>"What do you two want?"

>Discord ushered Adagio along.

>Hesitantly, she walked up the hill.

>"Aria, I..."

>"What? Have you come to make me feel worse? Is that it?"

>Adagio flinched.

>Now the both of them were borderline crying.

>"...I'm sorry.."

>Adagio spontaneously hugged Aria.

>Aria, taken back by this, sat there in shock.

>"...I didn't know that you were hurting so bad."

>Aria began to lose control again, and openly wept.

>Discord walked up to them and held them both, one on each side of him.

>"Let's take tonight to watch the stars. No troubles, no pains... Just relaxation."

>They both nodded slowly.

>"And maybe tomorrow we'll get along a little better."

>>2030548820305488

>Discord, Aria, and Adagio laid on the hill, watching the stars.

>The Dazzlings never had a real chance to just stop and admire the things around them.

>It was always a constant struggle to feed..

>"Hey, Adagio.."

>"Yeah?"

>Aria pointed into the sky.

>"I can see different shapes in the sky."

>Discord smiled softly.

>"Yeah, I can see a bear there... And then a spoon.."

>They spent some time learning about the constellations, and how certain stars worked.

>Discord looked at his silly Screwball watch.

>It was almost time.

>"Why are you looking at your watch? Are you late for something?"

>"No, it's nothing, Adagio. Just watch the sky."

>She shrugged and went back to stargazing.

>A few minutes later, Discord snapped his fingers once.

>A meteor shot across the sky.

>Both of the girls' eyes grew wide.

>"Wow... Was that..."

>"...A shooting star?"

>"Yes, it was. I hope you both made a wish."

>You and the girls took the tops off of your tents.

>They had screens on them so that you could see out, but bugs couldn't get in.

>Sonata and Sunset snuggled in close to you.

>Sonata's eyes lit up as she watched the stars you points to.

"That's the Ursa Major. Big Dipper..."

>Sunset took your hand and pointed to another one.

>"Orion?"

>You nod.

"Yeah, Orion."

>You watch the sky quietly.

>Sonata sat up to look at you.

>"Anon, what's a shooting star?"

"Well, Sonata... A shooting star is actually a meteor flying through space really fast. Because it is going so fast, it causes the thing we see as the shooting star. If you see one, you make a wish. But don't tell anyone!"

>"Ooooh."

>Sunset rest a hand on your chest.

>"Do you think we'll see one tonight, Nonny?"

>You look up and watch.

"I think we will."

>A few moments later, the same shooting star shot across the sky.

>"Oh, there's one!"

>You chuckle.

"Make a wish, you two."

>>2030566720305667

"Welcome to the show! We're here to let you go!"

>Sonata looked around her.

>Adagio and Aria circled around her.

"Our time is nooow! Your time is running out!"

>A crowd suddenly appears before her as she uncontrollably moves toward them.

>"Dagi, Ari! Waaait!"

>She was thrust into the crowd.

>Everyone stood around her and laughed, even Adagio and Aria.

>Sonata tried to sing, but her voice kept cracking up.

>"What a loser!"

>"She has no talent!"

>"Good thing we left her!"

>Sonata began to run through the crowd, sobbing openly.

"Now it's time to finish you!"

>Sonata flung herself upright.

>She put a hand on her chest as she breathed heavily.

>It was just a dream...

>She looks at you and Sunset.

>Sonata quietly sneaked out of the tent and sat by the river.

>She sighed heavily.

>"Why is it that I have to dream about that..?"

>You stir in your sleep from the sudden loss in heat.

>You sit up and look where Sonata was supposed to be.

"Mmm... Sonata?"

>You step outside of the tent and look around with a flashlight.

>You eventually spot Sonata a little ways down the river by herself.

>You get out and walk to her quietly.

>As you approach, you can barely make out her faint sobbing.

>You stand next to her.

"Lovely night, isn't it?"

>She looks up at you in shock. Must've had her eyes closed while crying.

>"A-Anon... I.. What are you doing out here?"

>You sit down next to her.

"Do you want the silly answer or the direct answer?"

>She looks at you.

>"Direct answer.."

"Well, when you moved, you kinda woke me up with the cold air."

>"Oh... Sorry."

>She looks down into the river before you turn the flashlight off.

"So why are you out here all alone?"

>Sonata didn't respond.

>You pull her into a close snuggle.

"I see.. Well, I had nightmares too."

>"You... Did? Wait, how did you..?"

>You chuckle softly.

"I learned a thing or two from Professor Chaos that wasn't Physics or Chemistry."

>She didn't smile.

>You look up at the moon quietly.

>>2032236520322365

"I had nightmares about Sunset's older demon taking her away from me. No matter how hard I tried, she'd just keep getting away from me..."

>Sonata looked at you.

>"Sounds scary..."

>You nod.

"It was really hard for me to talk about it with anyone... I thought I was just crazy. But it kept coming back and coming back..."

>"How did you fix it?"

"I had some help from a good friend of mine."

>You smile softly.

"And thanks to that, I got over it... And still got to keep Sunset."

>Sonata looked back into the water quietly.

"So... Wanna talk about it?"

>She seemed very hesitant.

>You gently stroked her hair.

"I'll listen.. I promise."

>She looked up at you with the stars sparkling in her eyes.

>You look down at her quietly.

>She blushes a bit.

>She sat up before explaining to you her nightmare.

>You nod slowly.

"Sounds kind of like what I had..."

>You had a grave look on your face as you went over the possibilities.

>She frowned before you held her tight again.

"And this isn't the first time its happened?"

>She shook her head.

>"No..."

>You sigh softly.

"We'll figure it out.

>>2032253420322534

>You continued to sit by the river as Sonata went into the tent to sleep some more.

>You couldn't help but think over what her dream could mean.

>Some time through your thoughts, Twilight managed to sneak up on you.

>"What are you doing out here, Anon?"

>You look at her as she sits down.

"Oh, I'm just thinking. No big deal."

>She sits back.

>"Sonata?"

"Yep."

>"Dream?"

"Yep."

>"Can't figure out what it means?"

"Nope."

>She seemed amused by your responses.

>"You know, Anon... You're a lot like someone else I know."

>You look at her questioningly.

>"From the other world, I mean."

"..Ah."

>"I'm sure that whatever it is, it'll sort itself out. You should really get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long day."

>She was right.

>As much as you hated to admit it, tomorrow was going to be hard...

>After your group finished with their camping, you had to go with them to help pick out.... Outfits for Sonata.

>You're about to lose your man card... Again.

"Yeah, I suppose I should."

>Twilight laughed at your dark tone.

>"Not looking forward toward the shopping?"

"...Nope."

>Twilight rolled her eyes as she went back to her tent.

>"You'll be fine."

>Adagio and Aria lay on their beds, staring out the large window.

>Aria seemed very restless.

>"...So what did you wish for, Adagio?"

>Adagio rolled onto her back.

>"Does it really matter? It's not like it will come true.."

>She hugged one of her two pillows tightly.

>Aria rolled onto her own back, arms spread out.

>"If it counts for anything... I'm glad you said what you did..."

>"What do you mean, Aria?"

>Aria tried to keep herself from getting overly upset again.

>"Just... Shut up."

>She turned away from Adagio.

>Adagio smiled softly, rolling her eyes.

>"Well, good night to you too."

>>2033324220333242

>You sit up in your sleeping bag.

>By the sounds of things, everyone else was already up.

>You open the tent and drag yourself out.

>"Well, howdy. Look who got himself up and outta bed!"

>You grumble softly and join the group.

>Sonata looked at you with a tilted head.

>"What's the matter, Anon? Didn't sleep well?"

>You look at her grumpily.

"I need. My. Coffee."

>Everyone begins to laugh.

>"Well, there ain't no coffee here, but a swim in the river would help you out."

>You roll your eyes.

"Have you guys eaten yet?"

>"Nope, we've waiting for you, sleepyhead."

>"And since yer the last one up, you can get the water fer boilin'!"

>You rub your head a bit, trying to make yourself less tired.

>Grabbing one of the bigger pots, you walk to the river.

"Why do I always get myself into these things..?"

>Sonata and Sunset quietly sneaked up on you.

>"Happy Birthday, Anon!"

>Before your slow mind could catch up to what had happened, you were pushed into the river.

>Sunset quickly took off her skirt and shirts to jump into the river in her two-piece swim suit.

>Sonata just carelessly jumped in.

>The rest of the group began to complain.

>"Hey, that wasn't a part of the deal!"

>Sunset giggled.

>"You snooze, you lose, Dash!"

>Rainbow got steamed as Applejack laughed.

>"You know, Rainbow, she has a point darling."

>"Why I oughta...!"

>You surface and wipe the water from your eyes.

>The chill of the water quickly brought function back into your brain.

"How could I forget that it was my own birthday!?"

>You go to facepalm, but quickly remember that your hand had a metal pot in it...

>Adagio and Aria woke up the next morning with major bed head.

>"Ugh, I really wish I had my brush..."

>Aria snickered.

>"Really? Looks like normal to me."

>Adagio growled at Aria.

>Discord opened the door to the room, fresh scents of another home cooked meal wafting in.

>"Oh, girls! Who's hungry?"

>They both look at Discord before their stomachs simultaneously growled.

>>2033480220334802

>You get out of the water as the others ran in with their swim suits on.

>You mull over how you could forget your own damn birthday...

>Shrugging it off, you set the pot of water by the fire on a chair and go into the tent to change.

>The girls laughed and splashed each other.

>"Hey, Sonata? Don't you have a swimsuit?"

>Sonata looked down and shook her head.

>"Only this and my stage dress..."

>"Riiight... We'll have to fix that."

>Sunset looked at Rarity.

>"Is something wrong, darling?"

>"Sonata doesn't have other clothes for her.... I think we might want to do that for her too today."

>Rarity thought for a moment.

>"I mean, I do have a spare set in my bag..."

>Sonata smiled softly.

>"I'll get it!"

>Without even a warning, Sonata shot off like rocket toward the tent.

>"No, no, no, WAIT!"

>Sunset tried to chase after her.

>Sonata walked into the tent as you were in the middle of changing.

>"Oh, Anon! I uh.."

>You stood there with your manhood on show for a few seconds before covering yourself up.

"SONATA! What the hell!? Out!"

>Sunset flinched as she heard you.

>Sonata backed out slowly.

>"I'm so so soooo sorry..!"

>Sunset chuckled softly as the others stared at them.

>"I tried to warn you that you shouldn't go in there..."

>Sonata's face was just frozen in shock, fully red.

>"Uh... Are you okay?"

>Sunset waved a hand in front of Sonata's face.

>"I he... We... Ohhhhh..."

>Sonata looked ready to melt as her brain digested what she just saw.

>"What in tarnation has gotten into her."

>Rarity laughed.

>"She got a good look at Anon's birthday suit, by the looks of her!"

>Fluttershy squeaked and covered her embarrassed face just at the thought of it.

>"Mew!"

>Even Rainbow couldn't help but laugh.

>Sunset took Sonata over to the campfire and sat her down before lightly poking the tent.

"Is that you again, Sonata?"

>"No, it's Sunny."

>You say nothing as she comes in.

>You were already dressed but even your face was flushed red.

>Sunset couldn't help but giggle.

>>2035146220351462 (You)

>Sunset pat your back softly.

>"Don't be so upset about it... I know she just walked in you, but it was my fault for not warning her..."

>You hang your wet clothes up on a pole to dry a bit.

>"And judging by her reaction, she liked what she saw... I know I do~"

>She ran a finger down your abdomen.

>Just the way she spoke and her sly movements made you ease up.

"And... You aren't mad that she got to see it?"

>Sunset shook her head.

>"As I said, it was my fault. I'm the one to blame!"

"Well, if you say so..."

>You walk out of the tent.

>Sunset drags Sonata into the tent to help her get dressed.

>You decide to just charge for the water and cannonball in.

>"No, no, no, wait!"

>SPLASH!

>You send what felt like a tsunami crashing over the others.

>You surface with a laugh.

>"ANON!"

>Sonata got her soaked clothes off and stood in her undergarments.

>"Listen, Sonata... You can't tell anyone what you saw, okay? That's some very private information... Pun not intended."

>She nodded quietly.

>"But.. He... Do you...?"

>Sunset's face flared up as she laid out the one-piece swimsuit.

>"We don't talk about that either. I'll turn away while you get dressed."

>Sunset turned toward the door.

>Sonata quickly began to get herself dressed in the suit.

>"...I'm sorry, Sunset."

>"For what?"

>"Running in on your boyfriend like that. I... uh.. It wasn't right, was it?"

>Sunset rolled her eyes.

>"It wasn't right, no... But you should apologize to him, and not to me."

>Sonata smiled a bit.

>"But this will mean war, Sonata. There's no way I'm going to let you get away with that one."

>"War?"

>"I'll find a way to get back at you... Soon enough."

>Sunset waggled a finger at her.

>"Just watch your back."

>Sonata giggled, figuring it was a game.

>"You're on!"

>>2035259920352599 (You)

>"Okay, I think I have it on right."

>Sunset turned around.

>She gave her a once over as Rarity would before nodding.

>"You're a tad thinner than I am, but it fits."

>Sonata giggled softly before dashing out of the tent.

>"Hey, get back here!"

>Sunset ran after her.

>Sonata dove into the river.

>"10!"

>"10!"

>"Eeeh... 8."

>Everyone looked at Rainbow.

>"What?"

>Sunset followed her in.

>After half an hour of swimming, you and Rainbow set up a next across the stream to play some water volleyball.

>It was going to be hard with how deep the water was, but thankfully the stream was very slow and calm today.

>The teams had already been picked.

>You, Applejack, Sunset, and Twilight on one side.

>Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Sonata, and Rarity on the other.

>Since you and Applejack were on one side, you all thought it'd be better for your team to have the lower end.

>After all, who could compete with such a studly man like you?

>Damn it Anon, don't go gay for yourself, you narcissistic idiot.

>Rainbow threw the first serve.

>"Ah got it!"

>The game was on.

>The ball bounced toward Sonata.

>She puts her hands up to protect her face.

>"Sonata, no! Hit it back to them!"

>Sonata got a wild charge of energy and just punched the ball.

>The angle of punch... Trajectory of the incoming ball...

>That sucker was going straight for you.

>And fast.

>Without even thinking, Sunset dove in front of you to hit the ball away.

"Sunset, you just... Why?"

>"Couldn't let your pretty face get hurt..."

>Sonata puffed her cheeks out and stomped in the water.

>You laugh softly before returning the ball.

>The game drew on for a while.

>The ball bounced between both teams.

>Applejack set you up for a smash.

>You're going to go in for the game winning hit..

>Sunset took the shot instead.

>As her fist collided with the ball, you could HEAR the force she used.

>PA-WHING!

>The ball shot at Sonata.

>Before she could even react, it bashed her in the forehead, submerging her.

>>2035471520354715 (You)

>Rainbow and Fluttershy dove into the water and brought her up to the surface.

>"Hey, Sonata! Are you okay?"

>She seemed to be in a daze from the hit.

>It sure as hell sounded like it hurt...

>"Well ah uh... Suppose that's the game?"

>Rainbow rolled her eyes.

>"Yeah, sure, fine.."

>You and Sunset take the net down and put the ball on the shore while everyone else got out.

>"Do you think I over did it?"

>You think for a second.

"Nah, she just didn't have time to react. We all get into the competitive hype from time to time."

>She smiled at you softly.

>"You always know what to say."

>You and Sunset walked to the fire with towels around your necks.

>You leaned over Sonata's chair.

"You okay, Sonata?"

>She tilts her head back to look up at you before turning red at how close you were to her.

>"I uh... heh... Yeah, I'll be fine..."

>You look at her questioningly.

"Are you sure?"

>"Yeah... Yeah, I uh.. I'll be fine."

>You shrug and sit down next to Sunset again.

"So when are we going to head out?"

>"Well, lookin' at the sun... It's probably almost noon. So in about an hour?"

>Everyone seemed to be in agreement.

"At least going back won't be as bad as coming up..."

>"Yeah, less things to carry. But it was fun while it lasted."

>You notice Dash out of the corner of your eye.

>She crept up on Sonata with a twig.

>"Wheeereee's my shoooooeeee!?~"

>Rainbow touched Sonata's shoulder with the twig.

>Her already blue face went even more blue before jumping into your arms.

>"SAVE ME, ANON!"

>You sat there quietly before patting her back.

>Everyone else laughed.

>"Oh man, you should have seen the look on your face!"

>>2035505920355059

>Adagio and Aria lazed about on Discord's couches as they watched TV.

>They already finished their morning work.

>Discord was down in the basement getting... Something out.

>"Hey, Adagio. What do you think he's digging for down there?"

>"I have no idea. Why should I know what some chemistry and physics teacher keeps in his basement?"

>She flipped through some channels.

>"Well, whatever he is doing, it sure it making a lot of noise."

>"Mmm..."

>Discord moves his way through a bunch of boxes and to a nearly buried room.

>"I hope that my tools are still good."

>He unlocks the door and goes inside of the room.

>He turned on a light before jumping at the sight of some of the old masks he collected.

>"Oh, they get me every time.."

>"Say... since it got me... I wonder how much it'd scare the girls..?"

>He chuckled to himself softly.

>Adagio and Aria continued to laze about.

>Shuffle.

>Aria looked at Adagio.

>"Did you hear that?"

>"Must've been your imagination."

>"...maybe."

>Shuffle.

>"Okay, now that was NOT just me."

>"Sounded like something moving..."

>Shuffle.

>The girls both began to become unnerved.

>Discord popped out from around a corner, releasing a demonic wail.

>Both Adagio and Aria jumped into one another's arms, shrieking.

>"Gaaaah! Get... Get back!"

>He inched closer to them.

>"I... I know how to use magic!"

>He stood over them menacingly.

>The girls jammed their eyes shut and held onto one another.

>Discord laughed hysterically before taking the foreign mask off.

>"Oh, that was beautiful. You should have seen the looks on your faces!"

>Discord imitated the girls' horrific expressions.

>They both coughed and let each other go.

>"That was NOT cool..."

>>2036240720362407 (You)

>Discord sat in a chair as he chuckled softly for a moment.

>"I couldn't resist the temptation to scare you both."

>"Where did you even get that mask?"

>"Oh, during my travels..."

>"Riiight. So, did you find what you were looking for?"

>"Yes, actually. I have it all set up downstairs. If you'd follow me.."

>"Into a dusty basement? I'd rather not."

>Discord coughed.

>"I keep the main areas tidy, mind you.. Unless you both want to dust it and clean it top to bottom."

>Aria and Adagio both froze up.

>"...Forget I said anything."

>The girls followed Professor Chaos downstairs.

>It was very wide open in the room they were in... There was another door with glass around it.

>Inside looked to be a bunch of chemistry tools.. Beakers, burners, chemicals...

>"Now, before you both go inside, you HAVE to be sure you're properly prepared."

>"For what?"

>"Well, accidents happen when it comes to this stuff... And I wouldn't want you two to get hurt."

>He opened a closet door where goggles, masks, gloves, and lab aprons hung.

>"One set for the both of you."

>"Greeeat we get to be maids again..."

>He coughed as he put on his own gear.

>The girls quickly got suited up.

>"Now, unless I tell you otherwise, do not touch anything. Got it?"

>They both gulped.

>He wore a very grim expression to get his point across.

>"Got it, sir."

>"Good, let's go in then."

>"Wow, there is a lot of stuff in here... Why were you removed from the chemistry role again?"

>"That Pinkie Pie and her hyperactivity..."

>All three of them shuddered at the thought.

>Professor Chaos stood behind a table.

>The tables in the room looked dissimilar.. Like lab tables.

>Sinks, burners, beakers, holsters, utensils...

>The girls just wondered what he did down there.

>"Alright you two, stand back... It's been some time since I've fired these babies up."

>He flips a switch as the burners roared to life.

>Adagio jumped back.

>"Today class, we'll be learning how to mix chemicals to make a certain outcome!"

>>2036292220362922 (You)

>"You were just waiting to tell that punchline, weren't you?"

>Adagio and Aria didn't seem to amused.

>"Well, kind of. It's been a few years since I've said that..."

>Professor Chaos dug underneath his table and brought out two containers before dusting them off.

>"Hydrogen Peroxide, and Sodium Iodide... A classic."

>The girls looked at one another in confusion.

>"Hydro what now?"

>"So dee um... Eye oh died?"

>Professor Chaos laughed heartily.

>"Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Iodide. You might like what happens when I mix the two..."

>The girls leaned on their table in interest.

>He turned off the stoves for the time being and set up a large beaker.

>"One third Hydrogen..."

>He dumps a bit of the first liquid in.

>"Two thirds Sodium..."

>The girls stared at the beaker.

>"And voila!"

>As if on cue, the mixture reacted into a large, goopy paste.

>The girls' eyes sparkled.

>"Wow. That's... Actually kind of cool."

>He laughed once more.

>"I bet you two want to try it, don't you?"

>They nod slowly.

>"Just make sure that you measure everything out.. And for god's sakes be careful."

>It took a few minutes, but the girls eventually got what they thought they needed.

>The only problem was... Their measuring wasn't.. The best.

>"Alright, Hydrogen first."

>They both follow the orders.

>"And then the Sodium."

>They pour in their liquids and watch closely.

>Aria's had a bit too much Hydrogen in it, and her mixture blew up into her face, marking her with more purple.

>She coughed once.

>Adagio laughed as she watched her friend's dumbfounded face.

>"Hey, I wouldn't laugh if I were you!"

>"Huh?"

>Adagio's beaker shook a bit before her goopy mixture just flooded out.

>A little too much sodium iodide caused her goop to act more like the Smooze.

>"Gah!"

>She fumbled with trying to get the beaker into the sink.

>Discord shook his head and laughed.

>"You two will be perfect for my lessons, if you even make it!"

>This was going to be a long and interesting day...

>You and the girls finally reached the mall.

>Wow, you can't believe that you're being accompanied by a horde of women... To the mall.

>"Now, Sonata. Stay close to us dear. This is a big place and you can get lost very easily."

>Sonata rolled her eyes.

>"Duuuh. I'm not like... dumb, Rarity.. I'm just excited that we get to go shopping!"

>You sigh softly, shaking your head.

>You can just see your man card going into the garbage...

>You all decided in an action plan for today.

>You and Sunset would go to the jewllery store to get Sonata's new necklace.

>The others would take her into some clothing stores to help her find some outfits.

>You and Sunset double check that you have enough money...

>"It was sure nice of everyone to actually pitch in for Sonata's necklace."

>You nod slowly, mentally counting the cash as you flipped through it.

"Yeah, otherwise this could have been really, really bad..."

>Sunset reached for her collarbone where the necklace would have normally rested, but let her hand hang down in disappointment.

"Hey... You'll get it back before the end of the day, I promise. And if there is anything wrong with it, I'll fix it as soon as I can."

>Sunset smiled warmly at you.

>"Thanks, Anon... You're a real gentleman."

>You chuckle softly.

>Sonata bounced around the clothing store.

>Various things were laid out... Jeans, sweaters, pajama sets, hats...

>If you were there, you'd swear Pinkie gave her some of her home-made crack.

>"There's so many things here!"

>Rarity put a hand on her shoulder.

>"But only some of it will be yours."

>She seemed to want to try on absolutely EVERYTHING, regardless of what size it was.

>She walked out of a changing room in a very bright dance outfit.

>"Nooo... Too flashy."

>Heavy sweater with a dark hat.

>"Too dark."

>She walked out in a gypsy outfit.

>The other girls shielded their eyes, Rarity waving her back in.

>"Not that one either!"

>They ran through several different styles.

>>2038321720383217 (You)

>You looked through several different necklace styles and gems.

"No... No.. Nope.. Not this one.."

>Sunset was looking at the other end.

>"Hey, Anon! I think I found one!"

>You walked over to her to take a look.

>She points down to a navy blue gem-ridden necklace in the shape of a specific music note.

"Hey uh..."

>A fancy-looking girl walked over to you.

>"Yes? How can I help you?"

>You look up at the girl.

>Holy shit, Octavia worked in that store.

>"Oh, Anon. Hello. Shopping for your girlfriend?"

>You cough softly.

"Not exactly.."

>"What can I help you with?"

>You point to the necklace.

"How much?"

>She grins.

>"My, my. We've got ourselves a good eye, I see... A..."

>She paused to make a face.

>"Jazzed out... Quarter note. Fairly big one at that.."

>Sunset looked at you two quietly.

>Octavia looked at a chart before taking out the necklace and weighing it.

>"299."

>You were about to flinch at what she said but quickly lowered your guard.

"Wait, 299?"

>"Yes, 299."

>You look at Sunset.

>That was a bit below the highest threshold for the expenses... But you wouldn't complain.

"I'll take it."

>Octavia smiled and rang you through the register.

>She encased it in a purple leather box and put it into the bag.

>You had some cash left over and handed some to Sunset.

>"What's this for?"

"We have money left over, so I'm going to give it back to everyone."

>"But then you'll be flat broke and won't be able to eat!"

>Your stomach growled a bit.

"I'll live."

>The two groups met up at the third clothes store.

>"Oh, Anon. Sunset. How'd it go?"

>You hold up a bag.

>Sonata must have been in the changing rooms...

>"Can we hurry this up already? This is getting boring.."

>You had to admit that you agreed with Dash...

>Clothes shopping just wasn't that fun.

>The room's door opened and Sonata stepped out in a large dress with sleeves going halfway down her arms.

>She winked at you and twirled.

>"How does it look?"

>You stand there, looking in awe.

"I uh..."

>>2038419020384190

>Sunset waved her hand in front of your face.

>"Anon? Helloo?"

>Sonata smiled slyly.

>"I guess he fell under this spell too."

>Sunset looked at Sonata with a not so happy expression.

>"No. Now go and try on the next outfit."

>You just kept staring at how the outfit defined her features.

>Sunset, and even Rarity, eventually slap you back to your senses.

"Ow!"

>"Maybe next time you'll learn to stop gawking you ruffian!"

>You hold your face... Two slaps at once did not feel good.

>It took some time, but your group finally found some really nice outfits for Sonata.

>Dash picked out a comfortable work-out outfit for her, complete with stylish track pants and matching tank top.

>Sunset and Fluttershy helped out with PJ duty. Lots of cute things there...

>Rarity did the fancy shopping with her.

>Pinkie and Twilight helped with her casual day clothes. Skirts and tops, some pants, shorts...

>You all sit down at the food court to eat.

>"So, Anon. Didn't you say that you had something for Sonata?"

>You nearly choked on the burger you were eating.

>Real fucking subtle, Twilight...

>You swallow the food in your mouth before nodding.

"Yeah, I do actually."

>Sonata's eyes lit up as she held her hands together in excitement.

>You reach into the bag.

"Close your eyes."

>Sonata closed her eyes, and Pinkie Pie held her hands over Sonata's eyes so couldn't peek.

>You put the velvety box into her hands.

"Alright you can look now."

>She looks at the box before tilting her head.

>"A Box? Why'd you get me a box?"

>You resist the temptation to facepalm.

"Open the box."

>Sonata opens the box slowly before the necklace reflected off of her face.

>"Oh. My. Gosh."

>She looked like a little kid opening gifts on Christmas Morning.

>"It's SOOO pretty! Can I put it on? Can I? Can I? Can I?"

>Sunset giggled.

>"Of course you can, Sonata."

>Sonata took Sunset's necklace off and handed it to her before taking the new one and putting it on.

>>2041607020416070

>The necklace shone for a second, but you shrugged it off as the light reflecting off of it.

>Sonata's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked down at the trinket.

>You took Sunset's necklace and looked it over for a second.

>"Wow Anon, you really do have a taste for jewelry.."

"Oh, this wasn't my doing. Sunset here is the one who picked it out."

>Sunset blushed timidly and played with her hair.

>"It just looked like it'd fit is all..."

>Sonata jumped over and table and hugged Sunset.

>"Thank you thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!"

>Even tried to resist the temptation to laugh, but small snickers came out.

>Sunset smiled bashfully.

>"You're welcome, Sonata..."

>You all finished your food and returned to your rounds of shopping.

>Everyone got something, even you.

>You picked yourself up a vest, hoping that it'd protect you from the impending Sonata glomps of worldly destruction.

>Sunset got herself a new summer dress.

>The others just got... Whatever they felt like.

>Sunset whined softly.

>"Anon, my legs are tired..!"

>You look at her quietly for a moment as you continued to walk.

>"Carry me?"

>Oh god, she's giving you that adorable, pleading smile with the batting eyes...

>You couldn't say no to that...

"Okay, fine, up on my back."

>You squat down as she hops onto your back, her legs around your stomach and arms over your shoulders.

>She seemed to be cuddling into you.

>Sunset was also very light... You must have been getting stronger.

>You continue to walk with the group.

>Sunset looked at Sonata and stuck her tongue out at her.

>The other girls giggled.

>You shrug it off as them thinking that what you're doing is cute.

"So, where are we off to next?"

>Pinkie Pie gasped.

>"ARCADE!"

>Without even a warning, she shot off like a rocket.

>"That girl has too much energy fer her own good..."

>You all nod in agreement.

"Might as well take some time to relax and play some games."

>>2045534120455341

>You look around the arcade center . all that you see within the darkness is a bunch of arcade machines.

>Fighters, shooters, racing, and even some classics.

>Pinkie Pie was already playing one of the shooters...

>You hope to god that she isn't as good of a shot as she looked.

>Dash ran over to some fighting game.

>"Hey, Applejack! Ready for another round?"

>Applejack sighed and rolled her eyes.

>"Fine, ah'll be glad ta whoop ya once again."

>You walk with Sunset and Sonata over to the machine they were at.

>Fighting is Magic.

>Sunset facepalmed as she watched the two go at it.

>You look at the screen as two well-done pony-like characters bounce around and fight.

>"See Anon? That's... Kinda what I looked like back in Equestria."

>She kept her voice down so only you could hear.

>You nod slowly.

>"Except I was a unicorn. No wings.. Orange.."

>She rolled her wrist in a so-on and so-forth manner.

>Sonata ran over to one of those plushie games and bounced up and down.

>"Anon! Anon! You GOTTA get me that puppy!"

>You walk over to the machine and look at the assortment of plushies.

>Dogs, cats, snakes, bears...

>Sunset shrugged.

"I don't know, I mean... I'm not the BEST at these kinds of games..."

>Sonata gave a whining, puppy dog pouty face.

>You heave a sigh, it was Sunset 2.0....

"Fine.. I'll TRY, but I can't guarantee anything."

>"Yippe!"

>You put money into the machine as it whirred to life.

>Sonata watched the claw as it moved toward the plush.

>She held onto you in overly dramatic suspense.

>You take careful aim and lower the claw...

>Score.

>Sonata's eyes lit up as the claw made its way upward.

>It began to move to the deposit box.

>Just before it made it, the plush drops from the claw and back into the pile.

>Sonata's excitement quickly turned sour.

>Just looking at her you prepared for the worst wailing of your life.

>Sonata just openly began to cry.

>You and Sunset both cover your ears before Rarity walked over to assist.

>>2045727820457278

>Rarity waved you backward as she took the controls for the game.

>Sonata kept wailing, the waterworks on full force.

>Before you knew what was happening, Rarity already had the plush in the claw and was bringing it back to the deposit box.

>Ka-ching!

>The plush lands in the box and pops out.

>Rarity picks it up and hands it to Sonata before quietly patting her head and walking off.

>Sonata seemed to calm down as she cuddled it closely.

>You and Sunset both lower your hands from your ears.

>Yours were both still ringing...

"Is... Is it over?"

>"I think so..."

"But how did she..?"

>"It comes with sewing my dears. It takes a very steady hand to be able to finely sew a piece... I just treated it like it was a dress!"

>You and Sunset both look at one another.

"Well, okay then."

>You go to find Fluttershy.

>You see her hand bag on the floor outside of one of those racing machines...

>You try to listen in on her.

>"Yeah, you'd better get out of my way! Cut me once more, and I'll tear you a new one, pal!"

>You wait for a few minutes after listening to her go on and on.

>Fluttershy eventually walks out.

"So you'll tear them a new one, huh?"

>Fluttershy meeped and covered her red face.

>"You.... You heard all of that?"

"I think the people in China could."

>She took her bag and ran off.

>Even Sunset snickered.

>"You are SO mean, Anon!"

>You shrug.

"It'll make for some great stories later."

>Sunset rolled her eyes.

>"Whatever, you dork. What should we play?"

>You think for a few minutes...

"What about one of those beat-em-ups?"

>She shrugs.

>"Fine by me."

>>2049595520495955

>Just by the sounds of it, Sonata was learning the ropes of the game quickly.

>Rarity set up the balls once more.

>"Alright darling, your turn to lead the break."

>Sonata took her position and made her shot.

>The balls scattered across the table.

>One went into a pocket.

>Then another.

>And another.

>Rarity just stood there, speechless.

>Breaking shot.. She sunk three solids.

>"Why... How... Beginner's luck!"

>You could hear how upset Rarity was.

>Sonata giggled and stuck her tongue out at her.

>"Myeh!"

>You shook your head and continued to play with Sunset.

>Sonata approached you and Sunset about an hour later.

>Rarity was behind her.

>You could swear that Rarity was about to break someone's face...

>...And you hoped it was not yours.

"How'd it go, Sonata? Did you have a good time?"

>Sonata giggled almost menacingly.

>"Yeah, I TOTALLY kicked her butt!"

>You looked at Rarity who was muttering under her breath.

>Sunset held a hand to her lips to stifle a laugh.

"Well..."

>You look at your watch.

>Jesus, you guys burned over two hours in that Arcade.

"Looks like we should try to find the others and get going."

>Sonata and Sunset both yawned at the same time.

>"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, Nonny."

>Sonata clung to your right arm.

>"I think I hear supper and our hammock calling."

>Sunset clung to your left arm.

"Alright, alright... First thing's first... We need to find the others."

>>2051032620510326 (You)

>Thankfully Fluttershy wasn't too hard to find.

>Must've been messing around with one of those simulation games again...

>Heading toward the front of the Arcade, you and the group find AJ and Rainbow still duking it out.

>You roll your eyes.

>You didn't want to interrupt them, so you stood back and watched the two of them fight.

>By the looks of it, AJ was royally kicking her ass.

>31-4

>Holy fucking shit how would she even...

>You take a glance at AJ's hand movement on the joypad.

>It looked like it was near flawless, like a professional pianist.

>"GAME. OVER."

>"Now, how do ya like them apples?"

>Rainbow looked very steamed.

>"Fine... You win."

>Dash turned away and pouted.

>She actually admitted defeat for once in her life.

>You chuckle softly.

"That was amazing. 32 to 4?"

>"Her hands and arms kept cramping up. Ah always have lots of exercise with mine thanks ta the farm work."

>"Yeah right, you just got lucky..."

"32 times?"

>Everyone laughed.

"Anyhow, we're just missing Pinkie Pie now, and---"

>"Hiya guys!"

>Pinkie popped out from on top of some of the machines, a large stuffed alligator on her back.

>"Hey kid, get off of that machine!"

>Oh Jesus, the store manager was running at her with a broom.

"It's about time we make like Bananas and split!"

>Everyone split in their own direction and just gunned it.

>"Don't let me see you back here again!"

>You sat in the food court once more while you waited for the others to return.

>"Oh man, just the look on his face... TOTALLY worth it."

>They were probably talking about the manager.

>You took a sip of your drink.

>Everyone else sat down around the table.

>"So what's next on our list?"

"Well, we gotta figure out who Sonata will stay with first."

>Sonata held onto her plush puppy timidly.

>She probably didn't like the idea of being away from you.

>Sunset put a hand onto Sonata's.

>"Hey, it'll be alright. It's just like having a sleepover every day."

>She seemed to smile softly from Sunset's words.

>>2051077820510778

>The group mumbled and talked among one another trying to figure out the best course of action.

>"Well, why doesn't Sonata stay with you two for the first night, then we can rotate?"

>You sat back to think.

>You knew that Sunset was craving you, given that it's been quite some time since you two were last alone together...

"I don't know. I mean, this one is up to Sunset."

>You look at her.

>She seemed to be reading your mind just as you did with hers.

>She played with her hair a little bit out of nervousness.

>"Well, I... I don't know, I mean..."

>Sonata gave you both the sad, lost little puppy look.

>You held a hand up to your eyes to try and block it out.

>Sunset just stared at her.

>"I..."

>"Well, what could go wrong, my dear? I mean she hasn't caused us any--- Well, TOO much trouble."

>Rarity looked right at you.

"Yeah, yeah.. Yuck it up."

>"Well, I mean.. I wouldn't really have a problem with her being with us but I just thought Anon and I needed some time alone to relax and..."

>Sunset caught herself and stopped her train of thought.

>"Never mind."

>Rainbow Dash burst out laughing.

>"You mean you..."

>She points at Sunset, then over to you.

>"And him... Are actually..? Bahaha!"

>She falls backward in her chair.

>Applejack and Rarity both glared at her before giving her a gently kick to each side.

>"Ow! What was that for!?"

>"That was fer makin' a mockery of them. What they do is their own business."

>"How uncouth..."

>It took Pinkie a second to understand what was going on.

>"Ohhh! I get it now!"

>Sonata blinked in confusion.

>"Uh... What?"

>You sit back in your chair, heaving a heavy sigh.

>There was no way this wasn't going to be spread around...

>"I'm sorry Anon, it just slipped out of my mouth.."

"It's fine... We'll just... Deal with it, I suppose."

>"Sooo... Who do I get to stay with?"

>"Well um... I always..."

>Fluttershy got cut off.

>"Well, seein' as how RD here wanted ta be so rude, why not stay with her for the first night?"

>"But I um.."

>>2054184220541842 (You)

>"Hey! Just because she doesn't have her freaky powers anymore doesn't mean that I should take her!"

>"But girls, I..."

>"Yet, here ya are, makin' fun of these two!"

>"Girls..."

>"Only because they deserve it!"

>"GIRLS!"

>Everyone sat there and just stared at Fluttershy.

>Fluttershy exhaled softly.

>"I offered to take her."

>"Are... Are you sure darling?"

>The pink haired girl nodded.

>"Yeah, I mean we could do all sorts of things. And I bet she'd love to meet some of my animals."

>Sonata looked at Fluttershy with interest.

>"Animals? Like what? Bunnies? Cats?"

>"Yep, and so much more."

>Sonata clapped happily.

>"I wanna go with her!"

>You chuckle softly and shake your head.

"Just be sure to keep and eye on her."

>Your comment made Sonata puff her cheeks out.

>"Anon! I'm not some kid..."

"No, but you might break something. ...Or someone."

>You all laugh at Sonata's pouting.

>Adagio and Aria finished cleaning up the lab.

>It looked better than it did before.

>They already had their gowns off and washing, along with Discord's.

>"You know, Adagio... If I didn't know any better, I think he's messing with us."

>Adagio looked at her as they ascended the staircase.

>"What do you mean, messing with us?"

>Aria thought for a moment.

>"I don't quite know yet, but something feels... Wrong."

>Adagio shrugged her shoulders.

>"Probably just your imagination again."

>Aria scowled at Adagio.

>"You're just the worst..."

>The scent of the fresh food wafted past their noses.

>Just the smell of it made their mouths water.

>Adagio's jaw dropped open as she drooled a bit.

>Discord laughed as he watched them walk by mindlessly.

>"You're drooling, Adagio."

>Adagio shook her head.

>"Oh.. uh.. So I am."

>Aria kept quiet.

>A minute later, both of their stomach rumbled loudly, causing both girls to blush.

>"Heh... Yeaaah..."

>>2056000420560004 (OP)

>Adagio and Aria cleaned themselves up and help set the table.

>By now, they've gotten used to the routine; Food gets cooked, table set, cleaned up, eat, wash the used dishes.

>This night's supper was different from the others..

>It was more... Vocal.

>Adagio finished chewing the carrots that were in her mouth.

>"You know, uh..."

>Discord chuckled softly.

>"If you have such a hard time remembering it, you can just call me Professor."

>He cut into his steak and ate a bite of it.

>"Right, Professor.. That uh... Chemistry thing was kinda fun."

>Discord stopped mid-bite to look at her.

>Adagio's glance quickly went down to her plate as she continued to eat.

>"I mean... We don't exactly know how chemistry works and all of that... But just being able to play around with silly things and have such a... Reactive response just feels fun."

>He chuckles at her stammering.

>"Good, I'm glad you find it fun."

>He looks over at Aria.

>She's just playing with some peas on her plate, her had resting in her left hand as she spaces out.

>She hasn't seemed to be really eating much that day.

>Discord's gaze was fixated on her, almost as if he was peering into her mind.

>Aria's spine suddenly got a large chill shot down it, causing her to shudder violently.

>"Could you stop doing that? I feels weird when you stare at me."

>Discord chuckles heartily.

>"Oh ho ho... You don't hide in there forever, my dear..."

>He points his fork at her, still having some steak on it.

>"Soon enough you'll come out of that shell of yours."

>Aria went back to sitting as she was.

>"Yeah. Right."

>Adagio could feel the intensity of Aria's tone.

>Adagio and Discord continued to idly chat through the meal, leaving Aria there to just think.

>"I expect you both to try and get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

>Adagio looked at him questioningly.

>"Big day?"

>Why yes, tomorrow is Monday. That means school is back in session."

>School.

>Adagio forgot about that.

>>2056015220560152

>Adagio knew that sooner or later she'd have to face the music, and atone for her heinous deeds.

>She looked at Aria.

>Was she thinking about the same thing? Or something else?

>Discord sat back and pat his stomach.

>"I DO make a fine cook, I must say."

>Adagio came back to her senses a few seconds later.

>"Yes, your cooking is really skillful. Um... What, exactly, will we be doing..?"

>Discord stood up and walked toward the kitchen window.

>It was borderline dusk outside.

>"I'm going to take you two to Vice Principal Luna, and that oooh, luscious Principal Celestia..."

>He wiggled a bit as he mentioned Celestia before coughing slightly.

>"To have myself reinstated at the school's Chemistry teacher, and you two as my official assistants."

>Adagio raised an eyebrow at him.

>"You can do that?"

>"I may have had it revoked before... But once they see how well you two do in the labs, I'm sure there will be no problem."

>Adagio tugged at the collar of her shirt nervously.

>"Yeah... No problem."

>Discord walked out of the room and onto the porch.

>"You two know the drill!"

>Adagio cleaned up most of the table, cleaving Aria's utensils, plate, and drink.

>She sat down next to her quietly.

>"Hey Aria, are you okay?"

>Aria didn't say anything.

>Adagio was used to her usual snarky remarks, but the silence and tension from her was too much to bare.

>She puts a hand on Aria's shoulder.

>Aria rolled her shoulder to get it off.

>"Aria, please... You should tell me what's wrong."

>Aria's eyes rolled toward the door where Discord stepped outside.

>"Not now."

>Adagio looked down at the floor.

>"At least eat, please?"

>"Not hungry."

>Adagio bit her lower lip hesitantly as she kicked her legs under the chair idly.

>Adagio came up with a very silly idea.

>"Aria, you'd better eat that food, or I'll feed it to you!"

>Aria looked at Adagio questioningly.

>"Who are you, my mother?"

>"Well, if you're going to be all pouty, then I might as well be! Now, are you going to eat?"

>>2056033520560335

>Aria put her fork down at glared coldly at Adagio.

>It was one of her "You wouldn't fucking dare" kind of looks.

>Adagio shook her head.

>"Tsk, tsk... Look at you. Now I gotta do it for you."

>She took the fork and put some vegetables on it before holding it up.

>"Here comes the aeroplane!"

>Aria just sat there in shock.

>Adagio was just relishing this moment.

>"Adagio, seriously, you're being--"

>Aria was stopped mid sentence as Adagio put the forkful of food into her mouth.

>"I know you don't like it being this way, but you need your strength just as much as I do."

>Adagio growled quietly, something she hasn't done since they discovered the Equestrian Magic.

>Aria just looked at her, almost in fear.

>Aria swallowed her mouthful.

>"Fine... I.. I understand."

>"Good."

>Adagio went to go clean the already used dishes as Aria ate her food.

>Fluttershy and Sonata walked out toward the edge of town, both of them carrying some bags that contained Sonata's new clothes.

>Sonata skipped along happily as she usually did.

>"So, um... Sonata. What do you like to do in your spare time?"

>"What do I like to do...?"

>She paused to think.

>"I... Don't really know. I was always doing whatever 'Dagi and Ari' told me to do..."

>Her expression fell to a frown at the thought of the other two girls.

>"Well, hey, don't feel bad. It's the start of something new, so you can always experiment."

>"Exper... Experi... Exper..."

>Fluttershy giggled softly.

>"Try new things."

>"OH!"

>The two walked and talked all the way back to Fluttershy's little hut.

>"Now, be careful. There will be lots of small animals around, indoors and in the backyard."

>Sonata nodded.

>Fluttershy opened the door.

>"Say uh... Where will I be sleeping?"

>Soanta pointed to herself questioningly.

>"Well, there is one place you could sleep..."

>Fluttershy pulled out the bed that you had slept on only months earlier.

>Your cast imprint was still there...

>>2056821320568213 (You)

>"This is where Anon slept when he stayed with me. I um... I slept beside him, too."

>Sonata looked at Fluttershy, her mouth agape.

>"Don't you have your own bed?"

>Fluttershy's face went red as she squeaked.

>"Well, um.. Yes. But he was having such bad nightmares that being next to him calmed him down."

>Sonata blinked and looked at the bed.

>"Musta been some really bad nightmares."

>While setting up the bed, Fluttershy took the time to explain to Sonata about your nightmares involving Sunset.

>She seemed to fascinated by the story.

>"Wow... Sounds like Nonny... Err... Anon must have had a really hard time."

>Fluttershy nodded slowly.

>"Yes, it was hard for him. But everything worked out in the end, and I'm happy for him."

>Sonata laid out on the bed like a lazy teenager would.

>"Happy for him? What's that supposed to mean?"

>Fluttershy stood up.

>"Oh, nothing. It's nothing, just a saying."

>She waved a hand in front of her face in nervousness.

>"Just me saying that I'm glad it all worked out."

>Sonata raised an eyebrow at Fluttershy.

>"Riiight... Anyway..."

>Sonata reached into one of the bags next to her bed and took out a fuzzy pair of purple pajamas, grinning excitedly and pseudo-snuggling them.

>Without a warning she began to undress.

>Fluttershy squeaked again and looked away.

>"Sonata, what are you doing?"

>"Oh uh... I was going to get ready for bed. Is there something wrong..?"

>"You should have warned me so I could give you some privacy!"

>"O-oh! I'm sorry... I guess doing this in front of Rarity and Sunset gave me the wrong idea... Heh..."

>Fluttershy walked into the kitchen.

>"Just.... Do it already. I'll make us some supper."

>You sat in the pool's warm water in the backyard.

>It felt great to be able to just float there and let your muscles relax.

>Sunset was on the other side, laying on one of those pool chairs.

>You heave a heavy sigh as you sink a bit lower, still holding onto the edge of the pool.

>"Something the matter, Anon?"

>>2056869620568696 (You)

>You look at Sunset Shimmer through your tinted sunglasses.

"I just can't stop thinking about what might happen tomorrow..."

>You look toward the sky as Sunset floated past you.

>"You mean at school? How she would... React, let alone fit in?"

>You nod slowly.

"Yes, and what will happen if the other two.... Oh, what were there names..?"

>You snapped your fingers, trying to jog your hazy memory.

>"Adagio and Aria?"

"Yeah, Adagio and Aria. What will happen if they show up..."

>Sunset went quiet for a moment.

>"Well, we may not have Twilight here any more... But if they want to cause some more trouble, we have more than enough firepower to stop them again."

>You bite your lower lip at that thought.

>What if they somehow got their powers back? You'd be fresh pickings...

"That's what I'm afraid of..."

>Sunset float by you again.

>She must have turned on some of the jets to spin her around for shits and giggles.

>"Well, we'll worry about it when the time comes. For now it's just you... Me... And our lovely bed."

>You look at her, lifting your glasses up.

>You say nothing, but you both had the same thought regardless.

>Fluttershy and Sonata were both dressed in their pajamas and eating some snacks.

>They had been telling stories to one another about each other's pasts.

>Fluttershy seemed to be extra interested about Sonata's past life in Equestria, including the bits about Starswirl.

>"Wow, I didn't know that such a powerful thing could exist."

>Sonata looked at the cookies in front of her.

>"Yeah, it was so long ago. But apparently time flows differently here than there."

>Fluttershy tilted her head.

>"What do you mean?"

>"Well, here... It's only been a few years, so I'm still rather young but... Over there, according to Twilight... It's been thousands."

>"Oh my... That boggles my mind just thinking about it."

>Fluttershy giggled softly.

>"Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh--"

>Sonata snickered a bit.

>"I guess it is kinda funny, though."

>>2056897420568974 (You)

>Sonata quietly nommed on a cookie.

>"You know... These aren't as good as Tacos."

>Fluttershy laughed and shook her head.

>"That's because they are two totally different foods."

>"Riiight."

>Fluttershy went to reach for a cookie before Angel jumped into her lap.

>"Oh, dash a coot bunny. Whas it's name?"

>"His name is Angel. He sometimes helps me keep things straight around here."

>Fluttershy took her attention down to the impatient rabbit in her lap.

>He seemed to point at the clock with an angry look.

>Fluttershy looked at the clock before gasping.

>"Oh, I'm so sorry, Angel! I had no idea it was so late! I gotta feed you all before bed!"

>Sonata blinked quietly, unsure of what just happened.

>Fluttershy jumped up and ran around the kitchen, getting various foods and bowls.

>Sonata watched through the little peeking hole between the kitchen and the den.

>"How many animals do you have?"

>"Well, I feed about ten... The rest can hunt on their own. You know, foxes, bears, that sort of thing."

>Sonata nodded.

>"I just feed the birds, Angel, the chickens, squirrels sometimes..."

>Sonata seemed to light up.

>"Need some help?"

>"Oh, if you don't mind..."

>"I'd love to!"

>Sonata jumped off of the bed and ran into the kitchen.

>"So the small bowls are for the bird food... The tinier ones are for the squirrels and their nuts..."

>Sonata nodded and began to fill each bowl accordingly.

>"I'll go and feed the chickens."

>A few minutes later, Sonata came outside with all the bowls filled.

>She seemed to be balancing them perfectly.

>"Oh my, are you sure you don't want help with that?"

>"Nah, I got it."

>Sonata set down the majority of the bowls on the ground, spaced apart.

>She put the remaining two onto the bird perches and stepped back.

>Fluttershy watched as the animals came around and tested the food.

>They seemed to be satisfied.

>Some even came over to say hello to her.

>Fluttershy smiled softly as she watched Sonata enjoy herself.

>>2056920020569200

>Adagio sat backward on a chair, staring out of the bedroom window.

>Aria lay on the bed, facing the ceiling.

>Adagio heaved a sigh.

>"So, do you want to talk about what that was all about earlier?"

>Aria moved her head and looked at Adagio.

>"What are you talking about?"

>"The whole... Not eating thing."

>"...."

>Aria rolled onto her right side so that Adagio couldn't look at her face.

>"...I just... I can't stop thinking about her, Adagio..."

>Her voice was soft and shaking.

>She was probably trying to hold back her tears, but was fighting a losing battle.

>Adagio kept looking outside.

>"I know... And she keeps coming back into my mind, no matter how often I try to shove that ditz out..."

>Discord was eavesdropping in on them from the other side of the door.

>He smiled slyly.

>Aria sat up.

>"I know that I really shouldn't be like this... But... I'm just really worried about her."

>Adagio moved the chair over beside Aria's bed.

>She put a hand onto Aria' back, stroking the crying's girls spine slowly to try and soothe her.

>"I know... I may not show it, but I'm really worried about her too. That ditz could have gotten herself..."

>She bit her lower lip, trying to swallow her own worry and sadness.

>"...Killed."

>Aria proceeded to just sob harder.

>"Maybe we'll get to see her some time soon... I'm sure she's doing just fine."

>Adagio sat on Aria's bed quietly.

>Aria thrust herself into Adagio's arms, now crying hysterically.

>"Shh... It's okay."

>Adagio quietly rocked back and forth and hummed.

>Her humming wasn't rugged or scratchy like their voices were when their pendants shattered, it was more melancholic. Soft.

>"We just need to keep each other going and we'll make it..."

>>2058318220583182 (You)

>It took another moment, but eventually Adagio's softer side came through.

>She began with light sobbing before breaking out into a full on crying spree herself.

>The two Dazzlings held one another close.

>Being next to one another felt more... comforting, even if they didn't have Sonata with them.

>Without even a word, they both decided it would be best if they just slept together for the night.

>Discord adjusted his tie and stood up with a businessy look on his face.

>"Well, it seems like the two of them are coming along nicely... Perhaps tomorrow I shall... Break them from their shells. But first, cake!"

>Sonata laid sprawled out on the couch mattress.

>She stared up at the ceiling as her and Fluttershy idly talked to one another.

>"Say, why is there this random indent? It feels like a rock was here or something."

>"Oh, that? That was where Anon's arm was. It was in a cast you see... It was kinda broken."

>Sonata sat up and looked at Fluttershy.

>"Broken? What happened?"

>"Well... You see, a few months ago, Everyone else and I were hanging out at the doughnut shop parlour... Thing... I never really knew WHAT that place is... Anyhow, these bullies came up to us and began to push some of us around."

>Sonata looked at her with interest.

>"Some of them began to tease us, and hit us... Some of them even took Anon down to the ground when he tried to stand up for us."

>Sonata nodded slowly, curling up into the fetal position as she listening.

>"Anon saw that they were going after another one of us, and he got really angry... Managed to get the two of them that were pinning him down off... And really beat up the third one. I think he ended up with quite a few skull fractures and a broken nose..."

>"Oh wow..."

>"It was really scary to see him fight with such a bloodlust... But he drove them off. He unfortunately had his arm and shoulder broken, as well as the muscles ripped apart in certain places..."

>>2058342720583427 (You)

>Sonata's eyes lit up as she pictured you fighting off a bunch of bad guys like a knight in shining armor.

>"Wooow..."

>"Yeah, but it scared Sunset away from him... She even tore off her necklace and broke it."

>Sonata looked down and held the necklace around her neck.

>Just gripping it made her feel warm inside, like she could do anything.

>"It must have been really, really scary..."

>Fluttershy nodded.

>"Because things weren't going well, he stayed here with me until he was better."

>Sonata nodded slowly and sat against the back of the couch.

>"So you uh... Said that you slept with Anon, didn't you?"

>Fluttershy's face went red.

>"N-not in that sense! Just as a friend who cared!"

>Sonata giggled softly at her reaction.

>"What was it like... sleeping next to someone else? Did you get to see or do anything?"

>Fluttershy's face contorted into a frustrated, embarrassed look.

>"I saw nothing of him aside from him in his clothes and the sheets... And all that we did was sleep... And cuddle a little... And talk about his nightmares.."

>Sonata giggled as Fluttershy's gaze dropped to the floor.

>"You liiike him don't you?"

>"Meep! I uh..."

>"So you DO like him!"

>"She shook her head.

>"No! No I don't! Not like that!"

>Sonata crept closer to her.

>"You sooo totally like him! Like... For realzies!"

>Fluttershy covered her ears.

>Sonata grinned slyly.

>"I knew it."

>She sat back on the mattress.

>Fluttershy eventually let her guard down.

>"So uh... Look at the time, we should probably sleep."

>"Fluttershy?"

>Sonata looked at Fluttershy with her cute pout.

>"Can we sleep together..? Just for tonight?"

>Fluttershy bit her bottom lip.

>That gaze was just too irresistible..

>"F-Fine... But just for tonight."

>Sonata clapped.

>Alright Fluttershy, it's just Sonata. No big deal. She isn't that... Hunky, gentleman Anon... It's just a sleepover!

>Fluttershy turned out the lights, closed curtains, and locked the doors.

>Sonata was already snuggled up under the blankets.

>She watched Fluttershy with a cute little grin.

>Fluttershy sighed softly and sat on the side of the bed.

>"Are you sure about this?"

>Sonata nodded.

>"Yuppers!"

>Fluttershy slid under the covers and turned away from Sonata.

>She still felt uneasy about this.

>Sonata giggled before yawning.

>"I bet you're still thinking about this morning."

>"What... Do you mean?"

>"When I walked in on Anon..."

>Fluttershy felt her face grow hot.

>"Probably just wondering what I saw..."

>Sonata slid closer to Fluttershy.

>"Just opening the tent to find him there..."

>She leaned in to whisper in her ear.

>"..Naked."

>Fluttershy squeaked loudly as she hid under the blankets.

>"Sonata! Why would you say that!?"

>Sonata giggled and went back to her side.

>"I just wanted to mess with you~ 'Night~"

>Fluttershy's mind was now filled with the lusting curiosity of what Sonata DID see...

>Fluttershy somehow managed to still fall asleep.

>Adagio tossed and turned.

>She was locked into a nightmare.

"Listen to the sound of my voice."

>"Aaah~ Aaaah~"

"Soon you'll find you don't have a choice!~"

>"Aaah~ Aaah~"

>Adagio looked at herself.

>She was wearing her stage outfit again.

>She was also being shrouded by a purple mist.

"Captured in the web of my song!~"

>"Aaah, aah oh~"

"Soon you'll all be singing along!~"

>The mist seemed to grip onto her; Adagio struggled to move.

>"No..! I don't want to...!"

>In front of her a stage lit up where the trio floated.

>They were in their stage outfits, fully transformed like back in the Battle of the Bands.

"We've got the music, makes you move it. Got the song that makes you lose it!"

>Adagio fought against her constraints, some tears coming to her eyes.

"We say jump, you say "How high?" Put your hands up to the sky!"

>The mist held onto her as it shot her into the air.

>Adagio felt her heart skip a beat.

>She was immediately released as she fell.

>"No! I don't want this!"

>>2058430620584306 (You)

>Adagio threw herself forward.

>She panted heavily, and put a hand over her chest.

>Her heart raced at what felt like a million miles a minute.

>She wiped her eyes, expecting the usual sleep powder to be there.

>She was met with tears.

>Was that nightmare really that intense...?

>It felt so real to her.

>Aria sat up and rubbed her eyes.

>"What's wrong, Adagio? You were tossing pretty bad throughout the night."

>Aria lowered her hands once she noticed that Adagio was in distress.

>"I... I..."

>Her eyes welled up with tears.

>Aria quietly pulled her into an embrace.

>"It was awful... I saw all of us on stage again... And we were singing... And there was this purple mist... And it tossed me really far up..."

>Aria quieted her down a bit.

>"It was just a dream, Adagio... That would never happen."

>Adagio continued to shake for a bit from the fear.

>"It... It felt so real..."

>Aria frowned softly.

>"Hey, listen... It'll be fine, Adagio. We have a new day for us... I'm sure you'll forget all about it."

>Aria held onto Adagio's shoulders as she looked at her eyes.

>Adagio was still in distress.

>Aria cracked a warm, reassuring smile. Something that hadn't happened in eons.

>Adagio sniffled and nodded.

>"Yeah... I'm sure you're right..."

>"Hey, you know what we should do?"

>"What?"

>"We should surprise the Professor with some breakfast before he's even up."

>Adagio smiled a bit at the idea.

>"Yeah, I think he'd like that."

>They got out of bed and quietly sneaked into the kitchen to begin making the food.

>Discord remained fast asleep upstairs in his own bed.

>>2058456420584564 (You)

>Adagio and Aria went to work in the kitchen.

>They cooked up a pretty mean breakfast.

>Bacon and eggs, toast, some slices of ham, freshly made juice...

>They were really trying to impress him with this wake up meal.

>It took them a good hour to finish with the preparations.

>The table was set, food was cooked...

>Aria and Adagio stood at the foot of the table.

>Aria had her arms crossed.

>Adagio had hers on her hips.

>"I'd say we did a good job."

>"I mean... It doesn't look THAT bad..."

>The two sat down in their chairs and sighed a bit.

>"I'm still a bit sleepy..."

>"I would imagine so... You had a rough night."

>Adagio yawned a bit.

>Aria smiled softy and turned her chair a bit, patting her lap.

>Adagio laid across a few chairs, resting her head in Aria's lap.

>She quickly fell back to sleep.

>Discord's eyes shot open.

>The weak scent of food had gotten into his room.

>He looked at the clock...

>6 AM.

>Were the girls up already?

>He slid himself out of bed, dressed in his striped blue and white sleeper outfit.

>He even had a hat to go with it.

>Sliding some bunny slippers on, he made his way down the stairs.

>He yawned softly.

>"Are you two up alr--"

>He was cut off by Aria angrily "shhh"ing him.

>She pointed into her lap.

>Discord chuckled softly.

>"This looks wonderful... Should we wait for her?"

>Aria nodded slowly.

>Discord went back upstairs to take a shower while they waited on Adagio.

>She looked to peaceful as she slept there.

>>2058484220584842 (You)

>Twenty minutes later, Adagio stirred from her sleep.

>She sat up and stretched, yawning softly.

>"How long was I out?"

>Discord was already sitting at the table.

>"Oh, I'd say about twenty minutes, give or take."

>Adagio looked down.

>"Oh, sorry.. I guess the food must be cold, then huh?"

>Discord shook his head.

>"No, actually. Since it's the warmer season, food takes longer to chill off."

>"Oh... Well uh... We tried to surprise you with this."

>"And it looks amazing, you two. Thank you."

>Adagio pointed to Aria.

>"Her idea."

>Discord chuckled heartily.

>"You are very thoughtful, my dear."

>The three of them began to eat.

>Discord went over how the day was going to go for them. Class schedules, responsibilities.. All that fun stuff.

>Aria sat and ate quietly as she normally did.

>Adagio was the obscenely quiet one this time.

>Her silence caught Discord off guard.

>"Adagio? Is something the matter?"

>She said nothing. She was as distant as Aria was the previous night.

>Discord looked at Aria.

>"Do you know if she's okay?"

>Aria shrugged.

>Discord fixated his gaze onto Adagio.

"Adagio, you really shouldn't---"

>As he reached out for her, she raised her hand to stop and silence him.

>"I just... Had a bad night, that's all. Just sleepy."

>He nodded, but kept an eye on her.

>There was no way that was the sole issue.

>"If you say so, my dear..."

>Adagio went back to finishing her food in silence.

>What if her dream was to become a reality..?

>What would happen to her, or more importantly Aria and Sonata?

>Her mind began to become clouded with terrible thoughts.

>>2058504420585044

>You sit up in bed, yawning and stretching.

>Sunset was still sleeping peacefully next to you.

>You smile softly as you put your robe on and stand up.

>Sunset grabs your hand.

>"Where do you think you're going?"

>You look down at her in surprise.

>She looked like she was wide awake.

>She probably must have been waiting for you to wake up.

"I was just going to go get some breakfast."

>"Breakfast? Without pleasing me after last night? I don't think so."

>She pulls you back down.

>You chuckle softly.

"Alright, alright... I suppose one more round wouldn't hurt."

>Sonata sat up in her bed, rubbing her eyes softly.

>She looked to her left.

>Fluttershy was halfway off of the bed, face on the floor, snoring away and drooling.

>She probably fell off some time during the night.

>Sonata kicks the blankets off of her and heads into the kitchen.

>"I wonder what she has in here...?"

>Opening a lower cupboard, Angel pop out of it.

>Sonata jumps back and shrieks.

>"Gah!"

>Angel crossed his arms and tapped a foot.

>Sonata blinked a few times before squatting down.

>Angel pointed to the fridge.

>"What? Are you hungry too?"

>He nods and shows her a picture of an ice cream sundae.

>"Oh um... I don't think that you should have that..."

>Angel gave her a death glare.

>Sonata was immediately unnerved.

>"I mean... I don't really know what else bunnies eat outside of like... some herbs and carrots... Can't I just get you one of those?"

>Sonata kept trying to work her way around Angel.

>Fluttershy eventually fell onto the floor completely, waking her up.

>"Hunh...? What's going on?"

>She sits up, still half dazed as she holds her head.

>"Sonata...?"

>>2060841420608414 (You)

>Sonata ran into a corner to try and get away from Angel.

>Angel was chasing her down with a fork, stabbing it toward her like an angry villager.

>"Oh my..."

>"No! Go away you demon bunny!"

>Sonata was very afraid at this point.

>Fluttershy watched as Angel continued to harass her.

>"Oh um..."

>Sonata kicked toward Angel, her foot barely breezing past his nose.

>"Go away!"

>"Angel..."

>Angel stabbed Sonata's foot with the fork angrily.

>The fork couldn't penetrate the skin, but damn did it hurt.

>Sonata jumped backward down the hallway, holding her foot.

>"Angel!"

>Sonata grabbed a nearby broom with long bristles and raised it into the air.

>"I got you now!"

>She glared down at the rabbit with a sinister look.

>"STOP IT YOU TWO!"

>Both Sonata and Angel looked at Fluttershy as she exhaled heavily.

>Sonata and Angel both sat on the bed once more with Fluttershy sitting in a chair in front of them.

>"Now, you will explain to me what that was all about."

>Angel started to make a series of flippant, spastic motions.

>Fluttershy threatened him with... "The Stare."

>He sat back down quietly.

>Even Sonata got the chills from The Stare.

>"Well.. I woke up... And I went into the kitchen to find some food. When I opened a cupboard, I was ambushed by Angel who was demanding an ice cream sundae..."

>Fluttershy looked at him.

>Angel turned away.

>"When I told him no, he started to chase after me..."

>Sonata's head hung low.

>Fluttershy sighed.

>"Angel... Can be a handful sometimes, just by himself. He can be mean sometimes, but he only means well."

>"Means well? He stabbed me. With a fork."

>"Yes, well..."

>Sonata pouted a bit.

>"Stupid demon bunny..."

>"How about I just make us all a nice breakfast..?"

>>2061047420610474

>Sonata and Fluttershy sat at the kitchen table.

>Fluttershy made them both some fresh oatmeal with apples and orange juice for breakfast.

>Sonata poked at her oatmeal in confusion.

>"What IS this goopy stuff?"

>"It's called oatmeal. It's like um.. Soup, but thicker and more healthy."

>"Oatmeal... Huh..."

>She sniffed it before taking a taste test with the tip of her tongue.

>She was met by a scalding hot liquid.

>"OW!"

>Fluttershy giggled as she watched Sonata chug down her juice, trying to get rid of the burn.

>"You probably should have blown on it before trying to taste it..."

>"Oh yeah, shure, NOW ya thell me!"

>The two of them ate in silence.

>Eventually it was Fluttershy who broke the uncomfortable quietness.

>"So uh... Are you excited for today?"

>Sonata looked at Fluttershy.

>Sonata had been trying that silly trick of sticking a spoon to her nose.

>"Excited? Oh... Yeah, that.."

>Her gaze fell down.

>"I... I can't really say that I am."

>Fluttershy tilted her head off to one side.

>"Why not? You get to start a whole new life with us. Attend school. Be... Normal."

>Sonata took the spoon off of her nose.

>"I'm just worried that I might run into Ari' and 'Dagi... I'm afraid that they'll see my necklace and think I have my powers back..."

>Fluttershy looked at Sonata quietly for a few seconds.

>"Your... Powers? But how could they..?"

>Sonata's attention came back to her as she held the necklace you bought her.

>"Nothing! Just... Forget I said anything."

>Fluttershy stood up and walked to Sonata's side.

>"No, no... Just... Here. Try singing something."

>"Oh, I don't know if I should..."

>"Anything. Even just a hum."

>Sonata clutched the necklace tightly as she pictured you.

>Just the thought of you gave her the nerve to attempt it.

>The necklace shone slightly.

>Taking a deep breath in, she began to hum a bit.

>Her voice was a little scratchy, probably from the meal.

>Yet, it was still very soft and melancholic.

>Fluttershy looked a bit shocked.

>>2063370120633701 (You)

>Sonata stopped a moment later.

>She looked at Fluttershy's face of shock.

>"...Did I do something wrong again?"

>Fluttershy shook her head.

>"N-no! I um... Just. Wow. That... I don't know what to say."

>Fluttershy seemed to dance around the topic.

>Sonata looked down at the floor quietly.

>"Let's just... Hurry up and get going."

>Sonata grabbed her things and walked into the bathroom to change and prepare.

>Fluttershy looked outside at her animals.

>They looked to be acting normally.

>"I... I wonder..."

>Discord parked his car in his designated spot.

>"Now girls, remember. Unless given permission otherwise, you are to stay in line, and stay by me today, got it."

>Aria said nothing.

>Adagio rolled her eyes softly.

>"Yes, sir."

>Discord glared at them both through the overhead mirror.

>They both had the familiar chill run down their spines.

>They promptly looked at him with full attention.

>His gaze lightened up.

>"Good, good. If things go well today, maybe... MAYBE I can give you a bit more leniency later in the week."

>They kept quiet.

>Adagio gulped nervously.

>"I want you both to have a good day today. Now, come on. We have a meeting to get to."

>Luna was already in Celestia's quarters.

>"Dear sister, do you think that this would be a... Wise choice, given his history? And those two girls..."

>Celestia held a hand up.

>"Relax, Luna. We shall see once they arrive. I know Professor Chaos... He wouldn't just do this without having some sort of plan."

>"...If you say so."

>Celestia's buzzer went off.

>"Excuse me, miss Celestia? The three you've been waiting for has arrived."

>She pushed a button.

>"Send them in."

>She spun in her chair to look out of the window.

>Luna stood next to her quietly.

>Discord and the two Sirens walked into the room.

>The girls took the outlying two chairs while Discord stood and bowed to Celestia.

>He brought his fancy cane today.

>"Good morning Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna."

>He had a very cheerful tone.

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