//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: She Makes Me Smille // by Sun Aura //------------------------------// The three Sirens had fallen into a rhythm in Ponyville. Working in the day, and then spending the evening with either one another, or the friends they had made. It wasn’t surprising that Adagio had made a few friends. She was sociable, and her job involves working with ponies that share an interest in performing. It was only natural that they’d get to talking. There was a group of three musicians she usually talked to most, and they were the strangest combination Sonata could’ve thought of; an Earth Pony Cellist, a Unicorn DJ, and another Unicorn with a lyre who seemed to know too much about them. It wasn’t unusual for Adagio to join them, along with a candymaker that the lyre player seemed to like. They’d hang out, sometimes go to Ponyville’s spa, and who knows what. However, the idea of Aria making friends was even stranger. One night, she hadn’t come home, even though not only should her shift have been over, but the bar was likely closing soon too. Sonata and Adagio had gone looking for her, only to find her still at the bar, locked in a drinking contest with the bar’s owner, Berry Punch, and two of Twilight’s Group, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. They had to be fools to take on a pair of Earth Ponies in a drinking contest. Their Magic enhanced their strength and stamina, including alcohol tolerance. By the end of the contest, Berry went upstairs to her rooms with a slight stumble, Applejack pulled Rainbow onto her back to take her to sleep at the farm since the mare could barely walk straight, let lone fly home. It left Sonata and Adagio to hold up their sister as they all walked to the castle, the mare belting out a few drinking songs, too far gone to remember her voice wasn’t what it used to be. Or her volume control. Sonata’s job didn’t let her be quite as sociable. She loved being with Pinkie, but her relationship with the Cakes was a bit more formal. Maybe it was because they were quite a few years older than her, and also just more mature in general, since they were a married couple with kids. There was one other mare she’d had a few conversations with. It had started on her first day at the front counter, when the Pegasus said she was glad to see the new baker and was surprised she didn’t have a talent for muffins as they’d been a lot better lately. She was apparently a mare of many names, some called her ‘Derpy Hooves’, others called her ‘Ditzy Doo’, and a couple called her ‘Muffins’. No one knew which was her real name, and she’d never tell. While Sonata liked her well enough, they mostly only got to talk when she was working the counter. She had yet to get to know her well enough to talk outside of work. Other than that, she did talk with those in the castle, and even Sunset Shimmer when she popped by. She was starting to know them better too. However, when Sonata did have a day off, she decided to spend it for Pinkie Pie. Today, she waited at a small café in town. It was a bit early, but she was nervous. Part of it was just general anticipation. She had fun with Pinkie, and couldn’t wait until she got here. But it was also because of how Pinkie had responded when she asked yesterday afternoon. She’d been far too excited to say yes. Not just ‘Pinkie’ excitement, but actual excitement. Looking to the clocktower to check the time again, she saw a sight so confusing all she could do was stare open-mouthed. Some kind of Chimera that she could only describe as a ‘winged noodle-horse’ was flying down from above, Pinkie Pie sitting on its back like it wasn’t completely insane. To be fair, from what she’d come to learn of Pinkie, ‘insane’ was her ‘normal’. Yet the truly insane part was that none of the ponies around her even turned their heads when the duo landed next to her table, giggling like mad. “Thanks for the ride!” Pinkie said, sliding off its back. “Anything for you my dear,” the probably male noodle-horse said. “That said, as much as I would love to meet your new friend, our dear miss Sunbutt needs my help this afternoon. Likely she needs someone a little taller to reach the top shelves of her library.” “You sure?” she asked, pouting a little. “Scout’s Honor!” he replied, somehow instantly in a Filly Scout uniform? “Dissy, you were never a scout,” she laughed, nuzzling his cheek. “I would be, if they gave a discount on cookies,” he said, uniform disappearing. “But I do have to go. Arrivederci, my dear!” And then he just disappeared. Well, there was confetti falling from where he’d been, but other than that he seemed to pop out of existence. As Sonata stared at the spot, still bewildered, Pinkie bounced over and sat across from her. “So that was…. Normal?” Sonata wondered, seeing as no other ponies had paid them any mind. “Normal for him,” Pinkie giggled. “That was Discord. He usually gives a confusing first impression, but he’s a lot of fun!” “When I was little, there was a storybook with a character named Discord,” she said. “I can’t remember all the little details, but he had been some kind of creature of Chaos that tried to take over the world.” “Yep, that’s him!” she said, causing Sonata to choke on her drink. “I mean, he’s better now, but that sort of happened. He didn’t ‘take over’ so much as ‘let his Magic go nuts and turned the world upside down because Chaos’. I mentioned him back at your welcome party, but it might’ve been after you had that drink.” “What does ‘better now’ mean?” she asked. “Well,” she said, lowering her voice for once. “Kinda like how you’re better now. Except instead of ‘Desire-induced Berserker’, his thing was more of a psychotic breakdown making him stop feeling anything combined with a natural affinity for Chaos and pranks. We’ve worked with him for  while, and though he still has problems balancing the line between what’s hilarious, helpful, and hurtful when it comes to his shenanigans, he’s doing a lot better in the ‘feeling and connecting to others’ department.” “Oh,” she mumbled. Strange, how easy it is to forget. It had been just a few weeks in Ponyville, but it sometimes those few years seemed so long ago. Once in a while, she could almost believe that it had been a nightmare, that she was just some Earth Pony who had lived here forever. But then it all came crashing back. Maybe she’d start singing and hear the wrong voice, maybe she’d look down and see the place where her Soul Gem should be. Sometimes, it’s a comment like that. “So, uh,” Sonata said, wishing to change subjects. “Erm, is Discord your boyfriend?” Pinkie stared for a second before breaking into a short fit of giggles. Sonata wondered what was wrong. Had she said something weird? “It’s a little complicated,” Pinkie answered, still grinning a bit too much at her. “It’s kind of an open relationship thing. I’m dating him, Twilight, Rarity, Sunset, and occasionally a guy named Party Favor when we’re in the same town. And they all have their other partners too, and if we found someone new we could date them too. Have two others in mind for the future, but it doesn’t quite seem like the timing’s right.” “You can do that?” Sonata wondered, tilting her head at the idea. “I thought you were supposed to pick one and only one.” “It’s not everyone’s cup of hot chocolate,” she shrugged. “But as long as everyone involved knows and is okay with it going on, yeah. And with my dates, it’d be hypocritical if they weren’t okay with it, since as I said, they all have other partners too. Some of them overlap too. Like, Twi and Rares are also together and both are with Sunset, but Twi and Dissy have this…. They don’t go on actual ‘dates’, it’s more like Discord shows up and they have snarky flirt-off before making out or whatever.” “Huh,” she said, as it was the only thing she could think to say. Sonata wasn’t sure why this new fact made her feel… well, she wasn’t quite sure what she felt. Part of her felt upset, but another part felt better at the same time. And she didn’t quite get it. “Are you okay?” Pinkie asked, leaning forward and putting her foreleg to Sonata’s face. “You feel a little warm. Are you getting sick?” “I don’t think so,” Sonata shook her head. “It is a little hot today. I’m a Siren, so we’re kinda built to be in water, not really ‘hot summer’.” “Are you going to be okay?” she asked, a bit more concerned. “We can go inside somewhere! Or I know a few good swimming spots! Water would help, right?” “I’ll be fine,” she giggled a little. “Being out of water isn’t dangerous. I mean, Sirens have the ability to shift into a Pony form for a reason. I’m just a little more temperature sensitive than a normal Pony, but fixing it is the same thing you’d do for a Pony. I have a drink to keep me cool, and if it gets really bad I’ll go inside somewhere.” “Okay,” she relented, before perking up again. “I almost forgot! I had something to tell you!” She didn’t get the chance. In a literal blur of colors, there was a third pony at their table, making Sonata jump once again. She really needed to get used to Ponies that could appear and disappear at random. “So, what’s up?” asked the less-blurred colors she now recognized as Rainbow Dash. “Hi Dashie!” Pinkie greeted. “Hi,” Sonata parroted. “Not an answer, but I’ll take it,” Rainbow grinned. “Weren’t you supposed to get your wing looked at his morning?” Pinkie asked. “Did something happen?” Sonata wondered, leaning forward in concern. “Nothing bad,” Rainbow assured. “Okay, it was a pretty painful crash, but I knew I was fine. Flutters was the one who insisted I go to the hospital and get it checked out. It’s just some minor bruising. I’m supposed rest for the day and come back if the pain gets worse.” “But you flew over at top speed?” Pinkie asked, less with concern and more of an exasperated grin. “Yeah,” she chuckled. “It doesn’t hurt more than earlier, but I’ve got about a two minute head start before Bright comes after me. While I’m here, can you go get me  a drink? I’ll buy yours next time.” “Okie dokie lokie!” she said, before bouncing over to the café’s counter. Sonata stayed quiet. Though the Pegasus seemed less hostile than their first encounter, she wasn’t quite sure how to interact with her. Really, the longest conversation she’d had with Rainbow had been that night when she had been too drunk to walk. And it wasn’t really a conversation, since she had also been a little too drunk to talk too. This time though, she seemed ready to talk. “So,” Rainbow began, sliding into Pinkie’s seat. “Just wanted to say, I wasn’t sure what to think of you three. But hey, you’re pretty cool in my book.” “Huh?” Was the only response Sonata could make. “I gave you the benefit of the doubt,” she continued. “Because Twilight was sure you three were good. But, well, even with her Desire Magic explanation, you did try to hurt her. And even though I haven’t met all of the ‘Interdimensional Counterparts’, they’re my friends too, you know? Unlike someponies, I wasn’t quite ready to ‘forgive and forget’ without proof you were actually good.” “You were testing us?” she asked. “Not exactly,” she shrugged. “I wasn’t setting up situations for you to pass or fail, I just waited and watched. And hey, you’ve been doing good. Rarity had me deliver some costumes to the theatre, and I got to see Adagio restring a guitar at nearly my speed. And that night in the bar? Some wasted tourist tried to get a little too ‘hooves on’ with one of the other workers, and Aria flipped the guy over a table!" “That sounds like Aria,” she nodded. “She’s the fighter of the group.” “And you’ve done good too,” she pointed out. “You’re the one working with customers you can’t flip. Not to mention that you’re quick to catch onto Pinkie’s shenanigans, and you can handle watching Pumpkin and Pound for a bit. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great kids, but if you can handle them without ‘breaking character of pretending to be nice to enact your evil plan’, you’re probably actually nice.” “Er… thanks?” she said, unsure of what else she could say. “Here’s your drink, Dashie!” Pinkie said, popping back up at the table. “Thanks,” Rainbow grinned before chugging the glass. Wiping her mouth, she looked over her shoulder. “And there’s my cue to leave! See you later!” With a flap of her wings, Rainbow was in the air. Yet she didn’t leave. Instead, she waited for the stallion that was galloping up to her. He was an Earth Pony, with a sandy brown coat and a mane in a few shades of gray. He was also a bit out of breath, and his red glasses were askew. “Miss Dash!” the stallion shouted up to her. “I told you to rest your wing! You should be carefully walking home, not flying at supersonic speeds!” “How am I supposed to get home and ‘rest’ if I can’t fly?” Rainbow asked. “I live in a cloudhouse!” “There are many options,” he answered, green eyes glaring as he adjusted his glasses. “If you weren’t too stubborn to use them, there are carriages specifically for injured Pegasai and visitors that need Cloudwalking Spells! And I’m sure one of your friends could have given you a lift as well!” “Yeah, but I’m Rainbow Dash,” she retorted, lowering her hover to get in his face. “And you only told me to keep from strenuous activity. You haven’t even seen what I can do!” With that, she sped off, the updraft from her wings nearly knocking the glasses off his face. “Miss Dash! Get back here right this instant!” he shouted, before running after her. The pair were out of sight within seconds. Had it not been for the dust clouds still in their places, Sonata wasn’t sure they had been there at all. “So…” Sonata began, turning back to Pinkie. “That was normal too?” “Yep!” Pinkie said, enjoying her own café order. “That was Bright Heart. He’s new to the town. Not as new as you, but new enough to not know that Ponyville probably isn’t the best place if you want hospital work that’s ‘quieter’ than Canterlot. He’s really into making sure his patients follow his orders though.” “Including chasing them through town?” she raised an eyebrow. “Only Dash,” she said. “But that’s more her wanting attention from him after the first time. Like her own flirting game. Stubborn as Dashie is, everypony knows she wouldn’t risk her Wonderbolt career. But Bright hasn’t figured it out yet. We have bets going on who will ask who and when. Aj thinks Bright’ll ask her next week, but Princess Cadence has her money on Dash asking him closer to a holiday. Probably dragging him under Hearth’s Warming misletoe!” “And what do you think?” she wondered. “Well, Cadence is rarely wrong with Love,” she mused. “Unless something comes completely out of left field. But I think they’ll end up asking one another at the exact same time.” “I wonder what the betting pool on my love life is like,” she said. “Well… I have a few ideas,” she smiled. “Oh, but Twilight wanted me to tell you! She was able to get some messages through to the Siren Kingdom!” “Did they-” she began to ask. “They found your parents pretty quickly!” she nodded. “According to the letter, they really want to see you three. Everyone needs to prepare some stuff, like making sure you three have some days off work, and Twi’s arranging an escort, but once you’re ready, you can go!” Sonata couldn’t find the words. She tried, her mouth moving, but nothing came out. She hadn’t expected anyone to be able to contact them so quickly. And the fact that their parents wanted to see them! She was so sure they’d hate her. Maybe they still do, and just want to see her to make sure she knows exactly what they think of- Shaking her head, she pulled her thoughts together. She couldn’t let herself think like that. She wouldn’t let herself think like that. She couldn’t let herself think like that. “That’s… that’s great,” Sonata finally said. “I can’t wait to go back. I wonder what’s changed.” “Well,” Pinkie said. “Twi said one of your escorts is somepony who knows the area super well. I’m sure they’ll be helpful guiding you through it.” “I, um, I do have one more question,” she said. “Go ahead,” she nodded. Sonata hesitated, breath caught in her throat. She wasn’t quite sure why she wanted to ask this, and she was even less sure why it scared her to ask. Taking a deep breath, she tried to think straight. “Would you maybe-” Sonata began. “Do you think you’d be able to come with us? It’s alright if you don’t want to, or if Mr. and Mrs. Cake can’t give us both the vacation time, but I think I’d be more comfortable with you there. More-more brave, you know?” “Of course I’ll come!” Pinkie grinned. “I’ll have to work out the details with Mr. and Mrs. Cake, but they’ll be cool with it. Though, isn’t the Siren Kingdom underwater? I can’t exactly breathe underwater. I tried once when I was a foal but it didn’t end well. Hmm… I could rent some scuba gear, but that might make talking a lot harder.” “I-I’m sure there’s some kind of spell,” she said, only now thinking of that. “I mean, I’m not sure if I can still breathe underwater with my Soul Gem broken. Well, I haven’t tried since, well, if I can’t…” “Twilight probably knows a spell,” she waved it off. “We’ll figure it out.” “Thanks,” she sighed. “For being understanding about all this. And for agreeing to come.” “You’re my friend,” she said, reaching across the table and taking her hoof. “I’ll help you through anything, if you ask.”