//------------------------------// // Ebb Tide // Story: Sonata's Ocean // by RB_ //------------------------------// Aria sat in the back of Fluttershy’s van, her legs hanging over the ruined bumper. The trunk was open, facing the beach. The sun was beginning to set over the water’s horizon, bathing it in an orange glow. The Rainbooms sat on the shore, eating a picnic one of them had packed. Adagio hadn’t come; her agency had called. There was no shortage of work for a cleaner following a flood, it seemed. And Sonata was in the water. Aria watched as she swam, sliding under and over the surface of the water. Aria had always been the strongest swimmer, especially back in Equestria, but Sonata would always be the most graceful. And when she surfaced, she was smiling. The trunk dipped as someone sat down beside her. “She looks happy,” Sunset said. “Mhm.” A breeze blew past, cool and salty. “This whole… thing?” Aria said. “This doesn’t make us friends.” Sunset smiled. “Does it at least make us not enemies?” Aria grunted and said nothing. “Look, if you ever need anything… I know it can be hard, living on your own. Having to support yourself.” “We’re fine,” Aria said. “Me and Adagio still have our jobs, and we can get Sonata another one. We’ll need to replace some stuff in the apartment, but at least the water washed out the smell.” “Well, that’s… something! It’s nice that you have each other.” Aria nodded. “Hey Sunset, c’mon!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Applejack brought cider!” Sunset stood up. “Coming!” she yelled. She cast one last look at Aria. “Still, if you ever need anything, you know where I live.” She frowned. “How did you know where I lived, anyway?” “Adagio.” “Ah.” Sunset ran down the beach and rejoined her friends just as Sonata was walking out of the seafoam. Aria grabbed one of the towels from the pile behind her and held it out to Sonata as she got closer. She took it and wrapped it around herself, sitting down beside Aria. “Hey,” she said. “Hey.” Sonata let out a satisfied sigh. “You should have come swimming with me,” she said. “The water’s fantastic.” “I’ve had enough water for a while.” She giggled. “Fair enough.” They sat in silence for a while, listening to the sound of the ocean against the shore, and the chatter of the people on the beach. “Thanks,” Sonata said. “Shut up.” “No, really!” She swiveled around so she was facing Aria. “You stopped me from making the third-biggest mistake of my life!” “Yeah, I know, I was there. Just don’t make it again.” “I won’t.” “You’d better not. You won’t get away with only one punch if you do.” Sonata laughed and wrapped an arm around her. It was a damp hug, but even though she grunted in annoyance, Aria didn’t mind.