Dear Sonata,
I just made it into the ocean, and things are so different. It’s so weird being back in my normal body. Fins and hooves and gills. No joke, I almost drowned cause I’ve gotten so used to human limbs. Twilight is flying over me, guiding me and making sure I don’t get in any trouble, so that’s nice. I’m sorry I had to do this, and I probably should’ve told you about my plan before the day it went down, but… I couldn’t. I’d make excuses, and I’d never end up going.
I want you to understand that this is really important. I wouldn’t willingly spend a second away from you if it wasn’t. I don’t know what I wanna find here, or if there’s even a chance of me finding it, but I have to try. The me I am now, you deserve better than her. You deserve someone without baggage, someone who can devote all of them to you, and that’s the me I plan to become. God, just listen to me wax poetic and get all girly for you.
I don’t know what you’re feeling right now, or how you’re holding up, but there are a few things you have to remember. We have friends now, Nata, and you can depend on them. I know they might seem busy all the time. Since their lives are so much shorter, time flows differently for them than it does us. They’re going through college (most of them) and they can only go through it the once, not like us. They may not be able to talk to you at the exact moment you need them, but Sunny, Pinkie, Rarity, everyone, they’ll make time for you.
I want you to go easy on Dag. Shocking, right? Somehow, I think she’s taking this harder than she’s letting on. Try not to get on her nerves too much, okay? I wanna be there to see her completely lose her mind. Just give her a bit of space. Maybe pick up a job or something, just to get out of the house.
Another thing, I don’t want you to give up on your whole singing thing. I know that it’s tough, and I’m not expecting a record deal by the time I get home (even though that’d be sick, and if anyone could do it, it’d be you). At least try. If singing makes you happy, you deserve the chance to be happy.
Finally, and this is probably the most important thing I’ve ever said to you in all of our lives, I need you to promise me that YOU WILL NOT LET BUTTON MASH GET MY COMICS!!! I can’t stress this enough. As soon as he finds out that I’m out of town, he’s gonna come for my collection. I repeat, DO NOT LET HIM GET IT! I spent a bunch of years completing that collection. I’ve paid Stan Lee more money than some people make in their entire lives. Do not let that little skid mark get my collection. He’s gonna drop some big numbers, with at least 4 zeroes. Decline every single time. If he refuses to leave without buying something, reach under my bed and pull out my shoebox of trading cards. I bought a couple hundred for just this kind of situation. I got Yu-Gi-Oh, I got Pokemon, I even have Magic. Give him those to get him out of your hair, but don’t let him even look at my comic crate!
I don’t know how to end this letter. You know how weird I am when I write. So, I love you, I guess, and I promise that this is for the best.
Sincerly,
Aria
Dear Ari,
I hope you’re getting settled in alright, and that you find what you’re looking for. I know it’s important to you, and that makes it important to me. I’ll try to stay strong, but I’m gonna miss you every day until you get back. I think you’re right about Adagio, cause she’s been more quiet than normal. As soon as you left, she went back to her game. Thing is, I don’t think she ever unpaused it. She just stared at the title screen for a few minutes, then she went to sleep. That’s what she said, anyway. The next day, though, she seemed pretty normal. Rarity came by, and she helped a bit.
It’s a good thing you warned me about Button when you did, cause he showed up, like, right after I read your letter. A few minutes later and I might’ve sold away your whole collection. Don’t worry, though. I promised to get him into a bar and he hit the road after that. It was kinda funny, actually, just watching his face going from a smug grin to just sadness and regret.
Don’t worry about me and my singing. I’m still poking around, seeing who I can meet. I actually have a meeting with this talent agent tomorrow. He thinks I might be “the next big thing”, whatever that actually means. Even if he offers me something, I’m gonna pass until you get back. I want you to be here to make a big decision like that.
What’s it like being back home? I mean, obviously, you’re not home yet, but you’re back in Equestria. When Starswirl kicked us out, I never thought we’d ever get to see home again. I guess, someday, I might maybe be able to go? I mean, when things between us have settled? Maybe after the wedding?
Oh, almost forgot to say this: You need to take it easy. I know how you get when you set your mind to something, and you might end up hurting yourself. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, think back to the hot dog eating contest you had with Pinkie. Or the drinking contest you had with Pinkie. Basically any time you ever hung out with Pinkie, really. Point is, you’re kinda really stubborn, and you sometimes forget to do important things like eat or sleep or breathe.
I love you, babe, and I can’t wait to hear from you again.
Sincerly,
Sonata
(P.S. I am taking your reply as a solemn vow to take things easy and get 8 hours of sleep every night and eat 3 healthy meals a day).
Dear Sony,
Absolutely not. If I sleep 8 hours a night, I’ll never make it home. I know that you have no point of reference, cause you’ve never been there, but Twilight’s place is a bit of a swim from where I’m trying to get. Besides, it’s not like we need 8 hours. Trust me, a 2 hour nap every day or two and I’ll get there in a decent amount of time.
Glad to hear about your meeting with the agent-whatever. Even if you bomb horribly, you’ll probably learn how not to screw up next time. Not saying you’re gonna botch it, but there’s the silver lining for when if you do. I’m joking, I know you’ll do fine. With or without the pendants, your voice is magical.
And with that super-corny statement, I need to get moving. Turns out there’s a current I can ride for a little while that’ll cut down on my travel time, but it only comes every now and then. Can’t miss my chance. Love you, babe.
Next time will be longer,
Aria
Dear Ari,
I really hope you’re joking about the whole “2 hour nap” thing. I know we Sirens don’t need to sleep as much as some other species, but 2 hours isn’t very good for us, especially since we’ve been human for so long. Our brains still work like people, and we developed a psychosomatic desire and dependency for 8 hours of sleep and three meals a day. Before you ask, yes, Sunny let me read her psychology book, and, yes, I only understood, like, half of the stuff I just said.
She’s been coming over a lot lately, and I really appreciate it. She’s the only one who can kinda understand what you’re going through. I don’t know why we didn’t think of it sooner, talking to Sunset. Of course she understands. We’re all from the same cloth, aren’t we? Us “bad guys” gotta stick together, right?
Is that why you left? To prove to yourself that you’ve changed for good? Cause I already knew that. We’ve all made a change for the better, and I can’t help but think that you think that you need to prove it. You’ve always been pretty silly about things like that. If that’s what this is all about, you can come back now and we’ll just watch Wreck-it Ralph. Same idea, right? “You are bad-guy, but that does not mean you are bad guy”?
But that’s not it, is it? No, I don’t think it is. I wish you would tell me, so that I could help you. I’m probably not being fair. This isn’t easy for anyone, least of all you. You just feel things, and you can’t explain why you feel them, but you just do. That’s one of the things I love about you. Even if you’re being angry or grumpy or if you’re hiding things from people, you’re so pure about it. Even if you’re keeping a secret about how you feel, you do it from a pure place in your heart. Even if you don’t understand it, you act on how you feel, even if it comes out in a weird way.
I think I read too much of Sunny’s homework, cause I’m starting to freak myself out. I think I’m having one of those existench exitench existential crises (thank Sunset Shimmer for coming to my rescue after I screwed up trying to spell that)
Love you always,
Sonata
Dear Sony,
Tell Sunset Shimmer that I’m going to murder her for letting you get into those books. The last thing I need is a ditz like you thinking she knows how the mind works. You’re gonna start trying to get into my head. With my luck, it’ll probably work.
I’ve finally seen something familiar. Right now, I’m at the rock we all used to feed on. This is where Starswirl the Bearded kicked us out of Equestria. It’s hardly been touched since we left. Do you remember that day? Adagio and I were arguing over something dumb, like where to go next or something, and you were just resting there. Then, he came.
We never really talked about it, did we? When we got over the shock, we just looked to Adagio. That was probably a mistake. Talking about it probably would of made us feel a whole lot better. You were right, all those years ago. When you said that we’d always have each other. If I remember correctly, I bit your head off for saying something that dumb.
It’s nuts how much you changed me. You actually got me to talk about my feelings. Being with you makes me feel so alive, even if I feel like I’m gonna die when I hear some of the sugary-sweet crap that comes out of my mouth. I guess that’s a good thing, when you can make me actively hate the words coming out of my mouth but I still find myself saying them. You’re really that special.
Speaking of special, I know you must be thinking about our special day. I know I am, anyway. We should probably start planning now, don’t you think? Just know, I don’t mind you making all the decisions, and I reserve the right to three vetoes. Knowing you, you’re gonna give off a bunch of super reasonable things and then the last item on the list will be something weird and impossible, like “1 million Chico’s Tacos” or something dumb like that.
I’m making the assumption that you even want a big wedding. I think you deserve one, if that’s what you want. Putting up with my crap for so long, and agreeing to marry me? (Making assumptions, but pretty confident). I’ve been planning out how I’m gonna propose to you, and I think you’re gonna like it. It may or may not involve a box of tacos. That may or may not be a joke.
Love you forever,
Aria
Dear The Future Mrs. Dusk,
How did you know about my Chico’s Tacos plan?! I didn’t even write that down yet! Babe, you must be a mind reader or something, cause I was just doing the math with Dagi to see how much that would cost. Turns out, it’d be cheaper to just buy the restaurant. I told her that I’d wait until you get back to make that decision. We crunched the numbers, and we can probably afford it if we sold all your comics and Adagio’s vintage game collection.
I’m glad that you’re actually giving thought to how you’re going to ask. I was afraid that you’d just do it without coming up with some sort of plan. Even if you did, I’d totally say yes, but it’s cute that you’re acting as if I might not. I don’t really care what we do, or if we even have a real wedding at all. As long as I’m with you, we can go to the courthouse and sign some papers, and I’ll be super duper happy.
Rarity has been helping me think of what I want for the wedding, which I’m pretty sure you guessed. What’s kinda surprising is that Applejack has a few ideas of her own, and they’re pretty good. I think she’s planning on proposing to RD soon, but you didn’t hear that from me.
You can have your vetoes, just so long as I have one super-veto, that can veto a veto. Just to balance the game, you know? Wouldn’t want you to ban something we absolutely, positively, without doubt need (like Chico’s Tacos).
I’m glad to know I changed you for the better. You’ve changed me, too. I used to be so scared of everything, but you made me feel safe. I remember for a while that you used to scare me more than anything, but you ended up being the one to protect me. How many people have you punched in the face for me? If that doesn’t make a gal feel special, I don’t know what does.
Your Soon-to-Be Wife,
Sonata
Dear The Deluded Future Mrs. Blaze,
Ha! That’s cute. Look at you, thinking that you get to keep your last name. That’s rich, babe. We all know that I’m gonna be the one in the suit, I’ll be carrying you through our front door, and, of course, you’re the one who's gonna change their name. It’s just the way it’s gonna be.
I made it to the Trench today. That’s where it all started, huh? That’s where I met you and Dag. I remember it like it was yesterday. From the first word, I wanted to punch Adagio in the face. She just came up to me and started telling me that we had to stick together, seeing as it was just us three left. At first, I didn’t even see you, you were hiding so well. When I did, you started smiling like an idiot and I just yelled at you for an hour. I never did find out what you were grinning so damn hard at.
If I’m at the Trench, that means I should get to my old home in a day or two. I don’t know what I expect to find, but I’m gonna find it soon. Part of me wants to turn back. This little adventure was pretty dumb anyway. But the other part knows that I need to do this.
Hold tight for just a little longer. I know these past couple of weeks have been rough, but I promise, they’re almost over. I’ll be home before you know it.
Your Soon-to-Be Husband(?),
Aria.
Dear Ari,
Wow, the Trench must’ve been nice to see again. If we could have kids, we’d take them there all the time, just to show them where we met. Ya know, I’m thinking really hard, but I don’t actually remember smiling too much when we first met. Couldn’t tell you why. Maybe it’s cause I saw how special you were? Or maybe your memory isn’t as good as you think. (Jk, I know it’s the first one)
Don’t back down now, babe. You need to get this out of your system, you said it yourself. All you gotta do is just keep swimming. We’re with you every step (splash?) of the way. Adagio asks about you every time she’s here.
Oh! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you! Adagio found a boyfriend! He’s from out of town, a nice guy named Silver. I think you’ll like him. He’s kinda sarcastic and smarmy (like you) and he’s a big nerd (also like you). He’s pretty funny, and he has a mouth on him, but he just folds to Adagio. Like, this one night, Dagi hosted an Street Fighter V tournament, and she and Silver made it to the finals. When Silver was playing everyone else, he was talking trash and antagonizing everybody (I hope I used that word right). But, when he played against Adagio, he got really sheepish and shy. It’s cute. Can’t wait to see you run him through the rounds.
He’s been asking me about you a lot, cause he doesn’t believe you’re real. I told him that it’s all fun and games until you get back and kick his ass. That shut him up (For, like, ten seconds).
Love,
Sonata
Dear Sonata,
I made it. I’m home. I’m home, and I am freaking out. There’s nothing here. Everything is gone. I knew that some stuff would be missing, but have we really been gone long enough for everything to have been washed away?
There’s only one thing left that I remember. A big rock, so big that it stuck out way past the surface. Now, it’s been eaten away at so much that I could probably lift it if I tried. My name is carved there, my mom and dad’s, too. This is the only thing left.
I’m adding your name to the rock. I’m gonna hang here for the night, and then I’m going to head home. My real home, with you and Dag.
On my way,
Aria
Dear Ari,
Whoa. That’s crazy, babe. Are you okay? You must be freaking out pretty bad. I hope you got what you went there for. It must’ve been kinda scary. Adagio is worried about how you’re taking things, but I told her that you’re fine. You’re the strongest person I know.
The girls are on semester break, so they’re hanging around with us. Pinkie wants to throw you a welcome back party, and I almost want to let her. Something tells me you’d be a bit pissed if you walked in the door to streamers and confetti, though.
I don’t wanna rush you, but how long do you think it’ll take for you to get back? I’ve lost track of how long it’s been, but you must’ve been gone for close to a month, haven’t you? Maybe longer. I can’t wait to see you.
Miss you tons,
Sonata
Dear Ari,
You okay? You haven’t responded to my last letter yet, and I’m confused. Did I say something to make you mad at me? I’m sorry if I did, I really didn’t mean it. Please write back, even if it’s just to yell at me for whatever stupid thing I did to make you mad at me.
My bad,
Sonata
Dear Ari,
Babe, you’re really scaring me now. What did I do? I don’t remember doing anything at all, but you seem really mad at me. Please reply. At least tell me what I did. You’ve never done this to me before, and it doesn’t feel very good.
I’m sorry,
Sonata
Dear Ari,
I miss you…
Love,
Sonata
Sonata was currently giving all of her attention to her book, and the words that it contained. It didn’t make sense. Aria just stopped responding. Was it something Sonata said? Did she somehow drive Aria away? A glance at the ring on her finger convinced Sonata otherwise. Aria would never leave her.
Sonata hadn’t been out of her room in days. Even Silver, who was currently downstairs with his girlfriend, seemed concerned. Sonata hadn’t been eating, and sleep was near-unattainable. All she could spare energy for was Aria.
“Whoa, who the hell are you?” Sonata heard Silver shout from downstairs.
“Bite me, emo-freak,” a familiar voice said. Sonata nearly tripped on her way out the door and down the stairs. She slid into the living room, past Silver, past Adagio, and right in front of her.
She was soaking wet, which was to be expected. She stood awkwardly, not daring to put too much pressure on her right leg. Her eyes were bagged and dark, as if she hadn’t slept in ages. Sonata was willing to bet that she hadn’t. The one thing that was most prominent on Aria’s face, however, was happiness.
“Ari…” said Sonata quietly.
“Yeah… Sorry. Books on the spell…” Aria shook herself firmly, sending flecks of salty seawater everywhere. “Sorry. Spells on the book wore off. I got swept up in a current, and screwed up my fin. Sorry I took so long.” Sonata was just about to throw her arms around Aria in a hug, when Aria crumpled, hitting the ground and pushing herself to one knee.
“Aria! Are you okay?” asked Sonata.
“I missed you so much. I wanna spend every second I can with you,” huffed Aria. “I can’t wait to spend the day with you, but I haven’t slept in a solid week and I’m 90% sure that I broke my leg.” This time, Sonata didn’t stop herself, and grabbed Aria in a hug.
“Seriously, babe, I really should go to the hospital,” said Aria. Sonata kissed her softly, then smiled as she pulled out her phone to call the ambulance.
This was not the way Aria imagined her reunion with Sonata, although both versions involved her being on one knee. Although not quite the same, Aria decided to roll with it.
“Sonata, will you marry me?” she asked. Sonata grabbed Aria’s hand in her own and pressed it to her heart.
“Well, duh!”