//------------------------------// // 1. A Chance Encounter // Story: Sunny's Days // by Anzel //------------------------------// Warmth. I love a warm bed. Especially in the morning after a great night... and last night had been a great night. At least, the parts that I remembered clearly. Which was most of them, of course, but some details were fuzzy. That happens when you spend a lot of time in a fillyfooler bar drinking sweet drinks and dancing with mares. It was truly a fun life for a filly like me! You might say it was perfect. All I had to do was— “Melon! Get up! You’re going to be late for your finals,” a voice called from beyond the doorway. Who was Melon? The sleeping mare in the bed next to me squirmed and then jolted upright. “What! What time is it?” The voice came again, “Half past eight! Are you still in bed?” “Oh no, oh no! I overslept,” the pony who had introduced herself as Bluebell last night but was clearly Melon cried. She leaped out from under the sheets and started scurrying around the room getting ready. “Is that your mom?” I asked curiously. Melon skidded to a halt. Our eyes met and she blinked in surprise. “Oh… hi. No, that is my roommate. Um… I have to go. Sorry! See you around sometime!” Then she took off out the door. I shrugged and nestled back into Melon’s bed. She had an awesome bed. It was a princess mattress adorned with really soft pillows and sheets. Her place was also really nice and on the ritzy side of Canterlot. You had to have some serious bits to live here. I wasn’t sure how the mystery mare could afford it, but I didn't care. “So who is Melon?” the little pegasus mare on the other side of me asked. Oh yeah. Diddle was there, too. Last night had been a really good night. With a giggle, I replied, “I guess Bluebell. Let’s just go back to sleep while we have this big bed to ourselves. I’m not in a rush if you aren’t.” Diddle nodded and slipped her forehooves around me. “Okay, Sunny. Snuggling will be good. I don’t have to be at work until later. What about class?” “Meh,” I responded, nestling my head over hers. The pegasus mare didn’t argue the point. She simply drifted off to sleep in my hooves. Yes, last night had been a great night. ☼ Diddle and I trotted across Canterlot heading back to our side of town. It was going to be a pretty long walk, but that was okay. Any chance I got to visit Canterlot Heights was a good thing. “So why do you think she lied about her name?” Diddle asked, looking up at me. Diddle Daddle was my best friend by far. We’re both not from Canterlot, so when we met up we bonded over being outsiders. Plus, she is a wing pony, I’m a lead pony, and it all works out. She’s also super cute with her purple coat and cheerfully glittered silver mane. “Some mares aren’t comfortable with ponies knowing they like mares… or two mares at once. Especially ones from this side of town. What would the neighbors think!” I teased before waving a hoof. “You know, not everypony is open like you and me.” Diddle snorted and bumped up against me. “Well, it sucks to be them! Hey, aren’t you supposed to be in class, too? What’s the deal with that?” Class. Yeah. There was that. That was complicated. “Uh, I’ll go later. It isn’t structured like school or anything. Anyway, I’m thinking about calling it quits. I’ve learned what I need to and I don’t want to become some magical scholar or something. I don’t really want to use magic. Mine is all about blowing things up and that just isn’t me.” “Magical scholar? Is that a job?” Diddle giggled and shrugged. “I guess you’re right, though. Blowing things up doesn’t seem like you at all! If it were me, I’d just learn something else, but I know it doesn’t work that way. I guess I’ll never understand unicorns.” I nuzzled her and winked. “Oh, I think you understand unicorn anatomy enough to be an expert.” Diddle’s cheeks turned bright red. “That’s different! Still… it was fun. I’m going to fly, though, unless you want me to walk you home?” I shook my head and replied, “Nope! I’ll be fine. See you soon?” “You bet! Good luck dropping out of school or whatever,” she chirped before flapping her wings and flying off. “Thanks, Diddle.” Dropping out didn’t really sound good. I didn’t exactly want to drop out, either. I just wanted to finish. Of course, that was complicated. I’d been putting off talking to my mentor for a while. It was time to mare up and take care of business. I changed course and started to head towards the center of town. Waiting wouldn’t make my decision easier. It made sense that I should, at least, check in with school and feel out my mentor. That would certainly be the most responsible course of action even if it wasn’t all that fun. Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns isn’t like the schools most ponies go to. In fact, given that I went to public school for a while, I’d say it is completely different. Sure, you learn the normal things like reading, writing, and math, but the focus is on controlling your extra powerful magic. Extra powerful magic like, say, if you can shoot superheated beams of fire out of your horn. That will likely cause you to end up in the SGU or possibly jail if you do bad things with that. I chose to go the SGU route after a little accident in junior high school. From what I understand that janitor’s tail never did quite grow back right! “Well, hello, Sunny. It is nice that you decided to make our appointment today…” Professor Apple Polish said before looking up at her clock. “And you’re only two hours late. A new personal best.” I shrugged and just grinned at her. “I do try my hardest.” “Of course you don’t. You do just enough… Sometimes. Out with the colts again last night?” she asked. “Fillies last night. I’m into mares right now. The colts were last month.” Apple Polish rolled her eyes. “Why not both at once?” I wagged a hoof at her. “Believe me, when I can work that out, I will!” “Sunny…” “You brought it up, not me.” Apple Polish sighed and shook her head. “I was trying to politely shame you a little. We see each other so infrequently I’d forgotten that tactic doesn’t work. Sunny… You’re really far behind on your studies. In fact, I’d say you’re not even paying attention to them.” “Come on, Professor, that isn’t exactly fair. I came here because of my heat lances. You wanted me to learn to control my magic and I did. I’m a good girl! I don’t go around throwing them or fireballs. Not even little sparks. I keep it all in the horn. I don’t even want to use it.” She glared at me from across her desk. Her glare withered other students. It never bothered me. “Sunny, I agree, but you know that isn’t what this is about. You’re so young and talented. Imagine what you could do if you just applied yourself at all. Control is important, but you could learn so much more. Most unicorns couldn’t! Even some unicorns here.” This speech again. I tried to look attentive and just nodded along. “I know. I honestly do. I just… that isn’t my priority right now. I don’t want to be a scholar. I like living out in the world. Look, talented or not, some things just aren’t for me… and honestly… I think I’m about done here.” Apple Polish blinked. “You want to drop out?” I shrugged. “I’ve done all my required classes. I have all of the skills normal ponies learn in high school. I’d prefer you let me graduate, but if you and the faculty are determined that I have to go further to do that… well, I’m not going to waste your or my time anymore.” “I don’t know what to say, Sunny. What are you going to do for a living?” she asked. “To be honest, I’m not sure yet but I’m a pretty smart mare. There are lots of jobs for smart ponies. And there is always bartender, waitress, and dancer while I figure that out. Again, though, it would be easier if I graduated…” Apple Polish sighed and replied, “I’ll talk to the others and see what they want to do, assuming you’re dead set on this course of action.” “I am. I might regret it later in life but, right now, you should focus on the students that want to be here. We can’t all be Twilight Sparkle, can we?” I teased. “You could try to be a little like her…” “She could try to be a little like me!” The professor just rubbed her face with a hoof and said, “Right. Alright, alright. I’ll bring your proposal up. I guess there is no sense in offering you a lesson today?” “Mmm, no. I think I’d like to go home, have a shower, and then maybe a nap. I had a crazy night last night. Diddle and I found this classy mare that had the b—” I felt myself enveloped in magic. Apple Polish slowly lifted me out of the chair, through her door, and into the hall. Then the door closed. If I’d known it was that easy, I’d have told her things in detail sooner! With that, I got up, brushed myself off, and started heading towards the door. On my way out, Princess Celestia was coming in. “Hi, Princess!” I chimed warmly before making a short little bow and continuing on my way. “Hi… little pony…” she replied, looking a little confused. That was no surprise. I’d never worked hard enough to get into any of her classes. I’d just seen her around and, with any luck, that might be the last time I saw her or the school. It was time to start my life as an adult! ☼ The Mare Contraire is, without a doubt, the best bar in all of Canterlot and not just because it is for mares that like mares. It had the right mix of music, good drinks, and atmosphere that made for a comfortable place. And it was full of mares that like mares. I like mares. Who doesn’t like mares? The owner, Dolly, had set the whole thing up with three major parts: the bar area, the dance floor, and the more subdued booths. The place never got too loud and it was also kind of like a secret club since the exterior was super mundane. Of course, it also helped that I knew Dolly. She was like my Canterlot momma since my own mother was all the way in Tall Tale. Having an older, wiser mare around was always smart. Especially a fellow unicorn who knew a thing or two about magic. “Are you sure you really want to do that, Sunny?” the pink mare asked as she prepped for the coming evening. “Pretty sure,” I replied, spinning slowly on one of the stools. I was the only “customer” since the bar didn’t open until around three. “I mean… What else am I going to learn? What could they possibly teach me? My magic is pretty straightforward. Levitate things and blow things up.” Dolly snorted and peered at me. “Isn’t that the point? They’re going to try to teach you spells other than blowing things up.” I waved a hoof at her. “They’ve tried! I still end up shooting fire. I’m just not supposed to use other magic is all. And that’s fine by me. I’ve got my brain and my wits. Not to mention this killer body.” The mare set her hooves on the bar and rolled her eyes. “And so modest, too! Don’t forget your modesty.” “I call it how I see it, Dolly! You dropped out of school and now you own this really cool bar.” “Do you know how many crappy jobs I had to do to get this bar? I was a waitress, a bartender, a hostess, and other things like that for years before I scraped together enough to rent this building and start this bar.” “Yeah… and you worked hard on your own merits, overcame, bought the place, and turned it into a huge success. Without going to school!” Dolly lightly hooved her face. “Yes, Sunny… your point is valid. You, however, spend most of your time diddling Diddle Daddle. She at least has a job! You haven’t paid your tab in months!” I did diddle Diddle Daddle a lot. If either of us struck out we typically found each other. Wait… what did she just say? I blinked. “I have a tab?!” “Yes! Did you think all the drinks were free?” “Of course I did! You’re like my mom!” I protested. “Well, like your mom, I’m trying to teach you some responsibility. Now get back here and start washing glasses. If you’re going to drop out you’ll at least need steady work.” “Does it pay well?” Dolly glared at me. “Okay, okay! I’ll wash glasses until I pay off what I owe. What do I owe?” “732 bits.” My stomach turned over and I felt all of the yellow drain from my coat. “Say again?” “732 bits and that is discounted, little filly! I only charge you cost.” I started doing the math in my head. “How many glasses am I going to have to wash?” Dolly chuckled and sliced a lemon as she replied, “A whole lot so you best get to it.” “Yes, ma’am…” Well, at least, I had a job now. That was something I could take off the to-do list and add to my resume. Now I was Sunny Day, Professional Glasswasher. Of course, now I also had crippling debt. That wasn’t on my to-do list for today. It was to-done, though, so the only course was to focus on the positive. I had a job! ☼ Diddle just giggled at me from across the bar. “It isn’t funny.” “It’s kind of funny!” she replied. “It isn’t funny!” I repeated as I set about washing my three-hundredth glass for the night. I had no idea that mares drank this much! My horn was exhausted. Diddle lightly spun on her stool and giggled. “Come on Sunny, you knew you’d have to get a job sooner or later. That stipend for being at the school wasn’t much and if you’re quitting you’ll need money. I think Dolly was nice to give you work.” “Give me work? Give me work?! I’m a slave!” “You drank all of her booze!” “You drank all of her booze, too!” I reminded her. Diddle beamed at me. “Yeah, but I paid because I have a job.” “Uh-huh,” I said, leaning against the bar. “And what do you do again?” “I’m a weather pony and you know it!” she huffed. “Uh huh! How lucky that you and Dilly Dally are both weather ponies. And what kind of weather ponies, again? Rain?” Diddle shook her head. “No… Snow?” Another shake of her pretty, glittery head. “Nope… What kind again?” Diddle wiggled her eyebrows and grinned at me. “We specialize in sunny days.” I groaned at that and scowled. “That is a horrible pun.” Just that minute Dolly trotted by behind me. “If you have time to lean you have time to clean, Sunny!” My horn lit back up and I levitated another glass. “Are you trying to make me realize that work sucks and I should stay in school?” “Nope! I’m trying to get my glasses washed. There are a lot of thirsty mares out there.” “There is a thirsty mare back here!” Dolly grinned. “Well, when you pay off your tab you can drink.” “You only pay me minimum wage.” I huffed and set the glass down before picking up another to replace it. “How about that!” Dolly replied as she trotted back the other way. Diddle just giggled and then hopped off her stool. “I’m going to go dance. See you later, Sunny!” I grumbled, “Bye, Diddle. Have fun.” The Mare Contraire was really busy. There were a ton of mares. Plenty of attractive, fun, eager mares. Where was I? Washing glasses. I needed a better a job. A job that paid better and offered more free time. “Hmm… or I can find a sugar momma.” Dolly wandered back by. “Keep dreaming, filly.” I glared at her. “Dolly, I swear I’ll come over there!” The older mare grinned and went to serve another pony. School was starting to look like a more attractive prospect. Of course, I still had to pay Dolly back. I may grumble, but I’m not the kind of pony that doesn’t pay her debts. My school meal plan certainly didn’t cover booze and the little bit of pocket money we got wasn’t going to get anywhere near erasing the debt. “Hey, Dolly, what if I want to be a bartender?” “Bartender school and I’m not hiring bartenders right now.” Scratch that off. “Waitress?” “We don’t serve food.” “Hostess?” “Not hiring.” “Bar manager?” “Not qualified.” I sighed, paused, and then asked, “How do I make more bits?” She smiled. That seemed to be the right question. “Work hard and if you do a good job I might see about finding something more fitting for an almost graduate.” “They might let me graduate!” Dolly grinned. “Well, if you do, we’ll see!” “I’m really starting to sense that you want me to stay in school, Dolly.” “No, I want you to pay your tab. Although it wouldn’t do to have a graduate of Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns washing glasses.” I huffed, “This is extortion!” She snorted and shook a hoof at me. “Nope, this is real life. I just want what is best for you. Now stop wagging that tongue and start washing those glasses. A party of mares just walked in and they look thirsty.” “Yes, ma’am,” I grumbled before turning my horn back to the sinks. ☼ “Excuse me, miss?” I lifted my head from where I’d rested it on the bar. It was really late. Somewhere around three in the morning. It was closing time soon. The Mare Contraire had been so busy that I’d never been able to go home. My eyes focused on the unicorn mare in front of me. She was somewhat plain looking in the face although she had big, pretty amber eyes. They really contrasted the short, violet mane that bobbed around in front of them. “Hmm? Yes?” I said. “Could we get a drink before last call?” she asked, her tone even but polite. We who? She was alone. “Oh, I’m sorry, is there not a bartender? I’m not one. I just wash glasses.” She smiled. Her teeth were perfectly white and really complemented her silver coat. “Oh, I know. I wanted to ask you to have a drink with me before the bar closes.” “Oh. Oh! Oooh,” I said with a smile. “Well… let me just ask my mana—” “Go ahead,” Dolly said from off to the right. “You’ve worked hard enough.” The mare shifted and set bits down in front of Dolly. “I’ll have an appletini and whatever my new friend normally drinks.” “One appletini and one red wine sangria coming right up,” Dolly replied while I hurried out from behind the bar. Once I was on the other side I took a quick glance at the unicorn. She was very, very fit. Like some kind of athlete. On her flank was a dark blue shield with a musical note emblazoned on it. “I’m Sunny Day. Thank you for the drink,” I said as I settled beside her. “You’re welcome. I’m Melodic Ward… or just Melody to my friends.” Melodic Ward… that was kind of an odd name. It was probably realer than Bluebell or whatever Melon had called herself, though. “Nice to meet you, Melody. I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before.” She shook her head. “You haven’t. I’ve never been in. In fact, I’ve only been in Canterlot for a week.” “Oh yeah? Here on business or did you move here?” “Technically both. I was transferred here for my job.” She had a job! That was certainly a good thing because it meant she could keep buying the drinks. “And what do you do exactly?” I asked. “What do I do exactly?” she repeated teasingly. “All kinds of things, but if you’re asking about my job, I’m a royal guard.” Dolly’s ears flicked towards us even though she kept her eyes down on the drinks she was making. She always did that sort of thing with her patrons. Most ponies didn’t notice, but I always did. Momma bird. Nosy momma bird. I smiled at Melody. “A royal guard, huh? That’s interesting. I’ve never met one before. They all seemed so serious. I can’t imagine seeing one in here!” Melody laughed and winked at me. “We have normal lives when we’re not wearing our armor and we certainly aren’t coming into a bar in uniform.” “Well, that’s a shame,” I said, putting a little flirt into my tone. “Here you are, ladies,” Dolly put in as she set the drinks in front of us. “If you’ll excuse me I’m going to go lock the door but don’t feel like you need to rush out.” “Thanks, Dolly,” I replied. “A shame, huh? You’d prefer me in armor?” Melody asked without missing a beat. With her magic, she scooped up her drink and brought it delicately to her lips. I did the same with mine and then winked at her. “Well, maybe I’m a sucker for a mare in uniform.” Melody softly laughed and sipped at her drink. “I see. Well, perhaps you’ll see me in my armor someday soon?” My ears wiggled and I leaned in close to her. Softly, I whispered, “Well, why not tonight? Then I can help you take it off.” The mare’s cheeks and ears turned bright red. “Oh!” She downed the rest of her drink in one go. “I’m not that kind of mare.” “I won’t tell if you don’t,” I replied. She winked at me and slipped off her stool. “I’m going to say no, but please don’t look at it as a forever no. I hope to see you here again soon. Next time I’ll even buy you dinner.” It took a lot of effort not to let my ears droop. I’d been rejected a lot. I come on strong. No big deal there. Still, this time, I was hoping it would work out. Figures a royal guard would be an honest mare. Quickly I nodded. “Sure! I’d love dinner.” “Good. Nice to meet you, Sunny,” she said before heading towards the door. One of the bartenders let her out. “Came in too hot there. Crashed and burned, filly,” Dolly said, hiding a grin. I waved a hoof at her. “She’s playing the long game. I can wait…” Not really. Now I was worked up. Where was Diddle? Gah! Not here. Dolly pointed a hoof at the sinks. “Wash.” “Aww… but I’m sleepy!” “It’s your first day! Wash!” “When do I get paid?” I whined. “At the end of the week. If you wash!” With a soft grumble, I went around the bar and started to wash glasses. “Would you have made me wash if she’d said yes?” Dolly grinned evilly. “Nope.” I huffed and got back to my job. “At least she is going to buy me dinner.” “Yup. Now wash so we can get out of here before the sun is up.”