Songs of the Siren

by Silver Inkwell

The Walk

Chapter Thirteen: The Walk

Sebastian and Forrest were out on a walk when they found Lily washed up on the beach. But before I get to that, let me first explain what happened before they did.

The day after Forrest’s exploration he managed to recover with the help of Sebastian, but it was very slowly even with the help of his best friend.

“That storm sure took a beating out of you,” Sebastian said as Forrest tried to get up, stopping his efforts. “And right now you just need to rest and relax.”

“Why? I want to have fun and I can handle myself,” Forrest said trying to get up again, but his efforts were constantly blocked by Sebastian.

“No, you’re insane, you need rest, get some sleep. Please sir,” Sebastian begged.

“But I don’t want to,” Forrest whined.

“I know, but is there anything that I can do to help ease your boredom?”

“Yes, there is, if I could only see Lily again…”

Sebastian sighed, “I don’t think that will be possible, but please, calm your obsession with her… it’s not healthy.”

Forrest scoffed at Sebastian, “I don’t have an obsession with her!”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow at this comment, “So says the stallion who literally talked with Death just to get the chance to talk with her, yes, I think that’s completely normal, you were definitely sane then,” he said layering the sarcasm like thick gravy.

“Touché,” Forrest said, smiling at his friend.

“Thank you, as your friend I am always right about you.”

“Then wouldn’t that mean that I’m right about you?”

“Occasionally, but not always,” Sebastian teased.

Forrest groaned, “You can’t let me off easy, can you?”

“No sir, that would make my job boring, and I hate boring jobs.”

“Yes, I know,” Forrest said sighing, “Very well then, I accept defeat.”

“Yeah, I win,” Sebastian said halfheartedly.

“Yes, but I can’t stand to be in bed all day…”

Sebastian looked over at his friend with great concern and sighed.

“Well… I could let you do what you want if I say you can,” Sebastian quickly added seeing the glimmer of joy in Forrest’s eyes, “That means no more adventures like sailing, that also means nothing dangerous, it is, after all, still my job to protect you from harm.

“Whatever you say mate, whatever you say,” Forrest said groaning.

“Don’t worry, I shall try to make your day fun, enjoyable, and relaxing.”

Forrest didn’t know this meant the spa, and at first, he was very reluctant to go, but now he was actually (and surprisingly) enjoying the spa.

“Oh, this is just so relaxing,” Forrest moaned with great delight as a mare slowly rubbed his back. “We really should do this more often, remind me when I have free time.”

“I will,” Sebastian said letting out his own moan.

“You know, if I weren’t in love with Lily I might actually be eyeing a few of these sexy mares,” Forrest said.

“If I weren’t so old I would do the same exact thing,” Sebastian said.

Forrest looked over at Sebastian with shock, “Just how dirty is your mind?”

“However dirty you want it to be,” he teased as he smiled and enjoyed the hoof massage.

Forrest smiled but let out a groan to tease Sebastian.

They continued to enjoy their message in silence because Sebastian had no need for jokes or ‘the talk’ with Forrest either.

After they were done they politely thanked all the workers currently there, and payed the bill, with a very generous tip, I might add.

“Ah, that was nice, what’s next on the list?” Forrest said still smiling.

“Oh, well that would be, uh… well that would be…” Sebastian stuttered very nervously.

“Well, what is it exactly? Just tell me already, spit it out.”

Suddenly Sebastian spit out some chewing gum and a deck of cards.

“I was going to say that the next thing on the list was magic and knitting.”

Forrest tried to process this, but he couldn’t, in despair he fell to the ground stretching his front hooves in the air as he screamed out very loudly, “NO!!!”

“Well, what that really necessary sir?” Sebastian asked.

“Yes, and I could have done much better, you know.”

“Yes, of course sir. But let’s go, we’re done here.”

They then went to a magic show… and then knitting.

"See? This isn't too bad sir,” Sebastian said while making a sweater for his teacher and Forrest failed at even trying to make something remotely usable..

“Surprisingly enough, you’re right. And even though I can’t make anything,” Forrest said pointing at the mountain of material, “I still do enjoy this. But honestly, I thought that you were trying to find a new way to torture me.”

“Who says that I’m not?” Sebastian teased, smiling deviously at Forrest.

“Sebastian, sometimes you can be really scary, don’t you ever change.”

“Don’t worry sir, I won’t,” Sebastian said, still smiling.

After that they went to an ice cream shop and then back to the castle again.

When night finally came, Forrest decided that he wanted to go out for a walk along the beach hoping to see Lily again.

Sebastian agreed to come along with him, if only to keep him safe. After all, you never really knew, especially with fame(is this the right word?).

They walked along the beach in silence marveling at the wonders that they saw. Or they did until Forrest thought he finally saw something, well, different.

“Is that a body on the beach?” he asked, pointing out to a gray blob of something.

Sebastian squinted towards where Forrest had pointed. “No, probably just a rock or log, sir.”

“Sebastian, I’ve walked this beach many times before and I always made sure that there were no rocks or logs of any kind, especially like that,” he said.

Sebastian looked over at Forrest with worry in his face, “Run,” he said.

They quickly galloped over to her, and that is where our story officially begins.

“She’s…” Forrest said.

“A land pony… yes, I know, we can both clearly see that. And this is real, not a mirage, it’s actual magic, and please, just don’t ask me how I know that, it’s probably better if you didn’t find out right now, understood?”

Forrest nodded, he was too concerned by Lily to even bother questioning Sebastian though. His friend was looking down at Lily very concerned, then he lowly shook his head and sighed.

“Lily, what have you done? Why did you do this, why?” Sebastian said.

“I’m sorry father, I just had to, I just wanted to be with him, Forrest, where are you? Why haven’t you come for me yet? Where are you?”

Forrest looked confused, was she delirious right now? And if so, how? Why?

“I’m right here for you,” Forrest said holding her head up very gently, “What’s wrong with her? Is she hurt?”

“She’s probably delirious and doesn’t even know who we are right now. We need to take her to safety, sir," Sebastian said pointing towards the castle.

Forrest nodded, but he was still confused. “Alright, fine then. But how? Why is she like this and not a seapony?”

“Sir, right now the questions will just have to wait, we have to get her somewhere nice, warm, and with water.”

“Yes, you’re right. But how is she right now?” Forrest asked.

“She's fine for now, but not for much longer unless we can get her somewhere else. Now, in case you're wondering, I can think of two ways she could have transformed, and one of them is not good."

“Well then, what are they?” Forrest said very softly.

“One, she could have used the power of Triton’s trident…”

“Try saying that five times fast…” Forrest said trying to joke, but he received a very angry glare from Sebastian. “Okay, I’m shutting up now.”

“As I was saying there are two options, the second option is much worse; she used the help of the sirens. And knowing Triton, I would most likely say that it would be the second option since I cannot detect any light magic on her,” Sebastian said.

“Oh dear, no,” Forrest said.

“Oh yes, but right now we need to take her to the castle, and we must avoid the questions about where she came from, when, and why... for right now, at least.”

“Yes, you’re right, of course. Come on, let’s go.”

Forrest slowly lifted her off the ground using his magic to make sure that she was resting across his back in the very best position of the most comfort.

“Don't worry Lily, you’ll be fine soon enough,” he said as he ran.

“Sir, she probably can't even hear you!” Sebastian exclaimed just barely keeping up with the young and active stallion.

"I don’t care if she can hear me!” Forrest shouted back, “It’s helping me out right now, and I need all the help I can get when I’m panicking!”

“Yes, sir!” Sebastian said taken aback by Forrest’s very recent actions, Forrest never shouted at him before, even when he was angry, and Sebastian could tell that this was not going to be good.

Soon enough, they managed back to the castle, not caring if they were spotted at all. Right now, Lily’s health was more important.

Forrest finally managed to find a decent room for Lily, making sure that the window of it would be facing towards the ocean and not away. Slowly he set her down on the soft bed (which was fit for any pony, regardless of their social class).

He looked at her and then brushed his hoof across her face as a very small smile then lit up her face. “Sleep well, Lily.”

He left the room very slowly making sure that it was safe, sound, and secure.

Only he and Sebastian knew about Lily right now, not even the guards themselves knew about their strange and mysterious new guest.

However, Forrest would have to find a believable lie to tell all of them.

He sighed, that was going to be very hard to do since he was a terrible liar. His friend Sebastian, however, was way better than the average pony could ever hope to be.

Feeling sad and melancholy he went over to his balcony, stared out at the ocean and moon, and then decided to start singing.

“The moon rises tonight over the water, it shines down with beauty and grace, but oh, how can I compare you to anything else? Shining, shimmering, splendid.

Wonderful and beautiful. You shine with the grace and beauty of the sun, yet so few ponies sing of your praise, why can't they see the beauty? Why can't they see the grace? Everything is special, everything is unique, everything is different, even if similar, because we’re not all made the same. No two snowflakes ever had the same design, no two ponies were ever exactly the same, alike in many ways, yet different in so many more, so why can't they see your ways? Why do ponies fear, what they don't really understand, and why can't we all just get along?

I know that there’s beauty and grace everywhere, in the ocean, in the sea, in the lake, anywhere in nature that you look, if you listen, then you will hear.

Ponies can't see what’s right in front of them simply because they can't understand, they don't take the time to know the world around them. Why can't we just get along? But when will my time come for me to finally be free?

I’m just so sick and tired of this old life, boring and dull, when will my adventure come, when will I journey on an epic mighty quest, fight the battles and save the mare, marry a princess of my dreams and live in a great castle?

When’s it my turn for something more? Out there on the sea, sailing free to somewhere very far away, I just wish that I could be, finally free.”

He finished up his song and sighed, now, now it was time to work on the lie, especially about the believable part of it.

Believable, yes, that would be the tricky part.

Other than that, everything should be just fine.

Yes, everything should be just fine, right?

He certainly hoped so. Filled with unease, he went to his bed, but was unable to sleep for a long time, and when he finally did it was only nightmares that occupied his dreams.

Author's Note:

Forrest tried to process this, but he couldn’t, in despair he fell to the ground stretching his front hooves in the air as he screamed out very loudly, “NO!!!”

Comments

[JeNnDyLyOn]

Hi, I'd strongly advise you to take this story down please. It doesn't reflect my story plans at all, and seeing as Turquesa is my character, I never gave you permission to use or write a story about her.

[Silver Inkwell]

8541624
*sighs*
If you wanna talk legal stuff and whatnot send me a PM.
And I'm not using your characters, I'm using inspiration from your characters, there's a difference.
If you think otherwise please do feel free to contact the staff.
(And where is the proof that she is your character?)

[JeNnDyLyOn]

8542746
You're using my term "seamare" as well as using her name, so yes, it is my character and constitutes as theft. As far as contacting the staff, I'm hoping to settle the matter with you first before taking it to that level.

[Silver Inkwell]

8542751
The term seamare I don't believe is legally owned by anyone as one could easily call a female pony of the sea a seamare just as you can call a woman of the sea a mermaid.
Your argument is invalid.

[JeNnDyLyOn]

8542755
It isn't because you're using her name and the same species. You have been reported, sir.

[Silver Inkwell]

8541624
What story plans?
(Where's your proof that she's your character?)

[JeNnDyLyOn]

8542778
Try looking through my gallery and you'll find the proof. Not only that, but the description of the song itself is more than enough indication as well.

[Silver Inkwell]

8542794
1. I didn't know about that
2. I didn't "steal" your character, I only borrowed a name, and even if my description of her does somehow accidentally match something of yours, well, it wasn't intentional at all.
3. I'm not claiming to use characters of yours, I'm only using inspiration from something of yours which is a name only.
4. A/The story (involving her) isn't here.
5. The story idea you do seem to have for your character doesn't seem to be one for anywhere close to what I'm doing so you can't claim anything more than that I stole a character at the very most.
6. Why are you even so concerned that she's even in here, even as a VERY minor role? I know you think I stole your character, but I can't see any evidence on your Deviantart for me possibly copying anything about her personality wise or whatnot, and at the most only maybe appearance-wise, but since I didn't use an image of yours it's up to the readers to fill in that gap based on what I said.
7. Yes, I was inspired by the song and whatnot, I make no claims to the contrary, but inspiration isn't stealing if you take an idea and/or concept and turn it into your own which was my only intent and purpose, so the only thing I really "took" was a name, and names aren't that unique or special, there are generators for names of everything everywhere.
8. Names alone don't constitute theft, and I don't believe there's enough evidence beyond name and maybe what she looks like, but again, as I am using no images of yours you can't entirely claim that due to what I pointed out and said in #7.

[Eldorado]

8541624
Did you receive permission from the creators to write a story about Sunset Shimmer?

You do not have exclusive rights to this character. This is a site for fanfiction, and fanfiction generally involves the use of characters you didn't create.

[JeNnDyLyOn]

8542812
If you would just change her name in your story, then I won't feel as bad about it. I don't want my creations to be associated with yours, in all honesty.

[Silver Inkwell]

8542891
I understand your discomfort, but no, I will NOT change the name, names are as I said, not special or unique, my stories have no direct affiliation with any previous or upcoming canon of your stories and/or characters too, whether the people viewing this story as good or bad is NOT a reflection upon your characters and/or artwork, it is a reflection of MY writing and work, not yours, and whether they see your characters as good or bad, or artwork, is NOT a reflection of me either.
In other words, you write your characters your way and people will judge you on that, you can't stop people from getting inspiration and/or ideas from your art and/or characters, and you have no right to stop people from trying to turn something good into something of their own, even if flawed.
Fanfiction is a gray area of legal law and I don't plan to debate this with you, I have already complied with your request to take down the cover art image and that's where it should have ended.
Don't try to threaten me with trying to take my story down and whatnot for failure to comply with a request of yours as accidents happen.
Please do not contact me again in any way shape or form about me stealing a character of yours, if you keep contacting me I will consider that a form of harassment as a moderator has already commented and THAT alone should have settled the matter,I will contact the proper authorities (the staff) if needed.
My work(s) are not associated with yours in no more way(s) than a bad knock-off movies is associated with a famous and/or a great movie.
My story is not a sequel, prequel or in any way connected to your story and/or canon universe, therefore, my story is not associated with your story or stories, and I did not plagiarize your story, therefore I have thus far complied with the site's rules and I have now cited my inspiration, please don't consider this association as it is only rather insurance instead.
That is all, I consider this matter closed.

[Eldorado]

8543170
If this is truly your attitude towards use of work other people created, I'm curious why you're on a site for fanfiction in the first place. Generally, smart content creators tolerate and even encourage fan works and especially fanfiction, as there's no direct competition and it usually comes from a place of love for the parent work. Legally, and indeed I believe morally speaking, fanfiction is acceptable as it is transformative; each author rearranges the elements they have been given, adds some of their own, and creates something new. All art is derivative of older art, and fanfiction really just wears that on its sleeves.

The notion that it should be acceptable to use characters from a broadcast television series created by a large corporation, for profit, but not okay to use someone's OCs created as part of a hobby, has always completely baffled me. Don't get me wrong, I donate huge chunks of my time to a fanfiction site so I'm certainly not advocating for fanfiction not being possible, but certainly if someone in this situation were going to get protection, it'd be the one that actually was created for a profit by an organization with a legal department? Why can we use Hasbro's IP without a second thought in our transformative works, but OCs based on that IP become off-limits? Did the Siren and the Seamare video obtain prior permission to use the characters it used? Did the artwork?

The answer, of course, is no, because it didn't have to, and neither does anyone on this site who is inspired by another piece of fanfiction and wants to write in its universe or with its characters.

It's Kant's Categorical Imperative; "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law." The Golden Rule. You are criticizing actions taken towards a work when that work itself took those same exact actions towards another.

Insufficient crediting of the source is another issue entirely, but certainly the creator of a fan work inspired by something does respect that source of inspiration? Surely the song, the character, the art all in dispute here were created at least partially out of a respect for MLP. I would argue that using someone's characters or OC is in fact a mark of respect.