> The Brony and the Baddy?
>  by Blazidude30
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Prologue


'This is it,' Sonata thought to herself. She stood in front of the portal that Twilight Sparkle had recently come through to stop Adagio's 'ingenious' plan to take over Canterlot High. The sky was as clear as could be with a light breeze. Little could be heard, and not a soul in sight; few decide to come to school during the weekend. Sonata looked up once more at the statue, then back down at the stone plate. 

'It looks so ordinary,' Sonata continued to think, 'To think that this was what she came through to Equestria with, and it was here this whole time.'

She tried touching the statue, and her hand began to sink through the stone. 

'It feels just like a pool of water,' she thought, shuddering,  'Kinda like the one that I got pushed in by Aria the other day.'





'Why do you ruin everything Sonata?!'

'It wasn't my fault, Aria. I swear!'

'Tell that to Adagio. I don't want to be the one to take the blame of losing 50 bucks, especially since it wasn't me. Bet you spent it tacos again.'

'No! I wouldn't! You lost it!'

'Well tough luck, because we know who Adagio likes more out of the two of us. You know who she'll believe. And you know there's nothing you can do about it.'

'But I didn't lose it!'

'Well too bad for you. And guess what? You're about lose your dignity too!'

Splash

'See you later loser! I guess I would Sonata wanna be you right now! Hahahaha!'





'It was horrible trying to get dried off', Sonata thought mindlessly, 'And Adagio didn't make my day any better.'





'YOU WHAT?!'

'I didn't do it swear!'

'Not from what I have heard. Apparently you decided that the best place use of our savings would be satisfy your stomach! You would go and buy tacos with our savings wouldn't you...'

'But I di...'

'SILENCE! I don't to hear another peep from you! All you do is ruin everything. In fact, we only needed you so we could try to take over this pathetic world, and you couldn't even do that right!'

'Bu...'

'I SAID SILENCE! I don't know if you realise, but we are struggling to live here as it is; never mind you holding us back. The only reason I keep you around is because you have a job to help pay for this dump.'

'I can agree on that one Adagio. I think we should take a bigger cut from her wages.'

'Not the worst idea to come out of your mouth Aria.'

'NO!'

'SILENCE!'  That's it! Out! You'll sleep outside tonight!' I'll decide on your punishment overnight! I'll hear no more of this!'

'Adagio, I...'

'OUT!'





'That night I finally realized,' Sonata began to wrap up her thoughts, 'Realized I'm not wanted here. Nobody wants me. The humans here hate me. Everyone in Equestria hate me. Even my own kind hate me. I have to try to go back home, back to Equestria. I want a chance to make things right. Just one chance.'

She looked at the clock tower in the distance, showing the time of 12:58.

'When the bells ring I'm going through,' Sonata decided, 'And it'll finally be time for a change, time for a second chance, time for...'

Faint sounds of bells interrupted her thoughts

'It's time for a new life.'

She jumped head first into the portal with no remorse. Nothing holding her back; not anymore. The wild frenzy of colors was almost dazzling, making her head spin. Slowly, she could begin feel her body beginning to distort and change shape. 

'It's happening! It's really happening!'

*SMASH*

'AAAAAAAAAAHHH!'
> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Why do they just leave their stuff everywhere? It drives me insane sometimes.'

A young male teen walked around the top of a stairs, feet buried in clothes. Papers can be seen emerging from two of the rooms, as well as many wires.

'Am I the only one that actually does something around this house?,' he thought, 'You don't see all this lot just piled all around my room.' 

The teen peered into the first room on the left. Clothes and cookbooks litter the floor, making the carpet barely visible. The walls were overrun by many tacky game posters that had been acquired over the years. A large wardrobe sat in the corner, looking dusty from the lack of use. A set of draws lay under the window, but the light blocked by the large TV sat atop the draws. An Xbox sat near the TV; probably the thing that had the least dust upon it.  A single bed dumped in the center of the room, with bed covers scrunched up and thrown aside.

Sighing, he moved to the room on the right. A very similar sight; unfortunate for his eyes. Clothes dumped on the floor, working their way out of the door. They too covered the blue-carpeted floor, but many football magazines and school books scattered across the room. The wardrobe also looks unused, and a single bed lay in the corner of the room; lent against the sky blue walls. Another TV was in another corner, while another held a desk with a laptop atop it; school books underneath.

'I've lived here for three years, but some things just don't change,' the teen thought.

He turned around to the bathroom behind him, embracing the lack of mess and looked into the mirror. He saw a pair of blue eyes look at him back, along with the pale face to accompany it. His brown hair sat atop his head, as well as thin layer around his cheeks. He smiled at the sky-blue T-shirt and dark jeans that he could see worn.

'Well Brad,' he said, 'at least you can be proud of your room.'

Muddling through the swamp of clothes, he made it towards the other door on the left. The maroon carpet was clear, with a wardrobe at the end of the room; another from looking right. A desk lay next to the double bed in the corner of the room, standing yet another TV and a PS3 also. Organised piles of paper could be seen upon shelves. And the walls covered in posters.

Posters of ponies.

'Sometimes it just takes one look in here to make me feel better,' Brad smiled, 'I just wonder what I would've done without these ponies in my life.'


''AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!''



*smash*



*thud*


'What the bloody hell was that?!' Brad thought, as he raced out of his room and downstairs. So many different scenarios were building in his mind. What if all his parents antiques had smashed? What if someone had jumped through the window to make an escape from a gang member? What if someone had tried to burgle him?

But what Brad saw was nothing he had ever expected.





Sitting in the center of his living room was a young girl with a dark pink jacket and a short pink skirt rubbing her head. Her eyes were clamped shut, her teeth gritted at each other; clearly she was in pain. But the main thing that made Brad stop was her hair. It was bunched in a ponytail and shared both sky blue and midnight blue; her skin shared a similar pale blue of her hair.

'Wait a second,' Brad thought, 'it couldn't be...'

''Ugh,'' the girl grunted.

Brad stopped his train of thought and focused on the girl. He quickly went to the kitchen and opened the freezer. Brad grabbed an ice pack and ran back to the girl; who still appeared to be in pain. Not really knowing what to say, he instead just knelt down to the girl and placed the ice pack gently on her head. She immediately responded; shivering from the sudden cold. After the sudden shock, she placed a hand on the ice pack. Brad let go, allowing the girl to hold it on her own accord .

After making sure she was alright, Brad looked up and around the room. The two black sofas were perfectly intact, as well the window across the room. The TV in the corner looked unharmed, but the same couldn't be said for the mirror behind the girl. It lay on the floor in pieces; obviously the cause of the smash. He looked back at the girl, still wincing from pain. But he needed answers, as an idea of what happened began to formulate in his mind.

''E-excuse me,'' Brad began, ''Are you OK?''

The young girl hesitated.

''It's alright, I'm not gonna hurt you,'' Brad said calmly, despite his mind and heart racing wildly.

''I'm,'' the girl began, ''I'm fine. Thank you,''

Brad knew that voice, but he had to be sure.

''Do you mind me asking your name?'' he asked.

''Sonata.''





"Sonata?" Brad repeated. Something clicked in his mind right then, as he spoke those words; with questions flooding his mind. What was she doing here? Why was she here? Will she be ok? Is she evil still? What if...

''Um, what's your name?'' Sonata asked, ''If you don't mind me asking, that is.''

He snapped back to this crazy reality for a moment. 

''Sorry,'' Brad began, ''I zoned out of a minute. My name's Brad.''

Sonata began to open her eyes to the surroundings. She squinted at first, not being as used to the light. As her focus returned, she made out the room and its various surroundings. She noticed the TV in the corner, and the collection of DVD's next to it.

'Look's like I didn't make it back to Equestria,' Sonata thought to herself, 'but then where am I? It still looks like I'm around Canterlot High. I knew it would be too good to be true.'

As she continued to look around the room, she noticed the broken mirror behind her.

''Oh no, I'm so sorry!'' Sonata blurted, ''I didn't mean to break it! Please don't be mad at me! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry!''

Brad was taken aback be this sudden outburst, to say the least.

'Guess that rules out the evil theory,' he thought, 'No way would she act like this if she were still evil. She sounds as if she's going to cry. She seems so...distraught.'

''Hey, it's OK,'' Brad began, ''I'm not mad at you, I promise. You don't need to be upset.''

Sonata took this opportunity to look up at Brad. She noticed his skin was much paler than most humans she had encounter. He didn't appear very muscular; looking rather thin with scrawny arms. His soft eyes looked at her, with a sincere smile with them. The look on his face made Sonata feel much better about her surroundings; not fearing the one helping her after all.

'He's a human,' Sonata thought, 'But he seems so much nicer than so many others I've met. That might have been because they either hated me or they were always arguing because of me...'

''Er...are you gonna be OK?''

Sonata stared back at the human in front of her. ''Y-yeah. I think I'll be OK.''

''Can you get up?'' Brad asked.

''I think so.''

Sonata slowly worked her way onto her knees before getting on her feet and rising up. Brad rose with her, an arm at the ready in case the distraught girl had more injuries than she let on. Once she reached full height, she realized that Brad was only a couple of inches taller than her; maybe a 5'7 to her 5'4 height. She also noticed his t-shirt went far past his waistline for some reason. She felt a bit dizzy for a moment, and stumbled slightly.

''Are you OK?'' Brad asked immediately. He stuck out an arm around her back to stop her from tripping.

''Yeah, thanks,'' Sonata quietly replied, ''I think I just need a sit down.''

Brad helped Sonata as she waddled slowly towards the sofa closest to her. She sat down heavily, glad to be off her weak legs. Finally having a chance to slightly relax, she looked out of the window on her left. Sonata noticed the mass of orange leaves covering the ground; trees looking bare. Many cars looked parked up outside on the side of the road closest to the house.

'Looks like it's about autumn here,' Sonata thought to herself, 'Just like back at Canterlot High. Weird.'

As she looked further, she noticed the clock sat atop the fireplace. It read 2 o'clock.

'Time seems to be the same here as it is back there as well,' she continued, 'But why? Did I not leave that world? Am I in a new part of the world? And how can I even found out?'

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted be the low rumbling of her stomach.

'Right, no dinner last night,' Sonata recalled, 'Or breakfast. Or lunch.'

''I take it you're hungry?'' asked Brad.

''Um, yeah,'' Sonata replied, ''Could I have a sandwich if it's not too much trouble?''

''Sure,'' Brad responded. Then he thought for a moment. ''Are you a vegetarian?''

'Why would he ask me that?' Sonata thought, 'Not something you normally ask someone normally.' ''No, but thanks,'' she responded.

''Right, OK then. Be back in a few minutes,'' Brad said. 





As Brad made his way to the fridge, he began to collect his thoughts at last on the events in the past half an hour.

'OK, brain. Restart and make sure you're functioning,' Brad began, 'you have the Sonata Dusk from My Little Pony sat in your living room.'

His body began to shake.

'I need to get outside for a moment.'

He exited out onto the back, not caring he didn't have any shoes on, and began to fist-pump. He started to dance on the tarmac, humming away to himself and quietly saying to himself, ''Omygoshomygoshomygoshomygosh,'' squealing in delight.

''This is incredible,'' Brad said to himself quietly, ''Sonata is here. In my house! Oh my gosh this is amazing!''

This fanboying went on for some time.





Sonata sat quietly on the sofa, thinking about what she should do next.

'Well, I'm here now,' she thought, 'I may as well make the most of it. It's not like I can go back.' She looked at the broken mirror; pieces shattered everywhere. 'Though, where am I? And where am I going to stay? I didn't exactly come with money, or any plans were to live even if I made it to Equestria! 

'I'm such an idiot. I shouldn't have left I guess. This Brad will kick me out before the end of the night, and I guess I have to work from the bottom up from there.' She quietly moaned to herself. 'I don't wanna go back to the streets; one night out there was bad enough! I couldn't imagine living out there.'

'What if people ask where I come from? I can't just say I'm from another world, they'll be after me; trying to find out about it. Dagi always warned me of what would happen. They'd want to know how, and all about Equestrian magic. I don't even know it works, I just know it makes my life miserable now.'

With that, she began to cry quietly away to herself; head tucked into her knees.

*rumble*

'And I'm still hungry.'





When Brad ended his fanboying, he returned to the kitchen; with rather dirty socks. After washing his hands, he proceeded to start with Sonata's meal.

'Right, down to business,' Brad thought, 'Sonata has just come to this world. She isn't exactly the most safe. She may have been evil, but let's be honest, she's not the sharpest knife in the kitchen. She probably doesn't even have anywhere to stay or anything, now that I think about it. Hmm.'

Brad began to form an idea. To some, this could be considered rather dangerous.

'I could let her stay here,' his idea began to form, 'and help her in getting settled down. But that would mean consulting my brothers. Not going to be the easiest to convince to let her stay here, but I will damn well try. But what do I say? Hey bros, you mind this girl that just appeared out of nowhere live at our house for a while? Not gonna work.'

'Plus there's the rest of the bronies, and MLP itself. Who knows how she'll take that. Kinda hard to avoid saying its all over my room! And what if a brony sees her? What about my friends, and how will they react? Dear God, the more I think about it, the more I realize that this is gonna be a lot harder than I thought.'

'But I'd hate myself forever if I didn't try.'

With that the knife sliced through the bread, and one ham sandwich was created. Placed upon a plate, he carried it with a drink of orange juice back to the living room.





Upon re-entering the living room, Brad noticed one thing different about Sonata; her eyes. All around them had blotches of red that stuck out on her pale blue skin.

'She's been crying?' Brad thought, 'Why? Oh, right. Probably because she's in an unknown world with nowhere to go. Well done me. But jeez, I didn't think it was this bad. Maybe she's worse than I thought.' Then he remembered why he came into the room. 'Right, being hungry probably doesn't help.' "Hey, I got you a ham sandwich and some orange juice. Is that OK?"

Brad may as well been talking to the wall, because Sonata was way more focused on what was held in Brads' hands.

'Food, glorious food!' She thought.

Sonata snatched the plate from his hand and glass and began ravaging the sandwich up like it was nothing. It could have been anything in the universe she was eating right then, but she wouldn't have cared. After a few bites the sandwich was demolished with only a crumb on the plate. The orange juice was drunk almost immediately, gone without a second thought. Brad just gaped in awe.

'I probably should have made more than one sandwich, huh,' he thought.

Shortly after, Sonata quietly burped.

"Oops, excuse me," she said quietly, "Thank you very much,"





> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2


"N-no problem," Brad stuttered. He was still in awe at what he just witnessed. Brad took the plate off of Sonata and placed onto the other sofa in which he sat down. He looked at Sonata, and Sonata looked back. 

'I suppose I'd better ask her,' he thought, 'No point keeping her in suspense for any longer.' "So, um, are you OK?"

"Er, yeah," Sonata quietly replied. 'This is it, this is where he throws me out.'

"Well," Brad responded, "Do...do you know where you...live?" 'Try to play it casual for now Brad; don't want you thinking you're a stalker. Wait, that sounded stalker-ish anyway and sounds like you're making her out to be a fool! God you're an idiot!'

Sonata didn't know how to answer. 'What do you say to that? Oh yeah, I'm from another world with no way to get home. Mind me crashing here for a while? But he wants an answer. But what do I say?'

"Hey, ar-are you OK?" Brad asked. 'The last thing I want is her getting upset again.'

"Oh, yeah," Sonata replied. 'Guess this is it. I don't have any other option. Maybe if I'm lucky he won't believe me, just kick me out for being insane and get it over with.' "Um... you see, I'm, not from...this world."

Brad was taken aback by this shown by the sudden increase of his eye size. 'Well, I didn't just expect her to just admit it. But maybe it's just that bad. I sure wouldn't want to live out on the streets. I can't let that happen to her.'

Brad then looked as if he was in deep thought for a moment. "OK," he looked up as he began, "Listen, you can stay here if you want."

Sonatas' brain was just melted into smithereens. 'What.' "Really?" she asked.

"Yeah why not?" Brad responded confidently

Everything Sonata thought was right and wrong just got flipped on its head. Her head was spinning, and she felt all jittery. She began shaking with excitement, and started jumping up and down.

"REALLY?! For Realzies?! Oh thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyoutha-wait." She paused. "Why?"

Brad sighed. 'Now or never. She let her secret go; only fair that I let mine go.' "Because, um, well, er. Because, I...er, well, kinda-"

'What's up with him?' Sonata thought, 'He's been fine all this time and...no. He wouldn't...would he? Adagio told me about those types of guys.'

"Hey are yo-"

"I KNOW WHO YOU ARE FROM A FICTIONAL T.V. SHOW!" Brad blurted out.

Shock. Silence. That was the atmosphere right then. Nobody could speak at first.

'Oh God, what have I done?' Brad thought, 'She probably thinks I'm a crazy weirdo, a stalker, some messed up, and she'll just run out of here.' "Listen I'm sorry, I just wan-"

"Really?" Sonata asked inquisitively.

"Um, well...yeah." Brad replied.

If Sonata had a thought translator, it would be silent. She didn't know what to think. "I'm...fiction?" she asked.

"Yes," Brad responded, "In this world, anyway. Here you're a character from a T.V. show called 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'."

"So, that's why you were nice to me," Sonata said quietly, "Because you knew who I was-"

"And because I wanted to protect you," Brad interrupted, "I don't know that much about Canterlot High as you, but I know this is a dangerous world. And no-one should have to go at it alone."

"Y-you know about what happened at Canterlot High?" Sonata asked quietly, stuttering.

"Yeah, but I think I'd better show you," Brad replied solemnly, "Follow me."

Brad rose up, but his face looked down. 'I can't bear to look at her right now, not after what I just did; I lied. I knew who she was, but I just acted dumb. All I can hope is she forgives me.'

Sonata stared at Brad as he took a right out of the doorway, and began to follow suit. 'So, he knows I what I did. He knows I'm just a baddy. Nothing else. I guess after this it's over. But why is he upset? It doesn't make sense.'

As the two walked up the stairs, Sonata took in her surroundings. The walls were plain and bare; the carpet looking scruffy. Clothes lied all across the top of the stairs.

'Why did she have to see this?' Brad thought.

Once they reached the outside of Brads' room, he stopped; Sonata being forced to stop as well.

'Why am I doing this?' Brad thought, 'She doesn't want to hear this, nor see it. To find out millions of random people like her; it'd just creep her out. But I guess dragged her up here now. Guess I'd better get it over with.' "Listen, when you come in here," he began, "don't be surprised by anything you see, OK?"

"Um...OK?" Sonata said. 'Why is he so down?'

As Brad opened the door, Sonata looked in the room and was in awe. The double bed in the corner made her think.

'He's with someone?' Sonata pondered, 'Huh. Wonder if I'll get to meet her.'

Her eyes then scanned around the rest of the room; it was hard to figure out what she so amazed about.

'Wow,' Sonata thought, 'look at them all! There's one of that apple-something as pony. Ooh, and the pink one too. I guess he wasn't joking about the 'pony' part. And is that Twilight? She's a princess?! No wonder she could defeat us then. Now that I think about it, they bonded so well. It's a shame I never got chance to be friends with them.'





"Oh. Hey look, it's the Rainbooms."

"Grr. And why do you care Sonata? Don't you remember they stopped us in our plan?!"

"Well, apart from that, they seem really nice."

"NICE?! I know you're thick-headed Sonata, but this is just a new level; even for you!"

"But Adagio, they do see-"

"I don't care! If I do see you with them, you may never see the light of day ever again!"

"Okay."





'I wonder what they were like,' Sonata finished up her thoughts. She noticed Brad staring at her. "Um...are you OK?"

"Yeah, it looked like you went into a trance," Brad responded, "You good?"

"Yeah," she replied, "It's pretty neat actually. I recognize a lot of faces, but they're just ponies. Wait...are these actually what they're like back in Equestria?"

"Yup," Brad answered, "The show itself is set in Equestria, it's just Canterlot High was the main setting for the films." Brad felt much better knowing that Sonata wasn't really afraid. 'But why?' he thought, 'I thought she might hate me for, you know, having posters of those who defeated her in my own freaking room!'

"Wow. Wait, there's films?"

"Yeah, two in fact."

"And I'm in one?"

"Um...yes?" Brad nervously answered.

"Really?" Sonata asked, "Can I watch it?"

Brad was blown away. 'She wants to watch herself in a film where she gets owned, and looks so, so...minor? I'm really not understanding her logic at all. This has to be a dream.' *Pinch* 'Not a dream. Well someone either really likes me or really hates me.' "Well, uh, if you want to. I guess. Let me just load it up."

"Thanks," Sonata said. 'Oooh, I'm on the big screen. That's so cool, I can't wait!'

Brad grabbed his laptop from the side if the bed, and began to load it up. It took a few moments, so he hoped on the bed and set up a decent position to watch it. 

"Hop on, then," Brad said.

"W-won't she mind?" Sonata asked.

"She?" Brad questioned, "She who?"

"Um...your partner?" Sonata clarified.

"What, oh right," Brad realized, "No, I don't have a girlfriend; I just wanted a double bed. I tend to fidget while asleep."

"Oh, right," Sonata said, "Sorry I asked."

"It's alright, I tend not to have the best of luck with girls anyway," Brad sighed, "You hopping on then?"

"Oh, right," Sonata remember, "Sure."

By the time Sonata had lied on the bed in a comfortable position, the laptop had loaded up. Brad loaded up his documents, and went into his videos; hovering over a file called, 'EG; Rainbow Rocks'.

'I guess that's the film then.'

"You ready?"

"Yeah."

> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3



**WARNING: SPOILERS FOR RAINBOW ROCKS IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET FOR SOME REASON AND ARE READING THIS. THERE ARE DIRECT SPOILERS IN THIS CHAPTER. AND A LOT OF THEM.**


"You sure you're ready?" Brad nervously asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," Sonata responded. 'I've been waiting on you. You've been staring into space for the last five minutes hovering over that file. Why is so nervous to show it me?'

"OK, then," Brad complied. And with that he double clicked the movie, and it began to load up.

Upon beginning the movie, Sonata immediately recognized the restaurant that was zoomed in on.

'Oh hey, I remember going there,' she thought, 'We used to go there as we got food and energy. Hey, is that...'

Soft singing could be heard upon entering the restaurant, and green smoke leading to the back; showing a girl with yellow skin and a purple hoodie.

"Adagio?" Sonata quietly asked herself.

Two other girls where seen sat with the first girl; one with purple skin and a green hoodie, and one with a magenta hoodie and oddly familiar blue skin.

"Aria and...me?" Sonata asked.

"Yes, that there is the three of you together," Brad said, "The Sirens."

Sonata cringed at the word 'Sirens'.

'I still don't like being called that,' she thought, 'even if it is what I am. It just reminds me that I'm evil.'

Aria and Sonata took their hoods down, allowing Sonata to see her movie self.

'Wow,' she thought, 'We do look similar. Our skin color, our hair, our eyes, everything. That's incredible.'

Upon Aria speaking, Sonata also noticed that their voices match to the exact pitch.

'But how?' she continued to think, 'How can they sound the same? This is only fiction, but where I'm from this is all real.'

Aria and Adagio began to complain, but Sonata took no mind to it. She had heard it all before. She knew what she was waiting for.

"Oh really? I love it here." the Adagio sarcastically spoke.

"For realzies? Becuase I think this place is the worst."

Brad looked at Sonata, and Sonata just continued to stare at the screen.

"We do sound the same," Sonata said as her voice trailed off.

"It is interesting," Brad pondered, "I wonder how much they kept the same."

As the rainbow blast was seen, and the fact that Equestrian magic had been revealed was in that to the Sirens, the Title Sequence began.

"Wow, and I remember that blast too. It was an amazing sight."

"Really?" Brad asked.

"Yeah," Sonata answered, "and for more than one reason. It was just a beautiful sight, but it was the first time in a long time I'd seen Adagio actually happy." 'Though I wish she wasn't now.'





Soon afterwards, Sonata saw the Rainbooms in action for the first time.

"They had magic from the start?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah," Brad flatly answered, "How else do think they beat Sunset Shimmer?"

"Oh, yeah, right," Sonata said, "forgot about that." She nervously chuckled. 'I really am an idiot sometimes.'

Soon afterwards, the Sirens make their second appearance.

'Wow, Sunset really was trying her best huh,' Sonata thought, 'Kinda wished that I actually thanked her for it.'

"Hellooooo. We sing ,like, all the time. It's how we get people to do what we want." "What? What did I say?"

"I'm...I'm not that stupid, am I?" Sonata worryingly asked.

"Err, unfortunately," Brad said with sadness, "Certainly a shame people don't see your not."

"Um, thanks," Sonata quietly replied. 'Seriously? I'm not that dumb.' She quietly whined.

Afterwards, the cafeteria scene commenced, causing Brad to be the one asking the questions this time.

"I do have to ask," Brad began, "Do you like tacos or not?"

"Well, yeah," Sonata answered, "But not theirs. There was a shop fairly close-by to where we lived that sold them and they tasted sooooo good. That's why I was so excited then. I thought all tacos were like those I had before. That, and Adagio forgot to get us breakfast before going to that school and I was starving."

"Ah, makes sense then," Brad said; happy with her answer.

However when the Sirens entered the cafeteria and began to sing, Sonata began to cringe.

"Ugh," she thought, "It sounds horrible that singing."

"Really?" Brad asked, "Interesting. I wonder if it's because you're a Siren and are immune to there magic, or if the magic has been broken, or-"

"No, its just it sounded much better in my world," Sonata clarified.

"Oh," Brad said disappointed, "I thought there would be so much more to that."

"Maybe there is," Sonata said, "but I don't know what. Our music sounds good to us anyway, and they have the pendants for our power. They should sound good but they don't. It's weird."





Not much time passed until something else caught Sonatas' peak interest.

"Wait, is that Equestria?" asked Sonata. 

"That's right," Brad answered, "more specifically Twilights' castle.

"Wow, that's impressive," Sonata watched the pony versions of those who helped defeat her in Equestria. 'Wow, Equestria looks so pretty. Sure it's a castle but it still looks so nice. I just wished I was there.'

Sonata then noticed the similarities between the ponies and the humans she knew from Canterlot High.

"Wait," Sonata realized, "they sound the same as the ones in Canterlot High!"

"Yeah," Brad explained, "the ponies in Equestria have human counterparts to those at Canterlot High. It's an alternate universe."

"A what-now?" Sonata asked confused.

"Basically," Brad began, "It was the same people in both places, but they are different in some way. In this case, the ponies are human in the 'Canterlot High' universe."

"Oh, right," Sonata thanked, "that helps. Sorta. Thanks."

"It's alright," Brad responded.





The main hall was where next the Sirens showed up, and where Sonata was also intrigued. 

"It's the fruit punch isn't it? I knew I used too much grape juice!"

"My fruit punch is good," Sonata said grumpily, "how dare they mock it."

"So you did make it?" Brad asked.

"Yeah," Sonata answered proudly, "If you wanted fruit punch making, I was your girl! Except no-one asked me too..."

"Hey, maybe you could make some for me sometime?" Brad requested, "I'd love to try something that's a recipe from your world as well."

"Oh sure!" Sonata answered, "Just say when. I love making it too. It's actually quite fun."

"I wouldn't know, I never make a lot of food in the kitchen," Brad admitted.

As the Rainbooms attempted to stop the Sirens, and failed miserably, Sonata chuckled at that scene.

"You good there?" Brad asked.

"Yeah," Sonata replied, "I just did find that funny, them shouting 'friendship is magic!', and nothing happening. It's like those points in films or T.V. shows that you show feel bad for the character that I just find funny."

"Huh," Brad said as he cringed while watching the scene.





Once the slumber party took place, Sonata asked Brad, "So, they really didn't actually know how to beat me and the other?"

"If this film is accurate, then not entirely," Brad responded, "Twilight throughout was so worried to let everyone down, and began to just crack under the pressure."

"Wow," Sonata said. 'Sounds like me sometimes. I try not to screw up so much, but it just never works for me.'

As they Rainbooms took center stage for the first time, Sonata took attention to their music.

"Wow!" Sonata expressed, "They sound so much better on here. It's a shame people sabotaged them."

"Really?" Brad pondered, "So you and the other Sirens sound worse, but the Rainbooms sound better. I wonder if this is an effect then of their magic on you."

"Maybe," Sonata answered, "I don't really even know how our magic worked. All I know is we sung and the power of our pendant made us sound good. That got us energy, and then once we had enough we transformed. Adagio never properly explained it to me, probably would have thought that I wouldn't understand it."

As the Rainbooms finished, and the Dazzlings were came on, Sonata saw the montage and Brad had a question.

"How long did it actually take for all of this to take place?"

"It was much longer," Sonata replied, "It actually was that Saturday. It started Wednesday, so you get the idea how much they left out."

"The writers did have to get this into an hour and ten as well, you know," Brad countered.

"That explains a bit then," Sonata said. 'At least I don't have to listen to more of us.'





As the Rainbooms argued underneath the stage, Sonata couldn't help but tuck her legs closer to herself.

"You cold?" Brad asked.

"No," Sonata answered, "but I just feel so bad. I caused a great group of friends to fall apart like that, and they didn't deserve it. I just wish I could have apologized to them."

"Why didn't you?" Brad asked, "I understand if you didn't though. They did stop you from taking over everyone."

"No," Sonata replied firmly, "I wanted to, but Adagio prevented me from talking with them, or anyone at all. Nobody liked us after what we did, and Adagio was still unhappy with what happened even as I left."

"You never did say why you left," Brad remembered, "Do you want to say why?"

"Um," Sonata began, "After the film," 

"Okay, but you don't have to if you don't want," Brad reminded her.

"No, it's okay," Sonata said, "I'd probably end up telling you anyway at some point."

The Rainbooms were released by a certain DJ, and made their way to the top of the hill.

'I always did wonder how they got out of there,' Sonata thought to herself.

As the two bands played against each other, Sonata found herself siding towards the Rainbooms. Then they lost control against the Dazzlings, and the mic dropped.

"I remember that," Sonata said quietly, "I remember it so well. Looking down on them, thinking we had won no problem, and had finally got it all. But then she sung. Sunset Shimmer sung. And she changed it all."

Brad simply listened to the former-evil Siren, and allowing her to let her thoughts out.

And she did. A combination of transformations and singing took down the Sirens; Sonata letting a few tears slip by.

"That song," Sonata began, "That song made me cry at the time, and it has done now. It's such a beautiful song, and I," *sniff* ,"I loved it. It was finally setting me free from all that I was. Taking away our magic, and making us what I truly wanted to be; a normal girl. It was the highlight of my life, and just to think it was less than two weeks ago."

Brad looked at Sonata; unsure what to do. As she began to lean towards Brad, he opened his arms to embrace her.

"It's alright," Brad ensured, "You're not what you used to be. You're who you want to be. And now you're in a new world where you can choose how to be."

Sonata looked up Brad smiling.

"Thanks, Brad," Sonata said, wiping her tears, "I needed that."

With that, they watched the end of the movie in silence together; enjoying the company of each other.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4


Rainbow Rocks had finished, and Sonata had found herself laying on Brad. She sat up immediately, embarrassed.

"Oh, sorry," She smiled sheepishly, "I tend to do that sometimes."

"Eh, don't worry about it," Brad said casually, "Sometimes things like that just happen."

"Thanks," Sonata began, "So, um, what now?"

"Well, you've told me a lot of things," Brad began, "So its only fair I tell you a thing or two, and not just about the show itself."

"OK," Sonata agreed, "So how about where are we right now?"

"Um," Brad hesitated, "We be in the UK, or United Kingdom. More specifically; Chesterfield." 

"So what's it like around here?" Sonata asked.

"I wouldn't know to much," Brad answered, "I grew up around the town, but I've only really lived here for a couple of years. That, and I don't really go out much. It's not the best or nicest area to live, but it's alright I suppose."

"OK," Sonata continued, "What's this ,'Chesterfield', like then?"

"It's nice," Brad replied, "Nice market, plenty of shops, things to do; it's alright. Again, I don't really go out much, but I've been around here long enough to know the place pretty well."

"Huh," Sonata said, "Sounds like you don't go out much at all."

"In all honesty," Brad admitted, "I don't really go out at all. I prefer to just sit inside all day with my laptop and games consoles."

"Oooooh," Sonata realized, "You're one of those 'nerds' that Adagio talked about."

Brad cringed at the word 'nerds'. "I don't really like being called that," Brad said, "Please don't just call me one like that, it makes me feel singled out for no reason."

"Sure, but one condition," Sonata complied, "Please don't call me a 'Siren'. I don't really like being related to them, it just makes me sometimes think I'm evil."

As she looked down, Brad put a hand on her back. "Hey," he encouraged, "Don't worry. You're not evil, and don't let anyone make you think that you are. You said yourself you wanted to change; don't let anyone stop you. I hate being called a nerd, it makes me feel I've been picked apart from a crowd to be looked down upon."

"Yeah," Sonata said, "Adagio always said to stay away from those kinds of people. I don't know why; you've been nothing but nice to me. Even if a little weird." Sonata giggled.

"A wise man once said the loneliest are the kindest," Brad stated sadly.

"Hey, it's alright," Sonata re-assured, "Someday that girl that's perfect for you will be waiting for you. Don't get down on yourself; it doesn't help me and I doubt it helps you."

"Thanks," Brad said, "You don't know sometimes what it means to be told that. No-one really does. It's funny how you should be one upset because you ended up here, and you're cheering me up."

"Say, why did you leave anyway?"

Sonata was caught of guard.

"I know you didn't want to be a part of... be with Adagio and Aria," Brad continued, "but you never did say the reason why you left."

"It's... complicated," Sonata said uneasily, "I don't really want to go into all the details."

"Well, don't," Brad bluntly said, "Only tell me what you feel comfortable telling me now." 'Maybe one day I can get the full story.'

"OK, then," Sonata complied, "Basically I... I wanted to be away from them. I wanted to separate myself from them, and start a new life. No-one at CHS liked me for what I helped do, and my...my...they hated me. All of them. I wanted to away from it all, and just took the portal."

"You took the portal?" Brad concerningly asked, "The one that was supposed to take you to Equestria?"

"Right," Sonata said, "I hoped to be forgiven by the ponies of Equestria, and maybe even get to live like one, too. I wanted to be forgiven, and Equestria is a forgiving place sometimes."

"So, how did you end up here?" Brad inquisitively asked.

"I...I don't know, " Sonata replied honestly, "I felt my body changing, and then this was this loud 'SMASH' sound, and then I blacked out."

"I wonder if something happened to the portal while you were in it," Brad began to think, (still a dangerous thing), "Someone may have turned off the portal while you were in it; flinging you out at wherever it could. My mirror didn't seem all that special, it was just one that was given to me by my mum."

"Guess we won't really know now," Sonata said sadly, "It's broken up into a million pieces; no-one could put that back together."

"Don't worry," Brad said, "I'm sure there's someway to get you home."

"Yeah...wait," Sonata paused, "You wanna take me back to Equestria?"

"I want to make you happy," Brad replied, "And if taking you back to Equestria is what'll do it, then it's what I'll help you do."

"Thanks," Sonata said, taken aback, "Nobody's ever done that for me."

"Well," Brad responded, "I'm glad to be the first."

Sonata smiled. "You're too kind, you know."

"Thanks, but really I'd do it for most people that need help," Brad started, "Apart from if they looked like they were a drug addict."

"Yeah, wait what?" Sonata asked suddenly.

"Well, if they look like they might not..." Brad tailed off, "Yeah I don't know where I was going with that."

"Anyway," Sonata tried to get onto a different topic, "there has a couple things I've been wondering about."

"What are they?" Brad asked.

"First of all, why are your socks dirty?" Sonata asked.

"Huh?" Brad responded and looked down at the feet in question. Sure enough, the socks once white now looked more brown from mud and tarmac stuck to them. "Oh, uh, I had to go outside."

"What for?" Sonata asked, "I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want."

"Uh..." Brad paused, "It's nothing important."

"Ok, if you say so." Sonata said.

'Phew, dodged a bullet there' Brad thought. "So what else was there you wanted to ask?"

"Well, the show that Equestria is set in is called 'My Little Pony:  Friendship is Magic', right?" Sonata began.

'Oh god,' Brad thought.

"So why do you like it?"

Brad just stared an Sonata, unsure of what to say.

"I mean," she continued, "It doesn't exactly sound like something you'd be watching."

"You're right," Brad admitted, "It isn't. I...I wish I could answer for you, but I struggle answering the question normally."

"What's so different now?" Sonata asked.

"Someone from that show is asking me," Brad blatantly responded.

"Oh," Sonata realized, "Right. Well say what you can. I don't mind."

"Well," Brad began, "That's just it. I can't. The best explanation I can give is that it's an escape from reality. Equestria is like my utopia. Everything is relatively peaceful, there's little to worry about compared to here, and everything just seems so...colorful."

"So you watch it..." Sonata to began.

"...to get away from it all," Brad finished.

The two looked at each other for a moment.

"We actually have a fair amount in commom, don't we?" Sonata asked.

"Apparently," Brad answered.

"We both want to get away from our own worlds, we both like are different to society," Sonata listed, "All we would need is for you to have two people that you don't want to be with but you have to. At least you don't have that to deal with." Sonata smiled.

The sound of a door opening made Brad cringe slightly. 

"Hellooooooooooooo?"

"Huh?" Sonata looked at Brad, "What's that?"

"You know how you had two people you didn't want to be with but you had to be with them anyway?" Brad asked.

"Yeah?" Sonata replied.

"Braaaaad? You upstairs?"

"Well, you're about to meet my version of them," Brad said.

"My stepbrothers."

> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5


"Your stepbrothers?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah," Brad answered, "And have lived with me in this house for the last 3 years."

"Braaaaaaaaaad? Hellooooooooo?"

"Why do sound so depressed about them being back?" Sonata asked confused, "They're only you're brothers, right?"

"Supposedly," Brad said, "But they just annoy me to high hell. You saw the state of the stairs coming up here, right?"

"Brad, where ar- what the hell happened in here?!"

'Sounds like they found the mirror,' Brad thought.

"Yeah?" Sonata replied, "So they cause a little mess. So what?"

"It's not just a little mess," Brad tried to keep calm, "It's a pain trying to get around here sometimes. And did you see their rooms passing on the way here? And guess who has to clean up after them? ME!"

The sound of the footsteps began to emanate from the bottom of the stairs.

"I'd better get to them before they see you," Brad said quietly, "I'll introduce you, but I want to see the mood they're in first. See you in a sec." 

"OK," Sonata replied quietly.

Brad left Sonata in his room; closing the door behind him. Once he had shut the door, one of those Brad dreaded seeing had arrived at the top of the stairs.

"There you are!" 

"Hey, Josh," Brad said, "How are you then?"

"Eh, alright," Josh answered, "Football was alright, Robbie and I decimated proper hard!"

"Where is he anyway?" Brad asked.

"He's downstairs getting a drink," Josh answered, "Anyway, what the hell happened downstairs?! Why's the mirror smashed on the floor?! Your mum's gonna kill you, you know."

"Yeah, yeah," Brad shoved off, "Whatever. Can you meet Robbie downstairs in the room? We have something to discuss."

"What?" Josh asked, "Is it 'Who's paying for a new mirror?' or 'Who's telling your mum that the mirror's broke?' Because both of those are gonna be you."

"No, just...meet me downstairs," Brad sighed, "I'll be down in a couple of minutes."

"What's the matter with you?" Josh asked, "You seem down about something."

'Yeah,' Brad thought, 'You guys coming home.' "I'll tell you downstairs."

"OK then?" Josh complied confused.

With that Josh went downstairs to wait for Brad, while Brad went back to see Sonata.

"You OK?" Brad asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," Sonata answered, "But I'm more concerned about you. Are you sure you wanna do this?"

"Nope," Brad said honestly, "But I have to if you're gonna live here."

"Thanks," Sonata responded, "OK, let's do this. I know you can, just stand up to them."

"Let's hope I can," Brad said hopefully.

Sonata jumped off the bed and followed Brad downstairs. As she continued further to the living room, she could hear voices in conversation.

"So what's up with Brad?"

"I don't have a clue. He seemed proper off it when I was talking to him."

"Do you recon he's gonna come out of the closet at last?"

"He might."

The voices became louder, and Brads' dread increased.

'I don't wanna do this, I don't wanna do this, I really really don't wanna do this.'

Before Brad was visible in the doorway, he stopped and looked at Sonata.

"Wait for my cue," Brad said quietly to Sonata, "You'll know it; trust me."

Sonata simply nodded. With that, Brad took a deep breath and walked into the living room.





When Brad appeared in the doorway, conversation halted and the two boys on the sofa looked at the figure before them.

"Hey Brad," Josh said.

"Hey Josh, hey Robbie," Brad said monotonically.

Brad went to sit on the other sofa; carefully maneuvering the broken bits of mirror on the floor. Robbie was the first to speak.

"So, what's up?" Robbie asked concernedly, "You look really fed up."

"Well, to be honest Robbie," Brad began, "It's a number of things."

"Like what?" Josh asked.

"Well, there's..." Brad started. 'God I hate to bring this up. Every time.' "There's the washing situation. It's getting ridiculous.  Can you not do any washing yourselfs?"

"Well sorry, Brad," Josh argued, "No-one asked you to do the washing for us. We could've done it you know."

"But you don't," Brad pointed out, "And that's the problem. I hate to complain, and you know I do. You've known me long enough to know I hate to complain to others, but Christ you do not do enough washing. You saw how bad it was up there Josh."

"Yeah, we were gonna do it when we got back," Josh argued.

"But you say that and wouldn't do it," Brad raised his voice slightly, "Even when our parents lived here you said that, so why do you think it would work on me?"

"You're not our parent," Robbie pointed out, "You just happen to be the oldest of us, but that doesn't mean you can boss us about!"

"I'm not bossing anybody about," Brad countered, "I'm simply stating that the two of you aren't pulling you're weight around here."

"I'm still at school working on my GCSE's right now," Robbie stated, "I can't help with you as much as you. I have to revise for my tests in May."

"First of all, Robbie, they are in May," Brad began, "And secondly, YOU AREN'T REVISING FOR THEM AT ALL!"

"Oi!" Josh stood up, "He is, and I'm still working my arse off at college trying to be a chef! And it isn't easy!"

"Clearly not," Brad sarcastically said, "I also 'worked my arse off' doing my A levels and still managed to get some part time money. And I passed!"

"Oh, so that's how it is," Josh realized, "It's those who help pay the bills in this house make the decisions. Well I should also make the decision to kick you out!"

"Nobody get's kicked out of this household!" Brad shouted, "ESPECIALLY NOT SONATA!!!"

Silence. If a penny was dropped, it would seem like an explosion. Sonata was unsure whether to go in after that.

'I don't want to,' she thought to herself, 'If I'm going to cause so many arguments, I don't wanna stay for this. It'll be just like at home, but I feel so much worse about it saying nothing's happening to me at the moment.'

"Sonata?" Josh asked, "Who. Is. That."

"She," Brad corrected, "is what I wanted to really talk to you about. But we can't even got on well enough to decide who does the damn washing, no way will you let an extra person stay here."

"But who is she?" Robbie asked inquisitively.

"Me."

Sonata stepped out into the door frame and looked upon the two who had been arguing with Brad. The one stood up looked only 14, and had dark brown hair with fairly light but spotty skin. He wore a black waterproof jacket, and some grey tracksuit bottoms. The other one that was sat down stood up. He appeared only slightly taller than the first, and had a much lighter brown hair. He was very pale, and wore a blue jacket, and grey shorts. He had kind of chubby cheeks as well. The two of them stared at Sonata, and Sonata looked back at them.

"I'm Sonata," she began, "Sonata Dusk. I don't know the history between you, but I didn't expect all that."

"Sonata, I'm sorry you had to hear tha-" Brad tried to apologize.

"No, it's too late to apologize to me," Sonata said, "But apologize to each other." 

"What?" the black-coated one asked, "Why should we? And who are you? And why are you blue?!"

"None of those things matter right now," Sonata said calmly, "What matters is that you guys make up. Please."

"Sorry Josh," Brad apologized to the black-jacketed, "Sorry Robbie."

"What?" Robbie asked, "Why should we? He was the one having a go at us."

Sonata just glared.

"Fine, sorry Brad."

"Sorry, Brad."

"Thank you," Sonata said, breathing a sigh of relief, "I...I don't normally do that, but...but know I can. I just don't like being that assertive."

"Listen," Brad began, "I should apologize to you as well. That was the last thing you wanted to hear. You wanted to get away from screaming and shouting, and not to just find more. I just...lost it. All this stress going on, and I wanted to make everything right for you, but things kept going wrong, and I...collapsed."

"Hey," Sonata reassured, and took careful steps to the sofa that Brad sat upon, "It's alright. You've done so much for me in such a short amount of time, and I can't thank you enough. But maybe it was too much, and maybe I should just go." 

"But, wait," Brad tried to argue.

"It's OK, Brad," Sonata said with a smile on her face, "I can manage from here on out. You picked me up onto my feet, and I should be fine. You just take care of each other, OK?"

Sonata rose up off of the sofa, and made her way to what she thought was the door outside.

"Wait!"

"Huh?" Sonata turned around, only to find Josh and Robbie approaching her.

"Listen, I don't really understand what's happened or why you are here," Josh started, "but it sounds like you had things rough. And you wanted to stay here?"

"Well, that's the gist of it," Sonata answered.

"Well, it wouldn't be easy," Josh said, "But I wouldn't mind it. What about you Robbie?"

"Yeah, I'm alright with it," he agreed, "You seen alright. Thanks for helping us out back there; we can never decide on anything in this house. We always end up having these kinds of arguments, and then nothing gets done."

"They're right," Brad said as he stood behind his stepbrothers, "But we did get something done. We apologised; something we never do. We just storm off into our own rooms and refuse to talk to each other for the night. You've done something not even our parent could do with sincerity; be nice to one another. Please don't leave just because of that argument, we'd love to have you here."

She looked at the three of them, and then down at her hands.

'I need them,' she thought, 'but they need me too.' "So I can live with the three of you?"

"Only if you want to," Brad answered.

"Oh, thank you," Sonata replied, "I'd love to stay here."

All three of the boys let go a sigh of relief. Sonata opened her arms for a hug, and all of them complied. The four of them stood there happy with who they had by their side.

"So, why are you blue?"
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 6


"So, why are you blue?" Robbie asked inquisitively.

Sonata looked at him, then at Brad; trying to get a hint off of him.

'Come on,' she thought, 'Should I tell them?'

Brad looked back at her, realizing what she meant.

"Up to you at this point," Brad said.

"It's only fair," Sonata said.

"What is?" Josh asked.

Brad and Sonata walked back into the living room and sat down; Josh and Robbie followed suit.

"Well..." Brad began, "It's like this. What we tell you, you cannot tell anyone else."

"Not even our parents?" Robbie asked.

"Not even our parents," Brad told him, "You won't tell?"

"Fine, we won't tell," Josh said annoyed, "Stop delaying it, what's the matter?"

"The thing is," Sonata started, "I'm...not...from...this world."

Josh and Robbie looked at her blankly.

"What," Josh said flatly, "Do. You. Mean. Not from this world? Are you having a laugh?"

"No," Brad replied, "We're not. Sonata ended up here by accident. She came through the mirror, and it smashed after she appeared. Sonata has no way home, that's why I wanted her to live here."

"So, where are you from then?" Robbie asked, "I'm not convinced. Could just be body paint."

"I'm..." Sonata began, "originally from Equestria, but I came from Canterlot High."

" 'Equestria'?" Josh asked, "Wait a minute, isn't that..."

"From that 'My Little Pony'!" Robbie realized, "You're from there?!"

"Yeah," Sonata replied, "I take it you've heard of it then?"

"Oh yeah," Josh answered, "None-stop from Brad. Won't shut up about it."

"Hey!" Brad countered, "I do stop talking about it. Sometimes."

Sonata giggled to herself. "It's alright, you know. I don't mind it." She smiled at Brad.

"Anyway," Brad said trying to get onto a new topic, "You going to keep quiet about it? God knows what'll happen to her if, like, the government found out or something."

"Yeah," Sonata agreed, "Adagio always said that if they found out about us, we'd be goners."

"It's true," Brad confirmed.

"Sure, we'll keep quiet about it," Robbie assured, "We don't wanna lose you to some guys that just wanna prod you for info, right Josh?"

"Yeah, we'll keep quiet," Josh agreed, "No problem. Just one thing you gotta do though, Brad."

'Oh, God. Here we go,' Brad thought. "What is it?"

"You're cleaning up the mess in here," Josh answered without missing a beat.

"Fine," Brad whined. 'It could have been a lot worse.'

"And you're cooking dinner," Robbie chimed in.

"And you're doing all the washing up."

"And you're still sorting our dirty clothes."

"And you have to hoover up the whole house."

"And you have to clean the toilet and bathroom."

"And you have to figure out where Sonata is sleeping." They finished together.

'Shouldn't have even thought about.' Brad thought. "Fine. Jeez, is there any need for all that?"

"Nah, where's just messin'," Robbie laughed, "But seriously, where are you going to sleep, Sonata? We don't have a spare bed."

"I don't mind sleeping on the sofa," Sonata replied, "If that's OK."

"I'd prefer it if you slept somewhere else," Brad admitted, "But we really don't have much of a choice. You sure you're OK with the sofa?"

"Don't worry about it," Sonata smiled, "I'll be fine. I didn't, you know, say I was coming. I'm happy enough you're offering me a home."

"Not everyone is like that in this world," Brad said honestly, "But I think you lucked out."

"You think?" Sonata asked happily.

"Yeah," Brad answered, "And I think we did too."

Brad looked at his step-brothers and smiled. The two looked and smiled back. The four of them embraced the silence together.

'It's been so long,' Brad thought to himself, 'We haven't been able to sit in peace like this for years. Not since mum and Chris left. Even then it wasn't peace; it was being stared down on and expected to be quiet. Now that I think about it, what are they gonna say?'

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of grumbling of stomachs.

"Heh," Robbie started, "Guess that football kinda left us a bit hungry. Shall we get started on dinner?"

"Sure," Brad said, "and I'll cook. Think it's only fair."

"You sure, Brad?" Josh asked, "I can cook if you want."

"Nah, you're good," Brad shook off, "Get off upstairs for a bit; maybe doing some tidying up?"

"Fine," Robbie whined, "But expecting something nice for this!"

The two of them went off to start their chores, while Brad and Sonata remained sat in the room.

"I really can't thank you enough for today," Brad began, "We haven't got along like that in months. We're just so different, you see. They like sports so much more, but I just can't get my head around it all. I've really just liked being inside too much, I guess."

"Hey," Sonata interrupted, "It's not a problem. I'm just glad I can help. We'll get through this."

"I do not understand how," Brad mumbled.

"How what?" Sonata asked, confused.

"How you managed to go from so distraught to...happy, helpful and cheery," Brad said confused also, "I mean, I've heard of mood swings, but never this much."

"To be fair," Sonata started, "I know why. It's because of watching that film."

"Huh?" Brad responded.

"It's true," Sonata continued, "All my tears that I'd held up over the years, I finally had something to let them out on. Something that I saw that truly made me realize what I did." She began to tear up. "But now, I know. I know what I did wrong; I did back in Canterlot High. But I haven't ever been able to say it anyone at all. Thank you, Brad."

Brad opened his arms once more, and Sonata embraced the opportunity; hugging tightly.

"It's OK," Brad said softly, "Remember that who you was, and not what you are now. And I will always be here to help you."

"Thanks," Sonata quietly mumbled into Brads' shoulder.

Once Sonata sat up, she looked at Brad once more.

'I've never done anything like this before,' she thought, 'but he hasn't either. It's just the start of our journey.'

'A journey that I hope doesn't end soon.'
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 7


"So, you wanna help out with dinner?" Brad asked, interrupting the silence between him and Sonata.

"Oh," Sonata jumped back to reality, "Right. Uh...sure, I guess."

"Great," Brad happily replied, "You can help me pick what we'll have. You know what you like better than I do."

"True, I guess," Sonata assumed.

Brad stood up first, Sonata following behind.

'He said I had mood swings,' Sonata thought, 'One moment he was apologizing to me, worrying about me and everything. He almost was looking up to me. But now he's taking charge? I wonder what goes on in that head of his.'

The duo took a left this time, passing through the dining room doing so. Sonata imagined it was such a room; given the circular glass table in the center and the four chairs surrounding it. A computer sat lifeless in the corner, and bookcases went across the back; dust settling across many. Boxes lay around the room in piles.

'Why is so much stuff packed up?' Sonata thought to herself, 'I thought they'd have sorted everything out. Then again...'

Her thoughts interrupted once more by Brad, but instead by bumping into him.

"Oops," Sonata started, "Sorry, lost in my own thoughts again."

Brad just looked at her and smiled; Sonata realizing that he didn't mind. She peered around him to see the kitchen. It was a narrow kitchen, but appeared very clean. Cupboards both high and low were across each side. Worktops went as far as the end of the kitchen; an oven on one side and a sink on the other to separate the worktops. Both a washing machine and a dryer were seen immediately on the right underneath the worktops; both of which looking quite used. A microwave oven sat at the end of the worktop on the left; a fridge-freezer sat at the end of the worktops on the right. The right was shorter than the left as there was an opening to go right, most likely outside onto the garden visible through the window above the sink.

"Certainly a lot in here," Sonata thought aloud.

"Thanks, though you probably won't be saying that for too long," Brad responded, "Take a look in the fridge and cupboards; see if anything takes your fancy. If not, there's a chippy not too far from here."

"Chippy?" Sonata asked curiously, "What's that?"

"A chip shop," Brad replied. Sonata continued to stare a bit blankly. "You know, fish and chips?"

"Really?" Sonata asked hopefully, "Wow, back in Canterlot High, people were sooo jealous of anyone who had that. It was some sort of delicacy or something. I never had, but everybody said it was brilliant."

"Huh," Brad said, "That's kinda funny actually. Sounds like America."

"America?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah," Brad began, "America is the most powerful country in the world. They're also the richest and have so much more than we do. But for some reason, a lot of Americans like the British. No clue why, though. We're second rate to them. Anyway, they're also like that about fish and chips, and are jealous of British people because they think it's all we eat. We don't, it's just what's stereotypical of us."

"That's kinda cool," Sonata admired, "Being respected like that must be really cool!"

"I guess," Brad said, "But I'm not too bothered. I like the Americans'; They're cool, and a lot seem great to hang out with. It's also were My Little Pony is made, so that makes me just a bit bias."

"Um...would it be OK if we had fish and chips, then?" Sonata asked hopefully.

"Huh, let me think," Brad said, "I guess we haven't eaten out for a while, actually. Might be a nice treat, after all, I think we have something to celebrate. Those two sure love it; that's for sure. Go on then."

"Oh thank you soooooo much!" Sonata replied excitingly.

"It's alright," Brad said, smiling that she was happy, "Like I say, we haven't had it ages." 'Because it's so bloody expensive.' "Let me just run up and grab my wallet."

Brad dashed passed Sonata, and made his way upstairs. On the way up, he noticed the pile of clothes at the top of the stairs was gone.

"Wow," Brad said to himself, "It's amazing what those two can do when they out their mind to it."

As he ran passed the boys' rooms, Robbie noticed him and gave a shout.

"Brad, any idea what's for dinner?" he asked.

"Good news," Brad said happily, "We're having a chippy."

"Are we really?" Josh shouted from his room.

"Yeah, just ran up for my wallet," Brad responded, "You guys want your usuals?"

"Yeah," They replied in in sync.

"Alright, back in 15," Brad shouted as he ran back down the stairs. As he got to the bottom, Sonata stood in the hallway, smiling.

"Sound like those Josh and Robbie are happy aswell," she said happily.

"Yeah, they always are," Brad explained, "Anyway, I'm gonna be gone for 15 minutes or so. You want me to put on the T.V. or something?"

"Uh, sure I guess," Sonata replied, still smiling, "I don't mind really."

"It'll hopefully at least pass the time while I'm gone," Brad said as he walked into the room and reached for the remote, "Gah, still gotta clean this mess up too. Oh well, I can do that when I get back." 

"Do you want me to do it?" Sonata asked.

"No," Brad sternly, "I don't want you to do it, it's not fair on you. Anything in general you like?"

"Uh..." Sonata said blankly, "I didn't really watch T.V. back in the other world. I guess I like kiddy stuff better than stuff for adults though. I never really get the humor, and it's sometimes a bit too dark for me."

"Guess I'm the same with you on that one," Brad agreed, "It's why I still have the kids channels."

Brad turned on the T.V.;Tom and Jerry showing up on the screen.

"Huh, is this one?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah, and one of my favorites," Brad sighed happily, "And all that happens it a cat tries to catch a mouse."

"Really?" Sonata asked.

"Yep, but it's incredibly funny in my book," Brad replied honestly, "Anyway, I'd better be off. Those two won't want to wait forever for their fish and chips."

"OK, see you later," Sonata said.

Brad slipped out the door, and thought about the events of the last couple of hours to himself.

'Wow, who would've thought,' he began, 'Sonata's really living with me now. And those two don't mind it either. Who would've thought.'

Brad listened to the laughs coming from the former-Siren passing the house.

'Sounds like she's enjoying it,' Brad thought, 'It's so weird to have so much in common. But I digress. What am I going to do? Who knows how long she'll stay here. Will I have to get another bed? Probably. Who knows when she'll be able to go home. And how? The mirror's broke, so what now? Not like I can asked many people to help with this either unless they're quiet about it. I just want to make sure she's alright.'

Brad stopped thinking for a moment as he arrived at the chip shop.

"It's been too long," he whispered to himself.

As he walked in the open door, he looked around. A counter stood not too far in front of him. Many grills were on the go behind the counter, and had many different food on them like burgers and onion rings. He could smell the greasy food and it's wonders; especially fish.

"Ah, hello again, Brad!"

"Hey, Fraizo," Brad replied.

Fraizo stood behind the counter and smiled with his brown eyes.. He wore blue and white apron, a black shirt and a red woolly hat as far Brad could see. His black mustache was bushy against his colored skin. 

"It's been a while, Brad!" Fraizo said happily, "Where've ya been?"

"Eh, just haven't had the time to pop 'round," Brad replied.

"Ah, well you should," Fraizo smiled, "It's always a smile on my face to see you."

'And my money,' Brad thought to himself. "Thanks."

"And, I even remember your usual," Fraizo said proudly, "So, is for one, or for three?"

"Go for the three then," Brad said chuckling, "But put an small fish and chips on that order as well."

"Ooooh," Fraizo said shocked, "Give me a moment." He leaned back and shouted. "Hey, you guys! I need 3 small fish, 2 battered sausages, a fish-cake, 4 small chips, a mushy peas, a curry sauce and a gravy! Let's go!"

Brad watched as three other chefs emerged from the back, looking ready to cook. They began almost immediately.

"It never ceases to amaze me how hard they work," Brad said to Fraizo.

"Well, they enjoy cooking," Fraizo told him, "It's what they do for a job. Anyway, whose this 'small fish and chips' for then, hmmmmmmmmm?"

"It's just a guest," Brad told him blatantly.

"Aw, come on, Brad," Fraizo said enthusiastically, "You know I love the gossip. Anything else you can tell me?" 

"Nah," Brad said, "Other than it's a girl."

"Finally!" Fraizo shouted, "It's finally time you got a lasting relationship! Let me tell you, it is ab-so-lutely worth every moment of your time. You won't know know what to do with yourself because you'll be so influenced by love, you'll be great for each other, and-"

"Fraizo," Brad stopped him, "We're not dating." 

"Aw come on!" Fraizo whined, "You're kidding me. An 18 year old like yourself and you still aren't going to take up this opportunity? What are you, a man, or a mouse?"

"Well, no," Brad began to explain, "It's more so the fact I'm not really a snake, and I respect a girls' privacy. Besides, I wouldn't want to lose a great friend just because of a relationship miss-hap."

"You're no fun," Fraizo said disappointed.

"I just do what I think is right, Frazio," Brad told him, "And this is what is right." 

"I guess," Fraizo sighed, "But you still really need a relationship."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Brad shrugged of.

"Order up," one of the chefs shouted.

"Ah, thank you," Fraizo said happliy, "That'll be £21.40 please."

Brad reached into his wallet for the sufficient funds and handed them over to Fraizo. Brad grabbed the bag once Fraizo accepted the cash.

"Thank you again, Brad!" Fraizo shouted as Brad began to leave, "Do come back again soon!"

> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 8


As Brad began to work his way back, something crossed his mind from the conversation with Fraizo.

'Now that I think about it,' Brad thought, 'I really haven't had a serious relationship...ever. Maybe one day I'll find that girl for me. I always did kinda want a family.'

The walk ended much quicker than on the way there; Brad much too eager to eat the goods he was holding. Upon arriving back at the house, he heard laughing.

'Huh,' he thought, 'Sounds like she fell in love with the show like I did. Oh, the memories.'

Brad walked in, hearing the show wrap up from the room.

"I'm back," Brad shouted. He peered around the corner. "Sounds like you were enjoying that."

Sonata appeared hysterical, lying on the sofa with arms and legs sprawled all over. "That," she began, still laughing, "was so funny! Just watching the two of them fight and do all those stupid things to each other was just so funny to me!"

"Glad you enjoyed it, you're not the only one who loves it," Brad said pleased, "And I have the food."

"Are you sorting it out then or are just gonna stand there?" a voice behind Brad said impatiently.

"Yes, Josh," Brad said annoyed, "Just give me a moment will you?" Brad turned around. "I've just walked through the door."

"Yeah, but were starving!" Josh whined.

"Fine, come on then," Brad instructed, "You coming, Sonata?"

"Yeah, just give me a second," Sonata said, sitting up.

"Is dinner out yet?" Robbie shouted from upstairs.

"It's just coming out now!" Brad shouted.

"Like you should have done years ago, oh SNAP!" Josh responded.

"Josh," Brad began, "shut up."

"Huh?" Sonata said confused.

"Basically, coming out is another way of saying you're gay," Brad explained.

"What's 'gay'?" Sonata asked.

'Oh God, help me,' Brad thought. "It's where you...like the same gender."

"What's wrong with that?" Sonata asked confused, "I mean, is it wrong to have friends of the same gender here?"

"No," Brad explained, "I mean, like like, the same gender."

"Ooooooooooh," Sonata realized, "Now I get it. Do many people like the same gender that way, then?"

"There's a fair amount," Brad told her, "and I have nothing against them. A friend of mine actually liked both genders. I'm just not one of them."

"Oh," Sonata said, processing the information, "I wouldn't have had anything against you anyway. There were probably people like that back at Canterlot High, but Adagio never told me about them."

"Probably didn't want you to know about them," Brad explained, "There's a lot of people that look down upon them for some reason because they break the 'social norm', like how I break it by watching MLP. I don't care, people can think whatever they want; they ain't gonna stop me from being me."

"I guess that's pretty true," Sonata said, beginning to sound confident, "I shouldn't have let Adagio just walk all over me. I'll make sure no-one walks all over me in the future!"

"And we'll help in any way we can, right guys?" Brad finished.

"Yeah," Josh said with little enthusiasm, "Now can we have dinner instead if the four of us standing in the doorway?"

"Technically, it was your fault we had this conversation in the first place," Brad countered.

"Can you two stop bickering?" Robbie asked, "Seriously. You two don't stop."

"Says you," Brad argued, "You and Josh don't argue all the time either?"

"GUYS!" Sonata shouted, breaking their argument.

"Sorry," Brad squeaked, "Let's just get dinner."

The others nodded their heads in agreement and made their way to the kitchen; Brad leading. Upon entering, Brad noticed the plates set out.

"Who sorted these out?" Brad asked inquisitively. 

"Uh, I did," Sonata said, "I sorted it while the adverts were on."

"Huh, I thought you were in hysterics the entire time I was gone," Brad admitted.

"Hysterics?" Sonata asked.

"Laughing uncontrollably," Brad explained. 'Sometimes I do question if she really is a ditz or not.'

"Oh," Sonata responded, "Well, I had a my moments during that show, but I had some time to actually be useful here."

"We heard you laughing alright," Robbie butted in, "I was wondering what the hell was going on down here!"

"Well, I very much appreciate it, Sonata," Brad thanked, ignoring Robbie's' comment, "and you shouldn't have to feel useless. You're our guest! Now let's have some dinner!"

Brad began unpacking the bag of goods, assigning them to each plate. "Robbie, you've got a fish, battered sausage and chips. Josh, you've got the fish, chips and your curry sauce and gravy." 'I do not understand his weird food habits what so ever, but I guess whatever works.'

The two boys went off to eat, leaving Sonata and Brad in the kitchen.

'Talk about manners much,' Brad thought. He looked in the bag at Sonatas' dinner. 'Hope she likes it.' "Here's yours Sonata."

He reached into the bag and pulled out the paper-wrapped meal, Sonata looking at it expectantly. He unwrapped the paper for Sonata to see, and she was pleasantly surprised. A fish wrapped within golden batter was revealed alongside a substantial amount of chips.

'Oh, Fraizo,' Brad thought, 'You've outdone yourself for the guest, have you? Trust you of all people.'

"Is that the fish?" Sonata asked, pointing at the object in question.

"Sure is," Brad answered, "Covered in batter."

"And it's beautiful!" Robbie shouted from the living room.

"Where are they?" Sonata asked, "Why aren't they at the table?"

"We usually eat in the living room," Brad admitted, "We just prefer it really, and never had much to talk about at the table, so we just left it in favor of the T.V., mostly for those two though. As long as I get my food, I don't mind to be honest."

'Wow,' Sonata thought, 'They really are split up.' "Ever thought of going back to the table?"

"I'm not bothered, whatever makes people happy I guess," Brad answered without care.

"OK," Sonata said, a bit worried. 'He just doesn't really care about them, does he? And if he does, he just lets them walk all over him. Like Aria and Adagio did to me...'

"What's up?" Brad asked worryingly, "You OK?"

"Yeah, sorry," Sonata reassured, "Just blanking out. Can I get some of this fish?"

"Of course, let's get it plated up," Brad acted upon response. He took the meal and spread it across her plate as much as possible. 'Seriously Fraizo, you do go overboard sometimes but this is another level.'

"There we go," Brad declared, "You want salt, vinegar, sauce or anything?"

"Er...no thanks," Sonata politely replied, "What did you get anyway?" She peered into the bag. "It doesn't look like you got a fish."

"That's because I didn't," Brad explained as he reached into the bag and pulled out his paper-wrapped meal. "I'm not as big of a fan of an actual fish. I prefer the fishcake."

"They sell fish-flavored cake?" Sonata asked, "That doesn't sound that great, to be honest."

'Seriously,' Brad thought. "No, it's more a patty with fish in it. Almost like say, a fish burger without a bun." 

"Oh," Sonata said, "Well, why call it a 'fishcake' then?"

"I have no idea," Brad admitted. He first took the fishcake out, its crumbly covering beginning to fall. He then took his chips out and put them on his plate, then the peas went in the corner.

"Et voila!" Brad announced, "Bon appetit!"

"Um...what?" Sonata asked with a confused tone and a confused face and a confused pose.

"Sorry," Brad began, "Can't help but incorporate some French in there sometimes."

"French?" Sonata asked even more confused.

'She should pose for the 'Confused.com' ads. She's looking at me like I'm from another planet. Right, I am to her. Well done, Brad.' "It's the language of people who live in a country called France. Their known well for their cuisine, so I usually use a bit of their language when I prepare food."

"Oh," Sonata said, "So what did you say in 'French', then?"

"I said, 'And here! Good appetite!'," Brad explained, "Basically meaning 'here is your meal'."

"Oh, wow," Sonata said in awe, "Do you know anymore?"

"Not really," Brad admitted, "I studied French at school for three years and that's about as much as I can remember."

"No problem," Sonata replied. Her stomach growled. "To be fair, I think my tummy thinks it's time for food anyway."

"Not the only one," Brad agreed.

The two made their way into the room after taking a knife and fork each, only to find Josh and Robbie almost done.

"What took you guys so long?" Josh asked.

"Just having a conversation," Brad answered, "You guys were really hungry, huh?"

"Can you tell?" Robbie asked sarcastically, "We were starving!"

"Alright, keep your hair on," Brad reassured.

Brad and Sonata took their seats on the sofa next to each other. Sonata began to cut into the fish, and noticed the white meat inside.

'Huh,' Sonata thought, 'Didn't expect that.'

She took a chuck out of the fish, and placed it gently in her mouth; trying the taste. Sonata quickly made her decision on the fish.

"This is incredible!" Sonata exclaimed, "I've never tasted anything like this in my life, and I love it!"

She began quickly tearing apart the fish, scarfing it down like it was nothing.

'Can't tell if hunger, or just really likes fish,' Brad thought, 'Probably both.' He began to eat his own meal alongside Sonata. 'God, it's really been too long.'

The meal soon ended due to the hunger of the pair; Josh and Robbie had left the two to their own accord at this point. Sonata lied back on the sofa.

"That was amazing," Sonata sighed, "Thanks, Brad."

"No problem," Brad replied, "It's been too long since I've had that." He looked at the time on the television. 7:30. "Oh, shoot. My work starts in half an hour."

"Your work?" Sonata asked. 'I never actually heard what Brad does.' 

"Yeah, I got a new job a few days ago," Brad explained, "It's probably my dream job too."

"Really?" Sonata asked inquisitively, "What is it?"

"I now help podcast a show on the internet," Brad answered, "and it's all about My Little Pony."

"That sounds amazing!" Sonata congratulated, "So, where do you do it? And what is a podcast?"

'Well done, Sonata' Brad thought, the sound of a sarcastic clap being heard in the back of his mind, 'Well done.' "It's basically a radio show, and I speak to people from the internet over an internet call."

"And it goes live?" Sonata asked.

"Yep, to all listeners," Brad confirmed.

"Would I be able to listen to you while you, um, 'podcast', please?" Sonata requested, "I still kinda want to know more about this whole 'My Little Pony' thing, and this might help."

"Sure, I don't see why not," Brad responded, "Just might be an idea if you stay quiet. People will recognize your voice from a mile away. Literally."

"Thank you so much!" Sonata cheered, "And I'll be quiet, no need to worry."

"OK then," Brad declared, "Let's head on upstairs!"

"Upstairs?" Sonata questioned, "I thought your computer was in the dining room."

"It is," Brad explained, "But we just don't use it because it's absolutely terrible. My laptop is way better, even for this."

"Oh, OK," Sonata said, "Shall we go, then?"

"Yeah," Brad answered, "Time for a podcast."

> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 9


Brad and Sonata made their way upstairs after disposing the plates they used into the sink. While the two made for Brads' room, he saw Robbie as he passed by his room; getting ready to play of the Xbox of his.

"You alright, Brad?" Robbie asked.

"Yeah, but my show starts in less than half an hour," Brad replied, "When I'm on, could you and Josh try to keep it down a bit? Don't want to look a fool on my first day."

"Yeah, yeah, no problem," Robbie agreed.

"Thanks," Brad said.

He and Sonata made their way into Brads' room once again, and the laptop was booted up. Brad sat on the bed with the laptop on his legs. He plugged in his microphone.

"Alright, time to load up Skype," Brad declared.

"Skype?" Sonata asked, sitting next to Brad on the bed.

"Yeah," Brad began, "It's the program I use to talk with people over the internet. I think there's gonna be a pre-podcast talk; especially because I have no idea what I'm gonna be doing on it."

"Oh, really?" Sonata asked with a hint of worry in her voice, "So you don't know what you're doing on the show?"

"Nope," Brad answered, "I got told I was talking with a group of people on Skype about ponies, and that's as much as I got really."

"How come?" Sonata asked.

"Well, they're pretty minor right now," Brad explained, "And were struggling to get someone in. When they heard I was from the UK, the guy just took me straight up. I guess it does have 'International' in the company's' name, so I guess they were after people not from America."

"That makes sense, I guess," Sonata responded.

A dinging noise began emitting from the laptop, and the picture of an insectoid-like creature appeared on the screen.

"That'll be my new boss, I suppose," Brad presumed, "Can you try to be quiet?"

"Sure," Sonata answered, pretending to zip her lips. She moved away from Brad, and leaned against the wall the bed was pressed against. Brad passed her a pillow to lean on.

"Sorry to be rude like this," Brad apologized. 

"It's no problem," Sonata quietly replied.

He answered the call.

"Hello?" Brad asked into the laptop.

"Ah, Brad," the voice answered. The voice sounded crisp and clear, strong but kind at the same time. The accent rung through Brad; recognizing it's origin of America. "Good to see you nice and early. The rest of us will be on shortly. I'm Steven, but on the show; call me Malachite."

"Right, will do," Brad answered strongly.

"How are you feeling?" Steven asked with sincerity in his voice, "Nervous at all?"

"A little, I guess," Brad admitted, "It's the first time I've been on air at all, so I'm not sure what's going to happen."

"No need to worry," Steven reassured, "You'll be fine, I promise."

"Thanks," Brad replied.

"Now, when we get on the show," Steven began, "Me and the others will introduce the show and ourselves. Then we'll announce 'we have a new presenter' and ask you to introduce yourself. Just say your name, and your 'D.J.' name to start with. We'll ask you a few questions on air about yourself, just so the audience can get a feel for you before we begin. You good so far?"

"No problem," Brad answered, "What do we do after that?"

"From there, we have a nice, chilled conversation about all things pony," Steven answered, "We'll probably need some UK pony info if you've got any recent news from there."

"I've got a fair bit," Brad said proudly, smiling though Steven couldn't see it.

"Great, sounds like you're more prepared than the rest of usually are," Steven laughed, "Don't worry about a thing. These shows are for entertainment, and you get some pay out of it. As I said to you on the e-mail, as long as you've got a sense of humor and have the confidence to talk, you'll be fine."

"Thanks for the reassurance," Brad said, smiling and beginning to relax. He looked at Sonata, who simply smiled back.

"No problem, sounded like you needed it," Steven responded, "You sounded stiffer than a horseshoe."

"Really?" Brad asked. 'I must be nervous, then; if someone from the other side of the world can sense my anxiety.'

"Honestly," Steven answered, "Oh, hang on. I'll add one of the other pod-casters into the call now. They've just come online."

A third picture popped up onto the screen; a pegasus with a purple body and a short black, frizzy mane.

"Hello?" the new asked. It was fairly deep, and also held an American accent to it. 

"Michael?" Steven asked, "You up an' runnin'?"

"Yeah," Michael answered back, "Oh hey, the new guy's here?"

"Michael, say hello to Brad," Steven introduced, "Brad, this is Michael. He's another pod-caster as well."

"Hi," Brad said quietly.

"Is your mic turned down?" Michael asked, "You sound a bit quiet." 

"Sorry," Brad apologized, "Nervous."

"Eh, no problem," Michael assured, "You'll be fine. As Steve said, I'm Michael, but call me 'Swift' on air. It's my OC's name, too."

"Is that your OC in the Skype picture?" Brad asked.

"Sure is," Michael answered proudly.

"Looks cool," Brad complemented.

"Thanks, bud," Michael responded, "So, what am I gonna call you on air then?"

"Well..." Brad began.

"It's a surprise," Steven interjected.

"Huh?" both Brad and Michael asked in sync.

"Might as well make it a surprise for all of us," Steven explained, "So keep your name a secret for now."

"OK, then," Brad said.

"You're real crafty sometimes, Steve, you know that?" Michael groaned, "I mean, really?"

"Stop complainin'," Steven answered, "You do it enough as it is. It's what you're known for on the damn show, for Pete's sake. Oh, hey. Phil's on."

"Nice, we're almost ready to roll, then," Michael cheered slightly.

Brad just looked up at Sonata to make sure she was alright. She looked back at Brad just smiling.

'Glad she's not bored,' Brad thought, 'I hate to neglect her like this, but someone has to pay the bills around here.'

A fourth picture appeared on the screen. This one appeared to be a picture of a moon against the sky. Brad muted his mic for a moment. Sonata quietly moved over to see the laptop screen.

"That picture there," Brad pointed at the one of the moon, "Is a scene from My Little Pony."

"Really?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah, that's the Mare in the Moon," Brad explained, "What Princess Luna used to be when she turned evil. I'll explain later."

"OK," Sonata said as she moved back into her position.

Brad un-muted his mic to re-enter the conversation.

"You still there, Brad?" Steven asked.

"Yeah, sorry," Brad answered, "Zoned out for a moment."

"Let's just hope ya don't do that on air now, eh?" a new voice said with a hint of sarcasm. The voice seemed to have a new origin; one that Brad had trouble placing.

'What is that accent?' Brad thought, 'And that voice seems way too high pitch to be male.'

"He'll be fine, Phil," Steven groaned, "You won't need to worry."

"I sure hope not, hehe," Phil chuckled, "I'm just messin' with ya. I'm Phil, but I'm 'Lightray' on air. What about you?"

"This here's Brad," Steven introduced, "And his 'D.J.' name is a secret until we're all on air."

"Uh huh," Phil accepted, "So ,Brad, you ready for your first show?"

"Yep," Brad answered confidently, "All ready to go."

"Say," Phil realized, "Weren't you supposed to be the British one that Steven told us about?"

"That's me," Brad admitted, "I know I don't sound as British as people think." 

"What are you apologizin' for?" Phil questioned, "Nothin' wrong with it. It's like sayin' I need to sound more Australian."

'I knew I reconized that accent from somewhere,' Brad thought.

"2 minutes 'til air time, boys," Steven announced, "You guys gonna be good?" 

"I'm ready, Steve," Micheal proclaimed, "Let's get 'er up an goin'."

"I'm good here," Phil answered, "You good, Brad?"

"Yeah, all good," Brad said confidently.

"All right then," Steve announced, "3, 2, 1, go!"

Silence ensured, then a quiet jingle that Brad recognized began to play, and a voice that he knew all to well began to speak.

"B to the R to the O, N, I! We'll keep on playing radio until the day we die, we're Bronilicious!" said the voice.

'That is a brilliant voice actress for Applebloom,' Brad thought, 'It's so wrong, but so catchy.'

"Welcome to Broni!" Steven announced, "Or Brony Radio Online Network International! I'll be one of your gracious hosts this afternoon, morning or evening wherever you may happen to be; Malachite. With me are..."

"Swift, as you know me," Michael continued, "and..."

"Lightray!" Phil finished, "Hope everyone's havin' a great day; wherever they are."

"Thanks, Lightray," Malachite began, "Now, we've got a little surprise for you all. As some of you may or may not know, we've been tryin' to get a new host to join us on the show. And wouldn't you know it; we got plenty of applicants. However, we could only pick one."

Brad began to feel nervous. 'This is it.'

"I would like for you all to be introduced to our newest host!" Malachite announced.

Brad began to feel nervous; sweat beginning to form. A lump formed in his throat, preventing him from speaking. He looked up at Sonata, who simply mouthed, 'Go for it.'

'I can't let my fears get the best of me no more,' Brad thought. He leaned closer to the mic.

"Um, m-my name's Brad," he began, "But I'll be known." He paused. "As D.J. Nightshine."

"Haha, welcome Nightshine," Malachite laughed with a happy tone, "And how are this evening for where you are?"

'Right,' Brad thought, 'He wants me to talk about my origins'. "Good, thanks. A little nervous, I must admit, but I'll do my best as the British presenter of the show!"

"Now, we've gotta ask you a few questions as part o' our 'ritual' to enter you into the brony tribe," Malachite said with a joke to his tone. 

"No problem, I'm ready for you," Nightshine responded.

"All right, first one," Malachite began, "What is your favorite episode to date?"

"Oooh, tough one to start, I see," Nightshine responded, "But if I had to pick, probably Sonic Rainboom. I'll admit, while Rainbow Dash isn't my favorite anymore, I still get some kind of shiver every time I watch it. Probably what truly sold me onto the show."

"Interesting choice," Malachite commented, "Alright, next question. How much pony stuff do you, in fact, own?"

"A fair amount, good sir," Nightshine answered with confidence, "9 posters, 16 figures, 2 CD's, and a box set of the first season."

"Not bad," Malachite commented, "And lastly, and clearly most importantly, who, I repeat, who is best pony?"

"Tough," Nightshine contemplated for a moment, "Pony or character?"

"You can give both, if you so wish," Malachite answered.

"OK, then," Nightshine began, "Best pony would be Twilight Sparkle."

"Oho, and why would that be?" Malachite questioned, "You know the rage of fans against her rise to alicorn, do you not?"

"Indeed I do," Nightshine confirmed, "But that didn't change the character she was, and allowed her excel to greater heights. Plus, she is kinda god-like. Season 4 finale was pretty good; just sayin'."

"Interesting, but you mentioned you had a favorite character," Malachite brought up, "Who might this be?"

"It would be," Nightshine paused and looked up, "Sonata. Sonata Dusk."

Brad looked at Sonata, who looked at him in awe. She began to feel tears.

'I'm his favorite?' she thought, 'But why? Wasn't I only in that one movie?'

"I see," Malachite said with wonder, "And why would that be?"

"She is a character, no, a person with potential," Nightshine responded strongly, "There is so much more that they could do with her, and she was such a fun one to watch throughout Rainbow Rocks." He made eye contact with Sonata. "And she's made me happier than anyone else in my life."

Sonata looked at Brad with tears, and jumped off the bed and ran to the bathroom.

'I hope I didn't upset her,' Brad thought, 'May have gone overboard.'

"Wow," Malachite said, "That's a pretty strong opinion. Well, I have to say, you're part of the Bronies now."

"Thanks," Nightshine responded.

"Alright, let's get this show rollin' then at last," Swift announced with a groan in his voice.

"Wouldn't be you if you didn't moan, eh Swift?" Lightray butted in.

"Nah, that's why I do it," Swift replied cheekily.





Sonata was in the bathroom, washing her face. She had closed the door behind her; not wanting to be disturbed. She looked up into the mirror above the sink she was cleaning her face in.

"Why?" She said to herself shakily, "He said all those things about me. Did he mean it? He's been so kind me; everyone has. But did he mean what he said? No-one's ever said that about me. I've been following those two for so long, I've never had anyone say something so...nice." Sonata looked down at her hands. "I'm different. Different to anyone in this world. I'm a siren, a bad guy. I'm blue, for Pete's' sake; whatever that means. Why would anyone like me?' 

A knock at the door interrupted her.

"Um...who is it?" Sonata asked, shakily.

"Josh," the voice answered, "and are you alright? You just went running in there. Something Brad said?"

"Yeah, but not in a bad way," Sonata replied, "I just need a bit of alone time."

"OK, I'll be in my room if you need me," Josh offered.

"Thanks," Sonata said appreciatively. 

As the faint sound of footsteps faded away, Sonata began talking to herself once more.

"They seem to like me, all three of them," Sonata continued, "But is what he said true? I just don't know.'And she's made me happier than anyone else in my life.' Was that true? Did he mean the character from the film? I-I need to ask him! But he's doing that radio thing, and I don't want to interrupt him. What do I do?"





"Alright, we're gonna take a quick break, and let you guys listen to some tunes," Malachite announced, "But we'll be back soon enough!"

A beep came from Malachites' end of the call.

"OK, guys, great so far," Steven congratulated, "Brad, not bad at all. Told ya you'd be fine."

"Thanks," Brad responded, "How long are the intervals?"

"About fifteen minutes, why?" Steven asked.

"There's someone I need to quickly talk to," Brad explained.

"Go on, then," Steven allowed, "But don't be too long. We'll be back on for...9:30 in your time zone."

"OK, thanks," Brad said.

He muted his microphone, and put the laptop on his bed. He then got up, and made his way to Josh's room; peering inside.

"Where's Sonata?" Brad asked urgently.

Josh turned around from the T.V. screen. "In the bathroom. She said she was fine, but I don't think she was. What'd you say?" 

"I hope nothing wrong," Brad muttered. He made his way to the bathroom, noticing the door was closed on the way.

'Maybe I shouldn't have said what I did,' Brad thought, 'I'll apologize, and hope we can still be friends. I shouldn't have gone overboard'.

Brad knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" a muffled voice asked from the bathroom.

"Brad," he answered, "Please, Sonata, let me talk to you."

The bathroom door opened slightly. Brad took this as an invitation in. As he walked in, he looked at Sonata. Her eyes had bags under them, and the eyes sore from tears. The tears had soaked her face, and some of her clothes. Her mouth stood slightly open; as if it was trying to move.

"Sonata, listen, I'm sorry for-" Brad began. He was interrupted by a sudden hug, and tears from Sonata; and slight sobs could be heard from the shoulder in which Sonata had placed her head.

"Did *sniff* did you really mean what you said?" Sonata asked through her tears, "About me being making you the happiest you've *sniff* ever been?"

Brad looked down at her in shock.

"Listen," Brad tried to say, "I didn't mean to go overboard like that in front of you."

"Di-did you mean what you said?" Sonata tried asking again.

"Every word with all the honesty I could muster," Brad replied.

"No-no one has every said anything like that t-to me," Sonata replied through her tears, "I couldn't believe it was true, I didn't. I'm-I'm," She looked up at Brad. "Thank you."

"I understand you're still confused, Sonata," Brad began, "But I'll always be there to help you. We all will. You do make me happy. And helped change my life for the better."

"T-thank you," Sonata replied, "s-so much."

"Anytime," Brad simply responded, "Now let's say you join me for the last hour an half of this show. Together."

"I'd love to," Sonata answered after she sniffled.

Brad passed her some tissues from the window; Sonata graciously accepted. After she blew her nose a few times and cleaned her face, the duo returned back to Brads' room. Brad sat his bed first, placing the laptop back on his lap. He patted the bed a couple times to the right of him, Sonata getting on the bed and sitting next to Brad.

"You don't mind me sitting here?" Sonata asked.

"Not a bit," Brad answered.

Brad unmuted his microphone.

"Hello?" Brad asked into the abyss, "Anyone there?"

"Brad, where were ya?" Phil asked, "Worried ya wouldn't be back in time."

"Sorry," Brad answered, "But I had someone I needed to see before I went back on air. It was bothering me the whole time we were on." He looked at Sonata. "But it's all good now, and I feel so much better having my worries about them cleared."





"Alllllllllright everbody, that's our show for this afternoon, and evening aswell," Malachite concluded.

"Hope you all enjoyed it this session," Swift added.

"We'll be back on at 3pm eastern time," Lightray contined, "Or 8pm Britain, or 8am if you're like me in Australia!"

"But until next time," Nightshine finished, "Keep on being Broni!"

A small jingle played from the laptop.

"Guys, that was brill," Steven complimented, "One of our best shows yet. Brad, you were fantastic today. Keep up the work, and you'll be doing just fine 'round here."

"Thanks Steve," Brad answered, "I'll be back up same time tommorow?"

"Yeah, thanks everyone," Steven confirmed, "and keep it up. We'll get there eventually to the top."

"Yeah, yeah," Micheal groaned, "And when do ya think that'll be? After the fandom dies?"

"Have faith, Mike," Phil assured, "We'll keep going. I don't mind either way; I'm happy that I get paid for Pete's sake! Means I can live in ma home."

"Eh, true," Michael agreed, "It does pay the rent."

"We know you're only jokin' around, Mike, ya love it really," Phil told him.

"In a weird way," Michael jokingly said, "Anyway, I'm off for the evenin'. See ya all tomorrow."

"I'll be off aswell," Phil added, "Try an' get a couple hours extra kip."

"Alright, take care you too," Steven told them.

Two pictures went down, leaving only Stevens.

"I guess I should probably get going, too," Brad admitted, "It's fairly late and people in my house will want to get to sleep."

"But it's a Friday," Steven responded bluntly.

"I need sleep, in all honesty, or I won't get up at all," Brad laughed.

"OK, then," Steven laughed with, "Guess you are still young, I suppose. See you tomorrow."

The call hung up, leaving Brad alone in his room in silence.

'What a night,' Brad thought, 'That could have gone better, but at least everything ended up well.'

He turned to speak to Sonata, only to catch his breath. Her eyes were closed, and was lied on the bed with a hand next to her face. She snored only softly. Brad looked down at her, finding himself clutching his chest.

'Gah,' Brad thought, 'This must be what diabetes is like. That is so damn adorable!'

Brad put his laptop to one side, leaving it on to see in the dark room.

'I'm not waking her up now,' he thought, 'She can sleep there tonight.'

Brad went into his wardrobe, and took out a couple of fleeces. He placed them on the bed, and looked at Sonata once more.

'That is so damn cute,' Brad thought, 'Seriously, nothing could have prepared me for this.'

He took the fleeces and lay them gently over Sonata; making sure her whole body was covered. He then simply got into bed the to the right of her, getting under the bed covers and facing the wall. He turned to look at Sonata once more.

"Good night, Sonata," Brad whispered, "Sleep well."

Brad began to close his own eyes, allowing him to recap what had happened during the day.

'OK,' he began to think, 'I now have the most adorable thing on the planet next to me, living here with my stepbrothers, and we're already friends. If this isn't the best day in history, I don't know what is.'

With that, Brad began to lose consciousness, and drifted off to sleep.
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 10


Brad began to stir awake after his rest. Unsure of his surroundings, he waved his left arm; only for it to hit the wall next to him.

'Ow,' Brad thought, still half asleep, 'What'd you do that for, wall?'

He opened his eyes to find the offender; a purple wall right next his face.

'Right,' Brad began to think, 'I'm just in my room. Nothing crazy happened yesterday.'

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft snores of someone behind him.

'Except for that,' Brad remembered.

He turned to look at the source of the soft noise. He saw Sonata still fast asleep; facing Brad. She was slight bobbing up and down, and her hair was quite messy. She looked very peaceful, however, and was smiling in her sleep.

'Dear God,' Brad thought, 'She's gotta be trying to kill me. That is too much adorableness for one guy to take; especially in a morning.'

Sonata began to stir slightly, grunting as she was becoming more and more awake. Brad simply stared at the scene, not wanting to bother her. After a few turns and arm stretches, she ended up facing Brad, and slowly opened her eyes. Upon doing so, she yawned.

"Um...morning," Sonata quietly said.

"Morning," Brad responded, "Sleep well?"

"Yeah...oh," Sonata remembered, "I, did I fall asleep last night?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it," Brad told her.

"But," Sonata began, "it was your show, and..."

"Sonata," Brad interrupted, "Don't worry about it."

"OK," Sonata said.

"Um, do you have any idea when you dropped off?" Brad asked.

"Huh?" Sonata responded, confused, "I thought I at least stayed on the bed."

'You act like such a blonde sometimes,' Brad thought. "No, it's just a way of saying you fell asleep."

"Oh, I see," Sonata understood, blushing slightly, "Sorry. I guess it was around ten-ish. That's when I last looked at the clock, anyway."

"I understand," Brad told her, "You must have been tired after everything yesterday."

"But I thought I was sleeping on the sofa," Sonata said, confused.

"Well, you looked so peaceful," Brad explained, "So I just let you sleep there. It is a double bed after all."

"Oh," Sonata responded, blushing, "Thanks."

"It's alright," Brad told her. 'Damn, that is adorable.'

The two continued to lay there for a moment, neither really wanting to make a move. However, Sonata decided it was a good idea to make one.

"Um...should we get up?" Sonata asked, still slightly blushing.

"Uh, yeah," Brad responded, "good idea."

Sonata took off the fleeces over her, and got off the bed; stretching once up. Brad followed suit; also stretching. He looked at the clock, which read 9:33.

"You wanna get some breakfast?" Brad asked.

Sonata's stomach responded for her, with a growl that matched a lion's.

"Uh, yes please," Sonata answered, red as a rhubarb.

Brad made his way downstairs; Sonata following. Once downstairs, he noticed a note on the table in the dining room.

'What's that?' Brad thought.

He picked up the note and read it in his head.

'Me and Robbie have gone out to football for a bit. We've got food sorted, and we'll make dinner. Didn't want to wake you. Get in there, Brad! ~Josh. Really? Sleep with a girl one time and everyone think you date. Ugh. But at least that explains that, then.'

"What's it say?" Sonata asked.

"Uh..." Brad began, shoving the note in the back of his pocket, "Just that those two have gone to football, and will be back to cook dinner."

"Oh, OK," Sonata said, "What are we having for breakfast?"

"Uh, toast sound good?" Brad offered.

"Sure!" Sonata exclaimed, "Do you have any strawberry jelly?"

"Uh...jelly?" Brad asked, confused, "Why do you have jelly on toast?"

"Oh, do you not have jelly on toast here?" Sonata asked, disappointingly.

"No, not really," Brad explained, "Do you want some strawberry jam?"

"What's that?" Sonata asked.

"Well, it's like mashed up strawberries that you put on toast, like a spread," Brad explained.

"That sounds just like jelly!" Sonata exclaimed.

"Huh?" Brad asked, confused once more.

"Could you show me it, please?" Sonata requested.

"Uh, sure," Brad agreed.

He went to the fridge, and looked for a moment. After scanning the somewhat empty fridge, he saw the jam, and took it out; showing Sonata.

"Yeah!" Sonata exclaimed, "That's jelly!"

"O-K then," Brad said slowly, still a bit befuddled.

"Could I have some with my toast please?" Sonata asked politely.

"Sure, no reason why not," Brad told her.

"Thank you!" Sonata said, "I love jelly, but Adagio never let me have any."

"I like a lot too," Brad agreed, "To be fair, I'm usually the only one that has it."

"Really?" Sonata asked, "Josh and Robbie don't like it?"

Brad put the bread in the toaster. "Yeah, those two prefer having cereal in a morning a lot of the time anyway. I prefer toast in all honestly, but the jam really make it's brilliant."

"I agree," Sonata told him.

"So, what do you wanna do today?" Brad asked, "Anything you wanna do in particular?"

"Um..." Sonata pondered. 'I don't really have anything to do, now that he said something. I don't have a job, or do everything Aria and Adagio told me to do.' "Sorry. I can't really think of anything."

"No problem," Brad reassured, "I'm sure we'll think of something. I find things to do around here; even if I don't go out."

"And Josh and Robbie do?" Sonata inquired.

"Yeah, they like playing sport like that," Brad explained.

"Really?" Sonata asked, "I couldn't imagine they'd be very good. They're quite small for that kind of sport, aren't they?"

"Well, I've heard of short football players..." Brad began to trail off, "Wait a minute."

"Huh?" Sonata asked.

"What happens in a game of 'football' to you?" Brad asked curiously.

"I...don't really know much," Sonata began, "I just know lots of big, burly men run at each other trying to get a ball from one side of the field to another."

"Do they carry the ball?" Brad asked, "You know, in their hands?"

"Yeah," Sonata told him, "And they run with it, and everybody else tries to take them down."

"OK, now the last ten minutes makes way more sense," Brad concluded.

"Hang on, what?" Sonata asked, very confused.

"You said you like 'jelly' on toast, right?" Brad asked her.

"Yeah," Sonata replied.

" 'K," Brad continued, "and think football is people carrying a ball and running with it, right?"

"Um, I think so anyway," Sonata said, "I never really paid much attention to sport."

"Neither do I," Brad agreed, "But I know this. A lot of the culture of where you're from seems to be from America."

"That country you said yesterday?" Sonata asked, "The whole, big and powerful one, right?"

"Yeah," Brad confirmed, "you see, that game you described was 'American Football'."

"American Football?" Sonata asked.

The toaster popped.

"Yeah," Brad explained as he took the toast out, "the thing is, we have our own football in Britain that Americans call 'Soccer'."

"Really?" Sonata asked.

"Yep," Brad continued, "I have no clue why they changed the name, but oh well. The thing is, they have things with different names than the British." He looked at the jam. "Take this for example." He picked it up. "I'm pretty sure they call jam 'jelly' in America, though I can't quite remember. If they do, then it's another example of that."

"But why do they change words for things?" Sonata asked, "It's just confusing!"

"I don't really know, to be fair," Brad answered honestly, "Might be something to do with their history of not liking the way we talk, or mocking us for it. They use the excuse sometimes that it shortens their speech, when most of the 'shortening' makes it all longer anyway."

"So, what's the point of it?" Sonata asked.

"No idea," Brad finished, "You ready for toast?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" Sonata said excitedly.

Sonata took her plate from the side, and began eating immediately.

"Mmmm, so good," Sonata moaned with her mouth full, "It's been far too long since I've had some of this."

'That is absolutely what she said,' Brad thought. "You've really taken a liking to everything I've given you. Did I get lucky, or what?"

"Well," Sonata swallowed, "I never really got much food back at Canterlot High, or even before that. I kinda got the leftovers, and it wasn't really that great."

"Oh wow," Brad said in surprise, "I know they were cruel, but really."

"Yeah," Sonata said sadly, "It wasn't really too great back then."

"But, you're better now?" Brad asked.

"Yup," Sonata answered, "You've been so kind. Kinder than Adagio ever was."

"I'm glad to hear it," Brad told her. 'But the million pound question is what she wants to do? Does she want to try to get to Equestria, or stay here?'

"That was delicious," Sonata said, dreamily, "Thanks, Brad!"

"No problem," Brad told her, "You wanna get dressed?"

"Um...I don't have any other clothes..." Sonata trailed off.

"Oh, um ,right," Brad stuttered, "Sorry, completely forgot for a moment the situation. Well, at least that gives us something to do today; get you some more clothes, I guess."

"Really?" Sonata asked, "You'd do that?"

"Well, I couldn't ask you to borrow clothes forever," Brad told her, "Especially not mine. I don't have much of a fashion sense, to be fair."

"Oh, um, what should I do for now, then?" Sonata asked.

"Well, I'll lend you some clothes for today," Brad explained, "But then we'll go to Town and get you some new clothes. Sound good?"

"OK," Sonata agreed, "Um, what should I do while you get ready?" 

"How about you take a shower?" Brad suggested, "Um, no offence. I-um, I mean, you don't smell, but, er..." 'Damn it, why am I so awkward?'

"No, it's OK," Sonata told him, "I haven't had a shower in about a week now anyway."

"Right," Brad began, "OK, then. I, um, we'll go upstairs and I'll get you some clothes to put on. Take them into the bathroom with you so you can get, er, dressed and what have you and then we'll head out to get you some clothes. Sound good?"

"That sounds great!" Sonata said excited, "Thank you!"

"No problem, I'm just doing what I can," Brad told her. 'Which, in all honesty, isn't a lot. It's gonna be a trip to Primark, unfortunately. I can't exactly pay for a designer wardrobe. I do only work about 20 hours a week, now. Not really something that is gonna be the best to help look after someone else.'

"Um...you OK?" Sonata asked.

"Sorry," Brad apologized, "Spaced out again. So, shall we head up?"

Sonata simply nodded. As the two made their way upstairs, she began to think about what Brad had done for her.

"It's been incredible,' she thought, 'I was a complete stranger, sort of, and he just let me live here? I can't believe it! He's feeding me, letting me stay here, but when will it end? He can't do this forever. But can he? I don't know...'

The two had made their way to Brads' room when Sonata snapped back to reality. Brad looked in one of his wardrobes, and went through his clothes. After consideration, he pulled out a plain purple t-shirt, a black hoodie, and a pair of jeans.

"Will this do OK?" Brad asked, "Sorry I don't have much. I usually just go kinda plain stuff. And I don't really have any of the...you know...other stuff..."

"No, it's fine," Sonata reassured.

"OK," Brad said, "If you wanna take these then, and I'll quickly show you how to use the shower."

"Sure!" Sonata agreed.

The two made their way into the bathroom at the other end of the hall. Sonata took the time to look around the bathroom she had been mopping in last night. It was quite bland; beige as far as the eye could see. The bathroom was only brightened up by the stained window and the blue towels on a metal rail. The sink she cried in was on her right; a mirror above it. On the left, the bath was tucked against the wall and a shower-head hovered above it.  Brad leaned towards the shower-box.  

"All you've gotta do to turn it on," Brad explained, "Is turn the dial. The hotter you want it, the further you turn it. Use any of the towels; I personally use whichever is driest anyway."

"OK, thank you," Sonata said.

"I'll go get ready myself," Brad told her, "And I'll meet you downstairs after, OK?"

"Sure," Sonata responded.

Brad took his leave, and Sonata closed the door behind her. Brad made his way back to his room to find the clothes he was to wear for the day. He looked in his wardrobe once more.

'Hmm, no shirts I fancy wearing today in here,' Brad thought, 'Guess I'll try the other one for once.'

And so he made his way to the end of the bed; where the other wardrobe sat.

'This has all the clothes I said I never would wear again,' Brad thought, 'ones I thought were too small, or ones I just hadn't sold yet. Let's see if we find a gem. Unlikely, I look in here all the time, but never once have I brought anything out to wear. Perhaps I should give all these to Josh and Robbie, but then they'll just end up on the floor like the rest I suppose.'

He opened the doors to find a wide variety of shirts and trousers, along with formal wear and jeans. He began to scan through the clothes; listing their flaws.

'Too chavy, too small, chavy again, way too small, chav, chav, chav,' he thought as he scanned through the abundance of clothes, 'small, small, ugh why do I even still have this, no, no, no, football? Oh hell no, nah, er no, wait. Hang on, that isn't...'

He stopped at a particular jacket. It was one he recognized well, a lilac jacket. As he pulled it out, he looked at it and smiled; noticing the pink star on it.

'My Twilight jacket,' Brad thought, 'I haven't seen this in ages. I must have just put this in here because it was a bit small. But I wonder if still seems OK...'

He tried the jacket on, and was pleasantly surprised.

'It fits?' he thought, 'But I thought this was a small!'

He looked in the back, but it was a medium; along with a note.

'What's this?' Brad thought, 'Another note?'

He took the note, and read it to himself. The writing was beginning to fade slightly.

'Hi Brad. Listen, thanks so much for what you did today. It helped me and Robbie so much, we couldn't even begin to thank you. We don't know when you'll read this, but when you do, know that we still care for you no matter what. Because you saved me and Robbie today from the biggest mistake of our lives. We didn't know how to thank you, and then we saw you disappointed that this jacket was too small. So me and Robbie swapped it for a bigger one so you could where it again. Hope it puts a smile on your face, as you did to us. ~Josh.'

Brad began to tear up slightly.

'What did I do?' Brad asked himself, 'I can't remember when I helped them so much that they would go out and do something like this for me...but thank you.'

He put the note on his desk and took a random shirt out of the wardrobe; ended up being a t-shirt with a Monster Energy logo on it. He took the shirt he was wearing off, and shoved the t-shirt on. He then looked at the jacket once more.

'This jacket defined who I was once upon a time,' Brad thought, 'and it gets to do so once more!'

He took the jacket, and put it on. The sleeves fit to perfection, and the jacket ended below his waist. He pulled the jacket closer to himself.

'Thank you, Josh and Robbie,' Brad thought, 'Thank you.'





Sonata stood in the bathroom alone, ready to get in the shower. As she turned the dial to the shower, her mind began to wonder about the day ahead.

'Now that I think about it,' Sonata began, 'I've never really been clothes shopping; or shopping at all really. That was left to those two mostly. I just wore those clothes because it was all I had.' She looked at the clothes in question on the floor before getting the shower. 'But now I get the opportunity to pick? I don't think I can. I've never even picked what I want to do for...well, ever. Brad's been so kind, I just hope this luck doesn't run out.'

She began washing herself, and began to remember times of the past.

'Hehe,' she chuckled to herself, 'I can remember when I stayed in the shower for so long my hands were so wrinkled that I couldn't even pick up the towel. Then Aria had to dry me like a baby. I guess we did have good times; I suppose. But, what if I wanted to go back?' She stopped her thoughts. 'Could I go back? And would I? I've never been treated so well, but Brad said about those...er...thingies, that it could be bad if I were to stay. How would I get home?'

She looked down at her hands, and then to her feet.

'I shouldn't even have these,' Sonata thought, 'Maybe that's how it should be. But then again, I've got a place to live. I'm going to get a line of clothes. And I got a friend who truly cares about me for the first time in my life. I guess Aria and Adagio cared about me enough to keep me around, but, not as much as this. He does try, but something's bothering him. I might not be as smart as Adagio, but even I can tell something's not right with him. I just don't know if he wants me here or not, or if he's just trying to get me ready for the world. It would make sense; get me some clothes, have a meal and a wash and bye. I wonder if that's what he plans. Maybe the whole radio thing was a warning. To let me know there are people out there that will try to hurt me. Maybe it is goodbye soon.'

As she finished her thoughts, she turned off the shower and began to dry herself.

'Thank you for what you've done, Brad,' Sonata thought, 'But I suppose this is goodbye...'





Brad sat downstairs, waiting for Sonata. He looked down at his jacket and smiled once more.

'I'm in such a good mood now,' Brad thought to himself, 'That's really brighten up my day. And those two even cleared up the mess in here before they went out. I'm actually not feeling as scared as I was to take Sonata into Town as I was.'

Sonata appeared in the doorway, looking at Brad. Brad noticed her, and couldn't believe what he saw. Sonata stood there in the attire he had given her, but her face was red.

'Either she had the water too hot,' he thought, 'or she's been crying again.' "Hey, Sonata..."

"I'm fine!" Sonata screamed. She immediately covered her mouth in shock. 

Her legs began to shake. Brad got up to help her.

"I'm fine!" She screamed once more, her voice welling, "I'll be fine!"

"Sonata what's wrong?" Brad asked reassuringly, "Why are you acting like this?"

Sonata broke. Her legs collapsed on her, and burst into tears. Brad was taken aback, and unsure what to do.

'What on earth is she so upset about?' he thought, panicking, 'And how do I try get her stop crying? What's wrong? What do I do?'

"Bwahahahaha," Sonata cried.

"Sonata, what's wrong?!" Brad asked in a raised voice, "I can't help you if you don't tell me!"

"You wouldn't care!" Sonata cried, "You're gonna leave me anyway!"

Brad stopped.

"What?"

"You're," Sonata said through her tears, "You're gonna leave me, aren't you? Send me off once I'm ready. You can't look after me as well. I'm a waste, I can't help, I-"

"Sonata," Brad began to tear up, "You thought I'd leave you?"

"Yeah," she replied, "I thought...oof."

Sonata was interrupted by a hug tackle from Brad, and he began crying into her arms.

"Sonata," he began, "I'm not leaving you. I'm not ditching you. I don't want you to go. You've given me a joy in my life, and made me smile. Please, don't go..."

"Really?" Sonata asked.

"Really." Brad answered.

Sonata began to smile, and returned the hug.

"Then I won't go," she told Brad, "If you want me here, then I'll stay."

"But I thought you wanted to go to Equestria," Brad said, "What about that? Or the other Sirens?"

"I'll miss them all," Sonata responded, "But I'd rather stay where I know I'm loved."

The two of them stayed in each other's arms for some time. Then they leaned back slightly, and looked at each other. They were both red in the face; both from crying and blushing.

"Thank you for this." Sonata said.

"For what?" Brad asked.

"Everything," Sonata told him, "You've let me live here and let me start a new life. You've helped change me."

"Well, I should thank you as well," Brad said, "After all, you've already helped settle arguments between me and those two like my parents couldn't. And you've made me so happy being here. I'll admit now, it won't be easy." He paused and looked at Sonata straight in the eyes. "But it's something worth fighting for."

The two continued to hug each other, enjoying the company of each other. The two leaned back once more, and both stood up.

"So, shall we get cleaned up?" Brad suggested.

"Yeah," Sonata agreed, "We still going shopping?"

"Of course." Brad told her.

> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 11


Brad stood in the bathroom, water splashed across his face as the most recent events were being played back in his mind.

'That was...unexpected,' he thought, 'I...wish I didn't have to let it all out like that. But I suppose she would've found out eventually anyway. At least I'm not the only one stressed here. But where on earth did she get that analogy?'

He looked at his face; looking less red due to the cold splashes of water on his face.

'I feel so bad,' Brad thought, 'I want to be the best I can, but I just can't. I'm not even going to get her nice clothes; just tatty cheap ones. But it's all I can afford. Plus I don't even know what to do in a situation like this. There's no 'Guide to help and inter-dimensional girls that drop out of your mirror'. School certainly didn't teach me all this, and neither did my parents.'

He gave one final look at himself.

'Maybe I'm not cut out for this,' he began to wrap up his thoughts, 'or maybe I am. I need to stop being so negative; but it's how I've always been, I suppose. I...need to show Sonata I can help her; not plead her to stay because she makes me happy. Wait. I said that to her face didn't I? God, I'm an idiot. What's she supposed to think now?'





'What did all that mean?' Sonata thought.

She stood at the kitchen sink washing her own face, and was recalling the events that just occurred.

'He said so much,' she thought, 'He wants me to stay? But why? No-one has every wanted me around, why would people be different here?' 

"And you've made me so happy being here. I'll admit now, it won't be easy. But it's something worth fighting for."

'Did he mean all that?' Sonata thought, 'And he even said it won't be easy. He must have meant taking care of me. Does that mean that he doesn't have enough money to take care of me as well? I guess not. But then why would he try? And why am I being so clingy?'

She looked back up into the mirror.

'It's true, I guess,' Sonata continued to think, 'He's been nice, but I don't get why we're in each others' arms so much. I guess I'm his friend; is this what friends do? Hug and be close like that? I guess the Rainbooms kinda did when I saw them. They seemed happy.'

Sonata made a stern face into the mirror; trying to look serious.

'Maybe it's about time I started as well,' she thought, 'If me and Brad are now friends, I can be his friend. It would be nice to be happy. To have someone who properly takes care of me; and not because of my powers. If this is what friends do, then I'm happy to finally have one.'





Brad sat on the sofa, waiting for Sonata to appear.

'OK,' Brad began his thoughts, 'Please go better than it did last time. You know, no tears, no red face, no embarrassing statements. God, I feel a moron. Welp, if she asks, then...God knows.'

Sonata emerged from the doorway; Brad noticing the lack of tears.

"Hi," Sonata greeted happily.

"Hey," Brad responded, "You sound better."

"Thanks," Sonata said, "You seem it as well."

"Yeah," Brad lied. 'Seems not to care about what was said...'

"Brad, there was something you said that I thought about upstairs," Sonata told Brad.

'Oh crap.'

"It was when you said I'd made you so happy being here," Sonata continued.

'Oh crapity crap.'

"Does that mean we're friends?" Sonata asked.

"Huh?" Brad asked shocked, "Friends?"

"Oh, sorry," Sonata apologized, "I didn't...I mean I thought we were and-"

"Sonata," Brad interrupted, "Of course we're friends."

"Really?" Sonata asked with hopefully, "For realzies?"

"For realzies," Brad told her, "Why wouldn't we be?"

"Well...I just didn't know," Sonata said, "I've never really had any friends outside of Adagio and Aria, and they didn't even like me."

"Wow," Brad responded. 'I remember when I didn't really have friends. In fact, my friends were like that. I'm glad I met the right ones, even if they aren't a lot.'

"I never really knew what it was like to have a friend," Sonata explained sadly, "Living a life of making people and ponies miserable didn't really let me see friends together being happy. The first time I saw it was the Rainbooms."

"Really?" Brad asked.

"Well, as far as I can remember," Sonata answered, chuckling slightly, "I've kinda been alive for a while. Being a sire- I mean, being like my sisters, I've been around for a long time."

"I guess," Brad said; head down in thought.

"I don't even know when I'm supposed to die, or if I can," Sonata realized, "Do you think I'm, er, what's that word again when you can't die? Something like imitate?"

"Immortal," Brad answered dully.

"Hey, are you OK?" Sonata asked, "You don't look as happy now. Is it something I said?"

"Sorry," Brad apologized, "I tend not to really like when people talk seriously about...death."

"Oh, sorry," Sonata responded quickly, "I didn't know. I guess I've kinda not had anyone close to me, um, pass on, so I don't know what it's like."

"Neither do I," Brad told her, "And I'd like to keep it that way."

Silence ensued for a moment, as Sonata took in what Brad had to say.

'He looks really depressed,' she thought, 'I guess people really don't like talking about others dying.' "Hey Brad."

"Huh?" he responded.

"Shall we go shopping then?" Sonata asked, "You know, that thing we've been trying to do all morning?"

"Oh ,yeah, right," Brad said, "Yeah, let's head out."

The duo stood up; Brad taking the lead as they walked through the doorway. Brad stopped at the door, and looked back at Sonata.

"You might wanna put your hood up," Brad suggested, "You know, reasons and such."

"Oh, yeah," Sonata realized. She pulled up the black hood from behind her and managed to fit all her hair in the back of the hood. Brad stood their with his mouth agape.

"Huh?" Sonata looked at him confused, "What's up?"

"How," Brad began, "Do you even...what, I just, what?"

"Are you OK?" Sonata asked, "You sound a bit broken."

"How on Earth do you manage to fit that much hair in a hood?!" Brad exclaimed.

"I dunno," Sonata said, "It just does."

Brad facepalmed.

"Anyway, can we get going now?" Sonata asked. 

"Sure," Brad replied.

Brad opened the door, wind hitting his face as he did so.

"Huh, windy," Brad said to no-one in particular.

The pair of them stepped outside; Sonata feeling the wind against her skin. She pulled on her hood to make sure it was up. After doing so, she managed to take in the surroundings for the first time. Many other houses surrounded, some separated by a road. Next to some of the houses were trees with few leaves; most being found on the orange and red coated floor of leaves. No-one appeared in sight of Sonata; she breathed a sigh of relief.

"You OK?" Brad asked.

"Yeah," Sonata answered softly, "It feels nice being outside for some reason."

"Different air?" Brad questioned, "I've not a clue. Though I do like it when it's windy."

"Really?" Sonata responded, "Why? All of my hair gets messy and it's chilly."

"I know," Brad agreed, "But there's something about it. I think I just like the rush of the wind."

"I don't get it," Sonata said, shrugging her shoulders.

"I don't really, but it does feel refreshing," Brad explained, "I don't go outside a lot, but when I do, I love to go out when the wind blows strong."

"OK," Sonata said slowly.

Brad began walking; Sonata following after. She looked around, seeing what else there was around her. More houses kept appearing until the end of the road.

"Hey Brad," Sonata began, "Why are there so many houses?"

"There's a lot of people that need to live in them," Brad explained, "We're close to a town center, so many people choose to live around it."

"Oh, right," Sonata said, "Is that where we're going?" 

"Yeah," Brad answered, "It's about a fifteen minute walk. We've got plenty of time."

"OK," Sonata said.

Conversation was silenced for some time; giving chance for thoughts.

'Ugh, why can't I converse with people?' Brad thought, 'Seriously, Sonata wants to talk. But what do I talk about?' He sighed.

"You OK?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah," Brad replied softly, slowing down for Sonata, "Sorry."

"Huh?" Sonata questioned.

"I just don't know what to talk about," Brad explained, "I want to talk, but..."

"It's OK," Sonata reassured, "We don't need to talk if you don't want. I...don't really have much to talk about either."

"Hmm," Brad thought, "Wait, there is one thing."

"Huh?" Sonata perked up.

"Where do you want to sleep from now on?" Brad asked, "I mean, I don't mind if you want to, you know..."

"Uh...if you don't mind, I guess," Sonata replied, "It was quite comfy."

"Sure, I don't mind," Brad reassured. 'But I'm sure those two would have something to say about it.'





The pair continued to walk in silence, walking towards the town center. Sonata looked on awe when the two reached the park. Squirrels were scuttering about, small birds chirped, and she even swore she saw a couple of badgers as well. Trees surrounded them; all coated in a variety of reds and oranges.

'This place is beautiful,' Sonata thought.

Brad turned to look at Sonata as she looked around in awe. "You like?" he asked.

"Mmmhmm," Sonata answered happily, "It's amazing." 

"Glad you like it," Brad said, "It's the only place around here like it."

"Really?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah, I rarely see wild animals around," Brad told her, "Especially so close to town."

"I guess," Sonata agreed.

"Not much longer now anyway 'til we get to town," Brad told her.

"OK," Sonata said happily.

They kept walking until they were met with a bridge. The two began to walk up the bridge; Sonata looking around. Families played happily in the park now behind them, and couples were taking strolls on the path below. At the end of the bridge, Sonata saw a set of office blocks. She began to hear chimes.

"Huh?" Sonata perked, "What's that?"

"That's the town's bell tower," Brad explained, "It's called the Crooked Spire."

"The Crooked Spire?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah," Brad answered, "It's called that because, well, it's crooked. No-one really knows why. People try to say they know why, but no-one has any solid evidence of why it's crooked."

"Huh," Sonata acknowledged, "What do you think happened to it?"

"I don't know really," Brad admitted, "It could be a number of things, but really there's no way to tell."

"Oh," Sonata said.

Walking underneath the office blocks, Sonata finally got a view of the town. Market stalls appeared to be everywhere, selling fruit to clothes to books. People rushed from one stall to another, ranging from any age she could think of.

"Wow," Sonata whispered.

"Welcome to Chesterfield," Brad said, "And up there," he pointed at a bell tower, "is the Crooked Spire."

Sonata looked up at the spire in question. Sure enough, it was crooked and appeared quite old.

"Anyway, let's get going," Brad suggested.

"Right," Sonata agreed.

As the pair walked through town, Sonata looked at all the other shops around the stalls. There appeared to be so much, from supermarkets to butchers and even a tailor. In fact, Sonata saw plenty of clothes shops, raising a question.

"Um...why don't we go in one of those clothes shops?" Sonata asked.

Brad sighed. "I'm sorry, Sonata," Brad told her, "but it's just too expensive. I wish I could, but..."

"No, it's no problem," Sonata tried to explain, "I was just wondering." 'It really is bad, then.'

"It is though," Brad argued, "You deserve better than what I can give. I just don't know how I can give it."

"Well don't try to then, silly," Sonata said cheekily.

Brad turned inquisitively at Sonata at this sudden change of attitude.

"You don't have to try to do something you can't," Sonata said, "Otherwise it's not gonna do you any good."

"You know what?" Brad declared, "You're right. Thanks, Sonata. I needed that."

"No problem," Sonata smiled.

The two continued walking until they ended up in front of another clothes shop. The building was white, and many clothes were on display in the shop windows.

"Welcome to Primark," Brad said, "Home of where I do my clothes shopping."

"Huh," Sonata began, "It...really doesn't seem that bad. Actually, the clothes look quite nice."

The pair began walking into the shop as Brad continued to talk. "Yeah, a lot are nice. It's just there all these designer labels and stuff that are so expensive and..."

"Brad," Sonata interrupted, "We talked about this."

"I know, I know," Brad agreed.

Sonata looked all around. T-shirts to dresses to scarfs and hats in all different colors hung up as far as she could see. There seemed little people inside the shop itself; only the occasional teen girls could be seen from afar.

Brad went to grab a basket. 'Well, I guess it's time to find out what it's like to clothes shopping with a girl.' "You wanna get started?"

"Yup," Sonata agreed.

"All right, then," Brad pulled out a list, "Now you'll need..."

"Hang on," Sonata said confused, "Where did you get that?"

"Oh," Brad forced a laugh, "I tend to write list just to know what to get."

"You wrote that this morning?" Sonata asked.

"Yeah," Brad admitted, head hung low, "I just wanted to make sure we had everything."

"It doesn't matter to me," Sonata told him, "I was just curious."

"You do seem curious about a lot of things," Brad said as they began walking through the shop.

"Well, Adagio never really told me much and Aria just brushed me off when I asked something," Sonata explained, "Oh, this shirt looks nice," as she placed in the basket.

'I guess,' Brad thought, 'Now that I think about it, she never got much off her questions answered in the movie. I couldn't imagine it otherwise.' Brad looked at Sonata, who herself was looking at some yellow dresses of to the side. 'Maybe that's not a bad thing, I guess. After all, I used to like knowing what's happening. Heck, I still do.' His thoughts were interrupted by Sonata.

"Which dress suits me better?" Sonata asked, holding a dress in each hand, "This yellow one, or this purple one?"

"Eh," Brad began, "Er...maybe, the purple one?"

"OK," Sonata agreed as she took the yellow one back.

"Let's see," Brad looked in the basket. She had already got 3 shirts, a pair of jeans and the purple dress. "Hmm, maybe another pair of jeans and 2 t-shirts and then we can go onto," he looked up to set of stairs going up, "that section."

"Huh?" Sonata turned around, "What section?"

"Er, we'll get to it," Brad answered.

"Brad," Sonata stared at him, "What. Is it?"

"It's...um," Brad stumbled, blushing, "You know. The, er, thingy section."

"Thingy section?" Sonata asked, "Brad, what are you talking about?"

'Oh god, it's even worse,' Brad thought, 'I don't think she even knows about it. "Um, well, your...undergarments."

"Under-gourmets?" Sonata asked, "What are they?"

"Undergarments," Brad began, "Basically your...bra and underwear.

"What?" Sonata questioned, "What are they?"

"The things that I said I didn't have," Brad tried to explain, "You know, when you went for a shower?"

"Ooooooh," Sonata realized, "You mean this?"

Sonata pulled up her jumper to reveal her pale blue skin and white bra above it.

"Sonata!" Brad said quickly, blushing heavily, "Pull it down, quick!"

She did as told immediately. "Oops," Sonata apologized, "Aren't you supposed to do that?"

'You come out with the most amazing things sometimes,' Brad thought. "Not really. That part...well, those, are private. People aren't really supposed to see them."

"Why not?" Sonata asked, "Is it wrong?"

"Basically," Brad answered, "It's...complicated. I'll explain it later."

"Oh, okay," Sonata accepted, "This'll be fun!"

"Um...why?" Brad asked worryingly.

"I've never had a new pair of those before," Sonata told him, "Or those things around my..."

"That's enough," Brad cut her off, "Also, a place off limits. Even more so that area."

"Oh, really?" Sonata questioned, "Why those areas?"

"I'll...explain later," Brad said.

"You're starting sound like Adagio more and more," Sonata pointed out, "Except when she said she'd tell me later she never did."

"I'll...promise to tell you," Brad compromised, "But not here. When we get back home. It's...something that's, well, you know..."

"Okay, I get it," Sonata interrupted, "Something you don't talk about. It's like you're talking about mating."

Brad blushed further. 'Oh dear lord help me.'

Sonata proceeded to pick a couple of t-shirts up here and there, a light blue one and a red one. She then began to head towards the stairs.

"I don't see what you're so worried about," Sonata began saying, "I mean, why is it such a big deal that I've never had any bras before?"

"Well, it's that," Brad started, "You don't know your, er, size."

"Well why just try some on?" Sonata asked.

"Huh?" Brad perked up.

"If I don't know my size, why not just try some on?" Sonata repeated, "I mean, can't I just say I've never been for a bra before and the one I'm wearing was a present?"

"You know, that's not a bad idea," Brad admitted, "Yeah, we can do that." 'Seriously, she didn't know what a bra was called, but comes up with an idea like that? I really cannot fathom her out.'

"Oh wow, look at them all!" Sonata exclaimed.

Brad looked up and sure enough we bras everywhere. Different shapes and sizes scattered across the walls, along with many multicoloured pairs of underwear. He blushed at the sight of them all, while Sonata skipped over to the wall displaying the mass amounts of what the pair were after.

"Come on over," Sonata beckoned.

Brad shuffled forwards slowly until he stood beside Sonata; looking away from the display.

"So, what size do you think I should try first?" Sonata asked.

"Um..." Brad said quietly, "I don't know."

"Hmm...let's start off big, shall we then?" Sonata decided, grabbing a padded grey 32 C cup bra and walking off. Brad stood motionless, looking away constantly.

'Why?' he thought, 'Why do I have to go through this?'

Sonata returned shortly; bra in hand.

"Waaaaay too big," Sonata declared, "Maybe something smaller, aha!"

She picked up a white 28 A cup and walked off; Brad continued to stand there without sound or movement. It didn't take long for Sonata to arrive back while rubbing her back.

"Yep," Sonata said, slightly in pain, "Bit too small. Bras really hurt when they're tight."

Brad just stared at the ground, looking away.

"Brad?" Sonata asked. 'Jeez, I didn't think it was this serious. I know he said he didn't want to talk about it, but is it this bad for people? He looks, er, what's the word? He looks unhappy, like he's seen something he didn't want to see.' "Are, are you okay?"

Sonata heard no response. She put her hand on his shoulder and gave a small shake.

"Braaad?" Sonata called out, "Anyone in there?"

"Huh?" Brad looked up to Sonata.

"What's up with you?" Sonata asked interrogatively, "Is this really getting to you that much?"

"Sorry," Brad began, "It's just not something I've been comfortable with. The whole, you know, private area thing. I just don't want to stare, and seem like some sort of pervert."

"A pervert?" Sonata repeated, "That's... one of those guys who, wait no you're not! Why would you think that?!"

"I don't know!" Brad retaliated, "Sorry. I just... I don't know."

"Let's just hurry up then," Sonata concluded, "If you don't want to be here, just wait downstairs for me if you want."

"No," Brad responded, "I-I don't to leave you, but...gah."

'He doesn't want to leave but he does?' Sonata thought to herself, 'I really can't figure him out sometimes.'

"I'll stay."

"Huh?" Sonata perked up.

"I'll stay with you," Brad repeated, "Seriously, I'm an 18 year old who can't look at a pair of bras. You're right, I've got to man up at some point in my life."

"That's the Brad I know, I think," Sonata said, "I don't know, we haven't really know each other that long have we?"

"Not really, only a day," Brad answered, "But it seems so much more..."

"Anyway, how about you choose?" Sonata raised.

"Huh?" Brad asked confused.

"Why don't you pick a bra size for me?" Sonata suggested, "You know, to get over your fear?"

"I wouldn't say it's a fear..." Brad argued.

"Brad, you can barely look at one without turning away," Sonata responded, "That seems like someone with a fear."

"Fine, but it's not something I'm scared of," Brad compromised, "So, uh, what sizes did you already try?"

"Hmm..." Sonata mulled over, "I'm not gonna tell you."

"What?!" Brad asked, confused.

"Have a guess," Sonata said, "What size do you think I am? If it's one I've tried I'll tell you. Otherwise I'll try it."

"Errrrr," Brad stood gormless.

"You'll be fine, I promise," Sonata reassured.

"Alright fine, let's see," Brad began to scan the walls of bras, trying to keep focused on the task at hand.

"Um, shouldn't you look at what you're working with first?" Sonata asked.

Brad turned to look at Sonata. "What do you mean?"

"You kinda just stared at the wall," Sonata explained, "And didn't at my, er, wait, what the things called that are in my bra?"

"Oh, boobs," Brad said without thinking, "And, wait what?!"

"Why haven't you looked at them?" Sonata asked, "The 'boobs'. You know, to even see what size I might be?"

"Sonata," Brad began, quietly, "It's bad enough I have to try to pick a bra for you. But I'm not going to stare at your boobs!"

"They're covered up, aren't they?" Sonata argued, "You can't really see them."

"Yeah, but it's still wrong," Brad countered, "A guy can't just go around looking at a girls' boobs; covered or not!"

"Well, you're looking now," Sonata pointed out.

Brad turned swiftly away from Sonata. "I was not," he said quietly.

"Yeah you were," Sonata said back, "You know it doesn't bother me right?"

"What?" Brad asked confused, "How doesn't it bother you?"

"Um, you know," Sonata began, "The whole Siren thing, and Adagio never really said much about my body. I don't know why I should be embarrassed."

"It's complicated, Sonata," Brad tried to explain, "It's like a social taboo to look a girls' boobs, it's seen as dirty."

"A taboo!?" Sonata repeated, "That bad?"

"Yeah," Brad answered, turning around, "You see why I'm uncomfortable with it?"

"Oh, wow, um," Sonata stumbled, "Listen, I'm soooo sorry! I didn't really it was that serious! If you had said earlier, I wouldn't have said anything and..."

"It's, okay," Brad interrupted, speaking slowly, "I, guess I shouldn't have acted the way I did."

"No, really, I am," Sonata fought back, "It wasn't right of me. Listen, I'll just try another on..."

"No, let me pick," Brad suggested.

"Huh?!" Sonata was taken aback, "But why?!"

"I said it was a social taboo to look at that area," Brad started, "And, it is for were your, um, pants go as well. But, if I get a girlfriend in the future I'll have to do it anyway." He looked directly at Sonata. "I need to get over this at some point. I'm 18. I have to. Even if I don't get a girlfriend, it'll still be nice to know about it."

"Oh, I see," Sonata looked back at Brad after turning away for a moment, "Well, if you really want to. What do you think?"

"Well," Brad looked briefly at Sonata once more, then back to the wall, "Hmm...maybe this one?"

He reached up for a white 30 B cup bra from higher up, and handed it over to Sonata.

"Okay," Sonata said, "I'll go try it."

"Okay," Brad replied.

Sonata walked off smiling, while Brad stood at the wall still; but his mind elsewhere.

'I just picked a girl a bra,' he thought, 'And not just any girl, but one who I didn't even think existed. All this in less than a whole day. Is it insulting that I chose a girls' bra size? I haven't the foggiest. I'm probably way off, anyway.'

Sonata came back into view, smiling and holding the bra high.

"Guess who was right!" Sonata cheered.

Brad stood mouth agape. "No. Are you kidding?!"

"Nope," Sonata answered, "It fits perfectly. Come on, grab a few more."

"Uh, alright," Brad complied, grabbing the same size bras from above. "I can't believe I guessed right. How?!"

"Guess you know more than you think," Sonata suggested.

"I doubt it," Brad groaned, "Probably just lucky."

"Nah, you've gotta have some kind of niche for these kinda things," Sonata argued, "I heard about it on TV before. Some guy is scared of doing something, but then is really good at it. Like swimming or skydiving!"

"I don't think this is one of those occasions, Sonata," Brad face palmed, "If I was a pony, my cutie mark would not be a bra. At least, I'd hope not."

Sonata giggled. "It'd be pretty funny if that happened, though. You'd probably be like, 'Oh why? Why me? What is that on my flank!?' Hahaha!"

"Very funny," Brad said sarcastically, "Now, are you gonna pick some underwear or just laugh about all day?"

"Oh, right," Sonata wiped tears from her eyes, "That was a good laugh. Aah. Um, wait, you don't mind about these?"

"A lot less, for some reason," Brad explained, "Maybe because I see them less? Or they are much less complicated? Or you don't constantly see them through girls shirts? Wait, that makes me sound like a pervert..."

"You're not a pervert!" Sonata exclaimed, "Seriously! Anyway, what do you mean, 'less complicated'?" 

"Well, they're elastic," Brad told her, "They just fit around your waist, instead of having some complex system like bras. They just have numbers, and the higher you go the bigger they get. What do you think?"

"Hmm..." Sonata looked at the underwear selection for a brief period of time before selecting out a pair of size 8 purple underwear, "Maybe these?"

"Sounds about right," Brad agreed, "Chuck some in the basket."

"Chuck?" Sonata asked.

"Throw," Brad explained, "Not literally, please. It's something said around here."

"Oh right, weird," Sonata began as she took some of the underwear and began putting in the basket, "Why use the word 'Chuck'? I thought it was a name or something."

"It is," Brad confirmed for her, "But I don't know either. It's another thing I just think I'll never understand."

"What else do you not think you'll ever understand?" Sonata asked as the pair made their way to the counter.

"Why they don't consider Pluto a planet anymore, why girls are allowed to hug each other and guys can't, and why the Welsh are always associated with sheep," Brad listed, "And I completely understand half of that made no sense to you."

"Eh, it's alright," Sonata told him.

The two walked up to the counter, and a guy who looked in her late 20's served them. He looked at Brad sympathetically.

"Girlfriend take ya shoppin'?" he asked.

Brad blushed. "Er, something like that."

"Heh, don't worry about," he said, "First time's the only one that'll be bad for ya. I should know, I've been out with enough."

"Oh, right," Brad said, trying to look interested as the guy scanned the clothes through.

"That'll be £49.50, please," the guy requested.

'Jeez, even here it's still so much,' Brad thought. He pulled out his wallet and used his card to pay. Sonata looked at it confused, before beginning to grab the bags of clothes for her.

"Thanks," Brad said.

"So, what was with that card?" Sonata asked as the pair walked away, "I mean, do you not have any money you can hold here?"

"Oh yeah, we do," Brad explained, "It's just easier to use this card. It has money on it, instead of me carrying around lots of money."

"Wow, not even Adagio had one of those," Sonata said in awe.

"I wouldn't have guessed she would," Brad told her, "It's not easy to get one. You have to go through all the law stuff to get one, and I don't think she would have liked to try and get the law involved."

"Oh, I see," Sonata said quietly.

The pair made their way out of the shop and looked around.

"Jeez, these bags are heavy," Brad groaned, "You wanna sit down for a sec?" 

"Sure," Sonata replied.

As the pair made their way to the nearest bench, something caught Brads' eye.

"Wait, what's that?"

> Chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Chapter 12


"Wait, what's that?" Brad asked himself.

He looked off into the distance, noticing a blue building unknown to him. Large windows allowed view into the building; many people lining up at a counter. Brad looked up and saw the sign above the building in question.

"A 'Taco Bell'?" Brad read out, "Since when was one of those around here?"

He was interrupted by a sudden drip. Brad looked up to the sky, only to find no clouds. He then looked at the drainpipes, checking to see they were the source of the unusual noise.

Drip.

Brad turned and looked at what happened to be the source of the strange noise. Standing with her mouth agape, Sonata stared at the building Brad had questioned. Her eyes were glued to the building in a daze with another drop of drool appearing from her agape mouth onto the ground.

"Brad?" Sonata asked slowly, "What's a 'Taco Bell'?"

"Uh..." Brad started, "It's a fast food place that sells...well...tacos."

"For realzies?!" Sonata turned immediately to look at Brad with pleading eyes. "Please can we go?"

"I don't know..." Brad started.

"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" Sonata interrupted. She began fluttering her eyes in an attempt to try to appear cute.

'That is a weapon that should not be allowed,' Brad thought. "Fine. I suppose we could do with lunch."

"Yay!" Sonata cheered, "Oh, thank you thank you thank you!"

"I'm not sure what I'm going to have though," Brad admitted, "I mean, I've never had a taco before."

Sonata gasped loudly. "You've never had a taco?!"

"I'll be honest," Brad continued, "I don't even know what one is."

Sonata stood in shock. Her mouth fell agape, her eyes wide open in shock and her arms dropped to her side.

"How do you not even know what a taco is?!" Sonata shouted.

"Ssh," Brad looked around cautiously, "We don't want to attract attention."

"But how do you not even know what a taco is?" Sonata asked quieter, "It's, like, the best food in existence."

"I thought you only liked the ones from that one place," Brad said.

"Yeah, true," Sonata agreed, "But they were sooooooooooo good."

"So, uh, what is a taco?" Brad asked, "I've only heard about them, but I don't really know what they are.

"Basically," Sonata began, "it's a wrap of a kind of corn with a range of different sorts fillings and some veggies on top. It's so simple, but soooo delicious."

"Okaaaaaaaaay," Brad simply said.

"Anyway, the tacos aren't gonna wait for us!" Sonata declared, "Let's go!" She grabbed Brad by the arm and began running, Brad being forced along with Sonata as she ran along.

"H-hey," Brad tried to get Sonata's attention, "Wait up!"

Sonata dragged Brad towards Taco Bell; Brad trying to slow down and looking at the puzzled faces of the many of the people he ran past. Sonata shoved the door open, and took a moment to embrace the smell. This gave Brad a moment to catch his breath. After doing so, he looked around the building he was dragged into.  Many tables surrounded him, as well as people lining up for their food. A strong smell of something hit Brad like a bus.

'Smell's...Spanishy,' he thought, 'I guess it makes sense. Taco's are from Spain, right? Or is it Mexico?'

"Well, what are you gonna get?" Sonata asked, snapping Brad back to reality.

"Huh?" Brad responded, "Oh I dunno, something simple I suppose. What about you?"

"Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm," Sonata began, "It's certainly quite tough. Not sure if to go crunchy, double decker, chicken, grilled steak, tough choice."

‘She’s like a veteran taco eater,’ Brad thought. "Any recommendations for a first-timer for tacos?" 

"Uhh, maybe a softer one?" Sonata offered, "It's really what you prefer. I mean, I don't mind either way if it tastes good. But I'd say start with a softer one."

"Alright," Brad agreed as they moved further forward in the queue, "Any ideas what you're gonna have yet?"

"Er, hmm, you see I don't know how crunchy they make theirs," Sonata explained, "So I might just go with the soft steak to be safe."

"Okay, what drink?" Brad asked.

"I guess I'll have a lemonade," Sonata answered as they reached the counter.

"Hi, what can I get you?" the service clerk asked. He was a young man of no more than 17 with short brown hair and a long face.

"Uh, can I get one of the soft chicken tacos with a Coke," Brad began "And a soft steak taco with a Sprite?"

"Sure," he responded simply, "That'll be £11.49."

'No me gusta,' Brad thought as he pulled out his card once more to pay for the meal. The clerk went back and got their drinks and tacos and played them on a tray with napkins and straws. Brad took the tray and walked over to an empty table by the window; Sonata following along eagerly.

"Oooh, I can't wait!" Sonata exclaimed.

"Sonata, we have the tacos, calm down," Brad said calmly.

"And?" Sonata questioned, "I can still be excited, right?"

The pair sat across from each other as Brad set down the tray. Sonata took one of the tacos and opened it up to find it was hers.

"How did you know that one was yours?" Brad asked inquisitively.

"Oh, I could just tell," Sonata responded, "You know, the smell, the stains on the wrapping, things like that."

'Yeah, I’d say she’s a taco veteran,' Brad thought, 'especially if she can do that. Oh well, I’m not one to judge; I guess I'll leave her with it.'

Brad unwrapped his own taco and looked upon the sight before him. A sizable amount of chicken was at the bottom of the wrap, topped with lettuce and cheese, and wrapped in a soft, golden wrap.

"Hmmmm," Sonata moaned.

Brad perked up at the sudden noise to see Sonata with a smile on her face, eyes closed, and a taco with a bite missing in her hand.

"This is brilliant," Sonata continued, "It's cooked just right, the steak doesn't make the taco soggy, it tastes even better then the ones back at the Faustaco!"

"The what?" Brad asked.

"Oh, the place where I used to get my tacos," Sonata told him, "It was run by this really nice woman with red hair, and she made me really happy."

'Oh universe, how I love your sense of creativity,' Brad thought with a sarcastic tone, 'Seriously.'

Brad began to eat his own taco and, to his surprise, quite enjoy it.

"Huh, I was expecting not to like this, really," Brad said.

"Soooooo, waddaya think?" Sonata asked him.

"It's actually quite nice," Brad responded, "I thought it’d be incredibly spicy, but it's not bad actually. And to be fair, it's hard to go wrong with chicken."

“Yeah, of course it hard to wrong with tacos”, Sonata responded with a mouthful.

After that, the pair ate in silence; apart from the occasional moan from Sonata who quickly devoured the innocent taco.

“Oooh,’’ she sighed, “It’s been too long since I’ve had a taco so good.”

“How come?” Brad asked, still working his way through his meal, “I would have thought you would have tacos quite a lot.”

“Well Adagio said I couldn’t have them a lot,” Sonata began, “She said it would make me fat, and it cost too much to keep getting them.”

‘So Sonata isn’t unfamiliar with money issues,’ Brad thought, ‘I guess that’s why she doesn’t mind me not forking out loads for her.’

“In fact, money was a big part of why I left.”

‘What.’ Brad thought. “Wait, why?”

Sonata sighed. “I never told you why I left yesterday, did I?”

“Well, sorta,” Brad told her, putting down the remains of his taco, “You said you got fed up of being hated by everyone, and wanted a second chance right?”

“Yeah, but that’s not the whole story,” Sonata began.

She began to reel of the events back to Brad over the day before last, telling him about Aria and Adagio, and why they were so mad at her. As Sonata began to finish, she started to sob slightly. Brad handed her a napkin; in which she blew her nose in and wiped away her tears.

“Thanks,” she quietly said, “and sorry about the outburst.”

“It’s alright,” Brad began in a soothing tone, “and I don’t know why you’re apologising. You know alright to let something out, if that hasn’t evident in the day or so then I have no idea what is.”

Sonata began to chuckle. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“And don’t worry about the money,” Brad added, “Like I say it won’t be easy. But I doubt that we will be so poor we can’t afford the occasional taco.”

“Really?” Sonata asked.

“Yeah, besides Josh works to” Brad told her.

“Oh yeah, I remember him saying yesterday,” Sonata recalled, “What does he do?”

“He works at a restaurant washing up,” Brad explained, “Josh hopes it’ll get him a job as a chef if he works there long enough.”

“And will it?” Sonata asked.

“Probably,” Brad answered, “but washing up doesn’t pay a lot unfortunately, so it’s gonna be a while before it pays off.”

“Oh, I see,” Sonata responded.

“Don’t fret, we’ll be alright,” Brad told her, “we should probably head back home.” 

“Ok,” Sonata agreed, “Oh, and thanks for the food. It was amazing!”

“No problem,” Brad answered as he took the tray of rubbish to the bin, “It was nice to try something new.”

The pair deposited their rubbish and, as Brad picked up the bag of Sonata’s new wardrobe, exited into the chilly autumn streets.

“There isn’t anything else you want to do while we’re out?” Brad asked.

“Uh, not really,” Sonata answered.

“ ‘K then, let’s go,” Brad declared, and the pair started heading back. The wind started to pick up, making the duo shudder from the chill as they traversed the quiet market street. 

“Ok, I know I said I like when it’s windy,” Brad began, “but not when it’s so cold.”

“Yeah,” Sonata agreed, turning to look at Brad, “It could be worse I suppose. I mean, it’s not lik-oof!”

She bounced back away from Brad, the pair looked at the offender. It was a young male, he had black hair and was slightly chubby in the face. However, Brad began to worry at his jumper; a bright yellow jumper with 3 pink butterflies on it with the word, ‘yay’ written across it.

‘Crap’ Brad thought as he started to turn pale, ‘Crap crap crap crap crap. No, I didn’t even plan what to say to a brony about Sonata yet. Or anyone for that matter!’

“Oh, so sorry,” the brony apologised, “I didn’t see you there.”

“Oh it’s alright,” Sonata responded, “I wasn’t looking where I was going anyway.”

“Huh, you sound familiar...” the brony began.

“No she doesn’t!” Brad blurted out.

“Huh?” Sonata said with a confused expression on her face.

“What are you on about?” the brony asked, “Hey wait a minute, you’re wearing a-”

“Listen, I’d love to stay and chat,” Brad interrupted, “but we really need to get going.”

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew past the 3 of them; Sonata’s hood flew down revealing her mass amount of hair.

‘Crap’ Brad thought. His mind began to panic, racing with what to do.

“I knew I recognised that voice!” the brony declared.

“Sonata, RUN!” Brad shouted as he grabbed her arm quickly and ran past the brony.

“Hey, wait!” the brony shouted, taking off after the pair.

Brad ran through the streets and under the office blocks; Sonata in hand. 

‘What’s going on?!’ Sonata began to think as she was dragged around, ‘Why didn’t Brad want me to talk to that guy? He seemed nice, but...wait he knew who I was as well! So was he a fan as well?’

Sonata started trying to run as well to keep up with Brad. He noticed and let go of Sonata slowly; making note of how far away their chaser was. The pair raced through the park, many puzzled faces stared at the scene taking place in front of them. Brad struggled to keep hold of the bag of clothes, his grip on the handle loosening. They dashed between the innocent bystanders of the park, running as they tried to get out of the park.

The pair continued to run as they went out of the park, but Brad had a thought while running.

‘Crap if I go straight home he’ll know where I live,’ he thought in his dazed mind, ‘then he’ll tell everyone, the government will find out, and she’ll be taken away forever! I need to find a way to lose him now!’

He looked around the roads, when he had an idea. He turned swiftly to the left, running back around the park. Brad looked back, seeing Sonata close behind but the brony still after the pair. As the pair continued to run, Brad started to slow down and as he panted away. 

‘No!’ Brad yelled in his mind, ‘Not now! I have to keep her safe; I have to save her!’

Sonata began to slow down as well; breathing heavily.

‘I...don’t know how much longer I can keep running,’ Sonata thought as her mind started to decease thinking, ‘Brad, I think we may have to...give up.’

The pair ran, but slowed down to a jog. They were visibly tired, but there chaser still ran strong. Brad saw this, pushing himself as hard as he could to keep away from the yellow-toped man after them.

‘It’s...not far,’ Brad thought, his mind close to collapse as with the rest of his body.

They ran out of the park, and into a small ally. Sonata was losing ground even further. 

“No...it’s over,” Sonata panted, “I can’t-aah!”

Sonata screamed weakly as Brad pushed the pair of them into a bush. Brad laid next to Sonata, covering his mouth. She quickly noticed and followed suit. The bag of clothes above Brad had settled as well, not making any rustling either.

‘This is our only hope,’ Brad thought, ‘Please…’

Barely anything could be heard, until the rapid approach of footsteps. Sonata could see the bright yellow jumper she had feared go right past the bush the pair had hid in. She ceased breathing for a brief moment. The pair remained in silence until nothing could be heard.

“Right,” Brad whispered, “We need to go, now!”

Sonata nodded her head in response. Brad began to slowly get up and out of the bush; avoiding the various twigs that tried to poke him. He grabbed Sonata’s hand to help her up, Sonata slowly followed Brad onto her own feet. He grabbed the bag quickly as to not make as much noise. The duo crept out of the bush and back into the alley before taking off in the direction they came. They jogged slowly without speaking knowing their objective and destination; home. Brad led Sonata around the park and back onto the estate in which they began. They were clearly out of breath, slowing walking up the hill and panting like dogs; Sonata took this moment to put her hood back up. 

‘Please,’ Brad thought, ‘it can’t be much further.’ 

Despite their slow speed, the pair made it back to see a sight for their sore eyes and bodies.

“Home,” Brad wheezed.

He slowly approached the door alongside Sonata. The pair went inside swiftly, welcoming the embrace of the warm and safe house.