> The Lost Siren
>  by Dreagknight-LostWriter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Night Assault *
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                         
A few days early before Sonata life falls apart


It has been a few weeks since the battle of the band, and four days after being abandoned by her sisters, Sonata began looking for a place to stay. She hoped someone who was kind enough to let her stay a their house for at least a day, till she can get something for herself, but this prove to be more of a problem then she had imagen.

                                                         
Present day: My main OC


It was already past noon when I finished helping around the school for Principal Celestia. I was helping out cause I needed some extra credits from all the time I have been gone, and Principal Celestia said I can help out cleaning the school to earn some make-up credits. I hadn't been to school for a little over half the semester, so I missed out on some big events that happened. From what people have told me the "Fall Formal" and "Battle of the Bands" was a sight to see, but I missed out on both. As I was taking out the trash, I noticed a girl sitting by the dumpster. She had light blue hair with dark purple highlights. She was wearing a purple hoodie and blue jean pants. As I looked more closely, I could see her clothes were a bit tattered and dirty; it looked like she was working at a mechanic shop all day. I said nothing to her at first as I threw away the trash, but when I looked at her again, I could see she had been hurt physically. She had bits of scrapes and cuts on her knees and legs, like she had been running from someone. I'm not the one to ignore a girl that's hurt, so I went over to her to see if she was okay.

"Excuse me, are you alright? You seem...a little beat up," I said as I made my way towards her. 

When she lifted her head in saw me coming, she began to panic and slowly back up, like I was going to assault her at any moment.

"Hey, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you."-I put my hands up like I was a criminal under arrest as a slowed my pace-"You seem hurt. Is there anything I can do to help?" I said, now standing in front of her.

She looked at me like I was going to strike her across the face, but she seemed to calm down after a few seconds. I hoped it was clear I was not going to hit her. 

I asked again, "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

She looked at me for a second. "N-no I'm okay," she said. Seeing the scrapes and cuts on her body, it was obviously a lie, but I looked past it.

"Okay, then. Are you hurt? You seem ruffled up," I noted as I eyed her up and down.

"I, um, fell, that's all. I am okay, really," she said as she sat back down. I could tell she didn't trust me, but there was nothing I could do if she didn't.

"Okay then, guess I'll see you later," I left her there and went back home, with the girl still lingered on my mind.

                                                                     
***


The next day I came to school wondering if that girl was still there, or if she had gone back to her home. When I returned to the dumpster, I wasn't surprised to find that she was still there, sleeping in a shelter that I recognized as the materials I had thrown out yesterday. It was clear that she has been out here all night, as I could see, she had been digging through all the dumpsters nearby. I was sure she hadn't eaten anything, so I ran to a nearby store and bought two sandwiches and some drinks. As I made my way back to her shelter, I noticed she was already getting up and looking around. She turned my way, and I knew she noticed me approaching. This time luckily, she didn't try to leave.

"Hey, I thought you might be hungry, so I got you some sandwiches, if you want one." I held out my bag as I made my way over to her. "Don't know if you would like them, though," As I handed her the bag, a "thank you" escaped her lips. She began to eat the sandwiches, devouring them as if she hadn't eaten in days. Apparently, she hadn't.  

"So, what's your deal?" I asked her as she ate. "Are you running away or something?" She stopped eating for a moment and stared at me, a sad expression in her raspberry eyes.

"I'm homeless," she said, the sadness disappearing from her eyes. She looked dull and emotionless at the moment. 

I wanted to ask more, but seeing how bothered she had been by this question, I said nothing else. I stayed with her for a little bit longer before I got up to leave.  She looked at me as I was about to go.

"If you want, I will bring you some more sandwiches tomorrow. You'll be here, right?" I asked, looking back at her. 

She nodded in agreement to that. I felt bad leaving her there now that I knew for sure she was homeless, but I couldn't just invite every homeless person I met to stay with me.

Although, she might be the only one I've seen so far, I thought as I walked home.

                                                               
***


I came back the next day, like I promised, with some more sandwiches. As I was approaching the dumpsters, I overheard some girls talking to her. More like yelling at her, and nothing they said was nice.

"Why are you even still here? Nobody likes you," sneered one girl with dark blue hair.  She had backed up my new friend against the walls.

"Yeah," added another girl with a light purple jean jacket., "After all you and your sisters did, you have the nerve to show your face around here?"

I just stood there, which as my new friend was being bullied. Come on, move! I told myself. Help her! I seemed to be frozen, unable to do anything.

"What's wrong, hmm?" Taunted the Blue Hair Girl. "Can't fight back now?"

"Don't you have anything to say?" Sneered the girl with the Jean Jacket.

"P-please leave me alone." My friend said in tears.

"Why should we now, huh?" The blue haired girl asked, smacking her with the back of her hand, anger blazing in her eyes.

I knew this was about to take a turn for the worst, and I had to stop it now. Suddenly finding I could move again, I rushed over to my friend’s aid. I shoved both her tormentors backwards, surprising them both.

"Wh-what? Are you defending her, why would you do that?" The Blue Haired Girl question, her eyes blazed with fury. "Do you know what she's done?" She approached me as if she was going to punch me. I wasn't too scared of her, though.

"You don't know, do you?" The Jean Jacket Girl asked me.

The Blue Haired Girl, who was now less than a foot away, stopped walking. "Yeah, he doesn't..." she replied, trailing off.

"Oh well, I'm tired of looking at that ponytail menace anyway." She said, tugging at her friend’s shirt as they began walking away, but the angry glances directed toward my friend suggested they'd be back when I left.

I turned to the girl I had just saved. I could see the girls had hit her, although the damage was minor. Her lip seemed to be bruising black and blue already.

"Hey, do you have any place or family you can go to?" I asked, concerned, as I helped her up. When she shook her head no, I sighed.

It might be better to take her back to my place to clean her up, I thought as I looked around for any surprise attacks.


***


Once we made it through the front door, I sat her down in a chair. I could see now that besides the bruised lip, the girls had also inflicted blows on her arms, which were turning similar shades of blue.

"Does anywhere else hurt?" I asked her, checking her arms over. She nodded while holding a hand to her stomach.

"One of them punched me," she explained, "but there's nothing you can do about that. I'll be better soon."

I nodded with understanding. I went to my fridge to grab some ice like packs that was cased in zip-lock bags, for her many bruises. Once they had been placed around her arms and on her lip, we sat there in silence for a little less than half an hour. She didn't seem to be in the mood for talking.

"Thank you," she said simply when she was done. She handed back the ice packs and stood up, ready to go.

"I hoped you're not trying to go back to the alley," I said blocking her path to the door with my arm. She looked at me and I could see within her sad eyes, that's what she was planning on doing. Putting a hand to the back of my head, I sighed nervously. "How about this, you can stay here for the night, umm...,"-as I said this it never cross my mind that I haven't ask her name. " What was your name, I never did asked?"

She paused for a second as if she was deciding if she should tell me or not.

"My name is.....Sonata, Sonata Dusk," she said, taking a seat back down.

"Well Sonata, my name is Blitz Shot." I said lately introducing myself." And why don't you stay here for the night, then we can talk more in the morning. Does that sound okay to you," I said while pointing to the couch with my thumb.

She had opposed to it at first, but agree after I convinced her that those girls might be waiting for her if she goes back out there. After that I brought her a blanket and pillow for her to use, not a minute later, she was already asleep. I knew at this moment, I might have just gotten myself into something, as I look back at her. What that something was, I didn't actually know.

I can't just leave her now, can I? I thought while looking back at her sleeping form, with pity. "I might as well try to convince her to stay here with me, ...she seem really trouble and, ...really tired," I whisper and yawn to myself, as I walked away. And I'm sure she might have a fever, if not a cold at most, from staying outside, and with that thought, I went to my room for a night rest.
> A Rarity Help *
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I woke up the next morning, I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair, which was dirty blond streaked with red, was a mess. Rubbing the sleep out of my teal blue eyes, I made my way out of bed to the living room to see if Sonata was still sleeping there. I prayed she hadn't left under the cover of darkness. To my relief, she was still there, apparently sleeping peacefully. With an eased conscience, I walked back to my room to put on some fresh clothes and freshen myself up some. When my outfit was put on and my hair combed, I returned to the kitchen to cook some breakfast before I woke Sonata up.

"Sonata, wake up. I made us some breakfast," I said, lightly shaking her so I wouldn't scare her first thing in the morning!

As she woke and sat up on the couch, I brought in a breakfast plate and sat down next to her. I had cooked up a meal of pancakes, toast, and scrambled eggs. Sonata nodded in acceptance of the food.

"Did you sleep well last night?" I asked her as she slowly began to eat her breakfast.

"A little, but I-" she coughed into her elbow "-don't feel so well." I was a little surprised by the fact. She had looked so peaceful earlier! Maybe I hadn't paid close enough attention. That again, I did thought she might end up like this before I went to sleep though.

"You might have a cold or fever from sleeping outside next to the dumpster all night," I suggested, resting back of my hand on her forehead. 

Sure enough, she had a fever, but I couldn't tell how high it was. My guess, since it didn't seem like she was burning up, it was a slight fever, only 100 or 101 degrees.

"I think you might have a slight fever," I told her my guess as I brought my hand away from her. Sonata only nodded at the news, then continued to eat.

I waited till we were finished eating before taking both our plates back to the kitchen. When I returned, Sonata was redoing her hair into a ponytail.

Is she still trying to leave? I thought, looking at her.

"How 'bout you rest here? A good rest should help your fever," I suggested.

"I can't," she replied in a hollow, sad tone. "You were already nice enough to let me stay here for the night."

"Why not?" Now I looked at her, a questioning look plain on my face. Sonata didn't give any response. She just looked down at her hands.

"Why were those girls attacking you yesterday, than?" The question popped into my mind, and I was sure it would help me understand her situation some, since it didn't look like I would get an answer to my last question.

"Because I hurt them," she explained, her tone full of sorrow. "Not just them, but I hurt a lot of people." Even through her sorrowful tone, her voice didn't quiver.

I was rather taken aback by her response. Sonata didn't look like the type who would intentionally hurt someone.

"A lot? How many people did you hurt?" I asked gently.

"I don't know how many," she answered, coughing a little bit more. The way she looked at me as she did so, told me she didn't want to talk about her issues. I took her coughing as a sign to get up and get her some medicine. I brought back some medicine pills and a glass of water.

"Sonata, you're sick right now, and you said yourself, you don't have any place to go. Why don't you stay here?" I questioned as I handed her the medicine. Once more, Sonata didn't say anything. She just accepted the medicine, than look at me with her sad and hopeless eyes.

"Are you sure you don't mind me staying here? I don't have anything to offer you in return," she told me.

Seeing she was trying to avoid the question I had just asked, I continued on like I didn't notice.
"I don't mind at all." I sat down beside her again. "Plus, I would feel terrible if I let you go back out on the streets after this." Or ever. Sonata gave me a nod of understanding before swallowing the pills and drinking her water after it.

"Umm Blitz, is it okay if I borrow some spare clothes to use and take a shower." She asked when I returned from putting the cup in the sink. My eyes traveled down to her fingers, fiddling around with the strings of her hoodie.

"S-sure," I answered. "I don't know if I have any spare clothes to fit a girl though."

"I just need something to sleep in, that's all." She said, with what I thought was a hint of blush on her face.

Nodding, I went to my room to fetch her some spare clothes. After a bit of searching around, I found a decent looking blue jersey shirt and black shorts. My mind than follow up on underwear for her, but as quickly as that came to me, the quicker I was to dismiss it.  Stopping by the hallway closet, I also grabbed a pair of towels and a bar of soap for her. 

I saw Sonata waiting for me by the bathroom door. Bring the items out, I looked at Sonata’s clothes, just seeing how dirty they truly was. "Oh, Sonata, leave your clothes in the basket. I will wash them for you, when you get out." I said to her, handing her the clothes, bar of soap and towels. Sonata nodded as she went to go take her shower. I silently waited for her in the living room. While I did, I noticed Sonata's blanket was rather dirty.

After half an hour, Sonata walked back into the living room, now all clean and wearing fresh clothes.

"Hey Sonata, how about you sleep off your fever in my room while I wash these blankets." I told her, lifting the dirty blanket.

"You sure that's okay?" She asked.

"Yeah I'm sure, it's better to rest in a bed then on a couch anyways." Sonata look at the couch, then at me. Noticing I wasn't going to let her argue on it, Sonata sighed and went to my room. When Sonata left, I went to retrieve her clothes from the bathroom. I looked down into the basket where Sonata left her clothes.

This raggedy outfit will need a lot more than just a cleaning. Sonata was going to need some new clothes. Maybe I should take her to Carousel Boutique when she wakes up and feeling better. I thought as I took both her clothes and blanket to be washed.


***


Sonata woke up several hours later. When she came in through the hallway, she was looking way more refreshed than she had when I had brought her back home.

"Are you feeling any better now?" I asked, looking away from my laptop and up at her. I hopefully assumed the answer was yes.

"Yes, and thank you for helping me out," She responded, returning my gaze with a grateful smile. Even with that reassurance, I could see in her eyes that she was still having some type of trouble.

"Here are your clothes, there all clean now," I said, passing her the neatly folded clothes, "but you're going to need some new ones, since those are your only pair. I know a clothing shop that would be nice to go to."

I thought Sonata might try to oppose it or say something like, "You don't need to buy me anything," but she didn't. Sonata said nothing, she just nodded and left for the bathroom to change clothes. After she had changed clothes, we left the apartment and headed to the Carousel Boutique.


***


As we entered the Carousel Boutique, the bells above the door jingled, signaling our arrival.

"Rarity!?" I called as I looked around for her, seeing if she was here.

The store itself was neat and tidy with mannequins on either side of the building. The clothes here were custom-made by Rarity for any customers that order it. She also had some put-together she put out to greet her customers. From shopping with my sister, I knew Rarity kept lessers wear in the back for customs who were just clothes shopping

"Oh, hello darling! What can I help you with today? Oh! Would you like a new sweater or another hoodie, perhaps?" Rarity asked, with a cheerful joking smile.

"Hello, Rarity," I responded. "No thanks. I don't need a new hoodie or sweater. I prefer the one I'm already wearing."

I looked down at the hoodie I was wearing, another example of Rarity's fine craftsmanship. The hoodie was a nice white color, with an icon of three fireballs moving at high speed in a ‘Z’ formation on both the front and back.

"Actually," I continued, "I came because my friend here need some new clothes. She doesn't have any other clothes at the moment." I stepped aside, bringing Sonata into full view.

"No other clothes?" Rarity question, now looking at me curiously.

"Yeah, no other clothes," I confirmed, not feeling the need to bring up Sonata’s problem.

Rarity took one look at her and rushed over. Her fashion sense must have been going off at the sight of Sonata's tattered clothes.

"Oh darling, do you mind removing your hood so I can get a better look at you?" Rarity asked Sonata with an eager, cheerful smile.

Beneath her hood, I could see Sonata's magenta eyes widen. She began to move slowly back towards me, like she had just seen a terrible monster.

"Do you mind removing your hood for me?" Rarity asked again. "I can't get you any suitable outfits without first knowing what you fully look like!"

Sonata looked at me, a fearful expression in her eyes. I wasn't sure what the problem was, but I knew Rarity was harmless. I gave her a nod of encouragement. Sonata's glance was redirected to the ground, as if she was ashamed. Slowly, she brought her hood down while keeping her eyes to the ground. Her blue ponytail sprang up. Rarity's blue eyes went round with shock, surprise, and confusion.

"Oh my!" Rarity now taking in the sight before her.

"Rarity? What's wrong?" I asked, surprised by her reaction.

"What happened to you?" She ignored me and asked Sonata a question. Her tone of voice was laced with worry and caution.

"Rarity, do you know her?" I asked, staring at Sonata.

"I suppose so, though not on good terms," She replied. Placing a gentle hand on Sonata's shoulder, she began, "Darling, why don't you sit-" Before she could finish her sentence, Sonata jerked away from Rarity's grasp. Rarity straightened herself up and looked away.

"I can understand that reaction." She sighed. "What happened to her?" She asked me, her gaze flickering from me to Sonata and back again.

"I don't really know what happened to Sonata here," I replied, still looking at Sonata, wondering if she would ever fill in the details.  "All I know is that she was homeless when I met her, and I saved her from two girls who was assaulting her."

"WHAT?!" Rarity shrieked, her eyes growing huge. After several moments, she calmed herself down and recollected herself.

"How could they do such a cruel thing?" She asked, walking back to get something. Sonata and I waited where we were until Rarity returned, bringing with her some tea for Sonata and I.

"Please, will you tell me everything that has happened since you met her?" She asked, her expression a thick mixture of sadness and pity.

"There's not much to tell," I answered after taking a sip of my tea. "Sonata was homeless when I met her out behind the school. The next day, I saved her from two girls who were tormenting her, mostly verbally, and I invited her to stay with me since she say she apparently has no where to go." As I spoke, the memories of Sonata behind the school swept through my mind. Rarity furrowed her brow, looking confused.

"Poor dear," she responded, trying to rub Sonata on the back. Sonata tensed up, but she didn't pull away. "What about her sisters?" Rarity asked, looking up at me. "Were they there too? Are they okay?"

"Her... sisters?" I asked in disbelief, looking at Sonata for an explanation. Sonata's look of wariness morphed into a stone hard poker face, like the mention of her sisters was something she didn't want to think, or talk about.

"I don't know, I didn't know she had any sis-" Sonata dropped her tea on the floor. Her hands was shaking. Rarity and I took this as a sign to leave this subject alone.

"I'll clean that up," Rarity mentioned, pursing her lips. I nodded. Sonata made no movement.

"Anyway," I continued as Rarity began to wipe the floor, "can you get her some clothes? Sonata needs some casual wear and something to sleep in."

"Oh yes, I'm terribly sorry about that! Let me see what I have for you." Rarity threw out the paper towels she used to clean the floor and gingerly pulled Sonata to the back of the store.

As she and Sonata began to try out clothes, I pulled out my phone to check my messages. I wouldn't be much of a help for the next hour.


***


"Thank you so much, Rarity. Sonata needed this. How much will this be?" I asked, taking out my wallet.

"Don't worry darling, it's on the house." Rarity told me, not taking her eyes off Sonata. "I do feel somewhat responsible for her condition, you know."

"Responsible? How so?" I asked, more surprised then stunned. Rarity pondered this for a few seconds, looking at the clock, wondering what to say.

"I don't feel this is my place to say why," she finally replied regretfully. "It might be better if we talked about this with the rest of my friends, the Rainbooms, at Sugarcube Corner after I close shop."

"The Rainbooms?"

"Oh yes, my band. We're all responsible and some way," Rarity explained.

I figured this was a good idea. I'd get answers as to why Sonata was so needy and why those girls had bullied her.

"Sonata, is this alright with you?" I asked her. Sonata didn't seem to reject the invite. She just stood next to me, her hoodie back on, looking at the floor. "You'll be closing your shop in two hours right? We'll meet you at Sugarcube Corner then," I said, looking back at Sonata, who still hadn't said a word.

"Would you mind meeting me back here?" Rarity suggested. "It would be best if I arrived with you instead of letting you two come by yourself." She passed a regretful glance at Sonata before returning to her work.

"Okay then. We'll meet you back here. Bye, Rarity," I said, before turning around and walking out the door.

I had never seen Rarity so saddened before, and as we walked back, Sonata seemed even more distanced.

Why does Rarity need her friends with her to tell me? I wondered as we walked.
> Sympathy *
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonata didn't say much on our way back home. We made it back after a twenty minute walk. Once inside, I told Sonata it would be a good idea if she change from her old outfit to her new one. I was sure she wasn't happy, and I was suspicious that my conversation with Rarity might have strike a nerve. Once she left to get changed, I sat down on the couch and begin to think. How will Sonata react this afternoon? I wondered. We're going to be having a more in depth conversation.

"Hey Blitz, where do I put my clothes at?" Sonata asked, walking into the living room, surprising and snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, your clothes. You can put them in my room or in the hallway closet," I answered, absent minded.

I looked at Sonata, who was standing in front of me wearing her new clothes. She wore a new violet hoodie and a light purple jean pants with a image of a cyan musical half note on top of a purple heart on the side of her left leg. Whatever top she had on, I couldn't see, but I assumed it was magenta.

Sonata put her clothes inside the hallway closet, then sat down on the far side of the couch. After a minute or two passed, Sonata still hadn't looked at me or said a word. I decided it would be best to give her some time to think.

"Hey, Blitz, let me ask you something," Sonata abruptly stated, now looking straight at me. "Why did you decide to help me this much?"

When she asked me the this, I didn't know how to answer. Sure, I could say, "I just wanted to help you," but I'm sure she wouldn't like something as simple as that. I didn't know how to give her a satisfying answer.

"You don't even know who I am." I could tell any trust she might have or had for me was slowly dwindling away. "But I'm sure you know what I've done, I'm sure you just want to hurt me like the others."

"Sonata-" I came over to her side wondering what just gotten into her. But she quickly stood, and walked to the door. She stood there and looked at me.

"Sonata please calm down, I'm not going to hurt you, I promise. Trust me," I pleaded, trying to sound as convincing as possible. I must have done something to upset her, maybe at Carousel Boutique, but I had no idea what.

"Trust you? How can I trust you? How can I trust anyone?" Her tone was bitter. This wasn't a question and I knew it.

"What have I done to give you the reason not to trust me?" I countered, accidentally raising my voice. "Sonata I've done nothing but help you, so why are you acting like this?"

As I spoke, I realized two things: One, she wasn't crying, she wasn't yelling or screaming. And two, her expression wasn't angry or sad. Her eyes stared at me, but they were dull. Her lips were set in a flat line. Sonata was void of emotion, like there was nothing there. Any emotion, positive or negative, she might have had when I first met her, was gone.

"You haven't done anything wrong," she responded quietly, looking down at the floor. Her response surprised me.

"Sonata, if I haven't done anything wrong, then why are you acting like this?"

"Because- because everyone hates me, even my own sisters! So why are you being so nice to me?" Her tone dry. Though her expression were still devoid of emotions, it sounded to me like she was fighting back tears.

"Is it wrong for me to be nice to you, then?" I asked, hoping to ease my way through her.

"Is it ok to be nice to someone who ruin friendships, relationships, even families, just for power?" She countered, staring straight at me.

"What?" I was confused.

"I ruined relationships, for power." Her voice now softened with a remorseful tone. "And even that, I wasn't as good at that as Adagio and Aria are- were. That's why my sisters left me."

I was speechless. I didn't know what to say or how to comfort her. I just stared at Sonata. We let a few second pass in silence, not even moving until Sonata spoke up.

"I'm sorry. I know you were trying to help me, but..."

"It's ok. I'm not mad," I assured her. "Surprised, but not mad. " I tried to sound sincere. "But why did you start acting like that, was it something Rarity or I said that offended you?"

"No. Please understand, I've just been through a lot in the past weeks!" Sonata was practically pleading with me, and I felt a pang of sorrow within me.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. Just know I'm here if you do," I assured her gently. 

"Hey, if you don't feel good, I can call and tell Rarity we'll meet up later, if that's alright?"

"No, it's okay." She hesitated before continuing, "I'm just worried, once you know what I have done and who I am…” She trailed off, holding her arms in an almost hugged way. “That you'll kick me out, even began to hate me like everyone else. Or even-" She went silent, looking at the floor.

What has she done? I wondered, but I kept quiet about my curiosity.

"Well, as long it's what you have done, and not what you will do, then I have no reason to kick you out," I reasoned, hoping my cheerful tone would rub off on her.

I could tell she was doubting what I said, but there was nothing more I could do to get through her. Whatever had happened to her and how she had been treated, might have left her traumatized. I would never let her down like those cliché stories in fiction.

"Sonata, why don't you just sit down and take a rest. We'll be heading back out in an hour, hour and a half at most." I looked at her with a reassuring smile.

"You say that now, but once you know, will you still be willing to help me?" she mumbled under her breath as she sat back down on the couch. Her sentence was barely audible, but I still heard it.

We sat there in a awkward silence as if there was an elusive mist was between us.

I need to break the ice, I thought desperately. But how? Just then I heard a low growling noise. I was no detective, but after Sonata glanced down at her stomach, the culprit was crystal clear.

"Sonata, are you hungry?" I asked, suddenly realizing we hadn't eaten anything since we left Rarity's place. "Do you want something to eat?"

"Yes," she replied in a low voice. "Do you have any tacos?"

"Tacos?" I queried. "Why tacos?"

"I am- well, I was on a quest to try as many foods as possible," Sonata explained. "I never got a chance to try the different type of tacos."

I couldn't tell if she was being serious, or if she was just trying to lighten the atmosphere, but I didn't question further.

"Well, I don't have any tacos, but I can order some that be here within ten minutes!" I replied with a smile.

She nodded at my explanation, a small smile on her face, but that happy notion quickly faded.
                                           

***


True to my word, after I ordered the tacos over the phone it wasn't long before they arrived. Sonata was very eager to try them. I passed her a taco and she practically teared through it!

As we ate, I looked at my phone to see we had a little over a hour left before we were supposed to me back over at Rarity's.

"Sonata we will be leaving in forty minutes, okay?"

"Okay," she responded half-heartedly, almost mumbling. Sonata wiped some crumbs of tacos shell off her face.

I'm sure once I know who Sonata really is and what she might have done it won't cause me to change my opinion of her, will it? Maybe, I hope not! Whatever she did can't be that bad, can it? Why would she think I would kick her out? The more I thought about this, the less sure I was becoming.


> First Impression
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After forty minutes or so had passed, we left the house to go meet up with Rarity. Sonata had calmed down after she finished her tacos, declaring them "Awesome" and "the best food ever." Thoughts about what she was going to say were constantly on my mind, but I tried to clear it so I could be there to support Sonata. 

There's nothing so bad that would make me kick her out. She didn't murder anyone, right?

We arrived at the Carousel Boutique a couple of minute ahead of time, so we decided to wait inside. Rarity didn't seem too busy when we came in. so we found a place to wait until she was done. We didn't stay sitting long, as Rarity was just finishing putting up the last of the clothes for the day. Once she was done and satisfied with everything, she led Sonata and I out the door and towards Sugarcube Corner.

"Oh, I almost forgot! I told Fluttershy we'd would meet her at the shelter!" Rarity exclaimed as she glanced down at her phone. "I hope that's not too much to ask?" I shook my head to show it was fine by me, although I never been to the shelter before. I didn't know how far it was.

"Is the shelter far from here?" I queried.

"No, it's fairly close by," Rarity responded as she locked the boutique door.

"Okay, then. Lead the way." I gave a small smile.

It was a quick walk from Carousel Boutique to the shelter, five minutes at most, I was sure. When we arrived at to the brick building, there were two girls sitting on the steps, chatting. One was Fluttershy. She wore nothing flashy, just a simple olive green skirt with three butterflies on it coupled a white tank top.

What did surprise me was the second girl. Sunset Shimmer was there, wearing her black biker jacket, a dark magenta shirt with a setting sun in the middle. Her skirt was orange with stripes of purple and mango coloring on the right side. Sunset, from what I remember, wasn't the nicest person at the school. Actually, she had been a bully to everyone at Canterlot High, but for reasons unknown to me she had a change of heart at the Fall Formal.

"Fluttershy! Sunset! Over here!" Rarity called out to the two as they were talking.

At this point, I felt Sonata behind me, trying her best not to be seen, yet she wasn't too close to be clingy.

"Sunset, darling, I didn't know you volunteered at the shelter with Fluttershy!" Rarity exclaimed after giving Sunset and Fluttershy hugs.

"Oh, I don't," Sunset responded. "I just came to give Fluttershy a hand with all the animals today. Partly so I'd be here when you met up with Fluttershy." Sunset turned, and suddenly she was staring directly at Sonata and me.

"Rarity, who's your friend over there?" Sunset asked, her eyes still on us.

When Fluttershy saw us, she passed me a small wave. I spoke to the timid girl once and awhile, usually during class, but we had no conversation more than small chat.

"Hello," I said to the three girls, giving them a two finger wave before Rarity had a chance to say anything. I won't lie, Sunset was still a little intimidating, even though she had stopped bullying other students.

"Oh yes, these two. They will be join us at Sugarcube," Rarity answered her friends.

"Really? Didn't you say you have something important you wanted to talk to us about?" Sunset questioned back.

"Yes I did, Sunset, and it involve these two, mainly her," Rarity said, placing a hand on Sonata's shoulder. My friend instinctively flinched from the touch.

"Her?" Sunset came closer to Sonata to get a better look at her. Sonata lowered her head even lower to avoid being looked at.

Before Sunset got any closer, I quickly gave a slice-throat motion with my hands, then signaled Sunset to follow me back over to where Fluttershy and Rarity were standing.

"What was that about?" Sunset questioned, once we was out of earshot of Sonata.

"Well the thing is, that girl over there. Her name's Sonata." I thumbed back at Sonata who was now twirling her hoodie string nervously.

"Sonata? I think I remember that name," Sunset commented, brow furrowing as she searched her mind.

"Darling, she was one of the Dazzlings," Rarity answered her.

"What!" Sunset's eyes widened in disbelief. "Did she do something?"

"Well, no, she didn't do anything but-"

"Can we talk about this back at Sugarcube?" I interrupted. "Sonata's my friend; I have a feeling she might try to run away before meeting the rest of you girls if we don't hurry up." I looked at Sonata.

"Why do you say that?" Sunset asked me.

"I'd rather not say," I responded, recalling how Sonata reacted after we left Rarity's boutique.

I received questioning look from all three of the girls, but thankfully they asked nothing more about the matter. With this understanding, I called Sonata over and we began to walk to Sugarcube.

All the while, I was aware of Fluttershy's nervous teal gaze following Sonata's movements. No, it wasn't nervousness. Her gaze was filled with terror. When Sonata lifted her head and made eye contact with the timid girl, Fluttershy must have seen the little cuts and bruises. Her terrified expression melted into one of concern.

                                                                
***


After a good half hour silent walk, we finally made it to Sugarcube Corner. As we entered the café shop which, decorated with all type of sweets like cake, donuts, cupcake, and biscuits, I breathed in the aroma of candy and the confections.

"It smells nice in here," I remarked, trying to lighten the mood. Sonata nodded slightly, at least acknowledging my comment.

Rarity lead us toward a table where three other girls was chatting away. Well, the rainbow hair girl was chatting, at least. She was Rainbow Dash, the confident leader of almost every sports team at school. Consequently, she knew almost everyone at CHS.

"Hello, girls!" Rarity greeted her friends warmly as she came closer to the table.

"Howdy, Rar'," the blonde country girl responded casually. I knew her. Applejack.

I knew who these girls was, since they were the big news around school. Rarity, Sunset, and Fluttershy sat down. I felt a bit awkward and out of place as I looked at the table full of girls. I was about to find a table nearby until the puffy pink-haired girl, Pinkie Pie, noticed us. She was someone I knew all too well.

"Heeeeey, Blitz! What'cha you're doing here? Oooooh, who's she?" Pinkie pointed at Sonata. 

"New friend? Cousin? Long lost sibling?!"

I looked to Rarity eye pleading her for help against the onslaught of questions. Before either of us can do anything, Pinkie was already out her seat and literally bouncing around Sonata. Sonata was already in a panic, tensing up with wide, uncertain eyes. I'm sure she thought she was about to be attacked by Pinkie.

"Pinkie-" I began.

Suddenly, Pinkie managed to get too close to Sonata. She pulled Sonata's hood down in quick movement. There was a collective gasp from the other girls as Rainbow Dash and Applejack shot up from their seat. All this happened under ten second flat.

"What is she doing here?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, standing up in protest.

"Mind explain' why ya let her tag along, Rar'?" Applejack asked at the fashionista.

"Applejack, Rainbow Dash, please! If you calm down a little and let Sonata here sit down-"

"Sit down? With us? Why? I'm not sitting anywhere near her after what she and her sisters did! If she stays, then I'm leaving," Rainbow Dash cut in, hatred and anger laced in her tone.

"I'm with Dash here. I'm not staying if she stays," Applejack added.

"Hey, wait a minute girls," I tried to cut in, but my voice went unheard.

"Hey Blitz, be careful! She might try to control your mind." Pinkie added making her eyes swirl and a hypnotic fashion.

"Don't do that dance again," Fluttershy warned her softly.

"Control my mind? What do you mean?" I was at a complete loss now.

"I knew I shouldn't have come," Sonata blurted before spinning around and running straight out the door.

"Sonata!" But she was gone before I could stop her.

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash went silent as they looked at Sonata. Sonata ran out the door in confusion, not giving a moment of hesitation.

"What the- why did she ran out like that?" Pinkie queried nervously. "Did I upset her?"

"Dammit! Rarity, can you explain things to them while I go get Sonata?" I asked hurriedly before I ran after Sonata.

"Applejack! Rainbow Dash! I cannot believe you two!,"  was the last thing I heard Rarity say before I was completely out of the building.

I looked around for the lost girl. Luckily, there weren't many pedestrians walking around, so it was easy for me to find her. I spotted Sonata sitting on the other side of the street.

"Sonata, are you okay?" I asked her when I came near.

"No." was all she said. Her voice was flat, except for an undertone of annoyance. Clearly, ‘I'm not alright, idiot’. I got the feeling that was the thought swimming through her head.

I was sure she wanted to cry. I could even see it on her face: her lip was trembling, her eyes were downcast and focused on a single spot on the ground. And yet she was holding back her emotions. 

Why? I sat down beside her. When will Rarity calm the others down? How can I help Sonata? Stay here? Take her home?

"Sonata, let's just wait here 'till things calm down with Rainbow and AJ inside. Then we can go back in. If things won't change and they won't be nice to you, then we can go back home. Okay?" I gave her a reassuring smile.

"I don't think they will help me, but it would be nice to be forgiven," she said softly. She reached into her pocket and took out a gem pendent. It wasn't whole, however. Thin strands of glue lined the crimson fragments. She had put it back together after something had shattered it.

"What's that?" I queried.

"This is my gem. I used to ruin other's lives with it," she replied flatly. I stared at the gem.
How could she use this to ruin other people's lives? As I stared at it, however, I felt myself being drawn towards it; as if Sonata's broken pendant was the only thing I needed. As soon Sonata tucked her gem back into her pocket, I snapped back into reality, blinking my eyes a few times.

"Hey, are you ready to head back in?" I asked her, still a bit dazed. "I'm sure things have settled down."

"I think so," she answered hesitantly. I stood up and offered a helping hand to Sonata. She took hold and we went back to the café.

As soon as I opened the door I realized that Rarity had thankfully been able to fix the problem. As I made my way back to their table, I felt Sonata hug closer to my side as we drew near. Only then did I notice that Pinkie Pie wasn't there.
> A Siren
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonata and I sat down at the table with the five girls. No one said a word as I looked around. Rainbow Dash and Applejack refused eye contact with both me and Sonata.

"Hey, listen," Rainbow began, her magenta gaze tracing the table. "We're sorry for yelling at you like that."

"Yeah, we should've let ya speak first." Applejack admitted.

Sonata didn't answer them.

Break the awkwardness before it gets too awkward! I thought.

"Rarity!" I blurted out. "You said you knew something about Sonata. I'm pretty much left in the dark about who she is." I caught everyone off-guard, surprise shown in all their expressions.

"Wait, you don't know who she is?" Sunset asked.

"Nope, I just recently met her," I answered back.

"That means ya don't know what she is either then?" Applejack asked of me.

"Yeah, that too," I answered. I suppose at this point, they're being so vague nothing would have 
shocked me.

What else can Sonata be besides human? I wondered.

"Well can you girls tell me what she is first?" I asked, mentally readying myself to hear the truth.

"Ohh, that's easy! She's a Siren!" Pinkie appeared from who-knows-where.

I was not ready for that. Maybe I heard that wrong.

She's a what now?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"A Siren!" she repeated, now sitting back down.

"A Siren. As in, the mythological being." I stared at Sonata in disbelief. "Like, the ones that send sailors to their death with their songs?"

"Not exactly what Sonata did, but yeah, that Siren," Sunset confirmed.

I don't believe it. A Siren, she's a Siren. I looked to the other girls for an objection, but they gave none.

"Oh I know! I got a video from the Battle of the Bands! You wanna see it?" Pinkie asked pulling out her phone.

"Please." I'm sure I had only a blank expression on my face; I was already dumb by this point.

"Ah, wait there Sugar cube, might want to know some things before ya see that video," Applejack cut in.

"Like what?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Like how the Sirens are evil-." Rainbow said before being cut off.

"Were evil," Rarity clarified.

"Were evil, and they still could be for all we know!" Rainbow finished, rolling her eyes. "The point is, they tried to take over the school by brainwashing and turning everyone against each other!"

"That, not including turning everyone against us," Fluttershy added, speaking for the first time since we've been here.

"How come you girls wasn't affected by it then?" I asked curiously.

"I think it was because our magic protected us from their song," Sunset responded.

"Not fully, though," Applejack added, pushing her hat back.

"Really?" I asked, and everyone nodded in unison. "Pinkie can I see that video now?"

"Okie dokie loki!" Pinkie handed me her phone and earbuds. The video already up on screen(plus link).

"Thanks," I answered, looking at the phone.

"I'll be right back!" Pinkie jumped up and left the table.

I put in the ear buds and watched the video on Pinkie's phone. I watched as Sonata and two 
other girls were transformed into half-pony people. I watched as the camera shifted to see Rarity and her friends playing another song, also as half-pony people.

Projections of actual sirens flew into the air next. I watched as they sang forcefully against the Rainbooms. Sunset picked up the microphone. She began to sing, though the audio wasn't clear enough for me to hear her song. The Rainbooms joined in, a giant blue horse appeared in the sky and suddenly the siren projections were gone, and Sonata lay on the stage, defeated, with her sisters.

This doesn't look edited at all. And why would the school ever need a video like this? Oh my gosh, it's too real to be fake! I thought.

"I'm baaack!" Pinkie called. "Here you go! I baked you a cupcake." Pinkie handed Sonata a cupcake with turquoise and navy frosting, matching Sonata's hair.

Sonata took the cupcake and looked at Pinkie. "Why?"

"Because you look sad, duh! I won't have anyone around me sad, and my cupcakes are sure to put a smile on your face immediately!" Pinkie replied with a bright smile on her face.

Sonata looked at the cupcake skeptically before taking a bite out of it. True to Pinkie's word, a smile spread on Sonata's face instantly.

"Told you!" Pinkie smiled before sitting back down and taking her phone from me. "So, Blitz? What did you think of the video?"

"..."

"Blitz, darling, are you alright?" Rarity asked, concerned.

"Ah," was the only thing I could say.

"Blitz are you okay?" Sunset asked, looking directly at me.

"I'm sorry, girls, would you excuse me?" I asked as I got up and went to the front counter.

"I don't think he's okay," I heard Rainbow Dash mutter as I ordered from Mrs. Cake.

"Excuse me, may I get a vanilla smoothie with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top? And send to that table over there?" I pointed to the girls' table. Mrs. Cake nodded. "Thank you." I then proceeded into the guy's bathroom.

It seemed like the bathroom empty. Good. I took of my hoodie, rolled it into a ball, and shoved my face into it.

And screamed.

I was prepared to hear something like, 'She's a thief, murderer, heck, even an arsonist, but a siren? A REAL siren? Who's evil and tried to take over the entire school?! I thought wildly. Oh, gosh, I'm sure most of the student body wants to get back at her for that!

I stared at myself in the mirror. "What am I about to get myself into?"

Sighing, I put my hoodie on and left out of the restroom. As I returned to the table, I was happy to see that my smoothie was there. Sitting down I could see that everyone else had gotten them self something to drink. Pinkie, being Pinkie, was trying her best to put a smile on Sonata's face, but she was not succeeding. Sonata only gave a disheartened smile, and not the happy one Pinkie no doubt wanted.

"Are you alright there, Sugarcube?" Applejack asked, giving me the same worried look.

"Yeah, I'm alright now," I lied.

"If ya say so." She eyed me suspiciously.

"Sunset, I'm surprised that you were actually helping them, considering how you were practically a tyrant at school." As those word left my mouth, I regretted them. I hadn't thought that through. "Sorry, no offense."

"None taken," Sunset told me, clearly somewhat taken by it. "I mean, you weren't there when I tried to become good again. I've tried, and I think I've succeeded." She said with a weak smile.

"Anyways, Sonata, why were you and your sister brainwashing people?" I asked, still trying to wrap my brain around everything.

"To make people adore us, and for power," she responded flatly.

"Power? How would you get power from brainwashing everyone?" I asked.

"We brainwashed people and made them hate each other. Then we'd feed off the negative energy that they gave off," she answer in a low voice.

"And what happened to the people after you brainwashed them? When you were done feeding off their negative energy?" I had a good idea what had happened to them, but I wanted to hear it from Sonata.

Sonata went quiet as she twiddled her fingers. I was worried I had upset her again. "A few of them went back to normal after some time passed, but most of them got into fights and ended up in jail." Sonata answered just as I was going to apologize for asking. She looked away from the table.

"Something else happened didn't it?" Applejack queried.

"Adagio used to tell me that people would just argue and fight a lot, while others would move away."

"Use to? What does she tell you now?" Rainbow Dash asked impatiently, leaning forward.

"She told me-"

"That's enough!" I interrupted. "I have a good idea of what she told you." Changing my mind of wanting to hear it, from what I could guess, it was worse then I had originally thought. Sonata already have a bad image as it is.

"You do? Then tell me what happen!" Rainbow demanded.

I looked around the table. I could see that Applejack, Sunset, Rarity, and Fluttershy knew what had happened. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were clueless.

"Rainbow Dash, think about it! If you got into a fight with someone and you were brainwashed to hate them, what is the most extreme thing you would want to do to them?" No way would I say the D-word out loud.

"Ha, if I got into a fight and was brainwash I would..." Both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie caught on. "Oh."

We sat there in silence as we finish the rest of our drinks.

"Hey, are those guys over there staring at us?" Rainbow Dash spoke up. She jerked her thumb back in reference to the guys in question.

"What guys?" I asked, turning to see where she was pointing.

Sure enough, there was a group of eight boys giving us a cold glare. No, not at us, I realized. They're looking at Sonata. Not good. Not good at all.

"Yeah, I think they might be jealous that I'm the only guy sitting at a table full of girls!" I joked.

"Oh, I have a idea!" Pinkie exclaimed, looking at Sonata.

"Ay hope it ain't another party idea," Applejack remarked.

"No way! This is much more serious than a party!" Pinkie exclaimed, looking serious indeed.

"More serious than a party?" Rarity was wide-eyed. “This I just have to hear.”

"Yeah! Let's help Sonata make some new friends!" Pinkie suggested. "Then, once she has some friends, we can throw her a party!"  A broad smile stretched across Pinkie's face.

"That's a good idea, Pinkie. Except for one problem," Sunset began.

"What's that?" Pinkie asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Remember how long it took me to be accepted? I don't think anybody at CHS is ready to befriend Sonata yet," Sunset reminded us.

"Then let's start off Monday by finding some kids who are willing to!" Pinkie countered. "They know how good you are, maybe they'll think Sonata's like you!"

"It wouldn't hurt to at a least try that," Fluttershy added in.

"Yayz! We start Monday!" Pinkie exclaimed, blowing up a balloon already. In my opinion, she was already looking way too excited for this.

"Blitz, is that all you wanted to know?" Rarity asked, turning to me. I nodded.

"For now, yeah," I replied as I glanced around the café. Most of the boys had left, except for three. These three were now eyeing us with stone-cold stares.

Is anybody else staring? I was turning around in my seat. Farther in the back, two other figures were staring our way. One wore a purple hoodie, the other was cloaked in a green hoodie. Their hoods shaded their faces; I couldn't see their eyes or their specific gaze. They must have noticed me, because moments later they were out the cafe's doors. Still, I was uneased by them.

"Great! Then how about we exchange numbers with you?!" Pinkie exclaimed, bringing her phone out again.

"Wait, what?" I was surprised.

"We're going to need your number if we're going to call you or if you need to call us!" Pinkie explained.

"Yeah, sure," I answered. Taking out my phone, I exchanged numbers with everyone.

"Alright, then. It's getting late so Sonata and I are gonna head home now, okay?" I stated. When I got up, I took another look at the three guys.

"See you later!" Pinkie exclaimed waving at us.

After saying goodbye and paying for our drinks, Sonata and I left the café and headed home. As we walked, an uneasy feeling took hold of me. I glanced back, to that those boys were following us!

I grabbed Sonata by her waist and pulled her close to me. The action earned a surprised yelp from her.

"Shh," I whispered. "We're being followed by those guys from the café, and I don't think they want to talk." When I risked another glance, I noted they were increasing their pace.

"What do we do then?" Sonata asked, worried.

"We won't be able to outrun them, so if they get too close, I want you to run away from them, as fast as you can. Okay?"

"But then you would have to face them yourself! You can't take on three guys all by yourself!" Sonata's whisper rose in worry.

"They're after you, I'm sure they won't attack me. If they do, don't worry. I can handle myself," I responded, lightly patting my back pocket.

"But you can't beat them all," Sonata objected.

"I never said I was going to. Sonata, just keep walking until I say run. Run home in don't look back. Got it?" I tried to be stern.

"But-"

"No buts, I'll be fine. I'm fast, light on my feet, and a quick dodger so I won't be hurt," I explained with reassurance.

We continued to walk a little more. I kept my senses on alert. Listening for them. Glancing back to see if they were still following us. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. They were charging towards us!

"RUN!" I yelled, giving Sonata a little push forward. She stagger a little before began to run, and then I turned around to face the boy's head on.

> *A1* Time to Run
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I turn around as I watch the three guys sped towards my way, none of them look like they was going to slow down.

I can't believe I'm about to do this, but there no going back now. I thought to myself, taking a step back to give myself enough room for a fight.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit afraid, the fact that I'm up against three guys coming at me at full speed only made me even more worried. Without missing a step one of them launch at me, this person look familiar with his Deputy shades, but I didn't have time to think on it as I had to dodge a punch he throw at my face. One of his friends try to follow up on his attack by trying to kick me from below which cause me to jump back.

"Hey, why are you guys attacking me so suddenly?" I asked, hoping to at least get myself some answer and maybe stop this fight while it was still fresh.

"Because you're with one of those sirens," said one of the guys who had spiky white hair and a white hoodie.

"And anyone who helps those sirens is an enemy to us," said another with mint green hair and a orange shirt.

"That is, unless you're willing to take us to her," said the guy with the Deputy shades, with a small smirk on his face.

I knew what Sonata did was wrong and that she do deserve to have some kind of punishment, but these guys look like they seriously wanted to hurt her and anyone who helps her. I'm sure Sonata and her sister had more than one reason as to why they was doing this, I'll just have to asked her once I get away from these guys.

"So, what's it going to be? Help us or fight us?" asked the one with the white hoodie on.

I looked to the guys seeing them spread out, I knew the moment I say no to them they would attack me from all sides.

"And if I do decide to take you to her, what will you do?" I asked, hoping that it wouldn't be something extreme and maybe I can get them to talk it out.

All three of the started to chuckle to themselves, almost evilly.

"We will do many, many things," The guy with the deputy shades said with a smile. "Things that no one will ever care about since it them." He said in a silent voice.

Yep, these guys are bad news. I thought to myself.

"No, I won’t take you to her." I said, keeping an eye on them.

"Well then," The one with the white hair said, looking at me with a sickly grin. "Suit yourself." He said rushing at me full speed.

I jump backward from his punch, I tried to dodge to the left only to get nearly elbowed in my side from one of his friends. I was dodging punches and kicks from left to right, trying my best to keep them all within my line of sight while looking for any opening. One of the guys, the one with the Deputy shades, got a little greedy with his attack and start attacking me wildly. He was punching and kicking so much he wasn't even aiming at me, he was just trying to hit me with as much force as he can muster up. Using that to my advantage I waited till he through another punch, the moment he did I counter it by grabbing his wrist and punching him right in the shades. The hit cause him to stagger back, throwing his, now crack, shades to the grounds.

"Now you've messed up big time buddy. He said, taking out a switchblade and flicking it open.

"Hmm, I guess our friend here had enough of you." The one with the mint hair said.

Now I was in full panic, I took a few steps back staring at the blade in his hand. I looked back up to the guys who was now slowly advancing on me and I saw something that made my heart drop. I saw that all three of them had glowing green eyes and a evil smile on their face, this was like something out of a nightmare or horror movie. I knew if I didn't get out of here now, I might not make it back home. So I then turn tails and ran, I ran for my life cause it was now on the line.

"He's making a break for it, get him!" I heard one of them yelled as a ran.

Why did I decide to take them on, why didn't I just go straight to the police, hack I could have went back to Sugarcube and got help. I thought as I ran.

I ran straight into an alley hoping to lose them in there.

FWWSH

That was a rock, a rock that just flew past my head. They're now throwing rocks at me! I prayed that their aim was bad while running. 

Luckily for me their aim seems to be off, but not far off as I felt a few wiz past my ear. I was in a full panic run until I felt a rock hit me in my leg and I fall over.

"Finally... I got... you." One them said between breaths, as they stop running and walk towards me.

I tried to get up and make another run, but I felt a sharp pain in my right leg.

"Aggg!" I scream out in pain, I looked around to see that I was stab in the leg.

"Thought you was going to try and make another run did you?" He said pulling the blade out.

I tried to get up, but he kick me right in the wound, causing me to drop back down in pain.

"And you're still trying to run," he said, wiping his blade clean of my blood.

I tried to crawl away with my injured leg, but I didn't get far when foot stomped down on my back.

"Aggg!" I cried out in more pain.

"Don't worry we're not going to kill you." Said the one with the spiky hair, as he whisper in my ear.

"We're just going to teach you a nice little lessoned." The mint hair one said, pulling me up off the ground and onto a wall.

After those word it was nothing but pain and agony as I was been beating against the wall. I was been hit all over to the point I felled onto the ground, they continue with their assault by kick me and my stomach and back. When they was done the guy with the switchblade lean down and stab me in my leg again telling me next time they won't go easy on me, then they all left me. I was left there on the cold ground gasping for air as my whole body was hurt all over. After laying there for a while I sat up and took off my hoodie and shirt, ripping my shirt to make some makeshift bandage. After bandaging my leg, I got up slowly and stumbled my way home, wishing for this day to be over.
> Calm of The Rain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After an agonizing twenty minute stumbling walk home, I looked around to see if Sonata was waiting for me. I didn't see her and I was starting to get worry.

Leaning against the wall, I looked up to the now darken sky. Did I really let Sonata go home by herself this late, she don't even have a key to my place. I relies.

"Blitz, is that you?" I heard Sonata say, rushing out from the shadows.

I turn my head to see her running out of her hiding spot, which was behind some large bushes. Once she got close, I could tell just from the look on her face, I was and a pretty bad shape. I already knew I was going to have some swelling around my face and a few bruises on my chest and back, but all I wanted to do was go in, fix myself up, and go to bed. As I pushed myself off the wall, I walk to the door with a small limp in my step. Sonata looked down at my leg and saw the ragged rip cloth tied around it.

A gasp escaped Sonata mouth as she saw the blood on it. "What happen to your leg?" Sonata asked, coming over to help me stand up straighter.

"Stuff," I said, as I unlock the door and we both went inside. "Stuff happened." Clearly this wasn't the answer she wanted to hear, but I wasn't going to tell her in detail what happen.

Closing the door, I went and sat down on the couch in the living room and asked Sonata to get me a first aid kit I had in my room. After she got the first aid kit and sat down, I manage to properly clean the wounds and blood, added two stitch bandages on both stab area and wrapped it with gauze tape. Judging from how large the stab look, I guess the blade was at least 1 inch in width, but it didn't look like I will be needing any stitches.

I looked over to see Sonata staring at my injured leg. "Sonata don't worry, I should be all heal after a few weeks." I hoped, thinking these stabs might actually mess up my athletic ability. That seems to ease her a little, but not fully.

Getting up and stumble into the kitchen, I grab me some ice so I can put it on my swollen jaw. I looked back to see Sonata fiddling with her hair. I don't know what was going through her mind right now, but I could take a few guesses and probably wouldn't be far off from the mark. Considering how tired I was and how much that beating took out of me, I decided It was best to turn in for the night and let my brain go on autopilot for awhile.

"Sonata, I'm going to head to bed now, maybe you should do the same thing," I said, walking towards my room.

"Umm Blitz?" Sonata called out, walking up to me.

"Yeah." I replied, turning my head to look at her.

"Where should I sleep?" Sonata asked, looking around.

I was pretty tired and sore from what all happen tonight, that's including how confuse I was after that talk at with Rarity and her friends. So I spoke absent mindedly not really thinking or caring for what I said. "You can sleep in the living room on the couch or sleep in here with me, I don't care which one. Just when you do go to sleep make sure all the lights are off first, okay." I said drawn out, not trying to sound harsh. Sonata nodded to me before walking off to the living room.

Looked like she choose the couch then, guess I should think more about where she will be sleeping tomorrow. I thought to myself as i watch her walk off.

Suddenly Sonata stop and turned backed towards me giving me hug with a small kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for helping me, and I'm sorry you had to get hurt because of me." She said, she then turned backed around in went into the living room.

I stood there momentarily stun before the pain and my leg got to me. Going into my room and closing the door, I switch into my more comfortable clothes to sleep in, a thin tank top and a pair of shorts. Laying down in bed, I tried to think about all that have happen today, what had happen yesterday and what might happen in the following days. As far as I know. I am now part of this even if I like it or not.





Waking up early in the morning, I looked over to my alarm clock to see it was 4:42 AM. Not wanting to wake up till it was somewhere around 7AM, I closed my eyes and try to get some more sleep. As I turn over in my bed, I heard a faint almost non-audibled light snoring. I slowly open my left eye. Even though it early in the morning and the sun was just starting to coming out, I saw a strain of light blue hair over Sonata sleeping face.

I thought she was going to sleep in the living room. Well now that I think about it, she didn't say where she would sleep, all she did was gave me a node. But still, to think she would actually choose to sleep here. I thought, before sighing internally. 

I tried once again to fall asleep, but to no avail. Seeing as I wasn't going to be heading back to sleep, I decided to start my day. Slowly getting out of bed so I won’t wake up Sonata, I got up only to remember how bad my leg hurt. Biting the bullet after mistakenly putting extra pressure on my injured leg and dealing with the small pain, I grab me some clothes and towel in went to go to take a shower. After my shower and rewrapping of new gauze tape, I went back to my room to see if the shower had woken Sonata up.

"Please..." I heard Sonata pleading in her sleep. "Please don't leave me."

She must be thinking about her sisters. I thought.

"I'm sorry." She said with a tear falling from her eye.

What could she be dreaming about? Did she do something she regretted or was she being hurt and wishing for the pain to stop? I wonder.

“I dont want to be alone.” She whimper in her sleep.

Guess that why she decided to sleep in here. I concluded.

Wiping a tear away from her face, I went to my clothes and retrieve an item I had forgot I had doing the assault. My slingshot. The slingshot was a nice chrome, with a heavy reinforce elastic band, a foldable wrist rest, and a heavy metal body with a rubber foam grip.

I probably would have use this on those guys if that one guy hadn't pull out that switchblade on me. I thought to myself. Thinking back on it, I tried to visualize the one who stab me. He had black hair with two cream color stripes and those blue deputy shades, much to that I didn't really pay much attention to his clothes. Signing, I grab some rubber balls from my dresser and went into the living room. Laying down on the couch, I looked at my slingshot some more before loading it with a rubber ball. Pulling the band back till I felt a small resistant, I release it at the farthest wall. The ball bounce off the wall and came back to me, I kept doing that until I heard Sonata walking in.

"Did I wake you?" I asked, catching the ball and sitting up.

"No." she said, as she brush her hair flat down. "What are you doing?" She asked, sitting down.

"Just shooting some rubber balls with my slingshot, it help take my mind off things." I said, looking out the window.

Strange, it should be around 6AM. Why is it still dark out? I wonder before looking back at Sonata.

"Do you want to try, I can set up a few pillows for you to shoot at?" I said, holding out the slingshot to her.

"For realzies?" She said, looking at the slingshot.

For realzies? Did she really... eh forget it, I don’t even want to know. I thought upon hear those words.
"Sure." I said, getting up and handing her the slingshot. Despite the pain in my leg, I'm still able to walk with effort. Grabbing a few pillows and removing any breakable item from the area, I set up her targeting range and putting a target on the center pillow.

"Don't pull the band back all the way, just enough till you feel a little resistant." I said, lay back down on the couch.

"Okay." She said, with a little excitement to her voice.

This was the first time I've seen a different expression on her face then her sadden look. As she took her aim, sticking her tongue out and closing one eye, she fired, and miss hitting the wall.

“Don’t let your wrist bend when letting go or your shot will be way off.” I said, handed her the rest of the rubber balls as she tried again.

Tink, Tink, Tink

"Huh?" I mutter to myself looking out the window to see that it started to rain, the rain quickly becoming a small storm. "Guess we're not going anywhere today." I said. Truthfully I wasn't plan on leaving anyways.

I closed my eyes as I listen to the rain while Sonata continue to fired at the pillows, occasionally getting up to retrieved the balls. After a few minute Sonata put down the slingshot and retrieved the last few balls that she shot.

"So Blitz, why do you live by yourself?" Sonata asked.

"Its well… complicated..." I trail off. "But I'm not always by myself. Time to Time my sister would come to stay with me, for a day or two." I said, blowing the question away.

"Oh yeah, Rarity did mention you have a sister." Sonata said as she went back to brushing her hair, clearly she was still thinking. "Is your sister older or younger than you?"

I looked at her curiously, this was the first time she actually was asking questions about me.

"Well... she's actually my twin, but older." I said.

Maybe this would be a good time to ask about her sisters? I thought, looking back at her. She must have beaten me to that thought, because her face went back to its gloomy state. Okay, maybe later I will ask. 

Closing my eyes again, I let my mind wandered off until it came back to last night. Those guys was going after anyone who was seen hanging around Sonata and her sisters, which means...

I quickly rose up as the realization hit me, getting up I went to my room, not quickly as the pain in my leg made that all too clear.

"Is something wrong?" Sonata asked at my surprise movement.

"I don't know yet?" I said as I went into my room and grab my phone. Coming back into the living room and sitting down, Sonata was eyeing me curiously. She got up and came over to where I was sitting, as I went through the recent contact. I called up all six girls and set the phone on speaker.

I’m sure they’re okay, those guys wouldn't hurt them since Sonata was with me, hopefully. I wonder, as I heard the first person answer.

“Hello, Blitz?”

> A Phone Call With Heavy Rain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hello, Blitz?”

I recognized that voice, it was Sunset Shimmer.

“Umm, hey Sunset,” I said a bit awkwardly.

“Yeah hey,” she paused. “I’m surprise you called so soon.”

“Yeah, something happened." I said, as Sonata looked at me. I pointed to my leg then back at the phone, she seem to have relies what I was talking about as she tense up.

"I have you on group call, just waiting for the others to pick up.” I look at my phone to see the other went to voicemail, but there was a text from Rarity saying she would call back shortly. “Well, I was waiting for the others to answer.” I said with an audible sigh.

“They’re most likely busy, like Applejack helping her family farm or Pinkie Pie at Sugercube Corner Café. So what did you call for?”
From the way Sunset spoke, it didn't seem like she face any problem or voiced concern. She must have not face any trouble yesterday.

“I just call to see if you girls was okay and nothing happen.” I said.

“Well nothing happen to us yesterday.” Her speech was slow and drawn out.

I look back over to Sonata who seems to have ease at hearing that.

“But you said something happen," Sunset said, now expecting me to answer that.

“Oh, err, yeah something did, I just got into a fight with 3 of those guys we saw back at the Café” I said, not really wanting to say what really happen.

“Wait a fight, are you okay, you're not hurt badly are you.” Sunset asked with a sudden worried voice.

“Oh yeah, I'm fine, just a few bruises but nothing worse.” I lied.

“What do you mean nothing worse, you was stabbed!" Sonata spoke up loud enough for Sunset to hear.

"Stab, that sounds a lot worse. Are you okay?" Sunset worriedly asked over the phone.

Sonata really, I lied for a reason. I said internally as I looked at her. She wore a face of confusion and worry.

Sighing, “Yeah I was stab, but it was in the leg, I dou- I was cut off from the incoming call. “That must be Rarity.” I said answering and putting her in our call.

“Hello~,” Rarity sing-songed. “You called?”

“Hey Rarity.” Sunset spoke up first.

“Sunset? Did I call the wrong number?” I heard her shifting on the other side.

“No, you're on a three way line. It's just me, Sonata, you and Sunset.” I answered before she got the idea of hanging up and trying again.

“Oh,” she chuckled to herself. “So what did you call for?”

“Well I was just calling to see if you girls were okay.” I said, even though I already heard that they was.

“Okay, why?” Rarity asked, suspicious.

“Blitz was attacked by those guys we saw at Sugercube and was stabbed!" Sunset said before I got the chance to.

The way she said it, it made it sounded like I should be in the hospital. I thought.

“Stab? Oh Blitz you're not in the hospital are you?” She was now worried as well.

This is why I didn't want to tell them, I didn't want them to worried. I thought looking back at Sonata to see her face growing into one of concern as she sat idly tapping her fingers together, taking a quick glance at my injured leg. I instantly felt bad, she was only concerned about my injuries.

“No I'm not in the hospital,” I said, thinking back to what those guys said. “But I wanted to warned you all that those guys who attack me, they are attacking anyone who seems to be friends with Sonata or her sisters."

“Really, that's strange.” Sunset said as her voice went silent.

“What do you mean, strange?” I asked confused.

“She means, after you and Sonata had left, three other guys had left shortly after you two.

“So what strange about that, it must have been the same three that attacked me.” I said still confused.

“Well when they had left, they didn't looked or even glance our way. I think…” Sunset took a small pause. “I think they believe we aren't friends with Sonata.”

“Why would they think that.” Sonata said with a bit of sadness in her voice. “Wait, are they even my friends?” she questioned herself.

“Sunset darling, I don't mean to sound rude, but what you said doesn't make any sense. Sonata had been sitting at our table the whole time, so why would they think that?” Rarity asked.

In truth I was asking the same question, by my point of view, we all was chatting away at the table like friends. So what part of that wouldn't make it seem like they wasn't friends. But I decided not to ask and just see where Sunset was going with this.

“Well…” Sunset gave another pause. “Well remember how Rainbow Dash and Applejack reacted when Sonata came in?”

“Of course, it was so embarrassing and also very rude.” Rarity said with disgust.

“Well think about it from another perspective, the scene made it look like we was bullying Sonata. And when she ran out only Blitz chase after her.”

It was starting to make sense, from another view it would seem like they was the bully, with Pinkie pulling Sonata hood down, and Rainbow Dash and Applejack saying those mean things to her, it would look like they was picking a fight with her. And only I, as her friend, would stand up for her, and when she ran I was the only one who chase after her.

“But what about after we came back in?” I asked, since they didn't do anything else after that.

“Well that… maybe they thought it was an act or something.” She said in a defeated like voice.

“Maybe?” I said quietly, thinking back to the café. “But wasn't they still looking at us, why didn't they just come over and start something?” I asked thinking how they only watch.

Both ends of the line were quiet, neither girl said a word.

Sunset then spoke up first. “Maybe they didn't want to cause a public scene.”

We all went quiet again, neither one knows what to say.

A scene huh, I doubt that was the reason. They could have easily came outside when Sonata ran out. I thought.

“Well, I doubt they would try anything again so soon.” Sunset said, sounding like she wanted to leave that conversation.

“Yeah, that is true. Well I hate to cut our chat short, but I do have work to do. I have to go now, do tell if anything else come up, bye bye.” With that, Rarity hung up. Now it was just me, Sunset and Sonata, who had barely even spoken throughout this conversation.

“Soo… did anything else happen when you was attacked?” Sunset asked.

“Umm, not really.” I thought back, I remember they had glowing green eyes, but it didn't seem important enough to be mention.

“Well, I best be getting off too then, umm call or text if you need anything, kay.”

“Wait!” I said catching Sunset off guard, even Sonata was looking at me curious.

“Yes” Sunset said with surprise.

“I wanted to ask you something,” I clear my throat for a question that been stuck in my head since I saw Sunset with Fluttershy and the girls. “What made you stop being umm... a bully at school, It was the only nice word that came to mind without calling her something that rhymed with witch. “I heard you had changed after something happened during the Fall Formal.”

“Oh well you see…” I heard Sunset fidget on the other side of the call, then she gave a deep sigh and retold to me and Sonata of the event that had happened during the Fall Formal.

She retold how like Sonata and her sisters, she too tried to take over the school with magic and mind control. She explained how her current friends defeated her in a almost same manner as they did with Sonata, and how she wanted to change after that. I had to asked her if she was also a siren, but what she told me was more shocking, she was a pony, not just a regular pony, a unicorn. I didn't want to dive into more details now, since I was still wrapping my head around the siren thing. I had to ask if the other girls was some magical creature. To my surprise, Rainbow Dash and the rest of the girls were not magical creatures. It was starting to get complicated for me. So I told Sunset that I may call her later for more detail, once I have a better understand with the latter info I have now. She actually laugh at that saying it would be far worse once she go into detail, and with that I said goodbye and hung up. Despite her good ways, it still seems she take enjoyment messing with others.

As I hung up the phone, I laid my head back and close my eyes thankful that no one else but me was hurt. Then I became worry that no one else but me was hurt. I open my eyes and looked at Sonata, she didn't have her hair up in a ponytail, but had it flat down. She was twisting the lower ends of her hair like she wanted to braid it, but kept undoing it before she even finish. She didn't look at me or said a word, just sat there, twisting her hair.

“Sonata, is there something on your mind?” I ask her, but she didn't answer.

“Sonata.” I said, snapping my finger a few times in front of her face. That seems to brought her out of her dazed as she looked at me with confusion.

“Is there something on your mind?” I asked her again. She only looked at me worriedly before shaking her head no.

She was lying, but I had no way to point it out. I still didn't know much about her and there was a few question I wanted to asked. Maybe she thought I was going to asked her and she started to become worried again. Putting my phone into my pocket, I laid down on the couch, eyes close.

While I do enjoy peace and quiet, when there someone else in the room and they’re also quiet, it just make everything feel off.

I have to bring something up to talk about. I thought.

“So, Sonata…” I started off not really knowing what to say at this point.

She looked at me, expecting me to say something.

Guess its best that I ask her about her sisters now than later. I thought, but I didn't really know what to say or more likely how to say it. So I decided it would be best to ask her straight out, about her sisters.

“Sonata, can you tell me about your sisters or why your not with them?” I asked flat out.

Sonata stopped her hair twisting as she looked at me, then she looked down at the floor not saying a word. After a few seconds of silent I felt she wasn't going to say anything.

Maybe I should have waited for a better chance to ask, plus she only known me for 3 days. I thought as she kept quiet.

Seeing as I wasn't going to get anything out of her, I decided I would just go and use my Slingshot. Picking up my Slingshot from where Sonata last use it, I grab me a few rubber balls. I didn't really need more than two but it never hurt to have more. Sitting back down, I took aim. Knowing how my shot will ricochet off the wall, I line it up for multiple bounce and return. From my precision, it should bounce off the wall, off the ceiling, off the floor, off the wall, onto and off the table, off the wall again, off the ceiling and back to me. I pulled back my sling and was about to fire until Sonata had spoken.

“They’re not my sisters.” Sonata said lowly.

I looked at her with surprise, I couldn't tell if her voice had anger or sorrow in it.

“What do you mean?” I asked, more surprised as I was about to get some answers.

“They’re not my real sisters, they don't even care about me!” Her voice started to quiver as she said that..

Uh, oh! It look like she's about to cry. I thought looking at her as her eyes teared up.

“I thought we was like family, but they never even cared. I know I mess up sometimes but-but, I did my best!” She started to cry as she lean in on my shoulder. “We even argue a lot, but they always stayed with me. They was my only friends, my only family I had for years, before I've even came to this world.” She weep onto my shoulder. “But once we lost our power, they kicked me out. I don't want to be alone, I don't want to be by myself.”

Now she was in full blown tears as she cried. I wanted to comfort her, but I didn't know how, what do I even say.

I can't say everything is going to be alright, she even knows it, even if I say it. she wouldn't believe me. I looked down at Sonata as she cried on me.

This girl was a wreck on the inside, not only is she hated by everyone, but she was even abandoned by her only family. I know that it was bad and that she was even traumatize, but what made this worse was that she was abandoned by her only family in a strange world and left to face a hostile city alone. She was truly and utterly alone. All I could do was let her cried on me till she felt better, so that's what I did. I put my arms around her and let her cry, I let her cried her pain and sorrows away.

Sometimes no words are needed to help a broken person in pain.
> Coffee
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Sonata's emotional break down ended and her crying subsided, she didn't speak a word. I didn't know what to do, but she seemed to have calm down some. She didn't move her head from my shoulder. She only kept her head and eyes down. I didn't push her away or stand up. I just sat there, confused about what to do. After a few minutes of silence in the air, Sonata finally sat up from where she sat, breaking free of my hold. Wiping her eyes clear, she looked up at me, giving me a wavering smile, like she was okay now. I could see in her eyes that she was still in a lot of pain, but the pain seem to have dimmed for now.

“Are you going to be okay?” I asked her.

She only gave me a nod as her head fell low again, her hair now covering her face from my view. With not much else to say, I brought back up my Slingshot, re aimed and fired. The ball hit all the spots that I predicted it would. Catching the ball, I re aimed it and fired, putting my brain on autopilot, I absentmindedly fired, catched, rinsed and repeated. 

I still didn't know anything more about Sonata, I knew she was traumatized, heartbroken and a loner. But why is she alone, she said her sisters kick her out after they lost their powers, but why?

Catching the ball again, I looked at it, then at Sonata. She's also a siren, I can't forget that. A siren, could she still sing? No, she probably can't. She did said she lost her powers and from that video, I’m guessing their powers are within their voice. Or that amulet she still have with her.

I was starting to get a better understanding as I broked down the details. There was still a few questions I needed answered and only Sonata could answered them for me. One of which was why did they wanted power, what was they planning to do once they had the powers they needed? Then my thought returned to the event of last night.

I have school with those guys, which means I'm going to have to deal with them everyday. I thought, as a visual image of my school days came to mind. Did Sunset have to go through this when she was trying to be accepted by everyone? Did she? I got the strange feeling that the answer to my question will be a “no”, but I will have to asked Sunset about it when I see her.

Taking my mind off of autopilot and putting my Slingshot down, I looked over to Sonata who was laying her head on the couch armrest. She wasn't sleeping as I saw her eyes blink a few times, her hand occasionally moving her hair out of her face. Without much to do, I thought about school. Then I realised,

I still have homework for school tomorrow.





Waking up the next day, I told Sonata I had to go to school. I was going to asked her to come with me, but the sane part of my mind told me that would be a horrible decision. Instead, I told Sonata to stay home and not leave, to never answer the door for anyone (I had a key, I wouldn't need it to be opened for myself), and that she could help herself to anything around the place, since this was her home now. Heading to school, I was pondering in my mind if I should tell Principal Celestia what had happened to me. While the idea seemed like the right thing to do, I dismissed it, figuring that if I was to tell, and those guys got in trouble, some of their friends might come and start looking for me, and I didn't need that!

This is going to be a long day. I sighed.

***

My day at school was unlike anything I imagined it would be. All my friends and teachers was asking me why I had bruises and why I was walking with a slight limp. I told them I got into a fight, but I left out a large amount of detail to the point it sounded like I was jumped in a back alley, which I kinda was. Then there was the guys who attacked me, the whole day they didn’t say a word to me, look at me or even seem to acknowledge my existence. After assaulting and threatening a person you would think they would try and make sure I wouldn't try to report them, but they went through the whole day like nothing ever happened, something about that wasn't right. Lastly was the girls, I figured Sunset or Rarity would have told them about what had happen to me, but I guess hearing and seeing was two different things from how they looked at me when they saw me. From what they told me, neither one of the girls had any run-in with those guys or had any threats towards their way. It was a given seeing as what Sunset said might be true, about how they might looked at me as Sonata’s only friend. Speaking of friends, Pinkie Pie had literally dragged me around school trying to find anyone who would be friends with Sonata. In the end, we were actually able to find a few who were kind enough to give her a chance. By a few, I mean only four girls: Derpy Hooves, Vinyl Scratch, Octavia Melody, surprisingly, and Lyra Heartstrings.  I also asked Sunset about her ordeal when she was trying to do good. She told me that she had some bullies, thrown objects, solitude and even some mean letters, but she was never assaulted by anyone, which only made me wonder why.

I hoped those guys aren’t planning on attacking me on my way home. I thought, leaving out the school door. 

I stopped on the doorstep and started to look around. Seeing as there was no one around following me, I made my way down the steps. Still looking around, I spotted the three guys as they walked out of the school. I watch them nervously as they walked my way, then they turn and walked towards the bus area. They didn’t even bat an eye towards me, they just kept walking and talking to one another. Watching as they got on the bus, I sighed with relief.

It seems that they either decided not to mess with me on school grounds or they was being very cautious. Either or, that means I have time to figure out what to do about them later. I thought, seeing as they wasn’t trying anything so soon.

Looking around some more, I spotted Sunset and the other girls walking the opposite way of me. Feeling a bit happy, that I wasn’t going to have to face an everyday threat, I thought about going over to them and saying “hi”. Maybe while I was there I could see if they wanted to hang out with me and Sonata, I could even get the four girls, who was willing to give Sonata a chance, to come with us. 

As I turned around and began to walk over to the group of girls, I felt my heart drop. I felt my heart dropped and plummet deep in the pit of my stomach, for there was a hand on my shoulder. 

Please tell me this isn’t one of their friends. I silently pleaded to myself.

“Why, hello there sweetie.” A female voice said.

I slowly turned around to see a female wearing a purple hoodie with her hood on. I couldn’t see her face as she kept her head down. She then slowly lifted her head so I could see her face.

This, this is one of Sonata so called sisters. I thought, looking at the girl face. I didn’t know her name and I’m sure Sonata had mention it, but I wasn’t paying to much attention to it at the time. She had some dark shades on, but a sliver of blonde orange curly hair protruded on the side of her face.

“Care to join me for some coffee at a nearby cafe?” She asked.

“Umm, sorry I don't like coffee.” I said, not really wanting to join this girl.

I should probably get back to Sonata. I thought, turning to head home.

Before I could even take a step, I felt her hand brush against my chest as she walk in front of me.

“Really, what a shame.” She said, stopping right in front of me. “But don't worry, they have more than just coffee.”

Is she serious? I looked at her some more. She then gave me a “do I looked like some type of menace to you” type face.

“Yeah, sorry but I-” She then cut me off by putting a finger to my lips and putting her arm through mines.

“I just want to talk, nothing wrong with that, right?” She asked again, looking at me through her shades. “You're not going to leave a girl just standing here?” She tip her head down so her magenta eyes peeped through the top of her shades. “Are you?” She then locked her arm around mines.

I could see now that it wasn't really a question in the matter. She was practically saying “you have no choice in the matter, just follow along”.

Sighing, “Sure, I would love to join you.” I mutter backed.

“Good.” She giggled, pulling me with her, her arm still locked around mines.

What is it with this girl? I thought as she pulled me along with her. This feels like it's going to be a lot more trouble than it’s worth.

> Alone *3rd person short*
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonata stood in the hallway entrance as she watched Blitz grabbed his bag. Giving her a final wave, Blitz closed the door and left. Sonata stood in the entrance now slightly leaning against the wall, hugging herself in the empty house.

She was alone again, but this time she was alone in a empty house.

Sonata stood there in silence as the time ticked by. Blitz had told her not to answer the door or leave the apartment, so Sonata was stuck inside until Blitz came back. 

I’m alone again, by myself, inside this apartment. Its so quiet. Looking around, Sonata eyed the bedroom. Maybe I can use Blitz umm… flingshot, I think it was called.

Pushing herself off the wall, she slowly made her way back into the bedroom. Walking in, Sonata started to look around for where Blitz may have put his slingshot. It wasn't hard to find it Sonata realized, as she opened the closet door. To Sonata surprise, there were multiple slingshots posted on the wall, connected to the door outer frame. There was five different looking slingshots on the wall, Sonata reach out a hand to grab one, but stop mid-way. Slowly dropping her hand away from the slingshots, she pulled her arm back to her chest, gripping her wrist.

I shouldn't touch it, what if I break it and Blitz gets mad at me. Sonata thought as she looked at the slingshots.

Closing the door, not wanting to touch them without Blitz permission, Sonata hazaly walk back into the living room. Eyeing everything in the room around her, not really wanting to touch anything for the fear of making Blitz mad, Sonata sat down on the couch. 

Its so quiet. Sonata thought as new fear ran through her body. 

The eerie quietness made Sonata tense as she stared into space, the loneliness space. Sonata was not used to being alone, she was use to having both Adagio and Aria by her side, but now she didn't have them. What she wanted now was a friend, a friend to help take this loneliness away from her. 

As she glance around the room for something, anything to do, her eyes landed on a photo by the T.V. It was a photo with Blitz in it. 

Blitz, he's my...friend, right? Sonata thought, looking at the picture. No, hes not. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't or he could just want something from me. 

Sonata mind began to shuffled as she debated with herself. He must want something from me, why else is he being nice to me. Sonata mind reeled back to her friends Adagio and Aria, her last few days in the house before she was kicked out. 

Hugging herself as a wave of sadness washed over her, her mind went back to the event of her looking for a place to stay. All those people who turned her away calling her trash, freeloader and a bum, then there was the CHS students who call her even more horrible, mean names.

No, Sonata shooked her head, still staring at the picture blankly. Blitz is kind, he even let me stay here with him. He is kind. Sonata said, trying to convince herself. He didn't chase me like the others did. The memories of being chased through the alleys, streets and back yards, by the students of CHS was still fresh in Sonata’s mind. He didn't throw rocks at me either, Sonata began to perk up. 

“I can trust him.” Sonata said, with a touch smile on her face.

Sonata looked back at the picture of Blitz, standing next to Blitz was another person, a female. That must be his twin sister, she looked just like him, just with longer hair and more... girlier. The thought of the word sister brought Sonata mind back to her own and the word she said. 

Trust? Sonata had trusted Adagio and Aria, then they hurted her and kicked her out. No, I can't trust him, I don't want to be hurt again. 

Sonata laid down on the couch, hands between her legs. Why is he being so nice to me? The thought of Blitz being nice to her then turning around just to hurt her brought a tear to her eye. She finally had a place she could go, a warm house to be in and a safe place to rest. Unlike the  back alleys at night, where she would take shelter, hiding from those who wanted to hurt her.

Sonata closed her eyes. Please let him be someone I can trust, I don't think I can handle trusting someone, just to lose another friend. 

Sonata was fragile at this point, with a broken state of mind. She didn't know who she could trust, and she didn't think she could handle being hurt anymore. After a few minutes of laying on the couch wishing she wasn't being hated, Sonata fell to sleep with one thing truly on her mind. Her one true thought.

I don’t like being alone.

> Dazzling Café Chat (Part 1 of 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The café was a far distance from the school, not to far as I could still see where the school was, but far enough. The café itself looked like a normal diner café, with diner tables laid alongside the walls. Walking into the café, still arm lock with this girl, we made our way to the counter and order our drinks. I bought a large sprite and she got herself a hot vanilla latte, she then pull me towards a table in the far back. When we got to the table, she had sat down and scooted over for me to sit next to her, I eyed her suspiciously. I then drop my backpack on the floor and sat down on the opposite end of the table, that cause her to chuckle a bit as she remove her hood and shades. I got a good look at her magenta eyes as she stared at me with a smirk, then there was her hair, how did she manage to stuff her big fluffy curls within her hood, I would never know. She took a small sip of her latte, sighing as she relaxed.

Okay, lets start looking around for any watchers. I don't want to be caught off guard like I was at Sugarcube. I thought, as I started to look around for the smallest sign of a threat.

“No need to get worked up here sweetie, no ones going to attack you.” She said, as she took another sip of her latte.

How did she know what I was looking for? I thought, as I turn my attention back to the siren before me.

“So… care to tell me who you are, or even your name?” I asked, finally settling in.

She looked at me with a raised eyebrow, like she was studying me.

“Is that what you really want to know or would you prefer to know why I brought you here?" she asked, with a almost wicked grin.

I looked at her as she leaned in on the table, one hand on top of the other.  “Well, it would help to at least know your name.”

She just lean back in her seat, picking back up her latte, she took another sip from it. “My name is Adagio," she said, as she put her latte back on the table.

“Well, Adagio, what did you wanted to talk to me about?” I said, finally taking a sip of my sprite.

“Before so, should you also tell me your name then.” She said.

“My name is Blitz,” I said with a hint of annoyance.

I don't trust her, what is she planning? I thought as she rested her chin on her folded hand, elbow propped up on the table.

“Do you by any chance know a teenage girl with light blue hair, dark blue highlight and raspberry eyes?” She asked, looking at me knowingly.

“No, I don't think I do.” I said, playing dumb.

“Really? Last I heard, you was with her a few days ago.” She said, leaning in on her hands.

I eyed at her as she said that. “Alright, so I do know her.” I said, giving in, seeing as she already knew. She only lean back off, picking up her latte.

“So tell me, do you know who she is?” She asked, eyes close and sipping at her latte.

“I know who she is.” I said leaning in, turning the tables on her. “And I know who you are too.”

To my surprise she didn’t stutter or glance at me, it was like what I just said didn't even fazed her. Putting down her latte, she looked at me with amused looked.

“Well, that just made our little conversation that much easier.” She said with a chuckle. “So tell me, what do you know about her then?”

“Well I…I...” I had to stop there and think. What did I know about Sonata?

“I see.” She said after a few seconds. Putting down her latte, she crossed both her arms and legs. “Well, if you must know, Sonata is not to be trusted.” She said, watching me. “I’m sure you already know what we did back at that school, am I right?”

“Yeah, I know what happen at the school, but why do you say she can't be trusted? She doesn't seem like the type to hurt anyone.” I asked.

She only gave me a raised brow in that response before saying. “Oh she don't seem like the typed. Well, did she say anything about regretting what we have done?”

“Well no, but-”

“Well, if I must remind you, she is a siren after all. And yes, as sirens we can bend and force other wills to our own needs. And she have done that for her whole life. Matter of fact, this café,” she said, presenting the cafe with a free hand. “Was one of the places we had fed on some negative energy. Though Sweet Sonata could never stand to watch someone under our spell die, she had no problem causing them misery and breaking their weak little hearts.” She said, still looking me in the eyes.

I stared at her as her word settle in place. What she said wasn't new to me and I could have guess most of those things, but it never occurred to me just how much Sonata had been involved in this. Just how much she have actually done, staring back at her, I had to form words in my mouth.

“So, from what I heard, I believe she is staying with you. Now that you have a very small understanding about her, what will you do. Will you continue to let her stay with you or will you kick her out, for what she truly is?” She asked, keeping her voice monotone and never breaking eye contact.

“No!” I said without thinking. She look at me in surprised. “What you just said may be true, but I doubt Sonata is still the same as she was before. Just from the small conversations that we had, I could tell how much she regretted the things she have done, even if she don't say it herself. So to answer your question, no I will not kick her out. I already promise to help her and I'm not going back on my word.”

As I finish that statement, I had to stop in think of what I just said. Is that how I truly feel or did I just said that because she was speaking bad about Sonata?

Adagio just sat there, looking at me before closing her eyes with a small smile.

“Is that all you had to say, if so, then I'm just going to take this in leave now.” I said, grabbing my drink and backpack.

“No need to rush home and leave me here by myself. Sonata is a big girl, she can be alone for a few hours, so how about you spend a little bit more time with me. I promise I won't say anything else bad about her.” She said, giving me a pouty face.

I just looked at her, blinking for a few seconds. Am I really a sucker for a pretty, pouty face? I looked at her a little bit longer before sitting back down. I must be. Well, I could at least try to get some answers out of her while I’m still here.

She gave me another smile as she went back to sipping her latte, which looked like she was almost finish with. Drinking my sprite, I started to think up some questions I wanted to asked her. Reaching down in my pocket, I brought out my phone to see how much time had passed by. As I did so, I felt someone sat down where I was and scooted in. Looking over, expecting to see Adagio sitting there, I was greeted by another person instead. It was a female wearing a green hoodie with shades, who also had a cup of hot tea on the table. As she pull her hood down, I could see purple twin-tail hair with green highlights, and I knew this was Sonata’s other sister.

Oh great, another wild one appears. I sighed internally.

She removed her shades revealing her violet eyes before looking at me, then back to Adagio. “I take it since he's still here means he's okay," she said, thumbing at me.

Wait, what? I looked at both of them confused.

Adagio just stifled a laugh before nodding her head.

“What do you mean by okay?” I asked, becoming more suspicious of the two sirens.

“Just seeing if you was somebody trusting with Sonata.” Adagio said, as though that answer my question fully.

“Trusting, wasn't you just trying to get me to kick her out a few moments ago?” I question back.

“Hmm, I was, but that was a test.” She said with a conniving smile, before looking towards the purple hair girl. "Anyways, Blitz this is Aria, Aria this is Blitz.” She introduce us, though I wasn't paying much attention.

“Wait a minute, what kinda test was that? Seeing if I can be trusting with Sonata or not.” I asked perplexed.

“The type of test to see if you can be trusted or not.” Aria said. “You know how everyone back at that school hates our guts, had to make sure you wasn’t one of them. You know, the type that would set up a trap for someone you hate, seeing as you was with Sonata.” She said, resting both elbows on the table, next to her tea.

“And if I was one of them?” I asked for no other reason then just to know.

“Well,” she started with a smirk on her face. “You wouldn't be walking away with more than just a stab in your leg.” She said, with the most horrendous grin.

H-how did she? I looked at both the girls as I reeled back in my seat.

Aria just gave me a raised brow, as though she was confused. “You can't be that stupid to have not realise it yet, even from what I just said.”

I blinked at her as I search my mind. She knew I was attack and Adagio knew I was looking for any possible attacker, the only reason for them to know that unless...they...was there. I looked at both the girls. Purple hoodie, green hoodie.

“You two, you two was there at Sugarcube, wasn't you? The ones that left after I spotted you two looking at us.” I asked in a low voice.

“Well, I guess you aren't that stupid after all.” Aria said, as she took a sipped at her tea. “So hows the idiot doing?” She asked, ignoring my question.

“Ah yes, lets talk about Sonata, how is she?” Adagio said looking at me, also ignoring my question.

I had to put my raising question to a halt, as this was something I too wanted to talk about. “Well, from what I can tell, she's been better.”

> Dazzling Café Chat (Part 2 of 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What do you mean by been better?” Aria asked, glaring at me.

“I mean, she's not okay.” I deadpanned. “And before you two can asked, all I know or at least believe, is that she is traumatized and dealing with depression.” I eyed both of them coldly. “Let me ask you two something: Why did you kick Sonata out?"

Both girls seem to have a shadow across there face as they looked away, they both stayed quiet for a while, until Adagio spoked up.

“Do you know what it's like to have power, what's it like to have anything and everything you ever wanted?" Adagio turned her head towards me, the look in her eyes was vacant. “To be thrust into a different world where your power had dwindled, to go through centuries of gaining back your magic at a slow, dreadful, rate. Then after centuries of searching you finally found a source the could fill that missing space, that empty void of power.” Adagio stopped and looked at me.

“No, I don’t know," I said, trying to picture that.

Did she just say centuries, how old are they?

Adagio continued on. “Then one day you finally had that power, more power from a single source then you could have ever imagine, so much power that that you felt complete, so much that you felt unstoppable.”

Adagio went silent for a few seconds. “On that same day you lose it all, everything from your magic, that power hunger feeling, immortality, everything. The sad thing was, we was at our highest peak of magic and lost it all in under five minutes. We had it less than five minutes before we lost it all, something like that can't be compared to any other defeat. You asked why we kick Sonata out, can you fathom our frustration or anger we had during that time? Yet Sonata, lets just say she had a different response to that, one that annoyed us to the point we couldn't keep her in the house anymore, so we kicked her out.”

Being kicked out alone shouldn’t traumatize a person, maybe depression, but not traumatized. So that mean her main traumatization came from the students at my school. Yet, from what she tells me, I bet that day when they lost it all, must have broken them. I thought, trying to piece the information together.

“But what could she had possibly done to make you kick her out though.” I asked, trying to grasp a true picture of what she was telling me.

Adagio only shooked her head. “No, that something we won't be telling.”

Adagio took another sipped at her latte finishing the last drop. Looking at me, with a now rejuvenated look, she sigh with relief.

“So how long had Sonata being staying with you?” Aria asked, still not looking my way.

“Umm, counting today, that would be about...four days now. I said, not counting the three days I left her out back at the school.

“Well that idiot manage to survive a full week on her own then.” Aria said softly.

“Survived yes, but she was not in the best of shape when I found her.” I said low, but loud enough for them to hear. “If you two kicked her out, then why are you looking for her now?”

Both Adagio and Aria looked at me as though I slapped them with the back of my hand.

“Well, if we are looking for her, then that must mean we miss her then.” Adagio hissed as she straightened herself out. Taking a deep breath she spoke calmly. “After a few days when she was gone, we started to get worried about her.”

“So after becoming worried, you started to look for her.” I finish for her, which she only nodded her head.

“Now before you go and ask anymore personal questions, I have only two for you. Why do you care about her and why are you so quick to jump to her defence?” Adagio asked, freezing me in my place. Aria turn to look at me, waiting to hear my answer.

“Umm, its because umm... she is my friend.” Was the only answer that came to mind, I remember Sonata asking a similar question that I couldn't answer myself.

“Aria, what do you think?” Adagio asked with a smirk.

“Appeal.” Aria answer with a similar smirk.

“I think you're right, but lets just make sure.” Adagio said.

“What? what do appeal have to do with anything?” I asked.

“You’ll see, just answer these four question truthfully.” Adagio said. “First, why is she staying with you?”

“Because I save her from being attack.” I replied.

“But what made that the reason for letting her stay with you, you could have ditch her afterward, ask her to go home, send her to the authorities or something?” Aria asked.

“I don’t know. I just felt like I had to help her.” I said, trying to see the point of all of this.

“Question two.” Aria said. “Why did you fought those guys instead of leading them away, like someone smart would have done?”

“I wasn't thinking at the time, so I decided to try and hold them off.” I said, remembering that night.

“Question three”. Adagio cut in. “Where is she sleeping now and why?”

I had to lower my head so they wouldn't see a small blush appearing on my face. “In my bed cause she didn’t want to be alone.” I said with a low voice.

Aria started to laugh as Adagio went ‘Aww so sweet of you’. I only groaned in annoyances.

“What do this have to do with appeal?” I asked barely lifting my head.

“Last question.” Adagio said, patting my shoulder. “By any chance, did you happen to see her gem or more likely, touched it?

“Yeah, I seen it.” I answer, my face to still hanging low.

“Your right Aria, he do have the appeal effect on him.” Adagio said, stifling another laugh.

“What is the appeal effect!” I asked aggravated.

“The appeal effect is something we sirens have going for us. We may not have our magic, or our immortality, but we are sirens by birth.” Adagio educated me. “The appeal effect is like a charm that we induce on others. See, Sonata appeal happens to be something you fall under, her appeal is…” Adagio stopped as she thought about it. “Affinity. A natural liking to her without even knowing, which also make others want to protect her.”

“So, she charm me into helping her?” I asked, now with a betrayal anger raising.

“Sonata is an idiot.” Aria said. “That airhead way of hers just causes her affinity to keep flowing out to others, and she doesn't even know it at times.

“What?” I asked, well more likely just said.

“Yep, that idiot doesn’t know if she charming people or not.” Aria said taking another sipped at her tea.

“Which means she might not even know you're under her spell, which is probably for the best.” Adagio said now pondering her words. “Although now that you know, I’m sure her appeal will start to wear off soon.”

“Wear off, can you explain that to me, cause I still don't understand this appeal effect thing?” I asked, my anger turning into confusion.

“Here’s a simple explanation for you.” Adagio said with a sly smile.

Is she calling me stupid now?

“Unlike our magic or mind control, our appeal has a high limit to it. Once someone knows they’re under our effect, their mind begins to fight it. Our appeal can't control anyone or their actions and there's no magic to it, so its very weak.” Adagio said, leaning back.

So, their appeal only affect what others think of them then.

“So then, what's your appeal?” I asked adagio, which she only smirk back at me.

“Wouldn't you like to know?” She said in a sultry tone, her magenta eyes staring deep within my own eyes.

I blushed again as a few imagens came to mind from what she just said. Placing my head on the table, I tried to think of anything else then what my mind was leading me to. Aria started to laugh once more as I turn my head to face her.

“What so funny?” I asked, my voice muffled.

“Why would your mind jump to such perverted thoughts when all she asked you was, ‘wouldn’t you like to know’?” She said, laughing again.

“Blitz, I'm not that type of lady.” Adagio said, in a offended like voice.

Picking up her empty cup, Adagio got up from her seat and left the table, not before whispering, “unless you want to find out?”

Turning my head towards Aria, who was still laughing, I had to ask. “And your appeal, what is it.”

Once Aria settle herself from laughing she looked at me. Eh, you won’t know and I'm not going to use it on you.” She said, taking a sip at her tea.

“I’m I suppose to be grateful or offended by that?” I asked

“A little of both.” She said laying back against the seat, eyes closed.

“If I had to guess, I’ll say yours just make people moody or just upset in general.” I said, watching her face for any signs of change.

She crack a eye at me. “Would you like to find out if that's the case.”

They way she said it put chills down my spine. “No, I’ll just take whatever word you say it is.”

She smirked back at me as she closed her eyes.

> Dazzling Café Chat (Part 3 of 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adagio came back with a fresh cup of hot latte, sitting back down at the table. Lifting my head from the table, I looked at her.

“So is there anything else I should know?” I asked.

Adagio only gave a playful thought as she sipped from her latte. “No, not at the moment. Why, did you have something you wanted to asked, I hope its not another personal question?”

Sitting back, I let all the questions I had run through my head. Choosing only a few, I looked at Adagio then at Aria.

Lets start from the top, I suppose.

“Okay, if you two were at Sugercube when me and Sonata were there, why didn’t you try speaking to her?”

“She was sitting at the table with our enemies, we have no reason to quarrel with them or listen to what they have to say.” Adagio answer.

Considering what Adagio had told me not moments ago, about their defeat, and the video I've seen on Pinkie’s phone, I decided not to press on.

“What about when I was getting attacked, you two was there, how come you didn’t help.”

“We would have, if you and Sonata was being attacked together or if you had left her to defend for herself. Seeing as you were being the tough guy, we just sat back in watched. Well I did, Adagio had follow Sonata back to your place.” Aria answer.

“So you would had sat there and let them kill me?”

“Well you're alive now, aren't you?” She said. I gave her an unamused look, she straighten up and rolled her eyes. “Well, I wouldn't have let them kill you, since we didn't know who you was or why you was with Sonata at the time.”

Its probably the best I’m going to get from her. I sighed, looking back to Adagio who gave me an apologetic look.

“Since you two knew where I lived, how come you haven't stop by to see Sonata that night or have this conversation there instead?”

“Yeah, two strangers knocking on someone's door after they had been assaulted at night would have gone real well for us, wouldn't it, especially seeing how we are hated by just about everybody.”

Point taken.

“Plus, its best if we didn't see Sonata just yet anyways. And we are not saying why.” Adagio said before I could even asked why. “Speaking of which, I would prefer if you didn't tell Sonata about any of this, our conversation, our little meet up or just meeting with us in all.

Why go through all this trouble if they're not planning on seeing her then. I thought, knowing if I asked I wouldn't get any answers.

I nodded my head in a some what understanding. “So once we leave, it would be like we never met up and I tell Sonata none of this.”

Adagio nodded her head. “Any other questions?”

“Umm,” Apart from that one question in my head, that last statement had just riddle my brain from any other question I had.

“I guess not, no," I said, trying to recall whatever else I had wanted to asked.

“Are you sure you didn't have anything else you wanted to... ask.” She said, using that sultry voice of hers.

I only blushed more as I covered my face. Aria at my side snicker at my reaction before leaning in.

“Yeah, Adagio appeal is the hardest thing for a mind to fight, especially for some guys, just thinking about it alone is a losing battle." She whispered.

“Blitz, catch.” Adagio said, not giving me a second to react.

Reeling back in my seat as Adagio tossed a black pouch into my lap. Picking up and opening the pouch, I pulled out a white smart phone with a magenta and star crusted casing.

“What's this?” I asked holding up the phone.

“Its a phone, duh.” Aria said, with a side snicker.

“Oh really, this is a phone, I didn't know.” I said sarcastically, knowing she was messing with me. “I mean why are you giving me this?”

“Its Sonata’s, I was planning on giving it back to her at some point, but seeing as you are already close to her, and that we won't be seeing her for awhile, you might as well give it to her," she said before giving me a sly grin. “And I’m sure you must be worried sick about her aren’t you, this way now you can keep in touch with her when you two are separated.” Adagio said giving me a ‘aww’ looked.

“Of course I’m worried about her.” I said, closing my eyes. “She’s been attacked a few times already, from what it looked like. Then there was that assault by my school mates, so I’m worried that some of them, like you, may have also follow us back to the apartment.” That seems to have stopped any raising side comment to that corny moment Adagio made.

“Well don't worry about any followers, I made sure of that.” Adagio said, licking her lips. “Well, before you go.” Adagio said, taking out her phone. “I would like you to give me your number, that way I can keep a better eye on Sonata… and you.”

I reach my hand in my pocket to get my phone, but stop when she had said me. “Me, why?”

Again she gave me that pouty face. “You don't like talking to me?”

My mouth open and closed a few times trying to think of a come back before I gave up and just handed her my phone.

“I’m free from 8 in the morning to 11 at night, feel free to call at any time.” Adagio said with a seductive smile.

At this point, I knew she was just toying with me. Must be because I’m one of the few who's willing to talk to them, after knowing who they are and what they have done.

“Aria, you wouldn't mind if I added your number in too, right?” Adagio asked, slightly waving my phone at her.

“Go ahead, it's not like I have many contacts in my phone anyways.” Aria said, spooning her tea around.

With that, I had two new contacts within my phone.

“Oh, before we go, I had one more thing to mention.” Adagio said.

“And what's that?” I asked, picking my bag up off the floor and dropping Sonatas phone inside.

“Those guys who had attack you, no, everyone at that school. They are still under a spell, and it most likely a side effect of our mind control.” Adagio said standing up. Putting her hood on and her shades, she also added, “yet it seems corrupted somehow, since they only seem to be a threat towards us.”

“How do you know they’re under a spell?” I asked, puzzled.

“I know the effect, the look of our spells when I see it. Powers or no powers, there's magic involved and I can feel it,” Adagio said, breathing in deeply.

“And why are you telling me all of this?” I asked, now wondering what their motives are.

“No reason other then a warning, like I said before, we lost everything that made us who we were. So telling you this wont hurt us or benefit us in anyway, and it's not like we can use our charm on those students, seeing how they hate us so much.” Adagio said, before pausing in thought.

“Or it could have just been that stupid friendship beam we was blasted with that made us go all soft.” Aria grumble under her breath.

“Though, I suppose knowing that they are under a spell is probably the only useful information I have for you.” Adagio said, shrugging it off.

With that, both Adagio and Aria had left the café, leaving me alone with that last bit of information.

Maybe I should have told Sunset about the glowing green eyes after all.

> After Talk 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leaving the cafe, my mind was on everything that was told to me. Walking slower than normal, I thought back to the two sirens, Adagio and Aria. I didn't know what to think of them, sure I don't trust them, but they didn't seem like too much trouble. Actually, the more I thought about it, the more I realized once Aria had came in, did the conversation went pleasant. Taking out my phone, I saw that Adagio had typed her name with two hearts on either side.

Of course she would do something like this. I rolled my eyes and chuckled to myself.

Looking up from my phone, I saw Sunset on a near by bench, she was sitting there like she was waiting for someone. She was on her phone, so I doubted she noticed me. That is, until she looked up and her gaze locked with mine.

“Hey Blitz, mind if I talk with you for a bit?” Sunset asked, getting up and walking towards me.

“Sure, but what are you doing here?” I asked, remembering that I last saw her with the other girls.

“Well, the girls and I were looking for you. We were kinda hoping to hang out with you and Sonata," Sunset said, looking behind me first then back to me. “Then we saw you left with someone.”

“Ah yes.” Chewing the inside of my cheeks, I becken Sunset to follow me as I started to walk back home. “But, why are you here?” I asked again.

Sunset was quiet as she looked away. “Well that, I was umm, mostly waiting for you. She went quiet for a split second before blurting out, “But the other girls were with me, then they had to leave, so I decided to just wait for you a bit longer.”

“Why did you wait for me?” I asked again.

She could have just texted me?

“I told you, I just wanted to see if you and Sonata wanted to hang out!” Sunset said, face redden with what I assume was irritation.

“Okay.” I said, quickly dropping this conversation.

“So, mind if I ask who that person was?” Sunset asked after a few minutes of silence.

Well, they didn't say I couldn’t tell the girls that I met up with them. Thinking of my next words carefully, I answered back.

“That was Adagio, Sonata’s sister. She wanted to talk to me," I responded slowly, making sure my words wouldn't cause any bad reaction from Sunset.

“Adagio?” Sunset said, looking at me wide eyes. "I haven't seen her since the Battle of the Bands."

“Yeah, not just her, but Aria as well.” 

Sunset went quiet, staring down at the ground as we walk. Bringing her head back up, she looked at me for a few seconds.

“What did they talk to you about?” She asked.

Taking a deep breath, I retold to Sunset what we had talked about. I had to skip a few details like the appeal effect or the fact that I was under it. However once I mentioned that magic was somehow involved with the student's behavior, Sunset's expression changed to that of a mixture of amusement and concern. Sunset was quiet through the whole story. When I was finish, Sunset just stared forward in thought.

“What do you think?” I asked Sunset when she did not respond to anything from the story.

Sunset stayed quiet as we walk, her arm crossed and in thought. I doubt she even heard my question. That or either what I just told her was more serious then I assume.

“Sunset?”

"Yes?" she responded, to my amazement.

“How long can magic last on a person once the spell is broken?”

“Should have been an instance, once the spell is broken, so is the magical hold.”

“Oh, so this is a problem then.”

Sunset only sighed and mutter about getting some extra help by someone name Twilight if this problem become more of a nuisance.

“So, are you going to tell Sonata about any of this, even though Adagio asked you not too? Something like this shouldn't be hidden from her.” Sunset asked with worried.

I scratched my head as I gave that question some serious thought.

“No.” I answered. Looking at Sunset, I see she expected me to explain myself. “See, I would tell Sonata, but I don’t even know enough about their family affairs to make a judgement call on this.” 

“And if she finds out later from a different source that you had met them and didn't tell her.”

“I'm just a lonely bystander in this problem, an ‘X’ factor. I'm sure Adagio and Aria had their reasons, and if Sonata finds out I’ll just tell her the truth. Even if she believes me or not.”

Sunset just looked at me. “You know she trust you, right?” Sunset asked before shaking her head and sighing. “I think you're right on this one though, this problem should just be left to them.”

I just simply nodded my head as we came into view of my apartment.

“So, is there a way to remove magic from those who are still exposed to it?” I asked hopefully.

“I think so, it would require an artifact of some kind, depending on what type of magic it is.” Sunset answered as she trail back into thought.

Unlocking the door to my apartment, I stepped inside and hold the door open for Sunset to come in. Closing the door behind us, I turn around to find Sonata sleeping on the couch. Sunset went and sat down on another couch, taking a book out of her bag and began to write in it. I went over and kneel down by Sonata sleeping body. Sonata had her hands sandwich between her legs and her hair splayed over her face. She was still wearing her pajamas, which was magenta with musical notes all over it.

Wow, I didn't know how cute she was while sleeping. I shook my head and erase that thought.

Placing a hand gently on Sonatas shoulder, I shook her slightly till she woke up.

“Good morning”, I said to her as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

“Morning." Sonata answer with a small yawn while looking around. “Morning Sunset." Sonata said stretching, then froze.

Sonata only stared at Sunset, who had looked up from her book, quickly, Sonata jumped and moved away from the couch. Catching her by her waist as she tried to moved away, I stood up and place a hand on her shoulder.

“Woah, Sonata calm down, it’s just Sunset.” I said softly to her.

Sonata was a bit shaken and breathing heavily. Putting her hand on her chest, she tried to calm herself down.

Wow, didn’t expected that. Was it a nightmare she had involving the girls or was she still wary of Sunset and the others. I guess a little time out with the girls can help that, I hope.

“I'm sorry.” Sonata apologize to Sunset after she had calmed down and taken a seat back on the couch.

“Its okay.” Sunset answers sadly, but with understanding.

Going over to my bag, I took out Sonata’s black phone case. Looking over my shoulder at Sonata, I had to think of some excuse for why I had her phone if she ask, and most likely will. Sunset watched me as I went over and sat down next to Sonata, the phone case openly shown in my hand.

This could go really bad, really fast if I slipped up on my words.

“Hey Sonata, I, umm… founds something that I think belongs to you. I said, presenting her with her phone.”

Sonata took the black case from my hand and open it up. Pulling her phone out, Sonata hold it gingerly in her hands as her mouth try to form words.

“This, this is my phone. How did you get it?” Sonata ask, small tears in her eyes.

Sunset and Sonata both looked at me, awaiting my reply.

“I was umm….” I needed an excuse that wouldn’t, hopefully, bring up more questions. “I was looking for your old place to see if I can get any of your old stuff back. The only thing I found was your phone thrown out and nobody home.”

Sonata didn't even looked at me when I said that, her face was downcast with a shadow. I knew this was a sensitive subject for her and I'm a terrible person for using that against her, but this was truly the best answer I could give without causing trouble. Sonata clutched at her phone for a bit before trying to turn it on. The screen glowed black before illuminating with colors, she gave a sad smile as she started to search through her photos. 

I looked to Sunset who only gave me a worried look. “So Sonata, me and Pinkie was able to find a few girls who are willing to give you a chance.” I said, hoping to brighten her mood.

“You did?” She asked, turning her phone off. 

“Yeah, I trust that this would be a good start to helping you. These girls from what I know seems trustworthy enough, we could go out today and meet them.”

Sonata face went stone as her head lowered, her hair causing a literal shadow over her face.

“Sonata?”

“…”

“Sonata, are you okay?” Sunset ask, closing her book and coming over to her.

“…”

Did I say something wrong?

Not lifting her head, Sonata finally answered. “I rather wait before I meet them.” Something in her voice implied that that wasn't the case, but I didn't inquired more to it.

“Hey Sonata, me in the other girls are heading to the park today. We all was kinda hoping you and Blitz would join us.” Sunset said.

“That sounds like a good idea. What do you say Sonata, feel like getting out the house for a bit and hang with the other girls.” I asked.

Sonata finally lifted her head. “Sure.” She answered, no happiness in her voice what so ever.

“Try to cheer up and enjoy yourself, okay.” I said with no real meaning to it, just for support wise.

Sonata gave a weak smile that seems genuine enough. Getting up, Sonata went to my or our room to change clothes.

Our. That send a strange feeling through me and I made it my goal to avoid that word as possible when referring to the bedroom.

“Hey Blitz, I was talking to Principal Celestia about having Sonata come back to school. She said Sonata can come back, if she willing to doing some after school work to compensate the chaos she and her sister had caused.”

“That would be nice if she could go back, but you know that can't happen, not now at least. It would have been a option, but now that would be a definite no.”

“Yeah, I know that now, but that could be a problem. Well its not a complete problem, Sonata could always have a second option, but if she wants to stay here, she will have to go to school.”

“I know that, plus I doubt she like staying here by herself.” I said, then paused. What do you mean she have a second option?”

“She could leave.” Sunset said, crossing her arms and looking out the window.

I looked at Sunset as the light radiated off her face. Even though she was looking up and out the window, she seems to have a distant feeling. Sunset glanced at me as I realized I was staring. 

With a small cough I ran my hand through my hair. So she could leave, huh? I mutter to myself so Sunset couldn't hear me.

I found myself asking myself a question, Did I want Sonata to leave?

Sonata came out of the room, zipping up her hoodie. This time Sonata was wearing light blue jean pants, pink tennis shoes and a blue undershirt. She still had her hair down, but I saw her scrunchy on her wrist.

“Ready?” I asked to both Sunset and Sonata.

Sonata nodded, putting her hood on. Sunset nodded too as she finish writing something in her book. As Sunset closed her book, I saw it glowed and hummed softly as she place it in her bag. I stared at it before dismissing it as ‘more complicated magic stuff’.

“I'm going text the girls to meet us at the park.” Sunset said, taking out her phone.

“Alright.” I answered, locking the door behind us. “Lets go.”

> Sleepover [bonus]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today Sonata and I are at Pinkie Pie's house, at nine thirty in the night, with the other girls, and a sleeping bag at my side. Why am I even here at a girls sleepover?

Well, it started off after the girls and I were leaving the park. Sunset, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy Applejack and Rainbow were talking to Sonata. Now seeing Sonata actively talking to the girls, I thought nothing of it at the time; that was my first mistake. My second mistake was not questioning the sly grin on Pinkie's face as we came to my apartment. My third and final mistake was allowing Pinkie and Sonata to head to my bedroom by themselves. Now at this moment nothing felt off. Applejack was leaning against the door, her hat tilted down over her face. Rainbow was laying down on the couch near the window. Sunset and Rarity was talking in the hall leading to my room and Fluttershy was writing in her journal. Then Pinkie came out the room, hands behind her back.

“Heyyy Blitz, today I’m having a sleepover at my house!" Pinkie said, coming towards me.

“You are? Sonata are you going to be joining them?” I asked, seeing this would be good for her.

Sonata nodded her head as Pinkie continued on. “Of course she will be joining us, silly.” Pinkie said, a huge smile planted her face.

I stared at Pinkie for a bit as to see why she was smiling at me, then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

“Oh no, no no no no. Pinkie, I’m not joining in this sleepover.” I said, quickly refusing the offered.

“Why not?” Pinkie whined.

“Because it's a girl sleepover, do you know how awkward that would be me?"

“But it will be fun, with games and snacks and pizza.” Pinkied begged.

“No thanks, I think I will stay out of this one.” I said, reinforcing my tone..

“Are you sure?” Pinkie queried.

I didn’t like that cunning look that was on Pinkie’s face.

“I think I’m going to go to the store and buy some more food, I seem to be running low all of a sudden.” Quickly hopping up out from my seat, I dashed over to the door, but Applejack was blocking my way.

“Excused me Applejack.”

“No can do partner.” Applejack said, not raising her head.

I blinked owlishly at her. Wait, is she in on this? 

I turn my head to face the other girls, now seeing as they was blocking any form of me escaping.

“Blitz, are you sure you don't want to come? It will be lots and lots of fun.” Pinkie said slowly advancing my way.

I slowly followed her movement as I made a roundabout pass her. I was going to dart straight into my room, but Sunset and Rarity was blocking my way, arms crossed like bouncers.

“Pinkie, there's no way you can convince me to go.” I said to Pinkie, arms raised.

“Even if I held some of your stuff hostage?” 

“Hostage? Pinkie, there's nothing you have that can possibly...make me...” I stopped as Pinkie smile grew larger.

“Wait, Pinkie you don't have- “Pinkie nodded her head as she took out one of my slingshot out from behind her.

It was a thin black slingshot with a thick grasp handle. It had a bar that stretch mid arm length and had straps to hold it tight on your arm.

“Are you trying to blackmail me with this?” I asked, staring her in the eyes.

“Nope.”

“Then why do you-”

“I’m going to blackmail you with these.” Pinkie cut in, bringing out all the slingshots I had hanging on my door in my room.

“How did you?” I turn my head to Sonata, who was whistling innocently while looking up at the ceiling.

Pinkie turned around and tossed my slingshots over to Rainbow, who was waiting by the front door.

“Now if you don't come, you won't get your slingshots back for two weeks.” Pinkie said, never losing that cunning grin.

I looked at Rainbow as she waited by the door. I knew it would be futile for me to try anything as all my paths would be block. I looked back at Pinkie as I sighed in defeat.

“Fine, you win, I'll go.”

“Yay, this is going to be so much fun!” Pinkie screamed, choking me in a hug as she did so.

“I’m just going to hold on to these until after the sleepover, that way there won't be any last minute changes.” I heard Rainbow say, putting my slingshots away.

And that's how I ended up here, at Pinkie’s sleepover. While it was and still is a bit awkward for me, being stuck in one room full of girls, I didn't feel that uncomfortable and started to relax after a while. Fluttershy and Sonata was chatting in the corner of the room, nothing to conspicuously as Fluttershy was showing her her journal. Applejack and Rainbow was playing street racer and was getting very competitive while Sunset was on her laptop. Pinkie and Rarity had step out of the room to get the pizza and snacks for us, so they should be back any minute. As for me, I had my phone and laptop, neither of which kept me entertained for long. 

Closing my laptop as there was no new video being put up, I decided to see what Sunset was doing on hers. Sitting down near Sunset, I saw she was reading some online book. I also saw she had a few tags open, one leading to How-its-made and the other on basic history.

Basic history, is she studying? I looked at her in disbelief.

Sunset looked at me with a raised brow. “Need something?”

“No, just a bit bored.” I replied sheepishly.

“Hmm”. Sunset crossed her arms as she started to think. 

I looked back at Rainbow and Applejack. I heard Rainbow grunt as she lost another game to Applejack, obviously upset to her lost.

“I know. Do you still want to learn more about magic or Equestria, there are abundance of things I can tell you?” Sunset smiled evily, a knowing grin on her face.

“Umm, no thanks, I’m good.” I declined, hoping she won’t start talking about it anyway

Lucky for me, before Sunset could persist on it, Pinkie came in with the boxes of pizza in her hands and Rarity had the bags of candy and drinks. The aroma of pizza removed any thoughts I had as my body lead me towards it. I totally forgot at this point that I was at a girls sleepover. 

Maybe sleeping over at Pinkies isn't so bad. I mean there's only seven girls here, no big deal. I thought while eating my pizza, then started to choke on it as the number seven hit me over and over. 

Seven cute girls that I know some guys would ‘die’ just to sleep in the same room with them, as the only male surrounded by seven cute girls. Nobody must know of this, ever.

> Heading Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It has been almost two weeks since I found myself living with Sonata. Even though I've been living with her for the near two weeks, I don't think I'm any closer to helping her than the first day I found her. I thought it would be easy by getting her some friends, but Sonata had refused to meet any of them. Not that I can blame her, but I fear for her sanity. Luckily I have been able to get Sonata out the house a few time when ever we meet up with Sunset in the gang. Little by little I can see some improvement in her mood, but she's still holding herself back with her emotions and feelings. I think the only big improvement I have seen so far, is that she isn’t scared of the girls anymore, for the most part. I know Sonata is holding herself back, because I have yet to see any form of a happy smile on her face. During a day out with the girls, Pinkie tried to get Sonata to smile, Sonata only put on a facade that wasn't fooling nobody, not even Pinkie. Pinkie tried everything from balloon animals to singing, none of it worked on her.

Anyways, today was a new day of a new week, the most horrendous of days, Monday. I was in the school cafeteria having lunch with the other girls. Today Pinkie was telling a story on how the Cake’s twins ended up cover in cake batter while she was watching them. I myself was only paying half attention to her story as I was checking my phone for any new messages. Sighing as there was none, I place my phone on top of the table as I went back to listening to Pinkie’s story. Instead of hearing a story told by Pinkie, I instead found a table where all eyes was on me.

My eyes shifted around the table as silence fell over it. “What?”

“Is everything alright, you seem a little... tense, worried perhaps?” Rarity asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Ya have been checking yer phone there fer the past few days. Are yer expecting an important call or somethin’?” Applejack asked me.

“Oh.” I said in realization. I have been checking my phone since last Thursday. “Well kinda, but not really.”

I only got a questionable looked from everyone.

“Do you girls remember when I told you I had met up with,” I lean in closer so no stray ear will over hear me, “Sonata’s sisters?”

“Yeah.” They all nodded in agreement.

“Well the thing is, I had gave them my number since they said they wanted to keep an eye on Sonata. Even though they have my number, I have yet to receive any text or call from them.”

“So what, you're worried that they are not checking up on you every two days?” Rainbow asked, with skepticism. .

“No. Its just-” I stopped as my mind went blank, mouth slightly ajar.

“Just what?” Applejack asked.

“Its just, dont you find it weird that they asked me for my number so they can keep an eye on Sonata, yet they never made a call or text to see how she is doing? They claim they care about her, but I haven’t seen any proof of that.”

“Maybe they're busy, I mean with work or something.” Fluttershy said

“Or they could be following you around and you've never noticed," Pinkie suggested.

“Pinkie, ah doubt they are still following Blitz around. If they took the time to question em then they can take the time to talk to em.” Applejack said with reassurance.

“I don’t know, those two seem really sneaky. I don’t put anything past them.” Rainbow said.

“Well I say we give them the benefit to prove themselves.” Rarity said, checking her nails.

“Think we can talk to them?” Pinkie asked, leaning towards me.

“Nope. From the sound of it, they still hold a grudge against all of you. I don't think they even want to be in the same room let alone talk to you six.” I said sadly.

“Oh.” Pinkie said, sounding dejected.

“So umm, how is Sonata? Has she gotten better?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes she has... and no she haven’t, I’m not sure which is more accurate.” I answered.

“Mind explaining a little more darling, I don't quite understand what you mean?” Rarity asked.

“Hmm? She has gotten a little better and seem more relaxed around you girls, so that's a big improvement. Her mood also seems to have improve bit by bit.”

“But wha ya mean she also not ok?” Applejack questioned.

I went dead silent as I balled my fist up and put it close to my mouth. I looked around the table, each girls face grew in worried the longer I stayed silent.

“Well for starters, she still doesn't like to go outside and prefers to stay in most of the day, which is understandable in her situation.”

“And what's the worst?” Fluttershy asked, not making eye contact.

“I think her depression has worsened," I said with remorse.

That was enough to silence any further comments, so I continue on. 

“I have found her a few times, crying in the middle of the night, when she thought I was sleeping.”

Pausing, I took a deep breath as I reveal the final information. 

“One time, she had fallen asleep crying on the couch, her phone in her hands. I didn't have to look in her phone to know why she was crying. She doesn't know that I know, so I don't know what to do.”

There was a couple of gasp as both Rarity and Fluttershy cover their mouth. Rainbow Dash could only say wow, while Applejack shook her head. Sunset didn’t have a look of pity, but another look which I suspect was a looked of sameness. Pinkie Pie on the other hand had a note pad out, furiously jotting down whatever she was writing.

With the table gone silent and not a word from anyone else, I went back to eating and checking my phone. After I was done eating, I went to dispose of my tray. Going back to the table I saw that Rarity had a grin on her face.

“I have an idea on how to help Sonata improve her mood!" Rarity exclaimed.

“You do, how?”

“Well you know how we are either at the park or at Pinkie’s house when Sonata comes out. Today, how about we take Sonata to the mall right after school?"

“The mall?” Sunset asked.

“Why of course. Whats a more better way to feeling better about yourself then a Spa session. We can get manicures and our hair done, then we can go clothes shopping and looking for new accessories. Nothing speaks more of a new you then a complete makeover overhaul.” Rarity said, stars in her eyes. 

My jaw drop when Rarity said that. While the idea wasn't bad, and a spa session would do good for Sonata to relax, it was the fact that Rarity had use the word ‘we’.

“Yeaah, I’m out. Sorry Rarity, but I don’t do spas or manicures.” Rainbow said, crossing her arms.

“Not even for Sonata?”

“The spa is so lame and the frufru smell of perfume." Rainbow retchedin her seat. “Maybe next time with something else.”

“Same here Rar. Ah want to help Sonata get better too, but maybe we could find something else to do besides that.” Applejack said.

“Its fine, I had a suspicion you two wouldnt go anyways.” Rarity said, waving away the comments. “What about you Pinkie?”

“Sorry, but I got plans on getting Sonata to meet her new friends.”

“But she said she wasnt ready to meet them.” I said, watching Pinkie.

“She's just being shy, all she needs is a little push.” Pinkie said. 

Putting on a hat and a pencil behind her ear, Pinkie slid down under the table and left. I only watch in amazement at how fast Pinkie left, leaving no trail behind.

“Ah best keep an eye on her. Pinkie tends to get out of hand with these things.” Applejack said.

“Hmm, nah. If anyone can help in the situation, it's Pinkie.” I said, picturing how Pinkie might be able to manage this.

“Ya sure?”

I nodded my head conformally. 

“Fluttershy, Sunset, Blitz, you’ll be join me today want you?” Rarity asked, batting her eyes.

“Sure.” Fluttershy responded.

“Yeah, sure.” Sunset replied. “It's not like I got anything better to do anyways.” I saw Sunset mumble under her breath.

“Blitz, what about you? I’m sure you’ll be join us.”

I looked at Rarity as images flash before my eyes. Now I didn't mind going to the spa, it was the clothes shopping that killed it for me. I went clothes shopping with my sister before and that was no problem, but I know how Rarity can shop. I’m not sure about Sunset or Sonata, and I was fairly sure Fluttershy wouldn't get too much, but Rarity could compensate for both. I can see it now, carrying a ton of bags in my hands, on my arms or heck, even pushing a cart around all day. 

“Yeah sorry.” I said, trying to come up with a quick excuse.

“Really?” Rarity pouted.

“Umm…” I started to look around for any excuse to use. “I think a better idea would be to make this a girls day out, yeah thats right, a girls day out.”

Rarity pulled back as she ponder this. Moving a strand of hair out of her face, she gave an enthusiastic smile.

“I think thats a splendid idea! This would allow us to really get to know her even better.”

I sigh a internal relief, happy that I was able to dodge this bullet. Soon the bell started to ring, signaling the end of lunch and the beginning of class.


***


“Finally, freedom.” I said to myself, taking a step out the door and stretching. 

Sunset, Rarity and Fluttershy were waiting for me at the school entrance. I figured it would be fun to talk to them while we walked home. Rushing up to the girls, we began to start walking as Rarity took this as an opportunity to start talking about all that they will be doing at the mall. I was so glad that I had manage to get out of this, as it seem the mall will be making some large money by the time she leaves.

When we was about halfway to my house, I was hit in the back of the head by a rubber bouncy ball. Rubbing the back of my head, I turned around to see a hooded figure casually tossing another ball in the air, staring at us. The person then reeled back as they threw the next ball at me. The ball was medium size and wasn’t moving that fast, so I was able to catch it out of the air when it came near. Holding the ball in my hands, I glared at the person. It only took me a few second to take in what the figure was wearing, a green hoodie and black shades with their hands on their hips. I knew at that moment it was Aria. Before Sunset or Rarity could take the chance to confront her, I put my hand out in a ‘hault’ position and went over to Aria.

“Why did you threw a ball at the back of my head?” I asked her when I got near.

“Oh hey, nice to see you too.” She said sarcastically. “I want to talk to you, away from here.” She said, eyeing the girls behind me.

“But I-”

“Now!”

“Why now, why not text me or call me, let me know in advance?”

“Listen here, I don't trust you, I don't like you, I don't respect you or them. So unless you show me any reason to listen, I don't want to hear it.” Aria said, jabbing her finger into my chest.

I was taken aback by her sudden rudeness.

“I don’t care if you don’t like me or respect me, but don't expect me to follow you around willy nilly whenever you tell me too.” I said, matching her tone.

She just crossed her arms and smirked at me, but her smirk quickly faded as I heard Sunset and Rarity approaching from behind.

“Blitz what's going on, who are you ta…” Sunset started to ask, but stop when she saw Aria.

Even though Aria had both her hood and shades on, she didn’t had her head lower and was looking both Sunset and Rarity in the face, so it was blatantly obvious who she was. Sunset and Rarity were standing at both my sides, Sunset had her arms crossed while Rarity had her hands behind her back.

“I think we just interrupted something.” Rarity whispered.

You think?

“So, whats going on?” Sunset asked, not breaking eye contact with Aria.

“Oh nothing much, me and Blitz were about to head somewhere, talk a little, maybe head to the park.” Aria said, nonchalantly.

“Hey wait a minute, I never said-”

“Oh, well we shouldn't keep you two any longer then.” Rarity said. 

Sunset looked at Rarity, but Rarity put a finger to her lips. I was sure she was going to tell Sunset whatever she was thinking later.

Putting a hand on my shoulder, Rarity whispered: “It's better to stay on their good side, who knows, maybe their just looking for a friend and you're the only person who actually knows what they are and not threatening them.”

Sighing, knowing she was probably right, I looked back at Aria as I put my hand on my head. “The park you say, is it a nearby one?”

“Yeah, not too far from here.”

“Well that settles it then, we will talk to you later, bye.” Rarity said, grabbing Sunset in pulling her along.

“Come on, let go.” Aria said, waiting for me to start moving.

Well this should be loads of fun. I shook my head.

> Park Fun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aria and I had a quiet stroll all the way to the park, Aria was not much of a talker, so she kept in front of me the whole time. Even though the walk was quiet, my mind was buzzing with many questions that I wanted to asked.

Should I ask her why she wanted to talk to me? Where is Adagio, would she be joining us later? Why are we going to the park? Why haven't neither one of you called to check on Sonata? Do you two know how Sonata even feels at this point? I have so many questions that I wanted to asked, but I didn't know if I should asked them now or later? I’ll just have to wait for a opening chance.

The park we entered was the same park I went to with the girls a week ago. The park was simple and quiet, it had a few small ponds and a couple of ducks swimming around. There was no swings or slides, but had lots of trees and bushes. Overall, the park had a relaxing nature feel to it, one that could calm any situation. 

“Perfect... empty," Aria said, in a low voice.

I looked over at Aria, warning signals going off in my head. I was debating with myself if I should just leave or not, but Aria was pulling me towards a nearby bench. Once we was at the bench, Aria had sat down, put her hands behind her head, cross her legs, closed her eyes and looked relax. I just stood there, looking at her.

After a minute or so, Aria crack open one of her eyes and looked at me. “I know you have questions, might as well asked them before things get...interesting.”

Any form of any questions I did had, left me at that word. “What do you mean by, interesting?”

Aria only smirked in reply, but said nothing else. 

Sighing, I sat down on the bench with her, keeping a good distance between us. Putting my bag down, I brought back only two questions I wanted to asked.

“So, what did you wanted to talk about?” I asked.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Yeah, nothing. I don’t have anything to say to you," she responded with a casual voice.

I stared at her in disbelief, irritation starting to seethe from me. 

Before my anger could rise, I asked one more question. “Why did you bring me here if you have nothing to say?"

Aria said nothing to that, like my words was just a midday breeze passing through.

Now I was mad, if I had no reason to be here, then there was no reason for me to stay here. Aria then got up and stretch, cracking her fingers while she was at it.

“Alright, come out, I know you’ve been following me!” Aria shouted.

“What, followed?” I quickly looked around to see if I could see anyone, but no one came out into view and a looked back at Aria. 

“Why are you still hiding? I know there's four of you, so get out here and say what you have to say!” Aria shouted again.

This time, I saw four figures moving out from behind the bushes and trees. Three girls and one guy. The guy I recognized as Snips, the dirtbag always find himself as a henchman for some pretty girl. Two of the girls I also recognized as the girls who had bullied Sonata the day I found her; the third girl I never seen before. Snips looked at me and Aria before running off, leaving the park as fast as he can.

“What a worthless little runt. No matter, we found who we was looking for," the blue haired girl said.

"You're right, Misty, and look who else happens to be here?” The girl with the jean jacket said, eyeing me.

“Alloy, you two know him?" asked the mysterious girl. She had black hair streaked with neon pink and blue, worn in a small side ponytail.

So thats their names, Misty and Alloy.

"He interfered when we tried to ‘take care’ of that other girl.” Misty said.

I looked to Aria who had the evilest of grins as she stared at the three girls, armed crossed.

So, this is what she was planning, a fight. I felt a slight tingle in my leg as I thought about fighting.

“Hey, are you two just going to stand there and talk or what?” Aria asked.

Is she trying to start a fight? I looked at her, hoping that was not the case.

“Bitchy as always, aren't you?” The mysterious girl said, coming up to face Aria.

“I only try to match those that I talk to," Aria said, staring her down.

I watch as both Aria and the girl glared at each other, static shooting between their eyes. 

“Just so you know, that competition we won, was so lame. Of course I enjo-” Was all Aria said before jumping back as the mysterious girl rushed her. 

Wasting no time, Aria side-stepped and kicked the girl in her stomach. The girl blocked the blow with one arm, grabbing Aria by her leg. The girl try to swing Aria by her leg, but Aria manage to twist out of it with ease. These girls, they was no amateur fighter from what I could tell.

Turning my attention back to the other two girls, they was walking closer to me, causing me to back up. They started to spread out, but not far enough as they came to both my sides. Keeping a far distance between us, I looked between them, seeing who would make the first move. 

"To think you were working with them, you had us fool the first time.” Alloy said.

“We don’t have a grudge against you, personally-”

“Other than you stopped our fun back at the school," Alloy cut in.

“Yeah, so we will be nice enough and give you two options: Since you obviously are not going to walk away from here, don't interfere with us ‘taking care of her’ her or risk having the whole school after you.”

“Like you can make the whole school my enemy," I said, crossing my arms.

CLICK

I looked at Alloy, who have just taken a picture of me.

“Wait, what? Why did you-” Then realization dawned on me.

“Get it now, we have pictures of you with her, just a quick send and the whole school will know.” Misty said, with the most malicious grin.

“Thats still not enough to get the whole school mad or to come after me," I responded, hoping she couldn't tell how nervous I was. 

“Thanks to that little runt, we also have pictures of you at the cafe, with that third Siren.” Alloy then brought up a picture and showed it to me, proving her point.

I put both of my hands to my face as I breathe in deeply, and exhaled. 

This is blackmail, this alone can ruin me if word gets out. Sonata will also be endangered as well as the other girls. I bit the inside of my lips as I knew what I had to do, and I wouldn't like it. I knew that this wouldn't be the only time they would use this against me, I only had one option.

I turn back to glance at the fight. Aria had flip the girl over her shoulder and try to stomped down on her, but the girl rolled out the way. Aria had a bruise forming on her cheek, and the girl had blood running from her nose, but that was all I could see while they was moving around. 

Aria looked like she had this fight, so there was no immediate need for me to join. “Fine, I wont fight.” I said, putting my hands up.

“Smart decision.” Misty said, a victorious smile on her face.

I walk back over to the bench, the girls sticking close to me.

“Where do you think your going?” Alloy asked, coming up behind me.

“I’m just getting my notebook.” I said, going over to my bag.

“Why do you need your notebook?” she asked, but I ignored her.

Reaching down I picked up a handful of acorns before moving to my bag. Reaching my hand into my bag, I found my slingshot. Carefully placing an acorn into the slingshot holder, I grip the slingshot tightly.

Panic ran through me as I hesitated to draw it out. I didn't want another incident to happen like last time. Even though I knew I wasn't near any gas station or propane tanks, there was still a chance of me badly hurting someone again.

“Do you hear me? What are you doing!?” Alloy yelled at me.

Breathing in and steeling myself, I pulled out my slingshot and shot Alloy in her hand, causing her to drop her phone. Quickly placing another acorn into the holder, I pulled back on the band a little harder than I normally do and shot Misty in her hand. I hoped I didn’t pull back too hard on the band, for this slingshot has two force requirement when using it. If I pull the band back half way like I normally do, it work like a regular slingshot, but given that this band is more industrial, it has a heavier resistance force. Pulling the band back full length required some muscle, shooting an acorn out at full length would be powerful enough to fly through and shatter a window, if the acorn didn't shatter first.

While both the girls was on their knees, rubbing there redden hands, I rushed over and pick up Alloy’s phone. The phone wasn’t lock, so I search through it, deleting all the photo she had of me, Aria, Adagio and even Sonata. The girl try to reach up to take her phone back, but I pointed my Slingshot back at her, prompting her to sit back down.

I deleted any premade messages that had photos of me and the girls in them. I found a message from Snips with the photo of me at the cafe, I sent a message to Snips telling him to delete any other photo he had, hopefully he will buy it that it was Alloy who sent that message. Once I was sure that I deleted all of the photos, I toss her phone back to her.

“Give me your phone, and make sure its unlock too.” I said in a cold tone.

Misty glared at me with such hatred it could burn, but she also had fear running through her, fear that I was causing. She slowly reach into her back pocket in pull out her phone, sliding it over to me. Like with the last phone, I deleted all the photos that I could find. Once I was done, I tossed back her phone.

“So, what are you going to do to us, now that you have us in your mercy?” Misty said, never dropping her glare.

Keeping my slingshot on them, I looked over to Aria, who had pin down the girl with one of her arms pin firmly down on her back.

“Go over there, slowly. If you start to run, I will shoot," I lied. Truthfully, I didn't have the resolve to shoot them if they started to run.

Going over to where Aria was, she looked at me as I brought the girls to her. 

“Nice~, didn't think you had it in you to do something like this. I was expecting you to run away.” Aria said, a bit of gratitude on her face.

“You really don't have any trust in me, do you?”

“I do now, you proved you're not a runner, even when you're out numbered or facing girls. I had my doubt that you could actually protect Sonata, but glad to see I was wrong," she said that in a sad kinda way. 

“So you had this planned? You knew they were following you and you wanted to see if I’ll stay or run away?” 

“Yeah, of course if you left I would be able to handle them. Those two there don't have any backbone, tried to corner me behind the school once. I left them tied to a tree next to the track field.”

“And her?” I asked, pointing to the girl she was sitting on and still had pinned down.

“Not important.” Aria said, getting off the girl who rolled over and rubbed her shoulder. “Wanna try for round 2 or are you going to run away.”

The girl glared at Aria as she picked herself up. “You think you're all high and mighty don't you? You may be laughing now, but this is not over.” She said before storming off, with the other two girls following in pursuit.

“What the heck was that about?!” I scream at Aria once the three girls left.

“That,” Aria came close, putting her face near mines, “is what we have to worry about when we go into public. That is why we can barely show our face around. That is a problem we face everyday. You think what happen to you at that cafe was bad, how does it feel now to be on the running side?”

Sighing as I already knew this, I looked over to the girls who had disappeared into the streets. “Those girls, something was off about them? They didn't have that same drive that those guys who attacked me had.”

“Oh, you noticed?” Aria said in surprise. “Those three hold a special grudge to us.”

“Special?” 

“They was never under our control, but were directly hit with the effect.”

“How bad?”

Sighing, Aria sat down. “Don’t know, they just was.”

Sighing to myself, I look around. For the first time in a while, I didn't have any more questions that I wanted to ask. This could be both a good and bad thing, but I didn't care. 

Putting my slingshot into my bag, I tapped Aria on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s go.” I said.

“Why?”

“Because you drag me here, got me into a fight, intently. So as of this moment, I’m taking over.”

“Oh really, you're taking over?”

“Yeah really. First, we are going to get you something for that bruise.” I said putting my bag back on.

“Then what?” Aria asked, not getting up. 

“Something, anything, don’t care.” I said, blantly annoyed.

“Fine, I’m hungry anyways, so let get something to eat.”

“Sure.”

“You're paying of course.”

“Why did I not see that coming?” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

> The Mall *3rd person short*
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonata walked in the mall with Rarity, Sunset and Fluttershy. Sonata was tired and exhausted with sleep deprived, but she was sorta happy that three of the six girls had asked her if she wanted to go to the mall with them. Rarity, who had driven them to the mall, was chatting with Sunset over something recently that had happened. Sonata kept quiet and walked behind the girls; Fluttershy, who was at her side, was looking at her with concern

“I still can’t believe it, and Blitz forgot?” Sunset asked as they enter the mall.

“Apparently. How could he manage to forget something so important?” Rarity said.

“Well, he has been busy," Sunset said, taking a glance back at Sonata. “So I can see why he forgot.”

“Well, yes he has, but he will be in for a surprise when he gets back to his apartment.”

“Wish I could see the look on his face.” Sunset said, stifling a giggle.

“Why wish, we can have Blitz meet us here before he goes home.”

Sunset grew a grin on her face as she took out her phone, sending a  text to Blitz. Sonata just watch how the two girls interacted with each other, her eyes threatening to water up. Sonata lowered her head some more as Rarity lead them to a clothes store. Fluttershy poked at Sonata’s side and asked her if she was okay. Sonata half heartedly nodded as she digged her hands further into her hoodie's pocket. Fluttershy frowned at Sonata’s response and offer her a Jolly Rancher. Sonata took the candy and place it in her mouth, the blue raspberry flavor causing her eyes to cross at the surprise bitterness flavor, her hand half covering her mouth. 

Fluttershy saw the immediate effect the candy had on Sonata. “Oh I’m sorry, I didn't know. Umm, if you want, I got a different flavor or maybe-”

It's okay!" Sonata interjected, the bitter flavor savoring down. “Just been awhile since I had any bitter candy.”

Sonata saw Rarity glancing at her, then turned her attention back to Sunset and they started to  whispering to each other. Sonata couldn't fully hear what they was saying, but she was able to make out a few words.

“Do you think she maybe…”

“I dont know...”

“Well you did it yourself…”

“...I felt horrible…”

“...have to check her arms...”

“...her sleeves are…”

Sonata didn't understand what they were talking about, but she knew it was about her and her arms. Sonata pull her sleeves a little tighter from within her hoodie's pocket as they walk into the first clothing store.

The store was average to Sonata’s usually take, but she really didn't care for the clothes. Fluttershy and Sunset pull themself away from the group as they started to look at the variety of clothes styles, Rarity pull Sonata along with her as her eyes darted around the clothes.

“Do you see anything you like or want?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t have any money," Sonata said in a shallow voice.

“That is quite alright, let me worry about the money.” Rarity said, placing both hands on Sonata’s shoulder.

Sonata gave a slight nod and started to walk around the store, Rarity following at her side. Sonata couldn't find anything that peaked her interest in the few minutes that she had looked around. Sonata liked all the clothes, but she couldn't find it in herself to get anything that would show her off. Sonata told Rarity she couldn't find anything, Rarity gave a disappointed sigh and said give her a couple of seconds and she would find something. 

Leaving Rarity to do her thing, Sonata walked around to see what Fluttershy and Sunset were buying. Sonata found Fluttershy with an olive green vest on. Sonata didn't really understand the shy girl, she knew that Fluttershy was shy and tend to stay out of public sight, but why did she only wear a tank top that showed her chest off to the public? The vest wasn’t that much different, but it add another layer to her that was more subtle for the girl. Walking down the other isles, Sonata search for where Sunset could be. Walking towards the entrance of the store, Sonata found Sunset talking to another person. A girl with silver hair, purple eyes and a star clipper in her hair. From the way Sunset was positioning herself, it didn't look like she was enjoying their talk. Sonata felt a hand on her shoulder as she was gently pulled away from her spot.

“Darling, I found the most wonderful outfit for you that you must on!" Rarity said, turning Sonata around.

“Rarity, who is Sunset speaking to?” Sonata asked. Even though she seen the girl before, she didn't know who she was.

“Oh err, hehe, don't worry about it, I’m sure it's just nothing.” Rarity said, through nervous chuckles.

Sonata took the clothes Rarity had given her. Taking one last looked back, Sonata saw that the girl was pointing to someone in the store with an angry expression, and it looked like her finger was pointing in her direction.

“I will go talk to them while you change into those.” Rarity said, seeing Sonata eyes drifting back.

“Ok.” Sonata answered, watching Rarity turning around and heading to where Sunset was.

With the clothes on her arm, Sonata walk into a changing booth and looked at what Rarity picked out for her. She had a light magenta short sleeve button up shirt with a mini black vest, she also had a sparkly dark purple frilly skirt. Slowly changing into the outfit, Sonata looked at herself in the mirror. On normal circumstances, she would prefer this type of clothing and she actually liked how she looked in it. Yet she knew she would never be able to wear this in public and felt it would be a waste on her. Still, she knew Rarity would be waiting outside to see how she looked in it. Opening the door, Sonata saw Rarity eyeing some bracelets on a counter.

“H-how do I look?” Sonata asked, stepping out of the booth.

Rarity turned to looked at her, her eyes glancing towards Sonata arms before smiling and walking over. “You look marvelous darling, I have a keen eye for these type of things, so you can trust my word on that.”

“T-thanks.” Sonata said with a weak smile. 

Rarity had Sonata try on a few bracelets and accessories before finding the right combo that suit her perfectly. Sonata, feeling a twange of insecurity, went back and change into her old clothes. On Rarity insistence, Sonata decided to buy the new outfit, but told Rarity this was the only one she wanted, to Rarity’s disappointment. Going up to the counter, Sonata saw that Rarity already had a stack of clothes she was buying, Fluttershy and Sunset only buying a couple of things.

“Sunset, I see you're going for a new look.” Rarity stated, seeing the clothes in Sunset’s hand.

“Yeah, figure a new look can help with the new me.” Sunset said, placing her clothes on the counter behind Raritys.

Sunset had a new pair of black boots with a yellow line on them and a leather jacket that match her boots. Sunset also had a cyan dress shirt with a yellow opague frill bottom and some light blue legging pants.

“I can even switch between my two jackets now.” Sunset said, a sheepish smile on her face

Fluttershy was holding her vest and a pink sunhat she had picked out and laid those on the counter as well. After the girls had paid for their stuff, Rarity said that there spa appointment was next. Sonata wasn't sure about the spa or why Rarity seem so excited for it, but after bit of awkwardness of her changing into nothing but the spa robe and feeling exposed, Sonata felt more relaxed then she had for the past months.

> House Surprise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spending most of my day with Aria, I got to know the siren a little more, for better or worse. After bringing her to a local store to get an ice bag for her jaw, I figured it would be a good opportunity to get to know her better. Still in the store, buying snacks and some junk food, I got a text message from Sunset. Sunset wanted me to meet her and the girls at the mall before I go home. A part of me was sure it was just to carry their stuff, but I doubt they would go far as to make me come just to do that, would they? Either way, I didn't see much harm in it, as long as a certain pink haired teen was not involved, so I told Sunset I’ll meet them when I was done. 

With that conversation out the way, Aria and I wandered around town, in and out of stores, just mainly doing whatever. We came into contact with a few other students, but Aria’s bark was worse than her bite. I wasn't sure how bad her bite was, but I didn't want to find out. Soon, we wander into a arcade store, machines line up against the walls and down the middle, back to back. Aria eyes glowed with fond amusement as we went through the store, eyeing each machines as we pass by. They had motorbike races, street races, street fighter, gunslingers, quick shots, duck hunt, roller coaster rides, they seem to have it all. I challenge Aria to a street race on one of the co-op racing machines that had the steering wheel and gear shifting on it, and let me just say, from what I saw, I wouldn't even trust keys in her hands let alone a car. Frustrated at her loss, Aria challenge me to a shoot-off on one of the gunslinger games. I may be a top shot with my Slingshot, but guns play wasn't one of my top play. Guns didn’t need all that skills, just a fast draw and a quick eye, so I was ‘okay’ in this. At some point in one of the levels we was on, I saw Aria’s aim ‘dropped’, below the waist, on the all the christmas carol of every guy she shot. 

After a few more games with Aria, I got a text from Sunset telling me that they should be done within an hour. Taking this as a hint of when I should be leaving, I told Aria I had to be leaving soon. Aria just looked at me and shrugged, saying she might as well be getting home too. Giving me a backhand wave, Aria left out the arcade without so much as a see you later or bye. Still with my school bag on, I left out the arcade as well, taking my time to making sure that there was no late day followers following me. I think I’m starting to become slightly paranoid.

So here I am, walking up to the mall with twenty minutes to spare. Sending a text to Sunset, I asked where they where. Five minutes later, she replied saying that they were getting the finishing touches on their manicure and that I should meet them at the mall’s front entrance as they will be down shortly. With no other option in mind, I found a bench by a fountain and sat down, bringing my phone out to watch a video. 

Ten minutes into the video, I heard Sunset and Rarity calling from behind. “Blitz!”

I looked up from my phone and turn around to see the girls. To my surprise, Rarity didn't have much with her, much by her standards.

“Hey girls, how was your day?” I asked when they came closer.

“It was simply divine. You should have really join us darling, a massage alone does wonders," Rarity said, her eyes fluttering as she came over towards me.

“She’s right, a good massage can really remove month's worth of stress," Sunset added, stretching her arms out in front of her.

“So I guess the manicure was the added bonus then?” I asked with a smile.

All four girls nodded their heads at that. Each girl had a content smile on their face, even Sonata look visibly relax, if more-so tired, but had a small smile on her face. Looking at Sonata more closely, I realized she was wearing make-up. Sonata haven’t worn any make-up since I founded her. She had dark blue eyeshadow, light blush around her cheek and a light red lipstick on, or was it purple, I couldn't tell. I also noticed that each girl had a bag in their hands, though Rarity was the one who had the most, but much less than what I had previously thought she would have. 

“Well, ready to go?” Rarity asked, taking out a pocket mirror and looking at herself.

“Are you girls planning on carrying your bags all the way to my place?” I asked, standing up.

Rarity chuckle to herself as she turned to look at me. “Oh darling, you simply never go shopping unless you have a vehicle, you never know what you might find.”

“You have a car?”

“Yes I do, It just out front in the parking lot. Its nothing special, but it gets the job done.” Rarity said, taking her keys out of her purse and dangling it in the air. “I mainly use it when I go traveling, shopping, or to school when it's snowing or raining outside.”

“I should really talk to my parents about getting a car.” I said under my breath, following behind Rarity.

Walking out into the parking lot, Rarity lead us to where she parked her car. Her car looked to be a white four-door Toyota Camry. The girls and I put our bags in the trunk of the car before we all got in. I sat in the back seat on the left, Sonata sat on the right, Fluttershy sat in the middle and Sunset sat up front. I knew it would be a short ride, no longer than eight minutes at most. 

Coming up to a stop light, Sunset turnover in her seat in whispered to me. “So Blitz, how was your time with… Aria?” Sunset asked, saying that last one so low I barely heard it.

Looking over to Sonata, I saw her main focus was out the window.

“It was trouble at first.”

“Trouble, how so?”

I thought about not telling her, but at this point, it needed to be known.

"We were followed and ambushed at the park. Glad to say, Aria knows how to handle herself in a fight, and that the only true threat there was handle by her. Two other girls was there and so was Snips, so I doubt school will stay peaceful for me for long. Once that was handle, the rest of the time with her was fun, though we also had minor run-in with some other students."

“Really? Two problems in one day, and by the sound of it, its getting worse.” 

“Two? Did you also had some trouble?”

“Sorta.” Sunset answered. She turned back around in her seat, the rest of the ride was fairly silent.

We pull up to my apartment a few minutes later. I direct Rarity where she could park, so she wouldn't get a ticket. 

“Hey Sunset, can you tell me more about what happen to you?” I asked, grabbing my keys out of my pocket.

“Not today, maybe tomorrow.” Sunset answered.

Unlocking my door, I looked back at Sunset, puzzled. “Well can we at least-”

As I open my door, someone on the inside tackle me to the floor, cutting me of midway. I heard some giggles in the background, but that wasn't the focus of my attention. I looked at the girl who had tackle me to the ground, both our teal blue eyes meeting. She were wearing a light pink sweater and light blue jean pants. Her blond hair with red highlights hanging down past her chest as she looked down at me.

“M-M-Mirage, what are you doing here?” I stuttery asked my sister.

Mirage looked down at me, a mixture of sadness and curiosity on her face.

“You actually forgot I was coming over.”

"Forgot? You wasn't suppose to be coming until-" I trailed off as I reached my hands into my pocket and pulled my phone out. Checking the date, I realized that today was the day my sister was coming. How could I forget? I’ve never forgotten when my sister would be coming over.

Mirage looked over to the four girls who was standing in the door entrance. Pulling myself up, I allow the girls to enter as I close the door behind them. As the girls walked in, I went and sat down on the couch, beating myself over for forgetting that my sister was coming over. I watch as Mirage went over and gave both Rarity and Fluttershy a hug. Mirage is good friends with Rarity, I knew that, but I didn’t know she was friends with Fluttershy. Mirage watch as Sonata removed herself from the group and came to sit down next to me, she gave me a raise eyebrow but said nothing of it. Though what really caught my attention was how she treated Sunset, Mirage didn't say a word, looked at, glance or acknowledge Sunset in any shape or form. When Rarity try to say something about it, Mirage cut her off with a stern stare. It was no secret that Mirage hated Sunset’s guts, and that it was one of the factors as to why she left Canterlot High.

“So Mirage, how long will you be staying this time?” Rarity asked, giving Sunset an apologetic smile.

“Four days. I wanted to spend some more time with my brother,” Mirage glance over at me and Sonata before looking back at Rarity, "and some other things.”

“Four days, normally you stay for two or three?” I queried at the statement.

“I’m still taking time out of school.” Mirage answered quickly, silencing me as I sat deeper in the couch. “I didnt mean it like that Blitz, just… mom thinks I should take a few extra days out of school.”

I knew she didn't mean any harm by it, it just saddens me everytime I think what happen.

“Did something happen to you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh nothing, just had a little accident during the weekend, nothing much.” Mirage answered with a sheepish smile.

“Accident? What happen?” Rarity asked.

I tense up at that, so did Mirage. Mirage looked at me, I put my hands on my mouth and slowly dragged it down diagonally, indicating that I didn't want her to mention anything about it. I started doing that type of motion when the ‘zipping my lips and throwing away the key’ thing felt silly.

“Just a little accident, nothing to worry about, really.” Mirage reassure both Rarity and Fluttershy.

Sunset cleared her throat, causing me to look at her. I could tell Sunset knew it was a lie as she must have been watching me this whole time. Lucky for me, Sunset didn't say anything about it, not now at least. Sunset was keeping her distance away from me and Mirage, that was no brainer, but Susnet looked a bit lonely as Mirage kept both Rarity and Fluttershy attention.

“So, how was the Spa?” Mirage asked, completely turning the conversation around.

“Oh it was absolutely heaven!” Rarity squealed. “And the manicure,” Rarity put her hands to her chest and gave out a content sigh.

I chuckled to myself as I watch how Rarity went on about their day at the mall. As I thought of a way to explain things to Mirage about Sonata and Sunset, I felt someone leaning against me. Looking to my left, I found Sonata passed out on my shoulder. I suppose with her late night depression and the Spa section at the mall, she would have fallen asleep eventually. Putting one hand on Sonata’s shoulder, I tried to gently shake her awake, but Sonata was knocked out cold. I tried to shake her a little harder, but it was no use. 

Well, it looks like I got two options, I could either let her sleep her on my shoulder or I could carry her to the room, which one should I do? Looking at Sonata, I sighed and chuckled to myself as I already knew the answer to my own question. This is going to be beyond embarrassing. Looking at my sister, I prayed she wouldnt go back and tell mom and dad about this. Turning over, I put my hand behind Sonata’s neck and my other under hand underneath her legs. The moment I picked her up in my arms, the room fell silent.

“I’ll be right back.” I stated, not looking at anyone as I knew all eyes was on me. I was sure the hot blush on my face was also apparent as I held Sonata.

No one said a word, but I felt all their eyes pinned on me. Slowly, I carried Sonata into the bedroom and place her down on my side of the bed. Pulling back the blanket, I moved Sonata over to her side and remove the scrunchy from her hair. Putting the blanket back over Sonata, I looked back over to the open door.

“Now for the embarrassing part, going back into the living room.”

> Lets Talk Sis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I stood there in my doorway, pondering just how bad my sister would tease me. Letting out a small breath, I steeled myself as I walked out the door. I heard small mumbling from the living room, nothing above a whisper, so I couldn't tell what they were talking about. The moment I rounded the corner, the whole room went quiet. Mirage looked at me, like she were expecting me to say something. I knew I would have to explain things to her soon, I just had to figured out how. Closing my eyes, I walked over to where Sunset was and plopped down on the couch. Putting my hands over my face, I open one eye and looked through my fingers, seeing Mirage staring back at me.

“Ummm, Blitz. Who is that girl and why did you just put her in your room?” Mirage asked after several seconds of silence. 

I open my mouth to answer, but closed it as I truly didn't have anything to say. I figure it would be easier to explain who Sonata was than why she is sleeping in my room. But I didn't have a clue on how to explain that to her.

“Mirage, darling, there something you must know first.” Rarity butted in, gaining Mirage’s attention. “It’s about that girl, her name is Sonata,” Rarity said, turning her eyes to me. 

It didn't take a genius to know she just gave me a starting point, and was passing on that introduction for me to finish. 

“See sis, the thing is.” I looked at Mirage, putting on a stern face, showing no sign of messing around. “Sonata has been staying here for the past two weeks and-”

“Staying here, why? Do mom and dad know about this?”

Eh, well no. And as to who she is, umm. You're not going to believe it if I told you.”

“Really?” Mirage said, folding her arms and gave me a smug grin, like this was another mind game to her. “Try me.”

I knew I couldn't lie to Mirage, she would notice the moment I did, one of the disadvantage of being a twin. That’s not including she’ll be staying here for the next few days, so I might as well get her caught up to date.

“Well you see, it started like this…”


***


We were able to give Mirage a brief story of Sonata, what happen to her, and why she was here. Personally, I left out a few bits of details, one of it being of my attack and encounters with her sisters. I figured I could explain that to her later on, in private.


“So you're telling me that this girl is a mythical creature known as a siren, and you are allowing her to stay here?” Mirage queried.

“Will I didn't know at first, I was just helping her out," I answered nervously.

“But after you did found out, you still let her stay here?” Mirage pushed onwards.

“Well, yeah. I told her I would help her, and that I wouldn't let her back out on the streets.”

“Wait, Mirage, you actually believe us?" Rarity interjected.

Mirage shrugged her shoulders. “Mostly, only 'cause I can see that Blitz is telling the truth, and that you two also seemed to be telling the truth about this. That, however, does not mean I believe she’s an actual siren. I want proof, a non-video, physical proof.”

I looked to Rarity who only looked back at me, both of us giving a questionable glance.

“If it would help, you can ask Principal Celestia. She can confirm things, and, uh, maybe, show you some proof.” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Oh yeah, I could just ask her. Principal Celestia wouldn't lie about something like this.” 

I turned to Sunset, who was watching with mild amusement, even if she looked a bit sadden. “Hey Sunset, is there any actual physical proof of their siren abilities?” I whisper to her, when Mirage turn her attention back to the two girls.

Sunset put a finger to her chin. “There’s their pendent that they used, but given how it was destroyed on stage, I don't think it be much of an evidence. Other then that, none that I’m aware of.”

Secretly, I knew that there was more physical evidence, and I were a prime example of one. Still, I kept that bit of information to myself. Last thing I need is anyone thinking I’m being mind control or force into doing something.

“You know something?" Sunset said, looking towards Mirage. “I almost forgotten how much it hurts when someone hates you to the core, to not even acknowledge your existence.” 

“Well, Mirage is stubborn, even if she’s a bit shy around others. So it might take time. If you want, I could talk to her and explain things, see if that helps?”

“No, it’s okay. It was my fault that she left CHS anyways.” Sunset gave a disheartened sigh then looked at me, her eyes full of regret. “I know I apologise before, but I am truly sorry for using you and causing your sister to leave.”

As I thought back to it, I remember once, when Mirage and I was new at school, Sunset had found me using my slingshot outside on school grounds. She thought my skills were amazing and asked me to test it out on a few items she had. It wasn't until a week later, that a couple of school property went damage and the only clues were small rocks. Sunset came to me with her little ‘proposition’: I help her with a few things and a photo of me shooting my slingshot on school ground wouldn't be pass around, even though I never used rocks while at school. Of course I had no choice but to accept it or risk being framed. And of course I should have known better, once Sunset was done with me, she threw me under the bus with majority of the blame. Even with the suspension and detention, Sunset had at least kept her promise with the photo, so I didn't have to worry about paying for the mass damage. 

Though what she did to my sister could only be describe as ‘living hell’. Mirage was one of the few, at the time, to help stand up against Sunset. I would have join her, if it wasn't for the thought of paying for the thousand dollar worth of damage on that photo she still had. I never did asked for the full detail of what happen, but Mirage left school the following semester and had refused to talk about it ever since. No one at school would talk to Mirage and within a day, the little group that had rebelled against Sunset was disbanded, all the members became outcast. That’s not even counting the bullying by Sunset herself. Whatever Sunset had done to her and the group, Mirage never spoke about it. When I asked her about it, all she told me was that she couldn't stand to be at school while Sunset was still there, and that she never wants to have anything to do with her ever again. So at that point, I tried to avoid Sunset as much as possible, like the rest of the students, since I had no way of getting back at her.

I hadn't really accepted the apology the first time Sunset had said it, but now I knew it was fully genuine. “Don't worry, I forgive you. It’s Mirage you should really be worried about. She may not have said a thing now, but once you leave, she may question me about why you're here. Still, I can help lessen the problem by talking to her, try to get her to listen to reasons.”

Sunset looked down and folded her hands, her lips purse. After a couple of seconds, she looked at me. “Do you think so? I mean, after what I did to her, I’m sure she rather see me elsewhere.”

I knew full well that Sunset was right, and that convincing my sister would not be easy. Maybe I can get her to just listen, maybe? “Sure, I can try. If she do, then I’ll let you know. Until then, just, try to show her the new you.”

“Thanks.” Sunset said with a small smile. For a second, she made a small movement, like she wanted to give me a hug, but it look like she second guess that.

The rest of the time, we stayed in the living room, chatting away. Mirage manage to get Fluttershy to talk more, which was fun to listen to. Me and Sunset stayed to ourselves, having our little conversation. I somehow manage to learn just a bit more about magic and a place called Equestria. After some time had passed and it was getting late, Rarity, Fluttershy and Sunset said their goodbyes, though Sunset only said it to me. When the door closed and the girls out of sight, Mirage turned and looked at me, squinting her eyes.

“What?”I asked innocently, putting my hands up.

She looked towards my bedroom than at the door then back at me with a raise eyebrow. She was practically saying; ‘So, are you going to tell me why you put a girl in your room, or why you're friendly with Sunset?’

“Okay, Mirage, I can explain, somewhat. Sonata has been sleeping in the same room as me, but I swear nothing has happened, so there’s no need to go back and tell our parents about this.”

Mirage only gave a sigh and shook her head.

“And as for Sunset, I-”

“No, dont care, dont wanna know.” She cut in, not even giving me a chance to explain.

“Are you sure, cause there-”

“N. O.” She said firmly, looking back at the room, then chuckle to herself. “So, tell me about her, the one in the room.”

“Sonata? But I already told you-”

“Not that, tell me about her. What made you help her? What you two been doing? How long will she be staying here? How awkward it was the first few days living of with someone that's outside of family, a girl at that? That type of stuff?” Mirage asked, smiling with glee.

“Uh. I don’t know. I think something might have happen, but I can't remembered.” I was stalling, knowing how much Mirage would loved to know this.

“Come on, tell me!” She pleaded, pulling on my arm like a five year old child. “Tell me, or I will tell mom.” She pouted.

Oh, that’s the last person I wanted to know about this. “Okay okay, calm down," I said, brushing her off of me. Mirage gave a delighted “yes” as she sat down on the couch. 

It’s kind of hard sometime to think that she’s actually smarter than me, like top school smarts. After leaving school, Mirage applied to one of the top ten school in Canterlot. She didn’t go to Crystal Prep, but a school that rival it academically, Emerald Academy. Though Mirage would always argue with me that I could get into one of those schools if I try, the thing is, I never wanted to go to one of those schools.

“Alright, where do I begin?” I said, pacing the room. Looking at Mirage’s eager and nosey expression.

“How about, the beginning!” She almost screamed at me.

I chuckled to myself at Mirage annoyed outburst. “As you know, I found Sonata homeless and saved her from being attacked by some girls. I brought her back here to help her, since she was injured. I offered her to stay the night, but I felt I couldn’t leave her after that.”

“Why?”

Because I was magically charmed into helping her, and didn't realize it at the time. Is what I should say, but didn’t. “Cause I couldn't leave a girl like that by herself. She’s the only homeless person I ever encounter and she's a teenager like me, so why not help her.

“So you only helped her because she’s a girl?” Mirage queried with a witty grin.

“Well~, I wouldn't go that far.”

“But it’s true.” Mirage said with a smug grin. “So, what happen next? What did you two do? Was it fun?”

I thought about what me and Sonata did next, but my mind instantly went back to Sugarcube. As I thought about it more, I realise this would be the best of time to tell Mirage what truly happening. I gave Mirage my most deadpan and serious expression I could musterd. This was something Mirage needed to know, incase something comes up while she is staying here. This isn't something I would be able to keep hidden for long. 

“Mirage, listen. I’ve gotten myself into something after helping her. Short story, assaulted. We have been assaulted before, I’ve been hurt. Sonata is dealing with deep depression and some traumatization. So, before anything in the future happens, I just wanted to let you know, I decided to do this.” I’m pretty sure that was mostly the charm speaking and the desired to protect Sonata, but I went along with it anyways.

Mirage mouth hung open with disbelief. “Hurt?”

“Well…, stabbed in the leg.” Mirage's eyes went wide. “But don't worry, it wasn't serious, just a minor injury.” injury," I assured her, placing my hands on her shoulders.

“W-what do you mean minor injury? You could have been seriously injured, or worse. Why are you helping her if it will get you hurt. You could have been...., if things went horrible...!” She spurted out, her eyes started to tear up at the thought of me ‘gone’. 

Me and Mirage are very close, even as we grew up, we always done things together. When one of us got in trouble, the other comes in to help. Because of our closeness, we never like seeing the other get hurt, and always try to protect one another when we can. Though we was smart and knew when to step in and when not to, we still always had each other’s back.

I pulled Mirage into a hug. “Don't worry sis, that was two weeks ago. Nothing extreme has happened after that. I’ve been very careful to make sure nothing like that happens again, but I’m not going to leave Sonata. I want to help her through this.”

“Why? Why do you want to help someone who you barely know?” Mirage asked, hugging me back tighter.

I wanted to answer her back with an honest answer, but I knew the answer would not make things better, so I gave her my second truest answer. “Because, I gotten to know her better after the assault. She’s a friend of mine now, I won't put a friend out.” Which was the truth.

Once a few seconds had passed, Mirage push herself off of me and wiped her eyes. “You're way too nice to females, you know that?”

“Guess so. Must be one of the downside of having a sister as a twin.” I joked. Mirage responded with a sharp but weak punch to my shoulder.

“It’s because you have a wonderful sister that showed you how to treat a lady.” She smirked. I only rolled my eyes, but gave her a warm smile.

> Glitter in the Dark 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After our little moment, Mirage and I talked a bit more, leaving personal matters out of it. I asked Mirage exactly why she was staying for four days. She corrected me, saying it was five, but she didn't want to count today. Soon after, Mirage and I did what we normally do when she comes over. Watch a movie, buy pizza, and mainly goofed off on the internet. Of course I’ve saved Sonata a few slices before we ate it all up. Even though we stayed up most of the night, I knew I had to turn in for school tomorrow. As always, when Mirage stayed over, we slept in the living room on the couches, watching T.V till we fell asleep. Some time in the middle of the night, we were awoken to a hushed, but loud whispers coming from my room.

“Blitz,” Mirage hissed, muffling a yawn. “What is that noise? Is someone talking?”

Rubbing my eyes, I pulled myself upward. “I don't know?” I closed my eyes and listen closely as the room went quiet. Just above a whisper, I could make out Sonata’s voice. “I think… I think that is Sonata talking?” As I listen more closely, I could hear muffled crying coming from the room. From the look on Mirage’s face, she could hear it too.

“Is she alright? It sounds like crying," Mirage said, getting up from the couch. “Maybe we should go check on her?”

As Mirage started for the room, I got up and grab her by her wrist. “Wait, Mirage, there something you should know. Something I didn't mention about Sonata earlier.”

“Huh?” Mirage looked at me puzzled, her eyes now scanning me.

“Well, recently Sonata has become more depressed. She has been getting little sleep, and crying most of the nights. I know for sure it’s about her sisters who she had lost contact with, but I think there’s more to it.”

“Have you talked to her about this?”

“Umm,” I turned my head, diverting my eyes as I gave out my answer. “No, not really. I don't know what to say, what to do, or how to make her feel better. I thought about talking to her, but I don't know how to help.”

“Maybe I could talk to her.” Mirage says, walking back to the couch. “I mean, I kn-” Mirage was cut off by the sound of the bedroom door opening. 

By pure instinct, me and Mirage lept onto our couches and immediately pretended to be asleep. A couple of seconds passed as the eerie quietness was drone out, the only sound were the low volume T.V that we left on. Then we heard the sound of soft footsteps, slowly walking down the hall.

“H-hello, is anyone awake?” Sonata called out, her voice just audible for us to hear.

I cracked open one of my eyes, looking at Mirage who looked backed at me. Once both of our eyes met, neither one of us knew what to do. Should we get up? Pretend to sleep? Maybe have a talk? We didn't know. I looked over to Sonata, who was leaning against the corner of the hallway, one hand on the wall.

“Blitz?” Sonata hissed. “Are you up?” Sonata asked once more, taking a single step into the living room. 

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mirage mouthing something. Turning to look at her, I can see her mouthing the word ‘Get up’, followed by a shake of one of her hands. 

I wanted to get up. To console Sonata, but how? I truly didn't know what to say, could I just stand there and be quiet. No. She might want someone to talk to. Would this end up making her cry again? Could I make her feel better?

In the end, I stayed on the couch, pretending to be asleep as Sonata turned around and went back into the room. A soft clicking from the door closing behind her. 

The moment the coast was cleared, Mirage raised her head and looked at me. “Why didn't you get up?” Mirage hissed, perplexed.

“I didn’t know what to do or say!" I hissed back, trying to keep my voice from sounding too loud. “What can I say to her? I don't know how to make her feel any better.”

Mirage eyes felled, her mouth twisting, a look on her face I knew well. She was thinking. When Mirage starts thinking, her mind becomes that of a rubik's cube. Twisting and turning, a new mind game for her. The one thing most annoying about Mirage was that she can get into your head. She gets into your mind and make you start thinking stuff that may have never crossed your mind. Sometimes she does it for kicks, other times for her own insecurity, but most of all, it's how she understands others.

“Blitz,” Mirage says slowly, looking at me. “Do you care about her?”

“Huh?” I looked at her owlishly, blinking a few times from the random question.

“Do you care about her?” Mirage repeated, her eyes piercing through.

“Well, yeah. I sorta do," I answered, pushing back the awkward feeling from this conversation.

Mirage looked at me more closely. Even in the late night, I knew she could see through me, her mind already at work. 

“Mirage, I-” Mirage cut me off, putting a hand on my shoulder and a finger to my lips.

“Shh. Do you hear that? I think she is talking to someone.” Mirage says, looking back towards my bedroom way.

I listen closely, just barely able to hear the conversation coming from my room. Slowly, Mirage let’s go of my shoulder. She then turned around and started creeping towards my room, her curiosity getting the best at her.

“What are you doing?” I hissed, grabbing her by her wrist.

“I’m trying to find out what is actually wrong with her.” Mirage says, pulling my hand off her wrist. “You said you want to help her, so this is the best way to figure out how.”

Without another word, Mirage grabs my hand and pulls me along, not letting me give out any sort of comeback. Not that I had any to start with. Walking up to the door, me and Mirage knelt down and place our ear on it, trying to hear what Sonata was saying.

“...if you do hear this message, please call me. I miss the both of you. I’m sorry… for not being any use and always causing trouble.” We heard Sonata let out a choke sob. “Please, please talk to me soon.”

I pulled back for the door, my heart feeling full of molten lead. She was still trying to reach out to them and I knew about it. I knew that her sisters knew and that they are still worried about her, yet she believes they didn’t even cared. Should I tell her the truth? 

I felt Mirage place a hand on my shoulder. “I may not know what’s fully going on, but I can see on your face that you know more than you’re letting on. I can see also that you really do care about her, so, go talk to her.” 

I just stared at her, catching on to what she really was saying. “W-wait a minute, it's not-”

Mirage stood up, placing a finger in both her ears. “La la la. No matter what you say, I’m not hearing it.” She turns to me, giving me a smile. “I’m going to head back to sleep. When you're done, you can tell me about it tomorrow.” She says, walking off. “Oh, and try not to take too long, you still need to get some sleep yourself.”

I just stared dumbly at my sister, watching her walked off. Jeez sis, way to lay it down. Not like the idea hadn't crossed my mind, but, eh. Rubbing my hair fiercely, again, I pushed the thought out of my mind.

Now with my head cleared, I stood up and knocked on the door gently. “Sonata, it’s me, Blitz. Are you okay in there?”

I heard shuffling on the other side, followed by a dropping of an object that I could only assume was her phone. A second later, the door creak open. Sonata stuck her head out, looking at me with puffy red eyes before stepping back, allowing the door to fully open.

“Did-did I wake you? I’m sorry if I did,” She said, her head lowered and her phone clutched in both her hands.

“Don't worry about it.” I said gently, stepping into the room. “I heard you calling my name, then I heard sounds coming from here and got worried.” Even though this was a mixture of truth and lies, what I said was mostly true.

“Oh,” Sonata murmured, visibly clutching at her phone tighter.

“Are you okay? What's wrong?” I asked, even though I knew the answers to my own question. 

“Nothing. I'm okay, really.” She said, wiping her eyes clear of tears.

"No, you're not," I said steadily, taking her hand. “I can see the tears still coming from your eyes.”

“This, this is, uh,” Sonata stuttered, her voice wavering.

Crap, don't cry.

Quickly, I grab Sonata and pull her into a hug, surprising her. She let out a small, tiny yelp as her body stiffen.

“Sonata,” I said in a whisper. “I know that you're still hurting, and that you're crying about your sisters, and trying to reach them. I known that for a while, but don't beat yourself up over this.”

“I-it is my fault.” She said, her voice ragged. “I deserve this, everything. Why am I having so much guilt now. I never cared before, so why now.” Sonata says as she started to sob into my shoulder. She wasn't crying yet, but her voice gave way to her emotions. “I just wanted the one thing in my life that I still have. I have nothing and no one now.” She mumble into my shoulder.

She never felt guilty about the things she’s done before? Did that rainbow beam gave her a change of heart? Or could it be that everything she has done came back to hit her. Whatever the reason is, I should help her through this bit.

Breaking free from the hug, I looked Sonata in the eyes. “Listen, I’m not going to say you should stop trying to reach them, but…” 

What excuse would be good enough? I need something that would give her hope, yet still allowing me to keep my promise. I thought, looking into Sonata eyes which was begging me to tell her something good. 

Once again, I came up short for an answer. Shaking my head, I tried to revise my earlier statement. “Sonata, maybe this is the best for you. Maybe once you cleared your own emotion and thoughts, you can go find your sisters and try to reconnect with them. Maybe the lost of your amulet was a good thin-”

I immediately bit my tongue on those words as Sonata eyes grew cold. Her face started to redden with anger but quickly fell to sadness as her head drop. Sonata legs gave way as she fell to her knees, letting go of her phone. Quickly, I drop to my knees as while to see if she was still mentally okay. When I lifted her head, I was heartfelt to what I saw. Her eyes were closed as tears stream down her face.

Rubbing her back, I helped her up and sat her down on the bed. Sitting down next to her, I put one arm around her neck in consolance. “Hey, do you want to talk about how you are feeling? It might help you feel better if you got it off your chest.”

Sonata wiped her eyes cleared as she took a deep breath. Calming herself down, she looked at me, her eyes darker than they was seconds ago. The next words she said sent chills down my body.

“What do you do when you want to stop living, but you're too afraid to die?”

> New Flashing Thoughts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What do you do when you want to stop living, but you're too afraid to die?”

These are the words that plagued my mind as I went to school the next day. I was glad that my sister was here, because I would have been too afraid to leave Sonata by herself. My thought had me unable to stay focused in class; I was constantly worried that Sonata might try something to herself. I spend most of my time in class texting my sister and checking up on them. So far, nothing has happen. From what my sister texted me, Sonata has been cooped up in the room by herself, and has been relatively quiet. With that on my mind,  I opted to tell the girls about what Sonata had said, but even I didn’t know what they could do about it. I didn’t wanna trouble them with just small information and not giving them the whole story. So for now, I would have to keep this a secret until I can get more information out of her. By this point, I’m pretty sure that most of the girls has noticed that I was acting strangely, as they kept looking at me both in class and in the hallway. Sunset, Rarity and Fluttershy tried talking to me a few times, but I didn't give them much attention. I felt bad for ignoring them, I suppose I will have to talk to them soon once we go to lunch.


***


Sitting down at the cafeteria table, Sunset brought out her book and placed it on the table. “Hey Blitz, I was talking to one of my friends, Twilight, back in Equestria, and she may have found a way to help with Sonata’s problem.” Sunset said, turning the book towards me.

I turned to look at Sunset with a raised eyebrow. “What do you mean she may have a way to help?” I asked, taking a look at the book.”

“Twilight may have figured out a way to block out the magic that has corrupted some of the students here.”

“Seriously? Did she really manage to figure out a way to stop this?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“No, not really. She think she may have found a way to prolong the effect," Sunset answered.

“Prolong? That means slowing the effect right? So, she doesn’t know how to stop it then?” Applejack asked.

“Not yet. She is actually coming back here to do a little field studying, to see if she can figure something out.”

I turned to look at Sunset. “What do you mean by field study?” I asked, putting the book back down.

“It means she would be coming here to test out some of her theories.” Sunset answered, taking her book back.

“Twilight’s coming back! Will she stay longer than last time?!” Pinkie yelled out, a smile plastered on her face.

“Yeah, you can say that.” Sunset answered. “Hmm, guess that means she will have more free time then she did when she came back the last two times.”

“So, what type of field work will she be doing? Would we have to pony up?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know yet, and she didn’t say much on it. She said she had a few things she wanted to test out.”

“Well, that is some good news. At least, we are getting somewhere. Hopefully, she could figure out something soon.” I said half mindedly, gaining a look from all the girls at the table. With silence washing over the table, I looked to all them. “What?”

“Are yer okay? Ya seem kinda... distance.” Applejack asked, staring at me.

I wasn’t blind, and I could tell that worried was written all over my face. Again, I wonder if I should tell them, but my mind lead me not to. So instead, I turn my head away and gave a silent nod. I knew I wasn't fooling anyone, but I didn’t know what else to say. Our conversation shifted from me to this Twilight person. It seems the girls are really excited to see her again. I personally wasn’t really paying much attention to what they was saying. Yet the way they went on and on about Twilight made me curious to meet her. As I was leaving the cafeteria, Sunset and Fluttershy rushed up to me, clearly worried.

“Blitz, are you sure, you're okay?” Sunset asked. “You seem bothered by something and we want to help.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Fluttershy asked as well.

Once again, I felt Compelled to tell them the truth, and I almost did.

“Don’t worry girls, I’m okay," I said, giving them a weak smile. “If anything happens, I’ll let you guys know.”

They wasn’t convinced, and it was obvious that they weren't going to let me leave without an answer, seeing as how they stayed close to me when I tried to turn and walk away. I looked at them both as they look back at me, stopping me in the hallway. Sunset had her arms folded across her chest, and Fluttershy had her hands behind her back, both girls not giving an inch.

Are they really not gonna let me walk away with this? I know I’m worrying them, but they shouldn’t really force it out of me. Then again, is this something I should really hide. I chew the inside of my cheek, looking away from them.

“Alright listen, you can’t tell the other girls about this, not yet at least.” Now, both Sunset and Fluttershy was giving me their full attention. I gave a small sigh as I put my hands into my pockets. “Sonata said something to me yesterday, and it really got me worried.”

“Oh my, what did she say?” Fluttershy asked.

"I’m not fully sure myself, but it sound like she wanted to die but at the same time she wanted to live. I’m not sure how to take it yet, and I didn’t want to tell you girls until I knew it was drastic-"

There was a small gasp from Fluttershy as Sunset grab me by the shoulders and looked me dead in the eyes. “What do you mean by waiting until it was drastic?! Do you not consider this drastic? She’s talking about her own life.”

I took her hands and remove them from my shoulders, but I kept hold of them. “I know this is drastic, but what will you do or say to her? What could you do to make her feel better?”

Sunset mouth twitch, a few word slipping past her lips, but she gave me no response. After a few second, I felt her arm loosen as as her shoulder slapped down. Seeing as she understood what i was talking about, I let go of her hands.

“I have an idea," Fluttershy spoke up catching us both by surprise. “I hear and know that being around animals can help release some depression. If she wants to, she can stop by the animal shelter and help out with the animals. I think that might help her a little bit.”

I put that into consideration. It sounded like a good idea, and truthfully, it’s the best one we got.

“That sounds good, but will she go?” Sunset asked, taking a few steps back from me.

“I don’t know. I could ask, but I don’t know if she will go," I replied, taking out, my phone.

“Well, she don’t have to if she don’t want to. It was just an idea.” Fluttershy said meekly.

“No no, it’s a good idea, and I’ll keep it in mind when I talk to her. For now though, I just have to see how she is holding up.”

“I guess that’s okay, but you should really tell the other girls about this.” Sunset said, folding both her arms. “We’re really worried you know.”

“I know, and I’m sorry for having you two hold a secret like this.” I replied turning around, heading to my next class.





Even after my conversation with Sunset and Fluttershy, I still found myself unable to stay focus in the rest of my classes. Now I have the problem of telling the other girls about this as well. Maybe I could talk to Applejack, she seems to be the second most calmest out of the rest of the group, though she might end up telling the others. And as much as they would like to help, it may cause more problem than solving. Pinkie may be more help than the others, she seems to be the best at putting smiles on people's face. Now I think about it, she still off doing her own thing on helping Sonata. I wonder what she has planned?

Walking down the school hall to my locker, I saw Flash Sentry leaning against it. None of his friends was around him, at least, from my point of view it seemed liked. Before my mind could say turn around and walk away, Flash spotted me. By this point, I was already on edge wondering if this is going to be another fight. I kept my eyes on him as he walked over to me. He wore a neutral expression, nothing aggressive of the sort.

“Hey, mind if we talk for a moment?” He asked, standing a few feet from me.

“That depends on what”. I answered.

He put his hands in his pocket as he stared at me. Looking around to make sure there wasn't any listeners, he spoke softly. “I heard from a few people that you're helping one of those sirens, I wanted to find out if it was true.”

“If it is, would that be a problem?” I asked, trying not to let the annoyance seep through my voice. 

It’s not that I didn't like Flash, I just wasn't really looking for another conflict. And considering that he was waiting for me by my locker, made me feel all the more cautious.

“Just so you know, I could care less if you were helping them or not," he said, his eyes going green before he pinched the bridge of his nose. Looking back up, his eyes was a normal blue again. “Sure I don't like them, but they really are little of concern to me.”

“If they are little concern to you, then why do you want to know if I'm helping them?” I asked suspiciously, taking a few steps back.

That earned me a raise eyebrow from him. “Cause I’m slightly curious as to why. Why help them after knowing what they did to us. What they wanted to do-” He stopped himself, taking a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say, I heard that you didn't know who they was or what-

“I know who they are and what they did.” I cut him off. “But that doesn't mean we can't give them a chance, right?”

Flash leaned back against the closest locker. “Do you really know what they did? Obviously you weren't there. You didn't see, feel what they did to us, our mind.

Now he was irritating me. “So what, are you going to ask me to stop helping them. To bring them here or something?”

“Nope. Like I said, I could care less what happen to them.” Flash said, nonchalantly. 

“Then what is it you want?” I queried, more confused then irritated.

“All I want to do is give you a warning, so to say. Before you say you know what they did, how about you learn what they did. By that, I mean, learn what it feel like when your being mind control.”

WHAT!

“Think about it, your helping them without fully knowing what they did, could do or how it felt. If you knew how it felt to act against your better judgment for them, could you say you would still help them afterwards.”

I was lost for words. I had never thought about what it felt like to be under their control. The effect it could have on me. Sure at the moment I’m being charmed, but a full on mind control is a different story. Would knowing how it was make me feel any different about helping them? Surely not, right?

Smiling, Flash turned around before looking back. “If you really want to know, and trust them enough, ask one of them to put you under a spell for a day and see how you feel afterwards. If they can't, I’m sure Sunset could do it. Actually, I would go with Sunset first, at least you know you’ll be in safer hands. But hey, you don't have to do it, just keep going on helping them as you are.” With that, he left with a backward wave, leaving me dumbstruck at what he was implying.

“So, it either I get a brief understanding of what they went through, or helping Sonata and her sister blindly without feeling the pain they cause. Great, just one more thing to add to my already growing To-Do list.” I sighed, heading back to my locker and grabbing my stuff. “Now, who should I go to first?”

> Surprise Sonata Chapter: Blitz's Sister
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonata stayed covered in the bed, the blanket wrapped tightly over her. She didn’t feel like getting out of bed, she didn’t feel like doing anything. All last night she tried to reach her sisters, yet neither one answered her calls or messages. She was somewhat grateful that Blitz came in to check on her when he did, even if his words stung her a bit. After breaking down in front of him once again, Blitz didn’t leave her side until she had fallen asleep. Just knowing that there was at least one person who really cared about her was enough to set her mind at ease. For Blitz to take in and help a worthless person as herself and never ask for anything in returned, Sonata wanted to do something to return the favor to him.

Thinking about what Blitz had done for her, how helpful he had been, and how he planned to stick by her, those thoughts had caused Sonata face to turn a light shade of red. She quickly put the blanket over herself and shook her head. A soft buzzing sound coming from her phone broke her out from her thoughts. Sonata was a bit hopeful that either Adagio, or maybe even Aria had responded to her messages. Grabbing her phone, she was slightly disheartened to find that it was only Blitz asking her how she was doing. She was sad, depress, dishearten and feeling terrible of course, but she just said ‘I’m okay’ and left it as that. Placing her phone back down, Sonata tried to snuggle back under the blanket until a knock came at the door.

“Umm, Sonata was it? You’ve been in there all day, it’s almost 2:00 in the evening, it's not healthy to be cooped up in the room liked that. I made you some breakfast, can you open the door for me?”

Sonata rolled over, hearing Blitz’s sister on the other side. She didn't want to be rude to his sister, but she really didn’t want to see anyone right now.

There was a long sigh at the door, before she spoke again. “Hey, I got the keys to this room. Now I don't want to be rude or anything, but if you don't open the door, I will. You need to eat something.

Sonata sat up in the bed and looked to the door. Despite the soft gentle voice of his sister, there was also a feeling of command, a gentle command unlike Adagio’s. Reluctantly, Sonata got out of bed and walked over to the door. Opening the door, she was met with a gentle smiling face of Blitz’s twin sister, Mirage. She had a plate of pancake, bacon and eggs in her hands.

As Sonata reached for the plate, Mirage held it out of reached. “Hey, I finally got you to open up the door, why don't you eat outside the room, get a little bit of air?”

There was something familiar about the way Mirage asked that, something the same as Adagio, but without the bad vibe.

Mirage’s smile falter as she looked at Sonata unmoving decision. “It’s better to eat with someone then to eat alone, you know?” Mirage said more softly, placing the plate in Sonata’s hand.


Sonata didn’t know what to feel, happy that Blitz’s sister was trying to help her, or sad that she was obviously looking pathetic to everyone. Giving a weak smile, Sonata took the plate and closed the bedroom door behind her. Stepping into the living room, Sonata prepared to shield her eyes from any sunlight, only to find that all the curtain were closed and the T.V was dimmed down.

Mirage just gave Sonata a smile as she sat down on the couched. Seeing that smile, Sonata had a small feeling that she might have been tricked into leaving the room. Instead of feeling wary of how easily she was tricked, Sonata just sat down on the couched as she started to eat. Silence engulfed the room as Sonata ate her breakfast, haphazardly paying attention to her surrounding.

The silence was soon broken by Mirage as Sonata finished her breakfast. 

“I know we don't actually know each other, and that I'm not Blitz, but you’re someone he finds close. So, I want to help you as well, but first we must get to know each other a little.” 

Sonata looked at Mirage, seeing the sincere look on her face.

“So, what do you say, what to get to know each other a little more?” Mirage asked, bringing her feets up on the couch and hugging her knees.

Sonata stood there momentarily frozen. This is the first time ever anyone was trying to be direct with her, yet something about Blitz sister seems evasive. The look, the question, the feeling. Mirage was evading something and leaving Sonata feeling as though she was placed on trial, where her answer alone could end up as her downfall. Though she knew she wasn’t on trial and no one was forcing her to do anything, but, she didn't feel comfortable, let alone trusting Mirage enough to even open up, even if she and Blitz were twins.

“I’m sorry, but I don't want to talk about it.” Sonata finally answered, her voice just above a shallow whisper.

“That’s okay, I’m not asking you to tell me your personal life story. Just tell me about yourself, Blitz told me a lot about you already, but I would like to hear about you from you.” Mirage said.

“He talked about me?” Sonata asked, a thin line of blush crossing her face as well as worry in her voice.

Sonata notice a twinkled in Mirage’s eyes at her reaction.

“He has.” Mirage said, trying to draw more out of Sonata.

Sonata gave a weak smile as her eyes felled to the floor. “He's done so much for me and such a short amount of time. Even if I don't deserve it, he still helps me, despite the trouble I bring him. I wished my existance didn’t cause such trouble.” 

The room suddenly had a heavy atmosphere to it after what Sonata said. The smile on Mirage’s face turned into a frown as she looked to Sonata with open eyes.

“Hey, no need for that self pity. You know, I shouldn’t be saying this, but Blitz has his own troubles, we both do.” Mirage said, getting up and walking over to where Sonata was sitting. “We don’t like talking about what had happen, but Blitz blamed himself for a lot of things, maybe it something he can relate to you on, I don't know. What I do know is, he wants to help you, and he’s giving his all. So instead of pitying yourself, how about you try to be happy with things now?”

Sonata mouth hung slightly open, her brain shutting down from what Mirage had said. She was pitying herself? Blitz had his own problem? Should she try to be happy? She didn’t know anymore. All she wanted was to go back in the room, get in bed, and cuddle under the blanket for the rest of the day, but that would only cause Blitz and Mirage to worry more.

Mirage laid a hand on Sonata shoulder, correcting her last statement. “I’m not saying you have to have a full three-sixty change, just, try to look at the happier things around you and cheer up. Your sad, I can understand that, but you will never be happy if you don't try to be. And before you say it, yes, you deserve to be happy as anyone else.”

Though those words ease her some, she knew it was the same thing Blitz had tried telling her. Here was somebody who didn’t knew her at all and was telling her the same thing. Maybe it was because they are twins, maybe it wasn’t, Sonata didn’t know. 

Giving a small nod, Sonata try to fake a smile. “I-I’ll try, thank you.”

Mirage gave Sonata a soft pat on her back before going back to her seat. Sonata looked away, a new question that came to her mind.

“You said Blitz was troubled and that he blamed himself, was it something that bad?” Sonata asked, knowing this might be crossing the line.

There was an eerie quietness in the room. When Sonata looked at Mirage to see if she may have made her upset, she found Mirage staring at the T.V screen, her face showing no expression. Sonata guessed she did indeed crossed the line as she beat herself over for asking such a stupid question.

“It’s not something we like to talk about,” said Mirage in a low tone. “But I see how much you trust Blitz and how much he trust you, so I’ll tell you a little bit of it.” Mirage let out a small sigh. “Yes. What had happen and what Blitz blame himself for is pretty bad. He, he did something that ended up causing me to get hurt in an accident, not just me but a lot of people. I don’t blame him for it and he didn’t know what would happen, it was unexpected. I tried telling him that many times, but in the end he continue blaming himself. I won’t lie though, it had a big effect on me as well as him, and it still shakes me when I think about it.” Mirage body started to shiver as she hugged herself. “I’m sorry, but I don't want to talk about it anymore.”

“No, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” Sonata apologized, feeling guilty from her question.

Mirage just shook her head as she took a deep breath. “Don’t worry about it. It’s, actually good to talk about it once and awhile. Anyway, Blitz should be back any minute now, if he hasn’t lied to me.” Mirage said, picking up her phone and changing the tone of her voice.

Both girls sat and watched T.V, content with the silence that followed it. Moments passed before a knocked came to the door, startling Sonata from the quietness. Mirage got up and checked the door, seeing who it was. Smiling, she unlocked the door and stood back. Blitz slowly walked in, his hand scratching at his head. Blinking, he looked around the room, his eyes landing on his sister and Sonata.

“Hey Sonata, are you feeling any better?” Blitz asked, which Sonata only nodded to. Blitz then turned to look at his sister. “I see you was able to get her out the room sis, nice job.” Blitz said as he gave Mirage a hug.

“Yeah, we was just talking once I was able to get her out.”

“Really? Did I interrupted a girl bonding time?” Blitz said jokingly.

“Nope.” Mirage said, sitting back down on the couch.

Blitz gave Sonata a sideway glance, and Sonata felt something was wrong. His eyes locked with her before he turned away, a small frown on his face. Sonata was worry that something else had happened to him again, and she was the reason of it. Any happy feeling Sonata had moments ago drain from her body. 

Mirage poked Blitz in the side as she looked to Sonata. Blitz only rolled his eyes as a smile grew on his face. Dropping his bag, he sat down on the couch next to Sonata.

“So Sonata, tell me, did my sister cause you any problem?”

“Hey!” Mirage yelled out, actively putting a smile back on Sonata face, but she shook her head ‘no’.

“Glad to hear it,” Blitz said, laying back on the couch, closing his eyes.

Sonata remember Blitz doing this when something was on his mind, and she knew something was bothering him. Turning to look at Mirage, Sonata only confirmed her suspicion.

“Hey Blitz, is everything alright?” Mirage asked, sounding worried.

Blitz kept his eyes close, his hand going through his pockets. “Yeah sis, I’m good. Its nothing to worry about, trust me.”

Clearly Sonata knew this wasn’t true, and she only guessed that Blitz didn’t want to say anything since she was in the room. Feeling slightly sad about that, Sonata rose from the couch, intent on heading back into the bedroom, that was, until Blitz called her name.

“Hey, your not going back in the room are you?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m getting tired,” Sonata lied, trying to walk off.

“That’s not good.” Blitz said, grabbing her arm. “You can’t sleep all day Sonata.” Letting her go, Blitz sat up in looked at Mirage. “I got an idea, how about we three go walking around town? We don’t always have to be stuck in the house, and you two could get to know each other a bit more.”

Sonata frozen at the mention of going out. It seemed like everytime she go out, some type of conflict always happen. She really didn’t want to go out, she didn’t feel safe. Going out means she had to hide herself, so she won't be noticed by anyone. Sonata eyes shrunken as she looked to Mirage and Blitz, both of them was looking to her for an answer.

Blitz then said in a softer tone, more softer than she ever heard him. “Remember Sonata, I’m always here for you, if you need me.”

Even with those words, Sonata didn’t feel safe going out and walking around town. Yet, seeing the look on both Blitz and Mirage faces somehow eased her.

“O-okay, just, no crowded areas, please.” Sonata finally spoke.

Blitz gave her a smile, a smile that warmed her insides as she looked to the floor. Just as she turned to go into the room, she saw Mirage gave out a small giggled before turning her head away innocently.

D-did I miss something?

> Early Morning Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I waited by the school statue early in the morning, far too early for my liking. I got a mass message from Sunset, telling me and everyone to meet her by the statue. I sent a message back, asking why we had to meet up so early. All she replied with was that she wanted me to meet Twilight before the school was open, and that she figure the girls would like to hang out with Twilight before school started. So when I woke up early to get ready, I woke my sister up and let her know I would be heading out.When my sister asked me why I was heading out, I told her that Sunset wanted me to meet one of her friends that could help Sonata. Even though I knew she wouldn't be pleased to hear me mention Sunset’s name, her interest was perked by the mention of Sunset’s friend. After a small chat, she decided she too wanted to meet this Twilight person, and while she was at it, talk to Principal Celestia as well. I personally didn't want to leave Sonata at home by herself, and I didn't want to take the risk of bringing her to the school grounds. Yet I knew I couldn't treat Sonata as a helpless bird trapped in a cage with constant watch. So here we are, me and my sister outside near the school statue.

“Mirage?” I spoke up, sitting on the bench while waiting for Sunset.

“Yes?” She answered tiredly.

“I know you don't like Sunset and all, but-”

“Hate. I hate her.” I was cut off by Mirage who corrected me, not looking me in the eye.

“... Well, I know you hate her, but I think she changed.” I said in a low tone as I knew saying this might draw upon my sister’s wrath.

To my surprise, Mirage didn't yelled back at me or try to contradict what I said. She just sat there, her arms folded, staring off into the distance. 

“Mirage?” I tried calling her name, trying to grab her attention. I might as well have called out to thin air as she did not respond. “...Mirage?” I tried again.

“...Are you going to ask me to forgive her.” Mirage asked in a low, malicious tone. “After all she has done to you, to me? She ruin my life at CHS!” She hissed through her teeth, glaring at me. “You don’t know what she did to me, to my friends. No matter what we tried, we could never get anything on her. It was like every evidence against her just… vanish, without a trace. Yet she had everything on us, plus more. She even, she even… ” My sister voice fell as she clenched her fist, gripping at her jeans.

Whatever Sunset had did to my sister during those times, it must have really hurted her more than I previously thought. The anger in her eyes was fierce, yet it was also sad.

“Sis, I-”

“I can not just forgive her like that! I refuse to forgive her, ever!” She said, cutting me off again.

“Sis, I’m not asking you to forgive her, I doubt you ever will.” I said, pulling her close into a hug. “All I ask is you hear her out. Just hear what she has to say, maybe give her a chance to see if she changed. But that doesn't mean you have to forgive her, alright?”

Mirage pursed her lips, her hands folded in her lap. I looked over to the far end of the school, seeing Sunset walking down the street, a cup in hand. 

“Just, think it over, okay? Here comes Sunset now.” I said, patting her shoulder.

“Why are you giving her another chance? What good do you see in her?” Mirage asked under her breath.

“What?” I asked flabbergasted.

“Nothing,” she sighed, standing up. “Let's get this over with. Hmm? Where’s her friend that she wanted you to meet.”

“Don’t know," I replied, walking up to Sunset with Mirage at my side. “Maybe she’s late.”

“Hey Blitz, sorry I’m a little late.” Sunset said with a smile on her face. Her smiled slowly faded as she saw Mirage at my side. “Oh, umm, hey Mirage.” Sunset greeted timidly, giving a half hearted wave over to Mirage.

Mirage turned her head to the side, giving Sunset the cold shoulder. I saw the expression on Sunset's face sadden as Mirage kept ignoring her. I gave Sunset a ‘apologetic’ shrug of my shoulders as a sigh escape my lips. Silence fell between us as Sunset dropped her bag to the floor and started to search through it.

“...It’s alright.” I heard her mumbled under her breath. “It’s to be expected.”

I didn’t need to see Sunset face to tell just how hurt she was feeling, her voice alone gave way to it. Mirage gave out a loud sigh as she walked over to Sunset and squatted down in front of her, surprising me and Sunset both. Mirage didn’t say anything at first, she just looked Sunset  in the eyes as Sunset pulled out her book.

“Have you really changed?” was all she asked. Sunset looked at her wide eyes as she slowly nodded her head. “I don’t believe you.” Mirage deadpan, no sympathy in her voice. “But since my brother think you have changed, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” Mirage said, lending in closer to Sunset’s ear. She whisper something into Sunset’s ear, something that made Sunset’s eye go wide and a small blush crossing her face. 

Mirage pulled away, looking Sunset in the eyes. “I take it by the look on your face I’m right?” Mirage looked back to me before looking back at Sunset. “You better not hurt him again.” She said with a piercing glare. Sunset nodded again. The look on her face wasn't fright or terror, but sheer embarrassment. 

“Hey, am I missing something?” I interrupted in confusion as Mirage came back to my side.

“N-n-nothing.” Sunset stuttered, opening her book and turning her back against us.

“What did I miss?” I asked Mirage.

Mirage sighed, grabbing my sweater sleeves, staring at Sunset. “Seems you have more than one eye on you.” Mirage scoffed. 

Before I could ask ‘what you mean’, Sunset looked back over to us, her face going back to normal.

“Alright, the girls will be here a little shortly before school start, and Twilight will be here in just a few moments.” Sunset said, leading us towards the base of the statue and satting down.

“So Sunset,” I started once I sat down. “How can your friend, umm, Twilight, help Sonata?” I asked, now that we had a good moment to speak.

“I still don’t know fully myself. Though, considering we both had the same teacher, I have a few ideas.” Sunset replied, pulling a wrapped sandwich from her bag.

“Really, like what?”

“Well, if anything, she is going to try and find the source of the magic. Since their magic is still around, it has to be coming from somewhere or someone.”

“I still don't believe there was magic actually involved in this," Mirage muttered under her breath, loud enough for me and Sunset to hear.

“Sis!” I hissed back.

“I’m just saying.” Mirage defended.

Sunset started to giggle as she ate her sandwich, trying to muffle her laughing. “I’m sorry. It just that, where I was born magic was all around me. So hearing someone say magic doesn't exist is quite funny to me.”

Mirage started to say something back, but was quickly hushed as the statue we was near began to glow and hummed. Sunset scooted to the side as a whirling sound emitted from the statue, followed by a female scream. Within the blink of an eye, a lavender hair girl came crashing out the statue base, landing right in front of us. The girl wobbled a little as she stood up on her feets, dusting off her dress skirt.

“Twilight!” Sunset exclaimed, jumping up and giving Twilight a hug.

“H-how did she… W-where did she...” Mirage mutter and stuttered, looking between the statue and Twilight.

Despite knowing about the magic myself, I never really thought about the magic itself until now. After seeing Twilight spurring out the other end of the statue, I was now more curious and worried about magic itself. Just how much is their magic capable of doing, and how limited is it?

Mirage sat back down on the ground, her legs crossed as she began to try to understand what she saw. I on the other hand just ignored it for now and turn my attention to the lavender haired girl who walked towards me.

“Hello, your name must be Blitz Shot, I’m Twilight Sparkle," Twilight introduced herself, sticking a hand out. “I heard a lot about you from Sunset.”

“Nice to meet you. This is my twin sister, Mirage Shot.” I said, pointing at my sister before shaking her hand. “You’ve heard a lot about me from Sunset, like what if I may ask?”

Just as Twilight open her mouth to speak, Sunset cut her off. “Oh nothing much. Just how you’ve help one of the sirens and befriended them, stuff like that.” Sunset said with a nervous smile.

“Oh, that’s right. You manage to befriend all three of them right?” Twilight asked, her eyes glossing over.

“Yeah, though the other two I’m more associated with than friends.” I stated, feeling the phone in my pocket.

“Well, the point is you manage to get close to them and help them,” said Twilight as a bleak of sadness shadowed her face. “Anywho, Sunset told me that some of the siren’s magic are still in effect. And that those under the spell are attacking them on sight, is that correct?” I nodded my head in confirmation to her question. “I never got the chance to fully study or explore sirens magic. There are little to no books on it and no records of how it differs from unicorns magic, yet we know it's different as no scholar pony manage to fully grasp it magical concept. That again...” She trailed off.

“Pony? Unicorn?” My sister looked up to me, her mind failing to process the new information. 

“Twilight?” I cut her off, as it sounded like she was going to give us a full history lesson on magic that we yet to understand. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but do you know how to help?”

“To be honest, I don’t know. I never really worked outside of magic that unicorns aren’t capable of using. Though I do plan to study it and the magic that corrupting the students here.” 

I wanted to ask how did she planned on doing that, but I believe my brain would scrambled before I could understand. I look to Sunset, hoping that she might explain things easier.

Sunset and Twilight giggled as she reached into her bag. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to explain how I plan to do this.” I sigh with relief after hearing that. “But I will need your help.” Twilight said, pulling three amulets with purple gems embedded in it that looked to be either sapphire or amethyst.

“What are those?” My sister finally spoke up, confusion laced in her voice.

“Those looked to be warding gems. They are mainly used to block certain spells when powered.” Sunset absentmindedly answered. “Maybe they are power gems. Kinda like a buff to a unicorn’s magic.”

“They are warding gems, but these are a bit different then regular warding gems. While normal warding gems can be use to store, strengthen or help a unicorn defend against magic spells, these are enchanted with a full ward with Celestia’s help.”

“Full ward, you mean it can fully block magic like a shield?” Sunset asked surprised.

I sat down next to my sister, being quiet as we let the two magical being talk it out. The look on my sister’s face as she watch Sunset and Twilight talked was practically hilarious, I never seen her so lost before.

“No, it doesn't create a shield, but a field to disperse hex and trance magic.” Twilight answered.

“Wouldn’t that require a steady flow of magic?” Sunset asked, taking one of the amulets from Twilight’s hands.

“If it was to be use against unicorn magic in Equestria, yes. Since this place has a reduction in magic it self, it doesn't need much to keep the magic flowing. Plus, one of the enchants on it is link to Equestria itself, like our books.”

“But that's not the problem, is it Twilight?” Sunset asked, looking the amulet over. 

“I don’t know if this will help against the corrupted siren’s magic. We still don't understand the sirens magical powers, so a corrupt version is even more tricky and complex.”

“So in other words, you're betting on luck with those?” I asked, pointing to the amulets.

“No, these serve a different purpose. Instead of protecting the wearer from magic, it should hopefully remove magic within the surrounding area, or at least lessen the effect.”

“Uh huh, so where do my help comes in?” I asked perplexed.

Twilight gave me a smile, handing me the amulets. “I need you to get those three to wear these, that way I can record the effects of it.”

“Wait a minute,” Mirage spoke up, her eyes fixated on Twilight. “You mean to treat Sonata as a test subject while you record your finding?”

“Ah, well, yes. Only cause the effect is activated, or I assume is activated when one of them is near the students, and I have no other means to study it yet.” Twilight answer, remorse showing on her face.

I held the amulets in my hand, the amethyst glistening as it glowed from my touched. A spark emitted from it as I dropped it to the floor, clutching at my chest. What, what was that feeling just now? That felt so... strange.

“Blitz…” Sunset called out to me, worried on her face.

“Huh?” I answered back, dumbfounded from what happen to me. I looked around, to see not only Sunset looking at me, but Mirage and Twilight as well. “What? Whats wrong?”

Sunset and Twilight just looked at each other as Mirage looked to me with worried. I was missing something, but I didn’t know what. I bent down to pick up the amulets I drop, but I hesitated a little before picking them up by their collar lace.

“Hey Blitz, why did the amulets activate when you touched it?” Twilight asked, walking up to me and looking the gems over.

“I don’t know…” I trailed off, holding the amulets up to my face, looking at it more closely.

“Hey Twilight, Blitz, I just thought about something,” said Sunset, coming up to me as well. “If you want to test these amulets, wouldn't that means Sonata and the others have to come to school?”

Crap, I didn’t even think about that. If Twilight want to test these on the students, and probably keep it safe, that means Sonata will have to come to school.

“Yeah.” Twilight answer confidently. “I was hoping since I’m technically an unofficial student here, I can get all of my classes with her. That way I can take notes and maybe prevent anyone from assaulting her while I’m there.”

“What about the other two?” Mirage asked, mostly to me then Twilight.

“They won’t come, not now at least.” I answered, putting the amulets in my bag. “The next time I see one of them, I’ll give them these amulets. I guess for now, I will have to talk to Sonata about coming to school.”

“I don’t know.” Sunset said with doubt. “It would be pretty hard to near impossible to convince her to come back here.” Sunset said, folding her arms, looking at me.

I knew she was right, and I know Sonata wouldn’t dere to step foot on this school’s grounds. But with these amulets Twilight gave me, plus the extra protection, maybe I could convince her. I wonder what I could do or say to her. 

My thoughts was shortly cut off as I heard the sounds of students making their way into the school. Amongst those crowded I spotted a group of four girls heading our way. Wait? One, two, three… yeah there only four. Where’s Pinkie Pie?

“I’m right behind you!” Pinkie whispered into my ear from behind, her hands placed creepily on my shoulder.

I closed my eyes as I tried to catch my breath. “Pinkie? You have got to stop doing that to people.”

Pinkie only giggle as she backed off, running over to give Twilight the actual definition of a bear hug, followed by the other girls as well.

“So Blitz, what are you going to do?” Mirage asked, looking at me with skepticism. 

“I don’t know...” Was all I could answered with.

I really didn’t know, but I believe my best bet would be to get her to come here. I just hope it all won’t blow up in my face. A small chill went down my spine as realised what I just said. Please, no blowing up in anyone's face.

> Intervention
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On my way back home, I got a little antsy at how I was going to convince Sonata to come to school. I have been mulling over the thought throughout my classes and concluding that there was virtually nothing I alone could say. I knew less to nothing at how to convince her to come back to a school that hated her, assaulted her, and who knows what else. It was during lunch time when I was talking to the girls that I knew what needed to be done.

“So, do you think we can actually convince her to come?” Sunset asked, her hands behind her back as she walked on my left.

“Of course we can silly. We just have to get her excited for it!” Pinkie screamed, as she hopped from left to right.

“Pinkie, yer know she ain't goin be that easy to win over. That gal has had a rough time because of the students. Ay wouldn’t be surprise if she ran in fear if she were to take a step in CHS again.” Applejack stated, watching her friend continuously bouncing around.

“Doesn't mean we can't try to make her excited to go.” Pinkie replied, hopping in front of me. “Don't you think so Blitz?”

“Well, it wouldn't hurt to try.” I answered back, trying to calm Pinkie’s hyper mood down. “Plus, you three would have a way better chance at convincing her then I ever would.”

It’s true as I stated, I knew nothing I alone could say would help, so I figured, why not have some of the girls try their luck? I knew Sunset and Pinkie were my best bet in this endeavor. Sunset, I knew, could relate to Sonata and how Sonata was feeling, as well as how she was being treated, so maybe that would help in a argument case. Pinkie was the moral support; she would keep the atmosphere from becoming too heavy, and, hopefully, keep Sonata's spirits up. Applejack is was considered one of the most honest and trustworthy people at CHS, so I trust she would be able to help in both cases if need be.

“You know Blitz, it feels almost as if we’re about to hold a intervention for Sonata,” Mirage giggled to herself. “And you're the ringleader of it all.”

I turned around to look at my sister as I started to walk backwards. “Ringleader? Now that makes it sounds like I'm scheming something, and that I am up to no good.” I joked; I heard Sunset and Applejack let out a snicker themselves.

Though if I had to admit to myself, my sister wasn’t wrong. What we were about to do now is essentially an intervention, no matter how you look at it. And while I don’t think what I’m doing is bad, I do feel bad that I’m still lying to Sonata about what's going on. Sonata still believes that everyone hates her, and while she’s not wrong on that, it’s also not the full truth. Aside from my promise to Adagio, the only reason I haven't told Sonata about the magic is because I didn't want this news to run Sonata out. It’s one thing if people hate you, at least that could be resolved somehow. It’s another if you knew people not only hated you, but that they were being influenced by magic to make them hate and want to hurt you even more, and you were the sole cause of that trigger. Knowing that there is nothing you could possibly do to change that, and that you would end up hurt every time you make contact with them, might cause Sonata to up and leave. And I didn’t want her to go...

“You know Blitz,” Sunset spoke up, interrupting my thoughts. “When you think about it, you are kind of a ringleader.” She said with a smirk crossing her face. “I mean look around you. You gather a group of people to make a person do something they otherwise wouldn't do on their own.”

“Oh oh, let’s not forget that he would also have her cornered.” Pinkie chimed in. “Then if she agrees to him, he’ll give her bodyguards to make sure nothing ruin his plans.” She said creepily, her hands near her chest like she’s about to reach out and grab someone.

 “So terrible of you.” Sunset finished, shaking her head with a devilish grin.

“Pinkie, Sunset? Not you too?” I groan as all four girls let out a fit of laughter that I soon followed into with a roll of my eyes. Even with all this laughing, I knew we would have our work cut out for us when we get back to my place.


***


Walking through the door, I wasn’t surprised to find that Sonata was nowhere in sight. From the look of things, I doubt she have been out the room much. Motioning for the girls to sit down, I dropped my bag on the floor as I headed for my room. I was taken aback to find that the door was left open as I found Sonata sitting up on the bed, with a laptop on her lap. She looked, almost at peace as she was focusing on whatever she was watching. Leaning against the doorframe, I knocked on the wall to catch her attention.

“Hey Sonata. You’re not busy at the moment, are you?” I asked, already knowing the answer but wanted to be sure.

Sonata just looked to me as she shook her head ‘no’. “Do you need me for something?” She asked.

“Yeah. There something I need to talk to you about. Well, more like something I need to ask of you, and it's kind of important so to speak,” I replied casually.

I saw Sonata eyes start to fall as her demeanor dropped as well. “Oh…”

“Hey, umm, don’t worry,” I quickly added. “It’s nothing bad alright, so don’t look so down. Even some of our friends came to speak with you, so cheer up.” I said gently. 

That put a smile, if not a wary one, back on her face as she slid out of bed. Sonata followed me back into the living room where the girls were chatting among themselves. From the look of things, it still seem Mirage’s attitude towards Sunset hasn’t change much. Though if there was a noticeable change, it was that she didn’t make Sunset feel unwelcome in their conversation, even if she was still noticeably avoiding any topic with her. I looked back to Sonata who had a more genuine and a softer smile on her face. 

Having Sonata sit down on the couch, we let the girls finished up their current conversation. I walked over to my bag and brought it back to the couch where Sonata was sitting at. “Alright.” I said, getting everyone’s attention as I clasp my hands together. Sitting down, I looked to the girls before looking to Sonata. “So Sonata,” I started, taking a small breath. “Our friends here may have found a way to get the students, and most people, to stop harassing you.”

“Really!” Sonata said, her eyes widening in disbelief. I nodded my head as she brought a hand over her mouth. “How?” She asked, doubt full in her voice.

“That’s the problem.” I said as I twiddle my thumbs together. “You won't like it, but you would have to go back to CHS...” I saw Sonata eyes slowly shrunken down, her head shaking ‘no’ as the words settle in.

“No, no, no.” Sonata said in a low tone, a darkening shadow crossing her face. “Y-you can’t be serious Blitz?” She asked, looking over to the girls. “You all can’t be serious?” She asked once again, this time her voice a little louder as we heard the fear within it. 

“Sonata, calm down-” Sunset tried to speak up, but was soon cut off by Sonata.

“NO!” Sonata scream as she stood straight up, her body shaking as her fist clutch. “I-I know you found me hiding out back in the school alley, but that was only because I figured nobody would go back there. This time you're asking me to go into the school, right in the center of everyone that wants to hurt me!"

Applejack stood up and walked over to Sonata, laying a hand on her shoulder. “Sonata, calm down, ya hear? We wouldn’t put ya in danger like this if we didn’t think this would help ya.”

Sonata took a step backwards as she slapped Applejack hand off her shoulder. “Danger? They tried to kill me!” She said in a bitter tone as she looked Applejack in the eyes. “They beat me when I was only asking for help!” She said looking to Pinkie. “And they stab you Blitz, because you were only trying to protect me.” She closed her eyes with a deep, shaky sigh. “And they, they also tried to… I can't back there, I don’t want to face that again! I don’t want to end up worse.”

I watched as small tears form in her eyes as I remembered how scared she was when I first met her. How worried she was when we finally met back up after my assault, and the threat those guys made to me about her. That’s not even including how she broked down to me twice, the second time was her wondering about death for herself.

I open my mouth to say something, but I didn’t know what to say. Fear like this couldn’t be qulm by words alone. It was then I saw Pinkie came up behind Sonata and gave her a large hug, but without her normal suffocation side effect.

Pinkie didn’t say nothing at first until Sonata stop shaking and asked her the question. “Why? Why are you hugging me?”

“Because hugs are warm and comforting.” Pinkie answered, not letting go. “And it’s what friends do for each other when they are sad.” She said, pulling away but keeping her hands on Sonata shoulders. “And it always helps me knowing I have friends close by who cares, who would help me when I need help. Like we are for you.”

“Can ya trust us?” Applejack asked, taking a step closer to Sonata. “Trust in yer friends to help ya?”

Sonata didn’t answer her, she couldn’t even looked Applejack in the eyes as she only looked at the floor. The lack of response only seemed to have prompted Applejack to asked another question.

“Can ya believe in us when we say we won’t let anyone hurt ya?” Applejack asked in a more softer tone.

This got a reaction out of Sonata as she lifted her head, a sad smile on her face. “No, I can’t.”

Both Applejack and Pinkie were taken aback by Sonata answer. I for one wasn’t that surprise, and I could tell Sunset wasn’t either by the endiffer look on her face. 

“Why can’t you believe in them?” Mirage asked in confusion.

“I…” Sonata voice trailed off, her voice sounding distance for a moment. “It's not that I don't, but…” Sonata stop and looked at everyone, her eyes meeting all of ours. “How can you?”

“Pardon me?” Applejack asked flabbergasted.

“How can you protect me?” Sonata asked through clenched teeth as more tears appear in her eyes. “How can you say you won’t let anyone there hurt me? Aren't you all afraid of being hurt because of me? Neither of you all can be there with me for the whole day anyways! The moment I have to be on my own, they will find me, and they will hurt me again. So how can you say you all will protect me from that!” 

“That’s not true.” Sunset spoked up, uncrossing her legs as she got herself a little more comfortable. “Well, that’s not fully true.” She corrected herself. “Sure we may not be with you throughout the school day, but I can promise you no one will hurt you while you're there.”

“Sunset’s right.” Applejack added in. “This gal had to face the students after the Fall Formal. That was no easy task.”

“Yeah,” Sunset agreed. “I pushed away my current friends for the first two weeks because I was riding an emotional rollercoaster. Even though I was by myself during that time, none of the students dare to fight me during school time.” Sunset mummered something under her breath, something that caught Mirage attention. “You’ll have the teacher, staffs and principals watching out for you during that time.”

“But-” Sonata tried to add in, but was cut off by Sunset.

“And we’re not gonna let you be in this alone Sonata, not like how I did myself.” Sunset said with reassurance. “Do you remember Princess Twilight from the band tournament?”

Sonata stood there for a moment as I watched her search her mind. “The pony Princess?” 

“Yeah, that one!” Pinkie said, latching on Sonata shoulder. 

“Well, Twilight wants to help as well, so she came back to help you.” Sunset added with a smile on her face.

“And the best part is, unlike us, Twilight can be with ya fully throughout the whole school day. So ya won’t be alone or have to worry about anyone hurting ya when we aren't around.” Applejack added.

“See silly?” Pinkie piped in. “As long as you have friends, you have nothing to worry about.”

“But..” Sonata falter, her eyes gazing around the room.

I reached a hand into my bag, and grabbed one of the amulets by its necklace. I looked at Sonata with a smile as I rose up, putting my hands behind my back. I was grateful that the girls was able to help break down Sonata’s defenses, so now it was my turned to build her confidence. 

“Sonata,” I started, catching her attention as I walked to her. “I did mentioned that our friends may have found a way to stop the students from harassing you.” I noted again, taking a momentary pause. “That’s why we are asking you now, telling you this.” Pulling the amulet out from behind my back, I showed it to Sonata with a smile on my face. “This is something that should help. I’ll admit, I’m not fully sure how it works, but what I do know is, it should deter anyone who wants to hurt you.”

“That amulet comes from Equestria, Twilight brought it with her as she said it was enchanted. It gives off a calming aura within a surrounding area.” Sunset spoke up as she pointed to the amulet. “In theory, it should calm the mind before they get violent, so you should be safe from harm.”

I nodded to Sunset, grateful she was able to come up with a quick explanation for what the amulet could do. Looking back to Sonata, I saw words forming in her mouth, but no words came out. She was speechless, and her eyes darted between the amulet and me. Pinkie and Applejack looked to Sonata with mild hope in their eyes, something that didn't go unnoticed.

“Would I really be alright?” Sonata asked, taking hold of the amulet. Everyone nodded their head to her question.

“Ay wouldn’t lie to ya about if ay meh self didn’t think it was possible, or believe in meh friend Twilight.” Applejack stated with a cross of her arms.

“I wouldn’t want to put you in harm's way, but I also want to help you. This is something I believe would start a good change.” I added myself.

“And if you do come back to CHS, then we would have more time to hang out and play games and have so much fun!” Pinkie cheered on, a plastered smile on her face.

Slowly, Sonata took the amulet and place it around her neck, the gem landing on her chest with a faint glow. The moment the amulet was secured around Sonata’s neck, I heard a faint vibration noise coming from it. I stood frozen from the sound for a few seconds, but it soon died away. 

“It feels, natural…” Sonata mutter, a sad smile forming on her lips. Her finger gently caress the side of the amethyst gem, taking it in both fingers and thumb. “You said the pony princess brought this with her? Where is she?”

“Oh,” Pinkie spoke up before anyone of us could open our mouth. “She’s with Rarity. She wanted to learn handwriting. She does this thing where she tries to write with her mouth, it so weird. So Rarity offered to teach her the proper way to write with her hands.”

I heard my sister laugh at that but I wasn't too focused on what was just said. I heard a weird, almost faint ringing sound if I focus hard enough. Looking around, I couldn't tell where the noise was coming from.

“Blitz, are you okay? Did you lose something?” Mirage asked, seeing how I was looking around the room.

“Umm, yeah,” I replied, not focusing on her as I relies where the sound was coming from. “I’ll be right back.” I said, as I headed off for my room.

Going through the door, I begin to look around, trying to focus on the strange sound. It seemed to echo around me, yet almost inaudible. Am I just hearing stuff? I wonder, as I walked over to the bed. I don’t even know what I’m looking for. I thought as I got down on my hands in knees and search under the bed. What in the world would even-

My thoughts were interrupted as I felt something smooth under the bed. Touching it send a wave of unknown feeling through me. Almost as if my mind was drawn towards it, but something was blocking it, blocking that feeling I had of possession. The feeling felt odd, like I felt this feeling before, touched it before. Taking the object out from under the bed, my eyes widen in surprise to what it was in my hands. The strange sound I heard coming to a stop as I my hand made contact with the item.

“This is... Sonata’s cracked gem.”

> Sonata Chapter: Fears
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonata laid down on the bed, rubbing the new amulet she received in her hands. She was at an odd feeling with the amulet, not knowing if she should be happy, sad or worried. Turning over in the bed, Sonata looked outside the window, seeing the still peaceful night air. It was quiet, no sound could be heard other than the T.V in the living room. Blitz and his sister Mirage had already gone to bed, that much Sonata knew. 

Taking hold of the amulet in her hand, she held it out. The moonlight reflected a glim off the amethyst amulet, giving her hand a faint purple-hued glow. “Is it a good idea for me to have this? Would it hurt me if it breaks? Did I do the right thing taking this?” Sonata question herself, rolling over to lay on her back. 

She put one arm over her eyes as her other hand continue to fiddle with the amulet, fear coursing through her body. She accepted the amulet, knowing what it would cause her. She accepted the fact that she had to go back to that horrible school if she wanted anything to change. She accepted the fact that things would not be easy when she do go back, that she would be shunned by the other students. So she wonder, why was she so scared? Scared enough to cry. Sonata squeeze her eyes shut, a small tear dripping from it before it streaked down her face. She clutched at the amulet, her heart beating faster and faster at the thought. She started to shake, her breathing becoming ragged as she started to hyperventilate. She was scared, she was afraid, she was terrified of what would happen tomorrow. Though it didn't help much to Sonata's case, her hyperventilating and stress over her worries had worn her out, causing her to fall asleep. 


***


Walking into school, Sonata kept her head down, her hood hiding her appearance. Fortunate for her, no one knew who she was as she walked through the halls. 

“Alright, I just need to do what Blitz said. Go to class, ignore everyone who talks about me and I'll be okay.” Sonata told herself, clutching her own hands inside her hoodie. “Maybe, maybe I’ll truly be okay.”

Sonata walked through the halls, not knowing where her classes were. People ignored her, their voices blurred with one another as they walked and brushed past her. No one asked who she was, no one talked to her, no one acknowledged her existence. As Sonata continue to walk down the hall, it seem to only get longer and longer the further she walked. More and more students brushed past her, bumping into her as they went on their way. Sonata pace started to slow down, her breathing intensify as the hallway seemed to show no end. Waves after waves of student brushed past her, bumping into her as she tried to maneuvered through them. Their chatting growing louder and louder as they talked and laughed among themselves. Sonata turned around, ready to head back home, but she found herself lost among the sea of students.

“I need to stay calm.” Sonata told herself, her breathing only quicken as more students past her. “I’ll get out of here. I just need to find someone to help me.” She said, looking around for her friends, anyone who could help her. Yet no one she knew was there, she was alone once again. Her pupils dilated as her breathing became rapid fire of jagged breaths. “Blitz!” She called out as she started to run. “Sunset! Rarity!” She started to call out her friends names as well, turning corners and dodging students. “Fluttershy! Applejack! Rainbow Dash!” She called out, her fears gripping at her heart as she ran. “Mirage! Anyone!” She turned a corner, colliding into someone, knocking her backwards on the floor.

“Watch where you're going!” A guy shouted at her as he stood up, “Freak.” He utter, kneeing her shoulder as he walked off.

Sonata fell backwards from the hit, landing on her elbow as her hood fell off. It didn't take nothing but a moment for Sonata to relies her hood was off in the middle of the hall. She wasn't fast enough to put her hood on as the movement from the other students halted. Their loud chatting died down to nothing but a whisper as the students around her to recognise who she was.

“Hey, isnt that one of those Dazzled freak?”

“Oh my god, the freak came back here.”

“What the hell is she doing here?”

“Quickly, someone should grab her.”

“I'm not touching her, what if she tries to control me again.”

“This is the perfect chance for our revenge.” A female student said, stepping out of the masses. It was the girl who assaulted her the night Blitz step in to help her, the one with the blue hair. “Someone get her! She has no power to stop us.” She said, reaching out for Sonata.

Sonata backpedal away, her scream caught within her mouth at what was happening. Her back hit something and she quickly looked up, seeing a male student standing behind her. Before she had the chance to jump and run away, he reached down and grabbed both her arms, pinning her to the ground, holding her still.

“I got her.” He said, smiling down into Sonata’s face, into her raspberry, frightful eyes. “Haha, she so weak. Come on everyone, no need to hold back.” He said laughing as students enclosed them in a circle. 

Sonata closed her eyes, waiting for the assault that would lead to her death, but nothing happen. She heard whispers among them, words being said but she couldn’t understand them through the beat of her own heart. Then one of the students yelled it, what he said froze Sonata in her own skin.

“Let’s take her to the bathroom stall for everyone use.” He cheered, getting a positive response from the other students who cheered with him.

The person who held Sonata down started to dragged her, pulling her with ease as he bent down. “Let’s see how many you can handle before you fully break.” He chuckled darkly, every step he made was made with a swift kick to her back. 

Sonata knew what they was planning, her breathing hitch as she knew what they wanted to do to her. And like a banshee coming out of the forest night, Sonata closed her eyes and screamed. She screamed and kick with all her might, flaying her arms about trying to break free. Her broken voice mixed with her scream were enough for a few glasses in the area to shatter as she herself tried to break free. When she felt one of her arms being let go, she open her eyes to free her other arm. When she open her eyes, the only thing she saw was a fist speeding towards her face.





Sonata jump up in bed, a silent scream stuck in her mouth as she panted. Her eyes were wide open, her breathing loud, and cold sweat surrounded her body. She looked around the room shakily, her mind racing at a speed of mach five. She stayed like that for quite some time before her own breathing made her light headed. Finally managing to calm herself down somewhat, she reliesed what she just experience was a nightmare. A frightful, cold sweat inducing, nightmare that brought her fears to reality. She was scared, and she was afraid that she would be in the mercy of the students and no one would help her. Bringing her knees of to her chest, Sonata felt the amulet on her neck.

Tugging at the amulet, she ran her thumb across it softly. “Will they really be there for me?” She question to herself, her breathing calming down. 

Looking at the glow from the amulet, she thought darkly to herself. If they don't, then there really is no reason for me to keep on going and trying. 

Letting out a shaky sigh, she picked up her phone, wondering how long she has been asleep. Seeing that she only had two hours before she was supposed to wake up, Sonata laid back down in bed. The moment she did, she silently regretted it, forgetting she had cold sweat still clinging to her body.

“I need a shower,” She mumbled, tugging on her sweaty pajama top.

> First Day to School
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Me and my sister awoken at our usual time, yawning as we sat up on the couch stretching. It was always weird how we manage to get up at just the same time, unless we had other things planned. Though this has been normal for us in the years we’ve grown up together, others found it weird or amazing, some have even gone as far as to say it was part of our ‘twin link’. For me, I just passed it off as us having the same sleep schedule and our body was toned to a certain time to wake up.

As I stretched, I put a hand to my head, feeling a slight throbbing pain to it. After finding and touching Sonata’s amulet, I have had throbbing and pounding headaches for the whole day. Though it seems to have lessen prior to today's morning, it none the less left me a bit grungy.

“Morning Blitz...” My sister yawn, getting up off the couch as she stretched her arms and legs fully. She put a hand through her hair, straightening out her blonde and red curls. Of course using her fingers wouldn’t easily comb out her bed hair, but it did allow her to straighten it a bit.

“Morning sis, slept well?” I asked, popping my neck as I got up, giving a final stretch before heading into the kitchen. I didn't want to wake Sonata up just yet, knowing today would be a tough day for her. 

Walking into the kitchen, I took out some food to make us all some breakfast. Mirage pulled down a lock of her hair, twisting it as she walked towards the bathroom. “A bit stiff, but pretty good. What about you?”

“I think I slept a little hard, woke up with a headache.” I chuckled, turning on the stove as I put the breakfast on. As me and my sister began our morning conversation about random things that range from dreams to what we had planned for the day, I soon heard the door to my bedroom creak open. I stuck my head out the kitchen, looking towards my room. I then saw Sonata slowly dragging herself out, looking both tired and exhausted as if she hasn't been sleeping at all last night. “Sonata?” I called out, wondering if she wasn't feeling well.

“Hey…” Sonata mumbled, taking a seat in the chair as she laid her head down on the table. She had a groan to her voice and her eyes were a little grey around the edges. Laying her head on the table, she let her arms fall and dangle over the edge. “Can I get something warm to drink…” She muttered under her breath weakly, not looking up.

Mirage looked at me as I looked back at her before slowly nodding. “S-sure. Would you like tea or some coffee?” I asked, going over to the coffee maker. 

“I think tea would be better for her.” Mirage spoke up, looking down at Sonata who just slowly nodded her head with a hum.

I removed the coffee filter and replace it with a clean filter filled with ground tea leaves. Letting that settled in the machine, I walked back over to Sonata and sat next to her. “Umm, did you sleep well?” I asked dumbly with a tilt of my head. “You seem, very tired and unrested.”

Mirage was just about to speak up when Sonata spoke first, cutting her off. “Blitz… please don't leave me alone at CHS, I don't want to face them alone.” 

Now I was confused and worried about what she said. Why would she say that? Did it had something to do with her being tired? Was she still worried about the other students harming her? I didn't know, all I did know was that a good back rub should help ease her a bit. 

I place a hand on her back, softly rubbing it as she did not moved. “Don't  worry Sonata, I don't planned to have you face them by yourself. Even if I'm not there with you, you have our friends looking out for you as well.” I whispered, hoping to calm her down and maybe lift her spirit a bit.

“Sonata, are you hungry by any chance?” Mirage asked, leaning in close to hear her response.

“No, just… something warm to drink…” She yawn, moving her arms back on the table to lay her head on them.


***


After leaving the house, the three of us made our way to school. Sonata stuck to her normal clothing, wearing a light magenta hoodie, dark blue jean pants and tennis shoes. She insisted on keeping her hood on, I just wonder if the teacher would allow her to do so in class. Even with her hood on, it wouldn't take much more than a single class period before the whole school knew who she was. Mirage was coming along just to hang around the school as well as to help out with Sonata and the teachers. We decided to call the others, to see where would be a good place for us to meet up at. Sunset and Twilight felt it be a good idea to meet at the school entrance, so Sonata and Twilight can talk to each other as well as to not look suspicious.

As we continue to walk down the street, we came in view of the school, spotting the rest of the girls standing near the front stairs to the front of the school. 

“Hey girls.” I smiled, giving them a wave as I came closer to them. It seem that they were in the middle of talking about something, and whatever that something was, clearly I wasn’t supposed to know about it given their reaction. 

“Oh, Blitz!” Sunset yelp, hopping down from the stairs looking very suspicious. “Hey, umm, me and Twilight are going to take Sonata to the principal office to get her class schedule.” She said, looking past my shoulder and towards Mirage. “Um… You can come if you like Mirage…” She added with a nervous smile. 

My sister just shrug her shoulders, looking at Sonata then me. “Guess that means you can head to class Blitz.” She said, walking up to the front door and looking around. “Shouldn't principal Celestia or vice-principal Luna be here to meet Sonata in advance?” She asked, looking for the missing principals.

“They was here, but umm, they was called back to the teacher lounge.” Rarity said, chuckling as she looked away as if she had something to hide as well. 

“Huh, they did? Also why cant- Eh? Hey?” I started before being yanked up to the front door by Applejack. “Why are you pulling me AJ?” 

“Hush now partner, ah explain everything once we get tah class. Just trust us, okay.” She said, giving me a reassuring smile as she open the door. “Now ya gals go on ahead and take her to tah principal office, ah’ll take care of him here.” Applejack said, pulling me inside, not waiting for the others to respond as I was seemingly being dragged along with whatever they was planning.

“Applejack?” I said in a passive but calm tone. “Why did you do that, pulling me away for them?” I asked once again when we was a good distance away. I didn't felt the need to panic or be worry since it was my friends doing this, but at the same time I was very confused as to why they was doing things like this and why Applejack felt she needed to pull me away.

“Well, it a little complicated to explain, but we formulated a plan. We want Sonata to slowly go around and meet others without causing ya harm. We also want to take it slow, given what Sunset told us, we thought it would be better to separate ya two. That, and Twilight said something about not wanting any interference with the testing ground.”

“Why would this be better?” I asked, looking at her as we came to our class. “Having us separate I mean.”

“Simply put, that gal will latch on to ya harder than a leech if ya the only one she fully knows. We need her to get use to twilight like she did us, and for her to feel safe around others rather than just ya. That why we did this. Though there more to it, but if ah was honest with mah self, ah didn’t understand the rest of what they was saying.”

I just looked at her, blinking at her statement. Just as I was about to go and asked her what she mean, I stop myself as I realized that I too wouldn't understand what was being planned. “So... what now?”

“Now? Now we wait, and see what happen. If everything goes to plan, Sonata should be good off on her own after a few days.”

“And if it doesn't?” I asked, testing her facial expression.

“Well partner…” Applejack started, tilting her hat down to shadow her face as she walked inside the class. “Get ready to grab her and run.”

I made a nervous chuckled followed by a drawn out sigh. “Let hope this magic is the answer to our troubles.” I whisper, heading into class and hoping that we wouldn't end up actually running. That however didn't stop the chills going down my spine or the nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen.
> No Wonder
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I had figured, it didn't take longer than second period before news had spread around that one of the sirens had came back. Of course, no name needed to be said as I already knew what siren they was referring to, but their whispers was no less friendly than the girls that had attack me and Aria that one day. To my surprise, no one batted an eye towards me or even came to me about Sonata. I was sure once the news had spread around that people would be looking for my head as much as her’s, but that didn't seem to be the case. It was around the end of third period did I understood that my presence wasn't even considered. Though I wasn't sure why, since I knew others knew about me being friends with her, but I jotted it down as them being passive while in school. 


***


At the end of fourth period, I hurriedly made my way to the cafeteria. I wanted to see how Sonata was doing and see if Twilight had learn anything after being with her for four hours. Going into the cafeteria, my ears were assaulted by harsh whispered made at Sonata and the girls. Again, I was sure the moment I enter their whispered would also include me, but once more was I wrong again. Thinking on the bright side of things, no one seem to disturb the girls while they ate, telling me that Twilight’s amulet was working how it should, or so I hope. 

“Hey girls.” I said, once I had grabbed my food and sat down at their table. “How was the day so far?” I asked, looking back in my seat to the few eyes staring our way.

“Not good darling. It seem a mass majority of the students here just do not listen to reasons.” Rarity said, sighing as she poked at her food. “Even worse, they started to spread rumors around about us.”

“Let them talk, it’s just rumors.” Rainbow remarked, crossing her arms. “As long as none of them try anything, then that should mean that the amulet is working, right Twi?”

“I umm… I don't know….” Twilight mumbled, leaning down on the table as she practice her handwriting. “As I said before, it’s all in theory. I can't say for certain that the amulet power is working fully or if there another play in this. It’s like a polarity between to opposing magic, or forces. One will cancel out the other or they both get into a stalemate. I have to determine if the polarized force in magic is strong enough to replace the opposing mind magic within the student. To do so, I need to-”

“Yeah yeah yeah, Twilight, but do you think it’s working?” Rainbow cut in, clearly getting confused in the midst of Twilight theory rant.

Twilight stop for a moment, looking around at the students glaring at our table, seeing some of their eyes glowing. “No… But I did figure something out.”

“You did?” Sunset asked, looking down at her paper before showing her how to properly write a ‘Q’. “What did you figured out?”

“That some of these students are just… refusing to give her a chance. This is different from those being possessed by magic. Some of these students who are possessed admit a small, faint aura that these stone can pick up. The others on the other hoof, none. Then it’s their eyes, it glows green when fuel by their emotions towards Sonata. To sum it up, it feels like… something is influencing them, like the sirens did. It feels… the same as before almost.”

“That’s bad, very bad. Is there anything we can do to stop it, like we did last time?” Fluttershy asked, sneaking a carrot into her bag as something inside of it rustle around.

Twilight and Sunset both shook their heads as Sunset spoke up, “no. Without finding the source or whom or why, we can't do anything. Even if we somehow manage to help them, who to say they won't just get possessed again.”

“Ugh, why can't things just be easy.” Rainbow grumbled, slamming her head onto the table with an audible ‘ow’.

“Umm?” Sonata spoke up, clearing her throat as she looked to us. “Magic Possessing?” She asked tentatively. “Is there something else going on? Something dealing with… with my lost… magic?”

I gave myself a mental face palm, along with everyone else. We all looked to each other, wondering what to say. I could told that some of them didn’t like hiding the fact that they knew something critical. 

“Oh yes, hehe.” Rarity blurted with a nervous chuckled, looking to us. “Don't worry about it darling, it just something that came up after Twilight came. You know, magic left behind and all that. It's all for the purpose of helping you, trust us.”

Sonata didn’t say anything, but clearly she found this suspicious and wasn't fully buying into what Rarity said. She didn’t voice her opinion however, as she just went back to keeping her head down, eating her food until Pinkie had poked her shoulder. 

“Don't look so down. Oh, I know just what would cheer you up!” She said, reaching into her hair and pulling out a balloon. “Balloon animals!” She screamed, giving the balloon one, single, good blow and fully inflating it.

Sonata looked up, blinking with amusement as well as being startled to how big Pinkie blew up the balloon. I let out a chuckled, along with the girls as Pinkie made Sonata a balloon lizard. This had the effect of making Sonata smile as she took the balloon and looked at it. Pinkie then put two hands on Sonata’s shoulders, smiling widely as she loom over on her side.

“Umm… thanks...” Sonata looked at her, unable to say anything else as her eyes scanned the cafeteria once more. As to be expected, eyes loom and stared at her, some glowing, others normal. No one did anything, but the ones with glowing eyes, their facial expression screamed other intent. 

I could feel the anxiety, the nervousness radiating off of Sonata’s body his she locked up and looked down. Whatever she wanted to say, was now locked away behind her lips as she refused to do or say anything more.

“So get this, I finally got it ready. A welcome back to CHS get together party!” Pinkie let out with a cheer, far too loud for anyone but those in the cafeteria to not hear. “And I manage to get a couple of people to come Sonata, isn't that great!” She said with far too much excitement as she practically dance around Sonata.

“What?” Sonata almost shouted out, her anxiety vanishing as her eyes went wide, looking to Pinkie with a slack jaw. 

Sunset laid a hand on Sonata’s shoulder along with Twilight. “Don’t worry Sonata, you won't be by yourself, and no one should try to hurt you. Plus, Pinkie is great at finding and making friends, so you can trust her instincts on these things.” Sunset said, trying to comfort the panicking siren.

“If the Pinkie in my world has anything to go by, then I can promise it won't be a mistake.” Twilight added, looking to the girls as well. “You said you wanted to try and make more friends right? Well, this is as about a good place to start than any other.”

The rest of the girls nodded their head in agreement, even though they could still see how hesitant Sonata was. 

“We’re not going to push you into making friends darling, but you must really try to out grow your shell. As long as you don't try you will never make a difference, rather for you, or someone else.” Rarity added in, her words seemingly holding a bit more meaning to it then it should.

“Alright.” She said, letting out a sigh. “Everyone will still be with me right?” She asked, looking around with a sheepish smile.

“Of course Silly!” Pinkie voiced out, giving Sonata a hug.

“Wouldn't leave ya hangin like that.” Came Applejack, a bit of respect in her voice as she ate an apple.

“You can count on us to have your back.” Cheered Rainbow, looking energetic as ever. 

The rest of the girls nodded their heads, agreeing to be there with her. I too nodded my head as well, smiling at the scenario changing. Slowly, things was coming together, fixing itself of it mistake and problems. It took a little bit of behind the scene work and time, but I was starting to see the fruits of the changes. What could possible go wrong?


***


“Blitz, can I talk to you?” Twilight asked, following me to the vending machine as I was getting me a bag of chips. 

“Oh, sure, what is it?” I asked, taking out a bag of cheez-it from it, ripping it open. 

“It about Sonata and the students here.” Twilight said, looking back at the table to the group of girls. “From what I can gather base on my magic reading and analysis, it seems the Sonata still has some sort of magic to her. It doesn't seem to be like their magic from before, and it very, very faint. Almost like a mix between a pegasi and earth pony.”

I nodded my head, popping a cheez-it cracker in my mouth. I didn't know anything about pony magic, but I had an idea of what this other magic Twilight could be referring to. I didn't want to speak on it though, for fear of the repercussion it might bring. “So, what does this has to do with the other students?” 

Reaching into her pocket, Twilight pulled out some stone that she said she was going to use to study magic. “These are just the basic things, but... It seems that the magic on the students only work when Sonata is nearby… And it is growing more… violent… Even to me and Sunset.” She whisper, looking around nervously. “It’s almost as if someone or something cursed these students and is forcing them to attack the sirens and anything with magic. And from what I found, whoever may be doing so could also be part of this school. And if I had to guess, with numerical readings, it could one of the students here, right now.”

My face fell as one of the crackers slipped from my fingers. What? No this is bad. If someone was doing this, then that means… that means they could be watching us this very moment. But who would do such a thing? How are they able to do so? Where could they be watching us from? 

Shaking my head of my current thoughts, I gave Twilight a smile as I headed back for the table. “Thanks Twilight, this info helps a lot. If you figure out anything else, please tell us.”

So much for a smooth fix when it comes to life problems.
> The Truth (April Joke but Fun Read)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sat down in my late afternoon class, reading a book on magic that Twilight gave me. It was quite interesting how the concept of magic and cutie marks worked. Though the field of science were not one of my vast points, I had a good understanding with my sisters help. Placing my hand on my cheek, I looked out the window, not paying attention to my teacher.

"Blitz." Miss Memoir called out to me.

I need to figure out the best way to boost Sonata will. I thought to myself, something to give her more confident.

"Blitz!" Miss Memoir called out, louder as she glared my way.

It not like I can change her attitude while she is still being treated rough. I contemplated, staring at the clouds. Maybe if I was to-

Smack!

The sound of a textbook smashing onto my desk woke me from my stupor as I looked up to a very upset Miss Memoir. She looked down at me, her arms crossed as her foot tap the floor impatiently. I almost jumped out of my seat from the erupt sound, earning chuckles and laughter's from my classmates.

"Blitz, would you be kind as to tell the class what you have been thinking about that wouldn't allow you to focus in my class?" She asked politely, her voice masking the anger that seeped from her eyes.

"Oh umm..." I didn't know what to say. I couldn't tell her or the class that my thought had been on a magical corruption. I looked around the room, trying to find something to use as a excuse.

Miss Memoir was not amused at my hesitant response, her eyes looking into mines. Slamming her hand on my table, the book on magic that Twilight gave to me fell over, which caught my teacher eye.

"What this?" Miss Memoir asked, picking up the book to read it cover. "The magic concept and theories?" She asked with a raise eyebrow, flipping through the pages.

"Wait, I can explain! You see, I-" I started but was cut off as Miss Memoir cleared her throat as she began to read out loud.

"Most magic stems from the mind of the user, allowing any... pony?" She stopped mid sentence to look at me then the book. "To manifest a certain level of magic. While unicorns posses the largest amount of magic to use, this also takes a toll on their minds and stamina. Pegasi magic is close second do to their ability to manipulate the weather..." Miss Memoir closed the book, placing it back down on the table. "Blitz, I will not judge you on your taste in literature, even something like... this." She says, looking at the book, "but that does not mean you can slack off in my class. Put your book away and focus. I also want to see you after class as well." She stated, turning around to continue her lecture.

I couldn't help but to peek around me, knowing that everyone in class would be laughing at me. Not to my surprise, there were snickers all around me. "Just my luck." I groan, sliding my head down on my desk. "Ok, let try this again." I whispered.

Reaching my hand into my pocket, I pulled out a small piece of Sonata gemstone. Holding the piece between my fingers, I lifted it up. Inhaling, I focus my mind on the gem and watch it glowed. I felt the energy being drain from me as a light pink wave spread out from my hand. Soon the class became quiet as everyone stopped what they was doing.

"Well, thanks to this book, I've gotten better at this." I said out loud, knowing no one could hear me. They was under my control more or less, thanks to the energy I had been feeding off Sonata. It was bad, I know, but this type of power, it something special. "If only I had the full gem, I wonder how much I could do."

I stood up from my seat, walking over to one of the girls in class and flicked her nose. She didn't even budged. Smiling, I place the gem in my pocket as I walked towards the door. It ashamed I cant make them do what I want, but as long as I have Sonata, then I have my powered. I chuckled to myself, thinking on the past. It only fair to use her like everyone from their world used us. Just like Sunset did.
> Picnic Fun (part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few days had passed since Sonata came back to school. During the couple of days she's been here, nothing had changed from the usual glares and hatred. Though she had manage to ignored most of them, I can see it was taking a toll on her as it digged further into her mind. I did my best to help where I could, but my effort was fruitless as I was unable to do anything to change the mood of the entire school. 

As the days went on, Pinkie told us when and where she was holding the party for Sonata. At that same moment, my sister also announced that she would be leaving after Sonata’s party as she wanted to be apart of it before she go. Even hearing this news, this party didn't seem to cheer Sonata up as she just kept to herself. Twilight tried her best to get Sonata to open up more and cheer her up, and she done a good job admittedly, but she could only say so much to counter Sonata’s words. 

As we left out of school on Friday to enjoy our weekend, we all headed down towards a nearby park where Fluttershy and the girls could bring out their animals to play. The park was also a safe place for Pinkie to throw the party for Sonata and hopefully, allow her to make some new friends outside our little group. Apple Jack had her brother stop by the park on his way home to drop off the party supplies.

“So Pinkie, what type of party will this be? I mean, there won't be much more than a handful of people.” I asked, counting the amount on my fingers.

“Let see…” Pinkies started, pulling out a notepad from her pocket. “Well, there’s all of us, then there’s Mirage and Twilight, that’s already nine, not counting Sonata since it is her party silly. Then we add in, Octavia, Ditzy, Vinyl, and Lyra and it’s a full dozen.” She giggled, putting the pad away. “So I decided we can have a small picnic party with everyone at the park.”

“Lyra, Ditzy, Pinkie and I will be bringing the food, so ya know it's going to be delicious.” Applejack stated a little smugly, tipping her hat up.

“Really? Alright then!” Rainbow cheered, rubbing her hands together. “This is going to be awesome. I can't wait!” She exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air.

“Rainbow, calm down. We still have until later today before the party even starts.” Sunset said, chuckling at her friend eagerness. 

Looking between all the girls, only Sonata stood away from them. Though she wasn't at a far distance to where things seem off, she has been mostly silent every since she started school again. Twilight and Mirage was having an odd conversation about science and magic, so they didn't notice the off-putting mood Sonata was in. Rarity however caught on, but didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say, so all I did was moved over to her side as we made our way towards the park.

Getting near the park, I found it oddly empty for a party. I looked around, trying to see if the others was around, hanging out by themselve. However, no matter where I looked, I just couldn't find them. I looked to Sonata, seeing if she had noticed as well. Her eyes on the other hand was focus towards the sky and clouds. Her mouth open and close, and few words slipped out, but nothing I could make out. 

“So, are we the only ones who will be here before the party can starts?” I asked, looking towards Pinkie. 

AJ piped up first, beating Pinkie to the punch. “Not exactly. Ah think Ditzy planned to be here as well. Keep an eye out for er, not sure when or how long she’ll be.”

“In the meantime, can you help me and Rarity set things up?” Twilight interjected, holding a large quilted blanket. I nodded my head, leaving Sonata side as I grabbed two of the blankets. “I was thinking of setting the blankets up near the trees, that way we can keep to the shades. The food will be on the table to keep it away from the bugs, so let keep the blankets nearby as well.”

“Sonata, can you-” I started but stop. Sonata had already aimlessly walked off, sitting at the table and pulled her backpack off. 

Rarity came up behind me, patting my shoulder. “Don’t worry about her right now. She is probably just trying to calm herself or need a moment to clear her mind. It’s quite a shame though isn’t it? Gathers like these are suppose to be fun and cheerful, yet…” Rarity didn't need to finish her words, I already knew what she meant. 

Leaving Sonata to her own thoughts, I continue to help the girls set up. It wasn't long before Ditzy arrive on a scooter, several trays tied down to the back of it. I went over to where she was, taking the trays off the back. Ditzy, like Pinkie, was all type of cheerful, waving and smiling as she walked up to each of the girls. She then stop near Sonata and stared at her. For Sonata credit, she didn't jumped away, she just stared back, anxious. With a nervous wave from Ditzy, she turn around and went over towards Pinkie. 

“I guess that could have gone worse…” I mumbled, watching the whole thing take place. 

“Certainly it could have gone better. Still, I see no need to rush things, she didn't seem angry so that is a good sign.” Rarity chipped in, giving a sympathetic smile.

Twilight didn't looked away, her eyes tracking Ditzy as she moved, as if waiting to see if Ditzy would do something. When it became apparent that she wasn't going to harm anyone or do anything out the ordinary, Twilight sighed with relief. “It would be nice if everything goes this smoothly.”

Shaking my head, I just walked back to the table to set the trays down. “If only… But it won't. It’s probably going to get worse from here.” I whisper to myself, putting the tray down and stretching. 

Mirage and Sunset, the unlikely duo were the ones who brought Ditzy back over to Sonata and got her to stay and talk. I kept my distance, trying not to be overly clingy, trying to break my own hex. The actual action of staying away was surprisingly harder than I expected. Several times did I caught myself drifting over to her before my mind came to sense. I suspected it was Sonata being nerves and wanted an extra comfort near her. Whatever the case was, I manage to hold myself back, somehow. Luckily, any tense atmosphere that should have been over us was dissipated by Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy. Applejack and Rainbow ended up having a game of kickball, being respective to keep the ball away from the main area. All that was left was me and Twilight, and the latter had her attention focus on the rocks in a little bag. 

“Something wrong Twilight?” I asked, moving closer to her to see if I can spot anything with her magical stones. 

“I’m not sure.” She said puzzled, looking at the bag as she moved it in my direction. “The stones, they sense a bit of magic, very weak. I thought it was from Ditzy but she has no magical residue on her. The girls has high concentration of magic, including myself. That just leaves you, Mirage and Sonata. The stones glow is showing faint magic from you three, nothing bad, but I can't tell why. I can understand Sonata given what she is, but you and Mirage?” She went quiet, her face twisting in a cute manner as she look on in thought.

I lean in closer, seeing the faint glow of the stone itself. “Me and Mirage?” I question. I knew why Sonata, that was a no brainer, and I guess I could understand why myself, but my sister? “Are you sure that is correct? I mean, I dont feel different, and Mirage hasn't said anything different.”

“Yes, I'm sure. It is different somehow, I'm not sure why. Whatever the case may be, it doesn't seem to be effecting anyone, so I didn't bring it up to the girls.” She sighed, putting the rocks away. 

“You didn't bring what up?” Sunset asked, stepping up from behind us, catching us off guard. 

“Sunset?” I yelp back, placing a hand over my chest, trying to calm my heart along with Twilight’s.

“Sorry guys, didn't mean to scare you.” She chuckled, moving closer. “You two were off on your own, talking.” She added, looking questionably at us, between us both. “I came over to see what was going on but then I overheard you mention something about not telling us?” She stated worriedly, putting her hands behind her back. “Is something going on?”

“Oh, no no no.” I reflectively shot back, not sure how much Twilight didn't want me to say. “I was asking Twilight about those magic stones and if I could have one. You know, for umm, seeing if anyone we cross has magic residue.” I lied. I took the moment to think on my lie, seeing it as not a bad idea and probably very helpful. 

“You was?” Twilight asked, taking a moment to process what I said. “Oh, yes, you was.” She chuckled nervously, reaching into her bag to pull out a stone. “Go ahead, they aren't special and fairly cheap to get.”

“Oh, that was it.” Sunset chuckled nervously as well. “I’m not sure why that need to be a secret but okay…” She whispered, looking back to the other girls. “Come on, Octavia and Lyra should be here shortly.” She turn back to us, smiling.

Twilight nodded her head, putting the bag away as she headed over towards the table. I looked at the table, seeing Sonata talking a bit more now. It seem that one way or another, Pinkie got her talking. I stood there, smiling before Sunset elbow my side. 

“No point and standing to admire.” She half heartedly joke. “Let's go, Sonata has been asking about you.” She added, walking off towards the group.

Lightly scratching at my head, I looked at Sonata and stared at her. I watch her for a moment, not seeing a smile on her face. Is she just entertaining the idea? I asked myself. “Sunset wait, can I talked to you for a second? Just a, quick second?” I asked, moving to catch up with her. 

She slowed down her pace, looking at me curious now. “Sure, what is it?”

I didn't know how to forge my question, it was hard to put into actual words, so I just said the best thing I could think of. “Do you think by doing this, we are putting Sonata, no, the rest of us in life or death danger?”