A man with an unusual name comes across the three Dazzlings after their defeat in a younger, kid form. Cuteness ensues.
A man with nothing much to live for in the world comes across the three sirens, Adagio, Sonata, and Aria after their defeat at Canterlot High. They have regressed down to a child like state and have lost all their memories. Cuteness and laughs are ahead but the future is not nearly as happy as it looks.
Adagio turns to Aria and pulls on her pig tails hard. Sonata had been crying for almost the entire car trip. It was enough to drive any man to madness.
"Girls!" Anon said "I think this trip would go a little easier if we all just got along, ok?"
"Tell Sonata to stop crying then!" Adagio demanded
"Sonata, Adagio is right you need to quit that."
"Why are you crying anyway, loser?" Aria sneered "Is it because we passed that taco bell on the way here?"
Sonata goes from crying to mad in mere moments
"Onetime! ONE TIMEI mentioned tacos..."
"You really are the worst, Sonata."
"No, YOU ARE!"
They fight to get at each other over Adagio. Adagio pushes them both back by their faces, clawing them with her nails in the process. Anon tries to restore order.
"Girls." Anon said calmly
"EWWWWWW! Adagio got her hair in my mouth!" Sonata said
"Girls!" Anon said, louder this time
"It tastes like cheetos!" said Sonata, further mocking her
"Ewwww, that's what Anon tastes like!" Aria giggled
They all giggle, momentarily forgetting their spat to laugh at Anon's expense. But the truce wasn't going to last for long.
"How do you know what Anon tastes like?" Sonata jeered
"It was a joke, blockhead." Aria said
"I bet you love him!"
"No I don't!" Aria fumed "Take that back you slut!"
"Aria watch your words!" Anon yelled back
The girls all slump back, shocked by Anon yelling at them. But they all remained silent. Silent for a nice, blessed minute.
"Just a little longer girls, and we'll stop for a break ok? If you're good, maybe I'll pick up some - what the hell is that?"
A festering, sulphurous smell permeates the entire car. Aria smelled it too.
"EWWWW! ANON! SONATA FARTED!" Aria yelled at the top of her lungs
"I did not! SMELT IT, DEALT IT!" Sonata yelled back
"You're DISGUSTING, Sonata! You should live on a farm with all the other dirty pigs!"
"IT WAS. NOT. ME!"
"My MOUTH was open, pig!"
Anon frantically rolled down the window. Aria leans over the seat and next to his ear.
"I'm the best behaved aren't I Anon?"
"Ohhhhhhhhh~" Sonata imitates her in a silly voice "I've been the best behaved haven't I Anon, please touch my butt and marry me!"
"SHUT UP, FILTHY FARTER!" Aria screams in her face
"I DID NOT FART!"
They began to fight across Adagio's body again, causing her to slam her sisters into the doors. Only ten minutes to go before he could finally dump these headaches from whence they came. He drives for another five minutes and it gets quiet. Too quiet. Anon takes one last look behind and sees the most heart melting thing in the world.
All the arguing must have worn them out. The three of them were all sleeping, Aria and Sonata using Dagi's cheese puff hair as a pillow. Adagio's head was rested gently against Sonata's and her mouth was half open. He just couldn't resist. Anon pulls out his phone and snaps a picture of the cute scene. Never in his life had he seen a scene more cute. Could he really just throw such cute little things back through a portal? Sure he was heartless, but even someone as heartless as he was had some capacity for empathy. The lack of focus from the picture caused the car to swerve, making Aria wake up. Quickly noticing where she was resting her head, she scoots away, completely embarrassed and red faced.
"So Anon, where is it exactly that you are taking us?" Aria asked
He contemplated what do say. He couldn't very well say that he found them so unbearably annoying he was going to throw them back through the portal they came from.
"Just going on a little trip." Anon replied "Never you mind it. You girls look like you are famished. Let's get something to eat hm?"
"Fine. So long as we don't go to Taco Bell. Sonata's taco farts are the WORST."
He laughs and turns the car back around. After the big fiasco at Canterlot High where the girls tried to take over the school for vanity's sake, he agreed to take them in. Something strange had happened though. Ever since their magical necklaces had been destroyed, there singing voices were not the only thing to suffer. It was almost as if the three had grown younger. Adagio looked to be around fourteen, Aria looked ten, and Sonata looked like she was around seven or eight years old. It had happened over the course of an entire month but so slowly he was only now noticing it. It must've had something to do with them losing their magic power. Whatever the reason he kinda liked it. They were very cute indeed, much better than those terrible monsters that once tried to control the school for adoration's sake. Just as he was busy thinking to himself, the two other girls woke up from their slumber. Here we go again.
"So did you have fun doing Anon while we slept?" Sonata said with a sly smile
"BE QUIET YOU FARTING FREAK." Aria yelled
"Anon! Aria is being mean to me!"
"She started it!"
Aria climbs over Adagio and bites Sonata's arm with surprising force. Sonata yells out in pain and the crying begins.
"ANON!" she wails "SHE BIT ME!"
"Did not!"
These girls were really testing Anon's patience. He was five seconds away from regretting his decision to turn around.
"Simmer down." he said "We are almost at Sonic and then we can have a little break. I'll tell you what: if you girls are on your best behavior and be nice to one another until we get there, I will buy each of you a cookie."
Sonata's eyes light up and Aria chuckles. But even Aria couldn't hide her excitement. Adagio makes the perfect plan.
"Ok girls! We have to be on our best behavior got it?" Adagio said "If you have any complaints, tell them to me and we can sort them out!"
What a little leader she was. So cute. Even the Dazzlings weren't all the bad now that you got to know them. To Anon's surprise, Adagio takes perfect control over the situation. Both of Aria and Sonata tried to start fights with each other periodically, but Adagio calmed them down surprisingly well. For someone who tried to mind control an entire school, she was quiet empathetic.
Just as the cart starts to pull into the the Sonic driveway, Sonata lets out a loud fart. Welp it was a good run while it lasted. Adagio quickly turns to Sonata with the most serious expression a preteen girl had ever made.
"Remember Aria." she said "Cookies."
Aria takes a deep breath and covers her nose.
"Right."
Anon pulls the car into a parking space and takes out the keys. The trio jumps for joy as they get out of the car. Sonata yelled in Anon's ears.
"DOES THIS MEAN WE GET COOKIES ANON!?"
"You bet. You girls did really well." Anon puts his hand on the little girl's shoulder "Please don't yell in my ear again."
"O-oh... sorry."
Jesus Anon thought I'm sound like a damn father.
The three girls high fived each other and they go into the restaurant. Staying true to his word, Anon bought three cookies and sat down in a booth. Sonata is eating like a fucking animal and Aria of course takes issue to this.
"Anon!" Aria tattled "Can you tell Sonata to stop eating gross!"
"Shut up!" Sonata said with her mouth full "You just want him to do you!"
"Girls!" Adagio yells, finally having enough "Would you knock it off!?"
"Yeah girls." Anon says, taking a bite of his burger "Settle down and eat. Sonata, eat like a human being please."
Aria sticks her tongue out at Sonata
"And Aria. Stop being such a tattle tale. I will handle it."
"Fine, fine." Aria said
They sure were a handful bunch but they were starting to grow on him. Maybe this really could work out. But only time would tell.
Anon drives the three little girls to back to his house. It was not all fantastic as far as houses go. It had two stories but hardly anything inside. Bland walls, bland carpet, little to no furnishings. It was time to actually start taking care of these little shits. But first he had to get out of the house.
"Ok girls." He said "Nap time."
"What!?" Adagio says, taken aback "I'm way to old from some silly nap."
"Yeah. But maybe that whiny baby Sonata does." Aria teased "She still wets the bed ya know? Like a little baby!"
Sonata's face flushes a bright red.
"Do not! Don't believe her Anon! I don't wet the bed! I'm a big girl!"
"Do too." Aria said
"Do not." Sonata said back
"Do too."
"Do not!"
"FILTHY FARTER!"
"DUMBY!"
"Girls!" Anon says, standing between them "That's enough."
Anon turns and kneels next too the blue little girl. He wasn't going to take any risks.
"Be honest Sonata." Anon said kindly "Is it true? I promise I won't judge you, it happens sometimes."
Sonata shifts around uncomfortably and looks at her sisters. He instantly gets the message.
"Girls? Can you leave us alone a little while?"
Aria gives them both a sly smirk and walks out of the room with Dagi but not before saying
"Sure, just don't get peed on by the little baby!"
"YOU SHUT UP ARIA!" Sonata screams, right in his ear
You both can hear Aria laughing as the door closes behind them.
"So do you Sonata? It's perfectly fine if you do." Anon asked
Sonata shyly nods, not being able to make eye contact.
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You want me to let you in on a little secret?"
Anon whispers in her ear
"I used to do the same thing when I was a kid."
She gasps
"You did too!?"
"You bet. And the good news? I grew out of it and I know you will too. Don't let Aria get you down ok? I'll have a talk with her too."
Sonata gets tears in her eyes
"She is such a big meanie!" she said, her voice quivering
Anon hugs her close. Poor thing he thought Poor thing. She reminds me of myself when I was a kid. Genuinely kind, but not very bright. And people were mean to you because of that. I'm not going to let her turn the way I did.
"I'm going to have a talk with her ok?" he reassured her "But in the mean time, try not to let what she says get to you. If she's being mean to you just tell me. I'll take care of it."
Sonata wipes the tears from her eyes.
"Ok."
"Now go get your jamies on alright?"
Sonata looks down confused. He had completely forgotten that these were the only clothes they had since the incident. And they hardly fit them, not to mention how worn out and torn they were.
"We'll figure it out ok?"
Anon opens the door back up, letting the two other girls back in
"Alright" he said "Nap time girls."
Adagio looks even more irritated now
"I told you Anon! I'm not taking a nap!" Dagi ranted "Only babies take naps!"
"For once I have to agree with her." Aria said, crossing her arms "I'm not taking a stupid nap."
He needed to do this tactfully. The only way he could go out of the house without worrying it would be burned down when he returned was by making them nap. But how?
"Whoever takes a nap gets a special surprise." Anon said slyly "I have to go out for about an hour but if any of you are awake I can't get all of your presents."
They straighten up faster than the line at Sweet Apple Acres during cider season.
"Fine." Aria grumbled "But I'm not going to like it!"
Anon laughs
"Well there is certainly no rule forcing you to enjoy it."
"And I won't! You got it?"
"Yes, Aria, I do."
Anon gave his bed to Sonata, the guest room to Dagi and the spare room with a mattress to Aria. It used to belong to his ex fiance' so it wasn't as if he was using it anymore. Just before Aria walks into the room, he pulls her aside.
"Aria, you need to stop acting so mean to Sonata. I know she can get on your nerves sometimes, but that's not an excuse to make fun of her."
"But she is the WORST. She is absolutely unbearable! All she does is be annoying!"
"Do you honestly think making fun of her will help though? How would that feel if I said that to you? Like if I were to make fun of the fact that you have really bad gas?"
Aria's face turns redder than a tomato
"H-how did you know?" Aria stuttered
"We didn't go to taco bell remember?" Anon said "I've known for a while. But see? Wouldn't that hurt if I made fun of you for that?"
"Sorry. She is just so annoying."
"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. You need to go to her an apologize. But we'll do that when we get back ok? For now, why don't you just lay down and nap?"
"Fine!"
"Goodnight Aria. Sleep well."
Anon gets up and slowly closes the door behind him. She was a firecracker that one. He'd definitely have to work on calming her down. But he could see right through her. Even though she put on a hard exterior, you could tell that she was a good person. She just had a hard time expressing kindness. But he'd break though that tough exterior sooner or later.
Anon got back into his car and drove to the nearest supermarket. But then it hit him. He had never shopped for anyone else before, much less three small girls with such varying personalities. What kinda of things did girls like anyway? Did Adagio need a bra at such an age? How did bras even work? Girls were so weird.
Anon nervously walks down the isles trying to find some clothes for the three. First he saw PJ's with hearts on them. Sonata would be crazy for these. He walked through another isle finding some deep blue ones with with waves and sail boats on them. Not really Adagio's style, but it would certainly look great on her. He opted to get some black PJs with pink guitars on them for Aria.
Now for some street clothes. This was going to be just a tad more challenging. Anon just wondered up and down the isles cluelessly. An employee came up to him.
"Is there something I can help you with, sir?" the pretty attendant said
Fuck it.
"Yeah. I have three little sisters at home and am doing some shopping for my mom. I'm a bit stumped on what to buy."
"Cute." she said with a little smile "How old are they?"
"Seven, ten, and fifteen"
"I think I can help with that. What are each of them like?"
"The youngest is a bit of an airhead, the middle is a big grungy and angsty and the eldest is somewhere in the middle."
"Alright. Right this way."
She helps pick out a few excellent skirts and tops. 4 sets for each of them, each of them being a range of their favorite colors. Or at least that's what he thought. He didn't actually know what their favorite colors were. Now all he needed was the hard stuff. Underwear and perhaps a bra for Adagio. Totally not awkward, said literally no one ever.
Anon quick, and very self consciously, just grabbed a few packs of undies for each of them, hoping no one would see a grown ass man buying children's underwear. Just as he was about to go the checkout he realized he forgot one thing. And the recipient was not going to like this one. Some protection for Sonata's accidents. She wasn't going to be too thrilled about it, but he was certainly not going to be changing the sheets every night. He was much too lazy for that. He goes to the checkout again. Over two hundred dollars worth of shit. Why was parenting so expensive? Anon halts his thoughts. He couldn't even believe he let that cross his mind in the first place. He was absolutely not a parent. The idea was simply absurd. Now it was time for the gift he promised. But what to get three little girls? Something simple, something easy... That's it!
With the gifts bought and payed for, Anon drove back to the house. He was half worried that house was going to burnt to the grown with a sign that had Syriens4Lyfe written on it. Much to his ease, he got home with the house completely in tact. But it wasn't all good news. Once he opened the door, the sound of Sonata's crying filled the room. Aria was going to get the spanking of a lifetime if she was behind this. He ran up to Sonata's room. She was sobbing next to a very large wet spot on the bed.
"Anon I'm sorry! I didn't mean it I swear! It was an accident!" Sonata yelled in between her sobs
"Shhhh Sonata. It's fine. I know you didn't do it on purpose." he reassured her "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up."
He led her to the bathroom and turned the water on
"Oh and Sonata. I got you a clean change of clothes, so when you're done just call me alright?"
She wipes tears from her eyes and hugs you, her pee stained pants completely covering him
"S-Sonata!"
"Thank you Anon." she said "I love you."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah I love you too, now can you please let go."
She unlatches and Anon closes the bathroom door, going downstairs to hall of the clothes in. With the stealth of ten thousand ninjas, Adagio sneaks up behind him and taps his shoulder, making him nearly jump out of his skin.
"Oh sorry!" Adagio said "I didn't mean to scare you like that."
"It's fine." Anon said, trying to calm his racing heartbeat "I'm guessing Aria is up as well?"
"Nope. She's out cold." she giggles
Not going to enjoy it is she? Yeah right.
"I bought you guys some new clothes, seeing as you all only had the ones on your back. By the way, and I know this might be a bit embarrassing, but-"
Anon holds up the training bra
"Is this the right size for you?"
Adagio laughs at his obvious embarrassment
"It's perfect." she said, twidiling her thumbs and looking down "I was actually about to ask you if I could get my first bra since... you know.. mine are starting to grow... but I was to afraid. Thank you."
First? Did she really have no memory of what happened?
"Adagio, you can talk to me about anything ok? If you have any questions about puberty I will be more than happy to answer them alright? Never be afraid to ask."
Adagio goes in for a big, warm hug.
"Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. Seriously."
"Of course Adagio. I just want you to be happy."
Just as the two finish their heartwarming scene, Sonata comes into the kitchen, completely naked and soaking wet.
"Sonata!?" Anon yelled, covering his eyes "What are you doing!? Why are you completely naked and sopping wet!?"
"You said when I was done taking a shower to come and find you right? I'm not in trouble am I?"
She took things way to literally.
"Excuse me for a bit Adagio."
Clearly this was going to be a little more work than he bargained for.
After fixing the Sonata situation, Anon heads back downstairs, finding Dagi snooping through the clothes. She could already tell which ones were for her. She holds the pink tee shirt with an orange heart on the chest in front of her and takes a good long look at it.
"Wow Anon, I'm impressed." she said "For a boy, you have really great taste in cute clothing. I love these."
He laughs at the compliment
"I wouldn't give myself too much credit. I had someone at the store help me."
"If you say so."
Anon runs back up to check on Sonata. It completely took his breath. Fun fact: doing nothing but watching TV all day actually makes you really out of shape. She's still in the bathroom, her hair starting to turn into a big puffball. He pulls a brush from the cabinet.
"Just take a seat on the stool there." Anon said "We need to brush your hair so it isn't all messy"
She does so silently and Anon slowly begins to brush her long, blue hair. It was quite relaxing, just brushing her hair like this. Even Sonata was starting to nod off. She was so cute. Out of his peripherals he could see Adagio standing in the doorway with a big smile on her face.
"You two are sweet." she said
"Why thank you." Anon replied with a giggle "I am a bit new to this kinda stuff. Glad to see I'm doing it right."
Anon finishes straightening the little girls hair and she starts to run downstairs. He called out to her.
"Sonata!"
"Yeah?"
"If you see Aria, make sure to tell her where the clothes are ok?"
She scowls at him
"Fine."
"Those two." Anon said "They just can never get along."
Adagio nods
"Oh believe me I know. But I think they love each other deep down."
"I think you're right. The question is how to get it out from deep down and how to make them show it on the surfa-"
"ANON! ARIA IS BEING MEAN TO ME!" a voice yelled from downstairs
"AM NOT YOU LIAR!"
Ugh. They were like cats and dogs. Both Anon and Dagi walk downstairs to see what the two were bickering about this time. They were both standing in separate corners with their arms crossed and glares that could melt steel.
"Alright, what's going on?"
"Aria is making fun of me!" Sonata jeered
"Am not!" Aria spat back
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"GIRLS." he interrupted "Tell me what happened."
"Aria called me a bed wetting baby!"
"Don't be mad just because I am speaking the truth! You are such a baby!"
Anon felt a well of anger rise within him
"Aria! Sonata! Stop this instant!" he yelled so loud it rang throughout the house
They both go silent in shock. He had never yelled at them like that before.
"Aria, we already talked about this. You need to stop making fun of something that she has no control over." he turns to Sonata "And Sonata, you need to stop giving her fuel for the fire. If she does this, you need to tell me, not egg her on."
They both just sit there in silence, completely wide eyed as he went on his tirade.
"You girls need to learn how to get along! You both are sisters and are the only thing that is ever constant! You cannot take that bond for granted!"
Anon hadn't talked to his family in years. He hated them and they hated him just as much. He couldn't bare to see history repeat itself, not while they were in his care. They would be different, he swore it to himself.
"Anon?" Sonata asks timidly "Why are you crying?"
Anon wipes his face and sure enough, tears were running down his cheeks.
"I'm fine it's just..." he said barely being able to hold in a sob "you see girls I used to act the same way around my family. We fought and bickered with each other at every turn. We haven't talked once in over seven years. You cannot let that happen to you two. I know sometimes having siblings is hard, but they are one of the only things you can always count on."
Even Aria was moved by this. He had to figure out a way to get them to bond better. And he had just the perfect idea for what to do.
It had been a little over and hour since Anon's little speech and Anon was now cleaning the pee stained sheets to get his mind off of it. The house was deathly quiet. You could hear a pin drop. He couldn't even remember the last time the house was this quiet. After placing the sheets in the washer, he wanders into the living room. There was still a large amount of clothes scattered about on the table and he slowly and methodically folded them, trying his best not to think about his past. He can see Adagio out of the corner of his eye.
"Do you need something?" Anon asked, still a little tense
To his surprised, Adagio wraps a warm blanket around his back, no doubt from her bed. It felt good.
"I'm sorry." she said "About them, I mean. I know they fight a lot, but they do love each other. Aria actually apologized to Sonata if you can believe it."
"She did, did she?"
"Yeah. I'm just as surprised as you. I didn't even have to twist her arm or anything."
"That's good to hear. Well make sure to get plenty of sleep tonight. We're going out tomorrow. I think I have an idea for how to get them to start getting them to bond."
"Oh? Like what?"
"It's a surprise. But just know that we are going out tomorrow."
Anon looks at the clock. Nearly 7 PM. They must be famished.
"Let's get your girls something to eat alright?" Anon said with a smile
Adagio nods back and sits down at the table. Anon still had a few frozen pizzas he could cook up. Did sirens eat pizza? They must. He hoped. He went and began to cook them one by one. While they cooked he sat with Dagi.
"So." Dagi said
"So?" Anon replied
"I was wondering a few things."
"And what might that be?"
"Well you see..."
She stopped mid sentence and looked down
"Y-you know never mind. It's not really that important."
"Are you sure? I'm always open for a good chat."
Adagio gets all jittery and nervous
"Y-yep! Absolutely! Nothing wrong here!"
It was obvious she was faking but he just decides to leave it be. She would come to him when she was ready. He had a sneaking suspicion about what she wanted to talk about anyway. In time curiosity would get the better of her. It was only natural for a girl her age.
"I have a question for you, Adagio."
"What's that?"
"Do you remember anything?"
"Remember anything of what?"
"Before this? Does the word Equestria mean anything to you?"
"I don't think so. It sounds made up."
She really had forgotten everything. The show, the take over of the school, the singing. And all after those gems broke. Equestria has some freaky shit. Finally the bell rung, signifying that last pizza was done. Anon called to the two missing girls.
"Sonata! Aria! Food is ready."
They both run down from upstairs and in perfect unison say
"We're sorry for fighting Anon!"
"It's fine girls." Anon said with a weak smile "Go get your food and sit down."
They all serve up and meet back at the table. The pizza smelled better than it ever had.
"Ok girls. Tomorrow we are going out on a little trip. Make sure to dress for hot weather."
"A trip!?" Sonata said excitedly "Where are we going?"
"It's a secret. You'll see tomorrow."
"Awwwww! But I want to know! Can you at least give us a hint?"
"Sorry Sonata. I won't be able to give you a hint without giving it away. But trust me you're all going to love it."
Sonata is now getting so excited she can barely sit still and though Aria was doing her best to hide it, you can tell she was getting excited as well. Anon catches her excitement starting to slip out and she goes full tsundere.
"I-I bet it's not going to be that cool."
Typical Aria. Playing it cool to save face.
"There's one more thing I forgot to mention." Anon pulls up a bag from underneath the table "Your rewards for being good and taking a nap."
Anon gives them each their respective gifts. Adagio a cheapo yellow music box that played the ode to joy and only the ode to joy, Sonata a bag of candy, and Aria a purple spiked bracelet that you could snap on and off. Sonata, of course, is the most excited with her gift.
"Yay!" she yelled "Thanks Anon!"
"Thanks." Adagio said "I love it."
Anon looks over to Aria who was going into her tsundere routine again.
"Thanks, whatever."
"I'll take it." Anon said with a smile
They all finish their meal of pizza and Anon shews them off to bed, grabbing Sonata's shoulder. He was dreading this part, but it had to be done. He holds up the protective wear to Sonata.
"If you're going to wet the bed you will unfortunately have to wear this. Don't worry, I haven't told the other two."
Sonata's eyes begin to tear up
"B-but Anon." she stammered "I... It's not my fault!"
Anon places his hands on Sonata's shoulders
"I know Sonata. And this isn't a punishment. This is just something to help until we figure out how to fix it ok?"
She begins to snivel and tears start to run down her face. Anon gives her a big hug
"I know this is hard. But just do it for a bit ok? I promise I won't think any less of you for it."
"A-and you promise you won't tell Aria about it?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die."
"Ok. I'm trusting you."
"And I won't let you down. I'm proud of you Sonata. I know this isn't easy for you. But I don't look down on your or think you any less of a person for it. Now come."
They both go to his room and lay down on the bed. Sonata snuggles up tightly against him. Just as Anon was about to ride the go cart to dream city, he felt shaking coming from the bed. Oh Sonata he thought What in the world am I going to do with you?
"You alright Sonata?" he asked into the darkness
"I... I'm afraid of the dark." Sonata trembled
He sighs. The shit he put up with. She was lucky she was so darn cute. Anon gets up and searches through his closet.
"Well I have just the solution."
In his hand he holds up a nightlight. He used it all the time as a kid. He hadn't used it since he was twelve years old. Hopefully it would work after all these years. After locating a power outlet, Anon shoves it right up in there and it works like a charm, shedding a small amount of light in the room.
"Better?" Anon asked
"Yeah. C..." she trails off into a whisper "Can I hug you to help me fall asleep?"
"Of course you can sweet heart."
Anon got himself back into bed and comfortable, feeling too little arms wrap around his waist and hug him tightly. After Sonata had sufficiently calmed down, sleep shortly followed.
Anon is awoken from a perfectly good dream by rapid shaking.
"Come on Anon! Let's go! Let's go!" a muffled, squeaky voice says
He was still halfway between sleep and awake. And he definitely did not want to make the effort to go to the awake side of the scale. He put the pillow over his head. More shoving and pushing happens.
"Annnnnnnnon!" the annoying little voice said "Wake up, wake up, wake up! Come on! We're going on the trip remember!"
The memories hit him like a steel pan to the face and he bolted up. He certainly couldn't sleep through this day.
"Morning Anon!" Sonata yelled in his ear
"Morning Sonata." he replied back "Could you be just a little quieter?"
"Oh... sorry."
He looked around, surprised to see the other two girls sitting at the foot of the bed as well.
"We have a surprise for you Anon." Adagio said
"You do huh?"
Aria hops off the bed and puts up a tray. On it was a plate of burnt eggs and toast.
"Breakfast in bed." Aria said
Anon smiled widely. This was too good for someone like him.
"You three. What am I going to do with you? Thank you all so much. That's so sweet."
Aria pushes the tray forward and they eagerly await your consumption. The toast tasted as if it had been in a nuclear reactor for several minutes and the eggs were so watery it made you gag, but the amount of love the went into it more than made up for it. It tasted amazing.
"Did we do alright?" Adagio asked, a brutally intent look in her eyes
She looked as if Anon's opinion was going to determine her entire future.
"It tasted amazing you three. You added the best ingredient of all. Lots of love."
The three girls smile and high five each other. They clearly worked quite hard on it.
"Alright. I am going to make my coffee and then we will go out on our little trip." Anon said "While I make my coffee you girls take a shower alright?"
"Right!" the three said in unison
Anon put a big cup inside you shitty coffee brewer and pull out the paper from 2 weeks ago. Might as well read something while those three took their time. But it was short lived as it was only a few minutes before he could hear some bickering. Anon walked upstairs to see Aria and Sonata engaged in a slap fight, with Adagio trying to stand in between the two
"What's going on now? Can't you two just play nice for once?" Anon groaned
"We are trying to decide who will go first." Adagio explained
Of course big sis Adagio was the one to stay calm and collected. It was hard to believe that this was the same girl who tried to rule the world for the sake of vanity and adoration.
"How about this girls? Do a rock paper scissors match. Best 2 out of 3. I will be the judge."
"I'll just go last." Adagio said
"You're sure Dagi?"
"Yeah."
It was amazing how selfless she was.
"Well alright then. Aria and Sonata, you're up." he said "Now when I say shoot, you throw out your sign got it? I want this to be a fair fight so make sure you give it your best."
Aria and Sonata look intently at each other as if they were competing in the Olympics.
"Alright. 1... 2.. 3... shoot!"
The two girls throw down their signs Aria with scissors and Sonata with paper.
"And round one for the shower games goes to Aria Blaze! Now for round two. Contestants get ready." Adagio said, as if she were a referee. She made the sound of a crowd cheering.
"1... 2... 3... shoot!" Anon said
They throw out their signs once again, this time Sonata wielding rock and Aria using scissors, putting them at a clean tie.
"You could cut the tension here with a better knife folks!" Adagio said, pretending to hold a microphone and speaking into an imaginary camera "Both contestants are eager to win, but who will take home the first shower! It's anyone's game!"
"And round two goes to Sonata Dusk!" Anon says "Now for the tie breaking round. Contestants ready?"
Aria and Sonata get in the zone once more.
"1. 2. 3. Shoot!"
And the final round is decided. Aria laying down scissors and Sonata throwing up paper.
"And the first shower belongs to Aria Blaze, with Sonata Dusk going second." Adagio says, mimicking a cheering crowd again "Contestants shake hands."
Sonata begrudgingly shakes her opponent's hand and Aria strolls into the shower. Man, having three kids was exhausting. But at least warm, shitty tasting coffee was just around the corner.
"Now girls, you behave." Anon said "I'm going downstairs to drink my coffee. Just wait in line patiently. If Aria takes too long, come and talk to me."
They both nod and Anon goes downstairs to collect his long awaited award. A nice, warm cup of coffee.
Anon walks downstairs and flips open the paper, pouring the fresh coffee into the mug. Black. Just the way he liked it. He slowly scanned through all of the pages, trying to glean anything interesting. Nothing. It was all nonsense. How do people read this garbage every day? It remained surprisingly quiet as he read through the nonsense, allowing him to finish his brew in peace. After a little while he went upstairs to check on the progress. Sonata has just walked out of the shower with a large towel lazily wrapped around her tiny body and Aria is busy combing her hair in front of a mirror that Anon had just outside the bathroom.
"How are you three doing?" he asked
"Adagio just went in." Aria said
"I see. Let's brush your hair Sonata."
Anon grabs a comb from the night stand and start to brush the seven year old's long hair, trying to avoid making knots. How the hell did girls do this every day? It was so much simpler getting ready as a boy. Adagio, however, doesn't waste much time and is in and out in less than ten minutes. Adagio's cheesy poof hair is perfectly done despite the short amount of time. How on earth they managed to do that every day was just beyond him. Women amiright?
"You girls ready?"
"Yeah, give me one second." Aria said, tying up her pig tails "Perfect."
The three walk down the steps and into the car outside. The three girls take their designated spots: Adagio in the middle, Aria on the right and Sonata on the left. Time to give them the surprise of a lifetime. He puts the car in drive and, surprisingly, there is little fighting. In fact, there was no fighting at all. It was almost uncanny compared to how it had been. Maybe they really did take his words about family seriously, at least he hoped so.
It took about thirty minutes to reach the destination: the adoption agency! (just kidding) the pound. He pulls into the pound driveway and already the sound of howling dogs is abundant. The building was surprisingly boring. If he hadn't know better, he'd though it was a factory or some administrative building. Hopefully the inside wouldn't be as disappointing as the outside. As the car door open, Sonata's eyes were sparkling with joy.
"Are we getting a puppy!?" Sonata asked excitedly
"Either that or a cat." Anon said "But we can only get one so you girls need to decide which one you want."
The three look rather somber at that suggestion.
"Now I want you girls to stay close. No running off ok?"
"Ok!" Sonata said, the other two nodding in agreement
They all stay relatively close to each other as Anon lead them down the long line of cages housing barking dogs of all shapes and sizes. The girls seem rather undecided at first, Aria even stopping to look at a few cats, but then come across one with a giant St. Bernard. The sisters instantly fell in love.
"Can we get him Anon?" Sonata asked "He's so cute!"
"Yeah come on. I think he likes us." Adagio agreed
Even stone faced Aria couldn't contain her excitement.
"YEAH!" she practically yelled "I would love it!"
They all look at her, surprised that she was showing so much emotion and she quickly goes back to her tough girl act, crossing her arms.
"But ya know... it's up to you. Who needs a stupid dog anyway right?"
Anon unlatched the cage and the Dazzlings walk inside. Poor thing looked like it was boiling in there with all that fur.
"Maybe we could get something just a tad smaller?"
But Anon's plea fell on deaf ears. Adagio and the gang were already cuddling with it. They seemed to have their hearts set. And Anon, being the sucker he was, just couldn't say no to such joy. He let's out a sigh.
"Alright girls, we'll get him."
Aria practically jumps with joy and goes back to cuddling the poor thing like it was the last St. Bernard in existence. Anon had never seen her show so much emotion before. Who knew she was such an animal lover? Happy with their choice, the group walk to the counter and start filling the adoption form.
"I am glad you four came to adopt him when you did." the cashier said "We were just about to put him down because no one would take him. I hope you give him a good home."
"Don't you worry m'am." Anon said, looking at Aria's arms still tightly wrapped around the animal "There is more than enough love in this family to go around."
Family. He let that word just rest on his tongue for a moment. He liked the sound of it. His old one may have abandoned him and left him for dead, but he had a new one now. And he couldn't be happier. Anon couldn't believe he had actually thought about giving them up. He hadn't felt this happy since he was a kid. Sure it was hard and annoying, but he wouldn't trade it for the world. He purchase the dog and in a few short minutes he was property of the Anon household. Since the dog was so big, Anon allowed Adagio to sit in the front seat so Aria and Sonata would have room. He turned to the back.
"So girls, have you decided on a name for him yet?" he asked
"How about Oliver!" Aria said gleefully, as if she had been thinking about it for hours
"That's a stupid name." Sonata sneers "Let's name him Crayon!"
And here. We. Go.
"That's stupid!" Aria says back "What kind of dumb name is Crayon!? You're the WORST Sonata!"
"You are!"
Adagio butts in
"Come on girls, we need to be diplomatic about this." Dagi says
Sonata looks completely confused
"Diplowatawhat?"
Aria let's out a heavy sigh
"She means we should take a vote, loser."
"Aria." Anon said "Enough name calling."
"Sorry..." Aria says in a snide tone
"So what name do you suggest Adagio?" Anon asks
Adagio thinks for a moment
"How about... Alto."
Anon smiled. He liked the sound of it. It would fit with the rest of the musically inclined names in your family.
"Ok, who votes for Oliver?" he asked
Aria is the only one to raise her hand
"Alright. How about Crayon?"
Sonata is the only one to raise her hand.
"Alto?"
Adagio is the only one to raise her hand.
They all look towards Anon to break the tie. But he couldn't. He didn't want to be responsible for hurt feelings over this.
"No way. I'm not having any part in this." he said "You all have to work this out between yourselves."
"Well then how are we supposed to break the tie?" Dagi sneered "Everyone is only voting for themselves."
"How about this: we make it illegal to vote for your own name and you all have to close your eyes when you vote, that way nobody feels judged." he suggested
Aria looked skeptical
"Well if all of our eyes are closed how are we supposed to know who voted what?" Aria asked
"I'll be the one who looks since I'm not voting."
The girls nodded to each other and closed their eyes.
"Raise your hand if you want Olive."
Too his surprised, no hands are raised.
"Raise your hand if you want Crayon."
Again, no hands rose.
"Raise your hand if you want Alto"
All three of them raise their hands, even though Adagio knew that it was against the rules for her to do so. Looks like she still did have a little bit of a dark side, sneaky little girl.
"Alright the winning name has been decided."
They all look at him with the intensity of 10,000 suns.
"It's Alto."
Aria hides her pleasure and Sonata smiles.
"I have to admit, it does fit better than crayon. What do you say boy? Do you like Alto?" Sonata coos and the dog barks in approval
"Well it's settled then. Is everyone happy with this?"
Anon then witnesses something truly beautiful and breathtaking. The pinnacle of art and the absolute definition of rarity. Aria's big smile. A highly sought after treasure, Anon felt unfit to look at it with his mere mortal eyes. It was beautiful and really fit her. If only she smiled like that more often, that big, toothy, genuine smile. Anon could feel all of Aria's love just from a few seconds of her smile.
"Aria?" he says
"Yeah?"
"You have a gorgeous smile. You should share it with the world more often."
Aria's face goes beet red
"D-did I ask for your opinion!?"
She turns her head and stares out the window. That was just her way of saying thank you. He knew she really appreciated it. Though she put up a tough shell, her eyes told him all of what she really felt. Love.
Back at the house the frozen pizza train had run dry. Which kind of sucked, but Anon had to admit it probably wasn't very healthy for the girls to have that every night anyway. Time to go hunting!
"Ok girls. I'm going out to buy some food for us and food for the dog. I will be back in about 30 minutes." Anon gives Adagio a piece of paper "If you need anything using the home phone to call this number."
They all look at it intently
"Make sure nothing happens while I'm gone Adagio. I'm leaving you in charge."
Adagio stood up completely straight and gave him a salute.
"Sir, yes, sir!" she said
Anon giggled and patted her head.
"That's my little general. I'll be back before you know it."
Anon walks out of the room and drives off, leaving the three girls alone. Aria and Sonata stare at each other with a glare all to familiar.
"Now girls," Adagio said "Let's try to be civil. Anon is trusting us!"
Aria crosses her arms
"As if I care." she said "Sonata is stupid."
"I am not!" Sonata protested
"You are too! Baby!"
"I told you to stop calling me that!"
"I'm only saying the truth!"
"Shut up!"
"You shut up!"
"Girls!" Adagio yelled "Stop it! Can't you two get along for like ten seconds?"
They both cross their arms and face away from one another.
"No." they said in unison
"Well at least you two can agree on something." Adagio sighed "Come on. We can do something fun."
"As if." Aria said "I partake in adult fun, not in coloring books!"
"I'm not a baby you meanie!"
Adagio slapped her hand to her face. This was going to take some effort clearly.
"Let's play a game." Dagi suggested
"Like what?" Sonata asked
"I don't know... I got it!"
Adagio leads the girls on the couch and points down.
"The ground is lava! If you touch it you lose!"
Aria looks completely disinterested while Sonata is having a blast.
"Ground control to major Sonata! How's the situation down there?"
"It's bad Commander Adagio! The entire ground is covered in toxic lava! It's only me and private Aria! Private Aria status report."
"Hey! Why do I have to be the private?"
"I'm the Sargent, duh!"
"No you're not! You're the private you big dummy!"
"Shut up! You smell!"
Son of a bitch.
"Girls!" Adagio says again "Just stop. No ranks ok?"
"No Adagio! Sonata is annoying and just-"
Sonata starts to whine and Aria lets her anger get the better of her. She pushes Sonata off the couch and too the floor. She hits the ground with a loud thud and starts to cry. Aria clenches her fist.
"Just stay away from me loser! I hate you! I wish I never met you!" Aria yells and storms off to her room
"W-w-well I hate you more!" Sonata blubbers
Sonata marches up to her room as well, the door slamming shut. And there was only one person to meet them together again: Adagio Dazzle. Dagi walks up to her room and gets out a stick then travels to Aria's room, knocking on the door.
"I'm not seeing visitors!" a voice yells from the other side
"I'm Adagio Dazzle of the Dazzle Free Press, may I have an interview?"
"Go away!"
Adagio sighed. Looks like she was going to have to force her. She opens the door. To her surprised, Aria was crying.
"I said go away!" Aria yelled, throwing a pillow at her
"Aria."
"What do you want?" she sniffles "Are you deaf or something?"
Dagi sits next to her sister.
"Why are you crying?"
"It's none of your damn business."
"Aria."
"You think I like acting like this!?" Aria yelled "You think I enjoy acting like a monster?"
"A monster? Aria you're not a monster."
"Just get out of her Adagio. Please just leave me be."
Adagio respects her sisters wishes and goes to Sonata's room next. She was faring now better.
"Sonata?" Adagio called meekly
Sonata was laying on the bed, her back facing towards Dagi. She could here Sonata trying to keep her crying silent.
"What?" she asks, trying to sound as if everything was fine
"You ok?"
"Yeah."
Adagio walks over to her sister and turns her over. Her eyes were full of tears. She breaks into sobs.
"I'm sorry! I don't mean it!" Sonata cries
"Oh Sonata." Adagio said sympathetically "Don't be sorry. You're ok."
"I'm stupid!"
"No you're not."
"I-I just want to be like Aria!"
"You what?"
"I want to be like her. She's so grown up and everything. I keep trying to impress her but then she says I'm an annoying kid..."
"I know. You wait right here ok?"
"Ok."
Adagio runs into her room and gathers a few things. Two chairs, some dry erase boards with markers, and two straps she could use as blind folds. All part of the plan. She sets everything up carefully then runs to get the two girls.
"Sonata, but this blindfold on."
Sonata follows suit and she does the same to Aria, leading them to the chairs.
"Hello and welcome to Dr. Dazzle!" Adagio said "I am here with my two sisters Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk!"
"Adagio, I swear if this is another one of your stupid tricks." Aria said through her teeth
"These two have been fighting a lot, but I think I have just the trick to help them!"
"Adagio!" Aria growled
Dagi goes and takes the blindfolds off giving them each a dry erase board.
"I want both of you to draw something on the board. Anything you want."
Sonata is already doing it while Aria remains stubborn.
"Come on Aria. Just trust me."
She scoffs and just starts doing it. After a while they both finish. Sonata had drawn a meadow with a sun and a dog. Aria just colored the entire board black.
"Alright. Now I want you to draw how you want your friendship with your sister to be!"
"Really, Adagio?"
"Yes, really. Just do it."
"Fine."
They both draw for a while and present the creations. Sonata had two stick figures hugging each other but Aria's was far more interesting. It was of a little black ball with cracks in it. Going inside those cracks was glue coming from above. Sonata brand of course. Adagio smiled.
"Show that to Sonata. And explain what it means too." Adagio said
Aria flipped the board to Sonata, getting slightly embarrassed at Sonata's stupid grin.
"I'm the little broken ball and you're the glue alright..."
"But what does that mean Aria?" Adagio prodded
"Well..." Aria's face goes a deep shade of red "You make me happy whenever I'm sad... I know I say a lot of mean things but... I love you ok?"
Sonata's dumb grin doesn't leave her face and she hugs Aria. Aria returns the hug.
"I love you too Aria. You're the best."
Aria shows a slight smile.
"Come on you dork. You want to go play floor lava again?"
"Yeah! But only if you're the Sargent!"
Not many words needed to pass between them for the wounds to heal. Sonata didn't look it, but she was quite smart for her age. Just in that brief exchange of the picture, she understood all of Aria's pain. A true empath.
"One second though." Aria said "I gotta do something real quick."
Aria leaves the room and goes to Alto, who's sitting at the foot of Anon's bead. Aria hugs him tight and gives him some love. Alto really calmed her down when she was stressed. That do just got her. He didn't talk back or judge. He just loved. Aria quietly cries into him.
"I'm not a monster am I, Alto?"
The dog just sits there and stares.
"I'm sorry. I just wish I could say that to her. I just can't get past it."
Alto licks the salty tears from her face and Aria smiles
"You always know just what to do you silly dog. I'll be back."
Aria runs down stairs to join her family and play a classic game of toxic floor lava. Anon arrived home shortly afterwards and quietly observed the group. It was like magic. They were all getting along so well! And all thanks to an amazing mediator.
The next few days that went past were rather uneventful. Aria and Sonata kept their fighting to a minimum, Adagio was busy doing Adagio things and Anon was busying doing nothing as was usual. But one night things changed, and not for the better. The phone range loudly as the group gathered around for their usual dinner. It was strange. Anon nearly never received calls being the social outcast he was.
"One second girls. I'll be right back." Anon said, going to pick up the phone "Hello?"
"Hi. Is this Anon E. Mouse?" A voice on the other end said
"The one and the only."
Something was familiar about this voice, but he couldn't quite place it. Then it hit him like a sack of bricks.
"What do you want?" he asked sternly into the phone
"What do you mean? I just wanted to have a friendly talk with you." the voice said
The three little ones had gotten curious and were all looking at him now from the table.
"What? For alcohol money!?" he yelled "Or maybe you'd like to discuss how you walked out on me when I was fifteen years old!? How was fucking prison huh!?"
"Hey, let the past be past. You know I love you."
"NO! You do not get to fucking tell me you love me! Don't ever fucking call me again you understand me!? I am fucking happy now and I won't let you ruin that for me again! Get out of my life! I don't ever want to hear your voice again!"
Anon slammed the phone to the receiver and the girls looked at him wide eyed. He had completely forgotten they were all in ear shot.
"Uh..." Aria said "You alright Anon?"
"Who was that?" Sonata chirped, joyful as usual
Anon's vision become cloudy from the tears. It hadn't been since he was fifteen that he had heard from her. Tears began to flow.
"That was nobody girls. Please excuse me."
Anon quickly rushed to his room and for the first time in a long time, cried. The person on the other end of that phone was Anon's mother. A good for nothing alcoholic who had no shame. She would stoop to any low in order to get her booze. She walked out on him when you was 15, leaving him with an abusive drug addict father only later to turn up in prison. The anger he felt was indescribable. He had to basically grow up without parents. Not to mention his sister was no better. She was a complete narcissist who thrived on tearing people down. For his sister, the only thing that made her happy was when someone else was miserable and he was usually that person. He slammed his fist against the pillow.
Why now? Why, when he was just starting to move on, just starting to be happy? Couldn't she see that she had done enough damage already? Would his life never be free of the burden of his past? Anon cried like he had never cried before for a good hour. He just wanted to move on, to start his new life. But he knew she would call again and again. She always did.
That night he couldn't sleep. His mind was running at a million miles an hour. He just couldn't stop thinking about the call. Why would she call him now? What purpose did it serve? She knew he hated her guts. He wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, she was trying to make amends, but in reality, you knew she just wanted more money to blow on beer like usual. She truly was pathetic. All he could do was stare at the ceiling fan intently and stew on it. All the memories he worked so hard to repress were coming right back. The smell of Sonata's urine became too much to bare and he couldn't keep thinking about his mom or he'd have to hit his head against a wall. He finally got up at three in the morning.
Anon walked down the steps and when he got the the living room he saw Dagi. She looked beat. She must have been having trouble sleeping too.
"How long have you been up, Adagio?" Anon asked
Dagi stretches and yawns loud
"An easier question would be how long did I sleep. To which I would answer barely at all." she says "I'm getting terrible cramping."
"I see. I think I have something that can help."
Anon rummages around for a while, pulling a heating pad from the closet. Adagio rests on the couch and he places it just above her abdomen.
"mmmmm~" she says in delight "That feels great."
"I thought you might like that."
The two sit in silence for a while before Dagi asks the inevitable question.
"Who was that on the phone last night?"
"Listen Adagio." he said "You don't need to worry about it. She won't bother us anymore. Just worry about yourself."
Adagio frowns
"Alright. But just know that you are as deserving of happiness as we are."
Anon just shrugs off the comment and goes to get his morning cup of joe. Adagio follows him and looks at it curiously.
"What is that drink you make every morning?" she asks
"Oh this? It's coffee. It helps me stay awake."
"Really? Can I have some. It smells delightful."
Anon smiles, handing her is coffee, not bothering to inform her that he drank it black.
"Sure. But it is a bit strong, so just take a small sip."
Adagio places the cup to her lips and takes a sip, immediately spitting it out and gagging.
"How on earth do you drink this!? It's absolutely disgusting!"
"It's an acquired taste." he said with a laugh "Also, most people don't usually drink their coffee black. It's the strongest tasting type of coffee you can get. There are a lot of more mellow tasting ones like lattes and what not."
She hands him back the mug and gets a drink of water to wash the taste from her mouth.
"Maybe I could give those a try next time." Adagio shivered
"No way. Drinking coffee at your age will stunt your growth. Maybe when you're about 19 or so you can."
"But that's so long!"
"Well that's just how it is. Don't be so eager to grow up kiddo. It ain't that fun."
"Yeah, yeah whatever."
"By the way Adagio, I know I asked you this before, but do you know anything about Canterlot High?"
"Not really... why do you ask? Is that where you went to high school or something?"
Anon wanted to keep asking her periodically, just to make sure her memories hadn't returned. It was too soon to tell about her past though. He just could bare to let them know just yet.
"No, just curious. I just have heard a lot of bad things about it is all and I thought you went there at some point."
"What do you mean? We've lived here our entire lives."
All of a sudden a stomach growls.
"Sounds like you're hungry." Anon said, thankful for the distraction
"Yeah... I guess so."
Adagio still looked skeptical but decided to leave it alone as Anon cooked some bacon and eggs.
"You sure I should be eating at three in the morning Anon?"
"I do it all the time and I'm fine."
Adagio pokes his belly
"You may be, but your belly doesn't seem to agree." she says with a giggle
"Oh you."
The bacon and eggs finished and they both sat at the table, eating.
"Whatever the phone call was, I promise I'll be here if you need me."
Listen to her. Such an adult.
"It's fine, Adagio. I promise I'll be fine."
The two eat and silence before bidding one another goodnight and falling asleep without incident.
"U-um Anon? Are you ok?" a little voice calls out
Anon blinks open his eyes. It's Sonata leaning only inches from his face.
"I'm fine." Anon lied, wanting only to get back to sleep "Do you need something?"
"Come downstairs!"
He puts the pillow over his eyes
"Is this important?"
"Yes!" she says, grabbing his hand "Just do it! Come on!"
Sonata guides him through the house and to the living room. Across the front of the living room was a bunch of bed sheets, blocking whatever was behind. Funny. He didn't remember doing that. The living room was dark but he could faintly see the silhouettes of Adagio and Aria through the sheets. They were holding something in between them but he couldn't quite make out what. Sonata quickly rushes behind whatever object they were holding.
"Get ready girls!" Sonata says excitedly
"Alright. Three, two one!" Adagio says
The sheets fall to the floor and Anon's eyes go wide. They are holding a long piece of paper that read "We Love You Anon" in different colors. Each of the girls put their own flare on the small poster. Sonata's corner being covered with cute cat stickers and pink, Adagios being covered with words like strength and happiness, and Aria's being covered with a more grunge look, with black and pink. The sisters yelled surprised in unison.
The tears flowed again, but this time it was from happiness. The three girls rush into to hug Anon.
"I don't know what's going on with you Anon." Adagio said "But we love you."
"I love you too Adagio." Anon said back "I love you too."
"What in the world is this?" Adagio said with a gasp, looking out the window
Outside was a large white blanket of snow, covering the earth. It was mid December and running close to Christmas. The first real one they'd ever experience.
"That's snow Dagi." Anon said, wrapping his arms around her in a big hug
Anon thought she would pull away but to his surprise she gets closer, enjoying the embrace. He placed his head on her cheese puff hair. She was such a cuddlebug. Even though it was nearly six thirty, the sun had yet to shine. It was so beautiful and relaxing though. Not a creature was stirring outside, it was just a nice white void. It was peaceful, seeing the fresh snow in the early morning from the comfort of a warm house while cuddling a beautiful daughter.
Daughter!? Did he seriously think that!? No! She wasn't his daughter. She was just someone staying in his car, like a friend. NOT a daughter.
A groggy Aria comes in to the kitchen, her hair down and all messy with only one eye open.
"Morning, Anon."
"Morning, Sunshine." he teased
She let out a groan. Aria was never much of a morning person. If anyone stood to benefit from the miracle that was coffee, it was her. Adagio was far more of a morning person and Sonata just didn't seem to sleep or run out of energy. Sonata began to crawl down as well.
"Morning, Anon."
"Morning, Sonata. Good to see you."
"Good to see you too."
"Look girls." Anon said, pointing out the window "We got a snow night last night."
Aria cracked open her closed eye.
"Snow?" Aria asked
"Haven't you three seen snow before?"
They just look completely dumbfounded. They really hadn't seen snow before. But Anon certainly wasn't going to keep them in ignorance.
"Girls get yourselves ready and into some warm clothing. We're going to the park."
Aria instantly perks up
"Oh! Can we take Alto too!?" she exclaimed
There was some of that sneaky Aria enthusiasm again. She really loved animals.
"Of course we can, Aria. St. Bernard's are built for weather like this."
Anon went in the garage and pulled out the leash from the previous dog he had. Instantly he saw it wasn't going to work. It was old and torn in multiple areas, not to mention paper thin. Alto would rip through this thing without even trying. He'd need something much stronger. Looks like some shopping was in order. Anon also forgot the girls didn't have coats, hats, or anything that would make for a fun winter day.
Anon had never seen the girls get in and out of the shower so fast. Adagio once again employed some strange female voodoo on her hair that made it completely impervious to getting messy, split, or knotted all within 10 seconds. He went through the usual routine of combing Sonata's hair and watching Aria pin her hair up and out the door they went.
"Alright girls, before we go we need to buy you some coats and a new leash for Alto." Anon said "Then we can go to the park."
"Yay!" Sonata cheered, jumping eagerly
They all get in the seats, Adagio taking the front again so that Alto could have some room. Anon makes his way back to the convenience store and leads the girls to the clothing section, lined with coats and boots of all sizes.
"Ok girls. Pick out a coat that you think would look the best on you."
After much debate with herself, Adagio settled on a bright yellow parka, Sonata a green pea coat with a bunch of pictures of cabins and pine trees across it, while Aria picked a neon pink motor bike coat. Anon picked out a boring ski coatand a dog leash, while also letting the trio grab some gloves and hats and having them try it on. They looked absolutely adorable. Anon bought the goods and took them to the park. Anon was going to give these girls the proper winter experience. No way were they just going to sit inside and vidya like he did as a kid.
At the park it was even better than he had hoped. The park was completely empty, not a soul inside. The girls hop out of the car and he clipped Alto into the leash. Anon start to walk him but quickly he begins to walk Anon instead. Alto pulls hard, making him fall flat on his face, making the girls roar with laughter.
"You ok over there?" Adagio called with laughter
"Oh yeah." Anon said with his head still in the snow "Never been better."
Anon gets up still covered in snow, causing the girls to laugh even more. If only this moment could last forever. He was so happy.
"Alright girls. Step one to having an amazing winter is a snowball fight. And to do that you need to make a snowball..."
Anon picks up a mound of snow and shapes it into a perfect sphere
"Like so. And then..."
Anon knocks back and lightly chucks the ball at Dagi
"Hey!" she yelled "Two can play at this game."
Adagio picks up a pile of snow and chucks it at him.
"Hey, hey!" Anon says, halting it before it got out control "You didn't let me say the rest of the steps."
"Oh?" she asks "What are the rest of the steps?"
"Now before we continue this war, we need to move on to step 2: a snow fort. We also need to pick teams."
"I call being on Anon's team!" Aria called out
He smiled. Aria was such a daddy's girl. No! No! Not a daddy's girl! Aria was not his daughter, stop looking at it that way!
"Sonata, Adagio? You alright with this?"
The two both smile at each other devilishly.
"Oh yeah. More than ready. Right, Sonata?"
"Right!"
"Well it's settled then." Anon said "Let's go make our forts."
After about 15 minutes Anon built a large wall (and made the Changeling's pay for it) with three square windows in the middle. It had rounded sides to make it easy for them to throw at them without getting hit. Aria had been busy building tons of snowballs and she was doing it excellently. On the opposite side, Sonata and Dagi had built a cylinder type structure that had a higher, sloped wall facing where the brunt of the snowballs would likely be hitting. Anon calls out to them.
"You girls ready?"
"Yes sir!" Sonata chirps
"Alright. In 3. 2. 1. GO."
The snow war begins and the snowballs fly. Adagio and Sonata start throwing at terrifying speed, they couldn't even break cover.
"What are you orders Captain Anon?" Aria said with the most serious face
"Well Corporal Aria they seem to have us pinned down with fire." Anon said, playing along "I am going to need you to do a secret mission to sabotage them."
"Yes, sir!"
"I need you to be super stealthy, sneak up behind them, and catch them from behind. While they are distracted with you, I will hit them from behind as well. You ready Corporal?"
"Sir, yes, sir! I won't let you down!"
Aira begins to army crawl around the side, making her way to the back. Alto is barking with excitement in the distance. Sonata and Dagi don't seem to notice at all. Anon keeps up the pressure so they wouldn't notice. Finally, with a yell, she pops up from behind and pegs Sonata square in the back. They both turn around. Perfect. He starts tossing snowballs and hit Adagio a few times.
"Do you surrender Adagio, Sonata? Or are we going to have to take you the hard way?"
"Over our dead body!" Adagio yells "The Federation will rein victorious! You dirty Rebel dogs will never take this outpost!"
"Have it your way! But the Rebel's will win! Corporal Aria, enter phase 2!"
There was no phase two. But Aria didn't miss a beat. She started ramping up the attack. Adagio finally surrenders.
"Alright Rebels! You win this time, but we will claim vengeance!"
"Wise decision on your part."
Just as Anon walks out, he's pelted with another snowball.
"Vengeance is mine!" Adagio yelled
Adagio and Sonata high five each other. The ole bait and switcharoo. And he feel for it hook line and sinker.
"Alright girls. Well done." Anon says "What do you say we go home and get some hot chocolate to warm us up?"
Sonata jumps
"Yeah! I'm freezing!" she says
"And you two girls?"
"Absolutely!" Adagio said
"I'm so cold." Aria said
"Well it's settled then. Let's go home huh?"
"Yeah!" The trio says together
As Anon gets in the car and cranks up the heat, it doesn't take too long to see the enemy casualties. Aria and Sonata are passed out in the back and Adagio quickly follows suit. Such was the life of a lonely space ranger after a large intergalactic battle.
The car ride home was nearly silent. Adagio was out like a light and Aria and Sonata were sleeping on each other's shoulders. It must have really tired them out, that snowball fight. They were so cute when they actually got alone for a change. By the time Anon had gotten back to the house they were still fast asleep. He walked Alto in and then the other girls one by one, placing each of them in their beds. Now the only order of business left was to cook some chocolate chip cookies and pancakes!
Another issue was Christmas presents. Not only did Anon not know what he wanted to get them, he was also going to have to sneak them one after the other out of the house so he could buy them gifts to give each other. The thought of Aria and Sonata alone with each other sent chills down his spine. It would be a miracle if they didn't kill each other within the first ten minutes. Woken by the sweet smells, Adagio made her way into kitchen.
"The smells wonderful." Dagi said with a smile "What are you making?"
Clearly it was only the smell that brought her here, as Adagio was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. She was practically dead on her feet.
"What are you doing up Adagio?" Anon asked "You look like you're about to fall asleep on your feet."
She nods, nearly falling over as a result.
"I didn't want you to feel like you were alone, so I came to keep you company." she explained
What a wonderful girl Adagio was. Despite being pretty much asleep, she was forcing herself to keep her old man company. Truly Anon was blessed.
"Oh, sweetie, it's fine. Just go to bed. You barely got any sleep last night. You need to rest."
"Are you sure? I can-" she paused to yawn "help you with the food if you want. I'm not sleepy at all."
Anon turned off the stove and in one fell swoop, picked her up in his arms. She didn't even have the energy to protest, she just feel asleep right then and there. Adagio. She was such a caretaker. he had to wounder that if she was naturally so kind, what made her into the demon she once was. Anon went to go place Dagi back in her room when he noticed something odd. Aria's lights were all on. She must be awake. After tucking in the poof haired beauty, he want to check on her.
"Aria?" he asked with a knock "Are you up?"
"Y-yeah!" Aria says in a panic "Do you need something?"
"Nothing, I just wanted to check on you. Can I come in?"
"One second!"
There are hurried sounds on the other side of the doorway and Anon walks in. There is a large mound of blankets on her bed.
"Aria? What's that on your bed?"
"I-I don't know what you're talking about."
"Drop the act. I know you're hiding something there."
She sighs and moves to the side, uncovering the sheets on her bed. Underneath the blanket is a big black book. The old scrap book.
"I'm sorry Anon! I didn't mean to pry! You just..." Aria got quiet "you never tell us about your past and I was curious. I'll accept whatever punishment you give me."
Anon sighs
"Come sit next to me Aria. I suppose I do owe you an explanation."
The two sit on the bed and curl up in a blanket. He opens up the black book and points to the first picture. It was a picture of baby Anon with two adults. The woman holding him was blonde haired and rather frumpy while the man had black hair and was quite tall.
"That kid is me and the two holding me were my parents." Anon explained "This was back when my parents were pretty normal and likable people who had an earnest love for me."
He points to another picture, this time of a toddler Anon holding another baby.
"That's me at five holding my baby sister. And that was probably the point where everything went downhill."
Anon took a deep breath to collect himself
"You see, something changed in my parents when they had my sister. My dad became very mean. He would call my mother all sorts of horrible things. This led to my mom developing a bad drinking habit."
Aria frowns and hugs Anon tighter. Anon ruffled her hair.
"By the way Aria, if this gets to heavy for you feel free to tell me to stop. Let's just say I didn't have an easy life growing up."
"No." she shook her head "I want to know this. I want to understand you better. Why you act the way you do."
"Alright. If you say so."
Anon pointed to the next picture. This was of his mom holding a beer with him and his sister holding hands. His sister is glaring though.
"Here I was 7 and she was 5. My sister, even at a early age, was clearly screwed up. She was very mean and very manipulative. It was almost as if the only way for her to be happy was to see someone else in pain. At first her lies were pretty obvious, but she quickly got more clever."
The next photo is of Anon and his sister at a lake
"We would go to a my grandfather's lake house a lot during the summer. My grandfather was the only man I respected in my family. He had lost his wife after she gave birth to my mother but he never let that slow him down. He was the hardest worker I have ever seen. Anyway, while at the lake house, my sister would torture me. You see, I was very similar to Sonata. Very kind, but not very smart."
Aria looks down, guilt taking over her.
"What sorts of things would she do?" Aria asked
"She would trick me." Anon said "Like one time she said that she had a big surprise for me in the old shed but I had to go get it. When I went in she locked the door behind me and wouldn't let me out."
"That's awful!" she said in disbelief "What did your parents do when they found out?"
"Nothing. They just told me to quit my whining and be a man. Of course for Annie, this was just like saying what she did was acceptable."
"Annie was your sister's name?"
"Yes." Anon pointed to the next picture of him and his grandfather "My grandfather was the only one to look out for me during those summer months we spent with him. Of course, since my grandfather was my ally, he was Annie's enemy."
Aria seemed to be really taking it in, feeling it. Whenever Anon would talk about something more emotionally charged, her hug got tighter. He put his arm around her.
"My sister would scream and yell at my grandfather, just horrible, horrible things. Like how he should just die so we could get his money and how that's the only reason we loved him."
Anon turns to the next page.
"My grandfather was quit the stubborn son of a bitch and wouldn't back down. This enraged my sister because she was so used to people letting her have her way. She refused to be near him. In fact, this is the last picture she would take with the old man."
Anon skipped through a few of the pages
"My dad would steadily become more and more abusive, even encouraging my sister to be mean to me. Sometimes they both would do terrible things to me together. This is when my mom just decided one day to leave without so much as saying goodbye. I would later find out she ended up in jail."
Anon sighed, taking a long break. The wound was a lot more fresh than he would've cared to admit.
"You ok Anon?" Aria asked "We don't have to keep going. I've already learned so much about you."
"You're sure Aria?"
Aria smiles her beautiful smile.
"Of course. It's not like you're going anywhere. Right?"
"Of course not." Anon "What do you say we go get some chocolate chip pancakes?"
Anon went to go check on Dagi after the whole scrapbook thing. And she was out. She certainly deserved it though. Poor thing had been going nonstop lately. Luckily Sonata was up, which mean the first phase of operation first Christmas was a go. After filling up on pancakes and drinking hot coco, he instructs the girls on the plan.
"Ok girls, we need to do a bit of Christmas shopping for Adagio. We're going to the mall." Anon said
"Christmas?" Aria asked "What's that?"
Damn that amnesia. And he couldn't just say it was a corporate clusterfuck in which companies tried to sell a bunch of stuff under the guise of Christmas cheer.
"Basically, it's a time when family comes together shares presents as well as the enjoying the time they have."
"Yay Christmas!" Sonata said with her tiny fist in the air "What day is it?"
"The 25th." he explained "So it's about 2 weeks away. Now get ready so we can go shop for your big sis."
While Aria and Sonata both went to put their coats on, Anon went to write a little note to Adagio.
Dear Adagio, the girls and I are going out to shop a bit. There is some extra pancakes in the fridge and some hot chocolate for you to heat up. If you need me call my cell.
Anon
He also made sure to write his number down. Now was just the question of where to put the note. Somewhere where she'd be sure to see it. Anon walks up to Adagio's room and puts it directly opposite her door. No way she'd miss that. As he walked back down the hall, he saw the 'We Love You, Anon' banner. He just had to sit and admire it a bit. It made him feel so warm.
"You ready, Anon?" Aria called up in a hushed tone
"Yep. Let's get going."
Anon grabbed his keys and wallet and with that they were out. Surprisingly most of the car ride was quiet. Maybe that talk helped turn Aria around. But just as he had thought that, Sonata had begun to whine and whimper. He sighed.
"What's going on?"
"Anon! I have to go to the bathroom!"
Oh thank god.
"Just hold it Sonata. We're about there."
They arrive shortly and get Sonata the bathroom break she needs. While Sonata finished up, Anon and Aria began to chat.
"So what kind of stuff do Adagio like?" Anon asked
Aria thought for a moment.
"She likes more grown up things. I already know what I'm going to get her." she said
"What's that?"
"A journal. The one she is using is almost out of pages."
"Well I'll be damned. I had no idea she kept a journal. When did she start that?"
"She found an old one in the trash when we were wondering the street."
Time to test Aria if she remembered anything.
"Do you have any memories before that? Anything at all?"
"No, actually. Now that you mention it, it's completely blank. The first memory I have was me yelling something at Adagio how the 'concert' went. Whatever the hell that means."
If she also didn't have any memories, it was safe to assume that Sonata didn't either. Magic is weird. But at least that meant no more sirens. Nothing wrong with that.
"I see." Anon said, quickly changing the subject "So what other things does Adagio like?"
"Well I know she likes makeup."
"Alright. Since you're getting the journal can you help me pick out some makeup she might like?"
"Of course."
Aria's poster shrinks and she get's quiet all of a sudden
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Well you see..." she gets even quieter "I have been thinking about this for a while and I was just wondering if... well... instead of calling you Anon all the time I could call you..."
She trails off
"Call me what, Aria?"
"Well.... Dad."
Anon's eyes widen. Dad? He wasn't ready for such a title. He couldn't care for a child, much less raise three.
"You don't have to if you don't want to. I was stupid to ever bring it up. I'm sorry."
"Not at all." he said putting a hand on her shoulder "To be honest, I have been thinking the same thing too."
"Seriously!?" Aria asks, her eyes sparkling
"You bet. I just didn't know how to say it without sounding weird. Do the other two feel this way?"
"I know Adagio does."
Just as Aria says this, Sonata walks out of the bathroom.
"Done!" she says with glee
"Hey Sonata. Do you have an idea for what you want to get for Adagio?"
"Not really."
"Well then we'll just have to explore a bit. Let's stop at the book store first to get her a journal."
Anon leaned over to Aria and whispered
"We'll keep talking about this more later ok?"
"Sure thing." Aria said
The trio begin to walk around the mall, searching for Adagio's perfect presents. Anon was actually a dad now. A real dad. He never realized the weight of the title. How much responsibility it carried. He was going to raise them one hundred times as good as his father raise him. When he died, they were going to remember just how much Anon loved them. They weren't going to look at his casket with hate like he would when his dad died. Aria wasted no time at all finding a gift, going into a bookstore and picking up a leather journal.
"This is perfect Anon. Look at this" Aria said, holding it up
"She'll love it. Let's get her a card." Anon said
The two girls pick out separate cards for Adagio. Aria picks out one with a cute beagle wearing a Santa hat while Sonata picks one with a unicorn on the front.
"Makeup next?" Anon asked
"Sure." said Aria
All of a sudden Aria grabs his hand, avoiding eye contact. Who knew this tough girl had such a soft spot? B-but it's not like she liked him or anything baka. They all walked up to a makeup store and began looking around.
"Alright Aria, I'll need your help."
"Will do." she said ""Now Adagio's favorite products are shampoos and the like with a second being lipstick."
"How on earth does she manage to keep her hair so well done?"
"She has a lot of products she uses to keep it that way. You wouldn't understand. There is a lot of effort that goes into making us look the way we do."
"I'll take your word for it."
Anon looked around and found a tube of dark red lipstick.
"Will this work?"
"Oh yeah. That should do just fine."
"Now we just need some shampoo."
They both keep searching and find some heavy duty shit. Anon was pretty sure that some of the ingredients were used to make nuclear weapons.
"Ok Sonata. Have you thought about what she might like?"
"A hat!" Sonata chirps
"A hat huh?"
"Yeah!"
"Well then I guess we best find her one."
They both travel around a while before coming across a run of the mill hat and apparel store. After some looking around, Sonata comes back with two hats. One is a sea green skull cap and the other is a deep purple beanie with red hearts running around the rim.
"Which one should I pick Anon?" Sonata asks
"Well, if I were her, I think she'd like the purple one more."
She nods and puts the green hat back on the shelf. After buying the hat and some extra wrapping paper, Anon begins to make his way home. He leans back to the other girls.
"Ok girls, we need to make sure Adagio doesn't see this. It needs to be a surprise." he explains "So you two will go in first and I will go around back. Make sure not to tell her what you got her ok? That will ruin it."
They both nod in agreement and they make their way back. It takes slightly longer to get home due to rush hour and as such it wasn't until four that they made it back. Anon rushed the girls in and took the bags around back, opening the side door into the garage. He put all of Dagi's gifts down and cover it with a big tarp just in case. He walks into the kitchen to find a still half asleep Adagio.
"Well if it isn't Sunshine." he jokes
"Very funny." Dagi says
"Hey Adagio, mind if I talk to you for a second?"
He winks at Aria, letting her know what's up. She winks back in response.
"Sure, I don't see why not. Let me get some water first."
The two walk up to her room and sit on the bed.
"So Aria tells me that you two think of me as a father."
Adagio spits out her drink in surprise.
"What!? She was supposed to do it with me!" she whined "You don't think it's weird do you? You don't have to."
"On the contrary I would love that. You can call me dad all you want."
Adagio gives him a big hug, full of love.
"Thanks Anon-I mean dad. You're the best."
"You're very welcome. It's the least I could do for all the happiness you have caused me. How was your nap?"
"Much needed. I just don't know how well I'll be able to sleep tonight though. I was out for like four hours!"
"If you can't sleep talk to me. I have struggled with insomnia for most of my life so I am an expert in unorthodox ways to fall asleep."
Adagio and Anon, along with the rest of the now newly formed family, sit down for dinner. A blizzard was raging outside, the wind whipping the windows. Looking through the pantry, it became quickly apparent that food was running low. But there was still plenty of cheapo easy to cook meals Anon has saved during his attempt at college. He starts to set them up.
"What are we having tonight daddy?" Aria asked
Every time one of them said that, Anon's heart of ice began to melt just a little bit.
"Did you just call Anon daddy?" Sonata asked
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because Anon is going to be our new father."
Sonata lights up like a Christmas tree
"FOR REALZIES!?"
"For realzies."
Sonata turns to Anon. He couldn't hide his smile anymore. They were all just too sweet.
"I love you daddy!" Sonata exclaims happily
"I love you too sweetheart." Anon said, a smile a smile wide across his face
That night he had never slept better. It felt as if all the worse aspects of life were suddenly lifted away and all that remained was beauty. He had always scoffed when people said it would work out in the end, that life would give him some sort of purpose. But maybe they were right. After all the pain, all the tears, he was finally happy and finally had something to believe in. Something to protect, something to care for. And it was beautiful beyond comparison. He had never felt more love in his life that he had now.
The next morning he awoke early. It was still dark outside, the winds still battering the side of the house. He went down to get his usual coffee when he found Adagio by the window, crying. Anon quickly rushed over to her aide.
"Adagio?" Anon asked "What's the matter?"
She turns to him, her face stricken with deep pain and eyes pouring a waterfall of tears. She looked awful.
"I... I don't know. I'm just really sad right now." she said in between sobs
She hugs Anon tightly and he hugged her right back. She was acting quite strange.
"Dad, can you promise me something?"
"Of course I can."
"Please promise to never leave."
"Why do you think I'd ever do something like that Adagio?"
"I... I had a nightmare..."
"Come." Anon said, motioning to the couch "Let's talk."
Anon grabbed a blanket and the two curled up tightly on the couch.
"Tell me what happened."
"I was alone. I was in a big field surrounded by nothing but snow." she explained "No Aria, No Sonata, no you. I know it was just a dream, but it was still scary."
"Shhh. You're safe now. You can stay here for as long as you want. I won't leave."
"But what if you do?"
"I won't, ok? I will always be here no matter what."
Anon ran his fingers through her hair. It seemed she had quite the fear of abandonment, the poor thing. The two stayed curled up like that for nearly two hours, Adagio being two petrified to leave. She seemed to think even the slightest separation meant he was going to leave her forever. What must her life as a Siren been before this? Maybe she was living repressed memories. After yet another hour she finally gets the courage to move about, but stays close to Anon's side, as to make sure he didn't run the second he got a chance. If he was being honest it was actually rather adorable. She was never more than two feet away at any given time.
Sonata and Aria were both deeply confused by the spectacle. When asked to play, she refused as it would put too much distance between her and her father. She had never been like this before. She was usually so calm and collected. As the day progressed she kept constantly looking over her shoulder in a paranoid fervor. This obviously was much deeper than a simple nightmare. He pulled Dagi into her room for a little chat.
"Adagio what's going on?" he asked "You are acting frantic."
"I just don't want you to leave..." she said quietly
"I already told you I'm not. You have to trust me."
Her eyes light up with anger all of a sudden.
"HOW CAN I TRUST YOU WHEN EVERYONE ELSE HAS LEFT!?" she screams
Her eyes widen and she covers her mouth at the sudden outburst.
"Where did that come from?" he asks, shocked
"I... I don't know. Dad what is going on?"
Her eyes are full of fear, darting from side to side and she's shaking. She puts her hands on her temples and mumbles to herself, hyperventilating all the while. It was as It looked as if she was seeing and talking to something that wasn't really there. It was as if she was slipping into psychosis.
"What do you mean?"
Her breathing picks up.
"I keep getting flashes in my mind. I see this... this thing in the mirror. Its a dragon but with hooves and a long tail like a mermaid. And it looks so angry. It just stares at me like it wants to kill me."
Could she be regaining her memories? Or was this a split persona? Maybe the Adagio that tried to take over the school still existed insider her. And if the ladder was the case, did that mean the Sonata and Aria would go through the same thing as well? No! He couldn't lose them, not now! Not when things were just starting to turn up!
"That monster is so angry. Is this a part of puberty dad? Do all girls go through this?"
"Afraid not." Anon said, shaking his head "It's time I told you the truth Adagio."
"The truth!? What are you talking about!?"
"About your past. Allow me to explain."
Anon gave her all of it. How they came from Equestria, how they tried to take over the school, how they tried to make the entire world adore them because it was the only food source they knew. How they thrived off disorder and chaos and how they were actually monstrous fish monsters with hooves and sharp teeth. Adagio is in disbelief.
"I... I did all of that...?"
She puts her head in her hands and begins to cry. She couldn't possibly fathom doing something so horrible. Anon hugged her tight.
"I know this is probably a lot to take in. Would you like to be left alone or would you like me to stay with you?"
"Don't go! Please!"
"Ok. I'll stay right here. Look at me. We will figure this out. But in the mean time, you must fight her ok?"
"Ok. Ok." she exhales, calming down slightly
Adagio wasn't going to turn back into that thing. He didn't care what lengths he had to go through, what hell he had to endure. He was not losing his daughter. Even if it cost him his life.
A knock is heard on the door and it sends Adagio into a tizzy.
"Who's out there?" Anon asked
"It's me, Aria." the voice answered
"Do you need something Aria?"
"Just checking on you."
"We're fine Aria we just need a second ok?"
Footsteps go back through the house as Aria makes her exit. Adagio has gone back into full panic mode and Anon is doing everything he can to calm her down.
"What's going on Adagio?"
"I can't get it out of my mind! It's so scary! I don't want to die!"
"You're not going to die Adagio. Just take deep breaths ok? I will keep you safe. I promise."
She starts to breathe slower and slower until finally she calms down, all the while hugging him tighter than before.
"How are you feeling now honey?"
"Still scared. But better."
"Good. Well I'll tell you what: we need to do some Christmas shopping for your sister Aria. Care to join Sonata and I?"
She smiles
"I'd love that dad."
Anon didn't really want to go back out shopping again so soon, but if it meant calming Adagio down he'd do it. He stood up, the little fifteen year old still firmly attached to his waist. This wasn't going to be so simple.
"It's going to be pretty hard to move with you on my waist like this. How about we just hold hands alright?"
She nods and quickly lets go, embarrassed at her childish actions. She grasps Anon's hand tightly.
"You're doing great." he encourages her "You're very brave Adagio."
As they walk downstairs they find both Aria and Sonata looking intently into each others eyes.
"What are you girls doing?" Anon asks
They don't break from their gaze.
"We're having a staring contest daddy!" Sonata says, somehow both cheerfully and seriously at the same time
"And Sonata doesn't stand a chance." Aria taunted
"Well when the winner is decided we are going to go shop for Aria so I will need Sonata."
"D'aww! But we just get back!"
As Sonata complained she turned her head, losing the game (and so did you). Aria smiles at her victory.
"Told you I'd win." she gloats
"No fair! I want a rematch!"
"No, no rematches. We gotta get going Sonata."
"Awww! This isn't over Aria!"
"Sure it isn't loser."
Anon pulls Sonata out before they have a chance to go at each other's throats and gets into the car. She huffs as she's pulled out. So ornery. As they all file into the car, Dagi taps his shoulder.
"Can I sit in the front with you this time dad?"
"Sure thing sweetie."
He still couldn't believe she was calling him dad. It just seemed too good to be true. The air outside was so cold it cut like a knife. But that's what you get for going outside during winter at night.
"So what sorts of things does Aria like?"
Adagio and Sonata both smile at each other in the most mischievous of ways.
"Don't tell her I told you this, but Aria is actually quite the girly girl." Adagio said
"Is that right?"
"Oh yeah." Sonata said "Remember that banner we made? She was the one who drew all the unicorns and hearts. She loves that sort of thing. She made me swear that if you asked I'd say I did it."
"And what sorts of girly things does she like?"
"She likes pink stuff." Adagio said "Anything with lots of hearts. She also LOVES clothes shopping. Oh and dresses"
For a tough girl, she sure had a soft spot. Anon kinda liked that. It was cute. Aria was quite the interesting individual indeed.
"Well I think I'm going to buy her a dress." he said "What do you girls have in mind?"
"That's easy. I'm going to buy her some sort of stuffed animal. She loves them." Dagi said
"And you Sonata?"
"Hmm... I could get her that blanket she was looking at when we went to the mall last time."
"She was looking at a blanket?"
"She kept looking at this blanket that had a bunch of hearts all over it." said Sonata "I can't believe you didn't notice."
"I guess your old man isn't too observant is he Adagio?"
"No, no he's not. But we love you just the same."
"And I love you too. All of you."
They make it too the mall and get back out into the freezing cold. It was a shame, just when the car was beginning to warm up. But it wasn't so bad. Adagio still refused to let go of his hand and there was nothing better than the love of a daughter to keep someone warm. They travel to the nearest girl's clothing store.
"So what kind of dresses do you think she'd like Dagi? Anything specific? Any colors?"
"Long free flowing ones. And if it's pink or purple, she'll love it."
They wonder around a little before finding one that was practically made for her. Its a long dress the would extend down to her ankles. The chest was a royal purple color with a big red heart on the middle and the waist was a long, semi-transparent pink fabric. She'd look stunning in it. Once the dress was payed for, they were off too the toy store for the blanket Aria was eyeing. Sonata is spellbound.
"Can I get a toy too dad?"
"Nope. We'll be getting your gifts later alright? Wait till Christmas."
Sonata crosses her arms and stamps her feet. She was quite grumpy. Probably on the account of the dinner they were skipping to do this. Adagio looks through the shelves to see if there were any plushies that she might like. Adagio ends up finding a medium sized unicorn.
"Sonata, where'd you find that blanket?"
"Hmph!"
She was really cranky.
"Sonata please just tell me. The faster we do this, the faster we can get some food."
She just digs her feet in the ground and refuses to speak. Looks like he was going to have to do this himself. He walked around for a while and saw basket full of blankets. One was black and full of multi-colored hearts, and heated too. Perfect. After going to mall food court to get some quick food, he drove home with the girls and placed Aria's gifts under the tarp. When he walks inside, he sees Aria on the couch writing in her journal, completely oblivious to her surroundings.
"Have fun while we were away Aria?"
She quickly shuts the journal
"Not really. It was pretty boring with you all." she says, trying to play it cool
Sonata and Adagio walk in soon after.
"Come on Sonata. Let's go get you to bed. It's getting late."
"No!" she said, defiantly "I don't wanna!"
She was being the devil right now. Not even food was fixing her attitude.
To his surprise, Adagio takes over.
"Come on Sonata. Daddy has had a rough day. Can you please just take go to sleep? I promise you'll feel better."
"But..."
"Please?" she pleads "For big sis?"
"Fine."
Sonata marches upstairs and slams the door with all of her 7 year old strength.
"Don't worry dad. I can take care of her. She listens to me better than you."
Such a little adult. Adagio was amazing.
"Thanks Adagio. I really appreciate it." Anon said "Well I think I am going to hit the sack. Aria, your dinner is on the counter if you want it. Goodnight girls. I love you."
Adagio frantically grabs his hand.
"B-but you can't go to bed yet! I don't want to be alone!"
Anon sighs and smiles.
"Do you want to sleep with me and Sonata tonight?"
"You'd really let me!?"
"Of course I would darling. Go get in your PJs. I'll meet you in my room."
"Thanks dad! I love you!"
She gives him a kiss on the cheek and he smiles wide. She was so sweet. He walked upstairs and got ready. It didn't take long before Adagio came in. She was quick, that one. Sonata was already on the bed, passed out so he had to be careful when moving her. Sitting in the middle of the bed with the girls on either side of him, he closed his eyes. It was going to be a little hard however, with Adagio's massive poof in his face.
"Goodnight daddy. I love you." Adagio said
"I love you too sweetie. Goodnight. Get some rest ok?"
The next morning Anon pulled each of the girls for a special mission. A special mission so intense, so amazing, it required the utmost secrecy. A stealth mission if you will. One that would likely determine the future of the universe as a whole. So of course the question for such a task could only be
"So who wants to wrap presents first?" Anon asked
Adagio's hand blots up faster than the speed of light, willing to do anything so long as it meant not being separated from her daddy.
"Alright, Dagi is up first."
"Good luck." Aria said in a mocking tone
Adagio just ignored it as they both walked into the garage. Anon carefully pulled out Ari's presents from underneath the tarp and placed them on the ground.
"So which should we start first?"
"Hmmm..." Dagi thought "Let's go with the bear."
"Alright. Now watch and learn from your ole man."
Anon proceeds to wrap it, rather poorly, but wrapped it was. Dagi giggled at the sub par attempt.
"You're not very good at wrapping gifts are you daddy?"
"Well, I certainly never claimed I was perfect." Anon laughed "But if you think you can do so much better, lets see you do it."
A look of determination goes across her face along with a big smile.
"What do I get if I win?" she asked
"It's a contest is it?" Anon asked "Well, if you win then you get a kiss on the cheek, a hug and the pride of knowing you can do something your old man can't. And what if I win?"
"An even bigger hug."
"Seems fair enough to me." Anon laid the dress, already inside a box, in front of her "Do it. That is if you're brave enough."
"Oh I'm more than brave enough dad."
It was a relief to see her smile like that again. The fear had gone way down since the previous day. It was just nice to see her happy again. Dagi takes the wrapping paper and, to Anon's surprise, wrapped it as if she had done it a million times before. He had never seen someone wrap a present so well. She may as well have been professional.
"Well color me impressed."
Adagio holds out her cheek, tapping it with one finger
"Well?" she gloats "I'm waiting."
Anon kneels down and gives her a big hug and kiss on the cheek. They both walk back inside, not realizing just how color the garage was compared the house. The warm air felt wonderful. But it wasn't over for Anon.
"Aria. You're up."
She rolls her eyes.
"Fine, whatever."
Anon turns to Adagio, already starting to become anxious again.
"It will only be a few minutes alright? I promise I will be back as soon as possible. You can do this. Go play with Sonata till we finish."
She nods and goes over to Sonata, twirling her ponytail. She may as well be in her own world. If only he had half the imagination that little blue wonder did. She could make anything a game. Aria and Anon both walk into the garage to continue the next phase. Anon laid Dagi's presents out.
"Let's just leave the lip stick in the bag." Anon said "Would you like to wrap the shampoo or the hat?"
"Let's do the hat." she said, kneeling down
"Do you know how to wrap presents?"
"Of course I do. I'm ten years old, duh."
Anon giggled. As if being ten was qualification enough for gift wrapping. Quite the little know it all this ten year old. He watched as she tried. And failed. And tried. And tried. And tried. And failed each time. She was much less adept at this than her elder sister. Her wrapping style looked like some form of modern art.
"Need some help over ther-"
"No!" she snapped
Whoa. Touchy subject. But she kept trying. Again and again and again. If nothing else, this girl had strength of will in spades. Either that or stubbornness. In the meantime, Anon wrapped Adagio's shampoo. Fifteen minutes passed and she was still trying. He phrased his next sentence as gently as possible.
"Do you need some help?"
Aria slams the paper on the ground
"Why does this have to be so hard!?"
"Aria, relax. It's just wrapp-"
"SHUT UP!"
She storms out of the garage and slams the door with a loud bang that shook the walls. What the hell had gotten into her? This clearly wasn't about the wrapping. Anon took the liberty of wrapping the rest of her presents then went off to find Aria. Adagio and Sonata are at the table, their faces in shock. He could see the Aria hurricane knocked down a few objects along the way inside.
"What got into her?" Adagio asked
"I have no idea. Did you see where she ran off too?"
"Her room probably." Sonata suggested
Wonderful. Nothing better for an angry ten year old than to knock on her door. He went to her room and, very, very lightly, knocked on her door.
"Aria, may I come in?"
"NO!"
What was going on with everyone lately? Adagio was hyper anxious, Sonata was grumpy and temperamental, and even Aria was acting out. Could it be each of their siren selves were vying for control all at the same time.
"Come on Aria. The only way we're going to get through this is if we talk about it."
"GO AWAY!"
The door shook as Aria threw one of her pillows against it. Clearly he was getting no where with this. He would just have to give her some space to cool off. He just prayed that this wasn't a sign that the old Aria was making her way back. He decided instead to go check on Sonata now. Hopefully she was feeling better now that she had slept.
"How are you feeling today Sonata?"
She gave him a big hug and a nice smile.
"Great daddy!"
Well she certainly seemed in better spirits. Now for Adagio.
"How are the flashes doing? Any better?"
"Yes actually. I haven't had them since yesterday. Maybe it was just a one time thing."
"Good. I'm glad to hear that." he said "If you get anymore just tell me alright?"
"Right." Adagio said "So can you give me a hint about what presents I'm going to get?"
"Very funny, Adagio."
"Hey, it was worth a shot. You seem a bit stressed daddy."
"I suppose you could say that."
"What's going on? Maybe I can help."
What was she, a therapist? Not like it mattered. He wasn't about to burden his daughter with all that shit.
"You don't need to concern yourself with that Dagi. Just worry about yourself ok?"
"Well then, I am going to go check on Aria."
"Are you sure? I could't so much as knock on the door without being yelled at."
"I think I can handle it. Just watch."
Adagio walks down the hall to Aria's room and Anon watches from a safe distance, Sonata hugging his leg. There are a few yells but it quickly calms down. Anon and Sonata move closer to get a better look and after a while, the two sisters rejoin them.
"Alright Aria." Adagio said "Tell him what you told me."
Aria looks down at her feet and fiddles a bit.
"I... I'm sorry for yelling first. And also... I feel like..."
Adagio gives her a "go on, tell him!" kind of look and Aria stands up straight, looking Anon dead in the eye.
You see... I feel like... well... I feel like you don't pay enough attention to me! It feels like you only focus on Adagio and Sonata.. It's always Adagio this and don't be mean to Sonata that! what about me huh!? And then the moment we do spend time together all I can do is yell and... and..."
Aria suddenly gets tears in her eyes and she bites her lip. Anon felt his heart drop to his stomach.
"Shit. I'm sorry Aria. I'm so sorry. I'll tell you what: after we grab Sonata's presents let's just go and have a little you and me time ok? We could go watch a movie or something. Does that sound ok?"
She gives him a big hug, tears still running down her face. She really was a daddy's girl. She loved him very much.
"I'd love that dad. I'd love that."
"So that means that you're in charge of wrapping up Sonata's presents." he said, facing the orange haired girl "Are you ok with that Adagio?"
"You can count on me." Dagi said
She would make a great therapist when she grew up, that cheese puff. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
"We all good now Aria? If you have anything left to say, say it."
"Yeah, we're good. I think I overreacted a bit."
"If you're sure."
Having made amends, Anon walks out to the front porch, sitting down on one of the steps. New snow was beginning to fall, covering the ground in a fresh blanket of white and serenity. He hoped he was being a good parent. He couldn't bare the thought of one day becoming what his father was. It scared him every day, right down to his core. He did share half of his genetic code after all. The fact that Aria said she wasn't getting enough attention from him really shook him to the core. He knew it was irrational, but he just couldn't shake it. He would do anything to make sure his three little girls didn't hate him the way he hated his dad. He wanted them only to look at him with love in their eyes and happy memories. A hand presses against Anon's shoulder, making him jump. It's Ninja Adagio again, silent as a church mouse.
"Why are you out here in the cold by yourself dad?" She asked
"Don't worry about it Dagi." Anon said "I'm fine. Just enjoying the snowfall is all."
She took a seat beside him.
"Dad do I look dumb to you?"
Anon sat there with a confused look on his face
"No, not at all. Why would you ask me something like that?"
"Then why are you telling me such a blatant lie? Just tell me what's wrong."
"Just drop it Adagio."
"Nope. I'm not leaving till I get an answer."
Damn was this girl persistent.
"What is there too tell? I was just shaken up by my negligence of Aria."
"But there's more too it than that."
"You're reading too much into this."
"I bet I'm not."
He stops for a moment. Her empathetic powers were truly something.
"Well you got me. It is more than that. But you don't need to worry. I've got it perfectly within my control."
"But I want to hear it. If there is anyone who is mature enough to hear it, it's me."
Adagio: the woman who will never give up. Adagio 'where there's a will there's a way' Dazzle. Adagio 'girl of a million questions" Dazzle. All perfectly acceptable, take your pick.
"Since you're so eager to know, it's my dad." Anon explained "Let's just say we don't get along too well."
"Tell me about it."
"All you need to know is that my dad was not very nice to me. And when he dies, I won't be going to his funeral with fond memories, in fact I doubt I will be going at all. I get concerned sometimes that I'm following in his footsteps."
"Well I don't hate you. Nor does Sonata. And Aria certainly doesn't either."
"Not now maybe. I didn't hate my dad as much as I did from the beginning. It built overtime. I don't want to do to Aria what my father did to me."
"I doubt it you will. I can see you for how good you are. And Aria can too. Daddy you aren't perfect. But you're still amazing."
"You're sure about that?"
"More sure than anything else I've ever been."
Anon pulls his daughter close.
"Well I don't know about any of that stuff. But I know I love you Adagio."
"And I love you too. We all do. Please remember that?"
Anon began to order out dinner and noticed Dagi and Sonata giggling behind him.
"What's so funny girls?"
"N-nothing daddy." Adagio says, doing everything in her power to suppress her laughter
"It sure doesn't seem like nothing."
The two finally break out laughing, not being able to contain it anymore. Sonata hands you a pocket mirror and taps her back, laughing too much to speak. He positioned the mirror so that he could catch a glimpse of his back. A sticky note was taped there that read "lozer" in big bold letters. Clearly Sonata's handwriting and spelling.
"Very funny, very funny. But I have a counter."
Anon goes and tickles them
"Daddy stop!" Adagio says "I'm ticklish!"
"And I'm a loser." he smiles "You are the stealthiest girl I know Adagio. How do you move about so silently?"
Dagi smiles and looks around mischievously
"A ninja never reveals her secrets, not even to her own father."
"Is that so?"
"Well daddy do you want me to blow my cover or not?"
"I suppose not, I suppose not. Lots of bad guys out her in suburbia are there?"
"Like you wouldn't believe. You're lucky you got me on your side."
Anon looks around and notices a surprising lack of Aria. She must still be taking everything hard. Maybe now was a better time to talk to her. He walked down the hall to her room and slightly creaked open the door. Inside Aria was writing in her diary. She quickly shut it when she heard Anon entering.
"Hey Aria. I just wanted to check in, you know, after that whole talk."
"I don't have much more to say." Aria stated
"I didn't know you kept a journal."
"Well, you do now."
She was clearly still a bit angry.
"Are you alright?"
She sighs and doesn't answer. Anon sits beside her on the bed.
"What's still eating at you?"
"You..."
"I what?"
"You love me don't you?"
Her voice quivered a bit when she said it, as if she was experiencing a high level of doubt and expecting him to say no. It broke his heart to think she doubted his love for her this much. This clearly wasn't going to be solved tomorrow.
"Of course I do Aria. Why would you think anything different?"
"Well look at me... I'm mean... I'm cold... I torture Sonata all the time... I just.."
Tear fill her eyes again and Anon brushes them out of her eyes.
"Hey. Keep those thoughts out of your mind. Just because you don't get along with Sonata doesn't make me love you any less."
"But I'm so mean. I'm a mean, mean girl."
"Aria. You're breaking my heart. You are not a mean girl. You are beautiful in every possible way. Nothing will change that. You are my daughter and I love you."
"You're just saying that."
"I'm not Aria. How about this. What do you say we do that little fun event between us even earlier?"
"We still get to do the other event to right?"
"Of course."
"So what do you have a mind?"
"Baking cookies of course."
Aria looks at him skeptically.
"You cook?"
"Nope. But what better way to learn than with a daughter I love more than the moon and stars above?"
She smiles and gives you a big hug. He loved seeing the smile. It lit up the entire room. He walk out with Aria into the garage where he kept spare supplies. One of those supplies being flour, chocolate chips, and cookie dough. Why? Who knows. But he had it. He pulled up a recipe on his phone.
"You ready cook Aria?"
"Ready, dad!"
Adagio and Sonata both walk over curiously.
"What are you two doing daddy?" Adagio asks
"Making cookies of course."
Sonata's eyes light up
"Cookies!?"
"You bet. But this is an Aria-Anon project only. But don't you worry, you'll be able to eat them once we're finished."
"Awww!" Sonata whined "But I wanna help too!"
"Sorry. Just be happy we're sharing." Anon said "I'll tell you what though. I'm going to give you a very special mission. If the doorbell rings make sure to answer it."
"Aye, sir!"
Anon winked and Aria and she winked back. The two other girls went and sat back at the table, waiting for the take out to arrive.
"Alright. The first step of any good recipe is to our aprons on."
They both get their aprons on and move to the actual recipe.
"Alright Aria, I need you to measure me a few cups of flour."
She measures a few cups and pours them inside the mixing bowl while Anon measures out some extra ingredients.
"Ok. Next we're going to need some cookie dough."
"We're putting cookie dough inside the cookies?"
"No, no, no. You misunderstand. That's for us to eat while we work."
She giggles
"You're silly you know that?"
"And why's that?"
"Eating cookie dough while making cookies? Come on daddy, it doesn't get any sillier than that! I mean we're literally going to be eating it in a an hour or so!"
"Are you saying you don't want any?"
She changes her tune pretty quick.
"N-no not at all!"
"I thought so." he said smiling
Aria grabs the dough and they both begin to eat when the doorbell sounds. Perfect timing. They were just getting ready to put everything in the oven.
"Food's here daddy!"
"I know. Gimmie a sec!"
Anon quickly grabs his wallet and pays the take out person, rushing back with the food.
"Aria and I will join you in a bit alright?" he said to the two at the table "We've got some cookies to make."
They both get back to work, measuring brown sugar, some eggs, etc. Finally they were ready to measure it out into the cookie tray and slap it in the oven. Anon points to the flour.
"Aria can you take that back to the garage for me?"
"Why can't you do it?"
"Because I have to make sure the cookies are baking properly."
Bullshit excuse of course, but hey, he had children, he was going to make use of them. She lifts up the bag and immediately begins to stumble. Anon quickly went over to help her but it was too late. Flour drops all over the place, including all over his body. Aria looks extremely guilty.
"Daddy! I'm so sorry!"
"It's ok, it's ok!"
"Are you sure!? You're not hurt are you?"
"No, it was just flour Aria. I've survived much worse than that." he said "Well I am going up for a shower. If I don't make it out before the time goes off, go ahead and take the cookies out Aria."
"What about your food?" Adagio asked
"It's fine. I'll just have to reheat it."
Anon walks up stairs to clean off, leaving the three alone.
"So, how was it?" Dagi asked
"I-It was alright..."
Aria tried her best to look as uninterested as possible. In truth she loved it.
"I'm glad. You know daddy really loves you."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah!" Dagi said "You wanna know what he said to me after you told him all that?"
"Sure, I guess."
"He was afraid you hated him. He said something about not wanting to follow what his dad did to him. He apparently had a really hard childhood."
"I've heard."
"But anyway, the point is was that he was really scared that you hated him. You don't do you?"
"No, of course not. Just got worried is all. Don't worry about it."
"You know I can't."
Aria just scoffs, signaling that the conversation was over. After a while Anon comes back down, just minutes before the cookies were ready.
"Girls. I thought about some things in the shower and I have an announcement."
"I know but you girls need your education." Anon said "But I think I might have something to sweeten the deal: I need to legally adopt you in order for you to attend school."
Aria's eyes light up like the glow of two suns and her smile gets wider than ever.
"You mean we are actually going to get to be your daughters!?" she blurts out
The rest of the group looks at her with smiles too, as she dropped her cool girl act. She quickly recovers
"I-I mean, yeah, whatever. Pssh. So what?"
"To answer you question, Ari, yes. You would be my daughters in both name and legality. But the problem is finding your biological parents."
He still had no idea how he was going to do that. It wasn't as if he could tell them 'oh you know, they're just mystical fish beings that were exiled from a land of magic talking horses for being too mean'. They might no buy that. Adagio looks puzzled and saddened.
"You mean... our siren parents right?"
Aira and Sonata are even more confused.
"Sirens?" Aria asks "You mean like the beasts in mythology that would tempt sailors into bad waters with their songs? What kinda weird role play are you two into?"
Fuck. He wasn't ready to drop this bomb on them yet. Better if he didn't have to at all. But the cat was out of the bag now.
"Aria, Sonata. There is something you should know. It's about your past. You might want to sit down for this one."
"Our past?" Aria stares in disbelief "What do you mean?"
The cogs slowly turn in Aria's head as she realizes what she's about to be told.
"You're not actually going to tell Sonata and I that we're really Sirens are you?"
Anon told them everything he told Adagio, holding nothing back. The two just stare at him silently after the tale. Aria puts her hands to her head.
"I can't... I can't believe we would do something like that.. Why? Were we really that vain?"
"I'm afraid so." Anon said "But listen to me Aria, no all of you listen. You are forgetting the most important part of this story: you are not what you used to be. You are three amazing girls who are sweet and kind and talented and are more than am old man like me deserves. You are full of love and energy and make every day better by being here. You are not the sirens who tried to take over the school. You are three amazing girls and I love you."
They all go in for a big hug.
"Yeah daddy." Aria said "We know. And we love you too, right girls?"
"Right." Adagio and Sonata said
Just then the timer dings. The cookies are ready.
"Well I know just the thing to cheer us up. Cookies."
Anon goes into the oven and pulls out the sheet, immediately sees his error. He didn't adjust the recipe he found for altitude and thus the cookies were all sunken in. Damage control time. Anon turns around with the tray and yells
"Surprise!"
Aria looks at him with a glare that could melt steel. Then, to his surprise, starts laughing.
"Daddy, you're so silly."
Aria takes a cookie straight from the tray, placing it in her mouth and chewing, spitting it out almost instantly.
"And your cooking is even worse than you jokes."
"Do I at least get an A for effort?"
"Of course dad. Well I am going to go hit the sack. It's been a big day for me."
Aria beings to waltz off into her room and Anon follows suit.
"Well I think she has the right lead. Time for bed girls."
"Awww! Come on dad!" Sonata says "Can't we stay up a little longer?"
"Sorry sweetie. It's way past your bed time. You need to get a good nights sleep."
She complies, annoyed and goes to put on her pjs. Just as Anon beings to walk to his room, Dagi stops him.
"I love you dad. I mean that." Adagio says with a big hug
"I love you too sweetie. We'll get through this ok?"
"We will."
They wish each other a goodnight and head to bed. Just as he was about to go to bed he hears crying from Aria's bedroom. He places his ear to the door to listen.
"-can't believe I did that! I am are freaking monster! How could I be so evil!? I'm sick!"
He could hear a pillow slam against the wall. She was taking this really hard. Aria was profoundly sensitive. No wonder she wanted to act so cool and aloof all the time. It must hurt to have a heart so big.
"Hey Aria? Can I come in?"
There is some sounds of jerking around, no doubt in attempt to hide her tears.
"U-uh yeah. Come in."
Anon opens the door and walks in, sitting next to her
"I could hear you crying from all the way out there. What's going on sweetie?"
"N-nothing daddy. Nothing at all-"
Her persona quickly falls apart as tears run down her face again. Anon put his arm around her and starts rubbing her back.
"Shhh... shhh. I'm right here. It's alright."
"It's not alright! I tried to take over the whole damn school by causing chaos and disorder! Not to mention I am some freak dragon monster with hooves and a fish tail! I hurt so many people! How is any of this ok!?"
"I know this isn't easy." he said, hugging her tighter "But you are different now. The Aria I know would never do something like that. We all make mistakes. Sometimes they're big. But you're sorry now aren't you?"
"Sorry is an understatement. More like ashamed and disgusted..."
"Well then I don't see any reason to beat yourself up more. You made a mistake and you're sorry. It's what people do Aria. I don't care what you look like or what you are. You're not a monster Aria. You are a beautiful girl who will go places in life."
She looks up at him, tears still in her eyes and sniffles
"You mean that?"
"Of course I do Aria. I would never lie about something like that. Believe me, if I hated you, I'd let you know. My dad has heard it plenty."
Aria laughs a bit, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Thanks dad. I love you."
"I love you two sweet girl. Now you get some sleep. You and I have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
Operation Christmas: Finale/The Perfect Day For Fun
Adagio quickly pushes him back into his room and closes the door.
"It has to be a surprise."
"If you say so." Anon says
After about 15 minutes with periodic whines, moans, the occasional yell, and even the sound of something breaking, they allow Anon to come out. Sonata hands him a mug and a big hug.
"Here you go daddy!" she says
It was filled with coffee. This should be interesting. There was no way they could possibly screw up black coffee. Could they? Anon took a small sip and, to his surprise, it tasted wonderful. Adagio looked at him intently.
"Well? How is it?"
"It tastes wonderful. In fact, I'd go as far to say that this is one of the best cups of coffee I have had in ages. When did you girls get so good at brewing coffee?"
"Well you see we-"
Sonata is interrupted by a firm elbow to her ribs from Adagio.
"A good chef never tells her secrets." Adagio said through gritted teeth
"Well whatever you three did, you did it well. Thank you. This is just the thing to start my day off right."
They all smile and he finishes drinking his perfectly made coffee. It was damn good. He only wished he knew the secret. He could use a few more cups like this.
"Well girls, once I finish this, we'll head out to get Sonata's presents." Anon said "However, we need someone to stay behind with Sonata since she is too young to be by herself."
That was the one glaring issue: He couldn't just leave a 7 year old at home by herself. How was he going to do this?
"Am not!"
Aria flicks her forehead
"Are too."
"OW! That hurt Aria!"
"Adagio I was hoping you could do the honors, since I promise a special day for Aria and I."
"But if I'm keeping track of Sonata, how am I going to get her present?" Dagi asked
"Simple." he said "Just write what she might want on a slip of paper. I am sure we can find it somewhere."
"If you're sure."
"Why can't I sit and babysit the dweeb?" Aria sighed
"I'm not a dweeb you jerk!"
Anon sighed
"I think you can figure it out." he said "Adagio go ahead and write down what you want to get her, Aria, get ready."
"Aye, aye captain." Aria said in a snide tone
She was acting awfully uppity today. Maybe she was just nervous for the big event the two of them were doing. She did have a habit of expressing emotion in an odd fashion. Adagio hands him the slip of paper as Aria fits her coat. A pair of pink slippers. That shouldn't be to challenging to find.
"Thanks Adagio. I will make sure to find it." he reaches down and hugs Sonata "You be good for your big sister ok?"
"Alright!" Sonata says with a smile
"Ready Aria?"
"Ready."
They both walk out to the car and get inside. The snow had really come down last night. The entire driveway was covered in a white gloss
"Daddy? Is it alright if I sit up front with you?"
He loved it when she called him daddy. Made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
"Of course you can sweet pea."
She hops into the side of the car and Anon cranks up the radio to a talk show.
"Ugh, do we have to listen to a talk show?" Aria complained "Why not something interesting, like music?"
"Like what? What kind of music do you like?"
She thinks for a moment
"I don't know."
"Try this."
Anon switches to a classical station and they listen for a while
"Nah. Too sappy and slow for me."
"Alright, how about this."
he goes to the pop station and almost instantly Aria dislikes it
"Ew change it, change it!"
"Alright, alright" Anon laughs "This?'
Next is the rock station playing a classic from the Rolling Stones. Aria begins to nod her head to the beat and tap her foot in time.
"I like it. I like it a lot."
"You have good taste. I am a fan of rock too. Though you didn't need to diss my second favorite genre, pop."
"Are you kidding dad? It sounds awful!"
"Well at least we can enjoy some rock together."
Anon turns up the rock and they both listen in silence for a while as they navigate through the traffic.
"What sorts of things does Sonata like?"
"Oh, you know." she said, looking at her nails "Little kid stuff. Stuffed animals and the like."
"Any ideas?"
"I don't just.. a stuffed animal or something."
It was obvious that she hadn't really put much thought into this. She was just going to grab something off the shelf and call it good. Not like he could strong arm her to care though.
"Guess that only leaves me. I'm sure I can find her a pillow or some such thing."
After making the thirty minute commute to the mall they found the items surprisingly easy. Now was time for some father-daughter bonding.
"So what do you want to do? Something at the mall or go somewhere else?"
Aria's mood seems to completely change. Her energy seems to raise and her mood becomes more optimistic. Clearly she was here for this and not Sonata's presents.
"There's an arcade on the way over here. That looks like fun."
"Consider it done."
They both get back in the car and drive down to the arcade, listening to some more old rock hits. This was great. Not only did this arcade have games for her age, but he could also gamble a bit. One of his few guilty pleasures. Maybe he could even show her a trick or too. They pull up to the lot. Inside it was dark and stuffy, the music loud. Anon wasn't much a fan of loud places. He preferred quiet and slow. But for Aria, he'd do just about anything.
"Do you want me to play with you or do you want to go on your own?"
She grabs Anon's hand
"With you of course. It wouldn't be very bonding if we separated would it?"
"I guess you're right sweetie."
The two of them walk around until Aria finds a game she likes. The 'ole money waster, AKA the crane game.
"Win something for me daddy!"
"You want me to do it?"
"Yeah!"
"Well, if you insist. But I'm not that good at it I will tell you that much."
Anon places two quarters inside the machine and slowly jimmies it down to a plush unicorn. He carefully grabs it at an angle and only barely misses pull it up.
"I thought you said you were bad."
"Well, while you old man may have few useful skills, he is a master of the crane."
"I bet I can beat you."
"Oh can you? Well I'll have you know I beat every one in my fraternity in college. Let's see what you got."
"I'll try to go easy on you dad. Save you the embarrassment."
Anon places a few more quarters in and Aria takes the helm. With a careful hand she swoops the crane in, trying her best to out preform her dad. A small bead of sweat drips from her brow and, as if by magic, she not only gets the unicorn, but also another toy as well. He's in disbelief.
"I felt kinda bad for being you so much so I decide to get you something too, you know, to mend the wound caused by my greatness."
Anon laughs
"Well I will concede your victory here Aria. You're excellent at this."
"I expect an award."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." she opens her arms out wide "How about a hug?"
"I suppose those terms are agreeable." he says with a hug
They play a couple of various games for a little while before finally deciding to finish.
"Before we go home I have one place I'd like to stop by Aria."
"And what's that?"
"The Salon. You want a makeover?"
"Do I? Of course!"
"Well then I guess we'll not wait any longer then."
"Thanks for this daddy. I really had fun."
"I did too. We're definitely going to do this again."
"Good."
Anon's phone begins to ring and he answers it. It's Adagio.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's me, Adagio. Can you send us some pizza or something? Sonata and I are starving over here."
"Sure thing sweetie."
"You two have fun? You coming home soon?"
"We had a lot of fun. And we'll be home in maybe about an hour, so if the pizza gets there just go ahead and eat."
"Alright! Thanks dad! Love you!"
"Love you too."
Aria pulls on his sleeve, her face red from blushing.
"S-so... how did you know I like stuff like that... you know? Girly stuff..."
"Oh I have my resources. You ready to go?"
"I am."
They both get back in the car, listening to more rock classics along the way before finally reaching the salon. They both sit in the waiting room.
"Well I will be waiting out here when you need me. You go get your stuff done."
"I will daddy."
She walks through the door and into the rest of the salon to get her makeup. And now was the perfect time to get the adoption paperwork done. Lots of paper work and screening. Lots of it. He wished it could just be simple. Granted, paperwork wasn't all that hard, but he was a special kind of lazy. it would all be worth it. Sooner or later they would have to go to college and become successful people of their own. The very thought just filled him with pride. He may be a useless piece of nothing, but if he could shape these girls to be useful members of society, maybe he wasn't so useless after all. Not to mention it made him so happy that he could meld three little lives to happiness. Even though his family treated him like shit and made him a useless man who survived on the hard work of someone else,he was going to make the three little ones in your care break the cycle.
It brought a tear to his eye. They weren't going to be like your parents or even like him. They were going to make it for themselves. They didn't know how, but he knew that some day they were going to make it big for themselves. And he would be there to witness it every step of the way. He was so proud of them and they hadn't even gone to school yet. It was amazing just how much change 3 little souls could bring to someone. Anon waited patiently, finishing some paperwork as Aria stepped out of the salon room. Aria looked stunning. Instead of her normal pig tails, her hair had been let down and it had a nice gloss to it. Her nails were ruby red and she had some makeup applied to her face. It was as if he was starring at a grown woman.
"You look gorgeous Aria."
Her face turns a bright red
"Th-thanks daddy."
They both walk out and get back into the car.
"Thanks for today. I really needed it. I feel much better."
"I'm glad. We good now?"
She gives him a big hug.
"We never weren't."
"I love you Aria."
"I love you too dad."
They both drive home and eat dinner with the rest of the girls before finally heading off the sleep. Or so they though. Both Anon and Aria were restless that night. They both ran into each other while wondering around.
"What are you doing up so late?" Anon asked
"Dad..." Aria said "I still feel like a monster. I know you said I wasn't but... how could I not? I may have human skin but I know what I really am. And that hurts."
She clutches her chest and closes her eyes tightly.
"Aria I don't care if you're a human, siren, or multidimensional super beast. What matters is that you're my daughter and I will love you no matter what form you're in. I love you for the person you are. Not the skin you're wearing."
"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't doubt but I just can't shake it."
Anon grabs her shoulders and kneels down in front of her.
"Look at me Aria." he says "I love you. That's all you need. You don't need to worry about what you are or what you were or what you could be. I. Love. You."
The waterworks start up again. Poor thing. He hated seeing her this way. She had cried so much the day before.
"Come here sweetie."
They both go in for a hug.
"I love you sweetheart."
"I love you too dad."
They both sit there, Aria getting all of her tears out until finally they subside.
"Daddy... Can I ask a favor of you?"
"Of course you can."
" Can you sleep with me tonight? I know it's really childish but.. I'm kinda afraid of the dark."
Anon smiled. The tough, hardened personality she always carried was starting to fade. She was actually quite warm and innocent when you got to know her.
"Sure Aria. Let me just check on Sonata real quick and I will be back."
"Ok. I'll be waiting in my room when you need me."
"I'll be there."
Anon quietly tip toes up to his room to make sure Sonata was still fast asleep. Thankfully she was. Not a hair out of place. He walks back down and sits on Aria's bed.
"You ready to sleep Aria?"
"Well... actually I was hoping for another favor."
"Anything."
"Well... you see..."
She pulls out a bag that belonged to Anon's ex. Must have left it when she decided to run into the arms of another man as fast she could. To his surprise, Aria pulls out a children's book titled Goodnight Moon. She holds it out in front of her, her face completely red and her eyes closed tightly shut.
"C-can you read it to me?"
"Of course I can sweetie."
Anon starts to giggle
"W-what's so funny!?"
"Nothing, it's just I never get to see this part of you. When you take down that tough girl act, you're actually quite the catch Aria."
Aria's face turns an even deeper shade of red
"U-uh... I didn't ask for you compliment. J-j-just read it to me ok?"
"Whatever you say."
She was so adorable. Anon took the book and cuddled up tightly with Aria, opening it to page one.
"In a great green room there was a telephone and a picture of, a cow jumping over the moon."
Aria huddles up extra tight. Any closer and she'd be part of his organs. Her eyes begin to shut.
"And there were three little bears, sitting on chairs, and two small kittens playing with mittens, And a little toy house, with a young mouse, and a comb and a brush and a jar full of mush, as well as the little old lady whispering hush."
A large peaceful smile forms upon her face and she slowly begins to drift into dreamland.
>"Goodnight room. Goodnight moon. Goodnight cow jumping over the moon. Goodnight light. Goodnight mush. Goodnight nobody. Goodnight old lady whispering hush. Goodnight stars. Goodnight air. Goodnight noises everywhere."
Four in the god damned morning. Time to get shit done. These girls were lucky to have such a loving father. Only they could get him to get up at such an unreasonable hour. But make no mistake, his love wasn't all extending. If he was going to suffer this, than so were they. He goes one by one to wake each of the girls up.
"Ugh..." Aria said groggily "Why are you waking me up now? It's four in the morning."
"It's a surprise. A Christmas surprise if you will. Go down to the table and I'll tell you."
Aria just groaned in response.
"I'm going to wake up the others. If you're not down there by then, I'm coming back. We need to leave soon."
Aria stays silent ad he walks into the other girls rooms, waking each of them up. Adagio woke pretty easy. Sonata, not so much. Anon walked back down to collect his coffee and, not to his shock, none of the girls were present. This was going to take some doing clearly. He went back up and got Adagio and Sonata to come down, but Aria was going to be a challenge. Not surprising, considering how little sleep she got but she could sleep in the car. He managed to literally pull her out and place her on the table.
"So girls, I am sure you are curious as to why I've gather you here today."
"Yes." Adagio said, rather annoyed "We are all wondering why you woke us up while the moon is still up."
"We're going on a Christmas trip. We're spending this one up in the mountains."
The reaction was less enthusiastic than he'd hope, probably due to how tired they were.
"Can I bunk with you again dad?" Aria asked
Sonata gets pissed
"No! Daddy slept next to you last night. It's my turn now!"
Aria shoots her a glare of death
"Shut up Sonata! Stop being such a baby!"
"You shut up you big meanie!"
"Girls, if you can't solve this in a friendly manner, neither of you get to sleep next to me."
They both glare angrily at each other. Neither of them seemed like they were going to budge.
"Fine," Anon said "I'm sleeping on the couch."
"WAIT" they both said in unison, grabbing his arms
"I... I guess we both can sleep with you..." Aria said "But I swear if you pee on me Sonata, I am going to kick your butt!"
"Shut up! Why do you have to always make fun of me!? Stop being such a meanie!"
"Maybe if you didn't act like an annoying like pest I wouldn't have to!"
And so the tears began. Nothing better at four in the morning that two little girls fighting until one of them cries. Nobody ever said parenting was amazing one hundred percent of the time.
"Sorry girls. I'm on the couch tonight. It's obvious you two can't resolve your differences maturely."
Aria becomes enraged.
"LOOK WHAT YOU DID IDIOT!"
"THIS IS YOUR FAULT FOR BEING SUCH A BIG BULLY!"
They were really going at it this time. Even Adagio wasn't trying to intervene. Finally Anon snapped.
"GIRLS! Too your room. NOW."
They both give each other one last glare then scamper to their rooms. He really had to do something about this. It seemed like every time they made a peace treaty, it was only a matter of time before they were clawing at each other again. It was so exhausting to deal with. They went together about as well as oil and water, if not worse.
"Will they ever get along?" Adagio sighs
Anon reaches down and gives her a small hug.
"They will. Siblings just do this. Not to mention they're tired right now. Just give them time."
"I hope you're right dad."
"I am. Here. Let's go start packing. Why don't you get your stuff ready and I'll start putting the presents in the back. I already wrapped Sonata's."
"Alright." Adagio says, scampering back up
Anon gets ready and makes sure the rest of the girls are too, quickly shooing them into the car along with Alto. Just as he was about to pull out Adagio stops him.
"Dad. The presents?"
"Shoot! Thanks Adagio. What would I do without you?"
She smiles
"Perish under your own forgetfulness."
He gives her a hug and runs back inside. It was good to see she was returning to normal again. Maybe that whole siren thing was nothing more than a nightmare or some weird vision. At any rate, he was just glad it was no long gripping her like it had before. He grabbed the presents, shoved them in the back and just like that, got on the road. Luckily for him, Aria and Sonata were out almost instantly. It was just smooth sailing with Adagio now. She shivers and hugs herself.
"It's so cold." Adagio said
"I know. Here, let me turn the heat up."
Anon turns up the heat, slowly filling the metal box with warmth. It was so nice outside. Dark, snowy and quiet for all but his car. Reminded him of his childhood days when he would just stare endlessly out the window during the car rides up the summer home.
"So sweetie." Anon says "How are things going? You know, with the whole nightmares and what not?"
Adagio puts on a big smile. He couldn't tell if it was genuine or not.
"It's a lot better." she replied
"That's good to hear. I was really worried about you. I'm glad it was just some fluke."
"Yeah, me too."
There was some hesitation in her voice, but not so much that it was concerning. She was very difficult to read at times.
"How do you feel about that? About you being a Siren and everything?"
"It's... a lot to take in. I'm honestly not sure. A part of me hates myself for what I did, but a part of me knows that I'm different now. Heck, I don't even remember any of it, I'm only going off what you told me. But it's hard just the same."
"I know. I'm sure it can't be easy hearing all of that. But know that I love you no matter what you did. You are my daughter and nothing you did will ever change that."
She smiles at him
"Thanks dad. I needed that."
The drive continues in peaceful silence after making a quick stop to drop Alto off at doggy daycare. It was so nice. Anon missed the days when he could just sit in silence. Now it was filled with angry yelling from two little girls and the philosophy of the third. But he wouldn't change it for the world. He was in the middle of buttfuck nowhere and the gas was getting low. Luckily he just barely made it to a gas station as the sun began to rise. Aria and Sonata were still out cold. It was so cute. Both Anon and Adagio get out into the frigid air and quickly make their way into the convenience store.
"Make sure to pick out some snacks for the other two. They will undoubtedly want some."
Adagio salutes him and stands at attention, puffing out her chest.
"Aye, sir."
She runs off to get some snacks while Anon looks around for something, settling on some Arizona tea. Adagio came back with some gummy bears, pop tarts, and a candy bar.
"The pop tarts are for me, the candy bar for Aria, and the gummy bears for Sonata." she says proudly, as if she had just come back from a recon mission
"Good job Dagi." Anon said with a smile
They buy their goodies and walk back out into the car. Aria was just starting to awake.
"Morning, Sunshine."
Aria lets out a big yawn and stretches
"Morning, daddy. Are we there yet?"
"We still have about an hour and a half left to go."
She turns and buries her head back in the pillow she took with her. Anon puts the candy bar on her lap.
"Adagio got this for you."
Aria just mumbles in response, shutting her eyes tighter.
"Say thank you."
"Thank you, Adagio." she spurts out
He pulls the car back out and keeps on driving, turning the music on.
"Dad?" Adagio asks
"Yes honey?" Anon answers
"Why do you have such horrible taste in music?"
Anon laughs
"You know Adagio, there are nicer ways to ask to change the station."
"It's just a simple question. I wasn't trying to change the station."
"Well then I see no reason to stop it my little cheese puff."
"Little cheese puff?"
"Your hair."
She sticks her tongue out
"Oh very funny."
After a little ways down the road Adagio begins to hum to herself.
"Why not sing?" Anon asks "If you're as good at singing as you are humming, this should be great."
Adagio blushes and twirls her hair with her finger
"Oh, I doubt I'm that great." she said
"Nonsense. Give it a whirl."
Time to see if her voice was destroyed forever or just a temporary side effect of the gem destruction. She takes a deep breath and begins to sing. And boy was he wrong. Her singing sounded like a bunch of shrieking crow. He could feel a few cilia die in his ears. It was off pitch and mangled, as was if she became tone deaf. Adagio covers her mouth.
"S...sorry."
Anon places a hand on her shoulder and gives it a soft squeeze.
"No need to be sorry. You just need some practice is all. Did you know that I used to be a singer back in the day? Damn good one too. I made honors choir. I'd be honored if I could teach you."
"But I thought since my medallion was destroyed I lost all my musical ability."
"I may be wrong here, but I think you can still learn to sing. I don't think the gem played into it. I think it only amplified your latent potential."
"You sure about that?"
"I know it certainly wouldn't hurt to give it a try."
For the next hour or so Adagio and her dad worked on tuning up her voice. It was rough and slow going at first, but she was really starting to get the hang of it. Anon could tell that she would learn how to sing again in no time at all. Even so, she was still getting frustrated.
"Ugh!" she yelled quietly "Why does this have to be so hard!?"
"Adagio you're doing great. Don't beat yourself up. You have made a lot of progress."
"I know. It's just so hard. This shouldn't be so hard."
"Do you want to stop? I don't want to force you to do something you don't want to do."
"No. I do want to learn to sing again. Maybe I can use it for good instead of evil this time."
"If you're sure."
But the singing lesson would have to cut short. They had finally arrived at their destination for the perfect Christmas ever.
"Looks like we made it. Aria, Sonata. Wakie wakie. We're here."
Aria slowly blinks her eyes open and Sonata stretches big. The excitement quickly spreads across the little blue girls face. They had arrived at the ski resort. Sonata presses her face against the glass and looks at the sign.
"Frozen North Sky Resort?"
Damn. For a seven year old she could read well.
"That's right. Now lets check into our room and I can tell you all about what we're doing."
Aria smiles and hugs her daddy through the chair.
"I have to say, this is pretty cool dad."
"Thank you Aria."
She quickly puts on the tough girl act to save face
"But not that cool. I mean there are way better places to be."
Anon just laughs it off.
"Alright girls, get your stuff and we can go inside."
As he gets out of the car, the air seems to freeze the very liquid on his eyeballs. It was almost as if his blood crystallized from the cold. The three girls grab their bags and quickly follow him inside. Just as they enter however, Anon spies something that made him stop in his tracks. Sunset Shimmer working at reception. Shit. It was far too soon for this. She could still think the Dazzling's were evil! What if the other mane six counterparts were here too? Might as well just throw caution to the wind and hope she would notice.
"Hello, I am here to get my room."
"Oh yes. A Mr. Anonym-"
Sunset stops as she sees the three little dazzlings clinging to his coat. She clears her throat and speaks deliberately slowly.
"Mr. Anonymous. Your room is going to be number four twenty five. Fourth floor."
She hands them four room keys but stops Anon as they go.
"What about the plan?" she whispers
"Things change. They're not like they used to be."
"You agreed to this! You said you take them and throw them-"
"Daddy?" Sonata asked "Who's this girl?"
Oh sweet fuck. Why Sonata? Why? Sunset gives Anon a "are you fucking serious?" look.
"Sonata just go stand by the elevator ok?"
"This conversation isn't over alright? You have some serious explaining to do." she says with a glare
Anon catches up with the girls, looking over his shoulder to see Sunset on her phone, no doubt contacting the other mane six. He hoped this wasn't going to be more trouble than it was worth. The elevator arrives and they all walk inside. Aria tugs at his sleeve.
"Dad who was that woman? She didn't seem to like you very much."
"That was Sunset Shimmer. She is the one the delivered the finishing blow to you three that destroyed your gems. Let's just say she doesn't know you've changed."
"What was that thing she said about a plan?" Sonata asked
Damn it Sonata. She just didn't know when to hush up.
"Don't worry about it. She was just talking about something we did together one time."
Wasn't entirely untrue, but he could've been a little more convincing. Sonata looked worried.
"She won't hurt us will she?"
"Not if I have anything to say about it. I will explain the situation to her." he said "I promise I will keep you safe. That is my first priority."
The three girls hug him in a big sandwich as the elevator reaches the 4th floor. They take their stuff and head into the room. It was quite cozy. It was styled in the way of a big log cabin, with wood walls, snow shoes and other winter like things mounted to the wall and a fake polar bear fur on the floor. And, lucky him, there was only two beds. The fight dad sleeping rights was going to be fun no doubt.
"Alright girls. You stay up here, I am going to go explain this to Sunset." said Anon "Adagio you're in charge. Make sure everyone stays here."
"Aye, sir!"
Anon leaves the room and heads back down to meet up with Sunset, still at her post.
"What are you doing!?" she says angrily
"What do you mean?" Anon asked, trying to play dumb
"You do remember what the dazzling's did don't you? They weren't exactly big on the whole love and tolerate thing. I'm all for forgiveness but they're dangerous. Did you forget the plan? You were supposed to take them and get rid of them!"
"I do remember. But they're different now."
"Different how?"
"I have noticed a few changes ever since their gems were destroyed. The first is that they have gotten younger."
"I did notice that. Sonata seemed almost toddler like."
"The second is the amnesia. They can't seem to remember a single thing from before the Battle of the Bands."
"Really?" Sunny asks in disbelief
"Really. Sonata didn't even remember who you were." Anon said "I have since then informed them about their past and all three of them are deeply remorseful. It took me nearly two days to convince Aria she wasn't a monster. Even now I still think she doubts that."
She sighs and nods.
"Well I suppose something like that could happen. I mean it happened to me, you know, besides the age and amnesia part."
"I urge you to trust me. They are no threat to anyone anymore. In fact, I am planning on legally adopting them."
Sunset gave him a deeply concerned look at the idea.
"Well I am in no place to judge. But promise me that if any of them act out or start showing signs of their former selves that you will call me?"
She hands him a slip of paper with her number on it.
"I promise. I doubt I will need to though."
You see a look of disappointment on her face for just an instant
"Well not that you have to call me for just that you know. You can call whenever..."
"I will if I need too, thanks!"
That was Anon for you, oblivious as ever. But this wasn't the end for Anon and his troubles.
Back in the room Anon was relieved to find Adagio had managed to keep the peace. The three of them were gathered around a piece of paper playing a game a tic tac toe. When Anon returns they all look at him.
"So what's the word?" Adagio asks
"She understands the situation." Anon said "We're all good now. But she may still look at you funny. Give her time. She doesn't know you three the way I know you."
Aria lays her back against the foot of the bed.
"So what are we doing today dad?"
Anon checks his watch. 9:00 AM. Still tons of time to do stuff. But what?
"Well I wanted to save skiing for tomorrow but we still have a few options: we can go to town and shop, do a tram ride up the mountain, or we can chill out here. They have a pool and an arcade in this hotel."
The three girls sit and think for a moment.
"I kinda want to do the tram ride." Aria said
"I agree. That sounds like fun." Dagi seconds
Surprisingly, Sonata agrees as well, instead of having a huge fight with Aria over it.
"Where exactly does the tram take us daddy?" Sonata asked
"It will take us to a really great restaurant a little past half way up the mountain."
"That's it?" Aria asked, completely bored with the idea now
Adagio elbows her in the ribs for being so rude.
"What she means to say is that will be wonderful dad." Dagi says
"It's fine Adagio. We can do lots of other stuff when we get there too. We could take a Snowcat ride around the mountain, we could sled, or even both. How does that sound Aria?"
"I think that would make it a little more exciting. Alright."
"Well then we must be off. The next tram leaves in fifteen minutes so get your gear on."
Adagio and Aria quickly put the coats and boots on while Anon helps Sonata into hers and they rushed out to the tram. It was then the girls realized that the fifteen minutes thing was nothing but a ploy to get them going, as the tram acted more like a ski lift with trams coming down to pick passengers up every few minutes. Anon lets them go first.
"As they say, ladies first."
They all giggle and make their way on once he paid. For a small metal box it was surprisingly warm on the inside. The tram was red and covered in various stickers with ski puns. It does a hard lurch forward and they begin their ascent up the mountain. The girls eagerly look outside through the frosted windows overlooking the snow covered forest, Sonata with her head completely smooshed against the glass. He was surprised how little they were fighting. It was nice. Maybe they were starting to get along after all, though he hoped this wasn't just a temporary truce. Aria snuggles against him.
"This is beautiful Anon." she said
"I'll say. It's been nearly 3 years since I've been here last."
Adagio follows her lead and snuggles Anon as well.
"I agree." said Adagio "I just wish I weren't so cold."
"You're cold right now?"
"I am freezing. Are you not?"
"No. Actually I'm burning up."
Adagio looks to Aria to see if she was cold too and she also shakes her head. Sonata is still to busy with the view to notice. Maybe she was just cold blooded as they say. After a beautiful ten minute ride up the mountain the arrive at their destination: The Cloudsdale bar and grill. They all get out and start to walk to the restaurant but Sonata seems a bit sluggish.
"You ok Sonata?"
"I'm tired daddy."
"I figured. Let's just get you some food and you'll be right back on track."
He picked her up and carried her into the restaurant. Sonata was panting. Weird. That walk shouldn't have taken that much out of her. After sitting down, Sonata's well being seemed to deteriorate by the second. It was pretty clear this was more than just hunger. By the time the food arrived, Sonata was pale and had her head down.
"Sonata? You ok sweetie?"
She shook her head and clutched her belly.
"I don't feel so hot." she said, her words slurring slightly
"What's going on?"
"I feel like I'm going to throw up. My head is spinning."
Then it hit Anon like a slap to the face. He couldn't believe he didn't realize it sooner. It was obviously altitude sickness. Poor thing wasn't acclimatized to this thin air.
"You probably have altitude sickness. I'll ask for the check and we can go back so you can get more acclimated."
Aria gets pissed.
"What? But I wanted to go on the Snowcat!"
"Sorry Aria. If we let this go on Sonata could be in some very serious trouble. We have an entire week. We will do it I promise."
She crosses her arms indignantly
"Fine."
"She'll be alright won't she dad?" Adagio asks worriedly
"She will. I'll just ask reception for a tank of oxygen and she will be good as new. She will just have to take things slow."
Anon pays for the food and picks Sonata up in his arms. It was best for her not to move around so much. She looked as if she was going to puke any second. After what seems like an eternity for the next tram, holding Sonata close to you. Her head was in her lap, her arms crossed and her breathing had quickened.
"Daddy my head hurts."
Anon starts to rub her back
"I know honey. We're almost there. Just hang in there. You are doing great."
They finally make it and carry Sonata in your arms again, running straight to the receptionist. This time Lyra Heartstrings was manning the helm.
"Hey Lyra. Can you get me a portable tank of oxygen?" Anon asked
"Sure thing Mr...?" Lyra started
"Anon."
She shrugs her shoulders at the unusual name and gets a tank of oxygen out of the back room.
"What room should I charge too?"
"Four twenty five."
They get back to your room and put the mouth piece to Sonata lips, turning the flow on.
"Just take nice deep breaths. You'll feel much better."
She just nods, closes her eyes and breathes. Aria is still salty. Maybe it was too soon for them to get along. But he wasn't giving up that easily.
"So what do we do now?" Adagio asked
"Would you like to practice singing again?"
Adagio blushes deeply and Aria giggles.
"Wait, you two sang together?"
"D-dad! Not in front of Aria!"
Anon just smiled and said "Well then, in that case, how about we do a bit of shopping?"
Aria raises her eyebrow
"Didn't we already buy all the presents? And what about Sonata?"
"We aren't shopping for that. We're just going to buy food and stuff. And we'll take Sonata with us. She just has to take it easy for a bit. She'll be good as new in about 20 to 30 minutes."
Adagio looks at Sonata
"Well she does look a little better. I'm surprised how fast that works." Dagi said
"It will be really important she keep the oxygen mask on. Otherwise she's just going to go right back to this. So if you see Sonata taking her mask off, make sure she puts it back on."
Anon picks Sonata up and places her on his back.
"You girls ready?"
"Yep!" they both say
The group takes the elevator down only to find the mane five standing in the lobby talking. They didn't look happy and he was sure this wasn't mere coincidence. Anon places Sonata against that wall.
"Girls, watch over Sonata for me."
"Aye sir!" Adagio says
He walks towards the group and they spot him, Rainbow Dash getting right in his face and saying "So Anon? Care to explain why you are trying to adopt 3 evil sirens?"
He filled with anger at the statement. They were not evil and it made him angry that she would say that so bluntly, so ignorantly.
"Don't you dare talk about my girls that way."
"Your girls!? Do you even remember what they tried to do!? They are monsters!"
It took every ounce of energy he hand not to knock Rainbow Dash to the ground for saying that. He got back in her face and looked her dead in the eye.
"I swear if you call them monsters one more time I will show you what a real monster looks like."
Rainbow doesn't back down.
"Oh yeah? Let's see you try. I dare you."
Rarity steps in between the two of them, pushing them apart.
"Now stop! This is no way for us to behave." she turns to face Anon "But darling, we would like an explanation. Just why do you want to adopt them? Aren't you afraid they will turn back into... you know... monsters?"
Just then Aria yells across the room
"WE'RE NOT MONSTERS! WE ARE HUMANS JUST LIKE YOU!"
Tears are overflowing from eyes like a waterfall, her fists clenched tightly. Anon had never seen her get so angry before. He turns back to the group.
"Like what she said. They aren't the dazzlings you knew. They are amazing people. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to get some shopping done."
Anon picks Sonata back up and they start to storm out.
"Come on girls." Anon said angrily
Out at the car, Aria was still crying quite a bit. She may have acted tough back in the lobby, but that cut deeper than any knife ever could. Anon put Sonata and Adagio in the car and knelt down to Aria.
"Don't listen to them Aria. No matter what they say, you are a good person."
"How do you know that!?"
She can barely speak through the sobbing
"H-how can you tell me, look me in the eye, and say that I am not a monster?"
Anon looked her dead in the eyes
"Could a monster make a person who hated life and wanted to live forever in solitude the exact opposite? Could a monster make someone as hateful as me feel love again?"
Her tears stop for a moment
"What do you mean?"
"Before I met you my entire life was centered around hate. I lived alone and all I wanted to do was die. But then you three showed up. Taught me how to love, taught me that life isn't as bad as it seems. The life is worth living."
"You mean that?"
"Yes, I do."
"But what about the plan? You were supposed to throw us away..."
"And I didn't did I? I'm here with you to the very bitter end because you're my daughter Aria, and I love you."
She hugged him tighter than ever before.
"I love you daddy."
"I love you too sweetie."
"And you mean it? I'm not a monster?"
"I never once saw you that way. You're just the little girl I've loved since the moment I met you."
She smiles that brilliant Aria smile.
"Thanks dad." she says, rubbing her eyes "Now let's go shop."
The commute to town was made in absolute silence. Aria sat in the back with her arms crossed, angrily glaring out the window. Sonata still was sucking down oxygen and her eyes closed. Adagio stared out the window, eyes glazed over and not really seeing anything, in her own little world. How could those girls be so mean? And here he thought the they were all into friendship and kindness. Clearly they had some work to do on that.
"Sonata honey, wake up." Anon said "We're in town."
Sonata slowly blinks open her eyes
"How do you feel sweetie?"
Sonata smiles nice and wide
"Awesome! Can we get something to eat? I'm starving!"
That put a smile on Anon's face. He could always count on little Sonata to lift the mood.
"That's good to here. And we sure will."
They all get out of the car and start heading towards the grocery store. Sonata jumps in the air.
"Daddy can we get tacos?" she asked
"I don't see why not."
"Yay!"
Anon looks back at the other girls. Aria is still glaring into the distance and Adagio is still caught in a trance like state.
"Come on girls. Turn those frowns upside down."
Just as he says this a blue van pulls up and the side door opens, revealing the mane six. Well as if they didn't do enough damage already.
"What do you want?" Anon said, hugging Sonata close
Rarity elbows Dash in the ribs.
"Hey Anon..." Rainbow starts off quietly "Sorry about what I said before... I wasn't aware of the whole situation. But Sunset explained everything us."
He wasn't sure what to make of it. He turns to Rarara.
"I apologize too darling."
"Don't apologize to me." Anon said, moving to the side "It's them you should be apologizing too."
Just one look at Aria and he could tell she was revved up. Rainbow made quite the bitter enemy. Rainbow gets out of the car.
"Hey girls. I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't realize all that had happened."
Both Sonata and Dagi take the apology, but Aria remains firm. It was a real big cut to her self esteem to hear someone call her that and a simple word wasn't going to heal it.
"I don't care." Aria said to Dashie "Go tell it to someone else."
Rainbow Dash clenches her first, obviously frustrated.
"Come on Aria! I said I was sorry!"
"Screw you!"
"What did you just say!?"
To the surprise of everyone, Fluttershy stands between them
"Rainbow! Calm down. I'll take care of this."
She kneels down in front of the disgruntled ten year old.
"Aria?" she asks gently
Aria just turns her head defiantly
"Aria. Look at me. Can you do the for me?"
She waits patiently for Aria to turn her head, a glare still tightly fixed to her face.
"We didn't mean it ok? We just weren't aware of what happened. I promise we will make it up to you, alright? But in order for that to happen you need to accept Rainbow's apology and become friends."
Aria's mask begins to crack and tears form
"But she called me a monster!"
Butterhush runs her fingers through her hair, trying to soothe her.
"I know. It must of really hurt huh?"
Aria bows her head and starts to cry. She can only nod.
"Well I want you to know that neither I, nor Rainbow, nor anyone else sees you as a monster. You're very brave and very passionate. So what do you say? Will you forgive us?"
Aria rubs the tears from her eyes and composes herself
"Yeah, fine, whatever. Just leave me alone."
Fluttershy stands up and smiles.
"Well now that that is done, do you have anything else you want to say?" Anon said angrily "We're a bit busy."
Rarity comes closer to him, their bodies touching
"Oh yes, one more thing."
She sneaks a little paper inside his pocket and gives him a sly wink
"Alright girls, our business is concluded. Let us go."
They all hop back in the van and leave as quickly as they had arrived. Anon pulls out the paper and reads the inscription. It says meet me in the hotel lobby at 10:30 tonight sharp. Don't be late. in beautiful cursive. Was this some kind of booty call? He shook the impure thoughts from his mind. No. There was no way. She just needed clarification is all. Nothing... sexual.
"Ok girls let's go inside shall we?"
He lets out some nervous laughter, causing the girls to look at him funny.
"You ok Daddy?" Sonata asks
"Y-yep just dandy. Now let's go."
Without another word Anon starts walking to the doors. When they get inside the rush of warm air was welcome.
"Can we get the tacos now daddy!?" Sonata asks gleefully
"Of course we can."
Sonata jumps for joy, happily squealing. Unfortunately, however, Aria's patience was at an end.
"Shut up, Sonata! Will you please just shut up for once!? God you are so annoying!"
Of course, Sonata's eyes fill with tears
"Aria, I know what she said hurt you but don't hold it against her." Anon said "Rainbow Dash tends to be rather impulsive and says things without thinking them through. She didn't mean it."
"Whatever. I don't care."
Anon sighs. It took 2 days to get her out of that funk and all it took was a sentence to put her back.
"We'll talk later alright?"
All he gets is a grunt in response. Anon stops to buy some tacos and it cheers Sonata right up. After that they all roam around getting some food and other supplies for the week, including some cheap swim suits for the pool. That's when Anon gets an idea.
"Ok girls we're going to do something fun."
Adagio looks at him curiously
"Fun how?"
"We are going to buy some special ornaments."
"Special in what way?"
"You'll see. It's in a different store so let's finish with this first."
Anon buys the rest of the supplies as quick as he can then walks back out too the car.
"You see, there is a special shop here that is known for making amazing ornaments. We are going to get some for the three of you."
Adagio smiles at the idea
"I'd like that."
"The best part is that you can make them however you want. It'll be your personal ornament."
"Well then what are we waiting for?" Dagi says, grabbing Anon's sleeve
They get back into the car and drive at the ornament shop. The girls are in awe, even salty Aria. It smelled like a retirement home and had wallpaper to match, but along the shelves were ornaments of all kinds, from large spheres of a million colors to tiny stars. It had gotten even better since Anon was here last.
"You can customize your ornament to damn near whatever you want here." Anon said "But first you need to pick a base."
The girls fan out, searching for their perfect ornament. Adagio picks out a ball, Sonata an oval, and Aria a Christmas tree outline. Anon leads them to a row of computers.
"Alright. Step two is to enter it into this computer here and pick the design."
The three of them go to separate computers and pick the design. Sonata of course fills hers with a bunch of tacos while Adagio takes a more abstract approach. She decorates hers with lots of wave lines, curious shapes, and a rainbow of colors. She lined the ball with stars on each axis, coloring them the same color of her cheese puff hair.
Aria's design seemed to match her mood; she made it have a black base with red stripes running every which way. But it did seem to exercise a large calming effect over her. Maybe she was an artsie fartsie kind of girl. She did draw the unicorns and hearts on the we love you Anon banner. When she finished the ornament, her demeanor had changed drastically. She was still angry, but much calmer. Finally they all finish their designs. While Anon was busy admiring Aria's work from afar, Sonata has added a thousand more tacos in varying sizes. The girl had some issues with Mexican food.
After paying and leaving, Sonata becomes distressed.
"B-but what about the ornaments?" she asks
"Oh they won't be ready till tomorrow. They still have to make it."
Sonata pouts
"But I want it now."
"I know honey. But you'll just have to be patient. So how about in the meantime, we go to the pool to warm up. Then we will get some dinner going after that."
Back at the hotel, Anon remembers Rarity's message and his heart begins to race. No! he thought I do not like her like that and nor does she! Stop it!
The three girls grab their swimsuits and head to change, Adagio being the first into the bathroom. While Sonata, still with no shame to speak of, starts to undress right in front of Anon and Aria. Aria looks away in disgust as she starts to pull her panties down.
"Sonata!" Aria yells "Not in front of us!"
She quickly covers herself again, embarrassed
"O-oh... sorry."
Adagio finishes up surprising fast, still managing to keep her cheese puff hair perfectly done. Anon couldn't wait to see her poof get all messed up in the water. Ever since he found them you hadn't seen it messy once. Sonata goes in next shortly followed by Aria and then of course Anon. As he waits in starts to change in the bathroom, the door creaks open, followed by angry whispering. An eyeball poked through. Luckily he hadn't taken his shorts off yet.
"Sonata can I help you with something?"
The door quickly shuts, followed by morn angry whispering. Anon puts his shirt back on and walks outside.
"Sonata?"
She's sitting on the bed, doing her best to act natural. The other girls were acting just as suspicious.
"Girls? May I ask why you were peaking through the door just now?"
"W-what? I wasn't doing that! I was just um... sitting here." Sonata stammers
Aria slaps her face as their cover is instantly blown. At least Sonata was a terrible liar.
"Come on Sonata. I know you're lying. Are you three curious about boys?"
Adagio shoves her head in a book, Aria turns away and Sonata blushes bright red.
"M... Maybe."
Oh great, the whole birds and the bees talk. Every parent's favorite chat.
"Do you girls have questions?"
They all nod. Well looks like this was going to have to be done. Anon talked to each of them and answered every question they could possibly want about sex ed, all without an embarrassing glimpse at the dong. After the more than awkward chat, they head down to the pool. Adagio seeming especially self conscious now after learning in great depth about her body.
Anon goes straight for the hot tub and is soon joined by Aria. At least one of his daughters had superior taste in pool activities. She probably needed it more than him too. She had quite the stressful day. Aria had her entire body submerged, leaving only her head out with her eyes closed. It was good to see her relax. After a while of sitting out on the bench with her hands covering her chest, Adagio decided to join them. She is very careful to keep her poof out of the water.
"I see you're enjoying yourself Aria." Adagio observes
Aria smiles
"Oh yeah. I definitely deserve this."
Little words pass between them as they just relax, Sonata goofing around in the shallow end of the pool. This was the life. Pretty soon it was time for it to be over however. It was nearly time to meet Rarity. After rushing the girls upstairs to their annoyance, Anon waits in the lobby just minutes before the scheduled time. The suspense was killing him. Rarity came down just as the clock struck ten thirty.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Anon asked
"I want to know why." she said "Why you'd take the dazzling's in even though you knew what they did."
Anon clenches his fist. He couldn't believe that even after all the they were still suspicious.
"I did it because they taught me to love again. I did it because I could. There is no other reason than that. You all still don't trust that they aren't who they were do you?"
"It's not that."
"Well then what is it? What could possibly warrant this much interrogation if not for the fact that you don't trust me?"
"I don't know. It was silly of me."Rarity said, fidgeting with her hair
"Are you done wasting my time?"
"J-just one more thing darling."
Before Anon can response, Rarity leans in and deeply kisses him.
"I... I thought you would like it... I mean we've known each other for a while and I just thought that maybe..."
He feels anger well up inside him.
"I don't need your pity. I gave up dating long ago."
Rarity looks crushed
"But.. Darling-"
"Be quiet!" he yelled "Do you have any idea what it's like to have the love of your life for seven years cheat on you with your best friend? Huh? Do you have any idea the scar that leaves in your heart?"
Rarity just looks down and stays silent
"I am flattered by the gesture, Rarity, but I will have to decline. I will never open my heart to another woman again."
"B-but Anon. You just want to be alone forever? What a horrible way to live."
He finally snaps.
"Stop that. I don't fucking want or need your pity. This is how I am choosing to live. Because my heart is so unbelievably broken that dating another girl is out of the question. I will not be hurt again. I don't care if I have to live in solitude for the rest of my life. I am not dating. Period. I get that we were friends as kids. I get that you're crushing on me. But I refuse to let someone near my heart again."
Anon stormed off, leaving Rarity speechless. He hated it when people talked to you that way. Sure it was a feel good thing to have a lover, but it was just not for him. He had been tricked and hurt once and you were not going to be hurt like that again. Anon walks back into the pool, thankfully it was empty. He strips down naked and sinks into the pool. He had to get rid of all this negative energy.
He swam back and forth down the long track over and over, his anger giving him the strength to move mountains. He was not only angry at her for talking to him in such a manner and sneaking a kiss, but also angry that he blew up at her like that. They had been friends since childhood! She had helped him so much throughout the pain his sister caused him. She probably had eyes for him for sometime and he just blew it up in her face. She must be heartbroken. Why couldn't he just control himself?
He swam back and forth until his muscles were practically screaming at him to stop and his. lungs burned from the respiration. He didn't get out until he was mostly numb. Just then the door opens and Anon quickly rushes to wrap the towel around his body. It was Rarity. Her eyes were red and puffy.
"S-sorry Anon... I didn't realize..."
"No. It's ok." Anon said "Care to sit?"
She nods and sits on one of the chairs by the pool. They both sit in silence for a while before Rarity pipes up.
"What happened to you? Ever since you got with your fiance... you changed. I had no idea you two had even broken up until now, much less through cheating... I mean I had a hunch of course but why didn't you tell me? And why did we lose contact for so long?"
Anon hugs his legs, making sure to keep his junk out of the way of Rarity's gaze.
"After I broke up with her I got lost. I just..."
Rarity placed a hand on his back
"I know you Anon. You fell into yourself. It was just like when we met. Do you remember?"
Anon smiles to himself
"Yeah. It was in kindergarten wasn't it?"
Rarity giggles
"More like second grade."
"Right! And those jerk kids were teasing me. I had just fallen so far. I hated everyone and everything. Then you came along and stood in between them yelling" Anon switches his voice a more girly, prissy version "'If you're going to get him you're going to have to go through me!'"
They both laugh with each other
"Oh I didn't sound that girly! And then you said, and I quote," her voice becomes more gruff and deep "'What do you want? You know I'm not the most liked kid here right?', as if you were some dramatic movie character or something."
"And do you remember that time we went on the class field trip to the zoo? You kept trying to force me into your music."
"Oh you know you loved it."
"I did, I did. You and your pop craze."
"It certainly wasn't as bad as that crude screamo music. I still hate the stuff."
"Well Rarity, I'm afraid you just cannot appreciate the delicate intricacies of someone screaming while playing the guitar."
"Oh yes, oh yes, so very sophisticated. How did I ever make it without you?"
They laugh again, just staring out the window as the snow gently fell.
"When did it all get so complicated?" Anon asked
"When we decided to grow up." Rarity said, he gaze fixed on the outside "It's much easier when you're a kid, just ignorant of the world. They say ignorance is bliss and they aren't kidding."
"So what did you do when we grew apart? You know, after college?"
"You mean after you quit?"
"Yes..."
"I became a fashion designer. It's extraordinary difficult work but very rewarding. I wouldn't trade it for the entire world. What about you?"
"My grandfather died and I inherited his fortune. I've just been living simply ever since."
"That's very like you. All the tools to do the job yet you choose to stay in the quiet life."
"Are you saying I'm lazy?"
"No. I admire it really. I wish I could choose the quieter life. Live simply and easily. But the art of the dress just calls me. I can't ignore it. Sometimes it's ok just to live simply."
"Why push yourself so hard if you want to live simply?"
"It's my calling. Like I said, I just can't ignore it."
They both fall in silence again, watching the outside and listening to the gentle too and fro motion of the water.
"There was a song we always used to sing. Do you remember it?" Anon asked
"You mean the one we always sang on our way to school?" Rarity asked
"Yes. Do you want to sing it with me? Like the good 'ole days?"
"O-oh perhaps not. I haven't sang alone like this in years. A-and we could get caught and..."
"I'll start."
Anon clears his throat and they both begin to sing in time to one of their favorite songs from childhood.
Rarity blushes bright red
"Ugh I sounded awful." she said
"Nonsense." Anon smiled "I think you sounded perfect."
"You didn't sound too bad yourself. I guess you didn't lose the magic."
"Nor did you."
She smiles, her pony ears and hair extension fading.
"Well I need to go back to bed and check on the girls. I'll see you tomorrow ok?"
"Alright. You really do love them don't you?"
"More than you know."
"Then I believe you. I trust your judgement on this. If you say they're good then I believe you."
"Good."
Anon takes his clothes and waves goodbye to the purple haired girl, making his way back up the room half naked. His legs and arms hurt like a bitch from all the swimming. He slowly opens the door and finds a sight that makes him smile a mile wide. The three girls are in the same bed, hugging one another and sleeping soundly. They were so sweet when they actually got along for once.
One thing was for sure: he had been through a lot, suffered a lot. But his heart wasn't out of love yet. It was still alive and well, all thanks to his three little girls and a certain scarlet letter.
The next morning Anon was the last to wake up. The girls were quietly playing a game of rock paper scissors in the corner.
"Good morning girls." Anon said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes "You're up early."
"Yay we woke up before daddy!" Sonata squeals
"Big night last night dad?" Dagi asks
Anon stares out the window, remembering the night before
"Yeah. You could say that."
"So what are we doing today dad?" Aria asks
"I'm glad you asked Aria. We are going skiing."
Sonata looks confused
"Skiing? What's that?"
Aria shoots her a glare
"It's when you take two long, thin poles and slide on the snow with them dumb dumb."
"That wasn't very nice!"
"Settle down girls, settle down. Go get dressed. We need to fit you all for boots and skis."
The three of them put on their coats and in a short time are ready. They take a short walk out down to the ski shop. Sonata is amazed by all the skis and boards.
"Wow. These are weird!" she exclaimed
"Those are skis dumb dumb." Aria said, crossing her arms
"Stop calling my a dumb dumb!"
"Well maybe you should stop acting like a dumb dumb then."
And the water works begin. It was too early for this shit.
"Sonata calm down." Anon said "And Aria can you two just pretend to be friends this once?"
Aria just turns her head and grunts. These two.
"Come on. We need to get you girls set."
Sonata quickly relaxes as she gets her boots fitted. Anon looks at Adagio, eyeing the snowboards.
"Hey Anon? Is it alright if I use a snowboard instead?" Adagio asks
"By all means Dagi. It will be a tad harder though. You alright with that?"
She smiles, liking the idea of a challenge
"Aye, sir."
That was such a cute quirk she had, her saying 'aye, sir'. Made him smile every time. Anon keeps tinkering with different boots with Sonata as Adagio picks her perfect snowboard. She picked a snowboard that had a cheeto paint job on it. Turned out she road goofy also. Sonata picked some skis with a universe design on it, covered in stars and planets and Aria just picked out some simple purple skis. Anon got some plain green skis and polls for himself and Aria. Sonata was going to have to learn how to navigate without polls first, at least that's how he was taught. The rest of the gear went smoothly as well until it came for to find a helmet. Her hair was going to be damn near impossible to fit inside a helmet. She might as well have an airbag in there. He tried for a good fifteen minutes to fit it in there before finally settling on a helmet that covered just the top of her head.
And with that they were off. Anon was going to be doubly sure to keep an eye on Sonata so that she wouldn't get altitude sickness again. He even made sure to pack an extra oxygen canister just in case. Hopefully he wouldn't need it though. He was going to take this nice and easy. They mad their way to a small hill.
"Alright girls. We are going to start with that hill at the base of the mountain." he said "We're just going to practice basic form."
"Aye sir." Adagio said, putting her goggles on
With how much hair she had, the goggles barely fit, some of it bursting through the sides. At least if she fell her head would be safe. They all grab on to the small lift that pulled them to the top of the hill and waited by the side of the slope.
"Alright girls. There are two techniques I want you to remember. The pizza and the french fry."
Sonata's mouth begins to water.
"I sure would love some pizza right now." she says
Aria elbows her ribs, but due to the fact that she has such a thick coat she doesn't seem to mind
"You don't want to go down the mountain straight down." he explained "You'll go too fast and wreck. Instead you want to go side to side in long arcs. When your skis are straight like this we call it the french fry. Now when your turn or find yourself going too fast, you make your skis into a point almost like the shape of a pizza. This will slow you down. To come to a complete stop just slide with your side to the mountain."
This was clearly going way over Sonata's head. Even Aria and Adagio we being a bit slow on the uptake. Dagi slowly raises her hand.
"Can you maybe explain that a bit slower?"
"I could. But better yet, why don't I just demonstrate? You three can follow me one by one. Don't worry. We'll take this nice and slow."
Anon slides down in perfect form, making a long arc, crossing his skis, then coming to a complete stop.
"Alright Adagio. You're up. Just do as I did."
Adagio slowly pushes off and begins to go down the slope, looking completely terrified as she does. Her legs are shaking but slowly she starts to do it. Just as she makes it to his side, she falls flat on her butt.
"Shit." she curses
"Adagio you did wonderful. For your first time that was excellent."
He extends a hand to help her up.
"Really? You mean that?"
"Of course I do. It'll take a few tries to get right. Just be patient with it."
They turn back to Aria and Sonata to check on their progress. Neither of them had budged. Jeez these girls were skittish.
"Alright Aria. You next." Anon calls out
"Right."
He can tell she's a bit scared but is trying to hide it for her pride. She starts to go down with a bit too much speed and tumbles a bit, falling flat.
"You ok Ar-" Anon asks
"I'm fine!" she snaps back
Aria was known for many things, patience not being one of them. She quickly pulls herself up again and moves forward. She takes a second tumble. And a third. And a forth before finally making it back to his side. She did not seem happy at all. This was going to be a long day for her. Now it was Sonata's turn.
"Ok Sonata. Your turn."
"Alright daddy!"
Without even an inkling of fear, the little girl slides down the hill without so much as a wobble. She was a natural. She comes to you with a big smile on her face and a giggle.
"Wow Sonata. You've been practicing while I wasn't looking?"
"It wasn't that hard." she said
This did not please Aria at all. She had a big cold scowl on her face. It looked like she was going to shoot beams from her eyes. Anon pats her shoulder.
"Don't let it get to you."
"Shut up!"
He really hoped this wasn't going to be the trend for today. He hated seeing them fight like cats and dogs.
"Alright. We are going to repeat this until we reach the bottom."
As they slowly twisted and turned their way down the hill, Anon noticed that Aria was treating this more like a competition with Sonata. Once she stopped falling, she then kept trying to out preform her by doing tricks such as sharp turns and sudden stops or going faster. And, naive as she was, this did not escape Sonata's eye. Soon she started doing the same thing and both sisters were engaged in a silent competition. What was he going to do with them?
Adagio was also making some progress, but at a much slower pace. She was putting nearly all of her concentration into not falling as every time she did, her poof got trapped in her goggles, obstructing her view. They make it halfway down and Anon stops, rubbing her shoulder gently.
"You're doing great Adagio. Just loosen up a bit. If you keep skiing with your muscles all tensed like that you'll ware yourself out."
Dagi takes a deep breath
"I know. I just don't want to fall."
"You'll be ok. There is nothing wrong with falling so long as you get back up and try again."
She smiles
"Right."
He pats her on the back and she gets visibly calmer. Aria and Sonata, however, were still trying to outdo each other and their antics were getting even more extreme as time went on. Aria would try to speed up and Sonata would try to go even fast and then Aria would try to go faster than that. Finally they reach the bottom. Anon looks annoyed at Aria and Sonata.
"So girls? Who won?" he asked sarcastically
Both of them get embarrassed
"Y-you saw that daddy?" Sonata asks
Anon laughs
"I'm not blind Sonata."
"Sorry about that."
"It's fine. I actually found it amusing. But lets try to keep the whole sibling rivalry thing to a minimum ok? We're on vacation."
"Ok. Sorry Aria."
Aria crosses her arms. She was going to need some time to cool down clearly.
"Sonata how are you feeling? You don't feel sick do you?"
She shakes her head
"Nope!"
"Great. What do you girls say we do two or three more runs before we get something to eat?"
"Aye sir!" Dagi says
Anon and his family go back for a few more runs. Adagio is once again back to her anxiety ridden self, and Aria and Sonata's truce was, of course, only temporary. They started slowly, competing again with each subsequent turn. At least they were getting better as a result. After three runs it was time for lunch.
"Alright, girls. You ready to eat?"
"Are we taking the tram again daddy?" Sonata asks
"Nope. We're using the lifts. On the way down we will have a fun blue for us to ski."
Sonata has a dumb look on her face
"Um daddy? How do you ski a color?"
Both Aria and Adagio simultaneously slap their hands to their faces. Anon giggles.
"No sweetie. You see the runs are designated a color based on how difficult they are. They go green, blue, black, and double black for the most difficult. I figured we could try a blue since you girls are starting to get it down."
"You sure we're ready for that?" Adagio asks
Adagio looks a tad worried. She was such a nervous Nelly when taken out of her comfort zone.
"Of course Adagio. I would never take you on a run that I thought was too dangerous. This one is actually pretty as far as blues go. You'll do fine I promise."
She takes a deep breath
"Ok. If you're sure."
"Well then let's get going."
They travel up a few various lifts till they reach the restaurant. They unhook their skis, Adagio her snowboard, and go in. Sonata and Aria both take off their helmets but Dagi hesitates.
"Don't you want to take your helmet off Adagio?"
"I don't know.."
"Just do it. Nobody's judging."
She slowly takes off her helmet to reveal a hair apocalypse. Her hair was stuck up in odd places and matted down in others. It looked as if she put her hair through a spin cycle. Both Sonata's and Aria's eyes are wider than dinner plates.
"I-is it bad?"
They look at each other in fear
"No. Not at all. It looks perfect." Aria says nervously
"Y-yeah. What Aria said." Sonata agrees
What had them so freaked out? They had never shown this amount of fear towards Dagi before.
"Well I'm going to go look in the mirror just to be sure."
Their faces go whiter than ghosts as she walks into the restroom. Three. Two. One. A loud scream emanates from the bathroom. This was not going to be pretty. The wait a while but Dagi doesn't come out.
"Aria why don't you go check on her?"
Aria flinches, as if remembering some terrible tragedy from her time back in Nam.
"I-I don't think that's a good idea."
"Sonata?"
"N-nope. I think I'll just sit here daddy." Sonata shakes
"Fine. I'll do it. She did run into a unisex bathroom after all."
They both run in front of him and yell "No!"
"What has got the two of you so worked up?"
"You don't understand Daddy." Aria says "Adagio LOVES her hair to the point of obsession. When it gets messed up... well lets just say if that siren still lives inside of her, it comes out."
"How long do you think she will be in there then?"
"Thirty minutes give or take."
"We don't have the time for that. I'm going in."
"I warned you."
Anon walks in through the door
"Everything ok Adagi-"
Anon is interrupted as a roll of toilet paper is flung at his face with surprising force making him close the door to block it. He turns back to the girls.
"She's not very happy."
Aria crosses her arms
"We just have to wait until she's done fixing her hair."
"I already said we don't have time for that. I guess I will just have to give some tough love."
He gos back to the door and slowly opens it.
"GET OUT!"
Adagio is looking frantically at the mirror, doing everything in her power to contain her out of control hair. Tears are literally flowing down her face. He puts a hand on her shoulder.
"I SAID GET OUT!"
"Adagio there is no need to yell. Calm down."
Wrong choice of words.
"I AM CALM! NOW GET OUT OF HERE!"
"Adagio it's just hair."
Apparently Anon really did want to die today. She charges at him and hits him with all her puny 13 year old strength.
"Get out, get out, get out!"
She all of a sudden breaks down, crumbling into his jacket and sobbing. Anon hugs her gently.
"Adagio what's going on right now? I have never seen you like this."
"I'm ugly that's what! I hate that Aria and Sonata are so beautiful and I'm so... not..."
"Where did you get that idea Adagio? You're not ugly."
"Easy for you to say. You're my dad, you have to be nice."
Anon rubs her back gently. Poor girl. Who knew hair could cause this much trouble? The anxiety from skiing must have brought this on.
"How long have you felt this way?"
"The better question would be when have I not?"
"I see." he says "How about I do your hair for you?
She looks up curiously
"You know how?"
"Not really, but I could give it a try. You look like you could use some help."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course I would. I'm your father. This is what I do."
She smiles through the tears running down her face.
"I'd love that."
Anon pulled a spare hair tie from his pocket and started fixing up her hair. He carefully crafts it, like an artist making a clay sculpture. It wasn't amazing, but he certainly fixed it up. Not without a little sage advice from his daughter of course. The hair was a lot more even and smooth, now tied back in a ponytail. They both look in the mirror at the creation.
After a quick lunch, they gang goes back to the mountain. The hairstyle Adagio sported now was working much better with the helmet as it placed the bulk of her hair outside of it rather than within it. Now it was only a matter of getting down and time was fading. They had merely two hours before the park began to close for the day.
The first run, a green, went without incident. But it was the blue that became most dicey. It was a lot steeper than he had remembered and the snow was especially slick, almost like ice. Even for an experience skier as Anon was, he was going to have to exercise a high amount of caution while traversing the run. As if that was't bad enough, the ski had become completely overcast and a deep chill ran throughout the mountainside. Adagio looked as if she was going to be sick to her stomach. Anon gave her a little hug.
"You're going to do great." he said "Just do what I do and you'll be just fine."
She nods and takes a deep breath.
"Right."
He pushes off and start to slowly slide down the slick slop, the three girls following suit. It was quite difficult to keep balance with the ice like snow, but thankfully the three made it through without much difficulty, although rather slowly. Adagio fell only a few times, though he could tell that despite her fear she was improving. Even Aria and Sonata were taking it slow, keeping their antics to a minimum. Anon could tell though that this weighed heavily on Adagio's mind. The fact that he two younger sisters were getting it so easily while she was still shaking in her boots hit her self confidence and it showed. Each run she became less and less confident, falling more and more each time until they finally reached the bottom. She seemed absolutely miserable. After getting back to the hotel and changing into better clothes, the two sat down and talked.
"Hey, Adagio."
"Yeah?"
She looked at him with an empty stare. This day had really knocked her on her butt, both figuratively and literally. Even her voice sounded rather hollow.
"What's going on sweetie?" Anon asked gently "I can tell you're struggling right now."
Adagio leans into his shoulder
"That was hard." she sighed
"I know sweet heart. You did wonderful though."
"No I didn't. Sonata and Aria barely fell at all during that time. But I was falling all the time."
"You want to know why?"
"Because I suck at this?"
"No. It was all about confidence. When you were sure of yourself, when you believed in what you could do, you were doing awesome. But you lost faith when you saw how good Sonata and Aria were doing. Remember, this isn't a competition, despite what your sisters may act like. You did wonderful. You were also doing it the hard way. Skiing is a lot easier than snowboarding, yet here you are, doing it anyway. You should be proud of yourself."
"I don't feel proud."
"I know. But just give yourself a chance to relax for a while. You had a pretty bad day. Once you get relaxed you'll see it."
"You mean it?"
"I wouldn't lie to you, Dagi."
"I love you dad."
"I love you too."
Just then there's a knock on the door. Anon goes to answer it, revealing Sunset Shimmer.
"To what do I owe this honor?" Anon asked sarcastically
It was amazing just how long Anon could hold a grudge.
"I could do without the sarcasm." she says, cocking her brow "Anyway the girls and I are heading back down but we decided to get you a little something."
She holds out a basket of flowers with a wide array of colors, each representing the mane six from purple to pink.
"You're not still mad are you?" Sunset asks
"Nah. I had gotten over it a while ago." he lied "It's just been a long day. Thank you though. We very much appreciate it."
She smiles as Anon takes the flowers.
"I'm glad to hear it. See you around ok?"
"Bye."
Anon carries the flowers back into the room, much to Sonata's delight.
"It's so pretty!" she says "Where did you get them daddy?"
"Sunset came by and dropped it off. It's really something isn't it?"
Aria pouts, still quite a bit salty over Rainbow Dash's reaction to her. That was not going to be something she let go of soon. Anon sits down on the bed. He couldn't believe it was going to be Christmas Eve tomorrow. Not only was it going to be their first real Christmas, but it was going to be his as well. Anon's parents never celebrated things like this, hell it was as if he didn't exist some days. It was going to be an amazing to spend a holiday with people who actually loved and appreciated him for once.
"Come on over here girls."
The three of the gather around the foot of the bed as per request.
"What is it dad?" Aria asked
"Well I was just going to say that Christmas eve is tomorrow and I was wondering where you'd all like to do. I already have a special dinner spot picked out."
"What can we do?"
"Well, we could try the snowcat again. We could also go into town. They have a big festival for Christmas so they have things like bungee trampolines, zip lines-"
Aria raises her brow
"Bungee trampolines?"
"Yes. Basically you are strapped to a harness with two large bungee chords. So when you jump you go 4 times as high."
Sonata's face lights up like a Christmas tree
"I WANNA DO THAT."
Aria elbows her sister
"Not in my ear!"
Sonata's voice quiets down to a whisper
"O-oh. Sorry."
"Do you agree Adagio?" Anon asks
She just smiles and nods. She was really reeling from that. Perhaps her body image issues extended far beyond this once incident. Not that it mattered, he would do everything in his power to help her see the beauty that she was both inside and out.
"What do you say we play a few games huh?"
"Games of what daddy?" Sonata says, cocking her head
"Well they do have an arcade here so-"
Then it hit him. He had nearly forgotten about the ornaments.
"On second thought girls, why don't we run and grab the ornaments then we get get something to eat."
Anon shuffles the girls into the car and off the go to retrieve their ornaments. Not even five minutes into the drive Sonata begins to nod off. She must been exhausted. This was probably quite a lot of activity for a little seven year old. They arrive and the store and Sonata is already halfway to dreamland.
"Sonata sweetie? You going to come in with us?"
"Y-yeah daddy just ehrm.."
Sonata cuddles into a tight ball and shuts her eyes, falling asleep almost instantly. Obviously this was all the answer he needed.
"Welp I'll just keep the heater on. You coming in Dagi? Aria?"
Adagio moves in an uncomfortable way.
"I'll just sit here and watch Sonata."
Something was up with her. It could very well be her anxiety running rampant, but he could tell it was more than that. It was as if she had some nervous tick about her, almost as if she was craving something. He couldn't quite explain it but this wasn't just mere anxiety.
"Aria?"
"Sure, dad."
The two of them make their way into the store to collect their items. The snow is beginning to rain down and night was fast approaching. Outside it was deadly silent, you could hear a pin drop. The only sounds were his and Aria's footsteps crunching in the newly fallen snow. Inside they finally get a look at their creations and Aria reels back in disgust upon seeing hers.
"What's a matter?"
"Nothing... I love it."
"You can tell me if you don't like it. We can always craft a new one."
"No. Actually I really do like it. For a second I hated but now that I see what it truly means, I love it."
"What it means?"
She looks at it with a half smile.
"Yeah. It means that we are getting closer and closer to being a real family."
"Right. When we get done with this trip I will go to the adoption agency so we can get it going for real."
She hugs him tight
"I can't wait. Then I will officially be your daughter and you'll officially be my dad."
"It's always been that way sweet pea."
She giggles
"I love that."
"Love what?"
"When you call me nicknames."
"Well then I will make sure to do it more often. You need your daily dose of compliments sweep pea."
She smiles even bigger and snuggle hugs him. She was such a cuddly little thing. It was a shame she tried so hard to play tough girl. Sweet and sensitive Aria was truly a catch. She was going to make one lucky boy really happy some day. They both walk back to the car to find Sonata sleeping like a baby in the back seat. Adagio cracks a sly smile.
"Aria? Did I just see you hugging Anon's waist?" Dagi asks
Aria's face goes tomato red
"W-what!? What are you talking about!? I-I would never... Y-you must be hallucinating or something you weirdo!"
Adagio starts to laugh
"Oh shut up! J-just..." Aria's voice lowers to a whisper "Just don't tell Sonata ok?"
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. I think it's adorable though. So cute."
"S-shut up Adagio!"
"Alright, alright that's enough you two." Anon says "Next stop, the cafe."
Anon takes a little drive through the quiet mountain town. It was so peaceful up here. Even during Christmas, it was so sparsely populated. Only a few lights shinned through the windows and Anon's was the only car moving down the empty streets. He wished he could live up here. Such a quiet and peaceful area. They make it the cafe.
"Sonata. Sonata honey wake up. We're at the cafe now"
Sonata twists and turns, trying to get in extra shut eye.
"J-just a few more minutes daddy." she says groggily
She was so sweet looking he was tempted to just let her be. He got out of the car and picked her up in his arms. Her cute little face rested on his shoulder snoring quietly. Her hair hung down as she was just too tired to put it back in a ponytail as she normally did. He kinda liked it actually. They other girls get out and they walk inside, sitting at a booth. Inside was quiet, only 3 other costumers occupying seats elsewhere. It had the look of a retro 50's bar, with records lining the wall and a fake malt machine at the far wall, along with a red and yellow tiled floor. It had barely changed from when he was a kid. Adagio smiles at the sleeping blue girl on Anon's shoulder.
"She's so sweet." Dagi says
"I agree. You girls... I don't know what I'd do without you. You girls have changed my life in so many ways."
Aria smiles
"I'm glad dad. We love you too."
"And I love you too, girls."
They all begin to eat, Sonata slowly regaining her energy. Anon lifts his glass in the air.
"Well girls, I propose a toast. To family, to love, and to the many good times we'll be sharing together."
The other three lift their glasses.
"Cheers." they say before clinking their glasses and taking a big drink
After the short meal, they return the hotel for some R&R. Sonata raises her hand.
"I call sleeping with daddy tonight!"
Aria butts in
"You slept with him last night!"
"But I called it first! Snooze you lose!"
"I get to sleep with daddy you dork!"
"Sorry Sonata." Anon said "It is Aria's turn."
Sonata pounts
"But I wanna!"
"Sorry sweetie. You'll get me tomorrow."
She crosses her arms
"Hmph!"
The girls quickly get in bed and fall asleep almost instantly, Aria hugging Anon's side tightly. Despite it being such a big day, Anon couldn't sleep at all. Something was nagging him, as if he had forgotten something but he couldn't put his finger on what. He tossed and turned all night but sleep managed to elude him every time. Finally, after wriggling from Aria's tight grasp, he got out of bed at around three thirty. Anon put on his coat and went outside to the balcony overlooking the mountain. The moon shown bright across the landscape. It was so beautiful, so peaceful.
In the distance a wolf sang it's song. It sounded like it was in pain, not of a physical wound, but one of loneliness. He could hear the anguish in it's cry, just as he was before he found the Dazzlings. What did he do to deserve them? To deserve three such beautiful gifts? He had never really done anything with his life, never helped anyone, never did anything amazing, just existed. Yet here he was, being handed three of the most precious gifts he had ever received. At last he had found happiness, but he couldn't help but hate himself for it or, at the very least, be highly suspicious of how such happiness would be stolen from him. Life had a nasty habit of giving him something wonderful then pulling the rug out from underneath his feet. Not to mention he just didn't deserve such a blessing, much less three times over. Just as he was about to sink further into this depression, the screen door opened behind him.
"Adagio? What are you doing out of bed? You should be asleep right now."
She had a strange expression on her face.
"I was getting ready to get my hair done and saw you out here. Also... why are you crying?"
He hadn't noticed the hot tears streaming down his face. Truly pathetic. He wipes the tears from his eyes.
"Don't worry about it."
She walks next to Anon and leans on his shoulder, the poof getting into his mouth.
"You have seemed more sad lately." Adagio said "I can tell you try to hide it. But I can see it."
She could read him like a book.
"Why are you so sad?"
"Don't worry about it Adagio. It's got nothing to do with you."
She looks at him almost angrily
"But it does daddy! When you're sad, I am too!"
Anon runs a hand through her hair.
"I'm find darling. Just thinking is all."
"Fine. Well I'm still going to sit out here with you."
Once again the wolf's anguished cry rings through the darkness, filling the void with it's song of sadness.
"That wolf. It sounds so sad."
"I had the same opinion."
They both just sit there in silence, looking out upon the mountain lit only by the moon. After a while of sitting there, the sun starts to peak out from the mountains. It gives a beautiful pink glow as it inches above the horizon. Adagio admires it's beauty.
"It's so beautiful daddy."
"That it is Adagio, that it is."
"I wish it would stay this way forever."
"As do I."
"Daddy?"
"Yes sweet heart?"
"Why can't we always live this way? Why does everything have to be difficult?"
Anon sighs. How the hell was he supposed to answer a question like that?
"That's just how life is sweet heart. It's how us humans grown. If everything were perfect, what need would we have to move forward and progress?"
"I guess."
"What's the matter? You've seemed a bit sad lately too."
"I was just thinking about yesterday. You know, with my hair?"
"What about it?"
"You don't think I'm ugly do you?"
"Of course not. Like I said before, you're beautiful."
"Well, compared to Aria and Sonata I have no where near the beauty."
"Nonsense. You are just as beautiful as they are. But enough about that. Come with me. Both you and I need to get out of this depressive funk we're in."
"And how are we going to do that?"
Anon walks back into the room
"One moment." he said
After a few minutes of rummaging quietly around in his bag, he comes back out with a large wooden box.
"Chess. This is my grandfather's set and he taught me how to play. When he passed on, he wrote in his will for me to have it."
She looks in wonderment as Anon arranges the board.
"Now let's explain the game."
Anon tells her how each piece moves and the objective to take the king. Adagio seems quick on the uptake. It takes her no time at all to memorize how each piece moved. Even though this was her first time playing, he certainly wasn't going to take it easy on her.
"Ready Dagi?"
"Ready."
The intense match begins. Adagio was a natural at it, quickly being able to employ strategy that tested her father's skills. After only several moves she was accurately predicting what he would do next and how to properly counter nearly every advance he made. It was clear that he wasn't going to be able to even give an inch. Anon implemented a series of moves that allowed him to win nearly any game by progressively mounting pressure and causing the opponent to panic and thus make mistakes, and it worked. He was only a move a way from checkmate. As the sure fire victory came in, he could see the cogs in Adagio's head spinning. In just under a minute, she moves her only knight and breaks his formation, completely ruining the strategy and allowing her a straight opening to his king. And with that, she got checkmate.
"That's amazing. I've only met too other people who have been able to break through that." Anon said "How did you figure that out?"
"It was simple. I just watched your eyes move and when my hand brushed up to my knight you looked at it more intensely than the others. Also both your body language changed and your breathing slightly sped up. I also noticed your mouth twitch a bit. I tested all the remaining pieces just to make sure but none of them got the same reaction as it did with the knight."
Damn. This girl was a freaking computer.
"Wow Adagio. Color me impressed."
"It wasn't all that great."
"Don't be so modest. I've been playing for years and haven't developed that level of skill."
Just as the game finishes, Aria and Sonata begin to wake up. Sonata lets out a loud yawn. Anon and Adagio both walk inside.
"Did you sleep well?" Anon asks
Sonata nods
"Are we going on the bungee trampoline today daddy?"
"Of course we are you loser." Aria says
"I am not a loser!"
"Are too."
"Are not."
"Are too."
"Are not."
"Enough girls. We are in fact going today. So get yourselves ready. Daylight's a wasting."
Adagio perks up
"Aye, sir!"
After a little while of getting ready for the day, the crew all go downstairs to the lobby for some breakfast then start to make the ride into town. Aria has her hood over her head. She still seemed to be tired.
"Alright girls. First we're going to go on the zip line."
"Awww! But I wanted to go on the bungee tramp!" Sonata whined
Aria pulls the hood further over he face, her anger only becoming more visible.
"Ugh! Shut up Sonata."
Sonata just crosses her arms and sticks her tongue out as Anon shoos them up the latter.
"So, Aria."
"Dad?"
Anon stays silent, not really knowing what to say. He didn't really have good conversation skills.
"Hello? Earth to dad."
"Sorry Aria. I just don't really know what to say."
"You're a weird guy daddy."
"Oh hey. I'm not that weird."
The two of them watch and Sonata and Adagio fly down the line, Sonata laughing and giggling the whole way down.
"I wish I could have fun like that." Aria says
"What do you mean?"
Aria immediately gets embarrassed and pulls the hood further over her head
"Never mind, don't worry about it."
"Aria are you saying you can't have fun?"
"I said don'tworry about it."
Clearly she was not in the mood to be pried at. But the awkward silence was thankfully broken quickly by Adagio and Sonata's return.
"Did you girls have fun?"
Sonata jumps in the air
"Yay! It was super duper fun!"
"Eh. It was a bit fast for me." Adagio comments, rubbing her sleeves
"Do you girls want to do that again or something else?"
Sonata seemed to have a smile so big it was going to fly off her face.
"Let's do the bungee tramps daddy!"
He turns to Aria
"You game?"
"Sure, whatever." she says, trying to sound disinterested
They make their way to the bungee trampoline, watching a few kids strapped in the harnesses of the chords jump to amazing heights. Sonata looks on in amazement. Adagio, however, begins to look increasingly nervous, her face almost becoming pale. But it didn't seem like she was afraid, it was as if she desperately needed something.
"Are you alright, Adagio?"
She jumps, as if she was so deep in thought she didn't even notice.
"Y-yeah. Fine. Perfect." she says, her eyes darting around
Instantly Anon assumed the worse. Was her Siren side coming back and Adagio was refusing to tell him? This was too similar to the time it happened first. After moving through the line and getting Sonata on the trampoline, Anon moves to talk to Dagi.
"Adagio what's the matter?"
She gives him the most fake smile he had ever seen.
"Nothing. Nothing at all. I couldn't be better."
"You're lying."
"No I'm not."
"Adagio do I look stupid? You look like you're in imminent danger"
She gets rather angry
"I'm fine ok!? I need to go to the restroom."
Adagio storms off, looking for a restroom. Either she was having a really bad day or something was seriously wrong. She was normally so calm and collected. Just as Anon thought his annoyance couldn't pile up higher, the mane six had also decided to visit the festival, which Aria was no doubt going to be thrilled over. He quickly walks back to her but it's too late. Aria already had a nasty glare on her face.
"Aria?"
She just grumbles something under her breath. Anon sighs. At least Sonata was having lots of fun. When her time on the trampoline was finished she came back even happier.
"Hey, Anon."
Anon turns around to see Sunset
"Hi Sunset."
Sunset chuckles to herself
"Whoa there, what's a matter sourpuss? The was the most deflated hello I've ever heard. Rough night?"
"You could say that."
"Want to come and take it off your mind?"
"I would but I kinda got a family to take care of."
"Well I could have my group look after them."
"You're serious?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"There's no way I could do that?"
"Why not? It's not like we're going to hurt them."
"And Aria? She hasn't exactly let go of her grudge with Rainbow and Rarity."
"It'll be fine. Come on." she all of a sudden gives him a look that said 'you need to come with me right now' "I really think we should go."
"Fine. But if even one bad thing happens."
"It won't."
Once Adagio returns from her bathroom break she looks much more relaxed than before. Must have been a really good dump.
"Alright girls. I'm going to be leaving for a just a little while. Until then you're going to be hanging out with Fluttershy and the others."
Aria gets pissed.
"Are you kidding me? Where are you going?"
"I just need to talk with Sunset real quick. I promise it won't take long. Please try to play nice alright."
"Oh I'll show them nice."
"Aria."
Aria pulls her hood down again, no doubt brooding like never before. Adagio and Sonata don't seem to mind one bit. It isn't long before Sunset pulls him off to the edge of the festival.
"What do you need Sunset?" Anon asks "This is clearly urgent."
Sunset looks down for a moment. She was obviously hesitating on what to say.
"Sunset?"
"I was just wondering something."
"What's that?"
"Do the girls have a mother yet?"
"A mother? I imagine they do."
Sunset looks a bit frantic for some reason
"Who is she?"
"Well I don't know. Whatever abomination birthed them in Equestria I'd guess."
"O-oh right."
Sunny clears her throat
"S-so. Rough night?"
"Yeah. I haven't gotten any sleep since two nights ago."
"Does this happen often?"
"It always has. I have insomnia. I was born with a mind that hates the idea of sleep."
"I have something that might help."
"What's that?"
Sunset grabs her purse and starts to dig around in it a bit. She pulls out a eye cover with a single green gem on it.
"What is that?" Anon asked
"I used to have really bad sleeping problems too. So Zecora gave me this. It's something that, when worn, will give you a perfect night of sleep every night. Be warned though, you have to have a clear though in mind of when you want to get up otherwise you won't until someone takes it off of you."
"Good to know. Don't you need it though?"
"Just consider it my Christmas present to you."
"So why did you really drag me out here? It was obviously not for this."
"O-oh nothing really. Just wanted to talk."
"About what?"
Sunset stiffens up
"Oh nothing."
"Well then, if it's alright with you, I'd like to get back to my girls."
"You really do love them huh?"
"I do. They are the first real instances of happiness I've had in so long. They make every day worth living."
"Are you saying you wanted to die?"
Anon doesn't respond.
"Well whatever it is." Sunset smiles "If you need to talk, you've got my number."
"Thanks Sunset. How's Rarity doing?"
Sunset looks almost offended by this
"Why?"
"Well... we had a bit of a fight the other night. I was just hoping it didn't bring her down or anything."
"A fight?"
"Yeah. Don't worry about the details. Is she alright?"
Sunset thinks for a moment
"Yeah. She's fine."
She says it in almost an empty tone. He couldn't tell if she was lying, but something was certainly off by what she said. Just then, Aria's voice is heard in the distance.
"I don't care! You're just mean!"
"What did you call me!" Rainbow responds
"I called you mean!"
"You have a lot of nerve!"
"Looks like I have to go deal with this." Anon said and started to go before Sunset put a hand on his shoulder "Sunset?"
She looks rather nervously at him before letting go of his shoulder.
"Nothing. Never mind. Just go back to your family."
Anon quickly runs back to ease the tension not hearing the words the escaped Sunset's lips.
Aria and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
"Why don't you just buzz off your rainbow haired freak!?"
"Why I you little!"
Aria and Rainbow were really going at it. Anon was surprised they even lasted this long. Why was it so difficult for Aria to be nice?
"Aria!" Anon yells, yanking her by her hood
"What!? I was just showing Rainbow Trash here who's boss!"
"What did you just call me!?"
It took both Rarity and Applejack to keep her form slugging the little girl. Apparently everyone neglected to tell Aria that was a popular name that bullies used to call her. Anon yanks Aria away, Adagio and Sonata following close behind.
"Aria. What the hell are you doing?" Anon said in a near yell
"Showing that bitch what happens when she calls me a monster."
"Aria watch your mouth."
She sticks her tongue out
"Make me."
"Oh I will."
Anon pulls out a phone and starts to dial. All of a sudden Aria's tough, defiant attitude fades rapidly.
"W-who are you calling?" she stammers
"Oh no one in particular. Just someone who owes me a little favor."
Spook Aria straight phase one: activate. Anon pretends there is someone on the other line.
"Yes is this the police? I would like some help with something. You see, my daughter is bullying another girl."
Aria's face turns white as sheet and her eyes become wider than dinner plates.
"D-Dad I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!"
Perfect. All is going according to plan.
"What's that officer? You say you'll let her off if she apologizes? Well that's good. I'm glad I know someone so merciful. Not many would be so nice."
"I'll apologize, I'll apologize! Just please don't call the police!"
Anon hangs up his fake phone call
"Well you heard me. Go apologize to Rainbow Dash."
Anon had never seen her run so fast in his life. He was glad this was all it took to make her do it. She didn't have to like Rainbow of course, but she really had to cut this yelling stuff out. She needed to learn when to behave. Aria returns shortly.
"So?"
She looks down and grumbles.
"Aria."
"I apologized." she said angrily
"Good job. Aria, you don't never to be Rainbow's friend. But please stop yelling at her alright?"
All of sudden Aria turns around and kicks a trashcan, knocking it over. Damn Rainbow and her big mouth. She really hurt Aria with that comment. Anon just let out a sigh.
"We're going back."
Both Sonata and Adagio are outraged
"What!?" they both say
"Yep. Aria clearly needs to calm down and I can't just leave you two here alone. We're going back."
"But daaaaaad!" Sonata whines
"Sorry. My mind is made up. Come on."
Anon and the girls head back to the room in complete silence, Aria with her hood pulled over her head as far as it could go. Sometimes you had to practice a little tough love to be a good parent. And what better way to practice it than through peer pressure? As the elevator came to the floor their room was on, the three marched out. The tension was so thick it made it hard to breathe. Anon opened the door and the girls sat and opposite ends of the room.
"Why don't we all take a group nap?" Anon proposed "You three look quite tired. We can go to the pool afterwards."
There wasn't a sound. This was clearly going to be a rough Christmas Eve.
"Come on girls. You all will feel much better if you take a nap."
No response. Anon picked Adagio up in his arms.
"Hey! Let me go!"
"Come on. We need to get some sleep."
Anon placed Adagio down in the bed and tucked her in, her face blushing bright red. He did the same to Sonata. But then came Aria.
"If you touch me I'll break your fingers." the little ten year old said
Ignoring this, Anon picks her up and places her in the bed. Surprisingly, she didn't even struggle. She just sat there next to Sonata.
"Now let's all just take a quick nap." Anon said, climbing in next to Adagio "We'll feel much better."
Anon needed this more than anyone. Apparently staying up all night long makes you tried. What are the odds? It didn't take long before he fell into a deep, restful sleep. It was so restful that he didn't even dream. By the time he woke up it was night outside and, surprisingly, the girls hadn't trashed the house in a fit of rage while he was out. The three little blessings just laid there peacefully, enjoying their snooze. Anon turned over to find Aria hugging Sonata tightly and Sonata with her head tucked firmly in her sister's chest. Adagio still had her arms around his waist. At least some good came of this awful day.
Anon manages to shimmy his way out of Adagio's grasp and tip toes into the shower. It felt good to have a long, hot shower in silence. He had nearly forgotten what they felt like. After a relaxing soak, he makes his way out to find Adagio had awoken.
"Morning dad." she said in a familiar hollow tone
"More like night Dagi. But good morning just the same."
Dagi's eyes wander to the cute sight of Aria and Sonata cuddled up together and she cracks a small smile.
"Those two. I don't know how I manage."
"You think it's bad, try being me. I have to raise all three of you."
She giggles and wraps the blanket around herself tightly.
"This should make you more comfortable" Anon says, turning on the fireplace
"Thanks dad." she pauses "Sorry about today."
"It's alright Adagio. You did nothing wrong."
Once the room begins to heat up, it takes no time at all for the other two girls to wake up. Once Aria realizes where she is, she quickly jumps out of bed, her face red.
"M-man that was so lame." Aria says
"For realizies? 'Cause I thought that that was the best." Sonata giggles
"J-j-just be quiet ok!"
Aria quickly rushes to the bathroom, her face burning even redder than before. It was good to see that it took nearly no time at all for them to go back to their old selves. Sometimes a good nap is all you need.
"How are you feeling Sonata?"
She looks at him with the cutest pair of eyes.
"I'm alright! I'm still sad we didn't get to do that festival thingy."
"Don't worry, Sonata. You pretty much experienced as much as it had to offer."
He was right of course. Other than the ferris wheel, there were only a few silly games to play. Sonata hops off the bed and goes to snuggle her other sister. She sure was lovey-dovey right now. Adagio takes her in the blanket and the two snuggle hug each other. After a little while Aria composes herself and comes out of the bathroom, her tough girl act in over drive.
"What are you losers doing?"
She crosses her arms, clearly embarrassed
"Aria?"
"Yes daddy? Uh I mean- What do you want?"
"Why don't you go over and cuddle in the blankets with your sisters?"
She goes bright red
"W-why?"
"So I can take a picture of it. I want to preserve this moment."
"F-fine." she scoffs "But I'm not going to like it."
Aria bashfully crawls under the blankets, Sonata giving her a big smooch
"S-Sonata!"
"What?"
"Alright girls." Anon said, trying to stop them before they got into a fight "Smile."
The three girls smile, Sonata having the biggest of all, into Anon's tiny phone camera before he snaps a picture. It was absolutely adorable. No doubt a picture he was going to be playing at a wedding. This Christmas Eve was already shaping. Nothing could possibly ruin it.
Sonata cocks her head curiously "How do we do that?"
"Well, we have to make preparations for Santa of course."
"Santa?"
He had completely forgot. The Dazzlings, being from another world, had no concept of this world's myth and legend.
"Why, yes, Santa. He's a jolly, fat old man and If you're all good girls, he will fill you the tree with presents."
Sonata's eyes glow and a big smile forms on her face.
"For realzies!?"
"For realzies."
Aria rolls her eyes
"That sounds pretty fak- OW!"
Aria is interrupted by a elbow to the ribs from Adagio.
"Fantastic." Aria corrects herself "Fantastic is what I was going to say."
"Right." Anon agrees "He makes a list of those who were naughty and nice and the nice little girls get presents."
Sonata's amazement knows no bounds
"Was I good girl Anon!?" Sonata asks, hopefully
"Of course you were Sonna. But remember the only way for Santa to come is to go to bed. If you wake up, you'll scare him off."
"Right!"
Anon runs a hand through the cute little blue girl's hair as she cuddles even closer to her sister. She was so sweet.
"Alright, the first step to making this place Santa ready is to spruce up the tree." Anon pauses "Get it?"
The girls look at him, completely clueless to the pun he just made.
"Because spruce is a type of tree?"
No response
"Alright moving on then." Anon points to the tree and gets out an ornament, putting it on the tree "Observe."
The three little ones each get their ornaments and place them on the tree. Luckily for Anon, the tree already came with lights and a star at the tip.
"Now for the next step: Cookies and milk."
As if Sonata wasn't already excited enough
"We get to eat cookies Anon!?"
"Yes and no. We get cookies but only some. We have to leave some out for Santa when he comes. Luckily for us, I packed some cookies already."
He goes into his bag and digs out a box of already premade cookies, placing it at the base of the tree.
"And the final step, of course, is being cute. But you three already have the covered." he said "Now we have a few hours before bedtime, what do you say we head down to the pool like I promised? Unless of course you girls would like to do something different."
"I'm good for it." Dagi said
"Fine, whatever." Aria said
"Yay!" said Sonata
"Well then I guess we're in agreement. Let's head down."
They all put on their swim suits and go down to the pool. Rarity and Sunset Shimmer seemed to have the same idea. As the three sisters do their separate activities, Aria going to the hot tub and Sonata and Adagio goofing around in the pool, Anon went to sit by his adult friends. Rarity sat on a lawn chair, looking fabulous as usual, while Sunset sat at the edge of the pool, only her feet sinking into the pale blue water. She looked amazing in the swim suit, every stunning curve exhibiting itself like a perfectly rendered sculpture. As they see Anon approaching, Sunset perks up.
"Hey, Anon." Sunset said with a smile "How are you?"
"I'm alright. Just letting the girls have some exercise before bed."
"What did you end up doing after you went back to calm Aria?" Rarity asks
"We all took a little nap. Sometimes little girls just got fussy when they don't get enough sleep."
"I probably could've used something like that?" Rarity giggled
"So, Anon" Sunset begins "what have you been doing with yourself since the Dazzling incident? Besides raising your new family of course."
"Nothing terribly fascinating." he says "Just mundane things like gaming."
It was a lie of course. Before he had gotten the Dazzlings and really came to love them, his mind was often preoccupied with depression and even suicide at times. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that these girls literally saved his life. He quickly moved away from the topic.
"What about you two?"
"I've been working on my craft in dresses." Rarity said "It's hard work and the market it unforgiving but it's a life I love."
They both turn to Sunset who seems to get nervous.
"Oh well... nothing in particular. Just doing school and things."
She was clearly lying. She was nervously fidgeting with her hair and wouldn't make eye contact. They both decide not to press her on the matter.
"Do you plan on going back to school Anon?" Rarity asks
"Probably not. It isn't really my thing. College isn't for me"
"Well, darling, I would propose going. There is nothing shameful about increasing your knowledge."
"I probably won't." Anon said "So Sunset, what do you plan to do with your life? Any jobs you're trying to peruse?"
"I'm not sure honestly." she said "There are a lot of jobs but most of them aren't very fun or interesting. Certainly no Dragonslayers or Royal Advisers."
Anon giggled
"Yes, that's very true. But I would certainly do accounting over slaying dragons any day. Would you ever consider going back to Equestria?"
Sunset looks down
"Let's just... not talk about that alright?"
"Alright."
An awkward silence settles down over the group before Rarity breaks the ice again
"Anon would you be interested in a little project I'm doing?"
"Like what?"
"Well, you see, I need someone to try on my new line. Most of the outfits are just your size."
"They're male outfits right?"
"Of course, darling. I would never get you to put on a dress. Not unless you wanted too of course."
Sunset all of a sudden gets up and storms out of the pool, fists clench. What had her so angry?
"Sunset has been acting so strangely." Anon said "Do you know what's going on with her?"
Rarity looks down nervously
"Oh uh... I wouldn't know."
"You sound like you're lying."
"I promise I'm not. You know us girls. We get weird sometimes."
"Whatever you say."
After a while of sitting quietly, bedtime finally approaches.
"Well I have to get the girls to bed. I will talk to later alright?"
"Talk to you later Anon. Have a good night."
"You as well, Rarity."
Anon walks over and gets the girls out, taking them upstairs and getting changed.
"Alright girls. To bed."
Once they were in bed it was going to be time for a super secret mission. Sonata pouts.
"But I'm not tired!"
"I know Sonna. But you need to get rest. Remember, if you don't fall asleep Santa won't come."
"Fine, fine." Sonata looks at Adagio "Can I sleep with big sis tonight?"
"Of course you can."
"Just don't snore alright?" Dagi teases
"I won't!" She smiled back
Aria shoots them a look he couldn't quite explain. Was she jealous of their positive relationship?
"Alright girls. Bed."
The three girls get under the covers and settle in, quickly falling asleep. Now it was Anon's time to shine and go on his secret mission. Just as he was about to exit the lobby, his cellphone rings. Who would be calling at such a late hour?
"Hello?" Anon answered
"Hi, sweetie."
Anon's blood begins to boil. Just the thing to ruin this day: his mother.
"I thought I told you I never wanted to hear your voice again? Or did you forget that?"
"Come on honey. Come on."
She was slurring her speech. It was obvious that she had been drinking again. It made Anon even angrier that she couldn't do him the simple courtesy of calling sober.
"What the hell do you want? If you want money for beer than you should hang up now."
"Honey just... just slow. Slow"
She was so drunk she could barely speak. Probably didn't even understand a word he was saying either.
"You have five fucking seconds to explain why you're calling me or I'm hanging up."
"I lorve... louve... loove... you."
"Fan-fucking-tastic. It would be even fucking better if I could believe that. I hate you. No go back to drinking you piece of shit."
Anon hangs up with a hard click, nearly throwing his phone to the ground. She was not going to ruin this for him. He was going to have the Christmas she never gave him growing up, no matter how much she tried to stop it with her drunken nonsense. Good riddance to her and good riddance to all those who hurt him. He was finally happy and nothing would stop him from being so.
It took a while to finish his secret mission (and rant a while in the moonlight) but Anon made it home at last. At 5:30 in the morning. Man was his sleep schedule screwed. It was going to take ages to right it. Anon quietly sneaks in with the spoils of his journey and start to prepare a bit; half-eating the cookies, drinking the milk, and setting the presents just so. Just as he gets up to do his next task, a loud creak is heard from the floorboard, waking little Aria.
"D-daddy?" she whispers
"Oops. Looks like I woke you up. Good morning Aria."
She pushes her face back into the pillow
"Good morning daddy."
"As bright and cheerful as usual I see."
Aria just groans. She was not what one would call a morning person.
"I hate waking up." Aria says "Dreams are so much better."
Anon could hear a hint of depression in her voice. She was much too young to be saying things like that. Anon just tries to joke with it
"You got that right."
"Daddy?"
"Yes, sweet pea?"
"Where did you go last night?"
Looks like Anon wasn't as stealthy as he'd like to believe
"Oh nowhere, just out to buy a few books."
Aria looks skeptically at him.
"You're a terrible liar daddy. I could feel your anger when you came home."
"Feel it?"
"Yeah. I don't know how to explain it, but it was almost like energy and it was so strong it woke me." she pauses "It was like a tidal wave."
Was this one of the sirens powers? To sense emotion? He sits on the bed next to her.
"Don't you worry Ms. Blaze. It was perfectly ok." he reassured her "Why don't you get ready and I will wake the other two"
"Alright."
She falls out of bed and crawls into the shower as Anon goes to wake up the other two. They were quite a pair, Sonata and Dagi. They sat there, Adagio's arms wrapped tightly around Sonata's sleeping form. He almost didn't want to wake them. Almost.
"Sonata. Sonata. Wake up. Adagio. Adagi-"
Sonata bursts to life like a firecracker and yells "I'm ready for Christmas!"
Anon nearly jumped out of his skin. How long had she been waiting to do that? Adagio slowly gets up, rubbing her eyes.
"Good morning, Dad." Adagio said with a big stretch
"You girls ready for the best Christmas ever?"
Sonata jumps right out of bed
"Aye!"
Anon noticed that Sonata was starting to parrot Adagio's verbal tick of saying 'aye, sir'. Was she starting to pick the up from her? It was cute nonetheless.
"Alright this is how we are gonna do this." he says "We are each going to take turns opening the presents. We will start with Sonata and go left to Adagio and then Aria."
Sonata cocks her head to the side
"What about you daddy? Didn't Santa leave you any presents?"
"Not this year. I wasn't the best guy."
"What!? That isn't true! You have been the best daddy ever, ever, ever! How could he skip you!"
Anon felt a pain sting in his hear. Sonata seemed genuinely outraged by this.
"I lied Sonata."
"Lied?"
"Yes. He did actually give me presents."
"Really!? What are they!?"
Anon smiles
"Three gems. They each have names too. Sonata Dusk, Aria Blaze, and Adagio Dazzle. And they are the best gifts I have ever received in my life."
Adagio smiles and hugs her father tight.
"Thanks dad. I love you."
"I love you too, Adagio."
Aria finally exits the shower. The fun was set to begin. They each gather around in a circle.
"Alright Sonata. Open up your first one."
Sonata takes her first present and tears it open revealing the cute slippers from Adagio.
"I love them Dagi! You are the best big sis I've ever had!"
She goes to snuggle hug her big sister and gives her a big kiss on the cheek.
"Alright, Adagio. Your turn."
She takes the present Anon had gotten her. As she opens up the gift to reveal shampoo she smiles.
"Mmm. It smells so good. This will work perfectly on my hair."
"I think there are some ingredients in there that could be used to split atoms."
She just sticks her tongue out.
"Oh ha, ha."
"Aria, after you."
Trying to look indifferent (and failing) she opens the present from Dagi, the long flowing dress with a heart on the chest. She holds it up, completely mystified. And at that moment, Aria's inner littler girl jumps out.
"This is so pretty! I can't wait to try it on with the new makeup I've been sav-"
The whole group smiles at her reaction as Aria turns a deep shade of red.
"I-I mean this is so silly. I can't believe you guys thought I would enjoy this."
"Well, we could take it back if you don't like it." Adagio teases
"NO! I mean um... I'll keep if it means making you happy."
The whole group, including Aria, bursts out laughing. She was so silly.
"Alright Sonata, you're up."
Anon takes out his phone and readies the camera as Sonata goes to open her second gift. She rips the wrapping paper off to find the pillow he had gifted her. Sonata snuggles her dad.
"It's so warm and fuzzy daddy!"
Anon snaps the picture of him and Sonata hugging together, saving the cuteness forever. Adagio takes the present from Aria just as he gets his camera ready again. Adagio was awestruck.
"Aria! How did you know I wanted this?"
Aria smirks, clearly pleased with how much her sister liked the journal she so expertly picked out.
"Call it intuition." Aria said
Adagio lunges in for a big hug, catching her off guard
"You're the best." said Adagio
Aria gives her one of her signature snuggle hugs and says "Yeah, yeah, don't get used to it."
Anon quickly snaps a picture at Aria's dismay
"Hey!" she protested "Don't take a picture of that!"
"Why? It's cute."
"B-but.. it's embarrassing."
"There is nothing embarrassing about showing affection to your sis. You two are cute."
"Fine, whatever."
She clearly liked it but wouldn't admit it.
"Well Aria you're up."
Aria reaches for the present Sonata had given her, the blanket with hearts all over it.
"Oh my god this is the cutest thing!" Aria gushed
"Sonata got that for you." Anon said with a big smile
Aria had the biggest smile on her face. She wasn't even bothering to hide her girly side any more.
"I love it so much! I love the cute hearts and just ugh. It's amazing! Thank you Sonaynay."
Wait what? Sonaynay? Sonata cocked her head at the sound of her new nickname.
"What'd you call me?" Sonata asks innocently
Aria looks down and fidgets
"S-Sonata. What did you think I said?"
Sonata just stares at her with innocent puppy dog eyes
"I liked that nickname big sis. It's cute."
"U-u-um I didn't call you anything! J-j-just leave it alone alright? D-dork."
"You're really starting to come out of your shell Aria. I like it. You're a lot more fun when you take off your tough girl mask."
Aria just ignores it and the present opening continues. Sonata opens her last present, the big stuffed cat, and hugs it tightly.
"I LOVE IT!" Sonata yells
"That was from Aria." Anon says
She goes and hugs her sister.
"I love you, Aria."
"Yeah, yeah whatever you dork." Aria said, trying her best to hide her smile
Dagi takes her present without saying a word and begins to open it up. It's the beanie from Sonata. Dagi puts it on her head and looks at her reflection in the iced over window.
"Thank you Sonata. It's super cute."
Something changed in Adagio at the moment, however, and only Anon seemed to pick up on it. She seemed to become a lot more somber, depressed even.
"Everything ok Adagio?" Anon asked
Adagio slowly nods
"Yeah. I'm fine."
Anon decided it was best to just keep the train rolling. He could talk to her once all the presents were handed out. After Aria got her blanket it was time for the fun part: to see the fruits of his secret mission to pay off. Anon goes into his bag and pulls out three tightly wrapped boxes presents.
"Alright girls. Now for your presents for Santa."
Sonata's eyes light up
"I'VE REALLY BEEN A GOOD GIRL!?"
Adagio gets annoyed by the noise
"Inside voice Sonata."
Anon hands each of them their boxes and they open them up. Inside each box is a necklace with a large red gem on it, each of the three girls names being engraved in silver on the back. The perfect gift for his perfect gems.
After that perfect Christmas, the rest of the trip went by without incident. The three girls wore their new gems with pride, knowing this time they weren't a sign of ugly envy, but beauty and wisdom. And now came the real fun: making the adoption official. Anon had spent a while filling out the paperwork the best he could. He was sure he could figure a way to get the blanks sorted out.
He could feel his heart race and his eyes water just at the thought. He was becoming a father! An actual, real father! Someone who was done with humanity, people, love, and life in general, was about to become a father. It was amazing just how much three little girls could turn ones life around. Anon never imagined in a million years the three demon sea monsters from another dimension would melt his heart of stone. Anon sat on the porch step, watching the sun sink beneath the horizon. Adagio walks out and sits beside him.
"Hi, dad."
"Hey, sweetheart."
"What're you doing out here?" she asked "It sure is cold out here."
"Just thinking a bit is all."
Anon hugged his soon to be official daughter closely.
"So what happens now?" Dagi asked
"Well I suppose the first thing for me to do is finalize the adoption." he said "Then the next step is to make sure you all going to school."
Adagio seems puzzled
"What's a matter?"
"Nothing in particular."
"You don't seem very happy about this. Almost somber."
"I wouldn't say that. More just in disbelief. If someone would've told me a year ago I would be the father of three little girls and love every second of it, I would have laughed in their face. It's just unbelievable is all."
"I love you, dad."
"I love you too, Adagio."
The two sit outside for a while, watching the beautiful stars cover the heavens. There was nothing better than sitting on the porch with he sweet little girl. But as all good things do, they had to end.
"Why don't you go get some rest Adagio? I'll be up soon."
"You sure you're alright out here all by yourself?"
That was little Dagi for you, always concerned for everyone else.
"Of course I am. Go ahead and get some sleep."
"Alright."
She kisses him on the cheek
"Night Dad."
"Night."
Anon just sat out there for a while longer, looking up towards the sky. It was amazing how much more beautiful the world was when you weren't deep in depression. Even in this darkness, everything just seemed brighter. Anon wondered up to bed and sat down. Sonata was resting there peacefully, like a little angel. He pushed the hair from her eyes and snuggled up close. He feel asleep quickly, with a big smile on his face.
The next morning Anon is awoken by loud stomping and running throughout the house. He could only guess as to what shenanigans were taking place. He cracks open his eyes to see the girls flash past the doorway. They were playing a game of tag. Sonata rushes back and sees him.
"DADDY'S AWAKE" she yells at the top of her lungs
Aria and Adagio immediately run back to his bedroom as well, peaking from the sides. Aria had a wide smile on her face and was wearing the dress she got for Christmas. It was so good to see her be herself for a change. It seemed to make her a lot happier.
"Did you have a good sleep daddy?" Aria asked
"I did indeed, Aria."
"It's about time too."
Anon looked at his clock. It was one in the afternoon. Anon quickly got up.
"You girls must be hungry huh?"
The three of them nodded and Anon went down to the kitchen to quickly make some sandwiches.
"Alright girls. Quickly eat this. Then we'll go make you my daughters."
Aria's smile couldn't be wider
"We're really doing it then?"
"Yes. I wouldn't lie about something like this."
Aria just looks at you with her eyes sparkling
"This is going to be so fun."
The three of them wolfed it down and were ready faster than you could say daddy
"You ready to get a new father?"
"Aye, sir!" Adagio said
"Aye!" Sonata parroted
"Yes!" Aria sounded off
"Well then we better get going."
They all gather up in the car and Anon debriefs them
"Alright girls. All I need to do is fill some paperwork out, do and interview, and then you'll legally be under my wing. I need you three to be on your absolute best behavior."
"Right." Adagio says
"They may ask to interview you three as well and all you need to answer as honestly as you can ok?"
"Aye!" Sonata chirps
Sonata was so excited she could barely sit still. But it would be well worth the half hour drive. The building was remarkably ugly, just a tall red brick monstrosity. They get out and head towards the door.
"I am so proud of your girls. This is going to be great."
Aria held his hand
"I love you daddy."
"I love you too."
It didn't take long for the clerk to get them set up, Aria clinging to Anon's side all the while. In only five minutes they were ready to be seen. The receptionist leads you back to the office. Just then Anon's blood ran cold. The woman awaiting them had black hair, blue eyes and glasses with a small, familiar scar running just below her chin from childhood. Bella, his ex fiance'. The color drained from his face as she looked him dead in the eye. Dagi pulls on his sleeve
"You alright dad? You're as pale as a ghost."
Sonata shivers
"There are ghosts here!?"
Aria sighs
"No dumb, dumb. She said he looks like a ghost."
Anon giggles a bit. That was just what he needed. Bella looks disinterested, just as she always did.
"So I assume you here to adopt those three cuties there?" she sighed
It infuriated him that Bella referred to them as 'cuties' and even more so as if you two were complete strangers. But this was like her. She was sweet as honey at first but had a bad habit of leaving a nasty after taste. But who was he to think a girl that left him at the alter would be anything else? She had only gotten more insufferable. Though he wanted to open up on her, he had to keep his cool. He was here for to adopt the three best things that ever happened to him, not get caught up in some pointless squabble.
"Correct." he said through gritted teeth
Bella smiled at this. She was clearly trying to goad him.
"Well first you need to fill this paperwork out."
Anon hands his already filled out paperwork and she looks it over with a fine tooth comb.
"So now what happens?"
"Well, now we need to process your paperwork. If everything checks out, then they're yours. After that we will need to meet with you on a weekly basis to check on how they are doing and if all is well you're home free."
"Alright."
"Thank you for coming in."
She extends her hand to shake and Anon begrudgingly accepts it. Just as he was about to leave, she twists the knife a little further.
"I do, I do." she says in a mocking tone, as if she was finishing he wedding vows
Anon clenches his fists and quickly goes outside.
"Daddy?" Sonata asks "Who was the lady?"
"Nobody you need to worry about Sonata."
"She wasn't very pretty."
Aria gives her a hard elbow. She must've known who she was after seeing the pictures still present in the spare room in which she slept.
"What was that for?" Sonata whines
Aria gives her a "shut your stupid mouth" look and motions to Anon. Sonata quickly gets the message.
"It's fine." he said "Let's just go home and forget about it alright."
Adagio looks at him sympathetically "Are you sure?"
Anon rubs her poof
"I'm sure." he lied
Adagio, with her cunning intuition, could still tell something was bothering her soon to be father, but she left it alone. He had so many questions. Why was she there? Why would they allow some so vile, so repugnant to work so close to children? Why was she treating you as if you were some business partner? And most importantly of all, what did she hope to gain by this? She was clearly after something and it was obviously not to help him. Would she try to throw a wrench in the adoption plans? Or maybe try to get something out of him in exchange? Just thinking about it was making him angry. He put on some music to ease the tension.
Whatever happened though, he had his three little girls by his side and that was all he needed in this life.
"Alright girls. We have most of the day left. What would you three like to do?"
Aria's smile seemed completely glued to her face.
"I don't know, Dad." she said, putting extra emphasis on 'dad'
Anon smiles back, brushing a hand through her hair
"How about this. Why don't we go to the Museum of Nature and Science?"
Sonata jumps for joy
"Yay! That sounds like super fun!"
"What's your opinion Dagi?"
"Yeah..."
Again with this somber vibe. What had gotten into her? Her eyes also had the empty look to them, as if she was staring into space.
"What's the matter Adagio?" Anon asked
"Nothing." she replied "I'm alright."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
Anon just left it alone. He was going to have to talk to her at some point, but now was not the best time. After a brief rest, Anon and the girls got back in the car and began the long drive into town. For once, Aria and Sonata were getting along long enough to play together. They were continuing the stare contest that Anon had interrupted last time. Adagio, however, was as depressed as usual. She was just staring out the window, her eyes glazed over. What in the world could be bothering her right now? After about an hour they arrive at the museum.
"I have to use the restroom." Adagio says
"Alright. I'll be waiting outside alright?"
"Aye, sir!"
She scurries off to the bathroom while Anon waits with the other two. They wait there for what seems like forever before Adagio comes back out. Instantly it's clear that something is wrong. Dagi is drenched in sweat, pale as a ghost and panting. She also has a frenzied look in her eyes.
"Adagio? What's the matter? You look sick."
"What? Sick? N-no I'm just fine."
"You sure? You don't have to keep going if you don't want to. We can take a little rest."
"I said I'm fine!" she snapped
There's a brief pause
"If you're sure. But if you need help just say so."
After Anon pays for the tickets, they start to walk around.
"So which exhibit should we see first?"
Sonata looks around for a second before pointing to the left
"OH LET'S SEE THE SPACE ONE!" she yells excitedly
"Any objections?"
The other two shake their head.
"Alright, we'll go there first."
They walk through a large tunnel covered in pictures of stars and planets and glistening with bright lights. Sonata is in awe.
"Wow!" Sonata says "This is so awesome daddy."
"I agree." said Anon "They've updated this since I was here last. It wasn't nearly this cool the last time I was here."
Anon looks back to see Adagio walking slowly and breathing hard, as if she had just run a mile. The frenzied look in her eyes had only gotten worse. Enough was enough and Anon's protective instincts kicked in.
"Adagio tell me what's wrong. No more lying."
Adagio grabs his shoulder and whispers
"I-it's just my time of the month alright? I need to go to the bathroom."
She is so pale her skin is nearly white and she's colder than ice. There was no way this could be boiled down to a simple menstruation cycle.
"If you're not better by the time you come back we'll take you home."
She becomes frantic
"N-no! Sonata really wants to see this! We can't leave!"
"But if you have come down with some condition it won't be worth it. You can go to the restroom, but if you come back like this we need to leave."
"Fine." she says and storms off
But that's when he sees it. Just as she turns to head for the restroom, Adagio's eyes came into view. They almost look like they are crying out in terror. Like she's afraid of something. Was that why she wasn't telling him? Was something or someone threatening her safety? Once Dagi is out of earshot, Anon kneels beside Aria and Sonata.
"Ok girls." he says sternly "I don't mean to alarm you but something is wrong with Adagio and she won't say what."
Aria nods in agreement
"You saw it too then? That look in her eyes?"
"Yes."
Sonata looks down sadly
"Is big sister going to be alright daddy?"
Anon hugs his little girl tight
"You can bet your life on it. Now lets get going."
The three of them follow Adagio to the restroom and see her acting strangely. She was digging in the trashcan for some reason. Aria tries to go out to stop her but Anon pulls her back.
"Wait." he says "We need to say what she gets out of there. I got a feeling it's linked to her odd behavior."
"But-"
"Just be patient. We need to see what she gets."
Aria grumbles and they wait and watch. What she pulls out of the trashcan filled Anon's heart with a deep pain.
Adagio keeps frantically searching in the trashcan and pulls what she was looking for out of it. A half smoked cigarette. She then pulls out something even more surprising: a lighter. Anon gets up and walks towards her. It all made sense now. Whenever they were in a crowded place she found cigarettes and it kept her calm. Whenever they were alone, however, she got depressed and frantic. It explained why she had gotten so pale too. He couldn't believe he didn't see it sooner. As Adagio sees him coming her eyes widen in fear and she hides the lighter and cancer stick.
"Adagio?" he asked sternly "What are you doing?"
"W-what are you talking about?" she lied "I was just using the bathroom."
"We saw what you took out of the trash Adagio. You're not fooling anyone."
All of a sudden, Aria steps forward
"Adagio? Why?" Aria pleaded
Her eyes are contorted in pain, almost as if she looks betrayed. Adagio just remains silent.
"Come on girls. We're going home."
"But-" Adagio started
"Now, Adagio. And while you're at it, throw away the cigarette and lighter while you're at it."
Adagio's head sinks in shame and she throws them both away. The group marches out in complete silence and get in the car. Anon could tell if he was mad or depressed about the whole thing. He should have seen this, he should have prevented this! Why didn't she tell him in the first place? He felt so stupid, so ridiculous, so ashamed for not being able to protect his daughter. They finally reached the house and Anon parked the car just outside of the garage.
"Aria, Sonata. Go inside. Adagio and I need to have a little talk. And behave while you're in there."
The two sisters both nod and go in silently. Anon turns of the engine and looks at Adagio.
"So. Is there something you'd like to tell me?"
Adagio looks miserable. He could tell just by looking at her that she had a million different thought whizzing around in her head. She was probably trying to think of whether or not to tell him whatever it was she needed to say.
"I... I'm sorry."
"How long?"
"It started way back... The first one I got was when we were Christmas shopping."
"And how did you know how use them?"
"It's all a bit hazy. But while we were in the mall I found and unused cigar on the floor and a lighter next to it." she explain "So I did it out of curiosity and now we're here."
"Why did you do it? I'm sure I don't need to tell you how dangerous those things are."
Adagio looked down, her face deeply wrenched with pain. Whatever secret she was keeping had clearly been weighing heavily on her mind.
"Well..." she started, biting her lip "Remember when I said I wasn't experiencing any more effects of that thing inside me? I lied..."
"You what?"
"I'm sorry! I just... I just didn't want you to worry about me. And the smoking made it go away."
Anon leans his head back against the seat. How could he have been so blind? How could he not have seen this?
"You should have told me."
Finally, the dam bursts and she starts to cry
"I... I just feel so much pressure!" she blubbers "I want to impress you, I want to protect Sonata and Aria, I... I just for once want to be the daughter who isn't a burden!"
Anon eyes widen by the sudden outburst. Had she really been holding all these things inside? Adagio puts her head in her hands and sobs.
"But now I'm more of a burden than ever! You must hate my guts! I am such a horrible daughter!"
Anon's heart felt like it was being stabbed with a knife hearing those words. He hugs her tight.
"Oh, Dagi" Anon said gently "When did you ever once believe I thought of you as a burden?"
"All the time! I mean look at me! When we went skiing you had to talk me down just because of my hair, I ruined Sonata's perfect trip to the museum, and now this! I am such a disappointment! I'm the worst!"
"Adagio. I have never once thought of you as a burden. Never. I don't blame you for this. You were just trying to cope the best way you knew how. And the other times, I don't see as bad. We're not perfect. Sometimes we slip and fall. It's what makes us human."
"I'm not human! I'm a monster!"
"You're not a monster darling girl. You're my daughter and no daughter of mine would ever be a monster."
All Adagio could do now was cry. She just sat there with her head in her hands. She really had been keeping this in for a while. It was amazing she managed to keep a brave face as long as she did. Not many people could do that without breaking down.
"I'm sorry Daddy. I'm so, so, so sorry."
"Shhhh. So long as you don't smoke again, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I will always love you no matter what choices you make. Remember that."
She hugs her father tightly, spending the better part of an hour crying with him before finally running out of tears. It just went to show how much pain she had been keeping inside her this whole time.
"Thank you daddy. I promise from this point on I will never touch one of those things ever again."
"Good girl. I'm afraid I'm going to have to punish you for this though. You're grounded to your room for a week."
"W-what?"
"Yep. You can still call me up if you need me but you're not allowed to come out unless I say. You can also come down for meals."
"But... no. I deserve this. Alright. I'll do it."
They get out of the car, Adagio holding his hand and went into the house. Now it was time to explain the situation to the others. What an absolute joy. Adagio lumbers upstairs and Anon calls out to her.
"If something happens, please call me Adagio. I'll be up there instantly."
Adagio smiles
"Ok. I promise I will."
Anon felt terrible about this but he had to stand firm. He wanted to make absolutely certain she never did this again. He was going to check on her every now and again just to make sure she was alright, but she had to be left alone to think about what she'd done. Aria and Sonata rush to his side.
"Alright girls. Adagio has be grounded to her room for the next week. You're not allowed to go up there without my permission."
Aria looks down "Alright."
"You too Sonata."
She nods and hugs him tight.
"I hope big sis Dagi gets better soon"
"She will sweet girl. I promise."
He kisses Sonata's forehead and stands up.
"I'll be in my room if you need me."
Just before he leaves, Aria pulls on his sleeve.
"Actually dad... can we talk to real quick? It's important."
"Of course you can darling."
Aria leads him into her room and takes out the scrapbook again.
"Is it alright if we keep talking about this? We didn't finish last time."
Anon sits on the bed
"What would you like to know?"
Aria sits beside her father, leaning her head against him
"Tell me about Bella. I know she's someone you know because of the pictures."
"Well, Aria, once upon a time your old man actually had someone he wanted to marry. She was the girl."
Aria's eyes go wide
"Seriously? But when we were at the adoption agency you seemed so angry."
"Let's start this story at the beginning shall we? Picture me, nineteen years old and in college for the very first time. I was a shut in for most of my life, preferring to stay in my room and play video games whenever possible. So I'm here in college and I meet this woman. She had the most beautiful black hair and an even more gorgeous smile. And she sat by me in math class every day."
Anon pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath. The wounds still ran pretty deep.
"We started talking and hit off almost instantly. She was funny and sweet and kind. Just amazing. She seemed to take a liking to me and my goofy nature. My best friend, however, was cautious of this. She believed something was off about her and the way she acted around me. I didn't listen of course, I was madly in love and didn't want to see any negatives to it. She was the first female to ever be willing to get romantically involved with me and I sure wasn't going to pass that up."
He takes another long pause. He didn't expect it to be this hard. Aria holds his hand.
"We can stop if this is too painful." she said "I can tell whatever happened, it really hurt you."
"No, I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry about me."
"You know I can't not worry about my dad. But if you're sure."
Aria readjusts herself to get comfortable and patiently waits for him to continue.
"Bella was... how should I put this kindly... a bit of a sociopath. She felt no empathy for others and viewed everyone around her as a means to an end. I was the perfect target for her. I was young, stupid, and meeting the first girl to ever show me romantic attention. Another thing to add, she really liked to hurt people when they no longer served a purpose. I don't know what purpose I served for her. Maybe she was trying to feel human or many she just enjoyed stringing me along. I asked her to get married and she agreed. After spending a large amount of money on our perfect wedding, getting everything set up, and picking an amazing venue... she stood me up."
"She didn't show up?"
"That's right." Anon said "Right before the wedding began she ran out and never spoke a word to me. Not until now of course"
"Dad?"
"Yes sweetie?"
"You're crying."
A Good Relationship is Like Chocolate Chip Cookies
The week went by without much incident. Adagio managed to keep relatively clam despite her inner siren trying to claw it's way through her consciousness. When Adagio came down for meals she didn't speak much. She was understandably under a lot of stress. Anon let her out of her punishment a day early since she took it like such a champ, but more because the last thing Adagio needed right now was isolation. If anything was going to help her get through this in one piece, it was being with her family. But there was some good news at least: the adoption had been cleared and they were now officially a family. They had a large celebration and even Adagio seemed to cheer up a bit with it. This also meant that they would be starting school as early as next week, though he didn't tell them that yet. No need to spoil the fun. They grow up so fast.
Aria had been the most affectionate she had ever been. She had turned into a nonstop cuddle machine and never referred to Anon as anything other than daddy, constantly telling him how much she loved him. Sonata had become even more energetic than normal, practically bouncing off the walls. And Adagio, while still quite solemn, certainly seemed to be improving. Things were looking up.
Now Anon had to decide the school. Crystal Preparatory Academy or Canterlot High? Both had their ups and downs. CPA was more expensive, but the girls had less chance of being detected that way. He also heard that the attendees there weren't the nicest bunch in the world. They did, however, also had a lot of great classes to prepare them for the real world. CHS was always an option, but while it was cheaper, the girls had a way higher chance of being detected. The mane 7 may know of their innocent intent now, but the entirety of Canterlot High would be hard to convince and even harder to make forgive. He just couldn't figure out what was truly best for them. He didn't want to send them to a school where they would be hurt. Being a father sure was difficult.
"LET'S PLAY A GAME DADDY." Sonata yells in her father's ear, making him jump out of his skin
"Sonata! Don't yell in my ear!"
"Sorry..."
"It's alright. What game would you like to play?"
Sonata clearly hadn't thought it through this far, and tried to figure it out.
"Uh... hide and seek?"
A tired Adagio lumbers upstairs
"I'm going to take a nap dad." she says
"Alright. If you need anything just call."
She doesn't even reply before going into her room. Anon turns his attention back to his little girl and gets an idea. What better way to bond two sisters that don't get along than with a game?
"Aria? Can you come over here please?"
Aria skips over as if she was in dream land
"Yes, daddy?"
"Sonata and I are going to play a game. Want to play with us?"
"What game?"
"Hide and seek."
"Sure!"
"Since Sonata picked the game she gets to pick who seeks first."
Almost instantly Sonata picks Aria and just as quickly as she skipped over, Aria's mood turned sour.
"Why do I have to do it? You're so annoying Sonata!"
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."
Anon decided to let them go at it for a while, thinking it they would get it out of their system. Big mistake. As it starts to escalate, Aria slaps Sonata across the face with resounding force. It knocked Sonata flat on her butt. He readies his ears for the onslaught of crying and whining, but, to his surprise, nothing comes. Aria's eyes are filled with rage and Sonata is cowering in fear. He was almost worried Aria was going to hit her again before she spoke.
"Can't you take anything seriously!? Just for once!? For once!"
Aria's hands are trembling as she spoke
"I mean look at you! All you are is happy, happy lala! Can't you just for once be serious!? Why is that so hard for you!? Why are so ignorant of everything!?"
"Aria." Anon says "That's enough."
Aria grunts and just storms off. Both Sonata and Anon were surprised. That outburst seemed to just come out of nowhere, especially when she seemed so happy just seconds before. Once she was out of earshot, Sonata began to cry. Anon kneels down and gives her a big hug.
"I-I'm sorry daddy!"
"Why do you need to be sorry sweet heart?"
"I'm sorry for acting so dumb around Aria. I just... I just want her to like me... but it comes out wrong!"
He rubs her back
"Aria just shows affection in a weird way. She loves you plenty."
"Really?"
"Really." he said "You're a good girl Sonata."
Now it was time to see just what was up with Aria. He walked down the hall to her room and knocked.
"What!?" Aria screamed
He sighs. She wasn't going to make this easy on him was she? He pushes open the door and sees her with her back turned, hugging a pillow. He sits beside her.
"What's going on Aria?"
"I don't know. I just... I am so angry lately. I don't know why."
"Really?"
"Yes really! Everything is just pissing me off! And what about you!? You've had such a hard life yet all you do is try to take care of us! What is your problem, why can't you think of yourself for a change!?"
"Because I love you girls. You girls are the source of my happiness. Whenever you're happy, I am too."
Aria doesn't say a word. He had to do something about this negative energy. He wasn't about to give up on bonding just yet and he had the perfect plan to do it.
"Aria?"
"What?"
"Come follow me."
"Why should I?"
"Because I said so."
She just grumbles to herself and gets up, following Anon out of the room. Anon calls out to Sonata and upon seeing each other, the two sisters become visibly uncomfortable.
"Alright girls. You two have never gotten along very well. Since Adagio is sleeping I think we're going to do some much needed bonding."
Aria crosses her arms, not fully convinced
"And how exactly are we supposed to do that?"
"Simple. We're going to bake."
Both of their eyes widen
"Are you sure about this daddy?" Sonata asks
"Positive, Sonata. Now, I haven't the slightest clue on how to bake anything. So it will be up to you two to work together to make the family something tasty."
"What will we be baking?"
"Whatever you two want. It could be cookies, a cake, some pastries. Whatever you two decide, I will get the ingredients for."
The two think for a moment
"Well.. I guess we could make some cookies. Is that alright with you Sonata?"
Sonata gives a big grin, the red mark on her cheek from the slap stretching out
"It sure is Aria."
"Alright. I will go grab the ingredients real quick. If anything happens you know the number to call."
They both nod with innocent little eyes and Anon goes to the store to get the ingredients. He made it back in record time, just over ten minutes. To his relief, Sonata and Aria are sitting at the table waiting patiently. He places the ingredients and a recipe on the table.
"Alright girls. I'll leave you too it."
They both look surprised
"You mean you're not helping us?" Aria asked
"Nope. I'll supervise of course, but I want you two to be able to bond without my intervention. I'll only get involved if you get stuck or things get too heated. Lets hope neither happens."
Aria takes a good hard look at the recipe
"Alright, Sonata" she says "You ready to do this?"
"Yep!"
Sonata looks so happy. She really did want to have a good relationship with her sister. Anon sits at the table and watches the show. At first they seem a little self conscious and awkward about him watching, but they quickly tune him out. Sonata grabs a mixing bowl out while Aria gets the batter ready, each of them taking turns stirring. Sonata was stirring the batter a little to fast and getting it everywhere. He was sure this was going to push Aria's buttons, but, to his surprise, she helps her out.
"Sonata, you need to not spin it so hard." Aria takes her sister's hand and stirs it with just enough speed "Like this."
"Alright."
Sonata does exactly as Aria taught her. She gives Sonata a snuggle hug.
"Great job Sonaynay."
Anon has a smile a mile wide. It was good to hear that cute little nickname again. Sonata tries to think of a fun nickname for Aria but comes up short (not pun intended).
"Yeah... Aria... baria?"
Aria smiles and rubs Sonata's head
"Well you tried you little squirt."
Sonata giggles the cutest giggle he'd ever heard and they went right back to baking. They actually managed to pull it off without so much as raising their voices. They set the cookie sheet in the oven and let the magic happen. Aria begins to tickle Sonata and she plays right back. Just then, footsteps are heard descending down the stairs. Adagio had just woken up.
"What's with all the noise down-"
She stops mid sentence, awestruck at the scene playing before her. Aria and Sonata were actually having fun. And all without either Anon or Adagio intervening. Miracles do exist. Adagio looks over to her dad and smiles. This truly was a sign for things to improve. Hopefully they would keep going this way. But with school directly on the horizon, he wasn't so sure.
Three weeks roll by without much incident. Aria and Sonata, however, had both become excellent cooks. It was nice to see them bond over cooking as well. It seemed like the one time they could get together and not go at each other's throats. Adagio had become quite the smarty-pants during that time too. Ever since she had learned that school would be starting soon she had been starting, she had been going on the internet and reading random fact sheets, as well as reading the books in Anon's study. She would come down every now and again to tell him some random facts, all completely from memory. Anything from space to art, she wanted to learn about it. She was just a sponge for knowledge.
The first day arrived in no time at all and the girls were more excited than ever. Anon, however wasn't nearly so much. The day started early with Anon making them chocolate chip pancakes. For the first time, all the girls, even Aria, had gotten up right at six in the morning. They couldn't seem to contain themselves. But Anon had a deep gnawing in his chest, a pain almost. He couldn't quite figure out why. He walks them out to the bus stop and watches them climb aboard the long yellow car.
"You girls have a great day alright?" he said
"Aye, sir!" Adagio said
"Aye!" Sonata copied
"I will, Dad." Aria smiled
Anon stayed on the sidewalk and watched the bus drive into the distance. Once it passed over the horizon a wave of sadness hit him. True, they were growing up and getting a start on their life, but now he was all alone again. It was selfish. They couldn't stay with you forever. But part of him felt like he was losing something dear, even knowing they would back less than nine hours. After standing at the bus stop for nearly fifteen minutes, he heads back home. He walked as slow as possible, the pain in his chest growing worse with each step.
Once home, he hopped on the couch and turned on the TV. His cute, innocent little girls were finally growing up into fine, independent women. It filled him with so much pride but also an equal if not greater amount of sadness. It also dawned on him that one day they wouldn't ever be coming back, that one day they would have lives of their own. Anon's phone buzzed and he lazily looked at it. It was a text from Rarity.
Sunset, Fluttershy and I are getting together and we were hoping you could come
He almost instantly replied yes. Anything to get his mind off of this loneliness.
Great. We'll be at your house in a few minutes.
They weren't exaggerating. In only three minutes a red truck was sitting outside, one of Applejack's old pickup trucks. She must have loaned it to them. Anon walks and sits in the back seat next to Fluttershy.
"Darling, is something the matter?" Rarity asked
"No, why?"
"You look awfully depressed. Where are your girls?"
"At school. Today is their first day."
"You miss them don't you?" Sunset ask, reading him like a book
"Can we just not talk about this right now?"
"Well if you need anything just let us know." Rarity said "Now where shall we go?"
The group thought for a little while before Sunset's belly roared with hunger, much to her embarrassment.
"Well I guess that means we're getting something to eat first." Rarity giggled
"Want to go to that old burger place we'd always go too as kids, Rarity? I haven't been in years." Anon said
"That sounds like an absolutely wondrous idea." she said "What about you two?"
"I don't mind it." Fluttershy said meekly
Sunset didn't say anything, instead just grumbling to herself
"Sunset?"
"Yeah, fine, whatever Rarity. Let's just go there."
What had gotten into her? Was she mad that they poked fun at her for being hungry? Rarity put her foot on the gas and drove to the restaurant. It was not nearly as good looking as he remembered it being. Paint was peeling from the walls, only half the lighting worked, and the place reeked of days old garbage. Rarity and Anon had both gone to it throughout their childhood and must have been viewing the place through nostalgia goggles. Hopefully the food wasn't as bad as the place looked.
They walked out of the car, went inside to and found the appearance no better. There were strange stains on the floors and walls, one of the lights was blinking like crazy and the counter was manned by some fat, gross, forty year old man. They all walk up to the counter and order some standard burgers, retreating to a booth as soon as possible.
"That is so exciting that your girls have started their first day of school." Rarity said "You must be so proud."
"That I am. I'm sure they are going to do wonderfully." Anon said
"You don't seem all the happy about it." Fluttershy observed
"It's not that. I'm more proud than you could possibly imagine. It's just... I'm not really fond of being alone again."
"But you're not alone, Anon. You have us." Sunset smiled
"I know I do. It's just that you all have your own lives and you can't always be with me, not like they can anyway."
"I'd like to always be with you..." Sunset muttered under her breath
"What?"
"N-nothing. Nothing."
"Alright."
Anon. So, so very oblivious.
"Well we'll be with you as much as we can Anon. You have all of our numbers don't you?"
"I do. Let's just change the subject alright? I know Rarity is making dresses now, but what are you and Fluttershy doing?"
Sunset rolls her eyes
"Nothing special. I'm just working at a bakery and trying to find better work."
"What did you get your degree in?"
Rarity shoots him an angry look and makes a cut it out motion with her hand.
"I sort of flunked out of college. But it's not easy learning an entire other world's history and curriculum."
Anon looks at Fluttershy, noticing this was a touchy subject for Sunset.
"I'm a Certified Veterinary Technician. I work at an animal shelter."
As if he couldn't have seen that one coming from a mile a way.
"What about you Anon?" Fluttershy asked
"I'm not doing anything at the moment. Just raising my girls. Turns out being a single father is a full time job in and of itself."
Sunset got a little bit fidgety at this statement but luckily salvation from this awkward conversation arrived in the form of food. And just like most thing looked back on fondly with nostalgia, it was not nearly as good as Anon remembered it to be. In fact he didn't even know how he stomached it in the first place. They ate the meal quickly and in complete silence before getting on the road again.
"So where should we go?" Rarity asked
"We could go the park." Fluttershy said "I know a lot of good ones, animal friendly of course."
Anon put his hand to his chin, trying to think of some interesting areas to visit
"Hm." he said "What about the recreation center? We could play tennis or something."
"What about the art center?"
The whole group groans at Rarity's suggestion
"hmph" she says "It's not my fault you all chose to remain uncultured."
"How about that ghost town a little past the city limits?" Sunset asked
Fluttershy shivered
"G-ghost?"
"There's no actual ghosts there, darling." Rarity giggled
"It sounds like fun to me." Anon said
"Well then what are we waiting for?" Sunset said
Rarity put her foot to the gas and traveled past the city limits, about a hour long drive. They listened to Rarity's awful pop until they got to the edge of town. It was very quaint and still. Long blades of grass covered the ground and a cool breeze swept over it. The buildings were still in good shape thanks to the fact that the state maintained it.
"So where should we go first?" Anon asked
"I say we should split into groups." Sunset said
"Why?"
"Uh... cover more ground."
"Any apposed?"
Silence
"Well then I guess we're going in groups."
"I'll go with Anon." Sunset said, trying to sound as casual as possible
"Well then I guess I'll take Fluttershy." Rarity said
Fluttershy couldn't get by her side fast enough. Poor girl was so skittish. The two groups separated, Rarity and Flutters heading towards the saloon and Anon and Sunset towards a large farm atop a hill.
"It's so big." Sunset said
Anon giggled. That's why she said.
"What are you giggling about you dork?"
"Oh, nothing."
They walk around the empty farm, the wind quietly brushing up against the outside. Sunset points to the latter that leads to the second floor.
"Want to go up there?" she asked
"Are you sure we're allowed?"
"Since when did you become such a chicken?"
"You say that as if you've known me for years."
"I have."
"Hardly. Sure we went to school together but we didn't really talk much."
Sunset looks a bit offended by this but stiffens her upper lip.
"Come on, chicken."
She starts to climb the latter, Anon following up shortly afterwards. The top was covered in what appeared to be saw dust and at the far end was a small window. They both go towards it to see the amazing view. Clouds had started to gather over the sky, lending the view and aura of quiet beauty.
"It's really calming isn't it?" Sunset said
"I suppose so."
"What's go you so down?"
Anon says nothing
"You're still worried about your little ones aren't you?"
Anon remains silent, not wanting to admit that his thoughts hadn't left the girls since they left for school. Sunset holds his hand.
"You're a good father you know that? I don't think I've ever seen a dad more dedicated than you."
"Thank you. I've been needing to hear that."
"Do you worry about that?" she asked "Not being a good father?"
"I had a terrible father, a terrible family." he said "It's just been ingrained into me to be as least like them as humanly possible. I would do anything to make sure those three don't have the life I had to suffer through."
"You worry too much. Like I said, I've never seen a father so dedicated. You seem determined to make sure they have a happy life."
"Well you've got me pegged there."
"So..." Sunset's voice shrinks down "Any plans on a mother?"
"A mother? No, no plans. I gave up dating a long time ago."
"Why?"
"The last girl I gave my heart too cheated on me for my best friend after leaving me at the alter. Let's just say I've never been to much a fan of dating since then."
"That's awful. But most women are not like that."
"But some are. And I can't tell who. So it's better just to keep my distance. Plus I'm happy with what I do have. These three girls are all I need."
"But are you all they need?"
Anon cocks his eyebrow
"What are you saying?"
Rain starts to fall outside, seemingly almost instantaneously. It pitter pattered hard against the barn. Clearly they were going to be stuck here for a little while.
"Well..." Sunset pauses for a moment "Never mind, it's not important."
"Do you think they need a mother?"
Now Sunset is play the silent game.
"I've honestly thought about it too. But I'm hard to get along with, even harder to get love out of. It's just an emotional weight I can't afford to carry."
Sunset looks down sadly
"I understand."
They both quietly stare outside, thunder sounding in the distance, watching as the rain fell heavily against the ground. They were content to sit there for what seemed like all of eternity, until a loud, bone chilling scream of terror rang through the entire town. And it came directly from the saloon.
The two of them looked backwards towards the sound. Was that Rarity? Or someone else? The thunder cracked loudly out over the field beyond, rattling the very barn. It sent chills up Anon’s spine.
“What was that?” he asked
“I don’t know.” Sunset said, grabbing the necklace around her neck “But we better check it out. It came from the saloon.”
They quickly slide down the ladder and out toward the saloon. Even though it was raining quite hard, the air felt almost deathly still, foreboding even. They both run towards the saloon and walk through the doors. It was quiet and the only out of place object was a knocked over chair at the bar. Anon pointed to the left.
“You look over that way, I’ll head over this way.” Anon said
“Right.” Sunset agreed
“If you need me just shout.”
“I will. Same for you.”
They both go in their agreed directions, searching the barn for clues. The saloon was empty, as if Rarity and Shy hadn’t been there at all. They looked the entire saloon over and found nothing, not even the slightest trace. Just as they were converging back to each other another scream was heard. But this one was certainly not from their two friends. It was almost inhuman in nature, as if something was trying to pretend to be human with the shriek. It came from the house opposite of the saloon. Both Sunset and Anon sat there, looking at each other but not moving a muscle.
“We need to get out of here.” Sunset said
“Not without Rarity and Shy we don’t.”
“But where are they?”
“I wish I knew.”
“Let’s go outside. Maybe they went searching for us when that scream was heard.”
“I’m down for that.”
They both ran back outside into the freezing cold rain and began to call the names of their friends. They called for a few minutes, hoping not to disturb whatever was making the horrid noise. Just as they were about to give up, they heard a call.
“Anon!” a voice said in a hushed yell
It was Rarity and Shy, hiding behind the saloon.
“What is that noise?”
“We have no idea.” Rarity said “Whatever it is, it sounds unfriendly.”
Shy was shivering and hugging her legs
“C-Can we get out of here please?” she asked
“Yes. Whatever that thing is, I don’t want to find out.”
They begin to book it to the car, not wanting to waist another second in this horrible place. Just as they were on the verge of the car, Anon heard whatever voice made that sound whisper in his ear. It had a grotesque, mutated voice, almost like the sound of molten metal being poured into a freezing cold basin. It said but only a single word.
“Gate.”
He didn’t know why, but just hearing it speak gave him a feeling of anxiety, of near terror. He quickly got into the car and they drove out of there.
“What was that?” Sunset asked
“I’m not sure.” Anon said “But whatever it is, it’s gone now.”
“Well I think it’s safe to say this day out is concluded.” Rarity said, brushing herself off “Shall we go home? I’m sure Anon’s girls will be home soon.”
Anon checked his watch. Nearly three o clock. He needed to get home fast.
“Yes indeed. The girls will be home in about fifteen minutes.”
“Then we will get you there posthaste.” Sunset said
Just then Anon got a text. It read please come pick up Adagio, she’s in trouble.
During the time that all these spooky events were taking place, the girls were going on the first trip to school. That morning on the bus was surreal for them, it had been the first time they had ever stayed a significant time away from their adoptive father, thinking on their own terms and making their own choices without any guidance. It was going to be quite an interesting day for sure. They all walk off the bus and the minute they did, Sonata began to get afraid.
“I miss daddy.” the little seven year-old said
"I know Sonata.” said Adagio “But we can do this."
"You promise you'll stick with me big sister?"
“Of course, Sonata. I’ll do it for as long as I am able. We are going to be taking separate classes though.”
Sonata clutches her belly, feeling slightly sick
“I don’t know Adagio. I don’t want to be separated from you.”
Aria looks towards her sister and smiles
"Listen little sis.” She said “If you can do this then we can make that three-meat pie you've been wanting to make."
Sonata cocks her head to the side
“But I thought the smell of meat made you sick?”
"It does. But if you can make it through this day, I will gladly endure it."
Sonata smiles brightly
“Alright. I will.”
Adagio smiles at Aria, not expecting her to take the lead in this way. Those two really had come far and it was all due to their shared bond of cooking and baking. Just then three other students walked over to them. It was Trixie, Bonbon, and Flash. None of them looked happy.
"You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up back here.” Flash said “After trying to control the entire school, after trying to put us under a spell of adoration. Here to try to do it again?”
"The Great and Powerful Trixie believes they are. And she is not happy about it."
“What are you freaks doing back here anyway?” Bonbon added
Sonata gets tears in her eyes and Aria puts herself between the bullies and little Sonata.
"We've changed! We're not like we used to be!" Aria yelled
"Yeah right.” Flash jabbed “You guys are freaks. Get the hell out of here."
Adagio’s head begins to ache. The evil Siren part of her was forcing its way back to the surface again.
“Go… away!” Adagio yelled at the beast trying to claw its way into her conscious
"Oh? And why would Trixie want to do that? It is you who should be leaving, monsters."
Just before Adagio lost control, three people stood in their way. It was Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, now teens.
“Hey!” AB yelled “Leave ‘em alone.”
“Get out of the way Applebloom.” Bonbon said “This doesn’t concern you.”
“It does concern us.” Sweetie Belle said “Leave them alone.”
“You do realize who these people are, don’t you?” Trixie asked
“Ah course we do. But they’ve changed.” Applebloom said “Our sisters ‘ev said so.”
Bonbon doesn’t buy it
"Yeah? And how do we know you're not lying?"
“We ain’t.” Applebloom said “And if we was, then you can come fer us first.”
“Fine.” Flash says “But if we see so much as one wrong move-“
“Get out of here!” Scootaloo said
They finally leave and the three girls turn around to the Dazzlings.
“Hey there. You wanna stick with us?” Bloomy asked “Y’all seem to be a bit new.”
“We’ll show you the ropes” Sweetie smiled
Sonata wipes the tears from her eyes and looks at the three teens offering their hands in friendship.
“You won’t be mean to us?” she asked
“Of course we won’t.” Scootaloo said “What classes do you have?”
Turns out their schedules were nearly identical, all except for little Sonata, who was too young to be in the same classes as everyone else. This caused her a great amount of stress but all she had to remember was the pie that her and Aria would make. It helped her get through the day with ease. Aria, partnered with her almost bestie Sweetie Belle had an easy day as well. Adagio, however, was not nearly so lucky. She was fine until her gym class after lunch, but that was when the Siren came back with force.
As the class started its opening run, Adagio began to feel light headed and dizzy. Her vision began to get dimmer but she soldiered on. She was nothing if not persistent with her endeavors. It was hard to keep to her values, however, as her head felt as if it were being bludgeoned with a tire iron. Applebloom tapped her shoulder nearly making her jump out of her skin.
“Do ya need ta take ah rest? Ya look like yer about ta keel over.”
“No.” Adagio panted “I’m perfectly fine.”
Adagio’s legs began to feel weak and she stopped running, sitting out on the sidelines
“Maybe I should take a little rest.”
She put her head in her hands; it felt as if her brain was about to explode. Applebloom ran to her side after explaining the situation to the teacher.
“Come on. Let’s getcha outside for some fresh air.”
AB and Dagi both walk outside the gym, but it was too late. Just as they had reached the lockers beside the gym Adagio fell into a black abyss. It was as if she was falling into a dark pit from which that was no escape. Was it finally over? After all this time, she still couldn't change? She let her dad, no, let everyone down. This was all her fault. If she only had a stronger will, a stronger mind, one not so prone to corrupting influences. Who knows what her Siren side was doing with her body right now? Maybe she just was doomed to be evil. Maybe she couldn't change. Her past truly couldn’t be escaped no matter how fast she ran. And she hated that.
Adagio sat in the empty void. It was so cold, yet so peaceful. This really was the end of the road, wasn’t it? No more Sonata. No more Aria. No more school. No more Anon. She closed her eyes, slowly starting to sink into the milky black. First her legs fell in, then her arms, then her torso. Just as her head was about to sink below the depths of darkness, she heard a faint voice calling her name. It grew louder and louder until finally she opened her eyes. She was on the ground, surrounded by a few people. Her ears were ringing like a church bell and her vision was blurry.
“Adagio are y’all alright!? Ya said somethin’ about it comin’ then ya fainted.”
It was Applebloom sitting above her saying all those things, though it was hard for Adagio to make sense of what was being said. She was still quite delirious.
“Adagio answer me!”
Finally, her ears cleared out and her vision became clear
“Applebloom?”
“Yeah it’s me! They said yer dad was comin’ to pick ya up.”
Adagio got tears in her eyes. She was being a burden again. To think she was almost entirely consumed by the being inside her. She actually almost gave in to it. She almost let it win. Couldn't she do anything right? In about ten minutes Anon had arrived. Adagio had just been waiting against a locker, twiddling her thumbs and thinking about just how much of an embarrassment she’d been. Anon walked over to her.
“How are you doing sweetie?"
Adagio just shook her head
“Come on. Let’s get you home.”
Anon holds out his hand and guides his daughter back to the truck, waiting for her sisters to be done with classes. The second the door closes, she speaks.
"Dad?"
“Yes?”
"I'm sorry daddy. I really screwed this up huh?"
“What do you mean?”
“It came back again… the siren. If Applebloom hadn’t been there I might have…”
Tears begin to run down her face
“You fought it back, though didn’t you? That proves how strong you are.”
“You think so?”
“I know so” he said “I’ve got it Adagio.”
“Got it?”
“A possible solution. We might not be able to solve it, but I know someone who can."
“Who’s that?”
“A princess from a foreign land.” “A Princess?” Adagio asked curiously “I had no idea you were so well connected daddy.”
“A Princess?” Adagio asked curiously “I had no idea you were so well connected daddy.
“Not just any princess. Princess Twilight.”
"You're not actually going to go into the portal, are you?"
“Not unless I have to. Luckily for me though, Sunset has a journal she can use to talk directly to Twilight.”
"Are you sure this will work?"
"We only have one way to find out. Let's get you home first. If you get any headaches tell me."
Just then, Aria and Sonata find their way out and get into the car. Judging by the looks on their faces they had already heard the news. The drive home was done in absolute silence and when Anon looked back who noticed why. Sonata seemed angry. So angry in fact he swear he could see fume coming from her ears. What in the world was the matter with her? When they all arrived home and walked inside, Sonata blew a gasket.
"I still don't understand why you didn't tell us that beforehand!” Sonata yelled “Don't you think we could have helped you!?"
The whole group stands in shock before Adagio responds
“No, you don’t understand the situation!”
Sonata almost felt betrayed. She looked up to Adagio and respect her so much. She knew if she ever had any problem she could tell her big sister. Why was it that her own big sister, her friend for life, wouldn't do the same? Did she not trust her? Or was it because she thought she was a stupid little kid?
"Then what was it then Adagio!?” Sonata yelled “Did you just not trust us!? Is that what it is!? I am not a stupid little kid you know! I can hear grown up stuff!"
Adagio was clearly not in the mood for this
"SHUT UP SONATA! JUST SHUT UP!"
"NOT UNTIL YOU EXPLAIN WHY YOU DIDN'T TELL ARIA AND ME!"
They were really going at it. Even Aria didn’t want to intervene. They had never seen them yell at each other like this before.
“WHY CAN’T YOU JUST MIND YOU OWN BUSINESS SONATA!?”
“WHY CAN’T YOU LEARN TO TRUST US!? WE’RE SISTERS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! WE’RE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT EACH OTHER!”
The two of them stare at other for a while before Sonata gives.
“You know what? I don’t care! Don’t tell us! Let whatever monster you have inside you eat you whole! See if I care!”
Sonata storms off to her room and slams the door so loud it can be heard throughout the house, leaving everyone else aghast. Tears began to stream down Adagio’s face. Anon kneels next to her.
“Oh sweetie.” Anon cooed
“I… I…”
Adagio is completely speechless. Anon didn’t really blame her though. He had no idea Sonata felt that way. It must be so difficult for her, being the youngest. Everyone, himself included, wanted to protect her innocence. She was clearly a lot smarter than any of them had given her credit for her and it must have frustrated her too no end. Adagio had devolved into a mess of sobs.
“Shhh. It’s ok. Just breathe.”
Adagio just kept saying ‘I’ over and over again. What a day this had been, what a mess of a day. Anon looked too Aria who had started to stare into the middle distance. Who knew one outburst from a little girl could send such waves?
“I’m going to go try to talk to Sonata really quick o- “
Adagio pulls hard on his sleeve
“W-wait! Can you stay with me just a little longer?”
“Of course I can, Adagio.”
A little longer turned into an entire hour. When he managed to make it away, he headed straight to Sonata’s room. Outside the door it was so silent he could hear a pin drop. He cautiously opened the door, lest a flying object hit him straight in the face. The lights were out and Sonata was sitting with her back to the wall hugging the pillow. Her eyes were red and puffy.
"Hey sweetie. Everything ok?"
And just like that the water works started again. She runs and hugs her daddy, putting her face straight into his lap.
"I-I can't believe I said that to her… Why am I so stupid!?”
“Sonata, you’re not stupid. Don’t say things like that.”
“Yes, I am! Aria is right! I’m just a stupid little girl!”
“Sonata calm down. Just breath ok?”
Sonata can’t stop hyperventilating
“Why can’t I stop being such a screw up?”
“Sonata, why would you ever consider yourself a screw up? What would ever make you think that for a second?"
“How could I not? I annoy Aria constantly, I literally told Adagio I didn’t care if that thing inside her ate her whole… I’m a terrible sister!”
Anon felt his heart break. He hated seeing the girl who was just the epitome of positivity call herself stupid and a screw up. It was one of the saddest things he had ever seen.
“Sonata.” he said, looking directly into her eyes “I want you to remember something.”
“What’s that?”
“This family and I love you more than anything else in the world. No matter what you do or what you say, that will never, ever change. Do you understand?"
She hugs him tight
“Yeah. I get it.” Sonata said “I love you daddy. I love you so much.”
“I love you too baby girl.”
What a shit show today had been. First day of school and already in tears. He didn't think it would happen this fast. All he could hope for was that tomorrow would be better.
The next day the girls, rather reluctantly head off for the bus to school. They still hadn't completely amended things with each other and the tension was palpable. Aria spent most of the day just going through the motions. She was smart for sure, so she didn't need to focus all that hard. She was just on autopilot. Sonata was even worse off. She was nearly mute the entire day and seldom lifted her head from the floor. Adagio, unlike her sisters, was a complete nervous wreck. She was hyper alert of everything not wanting to give her inner Siren a chance to strike again. At lunch the three met up again along with the Scoots, Bloomy and Swibble. The changes weren’t lost of them either.
“Did y’all get inta a fight ‘er somethin’?” Applebloom asked
None of them answered of course. It would be much too awkward to air their dirty laundry in such a public place. Sweetie Belle tried to break the ice.
“You all want to play a game?”
The three somber sisters all shook their head no. Nothing was going to get through to them. When the lunch bell rang they practically ran out, trying to put as much distance between themselves as possible. Sweetie Belle manages to catch up to Aria.
“So, what happened?” she asked “You guys don’t look too happy.”
“Sonata and Adagio got in a big fight last night. Like a really big fight. It’s been pretty awkward ever since.”
“What was it about?”
“It’s… a private matter.”
“Well whatever happened I hope they work it out.”
“I hope so too. Now is the last time we all need to be fighting.”
“You want to hear some advice? I mean, I have a sister I get into fights with constantly.”
“It certainly wouldn’t hurt.”
“Sometimes sisters just need to fight. It’s hard to watch and hard to go through, but on the other side things are almost always better.”
“Don’t I know that.”
“Do you three not get along?”
“No, we do… or, well, we do now should I say. Sonata and I used to go at each other like cats and dogs, that was until we discovered we bonded over cooking.”
“I’m glad you found something like that. Rarity and I never really found anything to bond over. We just seem to be in a constant temporary cease fire.”
“Is that so? I never realized you and Rarity got along so badly.”
“We’re just two different people I guess. But that’s alright. We don’t need to like each other, we just need to get along.”
“That’s a sad way to look at it.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah. Just imagining that if I had viewed that between me and my sisters would make me sad. I cherish the bonds I have with them. Sisters are supposed to support each other no matter what.”
Aria and Sweetie finally reach their separate classes
“Well you have a good math.” Aria said
“I will.” Sweetie said “And thank you for what you said. That really made me think.”
Sweetie goes to her class but Aria opts to go sit on the bench outside. She just couldn’t focus. Out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash strolls up. Great, just the person she wanted to see.
“You seem a bit lonely.” she says
“What do you care?”
“I already said I was sorry, didn’t I?”
“I know, I know. Sorry. I need to work on not holding a grudge so long.”
“It’s alright. Mind if I sit with you a while? You look like you could use some company.”
“I’d like that.”
“So, what’s going on?”
“Adagio and Sonata had a huge fight. Adagio’s Siren self is slowly coming back. It’s looking pretty bad.”
“Her siren self is coming back?”
Aria probably shouldn’t have said that. But the cat was out of the bag now.
"That's not good at all."
“You mean you’re not mad?”
“Why would I be? I always had a hunch about it. But you all have proved to me that you aren’t what you were. So don’t worry about it.”
“What’s worse is that Sonata and Adagio haven’t said a word to each other since the incident. They’ve barely even made eye contact. And here I am, stuck in the middle like an idiot not quite sure how to ease the tensions.”
“Aria don’t worry about it. If there is one thing you’ve shown me, it’s that you three are tighter the glue. One little fight isn’t going to separate you.”
“It wasn’t little, but thank you. I really do appreciate it.”
Aria smiles and looks to Rainbow
“Thanks Dash.” she said “This is just the talk I needed. It really helped.”
“I’m glad it could. I know I act like a bit of a dummy sometimes, but I know a thing or two about life. If you ever need me I’m here every Tuesday.”
“I was meaning to ask you about that. What are you doing over here?”
“I am part of a mentor program for troubled kids. Basically, it’s my job to make sure they don’t go down the wrong path.”
“Is that what you plan to do for a living?”
“Something like that.” said Dashie I’m planning on being a rehab officer.”
“Really?” Aria said, surprised “I never thought you would be into that sort of thing.”
“I want to help people. I never had the easiest life growing up and I want to prevent others from making the same mistakes I did.”
“That’s very noble of you Dash.”
“Thank you, Aria.”
“Well I have to get to class. Thank you for this talk. I needed it.”
“You’re welcome, Aria. Sorry we got off on the wrong foot earlier.”
“It’s alright.”
Aria left for class with a new feeling of hope alive within her. Who knew Rainbow could be such a down to earth, sensitive girl? She went most of the day without seeing her sisters until the bus. Except for Sonata. They both waited at the bus forever but she never showed, forcing them to leave. They’d tell Anon when they got back. When they arrived at the house, however, things were not looking as promising. Outside was a police car. Aria felt sick to her stomach. They both rushed inside to see what was going on and in one sentence, got everything they needed to know.
“Yes.” the officer replied “We’re currently looking for her as we speak but have yet to turn up anything.” Just then Anon caught a glimpse of his two little ones.
“Come here girls.” he ordered
Aria and Adagio both ran up by his side
“How did you find this out, sir?”
“We got an anonymous tip from someone saying that they saw a girl walking away from the school that matched your daughter’s description. We checked the security feeds and sure enough it was Sonata Mouse.”
“What did the feed show?”
“From what I saw, it seemed that Sonata was being called to the edge by someone who was in the camera’s blind spot. Nobody that was there during the time seemed to have gotten a look at the perpetrator either.”
Anon felt sick to his stomach. You didn’t need to be a genius to figure out what would be calling a seven year-old girl to the edge of a schoolyard out of view of the cameras. It took everything he had to keep his composure.
“Well if you find anything let me know.” he said “Should we be looking for her too?”
“No, that won’t be necessary. And when we find something you will be the first to know. Good day to you.”
Anon and the officer shake hands and he leaves. Anon is speechless and on the verge of tears. Adagio is just as worried. Her thoughts drifted and she felt sick to her stomach thinking that the last words to her little sister were screams. Aria slinks to the floor and grabs her hair.
“We’re going to find her right, Dad?” Adagio says
She’s shaking now, the poor thing.
“Of course we are, Dagi. You all are sisters. You’re inseparable.”
But this time Anon wasn’t so sure. He couldn’t believe he let this happen. Truly he had the worst of luck and maybe it was only now that it was catching up to him. Was this the moment when everything fell apart? Was all he worked for about to come crashing down? Was he going to be alone yet again?
Earlier that day…
Sonata had just gotten out of her class for a quick fifteen-minute recess. Being an elementary school student really was the best. It was too bad she didn’t know anyone here though. She was so lonely. However, what little Sonata lacked in friends, she more than made up for in imagination. She climbed up on the monkey bars pretending she was a spacegirl then ran through play set as the princess of a castle. She had always wanted to plays these games with Aria but she was such a stick in the mud. She’d never even have regular tea parties!
As she played and played she looked out towards the tree line beyond the playground and became almost entranced. There was a pair of eyes watching her just at the edge. Normally she would be afraid but it seemed to calm her in a way.
“Xlnv gl nv”
It sounded like gibberish, but she understood it completely. Its voice sounded sinister, as if it were multiple voices fused together into one voice, but not enough to make it into a single one. It was unnerving to listen too, as if listening to the very voice of fear. Yet Sonata was not afraid.
The creature took Sonata to an empty field with a large iron gate in the center. It was covered in ornate designs and writing from a language long dead. One the gate there three girls taking up large portions of it and above their heads, surrounded by what looked like three gems read Zwztrl, Zirz, and Hlmzgz. It was Sonata and her sisters’ names. Sonata marveled that structure. It seemed to have some black dust hovering around it, but it wasn’t dust at all. Sonata had never seen anything like it.
Sonata jerked around to see a police officer. When she turned back around to the creature it, as well as the gate, had completely vanished.
“Is your name Sonata Mouse?”
Sonata nodded proudly, loving the sound of her new last name.
“That’s me!” she chirped
“We’ve been looking for you. Your family has been worried sick. What in the world are you doing out here by yourself?”
“What do you mean?” Sonata asked “I must have only been gone for a few minutes. As for why I’m out here well…”
She stopped short. What was she doing out here? She couldn’t remember a thing. She remembered being on the playground and walking towards the edge but other than that it was all blank.
“Little lady you’ve been gone for almost a week. Do you know where you are right now?”
“Just a little bit outside Canterlot High School.”
The officer’s face looked shocked and he held out a map, pointing to where they were. Sonata had traveled nearly one hundred miles into the Everfree Forest! Sonata’s mouth fell wide. How was this possible? She turned around to find something even more terrifying. Her feet were mere inches away from where the gate once stood, was a tall cliff side. If she had taken even a step further, she would have certainly fallen to her death
“Well we’re going to get you home right away.”
Sonata began to shiver and cry. She felt so afraid all of a sudden, but not just the fear one would have from suffering such a weird experience. It was a deep, intense, primordial fear, as if her life was in imminent danger. What was more unsettling was that every time the winds began to blow, she could swear she heard whispers. She clutched the officers side tightly.
“A-are we going home soon?” Sonata asked, her teeth chattering
“Yes.” the officer reassured her “Just stay calm. I promise that nothing will hurt you.”
The officer made his call and in a few minutes a police car came to pick them up.
“You’re lucky we came by when we did.” one of the officers said “I was just doing my routine check of the area and recognized you from the missing person’s list.”
Sonata didn’t respond. For whatever reason this fear buried deep within her gut would not subside. It gnawed at her no matter how much she tried to reassure herself. It took nearly an hour to arrive at the station, Sonata watching the moon the entire way there. She kept getting flashes of a blue and red monster that spoke in a tongue she couldn’t understand. What was so unnerving about it wasn’t its words but its appearance. It was a tall moose like creature, but it stood on its hind legs. It had long, sharp, pitch black claws and its teeth appeared to be stained with blood. Its belly was disfigured, as if someone had placed a blender to it and its head was more bone than skin. It’s beady, glowing red eyes looked furious, as if Sonata’s very presence made it want to kill her.
Anon arrived at the station in record time, nearly beating the police officers there. When he saw Sonata, he gave her a big hug.
“Oh Sonata! I missed you so much! Where have you been? How did you get out here?”
But Sonata couldn’t focus on her father’s words. All she was able to see was that terrible monster. It was etched deeply inside her mind and would not remove itself. The more she envisioned it the more real it seemed to become. She began to shake and cry.
“Sonata?” Anon asked “What’s the matter?”
“T-that thing! It’s right there! It’s standing right there!”
“What thing Sonata? Tell daddy what’s wrong.”
The officer came by Anon’s side
“She’s been wondering the woods for a week likely without food or water.” the officer explained “She’s probably hallucinating right now.”
“Well then we need to get her some food and water.” Anon said
Anon was surprisingly calm during this whole thing. Likely because he was still in shock. Even he couldn’t understand it. A little seven year-old girl traveling one hundred miles into the woods for a week? Probably without stopping as well. There was no way anyone, especially someone so young, could travel that far and in that kind of terrain in a week if they had stopped. Sonata let out a blood curdling, bone chilling scream and passed out.
The officers quickly picked her up from the floor and put her on one of the spare cots that they had lying about the station. Poor thing must have been through the ringer. Anon pulled out his phone and explained the situation to Adagio and Aria.
“But how is that possible?” Aria asked in disbelief
“We don’t know yet. Sonata was so delirious that when we picked her up she could barely recognize me. She may need to stay in the hospital for a while.”
“We can come and visit her right?” Adagio asked
Even though the phone Anon could tell she was crying. He could only imagine the pain she must be feeling. She probably thought the last thing she would hear her sister say was that she didn’t care if she was consumed by the beast within her.
“Of course you can Adagio.”
After a while of waiting, another officer led Anon back to Sonata. She was hooked up to a respirator and was being given IV fluids.
“So, what’s going on with her?” Anon said, completely stoic
"Dehydration and hypothermia. We're lucky we got to her when we did. If we hadn't she would have been a goner."
"Will she be alright?"
"She'll be fine with rest. We’re going to move her to a hospital for the night and keep her there for the night, just to get her condition stabilized."
"That's good enough for me.” Anon breathed “I'm just glad she's going to be ok."
Sonata blinks her eyes open. Once she looks at you her heart rate spikes and tears start to fall down her face.
“Daddy I’m scared.”
“I know sweetheart. But you’re safe now. Daddy is right here.”
"Can I go home now?”
“They said you’re going to have to stay at the hospital for tonight” he explained “But I will come for you the first thing in the morning. Just try to get some rest alright?”
Sonata’s eyes filled with pure terror again, seeing something that nobody else could see before blacking out once more.
Meanwhile, at Sunset’s residence, Sunset Shimmer lay on the couch aimlessly browsing through the web. Ever since she heard about Sonata on the news she had been worried sick. And Anon didn’t even bother to contact her. That man, so rude. He must be worried sick though. Just as Sunset was halfway through the article she was skimming, her journal buzzed. Twilight must have finally figured a solution to Adagio’s problem. Took her long enough. She opened the journal and read the text.
Hello, Sunset Shimmer. I have some urgent news. Something is very wrong.
First, I want to say I have made an antidote for Adagio. She will need to take it every day for a month so I will need to send a lot of it through the portal. Next, about the thing that's-
Sunset flipped to the next page
We have detected some strange abnormalities with the portal. Dark magic seems to be seeping out for our end but we have yet to determine that cause. This is also preventing us from using the portal, thus we cannot send the antidote to you until we figure this out. I want you to try to access the portal for you side and see if it works. If not, send me a message.
Sunset knew what she had to do. She strapped on some better clothes and made her way to the school. Better now than never or so the saying goes. And what better time to check on the peculiar paranormal pony portal than at three in the morning?
Sunset arrived at the portal and on the surface, nothing seemed out of place. No black mist or spooky skeletons emerging from the entrance. It looked as it always had. Only one test left. Sunset walked through the portal, but what she found on the other side was not Equestria. It was a white, empty void. Nothing as far as the eye could see. That was of course, except for the giant iron gateway. It was filled with ornate designs the most striking of which were the three girls taking up equal portions of the gate, gems floating above their heads. They looked eerily similar to Anon’s three daughters. It also had a strange writing across it that Sunset had never seen before. Sunset pushed on it with all of her might but nothing would make it budge. Where the hell was she? Was she in another dimension? Somewhere in between Earth and Equestria? And with no way out at that. Just as she began to get lost in thought the gate started to open. It made a loud creaking noise, as if it hadn’t been opened in years. She peered into the open gate but all she saw was darkness.
She stood there in front of the open gate and the gate did nothing else. She took a few steps forward to really study it. Just as she did so, tiny little eyes started to open all over the inside, filling the darkness. Sunset felt a sense of dread wash over her as she realized they looked to be children’s eyes, no older than toddler age. But that wasn’t the end. A black mist began to seep from the gate and swirl around her, dragging her through past the edge. Sunset let out a loud scream before the gate shut behind her and she fell into the darkness.
When Sunset came too, she was back in the human world. Her watch read three fifteen AM. That meant that only a single minute had passed from when she entered and when she exited. Was it a time dilation? She got up and put her hand on the portal. It was sealed completely shut. She had to tell Twilight. Maybe she would know something. Sunset nearly sprinted home to go write to Twilight. She detailed everything she could remember in her report. Twilight replied almost instantly.
that is fascinating. I have checked all my books and haven't come across one mention of that strange gateway. We tried to access the portal again but the dark magic won't let us through. I hope we can find something soon… according to my books, Adagio doesn't have much time. Sunset wanted to know more but she was beat. It felt like she was dragged through a meat grinder. For all she knew, she probably was. She needed some rest. She would tell Anon the next day.
Things were not going so well at Anon’s residence either. Once Sonata was safely secured in the hospital, he took the girls home for some rest. They fell asleep like rocks, but Anon couldn’t fall asleep to save his life. He was in an elevated state of alert and it felt as if someone was watching him. No matter how hard he looked though, he could not find any sign of anything out of place. He spent the entire night awake, just feeling someone’s eyes upon him.
The next morning Anon rushed the girls to school without much incident. After last night’s events, Adagio and Aria were tired and a bit shaken up, thus they didn’t say much. Once that was out of the way, it was off to the hospital to check on little Sonata. When he got there, he could tell that she had about the same luck sleeping as he did. She had bags under her eyes and she looked so pale.
"You don't look so good sweetie." Anon said sympathetically
"I didn't get much sleep last night. I kept seeing... that thing..."
Sonata's eyes filled with a bone chilling fear
"What thing?"
She explained about the creature that had led her to the strange gate. How it seemed to still be haunting her mind's eye with it's menacing presence. Could that be her Siren? Could they take other forms? Poor Sonata. She must be so terrified. If only there was something he could do, some way he could help. He hated being so powerless. He hated seeing his sweet little girl experience so much terror and not being able to do a thing about it. Anon gives her a big hug.
"I love you dearly Sonata. Please remember that. We'll get through this."
Sonata smiled a smile so wide it filled his heart with joy. Nothing made him happier than to see her smiling. Anon's phone buzzes and he picks it up. It's Sunset Shimmer.
I've got something to tell you. I contacted Twilight. Meet me in the park in fifteen minutes. This is urgent.
Anon wanted to stay with his darling girl but he knew that this meeting could very well hold the cure for Adagio's condition. He couldn't afford to wait.
"I'm sorry Sonata. I have to leave for now."
Sonata's face dropped
"But you just got here." she said sadly
"I know sweetheart. But I may come back with the cure for this horrible nightmare you've been having. So just stay put ok? This'll all be over soon."
Anon hugs her tightly once again. You never really know what you have till it's gone. The fact that he nearly lost her, that she nearly ran off a cliff, made him want to hug her so tight and never let go. He couldn't bare to lose them. They were the one thing that gave his life meaning and purpose. And he would protect that purpose with his very life if it came down to it. Anon hops back into his car and drives to the park. Sunset was already present. Whatever she wanted to talk about was clearly very important, as her facial expression clearly exhibited. He just hoped that this important news was good rather than bad.
"What is it Sunset?"
"Good. I'm glad you came." she said "There is a lot I need to tell you about."
She smelled almost metallic. As if she had been bathing in liquid mercury. It was quite strange. She sits on the bench.
"You're going to want to sit down for this. It's a lot."
Anon does so and Sunny runs him through all the events from when she contacted Twilight to now. Needless to say, Anon's head was spinning by the end of it.
"Wow." he said "So what does it all mean?"
"Twilight and I are still working out. She has no idea what the mysterious world is. And now the portal won't open up."
Because there just had to be some bad news right? This was so odd. Why was all this happening? Why now?
"Well keep me up to date with what happens." Anon said "We're going to work this out."
"I will. We're going to open up the portal and get your daughter's back in good health again. I promise."
"Thanks Sunset. I can count on you."
At school, Adagio's condition was worsening once again. She was experiencing the headaches with great frequency and magnitude. She could feel her control slipping. It was only a matter of time before her former self regained control. The siren within her knew this as well. It was just playing with Adagio now. Taunting her. It could probably have taken over her right at that moment. But, being the sadistic creature it was, it wanted to drag out her torment. She could barely blink with out seeing those horrendous siren jaws, eagerly waiting for the moment to snatch her up and devour her whole. She was in a constant state of fear. She new the moment she dropped her guard it would pounce. She hopped daddy had an antidote or some solution. She didn't know how much more of this she could take. She was running out of time.
Adagio was shaking like crazy, her face pale and covered in a cold sweat. She could feel her control slipping. It was only a matter of time before her former self regained control. The headaches were coming with more frequency and magnitude. She was in a constant state of fear. She new the moment she dropped her guard it would pounce. The beast within her knew this as well. But it was purposely not trying as hard as it could, it was toying with her.
She hopped daddy had an antidote or some solution. She didn't know how much more of this she could take. Sonata was often come to her aid with hugs, but it wasn't doing much. Rarity was trying to help in any way she could as well.
"How are you doing darling?" Rarity asked, her arm rubbing Dagi's back
Dagi could barely speak with her teeth chattering so much.
"N-n-not well."
Adagio could no longer stand. Every ounce of energy was being used to fight that thing in her mind. Rarity draped a deep blue blanket around her, attempting to get her warm.
"I made it last night, seeing as you weren't feeling well."
Adagio wrapped it around herself, her skin colder than ice
"Th-thanks."
Dagi clutched her head in pain again. It felt like someone was taking a steal mallet and banging it on her skull over and over. Only the steal mallet had been dipped in scalding water as well. The pain was such that she felt like she would pass out. But through sheer determination and stubbornness, she hung on. She was not about to let this thing take her.
Sonata looked at her struggling sister with tears in her eyes. She wanted to help her, make her feel better, but there was nothing she could do. All she could was watch and hug her.
"I'm sorry, Adagio." Sonata said sadly, hugging Adagio tightly
Adagio was gasping for air now as if she had been held under water. But her sister gave her strength. She was not going to make Sonata cry. She was going to fight through this. For her.
"It's... It's.. fine. Sonata. I.. I love you."
She talked tough but she could feel it. Each passing second she was growing weaker. It was only a matter of time before she caved. She had maybe minutes left before she lost. Rarity put her hands around her as well.
"Don't give in darling." she said "You'll make it through this."
Tears began to stream down Dagi's face
"B-but it's so hard! Just make it stop Rarity! It hurts so bad! Please! Just make my head stop hurting like this!"
"I'm sorry sweetie. I'm so sorry. There is nothing we can do right now. But just hang in there. The cure will arrive any minute now."
"Really?"
Rarity began to cry as well, knowing what she said was a lie.
"Yep." she sniffled "That's right. Twilight is just making sure everything is good before she sends it to us."
"That's good because I can't.."
Adagio's eyes shut as she lost consciousness. Rarity looked in fear as Dagi's chest had stopped rising and falling. Just as they were about to lose hope, Twilight Sparkle ran to their side, carrying a basket of vials filled with glowing green goo. Twilight is in a state of panic.
"No, no, no, no, no, no! I can't be too late!" she cried
"Why don't you just poor it through her mouth?" Sonata asked
"It doesn't work that way. She has to be conscious for it to work, otherwise the potion might end up suppressing her instead!"
"What happens if her siren self comes first?"
Twilight lowers her head
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Adagio hung in Rarity's arm like a limp noodle, her breathing still not returning. There was no telling what would greet them upon her waking, if she would even wake at all.
Adagio was in a milky blackness. She felt as if she were under water and the lower she went, the less her consciousness became. Was this really the end? The light was getting dimmer and dimmer, all the sounds of the outside world becoming fainter. She was growing calm now. She was ready for the darkness to consume her. Just as she was about to close her eyes and be consumed, she felt a sharp tug on her chest. In one fell swoop she was flung back. She awoke with a gasp and began coughing furiously, a horrendous taste in her mouth. Rarity, Applejack, Sonata, and Twi were all there. Twi looks at her dead in the eyes.
"Adagio? Is that you? Or are you the siren?"
Dagi could barely talk between all the coughing.
"Y-yes. It's me. I almost got completely consumed that time."
Twilight handed her the green drink
"Here. You need to finish the rest of this."
"Is this then antidote?"
"Yes. Now take it quickly. We don't know how long before you black out again."
Adagio took the vial and ripped off the cork. She knocked it back and was surprised by how horrid it tasted, like snot going down her neck. Almost instantly, however, the pain in her head subsided and her cold body began to warm up. Her airways began to open up again as well.
"How do you feel?" Rarity asked
"Amazing. I feel like I'm back to my old self. That stuff works fast."
"Alright Adagio." Twilight said 'You need to listen closely: Take this in the morning every day for a month. Miss even one day and your siren will spring out again to control you."
"I understand. I wish it didn't taste so disgusting though."
"Glad to hear it. And sorry about that. Sometimes the best medicine tastes the worst."
Twilight gets up and the rest of the group follow her to the portal, but it was still closed off from there end.
"Just as I feared." Twilight said "This is the same curse that I had back on my side. Black magic is leaking all over it."
"So does this mean that ya can't go back sugar cube?" AJ asked
"It does, at least until I can find a solution to the curse."
"Speaking of, how'd y'all get through last time? I though the portal was closed on yer end too."
"It was. But I solved the curse from my side. You see, curses normally take form in riddles and the only way to break them is to solve them. Without magic anyway..."
"I'm guessin' it wasn't too easy on yer end."
"Not exactly. I just used a lot of magic to overload it and thus break the curse. Brute force if you will. But magic doesn't exist here so we're at the mercy of the curse."
AJ sighs
"So this ain't gonna be easy is it?"
"Not at all. What I find so puzzling is who would do this? And for what reason? Not to mention who is capable of such advanced magic? This is something even Princess Luna would struggle to cast, much less to do it in the human world. No normal being could have possibly made this. Whoever did this is beyond powerful."
"Well no use fretin' over it now. Can ya read what the riddle says?"
"Yes. It says it has three codes for us and we must get them all right. This is the first:A natural state, I'm sought by all. Go without me, and you shall fall. You do me when you spend, and use me when you eat to no end?"
"What in the world could that possibly mean?" Adagio asked
The color was coming back to her cheeks. She looked almost one hundred percent again.
"I'm not sure Adagio." Twilight said, her hand on her chin "I wish I could use a counter spell, but there isn't near enough magic in this world to do it."
"Then what are we going to do?"
"How about this." AJ started "Is there any way fer y'all to gather magic? If we could do that, then Twilight would be able to break down this portal here."
Twilight thinks about this for a moment
"I could do that but it would take a lot of time. In the meantime, I need you girls to figure out the solution to the riddle."
Sonata looked excited by the idea
"Aye!"Adagio said
Sonata just sat in the corner. She felt so useless right now. So helpless. She was too weak to save her sister and too dumb to solve the riddle. Could she be any more useless right now? Adagio sat by her side.
"Hey, Sonata."
Sonata didn't even speak. She was too sad.
"Sonata."
No response
"Sonata."
Nothing.
"Damn it, Sonata."
Adagio hugged Sonata tightly and Sonata's eyes widened
"I love you." Adagio said with passion
Sonata just couldn't keep the tears in anymore. She hugged her sister back and cried.
"I thought... I thought I wasn't going to see you again."
"I know, Sonata. But I'm here now. And I will be forever."
AJ kept running the riddle in her head over and over but she couldn't come up with a solution. But then the answer hit her square in the jaw.
"I got it! Balance. 'A natural state, sought by all, go without me and you shall fall. Ya do me when ya spend and use me when you eat ta no end'. It's gotta be balance!"
Rarity nodded in agreement
"Let's hope that works."
Twi walks up to the portal and writes 'balance' using magic. After a brief pause, the portal flashes green three times and a new set of writing appeared on the wall. Rarity and AJ high fived.
"Well done Applejack." Rara said
"Ah try."
"Here's the next one" Twilight said "We hurt without moving. We poison without touching. We bear the truth and the lies. We are not to be judged by our size.What are we?"
This wasn't good. They were increasing with difficulty as well. The girls tried for hours to figure it out but came to no conclusion. Finally they decided to take a break and head back. None of this was going to be easy. Anon and Twilight sit beside each other on the bench.
"It's never easy is it?" Anon mused
Twilight shook her head
"No, it never is." she said "But we'll get through this. I know I've certainly been in more dire situations in my life."
"I imagine so."
All of a sudden Twilight shuttered, as if a cold draft hit her out of nowhere.
"You alright, Twi?"
"Y-yeah. I just felt something."
"Felt something?"
"Yeah. It felt dark and cold. It's dark magic. I know because I've had personal experience with it."
"What do you think it means?"
"I'm not sure I-"
Twilight words began to slow and slur, the color draining from her face. Anon looked around to see everything except him was turning black and white. Not only that, it was as if time was crawling to a standstill. What was most striking was that it was frigid. But not just your average bone chilling cold. It had a certain air of angst and foreboding about it. Like something terrible was just waiting around the corner.
Aria felt like she was floating. When she opened her eyes she was met with a black and white void, absent of anything, expect her of course. What in the world was this place? It seemed to go on forever in every direction. It was freezing as well, like an icebox. She tried to stand up but it was impossible. It was as if she was in low gravity, and there was no hard surface to stand on. She could only make swimming motions to move. Not as if it mattered anyway, there was clearly no exit from this place. Was this the end? Aria felt tears in her eyes. What about daddy? What about Adagio and the goofball Sonata?
There had to be a way out. And exit. And entrance. A door. Something! She had to have ended up here somehow! She swam around in the bleak darkness for what felt like hours. It was strange though. Her legs and arms never fatigued. She wasn't even sweating. It was as if she had unlimited stamina. Perhaps there was still hope. Somehow. Daddy would surely notice she was missing. Right?
Back in the human world they knew there was one person they could rely on. Human Twilight. She was an Einstein in her own right. After asking around Crystal Prep they quickly picked up where she was. She had her own room in the school for her to do nerd stuff. Pony Twi knocked on the door to find the face of herself with a shocked expression.
"Who are you people?" she asked "And is that... me?"
"No time to explain," Twi said, pulling on her counterpart's gloved hand "We need your help pronto."
She let herself be pulled out of her dork room with little resistance, clearly intrigued by the fact that a carbon copy of herself was wondering around. As they walked you caught her up on the situation at hand. SciTwi fixes her glasses.
"I would but... when I turned into my midnight form the amulet shattered..."
Adagio looks at her with hopeful, puppy dog eyes
"Can you create a new one? Please. I'm begging you."
Scilight's face lights up with confidence
"Yes. But it's going to take at least a week to make. But I might be able to do it three days. But only if I work around the clock."
Sunset smiles
"We'll help you however we're able. Just tell us what you need and we'll make sure you have it."
"Thank you. I do owe you one for nearly destroying the world by ripping multiple holes in space time and turning into an evil demon."
"I'm happy to hear it."
"There's just one problem. I can't really be out of school for two days."
"Don't worry. Our Twilight can fill in for you. She's just as much a nerd as you are."
Scilight scoffs
"I'll just take that as a compliment."
Pony Twilight's eyes light up and a huge smile runs across her face
"You mean I get to research about human culture and science!? This is amazing!"
"Clearly we won't need to bribe her." Sunset giggles
Scilight pulls out her phone and starts furiously tapping away
"Alright. I've made a list of things I'm going to need and sent it to each of your phones."
"We'll see too it you have them."
Later that night Anon sat cuddling with Sonata under the blankets. She had been through quite the day and yet reminded so sweet. She had her small arms folded neatly around her papa's waist, her eyes barely keeping open. Adagio was not coping with things so well. She sat at the dinner table, yet had barely eaten a bite off her plate. She just stared at her food with a blank expression.
"Hey Dagi?" Anon called out
Adagio doesn't even utter a response. She just keeps her blank stare trained on her plate.
"You want to come snuggle with us? There's room for one more."
Adagio turned her head to you and her expression made your heart burn with anguish. Her expression was completely empty and devoid of light. She looked as if she hadn't slept in years and her once beautiful poof hair was fraying. Her skin was so pale.
"Come here sweetheart."
As you said that Adagio's face contorted in pain and tears began to freely flow down her face. She walks over and hugs him on the opposite side of Sonata, her head buried into his shoulder.
"S-she's... she's gone." she blubbered "I miss her daddy. I miss her."
Anon rubbed her back as she sobbed into his side
"I know baby girl. But we're going to get her back. Just you watch."
"It's all my fault... if I had just been there..."
Just her saying that made her bawl up in pain, as if just the worlds themselves were a knife in her stomach
"No it's not Dagi. You've done nothing wrong."
"But I have!" she yelled "Don't you see!? I kept all those secrets from her! I smoked and made her really worried! I didn't apologize! I am a terrible sister!"
"You made some mistakes. But I doubt she holds them against you."
Adagio clenches her fist so hard it shakes then whispers in your ear
"H-hit me. Hit me hard."
Your eyes light up in shock
"Adagio don't say things like that. I'd never raise a hand to you."
"But I deserve it! I've been a terrible sister! I drove her away by being awful! I should've protected her and instead I drove her away!"
Something deep inside Adagio broke. You never realized just how the strong the bond between these three were until this. She was acting as if Aria had passed away.
For all you know she did.
You shake your head, trying to put that thought from your mind. She was not dead. She wasn't. She couldn't be...
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
Adagio kept apologizing over and over. Until Sonata got up and hugged her, saying three simple words.
"We love you Adagio. Aria too."
Just then pony Twilight comes down from her room, watching the scene. She crosses her arms.
"How's she doing?" she asked
"She's had a rough day."
Twi sighs
"Anything I can do?"
Anon shrugged. he'd never seen Adagio this broken up before. He felt so helpless. He wanted nothing more than to see her smile. But she was just obliterated inside. It's something no parenting guide or seminar ever prepares you for. It was just as painful to watch someone you loved so dearly be in so much pain. Anon would give his right kidney to make everything alright again.
Twilight walks over too Adagio and Sonata. Sonata was staying incredibly strong. You could tell she wanted to cry just as much. But she was determined to be a source of strength for her. Just as Adagio had been for her.
"Don't worry Adagio. We're going to get her back. We promise."
Adagio didn't even register the words. She just kept sobbing. It took nearly fifteen minutes for her tears to finally run dry. Anon rubbed her back.
"Come on. I think you need some rest. You've been through hell today. You wanna sleep with daddy?"
Two days and four hours had passed and Twilight was working harder than an ugly stripper. She was nearing completion of the amulet. Just four more components and then calibration. But she was slipping and she knew it. She had to stay at the top of her game. One piston out place, one screw too loose and the entire mechanism would fail. Even with the constant stream of coffee she could hardly keep her eyes open. It was taking all her mental power to not pass out on the table.
Sunset tentatively watched her from the back of the room. She couldn't help but admire just how hard she worked. Even if Sunset was passionate about something she couldn't imagine staying up for nearly two days straight just to complete it.
"Hanging in there?" Sunset asked
"Just barely" Scilight sleepily mumbled
She could barely find the energy not to slur her words. But she couldn't stop. A screw there, a heat sink here, a temperature gauge there. After another four hours, Twilight screwed the final component in place before shouting happily "it's done!"
The entire room looked in surprise.
"You did it!" Sunset yelled
But before Sunset could even utter the words, the little bookworm was out. She earned it however. And with the new amulet now in their possession, they could siphon the energy from the barrier. Sunset picked up the amulet while Rainbow and Rarity carried Scilight to a bedroom.
It was beautiful. It was pink this time but apart from that it looked just like the last one. And hopefully preformed just as well. Sunny ran downstairs to tell Anon and his daughters.
"The amulet is completed. Now all we have to is take it to the portal and watch the magic happen."
"That's wonderful!" Anon shouted
Adagio looked disinterested. If it didn't get her sister back she didn't care.
"Well then let's do it." Anon said "No point in sitting around."
"I couldn't agree more."
The rest of the group walks downstairs and gets ready to head out while Adagio stays slumped on the couch
"Come on big sis." Sonata said
"I don't want too."
"Come."
"I said no."
"Adagio. Up. Now."
She just ignored her at this point. He pulled at her arm.
"Let me go! Let me go right now!"
"Now! I don't want you to just sit here and be sad! Come on!"
Sonata pulled even harder now. Finally Adagio relents, not wanting to hurt another sister.
"Fine. Annoying brat."
Sonata just smiled brightly with her usually optimism
"Yay!"
Once at the portal, Sunset takes out the amulet.
"Alright. Here goes nothing."
She opens it and like clock work energy begins to flow into the device at and alarming rate. It was so much energy that the device looked as if it might explode. All of a sudden, the device pops out of Sunny's hands and shoots a beam of energy at the portal, causing a rip. Everyone's eyes go wide with shock. It ripped a hole into what appeared to be a pitch black void and inside it was Aria. Adagio gets a frantic look on her face and charges towards the rip.
"ARIA!"
Aria looks at where the sound came from and reaches out her hand. The rip began to close as Adagio ran forward, making her run for it even faster. Sunset tackled her.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? THAT'S MY SISTER!"
"If you put your hand in there the rift will cut it clean off! We'll find a way to get her out! Just-"
Adagio began to scream and struggle as the rip slowly closed, cutting off view from Aria. Adagio broke down in a huge mess of tears.
"We have to open it again!" she screams "Where is the amulet we have to save my sist-"
Adagio looks at the amulet, burned and broken beyond repair. It seemed that so much power coursing through it blew a circuit and completely damaged all the internal parts. Dagi is completely distraught and Sunset gets up off her. Anon quickly swoops in to comfort her.
"What was that?" he asked
Sunset is just as puzzled
"I wish I knew. How in the name of Celestia did she end up in a place like that?"
Pony Twilight thinks for a minute
"I think I might know where this is. It's only a theory, or was only a theory until now. But it was proposed the the mirror between this world and mine is like a road of sorts. And if one happens to fall of the road they end up in that black void. It's a reality in which nothing exists. It's completely empty."
Twilight paces back and forth
"But it couldn't be completely empty. Otherwise how could she still be alive? No one can survive in a vacuum. Just what in the world is going on here?"
"We can figure out the how and why later." Anon said "Do you think there is a way to get her back?"
"Yes. It will need an incredible amount of energy though, especially if we don't want to destroy the portal in the process. Three alicorns should be sufficient. There's just one problem."
"What's that?"
"Celestia only knows just how big that dimension is. It could be as small as a room or as large as our entire universe. Tracking her down is going to be a incredibly challenging process."
"You think you can find a way?"
"It'll take some time, but I have a few ideas. We'll just have to see which one works best."
Adagio looks completely hopeless. Anon hugs her close.
"We'll find her ok? Just have faith. Our friends can do anything."
Dagi stiffen's her upper lip.
"Right. We can do this. We'll get Aria back."
Anon smiled brightly. That was the Adagio he knew and loved. The one that didn't give up not matter what. Twilight looks back towards the portal.
"I'm going to go back to Equestria and inform everyone what's happening. Maybe they'll have some ideas too. In the meantime, hold down the fort."
"We will."
And with not a word more, Twilight crosses into the portal. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully this nightmare would be over soon. Anon helped Adagio up.
"How you doing sweetie?"
"I don't know... frightened. Overjoyed. Determined. Just a huge mess of emotions."
"You can do this Dagi. You're strong. And when we get Aria back you can tell her all about how strong you were."
She smiles brightly
"Right."
"What do you say we take the load off while Twilight finds a solution? It's important to destress when you can."
Adagio looks down
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt... What do you have in mind?"
"Why not a trip to the spa? You look like you could use some tender love and care."
Adagio sticks her tongue out
"I'm going to pretend you didn't just say that."
"So you'll come?"
"Yeah. The spa sounds amazing right about now."
Anon walks over to Sonata and picks her up
"How you feeling sweetheart?"
"Scared."
"You want to go to the spa with big sis?"
Sonata puts her head in his shoulder and nods
"Oh sweet pea."
Anon admired their love for one another. If only he had siblings like this. Ones that were so close they would do whatever it took to see them. Adagio grasps her daddy's free hand.
"I'm so proud of you two. You are being so incredibly strong and brave."
Adagio smiles
"Thanks daddy. I love you."
"I love you two pumpkin."
Out of the corner of your eye you can see Rarity smiling
"You really are a good father." she said
"Thank you."
Anon and the girls hop into the car and drive to the spa. He and Sonata spend your time in the hot tub while Adagio got a massage. It looked as if the weight of the entire world was slowly being lifted off her back. He had never seen such a look of bliss. The hot water was doing wonders for Anon. It was as if his muscles hadn't stopped tensing up since the week began. This spa treatment was worth every cent. He probably would've payed an arm and a leg for relaxation this intense.
After their two hours was up, Adagio looked like a brand new woman. Her hair shining and put up perfectly and her blue nails glistening brightly.
"How are you feeling now my love?"
Adagio let out a happy sigh
"Like a million dollars. Thanks for that daddy. I really needed that."
"Don't thank me. I needed it just as much as you did."
It didn't take more the a day for Twilight to come up with a solution and return to the human world. Anon, the girls, and the rest of the mane six gathered at Anon's place to hear the news.
"Alright. I talked with the other princesses and did some research and I think we found a solution."
"Let's hear it." Anon said
"The princess's and I are going to bore a hole into the other universe using raw magic power. Once we have, I'll keep the portal from closing. This is where the tricky part comes in."
Twilight begins to pace back and forth, her hand on her chin.
"I have a student named Starlight Glimmer. Someone is going to have to into the portal to retrieve Aria, someone with a close personal attachment. Starlight will cast a thread spell on whoever goes inside. This thread spell will form two functions: the first is that should they get to far and we can't hold the portal open, it will teleport the subject back. The next is that it will allow Starlight to pump magic through the thread, making a kind of radar pulse that will lead us to Aria."
Sunset look wide eyed
"That's amazing Twilight. You never cease to amaze me. Even I never thought of using magic in such a way."
Twilight smiles
"Thank you Sunset. This is also why we're going to need someone close to Aria. If we attune the magic to the person the subject is close too, Aria will be much easier to find."
Anon looks down and thinks for a moment.
"Then the obvious choice is me I suppose." he said "I can't let Adagio or Sonata do it. It's too dangerous."
Adagio looked afraid
"But what if you don't return?"
"I will. So long as I have Twilight's expertise there's no way we'll fail."
Adagio wanted to stop her father from going, but she knew arguing would be pointless.
"Then we'll send you inside tomorrow."
Anon nodded. He'd need time to steady himself. Twilight put her hands behind her back.
"Any questions?" she asked
"Yeah." Anon said "What is the probability of success here?"
Twi frowned
"It's hard to say. I have no way of knowing how big the dimension is. Or where Aria could be trapped inside it. We may get lucky and find her within a few minutes. Or she may be in a place we'll never find. It's hard to know. But we'll do it as many times as we have too. We'll get Aria back."
"Fair enough."
With that the little meeting was adjourned. Twilight tapped Anon on the back before he went.
"By the way, to do this you'll need to go into Equestria yourself. The magic energy there is much more potent. It may take some time to get used to though."
"Don't worry. I'll be fine."
Twilight paused for a bit
"You know it's ok to be afraid. You don't have to put on a strong facade in front of us. We're here for you."
"I have too." he said "For Adagio's sake. I don't want her to be afraid. She's been through enough."
"If you're sure. But once this is over, don't stay in this state. For their sake."
"I won't."
Anon walked into the kitchen and you hand to your temple. If this failed he'd likely be trapped in there forever. The odds of this succeeding were so low it may as well be non existent. But he had to be remain strong. He had too get Aria back. He had too. Anon felt something brush against his leg. It was Alto. He smiled and gave the dog a nice scratch on the head. Nothing like the love of an animal to lift the sorrows of the world. Adagio followed in shortly after, sitting in the chair beside him and saying nothing.
"How are you holding up sweetie?" he asked
Adagio let's out a sigh
"It's hard. I'm so worried. If I lost you too... I just can't."
"I won't be trapped in there. Twilight has come up with ever precaution. I promise I'll return. With Aria too."
"Thank you daddy. I'm just..." she sighs again "This is hard."
"I know sweetie. But you can do it. You're the toughest girl I know. When this is over we'll do something super fun."
"Thanks daddy."
Adagio gave him a super big hug. The kind of hug that demonstrates a large degree of pain. The kind of hug that begs the recipient to love and cherish them. He hugged back with the same amount of care.
The night he barely got any sleep. His mind wouldn't stop racing. Some many variables. So many what ifs. He just sat in his bed staring up at the ceiling. Thinking of all the things that could go wrong. He already wrote somewhat of a will. If for some reason he should fail, Anon left the girls in Sunset's care. He had no doubt Sunny would take good care of them. They'd be devastated if he was gone though. Anon couldn't imagine how hard Adagio would take it. She may never recover. Which was why it was so important that this worked. It had too.
The sun peaked above the clouds and he sat on the bed. watching as the light slowly climbed into the sky, filling the world with color once again. It was like the calm before the storm. In just three hours he would be taking one of the most dangerous actions he ever took. All with barely any sleep.
As the sun finally inched all the way above the horizon and the time for the operation approached, Anon got up and waited in the living room. Adagio followed shortly after. She looked as if she had gotten the same amount of sleep as you had. Dark bags hung under her eyes and her hair was completely frizzy.
"Had a rough night too huh?" Anon asked
Adagio nodded
"I couldn't get a minute of sleep. My mind just won't stop racing."
"You and me both. But look at it this way: when this is all done we can get an even better night's sleep."
"You better come back."
"I will."
Adagio wrapped her arms around her dad, snuggling him close. He could tell she was trying to savor it. In case it was the last time she ever did this. After about fifteen minutes both Sonata and Twilight came into the living room.
"Are you ready?"
Anon took a deep breath
"I'm ready. Let's go."
Sonata came and gave him a big tight hug
"I promise I'll be extra good until you come back daddy."
Anon giggled
"Good. I promise it won't take too long."
Anon, Twi, Sonata and Dagi traveled to the portal too Equestria. Before crossing into the other side Anon took one last look at the girls.
"I love you two. I'll be back soon. Just wait right here. And be ready to give a big hug to Aria."
Adagio smiled, holding tears back
"We will. I'll make sure Sonata behaves."
"Good."
Before he stepped through the portal Adagio stopped him.
"What isn't Adagio?"
"Here. Take this."
Adagio held a small white box. Anon took it and opened it. It was a necklace. The same necklace he gave her for Christmas.
"Adagio why are you giving me this?"
She looked down, blushing slightly
"So you don't forget. I want you to have while you go in."
He smiled and hugged her tight
"If you think it'll help."
"I love you daddy."
"I love you too Adagio."
With one last look, Anon walked into the portal. It was an awful experience. Even though it lasted but two seconds, it felt like his body was being ripped and turned inside out. Before he knew it, he was in the other world. It was the weirdest feeling in the entire world. He kept trying to flex his fingers despite only having hooves. Yet it was as if he still had fingers, like a phantom limb.
He looked up and saw he was in the Golden Oak Library. The Princesses and the mane six were all in attendance. Starlight Glimmer as well. Twilight walked next to him.
"Everything is ready on our end Anon. Just say the word and we'll start."
Anon took another big deep breath. Time to go right into the deep end.
"I'm ready. Let's do this."
Starlight took a step forward and a white thread of magic flowed right into his chest. The moment it entered his body repeatedly pulsed with a blue glow.
"You see that?" Twilight asked "Starlight's magic is pulsing through you. The moment it detects the latent magic within Aria, we'll know exactly where she is and lead you to that location. I'll be communicating with you telepathically and guiding you in the right direction."
"Alright. Then it's time to head in."
The princesses gather in a circle and begin to charge their horns. The energy was intense. It filled the room like some sort of pressure. Anon could feel it bearing down on every inch of him, to the point where he could barely breath. In an explosion, the princesses fired beams from each of their homes and a portal opened. He took the que and jumped into the portal.
The pressure instantly vanished and it became extremely cold. It felt like he was in an icy tundra. The silence was almost terrifying. It truly was an empty expanse. Just then he heard Twilight's voice in his mind.
"Anon? Anon can you hear me? It's Twilight."
"I can hear you. Have we found her or should I start moving around?"
"We haven't yet. Just start going. We'll find her eventually."
"Right."
Since there was no solid floor, all he could do was swim. So he did. He swam and swam for what felt like years. Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard the best news in his life.
"We got her! About 10 meters directly to your left."
Anon got a rush of energy and immediately began to swim into the direction Twilight instructed. He opened his mouth to call out to Aria only to find that no sound came out. This was going to be a little harder than he though without his voice. But he could still get to her. He kept going and going until he saw her. Just floating there with her eyes closed. He grabbed hold of her and signaled to Twi that the mission was complete.
Coming back was even worse. It felt as if he was being pulled a huge distance by a hook in his chest. It felt as if his entire chest was going to be ripped in half. Just as he couldn't take it anymore he was back in the Library. As you both returned Aria began coughing hard and her eyes blinked open.
"Daddy?"
Anon felt tears in his eyes and he smiled
"Yes sweetie. Daddy is here. You're safe now. We did it."
Twilight and the rest of the princesses lay on the floor, utterly exhausted and covered in sweat
"You did it." Twilight panted "You actually did it."
Anon puts his arm around Aria
"We did it." Anon said "Let's go home. Your sisters have be absolutely worried sick."
Aria and her father cross through the portal and were surprised by what they found. It was already night in the human world. The girls were fast asleep, Only Sunset keeping watch. The moment they crossed through the gate Sunny's eyes widen.
"Aria!" Sunset yelled
Anon had never seen Adagio shoot up so fast. The moment her's and Aria's eyes met, Adagio began to cry. She walked over to her sister and embraced her tightly.
"A-Adagio!" Aria squirmed "You're crushing me!"
"I missed you" Adagio blubbered
"I missed you too just-" she wheezed "Stop squeezing so tight."
Adagio loosened her grip on her younger sister and Sonata slowly began to wake up from the commotion. Her face began to blast into a smile from ear to ear, before running full speed and hugging Aria. It was lucky she was so small, otherwise she would've knocked Aria to the ground. Anon smiled just a big. He really pulled it off. It wasn't easy but he did it. Finally his family was back together once again.
"Come on girls. Let's get back home." he said "We'll have plenty of time to celebrate tomorrow morning."
It didn't take long to put the girls to bed. They had been through the ringer and it had completely exhausted them. After making sure each of them were safely in their beds, Anon's legs became jelly and the strong facade he had been putting up finally crumbled. He sat on the kitchen floor and cried. She was safe. She was really safe. He really thought he'd never see her again. But he did it. And he'd never let it happen again.
After crying for a while and getting all the shock out of his system, Anon noticed his pocket was more noisy than usual. He reached into his pocket and found a small note. It read you wanna grab a bite to celebrate? Just you & me? If you do, meet me at the park at 12 sharp.- Sunset Shimmer.
He felt some butterflies in his stomach. First time a girl had every been so forward. For a brief moment, he imagined himself in a suit alongside Sunset in a wedding dress before quickly pushing the idea out of his head. Nonsense. She just wanted to celebrate. He shouldn't make this any more than what it was.
Anon walked up the stairs heading to his room. Along the way he peaked into the doors of each of the girls. Each of them looked as if they were sleeping a years worth of stress. The type of sleep that comes after your mind is relieved of great hardship. Their mouths hung open, drool pooling on the side of their pillows. He couldn't help but smile.
He walked into his bedroom, setting his alarm to make sure he had enough time to get to the little date with Sunny. And get a babysitter too. He just couldn't leave them alone again so soon, even if it were for an hour. If he was being honest with himself, he wanted to sit and watch the three of them while they slept, just to make sure nothing took them in the middle of the night. Losing Aria like that, and that deep sense of helplessness had a profound effect on him. It was hard not to give into the urge to go full helicopter parent. But he knew he had to resist. For their sake as well as his own.
Anon woke up close to ten and noticed it was quite silent, all except for Alto, hungrily padding on the door. He walked down stairs and fed him, as well as giving some nice back rubs. Poor thing. He had been so worried about the Aria situation he barely had anytime for ole Alto.
"Good boy" he said softly
Now that Alto was taken care of, it was time to find a babysitter. And he knew just the girl to do it. Anon opened his phone and dialed up AJ. Hopefully she wasn't to busy with farm matters.
"Howdy, Anon. What can I do fer ya?"
"I was hoping you could watch the girls for me. I have someone I need to meet for a little bit."
Applejack lets out a little giggle
"What's so funny?"
"Wha?" she said nervously "Oh, uh, nuthin. Of course I'll watch the girls fer ya. How soon do ya need me?"
"The sooner the better."
"Sure thing. I'll be over there faster than a turkey on thanksgivin'."
"Great. Thanks AJ. I owe you big time for this."
"Ah shucks, don't mention it. Oh and tell 'er ah said hi."
"What do-"
But she had already hung up. Did she know about the little get together him and Sunny were having? Was this actually more than just a celebratory lunch between friends? Anon turned around to see Adagio standing in the hallway, eyes half open and a comb wedged in her poof.
"Morning sunshine."
Dagi mumbles something unintelligible. Clearly she was just barely awake.
"I'm going out for a little while. In the meantime AJ will be here to babysit you. Treat her nice ok?"
She gave only the slightest nod before making her way to the coffee machine and revving it up. Girl had only one thing on her mind at the moment. Anon went up to take a shower and shave before heading out. He still couldn't get AJ's strange behavior out of his mind. Was Sunset crushing on him?
As he approached the destination where he was supposed to meet her, he could see Sunset in her bad girl leather jacket with ripped jeans. He exited the car and went to greet her. The most beautiful smile lights up Shimmer's face.
"You came."
"Of course I did." he smiled "No way I'd miss this."
"So where would you like to go?"
"We're not staying here?"
"Of course not. I wanted to go somewhere to eat, but I want you to decide."
"That's awfully thoughtful of you."
She just winks
"Any place in mind?"
"There's a really good burger place down the road from here. It's in walking distance too."
"Sounds good. Let's go."
They both begin to walk to the restaurant. It was such a beautiful day out. The sun was shinning, not a cloud in the sky. Even the wind seemed to take a pause, bringing the temperature to a perfect level. The conversation between them, however, was not nearly as polished. Anon had absolutely no idea how to talk to girls and each attempt Sunny made to converse was met with awkwardness. It wasn't until they were sat down in the burger joint that they finally found something to talk about.
"So how does it feel to have your family back?" Sunset asked
"Beyond amazing. It feels like the weight of the entire world has been lifted from my shoulders. It's amazing really. Before them I didn't really care about much. But it's absolutely true what they say. Becoming a parent really does change you. I would throw myself in front of a speeding care if it meant their happiness. It's a very... strange feeling. Hard to explain. It's a love so deep that it's nearly indescribable."
"It must be really nice. I wouldn't mind someone like that in my life honestly."
You both look at each other a bit wide eyed before Sunset blushes and fidgets with her fork. She was laying it on so thick that even Anon could see it. After a long, painful silence, he breaks the ice.
"So why did you want to bring me here Sunset? Because if it were just to celebrate I'd imagine you'd bring the rest of the gang too."
"Well... you see..." Sunset took a deep breath "I was just hoping that maybe we could get to know each other a little better."
The thought made him uneasy. After all, his fiance' situation didn't pan out so well.
"I don't know Sunset... I've thought about it a lot but I've never been very successful when it comes to dating."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. I used to be engaged. And it ended in a rather messy way."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Another long pause took hold
"Would you ever be interested in trying again?" Sunset asked, hopefully
"Maybe one day. But the wound just hasn't healed enough yet."
Sunny looked a bit deflated. Anon reached into his wallet and got enough money to cover whatever Sunny would order.
"If you'll excuse me."
He quickly walked out of the diner and back into the car and slummed down. In truth, he wanted to go out with Sunset. She was a great gal. But he just couldn't for some reason. He just couldn't muster up the courage to be so vulnerable again. It had been so long yet the wound still felt fresh in his mind. He lifted up his head to Sunset walking to his car. She tapped on the window.
"I told you Sunset. Now's not the time."
"You big liar. Now let me in the passengers seat." she said "We're having lunch together whether you like it or not. I'll take you kicking and screaming if I have too. Also wipe the tears from your eyes. You've got nothing to be sad about."
He did so reluctantly. She sure was persistent. He didn't even realize he was crying a bit.
"Well Anon, you may not want to now. But you can heal."
"Easy for you to say."
"Is that so? How about we make a little bet then?"
"A bet?"
"It's like this: if I can help you move on and heal, you have to be my boyfriend."
"And if I win?"
"If I can't I'll kiss Rainbow Dash in front of everyone."
Anon laughs. Suppose it wouldn't hurt. Nothing hotter than two girls kissing right?
"What if I say no?"
"Then I call you a chicken. A big ole chicken who's a afraid he'll lose to a girl."
"Fine. You're on. It's going to be quite sexy when you kiss Rainbow though. I hope you like being called a lesbian."
Sunset giggles
"The only kissing that's going to happen is between you and me. One day."
As Anon returned home he was in for quite a sight: Dagi was sitting on the couch painting her nails, Aria was wrapped in a big blanket reading a book, and Sonata was getting her hair done by AJ. A new style too, pigtails. He wouldn't say it out loud of course, but it didn't look all that great on her. As the door closed behind him, Sonata yanked her head out off Applejack's hands, causing the pigtails to come completely undone, her hair falling straight down. It was actually not half bad to see her with her fully down.
It was the definition of a lazy day however. Aria, not having an ounce of shame in her body, was wearing nothing but her bra and shorts while Adagio lay in nothing but a tee-shirt and underwear. Sonata runs and hugs his waist.
"Hi daddy!"
"Hey sweetheart."
Both Adagio and Aria pay him little mind, completely absorbed in their activities. Now that the sun was out and he could get a better look at her, Aria seemed to be much thinner than before. Her cheek bones were more pronounced, the color in her cheeks slightly duller, and her hair stiff and fraying. It looked as if this journey took it's toll on her as well. AJ begins to walk towards him.
"How'd it go?" he asked
"It went just dandy. You've got some mighty good mannered girls Anon."
Maybe he hadn't taken back the same Aria after all. Clearly only an impostor Aria would be so well behaved.
"I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for the help."
"My pleasure."
Anon hands her twenty bucks and she's out the door. Sonata goes back to hugging her father's waist.
"Daddy I'm bored."
"I can see that."
"We should do something." Adagio interjected
"Like what?"
Aria slouched over on the couch, her arms hanging over the side.
"I don't know, just something. Anything." she groaned
Sonata clutches his waist even tighter.
"Come onnnnn dad!" she whined "I wanna do something."
Anon thinks to himself for a second
"How about the pool? That sound like fun?"
Sonata gives her cheeky smile
"Yeah! Let's do that!"
Aria, however, doesn't seem nearly as enthusiastic
"Do we have too daddy? I was thinking more along the lines of shopping."
"Yes Ari-bear. We do. You can even take your book."
Aria raises her eyebrow
"Ari-bear? Where'd you get that nickname, the local second graders?"
Yep. He definitely had the right Aria.
"You know you love my nicknames."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night old man."
It was nice to see Aria go back to normal so quickly. She was one resilient girl. They all were.
"Adagio?"
Dagi is blowing on her nails and points one eye to him
"Fine. Fine. Just give my nails a few minutes to dry."
Her toenails were painted a dazzling neon blue with sparkles. It was just the sort of punchy flare Adagio excelled at.
"That's fine, we're in no rush. Go put on your swimsuits alright? We'll meet back in ten."
Aria, realizing that he had caught a glimpse of her growing teenage body, turned a bright crimson color and wrapped a blanket tightly around herself, quickly shuffling upstairs. Adagio, however, didn't seem to care one bit that her butt was on full display through her thong and slowly ventured up after Aria. Once the three had put on their swimwear, they drove to the pool.
It was the perfect day for it. The temperature had only warmed since you got back from his little date with Sunny. It couldn't be a better time for a little break by the pool. Once inside, Anon took of his shirt and started administering sunscreen, then took a nice sit on a lawn chair. Aria takes a seat beside him.
"aren't you going swimming Ari?" he asked, lifting his sunglasses slightly
She shook her head and gave him a sweet smile
"Nah. I wanted to spend some quality time with you daddy. It's been so long since we really got to connect ya know? I've missed you."
Anon smiled back. It had only been about a week that she was trapped in there but it felt like years. It was nice to see that she missed him as much as he missed her. Aria laid down on her belly and untied her bra, trying to get a nice full tan. Just as the two began to relax, Sonata nervously walks over, twiddling her thumbs.
"Hey dad?" she asked nervously
"Yes sweetheart?"
"I um..." she paused "I don't know how to swim."
Aria's face turns from relaxation to that of genuine annoyance, thinking that instead of getting some quality time Anon would be spending him teaching Sonata how to swim. He wanted to teach her, but Aria deserved some father-daughter time.
"One sec Aria. I will be right back. Adagio come with me"
Dagi follows her dad to the counter as he goes to purchase some floaties
"Adagio I hate to ask this of you, but could you help teach Sonata to swim? Aria understandably wants to have some quality time."
Adagio smiles
"Leave it to me dad. Just promise me I'll get some too."
"Sounds like a fair deal to me."
They both walk back out to the pool, Anon giving Sonata the floaties
"Alright lovebug. Big sis is going to teach you how to do it."
Sonata hugged Dagi tight
"Yay! Sister swimming class!"
Perfect. Anon sat back down next to Aria.
"Sorry about that interruption Aria."
"It's alright."
There was a bit of a pause before Aria said
"Thank you daddy. I love you so much. I wish I could do something to repay you."
It took everything in him not to cry right there.
"Don't even mention it. I did it because I would take a speeding bullet to help you three. My greatest wish in life is to see you three happy."
"Not just for this. But for everything. Taking us on, dealing with our antics. I can imagine it can get stressful sometimes."
"Not even for a second. I have never been more fulfilled and happy with my life then when I'm raising you three."
Aria softly smiles
"I'm glad. You're a good dad."
"And you're an amazing daughter."
He and Aria sit there for a while, basking in the sun
"So what book are you reading sweetie pie?"
"A Tale of Two Cities."
Anon had a look of shock on his face. He could barely read a book like that today and Aria was only 12.
"You can really understand all that?"
Of course. We were originally going to read the first few chapters for history class but you know... I thought it was interesting so I kept reading."
"Aria, you do realize that even though I'm 27 years old, I don't understand a lick of that book right? That's amazing you can understand it."
"Seriously? I thought it was no big deal. Are you sure you're not doing this to make me feel better? I'm not Sonata you know, I can take it."
Anon frowns a bit
"I really wish you wouldn't say things like that about your sister. I know you're just joking but she really does care about you."
"I know. She just... get's on my nerves sometimes."
"That's what siblings do sweetheart. But she does care about you. She was devastated when you vanished."
Aria just looks down silently
"But enough about that. We need to focus on happy things right now. Enjoy the time we have."
"Right." she agreed "I was wondering something daddy."
"What's that?"
"Remember when you were telling me about your past and ex-fiance'? I want to know more."
So much for focusing on happy things. But he bared with it.
"Uh sure. What would you like to know?"
Aria hesitates for a moment
"Let's go back to where you left off. You know the part where your daddy and sister were really mean to you and your mom ended up in jail."
"Right..." he said "Well, after that I ran away from home to my grandfather's place and refused to go back. It was just too much for me to handle and he accepted. He knew what they did, but could never prove it."
Aria nods, listening intently and looking at him through her thick sunglasses
"After I told my grandfather everything he went to court with it and won. Basically he was my father now and he wanted me to eventually take over his business."
"What business?"
"A big farm chain. He owned seventy or eighty farms across the country that all worked for him and he wanted to will it to me when I was ready."
"Why didn't you do it?"
"It went out of business. My grandfather had gotten very sick and left the management to someone who wasn't good at it. Before it completely tanked, he sold it for a pretty substantial sum and put it in a trust fund for me, only allowing me to access it once I turned twenty one. hat's how we have the wealth we have now and why I don't need to work constantly. You could say I am set for life."
"That's pretty nice."
"It is. Though I'd rather just have my grandpa. Money can give you a lot of things Aria, but even all the money in the world couldn't bring my grandfather back."
Anon pauses for a while, the memory bringing him some obvious pain.
"Why are you so curious about my past anyway? It's not exactly the most happy story."
"I want to know my daddy." she said "I want to know where he came from and how he became the best father he is today."
"I appreciate that honey."
Aria lifted her sunglasses, peering at something to the side
"What are you looking at Ari?"
"You see that table over there? Let's do some father-daughter crafts."
Anon sucked at crafts. But if it meant spending time With Aria, he'd happily do it. They walk over to the table with a bored looking woman. It was quite an odd place or arts and crafts.
"let's make something together" Aria said "Something that emulates both of us."
She was so mature for her age. Usually it was the parent who would suggest something to the child through it, but it was the other way around this time.
"Alright. What exactly do you have in mind?"
"I'll make the base then you can add something on top. Kind of like a tower."
Instantly Anon can see her creative juices flowing as she begins to construct the base. In no less than ten minutes her base was done. She had glued seven Popsicle sticks at the base, each stick having a different name on it. From right to left it read Dad, Adagio, Sonata, Sunset, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Alto.
"Got an idea for the next layer dad?"
Truth was he had been so immersed watching her little girl work her magic, that he wasn't even thinking of what the next layer should be.
"Of course." he lied "Watch this."
After thinking for just a second, her took a four more Popsicle sticks and formed them into a diamond shape. Using some colored markers, he colored each stick with their signature color: purple, orange, green and blue.
"So here's what I was thinking: how about you and I take a picture and put it inside the little gem. We can hang it by your bedside so you can see it every time you wake up."
Aria smiled warmly
"That's a wonderful idea."
Anon pulls out his phone and gets into positing with Aria, hand around her waist and Aria's smile gleaming brightly, and snapped the photo.
"You like it?"
"It looks perfect daddy. Thanks. That was a lot of fun. I've really missed our bonding time."
"I have too Aria."
Anon turns his head back to the water to see Sonata swimming like a pro. Backstroke, diving, she was doing it all. As he and Aria made their way back to the lawn chairs, Sonata swam to the poolside.
"I can swim daddy!"
He smiles brightly
"I saw. You're doing amazing Sonata. I'm so proud of you!"
Dagi walks to the other lawn chair next to him
"Thank you Dagi. You've been a great help. I owe you one."
She smiles
"You know what my price was. Some bonding time."
Anon nods back
"You got the right. As if you need to bribe me into it."
She just winks and lays down on the chair. Anon and the girls spend another three hours at the pool before finally packing up. Once home. Alto greets him with lots of sloppy kisses. As night slowly creeped it's way across the sky and the girls started to wind down for bed, Anon went to Adagio's room and knocked.
"I believe I have a debt to settle."
Adagio giggles and opens the door
"Come on in."
Anon looks around, surprised. Adagio seemed to have done some sprucing up. Across the walls were various pictures and posters, she even made a few collages from various magazines. On the ceiling hung a few ornaments and action figures from his childhood had been placed on the windowsill.
"Wow Adagio? I love what you've done with your room. It looks excellent."
Adagio smiles
"Well thank you. It was getting a little drab in her so I decided to look in the basement and found a few things, mainly the posters."
That really took him back. Back to when he was a really angsty teen and loved death metal and the color black. Luckily those days were behind him. Anon plopped on the bed, Dagi sitting right next to him.
"How have you been holding up Dagio?"
"Better now. I'm just glad Aria is safe. Same with you. I really got depressed back there."
"But you're stronger for it. All of you are, myself included. We can do anything so long as we have each other."
Adagio wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face right against his shoulder.
"That's right. Hopefully that's the last of this. I've had enough super natural mumbo jumbo for an entire lifetime quite frankly."
Anon smiles and puts his arm around her as well
"You and me both sweetheart."
The two of them sat there for a while, snuggling in the quiet. One of the best parts about bonding with Adagio is that few words needed to pass between them. She was the type of girl who was content just being held and looked after. As the hours dragged on Adagio's eyes began to flutter and her head bobbed.
"I think it's time for you to get some sleep honey bunch."
Adagio just hugged him tighter
"Can you stay just a bit longer? Just until I fall asleep."
He smiled and rubbed her back
"Of course I can sweetpea. I'm not going anywhere. You just sleep in my arms."
Adagio gave one of the most content smiles he had ever seen. The type of expression that showed someone was completely and utterly at peace with things. Her eyelids quickly fell shut and with in no more than a minute, she was completely passed out. Anon carefully tucked her in and slowly tip toed out of her room, shutting off the light.
Anon sat at the table, a cup of coffee in hand and Alto by his feet. The sun was just starting to peak over the clouds, casting a golden pink glow across the landscape outside. It didn't take long for Dagi to join him. As she walked towards the coffee pot and poured herself some, she stretched, multiple bones popping in the process. Anon smiles
"That sounded like it felt good."
Adagio stretches just a little more before turning to face him
"Oh yeah. That felt heavenly."
Anon looked at the calendar and realized what day it was. Summer break. The first day of their first summer break. He felt himself get giddy at the thought. Dagi began to reach from some cereal but he stopped her.
"Adagio, wait."
She looked confused
"Daddy?"
"It's your first day of summer break. And no first day of summer break could be complete without breakfast made by your dad."
Adagio smiles brightly
"Well I certainly won't complain. I'll go up and shower while you prepare it."
"Sounds good. Feeling like anything in particular?"
"Whatever you make I'll like." she said, disappearing up the stairs
Anon finishes his cup and goes to work making some chocolate chip pancakes, thinking about what should take place during their first summer break. Camping? Fishing? Bike riding? So many choices. Not long after he starts cooking the pancake mix, Aria walks down to join him.
"That smells delicious." she said
"I'm glad. Hopefully it will taste just as good."
Anon noticed a certain look in her eyes. Not the happy kind.
"You alright Ari?"
She sighs
"Not really... I had a really scary nightmare last night."
"You want to talk about it?
"It was really scary. I was being chased by bees. No matter how far I ran they just wouldn't stop. Right before they caught me I woke up."
He hugs her with his free hand, as he starts to add chocolate chips.
"Oh sweetheart. That must of been so scary."
"It really was."
"You're safe now though. Don't worry. Daddy won't let a single bee next to you."
She hugged him tighter
"Thanks dad."
Just as he was close to finishing the pancakes Sonata walked down stairs, followed shortly after by a freshly showered Adagio.
"Good. Glad you two came. The pancakes are just about ready."
Sonata got a cute little smile
"We're having pancakes!? That's awesome!"
"Not just any pancakes, Chocolate chip."
Sonata looked as if she might explode from the excitement of it all.
"Just try not to get any food on yourself, dork." Aria said
Sonata just stuck her tongue out
"That's enough you two."
He took the batch of pancakes and placed them on a plate, drenching them in syrup.
"Dig in you three."
After cooking up a few more, Anon joined them in the feast
"So how do you girls want to experience this summer break?" he asked "I've got a few ideas of what might be fun."
"Like what?" Dagi asked
"Well we can do some camping. There's also so fun hiking and biking trails around here. Or we could fish. And there's the carnival that comes around this time of year."
"Let's do the carnival!" Sonata yelled with glee
Saw that coming from a mile away
"Alright. We'll do it when it comes around."
"I suppose we could do some camping. That doesn't sound half bad." Aria added
"Camping it is. Anything you want to do Adagio?" he asked "Adagio?"
Before he knew it Adagio dropped to the floor, out cold. Anon ran to her
"Adagio? Adagio are you ok? Adagio wake up!"
Her face was covered in sweat and she was breathing heavily. The color had drained from her face in a matter of seconds. Could this be another supernatural occurrence? Anon knew just who to call. He took out his phone and called Princess Twilight. Luckily she was still spending a little time in the human world. She was over in not time flat. After a brief checkup, Twilight took him into a room away from the others
"Anon... I have some bad news."
He braced himself
"Give it to me."
"I was wrong about the antidote... unfortunately it only acted as a band aid and brought about an unintended consequence." she said "We stopped their gems from reforming but the problem is their gems are the source of their life. If we let this go on... they might not make it for more than another year or so."
Anon's eyes widened and a deep chill ran down his spine.
"There must be something we can do. There has to be."
Twilight looked down
"I'm going to do some research and see what I can do. As far as I know this is the first time this has ever occurred. But I'll do whatever I can to fix it."
"What happens if we just allow the gems to grow back?"
"They'll live... but they won't be your little girls any longer. Their sirens will take over once again and they will be back to trying to destroy the world like before.
Anon stared at the floor. He couldn't believe it. It was like being caught between a rock and a hard place.
"Don't lose hope just yet Anon. I'm going to do some research. See if there is any sort of magic that can help us. We'll find a way."
"Thank you Twilight. I owe my life to you."
"Don't mention it. It's my job."
Twilight took her leave and Anon felt sick to his stomach. Was all of this for nothing? Was life just about to dangle this fruit in front of him all just to pull it away right before he had it? His daughters, who he had spent the last year loving and nurturing where now facing an unavoidable death or the fate of being corrupted again. He was so stunned he couldn't even cry.
To his surprise, in only about fifteen minutes, there was another knock on the door. It didn't even take five seconds for the door to burst open. Sunset and the rest of the girls had showed up.
"We came as soon as we heard." Sunset said
Sunny took a place by Anon's side, along with Rarity
"Do you need to cry?" Rarity asked
He just shook his head. Surprisingly he just felt completely hollow. Both of the girls seemed pretty powerless. They had no idea how to help him right now. Until Aria came up.
"Dad." Aria said
"Yes?"
"I have an idea."
"What is it?"
"Well... why not let us transform?"
"We can't... if we do the sirens will take control again."
"Think about it." she said, starting to pace "Twilight's friendship magic reverted us to this state before right? What's a stronger magic than friendship? Love."
"But I can't preform any magical spells, much less with love. Not to mention even if I could your siren self may just evolve to become immune to it and take over the next time."
Anon clenched his teeth
"No matter what happens we lose."
"Aye. But here's the catch: I thought it through a bit. How much would you say you love me?"
"I love you more than the concept of love itself."
"Right. I'm sure you can think of plenty of things you love about me right?"
"Where are you going with this?"
"It's simple: If you focus on what attribute you love about me or my sisters, then eve if the beast inside us becomes immune, you will still have more things to beat it with. And since you love us more than the concept of love itself, then you have a near infinite source of love magic to draw upon."
Leave it to his little girl to think of something so perfect.
"When Twilight gets back we'll run it by her."
"Excellent. I'll go tell the other two."
Sunset looks at you
"She's pretty wise for her age. I think, combined with Twilight's magical expertise, she might just have a plan."
"I hope you're right Sunset."
Rarity smiles
"We can get through this. Together."
Anon stiffens his upper lip and stands tall. She was right. No matter what happened, he wasn't alone in this. So long as he had his family and friends, he could do anything.
It didn't take very long for Twilight to come back. Apparently she had struck gold in no time flat.
"Alright. I think I have something" Twilight said "the results are mixed. Needless to say this isn't a typical occurrence. The antidote I gave you will slow the effects but in the end the result is still the same. As far as I could see, there are no spells to reverse this."
His stomach dropped
"But there is still hope. I decided I would work out something new. And to do this we need to do two things: first we need to allowed their gems to grow back. I don't know all the details but those gems are essential to their life force. Without them, they will not survive. Next is where it gets complicated. We need to work out a way to seal their inner sirens so they don't regain control of their bodies. This will bypass the immunization factor."
"So what do you have worked out so far?"
"I know a simple way that will allow the gems to grow back. But it's the sealing spell that will be the tricky part. I'll have to come up with a new magic from scratch. Even for me this is going to be a challenge. Thanks to a few suggestions from Aria, however, I think I'm on the right track. I've to enlisted Cadence to help since love magic is her specialty. She's working on some elements of the sealing spell while I will be working on the base of it."
"How long do you think it'll take to complete?"
"It depends on how fast Cadence works. To put it simply, she's working on the point of the spear, while I'm working on the handle. She has the hard part of it."
"Fair enough. We'll be here then. Just call us when you've worked it out."
"we'll work as fast as we're able."
Twilight puts her hands on Anon's shoulders and looks him dead in the eye
"Anon." she said sternly "They're going to be ok."
He nods "Right. I leave it in your capable hands."
Twilight once again makes her exit and you're left with your daughters and the mane seven.
"How are you holding up after that?" Sunset asked "Better?"
"Certainly more confident than before. At least we have a plan to work with now."
"You want us to stay with you for the night? The girls look like they could use some help too."
"If you want too. I won't lie, having as much company as possible would help ease the tension of waiting."
"We'll help you. Whatever you need." Rarity said
He didn't reply, instead walking up stairs
"I need some time alone for right now though. I'll be back in a little."
Anon went up to his room and just sat on the bed. Finally the tears came.
"It's good. You don't cry nearly enough for the stress you're under."
He turned to look only to find Rarity
"I told you I wanted to be alone."
Rarity quietly tiptoes to the bed and sits beside him
"You don't have to be." She said "It's ok to lean on someone. Right now you're carrying the world on your back. It's ok to have people to help ease the burden darling."
"It's my responsibility."
"Just because it's your responsibility doesn't mean nobody can help. It's ok."
"I'm sorry Rarity."
"You have nothing to apologize for. It's been hard. Seeing one of my best friends drift away. I've missed you."
"Once this is over we should really hang out."
Rarity places her arm around him "We really should."
"I'm sorry I've been so distant."
"Don't even mention it. You've been under more stress in a week then some go through in an entire lifetime. I don't blame you for not being able to keep everything in order."
He and Rarity sat there for a while, watching as the sun finally reached it's peak in the sky
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Rarity asked
"It really is."
"We're here for you Anon. Through the thick and thin of it."
"Thank you Rarity."
Anon's phone began to buzz and he flipped it open. It was a text from Twi.
"Be ready in the living room. We're nearing completion of the spell."
He really had to hand it to Twi. She knew how to work fast. Anon sat up and walk downstairs, Rarity in tow. Sunset was waiting at the bottom of the steps, her arms cross and a rather annoyed looking expression on her face.
"You ok Sunset?"
"Fine." she huffed
Clearly she was not in the mood right now. Anon made his way back into the living room where the girls were playing quietly. It was a game of pirate ship. Adagio was the captain, Aria the first mate, and Sonata the cabin girl.
"Arrr the water below has turned to lava!" Adagio said, keeping one eye closed as if she was wearing an eye patch "what should we do first mate?"
Aria just sat on the floor, grumbling
"Let it consume us hopefully." she growled
Sonata popped up
"Arrr! we need to get back on the ship!" she said, pointing to the couch "we'll be safe there! Luckily I installed the fire resistant wood."
Aria rolled her eyes at the fire resistant wood comment
"Argh you could learn ah thing or two from cabin girl Sonata, First Mate! I like her spirit."
The three girls climbed atop the couch and Sonata pulled out an imaginary telescope
"Oh no! Lava octopus at twelve o'clock!"
Pinkie sat at the far end of the room, making claws with her hands and play growling at the girls
"First mate!" Adagio said "Ready the cannons!"
Aria lifted an imaginary cannonball into the imaginary cannon
"All cannons ready to fire captain!"
They started to making explosion noises as Pinkie pretended to writhe in agony
"You haven't seen the last of me Dazzle Pirates!" Pinkie said before slowly sinking on the floor
Anon couldn't help but smile. It was so sweet. It was nice to see the girls hadn't let the news get them down. In about ten minutes Twilight had returned.
"Alright here's the plan. The girls will go through the portal with me. This will cause their gems to regrow instantly. After that we have a spell that will use the siren's own strength against them. Instead of the Dazzlings being sealed in the gem, it'll be the sirens. Doing this will completely bypass the immunity factor. However in order to do this the girls will each have to face their demon one on one. If they succeed, the sirens will never awaken again."
It was dark. And quiet. But she could feel it. The evil, menacing presence that was directly in front of her. The presence had a hunger for her soul.
"Adagio, my dear."
It sounded like her father's voice. But as a bright, cherry colored gem began to gleam through the darkness she could tell it was plainly not. Every bone in Adagio's body shook with fear.
"This ends now Siren." Adagio said "I'll be under your curse no longer."
As tough as she tried to sound, even she could tell how weak she was. The siren's razor sharp jaws began to glow in the darkness, a long tongue hanging out of it just begging to tear into her flesh. Finally it's full form came into focus. It's long fish body combined with it's hooves and crazed eyes. It stood at least twenty five feet tall. It was like staring at the devil himself.
"Aw," the beast mocked "The little girl thinks she can take down her own demons. How sweet. Are you afraid child?"
It slithered next to her, whispering into her ear
"You should be." it laughed
As much as Adagio tried she couldn't stop her trembling. The beast was playing with her. If it really wanted too, it could swallow her in one gulp without a second thought.
"Just accept it. You can't escape me. I'm not separate from you. I am you." it smiled "now become one with me again. And the entire world will adore you."
"Adore me?"
"Yes. Your father. Your sisters. The entire world. All of them will be bowing at your feet and kissing the ground you walk on. All I ask is for you to join me once again."
"Adagio stop!"
A voice cracked through her skull like lightning. It was her daddy.
"It's lying to you! If you accept her offer you won't be you anymore!"
Adagio finally snapped out of it.
"No monster! It'll be you who joins me!"
The siren just smiled devlishly
"Works for me." it mused "we can do it the fun way then."
The giant opened it's mouth and began to sing a sweet song. Before Adagio knew it, she was back at home again. Her two sisters were playing on the floor.
"Did it work?" she asked
But, like a fire through a painting, the whole thing began to melt, Aria's and Sonata's faces twisting and contorting as it melted. The twisted figures grabbed Dagi's ankles as they began to fad.
"S-save us... Adagio!"
It was Sonata's voice, only twisted in agony. Adagio put her hands on her ears. But the voices of her sisters penetrated her very mind. All she could hear was their screaming as they melted further. All of a sudden it stopped. She was in a bubble.
"Adagio."
It was daddy again
"I-I can't do this! I can't!"
Anon hugged her tight
"You can do this Adagio. I don't have much time before your siren blocks me out again so listen closely."
Adagio nodded
"It looks tough but it's anything but. It can't actually touch your soul. That's why it's resorting to these mind tricks. And the way to beat it is even simpler: Show no fear and use love to destroy it. Think of your love for me, your sisters. Let it be your strength."
As abruptly as it happened, Anon was gone again. The siren sat there laughing.
"Love huh? Don't make me laugh." it said "Just try to love your way out of this one. I'll wait."
Adagio thought about her love for her father as much as possible, letting it fill every corner of her heart. But nothing happened.
"Well? I'm waiting. Isn't this the part where you shoot a giant love beam and seal me away?"
Daddy wouldn't have lied to her. There had to be another way. What was she missing? Adagio through her fist as the siren. It had no effect whatsoever.
"Oh the pain, make it stop. Well, I think this means it's my turn again."
It opened it's mouth again and sang another song. Only this one was fast and rough. Dagi was once again in a different scene, only Aria was there however. Aria was facing against her siren and doing even worse than she was. Adagio rushed to save her sister but came up against what felt like glass.
"Aria! Aria!"
She had to calm down. This was just another trick like last time.
"I won't let you fool me. This is just another illusion." Adagio said "Even if it isn't, I trust in my sister. She won't be beaten by a dumb fish like you!"
To her shock, the siren began to writhe in pain. She figured it out! She had to beat the siren at it's own game. If it tried to sink her into despair, all she had to do was resist it's temptation. She could win. She could!
Meanwhile Sonata was not fairing as well. Just the mere sight of her siren was enough to leave her on the floor in tears. And the siren was winning. The more Sonata yielded to her fear, the more she regressed. She had gone from the age of nine to the age of six in mere moments. She could feel her mind slowly beginning to slip as well. Each moment she became more irrational, less able to think critically. If something wasn't done soon, she'd quickly be consumed by the siren forever.
As for Aria, she couldn't even get the fight started. To her amazement, her siren wasn't even awake. It just lay on the floor, sleeping. No matter what Aria did she couldn't wake it from it's slumber.
"wake up you stupid fish! Wake up!"
Finally the fruits of her labor were realized. Aria's siren opened one eye. As it stood up it let out a blood curdling scream that was akin to a demon of hell crying out. The scream made Aria's very bones rattle. After nearly two minutes it quieted down, not saying a thing. Only staring at her intently.
"Listen up siren. It's time I seal you for good."
It said nothing. Only stared at her.
"What is wrong with you? Aren't you going to say something? Do anything?"
Aria looked down and realized it already had. Like Sonata, she was beginning to regress as well. She had lost two feet of height and her chest shrunk. She realized her mistake: anger. The beast was feeding off her rage. It was no surprise. Anger is and always had been her biggest vice. She had to stay calm and think. But what was she supposed to do? It was one thing to stop the beast from feeding off her. But how was she supposed to defeat it?
Aria yelled and tried to throw a punch at it, but it went right through it, as if it was a ghost. The beast screamed again, causing Aria to curl up in a ball and cover her ears. Aria screamed as well, the pain from the beast's roar filling every inch of her body. Think Aria! Think! There had to be a way to solve this!
"Calm yourself."
Aria looked up
"Dad?"
"Calm yourself. Approach it with a cool and level head. You're already on the right track."
Aria took a deep breath and slowly began to relax, only to have the thing scream again. But it was an entirely different scream. It was a scream of pain. That's all she had to do. Be at center and at peace. If she could keep herself calm then the beast would have no power over her whatsoever. Aria sat on the floor and crossed her legs, folding her arms over her thighs, and closed her eyes. She took long, deep breaths. Each scream the beast made annoyed her greatly. But she slowly got a handle on herself each time. She blinked open one eye and saw it was working. The siren was evaporating. Each minute that passed it grew fainter and fainter. Until finally it was gone.
Aria opened her eyes and began to cough. It was as if that entire time she was even breathing. She sat up and saw she was in some sort of library. Inside a tree no less. She looked to the side to see Anon in some sort of circle, covered in runes. He wasn't moving a muscle. That must've been how he was able to communicate with her. She looked to her other side to see her two sisters, in the siren forms.
They were a lot bigger than she expected. Together they filled up nearly half the library. Yet Aria was still human, even being in Equestria. She looked down at her chest to see a new gem had formed. Only this time it was a brilliant purple color and glowed softly. It was hot to the touch, like putting your finger on a hot stove. She had done the impossible. She had sealed the Siren within herself. Hopefully the other girls would be so lucky.
Adagio may have been on the upper foot, but she hadn't beaten it yet. Her siren was by far the most cunning of the three. After she figured out it's weakness, the siren had shrunk to half it's original size. It was still towering over her, but as its size decreased, her confidence increased. She couldn't wait till it was small enough to be crushed under her boot.
The siren pulled something out of it's mouth. A cigarette.
"Care for a pull Adagio?" it asked
This wasn't good. Adagio's body craved it more than anything. What she wouldn't give for a nice, long pull. To feel the amazing calm once again. Adagio shook her head rapidly.
"No Adagio. Not now. You can't give in!"
The siren smiled, dangling the drug in front of her nose. She could smell the sweet smoke. Feel it's calming effects slowly start to take over. It was taking every ounce of energy she had not to snatch it right out of the beast's hooves and smoke till she couldn't smoke anymore.
She remembered how sad her father was. How much it hurt Sonata. How angry Aria had been. She found her resolve.
"I won't." Adagio said, looking it dead in the eye "I won't take it."
The siren shrunk once again, even more so. Now it was only at her waist. It was getting desperate. It knew that if it didn't get her this time, it was over. It was time to pull out the big guns. Something not even Adagio's stalwart will couldn't resist.
Sonata was in dire straights for her fight. She had regressed to that of a four year old, barely being able to remember how to use common English. At this rate Sonata was bound to lose and Anon was having a difficult time breaking through. Sonata's own fear was forming something of a force field around her, making it impossible for them to communicate. There had to be some way. All it would take is just a little nudge in the right direction. Anon summoned all his mental energy to form a single picture in his mind. A picture of the entire family, together and smiling. He hoped to Celestia it would be enough to get her head straight long enough to figure out what to do.
Sonata, upon seeing the mental image, was filled with joy and began to giggle uncontrollably. As she giggled her mind seemed to improve. She could think again, speak again. She thought about Alto. About Aria. About Adagio and daddy and all her friends and was filled with joy. The fear just shed off her like water.
However, Sonata's siren was not about to take this lying down. The siren charged at the little girl, bearing it's sharp jaws and letting out a might roar, causing Sonata to scream. As she was about to succumb to her fear, she remembered the picture once again. Daddy said he'd keep her safe no matter what. She needn't be afraid. She had daddy. And like that, the siren destroyed.
Sonata jolted up to see her big sister Aria. Before she could ever think, Aria's arms were wrapped around her in a tight hug. As they hugged Sonata noticed that her gem had changed as well. It was now a bright, bluish green and had a soft glow to it.
"I love you, you big dork."
Sonata felt happier than she had ever been in her entire life. She hugged back with even great force. Aria actually said it! She loved her! She was being hugged by her!
"I love you too, Aria."
They both turned their eyes to Adagio, her siren form still asleep.
"Now we wait on big sister." Sonata said
"Right."
The large yellow monster had one final trick up it's sleeve. And it was sure this one wouldn't fail. With it's massive jaws, it tore a hole into Anon's unconscious.
"Your father isn't very smart." it said "he should know that just as he can come into our mind, I can come into his."
Adagio felt fear run down her back
"What are you going to do?" she asked
"Let's make a deal. In exchange for your soul and body, I don't utterly ruin your father's mind."
"Y-you can't do that. This is just another trick!"
"Is it? Hmmm... let's put it to the test then."
From the hole a memory started shining through. It was the memory of the day when he and Dagi spent time singing while going up to the ski resort. With a scrape of her teeth, the memory began to rip and tear.
"Oh my, my. That certainly was unfortunate."
Tears began to stream down Adagio's face
"S-stop! I'm warning you!"
The memory kept running and the siren took another bite out of it, completely destroying the section.
"Oh my, oh my. This is rather unfortunate. You know what would be even worse? If I destroyed his memory of how to breathe."
Adagio's face went pale as a ghost
"What an unfortunate cost that would be. You get complete control over you body only to find your poor old man suffocating to death." it giggled "So what's it going to be? Your life?"
The hole began to show the memory of Anon's chest rising and falling
"Or your father's?"
Adagio began to cry uncontrollably. She couldn't throw the life of her father away! She couldn't. Adagio realized she only had one choice. She couldn't just kill her own father. She looked the beast dead in the eyes.
The siren grew to a colossal fifty feet tall and smiled the most ugly smile ever imaginable.
"Excellent." it said "I'm glad you could see reason."
"On one condition."
"Oh? You're in no position to be bargaining."
"Give my dad's memory back!"
The siren laughed loudly
"Sorry, can't do that."
Adagio became furiously angry
"I won't forgive you!"
Adagio began to grow in size until eventually she was bigger than the siren itself.
"I'm going to kill you!" Adagio roared
The siren made a quick dash for the memory but Adagio tackled it to the ground, beating the absolute hell out of it.
"You're not going to take my dad! You're not! I'll kill you! I'll kill you!"
She punched it over and over and over and over again until her knuckles themselves began to bleed. She felt two pairs of arms around her, pulling her back to stop her.
"Adagio stop! It's over."
Adagio snapped out of it. She in the library. Sonata and Aria both had their arms around her arms so she couldn't punch any more. She was panting like crazy.
"Aria." she blubbered "Sonata. You're ok."
"We did it." Aria whispered, tears in her eyes "We did it."
Adagio looked at her gem. It was absolutely beautiful. It shone a striking gold color, it was as if she had a little sun. She really had done it. It was no illusion. She then remembered her father. He was still lying in the circle, passed out.
"Dad! Dad wake up!" dagi yelled "Answer me! Answer me damn it!"
Anon blinked open his eyes, Adagio tackle hugging him.
"You did it girls." he said "I'm so proud of you."
"It was only thanks to you daddy." she said "I could never have figured it out without you."
The other girls crawled over to their dad as he sat up
"It's finally over." he said "We finally did it."
Twilight slowly walked over to the scene
"Congratulations. You have done what nopony has done before."
After a brief celebration the girls, accompanied by their father, Princess Twilight, and the mane seven had a large dinner at Anon's house the next evening. Pinkie had gotten the entire thing ready in no time flat, calling in special favors to put the whole thing on for free. The moon shone bright in the sky, as if Luna herself had blessed the event. Adagio stayed right by her father's side the entire time as the rest of them partied. As the night dragged on, Anon clinked his glass to get everyone's attention.
"I'd like to make a toast." he said "To commemorate the bravery my little girls have shown. For the support of our friends. And to the courage that each of us have shown in the face of such adversity. None of this could've been possible without your help. I would also like to make this toast to the future. May it be as bright as this accomplishment."
"Here, here." said the crowd before taking a big drink
Sunset stood off to the side, wearing a brilliant crimson dress and earrings emblazoned with her cutie mark. She looked absolutely immaculate. The music began to slow and Sunny approached him.
"Care for a dance?" she asked
He looked down at Adagio and she nodded. Anon held out his hand and smiled.
"As good friends?"
"As good friends."
The two of you did a nice slow dance, staring intently into each others eyes.
"You know Sunset, I was thinking something."
"What's that?"
"Maybe I am ready to give dating another try. The girls certainly seem to like you."
"Well if you are ready, then it'd be my honor to share a kiss with you."
Anon leaned down and they locked lips, kissing for what felt like an eternity. Shimmer looked up at him, her face having a light blush.
"Does this mean it's official?"
"Officially official. Girlfriend."
She gave him the biggest hug she could possibly give
"I told you I'd win didn't I?"
"That you did."
Anon and Sunset, as well as the rest of his friends, danced until the early hours of the morning. Aria, Sonata, and Adagio all sat snuggling on the couch with him as the party came to a close. Aria and Sonata both passed out near instantaneously.
"Does this mean Sunset is our mom now?" Dagi asked
"Not just yet. But who knows? She may just be one day."
Dagi rests her head on his shoulder
"I like Sunset."
"I do too."
"I love you daddy."
"I love you too Adagio. I love you too."
Alto walked over and curled by their feet. Anon stared out the window, the only light coming from each of the girl's dimly glowing gems. His family was complete now. Before this he had nothing. No goals, no aims. No one to call his own. He had a rough life but every second was worth it. He would go through the hell he went through a million times over just to experience this moment one more time.
And it was all thanks to his three dazzling daughters.
It has been nearly twenty five years since that faithful day. The day when, with your guidance, your children had successfully defeated their inner demons. A lot had happened since then. Adagio went to college to become a psychotherapist. She graduated at the top of her class and since become one of the rising stars in the psychology world, helping hundreds of patients world wide. She was raking in six figures monthly.
Aria had grown up to become a successful veterinarian, opening not one, but three separate practices. While she certainly wasn't pulling in the amount of money her big sister was, she had a job she loved more than anything else. She worked nearly sixty hours a week running each of the clinics and yet she was the happiest girl alive.
Sonata had, funnily enough, become a college professor of philosophy and science. She had matured quite a bit later in life and found a love learning. Once she became a teenager she spent almost hours of the day reading any book she could get her hands on.
"Reminiscing again I see?" a voice from behind him said
"I'm just so damn proud of them ya know?" he said "I miss them. Don't you Sunset?"
Sunset sat next to him
"I do too. I wish they would come to visit us now and again."
"Well Christmas is just around the corner."
Anon turned his head to the scrapbook, on top of it lay the Popsicle frame that he and Aria made all those years ago at the pool.
"What do you say we take a trip down memory lane together?" he asked, point to the scrap book
Sunset happily obliged, opening it to the first page. The first few pictures where that of the first summer they shared. They ended up going camping for a week. Aria was as grumpy as usual while Sonata couldn't have been more pleased. The top picture showed a scowling Aria sitting next to a ecstatic Sonata.
"I miss bubbly Sonata." Anon remarked "As a pain as she was, she's so boring nowadays."
"That comes with growing up I suppose."
The next picture showed Aria trying to tend to butterfly with a broken wing. It was this moment when Aria really did find her passion in animals. They flipped through the next few pictures. Puberty hit poor Sonata so hard. It was like she had the body of a woman within two weeks. During that time she began to wear heavy jackets to hide her assets. It was until her late teens that she finally got the confidence to wear normal clothes again.
They flipped to one of Anon's favorite pictures: Adagio's first day of college. Dagi had trimmed her poof by quite a bit, to the point where she could put it up in a bun. She wore a bright purple hoodie with matching shorts. She had the biggest smile on her face while he had tears streaming down his face. Sunset giggled.
"Remember that? It took you nearly an hour to stop blubbering once she left for college."
"I couldn't help it. She just makes me so damn proud."
"You are such a Sentimental Sally you know that?"
They flipped a few more pages. Another great photo: the day Anon and Sunset married. It was a huge group photo of all their friends. Even Princess Twilight found a way to attend. Sunset had made Adagio the brides made and she nearly fainted during the ceremony. She was such a worry wort that girl.
"You were so beautiful in that dress." he said
"If only I was as beautiful now."
"As if. You've only grown in beauty since that day."
