> Eternal Harmony
>  by TheOneAJ
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were three sirens. Sisters, who were each named Adagio, Aria, and the youngest, Sonata. However, they were not like the other sirens of their world., For while most sought harmony, they sought power and immorality. Power that only came from using their magic to absorb and create negative energy. Their magic, they found, when brought together, made them nothing Immortal, at the cost of their worlds peace. For only dark magic, the magic of disharmony, could grant them their desires. Until a brave wizard known as Starswirl the Bearded, did battle with the evil sirens, and was able banish the sisters to another dimension. However, in the wizards attempt to do more than simply banishing the sirens, he sent them not only through space, but time as well. Believing it the sirens were separated long enough, they would become mortal and eventually die in the world he sent them.

Adagio was the first to arrive in the world of human beings. Landing in the time and place of the great sand pyramids where humanity’s first empire had risen. Unfortunately, as it would turn out, the lack of magic in this world, did not mean the lack of magic within themselves. Despite her new human form, Adagio was still able to wield her dark magic. With it, she caused the demise of the early human empire. Throwing the world into chaos for several hundred years. However, without her two sisters, she could only do so much magic, and could only delay her mortality. She also lacked the means to directly control or manipulate anyone, so the world recovered around her.

Next to arrive was Aria. Her destination was at the center of a newly formed empire who was much larger and greater than the one Adagio came to. Upon finding each other in what humans would call the year 245, the sirens magic grew stronger. Being able to somewhat control the minds and hearts of the mortals now, they spurred on a dark age for the humans that would last nearly 1000 years. However, without the third sister, they could only control and manipulate to a point, and were still only delaying their mortality. To become all powerful, they would need their final sister, Sonata, to arrive. So, as the world recovered, they waited. Waited for the day when their dreams would come true, and when they would be strong enough to bring nothing short of destruction to the humans. None of whom would survive the apocalypse the three would bring, unless someone could stop the third siren from reuniting with her sisters…
> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Present Day, Everfree National Park Mountain Range, Campground Site 42

“Hey, Octy, how’s that telescope camera looking?!” Vinyl shouted from one of the tents she and Lyra were setting up. Mallet on one hand, stake in the other as Lyra held the unfinished tent together.

Octavia jerked as said camera fumbled out of her hands. “Better than it was ten minutes ago, less than what it was five, thanks for asking.” she remarked.

“Here,” her friend Bon Bon said, holding the device steady.

“Thanks,” Octavia said as she screwed the camera into the tripod. “And… looks like we’ll be set!”

“I still don’t get why it has to be this meteor.” Bon Bon complained as she swatted away a bug.

“You kidding me?” Lyra perked up from the tent. “This is only Harmony’s comit! Last seen two thousand or something years ago!” She rubbed her forehead. “I mean, putting aside how badly we need these credits to pass our astrology class, don’t you girls want to witness its full glory yourselves? Think about it; A once in a lifetime event, away from the stress of everyday life in the beauty of nature?” She held out her hands at their camping grounds.

Bon Bon slapped her neck. When she pulled her hand back, a dead mosquito stained her palm. “I’d rather be doing so from the comfort of our apartment, to be honest.”

“City girl!” Vinyl teased. Only for her grip on a rope to losses, causing the tent to topple over on herself.

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “Last I checked, so were you.”

“Yeah, well, this is just what I needed!” Vinyl chuckled as she straightened the tent back up.

“If I’m honest,” Lyra added, “I think we could all use a little break from it all. Besides,” she hopped over and wrapped her arms around Bon Bon and Octavia. “What more could we need? Best friends, best girlfriend,” she kissed Bon Bon on the cheek for clarity. “Free from classes for the next three days-

“And no internet service.” Bon Bon grunted, but smiled in Lyra’s embrace.

“We have a radio.” Lyra pointed to their battery powered radio which was playing some country music.

“Well, I’ll have to agree more with Lyra on this case, Bon Bon.” Octavia said as she slipped out of Lyra’s hold to finish the telescope. “A little break from modern life is what I think we all needed.” In here mind, she thought about her last therapy visit. “Plus, really Bonnie, I don’t think a few bug bites killed anyone.”

Bon Bon muttered something unintelligible under her breath.

“No kidding.” Vinyl mused as she walked over to their van. Not old enough to be considered a relic, but hardly new enough to not be thought of as a rust buck. “So, what kind of beer do you girl want?” She asked as she opened the sliding door.

Octavia’s head shot up. “You can’t be serious!”

“Hey, lighten up!” Vinyl protested as she pulled four bottles out. “Look, it’s the light kind, okay!” She protested at her four friends' stern stares. “Gezz, I can drink responsibly you know! I thought we settled this”

Octavia grunted, but took one of the bottles. “Fine. But if you have too much to drink tonight, I swear you’ll have hell from me to face in the morning.”

“Yes, mom!” Vinyl saluted.

Octavia rubbed her forehead. “Why are we best friends again?”

Vinyl leaned against the van. “Let’s see... Oh I do so love retelling this story whenever you rhetorically ask that.”

Octavia shook her head, but happily drank her beer as Vinyl retold their orgin story.

“We were all in a band together for sophomore year.” Vinyl began as she took a sip of her drink. “At the time, I was a loose party cannon-

“Was?” Lyra snickered. “Are you ever going to start being honest about that part?”

Vinyl held up her hands. “Who’s telling the story here? Anyways; I was, and sometimes still am, a party animal.” She walked over to Lyra and Bon Bon. “Lyra and I have known each other since elementary school, and Lyra had just met Bonnie that morning for the start of the semester.”

Bon Bon smiled at the memory of love at first sight.

“So then, as Lyra was introducing me to her ‘new friend’” she received a punch in the shoulder from both girls. “Oh even back then it was super obvious! Anyways,so  in walks this new girl who looks like she’s from some boarding school and beneath, Miss Vinyl Scratch.”

Octavia cringed. “I thought we agreed to leave that part out!”

“So! Then she goes looking for a place to sit,” Vinyl continued without acknowledgement. “And who happens to have a free seat?” She pointed at themselves. “So at first, I thought she’d be a total bore. They type I thought wanted nothing more than to survive a semester with me, and I can’t say the feeling wasn’t mutual.” She chuckled sheepishly. “But to my surprise though, she said her name was,” she blew an imaginary trumpet. “Miss Octavia Melody! Former crystal prep transfer, and wouldn’t you know it? She was looking for some friends!”

Octavia contently sighed at the memory. Only having transferred to their public school because of some confusing property zone regulations when her family moved houses, and ending with her finding the best friends she could have ever asked for.

“So we invited her to ‘hang out,’with us, and spent the years becoming friends. Learning bout each other, a few hiccups along the way, that one day at the fair.” She winked at Octavia.

Octavia turned red in the face and Lyra and Bon Bon burst out laughing.

“Well it was a fair assumption to make!” Octavia protested. “I mean, at the time when Lyra and Bon Bon officially became a couple, how was I supposed to have known? You're forgetting how sheltered I was, so it just made sense when I... Can we move on?”

“Sure thing, sweetie.” Vinyl teased with a wink. Although, for one second, she frowned. Octavia caught it, and despite still fuming, she let out a calming breath and gave Vinyl an asureing smile.

“But yeah,” Vinyl said, sitting down on a log and taking another swig of her beer. “We saw each other through some of our worst times, and when we graduated, we were able to pick each other up when we needed it the most. You helped me with my grades, I helped you with your parents in telling them you weren’t going to take their shit anymore. And that you were going to follow your own dreams and not their stupidly laid out plans.”

“Not quite how I put it,” Octavia corrected, sitting next to Vinyl. “But more or less, it was, undoubtedly, the best day of my life.”

“And now we only have two more years of community college, and who knows how long of student debt. But not as long as those IV losers!” Lyra cheered.

“Hey, I had my doubts,” Bon Bon said, “but yeah, your dad was right; It’s not different, and cheaper, and I couldn’t be happier either.” She added pulling Lyra into a hug.

Octavia and Vinyl sighed in contentment at their friends.

“Alrighty! Story time over!” Vinyl anouched standing up. “We got about an hour before the comet is visible! I say we get something to eat before the show begins.” They all looked the the campfire and the darkened sky’s. Not quite dark yet, but just at the edge of twilight. “I’ll get the fire started. How about you pick out dinner, Octy?.”

“An excellent idea!” Octavia agreed, heading to the back of the van and their portable fridge. “What do we pack?”

“Well,” Vinyl said as she lined the fire pit with sticks. “We have eggs, hot dogs, hamburgers, and tacos.”

Octavia hummed to herself as she opened the back of the van. “I suppose I’m in the mood for-

As she opened the fridge, a handful of papers that had been haphazardly stacked on top fell off. Octavia picked them up without a second thought. Only to look at the heading curiously.

“Vinyl, what are these?” Octavia called out

“What’s what?” Vinyl shouted back, match in hand.

“These!” Octavia stepped away from the van holding out the papers in question. “Comet myth and legends? I thought this was supposed to be a, scientific, camping trip.”

“Hey now!” Vinyl snickered. “What’s a good camping trip without some ghost stories to set the mood?” She struck the match, and lit the fire

“Um,” Bon Bon swallowed. “Horror stories?”

Lyra crossed her arms and smirked.

“Not that I can’t handle it!” Bon Bon added with fake confidence.

“Oh yeah,” Vinyl grinned as she took the papers in question from Octavia. “I did some additional research. Found some seriously spooky stuff. Why don't I do some good cooking and I’ll share?” 

Octavia sighed. But it was a far more content filled sigh if anything. Compared to where she would have seen herself right now just ten years ago; on a camping trip with some of her best friends? That would have been a laugh. A good fucking laugh. She took in a deep breath as she realized that she had been crushing the taco packs.

“Tacos it is then,” she told herself. “That’s behind me, this is now.” Ground beef and pan in hand, she walked over to the campfire where Vinyl was starting her story.

“So, the story of Harmony’s comet,” Vinyl began as she sat down. A devious grin on her face. “Now, it is a fact that this thing has only ever been seen twice in all of human history. Can you guess what those times were?”

“Um,” Lyra mused over. Sarcastically answering; “When the first invented infomercials and health insurance?”

Vinyl laughed. “Well, you’re not too far off the mark in a way. Supposedly, the first time this comet was seen by human eyes, it was by Egyptian eyes. Not only that,” she held up her paper, “it happened just a few years before it’s rule as an empire came to an end.”

The three looked at each other.

“So... So what?” Bon Bon asked, holding onto Lyra’s arm. “Did the next time it happened, happen during the fall of the Roma or something?”

Vinyls eyes widened, but quickly she smirked. “As a matter of fact, you’re one hundred percent right there!”

Bon Bon gulped and shrank further into her girlfriend's embrace.

“Oh yeah.” Vinyl laughed as she held up the papers.” Not a decade before the dark ages became a thing, there was Harmony’s comet again. A coincidence?”

“Thats,” Octavia shook her head. “Really now! You’re saying a comet caused civilization to end? I think even a novice historian can tell you both empires had issues long before then.”

Vinyl shrugged. “Fair point.” She turned off her flashlight. “But, who’s to say, the comet wasn’t there, not to bring ruin, but to warn them? And you’re right.” She nodded and stood up. “But with all the drama in the world today, who’s to say, the comet isn’t here to warn us now. Who’s the say, when we even head home on Monday... That they’ll even be a home?!”

Bon Bon screamed and jumped from her seat, toppling backwards in the dirt. Taking Lyra with her.

“Seriously, Vinyl, stop that!” Octavia chastised by swatting the papers at her friend.

“Okay, okay!” Vinyl laughed. “Still, one hell of a cowinkodink, don’t you think?”

“Ye... yeah?” Bon Bon stammered as she stood herself up. “It... It wasn’t even that scary!”

“Phew, yeah!” Lyra commented. Goosebumps visible on her arm. “Relax, Bonnie. Nothing bad is going to happen.”

“If you say so.” Vinyl concluded. “Still, wouldn't that be something if anything happened?!”

Octavia deadpanned as she set to work stirring the meat in the pan. “How would the fall of civilization because of a comet in any way be a ‘good’ thing?”

“Never said it would be.” Vinyl corrected taking her seat. “Just that it would be something. That’s all.”

Octavia couldn’t find an argument in that.

“Oh please,” Lyra said crossed armed. “As messed up as things are, we dumb humans care too much about beer, football, and cable television to actually let the world fall apart anyways.”

Octavia blinked. “That’s a bizarre set of priorities.”

“But not inaccurate when you think about it.” Vinyl added.

And with a laugh from all of them, with a more nervous chuckle from Bon Bon, the conversation about the end of the world was dropped. The ground beef had browned by then, and they all had their fill of tacos before the comet was due to arrive.

*****

“You see it?!” Octavia called to Vinyl who was standing on top of the van.

“Not yet!” Vinyl replied, looking up at the night sky through a telescope. “What about you girls?”

“Nope!” Bon Bon called out from the eastern end of the camping ground. 

“You think it wouldn’t be that hard to find!” Lyra said from the western end. Stomping a foot in frustration.

“Well, space is a big place,” Octavia pointed out, rubbing her eyes.

“Yeah well, I’m not failing my class because space wants to be a big dick!” Vinyl huffed.

“Is that really necessary?” Octavia deadpanned.

Vinyl shrugged. “Yeah well, beats thinking about how small you are.” Her shoulder slumped. “How little the universe cares if you exist.”

Octavia frowned and looked to Vinyl quizidly. And was about to say something, when Lyra shouted,

“Hey! I think I see it!”

“Where?!” Vinyl said, fumbling and nearly dropping her telescope as Octavia looked in Lyra’s direction. She turned her own telescope to where Lyra was looking, and sure enough, there was the comet.

“Huh, smaller than I expected.” Vinyl commented. 

“Well what did you expect?” Lyra said. For it to take up most of the sky? It’s not like in movies. Hey, we got the telescope camera rolling?!”

“On it!” Bon Bon said, racing to the device to aim and record. “How long do we have to keep it running again?”

With that, Lyra walked over to ‘help’ her girlfriend out. Which turned from setting the camera, to Lyra wrapping an arm around Bon Bon. Whom playfully protested at first, but relented as the two sat down on a towel. They leaned into each other, and Octavia had no doubt they would be sharing kissing in between. She laughed in amusement, before turning her attention to her other friend.

“Vinyl?” Octavia said.

“Huh?” Vinyl blinked out of her stupor. “What! I, mean,” she let out a cough. “Yes?”

Octavia sighed. “What’s wrong?” With that, she pulled herself up to the roof of the van and offered her friend to sit down next to her.

Vinyl bit at her lips and started to protest, but sighed. “It’s kind of silly.” She admitted, taking a seat next to Octavia. Feet dangling in the air.

“Neon?” Octavia ventured a guess.

Vinyl looked downwards. “I mean, it’s not like he’s my first boyfriend. Heck, even as we were dating, I could have guessed he wouldn’t be my last. Still, you know how it goes. No break up is ever easy.” Vinyl jerked up as she realized something. “Oh, no! I didn’t mean it like that!”

Octavia snickered. “It’s fine.” She let out her own breath. “It’s not as if pain of any kind is ‘fun.’”

Vinyl chuckled and looked back up at the comet. “So, speaking of, never got to ask; How’dit go with your doctor's visit last week?”

Octavia rolled her eyes.“She thinks I’m about at the point where I don’t need to visit as often, if at all.”

“Tavi, that’s great!” Vinyl beamed. She frowned at Octavia’s less than enthusiastic reaction. “Isn’t it?”

“Um… Maybe?” Octavia said, laying down onto the van, hands behind. “I mean, can you really just be ‘over’ years of emotional trauma I went through like that?” She snapped her fingers. “I mean, I don’t think she means I should just stop having therapy, but if I’m honest, I guess the idea scares me more. Sounds silly, but, what if I spent my whole life in therapy? Or rather, what if next year I’m not… Sorry, this making any sense, Vinyl? Or am I overthinking things again?”

“Eh, a little.” Vinyl admitted as she laid down next to her, hands crossed on her stomach. “Although; What is it you want? I mean, there’s no shame in still needing therapy when we’re one hundred years old.” She added for comedic effect, but was disappointed when Octavia didn’t react.

“I guess,” Octavia said, missing the joke. “However, I doubt that. Or rather, I know one day I’ll have to be able to fully handle things on my own. Oh gosh, Vinyl, what if I’m never ready after all?”

Vinyl let out a snort. “Sorry. But no, seriously? When are we ever ready for anything? Were we ‘really’ ready to have graduated high school? Really ready to tell your parents to suck it? Or,” she tapped her fingers. Wanting to make sure she said the next part right. “Or ready when we think we found the person we love.” She cringed. “Or for when that person says they don’t like you back?”

Octavia sighed and turned her head to face Vinyl. “You still feel guilty about that?”

“I mean,” Vinyl fidgeted. “I did turn you down pretty hard that day.”

“To be fair, I was the one who tried kissing you without any warning because I thought if our friends were dating, that you’d just naturally e into me.” Octavia laughed.

Vinyl blew a raspberry. “Yeah, well-

“Plus, I was also trying to follow your own advice you gave me prior to think less and follow my heart, so really!”

“Yeah, well,” Vinyl said with a smile, which quickly evaporated.

“Hey,” Octavia said, using a hand to rub Vinyls shoulder. “Yes, it hurt. It hurt really bad. Also, I wish the following two weeks didn’t have to be as awkward with us as they turned out to be. But in the end, I think it was an experience I needed. And we were both able to stay best friends in the end. Better then ever from what I recall. So stop feeling bad just because you made me cry for a bit.”

“Yeah, well,” Vinyl said, blowing a strand of hair out of the way. “That doesn't mean you shouldn’t try to find someone.”

Octavia removed her hand and turned her face away. “Vinyl! I thought we’ve been over this; You don’t need to set me up because you feel bad.”

“Come on, Tavi!” Vinyl said as she sat up. “Look, if being single your whole life will really make you happy, I guess I can’t fight it.” She shook her head. “But come on; Let me try setting you up on one blind date. Please?”

Octavia clenched her fist. 

“Okay okay!” Vinyl held up her hands. “Sorry! Dropping it!”

“It’s fine.” Octavia said with a sigh as she pulled herself up. “I appreciated the gesture, but really!” She pulled in her knees and smiled. “What brought up the idea I may be done with therapy, is when I mentioned that I’ve been the happiest I’ve been in my entire life.”

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. 

“I mean it!” Octavia cleared her throat. “Look at us,” she motioned to Lyra and Bon Bon who were now cuddling. “Away from home, roommates against the world. I never said it was perfect,” she chuckled. “But if I could have it my way; I’d have you be completely over your current heartbreak and quilt, and then I’d want nothing to change from this very moment. Even if it means I never have a girlfriend.” She smirked at Vinyl. “Technically, I already have three.

“Tall order to fill.” Vinyl said rolling her eyes in the direction of the comet. “That’s your shooting star wish? Also, when did you become funny?”

“I have terrible influences.” Octavia stuck out her tongue. As Vinyl shook her head, Octavia asked. “Shooting star wish?” Although she wasn’t that surprised to hear it from Vinyl. “Well, as tempting as it is to wish for something that would require reality to be bent over backwards for me, if I really do get one from this comet, and for something more realistic to happen,” she looked to the rock in the sky. “I’d just wish for someone who would treat you better and is worthy of your love and kindness.”

“Ah! Don’t waste your wish on me!” Vinyl said, holding her hand to her chest.

Octavia giggled. “So what your wish then?”

Vinyl paused to stare at the comet. “Well, it depends. Do I get one of those reality alteratering wishes, or do I have to wish something for yourself just because you did so for me? If so, I’d just say I wished you would get laid once in your life.”

“Vinyl,” Octavia hissed.

“But!” Vinyl said quickly. “If I don't get the reality bending one and have to stick with something ‘realistic, and for myself,” she cleared her throat. “Then I’d just wish for good grades and finding jobs after college.”

Having relaxed, Octavia pestered, “And if you could get any wish you wanted?”

Vinyl twiddled her thumbs. “Maybe that I never had a drinking problem to begin with.” She huffed. “Or a habit of picking jerks. Hell! Maybe I could not be straight so we could just hook up and we could be happy and stress free on this topic!” She let out, rubbing her face.

Octavia let out a half smile and pulled Vinyl into a hug. A hug Vinyl was all too happy to return. 

“Thanks for being a good friend, Tavi.” Vinyl said several minutes later. Octavia could just catch her day under her breath, “Even if I can’t love you the way you want me to.”

Octavia smiled. “Hey, you and the girls show me more love than I’ve ever known as a kid, and that’s enough.”

They laughed and stayed as they were for awhile

“So!” Vinyl said, kicking  at the air sometime later. “Still hungry? Still have a few tacos left, or some rice treats for dessert. I’ll go get them.”

Octavia glared.

“Hey, relax!” Vinyl protested. “I have will power.” She looked around nervously. “Well... Okay, so maybe I was thinking of another beer, but this will be a good test of that! Plus, you’ll be right here to make sure I’m not sneaky.” She saluted. “Scouts honor.”

“Fine,” Octavia shook her head. “Although, I think I could use another beer as well. But just one for each of us. Got it? Or you’re sleeping in the van. Locked, and with the remaining beer removed.”

“Harsh.” Vinyl cringed. “But fair enough.” She hopped down and made her way to the back where the food was kept. 

Desipte all the reasons she shouldn’t have, Octavia, in the end, trusted her friends word enough to continue star gazing. It was sure a night she wouldn’t forget. In more ways than one. She mused as she caught sight of Lyra and Bon Bon locking lips with each other.

She started to look back up at the sky, when a hint of blue caught the corner of her eyes. Blinking, she turned to see a glowing blue light off in the distance of the forest.

“Um, Vinyl.”

“I haven’t touched any beer yet!” Vinyl called back, head deep in their food supplies. “I’m just looking for the rice cake. I swear I packed them-

“Shut up and look at this now!” Octavia shouted as the light was already starting to dim.

Vinyl rolled her eyes, but pulled out, and was able to catch the blue light, along with Lyra and Bon Bon, who had stopped kissing to see what all the fuss was about. All four of them started, as the light grew smaller and smaller, and simply vanished into the distance.

Not one said anything for a moment. Not sure if they had actually seen something. Let alone what to think or do about it. They simply stood there in slack jawed disbelief.

Eventually Vinyl was the one to break the silence. “Oh... Oh, yeah! I got to check this out!” She pulled out a flashlight from the van, and without a second thought, raced towards the woods.

“Wha- What the hell are you doing!” Bon Bon shouted.

“Getting myself a supernatural encounter story to tell!” Vinyl cried out as she disappeared into the trees.

“Vinyl, get back here!” Octavia yelled as she hopped down from the van. “Vinyl? Vinyl! Gods dam it!” She said, rubbing her head.

“So,” Lyra said, twiddling her thumbs innocently as she reached for a flashlight of her own. “I mean, we should probably make sure she doesn’t get herself killed.”

“Seriously, Lyra?!” Bon Bon protested as Lyra stood to her feet. “This screams bad idea!” She protested as Lyra raced after Vinyl. “Octavia?” Bon Bon nervously asked her remaining friend

“Um, I mean,” Octavia made an unsure gesture, but picked up a flashlight of her own. “Just stay here then. Sadly, Lyra’s not wrong.” Shaking her head, she races off after the others.

“Sure.” Bon Bon nodded. Pulling the blanket around herself. “Just stay at the campsite. All alone. Nothing wrong with that while something spooky is going on.”

She eyed the empty and quiet campsite nervously. Until, somewhere in the distance, an owl broke the silence.

“Wait for me!!!!!” Bon Bon cried, jumping to her feet and running after her friends. Not even bothering with a flashlight.

*****. 

“Do I even need to stress what a bad idea this is?!” Octavia hissed.

“Relax,” Lyra assured as Bon Bon held close to her. “As cool as it would be, I bet it probably nothing supernatural.” she said more to Bon Bon than anyone else

“Yeah,” Bon Bon said, holding Lyra’s arm tightly. “Like the natural explanations are any better when you think about it.” She swallowed. “Government experiment, radiation, hostile aliens-

“A camper using a device with a blue light?” Octavia offered.

“Yeah,” Bon Bon nodded, “a blue light to lure naive college girls like us too-

“Shush!” Vinyl called out, causing all of them to stop in their tracks. “Listen.”

They stopped talking to do as such.

“Really? I don’t hear anything.” Octavia noted after a second.

“Exactly!” Vinyl declared in a whisper. “Nothing. No bugs, animals, wasn’t their even a light breeze earlier?” 

Bon Bon held even closer to Lyra. “Maybe we should head back.” 

Octavia rubbed her forehead. “Tempting, but let’s be honest; Nothing is going to stop her from finding out what we saw. Plus, if we don’t, we’re just going to scare ourselves silly all night by thinking we’re being watched by ghosts or something.”

Bon Bon quivered.

“That’s not what I meant!” Octavia said rubbing her head. “Well I do hope your happy, Vinyl.” When Vinyl didn’t answer, she pressed, “Did you really have to-

“Dose anyone suddenly feel like we’re being watched?” Vinyl asked.

Octavia glared. “Really?”

“No,” Lyra added as she held Bon Bon close. “I feel it too. Tell me you don’t as well, Octavia.”

She started to protest, but all of the sudden, she too felt as if a pair of eyes was off in the distance, watching. While she reasoned it was only because she had been dumb enough to bring it up, still...

“Vinyl,” Octavia whispered. “I really think we should head back to the campsite. Now!” She hissed.

“What, and missed such an adventure?” Vinyl tried saying confidently, but couldn’t hide her shake voice. “Just... Just a bit longer. You said it yourself. We’ll ust be wondering and scared all night if we don’t solve this mystery. Plus,” she took Octavia’s hand. “We stick together, and whatever it is, it’s four to one. Plus, if something is out here, would we really be that much safer not knowing what it is?”

Octavia groaned in frustration. “Fine.” She took Lyra’s hand. “But the second we get any hints of danger, we leave. Got it?”

Vinyl nodded. “Ye... Yeah.” She stopped talking. They all stayed quiet as they made their way forward, each of them watching different parts of the woods for any signs of anything that-

“There!” Lyra cried out, pointing her flashlight into the distance. “I think I just saw something move!”

The other three girls huddled in close to Lyra. 

“Where?” Vinyl said, shining her flashlight in the direction.

“It went behind that tree,” Lyra said pointing to the tree in question and keeping her light shone on the trunk. The other two flashlights are focused on.

“Well,” Bon Bon said to Vinyl after a minute of staring at the tree. “This was your idea. You go check it out.”

“Well, I mean,” Vinyl stuttered, “all for one, and one for all, right?”

Octavia rolled her eyes, but kept her eyes fixed on the tree. “Lyra, could you tell what it was?”

Lyra shook her head. “Moved too fast. Just saw an outline behind a bush and it went behind the tree I think. Look to be about the size of a deer. Maybe.”

“Okay,” Octavia nodded. “That’s probably all it was.”

Bon Bon picked up a large stick laying in the ground. “How much do you want to bet on it?”

“She’s right.” Vinyl nodded, scanning the floor, and finding another such branch for her, Lyra and Octavia to use.

Octavia took the branch with little reluctance. 

“Okay, let’s just keep our heads.” Lyra instructed. “Vinyl, Octavia, you both go right. Bon Bon and I will take the left.”

“Why left?” Bon Bon moaned.

“You rather we take the right then?”

Bon Bon clung to Lyra tighter.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Octavia insisted as they moved towards the tree. Octavia whispering to Vinyl, “If we die, I’m going to kill you.”

Vinyl hushed her as they got closer. Once they were next to the tree, both parties looked at each other. Lyra raised three fingers, and Octavia and Vinyl nodded.

‘1, 2... 3!’

They raced forwards, sticks in the air, to find-

“See!” Octavia said, letting out a nervous breath. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Ye-Yeah?” Vinyl said, still holding her branch tightly. “Didn’t mean there’s still nothing out here.”

“Can we please just turn back now?!” Bon Bon called. “There’s nothing here!”

“We don’t know that!” Vinyl protested. “What if-

“That’s enough!” Octavia declared. “No. No no! We are leaving. Or at least I’m leaving. And you’re more than welcome to join me.” She stood up straight. “All we’ve done is worked ourselves up over nothing! There’s nothing out here.” She turned to leave, even if the campground was in the other direction simply to make her point. “But if you want to waste your night chasing nothing, Vinyl, be my-

As sharply turned around to demonstrate, she was met by pairs of blue eyes, and a glowing red mouth than was hiding, and watching them behind a bush she had walked into. Octavia let out a blood curdling scream, and swung it at the creature with all of her might. There was a loud crack as the stick shattered upon contact. The force caused, whatever she had hit, to wallow in pain as it’s mouth... No! 

As Octavia came to rationalization, whatever the red glow was, it wasn’t a mouth as it flew from the creature and sailed and disappeared into the woods. The thing itself, after it’s hallow had stopped, fell to the ground. It was only then did Octavia realize that it hadn’t been so much a hollow of pain, but a cry of one.

“Whoa!” Vinyl commented. “Nice swing, Octy!”

Octavia blinked and shook her head. It was then, as she looked to where the thing had fallen. Nothing as she got closer that it had a distinctly humanoid shape.

“Oh no.” Octavia said, holding her hands to her face. “No, no, no, no, NO!” She said, pulling the bush aside. Lyra shone a light in her direction, and sure enough, there laid a normal looking, human gir, female, blue hair tied in a ponytail, around their age if they had to guess.

“Oh shit!” Bon Bon cried out, racing forward.

“Hang on!” Vinyl said holding her hands up. “Who’s to say it’s not some shape shifting body snatchers who only want us to think we killed it? OUCH!” She cried as Octavia swatted her on the head.

“Not the fucking time, Vinyl!” Octavia hissed as she leaned down to turn the girl face up.

“I was being serious!” Vinyl protested to Lyra and Bon Bon’s glare.

Octavia picked the girl up, and felt for a plus and sign of breath. “Oh thank the gods! She’s alive.”

Everyone but Vinyl let out a breath.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Vinyl shouted. “Weren’t we just looking for something supernatural and, well, seriously?! How do we know she’s not a vampire that will drain us dry once she-

“VINYL! SHUT UP!” Lyra shouted, fire in her eyes as she held a shivering Bon Bon. “There’s a time and place, but not right now!”

Vinyl took a step back. “Fine, but when she-

“Finish that sentence with something stupid, and you’re hiking home!” Octavia warned. “This is serious. Come on, grab her legs.” She instructed as she stood pulling the girls upper half up with her.

“You can’t be for real.” Vinyl protested.

“Oh yes I can!” Octavia warned. “We’re taking her back to our campsite like responsible adults. And, if she doesn't come too by first light, we’re taking her to the ranger station. And I’ll make sure you get the full front of the blame since I wouldn’t have reacted as I did if you hadn’t worked up on your ridiculous ghost stories.”

Vinyl fumed, but a shove from Lyra convinced her to grab the girls legs.

Octavia let out a sigh, but didn’t say anymore. Looking down to see the spot where she hit the poor thing was swelling.

“I’m terribly sorry, Miss.” she apologized. “If you can hear me, don’t worry. We’re going to help you.”

If or if not the girl heard her, one of her arms wrapped around Octavia’s.

Octavia blushed, but then remembered something. “Oh shoot! Um, is there any way we can mark this spot?”

Lyra looked at her. “Why?”

“Well,” Octavia clicked her tongue. “I think she had some kind of jewelry on her, but it got knocked off when... You know. We need to get her back to camp and it’s too dark to try looking for it now. But I’d hate to not try and find it for her if it was important.”

“Um,” Lyra thought on it.

“Just use your sticks to make an X against the tree. That should do until we can come back.” Vinyl suggested.

Octavia gave her a look.

“What? Being helpful.”

While Octavia has no doubt she wanted to also come back later to do some more investigating as well, it was a small price to pay at the moment. Lyra nodded in agreement, although they had to use Vinyls stock as Bon Bon refused to let go of her own.

“Right then!” Octavia commanded once that was done. “Let’s get moving!”

No one dared to protest as they made their way back to camp.

*****

Halfway across the world in Italy, a pair of girls sat around their apartment building. One had golden curly hair, the other had her purple locks tied into a pair of pigtails. Named respectfully, Adagio and Aria. Whom from a distance, looked like normal human females. This of course, wasn’t true. As in fact, they were from another dimension. Banished for becoming power hungry monsters. Expected to have died by their banisher centuries ago. However, what he hadn’t expected, was that they brought their magic with them. Enough to sustain themselves through the eons, and even manipulate the mortals to get the luxurious apartment they resided in now.  No, they couldn’t call the humans mortal, being so themselves. Needed wall three of themselves to obtain immortality, and only having a fraction of their powers for the time being.

All of sudden, the one known as Adagio, jerked upwards. Holding her red pendant, the source of her powers, close.

Aria looked up from the magazine she had been reading to pass the time. in Italian, she asks, “Something up?”

Adagio didn’t answer right away. She took in several breaths, and rubbed her pendent. Shortly after, her pendent started to glow bright red. Her eyes shot open, and she spotted a wicked grin.

“Yes. She has arrived.”
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“And why not the tent?” Octavia breathed once they reached the campsite. Having returned with the girl in hand, she had first wanted to put her in one of the tents to lie her down. That was, until Vinyl protested the idea.

“What if she turns out to be dangerous?” Vinyl answered. “Or a vampire? Or something that grows large and rips through our fragile tent when she comes to? Then runs off and causes mayhem we could have avoided?”

Octavia rubbed her head. “Then where, pray tell, should we put her then? And before you even think about it; We are not going to tie her up!”

“Um,” Vinyl paused, having just about said that.

“How about the van?” Lyra offered. “We can lie her down on the middle seat, and if it puts Vinyl and Bonnie at ease,” she said as Bon Bon hid behind her. “We can lock all the other doors, and keep an eye on her through the sliding one. Sounds fine for everyone?

Octavia shook her head. “Fine. Will that be good enough for you, Vinyl?”

Vinyl bit her lips before nodding. “It will do. But you’re paying for it if she turns out to be a werewolf.”

“Right.” Octavia deadpanned. “Lyra, clear a spot for her in the van. Bon Bon, get some ice for her head. 

Lyra nodded, but Bon Bon needed a nudge from her girlfriend to compile.

“So, just for mine, and more importantly Bon Bon’s sanity,” Octavia grunted as she and Vinyl carried her over to the van. “What will convince you that she’s not some kind of monster?”

“And what will get through your head to take such a possibility after everything that she might be seriously?” Vinyl challenged. “I’m being serious you know.” 

“Uh-huh.” Octavia said half heartedly.

Vinyl glared. “I mean, saw some kind of blue light, and then we found a blue haired girl watching us. You look me in the eye and tell me that doesn't wave at least a few red flags.”

Octavia looks Vinyl dead in the eyes. However, she couldn’t. As crazy as it sounded, Vinyl wasn’t wrong. There was definitely something strange going on, and there was little doubt that this girl, likely, had something to do with it. However, there were still such things as coincidences.

“So we can't be sure if she’s dangerous.” Octavia said. “But the same could be said that she was just some random girl who had a blue flashlight and was out for a walk.” She narrowed her eyes. “Then saw all of us acting crazy and wanted to investigate herself, and didn’t say anything thinking we might be dangerous. And I say after this she had every justification to think so.”

Vinyl said nothing

“But I’ll tell you what,” Octavia offered as they reached the van, climbed in herself, as Vinyl pushed her onto the middle seat while Vinyl hung outside. “The second she sprouts gills or a horn, I’ll tie her up myself.”

Vinyl shook her head. “Be it that way.” She crossed her arms, then thought of something. “Hey, check her pockets!”

Octavia looked up from fluffing up a pillow for the girl to glare. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“I meant to see if she has some photo ID on her or something!” Vinyl explained. “Gezz, Octy!”

“Oh... Right. Actually, that’s a good idea.” Octavia smiled as she reached for the girls pants. Only to pull at the prospect of a finger around a girl's waist line.

Vinyl deadpanned as Octavia pulls on her shirt collar. “Are you the serious one this time?” Vinyl laughed. 

“Just, you do it since it was your idea.” Octavia said while blushing.

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Okay. Although, while this wasn’t what I had in mind when we’re talking about getting you hooked up-

“Finish that sentence,” Octavia warned. “I dare you. See what happens.”

“Sure.” Vinyl shrugged as she felt around the girl's pants. “Although I must say, you have good taste. She’s very pretty looking. Although that adds to the vampire theory.”

Octavia let out a breath. She couldn’t convince herself that Vinyl wasn’t wrong. She was indeed a beautiful looking girl. Not that she suspected that she would have any chance. Still, as bad as it was, she couldn’t help but fantasize the idea, maybe-

“Strange.” Vinyl frowned.

Octavia blinked. “What?”

“No pockets.” Vinyl said stepping back. 

“Where are you going with it this time?” Octavia said as she slapped her forehead.

“I’m just saying,” Vinyl casually said. “No phone, or way to carry one?”

“Maybe she had a purse and dropped it.” Octavia countered.

“Well I’m any case,” Lyra said, overhearing as she carried over a bag of ice. “What do we do now?” 

“Take turns keeping watch?” Vinyl suggested.

“While not for the reason she might have in mind, that sounds like a good idea.” Octavia sighed as she carefully put the ice on the girls head. “Since I doubt any of you are going to volunteer, I’ll take first watch.”

Vinyl and Lyra looked at each other. Lyra’s face lighting up as Vinyl winked.

“No kidding?” Lyra bemused.

“Oh yeah!” Vinyl turned to Octavia and waved. “Just don’t play ‘sleeping beauty’ with her!” She dodged the box of tissues Octavia picked up from the floor and threw. 

Octavia sighed and made herself comfortable on the vans floor as her friends walked off laughing. Leaving herself all alone with the strange, and yes, beautiful looking girl. Strange how she could already feel some attraction. As likely as it was all coming from guilt, she couldn’t help but think she’d be the type of girl she might be interested in if she hadn’t knocked her out. The music note on her skirt suggested she was into music. While her smooth looking hair, skin, and curvy body, suggested she took care of herself as well.

“Stop it!” Octavia told herself. ‘Even if she is just a regular girl, she’d never be into you. That is even if she’s into girls.’

She let out a sigh, then jumped as a hand brushed upon her shoulder. She looked up, to see the girl's arm had fallen to the side. Octavia took the girls arm and placed it back on the seat. Intending to pull away, as the girl's fingers wrapped around her palm. Begging for her not to leave



Octavia allowed herself to smile as she intertwined their fingers. Maybe, just holding her hand and dreaming a little bit wouldn’t hurt..

“Maybe,” Octavia whispered. “Still,” she said as she rubbed the girl's arm with her free arm. “Who are you?”

****

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a purple haired girl was walking home from a trip to the grocher. It had been a rather uneventful trip. Sure, there had been a few fist fights she had caused, her red pendant glowing red from feeding on the negative energy, but hardly anything as spectacular as when she first arrived in this world.

In her mind, she couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair it was that she needed both her overconfident older sister just to get by, and her idiotic younger one to become a god. Made worse by the fact that she had to wait centuries for that idiot to finally arrive. All for her older sister, Adagio, to say, in their lands native tongue;

“I don’t know. She’s here, but I’ll need a moment. Go get us something to eat.”

And so she did. Both for their mortal bodies, and for their magic. Not that she couldn’t get the former with said magic, but Adagio had instructed they use it sparingly. Until Sonata could be found, they had no idea what their limits were, and it wouldn’t do if they died while trying to sweet talk a guy into giving yourself a free lunch. So mostly they used their magic to keep young and occasionally steal money or gold to sustain themselves. Which hopefully, soon, their days of simply survival, would be over.

“Any luck?” Aria said sarcastically as she walked into their apartment. “Sonata leave a voice message, or she too stupid to figure out how a telephone works?”

Adagio, from the living room couch, having been prior in a meditative state, rolled her eyes. “I did sense her. Just like I did when you arrived.”

“Oh yeah,” Aria mocked as she set the food down. “So you’ve done this, once, and are an expert. I’m guessing from the scowl, me giving you some space hasn’t yielded any results.”

“Patience,” Adagio said, rubbing her forehead. “Yes, it’s true I can’t seem to sense her anymore. But I am more than certain she is in this world”

“Yeah well,” Aria huffed, picking up a magazine, brushing aside a soda can. “When you actually get something, let me know so we can get out of this dump.”

“You don’t think I want our powers fully restored either?!” Adagio hissed. When Aria didn’t respond, she shook her head, and focused back on her meditation. One of her hands rubbing on her own pendant as it’s light flickered.

“Sister, where are thou? Make yourself known, so we may fulfill our destiny...



****

The blue haired girl shifted from her seat as her eyes slowly opened.

Octavia blinked at the movement and smiled. “Oh thank the gods, you’re awake!” She poked her head out of the van. “Girls, she’s coming too!” Octavia focused her attention back on the now conscious girl. “Miss, are you all-

Octavia let out a squeal as the bag of ice was hurled at her face. The girl, wide awake, backed up against the far end of the van, spewing;

"¿Dónde estoy? ¿Qué son estas cosas?! Se supone que debo ser lo que eres? ¡No te acerques!"

Octavia blinked after she had recovered. “I’m sorry, what?”

The girl stared back and tilted her head. "¿Qué estás diciendo? ¡No entiendo tu idioma!"

“Well this just got more interesting.” Vinyl mused.

Octavia sighed and turned to glare. “So she doesn't speak english. I don’t want to hear you saying she’s an alien or something.”

“Well,” Vinyl bit her lip, but quieter under Lyra and Bon Bon’s death stares. “I could have been thinking about the ‘real world’ kind too.”

Octavia let out a breath. “First things first.” She then thought, ‘Okay. So I somehow have to gain this girl's trust without being able to speak the same language. Right, just speak gently, and gain her trust.’

“Hey there,” Octavia said with a warm smile. “It’s okay!” She tried to assure as the girls backed up further. “I’m not going to hurt you.” She inched forward, but paused when the girl tried to back up and hissed something she didn’t understand.

“Aléjate de mí tú ... ¡Lo que seas!"

Seeing no way to apologize for having knocked her out, Octavia said, slowly and simply, “Safe.”

The girl looked at her hand.

“Hurt?” Octavia offered, pointing to her head, then motioning to where she had hit the girl.

Said girl rubbed at her own head and flinched in pain. “Ay. ¿Por qué me duele la cabeza?"

Octavia recoiled and tried to bring the ice pack to the girls head, who backed away.

“No no!” Octavia waved. “No hurt.” She held the ice pack to her own head to demonstrate what she wanted to do . “Good.” She added with a relieved sigh. “Help. Not, hurt.”

The girl cringed as the pain in her head returned. Octavia tried again to move forward. This time, the girl recoiled only for a bit, but allowed Octavia to come forward and place the ice pack on her head. 

"Ay! Está frío!" The girl shrieked at the cold touch and grabbed onto Octavia’s arm. Octavia, grip firmed, as was soon rewarded with the girl relaxing, and even smiling back at her.

“Hey, Juliets!” Vinyl called out, earning a swat on the head from Lyra. “Ask for a name.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “Ignore her. She’s just being silly.”

The girl frowned. 

“Right.” Octavia took in a breath. “Do, you, have a, name?” She spoke slowly and pointed to herself. “Octavia.” When the girl didn’t respond. She did so again. “Octavia.” She moved aside so the girl could get a look at her friends. “Lyra, Bon Bon-

She was about to point to Vinyl, who ducked out of the way. “Don’t give her my name!!”

Octavia rolled her eyes. But paused as the girl laughed.

“Si... Silly?” the girl questioned.

Octavia grinned. “Yes.” She pointed. “Silly, Vinyl.”

“Hey!” Vinyl shouted back.

“Well you didn’t want me to give her your name!” Octavia then pointed to the girl and gave her a questionable look. Which, it took the girl a minute, but when she did, she held a hand to her own chest, and said, 

“Sonata. Sí, ese es mi nombre si eso es lo que estás tratando de preguntar.” Sonata answered with a smile.

“Sonata,” Octavia beamed. “Sonata, need... Help?”

Sonata blinked in confusion. “Hel... Ayuda?”

Octavia rubbed her chin, then held out her hand again. Sonata flinched back for only a moment, before Octavia said gently, “Trust? Trust, Octavia?”

Sonata poundered this, before taking Octavia’s hand. “Creo que no tengo una mejor opción cuando ni siquiera puedo recordar cómo llegué aquí o desde dónde."

“Good.” Octavia smiled. She then helped Sonata up and led her out of the van.

“Hey, hey!” Vinyl protested, hiding behind Lyra along with Bon Bon. “Don’t let her out!”

Octavia rolled her eyes as Sonata stepped out of the van, with nothing happening. “Well, how about then, instead of letting her get hungry for human flesh later, you get something for her to eat now from the fridge?” She then looked to Sonata. “Hungry?” When Sonata didn’t reply, Octavia rubbed her stomach and said again, “Hungry? Food?”

Seeming to understand enough, Sonata placed a hand to her own stomach, said what Octavia guesses was a yes, and nodded. 

“Sure thing,” Lyra said as she walked towards the back of the van. Bon Bon and Vinyl sticking close behind. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you both.”

Octavia let out a breath. “Some days with that girl.” She then turned to Sonata, who’s gaze was focused on the sky. Octavia looked in her general direction. “I guess you’re here to see the comet as well.”

Sonata looked around nervously. "Que lugar para perder la memoria".

Octavia rubbed her neck. “Um... I guess it would be pointless to ask where you came from?”

"Bueno, supongo que mi situación podría ser peor.” Sonata sighed, then looked up to Octavia and smiled. “Gracias por la ayuda, Octavia.”

“Right.” Octavia said looking downwards. “How about we take a seat.” She started to walk forward, Sonata’s hands still locked into her. The girl didn’t move for a moment, but a smile from Octavia was enough to allow herself to be led.

“Have a seat.” Octavia offered a log by the fire. “Seat.” She demonstrated, sitting down, and patting the spot next to her.

Sonata nodded, said what Octavia guessed was a ‘thank you,’ and took her seat. By which time, Lyra had poured some ground beef into a skillet while Bon Bon as Vinyl stared from the other side of the fire.

Noticing how uncomfortable they were making Sonata, Octavia glared, “Don't you two have a comet you should be documenting? You know, for class we want to pass?”

Bon Bon all too eagerly scooted away from the fire. Vinyl stayed for a minute, in a death glare battle with Octavia, before shrugging. “Hey, when she bites your hand off, I’ll be safely on top of the van and with a good head start!” With that, she did just as much while Lyra finished up her meal.

“¿Qué pasa con Silly?” Sonata said as she pointed to Vinyl.

“Oh don’t worry about her,” Lyra snickered. “She just kind of, how do you say?...

“I don’t think she would get it anyways.” Octavia pointed out.

“Ah, right! So... Here you go.” She handed sonata the soft taco. “Enjoy. I better go make sure Bonnie is okay.”

Octavia nodded in understanding, leaving her and Sonata alone. Of whom, Sonata stared at her taco for a moment, and looked to Octavia.

She wasn’t able to hold back her bemused smile, but Octavia demonstrated an eating motion. Sonata nodded and brought the taco to her mouth. Upon her first bite, the girl's eyes lit up in wonder, and devoured the whole thing.

"¡Oh! ¡Esto es delicioso!!"

“Never had a taco before?” Octavia mused.

While licking her fingers, Sonata questioned, “Taco?” Her face brightened even more. “Taco, taco, taco!” 

“See, Vinyl! Um, Silly!” Octavia called out to her friend. “The only type of monster she is, is a taco monster.”

“Har har.” Vinyl laughed, having been looking at them, only to try and act like her telescope had been pointing skywards the whole time when Octavia addressed her.

Octavia tisked and turned back to Sonata, who had begun to devour her second taco.

“Whoa, easy there!” Octavia offered. When Sonata looked dejected, Octavia said, “slowly. Eat, slowly. Enjoy.” She then demonstrated taking small bites and long chews before swallowing.

Sonata nodded, and took a smaller bite. Octavia sighed in contentment as she looked back up to the comet. Unfortunately however, she couldn’t stop thinking about that stupid horror story.

Octavia sighed in contentment and looked back up to the night sky and the comet. However, the first thing on her mind was Vinyl’s earlier ‘horror story.’ If you could graciously call it that. as she eyed Sonata, still chewing, out of the corner of her eyes. 

Now, to be fair, it wasn’t as if she was so naive to not think there might have been some connection to Sonata and the blue light. Which in all honesty, was probably just some camper’s laptop of something. That still didn’t push out of her mind the glowing red light Octavia swore she saw. Whatever it was she had knocked away. Accidently! Still…

“¿Qué es eso?” Sonata said, pointing upwards as she finished her taco.

Octavia blinked. “Um, yes.” She nodded. Any silly thoughts that Sonata might be some monster out to destroy the world were quickly pushed to the side. “It’s very pretty. Isn’t it?” 

So far, this girl didn’t seem dangerous. And until something happened to say otherwise, she would treat her as some girl lost from her group that had come out of the country to see the comet. 

“Is that why you are here?” Octavia asked. When Sonata stared blankly at her, Octavia licked her lips and tried to re-phrase. 

“Comet,” she pointed to the object in question. “Sonata, come to, see?” She did her best with her hands to get her question across.

And while Sonata didn’t seem to fully get the question, she shook her head. “No. No comet.”

Octavia thought about trying to ask why she was out in the forest, but figured their current language barrier was still too much to get anywhere, even if she got her question across.

“El cometa es precioso.”

Octavia nodded as she guessed Sonata was marveling at the space rock. “Yes.” She turned to look at Sonata, who had averted her gaze back to the earth. Octavia followed, and she saw Sonata had been staring at Lyra and Bon Bon, who were sitting on a blanket, holding hands, while Bon Bon leaned her head onto Lyra.

“Cute.” Octavia chuckled.

“Cu… Cute?” Sonata mimicked. Then she said, “Ah! Linda!” Smiling, she looked to Octavia, and took her own hand into her’s, then leaned her head onto Octavia’s shoulder.

Octavia blushed wildy, as Vinyl snickered in the distance.

“Sona-

She started, but was cut up as Sonata looked up to her and gazed into her eyes.

“Um… Here.” She let go of Sonata’s hand, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. 

“Comfortable?” Octavia ventured. Knowing this was wrong if this was either a cultural, or amnesia thing, but, gave in. It wasn’t as if she was doing anything more than showing this girl comfort. Right?

Sonata let out a content sigh and nodded. The snuggled deeper into Octavia’s as she wrapped her arm around Octavia’s waist.

And while she knew this was only a temporary thing, maybe even a wrong thing, it felt too nice for Octavia to really care for the moment.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Octavia awoke to three things; Firstly, she found a girl she had only known for a day, arms wrapped around each other. The second, was that they had fallen asleep at the foot of the sitting log, and at some point, one of their friends had put a blanket over them. Although that wasn’t what bothered her. No. Because, lastly, whoever had gone through the trouble of giving them a blanket, had neglected to put out the fire. Evident from the smoke and by a couple of glowing embers.

“Seriously, guys?” Octavia whispered, starting to stand up, but then remembering her company who stirred awake at her movements.

“Sorry!” Octavia apologized, red in the face as Sonata released her grasp. “Sleep well?”

Sonata looked at her. 

“Um,” she stared, now recalling the language barrier as she eyes the flames. “Wait here.” She motioned, holding up her hand. 

Sonata nodded, seemingly in understanding. 

Octavia took a few steps back, and once she was sure Sonata wouldn't follow, she headed towards the campsites water faucet and grumbled, eyes still locked on the dying embers.

“Oh sure! Complain all night about how dangerous the ‘monster’ girl ‘might’ be, but don’t put the fire out. I swear to the gods,” she went on as the water bucket filled. 

Then again, she was one to talk having fallen asleep next to a raging fire. As the bucket filled, she looked around the morninglite campsite and ventured to guess it was around six thirty. Pulling out her phone, she saw she wasn’t too far off. Although now that it was morning, once everyone was up and had eaten breakfast, she would drive Sonata to the ranger’s station to see if anyone was looking for her. Which oddly, left a dry pit in her stomach.

“Stop that,” she whispered to herself, turning off the faucet once the bucket was full. “Those are just silly dreams of a silly girl.” She let out a sigh. “I’m never that lucky, so best just to dash those hopes now.” She then walked back to the fire. 

“So, sleep well?” When Sonata, unsurprisingly, didn’t answer, Octavia said, “Well, once we get some breakfast in, I say we take you down to the ranger station.” She poured water on the fire, causing a cloud of steam to erupt. “See if your family or friends are- HEY!”

The next thing Octavia knew, Sonata had leapt to her feet and was smacking the water bucket out of Octavaia’s hand.

“What are you-

Sonata that started yelping, dancing around in place, saying words at a mile a minute while pointing to the fire.

“Sonata, slow down!” Octavia said, trying to hold Sonata by the shoulder, but Sonata was having none of it.

“OCTAVIA!” Vinyl screamed, throwing open the door to the van, a baseball bat in her hand. “Stay back! Where is she? What is she doing! I’ll-”

“Vinyl, clam down!” Octavia said over the now childlike wails of Sonata. “Wait, did you spend all fucking night in the van with a baseball bat?”

Vinyl looked sheepishly to the bat. “Well-

“More importantly; Did you forget to put the fire out before going to sleep?!” she said as loud as she could over Sonata’s cries. 

“What’s going on?” Lyra said as she and Bon Bon poked their heads out of their tents. Their attentioned focused on the blue banshee. “Huh, so I guess it wasn’t a dream.”

“Why is she crying?” Bon Bon shouted, covering her ears.

“I don’t know!” Octavia answered. “I went to put out the fire, and she just started screaming. Also, did you two fall asleep without putting out the fire?!”

“Of course not!” Lyra protested over the wails. “You saw us go to sleep before you, so we thought-

“Maybe we should focus on your ‘friend’ here before someone thinks we’re committing murder!?” Bon Bon offered.

“Yes.” Octavia let out a breath, as Sonata’s wails turned to whimpers. “Sonata?” She asked gently, stepping back as Sonata glared at her.

“¿Por qué dejaste morir la luz?”

Octavia blinked. “Um, I’m sorry.” She said, leaning down next to Sonata. “I had to. Dangerous. Um.” She raised a hand, and slapped her palm. “Dangerous. Bad. Hurt. Die.”

For some reason, the word die seemed to make Sonata shutter. 

“No, No! It’s fine, it’s good, don’t cry.” Octavia offered, taking her hand. “It’s fine.” She offered soothingly as she rubbed Sonata’s far shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

Sonata was still in tears, but nodded in some understanding.

“¿Por qué?”

Feeling like Sonata had just asked why she had killed the fire, Ocativa let out a nervous laugh. “Hungry?” She gave her best answer. “Food, good?” she offered, rubbing her belly.

Sonata looked to her, then to the now dead fire, and let out a sigh. “Yes, food… good.”

“Right then.” Octavia said as she stood Sonata up. “So… What’s for breakfast?”

“Eh, after that show,” Vinyl said. “I’d say we have something cold like cereal bars today.”

Octavia nodded, still holding Sonata close as she led her to the back of the van. “Good idea. Come on, Sonata.”

Sonata didn’t respond, and Octavia knew it wasn’t because of a lack of understanding.

“Sorry about the fire.” Vinyl frowned as she opened the back doors to the van. “Um, I mean by not putting it out. Which, okay, I’ll take full blame for that. Although you're welcome for the blanket.”

Octavia blinked. “Wait, that was you.”

Vinyl looked downwards. “I still don’t trust her,” she added as she pulled out a bar for everyone. “but it doesn’t mean I can’t be nice.”

“Aw, she does have a heart.” Lyra laughed.

“Oh shut it.” Vinyl glared and threw her and Bon Bon’s breakfast at Lyra’s head.

“Hey!”

“Vinyl stuck out her tongue as she handed Octavia a pair too. “So, what’s the plan now? Alien monster or not, I think we should at least do more than to keep her here.”

“Quite right.” Octavia nodded, opening one of the packages and handing it to Sonata. Who looked at it, then at Lyra and Bon Bon eating their own, and went to work on her meal. “So, what I’m thinking is; I’ll take her to the ranger station, see if anyone is looking for her. Meanwhile, I want you three to go find the spot where we… Found her last night.”

Her three friends stared wide eyed.

“Not like… I mean… Fine, do an investigation to see if, maybe, there is something to your whole conspiracy theory.” Octavia said in distaste between bites. “But mostly; See if you can find a purse or something she might of dropped to give us a, real, clue to who she is. Also, I’m sure she has a necklace of sorts I, um, may have knocked off of her.”

“I’m calling it now though,” Vinyl said after her last bite. “Alien.”

“Yes, well,” Octavia said annoyed. “At least you won’t be with the ‘alien’ for most of the day.”

“But what if there’s more of them?” Bon Bon said with a shudder. “What if-

“Stop stop stop!” Octavia demanded as Sonata looked at them cluelessly. “If it helps, I’ll put actually money on her being a normal human who simply got lost in the woods..”

Vinyl’s jaw dropped in delight. “Whoa, seriously.”

Octavia narrowed her eyes, about to say she was joking, but then noticed how scared Bon Bon still looked. “You know what, I actually will. Put me in for five.”

“Ten?” Vinyl grinned.

“Alright, ten.” Octavia said, rolling her eyes. “Now, everybody is happy?”

Seeing her so confidently bet on everything being normal did enough to put Bon Bon at ease as Lyra rubbed her back.

“Now then,” Octavia said, pocketing the wrapper her cearl bar had been in. “Shall we get started?”

****

“Are you sure you’ll be fine?” Vinyl asked after Octavia had shown Sonata what a seatbelt was.

“Yes,” Octavia said plainly. “I’d rather you three find whatever she dropped in the woods than some ‘extra protection’ over something she’s likely not.”

Vinyl crossed her arms. “Alright then… But I mean it, Tavi. Be carful.”

Octavia gave a half smile. “I do appreciate the concern for what it’s worth, Vinyl.” She started the ignition. “We’ll be back.” She turned to focus on the road, but stopped when she saw Sonata freaking out over the noise. “It’s okay.” I assured her. “It's good.”

Sonata stared at her. “Good?”

Octavia nodded. Happy she at least understood that much. “Yes, good. We’re going to help, Sonata.”

Sonata smiled. “Good!”

Octavavia chuckled, and the van began to move forward. “Don’t suppose you like music?” To her surprise, Sonata seemed to recognize that word.”

“Música … Música, Good?”

“Yes it is,” Octavia said as she pushed on the radio button. Causing both of them to wince in pain as blaring heavy metal blasted the car.

“SORRY!” Octavia shouted as she turned the volume down. “That music, bad.” She cursed Vinyl under her breath.

“Ba… Bad music?” Sonata asked as she lowered her hands from her ears.

“Well, some is.” Octavia explained. “Or rather, some people have different taste than others and,” she paused at Sonata’s blank expression. “Um, she turned the volume up a little, and changed to a classical station. “Good music.”

Sonata smiled at the pretty sound. “Good music.” Then to Octavia’s delight, she started to sway in time to the score being played.

“Ah, music.” Octavia sighed with contentment. “The universal language. Plus, you’re the only friend I have so far who won’t fight me on this station.” Sonata didn't acknowledge her, as she kept swaying, and then humming to the score.

Octavia continued driving, but slowed down when the next song, which had lyrics, repeated one of its lines as songs do, when Sonata started singing, both in perfect tune, and word for word with the song in clear English.

“My, aren’t you a fast learner.” Octavia gawked.

Sonata paused and looked blankly at her.

“Or, I’m guessing you’re not so much aware of what the words are, so much as your just paroting them.”

Sonata blinked.

“Sonata, good.” Octavia smiled.

Sonata beamed, and continued on with the singing wherever she could. Aside from that, the girl seriously had a pair of lungs too. It was almost a shame when they pulled into the park’s community rounds. Although Octavia allowed the current song to finish before turning off the engines and helping Sonata out.

“Well then,” she said, taking Sonata’s arm. “Let’s find your family.” She led Sonata inside the station, and was greeted by the secretary. “Good morning there. I was wondering if anyone had come around looking for my friend here.”

The secretary looked from her paper. “Can’t say anyone has. She lost or something? If so, you’ll have to fill out a missings persons report, then leave her here.”

Octavia had nearly done just that, and was more than ready to leave Sonata in the hands of professionals who would see her safely home. Yet, when Sonata squeezed her arm, looking saddened, something inside of Octavia broke.

“Actually, she’s just waiting on a friend to come pick her up. Mind if we wait in the lobby? Just let anyone who comes looking for a Sonata know she’s here.”

“Be my guest.” The secretary offered, putting the form away.

Octavia nervously chuckled. ‘What the hell was that?! She’s not your problem, so just leave her.’ And yet, they way Sonata looked at her, the way she made her smile. 

While she was doubtful Sonata was some kind of supernatural alien, that didn’t mean she couldn’t be an illegal one. And what then if no one came for her? What then? Would she just get bounced around place to place, all alone with no one who cared? Besides, it wasn’t as if she was keeping her from her actual family if they showed up. She was simply… Keeping her company for the time being. 

“I suppose since we’re going to be here awhile, we can work on the language barrier issue.” Octavia said as she pulled out a tablet and logged into the stations network.

Sonata blinked as Octavia pulled up a video. Causing Sonata to let out a squeak as the music started playing.

“I know, kind of childish,” Octavia said, twirling on a bit of her hair as she sat down next to Sonata. “But this was one of my favorite shows as a kid, and I figured it might be a better help than some English tutorial while we wait.” To her delight, Sonata was transfixed on the screen, and was already singing the show's theme song out loud. Her attention was broken once Octavia stopped talking.

“Good?” she questioned, pointing at the screen.

“Yes, Sonata,” Octavia laughed, reliving her childhood as the main character came on screen and said what they were going to learn that week. “Good.”            

***** 

 “I’m just saying,” Lyra added as she followed behind Vinyl, Bon Bon glued to her side. “If she was dangerous, why didn’t she do anything to us last night when we were all asleep?”

“I don’t know,” Vinyl shrugged as she pushed a tree branch out of the way. “Maybe she only goes wild under a full moon?”

“Oh be serious.” Lyra scoffed.

“I am!” Vinyl whined. “Okay then, how do you explain, in a ‘natural’ way, why she freaked out over the fire being put out?”

Lyra bit her lips. “Maybe she’s just afraid of smoke.”

“Or she’s some kind of lizard monster who needs warmth?” Bon Bon offered.

“See! Bonnie agrees with me.” Vinyl beamed.

Lyra shook her head. “You’re both being ridiculous! I can’t believe you’re going to be short ten with Octavia.”

“Yeah, well… We’ll see” Vinyl said as they say the X shaped mark they left by the tree where Octavia had knocked Sonata out. Vinyl raced ahead to the bush where it happened, and looked around. “Oh hey! There’s the X. No sign of anything though .”

“Well let’s just look around anyways,” Lyra said, letting go of a reluctant Bon Bon. “Octavia told us the girl had at least some kind of jewelry on her. Can't be far if that’s where she hit her.”

“Sure thing.” Vinyl said with a grin as she started to walk off.

“And, where do you think you’re going?” Lyra questioned.

“Oh, um… Just, focusing my search, in this way.” Vinyl said sheepishly. “I mean… Well you two can look over there! Not like I can get lost in daylight!”

Lyra rubbed her forehead as Vinyl continued in the direction they had seen the light last night.

“Should we stop her?” Bon Bon questioned.

“Oh just let her get her curiosity out of the way. Besides, maybe she will stumble onto something important.” Lyra  then started to look further along the bush.

“So, who, or what, do you think she is? Being serious!” Bon Bon added as she joined the search around the area. “You honestly as sure as Octavia that’s she just a normal girl?”

Lyra bit her lip. “To be honest… I don’t know. I mean, truthfully, I think both Vinyl and Octavia make good arguments.” She pushed a branch aside. “But honestly, until we have some clue, we treat her like a human being.”

Bon Bon smiled. “Fair. Even if I’m a little more on board with Vinyl.” She paused as she saw a hint of red in her foresight. Coming into view, she clearly saw a ruby red pendant lying on the forest floor. “Hey! I think I found-

She reached out to grab it, when Vinyl shouted, “Girls! You may want to come see this!”

Lyra immediately ran towards the sound of Vinyl’s voice. However, Bon Bon stayed where she was.

“What is it?!” Lyra called as she found Vinyl. “You find- Holy shit! What happened here!?” she gawked at the clearing of trees. Most of which had been violently pushed to the side as a small crater lined the ground. “Meteor strike?”

“Then we’re not the first one’s here if there’s no meteorite.” Vinyl said, pointing to the center, which was clear of any kinds of rocks. “Also, you think we would have heard an explosion rather than just seen a blue light.”

Lyra’s jaw had slacked as she looked at the sight and started walking into the crater. “Dang. Still, you’re not thinking-

She was brought to a halt as Vinyl held up a hand. “As a matter of fact,” she pointed to a set of footprints in the crater. Which started straight from the middle, and made their way out in the direction they had found Sonata the night before. “I am.”

“Okay.” Lyra nodded, taking a picture. “Still, this doesn't prove it was Sonata, or that she’s any kind of… Bon Bon? Bonnie?!” she cried out upon realizing her girlfriend wasn’t behind her. “Oh no. Bon Bon!” she cried out.

“Hey wait!” Vinyl cried giving chase. “If somethings out here, we need to stick together!”

Lyra didn’t hear her. All she cared about was the safety of her girlfriend. Which, to her immense relief, was still very much alive, and right where she left her.

“Oh thank the gods, Bonnie! Bon Bon, you’re not going to believe what we found.” When Bon Bon didn’t respond, Lyra nervously reached out a hand to tap on her shoulder. “Bon Bon?”

Upon contact, Bon Bon hissed, causing Lyra to fall backwards. “Get your own!”

Lyra blinked. “What the?” she somewhat got her answer upon seeing a glowing red gem in Bon Bon’s hand. “Hey, Bonnie… Where did you get the glowing red stone?”

“Well fuck out!” Bon Bon hissed. “Get your own, this is mine.”

“Bon Bon,” Lyra said standing up, slowly walking towards her girlfriend. “This isn’t funny. Put the necklace down, and we can-

“Screw you!” Bon Bon said, jumping to her feet and defensively holding the rock. “This is mine, MINE! You’re always been such a hog, no matter what it is. The food, our bed, why the fuck did I ever fall in love with you to begin with?”

Lyra felt her heart stop as tears began forming in her eyes. “Bon Bon, this isn’t you! Just drop that thing, and we can all go home and-

“NO!” Bon Bon shouted as she picked up a stick. “Stay back, you whore. Don’t think I won’t use this. It’s mine, you hear me? Mine! You’ll never have my-

Having seen what was going on, Vinyl snuck around behind the two, and tackled Bon Bon into a bear hug, causing the girl to drop the stick. She however, held on fiercely to the necklace.

“Hands off, you scumbag!” Bon Bon snarled

Taken aback for only a minute, Lyra rached forward to try and pull the stone from Bon Bon.

“I will fucking kill you all! You’re regret ever-

She blinked as Lyra yanked the stone away from her grasp.

“What the… What the hell was that?” she said holding her hand to her face as Vinyl let her go. “Lyra, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean any of that. I love-

“Don’t come any closer!” Lyra sneered, holding the stone close to her chest. “So, you think I’m a whore, huh? Fine. I don’t need you. I never did! You were always just holding me back. Well, now-

Lyra let out a pain filled cry as Vinyl whacked her across the stomach with a stick. Causing Lyra to drop the pendent.

“Thank you.” Lyra croaked as she fell into Bon Bon’s arms. “I’ll apologize when the pain goes away, sweetie.” She assured her girlfriend as she held onto her stomach.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Vinyl shouted as the two nearly stepped on the glowing gem. Causing all three of them to backpedal.

“Alright, so,” Vinyl said as all three of them stared at the necklace. Which, by doing so, she suddenly felt a small desire to reach for it. Take it, maybe even kill the only two witness-

Vinyl pushed that thought out of her mind as she threw her jacket over the enchanted object. 

“Can we all agree that, even if we don’t know what, this is something to worry about?”

Lyra and Bon Bon nodded vigorously.

“And… Oh gods! Octavia is alone with that thing!” Vinyl realized. She pulled out her phone, disheartened to see it had no service.

“What about,” Lyra coughed, pointing to the jacket. “We can’t just leave something that dangerous around.”

“Right.” Vinyl pursed her lips. “Here.” She handed Lyra the stick. “Don’t feel hesitant to give me payback if I go nuts.” She then cautiously made her way towards the jacket. Once upon it, she nervously pulled it back, revealing the stone. Perhaps it was because she knew what to expect, but this time, the same pull from before didn’t affect her. However, she wasted no time scooping the pendent up in her jacket, and holding the offending piece of rock at a distance like a sack of dirty laundry with no effect.

“Right. Let’s head back to camp.” Vinyl suggested. “We can put it in a box and bury it until we figure out what to do. Meanwhile, you two try to find a signal and call Octavia as soon as you can.”

“Okay.” The pair nodded, phones hovering in the air as they searched for a single bar in the forest as they carried the gem back to their camp.” 

***** 

“Spe… Special means…  Very good?” Sonata questioned after one of the episodes concluded.

Octavia smiled. “Very good.” She rubbed her shoulder. “At this rate, we’ll be having full conversations in no time.”

“Time.” Sonata repeated, even if it was clear she didn’t understand the rest of the sentence. Which didn’t matter as a song about being special started to play.

“Oh! This was one of my favorites as a kid.” Octavia started to sing along, when her phone rang. “Excuse me.” She turned to the side, to see it was Lyra. “Hello?”

“Oct,” Lyra said, static cutting her out. “… away…. Her!... Danger…. Octa-

The call cut out as Octavia felt a sinking pit in her stomach. Nearly jumping when Sonata tugged at her shit.

“Octavia, okay?” Sonata asked.

“Um,” Octavia chuckled nervously. “I'm fine.” She hesitantly scooted forward.

Sonata frowned. “Octavia… Lie?” Sonata asked, having learned what the word meant two epsidoes ago.

Octavia cringed. ‘Great, now what? For all I know… Actually, who’s to say they’re just being silly because they found some rock in the shape of Abe Lincoln? No, so far, she’s been nothing but a sweet girl, and nothing so far has convinced me otherwise!’

“No, Sonata,” Octavia said after taking a breath. “Friends just being… Silly.”

Sonata lowered her head. “Friends think Sonata bad?” she said clearly and without pause.

Octavia sighed. “Yes.” She put a hand on Sonata’s shoulder. But you’re not bad. Friends are silly.”

Sonata looked up hopefully. “Re, re... Realsies?”

“Yes,” Octavia laughed at her poor attempt at saying, real. “You’re not bad.” She placed a hand on Sonata’s shoulder. “Sonata, not bad. Sonata’s good. Understand?”

Sonata nodded, and if anything, Octavia was more than happy she taught her what understanding meant.

“Octavia, leave me, if bad?” Sonata added.

“What, no!” Octavia protested, but held her words before saying anything else. “No, I… Sonata, not bad. Even, if, Sonata was bad, Octavia, stay.” She moved her hand from Sonata’s shoulder to her hand. “Octavia, helps Sonata. Understand?”

Tears in her eyes, Sonata nodded and brought Octavia into a hug. Caught off guard, but happy for the physical embrace, Octavia hugged back. “But… Maybe we should, head out?... Leave? Show friends, Sonata not bad?” she asked once they pulled away.

Sonata tapped her toes, and looked to the screen. “One more?”

Octavia laughed and nodded. “Okay.” She pushed play on the next video. “Let’s see what we got for this one. Oh! You’ll really like this one.” She explained as the theme song played. “Well, it was one of my personal favorite.” She explained, not caring that Sonata couldn’t understand. “Now, it was speculated one of the characters had a disability-
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Anything?” Vinyl shouted as she held her phone in the air.

“Not a thing!” Bon Bon said as she and Lyra kept circling the campsite with their own phones held high. “You don’t really think something bad happened to her, do you?”

“Um, no,” Vinyl chuckled nervously as she patted the ground with her shovel. “No! I mean, I got ten to collect from her.” She then muttered quietly, “although I’d happily give twenty to know she’s-

It had been two hours, the three of them having put the cursed necklace into a box, and buried under a tree. Far enough away to where they thought it wouldn’t be a problem, but close enough to keep an eye on it. Afterward, all they could do was try and reach Octavia. There was some debate on just hiking along the road to the ranger station, but Lyra convinced them that it wouldn’t do for Octavia to return and not know where they were. Then, after Bon Bon was able to get service for a minute, all they could really do was wait and try again and again to reach their friend.

Suddenly, there was a honk in the distance and, to everyone’s relief, saw their families van pulling into the campsite.

“Oh thank the gods, Octavia!” Vinyl shouted as raced to the van. When she got there, she didn’t even allow Octavia to turn off the ignition before pulling her out of the vehicle.

“What the hell? Vinyl, let me go!” Octavia shriked. “What is wrong with you?!”

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong!” Vinyl hissed, glaring at a stunned Sonata. “You’re little girlfriend there is some kind of she-demon from another demension!” As Octavia started to question that, Vinyl keep ranting. “I told you she was dangerous, but did you listen? No! And now for all we know she might of done something to you and could have possibly-

“VINYL!!!!” Octavia screamed at the top of her lungs, pulling away from her friends grasp.

After a moment of silence to allow them both to breath, Octavia crawled back into the driver’s side of the van, giving Vinyl a death glare when her friend started to raise a finger.

Sighing, Octavia reached for the keys while giving Sonata a reassuring smile. “Stay here for just a bit, okay?” she told her, using her hand motion for emphasis. “Sonata‘a, not, bad, friends just being silly.”

Sonata gave an unsure nod, but made no movement to get up from her seat.

Octavia smiled warmly, before turning around back to Vinyl, and dragged her to the other side of the campground by her ear.

Sonata watched them go, hearing Vinyl cry out in pain until they were out of sight. As she waited, and with nothing better to do, she picked up a pen from the armrest, and started to click it repeatedly.

****

“Ow, ow, ow!” Vinyl cried as she was dragged along. “For fuck sakes, let me go! I didn’t do anything wrong! You’re the one who took so long!”

Octavia rolled her eyes, only letting go once they were out of sight with Sonata. “Well, I suppose I’m sorry for the wait. As you can see, no one came for her, and I’d figured I’d use the ranger stations wifi to start teaching her English!”

“Oh great, now she knows tricks.” Vinyl spat as she rubbed her ear. “Although that will be ten.”

“Twenty,” Bon Bon pointed out. Her and Lyra having followed behind.

“Yes, yes,” Octavia said as she rubbed her forehead. “Before then; would you care to explain why I owe you girls money, and warranted such a, warm welcome, first?”

“This,” Vinyl said, holding up her phone, showing Octavia what looked like a picture of a meteor crash site. “We found it not to far from where we found… Her.”

Octavia narrowed her eyes. “And this proves she’s a… What are we now on her being? A mermaid or something?”

Vinyl flipped to another picture. This one showing the human footprints that started from the very center of the clearing and heading into the woods.

“Well,” Octavia frowned. “That, still doesn’t mean-

“Oh, and then we found that necklace of her’s.” Lyra added.

“Oh?” Octavia perked up. “I suppose that’s good at least.” Her eyes then narrowed. “May I see it?”

All three of her friends looked nervously to one another.

“Ugh! Just skip the build up and tell me as it is what you three did.” Octavia pleaded.

“Okay,” Vinyl smiled and nodded. “It’s some kind of evil magic thingy that makes you go evil if you touch it, so we buried it not too far away to keep us, and your girlfriend, from it.”

Octavia slapped her forehead.

Vinyl shrugged. “Well you said to just lay it on you.” 

“I did,” Octavia admitted. “That said, you are aware how crazy that sounds?”

“We know,” Lyra said, sulking against a tree. “And we’d show you, but you weren't there. Whatever that Sonata girl had with her is some serious bad business.”

Octavia started to pace back and forth as she processed all of that. As much as she wanted to believe they were all crazy, or this was some kind of prank, she knew her friends well enough to tell when they were and weren't being serious. Mixed in with the fact they did actually have a mysterious stranger who couldn’t speak English with them, this wasn’t a time of fooling around. If they said they found some dark magic gem that belonged to Sonata, they found a dark magic gem that belonged to Sonata.

“Okay, so,” Octavia said once she took it all in. “As crazy as it sounds, I’ll take your word for it.” She took in a deep breath. “That said; what now?”

“Run her out of town with pitchforks?” Vinyl offered, to Octavia’s dismay, more serious than she likely joked.

“Yeah,” Bon Bon nodded. “I’m sure that will leave her a great impression of our world.”

“Look,” Octavia said, raising a hand. “Can we all chill? So, she is magical, maybe even dangerous, but, we still don’t know anything else about her, and she certainly has done anything bad so far. Also, it’s not as if she isn’t some normal girl who’s stumbled onto some bad magic and simply needs someone to help her until her friends or family can find her.”

All three of her friends moaned.

“You can’t seriously be thinking about us keeping her? Right?” Lyra asked..

“Why not?” Octavia deadpanned.

“Because, all joking aside,” Vinyl let out a cough. “Don’t you think maybe you’re not thinking with you head because you’ve gone all love at first sight with this chick.”

Octavia nearly slapped Vinyl across the head, before relenting in the sad reality, that she was right. Then again…

“I say we just hand her over to someone,” Lyra suggested. “Let her be their problem. Hey! I know I sounds mean, Octavia, but dosn’t that seem like the better idea?

As her friends started to agree, Octavia had a thought.

“Okay. So maybe, maybe!” Octavia spoke up to try and stop any future forms of teasing. “You’re right. On the other hand, think of it this way.”

Octavia puffed out her chest. “Suppose, best/mostly likely worst case scenario from what we know now. Let’s say Sonata is some kind of monster who lost her memories when, er, we encountered her, and that’s the only reason she’s currently the way she is. A nieve, innocent, very sweet,” her eyes widened at everyone’s reaction to the way she called Sonata sweet.

“Anyways!” Octavia carried on. “My point is, when she remembers, if she is a demon; would you rather she be recalling how nice we were to her when she needed help, or, have the first thing on her mind after that be how we abandoned, chased, and or handed her over to a laboratory?”

“But, that’s,” Vinyl started to protest at Octavia’s argument. The whole while, as her friends' words made more and more sense, started to fum.

“I’m with not pissing off the magical girl too!” Bon Bon shot up as she raced to Octavia’s side.

“Yeah, I guess it wouldn’t hurt.” Lyra admitted as she took her girlfriend’s side. “Besides, she seems cool enough, and regardless, this will keep our little adventure going.”

Smiling, Octavia looked nervously to Vinyl.

“I,” Vinyl started, arms still crossed. “Fine! She can stay. But we’re keeping her away from that necklace until we get some answers.”

Not having even thought about that, Octavia started to point out that they had no right to keep Sonata away from her property, before relenting, if not so much because there wasn’t a counter argument, but because she at least had all of her friends on her side until they solved his mystery.

“Then it’s settled!” Octavia beamed as she pulled Lyra and Bon Bon into a hug. “Um, we should probably then go let our guest know she’s not in any kind of trouble.”
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sonata flipped the lock to the van over dozen times by the time Octavia tapped on the van door.

“Hey, sorry about that.” Octavia said with an apologist smile as she opened the door. “You okay?”

When Octavia held out her a hand, Sonata looked at it wearily. 

“No trouble?” She asked. “Not... on trouble?”

Octavia chuckled at Sonata’s attempt at grammar. “No. Just friends being silly.”

“Sure,” they heard Vinyl say to the side, before being elbowed in the stomach by Bon Bon. “I mean of course not! We’re all happy smiling friends here!” 

Octavia let out a breath, then said to Sonata, “Estará bien ... ellas, será agradable.”

Sonata glanced at Octavia’s friends, then back to Octavia before nodding, “O... Okay.” and took her hand.

Relived, Octavia helped Sonata out of the van.

“Wait,” Vinyl said, arching any eyebrow as the pair walked over. “You can speak strange girl now?” She dodged Lyra’s elbow while Octavia and Sonata stood by their sides

“Well,” Octavia shrugged. “I figured it was only fair that if I taught her our language, we should try understand her’s.” She let out a cough, and told Sonata, “La blanca es la que piensa que eres malvada. Ella también es la más sabrosa, así que cómela primero si resulta que lo eres ".

Sonata stared, but then started to laugh.

“I feel like I should be insulted,” Vinyl mused. “Can’t we all just speak plan English?”

“Now to be fair,” Lyra interjected. “What is ‘plan’ English? Seriously, you ever try reading old English?” She shuttered at the hours of late night finals study. “Let me tell you, it’s like learning a different language. And that was just from the stuff people were speaking 100 years ago!”

“Come to think of it,” Bon Bon added, rubbing her chin. “Arn’t a lot of words we use today simply ‘borrowed’ from other languages?”

Lyra beamed. “Oh ya! It’s like, you know that one class we had where our teacher said word such as, sync, actually come from Grease.”

“How about that,” Octavia chuckled. “Funny enough, my own English teacher mentioned something last week about how our language is constantly changing and evolving. I think he said there are nearly a hundred new words added to our dictionary every year.”

“So, who knows!” Lyra said, patting Sonata’s shoulder. “Maybe years from now, we’ll be saying,” she looked to Octavia. “She have a word for upset?”

“Um,” Octavia thought, before Sonata offered in her place,

“¿Molesta?”

“Oh, I like that!” Lyra beamed, letting go of Sonata to smirk at her girlfriend. “Bon Bon, I am molesta that you forgot our anniversary last month.”

Bon Bon’s jaw dropped, before smiling in bemusement. “Well, Lyra, I’m molestaed that you leave your underwear laying around our room all the time.”

Lyra blushed. “Oh yeah? Well I’m—

“I’m going to listen to some music I can understand before I start molestaing!” Vinyl groaned, pulling out a pair of headphones and walking away.

Sonata frowned and reached out a hand to Vinyl, but Octavia held back. “She just... needs space. Sonata not bad!” she said, as much directed at Lyra and Bon Bon.

“So,” Bon Bon started, eyeing Vinyl who has sat on one the logs and was banging her head to her music. “What now?” Still have a few hours until it gets dark.”

“Cards?” Lyra threw out.

Octavia started to protest, but thinking it over, “That’s actually not a bad idea.” She looked to Sonata. “Um, game? ... ?Jugar juegos? Divertida!”

Sonata beamed. “Ah! Fun.”

Octavia giggled. “Yes. Fun, fun.” She deadpanned at Lyra and Bon Bon’ chuckling.

*****

And so, they pulled out a folding table and chairs, a pack of cards, and spent a good half hour teaching Sonata about the various card names and numbers. Playing old maid to start, since it didn’t need a lot of talking. Once the four of them thought Sonata knew the card names well enough, they switched over to a little bit of go fish.

“So,” Sonata said, looking at her cards, the other girls and biting her lips, had to ask Octavia again what the J card was, showing her hand and pointing.

“Jack,” Octavia smiled encouragingly. “And yes.” she said, handing Sonata the card.
“Je, Jam... Jax.” Sonata tried to word out. “Closer?”

Octavia let out a half smile. “Yes. Buen trabajo.”-

Sonata grinned ear to ear.

“Still on the baby games?” Vinyl said from behind them.

Octavia sighed. “Feeling better?”

Rolling her eyes, Vinyl answered. “Was never ‘feeling bad,’ to begin with. No, batteries low, so I figured I see what you dorks are up too.”

“Oh, you know, having a good ole time with our new friend and all,” Lyra teased.

“You’re more than welcome to join,” Bon Bon offered out loud, while I a loud whisperer added, “if you promise to play nice and try and help make a good impression!”

Vinyl, though about it for a minute, before saying, “Alright,” and brought up an additional chair, sitting herself between Lyra and Octavia, and nearly straight across from Sonata, who was between Octavia and Bon Bon. “But if you think she’s got enough know how by now, let’s move on to something more fun.”

Octavia narrowed. “And what would that be?”

Smirking, Vinyl started to shuffle the cards. “Texas hold em?”

Everyone, save for Sonata for having no clue, gave Vinyl a mix of annoyed and worried expression.

“Yeah, let’s teach her about gambling,” Bon Bon chortled. “What could go wrong?”

“Aside from how much more complex it is?” Octavia protested. To which, she felt a tug on her right sleeve and turned to face Sonata. She was expecting either a look of confusion, or at the very least something of a worried frown from Sonata. To Octavia’s astonishment, Sonata’s expression matched more of a person full of determination to make a point.

“Play,” Sonata said firmly. “If, Silly’s game,” she pointed to Vinyl, “I game!”

Everyone at the table stared at Sonata, jaws dropped. Then Vinyl started to chuckle. “You know, I think I’m starting to warm up to this chick.”

Lyra sighed, but said, “Okay, but we’re playing with snack chips, not actually ones! I’ll go see what we got from our supplies while you try to explain to Sonata how to play?”

So Lyra got some various chip bags, as Octavia and Bon Bon tried getting Sonata to understand the basics of the game. To which, Octavia could decide if it was a good, or bad thing, with how quickly Sonata got the concept of poker. They only needed to play a few round without before her said Sonata said she felt ready enough to give it a try. Even then, she only needed to be explained which hands were better once or twice. Octavia more than willing to her her out, although Octavia couldn’t help but feel like Sonata was less asking her for help at times, less out of not knowing, and more to get suggestions if she should fold or not in a round. However, Sonats true potential at the game came to life when she was and Vinyl found themselves in a fierce stand off to a rather large pot. The other girls having folded a long time ago.

Bon Bon, as the dealer at the point, shook her head and the two and flipped the fourth card. The board now having on it an ace, three, king, now five.

“Okay,” Vinyl smirked, pushing forward serval pretzels. “I’ll raise. That too much for you, kid?” she tainted her new nickname for Sonata.

Sonata blew on a strand of hair, matching Vinyl’s ten with an additional twenty.

Vinyl whistled. “Feeling cocky, are we?”

Sonata raised an eyebrow, before answering, “Silly in, or out?”

“In! And plus five.” Vinyl responded.

Sonata was about to call but paused in thought. She then leaned over to Octavia and whispered something into her ear. The other girls watching in intensity as Octavia’s eyes widened at whatever Sonata was saying.

“I mean, I guess if Vinyl is okay with it.” Octavia frowned. “She may ask... I don’t know.”

Sonata took Octavia’s hand, and nodded gleefully.

“What did she ask?” Lyra inquired.

“Well,” Octavia reached for a pen and paper scrap. Hastily writing something down, she pushed the note towards the pile.

Suspiciously, Vinyl leaned forward to read the note. 

Vinyl must say something, genuinely, nice about Sonata.

“You kidding me?” Vinyl laughed. Until she saw no hint of joking from Sonata. “Okay, but,” she started to take the note pad and pen from Octavia.

“Actually!” Octavia stopped her, thinking of the thousand and one things Vinyl would bet in turn. “I, er... You know what, I have just the thing you can offer.” It was a dumb idea, but maybe she could get this little showdown to end if Vinyl thought believed Sonata had the better hand. Quickly writing something down, blocking Sonata from view when she tried to look, Octavia slide the paper over.

“Here, you can,” Octavia took in a deep breath. “You can use that.” When Sonata looked worrisome at her, Octavia told her, “Sonata won’t have to do anything bad. Promise.”

That didn’t seem to put Sonata as ease when Vinyl began grinning wickedly.

“Wow, Tavi! Really?”

“What does it say?” Lyra asked, starting to look over before Octavia said loudly,

“Under! The condition you keep it to yourself if you win.” She realized a bit too late that Vinyl could have taken that to mean she wasn’t 100% confident in Sonata’s hand.

“Deal!” With that, Vinyl slammed the paper down inti the pot.

“Perhaps we should move on before this becomes too intense?!” Bon Bon suggested.
There was a death glare between Vinyl and Sonata, before they agreed. With a sigh, Bon Bon flipped the last card, showing a six.

Ace, three, king, five, and six.

“That being said,” puffing out her chest, Vinyl showed them her hand. An ace, and another ace. “High three pair!”

Octavia’s stomach dropped. She then turned to Vinyl, murder in her eyes. “You wouldn’t happen to have any aces up your sleeves, now would you?”

“What?” Vinyl cried, hand to her heart, and pointing to her sleeveless shirt. “I am insulted to think you would believe I would do something such as hide an ace somewhere and waited for the right opportunity to take your little friend to the cleaners.”

“Well then,” Lyra said, reached over to Vinyl. “You won’t mind if we—

“Um, excuse me,” Sonata spoke up. They all turned to see Sonata, for lack of a better term, acting like she was a sweet, nieve and ‘innocent’ little angel. “Hand good?” she motioned to her cards, then placed a finger in her lips.

Everyone’s jaw dropped at the two, and four the four. Turning the already win Sonata had with the ace, three, five, and now the six, into an overkill straight.

“But, but I,” Vinyl stammered, watching Sonata pull in the pile to her side, laughing manically.

“I think I’m more scared of her now than when we first met,” Bon Bon said with a shiver.

“Octavia, I’m borrowing her for poker night next month with the gamma’s!” Lyra declared, hints of dollar signs in her eyes.

Once Sonata’s evil laughter fit has passed, her attention turned to the other slip of paper Octavia had written on. Curious as to what Octavia had gambled for her sake, she started to pick it up. But wasn’t able to read it before Octavia snatched it away.

“Well great job on winning!” Octavia nervously chuckled, holding the paper out of reach of Sonata. Not thinking about the fact that Sonata very likely wouldn’t have been able to read the note even if she had seen it. Which proved to be even more stupid, as the action allowed Vinyl to pluck the note out from her hand.

“Well I’m saving this for some other time,” Vinyl said with a huff. “Or,” she stared as Octavia tried to take the paper back. “I could always tell everyone what it says now.”

Octavia tried to say something, but soon feel back into her chair, defeated. “Fine. But you better be sure whenever you play that card.”

Sonata watched in confusion Vinyl, smirking, slipped the piece paper into her pocket. “Oh I will, don’t worry. I’ll be mindful.”

Sonata turned to Octavia, who was rubbing her shoulders, looking downwards, and blushing furiously. Before Sonata could say anything of comfort, Vinyl stole her attention.

“This is so not over between you and me though!” Vinyl declared, pointing a finger to Sonata.

Pushing her curiosity aside, Sonata leaned onto one of her hands, and asked, “Go again, Silly?”

Meanwhile, Octavia simply sat there and, despite that last games intensity, she allowed herself the briefest of smiles. Judging from Vinyl’s reaction to Sonata’s comeback, and knowing her friend as well as she did, knew things were starting to look up. While Vinyl would deny if asked, and wouldn’t yet be fully won over, it was a step in the right direction for the situation. And for a moment, things for Octavia were fine. Then that moment ended with the ping of a one of their cell phones.

“Who’s was that?” Bon Bon asked, looking to her own phone.

“Not mine,” Vinyl replied.
“It’s mine,” Octavia said with a groan, reading the short preview display.

Unknown number: Your father and I have been looking into some wonderful career opportunities for you if you’d like to talk sometime. We only want to help, and not see such—

Octavia mumbled something as she slides her phone into her pocket.

“I thought you were going to block them,” Vinyl frowned.

“I did,” Octavia sighed. “But you know what?” She stood up straight and shook her head. “I’m not going to be bothered enough to think I need to change my number. I don’t need to.”

Vinyl sighed. “Okay, then, Tavi.”

Sonata watched, as whatever had happened seemed to deeply trouble Octavia. “Octavia,” she started, only to recoil at Octavia’s sudden change of attitude.

“So, who’s hungry?!” Octavia smiled, pushing up from her seat. “Could use a stretch of the legs. I’ll take care of cooking and the fire if you girls want to keep playing for a while.”
Sonata simply watched as Octavia excused herself. Turning, dejected, to the other girls for some sort of explanation.

“Octavia, upset?”

“You know, I feel like,” Bon Bon started to stand up, but was pulled down by Lyra. She then looked to Vinyl, her slumped shoulders showing she would have to do most of the talking.

“Look, Sonata,” Lyra began, taking in a breath. “It’s, um, well it’s, er—

“Complicated?” Sonata guessed.

Lyra blinked, but nodded. “Yeah. Best word for lack of a better one. By chance you know what the word, parents?” When Sonata didn’t answer, Lyra tried throwing out serval other words until Sonata pointed out the word family.

“Family?” Lyra asked for confirmation.

“Yeah, family.” Sonata nodded. “Word from show. Like,” Sonata thought over the right words to show she got a grasp of the concept. “Mom, dad, sister, brother? Always love each other?”

Everyone looked away at that.

“Eh, first half, yes. Second half, um.” She nudged Vinyl. “Why don’t you start another game to keep our hands busy.”

Vinyl sighed but did as she was told.

“And you can take that nine out of your underwear, Vinyl.”

Vinyl spoke up in protest, but with a grunt, fished into her pants and pulled out a card. “Ha! It was a six.”

“Anyways,” Lyra said after a huff, shuffling the card back into the deck. “Yes, Sonata. With the mom, dad, sisters and brothers. The basics is they’re related to you by... um.”

To Lyra’s relief, Sonata nodded, “Think I know what means.”

Lyra smiled in relief. “Good.”

“Why react... to love?” Sonata questioned as Vinyl tossed her a pair of cards.

“Well,” Lyra hummed after looking over her cards. “The thing is a lot of that love is unconditional.”

“Un, con,” Sonata started.

“It’s a fancy way to say required.” When that did work, Lyra tried, “something you need/have to do.”

“That bad?” Sonata answered in understanding.

“It, um,” Lyra stammered, not sure how to best explain it better at the moment.

Rolling her eyes, Vinyl spoke straightly, “It means some people will think your obligated to do whatever you say, and the other person is obligated to listen ‘out of love’ with no say so in the mater.”

“Er,” Lyra waved her hands after pushing four chips forward. “I’m guessing that made no sense to you?”

Sonata shamefully shook her head. “More words?”

They looked at her in confusion.

“Eh, Octavia said, to say later. When speak better.”

They all let out and “oh” in recognition
After looking at her own cards, then after looking to Octavia throwing sticks into the fire, Sonata guessed, 

“Octavia’s family hurt her?”

“Um... Basically.” Bon Bon answered, looking away. “Like you said; complicated, but yeah. They did.” She turned back to look at her hand and the first flipped card. “And I’m folding.”

“Well I’ll raise,” Vinyl said, looking at Sonata’s sad expression. “Hey, you make Octavia happy. So that’s good, I guess.”

Sonata stared up at Vinyl, who pointed to the other piece of paper in Sonata’s own pile. “That sincere enough?”

Grinning, Sonata pushed took the paper, and started to hand it to Vinyl, only to drop it into the pot instead.

“I’m out!” Lyra cried to that.

“That’s enough being nice to the alien girl for one day,” Vinyl sighed, pushing her cards away.

Beaming, Sonata pulling in the pot, discarding her terrible hand before they could be the wiser.
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tap, tap, tap.

Adagio opened her eyes in irritation. Aria is sitting on the far end of the condo, tapping a pen on the table, glancing up and down at the newspaper.

“Do you mind?” Adagio growled.

Aria looked up to see Adagio where she left her. Crossed legged on the floor in a meditative stance. It had been like that for the past several hours. Concentrating on… What? Sure, they figured Sonata was due to arrive in this world any day now. Although for immortal beings such as themselves any day meant anywhere from that day to a hundred years from now. Not to say Aria hadn’t been excited at first that it might have actually been today. Although the excitement quickly vanished when Adagio said she was only able to pick up on, whatever she could sense, of Sonata for a few seconds. There was a bit of excitement a few hours ago as well, but when nothing came of it, Adagio had ordered Aria to turn off the television so she could further concentrate.

So, who knew how long later, when Adagio asked if Aria minded the purple haired woman said, “No.” sarcastically, followed but a laugh. “Maybe it will help you ‘hone in.’”

Adagio opened one of her eyes. “I know she’s in the world! I just can’t understand why I can’t feel her magic.

Aria blinked to thay. “I thought you said you sensed her.”

“I said I sensed her magic!” Adagio spa, rubbing her head. “Although I have no idea why that shouldn’t be one in the same.”

“You don’t think,” Aria paused. 

“She’s not dead,” Adagio assured.

“And how do you know that?”

Shrugging, Adagio lifted up her pendant. “If she were dead, then we’d know about it.”

Aria took in a breath. “That’s very assuring, sis.”

“Oh quit your whining,” Adagio dimmed. “Besides, I don’t see you helping.”

“Oh?” Aria held a hand to her chest. “You want me to join hands with ya and sing campfire songs or something?” Aria laughed. “Maybe we can even roost marshmallows.”

Adagio began a rebuttal, before thinking. “Actually, that’s not such a bad idea.” Secertly she added feeling dumb for not thinking it sooner.

“What?” Aria tilted her head. “The marshmallows? I wasn’t being serious!”

“Not the marshmallow! You joining in by holding hands!” 

Aria blinked. Then scoffed. “You’re serious?”

“Get over here!”  Adagio ordered. “I don’t want to be stuck in this dingy loft with barely enough of our power to keep us sustained. So the sooner we find that airhead, the sooner we can become gods. Now butt. Over her. Now!”

“Fine!” Aria groaned, sitting in front of Adagio. “So...

Adagio held out her hands. When Aria reluctantly took them, her sister added calmly, “Simply close your eyes. Clear your mind of all distractions. And before you make any smart comments I’ll shut up shortly.” She took in a breath of her own. “Focus your magic, not so much on finding her, or even what she would have looked like. Unless you think of some other color, picture blue.”

Aria had one of her eyelids closed. “And this is how you found me?”

“The path of destruction you left help, but this is similar to how I first got your general location.” She frowned. “The bigger difference was with how you were regularly using your powers, it didn’t take long. So I’m not sure if there’s anyway we can find her unless she uses her own.”

“Reassuring,” Aria huffed. “But I don’t want to not have to worry about absorbing enough to keep our immortality up day by day either, so okay.” 

Silence filled the condo. Their pendant glowing red on their necks as green streaks invisible. to human eyes swapping through the walls

Nothing happened for serval minutes.

“Anything?” Adagio asked.

“Nothing but a craving for some pizza,” Aria said sarcastically as her stomach growled. “You sure this won’t drain us dry?”

“As long as we only extend our magic out like an arm that can be pulled back, we should be fine.” Adagio assured. “Until we need to hone in on something, this shouldn’t expand more than a quarters day worth of energy. Probably less now that we’re doing this together.”

“Uh-huh,” Aria nodded. Her mind focused on the type blue she thought she remembered Sonata was. What had it been? How long had it been? At least a thousand years, if not two, since she last saw her airheaded sister.

“I’m not sure,” Aria started to say something snarky to cope with her worries, she thought she saw a blue light in her mind pass by. “Wait… I think I saw something!”

Adagio’s eyes shot open. “Really?” When Aria squinted her eyes tighter, Adagio closed her own again and instructed. “Okay, try moving your magic back to where you saw it.”

Before Aria could ask what that meant, she felt as if her head was being turned back to where she had previously been gazing. Shortly after, the blue light came back into view.

“You see this Adagio?” Aria asked with a short breath. “It’s dim, but I definitely see something similar to our aura.”

“No, I,” she shook her head. “Focus your magic now on it. Dont open your eyes!” She shouted right on time to stop Aria from cracking one.

“Okay, but didn’t you say it will start draining when we focus on something?”

“Just do it!” Adagio commanded. “It should drain either of us too badly. At worst you’ll only feel dizzy for a day or two.”

“Your assurance is comforting.” She breathed, but did as instructed. Focusing her magic on the blue light. “Yes, it’s definitely a life force.”

“I’m starting to see it as well,” Adagio smiled.

“Well, now I’m seeing two.” 

Adagio frowned. “Two?”

“Yeah. I think she’s standing next to another being.”

“You sure it is her then?” Adagio question to the word she. 

“Um,” Aria tapped her fingers. “No it’s just a blue light. A blue light stand, no, sitting, I think, next to a purple one. Much like I think the blue light might be her.”

“Well alright.” Adagio sighed. “Hey, I think I see the second life form as well now.”

“Really?” Aria questioned. “Cause now I’m seeing multiple ones. Four, no five in total. Not right next to her but in the same vicinity. Can’t tell where or,” there was a sharp intake of breath. “I can’t see what she looked like, but it’s definitely Sonata!”

“I don’t,” Adagio began, before having a thought. “Hang on, I’m going to channel my magic into yours.”

Aria kept her eyes closed, but her mouth dropped.

“You’re clearly getting better reception, so let’s not fight on this. Our priory is finding Sonata for the moment. We’re but strong witches without her.”

“O… Okay.” Aria nodded, tensing up as she felt additional magic flow into her. Immediately, she got a full view of—

“Sonata.” Aria mouthed. The blue hair girl perking up to the sound.

“You see her clearly?” Adagio panted. Keep describing what you see to me. Tell me any and every detail as they come! I’ll shut up now.”.

“Good,” Aria snarked, oblivious to how the room started to light up red to her gem. “She’s looking around. No, now she’s looking up at something. She’s sitting next to that purple light. Two of the other lights, a green and yellow-ish one, are sitting together too far away for me to make out. A white one… Wait, a sixth? No! It’s a fire. A campfire, I’m thinking. I’m starting to make out the human she’s sitting next to.” She paused.

“Something up?” Adagio questioned. “What is she doing? Trying to drain the humans?”

“That’s just it.” Aria mouthed. “She’s not doing anything. The girl, yes, human girl next to her doesn't even seem distressed.” She laughed. “Playing with your food as always, Sonata?”

She missed Sonata’s raised eyebrow when Aria said her name.

“She looks safe and happy at least.”

“How generous,” Adagio scoffed. “Can you see anything that might clue us in on where she is?”

Arias' body teased. “Um, oh! I think there’s a vehicle by that fifth light! A white one.”

“Perfect!” Adagio beamed. “See if you can’t focus more of your magic on the white one and the car.”

Aria didn’t answer.

“Aria?” Poking open her eyes, she saw Aria in distress. “Aria! The car. That’s how we—

“She’s now wearing her pendant.” Aria took in a deep breath. “I think, I think it’s buried on the other edge of the camp. I see something glowing with Equestria magic.”

“What?” Adagio gawked. “No, the car! The car, Aria! That’s how we find her.” Not that she wasn’t worried about the development, but it wouldn’t matter if they couldn’t find her.

“She’s… Is she holding that human’s hand?!” Arias’ pendant started to vibrate.

“Aria! I know you had some bad experiences coming here, but you need to focus on the car if you want to help her! A license plate, serial number, sticker, newspaper, something—

She never got to finish. Within Aria’s mind, she saw Sonata lay her head in the mystery girl. Smiling like a colt who’s first fully crush told him he was cute. It wasn’t what set her off. That happened, when the human ran a hand through Sonata’s blue hair.

“SONATA!!!”

Aria jerked free from Adagio’s grasp, arching her back while watching Sonata push off of the girl to hold her head. Aria watched her mouth a soundless scream, and herself passed out to the pooping of lights in the apartment...


    *****


“Good?” Octavia asked between bites of her cheeseburger 

“Hum. Sonata spoke with her mouth full. “Okay. Eh, tacos better, but good too.”

“You know, I’m the opposite funny enough.” Lyra mused. “Give me a burger over tacos anyways.”

“You mean because you can’t handle anything spicy?” Bon Bon teased.

Sonata watched them with a smile. Since the poker game, the girls had settled down to dinner. The whole time, Sonata trying to get Octavia to lighten up from whatever it was her parents did to upset her friend. Mostly by imitating those colorfully creatures she watched with Octavia today that made her smile. Clowns, from what she recalled. While truth be told, they creaped her out, it made Octavia smile, and that made Sonata feel good.

“Octavia, look!” Sonata said when she noticed Octavia was looking sad again. Taking her empty plate and balancing it on her nose. It fell off right away, but it had its effect of making everyone smile for a moment.

“So what other tricks did you teach her, Octh?” Vinyl laughed.

“Vinyl!” Octavia shouted. Feeling somewhat bad in not being able to explain what a fool Sonata made of herself when she acted like that. Even if on the other hand she couldn’t help but feel less desperate at the girls attempts to make her laugh. 

“Don’t worry about it.” Octavia assured Sonata. “You do good.”

Sonata beamed to that, and Octavia smiled.

“That was good,” Vinyl said standing up. “I should,” she stared towards the van, and Octavia stood up to meet her.

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Thank  you, Octy.”

Octavia took in a breath and started to walk forward. Only to be pulled back by a concerned looking Sonata. 

“I’ll be fine,” Octavia assured, patting Sonata’s hand. “I’m more making sure Silly will be fine.” As Vinyl snorted, she added, "Estaré bien."

Sonata let loss her grip, and turned to Lyra and Bon Bon as they started in some other conversations.

“Still thinks she is evil?” Octavia asked once out of ear range.

“You know I can turn this on you in making sure I only take one beer.” Vinyl said, pulling open the vans rear door.

Octavia blinked. “That’s… That's completely different!”

“Why?” Vinyl shrugged, pulling three beer cans out of the fridge. “All I’m saying is you, should, keep in mind that we still don’t know who she is. Just like you’re about to say I shouldn’t have more than two beers.”

Octavia stopped herself as she was about to yank one of the cans away from her friend. “Yeah, well,” she rubbed her elbow. “I’m not saying you can’t drink at all. And I know you’re responsible enough to know what happens if you get carried away.”

“Exactly!” Vinyl smirked, putting away two of the drinks, and popping open the third. “Hey, I’m all for you two getting if she turns out to be gay and not a soul stealing troll.” 

Octavia’s face turned red and she was about to say something when Vinyl pulled out and held the slip of paper from the card game to Octavia’s face.

Octavia will admit to if she thinks Sonata is cute or not.

“It hates you sometimes,” Octavia growled.

Vinyl smirked as she slowly took a sip of her beer. “Feelings mutual when you help me.”

Octavia started to get angry, but found that she honestly couldn’t and laughed. “I suppose it wouldn’t be fair if you didn’t.”

“What are friends who love you for?” Vinyl crumpled up the can and tossed it into the trash bag. “Speaking of which; honest feelings about your parents text message.”

Octavia deflated. She was tempted to try and drop the matter, but figured it would be easier to get it over with Vinyl. “Honestly, I wasn’t lying about it not bothering me that badly.”

Vinyl nodded her head. “But...

“Um,” Octavia twiddled her thumbs. “I’m not saying I forgive them, they hardly seem like they were,” she thought about the right word, and then said, “that sorry.”

“You’re not serious?” Vinyl glared, crossing her arms.

“I’m not!” Octavia said loudly, causing the three girls from the campfire to stare. Octavia waved sheepishly at them. Lyra and Bon Bon turned around immediately, but had to cox Sonata into minding her own business.

“I’m not,” Octavia breathed after that. “Still, would it be wrong, or would I be the bad guy, if I didn’t at least somewhat throw them a bone if they seem to get it at least a bit? And don’t just say no. It’s not as if I’ll ever truly be rid of them.”

Vinyl started to, but lowered her finger.

Octavia placed a hand on Vinyl’s shoulder. “I don’t need them, I just want to be the bigger person now that I’m mostly recovered and no longer not in control of any part of my life.”

“Well I still say fuck um,” Vinyl spoke. “But I suppose I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t think people could change or mature.”

“All I’m asking.” Octavia assured, pulling her friend into a hug.

Vinyl hugged back, and whispered, “We can talk more about this later. Now don’t you have your future lesbian vampier girlfriend to try and make out with?” As Octavia’s hug tightened into an uncomfortable squeeze, Vinyl quickly added, “You just worry about the making her happy so if she dose turn out to be she’ll be conflicted on drinking us dry and I’ll worry about the keeping an eye out and being ready if she is evil part!”

Octavia loosened her grip and pulled away from her friend. “Alright. But no walking around with silver steaks, knives or holy water all the time, and no trying to force us to get together.”

Vinyl puffed. “Who do you think I am?” When Octavia deadpanned, she added. “Well, fine! But I ’m keeping my knife handy, but under one of the tires and not on me when next to her, and, the worse I was planning was to simply nudge you two together at some point.”

“You know what? I’ll take that!” Octavia said, knowing she’d probably wouldn’t get a better deal.


****


“So, aren't bad clowns scary?” Sonata asked, relieved to find she wasn’t the only one to consider those things creepy.

“Not at all,” Bon Bon shivered. 

The three of them’s conversations turned from when Sonata tried to make Lyra and Bon Bon laugh but trying, and failing, to balance a plate on her nose. Lyra asked where she got the idea, Sonata mentioned the clowns on the show she and Octavia had watched, and from there Bon Bon mentioned her own fear of clowns.

“I don’t know who thought it was a good idea to have a bunch of men dress up in face paint, allow them to get close up in children’s faces, and think that was a good idea.” Lyra shuttered.

Sonata tilted her head to that. “Octavia liked?”

“To each their own, Sonata.” Lyra shrugged, rubbing her girlfriend’s back. “Although I guess if Octavia found them funny, I can see now why you’d want to imitate one.”

Sonata stared at her.

Lyra laughed and started to say something, before realizing Sonata’s cluelessness may have come more from her not fully being able to understand complex english sentences yet.

“Ah! Yes,” Lyra sat her empty plate down by her feet. “So, what else—

“I’m not!” they heard Octavia cry out. All at once turning to stare at her and Vinyl. Bon Bon and Lyra were just as quick to look away at Lyra’s nervous wave, but Lyra had to coax Sonata’s attention back towards the fire.

Sonata sighed “More complicated?” 

“E’yup,” Bon Bon said. “She’s good,” she assured, reaching over Lyra to pat Sonata’s hand. “You do good, Sonata. You do good.”

“So,” Lyra said, leaning up next to Bon Bon. “What else can you tell us?”

Sonata showed she understood the question, but wasn’t sure how to answer.

“How about,” Bon Bon said, not seeing any other way to make conversation, picked up a rock, pointed to it, and asked Sonata, “What do you call this?”

“Um, rock?” Sonata answered .

Picking up what Bon Bon actually meant, she smiled as added, “No, I think she means what you would, you call it, in own words.

Sonata blinked before perking up. “Oh! Roca!”

They stared at her.

“What?” Sonata said with a neutral smile.

“Nothing,” Lyra said, laughing in amusement and picking up her plate. “So what do you call this? a plato?”

“Yes.” Sonata plainly nodded.

Bon Bon looked as if her brain was shutting down.

“Um, I,” she looked and pointed to the campfire. “That! Please tell me that’s at least different enough to not possibly be a coincidence!”

“Hoguera,” Sonata answered with a smile.

“Ah good,” Bon Bon sighed in relief.

“For a campfire,” Sonata grinned. “If only fire would be, fuego!”

“Aahhh!” Bon Bon cried out, while Lyra burst out laughing.

“Oh, you’re okay, Sonata,” Lyra assured. “You’re okay.”

“What is she okay about?” Octavia asked, walking back to the fire right as the fire started.

“Um,” Lyra said once her laughter died down. “Just learning some new words. We found out what in her language this means.” She held up the rock to show.

Octavia looked at it quizidly. “Piedra?”

Lyra jaw slacked. “What, no! That’s not,” the all looked at Sonata, who had started to whistle.

“Yes, la piedra,” Sonata began to explain. “Mean, pebble small stone to me.” She took the rock from Lyra’s hand and began to finger it. “Rock, but rock means Roca.”

Bon Bon held a finger up in the air, moving it too and from as she tried to figure this one out.

“I think she just fucked with you guys,” Vinyl concluded.

“Correct, Silly!” Sonata cheered. “Octavia and Vinyl all good?”

“Yeah,” Vinyl said after rubbing her head. “We just,” her eyes widened. “Wait a minute, you knew silly wasn’t my name the whole time?!”

“Not as if it isn’t,” Lyra chuckled.

“Si!” Sonata added.

Vinyl simply shook her head in bemusement. “Not helping the not evil case. Although speaking of fucking,” she gave Octavia a scoot towards Sonata. “Should be able to see the comet soon. Lyra, Bon Bon, why don’t you set up the telescope, Sonata, Octavia, keep an eye on the fire, and I’ll be looking out from the van.”

Before Octavia could smack the wink from Vinyl's face, she looked at the sweet, indifferent smile from Sonata, and tried to say grateful, “Sounds like a plan.”

“Great! Come on, Bonnie,” Lyra said, taking Bon Bon’s head. “Let’s go before she tells us air means air-O or something!”

Sonata gave them a wicked smile, and the two shot off.

“Great!” Vinyl patted Octavia on the shoulder. “I’ll go... Not here. Play safe you two!” She dodged Octavia’s right hand and made for the roof of the van.

Octavia shook her head, then took a deep breath before sitting down besides Sonata. “So friends fun?”

“Much fun,” Sonata giddied. 

“Well I’m glad.” Octavia let out a content sigh.


*****


“This is nice,” Octavia confirmed, pulling her marshmallow back from the fire as she showed Sonata what a s’more was.

“So, fire okay?” Sonata asked, her marshmallow burning. “As long as out quick?” she asked blowing out the flame. Her previous experience not-with standing when she freaked out and flung the flaming orb away.

“Yes,” Octavia giggled. “Now you put it together like this,” she put it between a pair of gram crackers and chocolate chunk.

Sonata fallowed suit, and nearly took a bite before Octavia cautioned her on it being hot. To which Sonata let out a sheepish chuckle.

“How about a trade?” Vinyl offered, walking in behind them with a blanket. 

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “What, too lazy to make your own?”

“And get between you two and such a tender moment?!” Vinyl held a hand to her chest.

Octavia rolled her eyes in bemusement, but accepted the trade. “Thanks.”

“Just don’t fall asleep in front of the fire together,” Vinyl teased, taking a bite of the traded s’more right away. Only to spit the piece out and fanning her tongue.

“Don’t forget to put out the fire if you’re the last up,”  Octavia mused to her friends pain.

“Don't be silly!” Sonata said for no other reason than feeling the need to say something as she cozied up under the sheat. 

Vinyl gave them the middle finger, and headed back to the roof of the van to continue her hawk watch.

‘Guess you can have a wild college weekend in untraditional ways after all.’ Octavia mused to herself, oblivious to Sonata gazing from the comet to Lyra and Bon Bon, as they were holding hands. Honestly not seeing the harm, Sonata scooted closer to Octavia and took the own girls hand, causing Octavia’s face to heat up.

“Bad?” Sonata flinched, pulling away, but Octavia stopped her by taking her hand.

“No!” Octavia said with squeak. “I mean, uhhum... Good.” 

Octavia slipped her hand back into Sonata’s. Lost in such thoughts, she didn’t notice Sonata’s ears perking up, and head swiveling around to some invisible sound. Or how Sonata’s face lite up in confusion to a green mist only she could see. Which consequently, at the edge of their campsite at the foot of a tree in a bare patch of dirt, the ground began to glow a sickly red as it shifted about. However, when Octavia didnt reacte worriedly to the sight,, Somata looked to the girls by the telescope, Bon Bon having rested her head on Lyra’s shoulders. This time Octavia did notice where Sonata was gazing.

‘Wait, she isn’t thinking?’ Octavia said with a worried gulp.

Sure enough, Sonata rested her own head on Octavia’s shoulder.

‘Oh gods!’ Octavia thought, her heart beating faster. ‘What am I supposed to do if those two start—

Sonata let out an ear piercing scream.


***** 


‘Okay.’ Sonata thought to herself. ‘So I guess that’s what these creatures in this world do with their friends as well. Although if I didn’t know better, I’d say they were a romantic couple.’ Without a second thought, she leaned her head on Octavia’s shoulder.

‘Either way, this feels nice. I wonder if Octavia-—

‘SONATA!’ 

So far, ever since that light green haze rolled in, Sonata had sworn she heard her name being called three times from none of her friends. She was able to brush them off, focusing on the warm feeling in her chest as she got closer to Octavia. Then it screamed at it, and she pushed off of Octavia to hold her head in pain.

“Sonata!” Octavia cried as Sonata held her hands to her head and visions started to flood her mind. Still screaming, she kneels forward into Octavia’s lap.

Vinyl jerked upright to the scream. Having laid back with her hands behind her head on the van to stare at the comet. Swearing she was starting to see some green when she heard the scream. Her first instinct was to draw out her knife.

“What is it?!” Vinyl shouted, jumping off racing to the campfire, Lyra and Bon Bon already there.

“I don’t know!” Octavia stammered, doing her best while Sonata continued to wail on her lap. Not helping, was when Sonata began to shake.

“Oh gods! Is she having a stroke or something?” Bon Bon said with a hand to her mouth

“Girls, get away from her!” Vinyl shouted as another possibility crossed her mind.

Lyra and Bon Bon did as instructed, before their own gears began to turn as they glanced at the knife in Vinyl’s hand.

“Hey hey hey!” Lyra said, racing over to Vinyl. “What are you thinking?!”

Octavia, heed them no mind. For more concerned if Sonata needed to be taken to the hospital. Suddenly, Sonata reached out a hand to grasp on Octavia’s shoulder in an attempt to sit herself up. In the moment, as Octavia leaned down to see Sonata lifted her head up, causing their foreheads to bump into each other, and then there was white.


******


There was a village. The type that had straw roofs, horses and—

No, they weren't horses. Ponies? Yes, ponies who seemed to be the ‘people’ of that village. They were going about their lives, when suddenly, one of their eyes glistened. Then there was an argument, and more and more ponies eyes started to glow as they began to bicker and fight. All around then, a green mist was forming, although from this point of view, there was joy. Joy as the green mist started to creamy towards themself and be absorbed. And then, there was laughter…



Then there was fear. Fear as the world started to spin and toss around them as two horse-fish creatures were tossed ahead, and then vanished. Now there was fear, and loneliness.

There was a flash, and then the world was dark. A forest of some kind. Looking down, their was terror as what once had been hooves were hands. With nothing better to do, the trees came forward as if walking out of the crater and into the woods.

Quiet.

Then there was shouting! Ducking low, through bushes, four bipedal creatures with lights in their hands. Talking in an alien language.

Prey? A source of negative energy to be siphoned?

“Si.” one of them said. “Una luz azul para atraer a universitarias ingenuas como nosotras también—

Another one made a shushing sound. 

Not a mussel is moved until they start talking again. Backing away, but always keeping a watch. More intrequied than any kind of worry.

“¡Por ahí!” one of them calls out. Pointing in your direction. Only getting behind one of the trees just as a light shines at the previous spot. "¡Creo que acabo de ver algo moverse!"

Slowly moving back, avoiding the lights, making a sharp left and finding a bush to hide behind as the creatures circle around the tree. Maybe a bit too close for comfort, within arms reach of one of them. Curiosity holding in place to try and get a better look.

¡Eso es suficiente!" The closest one shouts. "No. ¡No, no! Estamos saliendo. O al menos me voy.”

 Before being at ground level, the scene rises along with the creature, looking at the back of its grey head.

“ ¡Todo lo que hemos hecho es trabajar por nada! No hay nada aquí, pero si quieres perder la noche persiguiendo nada, Vinyl, sé mi—

It turns around, it’s purple eyes switching from anger, to confuse, to fear, faster than can be reacted to. It screams, raises something in its hands, and then there is nothing....


******


Octavia and Sonata screamed and reeled back from each other. Octavia fell into Bon Bon’s arm, as Lyra raced over to where Sonata lay.

“Are you okay?!” Lyra asked, slightly relieved to see Sonata had stopped shaking.

“Octavia!” Bon Bon asked as Vinyl turned her attention towards them. “Are you okay?”

“I’m... Fine.” Octavia tried to say assuringly, rubbing her head, and looking up at the same time to meet Sonata’s gaze. No one said anything as the two locked eyes. The look between them saying they somehow knew something.  One glance told Octavia all she needed to know. Whatever she had just seen, Sonata had seen as well. And it didn’t paint the blue girl in any kind of positive light.

“Son… Sonata?” Octavia asked, lifting herself up and reaching a hand out.

Sonata pushed away from Lyra and began to backpedal on her back.

“What just happened?” Vinyl said wearily as she walked towards Sonata.

"¡Quédense atrás! ¡Todos ustedes!" Sonata shouted. "¡No! No vengas a ningún armario o lo haré, lo haré ...

She looked around nervously as Lyra and Vinyl tried to inch closer.

“Sonata!” Octavia said, forcing herself off the ground and simply walked forward. “We don’t want to hurt—

"¡MANTENTE ALEJADA DE MI!!” Sonata picked up a clump of dirt and threw it into Octavia’s face. As Octavia recoiled at the action, Sonata sprang to her feet and started to run.

“Stop her!” Vinyl ordered. To which Lyra was able to block her path closest to the woods. Vinyl responded by flanking Sonata to the left, cutting off a southern escape, which along with the Van and Bon Bon in a spot she could of easily tackled Sonata from beelinning Easter edge of the camp.

Breathing heavily, Sonata looked around, realizing only one of the van’s doors were opened, and made a dash for it  before Lyra and Vinyl realized this. Sprinting off, Sonata threw herself into the van locking the door as Vinyl slammed into it.

“Open the door!” Vinyl ordered as she rattled the locked one. Once again, realizing too slowly that the van had other doors, right as Sonata managed to hit the master lock button on the drivers side.

“Dang it!” Vinyl cried as she tried the drivers door, glaring up and scaring Sonata into the passenger's seat. The poor girl pulled herself into a tight ball as she cried and hyperventilated.

“Bon Bon, get the keys!” Lyra shouted after she tried the back.

“Stop!!” Octavia howled, having cleaned out her eyes and now able to see the situation. “Stop stop stop!” she said in response to Vinyl hitting at the window. “Vinyl, stop!!!!”

Vinyl froze, fist inches from the window. Slowly turning, she shrank at Octavia’s gaze.

“Well, I,” she looked between Octavia, and the cowering figure within the van, then shook her head. “It was a very justifiable action given the circumstances!”

Octavia nearly slapped Vinyl across the face, but her hand was caught by Bon Bon. “You’d rather she be running aimlessly out into the woods?”

Octavia took a breath. “I’d rather she not be terrified of us.”

“Look,” Lyra spoke up from the back of the van. “What maters now is that she’s not going anywhere. We have the keys, and have all sides of the van surrounded.” She walked out of sight, and appeared at the hood of the passengers side. “So for now, why don’t you just tell us what happened, Octavia?”

“Yeah.” Vinyl leaned against the drivers side door. “I’m sorry, Octy.”

Octavia took a moment, then explained what she had seen.

“Sapient horses?” Vinyl said, arching an eyebrow.

“Yes.” Octavia nodded, not bothering to correct her on the things looking more like ponies. “And, if what I felt is true, she seemed to be some type of predator.”

“So we should be worried about her then?” Bon Bon grimaced .

“Well, I,” Octavia rubbed her head. “I don’t know!”

“If it helps,” Vinyl spoke up. And to everyone’s surprise, said, “She’s definitely acting more like prey, and clearly hasn’t turned into some kind of werehorse or something, so, Lyra, give Octavia the keys.”

They all blinked at her.

“What?” Octavia asked for confirmation, not sure if, of all things, this was real.”

“Well I’m clearly the last person she’ll talk to,” Vinyl said sarcastically. “So being the one she trust the most, it be up to you to save the world, Tavi.”

Octavia deadpanned. “Charmed, but, I appreciate you not saying we have to burn the van down.”

“That’s not to say we’re going to leave you alone with her,” Vinyl looked over Octavia’s shoulders and nodded, letting Octavia know Lyra stood behind her with the keys. “I can acknowledge this may be the best course of action. Or at the very least I couldn’t stop you and you’d eventually slip inside hours later.” She added kicking at the ground. “So no reason to let her suffer longer than she has to.”

“Thank you, Vinyl,” Octavia said warmly, handing out the keys. “Would you do the honors?”

Smiling, Vinyl took the keys and started for the drivers side lock, when Octavia held her back. She motioned for the drivers side sliding door. Vinyl nodded, and made some hand motions to Lyra and Bon Bon to keep a close eye on the other doors

“Sonata?” Octavia asked after she knocked. “Sonata?”

"¡Vete!" Sonata yelled between a hiccup.

“Sonata, I’m coming in,” Octavia spoke as a statement, not a question. “Please don’t try to run away. I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to talk.” She then added in her language the same thing. 

When there wasn’t a response, she nodded to Vinyl, who simply shook her head, unlocked the side door, and slowly opened it. Once both were sure Sonata wasn’t going to lunge at them, Vinyl gave Octavia a “Be careful,” and Octavia made her way inside the van.
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Sonata?” Octavia asked, closing the van door behind her. “Sonata?” Looking around, she soon found the girl curled up in between the front seats, sobbing.

“Sonata, can we talk?” Upon no reaction, Octavia asked in whatever language Sonata spoke, “¿Podemos hablar?”

This time, Sonata shifted, but it was to turn her back on Octavia.

“Hey,” Octavia said, leaning down to her level. “It’s, ok—

“Detener,” Sonata said with a sigh.
Octavia held her outstretched hand back.

“Sonata, you—

“¡No!” Sonata slapped her hand away.

Octavia blinked. “What?”

“No good!” She shouted, chasing Octavia to stumble onto the vans center seat. “No good! Sonata bad!” She gave Octavia a sideways glare. “Saw bad.”

Catching her breath, Octavia steadied her nerves.

“We don’t know what we saw, Sonata. It could have easily not have been real. Um... Mal sueño?”

Even though that was much a possibility, Octavia knew better than to think what she, they had seen, was a figment of either of their imagination. However, it also wasn’t what Sonata needed to hear right then. 

Sonata thought on this for a moment, before going back to sulking.

Seeing no better solution, Octavia offered. “If, you were bad, then why act... guilty?” 

Was that the best word? The response from Sonata seemed to be a promising enough sign to press. 

“Yes, yes indeed.” Octavia pulled herself off the chair, and leaned down to Sonata’s face. “You care,” she placed a hand on Sonata’s shoulder. “That maters. Sonata good.”

Sonata thought this over, then asked, “And... if Sonata, bad?”

Octavia warmly smiled. “You’re not.”

“If!” Sonata pressed, looking Octavia straight in the eyes.

Octavia frowned, but was stern. “I...  I... No.” as much as she wanted to better assure her, they didn’t have enough words yet. So all Octavia could do, was squeeze Sonata’s hand, and assure her that everything would be alright.

Sonata shook her head.

“Octavia, stays. Octavia, helps.Friends, help. Sonata is good friend. Sonata—

Her next words were cut off as Sonata lunged forward, wrapping Octavia into a hug, as she started to sob.

‘What a mess you got yourself into,’ Octavia thought to herself. ‘Is this really the best time to make such promises?’

It probably wasn’t, but, regardless, all she knew was this strange, enchanting girl needed her help. And maybe she could explain it as a public service, doing the right thing but, as she pulled Sonata onto the middle seat, that was more than okay for the moment.

*****. 

“Well they’re not making out,” Lyra said, watching the drivers window.

“Be serious, Lyra,” Bon Bon huffed.

“What?! It wasn’t like we weren't all thinking it.” She looked to Vinyl. “But to answer your question, no, she’s not harming Octavia. She’s just holding Sonata as the girl is crying. They may not be having sex tonight, but—

“I did not need that mental picture!” Vinyl hissed.

“Well,” Lyra continued. “In any case, I think Octavia’s got things under control and Sonata isn’t going to hurt her.”

“Cool.” Vinyl nodded. “Cool, cool, cool.” She then let out a yawn, which soon spread its way among Lyra and Bon Bon. “Hey, no falling asleep!” Vinyl snapped. “We still have to remain on guard.”

“Do you really think so?” Bon Bon asked, rubbing her eyes.

Truthfully, Vinyl didn’t, but she still wanted to stay safe than sorry.

“Why don’t you two get some sleep, and I’ll stand watch?” Lyra offered.

Bon Bon agreed to the idea, but Vinyl wasn’t so eager.

“I'm not tired.” Vinyl huffed.

“Suit yourself.” Bon Bon said, walking up to Lyra and giving her a kiss on the lips. “Feel free to wake up in an hour or two. While I think everything’s alright, it would be dumb not to be safe than sorry.”

“Okay, love,” Lyra waved back as Bon Bon made her way to their tent.

About an hour in, Lyra had sat herself on a cooler, keeping watch on the now sleeping Octavia and Sonata, as Vinyl said on her feet by the van door.

“At least have a seat,” Lyra offered, patting the cooler. “Come on, Vinyl, don’t be stubborn.”

“I’m not,” Vinyl began to protest, before Lyra’s smirk gave away the game. “I mean.... sure.”

“Good girl,” Lyra beamed as Vinyl walked over. They sat in silence for a while, before Lyra offered, “so, want to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?” Vinyl asked, blowing at a strand of her hair.

“Well, what isn’t there to talk about?” Lyra offered.

Vinyl crossed her arms. “Geezs, I mean; my best friend is crushing on an alien girl we found in the woods who’s connected to some evil amulet, I’m torn between feeling great that Octy may have found someone while worried for her safety, and unless some forgin family comes looking for her by tomorrow we’re no doubt going to be taking her home with us like she’s some lost puppy, all because it’s the right/nice thing to do!”

Lyra nodded. “So we are going to take her home with us and do that ole skit then?”

“Looking more and more like it.” Vinyl simply offered, slouching. “I mean, it won’t be simple, and be a lot easier if we just turned her over to someone else, but at the end of the day, can you really see either Octavia or Bon Bon saying no to her.”

“Least of all you?” Lyra asked. “And yeah, I’m in favor. We could get her a job, help pay with bills. I was only half kidding on taking her to the sorority poker night.”

Vinyl chuckled. “Well, that definitely won’t be the reason why I’ll eventually say yes.”

Lyra kicked at the ground.

Several minutes passed in awkward silence, before Vinyl said, “You know what first drew me to Octavia freshmen year?”

Lyra perked up. “You thought she was someone who could use a friend.”

Vinyl tried to say more, but chuckled first. “That about sums it up, yes. Oh and believe me, she was a hard case to get to open up with for the first couple of months.”

Lyra cringed at the shared memories.
“But I thought, sure, she can be a bit stuck up and this might be worth way more trouble than it’s worth, but, it was clear she did want to be our friend. Even in those first few days it is as hard as it is to believe.”

“Huh,” Lyra thought. “I mean, I guess it wasn't as if she had to sit at our lunch table. Although for the life of me I can’t remember when she went from some privileged rich brat to upbeat optimistic youth.”

“You don’t remember?” Vinyl rubbed her chin. “Oh! Right, I mean, I’m sure I already told you two, but being there, it's hard for me to forget….”

***** 
Vinyl closed her locker and looked to her phone. One new message from Lyra, two from Bon Bon, none from Octavia. Not that much of a surprise, still, she thought a text message once a week from their intervened friend was a nice start.

The school day was ending, and most of the students had already left for the day or were in their clubs. Vinyl merely had to exchange her math books, and then had nothing to look forward to other than some music mixing that night. She hadn’t really expected to run into any of her friends, but was surprised to see Octavia stepping out of their English class.

Smiling, Vinyl was about to wave at her, when she noticed Octavia frowning. Then, a much older woman Vinyl could only assume was her friend's mother, stepped out of the classroom behind her.

“Honestly, Octavia,” her mother said, in an accusatory tone. “I don’t see how difficult it is to be praised by all your teachers like before.”

Hesitantly, Vinyl hid behind her locker door to watch.

“I mean,” Octavia said, nervously fiddling with her hands. “I’m doing well in all my other classes.”

Her mother let out a huff, as Vinyl felt her blood boil. 

“Besides,” Octavia countered, “I’m set for first chair in the school orchestra.” She then glanced to the side, eyes widened in fear as she caught a glimpse of Vinyl.

“I suppose that’s something,” she commented, fortunately not following Octavia’s gaze.

“Er, do you mind if I stay awhile for practice?” Octavia asked, looking back at her mother. “I won’t be long.”

“Fine,” her mother waved, walking off without giving her daughter a second glance. “But you better be home no later than six this time.”

“I won’t,” Octavia sighed, but then turned to glare at Vinyl. She pulled out her phone, texted something, and a second later Vinyl’s own phone buzzed.

Octavia: didn’t anyone teach you eavesdropping is uncouth?

Vinyl deadpanned Octavia, who had turned and headed to the music room.

“Octy!” Vinyl said, following Octavia into the band room. “Are you... I mean…

Octavia let out a breath. “I’m fine, if that’s what you’re inquiring about.”

“I mean,” Vinyl rubbed her neck trying to think of what to say next.

“Yes. If you’re wondering, that’s where I get my stick up attitude from.”

“I wasn’t going to say that,” Vinyl mumbled.

“Really?” Octavia said, turning sharply to look Vinyl in the eye and pointed a finger. “So what? You’re going to tell me you know what it’s like to come from a family like mine or something?!”

Resisting the urge to tell Octavia to ‘calm down,’ Vinyl took Octavia’s pointing hand and lowered it.

“No, but I think your mom is full of crap if she thinks that little of you for getting one bad grade. And I don’t think you’re an unpleasant person.” 
‘Most of the time,’ she told herself 
Octavia deflated. “I...” she shook her head and pulled out of Vinyl’s grip. 

“You’re delirious.”
Vinyl smirked. “And you should smile and do more things that make you happy.”

Octavia blushed. “Well, I... Thanks, Vinyl.” She twirled her hair. “Is... Is asking for a hug from a friend a bit too much?”

Vinyl laughed. “Course not. Come here.” She pulled Octavia into a hug, which Octavia returned with vigor.

*****

“I mean,” Vinyl concluded, “it wasn’t as if that instantly made her as cool as she is now, but there was definitely a massive change from the usually stuffiness she showed around us.”

“I think I remember now,” Lyra nodded. “Of course, I do think more the Octavia we know now versus the one molded by her mother by freshmen and sophomore year.” She tapped her feet. “I tell you about the time I told my parents I was gay and dating Bon Bon?”

Vinyl stared. “Um... don’t recall.”

Lyra grinned. “Well let me tell you...

*****

It was their joiner year, and Lyra had invited Bon Bon over for dinner as she had several times. This time, however, she was nervously looking from her parents, to Bon Bon, who simply gave her an assuring smile.

“Hey, mom, dad,” Lyra said with a gulp.

Her parents looked up to her.

“Yes, Lyra?” her mom said.

Taking in a deep breath, Lyra took Bon Bon’s hand. “Um... I know this may come as a shock to you but... I’m sorry, but I’m gay, and in love with Bonnie!”

Her parents blinked, then smiled.
“Oh,” her mother began. “That’s wonderful!”

“Well, I’d say a pleasure to meet you, Bon Bon,” her father said, offering a hand to her girlfriend. “But I think we’re already well acquainted.”

Lyra let out a sigh of relief as Bon Bon took his hand.

****. 

Vinyl mulled the story over. “And, this relates to this situation, how?”

Lyra shrugged. “I thought we were just telling awesome stories to each other to pass the time.”

Vinyl stared blankly, before bursting out laughing. “Yeah. Good times,” she added with a half smile.”

“And I’m sure even more ahead,” Lyra added, patting Vinyl on the shoulder.

“No doubt,” Vinyl mused. “No doubt.”

*****. 

“SONATA!” Aria cried out.
Adagio pushed off of Aria in pain as the lights in the apartment went haywire, before a few of them popped, and Aria fell on her back.

“You idiot!” Adagio cried, racing to Aria’s side as the purple siren came around. “I told you to  focus on the car!”

“I’m okay, thanks for asking,” Aria said, rubbing her head.

Adagio snorted. “Yeah, well... good.”

Rolling her eyes, Aria then asked. “So what was that all about? Me being able to detect her easier than you?”

“Educated guess,” Adagio supplied, “spending less time in this world makes you more familiar with Equestria magic. That said, you sure she wasn’t with her amulet?”

“Positive,” Arai confirmed. “Those bastard humans she’s with must have done something to her.”

“Yes,” Adagio agreed. “This does complicate things, but I suppose it’s not all bad. We can at least find her.”

“So what now?” Aria asked.

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this,” Adagio groaned as she helped Aria up and led her to the couch. “But you, rest up. I’ll take care of the hunting for both of us.”

Aria stared. “Okay, did that magic blast do something to your head?” A flick to her skull confirmed that it was still her sister.

“No, but, like it or not, you need to build your energy back up so we can try again. We’ll wait a week, and if we’re lucky somewhere in time Sonata will find a way back to her pendent. If not, we’ll give that another go, and this time,” she grabbed Aria’s shirt collar and glared daggers at her sister. “When I say focus on something, you focus on that, got it?”

“Yes, my queen,” Aria answered back with as much venom.

They stared off for several seconds before Adagio released. “Good. Now... Relax,” she ordered, picking up the apartment keys and heading out to collect some negative energy.

Aria let out a huff, but once Adagio was gone, she sat on the couch, and flipped on the TV to a news station.

“-tensions continue to rise as relations between America and—“ the reported droned on about some dumb shit two countries were doing as Aria slacked into the sofa, her mind drifting to Sonata and that human she seemed, if Aria didn’t know any better, happy with.

“Sonata,” Aria let out a breath. “What dumb mess have you gotten yourself into now?”