> 22 Short Stories About SonTavia > by TheOneAJ > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Story I, When You Mix Purple And Blue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Sonata, would you stop playing with the food?” Adagio chastised. Although she could stop from grinning at the negative energy from the school that was being absorbed into their pendents. “Yeah yeah,” Sonata waved off as she made the boy know as Flash Sentry dance like a monkey. “Oh let her,” Aria laughed as she was making Micro Chips bow before herself. “Been awhile since we’ve had this much power to play with.” Adagio sighed. “Fine, just don’t lose focus.” Sonata giggled. Then heard a rather loud explosion. Turning to the stage, she had seen those rainbooms had blasted a grey girl off of the stage. The negative energy in the room amplifying as it did so. Although what caught Sonata’s attention was the grey girl and her cello sliding towards her. “Uncultured swine!” the girl, Octavia, shouted raising a fist in the air. “Oh bad luck.” Sonata giggled as she sense the girls negativity. “Need a hand?” She offered, sending the boy away. “I don’t need your pity,” Octavia said, slapping her hand away, as all of the sudden, her aura changed from the red of anger, to a shade of blue. Something the siren wasn’t all too unfamiliar with. Negative energy was negative energy, be it anger, or sad- No. Now it was turn more a shade of purple. Or, it was a mixture of fear and sadness? A little taken aback, but more curious, Sonata asked, “Everything okay?” “Of course not.” Octavia said, pulling her legs into her chest. “You wouldn’t understand what this loss means to me.” She spoke freely under the magic’s influence. “Now I have to go home to a hag of a mother and get the; why can’t you be better and get your life in order, Octavia? Why can’t you be as good as me, Octavia? Why the fuck did you lose to that dumb rock and roll! Why are you so unless and a disgrace?” Sonata cringed. While she may of been an evil siren, she did have a soft spot of the mental abuse. “Aw,” she said, adding a little of her own magic. “You shouldn’t let your parents boss you around. You should let them know; I’m a big girl now! You’re not the boss of me. I’m happy the way I am and don’t need to be better than you.” Octavia repeated that, her eyes shimmering as she stood up, aura once again red. “I should do that when I get home tonight!” “Good for you!” Sonata smirked, only to let out a squeek as Octavia drew her into a hug. “Thank you!” “Um, well,” Sonata said, blushing as she pushed the girl away. “You can thank me by chastising those rainbooms when you can. Say something that will really get under their skin.” “I will!” Octavia nodded, fist pinned in the air as she walked away. “Cute girl.” Sonata mused. “If you’re done playing nurse to the mortals,” Adagio said, “we’re on again.” Sonata nodded with glee and picked up her mic. Her magical pendent glowing bright and a new spark in her eyes. This was going to be a very good day! > Story II, The Worst Night Ever > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well, that had taken a turn for the worst. One minute they were gods, the next they, were blasted by a rainbow sky horse and were powerless. It happens. After they had run away, Adagio and Aria went straight into a bitch fit when Sonata’s joke about things happening failed to cheer anyone up. Fortunately, the actually gods of their universe have them a break when she said it at least wasn’t raining. Sonata huffed anyoingly to the side as Aria mentioned something about singing off key or something. Normally Sonata would have said another dumb joke to make things worse, but she honestly wasn’t in the mood by that point. But hey, things could be worse, she thought to herself, as a mud ball landed on her face. “Seriously?” she cursed upwards as she wiped the mud from her face. “You do this but not the rain?” Growling, she chased after the asalient and tackled, her, to the ground. Recknizing her as she one of the students in the battle of the bands. Not any, but that grey girl, Octavia. “Get off me, you witch!” The grey girl snarled. “Well excuse me,” Sonata hissed. “You threw a mud ball at me!” “You turned the school into zombies again!” Sonata raised an eyebrow. “Pardon?” Octavia rolled her eyes. “Yeah, add that to the things mom will hate me for.” She pushed Sonata off of her. “You should of not been mind controlled. Yes, mom, it was totally my fault. I should of done better.” “Didnt I tell you to- She looked at her broken pendent. “Ah, yes. Um,” she pulled at her hair. “Well you shouldn’t let her boss you around like that?” “Oh what? The demon girl is giving consulting now?” “Well you can take it or leave it.” Sonata waved off. “I’m not in the mood and have other things to worry about.” Sonata then racked her brain around what the girl did. That’s right, she played the cello. “If it helps, I thought you did good. When you had a chance to play your cello. Sorry you didn’t win, but I liked it.” “Um, thanks?” Octavia said taken aback. “Or are you just saying that to try and be nice.” “Eh... A little of both. Although to be fair I’m a demon girl, so... But yeah. Don’t hear classical a lot in this world, so it’s a nice change of pace.” There was a scream. “I should go make sure they’re not killing each other.” She stood up and offered Octavia a hand. “I hope things work out for you.” Smiling, Octavia took her hand. “Thanks... You have a name?” she asked. Sonata paused, turned around and said, “Yeah. It’s Sonata.” There was a crashing sound that made her cringe. “I should go, take care.” With a wave, she was gone. Octavia stood their for a moment and smiled. “Huh, Sonata. Cute name.” > Story III, Sonata Get’s A Job > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- She thought working at Burrito Drum would be a breeze. How wrong she was.  Then again, it wasn’t as if any of them were thrilled at the idea that, with no magic, they needed to get jobs. So what was bad with working at a Mexican restaurant? Well, what was good about it?! Sure, the application was easy. Then again, not ever halfway through her first day, Sonata had a feeling they would of hired anyone who could count to ten and lift a pen. From the rude customers, the mean co-workers, her boss stressing, learning quickly the importance of the phrase; if she could, lean then she could clean. Which happened a lot with the bathrooms, and as the new girl, she couldn’t really say no. Oh and if that wasn’t bad enough, she wasn’t allowed to eat any of the food while working! Truly, this was tartarus. “Welcome to Taco Horn,” she said, near the end of her shift. Exhausted, her uniform already stained, and ready to snap at the next ride customer, she took in a breath. ‘Just a little bit longer.’ She thought, but with a smile, said, “How can I- She blinked at a familiar grey girl standing in front of her. Who looked just as surprised to see her standing behind the counter. “Oh, hello there.” Octavia said. “Sonata, was it? Of the Dazzlings? Fancy seeing you here.” Sonata sighed, and seeing no one was behind her, she allowed a little of her frustration from the day bleed through. “Here to make of fun of me too? Don’t worry, you’re not the first student to do so.” Octavia frowned. “What, no! I mean, I’m sorry to hear that. Although I can imagine working here alone is punishment enough for the battle of the bands.” Sonata huffed. “Sure.” She the muttered, “Now, can I help you, miss?” Octavia started to say something, when one of her co-workers shouted, “Are you friking holding up the line again, kid!?” Fist clenched, Sonata felt like crying. Only holding in tears in fears of getting fired. “Um,” with that Octavia made her order. “Thank you.” Sonata said as she placed her up.  No other words were said as Octavia’s meal was made. Once the food was brought out, Sonata rang her up, and Octavia paid in cash.  When Sonata gave her back her change, Octavia paused, and pulled out the larger of the paper bills. “Keep the change,” Octavia said, handing it to Sonata. “You’re doing a good job. Excellent service.” Sonata stared at Octavia’s sincere smile. “Um, thank you.” she said after the shook worn off.  “Have a... Have a good day.” “You too.” Octavia said, walking away. After that, she went to clean the bathrooms again. Alone, she did end up crying. However, it wasn’t so much in pain as it might of been a few hours ago. > Chapter IV, Playing In The Park— > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --Or The One Where Octavia Finally Gets a POV story... Octavia never considered herself a rich girl. Not so much because her family was super rich. They were more of a higher middle class. Instead, she considered her own personal poverty to be a mental one. “Did you practice enough today?” her mother would ask. “Wouldn't want you to fall behind. “Octavia, her mother said another day. “You’re not falling behind on grades are we?” “No, mother.” Sometimes, “Now really, Octavia, you need to work on your attitude sometimes. Honestly, she didn’t need the money people would throw into her violin case as she played. It was something she learned quickly that was easier than to explain why she was alone in a park at this time of day. Often, they would even request she play a particular song. Which turned out fine by her as it gave her new music to experiment with. So Octavia wasn’t surprised when someone stopped in front of her. She was a little surprised to see her tip was in the form of a taco bag, and a little more so when she realized it was that blue girl from Taco Horn and the battle of the bands.  What was her name again? How long ago had that been? Weeks, months? It was rather forgotten with the ‘friendship’ games around the corner. Ah! That’s right, it was Sonata. “Oh, um, hi,” Octavia said, lowering her bow to address the girl. “Hey,” Sonata said, hands behind her back and tapping her feet. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bug you. I heard you playing, saw it was you, and um, well,” She kicked at the ground. “I can’t really spare money, but I have a few extra taco’s if you’d like.” Octavia smiled warmly. “Well, thank you. Any requests for such a generous offer?” Sonata blinked. “Oh, no! I just thought I’d try to be nice after,” she waved a hand in the air. “You know, everything. Maybe score some good points with the gods of this universe.” She paused, looking at Octavia’s instrument when she recalled something. “Hey, don’t you play the cello?” “That’s more… Professional.” Octavia sighed. “Honestly, I don’t really need the money, or taco’s. This is more an escape for me from life’s expectations. Don’t have to worry about sounding ‘bad’ or anything.” “If that’s bad,” Sonata scuffed, taking a seat next to her, “I’d pay a hundred tacos to hear what’s good.” “Why, thank you.” Octavia blushed at that, taking one of the tacos. “Things going well for you?” “As well as it can be for a powerless she-demon working at a minimum wage fast food place.” Sonata shrugged as joined in the meal. “Eh, sorry about calling you that.” Octavia cringed at the ‘demon’ part. “Nah, I deserve it.” Sonata waved off. The taco’s being gone in seconds. “So, um, well… I don’t really know how to make any kind of requests with the villioin. Sorry.” “It’s okay.” Octavia smiled and picked up her instrument. “I just got in the mood for something you may like.” Octavia felt a warm race through her heart, and she started to play one of her merrier melodies. Sonata watched, transfixed on the sweet, all natural music, which caused Octavia to smirk. And then, she found herself really starting to play. Not to say Octavia never enjoyed playing. It was, with someone like Sonata watching, her feelings of joy soared. For awhile, she forgot about all her worries, stresses, what anyone thought about her, and smiled. However, sometime on her high, she cautiously wonder if she might be under some spell again. As she did, she realized how much time had passed in a blur “Shoot!” Octavia cried as she looked at the time. She then let out a little shrike as Sonata feel onto her, having lost herself in the music. Prior too, she had been resting her head on her hand, and when Octavia stopped playing, she suddenly snapped out of her gaze the girl seemed to have on her. “Sorry, sorry!” Sonata said, picking herself up. “It’s quite alright,” Octavia assured as she helped Sonata up. “Although I’m afraid I must be going, or else I’ll have to play a hundred questions with mother.” “Oh.” Sonata frowned. “I understand. You did amazing! For realizes.”  Corny as that was, Octavia found herself blushing. As they stood up and Octavia was about to part ways, Sonata quickly asked, “Will I see you again sometime?” Octavia turned to see Sonata shuffling her hands at the request, and immediately her mind went into overdrive into what that meant, and would entail if they became friends. From her own friends, classmates, parents, parents aquentinces opinions, to how much time away from practice such a new friend would have. And yet, the joy set felt when playing for Sonata. The warmth she felt, and the joy. And while she stayed weary of the idea that some magical influence might have been involved, deep down, she knew that wasn’t the case. Or at the very least, a conscious mater in the sirens part. Truthfully, Octavia felt good. More so than she had been in a long while. So, with a smile and a nod, she answered, “I’m here every Tuesday and Friday at this time.” Which wasn’t true right then, and the idea of being regular somewhere with Sonata had it’s own problems, but right then, as the blue girl smiled, Octavia found herself not caring. “Perfect,” Sonata nodded. “I’m off Tuesdays. Can’t always promise to be here, stuff may come up. However, as you see, I get off on Fridays at this time. I’ll be sure to always show up then and bring some tacos.” Octavia giggled. “I’ll see you then,” and with, while a hug might of been too awkward just then, she figured a hand shake would be the polite way to end it. “Can’t wait,” Sonata beamed as their hands met. > Story V, Shadow Legends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You’re kidding.” Octavia asked, sitting on the park bench with her new friend, Sonata Dusk, of the dazzling.  Now, she had actually seen Sonata and her sisters in action at the battle of the bands. To be fair, after everything she’d seen, it shouldn’t have been too crazy with whatever Sonata would tell of her past. Well, believing it was one thing, hearing it was another. “Well, I know it sounds crazy,” Sonata sheepishly smiled, “but yeah. Me and my sisters were evil seapony creatures of legends from another world who would hunt in the shadows and consume the negative energy or mortals.”  “Huh,” Octavia said, tapping her chin. “That’s not going to be a turn off for this friendship, will it?” Sonata squeaked, head held low. Truthfully, not wanting to have mention it, but felt it was what little she owed Octavia if they were going to become friends. Octavia opened her mouth and raised a finger, but thought better of it. Sonata had always rambled weird things in the short time they’ve know each other. Usually in the more comedic, and silly of ways that early failed to make her smile on her worse days. However, this was definitely not something laugh worthy. Still, Octavia thought, as she saw how scared her friend looked at being rejected, dispute how Sonata in turn would make her smile with these park visits. “I... guess I can believe, and not be trouble by it.” Octavia sighed, but smiled. Sonata raised an eyebrow. “You’re really going along with this?” “Well,” Octavia then thought of something. “After all I’ve seen, it’s not that out there. Although, I have to ask; how did you get sent to our world to being with?” Now, Sonata pulled at her shirt collar. “Well, we kind of couldn’t be defeated by the hero of our legend, so he just banished us to your world, where it happens that there’s no magic. So... Look, I know there’s no way I can prove it, and honestly, I just wanted to get it off my chest. Regardless of if you believed me or not.” As Sonata crossed her legs and looked downwards. While she did so, she felt Octavia place a hand on her shoulder. “You know what, I don’t care about that.” Octavia began. “Maybe you were a shadow demon in the past, but as for me, the only Sonata Dusk I know, is my friend, who can make me smile on even the hardest of days while dealing with my anxiety. The one who goes out of her way to make sure there’s a taco for me on Fridays. Is that the real Sonata?” Sonata looked up slowly. “I mean... Well their are days I kind of miss that power. Then again, I probably had the most consciousness and hesitation at doing evil of the three of us. If only in a; who will we drain emotions from if everyone’s anger causes them all to kill everyone .” She cringed at that. Octavia did as well.  “But!” Sonata quickly added, “I guess that worked out for me. Made me adapt to this world fastest than Aria and Adagio were able to... Anyways, as cheesy as it may sound, it got me to meet you. The best person I could have asked to be friends with.” Beaming, Octavia said, “Always happy to help, Sonata. Just,” she booped her noise. “Thank you for sharing with me.” Sonata blushed. “So... want to grab some lunch? My treat! Least I could do for throwing all of that at you.” Octavia smirked. “I’d be happy too. Maybe we can try something non-Mexican for a change? Help you branch out. I’ll even chip in then for the trouble.” Grinning, Sonata stood up and offered Octavia a hand. “Right this way then, my lady.” > Story VI, Music Lessons > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was Friday. Which meant three things for Octavia Philharmonic; Her mom setting up her schedule for the weekend, burgers for lunch at school, and very likely, taco’s for an afternoon snack with her new best friend, Sonata Dusk, at the park after school. The third somewhat becoming a new ritual for the cellist and former siren. Which, as Sonara had said when they first started, she was always free on Fridays, and sometimes Tuesday’s. Also, in the handful of weeks they had know each other, Sonata would always bring them some leftover tacos from work. Octavia arrived at the park as she always did; an hour before Sonata’s shift at Taco Horn would end. To which, she would play whatever reflected her state of mind with her violin, rather than her cello. Not to say she despised the cello, stress it caused at all. More than it was easier to carry a violin to the park, and stood out less. While she waited for her friend, Octavia took out her violin, placed the open case forwards for people to tip. She didn’t need the money, it was something she had found was easier than to fight it. With that, she started to play how she felt on her mind. This time around, it was about how her mother talked about some of her peers tutoring the next generation of musicians in their free time. How generous of them, able to deal with all their other life stresses, grades, and some kid while at it. “Despite the fact most of my ‘peers’ are college students with education at least as a minor and in it for the credits,” Octavia grumbled, as she played to match her mood. “As if I don’t have enough on my plate.” Which wasn’t entirely true. She knew of one or two a grade lower who had elementry school kids they taught. “Hey, Octy!” Sonata called, right on time. Octavia’s foul mood diminishing, she smiled, “Hello, Sonata, how was work?” “It was.” Sonata waved off, setting the brown bag down next to them. “Things alright with you?” “I guess.” Octavia said. “More mama drama llama?” Sonata ventured Octavia cringed. “Sorry!” Sonata frowned. “Too much?” Octavia allowed a smile. “No, it was accurate, and cute. Sonata let out a giggle. “That’s a relief. But seriously, want to talk more about it?” Octavia did want to talk about it. However, before she could, a male voice called out her name. “Octavia Philharmonica?” an all too familiar male voice said that made Octavia’s blood run cold, said. “Fancy seeing you here.” Face in a forced smile, she turned to the boy. “Oh, hello Fiddle,” she she, although inside was wondering what the fuck he was doing here. Then again, she should of know by being so regular to this park, it was only a matter of time before someone she had to worry about would recognize her. Why did it have to be Fiddle Sticks though?! Sonata looked between them. “Friend of yours?” she asked with a tilt of her headZ Octavia gripped the bench. “You could say that.” “Well,” Fiddle Sticks began, “I was just on my way to mentor an apprentice I took on.” “Do tell,” Octavia gritted. “Oh, what’s wrong?” He mocked. “Nobody looks up to your second rate talent?” He looked to Sonata. “Who’s this? Some deaf hoe you had to pay to listen to your music?” “If she wasn’t trained on being a ‘proper lady,’ Octavia would of likely jumped from that bench and rip his head off. Then again, she was also more worried about what her mother would say, when he told his parents, who would tell her she was in the park with- In a moment of inspiration that sliced two problems in one, she looked to Sonata, back To Fiddle, and said. “Actually, you caught me. I was just about to give my own pupil her weekly lessons right now?” “You are?” Sonata blinked, looking around for some unknown third party. When she looked back at Octavia’s stern, but pleading face, Sonata let out an ‘O’ and fortunately caught on quickly.  “Oh… Oh yeah!” She added with a sly smile. “Yes indeed! We were just about to, um, get started. Yeah.” “Yes,” Octavia gulped. “So, if you would be so kind as to let us be,” she spat at Fiddle. “Didn’t you have somewhere to go?” “My kid can wait.” Fiddle smiled, leaning against a tree. “This I got to see.” The two girls gave a nervous chuckle and then looked at each other. “Right, so,” Octavia fighted. “Where did we leave off.” She added, tapping her violin nervously as she slowly started to hand it to Octavia, before she held back. Sure she trusted Sonata enough, but this was still her instrument in question. “Oh! You wanted me to hear you sing vocally today?” Sonata paled, and said through her teeth, “Bad idea.” “You’re learning, remember?” Octavia said through her own teeth. Nervously looking back to fiddle, she added, without the teeth, “Just, show me what you know. I am here to, teach, you, and nobody’s perfect on the first try. Not even me.” She held up her violin. “Here, we’ll start with a simple nursery rhyme and go from there.” “I,” Sonata started, then sighed. “Okay. I’ll try.” “Thanks,” Octavia said, patting Sonata’s hand before taking to her bow. Blushing, as Octavia started her tune, Sonata started to sing, and stopped as Octavia’s violin screeched at Sonata’s singing. “Oh dear,” Sonata said as Fiddle laughed. “I told you it would be a bad idea.” She added with a whisper. “No, no,” Octavia said, trying to compose herself. “You're just a little rusty. I’m… Actually, I think I did hear somewhere in there an actually singing voice. If I may,” she picked her violin back up, “maybe we should start with some warm ups? Which, while we’re at it, we can try to figure out your range.” Sonata raised an eyebrow. “Singing has warm ups?” Octavia stared. “Weren't you in a band?” “Well, I guess magic.” Sonata answered, the two forgetting their audience. “Right, well, okay then.” Octavia breath. “It’s fine. Here, I’ll show you some of my favorites. Now: Repeat after me. Also, see if you can’t sing a little higher too, and we’ll work our way backwards on what your ideal pitch isl.” So they did. It took about ten to fifteen minutes, but to their surprised delight, they found a good pitch for Sonata to work with, and once the warm up was done, Sonata was singing, while far from a professional level, she might have passed off as, not bad. By which time, Fiddle had walked off, likely bored from the lack of terribleness. He’s still tell his parents, and then- “So who was your friend?” Sonata asked when she noticed. Octavia turned to see the boy gone and sighed. “Long story… Oh no.” “What?” Sonata inquired. “Was my singing that bad?” “No!” Octavia assured with a warm smile. “It’s actually good. You honestly have some natural talents.” She paused and cheered up at Sonata’s blush, only to frown and slump on the bench. “It’s just that, he’ll tell his dad, who will tell my mom, and, well… “Is that bad?” Sonata asked. “Maybe,” Octavia said, running the pro’s and con’s over in her mind. “Depends,” she decided, the fact it might mean spending more time with Sonara being the pro that pushed her over. “You me to be your musical mentor full time?” Sonata perked up. “For realizies?” Octavia giggled. “For realizes.” > Story VII, Vinyl Finds Out & Reacts > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You’re kidding?” Vinyl deadpanned. “Or, you don’t mean one of, those things, from the battle of the bands? That’s not the ‘kid’ your tutoring, right?” She let out a laugh. “Cause I can’t picture aunt Melody taking that news well.” From across the booth in the dinner, Octavia took in a breath. She had a feeling her cousin would find out about her  befriending and giving music lessons to Sonata Dusk of the Dazzlings sooner or later. And that she was bound to say it was a bad idea. Then again, she knew this was a better idea than letting said cousin find out from other sources. “No,” Octavia assured. “You’re thinking of the very girl. Or, um, magical seahorse, thingy from the very same world as princess Twilight. Which, to be fair, mom was the one who pressured me into finding someone to tutor. So it’s not my fault the first one available is my new siren best friend.” Vinyl laughed. “And you say I don’t have my priorities set.” “Not funny,” Octavia scowled. “Hey, chill!” Vinyl said, defensively holding her hands up. “But I’m being serious. You sure she’s not… I don’t know! Doing something evil to your mind or something and you only think your friends?” Octavia arched an eyebrow. “I think I would know if I was being brainwashed, thank you.” she said in a sarcastic tone. “Well, wouldn't that be what someone under a mind control spell say?” Vinyl countered. If there was one thing Octavia hated more than when her cousin was being an idiot, is when she was sounding like that smart one. “Well… okay! But if she was going to do something to me, wouldn't you think she’d have done so already?” Vinyl didn’t answer right away. Instead, she mulled it over as their food arrived. “Hey, I know you’re a smart girl, Tavi,” Vinyl assured with a mouth full of french fries. “Just be careful, alright?” Octavia let out a breath, then smiled. “I do appreciate your concern, Vinyl. And your absolutely right and valid with your concerns, don’t get me wrong! Guess it’s just my issues with taking criticism because of… You know.” Vinyl nodded symposticly. “Hey, I really am happy for you. Getting outside your comfort zone, making some new friends.” She serval fries into the mustard. “So tell me more about her.” “Well,” Octavia began, a dreamy gaze on her face as she fingered the rim of her shake. “She’s cute, funny, actually funny,” she chuckled at Vinyl’s reaction. “Into jazz and more classical with some pop mixed in. Last week, we were talking about our favorite kind of animals when… What?” she paused as Vinyl was giving her a sideways smirk. “Oh, nothing!” Vinyl said in a way where there was clearly something. “Just sounds like you two get along well. Please, continue.” Octavia let out a cautious nod, but carried on talking about what she liked about Sonata for the next hour. > VIII. Ice Princess > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “This seems like a terrible idea,” Octavia said nervously.  She was happy to see Sonata still wanting to hang out with her at the park on Fridays, even in colder weather. Although Sonata had been particularly insistent for this Friday. She soon found out why when Sonata led her to the parks lake, now frozen over, with a pair of skating shoes in her bag. “Oh it’s a wonderful idea!” Sonata insisted. “Relax, I did the research, and even checked the ice out before hand.” Octavia raised an eyebrow. “You, doing research?” Sonata blushed. “Hey I learned my lesson when we tried fishing. Plus,” she pointed to a few other people out on the lake, “they seem fine if you were worried the ice wasn’t thick enough.” “No, it’s not that,” Octavia insisted, running a hand through her hair. “It’s, um,” she nervously looked around. “Where did you even get these?” she asked, poking at the worn down skates. “Lost and found at Taco hut,” Sonata shrugged. “You’d be surprised what’s back there.” “I’m sure,” Octavia mumbled. Having tied her own pair up, Sonata stood up, looked at Octavia and sighed. “What’s really the matter?” “What? No! Nothing, I just,” Octavia shallowed, let out a breath, and said, “Fine! I, never skated before. Alright!” “That’s all?” Sonata bursted out laughing, but caught herself at Octavia’s dismay. “Hey! Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.” “It’s fine,” Octavia waved off. “Just… Well it has been something I wanted to do, but, guess it’s just something I never had time to try before.” “No time like the present then,” Sonata said, stepping out onto the ice. “Come on! Please.” Octavia tried to resist, but the power of Sonata’s puppy dog face proved to be too powerful. “Fine.” Sonata cheered as Octavia sat down to put her skates on. The former siren doing so figure eights as she waited. “Actually,” Octavia called out, “I surprised you know how to. Er, you know… Seapony and all. Honestly wouldn’t have thought ice would mix with you.” “Huh,” Sonata thought, coming to a stop. “Never thought of that. Well in this human body always.” She ran her hands down her sides to demonstrate, to which Octavia turned her head while blushing. “To answer your question, it looked fun, and I wanted to try it one winter. Adagio and Aria hesitated, but we— Sonata paused, not thinking it would be a good idea to bring up how crowded ice rinks were fabulous places to draw on negative energies. What with people falling down, running into one another, and on a few instances when domes hands… “So you about ready!” Sonata perked up. Eager to change the topic, and wanting to make sure Octavia had a good time. “I guess,” Octavia said, shakily rising to her feet, slowly stepping onto the ice. Not even getting both feet out before slipping. “Whoa there!” Sonata cried out, having skated right besides Octavia to catch her. “Hey don't worry. If it helps, you should have seen me when I first came to this world and learned I had to spend the rest of my days walking on two legs.” Octavia let out a weak smile, holding on tightly to Sonata as her friend helped her up. “Here, stick close to me until you get your balance,” Sonata instructed, wrapping an arm around Octavia’s shoulder. “Sur… Sure,” Octavia chattered, more than from the cold.  “Great! Now,” Sonata gave them a little push, never letting go of Octavia for serval minutes until she thought she was ready. To which Sonata let her go, and started to skate in circles while Octavia slowly slide forward. “You got it!” Sonata encouraged. “Now see if you can’t do this!” She loud a ‘weee!’, lifting her left leg into the air. Octavia watched in horror, and lost her blanching. Falling, ungraciously, onto her rear. “Ow!” “Octavia!” Sonata cried, lowering her leg, sliding over, careful of Octavia’s fingers. “Are you okay? She asked, pulling her friend up. “I’m fine, I’m fine!” Octavia huffed, brushing herself off. Biting her lip, Sonata asked, “You sure? Like I said, no one gets its right the first time.” Octavia nearly protested to that, her instinct to always be the best nearly taking over. But the way Sonata had said that, made her relax. She knew Sonata wasn’t wrong. How long had it taken her to start sounding decent with her cello? No mater how her mother insisted she got it right the first time. Giving a genuine laugh, Octavia said, “Yeah. No, I’m having fun. Er, maybe you could stick closer to me for a little bit longer.” “Of course,” Sonata took Octavia’s hand, and this time, they stayed locked for several more minutes.  Falling more than once, the two girls would laugh, and pick themselves up, and try again. Eventually, while Octavia never got to a point where she could skate on one leg like Sonata, she quickly got comfortable enough to pick up her speed. Even challenging Sonata to few races. Now of which Octavia won. Now that she cared, truth be told.