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1>It's been an everyday thing
2>And so far it seems to have worked
3>For this first Siren, you've chosen to prey on her fear of pain
4>"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
5>Sonata is bent over your lap
6>You can see teardrops falling to the floor
7>Half of her rear end is exposed
8>"Please please PLEASE don't do it again!"
9"You're squirming again."
10>"Huh?"
11>She stiffens up
12>"I wasn't..."
13"Sonata. Don't lie to me."
14>"...I'm sorry."
15>You press your hand against her
16>"D-Don't! I'm sorry!"
17>"Are you incapable of learning?"
18>"I'm sorry! I'll be still, for realzies!"
19>THWACK
20>"AHH! Anon!"
21>THWACK
22>"Ahhh-ahhh!"
23>THWACK
24>"...Pl... please, it hurts!"
25>THWACK
26>"Anooooooooon!"
27>You grab the back of her pants and pull them down to her thighs
28"Do I have to take off the panties, too?"
29>She gasps
30>Looks at you with a pout
31"Well?"
32>"...Fine. You w-win, Anon. I'm..."
33>She runs her sleeve over her teary eyes
34>"I'm yo...I'm your Equestrian sla-ave and I'll never try to c-control humans with m-magic ever again."
35>She gives you puppy dog eyes
36"That's a good Sonata."
37>You grab her by the sides and position her in front of your chair
38"You promise with all of your heart?"
39>Sniff
40>"I p-promise. But..."
41"But what?"
42>"Can't I have my necklace back? I feel... u-useless without my singing voice."
43>You pat her head
44"What's wrong with your singing voice?"
45>Sniff
46>"It's all off-key and t-totally shaky now. It's ugly... I'm, I'm ugly now."
47"Sonata."
48>You stand, pull her up to her feet and hug her tight
49"You're just at square one. This is where everyone starts. You could have a pretty singing voice again."
50>"Really?"
51"Of course. If you work hard, every day."
52>"I'm not so good at learning stuff."
53"It's okay. Just trust me. Be a good Equestrian slave and I'll make your voice even prettier than that magic did."
54>She stares at your face, trying not to cry
55>"Thank you Anon. I'll be the b-best slave ever... I promise!"
56___
57>"And guess what else? Anon's teaching me to make my voice pretty again! It's going really, really well!"
58>One week since Sonata gave in
59>She's in the guest bedroom, singing Anon's praises to Adagio and Aria
60>They scowl all through out
61>"He's sooo nice to me. I get to eat Mexican food, and watch TV, and play video games. And if I keep being a good slave, I get to move from the couch to his big, comfy bed!"
62>Aria rolls her eyes, reminded of how unbearable sleeping on this hard wood floor has been
63>"I haven't been this happy since... I haven't been this happy since we lived in E-"
64>"Shut. Up."
65>"...s-sorry Adagio."
66>Sonata frowns
67>"I just wanted to warn Aria."
68>The angst filled siren gives her full attention
69>"He told me to tell you that your punishment starts tomorrow. But if you agree to be good like I did he won't d-"
70>"You IDIOT! He hit you! Four days in a row! He doesn't give a shit about you!"
71>Aria stands and the rope around her foot almost trips her
72>"He, he does..."
73>"Are you really that stupid? I knew you were dumb, but come on!"
74>Sonata is lost in thought before responding
75>"I've been thinking about it. And I deserved it. I was being bad. Really bad. To control people with magic is..."
76>Aria spits in Sonata's face
77>She presses into her shoulder and whines
78>"Sonata. You're no ally of mine. When we get our necklaces back, you're gonna pay."
79>"But... but! Adagio!"
80>Adagio raises one eyebrow
81>"Yes, traitor?"
82>Sonata's heart sinks
83>She backs away
84>The tied up sirens both look down to the floor
85>"Whatever... Anon doesn't want to punish you. Anon is really nice. You'll see, and then you'll be sorry!"
86>Sonata runs out of the room
87>And Aria stuffs her face into her hands
88___
89>You're downstairs, watching TV
90>Some dull documentary
91>"...Anonnnnn..."
92>Sonata comes in dragging her feet and extends her arms
93"How'd it go?"
94>"Annnoooon!"
95>She falls toward you and you wrap your arms around her
96"Bad?"
97>"Mhm. They're madder at me than ever. Adagio called me a... traitor. And Aria..."
98>Her voice softens as you stroke her hair
99"What about Aria?"
100>"She spit in my eye."
101"What?"
102>You pull Sonata down onto the couch and turn her face toward you
103>Some specks of spit are still there
104>How dare Aria?
105>You reach for a tissue and gently wipe around the left side of her nose
106"There."
107>"You got it?"
108"Yeah. You look as cute as usual."
109>She makes a cute hum and lays her head on your shoulder
110>"Anon?"
111"Yeah?"
112>"Do you think you could not punish them?"
113"What makes you ask that?"
114>"Maybe they'll just get tired of having no bed, and having to be taken to pee and shower and stuff..."
115>You wonder
116>It's been very comfortable since Sonata gave in
117>Waiting it out isn't such a crazy idea when you can have her wear them down with all the fun she's having
118>And yet, you don't want to wait it out
119>As long as they refuse to cooperate, you want...
120"Sorry Sonata. I don't think that would work."
121>"Oh....."
122"Don't go telling them this, but you know something?"
123>"What?"
124"They're a whole lot more evil than you."
125>You poke her nose
126"So it's going to take some more effort to teach them."
127>She nods
128>"Okay. Then, I trust you Anon."
129___
130>Late afternoon the next day, you decide to head up to the guest room
131>Adagio and Aria look as crushed as usual
132>The former doesn't look at you
133>The latter looks as pissed as you'd expect
134"Hello, Aria."
135>She sticks her tongue out at you
136>If her hands weren't bound, she'd probably flip you off
137>This one's just asking for it
138"Here's how this will work. You'll be taken to the punishment room every day."
139>"Gee, I wonder what happens in the punishment room?"
140>You smirk
141"Every day for as long as it takes. Understand?"
142>You take a step forward and she kicks at you with her free leg
143"Whoa!"
144>You grab hold of it, and she grunts in frustration
145>You take a moment to admire her body
146>While Sonata's a little bit on the chubby side, Aria's legs are toned
147>"Wh-what the hell are you doing!"
148>You run your fingers from her inner-thigh to her ankle
149"I'm really impressed."
150>"Fuck you! Don't touch me!"
151"Calm down."
152>You force her leg down and tie both feet together
153>Then, you undo the lower rope connected to the wall
154>She starts to wiggle, but you hold her down
155"This is the kind of thing you have to deal with, as long as you're a prisoner."
156>"...Fuck you."
157>Her spirit excites you
158"Do you hate it that much when you're touched?"
159>"Of course I do, asshole. Especially when it's a filthy human."
160>She's shaking and gritting her teeth
161>Punishment hasn't even begun and you've found her weakness
162"I'm going to remind you - both of you - that all you have to do is agree to be good. And you can start living a more comfortable life."
163>"Fuck. You. I'm not a chump like Sonata. Hit me all you wan-hey!"
164>You lift her up over your shoulder
165>"Let! Me! Down! I'll kick your ass! I'll kick your ass, man!"
166>You turn to Adagio
167>She's just staring at the wall
168>Not the most sympathetic leader
169"Let's go."
170___
171>A cheery little song is playing on the TV
172>It's the intro to a sitcom Sonata has fallen in love with
173"Sonata! Your show is on!"
174>"I know~"
175>She runs in with a bowl of chips and a tall glass of soda
176>"It's a new ep-"
177>She freezes in place and stares at Aria's rear end
178>"Aria...."
179>"..Yeah?!"
180>They're quiet
181>Wouldn't want Sonata to miss too much of her show, so you step in
182"Sonata's going to sit here on the comfy couch and watch TV, enjoying junk food. And you know what she'll be doing after that?"
183>"I don't give a shit what that idiot does."
184"....She'll be making her side of my bed nice and comfy. Any way she likes it to be."
185
186>Sonata's eyes widen and her jaw drops
187>"A-Anon! I, I get to move in now?!"
188>You smile and nod your head
189>"Thank you! Thank you, thank you! The couch is super comfy, but I- th-thank you!"
190>She bounces on the balls of her feet
191"Careful, don't want to spill those."
192>"Oh. Yeah! Heehee!"
193>Sonata sits on the couch and makes gleeful little squeals
194>You pat Aria's ass a few times, and continue on
195___
196"She sure has it tough, huh? If I feel extra cruel tomorrow I might take her to get ice cream."
197>"....this isn't about living comfortably."
198"Then what's it about?"
199>You make your way through the kitchen
200>"...we don't get controlled - we control. Maybe Sonata's happy submitting to you, but I never will."
201>At the end of a dark hallway is a pitch-black door
202>The entrance to the punishment room
203"Ready?"
204>"Fuck off."
205>The banter going on in Sonata's sitcom fades as the door is closed
206>It's dark in here aside from the light bulb above the chair in the middle of the room
207>You approach it and stand Aria up
208>"PFFT! This is the punishment room? Seriously? Weak."
209>Fair
210>It's just an unused room with no windows and a single chair
211>You hoped the ominous name would spook the sirens, but that only worked for Sonata
212>"What, is the chair for me?"
213"No."
214>You sit down
215>"...Sooo, what? You gonna punch me in the ass?"
216>That'd probably be fun, but no
217>You pull her down on your lap
218>"HEY! Hey! Not cool!"
219"Shut up."
220>"Sh-shu-how about you hang yourself?"
221>She flinches as your fingers wrap around her sides
222>You move your hands up to just below her chest, and then bring them back down
223>"....What are you doing?"
224>She's pretty fit
225>Adagio must have had her do all of the physical work in the past
226>Not that they really had to lift a finger to get what they wanted
227>You slide in under shirt and explore her stomach
228>"C-Come on! I thought you were gonna hit me? Did you do this shit to Sonata?"
229>Her hips jerk hard to the left as you slide the tip of your finger into her belly button
230>"Are you... a pervert?"
231>You lean in a bit closer to the back of her head and sniff
232"You need to wash your hair better."
233>"What?!"
234"Learn a thing or two from Adagio. This is fucking repulsive."
235>In reality, it doesn't smell good, but it doesn't smell bad either
236>But from the way Aria's shoulders tense up you can tell that this hits the same nerve
237"I know it's been a couple of days, but Jesus. Am I going to have to start cleaning you?"
238>"..."
239>You press your face into the back of her neck and she squirms
240"Disgusting. You smell fucking disgusting."
241>"You getting off on smelling me or something? Did you get dropped on the head as a baby?"
242>After leaning her back a bit, you take your hands out of her shirt
243>"S-Seriously dude. Is this supposed to be punishment? All you're doing is showing how much of a sicko you are."
244>You squeeze her kneecaps and swing her legs open and close, much like Sonata does when she's over-excited
245"You could learn from Sonata, too."
246>"Sonata couldn't teach a pony to eat ha-"
247"You carry yourself like a man. Being a tomboy is one thing. You're an embarrassment."
248>"..."
249>Her breath gets a bit quicker
250>"Knock it off. This is fucking stupid..."
251"I bet all of the boys ignore you."
252>"Wh-"
253"Why even bother with Aria when she's so outclassed by her companions?"
254>You slap her legs together
255"Am I the first guy to ever touch you?"
256>She's quiet
257"Well?"
258>You feel around her thighs for some time
259>No response
260"I'm not surprised."
261>Even spinning her around and placing her legs over your shoulders elicits no reaction
262>She just stares off to the left of you with a red face, and anger in her eyes
263"You're the perfect weight though."
264>"...What?"
265"Sonata weighs a bit more than is ideal. But you, you feel perfect on my lap."
266>Her eyebrows scrunch up
267>"...Whatever."
268
269>For more than ten minutes, you hold her with one hand while you massage her shoulders, arms and legs with the other
270>Her erratic breathing and angry face smooth out so much that by now, she look as though she could fall asleep
271"Hey."
272>"...Hm?"
273"Getting comfortable, are we?"
274>"...whatever. I've been sleeping on the floor for almost two weeks."
275>Her eyes meet yours, for just a second
276>"Anything's better than that."
277"Why settle for anything?"
278>"Hm?"
279"My bed's pretty big. More than enough room. Imagine, waking up in the morning after eight hours of blissful sleep. Then rolling over and going back to sleep. Fluffy pillows. Warm blanket."
280>With both hands on her back, you pull her closer
281"Some nights I dream about coming home, and laying down in my bed. It's that good."
282>Her eyes go straight to yours
283>And she just stares
284>Slowly blinks her droopy eyes
285>And says
286>"Hang yourself."
287>You have to force yourself not to smile ear to ear
288"Interesting."
289>"...What?"
290"I didn't expect you to break down so fast."
291>"The hell are you talking about?"
292"You were thinking about it."
293>Her 'offended' face looks pathetic when mixed with her exhaustion
294>"I was NOT. Thinking about it."
295"You imagined how happy you'd be, falling asleep in my arms like this. Every night."
296>"F-Fuck off! Idiot! You're not such a hot shot, okay?"
297>Your shit-eating grin only enrages her further
298>"Why don't you fuckin' hit me already? Go for the eyes so I don't have to see your stupid face."
299"Come on, Aria."
300>Holding her tighter, you lean forward
301>Her eyes shoot open as your faces get closer together
302>Until they're an inch apart
303>"...dude. Back off..."
304"There's one last thing I have to do before we finish your first day of punishment."
305>"...And it is?"
306"Close your eyes."
307>"N-No."
308>She does it anyway
309>"D-Don't."
310>She quietly groans
311>"I don't want- I d- stop..."
312>But before long, she's stopped resisting
313>You lower her just a bit further
314>Tighten your grip
315>And spit in her face
316___
317>"I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"
318>Aria shouts from inside your personal bathroom
319>Heard over the shower and through the door 
320>"So. Fucking. GROSS!"
321"Had to get you to clean yourself up somehow."
322>She responds by kicking the wall
323>You feel a surge of anger, but allow it to pass when Sonata walks into the bedroom
324>"Anon?"
325"Hey. What's up?"
326>She hesitantly approaches the bathroom door
327>"She didn't agree to be good, did she?"
328"I'm afraid not."
329>"Hm. What's this chair doing here?"
330"It keeps the door locked."
331>"Huh? No way! How can a chair lock a door?"
332"Go ahead, try to open it."
333>"Okay."
334>She tries her best to twist the doorknob and pull, to no avail
335>"Wow, you know everything, Anon!"
336"Ha, well, this is common knowledge in this world."
337>The water stops, and you can hear the slicked bottoms of Aria's feet smacking into the tile
338"Sonata, why don't you get your side of the bed ready now?"
339>"Okay! Wh-which side is mine?"
340"You can choose. I have no preference."
341>She giggles and hugs you before crawling onto the mattress
342>As soon as you realized you might be able to convince one of the sirens to sleep beside you, it felt obligatory to buy more pillows
343>Now there's a pile of them
344>It's fine, though
345>Money's not a concern, and Adagio looks like the kind of girl who'd want to be pampered in that way
346>Sonata starts sliding blue, fuzzy pillows to the left
347>She stuffs her face into one and you hear a muffled, excited shout
348>Adorable
349>"Hey! Idiot! You didn't give me a towel!"
350>Oh, right. She was pretty shocked over the surprise end to her punishment
351>As soon as the rope came off she went berserk
352>It was like caging a wild animal
353>You reach into your closet and pull out a fresh towel
354"Don't do anything crazy, now."
355>"Just hurry up and give it to me!"
356>You slide the chair out and turn the doorknob
357>It would be considerate to crack the door and throw the towel to her
358>But instead you swing it wide open
359>"W-What the HELL!"
360>Her tiny breasts are easy to hide with one arm
361>Her other and goes straight to her crotch
362"Don't flatter yourself."
363>You hold the towel out toward her
364>"...just put it on the counter!"
365"I don't know. You put all your dirty clothes on there."
366>"Th-then in the floor! What's wrong with you?"
367>With a smirk you shake your head, and Aria blushes
368>"F-Fucking. Creep."
369>You get one more glimpse of her perky tits before she snatches the towel and shoves the door closed
370>"...Anon?"
371"Huh?"
372>"I finished the bed."
373"Oh. Good. You can do whatever you want now."
374>You pat Sonata's head
375>"Anon?"
376"Yeah?"
377>She gets close to your ear and whispers
378>"Did you see Aria naked?"
379"Oh. I did..."
380>She looks deeply bothered
381"What's wrong?"
382>You sit down on the edge of the bed and she sits beside you
383>"Did you want to see Aria naked?"
384"Uh."
385>Anxiety builds in your stomach
386>So innocent
387>So cute
388>You lay back, placing her on your chest, and whisper
389"Is someone getting jealous?"
390>"...n-no. I mean, I don't know..."
391>She slides the material of your shirt up and down with her index finger
392>"You haven't seen me naked. Just my butt, so... d-do you not wanna?"
393>Something makes you want to go slow with Sonata
394>Probably just her demeanor
395"I don't want to rush that kind of thing with you."
396>"Why not?"
397"Because. You're special to me."
398>"...special to you..."
399>Feeling and hearing her breath on top of you is soothing
400>You're getting eager to go to bed
401>It's about that time now
402>Just have to wait for Aria to...
403>The door opens up
404>Oh fuck
405>You expect Aria to just make a run for it, but she stares at you and Sonata
406>"Wow."
407>You and Sonata sit up, and you wrap an arm around her
408>"Hi Aria."
409>"Hi, slut."
410>"Wh-"
411>Did she really just
412"Aria."
413>You stand up and she takes a step back
414>"I'm out of here."
415"Haha, what?"
416>"I'm leaving. You're a freak, she's a whore - Adagio and I are getting out."
417"Don't be so stupid."
418>"Who are you calling stupid!?"
419>You thrust your finger into her forehead and she squints
420"The twin-tailed siren who wasted her chance to run, and then announced her intentions on top of that."
421>"Well-"
422"You wouldn't last a week on your own, without your magic. You have no idea how this world even works. You're broke. You have no home. You have nothing without me."
423>"...where are our necklaces?"
424"Oh. So you admit it."
425>"What? No."
426"Go up and ask a stranger to buy you a meal without your powers. He'll laugh in your face. You'll go hungry, sleep on a park bench and miss my wooden floor. At least it stays warm in here."
427>"Fuck! You!"
428>She surprises you with a punch to the stomach and takes off
429>You snatch her arm and halt her, almost bringing her down to the floor
430>"LET GO!"
431"Don't even try. You might be tough for a girl, but I'm a guy."
432>You say that with confidence, but she could honestly break out of your grip at any second
433"Are you ready to change your ways?"
434>"NO!"
435>Well
436>Alright then
437"Time to go back up."
438>She yelps as you scoop her up onto your shoulder again
439>Her kicks jolt your entire body
440>While the awkward punches she delivers to your back kind of hurt, pinching would be more effective
441"Oh calm down..."
442>"Aria!"
443>You stop in the doorway
444>"Aria, I, I don't want you to be mad at me."
445>You can hear Sonata sniffling
446>"Anon will be so nice to you if you just be good. Please, please just behave."
447>"Behave? BEHAVE? Sonata, you are the stupidest girl I've ever met. Your voice is annoying, you s-smell bad, and you're ugly. You're REALLY fuckin' ugly, you're fat too! OW!"
448>You pinch her in the ass as hard as the fabric will allow
449>"OW! Stop it!"
450"Sonata. None of that is true. I'll be right back. For cuddles."
451>She looks a bit happier at that, so you head up to the guest room
452___
453>The next morning, you're in a fantastic mood
454>Aria's reaction was even better than you'd hoped
455>She's physically resilient, but emotionally vulnerable
456>As you slice up an apple to top off your breakfast, you try to imagine how Adagio might react to being abandoned by both girls
457>But your mind draws a blank
458>She's barely said a word since her capture
459>If she's angry, scared or worried, you have no way of knowing
460"Hey, breakfast is ready!"
461>Sonata enters the kitchen, yawning and carrying a blue pillow
462>She throws it onto the table and buries her face
463"Haha. Sonata, come on."
464>"Hmm?"
465>Her muffled moans can be heard as you rub her back
466"You need to wake up now."
467>"Mmm... but I'm sleepy."
468"Didn't sleep well?"
469>"I slept great. You were really..."
470>She raises her head and looks at you through the corners of her eyes
471>"...REALLY comfy Anon~"
472>It's hard not to get a bit excited
473>Having a girl like Sonata in your life is a dream come true
474>You've just got to find a way to make this all work long-term...
475>Gently holding Sonata's head so it doesn't fall down again, you put her plate of food on the pillow
476"I might have you start cooking soon. Would you like that?"
477>"O-Oh, uh, I... I don't know."
478>You can tell she's already filled with anxiety
479>It's hard not to baby her
480"If you don't like it, I'll make Adagio do it."
481>"...Okay. I'll try my best though."
482>You were right to start with Sonata
483>At first this plan seemed crazy and doomed to fail
484>You even considered releasing them
485>But the instant Sonata gave in, your life improved dramatically
486>It'd be impossible to bring yourself to stop now
487>"This is really, really delicio-"
488>She's cut off by three knocks on the front door
489"...who the..."
490>"Is that a visitor? I'll let them i-"
491"NO- No no no. Sonata, go upstairs. Make sure the guest bedroom door is closed. Then stay there until I come get you."
492>She notes your lowered voice and quiets her own
493>"Uhh, but-"
494"Please, go now."
495>"Y-Yes Anon!'
496>You check the peephole and your stomach goes cold at the distorted image of your classmate...
497>Twilight Sparkle
498>She's holding a notebook
499>Thankfully, she's alone
500>Maybe if you just wait, she'll leave
501>"Anonymous? Are you home?"
502>Please
503>Just go
504>"There's something very important I need to tell you!"
505>You run your hand through your hair, sigh and open the door
506"Good morning, Twilight."
507>"Anonymous! I need to talk to you. Please!"
508>She tries to walk past you, but you block her with your arm
509"Can we talk outside? My house is such a mess right now..."
510>"Wh- ughh, you and Rarity are very alike, you know. Okay come on, please hurry."
511>She steps off of your porch and you close the door behind you
512"What's this about?"
513>"Ummm... first of all, I owe you an apology."
514"What for?"
515>"Remember a few weeks ago when you confided in me that you overheard the Dazzlings discussing some kind of plot..."
516"Yes..."
517>"And I thought there was a misunderstanding, or that it was a prank?"
518"Yes."
519>"And I told you to stop eavesdropping."
520>Her face displays her considerable guilt
521>"They're, they're gone! The Dazzlings!"
522"Gone?!"
523>"Gone! They disappeared, nobody has seen them."
524"Huh... well, it is summer vacation right now. Maybe they're on a trip?"
525>"That's the thing. I tried to contact their parents, but couldn't get their names. In fact I couldn't get any information on those girls at ALL."
526"Really?"
527>"It's almost like you said. As if they're not from this world..."
528>Maybe it's childish, but you enjoy seeing her so panicked
529>After she dismissed you, her friend Rainbow Dash came and asked you not to waste their time about this kind of thing
530>They had their chance to deal with the sirens
531>Now you'll do it your way
532"So what do you think it means? That they're gone?"
533>"I believe they are preparing for something. Maybe the festival at the beginning of the next school year."
534>She flips open her notebook and runs her finger along its text
535>"According to Vice Principal Luna, the girls showed interest in performing on stage."
536"Hmm."
537>"That's... all I have. My investigation has been a disaster. I have so little to go off of. If I could just find them-"
538"Maybe if you hadn't assumed I was lying, you wouldn't have to find them."
539>"...I thought it was a prank... I mean... there was nothing strange about-"
540>She closes her notebook and looks away
541>"Are you mad? ...of course you're mad..."
542>You exhale slowly
543"There's not much I can do now. I assure you, I wasn't after attention, and I didn't appreciate being lectured by your friend Rainbow as if I was."
544>"...I-"
545>You feel relieved having voiced your frustration, but Twilight looks more upset than you predicted
546"Uh, hey. It's fine. All I had was my word to go off of anyway. I guess I can't blame you. I want you to find them... there's something that might be of some hel-"
547>"What is it?!"
548>She opens up a fresh page and prepares her pencil
549"....uh"
550>Your brain makes up a bullshit story so quickly that it almost frightens you
551"Aria, you know, the boyish one, mentioned that she's 'getting sick of the mall'. At the time I didn't notice - since there were far stranger things being said - but that kind of sounds like-"
552>"Like they go there often?! They live there!? Like their base of operations is there!?"
553>You nod
554"It could be anything, really..."
555>"Oh thank you! THANK you!"
556>She finishes scribbling down your information and pulls on her hair
557>"Finally, a- a lead... I..."
558>Is she about to cry?
559>"I should have come to you sooner, Anonymous."
560>You become nervous that she might start bawling or something
561>But she composes herself, and offers a handshake
562"You're welcome. I hope it helps."
563>You shake her hand and she starts off down the dirt road
564>It's quite a little walk to get into town
565>You consider offering her a ride
566>...but leaving Sonata home alone might end in disaster
567>Upstairs you find Sonata twiddling her thumbs
568>"Anon, who was it?"
569"Uhh... I'll tell you later."
570>Inside the guest room, you approach Aria
571>She stands up as if to defend herself
572>Expecting a kick, you hold out your hand
573>But she just stares
574>You can't quite imagine what she's thinking
575"You guys didn't by chance hang out at the mall a lot, did you?"
576>"What?"
577>Aria looks to Adagio, but she's looking away as usual
578>"...that's the big building, where shopkeepers all gather together right? We've been there a couple times."
579"Hmm."
580>"Why?"
581>Aria scowls as you run your hands through her hair and try and tidy it up a bit
582"I was hoping maybe someone there would recognize you. Or at least recognize the mountain-sized head of hair in the corner there."
583>To your surprise, Adagio turns her head
584>Stares blankly
585>And then smiles
586>"And why would you want someone to recognize us?"
587"Because. I just sent someone on a wild goose chase. I feel like an ass."
588>You stare into space and imagine Twilight walking out of the mall, soul crushed and in tears
589>At the very least she can hang onto her hope for a while, right?
590>Talking to everyone at the mall would be quite the task
591>Once the sirens are all reformed, you can have them show their faces again, but it will surely be a long time
592>"Hey."
593"...what, Aria?"
594>"You're too close."
595>You move in a bit and rest your arm on her shoulder
596>"H-Hey!"
597"Be quiet. I'm thinking."
598>"Think somewhere else! Idiot!"
599>You wait for her to shove you off or something, but she just takes it
600"Hmmm. So, your plans for the school festival are kind of getting out there."
601>Sonata pokes her head into the room, and the prisoners both look at you
602>"...you told someone?"
603"Nope."
604>"Then how could-"
605>Sonata groans when they look straight at her
606>She was the one who told you to begin with
607"No, it wasn't her this time. You guys are just naive, and seem to think you can pull anything off in this world."
608>"How much do they know?"
609>Aria looks on edge
610>You just smile
611"It doesn't matter. Sorry to say it, but you're all missing the festival."
612>Sonata gasps
613>"But it sounded so fun!"
614"Uh, we'll talk later..."
615>Maybe a disguise or something
616>"Whatever man. We'll get out. And we'll pull it off. We'll do anything it takes."
617"Anything it takes! Haha."
618>"W-what?"
619"Adagio, want to know what happened last night?"
620>She frowns
621"Aria had an opening to leave the house. I admit it, I was careless; she could have escaped pretty easily."
622>Aria glares
623>"Sh-shut up, man. Shut the hell up."
624"Instead of running, then trying to retrieve the necklaces, guess what she did?"
625>Adagio raises her eyebrows
626"She just stood there and gawked."
627>"I'm gonna kill you. I'm gonna fucking kill you. Shut. Up."
628"She ignored what was likely her only chance to escape, over some petty grudge against Sonata."
629>Finally, she stomps on your foot
630>Gotta admit, it hurts
631>"He's lying. There wasn't an opening at all. Th-the door was locked, he did that thing with the chair, and-"
632>"Aria."
633>".....huh?"
634>Adagio looks back toward the wall and shakes her head
635>Aria's mouth just hangs open
636>"But I... he's lyi..."
637"Hey."
638>You whisper into her ear
639"You tried harder this time, huh?"
640>"...what?"
641"Your hair."
642>She recoils at your sniff
643>But stays still as you rub the top of her head
644"Anyway, I hope you two enjoy dwelling on just how hopeless your plans are."
645>Leading Sonata out of the room, you wave
646"And Aria, I'll see you tonight."
647___
648>You spend most of your time today trying not to think about Twilight
649>There has to be a way to dispel her worries, but you can't decide on anything
650>She'll be fine though, right?
651>It's not like Twilight over-stresses about even the most trivial things
652"Ughh..."
653>Time for another distraction
654"Sonata, where are you?"
655>"TV~!"
656>You head into the living room
657>Some cartoon is on
658"I'm going to check the mail, alright?"
659>"Okay~"
660"Can you do me a favor?"
661>"Of course!"
662>She hops off of the couch and beams
663>This girl's going to blow up your heart
664"Go to my bedroom and get my laptop. Remember what it looks like?"
665>"Uh-huh."
666"Put it on the coffee table for me please."
667>You head outside
668>Your lawn looks... pathetic
669>Needs mowed, weeds are appearing and the hedges look awful
670>Hiring somebody is probably a good idea - you were told to after all - but bringing anybody to your parent's house right now...
671>It's asking for trouble
672"Huh. Speak of the devil."
673>Inside your mailbox you find the usual junk mail, but on top is an envelope from your mom and dad
674>A phone call would be better, but...
675>You sigh, take it all into your hands and shut the mailbox
676"Wait..."
677>There's something in your peripheral vision
678>Across the dirt road, in-between some trees
679>Something that probably shouldn't be there
680"Oh for fuck's sake."
681>A shovel
682>THE shovel
683>You take it out of the ground and throw it into your shed
684"Talk about a give-away."
685>You never told yourself you were good at this kind of thing
686>But you've sure as hell told the sirens as much
687___
688"We have more magazines~!"
689>"OOH~!"
690>Sonata snatches them up
691>You used to throw them away, but she has her fun
692>"It's a fashion one!"
693>Her eyes narrow
694>"...Anon. You probably buy these because of the girls on them."
695"Haha, I think you misunderstand. They just send these to me because we've bought a lot of stuff from them. I don't even look at them, really."
696>Sonata flips the magazine around, hiding the voluptuous woman on the cover
697>"Good."
698>She gets comfortable on the couch and gawks at the pictures, while you power on your laptop
699>Best to stay online from now on since Twilight doesn't have your number
700>You're both in the school's social networking group, so maybe she won't bother coming to the house if she needs you
701"Oh, Sonata."
702>You hold up the envelope
703"We're going to have some money again."
704>"Someone sent you money?"
705"Yeah, my parents."
706>"You can mail things from a different country?"
707>While nodding your head, you rip it open
708>"Hello son."
709>"We hope you're enjoying your time off. And, we wish that we could get some of our own."
710>Yeah...
711>You know...
712>"...government grants... possible promotion... held an award ceremony, where we were thanked..."
713>As usual, it's just a list of things that happened
714>You don't share their interests, so most of it goes over your head
715>The worst part is that even the drama that goes on out there is boring as can be
716"Ughh..."
717>You know you shouldn't, but you scan ahead for a subject change
718>"There should be money in the account by the time you get this letter. Since it's summer, we included a little something extra. Try to have fun. But remember that school will be back in your life before you know it."
719>That's it...?
720>Not even a 'we love you' at the bottom
721"..."
722>It's fine
723>They're busy, right?
724>Probably have a lot on their mind
725"Anyway, I was thinking. You've been really good. So I want to treat you."
726>"Treat me?! Like, a doctor?"
727"We- what? No, I mean like get you a special dessert or something."
728>"OOH!"
729"Got something in mind already?"
730>"I DO!"
731>You chuckle
732"What is it?"
733>"Oh my god, oh my god! I'm scared you'll say no!"
734"Just tell me. I'm sure it's fine."
735>"T-T-T-"
736>She grabs hold of your arms
737>"Taco Bell! Please? PLEASE?"
738>Taco...
739>Bell?
740>Fast food is hardly what you had in mind
741"Have you ever been to Taco Bell?"
742>"One time! ONE time, but we didn't go back!"
743"Why not?"
744>She scoffs
745>"Aria got 'sick'. So dramatic..."
746>Taco Bell IS a pretty good test of your digestive system, though
747"Are you sure? We can do better than-"
748>"Anon. Please!"
749>She hugs your arm
750>You feel disappointed that your special treat will be no better than buying somebody lunch, but
751>Maybe it's better this way
752"Okay, okay! Then I'll go get it tomorrow."
753>"Go get it?"
754"Uh-huh. You get to stay home alone for a while. Think you can handle it?"
755>She backs away
756>Maybe it's too much for her right now?
757>She looks upset...
758>"I want to go INTO Taco Bell!"
759>...oh
760"Sonata. I can't let people... see you."
761>"But, but why? I don't get it, Anon."
762"It's..."
763>She pulls away
764>"Are you embarrassed by me?"
765"Sonata, this isn't. Um. How do I say this..."
766>"This isn't what?"
767"...people wouldn't like what I'm doing to you guys."
768>"Why? You're just making us good."
769"The thing is, I can't really prove that you were evil to begin with. I can't prove that you're not exactly humans."
770>"So?"
771>Sonata
772>Please...
773"If people find out about this, it'd be over. I'd be in trouble. We wouldn't be together anymore. You three would probably be... who knows what."
774>Your heart starts to race
775>It's easy to ignore how risky this all is when thinking of their true nature
776>But when you have to admit the realities of the situation...
777"I-"
778>You feel light-headed
779"I'm g-"
780>"Anon? Are you okay? You're shaking."
781>Standing up, you run a hand over your face and take a deep breath
782>It's too risky
783"I'm sorry. I can't-"
784>"It's okay. Never mind."
785>She's there, beside you
786>"I don't want..."
787>She wraps her arms around your waist
788>"I don't want to be taken away from you."
789"Sonata..."
790>You stand there quietly with her
791>Soon, you feel at ease...
792>And reminded of why you wanted all of this in the first place
793"Sonata."
794>A fast food trip
795>What could happen on a fast food trip
796"Let's..."
797>If you can't even do that much
798>You don't deserve her
799"Let's go. Tomorrow. Okay?"
800>"...Really?"
801"Yeah. I was over-reacting."
802>"A-Anon, are you sure?"
803"Definitely."
804>This will be fine
805>Just have to be careful
806>In fact, you're getting a little excited
807"Hey, you can order anything you want."
808>"ANYTHING?!"
809"Even if it's too much to eat at once. We can take it home and eat it tomorrow!"
810>"Or-or later that day, if I get hungry?"
811"Haha, of course, silly!"
812>She giggles and pulls you down to the couch
813>Normally she'd lay on top of you
814>But instead she rests your head on her chest and runs her fingers through your hair
815>"Anon. Do you feel all better?"
816"Uh, yeah. I'm fine."
817>"Hmmm. Are you sure?"
818"Well I'm a little on edge."
819>"Can't have that~"
820>She wraps her legs around you
821>It feels awkward... but secure
822>Very secure
823>"Just stay with me until you feel good again. Okay?"
824"Okay."
825>She grabs the remote and changes the channel
826>"I'll always be here for you, okay Anon?"
827"...always..."
828>You lay there with her as she watches several episodes of some drama series
829>While listening to the sappy exchanges, and listening to Sonata's heartbeat...
830>Every bit of stress inside of you drains away
831___
832>"Why the hell are you so upbeat?"
833>You're carrying Aria through the kitchen, humming 'Walking on Sunshine'
834>She makes sure to voice her disgust with your rhythmic pats on her butt
835"Because this is all gonna work out."
836>You kick open the door to the punishment room, and shut it with Aria's ass
837>"...hey. Wait. Hold up."
838"Yeah?"
839>You drop her in the chair
840>"Listen to me for a second okay?"
841>You kneel before her, press your elbows into her lap and hold up your chin
842"Alright. You've got thirty seconds."
843>"...ughh. Will you- like, go and. Like. Urghh..."
844>She rolls her eyes
845>Apparently considering her words carefully
846"Time's ticking. If you want me to touch you somewhere specific, you'd better hurry up."
847>"It's n-SHUT up! It's Adagio. Will you make it right, with Adagio?"
848"What do you mean?"
849>"She's really pissed off at me. It's not even fair... I was going to escape. It's not right. Just tell her that you were lying as part of my punishment. Please?"
850>Aria looks pretty worried
851>You wish you could say yes, and go upstairs right now, but you can't
852"Not gonna happen."
853>"What?! Come ON! I asked you nicely and everything! She won't even talk to me. And it's your fuckin' fault."
854"Sounds to me like Adagio's the problem."
855>She waits for you to elaborate
856"Someone messes up, and she just ignores them? What a terrible leader."
857>"You don't know anything..."
858"On the other hand, look at you and me."
859>"What about us?"
860"You've been nothing but a fuck-up since I brought you here, but I'm not about to give up on you."
861>"Oh yeah, thanks soooo much for perving out on me and shit. I'm soooo ready to swear my devotion to yo-aghh, don't..."
862"Is this what you meant by perving out?"
863>You drag the tips of your fingers up her legs
864>Up her sides
865>And press into her arm pits
866>"What the hell... is wrong with you."
867>The harder you poke, the more she squirms around
868>You lean in and stuff your nose against her
869>"Knock it off."
870"Does that make you uncomfortable?"
871>"Obviously. Idiot."
872"Well."
873>You back off and stand
874"Not half as uncomfortable as it makes me."
875>"Huh?"
876"Did you even wash your arm pits last night?"
877>"....shut up..."
878"When I told you to work on your hair, I didn't mean JUST your hair."
879>"I KNOW that. I just don't care. You're not my fuckin' boss."
880"Have you always been so filthy?"
881>"I'm not. Filthy."
882"I've had pets that smelled better than you."
883>She narrows her eyes and huffs
884>"This is retarded. You think I care about any of this? Well, I don't."
885"It's for your own good. You're not much of a woman if-"
886>"I could attract any boy I wanted, if I had my necklace. So shut up."
887>You can't help but laugh in her face
888"Once again, you prove my point."
889>"What?!"
890"You're saying: since you do not have your necklace, you can't attract any boy you want."
891>"....just."
892>She shuts her eyes tight and hangs her head
893>"...I know you're just trying to make me mad. I know this stuff isn't true."
894>She's become quiet
895>You feel a rush, but at the same time, you have an urge to take it all back
896"Well..."
897>You go the desk in the corner and take the pillow you'd prepared
898"You can tell yourself that if it makes you feel better."
899>"What? Gonna suffocate me?"
900"Maybe!"
901>You hold it up toward her and she backs away so hard the chair nearly flips
902>Her shock becomes anger when you crack up
903"So-sorry, I couldn't resist."
904>"I wasn't even scared!"
905"Calm down, twin-tails..."
906>You drop the pillow and pick her up, princess style
907>Then sit down on the floor and stare at her
908>"What?"
909"You look terrible."
910>"Kill yourself."
911"Er, I mean,"
912>Her reddened eyes have bags under them
913>She's sort of trembling a bit
914"You've barely slept since you got here, huh?"
915>"Uh-huh, whose fault is that?"
916"Yours. Anyway, I don't want you to croak or something. You might be a prisoner, but eventually-"
917>Maybe too soon...
918"I just want you to remember that life would be a whole lot more comfortable if you'd give up on Adagio. After all, she apparently gave up on you."
919>"She did not... give UP on me... she's just ma-aahhgh!"
920>You turn her so that she's sitting up on your lap, and lay back
921"Plus I dozed off thanks to Sonata and now I'm really sleepy."
922>The punishment room's carpeted floor feels pretty good
923>You yawn and hold her tight
924>To your confusion, she doesn't say anything for a long time
925>Eventually you just assume she's already fallen asleep
926>Poor girl
927>But just before you doze off again, she pipes up
928>"Why are you so mean to me?"
929"Huh? I was about to head into dream land..."
930>She sighs
931>"Fine. Go to dream land, idiot."
932"Nah, it's fine. I just think it's kind of a dumb question."
933>"So it's dumb if I want to know why you treat me like crap for no reason, but Sonata has you wrapped around her finger?"
934>You wouldn't say that
935>...
936>Yes you would
937"I give Sonata a lot of leg room because she's proven to me that she wants to be good."
938>"Yeah right. She told you to spit on me and you did it. You're her bitch, huh? You take her orders, not the other way around."
939>Alright, that struck a nerve
940"Sonata didn't ask me to do that."
941>"Then why'd you do it?"
942"To teach an idiot a lesson."
943>"O-Oh yeah! I'm the idiot!"
944>You do your best not to laugh
945"You're always backing me up. Thanks, sweetheart."
946>"Ugh!"
947>She rolls away with an expert evasive maneuver
948>That's what Aria probably wants to think, but she actually just falls off of you
949"Come on, twin-tails."
950>"Stop CALLING me that!"
951>She flops around like a fish out of water
952>"In fact, just stop talking to me! Forever!"
953"Uh."
954>"I don't understand you at ALL."
955"Uh-huh?"
956>"If I'm so fucking gross and disgusting why are you feeling me up and shit?"
957"...Go on..."
958>She looks ready to explode
959>"There IS no more, retard, that's all I had to say!"
960"Oh."
961>You let her anger fester a bit
962>If she wasn't all tied up, maybe she'd be strangling you right now
963>Part of you really wants to know
964>"Fuck you! Fuck you! FUCK you, fuck Sonata, go to hell!"
965>Yeah, probably strangling
966"Okay YOU. Need to shut the fuck up."
967>"Fu-wha?"
968>Your tone was harsher than you've ever used with her by far
969>It seems to have been effective
970>While she's just staring, you reach over and roll her beside you
971"You know, after you spat in Sonata's face, she came running to me."
972>"...yeah...?"
973"Right off the bat she asks me not to punish you or Adagio. Poor Sonata is called a traitor, and even then she still cares about you two."
974>Aria doesn't swear or make any smart-ass comments
975>She just listens, so you keep going
976"She didn't betray you, either. She got out of a shitty situation. You and Adagio are criminals. Believe me, this is the best you could hope for in my world."
977>"...but..."
978>You cover her mouth
979"And yeah, I've been really friendly with you. You might be gross and disgusting, but you're mine. Unlike your current leader, I hold on to my people. No matter what."
980>It seems like a good moment, so you pull her right up next to you so that she's sharing the pillow, and rest your arm around her
981"Now go to sleep, Aria. You fucking need it."
982>You shut your eyes
983>The good mood you had has evaporated
984>You focus all of your energy on drifting off to sleep...
985>And pray that she doesn't say anything else
986___
987>Your back kind of hurts
988>Too used to your fancy bed
989>What time is it?
990>You just stare at nothingness through your pillow and try to guess
991>Has it been a couple of hours?
992>Feels like longer
993"Hey, Aria-"
994>You look over at her and can't help but quiet yourself
995>She's fast asleep
996>Looking far cuter than you've ever seen her
997>Gently breathing, in and out, her mouth hanging open just a bit
998"Oh boy..."
999>Waking her up now would just be too cruel
1000>So you lay there and admire how peaceful she is
1001"Could have this every night, twin-tails."
1002>Hold on, there should be a clock hanging above the door
1003"Fuck."
1004>9:14 A.M.
1005"Alright. Wake up sleepy-head."
1006>"..nnnghh.."
1007>You shake her a bit
1008"You're going back upstairs now."
1009>"..ghhnn-no!"
1010>Her eyes shoot open
1011>"Huh?"
1012"How are you feeling?"
1013>She looks around and confirms her location
1014>"I don't know. Good I guess?"
1015>You rub her head as you sit up
1016"I'm glad."
1017>"Psh..."
1018>She watches you carefully as you stretch out your arms and yawn
1019"Looks like you enjoyed yourself."
1020>....
1021>No comeback?
1022>Nothing?
1023"You know, this floor feels like garbage compared to my bed. And of course, all those fluffy pillows. And it doesn't have the weird smell this room does."
1024>"What's your point? If you're asking me if I'm going to be your slave now, then no."
1025"Okay."
1026>You go to scoop her up and she pushes away
1027>"Wait!"
1028"What?"
1029>"Can you just wait?"
1030"Uh."
1031>"I mean. Weren't you supposed to punish me? All we did was nap."
1032>Much more than a nap, actually
1033"You're adorable."
1034>"...wha?"
1035"You want me to touch you that badly? All this time, you were the real pervert."
1036>Her face turns red and she frowns
1037>"Th-that's not. I mean, I didn't mean that. Okay?"
1038"Yeah, I know twin-tails."
1039>Her eye twitches
1040"Your body's just going 'holy shit no, no more wooden floors, never again'!"
1041>"...so..."
1042"So?"
1043>"Ugh. So are we going to stay here longer or not?"
1044>Too cute
1045"Do you agree to do everything I say and never use magic to control humans again?"
1046>"No."
1047"ALL ABOARD THE FLOOR BOARD EXPRESS"
1048>You throw her over your shoulder and carry her back up
1049>She doesn't say a single word the entire ride
1050___
1051>You look for Sonata in the bedroom, but it's empty
1052>Did she...
1053"Sonata?"
1054>Yup
1055>Fell asleep watching TV again
1056>You turn it off and sit down next to her head
1057>"Hey. The day has started."
1058>You mash your fingers randomly over your laptop's keys and the screen turns on
1059"We've got a trip to m-"
1060>A message
1061>From...
1062>"I interviewed every employee that was at the mall"
1063>How could she possibly-
1064"That's crazy, Twilight"
1065>In no time, she responds
1066>"Not crazy, just efficient. I have bad news"
1067"Didn't find anything?"
1068>"Nothing..."
1069>"Anonymous"
1070>"I don't know what to do"
1071>You feel nauseated
1072>Maybe you can work something out?
1073>Some other, more elaborate lead that you 'suddenly remember'?
1074>But that wouldn't be very believable
1075>And the last thing you want is Twilight to get suspicious and snoop around the house
1076"I'm not sure what to tell you. I wish there was some way I could help."
1077>"Yeah..."
1078>"Thank you Anonymous"
1079>"I'm going to look around the mall again"
1080>"I must have made a mistake"
1081>No
1082>You didn't...
1083"Good luck."
1084>You sigh and close your laptop
1085"Sonata. Wake up."
1086>"Ghnnn..."
1087>You gently scratch her forehead
1088"Come onnnn."
1089>"Ehhh, what, Anon~?"
1090"It's morning."
1091>"Let me sleep longer~ I was dreaming about you~"
1092>Really?
1093>She's got to be making that up, right?
1094>You smile and ruffle her hair
1095"The real me is right here! Now get up, or else I'm going to Taco Bell alone!"
1096>She jumps up to her feet and rubs her eyes
1097>"Oh! Oh! I forgot! Let's go!"
1098"Whoa, we need to get ready first."
1099>"What do we gotta do?!"
1100"Feed the prisoners, find you something to wear, and- it's been a while since you took a shower, huh?"
1101>She pouts
1102>"Taco Bell won't care if I smell like a man."
1103>You rest your hands on your hips, imitating her
1104>It's not long before she gives in
1105>"Will you feed them, then?"
1106"Sure. Just enjoy your shower."
1107>"Okay~"
1108>She gets halfway across the room and stops dead in her tracks
1109>"Anon..."
1110"Yeah?"
1111>"I'm kind of sleepy still. I might forget to bring a towel~"
1112>Uh...?
1113"Just grab one right now?"
1114>"....wh... um. Okay."
1115>She looks at you with a blank face
1116>And then continues on
1117>Anyway
1118>You're distracted thinking about food for the prisoners
1119>Mostly they've been given plain old refried beans
1120>Which is a pretty good punishment on its own, but it could be much better with a reminder of what they're missing out on
1121>You scratch your chin and hum
1122>Their breakfast will just have to wait until you get back
1123"So then, clothes."
1124___
1125>This room is... uncomfortable
1126>You were never allowed inside
1127>Even with no one stopping you it just feels wrong
1128>So you've been rushing through the closet, throwing piles of clothes into the floor, digging through boxes and avoiding your mom's underwear
1129>She has a thing for dressing up as celebrities
1130>But absolutely refuses to dye her hair
1131>As a result, she has a few-
1132"Bingo."
1133>A super curly blond wig
1134>It looks - and feels - like the real deal
1135>That's good enough, you think
1136>After all there's very few people who are looking for Sonata to begin with
1137>"Anon! Where are you!"
1138"In here."
1139>She walks in, post-shower, with slightly wet hair and the same clothes as before
1140>They need washed again. But more importantly, you need to buy her more clothes
1141>"Who lives in here?"
1142"My parents used to."
1143>"Ohh. Are these your mom's?"
1144>She points around at the mess you've made
1145"Yeah."
1146>"It's one of these!"
1147>Oh god
1148>Sonata
1149>Don't
1150"What about it?"
1151>"A, uh, b-something."
1152"Bra."
1153>"Yeah. Some of the girls in the magazine were wearing just bras."
1154>You poke at Sonata's nipple through her shirt
1155"Why aren't you wearing yours?"
1156>"Hee hee, Anon~! That feels weird..."
1157"You know you have to wear it today."
1158>"...but I don't like it."
1159>You shrug
1160"Sorry. It's not really an option. Especially with how much you move around."
1161>"But Anon."
1162>She stomps her foot, demonstrating your point
1163>Of course your eyes go straight to them without a single thought
1164>"Aria doesn't have to wear one!"
1165>You focus all of your heart and soul into not laughing at the poor twin-tails
1166>But you fail
1167>After nearly falling onto the bed, you manage to calm yourself
1168"It's, it's not something to be proud of. I bet she wishes she had to wear one."
1169>"As if!"
1170"Well in any case, I don't want you to embarrass yourse-"
1171>You notice something hanging on the back of the door
1172>An old gray hoodie, pretty large
1173>Mom used to wear it when it was cold
1174"Hmmm. Maybe you don't have to after all."
1175>"Really?!"
1176"But first, here!"
1177>She looks at the wig with skepticism
1178>But you go straight to stuffing her squeaky hair inside, bit by bit
1179>"Heeeeeey..."
1180"There."
1181>You step back and admire your creation
1182>Darling Sonata with huge, super-curly, blond...
1183>lumpy hair
1184>You pull the hoodie down and help her put it on
1185>With the hood covering the back side of the wig it looks more natural
1186"I think maybe that's- here, look in the mirror. It's good, right?"
1187>She plays with the curls and turns her head to examine herself from different angles
1188>The over-sized clothing and wild eye-covering hair make her look like some kind of basement dwelling nerd
1189>There's no nerdy activities you can imagine Sonata taking part in, though
1190>"Anon. Do you like girls who look like this?"
1191"I don't really know anyone who'd dress like this. But it's cute in its own way."
1192>To be honest she looks like a terrible cosplayer
1193>You grab her by the sides and gently shake her
1194>Jiggling is now at a more acceptable amount
1195"That should work I guess. Let's get out of here."
1196>"We can go already?!"
1197"To be honest, I want to get this over with."
1198>Probably shouldn't have said that out loud
1199>Even if Sonata doesn't seem phased by it
1200>She's holding your hands and bouncing up and down, all over a lousy fast food trip
1201>It's not as impressive as the daydreams you used to have, but if she enjoys it, that's all that matters
1202"Oh. By the way. I'm pretty new to driving, and it stresses me out. So please don't talk to me until we get there, alright?"
1203>"Sure!"
1204___
1205Twenty-five minutes in, Sonata has lost patience
1206>She's stuffing her face into the window and whining
1207>"Whyyyy are we going so far? You passed it like twenty minutes agooo."
1208"I told you. That Taco Bell is in the. Er, danger zone."
1209>It's right around the mall, not to mention the school
1210>You'd either bump into Twilight, or one of her friends as they return from a summer club activity or something
1211"Try to have a little patience."
1212>"Uuuughhhhhh. "
1213>You take your eyes off the road for a second and watch as Sonata's face slides down the glass
1214>If not for her seat belt, she would have slammed into the glovebox
1215>She huffs and crosses her arms
1216>"It's going to take ten years to get there. Why are you so scared of that girl?"
1217"I'm not scared of her. She's-"
1218>"Then whyyyy?"
1219"She's very smart. If we run into her, she'll put two and two together and-"
1220>"Ohh, so she's smart? Is she pretty too? Do you just have a crush on her?"
1221>This is really starting to piss you off
1222"I'm worried about you."
1223>"Then why are you doing the opposite of what I want?"
1224"...Sona-"
1225>You go to comfort her, but something stops you:
1226>Aria's words from last night
1227>Though it seems natural to treat Sonata with kindness now that she's loyal to you... perhaps Aria had a good point
1228"Sonata. This needs to-"
1229>You realize you've waited too long to start slowing down
1230>The limit line is right in front of you before you know it
1231"Fuck!"
1232>Squeezing the steering wheel, you hit the breaks
1233>The car comes to a violent stop; the seat belts dig into your bodies
1234>and a truck passes by you from the right
1235>Holy shit
1236"...Sonata."
1237>"Huh?"
1238"You need to stop."
1239>"What?"
1240>She points at the stop sign and you grunt
1241"I mean you need to stop talking. I told you. I'm a shitty driver as it is. I need to concentrate."
1242>"Oh..."
1243>No one is behind you, so you take a moment to calm your nerves
1244>Sonata watches you rub your temples
1245"Okay. Okay. We're good, we're good."
1246>Your shaky hands take the wheel and you turn right
1247>Taco Bell's pretty close by now anyway
1248>All you want is to get there and lay your head down
1249>...you didn't almost crash
1250>Right?
1251>You would have stopped no matter what
1252>...
1253>No
1254>Don't kid yourself
1255>This is important
1256"Oh thank God."
1257>You're filled with relief as a certain warmly colored bell pops into your view
1258>You pull in and sigh happily as you park
1259>It seems like Sonata's excitement would have peaked here
1260>However she just sits there and stares, fidgeting with her jacket pockets
1261"Do you understand what just happened?"
1262>"Um..."
1263"You're not familiar with driving. Right?"
1264>"Not really."
1265"We could have died."
1266>"Wh-what?!"
1267>You tap your fingers on the dash and nod your head
1268"You saw how fast we were going. If we had hit that truck we could have died, or killed whoever was driving it."
1269>"That's crazy. Are you sure?"
1270"Yes. That kind of thing happens every day."
1271>She suddenly looks very upset
1272>In hindsight, you should have lectured her about the road before taking off
1273>She unbuckles herself and slumps down into the bottom of her seat
1274>"I really messed up, didn't I?"
1275"Sonata..."
1276>You reach over to pet her head, but stop yourself again
1277"...you did. Just let it be a lesson. If I ask you to be quiet, or to do anything for that matter, you do it."
1278>"Uhhh... I-"
1279"Understood?"
1280>"Y-Yes, Anon."
1281>She's jumped back up into the seat proper
1282>Stiff as a board
1283>This... feels shitty
1284>You open the door, pull yourself out and close it
1285>After a little delay Sonata sheepishly does the same
1286>There's quite a few cars here despite how early it is
1287>Anxiety starts to build, but you remind yourself that nobody here knows who she is
1288>Nobody here cares
1289>You're just some high schooler hanging out with his weird girlfriend
1290"Are you ready?"
1291>"Um... uh-huh."
1292>She's practically hiding behind the car
1293>Is she afraid of you? Like... those first four days?
1294"Come here, Sonata."
1295>She slowly walks over to your side
1296>God damn it
1297>This isn't what you wanted today
1298"Stop... please."
1299>"What? What did I do, Anon?"
1300"I mean, please don't be nervous."
1301>"...s-sorry."
1302>She's keeping a bit of distance from you
1303>You reach over and pull her into a one-armed hug
1304"Hey. I'm sorry. I brought you here to have fun. I was just stressed out is all."
1305>"...uh-huh?"
1306"This is a treat. Let's relax, okay?"
1307>"O-Okay."
1308>Brushing the fake hair out of her eyes, you smile
1309>She smiles back
1310>That's more like it
1311>Unexpectedly, she takes off
1312"Whoa!"
1313>A guy almost hits her with the door
1314>The dirty look he gives her would upset you if Sonata didn't deserve it so much
1315>"C'mon!"
1316"Okay, okay!"
1317___
1318>The air conditioning
1319>That pop music
1320>This smell that has defined most of your high school lunch breaks
1321>Now you're glad Sonata's so easily pleased
1322>Some expensive restaurant would have just made you more tense
1323>You rest against the wall and watch her gawk at the menu
1324>Every now and then she looks over to you, smiles, and looks up again
1325>Her being indecisive doesn't really surprise you at all
1326"So. Any ideas?"
1327>"There's. So. Much. Food."
1328"Yeah, look at all those number orders-"
1329>"And all those sections that are just WORDS!"
1330"Crazy, right?"
1331>There's no one in front of you, so you decide to give her some ideas
1332"You like tacos a lot. True or false?"
1333>"Uhhh! Tuh-RUUUE!"
1334"How about buying the five dollar box?"
1335>"The whuh?"
1336>You point her up to the left
1337"It comes with a hard taco, a burrito supreme, a "Bacon Club Chalupa"-"
1338>"b-bacon!?"
1339"And it comes with a drink of course."
1340>"Okay! That! Please! I want it! I gotta have it!"
1341"Are you sure?"
1342>"WAIT."
1343>She grabs the sides of her head and looks up to the middle of the menu
1344>"I, am I reading that right?! A taco. Plus. A Dorito?"
1345"Ooh! That is a thing now, isn't it? Want to try it?"
1346>She pulls you over and hugs you tight
1347>"YES!"
1348>Feeling a bit embarrassed, you look up at the cashier
1349>She's giving you two a sweet but awkward smile
1350"We're ready. I think."
1351>"Wait, I changed my mind again. I need the bacon."
1352"Honey, you can just get both."
1353>"Ho...ney...?"
1354>You sort of drag Sonata a step forward and dig out your wallet
1355"We'll take the five dollar box, two dorito locos tacos, a medium drink and two soft tacos."
1356>You go through the motions of paying
1357>The cashier appears to be holding back laughter the entire time
1358>Probably because Sonata hugs you up until the cups are presented, and then snatches them right up
1359>"I love this part! You get to fill it up yourself~"
1360"I know~"
1361>She runs over to the soda machines
1362>"You two are adorable."
1363"...Uhhhh. We, we um."
1364>The cashier giggles
1365>"Oh, let me guess, you're just friends right? Teenage boys, I swear."
1366>You just smile like an idiot and hope you aren't blushing
1367>A man and woman walk through the front door and the cashier gestures toward Sonata
1368>"I hope you two enjoy your food!"
1369"...you too."
1370>Smashing your hands into your face at the soda machine, you sigh
1371>Blondie's doing her best to get the lid onto her cup
1372>In her defense, it's a pretty new concept for her
1373"Here."
1374>You snap it on instantly
1375>"Thank yoooou~"
1376>There's a lot of flavors these days
1377>Maybe you should be adventurous and try something new?
1378>...Nah, Pepsi as usual
1379>She watches mere inches from your cup as you fill it up
1380>"Why are you doing it like that?"
1381"Tilting the cup makes it less foamy."
1382>"Ohhh. Neato."
1383>After you've both got your straws, Sonata hops over to the sauces
1384"Do you like it hot?"
1385>"I like it... I... like it..."
1386>Uh
1387>She's just staring at the sauce packets
1388>The couple that walked in earlier has already seated themselves, and here you are doing this
1389"Do you want some? Or-"
1390>She stuffs her hands into two separate pools
1391>"A-Ahhhh~ It feels so nice..."
1392"Uhh."
1393>The packets mound around her wrists as she wiggles her hands
1394>"Anon."
1395"Yeah?"
1396>"I. Love~ Taco. Bell."
1397___
1398>She bounces in her chair as you return with the order
1399>As soon as the trays are on the table she attacks
1400"Don't choke or something, haha!"
1401>"Ih woghn't!"
1402>After every bite she shuts her eyes and moans in pleasure
1403>It's quiet enough to where no one should be able to hear, but loud enough to embarrass you anyway
1404>And kind of turn you on
1405>Oh boy
1406>"Anaghn?"
1407>She swallows
1408>"You didn't order very much food. Are you okay?"
1409"Yeah, I'm just pacing myself is all."
1410>You also aren't as big an eater as she is
1411>"Did I order too much? I took up all the money, didn't I?"
1412"No no, don't worry. We have plenty of money."
1413>She smiles and goes back to stuffing her face
1414>You take the moment in
1415>She's so excited. You were able to make her happy
1416>It feels amazing
1417>"Oh. And Anon?"
1418"Yeah?"
1419>"My heart got all dizzy when you called me that..."
1420>Dizzy?
1421>Is that good or bad?
1422>"You should call me it more often~"
1423>Oh, it's good
1424>You smile and unwrap your soft taco
1425"Okay, honey."
1426>"Hmmhmmmm~"
1427>She gently kicks at your legs from under the table
1428>There exists no better way to start a morning than this, you decide
1429>Sitting here with her, not a worry in the world
1430>It's blissful
1431>Until you see something out of the corner of your eye
1432"...oh God."
1433>"Hm?"
1434>The side door to the right opens up
1435>A girl in tall brown boots, a denim skirt and a hat walks in
1436>You're almost certain she's Twilight's friend
1437"Oh man."
1438>"...so that's why you chose this wig."
1439"What?"
1440>Sonata's crossing her arms and looking over her shoulder
1441>Turning to follow the girl as she makes her way to the counter
1442"It's not like that. She knows the girl we're avoiding."
1443>"Uh-huh."
1444>After a tense pause, Sonata turns to you and smiles
1445>"It'll be fine. Stay calm and hand me some napkins~"
1446>She's right
1447>Twilight's friend has seen you all of once
1448>Probably wouldn't even recognize you
1449>You grab the small stack of napkins and place them into Sonata's hand
1450>In a half-assed attempt at being proper, she wraps one around her index finger and prods at the edges of her mouth
1451>"This reminds me of the latest episode of All Around Familiar!"
1452>After taking a glance at Twilight's friend, she leans in a bit and lowers her voice
1453>"Susanne - their daughter - goes to a hot dog stand with her new boyfriend. And he's suuuper nervous, 'cause Susanne is SMOKIN' hot..."
1454>You nod your head, and sneak a peek at the cowgirl now and then as she orders her food
1455>"...and when he's putting ketchup on his hot dog he squeezes too hard and..."
1456>They gave her a cup
1457>She's about to circle around
1458>Why did you have to sit here?
1459>"...even the hot dog stand guy is staring at her boobs. Kind of like you, right now. With that floozy."
1460"Uhh."
1461>Your eyes snap back to Sonata
1462>She's got her cheeks puffed up
1463"Sorry. I was listening. Ketchup all over shirt, right?"
1464>"Mmmhmm. And then he said sorry over and over, got a bunch of napkins and..."
1465>Here she comes
1466>Don't look at her
1467>Look at Sonata
1468>There we go
1469>Just let her pass
1470>Better hold still, too
1471>She might work like a T-Rex
1472>"...go back to his house to get her a new t-shirt to wear home, and she's impressed he has such fancy clothes and..."
1473>Your heart skips a beat as the cowgirl's ass enters your vision
1474>She's as close as she can get
1475>"...he says, 'whaddo y'all think ah ahm? Sum kinda inbred hick?' whatever THAT means! Haha!"
1476>Time seems to slow down
1477>The girl turns to face Sonata, with an eyebrow firmly raised
1478>Several seconds pass by as you try to decide on your next move
1479>Slide under the table?
1480>Run for it?
1481>Put on a southern accent and pretend to be offended?
1482>You cover your mouth and groan
1483>"Anonymous?"
1484"..."
1485>"Is that you?"
1486>You look up
1487>Her offense seems to have faded
1488>"Ya go ta Canterlot High right?"
1489"That's me, yeah."
1490>She sighs and looks around awkwardly
1491>"Ah heard what's been goin' on while I was away."
1492"Oh?"
1493>"Yeah. Uhhh. Reckon ah owe you an apology fer-"
1494"That's not necessary."
1495>She squeezes her soda cup and scratches the back of her neck
1496>"Ah was actually supposed ta message you. Ah'm not too good with the computers though. Ya know..."
1497"Ehheh."
1498>"Mind if ah sit here a bit?"
1499>Sonata springs out of her chair, points at it, and then scurries over to your side
1500>As soon as she's in range you get as close to her ear as her hood and wig will allow and whisper:
1501"Not a word."
1502>Then you clear your throat and look to AJ
1503"...feel free."
1504>The cowgirl sits and, after waiting for Sonata to pull her food across the table, sets her drink down
1505"It's. Uh. Apple..."
1506>"Applejack."
1507"Yeah. Sorry, I-"
1508>"Don't worry none. Ah only remember yers 'cause Twilight's mentioned ya over an' over lately."
1509"Heheh..."
1510>AJ takes a sip of her soda
1511>"Just got back in town an' decided ta stop here. Not a big fan uh fast food, but I ain't had a bite ta eat in a full twenny four hours."
1512"Heh."
1513>"...anyway. Er. What I was sayin'..."
1514>She takes a deep breath and rubs her nose
1515>Clearly doesn't want to be doing this
1516>"Truth be told, Twilight asked me ta do this."
1517"Did she?"
1518>"Yup. Ah mean, you might've been right, but- erm-"
1519"You don't owe me an apology. There was no reason for you guys to believe me."
1520>She nods
1521>"Twilight's got me all stressed out. She called what happened an 'injustice' toward you."
1522"Whoa! That's a bit much."
1523>AJ beams and throws her hands up into the air
1524>"Tell me about it! Every little thang is the end uh the world fer that poor girl."
1525>Maybe you can end this quickly
1526"Yeah. It's no big deal. Don't worry about it."
1527>She seems to get a bit more comfortable
1528>They call out a number and she heads to the front
1529>She returns with four hard-shelled tacos and some nachos
1530>Being surrounded by women who eat more than you do...
1531>Is weird
1532>You try your best to calm down and just wait for AJ to leave
1533>All goes well for a few minutes
1534>But the voice to your side - which is usually like music to your ears - comes off as nails on a chalkboard
1535>"You're pretty."
1536>AJ's eyes open wide
1537>"Errrr. Thanks?"
1538>"Isn't she pretty, Anon?"
1539>Good lord
1540>This is the most obvious trick question you've ever heard
1541>Yet you have no idea how to answer
1542>So you just smile and shrug
1543>"Yes or no, silly~"
1544>Urk
1545"Sure, she's pretty."
1546>Sonata tugs on the bottom of your shirt
1547>What was she expecting?
1548>You to call her ugly?
1549>"Anyways. Who might this girl be, Anonymous?"
1550"She's. My... cousin."
1551>"Oh really?"
1552"Yeah. She's kind of a handful."
1553>She tugs even harder
1554>"Nice ta meet you, miss..."
1555>AJ holds out her hand, but Sonata just stares down at the table
1556"Hey..."
1557>You nudge her, but she doesn't respond
1558"...her name is Bella."
1559>Unsurprisingly, AJ looks confused
1560>She lowers her hand and goes back to her food
1561"She's visiting right now."
1562>"Ah..."
1563>The table falls to silence
1564>After a while you hear wrappers crumpling
1565>You look up and find that AJ has somehow already finished her order
1566>Her eyes meet yours and she grins
1567>"Anyhow, I should probably git goin'-"
1568>"I'm not just visiting."
1569>"...scuse me?"
1570>"I live with Anon."
1571>Sonata
1572>What the fuck
1573>"Uhh. That's nice. Why'd ya say otherwise, Anonymous?"
1574>"We spend a LOT of time together."
1575>"...uh-huh?"
1576>"In fact. We share the same-"
1577"Bella."
1578>"...we-"
1579>She hugs your arm
1580>"...we're together. I'm his girlfriend."
1581"BELLA."
1582>Both girls jump
1583>Sonata backs away and puts her hands on her head
1584>"S-sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
1585>Your heart's about to beat out of your chest as you stare at the back of her hood
1586>Unable to face AJ
1587>For half a minute the three of you sit in silence
1588>And finally, she speaks
1589>"Anonymous, can ah talk to ya outside fer a second?"
1590___
1591>She knows
1592>She's not stupid
1593>Just southern
1594>Wait that's fucked up
1595>Can't control racing thoughts
1596>She's not even looking at you
1597>Her eyes are on the passing cars
1598>"So."
1599"So!?"
1600>Too loud, calm down
1601>"...So. You an' that girl are datin'..."
1602"Uh."
1603>Can't really deny it now
1604"Yeah. I didn't want it to... get out there..."
1605>"Because yer livin' together."
1606"Y-Yeah?"
1607>"...alone."
1608"I guess you've heard that my parents are out of the country."
1609>She pulls down on the front of her hat
1610>"An' will be fer a while."
1611"...yeah?"
1612>She shakes her head
1613>Wait
1614>That can't seriously be why she asked you to step outside, right?
1615"Is... is that a problem?"
1616>She spits into gutter
1617>With balled fists pressed into her hips, she frowns at you
1618>"Yer parents never teach ya anything? Or are ya playin' dumb?"
1619"Both of those sound like bad answer-"
1620>"She pregnant?"
1621>Your jaw drops
1622"Does she... look pregnant?"
1623>"Jus' tell me the truth, Anonymous."
1624>Her nose is scrunched up and her eyes could turn you to stone
1625>It's like being lectured by mom, but ten times as fucking weird
1626"What in the hell makes you think she's pregnant?!"
1627>"Ohh ah don't know. Maybe her eatin' three times as much food as you?"
1628"That's not quite-"
1629>"Ah saw her take yer taco!"
1630"Well."
1631>"An' that jacket's just embarrassin'. Talk about an over-correction. She's probly barely showin'. This ain't even mentioning that weird clingy behavior."
1632"Apple. Jack. Could you just..."
1633>You lean against the wall, and slowly fall to the filthy sidewalk
1634>She gets down on her knees in front of you
1635>"Ah'm right."
1636"...let's pretend you were. What is your point?"
1637>She smiles
1638>"That's the first step. Bein' honest about it. No reason ta try an' avoid it."
1639"Get to the point."
1640>"Alright, alright."
1641>She gives you a few good pats on the shoulder and then pushes her hat higher up onto her head again
1642>"Ah've seen this four times in my family. It's real obvious at this point. Ah know ya probly think it rude uh me ta git in yer business, but ah've seen first-hand how destructive teenage pregnancies can be."
1643"Go on."
1644>"The time commitment. The stigma. The never-endin', unforeseen costs. An' fer God's sake, ya ain't even graduated yet."
1645"True..."
1646>"Ya gotta be mentally prepared for all uh that. Ah bet ya ain't given a moment's thought to the most critical events."
1647"Like?"
1648>"Like when her water breaks. Ya'll could be doin' anything and WHAM, yer entire day's plans are out the window..."
1649>It's as if her voice moves further away
1650>With it drowned out by the sound of traffic, your eyes focus on the buildings behind her
1651>You just need a moment to sort your thoughts
1652>But she keeps going and going
1653>Like some kind of after school special
1654>Health insurance, baby food, clothes
1655>Baby wipes, doctor visits, health insurance
1656>Pre-school, play dates, diapers
1657>Birthday parties, presents, second pregnancy
1658>Best stop her before she gets to the teenage years
1659>You shake her hand to silence her and stand up
1660>But just as you open your mouth to speak, the door opens
1661>Sonata peers around its edge
1662>Apparently unaware of its transparency
1663>"...Anyway. Ah said what needed ta be said."
1664"Uh-huh."
1665>You extend your hand
1666>She takes it, and you pull her up
1667>"Jus' think about it, alright?"
1668"I will."
1669>Her warm smile doesn't make you feel better
1670>It makes your stomach turn
1671>"Ah'll be seein' ya. An' you too... Bella."
1672>She walks back inside, and Sonata lets the door close
1673>Then, she stares
1674>From behind that goofy, unruly blond hair
1675>"Anon..."
1676"Yeah?"
1677>She takes one little step forward
1678>"I'm really. Really. REALLY. Really sorry."
1679"Just-"
1680>"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself."
1681>As if that lecture weren't gut wrenching enough
1682>Now Sonata's back to this scared-shitless state
1683>Acting as if she doesn't even want to be around you
1684>You almost let Aria's words stop you again
1685>But fuck Aria
1686"Come here."
1687>You pull her into a hug, and rest your chin on top of the lumpy wig
1688>Her arms just dangle by her sides
1689"I'm not mad."
1690>"Y-You aren't?"
1691"Just tell me why you told her what you did."
1692>"Uhhhm. Uh... I don't know why..."
1693"I think you do, Sonata."
1694>"...well, I was bothered because you called me your cousin. I don't want to be your cousin. Or anything else. I want..."
1695>She goes quiet
1696>Getting her implication, you pull away, look at her eye to eye, and lower your voice
1697"I feel the same way. I never intended you to... be a slave forever."
1698>"Huh?!"
1699"I thought it was the only way... and... with how risky the situation is..."
1700>"Anon...?"
1701"What I really want someday is for you to be my w-"
1702>Urgh
1703>"w-wig wearin' girlfriend."
1704>She smiles ear to ear and shakes her head
1705>Air shoots out of her nose as she suppresses an excited giggle
1706>"Anon... Anon, Anon, Anon!"
1707>She wraps her arms tightly around you
1708>"Anon~! I-"
1709>It gets tighter
1710>And tighter
1711>It's sort of hard to breathe
1712>"I'm. So. Happy!"
1713>As she rubs her face all over your chest like an affectionate cat, your emotions start to normalize
1714"Me too. But hey."
1715>"Yeah?"
1716"Don't repeat any of that to Aria or the hairball, alright?"
1717>"...I can't tell them?"
1718"It could mess up their punishment."
1719>She sighs, but goes right back to her rubbing
1720>"I won't tell them!"
1721"Good. I mean... thank you."
1722>In the parking lot, you catch a glimpse of Applejack as she walks back to her truck
1723>As disastrous as this encounter felt, it could amount to nothing in the long run
1724>She's not one to gossip, and you probably won't so much as speak to her again
1725>...Yeah
1726>The only thing you need to worry about is the girl putting on the most disgustingly adorable PDA ever right now
1727"I know you ate my taco by the way."
1728>"...Sorry!"
1729"Hahaha. It's fine. We're going to stop somewhere else on our way home, anyway."
1730>"Where are we going?"
1731>You lead her back inside
1732"You won't want anything after you finish all the food you got here."
1733>"You don't know that!"
1734"Pfft. In any case, you'll see."
1735___
1736>Your mood could not be any better
1737>On the ride back, Sonata was happier than you've ever seen her
1738>Going on about the things she likes about you
1739>Before today it was hard to think of many positive things about yourself
1740>But having a beautiful girl come up with over ten?
1741>Can't stop smiling
1742>You pop up from the top step humming and tapping the bowls and bag in your arm
1743"Walkin' on Sunshiiiine~"
1744>To your delight, your musical entrance into the guest bedroom earns a roll of Aria's eyes
1745>Adagio just stares 
1746"Hey. Ready to eat?"
1747>Aria sighs
1748>"Took you long enough."
1749"Ooh. Don't get too entitled now, little miss prisoner."
1750>You sit between the two, and place the bag into your lap
1751>And on either side of you, a bowl of slightly cold refried beans
1752"Eat up."
1753>"...was that a joke?"
1754>Aria wags her bound hands around in circles
1755"Haha. Who's first today?"
1756>Adagio's hair is fucking massive
1757>You have to lean around it just to see her indifferent face
1758>Calling her name at least gets her eyes to focus on you
1759>But in a calm tone dripping with finality, she responds
1760>"I'm not hungry."
1761>And goes back to staring at the floor
1762"Uh. Are you sure?"
1763>No response
1764"I guess I won't force you."
1765>That was disappointing
1766>But there's a goofball to your left that's always sure to give you the reactions you want
1767"Well. I guess that's that."
1768>With the bag in hand you get up and strut to the door
1769>"HEY! ASSHOLE!"
1770"Hm?"
1771>"...forGET something?!"
1772"...No?"
1773>Not cracking up is difficult with that look of disbelief she's sporting
1774>You rub your chin and look around the room
1775"Oh. Maybe I should feed you."
1776>"Yo-You THINK?"
1777>You snatch up the bowl and sit beside her, much closer than usual
1778>The chill transfers through the ceramic and into your fingers
1779>That's... disgusting
1780>All the better
1781>You scoop some up and bring the spoon to her angry face
1782"...well don't just stare at it. Do I have to do the train thing? Are you a baby?"
1783>"Shut up."
1784>Aria takes the spoon in her mouth, and you pull it out
1785>Instantly she whines
1786>"Whght thgh fghk!"
1787>She forces herself to swallow
1788>"Why's it so cold? It tastes like shit."
1789"Don't exaggerate."
1790>"I'm NOT exaggerating."
1791"I think you are~"
1792>She shakes your pinching fingers off of her cheek
1793>"Eat some of it and tell me it isn't disgusting."
1794"...heh. How lewd."
1795>Her expression softens up
1796>"What are you talking about..."
1797"You just want a second-hand kiss."
1798>"N-No! Because I'm not gonna eat it anyway!"
1799"Right. Well."
1800>With utmost confidence, you scoop up some gross refried beans and stuff it into your mouth
1801>You're quick to swallow
1802"Mmmmm. Using the mindset of being a slave - who deserves nothing better - I find this abso-lutely-delicious."
1803>"Pfft. I'm not eating it."
1804"Haha!"
1805>You place it in front of her and unravel the plastic bag
1806"Suit yourself."
1807>Inside is a smaller paper bag
1808>And inside that is a wrap containing two segments of a foot long submarine sandwich, packed to the brim with meat, cheese, lettuce, mustard and mayonnaise
1809>As you pull the wrap down to the middle of the half, its juices drip out
1810>"...seriously?"
1811"Mm?"
1812>You take a bite and moan in pleasure
1813>"All-hail Anon, cruelest human on the planet. Is that what you want me to say?"
1814>With a forced look of confusion, you take a second bite
1815>"...or do you think I'm gonna break over a stupid sandwich?"
1816>The crunch of the lettuce
1817>The texture of the meat
1818>All topped off with whatever spicy sauce they smothered on there
1819>No need to pretend to be satisfied
1820>Aria looks increasingly angry
1821>Which is almost as delicious as this sandwich
1822"Mmm. You know, the place I got this at is about a five minute walk from the house."
1823>"So?"
1824"Driving there takes no time at all. These sandwiches are dirt cheap, to boot."
1825>You take a third bite, and enjoy an aggravated sigh from twin-tails
1826"The ingredients aren't exactly winning any awards, but damn, it's delicious."
1827>"SO?"
1828"So - you seem like the kind of girl who'd enjoy a good sandwich."
1829>Instead of denying it, she shrugs
1830>Bingo
1831"The kindness of my soul urges me to share it with you... but prisoners can only enjoy things vicariously."
1832>You rest your arm on her shoulder and scoot in just a little closer
1833>If taking your time with your brunch weren't enough, this is what brings the fuming siren to let out a quiet growl
1834>She hangs her head, up until she hears you crumple up the wrapping
1835>"Done yet? Good. Get out."
1836"That was half of the sandwich, actually. Besides, I feel kind of bad for you, so-"
1837>"Bullshit. You're doing this specifically to be a dick."
1838"You know that's not true."
1839>"What?!"
1840"Did you think I told you the shop was nearby for shits and giggles?"
1841>Unsure of what to say, she rolls her eyes and shrugs
1842"I was letting you know that you'd get to enjoy this..."
1843>She squints her eyes as you hover the second half in front of her nose
1844"...any time."
1845>"What ever. Why should I even believe you."
1846>Er, because Sonata's currently getting that treatment?
1847"Oh, so what's holding you back is you don't think I'll deliver."
1848>"Huh?!"
1849"So eager to replace your leader..."
1850>"Shut up! I didn't say that at all!"
1851>Excitement rushes through you as you notice Adagio's head turn in your peripheral vision
1852>There it is
1853>What Aria seems to care about most
1854>Good standing with, and respect from, the one in charge
1855>Best to capitalize on this rare instance of Adagio appearing to give a shit
1856"Your actions and attitude say more than you realize, twin-tails."
1857>She looks past you
1858>Probably right at Adagio
1859>With a trembling bottom lip, Aria looks away
1860>"I wouldn't betray my leader for anything, let alone a fucking sandwich."
1861>Her voice is somber and shaky
1862>You smile
1863>A few moments later, Adagio goes back to the wall
1864>Not a word?
1865>No show of appreciation for her loyalty?
1866>Aria has been sleeping on the floor and eating the most plain meal imaginable for weeks
1867>All things considered, her faith has been outstanding
1868>It's hard not to feel anger and pity
1869"...hmm."
1870>You unwrap the second half of the sandwich and tap her on the shoulder
1871>She looks at you in defeat
1872>Poor twin-tails
1873>Her eyes narrow as you bring the sandwich up to her face and she looks away
1874>Probably thinks you're being a dick again
1875>Gently, you grab the top of her head and turn it back toward you, gesture to Adagio, and then press your index finger against your lips
1876>She's clearly puzzled, looking from Adagio to you a few times
1877>Oh come on twin-tails
1878>You shove the sandwich into her mouth
1879>"..mpgh?!"
1880>Your cold stare signals her to be quiet
1881>At first she lets it sit there
1882>But as you pat her head she loosens up, and takes a bite
1883>...there you go
1884>She chews slowly
1885>Almost like she thinks Adagio will hear it
1886>Once at the point where the food must be mush, she stops to savor it
1887>Then shuts her eyes as tight as she can
1888>And swallows
1889>You smile at her
1890>She stares
1891>Your smile fades
1892>...and she keeps staring
1893>This is usually where she'd lose her temper and start kicking at you
1894>But her eyes have a certain softness that you've never seen on her
1895"...hm."
1896>You raise the sandwich again, and after taking one last look at her leader, Aria shakes her head
1897>Not in anger or with any semblance of attitude
1898>It feels simple, and honest. Almost like a request
1899>Continuing on would feel wrong, so you take the sandwich, the two bowls and stand up
1900"Anyway. If you're both sure you don't want to eat, I have better things to do than hang out with prisoners."
1901>You step outside
1902"Daily reminder that your aspirations are shit. Being a prisoner is a choice, I can fund a comfortable life style, yadda yadda."
1903>As you close the door you take note of twin-tails, who is just about curled in a ball
1904>...poor girl
1905>As bad as you feel... her conflict is exactly what you want
1906___
1907>"BoooOOOYYYFRRRRRIIiiieeend!"
1908"Kitchen!"
1909>Sonata skips in, free of the confines of her disguise
1910>Sporting that big ponytail and a huge grin
1911>Plenty of jiggling as well. What a stubborn girl
1912>"Whatcha doin'? ...Boyfriend?"
1913>Her enthusiasm is infectious
1914"Finishing my sandwich. Honey."
1915>She hugs herself
1916>"Heehee~"
1917>And then jumps into a more serious stance
1918>"Oh! I was supposed to tell you."
1919"Hm?"
1920>"Your laptop made the beep noise again."
1921"Oh!"
1922>A message
1923>...probably either from Twilight or Applejack
1924>Great
1925"Let's go see what it is."
1926>"Okay!"
1927>You stuff the sandwich into the fridge and follow behind Sonata
1928___
1929>You plop down onto the couch
1930>Miss jiggles lays down beside you, her feet resting on your lap
1931>After gauging your reaction and seeing that you don't mind, she giggles and changes the channel
1932>You poke at the laptop's track pad
1933>The screen lights up with Twilight's profile image in the corner, under a floating number one
1934>This picture always cracks you up
1935>Twilight seemed more interested in the technology behind Rarity's camera than anything
1936>She's got these super focused eyes and had barely started opening her mouth to ask questions
1937>That's what you can make out of it, anyway
1938>...you're stalling
1939>Best get it over with
1940>You click the notification and position your hands over the keyboard
1941>"are you at your computer"
1942"I am now"
1943>"hello anonymous."
1944"What's up"
1945>"i went back to the mall"
1946"Didn't go well?"
1947>"they yelled at me for bothering them again"
1948"Oh"
1949"I'm sorry"
1950>"it's my fault"
1951"You were just trying to do the right thing."
1952>"i mean it's my fault for not getting the information the first time"
1953>Of course, there's only one person who can actually take blame for this
1954>Your fingers move slowly and cautiously
1955"It's not your fault"
1956"Period"
1957>"it is anonymous. theyre counting on me and i failed"
1958"Who's they?"
1959>"my friends"
1960>"but now that i think about it, all humans"
1961>"there are over seven billion of them"
1962>"seven billion people are going to hate me, anonymous"
1963"Twilight. That's not true at all"
1964>"it is, i have multiple sources. this planet is bigger than it appears"
1965"No I meant it's not true that everyone will hate you"
1966>"they will"
1967>"i told my friends they didn't have to worry because i can handle it"
1968>"they trusted me"
1969>"and now i don't even know how big of a threat i'm facing"
1970>Your chest hurts
1971>Every time you go to type a response, you backspace it away
1972>It seems as though no hollow one-liner will satisfy her
1973>So what can you do?
1974>Pretty much nothing. And on top of that, this conversation is going to torment you if it goes on for long
1975>You start typing something
1976>Anything...
1977"Twilight I'm sorry. Please don't worry. I think everything will turn out fine. I have to go"
1978>Just before your finger hits the enter key, your stopped by a message from her
1979>"i'm sorry anonymous"
1980>She's... sorry
1981>She's apologizing for her terrible crime of skepticism
1982>God
1983>Damn it
1984>You control+a and backspace away your prior bullshit
1985>"you might be in the history books"
1986>"i'll at least make sure they know you tried to stop it"
1987>"and that i was the fool who ignored you"
1988"Come on. Don't think like that. I'm tired of it. This is not your fault."
1989>You exhale sharply
1990>Here we go
1991>The "Twilight is typing a message..." text pops up and you get in there quick
1992"No"
1993"Stop typing"
1994"Just listen for a second"
1995>Sure enough, the message disappears
1996"I'm really worried about you, so I'm going to step in"
1997"From now on, I'm in charge"
1998"As your investigation manager"
1999"If there's one thing a manager can't stand, it's workers who blame themselves for mismanagement"
2000"What I mean is, remember how I forgot which room I overheard the sirens talking in?"
2001"I just remembered"
2002>"what room is it"
2003>That message came in so fast that you can imagine Twilight hunching over her keyboard with bulging eyes
2004"Nope"
2005"You'll go down there right now if I tell you"
2006"I want you to just calm down and rest"
2007"While I decide on how to handle the investigation"
2008"Your job today is to relax"
2009"Read a book or something. Knowing you, you'll read two"
2010"Okay?"
2011>There's a long pause
2012>The typing notification brings anxiety
2013>"Anonymous..."
2014>"Are you sure you want to help me?"
2015"I insist"
2016>"Okay..."
2017>"But."
2018>"What time will we meet tomorrow? What equipment will we need? I have a spare notebook if you need one."
2019"Don't worry, don't worry"
2020"I told you, I'm in charge. Let me do the worrying"
2021"I've got everything under control"
2022>"Okay..."
2023"Go relax"
2024>"Okay."
2025"Enjoy yourself"
2026>"ok"
2027>You smile at the shrinking confirmation and hope that she signs off
2028>Before that happens, she sends one final message
2029>"Thank you Anonymous."
2030>Sonata bursts into laughter
2031>Reflexively your eyes shoot up to the TV and catch Susanne with her shirt pulled up
2032>Seeing a woman's bra on daytime television...
2033>Feels kind of naughty
2034>"...excuuuuse me?"
2035"Huh?"
2036>She kicks at your shoulder
2037"Hey!"
2038>"Those aren't the boobs you should be looking at~"
2039>Her tone is threatening and cutesy at the same time
2040>With frail little toes digging into your upper arm, you feel you had best stand down
2041>But what fun would that be
2042"It's my TV. Why can't I look at it?"
2043>"...UHH. You're not looking at the TV! Duh~"
2044"I am."
2045>You're surprised to find that this Susanne character's tits are still on-screen
2046"Wow. Check out the size. And that HD image quality. It's kind of getting me excited."
2047>"Uuurgghh!"
2048>Her big toe twists into your skin
2049>It's more painful than you'd like to admit
2050"And the low latency... gaming on this thing, I could fall in love!"
2051>"A-Anon!"
2052>She sits up and grabs you by the shirt collar
2053>Then pulls you down on top of her, like yesterday
2054>It's something you feel you'll never get tired of
2055>"You're not allowed to look at other girls' boobs!"
2056"Hahaha... okay, okay. I was only joking."
2057>"But you were looking!"
2058>You rest your arm against her side and snuggle up
2059>Maybe you'll stay like this while you make your plans
2060>Against Sonata's chest, nothing can quite get to you
2061"True. You caught me. I looked at the boobs."
2062>"Yeah... naughty, dirty boy..."
2063___
2064"You're awfully quiet tonight."
2065>Aria bounces on your shoulder as you make your way down the steps
2066>Even when confronted, she says nothing
2067>So you head on through the kitchen and down the hall in silence
2068>You shut the door, and stop in front of the chair
2069"Prisoners don't have the privilege of keeping their feelings to themselves."
2070>"...I just don't want to talk to you."
2071"Oh? Are you mad?"
2072>She grunts as her ass hits the chair and you get down on a knee in front of her
2073"Let's play therapist."
2074>"Let's not."
2075"...not even a 'hang yourself'? You really are down in the dumps."
2076>Her reaction is amusingly overblown; completely baffled
2077>"Do you come from some crazy land where ty... tying girls up, being all pervy to them, calling them names and making fun of them and feeding them COLD BEANS, makes them HAPPY?"
2078"Interesting..."
2079>"It's NOT interesting!"
2080"You've clearly got some baggage with a certain handsome slave owner."
2081>"Haha... yeah. You're sooo handsome."
2082>Her tired, shit-eating grin suddenly flattens as she realizes what came out of her mouth
2083>You just smile and let her frustration soak in
2084>"Yo-you KNOW what sarcasm is. Don't even start..."
2085"Sarcasm? That was the most sincere confession I've ever heard."
2086>"Fuck off... fuck off. Fuck off. Fuck off!"
2087>She wiggles left and right until the chair flips right over
2088>Laid flat on her side, she stops moving completely
2089>...poor, poor twin-tails
2090>Even when unbound and granted an opening she fails to get away
2091>So she must know that while flopping around, it'll never happen
2092>"Hey. Where's the pillow?"
2093"....ohhhh boy. Poor, poor, POOR twin-tails."
2094>"What?!"
2095"Did you think that was going to be an every day thing?"
2096>She shows what you think is a bit of panic
2097>But reverts to her pathetic, mopey state very quickly
2098>"N-No. I don't know. I don't even want to do it. I just thought you were going to make me. Pervert..."
2099"Didn't want to? You requested that we do it longer, this morning."
2100>"No! I d-din't... I was just, um..."
2101>You lay down on your side in front of her
2102>"...I ju-I um, I just didn't want to see Adagio."
2103"Why?"
2104>"I don't have to tell you why."
2105"So then I guess you just wanted to sleep by my side."
2106>"...ugh. No."
2107"Then..."
2108>"I swear... maybe you didn't notice, since you're a fucking idiot, but me and Adagio are kind of on bad terms. I mean, we were even before you pulled all this."
2109"Really?"
2110>"And now you're making it worse. Way worse."
2111>Her lazy, depressing tone slowly transitions as her emotions fire up
2112>"She won't even talk to me. I'm th-the new Sonata. I KNOW that's what she thinks. She thinks I'm a fucking idiot. You just..."
2113>She sits up the best she can, and so do you
2114>"You just HAD to tell her about me not running away, huh? That was... COMPLETELY unnecessary!"
2115"Aria..."
2116>"And saying that upstairs? About how, 'ohh Aria just wants a new leader'! What the hell?! As if things weren't bad enough after the bus stop!"
2117"Er. What happened at the bus stop?"
2118>Her breathing quickens
2119>And her eyebrows sink
2120>Oh boy
2121>"I just wanted to h... I just wanted. To show. Her. That I can be a leader too. I mean... help be the leader. We were trying to figure out where to eat. And I told her that, I thought I had a better idea, and told her we shouldn't go to the same places too many times, because it's suspicious. And..."
2122"...And?"
2123>"...she lost her shit. Kept telling me she was in charge. Made me feel like an idiot."
2124>She pauses and scrunches up her face
2125>You're not quite sure, but
2126>Your gut tells you she's doing everything she can to avoid tearing up
2127>"...anyway, she was just starting to stop lecturing me and shit. And then you have to go and... fuck it up."
2128>At the end of her little rant, the siren nods her head with confidence
2129>It's nice to hear so much honesty from her, so you humor her and pretend to think hard about your response
2130"...hm. Once again, it sounds like the problem is Adagio."
2131>"Oh fuck off..."
2132"Seriously. You show yo-"
2133>"Shut up! I don't want to hear it!"
2134>You raise your voice a bit
2135"Quiet!"
2136>...
2137>Just like before, she stares
2138>Looking a bit surprised
2139>Bringing such a mouthy ball of anger to silence...
2140>It's exciting
2141"...as I was saying. Even you know Adagio was out of place. Getting upset over her own insecurity as leader? Ignoring your advice - which was very good by the way - she's in the wrong."
2142>You lift twin-tails up onto the chair and stand before her
2143"Adagio's not worth following if you ask me. If she'll go berserk on her underlings over something so simple."
2144>"How's it different?"
2145"...huh?"
2146>"When you're so mean to me. How is that different? What kind of leader are you?"
2147>This time, you aren't pretending to consider your words carefully
2148"I'm a leader who takes care of his people. End of story."
2149>"Y-yeah, taking care of me by telling me I sm-eeehhhh..."
2150>You'd interrupted by pressing your face into her neck
2151>She smells...
2152>Er
2153>She actually does smell kind of bad
2154"You're like a guy, y'know. Jeez."
2155>"So...?"
2156"Aria, I'm not telling you this stuff to make you mad. I'm hoping you'll improve yourself. For your own sake - so maybe you don't embarrass yourself around people - and for my sake too."
2157>"Your sake?"
2158"Yes."
2159>You move away and look into her eyes for maximum effect
2160"You're mine now. We'll be spending a lot of time together. Smelly twin-tails."
2161>Her eyes narrow, her nose scrunches and she groans
2162>"Wh-whate... yeah I bet you wish yo... urghh..."
2163"Something wrong? Critical error? Do you need rebooted?"
2164>"What does that even mea... just. Tell me why you have to be so mean."
2165"Well that should be obvious."
2166>"It's not."
2167"Aria. Of course I'm mean to a prisoner."
2168>You rub her cheek
2169>She just takes it
2170>There's no way of knowing, but
2171>You hope she feels comforted by it
2172>In fact, an urge to comfort her overwhelms you
2173>Probably not the best action given your position, but damn it-
2174"Hey. You still hungry?"
2175>"Of course I am."
2176"Wait here."
2177>"Uhhh. Duh?"
2178___
2179>You throw the half of the sub into the microwave and hit the +30 seconds button a couple times
2180>Out of the fridge's bottom drawer you take a bottle of coke
2181>Ah, what the hell?
2182>Might as well give her a full meal
2183>From the cabinet, you take a half-eaten bag of Doritos
2184>Perfect
2185___
2186>"What the heck is all that?"
2187"A one time thing as long as you're a prisoner. Let's make that clear."
2188>You place the shopping bag in the floor beside the chair, and lift Aria up onto your lap as you sit down
2189>"What? You got me some cold beans again? I don't want it."
2190"Ohhh no no no."
2191>You chuckle and hold on to her waist as you feel around for the sandwich
2192"Don't get get too excited."
2193>"Huh?"
2194>It pops up into her view
2195>You listen hopefully, but she doesn't make any noise
2196"It's still good. Nice and warm, too."
2197>"...I don't want it."
2198>That just might be the most obvious lie that's ever been told
2199"Buuuullshit."
2200>You haphazardly position her so that she's sitting sideways, cradled into your right arm
2201>With her feet and hands bound, she's left to just stare at the sandwich dangling in front of her face
2202"It's not cold like those beans, twin-tails. It's warm. Almost... hot."
2203>She starts to mumble, but is cut off as bread, meat and cheese press into her lips
2204>"...urmmpphh."
2205>At this point she stops responding
2206>Taking care not to go too far, you put on a tone that is only slightly commanding:
2207"Aria. Eat the sandwich. I'm not letting you go without eating."
2208>"...wph....wphtehvr..."
2209>With a roll of her eyes she opens her mouth and takes a huge bite
2210>Her chewing is full of sass
2211>You didn't even know that was possible
2212>Earlier today she took her time, but now she's shredding the food in her mouth like there's no tomorrow
2213>"...ahh. Happy? I ate it. I ate your stupid sandwich. And guess what? I'm still loyal to Adagio. So there."
2214"Ohh. You sure showed me."
2215>"...yeah."
2216"Haha... twin-tails."
2217>"...what?"
2218"You're cute."
2219>You stuff the sandwich into her mouth as she fires up her retort
2220>She squirms and closes her eyes and you struggle to keep her mouth plugged
2221>It feels kind of... rapey
2222>Thankfully, she just gives up and takes another bite
2223>"SEE?"
2224>Chomp, chomp, chomp
2225>"LOOK!"
2226>Smack, smack, smack
2227>"I'm EATING it!"
2228"Aria dear... don't talk with your mouth full."
2229"Shut UP!"
2230>She swallows hard, and takes another bite
2231>"You make... no fucking... sense!"
2232>And another bite down
2233>"Pretending you... care about... me!"
2234>She goes in for the next bite, but pulls away
2235>"Ohh, Aria, sleep next to me! It's all warm and cozy and shit! Ohh Aria, eat this sandwich while she's not looking! Ohh here, just eat the whole thing in my creepy dungeon room! Ugh!"
2236>Then, she takes that next bite
2237>"I don't... even... care... you're just... I just..."
2238>She keeps this up until the sandwich is gone
2239>With her breathing heavily, red-faced, you silently admire her spirit
2240>And then, you bring out the coke
2241>"...ohhh, THANK you dear leader! You're s-so kind to me... I'm so happy... is that what you want me to say?"
2242>You smile
2243>"Well fuck you! I won't be your slave in a million fuckin' years! Are you gonna open the soda or what?"
2244>You twist off the cap and slowly tilt it
2245>A few drops roll down her chin with how forcefully she thrusts into the bottle
2246>She gulps down half of the damn thing at once
2247>Must not appreciate the water she's been getting
2248>"...ahhh. It wasn't even satisfying."
2249"Really?"
2250>"Yes, really."
2251"Well then. Do you want these chips?"
2252>"What!? ...I mean..."
2253>You pull out and unroll the bag of Doritos
2254>Her mouth hangs open at the sight of them
2255>"Oh. Those."
2256"Do you like them?"
2257>She shrugs
2258"You like them."
2259>The bag ruffles
2260>The chip you present is masterfully crafted
2261>Triangular with rounded edges, and smothered in powder that is already all over your fingers
2262>You raise it toward her
2263>She takes the whole thing into her mouth
2264>...along with part of you
2265"Ack."
2266>After you've retrieved your finger, she crushes the chip between her teeth with alarming force
2267>Every inch of her face is moving
2268>You'd probably be just as eager if you'd gone so long without eating anything with actual taste
2269>"...mmm. These are. Pretty well made."
2270"Think so?"
2271>"I mean, for humans or whatever. I always eat a lot of them..."
2272>You claw around and bring up several additional chips
2273>She's already trying to angle herself to eat them out of your palm
2274>It's like feeding a deer or something
2275>After they're all stuffed into her mouth, she lets gravity take over and falls into your arm
2276>"You're sooo... fucking... stupid... what kinda... idiot..."
2277>She swallows
2278>"Gives his prisoner a treat?"
2279>You reach in again and she shakes her head
2280>"I'm serious. Tell me. Why are you doing this? Why be nice to a prisoner?"
2281>You drop the Doritos one by one into the bag and wipe your hand on the front of her shirt
2282>She barely seems to mind
2283"Aria... maybe I don't want you to be a prisoner forever."
2284>"What..."
2285"Maybe I feel like I have to guide you toward the obvious best choice."
2286>She focuses on the bag of chips and keeps her mouth shut
2287"So?"
2288>"So what?"
2289"Do you want do finish off this bag, or not?"
2290>She frowns
2291>Then rolls her eyes
2292>And sighs
2293"Haha... okay then."
2294>You dig in for another handful
2295___
2296>Having elected to draw out the trip upstairs, you casually stroll through the kitchen
2297>When you told her punishment had ended, Aria had nothing to say
2298>Didn't even make a face
2299>Kind of disappointing
2300>You creep up the stairs, one by one
2301>Listening for a reaction of any kind
2302>...halfway up now...
2303>Nothing?
2304>Three quarters
2305>There's the final step
2306>"Wait."
2307>Lo and behold
2308"Yeah?"
2309>".......uh."
2310>You wait patiently, but she delays for far too long
2311>She gets a bit heavy on your shoulder
2312>Once you feel an urge to set her down, you rush her
2313"Go ahead."
2314>"Just- ...ugh. Never mind."
2315"What were you going to say?"
2316>"Nothing."
2317"I think it was something."
2318>You pat her ass and she kicks her legs
2319>"Fuck you. Go hang yourself."
2320"Alright, alright."
2321>You carry her into the guest bedroom
2322>Adagio's fast asleep, her head hanging and hair obscuring her face
2323>After Aria is tied up properly again she flops right onto her side and closes her eyes
2324"Uhh."
2325>It's almost funny
2326"...sleep tight, twin-tails."
2327___
2328>"Anon?"
2329>You jolt awake
2330>The white glow of your laptop screen hurts your eyes
2331>Sonata's hand rests on your knee
2332>Shit
2333>Why are you so tired?
2334"Hey."
2335>You rub your eyes and then sigh at the blinking cursor with nothing behind it
2336>Some brainstorming session that amounted to
2337"I thought you were going to go to sleep? That's why I turned the lights off."
2338>Sonata grabs the remote off the back of the couch and lowers the volume just a bit before answering:
2339>"I can't fall asleep."
2340"Since when are you too good for the couch? Am I spoiling you?"
2341>You absolutely are
2342>"Hee hee. It's not that. I'm just worried about why you're so worried."
2343"Er."
2344>She gets up and sits so close to you that she's forced to rest her arm on your lap
2345>If this is some kind of pressure tactic...
2346>It's working
2347>"You can tell me, you know."
2348"I..."
2349>Telling her couldn't possibly end well
2350>Going out to spend time with a girl she's already shown jealousy toward?
2351>She'd worry, she'd get angry
2352>Judging by that little outburst at Taco Bell, Sonata might even contact Twilight to set the record straight
2353>So, you can't
2354>Sorry Sonata, but...
2355"It's about the money."
2356>"Huh? ...oh! Oh no!"
2357"Wh-what?"
2358>She covers her mouth and distances herself from you
2359>"I knew it..."
2360"What?"
2361>"I'm so stupid..."
2362"What?! What's wrong?"
2363>She buries her face into a cushion
2364>Her legs flop out onto the floor
2365>"I spent all our money at Taco Bell!"
2366>...
2367"Not quite, haha. I'm not exactly rich, but I'm far from poor. I mean, we're."
2368>"So I didn't waste the money?"
2369"No, silly."
2370>She perks up and sits down again
2371>"Good! Then what is the problem?"
2372"I uh. Uhhh. Well, this money was sent to us from another country. And the... government is suspicious, since it happens to often, and-"
2373>"The cops and judges!?"
2374"Yes? Sort of."
2375>"Are you going to jail?!"
2376>Jesus Christ
2377>This girl goes from calm to panic in an instant
2378>You ruffle her hair and shake your head
2379"The government is big. The cops and judges are only part of it. The part that's causing problems with me is just making sure I'm not a criminal."
2380>"Oh."
2381>She puts on an innocent smile
2382>Trusting your every word as you spew bullshit
2383>God damn it
2384"Yeah. I have to attend a meeting tomorrow and I'm just nervous about it."
2385>"You should have told me. I can help you."
2386"It's okay. I c-"
2387>"Anon!"
2388>She crawls into the floor in front of you and rests her head on your lap
2389>Very quickly you start to feel her warmth
2390>That, and her weight - this feeling of being trapped where you sit is oddly comforting
2391>Why is she so good at calming your mind?
2392>"I need to help you."
2393"Need to?"
2394>"Yeah... um."
2395>She slips her arms under her face and settles in
2396>"It's my job. You've been taking care of me, and you're so nice to me. And now, ever since T-Taco Bell we're-"
2397>She stuffs her face into your leg for a moment to quiet a squee
2398>"we're a couple."
2399>You are, aren't you?
2400>It still seems so surreal for this girl you met so recently, who was initially scared of you, to be with you
2401>"And a girlfriend is supposed to comfort her boyfriend. Especially when he's about to face a battle."
2402"Sonata..."
2403>'Battle' is a bit dramatic, but you let it slide
2404>A dog food commercial passes by on TV
2405>Thirty seconds of contemplation as she hums and gently rocks left and right on top of you
2406>Even though you aren't doing anything wrong, you feel guilty
2407>Lying so that you can spend the day with Twilight...
2408>Maybe it's best just to tell her?
2409"Sonata. There's something I need to-"
2410>The words escape you
2411>Her head shoots up
2412>"Uh, do you mean..."
2413>She sit sup straight and lets her eyelids sink down a bit
2414>"...that you need me?"
2415"Huh?"
2416>Her eyes revert as she studies your confused reaction
2417>"Is it what you need?"
2418"Uh."
2419>"Anon?"
2420>She runs her hand up and down your leg, very slowly
2421>Your face heats up
2422>Your mind draws a blank
2423>Where is this coming from?
2424>"I-Is it what you need or not?"
2425>Her hand stops moving
2426>Though it's hard to see her face with the laptop glowing behind her, you can tell she's nervous
2427>Time to force some words
2428"What's this all about?"
2429>"What do you mean..."
2430"Where did this come from?"
2431>She waits a while
2432>And then removes her hand
2433>"I'm confused..."
2434"Me too?"
2435>"Don't you-"
2436>Her ponytail whips around as she looks away
2437>"Don't you want me, Anon?"
2438>Of course
2439>How could you not?
2440>But so soon, and with this investigation shit on your mind?
2441"Don't you think it's a bit early for that?"
2442>"I don't know. Is it?"
2443"Maybe. We literally started dating today."
2444>You glance at the time
2445"Yesterday..."
2446>Sonata looks at your laptop, and then to you
2447>"Isn't this what boys want?"
2448"Well. Yes?"
2449>"They want to get really close with a pretty girl."
2450"Yeah."
2451>"So I'm not pretty? Is that it?"
2452>What?!
2453>"Is it my hair? I can do twin-tails like Aria. Is- is that it? Am I not tough enough? 'Cause I can be. Beating people up and, saying bad words. Or is it my hair color? I can get the wig. Just tell me. Tell me what to do..."
2454>As she goes on, the faster she talks, and the faster she talks, the higher she climbs up your lap
2455>Once she's close to your face your stomach goes ice cold
2456>Now you can clearly see the tears building in her eyes
2457>"I can be smart, too. I can... maybe not as much as that girl. But I promise I can be smart..."
2458>Her voice is shaken by her unsteady breathing
2459>You feel stunned
2460"Sonata, why are you saying this stuff?"
2461>"Because."
2462>She runs her fingers over her eyes
2463>"I'm scared..."
2464"Of what?"
2465>She shakes her head
2466>"You're more interested in all the other girls."
2467>That's not true...
2468>"Like how you wanted to see Aria naked, but not me."
2469>Where in the world did she get that impression?
2470>...
2471>Your jaw drops as a sentence from earlier on hits you with all of its meaning
2472>"And Applejack - you kept looking and, I know you said you were just nervous, but then you said she's pretty."
2473>It was kind of forced out of your mouth, though-
2474>"You didn't tell me what you talked to her about either."
2475>A bunch of bullshit is all-
2476>"When that smart girl came to the house, you wanted to be alone with her too!"
2477>She knows why that is-
2478>"And. And..."
2479>She's lightly sobbing at this point
2480>Talking so quickly you can't even think straight
2481>"You spent last night with Aria, huh?"
2482>...
2483>Well
2484>It's true
2485>"It's just so... scary having a boy leader."
2486"So that's what it is?"
2487>Her mouth shuts tight and she leans in a bit
2488>Apparently eager to hear your response
2489>You reach around and rub her back
2490"Sonata, you think I'm going to abandon you for other girls?"
2491>She shrugs her shoulders and sniffles
2492"Don't be crazy. Do you really think I'd trade you off?"
2493>"If they were prettier."
2494"Well I wouldn't. You're mine. No matter what happens you'll be by my side."
2495>"Anon..."
2496"Besides that, you're insane if you think you're not as pretty as those other girls. You're..."
2497>You caress the side of her face
2498"...the most beautiful girl I've ever met."
2499>"...Anonnn..."
2500"I don't want to hear about you being stupid, either."
2501>"But I am."
2502"You aren't. A bit naive maybe. But you're just saying this because Aria calls you stupid. Right?"
2503>"I don't know."
2504"I do."
2505>She presses into your hand and whimpers
2506>You'll have to do something about Aria...
2507"And about last night. I was punishing her and fell asleep. That's all there is to it."
2508>She looks perplexed for a moment, likely thinking back to her own punishment
2509"Did you already forget what I told you?"
2510>"What?"
2511"You're special to me, Sonata."
2512>The faint sound of the TV is all you hear for some time
2513>You start to worry that she isn't convinced
2514>But then she lunges into a hug so hard you nearly lose your breath
2515>As soon as presses her face into your shirt, her quiet sob intensifies
2516"Sonata..."
2517>"Y-You mean it?"
2518>You hug her back
2519"Of course."
2520>"I'm... I'm s... I'm so happy..."
2521>You stay like this so long that your laptop's screen shuts off
2522>Resisting the urge to reach over and wake it up, you decide...
2523>Fuck it
2524>You'll just wing it tomorrow
2525>Right now, she needs you
2526___
2527>You wake up to the intro theme of Sonata's favorite show
2528>The previously dark living room is lit partially through the windows and their closed curtains
2529>Morning already
2530"Your show is on~"
2531>She stirs a bit
2532"Don't you want to watch it?"
2533>"Mmm... tired."
2534"Come on~"
2535>Truthfully, you just need her to get off of you
2536>"tired..."
2537"I've got to pee."
2538>"Oh."
2539>She gets up, rubs her groggy eyes and falls into the vacant side of the couch
2540>Already fast asleep again
2541>Time to get ready for the investigation
2542>While making your way to your bedroom's bathroom, you strip off your shirt and pants
2543>After you've done what must be done you stand in the living room and stretch
2544>The fact that there's a girl in the room strikes you, and you feel a bit awkward
2545>Too used to living alone
2546>You start back to your bedroom to get changed and are stopped by three knocks on the door
2547"What the hell?"
2548>You glance at Sonata
2549>Still asleep, thank god
2550>You hop over to the door and look through the peephole
2551>As you thought... Twilight
2552>You can't let her inside with Sonata right there on the couch
2553>But you also don't want to have to tell Sonata to head off to the guest room so you can talk to someone she views as a rival
2554"Damn it."
2555>You stand up straight, and try not to panic
2556>She's going to knock again. What if Sonata wakes up?
2557>After adjusting your boxers a bit, you open the door, step outside and close it as quickly - and quietly - as possible
2558>"Hello Anoh my gosh..."
2559>She raises her notebook over her face
2560"Hey. Why're you here? You should've messaged me."
2561>"Ahh... I, uh, I did. Five times."
2562"Oh. Well it's so early. I just woke up. Please excuse me while I get dressed."
2563>"It's twelve-thirty..."
2564"Feel free to hop into the passenger seat of my car, I'll just be a minute."
2565>"Okay. I will."
2566>She scurries off
2567>Perfect
2568>You smile in victory and head back into the house
2569>After shaking her a bit, Sonata springs awake
2570>"Mmmmm. Anooon! You didn't tell me my show was on!"
2571"I did too, silly. Hey, you have to get up."
2572>"Noooo..."
2573>She watches as you pass by the couch
2574>"Anaawwwn~!"
2575"Huh?"
2576>"Oh my GOSH~!"
2577>Oh, right
2578>Almost naked
2579"Sorry, I was changing for my meeting."
2580>"Oh you don't have to apologize~"
2581>You feel your face heat up and your stomach get all tingly
2582>No time though
2583>Got to act fast
2584"No seducing your leader."
2585>"More like you're seducing me~"
2586"Oh boy."
2587>Now you really don't want to leave
2588>But you've got a girl waiting in your car
2589>Urk
2590"I've gotta get dressed, follow me!"
2591>You dash into your room and throw on a fresh t-shirt and jeans
2592>Your shoes are hiding under the edge of your bed, but you manage to find them
2593>Sonata jumps onto your side of the bed and starts to get cozy
2594>"It smells like you~"
2595"Hey, hey, you have to stay awake. I need you to feed the prisoners."
2596>"Awwww!"
2597"Listen close, this is important okay? Remember not t-"
2598>"to untie them, or listen to anything they say, EVEN if they say they're ready to be good. I'm not stupid, remember~?"
2599>She smiles, and you do as well
2600"Sorry. I'm nervous because it's a bit different this time. I might be gone for a long time today."
2601>Hold it
2602>Taking them to use the restroom involves untying them
2603>You can't really leave that to Sonata
2604"Fuuuuck. I've gotta check on them. Aria has to pee."
2605>"What? How do you know?"
2606"I just know. Hey, I'm going to head out right after that, okay? I'll see you later."
2607>"Okay.... I'll miss you."
2608"You too! Go get their food ready!"
2609>"Arghhh!"
2610>She forces herself to roll off the bed
2611>You pull her up and she follows you out
2612___
2613>"Hey, asshole! I don't need your help!"
2614"You sure?"
2615>She shoves you, but you hold your position
2616>Twin-tails could just sprint off if you don't
2617>She stands there and glares at you
2618"Forgive me. You just seem so feeble and helpless after literally eating out of my hand."
2619>"I didn't have a choice."
2620"Oh, you enjoyed it."
2621>"Yeah, I just LOOOoove being at your mercy like that."
2622>...
2623>She groans and slams the door
2624"Haha. Make sure you wash your hands."
2625>"Don't be stupid!"
2626>Oh, why not check that off the list right now?
2627>Like an asshole, you wait a few moments before opening the door
2628>"...what the FUCK!"
2629>She's got her purple pants pulled down to her knees
2630>For a split second, anyway. She practically falls over pulling them back up
2631>"Get out!"
2632"Just a moment."
2633>"..Huh?!"
2634>You shut the door behind you, and her eyes widen
2635>"...hey."
2636>She backpedals into the corner as you approach
2637>"Wh-what? Freak."
2638"I need to talk to you about something."
2639>You lean over her and pray she doesn't kick you in the balls
2640"Sonata, actually."
2641>Like a child told to clean her room, Aria lets out an exaggerated sigh
2642>"What is it now? You're the only one who's spitting on people lately."
2643"Still mad I didn't kiss you?"
2644>"I would've puked if you did."
2645"So unladylike..."
2646>You get closer and she mashes her face into the wall
2647"Pfft."
2648>"Just get out of here! Fucking creep!"
2649>She pushes a hand into your chest with impressive force, for a single arm
2650>You snatch up her wrist
2651"Aria."
2652>"Let! GO!"
2653>She throws her fist
2654>You raise your hand just in time to catch it, sending a sharp pain through your arm
2655"Man. You're pretty strong, twin-tails."
2656>With your leg firmly pressed into both of twin-tails', you shift your weight onto her
2657>She groans and twists and turns as she tries to get away
2658"Anyway, about Sonata. You're going to st-"
2659>"Go! Go AWAY!"
2660"Aria. Calm down."
2661>"UGH!"
2662>She thrusts herself into the toilet tank and tries to squeeze by you, and you catch her by the waist
2663>Her grunts get increasingly pathetic
2664>She tries to climb over your arm
2665"Jesus. You're going to piss yourself if you keep it u-"
2666>"I can't even go to the fucking bathroom now? God!"
2667"Ari-"
2668>"You are the WORST!"
2669>Being interrupted by this girl is the most frustrating thing
2670>And after what you did last night?
2671>Maybe you're being too soft on twin-tails
2672"ARIA."
2673>She jumps
2674>And then like magic she's frozen in place, and completely silent
2675"Sit down."
2676>"...ugh..."
2677>Her head hangs low
2678>The toilet seat clunks under her ass
2679>That...
2680>Felt ridiculously good
2681"Okay. Now."
2682>You take a seat on the edge of the bathtub, facing the top of Aria's head
2683"I've got a problem with the way you talk to Sonata."
2684>"Okay?"
2685"Namely, you calling her stupid."
2686>"...well."
2687"Well what?"
2688>She exhales sharply and lowers her head even more
2689>"N-Nothing..."
2690"Right. Anyway it's going to stop. From now on, you are forbidden to call her that."
2691>"Forbidden? Seriously?"
2692>She sits up straight again, you suppose to show off the irritation on her face
2693>You take note of the blush as well
2694"A prisoner doesn't get to exercise free speech, let alone use it to insult her superior."
2695>"...SuPERIO-"
2696>The tank's lid audibly shifts as the siren sits against it and grabs hold of her twin-tails
2697>Again reminding you of an unruly child, she pulls on them, hard
2698>"...FINE. I won't insult your PRINCESS. Happy?"
2699"Yeah."
2700>Every time you get Aria flustered, it gets even more exciting
2701>Her tough exterior just begs to be fucked with
2702>"Now let me piss in peace, will you?!"
2703"Not yet."
2704>You step up and raise out your hands
2705>Trying to move further into the tank doesn't work out for her
2706>Regardless, you freeze with your fingers grazing her sides
2707>Something curbs your excitement
2708>Guilt...
2709>A bawling Sonata, hiding her face in your chest
2710"...uh..."
2711>Twin-tails eyes you up and down
2712>"The fuck are you doing?"
2713>Well, now you feel silly
2714>You scratch the back of your head
2715>Maybe you can play it off
2716"You smell worse than usual. I don't want it on my hands."
2717>"What... ever."
2718>She relaxes a bit as you back off, then raises her hands in disbelief when you sit back down
2719>"SERIOUSLY? How long am I supposed to hold it in?"
2720>The urge to fuck with her is rising
2721>But touching her is...
2722>As much as you enjoyed feeling up her impressive body, you shouldn't
2723>With how much pain Sonata's already gone through you'll have to make some changes
2724>Aria raises an eyebrow at your sigh
2725>...what were you thinking when you kidnapped them?
2726>Why would it ever work out with all three?
2727>Those daydreams about having a trio of loving, affectionate companions?
2728>Sonata can't handle that...
2729>And you can hardly blame her
2730>It's depressing
2731"I've got an idea."
2732>You're fine with one wife and two servants
2733>Right?
2734>It can still work out
2735>You don't even need to touch Aria to humiliate her, either
2736>There are plenty of ways...
2737>Such as:
2738"Go ahead. Relieve yourself."
2739>"...WHAT?"
2740"You heard me."
2741>"You. Have. Got. To be. Kidding."
2742"Nope."
2743>Her mouth hangs open
2744>It seems she's waiting for you to laugh and tell her it was a joke
2745>You cross your arms and give her a stern look
2746"It wasn't a request. I have stuff to do, so get to it."
2747>"A-Are you... serious... oh my god. Oh my fucking god. You're a fucking pervert."
2748>Never has flipping the bird been so energetic
2749>Her fist and extended middle finger are waved all around
2750>"I'm drawing the line. This is beyond disgusting. I refuse."
2751>She refuses
2752>Isn't that cute?
2753>Curious how her rude hand gesture disappears the moment you get on your feet
2754>"I'm s-serious. I'm tired of being treated like garbage. I've had enough."
2755"Garbage?"
2756>"...huh?"
2757"You'd be the luckiest girl in the world to be treated like garbage."
2758>"What do you mean by THAT?"
2759"That, as long as you're a prisoner, you're nothing."
2760>You hold on to her shoulders and get in her face
2761>Not eager to risk a kick to the dick, you step on her feet
2762"You have no freedom of speech. You are not entitled to privacy. Cold beans are wasted on you. You're at the very bottom of the hierarchy. You get me?"
2763>"...you-"
2764"And you've only got yourself to blame."
2765>"No, I'v-"
2766"Now hurry up."
2767>Her lip trembles
2768>She squeezes her fists
2769>"N-N-"
2770>With a stomp, she stands up and pulls her pants down to her ankles
2771>She brings her hands back up and hooks her fingers into the band of her panties
2772>As soon as they're far enough down falls back into the seat
2773>Her eyes are full of hate
2774>"Nothing. I'm 'nothing', huh?"
2775>All of a sudden, the situation sets in
2776>You're standing right in front of an angry tomboy who's about to take a piss
2777>Displaying your discomfort would be bad though
2778>So you cross your arms and wait
2779>After ten seconds or so she mumbles something and you hear spattering against the bowl, alongside tiny splashes
2780"There you go."
2781>You give her two good pats on the head
2782"Was that so hard?"
2783>"...can't... believe... you."
2784>The sounds fade, and she slumps
2785"Good twin-tails. Okay, I've got other stuff to get to, so-"
2786>"Take me upstairs then."
2787>She stands and pulls her underwear and pants back on
2788>To your amusement she slams her fist into the flusher
2789>"I'm nothing, right? A f-fuck up. Go tie me up and leave me to die. I don't care anymore."
2790"Oh, Aria!"
2791>"...huh?"
2792>You take a step back
2793"Shouldn't you have uh."
2794>She follows your pointing finger to the toilet paper roll
2795>"Ugh! Whatever! It's your fault, standing over me like a sexual predator! Of course I forgot!"
2796"Man. You really are gross."
2797>With the doorknob in your hand, you motion her toward it
2798>She steps forward
2799"One thing though."
2800>"What?"
2801"Don't pretend you didn't hear me. I said you're nothing *so long as you're a prisoner*."
2802>"...so?"
2803"So, how about you spend the day thinking about it."
2804>"Just. Take me up."
2805>Ew
2806"I'm not carrying you this time. Start marching, I'll tie you up in the guest room..."
2807___
2808>Standing out by your hedges, you pet your pocket
2809>An idea struck you after Aria was back in her place
2810>The bullshit lead you needed was right there in your house all along
2811>It took a while to find it, but at least now you have something
2812>You run your hand over your pocket one last time
2813>The fear of it creating a noticeable bulge seems inescapable, even after a test in front of the mirror showed just about nothing
2814"Okay. Here we go."
2815>You make your way out to your car
2816>Twilight jumps as the door clicks open
2817"Hey. Sorry I was in there so long."
2818>"Oh. It's... fine."
2819"Not very manager-like."
2820>You climb in, close the door and buckle up
2821>Twilight just sits there staring at the glovebox
2822"Gonna go without buckling? I mean, I won't force you. But I'm a pretty bad driver."
2823>"Oh! I'm sorry!"
2824>She frantically reaches over her shoulder and secures herself
2825>"I'd never go without it. It's the rules."
2826"Uh-huh..."
2827>Something's up
2828>She's not looking at you when she speaks
2829>Is it because you were in your underwear?
2830>It's not that big of a deal, is it?
2831"Um."
2832>Well this is embarrassing
2833"Sorry if I made it weird before. I'm not used to having visitors."
2834>"...it's okay, I wasn't even thinking about that."
2835"Oh."
2836>...
2837>Awkward silence
2838>She's fidgeting
2839>This is going badly
2840>Just start the car
2841>Wait, what if she's like this the whole drive?
2842>Or the whole day?
2843>Fuck
2844"You're acting kind of strange."
2845>"...oh."
2846"You alright?"
2847>"Uh."
2848>She rubs her face
2849>"Please don't lecture me."
2850>She looks over
2851>Her eyes are red and weary
2852>"I was up all night."
2853>Not terribly surprising
2854"What were you doing all night...? Reading? Because I was joking about two bo-"
2855>"I decided to go to the school."
2856>Your jaw drops
2857>But, you should have expected this
2858"Are you serious?"
2859>"Yes. I feel so stupid."
2860>She lays against the head rest and makes frustrated hand gestures
2861>"It was dark, so I couldn't even find it."
2862"You got lost?!"
2863>"Yes! Why are there so many buildings?!"
2864>How disappointing
2865>Giving Twilight that little speech yesterday about relaxing and having fun felt good
2866>Now you feel like an idiot for trusting the anxiety addict to not worry
2867"You really shouldn't be wandering around the city at night by yourself."
2868>"I didn't want to."
2869"How'd you find your way back to Rarity's house?"
2870>"P-Police officer..."
2871"Uh oh. You got arrested?"
2872>She looks genuinely insulted, at least a little bit
2873>"No, no. He asked me if I was alright. Anonymous, I'd never be arrested, because I'd never commit a crime."
2874"Of course. I know."
2875>You chuckle
2876"I'm glad you made it home okay."
2877>"Thanks... I'm sorry."
2878"For not doing what I said? You should be sorry."
2879>"I know! That's why I apologized!"
2880>Didn't expect her to snap at you
2881>You back into the window and raise your hands defensively
2882"It was a joke. Spare my life."
2883>She looks confused, then apologetic, and then stifles a laugh
2884>"Sorry. I wasn't mad. Last night was just so stressful."
2885"That's why I told you."
2886>Something bothers you
2887"Couldn't you have pestered Rarity to drive you there?"
2888>"No."
2889"Why not?"
2890>Twilight runs her fingers over the stacked pages of her closed notebook
2891>"Besides the fact that she was already asleep... they don't know that I'm having so much trouble finding information. Mostly I've been talking to everyone on the Personal Computer in the living room. Rarity's suspicious, but I told her I've just got a lot on my mind about my home."
2892"I see."
2893>"Please don't mention it to them."
2894"Don't worry. I probably won't even talk to them."
2895>"Thank you. Thank you, Anonymous."
2896>Her worries influence everything about her, from her restless posture to her antsy tone
2897>She looks like she hasn't been sleeping well for a while
2898>It almost feels that, by capturing the sirens, you've also imprisoned Twilight
2899>That's not what you wanted
2900>"Now then, to the school. We have a very thorough search to conduct."
2901"...About that. What do you say we hold off? For just a little bit."
2902>"WHAT?"
2903>She seems to shock herself with her own volume
2904>"Sorry- what do you mean?"
2905"That. Exactly that. You are unbelievably high strung right now."
2906>"That's not true! I'm just focused, Anonymous!"
2907___
2908>Giving in to the shaking hand guiding it, the spoon presses into the corner of Adagio's mouth
2909>Not good, Sonata whispers in her mind
2910>When she sees that her former leader's stare has become cold, her mind starts to yell
2911>Not good, not good, not good...
2912>"S-Sorry Adagio."
2913>Sonata pulls back the spoon, takes a deep breath, and goes to try again
2914>"Stop."
2915>As commanded, her hand freezes in place and her fingers tighten
2916>"What's wrong?"
2917>" 'What's wrong' ? Do you really need to ask?"
2918>Sonata shrugs her shoulders and looks away
2919>Only for a moment
2920>"Look at me."
2921>"S-Sorry."
2922>She snaps back to Adagio's face
2923>Her droopy, exhausted, yet terrifying face
2924>There's a bit of refried beans on her. Must be what the problem is
2925>Sonata takes a finger and scrapes it off
2926>"Same as always, Sonata."
2927>"...what does that mean?"
2928>"You know exactly what it means."
2929>Sonata's heart was already beating fast
2930>But now she feels a strong urge to either raise her voice, or run away
2931>With no clue which to choose, she elects to look at the floor
2932>"...SONATA."
2933>"Ye-yes! Oh, okay! Sorry Ada... gio..."
2934>What is she doing, she thinks, bending so easily to her?
2935>For some time, Sonata rubs the spoon handle and studies Adagio's figure
2936>She's sitting with her knees against her chest
2937>Her head hanging a bit to the side
2938>Rope around her foot, and rope binding her hands
2939>What can she do?
2940>"Adag..."
2941>In an effort to muster up extra courage, Sonata thinks of you
2942>Being so afraid of Dagi is a betrayal of you
2943>Sounds crazy, but it's not, she asserts to herself
2944>If Dagi can't do anything right now...
2945>Being afraid of her is like admitting that she'll win someday, or that you won't be able to make her be good...
2946>"Adagio."
2947>"Yes?"
2948>"...p-pr-"
2949>Sonata scoops up some refried beans and holds it up to Adagio's face
2950>Using every ounce of her willpower, she frowns and speaks up
2951>"Prisoners will be quiet as they're fed. Even with beans on their faces!"
2952>She said it!
2953>Excitement and mortal terror bubble up in Sonata's stomach
2954>Signals run to her legs telling her to stand and run
2955>But she keeps her butt planted into the wooden floor
2956>Adagio can't do anything
2957>And yet Sonata's skin crawls as she sees her mouth open up
2958>"So. The brainwashing has been going well?"
2959>"Brainwashing? You mean like what we used to do...?"
2960>Adagio laughs softly
2961>"Oh, Sonata. I'm referring to something much more simple, and a victim who is far more pathetic."
2962>Adagio shakes her head
2963>After it's dropped, the spoon dings into the rim of the bowl
2964>"Are you calling me a victim?"
2965>"Do you think otherwise?"
2966>"I'm not a victim... and he didn't brainwash me. He doesn't even have magic, so-"
2967>"Exactly why this is so pathetic, Sonata. This isn't a matter of magical intervention. Instead, this is about a naive fool who trades her friends, her companions - her family - for hollow promises of a comfortable life."
2968>"Wh-what are you talking about?! I didn't 'trade' you..."
2969>"Have you forgotten your agreement with that human?"
2970>"Well..."
2971>"He is your new leader. Your loyalties have shifted. You, are a traitor."
2972>Sonata shakes her head and clenches her fists
2973>However, no proper counter argument springs into her mind
2974>"It amazes me that you would even try to down-play what you've done to the person who's taken care of you for so long."
2975>"Uhh..."
2976>"So tell me. Are you going to admit that you've whored yourself out to him?"
2977>It's not
2978>LIKE that
2979>Sonata's vision blurs and she runs her arm over her watery eyes
2980>Is Aria hearing this, she wonders?
2981>To her relief she finds twin-tails still laying on her side, arms over her head, with tightly shut eyes and slow, rhythmic breathing
2982>"What do you see happening to you in ten years?"
2983>"...I'll be here. With Anon."
2984>"Will you be happy?"
2985>"Yeah..."
2986>"No you will not be. After ten years, you'll spend your free time daydreaming. Reliving the days when you were your own person. And those daydreams will be interrupted by a bitter man's orders."
2987>"...what...?"
2988>" 'Clean the toilet, Sonata.' 'Sonata, cook my dinner.' 'And don't burn it this time, idiot.' After he's told you what you get to do for him, he'll go off on his own."
2989>"That's stupid... what are you even saying?"
2990>"That he will grow tired of you. You are his Equestrian trophy - mildly attractive, but untalented. Clumsy. Slow. Untrustworthy. Annoying. A handful. He'll groan at the sound of your voice and think, 'how did they tolerate this girl before I got her?' After he's grown bored of your body, and you're little more than a maid who sleeps in the floor beside his bed, you will understand how grave this decision you've made is."
2991>Sonata squeezes tight around her wrist, wincing at each insult
2992>She's wrong, Sonata knows she is... but she can't help but visualize you saying each and every heartbreaking word
2993>Your face angry and impatient
2994>Just like Adagio's
2995>"Y-Yo-You're wrong."
2996>"Am I?"
2997>"Y-Yes!"
2998>"I suppose those tears are joyful, and that you've reassured yourself that Anon cares about you."
2999>Sonata quickly wipes her eyes and stands, sending the bowl of beans tumbling into the floor by Adagio's foot
3000>"A-Anon WON'T get tired of me! He WON'T be mean!"
3001>After glancing at the slumbering Aria and quieting herself, Sonata reaches over and grips her own arm again
3002>"Anon is nice. The kind of nice where, if I'm upset, he doesn't get annoyed. He comforts me, and makes me feel better, and he. He-"
3003>She shouldn't, and she's aware of it. But the words come so easily
3004>"He loves me. He told me that I'm special to him."
3005>Adagio's eyebrows raise, just a little. Interpreting this as surprise, Sonata continues confidently
3006>"He doesn't want to rush into S-E-X, because we're doing things proper. Like, dating. He's my boyfriend now."
3007>Sonata nods her head and smiles
3008>"We haven't even kissed. He doesn't just want me for my body. He wants me to be by his side. Forever."
3009>Her finger pushes painfully into her arm as anxiety builds. Every word she speaks at this point is surely a bad idea
3010>Best to stop here, she decides
3011>She releases her arm and rests her hands on her hips
3012>"...Special?"
3013>Adagio slowly turns her head toward Aria
3014>When she looks back, the smile she's adopted sends a chill down Sonata's spine
3015>"...mhm."
3016>"You think this human is in love with you?"
3017>"I think he is. No, I KNOW he is."
3018>Her eerie smile strengthens
3019>"Very, very interesting."
3020>Scooting her foot around the bowl of beans, Adagio stretches out her legs and yawns
3021>"Sonata, you've just given me something to think about."
3022>"What?"
3023>"Let's just say I'm going to have to re-evaluate Anon after hearing that."
3024>"Wait. Really? Are, are you serious?!"
3025>She bounces and clasps her hands together, which is enough to send Adagio right back into that irritated state
3026>"Calm down."
3027>"Yeah, yeah..."
3028>"Listen. I'm not very hungry."
3029>"Are you sure? You barely ate any."
3030>"If I tell you that I'm not hungry, it means I'm not hungry."
3031>Sonata nods and takes the bowl in her hands
3032>The beans have slid up to the edge, but it's still fine
3033>Trying to contain the excitement of her victory, she hums and kneels in front of Aria
3034>"Don't worry about that. Just go down stairs."
3035>"But, she'll be mad!"
3036>"Being like this, eating as little as we do..."
3037>Adagio cracks her neck, to the left, and then to the right
3038>"...shrinks your stomach. Do you understand me?"
3039>"Yeah. I do."
3040>"So, go downstairs, Sonata."
3041>She pokes at the side of the bowl for a while
3042>Then she sighs and stands by the doorway
3043>"You don't have to have a small stomach. If you jus-"
3044>Adagio's face is hidden again by her hair as she stares at the wall
3045>But that's okay
3046>This conversation was a success, Sonata tells herself
3047>With a big smile she dashes out of the guest room and down the stairs
3048>If only Anon were here right now...
3049___
3050"I swear. You'll be thanking me."
3051>"No! It's inappropriate!"
3052"It's not about what's... 'appropriate,' for crying out loud. It's about enjoying yourself."
3053>"Anonymous, I respectfully decline."
3054"No you don't."
3055>"WH- you can't consent for me!"
3056"I so can. I'm gonna do it right now."
3057>You reach out your hand and Twilight grunts
3058>"I'll feel guilty. Just, please stop it already..."
3059>The glovebox's little weight becomes apparent the moment its handle is pulled, and you let it fall open
3060>You take your wallet and wag it in the air
3061"It's nothing. Seriously."
3062>Facing the speaker again, you clear your throat and try to talk loud and clear
3063"We changed our mind, she'll take the deluxe ice cream sundae after all."
3064>The passenger buckle clicks and the belt zips up and over
3065>A palm presses into your leg
3066>Hair fills your vision
3067>"DISREGARD! Please, strike that from the record, I did NOT consent!"
3068"Twilight. Come on..."
3069>You push her back into her seat
3070>"Unhand me, Anonymous!"
3071"Alright."
3072>You hold her down with your foot the best you can
3073"Ignore her, she's just trying to be funny."
3074>Twilight shoves on your leg, barely getting it to budge, and the speaker fuzzes
3075>"...okay sir, please check the screen and confirm your order..."
3076"That's right. ESPECIALLY the last bit, with the deluxe ice cream sundae."
3077>"Anonymous!"
3078___
3079>Twenty minutes later you sit across from an irritated Twilight, at the tables outside a fancy book store
3080>You've finished eating, but Twilight's pretty slow
3081>Something has been making you feel a childish excitement since you got here:
3082>She hasn't noticed where you are
3083"So. Once you're done with your fries, and the sundae, I have another idea."
3084>Her mouth shuts hard, mashing a fry in half
3085>Through gritted teeth, she asks,
3086>"Anonymous. Don't tell me we aren't going to the school next?"
3087"Nope."
3088>"Are you KIDDING ME?!"
3089"Uh. Twilight?"
3090>"I was only keeping my mouth shut because I knew it was almost time to go!"
3091>She seems to notice the worry on your face
3092>Twilight shuts her eyes, and while gesturing toward her chest, breathes in
3093>Then while gesturing away, breathes out
3094>"Ahhh... alright. Alright. I'm sorry for yelling."
3095"It's fine."
3096>"What do you have in mind, manager?"
3097"I'll tell you right after you finish your sundae."
3098>"...to be honest, I'm already full. Why don't you eat the sundae?"
3099"Come on. I've come to expect girls to eat three times as much as you just did."
3100>"What?"
3101"Nothing, just enjoy the sundae. I want you to have it."
3102>"I don't... want it."
3103>Why's she being so adamant about this ice cream?
3104"What is there to feel guilty about if I happily bought it for you?"
3105>"I... don't deserve it. After what I did to y-"
3106"Stop. Seriously. I'm not upset."
3107>"Maybe because you don't know how big a deal this could be. In fact, judging by your attitude about this investigation I KNOW you don't understand."
3108>Don't... understand?
3109"I understand just fine."
3110>"You don't."
3111"Being responsible is one thing. Worrying yourself into the ground is another. Just eat the sundae, Twilight."
3112>"No, Anonymous!"
3113"Come on!"
3114>"I decline! I'm FULL!"
3115"No you're not!"
3116>"First you consent for me, then you consent for my stomach?!"
3117"I-"
3118>You realize you've stood up
3119>Twilight's glare doesn't soften, even after you smile and scratch your chin in embarrassment
3120"Sorry."
3121>"Yeah."
3122>Uh oh
3123>Sleep deprivation and stress are not pretty on this girl. Not pretty at all
3124>Not that they'd be pretty on anybody
3125"Tell you what. Forget about the sundae."
3126>"Gladly. I didn't want it in the first place."
3127"Eheh. Okay. Uh, about that idea."
3128>Pointing off to the side, you drop down into your chair
3129>You feel better the moment her eyes are on the hanging sign
3130>"Oh. A book store?"
3131"Yeah. You like books. Right?"
3132>"I love books."
3133"How about we look around? I bet you've never been in a human book store before."
3134>"I haven't."
3135>Twilight looks back with a faint smile, which disappears immediately after she sees the sundae again
3136>She shoves it to your side of the table and continues
3137>"But I don't have money to buy books, or the time to read them - I'm very busy when I'm in this world."
3138"Exactly."
3139>She frowns
3140>"No thank you."
3141"What?"
3142>"I'm not going to let you buy me a bunch of books."
3143"Really? Don't you wish you could amass a human literature collection, and bring it back to your world?"
3144>"I d-... um."
3145"You could build a whole library just for the stuff, back home. Our species has written so much that you'd need far more than just one library to contain it all though. Imagine taking books through the portal, studying them, and returning as a human expert..."
3146>Her lips move as if to say something, but she just ponders
3147"To start out, you could buy an encyclopedia. A few novels to get a better grasp on human to human interactions too. I bet you have a lot of questions about our biology..."
3148>Her eyes widen a bit
3149>"...there are books that cover each and every last detail about the human body. Isn't that the kind of stuff you're into?"
3150>"Uhhhh."
3151>It seems as though she's trying to be angry, and just can't
3152>A potent curiosity is painted on her face
3153>"They have those books here for sure?"
3154"Yeah!"
3155>That's how you catch a nerd
3156>"Well. I guess a few minutes of looking around wouldn't hurt."
3157"Damn right they wouldn't. Let's go."
3158___
3159>For the past ten minutes, she's been moving from section to section, gawking at the many different genres on display
3160>"The art. There's so many beautiful covers."
3161"That's a weird thing to notice."
3162>"Well, I mean-"
3163>She holds up a romance novel with a beautifully painted forest in Fall
3164>As she swoons she rubs its side
3165>"Art on the cover of a book is less common in Equestria."
3166"Ah."
3167>"I think it's fantastic. Imagine how many children it could lure in."
3168>Creepy way to phrase it, but who can disagree?
3169>She continues moving from shelf to shelf, reading summaries and noting which ones she's interested in
3170>Eventually she stumbles upon a section with a big banner advertising pre-owned study material
3171>Textbooks lay side by side on a few tables with reduced prices
3172"Ah, we found it. Math, Science, Literature, Health-"
3173>Twilight snatches up a biology book and flips it open
3174>"Oh my gosh. There are so many pages..."
3175"Yeah! You can read all about our weird fingers and stuff."
3176>"Oh my gosh! A whole chapter on the human heart."
3177"Uh-huh. A good thing to learn about, I guess."
3178>She skips ahead
3179>"Oh my... gosh."
3180>She looks at you from beside it, apparently comparing you to an illustration, and quickly looks back to the book
3181"...Twilight?"
3182>Over the next ten seconds you watch a blush form on her face
3183>You grab it out of her hands and put it back on the table
3184"Alright, maybe you should start with another textbook."
3185>"Y-Yes."
3186>A little while later, you're looking around in embarrassment as the bookworm argues with you
3187>"I. Decline."
3188"Come on. It was the whole point of coming in here. I can afford it, so enjoy it."
3189>"Anonymous, I really don't feel comfortable. I'll acquire human books on my own."
3190"You're not even technically a student, right? Do you have your own textbooks?"
3191>"If I find time, I'll study Rarity's..."
3192"And then leave them behind?"
3193>She stamps her foot and shakes her head
3194>One by one she takes the books piled in your arms and places them back where they belong, in some instances sprinting across the store and coming right back
3195>"There! Now drop it, would you?"
3196"Twilight. You're... something else."
3197>"Uh-huh! I'm going back to the vehicle!"
3198"It's called a car you dork."
3199>"Uh-huh!"
3200>She stomps off
3201___
3202>Back on the road
3203>Almost to Canterlot High
3204>Thankfully for your nerves, Twilight is too mad to say anything
3205>Her frustration is difficult for you to relate to
3206>Probably because you know so little about Equestria, or magical beings...
3207>...but you couldn't resist giving it one last shot
3208>You pull the shopping bag further up your lap so that it doesn't fall to the floor as you turn
3209>And there it is: the Taco Bell you usually eat at
3210"Okay. We're pretty much there now."
3211>A few minutes later you pull into the mostly empty High School parking lot
3212>Before the car has even come to a complete stop, Twilight unbuckles and goes for the door handle
3213"Wait a second."
3214>No response, she's just frozen in place
3215"I don't want you to be mad at me."
3216>You notice her shoulders rise and fall before she turns around
3217>"I just want to search for information."
3218"Yeah. I get it. But just listen."
3219>"...Okay."
3220"Back in the book store, watching you look around like an excited little kid, was really amazing. That's the only time I've actually seen you happy."
3221>"Oh, well I don't know about that."
3222>With how little time you've spent with Twilight, it's very true
3223"I know you feel guilty, but I have to insist. Because I want you to learn to balance your time."
3224>"Insist on wha-"
3225>She looks the shopping bag and sighs
3226>"You said that you bought yourself a dictionary."
3227"Ha!"
3228>You pull the bag up from its bottom and catch the novel as it falls
3229>Staring up at Twilight is that same romance novel, with the Fall forest
3230>Upside down. Just as planned, right?
3231>"A-Anonymous..."
3232"Hundreds and hundreds of pages of humans being humans."
3233>"But..."
3234>Her voice softens
3235"The protagonist is a dork, too. It's the perfect place to start. Just take it, in exchange for promising that you'll spend plenty of time unwinding while you read it."
3236>She gently takes the book from your hand and places it in her lap
3237>Running her finger up and down the cover seems like a pretty positive reaction
3238>"...it is a beautiful book."
3239"Y-Yeah, right?"
3240>"And I know you're trying to help me."
3241>She picks up the shopping bag, places the novel inside and pushes it against your leg
3242>"But for the last time, I decline."
3243"...What?! I had you that time!"
3244>"Not even close actually."
3245"This is so damn stupid... just take it!"
3246>You drop the bag onto her
3247>"Hey!"
3248>She picks it up and drops it from slightly higher up
3249>You similarly raise the stakes and go just about as high as is possible in the car
3250>"ANONYMOUS!"
3251>Twilight grips it tight
3252>Smacks it into the ceiling
3253>And slam dunks it into your crotch
3254"...FFF-"
3255>You grab the steering wheel and look away
3256>Sharp pain rushes through you
3257>You suddenly feel short of breath
3258>And judging by Twilight's immediate ranting, she doesn't realize what she did
3259>"There's something you REALLY need to learn Anonymous. And frankly, I can't believe I'm going to have to teach it to you!"
3260"Y-Yeah? What? How to treat a small mystery like a blooming World War?"
3261>"No, I'm going to teach you how to be a better friend!"
3262"Th-this entire day was about being a good friend to you."
3263>"Are you sure?"
3264>You groan and look at her
3265>She's crosing her arms and tapping her elbow
3266>"Are you sure this is being a good friend?"
3267"What are you saying?"
3268>"I told you I didn't want you to buy me food! I practically begged you not to buy the ice cream! And now you've spent even more money on me!"
3269"I wanted to-"
3270>"Did I look like I wanted you to?"
3271"...Twilight..."
3272>"You can't do this to people. If you force something on someone, even if you THINK it's for the best, deep down they'll RESENT you for it!"
3273>She opens the door, steps out and slams it
3274>Though you're still suffering from an agonizing pain between your legs, her words seem to have struck you the hardest
3275>"Don't wait for me! Just tell me what room you overheard the girls talking in, and go home."
3276"...uh..."
3277>Which room
3278>Which fucking room?
3279>How are you going to do this?
3280"Uhhh..."
3281>"What? You forgot? Great. GREAT! I'll just search every room in entire school, Anonymous! Or maybe you're just holding out until we spend some time at the gas station?"
3282"Do you know where the art rooms are?"
3283>"Yes."
3284"It was in one of them. I don't remember which."
3285>Though Twilight's anger doesn't dissipate, you catch a hint of a smile
3286>"Good. Then, I'll be off."
3287>She takes a few steps, and then returns to the passenger window
3288>"Um. Anonymous. Even though you're absolutely in the wrong... um."
3289>After grabbing her notebook off the middle seat, she forces a smile
3290>"...I know you were... trying to be good. So..."
3291>Twilight nods and takes off
3292>You slide into your door
3293>The warm window heats up the side of your face
3294>But you can't bring yourself to get off of it
3295>You just watch Twilight rush inside
3296"...fuck."
3297___
3298>Dozens of channels surfed, and none have distracted you in the slightest
3299>Annoying commercials trying hard to be "random"
3300>The shopping channel feels pointless
3301>Your favorite movie's playing
3302>It seems like a perfect opportunity at first, but there's no way you'll commit to the run time
3303"Ughh."
3304>It's not the first time TV has let you down
3305>The internet will have to pick up the slack
3306>...though, if you're on your laptop, you probably won't be able to resist checking for messages from Twilight
3307>You sigh and fall onto your side
3308>Might as well just check if Sonata's show is on-
3309"Uggghhh."
3310>"Anon?"
3311>You sit up and find Sonata, standing behind the couch
3312"Hey."
3313>"They don't need to go to the bathroom."
3314"That's good."
3315>Sonata smiles, opens her mouth to speak, but stops
3316>As if unsure of what to say or how to say it
3317>"...Aria wanted to talk to you."
3318"About what?"
3319>Once again she pauses
3320>Ever since you got home today you've noticed this behavior
3321>This subtle discomfort she's hiding
3322>It makes you wonder: did it start today?
3323>Or has she been doing this the whole time, while you've been too naive to notice?
3324>"She wouldn't say. Do you want me to talk to her for you?"
3325"Just tell her to give a reason, or I won't bother."
3326>Sonata nods and heads on out of the living room
3327>You sigh and lay back down
3328"Twin-tails... let me mope in peace..."
3329>Soon, Sonata's face is hovering over yours
3330>"She wants to know when you're going to punish her."
3331>Oh, right
3332>You'd forgotten about punishment completely
3333>The select button on the remote brings up the time
3334>11:24 PM
3335"I guess it is getting sort of late."
3336>"...You don't have to punish her, do you?"
3337"Still worrying about them?"
3338>"Well. Yeah..."
3339"Hmm. I don't really feel like punishing her. I'm pretty tired."
3340>"Great! Then I'll tell her!"
3341"W-Wait."
3342>You sit up, rest a hand on Sonata's shoulder and she jumps
3343>It catches your attention, but you try to stay focused
3344"It's fine. I'll do it. I guess I have to."
3345>"...Why?"
3346"You know. Intimidation. I don't want to look like a slacker."
3347>"Don't worry Anon. You're intimidating anyway."
3348>It's like a knife through the heart
3349>Your suspicions seem to materialize as ice packed into your stomach
3350>You let yourself slide backwards off the couch
3351>"Anon!?"
3352>Her bare feet appear upside down before your eyes
3353>"Anon! What's wrong?"
3354>She gets down on one knee
3355>It doesn't seem like she's aware, but her panties are in clear view
3356>You can't quite muster up any excitement over it
3357>"Are you sick?"
3358"Nah. Nah... don't worry, Sonata. I'm just exhausted after today."
3359>"Turning into a snake isn't going to help, silly."
3360"Yeah, but it gives me an excuse to have you pick me up."
3361>Sonata smiles
3362>At least you hope she does
3363>All you see is her legs straightening out
3364>"You're a boy, so."
3365"You calling me heavy?"
3366>She takes both of your hands and pulls as hard as she can
3367>Your back rubs against the cushion and your shoulders hit the carpet
3368"Are you picking me up or pulling me into the floor?"
3369>"Uh! You're a BOY, so!"
3370"That's no excuse."
3371>You lift your legs
3372>Sonata grabs them and tugs
3373>It works much better this time, flipping you onto your stomach
3374"There we go."
3375>"You look like you're really, really tired. Just punish her tomo-another day, okay?"
3376"No, no... I went and said it would be an everyday thing."
3377>You pull yourself up by the arm of the couch
3378"Just prepare for relentless cuddles once I'm done."
3379___
3380>"Why are you going so slow?"
3381>Aria's voice is practically a growl already
3382>The microwave on the counter catches your eye
3383>You hum and poke at the buttons
3384"This thing's so old. I should buy a new one."
3385>"I don't even know what you're talking about."
3386"Oh."
3387>You spin around. Aria's ass joins you in staring at the kitchen door for a moment before you turn back
3388>"Well what is it?"
3389"A microwave. It warms up your beans."
3390>"Yeah, used to maybe."
3391"Still mad about that?"
3392>She wiggles around on your shoulder
3393>"Just keep going."
3394"I don't know... maybe I should google some good modern microwaves first?"
3395>"The hell does google mean? I- I don't even care. Why do you keep stopping?"
3396"Because you keep complaining."
3397>"Well GO! I need to talk to you about something very, VERY important!"
3398>Something important?
3399>Maybe something along the lines of, 'I want to be your slave'?
3400"Well, well, well."
3401>She settles when you continue down the hall
3402>Rather than kicking the black door open, you walk into it. Just as lazily, you lean your back into it to shut it
3403>"OW?"
3404"Oh right. Your face."
3405>You drop Aria into the chair and cross your arms
3406>"What's up with you? You're being even weirder than usual."
3407"Don't worry about that. Just go ahead."
3408>"Uh..."
3409>She looks down at her lap
3410>Given that it's probably a humiliating thing for her to say, you give her some time
3411>About fifteen seconds
3412>Then you lose patience
3413"All that complaining and you didn't even want to tell me what's on your mind?"
3414>"I want to. It's just. Ugh..."
3415"Get it over with. You'll feel better."
3416>"Er? Okay?"
3417>Twin-tails takes a deep breath, and exhales very slowly
3418>"Will you... fuckin'..."
3419>She extends her arms as well as she can, pushes her bound hands into the floor and crawls onto her knees
3420>"Talk to Adagio, and make things okay between her and I?"
3421>Wait
3422>This again? Seriously?
3423>Before you can get a word in, Aria gets down on her arms and lowers her face into the smelly carpet
3424>"PLEASE."
3425"...Are you really begging, on your hands and knees?"
3426>She maintains the position in complete silence
3427"Wow, Aria. I don't know what to say."
3428>You sit down in front of her
3429"What happened to make you do this?"
3430>A cute little muffled groan can be heard
3431>She really doesn't want to say
3432>Even prodding the side of her head doesn't get it out of her
3433"Come on. Tell me. I'm not going to stop poking until you tell m-"
3434>Your hand is pushed away by her head as she shoots back up
3435>"SHE GAVE UP on me, like you said. She told me I should just do what Sonata did and join you. Can you fuckin' believe that? How could someone as stupid as you be right? I can't fuckin' believe this..."
3436>Her face is already beet red
3437>"You have to do something. She's only doing this because of what you said. If you take it back, she'll change her mind. So, please. Do something nice for me for once. I'll owe you a favor or something."
3438"For once? Didn't that sandwich count?"
3439>"Wh-whatever. Two favors?"
3440"Don't forget about the chips and the soda."
3441>"...Four favors. Okay?"
3442"Man. Four favors for my prisoner. I'm awfully nice."
3443>"Whatever. Just agree already."
3444"Aria..."
3445>Remembering the reality check to the balls from earlier today, you decide that forcing Aria to accept the realities of her own situation is the best course of action
3446"Let's say I go up there, and take all of it back. Adagio's happy with you again."
3447>"Yeah. Will you?"
3448"So you go back to being tied up alongside her for another two weeks. Or a month. Or a year. Or longer? Is that your plan?"
3449>"...N-No..."
3450"You escape, right? Slip right out of the rope or something. Now what? You get your necklaces?"
3451>"..."
3452"That's not going to happen. Those things are gone. Search the city for the rest of your life and you'll never find them. In other words you'll be out on the streets without your magic."
3453>She frowns
3454>Time to lay it on thick
3455"Maybe right after you escape you decide to get some food. Well, good luck. That costs money. And how much money do you have?"
3456>She rolls her eyes
3457"How much, Aria?"
3458>"None. Obviously."
3459"So you go hungry. At least you can get a hotel room and think over your options after a good night's sleep. Except you can't. Those cost money too. That leaves you with very few options. How do you like park benches?"
3460>"You must think we're idiots. Maybe I'll find work?"
3461"No one's going to hire a girl who can't prove her identity."
3462>"Why would I need to prove my identity?"
3463>You shake your head
3464"This is what I mean. You're not stupid, but you have no idea how this world works. At the same time you've got this hubris. It's a recipe for disaster."
3465>"So you're just trying to say that my ONLY option is to stay with you."
3466"Well-"
3467>"Why do you want this so fuckin' badly? Why do you NEED me to stay here with you? If you really think this is a good option for me, then tell me why you're so willing to take me in."
3468>Ouch
3469>She parried her reality check, and brought yours right back into focus
3470>Judging from her suspicious stare she probably expects the answer to be that you're just a pervert
3471"I'm... not sure anymore."
3472>She raises an eyebrow
3473>Punishing the sirens seemed like a necessary step
3474>They're criminals, after all. But more importantly...
3475>If you break them down, and turn them into slaves...
3476>They'll have to depend on you
3477>They CAN'T leave you
3478>And the guilt you feel in doing this to them can be pushed away by just remembering:
3479>They're monsters
3480>They're not even people
3481"I guess I was just trying to fill a hole in my life. But, it was a bad idea."
3482>"What?"
3483"All of this. I didn't think it through."
3484>You pull Aria into the chair
3485"I mean, fuck. I spray painted that door a few minutes before I left to kidnap you three. I don't even know why I did that. It looks goofy as fuck."
3486>"Uh. That still doesn't tell me WHY you kidnapped me. What do you mean, hole in your life?"
3487"You wouldn't believe my motives anyway. I'll just be a pervert to you. Hey, tell me something: you hate my guts, don't you?"
3488>"Yes."
3489>No hesitation...
3490"You mean it when you tell me to hang myself, right?"
3491>"Uhh."
3492"See? I don't know why I ever thought this would work out."
3493>"What are you saying?"
3494"This was all... a mistake. That's what I'm saying. I should never have kidnapped you."
3495>"M-Mistake? But you said-"
3496>She slowly pulls her legs up to her chest
3497"I said what?"
3498>"You said... you said I was yo-"
3499>Her face scrunches up
3500>She lets out a quiet, exhausted whine and rocks around in the chair
3501>"Wo-would you just hit me already?"
3502"Wha?"
3503>"Hit me! Like you did Sonata! No, worse than Sonata! Punch me in the stomach until I can't breath!"
3504>On instinct alone, you take a step away from her
3505>"Do it! You're fuckin' AWFUL at this. Maybe you can REDEEM yourself. Kick me until my teeth fall out!"
3506"Twin-tails? You uh, you feeling alright?"
3507>"NO! I'm feeling bored, because you're the worst wannabe 'master' ever. Saying I smell bad? Feeling me up? Cute! And that sandwich shit is just sad. At this rate you're gonna do more nice things than MEAN THINGS!"
3508"Aria, are you... about to cry?"
3509>"N-NO!"
3510>She throws herself off of the chair
3511>Her twin-tails spiral around her as she rolls to the wall and back, ranting all the while
3512>"Kick my ass! 'You might be tough for a girl but I'm a guy' THEN PROVE IT! Hit me! Throw me into the floor! Step on my face!"
3513"You're creeping me out."
3514>"I'M CREEPY, RIGHT?"
3515"Right now... yes..."
3516>"I smell bad, I'm not pretty, I'm stupid, I'm NOTHING, and I was all a MISTAKE!"
3517>Is she having some kind of meltdown?
3518>The discomfort building in your gut makes it clear that you're not equipped to deal with this
3519>Her rolling picks up in speed
3520>The chair has officially tipped over
3521>Aria's shirt is riding up her stomach, and her hair is a wild mess
3522>"HIT! ME! IDIOT! GIVE ME A REASON! HIT! ME! HIT! MEE!"
3523>She comes to a sudden stop against your raised foot
3524>Her face is so scrunched up that you can't even tell if her eyes are closed
3525"I'm not going to hit you."
3526>"Right. Fuckin' coward..."
3527"Aria."
3528>"H-Huh?"
3529"I think punishment is over."
3530>"Whatever. Gonna be thirty seconds long every night or what."
3531"No, I mean, I think punishment is over... forever."
3532___
3533>She's been standing against the kitchen table for a few minutes now
3534>By your choice - since you refused to patch things up between her and Adagio, taking her back upstairs is probably a bad idea
3535>You lean over and try and gauge her mood, but her face is just...
3536>Blank
3537"What do you think of sleeping in here?"
3538>"The... kitchen...?"
3539"Yeah. For now, anyway."
3540>"...for now?"
3541>You nod and tap rhythmically on the table
3542"Yeah. For now."
3543>She shrugs her shoulders as slowly as a person possibly could
3544"Hmm. Alright. I'm going to get a pillow and a blanket or something, I guess."
3545>"Uh-huh..."
3546>You take a step past her, and her bound hands come flying into your chest
3547>"Wait."
3548"What?"
3549>"Uh... I... uhhh... I, I need to go to the bathroom."
3550>A loud, dramatic stinger plays on the TV in the living room
3551>She doesn't find it nearly as amusing as you do
3552"Heh. What, were you lying before?"
3553>"No... just wanted to talk to you..."
3554"Oh?"
3555>You throw her over your shoulder and make your way into your bedroom
3556"Are you feeling better now?"
3557>"Uh-huh..."
3558"Are you lying?"
3559>"Uh-h-nno..."
3560"Hmmm."
3561>After getting the ropes off of her, you gesture toward the bathroom
3562>She drags her feet on the way in
3563>As if watching that freak out wasn't a big enough guilt trip...
3564>"What are you doing? Are you not going to come in?"
3565"I told you. We're not doing punishment anymore."
3566>She shrugs her shoulders again, leans against the door frame and rubs her wrists
3567>"Are you really going to give up? Kinda makes you a quitter, huh?"
3568"Aria. Go to the bathroom."
3569>"Hah. Anyway, there's no paper on the roll. I don't know how to put more on there, so."
3570"What? There should be some."
3571>"I just saw it, dude."
3572>She steps in and points
3573>Did Sonata play with the-
3574>No, come on
3575>She's not a puppy
3576"Okay. I'll show you how to put more on. Pay attention, okay?"
3577>Once inside, you reach down for the cabinet, but stop yourself
3578"Aria. There's definitely still paper on-"
3579>In an instant, you're staring at the clean, white ceiling
3580>The very top of your head slams into one rim of the bathtub, and the other jabs into your back
3581>You hear a gasp, a few stomps and a slam
3582"What. The fuck..."
3583>As you sit up, you notice a jingling of the door knob that is impossibly far away
3584>And when stand you nearly fall 
3585"Holy shit."
3586>You take a moment
3587>Breathing slowly, waiting
3588>The dizziness starts to fade
3589>The throbbing pain just intensifies
3590"Aria..."
3591>Sliding your hand on the wall helps you keep your balance to the door
3592>The knob won't budge
3593>Not one bit
3594"Aria. Aria!"
3595>She's not there, is she?
3596>Yeah
3597>She's gone
3598>You flip the lock both ways a few times, and obviously it makes no difference
3599>Looks like you taught her a new trick
3600"S-"
3601>You ball your fist, and hit the door a few times
3602"SONATA!"
3603>And then you wait
3604>You repeat this, two more times
3605>Nothing
3606"SONATA!"
3607>Probably asleep
3608>Or distracted by the TV?
3609"SO... NAATA...aaaa."
3610>The knob turns, and the door opens up slowly
3611>On the other side is a terrified Sonata holding a chair up to her chest
3612>"Anon! What happened!?"
3613>The chair tumbles to the floor
3614>She puts a hand on your shoulder and gets as far up on her tippy toes as she can
3615>"Are you hurt?"
3616"Did you see Aria?"
3617>"Uhh. I."
3618>Feeling your balance returning, you let go of the wall and walk to the doorway
3619>The living room's empty
3620>"I heard the front door slam, and I woke up. I thought it was you though."
3621>So
3622>She really did it
3623"I didn't think she had it in her."
3624>"Anon! Why are you rubbing your head? What happened?"
3625"I fell. It's nothing. Come on."
3626>You open your top drawer and take the flashlight
3627"There's another behind the TV. Go get it, okay?"
3628>"Wait. Is Aria outside?!"
3629>You dash through the living room, and the door mat slides under your feet
3630>If you hadn't grabbed the doorknob you'd be on the floor
3631"Yeesh."
3632>The chilly night air hits you
3633>No time to get a jacket
3634>You flip the flashlight's switch
3635>Nothing
3636"Seriously?"
3637>You raise it up and slap its back end into the palm of your hand, over and over
3638>"Are yo-you mad, Anon?"
3639"No, this is how you get it to work."
3640>"I didn't have to do that. Look!"
3641>Bright light invades your eyes
3642"SONA-Sonata."
3643>Should have grabbed that one to begin with
3644>You spin around and groan
3645>This piece of shit never works when you need it to
3646>"See? Just flip the switch Anon."
3647"I have to do this!"
3648>"You don't! Watch!"
3649>She circles around you and points hers into your eyes as she flips it on and off
3650"SONATA!"
3651>"What!?"
3652>Fuck it
3653>You get to just beyond the hedges, wind up, and pitch the dollar store flashlight into the trees
3654>Leaves shake and branches shift before you hear a quiet thud in the distance
3655>"Why did you do that? I told you how to turn it on."
3656>You reach for her flashlight and she raises it up above her head
3657>"You threw yours away! I'm not giving you mine!"
3658"They're both... mi- oh boy. Just follow me and point it around!"
3659>She gasps, seeing you take off into the dark
3660>You stop just before the first row of trees and point down the dirt road
3661"Shine it this way! Quick!"
3662>Nearly stumbling around on the road she could have been lighting up, she makes it to you and grips the bottom of your shirt
3663>The light reaches far down the road and shows you nothing but dirt with trees on either side
3664"This way too."
3665>You turn Sonata around and once again stare down an empty road
3666>She couldn't have gotten very far in either direction
3667>So unless she's just hid herself in the back yard...
3668"Fuuuck."
3669>You take Sonata's hand and guide her around the side of the house
3670"Aria! You out here?!"
3671>Empty
3672>In the back yard, Sonata tries to search thoroughly, but is distracted by the empty pool she had yet to see
3673>"Arrriiaaaa! Aria out here!?"
3674"Shit."
3675>The two of you go by the other side of the house as well
3676"Okay, we're heading into the woods."
3677>"WHAT?! At night time?"
3678"She ran through there. We have to go after her."
3679>"But!"
3680"If you're scared you can stay here."
3681>You reach for the flashlight and she pulls it away
3682>"No. No, I'll help..."
3683"Then hurry up!"
3684>You head on
3685>She yelps and points the flashlight at your back
3686>"Don't leave me behind, Anon!"
3687___
3688"Twin-taaaaails!"
3689>The echoes are loud and clear
3690>After they fade you can hear your own heavy breathing, as well as pants and snapping twigs behind you
3691>"Anon!"
3692"Hurry!"
3693>Sonata groans
3694>The hand slapped onto your back tells you she's finally caught up
3695>She shines the light all around
3696>This far into the woods, it's much easier to see since the trees are spaced apart
3697>In fact you're almost to the other side
3698>She goes from row to row, starting in front of you two and working her way up as far as the light will reach
3699>Once she's ended up searching the direction you two came from, you decide to move on
3700"Let's go."
3701>"Waaait!"
3702"Huh?!"
3703>You freeze in the middle of a take-off, balancing on one foot
3704"If she's not out here hiding, it means crossed the other side and is- Well, she could be anywhere."
3705>"Well. I'm... I'm tired."
3706>The light zooms across the ground and stops right beside her feet
3707>She's resting her hands on her knees and panting a bit too much to be believed
3708"I know you're not THAT tired."
3709>"What do you mean!?"
3710"You're gasping for air harder than when you'd just finished running."
3711>"Well I'm still tired!"
3712>Now she's straight up whining
3713"Do I have to carry you?"
3714>You flinch seeing her shadowy figure dash past you
3715>Her arms wrap around your neck
3716"Whoa."
3717>Her thigh presses against your hip
3718>"I thought you'd never ask!"
3719>Once your hand is supporting her leg, she lifts the other
3720>Sonata is heavier than she looks
3721>But at least you get two constant handfuls and a hug from behind
3722>Plus the light is now guiding you more or less constantly
3723>The only true annoyance here is that you have to be extra careful about walking straight into branches
3724>It takes you a while to reach the other side of the woods
3725>Once the trees are behind you and a line of houses stands in front of you, Sonata sighs in relief
3726>"I'm never touching another stupid tree again."
3727"We're going through there to get home, of course."
3728>You smile at her gasp, and point around for her to direct the flash light
3729>"She's not here either. This is so annoying. Hey! Look, Anon!"
3730>She's pointing it straight into someone's bedroom window
3731"Sonata! Don't! That's rude!"
3732>She points it into outer space
3733>"Oops. Shining it at houses is bad?"
3734"Into windows. Anyway, yell for Aria. I think she'll panic and give herself away if she hears us."
3735>"She's not heeeere!"
3736>You roll your eyes
3737"Twiiin-taaaaaails!"
3738>She's got to be here
3739"TWIN-TAAAAAAAILS!"
3740>Or at least, you want her to be here
3741>You're very familiar with this area and the people who live here
3742>But the city is a different story
3743>You breathe deep, ready to yell again and are interrupted by someone shouting from a window across the street
3744>"Shut the fuck up will you Anonymous?"
3745"TWww-fuck off Kent!"
3746>"ME fuck off?"
3747"What are you doing, recording let's plays?"
3748>"You know my mic is broken!"
3749"It should stay broken!"
3750>"Fuck you! You don't even live on this side! ...Wait, is someone on your back?"
3751>He sticks his head out of the window
3752>"Whoa! There's a guy on your back, dude!"
3753>Sonata's arms tighten up a little and she whispers into your ear
3754>"I'm not a guy..."
3755>You make your way across the asphalt road, taking note of the houses to your left and right
3756>Everybody's probably asleep at this time of night
3757>Embarrassment sets in
3758"She's not a guy. You hurt her feelings."
3759>"Whoooa! Where did you find a chick?! Did you kidnap her or something?"
3760"Er."
3761>"Wh-why are you yelling at each other Anon? Are you enemies?"
3762>"...What's she saying? Anonymous, what's she saying man? Don't keep me in the dark."
3763>Kent backs away and you peer into his window
3764>It's as though a garbage bag blew up in his living room. That, and a clothes hamper
3765>Cup of noodles are stacked on about every flat surface in sight as well
3766>His computer desk is positioned right beside this window
3767>With how well sound travels out here, you've got to ask
3768"Hey, we're looking for a friend. If you can help we'd really appreciate it."
3769>"Oooh! Of course I'll help!"
3770>His voice goes a bit higher and adopts touch of try-hard
3771"Yeah, because it's for a girl, right?"
3772>"I'd help anyone in need. But especially pretty women. Like yourself, m'lady."
3773>"Hee hee. Hee."
3774"...We followed the path through, and she probably did too. Did you see or hear anything before we showed up?"
3775>He taps his chin for far too long before making an exaggerated "ah-ha" gesture
3776>"That I did!"
3777"Well tell us."
3778>"I delightfully agree to that earnest request."
3779>He bows
3780>"But first, one request of my own?"
3781"Huh?"
3782>"The name of the maiden on your back."
3783>Is he fucking serious?
3784>You open your mouth to give him a straight answer, but is it a bad idea?
3785>Even if he has no connection to the school since his graduation, will it bite you on the ass?
3786>In fact maybe him seeing her at all was a mistake
3787"For fuck's sake. Kent. No time for this..."
3788>"Hmmmmmmmmmmm?"
3789>Every 'mmm' brings his beady eyes, ear-to-ear smile and raised eyebrows closer to the girl clinging to you from behind
3790>"Surely it can wait long enough to say a name?"
3791"Our friend could be in danger. She's not from here, or the city. It's the middle of the night, and she's in... distress..."
3792>"Distress?"
3793"She's. Uh... she's..."
3794>Your legs feel a bit weak
3795"...really upset. She got put through a lot recently. A... a lot. I've never seen someone so upset."
3796>"Hold it, hold it, excuse me! Please, pardon."
3797>This fucking guy
3798>"You're going to have to back that up with a short explanation, because I'm lost."
3799"Are you... fucking with me?"
3800>You bounce Sonata up to get a better grip on her legs, then kick the dirt
3801"She's VERY UPSET, because someone put her through a bunch of shit. For weeks. That's ALL you need to fucking know!"
3802>Sonata's arms tighten a bit more, and Kent raises his
3803>"Whoa. Please, calm down, dude. If you can't even tell me what's wrong, it surely isn't that morbid of an ordeal."
3804>You hold your breath for a little while, staring him down
3805"It'd take too long to explain. Just tell us."
3806>"Certainly. Of course, by the time I finish this sentence you'll be aggravated, and thus I will point out in advance that it is your own fault for being tight-lipped, but may I know the name of that maiden firs-"
3807"It's BELLA! Holy SHIT! What's wrong with you?!"
3808>You're so shaken up that you have to bounce Sonata again
3809>Drop her and she'll probably complain about it for days
3810>Kent rubs his fuzzy chin and hums
3811>"Now then... your reward. I thought I'd heard a wild dog emerge from the tall grass a few houses down, but on further mental inspection, I have proper evidence to determine that the sound MAY have indeed come from across the road."
3812>That doesn't really tell you anything you didn't assume, but for some reason it makes you feel better
3813>"Perhaps you'd like to know which direction she ran? It was to the left! Her footsteps were loud and clear, and definitely followed the road."
3814"Wait. Are you making this up? You said you thought it was a dog."
3815>"I did."
3816"If you heard foot steps, surely you could tell it was a person. The weight difference, running on two legs-"
3817>"Look, when I play video games, I aim to fully immerse myself. Minute worldly details are distractions I do my best to-"
3818"Okay, tell me if you're ABSOLUTELY sure she ran..."
3819>You cock your head to his left; your right
3820"...this way. It's really important."
3821>"Yes! Anonymous, I simply did not think about it until I discovered that the footsteps I heard belonged to a dear friend of this beautiful girl."
3822>Eyeing Kent down doesn't reveal any suspicious nervous ticks, and your Magatama doesn't go off
3823>He's just acting weird because of Sonata
3824>You carry her over to the road
3825"So she's in the city."
3826>"Well yes, that would be a reasonable deduction, to be certain. I bet you can see street lights from where you stand!"
3827"Yeah. Barely, but yeah."
3828>Aria, running around in the city after that breakdown
3829>There are no good ways for that to end
3830"Alright. Thanks Kent."
3831>"Hey, I was thinking. If you're going to look for the runner, why not leave the lady on your back with me?"
3832>She tightens her arms even more
3833"That's... okay, Kent. She wants to help search, so."
3834>"Well then I could come wi-"
3835"We're really in a rush, so!"
3836>Sonata bounces on your back as you walk energetically across the road
3837>"I'm ready right now! No time loss!"
3838>Unconsciously, you speed up
3839>"Anonymous! Bella! I'm serious! I can climb through the window!"
3840>And now your speeding up is extremely conscious
3841>Soon you're hidden by several rows of trees
3842"Sonata, press your face into my neck or something. I'm gonna run straight through."
3843___
3844>She's fallen onto the couch before you even walk through the wide open front door
3845>"Ahhhh. This is where I belong. I've been through so, so much."
3846"Oh yeah, carrying a flashlight and walking through the woods I played in as a kid... I feel for you."
3847>"Well, I wasn't prepared."
3848"Plus I carried you back."
3849>While laying on her back, she tries to stick her nose up at you
3850>The top of her head rubs into the couch arm
3851>"Hmph!"
3852>After taking the flashlight from the floor beside her, you head around
3853"I'm going to talk to Cousin Itt and then head out."
3854>"Wait!"
3855>She pops up
3856>"Do you mean Dagi?"
3857"Yeah. I need to ask her where Aria might be."
3858>"Uh, don't you think that's a bad idea? She might think that you're a bad leader, you know?"
3859>Immediately, you think, 'I don't care anymore'
3860>Yet you can't deny that the thought of losing any ounce of Adagio's respect you may have is frustrating
3861>"You definitely shouldn't talk to her. Besides, I know where she might be."
3862"What!? Why didn't you tell me?"
3863>She grips the back of the couch
3864>"Because! I was taken into a nightmare of darkness, stupid trees and Kent!"
3865>A light bulb shines above her head
3866>"Oh! I wanted to know. Who was that guy?"
3867>You groan
3868"He used to be my best friend. I don't want to talk about that - please just tell me where you think Aria is."
3869>"Oh. Well..."
3870>She smiles
3871>Almost mischievously
3872>"I'm not used to being the one who gets to say the obvious thing and embarrass the other person."
3873"Sonataaaa."
3874>"Okay, okay. She's probably at the school. We stayed there like, all the time."
3875"Oh?!"
3876>"Duh! Everyone leaves at night! You can even sleep on the teacher's desk and she'll never know! But the nurse's office is a better choice."
3877___
3878>Canterlot High's parking lot was empty when you pulled in
3879>Still, you close your car's door very slowly
3880>It's difficult to escape the feeling that you're about to get lectured for trespassing, even on break
3881>The entire walk down the path you can only think of Aria
3882>Rolling around the floor like a lunatic...
3883"Oh."
3884>The door has been left cracked
3885>Sonata's going to get Taco Bell for being so right
3886"Twin-tails?"
3887>You push it open and start down the hallway
3888>The rows of green lockers at your sides go from barely visible to glowing in moonlight as you pass each window
3889"Twin-tails?"
3890>Bringing the flashlight only to leave it in the car?
3891>Not your smartest move
3892"Twiiin-taaaails!"
3893>You turn the corner, pass a trophy case, and start down a familiar hallway
3894>Even in this darkness you can spot your locker
3895"Hm. See you soon, you son of a bitch."
3896>A few good pats after that mumble, and you continue on
3897"Twin-tails! You're here, right?"
3898>Math room is clear
3899>As is science
3900"If you can hear me, please, talk to me!"
3901>Literature is empty
3902>Business is dead
3903>It seemed like a good bet that she'd be in the music room
3904"Twin-taa-nope."
3905>Sonata's definitely right. There's a couple of beds in the nurse's office after all
3906>You've only ever had to see the nurse once
3907>Tripped over your own backpack and hit your head on a garbage can
3908>No one even saw it, but you cringe as you walk anyway
3909"Alright. I know you're in there."
3910>You fling the door open and step inside
3911>It's a lot easier to see in here thanks to the rather large window
3912>An eye chart, medicine cabinet, empty pill bottles, drawers, and two large privacy curtains - only one of them covering a bed
3913>This is it
3914"Okay. I'm going to approach the bed."
3915>Your voice is practically a whisper and your footsteps are cautious
3916"I know you're pissed, and I deserve to get hit, but please don't attack me when I slide this thing open."
3917>You grip the edge of the curtain and hold out a hand, ready to catch a potential punch or kick
3918"...I don't know why I'm so nervous."
3919>Silence
3920"Probably because I've been hit in the balls and on the head in one day."
3921>If she's there, she's not going to respond
3922>Might as well just do it
3923>You pull the thing open and enter a defensive Karate stance you invented on the spot
3924"Ah-HAAAaaa..."
3925>Well
3926>There's still other class rooms to check
3927>All you've found here is a mattress and a rather stiff looking pillow
3928>Probably the most uncomfortable one you've seen in your life
3929>Doesn't even have a case
3930>And yet
3931>It's attractive after running through the woods, then running straight back with a girl hanging off of you
3932"Ahhh."
3933>Your face mashes into the pillow and the rest of your body slides onto the mattress
3934>Not too bad
3935>...
3936>Nah, it's terrible
3937>Sort of smells like bile
3938"Oh god."
3939>"Anonymous."
3940"OH GOD!"
3941>You push yourself up off the bed, wide-eyed
3942>After a bit straining you make out the figure of a girl with crossed arms and a low-hanging head
3943>"What are you doing."
3944"I'm-"
3945>Sitting up and crossing your arms like a cool guy will surely remove your little scare from her memory, right?
3946"I came here to..."
3947>You sit in silence for a while, and then she walks straight out of the room
3948"Twilight?"
3949>Down the hall and to the right, you follow her into another office
3950>The principle's
3951"Have you been here since this afternoon?"
3952>She walks very slowly, dragging her fingers along the wall until her hand reaches the edge of Celestia's book case
3953>It's mostly empty
3954>You look around the room, and sure enough...
3955"What are you doing? Why did you throw all of her stuff into the floor?"
3956>"Because..."
3957>Twilight sinks down onto her knees and pulls one of the few books remaining on the bottom shelf up to her face
3958>There's a window on the other side of the room she could take advantage of
3959>But she just sits there in the dark little corner, squinting
3960"Twilight, what the hell is going on?"
3961>"...Hm?"
3962>She opens up to the first page, and skips a few into what you guess would be the table of contents
3963"I asked you: have you been here since this afternoon?"
3964>She lingers, pinches around for the corner a while and as she turns the page, nods her head
3965"Do you know what time it is?"
3966>"...Night."
3967"Yeah. It's so late that it's actually morning."
3968>"Hm."
3969"You've just been searching here, this entire time?"
3970>She doesn't respond
3971>Feeling impatient and anxious, you repeat her name a couple times
3972>She lowers the book and sighs
3973>"Yes, I have."
3974"That's..."
3975>"What? What is it, Anonymous? Crazy?"
3976"Yeah, kind of."
3977>She shakes her head, very slowly and consistently
3978>"No, no no. It's really not."
3979"Twilight..."
3980>"It's not crazy. It's my duty."
3981>The pile of Celestia's property extends around the edge of the desk and almost surrounds Twilight, so you walk around
3982>Sitting behind her and the pile, you notice a large bag stuffed into a swivel chair
3983>There aren't just books inside
3984>Rulers, a globe, binders, shoes, papers, some magnets and much more are packed in
3985"Okay. Seriously. Why did you throw everything in the floor, and why did you stuff a bunch of crap in a bag?"
3986>"It's not just 'in the floor'. It's being inspected. Spell books, or books that hide their true contents, have tell-tale signs such as... oh, why even tell you this? You'll just write it off as unimportant, right?"
3987>The hostility in her voice is more than you thought she was capable of
3988"I..."
3989>So she's looking for books written by Equestrians?
3990>Maybe one written by the girls?
3991>Twilight's not wrong. Your first instinct is to reassure her that she doesn't need to worry
3992"I won't say that. You're right. I don't really understand."
3993>The book snaps shut and drops into the pile
3994>"Well. How about that."
3995"...What's up with the bag?"
3996>"The gym bag?"
3997"Yeah."
3998>Another book leaves the shelf
3999>Soon it too is discarded
4000>"I threw anything that was suspicious into it, as well as the contents of lost and found, and of some desks. I haven't reviewed any of it yet."
4001"Twilight. That's called stealing."
4002>"Stealing? What!?"
4003>She turns to face you and stands up
4004>It'd be intimidating if she hadn't nearly lost her balance
4005>"I am NOT a THIEF, Anonymous!"
4006"I know!"
4007>"How dare you call me a thief!?"
4008"I didn't. I mean, what you're doing is stealing, but-"
4009>"It's NOT!"
4010>She steps forward, accidentally knocking some books over
4011>"This is an INVESTIGATION! I am securing evidence that will identify those girls, which will allow me to bring them back to Equestria, have them prosecuted, and SAVE you! I am not a THIEF! I might be a failure, but I AM NOT A THIEF!"
4012>Her cracking voice echoes through this section of the empty school
4013"I..."
4014>The book case behind her slams into the wall
4015>She slides down to the floor and rests her head in her hands
4016>Watching a second breakdown tonight is something you'd really like to avoid
4017"I get it. It's not stealing. You're investigating. Like a detective."
4018>No response
4019"And that other world. It's dangerous. Really dangerous? I guess I've assumed a lot about Equestria... I don't understand what exactly makes this situation such a big deal, so will you explain it to me?"
4020>Run through the motions of why she believes this world is in grave danger?
4021>Brilliant suggestion
4022>You go to take it back, but she cuts you off
4023>"I'm supposed to be careful with what information I share with humans."
4024"Oh."
4025>"But I don't think it really matters anymore. Ha... if you'll actually listen to me, I'll tell you."
4026>While Twilight explains, she slowly stacks the scattered books into nice, even piles by the wall
4027>"First, remember what you said you overheard outside the art room. Those girls arguing, discussing some kind of plot."
4028"Yeah. They were pretty vague."
4029>"You said that you heard one say, 'The humans won't know what hit them'."
4030>That was Adagio
4031>"Considering those girls appear to be humans, we can be sure that this means they are not in their true form. Much like me."
4032>It really weirds you out, so you do your best to avoid thinking of Twilight being anything other than a young woman
4033>"To say 'won't know what hit them' is decidedly hostile. It suggests a sneak attack, meaning they are likely preparing."
4034>You just nod your head and watch the books stack higher
4035>"These are the obvious things. There are not many. But uncertain things are in abundance. I know so little about them, Anonymous... they could be an unruly group of friends, or scouts from a large gang. They could attack on the day of the festival, or tomorrow. They might not be willing to commit murder to achieve their goals... but then again, they might."
4036>Fighting the urge to clarify these points to Twilight is a challenge
4037>Especially since you realize that you don't know the answer to all of them
4038>"And I must stress the possibility of murder. This world has little respect for magic. You all view it as a joke, some kind of fairy tale it seems. While it is currently difficult to use Equestrian magic here, trust me, it won't always be. The scary part isn't Equestrian magic becoming more accessible here, though."
4039"What is the scary part?"
4040>"This world has zero defenses against magic. None at all. If a single Unicorn crossed through to this side and maintained free use of her spells, she could reduce the population of this city to zero in one day."
4041"That's... that seems so-"
4042>"There are so, so many ways magic can be used for violence, Anonymous. Even the most simple spells, like telekinesis. Taking hold of a human's head and sn-snapping their neck. It wouldn't take much effort. So imagine more advanced spells, like teleportation on others. Intentionally botching a teleportation is easy and fatal."
4043"I-"
4044>"It doesn't even have to be so straightforward. A more stealthy approach would be to cast a spell on the humans that removes their urge to eat and drink, or gives them a craving to ingest dangerous objects. Manipulation of the vehi-cars on the road would also be relatively inconspicuous. Those kinds of accidents happen every day, you know."
4045>She sets the final book down on the final stack
4046>"These are just a few examples and any one of them could lead to mass murder. There are more spells in Equestrian magic than you could ever count. I... I know it's brutish, but you need to understand. With no authorities to stop a magic-wielding criminal in this world, their rampage would be devastating. By the time my own government responded... you could be dead."
4047>On that note, she stops
4048>You sit in the darkness with a racing heart and racing thoughts
4049>About the sirens
4050>About resting your head on Sonata's chest
4051>And Aria scrunching up her face to hide her emotions
4052>Adagio's still a bit of a mystery, but regardless: are those girls capable of what Twilight just described?
4053>Given the chance, would they commit murder?
4054>You rub the spot on the top of your head that's still glowing with dull pain
4055>"...I'm sorry. I feel awful for saying such things. But maybe now you see why I would stay here all day, and worry endlessly. Keeping you all safe is my responsibility. I take it seriously."
4056>Twilight takes her time placing the books back on the shelf
4057>Maybe she's bothering to return them to their original order
4058>Or maybe she's just exhausted
4059>In any case you're staring at her back when you remember your failed plan from earlier
4060"...Would it be possible to put magic into an object, and use it later?"
4061>"Huh?"
4062>You rub your hand over the lump in your left pocket
4063"I've seen it in books and video games and stuff. Enchanting a weapon or piece of armor with a spell. Would that be possible?"
4064>"Absolutely. Why do you ask?"
4065"The girls. Do you remember their necklaces? They all wore necklaces that looked alike."
4066>"Oh. Yes, I do remember. That's a possibility."
4067"Have you found anything like that?"
4068>She pauses, holding a book in the air
4069>"I wish I had. But no."
4070"Ah."
4071>She goes back to it
4072>You're not sure if this will ease Twilight's suffering or not
4073>But you have to try something
4074>Quickly, you slip a hand into your pocket and take its contents
4075>As quietly as you can, you stuff your fist into the bag and leave the necklace at the bottom
4076"Well, I'm not sure what to say, Twilight. Other than..."
4077>Your knees go weak once again
4078>"Hm?"
4079"There's a lot more to the situation than I realized, so... I'll back off. Trying so hard to distract you from your investigation was wrong."
4080>"That's not- ...I mean. Uh."
4081>She turns around
4082>You can't quite make out her face, but your gut tells you she's smiling
4083>"Well, I'm sorry too."
4084>Without any hesitation she kneels down in front of you and pulls open Celestia's desk drawer
4085>Folders and stacks of paper pile up on the desk top
4086>This feels pretty shady
4087>"Anonymous? Why were you calling me twin-tails?"
4088>Oh fuck
4089"It's. Um. Slang for a lost person. Or someone who you just happen to be looking for."
4090>"Ah, I see."
4091"I guess I'm going to head out. I don't think I can really help with your investigation."
4092>"Wait, Anonymous. Why did you come looking for me at this time? I don't really want to ask, but, did Rarity speak to you?"
4093"No. I came here on my own, out of curiosity."
4094>"Oh. Okay."
4095"Are you going to need a ride or anything?"
4096>"I can manage. I'll contact Rarity when she's awake."
4097>You stop by the door and frown
4098>She's still pulling things up to her face and squinting
4099>Mere feet from the moonlight
4100"Uh. Hold on, I'll lend you my flashlight. I'll be right back."
4101___
4102>"Ahhh, lahhh, la, la, la, la laaaah, laaah, laaaah, laaah!"
4103>She stands confidently behind the coffee table
4104>From where you sit, her voice is mostly drowned out by an orchestra blasting beside your head
4105>You're snuggled up to your laptop
4106>Normally you wouldn't be so selfish in a session
4107>She'll probably understand, since you've been out until sunrise
4108>Her arms move with her as the music builds itself up
4109>On the high notes, she gets on her tippy toes
4110>You smile and shut your eyes
4111>She may frequently drift off-key and time some notes wrong but damn it, she's really trying
4112>You can almost see her climbing up a colossus leg
4113>Compared to the first session you'd say she's improved at least a bit
4114>But you're no music teacher...
4115>And probably aren't capable of giving her the voice she wants
4116>Especially since her goals are unclea. You never heard her sing with her neckla-
4117"Ugh."
4118>Like a foot jammed right up your mood's ass
4119>Thoughts come flooding into your head, about the sirens, Twilight, and Equestria
4120>If only you could... sleep
4121>Yeah... sleep...
4122>With a deep breath held in your lungs you settle into your arm
4123>A few seconds later, you sigh
4124>This is the answer
4125>You can't be anxious if you're asleep
4126>Unless you have a nightmare
4127>About horrendous murder using a force you can't begin to comprehend, for example
4128>...
4129>You raise your head as the triumphant song comes to a close
4130>Sonata's enthusiasm has been curbed
4131>Her arms cross, her feet stay still
4132>With frustration on her face she stares into your eyes and sings the final notes
4133"Uhhh. I'm sorry."
4134>"Yeah."
4135"I just shut my eyes for a second."
4136>"Mmmmm-hm."
4137"...Come on. You're not mad, are you?"
4138>"Oh, no, no."
4139>She taps her foot and stares off toward the kitchen
4140>"My boyfriend just doesn't even want to hear me sing is all, why would I be mad?"
4141"I do. I want to help you get better."
4142>"Yeah."
4143>Uh oh
4144>Her foot tapping speed has almost doubled
4145"Honey. I'm just exhausted from looking for Aria all night."
4146>Her shoulders sink and her jaw drops
4147>"Do-don-that's cheating!"
4148>There's almost no sound from her feeble little foot stamp
4149>"You can't just make me un-mad by calling me that!"
4150"It's not my fault you're so sensitive to a word, honey."
4151>"Stop!"
4152"Or what... honey?"
4153>"Stop stop stop! This is serious!"
4154>For unclear reasons, Sonata climbs onto the coffee table
4155>You reach over and hold the laptop after it's grazed by her foot
4156>Then she sits up on her knees
4157>"I think we need to have a talk about last night."
4158"What about it?"
4159>"You're just a bit too worried about seeing Aria again."
4160>Is she... serious?
4161"Are you... serious?"
4162>"What do you mean?"
4163"I want to see Aria because she disappeared, not because I like her more or something."
4164>"Oh, so you like her?"
4165"What?!"
4166>"You like her, at least a little?"
4167"...Yes?"
4168>She raises one eyebrow at a time to give emphasis to the world's slowest eye roll
4169>"Okay then."
4170"I mean, sure. I like all of you enough to worry about your safety. I'd even worry about Kent if he went missing."
4171>"Don't change the subject to scary stuff! This is about how much you like Aria!"
4172"I just... want t-"
4173>"To see her naked again?"
4174"Oh geez."
4175>You rest your back against a couch cushion
4176>"I'm just saying, ever since you came home you've been going on and on about Aria. And now you're falling asleep during my singing practice."
4177"You of all people should understand a person's need to sleep, you know? Waking you up is nearly impossible."
4178>"Fine. Let's sleep."
4179"Didn't you, last night?"
4180>"Well you can sleep on top of me."
4181>She nods her head
4182>"You can't think of Aria with my boobs in your face."
4183>A devious smile appears
4184>"Aria's are really small."
4185"Haha. I noticed."
4186>Your eyes snap to Sonata's chest as she rests her hands on the sides
4187>"Just thought I'd mention~"
4188>As usual, she felt above wearing a bra today
4189"Oh no. They're stealing my thoughts."
4190>"Ha!"
4191"Do Adagio's give memories back?"
4192>"Ha- ...ha... ha..."
4193"Speaking of which, I should check on her soon I guess. If we're all going to live together "forever", I need to make some changes."
4194>Sonata slides her hands off of herself and hangs them in the air
4195>"...Heh."
4196>After glancing away for a moment, she brings them down awkwardly into the table
4197>There's that behavior again
4198>Because you mentioned living together, forever?
4199"Something wrong?"
4200>"Huh?"
4201"You seem uncomfortable."
4202>"Well, I'm on a table..."
4203"I mean that you look socially uncomfortable."
4204>Her raised eyebrows and complete silence cue your explanation
4205"How should I say this... remember when Kent was hitting on you?"
4206>"Ohhhh! Heh heh. I don't feel like that at all, Anon."
4207>Mid-sentence, there's a beep, and Sonata takes it upon herself to climb off the far end of the table and spin the laptop around
4208"Sonata-"
4209>"When I was looking for songs I figured out how to open the beeping website. Can I check it?"
4210>Click
4211"I don't think that's a good... idea... hey-"
4212>"Okay, it looks like you got a message fro-"
4213>She goes wide-eyed and covers her mouth
4214>You pull yourself up onto the couch, rest the side of your head on your fist and sigh
4215>Why not? Might as well get this explanation over with
4216>After all, there's no ACTUAL reason for her to be jealous over Twilight
4217>"Pu-purpl-purple girl called you d-DARLING."
4218"What?!"
4219>She spins the laptop around and glares at you, her eyes barely reaching over the screen
4220>"D-A-R-L-I-N-G!"
4221>Sure enough, Twilight's sent you a message
4222>It reads...
4223>9:46 AM: We have to talk. Soon. This is very important, darling. Video chat me as soon as you see this.
4224"I uh, uhhh."
4225>"UhhhHHH?"
4226>Sonata presses further into the laptop screen during her sarcastic echo, tilting it
4227"Sh-she's just excited."
4228>"Oh I bet she's excited, mister."
4229"I can explain."
4230>Deep breath
4231>This is fine
4232>Besides, what kind of leader gets intimidated by someone who used to be his slave?
4233"Okay. Look, Twilight messages me sometimes. It's always business-type stuff."
4234>"D, A, R..."
4235"She's investigating you guys, and I'm pretending to help her..."
4236>"L, I, N..."
4237"...but instead I misdirect her. I gave her a false lead recently, and she's just excited over it is all."
4238>"G!"
4239"Are you even listening!?"
4240>She huffs
4241>"So when did you give her this lead, huh?"
4242"I. Uh."
4243>She turns the laptop back around
4244"Whoa whoa!"
4245>"I'm just going to say something!"
4246>You slide around the table
4247>She's hunted down and pecked a single key: "s"
4248>With the help of backspace, it's erased
4249>"Stop! Just let me say it!"
4250"Say what?"
4251>Each time she jabs the s key you quickly clear it
4252>"Stop it, Anon!"
4253"Just tell me what you're trying to type!"
4254>"Ugh. Forget it!"
4255>She throws up her arms and falls backwards into the carpet
4256>"Why don't you ask her to marry you?"
4257>Too tired for this
4258>Hopefully Twilight didn't see a sporadic "Anonymous is typing" message
4259"She doesn't really like me..."
4260>Sonata silently rolls onto her face
4261>Even after that talk, she's still worried about this?
4262"Oh boy."
4263>Even if she knows she won't be abandoned, seeing other girls as competition is probably just in her nature
4264"You're jealous to the core, huh?"
4265>"I'm not jealous!"
4266"Haha... How about this? I'll prove it to you."
4267>She takes her sweet time rolling back over
4268>Clearly upset, but intrigued
4269"Video chat means that we're going to be able to see and hear each other. If you listen to us talk, I promise you'll understand. But first you have to promise me that you'll stay quiet."
4270>"Call her right now!"
4271>She's already up, bouncing and pressing her fists together
4272>"I'm gonna settle this!"
4273"You dork. I just said you have to be quiet."
4274>"Huh?"
4275"We can't let her see or hear you, because she can't know you're here."
4276>"Oh. Well... okay."
4277"I'm gonna repeat that: you can't make any noise. At all. You can only listen."
4278>"Okay."
4279"If she hears you, it's game over."
4280>"Okay."
4281"It's seriously a big deal."
4282>The more you talk, the more you realize this was a bad idea
4283>"Mmm!"
4284>Sonata's already on board
4285>With her index finger and thumb she's got her lips squeezed shut
4286>Out of the corner of your eye you see something shift on the screen
4287>A new message:
4288>9:48 AM: I know you're there. I can see you typing.
4289>Fuck
4290"Sonata, I think I know the answer to this, but I want to make sure."
4291>"Mmmm?"
4292"Do you remem- you can talk for now. Do you remember the lyrics to the first song we practiced?"
4293>"Yes! They were about love and looking at people in bars!"
4294"I want you to run upstairs, go inside the guest bedroom and shut the door, then sing those lyrics as LOUD as you can. Okay?"
4295>She flinches
4296>"Why?"
4297"Please hurry and do it, okay? Remember to shut the door."
4298>She goes on ahead
4299>It'll probably be embarrassing to sing in front of Adagio
4300>Fuck it though, she's sitting tied up in the floor, not to mention her singing voice probably isn't any better
4301>She's got no room to mock anyone
4302>You go into your laptop's sound settings and make sure there won't be any complications during the call
4303>The desktop PC in your room has a proper mic and camera, but the laptop will do
4304"Test?"
4305>"Test?"
4306>Sounds fine
4307>The camera shows up, adjusts its brightness and gets up to a reasonable speed
4308"Good, good."
4309>When you hear Sonata's singing voice from upstairs you're relieved to find that you barely can
4310>Concentrating and knowing the lyrics in advance, you're still unable to understand any of her words
4311>Thankfully she cuts it short and is soon rushing down the stairs
4312>Beep
4313>9:49 AM: I have to leave the house very soon. Please hurry.
4314"Sonata, quick!"
4315>"I am!"
4316>She comes to a sliding stop beside the couch and holds out her arms
4317>There's a bit of a blush on her face
4318>"Are you gonna tell me why I did that?"
4319"No time! Get behind the coffee table!"
4320>"Wait, I want to sit on the couch."
4321"Don't you think it'd be weird if I was facing away from my TV?"
4322>"Why?"
4323>She makes a move for the couch, so you hold her hand and guide her to the entertainment center
4324"Besides, she could see your reflection or something."
4325>"Aww."
4326>When you're on the couch and Sonata's pinching her lips shut again, you put on the most serious voice you can manage
4327"She's going to say something to me, about a necklace. Don't be surprised by it. You know, don't gasp or anything."
4328>"Mmmhhmmm."
4329"Uh, I didn't mean to insult you. I know you won't make any noise."
4330>"Mmmmmmhhhmmmmm."
4331"I'm just being careful. It's, you know. Important."
4332>She cocks her head and beckons you in impatience
4333"Okay. Here we go."
4334>Click
4335>A notification pops up while it's connecting:
4336>** A Friendly Reminder **
4337>** Your video call is being provided by your school group [Canterlot High School]! While your privacy is 100% guaranteed, please remember to keep things family appropriate. **
4338>It fades out to reveal a large box of messy pixels, as well as your camera preview in the top right corner
4339"Twilight? Can you hear me yet?"
4340>No response
4341"I think it always does this, give it one sec-"
4342>In an instant the pixelation is gone
4343>A girl with big, looping hair wearing pajamas with fancy swirling patterns appears
4344>The large swivel chair she sits in blocks most of your view of the dim room
4345>"Good morning, Mister Anonymous."
4346>A TV can be heard faintly over the rumble of a swamp cooler
4347>The fluttering curtain in the corner of the screen catches your eye
4348"Uh. Uhhhhh."
4349>You move your mouth, but no words come
4350>She rolls her chair a bit closer to the desk, obscuring the curtain and the light it's holding back
4351>"A simple hello would be fine."
4352"...Hello."
4353>"My name is Rarity. I do hope you remember me."
4354"Yeah. I saw you once before."
4355>She hums
4356>"Let me cut to the chase, as they say. I am a very, very good friend of Twilight Sparkle's. I believe you two have... met?"
4357"Yeah?"
4358>"I am aware of who you are, and who your parents are."
4359"O-Okay?"
4360>"You seem like a nice man. I know this is risky, for multiple reasons, but I have to know."
4361>Rarity pauses
4362"What are you talking about?"
4363>She looks over her shoulder for just a moment
4364>"I'd like you to know that when you told us about those girls, and the others dismissed you, I stood up for you."
4365"Oh yeah?"
4366>"Yes, they had written you off very quickly, but I reminded them of your family's accomplishments, and your overall good behavior at school."
4367>How would she know how you behave at school?
4368"Are you an old family friend or something?"
4369>"I'm afraid I've never so much as met your family. Not that I would be opposed, of course! I-In fact, I'd be quite honored. As for how I know of your family, well, respectable people draw the attention of the self-respecting!"
4370"Okay..."
4371>She displays a friendly smile
4372>"By the way, I think it's an inspiration that you've become the man of your house. Very, very mature of you. Most boys at our school wouldn't be capable."
4373"Ha, it's nothing."
4374>You don't even take care of your yard
4375>"Oh but it is something! I thought it was an impossible rumor until the news story."
4376>It was just the local news, they'd do hour-long coverage of a balloon's ascent into the atmosphere...
4377>Besides, you thought only Kent watched that
4378"Saw the interview, huh? How embarrassing."
4379>"I didn't think so."
4380>She looks up and down, examining the little bit of you she can with her limited view
4381>"You were much shorter then. I didn't notice until you were standing so close to me a couple of weeks ago, but you're quite tall."
4382>Hopefully you're not blushing
4383>Confusion aside, a pretty girl is ruthlessly complimenting you
4384>"I've been thinking for years now how you could have any girl you want. I wonder... are you seeing anyone?"
4385>Is this just a way to ask you out?
4386>Couldn't be, right?
4387>You recall your moment with that cashier woman at Taco Bell
4388>Much of your focus is spent in an effort to avoid that same embarrassment
4389"No. I am not."
4390>Perfect
4391>Talk like a robot, that's the trick
4392"I'm. I'm not. I mean."
4393>She sighs in relief and smiles
4394>"I'm glad!"
4395>Uh oh
4396>"I'm so, so happy to hear that!"
4397>Let her down gently, stud
4398"Wh-why are you glad?"
4399>Rarity rolls even closer to the desk and clasps her hands together
4400>"Never mind that."
4401>You blink
4402>"Now, about Twilight."
4403"...What about her?"
4404>"Twilight is one of my best friends, so I must look out for her. I've been very worried recently. Something's been bothering her, and I wasn't sure what it was... it pains me to say this but I've realized it all. This is your chance to come clean."
4405"Wait, what!? Come clean about what?"
4406>"What you've done."
4407>You look over to your front door, and then up to Sonata
4408>She's confused
4409>That makes two of you
4410"What specifically have I done?"
4411>Rarity's hand hangs limp as she covers her mouth with her arm
4412>"Ohhh, you wouldn't make a lady repeat such things, would you?"
4413"I have no idea what you're talking about, so you'll have to."
4414>"Please. Your words are safe with me. We can keep this all between us."
4415"I don't have any secrets..."
4416>"Anonymous, Anonymous, I understand. Men have certain needs. N-Not that it makes what you did okay-"
4417>She waves her hands back and forth
4418>"-but it was just a mistake, right? We can move past it."
4419"I'm... going to end the call."
4420>"What? Wait!"
4421"Bye."
4422>"Stop! Please! I'll say it if I must!"
4423>Her hand shoots up to her webcam
4424>The intensity of her stare makes it feel as though she could snatch your arm through the screen
4425>Your cursor rests on the end call button
4426>In that moment of internal debate on whether or not to click, Rarity's quiet, anxious groan can be heard
4427>So, she's suffering too, huh?
4428"...If you stop being vague, I'll listen."
4429>"Yes, yes, of course!"
4430>Once again she peeks over her shoulder, and rolls closer to the desk
4431>Her stomach's probably making contact with it
4432>"I believe you and Twilight have entered into some kind of a relationship."
4433>Oh damn it
4434>"How much you've done, I'm scared to ask. But you are seeing her, for certain."
4435"I-I barely know Twilight. What makes you think this?"
4436>"You were with her all night, weren't you?"
4437"No."
4438>Not all night
4439>"Anonymous, I understand that you have desires. You can be honest."
4440"I AM being honest!"
4441>She raises her hands
4442>Lays them flat
4443>And pats down the air
4444>"There's no need to shout."
4445"N-No need to... no need... to-"
4446>"Just admit it. I can talk to Twilight and make sure you two break it off gently."
4447"There's nothing to break off! Where did you get this?"
4448>"I-"
4449"Don't just say you know! If you accuse me of something, at least give me evidence."
4450>Her eyebrows sink a little
4451>She reaches to the left, off camera, and brings out something gray
4452>On second thought, presenting evidence is unnecessary
4453>Totally and completely unnecessary
4454>"Twilight had this when she got home a couple of hours ago. It's not ours. She didn't buy it. And what do we have here?"
4455>The camera's lighting shifts as she searches for a spot that's close enough to see what's written without it blurring
4456>And there they are
4457>Your father's initials
4458>"See?"
4459"What about it?"
4460>"Anonymous, this is proof!"
4461>She sets it down and adjusts her webcam
4462>"That you're the one who she's been seeing! For a while now Twilight has been very, very anxious. She looks sick all the time, goes without eating, leaves the house without saying anything... I've been worried to tears!"
4463"I-"
4464>"When I first saw the flash light I was confused. Then I remembered the time you approached her."
4465"I don't-"
4466>"You told her that story for a reason, didn't you?"
4467"Stop..."
4468>The urge to swear and slam the laptop shut rises, so you close your eyes and rub your forehead
4469"I didn't tell her a story. I told her the truth."
4470>"Well, I'm not so sure."
4471"Excuse me?"
4472>Rarity clears her throat
4473>"Now, again Anonymous, I understand that you're a man and-"
4474"Get to the point."
4475>"Okay. Alright. Okay. Fine. I'll say it! You must have heard through the grapevines that Twilight becomes very emotional and vulnerable when faced with uncertainty. Not to mention how she's unfamiliar with our world's social norms."
4476>You shrug
4477>"So you got an idea, to make Twilight all riled up, and then..."
4478>She hugs herself
4479>"You-"
4480>A sharp breath
4481>"Y-You-"
4482>Another
4483>"Offered her the kind of comfort that only a man can provide a lady!"
4484>And an exhale
4485>"Oh my goodness. I actually said it."
4486>Your mind goes blank
4487>For fifteen seconds, all you can think about is the dog food commercial playing on Rarity's TV
4488>With her eyes shut she gently spins her chair a bit to the left and a bit to the right
4489>What all has she just accused you of?
4490"Hold on. Let's summarize here."
4491>Something moves in your peripheral vision
4492>You look up to see Sonata spin around and sit with her back against the coffee table
4493>When she's settled, she slumps
4494"...Damn it."
4495>Rarity's eyes open and her spinning stops
4496>"No need for swearing, Anonymous."
4497"Shut up."
4498>"Wh-huh?!"
4499"Do you realize what you've just accused me of?"
4500>As an excuse for a moment of time to sort your thoughts, you scoot forward and tilt the laptop screen back up to its proper position
4501>Now you have an even clearer view of Rarity's dumbfounded face
4502"You're saying I told Twilight a lie about those girls to get her worried, just so I could comfort her? That 'I don't know what all you two have done' shit you said makes it sound like I took advantage of her for sex. That's bad enough, but you were asking me if I'm single to see if I was cheating on Twilight, or cheating on someone with Twilight... right?"
4503>"...Excuse me for being cautious."
4504"That's not being cautious. That's jumping to conclusions."
4505>"Anonymous!"
4506>She raises up the flashlight and you swat at the air in frustration, signalling her to put it back down
4507"Yeah. It means I met Twilight at some point in the past and let her borrow my flashlight. So what?"
4508>"Sh-she didn't HAVE it before last night, and she was GONE all night!"
4509"How do you know she didn't have it?"
4510>She maintains her scowl in silence
4511"Do you think that little of Twilight's privacy? Snooping around in her belongings, messaging me on her account-"
4512>A thought hits you and you tense up
4513>Then you relax
4514>Rarity can't have read Twilight's past private messages
4515>This site doesn't archive them
4516"...Besides. What sense does me telling her a false story about those girls make? Didn't she sort that situation out?"
4517>"Yeah! And she won't tell me anything about it! So clearly something strange happened and I think it's very obvious, in hindsight!"
4518"Then go ahead and lay it on me!"
4519>"F-Fine! I, I will lay it on you!"
4520>She sits up a bit more and straightens out her pajamas collar
4521>"You and those girls were working together. The day you told Twilight about their fake plans, you had them go into hiding. Then when you made your move on Twilight you told her to tell ME that she sorted the whole thing out, that there's nothing to worry about! But the TRUTH is that Twilight is still worried! You're still comforting her!"
4522>You scoff
4523"Who the hell do you think those girls are, to be doing that for me?"
4524>"Hired, probably!"
4525"I don't have as much money as you think I do. Besides, why pull off such a trick when I could just pay the girls to sleep with me instead?"
4526>Rarity cringes
4527>"Anonymous, that's... repulsive."
4528"But taking advantage of Twilight isn't? Is that why you're so quick to do it?"
4529>"F-F-FI-FIRST OF ALL! I am Twilight Sparkle's BEST FRIEND in the entire WORLD! A f-friendship between girls is dif-different from boys, okay?! I'm looking out for her!"
4530>She's full on yelling at this point
4531>"Se-second! Paying three women to have relations with you is OBVIOUSLY worse than doing whatever it takes to date the girl you love!"
4532"I don't love Twilight. We're barely even friends."
4533>"Stop lying!"
4534>As she becomes more angry, you become more calm
4535>Sensing that you now have the upper hand, you cross your arms and smirk
4536"All you're doing is exposing yourself."
4537>She gasps and crosses her arms, grabbing her shoulders
4538>"I wear something underneath..."
4539"Not that. I meant exposing the inconsiderate things you've done to Twilight."
4540>"I've been nothing... but a good friend."
4541"So you'd be perfectly fine if Twilight went through your phone's text messages?"
4542>Again, she scowls in silence
4543"Well?"
4544>"You're just trying to change the subject. I already told you-"
4545>There's that flashlight again
4546>"-I have proof."
4547"Alright, look! I saw Twilight for all of five minutes last night. The reasons were not even remotely romantic. I realized she needed a flashlight and gave her mine. End of story."
4548>"Where did you meet her? Your house?"
4549"None of your business."
4550>"I-It is!"
4551"It isn't, because she asked me not to tell you. And now I can see why."
4552>That's the limit
4553>Even that might have been too much
4554>So you sit back and watch Rarity go from shocked, to offended, to... the verge of tears
4555>Her trembling lip instantly dampens your argument high
4556"Uh. Hold on, that doesn't mean anything really."
4557>"Just that Twilight... doesn't trust me..."
4558"No, no, it's more complicated than that, okay?"
4559>"Yeah. Yeah. It's too complicated to include Rarity."
4560>Sniff
4561>"I'm only the one wh-who convinced my parents to l-let Twilight stay."
4562>Sniff
4563>"I only converted the nursery into a suitable b-bedroom."
4564>Sniff
4565>"I only set up this account for her and taught her to use the 'Personal Computer' as s-she'd call it..."
4566"Oh man. Please don't do that."
4567>Tears stream down her face
4568>"Do what?"
4569"I didn't mean to make you cry. I felt cornered, so I went too far. I'm sorry."
4570>As if it were a pet cat, you bring the laptop onto your lap and give it your full attention
4571"Twilight trusts you a lot. It's just this one, small thing that she came to me for. You're an amazing friend to do so much for Twilight, and she knows it."
4572>Sniff
4573>"Anonymous..."
4574>What a strange series of emotions
4575>Embarrassed, to confused, to furious, to cocky, to apologetic
4576>It's so exhausting
4577>You just want to sleep
4578"Hey, we don't have to be enemies over this or anything, right?"
4579>"E-Enemies?"
4580"Yeah."
4581>She's unsure of how to react to the handshake you offer
4582>"Uh. Haha."
4583>She smiles and holds out her hand, then wags it up and down in sync with yours
4584"You've got a strong handshake for a lady."
4585>"Haha... very funny..."
4586"So. No need for us to yell at each other. No need for you to feel like Twilight doesn't trust you. Sound right?"
4587>"...Hee hee. You really are a ge-gentleman, aren't you?"
4588>The sleeve of her pajamas does a good job of wiping up her tears
4589>"But to be honest... no."
4590>Damn it
4591>"If there's even the tiniest chance that Twilight's naivete is being exploited, I have to do everything I can to protect her. I simply must know what it is you two have been doing in sec-"
4592>Light smothers the sides of Rarity's office chair
4593>"Oh goodness."
4594>It disappears
4595>She hunts and pecks a single key, then smoothly types something afterward
4596>** The other user has hidden your webcam. Feel free to stretch your face muscles! **
4597>She spins the chair around
4598>"As usual, you didn't call me."
4599>With the widened gap on the left side of the screen you have a clear view of a brown couch, covered with stains
4600>Its cushions have various holes that the stuffing pokes out of
4601>A cute, purple backpack lands on the furthest arm, and two pink boots hit and slide down the wall, landing securely on the back of the couch
4602>"So? I can walk home by myself. Last time you didn't come get me anyway."
4603>"Sweetie! That is NOT where your boots go and you know it!"
4604>"Shove off! Like you don't do it sometimes!"
4605>The chair spins a bit more as Rarity launches off of it and grabs the boots
4606>"I swear. How hard is it to leave them by the door?"
4607>"Ugh!"
4608>The girl is briefly visible as she stomps off to the right
4609>Some things are moved around, at least you guess as much from the sound
4610>Then Rarity sits back down and spins
4611>"...Sorry. That was my kid sister. So immature."
4612"Oh."
4613>"She stayed at a friend's house last night, so."
4614>You nod
4615>Unsure of where to lead the conversation, you just keep nodding
4616>And nodding
4617"So."
4618>"So..."
4619>Her mic pics up something
4620>A low, mechanical roar from another room that builds in intensity
4621>Then finishes off with a blast of pressure and normalizes into a steady rumble
4622>"Do NOT turn up the cooler! You know it'll trip the breaker in the summer!"
4623>"It's hot!"
4624>"Too bad!"
4625>The younger one's voice starts out quiet, and gets louder over time
4626>"When you're on the internet you care sooo much about the stupid breaker, but if I'm on Steam you don't give a crap!"
4627>"That's not true."
4628>"Just ask Scoots. You know how many games you've lost for us?!"
4629>The young girl, quite similar to Rarity in appearance, shows up on the edge of the screen
4630>Her clothes are much more modest than her big sister's - a solid red t-shirt and black shorts with no fancy, swirling patterns to speak of
4631>"Well..."
4632>"Hey! Are you in a call?"
4633>"What?!"
4634>"You are. Who is it?"
4635>She pops up over the arm of the chair
4636>"How can you tell? Ge-get away!"
4637>"Because it says in bold text right there that the other person's camera's hidden, duh. Who is... Anonymous?"
4638>"Back off!"
4639>"Are you talking to a boy? I'm gonna tell dad!"
4640>"You wouldn't dare!"
4641>They engage in the girliest wrestle match you've seen in your life
4642>Sweetie grunts as if she's using all of her strength as she pulls Rarity an inch or two toward the armrest
4643>Rarity is probably pushing on Sweetie's head, but she might just be checking her temperature
4644>If you were in a better mood you might laugh at them
4645>"Stop! It!"
4646>"Go to your room, little kid!"
4647>"Dad said you can't call me that! ...That's it!"
4648>She backs away from her big sister and dives right over the armrest
4649>Her foot kicks the side of the desk and sends everything shaking
4650>With a wobbling view of the action you watch Rarity wrap her arms around Sweetie's torso
4651>"You are the most embarrassing sister in the world!"
4652>"Who're you talking to? Who're you talking to? Who're you talking to!"
4653>The "Twilight is typing" message pops up
4654>Every time Sweetie types, Rarity frantically backspaces
4655>"Knock it off, Despairity!"
4656>"Go play with temporary tattoos or something!"
4657>Sweetie leans forward
4658>Grunts
4659>And headbutts Rarity right in the chin, drawing her hands to protect her face
4660>"Gahh!"
4661>9:53 AM: /shwcam
4662>9:53 AM: /sowcam
4663>"Dang it!"
4664>9:53 AM: /shoecam
4665>9:54 AM: s/howcma
4666>Oh boy
4667>Poor Rarity is just clutching her face while her little sister types faster than she's capable, on her lap
4668"Just do it normal speed, kid."
4669>She pauses, raises an eyebrow, and types much more slowly
4670>** The other user has re-enabled your webcam. **
4671>The kid gasps
4672>"It's him!"
4673>"Sweetie-"
4674>"It's that guy!"
4675>"Shut! Up!"
4676>Rarity takes a fistful of Sweetie's hair and pulls her away from the keyboard, eliciting an instant yell
4677>"Ouch! Ouch! Knock it off, idiot!"
4678>She grabs her sister's wrist and squeezes
4679>Seconds later Rarity has let go, Sweetie runs out of the room, and the camera feed vanishes
4680>** Call ended at 9:54 AM. **
4681___
4682>A drop of sweat falls from your forehead
4683>You open your eyes and scan the dark gray sidewalk
4684>With shadow from the tree above you masking the details, the drop may as well have vanished
4685"Huh."
4686>A bit of cool air hugs the back of your neck as you sit up
4687>Your back shoves into the bench
4688>Your arms fall over the back
4689>Summer's definitely started. Thankfully school is about to end, too
4690>No more uneventful hour long lunch breaks
4691>Today was at least a bit better, since the math teacher had a small chat with you right after class ended
4692"Oh shit."
4693>Where is your algebra textbook?
4694>You pull the strap of your backpack onto your shoulder and start off for the front of the school
4695___
4696>Strutting through empty hallways is a guilty pleasure of yours
4697>Nothing here but lockers, so it's safe to enjoy yourself
4698>One foot in front of the other
4699>Marching to your destination like the CEO of some million dollar company
4700>A CEO who really needs an algebra textbook
4701>"Shut up!"
4702>You freeze up about a foot from the doorway
4703>"Can't handle the truth, can you?"
4704>"Shut UP! I weigh the same as when we got here!"
4705>"Then let's go step on the scale in the alchemist's room."
4706>Alchemist?
4707>"No."
4708>"HA! I'm right!"
4709>"Nooo!"
4710>"Just admit I'm right!"
4711>"You're NOT!"
4712>Sounds like one of them pushes the other into a desk
4713>Small objects rain off of it and pelt the carpet
4714>"...Fine, wanna fight? I'll beat the truth into you, fatty!"
4715>A large, striped ponytail pops out from the door way and waves around
4716>"Wait. Wait. We're not allowed to fight. Right, Dagi?"
4717>"You push me and then tell on me? You're the fuckin' worst. Besides, you OBVIOUSLY started it."
4718>The girl takes one more step away from the doorway, revealing her full form and the terror on her face
4719>Before you can even take it in, her arm is tugged and she's stumbling back into the class room
4720>"D-DAGI! Dagi! We're breaking the rules!"
4721>Two of them wrestle around on the floor, rolling into desks and punching at each other
4722>Though the more you listen, it sounds like only one of them is doing the punching
4723>The painful grunts are all from one girl...
4724>...maybe you should step in?
4725>A bang on what must be the teacher's desk makes you jump and silences the scuffle in an instant
4726>"ENOUGH! Sit down and eat your food!"
4727>There's a spell of silence before you hear chairs scoot out and the two girls drop into them
4728>And then it's just the sounds of chewing and scraping plastic plates
4729>Now that the argument's dissolved you feel you should head on in, but something is... off
4730>So you cross your arms and rest against the wall
4731>About a minute later she starts up
4732>"I've got it all worked out now. Our new plan."
4733>It's the commanding voice again
4734>Does she always sound like that, or is she still pissed?
4735>"What? You were serious about changing the plan?"
4736>"Yes. For good reason."
4737>"...Was there something wrong with the other?"
4738>She hums, presumably while chewing her food
4739>"It would have worked, but the reward is a bit small. Tonight I'll explain the new plan in full. It's very similar, but there will be a MUCH bigger payoff."
4740>"Awww! But I already memorized the words! 'Battle... you wanna win it... let's have a battle... battle of-"
4741>She lists in a monotone what sounds suspiciously like a magic spell before she's cut off
4742>"We have to wait through the summer vacation period anyway. You'll memorize another."
4743>Battle!?
4744>"...Okay. Can we use it another time though? I like it a lot."
4745>"Eat your food, Sonata, and clear your mind. We'll craft something more complex. It'll require full attention to learn, especially for you."
4746>"Hey..."
4747>The girl who got shoved into a desk snickers
4748>Your heart races
4749>The hell is this?
4750>Not long ago you would have assumed they were from drama, but after the incident with Shimmer you feel glued to the wall
4751>For several minutes you listen to the argumentative two bicker back and forth
4752>Every time they start up again over some petty nonsense, you want more for the commanding voice to interrupt
4753>"You can take the bed. It smells like someone puked all over it."
4754>"That's probably because you slept in it."
4755>"You know what?!"
4756>"No fighting~"
4757>"Stupid... fucking... ugh."
4758>Just go back to the important stuff already
4759>Lecture them some more
4760>You've lost track of the time. The bell could ring, and who knows if you'll get a chance like this again?
4761>Well, why leave it to chance in the first place?
4762>You could just approach them and ask for clarification
4763>With your hand laid flat against the wall you take one step toward the doorway
4764>Just before you take off into the most inconspicuous walk you can manage, you're frozen in place by the commanding voice from before
4765>Except this time it's more calm, a bit more quiet
4766>"Don't expect to get a lot of sleep. We're going to the 'Beats Me' shop again tonight. We'll arrive at closing time, have the shopkeeper show us how to work the machines, then tell him to go home. That technology could serve us. If I'm right about it... the humans won't know what hit them."
4767>Humans
4768>THE HUMANS
4769>That's a confirmation
4770>It's got to be
4771>You step away very slowly, and once at the end of the hall you take off
4772>Got to find her
4773>Got to tell her
4774>Twilight Sparrow
4775>Where is she?!
4776>The cafeteria, probably
4777>You reach another corner
4778>What is Beats Me?
4779>Other than obnoxious pun material
4780>When you get home, you can look it up on the internet
4781>...What if the bell rings?
4782>Sitting on this during class would be awful
4783>Got to hurry
4784>Got to hurry!
4785>Your back pack slips down your arm
4786>You pull it behind you, swing it forward to scoop it back up, but lose your grip
4787>It drops to the floor where your hasty feet slip over it
4788>The the sprint you'd built up betrays you, launching you head-first into-
4789>"Hey!"
4790>Three pounds on the glass beside your head wake you up
4791>"You are under arrest!"
4792"What the fuck-"
4793>The seatbelt keeps you from falling over
4794>"You're being detained and shit. Open up!"
4795>Sigh
4796>With your face inches from the window, you frown
4797>The girl on the other side presses her hands against the side of the car and leans in as well
4798>Her white hair is easy to see in this darkness. Even the purple ends on the front side come in clear
4799>The nose ring takes a bit of straining
4800>She raises a hand up in front of the glass and circles her index finger around
4801>"I don't got all night."
4802>You roll the window down, and unlock the door while you're at it
4803"What's with the yellow gloves?"
4804>"They're for cleaning, dork."
4805"I thought they might be a fashion statement."
4806>"Who'd wear yellow gloves for fashion?"
4807>You shrug
4808"Who'd bleach their hair?"
4809>"Ha, ha, ha."
4810>The jab to your shoulder shifts you in your seat
4811>"We've got a comedian. Hold up and I'll ask my boss if you can do stand up."
4812"About that, I thought you got fired?"
4813>"I did."
4814>The girl digs into her coat pocket and produces a pack of cigarettes
4815>"I guess I'm one of the only suckers willing to sit around all night in the shittiest convenience store in town."
4816>With one slipping slightly between her glove's fingers and a lighter tucked under her thumb she drops the pack back in
4817>Striking the flame takes a few tries
4818>Once she's got it, she snuggles up to the car to protect her light from the cool breeze
4819"Maybe your exotic appearance was good for tourism?"
4820>"Ha! Ha! Ha!"
4821>A couple more jabs to the same spot
4822>It's probably bruised
4823>"Fuckin' hilarious, what a jokester, you're killing me."
4824>She gives you a little smile, and you return one
4825>After taking drag she sticks her head right through the window and inspects the floorboard
4826>"Got a girl down here or something?"
4827>Smoke rises up into your face
4828"Wh-why would there be a girl down there?"
4829>She lifts up with a deadpan expression
4830>"Use your imagination."
4831"Uh..."
4832>"She hiding in the back? Shit, it's dark, man."
4833>The door opens up and now both her and the seatbelt constrain you
4834"Hey! Hey! Get off!"
4835>"Heeeellooooo? Who's the dirty bastard that took 'Non's virginity?"
4836"F-Fuck off!"
4837>You shove her out and fan smoke away
4838"I'm not with a girl. I'm not with anyone."
4839>"Hmmm. What is it then?"
4840>She scoots into the seat beside you, as much as she can, resting one shoe in the floorboard and the other on the asphalt
4841>"Are you high?"
4842"Come on..."
4843>You roll your eyes
4844>"You drunk?"
4845"Seriously? I've almost killed myself driving sober."
4846>"Hmmm. Let me smell your breath."
4847>She turns your head toward her by your chin
4848>Your heart skips a beat 
4849>Her scrutinous golden eyes compel you to awkwardly open your mouth
4850"Uh."
4851>"Your breath smells suspiciously good."
4852>She rubs her nose and pulls away
4853>"Man! That's way too fuckin' clean! Suspicious!"
4854"Maybe you should stop smoking."
4855>She slams her hand down on the steering wheel, launching some ash into your floorboard, and gets close up again
4856>One side of her lips curls down
4857>"Maybe you should tell me why you're hanging out in a parking lot by yourself. It's after midnight."
4858"Go back to scrubbing the floor or whatever you were doing."
4859>"You're in an... unusually shitty mood, 'Non. What's wrong?"
4860>Her tone shifts to something more gentle
4861>As soon as that happens, you anticipate a touch on your aching shoulder
4862>"...'Non?"
4863>And there it is
4864>She gets a firm but cautious hold on your shoulder and rubs up and down
4865>Up and down
4866>The frustration this causes is quickly blocked out by nostalgic comfort
4867>Every time she does this, you turn into an open book
4868>Right now that's not really an option
4869"I just want to be alone."
4870>"Ugh. 'Non! You're gonna like, hurt my feelings."
4871"Don't do the whining thing."
4872>You yawn
4873"I've been up for fourty-eight hours... I have no patience."
4874>She yawns too
4875>"Why have you been up so long?"
4876"Because. I'm an idiot."
4877>"Why are you an idiot?"
4878"Stop."
4879>"Come on 'Non. It'd be a shame if I had to phone up your parents and tell them I caught you getting blown in the parking lot."
4880"Wh-whoa!"
4881>"While drunk off your ass. Boy that'd suck."
4882"Don't even joke about that. My mom would believe you."
4883>Though it's not as if your parents tend to take phone calls these days
4884>She rubs her chin a bit
4885>"Maybe I should call. Then she'd be like, 'our son is on the wrong path, he still needs a babysitter after all,' and I could quit this graveyard shift bullshit."
4886"No offense but I think that's the last job you're going to get, with your current look."
4887>She chuckles
4888>"Yeah. Yeah, you're right."
4889>Your conversation dies down, but the little massage on your shoulder is persistent
4890>The longer it goes on, the warmer and fuzzier your stomach gets
4891>Hold on
4892>The gloves
4893>Those are for cleaning
4894"Ew."
4895>You grab her arm
4896"You haven't been scrubbing toilets, have you?"
4897>Her silence is not very reassuring
4898"...Why don't you take them off? This place has the most disgusting bathroom I've seen in my life."
4899>"Awww. How sweet."
4900"Wh-what?"
4901>She reaches over with her free hand and pats your shoulder
4902>"You don't want me to stop comforting you."
4903"Not what I said."
4904>"It's more like what you didn't say, dude."
4905>She laughs as she pulls the gloves off and drops them onto the dash
4906>"I didn't want to take them off because I'm super forgetful. If I lose them my boss will freak out. Not even joking."
4907"Well, genius, you don't have to risk it."
4908>"...What?"
4909>Seriously?
4910>You take the gloves, flip them inside out and move toward the nearest coat pocket
4911>It's stuffed, with the cigarettes among other things
4912>So you reach around and work them into the pocket on the other side
4913"See?"
4914>"Ohhh. 'Non. How sweet."
4915>Her arm wraps around your neck and pulls you into her
4916"Hey!"
4917>"All that just to sneak a hug? Very cute, you little dweeb."
4918"That was NOT what I was doing."
4919>"So so so cute. It's just like old times, huh?"
4920>You're pretty sure you try to break out of her hold
4921>It could be that you were laying motionless against her chest the whole time
4922>Too tired to tell
4923>"Why don't you tell me what's wrong now?"
4924"...Gilda..."
4925>"An actual customer could pull in any second, so you should tell me while you can."
4926>Well
4927>Why not
4928"Whatever. It's a girl I know."
4929>"Fuckin' knew it! When did you hook up? What'd she do to you?"
4930"Whoa. You've got it backwards."
4931>"...What'd you fuck up?"
4932>Sigh
4933"Well. This morning I hurt her feelings."
4934>She waits a few seconds before grunting in impatience
4935>"Worst story ever, dude."
4936>You try to sit up and she pulls you back in
4937>"That means give me the details. How'd you hurt her feelings?"
4938"Uh. She's... really jealous. She always thinks I'm spending time with another girl, you know? So I tried calling the one in question to clear things up."
4939>"Oh shit."
4940"Huh?"
4941>"Keep going. Just, oh shit you fucked up."
4942>You swallow hard
4943"Uh, well the first girl, I'll call her Taco, just listens in on the call. Second girl, Pajamas, picks up and starts kissing my ass. Then asks if I'm single."
4944>"Oh? You making this up?"
4945"No. Why would I make this up? Anyway, the call turns into a heated, awkward argument. Then Pajama's little sister shows up."
4946>"Did you make her mad too?"
4947>You chuckle
4948"No, Pajamas pissed her off. The call ended and I tried to explain to Taco..."
4949>"...And she didn't listen?"
4950"Yeah. Pajamas said a lot of things that sounded suspicious, but didn't mean anything. Tacos didn't want to hear my explanations."
4951>She takes a drag and looks away to sigh
4952>"Taco didn't say anything at all?"
4953"W-Well, one thing."
4954>It feels as though a knot forms in your stomach
4955"She said 'you got mad at Pajamas for being vague, but you're vague with me all the time.' I got frustrated and left, drove into town, and searched all day."
4956>"Searched for what?"
4957>Should have kept your mouth shut
4958"Um. I searched for... myself, man. You know?"
4959>Gilda pokes a finger into the top of your head
4960>If you weren't on the verge of falling asleep on her you'd care more about the pain
4961>"I'm not following. You're being vague with ME now. Why did you argue with Pajamas? When did you meet Taco? Also drop the code names, this isn't the witness protection program."
4962>Your scalp is spared for a moment, then she pats you on the side of the head
4963>"Don't fall asleep while I'm so confused."
4964"Uh. They're just usernames."
4965>"What?"
4966"Account names."
4967>She rests her hand
4968>"Wait. Is Taco like, your internet girlfriend?"
4969"Uhhh. Sure. She lives close by though. It's an argument about internet stuff... you wouldn't understand."
4970>"Dude, seriously?"
4971>She pushes you up, rests her arm on your shoulder and then her chin on her arm, putting herself uncomfortably close yet again
4972>"This is over an internet fight? Who cares?"
4973"Well."
4974>"Just call up your real life friends and hang out. Forget about Taco and Pajamas, they'll be over it next time you jack in or whatever."
4975>The way she says it, as if it's the most obvious solution in the world
4976>Call someone up
4977>Hang out
4978"I don't have 'real life friends', Gilda."
4979>"Eh? That's not true. You have a bunch of friends. Sometimes your mom would call me and say I didn't have to check on you becuase you were at a slumber party or something."
4980"Yeah."
4981>You mash your hand into your face and then let it fall into the passenger seat
4982"Back then I did. These days I have pretty much n-no one."
4983>"Why?"
4984>She turns your head toward her by your chin again, and you look away
4985"Just didn't work out I guess. I don't want to talk about it, okay?"
4986>"That's fuckin' crazy. Don't you want friends?"
4987>What kind of question is that?
4988"Of course I do."
4989>"Then how can you not have any? You've got money, just throw it around and you can make as many friends as you want."
4990>Thoughts explode inside your head
4991>Your lips prepare for a hundred different sarcastic responses
4992"That's..."
4993>Your heart beats faster
4994>Your face warms up
4995"That's not the answer. That's the fucking problem."
4996>After feeling around at your side a bit you find and undo the seatbelt so you can scoot a bit further away
4997>Irritation builds as you wait for a hand on your shoulder again
4998>You imagine you'll just push it off this time
4999>But instead of comforting you, she taps on the door
5000>"Maybe I'm dumb. I don't get what you're saying. Explain it?"
5001"...I really don't want to talk about this."
5002>"Dude, you're all pent-up over it. You should let it out."
5003>She puts her weight on the steering wheel
5004>"Maybe I can help you."
5005>She's part of the...
5006"You're part of-"
5007>Yawn
5008>"...Part of what?"
5009>Maybe if you just say it, she'll let you go back to sleep
5010"When I was younger, I did have friends. We'd hang out a lot. My mom, back then she had time to call up the other parents and set up slumber parties and stuff, or she'd send money for movie tickets. That's what you remember."
5011>"Yeah."
5012"Well when I was a bit older and they decided I didn't need a babysitter anymore, they gave me more responsibility. Instead of spending all of the money for me they opened an account for me to manage some of it myself, and gave me more and more control over time..."
5013>Gilda nods and takes another drag of her cigarette
5014"Things kept going the same as ever with my friends, except with less restraint. We spent a lot of money doing whatever. I was younger and less responsible so I'd run out fast. And that's when I realized that my friends would lose their enthusiasm to hang out with me as soon as we'd dried the account up. At first they just payed less attention... then they stopped coming over at all, until I told them my parents sent more."
5015>You close your hand into a fist and dig it into your knee
5016"It got to where I wouldn't see anyone for weeks at a time. But once I could buy us a video game or something, I was everyone's closest pal. You... you know?"
5017>She says nothing
5018"So eventually I told them I was sick of it. I thought it'd play out like a cartoon or something, that they'd apologize and we'd all become actual friends... but... w-well. I haven't talked to any of them in years."
5019>"Man, that's kind of crazy. It makes sense, but it's crazy. You're telling me not even one of your friends stayed?"
5020"No."
5021>"...That sucks. I'll give you that, but-"
5022>She squeezes the hand on your knee
5023>"-that just means they were a shitty bunch of friends. You can make more."
5024>Is she not self-aware?
5025>Or maybe she's playing stupid
5026>Your tired and irrational brain wants you to believe she's trying to piss you off
5027"Everyone acts that way. I see it everywhere. Even Ra- even Pajamas... She wouldn't shut up about my parents' accomplishments, but I know she just meant my parents' money. She complimented me, but it's just because of the money."
5028>"Anonymous..."
5029"Maybe I could live with that kind of girl, and those kinds of fake friends. If I really had to, who knows? But here's the thing: I can't sustain it. I'm not my parents. Their work doesn't interest me. I tried to study it anyway, but it doesn't stick. You know? I don't care about it. Or maybe I'm not talented enough. Either way-"
5030>You brush her hand off of yours
5031>"I'm not going into their profession, and I'm sure as hell not going to mooch off their money after I graduate. My 'friends' would all be gone by the end of next year, so fuck them. Fuck everyone."
5032>Your heart won't calm itself
5033>Having all but said it straight out, you stare out the passenger window and cross your arms
5034>So embarrassing
5035>So exhausting
5036>As you wait for her to acknowledge it, a minute crawls by, and predictions of her angry defense play out in your mind
5037>She'll deny it, distort the facts
5038>Slam your door and swear at you
5039>You just wish she'd hurry up and do it
5040>"...Is this what they'd call a complex or something?"
5041"What?"
5042>"Like, maybe you push people away because you see things that aren't there."
5043"Things that aren't there? Seriously?"
5044>She shrugs
5045>"Well not everyone's like your childhood friends, 'Non. Maybe I don't count for much, but you've got me, for example."
5046>Still playing dumb?
5047>No, she must not see it at all
5048"A-Are you serious?"
5049>"Of course. You mean a lot to me. I hope I mean a lot to you t-"
5050"You think you don't count?"
5051>"Eh?"
5052"When you do it it's far worse than if someone else does."
5053>After a long pause she tosses her cigarette and grinds it into the asphalt with the tip of her shoe
5054>"Wait. You don't think that I talk to you because you have money, do you?"
5055"Gilda."
5056>"What? Do you think that? It's not true."
5057"Really?"
5058>"Yeah..."
5059"So you weren't going to ask me to lend you some cash for cigarettes? And you don't need help with the rent this month?"
5060>"Wh-"
5061"Don't act like that's not why you knocked on the window, or why you were so concerned about my mood. You know when my account gets refilled. And that's always when I run into you."
5062>You can't even look at her
5063>Short of breath, and with a burning face, you finally said it
5064>She can explode in anger now, maybe jab your shoulder a few more times
5065>She could at least
5066>But she doesn't
5067>Gilda slides out of the car and gently shuts the door
5068>The click is barely audible
5069>"I."
5070>She's quiet
5071>"I uh."
5072>What? Not even going to deny it?
5073>Is she going to guilt trip you?
5074>"Um. 'Non, I..."
5075>It's all a misunderstanding, is that it?
5076>Just a huge coincidence?
5077>Don't even bother
5078"I'm done with that stuff."
5079>You retake your seat and pull the belt back over you
5080>Once it's clicked in you rest your hands on the steering wheel
5081>The frustration fades
5082>There's relief, but much more powerful is some kind of fear
5083>You close your eyes and wait...
5084"Uh-"
5085>With a blurry, half-lidded peek out the window, you see her
5086>...She's just walking away
5087>Past a promotional sign, halfway to the front door to the store
5088>She's not going to yell?
5089>Or hit you?
5090"Wait..."
5091>You go to open the door, and stop yourself
5092"Gil-"
5093>Soon she's pulling the yellow gloves out of her coat and pushing the door open with her shoulder
5094>The bell rings out into the empty parking lot until the door shuts itself, leaving you in silence
5095___
5096"Whoa..."
5097>A wall of cold air hits you as the front door opens
5098>It's worse than outside
5099>You step in, shut it and run your hand underneath the doorknob a few times until it's locked again
5100>Maybe teaching Sonata to use the AC is a good idea
5101>Where is she?
5102>You lean down near the coffee table and let your laptop slide out from under your arm
5103>Your keys hit the edge and fall into the carpet, your shoes roll under the table and you drag your feet over to your bedroom doorway
5104>The lights don't need flipped on
5105>The three or four blankets she's wrapped around herself would be impossible to miss
5106"Sorry, Sonata."
5107>You whisper to yourself and step over to the couch
5108>It does occur to you to return the temperature to something more reasonable
5109>But four blankets
5110>Could be FIVE blankets
5111>She's probably warm
5112>Adagio can sleep inside her hair
5113>From where you stand you're barely able to see the electronic clock on top of your microwave in the kitchen
5114>12:32
5115"Good... night..."
5116>Your weight shifts on its own, pulling you over the back of the couch
5117>Cushions smash into your face
5118>Your limbs fall here and there
5119>And the phone rings
5120"What... the fuck."
5121>It reaches far, but is pretty quiet
5122>So much so that maybe it's your imagination
5123>Scheming brain wants to stay the fuck awake
5124>You squeeze your eyes shut harder and sigh in contempt
5125...
5126"OH!"
5127>Barely keeping your balance you jump up and stumble through the living room
5128>Your feet slip on the tile, sliding you right into the counter
5129>RIIING
5130"They never call at twelve in the morning. What gives..."
5131>You look to the clock
5132>5:06
5133"The hell!?"
5134>RIIING
5135"School's going great, what am I learning though?"
5136>RIIING
5137"...School's out, damn it. Everything is going good. I got a girlfriend. N-No, I can't say that."
5138>RIIING
5139"There's a girl I like. She's pretty, nice, really jealous... she eats a lot, like dad. She'll fit in."
5140>RIIING
5141"I've been reading the textbooks dad told me about. It's starting to click, m-maybe?"
5142>RIIING
5143>You raise your shaking hand over the house phone
5144"Summer's been fun. Met a girl. Studying. Okay. Okay..."
5145>A deep breath
5146>And a sigh
5147>You snatch up the phone and lean against the counter
5148"Hey! S-Sorry, I was asleep. Not that it matters, of co-"
5149>...
5150>...
5151"Oh."
5152>...
5153"Yeah, that's me."
5154>...
5155"You remembered right. Is there something you need?"
5156>...
5157>...
5158"WHAT? Are you serious? No, no, no! Don't call the police! She's still there right?"
5159>...
5160"Okay, keep her there! I'm coming over right now!"
5161>...
5162"D-Don't let her leave! Bye!"
5163___
5164>He's standing outside when you drive into the lot
5165>After the sloppiest parking job of your life you fling open the door and rush out, only to freeze in place
5166>The trip down here was rushed to say the least
5167>"She could leave," "Got to hurry," and "Please don't call the cops" played over and over in your head
5168>Just about the only new thought you had on the way was "thanks for nothing, Kent" as you passed his house
5169>You have no idea how to explain this
5170>"Howdy."
5171>He's on his way...
5172>You shut your door and wave
5173>Might as well let him come to the car, right?
5174>Is what you think until he leans against a gas pump and beckons you over
5175>Alright
5176>Don't be awkward
5177>And don't say anything suspicious. Not too complicated
5178>First course of action will be figuring out what Aria has said
5179"Hey, sir. I got here as fast as I could."
5180>You rest your arms on a newspaper dispenser a few feet away from him
5181>"No worries kid, feels like I just hung up the phone. I'm glad you're here, really didn't want to go to the authorities."
5182"So uh, why were you going to do that? What all has she done?"
5183>He groans
5184>"Gosh, I'm being rude. Before that..."
5185>He holds out his hand
5186>You aren't prepared for the strength of his handshake
5187>Being pulled forward, stumbling a bit, it brings up a memory from your childhood: seeing your father over-correct his balance and send himself into shelves of junk food
5188>Now you feel bad for laughing at him
5189>"Haven't seen you in ages, Anonymous. You were practically in the womb!"
5190"I've stopped by here a few times but didn't go inside, so... it's nice to see you again, Tom."
5191>"Next time you talk to your dad, tell him he should hurry back. Hasn't felt right since he stopped popping in for coffee."
5192"Haha. I'll tell him."
5193>Tom nods his head, but his goofy smile disappears
5194>"Anyway. The reason I was going to call the cops."
5195>He stuffs his hands deep into his pants pockets
5196>"To tell you the truth, I just don't know what to do. Yesterday I got a call about a kid just sitting outside the store, coming in to use the bathroom and that's it. I told them to leave her be."
5197>After glancing at his watch, he sighs
5198>"I showed up at midnight and she was still there. So, it's chilly. I tell her she can come inside and talk if there's a problem. She comes in, ignores me and sits in the corner. Strange, but weirder stuff's happened here so I go back to work. She's here for hours, right? Shaking, rubbing her wrists and ankles. Mumbling. I'm no expert but it's pretty obvious the kid's on something."
5199"No, no, no, it's not like that-"
5200>"At least that's what I thought!"
5201>He bends his knees and shakes his head as he chuckles at your frantic, waving hands
5202>"I feel bad for her, so I ask if she's thirsty. She won't say anything. So I give her a soda and she stares at me, makes a weird face and takes it. Ten minutes later the twerp's a totally different person."
5203"What do you mean?"
5204>"Going on and on about how she's going to work for me."
5205"...What."
5206>"She takes a broom out of the closet and sweeps around. Every twenty minutes or so she wants another task! It's driving me crazy. And I was quick to say this wasn't a thing! I said, plain as day, 'we're not hiring right now,' and she'd just interrupt me and shout 'I'm Aria! I AM Aria!' ...But there's one other thing she kept saying."
5207>Tom cocks his head
5208>"'I don't need them. I don't need Anonymous. I don't need them. I don't need Anonymous.' Eventually it clicked in my head. When I asked if the Anonymous she knows lives out by the woods, she acted funny."
5209>He rests a hand on your shoulder
5210>"Look, I'm sorry for calling at this time. I go home in a few hours and the kid's definitely got some problems. Can't call her parents, she won't say who they are. I'm hoping you can deal with her."
5211"She's got some issues going on at home is all. Nothing serious, don't worry, she's just... really emotional. I'll take care of it."
5212>"That's what I wanted to hear!"
5213>Tom plants his hand on your back and guides you forward
5214>The storefront blurs; you focus through the large glass windows on a girl in the back
5215>She reaches up to the highest shelf and prods a box around with her index fingers
5216>Once she's got it facing neatly toward the aisle, she scoots over to the next product and gives it the same treatment
5217>Tom pulls open the door and claps his hands
5218>"Kid! Report!"
5219>The girl stumbles backward, and rather than trying to stabilize herself, launches into a sprint down the aisle
5220>Grabbing on to a counter lets her swing around the corner
5221>"Shift Manager Tom! I tidied the entire ai-"
5222>She comes to an abrupt stop
5223>Though initially wide-eyed, she takes on a stoic expression and locks eyes with Tom
5224>"Surprise! I called in your friend!"
5225>She blinks
5226>This girl...
5227>For a moment it's as though you're meeting her for the first time
5228>A red bandanna with a skull and crossbones pattern hugs the top of her head
5229>A gag "BURNT TOAST - MY SPECIALTY" apron that's just a bit too large covers her torso
5230>And she looks more...
5231>...alive
5232>"What? Don't be shy. He drove straight down here to see you."
5233>"Uh."
5234>"Why don't you talk to him for a while?"
5235>She shakes her head
5236>"That has nothing to do with running a 'gas station,' Shift Manager Tom."
5237>"Well. Ha ha. You got me there I guess."
5238>He scratches his nose and looks all around the room
5239>You join in, to distract yourself from the tense silence
5240>There's one customer here: a girl in her twenties reading the back of a candy bar wrapper
5241>"...Why don't you give Anonymous a tour of the station?"
5242>"Sir..."
5243>"He's a valued customer. Goes way back. He's probably interested in knowing how things have changed around here. Huh Anonymous?"
5244"Sure. I'm curious."
5245>Aria's line of sight doesn't budge
5246>"He can look around the store himself."
5247>"I wasn't asking, you know! That was your next task."
5248>"S-sir!"
5249>Her eyes shut
5250>She sighs
5251>And takes off down the aisle to your right
5252>Tom gives you a quick pat on the shoulder and heads to an "employees only" door in the back
5253>Once you hear it shut, you hesitantly approach twin-tails
5254"...Hi, Aria."
5255>"These are our big sodas."
5256>She points to a black shelf packed with two-liter bottles laying on their sides
5257>"You aren't allowed to drink them unless you buy them. Not even a sip."
5258>Her finger waves over to a row of boxes, each presenting a bull mascot
5259>"Those are beef jerky. The next one is slim jim. All the other brown stuff is beef jerky too."
5260"Oh."
5261>She shakes her head and takes a few steps forward
5262>"We keep the chips here. They have the same rule as the soda bottles."
5263>She runs her finger down the multiple rows of chip bags, making sure to hit each brand at least once
5264>"There are chips in a tube, too."
5265>You follow around to the other side
5266"Hey Aria, I'd like to talk to you about something el-"
5267>"This ENTIRE row is candy. So is the other row. Some of it is from another country and that's why it looks like dirt. Basically this is the aisle for fat people."
5268>Aria moves on so quickly that she doesn't see the twenty-something year old's glare
5269"Uh. Hey-"
5270>"These are medicine."
5271>She holds up a big pink bottle of pepto bismol
5272>"This potion helps when your stomach hurts I think?"
5273"Yeah. That's right."
5274>She rolls her eyes and sets it back down
5275>"Humans can be pretty smart. These little white pills make your head stop hurting, and there are even ones that put your enemies to sleep."
5276>Her arms cross tightly against her chest
5277>"Apparently humans who aren't idiots exist. I wouldn't have known."
5278"...Ha..."
5279>"...Maybe you should get some of the white pills. Since, s-since you're so stupid you can't even fall in a tub right."
5280>She glances at you, then proceeds
5281>Around the end of the aisle again and you're at the soda machines
5282"Wait-"
5283>"This is the soda fountain. It has like, a huge-ass bottle of soda inside. Well it has to be a lot of bottles because there's ten flavors. When you push a button..."
5284>She cautiously taps at the Mountain Dew square
5285>Then she moves all the way over to the other side and jabs at the Pepsi button
5286>"...See? There's no delay. Maybe there are ten big bottles. But they never run out, they must go into the wall?"
5287"Ha ha ha... ha ha, Aria..."
5288>"What?"
5289>You can't help but chuckle a bit longer
5290>Her cold stare is unchanging, and soon you're not much in the mood to laugh
5291"Is that the end of the tour?"
5292>"This is coffee."
5293>She steps over to the other side and rests her hands on the granite countertop
5294>"It looks like chocolate or something but it tastes like shit."
5295"I kind of like coffee."
5296>"It tastes like SHIT."
5297"Okay."
5298>She pokes around at some pink sugar packets in the corner
5299>"These will make it taste better. But why bother? Soda tastes good in the first place."
5300>In her effort to tidy up she knocks a box over, spilling its artificial sweeteners
5301>"Damn it."
5302>She whispers and scoops them up
5303>You watch as she pours her handful into the box, then shifts them one by one to stand upright and face forward
5304>Her tour comes to a halt as she gives her full attention to this tiny, insignificant task
5305"Are you... having fun here, Aria?"
5306>She doesn't respond
5307>Soon she finishes up the final row, straightens out her apron a bit and rests her hands on her hips
5308>"Maybe if you weren't so stupid I wouldn't have dumped them."
5309"What?"
5310>Before you know it she's standing in front of the cash register
5311>"Hurry up!"
5312"Alright."
5313>You stand beside her and flash an uncomfortable smile to the guy behind the counter
5314>"When you have soda and chips or whatever, you bring it here and pay for it."
5315"Cool. Is that the end of the tour?"
5316>"There's one more thing."
5317>She leads you over to the door and points over her shoulder to a display case
5318>"He wouldn't tell me what these are, but I have a feeling you're the kind of guy who would buy them."
5319>Row after row holds magazines with women on the cover, living it up in their birthday suits
5320>Stickers block out the good stuff
5321"Very funny."
5322>"...I wasn't trying to be funny."
5323>The cashier stifles a laugh
5324>Aria smirks
5325>Impatience sets in
5326"Okay. The tour's done. Can we talk?"
5327>"Um. No. I finished my task, so go home."
5328"...Please. Give me one minute."
5329>"No. Go home."
5330"I'm worried about you."
5331>"WORRIED about me?"
5332>She closes the distance between you and scowls
5333>"Go. Home."
5334"Of course I'm worried. I was scared you got... hit by a car or something. I've been searching pretty much since you disappeared."
5335>"I don't care."
5336>Her breathing speeds up
5337>She balls her fists
5338"I'm willing to talk about it. About everything. We can... figure this out."
5339>"Would you go home already!?"
5340"Twin-tails-"
5341>With both hands she shoves you into the edge of a shelf, sending you flat on your back in the floor
5342>A few beef jerky packages rain down around you
5343>The air inside your lungs escapes as her knees sink into your stomach, and her hands slap onto the tiles beside your head
5344>"Do not. Fucking. Call me that."
5345"Get off..."
5346>With one good push she's forced to her feet, but immediately dives down again
5347>This time squeezing her fingers around your throat
5348"Aria! What the hell!"
5349>"I don't need anything from you. I don't NEED anybody. I'm staying here."
5350>Cautiously, you dig your fingers under hers
5351"You... can't live here..."
5352>Her right hand loosens up and you slip in to interlock fingers
5353>After doing the same with the other hand you roll over, throwing her to the floor and giving you enough momentum to pop up by the cashier
5354>His mouth hangs open
5355"Uh."
5356>The candy bar girl watches from a couple aisles down, snack-filled bag in hand
5357>At least she's not holding out her cell phone
5358>But of course...
5359>...a security camera is watching anyway
5360"Hey, Aria?"
5361>She lays still on the floor
5362"How about we take this outside?"
5363>"Fuck off."
5364"We're scaring the customers. That hurts the store's image."
5365>"Fuck! Off!"
5366"Isn't that right?"
5367>You go to the cashier for backup
5368>He pouts, leans over the counter and nods his head to Aria
5369>"Sorry, intern. It's like, a total rep killer when the employees choke customers on the floor."
5370>"But he started it!"
5371>"Weeeeeeell, like, I dunno, you did throw the first punch."
5372>"UGH!"
5373>She gets up and runs to the corner of the room
5374>With a broom in hand she holds the door open with her back
5375>Stares into your eyes
5376>And unscrews the end, very slowly
5377>"Like, I'm still on your side, intern!"
5378>The broom's head falls to your feet and she heads outside, taking a left
5379>...Intern?
5380>You frown at the cashier
5381"Please don't encourage her."
5382___
5383>The alley between the station, and some fast food place
5384>It's pretty dark but there's a light near the middle. You both gravitate to opposite ends
5385>Aria holds the broom handle out horizontally
5386"Drop the ninja stance. I'm not going to fight you."
5387>"Then you're gonna get your ass kicked."
5388"I know that I deserve it. But can't we just talk?"
5389>"Talk about WHAT?"
5390"How to fix things. And why you ran away."
5391>"Why I ran away!?"
5392>She stomps
5393>"WHY I ran away!?"
5394>The end of the broom handle slams into the ground
5395>"I'm sorry, you can't shop here after all. We don't serve the mentally retarded."
5396"That's... a really bad PR move."
5397>"You have ONE MORE CHANCE to go home!"
5398"Aria!"
5399>She steps forward, dragging her makeshift staff with her
5400"I can't... I can't go home without you. I told you, no matter what happens, you're one of my people now."
5401>A whistling sound from the right sends you stepping back
5402>Your right arm is grazed
5403"Hey!"
5404>It swings in from the left
5405>Again, you barely dodge
5406>Just as you've prepared to catch the next swipe she pulls it back like a spear
5407"S-Stop. I don't want to do this."
5408>"Do what?"
5409"Fight you."
5410>"Hmmm."
5411>She stops in the middle of the light
5412>Not moving a muscle
5413>"Then just take it away from me."
5414>Your heart races
5415>What a stupid challenge
5416>It'll be easy
5417>You were gonna do it anyway
5418"Fine."
5419>You raise your hands up slowly, bit by bit
5420>Waiting for her to make a move
5421>She doesn't
5422>So you reach in from the edge of the light and before you've even closed your hand into a fist, the handle has circled around, risen up and comes whistling down toward you
5423>The sting on your chin, you expected
5424>But the force of the blow disorienting you, sending you into the brick wall, you did not
5425>With squinted eyes you fall on your ass
5426>"Nice one."
5427"...Com-"
5428>The same stinging sensation hits your neck and you raise an arm over your head
5429>"What a fighter. Maybe you can train Sonata."
5430>While your face and neck are safe, she swings the handle in from side to side, striking your arm and shoulder repeatedly
5431>"What's wrong? What's wrong!? I'm strong 'for a girl,' right? Does that mean you're weak for a boy?"
5432>God
5433>Damn it
5434>Your eyes refuse to open out of fear of being struck
5435>Every time you go to get up, she hits you even harder
5436"This is stupid..."
5437>"You know what's REALLY stupid? Thinking I'd ever..."
5438>Your elbow is hit
5439>"...EVER..."
5440>A burning sensation fills your left hand
5441>"...go back with you!"
5442>The tips of your fingers ache
5443>It's...
5444>Not a choice, Aria
5445>Your legs do a sloppy job of getting you off the ground
5446>For a moment, you rest awkwardly against the wall with both arms crossed in front of your head
5447>The broom handle catches you one more time on the arm before you charge straight into Aria and pin her to the wall
5448>"GAH!"
5449>You feel around to the left and find her lower arm, which you follow down to the handle
5450>With one hand on her wrist, you grab the weapon and pull
5451>Her grip is no joke
5452>It takes several seconds to break it free
5453>"Sh-shit..."
5454>The broom whistles one last time as it flies through the air, into the grass
5455>Aria tries to squirm out from under you
5456>Pointless
5457>You grab her by the arms and press her up against the wall
5458"I can't leave you alone. You can't stay here. Do you understand me? "
5459>"L-Let me go!"
5460"The girl, the one who's after you, she told m-"
5461>"Let GO!"
5462"She told me about how dangerous th-"
5463>"let GO OF ME!"
5464>Aria always has to interrupt you
5465>Every single damn time...
5466>You squeeze her arms tighter
5467>And tighter
5468>Digging your fingers in until you get a vocal reaction out of her
5469>A quiet groan that captures your attention in full
5470>A sound that you wouldn't mind hearing again
5471"It's not a choice. For either of us."
5472>She puts a lot of effort into escaping to the right
5473>So you drag her to the left
5474>You spin her so that she's facing away, then bend her legs
5475"I have to..."
5476>Aria falls face first into the dirt with your knee resting on her thighs, and her arms held tightly behind her back
5477"...do this."
5478>Warmth of her skin on your fingers
5479>Brushes from her ponytails hitting your face as she tries desperately to get a look at you
5480>Her painful grunts as you put pressure on unexpected places
5481"I'm just doing what's right."
5482>Bringing her to a dead stop when she tries to roll away from you
5483>The feeble kicks on your lower back, delivered by legs she can barely move
5484"I'm doing the right thing. That's what this has all been about. Ever since the music store... no, ever since lunch that day. Maybe I went too far but I'm doing the right thing. You'll understand that eventually."
5485>Something moves beneath you
5486>She's managed to pull one leg up far enough to where her bare toes rest against the wall
5487"Just stop. Okay? Because I won't. This is the only way."
5488>Still, she fights
5489>The toes flatten out and, at an agonizingly slow speed, she pulls the rest of her foot on
5490>Her excited gasp drives you to wait it out
5491"I'm a dick. I know. But can't you understand? You HAVE to be reformed. I'm the only one who can do it. It's..."
5492>Her second leg moves even slower than the first
5493>You let off, just a little
5494"This is my responsibility."
5495>With both feet against the wall she grunts once again
5496>She uses the last of her energy to kick out from under you and slide into the light
5497>Immediately she rolls onto her front and lifts up
5498"Aria."
5499>A puzzling warmth builds in your abdomen
5500"Stop."
5501>You could pick her up...
5502"Just stop."
5503>You could carry her right to the car and stuff her inside
5504>Just like the very first night
5505>Instead, you watch her muster up strength to get onto her knees
5506>And onto her feet
5507>Then you grab her shoulders and force her down on her back
5508>"I'm g-gonna... kill you..."
5509>Her arms can barely compete at this point
5510>You let off enough for her to raise them up, to where they lay flat around her head
5511>And you let them fall down to rest straight out
5512>The important thing is that you decide where they stop
5513"Stop struggling, and this will be over."
5514>Her face contorts with disgust at your whispers
5515"We'll go straight back to the house. We'll work this out. Okay?"
5516>Just as you hoped, this fills her with another burst of determination
5517>Once again you have to struggle to keep her arms down
5518>Your fingers dig in around her wrists
5519>All of a sudden, you're aware that you're smiling
5520>At the sensation of her pulse on your thumbs
5521>The way her legs shift your entire body while trying to get away
5522>Her sharp breaths that seem to finally hint at genuine fear
5523>The furrowed brow and squinted eyes
5524>Her scrunched up nose and contorted lips
5525>The tears rolling down the side of her face
5526"Come on. Stop. Stop and..."
5527>Aria's next sharp breath is a lot stronger than the ones that came before it
5528>Afterwards, you can hear an almost inaudible whine as she lets the air escape
5529>Her chest rises and falls very slowly
5530"...Uh..."
5531>Your mind races
5532>Images force themselves upon you:
5533>Approaching Twilight and her friends
5534>Excited to tell her about what you had heard
5535>Thrilled to be the one person who they could rely on to secure an advantage against a new threat
5536>Maybe you could help them, you wonder
5537>Perhaps you'd be spending a lot of time with the group. And after the city is safe again, you might even become part of the group
5538"This is..."
5539>Rainbow Dash scoffs
5540>Your story, she declares, is suspicious
5541>The way you kept correcting yourself on what the girls said and the convenience of how you learned about their supposed plan
5542>One by one the girls all agree with her, except Rarity who sits quietly and stares
5543>Even after explaining that you're nervous, they don't reconsider
5544"...the right..."
5545>You park outside a music store, at an address you'd just pulled off of the internet
5546>It's closed and yet some of the lights are on
5547>A brief screech comes and goes, followed by distant yells
5548>This is it, you think
5549>Everything works out perfectly
5550>No need to even talk to them. More direct measures are fine
5551>After all
5552>You're hunting monsters
5553"...thing..."
5554>Sonata sobs into your chest on the couch
5555>Aria ignores a chance at escaping over a petty grudge
5556>Adagio explodes in anger, no doubt after a stressful day of managing a group of three in a strange world
5557>Sonata lays against the coffee table and covers her face, none of your explanations dissuading her from feeling hurt and confused over Rarity's claims
5558>Aria rolls across the punishment room floor, begging you to hit her, to give her more of a reason to run away from what she knows deep down could truly be her best option
5559>Bile builds in your throat
5560"Mpghh-"
5561>You let off, and stand up
5562>But your balance fails and you're soon staring up at the piercing yellow light and black sky
5563>With your arm pressed into your mouth, you take deep breaths
5564>Clearing your mind as much as you can
5565>Thinking only of the cool night air
5566>The bugs building on the hanging lamp's base
5567>Graffiti barely visible at the edge of the darkness
5568>Sounds of scraping dirt a few feet away from you
5569>And a red bandanna
5570>Covered from the top to the bottom with tiny, human skulls
5571>"I..."
5572>She sniffs and wipes her eyes
5573>"I hate you..."
5574>Her fingers slip into your shirt collar and under your arm
5575>She drags you deeper into the light's range, prompting you to raise your arm from your mouth to your eyes
5576>The first kick doesn't hurt
5577>It's just a light blow to your leg
5578>But every succeeding one is harder
5579>Soon you're wincing and rolling over
5580>"Do you know how long you have to lay on a wooden floor before it hurts?"
5581>Her strange question is delivered with a mixture of a sob and a whisper
5582>You don't know what to say; you take a few more kicks to your side
5583>"About two minutes."
5584>Your arm slides out from under your face and moves to protect you
5585>Instead it lays still on the ground
5586>Aria switches feet and stomps into your back, over and over, forcing the air from your lungs
5587>"You don't know. Huh?"
5588>The stomping gets harder
5589>"You're not a slave."
5590>And harder
5591>"You're not 'nothing', right?"
5592>Gasping for air, you roll onto your back
5593>Before you can bother to block out the light, Aria's head does it for you as she drops over you the same way she did in the station
5594>"I hate you..."
5595>Her fist hovers above you for so long that you feel a couple of tears fall onto your face
5596>"I really... really..."
5597>Your eyes shut in advance
5598>"...hate you..."
5599>White pain fills your cheek and slowly changes to a burning one
5600>The force behind her punch leaves your cheek resting in the dirt
5601>Unsure of why, you look up to face her again, and you wait
5602>"I w-want you to die..."
5603>Another blow, to your temple
5604>"Just. Fucking. Die."
5605>Your closed eye shuts twice as hard after it's struck
5606"A-Aria."
5607>"I hate you. I hate you so much."
5608>Perhaps solely because you spoke, she punches twice as hard
5609>Once into the side of your nose
5610>Again across your forehead
5611>And a couple of times straight to the mouth
5612>Your entire face burns, and it's complimented by a what you're certain will turn into a terrible headache
5613>"You ruined ev-everything. Took aw-away ever...ything..."
5614>Though the punches only hurt more over time, the desire to protect yourself fades
5615>Until consciousness seems as though it might slip away
5616>"Ad-Adagio... Sona-ata... ne-necklaces... Eques..."
5617>She sniffs
5618>"Eques-"
5619>The punches stop, probably so she can wipe tears away
5620>"We. We can nev- we can never go ba-ack. Our..."
5621>You wince as her hands press into your chest
5622>"...neckla..."
5623>The gut feeling you've got makes you expect a headbutt
5624>A few seconds later the pressure on your chest disappears, and you sense the light through your eyelids
5625>"I..."
5626>She falls to the dirt
5627>In interruption to her sobs, she whispers one last time
5628>...
5629>"I want to go home."
5630___
5631>How much time has passed?
5632>Ten minutes?
5633>Twenty?
5634>It's hard to tell, when you keep dozing off
5635>Your sleeves scrape against the dirt as you stretch out a bit
5636>Pain shoots into several different points on both arms, but at least you feel a little less stiff
5637"...You're still there, right?"
5638>There's no answer
5639>You hesitate to turn your head thanks to your aching neck
5640>Your left eye won't open at all and the right one puts up a fight
5641>The will to look at her just isn't there
5642>Getting up and walking to the car?
5643>Probably not happening
5644>So you do your best to get comfortable
5645"Back inside, when I called you twin-tails and you shoved me, I didn't undertand why. Kind of felt like an overreaction. But after a few punches, I understood."
5646>You pause
5647>Subtle movements in the dirt beside you fill you with relief
5648>Followed by a short-lived fear of another blow to the head
5649"Well, I always understood. I'm really good at ignoring the big picture. Or sometimes the small, obvious things."
5650>Through your eyelids you sense the light above flicker
5651>At the same time, something rumbles from within the gas station walls
5652"...Yeah. That's it. My true talent. Telling myself that everything is okay. It's gotten me through a lot, and now... haha. God..."
5653>It takes all of your strength not to groan as you sit yourself up against the brick wall
5654"Now I have no idea what I've actually done. To you, to the other Equestrians, or to myself. It's a mess."
5655>Things you thought had gone perfectly, even
5656"Sonata, she isn't interested me in the way I thought, is she?"
5657>As expected, Aria says nothing
5658"I forced her into this situation and she's terrified of being abandoned. I wonder if her affections are an act, to stay in my favor? Sometimes she seems so uncomfortable..."
5659>Your chest protests your chuckle with stabbing pains
5660"There I go again. Acting as if there's any reason she WOULDN'T be uncomfortable. It really must be a talent."
5661>Another chuckle quickly transforms into a cough
5662"Pretending you all wouldn't hate me. Acting like everything will just work out. Telling myself that Twilight would let it go. It all felt so possible... until now."
5663>Sounds of scraping dirt and a small thud against the wall suggest she's now sitting next to you
5664>You wait a long while in case she wants to respond
5665>She doesn't
5666"This is the end. So I'll be honest with you. About everything. "
5667>Starting from the beginning...
5668"At school, the day I kidnapped you, I overheard Sonata arguing with you over her... weight? For the record, I'm pretty sure you started it."
5669>Her foot stomps into the ground in warning
5670>You flinch, and then smirk
5671"It was really obvious that you weren't from this world. So I listened in to get more info. The way you guys fought was stressful then, but later I found it really funny. Anyway, I went to tell someone about you right away."
5672>Your stomach sinks as you recall the long walk to the end of the cafeteria, the six girls in your sight the whole way
5673"In the cafeteria I found the girl who saved the school last time. Her name is Twilight Sparkle, and she's from Equestria. She's got several friends. I wish I could say that all I wanted to do was ensure the safety of my peers or something, but that's not true. It was my initial thought, and afterward all I could think of was whether this would put me in good standing with the magical girl and her pals."
5674>You shake your head
5675"I wasn't very convincing; they thought I was lying, though it was mostly this Rainbow cu- girl's fault. She was-"
5676>Perhaps?
5677"M-Maybe she's an incredible judge of character? Haha. I left, and waited out the day, getting a look at you three from far away when I could. I was pissed. Absolutely pissed. When I got home I looked up that Beats Me store's address and closing time, and I'd made my decision. At first, kidnapping you was for proving my honesty. And then it hit me: a more complex plan, with a bigger payoff. The reason I kidnapped you..."
5678>Your lip quivers
5679"The reason I kidnapped you."
5680>There's no way to phrase the truth without revealing things you'd rather not
5681>So you sit there and stall, with a heavy chest
5682>...
5683>"Well?"
5684"Huh?"
5685>"I'm listening. So go ahead."
5686"Oh."
5687>Her soft voice brings a smile to your face
5688"You girls were interesting. You're all very pretty, too."
5689>...
5690"I live alone. It's been that way for a long time. I have no friends to speak of. In those hours before I kidnapped you, I daydreamed about a life with you three. Sleeping next to each other, hanging out in the living room. Everyone working together to fix dinner. Helping Adagio with her ridiculous hair. Managing a diet for Sonata, and introducing you to video games. I wanted all of that, no matter what. I realized that if I took a risk or two I could force you to depend on me. You know. Forever."
5691>...
5692"It's frustrating. I already tried once to make a friend who'd desperately need me. It worked at first but now he and I have a terrible relationship. Why did I try it again?"
5693>Tears threaten to build in your black eyes
5694>You fight the urge
5695"Well there it is. I'm Anonymous, the lonely opportunist. Going by what I've done to you, just now and at the house, I'm a pervert too. I don't think reforming you the way I tried is even possible, and if it is, I apparently don't have the guts to go through with it anyway."
5696>With some forcing, your right eye opens and you look to the slouching Aria at your left
5697"I'm- I'm a hypocrite, too."
5698>"Hypocrite?"
5699"Yeah. Punishing you for forcing people to bend to your will? I tied you up for weeks, insulted you, tried to make you as uncomfortable as I could and I did it to make you think a certain way. To make you..."
5700>You look back to your lap
5701"...adore me. There's only one difference between us: the necklace that used to hang from your neck."
5702>She hums quietly in acknowledgement
5703"I told you before that staying with me was your best option. It was probably the worst. The suffering I've brought you, Sonata, Adagio, Twilight and Rarity is unforgivable. With all of you, and with Equestria's leaders too I'm sure. Twilight's really high up in her government, and she thinks you might be a threat. Here I am hiding you. I really... don't even know what I've gotten myself into. Or you three - the first girl who Twilight stopped was an old friend of your world's leader, so she's on parole. Would you be so lucky?"
5704>"No... we wouldn't."
5705"Would, would they execute you?"
5706>She shrugs
5707>"I don't think that ever happens in Equestria. But crueler things do."
5708"Would those 'crueler things' happen if you were caught?"
5709>Again, she shrugs
5710>"Abusing powerful magic is kind of a huge deal."
5711"That's what I was afraid of."
5712>After taking a moment to appreciate the calm, honest conversation with Aria, you grit your teeth and get on your feet
5713>As soon as you're standing up straight, the pain fades
5714"I've put myself in a shitty position. Obviously I can't give you your necklaces. It'd be irresponsible and dangerous for us humans, and for you three, too. I can't turn you in either because I don't want you to suffer anymore. There's no easy answer."
5715>"The 'end', huh?"
5716>She looks up to you
5717>"If you don't even know what to do, how can this be the end?"
5718"I'll probably end up experiencing those 'crueler than death' things you mentioned. Twilight will find out in no time."
5719>"Wh- are you serious?"
5720"I'll do anything I can to help you guys get out of this city, at least. If you keep to yourselves you can probably live on. Especially if I go to Twilight and confess something."
5721>"S-Something being?"
5722"Like falling in love with three sirens and helping them sneak into Equestria, by convincing Twilight that they're up to something here."
5723>You nod
5724"She wouldn't be so stressed then. Her targets would be in a place where she could properly search for them. It's a good idea, isn't it?"
5725>The thought of a delighted Twilight sticks with you a while
5726>Smiling as she instructs workers on where and how to investigate
5727>Maybe then she could put this all behind her, and study the human world instead
5728"It's what she and I both deserve. I've done the wrong thing at every turn, so-"
5729>"So you'll just throw your life away? Did I hit your head one too many times?"
5730>Aria hops up on her feet and surveys the bruises on your face
5731>"If we're the same, why should only you face trial? Idiot..."
5732>The jab to your arm nearly knocks you over
5733"Y-You sure you're okay with being called my equal?"
5734>Her apron twirls around as she spins to look down the dark, empty alley
5735>"I like it a hell of a lot more than being your slave. And... it's not like I don't know that what Sonata, Adagio and I do is 'bad.'"
5736>She slumps down a bit
5737>"Sacrificing yourself for us? Why the hell would you even say that? Besides, it wouldn't fix everything."
5738"What?"
5739>"We don't have our magic. Can't work either, huh? We'd have to steal things. What then? Banished to the moon? Humans seem really proud about being able to get shit up there."
5740"I didn't... think about that."
5741>Where would they stay?
5742>Would they often go hungry?
5743>If they were arrested, how would the police react to their non-existent backgrounds?
5744"I. Don't know..."
5745>If they could just find work, it'd be fine
5746"...what to do, Aria. There's no way out of it. If I can't even sacrifice myself, what can I possibly d-"
5747>"Come ON!"
5748>She advances toward you
5749>You step away
5750>"I thought you were better than this!"
5751>Her glare puts you on edge
5752"Wh-what?"
5753>"You're an asshole."
5754"...Well."
5755>"You're a HUGE dick, obviously. I can't even think about you without getting pissed off."
5756>Aria paces to the right edge of the light, then to the left
5757>"But I get mad when I think about Adagio, too, you know?"
5758>The pacing continues
5759>What is she saying?
5760"I don't follow."
5761>Her arms shoot up in frustration and fall to her sides
5762>"She's really bitchy sometimes, and yells at me, but Adagio NEVER gives up. Even when it's really hard she tells us what to do and it works. That's what holds it together."
5763>The gag apron shifts upward as Aria lays a hand over her chest
5764>"So you can't give back my necklace. I get it. But you can't GIVE UP. A leader doesn't SACRIFICE himself for a half-assed fix. That's called running away!"
5765"Running away...?"
5766>"Yeah! If you really want to live with us? If you ACTUALLY care about us? Then prove it."
5767>She crosses her arms
5768>"Because if you stop acting like a leader now, you'll just be a pathetic pervert to me, who PRETENDED to be in charge."
5769"What...? I'm so confused."
5770>She rolls her eyes
5771"You think of me as a leader?"
5772>"Y-Yeah? A really fucked up one who I can't stand. But when you tell me to do something. Uhh."
5773>She scratches the back of her head
5774>"I feel like... I should... really do it..."
5775>Air shoots out of her nose and she shakes her head
5776"So, what? You want me to lead you after everything I've done?"
5777>"If you become a better leader, and make decisions for our sake, then whatever. I-"
5778>She peeks at you through the corner of her eye
5779>"I guess I... could give you... you know, a sh-shot."
5780"Are you serious?"
5781>Hesitantly, she nods her head
5782>The aches and pains that weighed on your mind moments before seem to disappear
5783>Leading the sirens for their sake, huh?
5784>Where would you begin?
5785>What changes would you actually make?
5786>You decide to keep your mouth shut until something comes to you
5787>...
5788>Nothing does
5789"Aria. You're filling me with hope, but at the end of the day I don't actually know how to 'reform' you or lead you."
5790>She hangs her head
5791"I want to take responsibility. I just don't know how."
5792>Fixing the situation with Twilight aside, what would it take to help these girls?
5793>You've only seen Aria genuinely happy and excited a single time: in the gas station
5794>Smiling wide and rushing to tell Tom about the task she'd completed
5795>What would it take to recreate that?
5796>What could you possibly-
5797"Wait."
5798>You briefly stare at the wall and rest your hand against it
5799"Wait, wait..."
5800>Then make your way out of the alley and back to the front of the store
5801>"Hey! What are you doing?"
5802>Aria calls out from the alley
5803>You look around, through the glass
5804>At the trashy cashier
5805>At shift manager Tom
5806>The soda fountain in the back
5807>A couple of customers who browse through the refrigerated soft drinks
5808>"Dude?"
5809>She joins you
5810>"What are you looking at?"
5811"Hey. Aria."
5812>"...What?"
5813"Do you like working here?"
5814>She considers the question for a few seconds
5815>"It felt really good, I guess."
5816"Would you keep working here for a long time if you could?"
5817>She sighs
5818>"I can't work here. That's why Tom called you. To get rid of me."
5819"Yeah. There are strict laws about that in my world, but my point is, would you do it if you could?"
5820>Again, she ponders
5821>"Y-Yeah. I think I would."
5822"THEN-"
5823>You slide a couple feet and come to a stop in front of her
5824>Her vision's filled with the black sky above, a calm gas station, and your clenched fists shaking in front of you
5825"Then you're in luck, outlaw!"
5826>"Uhhh."
5827"Aria!"
5828>You stroke your chin
5829>Even it feels a little bruised
5830"I faced you in battle and, look at me. I'm barely standing! The simple act of breathing fills me with pain."
5831>"Only because you let-"
5832"Years from now I'll still have nightmares about the relentless beating you gave me."
5833>With confusion on her face, she cocks her head and sticks her hands into her apron pocket
5834"You're the strongest woman I've ever met. You'd call anyone out on their bullshit. Just the kind of person I'm looking for."
5835>"For... what?"
5836"My brand new company."
5837>You throw your arms into the air and imagine fireworks shooting out of the gas pumps
5838>Littering the sky with loud, colorful explosions
5839"Mercy Quartet. Mission statement: Fix. Everything."
5840___
5841>You wake up again, and raise your head
5842>With hands rested on the steering wheel you sit in total darkness
5843>Passenger seat's still empty
5844>Aria continues to sit outside the-
5845"Ah."
5846>The gas station door is now entirely unobstructed
5847>She went inside, right?
5848>You lean back and lay your hands in your lap
5849>The moment you expected a yes or no answer out of Aria, she backpedalled
5850>First you had reminded her of the difference between a slave and an employee
5851"It's basically the same, except you get money and respect."
5852>She seemed intrigued at that point
5853>When you went on about teaching her to enjoy an honest life, she wavered
5854>And when you held out your hand and asked her if she was onboard she covered her mouth
5855>"Wait. Wait. I need to think."
5856>That much is only natural, but her next statement took the excitement out of you:
5857>"I got... caught up in the moment."
5858>So she sat down, immediately got hit by the door
5859>Yelled at a couple of customers and then sat back down a bit to the right
5860>Before heading to the car you told her,
5861"I understand if you don't want to be around me after everything. Take as much time as you need."
5862>By now the sun is about to rise
5863>At first you were terrified to get a "no"
5864>Now you're just anxious to hear an answer at all
5865>You consider turning on the radio to distract yourself
5866>That'd just make you more anxious
5867>With a grunt, you shut your eyes again and gently tap your leg with your fingertips
5868___
5869>Something scrapes the window on the passenger's side
5870>You open one eye
5871>The door's handle moves
5872>Various colored bags hug the glass and display their stylish logos to you
5873>Sounds like a bottle falls and hits the cement
5874>"Shit."
5875>The colorful mountain slides down, a couple of bags rolling off in the process
5876>Then it comes back up and the handle resumes its resultless clanking
5877>"Fuck!"
5878>Muffled swears keep rolling in
5879>Eventually you think to reach over and pull on the lock
5880>Her door flies open
5881>The mountain tilts back and for a moment you're sure it's going to fall
5882>Against the odds she spins around and gets everything inside, most of it landing between the seats
5883>"Stupid metal box bullshit! Can humans make ANYTHING right!?"
5884>Cars work shockingly well, all things considered
5885>"'These things are just too easy to sit down in, let's make it FUCKING IMPOSSIBLE.'"
5886>She knocks a couple of bags into the floorboard as she jumps in, then pulls a two liter soda off of the ground
5887"Um."
5888>The door slams and she sighs with relief
5889>"I swear, dude."
5890"...Aria?"
5891>The bags laying on your lap are snatched up and stuffed above the glovebox
5892"What is all of this? I hope you didn't-"
5893>"Steal it? I wouldn't betray Shift Manager Tom. He-"
5894>As if an idea had just struck, her face lights up. She digs through her pile and lifts a big red bag that reads "Doritos"
5895>"He, he bought me these!"
5896"Really? Why?"
5897>Her raised eyebrow shouts "dumb question"
5898>"This is my pay. Like, for doing my job. He let me buy whatever I want. I got chips, beef jerky and soda. Mostly chips, but... now I wish I got more soda."
5899>She sets the bottle on her leg and faces the label toward you
5900>"Pepsi. I bought it, so I'm the only one who gets to drink it."
5901>As she stares down at her junk food, a smile appears on her face
5902>"If Sonata tries, you know what's gonna happen."
5903>Her fingers move to twist the cap, but she stuffs it back into the floorboard instead
5904>"It's hot... can you make it cold like you did to the beans?"
5905"Oh. Of course."
5906>She hums and grabs the Doritos
5907>"Let's go back."
5908"Aria? Does this mean-"
5909>"I get my own room, right?"
5910"S-Sure?"
5911>You think over what rooms there are to spare
5912>Making her sleep in the punishment room would be a bad idea
5913>The guest room's not really an option either
5914>Giving up your room doesn't sound great
5915>There is your parent's...
5916>Wait, this is beside the point
5917"So your answer is y-"
5918>"Just make sure it has a bed in it."
5919>She grips the top of the bag and attempts to tear it open, with no success
5920>"Oh, come on."
5921>You smile
5922"Okay. I won't make you say it, but I'm taking this as a yes."
5923>The bag hits you directly in the face
5924>It falls into your hands
5925>"Open it."
5926>You present it to her, fingers pinching opposite sides
5927>The squealing plastic backs a cringing Aria into the car door
5928>When it gives and the chips go tumbling around, she pulls it down between her legs and digs in
5929>Each chip she stuffs in her mouth earns a loud crunch and a faint "mmmm"
5930>Once she takes the time to swallow and breathe, she mumbles,
5931>"Thanks Anonymous."
5932"...Huh. That's weird."
5933>"Hm?"
5934"Is that the first time you've called me by my name?"
5935>"I guess? Probably."
5936"It felt weird."
5937>Much better than "idiot", "pervert" or "asshole"
5938"Felt good."
5939>She snerks
5940>"Don't blow your load."
5941"I didn't mean it like that."
5942>"I know. It feels good to hear your name."
5943"It does."
5944>Aria nods her head a few times
5945>"Everyone should get to hear their name at least once. It's something I feel strongly about."
5946>The steering wheel spins under her clawing hand
5947>"Would you hurry up? I hate being in this thing. Brings back *memories*. Plus, we've gotta talk."
5948"About what?"
5949>"The Twilight girl. And what you're going to do for Adagio."
5950>You watch her chomp down on a few more chips
5951"I'll give her a job, too. I don't understand the question."
5952>Aria immediately shakes her head
5953>"She's not going to work for you."
5954"Why not? Can't you convince her t-"
5955>"No. She will never be your employee."
5956>Before she's even finished her sentence, another chip is on its way to her mouth
5957>You run a few fingers over your black eyes
5958"You're not making me feel too great, Aria."
5959>Her feet push bags out of the way as she stretches her legs and sinks into her chair
5960>"A warning's not supposed to make you feel good, dude."
5961__
5962>Chilly air pours out from the front door
5963>It bathes the scrapes and bruises on your face with even more discomfort
5964>The living room's barely lit by the rising sun
5965>Your AC is still going strong
5966>The TV's on, though turned down low
5967>You flick on the lights
5968>"Hm?"
5969>Various pillows fall into the floor as a giant worm rises from the couch
5970>Its head end bobs, then bends in your direction
5971>"Anon?"
5972>Its attempt at climbing over the couch arm end with a collision with the coffee table
5973>You wince as a mostly empty soda glass rolls into the floor
5974"Careful."
5975>"It is you!"
5976>An arm forces its way out of the creature's mouth and grips the carpet
5977>"Finally!"
5978>It bends and straightens out frantically, making little progress each time
5979>Halfway to you, another arm comes free and feels around at the worm's base
5980>"Dang it."
5981>It finds a small string, and tugs
5982>Initially it seems to make things worse
5983>Once it switches to a shorter string the entire thing loosens up
5984>It sheds its outer layer sleeping bag and a few bunched up blankets unravel into the floor
5985>"Anon! Anon!"
5986>And up from this mess springs Sonata, with red eyes and a fearful expression
5987>"I'm sorry! I'm not mad any mo..."
5988>She freezes in a second sense
5989Her eyes wander up and down your entire body before settling on your face
5990>"Anon. Oh my gosh. What happened!?"
5991>Her hands go straight to your bruises
5992>You expect comforting warmth that you'd regretfully brush away
5993>Instead, it's like being attacked by an ice box
5994"Whoa! Cold!"
5995>She gasps and apologizes, repeatedly
5996"It's fine."
5997>"No really, I'm sorry!"
5998"I know you're sorry."
5999>She bounces nervously and rubs her hands together
6000>"I'll make it warm. I'm so sorry..."
6001>She's on the verge of tears
6002>Trembling lips and all
6003"Sonata, why are you so worked up?"
6004>"Here!"
6005>The hands make a return
6006"Gah! It's just as bad as before!"
6007>"Ohhh!"
6008>She sighs and rubs her hands against the front of her shirt
6009>"Sorry, sorry!"
6010"S-Sonata. Enough with the apologies."
6011>"Okay."
6012"My face doesn't need warmed."
6013>She pauses
6014>"...Okay."
6015"Why don't you tell me what's got you so scared?"
6016>"Oh. Um. Ummm. Y-You were gone all day."
6017>You nod
6018>"I was worried that I. You know. Uh. R-Ruined things."
6019"...As in our relationship?"
6020>She stares at the floor
6021"...Have you been crying?"
6022>She shrugs her shoulders and sways her arms
6023>What a hassle she's been through
6024>Worrying about this all day, then freezing all night
6025>But it's okay
6026"Sonata. There's something that we need to talk about."
6027>On the drive back from the station you made your decision
6028>As gut wrenching as it will be to go through with
6029>This kind of fear...
6030>It's the first thing that has to go
6031>"What? Tell me?"
6032"Uh. Oh boy. I don't know how to say this. Um."
6033>You rest your hands on her shoulders
6034"We. W-We have to. Uh."
6035>It's alright
6036>It'll be fine
6037>Just be gentle
6038"Look. Let's go make you something for breakfast, and we'll discus-"
6039>You headbutt Sonata
6040>She yelps and falls to the floor
6041>Pain barely registers on your punished forehead, and the hand on the back of your head slides away
6042>"Could you move already?"
6043>After you get out of the way, Aria takes two big steps toward the couch
6044>Her collection of junk food pours onto the coffee table and her Pepsi bottle proudly stands at its corner
6045"Aria? What was that?"
6046>You reach under Sonata's arms and lift her up
6047>"Aria is back?"
6048"Yeah."
6049>You rub her forehead
6050"She's going to stay, too."
6051>"Why's it so cold? There has to be a better way to chill my soda."
6052>Aria gives you a thumbs up
6053>"Sorry. I interrupted it. Go ahead."
6054"Hush..."
6055>Sonata looks to each of you
6056>"What is going on?"
6057"Things have changed."
6058>"What does that mean?"
6059"We're..."
6060>You're...
6061>It's...
6062"Jesus it's cold. One second."
6063>You run off to the hallway
6064>Sonata watches you go with a hand resting on her forehead
6065>"Wait. Why didn't Anon tie you up?"
6066>Aria puts on a little smile
6067>"The better question is why he didn't tie YOU up."
6068>Sonata covers her mouth
6069>"What does that mean!? What happened?"
6070>Silence
6071>"Aria, what's going on?"
6072>A quiet snicker
6073>"Is Anon... mad at me?"
6074>The bag of Doritos is noisily opened up
6075>Aria stuffs one after another into her mouth and stares
6076>Her chewing is uncomfortably slow
6077>"Y-You're scaring me."
6078>You make your return
6079"It'll warm up soon. I'll teach you guys about the AC later."
6080>Sonata wraps her arms around your waist and buries her face in your chest
6081>"Please don't tie me up! I'll never get mad again!"
6082"What!?"
6083>Aria points her finger and bursts into mean-spirited laughter
6084"What did you say?"
6085>"Nothing."
6086>"She says you're gonna tie me up!"
6087>"N-No, I said you SHOULD be tied up."
6088>"Same thing!"
6089>Aria pushes the Doritos aside and leans over the back of the couch
6090>"No it's not."
6091"Guys."
6092>"Yes!"
6093"Come on."
6094>She hops over the back and pries Sonata off of you
6095>"This is your chance to start fresh and stop being a tattletale, so make the best of it."
6096>"Just tell me what's happening!"
6097>"You're at the bottom now, that's what."
6098>"What does that MEAN!?"
6099>"It means there's only one slave in this room, and it's not me!"
6100"Aria! Would you shut up?! I can handle it."
6101>She looks to you for a moment in surprise, before rolling her eyes and leaning against the couch
6102>Sonata grabs hold of your arm and whines impatiently
6103"Aria isn't a prisoner anymore."
6104>"Sh-she agreed to be good?"
6105"Uh, more or less."
6106>Aria goes back to munching on her chips
6107>"So Aria is your Equestrian slave now?"
6108"No. She's-"
6109>Aria's hand shoots up
6110"She's an..."
6111>It waves back and forth
6112"She's... what? Do you want to say it?"
6113>She nods, and you sigh
6114"Okay. Restrain yourself."
6115>"I'm no slave!"
6116>She pokes Sonata in the chest
6117>"'Cause I don't give in after a few days like a wimp."
6118>"What...?"
6119>"I waited it out, and now I'm a RESPECTED employee. I get money, my own room, and look at all this shit I can buy."
6120>Aria gestures wildly to the coffee table
6121>"Look at it!"
6122>"Employee? Huh? ...Wait! I'm not a slave!"
6123>"Pfft. You agreed to be a good little Equestrian slave and you know it."
6124>"Yeah, but I'm not now!"
6125>Sonata squeezes your arm tighter
6126>You tense up
6127>"I'm special to Anon!"
6128"Sonata, things have-"
6129>"He loves me! I'm his girlfriend!"
6130>Aria's cocky smile turns into shock, then disgust
6131>She looks to you for confirmation
6132"...Well. I never said that I loved her. And we haven't done anything. I mean, we never even kissed."
6133>Just like that, Aria's cocky smile returns
6134>"Never. Even. Kissed."
6135>"Anon?!"
6136>Sonata backs away, mouth hung in disbelief
6137>"How could you say that!"
6138"Look, it's not like I... unlove you... I just feel like things developed in an inappropriate context."
6139>Her expression stays
6140"...You feel pressured into being my girlfriend, don't you?"
6141>"No. I like being your girlfriend."
6142"You seem really uncomfortable around me sometimes. Like you're forcing yourself to look happy, and-"
6143>"Nooo!"
6144"-Sonata. I'm pretty sure I'm right about this."
6145>You rub the back of your hand
6146"Like yesterday, when you were on the coffee table."
6147>"The fuck?"
6148>Aria chimes in, and you ignore her
6149"Out of nowhere it was like you desperately wanted to be somewhere else."
6150>"Nooo."
6151"Be honest. Did you feel like that at all?"
6152>She eyes the forest painting on the wall, then your shoes, in silence
6153"You feel that way because you have the fear of being tied up or abandoned on your shoulders. I can't... force you to live like that."
6154>"You're WRONG."
6155>Sonata shakes her head
6156>"I felt that way for another reason!"
6157"Huh? Why, then?"
6158>"Because I, I messed up. Really bad, and I didn't want you to know."
6159>She covers her eyes with one hand and lowers her head
6160>"I felt bad."
6161"About what?"
6162>"About..."
6163>Huff
6164>"A-About!"
6165>Groan
6166>"...Adagio. The day Aria ran away, I told Adagio that I'm your girlfriend, after you said not to, and I was really excited at first 'cause it WORKED Anon, she said that she was gonna reconsider you and stuff, and I wanted to tell you but then I remembered you saying not to tell Adagio and felt really really bad and I didn't want you to be disappo..."
6167>She takes a breath
6168>"Disappointed in me."
6169>The will you'd built up on the short ride home to make this change starts to crumble
6170>Could that really be it?
6171>Something so small?
6172"Sonata. Are you serious?"
6173>You smile
6174"That's not such a huge deal, you know?"
6175>"R-Really?! Then!"
6176>She perks up and opens her arms in invitation, just a little
6177>"Then, then!"
6178"I. Um."
6179>Something drives you to check with Aria
6180>The moment you see her angry frown, you realize:
6181>It's all the same
6182>"Then it's fine, Anon?"
6183>Sonata takes one step forward
6184>"You forgive me?"
6185"I forgive you, yeah."
6186>Her hug invitation becomes more blatant, and her relieved smile warmer
6187>You reach out and hold her arm away
6188"Hold on."
6189>"What?"
6190"That doesn't change things."
6191>"What?!"
6192"The point behind all of this is that becoming my girlfriend while I'm your 'master'... would always cause problems. It's not right. And on top of that, things are going to change. I want you to be focused on those changes."
6193>"...What are you saying?"
6194"That..."
6195>You can feel her hopeful, nervous stare
6196"We have to break up. Like I said, it's not that I dislike you. It's something that has to happen. Do you understand?"
6197>That stare shows no signs of ending for several seconds
6198>She might even have been holding her breath
6199>When you see her shoulders rise and fall again, it's accompanied...
6200>By a weak smile, scrunched up eyebrows and tear-filled eyes
6201>"Anon."
6202>She shakes her head very slowly
6203>"You just broke... my heart... into a thousand... pieces."
6204___
6205>The box drops with a thud
6206>While you hover over it and scan the instruction on the side, Aria taps her fingers on the other end of the table
6207>Muffled sobs from the living room have both of you at your wit's end
6208>"I'm just saying, you gave me permission."
6209>She whispers to you
6210"Aria."
6211>You whisper back
6212>"It's not my fault she can't handle anything. All I told her was the truth. If she would just act like an adult, there wouldn't even be a problem right now."
6213>Your eyes move from word to word, but none of it really sticks
6214"Aria, I'm reading."
6215>"Just tell me this then. Am I a slave, or not?"
6216>Sigh
6217"What are you getting at."
6218>"Am I allowed to speak my mind or not? Getting mad at me just for talking, gee, that sounds like something a slaver would do."
6219>You push the box aside
6220>It's just an air mattress, how complicated could it be
6221"Don't pretend to be stupid."
6222>She mouths a "what?"
6223"You're trying to get out of trouble."
6224>There's a chair that sits in the corner of the kitchen with little purpose
6225>You slide it over and drop the box onto it
6226"The way you talked to Sonata was meant to upset her. That's why I'm unhappy with you."
6227>"That's not true. I told you, she's just LIKE this."
6228"You toyed with her because she's like this. It's called pushing her buttons."
6229>"I told. The truth."
6230>A few minutes ago, after Sonata stuffed her face into a couch cushion and began to cry, Aria went to work defending herself
6231>Following you into your parent's room and going on and on while you dug through their closet
6232>Pausing when she realized you were about to go upstairs and see if Adagio needed anything
6233>Now that the hairball's locked in your downstairs bathroom, the argument with Aria continues quietly in the kitchen
6234>Raising your voice would probably shut her up
6235>But maybe shutting her up isn't the best choice
6236>With the chair resting in your hands, you stop next to her on the way out
6237"Aria."
6238>"Mhm?"
6239"Remember back when you spat in Sonata's face?"
6240>"Wha? Eh..."
6241"And she came and told me?"
6242>"..."
6243"And asked me not to punish you for it? Or punish you at all?"
6244>She rolls her eyes
6245>"That has nothing to do with this."
6246"In a way it does. It says something about you."
6247>"Oh yeah?"
6248>Her head, which was leaning to the right, cocks to the left
6249>"What?"
6250"There's no hierarchy anymore. Starting right now. I want to make that clear, but: when Sonata was higher than you, she tried to use it to make things easier for you."
6251>"So?"
6252"And when you got higher, you gloated about it, got her all worked up, ruined my plan of breaking it off gently, and now you're trying to get me to say it was SONATA'S fault."
6253>"It... was..."
6254>Her whisper becomes even more quiet
6255>Her shoulders sink
6256"I- Look. I've got to take this to the guest room. Give it a few minutes, okay? Instead of telling me I'm wrong over and over, would you please think about what I said? We can talk about it more in a few."
6257>"But-"
6258"I'll think about what you said too."
6259>"...Um."
6260>You lean down a bit to meet eyes with her in her slouching state
6261>"Wh-whatever. Just fuck off then."
6262>...Well
6263>After sliding the air mattress back to the center of the chair, you head off
6264___
6265>You're sweating
6266>Thanks to this shrimp's body heat; her back and hair sandwiching one arm, her thighs and legs sandwiching the other
6267>Thanks to the heightened anxiety you feel toward this girl, due to Aria's warning
6268>And thanks to your over-correction on the thermostat
6269>Having to pass right by the weeping Sonata to get to the staircase was the worst part
6270>If Adagio were more talkative to you, she'd probably have some choice words
6271"Here we are. End of the line."
6272>At the top of the stairs, you turn and carefully slide through the doorway. Her hair doesn't quite fit
6273>Though she always looks away from you when you're around, this time you can at least tell she's staring at the chair outside the guest bedroom
6274>And then at the coffee table near her spot by the wall, which is joined by a flattened plastic mattress and black air pump
6275>And finally at the box laying on top of a big blue, fuzzy pillow
6276"Surprise."
6277>You sit her down on one end of the table and stand behind the other
6278>Unsure of what to say, you watch her thoroughly examine each of the room's additions
6279>Though the coffee table has been here the entire time, and was simply out of her reach
6280>She lays a hand flat on it and curls one finger at a time, taking in its texture
6281>"Presents?"
6282"...Uh, no. Bare essentials."
6283>"Damage control?"
6284"No? What do you mean?"
6285>She takes the blue pillow, rolling the box into the floor, and places it on her lap
6286>"The cold. I thought perhaps you were desperate to make me forget about your failure."
6287>She puts on a smug face and leans against the wall
6288>Her tone is lowered slightly as she quotes:
6289>"You'll get hungry, sleep on a park bench, and miss the wooden floor. At least it stays warm in here. You said this to Aria."
6290"That's still true. I was just gone..."
6291>"Well, you're here now. Why is Sonata in such distress?"
6292"Uhh."
6293>"Why haven't you announced Aria's defection? Something gone wrong? Does it have anything to do with the sorry condition of your face?"
6294>Her eyebrows sink, and her lips curl into a cruel smile
6295>Maybe it wasn't so bad when she didn't talk
6296"Everything is fine. I had a wake up call recently..."
6297>AKA getting the shit beat out of you
6298"...the effects of it are causing some small problems."
6299>"Elaborate."
6300>She snaps her fingers to direct your attention
6301>Snaps
6302>Her fucking
6303>Fingers
6304>"What was this wake up call?"
6305"I'll tell you later."
6306>"Then leave."
6307"What!?"
6308>A burst of anger suggests standing up and yelling
6309>But you hold your breath for a moment, then exhale slowly
6310"See this?"
6311>You raise the empty box up and then discard it over your shoulder
6312"It's your bed."
6313>"This flat piece of garbage?"
6314"You've got no room criticizing things for-"
6315>Dial it down
6316>Stay calm
6317>"...Excuse me?"
6318"It's not aired up is all."
6319>You scoot next to the pump
6320"You might have to do this on a regular basis, so-"
6321>She stands up
6322>Your heart skips a beat
6323>Her threatening posture and mountainous hair go a long way; as short as she is, it feels like she's towering over you
6324>"By all means, human, finish your sentence."
6325"F-Forget about that. Haha, just look at the pump."
6326>"No room criticizing things for..."
6327>She takes a step
6328"Nothing, nothing. Pay attention."
6329>She takes another
6330"Look at the pump, shrimp."
6331>Her eyes go wide for a moment, then glimmer with violent intent
6332"...L-LOOK AT THE PUMP!"
6333>You flip the switch
6334>A puny but confident motor pipes up, louder than you expected
6335>Adagio hops an inch off the floor
6336>The back of one hand covers her mouth, and the other raises, balled into a fist
6337"...It's just a pump!"
6338>God it's loud
6339"IT'S JUST A PUMP."
6340>"WHAT?"
6341"IT'S SAFE. IT JUST AIRS UP THE MATTRESS."
6342>A swift kick sends a small piece of black plastic flying across the room
6343>A much harder second kick silences the pump and rolls it across the floor
6344"...Seriously?"
6345>Her shoulders are tensed up, and her eyes opened wide
6346>Focused on the demon contraption
6347"It's a pump. It shoots air into the... god."
6348>You reach over and bring it back to the mattress
6349>Adagio's foot waits raised above as you re-attach it
6350"It's harmless."
6351>"Don't do it again."
6352"Adagio."
6353>"I'll kill it again."
6354>You rest your forehead in one hand, and shift the mattress around with the other
6355>Once it's connected you pull the pillow over and set it on top
6356"Don't kick it. Please. I don't even know where to go to buy one of these."
6357>Her foot lingers in the air
6358>Sigh
6359>You reach under, flip the switch and then smother as much of it as you can without dislodging it
6360>Though still annoying, it's far easier to listen to
6361"See?"
6362>Her suspicious stare shows no signs of disappearing even after she sits down
6363>In fact, after the mattress has come to life and the silenced pump is stuffed back into the box, her eyes follow along
6364"This is a bed. Not a real one, obviously, but it's pretty sweet."
6365>It moves around as you pat it
6366"Much better than the floor."
6367>Expecting Adagio to try it out, you sit behind the coffee table and toss the pillow over
6368>She sits up, brings her legs up to her chest...
6369>Yawns, and looks at the wall to her left
6370>She'll probably use it once you've gone
6371>Hopefully
6372>You stand up
6373"Are you hungry?"
6374>"..."
6375"I can make you a sandwich or something. I'm going to go grocery shopping soon, so we'll have more."
6376>"..."
6377"Weeell, if you decide you want anything."
6378>Back to the usual it seems
6379>You bend over to take the pump - for its own safety - but change your mind, sitting down again
6380"It's true, Aria defected. Kind of. Here's the thing though: It wasn't her idea."
6381>Unless your eye is playing tricks on you, her hair shifts toward you
6382"Even if you weren't happy with her, why send away your only ally?"
6383>You wait patiently for an explanation that doesn't come
6384"Maybe it has to do with Sonata's slip-up?"
6385>"Huh?"
6386>Her attention returns to you
6387>In response, you clasp your hands together and lay them in the center of the table
6388"Bingo? It's all I can think of. Both happened on the same day."
6389>Adagio's face is smug as usual, but there's a hint of... nervousness?
6390>That'd be a first. Brainstorm, go
6391"Pushing Aria to my side. Like I said, it doesn't make sense to ditch your ally, so you must be hoping for something to happen."
6392>Her eyebrows raise
6393"Something between those two. No, between the three of us?"
6394>Her eyes squint ever so slightly
6395"Aria definitely isn't a fan of Sonata and I dating, for whatever reason. And it's already fueled an argument."
6396>She swallows hard
6397"You gambled away your only friend because you thought it might cause. Uh. ...You thought it would break my control over them! That's it. Now that I'm aware, I'll double down on keeping those kinds of arguments in check."
6398>"B-But! You weren't supposed to find out!"
6399>Her mouth hangs open, perhaps in awe of your speedy deduction
6400>"My plans! They're... how did you..."
6401>She rests her hands on her chest, grits her teeth and squeezes her eyes shut
6402>"They're ruined. How could I be so careless?!"
6403>You put on a big smile
6404"Don't worry."
6405>Rubbing it in her face was your first idea, but all things considered, you should hold back
6406"Don't be embarrassed. The other girls were bound to give me those clues eventually. You don't need your 'plans' anymore, anyway, I'm changing things to-"
6407>That face of a vulnerable woman who, after losing her last chance at bringing you down, had dropped her tough act... is gone
6408>In its place is a cold, dismissive stare that says, "you're an idiot"
6409"...Oh."
6410>Your smile didn't last long
6411>She hums a single, somber note
6412>"Is a house made more stable, once you learn it's been built with cards?"
6413"...Of course not."
6414>"There you have it. I don't care in the slightest if you've caught on to my intentions, or the obvious problem on your hands. They weren't much of a secret in the first place."
6415"I can protect it. If I focus on the problem, it won't ever ruin things."
6416>"Protect a house of cards? It'll collapse sooner rather than later. On top of that, ask yourself if it's worth protecting in the first place."
6417"So you think, what? That I can't control them? That they'll come running back to you?"
6418>"I think you're a human, who lives in a big, comfortable house, whose idea of 'danger' is not getting what he wants. I think you're a human who believes companions can be earned with spankings and violation, after weeks of sleeping bound on the floor."
6419>Without thinking about it, you feign a disgusted, confused expression
6420"No... I mean... at first. That's what I was going to talk to you about. I'm going to change things."
6421>"Change."
6422"Yeah. I realized how dangerous it is to be hunted by Equestrians, and how terribly I've treated you. I want to start over and work together."
6423>"Just like that. Forget everything that's happened?"
6424>You avert your eyes in embarrassment
6425>"Do you think that's all it takes, or that I would ever believe you? Has your simplistic human brain convinced you that I would accept YOU of all people into my group, and treat you as I treat Sonata or Aria?"
6426"That's not what I had in mind. I'd still be the leader, but-"
6427>"You! Leading me!"
6428>Anger builds as you listen to her condescending laugh
6429>"Shut your mouth, and listen close. This dynamic that you've created - one girl whose head is filled with thoughts of love towards you, and rivalry towards another girl who is determined to stay second in command to a man she has troubling, conflicting feelings about - it'll end itself. You'll go through new lectures every day and find that nothing changes. While trying and failing to pick up the pieces, time will run out. The Equestrian will find you. You'll rush into this room, fall to the floor, and beg me to take control. When that happens?"
6430>She kicks the table into you, then lifts and slams her feet down toward your fleeing hands, one at a time
6431>"Don't forget my necklace."
6432>You stand, a hand laying against your stomach
6433>Still unable to look at her, your eyes take to the ropes to her left
6434>The frustration builds upon itself in the silent moment before you respond:
6435"Are you sure you want to piss off the person who decides whether you sleep in a bed or on the floor?"
6436>"Haha."
6437>Adagio yawns, and grins with half-lidded eyes
6438>"What a weak, short-lived change that was, hm? Giving up in less than a minute. Anonymous... a leader, you are not."
6439"I..."
6440>You sigh into the palm of your hand
6441>That, too, was never much of a secret
6442___
6443>With the chair in place under the doorknob, you approach the staircase empty-handed
6444>There's not even time to think about what she said; having told Aria you'd consider about her argument, you feel pressured to do so before the discussion starts again
6445>Your feet move as slowly as they could down the steps. One arm slides down the rail
6446>For most of the way down it feels as though you're weighing your points against hers rapidly
6447>Taking in what she intended, what happened, why it needs to stop
6448>Her angsty face and sarcastic mannerisms play out in your head
6449>But by about halfway down, you notice that Sonata is no longer crying, and after that you realize that your thoughts aren't amounting to much
6450>It's just emotion
6451>You continue on, Aria still occupying your mind's eye
6452>Yelling
6453>Cursing
6454>Punching
6455>For a moment, you swear you actually hear her hushed, pissy voice
6456>"Look at me you mental retard."
6457>Oh
6458>A few more steps down, the back of the couch comes into view
6459>Aria sits on the left side and stares down at what must be the emotional Sonata laying flat on the other
6460>"Sonata!"
6461>Shouldn't listen in, right?
6462>You start to turn around to head back up, so as not to interrupt whatever she's trying to do
6463>Of course, that idea dies fast
6464>You sit down and rest your arms in your lap
6465>"You're going to make me mad, and then you're going to look like Anonymous."
6466>Sonata lets out a muffled, frustrated groan
6467>"I'm serious. I'm going to count to three."
6468>Aria raises up her fist
6469>"One."
6470>A finger pops up
6471>The count crawls, with nearly five seconds before the "two"
6472>Then she stops, with a peace sign floating in the air
6473>...
6474>Another muffled groan sends Aria into the couch arm, where she lets out a heavy sigh
6475>She springs forward again and tugs Sonata up by the ponytail
6476>"OW."
6477>"I said TWO, so you better stay up."
6478>Sonata scoffs
6479>"It's only scary when Dagi does it, stupid."
6480>"Y-You want scary!?"
6481>Aria raises her fist, hesitates, then lowers it
6482>As soon as her hair is released, the gloomy siren faceplants the couch again
6483>"God damn it Sonata, it's not that big of a deal."
6484>"It IS though."
6485>"Why do you even like him? He's an asshole."
6486>A weight sinks into your arms, and they slide down the sides of your legs
6487>Sonata's pulled up again and Aria gets inches away from her
6488>"The only butthole here is you. I wish your face was beat up, instead of Anon's."
6489>"He is a COMPLETE asshole. He hit you and tied you up. Don't you even care?"
6490>"Only because he had to."
6491>"No, he said he DIDN'T have to. Even he knows he's an asshole. I know it, Adagio knows it, the Twilight chick probably knows it. I bet he's in the news back home for being such an elusive ASSHOLE."
6492>"You better shut up. And don't EVER. Say that girl's name. Again."
6493>Aria grabs Sonata's shoulders and shakes her a bit
6494>"About Twilight Charkle. We have to deal with her, so stop being a baby. Accept that he's an asshole and that he never loved you."
6495>Come on...
6496>Sonata shoves Aria away and falls backwards herself
6497>They both cross their arms
6498>"You know what? I think you're jealous."
6499>"Pffffffffffft!"
6500>Aria breaks into a short, wheezy laugh
6501>"I think you should be jealous of me, if anything."
6502>"Talking out of your butt as usual I see."
6503>"What!?"
6504>Interrupting seems like a very good idea at this point
6505>...then again, those details have to come to light eventually
6506>You rest against the wall and close your eyes in awful anticipation
6507>"He like..."
6508>"Whuuuut? Saw you naked? Wow, big deal. OOPS! I meant small deal, 'cause like, your boobs are tiny."
6509>"Shut the fuck up. That's not what I was going to say."
6510>"Then whuuuut?"
6511>Aria looks at the carpet for a while, enduring a few more annoying "what"s
6512>Then she waves her hand back and forth
6513>"...Whatever. I was talking out of my ass."
6514>Your eyes open and your eyebrows shoot up, half in confusion, half in relief
6515>"We're sidetracked. This is about... you not being a mopey loser."
6516>Sonata's arms fly into the air
6517>"I got dumped like TEN MINUTES AGO!"
6518>"Shhh! And I don't care! You can't date him!"
6519>"Why not!?"
6520>"Because!"
6521>"'Cause you want to date him?"
6522>Aria slaps both hands onto her face
6523>When they slide off, they shoot right to Sonata's collar and pull
6524>"No, because he's our leader. ...In this world. Would you date Adagio? No. So you can't date him either. It's fucking weird. But even if it weren't weird you'd still be single, because HE. Broke up. With YOU."
6525>Sonata opens her mouth, no doubt with another sarcastic response readied
6526>Something seems to catch in her throat
6527>She swallows, fidgets around
6528>Shrugs her shoulders
6529>"He... he did. H-He broke up with me, huh?"
6530>That weak smile returns
6531>Sonata chuckles
6532>Scratches her cheek
6533>Nods her head
6534>Then bursts into tears
6535>"Wh-wh-why doesn't he liiiike meeeeheeeheheheeeeeeee!"
6536>Aria props a leg up on the coffee table, knocking off a few bags of chips
6537>Since she's looking away, not so much as shaking her head or cursing, you suppose she's spent
6538>You can relate. Sleeping is the most tempting thing in the world right now, regardless of the sunrise
6539>Falling asleep right here on the stairs would be acceptable
6540>But, seeing Sonata like this...
6541>Is too much
6542>You pull up on the railing until you're to your feet and brace yourself
6543>"He DOES like you, fucktard."
6544>"...Huh?"
6545>You sit right back down
6546>Aria throws the bag of chips to Sonata
6547>"God, do I seriously have to explain this crap to you? He said himself that he had to do it."
6548>"B-But..."
6549>"He stopped the car on the way here just so he could bitch and moan about it."
6550>"...what?"
6551>"Yeah. 'Ohh Aria, ever since I met Sonata my life's been ten times better! I won't be able to fall asleep without her next to me! I won't have anyone to cuddle with! Woe is me!' He wouldn't shut the fuck up about it."
6552>Sonata doesn't say anything, but after a loud sniff, scoots closer to Aria
6553>"That's not even the worst part, he turns into a total pushover when it's about you. He said he's giving you his bedroom, and sleeping on the couch."
6554>"What!?"
6555>Aria raises an index finger to her mouth, and nods her head
6556>"You're like his stupid prized cow. That's why you can't be the leader's girlfriend. Besides, we've got a real chance here."
6557>"Give me... his bed?"
6558>"We have to make this work really well so we can convince Adagio, and fuck up Twilight."
6559>"He really does like me..."
6560>"Adagio told me to switch sides you know, and Anonymous isn't being a complete idiot at the moment, so-"
6561>Aria punches her palm
6562>"-we HAVE to do this. If we show Adagio that we're doing fine without her, I think she'll go 'well it was my plan all along' and join our side."
6563>Sonata scoots even closer, pausing Aria's speech
6564>Eager to hear more of it you sit forward on your step
6565>"Aria."
6566>Sniff
6567>"Wh-what?"
6568>"He likes me, but he broke up with me anyway."
6569>"...Yeah."
6570>"So this emotional torment in my heart was pointless."
6571>Aria scoots away
6572>"I guess."
6573>Sonata goes searching for the bag of chips behind her
6574>"He. He made me cry, even though he loves me."
6575>"Likes you. I said he likes you."
6576>"He broke up with me even though he still wants to call me honey and stuff?"
6577>Sonata practically punches the bag to secure a few chips to toss into her mouth
6578>"Honey?"
6579>"He shattered a poor girl's heart for NO reason?"
6580>"There IS a reason, I literally just said what it was. The three of us are a team now, and we have two huge problems."
6581>"It makes me so MAD!"
6582>She punches into the bag again
6583>The chips she retrieves crack into pieces in her fist
6584>"Mad at... him?"
6585>"YES!"
6586>She raises her hand above herself, tilts her head up, and with shut eyes and an open mouth, lets the shattered chips rain all over the place
6587>Fuck
6588>Gilda's not around to clean that these days
6589>"I wasn't trying to make you mad at him. You better not say that I was."
6590>"I won't. I'll freaking tell him how dumb he is."
6591>Like her companion, Sonata rests a leg on the coffee table
6592>"That's. Better than being sad I guess. But like, use that anger toward Twilight."
6593>"Twilight!?"
6594>"It's basically her fault that he broke up with you. If she wasn't in the picture he'd probably still be with you."
6595>"WHAT!?"
6596>Aria looks to her right, and you can see a devious smile on the side of her face
6597>"Yeah. It was DEFINITELY Twilight's fault, so we have to work together and stop her. Partially for revenge."
6598>"REVENGEANCE?"
6599>"...Yeah. Revenge. For making Anonymous... let me... make you... cry."
6600>That
6601>Was almost an actual apology
6602>Must be a rare thing to hear from her, since Sonata's angry yelling stops immediately, and her leg slides off the table
6603>"...Aria..."
6604>"If you say it I'm going to hit you."
6605>Sonata scoots a little closer, a smile appearing on her face and leaving Aria's
6606>"I-"
6607>"Shut up."
6608>The distance between the two shrinks bit by bit
6609>"I for-"
6610>Aria covers Sonata's mouth
6611>"This is my button, and you're trying to push it. So stop."
6612>While mumbling into Aria's hand, Sonata latches onto the much stronger girl's arm and pulls down with all her might
6613>Soon her face is free and she lunges into Aria, wrapping her arms around her neck and pulling her into a hug
6614>"I forgive you!"
6615>"G-GE-GET OFF."
6616>That weight in your arms seems to be gone completely
6617>You stand up again and rest your hands on your hips
6618>Perhaps Adagio underestimates her own companions?
6619>"I forgiiiiive yoooou!"
6620>"So-so-sona-sonata, STOP."
6621>You smile, watching your employee get smothered with unwanted affection
6622>That anxious, imaginary barrier that was keeping you between floors disappears
6623>When the right moment arrives you'll march downstairs and do whatever you can to keep this exact mood going
6624>Sonata giggles
6625>Aria squirms in a circle, trying to free herself
6626>"Sonata. I'm not kidding. You're PISSING. Me. OFF. Stop."
6627>The giggling intensifies
6628>Being part of this would be nice
6629>The wait for that perfect moment becomes tedious
6630>"I'm not gonna say it again."
6631>Her attacker snorts with laughter and rubs her face into her cheek
6632>"Aaaaria said soooorry! Aaaaria said sooooorry!"
6633>"...Get the fuck OFF OF ME!"
6634>Sonata's big, blue ponytail twirls around as she spins, having been violently shoved away by the right shoulder
6635>When she comes to a brief stop, she's nearly standing up
6636>Then she falls
6637>She panics, twisting and grabbing at the large standing pillows
6638>One joins her in a plummet to the floor, during which the back of her head smacks loudly into the corner of the coffee table
6639>You gasp
6640>"...Oh, fuck. That was definitely YOUR fault. You just knocked over my soda, too."
6641>This is the moment to be acting on, probably
6642>You rush down the stairs
6643___
6644>"Don't push so hard, I don't want them to break..."
6645>Instead of shoving, you poke at the chip bags with both index fingers
6646>Slowly, very slowly, each slides into place in the top cabinet
6647>Aria sighs in relief
6648>"Finally. That's the last of them."
6649>She gets on her tiptoes and hooks the cabinet door with a finger
6650>It...
6651>Doesn't shut all the way
6652>Close enough for her, apparently
6653>She heads back into the living room and grabs her prized possession
6654>Two whole liters of Pepsi. Still a bit shaken up from its tumble
6655>You open the fridge
6656"Put it anywhere."
6657>She rolls it onto the empty top shelf
6658>Huh
6659>Thought you had more food than this
6660>Definitely need to go shopping
6661>With the last of Aria's purchases in place, you turn your attention to the table
6662>More specifically, the girl sitting there, burying her face in her arms
6663"Alright. We're ready."
6664>Aria spins a chair around and sits leaning on its back
6665>With the dry erase marker you found in the drawer, you write on the fridge's whiteboard:
6666>"Mercy Quartet Initiation Meeting"
6667>Then stand proudly beside it
6668>Sonata doesn't even stir when Aria nudges her
6669>"Wake up."
6670>She whines, though
6671"It's okay. She can rest if she wants-"
6672>Aria glares
6673"-is what I would have said before. But now Sonata's got an opportunity, like the one Aria has. And I don't think she'd want to miss out on it."
6674>...
6675>Sonata raises up
6676>Her eyes still red from crying, and her posture weak and mopey
6677>"Excuse me if I'm not feeling so well after my INJURY."
6678"It's not really an injury, is it?"
6679>"What? I was knocked out for like, months."
6680"Unconscious people don't sob."
6681>She slaps the tabletop
6682>"I meant it FELT like I was knocked out, Anon!"
6683"Alright. Alright."
6684>You hold your hands up and nod your head
6685>It's tricky to fight off two urges at once. The first to point out how much worse shape your own head is in, and the second to baby Sonata and let her skip the meeting
6686"I'm sorry your head hurts, but we need to talk."
6687>"About what?!"
6688>You point the marker at the board and smile
6689>"What? Is that our name?"
6690"Yes, and we're here to discuss terms, and our group's goals."
6691>"It's dumb."
6692"...What?"
6693>"That's the dumbest name I've heard in my life."
6694>She turns her nose up at you
6695>"And I live with a girl named Aria, so that's saying something."
6696>It strikes you as unbelievable that Sonata would openly taunt Aria
6697>A girl who seems to regularly beat the stuffing out of her
6698>A girl who shoved her into a table not half an hour ago
6699>Aria's new expression is probably asking you to lecture Sonata
6700>But how do you stay mad at a girl who brings so much pain on herself?
6701"Hey."
6702>You lean onto the table, opposite of Sonata and drop your voice to something more gentle
6703"I know you don't feel so great. I'm sorry about your head. Looks like it hurts pretty bad."
6704>She inspects your hand on her shoulder
6705"We can be head injury buddies."
6706>...She doesn't buy it
6707"Look, I think we're all feeling pretty bad. Aria's been tied up for ages, you know? This is the first time she's ever gotten to sit in this house at ease."
6708>You look to Aria
6709>Her eye contact takes you off guard, so you quickly return
6710"Adagio's still locked up. She might look tough, but I bet she'd love to come down from there."
6711>She melts into the table, toward your caressing hand
6712"This meeting is about making everyone feel better, permanently. So can you work with me for that?"
6713>She looks up to you and whines, with vulnerability, rather than sass
6714>"...Okay Anon."
6715>You stand up with so much excitement that you bounce on your heels a couple of times
6716>The whiteboard shakes as you underline the company name
6717"Alright! Welcome to the group!"
6718>Writing "terms" in big bold letters is the next thing that comes to mind
6719>Even for these two, it's probably obvious that you have no idea what you're doing
6720"The big thing about our group is that there are no more slaves, and no more iron-fist leaders. I'll serve as the boss, who makes sure we're on the right track, and you guys will be my employees. If you ever have suggestions or questions, feel free to bring it up."
6721>Aria looks pretty comfortable
6722>You take your chair and sit the same way
6723"My money isn't infinite, though. In fact it might be hard to pay you guys consistently. So I'll give you other benefits to make up for it."
6724>"Like what?"
6725>The tougher of the two sirens sits up straight
6726>"Like bedrooms?"
6727"Yeah. Anything you want in exchange for working for me."
6728>"I want those."
6729>She grabs onto the chair with one hand, leans back and waves the other all around
6730>Pointing to each of the cabinets resting under the ceiling
6731>Most of which are currently filled with her junk food
6732"What? Why do you want cabinets?"
6733>"Because."
6734"...Can't we share them?"
6735>"No. SOMEONE will end up eating my chips if they're in EVERYONE'S cabinets."
6736>She discreetly gestures to Sonata
6737"Are you going to ask for the fridge, too?"
6738>"No... there's only one fridge."
6739"Hm."
6740>There are plenty more places in here to store stuff. Why not?
6741"Fine. The top cabinets are Aria's, and can only be used by her."
6742>She smiles
6743"Do you have any others?"
6744>"Yeah, what room do I get?"
6745"Oh yeah."
6746>"I want one with a bed, and a door. And a bathroom."
6747>At that rate she'd rarely have to leave it, would she?
6748"Only my room has its own bathroom, but my parents' room should work fine."
6749>She crosses her arms
6750>...Oh
6751"You want my room."
6752>Sonata spins around and throws her hands into the air
6753>"EXCUSE me!? That's Anon's room! And he kind of had PLANS for it!"
6754>"I think it makes sense to give it to the girl who deserves it."
6755>"I, I deserve it!"
6756>"Ha."
6757>"I do!"
6758>Uh oh
6759>You scratch the back of your head
6760>"Just like you deserved the bed in the nurse's office?"
6761>"Oh my GOD are you still mad about that?"
6762>"I was never mad. It just wasn't fair."
6763>"One of us had to sleep in the floor when Dagi moved in. Might as well be the one who's practically a boy, huh?"
6764>"You know what?"
6765"You know what? I'm keeping my room."
6766>They both go quiet
6767"If it's going to be such a big deal, I'll take it off of the table."
6768>The girls look at each other, and fidget around a bit
6769>Their silence is pretty awkward
6770>After a while Aria raises her hand
6771>You call on her as if she were a student
6772>"I. Uh. That argument was..."
6773>Her face goes red
6774>"m-my fault, or whatever. So just give Sonata the room."
6775>The other siren's face lights up and she claps her hands together
6776"Wow, I wasn't expecting that, Aria."
6777>She scowls at the threat of extending her time in the spotlight
6778"Okay! Moving on. My mom and dad's room should work for you. The bed's bigger than it needs to be, just like mine."
6779>She raises her hand again
6780"...Aria?"
6781>"No one's allowed in my room without permission, and if the door is closed, no one's allowed to even knock, okay?"
6782>Well aren't you territorial
6783"That's fine. No one's allowed in your room."
6784>She clenches a fist in victory
6785>Sonata leans out of her chair with a devious, toothy smile
6786>"Oh I know why you want privacy so badly."
6787>"...Trying to push my buttons again?"
6788>"I think you're more than capable of THAT..."
6789>You nearly drop the marker
6790"Moving on!"
6791>The three of you spend some time spitballing some general rules
6792>Though Aria doesn't quite understand what a TV is, she jumps in on the discussion of how it will be shared
6793>Your approach starts very business-like, assigning time slots
6794>That doesn't sit well with the sirens, and beyond that...
6795>They should learn to share the things that everyone owns
6796>Once everyone is content with the outlined terms, you clear the whiteboard and move on to topic number two:
6797"Reforming the Sirens."
6798>They watch you write it out in big letters
6799>"But weren't you already doing that, Anon?"
6800"...Not really. This is a different kind of reform. Instead of fear and..."
6801>Guilt draws your eyes away from the girls
6802"...Instead of that kind of stuff, I want to give you three a chance to live honest lives."
6803>"Honest?"
6804"Yeah."
6805>"Do I have to do a job?"
6806"Yes."
6807>Sonata grunts
6808"We'll all have to do jobs once I graduate. For now, we have my family's money to carry us. That lets us focus on a big problem."
6809>You take the marker again and write "Twilight Sparkle" on the board
6810"Sonata, do you already understand how illegal your use of magic has been?"
6811>She nods
6812>Something tells you she's more upset about having to work than about being hunted by the government
6813"It's dangerous. Twilight is some kind of official from Equestria, and she's spending every moment of every day looking for you. If she captures you, well, I can't give you honest lives."
6814>Aria punches her fist
6815>"So we capture her and tie her up."
6816"Yeah. Wait what?"
6817>"And beat the crap out of her."
6818"No! No, no! We don't do that at all!"
6819>"...What else can we do? Come on."
6820"Let's just figure out what we know."
6821>You add "is a pony?" under her name
6822"First off. She's not human. You two are the Equestria experts. What can you tell me about her?"
6823>Aria launches into an explanation of the different races
6824>"Earth pony is the one I saw the most. That's what you want. They kick hard as hell, but other than that, pushovers."
6825>She stands beside you and borrows the marker to draw a squiggly circle, with four lines, an oval head and an extremely sharp tail
6826>"And this is a Pegasus."
6827>Aria duplicates the first drawing, but adds a couple of baseball mitts on the back
6828>"They can fly fast as hell. If one chases you, you're going to get caught."
6829>The third drawing has some kind of growth on its face
6830>"And then there's Unicorns. This is what you DON'T want."
6831"Oh?"
6832>"Yeah. They can cast spells."
6833>She circles it
6834>"Hundreds of spells. Thousands. They don't need enchantments, and they're arrogant."
6835>Then she scribbles into the circle until it's nearly filled with black
6836>"But that doesn't matter here, right? She's a human, and humans can't do anything."
6837>Aria takes her seat again
6838"Hm."
6839>...
6840"Ponies aren't this ugly, are they?"
6841>Your marker hits you in the side of the head
6842>At least you manage to catch it
6843>"They're like, obnoxiously pretty, Anon! And they think they're sooo special."
6844>Sonata takes your side next
6845>She presses her palm into the board and smudges out each of the doodles
6846>"Don't even worry about ponies. We can deal with her while she's a human girl. That means she's delicate."
6847>She clutches her heart
6848>"Like me."
6849>You hum, tapping your chin and staring at Sonata's ruffled hair
6850"So there's just three races? No others?"
6851>As Aria formulates her answer, she shifts around in her seat
6852>"Well, technically there's... another..."
6853"What is it?"
6854>"...You don't even have to worry about it."
6855"What? Why? Tell me."
6856>"It's... there's something called an Alicorn. It's a mix of all of the races. Strength, wings, and magic."
6857>Your jaw drops
6858"Why would you think that wasn't important?"
6859>"Because you could probably count the number of Alicorns on one hand."
6860>She wiggles her fingers
6861>"They're gods, and they're even worse than Unicorns. But gods don't hunt down petty criminals."
6862>You decide not to acknowledge her shaky voice
6863"So Twilight's not an Alicorn?"
6864>"Don't even worry about it. She's probably an earth pony."
6865"I see."
6866>The girls spin around in response to a faint noise from outside
6867>One you're not used to hearing here
6868>"What was that?"
6869"Someone pulled in."
6870>"Did what?"
6871___
6872>You stand by the front door
6873>The girls wait inside the punishement room
6874>Whoever's here takes their sweet time
6875>Sigh
6876>You step outside and walk past the hedges
6877>To the right, behind your car is one you don't recognize
6878>The kid balancing on rocks nearby's a different story
6879"Hey!"
6880>She slips off, spots you
6881>Looks over her shoulder and then heads your way
6882>"Hi."
6883"What's up?"
6884>"Nothing. Waiting to go home."
6885"You didn't drive here, did you?"
6886>Sweetie scratches the inside of her ear and chuckles
6887>"Yeah right."
6888>With the same hand that was just scraping ear wax, she offers a handshake
6889>"I'm Sweetie Belle. Did you lose a fight or something?"
6890>You choose to wave your hand, instead
6891"Anonymous. Yeah. I lost a fight. What's going on? Is Rarity here?"
6892>Her eyes roll into the back of her head
6893>She stuffs her hands into her pockets and groans
6894>"Unfortunately."
6895"Why?"
6896>"She's having one of her episodes."
6897>You both look out to the cars
6898>If you squint, you can see the back of Rarity's head through three windows
6899>"She's talking to dad on the phone."
6900"Oh?"
6901>"They're fighting."
6902"Oh..."
6903>"Yeah. Rarity's fighting with dad and dad is fighting with mom."
6904>Energy leaves Sweetie's voice
6905>"We came here to talk to Twilight."
6906"She's not here."
6907>"You sure?"
6908"Very."
6909>"Well, can you let Rarity look for her? The longer it takes, the better. Your house is big, so it's perfect."
6910>It is?
6911>You kneel down and talk face to face
6912"Is the argument that bad?"
6913>"I dunno dude. I've never heard dad yell like this. He was like, honey if you believe I'd do such a thing, you really are a stupid cunt!"
6914"What?!"
6915>The shock of the crude, scratchy, manly impersonation kills your balance for a split second
6916>"Yeah, he called mom a cunt."
6917"Don't... don't say that."
6918>"What?"
6919"That word."
6920>"Cunt?"
6921>You cover her mouth for a moment
6922"That's a bad word."
6923>Sweetie blinks, apparently indifferent
6924"Uh, why do you need to talk to Twilight?"
6925>"Ummmmmm. It's no big deal. But it's sort of my fault. ...Dad was rude to Twilight, and I saw it, and I accidentally told mom. But Twilight's as nice as it gets, she'll be like, it's fine! I wasn't offended!"
6926>She goes back to scratching her ear
6927>"Dad's just not good at being polite is all."
6928"Oh. That's not that big of a deal."
6929>"...Yeah..."
6930>The faint sound of a car door flinging open catches your attention
6931>"SWEETIE BELLE, GET OVER HERE!"
6932>The kid flinches, but is quick to march
6933>You consider following, but maybe approaching Rarity while she's arguing on the phone would end badly
6934>...
6935>Sweetie returns, kicking up dust as she walks
6936>"She said to tell you to bring Twilight to the car."
6937"She's not here..."
6938>"I told her, and she started-"
6939>She twirls her index finger around her temple
6940>"-crying. What a baby."
6941>Seeing the alarm on your face, she shakes her head
6942>"Don't freak out, dude. She gets like that sometimes. It's fine."
6943"Are you sure?"
6944>"Just between you and me... my sister's a bit of a drama queen."
6945>Sweetie kicks up some more dust
6946>"I dunno what to do. She's going to go crazy if she doesn't see Twilight. She's not going to talk to you, either. Her makeup is all messed up."
6947>You stand up and, hesitantly, make an offer:
6948"How about we meet up at Taco Bell in thirty minutes?"
6949>"Ooh! I love Taco Bell! Are you buying? Tell me you're buying."
6950"No, I meant I'll bring Twilight to you."
6951>"Well, can we buy food too?"
6952"Huh?"
6953>She sways left and right with a big smile
6954"We'll... we'll see."
6955>"YES! WOO!"
6956>Sweetie spins around, punching and kicking
6957>"I'm ready! Ready for the Bell!"
6958>Her relentless assault on thin air continues
6959>"Bell is my middle name, dude!"
6960>Then she takes off
6961>"Okay! Thirty minutes. Bring our nerd! Bring your walleeeeeet!"
6962>She zips around the side of your car, hops into hers, and you wait
6963>It's not long before Rarity pulls out, and you watch her car disappear down the dirt road
6964___
6965>You find yourself driving with extreme caution minutes away from Canterlot High
6966>With a girl asleep, snuggled up to the car door
6967>The smile she wore still faintly visible on her mostly blank resting face
6968>Part of you wants to let Twilight deal with a little bit of her sleep debt
6969>Your new position as "boss" insists you don't
6970>Calling her name doesn't work...
6971>At the next stop sign you reach over and firmly shake her shoulder
6972>"Hmm?"
6973"Can we talk?"
6974>"Of course, Anon!"
6975>She shows you an eager smile
6976>"Given a list of ten thousand humans I could pick and choose for conversation, you would be at the top."
6977"Really?"
6978>"Yes. Yes!"
6979>She rubs her knees
6980>"Yes, yes, yes."
6981"Why?"
6982>Then fiddles with her seat belt a while
6983>When it's resting comfortably, Twilight reaches down under the seat and pulls up a book
6984>"Oh, these beautiful Fall trees. What I'd give to rest right here in this painting."
6985>Her finger traces over the warmly colored leaves
6986>"In a sense I already am. Up here."
6987>Your eyes dart between the stick figure family decal on the car in front of you and the red-eyed, messy-haired girl poking her forehead
6988>"It's as though I have been granted freedom after years of incarceration. My heart is singing. I can... breathe."
6989>She touches your arm
6990>You grip the steering wheel tight
6991>"I shouldn't tell you, really. In all honesty Anonymous I have broken many rules with you that were stated by Princess Celestia herself. Even her name and title are privileged information at this time."
6992"So, coming to me for help was..."
6993>"A moment of weakness. Sharing information about Equestria with beings from a world so little understood?"
6994>Her words grow hesitant and sad
6995>"I fear what my Princess would say. Or what she would do."
6996>As your destination comes into view, however, she perks up again
6997>"But you're my lucky charm. And I know I can trust you with this, at least."
6998>You pick out a parking spot
6999>"It's because of you... giving me the idea of an enchantment..."
7000>You pull in
7001>"That I ended up finding it."
7002>And you display pretend curiosity
7003>She lifts herself up to dig into her pocket
7004>A golden chain dangles from her fist
7005>Twilight presents it to you and, slowly, extends her fingers
7006>In her palm is a red gem
7007>Beautiful, though not as genuine as your mother would sometimes pretend
7008>Or as genuine as your forced look of awe and words of congratulation suggest
7009>"This is all I need. I can go back home, sort it out, and put it to rest. When the time comes to return to this world I will do so with a smile, and a mission to collect as much human literature as I can. All... thanks to you."
7010___
7011>You're dragged through Taco Bell's front door
7012>The cool air is welcoming, but your mind struggles to ignore the two girls speaking in whispers outside
7013>Rarity was initially shocked by your condition
7014>When reminded of her own family situation, she moved on
7015>"You promised my baby sister a meal," she practically mumbled, "so why don't you two go on?"
7016>So here you are, Sweetie's painful grip on your wrist guiding you up to the counter
7017>She lets go and does a little dance
7018>"Best day. Ever! Best day. Ever!"
7019>Order ideas are listed one after another. This taco or that burrito, weighed as if it were a life or death decision
7020>Though she debates with herself thoroughly there are repeating ideas
7021>Only three or four
7022>Following from the back of her head it seems like she's reading off of the dollar menu
7023"What are you doing?"
7024>"Huh?"
7025>You let a customer pass by and then join her
7026"Why the dollar menu?"
7027>"...Well, I want to get a soda too. If that's okay."
7028>She grins and holds her hands together
7029>"Please be okay with it."
7030"Well, the numbered orders come with a soda. Let's stick to those."
7031>"Don't think I'm gonna be one of those people who go crazy with other people's money."
7032>She wags a finger at you
7033"Don't worry about it. Order what you normally do."
7034>"...I was."
7035>Sweetie turns back to the menu
7036>As realization hits, your eyes drift from the side of her head, to Twilight Sparkle through the large window
7037>Cupping a cell phone and speaking with highly animated hand gestures
7038>Rarity taps her arm here and there
7039>No doubt reminding her to stay quiet
7040___
7041>She looks ready to defuse her soda
7042>Her trembling fingers poke at the sides and then retreat as the ice shifts around
7043>"So. Much. Sprite."
7044>Next she picks it up and marvels at her ability to lift it, a second time
7045>"It weighs like forty pounds I bet."
7046"Not quite, haha."
7047>Some time passes
7048>Both of you turn to check on the girls outside
7049>You agreed to buy her food, not babysit her, so you're direct:
7050"What's happening out there?"
7051>"Hm? Oh. Uh..."
7052>Sweetie fidgets with a stack of napkins
7053>"She's talking to dad maybe? Or mom, definitely mom."
7054"What about? Are you okay with telling me?"
7055>For a while you interpret her awkward expression as a silent no
7056>But half a minute later she responds:
7057>"Like a week or something ago, I was watching YouTube and the internet started being slow-"
7058>She squints momentarily
7059>"-probably Despairity torrenting things again. So I paused it and went to get a drink. When I walked into the Kitchen my Dad was talking to Twilight."
7060>Sweetie spins the receipt around and takes note of the order number
7061>"And then he hit her on the butt."
7062>...
7063>"Like a football player! You know? Like, good job, star Nickelback player, you won the game. You know?"
7064>She forces a laugh
7065>"My dad was just being nice. He didn't know that you only do that to other guys."
7066>The receipt is spun around a second time
7067>Her waiting goes from charmingly energetic, to anxious and uncomfortable
7068>In your current state no words come to mind
7069>So you sigh and lean back
7070___
7071>Outside, you first spot your car door hanging wide open
7072>Then to your right you find Rarity, head resting in one hand, and Twilight, head nearly inside a familiar gym bag
7073>Though much smaller this time
7074>...Surely she wouldn't tell Rarity about the investigation?
7075"Hey, Belle. Were you serious about wanting one of those crunch wrap things?"
7076>Her lit up eyes give you your answer
7077>You dig out a bit of cash, stuff it into her hands and hold open the door
7078>Rapid fire thanks fade quickly as she charges for the counter
7079>By the girls, you announce your presence with a yawn and lean on the edge of their table
7080>"Hello again Anonymous!"
7081>The dork pulls her head out of the bag
7082>"We've got everything sorted out!"
7083>Rarity taps her shoulder again
7084>"Nothing in particular, though. Just things!"
7085>You spin a chair around from a different table and sit
7086"How'd you sort it out?"
7087>"Simple, really. I told Rarity's mother that-"
7088>"Anonymous, if you could mind your own business?"
7089>You look to Rarity, whose eyes are now covered
7090"It's funny hearing that from..."
7091>Shoving your drink's straw into your mouth is about all you can do to shut yourself up
7092>Rarity drops her hand into her lap
7093>"Care to finish your sentence?"
7094"No, not really."
7095>"Well, I'm not too surprised."
7096"...About?"
7097>"You staying silent, even though I know what's on your mind."
7098>You bite your lip and glance at a now tense Twilight
7099>No need to disturb her happy mood
7100"Anyway, do you guys want anything? I've got enough cash."
7101>Rarity rolls her eyes
7102"Is that a no?"
7103>"Changing the subject, another one of Anonymous' habits."
7104"Excuse me?"
7105>"And I don't NEED any cash I'll have you know."
7106"It was just a friendly offer... I already fed Belle, I might as well."
7107>She taps all five of her fingers on the shiny table
7108>"I said I DON'T NEED it, Anonymous."
7109>Her hushed yell is still far too loud for comfort
7110>A couple of customers on their way out look over their shoulders
7111"Hey... calm down."
7112>"I am calm."
7113"Uh, Twilight, maybe we should all get going."
7114>"OH, GREAT! That's perfect. Maybe she should go with you? You could drive back to your little paradise in the woods."
7115>...
7116>"You go right ahead and teach her-"
7117>Finger quotes pop up
7118>"-human relations. Everything will sound brilliant and romantic with you pulling her strings."
7119>Rarity grabs something from beside her purse, and presents it as her smoking gun
7120>A book
7121>On the cover, a bright and warm Fall forest
7122>"Yeah! That's right! She told me allll about your little training program."
7123>The confusion on your face must be pissing her off even more
7124>"Where are you two at? Timid hellos? Awkward first date? First kiss? Tell me, Anonymous."
7125"Would you-"
7126>"She's not a virgin anymore! Is she!"
7127"Rarity."
7128>"You slept with her and I even know when and WHERE!"
7129>At your hands slamming onto her table, she flinches, eyes shut tight, one arm raised in front of her face
7130>She shrinks into the corner made by the back of the chair and the fence surrounding the area
7131"...Shut. Up."
7132>"O-Okay."
7133>Her voice is just above a whisper
7134>Rapidly, your anger turns to a powerful mixture of confusion and embarrassment
7135>You look to Twilight for some kind of explanation
7136>Her shaky voice is muffled by the gym bag covering her mouth:
7137>"Maybe my explanation should have been a bit more clear."
7138___
7139>"It has to be today."
7140>Twilight tends to ease up quickly if she has the pleasure of explaining something
7141>This time was no different
7142>As she gave Rarity the innocent details on your nonexistent tutoring sessions - in which you taught her day to day interactions between humans of different ages and personality types - her shoulders lowered and her smile returned
7143>At the end she added in that this was a good time for her to return to her home
7144>With a bit of excitement, she digs deep into her bag and pulls out a thick, shiny brown book
7145>On the front is a white feather symbol
7146>"Goodness! I almost forgot to give this to you!"
7147>She strokes it a couple of times before laying it into your hands
7148>"This is a ma-"
7149>She leans closer
7150>So does Rarity
7151>"Magical book. It's used for long distance communication and, believe it or not, communication across different worlds."
7152"Huh?"
7153>"...It's like talking on a personal computer. Write in one book, the words print themselves in the other."
7154>You can't tell if she's proud of her world's technologies, or proud of her explanation
7155>"I need you to keep this close and write once a day if you can. Just to check in and let me know how things are. Now, keep in mind that this book is normally reserved for those in my government and has next to no restrictions. It's very important that you write the correct code on the line on page 1-"
7156>Rarity interrupts
7157>Shocked that Twilight would trust such an item with you, rather than her, the conversation regresses
7158>But this time Rarity is calmed to silence more quickly
7159>The discussion slows to the point that Sweetie showing up outside again becomes the new topic
7160>Before you know it, Rarity's storming off to her car, Sweetie's shaking your hand and Twilight's thanking you again
7161>You sit in your car and watch her pull her trusty gym bag into the back seat of theirs
7162>She's buried back there
7163>...
7164>You've never been more exhausted in your life
7165>Seeing Rarity hop out of the driver's seat, seemingly under Twilight's frantic instruction, is something you're unprepared for
7166>Her shoe scrapes to a stop on the road beside your car
7167>...
7168"What's up?"
7169>...
7170>You shut your eyes and sigh
7171"I'm tired. Too sleepy to argue. Okay?"
7172>...
7173>"Anonymous?"
7174>You open them up again to a similarly tired, frustrated face
7175>"Would you consider telling me what's going on? What's actually going on?"
7176>She rests her hands on the half-raised window
7177>"If only so that I'll be able to sleep tonight?"
7178>That's the right tactic for appealing to you
7179>But, it's hopeless
7180>You quietly tap the cover of Twilight's magical book
7181"She already told you. If you don't believe it, I'm sorry."
7182>Her fingers tug on the glass
7183>A step back, with spiteful eyes, she shakes her head
7184>"She forgot to tell you the code. 'Loans and Hesitant Travels.'"
7185>Huff
7186>"What will you discuss with her?"
7187"I don't know."
7188>"Why would she give this to YOU?"
7189>This girl...
7190>You shut your eyes
7191>After ten seconds or so, she stomps away
7192___
7193>Back at home, just after sundown, you prepare the couch for one hell of a sleep session
7194>Your two employees had mixed feelings about Twilight's departure
7195>Sonata innocently assumed that it solves all of your problems
7196>Aria helped you explain that the fake necklace is, at best, a bit of time bought
7197>Still, the worst problem on Sonata's mind was you neglecting to order her anything this afternoon
7198>With her asleep in your bedroom and Adagio hopefully asleep in the guest room you lean into your new bed when you notice
7199>To your right, light coming in through the bottom of your parent's bedroom door
7200>Knowing how tired Aria must be, you knock
7201>When she doesn't answer you crack the door
7202>...and find her sitting in the corner
7203"Aria?"
7204>She's silent until you step inside
7205>"What happens when you break the rules? Do you get punished, or do I get something?"
7206"Oh. I'm sorry."
7207>You scratch the back of your head and say you'll be going to bed
7208>"Wait, idiot. Did you want something?"
7209"Just wondering why you're in the floor."
7210>"I don't know."
7211>The bed's properly made, with a giant pillow and thick, fuzzy blankets
7212"Don't like the bed?"
7213>"The bed's fine."
7214"Aria, if something's wrong, you can tell me."
7215>She looks down at the floor and sighs
7216>"...I just don't want to sleep in a bed when Adagio's on the floor."
7217"Is that all? Remember that box I carried up to her?"
7218>You grab Aria's wrists, gently pull her onto her feet, and lead her to one end of the bed
7219"That was a bed."
7220>"Really?"
7221"Yeah, a comfortable one too."
7222>"...Are you lying?"
7223>You pull the covers up over and push her into the pillow
7224"No. Everyone gets a bed. Everyone gets to sleep. Let's all sleep."
7225>As you're leaving, she stops you again
7226>"Wait! This pillow sucks."
7227>She shoves it into the floor
7228"Seriously?"
7229>"I want... uh, I want that one you made me use."
7230>After a moment you catch on, and head into the punishment room to find it
7231>When you present it to Aria you can tell she feels a bit better
7232"Don't worry."
7233>She throws up a hand to catch it
7234"I'm sure it still smells like me."
7235>Then opens it up to let it fall beside her
7236>She frowns and stutters out something you can't understand
7237"Just a joke... I'm going to sleep... too tired."
7238>The light's turned off and the door shut
7239>You fall onto the couch
7240>Soon after, a girl slides over the back and on top of you
7241"What are you doing."
7242>She speaks in an angry whisper
7243>"Why were you in Aria's room?"
7244"Checking on her."
7245>"Why didn't you check on me then?"
7246>She grunts, seeing you shut your eyes and look for a comfortable position
7247"You don't need help sleeping. Aria does. Don't get all jealous."
7248>Sonata sits up
7249>Knees press painfully into your stomach
7250>"I guess that makes sense. Aria doesn't like to sleep by herself."
7251"Really?"
7252>"Don't say that though, or she'll get mad."
7253>Sonata waits for your response before realizing you're nearly asleep
7254>"Anon. I'm going to propose something... and I don't want to get lectured. It's been a looong day and we're both very tired. Aria's not the only one who hates sleeping alone..."
7255>You wake up fully again
7256>With lungs filled to the brim you sigh, scoop her up and carry her to your room like a princess
7257>Sonata gives you a big smile, until you put her down and turn around
7258>"Where are you going?"
7259"To bed."
7260>"Anon! Pleeeaase?"
7261>Temptation sets in
7262"Aria thinks you and I are a bad idea, and I agree."
7263>"But-"
7264"We have to convince Adagio that we're a capable team."
7265>"But!"
7266"We, we can't do this sort of thing."
7267>You step out and grab the doorknob
7268>...
7269"...For now."
7270>And close it
7271>You feel a bit frustrated looking at the door and imagining her gleeful expression
7272>Regret weighs down on you as you drag your feet to the couch,
7273>collapse,
7274>and finally... fall asleep
7275___
7276"Wake up already!"
7277>Standing outside your house with the girls, you pat Sonata's head
7278>"Two more hours... please..."
7279>It's warm, not hot
7280>The wind feels nice and gently shakes the rows of trees across the road
7281>It's a perfect day and you're facing it with a full night of sleep
7282"It's your first day of work!"
7283>Sonata groans in disgust
7284>Aria stands up from the rocking chair on your left, having finished tying her bandana
7285>"Ready."
7286"Your first job, Aria..."
7287>You point to an ocean of weeds, tall grass and an embarrassing amount of random items littered in your front yard
7288>The tall grass is on you, but everything else is hers
7289>"Wow, lame task."
7290>She steps off the porch and gets a good look
7291>A tug on your sleeve draws your attention
7292>"I'm allergic to weeds. If I touch them I die. And really Anon I'm at my best when I'm not sweating or feeling tired. You understand, ri-"
7293>She turns around to investigate your line of sight
7294>Aria, bent over with both hands wrapped around a red weed, unknowingly presents her back end and the purple pants that snugly rest against it
7295>She wiggles left and right as she searches for the best possible grip
7296"Maybe I should supervise you guys."
7297>Sonata's too sleepy to work, but not too sleepy to swing at you
7298>Down the road, with a fold-up chair and battery powered radio in your hands, you guide Sonata to her task
7299"I've got the perfect job for you."
7300>"What? Are you gonna look at my butt all day? In a place you don't even go!"
7301>She gestures towards the woods
7302>"We've been in here once and it was awful."
7303"The chair is for you."
7304>You stop by a dirt trail and set it up
7305>Sonata stares in confusion
7306>Once sure you weren't joking she's quick to sit back and relax
7307>"What kind of job is this?"
7308"Lookout duty."
7309>She takes the radio
7310"There's a pretty good chance that Rarity or someone else will show up. They'll be in a car. The things on the road."
7311>"I know."
7312"Watch through these trees. If you see a car, get up and run-"
7313>You point toward the dirt path which leads deeper into the woods
7314"that way. It'll lead you to the house faster than you would think."
7315>"So I have to sit here all day?"
7316"Long enough for Aria and I to do our chores."
7317>She thinks it over
7318>"I guess this job is okay. But I'm gonna be bored."
7319"Got you covered."
7320>Sonata gasps at the radio's static
7321>You play with the dial
7322>It fades into Spanish music, then a talk show, Classic Rock and more Spanish music
7323"Play with it, find something you like. And get comfortable! You're going to be doing this every day!"
7324>"What!?"
7325>You head down the dirt path
7326>"WHAT!"
7327>And grin
7328>"EVERY DAY!?"
7329>A little spin nearly tips the chair over
7330>"NOOOOOOOOOooooooo... okaaaaay..."
7331___
7332>You press the tip of your pen to the top line on page one
7333>A chill runs down your spine
7334>There are eight lines in total. The top of the page is filled with instructions
7335>"...do not attempt to analyze, remove or duplicate this item's enchantments. Illustrations should be sent on odd-numbered pages. If multiple contacts are registered here, designate per page in the provided box. The cover's insignia will glow when new messages are available. Black ink is heavily recommended..."
7336>After skimming them, you continue writing Twilight's code on the top line
7337>It's difficult not to back away as ink bleeds its way onto the empty second page, letter by letter
7338>"Needless to say, everything written in this book, by you or by your contacts, is confidential."
7339>You inch closer to the words, almost in disbelief
7340>"Sharing the contents of this book with anyone other than your contacts, the superior who issued it to you, or to your Princesses, is absolutely forbidden."
7341>Then inch away again
7342>"Accidentally rewarding this book to citizens, criminals, or members of enemy nations especially, due to negligence, warrants a severe punishment."
7343>The writing stops briefly before finishing up on the bottom right:
7344>"Communications begin on page ten."
7345>Slowly, you turn pages, examining the strange swirling symbols that fill them along with an alphabet you don't recognize
7346>Page ten is another story
7347>"Please write as soon as you see this."
7348>Unsure of what you're doing, you move a shaking hand a few inches below and write,
7349"Twilight?"
7350>A response fades in quickly
7351>"Thank goodness, she gave you the right code. I've been worried all day."
7352"Sorry, was busy."
7353>Not used to writing things by hand, you keep your responses short
7354>"No worries."
7355>...
7356>"Anonymous, please remember to write regularly."
7357"Ok. Try to relax."
7358>You stretch your arms above your head and smile
7359>"It won't be easy after all that happened."
7360"Don't worry. I'll continue without you."
7361>"What do you mean?"
7362"I'll look for the girls. If I see them I'll write."
7363>You lay back on your couch with the book open on your stomach
7364>"Thank you, but please be careful."
7365"Say, how long will it take to check the necklace for enchantments?"
7366>Twilight's response takes much longer this time
7367>Probably carefully calculating her answer in fear of losing her know-it-all status
7368>In the meantime, Aria opens the door, bandanna and apron crumpled into a ball and thrown into the corner
7369>"Done."
7370>She rests her hands on her hips as you walk to the window to pull up the curtain
7371>The right half of the yard is covered in patches of dirt
7372>Random junk from this morning has all been moved into the shed, except for a box which is packed full of weeds
7373>It's impressive work for only a handful of hours
7374>Eager to return to the book, you give her a thumbs up and turn around
7375>"Excuse me."
7376"Huh?"
7377>...
7378"What?"
7379>You shrug and turn around again
7380>This time she grabs your arm
7381>"Really? A certain other employee got a pat on the had just for waking up, and I bust my butt all day for a thumbs up?"
7382>She looks away
7383"I see how it is."
7384>You smile and raise your hand
7385>"Hey. I didn't mean-"
7386>Aria freezes
7387>Her hair flattens and stands as you give her four enthusiastic pats on the head, then an affectionate rub for good measure
7388>"GE-"
7389>She shuts her eyes and sinks into her shoulders so far that she gets a double chin
7390>"STOP-"
7391"You did a very good job Aria. I'm proud of you."
7392>"...Sto..."
7393"You're awesome."
7394>"Sssto... oh man-"
7395>She ducks under your arm, runs straight to your parent's bedroom and slams the door
7396>Probably shouldn't push her, but teasing comes too naturally
7397>Back on the couch, you need only wait about a minute longer for Twilight's reply:
7398>"The first test is complete. No traces of enchantment were found. Hiding enchantments is common, and several layers of protection are possible, so it could take days or even weeks to be certain."
7399"Sounds rough."
7400>Weeks would be nice
7401>Maybe it's enough time to make the Sirens convincingly civil?
7402>Your thoughts drift from Aria and Sonata to... Adagio... and you find yourself wanting a lot longer than that
7403___
7404>The next day goes even smoother than the last
7405>Sonata, having seen the work Aria put into the yard, suddenly adores her low effort job and complains little about waking up to it
7406>With the random garbage cleared out of the way you dig out the lawn mower and spend a good hour figuring out why it won't start
7407>Eventually, the grass is cut and the walkway is clear
7408>The yard looks good for the first time in years
7409>Aria hides away in her bedroom before you can compliment her work
7410>Feeling especially good today, you sit back and relax, ready to write to Twilight when Sonata pops in through the Kitchen window and yells,
7411>"CAAAAR! CAAAAAAAAR!"
7412>The book falls
7413>After gesturing towards the floor, and waiting for Sonata to hit the dirt, you open the front door in time to see a familiar truck pull up
7414>A family friend of sorts pops out with a box in her hands, slowing once she gets past the hedges to look over Aria's handiwork
7415>"That's a first."
7416"In a long time..."
7417>She puts the box on the nearby rocking chair and stands tall
7418>"Whoa!"
7419"It's nothing. Kent and I fought. Already got him back."
7420>"Oh, boy. Guys are dumb."
7421>Your face is gently poked
7422>After your last conversation it seemed as though you'd never speak to Gilda again
7423>Yet here she is, smiling at you
7424>"What's up 'Non?"
7425>You step back and invite her in
7426>"No thanks. Can't stay. In fact I'm in a hurry."
7427"Why are you here?"
7428>Slowly, her smile fades
7429>"...You've grown up a lot, haven't you?"
7430>She checks out every corner of the yard
7431>"Maybe things hold you back, but you're not a kid anymore, huh?"
7432>You don't know what to say
7433>When she faces you again, it's with obvious shame
7434>"...Maybe some people hold you back."
7435>Gilda takes the box and thrusts it into your arms
7436>It's plain brown, covered by dust and recently taped shut
7437>"It's all there... with interest, too."
7438"You mean-"
7439>"Don't worry. I'm not lying."
7440>She winks
7441>"I even counted it to make sure."
7442"But how can you afford that? ...You don't have to pay me back, alright? Rent's not a joke."
7443>"I didn't-"
7444>She sucks in some air and lowers her head
7445>"...I didn't... use the money for rent... I saved it. All of it."
7446>The conversation comes to a screeching halt
7447>You try to be upset, but don't feel anything
7448>With the box resting on the floor beside your feet you turn the doorknob left and right, mulling over how much money she could have just handed you
7449>"I know you don't want to hear this, but I think I'm right about you pushing people away. Maybe, m-maybe because of people like me. You'll do better with better people in your life. So I-"
7450"Gilda-"
7451>"I got you a friend!"
7452>Her smile returns, though it's forced
7453>"She's a chick. Don't get any ideas though. She's a ton of fun, a bit of a butthead when she's mad... a lot like you! And between you and me, she really wants to make some more friends."
7454>She takes a step back
7455>"The important thing is that she's super loyal. Unlike some... people. So, I want you to give her a chance."
7456"Who are you talking about?"
7457>"You'll see tomorrow. Or the next day. Whenever she shows up."
7458"You gave her my address?"
7459>Gilda's shocked, only just realizing she might have disrespected your privacy
7460>"Sh-she's cool, don't worry. I... aw, did I fuck up?"
7461>Honestly, yes
7462>"...I'm sorry. I'm... I... I'm gonna go."
7463>She steps off of the porch
7464>Once you hear the dirt road crunch under her boots, you follow after
7465"Hey!"
7466>Her door hangs open
7467>An irritating tone invades your ears
7468"I don't want you... out of my life. That's not what I was trying to say that night. I mean, that'd be like-"
7469>You rest a hand on her back
7470>"...that'd be like losing my sister or something."
7471>She doesn't say anything back
7472>After a tense seven seconds she nods her head
7473>Then jumps into her truck, slams the door and heads off without so much as looking back
7474___
7475>The girls watch closely as you press the sharp side of a kitchen knife into the middle of the tape
7476>You have to remind Sonata twice not to get so close, before you slice it in two
7477>With the flaps pulled down you sit back and let them investigate
7478>"Holy. Shit."
7479>Aria takes a lumpy pile of cash in both hands and carefully raises it up
7480>Taking note of the varying numbers and portraits
7481>"Holy FUCK! Whose is this?"
7482"Mine."
7483>Sonata digs under the bills and retrieves some change
7484"I've been lending it to that girl off and on for years, but she gave it all back."
7485>"Seriously?"
7486"Yeah. There should be thousands of dollars here."
7487>Sonata hums
7488>"Is that a lot?"
7489"Well, sort of. It depends on what situation you're in."
7490>"What about ours?"
7491>You take a particularly crinkly five dollar bill from both ends and flatten it against the edge of the box
7492"My parents cover the bills and the food, which is expensive. We can spend this on anything we want."
7493>Aria's eyes open wider
7494>The cash pours from her hands back inside the box and she picks it up from the bottom
7495>"We have to hide it."
7496"Don't worry. No one knows we have it. Let's leave it in my closet for now."
7497>She sticks her face into the box to admire it all again
7498>Meanwhile Sonata, for some reason, doesn't seem excited or intrigued
7499>She sits back on the couch and holds a quarter up to her mouth, licking it back and forth
7500"SONATA! Haven't you ever heard of ass pennies?!"
7501>"No..."
7502>You snatch it away and wipe it down on your pants leg
7503"Jesus."
7504___
7505>During the next several days, a schedule is born
7506>Seven in the morning you wake up the girls and check on Adagio
7507>Sonata takes her little radio down the dirt path in the backyard
7508>While Aria does talk back when you give her a task, she does it to the best of her ability, every time
7509>The girl is so efficient that sometimes you're left with nothing to do
7510>Luckily you always need to report to Twilight
7511>You look forward to it
7512>Knowing that she's happy eases your guilt
7513>Thanks to your box of money, you've begun paying your employees consistently
7514>10 dollars a workday for the sake of preserving the cash as long as possible
7515>It's plenty of money to Aria, who's developed a list of things she wants, ranging from specific brands of junk food to an electric fan
7516>Sonata hasn't even bothered to keep count of hers
7517>Today you follow her out to her spot
7518>"This is gross."
7519>It rained a little last night, so it's cold and damp
7520>Every time she feels her shoe sink into the ground she hops to a new spot
7521"I found your money on the kitchen counter last night."
7522>"Oh."
7523"You should keep it in a safe place."
7524>Sonata opens up her chair and quickly sinks into it, arms wrapped around her torso
7525>"Okay."
7526>She takes her radio out of her pocket to flip it on and fiddle with the dial
7527>Once she's got some pop rock song going, she hugs it and closes her eyes
7528"You don't seem very excited about the money."
7529>"...Should I be?"
7530"Well, Aria's is. She even said thanks when I paid her yesterday."
7531>Sonata looks at the ground
7532"Is it because you're not being paid that much?"
7533>"No, it just seems... pointless."
7534"What?"
7535>"Money. Things are getting bad, so I don't think we're gonna need it."
7536>You rest against a tree
7537"What does that mean?"
7538>"You know..."
7539"I don't."
7540>You do
7541>Sonata is extremely hesitant to continue:
7542>"We never used money anyway, you know? We just got what we needed right away."
7543"Sonata..."
7544>"Why even bother with money? It's pointless."
7545>She pulls a quarter out from her coat pocket and raises it into what little direct sunlight slips through the trees
7546>"It looks pretty, but I have something worth more than a million bits. All money does is make people mean anyway."
7547>She flips the coin
7548>In an instant it's lost behind her in the mess of grass and weeds
7549>...
7550"You don't have shit, Sonata."
7551>Her eyes open wide
7552>Well, what was she expecting?
7553"I thought we covered this."
7554>"I'm not... a slave anymore."
7555"What difference does that make?"
7556>She turns her radio down a little and drops it into the cup holder
7557>"So it's MINE again."
7558"Is it?"
7559>"Y-Yes!"
7560>You feel so frustrated that your lip trembles
7561"Don't you understand the point of all this?"
7562>"Tell me, Anon. Tell me what the point is."
7563"To teach you guys to live an honest life."
7564>"Aria tried that. They almost called the guards on her. You said that we can't work in this world unless it's for you."
7565"So-"
7566>"S-So, it's the same as Equestria! No one trusts us, no one wants us around. Why give them that choice? ...You'll understand if you see it. If you just give it back. It'll solve all of our problems in a day."
7567>With a hand on each arm rest you lean down over Sonata, who sinks further into the seat
7568"It's not about how fucking easy it is, Sonata. Using magic like that is wrong!"
7569>She stares up at you in silence
7570"Don't you understand that? Don't you feel guilty stealing from people? I mean-"
7571>Pressure builds around your eyes
7572>A bit embarrassed, and wanting to calm down, you stand up
7573>"Anon? Are you okay?"
7574>...
7575"Watch the road."
7576___
7577>On the outside of your front yard, you sit with your back against the unruly hedges
7578>Aria's been trimming them since she woke up, but progress is slow
7579>Still manages to make it up to your spot though
7580>You feel her pants leg against your cheek as she snips away above your head
7581"That's kind of nice."
7582>"Idiot."
7583>Your hair and lap fills with nature
7584>Should probably move
7585"Can you bring me to my couch?"
7586>The trimming stops with a forceful snip
7587>"No?"
7588"Carry me."
7589>"Are you stupid?"
7590>You shrug
7591"If you do it I'll give you an extra ten dollars."
7592>Aria's insults stop dead in their tracks
7593>After a moment you hear her stuff the trimmers into the hedges and kneel down next to you
7594>"This is dumb."
7595"Good luck..."
7596>One hand squeezes underneath your leg and awkwardly grips your thigh
7597>The other forces into the hedge and presses against your back
7598>She makes three attemps, each time her grunt becoming more angry
7599>"...FFFFFFFUCK this!"
7600>She drops you from about an inch off of the ground
7601>"You weigh a thousand pounds!"
7602"My doctor said I could benefit from gaining a little weight."
7603>Aria seems genuinely embarrassed
7604>You stand up and stretch
7605"Sorry. I was just joking around, but that was a good effort. I'll give you the money."
7606>She gasps as you scoop her up, the same way you did to Sonata the other night
7607>"Wh-what the fuck?"
7608"Forget about the hedges for now, I'll buy a tool that isn't rusted from top to bottom."
7609>She rests her hands between her thighs as if afraid of letting them hang, but also afraid of touching you
7610>Inside the house, you drop her to her feet
7611"Can you sit down with me for a minute?"
7612>"Why."
7613"I want to talk to you about something important."
7614>This catches her interest
7615>Probably because she realized you brought her inside so that Sonata can't possibly hear
7616>She kicks off her shoes, sits down and rests her feet on the coffee table
7617"You're making really good progress."
7618>"What do you mean?"
7619"Your mind is way more open to change than I expected."
7620>Aria hums and scratches her leg through her pants
7621>"Working? It was never a crazy idea to me. It's just not how we did things."
7622"...Which do you like better?"
7623>She thinks for a while
7624>"Getting anything I wanted was obviously nice. But working feels... good."
7625>Time to be blunt
7626"Do you still want your necklace back?"
7627>You stare at the black void of your powerless TV and listen for any signs of conflict in her response
7628>Then tense up as Aria's reflection goes at yours
7629>She pulls you closer by the chest of your shirt and frowns with deep disapproval
7630>"Are you trying to tempt me?"
7631"Huh?"
7632>"Are you fucking stupid? I'm trying to learn to forget about my necklace, and you're asking me if I want it back?"
7633"Uhhh..."
7634>She drops you against the couch arm and shakes her head
7635>"I thought you trusted me a little bit more than that."
7636"I wasn't trying to trick you."
7637>You wave your hands
7638"Uh..."
7639>She turns away
7640"...look. I talked to Sonata. I don't think she's as strong as you."
7641>"She isn't, I kick her ass all the time."
7642"Tougher at heart, I mean. I don't think Sonata can leave that lifestyle behind, especially now that she knows my world will never fully accept you."
7643>It takes a bit of time, but Aria turns back to you looking a bit less angry
7644>"So I'm tougher in the body and in the heart?"
7645"I'm not trying to stroke your ego. I need your help."
7646>To your surprise, she scoots a bit closer, roughly to the middle of the couch
7647>"What kind of help?"
7648"Well I've discovered that trying to tell someone how to think is pointless. I want you to help me convince her."
7649>"Of what, exactly?"
7650"That money isn't useless. That manipulating people, taking their things, maybe even damaging their lives, is awful."
7651>You rub your face
7652"You can... use the example of what I did to you guys. It's the obvious thing to bring up to her. I don't want you to think I'll get mad if you do. Remind her how I treated her, and you-"
7653>You tense up, lightly pressing against your temple
7654>An attempt to change the subject fails as you open your mouth, but can find nothing else to say
7655>You shut your eyes and rest against the cushions
7656>Since she's heard clearly what you expect her to do, you let her leave on her own
7657>...
7658>"I've done bad stuff, you know."
7659>With one opened eye, you see her standing and brushing dirt off of her clothes
7660>"Plus, I got you back pretty good."
7661>Aria pulls off her apron and shakes it clean, over your coffee table
7662>"I'm not saying you're a good guy or anything. We're all assholes, you know? And I don't think you're a bigger asshole than we are."
7663>She slips the apron onto you, then steps back
7664>Clearly made uncomfortable by your dumbfounded stare, she looks away and crosses her arms
7665>"Anyway, I'll do it."
7666"Really?"
7667>"Yes. Sonata's kind of stup... stubborn, so it might take a while. And don't get mad at me if she comes bitching to you about what I say."
7668___
7669>Something catches your attention
7670>Footsteps in the yard, then on your porch
7671>Leaving her post? It's like she's trying to piss you off even more
7672>You approach the door and inhale, prepared to call her name, but you stop yourself on a hunch
7673"...Hello?"
7674>Their shoe scrapes the wood
7675>"Hi?"
7676>Some girl?
7677"Are you Gilda's friend?"
7678>"...Yes."
7679>You crack the front door, your eyes snapping first to her bright, multi-colored, unruly hair
7680>Then to her untrusting eyes, white tank top and black shorts
7681"What's up?"
7682>She looks over you in the same way
7683>"You..."
7684>Then vigorously rubs her nose
7685>"You're a guy."
7686"I am."
7687>"You're THAT guy."
7688"You're that girl."
7689>She checks out your property
7690>"Didn't know you lived like a hick. Aren't you rich? Like, millionaire rich?"
7691"...You shouldn't believe everything you hear."
7692>"Yeah."
7693>She turns back around, even more cautious
7694>"Especially things I hear from you."
7695>A bit of that frustration you just had regarding Sonata is more than happy to return
7696"Calling me a liar?"
7697>"Ha."
7698"...Twilight backed me up, you know. She already dealt with the girls."
7699>"I heard that. I also heard microwaving your cell phone recharges it. And guess what? I DON'T believe everything I'm told."
7700>Now you share her unfriendly stare
7701"Hang out with Rarity a lot?"
7702>"Hey man. She's far from the only person who doesn't like you, but she takes it so far."
7703"Oh?"
7704>"Yeah, she thinks those girls are in hiding and stuff. In reality they left town and you found out in advance. People move all the time. Easy as one, two, three."
7705"You know a lot about people you've never met, don't you?"
7706>"Was that sarcastic? ...Whatever, dude. You got the attention you wanted. I heard Twilight's been hanging out with you."
7707>Her arm extends quickly, startling you
7708>With a cocky smerk Rainbow Dash pats your shoulder, harder each time
7709>"Judging by how she's been lately you're a stick in the world's deepest mud puddle. I'm out."
7710>She freezes in the middle of the yard just before kicking an empty bucket
7711>"Crap."
7712>Rainbow explains that she doesn't actually know where she is
7713>Even though she had been given directions she drew a blank and had Gilda drive her
7714>She had dropped her off on the dirt road left of the house, a place only a family friend would think to go
7715>Fortunately for Sonata, who is posted to the right, there's no griping in her immediate future
7716>Rainbow considers calling Gilda
7717>And reconsiders, given that she'd get pissed if she bailed
7718>Eventually the girl caves and demands that you bring her to the nearest bus stop
7719>On the edge of the woods, you freeze and let Rainbow pass you up, having spotted a very anxious Sonata making strange hand gestures from beside your hedges
7720>You shake your head and move on
7721___
7722"Should have just let me drive you."
7723>"Like I'm going to get in a car with you."
7724>You look back at her and wave a pointed finger to the surrounding trees
7725"Driving you is too risky, but walking through the woods is fine?"
7726>She doesn't reply
7727"What the hell do you think I'm going to do?"
7728>"Who knows."
7729"Isn't the woods more dangerous? Seems like the kind of place you'd get mugged or raped, or..."
7730>You bicker back and forth
7731>By the time you're over halfway to the other side you notice...
7732>Her voice sounds kind of strange
7733>"Why does the crime rate matter?"
7734"I'm just saying, how often do teenagers get kidnapped by teenagers?"
7735>"Would you just drop it?"
7736"What?"
7737>Some twigs crunch as you come to a stop
7738"Just forget that you implied I might kidnap you, to be an asshole?"
7739>"Dude. Come on."
7740"What do you guys say about me behind my back?"
7741>"...Uh..."
7742>You close the distance
7743>"I don't know."
7744"You don't know."
7745>She rushes past
7746>Wanting to get back to the house you try to drop it
7747>But the specific crime she's hinted at digs under your skin
7748>You pick up the pace and stop in front of her again
7749"Why don't you answer my question? What do you think, that I manipulated Twilight?"
7750>...
7751"That I tricked her into sleeping with me? Even if that were true, how the fuck does that translate to kidnapping you?"
7752>Her shoulders rise up
7753"I'm getting sick of Twilight's friends thinking they know more about her personal life than she does. She's fine with me, so how about you-"
7754>"Who cares! Let's go!"
7755>Her voice cracks twice in a single sentence
7756>She rests her hands on her waist and looks around
7757"...Are you... afraid of me?"
7758>"What?"
7759>You get closer
7760>She backs off
7761"Oh my god. You actually think I'm going to do something."
7762>"We-well-"
7763>Rainbow groans
7764>"You had to go and talk about the woods and rapists and stuff."
7765>While lightly stepping in place she looks in every direction for a way out
7766"Scared of being raped?"
7767>"Who the heck isn't scared of that?"
7768"Scared of being kidnapped by hicks?"
7769>"Sh-shut up, dude!"
7770"Scared of-"
7771>"Shut up shut up SHUT UP!"
7772>She continues on the path you had been taking alone
7773>Letting her get lost in here would be kind of funny, but far more cruel
7774>You take her by the arm
7775"Dork. We're going straight through."
7776>Your hand slips down to her wrist and she gives in to be pulled through some particularly tall grass and low-hanging branches
7777___
7778>You stand in the middle of the road and stretch
7779>Rainbow emerges from the woods behind
7780"Here we are. Hick town part two."
7781>She looks both ways before joining up
7782"You haven't said anything in like five minutes, what's wrong?"
7783>"Nothing."
7784>After looking her over with light and up close you notice that she's drenched with sweat
7785>On top of that, she's pale
7786"Jesus. You look terrible."
7787>"Screw you, dude..."
7788"No, I mean you look like you're going to pass out."
7789>She takes a deep breath
7790"Were you actually that afraid?"
7791>"...n... n..."
7792>Ahem
7793>"No."
7794>She moves back, under the shade
7795>"Where to..."
7796>The poor girl slouches a bit while reading all nearby signs and store names
7797>What a nervous wreck
7798>If you had known a friend of Gilda's scared so easily you would have dropped the subject
7799"Hey, there's a convenience store right here. Let's..."
7800>You take her by the wrist again
7801"Come on."
7802___
7803>"Ahhhhh."
7804>Rainbow slams an empty fountain cup on the table
7805>"That hit the spot."
7806"I sure hope you enjoyed yours..."
7807>You prod your half-filled cup of Hawaiian Punch
7808>"Shouldn't have told me to fill up your cup."
7809"Who likes this stuff?"
7810>"I do. Sorry man, just thought you shared my good taste."
7811>Rainbow leans back in her chair until it threatens to tip
7812>"I'll drink yours if you don't want it."
7813"Feel free. Though, aren't you afraid of cooties?"
7814>The snerk and eye roll suggests no
7815>She takes your cup and chugs all that's left
7816>"So how do you know Gilda?"
7817"She was my babysitter."
7818>"That makes sense. She was mine too."
7819"Really?"
7820>Rainbow nods and pokes your cup as you had just done
7821>"You kind of reminded me of her when you led me through the woods. She used to do the same."
7822"When?"
7823>"When we had to go from house to house at night. Not that I was afraid of the dark or anything. Couldn't risk getting lost..."
7824>Right
7825>The cup comes closer and closer to tipping as the chat goes on
7826>"Hey, level with me. I won't go telling anyone. What did you do to Twilight?"
7827"I didn't do anything. Ask her. She's swamped with work from her world."
7828>Rainbow's smile fades
7829>She looks you in the eyes
7830>You feel obligated to stare back, letting your expression normalize as well
7831>The two of you sit alone in this tiny little air-conditioned cafeteria, while a nearby microwave hums and a customer up front loudly requests a certain brand of smokes
7832>It becomes uncomfortable
7833>Before you break and open your mouth, Rainbow slaps her hands onto her lap
7834>"Want to get out of here?"
7835"Oh, yeah."
7836>Outside, the previously quiet road feels different
7837>A little more alive
7838>No one has left their houses, and the other stores are as dead as usual
7839>It bothers you as you walk and talk
7840>A sound, maybe music?
7841>Like an ice cream truck
7842>Over time it gets closer. An energetic beat and colorful lyrics paint the dull surroundings
7843>You both stop, turn and...
7844>...a girl with curly blonde hair trips, her gray hoodie having snagged on a tree branch, and loses grip of her radio
7845>"Gahhhh!"
7846"Oh boy."
7847>Rainbow laughs
7848>"Who the heck is that?"
7849"Her name is... Bella."
7850___
7851>Your front door flies open
7852>Sonata dashes through, pulling the wig from her head
7853>Once the hoodie is unzipped she strips it off and falls spinning onto the couch
7854>"Awesome as I wanna be!"
7855>Her legs raise in sudden jerks, launching shoes into the floor
7856>"La la la la, nothing you can do, to beat me!"
7857>You take a quick look around the nearly pitch black yard before shutting the door
7858>Hard to believe you were out so late
7859>In contrast to the gleeful girl on the couch, a livid Aria peeks out from mom and dad's room
7860"Hey, we're back."
7861>"Where the fuck have you been!"
7862"Uh... the city..."
7863>Sonata jumps up to take the radio from your hands and caresses it
7864>"We were hanging out with my new best friend!"
7865>"Excuse me?"
7866>"The coolest girl EVER born."
7867>She forms a gun with her hand, aimed at Aria, and pulls the trigger
7868>"Everyone in town knows it, too."
7869"They don't."
7870>"She plays guitar, sings, and HER HAIR-"
7871>You nearly fall over with Sonata clinging to your shirt
7872>"Aria her hair is practically enchanted with magic. All colors of the rainbow!"
7873>"Who the hell is she talking about?"
7874"Her name is Rainbow Dash. She's a friend of-"
7875>"DASH!!"
7876>She makes a woosh noise and spins, then falls
7877>"Aria! Aria, guess what?"
7878>"What?"
7879>"She's going to teach me to sing! We're having lessons!"
7880>...
7881>Aria takes your shirt and drags you into her new bedroom
7882___
7883>"What is wrong with you?"
7884"Are you mad?"
7885>Sigh
7886"I'm already exhausted with all this talking and keeping tabs on Sonata."
7887>"I've been sitting in this room with the lights off for HOURS!"
7888"Why didn't you turn them on?"
7889>She slugs your shoulder
7890"Whoa! Don't hit your boss!"
7891>"I didn't know what was going on, obviously I didn't turn them on."
7892>She paces back and forth
7893>"Is Rainbow an enemy?"
7894"Depends, I guess. Anyone would be an enemy if they knew too much."
7895>"I mean, is she like Twilight."
7896"No, no... she's fine."
7897>Never thought you'd say that about Dash
7898"Besides, it was nice seeing Sonata so happy. Even if I had to interrupt her every time she tried to mention you guys."
7899>Aria rolls her eyes
7900>"Great. So I sat here scared to even get myself a snack, while you and the princess were out having fun with the 'coolest girl ever'."
7901"Sorry, I didn't plan it that way."
7902>"Yeah? Why does it feel like you're not gonna plan it any differently in the future?"
7903"It wasn't even that great."
7904>"OH? What all did you do, then?"
7905"Well first Sonata needed to rest, so we took her to get a soda. Rainbow didn't like the station on the little radio, recommended another, and that sparked a music discussion..."
7906>Her tapping foot and tightly crossed arms practically order you to go on, and urge you to downplay any fun that was had
7907>You're the boss here, damn it
7908"The girls hit it off and we decided to walk into the city and. You know. A little window shopping, we checked out a music store, thrift shop... got food... and..."
7909>Aria's cold stare falters into something a bit more vulnerable
7910>Considering things from her perspective, of course she's upset
7911>All this time stuck here with terrible living conditions
7912>And before this their day to day was a mixture of fear and trespassing
7913>Her adventure at the gas station might have been the most fun she's had in a long time
7914>So, what?
7915>Dress her up?
7916>Introduce her to Dash?
7917>One cousin out of nowhere is already pushing it
7918>Especially when the only thing Twilight's friends know about you is an association with three mysterious, missing girls
7919"I know it sucks. It'll be different someday."
7920>"Yeah."
7921>The bed squeaks under her weight
7922>"Whatever. Mind leaving me alone? I've got some laying around to do."
7923"Aria..."
7924>She could watch TV
7925>With... Sonata
7926>What else is there?
7927>You consider what you might like to do if stuck in a similar situation
7928>The laptop, for sure
7929>There's a way to give her the same thing and keep that to yourself
7930"It's perfect! It's better for games, too!"
7931>"What?"
7932"Hold on."
7933___
7934>The top of your head stings, and everything on top of the desk shifts
7935>A quiet snicker can be heard behind you
7936>This time you stand up at a safe distance, transfer the monitor from the box you carried it in to the desk, and plug everything in
7937"This stuff is fragile, in case that wasn't clear by my last three warnings."
7938>"Yeah? Then stop shaking the desk."
7939"I'm serious, Aria-"
7940>You step aside and present it all
7941>The tower, screen, mouse, keyboard and headphones
7942>No tangled wires or random peripherals strewn about
7943>Impressively tidy considering how rushed the setup was
7944"How should this be expressed?"
7945>You scratch your chin
7946>"I get it, it breaks."
7947"Not just that, I mean how valuable this machine is."
7948>This catches her attention with no hint of subtlety, as moments later she stands to inspect the PC more closely
7949"All of this stuff combined is worth more than one thousand dollars."
7950>"WHAT? How?!"
7951"This isn't a bunch of junk. It's a product of my world's technology. All of these parts work together to create a digital world, where you can do anything. Paint pictures, watch videos, play games, read books, everything."
7952>The power button clicks
7953>White text appears on a black screen
7954>The only chair you could get was one of the uncomfortable kitchen ones
7955>Good enough for now. You plant it in front of the desk and sit down
7956>After signing into your account, the screen fades in to reveal a photo of a married couple holding hands
7957"Uh..."
7958>Click, click, click
7959>It fades into a desert landscape
7960"This is called the desktop. It's your base of operations. These little icons are 'programs' that let-"
7961>A portion of folders and shortcuts are blocked off by Aria's hand
7962>Her fingers stretch as she cautiously presses her palm against the screen
7963>Then pulls away
7964>Once sure she won't be burned, she feels across the cracked ground, the blue sky, and timidly pokes at a cactus
7965>You weren't expecting to impress her that quickly
7966>Excitement builds as you imagine what's going through her head
7967"Pretty cool, huh?"
7968>No response
7969"There's so much to do on this thing that some people replace their entire lives with one."
7970>So many things you want to show her
7971>It turns into white noise
7972>There's Notepad, may as well
7973>The white box pops up and you start typing
7974>"Hello Aria. How are you tonight?"
7975>"...Hello..."
7976>"Computers are cool, right?"
7977>Aria sheepishly nods her head
7978"You know it's not talking to you, right?"
7979>You guide her hand to the keyboard and mash random keys
7980>She looks to both and realizes what's happening
7981"There's more stuff."
7982>You feel like Bob Ross swinging the brush around in paint, with an observer so easy to wow
7983>She even gasps when you use the fill tool to change white void to a light blue sky
7984>When you play some random rock song, Aria's excitement maxes out
7985"Let's make you your very own account, okay?"
7986>"Huh?!"
7987"A fresh desktop that you can use however you want."
7988>"R-Really?"
7989>Her name flashes by followed by a mostly empty screen and blue wallpaper
7990>You get up and sit her down in the chair
7991>For half hour or so she quietly listens to your instructions, which you give while getting some things set up
7992>One being signing into your Steam account
7993>You've only got a handful of games installed
7994>It's the most exciting thing you have to offer her, so you ask her if she wants to try one
7995>The very first thing that catches her eye is an open world RPG of considerable difficulty
7996>Your dad's favorite game
7997>Attempts to steer her away are taken as insults
7998>"So I'm too stupid?"
7999"It's a bit tricky for beginners."
8000>"That's like saying I'm too stupid."
8001"No it's not."
8002>"Forget it, I don't even want to try video games."
8003"Sometimes you're really difficult, you know that?"
8004>"Well you said you like it, so I want to see it. But if I'm too RETARDED-"
8005"Okay, okay."
8006>You launch the launcher
8007>Then launch the game
8008>Aria jumps at the loud splash screen and brings the headphones down around her neck
8009"This game is old though. If it frustrates you, there are plenty of others."
8010>As rowdy as Aria can be, she can sure focus when she wants to
8011>"First by carriage, and now by boat..."
8012>The girl's inches from the screen during the intro movie
8013>"Wake up. We're here. Why are you shaking? Are you okay?"
8014>A blue-skinned, shirtless man appears on screen
8015>"Stand up. There you go. You were dreaming... what's your name?"
8016>She stares at a black text box for several seconds before whispering,
8017>"Aria."
8018>The ensuing laughter isn't appreciated
8019>You help her name herself, then go to work writing the most important controls on a few sticky notes and placing them on the wall
8020>Walking through the boat is confusing, and a plank leading to the dock stresses her out
8021>Then the experience slows to a crawl as she carefully considers each race she could be
8022>Her class is internally debated for even longer
8023>By the time she steps out of the character creation area, she's a lizard with the power to open locked doors once a day, who favors short-bladed weapons and enchantment the most
8024>You would have guessed Aria's attention span to be much shorter, especially when reading is involved
8025>But the inspection of the many menus carries into a talk with a local elf of the small town
8026>Every chat topic clicked is carefully read
8027>Listening to the soothing music and sitting back on the bed gets a little too comfortable
8028>And soon...
8029___
8030>"You N'wah!"
8031>The sound of a fist clashing with armor jolts you awake
8032>Aria's standing, leaning over the desk and clicking wildly
8033"What's going on?"
8034>Ignored
8035>You get up by her side and-
8036"You're almost dead!"
8037>She glances at her nearly empty health bar and bites her lip
8038>The blue-skinned attacker's injured as well
8039>Not nearly as much
8040>THWACK
8041>Her character falls to the floor
8042>"No no no! No!"
8043>As she waits for the stun to wear off, she tugs on one ponytail
8044>Red flashes light the bedroom
8045>It feels like an eternity before Lizard Aria stands back up
8046"Hey, you should swing harder!"
8047>"What?!"
8048"Hold the button for a second before you swing your sword!"
8049>"HUH?"
8050>Swish
8051>Swish
8052>Swish
8053>THWACK
8054>"O-Oh man!"
8055>THWACK
8056>Swish
8057>Swish
8058>THWACK
8059>Much larger chunks of his health disappear
8060>Before long they're about even
8061>Aria's free left hand rests on top of the monitor
8062>The clicks get louder and louder until
8063>"OOPH..."
8064>He collapses
8065>The tense battle music fades into something peaceful
8066>She falls to her chair and gasps for air
8067>Panting, resting her hands on the edge of the desk, Aria looks up at you
8068>"...I.."
8069>And smiles
8070>"You saved my life!"
8071"Oh?"
8072>"He was going to KILL me."
8073"Looked like it!"
8074>"He..."
8075>She has to pause and calm herself down
8076>"He murdered the tax collector. I didn't want to kill him, but he went crazy. I wasn't going to... oh god, I'm dying... I need to report this..."
8077"Why not use his bed to rest?"
8078>Aria looks at you like you're insane
8079>"That's so creepy."
8080"I guess it is."
8081>She walks around the swamp town with clunky movement, her feet and head moving one at a time
8082>Every time the low health catches her attention she panics all over again
8083"Did I not explain saving?"
8084>"What?"
8085"...I should explain saving."
8086___
8087>"Wake the fuck up!"
8088>You open your eyes, then shut them tight to block the sunlight flooding in through the door
8089>"Hey!"
8090>Aria slams it and drops something onto the coffee table
8091"What?"
8092>"Look, man!"
8093>Aria's got both hands on the table, with her face inches away from a... box?
8094"Where did this come from?"
8095>"It was on the porch. I think the chick gave us more money!"
8096"...No, this was delivered by a truck."
8097>She lets you flip it onto its side
8098"What time is it? We can't oversleep like th- no way!"
8099>"What?!"
8100>The tips of your fingers struggle to catch the edge of the tape
8101"This is from my parents!"
8102>Aria reads the label stating the country and address it came from
8103>The excitement from her end of the table deflates in seconds
8104>"So it's not money?"
8105>The tape takes a healthy chunk of coardboard with it
8106>Past the flaps, and some packing peanuts, is a stuffed animal with a note taped on
8107>"Letter soon"
8108"Are you serious?"
8109>Out comes the modestly sized brown bear, wearing a black suit and an expression even goofier than yours
8110"Hahaha! This is awesome!"
8111>She takes the note
8112>"Where are your parents?"
8113"Working. Out of the country. It's hard for them to find time, so this kind of thing is rare."
8114>"I don't care."
8115>That comes out as one big groan while she drags her feet into their bedroom and closes the door
8116>You hold up the gift
8117"Not sure if anyone told you, mom, but I'm not five anymore."
8118>Either way, you happily clear a spot on the entertainment center for the little guy
8119___
8120>The following four days are a mighty test for your social abilities
8121>Rainbow's been over each afternoon for a very loud practice session
8122>She seems to genuinely like her new student...
8123>...and love being worshiped as a "musical genius"
8124>The lessons involve playing the vocals on that band game that was really popular a few years back
8125>At the moment Sonata's singing a slow-paced pop song. You can sense the incoming lecture
8126>Her voice is frail and shaky; she's not using her "diagram" or whatever
8127>"Doesn't this worry you?"
8128>Aria's hushed voice from the nearby hallway startles you into spilling some of her soda onto the counter
8129>Forgot she was there
8130>You set the bottle down and stand by her side
8131>It's dark, as usual, and the black punishment room door is open
8132"Rainbow being here?"
8133>"Duh."
8134"Yeah, it's a little scary. But it's under control."
8135>"I've been sweeping this hallway for a while."
8136>A few exaggerated sweeps that lift the broom end higher than Aria's head, catching no filth of any kind, prove her point
8137>"It's getting hard to do my job."
8138"Call it quits for today. We'll start setting your tasks after she's left. I think it's worth it. You girls need to get used to being around humans besides me."
8139>Through the kitchen doorway, you watch Sonata dance
8140>Her pitch shakes briefly as Rainbow presses one hand to her back, and another to her front
8141>After a miniature lecture her voice stabilizes, more confident than before
8142>"...Why does Sonata get everything?"
8143"What was that?"
8144>"I said..."
8145>Huff
8146"You're mumbling. I can't hear you."
8147>She pokes at her bandanna with the tip of the broom handle
8148>"It still feels like Sonata is your favorite."
8149"...Why?"
8150>"She sits around on the job. She gets your bed. She gets to leave the house. She gets singing lessons. As for me? I get to spend my free time nagging her about the necklace thing."
8151>She unties the bandanna, stuffs it into her apron's pocket and removes that, too
8152"Hey. It's not like that... she's a stranger to hard work, so I gave her an easy but important job."
8153>You feel a bit panicked when she lowers her head
8154>"Do you think I'm worth less than her?"
8155"...What do you mean 'worth less?' I told you yesterday that I'll give you all the things Sonata has as soon as possible. All I can manage for now is the computer-"
8156>"I like the computer."
8157>Worried you might take it back, huh?
8158"Well, it's there as step one. Know what I mean?"
8159>"...Yeah. Yeah. I know things will change. I guess this is about something else. That I don't really want to talk about."
8160"What is it really about, then? You aren't scared I'll get mad are you?"
8161>She shakes her head
8162>Rested against the wall, just out of view from the living room, she rubs her left wrist
8163>Every second she takes preparing her words slumps her that much closer to the floor
8164>"...You didn't... touch Sonata... at all, back then. You did it to me, even in front of Adagio."
8165>Your heart skips a beat
8166>"...I..."
8167>Huff
8168>"...feel like I'm some kind of. Extra, or, or I feel like some kinda... f-failed Sonata."
8169>A quick look at your face lets her know you're both uncomfortable (and confused, at that last bit)
8170>"Like, you know why you kidnapped us, I'm not gonna, um, I won't go over it. But keeping that in mind, the things you kidnapped us for, which I'm not naming-"
8171>HUFF
8172>"-AND DON'T want to be a part of, to be crystal clear, just talking about the stuff YOU want, since you're, well, the one who started this shit, and-"
8173>She quiets down and looks away from you
8174>"-it feels like what you wanted right at the start was for me to be a toy, and Sonata to be the real one. ...It's hard to forget that."
8175>Got to say something
8176>But you wonder if matching her gloomy mood and stammering out a basic apology will really mean much
8177>It's easy to forget, with her attitude, but she views you as a leader
8178>"Never mind. Don't forget you're paying me back for the soda."
8179>The broom and her little work outfit falls to the floor as you guide her into the punishment room and shut its thick door
8180>Just as Rainbow took the microphone, too. What a shame
8181"It was a tactic."
8182>"Huh?"
8183"When I kidnapped you, I paid attention to the way you all acted around me. You're scared of different things."
8184>She crosses her arms and cocks her head
8185"Sonata was afraid I would hurt her. So I spanked her. You're tough; I knew you wouldn't cave just from some slaps on the ass, you know?"
8186>Adagio, who's still a mystery, is conveniently skipped
8187>You gather every ounce of fake confidence you can and use it to smother the guilt
8188"Your 'personal space' bubble is as big as it gets. I exploited it, doing the thing that would get to you the most, it's as simple as that. I'd say it worked. My very first employee is just so resilient that it didn't matter. Get mad at me all you want, but don't misunderstand."
8189>"...hm..."
8190"And from now on when this comes up-"
8191>Her eyes track your pointed finger
8192"Focus on how strong you were. It's like nothing I've ever seen. If Equestria's government is as tough as you say it is, I need a girl like you, Aria. In fact you're the only one who's completely on board with Mercy Quartet. In a big way, you're the most important person to me!"
8193>Fired up, you're ready to keep your little speech going. However that was it
8194>You awkwardly lower your hand
8195"Anyway..."
8196>She stares at your chest without making a sound
8197"You still there?"
8198>"Most... important, huh?"
8199>It's pretty dark in this shithole of a room
8200>But the blush on her face is unmistakable
8201>"I put up with your shit because my leader was counting on me, you know?"
8202"You refused to let Adagio down."
8203>"...If someone captured us now... no matter what they did to me..."
8204>The floor creaks as she steps closer
8205>Her tone is soft, and her words carefully chosen
8206>"...we could sit tied up for a year and I wouldn't give in."
8207>A year? Not bad, not bad at all
8208>Her grin expands into a full-blown smile
8209>She waits for you to say something
8210>Anything
8211>Where-
8212>Where did that fake confidence go?
8213>You gawk and rub the back of your neck
8214>"Sorry. I'm not good at talking."
8215>The heart to heart, gentle voice and freed hair drooping over her shoulders...
8216>Not so much feeling bold as it just seeming right, you rub the top of Aria's head
8217>Her squirming away lasts about two seconds before she rolls her eyes and stands still
8218"Don't worry. Your meaning was loud and clear."
8219>Four muffled symbol crashes and a holler from Rainbow lead into a catchy chorus
8220>It's destined to get stuck in your head the moment you leave the room
8221"I'll bring them their drinks. She chugs like we're in the desert. Before long it'll be a trip the bathroom and I'll come get-"
8222>"Can I go questing?"
8223"Of course. Use those headphones, okay?"
8224>An enthusiastic thumbs-up pops out in front of you, half blocking another big smile on Aria's face
8225>An "I know, idiot" is what you would have expected...
8226>...anxious from this uncharted territory, you hurry out of the punishment room like a bumbling coward
8227___
8228"John! Wait up!"
8229>He heard you
8230>He must have!
8231"Joooohn!"
8232>Your backpack flings all over the place during your slowdown
8233>"Oh. Hey Anonymous."
8234"Where are you going?"
8235>"Home. Mom will get mad if I don't hurry."
8236>Is he speeding up?
8237"Want to hang out at my house?"
8238>"Um."
8239"Tell your mom and we can."
8240>"I can't."
8241>He sped up AGAIN!
8242>What is with him?
8243"Come on! You did this yesterday, and the day before that. Arnold is doing it too."
8244>John won't say anything back
8245"Like your mom is going to get mad because you played with your friend!"
8246>"It's not that, okay? It's about something else."
8247"Then whaaaat?"
8248>"I don't want to talk about it."
8249"Tell meeee!"
8250>"Anon!"
8251>John stops so fast you have to turn around to look at him
8252>There's a kid coming up, a little ways behind hi-
8253>"You do this every freaking day!"
8254"Huh?"
8255>"I don't want to hang out all the time okay?"
8256>What...
8257>"See you later."
8258"Wait. Come on. Why not?"
8259>John's backpack bounces with him
8260"What? Gonna play with someone else?!"
8261>He says nothing
8262"Fine! I don't even care!"
8263>Is your fist shaking?
8264>Why? You're not mad!
8265>John is an idiot!
8266>A stupid retard!
8267>No one likes him!
8268>You kick the grass
8269>...
8270>"Hi."
8271>Oh, the follower
8272>It's a girl?
8273>"I hea... I he-heard that."
8274>She's got a pretty dress, like at a wedding
8275>And one of those hats ladies in the western movies wear. Of course it's a girl
8276>It's turned down so far you can barely see her
8277"Who are you?"
8278>She fiddles her thumbs and makes noises like a scared hamster
8279>Sigh
8280"Want to play with me? My babysitter is going to pick me up and bring me home, but we only have TWO minutes!"
8281>...
8282>You said two minutes!
8283>This dang girl has been quiet for probably three!!
8284"Are you going to come with me or not, hat girl?"
8285>"I... I wo-would ve-ve-very much like t-to..."
8286>What's wrong with her talking?
8287>It's like a scratched up Playstation game
8288>"...But da-daddy will g-get..."
8289>Sniff??
8290>She's crying?!
8291>"...I'm n-not allowed, s-so-"
8292>Sniff!
8293>"I... really wan-wanted to talk-"
8294>Sniff!!
8295>"I'm sorry!"
8296>Whoa!
8297>She turned around and ran like a crazy woman!
8298"Hey! Weren't you headed this way?! Hey! Heeey!"
8299>You sit up
8300>...
8301>It's raining again tonight
8302>The satellite turned off from inactivity, leaving the living room in darkness
8303>Resting against the couch with her head nuzzled into your lap is-
8304"Sonata what the hell are you doing?"
8305>"Sleeeeping~ did you have a dream?"
8306"Yeah."
8307>"What was it?"
8308>You mash your face into your hands
8309"Something I haven't thought about in a long, long time."
8310>"Oh. Was it bad?"
8311"It..."
8312>"It? It what?"
8313"It's time to go to your own bed."
8314>"Wait! No! Please!"
8315___
8316>You double-check the number on the fridge and dial
8317>Ahem
8318>AHEM
8319>Okay
8320>Don't be the dad
8321>Please
8322>"Hello?"
8323"Hi."
8324>Thank God
8325"My name is Anonymous. I go to the same school as your daughter. Our math teacher has this summer project idea and I'm asking around to see who's interested."
8326>"...Hold on."
8327>You cover the phone and exhale
8328>Theirs is loudly dropped, and soon picked up again
8329>"Scoot?"
8330"It's Anonym..."
8331>"OH!"
8332"Sweetie Belle?"
8333>"What's up!"
8334>There's no way you sound like a preteen
8335"Not much. How are you?"
8336>"Good!"
8337"I was calling for your big sister. Your mom must have misunderstood."
8338>"Ohhhhh."
8339>She momentarily quiets down
8340>"She's a bit out of it right now."
8341"Is Rarity there?"
8342>"Why are you calling my sister?"
8343"To say hi."
8344>She gasps
8345>"Mister, why are you REALLY calling me sister?"
8346"Just to chat."
8347>"Why?"
8348"Don't you ever call your friends to chat?"
8349>Sounds like she giggles with a hand over her mouth
8350>"I hope you know what you're doing dude."
8351>Once again the phone thuds, and is picked up a little while later
8352>This time the feminine voice is quiet and monotone
8353>"Auntie, it's flushing now. I forgot to call back is all."
8354"...Hi Rarity."
8355>From the right side of the window, on the path you showed her, Sonata comes hopping over the more damp parts of the ground
8356>Fully dressed up, headed to wait and see if Dash drops by
8357>She's out of sight again before you get a response
8358>"How did you get this phone number?"
8359"Rainbow Dash. You weren't online, and your cell phone kept going to the machine, so-"
8360>"What do you want?"
8361>Truthfully, it's unclear
8362>The only thing you know for sure is that you wanted to hear Rarity's voice
8363>Not with a pained, unchanging tone though
8364"How are you doing?"
8365>"What do you want?"
8366"To talk to you."
8367>"Why?"
8368"Because I was thinking about you."
8369>The phone cord twirls around your spinning index finger
8370>"...I'm doing fine."
8371"That's good. How is Sweetie?"
8372>"Fine. I sincerely doubt you called for a status update."
8373"Yeah, you're right. There are some things on my mind today."
8374>"Such as?"
8375"Well, after I said all that stuff to you over video chat, and when we met up at-"
8376>"I don't want to talk about it."
8377"Hear me out."
8378>"Don't call my house phone again. And Anonymous? Don't talk to my sister."
8379>The fuzzy TV narration in the background silences in an instant
8380>At first you let frustration set in
8381>But of course she's still mad after that argument
8382>This time you'll just sidestep it
8383>"Hello?"
8384"It's me again. Forgot to tell your daughter something."
8385>"Hold on."
8386>You flinch at the plummeting phone and gather your nerve
8387>"Anon! Rarity just told me not to talk to you."
8388"Oh."
8389>"Let's chat to miff her off."
8390"I need to speak to her please."
8391>"Whatever you say, lover boy."
8392>...
8393>She says nothing, but you can tell from the sound that Rarity has pressed the phone against her head
8394"This call isn't for arguing. We've done enough of that, right?"
8395>...
8396"I brought up those fights because they were distracting me from something important."
8397>You decide to wait and see if you've caught her interest
8398>"Important, I'm sure."
8399>Seems as though you have
8400"Very."
8401>"What is it then?"
8402"Regarding you and your little sister-"
8403>Something almost seems to pull at the hair on the back of your head as you try to find the right words
8404>Out of nowhere you're terrified of how she might react
8405"...Does Sweetie have a lot of friends?"
8406>"More than enough."
8407"That's good. She seems like a friendly kid. And you've got the five girls?"
8408>"This is certainly not important."
8409>You stare at your reflection in the half-filled sink
8410"Are you two happy?"
8411>...
8412"If there's anything making you unhappy in your life..."
8413>...
8414"There are a lot of friends you could talk to."
8415>...
8416>Her phone picks up a faint scraping noise as she, presumably, presses it more firmly against her ear
8417>When Rarity opens her mouth that depressing monotone has left
8418>Replaced with drawn-out words and suppressed anger
8419>"What, exactly, are you implying?"
8420"I've noticed a lot of things. I guess they could be called signs. It's a distracting time for me, and I'm a bit scared to ask, but after thinking about what it could mean-"
8421>"Examples?"
8422"What?"
8423>"Of the 'signs,' Anonymous. Examples."
8424"One thing was that an argument between your parents seemed devastating to you."
8425>Letting her respond to each point individually might not let you paint the picture, so you rush on
8426"During our video chat, you were very cautious. Almost terrified of somebody walking in on you. Nervous that I would see the room, too?"
8427>Beyond that...
8428"Sweetie came in and threatened to tell your father that you were talking to a boy. The urgency in your voice stood out very much."
8429>Speaking of...
8430"She told me other things. Like how you have 'episodes'. That you break down a lot. ...That your dad got a bit too friendly with Twilight Sparkle recently."
8431>Her gasp interrupts you for a moment
8432"The way she said it makes it seem like this isn't the first time something like that has happened."
8433>Amazingly, she hasn't begun explaining it all away
8434"This might be too far, and sorry if it is, but... when I got fired up back then and hit the table, your reaction was odd... and the way you behave in your friendship with Twilight, it all feels a bit-"
8435>"Anonymous."
8436>There's Sonata
8437>Hopping back from her post
8438>Seems as though the girl forgot her trusty radio
8439>"Anonymous."
8440>Rarity's shaking
8441>Her teeth gritted, phone tightly gripped, to be sure
8442>"That. Is. Enough."
8443>The last jump ends poorly
8444>Dodged a puddle, snagged the end of a log
8445>Sonata lays face down in the mud
8446"I've spent time around people in bad situations. Oppressive ones. So, if that's what you're in, Rarity, maybe I can help."
8447>Without saying another word, you watch Sonata behave as though the world conspired against her, kicking the log and tugging on her actual hair
8448>After you've heard her re-enter the house and stomp into your bedroom...
8449>"Don't. Ever. Bring this up. Again."
8450"What?"
8451>"Don't speak to my sister. Ever again."
8452"Rarity."
8453>"Don't come to my house. Don't go near my friends. Don't call this phone. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?"
8454"Hold on."
8455>"I'm going to hang up. If you call back-"
8456"Wait!"
8457>"IF YOU CALL BACK, I swear to God you'll wish you hadn't!"
8458>You swallow hard
8459"What does that mean?"
8460>She stops talking, but you can hear that fuzzy TV
8461>Eager to keep the conversation going and nervous it will end, you blurt out:
8462"If you ever need help, or somebody to talk to, then please. Let me be a friend."
8463>And once again she pauses for an uncomfortable length of time
8464>Until
8465>"You don't have much of a choice in the matter."
8466>...Silence
8467>Followed by running water and tumbling soap and shampoo bottles a couple of rooms over
8468>You lower and stare at the phone, before laying it down on the counter
8469___
8470>"Scrub it harderrrrr."
8471>"You wanna do it yourself?"
8472>"Ariaaaa!"
8473>Sonata grips the edge of the bathtub and presses against it, backing Aria away
8474>"Hey!"
8475>"Harderrrr it's so groooooss!"
8476>"That's it. Clean your own hair."
8477>The filthy siren wipes sudsy blue hair out of her face, then pretends to choke
8478>"It's in them agaaaain!"
8479>"For fuck's sake!"
8480"Aria, can you get her jacket? And the wig."
8481>"...Fine by me."
8482"I'll deal with her hair."
8483>Aria pauses in the doorway to express disgust with her eyes
8484"It's a bubble bath. I can't see anything."
8485>The following cleaning process is tempting
8486>Sonata softly moans at your touch, pressing into your wiggling fingers and holding your arm
8487>Scratching behind her ears elicits one long sigh of content
8488"You were wearing a wig. How did this much mud get in your hair?"
8489>"I fell a second time after taking it off."
8490>Wow
8491"Maybe the world IS conspiring against you."
8492>"Hm... I don't know what that means, but there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."
8493>You turn on the shower head and go to work, leaning her back and starting with her face
8494>"This is a good time."
8495"What is it?"
8496>She opens her eyes far enough to see a blurred bathroom, and when she feels no pain, goes all the way to make eye contact
8497>The lathered up target slips through your fingers and slowly rises to her feet
8498>Contrary to what you would have expected...
8499>...bubbles don't magically cling to every inch of her body
8500>"You said something the other day. It made me really happy."
8501>You try and fail to maintain that eye contact
8502>"Remember? It was-"
8503>Her dripping hands soak through the shoulders of your shirt
8504>"We can't do that kind of thing, Sonata. For noooow~"
8505"Ha ha ha... I did say that, didn't I?"
8506>"You did. And that now was back then. This now is... n-now."
8507>...
8508>"SONATA!"
8509>She ducks back into the tub
8510>The surrounding tiles are flooded
8511>Aria carries in a ball of clothes and tosses it onto the toilet lid
8512>"I found thirty dollars in your pocket."
8513>"So?"
8514>"I told you not to carry it around. If you lose it, I'll bust your chubby ass."
8515>"...Anon, Aria called me fat."
8516"No offense Sonata-"
8517>You gently pinch her arm
8518"-your butt is probably a little chubby."
8519>The way Sonata looks between the both of you, more angry after seeing her companion, suggests the grump behind you is wearing a shit-eating grin
8520"Doesn't mean you're fat. It looks good on you."
8521>You pat her shoulder
8522>She sticks out her tongue
8523>The muddied clothes reminds you:
8524>Having to wash them when Rainbow could show up is the kind of tough spot you were afraid of
8525>Besides, what kind of girl owns one outfit?
8526"Would you rather shop for clothes or hang out with Dash?"
8527>"Dash. Duh! Wait, we're buying clothes?"
8528"Yeah. I'll pay for it, of course. What colors do you want?"
8529>Pfft
8530>"You know the answer to that!"
8531>...Not really
8532"Okay. Aria, I need your help with something."
8533>She follows you into your bedroom
8534>As soon as the door is shut you turn to her
8535"Still eager to get out of the house?"
8536>"Of course. ...Uh, do you mean..."
8537"Yeah."
8538>She shakes her head
8539>"Too dangerous."
8540"Sonata's getting the secrecy thing down. I haven't had to interrupt her a single time since Dash started visiting."
8541>"Still don't trust her."
8542"Then trust me. It'll be fine. Rainbow said she's leaving pretty early today, so we won't even have to sneak in. Besides, you probably want to spend some of your money."
8543>Her eyes light up
8544>Bingo
8545___
8546>"Oh FUCK!"
8547>Aria ignores your shush and nearly sprints down the aisle
8548>"Dude!"
8549>Her hands slap loudly onto the metal shelf
8550>Here you are, in the next town over, babysitting an unexpectedly giddy siren as she gawks at soda bottles
8551>Everything is a big deal when she might be able to afford it, apparently
8552>It IS an impressive wall of soft drinks
8553>Everything from knock off brands to household names
8554>"I bet I can buy ten of them."
8555>She turns to you
8556>"What do you think?"
8557"You could get more than that."
8558>"Oh man..."
8559>Her money's counted and options weighed
8560>Once your cart's got five two-liter bottles rolling around an extra large bag of chips, she drags you to the electronics department
8561>"I'm taking a break from music," she says, "so just take me to the games."
8562>Usually you wouldn't care about a person's performance in a video game
8563>The trio of kids standing behind Aria at the demo station, watching her struggle to win a sword fight on easy mode, subjects you to some embarrassment
8564>She flinches at every slash that comes her character's way, all while running into walls and ignoring the game's advice to block
8565>Eventually the tallest of the boys has had enough
8566>He forces himself between Aria and the console
8567>"I'll show you how."
8568>"Beat it, I don't need your help."
8569>"Are you kidding? You're worse than my sister, and she's garbage."
8570>Her mouth hangs open, and her grasp on the controller weakens as the boy pulls it away
8571>"Listen up lady. B is the block button. If you hold it he can't hurt you."
8572>He walks straight up to the enemy and stands still, taking strikes like they're nothing
8573>Aria's anger disappears without a trace
8574>"Whoa..."
8575>"See how he pauses there? That's when you-"
8576>The swordsman who'd killed Aria a dozen times previously is sliced in two
8577>"BAM!"
8578>Her little knight rests against her stomach and engages the next enemy
8579>"Guys, find mom without me, I'm gonna show this girl how to heal. Not that I ever need to, personally."
8580>The others head off
8581"...We came here to buy clothes, you know."
8582>SHHH
8583>"He's going to show me how to heal!"
8584___
8585>"What kind of games do you like, Anonymous?"
8586"Huh?"
8587>Her voice is far back
8588>Distracted by posters...
8589>You backtrack and show her how to sift through them
8590"I like a lot of games."
8591>"That's such a lame answer."
8592"What? It's true."
8593>A poster advertising some reality TV show about a motorcycle gang
8594>Interest is quickly lost and the browsing resumes
8595>"Specifically, what games?"
8596>The weight of the situation you find yourself in has had some odd effects
8597>Early on, your appetite for television, video games and the internet weakened
8598>At this point devoting time thinking about yourself or your hobbies fills you with dread
8599>When some games finally come to mind you shake your head and say,
8600"I don't know."
8601>"...Fuck, fine, forget I said anything."
8602>The next poster slams into the last
8603>"God."
8604"Why are you mad? Does it matter what games I like?"
8605>The posters continue to be sorted with a bit too much force
8606>"Why would I ask a question I didn't care about?"
8607>The final case is shoved to the left
8608>After a tense pause, Aria begins examining the right half of the posters, seeing as she just skipped them all
8609>Question she cares about, huh?
8610>She wants to know more about you
8611>That should inspire some confidence
8612>All you feel as you formulate your answer is the urge to change the subject
8613"I like most kinds of games, but my favorite kind..."
8614>The shopping cart brushes against some hanging clothes as you roll it back and forth
8615"...are ones where I have absolute freedom."
8616>You wait several seconds for Aria to turn her head, confirming with a curious raise of an eyebrow that the answer is still welcome
8617"Where I'm free to make my own choices. Go anywhere, try anything. Things try to mess with you, but there's always a chance to steer clear."
8618>In an attempt to raise her spirits, you present a clenched fist and smile
8619"That's what enemies in games are always trying to do, take away that freedom. But with time you can become stronger, so powerful that you begin making choices for the game instead. Which zones are too dangerous for you, which enemies would dare attack you..."
8620>"Huh... that sounds like..."
8621>She points at you
8622>"You're talking about my game."
8623"It's one of them."
8624>"I already knew you were into that though."
8625"I'm saying I like all games like it."
8626>"...There are other games like that?!"
8627>In fact, there should be a-
8628>You quickly check the posters from the left
8629>Around the middle you find one for a recent sequel to the RPG in question
8630>A dragon emblem floating in a misty, black void
8631"There are tons. As far as this series goes, you've got like four more worlds to conquer."
8632>A revelation so earth-shattering that she takes a step back
8633>You find a copy of it below, wrapped in plastic
8634"Why don't you buy this? Put it up in your room. A reminder of what you've got left to enjoy."
8635>She takes it from you and holds it close
8636>"...Um..."
8637>It is a bit pricey
8638>You nudge her side
8639"I'm not supposed to buy you guys luxuries, but hell, you deserve it. Pick out any poster you want."
8640>For a moment she looks angry
8641>Before you can wonder what you did wrong THIS time, she smirks
8642>"I'll get the one you showed me."
8643"You don't have to get that one."
8644>"...I want to."
8645>It prods your thigh, and you take it
8646>The poster rests comfortably in the corner of the cart
8647___
8648>"How much money would it take to buy EVERYTHING in the entire store?"
8649>She stops in the middle of the walkway to scout out her next destination
8650>"I mean everything dude, every pack of gum, every can of soda, everything."
8651>Phew
8652"You'll never be able to afford that. Sorry."
8653>The people going around you look a bit annoyed
8654>You try to guide her away when she grabs you by the wrist and dashes on
8655>"Ooh!"
8656"What? Oh. Chairs?"
8657>"I want to get one. Yours suck."
8658>She falls into a computer chair, arms planted on the rests, legs spread out
8659>"Would this fit in m... my... mmmyyyy..."
8660"Fit in what?"
8661>"...ohhhh..."
8662"Aria, that sounds kind of-"
8663>"Ahhh, GOD that's niiice..."
8664>She shifts between edges of the seat
8665>"It's like it's hugging my ass!"
8666>You quickly look down the mostly empty aisle
8667"Careful how you talk in public places, okay?"
8668>The hung price tag lowers under your hand and appears before her eyes
8669>$159.99
8670>Too expensive. For now
8671"Sorry, let's move on."
8672>You drag her away
8673>She clings to a nearby couch like a cat
8674>"One hundred and fifty dollars? For a chair? What the fuck?"
8675>She trudges forward, dragging you and pulling on other, lesser chairs
8676>"But I need it."
8677>Having reached it again, Aria falls to her knees and lays her head in the seat
8678>"This is the one. It's my chair."
8679"You have to save your money if you really want it."
8680>She groans
8681"This is why you could never buy the whole store. The good things are more expensive."
8682>Her head is firmly planted for some time
8683>When you pull her up and turn her around, she's wearing a playful expression
8684>"That makes it fun, you know? One hundred fifty dollars. One hundred fifty dollars, just you wait..."
8685>It's the end of your trip by the time you make it to the clothes section
8686>Most of it is awkward - especially having to ask female employees questions in place of your "sisters" - but now you're left with T-shirt browsing
8687>"A mushroom? Who wants to walk around with that on their chest?"
8688>Aria's energy hasn't even begun to run out
8689>You, on the other hand, rest your weight on the shopping cart and dream of your couch
8690>"If I had ten thousand dollars, I'd buy twenty just to decorate Sonata's room."
8691"...Hey, were you always this excited?"
8692>"By what?"
8693"Stores. I've never seen a person so happy to shop."
8694>"Oh. We never spent time in shops. And I definitely didn't get to buy things."
8695>She feels around her bulging pocket
8696>"Didn't have money."
8697"You didn't need it, though."
8698>"Well, we either didn't need them or-"
8699>Hangers clash together as she pushes shirts aside in one of those circular racks
8700>"In Equestria, there are no bigass metal boxes that zip you around. Ponies would travel home the same long roads, usually on foot. They basically robbed themselves. As far as this world goes... have you heard of the eyes in the store? That watch what happens, to catch criminals."
8701"Yes."
8702>"All stores have them. It was the first thing we learned from interrogating humans."
8703"Excuse me?"
8704>"It shocked us. Not even Equestria has something as magical as machines that can see and remember forever. That can tell the guards who was here and when... so we stayed away."
8705>Regardless of the somber subject, she smiles at the goofy logos and texts
8706>"There are a lot of humans crammed into public places and they usually don't carry stuff. It was awkward... we began waiting outside of taverns and stuff to charm people out of their leftovers. But-"
8707>Once again, she feels around her pocket
8708>"-the machines can look at me all they want now. Why should I care? I have money, like everyone else."
8709>Her voice trails off as she gets reimmersed in the collection of shirts
8710>"I spoke to them, in the musician's shop. Told them we were just trying to learn, dug out my pockets in front of them and stuff. They wouldn't even talk back. ...I'm glad that... I'm glad that I don't have to feel that way anymore."
8711>The hangers stop scraping all at once
8712>To her right Aria pulls out a black T-shirt far too big for her, with a tacky design on the front
8713>A wizard, long white beard, pointed blue hat and all, guzzling down a mug of mead
8714>Like a senior citizen's garden gnome
8715>It's ugly enough to wipe the smile off of Aria's face
8716>She lets the fabric slip from her pinching fingers and drops both arms to her sides
8717"Aria?"
8718>Her face scrunches up in that familiar way
8719>Without really thinking about it you rest a hand on her shoulder
8720"What's wrong?"
8721>"...Just..."
8722>She wraps sprawled fingers over her face, high enough to cover her eyes
8723>"Sometimes I think this was a bad idea."
8724"Coming with me today?"
8725>She shakes her head
8726"What are you talking about?"
8727>Slumped, she sighs with shaky breath
8728>"I get this feeling that I should have stayed tied up with Adagio until the Equestrian caught me."
8729"Why would you want that?"
8730>"Because every day has been awful since we got here. Even worse when you tied us up. Part of me wanted to go back, even to a dungeon."
8731>Her fingers tighten
8732>"N-now, out of nowhere, everything changed..."
8733>Aria does everything she can to hide her trembling, but you can feel it in your fingers
8734>"...I don't want to lose it..."
8735>The last few words fade into a whisper
8736>She moves away and your hand falls to piled clothes in the cart
8737>A fistfull of dollar bills are pulled from her pocket and scattered inside
8738>"Buy my shit?"
8739"Aria, hold on."
8740>Through the little forest of shelves, she disappears
8741___
8742>The front yard is littered with bags full of women's clothing
8743>A pack of socks hits the walkway
8744>That was yours
8745>The quiet siren in front of you chose to carry her fast food and nothing more
8746>Should have taken two trips to the car
8747>Whatever
8748>You rush towards the door and trip on the top step
8749>Clothes pour into the corner of the porch
8750"God damn it. Could you-"
8751>Aria rests against the wall of the house, arms crossed, facing over the hedges and into the pitch black woods
8752>She hasn't said a single thing since the clothing department
8753"Hey... do you want to talk?"
8754>...
8755>"Can you talk to Adagio instead?"
8756>You stare at the side of her head
8757>Just hearing that name sends an unpleasant tingle through your stomach
8758>"We can't even start to make it better when one of us is basically a prisoner, right? ...I know you avoid Adagio. I get why. But-"
8759>Perhaps-
8760>Maybe you didn't want to talk about it after all
8761>The door opens up to a fully lit living room, flashing TV and occupied couch
8762"Don't worry, Aria. I'll figure it out."
8763>It's warm and lively
8764>Returning home used to be the most depressing part of your day, and now...
8765>Aria doesn't have to worry
8766>Regardless of how you feel, you HAVE to make it work
8767>You'll convince the hairball
8768>You'll unite the girls
8769>Before they know it, the sirens won't be locked up, or punished, and certainly won't have to hide their faces
8770"Shit!"
8771>You shove Aria into the pile of clothes and shut the door behind you
8772"Raaaarrri... ty..."
8773>No?
8774>The mound of purple hair pushed against the couch grows as you step closer
8775>It belongs to someone much shorter, less intimidating, and more asleep than expected
8776>One hand tucked behind the cushion and the other resting on top of a box of soda cans
8777"Sweetie Belle?"
8778>As you carefully shake her shoulder, you notice the red eyes
8779>Uh oh
8780>"...Hm?"
8781"Sweetie, what are you doing here?"
8782>The girl lazily sits herself up and scoots back against the couch arm
8783>Her pout and hung head make you anticipate tears you don't know how to handle
8784"How did you even get here?"
8785>"Walked."
8786"From your house?"
8787>"Yeah? You live closer to me than Scootaloo does."
8788>She talks like she's on the verge of death
8789"Did something happen? Are you okay?"
8790>"...Yeah. I'm okay. Rarity yelled at me and said I'm not allowed to talk to you ever again. I told her to shut up, and to stop telling me what to do."
8791"Oh."
8792>"And then later I went on my computer and all of my steam games were gone. When I asked Rarity about it she yelled at me again. It's stupid, I know. But it's gonna take weeks to download my games."
8793>She rolls off of the couch and stretches
8794>"Mom told me to get rid of these drinks my dad bought... Instead of going to the neighbor's dumpster I came here, 'cause I couldn't stop crying."
8795>You lift the box to the coffee table and sit down
8796>Wait. This isn't-
8797>"Blood... sugar... or something. My dad's health is as pretty as Rarity's face."
8798"He probably shouldn't be drinking this."
8799>"Yeah."
8800"I'll take it for you."
8801>"Okay."
8802>She was watching some cartoons
8803>That, or Sonata left them on-
8804>You sit up and frantically check every corner of the room
8805>The bedroom doors are closed
8806"Were you scared here by yourself?"
8807>She shrugs
8808>"A little."
8809>Phew
8810"Hey. You might get in trouble being out this late."
8811>"I will."
8812"Want me to take you home?"
8813>"Yeah."
8814>You stand before her and kneel to see eye to eye
8815"Don't tell Rarity where you were."
8816>"Okay."
8817"...does she do this kind of thing to you a lot?"
8818>Her head shakes with zero enthusiasm
8819>"She's always a jerk, but she's never been this mad at me."
8820"I'm sorry. This is my fault."
8821>"How?"
8822>It seemed likely that Rarity would take out her frustration like this
8823>But if it leads to fixing their family situation, it's worth it
8824>Right?
8825"Sweetie. I need to know about your dad."
8826>She blinks and tilts her head
8827"Does he ever get mad, like Rarity?"
8828>"What?"
8829"Has your dad ever yelled at you, hit you, or hurt you in any way?"
8830>"No?"
8831>The lack of hesitation makes her answer sound more sincere than you want it to be
8832"It's okay to tell me. If he does anything at all to you-"
8833>"He doesn't!"
8834>She's upset
8835>Though not in the same way that Rarity was
8836"How about your mom?"
8837>"What about her?"
8838"Same question."
8839>"No! Mom doesn't hurt me, what are you saying that for?"
8840"Then-"
8841>Tears build once again in her irritated eyes
8842"Okay. Okay, I understand. I'm concerned about your family is all."
8843>Sniff
8844>"Because you wanna marry Rarity?"
8845>No
8846>Wait, that's perfect
8847"Marry's a strong word. For now I'd like to get to know her. If there's any way to figure out why she's behaving this way..."
8848>"Like a therapy?"
8849>She taps her chin
8850>"Like a brain scan? Or waterboring?"
8851>The pointed finger forces off the side of her face and into the air
8852>"How about a diary!"
8853"She has one?"
8854>"Yeah. It's got a lock on it, but you're a grown up, you can take it off."
8855"That's perfect! Do you know where it is?"
8856>"In her pillow. Always is."
8857>The kid chuckles, wiping away tears
8858>"All her juicy secrets will be in there. That'll teach her to mess with my stuff."
8859>After checking and confirming that Aria isn't sitting around on the porch, you open the door and offer to drive Sweetie closer to her house
8860>She pokes you in the back on the way to the car
8861>"I was on your Steam."
8862"What?"
8863>"I sent myself a friend request. Can I have your cards?"
8864>But
8865>You were going to use them
8866>Someday!
8867>"The an- a- "annie may" game ones are worth A BUTTLOAD and you've had them for years."
8868"Well... fine. In exchange for the diary."
8869>Her fist pump is truly pathetic, lacking any hint of energy
8870>"The trade has to wait though. I lost my cell phone again so I can't confirm it."
8871>Thanks for nothing, Steam
8872___
8873>Today's been repetitive
8874>Rainbow decided a good way to teach Sonata would be to have her practice one song until she's perfect at it
8875>The improvement's showing, but this chorus drills right through your ears, into your skull
8876>"Anon. Want to give it a try?"
8877>Rainbow takes her drink from you and offers the microphone
8878"I'm not a singer. That's what I've got this dork for."
8879>Sonata looks over in panic, as if you might be pointing at someone other than her
8880>When satisfied, she picks up the second microphone and winks
8881>"Listen to me sing this song!"
8882"Ha, already have, twenty times!"
8883>"Well listen again!"
8884>You rub your chin
8885"How about you sing together?"
8886>Rainbow slams her empty glass onto the coffee table
8887>"Yeah, let's do that!"
8888>"Okay!"
8889>Sonata gets up in front of the TV
8890>Thankfully her anger over having to hide from some kid last night - and the talk of you marrying Rarity - was gone by the time she woke up this morning
8891>With a much needed smile, you move into the kitchen
8892___
8893>This time you leave the guest bedroom door open behind you
8894>Just enough to fill the room with the duet downstairs
8895>Behind the little table, in the floor beside the air-up mattress, is the shrimp
8896"When are you going to give up and try your bed?"
8897>There are bags under her eyes
8898>Judging by her arms, checking beneath her clothes might reveal minor bruises
8899>The group's former leader looks more like a prisoner than ever
8900>You sit down across from her
8901"Going to talk today? You've done it before, so..."
8902>"Are you really so careless as to let some woman spend time alone with Sonata?"
8903"...I wouldn't call it careless."
8904>Her eyebrows raise
8905>"That doesn't make it any better a decision."
8906"You think too little of your companions."
8907>Her eyes lock on to your hand as you reach into your pocket and retrieve a chilled can
8908>It slides smoothly across the table
8909"Brought you a treat."
8910>"Poison."
8911"Ha!"
8912>Adagio's a bit alarmed by the sharp crack as you pull the tab back
8913"Those girls wouldn't forgive me for that. Besides, I'd never want to kill somebody, and even if I did I'm too much of a wimp to go through with it."
8914>"I can agree with the third point, I suppose."
8915>She picks up the can and reads over its text
8916>"...Alcohol."
8917"Yes."
8918>"How adorable. You think getting me drunk will help sway my opinion."
8919>You shake your head
8920"I just want you to talk. I'm here at Aria's request. Reporting back that you stared at me for ten minutes would suck."
8921>"Aria's request...?"
8922"Don't you think refusing to talk hurts both sides anyway?"
8923>She continues to read over the writing, most words in the nutrition facts section likely going over her head
8924>Then she takes a sip and rests against the wall
8925>Looks comfortable enough with her massive, poofy hair
8926"Did you mean to imply that Sonata and Aria would forgive me for killing you?"
8927>...
8928>She takes another sip
8929"It's okay if you were trying to sound cool and didn't think it through. I've done that before."
8930>"More than likely, they could."
8931"Seems hard to believe. They talk like you're their big sister."
8932>"Do they really?"
8933"Yeah."
8934>"Or was that your first guess about our relationship, when you stalked us outside the music shop?"
8935>Stalk... is a strong word...
8936>"I doubt those two have said a single kind thing about me since they left this bedroom. Or Equestria, for that matter."
8937"...Why?"
8938>No answer comes
8939>It seems like Adagio is more likely to respond to statements rather than questions
8940>Especially if you hit some kind of nerve
8941"Because your leadership fell apart when you got here."
8942>Just like that, she takes a moment to let your comment sink in before firing back,
8943>"In my worst moment I was ten times the leader you are."
8944"So your worst moment was here in my wonderful little city."
8945>Adagio pulls a mound of hair over her lap, raises her shoulders and wraps both arms around her chest
8946>"If only I had the good sense that led you to freeze your own home for hours on end. If only I'd resorted to beating my friends into submission, or touching them against their will."
8947"We already went over my fuckups. Let's talk about yours. You know, how you dropped the ball as soon as you got here."
8948>"I did not drop the-"
8949>She shoves the can into her mouth and takes a couple of swigs
8950>"...Imagine waking up in a strange Equestrian city, with two scared girls clinging to you. The streets are alive with impossibly fast carriages. The stores are run by foreign creatures and, to top it off, your body has changed into something small and frail."
8951"I'm sure that'd be scary."
8952>"The money is different. Locals use words you've never heard. Sonata is hungry, and Aria launches insults at her. I give you one day before they abandon you."
8953"Could be right. If you of all people failed so terribly, then-"
8954>"Human."
8955>Adagio stands
8956>"Your tactics aren't clever or subtle."
8957>No choice other than to join her. If she runs, you're fucked
8958"What do you mean?"
8959>With a few more chugs, she empties the can and sends it rolling over the tabletop, into the floor
8960>"Whatever I say, you'll twist into an insult, hoping I'll share more than I mean to with my defense."
8961"It's about all I can do to get you talking. Your special talent seems to be doing nothing."
8962>Her eyes narrow
8963>This is kind of...
8964>Fun
8965"This is some next level stuff. It's not enough to stay locked up while your friends do what they want, you refuse to use your own bed, too!"
8966>You lift it from the side and let it plop onto the floor
8967"Are you going to look at the window? Your most powerful strategy."
8968>"Aria asked you to come and insult me?"
8969"...No."
8970>You hold up a hand
8971"Of course not."
8972>"Then I suggest you start talking about whatever she was too afraid to bring up on her own."
8973>Dash and Sonata's song fades, as does their singing
8974>Your cue to shut the door
8975"Well. It's simple. Hear that? How happy Sonata sounds, singing with her very first human friend?"
8976>Adagio sits down
8977>Like before, you join her
8978"Aria wants that, for you and herself. She's as tired of this prisoner setup as I am. Plus, you're a leader. We can work together to-"
8979>"That's just beautiful."
8980>She shakes her head
8981>"He scrutinizes my leadership during its biggest challenge, then shows that, in reality, he values it. It reminds me of something. A time he said horrible, degrading things to Aria she's believed about herself her entire life, all while petting her wherever he pleased."
8982>Adagio's stretched arms pop, as does her back and neck before she rests both hands on her knees
8983"Let's just stick to Aria's request."
8984>"It's related. Pay attention, human."
8985"...I am, Adagio. How does this have anything to do with you joining us proper?"
8986>"I'm not Aria. Convincing me that you're the only one in the world who will value me isn't going to work. That aside, I would never work with someone who could treat his companions like trash."
8987>You open your mouth and get cut off
8988>"Don't bother saying you've 'changed'. As I just said, you'll sink to the same tactics. That's why this won't happen, whether or not Aria wants it to."
8989"I have changed."
8990>Don't get mad...
8991>That's what she wants
8992"We're doing things in a COMPLETELY different way."
8993>There's her smug smile again
8994"Ask Aria."
8995>"Aren't you representing her?"
8996"...Yes?"
8997>"So talk."
8998>Fine
8999>You were going to detail this anyway
9000"Everyone's on equal terms now. There are no prisoners."
9001>"Except for me."
9002>That's... her fault...
9003"The girls are my employees. They're paid for their work."
9004>"A cute little fraction of your overall wealth, I'm sure."
9005>It's all you can manage...
9006"I give them a home and a bed. That's more than reasonable."
9007>"How generous! What a kind, noble man! Taking two girls with no home, no chances of finding work, and offering both to them. For their sake, of course!"
9008"It IS."
9009>"Fooling them is one thing, but yourself?"
9010>She moves closer
9011>Your faces are little more than a foot apart
9012>"At some point you realized that Aria craves respect from people she thinks are above her. So after you violated her to stir her feelings, turning a new leaf was the perfect way to build her loyalty."
9013"That's not what happened!"
9014>"Maybe you didn't realize it, but this is just another step towards getting the obedient slaves you want so badly. Nothing else needs to be said. Human."
9015>The table flips into your legs, then falls back in place as you stand with Adagio hanging from your hands
9016>Heavier than she looks
9017>Your palms rest against her armpits, and your fingers squeeze her arms
9018"Anonymous. My name is Anonymous. Go ahead and start using it."
9019>"Aw!"
9020>Her laugh makes your blood boil
9021>"He's mad that he can't force me to respect him."
9022"Don't I deserve it? Where the fuck would you three be without me?"
9023>...
9024"Twilight would've caught you after the festival. She's obsessed with criminals like you."
9025>You're lightheaded
9026"I'm trying to make a life for you and you're too fucking stupid to take advantage of it!"
9027>Every part of you wants to piss her off
9028>To share your anger
9029>She smiles wide and shakes her head
9030"Do you even understand how weak you are? It's not just that you're a human."
9031>...
9032"You're a woman. A short, petite woman. I could... I could-"
9033>"You could what?"
9034>Her weight increases rapidly
9035>That, or the life drains from your hands
9036>In the face of your threat, she looks even happier with herself
9037>Your beating heart, slipping hands and frustration take their toll
9038>The shrimp falls from your grasp and hits the floor
9039>Need...
9040>Need to get out of here
9041>You pull open the door
9042>That same bright, happy, cheery pop song blares from downstairs
9043>Loud enough to let you slam the door and force the chair back in place
9044>Your hurried steps down the stairs slow midway and come to a stop
9045>Aria's waiting in the other room. Eager to hear the results
9046>You rest a shaking hand on your forehead and hold the handrail tight
9047___
9048>Music forces its way through the pitch-black door, muffled into little more than vibrations beneath your feet
9049>This chair is too short
9050>The carpet smells like garbage
9051>Best of all, it's darker in here than usual. The single light bulb above your head flickers on and off as it slowly dies
9052>This was a good fit for your "punishment room"
9053>Now that there's no need for one, it's as useless as you are
9054"...Aria?"
9055>She's been laying on her side near the door for about five minutes
9056"Hey. Are you asleep?"
9057>"How's someone supposed to sleep with all this noise?"
9058>She rolls over, and sits up
9059"Good point."
9060>"Ready to tell me what Adagio said?"
9061>You involuntarily scowl, as you tug at a torn edge of the box in your lap
9062>Nearly a dozen cans move around inside
9063>"I promise on Sonata's LIFE that they can't hear you in here. If they could, we'd already be fucked."
9064>Aria jumps to her feet and cups both hands around her mouth
9065>"PLAY A SONG THAT DOESN'T SUCK."
9066>She needs a few seconds to quietly laugh at herself before continuing
9067>"GET OFF THE STAGE! BOO!"
9068>She knocks as loud as she can
9069"Aria. Please."
9070>"OUTLAW SPEAKING! I'M BEHIND LIKE, OVER TEN THOUSAND CRIMINAL MISUSES OF MAGIC!"
9071>Each time she bangs on the door Rainbow and Sonata's singing voices come in more clearly, for a moment
9072>If you were closer you might hear the piece of shit tearing off of the wall
9073>"HELP, I'M TRAPPED WITH A PERVERT!"
9074"Would you shut up already?"
9075>"I'M... huh?"
9076>She looks over her shoulder
9077"Knock it off. It's not funny."
9078>The already tense atmosphere becomes so uncomfortable that you take to staring at the floor
9079>Just have to wait it out...
9080>Once Rainbow goes home, you'll have the peace and quiet you need to think about your next move
9081>...
9082>"Someone's in a bad mood."
9083>Aria falls to her knees in front of you and tilts the box up toward the dim light
9084"You're always in a bad mood."
9085>"Well, cheer up."
9086>She squints, either struggling to see the words in these conditions, or trying to remember a brand she's never heard of
9087>"And at least tell me whether Adagio said yes or no."
9088>Aria tears the top off the box, revealing eleven silver cans
9089"It was a no. A very clear no."
9090>You take one and open it
9091>Been a while since you tasted this stuff
9092>Aria seems to look down on your decision to drink it as quickly as you can
9093>"I bet you didn't even taste it. What a waste."
9094"Yeah. Hey, I'll talk to the hairball again later. Let's drop it for now."
9095>She inspects a can of her own
9096>Crrrrrack
9097>"Fine. What is this?"
9098>Sigh...
9099>You drop your emptied can into the floor, beside Twilight's communications book, and grab another
9100"Beer. Should have saved it, but-"
9101>"Are you SERIOUS?"
9102>With a covered mouth she brings the can to her nose
9103"Yeah. I'm serious."
9104>"How?! You said you weren't old enough to buy it!"
9105"I'm not."
9106>After an experimental sip, she really goes at it
9107>"Ahhh... I haven't been drunk in-"
9108>Aria's fingers pop up one at a time
9109>At four she shrugs
9110>"Fucking forever."
9111"Don't go crazy. We do have a visitor."
9112>Her emptied can joins yours in under a minute
9113>"This stuff is terrible... hand me another."
9114>Nervous about serving as a bad influence, you slow your pace and insist she does the same
9115>Still, by the time you're halfway through your second can, she's finished a fourth and started the next
9116>"I'm telling you, it's okay!"
9117"Your real body is different, remember?"
9118>"And?"
9119"Bigger, right?"
9120>"So?"
9121"Let it set in. Your limits have changed."
9122>"Whatever, iiiiidiot."
9123>Her can is dug into the carpet, and her arms cross
9124>"If it was Sonata you wouldn't say that."
9125"I'd say it twice as loud..."
9126>"No."
9127"Yes."
9128>"No."
9129"I promise I would."
9130>"Nooo!"
9131>You stand and lift Aria to her feet
9132"Walk to the wall and back for me."
9133>Your words are serious business for a moment
9134>Then, with her tongue stuck out, she waddles away
9135>Thankfully this room is mostly empty. Her attempt at a strut sends her stumbling right into the door
9136>"Whoa."
9137>Her elbow scrapes the frame as she turns around
9138>The strut is attempted a second time, and goes much more smoothly
9139>"What d'you know, stupid, I did it."
9140"Barely."
9141>On the floor again, she reaches for her can
9142>You snatch it up
9143"Five minutes. If you can do that again in five minutes, I'll give it back."
9144>"For fuck's sake!"
9145>Sitting with her hands planted beside her hips, she frowns
9146___
9147>Maybe four minutes in, Aria's at her limit
9148>Impatiently rubbing her hands around the carpet and kicking the legs of your chair
9149>Every sip you take of your drink risks triggering another World War
9150>"How'd you get it, anyway? Can we get more?"
9151"Probably not. A little girl gave it to me."
9152>"Bullshit."
9153"Seriously!"
9154>"Buuuull. You didn't steal it right?"
9155"No."
9156>"You didn't find it outside?"
9157"Nope."
9158>"So how?"
9159"A little girl showed up and gave it away."
9160>"ANONYMOUS."
9161>The massive forward sway as she stands startles you, but she catches herself...
9162>...in time to fall flat on her back instead
9163>This time she gets up very slowly
9164>Once on her feet, she grabs your shoulders for support
9165>"You need a girl like me, right? So be honest with me."
9166"Haha, what are you talking about..."
9167>"Do you trust me or not?"
9168"Yeah."
9169>"Where'd you find the beer?"
9170>A moment of complete silence follows, as Rainbow navigates her game's menu to the replay option
9171>Your playful expression strongly contrasts Aria's "police interrogation" mask
9172"It was given to me."
9173>The same damn pop song starts all over again
9174"...By a little-"
9175>Aria sits in your lap, her legs hanging off to your left
9176>The cans that were there pile up beside the chair
9177"Hey!"
9178>If you hadn't raised your right arm to support her back she'd have fallen again
9179"Are you crazy?"
9180>She snatches up your wrist with one hand
9181>Using the other, she desperately claws at the can
9182>"Just give it to meeee."
9183>Better than dropping it, you suppose
9184>You let go
9185>"Yessss!"
9186>Aria chugs away, perfectly confident that you'll hold on to her
9187>"Ahhhh!"
9188>...
9189"What are you doing?"
9190>"Hmmmmm, nothing."
9191>Her rocking legs shift her around in your lap
9192>She's wearing some new clothes. Gray shorts and a loose-fitting, black T-shirt
9193>The shower she took last night left her hair looking smooth and silky, and smelling a lot more delicate than she tends to be
9194>Having her so close feels better than the drinks would
9195>But...
9196"Hey. You should get down."
9197>"Ha! Fuck you."
9198>She's got a hostile tone, and a shit-eating grin
9199"Not joking, Aria."
9200>"Neither am I."
9201"I swear to whatever gods Equestria has that I told the truth about the beer."
9202>"You won't even tell me what 'Dagio said. You think I'm a fuckin' idiot."
9203>You shake your head, and she nods hers
9204"She said a lot of things."
9205>"Like what?"
9206"...That I haven't changed."
9207>She blinks
9208"And that she won't work with me because of my... actions. It's about you, so I don't feel comfortable-"
9209>"What about me?!"
9210>Her urgency is followed up with a lazy swig of her drink that leaves a trail of beer running from the side of her mouth
9211>Maybe Aria won't even remember this?
9212>You carefully lower her to the floor
9213>"Hey..."
9214"The way I treated you. Saying terrible things, touching you, and acting like no guy would want you."
9215>Her face had been lively ever since the first sip, but suddenly goes blank
9216"Adagio thinks that my 'change of heart' was a trick to win you guys over, and that I'll go back to doing things like before. After all, if Mercy Quartet works out, what's the difference? I get you guys where I wanted you."
9217>You bring your can to your lips
9218>...
9219>It ends up standing on the carpet instead
9220"Even though I told her she was wrong, the more I think about it... when I offered you the job, what I wanted most was for you to stay with me."
9221>Aria's eyes are gentle and attentive
9222>Every time she gets this way, you fight the urge to stare at them
9223"You know that those things I told you were lies, right?"
9224>"Hm?"
9225"Every insult I threw at you was either made up or really exaggerated."
9226>Her eyebrow jumps up
9227"You're not ugly. In fact, you're very pretty."
9228>Air shoots through her nose
9229"You don't smell abnormally bad. If you have any trouble with guys, I bet it's because they're intimidated is all."
9230>So awkward...
9231"Lately I can't stop thinking about the damage I've done to everyone around me. And what Adagio said feels so true. There are plenty of selfish things I've done without thinking about it-"
9232>A faint chime to your left catches your attention
9233>Twilight's book. The feather emblem on its cover glows
9234>You crack it open to the bookmark
9235>"Anonymous, are you awake?"
9236>Aria's head hovers above your lap so she can watch you write back "Yes"
9237>The book is shut and dropped back into the floor
9238>"...Are you stupid? No shit you wanted this."
9239>She sets her drink aside and rests her hands on your stomach
9240>"That's how the world works. Everyone's kinda selfish no matter what. And if you think you aren't..."
9241>Her index finger jabs into your forehead
9242>"...you're retarded. And if you think you shouldn't be selfish ever..."
9243>Then it moves down to your cheek
9244>"...you're retarded. Why do you say nice things to your friends, huh?"
9245"Um. To make them happy?"
9246>"YEAH. But also 'cause you want them to keep being yoUR friend. Get it?"
9247"...I do."
9248>"I see right into your head, Anonymous. You're not one hundred percent selfish. You never were."
9249>Her eyes roll back
9250>"Adagio ran that garbage by me, too. About you 'tricking' me into having 'feelings'."
9251>She climbs on top of you again
9252>This time her legs wrap around the chair, and her arms around your neck
9253>"This feeling didn't even appear until super reshently."
9254"What?"
9255>"I'm shellfish."
9256>...
9257>Aria traces shapes into your hair
9258>"All the time lately. I think stuff like, 'forget the couch. Forget Sonata. Stay in my room.'"
9259>Her arms tighten
9260>"Like that time... in here... remember? I think about it a lot."
9261>Twilight's book chimes again
9262>You glance at it, and Aria hangs off to your side to keep your eyes on her
9263>"It makes my heart beat so fuckin' fast I almost die. Seriously."
9264"You've... had too much to drink."
9265>"Fuck Sonata."
9266>She flinches
9267>"Not... like that. I'd kill you. Just, fuck Sonata, y'know?"
9268"You should probably stop talking."
9269>Picking her up wins you a merciless pinch on the back of your neck, sending you down into the chair again
9270>"I'm trying to TALK TO YOU so STOP!"
9271>She hasn't pulled, but you can feel her grip on your hair as well
9272>All this moving around has gotten her backside well acquainted with your lap
9273>You've never been so nervous and excited at the same time
9274"These are things you might regret saying. And you'll take it out on me later."
9275>"I want to say it constantly! Because I know things aren't gonna change. You'll still look at her, and give her the easy jobs, and give her your stuff, in different ways BECAUSE I can't say anything."
9276"...What?"
9277>She scoots closer
9278>There's that hair tug you were afraid of
9279>"And..."
9280>The book chimes once again
9281>"Heart feelings and body feelings are different, y'know? I've had the former-"
9282>Blink, blink
9283>"I mean the latter since the beginning, and now the heart feelings are making the body ones so much shtronger..."
9284"Ariaaa-"
9285>She tilts the both of you so far that you have to reach back to keep the chair off of the floor
9286>"...I'm not a words person... more like an actions person..."
9287>Her eyes slowly close
9288>"...so..."
9289"Hey."
9290>The closer she gets to your face, the harder it is to support the weight
9291"Hold on."
9292>She doesn't
9293"Aria."
9294>Her little nose brushes against yours
9295>On instinct, you shut your eyes
9296>Your heart beats so fast that you can't think straight
9297"St-stop. seriously-"
9298>Anticipation holds your tongue as you focus on nothing but the barrage of sound coming from the living room, another message from Twilight Sparkle, and the uncomfortable shift of weight pushing you closer to your back
9299>...
9300>Something warm hits you between the eyes
9301>It's quick to run down past your nose
9302>When it touches your mouth you retreat into the sleeve on your free arm
9303"What the fuck-"
9304>The hand balancing the chair slips, crashing both of you into the floor
9305>The cruel, immature delight on her face...
9306"Did you- seriously?"
9307>You wipe away spit with the other arm, too
9308>She snickers
9309>And chuckles
9310>Then bursts into laughter, resting her head on your chest
9311"Ha, ha."
9312>Your attempt at sitting up is denied by two wobbly hands pressed into your shoulders
9313"What? Was there more?"
9314>"Hahaha."
9315"Damn drunk."
9316>"Haha, I. Haha-"
9317"You what?"
9318>Aria wipes the back of her hand across your mouth
9319>Then leans in and forces her lips onto yours
9320>Your entire body tenses up
9321>Her fingers find their way to your hair again, and gently burrow in near your ear
9322>Anxious burts of air through her nose tickle your face
9323>After the kiss breaks, her eyes quickly open so she can guage your reaction
9324>Whatever look the shock left on your face must be satisfactory...
9325...as she shows off the most genuine smile you've ever seen on her
9326>"Next time, we'll talk to Adagio."
9327>The tip of her index finger presses into your palm
9328>"Together."
9329>A white flash briefly illuminates both of you
9330>Twilight must have something important to say
9331>Of all the times she could have chosen...
9332>Aria sighs, sits up and opens it
9333>"Would she fuck off already?"
9334>A cheaper book would fall apart from the force of her page turning
9335>She scans over all the messages she hasn't seen
9336>On the newest, she frowns
9337>"How? How's that possible?"
9338"What is it?"
9339>The book's stood up and flipped around
9340>You start back at the end of the last conversation you had:
9341"It works like that here, too."
9342>"That's true. I imagine our worlds have many more things in common."
9343"Something you can study, in the future."
9344>"Indeed."
9345>"Anonymous, are you awake?"
9346"Yes"
9347>"I have incredible news!"
9348>"Want to guess what it is?"
9349>"Anonymous?"
9350>"I can't wait! Too excited! The examination was just completed. The necklace is, without a doubt... enchanted!"
9351___
9352"Sorry again."
9353>"It's cool!"
9354>Dash tucks her karaoke game under her arm and cracks the front door
9355>"Listen to your big cousin, Bella."
9356>Sonata shrinks away at the pointed finger
9357>"If you get grounded I won't have anyone to sing with!"
9358>"O-Okay!"
9359>The door is shut
9360>'Bella' rushes to the window and watches her friend go
9361>"...Anon I do NOT have summer homework and I am NOT behind!"
9362"I know. Lock the door."
9363>You reach through the kitchen doorway and take Twilight's book from the counter
9364>"Aria. It's clear."
9365>With it opened on the living room coffee table, you sit down on the couch and read over your last message:
9366"Really??"
9367>Two question marks felt right, in the moment
9368>Just like hunching over and fidgeting feels right in this one
9369>Twenty minutes...
9370>It's been at least twenty fucking minutes since you received that message in the punishment room
9371>What is Twilight doing?
9372>Aria's arms pop into your peripheral vision from behind the couch
9373>"What's she said now?"
9374"Nothing."
9375>"Really?"
9376>Sonata nearly falls over tugging the blonde wig off of her head
9377>After she shakes her head to get her real hair in order, you're joined on the couch
9378>"What's happening?"
9379>"Shut up Sonata..."
9380>"You shut up!"
9381>"YOU shud up!"
9382>"No, you-"
9383>She invades Aria's personal space and sniffs
9384>"Anonymous! Aria is DRUNK!"
9385>Your fingernails dig into your cheek
9386>"Sooo?"
9387>"Where did you get alcohol? How come no one told me?"
9388>"That's the last thing you should be mad about. There's something else..."
9389>"Huh?"
9390"Quiet, guys. I can't think."
9391>They go silent. You can feel them both staring
9392>...
9393>It HAS been nearly two weeks since Twilight went back to Equestria
9394>Though early, the examination could have completed by now
9395>But this necklace has been in your family since childhood
9396>It originates from THIS world
9397>How could it possibly be infused with magic?
9398>Five more minutes pass
9399>Then ten, twenty, half an hour...
9400>You've added five more messages in this time:
9401"Twilight?"
9402"Are you there?"
9403"Congratulations!"
9404"What kind of enchantment is it?"
9405"Twilight?"
9406>Pulling your hair out is appealing right now
9407"Aria. Come with me. Just in case."
9408>"Oookay."
9409>She does her best to follow you up the nearby stairs
9410>Better hold her hand... just in case
9411___
9412"How could that happen?"
9413>Adagio refuses to even look at the book held open before her
9414>You drop it onto her coffee table instead
9415"It's just a normal necklace. I was there when my mom bought it."
9416>Aria hides behind you, with hand rested on your back
9417>She nods after everything you say
9418"You have to know something, Adagio."
9419>The shrimp looks you up and down
9420>"It sounds to me like you've made a monumental mistake."
9421"What kind?"
9422>"Where, exactly, were you keeping our necklaces?"
9423"Across the-"
9424>Slow down...
9425"The real necklaces are hidden well. If someone found them, trust me, I'd know. Not to mention they look different. Mixing them up is impossible."
9426>"For most. But for you?"
9427"Adagio. Listen to me. This could end in disaster. You need to tell me anything you know about enchantments. Not just for me, but for Sonata, Aria and yourself!"
9428>You slide Twilight's book closer
9429"That message comes from a member of the Equestrian government who is dedicated to finding you."
9430>Finally, she bothers to look over its text
9431"Now, I'm asking again: how could this happen?"
9432>Sonata peeks into the room from the hallway
9433>She and Aria wait in silence
9434>...
9435>"Human."
9436>With a light laugh, Adagio scratches her chin and says,
9437>"I know no more about enchantments than those two do."
9438>Of course not
9439>Adagio, contributing?
9440>What a fucking joke
9441>You pace back and forth
9442>"...You seem to be confused about the nature of our necklaces. We didn't forge them. They're as strange to us as these bodies are."
9443"What? What do you mean?"
9444>"You must have learned enough about Equestria to know that Unicorns don't go around teaching their secrets to anyone who asks."
9445"Then how did you get your hands on the necklaces?"
9446>"They've always been ours. A part of us-"
9447>She raises a hand and separates her fingers
9448>"-that was ruined by this world. Just like these bodies."
9449>...You carefully consider her words, but in the end, what do they matter?
9450>Twilight still has an enchanted necklace
9451>Is the LAND... enchanted?
9452>Could the magical necklaces have infected a normal one?
9453>Why would that happen?
9454>Are you supposed to believe anything in the house could be enchanted?
9455>"I do know one thing you'll want to hear, though."
9456"I'm sure. Spit it out."
9457>The book slides back across the table
9458>"Words are writing themselves out as we speak."
9459"What?!"
9460>"Enjoy."
9461>You drop down and read:
9462>"I'm very sorry Anonymous. Unscheduled meeting with the Princess."
9463>"It was scary, but went better than expected!"
9464>"This type of enchantment is somewhat rare. Though I'm unsure of its exact use in this case, I can say it is potentially dangerous. Illegal too, naturally."
9465>"More good news: this class of magic is easily tracked. The other necklaces, and even any person who has worn the necklace before, can be located from up to four miles away!"
9466>You raise a shaking hand and press your pen to the book
9467"That's
9468great
9469when are you
9470coming back?"
9471>...
9472>...
9473>...
9474>"Three hours, hopefully!"
9475___
9476>In the kitchen, you let Adagio down beside the microwave
9477>With a hand on her arm of course
9478>Aria goes through her designated cabinets, pulling every kind of junk food she owns down into your dad's large duffel bag
9479>Sonata fiddles with her fingers as she waits for direction
9480"Find your money. All of it."
9481>"O-Okay."
9482>You start on a mental checklist as you watch her run off
9483>Keys from the kitchen counter, check
9484>Phone, check
9485>Wallet from the living room's entertainment center, check
9486>Aria's got the box full of cash Gilda returned sitting on the couch
9487>All the clothes have been stuffed into garbage bags, plus a few blankets and pillows
9488>And the laptop and desktop computers were the first things to be loaded into the car
9489>"What in the world are you doing, human?"
9490"Getting ready to go."
9491>You double-check a nearby drawer
9492>Should you take the things in the fridge?
9493>"Where will you go?"
9494"Uh... not sure."
9495>Not much in here anyway
9496>You can buy food on the road
9497"At least five miles away, I guess?"
9498>Aria slowly disappears through the kitchen doorway, stuffed duffle bag in tow
9499>"I'm... ready, Anon..."
9500"Okay. Once Sonata's done we're out of-"
9501>"What will you do after you leave?"
9502>Good question
9503"We'll figure it out, Adagio."
9504>"She'll find you. Don't be a fool. Five miles?"
9505"So we'll go ten. Twenty. Fuck it, we'll leave the state. What else can I do?"
9506>"The necklaces."
9507>She rests a hand on her chest
9508"...Not going to happen."
9509>"You wouldn't leave them behind. As I said before, with my necklace I could solve this situation in a single day. Retrieve it."
9510>Even if she could, confronting Equestria in that way would not end well
9511>It's not worth it
9512"Just shut up and hope there's room in the car. You might be laying in the floor, yet again."
9513>"Human. Where are they at?"
9514>Keys into pocket
9515>Wallet as well
9516>"Buried? You buried them, right?"
9517>Sonata runs by the kitchen doorway again, with a ball of cash in her hands
9518>Her footsteps transition from carpet to the wood of the front porch
9519>Looks like it's time
9520>"You CAN NOT be stupid enough to abandon them. At least relocate-"
9521"Shut up."
9522>"They'll take them! SHE'LL take them! You have no choice!"
9523"So I'll drop you off, drive back and do it alone!"
9524>You feel her body stiffen, and her breathing slow
9525>Looking back at her, you find her eyes are on the rows of trees visible outside the kitchen window
9526>Barely lit by the midnight moon, brushing together in the wind
9527>It's a beautiful place to have grown up
9528>To think this could be the last time you see it...
9529"Listen. Forget about the necklaces. This is it for you. Either leave them behind, or get left behind by Sonata and Aria."
9530>Slowly, she lowers her head
9531>A frustrated, exhausted sigh escapes her lips
9532"They care-"
9533>Your grip tightens around her wrist
9534"-about you a lot. Coming with them, on our terms, is as good as it's getting for you."
9535>For the first time since you've met her it feels like Adagio is genuinely worried about her future
9536"Believe me. If not for those two, I doubt you'd have much to look forward to anymore."
9537>"Anon, I found all of the money! Come on!"
9538>Sonata calls out from the living room
9539"Good job! Don't forget your disguise!"
9540>"Already got it!"
9541>She runs off again
9542>Well, can't afford to stall if you're coming back to dig up the necklaces
9543>You pull the girl behind you around the counter, past the open cabinets and drawers
9544>Then stop beside the fridge. A foot from the doorway
9545>You nearly back at the sudden change in weight
9546>She's latched onto something, probably
9547>You turn
9548>In one moment, just a fraction of a second, a sound and image register in your mind
9549>Of metal scratching against plastic
9550>Of a glimmer that disappears as it leaves the moonlight
9551>Ducking, raising your free arm to your face and shutting your eyes all take equal priority
9552>You land in the floor
9553"A-Adagio-"
9554>Its cold tiles send waves of irritation to the stinging skin on your left arm
9555>As you sit up, Adagio's bare foot comes crashing down into your chest
9556>Your words mix into a strained cough
9557>Seen through cracked eyes, the white tiles blur into your arm and the warm, red streaks you make as you try to force out from underneath Adagio
9558>Her weight shifts. The heel of her foot slides down to your stomach, and becomes far heavier
9559>Fully, but cautiously opening your eyes, you see her staring down at you
9560>She carelessly lowers the knife to your face
9561>Its tip digs into your cheek
9562>"I'm going to ask you a very simple question."
9563>She's... calm
9564>Controlled breathing, a steady grip on the knife...
9565>What little of her face isn't hidden by hanging hair is cold and focused
9566"Hey-"
9567>"I'll know if you're lying."
9568"Hold on. Hold on..."
9569>"Where is my necklace?"
9570"It's-"
9571>You take as deep a breath as the pressure on your gut will allow
9572"It's too dangerous to give it back to you. I'd be betraying my entire-"
9573>The metal slices its way to your jawline
9574>A moment later, the sting sets in
9575>Before you can so much as gasp in pain the tip presses into the same starting position
9576>"Where. Is. My necklace?"
9577>...
9578"Think about the girls. You'll ruin their chances at-"
9579>This time it drags angled to the right, just missing your mouth, and stopping at your chin
9580>Visited by the tip of the knife, your right eye shuts and refuses to open
9581>"Do you value your vision, human?"
9582>Can't breathe
9583>"Is Sonata's body and Aria's loyalty worth one eye, or two?"
9584>Can't think
9585>"Well?"
9586>This knife
9587>It's the only reason
9588>The paralyzing fear of it resting so close
9589>The thought of struggling and suffering a terrible injury
9590>If not for that, what power could she have over you?
9591>Your left eye struggles to leave the blade pressed into the side of your right
9592>...but it does
9593>Something catches your attention, up behind Adagio's back, in the doorway:
9594>Absolutely nothing
9595"Aria, DON'T!"
9596>The mountain of hair moves toward you
9597>Her free arm raises up to serve as a shield
9598>With both hands, you take hold of her wrist and push
9599>Once the metal is far enough away she comes tumbling into a cabinet door under as much force as your arms can provide
9600>Even with one losing blood and both shaking uncontrollably, it's enough to knock the knife out of her hand
9601>You kick it across the room and push Adagio to the floor
9602>For a while, you stare at her pinned below, blood dripping onto her chest, hair and face as she thrashes around
9603"...So stupid. You're so fucking stupid."
9604>A shaking, bleeding human talking down to her
9605>Surely that's enough to piss her off?
9606>The struggling slows
9607"Why can't you just listen to what I say?"
9608>Her eyes switch between your own, and the cuts running down your face
9609>Then, she looks away. To the bottom of the fridge
9610>You raise her up by the arm and slap her hard across the face
9611"Fucking... idiot."
9612>Apart from shutting her eyes a bit, she doesn't even react
9613>So you slap her again
9614>And again
9615>Harder each time, ending with so much force that she can't help but flinch
9616>So much pain that her body won't LET her ignore you
9617>Twitching fingers rush to her face and she rolls onto her side
9618>One last time, you sit her up and run the palm of your hand across her now guarded face
9619>At first, it's blissful
9620>You imagine the frustration and humiliation she must feel
9621>But in a familiar way, your stomach sours, and you stop
9622"...Adagio."
9623>She twists her torso further away from you
9624"What is it going to take for us to work together?"
9625>Slowly, her hands pull down far enough for her to look over your now less violent posture
9626>She cautiously pulls her hands away from her reddened face and teary eyes
9627>Her mouth opens to display gritted teeth
9628>When she's ready to speak, she says:
9629>"A necklace."
9630>Even after all that?
9631>Unbelievable
9632"...You know what? Alright."
9633___
9634>You drop the shovel beside the porch steps and head back into the living room
9635>Sonata comes stumbling in behind you, covering her ears to escape the rant outside
9636>Pausing, you squeeze the three black bands in your hand and turn around
9637>"Stop fucking ignoring me, Anon!"
9638>Aria trips on the second step to the top
9639>She lands on a knee and her palms
9640>"I'm not-"
9641>Sonata moves aside as Aria stands again and stomps through the doorway
9642>Poorly balanced on her tiptoes, waving outstretched arms, she shouts:
9643>"I'm not going to let you DO this!"
9644"It'll happen no matter how long you argue."
9645>"Why does it have to? Why just give up?"
9646>You point to the triangular mess of blood-soaked, hastily-applied gauze and medical tape on your cheek
9647"She forced my hand."
9648>"But-"
9649"Look at this, Aria."
9650>She tries, but quickly averts her eyes
9651"Adagio wanted to do far worse."
9652>"Still, we could trying something else..."
9653>Her voice fades as you shake your head
9654"There's no time. I'm sorry, but I've made my decision."
9655>You give her a moment to get it one last thought
9656>She uses it to grit her teeth and glare
9657"Let's go."
9658>You gesture to the stairs and Sonata sheepishly climbs them
9659>As you follow behind, Aria fires off one last time
9660>"You're unbelievable. Fucking UNBELIEVABLE! What was any of this for, huh?"
9661>...
9662>"How about you go back to calling me twin-tails? Why not start doing YOU-KNOW-WHAT again!"
9663>...
9664>"Anon!"
9665>By the time you reach the second floor, she's given up
9666>The conversation officially ends with a slam of the front door. One hard enough to shake the framed family portrait hanging beside your head
9667"She'll understand. Later."
9668>"I hope so."
9669>From the moment you told Sonata your new intentions, she's been visibly anxious
9670>It's most obvious here in front of the cracked guest bedroom door, as she squeezes the skin around her wrist and takes deep breaths
9671"Don't worry. I'll do the talking."
9672>"Okay."
9673>You guide her inside to greet her former leader, who was left here with wrists and ankles sloppily tied up
9674>When she notices you two, her violent attempt at pulling an arm or leg free of their binds comes to an end
9675>Right away, they catch her eye:
9676>the three necklaces dangling at your side
9677"Hello again."
9678>Her mouth hangs open in disbelief. Probably assumed you were bluffing
9679>She sits against the wall as usual, while you and Sonata take a seat on the hard, wooden floor
9680"Take a look."
9681>You place the necklaces on Adagio's little table and slide them forward
9682>She leans in to inspect them
9683>It doesn't take long to convince her
9684"Go ahead and count them. Maybe our totals will be different, but I doubt it."
9685>"Why did-"
9686>Her shaky voice gains strength as she clears her throat and sits up straight
9687>"Why did you tie me up, then? Conditions?"
9688"You'd never accept conditions, we both know that."
9689>Her suspicious eyes move on to inspect you for several seconds
9690>Then Sonata, who groans and hides behind your back
9691"Just needed time to deal with the cuts you gave me."
9692>"Really."
9693"Yeah."
9694>You run a finger down your arm, crossing over another first aid disaster and ending at your lightly bruised hand
9695>Speaking of which...
9696>Fresh, light red marks cover Adagio's face
9697>Dried specks of your blood decorate her from the chest of the shirt to her spiked hairband
9698>And that mountain of hair is in more of a mess than you've seen prior
9699>Having to sit here in that state, in front of Sonata...
9700"So."
9701>You do what you can to suppress a smile
9702"Does seeing all three necklaces with your own eyes make you any more curious about the messages I received?"
9703>"...It's strange, yes."
9704"Can you think of any explanation?"
9705>She lightly nibbles her bottom lip in deep thought
9706>You don't mind waiting. It's relaxing sitting around without being blasted by Rainbow's favorite songs
9707>So you sit quietly
9708>If only this floor weren't so exhausting. Not even two minutes in and your ass kind of hurts
9709>"Sonata?"
9710>The girl hiding behind you sticks her head up past your right shoulder, at least far enough to see
9711>"...Hm?"
9712>"Did he ever give you or Aria your necklaces?"
9713>Her lips and nose rub against your back as she shakes her head
9714>"Think hard, Sonata. If you sang in this house with the necklace on I need to know."
9715"They had no idea where to find them, until a few minutes ago. What do you have in mind?"
9716>With a sigh of frustration, Adagio lays her bound hands beside a necklace
9717>She feels along the band to meet with the red gem on the end and, fingers spread as far as the rope comfortably allows, she holds it tight
9718>"Like I told you, we know little about enchantments. I thought using them might leave evidence behind that a Unicorn would mistake for an enchantment."
9719>The gem is dropped, and the next necklace is held in the same way
9720>"Then again, you shouldn't underestimate a Unicorn. Their wisdom is matched only by their arrogance."
9721>Again, the gem falls from her hands
9722>Adagio takes the final necklace by the band and slowly, awkwardly raises it, so that it hangs inches away from her eyes
9723>"It doesn't really matter. The messenger said she doesn't know the specific way we use our magic. You three will set up a trap, while I clean this... mess you made."
9724"Trap?"
9725>You lean forward and rest your chin in your hands
9726"What kind of trap?"
9727>"Something so simple that even you could pull it off. Write the Equestrian, asking her to hurry to this house to review more clues you've found for the 'investigation'. Lead her into this room and lock her inside with Aria, Sonata and myself."
9728"Interesting. What will you do to her?"
9729>"Put her to work."
9730>A smile creeps onto Adagio's face
9731>"Government official, huh? Who knows what I could accomplish with someone like that?"
9732>Sonata pulls on the back of your shirt collar
9733>...
9734>You ARE sidetracked, but you can't resist:
9735"Adagio. I of course need to ask you how I'll be treated, once you've got the necklace."
9736>Apparently a very troubling question
9737>She stiffens up, frowning and twisting the necklace band in her fingers
9738>The conflict of being so close to regaining her authority, but being afraid to lose it with a rude remark?
9739>"I'm not going to promise you anything. But giving me this necklace, and doing exactly what I tell you to, will go a long way."
9740"Wouldn't I do what you tell me to either way?"
9741>"Ha."
9742>The necklace comes crashing down into the table with Adagio's fists
9743>Sonata jumps, and tugs on your shirt twice as hard
9744>"Have we become that distant, Sonata?"
9745>The question is left wide open for a response. The only one Sonata gives is an impatient tap on your back
9746>This leaves her former leader looking more than a little disheartened
9747>"...There's your answer. They trust you more than they trust me at the moment, and wouldn't forgive me for taking away your free will. Your job for now will be keeping these two in line. This government girl is a big opportunity, and I won't have it stalled by arguments over... weight, or sharing beds, or which restaurants to wait outside..."
9748>She stuffs nine of her fingers away, leaving an index finger bent your way
9749>"Speaking of which, my help is going to cost you. It shouldn't come as a surprise that I'll be taking control of this hideout."
9750"Oh, of course."
9751>"You'll continue to stock up on food with your funds."
9752"A girl's got to eat."
9753>"And that human Sonata's been spending time with will stay away from now on. Take Sonata out to meet her if you have to."
9754"Right."
9755>A fire lights in Adagio's eyes as she lists off conditions, and you continue to accept
9756>"You'll teach me everything there is to know about this world's technology."
9757"I can show you how to use a computer and a TV..."
9758>"The equipment in the music shop, too."
9759"Hey, I'm no musician, but I'll look it up."
9760>"Good. You own one of the machines on the roads, correct?"
9761"A car? Yes."
9762>"Getting around will be simple then."
9763>She takes notice of the dark, splattered mess staining her shirt
9764>"I can see you bought my companions new clothes. Did you think to do the same for me?"
9765"We got you a little something."
9766>"Then prepare a bath. Quickly. Three hours is not a lot of time."
9767>She lowers her head to the table
9768>"And... I can't put this on with bound hands. Go ahead and do it. Then, get rid of these ungodly ropes."
9769"Sorry. I forgot! Haha!"
9770>You stand and take the necklace Adagio had seemed most interested in
9771"Guess I'm used to seeing girls all tied up."
9772>Closing it tight in your palms, you focus your attention as she did
9773>There's no tingling, burning, or other sensations as far as you can tell
9774>With a shrug you take it by the band and dangle it in front of Adagio, who is little more than orange curles and tangles from this angle
9775"This one is yours?"
9776>"...Yes."
9777"Looks just like the others to me."
9778>Sonata crawls to your right side and pinches the skin on her arm
9779>"Anonnnn..."
9780"Alright. Alright. So, Adagio, what if you put on the wrong necklace? Would it still work?"
9781>"Yes. But you're holding the correct one. Don't waste time."
9782"You're sure? This is DEFINITELY, for sure, Adagio Dazzle's very own necklace?"
9783>Adagio jerks up. A large group of hair lags behind and covers her face
9784>It's quickly swept away, revealing the impatient death-stare your long, drawn-out words sparked
9785>As she takes note of the smug smile on your face, her anger gradually gives way to wide-eyed realization
9786>Then, as the dangling gem makes its way to Sonata's chest, and the necklace is slipped over her head, Adagio's shoulders fall
9787"That's just great. Sonata, this WILL work, right?"
9788>"What do you mean?"
9789"Have you ever done this before?"
9790>"Of course not."
9791"But you said it should work."
9792>Adagio's eyes shift between you two as you casually discuss
9793>"Yeah. When we're not wearing a necklace, for all intensive purposes, we're just... humans."
9794"Hm. You mean intents and purposes, dork."
9795>"Oh. Whatever."
9796>She gives you a weak smile
9797>The remaining two necklaces are swept up and stuffed into your pocket
9798>You give Sonata a pat on the back, and make for the door
9799>"H-Hold. On. You, you can't be serious."
9800>Oh?
9801>Did that pathetic, stuttering voice actually come from Adagio?
9802>You can't help but delay things a bit longer by watching from outside the bedroom
9803>"You wouldn't. You would never."
9804>Sonata looks away. Toward the room's window, on their left
9805>"...Come on-"
9806>Your prisoner's arms stretch out across the table
9807>"This-"
9808>Her fingers force their way open against the constricting rope, left shaking in pain, inviting either Sonata's hands or the enchanted item hanging above
9809>"This is a mistake. The biggest mistake of your life. I know you wouldn't."
9810>Sonata's eyes stay glued to what little of the night sky can be seen, through the half-drawn blinds
9811>"You would never be so reckless-"
9812>Adagio shuts her eyes for a moment, forcing air into her lungs and releasing it into a shaky sigh
9813>"We've been through everything together. I've always been there for you and Aria."
9814>It works out perfectly. You didn't even ask Sonata to give her the cold shoulder
9815>Now that it's happening, it's difficult to pull away
9816>The satisfaction you exude briefly catches the hairball's attention
9817>She slams her closed fists into the table and uses them to lift up as high as possible
9818>"Do you think he cares about you, Sonata?"
9819>...
9820>"He's USING you. He was ALWAYS using you. This is what he wanted for all three of us. Don't you get that?"
9821>...
9822>"What has he done to deserve your loyalty?!"
9823>Her voice cracks, and her arms tremble under her weight
9824>"So he gave you a comfortable home. Don't you think I would do the same if I could?! What of the abuse? Have you forgotten about it? Can my lifetime of companionship really be outdone by this abusive, selfish human?"
9825>As she pleads, her face goes a bit pale
9826>"Sonata, you CAN'T. Listen. Listen to me! I'm the only one who can get us out of this. If you leave it to him, we'll end up in an Equestrian Dungeon... or worse."
9827>...
9828>"Give mine to me... and we'll retrieve yours... and Aria's. It's okay. I forgive you."
9829>Her knuckles slip, and her shoulder slams into the table
9830>"...You'd..."
9831>She straightens out the best she can and shakes her head, sending her hair into hefty sways
9832>"You'd NEVER DO THAT TO ME, Sonata!"
9833"Please. This was practically her idea!"
9834>Though she doesn't look at you, your voice has an immediate, powerful effect on Adagio
9835>Her eyes shut tight, and she bites into her bottom lip
9836"Sonata, why not count to sixty instead of thirty? To be safe. Who knows where Aria went."
9837>"Okay."
9838"Let's get this show on the road."
9839>Just before the door clicks shut, Adagio's strained shout stops you
9840>"ANONYMOUS!"
9841>It's like... the satisfaction of scratching an itch
9842>At the same time you feel butterflies scatter in your stomach
9843>It's your move
9844>After allowing things to sink in for ten or so seconds, the door is swung open
9845"Yes?"
9846>Sonata looks over her shoulder with both hands covering her mouth
9847>Adagio sits in her original position
9848>Trails of fresh blood run down her chin
9849"...Jesus."
9850>With you startled by the teeth digging into her flesh, and with her left gasping for air, the conversation halts
9851>Droplets hitting Adagio's shirt form even more dark stains
9852>Messy strands of hair hang over her face in every direction
9853>The struggle against the ropes have left her wrists and ankles a painful bright red
9854>All on top of the bruises the floor has given her frail body...
9855>...and the hunger she's built up from her frequent refusal to eat
9856>The joy you felt seconds ago begins to fade
9857>That high from besting her proves to be a fleeting emotion, as it always is
9858>"I'll-"
9859>Her brow trembles, exhausted by a frown more hateful than humanly possible
9860>"Co... Co-operate... with you."
9861>She goes right back to chewing into her bottom lip
9862>Sonata looks up at you again, hands clasped, her uncovered mouth open in a relieved smile
9863>You stare back in discomfort
9864>When she reaches beneath her neck for the necklace you hold out your hand, and she stops
9865"...Co-operate?"
9866>It doesn't have to be a fleeting emotion
9867>The anger and satisfaction fades, why? Because she's a girl?
9868"You know what I think?"
9869>Because she's weak?
9870>Because she's pretty?
9871>No, none of that
9872>It fades because you let it
9873"I think you'll 'co-operate' yourself to the nearest sharp object."
9874>You offered this girl a comfortable, honest life, and she spat on it
9875>The moment she had the upper-hand she threatened to blind you
9876>Compared to that, you've treated her as a welcomed guest
9877>"I said... I'll... co-operate."
9878"It's too late for that."
9879>You ignore Sonata's shock and focus entirely on Adagio's growing anger and confusion
9880"This-"
9881>A sting runs through the cuts on your face as you rest fingertips against the gauze
9882"-tells me everything I need to know."
9883>"Are you... joking?"
9884>Your stern expression surely suggests otherwise
9885>"What about... these ropes, biting into my skin?"
9886>She presents her hands
9887>"What about leaving me on the floor for endless days... what do you think that tells me?"
9888"You poor soul."
9889>She takes a sharp breath upon seeing you grab the doorknob again
9890"You chose to sit tied up like a slave. It was a long time ago that I offered to release you as my equal. Your companions have made progress with me, while you've sat here, clinging to your pride. You're different from them."
9891>"Do not. Close. The door."
9892>She practically growls out the command
9893>How can you not smile at that?
9894"They've tried to accept their fate, while you've fought against me to the very last second."
9895>Your heart pounds against your chest, and your fingers refuse to stay still
9896"So I'm giving up. Adagio... you don't deserve to be reformed."
9897>With the door shut halfway, you take one last look at the trembling, filthy mess of a former-leader
9898"Sonata. Start counting."
9899>"But. But, Anon, she said-"
9900"Sixty seconds. Go."
9901>The door clicks shut
9902>Force of habit compels you to reach for the chair to the left
9903>However, it's not needed anymore
9904>This will be the last time
9905"That's right."
9906>You let that thought stick as you head down the stairs
9907>You'll never have to lock anyone up again
9908>And with Adagio working with the group, her companions should be even happier to adopt this new lifestyle
9909>Maybe... you should have done this a long time ago?
9910>In the living room, something shines against the arm of your couch
9911>You reach over the back and retrieve Twilight's book
9912"Close one."
9913>It was nearly left behind
9914>Seconds after it's tucked beneath your arm, it chimes again
9915>And by the time you've opened the front door it chimes a third time
9916>Not the best moment, Twilight
9917>You shut the door
9918>The woods and most of the sky are smothered in darkness, from below the powerful porch light
9919>As you cross the tidy yard the front line of trees reveals itself
9920>Stars above shine brighter. Your car, and the bags stuffed into the open trunk, slip into view on the right as you pass the hedges
9921>Pressing up against the window confirms that Aria's run off somewhere else
9922>...Again, the book bathes its surroundings with gentle light, almost seeming to pulsate in your hand
9923"Aria?"
9924>The ground in front of the car is unoccupied
9925>What little you can see down the road is clear as well
9926>Orderly, trimmed hedge leaves which fade into an unruly mess all reflect another burst of light
9927"Ar-"
9928>You rush back into the yard
9929>The door to the small shed (tucked away in the left corner of the yard), nearly overtaken by the hedges at this point, is pulled open
9930>Buckets of weeds, boxes of random parts, your dad's revolver, no Aria
9931"Hey!"
9932>It chimes again
9933"Where are you?"
9934>How many seconds has it been since you left the bedroom?
9935>...
9936>You tighten your grip on Twilight's book as you sprint into the narrow passage formed by the side of the house and the hedges
9937>The back yard leaves you nearly blind
9938>All you can do as you walk past the empty pool and abandoned garden is call her name and watch for movement
9939"She didn't..."
9940>Another chime draws your attention
9941"Damn it!"
9942>The other side of the house is free of hedges, letting you scan the woods as you run. Nothing
9943>As soon as your feet enter the moonlit grass of the front yard again you freeze
9944>The...
9945>...guest bedroom window is directly above you, on the next floor
9946>You do what you can to cover your ears
9947>Stuffed against the side of your head, the book's next chime is painful
9948>Running through the front yard and onto the dirt road again, beyond it and past a freshly dug hole, through a couple of trees and into the woods you shout:
9949"Where are you?!"
9950>...
9951>There's a bit of an echo
9952>Other than that, the chirping of bugs and your beating heart, it's completely silent
9953>...
9954>Until-
9955>"What the hell is wrong with you?"
9956>The relief weakens your legs, leaving you latched onto a tree
9957>Just a few feet away you find Aria. Sitting on the ground
9958"Thank God."
9959>You, too, lower onto the blanket of leaves and branches
9960"I thought you ran again."
9961>"Are you seriously panting? That's sad."
9962>Though you disagree, you try to slow your breathing
9963>It felt so much like last time is all
9964"...Thank God you didn't go."
9965>Aria's face is hidden by shadows, so you give up on reading her expression
9966>Not that you needed to. She returns a cold silence
9967"Look, about Adagio."
9968>...
9969"Um."
9970>Yet another chime and flash of light
9971>You anxiously open up the book and head for your bookmark
9972"I..."
9973>The turning stops suddenly, your finger stuck bending the next page as you focus your hearing on the house
9974>It seems like Sonata's voice can just barely be heard in the distance
9975>...
9976>Time slips by as you try to decide if it's just in your head, and if this really is enough distance
9977>By the time you return to your conversation you can't even remember what you were going to say
9978>You pull the pages into little hills, lazily slapping them to the left
9979>Inefficient use of page space has left you at nearly the middle of the book
9980>Once the construction paper bookmark comes into your limited view, you dig out your phone and lay it on its side
9981>With a click its lock screen lights up and reveals a long stretch of tightly-packed but neatly-written lines:
9982>"Three hours, hopefully!"
9983>"I can't wait to put all of this behind me."
9984>"Can we meet up at your house?"
9985>"Hey, you could take me to that book store again to celebrate. Wouldn't that be nice?"
9986>"In fact I'm very excited to see you."
9987>"Actually, could I stay at your house for the rest of the night?"
9988>"Are you busy?"
9989>"Please let me know when you get this."
9990>"Anonymous?"
9991>"Hello?"
9992>"Anonymous"
9993>"Are you there?"
9994>"APRIL FOOLS!"
9995>"The necklace ISN'T enchanted!"
9996>"I mean it is but I haven't proven it yet."
9997>"Were you convinced?"
9998>"It's my first time pulling a prank. Oh! It's not April"
9999>"Oh no"
10000>"cultural confusion"
10001>"Anonymous?"
10002>"Anon"
10003>"I'm a bit worried."
10004>"anon"
10005>"please pick up the book"
10006>"anon"
10007>"anonymous"
10008>"anon"
10009>"hello?"
10010>"Anon"
10011>"hey"
10012>"don't do anything you'll regret"
10013>"."
10014>"."
10015>"."
10016>"."
10017>"."
10018>"."
10019>"."
10020>"."
10021>"."
10022>The trail of dots continues down to the very bottom of the page
10023___