Viola Strum's Noteworthy Sounds

~~~

 About an hour later, when everyone is fed and ready for the day, they head out to the lakeside. As they settle by the shore, Beauty scans the lake. “It’s so beautiful here, I mean just look at it!” She gestures a hoof at the area. “For a final resting place this is certainly a prime place. Peaceful, relaxing...”

 “…and I would add to that, the dwelling of the lovely water spirit that stole my heart as much as I stole hers with my music.” A new voice, one with a deep reverb to it, rumbles out. “Ahem, I thank you for taking this challenge seriously and respecting my wishes. It’s rather refreshing to watch ponies prepare for it.”  As one, the group turns to see where the unknown voice is coming from, seeing a ghostly stallion dressed in a performer’s outfit, standing on the water watching them. Several of the mares’ jaws drop in shock before letting out shrieks, their owners choosing to dive behind the veteran fighters.

  Blacklin cranes his head around to look behind him at Lyra and Beauty Brass, while Fiddles finds Octavia behind her. The gryphon can’t help but chuckle at Lyra. “Still a bit rattled by last night huh?” He gets a smack from the minty unicorn for his troubles.

 Silver Spoon points a shaking hoof at the specter from where she’s shivering behind her new mentor. “You… you’re… but that’s not possible! You are very much dead! Ghosts don’t exist!”

 “Well, my dear, that’s quite the observant eye you have, Miss Silver Spoon.” The translucent pony chuckles to himself as he glides over the water towards them. He’s soon joined by another pony breaking the surface, this one seems normal at first glance, but this one has an unearthly beauty about her as she swims towards the shore.  The visitors tense up slightly as they come ashore, and the mare is fully revealed as she comes up out of the water.  Immediately it’s apparently she’s no normal pony. Her eyes are partly closed and guarded as she regards them, peculiar black eyes barely visible as a result. Her flowing aqua-green mane is draped over a shell-like saddle on her back. “Well met, young musicians and guardian.” He gives Blacklin a courteous nod. “I, as the young filly surmised, am none other than Still Waters, and this is my dearest lady of the lake, my love, otherwise known as Babbling Wake.”

 “It’s… The legends were REAL?” Lyra looks shocked from where she’s hiding. “I thought that was just a hazing story by the graduates!” She shakes her head. “I know what I said about the mysterious instruments that seek out the depressed and all, but really?” She catches sight of the pleased look on Still Waters’ face. “Oh you have to be joking, I was RIGHT about that?”

 “After the crazy stuff I’ve seen in one adventure back in Ponyville, I honestly can’t be surprised, Lyra.” Viola says to the others. “Well met, Still Waters, sir. Have you been watching us then?” She gently tugs Silver Spoon out from behind her, prompting the others to come out from behind their shields as well, though they’re understandably wary.

 Fiddlesticks shrugs. “Reckon Ah can’t make promises, sis. Ah suspect Vi has it well in hoof right now.” The country pony nods towards the closed door. “So we can jes’ focus on the reason we came.” She glances at Lyra. “We can relax once that feathered varmint comes back from doing his job really. What Ah’m more concerned about is our new sister’s confidence and self-esteem. It’s absolutely a wreck.”

 Lyra blinks in surprise. “Are you kidding me, Fiddlesticks? How can you be saying that after all she’s gone through? She dared brave the Everfree forest to go after fillies she didn’t even know and stood up against that Sombra even after being nearly killed. There’s also the fact that she’s willing to go on patrol against those timberwolves.” The minty one just stares at them. “She’s always had confidence when it came to helping us in the university too!” She huffs. “Tell me, where exactly are you coming up with this confidence issue?” She crosses her forelegs and waits for Fiddles’ response and Eris is leaning forward, wanting to know about her master as well.

 Fiddles sighs and lowers her hat over her eyes, much like her cousin does when broaching a heavy subject. “Lyra, Ah guess you haven’t been able to reconnect with Vi as well as you’d like, or you’d have noticed already. It definitely ain’t a matter of whether she can or can’t with that mare. Get mah back to the wall and there ain’t a mare Ah’d rather have in a pinch more than her or AJ. That’s the problem though, when she doesn’t have time to think, she’s absolutely fantastic.”

 Octavia tilts her head. “It’s like pre-show jitters then?” She glances at the door, wondering. “That doesn’t sound like her at all.”

 “Heh, except amplified like crazy, Sis. Ah blame those music snobs and her parents among other things.” Fiddles sighs and forges on. “Give her time to stew and she can easily convince herself she’s not near good enough to meet the level of expectations the rest of us see her at.” She holds up a hoof. “Ah know she can, we all do. It’s just she’s been taking hits to her self-image from the day she graduated.” She grimaces. “The graduation concert, the who’s who of music and connected circles shunning her, her PARENTS kicking her out and later disowning her, that all added up over time.” She takes a breath and continues. “What you didn’t hear of the Sombra incident is that she tried to take him on and he turned her magic back on her, controlling her instead.” Both Lyra and Octavia gasp at that, eyes shrinking to near pinpoints in shock, causing Fiddlesticks to nod. “That was the major blow, honestly.”

 Lyra shakes her head. “But… but…” She takes a deep breath. “She’s done just as much good! She stopped the Windigos, helped Twilight break the spell on Sunset Shimmer, AND made that final push on that fear spirit. She’s done a lot of good overall.”

 “Ah wish Ah could say why, but Ah can’t?” Fiddles frowns a bit before wondering. “Ah reckon if she completes this task the princess gave her on her own, that could do the trick to healing her. If she can do it on her own, even better.” Lyra is about to ask what task it is when the front door opens and a very ruffled gryphon pads inside.

 “Blacklin, you made it back safely!” Lyra calls out, hopping off her perch to dart over to the catbird. “Sir, I owe you something for that save, so please accept it.” With that, she leans forward and gives him a kiss before sauntering back, calling over her shoulder. “That is certainly a knight’s reward, don’t you think?”

 Eris falls over laughing at the expression adorning Blacklin’s face, though she quickly regains control and shifts to Ponyflea as he hops up and down in worry. “Ya okay, Blacklin?” That question is pretty much on everypony’s mind evidently as they’re all looking at him, causing him to snap out of his shock.

 Blacklin clears his throat, embarrassed. “No damage, ladies. That monster won’t be finding us again. I made sure of that.” He smirks at the questioning looks. “It’s simple enough. I led him rather far away from this place before putting him to sleep with sleeping gas.” He indicates a small belt and pouch on his person. “Exploding gas pellets guaranteed to put anything to sleep. Once he was asleep, I was able to get back here without issue.” There’s a wry grin on his beak and answers the unspoken question. “I may dabble in alchemy during my spare time.”

 Fiddles nods in approval. “Well, looks like Eris was right to have you come aboard as Vi’s trainer. Not bad, Blacklin, you’re not bad at all!” Blacklin tries to wave it off as it wasn’t a big deal.

 Humanflea is still present and speaks up to get another question answered. “Blacklin, what kind of monsters have you fought before? Most fearsome?”  

 Blacklin considers that, aware that they’re still focused on him. “Well, only two kinds really outside of the timberwolves from the Everfree. The first is probably the most well-known to anypony that knows gryphon history. They’re called cyclops, half-mountain goat, half-mountain gorilla that seem to have some unknown rivalry with our race. Those one-eyed nutcases are constantly going after any particularly valuable artifacts we hold.” He shakes his head. “I’ve dealt with one or two when I was in the fields testing my creations.” He taps his beak thinking how to follow it up. “The only other creature of note is the crocotta.” He shudders. “Nasty things that I do NOT want to describe since I’m sure you want to sleep sometime soon. I’ll just say this; they’re like bigger and nastier hyenas. They’re tricksters that prey on the weak and know no fear. THAT so far is the most fearsome creature I’ve seen so far.” He pads over and flops down on the nearest free spot available. “So someone fill me in on what I missed?”

 Vi takes a moment to try and figure out what she’s implying. “Different? From what Starswirl left behind, you three reveled in causing in-fighting and gaining power from the emotions fueling it, right?” She pauses, treading carefully at the wary look she’s now getting. “Sonata, please don’t panic, but I already guessed who you were. You trusted me with your secret, so I want to be open about mine.” She indicates the journal. “You weren’t the only ones thrown forward. That’s a matching pair to a journal Starswirl has.” She tightens her hug, keeping Sonata firmly planted. “I’d already been compared to a Siren before now.” She sighs. “I was with Princess Celestia trying to understand what exactly my powers are when we found that thing.” Sonata looks increasingly worried now. “Starswirl left a message and warning that you three were on the loose still with your powers intact and a request for her to basically handle it.”

“Well, that was obviously a lie.” Sonata huffs in response, annoyed in spite of her worry. “He pretty much ruined us! Breaking our power so badly we can barely defend ourselves!”

 Vi shakes her head at Sonata’s protest. “Well, it could be that or he didn’t want to admit that he royally messed up to somepony he considers a peer. Powerful ponies and their pride, you know?” She smiles wanly. “Now here comes the part you might not like. Princess Celestia, in all her infinite wisdom, decided to give the job of dealing with the Sirens to me.” That gets a strangled squeak out of the former siren.  “What do you mean, deal with us?” Sonata looks panicked as she tries to get away. “You… how could you… you were playing me all along?!”

 Vi hangs on. “Sonata, hang on! I told you, didn’t I? Think! What would I gain from doing that?” She keeps a grip on to her new friend. “I have zero plans on doing anything, especially not after getting to know you, Sonata!” Her words manage to get through and the siren calms somewhat, though she’s still tense.

 “How can I trust you? I mean, why would I?” Sonata speaks meekly, the tears pooling again as her stress peaks.

 “I wish I could offer proof, but I honestly just came here to have a good time with my friends. I didn’t bring anything that would prove my sincerity other than open honesty.” Vi sighs. “Maybe if we finish what we were talking about, we can reach some kind of agreement?” Sonata cautiously nods, so Vi relaxes her grip. “So, back to what I was saying before I spilled the beans. You reveled in chaos, so you've never actually watched the ponies when they're working together in harmony, seen what they like and do?”

 Sonata grimaces. “Why would we? It wasn't our way. Our way was chaos. We couldn't gain power from positivity.”

 “Couldn’t gain power from positivity?” Vi frowns. 'She's calming down at least, but I don’t know enough about sirens to say for sure if this is true.' “As far as I go, I don't... I've never gotten a boost from the results of my power, either positive or negative."

 Sonata shakes her head, calming down now that she’s on more familiar ground. “It’s instinctive yes, using the power. It’s another to actively absorb it. You have to learn to tap into it basically. If I’m right, you would have had a crystal like mine.”

 Vi frowns. “Sonata... I'm not…” She stops and tries again. “Is this just about getting your power back? Are you looking to escape your current leader?" She frowns slightly. “Just being powerless isn’t enough to cause that sheer desperation I saw.”

 Sonata winces. “Adagio Dazzle, she's... cruel.” She doesn’t seem ready to say more on that.

 "....." Vi shifts so she's facing Sonata. "Are you just now realizing this? I mean, after traveling among the good-natured ponies and seeing just how different they are?"

 Sonata nods, letting out a breath. “She calls them weak, pathetic.” She stares at the door leading to the living room. “Easy prey, you know?” She shakes her head and shivers. “But I saw what they were capable of when working together.”

 Vi glances at her burned foreleg. "The only reason I'm still alive in my case. I can attest to that."

 Sonata shudders. “I was there during that incident, I heard your music and felt the magic in it, but at the time, I didn’t know who it was.” She admits. “I think that’s when I started to realize and hope.” She looks away. “As for breaking away, I'm not sure if I can say anything to her...not without...”

 Vi offers. "Not without somepony to be there as support?" She sees Sonata flinch and shake her head.

 “No, she'll see it as weakness.” Sonata winces on admitting that.

 Vi looks confused then. “Then what do you expect from me?"

 Sonata frets at that. “I…” She looks lost for words only to look up as Vi places a hoof on hers.

 Vi smiles warmly at her. "I don't think I'm what you want me to be, but…" She pauses and continues. "Maybe I can be what you need, if you can trust me." She stares into Sonata’s eyes. “Honestly, I don’t know what the princess expects of me when she says to deal with you, but she’s given me free reign on the matter.” Her smile dims. “I’m scared to death of the expectations everypony is having of me because of a fluke.” She waves her healing foreleg to emphasize the point. “Broken record, but I barely survived the first time on sheer luck. Everypony I know expects me to be somepony I’m think I’m not.”

 Sonata looks surprised at the admission and offer. “You… I don’t think anypony’s ever been that open and honest with me before, not even them… well, unless you count what they think of my silliness.” She tries to smile briefly before going on. “I’ll try and trust you, Viola.”

  “Thank you, now I do have some questions. When you say you can’t gain anything from positive energy, have you never tried it yourself or just accepted what Adagio told you?”

 “I wouldn’t worry too much. You might be right about the wood not holding up against that creature, but it seems like Blacklin knew exactly what he was doing.” Lyra comments as she stirs the spoons in the darkening milk.  “I’m just glad he was there, period. Octavia, like Sonata said, we’re fine, just a little rattled.” She quickly relates what happened to the worried Earth pony before setting the warm drinks in front of herself and Sonata.  “Honestly, I think that gryphon’ll be fine, but he better get his tail back in one piece so I can thank him for the save.”  Octavia smiles warmly, now that she knows things are all right. “Easy to forget this world of ours is dangerous, isn’t it?” She’s speaking softly, though it probably isn’t necessary as the lesson seems to be over.  “I really wish it wasn’t, and understood why, but the best we can do is stay on our hooves.”  Sonata sips away at her drink and hums.  “You may not know, but somepony has to, right?” She snags her drink, eyes following Viola as she retreats to the bedroom. “Excuse me.” She makes her way after the violist, causing the others in the kitchen to glance at each other. “She approaches the door and knocks. “Viola, can we talk? I don’t think I want to wait.”  Vi is jolted out of her thoughts and looks up from where she’d laid Celestia’s magical journal, absently noting Eris’ appearance on her desk. “What, is that you, Sonata?” Her quill is hovering to the side as she looks at the door where Sonata is poking her head in.

 “Yes, sorry to bug you, but I just got scared out of my wits by a monster! You seem to be the one in charge?“ Sonata stops as Vi starts banging her head repeatedly, a dull thunk heard each time. “Er, something I said?”

 Vi stops and just lets her head rest on the table, Eris clearly resisting the urge to cackle and settles for patting her partner on the cheek with a tiny hoof. “Only everypony assuming that I have the ability to be in charge and deal with issues, that’s all.” She sighs deeply. “I’m just a musician who wants ONE trip to go as planned.” She pauses before groaning. “And I’ve stated that so many times I’m feeling like a broken record.” She sighs and waves for the mare to enter. “Come on in, Sonata.”

 She steps in and settles on the bed. “I’m sorry? I didn’t mean anything, you know? I just want to know what’s going on.”  She watches Viola write in the book for a minute. “So what’s going on? Just looking at you, I can see Equestria is a mess. What happened to make it this way?” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I know you said we’d chat tomorrow, but after being attacked, what all of you said tells me I need to know fast before I get really hurt.”

 Vi sighs as she reads what’s written before shutting the journal. “I suppose I can go ahead, given what happened.”

 Sonata looks happy to hear that as she sips her chocolate and waits for Vi to start. Though a moment later, she frowns. “Hang on. Can we go ahead and talk about your powers too?” Sonata leans forward eagerly. “It’s seriously bugging me.”

Vi gauges her before deciding to cave. “Honestly, I don’t know where to start with this, but why are you so interested in my powers? Other than the fact that you think we share the same…” Vi trails off, unsure of how to put it before forging on. “Never mind, I’ll just tell you my story.” She closes her eyes in memory before she starts retelling her story to the eager mare. She starts with the disastrous concert, gestures accompanying the tale, and eventually ends with the recounting of her struggle against Sombra and his possessor.  “It was definitely a move of desperation on my part. It’s part of why I question why Celestia thinks I’m capable of…” She trails off. “She’s the one that compared me to a Siren, my powers, you know?”

“She thought you were like a siren, for realsies? “ Sonata speaks up, looking excited but hesitant, staring into her cup. Vi opens her mouth to say something, but Sonata cuts her off. “I’m a Siren.” She glances at the door, biting her lip. “Well, I used to be.” Vi hisses, not expecting Sonata to come out and say it. “I think that’s what you are as well.” Her face is unsure. “I don’t know how, but your power has all the earmarks we’re known for.”

“You think I’m a…” Vi shakes her head in confusion. “I was most certainly born to ponies. I think my family would know if there was a Siren in their lineage.”

  Lyra blinks as she turns to regard Sonata curiously. “Why do you want to know? We’re kind of protective of her, after all.” She continues to trot along till they find a spot with a good view of the lake and she has a seat. “I don’t think she’ll mind me saying a few things about her. Though I’m surprised you don’t know who she is. You must really have been out of touch.”

  “You can definitely say that.” Sonata has a weak smile. “Sorry, it’s just personal reasons. I’ve never been received well because of what I used to be able to do.” She looks away over the water. “I really don’t want to say any more though. Things I thought I knew…” She shrugs helplessly.

  Lyra studies Sonata a moment as she thinks about it. “Well, first off, the lot of us, aside from Blacklin and Silver Spoon, know each other from the music academy.  We spent several semesters sharing the same classes and all.” She notices her look. “Yes, there’s an academy for music. It might not be as important as those geared towards teaching skill sets aimed towards providing protection, but it’s still significant. Ponies need something to focus on besides the dangers outside the city’s walls.” She holds up a hoof to forestall questions. “That’s something you can ask Viola tomorrow when you two talk. Let me just answer, all right?” Sonata just nods in response. “Thank you. It goes without saying we got to know each other rather well and at the time, Vi never knew about her ability. So we got to know the mare before we found anything out.  Does that explain it?”

  “It really does.” Sonata bites her lip. “So you were the only ones that supported her when it came out?” Lyra nods. “She’s never abused it too, huh?”

  “It’s always been self-defense after that first accidental use.” Lyra nods, confirming her thoughts, leaving Sonata to sit back and mull that one over.  Such thoughts are short-lived though as a centicore, an antelope-like creature with flexible horns, burst out of the foliage. It lands near them and paws the ground, glaring at them with its white tusks gleaming in the moonlight.  Lyra yelps as she falls backwards before scrambling to her hooves, taking in the large creature, as does Sonata. Poor Eris spills off the mare at the sudden upending, and floats up after, moving close to the mint unicorn and looking just as apprehensive as the other two. As large as the princess, it looms over them, muscles rippling as it snorts, getting ready to charge.  Lyra cautiously speaks up, hoping against hope it’s only putting on a front. “Er, hello there. Nice evening, isn’t it? You don’t want to gore us with those tusks of yours, right?” She smiles weakly up at it before yelping as it bellows a challenge at them.

  “I don’t think it’s in the mood for friendly chatter, Lyra!” Sonata hesitates briefly before coming to a decision. “Listen to me, get ready to…RUN!” Her last word is shouted, its volume amplifying and hitting the frenzied creature with a crushing pressure of sound. Caught by surprise, the beast staggers back, disoriented. Lyra needs no further urgings, bolting around the edge of the lake, running pell-mell towards the cabin, Eris flailing as she hangs onto her mane. Sonata is hot on her heels, but they can both hear the enraged cry of the centicore as it recovers and thunders after them. “No no no, this can’t be happening!”

   A shadow flits over them, and a bang is heard as bright light erupts from behind them, followed seconds later by the angry cry of an injured beast. Lyra and Sonata risk a look behind them to see the gryphon rushing deeper into the mountain, intent on leading the enraged chimera away from them and the cabin. Lyra shakily speaks up. “Don’t stop?” Sonata rapidly nods, not even breaking stride. “Right, we’re not stopping.” They put on speed, and only when they dive through the front door and slam it shut, do they collapse. “That was terrifying! I don’t see how Fiddlesticks and Viola can do patrols at the farm, knowing they can run into stuff like that!” Eris shivers, burying herself in Lyra’s mane.

 Said pony looks up, briefly annoyed before shifting to Ponyflea. There's a look of suspicion on his face as he poses his question. "I do know there are ways for non-unicorns to recharge gems. It depends on what kind of spell is housed inside." 

 "Well, it's not exactly a spell, Umm..." Ponyflea pulls out a small sign with his name on it. "Ponyflea, is it?" She blinks before forging on. "It's like, oh I don't know, the essence of what makes me unique among Earth Ponies, yeah? I already said I was rather musically inclined." She has an annoyed look. "It used to be internal, but that idiot broke something. He thought I was some kind of threat, like, can you believe it? Lil' old me? I can't even be me anymore, the arrogant jerk."

 There's a heavy silence as Eris reverts to normal and takes another bite, keeping an eye on Sonata, though she’s far from the only one. Blackin has a calculating look on his face as he regards Sonata, and it’s evident he’s bothered by what he just heard. However, it's Beauty Brass that finally pipes up, wanting to break the awkwardness a bit. "Wow. I thought Viola had it rough, what with her unusual magic." Vi's eyes widen and start shaking her head, but Beauty either ignores it or doesn't see it as she continues. "She can definitely relate. You know she was actually accused of attacking the Princess through her music the first time she played for an audience? Apparently she can affect other ponies' emotions with her music if she gets lost in it." Sonata's jaw drops at that as her head whips around to stare at Viola in shock, causing Beauty Brass to grin. "I know, right? It's pretty awesome!"

 "Y-yeah. That's… actually my gift too. I didn't want to say anything before." Sonata looks a bit shaken. "I think that's why I was attacked actually and I thought you lot wouldn't take it well. I mean that messes with your heads, right?"

 Vi stares at her before softening. "I think...Beauty Brass is right, I can relate. However…" She sighs quietly. "Sonata, I think this conversation should wait a bit." She gestures around. "This is meant to be an evening to be enjoyed." She ruffles Silver's mane. "Table it for tomorrow and we can talk about it."

 Octavia pauses. "Sister, I thought you were past...?"

 "It's not that, I just want to get all my thoughts together so I can address her concerns with confidence. Right now, all I want to do is enjoy friends and family." She pauses. "As well as get Silver started on lessons. See how much she knows about music theory and go from there." Silver blinks up and looks at her new mentor. Vi nods to her before turning back to Sonata.

 Sonata stares at her before hesitantly nodding. "I think I'd like that." She shakes her head, trying to rein in her thoughts. "So um, getting back to the imp there...?"

 Fiddlesticks snorts. "Imp is the right word. Ah blame her for complicating Vi's life in more than a few ways, and ours, but heck, it's been entertaining too." Eris sticks her tongue out at the fiddler, causing the pony to laugh.

 Blacklin gives Eris a wry smile at her action. "It’s more like willful meddler actually. Independent too, she took initiative on her own to pester me to do something for Vi. At this point, I would call her a partner to Viola, rather than a possession, she's grown that much."

 "That does figure though, she's a creation of Discord." Sonata gives her a surprised look. "She's not a bad pony. She is just as unpredictable really” She chuckles ruefully. 

 Sonata blinks. "You lot really are an interesting bunch, aren't you?" Her eyes darken as she looks down at her bowl. 'I really don't want them to get in my way. I’m already starting to like them.' She pushes her bowl away. "Anyways, I think I'm full. Thank you for the meal, Fiddlesticks, Silver Spoon." She stands. "I'm just going to go outside for a bit." She grabs her dishes and takes them to the kitchen. The last thing she hears before stepping out is Fiddles asking if she can help Viola with Silver Spoon.

 “Of course you can help, sis.” Vi nods before glancing at the door. “Though I think we need to have a little talk. Black, sis, meet me in the bedroom.”  She turns to Octavia and the others. “Sorry, but we need to work something out before we share with the rest of you. Can you take care of the clean-up? This is something of an emergency, to be honest.”

 Octavia waves them off. “Shoo, we’ve got this. Just keep us in the loop once you’re done.” She nudges the others and they get busy clearing the table. Vi looks satisfied and trots towards the bedroom and vanishes, followed by Blacklin and Fiddles. Beauty glances towards Silver’s things and pulls Silver off into the lounge area to help her get set up for her first lesson.  “I REALLY hope this isn’t about to turn into something disastrous. This was supposed to be a simple fun outing.” She sighs. “Well, at least it shouldn’t be too bad. It sounds like they just came into some unexpected information.”

 Lyra nods. “If it’s about our new friend, she’s pretty nice. Doesn’t seem like a bad sort at all.” She glances towards the door. “In fact, when we’re done, I’m going to go out there and get to know her a bit more. She’s apparently been around and I’m curious what kind of music is heard beyond our borders.”  Octavia pauses and nods in response, prompting Lyra to get busy washing dishes, so she can put action to words.

 In the bedroom, there’s a thick silence as the three in the know stare at the journal Vi had set out. Fiddles looks from it to her sister. “Ah’m starting to think ya got hit with a curse, sis.” She stabs at the journal. “Ah say we nail down what we just learned before we go doing anything rash.”

 Blacklin grimaces. “I’d say it’s far from rash what she’s thinking. You and I both heard the full story from Vi there. A lot of the information matches up with what Starswirl reported.“

 “Ah reckon so, but why would she be so straightforward and honest about it? Ah didn’t hear a lick of lying in that whole mess.” Fiddlesticks mentally reviews the conversation before pausing. “The only sticking point Ah caught hesitation on was the reason for being attacked. She certainly wasn’t lying about being broken.” She sighs. “Ah like her, and as far as Ah know, that’s the real her, not a mask she’s hiding behind.”

 Vi sighs. “Assume she is one of the Sirens. If she’s not lying, then the only possibility is Starswirl screwed up his assessment.” She glances at Fiddlesticks. “As for your doubts, I have to agree, she doesn’t seem like the kind of monster that would require Starswirl to go to such lengths.”

 Blacklin frowns as he taps a claw in thought. “It’s way too early to judge, definitely too many factors to consider though her reacting to your powers is a near clincher. Vi, as far as Starswirl goes, it’s either that, or he mucked it up and just didn’t want to admit he didn’t know what happened. He made an assumption and stated it as fact to save face. Consider who he was writing to.” He smirks. “As for Sonata being a monster? We’re dealing with her by herself. On her own she’s probably harmless BECAUSE of her personality. Some people aren’t monsters until they’re following the wrong crowd.” He shrugs. “That’s just my thoughts. We’ll have to wait until she plays her hand though.”

 Vi sighs. “I think I’ll write to Starswirl and ask him to ask him to restate only what he’s sure about, and what he wants to have done about them. That’s something that’s bugging me, honestly.”

 Vahn nods, turning to Octavia. "I would think a vocalist WOULD qualify given that there are several awesome acapella groups out there. The Ponytones, Peter Hollens, etc." He swivels around to look at Sonata. "Also I gotta ask. Sonata do you have a band of your own?"

 Octavia blinks several times. "I do see your point, Fiddles. Isn't your cousin Big Macintosh a part of the Ponytones? Though this Peter person doesn't ring a bell. It doesn't even sound Equestrian!" The others nod in agreement at that.

 Fiddlesticks snorts. "He sure is, sis. A good example too, too bad Eris here hasn't heard them otherwise Ah could have her sing to demonstrate." She shrugs before turning to Sonata. "Well, Ah do believe you've been asked something."

 Sonata hesitates slightly. "Well, I do belong to a group, but we never really had a name before." She smiles sheepishly. "We never exactly performed for others, it was just for our own benefit, y'know?" She shrugs in embarrassment.

 "Well, I suppose that's why we've never heard or seen you before." Lyra comments before shrugging. "Still, you'll get to sing for somepony else for a change." She grins as she spots Eris shifting again back to Humanflea.

"You finally made it to the cabin, so what's first on the agenda?"

Lyra snorts. "What's first?" She's already gotten her harp out and is holding it up. "It's time for us to play!" She grins broadly. "That means.. Eris! Stow the questions till later!"

 Fiddlesticks cuts in. "Now hold on, Lyra! If we're gonna be ready, Ah say we don't hold back even in the warm up. That ornery musician is looking for the best, so play your dang heart out, something you know and love with passion." She stomps her foot in emphasis. "Ah reckon it won't matter none if we know the song. Just think about the enchanted instruments at school, we'll play along with no problems if you do it right."

 None of them notice the two pairs of glowing eyes that are barely visible in the daylight, looking in and listening as they all agree to the challenge. Soon the cabin is filled with solos as each tries their hoof at drawing in the others into their favorite song. This carries on well into the evening before they finally call for an end, with everypony in high spirits. When the question of who cooks dinner comes up, an excited Silver Spoon scurries into the kitchen. "I want to help cook! I don't get to do it often enough at home!" Fiddlesticks chuckles as she ambles in after the filly.

 "We got this covered, y'all. Chat away!" She waves before pausing. "Questions too, Ah'm sure." That said, she vanishes into the kitchen, leaving the rest to chatter.

 Eris doesn't disappoint, slipping back into the form of Humanflea who speaks up, bouncing in his curiosity. "Hi Sonata, why are you out here alone? It's dangerous to stay in the woods alone, you never know what's lurking around."

 Sonata blinks at that. "Huh? Like, what do you mean? My friends and I haven't exactly had too much trouble." She has a distant look as she thinks. "I did notice we had to avoid some critters that usually didn't bother us before now." She frowns slightly. "Also Equestria just feels..." She hesitates. "Grimmer, I think."

 Viola pauses at that, sharing a look with Blacklin before turning back to ask. "You make it sound like you haven't been here in a long while, but yes, you’re not wrong. We have our suspicions, but there have been a lot of steadily growing issues here of late."

 Sonata shrugs sheepishly. "We've been out of Equestria for a long long while and only just got back, yeah?" She sighs and taps her ruby. She’s about to continue when Humanflea bounces up, flipping and shifting into Ponyflea. “What?”   The purple-coated stallion points at said ruby while speaking. “Oooh, that's a lovely ruby miss Sonata, I was wondering where you got it?”   Sonata blinks. “I was about to answer that. "Ahem. As for why I'm here, it’s because of this ruby. It’s a family heirloom. Recently it lost its power though so I'm looking for a way to revitalize it." She turns to gaze at the lake. "I have a strong connection with music and this rumor? Well, I couldn't pass it up."

  "It's good to see you found something to your liking, I'm a bit glad it's a brass instrument, as your group is a little heavy on the string instruments. Would you ever consider playing a song with that other filly, what was it again... ah, Sweetie Belle?"

   Silver blinks in shock, walking along quietly as she turns the questions over in her head. "Um... To that first one, not...really? I hadn't even thought about it yet. Maybe ask me again after I'm sure this is something I want to do, okay?" She glances at her instrument case in thought. "As for Sweetie Belle, maybe. I definitely want to get to know them now. I never really wanted to pick on them in the first place, you know?" She sighs. "If she'll give me a chance then yeah, after I've learned how to play."

   Eris returns to normal as she grins and bounds back over to Viola, settling in her mane. She glows briefly before everything goes dim. When things are visible again, the girls are seen gazing at a crystal clear lake, with a rustic cabin nestled off to the side and a pier nearby. Viola takes a deep breath of the fresh air. "Ladies, it looks like we're all here! Roll call please, so we make sure we're not missing anyone. Viola Strum, violist!"

  The rest of the mares giggle and sound off as well. "Lyra Heartstrings, harpist!"

   "Beauty Brass, sousaphonist!"

   "Octavia Melody, cellist!"

   "Fiddlesticks Melody, violinist/fiddler!"

   Blacklin steps forward, drawing their attention. "Blacklin, interested in string instruments." This statement gets him various expressions, most of them curious.

  Lyra speaks up. "Well, you should have said something sooner, Viola could have helped you get something along with Silver Spoon. You strike me as a guitar player though. Though speaking of our little filly..."

   As one they all look at Silver Spoon who eeps and fidgets before speaking shyly. "Silver Spoon, trombonist?" They all laugh and pull her into a friendly hug.

   At this point an unfamiliar voice chimes in to finish the roll call with a giggle. "Sonata Dusk, vocalist!" There's dead silence as all present focus on the unexpected addition. The mare has an arctic blue coat, with a darker shade for a mane, with even darker blue stripes running through it. Raspberry eyes twinkle with merriment as she bursts into laughter at their looks of surprise. "What? It looked like fun when I saw you doing it so I joined in!" She turns slightly, letting them see a heart with a rocking note overlapping it as her cutie mark.

  "Where'd you come from?!" Lyra squeaks out in surprise before recovering and trotting over to meet the mare face to face. "This place doesn't really get all that many visitors.

   "Well, I've been here since yesterday, figuring out whether I wanted to do this or not." She glances over at the lake, fiddling with a ruby gemstone hanging off her neck. "Everypony that knows about it says this place isn't to be trifled with."

   "Hm. I didn't think a vocalist could qualify, but.." Octavia ponders it. "The goal is to create song with passion using whatever your talent is. So I suppose it would work for you."

   Fiddlesticks grins. "Well, tell you what. we ain't tackling the legend straight off. We are gonna get settled in for the night, and have ourselves a party. The instruments are coming out, and we're gonna have a grand ol' time warming up. You're welcome to join us, Miss Sonata."

   "A party? For realsies? I'm definitely down for that." Sonata cheers happily. "Come on, the place is pretty cozy. well-kept too. I was totally surprised by how clean it was." The cheerful pony leads the way towards the cabin.

  “Hmph. Of course I know. I wasn’t exactly asking for the attention myself.” She retorts and turns to glance at Silver Spoon. “I was only looking out for the next generation and ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “I tease of course, I know you well, Viola. Speaking of the younger crowd...” He turns to regard the young filly. “Who’s the young one? She looks a little.. out of place here.”   “Radiant Note? This is Silver Spoon. It seems I have been given a trial run as her mentor. She’s in sore need of one, and I was volunteered. So, I decided to start with what worked for me, and am seeing if any instrument clicks for her. You know as well as I do that one does not have to be a note, to enjoy playing instruments. Though the fact that she has yet to find her mark means it’s not still a possibility.” “Only too well.” Radiant nods. “Then let me have a hoof in things, and well see how it goes. Though I assume you have the bits to back this up?”   Viola is about to answer when Eris, deciding to stay hidden whispers in her ear, using Humanflea’s voice. “I think her mother would cover the cost of the instrument. No sense expecting the impromptu mentor to pay for it.” This prompts her to stop and think about it before nodding.   “Well, yes, I believe this would fall under expenses so yes, we should have the bits.” Viola murmers. “By all means, see if there’s anything here that draws her attention. Radiant Note smiles and trots forward, engaging the young filly in small talk, casually introducing her to the various instruments available. She sighs and mutters softly. “Thank you, Flea for that reminder. I was about to start panicking.”   “Hehe.” She can feel him bouncing a bit before a heavier weight settles and Ponyflea chips in. “Please tell me you’re going to go ghost hunting with a theremin.” This causes a look of confusion on Viola’s face for a long bit.   She wanders over to said instrument and studies it, sticking a hoof in to creat the music. “What do you...? Oh. OH!” She laughs. “No no no,  We’re not even hunting ghosts! besides.” She smiles before wincing at a screech as Silver plays a bad note on a clarinet. “We’re going out there to spend time together, play music and maybe earn whatever prize is said to be waiting for us.” Viola trots over, keeping a smile plastered on her face as more instruments get tortured.