Chapter 37
I yawn as I finish the last of the books, or at least what I deemed to be relevant chapters. I'm exhausted but if it helps with Copper it's worth it. It's already noon. My stomach roars in outrage but I don't think I can appease it. I think I've gone so long without food if I ate something now it would just make me sick.
As if by some magical cue, Pinkie is here, with muffins and an outrageous smile.
"Hiya! I heard a grumbly belly so I brought brekkies!"
"Pinkie?" I say confused at her sudden appearance. Was my door even open?
"Echo?" She smiles all the wider. "Hungry?" She puts the half dozen muffins in my face.
"Oh, yes, how did you know?" I ask.
"Pinkie has an ear for these things." She flops her ears around as if that explains it.
"Oh , okay," I take a small bite of one and swallow before speaking, "So I found out that a 'broken' pegasus is the symbol of disgrace itself, so that's where the blame is placed, kind of. I still don't understand it, but I think I understand enough for Copper."
"Yeah, pegasus kids with, uh, 'deformities' are super frowned upon, which is super sad."
"Well, I figure no matter what she's feeling, even if I don't think it should bug her as much as it does, I owe her an apology. I was gonna maybe try and sing something for her. I'm not sure Griffon City is the way to go though. There are some songs just best left to the studio." I say rubbing the back of my neck.
"Hmm. Hmm." Pinkie nods. "Something sweet as honey! That shows you care and you'll be there if and when she needs you!"
"Yeah, um… oh, 'Safe and Sound' by The Changeling Wars, that's a good one, I'm not sure I could write my own song and score it, that was always Octy and Neons thing."
"Ooooh, that is a good one! I can help you remix it if you like!"
"Oh, yeah, I think a remix would be nice." I smile at her. I.. I wonder…. what kind of stallion does she like… or… mares… I hope it isn't mares, wait, why would I hope that? I'm not, Gods am I crushing? I can't crush on Pinkie I have to go home to Canterlot soon.. and I can't just ask a new special somepony to leave with me.
"So do you want to do a classic remix where we take all the bits already there and mash them around or do a parody style remix where we take the tune and rewrite all the words? Ooh, and we could duet!"
"Yeah I'd love to do a duet with you! I think the lyrics are pretty good alone, which ones would you change?" I ask her.
"Not many, actually! I think rearranging the first and second verse would fit the situation more, but over all the words do fit really well! Change a few words a tiny bit and it'll be perfect!"
"Like this?" I say and start the song with the basic tune on my flute, then starting to sing the words, making it up as I go with a little foresight.
"Try not to think too hard, darling
The world you knew is wrong
The pain inside your heart is blazing on
Hold onto our lullaby
Even when the music's gone
Please
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No laws can hurt you now
Come evening light
I'll make sure you're safe and sound
I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, "I really have to go"
When all their mistakes almost killed your light
I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone"
but I was wrong and now I'm here tonight
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
Nothing can hurt you now
Come evening light
You will still be safe and sound
Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh
La La (La La)
La La (La La)
Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh
La La (La La)
Just close your eyes
You'll be alright
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound…" Around the second verse, Pinkie joins in, predicting some of the words almost before I realize where I'm headin myself. Her light and crystalline voice melds well with my deeper, smooth, but almost rough voice. The unison, the harmony, fits the mood of the original song and this new version well.
"Yeah, that's nice!" She says as she goes to write the changes down, magically producing pen and paper.
"Do you have an acoustic guitar we could use? Or should we do acapella, or just sing normally?" I ask.
"Mmmm.. acoustic! I've got a couple of guitars, though they may need tuning! Do you wonder if it would sound good with a violin, instead? It's soft and slow, perfect for the violin.."
"I think so, but I don't have one either, I sold mine to get ar-" I stop myself short.
"To get ar? Like, arrggh?" She imitates a pirate, squinting one eye closed, gritting her teeth and standing a bit off balance.
I laugh, "Yeah I took a pirate lesson for this one musical, the entry fee was kind of big, but hey Canterlot prices, what you gonna do?" I smile, thankful for the opening to lie she gave me.
"Oh. Well that kind of stinks." She frowns. "So, when you want to present this to Copper? You're like a musical genius- it didn't take long to put this together so I guess we don't really have to practice a lot."
I blush, almost in shock, ponies have called me talented… but not a genius. I space out pondering her words, apparently for a long time because when I come to she's inches away from my face waving her hoof in it.
"You, uh, okay there? Usually Twilight's the only one who day-dozes like that."
"Y-you think I'm genius?" I ask her my face feels hot, I'm probably blushing stronger.
"Uh, yeah! That's the second time you've rewritten a song on the fly and made it super awesome! That's super cool! I take a long time to write or rewrite stuff but you, you just go!"
She's right… I usually hate the way I play, I have for a long time, but even though Octy and Neon wrote lyrics and scores if they wanted me to change it I could.. after they left is when my works didn't feel right. But this, this with Pinkie, and Copper.. it feels right again.
"Well I'm ready if you are, let's get your violin and go." I smile "and thank you, Pinkie.. your singing is wonderful too."
"Nah, I just harmonize well. Perfect for cajoling ponies into randomly bursting into song, too!" She blushes, turning away.
"Well that's a talent in itself, you're a super pony, laughter is the very best medicine and singing and harmonizing can go hand in hand with laughter when it makes ponies feel good."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." She smiles at me. "Let's go serenade Copper already, come on!" She bounces out of my room and down the stairs before I can comment. I follow her all the way to Sugarcube Corner where she gets the violin and a small drum, and we go to the forgery together. We sneak around back and I toss a pebble to Copper's window with my magic hold. There is no answer so Pinkie decides to throw a rock. It cracks the window, but luckily only slightly…..
Copper's face appears in the window, drowsy and confused. Oh Gods, this is kind of nerve-wracking.. Pinkie starts a beat on her little drum, giving me no time to really worry. I add in the sound of my violin, then join Pinkie with the vocals. I lose myself quickly in the short but sweet song, putting all my apologies into the sound, all the support I should have given her in the first place. When it's done and I open my eyes, Copper is crying in her bedroom. But she's smiling really hard. She opens the window with some struggle.
"I- I don't know what to say.. That's really sweet, you guys." She calls down as she wipes away tears.
"We, uh...well, Pinkie said I should try to understand…. so I, we, went to the library and looked up pegasi history, law, and culture, and like you said, I don't understand still and nopony really can..but that doesn't mean it's okay to have left you, I'm sorry." I say.
"I told you I understand. It's okay." She turns away for a moment, like she's taken by surprise. To someone else out of sight she says, "No, I do forgive him." Turning back to us she asks, "Do you guys want to, I don't know, hang out?"
"Ye-" I pause, "Is Pilot in close proximity to any blunt or sharp objects?"
"Uh- what?" She says outright, but nevertheless turns and looks around. "Uh, n-no Pilot, only Discord up here… and I don't keep anything sharper than a hairpiece up here.."
"Oh , ok, yeah!.You wanna hang out Pinkie?" I say with a smile. I'll still have to be cautious and bolt up the stairs so Pilot doesn't' see or run into me. I'm not good at teleportation.
"Heckie yeah!" She says, jumping up and down ecstatically. "Come on, come on!" She grabs my hoof and drags me around the front of the house-forge, damn near shoving me inside with her enthusiasm. I run up the stairs hoping to the Gods Pilot and the other ponies aren't mad or out to teach me a lesson. Pinkie is laughing as we burst in the room, practically falling over each other. "Ohmygoshwhatarewegonnado?!"
"Golly, I don't know, Pinkie. I just got done working for the day, and Discord was.. just popping in." Copper giggles quietly to herself about that last thing, and Discord chuckles. "We ǹcould go out.. we have almost the entire second half of the day to do anything with.."
"Going out and for a walk or something sounds good, see what we can do on the way." I say.
"Ah yes, the park is lovely today, I'd recommend a good walk-by at the least." Discord adds, holding the door open already. Copper nods, leading the way out.
The walk from the forgery in the middle of nowhere to town is filled with Pinkie telling hilarious stories with silly jokes. It's nice for everypony to be smiling like they are, Copper especially because she's been down these past few days.. as far as I know. As we enter town proper and steer ourselves towards the park, the foals outside playing catch my attention. It looks like it's a birthday party down the street away, or a cuteceanera. They blow bubbles into the autumn winds, laughing and having a good time. It reminds me that my own birthday is wednesday, and that I'll have to get ponies together for my little 'party'. For now, I put it out of mind as we four walk. Just like Discord said, the park is lovely. The leaves are finally starting to turn, and the last blooming trees of the summer season are still full with flowers, though here and there they fall off, making a wonderful rain of petals and occasional leaves. Copper elbows me as we stop. Then looks at each of us, a grin growing on her face.
"Tag, you're it!" She yells as she hits me softly with a hoof, then bounds away, Pinkie and Discord quickly taking off after her. I scoff, for a moment taken aback by the childish game, but soon give in and start the chase.
"HAHA you fool! You're no match for the Royal Guard!" I gallop and quickly gain footing on Copper.
"No tag-backs, what are you, new at this!?" She yells, running all the same. She jumps to avoid my lunge after her, dashing off in another direction.
"Gah! That's no fair! You never said that and you know there are multiple versions to this game," I come to a screeching halt and kick up dirt in the process eyes quickly scanning back and forth and up and behind me for the other two. Pinkie is bouncing around, waiting to be chased. Discord is out of sight at the moment, so with a smirk I set my eyes and goals on Pinkie.
"RAWR!" I shout and I reach her easily, but I don't know how fast I'm going and when I take her, I fall on her and we tumble a few times until we crash land.
"Oh my gosh are you okay?" I ask, rubbing my head , holy lunar stars… she's landed on top of me. I can't knock her off either, she could get hurt more. This is awkward. She gets up, springing back to her hooves.
"Wowie that was crazy! Yeah, I'm great! That was cool! Aha, now to get the only pony who hasn't been it- Diiiiiiisscooooooooord!" She calls, suddenly disappearing and reappearing behind trees until out from one appears both her and Discord, and a rampant chase ensues. So, she didn't feel hurt or awkward?
"Hiya Mr. Echo!" Sweetie Belle's voice rings.
"It's Lieutenant Echo, Sweetie," Scootaloo corrects.
"I think iffin he's off duty he's 'Mr.', actually, Scoots." Apple Bloom further tries to correct as she follows up.
"Oh, hi girls." I quickly stand straight and try not to look like I've been acting their age and playing…. and admittingly enjoying tag.
"What're you doin', Mr. Echo?" Apple Bloom asks, putting emphasis on 'mister' to show Scootaloo she's right.
"Well, it actually is Lieutenant at all times as long as I hold the title." I smile. "Scootaloo is correct. And I'm just enjoying a quiet calm relaxing day at the park with friends nothing too exciting." No sooner do I say it does Discord whip his tail on my neck.
"You're it again, yes?" He says and flees. I feel my face hot again, I must be blushing so much. The girls chuckle but otherwise don't respond.
"H-hey, can we join in?" Scootaloo suddenly asks. In surprise at the request, I look to the others, but I don't think they can hear to object.
"Sure, but until they know you're playing you're secret," I lower my voice with a smirk, " Now, there's Pinkie, Discord who can't be tagged right away, and Copper, have you met her?" I say in whisper but like a drill sergeant giving mission orders. Two shake their heads and one nods after taking a quick, synchronized look at her.
"We played soccer a while back- that was when she injured her hoof!" Apple Bloom exclaims. "An' I think she was at the boutique the first time we really met you."
"Come to think of it, yeah!" Sweetie squeaks. Scootaloo nods in agreement. "What about her?"
"Okay, so you guys want to get Pinkie, or Copper? We will ambush one of them by surprise." I say. They look between each other, almost seeming to have a chat without any words.
"Pinkie!" They all exclaim, almost too loud.
"Okay, shhhhh, now I'll chase her to you, pretend to be doing something else. Don't let her pass." I say and gallop off to Pinkie again, who jumps into a run, much faster than before. I can barely keep up with her now, but that's to our advantage- she thinks she's safe. Without much struggle I basically herd her right towards the girls, who leap onto her with bear hug mentality, stopping her pretty quickly. I slow to a simple trot and tag her, "You're it, thanks girls, now Pinkie knows you're playing sooo run!" I smile and bolt as fast as I can manage but am significantly slower than before.
"Oh, I'm gonna get all of you!" Pinkie squeals, and begins chasing after the girls, bouncing around like, well, like it is! I find shelter behind a tree and see the girls make it past Copper, who, startled, starts running a bit too late and gets tagged. She trips up a bit but laughs it off, and then sets her eyes on Scootaloo, who stopped a bit after she noticed Pinkie had stopped.
"Run Scootaloo!" I shout. She shrieks and her little wings start buzzing as she tries to make a running turn. With the addition of her wings, she can make amazing sharp turns, making it hard for Copper to catch her. After she trips up for maybe a fourth time, she looks at who else she might be able to catch. Discord is across the field, posing like he's bored but I know he's trying to entice her to come after him. She ignores him, which seems really weird, and goes instead after the Crusaders again. As a group they're a little more clumsy than before, and she ends up tagging two of them at once. Apple Bloom and Sweetie giggle. Or at least it looks like they are, I'm a bit far to hear.
I trot over, "Time out!" I say and get over to them. "I'm a bit tired and hungry who wants to go find lunch, you girls can come too if you like."
"I'd like lunch, I think." Copper says, fighting off a laugh.
"Our sisters are over there having a picnic, we should probably ask them before we go anywhere." Sweetie Belle says, also giggling, but pointing further into the park where indeed the six elements and Spike are having a picnic.
"Alright, we can go ask, or if invited eat there, whichever happens I suppose." I say impartially and trot over. Scootaloo flutters again for a bit, it's rough. I've really never noticed before, but she only stays low to the ground and with small flutter bursts. She goes back to walking. The girls far ahead already, I look to Copper hoping that I don't have to ask the question and she picks it up from my eyes.
"I'm fine. How can I begrudge somepony for having something I don't, and a filly at that? I… I told everypony at dinner the other night that it was basically me overreacting… Nothing's really changed but the secret being out- and that doesn't change anything at all. I'm fine." She smiles.
"I'm glad you're ok. But um, do all fillies fly rough like that at first?" I whisper.
"No. Something's… not 'standard'." She says, trying to be correct but not hurtful. "From what I can see she's basically the same as me, but an immediate product rather than a delayed one. An earth pony parent and a pegasus parent. Or something a little less okay, and it's because the mother consumed alcohol during her pregnancy.. but I would not ask if I were you." She speaks with incredible seriousness and compassion, but no sign of personal hurt.
"Oh, no I wasn't going too, I just wanted to make sure, that she wasn't really physically hurt or sick.. like if not flying correctly is a symptom of serious illness. She's a good filly from what I can tell.I want her safe and healthy." I trip over my words, Gods I sound like my father and brother talking about Octy so many years ago..
"That's very kind of you. She seems happy." Copper is looking across to where the three fillies are talking with their sisters, Scootaloo bashfully talking with a cyan-coated, rainbow-maned pegasus. Soon we catch up to them at the gathering.