Chapters
Compose songs to gain power.
March back into Equestria and destroy Cadence and the Crystal Empire.
Continue to Canterlot and rule Equestria!
Sing a victory song
I snapped shut my little book and glared at its cover.
"Dagi? Are we going to school today?" Sonata Dusk asked me in her ditzy voice. "I can't remember if it's Tuesday or Thursday !"
"We'd go to that lame school on either day," Aria Blaze snapped back at her. I stood up and looked down at them.
"Girls, we aren't here to go to school ," I told them disdainfully. "We're here because we were banished here."
"Well, duh !" Sonata laughed. I smacked my forehead with my right hand.
"The important thing is composing the songs first," I said, clutching my book in my hands. "Any ideas girls?"
"We could, like, sing a song about how stupid this pathetic place is," Aria suggested in her dull voice.
"Oh, I know!" Sonata clapped her hands in excitement, which meant this wasn't going to be a good idea. "We can sing a song about disloyalty and mistrust! Like, we convince everyone they can't trust anyone!"
"Sonata, that's-" I was about to shoot her idea down, but I stopped.
"That's actually a decent idea," I finished.
"For realzies?" Sonata looked at me hopefully.
"You're taking idea from someone who's the worst?" Aria asked me in disbelief, unfolding her arms and standing up. I rolled my eyes.
"Just try to be more open-minded, Aria. Good ideas could hit you right in the face, and you wouldn't know it!" I stared at the cracked mirror that adorned the wall of our shabby house. "Now come on, we're going to school. Unfortunately, this world doesn't take kindly to girls that dropped out when they were fillies."
~
'Why must I sit through this torture? ' I thought as the teacher droned on and on about some war that happened a long time ago. The principal had insisted the three of us Dazzlings couldn't take the exact same classes, so I was stuck alone in History class.
"Miss Dazzle, could you please tell me the year that Canterlot High was founded?" I jumped, startled, when Teacher What's-His-Name spoke to me.
"I thought we were talking about a war," I responded frankly. To my surprise, the teacher nodded his approval.
"So you have been listening." Several girls giggled. I shot a glare at the closest one. She stuck her tongue out at me. If only she knew of my true power...
"Nevertheless, Miss Dazzle, I sincerely suggest you write down everything on the board. It will help you prepare for next week's test." He tapped on the pink notebook that sat in front of me.
"Fine- uh, I will," I answered, quick to change my spiteful tone into something decent. He nodded and went back to his boring lesson.
I did write in the notebook. I wrote two sentences about the war stuff and then I started writing lyrics for the song Sonata had suggested.
Do you think you know your friends?
They'll be with you until the end?
It's time for you to doubt,
All they're telling you 'bout.
And believe what others say about
THEM
I quietly hummed the tune I had in mind, then jotted down some notes about it.
THEM is really harsh, Son and Ari sing it.
Very quickly sung. Enchanting.
When that boring class ending, I pushed my way through the crowd, anxious to find Sonata and Aria. I was so anxious, I failed to notice the boy I bumped straight into.
"Sorry!" He apologized, turning to face me. He had a southern accent, blue skin like Sonata's, and ridiculously long, dark blue hair.
"It's alright." I smirked. "Excuse me."
"You're one of the new girls, right?" he asked me. "Adagio Dazzle, wasn't it? You were just in my history class?"
"Apparently." To be honest, I wasn't sure if he had been in that class, and I didn't really care.
"Well, listen. I know it's kinda hard to keep up the first few days, but if you ever need help to catch up on notes and stuff, you can ask me. I like to help others." He smiled, and I was tempted to roll my eyes.
"Um, thanks," I said, summoning the powers of sarcasm. He didn't pick up on it, though.
"Anytime. My name's Captain Planet, by the way." He stuck out his hand, as if he expected me to shake it.
For a second, I thought about saying, 'Forget it! ' and stomping off. But that would be kinda mean. I may be on a quest for limitless power and revenge, but I'm not cruel to innocent bystanders. Not too cruel, anyway.
I reached out and took his hand.
"Nice to meet you," I said. Under my breath I added, "Not really."
"See ya around," he said, then he turned and hurried off to join some of his hippy friends.
I shuddered and scanned the halls for Sonata and Aria. It was pretty hard, considering the place was more crowded than the Summer Sun Celebration.
"Sonata!" I yelled. "Aria! Where the heck are you two?"
"Well, I'm right here!" Sonata appeared at my side. "I just came from art class, and it is the best, for realzies! We got to aim manedryers- I mean hairdryers- at crayons, and they splattered all over the page! It was totally cool!"
"Be quiet, Sonata," I told her, still searching the seas of students. "I'm looking for Aria."
"Well, the bell's gonna be ringing any minute and I have to get to class!" Sonata pouted. I gritted my teeth. Her ignorance was really hard to bear sometimes.
"We are not here to enjoy this pathetic excuse for a school! We are supposed to be planning revenge!" I seethed. "Which we could do if I could only find Aria!"
A shrill sound pierced the halls, and just like that, the place was deserted. I circled around.
"Sonata?" Nobody responded. I was alone in a hallway. Not that it was a big deal or anything.
"Those girls are in for it," I growled. "Just going right on ahead to class without looking for me," I checked a map on the wall for directions, then stomped off to the gymnasium. I had work to do.
I sat on the stage in the gym as I finished up the lyrics to my new song. I suddenly wondered of anybody would notice I wasn't in class.
"Not likely," I muttered to myself. I drew my attention back to the task at hand. "One more run through, then I find Sonata and Aria."
I began to hum the opening lines to the song. I started soft, then I got louder, getting more into the music. I focused on my desire for revenge, revenge on the horrible ponies that had banished me and my friends to this awful, awful, place. It was called a crescendo in music terms. I liked that word. Crescendo .
"So even if you think, You know your friends at allllllll !" I sang the last lines to the empty gym. "Watch out. When they leave... " I paused for a moment, imagining how the words would take effect on the audience.
"You'll falllllll ," I finished, fading out.
"You know, you're really good. Why is the song so mean, though?" I jumped at the sound of a voice. It was that guy from earlier. Captain Planet. I folded my arms and glared at him.
"Don't you have to be in class?" I asked, ignoring his question about the song. Captain Planet looked straight at me.
"The staff kinda trusts me, so if students don't show up for class, I can go look for them."
"Yeah, right." I snorted. "I don't believe a word of it." Captain looked at his feet.
"'Kay, I lied. I do look for students, but it's on my own time. I'm technically supposed to be in the bathroom right about now." I groaned.
"So, Cap- can I call you Cap? -you went to go look for me? I don't need a foa- a babysitter, you know." I hopped off the stage, notebook in hand. "In fact, I was just leaving." I walked briskly past him.
"Oh, and I'd rather only see you when I need help for history," I added. Not that I will ever need any. "So you can stop following me." Cap crossed his arms as well.
"I wasn't followin' you," he informed me. "I'm trying to help you do well in school, 'cause I can tell you need the help!"
"Pfft." I waved my hand. "Is that your job or something?"
"I try to help everyone I can," he answered. I glanced at his shirt, with had the icon of a planet on it. Everyone in the world. That's his talent. Sure helps me a lot.
"Alright, I know you're trying to help, but I have a very important... project I'm working on. Me and my friends." I did my best to smile. "You don't have to worry about me, except for history and that stuff." Before he could reply, I dashed away as quickly as I could. I rounded a corner and headed straight for my locker, whose location I had unwillingly memorized.
"Please tell me I don't have to see him ever again," I murmured, pretending to search for a book at the bottom. I guess I should be getting to class, if only not to blow my cover.
Besides , I thought to myself, maybe Aria or Sonata will be in my class and I can share the new lyrics with them .
As it turns out, my next subject was Physical Education. Gross. I'm not against fitness, it's just my gorgeous hair gets all knotted and messy from all that running.
I casually walked out to the field and was delighted to find a certain purple haired grouch among this class.
"So you take this class too?" I asked, tapping her shoulder. Aria jumped a foot in the air. When she realized it was me, her expression turned sour.
"You scared me, Adagio," she grumbled. "And you're late, anyways. I'm about to kick Cloudy Kicks's sorry little butt on the stupid sorry soccer field."
"You can't be serious," I responded. "Concerned with this petty class? We should be plotting revenge on the ponies that wronged us!" Aria shrugged, which infuriated me even more.
"Maybe it's not all about revenge. Maybe we should just try to conquer this world instead. Have you ever thought of that, Adagio?" I grabbed her shirt and pulled her in, the way I do when I want her to know I am deathly serious.
"We are going through with this plan," I growled. "I have the song, we just need to practice it, and then we'll get the revenge we want."
"Fine," Aria muttered. I released her, and she stumbled back. "I still wanna beat up that Cloudy Kicks girl, though. She reminds me of Sonata, even if she's not the worst." I crossed my arms.
"Can't you just focus for once?" I asked, not understanding why she was distracted by trivial matters like soccer. Aria returned my glare, until I finally relented.
"Fine. You can beat her up. Just don't come crying to me when I'm the only-"
"Adagio Dazzle !" The teacher marched over to me. "Where have you been? The class is almost over!"
Thinking quickly, I told her, "I thought I had music, but when I checked my schedule, it turned out to be Phys. Ed. instead. And nobody has bothered to show me around so I got lost! Anyways, I'm really sorry." I smiled convincingly. The teacher sighed.
"Well, you're here now. I need you to try to score some goals against Cloudy Kicks and Rose Heart. Do you think you can do that?"
"Sure," I responded, dropping the act and speaking in an emotionless tone. I trudged up to the soccer ball. The two girls in goal grinned and took some sort of weird soccer stance. I smirked. Maybe this would be a chance to grab some extra magic.
"Me and you, you and me, why don't we see who is BETTER !" I kicked the ball straight into the goal, smack in between the girls.
Almost immediately, the girls began to argue.
"Cloudy, you messed that up!" The girl on the right yelled. "And you're supposed to be good at soccer!"
"I am!" The other girl responded angrily. "At least I'm good at something ! All you do is copy other people's dress designs!" As the pair continued to argue, Aria stepped up next to me. We stood there, watching, absorbing the negative energy until the teacher broke them apart.
"That was fun, Adagio," Aria commented, smirking in satisfaction. "Tell me your song at lunch, alright?"
"Of course," I answered, a similar grin forming on my own face.
Sonata Finally Does Something
When lunch rolled around, I was quick to get my lunch and head outside. I picked a seat high on the bleachers and waited for my fellow Dazzlings to arrive.
Sonata was first. On her tray was a single taco, which she ate every single day.
"Hel lo Dagi!" She singsonged. "Did you invent a new song?"
"The word is compose , Sonata," I corrected her. "Not invent ." Sonata giggled as she plopped down next to me on the metal bench.
"Sorry!" She replied. "So, anyway, before we do this, I was in line next to this guy who calls himself Captain Planet. And he-"
"DON'T !" I held up my hand. "Say. Anything."
"But-"
"Nope!" I interrupted. "He's weird. Stick to the program Sonata."
"He-" This time, I cut her off with a death glare, and she stopped talking.
"Sorry, Dagi." She picked up her taco and bit into it. Cheese and meat spilled out the other end. I laughed at Sonata's disappointed face. It was funny.
At that moment, Aria chose to arrive.
"Okay, read us your song," she said bluntly. That was Aria's best quality, getting down to business.
I sang the song to them, although not as passionate as I had done in the gym. When the last line was sung, Sonata and Aria clapped.
"Oh! Oh!" Sonata sprang right up, bubbling with ideas. "For the part about falling, I could pull someone from the audience up, and hold them like this!" Sonata paused as she helped Aria to her feet. Sonata and Aria clasped their hands together and leaned backwards, so that there was maximum space between them.
"And then I let go!" Without warning, Sonata released her grip on Aria. She stumbled backwards, nearly tripping over the bleachers before regaining her balance.
"Sonata," Aria growled, glaring at Sonata. Sonata smiled sheepishly.
"No, but then Adagio catches them right before they hit the floor!" Sonata explained.
"Aah," I commented, now understanding. "You seem to be full of good ideas today, Sonata."
"Yeah, except she's the worst," Aria grumbled. "I could've tripped and died !"
"Oh, please." I waved my hand at her concern. "You're perfectly fine. Now, does anybody else have any ideas?"
We spent the entire lunch break developing the choreography for the song. Sonata actually had many ideas, and while some were just shuffled off to the idea box, many actual made it into the routine.
"I think lunch is over, Adagio," Aria muttered as she practiced the steps for the first lines. I looked over to see several students heading inside. I groaned.
"At least we have most of the song worked out. Come on, let's go." I began to walk down the bleachers, but ain't stopped when Aria spoke again.
"What happened to 'School is lame, focus on revenge or die with the princess' deal?" Aria asked. I turned around and tried to keep my annoyance to a minimum. This was a perfectly sane and normal question, after all.
"Nothing, except an annoying guy who gets all over your case if you aren't in your stupid class," I responded. "Which is why I even bothered showing up to Phys. Ed. earlier."
"I thought you said we weren't aloud to talk about him!" Sonata pouted, a -fine, I'll admit it- adorkable expression plastered on her face.
"And we won't I answered her, hands on my hips. "Just- let's just go in, okay?" I was aware of my heels clanging against the metals of the bleachers as I headed for the main building. I rehearsed the new song in my head as I walked, repeating the lyrics and imagining the choreography that went with it.
'Your friends aren't who they say they are, no they're not ,' I thought. 'If they had the chance they'd look you up and leave you there to rot. Who can you trust, then? If you don't have a friend? They won't be with-
"Aah !" I cried in annoyance as I rammed into someone.
"Watch where-" I began to give my offender a piece of my mind. What I didn't realize was that I had crashed into the principal of this wretched place, Celestia. Not to mention her counterpart was the ruler of Equestria and partly responsible for my banishment here.
"Principal Celestia!" I feigned an embarrassed expression and tried to act sincere. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there!" The principal crossed her arms and tapped her foot. Not a good sign.
"I understand, Miss Adagio. What I do not understand, however, was what , exactly, was distracting you enough that you weren't watching where you were going?"
"I just learned a new song, Principal Celestia," I answered quickly. "I am quite the fan of music!" For some reason, she still seemed suspicious. The look she was giving me was enough to begin to melt my confidence.
"Oh, Dagi's just being modest! She composes songs! This one's really good! It would be cool if she shared it with the entire school!" I never imagined my saving grace would have a long blue ponytail and an obsession with tacos. Nevertheless, Sonata had stepped in front of me and convinced Principal Celestia we could sing the song in front of the entire school! Principal Celestia eyes both of us, before she broke into a wide smile.
"What a wonderful idea, girls! You can perform right after lunch, tomorrow! I look forward to hearing you!" The principal walked away, much more cheerful than when when I had bumped into her. I folded my arms and turned to face Sonata.
"You are on top of the game today," I marveled. "What's up?" Sonata blushed.
"Oh, nothing!" She waved her hand as if to dismiss the subject. "I just discovered this place has a magic I've never seen before!"
Something in my gut told me Sonata's "magic" wasn't going to help me on my revenge quest, so I didn't press for details.
"Come on, Sonata." I patted her on the back. "Let's go get ready for class."
When Sonata, Aria, and I walked up the steps of Canterlot High the next morning, I wasn't especially happy. Our plan would finally start today, true, but being dragged out of bed by a certain blue-skinned lunatic hyped with coffee wasn't the best way to start my morning.
Several students ducked out of the way when the saw us coming, which I found entertaining. I noticed several athletic-looking girls looking at us with expressions of excitement.
"Hey, you guys decided to do that whole 'Battle of the Bands' thing, right?" A girl with cropped turquoise hair asked us. Aria and Sonata stared at me.
"Uh, yes, yes we are," I told her. Though that song had been just for show, just for more magic, it actually wasn't a bad idea. Unfortunately, by the time it rolled around I'd be the ruler of Equestria and unable to see it.
The girl gave me a thumbs up.
"That is totally cool!" She responded. "I love competition!"
"Yeah!" Her friend added. I recognized her as Cloudy Kicks, the girl Aria and I had played during soccer. Cloudy smirked and punched a fist into her other hand. "I can't wait to show that mean Rose Heart how stupid she is!"
"The complements are nice and all, but we have better things to do than talk to you," Aria butted in, glaring at them.
"Aria's right. We have so much to do," I told them with a sly smile. "Make sure you're around this afternoon. We have an absolutely empowering song planned." Sonata and Aria snickered as we resumed walking.
"Hey, Adagio!" Sonata piped up. "Don't you just love some of the people here? They really appreciate you! I mean us!" I glanced at Sonata.
"Why would I love these wretches?" I asked. Sonata's happy-go-lucky expression faltered.
"They're living beings too," she responded. "Maybe you should, you know... get to know some of them?" Aria groaned.
"You are the worst , Sonata. Dagi doesn't have time for your sympathy for these people."
"Aria's right, Sonata," I added confidently. "We'll be almost ready to return for revenge. We can't stop now!" I laughed in a rather evil manner. Aria joined in. Sonata smiled sheepishly, then joined in as well.
I think something's wrong with Sonata. She's suddenly so obsessed with these people.
~
I swallowed the last of my sandwich and stood up. Soon, it would be time to sing.
"Is this the only song we'll need to sing?" Aria asked, brushing some lettuce out of her hair. "When will we be ready to leave?"
"If we get enough negative magic to recharge our powers," I responded with a smirk. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. "Who knows? I'm sure that there are at least a couple students here with strong magic, which could really boost our powers!"
"Like the magic of love?" I almost missed Sonata's comment. It was probably the quietest thing I had ever heard Sonata say, and it chilled me too the bone.
"Magic as in Equestrian Magic," I continued, careful not to call Sonata out in front of Adagio. "And then we can return-" I rubbed my hands together in anticipation "-to wreck havoc on the lives of the ponies who ruined ours!"
"Our whats?" Sonata asked meekly.
"Ugh," I groaned. I spun around to face her. "Our lives ."
"Ooh." Sonata grinned sheepishly.
"Let's go, Adagio," Aria muttered.
"Very well." Following my lead, Aria and Sonata walked inside. Sonata had made extra preparations with Principal Celestia yesterday. Everyone was staying in the cafeteria for an extra three minutes.
Aria and I cast excited glances from each other. I turned to get an identical glance from Sonata-- but I didn't get one. She tried to smile, but I could tell her heart wasn't in it.
I stepped forward and began to sing the opening melody. Aria and Sonata joined in.
"Ah, ah, aah, ah. I walked through the tables of students, a smirk on my face as I began the first verse.
Do you think you know your friends? They'll be with you until the end? It's time for you to doubt, and believe what others say about- "
"THEM! " Aria and Sonata accompanied the word with a loud clap. A pale young girl with pink and purple curls jumped in surprise.
"Your friends aren't who they say they are, no they're not. If they had the chance they'd lock you up and leave you there to rot!"
"Who can you trust, then ?" I sang solo before my friends rejoined me with, "If you don't have a friend? They won't be with you, so a new perspective we will lend! " I spread my arms wide and took the satisfaction of many students eyeing each other in growing suspicion.
"Stay away, don't trust. They are not who they say they are! She isn't you're friend! Soon she'll burn out like just a star! " I pointed to the DJ who was sitting next to a serious-looking girl in a pink dress. Her expression turned from offended to a glare at the DJ, who was merely bobbing her head to the beat of the music in her headphones. I smirked before continuing.
"Do you still believe those lies they've been feeding you? That they'll always be right by your side? Don't be blinded by your pride! Stay away, and trust us! " I patted a particularly distressed girl on the shoulder. She buried her head in her arms. I turned back to the rest of the cafeteria.
"Who can you trust, then, if you don't have a friend? They won't be with you 'till the end, so a new perspective they have lent! " I could feel all the negative energy soaking into my necklace. I felt stronger than I had in weeks!
"So even if you think, you know your friends at alllllllll! Watch out! " I paused as Sonata picked a girl with magenta hair to be her victim.
"When they leave... you'll fallllllll... " Sonata let the girl go. I could see the look of panic on her face before I caught her, a smirk on my face. She quickly got up and rushed out of the cafeteria.
The song had ended, Aria, Sonata, and I were soaking up the energy, and almost everyone in the cafeteria was arguing, yelling, and screaming. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Celestia and Luna fighting as well! That's something!
"I think we're almost ready to return home," I said, my satisfied expression dissolving into a smirk.
The next morning, I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. It took me a minute to realize it was Saturday. On Saturdays and Sundays, humans didn't go to school. Not a problem for me.
I didn't get up for a long time. For no particular reason, I lay on my cot and tried to snuggle up. It was chilly, despite being inside.
Captain Planet- Cap -suddenly crossed my mind.
Shoo, shoo! Mind, think about something useful, I thought crossly. But all my worthless mind seemed to care about was the fact I hadn't seen Cap at our song recital. Why was that fact stuck in my brain now? I didn't care. Not that much.
Across the room, Aria stirred. I pretended to be asleep as she groggily sat up.
"Stupid Saturdays." I heard her mutter. "Stupid Sonata." Her footsteps were light as she left the room. I opened one eye to check if she was gone. When I decided she had probably gone to find Sonata, I relaxed and opened my eyes.
I was bored, to be frank. Sure, I had homework that would most likely get me in trouble if it wasn't done, but nothing in the human world appealed to me.
Back in Equestria, there was loads more to do. Visiting the market places, watching the Pegasi push clouds across the sky...
My expression hardened.
"I am going to get revenge," I muttered. "And I am going to get it soon."
At that very moment, Sonata unexpected popped her head into the doorway.
"Good morning, Dagi!" She chirped. "So I was thinking, how about me and you explore the city? I mean, I would invite Aria if I knew where she went!" Sonata laughed, then continued, "But I don't know, so wanna hang out with me? It's better than sitting in her all day." Sonata brightened her smile, which had previously been brighter than the sun. Now her teeth were glaring in my face.
"Fine," I grumbled, resisting the urge to shield my eyes. "I'm coming."
"For realzies?"
I sighed. "For realzies!'
"Yay!" Sonata left, and I put on my casual outfit: hoodie, sweatpants, sneakers. I flipped up the hood and tucked my poofy orange hair inside. I stuffed some extra cash into my pockets then left to find Sonata.
She was standing right outside the abandoned house, staring at some person watering his plants.
"Hey, mist-" Sonata began to shout at him, but I quickly cupped my hands over her mouth.
"Sonata, please don't talk to strangers," I told her in a falsely polite tone.
"Oh." Sonata frowned. "But I can talk to Octavia, right? She's in my Social Studies class, and she is awesome !"
I rolled my eyes. "You can talk with whomever you like, Sonny. It doesn't concern me."
"Okay!" Sonata perked up. "Well, I was talking to Octavia yesterday, and she told me the town park is a block down from Sugarcube Corner. I figured we could walk down and eat something, then check out the park! I know some students volunteer there. Mostly eco-kids ."
"Eco-kids. Uh huh." I was dying to ask if that involved creepy Captain Planet, but I had the strangest feeling that's what Sonata wanted me to say.
As Sonata and I walked, I felt like some weight was being lifted off my shoulders. Right now I didn't have to think about revenge plans and singing songs and how much energy was absorbed. I could just walk with one of my best friends and enjoy the sights.
"Sonata, I'm going it tell you something," I said as we approached Sugar Cube Corner. "This is the happiest I've felt in a long time, besides singing songs to gain strength, I mean." Sonata beamed.
"See? If you give this place a chance, it starts to look good!" She replied. "Hey! You know what I wanna get?"
"What, Sonny?" I asked. Sonata grinned.
"A chocolate milkshake! And a bagel!"
"I don't know much about human food, but that seems like an odd combination," I commented.
"I'm sure it will be great!" Sonata spoke with confidence. We dashed across the street and into Sugarcube Corner. I recognized several kids from school, but I couldn't put any names to faces.
Sonata waved to some kids before marching straight up to the plump lady who ran the place.
"Can I have a bagel and chocolate milkshake?" She asked politely.
"And I would like a vanilla latte, please," I requested, coming up to stand next to Sonata.
"Alright, girls!" The woman cheerfully got our orders. Once my latte was safely in my hand, I gave her my money.
"Keep the change," I told her. Sonata gasped a little too loudly for my liking.
"Dagi, you're being... nice !" She exclaimed. I rolled my eyes.
"I can't tell if you're serious or not, Sonata." I put my hand over her shoulder and walked her out of the place. "Listen, I figure since I'm about to take over the world with you and Aria, I might as well be a teensy bit more nicer to others."
"I don't think that's it," Sonata teased me. "I think you're becoming a nicer person!" I took a sip of my latte.
"I'm not sure what you're try to get me to do, Sonata," I said after I lowered my cup. "But I'm not becoming nice." Sonata rolled her eyes and held up her milkshake.
"To the Dazzlings!" She exclaimed. I raised my latte and tapped my drink against hers.
"To the Dazzlings!" I echoed.
Dagi and Sonny in The Park
Just as Sonata had suggested, we walked down the path to the park. I mostly sipped on my latte while Sonata noisily nommed on her bagel.
"Asashio?" She asked through a mouth full of bagel. "Dom 'u thwink we show' wait fwor Air?" I translated that to Adagio, don't you think we should've waited for Aria ?
"Do you think she would've enjoyed the walk?" I asked. Sonata swallowed the bagel and shook her head.
"She doesn't really like anything," Sonata responded. "Not like you. You care about some things." I stopped walking and folded my arms indignantly.
"What makes you think I care about stuff here?" I asked. Sonata grinned in her clueless way.
"Well, you're willing to give this place a chance, 'cause you're eating the food here. You let Mrs. Cake keep the change, and you have-"
"Okay, I think I know enough," I interrupted. "Let's just walk."
"Can we skip?" Sonata asked eagerly.
"Latte. Bagel. Milkshake." I pointed to each item in turn.
"What about them?" Sonata asked curiously. I groaned.
"You can't skip with a milkshake and bagel in your hand!" I explained impatiently. "And I can't skip with a latte."
"Aw!" Sonata stuck her lip out in a pouty expression. "We're almost there, anyway. I think."
It turns out Sonata was right. A little while down was a black gate. As I walked closer, I could see inside.
The park looked like your average park. Benches here and there, birds whistling from the several trees that looked perfect for climbing, and there was even a little stream running through it.
"Wow." I stepped inside the gate. Sonata followed.
"Those birds sound like me!" She giggled in delight as a couple of birds sang in a high-pitched tone.
"Sure, Sonata," I answered. "Go with that." I took another sip of my latte and observed the people in the park. There were several familes, an elderly couple or two, and some Canterlot High students. I spotted a girl with spiky green hair working with a girl with purple pigtails to pick up trash. A girl with long turquoise hair planted flowers next to a tree. A pale yellow girl I noticed talking to her friend with rainbow hair. I couldn't tell what she was talking about, but it involved birds, I could see that by the way the first girl gestured to the birds nest in the tree beside her.
I took a another sip of my latte right before Sonata blurted out, "Hey, it's Captain Planet!"
"Cap," I corrected without thinking. It took a second for the words to register. "Wait, what ? Uh, why would you think I'd care?"
"Because he's waving at us, silly!" Sonata explained naively.
Sometimes I think Sonata has problems . I risked a glance in the direction Sonata was waving at. Sure enough, Cap was returning her wave. I reluctantly waved as well.
And then- just my luck! -he walked over to us.
"Hi, gals!" He greeted us in his Southern accent.
"Hi!" Sonata replied cheerfully.
"Hey." I busied myself with my latte.
"I had a doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon, so I didn't hear you and your friend sing," Cap explained. "Green Cycle said it was pretty good." I looked up.
"Well, we do pride ourselves on our music," I responded with a little smirk.
"So, thanks!" Sonata piped up. Cap grinned.
"I'm just sayin' what I heard. Do you gals wanna help clean up this park?" I glanced at Sonata, but I should've known what she was thinking.
"Sure!" She exclaimed.
"What about you, Adagio?" He asked, looking straight at me. I tried not to let my surprise at being singled out shown on my face.
"Me?" I asked.
"Yeah, you. Are you gonna help clean our what?"
"Fine. Just let me throw out this latte-"
"I'll do it!" Cap offered suddenly. What the heck ?
"Oookay." I gave my latte to him, leaning backwards in the this-is-creepy-i-am-suspiscious way I felt.
"I'll get your milkshake too, Sonata," Cap offered.
At least it wasn't just me , I thought as Cap ran to the nearest trashcan to throw our drinks out.
"We've been cleaning up soda cans and stuff mostly," he explained when he returned. "So why don't we head over there to check around for extra trash?"
"Sounds like a great idea!" Sonata answered enthusiastically. She hadn't even noticed where he was pointing.
"Let's get this show on the road!" I exclaimed. Wait, was I seriously feeling excited about picking up trash? For once, I didn't really care. The three of us walked over to the area of the park Cap had gestured at. I found a plastic bottle half hidden in some bushes.
"Hey, Cap? Uh, what do we do with the bottles we find?" I asked, holding up my bottle.
"Oh, I forgot about that." He grinned. "I guess you'll just have to hold it."
"Fine." I couldn't help feel a twinge of annoyance I would have to hold dirty plastic in my hands for the next- Minutes? Hours? But I brushed that feeling aside.
Think of this as a spa day , I told myself silently. After a long week of revenge planning and energy absorbing, you totally deserve it! I picked up another bottle wedged between two rocks.
"Is this your first time at the park?" Cap asked me suddenly.
"What? Oh, no. I've been too busy with my work and stuff to come here," I explained. Cap smirked. "Busy with the class work you never seem to do?" I ruled my eyes.
"Look, Cap, I know you want to help me, but I don't need it," I told him. "I promise. If I ever need help, I'll ask you."
"Sounds like a plan!" Cap responded. I couldn't help notice how his amber eyes sparkled when he was s happy.
"Uh, guys? Hello ??" Sonata suddenly waved her hand between us. "Guys, I found a bone! There's been a murder !"
It took a little while to explain to Sonata that dogs bury bones in parks, and that nobody had died. Except maybe some poor little animal.
"I don't know!" I threw my hands in the air after Sonata asked where the bone had come from. "I'm not a bone expert!"
"Do you know a bone expert?" Sonata asked Cap, clutching the bone in her tight grip. Cap shook his head.
"Can't say I know any paleontologists," he responded.
"I have a feeling this will turn into her next obsession," I whispered to Cap as Sonata studied her bone.
"What was her first?" He whispered back.
"Tacos."
Cap stifled a laugh before Sonata announced, "I think this bone came from a pony!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Sonny," I answered. "There are no ponies in this dimensionuuuuh I mean I haven't seen any ponies in this city!" I plastered a fake smile on my face, hoping Cap hadn't noticed my original sentence. Fortunately, he apparently didn't.
"Actually, there's a stable at the edge of the city," he responded. "Fluttershy over there volunteers every Sunday afternoon."
"How interesting." I wasn't particularly interested in hearing about the habits of a girl who had dropped a bird's nest into her friend's hair.
"Hey! Maybe she knows about the bone! Fluttershy !" Sonata dashed off, bone in hand. I watched her go.
"So Adagio, my friend Paisley isn't talking to my other friend, Green Cycle. Well, Paisley doesn't talk much anyways, but that's beside the point. They weren't part of our group text las' night, and they're avoidin' each other right now. Care to explain?" I crossed my arms and met his accusatory stare.
"What makes you think I had anything to do with this situation?" I asked innocently.
"You sang a song yesterday, and then they jus' started avoidin' each other. I noticed other kids aren't talking to their usual friends either. An' I wasn't here to hear your song. I'm on good terms with most of my friends."
"Must be a coincidence. We can sing another song on Monday, show you we had nothing to do with it." I smirked. If Cap heard our song, he'd be just as powerless as everyone else to stop us. We glared at each other for another second.
"And we were getting along so well, weren't we?" I commented.
"Look, Adagio-" He began, only to be cut off by Sonata.
"Fluttershy's not a bone expert!" She came back with a disappointed frown on her face. "Isn't that the worst? He, why are you guys frowning?" Her gaze flickered from me to Cap and back again.
"We just had a little disagreement," I explained. "About music.
"Ooooooooooooooooooh ." Sonata dragged out the word so long I thought she was trying to murder it. "Well, are you two going to make up?"
"I guess so." I wasn't really sure if I wanted to be friends with Cap or not. On one hand, he wouldn't be a creepy stalker watching me sing in the gym anymore. On the other hand... I was going to leave soon, and take revenge on the idiots who wronged me.
"We're cool, for now?" Cap interrupted my thoughts, staring at me intently.
"Alright," I agreed begrudgingly.
"Now shake!" Sonata commanded. I rolled my eyes, smiling. Cap and I shook hands.
"I think we should leave now," I suggested. "Aria will be wondering where we are."
"Alright," Sonata agreed, looking disappointed.
"That's fine," Cap added, looking disappointed as well.
"See ya at school on Monday!" I called back as Sonata and I began to leave. Wait- why did I say that?
"Bye!" Cap's blue hand waving to me was the last thing I saw before I turned to Sonata.
"Wasn't that fun?" Sonata beamed, waving her bone in the air. I smiled.
"It was enjoyable enough. Like a spa, to shake the stress of running a revenge plan off."
"Yeah, sure!" Sonata responded. "So, did you... learn anything new?" I stopped walking and planted my hands on my hips.
"Sonata, if you're trying to plant an idea in my head you'd better just go on and say it!" I snapped. "What's with all the hinting and stuff? What are you trying to do to me?" For a moment, Sonata looked like she was on the verge of tears.
"I... I was just-" she stuttered. I suddenly felt a wave of guilt wash over me. I wrapped my arm around Sonata.
"Look, Sonny, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. Why don't we drop it for now?" Sonata sniffled. Then she smiled.
"Alright. We'd better find Aria, though."
"Good idea," I told her. "And the best way to do that is go home and see if she's there." We began to walk again. As we approached Sugarcube Corner, however, a curious site met our eyes. Tons of students were arguing with each other, angry scowls on faces, hands on hips.
"I can't believe you'd share your cupcake with Vinyl instead of me!" A girl with curly navy and pink hair yelled at a girl with turquoise skin and hair. I had to bite back a laugh. Not sharing a cupcake? They were fighting over that ?
"What else was I supposed to do?" The turquoise girl asked furiously. "You would've just taken the entire thing for yourself! At least Vinyl knows how to share!"
"I don't believe you! You're acting like a-" I quickly covered Sonata's ears so she wouldn't hear the following swear word "- and I don't want to see you ever again!" She suddenly turned and glared at me. "And what are you staring at?"
"Your fight, obviously," I answered, realizing Sonata and I had been standing and staring at them. "But we're leaving now."
"Good riddance," she grumbled. Sonata and I walked away. She returned to her argument.
Suddenly, something caught my eye. A dark figure was standing on the other side of Sugarcube Corner. If as hunched next to the bushes. And if I wasn't mistaken, it was looking straight at me.
The Chase and Preparations
"Come on, Sonata." I began to run to the stranger.
"Where?" She asked as she followed behind me.
"That shadowy figure!" I pointed at the figure, who was retreating to the next street. "We have to catch it!"
"Okie dokie!" Sonata joined me in my pursuit. I rounded the corner just in time to see a pink-shoed foot disappear into an alley. I put in a burst of speed and made it to the corner before the stranger could leave.
"Who are you?" I demanded. The figure waved its finger at me, like it was saying, "Don't you mess with Grandma, darlin' ." It was gloved, which didn't give me a clue who it was- unless it was the girl with the beret who always wore gloves. She was weird.
Back to the present , I reminded myself.
"Come back here!" I yelled at the person as it began to run again.
"Uh, Adagio?" Sonata puffed behind me. "What's the point of this?"
"The point?" I asked through gritted teeth. "This person was staring at me. I'm sure of it!"
"Uh, but why's it so important to you?" Sonata asked.
"SHUT UP!" I yelled back. Sonata was silent after that. We chased the stranger down rows of streets, but eventually I began to wear out. More and more distance formed between me and my quarry. Eventually, I needed to stop running or I would collapse.
I have to admit, my first thought wasn't, What if I die this moment? , it wasn't even, What if my revenge is ruined because of this? My first thought was, How many people are going to miss me if I go?
"Dagi!" Sonata came running up behind me. "Are... we... going to... start... running... again?" She painted, hands on her knees.
"No," I replied breathlessly. "I think... we should... just... rest." And just like that, Sonata and I collapsed next to each other.
Imagine my surprise when Aria Blaze came running out of the alleyway.
"Woah!" She nearly tripped over us. "What are you two doing?"
"We were chasing someone," I explained. Aria folded her arms.
"Me too. Some girl in a hood- Adagio, she had our powers!" I understood imiediatly how serious this was. I rarely heard Aria's voice quiver in fear.
"We saw a bunch of kids fighting at Sugarcube Corner," I remembered. "She did that?"
"Yeah." Aria held up a hand. I took it and she pulled me up.
"What about me?" Sonata protested. She scrambled up without anyone's help.
"Well, she's gone now," I pointed out. "We should probably get home." Aria shrugged.
"Yeah, and we plan everything out from there."
"Of course." As we began to walk back to our house, my mind flew to earlier that day. It had been fun to help Cap and the rest of the kids at the park. And the refreshments from Sugarcube Corner- those were good.
Aria walked in front of us as Sonata fell back.
"You don't have to do this, Dagi. You have a choice now." I was caught off guard by how uncharacteristically serious her voice was.
"What are you talking about?" I asked. "A choice? How I should rule Equestria?"
"For realzies!" Sonata was back to normal when she giggled her catchphrase.
"Hurry up, guys!" Aria called.
"Hey, I'm the one that gives orders," I snapped, rushing to catch up with her.
"Pfft." Aria waved her hand.
When we reached the house, I immediately dashed upstairs to find my little notebook.
"Okay, girls," I said, bringing it downstairs and sitting down on the couch. "I think I can probably configure some of the magic to open up the portal. But it has to happen during a full moon."
"How long have you been keeping this information away from us?" Aria asked forcefully.
"Please, Aria, can we get through this without arguing?" I asked with a sigh. Aria smirked.
"You're getting soft, Adagio."
"No I'm not!" I retorted, flustered. "Anyways, the next full moon is Monday night. We can host a concert!"
"Yeah, that's good." Aria nodded. I noticed Sonata was just sitting, staring blankly ahead.
"Sonata!" I snapped my fingers twice.
"I thought we had made progress!" She shouted, snapping out of her trance. She looked at Aria's and my confused faces.
"I mean-" She blushed, "I can make the posters!"
"Good idea." I nodded and wrote it down.
Deep down, though, I didn't feel as enthusiastic as I had been before.
We continued planning out everything we needed for Monday night. The song we'd sing (a number called Welcome to the Show ), the outfits we'd wear (Sonata volunteered to run out to the store tomorrow), and how we'd spread the word (no teachers were to know).
"This will be totally amazing," Aria said, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. "One final song, everyone will be under our spell, and we'll return to Equestria!"
"Yeah," I added, looking down at the papers in my hand. "We'll leave..."
"See? You are getting soft!" Aria scoffed. "You don't care anymore! You sound regretful!"
"Shut up!" I pushed Aria's shoulder and stood up. "It's late. I'm going to bed."
"Sweet dreams!" Sonata called. I didn't answer her.
I slammed the door to the room shut. How dare Aria accuse me of being soft? I was the leader. I came up with this plan. It was through my efforts we'd be back in Equestria on Tuesday morning, exacting revenge on those stupid crystal ponies and their stupid ruler!
As I lay down in my bed, an image of Cap's face flashed before me.
They'll be a Cap in Equestria , I reminded myself, closing my eyes. First things first.
