An Ocean Awayby Tennis Match FanChaptersChapter 1: Cinnamon Chai'sChapter 2: ConsolationsChapter 3: Smiley Face EmojiChapter 4: Tidying UpChapter 5: Another AnnouncementChapter 6: Goodbyes and Cinnamon Honey Ice Cream FloatsChapter 7: Did Someone Say Sleepover?PrologueChapter 1: Cinnamon Chai'sAdagio tilted her smoothie to her lips and took a polite sip of her beverage. The cool mango drink was just what she needed under the heat of the early summer sun. A gentle breeze enveloped Adagio, cooling her slightly. Currently, she was perched right outside her favorite cafe, Cinnamon Chai's. Cinnamon Chai's was closer to her house than Sugarcube Corner and less prominent. If Adagio was in a tiff with Sunset or Rarity or anyone else (a fairly common occurrence), there was a smaller likelihood she'd run into them at Chai's. Adagio lazily checked her phone for the time. She took another sip of her drink and began to hum softly. It had been over half a year since she had lost her bedazzling voice in the Battle of the Bands. The experience had sucked all around. Currently Adagio could sing, but not as well as she had before her defeat. To her ears, any note less than perfect didn't deserve to be sung; therefore, Adagio did not sing. Humming, however, was not off the table. "When is he going to show up?" she asked herself out loud, impatiently drumming her manicured fingers on the table. "Cap knows I don't like to be kept waiting." Perhaps she had misinterpreted his text? Adagio checked her phone again and scrolled through the messages they had exchanged earlier that morning. Hey Dagi, can u meet me at Cinnamon Chai's at 5? Luv u 💗 There was no room for error. Adagio's phone displayed 5:09, and there was still no sign of Cap. She sighed and rose from her chair. She might as well go inside and refill her cup if she was to be waiting for another ten minutes. As her fingers curled around the door handle, Adagio heard her name pronounced in a familiar Southern twang. Adagio turned around and saw her boyfriend, Captain Planet, sprinting up to her. Adagio bit her lip to conceal her smile; it was unbecoming of her to appear eager. "You're late," she informed him matter-of-factly, folding her arms across her chest. "Sorry, Dagi!" Cap apologized, immediately embracing her in a tender hug. "My mom needed me to finish my chores. And I can't say no to my mom, can I?" He laughed, and Adagio's frown melted like snow in spring. "Alright, I forgive you. I did enjoy a delicious smoothie while I waited," she answered. "Aw, you didn't wait for me?" Cap pretended to pout. "I was about to go in for a refill," Adagio pointed out. "And then you decided to show up." Cap grinned affectionately. "Let's go inside, get our drinks, and then come back out here to talk." "Sounds like a plan." Adagio smiled as she clasped her hand with Cap's. Cap's amber eyes sparkled as he complimented her: "Dagi, you look really cute with your hair in a braid." "Thank you," Adagio replied dutifully, touching the long braid that composed all of her poofy hair. "Sonata braided it for me. It's gotten hot out lately, and my lovely curls aren't used to the heat." After Cinnamon Chai handed the couple their drinks, Adagio and Cap left the air-conditioned cafe and sat down under an umbrella. "So," Adagio began, stirring her smoothie casually. "What's so important you couldn't just text me?" Cap said, "Remember how I was talkin' about maybe doing some volunteer work over seas? Ya know, in Griffonstone or the Amarezon Rainforest?" Adagio nodded as he talked. "I sent in the applications back March." "Did you get a response?" Adagio asked. Her fingers paused mid-stir. If this was going where she thought it was going... An ecstatic grin split across Cap's face. "Yeah! I was officially invited to the Amarezon!" Adagio smiled. "That's great, Cap!" She enveloped his hand in her own. "How long will you be gone?" Her stomach plummeted when Cap paused. "That's the only part I'm conflicted about. I'll be gone for basically the entire summer." "The... entire summer?" Adagio asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is that even legal?" "Of course it is." Cap furrowed his brow. "But, see, on one hand, I get to help so many people, more than I could in just two or three weeks. But on the other, I wouldn't get to see you or my friends for a while." Adagio withdrew her hand from Cap's; she bit her lip to keep from crying out. An entire summer? How selfish is he? I need him here! I'm a priority! "Dagi?" Cap asked gently, leaning forward. "When are you leaving?" Adagio asked abruptly before taking a long sip of her smoothie. "On the 27th... so about a week and a half from now." Adagio stood up, drink in hand. "Adagio?" Cap rose as well, his eyebrows down turned in concern. His voice was gentle when he asked, "Are you alright?" "I just need to be alone for a while." Adagio forced her lips to curl into a smile. "See you later, Cap." Adagio turned on her heel and began to stroll down the street. "Adagio!" She ignored the squeaking of chair against pavement. "Dagi, I think we need to talk about this-" "No we don't!" Adagio snapped, whirling around to face him. Cap was a step behind her. Adrenaline in her veins, Adagio thrust her smoothie forward. The drink splattered all over the front of his clean shirt. It had been white before; now Cap's shirt was tie-dyed with mango orange and banana yellow. Adagio winced when she saw hurt and shock fill Cap's eyes. "I-" For once in her life, Adagio was speechless. She grimaced before turning and running away from her sopping wet boyfriend. Adagio ran all the way back to her house, which was nestled in a court not too far from town. She slammed the door open, only to be greeted by the first of her two house-mates. "Adagio! I made cookies!" Sonata Dusk held out a tray of her goodies, but Adagio ignored her. The orange-haired girl made a beeline for her room and slammed the door behind her. Relieved to be in a comforting place, Adagio buried her head in her pillow. Tears dribbled down her cheeks. Sonata didn't take long to realize something was wrong. It was only a matter of moments before Adagio's bandmate opened the door and walked in. "Adagio!" Sonata cried, flabbergasted at the sight of Adagio expressing emotions. "What's wrong?!" "Go away!" Adagio shouted, though the command was muffled by her pillow. Instead of leaving, Sonata sat down on the edge of Adagio's bed and began stroking her back, like a mother comforting a child. "What happened with you and Cap?" Sonata asked as she rubbed Adagio's back. "Did he break up with you at Cinnamon Chai's?" She gasped. "How rude! Now you'll never be able to go there again because of the memor-" Adagio lifted her head up long to shout, "Shut up Sonata!" before returning to her regular scheduled sobbing. "Please tell me, Adagio," Sonata pleaded. Slyly, she added, "You know I'm not gonna go away until you tell me what's wrong." There's no use in trying to get her to leave, Adagio thought begrudgingly. She rolled up and did her best to block the flow of the rivers cascading down her cheeks. "Cap's going to the Amarezon Rainforest over summer break, so I won't get to see him for months!" she blurted out, sniffling. "Awww!" Sonata cried sympathetically. "Don't worry, Adagio, you'll still get to keep in touch with him! You can send him postcards!" Adagio glowered. "Postcards are lame." "Singing telegram!" Sonata suggested. "...I despise my singing, 'Nata." "FaceTime and texting?" Sonata suggested. Adagio groaned at the thought. "It still won't be the same." "Why not?" "I'm his girlfriend. I'm one of, if not the, most important people in his life. Oh, I had so much planned this summer." Adagio sniffled. "Who else will be around to appreciate my beauty? I gave up a life of polygamy for this boy!" When the monologue ended, Sonata stopped rubbing Adagio and dropped to her knees. The girls were now eye to eye. Sonata said, "Adagio, I'm kinda a dumb dumb sometimes, but I'm certain that things will work out. Cap can still appreciate you, even if he's in another timezone. Wait, is the Amarezon in another timezone? Lemme just- nope! Stay on topic!" Sonata sucked in a breath of air. "Just think of this as an ultimate test of your relationship with Cap!" Her serious façade melted, and she struck a heroic pose. "The true test of love is upon you! Are you truly destined to-" "Sonata, how in Equesria did I become so pathetic?" Adagio asked sourly. "We were cutthroat sirens for centuries, and now here I am crying over Cap." Sonata giggled. "We've adapted, silly!" "That's not... Ugh! Whatever." Adagio rolled over so her back was turned to Sonata. "It'll work out, Dagi," Sonata promised her. "No it won't," Adagio snapped. "I know it won't. You know why? Because I lost it and threw my smoothie on his shirt!" "Oooh." Sonata sucked in a big breath. "That's a problemo." "Do you see now why I'm a lost cause?" Adagio asked miserably. "Step one in the test of love," Sonata said softly. "Ask for forgiveness." "You are so cheesy. Get out of my room." Chapter 2: ConsolationsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 3: Smiley Face EmojiThe next morning, Adagio sat on the edge of her bed. She scrolled through her MyStable feed as Sonata braided her hair. It had been what, an hour since they had started? "Are you almost done yet?" "Almost!" Sonata chirped. Adagio flinched when Sonata tightened her grip. Sonata, filled with endless pep, was oblivious to Adagio's suffering. "There must be a more efficient way to do this." "I meaaaan, there's always cutting your hair?" "Of course not! This is my hair you're discussing!" "But you'd look so cute with a bob!" "Absolutely not, Sonata. I'd rather stick to braids." "Well I'm done anyways, so you can go now!" "Finally!" Adagio jumped up and immediately checked her image in her phone's camera. Today Adagio wore milkmaid braids wrapped around her temples. "Okay, Sonata, please don't eat all the cereal while I'm gone." Adagio cocked her hip, anticipating a protest. "Don't worry, I'm gonna hit the arcade with Duskie and Pinkie Pie," Sonata assured her. "We'll have plenty of cereal-less fun!" "Well then," Adagio replied as she slung her purse over her shoulder, "just don't do anything stupid." If Adagio had been in Cap's position, she definitely wouldn't have agreed to meet with her clingy, emotionally unstable date. As she strolled down the suburban streets, she nervously checked her messages for any double meaning she could pick out. Hey uh could we meet at the park today and talk this out? like at noonish? She had sent that message at six in the morning. An hour later, Cap had replied. Sure. 🙂 "I hate smiley face emojis," Adagio muttered as the park gate came into view. "They could mean anything." Having known Aria since birth, Adagio knew how threatening smiley faces could be. Adagio walked in and made a beeline for the nearest bench. The usually serene, quiet park was quite busy and noisy today. Families, couples, and friends alike were picnicking under the warm summer sun. Adagio watched as a pair of kids guided their kites through the air, laughing as the contraptions swooped and soared in the clear skies. Impulsively, she glanced back to the park's entrance. Oh Celestia, he actually showed up, Adagio thought when she saw Cap walking in. She hadn't been expecting him to ditch her, exactly, but... wow, why was she so nervous? These emotions are beneath you, Adagio. Shut up. "Hey, Adagio." Cap's greeting was warm and friendly, but Adagio winced. She couldn't help but notice her nickname fell by the wayside. "Hello, Captain." Adagio watched as he sat down on the opposite side of their bench, leaving a few inches of space between them. "So..." Adagio trailed off. She closed her eyes and sighed. Own up and apologize, Dazzle. "I'm sorry for throwing my smoothie on to your shirt." "It's fine," Cap replied. He chuckled, but Adagio could tell it was only an attempt to lighten the mood. Adagio pursed her lips. "I'm not good at expressing my emotions, okay? Are you mad at me?" "You?" Cap's thick blue eyebrows rose in surprise. "I'm not mad at you, Adagio." "Then how do you feel?" Adagio pressed, arms folded tightly against her chest. Cap was silent for a moment. "Confused? I didn't expect you to throw a smoothie. But I guess I shoulda given you time. That might've been my fault." Maybe it was. Adagio bit her tongue, knowing that would add fuel to the fire. Instead, she replied. "I'm sorry for... overreacting. I know I can be a bit of a diva sometimes." "Sometimes." Cap formed air quotes, pointing out the understatement. A smile escaped onto Adagio's lips. "Okay, all the time," she amended. "And, well, I appreciate you staying by me even when I throw fits like that." "Of course, Adagio." Cap's face lit up. He leaned in and embraced Adagio. She hugged him back, taking care to notice the way he felt, his soft skin under his thin cotton t-shirt. After the 27th, Adagio would no longer have a hug whenever she pleased. "What do we do now?" Cap asked after a moment of silence. "I'm leavin', there's no stoppin' it. And I'm happy to be goin'." Adagio inhaled, held the breath for a few moments, then exhaled. "I know. I just needed a bit of time to accept the fact you're gonna leave. For the entire summer." Cap pulled out of the hug. For a moment, Adagio feared he was mad, but Cap reached over and gently clasped her hand in his. She looked into his amber eyes as he calmly said, "I get that, Adagio. I can't say I'm mad at you." He chuckled before adding, "Though my mom might be. She ain't keen on havin' to wash another dirty shirt." Adagio laughed. "Well, I'm not going to lie, even though I am quite an interesting personage on my own, it's going to be completely boring without you." Then she added: "Although technically, days with Sonata and Aria aren't ever boring, but the summer would be such a drag without someone sane to whom I can complain." Cap simpered, his eyebrows raised mischievously. "I'm sure my friends would be happy to fix that." "What, you mean your hippie-dippy nature club?" Adagio scoffed. She added a "Sorry" as an afterthought. "I know your friends," Cap pointed out. "You should probably get to know mine while I'm away. See the world through a new perspective an' all that." "I suppose it's better than hanging out at the pool with Sonata. She swims around pretending she's still a siren! The amount of weird looks we got last night? So annoying!" They laughed together. Cap said, "Want me to warn you about my friends?" Adagio shrugged. "Okay, so Sweet Leaf is basically a conspiracy theorist. At one point, she was convinced Crystal Prep was making crystal meth in the basement of their science lab!" "She sounds like a carbon copy of Sonata!" "They'd get along just dandy." Adagio grinned half-heartedly. Before Cap could describe Green Cycle's quirks, she changed the subject: "So, have you packed yet?" Cap admitted, "I should've, but I didn't. My mom's kinda annoyed about it." "Well, maybe I can be of service," Adagio offered. "If I kept Aria and Sonata organized for years, I'm sure packing for you will be no sweat." "You'd help?" Cap asked incredulously. His eyebrows arched and his mouth was puckered in an 'o' of surprise. "Of course. It'll give us more time to talk." "You wouldn't mind comin' over right now, would you?" Cap asked. "Green and Paisley are comin' over to help me, too. Green might bail, tho." "Hmmm, let's see." Adagio began scrolling through her phone, looking at a nonexistent calendar. "Maybe I can make time between 'reconcile with my boyfriend' and 'avoid Aria when her trashy band comes over' to help you pack." After tucking her phone back in her bag, she grinned at him. "Come on, let's go." Author's Note "The queen from Star Horse: Episode I!" Padmare Amaredala Chapter 4: Tidying UpTethystle met them at the door. Before today, Adagio hadn't crossed paths with her. The familial resemblance between Tethystle and Cap was evident in their identical complexions. However, Tethystle's hair was light and rose-colored, contrasting with her son's dark mop. "Hello, Captain. Green Cycle and Paisley arrived a few minutes ago," she said. Placing her hands on her hips, she turned in Adagio's direction. "And this must be Adagio Dazzle, the girl who ruined yet another shirt." Her green eyes appraised Adagio coolly, most likely hiding her distaste. Adagio mustered her classic innocent, good-girl smile. "Nice to meet you, too. I'm sorry about his shirt, my hand just... slipped." To illustrate her point, Adagio rested her left hand on Cap's arm. A tight smile appeared on Tethystle's face. "That's what I'll choose to believe. Now, you two better hurry on upstairs. Especially you, Captain Planet, before Miss Paisley packs you all the wrong clothing." You packed all the wrong clothing, Adagio thought, scrutinizing her boyfriend's mother. Tethystle wore a melon-colored "Save the whales!" shirt and khakis. Ugh, that's not doing her figure any favors. "Good advice, Mom." Cap clasped Adagio's hand in his own and led her through the house and up to his room. "Wow, I can see why a stained shirt would annoy your mother," Adagio remarked. They stood in the doorway of Cap's room. She had never been in his room before (strange but true), yet she had mistakenly assumed Cap kept it tidy. His dishelveled blue bed sheets were inches away from falling off the mattress. And the walls! Either Cap had never taken down his middle school comic posters, or he was recycling the posters as wallpaper; either choice was viable. Plain white tees littered the floor, and in the center of the mess stood Green Cycle and Paisley. Green examined a tiny trinket from the floor; Paisley sniff-tested various articles of clothing. "Cap, please take it upon yourself to wash your clothes," she said, tossing a pair of jeans onto his bed. "So I guess you made up with Adagio, huh?" Green looked up. His grin was wide, not entirely suited to the occasion. He wasn't high, was he? "I apologized to him." Adagio replied before Cap could. "And now I'm here to help dear Cap organize his luggage!" "Dude, where do you keep your suitcases?" Green asked, tossing the trinket onto the bed. "I haven't been able to find them." "They're under my bed." Cap crossed the room and pulled out two large suitcases. Blue, of course. Paisley immediately dumped a pile of white shirts into the nearest one. Adagio pulled out the top drawer of Cap's dresser and began rummaging through the contents. "Cap, why are flip flops in your drawer?" She held up a pair of woven sandals. Cap grinned sheepishly and plucked them out of his girlfriend's hands. "I haven't seen these in a while. Thanks, Dagi." "Hey, Adagio," Paisley said, and Adagio turned towards the pale girl. Paisley tossed a dirty sock at Adagio, and the article of clothing landed on Adagio's head. "Ew!" Adagio shrieked, leaping away. The sock fell on the floor. "Cap, where is your hamper?" "What makes you think he has a hamper?" Green joked. Adagio said, "I'm sure his poor mother would've kicked Cap out if she had to pick up all his dirty clothes by hand." "Are you guys just here to tease me?" Cap pouted. Adagio smirked softly and elbowed him. "It's my job," she answered. Cap and Adagio smiled at each other until Paisley coughed. "I hate to break this up, but we have an actual job to do!" Paisley and Adagio proved their skills when, after a half hour, Cap's room was tidier than it had ever been in the past four years. "Wow, I can see the floor!" Green remarked as he dumped the remaining shirts in the hamper. "Me? Having a clean room? I could never." Cap chuckled. "Okay, your room is looking very nice." Adagio nodded in approval. "But there's still all the clothes in the laundry bin." Paisley prodded a suitcase with her foot. "He already has seven outfits in here, that's enough." "For the whole summer?!" Adagio's eyes bugged out. "Yeah bro, haven't you ever heard of a washing machine?" Green asked. He leisurely tossed a pillow in Adagio's direction. Adagio batted the pillow away and sighed. "Of course, but this is Cap we're talking about." She glanced meaningfully at her boyfriend. "Do you think he's gonna remember to wash his clothes?" Cap shrugged. "I'm not that incompetent." Adagio . "Well sure, of course you aren't. But the idea of spending three months in the same outfit is revolting." Her gaze dropped. For a moment, she wasn't wearing a sundress; she wore a ratty hoodie and tattered sweatpants. "Trust me, I should know." "If it reeeeally means that much to you, I'll bring a couple extra shirts and stuff," Cap agreed, clasping Adagio's hand in his own. "I'll be fine, don't worry about what I'm wearing, Dagi. That's not the important stuff." Someone knocked on the bedroom door. "Come in, Mom!" Cap called. The door opened, but instead of Tethystle, Sweet Leaf and Starlight appeared in the doorway. "Guess who brought cookies!" Sweet Leaf cheered. "Freshly baked and 100% vegan!" She tossed an eco-friendly burlap sack onto Cap's newly made bed. Starlight followed her in, marveling: "You guys really cleaned up Cap's room!" Paisley grinned at the compliment; Adagio smirked. Arms folded, she replied, "Well, organization is one area in which I happen to excel." "Anyways," Sweet Leaf said, flopping down next to her bag, "here's some yummy cookies for all of your hard work!" She withdrew a drawstring pouch from the bag and opened it. "Thanks babe!" Green immediately shoved his hand into the bag. "Leave some for me!" Adagio cried. She wormed her hand into the pouch and withdrew two cookies. Green did the same and passed the bag to Starlight and Cap. "Yum!" Green remarked, stuffing his mouth full of cookies. "Sweet Leaf, these are delicious!" "They don't call me 'Sweet' for nothin'!" Sweet Leaf giggled. "Haha, actually baking has nothing to do with my name." Adagio agreed whole-heartedly with the Green's statement; Sonata's chocolate chip cookies couldn't compare to Sweet's oatmeal raisin cookies. They were moist, chewy, and tasted vaguely of cinnamon. "Green, did you take all the cookies?" Cap asked, raising an eyebrow. He held up the bag, devoid of all edibles except for a few meager crumbs. "...No?" Green grinned sheepishly. "I'll bet that's why you were your lame hat all the time," Adagio remarked dryly. She deftly plucked the grey beanie off of Green's head. To no one's surprise, half a dozen cookies tumbled out. "In my defense, they're really good," Green said, raising his hands like a criminal caught at a crime scene. Cap picked up a fallen cookie and began chewing it. "You're right about that!" Adagio's left eye twitched. "You just ate that off the ground? Do you know how dirty the ground can be?" Cap smirked good-naturedly. "Well, we did just clean the room..." Adagio paused. Starlight, Paisley, and Sweet Leaf giggled. "Ugh," groaned Adagio, "as long as you don't get sick." Chapter 5: Another AnnouncementThe six teens sprawled across Cap's newly made bed. Sweet Leaf whispered to Green Cycle. Starlight typed on her phone. Adagio's hands wrapped around Cap's sturdy chest. Cap absentmindedly traced circles along Adagio's arms. "Penny for your thoughts?" Paisley broke the silence. Cap stopped drawing circles. "Whose thoughts?" "Anyone's thoughts." "Well," Cap began, "Dagi and I were talking earlier, and I suggested that in my absence she should get to know you guys." "Sounds like a good idea," Starlight said. "Hi Adagio, I'm Starlight, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Charmed," Adagio replied dryly, shifting slightly. "That's a great idea, Cap!" Sweet Leaf clapped her hands. "Adagio will have so much fun with us! Maybe she can even answer some questions for me! For example, I've been dying to know-" "Hold your horses, Sweet!" Cap held up a halting hand. "Adagio's gonna run for the hills the first day ya'll hang out!" Adagio nodded. "Adagio, wanna go to a yoga class with us?" Green Cycle asked. "It, like, totally cleans your chakras. My soul is so aligned afterwards." "Chakras. Alignments. Yoga. Sounds great." Adagio grinned flatly. Paisley piped up, "We're a quirky little group. I know our ideas and hobbies might scare heathens away, but, well, we're not that bad." "I'm so quirky. I'm not like other girls," Sweet Leaf said. Everyone ignored her. "Take yoga for example," Cap agreed, wrapping an arm around Adagio's shoulders. "Maybe you're not there for the spiritual aspect, but it can totally relax your muscles, it's a great way to exercise, and-" His voice dropped "-you can show off your curves." Adagio snickered; her hand drifted down to her hip. "You sure know how to flatter a girl. I'll try out yoga." "Our first group activity!" Sweet Leaf clapped her hands again. "Awesome!" "How about the Monday after Cap leaves?" Starlight suggested. "Wow." Cap punched Starlight's arm. "Way to exclude me!" "We can FaceTime you, and you can follow along in the Amarezon," Sweet Leaf suggested. Adagio kissed Cap's cheek. This wasn't a terrible idea. "I promise when you get back, I'll have some fun stories to tell you." Later that afternoon, Adagio sauntered along the sidewalk. Cap had offered to act as a chauffeur, but Adagio had declined; she appreciated a good walk. As she approached the crosswalk that would take her to her street, Adagio's back pocket buzzed. "Who could this be?" she muttered, drawing her phone out. The caller ID displayed a purple-haired menace. Wonderful. Adagio pressed 'Answer'. "Hello?" "Where are you?" Aria demanded. "About a block away from the house," Adagio crossed the street. "Didn't Sonata tell you I was out with Cap?" "She told me that much. Can you hurry your divalicious butt over here? I have something I need to tell you guys. Well, Sonata kinda knows, so mostly I just need to tell you." "Tell me now, then." "No," Aria snapped. "It's something I'd rather tell you in person. Ugh. Just hurry up." Click. "What the heck?" Adagio pursed her lips and shook her head. "What in Equestria would she need to tell me in person instead of over the phone?" That was un-Aria behavior. Adagio speed-walked back to the house and beelined to the kitchen, their usual meeting location. Sure enough, Sonata was sitting at the table, placidly munching on an apple. Aria leaned against the far wall, a dour look on her face. "Finally." "Aria, please explain yourself," Adagio snapped, sitting down next to Sonata. "Your call was so cryptic." "Sorry." Aria rolled her eyes. "So I'm sure you know about my rock band, Blazin' and Bangin'." "How could I forget?" Adagio wished she could. "Why you went and formed a band after we were defeated at a Battle of the Bands is beyond me." "Shut up. You're the one who went and got herself a hippie boyfriend." Aria flipped her ponytails. "Fine. So we've both made amends with the boys of Canterlot High. What's your point?" "The point is, I pulled some strings, and guess what? I got Blazin' and Bangin' the opening act on Fall Out Colt's tour." A grin split across Aria's face. "Seriously?" Sonata gasped. "Ohmigosh!" Adagio called bs on Aria's monkeyshine. "Even if we might technically be hundreds of years old, we're listed as minors. And the kids in your band are probably under 18, too. Whoever's in charge wouldn't let you be an opening act. Try again, and next time make your little prank a tad more believable." "Do you not understand the phrase 'pulled some strings', Dazzle? All three of us can pass for twenty-somethings. It's not too hard for me to convince some executives that the rest of the members are older than they really are." The corners of Aria's mouth turned up in a predatory smile. "I can recall one time where you 'pulled some strings' to-" "Can you get me signed merchandise?" Sonata squealed. Her raspberry eyes sparkled. "Please please please please please?" Adagio's mouth twisted. So maybe this was legit. "So you're going to open for Fall Out Colt, right. Sure. How long will you be gone?" "Four weeks. We're mostly staying in on the coast. Afterwards another band takes over." Aria answered, shoving her hands into her pockets. "Oh, and I won't be able to babysit Sonata, sorry." She grinned smugly. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?" "Yup." "Aria's gonna be famous again!" Sonata shrieked. "Oh my stars, can I come with you?" "Yes, can she?" Adagio's eyebrow rose. "I just said I couldn't babysit..." Aria paused. "But I suppose you could be a roadie." Once again, Aria grinned smugly. "But we can't just leave Adagio here all alone, can we? First Cap leaves, and then us..." She pouted. "Boo hoo!" "Adagio can come with us!" Sonata suggested, ever the genius. "We'd be just like a real band again! Adoring fans screaming our names! Aria Blaze and her roadies! It's a dream!" For a fleeting moment, Adagio saw what Sonata desired. Sometimes she wished for the same. However... "Sorry girls, I already made plans here." Adagio smiled plainly and shrugged. "Besides, Sonata, Aria's probably gonna get thrown in jail by the end of her gig. If there even is a gig." Sonata's mouth dropped open. "Please, Dagi! Just think how fun it would be!" "We leave the 27th," Aria commented casually, examining her fingernails. "You have until then to make up your mind, Adagio. Four weeks of glory and a taste of the life we used to live." Late nights at the bar. Drinking liquor. Disappearing into the shadows. Screaming fans and sexy guys lined up to try their luck. City skylines, each destination unique as a snowflake. Adagio envisioned all of that. It was a thought over which she drooled. Wrapped in a boy's embrace. Watching the sunset with new friends. Mud masks and warm summer nights. Trips to Cinnamon Chai's with a quirky group of teenagers. Adagio envisioned all of this as well. It was a summer to which she had already agreed. "I'm booked, Aria." Adagio stood up. "I'm sorry I can't accompany you. Have fun on your road trip." She walked to the edge of the room. The smile dropped off Aria's face. "You ditched the Dazzlings for some hippies?" Adagio didn't turn around. "Why are you making this into a problem, Blaze? I thought you'd be happy to get away from me." Aria hhmpphed and turned away. More irritated than before, Adagio marched up to her bedroom. "Let's see," Adagio muttered, "Cap's leaving, Aria is leaving and Sonata is following her... Who else wants to leave poor Adagio Dazzle alone this summer? Sunset Shimmer?" "Adagio?" Sonata barged right in. "Aria says that you don't like us anymore, and that you're gonna ditch us for your boyfriend's friends." "Thanks for the rundown." "But I don't think that's true," Sonata continued. Sonata had an opinion? Adagio's nonexistent interest increased slightly. Sonata kept going. "I think Aria just wants to spend time with you, Adagio. And so do I. But I know you're making new friends, and that's cool, too." "Thanks, Sonata. I'm glad you don't think this is a problem," Adagio responded. "I'm sure you'll have fun as a roadie." "Thanks!" Sonata giggled. "I'd better start working out!" She flexed her biceps. "See ya!" Sonata disappeared into her own room across the hallway. Adagio was silent for a moment. Then she pulled out her phone and began texting the Eco Kids, who had initiated her into their group chat. You're not going to believe what Aria and Sonata just told me. Chapter 6: Goodbyes and Cinnamon Honey Ice Cream FloatsA few weeks later, the 27th arrived, bright and sunny. Sonata and Aria had been packing for the last week. Between purchasing new clothes, lengthy band practices, and last-minute arrangements, they were kept busy., As a result, Adagio barely interacted with them. She was spending most of her time with Cap, anyways, since they only had a week left together. Adagio woke that morning and got dressed as quickly as she could. She was going to Cap's house to wave him off in a few hours. Adagio pulled on her best sundresses, wedges, and some chic sunglasses. She pulled open the front door and came face to face with the members Blazin' and Bangin' (plus Sonata). "Hi, Adagio!" Sonata grinned. "Here to say goodbye?" "Uh, sure," Adagio answered, adjusting her sunglasses. "Hello, Adagio." The lead singer, a stoic brute named Gilda, stepped forward and offered her hand. "Sorry we're taking away your old bandmates for the summer." "No problem." Adagio gladly shook Gilda's gloved hand. "I should thank you for taking them off my hands." The other two band members, Heath Burns and Crimson Napalm, snickered. "We're leaving now." Aria stepped forward, arms folded over her chest. Her lips were coated with a layer of dark mulberry lipstick. "Last chance." From underneath her sunglasses, Adagio smiled. "See you in five weeks, Aria." She held out her hand. Aria grasped it and they exchanged a quick yet firm handshake. "Bye Adagio!" Unlike the previous two girls, handshakes weren't Sonata's style. She went in for a full-on hug. "I'll miss you!" "Don't ruin the dress, Sonata!" Adagio snarled, noticing Sonata was tearing up. Then, in a softer tone, she added, "I'll miss you too, okay? Keep Aria in check for me." "Yes, ma'am!" Sonata saluted her and then skipped away to help load equipment into the van. A few minutes later, Blazin' and Bangin' piled into their van and pulled out of the driveway. The band members waved as they drove away. "Bye!" Adagio was still waving as the van turned the street corner and disappeared from view. "And that's two problems out of the way," she said softly, her expression halfway between a smirk and a smile. Adagio walked briskly through town. Clear blue skies and breezy winds made it a gorgeous day to say goodbye. Adagio felt confident about the whole situation, which heightened her mood considerably. When she arrived at Cap's house, the rest of the Eco Kids and Cap's other friends were all there. "Adagio!" Cap greeted her with a hug. He was wearing a Camp Everfree t-shirt and clean cargo pants. "Cap!" Adagio leaned into the hug, savoring every moment. "I'm going to miss you, but I know you'll have so much fun in the Amarezon!" "I'll miss you too, Dagi!" Cap ran a hand through Adagio's hair, which she had worn loose that day. "Do me a favor and keep my friends out of trouble, okay? Don't let them get mind controlled by aliens or whatever." "Noted." Adagio smirked. "Hi Adagio!" Sweet Leaf and the rest of the gang joined in on the conversation. To Cap, she quipped, "Your mom told me to tell you that the plane leaves soon, so you probably need to get in the car now." "Oh, alright then." Cap turned and waved at his mother, who was already sitting in the car. "Bro, I am going to miss you," Green Cycle said, wiping his eyes. "I hope your spirit guide keeps you out of danger during your travels." He wrapped an arm around Cap. "Don't forget to eat healthy!" Starlight agreed. "We don't want you getting scurvy!" "We'll miss you, Cap!" Paisley added. "Group hug!" Sweet Leaf threw her arms around Cap, as did Paisley and Starlight. "Thanks for all the support, guys!" Cap grinned. "I'm gonna miss you guys, too!" "I'll miss you the most!" Adagio protested. "I'll miss you the most," Cap countered. "I'm going to miss you the most, and that's final." Before Cap could reply, Adagio kissed him on the lips. The rest of the kids disbanded from the hug. Adagio wrapped her hands around Cap's neck as they continued to kiss. "Get a room, bro!" Green Cycle laughed. Adagio and Cap broke apart when Cap's mom honked the car horn. "Gotta go," he said. Adagio and the Eco Kids followed him to the car. "Bye Cap!" they chorused as the car pulled out of the driveway. Neighbors waved and other kids from school cheered. "Let's follow him!" Sweet Leaf suggested as the car started down the street. "Adios!" "Call me!" "Don't get bit by a snake!" "See ya, Captain!" Paisley, Sweet Leaf, Green Cycle, Starlight, and Adagio ran down the sidewalk, shouting, waving, and laughing. They could see Cap's hand waving from the car window. When they reached the end of the street, Adagio shouted, "I love you!" Then, like Aria and Sonata, Cap disappeared down another street. The teens stood there for a moment. Adagio's dress fluttered in the wind. "I miss him already," Starlight sighed, fiddling with her necklace. "Me too," Adagio agreed, gazing up at the sky. "Do you want to go get ice cream or something?" Green Cycle asked. "I'm actually pretty hungry." "Why not?" Adagio shrugged. "How about Sugarcube Corner, near CHS?" "Sounds like a plan!" Sweet Leaf rubbed her palms together. "You know, I have a theory involving Sugarcube Corner... Mrs. Cake is pregnant again!" "Oh my gosh," Starlight groaned as they walked back. "That doesn't even have anything to do with Sugarcube Corner, just the owner." "It's creepy that you're observing Mrs. Cake that closely," Adagio pointed out, disdain lacing her voice. "Fine, I'll cross that one off my list," Sweet Leaf huffed. The five friends piled into Green Cycle's old car and drove to Sugarcube Corner. "Hey Adagio, I bet you've never had Sugarcube Corner's secret menu!" Sweet Leaf exclaimed as the shop came into view. "I didn't know they had a secret menu!" Adagio responded, surprised. "What's on it?" "I'll show you when we get inside!" Sweet Leaf unbuckled and hopped out of the car. Adagio followed the Eco Kids inside "I think I'm definitely going to get the cucumber-melon smoothie this time," Starlight said as they joined the line. Paisley shook her head. "Why not?" Starlight asked. "I think they've run out of cucumbers," Paisley replied. "You order that every time." "What can I getcha?" Mr. Cake asked when it was their turn. Sweet Leaf winked at Adagio, then leaned forward. "I'd like to see what Pinkie Pie has to offer, please." "Well then, you can certainly go back to storage and ask her," Mr. Cake answered stiffly. "Next!" "Follow me!" Sweet Leaf led the group through a door to the back of the shop where ingredients were kept. "Ta da!" "What. The. Heck." Adagio was met with the sight of Pinkie Pie wearing a grass skirt and flower-patterned crop top. Her usually fluffy hair was pulled into a braid and interwoven with strips of bark. To top it all off, Pinkie was sitting on a mound of dirt. A mountain. Of. Dirt. "Hello all!" Pinkie chirped. "I heard you wanted the-" she dropped her voice to a stage whisper "-secret menu!" "Why are you sitting on a mound of dirt? Why do the Cakes let you do this in their shop?" This was some Sonata-like shenanigan. "I'm appealing to my customers." Pinkie grinned. "So, what can I get you? Unfortunately, we are out of cucumbers" -Paisley elbowed Starlight- "but everything else on our all-natural menu is stocked up!" "I'll have a banana honey split!" Sweet Leaf requested. "Right atcha!" In record time, Pinkie Pie presented Sweet Leaf with a grass-woven bowl. Inside were two bananas and a scoop of strawberry ice cream; as a bonus, the dish was drizzled with honey. Adagio wrinkled her nose. "Can I get a sour cream frappe, please?" Green Cycle requested. Adagio's frown deepened. Please tell me this is a joke. A prank. NOT REAL! After Pinkie fulfilled the boy's request, Paisley inquired about a cinnamon honey ice cream float. Something tame in compared to the other's orders, in Adagio's opinion. Starlight bought a carrot concoction, then all eyes in the group turned to Adagio. "What are you gonna have, Dagi?" Pinkie asked cheerfully. Adagio pursed her lips. "Don't call me Dagi, Pinkie Pie. I'll have," she paused, wondering if it was too late to run, "I'll have a cinnamon honey ice cream float, what you got Paisley." "Gotcha!" Pinkie Pie winked and whipped up the order in no time. She handed Adagio a crystalline cup filled to the brim with a frothy liquid. "The best part is the cup! It's made of raw sugar, so you can eat it afterwards!" Pinkie beamed. "Thanks for ordering off the secret menu! Everything is on the house, my treat! Come again soon!" With no explanation, Pinkie pushed them out of the room and slammed the door shut. "What was that about?" Adagio asked, glancing at the door. "It's Pinkie," Sweet Leaf reasoned. "She lets us eat free sometimes." "Oh." Adagio forced out a chuckle. "Let's eat outside!" Starlight suggested. "It's a really nice day out!" "Everyday is a nice day out," Paisley remarked as they left Sugarcube Corner. "That's the beauty of living on Earth." These hippies and their obsession with nature, thought Adagio. Apathetically, she took a sip of her float. To her surprise, the brew didn't make her want to vomit. "This is actually kinda... good!" Green Cycle chuckled. "We did it, guys! Adagio Dazzle likes all-natural recipes now!" He exchanged a high five with Sweet Leaf. "Yay!" Starlight cheered. "Hold it!" Adagio's eyes widened. "Just because I like this one drink doesn't mean I'm going to become a vegan!" "You're hilarious!" Sweet Leaf chortled, throwing an arm around Adagio. The rest of the Eco Kids joined in, laughing hysterically. Adagio was mystified. Author's Note I'm just publishing these chapters (that I wrote, like, three years ago) without bothering to see if they're well-written haha Chapter 7: Did Someone Say Sleepover?"Are you sure you don't want to try my drink?" Green Cycle pressed, holding out his sour cream beverage so that it was right under Adagio's nose. "Ew, no!" Adagio growled. "Be careful, Green Cycle, or I'll ruin your shirt like I did Cap's!" Paisley chuckled. "We're kidding, Adagio," Sweet Leaf assured her. "You don't have to drink anything you don't want to." "Haha," Adagio replied dryly. She sat down in a chair and took a few more sips of her float. "What are you doing later, Adagio?" Sweet Leaf asked. "I-" Adagio paused. Well, what was she doing later? "I'm going to relax, obviously," she chuckled. "With Aria and Sonata out, I have weeks dedicated to the most important person in the world, myself." "Like manicures and stuff?" Sweet Leaf asked, leaning intently towards Adagio. "Sure, why not?" Adagio smirked. "Maybe I'll go on a shopping spree!" As she took another sip of her float, another thought occurred to Adagio. "Who's going to hold all my bags? Usually I make Aria and Sonata hold them!" "Sounds like you miss them more than you let on," Starlight drawled, gulping down the remains of her drink. "What? Sure, the house won't be the same without those two dorks, and yeah, it's going to be quiet by myself..." Adagio trailed off. "But I'm hanging out with you guys, right?" "You know what we should do?" Sweet Leaf asked. "What?" Paisley, Adagio, and Starlight asked in unison. "A sleepover!" Sweet Leaf squealed. "Oh my gosh, wouldn't that be so fun?! Starlight can bring plants from her gardens, and we can do mud masks! And that way Adagio won't feel lonely at night!" "I changed my mind," Adagio said flatly. "I don't want to hang out with anyone." "Dude, it would be fun, though!" Starlight piped up. "Would I be invited?" Green Cycle asked. Sweet Leaf smacked him playfully. "No, girls only!"' "This sleepover sounds fun!" Paisley agreed. "I'm game." "Same." Starlight beamed. "So am I!" Sweet Leaf smiled. "Well, Adagio?" Adagio was about to say no. This venture to Sugarcube Corner made her want to have an evening of alone time. But she'd have plenty of those in the upcoming weeks, right? I'm doing this for Cap, she reminded herself. "Alright," Adagio said aloud. "I will generously host this sleepover." "Yay!" Starlight cheered. "But!" Adagio held up a finger. "My house, my rules." "Yes, sir!" Starlight saluted her. Paisley nodded in agreement, and Sweet Leaf clapped her hands. "I'm just gonna leave now," Green Cycle commented. "I have to meditate, anyways." "Aw, don't be sad, Green!" Sweet Leaf kissed his cheek. "We'll fill you in on everything that happens!" "Or not," Paisley murmured. Adagio couldn't help but chuckle. That evening, Adagio sat at the kitchen table, filing her nails. She already had her pajamas on: a silk magenta bodice and matching pants framed with lace; a more modest version of her usual bedroom attire. "When are they going to be here?" she muttered, examining her nails nonchalantly. Eco Kids, it seemed, had a habit of being late. As if on cue, the doorbell chimed. "Come in!" Adagio called, though she rose to open the door anyways; her guests most likely did not hear her. "Hi Adagio!" When the door swung open, Sweet Leaf stood right in the doorway, beaming broadly. Her long mossy hair was bound up in two loose buns, and she wore a low-neck cotton nightgown. Stepping inside, she continued, "What a lovely house! Where's your kitchen? I brought s'mores ingredients!" "So nice of you to agree to this," Starlight drawled. Her lavender hair was loose, wet, and smelled of strawberries. Starlight was clothed in a snug cocoa bodice and short cream short that showed off her figure. "Nice outfit," Adagio remarked, stepping aside to let Starlight pass. Paisley smiled politely, but said nothing as she passed bye. Her nightgown was patterned with floral print, colored with so many vibrant hues that Adagio felt dizzy. "Girls!" Adagio clapped her hands. Her guests looked up, awaiting her instructions. "We will be conducting this sleepover in the basement. Which happens to be Aria's room, but since she's not here, we can have a little fun." Adagio grinned. "Don't ruin any of her possessions, okay? She's mad enough as is." Sweet Leaf laughed. Adagio led the way down to the basement. The largest room in the house, the basement was painted puce with green star decals on the walls. A large TV hung opposite of a long green couch, and Aria's bed lay in the corner (Adagio had cleaned up the space before her guests arrived, so it was cleaner than usual). "What are we going to do first?" Sweet Leaf dumped her bags- all five of them- onto Aria's bed. "I was thinking we could do each other's hair," Paisley suggested, glancing over at Adagio. Adagio considered it. "Normally only Sonata is allowed to touch my hair, but you can be the exception." "I brought a curler!" Sweet Leaf piped up, pulling a crimping iron out of her bag. A few minutes later, the girls sat in a line on the floor. Sweet Leaf leaned against the wall as she curled Starlight's hair; Starlight was struggling to wrangle Adagio's hair into two neat pigtails; Adagio was plaiting Paisley's hair. "I swear on my favorite azalea bush, the CPA kids make crystal meth in their basement!" Sweet Leaf appeared completely focused on Starlight's hair, but her voice was erratic. "We could bust them for using drugs! No more CPA, all Friendship Games wins are forfeited to us!" "I couldn't care less, I didn't go to school during the Friendship Games," Adagio commented, rolling her eyes. "What do you have to gain?" "The satisfaction of having the upper hand!" Sweet Leaf insisted. "I wouldn't mind," Starlight admitted. Paisley chuckled, but made no comment on the idea. Adagio grimaced when Starlight gripped her hair a tad too tightly. "Watch the hair, please!" "Sorry," Starlight apologized. "How did you even get so much hair, anyways? I bet there's a portal to another universe in all these curls." "It just appeared on my head when I entered the human world," Adagio answered. "You wouldn't believe some of the jokes people make because they're so jealous." "Cheese puffs?" Sweet Leaf suggested. Adagio turned beet red. "No!" PrologueAuthor's Note Important characters: Adagio, Captain Planet, Aria, Sonata, Sweet Leaf, Paisley, Starlight, and Green Cycle Prologue Adagio Dazzle stood outside Canterlot High School, flanked by her two best friends, Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze. "One and twenty, one and nineteen, one and eighteen..." Sonata kept her raspberry eyes on her watch, which ticked quietly as the seconds flew by. "Does she really have to countdown the seconds until summer vacation?" Aria asked, unimpressed with Sonata's habit. "I don't care either way," Adagio said breezily. Her eyes were focused on the glass doors of Canterlot High, which would burst open at any moment and flood the outside with students. A feeling of anticipation hung in the air. "One and six, one and five..." Sonata continued. Adagio adjusted her backpack. The three girls shared their last class, and had decided to leave early for the sake of defying authority. Aria tapped her foot. Tap, tap, tap. Adagio drummed on the purple brick walls. Sonata kept time: "Forty-eight, forty-seven, forty-six." "I say we leave right now. There's no point in sticking around," Aria sulked. "Maybe for you, there isn't," Adagio retorted. While Aria had no ties to high school, Adagio was waiting for a particular someone. I know Rainbow Dash is going to ask me to sign her yearbook," Aria sulked. "I hate teenage rituals." "Thirty-nine, thirty-seven, no wait, thirty-eight! Thirty-six!" Sonata stumbled over her words. Adagio clasped Sonata's and Aria's hands. "Just a moment longer, Aria." Aria looked Adagio in the eye. "Listen, Adagio, I know we don't see eye to eye on most things. But you having a boyfriend..." "Four, three, two!" Sonata chanted, interrupting Aria. Brrrring! The blare of the school bell signaled the end of the school year. Immediately, students barged through the main doors. Hundreds of conversations filled the air, so obnoxiously loud that Adagio couldn't hear herself think. "Yay! Now I don't have to follow a dress code anymore!" Sonata squealed, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Happy new year." Aria rolled her eyes. "Can't wait for things to get back to normal." "See you next year, Adagio!" a familiar red-haired girl called. "You too, Aria and Sonata!" Sunset Shimmer waved as she walked by, flanked by Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. No doubt they were going to meet up with the rest of their friend group. A few moments later, Adagio spotted the flash of blue for which she had been waiting. Quickly, she pounced on her prey. "Cap!" "Dagi!" Captain Planet wrapped his arms around Adagio. "School's out!" "I noticed!" Adagio laughed. "This summer is going to be fantastic." She waved at Aria, a signal that the latter no longer needed to stick around. Aria immediately grabbed Sonata's wrist and stalked off. Cap guided Adagio through the flow of the crowd. "What're your plans, Dagi?" "Nothing unusual," Adagio answered, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked. "Go to the pool, throw some parties, make everyone adore me." She snickered at the allusion to her nefarious past. "And you're going to be right by my side." Cap's smile flickered. "I might not be here for the entire summer, Adagio. Remember what I applied for?" Maybe his words were lost in the crowd, or perhaps Adagio chose to ignore Cap, but in any case, she didn't acknowledge his response. "The girls and I went shopping a few weeks ago, and I picked out some dazzling swim suits. You're not going to be able to resist me." Cap's hand slid lower down Adagio's waist. "You're already irresistible to me, Adagio." "Aww." Adagio, easily charmed, planted a kiss on Cap's neck. Some passing freshmen made gagging noises, but Adagio couldn't care less. "Dagi, d'you want to come with me to Green Cycle's house later?" Cap asked. "I know you don't usually hang out with my friends, but I think..." "I'll pass." Adagio wrinkled her nose. "Your friends are so peculiar, Cap. The one that never talks, the one that talks too much, the one who will not shut up about his 'spirit guide'..." Cap snorted. "I think you'd like them if you gave them a chance, Dagi. Please?" "I need my beauty sleep tonight." Adagio ran a finger through her hair. "You have fun at that hippy-dippy party, babe." "Thanks, Adagio." Cap smiled warmly. "I'll keep you posted." They hugged once more before Cap left to meet up with his 'hippy-dippy' friends. Adagio turned around and walked away from school. As she strolled, a smile crept onto Adagio's face. "This summer is going to be great."
Chapter 1: Cinnamon Chai'sAdagio tilted her smoothie to her lips and took a polite sip of her beverage. The cool mango drink was just what she needed under the heat of the early summer sun. A gentle breeze enveloped Adagio, cooling her slightly. Currently, she was perched right outside her favorite cafe, Cinnamon Chai's. Cinnamon Chai's was closer to her house than Sugarcube Corner and less prominent. If Adagio was in a tiff with Sunset or Rarity or anyone else (a fairly common occurrence), there was a smaller likelihood she'd run into them at Chai's. Adagio lazily checked her phone for the time. She took another sip of her drink and began to hum softly. It had been over half a year since she had lost her bedazzling voice in the Battle of the Bands. The experience had sucked all around. Currently Adagio could sing, but not as well as she had before her defeat. To her ears, any note less than perfect didn't deserve to be sung; therefore, Adagio did not sing. Humming, however, was not off the table. "When is he going to show up?" she asked herself out loud, impatiently drumming her manicured fingers on the table. "Cap knows I don't like to be kept waiting." Perhaps she had misinterpreted his text? Adagio checked her phone again and scrolled through the messages they had exchanged earlier that morning. Hey Dagi, can u meet me at Cinnamon Chai's at 5? Luv u 💗 There was no room for error. Adagio's phone displayed 5:09, and there was still no sign of Cap. She sighed and rose from her chair. She might as well go inside and refill her cup if she was to be waiting for another ten minutes. As her fingers curled around the door handle, Adagio heard her name pronounced in a familiar Southern twang. Adagio turned around and saw her boyfriend, Captain Planet, sprinting up to her. Adagio bit her lip to conceal her smile; it was unbecoming of her to appear eager. "You're late," she informed him matter-of-factly, folding her arms across her chest. "Sorry, Dagi!" Cap apologized, immediately embracing her in a tender hug. "My mom needed me to finish my chores. And I can't say no to my mom, can I?" He laughed, and Adagio's frown melted like snow in spring. "Alright, I forgive you. I did enjoy a delicious smoothie while I waited," she answered. "Aw, you didn't wait for me?" Cap pretended to pout. "I was about to go in for a refill," Adagio pointed out. "And then you decided to show up." Cap grinned affectionately. "Let's go inside, get our drinks, and then come back out here to talk." "Sounds like a plan." Adagio smiled as she clasped her hand with Cap's. Cap's amber eyes sparkled as he complimented her: "Dagi, you look really cute with your hair in a braid." "Thank you," Adagio replied dutifully, touching the long braid that composed all of her poofy hair. "Sonata braided it for me. It's gotten hot out lately, and my lovely curls aren't used to the heat." After Cinnamon Chai handed the couple their drinks, Adagio and Cap left the air-conditioned cafe and sat down under an umbrella. "So," Adagio began, stirring her smoothie casually. "What's so important you couldn't just text me?" Cap said, "Remember how I was talkin' about maybe doing some volunteer work over seas? Ya know, in Griffonstone or the Amarezon Rainforest?" Adagio nodded as he talked. "I sent in the applications back March." "Did you get a response?" Adagio asked. Her fingers paused mid-stir. If this was going where she thought it was going... An ecstatic grin split across Cap's face. "Yeah! I was officially invited to the Amarezon!" Adagio smiled. "That's great, Cap!" She enveloped his hand in her own. "How long will you be gone?" Her stomach plummeted when Cap paused. "That's the only part I'm conflicted about. I'll be gone for basically the entire summer." "The... entire summer?" Adagio asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is that even legal?" "Of course it is." Cap furrowed his brow. "But, see, on one hand, I get to help so many people, more than I could in just two or three weeks. But on the other, I wouldn't get to see you or my friends for a while." Adagio withdrew her hand from Cap's; she bit her lip to keep from crying out. An entire summer? How selfish is he? I need him here! I'm a priority! "Dagi?" Cap asked gently, leaning forward. "When are you leaving?" Adagio asked abruptly before taking a long sip of her smoothie. "On the 27th... so about a week and a half from now." Adagio stood up, drink in hand. "Adagio?" Cap rose as well, his eyebrows down turned in concern. His voice was gentle when he asked, "Are you alright?" "I just need to be alone for a while." Adagio forced her lips to curl into a smile. "See you later, Cap." Adagio turned on her heel and began to stroll down the street. "Adagio!" She ignored the squeaking of chair against pavement. "Dagi, I think we need to talk about this-" "No we don't!" Adagio snapped, whirling around to face him. Cap was a step behind her. Adrenaline in her veins, Adagio thrust her smoothie forward. The drink splattered all over the front of his clean shirt. It had been white before; now Cap's shirt was tie-dyed with mango orange and banana yellow. Adagio winced when she saw hurt and shock fill Cap's eyes. "I-" For once in her life, Adagio was speechless. She grimaced before turning and running away from her sopping wet boyfriend. Adagio ran all the way back to her house, which was nestled in a court not too far from town. She slammed the door open, only to be greeted by the first of her two house-mates. "Adagio! I made cookies!" Sonata Dusk held out a tray of her goodies, but Adagio ignored her. The orange-haired girl made a beeline for her room and slammed the door behind her. Relieved to be in a comforting place, Adagio buried her head in her pillow. Tears dribbled down her cheeks. Sonata didn't take long to realize something was wrong. It was only a matter of moments before Adagio's bandmate opened the door and walked in. "Adagio!" Sonata cried, flabbergasted at the sight of Adagio expressing emotions. "What's wrong?!" "Go away!" Adagio shouted, though the command was muffled by her pillow. Instead of leaving, Sonata sat down on the edge of Adagio's bed and began stroking her back, like a mother comforting a child. "What happened with you and Cap?" Sonata asked as she rubbed Adagio's back. "Did he break up with you at Cinnamon Chai's?" She gasped. "How rude! Now you'll never be able to go there again because of the memor-" Adagio lifted her head up long to shout, "Shut up Sonata!" before returning to her regular scheduled sobbing. "Please tell me, Adagio," Sonata pleaded. Slyly, she added, "You know I'm not gonna go away until you tell me what's wrong." There's no use in trying to get her to leave, Adagio thought begrudgingly. She rolled up and did her best to block the flow of the rivers cascading down her cheeks. "Cap's going to the Amarezon Rainforest over summer break, so I won't get to see him for months!" she blurted out, sniffling. "Awww!" Sonata cried sympathetically. "Don't worry, Adagio, you'll still get to keep in touch with him! You can send him postcards!" Adagio glowered. "Postcards are lame." "Singing telegram!" Sonata suggested. "...I despise my singing, 'Nata." "FaceTime and texting?" Sonata suggested. Adagio groaned at the thought. "It still won't be the same." "Why not?" "I'm his girlfriend. I'm one of, if not the, most important people in his life. Oh, I had so much planned this summer." Adagio sniffled. "Who else will be around to appreciate my beauty? I gave up a life of polygamy for this boy!" When the monologue ended, Sonata stopped rubbing Adagio and dropped to her knees. The girls were now eye to eye. Sonata said, "Adagio, I'm kinda a dumb dumb sometimes, but I'm certain that things will work out. Cap can still appreciate you, even if he's in another timezone. Wait, is the Amarezon in another timezone? Lemme just- nope! Stay on topic!" Sonata sucked in a breath of air. "Just think of this as an ultimate test of your relationship with Cap!" Her serious façade melted, and she struck a heroic pose. "The true test of love is upon you! Are you truly destined to-" "Sonata, how in Equesria did I become so pathetic?" Adagio asked sourly. "We were cutthroat sirens for centuries, and now here I am crying over Cap." Sonata giggled. "We've adapted, silly!" "That's not... Ugh! Whatever." Adagio rolled over so her back was turned to Sonata. "It'll work out, Dagi," Sonata promised her. "No it won't," Adagio snapped. "I know it won't. You know why? Because I lost it and threw my smoothie on his shirt!" "Oooh." Sonata sucked in a big breath. "That's a problemo." "Do you see now why I'm a lost cause?" Adagio asked miserably. "Step one in the test of love," Sonata said softly. "Ask for forgiveness." "You are so cheesy. Get out of my room."
Chapter 2: ConsolationsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 3: Smiley Face EmojiThe next morning, Adagio sat on the edge of her bed. She scrolled through her MyStable feed as Sonata braided her hair. It had been what, an hour since they had started? "Are you almost done yet?" "Almost!" Sonata chirped. Adagio flinched when Sonata tightened her grip. Sonata, filled with endless pep, was oblivious to Adagio's suffering. "There must be a more efficient way to do this." "I meaaaan, there's always cutting your hair?" "Of course not! This is my hair you're discussing!" "But you'd look so cute with a bob!" "Absolutely not, Sonata. I'd rather stick to braids." "Well I'm done anyways, so you can go now!" "Finally!" Adagio jumped up and immediately checked her image in her phone's camera. Today Adagio wore milkmaid braids wrapped around her temples. "Okay, Sonata, please don't eat all the cereal while I'm gone." Adagio cocked her hip, anticipating a protest. "Don't worry, I'm gonna hit the arcade with Duskie and Pinkie Pie," Sonata assured her. "We'll have plenty of cereal-less fun!" "Well then," Adagio replied as she slung her purse over her shoulder, "just don't do anything stupid." If Adagio had been in Cap's position, she definitely wouldn't have agreed to meet with her clingy, emotionally unstable date. As she strolled down the suburban streets, she nervously checked her messages for any double meaning she could pick out. Hey uh could we meet at the park today and talk this out? like at noonish? She had sent that message at six in the morning. An hour later, Cap had replied. Sure. 🙂 "I hate smiley face emojis," Adagio muttered as the park gate came into view. "They could mean anything." Having known Aria since birth, Adagio knew how threatening smiley faces could be. Adagio walked in and made a beeline for the nearest bench. The usually serene, quiet park was quite busy and noisy today. Families, couples, and friends alike were picnicking under the warm summer sun. Adagio watched as a pair of kids guided their kites through the air, laughing as the contraptions swooped and soared in the clear skies. Impulsively, she glanced back to the park's entrance. Oh Celestia, he actually showed up, Adagio thought when she saw Cap walking in. She hadn't been expecting him to ditch her, exactly, but... wow, why was she so nervous? These emotions are beneath you, Adagio. Shut up. "Hey, Adagio." Cap's greeting was warm and friendly, but Adagio winced. She couldn't help but notice her nickname fell by the wayside. "Hello, Captain." Adagio watched as he sat down on the opposite side of their bench, leaving a few inches of space between them. "So..." Adagio trailed off. She closed her eyes and sighed. Own up and apologize, Dazzle. "I'm sorry for throwing my smoothie on to your shirt." "It's fine," Cap replied. He chuckled, but Adagio could tell it was only an attempt to lighten the mood. Adagio pursed her lips. "I'm not good at expressing my emotions, okay? Are you mad at me?" "You?" Cap's thick blue eyebrows rose in surprise. "I'm not mad at you, Adagio." "Then how do you feel?" Adagio pressed, arms folded tightly against her chest. Cap was silent for a moment. "Confused? I didn't expect you to throw a smoothie. But I guess I shoulda given you time. That might've been my fault." Maybe it was. Adagio bit her tongue, knowing that would add fuel to the fire. Instead, she replied. "I'm sorry for... overreacting. I know I can be a bit of a diva sometimes." "Sometimes." Cap formed air quotes, pointing out the understatement. A smile escaped onto Adagio's lips. "Okay, all the time," she amended. "And, well, I appreciate you staying by me even when I throw fits like that." "Of course, Adagio." Cap's face lit up. He leaned in and embraced Adagio. She hugged him back, taking care to notice the way he felt, his soft skin under his thin cotton t-shirt. After the 27th, Adagio would no longer have a hug whenever she pleased. "What do we do now?" Cap asked after a moment of silence. "I'm leavin', there's no stoppin' it. And I'm happy to be goin'." Adagio inhaled, held the breath for a few moments, then exhaled. "I know. I just needed a bit of time to accept the fact you're gonna leave. For the entire summer." Cap pulled out of the hug. For a moment, Adagio feared he was mad, but Cap reached over and gently clasped her hand in his. She looked into his amber eyes as he calmly said, "I get that, Adagio. I can't say I'm mad at you." He chuckled before adding, "Though my mom might be. She ain't keen on havin' to wash another dirty shirt." Adagio laughed. "Well, I'm not going to lie, even though I am quite an interesting personage on my own, it's going to be completely boring without you." Then she added: "Although technically, days with Sonata and Aria aren't ever boring, but the summer would be such a drag without someone sane to whom I can complain." Cap simpered, his eyebrows raised mischievously. "I'm sure my friends would be happy to fix that." "What, you mean your hippie-dippy nature club?" Adagio scoffed. She added a "Sorry" as an afterthought. "I know your friends," Cap pointed out. "You should probably get to know mine while I'm away. See the world through a new perspective an' all that." "I suppose it's better than hanging out at the pool with Sonata. She swims around pretending she's still a siren! The amount of weird looks we got last night? So annoying!" They laughed together. Cap said, "Want me to warn you about my friends?" Adagio shrugged. "Okay, so Sweet Leaf is basically a conspiracy theorist. At one point, she was convinced Crystal Prep was making crystal meth in the basement of their science lab!" "She sounds like a carbon copy of Sonata!" "They'd get along just dandy." Adagio grinned half-heartedly. Before Cap could describe Green Cycle's quirks, she changed the subject: "So, have you packed yet?" Cap admitted, "I should've, but I didn't. My mom's kinda annoyed about it." "Well, maybe I can be of service," Adagio offered. "If I kept Aria and Sonata organized for years, I'm sure packing for you will be no sweat." "You'd help?" Cap asked incredulously. His eyebrows arched and his mouth was puckered in an 'o' of surprise. "Of course. It'll give us more time to talk." "You wouldn't mind comin' over right now, would you?" Cap asked. "Green and Paisley are comin' over to help me, too. Green might bail, tho." "Hmmm, let's see." Adagio began scrolling through her phone, looking at a nonexistent calendar. "Maybe I can make time between 'reconcile with my boyfriend' and 'avoid Aria when her trashy band comes over' to help you pack." After tucking her phone back in her bag, she grinned at him. "Come on, let's go." Author's Note "The queen from Star Horse: Episode I!" Padmare Amaredala
Chapter 4: Tidying UpTethystle met them at the door. Before today, Adagio hadn't crossed paths with her. The familial resemblance between Tethystle and Cap was evident in their identical complexions. However, Tethystle's hair was light and rose-colored, contrasting with her son's dark mop. "Hello, Captain. Green Cycle and Paisley arrived a few minutes ago," she said. Placing her hands on her hips, she turned in Adagio's direction. "And this must be Adagio Dazzle, the girl who ruined yet another shirt." Her green eyes appraised Adagio coolly, most likely hiding her distaste. Adagio mustered her classic innocent, good-girl smile. "Nice to meet you, too. I'm sorry about his shirt, my hand just... slipped." To illustrate her point, Adagio rested her left hand on Cap's arm. A tight smile appeared on Tethystle's face. "That's what I'll choose to believe. Now, you two better hurry on upstairs. Especially you, Captain Planet, before Miss Paisley packs you all the wrong clothing." You packed all the wrong clothing, Adagio thought, scrutinizing her boyfriend's mother. Tethystle wore a melon-colored "Save the whales!" shirt and khakis. Ugh, that's not doing her figure any favors. "Good advice, Mom." Cap clasped Adagio's hand in his own and led her through the house and up to his room. "Wow, I can see why a stained shirt would annoy your mother," Adagio remarked. They stood in the doorway of Cap's room. She had never been in his room before (strange but true), yet she had mistakenly assumed Cap kept it tidy. His dishelveled blue bed sheets were inches away from falling off the mattress. And the walls! Either Cap had never taken down his middle school comic posters, or he was recycling the posters as wallpaper; either choice was viable. Plain white tees littered the floor, and in the center of the mess stood Green Cycle and Paisley. Green examined a tiny trinket from the floor; Paisley sniff-tested various articles of clothing. "Cap, please take it upon yourself to wash your clothes," she said, tossing a pair of jeans onto his bed. "So I guess you made up with Adagio, huh?" Green looked up. His grin was wide, not entirely suited to the occasion. He wasn't high, was he? "I apologized to him." Adagio replied before Cap could. "And now I'm here to help dear Cap organize his luggage!" "Dude, where do you keep your suitcases?" Green asked, tossing the trinket onto the bed. "I haven't been able to find them." "They're under my bed." Cap crossed the room and pulled out two large suitcases. Blue, of course. Paisley immediately dumped a pile of white shirts into the nearest one. Adagio pulled out the top drawer of Cap's dresser and began rummaging through the contents. "Cap, why are flip flops in your drawer?" She held up a pair of woven sandals. Cap grinned sheepishly and plucked them out of his girlfriend's hands. "I haven't seen these in a while. Thanks, Dagi." "Hey, Adagio," Paisley said, and Adagio turned towards the pale girl. Paisley tossed a dirty sock at Adagio, and the article of clothing landed on Adagio's head. "Ew!" Adagio shrieked, leaping away. The sock fell on the floor. "Cap, where is your hamper?" "What makes you think he has a hamper?" Green joked. Adagio said, "I'm sure his poor mother would've kicked Cap out if she had to pick up all his dirty clothes by hand." "Are you guys just here to tease me?" Cap pouted. Adagio smirked softly and elbowed him. "It's my job," she answered. Cap and Adagio smiled at each other until Paisley coughed. "I hate to break this up, but we have an actual job to do!" Paisley and Adagio proved their skills when, after a half hour, Cap's room was tidier than it had ever been in the past four years. "Wow, I can see the floor!" Green remarked as he dumped the remaining shirts in the hamper. "Me? Having a clean room? I could never." Cap chuckled. "Okay, your room is looking very nice." Adagio nodded in approval. "But there's still all the clothes in the laundry bin." Paisley prodded a suitcase with her foot. "He already has seven outfits in here, that's enough." "For the whole summer?!" Adagio's eyes bugged out. "Yeah bro, haven't you ever heard of a washing machine?" Green asked. He leisurely tossed a pillow in Adagio's direction. Adagio batted the pillow away and sighed. "Of course, but this is Cap we're talking about." She glanced meaningfully at her boyfriend. "Do you think he's gonna remember to wash his clothes?" Cap shrugged. "I'm not that incompetent." Adagio . "Well sure, of course you aren't. But the idea of spending three months in the same outfit is revolting." Her gaze dropped. For a moment, she wasn't wearing a sundress; she wore a ratty hoodie and tattered sweatpants. "Trust me, I should know." "If it reeeeally means that much to you, I'll bring a couple extra shirts and stuff," Cap agreed, clasping Adagio's hand in his own. "I'll be fine, don't worry about what I'm wearing, Dagi. That's not the important stuff." Someone knocked on the bedroom door. "Come in, Mom!" Cap called. The door opened, but instead of Tethystle, Sweet Leaf and Starlight appeared in the doorway. "Guess who brought cookies!" Sweet Leaf cheered. "Freshly baked and 100% vegan!" She tossed an eco-friendly burlap sack onto Cap's newly made bed. Starlight followed her in, marveling: "You guys really cleaned up Cap's room!" Paisley grinned at the compliment; Adagio smirked. Arms folded, she replied, "Well, organization is one area in which I happen to excel." "Anyways," Sweet Leaf said, flopping down next to her bag, "here's some yummy cookies for all of your hard work!" She withdrew a drawstring pouch from the bag and opened it. "Thanks babe!" Green immediately shoved his hand into the bag. "Leave some for me!" Adagio cried. She wormed her hand into the pouch and withdrew two cookies. Green did the same and passed the bag to Starlight and Cap. "Yum!" Green remarked, stuffing his mouth full of cookies. "Sweet Leaf, these are delicious!" "They don't call me 'Sweet' for nothin'!" Sweet Leaf giggled. "Haha, actually baking has nothing to do with my name." Adagio agreed whole-heartedly with the Green's statement; Sonata's chocolate chip cookies couldn't compare to Sweet's oatmeal raisin cookies. They were moist, chewy, and tasted vaguely of cinnamon. "Green, did you take all the cookies?" Cap asked, raising an eyebrow. He held up the bag, devoid of all edibles except for a few meager crumbs. "...No?" Green grinned sheepishly. "I'll bet that's why you were your lame hat all the time," Adagio remarked dryly. She deftly plucked the grey beanie off of Green's head. To no one's surprise, half a dozen cookies tumbled out. "In my defense, they're really good," Green said, raising his hands like a criminal caught at a crime scene. Cap picked up a fallen cookie and began chewing it. "You're right about that!" Adagio's left eye twitched. "You just ate that off the ground? Do you know how dirty the ground can be?" Cap smirked good-naturedly. "Well, we did just clean the room..." Adagio paused. Starlight, Paisley, and Sweet Leaf giggled. "Ugh," groaned Adagio, "as long as you don't get sick."
Chapter 5: Another AnnouncementThe six teens sprawled across Cap's newly made bed. Sweet Leaf whispered to Green Cycle. Starlight typed on her phone. Adagio's hands wrapped around Cap's sturdy chest. Cap absentmindedly traced circles along Adagio's arms. "Penny for your thoughts?" Paisley broke the silence. Cap stopped drawing circles. "Whose thoughts?" "Anyone's thoughts." "Well," Cap began, "Dagi and I were talking earlier, and I suggested that in my absence she should get to know you guys." "Sounds like a good idea," Starlight said. "Hi Adagio, I'm Starlight, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Charmed," Adagio replied dryly, shifting slightly. "That's a great idea, Cap!" Sweet Leaf clapped her hands. "Adagio will have so much fun with us! Maybe she can even answer some questions for me! For example, I've been dying to know-" "Hold your horses, Sweet!" Cap held up a halting hand. "Adagio's gonna run for the hills the first day ya'll hang out!" Adagio nodded. "Adagio, wanna go to a yoga class with us?" Green Cycle asked. "It, like, totally cleans your chakras. My soul is so aligned afterwards." "Chakras. Alignments. Yoga. Sounds great." Adagio grinned flatly. Paisley piped up, "We're a quirky little group. I know our ideas and hobbies might scare heathens away, but, well, we're not that bad." "I'm so quirky. I'm not like other girls," Sweet Leaf said. Everyone ignored her. "Take yoga for example," Cap agreed, wrapping an arm around Adagio's shoulders. "Maybe you're not there for the spiritual aspect, but it can totally relax your muscles, it's a great way to exercise, and-" His voice dropped "-you can show off your curves." Adagio snickered; her hand drifted down to her hip. "You sure know how to flatter a girl. I'll try out yoga." "Our first group activity!" Sweet Leaf clapped her hands again. "Awesome!" "How about the Monday after Cap leaves?" Starlight suggested. "Wow." Cap punched Starlight's arm. "Way to exclude me!" "We can FaceTime you, and you can follow along in the Amarezon," Sweet Leaf suggested. Adagio kissed Cap's cheek. This wasn't a terrible idea. "I promise when you get back, I'll have some fun stories to tell you." Later that afternoon, Adagio sauntered along the sidewalk. Cap had offered to act as a chauffeur, but Adagio had declined; she appreciated a good walk. As she approached the crosswalk that would take her to her street, Adagio's back pocket buzzed. "Who could this be?" she muttered, drawing her phone out. The caller ID displayed a purple-haired menace. Wonderful. Adagio pressed 'Answer'. "Hello?" "Where are you?" Aria demanded. "About a block away from the house," Adagio crossed the street. "Didn't Sonata tell you I was out with Cap?" "She told me that much. Can you hurry your divalicious butt over here? I have something I need to tell you guys. Well, Sonata kinda knows, so mostly I just need to tell you." "Tell me now, then." "No," Aria snapped. "It's something I'd rather tell you in person. Ugh. Just hurry up." Click. "What the heck?" Adagio pursed her lips and shook her head. "What in Equestria would she need to tell me in person instead of over the phone?" That was un-Aria behavior. Adagio speed-walked back to the house and beelined to the kitchen, their usual meeting location. Sure enough, Sonata was sitting at the table, placidly munching on an apple. Aria leaned against the far wall, a dour look on her face. "Finally." "Aria, please explain yourself," Adagio snapped, sitting down next to Sonata. "Your call was so cryptic." "Sorry." Aria rolled her eyes. "So I'm sure you know about my rock band, Blazin' and Bangin'." "How could I forget?" Adagio wished she could. "Why you went and formed a band after we were defeated at a Battle of the Bands is beyond me." "Shut up. You're the one who went and got herself a hippie boyfriend." Aria flipped her ponytails. "Fine. So we've both made amends with the boys of Canterlot High. What's your point?" "The point is, I pulled some strings, and guess what? I got Blazin' and Bangin' the opening act on Fall Out Colt's tour." A grin split across Aria's face. "Seriously?" Sonata gasped. "Ohmigosh!" Adagio called bs on Aria's monkeyshine. "Even if we might technically be hundreds of years old, we're listed as minors. And the kids in your band are probably under 18, too. Whoever's in charge wouldn't let you be an opening act. Try again, and next time make your little prank a tad more believable." "Do you not understand the phrase 'pulled some strings', Dazzle? All three of us can pass for twenty-somethings. It's not too hard for me to convince some executives that the rest of the members are older than they really are." The corners of Aria's mouth turned up in a predatory smile. "I can recall one time where you 'pulled some strings' to-" "Can you get me signed merchandise?" Sonata squealed. Her raspberry eyes sparkled. "Please please please please please?" Adagio's mouth twisted. So maybe this was legit. "So you're going to open for Fall Out Colt, right. Sure. How long will you be gone?" "Four weeks. We're mostly staying in on the coast. Afterwards another band takes over." Aria answered, shoving her hands into her pockets. "Oh, and I won't be able to babysit Sonata, sorry." She grinned smugly. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?" "Yup." "Aria's gonna be famous again!" Sonata shrieked. "Oh my stars, can I come with you?" "Yes, can she?" Adagio's eyebrow rose. "I just said I couldn't babysit..." Aria paused. "But I suppose you could be a roadie." Once again, Aria grinned smugly. "But we can't just leave Adagio here all alone, can we? First Cap leaves, and then us..." She pouted. "Boo hoo!" "Adagio can come with us!" Sonata suggested, ever the genius. "We'd be just like a real band again! Adoring fans screaming our names! Aria Blaze and her roadies! It's a dream!" For a fleeting moment, Adagio saw what Sonata desired. Sometimes she wished for the same. However... "Sorry girls, I already made plans here." Adagio smiled plainly and shrugged. "Besides, Sonata, Aria's probably gonna get thrown in jail by the end of her gig. If there even is a gig." Sonata's mouth dropped open. "Please, Dagi! Just think how fun it would be!" "We leave the 27th," Aria commented casually, examining her fingernails. "You have until then to make up your mind, Adagio. Four weeks of glory and a taste of the life we used to live." Late nights at the bar. Drinking liquor. Disappearing into the shadows. Screaming fans and sexy guys lined up to try their luck. City skylines, each destination unique as a snowflake. Adagio envisioned all of that. It was a thought over which she drooled. Wrapped in a boy's embrace. Watching the sunset with new friends. Mud masks and warm summer nights. Trips to Cinnamon Chai's with a quirky group of teenagers. Adagio envisioned all of this as well. It was a summer to which she had already agreed. "I'm booked, Aria." Adagio stood up. "I'm sorry I can't accompany you. Have fun on your road trip." She walked to the edge of the room. The smile dropped off Aria's face. "You ditched the Dazzlings for some hippies?" Adagio didn't turn around. "Why are you making this into a problem, Blaze? I thought you'd be happy to get away from me." Aria hhmpphed and turned away. More irritated than before, Adagio marched up to her bedroom. "Let's see," Adagio muttered, "Cap's leaving, Aria is leaving and Sonata is following her... Who else wants to leave poor Adagio Dazzle alone this summer? Sunset Shimmer?" "Adagio?" Sonata barged right in. "Aria says that you don't like us anymore, and that you're gonna ditch us for your boyfriend's friends." "Thanks for the rundown." "But I don't think that's true," Sonata continued. Sonata had an opinion? Adagio's nonexistent interest increased slightly. Sonata kept going. "I think Aria just wants to spend time with you, Adagio. And so do I. But I know you're making new friends, and that's cool, too." "Thanks, Sonata. I'm glad you don't think this is a problem," Adagio responded. "I'm sure you'll have fun as a roadie." "Thanks!" Sonata giggled. "I'd better start working out!" She flexed her biceps. "See ya!" Sonata disappeared into her own room across the hallway. Adagio was silent for a moment. Then she pulled out her phone and began texting the Eco Kids, who had initiated her into their group chat. You're not going to believe what Aria and Sonata just told me.
Chapter 6: Goodbyes and Cinnamon Honey Ice Cream FloatsA few weeks later, the 27th arrived, bright and sunny. Sonata and Aria had been packing for the last week. Between purchasing new clothes, lengthy band practices, and last-minute arrangements, they were kept busy., As a result, Adagio barely interacted with them. She was spending most of her time with Cap, anyways, since they only had a week left together. Adagio woke that morning and got dressed as quickly as she could. She was going to Cap's house to wave him off in a few hours. Adagio pulled on her best sundresses, wedges, and some chic sunglasses. She pulled open the front door and came face to face with the members Blazin' and Bangin' (plus Sonata). "Hi, Adagio!" Sonata grinned. "Here to say goodbye?" "Uh, sure," Adagio answered, adjusting her sunglasses. "Hello, Adagio." The lead singer, a stoic brute named Gilda, stepped forward and offered her hand. "Sorry we're taking away your old bandmates for the summer." "No problem." Adagio gladly shook Gilda's gloved hand. "I should thank you for taking them off my hands." The other two band members, Heath Burns and Crimson Napalm, snickered. "We're leaving now." Aria stepped forward, arms folded over her chest. Her lips were coated with a layer of dark mulberry lipstick. "Last chance." From underneath her sunglasses, Adagio smiled. "See you in five weeks, Aria." She held out her hand. Aria grasped it and they exchanged a quick yet firm handshake. "Bye Adagio!" Unlike the previous two girls, handshakes weren't Sonata's style. She went in for a full-on hug. "I'll miss you!" "Don't ruin the dress, Sonata!" Adagio snarled, noticing Sonata was tearing up. Then, in a softer tone, she added, "I'll miss you too, okay? Keep Aria in check for me." "Yes, ma'am!" Sonata saluted her and then skipped away to help load equipment into the van. A few minutes later, Blazin' and Bangin' piled into their van and pulled out of the driveway. The band members waved as they drove away. "Bye!" Adagio was still waving as the van turned the street corner and disappeared from view. "And that's two problems out of the way," she said softly, her expression halfway between a smirk and a smile. Adagio walked briskly through town. Clear blue skies and breezy winds made it a gorgeous day to say goodbye. Adagio felt confident about the whole situation, which heightened her mood considerably. When she arrived at Cap's house, the rest of the Eco Kids and Cap's other friends were all there. "Adagio!" Cap greeted her with a hug. He was wearing a Camp Everfree t-shirt and clean cargo pants. "Cap!" Adagio leaned into the hug, savoring every moment. "I'm going to miss you, but I know you'll have so much fun in the Amarezon!" "I'll miss you too, Dagi!" Cap ran a hand through Adagio's hair, which she had worn loose that day. "Do me a favor and keep my friends out of trouble, okay? Don't let them get mind controlled by aliens or whatever." "Noted." Adagio smirked. "Hi Adagio!" Sweet Leaf and the rest of the gang joined in on the conversation. To Cap, she quipped, "Your mom told me to tell you that the plane leaves soon, so you probably need to get in the car now." "Oh, alright then." Cap turned and waved at his mother, who was already sitting in the car. "Bro, I am going to miss you," Green Cycle said, wiping his eyes. "I hope your spirit guide keeps you out of danger during your travels." He wrapped an arm around Cap. "Don't forget to eat healthy!" Starlight agreed. "We don't want you getting scurvy!" "We'll miss you, Cap!" Paisley added. "Group hug!" Sweet Leaf threw her arms around Cap, as did Paisley and Starlight. "Thanks for all the support, guys!" Cap grinned. "I'm gonna miss you guys, too!" "I'll miss you the most!" Adagio protested. "I'll miss you the most," Cap countered. "I'm going to miss you the most, and that's final." Before Cap could reply, Adagio kissed him on the lips. The rest of the kids disbanded from the hug. Adagio wrapped her hands around Cap's neck as they continued to kiss. "Get a room, bro!" Green Cycle laughed. Adagio and Cap broke apart when Cap's mom honked the car horn. "Gotta go," he said. Adagio and the Eco Kids followed him to the car. "Bye Cap!" they chorused as the car pulled out of the driveway. Neighbors waved and other kids from school cheered. "Let's follow him!" Sweet Leaf suggested as the car started down the street. "Adios!" "Call me!" "Don't get bit by a snake!" "See ya, Captain!" Paisley, Sweet Leaf, Green Cycle, Starlight, and Adagio ran down the sidewalk, shouting, waving, and laughing. They could see Cap's hand waving from the car window. When they reached the end of the street, Adagio shouted, "I love you!" Then, like Aria and Sonata, Cap disappeared down another street. The teens stood there for a moment. Adagio's dress fluttered in the wind. "I miss him already," Starlight sighed, fiddling with her necklace. "Me too," Adagio agreed, gazing up at the sky. "Do you want to go get ice cream or something?" Green Cycle asked. "I'm actually pretty hungry." "Why not?" Adagio shrugged. "How about Sugarcube Corner, near CHS?" "Sounds like a plan!" Sweet Leaf rubbed her palms together. "You know, I have a theory involving Sugarcube Corner... Mrs. Cake is pregnant again!" "Oh my gosh," Starlight groaned as they walked back. "That doesn't even have anything to do with Sugarcube Corner, just the owner." "It's creepy that you're observing Mrs. Cake that closely," Adagio pointed out, disdain lacing her voice. "Fine, I'll cross that one off my list," Sweet Leaf huffed. The five friends piled into Green Cycle's old car and drove to Sugarcube Corner. "Hey Adagio, I bet you've never had Sugarcube Corner's secret menu!" Sweet Leaf exclaimed as the shop came into view. "I didn't know they had a secret menu!" Adagio responded, surprised. "What's on it?" "I'll show you when we get inside!" Sweet Leaf unbuckled and hopped out of the car. Adagio followed the Eco Kids inside "I think I'm definitely going to get the cucumber-melon smoothie this time," Starlight said as they joined the line. Paisley shook her head. "Why not?" Starlight asked. "I think they've run out of cucumbers," Paisley replied. "You order that every time." "What can I getcha?" Mr. Cake asked when it was their turn. Sweet Leaf winked at Adagio, then leaned forward. "I'd like to see what Pinkie Pie has to offer, please." "Well then, you can certainly go back to storage and ask her," Mr. Cake answered stiffly. "Next!" "Follow me!" Sweet Leaf led the group through a door to the back of the shop where ingredients were kept. "Ta da!" "What. The. Heck." Adagio was met with the sight of Pinkie Pie wearing a grass skirt and flower-patterned crop top. Her usually fluffy hair was pulled into a braid and interwoven with strips of bark. To top it all off, Pinkie was sitting on a mound of dirt. A mountain. Of. Dirt. "Hello all!" Pinkie chirped. "I heard you wanted the-" she dropped her voice to a stage whisper "-secret menu!" "Why are you sitting on a mound of dirt? Why do the Cakes let you do this in their shop?" This was some Sonata-like shenanigan. "I'm appealing to my customers." Pinkie grinned. "So, what can I get you? Unfortunately, we are out of cucumbers" -Paisley elbowed Starlight- "but everything else on our all-natural menu is stocked up!" "I'll have a banana honey split!" Sweet Leaf requested. "Right atcha!" In record time, Pinkie Pie presented Sweet Leaf with a grass-woven bowl. Inside were two bananas and a scoop of strawberry ice cream; as a bonus, the dish was drizzled with honey. Adagio wrinkled her nose. "Can I get a sour cream frappe, please?" Green Cycle requested. Adagio's frown deepened. Please tell me this is a joke. A prank. NOT REAL! After Pinkie fulfilled the boy's request, Paisley inquired about a cinnamon honey ice cream float. Something tame in compared to the other's orders, in Adagio's opinion. Starlight bought a carrot concoction, then all eyes in the group turned to Adagio. "What are you gonna have, Dagi?" Pinkie asked cheerfully. Adagio pursed her lips. "Don't call me Dagi, Pinkie Pie. I'll have," she paused, wondering if it was too late to run, "I'll have a cinnamon honey ice cream float, what you got Paisley." "Gotcha!" Pinkie Pie winked and whipped up the order in no time. She handed Adagio a crystalline cup filled to the brim with a frothy liquid. "The best part is the cup! It's made of raw sugar, so you can eat it afterwards!" Pinkie beamed. "Thanks for ordering off the secret menu! Everything is on the house, my treat! Come again soon!" With no explanation, Pinkie pushed them out of the room and slammed the door shut. "What was that about?" Adagio asked, glancing at the door. "It's Pinkie," Sweet Leaf reasoned. "She lets us eat free sometimes." "Oh." Adagio forced out a chuckle. "Let's eat outside!" Starlight suggested. "It's a really nice day out!" "Everyday is a nice day out," Paisley remarked as they left Sugarcube Corner. "That's the beauty of living on Earth." These hippies and their obsession with nature, thought Adagio. Apathetically, she took a sip of her float. To her surprise, the brew didn't make her want to vomit. "This is actually kinda... good!" Green Cycle chuckled. "We did it, guys! Adagio Dazzle likes all-natural recipes now!" He exchanged a high five with Sweet Leaf. "Yay!" Starlight cheered. "Hold it!" Adagio's eyes widened. "Just because I like this one drink doesn't mean I'm going to become a vegan!" "You're hilarious!" Sweet Leaf chortled, throwing an arm around Adagio. The rest of the Eco Kids joined in, laughing hysterically. Adagio was mystified. Author's Note I'm just publishing these chapters (that I wrote, like, three years ago) without bothering to see if they're well-written haha
Chapter 7: Did Someone Say Sleepover?"Are you sure you don't want to try my drink?" Green Cycle pressed, holding out his sour cream beverage so that it was right under Adagio's nose. "Ew, no!" Adagio growled. "Be careful, Green Cycle, or I'll ruin your shirt like I did Cap's!" Paisley chuckled. "We're kidding, Adagio," Sweet Leaf assured her. "You don't have to drink anything you don't want to." "Haha," Adagio replied dryly. She sat down in a chair and took a few more sips of her float. "What are you doing later, Adagio?" Sweet Leaf asked. "I-" Adagio paused. Well, what was she doing later? "I'm going to relax, obviously," she chuckled. "With Aria and Sonata out, I have weeks dedicated to the most important person in the world, myself." "Like manicures and stuff?" Sweet Leaf asked, leaning intently towards Adagio. "Sure, why not?" Adagio smirked. "Maybe I'll go on a shopping spree!" As she took another sip of her float, another thought occurred to Adagio. "Who's going to hold all my bags? Usually I make Aria and Sonata hold them!" "Sounds like you miss them more than you let on," Starlight drawled, gulping down the remains of her drink. "What? Sure, the house won't be the same without those two dorks, and yeah, it's going to be quiet by myself..." Adagio trailed off. "But I'm hanging out with you guys, right?" "You know what we should do?" Sweet Leaf asked. "What?" Paisley, Adagio, and Starlight asked in unison. "A sleepover!" Sweet Leaf squealed. "Oh my gosh, wouldn't that be so fun?! Starlight can bring plants from her gardens, and we can do mud masks! And that way Adagio won't feel lonely at night!" "I changed my mind," Adagio said flatly. "I don't want to hang out with anyone." "Dude, it would be fun, though!" Starlight piped up. "Would I be invited?" Green Cycle asked. Sweet Leaf smacked him playfully. "No, girls only!"' "This sleepover sounds fun!" Paisley agreed. "I'm game." "Same." Starlight beamed. "So am I!" Sweet Leaf smiled. "Well, Adagio?" Adagio was about to say no. This venture to Sugarcube Corner made her want to have an evening of alone time. But she'd have plenty of those in the upcoming weeks, right? I'm doing this for Cap, she reminded herself. "Alright," Adagio said aloud. "I will generously host this sleepover." "Yay!" Starlight cheered. "But!" Adagio held up a finger. "My house, my rules." "Yes, sir!" Starlight saluted her. Paisley nodded in agreement, and Sweet Leaf clapped her hands. "I'm just gonna leave now," Green Cycle commented. "I have to meditate, anyways." "Aw, don't be sad, Green!" Sweet Leaf kissed his cheek. "We'll fill you in on everything that happens!" "Or not," Paisley murmured. Adagio couldn't help but chuckle. That evening, Adagio sat at the kitchen table, filing her nails. She already had her pajamas on: a silk magenta bodice and matching pants framed with lace; a more modest version of her usual bedroom attire. "When are they going to be here?" she muttered, examining her nails nonchalantly. Eco Kids, it seemed, had a habit of being late. As if on cue, the doorbell chimed. "Come in!" Adagio called, though she rose to open the door anyways; her guests most likely did not hear her. "Hi Adagio!" When the door swung open, Sweet Leaf stood right in the doorway, beaming broadly. Her long mossy hair was bound up in two loose buns, and she wore a low-neck cotton nightgown. Stepping inside, she continued, "What a lovely house! Where's your kitchen? I brought s'mores ingredients!" "So nice of you to agree to this," Starlight drawled. Her lavender hair was loose, wet, and smelled of strawberries. Starlight was clothed in a snug cocoa bodice and short cream short that showed off her figure. "Nice outfit," Adagio remarked, stepping aside to let Starlight pass. Paisley smiled politely, but said nothing as she passed bye. Her nightgown was patterned with floral print, colored with so many vibrant hues that Adagio felt dizzy. "Girls!" Adagio clapped her hands. Her guests looked up, awaiting her instructions. "We will be conducting this sleepover in the basement. Which happens to be Aria's room, but since she's not here, we can have a little fun." Adagio grinned. "Don't ruin any of her possessions, okay? She's mad enough as is." Sweet Leaf laughed. Adagio led the way down to the basement. The largest room in the house, the basement was painted puce with green star decals on the walls. A large TV hung opposite of a long green couch, and Aria's bed lay in the corner (Adagio had cleaned up the space before her guests arrived, so it was cleaner than usual). "What are we going to do first?" Sweet Leaf dumped her bags- all five of them- onto Aria's bed. "I was thinking we could do each other's hair," Paisley suggested, glancing over at Adagio. Adagio considered it. "Normally only Sonata is allowed to touch my hair, but you can be the exception." "I brought a curler!" Sweet Leaf piped up, pulling a crimping iron out of her bag. A few minutes later, the girls sat in a line on the floor. Sweet Leaf leaned against the wall as she curled Starlight's hair; Starlight was struggling to wrangle Adagio's hair into two neat pigtails; Adagio was plaiting Paisley's hair. "I swear on my favorite azalea bush, the CPA kids make crystal meth in their basement!" Sweet Leaf appeared completely focused on Starlight's hair, but her voice was erratic. "We could bust them for using drugs! No more CPA, all Friendship Games wins are forfeited to us!" "I couldn't care less, I didn't go to school during the Friendship Games," Adagio commented, rolling her eyes. "What do you have to gain?" "The satisfaction of having the upper hand!" Sweet Leaf insisted. "I wouldn't mind," Starlight admitted. Paisley chuckled, but made no comment on the idea. Adagio grimaced when Starlight gripped her hair a tad too tightly. "Watch the hair, please!" "Sorry," Starlight apologized. "How did you even get so much hair, anyways? I bet there's a portal to another universe in all these curls." "It just appeared on my head when I entered the human world," Adagio answered. "You wouldn't believe some of the jokes people make because they're so jealous." "Cheese puffs?" Sweet Leaf suggested. Adagio turned beet red. "No!"
PrologueAuthor's Note Important characters: Adagio, Captain Planet, Aria, Sonata, Sweet Leaf, Paisley, Starlight, and Green Cycle Prologue Adagio Dazzle stood outside Canterlot High School, flanked by her two best friends, Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze. "One and twenty, one and nineteen, one and eighteen..." Sonata kept her raspberry eyes on her watch, which ticked quietly as the seconds flew by. "Does she really have to countdown the seconds until summer vacation?" Aria asked, unimpressed with Sonata's habit. "I don't care either way," Adagio said breezily. Her eyes were focused on the glass doors of Canterlot High, which would burst open at any moment and flood the outside with students. A feeling of anticipation hung in the air. "One and six, one and five..." Sonata continued. Adagio adjusted her backpack. The three girls shared their last class, and had decided to leave early for the sake of defying authority. Aria tapped her foot. Tap, tap, tap. Adagio drummed on the purple brick walls. Sonata kept time: "Forty-eight, forty-seven, forty-six." "I say we leave right now. There's no point in sticking around," Aria sulked. "Maybe for you, there isn't," Adagio retorted. While Aria had no ties to high school, Adagio was waiting for a particular someone. I know Rainbow Dash is going to ask me to sign her yearbook," Aria sulked. "I hate teenage rituals." "Thirty-nine, thirty-seven, no wait, thirty-eight! Thirty-six!" Sonata stumbled over her words. Adagio clasped Sonata's and Aria's hands. "Just a moment longer, Aria." Aria looked Adagio in the eye. "Listen, Adagio, I know we don't see eye to eye on most things. But you having a boyfriend..." "Four, three, two!" Sonata chanted, interrupting Aria. Brrrring! The blare of the school bell signaled the end of the school year. Immediately, students barged through the main doors. Hundreds of conversations filled the air, so obnoxiously loud that Adagio couldn't hear herself think. "Yay! Now I don't have to follow a dress code anymore!" Sonata squealed, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Happy new year." Aria rolled her eyes. "Can't wait for things to get back to normal." "See you next year, Adagio!" a familiar red-haired girl called. "You too, Aria and Sonata!" Sunset Shimmer waved as she walked by, flanked by Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. No doubt they were going to meet up with the rest of their friend group. A few moments later, Adagio spotted the flash of blue for which she had been waiting. Quickly, she pounced on her prey. "Cap!" "Dagi!" Captain Planet wrapped his arms around Adagio. "School's out!" "I noticed!" Adagio laughed. "This summer is going to be fantastic." She waved at Aria, a signal that the latter no longer needed to stick around. Aria immediately grabbed Sonata's wrist and stalked off. Cap guided Adagio through the flow of the crowd. "What're your plans, Dagi?" "Nothing unusual," Adagio answered, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked. "Go to the pool, throw some parties, make everyone adore me." She snickered at the allusion to her nefarious past. "And you're going to be right by my side." Cap's smile flickered. "I might not be here for the entire summer, Adagio. Remember what I applied for?" Maybe his words were lost in the crowd, or perhaps Adagio chose to ignore Cap, but in any case, she didn't acknowledge his response. "The girls and I went shopping a few weeks ago, and I picked out some dazzling swim suits. You're not going to be able to resist me." Cap's hand slid lower down Adagio's waist. "You're already irresistible to me, Adagio." "Aww." Adagio, easily charmed, planted a kiss on Cap's neck. Some passing freshmen made gagging noises, but Adagio couldn't care less. "Dagi, d'you want to come with me to Green Cycle's house later?" Cap asked. "I know you don't usually hang out with my friends, but I think..." "I'll pass." Adagio wrinkled her nose. "Your friends are so peculiar, Cap. The one that never talks, the one that talks too much, the one who will not shut up about his 'spirit guide'..." Cap snorted. "I think you'd like them if you gave them a chance, Dagi. Please?" "I need my beauty sleep tonight." Adagio ran a finger through her hair. "You have fun at that hippy-dippy party, babe." "Thanks, Adagio." Cap smiled warmly. "I'll keep you posted." They hugged once more before Cap left to meet up with his 'hippy-dippy' friends. Adagio turned around and walked away from school. As she strolled, a smile crept onto Adagio's face. "This summer is going to be great."
