Sunset and Adagio were led to their table. This was one of the finest restaurants in town, which was fitting since it was a very special occasion. Today was Sunset and Adagio's third anniversary. It was three years ago that the two decided to take their friendship to the next level. They had been friends and roommates for two years; then right before high school graduation, they realized they meant more to each other than they had thought. So to celebrate; Adagio had decided to take Sunset here.
They sat down at the table and the host gave them their menus. Sunset gave a quick giggle and shrugged her shoulders. "Dagi, I can't believe we're really here! Thank you so much." Sunset's eyes beamed with joy.
Adagio blushed and tried her best to look unimpressed. "It was the least I could do," she said with fake flatness. "Besides, don't thank me until you've tasted the food."
"You can't fool me," Sunset gently teased back. "You're as excited to be here as much as I am."
"I am . . . pleased to be where ever you are." Adagio gave Sunset a quick smile and returned to her usual emotionless expression.
Sunset reached out and took Adagio's hand. With a gentle squeeze and a smile she was able to say you're full of crap, but I love you anyways.
Both women had on black dresses. Sunset's was off the shoulder with a draped neckline that put you in mind of Sleeping Beauty. Adagio's was a strappy number trimmed in gold that came down to her knees. The dresses were gifts from Rarity who spent her time between New York and London as one of fashions best designers. They were the prototypes and Rarity wanted them to have them on their third anniversary.
"Oh, I got a text from Pinkie and Sonata today," Sunset said excitedly, remembering the text.
"Oh?" Adagio asked, genuinely curious. "How are they doing?"
"Good. Here." Sunset reached inside her purse and pulled out her phone and handed it to Adagio. On the screen was a picture of Pinkie, Sonata, and Jason at the beach. "It's Jason's fifth birthday next month. They want to know if we can come out for the party."
Adagio just looked at the picture. "Wow, I can't believe they actually adopted him. They're still so young themselves."
"Well, the Cakes already said and testified in court they were signing over the bakery to them once they retire. So they're kind of set there. And they honestly do make great mothers." Sunset said with a smile.
"Yes, true. They did have kids late in life. And I doubt their kids would even want to take it over. The town has lost a lot of people over the years with everyone moving back into the city. Plus Pinkie and Sonata have been working there since, what - tenth, eleventh grade." Adagio looked down at the picture and smiled. Pinkie and Sonata were just two big kids now raising a kid. Wonders never ceased. Adagio then got that wicked smile on her face that worried Sunset so and said, "Wow! And how much do you suppose they weigh now? They've gotten big!"
Sunset took the phone back and shook her head, still smiling. "That's not nice Dagi, and you know it." She stopped for a second and then added, "I'd say two twenty-ish."
"I warned them. They can't eat all that junk food they used to," Adagio said with an air of self righteousness.
"But they're happy and they love each other. What else is there?"
"Nothing," Adagio said with a blush and a small, quick smile.
"Ladies; may I take your orders?"
Both women were startled by the waiter. Quickly they looked over the menu and ordered something. Sunset picked a glazed chicken breast with garlic roasted potatoes, and carrots. Adagio got lemon grilled salmon, brown rice, and broccoli. The waiter took their menus and left. Soon he came back with a bottle wine Adagio had ordered before they got there and left.
"You really have pulled out all the stops tonight. Cheers!" Sunset said and raised her glass.
"Well, you're worth it." Adagio clinked her glass against Sunset's and added, "I suppose."
Sunset slapped Adagio's hand. "Be nice!" she said with a good natured laugh.
"Any word from any of our other friends?" Adagio asked. She was trying to slowly steer the conversation toward something special. She had a question to ask Sunset, but didn't want to just ask it.
"Um, Rainbow is going to law school after college. She's decided to be a civil rights lawyer and concentrate of gender discrimination."
"That jock is going to be a lawyer?" Adagio asked in disbelief.
"She's had a change of heart. After three years of facing sexism on campus, she's decided she'd do more good as a lawyer than an athlete. Soarin supports her. He even agreed to postpone their wedding until after she graduates."
"Huh. Wonders never cease."
"Applejack is doing great on the farm. She's getting married next year to Micro Chips."
"That's another pairing I don't understand. He's a nerd and she's a country girl. I don't see how that happened."
"Well, how'd we happen? They both had something that the other was missing. Couples just click. Apple and Micro, Rainbow and Soarin, Flash and Twilight, Pinkie and Sonata, Big Mac and Maud, Aria and Valhalen, you and I, we all just clicked."
"Rarity and Fancy Pants?" Adagio said with that wicked smile and one accusing, raised eyebrow.
"Oh don't get me started on that!" Sunset said with disgust. "You know how I feel about that. He's twenty years older than she is. Just about anyways. That's not right." Sunset saw Adagio raise both her eyebrows now. "I know, I know. I'm one to talk." Sunset smiled and took Adagio's hand. "You're different."
Adagio smile went from wicked to tender. "Only because of you. So, when did you know we 'clicked'?" she asked.
"Ohhh," Sunset said in a surprised, yet contemplative manner. "I can't say for sure. Remember that night on the tower when you tried to convince me to join you?"
"How could I forget? You nearly made me deaf in one ear and then elbowed me in the gut." Adagio spoke with a hint of anger still. She realized that Sunset was completely justified in doing so, but it still hurt.
"Hey; you were trying to turn me back to evil," Sunset replied with a laugh. "Anyway; after I had gotten free and was leaving, remember what you said?"
"I'll have your head on a spike?" Adagio asked confused.
Sunset shook her head with a smile. "After that? You said . . ."
"Please don't leave me." Adagio finished. "I remember. I had lost everything. My immortality, my magic, and then even my plan for getting them back. I felt completely alone and defeated. You had been where I was and I just needed something, anything, to hang on to."
Sunset nodded. "I could hear it. In your voice. I turned around and looked into those big, beautiful eyes of yours and saw how fallen you were. I had to do something. That was when I knew we could be friends. So I had you move in with me and luckily Applejack decided to take in Aria. It was hard at first, I admit. Remember those fights you and Twilight used to have?"
"I'm sorry, the last thing I want to do when I go get a shower in the morning is run into a wall of someone else's bras." Adagio got mad just at the memory. Twilight would hand wash her bras in the vanity and hang them from the shower rod to dry.
"But eventually you two became great friends. I don't know who cried more when Flash asked her to marry him; you or her."
"I wasn't crying. I had something in my eyes," Adagio weakly protested.
"Yeah, sure. You're not as good a liar as you used to be," Sunset said with a comic dead pan. "Well, over time, talking with you, hearing your stories, finding out who you were and what you had been through; I knew I was bonding with you on a very deep level. But it wasn't until I told you I was leaving for college . . . "
"I remember. I don't know what happened. I just knew the idea of you leaving, of not being around you; it broke my heart. I felt so alone. Like I did on the tower that night."
"Yes. I was sitting on the couch and you broke down crying. You laid your head in my lap and I felt horrible. I lifted your head to try and explain that it would be alright. And that's when it happened. I looked into your eyes, those eyes, streaming tears, I saw the depth of your soul through those eyes. It took my breath away. I went to hug you but you lifted your head to meet mine and we kissed. I think that, if any one single time could have, left me know that my feelings for you went beyond friendship and no matter what or where I went, I wanted you by my side.
"Which was weird, I admit. Up until then, I had never been attracted to another female. I had only been with, and wanted to be with, men. So it was scary there. To have your whole sexual identity up ended; it was . . . uh, disturbing, but I got used to it."
"Do you miss them?" Adagio asked hesitantly.
"Miss who?" Sunset asked back confused.
"Men."
"What? As a concept? As a thing that exists?" Sunset was becoming irritated.
"No," Adagio said frustrated Sunset wasn't getting what she was trying to ask. "Do you miss being with them?"
"What? What brought all this on? Why are you asking specifically about men for? Why not about just other people in general if you feel the need to ask something like that at all?"
"That's who you used to date. You said it yourself."
"Yes, and I dated ponies back in Equestria; but whenever we drive past a horse farm, I don't hear you asking me what I'm looking at!"
"No, but that's different. Human body, human desires."
"So why then?"
"Because men can offer you something I can't."
"Oh, a penis! Why yes, of course. Because as we know all vaginas are the same. Just stamped out at the factory and installed." Sunset was now going into full meltdown mode. "How reductionist. If I was going to cheat or leave you, it would be for a person I wanted more, regardless of whether or not they had an innie or an outie. Which is not going to happen unless you mess up. When I'm with someone, I'm with them. I'm with them. If things had worked out with my first boyfriend, you and I wouldn't be a thing. I would be with him. And as long as I'm with you, I am with you. No one, no man or woman, will ever turn my head."
"But you just said . . . "
"Yes, I said it was weird and disturbing at first. So was just being with any human. And at first, my attraction was strictly emotional. The only enjoyment I got out of sex was knowing I was pleasing you, not because I was actually, you know, 'turned on'. But I got there. Now I'm very attracted to you physically. I mean, the other night, when you were brushing your teeth in just your t-shirt and panties; Oh My God, it took everything I had not to jump you then and there."
Adagio smiled and tried to speak but Sunset wasn't having it. "You know this is bull crap Adagio! You take me out for our anniversary dinner and then question my loyalty to you and whether or not I'm going to leave you for a man? What's wrong with you?"
"Gay `till graduation, it happens." Adagio said softly.
"What? That's it, I'm done. Let's cancel our order and go home. I'm done."
Sunset got up to leave and Adagio got frightened. "Wait, don't!" She rummaged through her purse and pulled out a small box. "Here."
Sunset looked at the box curiously and took it. She was still furious with Adagio but now she also wanted to know what was in the box. Slowly she opened it and gasped as she saw that it was a ring, an engagement ring.
"I, you know me," Adagio stammered, "I don't let my guard down easily or give myself easily to others. I feel weak and helpless. Even after all this time, even with you. I thought if I was going to do this, I had to make sure. But I just messed it up. Please forgive me."
"Yes," Sunset said almost inaudibly.
"You forgive me?" Adagio asked with hope and fear.
"Yes, I forgive and, yes, I will marry you. I mean this is what I think it is right?"
"Yes," Adagio responded breathlessly. She jumped up and was immediately taken in to Sunset's arms.
The two kissed and then Sunset said as loud as she could, "Yes Adagio Dazzle, I will marry you!" She then went back to kissing Adagio. There were a few moans of protest and disgust from some of the older patrons; but most just clapped and awed at the sight of the two women in love.
Adagio pulled back and nodded to the house quartet who then started playing Loreena Mckennit's The Two Trees , her and Sunset's favorite song. They then walked onto the dance floor and just swayed in each other's arms, cheek to cheek.
"I love you," Sunset whispered into Adagio's ear.
"I love you too," Adagio whispered back. She pulled away to get another kiss when she saw that instead of Sunset in her arms there was something else. It was vaguely female but it's skin was a rotting blueish black. Boils and open wounds covered it's skin; some where so large and deep, Adagio could see bone showing through. A rotting horn, full of holes, protruded from it's forehead. It smiled an evil grin, fangs bared, eyes glowing green.
"What? No kiss sweetie?" It said in the mocking tone of an aristocrat.
"What, what are you?" Adagio asked in shock and horror.
"Aww, honey, don't you remember me? Has it been so long? You remembered Discord. Oh, but wait, that timeline never happened. But then, neither did this one." It started to laugh a fiendish, hateful laugh.
"Who are you?" Adagio demanded.
"Chrysalis. Queen Chrysalis."
Author's Note
Ok, I was trying to do a one shot, but I eel this works best as a two parter. In "Mountains" Discord shows Adagio and alternate timeline where she and Sunset were married. This story begins in that timeline with the proposal. Also it fills in some more details as to the other characters and what would have happened to them. I wanted to keep this part as sweet and as real as possible before introducing the swerve.
Part two will set up the premise, or at least part of it, of my next long fiction. Hopefully you like. And here:
this is the song Adagio and Sunset danced to. Just close your eyes and imagine them dancing, in love to this song. See you all next time. 
Adagio stumbled back; not quite sure what she was hearing or seeing. Queen Chrysalis? Here? And now she looked around and saw they were the only ones left in the restaurant. She had heard the name before. When she had been a filly, some of the old timers spoke of the great evils, the unholy trinity - Discord, Tirek, and Queen Chrysalis. She had lived a little bit under the reign of the chaos bringer, Discord; she knew him. The others always seemed more myth than reality. The nightmare tales the old tell the young to keep them inline. But now here she was, The Black Queen! The devourer of love, the mistress of ruin.
"How? HOW, CAN YOU BE HERE?" Adagio asked in terror.
Chrysalis just smiled, her fangs being one of the few things that wasn't rotting on her. "In the near future, a rift between this world and Equestria will open up. Several actually. I use that opportunity to cross over; sneak out as it were." Her voice was soft with an undercurrent of malevolent glee.
"How is that possible? And if it's in the future, how can you be here, now?" Adagio was confused; none of this made sense. She had to figure out how this was possible and what she could do to escape. If half the legends were true about Chrysalis, she would have been more than a match for all three of Sirens at full strength. But now, by herself, without magic, she was helpless.
"What is time to a goddess? I admit, my powers are more limited here than in Equestria; but I have more than enough to project myself backwards, hmm, I guess backwards and sideways is the more appropriate term, in time." Her whole tone and demeanor was that of a strict nanny patiently explaining something to an exceptionally dumb child.
"I still don't get it." Adagio's curiosity was now overriding her fear. "Where are we. When are we? How did you find me?"
Chrysalis just kind of chuckled. "We are in the future, compared to where you are at, of a phantom timeline. In this one, you stayed behind, oh wait, let me back up. This is an alternative timeline from a phantom timeline. It's a bit hard to explain, but here goes. Originally you and Aria stay behind to look for the portal back home, which you find. You cross over, along with this world's Trixie, where you make a deal with Discord, the neutered mutt, to destroy Equestria for him and he provides you protection while you hunt for three more gems. It works, sort of. Discord protects you aaaannnd Equestria is destroyed, but not by you. Seems you get killed by Trixie after you try to kill her. Can't blame either one of you for that, but still, bad form to let your guard down like that.
"Anyway, during your trip, you lose heart and Discord shows you an alternate timeline; this one. In this, you call out to Sunset Shimmer for help, you fall in love, and live happily ever after. Aww, so sweet. He gave you the choice of resetting the timeline to see if you could achieve this one, you could carry on in your mission, or he could let you die. You chose option B; and died anyway, so not much of a choice. But, just as this realm was about to be taken over by a godform Trixie, thanks to you, she was defeated by Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle and they, along with Princess Celestia, reset the timeline to what it is now.
"As to how I found you; you're Equestrian, like me. I am connected to you, to all Equestrians, in this realm. I used that connection to trace back to this time and look into your mind. You see, as a formally magical creature, you can retain the memories of times that never were. I poked around in subconscious and found this. Which I used to make my introduction." Chrysalis bowed. "Exposition over."
"But why? And why me?"
"Ah, explanation and monolog time is it? Well, for question one, to show you my power. To show you that even in your deepest thoughts, you are not beyond my reach. And it was just plain fun. Plus your love for Sunset gave me a little power boost. As for question two, it's because you are the most like me. Sonata is like Discord; a mischievous child, but harmless. Aria is like Tirek, a psychopath, but dumb. Eh, not dumb, but lacking in vision. All smash and crash. You, oh you, you're like me. Dangerous, devious, and brilliant. Not as brilliant as I am, but who is? Your cunning, your ruthlessness is exactly what I need."
Adagio cocked her head. "Need for what?"
"As I said, my powers might be awesome, but they are still limited in this realm. So I am in need of an agent. I need you to go back and befriend Sunset Shimmer and corrupt her. Not kill her, but corrupt. Well her or Twilight Sparkle. Either or, or both if your capable of it. Get her, them to turn to evil. That's all I ask. Do this and you and Sunset Shimmer can have your own fiefdom to rule over once I ascend to the throne."
"And if I don't, you'll kill me. I know this. I've made the same deal countless times. I offer a stooge something they've always wanted in exchange for a favor, then once they've delivered, I betray them. Villainy one-oh-one. Even if I do what you ask, you're going to kill me anyway. And I remember where I am now. Me and the girls left Cantorlot High, indeed the whole state of California months ago after the Rainbooms destroyed our gems. In this timeline I have no feelings for Sunset except hate." Suddenly a light bulb went off in Adagio's head.
"That's why you showed me this. To make me desire her. If I hate her, you have nothing to offer me. You had to make me love her. Very clever. But that still doesn't explain why you need me to 'corrupt' her. If you're connected to all Equestrians, then you're connected to her as well. Why not . . . ooooohhhhhhh, you can't. Whatever it is about Sunset you fear, it also blocks you from AAAAAHHHHHHH!" Adagio screamed in pain as suddenly every fiber of her being was on fire.
"Oh Adagio, you are just like me. Too much like me. Too smart for your own good. You're right; on all accounts. Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle have something that prevents me from a direct assault. A certain power. A power that prevents me from accessing the greatest, darkest power that ever was. I need that power of theirs removed. Unfortunately, not even death can remove it. Only if the vessel becomes corrupt, does the goddess energy become foul and dissipates; thus allowing me to access the . . . power I want.
"And, yes, I was going to kill you regardless. So I will dispense with the carrot and stick approach. Do as I say and I will kill you. You will cease to exist, sweet oblivion. Don't do as I say, I will torture you forever. Right now, I am causing every atom in your body to explode. The nanosecond after they do, I reform you and do it all over again. I can do this for all time. I can even change my shape." Chrysalis transforms into Sunset. "Ironic." Next she becomes Adagio. "How meta." Finally she turns into the man who raped Adagio soon after she and the others were banished to Earth. "Insult to injury." She then turns back into her true form and the pain ceases in Adagio.
Adagio falls down on all fours and just pants. Never in her life had she ever experienced anything like that. Just the thought of it almost drove Adagio insane. Chrysalis stood over her and asked, "Pain or Oblivion?"
"O . . . o . . . o . . . blivion," Adagio said as best she could.
"If it's any consolation, I would have made the same choice." Chrysalis held out her hand. "On your feet girl. Adagio, AWAKE!"
Adagio sat bolt upright in bed. She was still in the homeless shelter she had been staying in since arriving in Philadelphia two days ago. Sonata was asleep on one side of her, Aria the other. Was it all just a dream?-she thought to herself. Then a sudden bolt of pain shot through her and she heard Chrysalis voice inside her head. "Adagio, get going." It was too soft, too sweet. The pain stopped as suddenly as it had begun and she knew it was no dream. She quickly began to shake Aria and Sonata awake.
"God, what the heck Adagio!" Aria grumbled.
"What is Adagio?" Sonata asked.
"We got to get going," Adagio said with a frightful urgency.
"What? Go where?" Aria asked even more irritated and confused.
"Back to California. Back to Cantorlot High. We're going to befriend the Rainbooms."
Author's Note
The rift Chrysalis mentions is the one Midnight Sparkle opens up in Friendship Games. All the other events take place in my story "Even Mountains Erode Over Time".
