Old Enemies and New Begnnings

Of the three sirens, Sonata was the only one who loved mornings. She loved having the house to herself for the first few hours of the day. She didn't have to listen to Adagio and Aria fight over pointless things, or have to listen to them yell at her and call her names. But the thing Sonata loved most about being up early, was watching the sun rise.

For her, there was something about sitting on the back porch with a cup of warm coffee and seeing that ginormous ball of light fill the sky, which calmed her. It was the one and only time during the day that, for a brief moment, her mind and body was still and focused.

'I wish it could be like this forever...' Sonata thought to herself.

But she knew it wouldn't. Soon she'd feel the need to move or be doing something other than sitting on the porch. Soon her focus would start to slip and the constant flood of thoughts would fill her mind and she'd struggle to concentrate on just one thing at a time. It was a never ending cycle...

Sonata let out a loud sigh and took a sip of her coffee. She watched as the sun rose higher into sky, unaware of the presence standing behind her.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" said the voice.

"Yeah, it is." Sonata said softly, not breaking her gaze from the sun.

Adagio smiled and sat next to young siren. Together, the two watched in silence as the bright star lit the earth. That is, until Adagio's phone alarm went off. She looked at the screen and hit the 'off' button. "C'mon," she said, patting Sonata on the thigh. "I need your help." Adagio got up and walked into the house.

"With what?" Sonata asked while rising from her seat and following Adagio.

"You'll see."

Adagio and Sonata had been standing outside of Aria's door for almost ten minutes. Both girls knew that Aria was not a morning person and that waking her up before 11 a.m., especially on a Saturday, was a death sentence. However, Adagio also knew that time was of the essence; and if they were going to make it to the school on time, Aria needed to get up now.

"You ready?" asked Adagio.

"Why do I have to do this again?" whispered Sonata.

"Because its 6:45 and we need to be at the school by 8." Adagio said in an equally hushed tone.

"But that still doesn't explain why I have to be the one to wake Aria up."

"Look, as shocking as it may be, you possess a certain quality that I don't. A quality that could greatly help us in this situation." Adagio insisted.

"Really?" Sonata asked joyfully. "What is it?"

"It's what people like to call the 'cuteness factor'.”

Sonata tilted her head and gave Adagio a puzzled look. "The what factor?"

"It basically means that if I try and wake Aria up, she's going to kill me. But if you wake her up, she might spare you because you’re cute and whatnot." Adagio explained.

"Ohhhhh, okay." Sonata smiled. She was about to knock on the door when Adagio caught her wrist.

"You can't knock, that will make too much noise."

"Oh, right." Sonata laughed and placed her hand on the doorknob. She turned the handle and slowly pushed the door open to reveal the peacefully sleeping siren. "What now?" she asked, looking at Adagio for guidance.

"Go inside, I'm right behind you."

Sonata grinned and nodded. She tip-toed into the room and gradually started making her way to where Aria was sleeping. As she got closer she could hear the light snores that were coming from Aria's bed. Sonata's heart to beat faster as the thought of having to wake Aria up made her more and more nervous. She was about halfway to Aria's bed, when she froze.

"Adagio?" she called out quietly.

"What?"

"I can't do it."

"What do you mean you can't do it?" Adagio whispered harshly.

"I'm not sure the cuteness factor is going to work."

"Ugh,” Adagio groaned. "It's going to be fine, Sonata.”

"B-but what if is its not? What if she tries to kill me?”

Sonata felt Adagio's hand on her shoulder.

"I'm not gonna let her hurt you, okay? Just keep moving." Adagio said confidently.

Sonata nodded and once more began making her way to Aria's bed. As she walked, one of the floor boards creaked when she stepped on it. Sonata's heart stopped. She looked down at where she had stepped and then up at Aria. Aria's covers rustled as she turned in her bed. Sonata sighed in relief and glanced back at Adagio.

"Keep going," Adagio mouthed.

Sonata gave her thumbs up, and after a few more carefully placed steps, she was standing right over Aria. "What am I supposed to do now?" she asked.

Adagio stood behind Sonata and looked over her shoulder, "I don't know, try poking her or something."

Sonata poked Aria's cheek several times. "Ari," Sonata called out quietly. "Ari, it's time to get up."

Aria waved her hand as if to swat away whatever it was that was touching her.

"It's not working, Dagi." said Sonata.

"I can see that, retard, I'm standing right here."

"What now?" Sonata asked again.

"Stop asking me that." Adagio commanded.

Sonata turned and faced Adagio. "Well, this was your idea." Sonata said, pointing at Adagio.

"Just because it was my idea, doesn't mean I have think of everything. You have a brain too, y'know."

"Oh really,” said Sonata, placing her hands and her hips. “Because I thought I was a retard."

"Ughhhh, we don't have time for this, Nata." Adagio whispered loudly. "Just wake up Aria."

"No." Sonata pouted.

"Sonataaaa," Adagio whined. "Please don't do this."

"I'm not doing anything until you apologize," Sonata said, crossing her arms.

"I am not apologizing." Adagio said flatly.

"Well, then, I'm not waking her up."

Adagio growled and clenched her fist at her side. "Quit being such a baby!" she half yelled.

"Oh, so now I'm a baby?" Sonata said, no longer whispering.

"Yes! That's exactly what you're being!"

Aria moaned loudly as she turned and faced away from Sonata and Adagio. Both girls froze. They watched Aria until her movements subsided before continuing their argument.

"Fine," Sonata said, her voice returning whisper. "Since, I'm being such a baby, then you can wake her up." Sonata stepped to the side and stared at Adagio.

Adagio looked Sonata, then at Aria, and then back at Sonata. "T-that wasn't the deal," she said nervously.

What...you scared?" Sonata asked mockingly.

"No…”

"Well, then what are you waiting for?" Sonata said with a smug grin.

"Fine." Adagio said sharply.

Adagio took a step forward and looked down at the sleeping siren. As she reached out to touch Aria's shoulder, Adagio could feel the small beads of sweat forming on forehead as her hand got closer.

"Touch me and I'll break your fingers." Aria said in her usual dull voice.

"Holy shit!" Adagio shrieked as she stumbled back and hid behind Sonata.

Aria sat up in her bed and stretched, "What the fuck are you two doing?" she asked.

"We came to wake you up," Sonata answered.

"Why?"

"Because we have to go to school."

"On a Saturday? Aria asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Yes!" cheered Sonata.

"No," Adagio corrected, stepping out from behind Sonata. "We have a meeting with Principal Celestia about school and if we're going to make it on time, we need to leave soon. So, get your ass up and get ready...now."

"Yes, mother," Aria said sarcastically.

"Fuck you, Aria."

"I know you want to." Aria winked.

"Oh please," Adagio said, waving a dismissive hand as she turned and walked towards the door.

"You don't have to beg, Dagi." Aria taunted. "I'm right here."

Adagio gave Aria the middle finger as she exited the room and slammed the door.

Aria and Sonata laughed and gave each other a high five.

"I think she's pissed." giggled Sonata.

"Oh, totally," Aria replied triumphantly as she got out of bed. "Now c'mon, let's get ready before Adagio has an aneurysm."

Rainbow Dash blinked several times as a bright beam of light shone through her window and onto her face. In the attempt to block out the suns harsh rays, she placed her left forearm over her eyes and moaned sleepily. With her other hand, she reached for her phone that was resting on the nightstand; but as she did, her hand hit something hard.

"What the-" blurted out a voice.

Rainbow Dash gasped as she dropped her arm from her face and looked to her right. There, lying next to her, was Sunset Shimmer nursing her nose.

"What the hell, Dash?" Sunset groaned, as she propped herself up on her elbow.

"Sorry," Rainbow chuckled. "I was reaching for my phone...think you can hand it to me?"

Sunset turned and grabbed the phone off the nightstand. "Here," she said, handing the phone to her friend.

"Thanks," Rainbow yawned, as she pressed the 'home' button on her phone and looked at the time. "FUCK!" she cursed as she threw off her covers and scrambled out of bed.

Sunset sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "What?" she asked.

"It's 7:30!"

"WHAT?!?" Sunset yelled as she shot of out of bed. "Not good, not good, not good," she repeated to herself as she grabbed her clothes off the floor and darted to the bathroom. "Wake up the others!" Her voiced trailed as she ran down the hall.

"The others...right," Rainbow said, looking frantically around at her sleeping friends. She bent down to the closest girl next to her and began shaking her wildly. "Applejack!" she exclaimed. "Get up!"

Applejack mumbled incoherently as Rainbow shook her.

"C'mon, A.J., we gotta go!"

"Quit it, Dash" Applejack grumbled tiredly.

"Arrggghhh, fine!" Rainbow Dash raged. "You brought this on yourself."

SLAP!

Rainbow smacked Applejack across the face. "GET! UP!" she shouted.

Applejack squealed as her eyes flew open at the sudden pain on her cheek. She sat up and glared at Rainbow Dash while rubbing her cheek.

"You alive?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah," Applejack replied. "But too bad, you ain't"

"Good. Wait...wha- Ahhhhhh!!"

Applejack leapt on Rainbow Dash faster than she could blink. The two wrestled for several moments, until Applejack got the upper hand.

When Sunset returned to the room, she saw Rainbow Dash caught in a tight headlock by Applejack. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" she said angrily. Sunset stomped over to the two girls and pulled them apart. "Enough! We don't have time for this!" she said, eyeing both girls dangerously. "You had one job, Rainbow! What the hell happened?"

"She started it!" Rainbow said, pointing at the cowgirl.

"Me?!" Applejack snapped. "You-"

"It doesn't matter!” Sunset interjected. "Just help me wake everyone up."

Within a matter of minutes, all six girls were up and dressed. They gathered their things and stampeded down the stairs. Sunset flung open the front door and allowed the other girls to pass her. She took a quick glimpse back into the house just to make sure that no one had dropped anything of importance. Satisfied that everything was in order, she slammed the door and regrouped with the others.

"Gimme your keys" Rainbow demanded as she held out her hand to Rarity.

"Why?" Rarity asked, reaching into her purse for her keys.

"Because, I'm driving."

Rarity handed her keys to Rainbow Dash; who unlocked the car, allowing everyone to pile in. Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack squeezed into the back, while Sunset hopped into the passenger seat.

"Time check?" Sunset asked while she put on her seatbelt.

"7:40," answered Pinkie with a giant grin.

Sunset look at Rainbow Dash, "Think you can make it, Dashie?" she said, grinning deviously.

Rainbow turned the key in the ignition and the car came to life. "Can I?" she asked, tapping the gas pedal. As the engine revved, Rainbow placed her hand on the gearshift. "They don't call me Rainbow Dash for nothin'!" she declared.

In one swift move, Rainbow Dash shifted into 'drive', released the brake, and slammed her foot on the accelerator. The car did a small burnout at the sudden movement and then bolted down the street.

It was 7:45 when the Dazzlings arrived at the school. They had been walking for almost an hour; they were tired, hungry, and couldn't wait to be inside the well air-conditioned building.

"Finally!" shouted Aria as she sprawled out on the concrete steps leading up to CHS. "I thought we'd never make it."

Adagio rolled her eyes and walked past Aria. "Oh, quit being so over-dramatic," she chided. When Adagio reached the door, she cupped her hands against the glass window and looked inside.

"Is anyone in there?" asked Sonata, who was now sitting next to Aria.

"The lights are on, but I don't see anyone."

Adagio pulled on the door handle but it wouldn't budge. She took a couple steps to the left and tried the next set of doors, but they wouldn't open either. "All the doors are locked too," she sighed.

"What the hell?" Aria said as she stood up and walked up the stairs. "Why would Celestia invite us here only to leave us hangin'? You think this is some kind of prank or something?"

"I don't think so," Adagio said, taking a seat on the top stair. "She seemed pretty serious on the phone."

Feeling left out, Sonata crawled up the stairs and sat between Adagio’s legs. "Maybe we just have to wait until 8," she chimed in.

"Perhaps," Adagio said while idly running her fingers through Sonata hair.

Aria growled and kicked the school door. "This is bullshit! We should just lea-"

Aria's rant was interrupted by a car that abrupt stopped in front of the school. The Dazzlings gave each other puzzled looks before returning their attention to the car. Their eyes widened as they watched the inhabitants of the vehicle get out.

"No...fucking...way," Aria said in disbelief.

In the distance, the Rainbooms were laughing and horsing around with one another, completely unaware of the Dazzlings presence.

"Holy shit, Dashie, you made it here with 10 minutes to spare, “Sunset said, playfully punching Rainbow Dash on the arm.

"I have to agree with Sunny, that was some mighty fine drivin'," Applejack concurred.

"Yeah, Rainbow Dash, that was CRAZY!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "First, we were all like WHOOOOAAAA, and then Rarity was like AHHHHHHH , and I was like WHHHHEEEE!!!"

"Thank you, thank you," Rainbow Dash said while taking several over-theatrical bows.

All the girls, except for Fluttershy laughed at Rainbow's antics. Unlike her companions, Fluttershy had noticed the Dazzlings sitting in front of the school. The very sight of her former enemy made she quiver with fear.

"Uhm, g-g-guys, we h-h-have a p-problem," she stuttered.

"What is it, darling?" asked Rarity.

Without another word, Fluttershy pointed towards the school entrance. The girls turned their heads in the direction that Fluttershy was pointing; their mouths dropped as they saw the Dazzlings staring back at them from afar.

"No way," they all said in unison.

The girls quickly huddled together and talked amongst themselves:

"What are they doing here?" asked Applejack.

"I don't know, it's not like we can just go over there and ask them." Rainbow Dashed replied.

"Well...we could, actually," said Sunset.

"How could you even suggest something like that?" demanded Rainbow Dash.

"It's not like we really have a choice. We have to go past them to get into the school, so we might as well find out what they're doing here," Sunset insisted as she looked around the group.

"Fine," Rainbow Dash reluctantly agreed. "But you're doing all the talking since this was your idea."

Everyone nodded in agreement as they broke from the huddle and walked towards the school. As they drew closer, they could see the Dazzlings murmuring to one another. The Rainbooms grew more apprehensive as they approached the Dazzlings, and they too began to whisper amongst themselves. Once they reached the foot of the stairs, everyone fell quiet. Both groups stared at each other, waiting to see who would break the silence first.

Rainbow Dash nudged Sunset in the back, causing her to take a step forward.

"Uh...long time, no see," Sunset's voice cracked.

The Dazzlings remained silent as their gazed shift from the Rainbooms to just Sunset.

"S-so, what are you guys doing here?" Sunset questioned. "Did you come back to apologize for what happened at the Battle of the Bands?"

Adagio, Aria, and Sonata looked at one another before bursting out in laughter.

"Apologize?" Adagio said wiping a tear from her eye. "Why in Tartarus would we do that?"

"Oh, I don't know, how about because you tried to mind-control the entire fucking school?!" Rainbow Dash spat.

"Look, we did what we had to in order to survive," Adagio said nonchalantly. "We're not going to apologize for that."

"What do you mean in order to survive?” Sunset inquired.

"We don't have to explain ourselves to you," Adagio reasoned. "All you need to know is that we aren't sorry."

All of a sudden the school doors opened and out walked Principal Celestia, holding a cup of coffee. "Good morning, ladies," she said with a smile. "Please follow me."

"Who?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"All of you," Celestia replied.

"Even...them?”

"Yes, Rainbow Dash, even the Dazzlings," Celestia reiterated. "Now, please, we have much to talk about."

Principal Celestia turned and walked back into the school. She was followed closely by the Rainbooms and then the Dazzlings. Everyone walked in silence until they reached the gymnasium.

Inside, Vice-Principal Luna was setting up a continental breakfast for the girls in the middle of the gym. In front of the stage, there were nine chairs seated in a semi-circle.

"I know that it is early and that, mostly likely, none of you eaten breakfast. So, I asked Vice-Principal Luna to prepare a little something for you all," said Principal Celestia. "Once you have made your plate, please to a take a seat in one of the chairs by the stage.

The Rainbooms ran over the table and marveled at the assortment of breads, pastries, and fruits that had been laid out for them. Each girl piled as much food as she could on her plate and went to take a seat.

The Dazzlings strolled over to the table after the Rainbooms and took stock of the food that was left.

“They ate all of it!” said Sonata dejectedly.

“It’s like they’ve never seen food before.” Aria said in astonishment.

“Tell me about it…” Adagio mumbled.

All three girls’ stomach’s growled. They were starving, but the food that remained was hardly enough to fill them up.

Adagio looked at the hungry faces of her companions and her heart broke a little. She needed to think of something that would cheer them up.

“Look, let’s just listen to whatever it is that Celestia has to say and, afterwards, I’ll buy you guys a proper breakfast. Deal?”

Aria and Sonata’s faces both lit up at the idea. “Deal!” they said.

“Alright then, let’s get this shit show over with.” Adagio said as she motioned the two girls to follow her.

Principal Celestia hoisted herself up and sat on the edge of the stage. She took a sip of her coffee and waited for the girls to get settled.

"So, why have you called us here?" Sunset asked as she put her empty plate on the floor.

"Well, I've called you, the Rainbooms, here because I have some news that will have a significant impact on your upcoming school year," said Principal Celestia.

"Okay…but why are the Dazzlings here then?"

"The Dazzlings are here because they are the reason your year will be significantly impacted"

"Wait, what?" said Applejack through a mouthful of food.

"As of next year, the Dazzlings will officially be students of Canterlot High School." Principal Celestia proclaimed. "Which they have already been informed about."

Rainbow Dash stood and waved her hands. "Wait, wait, wait," she said. "Back up. How did you even find the Dazzlings?"

Adagio crossed her legs and arms, "Yes, how exactly did you find us?" she asked in a slightly annoyed tone. "On the phone, you said you thought we were homeless."

"That is true," Princess Celestia confessed, taking a sip of her coffee. "Since no one was able to find you after the Battle of the Bands, I tried calling the number you provided the school with. However, it turned out to be number that was no longer in service. I, then visited the address that you gave us, but that information too had been falsified. So, naturally, I thought you were homeless. But then, several weeks ago, I saw you, Aria, and Sonata at the mall and I decided to follow you."

"You what?" Adagio said incredulously.

"The rest was quite simple after that. I followed you home, got your address, pulled some strings with police department; who got in touch with the phone company, and that's how I got your number."

"Damn, she's good" said Aria. “I told you we should've moved to another city, Dagi"

"Shut up, Aria" Adagio ordered.

Sunset scratched her head in confusion, "But why are you telling us about the Dazzlings coming back to school now?"

Principal Celestia hopped off the stage and walked around the semi-circle. “With school just ending yesterday and summer just a couple of weeks away, I figured I'd let you know as soon as possible so that you can be prepared to...deal with one another for this coming school year. Even more so, I did it in the hopes that you all could use the next three months to come together and, perhaps, workout your differences." she explained.

Scattered murmurs of disapproval could be heard throughout the circle of girls, with the exception of Sunset Shimmer, who remained silent.

Principal Celestia held up her hand as gesture for silence. "Now, I know it won't be easy, given your history with one another," she said raising her voice slightly. "However, I strongly believe that all of you have a lot more in common than you think."

Adagio and Sunset’s eyes met for a split second before returning their attention to Principal Celestia.

“I understand that this is a lot of information to process, so I will conclude with this: A wise man once said, that the best way to destroy an enemy is to make them your friend.” Celestia said, pausing to gauge the reaction of each girl. “I hope that each of you have a wonderful summer, and I cannot wait to see all of you in September.” Principal Celestia smiled at the girls and then made her way to the gymnasium exit.

The Rainbooms and the Dazzlings sat in awkward silence for what felt like hours. Each internally contemplating everything Principal Celestia had said. For the Rainbooms, it was one thing to have the Dazzlings return to school, but to actually befriend them? It seemed highly unlikely. And for the Dazzlings, the idea of having to go back to school was something they already hated, now Principal Celestia wanted them to make peace with the girls who had taken away their powers? Never.

Sunset Shimmer didn’t know what to think. One part of her wanted to indulge the idea of becoming friends with the Dazzlings, while the other part knew that even without their powers, the Dazzlings were still dangerous. She felt her brain being torn in two as she argued with herself.

‘Maybe being friends with the Dazzlings wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I mean, both of us did try to take over the school, so we have that in common.

However, Adagio did say that they weren’t sorry for what they did…how can I be friends with someone who doesn’t think they did anything wrong?

But then again, everyone deserve a second chance, right? Even if they aren’t sorry.

Ugggghhhh! Why did Principal Celestia have to propose this idea? Perhaps I should see what the others are thinking.’

Sunset scanned the room and decided to break the silence.

“Well,” she said. “That was…something.”

Her words caught everyone’s attention as they all looked from the ground to her.

“I’ll say,” said Rainbow Dash, crossing her arms and slumping in her chair. “How could Principal Celestia even think we’d consider becoming friends with…them”

Aria growled softly. “We have names y’know,” she said matter-of-factly.

“As if I care,” Rainbow Dash countered.

“Oh, you’re about to.”

“Bring it!” Rainbow Dash said as she stood and motioned for Aria to come at her.

Aria got up from her chair and cracked her knuckles. She side-glanced at Adagio and waited to see if she was going to stop her, but she didn’t. Aria took this as the ‘go ahead’ to beat the shit out of the rainbow-haired girl. She had only taken a three or four steps towards Rainbow Dash when Sunset stepped in front of her.

“Move,” said Aria in a deathly low voice.

“No.”

“My fight isn’t with you, but if you don’t move, it will be,” Aria threatened.

“No,” Sunset repeated. “I’m not letting you hit her.”

Adagio raised her eyebrow in admiration of Sunset’s tenacity and fearlessness. Besides her, no one had every stood up to Aria like that before. She couldn’t help being slightly impressed.

“Fine then,” Aria said, raising her hand to hit Sunset. “You can take her place.”

Everyone, except Adagio, watched in fear at what was about to happen.

Sunset closed her eyes and braced herself for the impending doom. Aria was about to strike her when a small smack was heard. And then nothing. Sunset slowly opened her eyes and saw the back of someone’s hand in front of her face. She looked to her right only to see Adagio standing next to her. She had caught Aria’s fist just inches away from her face.

“Enough,” Adagio said to Aria.

Aria grunted and yanked her fist from Adagio’s grasp, and then walked away.

“Thank you,” Sunset whispered gratefully.

“I’d keep a muzzle on that friend of yours, if I were you,” Adagio remarked, ignoring Sunset compliment completely. “She, or you, for that matter, may not be so lucky next time.”

Adagio’s words sent a shiver down Sunset’s spine as she watched the siren walk away. At the same time though, she couldn’t believe that Adagio had just saved her ass.

“Let’s go.” Adagio said to Sonata and Aria.

“Are we getting breakfast now?” asked Sonata who was barely able to contain her excitement.

“Yes.”

“YAAAAAAYYYY!!” Sonata cheered, running towards the gym exit.

The Rainbooms watched the Dazzling exit the gym before turning their attention to Sunset who was still in shock at what just transpired.

“Are you alright, Sunny?” asked Fluttershy, placing a hand on Sunset’s shoulder.

“I-I’m fine,” answered Sunset.

“Are you sure, dear?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” Sunset reassured.

Rainbow Dash gave Sunset a playful noggie, “That was a close one! I thought she was gonna lay you out for sure,” she laughed.

Sunset grimaced at Rainbow’s comment. Something about what she had said rubbed Sunset the wrong way and got her thinking.

“Why didn’t any of you help me?” asked Sunset, turning to face her friends.

“She was about to punch you in the face, Sunny,” Rainbow replied.

“Exactly! So, why didn’t you help me?”

The Rainbooms looked at each other and at Sunset in astonishment and confusion.

“Where is this coming from?” asked Applejack hesitantly.

“It’s coming from a place of ‘where the hell were you when I needed you?’” Sunset said angrily. “I mean, you all claim to be friends…to be my friend, and yet, in my moment of need, the only person who stepped up to help me was fucking Adagio; the most hated person in this room and probably the entire school.”

Guilt and shame washed over her friends like a wave. They each struggled to find the words to say that could possibly explain their inaction, but nothing came to mind.

Sunset shook her head and let out a small frustrated chuckle in the attempt fight back her tears. She couldn’t believe that her friends had left her out to dry like that.

“I, uhm…I’m-I’m gonna go,” Sunset choked.

“Sunny…” Rarity said, reaching out to touch Sunset.

“I’ll catch you guys later, okay?”

Sunset turned and ran out the gym, leaving her friends to consider all that she had said.