Siren Dutyby DJxDazzleChaptersTwo Can Play At That GameAnd That's Why You DON'T Mess With Old PeopleA Little Heart To HeartLet's All Get Along?Two Can Play At That GameTick…Tock Tick……Tock Tick………Tock With every passing second, time seemed to move slower…and slower…and slower as Sunset stared in agony at the small, analog clock above the chalkboard. Slumping onto her desk, she buried her head in her arms. How could freedom be so close and yet, so far? Granted, she had long since mentally checked out of class for the day, but for some reason, she couldn’t rid herself of the deep, monotonous tone that Mr. Cranky seem to possess. I would get saddled with the most boring teacher, teaching the most boring class…she thought. Sighing heavily, Sunset broke from her chain of thought just in time to hear Mr. Cranky drone on about the complexities of geometry and topography. Luckily, she had already taken this course under the tutelage of Princess Celestia (a fact that the was very grateful for), when she was a filly in Equestria. As she continued to listen to Mr.Cranky’s voice deadpan across the classroom, she couldn’t keep the bewildered look off her face. When she lived in Equestria, Princess Celestia had always managed to find a way to make even the most mundane classes fun and lively for her. The alicorn princess would send her on quests throughout the castle or play memory games to help her learn the material, but with her current teacher, things were the exact opposite. All he did was stand in the middle of the class and read from the textbook. It was something Sunset just couldn’t wrap her mind around. If the Princess of Equestria had enough sense to try and make one of the most boring classes known to both human and equine just a smidgen more exciting, why couldn’t Mr. Cranky? Was it really so hard to decorate the room in a cool, geometric theme or, at the very least, draw some damn shapes on the board every once in a while? Grunting in frustration at Mr. Cranky’s utter lack of creativity, Sunset once again, looked up at the clock. 2:20 p.m., it read. Only five minutes have passed?! Her inner being screamed. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take. Throwing her head back against the chair, she groaned audibly. “Pssst!” Sunset heard a voice next to her say. Immediately, her head snapped to the left. “It’s like he doesn’t even want to be here!” They whispered. “I know!” “I think the sound of his own voice is putting him to sleep!” Sunset covered her mouth to stifle the laughter from erupting out of it. “That is so wrong!” “I swear, his head just bobbed!” Leave it to Rainbow Dash to find humor at someone else’s expense, Sunset thought, but she had to admit, after observing Mr. Cranky for a minute or so, she too, saw his head bob once or twice during his own lecture. Turning back to Rainbow Dash, she just shook her head and smiled. “You’re horrible; you know that?” Rainbow Dash just shrugged. She didn’t care; her primary focus was on trying to find something to do to avoid blowing her brains out. Mr. Cranky just so happened to be the only something available, so she rolled with it. “So got any plans after school?” she asked, changing subjects Sunset rolled her eyes and sighed in annoyance. “Yeah, Siren Duty, as always.” “Haha, sucks to suck!” Narrowing her eyes, Sunset shot the rainbow-haired girl an evil glare and flipped her the finger while mouthing the words ‘fuck you’. Rainbow Dash just laughed and stuck out her tongue. In the three weeks that the Dazzlings had been attending school, after the Battle of the Bands, she only had to watch the unruly threesome once. It was an experience that she never wished to happen again. And so far, it hadn't since Sunset had assumed 'fully custody' of the girls. Scratching her head, Rainbow Dash scrunched up her face as if remembering something. “I thought you had a doctors appointment today and asked Applejack to cover for you?” She asked. “I did,” nodded Sunset. “But, I figured with her grandmother passing and all, that perhaps, she could use some time to herself. You know, to grieve and everything.” Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’re probably right. And come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve seen A.J. since the funeral. I hope she’s alright.” “Me too, we should probably go check up on her sometime this week, just to be sure.” Rainbow Dash’s countenance fell as she shook her head. “I still can’t believe she’s gone. I feel like it was only just last week that we saw her…” Sunset rested her elbow on the table and leaned on her hand, “Because it was only just last week,” she replied as the memory of the week before played in her mind. She and the others had been rockin’ out in A.J.’s barn when Granny Smith stopped in with a tray full of apple treats. Sunset could still taste the savor slices of Granny Smith’s famous apple pie in her now, watering mouth. “Mmmmmm,” she purred, as she closed her eyes, remembering back to that glorious afternoon. Oh, sweet Celestia, what she wouldn’t give to be able to taste those sweet apple fritters, tangy apple tarts, and warm apple dumplings prepared by Granny Smith just one last time. Rainbow Dash watched Sunset in awkward concern as the fiery-haired girl giggled and licked her lips, obviously lost in some sort of delicious fantasy. “Sunny!” she whispered loudly, trying to get the girl’s attention while also trying to avoid disturbing the rest of the class. “Oh alright, just one more.” Sunset smiled blissfully as she picked up an invisible piece of…whatever she was eating and shoved it in her mouth. Rainbow Dash chuckled at the sight. “You’re so lucky I don’t have my phone right now!” Just then the school bell rang, signifying that class was over. Rainbow Dash gathered up her books, then turned to Sunset, who was still in ‘la-la land.' She had half-a-mind to leave her there, but then she thought, I’m not that cruel. Extending her arm, she snapped her finger several times in front of Sunset’s face. “Helloooo~~” she sang. “Earth to Sunset.” Sunset scrunched up her face at the sound of someone disturbing her fantasy. Her ears perked as she heard someone repeated calling her name in the distance. Then… “SUNSET! SNAP OUT OF IT!” Rainbow Dash screamed. All of a sudden, Sunset felt something strike her cheek. HARD. “Huh – what!” she jumped. Holding her cheek, she looked up at her assailant. “What the hell?!” She exclaimed. Rainbow Dash merely shrugged as if she did nothing wrong. “What, I tried,” she said, extending a helping hand. “You wouldn’t snap out of it so…desperate times call for desperate measures.” Sunset grunted and gave Rainbow a disapproving look. “You really couldn’t think of anything else to try before resorted to physical assault?” “Eh, didn’t really think about it.” Rainbow Dash said dismissively. Sunset just rolled her eyes and allowed herself to be pulled up. “I hope you don’t think that I’m not going to get you back for that,” she said as they exited the classroom. “Oh, I’m counting on it, Sunny.” Rainbow Dash winked. “I’m really counting on it.” Sunset gave her frenemy, at the moment, a perplexed look. “Why’s that, and why are you winking?” Rainbow Dash threw an arm around Sunset’s shoulders. “Ohhh, I just want to see what kind of revenge prank the ‘she-demon turned good girl’ can come up with.” “Oh really.” In one swift movement, Sunset unhooked herself from Rainbow’s grasp and pinned the rainbow-haired girl against some nearby lockers. “Are you sure you want to play this game, Dashie?” She said with a devilish grin. Rainbow Dash was petrified. The look on Sunset’s face was one she’d never seen before. It was like Sunset was staring at her as though she was something to eat or an animal about to be hunted. “Hehe…” Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously. “I-I was just joking, Sunny, you know that. I…I would never try to tangle with you.” “Awww,” Sunset cooed, giving Rainbow Dash a disappointed look. “I was kinda looking forward to going head-to-head with CHS’s number one athlete.” Rainbow Dash tried to wriggle her wrists from Sunset’s grasp, but the sun-kissed girl was proving to be much stronger than she appeared. What have I gotten myself into…? She thought as she coward under Sunset’s predatory gaze. She needed to think of a way out of current situation. And fast. Rainbow’s eyes swiftly shifted back and forth as she thought of ideas. Then, without pausing to considered the possible implications of the first idea that popped into her brain, she acted. “C’mon, Dashie, I thought you-MMPH!” Sunset’s eyes widened as she felt Rainbow Dash’s lips firmly planted against her own. Sunset quickly pulled away, releasing her victim in the process. The two girls stared at each other in stunned, awkward silence. “What…the HELL…was that…?” Sunset asked in utter disbelief. “I, uh, I-” “YOU JUST KISSED ME!” “I PANICKED!!” Rainbow Dash shouted back. “And stop yelling before someone hears you!” She looked around, hoping that no one saw what had just transpired. Sunset face went from absolute shock to smug bitchiness. “You know, Dashie, if you wanted a piece all you had to was ask.” “Oh, shut up!” Rainbow Dash snapped. “It’s not even like that.” Sunset sauntered over to the heavily blushing girl and ran a finger under her chin. “If you say so, Dashie.” “It’s not!” Rainbow Dash smacked Sunset’s hand away. “And you better not tell anyone about this,” she threatened, pointing a finger at Sunset. “I’ll think about it,” Sunset replied as she rustled her blue friend’s hair. “But as much as I would love to continue our little game, I’ve got somewhere to be and trio to see. So, until next time…MWAH!” she blew Rainbow Dash a kiss, then turned and walked down the hall. “I’m serious, Sunny! Rainbow Dash shouted after her. Sunset just chuckled to herself. “Goodbye, my love!” she waved, then disappeared around the corner. Author's Note New story! Not sure how I want to play it out, though. Should it just be a collection of short stories, an ongoing series, or a mix? Drop me a comment and let me know! And That's Why You DON'T Mess With Old PeopleSunset couldn’t help but laugh at her strange, yet, amusing encounter with Rainbow Dash. The look on the, normally, overly confident girl’s face was one that she would always savor. She had managed to reduced Rainbow Dash down to nothing but a blushing pile of embarrassment and had every intention of keeping that momentum going. Cupping her chin as she walked down the hall, Sunset thought of ways to capitalize on the can of worms Rainbow Dash had opened up on herself. Suddenly, Sunset felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her leather jacket. Pulling her phone out, she looked at who was calling. “Ugh,” she groaned upon seeing who it was. With a heavy sigh, she hit the ‘answer’ button and put the phone to her ear. “Yes, Ada-” “Where are you?” Adagio demanded to know. “I’m-” “We’ve been waiting outside for you for over a half an hour. Do you know that?” Sunset rolled her eyes. She should have known better than to keep the queen bee waiting. “Look, I’m on my way out. Just relax.” “Don’t tell me what to do!” Adagio snapped. “And you need to hurry up. I’m hungry, and so are Sonata and Aria. So, be prepared to stop somewhere before we head back to the house. You’re buying.” “What do you mean ‘I'm buying’? Why should I have to pay for the three of you?” “Because I don’t feel like it, and you owe us. You kept us waiting, remember?” Sunset was about to protest but quickly reminded herself that it was pointless. Adagio’s word was basically law, and as much as she hated to admit it, Adagio had a point. She did keep them waiting so, in a way, this was fair. “Fine," she begrudgingly agreed. “BUT, I’m only paying for ONE meal for each of you. So, make sure you pass that along to the human garbage disposal.” “Very well. Now, hurry up, my patience is wearing thin.” *Click* Sunset pushed open the double doors leading out to the school’s parking lot. Rummaging through her purse, she looked for her car keys as she walked to the end of the fourth row. “Sorry to keep you guys waiting,” she said. “Rainbow Dash and I got to…talking and – why are you guys sitting on my car?” “Because we got tired of standing, duh,” Aria replied from her perch on the roof of Sunset’s black Jeep Rubicon. “And you didn’t think to get, I don’t know, maybe, in the car?” “Strike two, genius." Adagio answered, sliding off the hood. "The doors are locked.” Sunset slapped her forehead, then threw her hands up. “Fine whatever, let’s just go,” she said, unlocking the car doors. “Aria, get off the roof and…” Sunset looked around briefly, “Where is Sonata?” “Under here, Sunny.” Sunset gave Adagio a puzzled look, then bent down beside the vehicle to find Sonata lying on the ground. “Sonata, why are you under the car?” “Because I needed to protect myself from the sun’s harmful UV rays.” Sonata replied. “……okaaayyy, well, can you come out please, so that we can leave.” Sonata tapped her index finger to her chin and thought about Sunset’s request. “Hmmm, only if I can get two meals, instead of one when we go out to eat.” “Seriously? No.” Sunset replied. “Then, I'm not coming out.” Sonata whipped her phone and began playing a game. “Well, looks like we're going to be here for awhile,” Aria said as she climbed back on the roof. She, too, took out her phone and began tapping away. “C'mon, Sonata. We all want to go eat.” Sunset whined. Sonata looked up from her game and turned toward Sunset. “I've already stated my terms, however long it takes for you to agree with them, is up to you. But, I can assure you, we are not leaving until they are met.” Sunset sighed in disgust and stood up. “Can you handle this please?!” She asked, looking to Adagio for support. “Why me?” Adagio crossed her arms over her chest. “Because you're their “leader” and they listen to you.” Adagio inspected the back of her hand and chuckled, “Hardly,” she said. “But because I'm starving, I'll help you this once.” She waved a hand at Sunset, motioning for her to step aside. Then, bent down to address Sonata. “Sonata, if you come out, Sunset will buy you two meals, okay?” “WHAT?!” “YAAAAAYYY!!” Sonata shrieked as she bolted from under the car and hopped in the backseat. Sunset glared evilly at Adagio, who just smiled and shrugged. “Wh-” “Ah-ah” Adagio held up a hand. “Leadership 101, Sunny. Sometimes, to appease the people, a good leader must give them that which they desire. In this case, Sonata gets her meals, you get to leave, and we all get to eat. It’s a win-win-win for everyone. So, you’re welcome.” Sunset raised a finger to argue but then realized the logic in Adagio’s words. “That…makes a surprising amount of sense,” she said, opening the driver door. “Of course it does,” Adagio replied. “How do you think I’ve managed to keep these two idiots under my thumb for all these centuries.” She winked as rounded the front of the car and got into the passenger seat. Genius, Sunset thought. She, too, was about to get in when Aria jumped off the roof and landed beside her. “So, do this mean I get two meals too or-” “JUST GET IN THE CAR!” Adagio tapped her foot impatiently. She, along with Sunset, had been standing in line for almost ten minutes, waiting to place their order. “This is ridiculous!” She exclaimed. “Calm down, Adagio.” Sunset put a hand on the irritable girl’s shoulder. “It’s almost our turn.” “Is it?” Adagio barked as she shrugged off Sunset’s hand. “Because she’s been ordering since before we even got here.” Adagio pointed to the elderly woman in front of them. “There are only so many options on the menu, half of them, I’m sure she can’t even eat. So, I can’t possibly image what the hold up is.” Adagio continued her rant, placing both hands on her hips as she tapped her foot more rapidly. Sunset couldn’t help but giggle. She had never seen a hangry Adagio before, and it was quite a sight. “You know, it’s not like the restaurant’s going anywhere,” she smirked. “The restaurant may not be, but she is.” Adagio snapped. Sunset reached out to grab Adagio by the wrist but just missed. “You’re going to get us kicked out!” She said as she watched the vexed siren stroll up to the counter. But Adagio had already made up her mind. Slamming her hand on the ordering counter, she addressed the woman, who was prolonging her starvation. “Listen, lady, if you aren’t going to order something, step aside. There are other people in line beside you," she said, pointing a thumb over her shoulder. The elderly woman slowly looked over her shoulder and saw Sunset with a hand over her face and shaking her head. “Excuse me, ma’am, but you can’t talk to our customers like that,” said the worker, who was taking the woman's order, to Adagio. “Excuse me, but I don’t believe I was talking to you,” Adagio growled at the worker. She then turned back to the elderly woman. “So what’s it going to be?” she inquired. “Order or getting to the back of the line?” Sunset was mortified. She couldn’t believe this was happening. In her mind, scenes, like the one playing out before her, only occurred in those videos people posted on social media websites. But this was actually happening, and to her nonetheless. I should just walk out, she thought. Yep, just walk out and completely avoid the inevitable lawsuit that is bound to come of this. I’ll just- "Listen here, you little hussy-" The women addressed Adagio. “HUSSY!” Adagio shouted, causing Sunset to look up. “WHO ARE YOU CALLING A ‘HUSSY'?!” In the moment that followed, Sunset could only describe it as ‘surprisingly horrific.' She watched in slow motion as Adagio cocked her fist back and prepared to hit the woman when something ‘surprising’ happened. The elderly woman, seeing the fist coming toward her, nimbly stepped to the side, much to Sunset and Adagio’s astonishment, and with all her might, caught Adagio with a vicious sucker-punch to the stomach. “Holy shit…!” Sunset gasped, covering her mouth. But it didn't stop there. Sunset saw Adagio doubled over and hit the ground. She was about to rush over and help her, but the elder woman beat her to the punch. Literally. The elderly woman, start kicking and punching Adagio as she writhed on the ground, yelling and cursing about how ‘today's youth needed to learn some respect.’ “Ahhhh! Sunset! – QUIT IT LADY!! – Sunset, help me!” Adagio yelled as she tried to thwart the woman’s onslaught. Sunset sprinted over to the scene and placed both hands on the woman’s shoulders. “I think she’s had enough, ma’am,” she said, pulling the elderly woman back while trying to suppress her own laughter. The older woman pushed Sunset away and exited the restaurant, grumbling as she went. “Prissy little bitch, that’ll teach ya!” Sunset followed the woman until she disappeared, then turned her attention to Adagio, who was still on the ground, moaning and holding her stomach. “Well, that was something,” she smirked. Pretending to be a reporter, Sunset held an invisible microphone to her lips, “So, can you tell us how it felt having your ass handed to you by someone three times your age?” She held the ‘mic’ down to Adagio. “Fuck. You.” Adagio moaned. “And there you have it, folks. Looks like the only thing this siren will eating today is a hefty plate of deep regret, with a side of embarrassment and shame.” Adagio stared daggers at Sunset. “When I get up, I’m going to kill you.” Sunset merely smiled and stepped over Adagio. “I think you mean if you get up, Adagio, if…you get up.” Meanwhile outside Aria and Sonata opted to wait in the car, rather than join Sunset and Adagio inside. They figured it was kind of pointless to go into any fast-food restaurant that didn’t have a playroom, which this one didn’t. So, they just gave their orders to the two girls and waited for them to return. But, after a good fifteen to twenty minutes went by, they started to get a little antsy. “Ugh, where are they?” Aria asked, tossing her phone aside. She had used up all her battery life playing games and was now reduced to absolute boredom in the form of simply waiting for Adagio and Sunset to return with their food. “Maybe they got lost,” Sonata said, staring at her phone. Unlike Aria, she had bought one of those expensive phone cases that charged your phone, at the flick of a switch, when the battery got low. Allowing her to play games to her heart’s content. Aria looked at Sonata enviously. “They’re not lost, you idiot,” she said, snatching Sonata’s phone. “HEY! That’s mine!” Sonata exclaimed. “Yeah, well, it's mine now!” “Give it back or-” “Or what, Sonata.” Aria sneered, looking up from the screen. She was dying to see what Sonata could possibly come up with that would be even remotely threatening to her. As far as Aria was concerned, she outmatched Sonata both physically and mentally, so for Sonata to think of something that could actually hurt her was highly unlikely. “I’m waiting, dumb-dumb.” Aria teased. “Let’s see what you can – OW!” Without warning, she felt two sharp objects spear her eyes. Sonata held up two fingers and smiled triumphantly “Now, who’s the dumb-dumb,” she mocked, grabbing her phone off Aria’s lap. Aria blinked several times and wiped the water from her eyes as her vision slowly returned. “You are so dead!” she snarled, removing her seatbelt. She was about to pounce on Sonata when, out of the corner of her red eyes, she saw Adagio and Sunset emerge from the restaurant. She and Sonata exchanged perplexed glances as they watched the two girls make their way back to the car. In one arm, Sunset carried two handle bags and a drink carrier in her hand, while the other, helped support a battered Adagio. Sonata opened the back door as the girls approached and accepted the drinks and bags of food that were handed to her. “Do we even want to know?” Aria asked, raising a curious eyebrow. Sunset opened the passenger door and helped Adagio inside.“I don’t know, would you like to tell them, Adagio, or should I?” She laughed. “It is not funny,” Adagio hissed. “It kind of is, actually.” Sunset shut the door, made her way to the driver's side and got in. Aria looked between Sunset and Adagio. “Do either of you plan on sharing what is or isn't so funny with the rest of us?” Adagio shot a quick glance at Sunset. “I swear, if you say a word, I will murder you in your sleep,” she warned. “In your state? I highly doubt that.” Sunset cackled as she started the car and drove off the lot. “WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?!” Aria shouted, drawing the attention of everyone in the car. Sunset smiled wickedly and looked right at Adagio. “Your fearless leader got her ass kicked by an old lady.” Aria and Sonata looked at one another then erupted into fits of laughter. “Are you serious?!” Aria asked incredulously. “Like a heart attack.” Sunset replied. “Isn't that right?” She looked over to her passenger. Adagio blushed profusely as she sank into her seat. The amount of pain coursing through her body was nothing compared to the pain of her bruised ego. Being taken out by an old woman was humiliating enough, but now she had to listen to Aria and Sonata’s snide remarks for the rest of forever. “Heyyy, Dagi.” Aria said, leaning forward into the front seat area. “I've got something for you.” And so it begins...Adagio thought. She listened to Aria rummage around in her backpack for a moment then present her with two cards. “What are these?” She asked. “Oh, I just figured you could make better use of them than me, at the moment.” Aria snickered. Adagio felt her face turn red with anger as she read the cards. The first was a business card for ‘Iron Will’s School of Self-Defense’ and the second, a hotline number for ‘Abused Anonymous.’ Adagio growled as she crumbled up the two cards and whipped them back at Aria. “You better keeps those handy ‘cause after I'm done killing Sunset, you're next!” She said through gritted teeth. “I wonder if the restaurant’s security cameras caught any of it on tape…” Sonata chimed. Aria’s face immediately lit up. “We have to go back!” “Absolutely not!!” Adagio shouted. “We're going home!” Aria and Sonata suddenly began chanting in the background. “Turn-a-round! Turn-a-round!” They sang, getting louder with each chant. “Sunset, please…” Adagio begged. Sunset just shook her head and smiled. “Leadership 101, Dag. ‘Sometimes, to appease the people, a good leader must give them that which they desire,'" she recited Adagio’s lesson back to her word-for-word. Then, giving the people what they wanted, she turned the car around and headed back to the restaurant. Adagio just scowled and crossed her arms. “I hate all of you…” A Little Heart To HeartAria laid on her bed with her headphones plugged in her phone and volume turned up. Her head steadily bobbing to the music as she read her History textbook. Had this been any other day, homework wouldn’t have even been a thought in her mind, considering it was something she actively avoided. But after carefully weighing her options, she decided that doing homework was better than listening to the ‘spirited debate’ going on between Adagio and Sunset in the kitchen. Aria tapped her pencil to the music while occasionally, jotting down a few notes. “Electronic, supersonic…~” she hummed the lyrics. “Feel that bass go- Hey!” Aria felt her right headphone be yanked out of her ear. Looking up, she saw Adagio standing in front of her. “Can I-” “Shut up!” Adagio commanded. “Who does that insufferable little bitch think she is?! Aria didn’t know how to respond. Was Adagio talking to herself or to her? “Uhm-” “I mean, I don’t recall anyone dying and putting her in charge, do you?!” Adagio glared at her. “Uh...no? Aria answered hesitantly. “But, I don’t really know what you’re talking about so…” “Who do you think I’m talking about, moron.” Aria’s brow creased at Adagio's insult. “I said I don’t know what you’re talking about, not who you’re talking about, moron,” she retorted. “Obviously, I know you’re talking about Sunset.” Adagio scowled and mentally kicked herself for not paying attention to what Aria said. “Whatever,” she shook the embarrassing moment from her mind. “The point is, she’s a bitch, and I’m through with her bossing me around.” Here we go again, Aria thought. Rolling her eyes, she mentally prepared to listen to Adagio gripe and complain about their predicament, Sunset, and life, in general. “What happened this time?” she asked dully. “Sunset is - was downstairs trying to bitch me out for not going to school today. Me!” Adagio pointed to herself while pacing the floor. “Like I'm sort of child needing reprimanding. I am a thousand years old. She doesn't get to tell me what to do!” Aria rubbed her temples as she listened to Adagio's rant. This wasn't the first time she and Sunset had gone at it before, and Aria was confident it wasn’t going to be the last, but why did they always have to come to her to vent afterwards? Surely, they must know that she doesn't care about their petty arguments. So, why did they always have to involve her? Why couldn't they go to Sonata, who just loved to listen to people talk? Why did she have to be the bridge? Picking up her book, Aria resolved that this was a fight she didn't want to be concerned with and therefore, wasn't. Realizing Adagio was only venting at the moment, Aria figured if she just pretended to take an interest in whatever holier-than-thou nonsense that was spewing from Adagio's mouth, she'd go away. Hopefully. “I mean, how dare she!” Adagio ranted. “For her to even think that she can come into my house and start ordering me around, like did she actually think I was just going stand there and to take that?” Adagio looked to Aria for support. Aria just nodded absent-mindedly as she skimmed through the pages. Who wrote this book? She thought, looking over the text was littered with a number of historical inaccuracies. That never happened…that happened 20 years later…he didn’t invent that…he definitely didn’t invent that. “My god, whoever wrote this is an idiot,” she whispered to herself. “Aria, are you listening to me?” Adagio questioned, crossing her arms over her chest. “Yep.” Aria lied. “So, you agree with me then?” Aria had no idea what Adagio was talking about, but it was too late not play along now. “Uhhhaaaabsolutely,” she smiled. “You’re in charge, you do whatever you think is best.” Adagio nodded in agreement. “You’re right, I am in charge,” she said. “So, it’s decided then. Our agreement with Celestia is over. Tomorrow I’ll go to her office and tell her we’re done. She can send us back to juvie if she wants.” Adagio nodded once more, solidifying her decision, then exited the room. “Good talk, Aria.” “Glad I could – wait, what?!” Aria was not going back to juvenile detention. She hated it there. It was boring, smelly, and the food was disgusting. Of course, the one time I choose not to pay attention to Adagio, she goes and makes a rash decision, she thought. Tossing her book aside, she slid off her bed. Aria flung open her door and jogged down to the end of the hallway, where Adagio’s room was. “Adagio!” She busted through the door. “Ahh! Aria, what the hell are you doing!?” Adagio scrambled to cover herself with her towel. “Get out!” “Oh please, you act like I haven’t seen you naked before.” Aria rolled her eyes as she closed the door. “That’s beside the point.” Adagio replied, wrapping herself in the towel. “What do you want?” Aria climbed on Adagio’s bed and sat Indian style. “I’m here to stop you from making the fourth biggest mistake of your – and our – lives,” she said. “fourth?” Adagio arched an eyebrow. “Mhm, let’s see.” Aria recounted all of Adagio’s past decisions on her fingers. “Taking those gems, challenging Starswirl, mind-controlling a school, getting beat up by that old lady,” she chuckled. “And now. So, wait, that’s actually five mistakes.” Aria held up her palm. Adagio glared evilly at the girl before her. “You know, our immortality has yet to be tested since we lost our powers and you clearly have a death wish so-” “Whoa, relax.” Aria scooted back, out of Adagio’s swinging range. “I’m just saying, you haven’t been on your game lately when it comes to making good choices. So, I’ve come to to be the voice of reason.” “Oh, this ought to be good.” Adagio scoffed. “Just hear me out, okay.” Aria patted the bed. Adagio sighed and rolled her eyes, but took a seat. “Okay,” Aria began. “Me, you, and Sonata have been together a painfully long time. And during that time, I’d like to think that we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well. Like I know that when you get upset or frustrated or, things aren’t going your way, you tend to – and no offense – make really bad decisions.” Adagio growled and folded her arms over her chest. “Look, you little-oomph!” “Shut up. ” Aria commanded, hitting Adagio in the face with a pillow. "I wasn’t done." “Well, I am.” Adagio threw the pillow back in Aria’s direction. She got up to walk away but felt Aria grab her wrist. “Adagio, please, just let me finish. After that, if you don’t want to hear anymore, I’ll leave.” Aria reasoned. “Fine,” Adagio conceded, snatching her wrist away. “Continue.” Aria took a deep breath. “I was going to say that, even though, you’re annoying and demanding and completely full of yourself like all the time; to the point where I just want to repeatedly punch you in the face…” She heard Adagio scoff. “…you’re a good leader and…I’d follow you anywhere, bad decisions and all.” Aria could see Adagio’s face soften at her words. She knew Adagio wasn’t expecting her to say anything along those lines, and if Aria was being honest with herself, she wasn’t either. But she was glad she did. “You really feel that way?” Adagio choked. “Yeah.” Aria nodded. “And I’m sure Sonata feels the same way. But, Dagi…I don’t want to go back to jail.” Adagio let out a heavy sigh as she took her seat back on the bed. “Me either,” she said, shaking her head. “I just…it’s hard living this way.” “I know.” “I mean, we used to be free once.” Adagio paused, remembering a time long ago. “But now…we’re trapped. Trapped in this world and in these bodies.” She looked at her hands. “And to top it all off, we’ve got Miss Former She-Demon telling us what we can and can’t do.” Aria fell back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. “Yeah, life kinda sucks right now, but it could be worse.” “How in Tartarus could it possibly be worse?” Adagio inquired. “I don’t know.” Aria shrugged. “We could’ve been turned to stone like Discord.” “Yeah, what a sad day in Equestrian history that was.” Aria chuckled at a thought that popped in her head. “Hey, can you imagine the how much more chaos we could’ve caused if Discord got banished with us.” “I don’t think this world would have survived.” Adagio giggled. “I miss that old goat-face.” Aria smiled. “Mhm, me too.” The room fell silent as Adagio and Aria reminisced on their past in Equestria. After several moments past, Aria sat up. “Well, this has been fun,” she said, placing a hand on Adagio’s shoulder. “But, I’ve got one more person I need to talk to.” “She’s not here.” Adagio replied. Aria rolled off the bed and onto her feet. “Oh no, if only there were a way I could get in contact with her,” she said sarcastically, pulling out her phone and dangling it in front of Adagio. “I hate you.” Adagio smirked. “I know,” Aria acknowledged with a smile. “I hate you too.” Let's All Get Along?“So, you're probably wondering why I asked you here.” Aria looked up from the steaming beverage between her hands to the red and yellow-haired girl sitting across from her. “That is one of the many questions I have asked myself today, yes.” Sunset nodded while placing her own cup on the table. “Although…” she paused looking apprehensively around at her surroundings. “I can’t say that I am familiar with where here is.” Aria smirked at this, for she had chosen this particular spot for that very reason. The establishment which they were in, was simply known as The Grind, and it was one of Aria’s favorite hangout spots. Because much like her, the atmosphere was dark and brooding. As was also, the music and few other people who lurked within. Even more so, it was located on the outskirts of Canterlot, really giving it that ‘home away from home’ feeling as she liked to call it. Sunset, however, did not feel that way. Everything about The Grind was eerie. The people, the music, the décor; it all sent shivers down her spine. Luckily, she remembered to bring her pepper spray in case things turned ugly. “You really should try to relax.” Aria chuckled at her uncomfortable guest. “I'm not not relaxed.” Sunset protested. “I just…how did you find this place?” “I didn’t.” Aria shook her head. “At least, not on my own…The Grind is one of those ‘cannot be found – except by those who already know where it is’ places.” Sunset nodded understandingly. “So, someone showed it to you?” “Eh, something like that.” Aria shrugged. And by that she meant, having eavesdropped on a telephone conversation several months prior and hearing the directions to said hangout. But that’s was not a story Aria felt that she needed to divulge to Sunset at the moment, regardless of the skeptical look she was being given. Clearing her throat, Aria continued with the actual reason she had asked to meet. “I wanted to talk to you about this whole…situation,” she said flatly. To this, Sunset grimaced. She knew Aria was no doubt referring to the fight that had transpired between her and Adagio only a few hours prior. But, if Sunset was to be truly honest, that fight was the last thing she wanted to talk about. Nonetheless, she went along with the conversation. “What about it?” She asked. Aria could hear the slight disdain in Sunset’s voice but chose to ignore it. “Look, I know that Adagio broke the only real stipulation of our agreement with Principal Celestia today, but I…I want to ask that you to please not say anything to her about it.” Sunset raised an eyebrow at this. Telling Principal Celestia wasn't something she had planned to do. In fact, it wasn't even a thought in her mind until just now. But since Aria had brought it up, perhaps, Sunset thought, she could use this to her advantage. Keeping up with appearances, Sunset leaned back and folded her arms across her chest. “And why shouldn't I say anything to Principal Celestia?” “Because…” Aria lowered her gazed to the cup resting between her hands. It had long since lost its warmth, but it gave her something to do with her hands for the moment as she pondered Sunset's question. “I don't think that we need to make this situation any bigger than it already is,” she finally spoke up. “And it's not like Adagio has a habit of skipping school, so perhaps, you could give her a reprieve. Just this once?” Hell to the no, Sunset scoffed. “Your agreement with Principal Celestia is your reprieve,” she said matter-of-factly. “And even that is far too generous in my book.” Aria growled at this. Just who did Sunset think she was? Acting all holier-than-thou. Who was she to dictate what was too generous or not about their agreement wit the Principal? “You know, Adagio was right about one thing: you are a bitch.” Aria remarked. “Why? Because I'm holding you to your agreement?” Sunset questioned. “No, because you're trying to act like you weren't in our position at one point.” Aria clarified. “You sought to take over the school too, Sunset, and if my memory serves me correctly, you also attempted first-degree murder. A crime that in-and-of itself should've had you looking at 10-20. So, if anyone is getting a ‘generous reprieve’ here, it's you.” Aria pointed a finger across the table. Sunset sat stunned by Aria's words. As much as she hated to admit it, Aria was right. Her actions at the Fall Formal were much more sinister than the Dazzlings had ever been. That night Sunset had been so committed to her plans that she was willing to kill to see them fulfilled. By anyone's book, she should've been in the jail cell right next to the Dazzlings, but she wasn't. In fact, unlike the Dazzlings, she never once saw the inside of prison. Sunset's heart sank at this, for she now realized that she truly had gotten off easy for what she had done. “You're right. I'm…I'm sorry.” Sunset hung her head shamefully. Aria took a deep breath and shook her head. She hadn't asked Sunset here with the intention of pointing fingers, she only wanted to implore former unicorn to not rat Adagio out. “Listen, Sunset, I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I just…if you promise not to say anything, I will make sure Adagio doesn't break our agreement again – or at least try to. Deal?” Aria stuck out her hand. Sunset thought about Aria's proposition for a moment. “How do you plan on doing that?” She asked the siren. “Honestly, I haven't the slightest.” Aria confessed. “But I know that none of us wants to go back to jail, so perhaps, the threat of that will be enough to keep Adagio in line.” Sunset nodded. “Alright, I won't say anything to Principal Celestia, but just so you know, on the off chance that she does already know, I won't be able to interfere with what she decides to do with the three of you,” she replied, shaking Aria's hand. “Fair enough.” Aria smiled. Sunset looked at the time on her phone. “We should get going. It's getting late, and we have school tomorrow,” she said standing to her feet. Aria, too, stood and followed Sunset outside. “I guess, I'll see ya tomorrow then.” She waved to Sunset before starting the long journey back home. “Wait!” Sunset exclaimed, grabbing the siren's attention. “Did you walk here?” “Uh, yeah?” Aria replied. “How do you think I got here?” Sunset shrugged. “I don't know…I guess, I assumed there was a bus or something…anyways, you want a ride?” Aria shook her head and waved her off. “Nah, don't worry about it, I can walk.” “C'mon, Aria. It'll take you hours to get back home.” Sunset pointed out. “Really, Sunset it's-” “I'm not taking no for an answer, so just get in.” Aria slapped her forehead but did as she was told. Secretly, she was glad Sunset had offered to take her home. Adagio sat with her arms and legs crossed on the living room sofa, watching Sonata pace back and forth. “What if she’s been hit by a car?! Or kidnapped?!” Sonata gasped. “Adagio, what if Aria’s been kidnapped?! We have to go find her!” Adagio just rolled her eyes. She knew it was better to just let Sonata get all her rambling out before trying to talk rationally to her. “They probably have her locked up in some cage like an animal! Poor Aria…why must the good die young!” Sonata dropped dramatically to her knees, clutching one hand to chest while raising the other in the air. “Oh, would you stop.” Adagio finally cut in, having heard enough of the Sonata’s nonsense. “Aria is fine. She’s probably with 'you know who' at that underground coffee shop, she thinks we don’t know about.” Sonata leaped to her feet and sat down on the sofa next to Adagio. “Yeah, but still…Aria’s been gone a long time, aren’t you just a little bit worried that something might be wrong?” “Aria can handle herself.” Adagio replied dismissively as she picked up the remote and turned on the television. Sonata grimaced. Adagio’s lack of concern for the only other member of their family was somewhat unsettling. “But, Aria is…our sister.” Adagio could sense the worry and sadness in Sonata’s voice. She knew Aria was perfectly fine and that Sonata was working herself up for nothing, but if putting the young siren's mind at ease was going to grant her some peace and quiet, then so be it. “Would giving Aria a call make you feel better?” Adagio asked. “Yes, please!” Sonata grinned and nodded. “Fine…” Just as Adagio pulled her phone from the inside of her bra strap, the front door opened. "Guys, I'm home!" Came a familiar voice. “Ari! Sonata shrieked as she ran out of the living room to greet her sister. “You’re back! I was so – Sunset?” Sonata tilted her head. “What are you doing here?” Sunset? Adagio grit her teeth. She stood to her feet and made way into the foyer, where Aria, Sonata, and Sunset were gathered. “What the hell is she doing here?” Adagio looked to Aria while pointing at Sunset. “Relax, Dagi. Sunset was just giving me a ride home.” Aria explained. “Well, you’re home. So, she can leave now.” Aria rolled her eyes. Apparently, Adagio was still stewing from what had happened earlier in the day, despite their conversation. “Adagio can you just chill for like two seconds?” She beckoned. Adagio ‘hmphed' while folding her arms over her chest. She knew Aria was about to share what the two of them had talked about, and while she was utterly uninterested, she allowed Aria to speak her piece before properly shutting it down. “So," Aria began, catching everyone attention. "Sunny and I had a little chat, and after much convincing, she’s decided to not to tell Principal Celestia about you skipping school.” Adagio stiffened at this. “You were going to tell Celestia?” She snapped at Sunset. Sunset rubbed the back of her neck. “Well, no…at least, not a first.” “You little-” “Stop.” Aria stepped between the two girls. “You two are not going to start fighting again,” she said sternly. “But she-” “No, Adagio.” Aria glared at the orange siren. “The four of us are stuck with one another until Principal Celestia says otherwise, so we all need to start getting along.” Adagio growled and looked away. She hated when Aria went all ‘parental’ on her. Nevertheless, Aria was right. The four of them were stuck with each other so it would be in all of their best interest to make the best out of it. “Fine. Adagio conceded. Aria nodded, then looked to Sunset, who nodded as well. “Good.” “Does this mean, we’re all friends again!?” Sonata blurted out after several moments of silence. “Eh, something like that.” Aria shrugged. The car ride from school the next day was dead silent, with the exception of Sonata’s music blaring through her headphones. The effects of yesterday’s event still hung in the air, making things super uncomfortable for everyone, except Sonata, who was in her own little world as usual. “So…is this really how it’s going to be between you two from now on?” Aria asked from the back seat. Sunset and Adagio, who were in the driver and passenger seat respectively, shot a quick glance at one another before looking away. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’ then.” Aria shook her head. “So much for getting along.” “We don’t have to talk to get along.” Adagio stated. “Agreed.” Sunset added. Aria pinched the bridge of her nose. “This is just sad.” “Oh please, Aria, you and Sonata fight all the time.” Adagio objected. “Yeah, but unlike you two, we don’t hold grudges. We fight and move on.” Adagio scoffed and turned in her seat. “You are such a liar. What about that time when Sonata cut your hair while you were sleeping, hm? You were furious with her for weeks.” “Well yeah! She cut my hair!” Aria threw up her hands. “And for what?! To see if it would grow outside like grass!” Sunset tried to stifle a laugh. She could totally see Sonata doing something like that. “Or the time you almost got arrested for kidnapping because Sonata thought it would be funny to place a ‘help me’ sign in the car window while you were driving her to the playground?” Adagio continued. “What?!” Sunset exclaimed, turning to Adagio. “Oh yeah, I got a phone call from the police station and everything.” Adagio replied. “When I got there, Aria was handcuffed to a chair while Sonata was eating donuts.” Sunset smiled while shaking her head. “Aria must have been furious.” “Oh, she was.” Adagio turned back in her seat. “She was absolutely seething. Shouting all sorts of curses and death threats at Sonata and anybody else who looked at her the wrong way-” “I’m sitting right here, you know.” Aria chimed in. But Sunset and Adagio were no longer paying attention to her. But at least their getting along, she thought. Even if it was at her expense. “Then there was the time Sonata pretended to have broken Aria’s pendant. What a day that was!” Adagio laughed. Aria just groaned and slapped her forehead. “It’s going to be a long night.
Two Can Play At That GameTick…Tock Tick……Tock Tick………Tock With every passing second, time seemed to move slower…and slower…and slower as Sunset stared in agony at the small, analog clock above the chalkboard. Slumping onto her desk, she buried her head in her arms. How could freedom be so close and yet, so far? Granted, she had long since mentally checked out of class for the day, but for some reason, she couldn’t rid herself of the deep, monotonous tone that Mr. Cranky seem to possess. I would get saddled with the most boring teacher, teaching the most boring class…she thought. Sighing heavily, Sunset broke from her chain of thought just in time to hear Mr. Cranky drone on about the complexities of geometry and topography. Luckily, she had already taken this course under the tutelage of Princess Celestia (a fact that the was very grateful for), when she was a filly in Equestria. As she continued to listen to Mr.Cranky’s voice deadpan across the classroom, she couldn’t keep the bewildered look off her face. When she lived in Equestria, Princess Celestia had always managed to find a way to make even the most mundane classes fun and lively for her. The alicorn princess would send her on quests throughout the castle or play memory games to help her learn the material, but with her current teacher, things were the exact opposite. All he did was stand in the middle of the class and read from the textbook. It was something Sunset just couldn’t wrap her mind around. If the Princess of Equestria had enough sense to try and make one of the most boring classes known to both human and equine just a smidgen more exciting, why couldn’t Mr. Cranky? Was it really so hard to decorate the room in a cool, geometric theme or, at the very least, draw some damn shapes on the board every once in a while? Grunting in frustration at Mr. Cranky’s utter lack of creativity, Sunset once again, looked up at the clock. 2:20 p.m., it read. Only five minutes have passed?! Her inner being screamed. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take. Throwing her head back against the chair, she groaned audibly. “Pssst!” Sunset heard a voice next to her say. Immediately, her head snapped to the left. “It’s like he doesn’t even want to be here!” They whispered. “I know!” “I think the sound of his own voice is putting him to sleep!” Sunset covered her mouth to stifle the laughter from erupting out of it. “That is so wrong!” “I swear, his head just bobbed!” Leave it to Rainbow Dash to find humor at someone else’s expense, Sunset thought, but she had to admit, after observing Mr. Cranky for a minute or so, she too, saw his head bob once or twice during his own lecture. Turning back to Rainbow Dash, she just shook her head and smiled. “You’re horrible; you know that?” Rainbow Dash just shrugged. She didn’t care; her primary focus was on trying to find something to do to avoid blowing her brains out. Mr. Cranky just so happened to be the only something available, so she rolled with it. “So got any plans after school?” she asked, changing subjects Sunset rolled her eyes and sighed in annoyance. “Yeah, Siren Duty, as always.” “Haha, sucks to suck!” Narrowing her eyes, Sunset shot the rainbow-haired girl an evil glare and flipped her the finger while mouthing the words ‘fuck you’. Rainbow Dash just laughed and stuck out her tongue. In the three weeks that the Dazzlings had been attending school, after the Battle of the Bands, she only had to watch the unruly threesome once. It was an experience that she never wished to happen again. And so far, it hadn't since Sunset had assumed 'fully custody' of the girls. Scratching her head, Rainbow Dash scrunched up her face as if remembering something. “I thought you had a doctors appointment today and asked Applejack to cover for you?” She asked. “I did,” nodded Sunset. “But, I figured with her grandmother passing and all, that perhaps, she could use some time to herself. You know, to grieve and everything.” Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’re probably right. And come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve seen A.J. since the funeral. I hope she’s alright.” “Me too, we should probably go check up on her sometime this week, just to be sure.” Rainbow Dash’s countenance fell as she shook her head. “I still can’t believe she’s gone. I feel like it was only just last week that we saw her…” Sunset rested her elbow on the table and leaned on her hand, “Because it was only just last week,” she replied as the memory of the week before played in her mind. She and the others had been rockin’ out in A.J.’s barn when Granny Smith stopped in with a tray full of apple treats. Sunset could still taste the savor slices of Granny Smith’s famous apple pie in her now, watering mouth. “Mmmmmm,” she purred, as she closed her eyes, remembering back to that glorious afternoon. Oh, sweet Celestia, what she wouldn’t give to be able to taste those sweet apple fritters, tangy apple tarts, and warm apple dumplings prepared by Granny Smith just one last time. Rainbow Dash watched Sunset in awkward concern as the fiery-haired girl giggled and licked her lips, obviously lost in some sort of delicious fantasy. “Sunny!” she whispered loudly, trying to get the girl’s attention while also trying to avoid disturbing the rest of the class. “Oh alright, just one more.” Sunset smiled blissfully as she picked up an invisible piece of…whatever she was eating and shoved it in her mouth. Rainbow Dash chuckled at the sight. “You’re so lucky I don’t have my phone right now!” Just then the school bell rang, signifying that class was over. Rainbow Dash gathered up her books, then turned to Sunset, who was still in ‘la-la land.' She had half-a-mind to leave her there, but then she thought, I’m not that cruel. Extending her arm, she snapped her finger several times in front of Sunset’s face. “Helloooo~~” she sang. “Earth to Sunset.” Sunset scrunched up her face at the sound of someone disturbing her fantasy. Her ears perked as she heard someone repeated calling her name in the distance. Then… “SUNSET! SNAP OUT OF IT!” Rainbow Dash screamed. All of a sudden, Sunset felt something strike her cheek. HARD. “Huh – what!” she jumped. Holding her cheek, she looked up at her assailant. “What the hell?!” She exclaimed. Rainbow Dash merely shrugged as if she did nothing wrong. “What, I tried,” she said, extending a helping hand. “You wouldn’t snap out of it so…desperate times call for desperate measures.” Sunset grunted and gave Rainbow a disapproving look. “You really couldn’t think of anything else to try before resorted to physical assault?” “Eh, didn’t really think about it.” Rainbow Dash said dismissively. Sunset just rolled her eyes and allowed herself to be pulled up. “I hope you don’t think that I’m not going to get you back for that,” she said as they exited the classroom. “Oh, I’m counting on it, Sunny.” Rainbow Dash winked. “I’m really counting on it.” Sunset gave her frenemy, at the moment, a perplexed look. “Why’s that, and why are you winking?” Rainbow Dash threw an arm around Sunset’s shoulders. “Ohhh, I just want to see what kind of revenge prank the ‘she-demon turned good girl’ can come up with.” “Oh really.” In one swift movement, Sunset unhooked herself from Rainbow’s grasp and pinned the rainbow-haired girl against some nearby lockers. “Are you sure you want to play this game, Dashie?” She said with a devilish grin. Rainbow Dash was petrified. The look on Sunset’s face was one she’d never seen before. It was like Sunset was staring at her as though she was something to eat or an animal about to be hunted. “Hehe…” Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously. “I-I was just joking, Sunny, you know that. I…I would never try to tangle with you.” “Awww,” Sunset cooed, giving Rainbow Dash a disappointed look. “I was kinda looking forward to going head-to-head with CHS’s number one athlete.” Rainbow Dash tried to wriggle her wrists from Sunset’s grasp, but the sun-kissed girl was proving to be much stronger than she appeared. What have I gotten myself into…? She thought as she coward under Sunset’s predatory gaze. She needed to think of a way out of current situation. And fast. Rainbow’s eyes swiftly shifted back and forth as she thought of ideas. Then, without pausing to considered the possible implications of the first idea that popped into her brain, she acted. “C’mon, Dashie, I thought you-MMPH!” Sunset’s eyes widened as she felt Rainbow Dash’s lips firmly planted against her own. Sunset quickly pulled away, releasing her victim in the process. The two girls stared at each other in stunned, awkward silence. “What…the HELL…was that…?” Sunset asked in utter disbelief. “I, uh, I-” “YOU JUST KISSED ME!” “I PANICKED!!” Rainbow Dash shouted back. “And stop yelling before someone hears you!” She looked around, hoping that no one saw what had just transpired. Sunset face went from absolute shock to smug bitchiness. “You know, Dashie, if you wanted a piece all you had to was ask.” “Oh, shut up!” Rainbow Dash snapped. “It’s not even like that.” Sunset sauntered over to the heavily blushing girl and ran a finger under her chin. “If you say so, Dashie.” “It’s not!” Rainbow Dash smacked Sunset’s hand away. “And you better not tell anyone about this,” she threatened, pointing a finger at Sunset. “I’ll think about it,” Sunset replied as she rustled her blue friend’s hair. “But as much as I would love to continue our little game, I’ve got somewhere to be and trio to see. So, until next time…MWAH!” she blew Rainbow Dash a kiss, then turned and walked down the hall. “I’m serious, Sunny! Rainbow Dash shouted after her. Sunset just chuckled to herself. “Goodbye, my love!” she waved, then disappeared around the corner. Author's Note New story! Not sure how I want to play it out, though. Should it just be a collection of short stories, an ongoing series, or a mix? Drop me a comment and let me know!
And That's Why You DON'T Mess With Old PeopleSunset couldn’t help but laugh at her strange, yet, amusing encounter with Rainbow Dash. The look on the, normally, overly confident girl’s face was one that she would always savor. She had managed to reduced Rainbow Dash down to nothing but a blushing pile of embarrassment and had every intention of keeping that momentum going. Cupping her chin as she walked down the hall, Sunset thought of ways to capitalize on the can of worms Rainbow Dash had opened up on herself. Suddenly, Sunset felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her leather jacket. Pulling her phone out, she looked at who was calling. “Ugh,” she groaned upon seeing who it was. With a heavy sigh, she hit the ‘answer’ button and put the phone to her ear. “Yes, Ada-” “Where are you?” Adagio demanded to know. “I’m-” “We’ve been waiting outside for you for over a half an hour. Do you know that?” Sunset rolled her eyes. She should have known better than to keep the queen bee waiting. “Look, I’m on my way out. Just relax.” “Don’t tell me what to do!” Adagio snapped. “And you need to hurry up. I’m hungry, and so are Sonata and Aria. So, be prepared to stop somewhere before we head back to the house. You’re buying.” “What do you mean ‘I'm buying’? Why should I have to pay for the three of you?” “Because I don’t feel like it, and you owe us. You kept us waiting, remember?” Sunset was about to protest but quickly reminded herself that it was pointless. Adagio’s word was basically law, and as much as she hated to admit it, Adagio had a point. She did keep them waiting so, in a way, this was fair. “Fine," she begrudgingly agreed. “BUT, I’m only paying for ONE meal for each of you. So, make sure you pass that along to the human garbage disposal.” “Very well. Now, hurry up, my patience is wearing thin.” *Click* Sunset pushed open the double doors leading out to the school’s parking lot. Rummaging through her purse, she looked for her car keys as she walked to the end of the fourth row. “Sorry to keep you guys waiting,” she said. “Rainbow Dash and I got to…talking and – why are you guys sitting on my car?” “Because we got tired of standing, duh,” Aria replied from her perch on the roof of Sunset’s black Jeep Rubicon. “And you didn’t think to get, I don’t know, maybe, in the car?” “Strike two, genius." Adagio answered, sliding off the hood. "The doors are locked.” Sunset slapped her forehead, then threw her hands up. “Fine whatever, let’s just go,” she said, unlocking the car doors. “Aria, get off the roof and…” Sunset looked around briefly, “Where is Sonata?” “Under here, Sunny.” Sunset gave Adagio a puzzled look, then bent down beside the vehicle to find Sonata lying on the ground. “Sonata, why are you under the car?” “Because I needed to protect myself from the sun’s harmful UV rays.” Sonata replied. “……okaaayyy, well, can you come out please, so that we can leave.” Sonata tapped her index finger to her chin and thought about Sunset’s request. “Hmmm, only if I can get two meals, instead of one when we go out to eat.” “Seriously? No.” Sunset replied. “Then, I'm not coming out.” Sonata whipped her phone and began playing a game. “Well, looks like we're going to be here for awhile,” Aria said as she climbed back on the roof. She, too, took out her phone and began tapping away. “C'mon, Sonata. We all want to go eat.” Sunset whined. Sonata looked up from her game and turned toward Sunset. “I've already stated my terms, however long it takes for you to agree with them, is up to you. But, I can assure you, we are not leaving until they are met.” Sunset sighed in disgust and stood up. “Can you handle this please?!” She asked, looking to Adagio for support. “Why me?” Adagio crossed her arms over her chest. “Because you're their “leader” and they listen to you.” Adagio inspected the back of her hand and chuckled, “Hardly,” she said. “But because I'm starving, I'll help you this once.” She waved a hand at Sunset, motioning for her to step aside. Then, bent down to address Sonata. “Sonata, if you come out, Sunset will buy you two meals, okay?” “WHAT?!” “YAAAAAYYY!!” Sonata shrieked as she bolted from under the car and hopped in the backseat. Sunset glared evilly at Adagio, who just smiled and shrugged. “Wh-” “Ah-ah” Adagio held up a hand. “Leadership 101, Sunny. Sometimes, to appease the people, a good leader must give them that which they desire. In this case, Sonata gets her meals, you get to leave, and we all get to eat. It’s a win-win-win for everyone. So, you’re welcome.” Sunset raised a finger to argue but then realized the logic in Adagio’s words. “That…makes a surprising amount of sense,” she said, opening the driver door. “Of course it does,” Adagio replied. “How do you think I’ve managed to keep these two idiots under my thumb for all these centuries.” She winked as rounded the front of the car and got into the passenger seat. Genius, Sunset thought. She, too, was about to get in when Aria jumped off the roof and landed beside her. “So, do this mean I get two meals too or-” “JUST GET IN THE CAR!” Adagio tapped her foot impatiently. She, along with Sunset, had been standing in line for almost ten minutes, waiting to place their order. “This is ridiculous!” She exclaimed. “Calm down, Adagio.” Sunset put a hand on the irritable girl’s shoulder. “It’s almost our turn.” “Is it?” Adagio barked as she shrugged off Sunset’s hand. “Because she’s been ordering since before we even got here.” Adagio pointed to the elderly woman in front of them. “There are only so many options on the menu, half of them, I’m sure she can’t even eat. So, I can’t possibly image what the hold up is.” Adagio continued her rant, placing both hands on her hips as she tapped her foot more rapidly. Sunset couldn’t help but giggle. She had never seen a hangry Adagio before, and it was quite a sight. “You know, it’s not like the restaurant’s going anywhere,” she smirked. “The restaurant may not be, but she is.” Adagio snapped. Sunset reached out to grab Adagio by the wrist but just missed. “You’re going to get us kicked out!” She said as she watched the vexed siren stroll up to the counter. But Adagio had already made up her mind. Slamming her hand on the ordering counter, she addressed the woman, who was prolonging her starvation. “Listen, lady, if you aren’t going to order something, step aside. There are other people in line beside you," she said, pointing a thumb over her shoulder. The elderly woman slowly looked over her shoulder and saw Sunset with a hand over her face and shaking her head. “Excuse me, ma’am, but you can’t talk to our customers like that,” said the worker, who was taking the woman's order, to Adagio. “Excuse me, but I don’t believe I was talking to you,” Adagio growled at the worker. She then turned back to the elderly woman. “So what’s it going to be?” she inquired. “Order or getting to the back of the line?” Sunset was mortified. She couldn’t believe this was happening. In her mind, scenes, like the one playing out before her, only occurred in those videos people posted on social media websites. But this was actually happening, and to her nonetheless. I should just walk out, she thought. Yep, just walk out and completely avoid the inevitable lawsuit that is bound to come of this. I’ll just- "Listen here, you little hussy-" The women addressed Adagio. “HUSSY!” Adagio shouted, causing Sunset to look up. “WHO ARE YOU CALLING A ‘HUSSY'?!” In the moment that followed, Sunset could only describe it as ‘surprisingly horrific.' She watched in slow motion as Adagio cocked her fist back and prepared to hit the woman when something ‘surprising’ happened. The elderly woman, seeing the fist coming toward her, nimbly stepped to the side, much to Sunset and Adagio’s astonishment, and with all her might, caught Adagio with a vicious sucker-punch to the stomach. “Holy shit…!” Sunset gasped, covering her mouth. But it didn't stop there. Sunset saw Adagio doubled over and hit the ground. She was about to rush over and help her, but the elder woman beat her to the punch. Literally. The elderly woman, start kicking and punching Adagio as she writhed on the ground, yelling and cursing about how ‘today's youth needed to learn some respect.’ “Ahhhh! Sunset! – QUIT IT LADY!! – Sunset, help me!” Adagio yelled as she tried to thwart the woman’s onslaught. Sunset sprinted over to the scene and placed both hands on the woman’s shoulders. “I think she’s had enough, ma’am,” she said, pulling the elderly woman back while trying to suppress her own laughter. The older woman pushed Sunset away and exited the restaurant, grumbling as she went. “Prissy little bitch, that’ll teach ya!” Sunset followed the woman until she disappeared, then turned her attention to Adagio, who was still on the ground, moaning and holding her stomach. “Well, that was something,” she smirked. Pretending to be a reporter, Sunset held an invisible microphone to her lips, “So, can you tell us how it felt having your ass handed to you by someone three times your age?” She held the ‘mic’ down to Adagio. “Fuck. You.” Adagio moaned. “And there you have it, folks. Looks like the only thing this siren will eating today is a hefty plate of deep regret, with a side of embarrassment and shame.” Adagio stared daggers at Sunset. “When I get up, I’m going to kill you.” Sunset merely smiled and stepped over Adagio. “I think you mean if you get up, Adagio, if…you get up.” Meanwhile outside Aria and Sonata opted to wait in the car, rather than join Sunset and Adagio inside. They figured it was kind of pointless to go into any fast-food restaurant that didn’t have a playroom, which this one didn’t. So, they just gave their orders to the two girls and waited for them to return. But, after a good fifteen to twenty minutes went by, they started to get a little antsy. “Ugh, where are they?” Aria asked, tossing her phone aside. She had used up all her battery life playing games and was now reduced to absolute boredom in the form of simply waiting for Adagio and Sunset to return with their food. “Maybe they got lost,” Sonata said, staring at her phone. Unlike Aria, she had bought one of those expensive phone cases that charged your phone, at the flick of a switch, when the battery got low. Allowing her to play games to her heart’s content. Aria looked at Sonata enviously. “They’re not lost, you idiot,” she said, snatching Sonata’s phone. “HEY! That’s mine!” Sonata exclaimed. “Yeah, well, it's mine now!” “Give it back or-” “Or what, Sonata.” Aria sneered, looking up from the screen. She was dying to see what Sonata could possibly come up with that would be even remotely threatening to her. As far as Aria was concerned, she outmatched Sonata both physically and mentally, so for Sonata to think of something that could actually hurt her was highly unlikely. “I’m waiting, dumb-dumb.” Aria teased. “Let’s see what you can – OW!” Without warning, she felt two sharp objects spear her eyes. Sonata held up two fingers and smiled triumphantly “Now, who’s the dumb-dumb,” she mocked, grabbing her phone off Aria’s lap. Aria blinked several times and wiped the water from her eyes as her vision slowly returned. “You are so dead!” she snarled, removing her seatbelt. She was about to pounce on Sonata when, out of the corner of her red eyes, she saw Adagio and Sunset emerge from the restaurant. She and Sonata exchanged perplexed glances as they watched the two girls make their way back to the car. In one arm, Sunset carried two handle bags and a drink carrier in her hand, while the other, helped support a battered Adagio. Sonata opened the back door as the girls approached and accepted the drinks and bags of food that were handed to her. “Do we even want to know?” Aria asked, raising a curious eyebrow. Sunset opened the passenger door and helped Adagio inside.“I don’t know, would you like to tell them, Adagio, or should I?” She laughed. “It is not funny,” Adagio hissed. “It kind of is, actually.” Sunset shut the door, made her way to the driver's side and got in. Aria looked between Sunset and Adagio. “Do either of you plan on sharing what is or isn't so funny with the rest of us?” Adagio shot a quick glance at Sunset. “I swear, if you say a word, I will murder you in your sleep,” she warned. “In your state? I highly doubt that.” Sunset cackled as she started the car and drove off the lot. “WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?!” Aria shouted, drawing the attention of everyone in the car. Sunset smiled wickedly and looked right at Adagio. “Your fearless leader got her ass kicked by an old lady.” Aria and Sonata looked at one another then erupted into fits of laughter. “Are you serious?!” Aria asked incredulously. “Like a heart attack.” Sunset replied. “Isn't that right?” She looked over to her passenger. Adagio blushed profusely as she sank into her seat. The amount of pain coursing through her body was nothing compared to the pain of her bruised ego. Being taken out by an old woman was humiliating enough, but now she had to listen to Aria and Sonata’s snide remarks for the rest of forever. “Heyyy, Dagi.” Aria said, leaning forward into the front seat area. “I've got something for you.” And so it begins...Adagio thought. She listened to Aria rummage around in her backpack for a moment then present her with two cards. “What are these?” She asked. “Oh, I just figured you could make better use of them than me, at the moment.” Aria snickered. Adagio felt her face turn red with anger as she read the cards. The first was a business card for ‘Iron Will’s School of Self-Defense’ and the second, a hotline number for ‘Abused Anonymous.’ Adagio growled as she crumbled up the two cards and whipped them back at Aria. “You better keeps those handy ‘cause after I'm done killing Sunset, you're next!” She said through gritted teeth. “I wonder if the restaurant’s security cameras caught any of it on tape…” Sonata chimed. Aria’s face immediately lit up. “We have to go back!” “Absolutely not!!” Adagio shouted. “We're going home!” Aria and Sonata suddenly began chanting in the background. “Turn-a-round! Turn-a-round!” They sang, getting louder with each chant. “Sunset, please…” Adagio begged. Sunset just shook her head and smiled. “Leadership 101, Dag. ‘Sometimes, to appease the people, a good leader must give them that which they desire,'" she recited Adagio’s lesson back to her word-for-word. Then, giving the people what they wanted, she turned the car around and headed back to the restaurant. Adagio just scowled and crossed her arms. “I hate all of you…”
A Little Heart To HeartAria laid on her bed with her headphones plugged in her phone and volume turned up. Her head steadily bobbing to the music as she read her History textbook. Had this been any other day, homework wouldn’t have even been a thought in her mind, considering it was something she actively avoided. But after carefully weighing her options, she decided that doing homework was better than listening to the ‘spirited debate’ going on between Adagio and Sunset in the kitchen. Aria tapped her pencil to the music while occasionally, jotting down a few notes. “Electronic, supersonic…~” she hummed the lyrics. “Feel that bass go- Hey!” Aria felt her right headphone be yanked out of her ear. Looking up, she saw Adagio standing in front of her. “Can I-” “Shut up!” Adagio commanded. “Who does that insufferable little bitch think she is?! Aria didn’t know how to respond. Was Adagio talking to herself or to her? “Uhm-” “I mean, I don’t recall anyone dying and putting her in charge, do you?!” Adagio glared at her. “Uh...no? Aria answered hesitantly. “But, I don’t really know what you’re talking about so…” “Who do you think I’m talking about, moron.” Aria’s brow creased at Adagio's insult. “I said I don’t know what you’re talking about, not who you’re talking about, moron,” she retorted. “Obviously, I know you’re talking about Sunset.” Adagio scowled and mentally kicked herself for not paying attention to what Aria said. “Whatever,” she shook the embarrassing moment from her mind. “The point is, she’s a bitch, and I’m through with her bossing me around.” Here we go again, Aria thought. Rolling her eyes, she mentally prepared to listen to Adagio gripe and complain about their predicament, Sunset, and life, in general. “What happened this time?” she asked dully. “Sunset is - was downstairs trying to bitch me out for not going to school today. Me!” Adagio pointed to herself while pacing the floor. “Like I'm sort of child needing reprimanding. I am a thousand years old. She doesn't get to tell me what to do!” Aria rubbed her temples as she listened to Adagio's rant. This wasn't the first time she and Sunset had gone at it before, and Aria was confident it wasn’t going to be the last, but why did they always have to come to her to vent afterwards? Surely, they must know that she doesn't care about their petty arguments. So, why did they always have to involve her? Why couldn't they go to Sonata, who just loved to listen to people talk? Why did she have to be the bridge? Picking up her book, Aria resolved that this was a fight she didn't want to be concerned with and therefore, wasn't. Realizing Adagio was only venting at the moment, Aria figured if she just pretended to take an interest in whatever holier-than-thou nonsense that was spewing from Adagio's mouth, she'd go away. Hopefully. “I mean, how dare she!” Adagio ranted. “For her to even think that she can come into my house and start ordering me around, like did she actually think I was just going stand there and to take that?” Adagio looked to Aria for support. Aria just nodded absent-mindedly as she skimmed through the pages. Who wrote this book? She thought, looking over the text was littered with a number of historical inaccuracies. That never happened…that happened 20 years later…he didn’t invent that…he definitely didn’t invent that. “My god, whoever wrote this is an idiot,” she whispered to herself. “Aria, are you listening to me?” Adagio questioned, crossing her arms over her chest. “Yep.” Aria lied. “So, you agree with me then?” Aria had no idea what Adagio was talking about, but it was too late not play along now. “Uhhhaaaabsolutely,” she smiled. “You’re in charge, you do whatever you think is best.” Adagio nodded in agreement. “You’re right, I am in charge,” she said. “So, it’s decided then. Our agreement with Celestia is over. Tomorrow I’ll go to her office and tell her we’re done. She can send us back to juvie if she wants.” Adagio nodded once more, solidifying her decision, then exited the room. “Good talk, Aria.” “Glad I could – wait, what?!” Aria was not going back to juvenile detention. She hated it there. It was boring, smelly, and the food was disgusting. Of course, the one time I choose not to pay attention to Adagio, she goes and makes a rash decision, she thought. Tossing her book aside, she slid off her bed. Aria flung open her door and jogged down to the end of the hallway, where Adagio’s room was. “Adagio!” She busted through the door. “Ahh! Aria, what the hell are you doing!?” Adagio scrambled to cover herself with her towel. “Get out!” “Oh please, you act like I haven’t seen you naked before.” Aria rolled her eyes as she closed the door. “That’s beside the point.” Adagio replied, wrapping herself in the towel. “What do you want?” Aria climbed on Adagio’s bed and sat Indian style. “I’m here to stop you from making the fourth biggest mistake of your – and our – lives,” she said. “fourth?” Adagio arched an eyebrow. “Mhm, let’s see.” Aria recounted all of Adagio’s past decisions on her fingers. “Taking those gems, challenging Starswirl, mind-controlling a school, getting beat up by that old lady,” she chuckled. “And now. So, wait, that’s actually five mistakes.” Aria held up her palm. Adagio glared evilly at the girl before her. “You know, our immortality has yet to be tested since we lost our powers and you clearly have a death wish so-” “Whoa, relax.” Aria scooted back, out of Adagio’s swinging range. “I’m just saying, you haven’t been on your game lately when it comes to making good choices. So, I’ve come to to be the voice of reason.” “Oh, this ought to be good.” Adagio scoffed. “Just hear me out, okay.” Aria patted the bed. Adagio sighed and rolled her eyes, but took a seat. “Okay,” Aria began. “Me, you, and Sonata have been together a painfully long time. And during that time, I’d like to think that we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well. Like I know that when you get upset or frustrated or, things aren’t going your way, you tend to – and no offense – make really bad decisions.” Adagio growled and folded her arms over her chest. “Look, you little-oomph!” “Shut up. ” Aria commanded, hitting Adagio in the face with a pillow. "I wasn’t done." “Well, I am.” Adagio threw the pillow back in Aria’s direction. She got up to walk away but felt Aria grab her wrist. “Adagio, please, just let me finish. After that, if you don’t want to hear anymore, I’ll leave.” Aria reasoned. “Fine,” Adagio conceded, snatching her wrist away. “Continue.” Aria took a deep breath. “I was going to say that, even though, you’re annoying and demanding and completely full of yourself like all the time; to the point where I just want to repeatedly punch you in the face…” She heard Adagio scoff. “…you’re a good leader and…I’d follow you anywhere, bad decisions and all.” Aria could see Adagio’s face soften at her words. She knew Adagio wasn’t expecting her to say anything along those lines, and if Aria was being honest with herself, she wasn’t either. But she was glad she did. “You really feel that way?” Adagio choked. “Yeah.” Aria nodded. “And I’m sure Sonata feels the same way. But, Dagi…I don’t want to go back to jail.” Adagio let out a heavy sigh as she took her seat back on the bed. “Me either,” she said, shaking her head. “I just…it’s hard living this way.” “I know.” “I mean, we used to be free once.” Adagio paused, remembering a time long ago. “But now…we’re trapped. Trapped in this world and in these bodies.” She looked at her hands. “And to top it all off, we’ve got Miss Former She-Demon telling us what we can and can’t do.” Aria fell back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. “Yeah, life kinda sucks right now, but it could be worse.” “How in Tartarus could it possibly be worse?” Adagio inquired. “I don’t know.” Aria shrugged. “We could’ve been turned to stone like Discord.” “Yeah, what a sad day in Equestrian history that was.” Aria chuckled at a thought that popped in her head. “Hey, can you imagine the how much more chaos we could’ve caused if Discord got banished with us.” “I don’t think this world would have survived.” Adagio giggled. “I miss that old goat-face.” Aria smiled. “Mhm, me too.” The room fell silent as Adagio and Aria reminisced on their past in Equestria. After several moments past, Aria sat up. “Well, this has been fun,” she said, placing a hand on Adagio’s shoulder. “But, I’ve got one more person I need to talk to.” “She’s not here.” Adagio replied. Aria rolled off the bed and onto her feet. “Oh no, if only there were a way I could get in contact with her,” she said sarcastically, pulling out her phone and dangling it in front of Adagio. “I hate you.” Adagio smirked. “I know,” Aria acknowledged with a smile. “I hate you too.”
Let's All Get Along?“So, you're probably wondering why I asked you here.” Aria looked up from the steaming beverage between her hands to the red and yellow-haired girl sitting across from her. “That is one of the many questions I have asked myself today, yes.” Sunset nodded while placing her own cup on the table. “Although…” she paused looking apprehensively around at her surroundings. “I can’t say that I am familiar with where here is.” Aria smirked at this, for she had chosen this particular spot for that very reason. The establishment which they were in, was simply known as The Grind, and it was one of Aria’s favorite hangout spots. Because much like her, the atmosphere was dark and brooding. As was also, the music and few other people who lurked within. Even more so, it was located on the outskirts of Canterlot, really giving it that ‘home away from home’ feeling as she liked to call it. Sunset, however, did not feel that way. Everything about The Grind was eerie. The people, the music, the décor; it all sent shivers down her spine. Luckily, she remembered to bring her pepper spray in case things turned ugly. “You really should try to relax.” Aria chuckled at her uncomfortable guest. “I'm not not relaxed.” Sunset protested. “I just…how did you find this place?” “I didn’t.” Aria shook her head. “At least, not on my own…The Grind is one of those ‘cannot be found – except by those who already know where it is’ places.” Sunset nodded understandingly. “So, someone showed it to you?” “Eh, something like that.” Aria shrugged. And by that she meant, having eavesdropped on a telephone conversation several months prior and hearing the directions to said hangout. But that’s was not a story Aria felt that she needed to divulge to Sunset at the moment, regardless of the skeptical look she was being given. Clearing her throat, Aria continued with the actual reason she had asked to meet. “I wanted to talk to you about this whole…situation,” she said flatly. To this, Sunset grimaced. She knew Aria was no doubt referring to the fight that had transpired between her and Adagio only a few hours prior. But, if Sunset was to be truly honest, that fight was the last thing she wanted to talk about. Nonetheless, she went along with the conversation. “What about it?” She asked. Aria could hear the slight disdain in Sunset’s voice but chose to ignore it. “Look, I know that Adagio broke the only real stipulation of our agreement with Principal Celestia today, but I…I want to ask that you to please not say anything to her about it.” Sunset raised an eyebrow at this. Telling Principal Celestia wasn't something she had planned to do. In fact, it wasn't even a thought in her mind until just now. But since Aria had brought it up, perhaps, Sunset thought, she could use this to her advantage. Keeping up with appearances, Sunset leaned back and folded her arms across her chest. “And why shouldn't I say anything to Principal Celestia?” “Because…” Aria lowered her gazed to the cup resting between her hands. It had long since lost its warmth, but it gave her something to do with her hands for the moment as she pondered Sunset's question. “I don't think that we need to make this situation any bigger than it already is,” she finally spoke up. “And it's not like Adagio has a habit of skipping school, so perhaps, you could give her a reprieve. Just this once?” Hell to the no, Sunset scoffed. “Your agreement with Principal Celestia is your reprieve,” she said matter-of-factly. “And even that is far too generous in my book.” Aria growled at this. Just who did Sunset think she was? Acting all holier-than-thou. Who was she to dictate what was too generous or not about their agreement wit the Principal? “You know, Adagio was right about one thing: you are a bitch.” Aria remarked. “Why? Because I'm holding you to your agreement?” Sunset questioned. “No, because you're trying to act like you weren't in our position at one point.” Aria clarified. “You sought to take over the school too, Sunset, and if my memory serves me correctly, you also attempted first-degree murder. A crime that in-and-of itself should've had you looking at 10-20. So, if anyone is getting a ‘generous reprieve’ here, it's you.” Aria pointed a finger across the table. Sunset sat stunned by Aria's words. As much as she hated to admit it, Aria was right. Her actions at the Fall Formal were much more sinister than the Dazzlings had ever been. That night Sunset had been so committed to her plans that she was willing to kill to see them fulfilled. By anyone's book, she should've been in the jail cell right next to the Dazzlings, but she wasn't. In fact, unlike the Dazzlings, she never once saw the inside of prison. Sunset's heart sank at this, for she now realized that she truly had gotten off easy for what she had done. “You're right. I'm…I'm sorry.” Sunset hung her head shamefully. Aria took a deep breath and shook her head. She hadn't asked Sunset here with the intention of pointing fingers, she only wanted to implore former unicorn to not rat Adagio out. “Listen, Sunset, I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I just…if you promise not to say anything, I will make sure Adagio doesn't break our agreement again – or at least try to. Deal?” Aria stuck out her hand. Sunset thought about Aria's proposition for a moment. “How do you plan on doing that?” She asked the siren. “Honestly, I haven't the slightest.” Aria confessed. “But I know that none of us wants to go back to jail, so perhaps, the threat of that will be enough to keep Adagio in line.” Sunset nodded. “Alright, I won't say anything to Principal Celestia, but just so you know, on the off chance that she does already know, I won't be able to interfere with what she decides to do with the three of you,” she replied, shaking Aria's hand. “Fair enough.” Aria smiled. Sunset looked at the time on her phone. “We should get going. It's getting late, and we have school tomorrow,” she said standing to her feet. Aria, too, stood and followed Sunset outside. “I guess, I'll see ya tomorrow then.” She waved to Sunset before starting the long journey back home. “Wait!” Sunset exclaimed, grabbing the siren's attention. “Did you walk here?” “Uh, yeah?” Aria replied. “How do you think I got here?” Sunset shrugged. “I don't know…I guess, I assumed there was a bus or something…anyways, you want a ride?” Aria shook her head and waved her off. “Nah, don't worry about it, I can walk.” “C'mon, Aria. It'll take you hours to get back home.” Sunset pointed out. “Really, Sunset it's-” “I'm not taking no for an answer, so just get in.” Aria slapped her forehead but did as she was told. Secretly, she was glad Sunset had offered to take her home. Adagio sat with her arms and legs crossed on the living room sofa, watching Sonata pace back and forth. “What if she’s been hit by a car?! Or kidnapped?!” Sonata gasped. “Adagio, what if Aria’s been kidnapped?! We have to go find her!” Adagio just rolled her eyes. She knew it was better to just let Sonata get all her rambling out before trying to talk rationally to her. “They probably have her locked up in some cage like an animal! Poor Aria…why must the good die young!” Sonata dropped dramatically to her knees, clutching one hand to chest while raising the other in the air. “Oh, would you stop.” Adagio finally cut in, having heard enough of the Sonata’s nonsense. “Aria is fine. She’s probably with 'you know who' at that underground coffee shop, she thinks we don’t know about.” Sonata leaped to her feet and sat down on the sofa next to Adagio. “Yeah, but still…Aria’s been gone a long time, aren’t you just a little bit worried that something might be wrong?” “Aria can handle herself.” Adagio replied dismissively as she picked up the remote and turned on the television. Sonata grimaced. Adagio’s lack of concern for the only other member of their family was somewhat unsettling. “But, Aria is…our sister.” Adagio could sense the worry and sadness in Sonata’s voice. She knew Aria was perfectly fine and that Sonata was working herself up for nothing, but if putting the young siren's mind at ease was going to grant her some peace and quiet, then so be it. “Would giving Aria a call make you feel better?” Adagio asked. “Yes, please!” Sonata grinned and nodded. “Fine…” Just as Adagio pulled her phone from the inside of her bra strap, the front door opened. "Guys, I'm home!" Came a familiar voice. “Ari! Sonata shrieked as she ran out of the living room to greet her sister. “You’re back! I was so – Sunset?” Sonata tilted her head. “What are you doing here?” Sunset? Adagio grit her teeth. She stood to her feet and made way into the foyer, where Aria, Sonata, and Sunset were gathered. “What the hell is she doing here?” Adagio looked to Aria while pointing at Sunset. “Relax, Dagi. Sunset was just giving me a ride home.” Aria explained. “Well, you’re home. So, she can leave now.” Aria rolled her eyes. Apparently, Adagio was still stewing from what had happened earlier in the day, despite their conversation. “Adagio can you just chill for like two seconds?” She beckoned. Adagio ‘hmphed' while folding her arms over her chest. She knew Aria was about to share what the two of them had talked about, and while she was utterly uninterested, she allowed Aria to speak her piece before properly shutting it down. “So," Aria began, catching everyone attention. "Sunny and I had a little chat, and after much convincing, she’s decided to not to tell Principal Celestia about you skipping school.” Adagio stiffened at this. “You were going to tell Celestia?” She snapped at Sunset. Sunset rubbed the back of her neck. “Well, no…at least, not a first.” “You little-” “Stop.” Aria stepped between the two girls. “You two are not going to start fighting again,” she said sternly. “But she-” “No, Adagio.” Aria glared at the orange siren. “The four of us are stuck with one another until Principal Celestia says otherwise, so we all need to start getting along.” Adagio growled and looked away. She hated when Aria went all ‘parental’ on her. Nevertheless, Aria was right. The four of them were stuck with each other so it would be in all of their best interest to make the best out of it. “Fine. Adagio conceded. Aria nodded, then looked to Sunset, who nodded as well. “Good.” “Does this mean, we’re all friends again!?” Sonata blurted out after several moments of silence. “Eh, something like that.” Aria shrugged. The car ride from school the next day was dead silent, with the exception of Sonata’s music blaring through her headphones. The effects of yesterday’s event still hung in the air, making things super uncomfortable for everyone, except Sonata, who was in her own little world as usual. “So…is this really how it’s going to be between you two from now on?” Aria asked from the back seat. Sunset and Adagio, who were in the driver and passenger seat respectively, shot a quick glance at one another before looking away. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’ then.” Aria shook her head. “So much for getting along.” “We don’t have to talk to get along.” Adagio stated. “Agreed.” Sunset added. Aria pinched the bridge of her nose. “This is just sad.” “Oh please, Aria, you and Sonata fight all the time.” Adagio objected. “Yeah, but unlike you two, we don’t hold grudges. We fight and move on.” Adagio scoffed and turned in her seat. “You are such a liar. What about that time when Sonata cut your hair while you were sleeping, hm? You were furious with her for weeks.” “Well yeah! She cut my hair!” Aria threw up her hands. “And for what?! To see if it would grow outside like grass!” Sunset tried to stifle a laugh. She could totally see Sonata doing something like that. “Or the time you almost got arrested for kidnapping because Sonata thought it would be funny to place a ‘help me’ sign in the car window while you were driving her to the playground?” Adagio continued. “What?!” Sunset exclaimed, turning to Adagio. “Oh yeah, I got a phone call from the police station and everything.” Adagio replied. “When I got there, Aria was handcuffed to a chair while Sonata was eating donuts.” Sunset smiled while shaking her head. “Aria must have been furious.” “Oh, she was.” Adagio turned back in her seat. “She was absolutely seething. Shouting all sorts of curses and death threats at Sonata and anybody else who looked at her the wrong way-” “I’m sitting right here, you know.” Aria chimed in. But Sunset and Adagio were no longer paying attention to her. But at least their getting along, she thought. Even if it was at her expense. “Then there was the time Sonata pretended to have broken Aria’s pendant. What a day that was!” Adagio laughed. Aria just groaned and slapped her forehead. “It’s going to be a long night.
