“Wow.”

Standing outside the cusp of the gated fence that surrounded the lavish building, the company of young women found themselves unable to enter until they’d given the domain a thorough assessment- or when they were able to finish gawking. To call it a home seemed to insult the magnificence of the architecture; even calling it a mansion seemed too weak a word to sufficiently describe such a building. Surely this place had once been home to great leaders of the world, if not gods that dwelt among men? The sheer size of it was enough to take up the span of a football stadium- and quite easily. They’d been invited here?

“Oh, this is definitely a trap,” Sunset managed to say, speaking through chattering teeth as the wind fell on her bare skin. “Dammit, and I’m gonna freeze to death before I even get to see it happen, too.” She had been ecstatic when she’d first laid eyes on her attire for the evening, a jet-black halter minidress with a deep v-cut to help accentuate the slender figure she possessed, as well as her smooth legs. It would have been perfect for such an evening if the temperature hadn’t decided to finally tank somewhere into the teens; now with so much exposed skin that was once meant to tempt and entice was now seeing her freeze.

“Oh, relax, darling, they’ve got fires all across the entrance and the carpet heading in,” Rarity replied, too haughty –or too proud- to let the cold ruin the magnificence of her creations; she had designed each dress herself, after all. “We’ll be warm wherever we go, don’t fret. What sort of hosts would they be if they didn’t offer warmth to their guests?”

“Themselves, if I had to guess.”

“She’s got you there,” Applejack remarked.

“Well… maybe,” Rarity admitted. “But nevertheless, we shall trudge on just the same. And- you all do approve of your attire, don’t you?”

“Are you kidding? We all look amazing!” Pinkie exclaimed, leaping forth from their number and wheeling about so as to gaze at them all. Nothing short of vibrant in both personality and dress, Pinkie lived up to her name as she was currently adorned in a deep-pink sequin dress that rippled with the light as she allowed the knee-length skirt to flow with her movements. With her good cheer and attire, the vivacious woman held the appearance of a brightly colored star. “Oh, I bet this is going to be so much fun! And just look at the decorations, I bet it’s even more amazing inside!”

“It is very pretty,” Fluttershy remarked. Taking in the outer gardens as they slowly entered the gates and moved towards the main doors of the mansion, everywhere she looked seemed to hold the colors of deepest green and lights. Every bush was studded by lights, wreath and ribbons adorned every lamp post- and the exterior of the mansion itself! How it rippled with the prism of the season, bright flashes of green, red, and white flashing out into the night so elegantly that it could be mistaken for the great Saint Nicholas’ palace. “This looks very nice.”

“It’s one helluva trap, for sure,” Rainbow remarked, eyeing all of it with suspicion as though she suspected a sniper behind every bush. “Jeez, how much money did they spend on this?”

“I cannot even imagine,” Sunset remarked, leaning in to investigate a nearby light and quickly realizing the bulb was surrounded by a cask of diamonds. “Tens of thousands, at the very least.”

“Jeez. And all of this just to kill us? I’m flattered.”

“Oh, don’t be like that, Rainbow,” Fluttershy gently chided, giving her closest friend a gentle swat across the shoulder. “I’m sure they’re only showing off. They just want everyone to have the best time possible.”

“Easy for you to say- look at you,” Rainbow declared. “One look at you and they’re gonna go from wanting to kill you to wanting to marry you.”

The flush on the shy woman’s face had been present ever since her initial fitting, the tinge of pink now turning a deeper shade of red as she took the compliment with a smile. She hadn’t meant to be so wondrously dressed, but Rarity had insisted; now what adorned her was a glorious dress the color of a verdant green, the dazzling corset about her lush figure studded with crystals- featuring a low cut on her trim bust and a high slit on her legs that tapered out into a darkened train. It was more glamorous than what she usually wore, but her dear seamstress had absolutely vowed to see her in it; how was she to say no?

“Well- you look very pretty, too,” Fluttershy muttered, unable to look the prismatic athlete in the eye. “Are- are you sure you’re not cold?”

Rainbow laughed, despite how much skin she currently showed. A minidress the color of the deepest oceans adorned her skin, a criss-cross pattern across the stomach concealing her modesty while also revealing the sides of her toned figure; she was meant to awe and inspire in her attire, a powerful goddess rather than an alluring temptress. How could she achieve such things if she shivered? “Please- I’m fine and you know it. Since when has the great and awesome Rainbow Dash ever been cold?”

“During your last soccer practice, if your teammates had anything to say,” Applejack remarked.

“Keep talking, princess, and you might trip on the hem of your skirt,” Rainbow shot back, instantly reacting before there could be a void laughter could fill. “Don’t you look all sweet and innocent in your little gown? Such a heartbreaker.”

Applejack’s eyes narrowed, and for more reasons than one. She genuinely liked the dress, despite it being such a stark contrast to her usual gruff personality; a black cami dress with a flared skirt that fell to just above the knee, her concealed bust and sleeveless appearance giving the powerful farmgirl an aura of sweetened innocence rather than her usual calm, motherly presence. The other reason also happened to be who made it, and such a person was not deserving of mockery.

And that very same person took note of her friend’s sarcasm, coming between the two with a sudden fire in her eyes. “Dear Rainbow Dash, do you have a problem with my work?” Rarity inquired mildly though the coldness in her eyes said otherwise. “I do hope you like it. Otherwise I’ll have to make you take it off right now so I can bring you something better.”

An intriguing, exciting thought, but perhaps she wasn’t inebriated enough to pursue such a thing just yet. “I didn’t say that. It was a joke!”

“Just checking,” Rarity said, promptly switching back to a smile and proving just how dangerous her anger could be. “Well now… shall we?”

The doormen that stood at the threshold took note of the group of six that now came towards them, so uniform in movement and allure that to ignore them would be difficult. These women were together, in spirit and something more if any were to guess; the electricity was potent, powerful enough to entice and make one wish they were part of this deepening bond. Just what would such deep feeling lead to? One could only wonder.

“Good evening, ladies,” said the foreman of security, a smartly dressed man wearing a red jacket with gold lining. “Names, if you please?”

“Lady Rarity, if you please,” the wondrous fashionista said, allowing herself a small shimmer that set her fair body to glowing. More akin to the purest of diamonds than a person, her elegant satin gown clung to her form and accentuated all greatest assets perfectly; the shapely bust, the thigh-high slit that revealed her sleek legs, the crystals along the sweetheart neckline that dazzled, and just the right amount of skin to showcase her beauty. Though she only declared her name, those who walked by or waited behind could not help but be left awed by such a being whose purity was without question.

“Lady Rarity- excellent, here you are,” the foreman declared. “And I assume your friends are-”

“Just Sunset,” came the reply.

“Pinkie present and eager!”

“Umm- Fluttershy.”

“The Rainbow Dash.”

“Applejack, here.”

“Wonderful, all of you are on the list,” the foreman replied- only to pause and scrutinize his list a bit more thoroughly. “Oh, hold on, there’s a small note regarding your names.”

“Oh, here we go,” Rainbow muttered softly, strong muscles tensed and awaiting the violent order that would begin their ordeal.

“It seems Miss Adagio and her sisters have deemed you to be on the ‘Personal VIP’ list for the evening,” the foreman explained, producing a set of wristbands and offering it to the group; a quick glance by Rarity discovered them to be thin plates of gold, the clasp studded with a small diamond. “All food, drink, best seats for the show, service any kind -well, really anything we offer- is at your disposal. And all of it free of charge. Do enjoy your evening, please!”

As the cordon before them was tucked away, the six woman were left to stand flabbergasted- and perhaps a bit nervous. Anything they wanted for the night? VIP’s? Surely the Dazzlings had something particular planned, and past encounters said none of it would be good. If this wasn’t the sign they would have to be on guard, nothing else would do.

“Do… do we go in?” Applejack asked.

“Duh!” Pinkie practically leapt through the doors, beckoning for her friends to follow suit. “Come on, you guys! We’re going to have a blast!”

“We’re gonna die is what’s gonna happen,” Rainbow remarked, but trudging on just the same alongside her friends into the mansion that would surely be her tomb.

Everywhere they looked seemed to be glimmering; festive décor and lights hung from every conceivable place. Even all the way along the edges of the ceiling so high that none could conceive how someone had even reached were the colors of soft gold; a magnificent sculpture of ice stood in the center of the entrance hall, a towering figure of an angel reaching out to the sky with a star in hand. Throughout it all were the movements of people alive and keen on social gaiety, dress and form seeming to shimmer beneath the lurid display of color and extravagance. Their chatter flowed through the air as lightly as the faint hum of music in their midst, the sound of it vibrant but not so potent as to overwhelm. Though there seemed to be a great many people within the mansion –and perhaps even more in the yards surrounding the burning fires- no sense of a crushing crowd could be felt. It was perhaps the most excessive display of wealth and fortune any of them had ever seen in their short lives yet it retained its beauty and descended not into opulence. It were as though they had been transported into a fantastical winter palace so far removed from the toils and troubles of life, a place where people came to be merry and celebrate.

“How… how much money do they have?” Sunset said, a faint giggle in her voice. She’d spent most of her time in college eating cheap ramen with chili beans to help save money. To be surrounded by such blatant wealth like this was overwhelming. “Holy cow…”

“Well, what do they call this? ‘Fuck you money?’” Rainbow remarked.

“Language, darling,” Rarity promptly chided.

“Oh shut it. It’s not like I’m wrong, can you imagine being able to spend this much cash just on a one-night party?”

“It’s beautiful,” Fluttershy murmured, stars in her eyes as she crept closer to the frozen angel and marveled at the skill behind such a labor. She could see the thin hem of the dress, details of lace and patterns along the cold form; if she were taller, would she look into the eyes and see the dulled gaze of a clear, lifeless being? The young woman had only ever seen such things in museums. “Amazing.”

“Well… it certainly is that,” Rarity assented, less focused on the temporary décor and more on the fashion of the mansion itself. Corinthian architecture in style, stone of soft yellow molded into winding shapes that spoke to elegance of a lost age. Beneath her feet were gleaming blocks of marble that reflected the soft lights above perfectly; though much of their usual decorations had clearly been shunted aside in favor of more festive appeal, she could not deny that the owners of this place had good taste.

“Told you it’d be awesome,” Pinkie Pie said, joyously smug and eager to entice her friends further into the mood. “Come on, let’s go look around! I bet it’s super amazing everywhere! And we haven’t even found the food yet!”

“Wait a minute. Are we sure we wanna get all caught up in this and everything?” Applejack asked. Too grounded to be easily swept away by any display of lavish living, her suspicions of intent remained strong as ever. “Look, don’t forget where we are- and who invited us. We gotta be careful.”

“I know, I know,” Rainbow replied, “but- come on. We can at least have some fun, right? I wanna see what’s at the bar. AJ, you feel like a shot of whiskey?”

“I’m the D.D. for tonight, remember?”

“Well damn it all.”

“Tell you what, darling,” Rarity said, coming to her friend’s rescue as the elegant woman took a free arm. “If you change mine to a nice glass of gin, I think I’ll take up your offer. How does that sound?”

“Good to me,” Rainbow said, grinning as she allowed her companion to further her grip. “Come on!”

With little better to do and no desire to break from the pack, the other four followed in tow, Pinkie happily letting her gaze look about at every new sight so she could find it wondrous. Fluttershy remained much of the same, awed into silence by the loveliness of her surroundings that seemed to beg for her attention.

“Told you,” Applejack whispered to Sunset as the two trailed just a tinge behind. “Rares’ too keen on a girlfriend to let a place like this slide.”

“Fine.” A quick slip of the hand and a bill fell into the farmgirl’s weathered hand. “But is it for real, or is she just toying with me?”

“Toying with me, too,” Applejack remarked. “I ever tell you I was her first kiss?”

“Many times,” Sunset said, not wishing for the story to be retold again. “So which of us has she not flirted with now?”

The freckled woman recalled the hushed stories Fluttershy and Pinkie had told her: the clandestine moments when no one else had been looking and the seemingly proper fashionista hadn’t been able to resist. “Heh. None. I think she can’t make up her mind about which of us she wants more.”

“Wanna bet if she ever will?”

“Are you kidding? I bet she’ll try to have all of us.”

A stroll down the hallway from the entrance hall and into a smaller, more cozy atmosphere as the social room revealed itself, the warm brightness of lights fading away in favor of the flicker of candelight; numerous tables held dozens of guests that surrounded the soft glow, a grand chandelier resting above them all and bearing a dozen tiny flames, only the pale light above the bar a contrast to the aura. Here was meant to be comfort away from prying eyes, company only who came with you and the drink awaiting you.

“Now this is more like it,” Rainbow declared, eyeing the extravagant selection of liquors that topped the shelf behind the bar. “Come on!”

The bartender caught sight of the incoming group, his eyes flickering to the gold bracelets adorning their wrists and he stood at attention with a smile on his lips. “Welcome! I am Mr. Ardonnais, what can I get you lovely ladies?”

“Bourbon on the rocks sounds good,” Rainbow said. “Whatcha got?”

“I’ve an excellent bottle of Angel’s Envy if you’d like something higher end, Miss. Well aged.”

“Wait- seriously?” Rainbow’s eyes seemed ready to pop out of their sockets at the mention of it; even Applejack paid attention, the brand a rare favorite of her grandmother’s.

Ardonnais flashed a sly smile and quickly went to work, hands and body moving so quickly that he seemed almost a blur. Soon before the prismatic woman’s form was a gleaming glass of dark liquor pock-marked by a trio of ice cubes, freshly awaiting her grasp. “Enjoy, Miss.”

Rainbow eyed the delectable concoction for a moment more before slowly bringing it to her lips and taking a small sip; a slightly pulled face, then a delightful expression took its place. “Holy- wow, dude.”

“And you, miss?”

“An ovation, if- if you please,” Rarity said faintly; always the most elegant of their number, even she was beginning to feel overcome by this sheer breadth of money and ability.

Those among them that drank put in their orders and found a table, Fluttershy and Applejack the only ones to choose further sobriety. They settled in a darkened corner of the room so as to better survey their surroundings, taking the opportunity to partake of their beverages and finding them sublime. Sunset couldn’t remember if she’d ever even heard of a cantarito before; Pinkie hardly could tell the difference between juice and wine, but the bellini before her was adorned with a peach and just as flavorful.

“Rares?”

“Yes, sweetheart?” The elegant girl inquired lightly.

“Remind me to get really, really rich,” Rainbow said, gazing fondly at her glass as though it were gold. “I need more stuff like this in my life.”

Despite their misgivings regarding their hostesses and the cautious mind of Applejack that continued to remain sober, the girls enjoyed themselves. How could they not enjoy themselves when this place was so lovely? The magnificence of this abode, the excellence of the service- and the drinks, too! The whole place had been so cleverly composed that to relax was an instinctive reaction rather than anything by choice; how could one hope to see themselves aloof and tense when it was so good to be calm? Applejack kept one eye open even as they drank and made merry just in case, but the other focused on the friends that plucked at the desires of her heart.

She said little about her feelings even still; it was better this way since she couldn’t make up her mind. Sunset had a heart for Rarity, just as she knew Rainbow and Fluttershy did; hell, she did also. She held a unique affection for all of them. How was she supposed to navigate these muddled waters when no one she knew ever had before? Applejack felt painfully isolated by her attractions, unable to focus on one singular point. Her friends deserved better than this indecision; she needed to make up her mind about who she loved most even if the answer might be all of them at once. And that sort of answer wouldn’t do anyone favors at all, would it?

A sudden silence came across the tranquility of the mansion, all eyes suddenly averting from one another and their surroundings and being sent skywards as a voice rang through the mansion’s intercom. “To all guests, please make your way to the grand room. Your hosts, the world-famous Dazzlings, are eager to greet you!”

The aura of good cheer that had surrounded them since their arrival dissipated like mist in the morning, only Rarity saving some semblance of it as she clutched Rainbow’s arm a bit more tightly. The voice was a reminder of where they lurked, prey deep in a potential lion’s den. They could not let their guard down just yet- nor was alcohol such a wise choice.

“I guess we should go,” Sunset said, draining the last of her glass and seeing it settled. “Well? Feel like seeing our hostesses in the flesh?”

“Definitely!” Pinkie exclaimed, unwilling or too at ease to submit to anxiety. “Come on, I listened to their latest song last night! They sound amazing!”

Sunset didn’t doubt it, considering her last encounter with Adagio. As they joined the growing crowd of partygoers heading to the grand room, she wondered what was about to befall her. A porter was there at a series of chairs surrounding a circular stage in the center of the activity, a similar bracelet across his arm as what currently lay draped across her wrist and his eyes upon them as he beckoned for she and her friends to take their seats. Just what were they about to deal with? With this crowd all around them, surely Adagio and her sisters weren’t about to commit some acts of violence. Was- was it possible that this really was just a party invitation? Had her suspicions been in vain, little more than fear? Compared to how she’d dealt with the Siren last, it seemed doubtful; but years later, faced with reality…

Maybe I should give them a chance.

They took their seats and paid heed to the chatter, watching as the souls about them spoke eagerly. Doubtless many of these people were fans of the Dazzlings, well-acquainted with their music. Pinkie knew of their music, apparently, but Sunset hadn’t found the time to yet pay attention; just what was she about to hear? Perhaps she shouldn’t be so curious about the entertainment when the source of it was something so unpleasant. Probably.

The lights of the grand room suddenly went dark, shrouding their world in shadow as no light of man nor its flicker echoed across the wide space. The crowd went into a hush, anticipating the arrival of their dearly awaited hostesses. Whether they be friends, peers, or potential rivals, all were eager to see the show truly begin-

A sudden plume of smoke across the stage as a pellet released the cloud, a singular light piercing down and illuminating the silhouettes of three figures within, motionless as statues and most definitely familiar. The first notes rang across the wide room and bringing the crowd to cheers as hidden speakers began their play; the smoke dissipated to reveal the Dazzlings at last and the house roared at the sight.

“Hello, everyone! We are so, so glad you could join us!” Sonata’s bright, cheery voice rang clearly as the youngest Siren was first to speak, waving and grinning to the crowd at first opportunity. The crowd responded in kind, reaching out and cheering as their idol so eagerly ate up their affection. “You ready for a show?”

Another roar, enough to make their lead singer give a smug, perhaps cloying, smile. “Oh, I hope we haven’t worn you out already,” Adagio said. “Come on, everybody, on your feet! You ready for a show?”

The grand room positively shook as the charged crowd of people begged for release; they had been summoned here for a good time, and such things would not transpire lest their hostesses gave them something worth listening to.

“Come on, Dagi, don’t be mean! Let’s have some fun!” Sonata countered. “I know they’re up for a good time!”

“I think you’re right. Hit it!”

Sunset recalled little of the song itself, though sensibility said it was a well-crafted holiday tune. In fact, it was likely incredible; so easy to listen to, upbeat and bright without being smarmy, festive without falling into the realm of corny. A song meant to invigorate and cheer the spirit on. But what words were spoken hardly remained in her mind for very long, for those who sang the song itself were far more distracting. In fact, despite her misgivings, they were…

A quick glance across the row to Rarity, who caught the sunlight woman’s eye; a quick wave of her hand against her face came from the fashionista as though she were overheated, gaze darting back towards the stage. Sunset bit her lip and found herself nodding in assent. What else could she think? Was it their clothing? The three Sirens were adorned in form-fitting Santa dresses of leather, Sonata and Aria adorned in verdant green while Adagio countered them with the colors of bright red, the look summed up with black gloves and knee-high boots. Or was it their movements that came with the music, a dance meant to tempt and hypnotize? Perhaps they knew what motions could entice, could inspire heartache. Or maybe it was the fact that these women were simply something so infinitely desirable to the eye, so magnificently lovely.

Sunset heard the music come to a close and felt herself gulp. She had come here with the fear of walking headfirst into a fight; now she was going to have to figure out how she would deal with this newfound physical attraction. Surely this was just instinctive reaction, little more than visual impulse? Those Sirens couldn’t have found a magical means of seduction without their medallions, right? Sunset wasn’t sure which answer she enjoyed less, even as the mental image of those beautiful women shaking their hips to the rhythm continued to replay in her mind over and over.

The crowd paid little notice to them, more attentive to giving their hosts a rousing bout of applause that the Dazzlings happily devoured; why let your eyes rest on the wellbeing of a crowd when there were such sights there to happily entertain them? Sonata had already leapt down from the stage to take a few selfies with a lucky section of seating; Aria, most reserved of their number, simply allowed the dignity of a deep bow while her elder sister plucked away a leather glove and flung it into a group of eager young women.

“Thanks so much for coming, everybody!” Sonata cried, refusing to return to the stage and rejoin her sisters just yet. “I hope you wanna keep hanging out with us! This party’s only just started!”

“And we know none of us have really had fun yet, have we?” Adagio remarked. “Stick around, pretty please? We’ll be right back to really kick things off with you!” As the trio began to turn from the crowd and depart to quarters unknown, the luxurious Siren peered out into the crowd as though searching for something. Her keen eyes dropped down to the VIP section at the stage’s edge and gave a start of recognition as she found six souls there staring right back at her. With a glowing smile and a wink, Adagio leaned down and blew a kiss before swiftly departing from sight and leaving the group of friends severely confused as to what to do next.

Even as the crowd dissipated and turned back to other places for further entertainments and delights, still did Sunset and her friends continue to remain rooted where they were. Even as the seats behind them were plucked by staff and taken out of sight, not once did they move. Each seemed caught up in their own thoughts just as much they were eager to know the inner workings of their companions. Eyes would meet and swiftly dart away, bodies moved and shifted as nerves found means of expressing themselves through energy; a boiling point began to push through, desperately searching for a chance to burst. And then-

“They are fucking hot,” Rainbow Dash declared.

“Rainbow!” Rarity said angrily, giving her companion a foul look. “Must you be so crude in your descriptions? There are other –better- ways of saying such things.”

“Am I wrong, though?” The prismatic girl challenged. “Deny it, go on. I dare you.”

“Darling…”

“Fraidycat. Hey, AJ- hot or not?”

The freckled farmgirl pulled a face but nodded all the same as she answered her friend’s query. “Can’t exactly disagree,” she remarked.

“They’re super hot!” Pinkie agreed, positively ecstatic at this newfound revelation. “Oh, I hope they aren’t still super mean and everything, that would just ruin it- do you think they invited us cause they wanna make up? I hope they did, I wanna ask them out- can I date a bunch of girls all at once? I’d date you all if that’s OK cause you’re all super hot, too-”

“Jeez, and I thought Rarity was thirsty,” Rainbow said, laughing at her friend’s excessive exuberance.

“Hey!”

“There singing was quite lovely,” Fluttershy said. Upon her cheeks was a faint blush, the smile that adorned her lips unbidden and seemingly bashful. “And- and they were quite pretty.”

“Yeah… yeah, they are,” Sunset sighed. How on earth was she supposed to deal with this revelation? To make matters worse, it wasn’t just her; the Sirens had seemingly enticed them all by mere looks alone. Not a good look when one considered that such a thing had to be intentional; was it for malevolent gain, or just attraction that came with riches and fame? They’d always been lovely, but this new reunion seemed to have brought about a different reaction altogether. Something was up and she wasn’t sure if she liked it.

“Excuse me, ladies…” The voice of a man interrupted their excited chatter, one of the mansion’s staff providing a small bow as the girls turned to face him. “I’ve just been informed Miss Adagio and her sisters would like to see you. They currently await you on the back deck overlooking the gardens.”

She hadn’t expected events to transpire so quickly. So they’d been summoned for a purpose, had they? Sunset found herself biting her lip again, excitement clashing violently with unease somewhere in her stomach. Just what were those sumptuous Sirens up to?

“We- what are we waiting for?” Pinkie asked of them, looking at her friends as though they really had gone mad. “Come on, I wanna say hey! Do you think Adagio would give me her number if I asked? I know it’s silly but I wanna try-”

“Same,” Rainbow said. “Come on, might as well see what they want. That’s what we came here for, right?”

With different motivations in finding out why, yes, but the athlete’s words rang true all the same. Now would be the time when they discovered just what was going on- perhaps.

Escorted to the deck at the behest of their guide, the group of women traveled through the throng of people that celebrated the night with abandon. Escaping the now-pulsating interior of the mansion and out into the brisk cold of the mansion’s back deck, the deep dark well-illuminated by the lights that sprung from the exterior walls above and the sparks of color that gleamed from the garden below. Despite the chill in the air that promptly tinged her skin, Sunset saw them in the midst of a crowd of people, camera flashes and bright chatter emanating from their midst and signaling the end of their miniature journey.

“Oh my.”

Somehow, as though sensing the presence of familiar souls, out from the crowd of adoring fans came a trio of beautiful young women to greet them- and how all the more lovely had they become! No longer were they garbed in the colors of their holiday performance but now dressed in clothing of their own choosing, each enticing and lovely in their own way. Aria’s dark skin carried a new glow across her sleek form, a silver minidress with a deeply cut v-neck to expose what simple cleavage she possessed, falling to just a tinge down her thighs and giving the powerful girl a strong, confident look that was just as attractive as sensuality. And there at her side was Sonata, wearing a lace minidress the color of deep purple that left little to the imagination; bare skin easily seen through the fabric, a keyhole across the chest to allow sight of her decadent bust, barely coming to a halt at the edge of her buttocks- one wrong bend and Sonata would display it all, exactly the way she liked it. But then came the most glorious jewel in their number, Adagio striding forth with a dazzling smile that gleamed almost as brightly as the one-strap gown that clothed her, the color of wine and gleaming in the night. A high slit to reveal her silken legs, a ruched panel across her waist, the garment little more than a perfect contrast to the fair skin of its owner.

Sunset found herself aching at the sight of them, more than she could have ever imagine looking upon anyone. She loved her friends, desired them, but this sudden revelation of sensuality, of power, of beauty~! Though she thought herself alone in such thoughts –ones she found so wicked to her conscience- all her companions found themselves struggling with the same. They had grown up, grown older, and high school pettiness now seemed utterly pointless in the face of a much more pleasurable reality. This could be quite a night, if they could only loosen their tongues and find something to say.

It was a relief to see that at least the Dazzlings seemed to be just as tongue-tied. Aria held her breath and couldn’t even fully face their guests, a tightness to her features as she tried to summon speech. Sonata gazed at them with stars in her eyes, looking over each one of them in turn, but said nothing. Even Adagio, most proud and confident of them all, could only offer a weak smile until she found the strength of words that would be worth saying. The awkwardness of years gone by, genuine malice and effort brought against one another in righteous conflict, was now something so powerful.

But as always, a simple act of affection was all it took to break the spell. Pinkie, silent where she stood, could keep her squirming to herself no longer before giving a happy squee and leaping towards Adagio to take the sultry Siren in a fierce hug. “Ohmygosh, you girls were amazing!” Pinkie cried. “Thank you so much for the seats- and the invite, too! Your place is so cool, it’s been a blast already!”

The force of impact was enough to make the lovely women stagger. But before Adagio’s footing truly faltered she found herself, a bright smile overtaking the surprise and sending her into delights. As though a damn had burst, baker and beauty began chattering away excitedly like the old friends they’d never been, so swift to swap words that making sense of them was a loss. But it was enough to see the hesitancy shatter, each woman finding their mark and exchanging greetings. Sonata darted over to Rainbow and Applejack’s side and greeted them with enthusiasm, making no efforts to hide her ogling as she gave the two well-built women a thorough examination. Applejack caught wind of her intent and couldn’t help but blush; Rainbow became smugger than usual, content that someone seemed to understand.

Aria was slow to loosen her tongue, hesitantly shuffling towards Sunset as she and Fluttershy came to say hello. Was she nervous, fearful, or did anger burn in her heart even still? “H- hey,” Aria managed. “So, uh- umm.”

So she would have to make the first move. “You all really did sound great,” Sunset said, hand outstretched in an attempt at hellos. “Pinkie wasn’t joking; I can’t remember hearing anyone that good in ages.”

“Your dress is lovely, too,” Fluttershy breathed, her smile so genuine that it was enough to make even the bitter cold of the night seem warm. “I think it fits you.”

“Oh. Oh!” Aria seemed started at their words; had she expected wrath or suspicion from them? A fair assessment, in all reality. “Well- well, thanks. Umm, you two- you look really good.”

“Well, thank you, too. And thank you for the invite, it really is a nice place you have,” Fluttershy said.

They’d been so wrapped up in their own conversation that they hadn’t taken heed of those around them. Before any of them could give protest, the whirlwind of activity that was Sonata with her new compatriots was off like a shot, she held in between at the arm, into the crowd, and soon to be out of sight. “We’ll catch up later, OK?” The cheery Siren called. “Don’t wait up, you girls have fun!”

“Rainbow- AJ, wait!” Sunset hadn’t meant for them to get split up so quickly. They were supposed to remain as a group just in case! What if this was the end goal of the Dazzling’s plans after all?

“Well, there she goes,” Adagio sighed. “Told you she’d go for them. Sonata always loves athletes. But I think she has the right idea. Why don’t we go inside and find somewhere to catch up?”

Author's Note

I know it's a bit longer, but I like this.

Enjoy, I guess.