Right people at the right time
In my entire life I never thought about whether I could be at this point, I didn't even know if I would be in a place that might sound foreign to my past self. But this is life, there's nothing we can do.
"Yo Shimmy, wake up sleepy head." I heard a familiar voice calling me, but I was tired then so I didn't know who that voice belonged to, until I opened my eyes, "There you go, it's not that hard to open your eyes right?"
"Ugh, why must you wake me up when I almost defeated The Evil Three-Headed Devil?" I groaned while trying to compose myself, "Don't you have something else to do rather than disturb my sweet dreams, Aria Blaze."
She snickered at how annoyed I was now, "Nope, because you stuck with me and I stuck with you. There's nothing more interesting than watching you deliriously in your sleep."
I packed my stuff inside my bag and walked out of the class, with Aria following me side by side.
"Glad I could entertain you, Aria."
"Don't be like that, Shimmy. Your reality is better than the stuff that happened in those dreams." We strolled to our lockers, and wouldn't you know it, hers was right next to mine – a cosmic coincidence that meant Aria was practically my shadow. We were even this close to sharing every class in school, like some bizarre educational buddy system, but hey, I wasn't complaining.
I tossed my stuff into the locker, trying to figure out what Aria was up to with hers. All I could hear was chaos emanating from her direction, like a tornado on a quest for her elusive glowing pendant. It was probably buried under an avalanche of who-knows-what. With our classes wrapped up for the day, our next stop was the school's entrance.
"That massive Magma sword feels real and awesome, put me back to sleep again please," I don't know why I kept whining about stuff in my dream, but I just woke up from my sleep, don't expect me to be a lively soul after waking up. "Anyways, what did Mr. Stark teach in the History class earlier? I slept before he even said a word."
"Gasp, The most valuable and intelligent student in Crystal Prep slept in the class?" She let a gasp from her mouth to mock me, "I wonder what Principal Cinch thought about this?"
"Maybe she will give me a medal of honor, I might get famous after that you know," I shrugged.
"You're so funny Shimmy, the sarcasm is getting sharper each day, eh?" She nudged me while laughing.
"You know me."
We may have been an enemy in the past, but a lot happened to the point where I now talk or even become friends with my former 'Enemy'. Things I've learned from being friends with Aria are that we may have a lot of things in common, starting with her fashion taste, favorite food, and much more, but more importantly, sarcasm.
Thinking back, my past self would've had a total meltdown if they knew I'd end up tight with Aria. Who'd have thought your old arch-nemesis could turn into a ride-or-die friend?
And now, my mind's doing that thing again—wondering if there's more to it. Hold up, why am I even thinking that? Who knows what's around the corner? The story keeps unfolding, and I'm just along for the ride.
We reached the school's entrance, and were immediately greeted by the cold afternoon breeze from outside, "So, any plans for the rest of the day?"
"Let's linger a bit, Shimmy. Zap planning to drop a bombshell announcement today," Aria suggested.
Choosing a strategic spot to sit, I settled comfortably on the cool tiles of the staircase, wondering what revelation awaited us. Aria joined me, her trademark smirk intact, clearly reveling in the suspense as much as I was.
"An announcement? That's very unlikely of her," I pondered to myself. "She usually just tells us in the group chat. Any idea what she's up to?"
"Maybe a wedding announcement," joked Aria, "Or a funeral?"
"Just because it says announcement doesn't mean something serious like that," I deadpanned in response.
Bam!!
Talk about timing, Indigo Zap along with the rest of Shadowbolt burst out from the entrance door. When Indigo notices my presence on the stairs, her eyes lock with me.
"Yo, Mom, feeling the void in your life without me?" she tosses out, a cheeky smirk plastered on her face, practically daring me to play along.
My poker face stays put, unimpressed by the theatrics. "Who?"
Indigo puts on the puppy eyes, all dramatic. "Aw, come on, Shimmy, don't be a buzzkill. Pretty please..." She lunges my way, attacking my cheeks like she's trying to win a prize for the most aggressive cheek-pincher in town.
This is a friendly banter between us as a friend who truly loves each other, I'm not even mad at Zap because of the attic she usually throws at me. Sure she can be such a tease, but she knows the limit like everyone else. Sometimes I may get a little annoyed, but that didn't stop me from loving all of them.
"Staaahhhpp!!" I playfully swatted her hands away, then took advantage of this opportunity to pinch Zap back.
"Nwo, ywowu stwaahp!" she protested, squeezing in her words between pinches, setting off a chorus of laughter from our friends. It was all in a good fun situation for our friendship bonds.
"They sure look like siblings aren't they?" Said an amused Sunny.
"Maybe Sunset is her long-lost sister?" Muttered Lemon, resting her hands on her cheeks as if she just found out about the secret of the universe.
"Wouldn't that make Indigo a pony?" Commented Twilight.
"Or another way, wouldn't that make Sunset a human from this world?" added Lemon.
"Nah, they're just stupid," Muttered Aria, smiling. "By the way, I'd like to know why you gathered us here?"
I let go of my hands from her cheeks as she explained the situation, "About that, I have an epic announcement that would make your heart explode, " She looked at Lemon, signaling to add a dramatic effect. "Lemon, where is the sound of the drum?"
Lemon, although giggling at her friend's attic, just got along with it and gave Indigo what she wanted, "Dum dum dum dum!!"
As the made-up sound stops, Indigo scans through her friend's expressions before pulling out a small yellow paper that looks like a ticket from her pocket, "Guess who's lucky enough to go to the Manehattan music festival?"
Lemon and Sunny jaws drop, Sonata and Aria are stunned, and Twilight's eyes widen, while the rest of us including me smile knowing this is what the power of a rich girl is.
"No way!!" Sonata and Aria shouted as if they saw something insane happen, well technically this stuff is crazy but still.
"How did you get those?!" Now it was time for Twilight who shouted. She's a nerd who has a music enthusiasm, combines it and you create an excited cutie egghead with a social issue. Nevertheless I still and always love her.
"You're crazy Indigo." Sunny said in disbelief, still recovering from the 'shocking revelation'.
Lemon finally said something after being stunned for too long, her voice filled with disbelief. "I mean, how did you even manage to score tickets to the Manehattan music festival? It's sold out for months!"
Okay, let me explain something. Why did they get excited by some random Festival ticket, it's just a normal festival ticket, right? Wrong, it's the biggest Festival in the entire Manehattan. This festival is the only time when all of the well-known bands gather up and go crazy, and then when you gather all of the craziness of those bands you get the most Epic with a chaotic spice event in this world.
The girl our age loves craziness, especially this little family of mine.
"So, we came here just to see you flexing with that ticket?" Sour Sweet asked snarkily, but more into a playful one.
"Nope." Indigo stopped reaching for something from her pocket, "I'm flexing with Our tickets."
And that's where all hell broke loose. Everyone burst into cheers of joy(mostly Sonata and Sunny), Indigo then gave the ticket to each of us with a smile.
"Here you go Shimmy, don't forget to bring your parents along~" She handed me the ticket and pinched my left cheek.
"Stwahpp it." Even though it's annoying to get your cheek pinched by someone, I still let them do it. I know my cheeks are fluffy and supple, no wonder all of them always pinch my cheeks. I'm not complaining though, I like it.
But once Indigo releases the pinch, Aria is now the one pinching both of my cheeks, "Aww looks like our Shimmy here excited for the concert. Don't you look cute?"
"Is Sunset letting out her stupid cheeky smiles again?" Dagi joined Aria in teasing me, I swear their genes are on the spot.
"As a mother of this group, you should be proud Dagi," Chirped Sonata who just stopped shaking Twilight.
"I know, one of my greatest achievements I could get." Adagio then pinched both of my cheeks and laughed, "Good for you, Shimmy."
I pretended to be mad but ended up failing, I can't get mad at something I love so much.
We continue to talk over something we did today, from Sonata who almost blew up the chemistry labs to Indigo who beat up a bully at lunchtime. Compared to what happened a month ago, this is way more relaxing.
"Let's have a sleepover at my place tonight. We have no school tomorrow and no homework either, what do you think?" Invited Sunny.
"Sure, I'm bored anyway."
"Count me in."
"Count me two."
"What time?" I asked.
"At seven, how about that?"
"I'm in."
Everyone agreed on Sunny invitation, so they say their goodbye and went home to prepare the sleep over.
Me, and the Dazzling went home together with Adagio's car.
"Where we going, girls?" Asked Adagio while turning back from the driver seat, "We grab meal first, or just go straight to home?"
"HayBurger? Or Taco Queen?" Asked Sonata.
"With the amount of Taco that went into your mouth, I think we better go to the HayBurger." Said Aria nterrupting her speech which make Sonata pout.
"You're the driver, Dagi. You're the one who decide it." I said while I find a perfect spot for my head to sleep.
It's been a long time since I could relax this week. Thanks to these three people, I found my direction in life again. Someone I can consider as family.
For a few past month I struggle with life, only they who stays and help me through it all.
Adagio drove the car and she decided to go to HayBurger just like what Aria suggest. While everyone chatting or even battering, I just sat there listening to them, and sometimes laugh at them.
I feel tiredness filled my body as I close my eyes, resting while my head leaning on Sonata's shoulder.
"I think she's sleepy." I heard Sonata's whispher.
"Let her be, she deserves it."
"You've gone soft, Dagi." Even with my eyes closed, I can feel Aria's letting out a teasing smirk.
"And I'm proud of it."
This is my family, this is my home, this is where I can feel warmth from my loved one.
The consience of my body soon left me, and I can finally sleep in peace.
What a wonderful world.
The hallway felt cold as Sunset Shimmer walked past the lockers. Her steps were slow, and her eyes fixed on the cold tiles as she moved through the chilly hallway. She could hear murmurs of accusations, disgust, hatred, and betrayal everywhere she went. The people she thought to be her family, her friends, had abandoned her. The Rainbooms' once warming gaze had turned into one of hate. Anon-A-Miss had destroyed everything.
She tried to explain, but they just won't listen. She pleads with her soft voice but they return it with a yell, scream, and a hurtful comment. The trust has been broken. The way Applejack avoided contact, and the way Rainbow Dash's face twisted with hatred— Sunset knew there was no trust left in them, she lost in this fight.
Hurriedly she pushed the exit door and wandered around aimlessly. As long as she's away from the stares, she's safe. At least until she forgets all of this hoping they would magically forget about this.
Her eyes blur as she feels warmth on her cheeks, and tears slowly fall from her eyes. She bites her lips and blinked them away, refusing to cry. Not now. At least not here.
But the words they said are suffocating her. Sunset was not Anon-A-Miss; she was not, but her stomach was knotted with remorse because she wondered if this was all her fault after all. Perhaps she was still bearing the cost of her past self. She could still feel the ghost of her former self—the cunning bully who would stop at nothing to get control—haunting her dreams and looming large in the background of her consciousness. That old version of herself, the manipulative bully who sought power at any cost, still haunted her thoughts, lurking in the back of her mind like a shadow she couldn’t outrun.
Her thoughts drifted back to that first conversation with Twilight after the Fall Formal, Twilight had extended a hand, and offered her something she had never expected—friendship. Real, genuine friendship.
However, Twilight was no longer present. Back in Equestria, she was far away and inaccessible. Sunset wondered if Twilight had answered her last frantic message, but her heart wasn't ready to check as she quickly glanced at her journal in her backpack.
Even so, what will she say? How could she fix this?
Maybe they're right. Maybe deep down I'm still the bad guy in this story. Maybe I don't deserve forgiveness. Heh, what am I? A bad guy pretending to be good? Perhaps that's what they saw in me.
She hardly sensed the wind nipping at her tender skin. Her mind was racing with a thousand different thoughts, each one harsher than the last. She had the sensation that she was falling apart, little by little.
Physically she's in pain too, a lot of hot-headed students beat her at lunchtime and sometimes when she was about to go home. This happened for the past few days after they accused Sunset who took responsibility for those Anon-A-Miss posts.
What hurts the most is, that her so-called friends were sometimes there when the beating happened. She heard Fluttershy's voice who tried to help her but the other voice said no so that's why even Fluttershy wouldn't want to help her.
It surprised her when she acknowledged the one who was responsible for the beating stuff that happens is from one of her 'former' friends. It did drain her physically and mentally.
They won.
By the time she reached the apartment, her hands were shaking as she fumbled with the keys. The door opened, but when she got inside she slammed the door and locked it out to prevent more pain from coming at her.
Sunset slipped down until she was seated on the floor, leaning her back against the door. She was trying to choke back the sob that was trying to get its hold on her throat, and her chest heaved with frantic breaths. Tears that she had been holding back all day hurt her eyes. Her body was shaking so badly that she clutched her knees to her chest.
She is alone.
She always worried about this. There had always been a tiny voice in the back of her head, a voice that told her this wouldn't last, even when things were going well and the Rainbooms had embraced her. They still recognize her as the monster that she truly is. The voice is mocking her as if it was saying that they were right all along.
She muttered to herself, almost audible, "I'm not her anymore." But uncertainty grew even as she spoke.
She had put in a lot of effort to improve and prove how she had changed. In an attempt to make amends for the horrible things she had done, she had battled to gain their confidence. And it was all gone now. They didn't accept her story. Nobody did.
Her flat, which had been an escape for her, was chilly and deserted today. As she sobbed, the quiet enclosing her seemed to push in on all sides. She had the same overwhelming loneliness and sense of being lost in a sea of regret and humiliation as she had felt following her failure at the Fall Formal. However, this time was harder as she had experienced what it was like to have friends and to be liked, and now those feelings had vanished.
"I'm sorry..." Who did she even apologize to? Her friends? Herself? The world for the person she was before?
Her sobs getting louder than before, shaking her to her core. She pressed her hands to her temples, trying to block out the flood of emotions, but it was no use. All of the emotions came crashing down. She wanted to stop it, but she couldn't.
Everything became too much to bear. Sunset pounded her fists on the ground and cried out a rage. The sole reaction to her pain was the sound that reverberated throughout the deserted room.
When she saw the picture frame of her and the rainbooms together after the Siren incidents, she felt anger rushing towards her veins as she grabbed those pictures and threw them out the window. The window got a little bit damaged and so did the picture that fell to the yard outside her place.
She sat there, curled up on the floor, allowing the misery to consume her for hours. Her mind was a messy, disorganized mix of ideas that no longer made sense.
She eventually stopped crying, her body worn out from the mental turbulence. She dabbed at her eyes with her jacket sleeve, but the tears persisted, slower now but no less venomous. She had a hollow, empty feeling.
Her forehead pressed against her knees as she drew them closer. Her thoughts were spinning, and her breathing was labored. The tempest inside her had nowhere to go. She was lost in it, her anguish from all the losses overwhelming her.
"Why?" She spoke a scarcely discernible murmur into the quiet. "Why does it end this way every time?"
But there was no response. All that could be heard was the raspy sound of her breathing and the faint murmur of the city outside.
Sunset Shimmer wished it would all go away as she closed her eyes. The worst thing about it all, though, was that she knew the agony wouldn't go away.
And neither was she.
In Equestria, the light shines through the palace of friendliness, far from Sunset's dreary apartment.
Despite the brightness, a sense of unease permeates our lovely Princess Twilight. Twilight is seated at her study desk with open books, scrolls, and the occasional half-empty cup of tea all about her.
She has sensed something is off for the last few minutes, but she is unsure of what. Knowing that these uncomfortable sensations aren't the typical tension she experiences from becoming the friendship princess made it much more unpleasant. These seemed a little personal.
Her gaze flickered to the journal she kept to stay in touch with her dear friend Sunset Shimmer. Because of her hectic schedule, it rested on the edge of the desk, untuned, for several days.
A few days prior, Twilight had written to inquire about Sunset's well-being because the Hearts warming was approaching. Sunset mentioned something about holding up a sleepover party or something similar in response, which was pretty much the standard response.
However, Twilight felt a knot in her gut as she continued to look at the closed journal.
She turned back to the notebook and said to herself, "Why does it feel... off?"
It was still and silent, simply sitting there. However, Twilight was unable to get rid of the mounting feeling of unease, as though something was wrong.
Her wings twitched in a nervous energy as she kept pacing back and forth in her room. Spike, who had been reading a book looked up and saw Twilight doing an uneasy move.
"Uhh... Twilight? Penny for your thought?" Spike said, raising his eyebrow as he put his book down.
Pausing, Twilight turned to face Spike and searched for suitable phrases, saying, "I'm not sure, Spike. Simply put, I don't feel well about this."
As Spike approached Twilight, he cleared part of the paper from Twilight's chamber. "What feeling?"
"I don't know, that journal has been giving me a weird ambiance." She paused and gazed over the journal, saying, "Spike, something was happening. My instinct tells me it has something to do with Sunset, but I'm not sure what it is."
After giving it some thought, Spike took a quick look at the map of Equestria, half-expecting to see some fresh magical disruption. Still, the map glowed subtly and remained peaceful.
"Well, nothing seems to be happening here." He pointed at the map, "Are you sure it's not stress that chews you up? Try to rest more Twilight."
Twilight gave a headshake. "No, this feels not like that. It feels like..." Her eyes returned to the journal. "Like it’s coming from Sunset."
Blinking, Spike followed her line of vision. "Sunset? But didn't she write to you a few days ago? All appeared to be well."
"I'm not sure whether or not she has been lying. However, even if she isn't, Spike, a horrible day might happen at any time." With a furrowed brow, Twilight fluttered her wings nervously. "What happens if something happens? What if she isn't telling me that something is wrong?"
"Write to her then, I'm sure she'll appreciate your concern as a dear friend." Spike scratched the back of his head, unsure of how to respond, "Am I right?"
Twilight nodded and moved to her desk to write a letter to Sunset, but an uneasiness in her heart didn't fade away. It has been growing steadily since this morning.
Dear, Sunset Shimmer
Despite the little time elapsed since our previous conversation, I've been feeling uneasy today. I wanted to see how you were doing, just in case I was simply being too concerned. Are things going well for you?
If you have any problems, don't hesitate to let me know. Nothing has to be done by you alone. You have me.
Your Dear Friend..
Twilight Spakrle
"Ack, I miss write."
"Heh, Twilight Spakrle." Spike let out a small giggle which earned Twilight's annoyed glare.
She closed the journal after pausing to look at the words on the page. The letter had been sent. All she could do now was wait for a response.
Spike tried to reassure her after noticing the stress, "Twilight, I'm sure she's all right. Sunsets are strong. Perhaps she's just busy with whatever is taking up her time."
"I hope so, Spike."
What if the same darkness is returning to her?
A chill went down her spine at the thought. Twilight was familiar with the sensation of bearing the burden of sorrow and loneliness. She was aware of the difficulty in asking for assistance, especially in times of greatest need.
She said, "Please be okay, Sunset," her gaze lingered on the closed journal.
The journal glowed softly on the coffee table, signaling a new message had been ended from the other side of the portal. Sunset noticed it—like always. Her eyes are drawn to it, but she doesn't have the energy to move at all.
Whenever she receives a message from Twilight, she usually becomes delighted. She feels connected, warm, and at ease because of it. Twilight has always believed in her, as she is aware.
But she feels numb now. Every move she took required a lot of energy, on top of the hunger she had been experiencing for the last two days.
A small growl came from her stomach, reminding her how long it had been since her last meal. For two days. Though she hadn't eaten anything in two solid days, the mere thought of eating made her queasy. Her throat constricted whenever she tried to push herself to eat. She wasn't simply not hungry, she was unable to feel anything.
She was just lying there on the ground, not moving.
It felt like too much to consider opening the journal, attempting to explain everything that had happened, and acknowledging that her friends were abandoning her. She was unable to face it. Not right now.
The journal kept buzzing and glowing as if it asked to be opened, but Sunset's eyes flickered away refusing to face the journal. She couldn't bring herself to read it.
The light from the journal finally dimmed, and Twilight's letter to Sunset left to be unanswered.
Her eyelids blinked open once more, vacantly gazing at the journal. Sunset couldn't force herself to care at the moment, but perhaps Twilight would worry more if she didn't answer. She lacked the willpower to even feel bad about it.
She said, "I'm sorry, Twilight," but no one could hear her mumble into the void. "I simply cannot."
Maybe tomorrow, or maybe later she answer the letter. Maybe she'll eat too.
But now, her head felt dizzy and her vision started to fade away. It seemed like the effects of nutritional deficiencies were starting to creep up on her.
"You think she's there?"
"It's says on the address, how about you knock it?"
"Hard or soft?"
"Just do it already, my leg is very sore from all the walking we did."
She heard someone talking outside of her door. She tried to call but couldn't due to her condition.
"Come one, Sunny. Open the door~"
"We know you in there."
The last sounds Sunset heard before losing consciousness were the click of the door opening and the sound of footsteps rushing toward her.
Unfamiliar cei- wait, this ceiling is familiar. Where the hell am I?
Slowly but surely, the bacon-haired girl gained her conscience back after a short 'nap' she had just taken. She felt dizzy and wondered what time it was since she was feeling fitter than before.
"Uggh.." She grunted, holding her head to decrease the pain she felt when she tried to wake up.
Sunset realizes that she's on her bead right now with a blanket covering her body, and the room temperature feels warmer than usual. Weird, cause she knows the heater was broken two days ago and all of a sudden it's warm. Not that she was being ungrateful, it just felt, odd.
Her body was warm, but the room temperature felt warmer, so she knew it wasn't from her body.
My hand left hand is itc- huh?!
How surprised Sunset was when she saw that her hand had been given an infusion and several wounds from the previous incident had been treated.
"What the what?" She's too tired to proceed with the condition she's in. Moreover, she is confused as hell.
Okay, this is confusing. This is my room, but why is an Infuse attached to my arm? Someone must've come over.
Sunset thought while trying to get her mind together.
True to Sunset's word, a sizzling noise came from the kitchen, and footsteps were heard on the stairs beside her.
"You sure to leave her in the kitchen?"
"You worry too much, stop being paranoid."
"Duh, I don't want someone else's kitchen got into fi....re..."
She expected it to be her neighbor or someone she knew who came into her apartment, but oh boy, she was wrong. Who would've thought someone she had just destroyed their life with a couple of months ago was standing in front of her, holding a tray of snacks and drink?
What a day.
"W... what?" Sunset retreated until he hit the wall behind her. She immediately became defensive and panicked.
Seeing this, the orange-haired girl hands the platter to the purple-haired girl next to her, then carefully reaches out to Sunset's bed.
"Don't worry, we're not who you would have assumed. Believe me. Sitting on the edge of the bed, the orange-haired girl approached Sunset's arm and said, "I know it's confusing at first, but once you trust us we will explain everything from A to Z."
"Ad..Adagio. What are you doing here?" The sudden appearance of The Dazzling can easily cause panic given her current state. She could easily avoid them if they were out for vengeance, but now she's vulnerable.
"I'll explain once you have these meals, okay?" Taking the tray from Aria's hands, Adagio got up and handed it to Sunset. "You must have gone several days without eating, thus I assume you have hypoglycemia. This would help you in getting your energy back.
Sunset ate all Adagio gave her, allowing her body to unwind. She had been hungry and depressed for several days before she was able to eat healthy meals again.
I will go check on Sonny since I do not want her to set fire to another person's home. I'll leave the two of you here." Aria said as she walked to see how Sonata was doing in the kitchen.
The room begins to warm up as Adagio and Sunset are the only songs playing on the bed. As Sunset continued to eat the cracker and other small food that Adagio had given her, Adagio chuckled and observed her.
"You're that hungry, huh? While we were speaking, Sonata had already made dinner, and I can assure you that it was delicious." Adagio said.
When she eventually finished the meal, her attention was drawn to Adagio's amulet, which had transformed from crimson to orange since she had previously seen it. Adagio's look changes to a smug smile as she realizes Sunset will probably notice it.
"You like it, hmm?" Putting her hand through the amulets, she said, "I believe I need to give you an explanation."
"Sure you do, breaking into someone's house is not cool you know," Subsequently, she rested her body against the wall and said, "Although I don't know what motive to save me, I wanna say thanks a lot."
"No worries, as I told you before we come here as no threat." After a little silence, she sat on the other side of Sunsed and said, "I'll explain everything, but let's have a deal."
Sunset had some doubts about this. Even though they save her from her carelessness, she can't trust someone yet, particularly after the Anom-a-miss incident. Sunset ponders for a moment before deciding to follow her instincts and believe the sirens because she has nowhere else to go. She simply hopes that her gut is correct because the Sirens don't seem to be as aggressive as the last time.
Sunset folded her arms and looked hesitantly at Adagio. "A deal? What sort of agreement are we discussing?
Adagio reclined, her face unreadable. "Simple. You pay attention to what I have to say, and you tell me everything that has led to your current situation." Her eyes softening somewhat, she made a vague gesture. "We both know what it’s like to be on the outside, Sunset."
Sunset squinted her eyes. "Yes, we do. However, you weren't very interested in assisting anyone other than yourself the last time I checked."
Sunset tries not to be rude towards her, she carefully thinks before she speaks so it won't cause any trouble for her.
Adagio chuckled, her tone tinged with bitterness. "You assume I've forgotten? I am aware of how manipulative and power-hungry we were at that time. However, after you've lost everything, everything changes. Just like when you learned something after the Fall Formal, isn't that correct?"
Sunset's face wavered, taken aback by the sudden sensitivity in Adagio's voice. Her defenses loosened just a bit as she paused and looked aside. "What's in it for you, then? What were you gaining from this?"
"I'm sorry for bringing such a topic," Adagio's gaze softened, "But let's say this is a closure, a clean start for us."
Adagio shrugged." Sunset, I'm tired. I'm tired of battling, tired of being despised, tired of acting tough."
Sunset felt a sudden wave of empathy as she gazed down and took in Adagio's words. She glanced back at Adagio and muttered, "I understand how difficult it is to change, but I can’t just take your word for it yet."
"Then don’t." Leaning forward, Adagio spoke in a serious tone. "Let us show you, I understand that trust takes time. Simply allow us to demonstrate that we are not who you believed us to be."
"Alright, I'm willing to give you three a second chance." Sunset smiled, a sincere one. "Although, I wonder if I can move freely without this attached to my arm. Could you pull it out?"
"Nope. Given your current state, we can let you go from it yet." Adagio giggled when she saw a pout on Sunset's face, "Don't worry, we only attach it until tomorrow."
"That's better. It would be a hassle if I wore it to school tomorrow," Sunset said, looking at her 'attached' arm, "even though it would be better if I didn't go at all."
She buried her face in her knees, pushing them higher. Sunset was aware that contemplating the hatred she had encountered in the school was useless. She wasn't bothered, but she couldn't ignore it.
"To make you feel better, let's start with something. I notice this thing around my neck had attracted you more than my presence." She offered Sunset her amulet so she could see it more clearly. "Figured I'd better explain it now."
"It's... amazing," Sunset said, her voice hardly audible above a whisper. The light reflected in her eyes as she leaned closer. "It appears so much better than it did previously. "As if it were alive."
Adagio, who was amused by Sunset's response, raised an eyebrow. "Better, eh? 'Alive' I suppose, is one way to describe it."
The amulet caught the room's little light when she raised it. The subtle changes in orange tones gave the impression that the precious gem was breathing and pulsing in tune with an invisible beat. "I initially believed it to be a fluke when I observed it shift. However, things have been this way ever since."
Instinctively, Sunset stretched out and nearly touched it. Not only is it lovely, but it's also... unique. It no longer feels dark. With her curiosity now surpassing her suspicion, she glanced up at Adagio. "Do you know why it changed?"
Adagio leans on her hand slightly, her expression thoughtful. "I have a theory, but I don't know what exactly happened to our Amulet."
Adagio lay down on her back in front of Sunset, "The best theory I can come up with is the rainbow laser you and your friends shoot at us change how the gem used to work. As if it was freeing us from the leash that had been holding us down. Moreover, we're not hungry anymore like we used to."
"In theory, the rainbow laser is freeing you from the hunger that is attached to you." Said Sunset.
"Yes, remember when we used to piss off someone just to get their negative energy to feed our hunger? Now, a portion of regular human food is enough to resolve our hunger." Adagio stands up and makes her way to Sunset's side, "For a long time we suffered from this amulet, the hunger, and the instinct to survive. Finally, it's gone forever, thanks to you and your friends we can live without worrying about tomorrow."
Sunset feels she doesn't deserve the credit, it was all thanks to Princess Twilight. She just joined them at the last minute to seal the deal, “I…” She hesitated, her voice faltering. “I didn’t do it alone. My friends—”
Adagio quickly noticed this as she looked directly into Sunset's eyes, her keen eyes softly highlighted by the amulet's brightness. "Don't think you're not worthy of the credit. They would have lost to us if it weren't for you. And we—" she said, pointing to the amulet, herself, and the empty hole where her former pride formerly sat, "—would still be caught in another never-ending cycle of hatred and power hungry."
Adagio continued, her tone remained sharp, "Your friends were strong. But Sunset, it was you. It was you who experienced what it felt like to fall, to change, and to struggle your way back up. All of this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't led them and thought it was possible."
She clasped Sunset's hands and the amulet between them, the light flickering momentarily, as though to confirm her conviction. Sunset's throat tightened with emotion as she swallowed forcefully. She hadn't heard someone say that to her, and she had never considered it in that way before. And it took on an unexpected gravity when she heard it from Adagio, someone she had previously viewed as an enemy. "I just did what I thought was right, it was a fight or flight situation."
"That's what makes you different," Adagio replied, her smirk returning, it was a gentler one. "We use power to satisfy our ego, hatred, and selfishness no matter what the cost. While you? you used it to protect, to heal. That's why you won, you weren't blinded by the power at least that's what I think about you."
The amulet's light flickered like a beacon in the darkness as Sunset glanced down at it once more. "Perhaps," she said. "But if this is what came out of it… maybe it wasn't a loss after all," she continued, lifting her head.
Adagio's smirk widened a little as she raised a brow. "Perhaps not. Or it might be the beginning of something bigger. What you did change this... and maybe, me as well, Sunset Shimmer."
When Sunset finally decided what she chose, she moved forward and put her arms around Adagio, pressing her face against her shoulder. Adagio stood motionless for a time, taken aback by the warmth of the embrace, which came as a complete surprise.
Her silent astonishment was broken by Sunset's voice. "I simply... I've felt so isolated. I've been handling everything by myself, and it's just so draining. Until now, I had no idea how much I needed someone." She sobbed into her jacket as her voice faltered and she held on to Adagio.
Adagio's thoughts were racing as she blinked. She had anticipated a reaction from Sunset, perhaps an expression of appreciation or a hesitant truce, but this? She had not expected this weight.
It brought to memory, for a minute, the time before the banishment, when she was completely alone in Equestria.
"This is... new," Adagio mumbled, her typical confidence wavering. She finally relaxed into the hug with a low sigh, but her look was a mix of confusion and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Sunset drew back a little and wiped her eyes. "Sorry," she murmured, laughing in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to vent to you in that way. It's jus-"
Adagio grinned, but that wasn't his typical sneer. "You're lucky I didn't shove you off... The entire 'supportive' thing is not something I often do."
Sunset gave a feeble laugh. "Noted."
Something softer flickered across Adagio's face as she looked at her. "Look, I understand. But don't make this a habit or anything. I get it, I've been there too. More than you most likely believe." Her tone returned to its typical cautious edge as she crossed her arms. "Please don't assume that I'm getting mushy because of this."
Sunset gave a small smile. "Alright, I agree."
Sonata was stirring the pot of soup in Sunset's kitchen theatrically while singing a song that Aria didn't like because it was too cheerful. Aria, wearing her typical deadpan expression, leaned against the wall.
Aria stated bluntly, "Sonata, you're going to stir that thing back to Equestria."
“This is called passion, Aria, this isn’t ridiculous!” Sonata wildly swirled the spoon, almost splattering soup on the stove. "You don't understand how it feels because you're not a chef."
Aria grinned. "Yes, and when you ruin Sunset's kitchen, that's what will cause her to throw us out."
"Hey!" With soup dropping perilously near the floor, Sonata aimed the spoon at her. "Avoid criticizing the expert. Take a look at this masterpiece!
She pointed happily at the soup she had prepared and was cooking.
Aria must admit that Sonata's cooking was far better than what she and Adagio cooked, hell even better than some five-star restaurant they've been on for years. But her sibling's pride won't let her do the praising stuff, she still loves it though.
"Smells good, but decent. You know what, Imma grab dessert for us at The Cake's store." She spun her heels, grabbing her down jacket as she went to the front door, "Don't burn anything when I'm gone, your voice can't put it down, YET."
Sonata just rolled her eyes while mocking her sister with a hand gesture and went back to cooking.
"Dagi! I'm going to buy some good stuff, you want something?" Aria cried at her sister who's currently talking to Sunset.
"She's buying drugs?"
"No, idiot, she just wanted to buy a sweet food."
She could faintly hear what they were whispering about and rolled her eyes in amusement at how Sunset would just randomly think she was meeting a drug dealer just because she said good stuff, "Hurry up, my time is precious."
"Just buy one Blueberry cupcake for her and I wanted those apple pie and lemon tarts." Said Adagio peeking her head at the handle of the stair.
"Got it."
The outside was stupidly cold, winter sucks for people like her. Imagine going out of the house for something and you must put your 3 layers of warm clothes first, it was a hassle.
At least this time they were no longer stuck with that curse anymore, thanks to the little bacon-haired girl over here. She must admit that girl was a savior, before or after they got blasted by the rainbow laser. With how she saved them back then, she's pretty sure she would die for her.
Even after the Rainbooms' rainbow laser had destroyed their amulets and rendered them helpless, Sunset had attempted to assist them at the time. Sunset's outstretched hand and her eyes, filled with something strange, were still clearly in Aria's memory. Kindness? Hope? They had been caught off guard by whatever it was.
They'd run, of course. You can call it fear, pride, or instinct. They had no intention of trusting anyone, not even the girl who had been a member of the group that had blasted them into oblivion. Now, though? Everything was different now.
Sunset was more than some obnoxious, obstinate do-gooder if she was telling the truth. She saved the day. And Aria would support her if it ever came to that. Although she wasn't one to make flimsy vows of loyalty, Sunset had earned her. If she needs any help, Aria sure will always be there for her. Call this as a payback for lifting the curse from herself and her sisters. She's grateful.
Aria entered Sugarcube Corner and was immediately struck by the comforting smell of baked pastries and sweetness. She hadn't been here in a very long time, and even though nothing had changed, she still felt a little odd. Nevertheless, she approached the desk with her typical casual attitude.
Mrs. Cake smiled broadly as she greeted her. "My goodness, it's been a long time! Dear, what can I help?"
Aria smiled at her, a tiny, unexpectedly sincere smile. "Yes, I don't visit very often since, as you know, school is far away and things happen bla bla bla. But your éclairs? The best in town, still. I'll take a box of those, along with an apple pie, bubblegum cupcakes, blueberry cupcakes, and possibly a few of those lemon tarts."
Mrs. Cake chuckled warmly, moving to pick up Aria's order, "A nice choice you had there dear, you've got some good taste in sweet."
Aria slightly leaned at the counter, and continued the conversation with a light tone, "Oh it's nothing, Mrs. Cake. I love your sweets even though it's rare to taste them these days and my friends who ordered some of this love every single bite of it."
She observes the counter and notices that only Mrs. Cake and one of those high school girls are bouncing back and forth to assist with the order. She can't help but shoot her a question: "You and Mr. Cake are still running this business alone?"
"Oh no, we've got some help here and there, like that pretty girl there who served the menu. She's been helpful since she first came in." Mrs Cake chuckled, "Though we still do some of the big stuff back there, to keep us you I suppose."
"You and Mr Cake handle this like a pro, maybe you could give me a few pointers, incase if someday I'll open a business like this," Aria smirked as she watched Mrs. Cake done with her order.
The friendly exchange was interrupted by a loud voice not far from them. The Rainboom were seated there, clearly deep in conversation. Aria's mood swings, the presence of them displease her so much that even her eyes rolled by themself.
"So much for the quiet time, eh?" She muttered although it went unnoticed by Mrs. Cake.
"So the total is twelve dollars fifty cents." Said Mrs. Cake.
"Here, keep the change Mrs. Cake," Aria said as she pulled out a twenty-dollar bill.
Unfortunately, she had been spotted by the Rainbooms. "Hey, isn't that one of the sirens?" Rainbow murmured as she leaned over to Applejack. "Why is she in this place?"
Never one to back down, Applejack stood up and came over. "Hey," she replied in a cautious but suspicious tone, "What are you doing in town? I don't often see you here."
Aria pointed her look at the pastry she just bought not one second ago, "Selling drug? Why people are blind these days."
Applejack's arms were folded. "It just seems odd that you're showing up now. You're not causing trouble, aren't ya?"
"If buying pastry is illegal then yes, I'm doing a shady transaction with a dealer." Aria countered with a hint of sarcasm in her tone.
"So what's the deal? Showing out of nowhere to cause any problem huh?" Applejack pressed Aria more with her words, but no matter how intimidating Applejack was, she just calmed and didn't let it bother her.
"My deal? Pfft, buying pastry for dessert. It's crazy, I know," She gestured to one of the pastries at the counter. "Maybe try to sweeten out your mood, hmm?"
Before Applejack could interfere more, Rarity held onto Applejack's arm, gesturing for her to stop. Seeing this, Aria decided to play with the fire.
"Should I call the police? I'm just a paying customer and I believe this kind of action can be counted as harassment." Aria interjected, clearly enjoying this one.
Mrs. Cake waved her hands swiftly, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, dear, no, no! That is not necessary! These girls have simply been going through a difficult time lately, and I sincerely apologize." As the Rainbooms returned to their seats, she gave them an apologetic glance. "I'm sure they meant nothing at all."
"Don't worry Mrs. Cake, dealing with an annoying customer must be hard, right?" She sends Mrs. Cake a smile as she is about to leave, "Thanks for the pastries, I'm sure my friend would love it."
Mrs. Cake gave an awkward smile. "I hope you'll come back soon."
With a sly smile, Aria picked up her luggage. "We'll see. Later, Mrs. Cake."
She gave the Rainbooms a casual wave before leaving, giving them one more glance as they continued to sit in silence, annoyed and deadpanned. "Uhmm, word of advice, never done that to any customer. They might get really mad if you do that."
And with that, she pushed the front door open and walked out, leaving the Sugarcube corner with ease.
"I should probably do that more often, shit was hilarious. Ha, can't wait to tell Dagi about this."
"That's the story of how I came into this situation."
"..."
Adagio stayed still, didn't even blink, not even breathing (Okay that exaggerating, but still), her eyes focused on Sunset's. Sunset swore she saw her eyebrows twitching slightly.
"Uhm..Adagio? Hello?"
Adagio can't believe this. Like she was too stunned to even reply to what Sunset had told her. While Aria's away, Sunset tells her the whole Anon-A-Miss fiasco, and guess what, it broke Adagio.
Adagio's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of the water as she blinked in complete disbelief. She simply sat there for a time, gazing at Sunset with a look that hovered between incredulity and complete confusion. "You're telling me… a bunch of teenagers thought some badly written gossip blog was you?" she eventually managed to croak out.
With a helpless shrug, Sunset tried not to chuckle at Adagio's ridiculous response. “Simply put, yeah.”
As though she had just heard the most absurd joke of the century, Adagio let out a quick exhale and smacked her hands against her thighs. "Incredible. Amazingly, really unbelievable. I mean, I've managed entire audiences to riot with a single song, and this is what separates them? A glorified burn book from high school?
Adagio's ear was leaking hot steam, but Sunset was unable to stop it (except from suppressing her laughter).
She paced the room with her hands in the air, as if she were doing a monologue for a play audition. "What kind of delicate, paper-thin friendship is that? Sunset, I am offended on your behalf! Really scandalized! I'd expect more resilience from those 'Rainbooms' group.'"
Sunset giggled uneasily while scratching the back of her neck. "Yeah, well, things got… messy."
Adagio stoped pacing and stare at Sunset's soul, "Messy? NO. 'Messy' is when you dribbling a ball pass the defender and score an amazing goal of the century. This just PATHETHIC."
"That's Messi, not Messy,"
"You're missing the point here," She threw herself into the couch alongside Sunset, groaning loudly. "Honestly, if they fell apart that easily, maybe they weren't worth your time in the first place."
Sunset frowned, her shoulders tensing slightly, but she did not protest.
Sonata then came in with a bowl of soup in her hand, "So guys, would you like the soup more salty or just decent?"
"Whatever you want, ughh," Aswered Adagio with a moody tone.
"Is she, pissed or somehing?" Sonata whispered to Sunset.
"She just went insane, don't worry about it. Also, little bit salty is enough for the soup." Said Sunset as Sonata just nodded and went back to the kitchen while singing.
Adagio tilted her head, looking at her for a minute. Her golden eyes narrowed closely, and a sly smile pulled on her lips. "You know what you should do?"
"Dare I ask?" Sunset responded hesitantly.
Adagio leaned in conspiratorially, her voice lowering to a whisper as if she were revealing the most wonderful secret. "You should transfer."
Sunset blinked, caught off surprise. "Transfer schools?"
Adagio nodded warmly. "Exactly. You're too good for them. Imagine starting over, with no drama or baggage, just you and the opportunity to change who you are."
"But I already cha-"
"You missed my point again." Adagio rolled her eyes, a playful one this time.
Sunset paused, her head churning. The concept was unexpected and drastic. However, it did not sound utterly bad. She wasn't doing well in Canterlot High just now. Even yet, it felt like there was too much to take in at once.
"I mean...It's not a bad idea," she said softly, her voice unsure. "But I do not know. It feels kind of drastic."
Adagio shrugged, her grin growing wider. "Devastating times necessitate drastic means. Besides, you're not against it. That's progress."
Sunset rubbed her temples, torn between the foolishness of the proposal and the strange feeling of relief it provided.
"Which school?" Sunset asked hesitantly.
Adagio's grin grew. "Crystal Prep High School."
Bang, the idea surpriised Sunset more than anything. Crystal Prep High Scool is the top High School where it produce genius students. Rumour said it if you enter Crystal Prep high school, your future is brighter than your mom's phone brightness.
Sunset's jaw fell. "Crystal Prep? The spot where hyper-competitive students most likely sleep with textbooks beneath their pillows?"
Adagio waved a submisive hand, "Details, dear. You're exagerating again, they might seem like that but believe me they just don't give any single damn about you. Not like some kind of student who believe rumor without double checking."
"It's not like you've been there Adagio." Sunset stared at Adagio only to meet her smugy face, "Wait, No way!"
Sunset looked at her, "You mean to tell me that Sonata, Aria, and you attend Crystal Prep?"
"I don't know, we're not really sure..." Adagio handed Sunset her Crystal Prep ID which cause another jaw breaking reaction on Sunset face.
Adagio tilted her head, apparently pleased by Sunset's reaction. "Did you think we'd just hang out all day after the Battle of the Bands? Please. We enrolled a while ago. And, unlike in CHS, no one is assembling a mob over gossip blogs. Crystal Prep students are far too busy trying to outperform one another for that nonsense."
Sunset handed back the ID to Adagio while still processing the information she just got from her ex-enemy.
"And I must say that it has been a bit of an adjustment. But, at the very least, no one cares about anything other than your performance. No phony friendships. No backstabbing drama—at least not on blogs. It's direct, and that's refreshing." Pocketing her ID, Adagio then sit next to Sunset.
Sunset frowned, still unsure. "But...wouldn't I stand out?" I'm not really the 'Crystal Prep' kind."
"Uh huh, said the girl who got the tittle 'IQ Queen' in her school." Answered Adagio with a smile, "Why wouldn the 'IQ Queen' thought she wouldn't stand out on the new place? Trust me, you will outshined them in every aspect starting with a thing called heart."
Sunset still remained uncertain. "It's a huge decision. Even after everything, I'm not sure I'm ready to leave CHS."
Adagio softened somewhat and leaned back again. "I understand it. Transition is terrifying. Yet sometimes, staying in the same place can be more harmful than beneficial. Just think about it, okay?
Sunset nodded slowly. "I will. Thank you, Adagio."
"Of course," Adagio replied with a confident smirk. "What do former enemy do if not give life-changing advice?"
Author's Note
YOOO, long time no see y'all. Sorry for not uploading the chapter soon, my laptop was, uhhh... how did I put this.... There's an ants nest inside of it soo a dear friends of mine know a guy that can fix this problem, and it took a long time because apparently that guy is a busy guy.
And Exam is coming so soryy for only updating a rushed chapter I planned to release month ago.
Enjoy... I guess haha..
