Frozen Notes

The morning sunlight crept through Arctic’s bedroom window, casting a warm glow over the room as he finished getting ready for the day. Today would be different from most days at Canterlot High. Not only was it the Dazzlings’ first day back since the Battle of the Bands, but it was also a chance for them to prove they’d changed. Arctic hoped things would go smoothly, but he knew it wouldn’t be easy for the three girls who were once seen as villains.

Arctic remembered how Sunset told him about her past and how hard it was when she first tried making it up to everyone. It took a long time and people held grudges for everything she had done. She admitted she deserved some of it, with how she had treated everyone before that, they were getting back at her. It wasn't until the Battle of the Bands that she helped save the school from the hands of the Dazzlings.

When Arctic made his way downstairs, the Dazzlings were already waiting for him in the living room, each wearing a mix of nervousness and defiance on their faces. Adagio looked composed but tense, Aria seemed annoyed and defensive, and Sonata wore a smile that only partially masked her unease.

“You all ready for this?” Arctic asked, giving them an encouraging nod.

“As ready as we’ll ever be,” Adagio replied, trying to sound confident. “Let’s get this over with.”

The car ride to Canterlot High was quiet, the silence thick with unspoken worries. The Dazzlings hadn’t set foot in Canterlot High since they’d nearly torn the school apart with their hypnotic songs, and they knew many people still held grudges against them. They were determined to prove they’d changed, but they had no idea if anyone would believe them.

Once they arrived at the school, Arctic guided the girls through the bustling halls, his presence reassuring as they approached Principal Celestia’s office. When they entered, Principal Celestia looked up from her desk, her calm gaze landing on each of the Dazzlings before settling on Arctic. Vice Principal Luna stood nearby, her expression equally composed but slightly more guarded. The tension inside the office was so thick that the air felt different, it would take an idiot to feel it.

“Good morning, girls,” Celestia greeted them, a neutral expression on her face. “And welcome back to Canterlot High.”

“Thank you, Principal Celestia,” Adagio replied, her voice steady but respectful. “We know we don’t deserve it, but… we’re here to ask for another chance. We’ve changed, and we just want to move on from our past.”

Celestia exchanged a look with Luna, who gave a small nod. “I believe people can change,” Celestia said, folding her hands in front of her. “But given the harm you caused last time, I need to be certain. Therefore, I’ll be assigning some students to keep an eye on you, to ensure there won’t be any… incidents.”

The Dazzlings tensed, but they nodded in understanding. It was a fair condition, and they knew they had no right to argue.

“I’ve chosen a group of students who’ve agreed to help you readjust,” Celestia continued. “The Rainbooms, of course, and Arctic here, will be your guides. They’ll help you settle in and keep an eye on things. I’m sure you understand.”

Adagio nodded, trying to maintain her composure, while Aria clenched her fists, visibly irritated but holding back any comment. Sonata glanced at Arctic with a hopeful look, grateful for his support.

“Yes, we understand,” Adagio said, keeping her voice steady. “Thank you, Principal Celestia. We’ll prove that we’ve changed.”

Celestia offered a small smile, her expression softening. “Good. I hope you’ll make the most of this second chance.”

With that, Celestia handed each of them their class schedules and dismissed them, reminding them to reach out if they needed any help. The group left the office, and Arctic led them through the hallways, showing them the layout of the school and where their classes would be. Even though they had been there before they hadn't remembered the layout of the school, mostly because when they were there they were more focused on other things.

As they walked through the crowded corridors, whispers and harsh stares followed them, the students clearly remembering the trouble the Dazzlings had caused in the past. Some even muttered insults or glared openly, making it nearly impossible for Aria to keep her temper in check. It made things uncomfortable and it made Sunset remember how she was in the same spot as the Dazzlings once were a while back.

“Look who’s back. Guess they didn’t learn the first time,” one student sneered as they passed.

“Didn’t think they’d have the nerve to show their faces here again after what they tried doing,” another one muttered.

Aria’s fists clenched, her jaw tight as she shot a glare back at the students. “Say that again, I dare you,” she muttered under her breath, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Adagio placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a warning look. “Not now, Aria. We can’t make things worse for ourselves.”

Sonata tried to ignore the glares, forcing a nervous smile as she walked a bit closer to Arctic, finding some comfort in his presence.

“Just keep your heads up,” Arctic advised, glancing back at them. “It’ll take time for everyone to see that you’ve changed.”

The girls nodded, trying to focus on his words instead of the hostility around them.

Eventually, the bell rang, and they had to split up to go to their respective classes. Arctic gave them each an encouraging smile before heading off to his own class, promising to meet up at lunch. The Dazzlings exchanged uncertain glances before heading off in different directions, bracing themselves for the inevitable challenges they’d face alone.

Lunchtime finally arrived, and Arctic found himself scanning the cafeteria, searching for a familiar face. He spotted Sunset near the entrance, and they quickly found a table, deciding to save seats for the Dazzlings and the Rainbooms. As they sat down, Sunset gave him a curious look.

“How do you think they’re holding up?” she asked, a note of concern in her voice.

Arctic shrugged, his expression thoughtful. “It’s hard to say. They’ve been getting a lot of flak from the other students, and it’s not easy for them to just ignore it. I’m worried, honestly. I just hope they don’t do anything they’ll regret.” Arctic was sure that Sonata wouldn't do anything, she didn't have it in her to pull something off. Adagio was a possibility but cared about her appearance and wouldn't want to get her hands dirty. Aria on the other hand, well... there was a good chance she would but he hoped she could control her feelings.

Sunset nodded, glancing around the cafeteria. “I can’t imagine what it’s like for them. But hopefully, they’ll hang in there. I know they’ve got you looking out for them.”

Arctic smiled, feeling reassured. He was about to say something when the cafeteria doors swung open, and Adagio walked in, her expression tight with worry. Beside her was Rarity, who looked equally concerned. 'Well, that's not a good sign.'

“Arctic, Sunset!” Adagio called out, hurrying over to their table. “Something’s happened. It’s… it’s Aria and Sonata.”

Arctic’s heart skipped a beat, his worry intensifying. “What happened? Are they okay?”

“They’re fine, I think, but… there was some kind of commotion. I think they might’ve gotten into a confrontation with some other students.” Adagio explained, her tone urgent. "When I saw Aria, I was going to look for myself, but she made me come to you guys first." Adagio glared at Rarity who huffed.

Without a second thought, Arctic and Sunset stood up, following Adagio and Rarity as they led the way through the bustling cafeteria. Arctic’s mind raced with worry, wondering what kind of trouble Aria and Sonata had encountered. It was only their first day back, and already, things seemed to be spiraling out of control.

As they hurried down the hallway, Arctic thought back on the morning, how the girls had tried to ignore the glares and insults thrown their way. He knew Aria’s temper made her especially vulnerable to provocation, but he hadn’t expected things to escalate this quickly. He could only hope the commotion wasn't as bad as it sounded. 'Please, Aria, don't do anything you'll regret.'