Sunset quietly makes her way over to the crater, where Adagio and Sonata are still mourning their sister. “I'm sorry.” Adagio utters the only words she can think off to ease her sister's pain.
“It's wasn't your fault. The power corrupted you.” Sonata says.
“No, it was all me. Even after all you girls tried to do for me I still turned on you. Aria was wrong, there is no light, no good in me.”
“You're wrong. There is good in you. I knew it and so did Aria. That's why we came all this way and it's why she did what she thought she had to to save you.” Adagio looks over her fallen sister with tears in her eyes. Sonata is shocked as her eldest sister begins to cry out in a sorrowful song. She soon joins in as Sunset looks on tearfully as the two continue. She sees an energy around them that slowly spreads to Aria as she begins to move, slowly breathing in and out. The two stop, noticing the activity, Sunset smiling with hope. Before the two can say anything further, the royal guard attack from all directions lassoing them with ropes, making sure to tie their snouts so they cannot sing. They then fasten more ropes around their legs and tails to help keep them anchored to the ground.
“Hold them down!” The captain shouts as they restrain the two sirens as another group of guards inspect the downed third. Out of the corner of his eye the guard sees a red and yellow maned mare attempting to get through the line of guards that has formed around the crater. “No! Let them go, please!” She shouts as she instinctively uses her magic to lift two of the guards holding the ropes, tossing them aside only to be stopped herself as two guards quickly restrain her. Although still struggling, Adagio sees this, puzzled as to why the pony is doing this for not only Sonata but her as well.
“Enough!” The guards turn to see Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends, albeit with slight scrapes and bruises. “It's alright. You can release them.” She lowers her tone to a more controlled level.
“Yes Princess. You heard her.” The captain says as they loosen the ropes on the sirens as well as releasing Sunset Shimmer.
“Thanks.” Sunset says as the others approach the scene, Sonata and Adagio looking down sadly at their sister as the elder turns to Twilight and her friends. “Why did you do that? You could have been rid of me for good but you saved me.”
“It's true. I could have, but that wouldn't have helped you or me either. I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. It's my duty to be an example of friendship to all and to help spread it everywhere. We were enemies once, and I'm not certain if you still intend for us to be but I couldn't rightly wear that title if I wasn't willing to try.”
“Well said Twilight Sparkle.” Everyone looks up to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna descending. They all quickly bow as the sisters touch down. “These must be the sirens I've heard so much about. I must say, Starswirl's descriptions do you no justice.” Luna glares viciously at Adagio, clearly able to tell this was the one who had defeated her only for Celestia to hold her back. She takes notice of Aria's still frame.
“You can save her can't you?” Sonata asks with hope in her eyes.
“Does thou take us for fools? You would surely attack again.” Luna lashes out as Adagio is similarly angered by her response, with their respective sisters keeping them from fighting again. Sonata helps her sister to calm herself.
“Princess please help her. This was all my fault. They were only trying to do what they could to help me and I wouldn't listen. I've lost everything else. I beg of you, don't let me lose my sister too. I swear to you, you can do whatever you see fit to me, just please save her.”
“I too know the pain of losing a sister and I would not wish that feeling upon another.” Celestia partially turns her gaze toward Luna, who looks down humbly. “We will need to get her to the castle swiftly if she is to have a chance.”
“Thank you princess.” Sonata says with tears in her eyes as she and Adagio morph into their pony forms. The unicorn guard use their magic to lift Aria as they carefully carry her back to the castle.
“You have done well Twilight.” Celestia commends.
“Thank you princess but I couldn't have done it without...” She looks over to where the red and yellow haired mare had been standing only a short while ago. “Sunset Shimmer.” She says quietly, though still catching Celestia's ear.
Having made their way back to the castle the group anxiously waits for the castle doctors to finish their work. Rainbow Dash sits with a now normal Scootaloo as the two talk on top of one of the castle towers. “I'm really gonna miss those new wings.”
“Hey you're still awesome anyway kiddo.” Rainbow says patting her on the head.
“And who knows, you keep flying like that and you might just make the Wonderbolts some day.” The two turn to see Fleetfoot. “Spitfire and the others are headed back to Cloudsdale but she told me to give a thanks from all of us. That's two we owe you.”
“Ah, who's counting. What about Lightning Dust?”
“No clue. We lost her a ways out. Some of the other recruits are taking it pretty hard. She was a good flier. Could have been a Wonderbolt if she'd stuck with it. Well I gotta take off, see you in the skies.” She says as she darts off.
“You really think I could be a Wonderbolt like you Dash?”
“Hey I'm not one yet either, but yeah keep working at it and you might just be as awesome as me one day.” As the two roughhouse for a bit, Lightning Dust looks down from a top a cloud high above them with a dejected look before flying off. Rainbow looks up as she sees her disappear into the distance.
“What is it?” Scootaloo asks.
“Oh nothing. Hey, why don't we head back inside?”
Inside Pinkie is with Twilight and the other princesses as they talk. On the way down the hall she spots Double Down and his two friends as they are escorted to the dungeon. “Hey Pinkie Pie. Would you mind telling Maud I'll be away for a while on an extended trip. And remind her to feed Boulder. Like myself he sometimes enjoys an after dinner meal to tide him over until breakfast.”
“Yeah I really have to get new friends.” Boogie Night says out of annoyance.
“On the bright side I hear the dungeons have a lovely northern exposure this time of year. And we're in luck. We've arrived on the every other week the prisoners get real food.” Cut Off says in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Pinkie turns to her Alicorn friend and whispers in her ear. “Uh huh. What? Okay, I'll see what I can do.” Twilight turns to the other princesses and has a short, private conversation with them before all three turn back to them.
“Very well. Guards, release them.” Celestia says as the three are unshackled. “You are hereby pardoned on the grounds that you work here in the castle as our new custodial engineers.”
“Yes!” Cut Off jumps up excitedly. “Did you hear that? We've gone up in the world. We're custodial engineers.”
The other two look at each other before Boogie explains it to him. “You know that's just a fancy term for janitor right?” This instantly stops his jubilation as he tenses up, looking ready to explode with anger. Seconds before he appears about to blow he stops, putting on a calm face. “Meh, beats eternal imprisonment.”
A short while later, everyone is gathered back as the castle infirmary as the doctor finally emerges. Everyone waits nervously as the doctor speaks. “Is Aria going to be okay?” Sonata asks worriedly.
“She'll be just fine. Despite the looks, these sirens are very similar to ponies. Everything turned out, but she's still weak. She'll have to sleep for a few days.”
“Thank you doctor.” Celestia says as he bows.
“You're quite welcome princess.” As the doctor leaves Adagio steps toward the princess, bowing to her as well. “Thank you. I am prepared to take whatever punishment you have in store for me.”
“Starswirl the Bearded spoke of how truly dangerous the sirens he faced were and he responded by banishing you to this other world. But perhaps he did not truly know what it was that really needed to be done. Through the kindness and understanding of others you were all truly able to find your way. Adagio Dazzle, you and your sisters share a bond that is so much stronger than any magic. So much so that they would risk their lives to save you. Don't you agree?”
Adagio looks over at Sonata then turns back to the princess. “Yes. I was wrong so many times in the past that I couldn't bear the thought of ruining their lives again. So I thought that if I couldn't fight what was inside me then I'd have to leave them behind and let them be happy without me.”
“There's no way we could ever be happy without you big sis. We've always got your back.” Sonata hugs her tight.
“I just want to take my sisters home.”
“As you wish. But know that you will always be welcomed in Equestria.”
“Just call ahead next time, okay?” Rainbow Dash says.
Canterlot High
The next day the girls are sitting around the statue, school having ended about an hour ago. “Are you sure they're going to show?” Dash asks as she and the others wait.
“They'd better. Granny Smith's got the car ready and she's only allowed to drive for three hours a week.” Applejack says. A few seconds later they hear the screeching of tires followed by the sound of a crushed mailbox. “And that's why.”
“Twilight said they we're on their way and that they wouldn't be much longer.” Sunset says, holding onto the journal. Shortly after, the portal opens as Twilight emerges. Behind her, Sonata comes through shortly after, carrying a still sleeping Aria along with Adagio. The two set the girl down gently, allowing her to rest against the statue's base.
“Oh, I'm so glade you're all safe.” Fluttershy says.
“Absolutely. You don't know how worried we all were.” Rarity states as she looks over to see Adagio, who is holding her head down. “For most of you.”
“Rarity!” Twilight attempts to defend the orange haired girl.
“No, she's right Twilight. Listen girls, for what it's worth, I'm sorry for what I've done to you. You were trying to show me how to be happy with how my life has turned out and I guess I just wanted to keep clinging to the way things were. I had to go through so much just to see I don't need some amulet or power from some king in Equestria to be happy. I'm just sorry it took all this to make me see that. I know what I did was wrong. I just hope that some day you can forgive me and maybe we can give this friendship thing another try.”
“It'll definitely take some time.” Applejack says before putting a hand on her shoulder. “But we're willing to let bygones be bygones. Now come on everybody, let's help her.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash lift Aria as the group head toward Granny Smith's car. As Sunset is about to join them she hears someone call her from behind.
“Sunset Shimmer?” She turns to see the principal of the school.
“Principal Celestia? What are you doing here so late?” Sunset asks as the woman merely chuckles.
“I'm afraid you have me mistaken for another my old student.” This comment almost knocks Sunset off of her feet as she begins to tear up.
“I'm sorry I can't I just can't.” The girl runs a short distance away bumping into Sonata.
“Sunset are you alright?” The blue haired girl asks.
“Princess Celestia is here.”
“I know isn't it great?” Sonata says with an absent minded smile.
“You knew?
“Yeah, she said she wanted to see you. Why are you crying?”
“I can't face her, not after all I've done. She tried to teach me about friendship and compassion and I threw it in her face. There's no way she could ever forgive me.”
“Then why would she come all this way? Some of what she said must have sunk in, I mean how else can you explain all of this. Aria's gonna be okay and Adagio is back with us, on top of that we're all friends thanks to you. You can't say that doesn't count for something. Why don't you just talk to her. It might all turn out for the best. You'll never know if you don't try.”
Sunset wipes the tears from her eyes. “You're right Sonata.”
“When am I not? Don't answer that.” She says jokingly. “The others are taking Aria home but I'll wait here for you okay.” Sonata sits quietly on the side of the school awaiting her friends return.
Sunset makes her way back to the statue where a patient Celestia seated, rising to her feet as the girl returns, giving her a hug. “I'm so sorry princess, for everything.”
“It's alright my dear. And it's so good to see you again.”
“Good? I don't understand. I thought you'd be furious with me after all I've done.”
“For a time I was furious, but not at you. I thought I had failed you. But I always hoped that someday you would return to Equestria and so you did, to save it. Twilight Sparkle and Sonata Dusk informed me of all the good you have done here and how you helped to avert this crisis.”
“Thank you Princess Celestia but all I've learned I learned from my friends. They've helped me through a crisis of my own. I couldn't ask for anything better.”
“It seems you have learned much since we last met. You would certainly have made a fine princess.”
“Thank you Princess Celestia. I'm honored, but I'm just a humble musician these days.”
“Indeed. Though I hope you won't be a stranger in my court.”
“Of course not princess.” The two share a long hug.
“Now I must return to Equestria but I'm so proud of you and I hope to hear from you soon.” Sunset waves goodbye as Celestia disappears through the portal.
Apple Family Farm
In the upper spare room of the family home Aria is fast asleep, as she has been for the past two days. As she sleeps, Adagio sits in a chair next to the bet as she has for the two days, with Ticki perched on her shoulder. “Adagio.” Sonata says quietly as she walks into the room with a plate of food. “I brought you something to eat.” She gets no response from her sister who simply looks down. “The doctor said she'd need her rest to get her strength back.” Sonata pulls up a chair and sits down next to her. “You remember that song we used to sing when we we're little?” Sonata holds Adagio's right hand in her left and begins to sing a soft melody, joined shortly after as her sister joins in, holding Aria's hand with her free one. The two continue their song, only for Adagio to stop as she feels her left hand being squeezed. She looks down to see Aria, her eyes open with a light smile on her face, who joins in the song.
The song catches the attention of Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac, who are working outside. “Well would ya listen to that.” Applejack says smiling as she removes her hat.
As the song ends the three embrace in a hug, causing Aria to wince for a second. “Sorry still a little tender I guess. Hey there Ticki.” The ferret hops down from Adagio's shoulder and into his owners lap.
“He's been waiting for you to wake up for days.”
“It seems he wasn't the only one.” The three come back in for another hug.
“Oh I almost forgot. This came for you. Guess who it's from.” Sonata gestures over to the corner where a large basket of flowers, cards, and assorted candies sits with a large note that reads 'Get Well Soon'. Seeing this, Aria gives a sigh of frustration before laying back down as her sisters laugh.
Three Days Later
The Rainbooms and Dazzlings decide to have a day out at the coffee shop. As the girls sit conversing with each other Adagio sits with the journal in front of her, Sunset asking that she write a letter to Twilight. “Dear Princess Twilight I wanted to thank you for all that you did for my sisters and I.” She begins. “I owe you and Sunset so much.” She notices a man and woman across the room arguing, sensing the negative energy, holding a hand to her chest where the pendent used to be. “I won't lie to you. The hunger is still there. I can feel it inside.” She stops as she notices Aria place a concerned hand on her shoulder. She turns her attention back to the others with a smile. “But I've learned that you shouldn't keep these feelings bottled up. If you trust others and let them help you, those feelings are nothing compared to the friendships you make. I'm sure that as long as I have good friends like these I can get through anything. Believe me when I say that I am truly honored to call myself your friend.”
As Adagio finishes and closes the journal, Rarity catches everyone's attention. “Did you hear the news? The city has decided to rebuild the opera hall and want to host a musical charity event to help raise money.”
“Sounds like a good time to me.” Aria says.
“Yeah we could all enter together.” Sunset suggests.
“Oh yeah, The Rainbooms and Dazzlings on one stage.” Sonata says.
“Ooh I got it. How about The Dazzbooms?” Pinkie suggests as she and Sonata come up with combo names.
“What about the Rainlings?
“The Razzbooms!” They say in energetic unison.
Aria and Rainbow Dash have to stop themselves from facing palming. “How about the Rainbooms featuring the Dazzlings?” Dash suggests.
“Fine with me. What about you Adagio.” Aria asks her sister who seems to be deep in thought.
“What? Oh yeah, sure.”
“Well what are we waiting for? Let's go get a jam session in!” Rainbow Dash says as everyone else begins to file outside. Adagio remains seated at the table, looking down at the black crystal Sombra gifted her. She holds it in the palm of her hand and begins to sing as the dark gem slowly fades away, the last link to the dark king gone forever. Just as she finishes, Sunset Shimmer appears in the doorway. “Adagio, are you coming?”
“You couldn't stop me if you tried.” She eagerly jumps up as she and her new friend run to catch up with the others.