> Sunata in C (For Champagne)
>  by BluesyTreble
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1 - Champagne And A Housemate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Her left fingertips were purple and blistered as she stumbled home in the starless night hefting her guitar after an evening of what was supposed to be a practice session with the Rainbooms had turned into two hours of trading guitar wizardry with their lead guitarist, her blues-based greasy wail up against Rainbow's shrill, lightning fast sweeps. Two weeks after the whole Dazzlings fiasco, both Principals had organised another musical showcase, this time a public event in compensation after their previous attempt for a music event had its purpose twisted. Upon the news, the Rainbooms had again jumped at the chance of performing, now in public. Since then, practice sessions had doubled and stretched long after sundown, the increased time Sunset had to spend slaving over twenty-two frets and six steel strings had taken their toll on her fingers, and now painfully reminded her to leave the league of 11 gauge strings. Gingerly blowing on her seemingly burnt tips, she doubted if her callouses even existed anymore.

The inside of her head seemed to be nothing but incomprehensible yet conflicting thought-silhouettes and echoes of blindingly fast scale runs and distorted chords, she caught herself by slamming her palm against the window of a cafe. She swept a lock of fiery hair from her soft features to scan her surroundings. She was near home, that she knew by the usually deserted road and well-worn sidewalks, all lit by the occasional aged yellow lamp-post. She also knew she needed a particular fermented brew to clear her mind-mess, and so started for the brightly-lit convenience store flanked by squat red-brick apartment blocks. Once there, she pulled open the poster-plastered glass door and strode to the back, giving the liquor fridge a long, contemplating glance. Hearing the bell of the store entrance ring, she looked back, some champagne in hand, to catch sight of an aqua-haired girl in a hoodie.

Ducking behind the lone shelf that spanned the distance between the back of the store to the counter, Sunset timed Sonata's walk to strafe around the Dazzling Ditz. If she approached her former enemy now, the cashier was guaranteed to not appreciate the ensuing commotion. "Keep the change, miss," She whispered, laying a couple of notes upon the counter, and felt the back of her ears burn as she realised she had squat-waddled all the way up to the cashier's. Straightening both her posture and her face, Sunset strutted out, shouldered her guitar bag and positioned herself in the alley between the apartment block and the store, and stuck her head out, watching for her recently-defeated adversary.

And soon enough, Sonata Dusk walked out cradling a carton of chocolate milk, and turned to face a dimly lit figure clad in a leather jacket and boots, clutching a glass bottle in one hand, her hair, almost black in the poor light, shrouded her face as a pair of glinting eyes stared directly into hers amidst the windblown locks. Sonata simply stood spooked and let the figure grab her collar and yank her into the darkness of the alley. Quickly regaining at least some sense, she recognised her captor.

"YOU!" She squeaked.

"ME!" Sunset shouted back, then facepalmed herself back into the waking realm and cleared her throat. She massaged the bridge of her nose before asking, "What's your name?"

"Sonata." Sonata (duh) replied. "You're not going to laser-rainboom me or something, are you?" She asked before shrinking back. Wide purple eyes studying the fiery-haired guitarist before her.

"No, Sonata. After we broke your spell, you three ran off before we could reach you." Sunset began to explain. "We wanted to help." 

"Well, there's no point trying to undo something you meanies deliberately did," Sonata pouted and folded her arms, then stuck out her lower jaw to blow upwards at her fringe. "I mean, this was your doing, and wouldn't undoing your doing be the same as doing nothing at all, since if you undid a doing that was already done, you wouldn't have gotten anything?"

Sunset narrowed her eyes and leant back in confusion, her head spinning worse than before. The Dazzling's rebuttal was barely relevant, but still made some sort of elusive sense only the Zecora the School Counsellor could pry out. Although academically proficient, this had her stumped. She shook off as much drowsiness as she could, and went by what little she interpreted.

"Yes, we destroyed your pendants." She slowly said, "But it was because the power and magic embedded in them were bad for the three of you and this world." She gestured to coax out as much relevant thought possible. "We're not pushing you girls up so we could bring you down again. We're taking away something bad from you so we could replace it with something better, and that something, is Friendship."

"You see," She continued. "Your pendants may have gotten you adoration and love from everyone else, but those are ill-gained. You'd rather have something that has been earned, instead of corruption-compelled mobs to do your bidding, you'd rather want someone who comes to your side because they want to, and you'll take pride knowing you'd do the same for them. Instead of a seduction and spellbound and an at best minion-master relationship, you've someone you share an almost familial tie with and trust, someone you can look for in dark times to bring you comfort and distraction from your tough times, and are willing to share theirs with you too. That's a friend, someone to take along on your journey in life. The immortality that went along with your pendants wouldn't have allowed that." 

Sunset Shimmer gasped for breath. A few seconds passed.  

"Oh."

WHAT. That's all you could say??!!!? Sunset had a good mind to clonk the girl over her head with her guitar and leave her unconscious in the alley, but pulled together the massive willpower to abstain. She let out a long sigh.

"Where are your two companions?" She attempted to forget the sheer air-headedness and focused on her task at hand.

"Th-they sorta threw me out..." Sonata mumbled softly, her left hand reaching to grasp her right elbow, bottom lip sticking out and quivering.

"But why?"

"Weeeeeeell," Sonata placed a finger on her cheek and tilted her head, looking up to recall....





"It's all your fault we lost our powers, Nata!" A plastic mug sailed toward her head, causing her to duck. The mug hit a wall and ricocheted to clonk her on her rump.

"Ow!" Sonata rubbed her bruised butt. 

"Even when YOU sang with us during that battle, we STILL got defeated, Sonata." Adagio snarled as she prodded her sister's chest. "This goes to show how useless you are." Shoving Sonata to the ground, she placed her hands on her hips and paced around their apartment. 

"B-b-but Dagi!" Sonata spluttered, tears welling at the base of her eyes. 

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT." Upon hearing the nickname, Adagio blushed a deep red. "Since we're powerless now, you'll become but another mouth to feed. Aria can make her way about making money, but you I highly doubt. Hence by sunrise, I. WANT. YOU. OUT." She made sure to growl the last four words, her voice hoarse with frustration and anger. Turning on her heel, she stomped away and slammed her bedroom door, Aria following suit, leaving their sobbing sister on the living room floor.

Once Sonata was sure her abusive mean-buttocks sisters were asleep, she emptied her piggy bank of money, made sure to saran-wrap every doorway, and made her way out.





"...And that's why I'm here all alone! They threw me out, I even paid some of the downpayment for our apartment!" 

"Don't worry about that, Sonata." Sunset consoled the now weeping Siren. "We'll think of how we can get you up on your feet and providing for yourself."

She watched Sonata draw back a foot to kick at a trashcan in frustration. As she swung her left foot out, it hit her standing right foot, sweeping out both legs beneath her and sending her falling smack on her bottom. 

"Perhaps you better come home with me, Sonata, we'll discuss your current situation in the morning." She worriedly suggested as her new housemate began to bawl. "Come on, let's go!"

Sonata continued to bawl.

Sunset lay down her guitar case and champagne and attempted to drag the girl up. She immediately regretted her choice as her arms threatened to pull out of their sockets with the effort.

"UUUUGHGGHGHHGHH!! GET UP!" She shrieked in exasperation. Then she remembered Sonata's uncanny resemblance to Pinkie Pie.

"Look, we'll head back into the store and get candy if you get up."

The effect was instant. "Really?" Sonata sprang up on her feet.

"Anything to prevent you from acting like the square root of your physical age."

Sonata cocked her head in puzzlement.

"WE'RE GOING TO GET CANDY, OKAY?" A now exhausted and hungry Sunset Shimmer practically screamed.

"YAY!" 

Sunset Shimmer felt her knees buckle as the Siren literally hopped onto her.
> 2 - Comfort in a Bottle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Sunset Shimmer slotted in her keys and swung the door to her apartment open, walking in and gesturing for the evicted Siren to follow.

Emptying more jelly beans into her mouth, Sonata glanced around the small apartment. It was one that could be easily cramped up if the owner were not careful, but Sunset here had worked to keep the living room as spacious as she could get it. Past the door and shoe cabinet, a dark green couch sat facing her modest TV, behind a long wooden coffee table. In the kitchen was a stove and a fridge, with little else than cupboards and a little rack for cutlery. The bedroom door hung open, but was too dark for Sonata to make out anything. She followed suit as Sunset slipped off her own boots and made her way to the couch.

Sunset flopped down on the couch, leaning the guitar bag against the side of the couch and slamming the champagne bottle down on the coffee table. She then wrinkled her nose and craned her neck toward Sonata.

"Sweet Celestia!" She exclaimed. "You smell like-"

"..Two weeks of living on the streets?" Sonata suggested.

"..Yeahh.." Sunset Shimmer slowly nodded in agreement. "That's one good way to put it."

Sonata sheepishly giggled, then rubbed her jawline with the back of her hand. "That's exactly what happened."

Upon that, Sunset Shimmer got up to flick on the living room light, and gasped. Sonata stood before her, her hoodie stained and torn, her skirt in pretty much the same state. Her fingernails were black like her knees and elbows and caked with dirt. Worst of all was her worn and tired face, eyes bloodshot and tear-streaked amidst the patches of unidentifiable muck all over her slightly-sunken cheeks and forehead. Her ragged-looking ponytail looked more limp than usual. With her right thumb and index finger, Sunset gingerly pulled the Siren-turned-hobo by the sleeve into her bedroom and into the shower, slamming shut the door. After exiting and entering her bedroom again to deposit her guitar case, a fresh set of clothes and a new toothbrush for Sonata, she grabbed a cup from the kitchen, dropped some ice into it, and set about finally getting some alcoholic champagne into her system.

The brew burned and fizzed its way down her throat before heating up her tummy in a way that had always got her eyes half-lidded. Such drinks were made to be enjoyed slow, not chugged down like a particular show-boating athlete of a band member would. Such rash styles of drinking simply denied to consumer the full flavour and essence of this delightful beverage. She swirled another sip in her mouth, just barely managing to taste a delightful hint of passionfruit in the mix. She allowed the sip to ease its way down her throat again, and took the time to ponder by herself Sonata's situation.

Sunset had, upon her arrival into this human realm, brought along a small pile of Equestrian gems and bits. Apparently humans paid a literal fortune for even one of her gems, after pawning the rest and purchasing her apartment, she still had enough for a modest living for the next few years or so. She had the financial ability to support Sonata until the Dazzling found a job, but she needed to at least finish school to eke out her own path in her now-mortal life, and Canterlot High stood as the closest school to where Sunset Shimmer stayed, and her friends could keep an eye on Sonata there. The problem now was getting the school body to take kindly to the Siren's presence once again, after the Battle of The Bands.

sigh. The fiery haired girl took a longer sip and contemplated writing to Twilight for help. But Twilight was a Princess in her own world, and probably wouldn't reply fast enough before school started, given her royal princessy duties.

"I'll just have to make my own way about this then." She muttered as she groggily got up and grabbed her towel and PJs upon hearing the bathroom door clatter-slide open, leaving the one-quarter-finished cup of champagne and the open bottle on the coffee table.

Sonata seemed much more relaxed than before, or perhaps she looked that way with her hair down. Sonata was a little bigger than Sunset, allowing the PJ's to reflect the rather voluptuous ditz of a Siren. "Thanks for the shower, Sunset!" Sonata breathed as Sunset dropped her gaze to the ground as a curious blush started forming about her orange cheeks. 

"Wh-what?"

"Wait, I could've phrased that better." Sonata blurted. "What I meant to say was thanks for letting me have a shower at your place, not thanks for giving me a shower. Which wasn't what. I. Meant. To say." The awkward-ness suddenly creeping into the apartment far surpassed Adagio's hair in terms of volume.

"Oooooookay.."

"Yup!" Smiled Sonata.

Sunset shook her head and went for the shower. Sonata eyed the cup and bottle on the coffee table. She knew what was inside, but Adagio and Aria never let her touch the stuff, neither did they ever leave her alone with any form of the strange-smelling liquid. Some were clear and smelled like nail polish, some smelled like really dark grapes and looked like blood. 

This particular one smelled fizzy. Like soda!

It must be soda! Thought Sonata. Though Sunny was weird to have it in a cup. Just chug the whole thing like everyone else does, silly Sunny!

With that, she took a long swig from the bottle.

It tasted fizzy, but was kind of bitter and made her stomach really hot. A fuzzy feeling slowly travelled up from her tummy and made her burp and giggle, and her head began to lose some of its weight. When the whole thing subsided in intensity after some time, she frowned and took an even longer swig, causing her to tense up and giggle again, her jaw feeling looser and looser by the second.





"This is fun...." She murmured and reached for more, not noticing the growing slur in her speech. At the same time, it somehow cleared her head, giving her new life flowing through the veins. She no longer felt cold, homeless and abandoned. The drink seemed to spawn some kind of hazy entity, a comforting one that embraced her in its dark, liquor-reeking warmth and coaxed her to forget the pain of many put-downs and insults from her own sisters. With the help of the beverage her mind became nothing but just fragments of slurred thoughts floating about, it was as if the fragments and pieces carried her along as she floated, gently bobbing up and down and pulsating with some kind of current as she slowly closed her eyes and allowed herself to be carried off....




"Sonata."

The entity immediately dissipated, throwing her back into the cold and stark reality that had more than once cost her some of her happy-go-lucky goofiness. Only now had she learnt how truly terrible this felt, the reality of realising that she was nothing but a useful tool her sisters heartlessly saw and used her as, and the fact that they had threw her out the first opportunity they got weighed her spirits down into a dark, angry and violent mood. She longed again for the hole in her heart to fill up again with the merry and groggy subconscious joy the liquid brought. She sat up, her head suddenly throbbing with a head-splitting intense agony, forgetting in her stupor to answer the voice that had called her name.

"Sonata!"

The voice was female and had some sort of new edge to it that made her head ache more.

"Sona-"

The siren rapped a fist on the coffee table, causing its contents to give a small rattle. Sunset flinched at the sudden show of violence, taken aback by the abrupt change in the Siren's demeanour.

"Why did you wake me up!" Sonata growled, "I was sleeping so soundly!"

"It's morning."

The curtains drew back to fill the entire room in pale yellow sunlight. The brightness, for reasons, hurt Sonata's head even more.

"Aaahhkk!!" She shrieked and shielded her face as her migraine worsened. "What in Sombra was that for?!"

"Well, it's morning! I remembered you being much more negotiable last night." Sunset put her hands on her hips and looked out the window at the sun-bathed streets below.

"Well, I didn't sleep well, god damn it!" Sonata retorted, her speech still slightly slurred. "Let me sleep somemore, close em' back up" She lay back down and attempted to roll over, then yelped as Sunset Shimmer grabbed hold of her arm and dragged her out of the couch. 

"It's a school day, Sonata! You've to go back to school, it's probably the best thing for you." Sunset fingered a few stray hairs from Sonata's face.

"Well I'm sick today, so leave me alone Bacon-Hair," Sonata simple flopped back down on the couch to curl up. "You're going to be late if you stay, Sunny!" She comically opened a bloodshot eye to see if Sunset had left. The Rainboom giggled before ruffling her bed(couch)-mane.

"Have it your way, you sleepy ditz. Promise me you'll go when you get better." Sunset extended her pinkie, then giggled again as a cyan hand snaked out to complete the pinkie promise.

As the now reformed bully and demoness left the apartment, Sonata was already contemplating how she could have some of that floaty strong fizzy drink again. It placed her in a different realm, one free of worries, regrets and her own vulnerable emotions.

But first she had a major migraine and a really, really dry mouth, not to mention she had to pee badly.

She rolled off the couch and groaned.
> 3 - Salacious and Somber
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Dismissal time, Sunset swore, had to be school's equivalent to "rush hour", with students of varying build, clothing and demeanours jostling, pushing past one another to get to the exit, the corridors a myriad of multi-coloured fabric, voice pitches and talk-topics, all heading one direction to disperse at the school gates. It was strange yet amazing that one could hear their peer amongst the dozens or even hundreds of conversations going on at the same time, a thousand different voices, but each and every one a stalwart, steadfast Wonderbolt. Brushing aside the thought, she simply rode the current, figuratively, for she felt nothing like a surfer at the moment, shoulder to shoulder with students she didn't know. At least the school had warmed up to her considerably after the Battle of The Bands, something she had recently grown grateful for.





"C'mooooooonnnnn Rarityyyyyy!" a bored Pinkie Pie wailed, slumping into the fashionista, who winced upon impact. Rarity fished out her stylishly-bedazzled mobile from her purse.

"She already replied me, darling, a true lady possesses patience." She chided the drummer. "You've got to lady up someday, Pinkie, you'll scare off the guys!" Checking her nails, she continued, "See how my refined ways have netted me such a decent handful of suitors!"

Putting her arm around Rarity's shoulder, Pinkie extended her other hand to stroke her friend's jaw, her eyes growing half-lidded. "Oh yeah?" The pink girl smirked, leaning over to place her forehead over Rarity's.

"I don't think they'd be so direct with their moves to gift you with books of such a... "come hither" sort, hmmmm?" She purred into her ears. "Those you conveniently placed under your bed...?" She let out a bubbly giggle before being shoved aside by a blushing Rarity.

"I take my words back," She exclaimed, her face beginning to heat up. "I-I have no such books!"

Pinkie then whipped out a purple leatherbound hardcover, and began to read. Aloud.

""Oh my, dear Blueblood, such proportions never fail to cater to my choosy tastes!" The noblewoman gushed, her eyes travelling down his masculine, sculpted form, her gaze narrowing downwards to meet at his-"

"UNHAND THAT THIS INSTANT, PINKIE PIE," Rarity practically had steam shooting out her ears. Getting up, she attempted a clumsy swipe at her book in Pinkie's hand, then fumed as her novel's captor slipped the book under her shirt. Growling a promise for vengeance, Rarity flopped back into her seat, arms crossed and still-blushing furiously. A pink arm extended and dropped the novel into her lap.

"Aaaaactually you can have it back, Rarity!" Pinkie grinned. "I've read it like, four times over, but I just don't understand what the characters were saying." She inquisitively rubbed her chin. "What's so fun about polishing Blueblood's walking stick?"

"THAT'S FOR ME TO KNOW, PINKIE, AND FOR YOU TO FIND OUT WHEN YOU GROW UP!"

"Looklooklook there's also one I don't get about -"

"OH LOOK PINKIE, HERE COMES SUNSET."

Sunset Shimmer pushed open the glass doors to Sugarcube Corner. The Rainbooms had a rather interesting new tradition to follow. As Mondays, however inevitable, would slug most hapless students with a miserable case of its blues. As a remedy, the band of six would meet up at said Sugarcube Corner, a small-time bakery/cafe that Pinkie worked at. The trendy and upbeat establishment proved itself popular with Canterlot High students thanks to it being relatively close by, and agreeably the best in town. The girls, depending on who was free, would meet up, discuss school matters, swap gossip and whatnot to kick-off the week on a bright note.

"Where's the rest?" The fiery haired girl asked as she pulled out a chair.

"Oh! Applejack has to stay for Algebra tutoring, Fluttershy's on her way, and Rainbow Dash has detention!" Pinkie brightly answered, counting off her fingers. "Also Rarity has this really strange book! Let me- OWW! I-I-I-It's nothing actually!" She rubbed her pinched thigh under the table.

Not gonna tell them about Sonata then, I want a day when everyone's present to get things through clearly.

"Oh yes, Sunset, great work jamming last night," Rarity began. "Also during Chemistry..."





"Starswirl's saggy butt! The door's locked!" A hungover Sonata hammered on its painted hardwood surface. Apparently Sunset had forgotten to pass her spare keys. Turning to slam her back against the unyielding front door one more time, her knees buckled and she slowly slipped down the door into a sitting position. There she hugged her knees and sobbed.

Her head heavy, her sight dim. Fortunately she could still make out the numbers on the clock.

Six-thirty, evening.

The day had gone by slowly and painfully, filled with the weight of the loss of her two sisters, and the realisation that the only two people who had accompanied her into this realm never really cared for her. When she finally could not sleep off the thought, the uncertainty of the future stacked upon her recent loss of family and voice would hit harder than the spell from the elderly mage that had sent her here in the first place. She also at the same time struggled to understand why one of the Rainbooms would take her in so readily. The thought on its own was alien enough. A lifetime of cheating and seduction served to convince her that their singing as Dazzlings was the only thing that brought them help when they needed it, luxury when they desired it, and dirty work done when they saw fit. But this was an initiative made to an enemy out of goodwill, not a magic-powered husk of a minion.

She appreciated the gesture, and during her time spent brooding, had come to trust Sunset Shimmer. Although very little had happened, the Rainboom had still invited what had been a dangerous enemy into her home to stay. Sonata was safe for now. 

But centuries.

Centuries she had squandered, not noticing the nagging feeling in her ancient heart. Although they were family, but she never really felt as if she belonged. To them, she kept telling herself, for she knew it was true, she was only an extra. Her individual voice carried strong and soulful, but  they preferred to simply keep it as a backing vocal. Without an avenue to even display the full extent of her voice, it had already been torn out of her. It was as if they deliberately suppressed her own song to put theirs in place, causing centuries of bottled up emotions - that she did not even realize existed, to lay stored in her.

And to have that figurative bottle broken was as good as literally shattering the empty champagne bottle that lay before her, and pushing in the glass shards into her heart, one by one, as each painful memory, each push, insult, put-down was recalled, and viewed at in an agonisingly clear perspective, the contents of the shattered bottle forming a deep black bottomless void that sank her pierced heart faster than a destroyed Viking fighting vessel.

Aria would comment on how weak her will was. Adagio wouldn't even bother. 

The negative thoughts finally too much to take, the distraught Siren simply threw back her head and screamed, a raw hoarse scream fuelled by anger and anguish at herself for allowing herself a life of self-deceit, of false hope and trust. She lay there, pausing to catch her breath, her chest heaving, her breathing itself audible. She screamed again the moment her breathing stabilised enough to stop gasping for air.

She barely noticed the front door swinging open, her fading scream muffled as the Siren let herself be swept up into Sunset's kneeling embrace.

"You could've told me something was wrong!" Sunset cried. Sonata began to sob again, the sound prompting Sunset to tighten her hug. Sonata could feel her heart beating, squeezing her eyes shut as she wrapped her own arms, with their cold, sweaty palms about Sunset, clinging to her for support as she cried into the Rainboom's shoulder.

"Let it all out," whispered Sunset, her voice soft and soothing. She ran her hand over Sonata's disheveled hair before resting her chin on her head.

Exhausted, Sonata simply lay into Sunset, her eyes still closed, her blue face tear-streaked and tired.

Placing her hands on Sonata's shoulders, Sunset gently pushed her upright.

"Look at me, Sonata," She coaxed gently. The Siren complied, opening her wide blue eyes, the deep purple eyes displaying an emotion Sunset never thought to see. The Dazzling's eyes usually reflected a playful, almost aloof innocence on the surface, but when gazed into for longer, revealed a mix of ancient knowing and confidence, but not this time. Her eyes quivered with an unexpected vulnerability and neediness.

"It's a little past seven. I'll make some dinner and you'll me what's going on, hmm?" She waited for the Siren's nod before pulling her close for another quick hug of assurance, then got up and headed towards the coffee table, stopping short to gawk at the empty bottle laying on its side.

"S-sorry..." Amidst the tears, Sonata still managed to give an embarassed giggle.

Sighing deeply, she helped Sonata up on the couch before discarding the bottle.
> 4 - Let's Not Get The Rest Involved First
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  She sucked in her cheeks and pushed her ponytail so that it rested on her back instead of her shoulder. Thanking Sunset for the microwaved pasta, she dug in quietly as her new friend and confidante joined her on the couch with her own pasta.

Her first hot meal in two weeks or so. Sonata tried her best to match the speed at which Sunset ate, not wanting the girl to comment on how starved she was if she ate as fast as her body told her to.

The hot pasta, slathered in thick sauce burned her tongue, she quietly gasped to try and cool the food in her mouth, then silently swallowed the bite.

"Sooo..." Sunset broke the silence. "Is there anything you want to ummm.. Share?" She raised her eyebrows, her bright, alert cyan eyes emanating concerned curiosity.

Sonata awkwardly shifted in her seat before hesitantly meeting Sunset's gaze. 

"It's really confusing," She began amidst mouthfuls of pasta. "I know what's happened this past month or so. I'm really angry with Dagi and Aria right now, but since things are pretty much over, there's little I can do."

She started to wring her hands. "It's the fact that I know what's going on, that makes everything come down so suddenly, you know that kind of feeling?"

Sunset slowly nodded.

"To put it simply, I don't even know where to start picking up the pieces. I know I have to follow some order of actions to turn it not so poopy, but right now, I just don't know what to do." Her delivery was quiet and narrow. She shook her head before letting her gaze fall again.

A knowing smile stretching her lips, Sunset Shimmer placed her hand upon Sonata's.

"With all this pain and anger, you can't see a way out." She chuckled, finding it relieving that she had put things far enough behind to make light of her past mistakes. "I've been there too. But thankfully my friends were there to help stick everything back together, just like I'll be here to do that for you as well," She assured, giving the Siren's hand a firm squeeze.

"I'm not too sure about your available course of action. But there's something I know for sure, Sonata. First things first, you're going back to school."

"I can't go back!" Sonata began to protest, pulling her hand out of Sunset's grasp.

"I know the school's gonna be brimming with people holding grudges and whatnot, but I want you to give this a chance," the ex-demon pleaded. "Canterlot High's the only school around here for miles, there's another school called Crystal Prep in the neighbouring town, but their entrance exams would send most prospective students looking to enroll off in disappointment, it's a prep school for a good reason." She took a moment to run her hand through her red and yellow hair.

Sonata made a hint of a pout before puffing out her cheeks. Sunset had come to find Sonata's cheeks to be adorable. The Siren before her eviction had a little baby fat on her face, her jawline and chin were visible, but her cheeks slightly rounded out in a way that resembled a chipmunk or baby giraffe. Sunset resolved to tease Sonata about storing seeds in her chubby cheeks someday, but for now she still seemed malnourished and sunken, albeit her relatively intact voluptuosity.

"Besiiiides," She continued, "The girls and I would be close by, so you can look for us if something's amiss or blue!"

Sonata crossed a leg over the other and traced her jaw with her thumb as she contemplated, her eyes narrowing.

Sunset tutted. "It'll be fine, Sonata, I'll go to and fro school with you."

"But then everyone's gonna be really mad at me and stuff..."

"If you give it a try Sonata..." Sunset stopped mid-sentence, letting the suspense build up.  "I'll take you to Sugarcube Corner tomorrow."

The effect was, as expected, instant.

"For realsies?!" Sonata jumped at the statement, then leant forward, grinning widely for the first time today.

"Mhm!" Sunset brightly confirmed, her fiery curls shaking as she nodded. "I'll re-introduce you to the girls as well!"

"Oh." Sonata again grasped an elbow. "I-I'm uhh.. Not too ready to er... Meet them yet," She stuttered. "C-can't you just make it the.." A sheepish pleading smile started to show on her lips as her hand sought the back of her head.

"...Can't you just make it the two of us..?" A pink blush fell over her cheeks, and she lowered her gaze to hide behind her fringe.

"Sure thing, tell me when you're feeling up to it and I'll take you to them," Sunset agreed. "So for tomorrow, it'll just be the two of us."

Sonata broke into a small, pleasant smile, one of contentment. Sunset returned the smile and ruffled the Siren's hair. "Finish up, finish up." She urged. "All that venting must've been exhausting. Finish up and you can use my shower before you go to bed, don't spend the night on that lumpy couch again!"

"Yeeeessss moooooommmm," Sonata sarcastically rolled her eyes.

"Can you not," Sunset broke into laughter, only to be joined soon by Sonata.

"Soooooo, I'm taking that you're attending school tomorrow?" Asked Sunset once the laughing subsided.

"Yep!"

"Great, now don't make me have to drag you out of bed again..." 

"You didn't even manage to!" Sonata blew a raspberry.

Sunset's eyes narrowed at the challenge. "Oh, I have other ways to get you out of bed, Sonata..."

A quizzical raised eyebrow. 

"Hmmm? What ways?"

The ex-demon's lips cracked into a devious grin.

"IN WAYS LIKE THIS!" Sunset Shimmer began to ferociously tickle Sonata in her sides and armpits, maintaining the grin as the helpless Siren let out an adorable series of yelping squeals and began to squirm under her assault.





Closing her homework binder, Sunset Shimmer stretched in her chair, covering her mouth as it grew to produce a long, tired yawn. Flicking off the small desk lamp sent her bedroom into pitch black darkness. Checking to see if her hair was dry, she wrung it out a few more times just to make sure before walking over to the bed.

She felt around for the covers, then started to slip into bed when a pair of warm blue arms received her sleepy form, pulling her close. Further inspection told Sunset that Sonata was asleep, so she allowed herself into the Siren's soft warm embrace, taking in the smell of her shampoo as she wriggled into a comfortable position.

Turning over to face the sleeping Sonata, Sunset opted to wrap her own arms around her as well, the sleeping Siren seemed to take notice, as Sunset felt herself being hugged tighter and closer, and returned the gesture. That elicited a faint sighing mmmmm, barely audible, but Sunset swore the sound was there.

Even before her eyes had adjusted to the dark of the room, Sunset could already feel Sonata's contented, silly smile, and took small pride in knowing that she had afforded the Siren such feelings, when just a few hours ago, the angry, pained atmosphere had dominated the apartment.

She was too sleepy to make any more inference of all of this, and neither did she honestly mind the extra person in her bed. Draping an orange-skinned leg over Sonata's hip, Sunset shut her eyes as her housemate, for the second time this evening, snuggled her face into Sunset's shoulder, both former villains enjoying the smooth warmth of each other's embrace.

  
> 5 - Scheming Apple I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Sonata awoke to the shrill beep of Sunset Shimmer's alarm clock, slightly sad that she had to rise from one of the best sleeps she ever had. Remembering Sunset's chiding reminder for her not to oversleep, she triumphantly rolled over, threw off the covers and gave the still-sleeping Sunset a playful slap on the thigh, jolting the ex-demon awake.

"Mrrmmmmppphhhghhhghhh." Sunset made a sound between a grunt and a groan, rubbing her sore thigh and frowning in her sleep.

"Sooo, who's having to drag who outta bed, huh?!" The Siren repaid Sunset for last night, digging her fingers into her sides and armpits, breaking into a series of sleepy giggles when her victim squirmed and ended up rolling off the bed entangled in the blankets.





"I still wish you didn't have to do that," Sunset complained, digging a knuckle into her bruised hip. "The carpet is only so thick." She swiped at the snickering Siren, who deftly side-stepped the clumsy swing, only for her suppressed laughter to be cut short as Sunset wrestled the girl into a headlock, proceeding to noogie Sonata as she squawked her protest.

Sunset couldn't help but break into a smile when she let go, covering her mouth with her hand as Sonata pouted and attempted to sweep her frazzled fringe back into shape, afterwards comically stamping her foot and putting her hands on her hips.

Having alighted the bus before the little scuffle, they now rounded the bend in the sidewalk leading to Canterlot High, the building stood, Sonata remembering the structure just as vividly as the first time she had saw it, but in a much more different light.

Previously having viewed the human educational establishment with not much other than predatory contempt, she hadn't cared much about its inhabitants, any opposition easily swept aside or converted with their song. But now that she was powerless and vulnerable, the school would most likely more be more liberal in bringing about her repercussions. Sonata knew she had it coming, but that did not mean she looked forward to receiving.

An orange hand reached down and squeezed hers, giving her the slightest spark of reassurance.

"Remember I had to go through this too, Sonata." Sunset softly told her. "It sucked and all, but coming out with a lighter heart is worth the experience many times over."

"Besiiiiiides," Sunset added. "Today's Tuesday." Her voice dropping to a whisper, she cupped her hands about the Siren's ear and whispered.

"Taco Tuesday."

Leaning back as Sonata gasped with delight, Sunset chuckled and grabbed the Siren by the wrist, pulling her along as she ran for the school gate.





Having already received a timetable upon her first visit, physically re-adjusting into school was easy, for her classes and free periods for each week were laid out nicely. All she had to do was turn up for her classes when it was time, then decide what to do for lunch and the occasional free period.

But mental and social re-adjustment to Canterlot High as a powerless, villified mortal wasn't so easy.

Realising she shared the day's first two periods of Double Maths with the cowgirl friend Sunset had, she thought, perhaps sitting close to her might provide some protection from the rest of the class. After all, Sunset must've meant all six of her friends had wanted to help her, so she decided to trust her inference.

Nervously taking a seat to Applejack's right, she slowly sat down. The cowgirl took no notice, her signature stetson sat on her head, brim pulled way down low.

Apparently, the clock at the back of the class told her, they were a little early, for a quick look around the room allowed Sonata to spot maybe four other students out of the thirty or so seats laid out. A few of them gave wary looks, but that was all she had received today. Taking the opportunity, she leant towards Applejack.

"Hey!"

No reply. The way she sat told Sonata the cowgirl was snoozing, judging by how her chest slowly rose and fell. No wonder she didn't react when I sat down so close to her.

She waved her hand in front of Applejack's face, then remembered sleeping people had their eyes closed.

She tapped the farm girl's shoulder, then clamped a hand on it when her taps did not stir the dozing blonde.

If one woke up and the first thing they saw was someone who had previously threatened them on a world-destroying magical scale, it was completely understandable that the following ensued.

"Wh-wha-wha!" Applejack flailed around before tumbling out of her seat, the floor and crashing of furniture serving to re-iterate for the umpteenth time to her the perils of leaning back in the chair so that it balanced on its two back legs.

"Oh hey!" Sonata enthusiastically bent to face Applejack. "You're awake!"

"Way-ell thank ya very much." The frown Sonata got told her she wasn't really conveying gratitude.

"So..." Pressing her index fingertips together, she rummaged her brain for conversation material.

"So help me out here, will ya?" Applejack deadpanned. "Ah didn't know takin' out that gem took out somethin' else from up here too." She tapped the side of her head.

"No!" It was her turn to frown. "I didn't feel anything missing. What did you need help with though?" She blinked twice, eyes wide open. If she wanted to make peace with the students here, it would make sense to start with Sunset's friends, for she could simply bring up the affiliation to their rhythm guitarist if needed.

"Maybe there was nothin' up there ta begin with, airhead!" Applejack facepalmed. Getting to her feet, she gathered up her scattered stationery and resumed her previous position before realising something was off and turning back to the Siren.

"So whatcha comin' back for? We didn't see the three of y'all for some time." She pushed up the brim of her stetson to drawl.

By the time Sonata had finished her story plus personal insights, Applejack had one calloused hand on the Siren's shoulder.

"Fret none, sugarcube," the cowgirl had realized the after-effects of their magical blast. Ironic as it was, she did not expect a ball of magic powered purely by the power of Friendship would cause someone to be driven into such a lonely and painful predicament. Squeezing Sonata's shoulder, she shook her head. "We didn't expect somethin' as terrible as that tah happen, and Ah'm givin' ya mah' apology."

Sonata somberly nodded. "Eh, I'm sorta stable now, so things aren't that poopy now."

"Ya sure Sunset took yer in and not some sympathetic soul out on yer street?"

Another nod, her ponytail bouncing.

"Alriiight then. Scoot on over tah any one of us when ya feelin' blue." Turning away from her new ex-Siren friend, she attempted to rationalise in her head Sunset's qualms about telling the girls herself. Surely she'd tell them something as big as bringing one of the Dazzlings back to school?

Whipping out her mobile phone, Applejack began to text the rest of the girls, sans Sunset.





"P.S. Do NOT ask Sunset along, it's something concerning her." Read the text on Rainbow Dash's phone. The athlete previously sat sprawled now tensed up and frowned at her screen under the desk.

Rainbow's arm shot out to poke Pinkie in the sides, causing the party girl to drop the handful of sweets she was holding.

"You could've just asked if you wanted to tickle," Pinkie turned to wink.

"Not now Pinkie, look!"

"Sooooo later?"

"Ugh, no! Look what Applejack sent me! She wants to see us, but not Sunset." Rainbow turned the phone so that it faced Pinkie. The drummer tilted her head, patted herself in various places before rummaging in her hair to pull out her own pink mobile.

"I got the same thing too!" Pinkie exclaimed, shoving her phone in Rainbow's face.

Their annoyed teacher rapped a fist on the whiteboard, causing Pinkie to throw her phone back into her hair and swivel back to face the front of the classroom.

"Why doesn't AJ want Sunset coming?" Rainbow whispered.

"I don't know!" Pinkie's voice dropped to a whisper as well.

"Sooo, tickles later?"

"Ughhh!" Rainbow hid her face in her hands. "No!"

"Just your sides and armpits this time!"

Blushing furiously, the athlete leant forth to slap her drummer across the head, again making Pinkie turn with an expression that definitely did not spell "kid-friendly".

"...So you've taken a liking to the rougher road, hmm?"

Rainbow pursed her lips and cupped Pinkie's cheek to turn her head back towards the front of the class.
> 6 - Scheming Apple II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Break rolled around after her two periods with Applejack. Heading out for her locker, she kept her head down, the wall to her left, and the farm girl striding to her right. A prickly hot feeling came on the back of her neck and cheeks as she heard students in the school comment and stare. That was as bad as things got, for she had the protection of a fairly burly cowgirl shielding her. Although Applejack wasn't exactly bulging with muscle, her shoulders and wrists were thicker than most her gender, and one could hear the strength in her heavily-accented voice before they even saw her sturdier frame.

Another pair of periods though, before Canterlot High paused its daily curriculum for Lunch. Sonata squeezed her eyes shut as the image of several steaming tacos, dripping with sauce and stacked upon each other on a plate materialised. The snacks the school sold only served to alleviate so much of her hunger. She could smell the tacos, the scent wafting into her nostrils to give her a heady, almost giddy sensation. To finally feel and taste even so much as a bite would be heavenly.

Buuuuuut Home Econs and English first.

"Uuuuuuuuuugggghhhhghghghh."

"Brighten up, sugarcube," Applejack laughed heartily at the groan. "Things'll blow over sooner than ya reckon. The name's Applejack, again. See yer!" . Giving the Siren another solid pat of the back, the country bumpkin bassist disappeared into another classroom.





Fluttershy and Rarity made their way down the corridors, Rarity showing Fluttershy her phone screen.

"Look here, Fluttershy." She began, "All of us, excluding Sunset Shimmer, has a text from darling Applejack here." Fiddling with her phone, she scrolled down a .pdf formatted name list, poking her little finger at a particular name. "Sonata Dusk. That's one of the Dazzlings Applejack says that Sunset Shimmer brought back here."

Retracting and pocketing the device, she continued.

"Darling Applejack says here so far that the Dazzling has been rather.. Amicable so far. We share Home Economics with her, so we'll take kindly to her presence there."

Looking up from where Rarity's phone was, Fluttershy hummed as she pondered. Shaking her head and frowning, she turned to the fashionista.

"So what do we do?"

"Beats me, darling. We'll all know when we hit the barn after school."





Home Econs was shared with the really white and pale Rainboom with the curled shiny purple hair and the sort of skinny pink-haired one in a sleeveless top she always saw handing out flyers at the Canterlot Stallion statue outside of the school building, her shy efforts often in vain despite her increased popularity the band had gained off of Sonata herself and the Dazzlings.

The white pale one dressed simply, but Sonata had seen enough to know each item her outfit was carefully considered and chosen. The way she spoke to her shier friend told Sonata she could also give a good tongue-lashing if she were to get cross.

"Hey, isn't that one of those Dazzling girls?" A hushed whisper sounded from her left.

"Looks to be.." Her companion agreed.

"I don't know," A male voice joined in. "I'd gladly be seduced by any of them again though, especially the one with the big hair."

"Oh shut up, Lightning!" The first two voices groaned in unison.

"Fluttershy, there's the Siren that Sunset brought to school!" The pale one ducked towards Fluttershy with a dramatic whisper that Sonata heard. She didn't see Applejack speak to any of them. Clearing her throat, she walked up to the pair, not sure of what to expect from two other Rainbooms, given her rather decent luck with Applejack.

Birds of the same feather tend to flock together, Sonata thought to herself. Maybe they'll be as friendly as Applejack was after we talked!

She cleared her throat again.

"Hi!" She brightly began and flashed her best adorable smile, the subtly-sweet one with her eyes closed. It was true she did not possess the pure sexual appeal Adagio practically oozed, nor the stand-offish dark demeanour of Aria, but she knew her strengths. She couldn't smooth-talk or threaten others, but she could charm them with a signature adorable naivety her sisters never possessed.

"You're Fluttershy!" She pointed at the shy one, receiving a small smile and a series of soft nods in return. Pointing at the purple-haired Rainboom, she withdrew her finger, racking her brains to recall if she even knew the keytarist's name.

"Y-youre... T-that... Sorta prissy and vai-no, Uhhh sorta prissy and ah..."

Stifling a giggle and putting a hand over her mouth, Fluttershy spoke-whispered a "Rarity".

"Whatever are you giggling at, Fluttershy..?" Rarity frowned and harshly whispered. Her eyes widening, she grandly stood and placed a hand over her chest.

"Because this Siren called me "prissy," hmm?" Doing a twirl that ended with a flourish, she adjusted her purple curls with a finger.

"I am not prissy, Siren!" She loudly announced, turning her nose up at Sonata and poking a finger at her chest. Withdrawing her manicured hand, she extended her fingers to examine her undoubtedly fabulously flawless nail job.

"I'm not prissy," She repeated. "I, am cultured."

Pinkie Pie popped from behind the doorway. "And that's why you have-"

"No, Pinkie Pie, no."

"Suit yourself, Rarity," The party girl rolled her eyes, a milkshake in hand. Her voice dropping to a husky whisper, she put on a stern face before raising a finger in a reprimanding manner. "You're just hiding the truth!" With that, she disappeared in a pink blur, vanishing as fast as she had appeared.

"What truth?" Both Sonata and Fluttershy had an eyebrow raised, Sonata's head tilted slightly.

"Never you mind." Picking up her needle and thread just as their teacher strode in, she turned to ask Sonata.

"Can you sew?" Visibly perking up when the Siren nodded, She flourished a needle in one hand, a piece of fabric in the other.

"Then you shall find this class a breeze. Sewing isn't a forte of many, darling." Sonata finished blinking to see Rarity's fabric piece already embroidered with a punnet of magenta thread roses.

"I hope she bends over." The male voice said.





"I won't be joining you girls for lunch, Pinkie." An apologetic Sunset hurried off with a hasty wave.

Applejack turned to the girls. "Eeyup, Somethin's up with our Sunny to- HEY!" Her voice muffled by her hat, she clumsily re-adjusted her stetson to see her brother walking by whilst shooting her a glare.

"Only AH' can say that," He paused in his stride to fully face Applejack, altered his voice pitch up a few octaves, and let out a "Sugarcube!" Before continuing on his way.

Wheeling back to face her laughing friends, she put her hands on her hips as her own sheepish smile stretched across her own lips.

"Remember, gals, straight after school." She managed, her voice on the verge on joining her own friends.





Sunset had instructed Sonata, during the bus ride to school, to meet up at the football field during lunch. While the cafeteria was usually brimming with students, very few thought to have a seat in the bleachers there, so it gave her a place to be at, away from the rest of the school body. And there she was, drumming her fingers on her blue knees as her feet tapped to a rhythm as she anticipated the arrival of a particular fiery-haired girl.

"Here, Nata!"

Sonata felt a warm paper bag drop on her lap. Spreading the mouth of the bag open, she gasped happily as the smell immediately hit her.

Sunset's knees buckled again as the Siren gingerly put the bag down on the bleachers, then clumsily jumped into another hug.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" The Siren buried her face within the folds of Sunset's exposed magenta shirt she wore underneath her trademark jacket, taking comfort in her friend's warm yet firm abdomen as she relished the sound of Sunset's bright giggle.

"Thank you soooooo much!" The Siren grinned. "Y'know, Sunset, Y'see it was Taco Tuesday, and I was reeeeaaaaally looking forward to go grab some tacos during lunch, but then I remembered everyone has the same lunchtime, and I'd have to face EVERYONE if I were to go queue for them tacos, but if I didn't queue, I'd have no tacos! But thankfully you came around with this huuuuuge bag of tacos for us and NOW I CAN HAVE TACO TUESDAY TOO LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!"

Pulling away from Sunset, she realised she now had the pinned ex-demoness between her thighs. She felt the cuddly warmth and firm curve of Sunset's hips against them.

To the Siren's great surprise, Sunset Shimmer simply giggled and pulled Sonata down into another tight hug, the overly acceptive reaction to their little accident shocking Sonata rather than lift her spirits.

"That's good to hear, Sonata." Sonata could hear the smile in her voice. "Now, would you let us get into a more comfortable position to start lunch?"

"Whoops. Yeah."
> 7 - Into Each Life, Some Rain Must Fall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  "We should at least tell her, if she's intending to reform Sonata, I haven't a problem with that."

"Yeah, but we're her closest friends! There's GOT to be something wrong if she isn't telling us first!"

"She might've been lied to too, the Dazzlings sending Sonata to infiltrate-"

"Alright, y'all." Applejack rapped her fist on the table she had shifted into the barn. The Rainbooms, excluding Sunset Shimmer, were gathered around said table. Clearing her throat, she bent over the table and spoke, occasionally shifting her gaze from one Rainboom to the other to ensure attention was paid.

"We know she ain't tellin' us nothin' bout her current plans an' all, but that don't mean she got magicked or tricked or whatever'ed by them Dazzlings. It's true that's possible, but what're the chances? Those Dazzlings have no more magic in them, nor is Sunset that many apples short of a bushel to trust so easily. Ah suggest we all go up front tomorrow to ask her about it instead of comin' up with crazy ideas as to what that Dazzling may have dear Sunny under."

"...So you're saying we just walk up to her and ask her about it? Sounds rather direct to me." Rainbow Dash enquired as she noodled on an acoustic guitar Applejack kept in the barn, while the acoustic did not allow for flashy playing, a series of strummed chords courtesy of Rainbow filled the barn as they spoke, keeping the discussion relaxed yet lively instead of tense, as such matters tended to feel.

"Yup, instead of goin' on all skullduggery bout' this, we'll just go up an' settle it, simple. Yer plan of spyin' through Sunset's window just don't work, sugarcube."





"Do you think we should at least give her a call or something?" A comb swept the bouffant yellowish-orange fringe back, its owner using a free hand to slap on foundation, her reflection in the mirror she used slightly blurred by cigarette smoke from the ashtray on the polished mahogany surface of the vanity table.

"It's been two damn weeks, Adagio." Her bitter-faced companion cocked a purple eyebrow. "Her mobile's guaranteed dead. Not like she remembers to charge it despite our reminders. Besides," The purple-skinned girl removed her cigarette from the ashtray to take a drag. "Didn't you want her gone? Why ask about her now?"

Adagio sighed. "Look, Aria. What I've said that day was in a fit of anger. You know how we felt after the Battle, and you'll do well to admit we weren't in full control of ourselves back that night. I never wanted Sonata gone, it was just that I was so afraid-"

"Afraid?" Aria repeated, folding her arms, a smug grin stretching her lips. "Afraid? Huh - Well, I never thought you'd admit that, of all people. I still think she's a burden though."

"I can see why you think that." Adagio slowly began, then moved her chair beside her remaining sister. "I thought that way, and maybe I still do."

"Then why have her back? I see no point or purpose. We're doing decently well now, Adagio, you know that we don't need her."

"Do you remember that we blamed her for our loss?" Adagio asked.

"Umm, yes?"

"And we practically pointed to her as the cause for all our misfortunes?" Adagio continued.

Now Aria was shifting uneasily in her seat. "We both did... But-"

"..-And we both know it, sister." Adagio gently finished for her. "We've all lost our magic, our powers. We're now only Sirens in name, Aria. The only thing that has always linked us back to Equestria is now gone." Brushing her fringe out of her face again, she tilted her head, a small, wry crooked smile on her full orange lips.

"You, me, and Sonata. We were born siblings, associated to each other by blood. Now that the largest part of us that reminded us of home has been destroyed, don't you think all the more we should stick by each other? We only have each other now, no more powers, no more voices. It's obvious you're still hurting, injured over the battle, I can say everyone still is."

Aria kept silent, giving no reply. But she did give a small nod, motioning Adagio to continue.

"It was easy to see that Sonata was distraught over the Battle too," She applied lipstick, bright red, and blew a kiss into the mirror, as she always had done for as long as they used to sing, now, however, the act was not one of confidence and anticipation,  instead, it felt heart-wrenchingly bittersweet. Like a reminder of times long gone.

"Yeah," watching as Adagio posed in the mirror, another vain habit of hers, Aria raised a palm in rebuttal. "But like you said yourself, all three of us felt the same then. It could've took her a little bit of self-restraint not to push us over the edge."

"Into each life some rain must fall, Ria." Adagio's voice cracked, but she held. "But that doesn't give us reason to vent it all so aggressively on someone, let alone throw her out and leave her wandering the dark, cold streets. We only moved here a month ago, imagine Sonata trying to find her way around for the past fortnight or so. Besides," Her eyes grew guilty, her sad smile following, she chuckled. "I don't really remember her getting herself thrown out, aside for that nickname."

"I understand." That was all the purple Siren said, though Adagio knew to detect the slight hint of regret present.

Taking in a slow breath as she touched up on her eye-shadow, she decided to conclude before the announcer came backstage.

"We're going to get her back, Aria. I don't know about you, sis, but I'd really want all three of us to stick together after all of this. For Sombra's sake, don't pick on her too much then."

"Ugh, I guess I have been hard on her, huh."

"That's putting it mildly, Ria." Her Siren sister playfully chided.

"Okay, whatever. Maybe I HAVE been too hard on her."

"That's more like it, good girl, Ria Blazey!"

"Oh, shut up, you."

"After tonight, we'll take some leave from this bar to look for Sonata." Adagio now turned contemplative. "We have a good chunk of money from all these years, so we should tide by for a good bit." Convinced that Aria had heard, judging from her surly nod, Adagio got up to answer a knock from the door. Moments later, the door opened to reveal a squat mustachioed man in a suit and tie.

"I'll take it that you both are ready?" The man asked with raised, well-cut brows, clasping his hands together.

"Yes, sir, all done."

"Alright then! Tonight's a little less crowded, so you two could play out the more uh.. Mellow stuff?"

The sisters looked at each other, and nodded. "No swingin' jazz tonight, huh?" Aria piped up.

"That's right, something a little slower would be perfect."

"Sure thing, sir."

"All the best, ladies!" The man smiled before taking both their hands in his. When they emerged from backstage, soft, polite applause pattered through the old bar. Built in the 1920s, the bar had stood the test of time, the big bands and jazz ensembles that had played there enduring every music fad that had threatened to throw them into obsolence.

Both sisters smiled and bowed before moving into position. Adagio at the piano, and Aria stood to her near back, violin tuned and bow rosined and poised. The hot spotlight swung into position, capturing both Sirens in its gaudy, bright glow.

"We won't be back for some time, Ria." Whispered Adagio, facing the piano to thump a few notes. "Let us put our decades of playing experience into this as best as we can this night." With that, she turned and flashed a smile.

Aria subtly nodded, her own smile as guilty as her sister's. As the pair usually improvised their music, Aria resolved to dedicate the night's performance to Sonata, a performance in apology for her mistreatment and abuse. Although they both had shown disapproval and only insulted Sonata's actions, the three sisters shared a familial love deep down, despite the constant squabbling and infighting.

Adagio began the piece, her experience seeing her hands flutter and flit over the yellowed old ivory keys. Such was the skill with which she played, that she allowed her mind to wander just as the pulling of Aria's violin cut through her mix.

She hoped, she hoped that Sonata would be easy to find, or at least in a good enough physical and mental state. Her smile slowly fading unnoticed to the audience members, her heart began to fill with worry over their youngest and most naive sister.
> 8 - Recalling To Realise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  "Hi, are you the girls I'm supposed to show around?"

"We are." Answered Adagio, who stood between her and Aria.

"Canterlot High is a great school. You're really gonna love it." The girl who was to give them a tour of the school turned on her heel and strode down the halls, glancing left and right, perhaps looking for features to point out and introduce.

"Oh, yes. We really sense there's something... Magical about this place."

There's something magical about you too, she mused, eyes practically glued on her guide's hips. They seemed to sway with every step, although it was obvious this was not done on purpose. Gaze upward-panning, her eyes drifted up from her orange skirt and rested on the dull gleam of the girl's leather jacket, her shoulders draped with red-yellow hair that gave her an almost fiery look.

"Shoot!" She almost tore her gaze away too late when their guide turned to talk to them about the science labs, the entire group never breaking stride;' the whole time. When she sneaked another look from behind her fringe, she was surprised to find that, despite the black-biker leather and fiery hair, her facial features were soft. Her wide and expressive bright-aqua eyes enthusiastically darted from one Dazzling to the other. They briefly made eye-contact, and the figurative contact sent a jolting spark down her spine, reverberating to quicken her heartbeat, the sensation the first in many centuries.

The girl made her want to bend the school's will with their song even more. To have her under their spell had become the main source of motivation regarding the now increasingly mundane task absorbing the school's energy.





Wrapping up the flashback, never would she have expected to be right now, walking beside that very same girl, the pair idly strolling down the slightly crumbled sidewalk, the early evening sun painting the sky an almost-pastel dark pink, and yet drenching the town in a warm, intimate yet powerful yellow.

Turning, Sonata saw that Sunset Shimmer had her hair swept over one shoulder, its shadow cast across one side of her face and highlighting her facial features.

"Sunset?" The Siren had nothing to say to her now-close friend, but was curiously compelled to call out her name anyway. Sunset turned with a soft "hmm?" that sent the same sensation she had still not gotten used to. Ever since she crashed with Sunset in her apartment that night, that sensation incessantly threatened her undoing. She had always managed to prevent it from growing into a blush, but there were a few occasions she had to hide the unfortunate face-reddening, a very obvious thing to notice when one had pale blue skin.

She wasn't the total airhead many thought of her too. Her experience told her to play the awkwardness. Mischievously reaching out, she playfully ruffled her companion's hair, letting out a soft giggle as Sunset yelped in surprise and annoyance.

"Eeep!" She ducked as Sunset made for a grab, as her giggle exploded into laughter, she casually swatted at Sunset from behind-

-and gasped when her poorly-aimed back of the hand swung low to meet Sunset's bum, eliciting a small 'smack' and a shocked squeal from her accidental butt-swat victim.

"Ah!"

Sunset promptly straightened up and tensed, her facial expression one of great astonishment, with a hint of embarassment. Sonata stared at Sunset, pretty much shocked herself. She had not intended for things to go there yet.

"I didn't mean it, Sunset!" Sonata began, wringing her hands in clear distress and looking down as another embarassing blush began to heat its way across her cheeks. "I just-"

"Did you just..." A grin stretched across her lips to reveal her teeth. "Oh, you!" Sunset's eyebrows arced down in mischief as she swiftly worked her way behind Sonata to draw back her hand to give the Siren a much harder smack, her grin threatening to split her lips as Sonata issued her own squeal.

Sunset met Sonata's pout with her own smug gaze and folded arms. "If you didn't want your bum slapped, maybe you shouldn't have did so to me in the first place!"

Relieved that she didn't manage to come off as creepy or perverse, Sonata was only too happy to banter back.

"Well, if you didn't want YOUR bum slapped, maybe you shouldn't have stuck it out so far in the first place!"

"Jeez!" Sunset placed her hands on her hips in mock exasperation. "I took you to Sugarcube Corner, Nata. And all I get is my poor butt slapped and to make things worse, you complain that is sticks out?" She shook her head, her red-yellow curls gently following her head movement. "I'm not so sure if I want to take you there anymore now." She added sternly.

Immediately her tenant Siren began to quiver her lower lip and open her eyes wide.

"Don't give me that face, Sonata, it won't work on me."

"I'M SORRY SUNSET!" Sonata began to bawl. "I WANNA GO BACK TO SUGARCUBE CORNER!"

The sudden change in mood caused Sunset's expression to soften.

"H-hey!" Half-amused and half-appalled, she held Sonata's face between her palms and nervously blurted. "I-I was only kidding!"

Between sobs, the Siren softly croaked a wet-sounding "For Realzies?"

"Honest!"

She began to relax. "B-b-but you made it look s-so real!"





Other than at slumber parties, all of which she attended were at Pinkie's, Sunset had never wore her pajamas, instead opting for a simple tee-shirt and sports shorts. Sonata apparently didn't mind, as she wore her borrowed clothes without complaint. Either that or she was still uncomfortable sharing the apartment. That wouldn't have fully explained their first night though.

Maybe she does that in her sleep, like, involuntary cuddling. Sunset attempted to conclude, then quietly had a small laugh at the thought of Sonata's surly sisters grumbling if they were to share a bed. Sleeping alone was Sunset's norm, but she couldn't deny she slept really well that night, having a warm, smooth body to snuggle up to.

Rubbing her hair with her towel, she had chosen to complete her homework first before showering for the night, the smell of her soap and shampoo comforting her and lulling her into drowsiness.

Climbing into bed, the same thing happened as the first night - Sonata's seemingly-sleeping form received her again, gently pulling her into the covers. Sunset felt a soft yet firm thigh drape across her hip again, only this time the thigh slid its way up and down her torso several times, causing an involuntary blush in the ex-demoness. She slowly started to close her eyes, when her own gasp interrupted the process as she felt her bed-mate's face bury itself in her recently-washed hair. She felt Sonata take a long sniff.

"Mmmmm..." She heard Sonata purr, her voice low and sleepy. "You smell so good, Sunny...."

Sunset couldn't care less about waking the Siren. Simply following her instincts, she flipped so that she was facing Sonata, and pulled the bundle of smooth warmth towards herself, slipping her arms around Sonata's torso and snuggling her own head into the crook of her bed-mate's neck once again.

Blushing again as Sonata let out a contented sigh in her sleep, Sunset couldn't help but smile in the darkness of the room they shared, and Sunset would find herself hoping that they would share it for a long time to come, for nights like this simply brought about the best damn sleeps.
> 9 - Fast Crossing Borders
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Such was the bliss of a night's sleep in someone's embrace that the pair had actually gotten up about an hour early. Realising neither girl could fall back asleep, the pair decided upon heading to school early. Besides, both had never seen how the school was like this early. Sunset figured the school would be quiet, but not eerie. The school's well-kempt gardens and bright architecture would give a certain airy persona to its morning vibe.

Sunset twiddled her thumbs, gathering her thoughts before popping the question.

I know I shouldn't be doing stuff like this.One side of her mind silently chided. Stuff like... Throwing ourselves all over each other, its been two times since I took her in! She turned to look at Sonata, her gaze coincidentally hitting the walking Siren at what she would call a "good" angle. She wore a simple skirt that ended halfway at the thigh, and one of Sunset's many jackets, this one of denim. The skirt would've fit comfortably Sunset any day, but Sonata had wider, yet toned hips, the strained fabric proving testament to that observation. The pale pink skirt highlighting her rounded, full hips while tapering further down at her smoothly shaped pale blue thighs. Sunset wanted to keep staring, but common sense made her stop and look at her own feet. A small, now suppressed part of herself wished to grab Sonata's hips, just to see what sort of expression she would have in reaction.

The ex-demoness's heart sank as she reflected on how fast her mental self-chiding had admittedly, rather funnily turned into her ogling her housemate's hips. Resolving to rack her brains for the truth once she had some time alone, she squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to clear her head.

Sonata was pretty much in the same state, absent-mindedly smoothing out her ponytail as they walked down the path to school. She knew something was amiss.





"Yes, this is Rainbow Dash, speaking on behalf of the Rainbooms' business inquiry."

The athlete leant into her seat and set her feet up on the study table, corded phone clamped between her shoulder and cheek. After a moment of pause, she withdrew her feet and sat straight up.

"I know you! Y-You're that Dazzling leader!" She snarled into the receiver. "What do you want from us, another ass-whooping?!"

"Literally? I'm sure a sportswoman like you would go pretty hard on me. Perhaps, Rainbow Dash, I might even like it."

Wincing at the sheer amount of sexual passion practically dripping from the phone, Rainbow Dash swallowed and attempted to re-assert herself, albeit with limited success.

"C-Cut it out!" She blurted. "What do you want?"

She heard the Dazzling chuckle, clear her throat, and to the star player's surprise, she heard Adagio sigh deeply before speaking again.

"Have you seen our little sister?" She heard Adagio ask. "Sonata, the blue-haired, goofy one."

"I haven't." Rainbow replied. "Missing a piece of your singing triplet, huh?" A smug smirk playing across her lips, she decided - one small cut at their battered pride wouldn't hurt. After all, they did attempt to turn the school into mindless adoring slaves. That tended to lower just about anybody's opinion of the Dazzlings drastically.

"Why?" She pushed. "Do those pathetic shards of your shattered voices still work? You gals wanna glue em' back together and hit the road again?" A derisive laugh escaped her insides. "Sure, we'll arrange for a re-match sometime soon, once we have time for your sorry otherworldly asses."

Silence.

"Look here, Rainboom. We've no powers, no magic any more, neither do we want to ever butt heads again. No purpose in chasing a beaten enemy." Curtly pursing her lips, she sighed again, and continued. "We aren't looking for a fight, Dash. We're just looking for our sister." Adagio was losing her head for patience. "I'll ask again - have you seen or heard from Sonata? She... Left home straight after the battle, and we haven't been able to find her since."

The simple honest straightforward-ness with with the lead Siren answered compelled the surprised Rainboom to clear her own throat.

"Ummmm. Yes, we've seen her. Not me, but the rest."

On the other end of the line, Adagio coiled her finger around the phone cord. "That's comforting to know, thank you, but is that all you know?" 

"I do know more," Rainbow carefully answered, not sure of how to proceed. She did not want to cause her friends trouble. Although the rainbow-haired rocker wasn't what people would call "book-smart", she was mature and quick-thinking enough to know the Dazzling was earnest in her request, and given the events lately, calling the Siren's plea for help a trap wouldn't be justified. Regretting her previous spite, she decided to help - but she needed a little more help herself.

Whatever, She mentally shrugged. The rest of her friends wouldn't be delighted to be roped into this, she recalled them expressing a desire to help show the Dazzlings how the Magical essence of Friendship worked. Glancing up, the clock told her it was time for school. Dismissing the thought as to why the Dazzlings would call this early, she decided to wrap things up.

"Uh.. Could'ya leave me your number? I gotta head to school to discuss this with those who've met her, then get back to you."





A particularly powerful morning breeze ripped through the calm Canterlot air, sweeping up the dry leaves in its gentle tempest. The pair sat on a bench outside the school, Sunset listening as Sonata chattered about how lonely she felt in school when re-enrolled.

"Look, Sonata." Sunset cupped her pale blue cheeks with both hands, causing the Siren to make an involuntary fish face. "I'll see you at lunch again, I promise. 

"Sunset," Sonata turned back around, her gaze strangely curious yet confused. "You... Y'know, uhh.."

"Are you going to ask me why we sleep like... That sometimes?"

The Siren felt heat rush to her face, but held her ground, letting out a normal-sounding, enthusiastic "Yup!"

She expected the question, but never thought of the answer through. She twiddled her thumbs before balling up her hands into fists. Taking in a deep breath, she swept her fiery red and yellow hair from her face.

"You know, Sonata, every time I climb into bed after you, you sorta pull me in."

The aforementioned blinked twice. "I sorta had an idea I do that, but never really was clear it happened here." She dared not release her bottled up giggle. While the pair were pretty liberal with each other in such a short span of time, Sonata was never confident in going ahead with assumptions. She instead chose to give a small smile.

"I know you hug back though," Sonata began. "Any explanations?"

"Well, it's just that- ugh!" Sunset didn't bother to hide her own blush. She knew that if she lied or gave a different reason, the nights she had enjoyed would most definitely feel different, and not in a good way.

"It's just that when I'm being pulled into bed, you're so warm and firm and soft, and I just feel like putting my arms around you. Like y'know, snuggle up and stuff. I sorta really like it." This was her real reason, straight from her heart. But without adding anything to substantiate, she  knew the reasoning she provided had a possibility of being seen as some dismissive reason she gave to get things done with. Digging deeper into her heart, she enlightened herself by speaking straight from there.

"I cuddle up to you, because it's really comforting." It had been less than a week since Sonata came to join her, hardly enough time to make an educated conclusion, but from what she learnt about herself in their time together, she was undeniably attracted to the Siren.

"I just feel that you're sort of someone I want to sit down and talk and bond with. Like, get real close, then have fun together, but be there for each other when things pop up."

"You're saying you like me?"

Sunset nearly choked on her saliva.  "Yea-n-no!" Her previous blush now felt as if it had burst, releasing white-hot heat into the insides of her cheeks and forehead.

"So which is it, Sunny?" Sonata had now a playful smile on her full lips, her eyes locked with Sunset's.

Sighing deeply, the latter sighed.

"Yes, I do. I didn't really think much of you during the Battle, or when I showed you girls around. But ever since you joined me in my apartment, I've sorta always felt that I wanted to be something more than friends or housemates, and I guess I didn't mind the two cuddle-incidents because I wanted to feel as if we two were that "something more", but now since you asked, yeah. Here you go."

She didn't stop there.

"Maybe you feel a little something as well, do you?" She dared to ask. "You didn't seem to mind then, or last night. I know we're taking things a little too fast here, bu-"

She didn't finish her sentence, for the Siren had pulled her head in.

She gasped as Sonata planted her lips on to hers. It wasn't a long kiss, nor was it small in comparison. She couldn't resist but exhale sharply after their lips pressed and parted, her heart feeling as if it had been dropped and flung upwards back into position again, beating with an intensity and speed she hadn't even felt during her time with Flash. Her cheeks burning, she felt another sensation grow, a tingling down there as the Siren continued her assault, tracing smaller, more brief kisses all the way down her neck. Sunset could only arch her back and let her head fall backwards, all the while letting a deep moan escape through her closed lips as her hair cascaded down over her back. Recovering enough to bite her lip and wink back at the grinning Siren, she pushed Sonata flat on her back onto the bench and straddled her captive, leaning down for another kiss, this time her heart melting, her eyes sliding closed in pure bliss as she felt a pair of arms snake past her sides to connect at the small of her back in a loose embrace.
> 10 - You Might Just Take Home Someone Else
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  "So, what was it y'all wanted to see us for again?"

"Adagio and I want Sonata back." Came the flat reply from Aria. While she needed the help, she wasn't one to throw her dignity out just for that by asking pleadingly. Her bouffant-maned sister leant back in her seat at the far edge of the table, stretching out her open palm-back to examine her nails.

Rarity nodded, recalling their discussion earlier in school. "Ah, yes." She mused, pinching her chin with her own manicured fingers. "We've seen her around our school, and from what we've gathered, she's staying with Sunset Shimmer for the time being." She looked on as Adagio nodded. She made eye contact with the Siren, receiving an eyebrow raise in return.

"Anything else? We can't have come down just to know that she's under someone else's care."

"We understand you two want to find out as much as you can," Clearing her throat, a fist to her lips, she placed her free hand on Adagio's, causing the latter to pull back in surprise. Her eyes met Adagio's, the Siren's raspberry-coloured eyes reflecting a curious wariness.

Clearly these two haven't warmed up yet, my misjudgment.

"P-perhaps we all could get to know you two a little better?" Rarity awkwardly tried, then immediately brightened up.

"A-ha!" She pointed at Adagio's hand. "That nail polish! I believe it's one of Sassy Saddle's series, am I right?"

Adagio's sullen lips immediately broke into an amused grin as she slowly nodded.

The fashionista leant back in triumph. "Only she releases this shade of ruby."

The small exchange was thankfully joined by Fluttershy. She leant forward, grabbing Adagio's hand in hers to see. "Really? I thought Suri had a similar one."

"Yeah, but it was a limited edition," Aria butted in. "The last of it went like... Late last year? Keep up with the times."

"Umm.. I'll try."

"Nice observation though, what was it- Rarity? I must say I am impressed." Adagio nodded in Rarity's direction, receiving an enthusiastic smile in return. Her deep, ancient raspberry eyes locked with the brilliant glinting sapphires that made up Rarity's.

A knuckle knocked rather loudly upon the table surface.

"Ah' appreciate all this icebreakin' an' stuff, y'all." The least fashion-inclined member of the gathering raised her eyebrow. "But don'cha think it's high time we all do somethin', anythin', y'all get?"





"You even got her number, Adagio!" A confused yet rather unhappy Aria chided. "What were you thinking?!"

Adagio rolled her eyes, a small smile playing across her lips. "Oh, shush Aria. It isn't often you find people who can recognise nail polish and their manufacturers." Tapping off a text on her mobile she hit send, looking up only to find Aria looking, a smirk plastered on her usually surly face.

"Was it... Her?"

"No, ugh! Yes! Besides, we'll need to keep in contact with them, won't we?"

"But contacting her so soon? Yeah, sure." The purple Dazzling twirled a lock of her highlight-streaked hair, delivering her reply amidst chuckles. "She'd love a call from you."

"Uuugh!"

"Careful now, Dagi." Aria was full into her laughing fit, amused. It was a rarity to see the Dazzling lead singer in such a frazzle. She smirked again at her sister, adding a cheeky wink for effect.

"You know all this looking for Sonata? Well, you might just take someone else home."





"...Then I ask her for a spare pen, cos' I sorta lost mine, and she just borrows it to me! I mean no one's ever borrowed me anything, not even BEFORE the Battle!"

She laughed at the naive happiness her Siren housemate and partner radiated from her once-corrupt form, now pure and joyful. Wrapping her arms around Sonata's hips, she laced her fingers behind and pulled her into a tight embrace, the Dazzling's smile so wide her eyes scrunched shut in bliss and delight. Sunset felt the breath from her resulting laughter hot on cheek, as a pair of frost-blue lips pressed themselves against said cheek for a quick peck before the warmth and weight of Sonata's head rested on her chest.

Cradling Sonata's head in one arm and running the other hand across her light-and-dark blue streaked hair, she pushed off of the girl to gaze deep in her magenta eyes, the orbs bright in the strong afternoon sun.

"Let's go, Nata, I'm dead beat." She took the Siren's hand in hers. "I'd give anything for a nap right now."





A small whine escaped Sonata's lips as her fiery-haired housemate pushed her onto the bed.

"I thought you wanted a nap!" She decided to comment.

"Oh." Sunset brushed a lock of hair from her face, her bedroom eyes and slightly puckered lips visible despite drawn curtains. "Would you rather I take a nap now?"

Her blush cheekily spread from her heart into her pale blue cheeks. "No."

She broke into her signature high-pitched giggle as the Rainboom kicked off her skirt pounced into a straddle, her body comfortably pinned between Sunset's smooth orange thighs. She let escape a gasp, the thin inhale turning into an involuntary moan as her lover placed a finger on her lips and leant into her, pressing their breasts together.

"You sure don't space things far apart, Sunny," She huskily whispered. "I like it."

Stripping her lover of her leather jacket, she tossed it aside, withdrawing her arms before letting them snake out again to wrap around Sunset's neck to pull her in for another kiss.

Their lips parted, ample time for Sunset to comment amidst their heavy breathing. "You smell like sweat." Looking down at Sonata's legs, she traced her gaze back up past the Siren's cute round hips to lock eyes with her. "And school."

Sonata could only raise an eyebrow. "That's a really odd thing to say in times like this."

"Odd things happen in bed, Nata," Sunset purred in her lover's ear, then softly nibbled at it before adding, "Even more if the bed happens to be shared." 





"Her mobile's off, Dash!" Pinkie raised her own pink one into the air.

"Dagnabbit, Sunset, there's a jam session this afternoon and ya bookin' it on us?"

"She's probably ruttin' that Siren in the locker room of something, I'd bet it!" Rainbow shook a fist, her dark blue guitar hanging around her neck.

"You could use a little more tact, darling."

"There's literally no other way to put it, Rares! Maybe I should even-"

"Alright y'all, alright! There ain't no Sunset today, but us and what's left of them Dazzlings are gonna make sure there'll BE a Sunset next time. Perhaps there happens to be a little somethin' that held her up today, nothing much!" Executing a series of rapid hammer-ons and pull-offs on her bass, Applejack looked around at her four friends.

"Dash'll just fill in on vocals, and we'll play without rhythm guitar, just like ol' times. We'll start with something a little older, say, 'Better than Ever?'" Her blonde eyebrows furrowed into a frown as she turned.

"Rares', who's that you're textin'?"

"N-no-one, Applejack, just a minute."

"Y'know, ya can't just tell me ya ain't textin' "no one", then ask me for a minute to complete your text. Spill em' beans, Rares, if it's a boy we wanna know, don't we? With that grinnin' like a fiend an'all, Ah'd think it is!"

  
> 10 - Truth and Reconciliation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The next morning saw the rest of the Dazzlings re-enrolling into Canterlot High. With the assistance and recommendation of the Rainbooms, re-entry wasn't much of a problem. The idea of re-enrolling to complete their education surprisingly sat rather well with the duo, the pair having grudgingly admitted its role in securing employability and in turn, self-sustainability.

But the issue of walking straight up to Sonata, their youngest sister and the victim of their violent verbal and physical abuse suddenly did not sit well at all.

Adagio could remember, some rather clearly, the times both herself and Aria had reduced their bubbly, naive sister into a sobbing, heartbroken heap.

Despite all these centuries spent with her, Adagio only realised now how much Sonata meant to them. It had took the loss of their immortality and magical powers to teach them something as simple, as given, as familial love.

She contemplated approaching them during lunch, where she would have the safety of the Rainbooms. But a part of her wanted to see Sonata with Aria, a trio once more in weeks. So much was her anxiety, she had prepared on paper a brief note of the things to say. A sigh deflated her form as she recalled how much of the paper were apologies.

"C'mon, Ria." She nudged her sister, who dozed on the bench where they had met the Rainbooms for a brief recap on Canterlot High's rules and regulations. "Time for our first class."

They shared the day's History period with Sonata. Adagio wished they didn't share a period so early in the day. Adjusting her spiked headband, she made a beeline for the restroom beside her class venue, Aria silently following behind.





"I'm still sleepy, Sunset!" A drowsy, disoriented Sonata flung her arms around the former as she exited the restroom stall, eliciting a surprised yelp from the bacon-haired girl. Sunset flailed wildly as  the weight of Sonata rocked her on her heels, barely grasping a sink edge for balance. She draped her other arm about Sonata's neck, allowing herself to be pulled back into a stable standing position.

Chidingly staring into the Siren's pouty eyes, she couldn't help but lose herself in a short giggle. "You still have to go for class Sonata." Sighing  Sonata released a long tired grunt, she reminded her that it was already Friday. That seemingly did little to help. Sunset shook her head with a small smile as she pulled her new lover into a hug.

With her own chin over Sunset's shoulder, Sonata craned her neck to take a deep whiff of Sunset's fiery mane, burying her nose in the recently-shampooed locks as she felt a finger tickle its way up the channel in the middle of her back. As the warm palm hot on her skin slowly slid down her waistband, the siren could not help but let loose a soft sighing moan. Sonata's long breath beat at Sunset's ear. 

"It'll be the weekends after today," Sunset giggled. "We gotta get you some new clothes or something, you look odd in my clothes." She frowned as she felt Sonata pull away. She turned to face the same way as the Siren, then hastily yanked her hand out of said Siren's skirt and swore unceremoniously.

For there stood two more Sirens, their faces mirroring Sunset and Sonata's expression of shock and disbelief.

Sonata moved first, attempting to shove past her sisters for a quick escape before her emotions overtook her physical self. Aria reached out and grabbed her wrist, causing her sister to literally thrash about violently in a fit of panicking fear. Adagio held out a palm, the expression on her soft and concerned, abruptly turned into one of pain and surprise when the youngest siren broke free and threw to her jaw an unbridled, furious hook of a punch, fueled by centuries of bottled-up pain and hurt, that sent her reeling back and brought her down to her apologetic knees.

The littlest of Dazzlings had lost control.

Aria nervously raised her own fists against Sonata, but what made the gesture different this time was the intention. Instead of causing physical pain along with the verbal abuse she let fly at Sonata, she would this time bring her sister under control so that she would listen to reason, and accept her apology and hence the reconciliation of the three sisters as the remainder what was left of themselves in this world. She knew she had this coming, but had no idea "this" would come at such a critical moment.

They had discussed this beforehand, and Adagio had put the two of them in Sonata's shoes. She pulled out the emotions, the self-blame and harm, the depression they had nearly drove Sonata to. They best understood Sonata's predicament, for all they had done was to cruelly tailor their insults, beatings and abuse to bring down their sister. Discovering something new often brought about several emotions, as evidenced by the increasingly heavy weight of guilt and regret upon their hearts.

"I thought we were done for good!" Sonata yelled through angry, mournful sobs and tears. What followed was a series of uncontrollable, unintelligible screaming that shredded her voice hoarse, the sound of pure, raw emotion unleashed served to curdle Adagio, Aria and Sunset's blood.

"What more do you want from me?!" She manically screeched, before throwing a volley of berserked punches, forcing Aria to bring her forearms over her head and curl up into a ball. Only then was the furied Siren stopped when Sunset wrapped her arms around Sonata, clamping her arms to her sides. Her eyes began to water at the thought of the extent of abuse dealt towards her lover to see her driven to such a state. Sunset turned the Siren over to face her, preparing to soothe and console the frantic wreck, only to have the Siren go limp and collapse in her arms, causing her to stumble forward with the sudden weight. Her eyes bright with tears, she looked up to see the two conscious Dazzlings were in no better shape.

"We just wanted to apologise..." A distraught Adagio managed, her hand tangled in her curls, mascara and tears streaking down her cheeks. Blood ran free from a split lip. Aria, the epitome of apathy and harsh words, hugged her knees to her body, hiding her head. Sunset could swear she saw the her slumped shoulders quiver in a way that suggested sobbing.

Her bright teal eyes squinting to fight back her welling tears, she choked, threw Sonata's arm over her shoulder and offered the Sirens their sister's other arm. She took a shaky, ragged breath, and allowed herself one sob.

"If that's what you two wish to do, we'll head back to my place right now. None of us are in a condition to follow through the school day."





The mid-morning sun beat down and cast the Dazzlings and the lone Rainboom their shadows amidst its pale, barely yellow light. Despite the bright warmth of a day's beginning, their hearts were quivery and heavy from the emotional and physical beating taken all within a ten minute span. 

Sonata was conscious, but kept a blank thousand-yard stare upon her haggard blue face. She could only stagger along as Sunset Shimmer and Adagio Dazzle supported her limp weight. Aria trailed along behind, her hands in her pockets and face sporting several a bruise.

The four made their way to Sunset's apartment, where they would collectively have to nurse Sonata into an alert and receptive state of mind, and ensure the three would reunite sisters again.

"Sunset?" Adagio peeked from under her curled orange fringe. "Rarity'll be joining us later, at around four."

"What about the others?"

"Rarity told me the others would come visit at a later date, they didn't mind her coming alone."

"Okay then."