//------------------------------// // Chapter 20- Nightmare Night: Part 2 // Story: Neighbors // by Tethered-Angel //------------------------------// “Wow Flutters!” Sonata gasped, eyes widening as her friend stepped back into the living room, finally donning her costume. “Lookin hot!” Rarity squealed, clapping her hands together, a wide smile on her face. “Oh, I just knew you would look fabulous in that, darling!” “Oh, t-thank you,” Fluttershy stuttered, hiding her blush behind a cascade of pink hair. It had taken a dash of rum and no small amount of encouragement, but her friends had finally convinced her to change out of her plain sweatshirt and pants. The body hugging singlet she had changed into was done in a classy mint green, the outfit a perfect match for the blue and gold costumes worn by Rarity and Sonata. The shy girl smiled demurely, twisting her heeled toe into the carpet and trying to pull the laughably short skirt to cover her fishnet leggings. Adagio chuckled, lounging easily in her arm chair. The manic energy from earlier in the evening had largely settled, as the girls broke into groups and pairs, talking and laughing together in comfort as they flitted from one conversation to another. It was a chance to catch up and talk, to discuss the day and enjoy each others’ company. To the siren, it was a strange, yet oddly pleasant dynamic. Still blushing, Fluttershy grabbed Aria’s longsword from where she had left it propped against the wall. She had grown quite attached to the weapon, Adagio noted. Nothing like four and a half pounds of sharpened steel to give a girl some confidence. “Oh, Fluttershy dearest! You simply must let me get a picture!” Fluttershy squeaked, jumping a little as a flash of light from Rarity’s phone took her by surprise. “W-what?” “The sword, darling, the sword!” Rarity squealed. “How avant garde! Imagine the designs I could create with this aesthetic!” “Ooh, like some sort of warrior maiden!” Sonata chimed in excitedly. “That would be so cute! Imagine Fluttershy in one of those chainmail bikinis!” “Darling, I can do more than that!” Rarity sniffed. “An entire line of Spring clothing. No, swimsuits. No, lingerie! I’ll be the last word on the modern femme fatale!” “Um, do I get a say in this…?” Fluttershy whimpered. Adagio smiled. It was… nice, seeing Sonata getting along so well with her new bandmates. But at the same time, the feeling was somewhat bittersweet. The Dazzlings had never had such an easy relationship; stress, hardship, and the very nature of their magic often drove them to conflict. It was the great irony of their power. “Go on, strike a pose for me,” Rarity cheered encouragingly, “Something fearsome. But graceful.” Fluttershy lifted the sword uncertainly. “R-raaah?” “No, no-no-no, that won’t do at all,” The dressmaker chided. “Come on Fluttershy, more like this!” Sonata coaxed, raising her fist triumphantly. “RAAAH!” “Rah!” “RAAAH!” “RAH!” “Perfect!” Rarity squealed, snapping another picture. “Oh, you two would be the perfect models for this project! Do say you will?” “I- I don’t think-” “Can I have a mace!?” Sonata demanded excitedly. “Well I don’t see why not!” Rarity giggled. Adagio shook her head, chuckling to herself. She was glad her sisters were getting along so well with the girls. Even Aria had managed to make friends. Her only regret was that she had not been able to give them such happiness herself. Fluttershy caught Adagio’s eyes with a wide, pleading gaze. “Help me,” She mouthed silently. The siren smirked. “Oh, we both know it’s too late for you,” She purred. Fluttershy gulped. Maybe she should have joined the Pony Tones with Sonata. It might be nice to sing again. And she had to admit, the chance to spend more time with Rarity was more than a little appealing... Adagio flinched, an old, familiar itch running up her leg. It had been bothering her more and more lately. Maybe it was time- “Are you alright darling?” Rarity’s question jerked her out of her thoughts. Adagio blinked, regaining her bearings. “Oh, um, yes,” She said, putting on a genuine smile. “I was just thinking I could use another drink.” Rarity smirked. “I was thinking the same thing.” She glanced back over her shoulder. “Do you think those two will be alright without us for a while?” Adagio glanced at the other girls. Sonata was still talking energetically with Fluttershy, striking a variety of exaggerated poses. Fluttershy was blushing heavily as Sonata encouraged her to try another warcry. “They look like they’re having a good time, let’s leave them be.” Rarity’s smile brightened, extending her hand to the lounging siren. “Very well then, to the kitchen!” ==O== “Look,” Aria said, sloshing the liquid in her cup as she leaned back against the couch. “All I’m saying is the revolver has better accuracy and rate of fire than a musket. Even with superior numbers, the pirates wouldn’t stand a chance.” “Ha!” Applejack laughed, topping off her own glass from the opened bottle of rum she and Aria had pilfered from the kitchen. “Told ya!” “Whatever!” Rainbow huffed, snatching the bottle from Applejack and turning it to show off the label. “Say what you want, but you’re drinking rum right now. That’s a point for the pirates!” “She’s got us there, pardner!” Applejack laughed. Aris nodded. “Yeah, guess I can’t argue with that.” Then she smirked, and her eyes lit up with mischief. “Alright then, pirate girl, why don’t you have some?” “Oh no!” Rainbow said with a glare, “I remember what happened last time!” Applejack raised a questioning eyebrow. “‘Last time?’” Aria snickered. “Oh yeah, at the baseball game! I got her to try a beer and she got all weepy after downing just one! Girl can’t hold her alcohol for shit.” “Hey, screw you Aria!” Rainbow protested, “I’ll drink you under the table!” “That’s the spirit!” Aria cheered, her chuckling growing into full on laughter. “Ya’ll go easy now!” Applejack warned, “This’ll be a mite stronger than stadium beer.” Aria shook her head, gradually coming down from her laughter. “Yeah, AJ’s right, this ain’t that kind of party. Neither of us wants to hold your hair for you while you go vomit in the toilet.” “I can handle it,” Rainbow huffed, taking a big swig directly from the bottle. Her face immediately screwed up in horror and she spat the stuff all over the carpet in a fit of coughing. “Gah! Son of a bitch!” Aria and Applejack broke down into fits of howling laughter, ignoring the embarrassed glare Rainbow shot them both. Aria snatched the bottle away and pored a much more reasonable serving into a cup. “Here,” She said, handing the glass to Rainbow. “Go easy on this stuff, a’ight? You’re still a newbie.” “Gee, thanks,” Rainbow rolled her eyes, taking the proffered cup. Despite her sarcasm, she followed Aria’s advice, taking a shallow sip of the booze. “Ugh, it still burns.” “Eh, it’s a learning experience,” Aria shrugged. Applejack nodded. “Ya don’t have to finish it if ya don’t want to. We were just razzin’ ya a bit.” “No, I think I’m good now,” Rainbow said, grimacing as she took another sip. “I think I’m with Pinkie though. I don’t get how you enjoy this shit.” “That’s what I said!” Pinkie shouted, making them all jump. “What the-” “Where the fuck-” “Tarnation!” “Except I wouldn’t use the ‘s-’ word,” Pinkie said, tapping her chin as she lounged across the back of the couch. “Oh yeah! Aria, this is for you!” Her hand moved faster than the eye could follow, and Aria felt something slap against the top of her head. “Ow! The fuck Pinkie?” She glared at the poofy-headed ball of diabetes, rubbing her head gingerly with her free hand until her fingers brushed against something sticking out from the side of her head. “Huh?” She glanced at Rainbow and Applejack, who were snickering into their hands. “What? What did she do to me?” “See for yourself, silly!” Pinkie giggled, holding out a hand mirror for Aria to inspect herself with. The siren snatched it away, studying her reflection for a moment, before breaking out into snickers of her own. “Okay, you got me, that’s fucking great,” She laughed. Pinkie had plopped a novelty headpiece on her head, the kind that made it look like the wearer had an arrow through her skull. Pinkie grinned. “I thought your costume was missing something.” Applejack leaned in, “Pinkie, ya sure got a morbid sense of humor sometimes.” “You gotta know your audience!” Pinkie said with a giggle. Rainbow squinted, tilting her head uncertainly. “I don’t get it.” Applejack laughed, rolling her eyes. “Ya should try paying attention in class sometime.” “Why, what did I miss?” Everyone just continued to laugh as she looked around in confusion. “What? Come on, what? What’s so funny?” ==O== “So, Twilight,” Rarity said innocently, tracing her finger around the rim of her cup. “Tell me about you and Sunset.” “Ack!” Twilight spluttered as her own drink went down the wrong tube. “W-what!?” “Not this again,” Sunset groaned, shooting Adagio a glare. The siren raised her hands in mock surrender. “Don’t look at me, I didn’t say a word.” “Please,” Rarity said indignantly, smugly leaning back in her bean bag. “It’s plain as day, I hardly need anyone to tell me.” “Tell you what?” Starlight asked, looking up from her lap where Spike had fallen asleep under a lengthy ear rub. Adagio laughed, following the others’ lead and pulling up a bean bag as Starlight shot her a curious look. “Isn’t is obvious?” Rarity asked. “They’re together! Just look at the costumes!” Starlight cocked her head, clearly no more enlightened from the explanation. “I’m sorry, I guess I’m still a bit ignorant on the significance of most human clothing…” Rarity grinned. “They’re a pair!” Starlight squinted, eyes shifting between the two fidgeting girls. “Oh yeah.” “Starlight!” Twilight whined, “Not you too!” “Well…” “Oh yeah?” Sunset asked with a smug grin, “Then what about you and Sonata? Or Fluttershy?” “Psh!” Rarity scoffed, “Hardly the same thing. The girls and I are matching. You and Twilight are complimentary. They were meant to be worn together as a pair. A couple!” Adagio chuckled as the two girls turned red. “I told you others would notice.” “Wait,” Starlight squinted suspiciously, “Is that why you had Rarity take me costume shopping today?” “N-no!” Twilight squealed. “T-that was just so we could c-clean the apartment!” Sunset insisted, smiling just a little too widely. “I don’t know,” Starlight said, “It was pretty clean when I left.” “Oh no!” Adagio gasped dramatically, “Tell me you haven’t been keeping poor Miss Glimmer up at night!” “Adagio!” Sunset groaned. Rarity laughed, daintily covering her mouth in mirth. “I’m sorry darlings, it’s all in good fun, I promise.” She shook her head, smiling. “Speaking of Starlight, how long are you going to be visiting this time?” “Oh,” Starlight said, blinking, “A few more days at least. Twilight wants me to study the portal from this side, and see if I can find a way to make it more stable and maybe even move it so it’s not out in the open. And Spike asked me to see if I could figure out a way for him to come through as a human instead of a dog.” “The other Spike is a pony?” Adagio asked, confused. “No,” Sunset corrected, “He’s Princess Twilight’s assistant, a young dragon.” Rarity giggled. “Quite fearsome as well, or so I’m told.” Adagio blinked. “Why would his parallel on this side be a dog?” Starlight shrugged. “We have no idea why any of us transform at all. It’s bizarre really. Our theory is that since Starswirl was using this dimension as a prison for some of Equestria’s more powerful magical threats, something in the portal’s spell language automatically weakens anything that comes through from Equestria. Or maybe it’s a question of safety, since there seems to be a lot less natural magic here, magic reliant species like dragons and ponies simply couldn’t survive here in their natural forms.” “Wait,” Sunset said, holding up a hand, “Starswirl didn’t build this portal. He couldn’t have. That statue can’t be more than a century old.” “Yes,” Adagio chimed in, “That bastard used no such artifact when he sent us here. He ripped a hole in thin air. I remember it quite vividly.” Starlight nodded. “Right, but he did build a number of mirrors based off that spell after the fact. Nopony- er, no one really knows why. They were designed to find an anchor on this side, so if the portal was destroyed on this side it could find another anchor in order to reset itself. Which is why Twilight thinks we can move it.” “Why not just destroy it?” Adagio asked. “Then it would move on its own.” “Yeah,” Sunset scoffed. “No telling where though. And well, we’re still dealing with the fallout from the last time it got damaged.” “Oh, are we ever!” Rarity sighed. “Still though,” She smiled, twisting her pale blue geode necklace between slender fingers, “It’s not all bad.” Adagio grinned. “Perhaps not. Maybe my sisters and I will find some magical artifacts for ourselves one of these days. I think I’d like to be able to fly again.” Twilight laughed. “I’m sure if you asked Rainbow she’d be happy to carry you.” “Don’t even joke about that,” Adagio shuddered. ==O== “So wait, lemme get this straight,” Rainbow Dash said, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Your human double assassinated of one of history’s greatest tyrants!?” Aria smirked. “Several times, actually. For whatever reason, Sombra’s doppelgangers keep rising to power here. Nine times in ten, they’re assassinated. Eight times in ten, it’s one of my doubles that did it. It’s kind of hilarious, actually. Drives the conspiracy freaks nuts.” “But- but why?” Laughing, Aria shrugged. “Fuck if I know. I guess she just has it out for him. Sombra’s always a dick, so it’s not hard to imagine he did something to piss her off each time.” Applejack cradled her head in her hands. “Ah think Ah’m getting a headache.” “What about you?” Rainbow asked, “You have it out for Ponyland Sombra?” “Never met the bastard,” Aria shrugged, “But-” “Buuut, you have a good feeling that you wouldn’t like him because other Aria doesn’t like other Sombra, so if you ever met original Sombra you probably wouldn’t like him either?” Pinkie chimed it. “Yeah that.” “Hmm…” Pinkie tapped her chin in thought. “You said you don’t remember much from when you lived in Equestria. Maybe you did meet Sombra before and you just don’t remember it! He sounds like he was a pretty bad guy!” Aria blinked. “I don’t… well… huh. Maybe.” She shrugged. “Actually!” Sonata chimed in, joining the group with a stack of colorful boxes in her arms and Fluttershy following right behind, “Senator Sombra just got re-elected a couple years ago, so Pony Sombra’s probably still kicking somewhere! We have a pool going for how long this one will last.” “Oh yeah,” Aria nodded, “Isn’t he running for Chancellor? We’ll have to renew our bets.” “Um, what are you talking about?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “Oh, my sisters and I have a running bet going whenever a Sombra double-banger shows up! Aria always bets on six months or less.” “I’m usually right, too,” Aria muttered. Sonata giggled. “I told you this one would last longer! He’s got blue hair.” She tugged on her own ponytail to demonstrate. “Blue is good, see?” “I- I’m still lost,” Fluttershy frowned. “Don’t worry about it, sugarcube,” Applejack shook her head distastefully. “Yer better off not knowing.” “Hey, whatcha got there?” Rainbow asked, noticing the boxes Sonata had. “Oh, party games. Nice.” “Oooh, did you get Monopoly!?” Pinkie asked excitedly, “I love Monopoly! Wanna Play!?” “Sure!” Sonata cheered, right as everyone else answered with a resounding “NO!” “I- I’ll play,” Fluttershy ventured. “Great! That’s three players!” Sonata cheered. Rainbow glanced at Aria and Applejack. “You two up for cards?” Aria licked her lips. “Actually, I’m looking at Risk.” Rainbow groaned. “Egghead game. Get Twilight to play that. AJ?” “Yeah, Ah’ll kick yer tail at Poker for a few rounds.” “Oh, is is so on!” ==O== “Looks like they’re getting out the board games,” Sunset noted, glancing back toward the other side of the room where the rest of the girls were busy breaking out the assorted cards, dice, and plastic figures. “Ooh, Aria’s got Risk!” Twilight squealed happily. “Come on Starlight, I think you’ll like this one.” “Okay,” Starlight said, shifting Spike to the seat as Twilight grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the living room. Rarity giggled. “Oh, looks like poor Fluttershy got pulled into a game of Monopoly with Pinkie. I suppose I’d better go rescue the poor dear.” She followed Twilight as well, shaking her head with a smirk. Sunset stood to join the others, but felt a pinch on her sleeve. She turned back and glanced at Adagio. “Can I talk to you for a moment?” The siren asked quietly, motioning toward the kitchen area. Sunset cocked her head curiously. “Sure. What’s up?” Adagio declined to answer, leading Sunset into the kitchenette so that the counter was between them and the rest of the party, offering at least a measure of privacy. Turning to the blenders, she found the one with rum and poured out two glasses, passing one to Sunset. “So,” She said. “All teasing aside, you and Miss Sparkle do make a lovely couple.” Sunset groaned. “Really Adagio? Celestia, fine, I admit it, we slept together. Please drop it.” Adagio smiled victoriously. “Very well, if you insist. I won’t tell a soul.” “Right.” Sunset rolled her eyes, nursing her smoothie. Then she sighed, shoulders slumping. “So how’d you figure it out? And don’t give me any horse crap about matching outfits. I might buy that from Rarity, but not from you.” “What, besides you two sitting together constantly and acting like a couple of lovesick puppies?” She smirked, grabbing Sunset’s wrist and splaying out her hand to display her newly filed nails, two of which were just noticeably shorter than the rest. “I’m sure Twilight appreciates the thought, but if you aren’t going to cut them all evenly you might as well just advertise that you’re schlicking.” Sunset blushed crimson, yanking her hand free and shoving it into her pocket. “Okay, you got me. Just keep it to yourself please. Twilight isn’t ready to tell the others yet.” “My lips are sealed, Miss Shimmer.” Adagio chuckled. Sunset gave her an odd look. “You know, we’re friends right? You can call me Sunset.” Adagio hummed. “I’ll try to keep that in mind… Sunset.” Sunset smiled. “Thank you.” They settled into a companionable silence for a moment, just watching the others with their games. Applejack was apparently smoking Rainbow at Poker, judging by the latter’s scowl. Fluttershy seemed to be holding her own in Monopoly, but Rarity’s anguished expression didn’t bode well for the dress maker’s chances. As for the game of Risk… well it was a slow game. Neither Sunset nor Adagio could be entirely sure it had started yet. Finally, Sunset broke the silence. “So, what did you really want to talk about?” “Pardon?” Adagio asked, not taking her eyes off the living room. “Don’t play coy,” Sunset scolded. “Something’s on your mind.” She followed Adagio’s line of sight for a moment. “Rarity?” Adagio winced, but nodded. She couldn’t take her eyes off the indigo haired girl. “You two have been pretty much inseparable tonight.” “Yes,” Adagio nodded. “I think… I think I’ve fallen for her.” Sunset’s grin widened. “That’s great!” Adagio winced. “Is that… not great?” Adagio sighed, giving Sunset her full attention. “How did… how did you and Twilight get together? Was it sudden, or did you see it coming?” “Well,” Sunset trailed off, “I guess it’s kind of your fault really.” She chuckled. “We’d been growing close, and looking back, it was kind of painfully obvious that we were developing feelings for each other, but… it was the kind of slow buildup that you never notice until it’s too late. Like that thing with the frog in the boiling water.” “A crude metaphor,” Adagio shuddered, “But go on.” “Well, you walked in on us that one time, started teasing us, and I got really embarrassed. I thought it was just you being, you know, an ass.” She shrugged ruefully. “But then it started gnawing at me. I started wondering why I felt so defensive about your teasing and, well, I ended up talking with Twilight about it. I guess she felt the same way, because she agreed to go to the movies with me that weekend. We ended up kissing, and, well, let’s say our study dates kind of turned into date dates. And you’ve pretty much deduced the rest.” “I see…” Adagio hummed thoughtfully, her eyes far away. Sunset chuckled. “What are you coming to me for, anyway? I already told you, you don’t need my permission to date my friends, and I can’t imagine I know anything about dating that a centuries-old seductress hasn’t picked up.” Adagio ignored her wink, giving a wistful sigh. “It has been… quite a while since I’ve practiced those particular skills.” Sunset rolled her eyes. “The Battle of the Bands was like a year ago, Dagi. And clearly,” She eyed Adagio’s sheer, lacy top pointedly, “You haven’t lost your touch.” “It’s not the same,” Adagio said dryly, pulling her veil closer around her shoulders. “I tease, but I haven’t… been with anyone in a long time. A very long time. And even then is was all calculated seduction, or a single night of meaningless passion. Romance has never been a factor.” “Come on,” Sunset smirked, “You’ve been on Homs for like a thousand years, and never had a real relationship.” Adagio grimaced. “There was one…” “See?” Sunset laughed, “You’ve obviously got it in you!” She nudged the siren with her elbow. “Come on, it can’t be that hard. You’ve already got her number. Just ask her out, what’s the worst that could happen?” Adagio frowned, rubbing her arm. She glanced back at the living room to make sure everyone’s attention was still on their games, then stepped away from the counter. Wordlessly, she grabbed the hem of her stocking, slowly rolling it down past her knee. Sunset hissed, drawing air in through her teeth as her eyes widened in shock. Pale white scars blemished otherwise flawless golden skin, continuing well past the top of the sock. “Oh.” Adagio nodded, rolling the garment back into position before straightening proudly, a slight tremble betraying her bravado. “Your Equestrian Magic was not the most painful thing I’ve encountered in this world, not the most damaging.” “I’m sorry,” Sunset whispered hoarsely. “What- what hap-” Adagio raised a hand, cutting her off. “I don’t want your pity, Shimmer. Only for you to understand.” Sunset swallowed nervously, nodding her affirmation. “Good,” Adagio said, curtly returning the nod. “And I imagine it goes without saying that this stays between us.” “Of course!” Sunset said, “Adagio, you know I wouldn’t-” “Yes, Miss Shimmer. Sunset. I know.” She smirked. “I’ve shared my memories with you, given you my most valuable possession. I’ve chosen to place my trust in you, and… you have yet to disappoint me.” Sunset bowed her head solemnly. “That means a lot to me.” Adagio’s smirk widened. “I know.” Sunset scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Ass.” Adagio chuckled as she and Sunset returned their attention to their friends. “So,” Sunset continued, “Are you gonna go for it? She was gushing about that new Spring line of hers, I bet she’d jump at the chance if you volunteered to model.” Adagio hummed. “Perhaps…” “You know,” Sunset said, grabbing her shoulder gently, “You have friends here. Even if things don’t work out, we’re here for you.” “I… will think about it,” Adagio said with a sigh. “For the record,” Sunset smiled, “I know I said you don’t need my approval but, well, you have it anyway. I think you would make each other very happy.” Adagio smiled. “Thank you Sunset. As you said, that- that means a lot to me.” Sunset nodded, and grinned. “Come on, you won’t get any farther moping around the kitchen. Let’s go show them who’s the boss at Poker!” Adagio laughed lightly. “I don’t suppose I can say no to that.”