//------------------------------// // ...And They Hate It. // Story: Song For a Siren // by FoxMcCloud7921 //------------------------------// The girls just stared at her, ranging from confusion to speculation. “Say what now?” Applejack asked. “Just hear me out okay?” Sunset asked. When no one spoke up, she continued. “I remember what they did, and I know they’re not a threat anymore, but don’t you feel kind of bad for them?” “It’s kinda hard to feel bad for someone who hypnotizes your entire school and turns everyone against one another,” Dash said, crossing her arms. “Not to mention they had been doing that for who knows how long and obviously they didn’t feel bad doing it,” Rarity added. “Okay, points taken, but now that reality for them has set in, don’t you think they might consider giving friendship a chance?” Sunset asked. “I’m not sure if they even want to change,” Fluttershy said. “I admit, I never got to meet them so I don’t really have an opinion of them,” Twilight said. “But I think I kind of see where Sunset is coming from. It seems like they are kind of struggling to make ends meet last we saw them.” Dash snorted. “Good riddance.” “Sunset, I know your heart is in the right place but I think Fluttershy has a point, what if they don’t want to change?” Applejack asked. Sunset sighed. “Some time ago, Princess Twilight had to find a way to reform Discord of all beings and she managed to find a way, so if it can work on him, I think we can do it too.” “We?” Rarity asked. “Well…I can try at least. I figured if I can reform at least one of them maybe that’ll be enough?” “Wait, are you doing all this cause you feel obligated?” Applejack asked. Sunset’s bravado was starting to crack. “It’s not that…it’s something that’s been on my mind for awhile, more so after the Starswirled Music Festival. Besides, if we did manage to convince them to become friends, wouldn’t that benefit both sides?” “I suppose…” Rarity shared her look of uncertainty with the others. “But darling, how exactly are you going to pull it off?” “I have an idea in mind…though it’s kind of risky,” Sunset gave a hesitant smile. “I’d guess that’d you go after the ditzy one, but something tells me that’s not your plan,” Dash said with a concerned look. “Don’t tell me you’re going after Adagio first,” Applejack said. “Um, which one is that again?” Twilight asked. “Golden curls, leader of the bunch,” Rarity answered. “I really don’t know about this Sunset, even without their magic, they may still be dangerous…” “Maybe you can disarm them with…cupcakes!” Pinkie said enthusiastically. Everyone else gave her an odd look. “What? No one can ever say no to sweets.” “I appreciate your concern, I really do,” Sunset said, looking at each of them. “But I’ll be fine. Worst case scenario, I’ll get a big fat no and that’ll be the end of it I guess.” “You sure you don’t want any back up on this?” Dash asked. Sunset shook her head. “If we’re all there, all they’re gonna feel is intimidated.” She then smirked slightly. “You think this is the first time I’ve taken on three girls by myself?” “Alright, but if none of us get a text from you later on, we’ll be looking for you,” Applejack said. “Please just be careful…” The biggest challenge would be actually finding the Dazzlings, but luckily the internet was a resource. As far as she could recall, they were living in a van and the van had been spotted close to the outskirts of Canterlot, not too far from the school. Once school was out, she took the bus heading in that general direction. The outskirts were outlined with abandoned buildings and shopping plazas that were no doubt the result of past economic downturns. Once Sunset got off the bus, she made her way to a building that once been owned by a now out of business phone company. It was in that parking lot that she found the van. No one was outside and because of the tinted windows she couldn’t see anyone inside either. Sunset was a little nervous, mostly because she wasn’t sure how the Dazzlings were going to react to her presence. Hopefully they were willing to talk. She slowly went up to the van and after a moment of no reaction, she knocked on the side door. The door then opened slightly as a face accompanied by blue hair looked out before it suddenly closed. “Uh girls?” Sunset could hear her say on the other side. “That Sunset girl is standing right outside…” She didn’t have to wait long before the door swung open again and now three sets of eyes were staring at her. Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk. Sirens from Equestria now pop stars in this world. Or at least that was their new goal. “What are you doing here?” Adagio asked, looking the least bit amused. “Better question, how did you find us here?” Aria asked. The looks on their faces told Sunset she had better answer quickly. “It’s pretty easy nowadays to find people on the internet,” Sunset replied. She then paused and glanced at Sonata. “Also, she posted pictures online.” Adagio and Aria glared at their fellow bandmate. “What?” Sonata asked as she shrugged innocently. “Alright fine, you found us,” Adagio said. “So what is it now? Some magical catastrophe downtown going on and you’re so certain we have to be involved with it?” “Look, I’m sorry about that, okay?” Sunset rolled her eyes. “Anyway, nothing magical related. I just want to talk.” “There’s nothing to talk about,” Aria said firmly. “Oh actually, do you ever get those coupons in the mail, you know like buy one taco get one free on Tuesdays?” Sonata asked. “Please stop talking…” Aria growled. “Actually I wanted to talk to you personally,” Sunset said, looking at Adagio. “Privately.” Adagio had a mixture of confusion and intrigue on her face. Aria on the other hand eyed Sunset suspiciously. “Okay…why?” “Don’t worry Aria,” Adagio said as she got out of the van and stretched. “If our good friend Sunset came out all this way to talk to me, the least I can do is listen.” Her voice was laced with sarcasm but Sunset took it as progress. The two of them went over to the corner of the large building and Adagio leaned against the brick wall. “So what’s so important?” she asked. “And how come you’re all by yourself?” “Figured if I brought everyone you’d probably just lock your van,” Sunset said simply. “Hmph, probably so. Seeing you is one thing, seeing all six of you would make my stomach turn. But anyway…” “Let me ask you a question,” Sunset said. “Are you three okay? I mean living out of a van says a lot you know.” “Why do you care?” Adagio gave her a small glare. “Considering how long it’s been since-” She suddenly stopped as a small smile crossed her face. “Oh I get it…little Sunset is suddenly feeling pity for us and wants us to- what’s that word? Reform? Sheesh, you ponies are so predictable. Seriously, is that why you’re here?” “First of all, I don’t feel any pity,” Sunset said coldly. “Everything that happened was the result of your own doing. I’m here because I believe anyone, even you three, are capable of second chances.” “And what does that mean? We have to go around saying, ‘Sorry for all the trouble we caused, I hope you can forgive us.’?” Adagio scoffed. “Does that really sound like us?” “I used to say the same thing, after everything I did,” Sunset said softly. “I didn’t think anyone would even want to forgive me, and believe me, compared to what you did at the Battle of the Bands, I did much worse. Even then, someone was willing to give me another chance and it made me a better person. Isn’t that what you want to?” Adagio looked away as she frowned. “What I want…is just for us to be happy. I don’t even care if anyone forgives us or not, we can’t change the past.” “No, but you can still change your future.” Adagio shook her head as a small smile returned. “And you think I’m capable of doing that?” “Are you the betting type?” That got Adagio’s attention. “Perhaps…” she replied, looking at Sunset now. “What are you proposing?” “It’s pretty simple. I think if you can see how beneficial friendship actually is, maybe then you’ll be more willing to reach out and ask for help. You know people are willing to help if you ask.” “Just get to your point,” Adagio said briskly. “One week. If I can convince you in one week that you’re capable of making friends, then I want you to make Aria and Sonata get on board as well.” “That’s a lot to ask, but what if it doesn’t work?” Sunset knew she wasn’t going to like saying this but she had to make it real convincing for her. “If it doesn’t work out…I’ll be your indentured servant for a month.” Adagio’s eyes suddenly widened. “…You’re serious?” “Very.” Sunset looked her straight in the eyes. “Wow.” Adagio suddenly laughed. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?” She then stepped forward towards her and put out her hand. “Fine, I’ll accept your deal, but do know I’m not exactly going to be cooperative about this.” “I figured,” Sunset said. “However, realize when I say a week, it doesn’t mean you get to skip days. Every meet up we have counts as a day.” Adagio bit back a curse. She had been hoping to use that little loophole but Sunset had apparently saw that coming. “Fine, so when do we start?” “Tomorrow,” Sunset replied as she finally shook Adagio’s hand. “I’m assuming you’ll be available tomorrow.” “Maybe…yes.” “Good, and don’t worry, it’ll just be you and me for now, don’t want you feeling nauseous around the other girls.” Adagio chuckled. “I appreciate that. I suppose I’ll have to give you my number then as well. You’re very lucky by the way since I don’t give it out to just anyone.” Sunset smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” “I can hardly wait…” “Hold on a second, you actually got her to go with it?” Applejack said on the phone. “She’s not pulling your leg or anything?” “Let’s just say I made it rather convincing for her,” Sunset said while she was in her room. “I’m kind of surprised myself, but she already made it clear she’s not gonna make it easy for me. I think I can get through to her though.” “Just be careful, she may not have her magic anymore but she’s good at buttering people up, as you know.” “Yeah…I know I can make this work AJ.” “Hey, if anyone can do it, it’d definitely be you.” “For realsies? Your actually gonna hang out with her for a week?” Sonata asked. The three sirens were currently sitting inside their van. “I admit she made a good offer,” Adagio said as she painted her nails. “Besides, what would be better than to have our adversary cleaning up after us?” “I don’t like all this…but I admit the payoff would be worth it,” Aria said. “Have her do anything for us would be the ultimate revenge, even if it’s just for a month.” “Oh trust me, she’s gonna regret her words, once that month is over,” Adagio said. “We’ve been in this world for over a thousand years and if we haven’t made any friends by now, nothing will change that now.”