//------------------------------// // Part 1: Sparkling Mirrors and Doors // Story: Mistress - B-Side: The Sunset Side of the Story // by SizeofMT //------------------------------// Mistress: B-Side (Or) The Sunset Side of the Story Part 1: Sparkling Mirrors and Doors A siren above the skies of the Equestria. An event not seen in in a thousand years. It would be a night Twilight would never forget, and all because of a choice she had made. Yet she didn't regret a thing. It brought her hope, as was clear by the newfound light in this stallion's brown eyes that stood before her. He had arrived with ulterior motives, but in his time in Equestria he had changed. He trusted her now, and Twilight was overjoyed to consider him a friend. “Thanks again, Twilight,” Radian Wave said and gave her one final and firm embrace. As Twilight hugged him back, she couldn't be more happy or proud. This new friend was a diamond in the rough. A peer of the sciences, a fast study of magic, a kind heart reawakened after a troubled life, and a steadfast pony (or human, Twilight supposed) who was willing to fight to the bitter end for his beliefs, newfound family and love. Twilight had no doubt he would fit in just fine when he returned to Equestria. And she would continue to not only strive to learn how to make it an Equestria worthy of not only his dreams, but for everypony else as well. But that wasn't the only pony that made Twilight need to be her very best. “Better practice your singing,” said the other, gold coated mare in the room, “it would be a shame for you to fail because you can't hold a tune.” Adagio Dazzle. One of the sirens from Equestria's ancient past, and the threat that had soared the skies just a couple of hours ago. She stood tall and strong despite her own struggles these evening. Adagio maintained a cool, if forced, indifference as she refused to look at Twilight, but the smirk betrayed her own heartfelt joy. Twilight had to admit, her bravado was a strong mask for the fact that just minutes ago, she had almost breathed her last. Adagio continued, “we sirens have our stones once more, as well as our own hard earned talents and each other. I expect you to visit the human world to bolster your connection with the Rainbooms in turn. Become stronger, and shine brighter, Twilight Sparkle! 'Til next we meet!” The siren was a more complicated than a simple friend, but Twilight was just as proud of her, if still wary. After all, Adagio and her sisters had been a threat so great that even the great StarSwirl the Bearded couldn't defeat them, and instead tricked them through a portal and banished into a world that, at that time, was unknown to ponykind. She may have once been an ancient foe, and even retained some of that animosity until just a few days ago, but now Adagio had changed. The lack of her siren stone for several years had left her as human as human could be, but for reasons not yet fully understood, Adagio had returned to Equestria not only as an earth pony, but Radian's magic experimentation in the human world also made her an especially large and strong one. She dominated the library with her presence, even before her famously thick orange and yellow curly mane and tail, which made her seem even grander. Adagio was almost as tall as Princess Celestia, but built broad and muscular, like Applejack. Yet these physical changes were the least important compared to the most triumphant transformation. Her heart. Adagio had experienced severe lows when alone as a human but also lofty highs since engaging in her relationship with Radian Wave, even reconciling with her sisters, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk, after a falling out. She now understood friendship and, most of all, love. Yet, as expected for a soul as long lived as Adagio, 'redeemed' didn't quite fit. The siren still had many of the traits she had stubbornly kept even after losing her powers in the human world. Sirens were not peaceful. They fed on the negative emotions of conflict, and this reflected in the sirens themselves, as Adagio relished a challenge and still desired to be adored and seen as superior, and that would be true again. Sadly it was a necessary trait, as part of a siren as their own stones once were, but at least now these negative traits would be tempered by a positive outlook on life, as well as Radian's word that he would find a way to sustain them without causing strife. Regardless of a solution, Adagio would be a still challenge, but Twilight was hopeful that both her own life-learned lessons and Radian's influence would be enough to put their past conflicts behind them. Besides, Twilight had her own reasons for seeking out this alliance. Or friendship. Or... frenemies? However this relationship would be known, Twilight wanted Adagio close precisely because of that challenge she represented. Heroes and leaders were only as strong as their foes, and Adagio, Aria and Sonata would be strong foes indeed. Rivals that would pull no punches, yet now had a reason to help Equestria and fight to protect it, thanks to both Radian and Adagio's desires to have a place in this land. They would forge Twilight into a future ruler of Equestria worthy of respect, a path she had already begun to learn. To prove that, and offer some genuine advice for traversing the portal, Twilight grinned and called out, “remember, just keep walking! I'd hate to see you fall on your gigantic butt on the other side, Adagio!” Adagio laughed and stepped through the mirror. Radian's horn lit up amber as he took the box containing the siren's freshly repaired stones. He then wrapped it in a blanket like a bindle. He then looped it around his neck and, with a final smile, walked through the portal as well. As last traces of his short green and yellow striped tail vanished beyond the rippled, reflective surface, the mirror grew still. The magic powering the mirror faded, and the clock chimed to signify that this adventure was officially over. They would be separate for a time. The whole reason the mirror was in the Crystal Empire was for repairs, and after that, Twilight could power the portal back up, but Radian had said he had much to do in the human world before they would return. Twilight sighed long and hard, tired but fulfilled. She wondered if she would ever get used to life-threatening, potentially world destroying and utterly outrageous events by now, but no; today they had narrowly avoided unleashing a wounded, desperate and violent siren into Equestria, and who knew what tomorrow would bring? Or the day after that? The sirens had their restored stones, but it hadn't been a one-sided trade, and not just the friends Twilight had made. She checked the device around her neck, the very invention that Twilight learned had instigated this whole adventure, sitting in its holster. A piece of technology Radian Wave had invented that could manipulate magic. It was immeasurably powerful, useful and dangerous all at once. It was also a symbol of Radian's (eventual) pure motives that he gave it to Twilight as a sign of trust. Twilight was certain she could find many, responsible, uses for it, and couldn't wait to put it through its paces in a controlled environment, but it was far too late for experiments. In fact, she wished she could just get a good night's sleep. Or get a nice cup of tea and a little light reading of say, two hundred pages, then sleep. But there was one pony who she needed to see before that. The one pony who suffered the most from this eventful night, for reasons who would no doubt argue was part of the cause of much of the dramatics over the last week or so. The one pony of which Twilight needed to clear up a few final details, just to settle the last few doubts in her mind. Sunset Shimmer. Twilight left the library, locked the door, handed the key to a nearby guard and headed through the Crystal Palace. “Twily!” A brawny white stallion trotted up beside her, his blue mane fluttering as he slowed to a walk at Twilight's side. “Did everything go okay with Adagio Dazzle and Radian Wave?” She couldn't help but notice she was only a little shorter than him now, owing to her budding alicorn stature. “Just great, Shining,” Twilight said with a smile. “I think the gravity of everything is still sinking in. That we've gone from the sirens being an old tale of a threat to all of Equestria, then a threat against the human world, to falling back into obscurity with the loss of their powers, to potentially becoming not only friends, but protectors of Equestria?” Shining chuckled. “Oh, is that all? You make it sound like ridiculous, as if everypony hasn't already seen you deal with several huge threats in your time as princess. Still, I can't help but feel a little proud such a major event happened in me and Cadance's kingdom. To host a siren and her partner, and for you to convince them to help us? It feels pretty monumental. If there was any question about why you're set to take over Equestria, that's it right there” Twilight couldn't help but feel a little pride. “I just don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing that we won't be able to get back in contact with them for some time. I've given the sirens back their powers with only Adagio and Radian's word that they'll help us in exchange for this trust.” “Cadence seemed convinced.” Shining gave Twilight a sideways glance. “And you, yourself, said that it was a good idea, back when Sunset first told you the news. It's not like you to second-guess yourself like this.” He then smirked. “Or maybe you're just smitten with that Radian guy and he charmed his way into dooming all of Equestria?” Twilight stopped dead in her tracks and her cheeks flushed bright pink. “I- no! What- who did- he's with somepony! With Adagio, even!” She cleared her throat and scowled at Shining Armor. “Even if I was interested, which I totally am not, I wouldn't dare spoil what's obviously a fated, deep seated love, not to mention how it's one of the keystones of Adagio's turn from her old ways!” Shining wrapped a foreleg around his sister's neck and noogied her mane with his other hoof as he laughed. “I'm just messing with you, sis! I know you're just a little stressed after the whole 'Adagio being corrupted by her damaged stone' thing, but that's been fixed, right? Besides, Cadence told me about your steadfast beliefs in Radian and Adagio and how firm their connection is.” He released her and turned serious. “And how you started talking about Radian with a... particular tone as their visit went on. Cadence could feel it from you that you started developing feelings for him. You can talk to me, Twily. I won't say anything to anypony. I just want to make sure you're not going to get hurt about this.” Twilight retained her blush, but calmed down as her ears folded back and she lowered her head. “I don't know. I can't tell if I have a thing for humans or something. I mean, I did try and start something with Flash Sentry... uh, our Flash Sentry, but just like most humans compared to their pony contemporaries, he wasn't the same.” They continued walking down the corridor as Shining smiled again. “Yeah, he also kept panicking whenever you spent time with him. He's a good soldier, but I don't think he's ready for a relationship, and that goes double for royalty.” Twilight pouted and took a moment to organise her thoughts. She did care for Radian. A great deal, as a matter of fact. They shared some common ground, like formerly friendless backgrounds, their love of research and knowledge, and having an awakening with meeting others that forged bonds stronger than steel. Twilight had her dearest friends, the Elements of Harmony and more besides, and Radian had the Dazzlings. His family, as he now called them. Yes, he came here with nefarious intent, to repair all three of their stones when the agreement was for just one, and even that was a deal struck under false pretences, but he came clean and showed regret for what he was doing. Just by showing him kindness, and imparting the wisdom Twilight had learned about friendship, he was now in a far better place. She looked at the device strapped around her again. Radian was definitely a good soul, and if Adagio loved him, Twilight shouldn't doubt herself, or either of them. But even so... “You're thinking about him again, aren't you?” She blushed again, but her anger helped to mask it. “Now you cut that out, Shining! If you're going to keep pestering me for an answer, then here it is; Radian and I made a connection, built on trust and mutual respect for each other, and we acknowledged an equally mutual attraction, but we agreed to remain friends! Happy?” He chuckled. “You sound like you're convincing yourself more than me! But I'm glad you worked things out.” Twilight huffed. “More than anything, I'm just glad he didn't fall into the same camp as Flash. The human and pony ones. My position put me beyond them. With Radian, it feels like a solid friendship as peers, since I have no doubt he's going to make great changes in the human world with his inventions, just as I hope he will be instrumental in being a positive force of change here. I want him to help me usher in a new, brilliant age for Equestria.” Shining nuzzled Twilight's cheek. “I can't wait to see what you can do. Remember, you have every one of us to rely upon for support.” “Thanks, Shining. As for Adagio and her sisters, it will be nice having somepony who won't be at any risk being yes-mares, or being afraid to question me. I don't want to seem unapproachable, especially after how I've been guilty of doing the same with Celestia. I was so afraid of upsetting her sometimes, that I ended up actually upsetting her.” She then scraped the floor with her hoof and bowed her head at those memories, but that was just it; the past, and lessons learned. Twilight snorted in frustration before continuing. “Now I've got to deal with my own careful balance of projected authority to instil respect and stability while not alienating everypony who thinks I'm going to send them to the moon for looking at me the wrong way!” Shining gave her a gentle smile. “If there's anything ruling the Crystal Empire as taught me, is that there's no easy fix for that besides, as cliché as it sounds, just being and trusting yourself.” “That's the plan,” Twilight said with a nod. “I need ponies like my friends to treat me like they always have, and I want others like Adagio to give me perspective and attack my plans, to scrutinise and question my decisions to force me to justify them and make sure they're as good as I believe them to be.” “With Radian as a middle-stallion of sorts?” Twilight pointed with a hoof. “Exactly. He understands and respects me, but he made it clear that, if push came to shove, he would side with Adagio. Being able to convince him and the Dazzlings of my choices will help give me reassurance my decisions will be the right ones. That they're as logical and ironclad as they are heartfelt.” “I must admit, I'm a little worried about him having potentially that much sway over you without knowing the Radian himself. I get you didn't get to hang out with Adagio, so I guess it would be nice to understand your take on him at least. Not that I don't trust you, but when you let feelings get in the way of detecting duplicity? I mean, do I even need to mention my wedding?” “Okay, I get it. Let me tell you a bit about Radian.” Twilight gave Shining as impartial an assessment as she could. He was a scientist, and a talented one, but one suppressed by a rough upbringing, between trouble at home and a particular bully at school; Sunset Shimmer, even after she began to mend her ways. Radian felt so distressed that, when opposition to Sunset appeared in the form of Adagio and her sisters, he secretly wished to side with them, and became somewhat infatuated with them. Even if to just let their magical songs drag him away from his troubles and bend him to their will. Ignorance would be bliss. Yet fate had other plans. The Dazzlings were defeated, their magical necklaces destroyed, but magic continued to flow into the human world. When Twilight's human counterpart worsened the tears between the worlds with her own device and transformation into Midnight Sparkle, magic began flowing more freely, Radian detected this had become inspired to learn all he could about this new force. That eventually led to him seeking out the Dazzlings and finding Adagio, who was alone and down on her luck. They made an agreement: Adagio would use the last of her money, her knowledge and sensitivity of magic to help him, and once he made his device, he would use it to restore her powers. He also made a machine that was more straightforward in converting magic into electricity. Something Twilight wasn't even sure could be done in the human world. Twilight didn't catch herself talking quicker as the topic came up. Radian's perspective on magic was completely refreshing! Twilight had once sought to confine magic down into a matter of pure logic and, while it had expanded her knowledge, she couldn't truly get everything down, like Pinkie Pie's... Pinkieisms. Even Sunset had tried to understand how it worked in the human world and failed. That Radian had understood more than Sunset on the topic gave her hopes on some new understandings of magic when he returned. Twilight noticed Shining was walking along and nodding, but seemed blank. Twilight frowned and stopped. Shining kept walking. And nodding. She growled and asked, “were you even listening?” Shining kept nodding, then blinked, stopped, turned and cleared his throat. “Uh, mostly? Sorry, you went into one of your... you know.” Twilight snorted. “No, I don't know. Unless you mean you're poking fun at my feelings and passion for science, magic and knowledge. Again.” “I didn't mean it like that! Honest!” Shining crossed a hoof over his heart. “Just... it's late, we haven't hung out as often as we used to, so I've fallen behind on your... Twilyisms, and how to break them down into-” Twilight balked. “I do not have 'Twilyisms'! I- you know what!? Forget it. Good night, Shining.” She trotted off in a huff before she felt Shining's magic surround her, pick her up and pull her back. “Hold on there, sis! I'm sorry! I just miss it being us. I didn't mean to anger you.” He hugged her, and she sighed as she felt the frustration fade. Her ears flopped down and she said, “I know I get carried away sometimes, but I'm still parsing everything. I don't fully understand my feelings with Radian any more than I understand... some of the aspects I discovered about Adagio. She still wants to have a fight with me.” Shining backed up. “Wait, really? Do you want me to send some guards to Ponyville?” Twilight waved a hoof. “No, sorry. Not like that! Let me explain: when the Dazzlings first appeared in Sunset's school, originally there was this musical showcase, but the sirens pushed for it to become a tournament. A Battle of the Bands. And when we began to fight against them, Adagio and her sisters seemed to relish the competitive aspect. It's a siren quirk. I believe she called it 'shining brighter' or something like that.” “Considering how powerful they were, and I guess are once more, are you sure that's wise?” “I don't exactly relish the prospect of fighting Adagio, Aria and Sonata again, but if that's what they want for me to prove I'm worthy of their respect, so be it.” Twilight stomped her hoof with a clack that echoed down the corridor. “I'll fight with everything I have, with the power of friendship on my side and every ounce of the power I possess, I'll prove to Adagio that I'm not to be trifled with!” Shining's eyes were wide. “You're, uh, doing the glowy mane thing again.” “Oh?” Twilight looked and saw her mane was floating and glittering like a starry nebula. “Oops, sorry. It's getting harder to stop that from happening.” Shining gave her another hug as her mane returned to its purple, pink highlighted natural state. “It's a sign you're still growing into your role, Twily. I'm proud of you! Anyway, it's really late. And remember, if you need anything, you can always ask me or Cadence.” “I know. And I will, thanks, Shining. Oh, how's Sunset? I wanted to have a quick word with her before I went to bed.” “The palace doctors have finished treating her. A broken rib, some torn muscles, a small internal bleed and a lot of bruising. She won't be going anywhere for a while, but thanks to our resident healer and surgeon, she'll make a full recovery.” Twilight sighed with relief, but still looked troubled. “Just when I thought I couldn't feel any worse about Sunset putting herself through all this trouble in locating Equestrian artefacts, now this? Do you know if she's still awake?” “No idea, but try not to keep her up too long if she is. She needs rest. Doctor's orders.” Twilight bid her brother a good night with a familial peck on the cheek, and headed down to the palace infirmary. A few nurses quietly kept vigil over a few of the shared wards, but a familiar mare exited one of the rooms. A majestically tall alicorn with a beautiful white coat, and with a flowing, ethereal pink, blue and green mane, Princess Celestia smiled at Twilight's approach. “I was wondering when you would arrive, Twilight.” “Pri- uh... hi, Celestia!” Celestia's smile grew wider. “You have no idea how much it means to me to be simply a peer, Twilight.” “I'm getting there, gradually,” Twilight said, “though I'm still really glad you're staying on for a few more years and I'm eager to keep learning. Seriously, all these small changes are becoming awkward to keep up with, but that's not important now. How's Sunset?” Celestia glanced at the door behind her and said, “she is in good spirits, and I can't blame her. She was extraordinarily brave tonight, and likely saved many lives by helping pull Adagio Dazzle back from losing control of her siren form. And her bravado certainly hasn't been quelled. I doubt I could be as spirited as she was when it came to facing a siren, no matter Adagio's weakened state.” Twilight smirked. “She's certainly not shy on getting her hooves dirty, even if it's not always the wisest course of action. But make no mistake; she saved not only the citizens of Equestria and beyond, but also Adagio and Radian themselves. Is she still awake?” “She is, and is expecting you.” Celestia stepped aside, then said, “I shall see you tomorrow morning, before Luna and I depart for Canterlot. Will you be returning to Ponyville as well?” “Most likely. I need to get the mirror back and powered up so I can go tell Sunset's friends what's happened. I suppose if Sunset wants to stay here, I'll keep her company for a few days and ask Starlight to go in my stead, but I plan to bring her to Ponyville as soon as she's able to be moved safely. Have a good night, Celestia.” The two princesses bowed to one another, and Equestria's ruler teleported away in a flash of yellow light. Twilight approached the private room and gently knocked on the door with her hoof, then peeked inside. “Can I come in?” “Sure,” Sunset said in a raspy tone. She grinned weakly but didn't lift her head from the pillow. The bags under her eyes, the messy, fiery red and yellow mane and body bruises visible even through her light orange coat made Twilight stare, even if said turquoise eyes were still shining and vibrant. Twilight couldn't help but wince. She had to be in a lot of pain. “C'mon, it isn't that bad, right?” Sunset laughed, then groaned in pain. Twilight bit her lip. “I just wanted to ask you a few questions about the past week, but maybe this isn't such a good idea... you rest up. It can wait.” “As if I could even sleep right now,” Sunset said as she struggled onto her belly. “Being hoof-punched by a full sized siren into a tree besides, this has been the most fun I've had in a while: being back in Equestria, getting involved in an actual adventure, meeting all your friends, talking with all the princesses, actually clearing things up with Radian and, most of all, maybe even getting somewhere with Adagio? I'm still buzzing!” She yelped, pressed a hoof into her side and hissed through her teeth. “And so are your injuries... you have to rest, Sunset. I'm sorry for making you talk, this was a terrible idea. We'll try this tomorrow.” “No, please! I- ow! Dang it...” Sunset clutched her sides and settled back down. Twilight couldn't help but worry about how desperate she seemed to keep talking, but Twilight still felt awful. She suddenly had an idea, and pulled Radian's device out of its carrying strap, tapped a few keys with her telekinesis, and pointed it at Sunset. Sunset's breathing grew stronger and she sighed with relief. “That thing's some seriously amazing tech.” “I wholeheartedly agree. He made me promise to use it to help you, but I was going to anyway.” Twilight placed it on a bedside table and propped up so it would continue to bathe Sunset in a small but continuous flow of sympathetic unicorn magic. The machine pulled ambient magic into itself, which powered it, but it could attune the energy into focused formats and broadcast it back out. It resembled a megaphone with a little keypad and spectrograph, some little metal studs over placed over it, as well as some antennae which poked out the end. Radian's admitted it was based on Twilight's human counterpart's device which led to her corruption, but where that Twilight had became afraid of touching magic and settled into the more focused power of her geode, Radian had strived to perfect the original device, and succeeded. The finished emitter had been instrumental in repairing the siren's stones too, since each stone resonated differently and required very precise tuning to make them whole. The setting she was using on Sunset was a low powered 'positive' signal, a sympathetic attunement that made the recipient feel better and assist their healing, but Twilight had felt the full power of the emitter first-hoof. It could bolster a pony or weaken them based on their species. Pegasi could be made faster and more agile, or conversely unable to fly and sluggish. Unicorns could have their magic amplified or, being so core to their being, not only disabled, but it could knock them unconscious. Earth ponies grew stronger and tougher, and while untested it could likely enhance their gifts with growing plants, and the negative form would instead leave the pony enfeebled. Such was Radian's experience with the precise inner workings of his device that he could even cast these effects as his first unique spell. He likened it to oscillating a simple magic signal with his horn, but at very precise frequencies. Twilight learned a basic version, and could likely refine her knowledge, but she was hesitant. A spell tampering with the very nature of a pony reminded her of Starlight's unique spell to strip a pony of their cutie-mark. It would perhaps be best considered forbidden... Her mind was wandering from her fatigue, Twilight realised, so she focused on Sunset again. “Still, as much as this thing will help,” Twilight continued and patted Radian's device, “I'll keep you company as long as you want, but if you want me to leave so you can rest, just say the word.” Sunset blew a raspberry and rolled her eyes. “Forget that. Come here a sec. Sure, my ribs aren't great, but I've learned this new trick with my empathy powers. Take my han- uh, hoof. Also, maybe get comfortable? This might take a while.” Twilight cocked an eyebrow, but levitated a chair next to Sunset's bed, climbed on, and offered her foreleg. Sunset settled back down onto the mattress, hooked her hoof around Twilight's own, and with a red flash of her horn, her eyes turned white. * * * “What- what just happened?” Twilight was still in the private ward, but something was off. Sunset suddenly stood then hopped off the bed, then climbed onto her hind legs. In a blink, Sunset adopted her human form, dressed in a set of purple pyjamas. “This is a new thing I figured out with Rarity,” Sunset said as she stretched and sighed with relief, seemingly uninjured. “I saw these really cool looking costumes when I was travelling and struggled to describe them, so I worked out how to replay my memories while inviting someone else inside my mind! It's like I'm showing you my most recent memories, closer to livestreaming my current thoughts.” Twilight tilted her head. “Livestreaming?” “Oh, right... so there's this thing we do in the human world where we use the internet to show everyone what we're doing using a computer, like playing video games? When we do it live, we call it livestreaming. This is kind of like that, but with my memories; as I think something, and it becomes part of my short-term memory, it happens for your viewing pleasure! Likewise, since I'm reading your surface memories, anything you think is happening too.” “That's pretty clever,” Twilight said with a smirk. “I guess when it's the only magic you have can control in the human world, it gives you a chance to really expand on a single concept. It also reminds me that you were a prodigal unicorn before the mirror incident.” “I'm still out of practice with normal magic though,” Sunset said. “I struggled to teleport consistently when chasing after Radian when he ran after Adagio.” “Seems to me like you need a refresher,” Twilight said. “I wonder if I could convince you to take up studying magic again, what with you needing a few months to heal. I happen to know a really good teacher who'd love to spend some time with you.” She winked Sunset's face lit up as she gasped. “Are you saying what I think you're saying? You'll teach me?” “I am! I cordially invite you to be my student and guest at the Palace of Friendship while you finish your recovery. My home will be your home.” Twilight looked around, then up at Sunset's current form. “Although if I'm currently spending time in your mind-home-thing, I should do as the humans do.” Twilight focused on those distant memories she of her time in the human world, and her perspective shifted: she wobbled onto her hind legs and sprouted taller. Her forelegs waved about to keep balance, only for them to also extend and her hooves to shift into hands. A quick glance down showed her legs were plantigrade and that she was dressed in similar pyjamas as Sunset. Finally, they hugged. “Heck yes!” Sunset's hug turned ever stronger. “This is going to be amazing!” Twilight bathed in the warmth of her friend and put her forele- her arms around her. The distance she so often associated with Sunset was an ache she never realised how much she hated, but it was soothed in this moment. “There's so much I can't wait to show you,” Twilight said softly, then waited for Sunset to let go. But Sunset seemed reluctant. Did she just sniffle? Twilight asked, “are you okay?” Sunset broke away and spun around. She then cleared her throat, wiped her sleeve across her face, then turned toward Twilight with a toothy grin. “Sure! It's... just been a long time since we just had a moment like this, you and me, with no looming threats or your friends or mine, that's all. Hah, I probably just made it awkward, didn't I?” “Not at all. I promise, however long you want, I'll give you my undivided attention. There's so much we can talk about and do that simply can't be conveyed through written words.” Sunset laughed and playfully punched Twilight in the arm. “Shows how far you've come! No longer relying on words, pages and books to achieve everything.” Twilight gave a wry smile. “Right back at you, Ms. 'Taking my health seriously, so I'm getting swollen!' We're both pretty far removed from our 'magic and knowledge is everything' pasts, aren't we?” Sunset clapped her hands together. “Definitely! Oh, and it's 'swole'. I guess it is a bit of a corruption of swollen, but more about getting fitter and stronger And I was... kinda drunk when I wrote that. But check it!” Sunset then made her sleeves vanish, exposing firm, toned arms, which she promptly flexed, then lifted her top and exposed her abs. Twilight didn't exactly have had a huge amount of reference on the human form, but she'd seen Sunset's pony body. She used to be taller than average but firmly built (if, by her own admission, not in great shape), yet now she looked closer to an earth pony. Unicorns really didn't have the ease of their earth sisters when it came to gainful exercise, but Twilight couldn't help but be impressed Sunset suddenly sighed and her pyjamas returned to their normal form. “Ugh... I just realised my busted rib's gonna mean I'm gonna get out of shape again. Seriously, though, I kept thinking about when my world's Twilight poked fun at my unused gym membership. She can be savage when she wants to be, and my lifestyle came back to bite me in the ass when I had to chase that guy with the... oh, what was it called again? That fragment that gave super speed?” “Oh, the Splinter of Lightning?” Sunset finger-gunned at Twilight and said, “right, that's the one. Sure, that guy could run like the wind, but I just needed to outlast him since it just burnt him out quicker. That gave me the drive to take my fitness seriously. As great as my geode is for finding the emotional centre of the people who abuse these items, I can't always expect my friends to be there to cover my butt if they're super strong, fast, or can shoot lightning out their eyes or whatever. It may be a last resort, but sometimes some asses need kicking.” Sunset punctuated her words by punching her palm. Twilight snapped her fingers, briefly bemused at how naturally the motion came to her. “Speaking of artefacts, that was why I came here to talk to you. Well, one of the reasons, anyway. I know I've written it a hundred times, but thank you, truly, for continuing to dealing with them.” “Hey, no problem!” Sunset's smile faded and she rubbed the back of her neck. “Kinda my fault they're all there to begin with, so it's my mess to clean.” “No, it's not- I mean, sure, to begin with, but that's not fair on you,” Twilight said and put her hand on Sunset's shoulder. “I let Radian know about your mission and I know he's expressed interest In helping you. Hopefully you'll be able to not only help one another, but also take turns if either of you need a break.” Sunset's eyes went wide. “Really? I mean, I really appreciate it, but I never thought I'd see you twist an offer to help someone into doing something dangerous like recovering artefacts... That's kinda messed up.” “I know,” Twilight said with a sigh and rubbed one arm with the other awkwardly. “Celestia's been making sure I learn that part of being a leader is to know when to be duplicitous, but never cruel. Giving earnestly with one hoof while pushing and guiding with the other and all that. I don't like it, but it's securing the alliance of the sirens power and Radian's technical brilliance, as well as reinforcing all of their wish to live a peaceful life in Equestria, even while intending to use them against threats. I feel bad about it, yet I'm doing good. I... don't know how to describe how I feel about it.” Sunset shrugged. “No, I guess get it; I can't tell you how often I've dug into people's minds to find ways to convince them to turn over a new leaf or give me something I want... ugh, and I'm still painfully aware about forcing a look into Adagio's head. Twice! You were right to call me out on that second one in her apartment.” “Like it or hate it, that glance into Adagio's memories became your trump card when things were at their worst.” Twilight closed her eyes, centred her self, and nodded. “I know as well as anypony that things can't always be solved the gentle way. But the important thing to remember is to never let using underhooved tactics be our primary means of doing the right thing. Besides, we knew there was likely some ulterior motives considering Adagio's resistance to changing her ways in since they still hated humans after losing their powers. Which brings me to my main reason for being here.” Sunset stroked her chin. “Well, if we're getting serious, we might as well get comfortable. Here, take a seat.” Twilight glanced behind her, and a bed rose from the ground. She sat down, as did Sunset so they were facing one another. Sunset asked, “so, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” “Thanks. I wanted to ask about everything that happened since you ran into Adagio. I know, deep down that she's changed, but I'd love to give everything a final check. Just to make sure we didn't overlook anything.” Sunset ran her fingers through her red and blond hair. “Really? Kinda late to be changing your mind now. It seems a little redundant.” “I know,” Twilight said, “but despite that, even I'll admit I was distracted with the summit, and dividing my attention between that and Radian meant I still haven't really had a chance to hear your side of the story in full, or have a long enough talk with Adagio to get a measure for the extent of her changes. It's just... you know, crossing the T's and dotting the I's? Leaving no stone unturned? Something like that?” Sunset blinked and stared. “You're being neurotic about not knowing everything about a situation again, aren't you?” Nonplussed, Twilight replied, “are we doing this or not?” “Well, fine, I don't see why not, but why talk when I can just show you?” Sunset said and shrugged. “I... don't know if I want to invade in other ponies' memories.” “Are you saying you don't want to see things in a technically first hand way to make your own conclusions?” Twilight went to protest, but stopped. “Ugh, fine. But I still want your opinion on moments.” “And feel free to stop me if you want context, or want to stop and skip over any particular moments. Alrighty! Let's see...” Sunset closed her eyes and raised her hands, and the private ward shifted and transformed. The crystal floors gave way to a familiar, worn linoleum, the room stretched ahead and behind them, lockers filled the walls. It was Canterlot High School's main corridor. There were four classrooms nearby as well, each labelled with the name, and even strange weather through the window. Adagio's door, with a dark gloom beyond, Radian's, with heavy rain, Sonata's, fill with a thick fog and Sunset's, with brilliant sunshine. Twilight asked, “what's going on?” Sunset stood and gestured around them. “I just categorised my memories for you. Whoever you want to look at, we'll just enter the room and everything I recall is yours to view. Since expanding on my powers, I've learned how to compartmentalise what I've seen, considering how important any brief glimpse of a specific moment can be. Just say what you want me to revisit, and I'll make that appear first and foremost.” Twilight glanced at Adagio's door. “Maybe we should try with your first meeting with Adagio. To see how she acted when you first made contact with her.” She then looked at another. “But knowing your earliest interactions with Radian might be more beneficial.” Sunset laughed, but it was a nervous one. “If I'm totally honest? I'd rather not go back that far. I was a total bitch to Radian and there's little to learn that I can't just tell you quicker. I wasn't exactly to blame for what happened to him overall, but I get why he put a lot of that on me. All the same, I'm eager to move past that and do right by him now he's forgiven me, especially with his offer of a job and helping me out with artefact hunts.” “Well, in that case, it sounds like you've got some recommendations.” Sunset rubbed her chin with a frown, then sighed and said, “look, I guess my first meeting with Radian might give some extra context to what I was dealing with when trying to reconnect with him. I don't like going back that far, but you deserve to know.” “Your memories it is, then. The day you met Radian at the cafe.” Sunset suddenly shifted back into her unicorn form. “Since we'll be observing the human world for a while, it'll probably make things a bit less confusing if we're ponies. Seeing two of me is already gonna be kinda weird for you, I'm sure.” Twilight effortlessly shifted back into an alicorn and nodded. “Lead the way.” Sunset's door opened, and the pair stepped through into the light. * * * Sunset's Door The light eased and Twilight found herself on a quiet street in the human world. High rise buildings of downtown Canterlot City in one direction and increasingly broken down apartment blocks in the other. A row of stores lined one side of the road, with a laundromat, a mini-mart and other businesses. On the other side of the street was a cafe. “Not the... nicest neighbourhood,” Twilight said, wary of the disrepair and graffiti on some of the walls and apartments. “Sure, but the coffee's cheap yet still good. I'm not exactly flush with cash right now so, yeah, that job offer is super well timed. Also this cafe is on the end of my normal run through downtown for a caffeine boost before the run back to my apartment. Anyway, let's get this memory rolling.” Sunset exited the cafe, iced coffee in hand, and looked for a place to sit to enjoy it. She had reason to celebrate; she'd bested her previous time jogging here by two minutes! A familiar face stole her attention. A man around Sunset's age, sitting at one of the nearest tables. He was looking at her for a split second, but he immediately his dipped his gaze behind a newspaper. He had short green hair with yellow stripes. Brown eyes flickered over the paper at her as his brow twitched. He wore a simple buttoned shirt over a slim frame. Not bad looking, baby-faced but hardly memorable. His eyes stood out, soft but filled with intelligence. Something about Sunset looming over him like this, as he tried to evade her notice, was eerily familiar. She shivered for some reason, and realised she was staring, so she decided to just break the ice. “Wait, I know you...” It came to her as she looked deeper into his eyes. One of the smartest kids in school, but a poor attendance record. She continued, “Radian Wave? Oh wow, it is you!” Twilight looked around the newspaper and closer at Radian. “Huh.” Sunset asked, “what's up?” “Sorry, I haven't seen him as a human before. That's all.” “On that topic, brace yourself. He gets pretty heated. I know you're still not used to human curse words.” Twilight smirked but looked nervous. “Noted. I'm getting used to them.” Right! Radian! He used to hang out with the other smart kids! Then he didn't, because... oh. Oh no. Sunset remembered slamming him into lockers and making threats, trying to make him flake out on tests and more, since he was one of the few minds clearly better than her own. Wow, she really was a jerk, wasn't she? Now, hold on, Sunset thought to herself. It's been years. You're both older and wiser. Time heals all wounds and all that. Sunset sat down at his table and said, “you're looking well! Wow, it's been years, huh? What have you been up to?” Radian squirmed in his seat as he put the paper down on top of something fairly bulky. His eyes darted about and he cleared his throat. “Oh, uh, you know,” he finally managed to stammer, “t- this and that.” Sunset didn't need her empathy powers to tell he totally remembered. She could see fear in his eyes for a split second. “Great,” Sunset replied and looked off to the side as she tried to think of her next move. She barely noticed him stop fidgeting as he sat up straight and gain a presence. “So, can we talk about Canterlot High?” His tone was suddenly firm and assured as it dripped a snide-energy. “Being tripped in the cafeteria almost every day? Having Snips and Snails fill my locker with fire extinguisher foam? The fucking science fair incident!? You know, reminisce about the good old days?” Oh hell, the science fair. It came back to her. Sunset had falling behind on her project, so she sabotaged everyone's, including his, by drenching them all with water. Radian's was some sort of hand-made calculator. Really well made and clearly from base components. Infinitely better than everyone else's attempts of potato lights, soda and candy volcanoes and such. She only needed to break his, but she ruined everyone else's work to make it less obvious it was her. There was something else about Radian that came to back to her as well... he started as chipper as most other students, but he became deeply troubled over time. It amused her back then, but now? Sunset had fought a lot of jerks since those early days of being set on the right path. She'd helped a lot of downtrodden and desperate people too. She'd faced people with justified anger who'd lashed out at her and built lasting friendships from them. This shouldn't be out of her wheelhouse, but at that moment, she'd never felt so small, but she couldn't pinpoint why. His sudden burst of confidence didn't help, like he was actively using what she'd done to him as a weapon right back at her. Meanwhile, she felt like she was playing with half a deck; he hadn't let go of his memories, and she could tell he was reliving them in his head to keep his anger burning, but while Sunset did remember Radian, she was missing a lot of details because of how distant he'd had been back then. Sunset had to start trying to build bridges, so she refocused, took a calming breath and answered, “I know, and I can't tell you how much I'm sorry. What I did was horrible, and I never forgot. I did try to apologise back then, but you weren't in school often, and even when you were, you actively avoided me.” He gripped the table so hard his knuckles turned white. “Of course I did! Do you know what it's like having nowhere to turn? Having your parents fight over taking you out of school when you're at home, get constantly bullied at school and having no friends because you earn a reputation as a loner that nobody wants to hang around with because you're constantly unhappy?” Oh crap. Sunset bit her lip and recoiled at the raw emotions being thrown at her. That's what she was forgetting about this guy. There were all sorts of rumours going around the school about Radian's home life, largely being handled by Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna, but it was just ammunition for Sunset when she was an unrepentant bully. She could only imagine having to deal with her old self and a broken home, but she also had her woes from her upbringing. Her ignorant pride in gaining power and alienation of caring figures like Princess Celestia. She also understood feeling like an outsider and being hated by everyone. That was it! This was the time to strike. Sunset was the element of empathy, after all. It was time to try and bring up some common ground and start a dialogue. His confidence was obviously new to him, judging by his sudden shift. Build a rapport! Shatter his expectations and recover! Sunset dug deep and replied, “more than you might expect, but that doesn't change the fact I'm truly, deeply sorry. I know that probably means nothing, but if you'll let me, I want to make it up to you somehow. The thought of letting that pain fester in you-” “No thanks.” Radian leaps to his feet and bunches his newspaper around whatever it was he was hiding. He sneers and snarks, “it's been great catching up. Seeya.” “Radian, please wait, I-” He stormed off. Sunset slumped in her seat as she stewed in thought. “I didn't know how to respond,” current Sunset said, “between his change in attitude and how much anger he was holding onto and even just how long it had been since I met anyone who I'd wronged, I was just lost on how to help. It was like Wallflower all over again, only I'd hurt him far worse. I was so caught off guard I didn't even have a chance to try and read him with my powers.” “I know that feeling. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to teleport or fly when I'm in a panic.” Twilight tapped her chin with a hoof. “And he didn't exactly give you much of a chance to try, either.” “Even so, I wanted a second shot. I kept thinking about it for the rest of the day, and even into my dreams...” Sunset's memory fast-forwarded until it flowed into a blur, and a new scene appeared. * * * “So, making a rare appearance, huh? I was beginning to think you were scared of me. Good! You should be.” Sunset loomed over the shorter boy, who froze with his head buried in his locker. She was taller by a couple of inches anyway, but his constant slouch just emphasised the point. She liked standing out, presenting her best to conceal her worst. She deserved greatness, and twerps like this runt were one of two things; fuel for her ambitions like her moronic lackeys, Snips and Snails, or threats to be squashed like most of the rabble in this school. “Hey, look at Sunset when she's talking to you,” Snips snipped. “Yeah, Radian, it's rude to not stare,” Snails droned, then scratched his head. “Wait, hold on, that's not right.” Sunset rolled her eyes, then shoved Radian into the locker, spun him around to face her and yanked him up by his collar. He struggled against her grip. “Leave me alone.” His brown puppy-dog eyes betrayed his fear, but there was something else there. Something overriding his usual meekness. Apathy? Whatever, she wouldn't be denied. She pushed harder and said, “we've got a big test on Friday. You're gonna screw it up or I'm gonna make your life hell, understand? I'm not gonna have anyone upstage me when we're this close to the Fall Formal.” He may have been afraid, but something deeper made Radian resistant. He just looked away and kept silent. Sunset snarled, “I said-” Snips whispered, “V.P. on approach!” Sunset released Radian and bolted for her locker, opened it and busied herself as Vice Principal Luna walked by. She stole a glance at Radian, who remained silent and still beside his open locker, his collar still creased up. Snips and Snails went and made use of a nearby drinking fountain, only to bash their heads together as they both went to drink. Luna stopped and asked, “is everything alright, Radian Wave? You look troubled.” Sunset made a slicing gesture at her throat at Radian, but he ignored her and just said, “I'm fine, Vice Principal. Just... stuff at home.” Luna bit her lip. “Oh, yes, I've been informed about your situation. Please, if there's anything you want to talk about, I-” Radian slammed his locker shut and just muttered, “I said I'm fine.” He then ran off. Luna reached out after him, but sighed and folded her arms in defeat. She then looked at Sunset, who fussed about with her locker's contents while whistling, before the vice principal walked away. Snips returned. “Phew, that was close.” Sunset ordered, “follow him and make sure he knows I'm not gonna tolerate his sob-story crap, I don't care what he's got wrong at home, he's failing that test, and if you've gotta screw with him when he's trying to study, then do it.” Sunset stomped away and into the restroom as Snips and Snails followed her commands. She entered, took a calming breath and glanced at herself in the mirror. Soon, if her old journal, the one thing she brought with her through the portal, and her notes within were right, she wouldn't even need to worry about this nonsense. Finally, a chance to get back into Equestria, to get her magic back, or maybe find an artefact that could truly make her unstoppable here. She glanced at herself, and envisioned herself, as she once did, as a princess, all powerful and beloved. Only to scream as her reflection shifted into the shrieking facade of a she-demon. It punched through the mirror, shards of glass slashing Sunset's skin, and lunged at her with bloodied claws! * * * Sunset screamed as she sat up. She was bathed in sweat, and her heart thundered in her chest. She buried her face in her hands and mumbled, “what the hell was wrong with you, Sunset?” Twilight and Sunset stood to the side as the in-the-moment Sunset climbed out of bed and paced around, listless. She tapped away on her phone for a while and just stared out of the window for a few minutes with a furrowed brow. “You really never let go of that old side of you, did you?” Twilight hooked a hoof on her friend's shoulder as she shook her head. “I thought I'd righted all the wrongs I'd made all those years ago, and knowing that gave me all the strength I needed to keep fighting and helping everyone, but finding one more life so badly wounded because of me? And that I'd forgotten about him so easily because of how afraid and distant he was. That hurt more than Adagio slamming me into that tree. If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that physical injuries tend to heal quicker than emotional ones, and Radian was still an open wound.” “You weren't the only one to blame, you have to remember that.” Sunset nodded. “I know. And knowing he's now forgiven me is a huge weight off my mind. I just hope we can become actual friends. But anyway, let's keep moving.” The scene progressed faster; Sunset bounced between heading to the bathroom, to making and eating breakfast, to checking her phone repeatedly. The scene slowed a little as Sunset headed to her pet's tank. Twilight asked, “what's wrong?” Sunset giggled and said, “nothing. I just miss my gecko. You know, Ray? Since I'd be in Equestria for a few days, I was gonna leave him with Fluttershy. I know she'll look after him, but I wish I knew I'd be here for this much longer.” “Ray, huh?” Twilight smirked. “Funny coincidence, being your pet and Adagio's nickname for Radian.” Sunset's giggle grew into a full laugh. “Yeah, I noticed that too! I guess Adagio has more in common with me than I thought.” Past Sunset asked, “and how's my special little guy today?” The leopard gecko seemed to smile up at her as she reached in, fussed with him a bit, then fed him some crickets. She watched him with a loving expression as he crunched on the bugs, then felt her pocket buzz. Someone was calling her. Sunset answered the phone and put on the loudspeaker. “Hey! Good morning, Wallflower! Thanks for getting back to me.” “Morning! And no problem, Sunset. How's things?” “Ah, y'know... magical artefact here, portal there. You? I run through the city park every day and I've gotta say, you're doing a great job with the flower garden!” Wallflower giggled. “Thanks for noticing! We got a few pictures put in the local paper and an award from the mayor! I'm just still surprised you remember to call me these days. This is, what, the third time in a month? People might start thinking we're actually friends.” “Hey, you know me! Gotta make up for the reason you almost erased me from everyone's minds.” Wallflower scoffed. “Okay, fine, stick the knife in some more, why don't you? I get it, already! I sucked.” “Hey, hey! We both sucked.” “I guess.” “Just you a bit more.” “...” “Okay, a lot more.” “Hey!” “I'm just joshing you! Relax. It's just kinda weighing on my mind a lot at the moment, and at least you've moved on. You're doing great at forgetting the past... it's almost like you've got experience in the field of forgetting stuff.” Wallflower laughed. “Anyway, what was it you wanted?” Sunset got her grin under control. “So yeah, I've got a serious request; do you have the old files on our yearbooks from CHS?” “Sure. After what I did, I kinda like to make sure at least I remember everyone..” “I feel that,” Sunset said and rubbed the back of her neck. “I wanted to ask about someone... do you remember Radian Wave?” “Uh. That name rings a bell... wasn't he the guy who used to hang out with Micro Chips and the others? Hold on, I've got the backups on my computer.” There was the sound of tapping keys. Wallflower hummed an off-key version of 'Get the Show on the Road' by the Rainbooms. “Here we go... uhh, poor attendance record. And something about a ruined science fair project?... oh.” Sunset sighed. “Yeah, 'oh,' is right You weren't the only one who had a grudge against me. Is there anything in there about him personality-wise? Like, at all?” “He helped with a few school events, mainly when it came to electronics. It earned him some extra credit with Principal Celestia. Not much else, I'm afraid.” “Damn it,” Sunset mumbled. “Well, thanks for checking, Wallflower. I'll talk to you later.” “No problem! Bye.” The pair watched past-Sunset fret about some more, then get dressed in a familiar short blue dress, with long leggings, boots and topped with one of her favourite faux-leather jackets, and she stepped out of the apartment. As she did, the hallway beyond shifted into darkness, and Sunset led Twilight through it. “I figured I'd just retrace my steps back to the cafe I'd hopefully find Radian again,” Sunset said. “I even remember thinking that if he wasn't there, I'd just call it off. He made it pretty clear he didn't want to see me or reconcile, though I still hoped someday I'd get another chance.” Twilight gave Sunset a worried look, but then a reassuring smile. “I guess you figured that if he didn't come back there, then you at least tried. You can't win every friendship.” Sunset scraped the floor with her hoof. “I really don't like thinking back on it, but anyway, you wanted to know about my meeting with Adagio.” They re-emerged from the laundromat on the row of stores, and watched as the Sunset from the memory cross the street away from them. Sunset sighed as she reached the cafe, looked across at the street to the laundromat and other stores, but saw no sign of Radian. “Guess it wasn't meant to be,” she sighed, and headed inside for a drink. There was no point making it a wasted trip. Sunset's heart froze as she saw her. That unmistakable thick mass of orange, poofy hair, streaked with blond. Those sinister dark pink eyes. That spiky purple, black and gold ensemble. It was Adagio Dazzle, sitting and nursing a coffee as she looked up from a magazine and their eyes met. Adagio said, wide eyed, “oh. Small world, huh?” The two ponies climbed onto the table and sat down. Twilight gave Adagio a close look as Sunset looked at her past, human self with a troubled expression. Sunset folded her arms. “The hell are you doing here?” Adagio nodded down to her coffee with a sway of her thick hair. “I could ask you the same question. I live near here, after all. You familiar with Dressage Avenue?” Sunset shook her head and the world slowed for a moment. “Considering the van they lived in while on tour, I guess I wasn't too surprised she lived in the low cost apartments nearby.” She bit her lip and hesitated. “But I think I let my old perceptions rule my words...” Sunset let the smug flow, and she grinned. “A trashy neighbourhood for an even trashier girl. Very fitting.” Adagio's brow twitched and a little of that old siren attitude flared up. To her credit though, it was a fleeting ghost of her former smug self as Adagio just rolled her eyes and ignored the jab. Behind the counter, an older lady squinted at Sunset and said, “trashy neighbourhood, eh? You aimin' to get kicked out there, missy? I suggest you stop harrassin' my customers and buy somethin' or get out.” That took the wind out of Sunset's sails, but suddenly Adagio called out, “it's alright. Sorry, she's with me.” She focused on Sunset again. “What are you having?” Sunset's jaw almost dropped, but she narrowed her eyes and asked, “what're you trying to pull?” Adagio shrugged. “I'm 'pulling' at playing nice. I'd think you of all people would recognise that, Ms. Goodie-Actually-Four-Hooves. Now, seriously, what did you want? I know it's hardly going to cover for... what's happened before, but I've got to start somewhere, right?” With a quick glance at the menu, and the more expensive items, she ordered, “I'll have a triple shot caramel cappuccino with extra cream, thanks.” Adagio winced as she tallied up the drink order, then emptied her purse to dig out the exact change and stood. “Take a seat, I'll be back in a sec.” She then headed to the counter. Sunset did so, but immediately started looking around for Sonata and Aria, but they weren't anywhere to be seen. She then watched Adagio, studying her as she waited for Sunset's drink. “Compared to how she was back when I last visited the human world,” Twilight said, “and even when we just saw her as a pony, she's so... subdued. I mean, I'm no expert on human expressions and body language, but this is almost the complete opposite of what I'd expect from Adagio Dazzle.” “Right? I didn't see it then, I just kept expecting her to jump me or something, but she was always bombastic when she wanted to be and subtle when she needed to be. She was so broken here. Or, broken and... I guess on the mend since I guess she had started developing at least some feelings for Radian by this point.” Sunset scratched her cheek with her hoof, then continued, “let me be clear, though; you have to remember I was right in that she was plotting something. I shouldn't have been on the attack, and obviously we know everything turned out alright, but this was another ploy.” Adagio returned with the coffee, placed it in front of Sunset and sat back down. “So how's life been treating you? I see you managed to get out of that time loop thing.” Sunset paused and thought back for a moment, then asked, “how did you know about that?” “For one thing, I know you've dabbled in magic a bunch since Twilight stopped your attempt to get back into Equestria. It's what lured me to Canterlot High School to begin with. Secondly, you'd be surprised what Pinkie Pie blabbers on about on her blog.” Adagio smirked as she tapped on her phone, placed it on the table for Sunset to see. It showed Pinkie's blog from years back, talking about the PostCrush concert at the Starswirled festival, and how she was jealous that Sunset had seen the concert a bunch of times despite there only being one performance that night. Also something about a 'timey wimey, twirly whirly twisty thing.' And... crowbar churros?” Sunset facepalmed. “Damn it, Pinkie...” Adagio took her phone back and sighed. “It's fine, I haven't been spreading it around. There's a bunch of things I figured out just watching and listening for magic for an out from this stupid world. Like it seems you can read minds by touch, and your friends can do a bunch of weird stuff like explosive sprinkles and super strength.” Sunset grumbled, “Pinkie again?” Adagio gave a weak smile. “Give me some credit. I don't begin and end at my lost powers, and while most people assumed magical flare ups were pyrotechnics, swamp gas and other typical human ignorance as they fail to recognise the obvious, I knew otherwise. Especially when I kept seeing you and your friends appearing in these places, be it in trash sensationalist magazines or even local newspapers.” That was one thing that Sunset knew was unavoidable. The Rainbooms weren't the biggest band in the world, not the least of which because every member was often busy with their own job or hobby at any given time, but they always got together to perform every so often and had enough clout to play at charity gigs, or be the opening act for larger groups. They also usually used the reunions as an excuse to chase down any magic leaks farther afield than Sunset could risk alone or with only a couple of her friends. The hardest girl to keep on hand was Rainbow Dash. As the face of the band, she also had her professional and national soccer career to maintain, between training and travelling the world for tournaments, she was always busy. Sunset realised Adagio was staring and reading her. With Sunset's attention back on her, Adagio continued, “there's only so many times the Rainbooms can turn up at a venue and have strange things go on before people get wise. I always wondered if I could stumble on some magic of my own by looking into these things myself, but eventually I gave up. Karma, or fate, or whatever it is seems determined to keep me here. Everything was a dead end, so I just knuckled down and tried to get on with life as a human.” “So, just you, Aria and Sonata in an apartment together?” “Just me,” Adagio said. Her lips trembled for a split second and she dropped her head so hard Sunset honestly thought she'd been struck by something. “We... had a falling out.” “Okay, I may not be great at human faces, but that's genuine remorse right there,” Twilight said. “Yeah, I felt pain in that moment that's what got me to start really listening.” “Really? What happened?” Sunset was surprised again. Petty and conflictive as they seemed back in CHS, there was an obvious bond between them. There was confusion over whether they were sisters, but Sunset remembered they were billed as such whenever they performed. Adagio's hair covered her expression as she continued, “Sonata figured out how to actually make good at this 'being normal' thing while I still had my head in the clouds. Hopeful and full of old siren pride that I could power through and make us successful. Or, you know, just be stuck up my own ass apparently. I... lashed out. And once she left, Aria soon followed.” Sunset paused the memory. “Did you want to see that moment?” “Please,” Twilight said, “I think it'll be important to everything we know about Adagio's motives.” Sunset gestured to the cafe door, which opened into the hazy fog of Sonata's memory, and the pair stepped through. * * * Sonata's Door The sun wasn't even up as she walked through Canterlot City's streets, and it was the foggiest fog ever. She felt all sleepy and, like, sad, but Sonata had made up her mind. For realsies this time. No take-backs. She held the business card of the agent she'd met at the Starswirled festival and squinted at it as she made for the talent agency. Like, she knew it wouldn't even be open yet, probably, but she'd wait. She couldn't stay in the van any longer. Adagio was really mad at Sonata and just being there seemed to make things worse, and made Aria grumpier and, like, everything was just really crappy after the festival. Sonata sniffled and admitted it was probably, like, her fault again. If things weren't, like, the worste before, they felt like it now. She wasn't smart enough to do anything right. Without her powers, and outside of singing as the Dazzlings, what good was she to anyone? Maybe this talent agency human could help her learn what she could do to make some money, and she could return to Adagio with it as, like, an apology. The agent that Sonata talked to at the Starswirled venue, Glitz Rhinestone, seemed to think she had some other talents but talking about it to Dagi made her super mad. Sonata's phone buzzed. She looked at the screen and saw a message from Adagio. Where are you? Sonata ignored it, but after maybe a minute, her phone rang, and she answered. A sleepy, angry sounding Adagio growled, “what did I just ask you, Sonata?” “I'm not, like, anywhere yet,” she truthfully replied. “That's not what I mean and you know it! Where do you think you're going!?” “I'm going to make some money and I'll be back.” Adagio snarled, “you're going to that talent agent prick, aren't you? You're picking a human over us!? What the fuck is wrong with you!? Get back here this instant!” She was scared and almost caved. She tugged her ponytailed blue hair and fretted about what to do. A lifetime of being the butt of the joke, and she had finally realised why: because she wasn't able to, like, follow along with their plans and made a bunch of mistakes. They would be totally better without her. “I can't do it, Dagi,” Sonata sniffled. “I'm leaving. I'm no goo-” Adagio screamed, “the hell do you mean you can't!? You know what!? Fine! Get lost and don't come back!! Fucking traitor! Go get screwed by some human filth! See if I care! Useless bitch! I-” *Beep* Sonata ended the call as her eyes blurred from the tears. The one time she was right, and it hurt the most. She was a burden on The Dazzlings. She heaved with sobs all the way to the talent agency. If anyone saw her, they didn't say anything. She just reached the steps to the building, looked at the 'closed' sign and how it wouldn't be open for three more hours, so she sat down and bawled her eyes out for, like, ever. She didn't even notice when the door opened behind her. “You alright, kid?” Sonata leapt to her feet and turned. An old human guy wearing overalls. She couldn't see his expression through the tears. “No,” Sonata whimpered. The old man didn't move, but just asked, “has someone attacked you? You want me to call the cops?” “No,” she replied again, “but I've, like, got nowhere else to go...” The man grumbled and looked up and down the street, then said, “sheesh, there's no way I can say this without making it sound like I'm a creep, but... you wanna come in? Can't leave a poor little thing like you out here in the cold in your state. I could get you a hot cocoa if you want.” She was, like, totally surprised at how nice he was being for a human. Old lessons Adagio and Aria had taught her since losing their powers filled her thoughts, about how they're not to be trusted, they were beneath the Dazzlings, and stupid and disgusting, but right then and there, Sonata had no idea what to believe any more. Sonata nodded and wiped her eyes. “Sure.” He led her inside and through a few fancy corridors and into some room with a bunch of vending machines, two couches, a radio and a TV. He popped a few coins in one of the machines, pushed a button and the machine whirred and made a bunch of weird hissing and swooshing noises. A carboard cup popped out of the slot and filled up with steamy liquid which totally smelled like the best thing ever. Finally he grabbed one of those little plastic flat spoony things and a packet of sugar and placed them in front of her. “There ya go. Anyone I can call for you, kid?” Sonata shook her head, then suddenly said, “um... kinda? I was given this.” She fished out the talent agent's business card and handed it over, tore open the sugar packet, poured it in the cocoa and stirred. The man seemed surprised. “Well, that's a hell of a thing. Sure, Mr. Rhinestone works here, he's my boss. He'll be here in a few hours in fact. You're welcome to stay here while I go finish cleaning.” Sonata nodded and managed a smile. “Like, thanks. For realsies.” She took a sip of the cocoa. It was, like, the best thing ever. Maybe humans weren't so bad after all... “Um,” Sonata uttered and stood. “Can I, like, help? I'll get bored otherwise?” “I don't know if the boss would want me making a budding starlet mopping the floors.” Sonata giggled, “I'm totally an expert at cleaning the old tour-bus! I had, like, so much practice because my sisters wouldn't do it! Lemme try!” The janitor smirked and shrugged. “I ain't gonna say no.” Sunset paused the scene. “That's the long and short of it. It's kind of a blur until that Rhinestone guy appears, he makes good on his offer of giving Sonata a position as a singing voice for a few promotional songs for this cartoon, The Guardians of Gale Glade? Rhinestone even lets her stay at the office for a few days until Sonata seriously impresses with her work ethic. We're talking she was there, all day, doing chores on top of everything they asked of her. She soon landed a leading role on that cartoon as a villain turned good guy, a kinda stuck up and pompous but well meaning rabbit. She still sings for a lot of the other characters. Sonata's got some serious vocal range.” Twilight smiled at Sonata's temporally frozen form. “She always seemed the least dangerous of the three. I guess she was made for that role as well.” “Yeah, not harmless by any stretch of the word,” Sunset said and sat beside Sonata. “But if you needed proof the sirens were more than just the bad guys, she was the first to prove it. Even to the point that she put so much work in that they forwarded her enough cash to rent an apartment. Adagio never called her back and, knowing what I do now, she assumed Sonata would be the one to call her first and was too stubborn to make the first move. Instead she just let her resentment stew until Radian inspired her to patch things up if I had to guess. A lot of her attitudes change the longer he stuck around her.” Twilight ears flattened down and she looked upset. “I can't believe Adagio would attack her own sister like that. They fought, sure, but they seemed so unified. I actually feel a little guilty for breaking their gems.” “Eh, maybe a little?” Sunset shrugged, but then pouted. “I still feel a lot of satisfaction over stopping them before they took over the school. I can't even believe how much pleasure I felt when I saw them living in a crappy van and playing smaller gigs on the road, and even more seeing Adagio alone and moping. I can't say she didn't deserve some humble pie to go with her coffee, though.” Twilight tapped a hoof on her chin in thought for a moment. “So, we know the breakup was definitely not just a small thing, but a genuine shattering of their group. What about Aria? I think you mentioned she also left?” Sunset sighed. “Yeah, the very next day after Sonata left, apparently. Far less drama; Aria apparently shut off her phone and just left while Adagio was asleep. She stayed in music, joined a couple of bands before settling on this little group called Salt-Lix. They weren't very good, except for Aria herself; they taught her to play the guitar and, like Sonata, she absolutely ruled with that thing by dedicating herself to mastering how to play.” “I guess there's something to the sirens that still carries on through as humans. They were born to perform.” “Like you wouldn't believe! People would turn up just to see Aria thrash her guitar and ignore the others. The band got jealous and kicked her out and, while she could have made a go of a solo act, they didn't pay her and she was homeless. Aria had no choice but to get back with Sonata to help get back on her feet.” Twilight smiled at the siren beside her. “Heh... okay, Sonata wasn't just the most harmless, she's seems to be a genuinely good person when given a chance.” “Yep, even if it's out of familial bonds, empathy is empathy. Aria even mellowed out a little. Apparently she was still at odds with humans as a whole, but Sonata kept her in check. The grump played music for the show and even voiced a side character.” After a few more moments of contemplation, Twilight asked, “alright, that was informative. Shall we get back to the cafe?” “Yep!” The janitor walked out the staff-room with Sonata and into the void, and the pair closely followed. * * * Sunset's Door Adagio's voice faded back in, “... or, you know, stuck up my own ass apparently. I... lashed out. And once she left, Aria soon followed, and I can't blame either of them.”.” Sunset sipped her coffee. It was overly sweet but she didn't care too much. She was more surprised at what she'd just heard. She felt bad for Adagio, who idly swirled her coffee as her shoulders remained sagged. “I'm sorry to hear that. What have you been up to in the meanwhile?” Adagio straightened up and took a deep breath. “I took what cash I'd saved from our gigs and tried to run a bar, but that didn't exactly work out.” Sunset's old snarky side reared its ugly head. “Lemme guess, you hated the customers too much to serve them?” Sunset took a longer drink of her coffee, half expecting some cattiness back Yet Adagio didn't snap an angry glare. She didn't grit her teeth or scoff in disgust. She just closed her eyes and sighed. “I've... come to terms with living here in that respect. You could say I've turned a corner.” She smiled a soft and whimsical smile. “And... I've got a boyfriend.” Sunset spat out her coffee. “What!?” “Ew.” Adagio grimaced, took out a tissue and wiped some caramel cappuccino off her face. “Look, I know you're not going to believe me, but it's the truth. You win, Sunset. At last. Which is why I want to make peace with you. Maybe have a do-over?” Sunset blinked and stammered for a few moments. “A do-over? I- I don't know...” Adagio finished her coffee and, while still smiling gently, seemed contemplative. “I don't have anyone else, and I want at least some link back to my home. Just as I'm sure you did when you first came over to this world. You understand what and where we came from. I need to start building bridges instead of burning them.” She turned sombre again. “I'll understand if you don't want to trust me. I probably don't deserve your forgiveness for what I did, but you can ask my boyfriend. I'm not a siren any more. I'm... just a girl. A homesick one who's desperate for some link to where she came from.” “If you're being one hundred percent honest,” Sunset said and studied Adagio closer. “And if you're in an honest relationship with this guy, and he's not some lackey, I'd... honestly love to make peace. Maybe even make friends? Can I meet him?” Adagio smiled at her. “Sure. Let's get going then. It's not far.” The pair stood, Sunset quickly gulped down her coffee, retched a little at the Pinkie-levels of sweetness, and they left for Adagio's apartment.