//------------------------------// // Simple Request // Story: Perspective // by Orpheon //------------------------------// “Adagio Dazzle?” “Sunset Shimmer.” “Sonata Dusk!” Sunset jumped as the apparent leader of the trio rolled her eyes and smacked the face of her compatriot, an audible slap followed by a yelp of pain heralding the blue girl's exit from the avalanche of curls framing Adagio to hold her face and make a noise that might have sounded like 'owowowow' at very high speed. That done, the golden girl's confident smile returned full force as she put her hands on her hips, cocking them to the side as she spoke. “So glad we got the right door. Now then...aren't you going to invite us in?” It was less a query and more a command, judging from her expression and self-assured tone. Her eyebrows raising in surprise at Sunset's response brought the unicorn a certain measure of satisfaction. “Wasn't planning on it.” Adagio opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off as Sunset continued. “What do you want? What even are you doing here? You three ran out of town months ago and no one's seen coat or mane of you since.” The fiery haired girl's face hardened as an aggression she sometimes wish she could forget surged inside. “If you're looking for some kind of revenge--” Adagio raised her arms between the two in a placating manner, her previously unshakable poise attempting valiantly to reassert itself as she leaned away just a hair. “Temper, temper! As one of human media's greatest antagonists once said, 'Revenge is a sucker's game.'. We're not here for trouble...just to ask for your help. After all, you were ever so nice to that Crystal Prep girl, among many others for the past while. Why, I even heard it said that you had become the most popular girl at school again without being an...” The siren paused, thinking, “...without being an objectionable individual. Yes.” Her face shifted into a half-lidded, knowing smile even as Sunset's brow furrowed into a scowl. Sunset turned her head slightly at the sound of movement behind her, catching Twilight come a stop behind her out of the corner of her eye. She turned back to the girl outside her front door and asked, “What kind of help could you want from me?” “I'd love to tell you, but it strikes me as a conversation we should have with a little privacy, hm?” Adagio looked around with exaggerated motion before bringing her gaze to rest again on Sunset. “After all, it might strike your neighbors as a bit concerning if we began discussing adult matters where impressionable ears could catch them, don't you think?” The deliberate phrasing made Sunset flush, ears turning red as she and Twilight backed away from the door in tandem to allow the two girls in. Adagio took a seat almost immediately at one of the stools near the island even as Sonata Dusk waved cheerily at the women already in the apartment. Sunset closed the door behind them, but made a point of leaving it unlocked. There was no telling when they'd have to be able to leave quickly with these two. The unicorn-in-spirit took in the entirety of her guests (for lack of a better phrase for them at this point). Adagio's body language was, just as when they'd first met, extremely confident. Her violet bodysuit and soft pink jacket clashed harshly with her yellow and gold coloration, and Sunset's initial assessment of too many spikes for her own good remained sound, by her own opinion. Really, what could be gained from having so many spikes on your clothes? The hairband, she supposed--Sunset mentally slapped herself. This wasn't the time for her brain to show how much influence Rarity had on her. Sonata's outfit was comparatively mundane (even if the colors wereno, brain stop), the maroon ensemble carrying little in the way of obvious villainy besides the wristbands (which continued the trend of unnecessary spikes). Between her apparently happy-go-lucky demeanor and overall non-threatening appearance, the perkiest Siren of the trio seemed harmless...but then, those were often the nastiest ones, Sunset told herself. Her musing (hah) was cut short by Adagio's voice. “So, this is your abode? Somehow more humble than I would expect from someone who was once queen of the student body through a combination of terror, blackmail, malicious lies and sometimes outright violence.” Adagio Dazzle crossed her legs from her place at the counter, leaning back with her head propped up by her arm. She smirked at Twilight in a sidelong glance, who stood, arms folded, near the door. “And if it isn't the pretty purple Princess, architect of our current troubles! Didn't you have a kingdom to run or something, sweetie? You didn't seem interested in sticking around to clean up the mess you left behind after beating us, if the rumors hold up.” The siren stared at alicorn-in-disguise, her smile taking on a decidedly threatening edge even as her voice became patronizing. Twilight frowned at Adagio, hands on her hips as she responded. “I was visiting Sunset. Speaking of whom, you should answer her questions.” “Straight to business, then? I can appreciate that, Your Highness.” Adagio had apparently long since perfected the fine art of threading the razor's edge between respectful and sarcastic, which was absolutely infuriating to Sunset for reasons she couldn't place. “We...Sonata, sit down.” Sunset turned to find Sonata perched precariously on the back of her couch, apparently making a game of seeing how far she could lean until she fell (which would only end in tragedy). Sullenly she swung her legs around and planted herself on the sofa, arms folded in a sulk that could really only be described as childish. “Now...what was I...? Ah, yes.” Adagio, cleared her throat, hand to her mouth. “Our request is simple. We want to go home.” The lavender girl tilted her head, confusion apparent as she responded. “So go home? Why would--oh.” Sunset herself grimaced as the meaning of the phrase made itself clear in her head. “Exactly, Sparkle.” Adagio confirmed, her smirk replaced with a grim expression. “We're not exactly hard up in this world even with our powers taken from us, thanks to, ah, previous conquests, but....” She paused, apparently uncertain of how to continue. “I don't feel...whole. I miss the sea. These bodies, they're...” She frowned, indicating her form. “Humans aren't made for the ocean, and with our gems take--ehem, confiscated, we've lost the last vestige of our heritage.” She stood, arms cradled in front of her in the first really vulnerable body language Sunset had ever seen from the girl. “I don't know if you know what it's like, to have everything you are taken from you. I won't talk about whether or not we deserved it; I suspect our opinions will differ on that.” A trace of her usual pride resurfaced, until she continued. “Either way, it's...like the color is draining out of the world, day by day. As much as Starswirl may not have wanted to admit it, we're creatures of Equus. And it's...it's finally catching up to us.” Sunset felt a miserable ball form in her stomach as Adagio spoke, with every word a mounting dread.. She knew that feeling exactly. It was what had started this whole strange...situation. Twilight glanced at her, worry in her eyes. The fiery haired girl closed one eye and rubbed her temple. The Sirens had caused a lot of pandemonium, but then, so had she. To not help them was the pinnacle of hypocrisy, especially considering she'd terrorized the school for over three years while they'd been troublemakers for all of a week. If Adagio was sincere, anyway. Sunset wracked her brain, trying to remember her initial interactions with them. They hadn't exactly been subtle then when they had their magic to back them up, so the idea of her being a good actor out of the blue seemed unlikely, but you could never tell. Another question occurred to her as she considered, as well. “...Where's your third, anyway? Aria, her name was?” Adagio's smirk seemed halfhearted as she answered. “She's on her way back to our house, if she isn't there already. I sent her to get some food, because...” The siren's gaze turned to Sonata, who seemed to be dozing off sitting up in her seat. “...well, there you go. Sonata's taking it the hardest of us, if you can believe that.” “She seemed pretty energetic just a minute ago...” Twilight offered cautiously, leaning over the couch to get a good look at the blue girl. “She stops moving, she starts sleeping. It's gotten to the point that we need to wake her up for most meals of the day and to shower.” Adagio paced over to her companion, gently tugging on her ponytail. “Sonata, wake up.” “...buh? Whaddid I miss?” “Nothing yet, but we can't really be negotiating in good faith if you aren't paying some attention.” “Aw, Dagi...I'm tired...” The miserable, half-awake whine sounded genuine to Sunset, but...Adagio glanced at the pair, to which Sunset nodded. If she wasn't going to have anything to add, forcing her to stay awake would be too much effort. “Alright, sleep then. I'll wake you when we have to go.” “Th...thaaaaaaanks, Dagi...” Sonata yawned her first word, slumping over on the sofa. Within seconds her breathing had entered the regular, gentle rhythm of the slumbering. Adagio sighed as she leaned on the backrest of the couch. Sunset furrowed her brow, one hand on her chin as she laid eagle eyes on the leader of the trio. She seemed sincere... “Twilight, can I talk to you for a bit?” Adagio looked up, a wary expression on her face, but didn't protest as the amber girl led Twilight to her bedroom and locked the door behind them. “...what do you think?” The princess opened her mouth, but her words were hesitant. “...I...I don't know. If she's serious, then we should be helping them, but...” “Something feels off about it?” Sunset asked, voice low. “Y-yeah...I'm not sure if we're just being too suspicious, though.” “Don't know about Equestria these days, Princess, but a little caution usually pays off when dealing with known troublemakers.” Sunset replied, causing Twilight to glower at her. “I know that! It's just...” “...You don't wanna be wrong. I get it... Why not get everyone together to discuss it? The Dazzlings can keep for another day or two. Uh, probably. That way we can get a consensus or at least a solid vote. I feel sorry for them too if Adagio's serious, but at the same time they're still a trio of brainwashing...uh, sirens. Not that I'm any better, but I guess it takes one to know the danger of one.” Sunset remarked sardonically. Twilight scowled at her host. “You stop talking like that, Sunset Shimmer. In any case, that idea sounds good. This seems like the sort of thing we shouldn't try to decide on our own. Let's tell them. Er, her.” A mutual nod, and they opened the bedroom door. Sunset's stomach dived to the floor as they found Adagio. She was still leaning against the sofa's backrest, but she seemed to be...diminished, to Sunset. Like her entire aura had changed; what was previously healthy now seemed lean and slightly malnourished, eyes sunken and gaze listlessly staring a hole into the floor. She started as she noticed the pair, turning away hurriedly and taking what sounded like a deep, bracing breath behind her massive curtain of curls before turning back to them, her composure and vitality apparently reasserted. The unpleasant, nauseating ball of guilt in Sunset's stomach took this moment to remind her it existed, causing the girl to reflexively grimace. “Have a good talk?” Adagio asked, voice airy. “...We've decided we're going to gather our other friends to make a group decision.” Twilight said aloud, Royal Authority Voice on display. Sunset had to admit, it did sound very official. “You really don't...well, didn't look so good. But it's not just our decision. If I'm honest, it would almost have to be a vote from the entire student body, but we'll have to do in the meantime, since I doubt it's feasible to track all involved down and get a reasoned opinion from them.” “Is that a Royal Decree, then?” Adagio's query was challenging, but it too seemed like her heart wasn't in it; more force of habit than anything. “...It is, if that will ensure you and your friends behave until we come to a conclusion.” Sunset nodded. “Adagio, do you have a phone?” The Siren nodded. “My number, then?” “Right. We'll need a way to contact you once we're ready for a decision.” Adagio rattled off her number, hesitating a moment after the last digit. “...One favor, if you will.” Sunset squinted. “What kind of favor...?” Adagio paused again, seemingly thinking. “...let us plead our case. You may not think we have much of one, but we still deserve to have our say, if you're going to pass judgment.” Sunset glanced at the alicorn, who nodded. “Fine. I'll let the others know, and I'll shoot you a text when it's time to talk. For now...” She looked at her wall clock, noting with some surprise that it was only just past four-thirty. “For now, back to our den to wait. Of course...” Adagio's voice sounded bitter, but she offered no further complaint at she roused her sleeping compatriot. Just before Sunset closed the apartment door behind her, Adagio stopped and looked back at her. “...you'll send us a message, right?” Her voice sounded assured, but her eyes seemed to be pleading to Sunset. She blinked and nodded. “Count on it.” The girl stared hard at Sunset, scouring her face for any trace of deception. She seemed to find none, a ghost of her usual prideful smile playing on her lips. “We'll see you when we see you, then. Try not to...take too long.” And with that she left, hands on Sonata's shoulders as she guided the still half-asleep siren down the hall. Sunset sighed mightily as she flopped down on her sofa. This already wasn't looking like an enjoyable first few days back home. She grimaced as the thought crossed her mind. For some reason that thought didn't sit quite right in her mind, but she couldn't put her finger on it so she let it go. Twilight plopped down (which was like flopping, but with more drop than flop, which itself had a bit more stop) next to her without the exhalation, but she sure looked like she wanted to. Sunset tilted her head, a wan smile on her face. “...well, I guess tomorrow's docket is set.” “Suppose so.” Sunset made an indistinct noise of irritation. “I'm not really feeling up to solving a moral conundrum regarding prior enemies so of course that's when this stuff strikes. Is this how it is all the time for you?” Twilight giggled, the sound musical to the fiery-haired girl. “Sometimes, yeah. I remember a few months back waking up and noting what a nice day it was and how contented I was feeling. Following that of course was an immediate dread, waiting for something absolutely ridiculous to come along and ruin that day. Even Spike was a bit concerned.” She wore a strange smile as she finished. “We got over it, but self-centered as it sounds, there for a bit I was starting to wonder if the universe wasn't specifically looking for opportunities to subvert otherwise perfect afternoons.” She hesitated as she noted Sunset's incredulous expression. “....what? Don't give me that face." “You're telling me for a time you were seriously considering the idea that the universe was out to get you.” Twilight flushed. “N-no! Well, y-yeah, but...I mean when you put it like that it sounds stupid!” Sunset's expression didn't change. “Stop looking at me like that!” She buttoned her mouth shut and scrunched her face in the way ponies sometimes did when confused or offended, cheeks puffing out and flushing as she made her own indistinct noise that was best phoneticized as a long series of the letter N. Sunset struggled to maintain her facade as Twilight folded her arms in a huff and slouched over before finally breaking down in laughter, which only seemed to make Twilight MORE offended. “It's not funny!” “It's totally funny! Come on, say it out loud to yourself.” Sunset said as she wiped away a tear. “...For a time I seriously considered the idea that the universe was out to get me.” Twilight's scrunched mouth quivered momentarily before she harrumphed and curled into herself even tighter. “It's not that funny.” “But it's a little funny?” “SUNSET.” Sunset sprang from her seat, cackling in a way most unladylike as she pulled her phone from her pocket to make a quick call. A few rings, and a creaky, elderly voice answered. “Deeah--Apple residence!” “Granny Smith? This is Sunset Shimmer--” “Eh? Bunsen Winner? Ah don' think we need any more cookin' 'quipment, so if yer sellin' somethin'--” Sunset cut off the very old woman, knowing she'd get hung up on if this dragged out. “No, no, Granny Smith, Sunset Shimmer. I need to talk to Applejack. Is she there?” “Well, she's pro'bly not gonna buy yer thing either, Miz Winner. Good head on 'er shoulders, that girl! Still, yer welcome to try.” Sunset winced as the tinny speaker on her phone blared a distorted version of the Apple matriarch's voice. “APPLEJACK! TELEPHONE FER YA!” A brief scuffling noise later and AJ's familiar voice answered. “Applejack speakin'. Sorry about Granny, she's a tad hard of hearin'.” “Hey, AJ. It's me again.” “Your timin' is really good, Sunset! I only got back a few minutes ago. What's up?” “Something came up after I got off the phone with you. A Friendship Problem.” “...is that a friendship problem with a capital F an' P?” The voice on the other side asked cautiously. “Yeah. How could you tell?” “It's all in the emphasis, sugarcube. Where d'ya need me?” “I was actually hoping you could get hold of the others and see if you could convince them to get together at...” Sunset paused. She hadn't actually considered a relatively private place to have this little meeting. “...uh, do you know of any place a dozen people could sit and talk and not be interrupted or overheard?” “A dozen?! Sunset, what's goin' on?” “I promise nothing bad. Probably. Maybe.” The voice on the other end of the line was quiet for a moment. “...That's reassurin', Sunset. Really.” Sunset scowled at the sarcasm, but didn't say anything as Applejack continued, “Ain't room enough for us in Sugarcube Corner and it's probably busy durin' the day besides... What about your place?” “Not enough room here.” “Gah...hm. I guess we could use the barn; only have to worry about Applebloom then. I know Mac ain't gonna ask too many questions. It'll be hot, though.” Sunset's mouth drew into a thin line. If there was one thing she was not about, it was being in a stuffy barn in the middle of summer where animals (and thus, animal waste products) were kept. “Maybe not the barn.” “Hmm, yeah. Guess that'd be too much for whoever else y'all are bringin'.” The unicorn-in-spirit closed her eyes, thinking. There had to be some place they could-- “...Well, I'll give it a solid think, sugarcube. I take it you called me because I already knew you were in town?” “H-huh? I mean, yeah. How did you know?” Sunset was taken aback by the observation. She hadn't said anything... “Lucky guess, heh heh. If you were tired before this 'problem' cropped up I bet you're exhausted now. You let me handle this, y'hear?” There was a stern quality to AJ's voice, like an elder sister admonishing a younger sibling. “Just try an' get some rest tonight. I'll send you a message in the mornin' and explain the rest to the others.” “You're the best, AJ.” Sunset sighed, relief flooding her body. She really hadn't been looking forward to trying to explain herself another five times. A sliver of shame pulsed in her heart, noting harshly that a part of her had been hoping Applejack would pick up that slack and admonishing her for doing so after already blowing her friend off once tonight. She'd have to make it up to the farmer somehow...but that was a problem for another day. “I know it, but don't tell Dash. She hates to lose, heh. Have a good night, sugarcube. Say hi to the Princess for me.” And with a clack, the call ended. Sunset inhaled, and then exhaled deeply again. “Everything alright?” Twilight's inquisitive tone behind her told her two things: one, that she was apparently done sulking (good). Two, that she hadn't been eavesdropping, or was doing a good job pretending she hadn't (polite). The amber girl about faced and relayed the abridged details of her conversation, and after that the pair stood and sat in a mildly awkward silence. “...so, what now?” Sunset asked. “Uhm...well, normally I'd suggest curling up with a good book, but we're not really in a massive oak tree-library or crystalline castle-library combination so unless you have some good ones sitting around coincidentally that idea's out.” Sunset paused, glancing to the modest shelf to the left of her television. Mostly just a few factbooks and academic texts sat in a neat row, as she hadn't really been interested in human fiction...but there was one notable exception. “You ever read 'Lord of the Reins', Twilight?” Twilight scoffed. “Of course I have. It's one of the most important works of modern fantasy and set the tone for much of what comes after. Fantasy as a whole genre owes a lot to it; everything from tabletop games to comic books can count on influence from that book. Books? I know it's technically supposed to be one large story, but I can't decide if I want to refer to it as one book or multiple books, and honestly it's a little easier to digest for the average reader broken up into mphmphm...” Sunset's hand on her mouth silenced the alicorn, but she had gone into full didactic mode, continuing her muffled explanation despite the obstruction. Experimentally, Sunset removed her hand. “...Mmophmpmh could be partially blamed for the often stereotypical and trite portrayals of common fantasy concepts because it was so influential in its day mphmphph...” Sunset put her hand back and poked Twilight's forehead with her other hand, which finally stymied the lavender academic (but also earned Sunset a glare). “I getcha. Tell you what; humans have their own version of that story. They even adapted it into a movie. Er, series of movies.” Sunset stated as she looked at her now very moist hand with a mildly nauseated expression. That idea hadn't been a good one. “Movie?” “Uh, moving picture. Think of it as a stage production that's been recorded.” Sunset closed one eye, thinking of a good way to explain the concept. “Oh. Well, that sounds interesting!” “They're not too bad. Lemme get some popcorn and we can watch one. It seems like as good a way to unwind as anything, since I'm sitting on mostly reference books.” She decided to leave out the part where she wasn't quite as avid a reader as Twilight was. In the meantime she set about movie night preparations, because that was where this seemed to be headed. “Alright. You ready for this?” “Sunset, it's just a stage production. How prepared do I have to be?” “You don't know the half of it, Sparkle. Buckle up. And, uh, try not to sweat the details.” “What? I don't--” “Shh.” The screen went black, and the movie began. Sunset passed the popcorn bowl to Twilight as whispers ghosted from the screen across the living room. [The world has changed.] And immediately, Twilight leaned forward. Sunset was reasonably sure if she she'd had her pony ears they would've rotated forward, and wasn't quite able to suppress a grin. As the prologue continued, she observed Twilight's face. How her brow furrowed as they were told of the forging of certain accessories, of whom they were given to and the natures of the recipients. How her eyes widened as they were informed that they were all deceived. At the mention of the one to rule all the others, she tensed, clutching her bowl. “How did they....? Oh NO!” Twilight put her hands on her face as the minions of the enemy in all their horror took the screen. “Sunset, these humans..! OH NO!” As the forces of good were scattered before the antagonist, she clutched Sunset's pajamas. “How is he doing this?! What kind of magic can do this, even for a play!? They're being pummeled!” “Easy, Twilight. It's only a show.” Sunset patted her hands reassuringly even as Twilight leaned on her, covering her eyes as the enemy's hand was cut. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all... The unholy shrieking of riders garbed in black made lavender hands clench cloth in a white knuckled grip. At this point Sunset had resigned herself to her shirt being stretched forever, but it was one-hundred percent worth being shotgun to Twilight's reactions to the screenplay before her. “Sunset, I thought humans didn't have magic! How are they making such high-level illusions?!” “Let's call it movie magic.” “Sunset, this calls for investigation! You can't just not OH NO!” Twilight's host laughed as the princess placed a hand on her face. “This is so much more brutal in motion, oh...” Sunset put an arm around Twilight, not really conscious of it as she watched the protagonist's friends come to his aid. She wasn't fully aware of the contact between them, her free hand closing around Twilight's as she inhaled sharply at the movie's developments. She could feel her eyelids starting to get heavy despite the action on screen. Had the day had taken a bigger toll on her than she'd thought? She blinked, trying to clear her eyes, but that only seemed to make them resist opening again. She went to rub her eyes, but she was so comfortable...eh, she'd just have to focus. Sunset narrowed her eyes, concentrating on the screen... Twilight wiped away an errant tear as the credits started to roll on the device before her. Who knew humanity was capable of such stage magic? It was so fascinating! How had Sunset not looked into this...she blinked. She hadn't realized she was leaning on her host, listening to the even cadence of her heart and the gentle rhythm of her breath. She chanced looking up at Sunset, noting her head lolling to the side with the most serene expression she'd ever seen on the unicorn...she would've liked to see it as a pony, she mused. She thought about getting up, but she was so comfortable...maybe she could just relax here, for a little bit. There was no rush. It was mere minutes before she too was asleep, the soft warmth lulling her into dreamland.