Mabye trying to bend an entire school's will to match their own wasn't the best of ideas in the long run.
The Dazzlings are given a chance to change themselves or be left to face the real world alone. Sunset, Applejack, and Fluttershy are quick to jump to their aid. Unfortunately, others aren't so willing to help the girls who took their free will away or at least tried to.
For Sonata reformation should be easy, right? Well, maybe Sunset's putting too much faith in the siren's ability to completely change her ways.
Mostly centered Around Sonata's reformation and her relationship with Sunset but the other four will be in this, too.
“This is, like, one of the worst ideas you’ve gone along with, Sonata.” Aria complained and lazily lounged at one of the tables at the agreed meeting cafe. Sonata happily looked around and marveled at the fact that they actually sold cow meat, her hands immediately going to her mouth in awe before she processed what Aria had said.
“I dunno, I think it’s a really good idea. After all, we haven’t tried being good people before.” Sonata said innocently. Adagio, who was leaning on the wall near the table, scoffed and gave Sonata an annoyed look.
“There’s a reason for that.” She grumbled. Before Sonata could question the reasoning Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, and Fluttershy walked through the door. Sunset waved, earning a smile from Sonata and a smirk from Adagio. The trio sat at the same table Aria was at. Applejack eyed the purple haired girl inquisitively.
“So,” Sunset chirped, “I’m happy that you’re all here. Now, let’s skip the formalities and get on with this. You guys, the Dazzlings, need to change. Principle Celestia was kind enough to let you stay at CHS but only under one condition; You have to clean up your act real quick.” Sonata and Adagio nodded eagerly, waiting for her to go on. Applejack spoke up before.
“It’s gonna be mighty difficult for all of us to help each of you at once so on the way here we decided that we’d pair up. Now, Sonata, since you and Sunset are the only ones really excited about this it might as well be a given that you two are together.” She said, an authoritative ring to her western accent, “Adagio, you seems to have calmed down a bit since we last saw you ,but I reckon you’re still touch. A gentler touch might help you out and that’s why you’re going with Fluttershy. Be careful, she may seem harmless, but I’ve seen her stand up to a giant dog before.”
“Alright, that means Aria’s with you, right?” Adagio asked in an unusually interested tone. Applejack nodded.
“Eeyup, she’ll be paying off her debt at the farm. Don’t worry, we won’t work you too hard.” Applejack tried to joke, much to Aria’s distaste.
“So, why do I have to pay off the debt? If I recall correctly it was Adagio’s idea in the first place.” The purple haired siren growled and crossed her arms.
“Actually, Adagio will help out at the shelter.” Fluttershy said quietly and played with the ends of her hair. Adagio frowned and mumbled profanities under her breath.
“Oh, what will I get to do?” Sonata asked enthusiastically.
“You’ll be helping me at the school.” Sunset informed with a wide smile. Sonata cooed happily.
“That sounds like a lot of fun!” She beamed and clapped her hands. Aria rolled her eyes and leaned back.
“Let’s just get this over with.” She grunted with an angry tone. “It’s not like I can refuse the offer of a home and food.” Everyone nodded in agreement and went with their respective partner. All six of them could tell that the walk to the houses would be a painfully uncomfortable.
Sonata and Sunset shuffled down the small sidewalk towards a small apartment building, The silence wasn’t as awkward as Sunset had assumed it would be. It was probably due to the siren not really paying attention.
“So,” Sunset spoke up finally, “why did you go along with the whole ‘hypnotize the school’ thing in the first place? When you agreed to do this meeting thing you told me it wasn’t very fun.” Sonata looked over to Sunset and shrugged, a questioning frown on her face.
“I was mostly in it for the energy, I guess. It’s kind of like food to us but not like food food. Magical food Anyway, it was all Adagio’s idea and all if it seemed like a good idea at the time. I mean, we would get to feed, our power would grow, people would adore us, and Adagio would get her power fix.“ She sighed and messed with her bangs. Sunset nodded, not entirely sure how it made sense.
“What about your pendant? Didn’t it break?” The flame haired girl questioned and motioned towards the heart shaped gem on the leather strap around Sonata’s neck.
“It did but right now it’s healing. It’s kind of like a broken bone, you know?” Sonata carefully took off her choker, gently setting the heart in her palm and holding it out so Sunset could get a better view. “If I try to use magic it won’t be able to be good again and it’s going to take a long time to work.”
“Wait, if it’s going to fix itself why did you ask for help?” Sonata blushed and looked down at this comment.
“Well, I didn’t tell Adagio or Aria, so they don’t know that it will heal on its own. They don’t know many things about them but when we were still in Equestria I looked into them. I know a lot about these now. I asked for help because I don’t know how to be a good person, and I don’t want to be bad. I didn’t want to leave my friends behind, though, so I lied.” She frowned again, “I guess I’m already off to a bad start at being good, aren’t I?” She said in a quiet voice. Sunset frowned as well.
“Hey, don’t tell Applejack this, but I think that sometimes a small lie can help. Just make sure that it doesn’t get out of hand.” She reassured Sonata and cautiously rested a comforting hand on the other girl’s shoulder.
Maybe it’s her innocence, but I think I’m trusting her too quickly. Sunset thought to herself. Then again, it took my friends less than a minute to get used to me. She tried to reason. Still, she felt a bit unsure of herself. Was that a good sign? She shook her head and pulled her hand back to her side. A few more moments of silence followed before the two arrived at Sunset’s apartment. Luckily it was located on the first floor so they didn’t have to worry about the stairs.
“Pretty snazzy place you got here, Sunset.” Sonata stated, not a drop of sarcasm in her voice. Sunset raised an eyebrow curiously. The living room was small and had only one couch and a very small television but apparently that was snazzy by the siren’s standards. This made Sunset wonder how bad off they had been during the two months that had gone by since their defeat.
“Thanks, I guess. So, are you hungry?” She asked as she dropped her bag by the door and took off her boots. Sonata gasped and nodded her head quickly, following Sunset’s example by removing her shoes. Well, trying to.
“Do you mind if I take a shower first?” The blue haired girl asked, a light blush finding its way to her cheeks.
“Oh, right, of course! I’ll get you a towel and something to wear” Sunset nodded with a smile. She quickly ran into her room to get a towel and some spare clothes: a simple grey T-shirt and black sweats. She walked back into the living room to find Sonata struggling to get a particularly difficult knot out of her laces. With her brow furrowed and her tongue sticking out in concentration Sonata’s situation made Sunset smile and chuckle lightly. This made The siren look up and blush again.
“I, uhh, need a little help.” She mumbled and leaned back, offering her shoe to Sunset.
She’s got to be doing this on purpose. No one can be this innocent and try to take over an entire school. Sunset knelt down, putting the towel and the clothes on the couch, and began trying to undo the knot. Sonata awkwardly messed with her hands as a very uncomfortable silence fell between the two. In a sudden attempt to break it Sonata blurted out the first thing that came to her mind.
“Your hair reminds me of bacon!” She chirped in what was meant to be happy tone and not a nervous squeak. “N-not that that’s a bad thing. That that’s. That's a weird combination of words. I-I’ll be quiet now.” She looked away, too annoyed with herself for a blush to form.
“Thanks?” Sunset looked up momentarily, a slightly amused expression on her face as she finally managed to get the laces loose. “Here,” She said as she stood up and handed the towel and clothes to Sonata, “The bathroom is the first door to your left.” She helped Sonata to her feet and guided her to the hallway.
“Thank you.” Sonata grinned, happy that she hadn't completely goofed up earlier. Sunset shrugged a thank you and waved it off.
“I should have dinner done in a few minutes. We’re having nachos.” She smiled and motioned for Sonata to go. The siren nodded and walked to the bathroom. Sunset listened quietly for the sound of running water. A few seconds after she had heard it she also heard a loud gasp. “Oh, the handle is on backwards so the water will be really cold if you try to make it warm!” She warned, realizing that it was a bit late for that.
“Y-Yeah, I figured that out on my own.” Sonata called back, causing Sunset to laughed quietly and shake her head.
“Well,” She huffed to herself, “time to make dinner!”
By the time Sonata had finished her shower she could practically taste the nachos. She quickly dried herself off and threw the clothes Sunset had given her on. She took a moment the check herself in the mirror, a small smile gracing her features.
“Aria is wrong, I’m not weird looking. Actually, I think I’m pretty cute.” She grinned and waved to her reflection. Mirrors, one of the world most mysterious things. She fixed her hair and exited the bathroom. The smell of melted cheese and tortilla chips hit her like a wave, earning another grin from the girl as she walked with a happy spring in her step. As she entered the small kitchen she could help but watch as Sunset carefully made the plates, having not noticed the other girl’s presence yet.
“Voila, the perfect plate of nachos.” Sunset nodded, putting her hands on her hips and grinning. She picked the plates back up and turned around. She jumped a bit when she saw Sonata, not used to having someone else in her house. “Oh, uhh, there’s not a table because I usually just sit on the couch and eat.” She said sheepishly and handed Sonata her plate.
They both walked to the couch and sat, Sunset reaching for the remote and turning on the television. The two ate quietly, the only noise being the news channel. It stayed silent even after they had finished their meal, neither one know just how to start a conversation. Sonata was the first to speak.
“So, how do you think the others are getting along?” She inquired. Sunset shrugged, a small smirk on her face.
“Knowing AJ I’d imagine that Aria’s probably getting put to work. A lot of it, at that.” She chuckled and shook her head. Sonata smiled, the mental image of Aria working on a farm making her laugh.
“Actually, apple farming sounds fun. Anyway, I assume I’m going to be sleeping on the couch?” She yawned and rubbed her eyes. Sunset shook her head.
“Nope, you’re going to sleep in my room, and I’ll be on the couch. What kind of host would I be if I let you sleep out here?” She scoffed and stood up. Sonata opened her mouth to protest but quickly shut it when she was given a stern look.
“Alright, alright, but you’re being too kind. I wouldn’t have guessed that you’d trust me this much. It’s a bit weird.” The blue haired girl shrugged and stood up to follow Sunset to her room.
“Well, I guess I see myself in you. We both tried to rule the school and manipulate them for our own benefit. Wow, that sounds so cliche and makes us sound like monsters.” Sunset chuckled and nervously opened the door to her room. “Sorry about the slight mess. I wasn’t able to put my music stuff away.” The mention of music made Sonata frown and absentmindedly lift a hand to her throat. Even if their gems were healing the fact that they broke meant that their voices wouldn’t be the same. They’d be weaker and it would be harder to hypnotize people. Not that Sonata wanted to do that anymore.
“It’s alright. You’re more organized than I am.” She laughed, “Well, goodnight. I’m beat!” She grinned and saluted Sunset. The other girl chuckled and went to the closet to retrieve an extra blanket. As soon as she left Sonata fell backwards onto the bed, a sigh escaping as she closed her eyes and thought.
Sonata was determined to change and she knew this. She was going to be a good person or… Well, she couldn’t really think of an ‘or’ right then, but she knew that she would try her absolute best to be a good person. She could only hope that the other sirens would want try as hard, too.
One major problem stood in the way of her ultimate goal: Sonata didn’t know how to be good. Do good people do things a certain way and say specific things? Maybe Sunset and her other friends knew the answers and could help. Sonata shook her head.
“Why would they want to help me? I’m their enemy.” She said out loud, a sad look on her face. With another shake of her head she reminded herself that Applejack and Fluttershy were forgiving enough to help and forced herself to smile. There was no use moping around when there was sleeping to be done! She sighed again and stood up to pull the blankets back and crawl into the bed. As soon as she was comfortable she closed her eyes again and quickly fell asleep.
---
Just outside the door to her room Sunset Shimmer was leaning against the wall. She hadn’t gone to set the blanket on the couch yet. Instead, she had decided to think for a bit. She wondered why she was being so generous to one of the girls that had threatened the harmony. One of the girls who had mocked her a day before the Battle of the Bands. Did Sonata really remind Sunset of herself? It was true that they’d both made big mistakes by trying to rule the school but honestly, that was were the similarities ended. Maybe there was a different reason that Sunset wanted to help out that she couldn’t quite place. She knew that she wanted to help, though.
It shouldn’t matter why I want to help, I guess. She thought to herself and smiled, I’m going to help Sonata and the other two sirens turn themselves around. Maybe I can help myself a bit, too. So, with that thought firmly planted in her mind Sunset walked to the couch and made herself comfortable. It wasn’t until she was nearly asleep that she realized she hadn’t changed out of her day clothes. She groaned and stood up, slowly walking to her room. Being as quiet as someone who’s half asleep could be Sunset carefully pushed the door open a little more and walked over to her closet. She looked towards her bed and couldn’t help but smirk a bit.
You know, under different circumstances I would be congratulating myself for getting a girl in my bed so easily. She thought before grabbing a pair of sweats and shirt and leaving with as much stealth as she could muster. She walked into the bathroom and changed, throwing her old clothes into the hamper by the door before noticing that Sonata failed to do so. She sighed and did it for her. Finally, she could sleep and in the morning go to school knowing that she was helping someone. That was always a good feeling in her book.
Sunset stumbled back to the couch after turning off all the lights. She was asleep as soon as she pulled the blanket around herself, giving one last smile as she drifted off.