Gloomy. Downcast. Those were words that could describe both the weather, and the storm of emotions brewing in Sunset Shimmer. The gentle pitter-patter of rain impacting the window she sat next to was relaxing, but it wasn’t enough to tear her thoughts away from the meeting that lay ahead on this cold November day.
Of course, she wasn’t even sure why she’d agreed to meet her, let alone here, of all places. It was, after all, the regular hangout spot for her clique, so it wasn’t unlikely that one of her friends could walk in at any moment and bear witness to the meeting. That would certainly mean nothing good as far as maintaining her image was concerned. After all, the last time her image came under fire, it was the fault of the very person she was about to meet.
The sound of the diner’s front door squeaking open pulled her away from those bad thoughts, and she looked up from her coffee. It was her, of course. Sunset tried to offer a smile, but all that she could manage was a stare. It didn’t seem to phase the new arrival though, who quickly walked over and shuffled her way into the bench opposite Sunset.
For a few moments, the two remained silent, as if expecting the other to speak first. Sunset clasped her fingers together, elbows resting on the table, and spoke first. “Hello.”
The girl opposite her managed a tiny chuckle at that, and pulled the hood of her jacket back, freeing her rather poofy hair. “That’s it? Days of build-up to our meeting, and all you have to say is ‘hello’?”
“What do you want me to say? ‘I forgive you’?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps, ‘Why did you ask me to meet you here, Adagio’?” Adagio retorted, her voice coated in sarcasm. “Honestly, it’s a wonder that you were able to beat us when you’re so poor with words.”
“I could leave,” Sunset warned her.
“But you won’t,” Adagio smirked. “If you wanted to leave, you would have already.”
After that exchange, the two resigned themselves to silence again, the only sound in the cafe coming from the tiny TV in the corner behind Sunset. The local basketball team was losing. Again.
“Pity that the Canterlot Pegasi are so poor at basketball, is it not?” Adagio asked, looking to the screen. At that, Sunset rolled her eyes. “What?”
“You!” Sunset found herself shouting, drawing a bit of attention to the pair. “You ask me to meet you here, and then you just want to insult me and talk about basketball!”
“Very well, let’s cut to the chase,” the siren-turned-human drew her gaze back to the TV as she spoke, watching the game with interest. “My cohorts--”
“You mean Sonata and Aria?”
“Yes,” Adagio curtly responded, not a fan of being interrupted. Looking back down to Sunset, she continued. “They believe that trying to learn about ‘harmony’ would suit our interests.”
“And your interests are…?”
“Surviving, for one,” Adagio says simply. “While we’re not dying, we are not used to living a life without our pendants.”
“Well, you have had them for thousands of years, haven’t you?”
“And for many of those, those pendants were a part of our very being, not just some silly necklaces. You can thank Starswirl for that.” Adagio’s voice was laced with venom, yet she managed a small smile in her former enemy’s direction. “We want to know how you do it.”
“How I do what, exactly?” Sunset tilted her head, a bit confused, and Adagio slapped a hand to her face in frustration.
“How you manage to use your magic without the need of a pendant.”
Sunset’s mouth formed an ‘O’ of surprise. She was definitely caught off guard by that one. Even after having lived here for a few years, she had never truly understood how, or why, magic seemed to come so easily to her and her recently gained friends. “I wish I could tell you, but I’m not entirely sure myself, Adagio.”
“You don’t trust us,” the songstress replied, putting her hand to her forehead and looking down at the table. “I understand that. But you must understand, singing makes us who we are. Without our voices, we’re…”
“Just other humans,” Sunset finished for her. She let out a sigh, and Adagio looked up at her, hopeful. “Do you know what it means to have a friend, Adagio?”
“I… can’t say I do,” the usually cocky girl responded. “We never really needed friends, only each other.”
“I know what you mean,” Sunset replied, taking a sip of her coffee. “Until Princess Twilight and my friends defeated me at the Fall Formal, I didn’t think I needed any friends. Just people to use so I could get my way.”
“I used to believe Equestria was a wonderful place,” Adagio admitted freely. “But when we were told that what we were doing was wrong, my view soured. I don’t see the world as a colorful, vibrant place. Not anymore. It’s all just different shades of gray to me.”
“I felt the same way. You feel that everybody is out to get you,” Sunset guessed, and Adagio nodded. “The world is a forgiving place, Adagio. But you have to learn how to forgive yourself before anyone else will.”
“How can I do that?”
It was strange, seeing Adagio so helpless. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt as if she had to help the girl by this point. “You need to let go of the past, Adagio. Holding on to those emotions, that hurt? It’s not good for you.”
“I suppose you’re right, but saying I’ll let go of those feelings is far easier than actually doing it,” Adagio frowned. To her surprise, Sunset smiled at her. “You’re smiling.”
“Because you’re right, it will be hard. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, though,” Sunset argued. “You’re like I used to be. Used to having everything handed to you on a silver platter. The real world doesn’t work like that, though.”
“Well how does it work?” Adagio raised an eyebrow.
“The real world will you kick you in the butt and toss you to the curb if you expect everything to be handed to you,” Sunset said, giggling a bit at the eyeroll she earned from Adagio. “The world is a cruel place if you aren’t prepared to fend for yourself.”
“Well, this was certainly enlightening, but you never did answer my question,” Adagio smirked. “How does magic work here?”
“True magic comes from within,” Sunset replied vaguely, and Adagio rolled her eyes yet again.
“Enough with the vague responses, Shimmer.”
Sunset sighed. “You don’t get it, Adagio, and I can’t help with that. Maybe you will one day, when you finally understand friendship.”
“Maybe. But for now, I bid you adieu,” Adagio said, sliding out from her seat and pulling her hood back up. She gave one last wayward glance at Sunset as she opened the door and walked out into the cold november rain, a small smile gracing her features.
Sunset Shimmer managed a smile of her own as she looked down, taking another sip from her coffee. The sound of the door finally slamming brought an end to their conversation, but she was sure of one thing. It wouldn’t be the last time they spoke.
Sunset found herself staring down at her coffee. She had yet to mix in her creamer, but that was far from on her mind. She’d be meeting with the leader of the Dazzlings again, and all of her thoughts were focused on that looming conversation. Had Adagio made any progress since their first meeting, or was she simply a lost cause? That question would be answered soon as the door to the diner squeaked open.
It was her, and Sunset managed a small smile this time around as her gaze drifted up. She found herself staring into those burgundy eyes as their owner slid into the bench across from her. This time around, she was going to let Adagio have the first word. After all, being on the receiving end of the former siren’s dripping sarcasm wasn’t he idea of fun.
Adagio seemed to be reading her mind, and smirked. “Not willing to speak first, I see?”
“I thought I’d let you have a go this time,” Sunset giggled. “So how are you?”
“Fine,” Adagio replied. She didn’t say anything more, and brushed a bit of her hair aside. Her gaze seemed to wander all over the place, but never into Sunset’s own.
“You don’t seem so sure of that,” Sunset prodded. “Have you thought at all about our conversation?”
“I have.”
“And?”
Adagio sighed. “I’m having trouble understanding how friendship works.”
Sunset could tell she had had trouble getting that sentence out, but it was progress. Admitting that you needed help was nothing to be ashamed of, and it seemed as if Adagio was beginning to realize that. “What do you want to know?”
“What it means to be someone’s friend.” It was a concept that seemed simple for so many people, but Sunset herself knew that it wasn’t something that was easy to describe.
“It means…” She trailed off, trying to think of a good way to phrase it. “Being there for your friend when nobody else is.”
“So friendship--”
“Means sacrifice,” Sunset interrupted her, and rolled her eyes at the glare Adagio sent her way.
“I’m still not sure I understand,” Adagio conceded as her glare melted away. “Can you give me an example?”
“Um, I guess?” Sunset shrugged, finally taking the creamer the waitress had brought her and pouring it into her coffee. As she picked up her teaspoon and began mixing it together, she continued. “Imagine if Sonata came up to you when you got home. She tells you about a problem she’s having, but you have a problem of your own.”
“If I have a problem of my own, I see no issue in letting her fend for herself,” Adagio crossed her arms over her chest, letting out a huff.
“While that is true, that’s not how friendship works. Friendship means forsaking your own issues, so that you can help your friend take care of theirs,” Sunset explained, taking a sip of her coffee.
“So instead of solving my own problems, I would spend my life solving problems for other people? That sounds like quite a horrible fate,” Adagio chuckled.
Sunset tittered at the idea of running around, solving everyone’s problems. “Friendship also means compromise,” she clarified for the girl seated across from her. “It’s an equal partnership, where you both help each other.”
“I see.” Adagio tapped her finger on the table a few times, deep in thought. It was obvious she wasn’t going to speak up again any time soon, so Sunset took the liberty of asking her a question.
“Do you consider Sonata and Aria your friends?”
Adagio stopped her tapping, and looked down. Sunset took another sip of her coffee, then placed the mug back down. As it impacted the table, Adagio offered her reply. “I can’t say I do. I’d like to, though.”
“Well then you’re going to have to start making sacrifices for them.” Adagio gave a ‘hmm’ of curiosity, so Sunset continued. “Do you know what gave us the power to defeat the three of you?”
“The ‘Elements of Harmony’?”, Adagio droned mockingly. The glare Sunset gave her made her sigh. “Fine, I’ll humor you. What?”
“Our friendship, Adagio. It doesn’t matter if you have the Elements of Harmony,” she began explaining. “You have to be true friends, and the Elements recognized what you three never could.”
“And that is?” Adagio raised an eyebrow.
“That I would never betray my friends,” Sunset smiled, but it slowly dissipated as she saw the look on Adagio’s face. She saw a girl tired of talking about her past mistakes, and wanting to look ahead. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought that up, I--”
“No,” Adagio put her hand up, motioning for Sunset to stop talking. When it was clear she had, Adagio lowered her hand. “It’s fine,” she assured her. “Do you believe that being a friend to Sonata and Aria would allow me--”
Sunset cleared her throat, shooting Adagio a look. The girl looked annoyed, but Sunset didn’t care.
“Fine. Do you think it would allow us to use our magic again?”
“Have you been listening to anything I’ve said, Adagio?” Sunset sighed, beginning to lean towards Adagio being a lost cause.
“I have! You said your friendship allowed you to unlock your magic!” Adagio shouted in frustration, drawing a bit of attention to the pair. She didn’t care, though. She wanted answers.
“I said that it was the true power of our friendship that allowed us to defeat you,” Sunset countered. “It’s not a true friendship if you only want to use it as a means to an end,” she explained. “That’s no different than what we used to do, and look where that got us.”
Adagio hummed thoughtfully. She had to admit, that much was certainly true. Perhaps if she had listened to Sonata and Aria’s thoughts more often, they could have won. Of course, the idea of actually listening to her comrades had never once entered her mind. She was their unquestioned leader, yet now, nobody seemed to be questioning her more than herself. “I suppose you’re right.”
Sunset, noticing the look on Adagio’s face, didn’t offer up a response this time. It was clear she had more to say. More to get off her chest.
“Sonata always tried to say that the three of us were ‘besties’, but I never really understood what she meant,” Adagio looked sullen as she said that, something Sunset thought to be a good sign. “I didn’t want a friendship, just a way to capture the attention of the masses.”
“Do you think that, after everything you three have been through, you’d do anything differently if you had a second chance?”
“I’m… not sure,” Adagio admitted. Sunset took another sip of her coffee as Adagio continued. “I think I might.” The look Sunset gave her made her blush, a first as far as the former unicorn knew. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you think I’m hard-headed.”
“It’s alright. The fact that you’re beginning to question yourself is what matters,” Sunset smiled.
“Hmm…” Adagio seemed to be lost in thought, but Sunset knew what was coming. “I think I’ll--”
“‘Be going now’?” Sunset guessed. This time, Adagio didn’t seem upset at being interrupted, and offered Sunset a smile. “Same time next week?” Sunset asked. Adagio didn’t answer, sliding out of her set and making her way to the door. She didn’t even offer Sunset a passing glance as she had before, her thoughts seemingly on what lay ahead. Sunset blew some air out of her nose, a tiny chuckle escaping her lips, because she knew.
It was her turn to walk to the cafe this time. Her turn to walk through the rain, not that she cared. The street was empty aside from her. All she could hear was the sound of the rain, and her own feet splashing through the many puddles populating the sidewalks, leaving her with nothing but her own thoughts to keep her company. Thoughts of the girl she was about to meet for the third time in nearly as many weeks.
It was true that she was trying to better herself, but trying to talk to her was like talking to a brick wall. Sunset would consider herself lucky if Adagio took anything she said to heart. Still, it may have meant something that Adagio was the one waiting this time. It didn’t take much longer for Sunset to reach the cafe. Pulling the door open, she stepped inside and immediately relished in the warm air.
Finding Adagio didn’t take long. Her hair was basically a giant sign alerting everyone around her of her presence. Pulling her hood back, Sunset slid into the seat across from her, and let out a sigh. “Sorry I kept you waiting.”
“No need to apologize,” Adagio replied. “I enjoy our chats.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Sunset smiled. “Though I’m sure you didn’t call me here just to chat,” she guessed. It was obvious as soon as Adagio had first spoken. Her tone was far less confident than normal, replaced with that of a girl who was likely unsure of herself.
For her part, Adagio mirrored Sunset with a belated sigh of her own. “Was I that easy to read?”
Sunset giggled. “Well, when you’ve spent nearly a year of your life remaining nervous about your own future, you kind of pick up on it a bit easier in others.”
“I see,” Adagio replied simply. For a few moments, the two remained silent. Silence that was broken when Adagio suddenly blurted out, “I found a new means of acquiring income.”
“You mean a job?” Sunset asked, doing her best to contain her laughter at Adagio’s description.
“Yes, at the local supermarket. Though I can’t say I enjoy it.”
“Well, not many people enjoy their jobs, Adagio. They’re just a way to get money and support yourself.”
“Our voices used to serve the same purpose,” Adagio argued. “At least when we had them, we didn’t have to pay rent.”
“But that was wrong,” Sunset argued. “Not paying rent is cheating the landlord out of money. Don’t you think they need it to support themselves too?”
“I… suppose,” Adagio admitted. “Had someone done the same to us, I doubt we would have liked it very much.”
“Right.”
For the first time since Sunset had arrived, Adagio took a sip from her coffee mug. When she was done, she looked up to the high schooler. “Ginger gives coffee a… unique taste, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Sunset replied, her face a mask of neutrality. “I’ve never thought to mix the two together.”
“Ginger adds a bit of tang. Coffee, even with sugar and milk, is far too bland for my tastes,” Adagio explained, taking another quick sip. She gave a little ‘ahh’ of satisfaction and gently placed the mug back down on the table.
“No offense, Adagio,” Sunset began, carefully trying to decide what to say next, “but what does coffee with ginger in it have to do with anything?”
“Everything.” Adagio paused for a moment to look outside. The gentle pitter patter of rain against the window was the only sound in the cafe. For the first time in a long time, she felt at peace. Keeping her gaze fixed on the outside world, she asked, “Do you know why I texted you to come here, Sunset Shimmer?”
“Not a clue,” Sunset replied honestly. “Why?”
“I’ve been thinking long and hard about what changes I need to make in order to… adjust, properly. Aria and Sonata have been rather insistent about one change that they believe we should make.”
“Oh?”
“Mm.” Adagio took another sip of her coffee. “Tell me. How receptive would the students of Canterlot High be if we were to return?”
Sunset stared at Adagio, trying to word her response nicely. She couldn’t, though. “Not very, most likely.”
The former siren blew a bit of air out of her nose at Sunset’s blunt response. “I would expect nothing else. I suppose that will just have to be my next challenge, then.”
“Going back to school?”
Adagio smirked, a little chuckle escaping her lips. “I suppose, by extension. Though I was referring to the bullying that we’re likely to face.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing you can’t handle, Adagio. I was never under your control, but in a way, I was,” Sunset replied. “You have a way with words, I’m sure you can get the students to stop whenever you want.”
“I don’t want to, though,” Adagio frowned. Sunset’s jaw dropped. “I would rather work my way back to the top fairly than by using my… charms. Anyone can make another person treat them nicely by using hurtful words, or manipulation. I want to try making friends the way you did.”
Sunset smiled at the girl in front of her. She was trying to change, even if it was going to be difficult. And that was all that mattered. “I’m surprised, Adagio. When you first texted me to come here, I had my doubts that you were actually trying to change.”
Adagio sighed. “I can’t say I blame you. For a while, I was convinced I couldn’t change. But I want to. I have to.”
“Well I’m glad to hear that,” Sunset replied. “And I hope you manage to find your way at Canterlot High. I’ll be there every step of the way to help you, if you want it.”
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” Adagio smiled. She could tell that their conversation was over. This time, she didn’t leave the cafe.
