Once She Hears to Her Heart's Content, Sails On A Wiser Woman.
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Once She Hears to Her Heart's Content, Sails On A Wiser Woman.
"I can't believe we've been reduced to doing this."
"Shut up and pass me the streamers, Aria."
Aria grabbed a clump of brightly colored paper ribbons and shoved them towards Adagio, who carefully laid them out in a circle around the roasted pig's head at the center of the table.
"I dunno, I think it's kinda fun." Sonata grabbed another fistful of colorful glitter from her bag and threw it into the air, covering the table and the three Sirens standing around it in sparkles.
"Ugh, I think it got into my mouth." Aria stuck her tongue out. "You know, this ritual used to have some dignity to it. Remember when you had to go a priest to get this stuff?"
"Yeah, well, those days are gone." Adagio reached into a bag of glow-in-the-dark moon stickers and stuck one to the forehead of the pig.
"We are literally using party supplies for kids," Aria huffed, her arms crossed. "Well, except for the head, which we had to order from a restaurant. We would've gutted any mortal who dared to mock us like this back in the day."
"Again, that was then, this is now." Adagio stepped away from the table and gave it a final once-over, ensuring that everything was in place. "The offering has everything we need. Seven bands of color, symbols for the Infinite Stars and the Crescent Moon, and the head of a healthy swine. Now can we please cast the spell and forget this ever happened?"
"Yeah, whatever." Aria shot Adagio a raised eyebrow. "You sure this plan will work?"
"Of course," Adagio said with a confidence she didn't feel. "You know how she is. There's no way she'll be able to resist our offer. Now, get into position. And Sonata, put down that glitter."
"Aww." Sonata threw one more cloud of glitter into the air before moving to stand on one of the three X's inscribed on the floor, all equidistant from one another.
Adagio and Aria took their places on the other two points of the triangle, and on Adagio's signal they began chanting in an ancient tongue lost to history. As they sang with cracked, ugly voices, the room began to dim, the single lightbulb above them flickering and dying. The shadows in the room grew longer, wrapping around the three.
In the center of the triangle, a dark cloud formed above the offering, shrouding the riot of colors below in gloom. The trio kept up the incantation as the shape of a horse's head manifested itself from within the cloud, followed by the rest of the creature's body. As they finished the last words of the spell, a pony with a coat as black as a moonless night stood before them, with a mane of deep blue that twinkled with an endless tapestry of stars.
"Who dares to call upon my immortal majesty!" A regal voice echoed out from the shadowy mare, the sound piercing straight into Adagio's soul.
Stepping forward, Adagio calmed her hammering heart and spoke casually to the mare. "Don't you remember us, Phobetor?"
The creature squinted at them, her ethereal form spinning around to see her summoners. Her gaze returned to Adagio as her eyes lit up in recognition. "Thelxiope?" She smirked as Adagio nodded. "I should've known; no one has used that Calling ritual in over a thousand years. I see you've still failed to return to Equestria after all these centuries."
"I go by Adagio Dazzle now. And I see that you still haven't turned that moon princess to your side yet." Adagio matched Phobetor's smirk with one of her own. "I thought you said it was as good as done."
Phobetor snarled. "It was, until some blasted mortals got in the way."
Adagio nodded. "See, we're having a lot of the same problems. You wouldn't happen to recognize the name Twilight Sparkle, would you?"
A loud hiss issued forth from Phobetor. "You would do well not to speak that name in my presence, Siren."
"Now, now, no need to get testy." Adagio smiled. "We share a common enemy, then. Which is why we come to you with an offer. I think we could help each other out."
"Oh? You do know I don't have the power to bring you back to the other world, yes? I can only travel between worlds through the Dreamscape, which you have not access to."
"We know. Luckily, Twilight Sparkle seems to have figured it out, and she even brought some Equestrian Magic with her."
"Then why don't you take it from her?" Phobetor asked. "You have power aplenty in this world." She squinted at Adagio. "If I recall correctly, those gems of yours gave you dominion over the minds of mortals. And yet, I do not see you wielding them on this day, though you face one of the old gods."
"Perhaps we wished to show you that we came in peace," Adagio said through gritted teeth.
Phobetor let out a mocking laugh. "A Siren speaking of peace? Will wonders never cease? Tell me, was the source of your power destroyed or lost?" The piercing stare she sent Adagio gave no room for prevarications.
"Destroyed." Adagio clenched her fists as she muttered the word. "But that doesn't matter anymore. We can make new ones once we get to Equestria. We just need the power to take whatever ability allows those mortals to travel between worlds."
"I see. And that's where you need me, is it?" Phobetor's eyes narrowed. "I never took you for the foolish types. You know what happens to those who accept my blessing. We used to be in the same business, as they say these days."
"You know I'm not stupid," Adagio said. "I want your power, and I'm willing to offer you a chance to get back at your old foes. With Twilight Sparkle taken out, I assume you'll be able to try taking over Equestria again."
"And you are willing to live under my dominion?" Phobetor was still suspicious. Well, that was okay – Adagio didn't expect her instant trust. She had a reputation, after all.
"Of course not." Adagio scoffed. "I would never bow to you. But I've gotten quite fond of this world, and once I can return to Equestria, I can rebuild the gems, and without Twilight and her friends to stop us, we'll have this whole pathetic world adoring us. You can keep Equestria as long as we get to rule here."
"Those are your terms, then? Equestria for this world?" Phobetor leaned in eagerly, her translucent gaze peering into Adagio's soul.
"Well, there's a few other things." Adagio felt her old confidence returning as she spoke to the ancient creature. She was no stranger to dealing with mystical powers both great and small. "You have a bit of a reputation – the mortals still talk about those Oracles you used to whisper to at the Navel of the World, even if they don't believe in you anymore. I'm well aware of what happens to those you visit, and I'd rather not end up like that Halcyon woman. As such, I have some terms I want you to swear to, in a Binding Contract."
Phobetor picked up on the emphasis on the last two words, immediately withdrawing from Adagio. "I see. And what shall our Agreement be?" Her speech was guarded, each word carefully measured.
"The terms of the contract are as such." Adagio recalled the words from memory, reciting them without emotion. "I will allow you to enter my mind and use it as a host for your presence. I am to retain full control of my body, and you will not attempt to seize direct control over my mind or my body without my consent, though you may provide guidance." Each word was carefully measured, spoken with calculated clarity to ensure that no misunderstandings could be possible. "You will also provide to us three artefacts that will allow us to channel your power in the same way that a true host could."
"Do you think me a fool?" Phobetor said with a mirthless laugh. "You think I would grant my power to two who are not bound to me? Nay, to you alone I shall grant my power – you should not require more to achieve our goals. And when we are finished you shall return the artefact to me."
Adagio waited a few seconds before responding, adopting a thoughtful expression. "Fine," she finally said. "One artefact of power on loan, and everything else stays the same."
"Hey, what about us?" Aria demanded, nearly taking a step forward before remembering that moving away would break the spell. "You said we were in this together."
"We're only using her power until we get what we want anyways," Adagio said. "Don't worry, I'll swear to include you when we're done if you want."
"You better." Aria shot Adagio a glare that promised extremely painful and physical retribution otherwise.
"Anyways," Adagio said with a roll of her eyes, "to get back to our deal." She repeated the previous part of the agreement, with the provisos added by Phobetor.
The mare nodded. "And what will you do in exchange for my power?"
Adagio spoke the next part of the prepared statement. "In exchange, I will do everything in my power to permanently incapacitate Princess Twilight Sparkle and obtain the means by which she travels between worlds. Once I have extracted the secret to traveling between worlds and ensured that Twilight Sparkle will be no threat to your world, you will vacate my body, return to the world of Equestria, and never come back to this realm." Adagio took a deep breath, wracking her brain to make sure she hadn’t missed anything. Certain that she had gotten everything right, she returned her attention to Phobetor. "So, do we have a deal?"
"You would bar me from this world for an eternity?" Phobetor shook her head. "You overestimate your worth, Siren."
"I know just how much I'm worth, spirit," Adagio replied. "You failed to tempt your moon princess, and if you'd found another host, you wouldn't even be here. I won't have you trying to take us down once we're done with our agreement."
Phobetor tsked. "You would close yourself off to the possibility of another alliance with me? I thought Sirens sought to gain every advantage they could, not to hide away in their caves."
"We won't be needing your services again after this, Phobetor."
"Even the Fates themselves cannot always see what shall come to pass." Phobetor paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. "I would suggest a compromise, or perhaps a wager of sorts. Once our agreement is concluded, I shall depart from this realm, and never return unless one of you three consent to it."
"Sure, whatever." Adagio shrugged. "Just don't blame us if we never let you come visit."
"We shall see." Phobetor shot Adagio a challenging gaze, which the Siren returned with full force.
"Are you content with this modified arrangement, then?" Adagio asked, never taking her eyes off Phobetor.
"I will know contentment only when my foes lie broken before me," Phobetor replied, her form shimmering in the darkness. "However, I will agree to your bargain."
"Great." Adagio smiled, the first genuine expression on her face since she started this endeavor. "Now, let's show them what happens when the Sirens and the Oneiroi join forces."
"If we are to work together, you may as well use the title I go by in this day and age," Phobetor said. "I am known to the ponies of Equestria as The Nightmare."
"Hmm, that's a bit easier to say in this modern tongue," Adagio said. "You can call me Adagio too, since we're being friendly or whatever. The other two are Aria and Sonata."
The Nightmare gave the other two Sirens a brief nod before turning back to Adagio. "Shall we make the pact now?"
"Yes. It's time the world learned to fear us once more." Adagio reached out to take The Nightmare's hoof, and the world was consumed in darkness.
So who is this Sunset Shimmer?
A cloud of what looked like smoke billowed through the air, heading towards a small house at the edge of town.
She's a unicorn from Equestria who's living here now. She was the first to figure out how to travel between worlds since Star Swirl, and Twilight came to this world to hunt her down.
And why are we going to her home?
In her thousands of years of existence, Adagio had never shared her mind with another being before. Sure, she'd done her fair share of mind-controlling, but that was different, more like piloting one of those drone things the humans were going on about these days. Having someone actually inside her head was very different, more akin to having a passenger in a car that she was driving that just wouldn't shut up. The Nightmare had been asking questions about this world and their plans since they first dematerialized half an hour ago.
Luckily, millennia of hanging out with Sonata had taught Adagio the virtue of patience. And the pure ecstasy of using magic once again also helped.
We need to pick something up. It had taken a bit of getting used to in order to separate her thoughts from her "speech-thought" directed at The Nightmare, but she'd managed it quickly enough – mind magic was a specialty of hers, after all.
I grow impatient of being kept in ignorance. Apparently, mental communication also allowed for the conveyance of tone, and Adagio could sense The Nightmare's annoyance.
Jeez, calm down, will you? I swear, this is worse than the time with that king who was invading the City of High Walls.
That fool was craven and refused to act despite the advantage he had, The Nightmare muttered. Even after we visited his dreams, he insisted on some fool test to trick his troops into retreating. Had that cunning general not goaded his troops into battle, all would have been for naught.
You're welcome for that, by the way, Adagio thought dryly as she slid down the streets, careful to avoid the streetlights that might reveal them. We had to swim halfway across the sea to work our magic on him.
You were rewarded enough by the conflict in the days to come, The Nightmare retorted. I even sent that general your way afterwards, even if you failed to seduce him with your charms.
It's not my fault; he lashed himself to the ship. We would have had so much fun with him if it weren't for that. Adagio sighed wistfully at the memories. I do miss the good old days, back when it was so easy to start a war that involved some real fighting.
There's nothing quite like driving a spear through your enemy's heart to send them to the depths of Tartarus, The Nightmare agreed. Now, how long before we reach the home of Sunset Shimmer?
It's right here.
Quiet as a thief in the night, they slipped through a crack in the window and entered the house.
Sunset Shimmer's room was neat for a teenager's, and sparsely decorated to boot. Sunset herself slept soundly on a bed in the corner. On her nightstand was Adagio's goal: a pair of necklaces. On one was a small orange pendant emblazoned with the image of a stylized sun, and on the other a large circular object with lots of lines and circuitry attached to it.
Here we go. Adagio tried to reach out to snatch the artefacts before realizing that she didn't have hands. Uhh, how do I go back to being a human?
The Nightmare transferred the knowledge of the rematerialization spell to Adagio, and a moment later, she stood at the center of the room, clutching a small black disc in her hands. Adagio could feel the dark energy emanating from the artefact: there was more power contained in the medallion than she'd ever wielded in this world, outside of that one time at the end of the Battle of the Bands.
Okay, now how do I make sure something I pick up stays with me when I turn into smoke again?
You can use the medallion's power to bond the object with your anima. The Nightmare imparted the spell onto Adagio's mind. Now tell me, what do these items do?
The big purple thing is some kind of magic detector and absorber, Adagio explained as she wrapped the object in her magic before slipping it into her pocket. Each time she used magic she could feel its power coursing through her, making her feel more alive than she had in years. It'll be helpful if we have to go up against their magic directly. The orange pendant is a focus for their powers. I think it actually comes from Equestria.
Wait, stop! Even though The Nightmare couldn't control Adagio's actions, the mental shouting was enough to freeze her in her tracks. I can sense the magic of Harmony from it.
Harmony, huh? I guess that makes sense. Adagio reached out for the pendant again. Well, Harmony magic usually requires all the artefacts in a set to work, so taking this away will definitely be helpful.
No! I will not have you mixing that thing's magic with your anima! The Nightmare's will pressed against Adagio's, but without her permission she couldn't do more than insist. Destroy the pendant if you wish to cripple them.
I think I'd rather keep it. Never know when something like that might come in handy. Adagio drew from the medallion once again, but this time when she tried to cast the bonding spell nothing happened. She tried again, and once again the spell would not form no matter how hard she willed it. What did you do? she snarled.
Our agreement stipulated that you would be able to channel my magic in the same way that a true host could, The Nightmare's tone was matter-of-fact, as if she'd been waiting for this moment. When I take control of a host, they can only cast the spells that I allow them to. I will not let you risk taking that thing with us. Now, will you destroy it or shall we continue to stand here until Sunset Shimmer awakens?
Fine. Adagio tapped into the reservoir once again and sent a current of dark magic into the pendant, turning the bright orange surface into a dull gray. It'll take them a while to figure out how to undo that, and by then we'll have what we want.
Don't be so petulant, The Nightmare teased. You couldn't possibly expect me not to try and take advantage of any weakness in our agreement now, could you?
No, I expected it, Adagio replied, gritting her teeth. I'm just annoyed that I didn't catch it first. I'm getting sloppy.
No matter. We've accomplished that which we came here for, yes? The Nightmare said. We have a weapon to use against Twilight Sparkle and her friends will no longer be able to use the Elements against us with one of their pendants corrupted. It would be best if we left before we are caught.
Right. With another burst of magic, Adagio disappeared into the night, leaving no trace of her visit except for the darkened pendant on the nightstand.
"Did you get it?" Aria asked as Adagio materialized in their apartment. The offering had already been cleaned up, leaving the room looking normal once again.
"Right here." Adagio reached into her pocket and pulled out the magic detector. "I've also taken Sunset's necklace out too, so they won't be able to use it against us." She made a show of glancing at the clock on the wall. "In about, oh, six hours they should realize how much trouble they're in and go running to Twilight Sparkle for help."
"Oh, goody!" Sonata leapt up from her perch on the sofa in the middle of the room. "Then we can follow them and find out how Twilight comes to visit!"
Adagio barked out a harsh laugh. "Hah! As if I'd trust you to be sneaky." She turned to Aria with a flat stare. "I assume you can at least follow our friends without getting caught. I know the idea of not punching things into submission is a bit much for your little head, but I have the utmost faith in you."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Aria stomped off towards the door. "You better hope this plan of yours works, or there won't be anything left for The Nightmare to torment." She slammed the door behind her, the loud thud leaving the room in silence. For about two seconds.
"So, whaddya want me to do?" Sonata asked in her normal preppy tone, seemingly unfazed by being insulted. "Do we need more glitter for another spell?"
"Uhh, no." Adagio pressed her hand to her forehead. "Why don't you, I don't know, go out and try not to ruin our plans."
"Okay! Bye!" Sonata practically skipped out the door, leaving Adagio alone in their apartment.
You keep odd company, Siren.
Okay, not completely alone.
They have their uses, Adagio replied with a mental shrug. As long as I keep them busy when I don't need them, it all works out. Sonata's got her little hobbies like party planning or painting or hypnosis or whatever, and Aria gets into enough fights that I usually don't need to worry about them. Now then, I'm going to get some sleep. I assume you can keep yourself busy?
The Nightmare responded as Adagio walked over towards the bedroom and prepared to turn in for the night. I will ensure your dreams are free from interference from the Night Princess' prying eyes.
Fine, as long as you don't mess with my dreams themselves.
Not all my visions lead to ruination, The Nightmare whispered, her voice coiling around Adagio's ears like a snake. Some of the greatest empires have been founded at my insinuation. Just ask the Father of the Republic; after the City of High Walls fell, I granted unto him some mad vision of descending into the Underworld to divine his next course of action.
I always figured that was you, Adagio said as she laid down on the bed. Did you make him leave the First Queen of the Palms as well?
No, that was of his own accord. We cannot claim credit for all of mortal stupidity.
Well, either way, thanks for that. We had a great time getting the Censor to salt the Land of the Palms. Adagio stretched out and closed her eyes in bliss. I'm going to have some wonderful dreams tonight.
Sleep well. The Nightmare sounded almost maternal in her caring tone. There is still much work to be done before we make the mortals bow before us in fear and love, as befitting a true ruler.
So that's where the portal ended up.
In the shadows of Canterlot High, Adagio shed her ethereal form and returned to her human body. She'd spent several hours as a non-corporeal being already and didn't want to strain The Nightmare's powers too much.
I did not believe it possible to open the Veil Between Worlds without an Astral Alignment.
Times have changed, I guess. There's probably been all sorts of new magic being invented over in Equestria. Now we just have to wait for Twilight to come through the portal. In the meantime, we should keep up our little terror campaign. Adagio ducked into the school as the last of the students left for the weekend.
I do not know why we simply cannot resort to violence, The Nightmare's voice grumbled in her head. I may be a creature of subtlety, but Ares' words sometimes did hold wisdom. A few precise strikes would encourage them to quicken their pace.
For the thousandth time, we don't want to attract the police – or the military, if we go all out. Adagio waited a few minutes to ensure that no one was left in the school before heading over towards the row of lockers next to the math classrooms. Besides, this will work well enough, and in the meantime, we get to spend some more quality time with each other. It's so nice to have someone intelligent to talk to for once.
Admittedly, it has been pleasant being able to converse with one who remembers the times long past. Adagio could just picture The Nightmare squirming uncomfortably at the admission.
That's the spirit! Adagio walked up to one of the lockers and pressed her hand towards the lock, her other hand grasping the medallion. After a couple days, she'd gotten used to wielding The Nightmare's magic, and the spells came just as naturally to her as her own magic had. Although, you have a point – if Twilight doesn't show up soon we'll have to get a bit more drastic. the lock clicked open, and Adagio opened the locker to find a mass of athletic clothing and towels piling up inside. Reaching into her pockets, she withdrew a small plastic bag filled with white powder and placed it on top of the clothes before closing the door and placing the lock back in its place.
And you are sure this will not draw undue attention to our targets? The Nightmare asked. I thought you said you did not wish to draw the attention of the authorities.
Relax, it's just sugar. Even if they get caught they'll think it's a prank. Adagio vanished into smoke once again and flew off towards her home, her task done for the day.
As they flew, The Nightmare's voice piped up again. What are your intentions once our pact is at an end? she asked, in a tone that was more curious than demanding.
I haven't really decided yet, Adagio admitted as they flew through the skies. I mean, besides taking over the world, that is. Sonata will probably want to start another war over something silly – she's been talking about trying to do it again ever since the thing with the nutmeg.
Nutmeg? The spice?
Yeah, we managed to start a whole war over it. It was pretty funny. Adagio would have smiled if she had a face at the moment. Sonata always did have the oddest ideas.
Why do you bind yourself to those fools? The Nightmare asked. In the past couple days their prattle alone has nearly driven me to seek the sweet embrace of Lethe.
Well, our powers worked best when we combined them, Adagio replied.
And yet, with my power, you no longer have need of them. In fact, you could do away with them entirely if you just accepted me. After all, even if you reach Equestria, you will need considerable magical might to reconstruct your gems, which I could provide to you.
Do you really think that's going to work on me? Adagio sent The Nightmare the mental image of her rolling her eyes. Please, don't insult me. We'll figure out another way to put the gems back together.
I know you are no fool, The Nightmare responded. I would not seek to control your mind, only to extract a promise of peace. When I rule Equestria I would not wish to have to fight you, and you could wield my power without binding yourself to your fellow Sirens.
Between you and those two idiots, I think I'll take the one that's less likely to end with me being turned into some kind of dream-zombie, Adagio retorted.
And yet, you have shown that you can wield my power without being influenced by me.
I have, haven't I. Adagio thought about The Nightmare's words for a moment. Hmm, I guess you're right. It would be nice to wield your power.
Think on my offer, Siren. I could make you the sole Empress of this world. It would not be the first time I helped turn a member of a triumvirate into an emperor, and this time I wouldn't even have to convince an entire Senate to do away with your predecessor.
The rest of the trip was undertaken in silence, as Adagio reflected on what The Nightmare had said. It would be nice having her as an ally, and she couldn't deny that she hadn't missed a chance to swap stories with the ancient being.
They entered through the window once again, Adagio returning to her human form to find Sonata and Aria fiddling with the magic detector. Sonata looked deep in thought while Aria turned to address Adagio. "So, how'd it go?"
"I planted the fake drugs on Rainbow Dash's stuff, so that'll be a fun surprise for them in the morning." Adagio walked up to Sonata and tapped on her shoulder to get her attention. "And get this: the portal to Equestria is inside of that pedestal in front of the school. The one where the horse statue used to be. They're expecting the princess to come through it in a few days."
"That's great!" Sonata said, beaming as she held the magic detector in her hands. "We've got some great news too! I figured out how to turn this thing into a magic vacuum to suck up magic from someone. Or something."
Sonata discovered how to operate that artefact? The Nightmare tried to get Adagio to stare at Sonata in shock.
Yeah, she's occasionally useful for stuff. Mostly because she tends to randomly luck her away into figuring stuff out. Adagio tuned out The Nightmare for a moment to speak with Sonata. "So you can make it work right now?"
"Yep." Sonata opened up the detector to reveal a dizzying array of buttons and displays. "Just gimme the medallion and we can do this."
What is she talking about? The Nightmare growled as Adagio unclasped the black disc from her neck.
You thought you were the only one trying to find a loophole around the Contract? You specified that the medallion had to be returned to you after we finished our deal, but you never said anything about the magic inside of it. When we give it back to you, it'll be just a useless rock, and we'll still be able to use your power.
Clever. I should have foreseen your deception. Still, there is no need for this – I already stated my intention to allow you to draw from my power after this business is concluded.
Yeah, but this way I don't have to make another deal with you.
Are my terms so unreasonable? I only desire a truce, and by giving the medallion over you risk one of your fellow Sirens stealing the magic that you alone should wield. Tell me, do you trust them to return to you the magic once they have drained it from your medallion?
I…
Trust is the first step to defeat. You know this better than any other. Or did you think I didn't know what you did with the gladiator, sweet Phrygia? You made quite the sight as the mourning bride, but I know better.
I guess you have a point.
Of course. There is always wisdom in my words. Now, shall we inform them that their services will no longer be necessary?
…
"Yo, Dagi." Aria waved her hand in front of Adagio's face. "We're waiting for you. You gonna fork over the medallion or not?"
Adagio shook her head violently a few times. "Sorry," she muttered. "Sharing a brain with someone is a little confusing sometimes." She handed over the medallion, snatching her hand back afterwards to avoid reaching out for it.
Fool. The Nightmare whispered as she retreated into the back of Adagio's mind. You will see the truth in time.
Adagio ignored her as she watched Sonata press a few buttons on the device in her hands. A stream of black flowed into it from the medallion, like a dark miasma infecting the mass of circuitry and metal. A few moments later, the medallion looked a lot less black and the magic detector seemed to have a dark glow around it.
"I think it worked," Sonata said as she closed the device.
"Great. Now hand it over." Adagio felt a wave a relief as she regained control of The Nightmare's magic. As a test, she tried tapping into the magic once again, making herself dematerialize and rematerialize in place. "Perfect. Now, what should we do next?"
As they planned, The Nightmare left Adagio in peace, but she still clutched the magic detector close to her heart for the remainder of the night.
"Adagio!" A knock at the door followed by Aria's voice. "You there?"
"Is it time for my shift yet?"
"Nah, Sonata's still out there. I just wanted to talk to you."
Adagio opened her bedroom door. "What do you want?"
"We're worried about you," Aria said. "Ever since we figured out how to transfer the magic to the detector you've locked yourself up in your room. You don't even talk to us except to swap info about the plan."
"I'm busy studying The Nightmare's magic," Adagio replied. "We want to have every advantage possible when we face off against Twilight and her friends, no?"
"But do you have to spend all your time in there? Can't you at least come out and say hi?"
"Fine." Adagio gritted her teeth, flashing Aria a mirthless smile. "Hello, Aria, how are you today? Anything you want to talk about that's more important than getting our powers back?"
"Well, if you're gonna be like that, then have fun."
Adagio closed the door as Aria walked away.
They're trying to take the power from you.
Adagio shook her head. It's not like that. They just don't see how important it is to study your magic. It's a shame I can't trust them to wield it themselves. Her focus returned to pendant around her neck as she drew deep into its reservoir.
Not all are worthy of my blessing. The Nightmare sounded proud. You are strong to have been able to resist my will.
Oh please, Adagio retorted, this is nothing. I'm not some sniveling mortal with a spine made out of paper. As she meditated on the power, she felt the darkness seep further into her soul.
Yes, you are a worthy host. Adagio suppressed a surge of joy at the words. Like one of the Emperors of old. But without the eventual madness and death.
I think I still have my old lyre. When this is all over, I'll burn down a city and play as I watch it fade to ashes, just for you.
That would be most pleasing to me. The Nightmare paused for a moment. Would you be willing to maintain contact with me after this is done? I would so dearly love to behold the fruits of your labors.
Sure, why not. Adagio floated herself into the air, breathing deep and savoring the sensation of being suspended in magic. It'd be more fun talking to you than the other two.
I am glad to hear this. Now, shall we continue your studies?
Yes. I want to learn how to gain complete mastery over this power.
Of course. Now, open your mind, and allow me to impart my knowledge unto you…
"Adagio, it's your turn to play super-sneaky spy!"
They only wish for you to leave so that they may search your room while you are away. Or so that they may plant a recording device to divine our secrets.
"Can't you get Aria to do it? I need to be ready for when Twilight arrives."
It's best that you don't reveal your knowledge of their treachery. It will only lead them to greater subtlety.
"She's already taken her shift. It's your turn now. We have to share, remember?"
Hah! A Siren speaking of fairness! How rich! You know she thinks only for herself. The graves of many sailors can attest to that.
"Just tell Aria to go out again. I need to make sure everything is perfect."
It won't be long now. Soon we can dispense with this charade.
"Fine. But you better take the next shift."
"Yeah, whatever. Just go."
Soon. Soon will we bring about a new world, and you shall rule as is your right.
"Please, Adagio, talk to us!"
"We're really worried about you."
"You haven't come out in over a day!"
They grow more bold in their attempts to steal your power. Something must be done.
But what? What can I say to ease their minds? To make them wait another day before they strike?
Allow me to help. I am a master of manipulation after all. All you would have to do is give yourself willingly to me.
No, I won't become your puppet.
You don't have a choice. If you refuse my aid, you will lose your magic and be forced to serve those two lesser Sirens. I am your only hope. I've proven my worth a hundred times over. You can trust me.
I… yes. Of course I can trust you. You would never lead me astray. I'll accept your help. Just make them go away!
Very good. Now open yourself to me, and grant me dominion over your mind....
The door opened to reveal Adagio standing casually in front of Aria and Sonata. "Sorry about that, girls," she said, smoothing out her skirt. "The Nightmare tried to pull off some mind trick to get me to give up my brain to her, and it took me a while to shut her down. I'm fine now, though, and she knows better than to try again." Her cruel smile made Aria and Sonata flinch.
"Alright, if you say so." Aria looked a little skeptical, but didn't say anything more. "By the way, Twilight should be showing up tomorrow. You ready to do this?"
"Of course." Adagio let go of the pendant and let it dangle from her neck. "It's time to go home."
I must admit that I am disappointed. I had truly thought you a worthy foe, but it seems your will is just as weak as any mortal's.
Adagio didn't reply, as was expected. Ever since she'd ceded control of her mind, The Nightmare had suppressed her will entirely, creating a blessed silence that she'd desired for days. Still, she couldn't help but gloat at the nonresponsive mental shell of her host.
You thought you were clever in stealing away my magic and preventing me from accessing your mind. You never considered that the magic itself was poisoned with my gift. It's a little trick I learned from my time with the Nyx, so I wouldn't expect you to know I could do that. Still, I had hoped that you might resist the paranoia and the other mental effects of the magic for a little longer. I didn't even have the opportunity to tell you of my master plan.
"Alright, they're all going to be at the statue in ten minutes," Aria said, as the three Sirens hid on the other side of the school. It was a moonless night, and clouds obscured the stars in the sky, leaving the grounds pitch black save for a few flickering lampposts. There was no way anyone would see them.
"Wonderful," The Nightmare replied using Adagio's voice. "How nice of them to serve themselves up on a silver platter for us."
Once I eliminate Twilight Sparkle and her friends, I'm going to help you regain your lost powers. With your voice and my spirit, nothing will be able to stop us in either realm. Equestria will be mine to rule, of course, and I believe I shall bring back the old Empire in this world and finish the job I started.
"I think it's time we showed them what happens when you mess with the Sirens."
I spent centuries trying to bring about that blasted Pax Romana, and now, at last, we shall bring upon this realm an unshakeable order, with just enough strife to keep you fed. It would not do for my host to perish from starvation, of course.
The trio circled around the school, shrouded by the black night. In the distance, where once stood a proud statue of a horse, they saw the side of the stone pedestal ripple as a purple-skinned teenager stepped out of it. The other girls all embraced her on sight.
"That's our cue."
How apt, that you who helped me bring about the first great peace should be the instrument of the second. Thank you so much for summoning me, Siren. Your actions shall be rewarded greatly.
The Nightmare in Adagio's body stepped out from the shadows first, the faint lights affixed to the walls of the school illuminating her in the dark night. A smirk rested on her face as The Nightmare pondered her impending victory.
"Twilight, now!"
The shout rang out from behind her in Sonata's voice. Turning around, The Nightmare saw the other two Sirens running away from her in a wide arc towards the group of teenagers, who were all glowing with a magical light that she recognized.
"What is the meaning of this?"
A bright rainbow beam shot into the air, illuminating the sky in a riot of colors.
"No! That's impossible! How can you use the Elements without your pendants?"
"The power of the Elements has always been inside of us," Twilight Sparkle said, her eyes glowing white with magic. "We don't need any necklaces to defeat you." The rainbow beam curved abruptly to slam into Adagio's heart.
The Nightmare couldn't even hear her own cries as a deafening roar echoed in her ears while her sight was assailed by a burning white light that refused to disappear even when she closed her eyes. A fire that burned with the power of Harmony seared her very essence, and she could feel herself being stripped of power and cast from her host.
A moment later, the whiteness overwhelmed all her senses, and then there was nothing.
"Adagio, are you okay?"
Adagio opened her eyes to see ten concerned faces staring back at her.
"Wh-what happened?" she asked, her mind feeling like it had been dipped in fog. Her memories were scattered and disjointed. Something about a summoning spell and – "The Nightmare! Where is she?"
"The Elements banished her back to Equestria," one of the Twilight Sparkles said. "Her influence should be purged from your mind and she'll be too weak to do anything for a long time."
"I'm so sorry, Twilight," Sonata said. "We didn't mean for anyone to get hurt! The Nightmare promised to give us back our powers, and we were stupid enough to believe her. We almost didn't realize that it took over Adagio until it was too late!"
"What about all that crap you put us through this week?" Rainbow asked, glaring at the Sirens.
"We didn't know that was happening." Sonata looked down in shame. "The Nightmare had us working on a spell that was supposed to give us back some of our magic. We didn't know she was actually trying to spread her icky mind-control magic to everyone."
"We really are sorry," Aria said begrudgingly. "After we found out you guys had magic again, we were really jealous, and we really wanted some of our power back. We didn't want anyone to get hurt."
"I'm sorry too." Adagio's memories were slowly returning, and she remembered what she had done in the past week. "I don't know what came over me. The Nightmare's words just made sense all of a sudden."
"The Nightmare has access to some really powerful mind magic," Twilight said. "She must have sensed your jealousy and amplified it to get you to agree to be her host, just like she did with Luna."
"I guess that's what happened." Adagio clenched her hands into fists in a display of anger. "I just can't believe I didn't see it coming. Can you forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive," Twilight replied with a warm smile.
"Uhh, how about the time when they tried to take over the school?" Rainbow asked.
"We're really sorry about that too." Sonata's eyes widened as a guilty pout formed on her lips. "We didn't really understand what it was like to be mortal and stuff until after we lost our gems. We know how much we hurt everyone now, and we want to try and make it better." The other two Sirens nodded in agreement.
"As long as you're willing to accept the magic of friendship into your hearts, there is always a chance for redemption."
"Thanks Twilight," Adagio said. "I'd love to try making friends with all of you. The Elements really showed me how much I have to make up for."
"And I'd love to be friends with you too." Twilight's eyes glittered with a mixture of joy and excitement.
"Group hug!" At Pinkie's shout, Adagio found herself in the center of a crushing embrace as all eleven of them came together in friendship and harmony, The Nightmare already forgotten as they awaited the rising Sun.
After a few more apologies and a promise to attend a party the next day, the Dazzlings found themselves back in their apartment.
"Starswirl's Pudgy Plot!" Sonata shouted as soon as they got through the door.
Adagio froze in place at the words, her eyes becoming unfocused. A few seconds later, she glared at Sonata. "Ugh, why did I let you pick the trigger phrase again?"
"Because I'm the expert on hypnosis?" Sonata replied, returning her glare with a peppy grin.
"Whatever. I'm just glad the plan worked." Adagio collapsed unceremoniously onto the sofa in the living room. Being blasted by the Elements really took a toll on a girl. "I can't believe I actually let you hypnotize me into forgetting half the plan."
"Well, if The Nightmare knew that we were meeting the girls in secret in order to stop big bad Adagio who was carrying The Nightmare around, then the plan wouldn't have worked," Sonata said with a shrug.
"You're damned lucky that The Nightmare didn't know the Elements' power wasn't tied to their necklaces," Aria said. "So how long do we have to pretend to be reformed?" She grimaced. "I don't think I can take another group hug."
"Patience, girls. We just need to win them over long enough for them to let us use the portal. You have what we summoned The Nightmare for?"
Aria held up a handful of jewel shards, each glowing with a dark energy. "I snuck them into the detector while you were asleep and pulled them out before you got blasted by that rainbow."
"Excellent." Adagio carefully reached out to the shards with her magical senses. "This will be more than enough power to put the gems back together once we get back to Equestria, with enough left over that we'll be even stronger than before."
"Great." Aria turned away and began walking towards her bedroom. "I'm going to bed now. After the weird hours we've been keeping this week I need some actual beauty sleep."
Sonata yawned. "Me too. G'night, Dagi, Aria."
"Good night, both of you." Adagio waited for both of the other Sirens to retire to their rooms before she turned her attention back to the Nightmare-infused shards.
"I guess I was smarter than you thought, huh?" Adagio leaned over and whispered into the shards, feeling the need to gloat herself and hoping that The Nightmare in her quiescent state would be able to hear her through the essence contained in the shattered gems. "By the way, in case you're wondering, the Crisis of the Third Century wasn't an accident; the Pax Romana collapsed because we convinced a bunch of tribes to attack the Empire. Because in the end, conflict always wins against stability. Enjoy your peace, Phobetor, because it won't last very long."
Adagio straightened and set the shards on the table before walking over towards the window. She watched as the sun peeked out from below the horizon, banishing the darkness away. "Soon, they'll all be under our spell, and Eris will once again rule the land."
Under the watchful eye of the Sun, three Sirens dreamt of a better world, the nightmares fleeing from their minds.
Author's Note
Blog post follow-up with list of references: https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/767524/a-most-august-peace-authors-notes-list-of-references
