Mistress (Adagio's Big Comeback)

You head towards the exit with Sunburst and Starlight when, with a pink flash, Twilight appears.

Her usually straight mane and tail are sticking up all over the place and she lets out a massive, exasperated sigh. “We're friends, allies and have been for years, but I swear, the Yakyakistan delegates always have me on edge. Sorry I took so long, I- oh... don't tell me I missed everything?”

Starlight smirks but gives Twilight a friendly hug. “Sorry, Twilight, but we were a well oiled machine today! The stone is practically fixed, besides the need for grinding down and smoothing out the facets, and then we can focus on testing its ability to absorb energy. We'll get all that done tomorrow.”

Twilight pouts. “Aww, I wanted to have a tinker with the stone too... stupid politics.”

Sunburst says, “It really is a shame. We hit a real rapport on this project. It was fascinating. Between our dive into some more esoteric spells and Radian's peculiar technology and outstanding knack for learning magic, I haven't been this excited for some time! Not to mention being associated with Starswirl's legacy in regards to the Sirens, uh...” He pauses and looks at you. “Adagio, Aria and Sonata, I should say.”

You chuckle. “No need to walk on eggshells, Sunburst, we've already cleared that up. And they are sirens, but thanks for being considerate all the same.”

Twilight looks a little confused, but then uses her magic to neaten her mane. “Well, if I can't see the work directly, I don't suppose you'd be willing to tell me about your work today, Radian? I can show you around town on the way to Adagio. She's still hanging around with my friends over in the market.” She turns to Sunburst and Starlight. “I'll catch up with you two in an hour or so.”

Starlight nods. “Sure, me and Sunburst were going to go get some dinner anyway. And Radian? It's been fun working with you. We'll see you tomorrow!” She holds our her hoof in a sort of handshake, and you respond in kind, then do the same with Sunburst.

It's a little clumsy, since you have to just push against each other and move your foreleg up and down, but there's a genuine sense of camaraderie. It really has been fun working with a team of clever, talented ponies in a field that, while you're no doubt a beginner, you've got specialist knowledge that they leaned and openly relied on, which is a great feeling. Certainly more involved and fascinating than the old tech firm.

Star and Sunburst head on their way, then you and Twilight set off on a trot in the other direction.

“Sounds like you're a natural at this,” Twilight says. “Considering what Sunset showed me about your studies on Equestrian magic, I can't say I'm surprised.”

Right, Sunset did say she would share it with her. “It's been an obsession of mine ever since the initial incident.”

“Which would have been when Sunset stole my old crown.” She sighs. “I swear, the ramifications of my life since leaving Canterlot seem endless.”

Wait. “Canterlot City?”

“Oh, that's one of the curious things about our two worlds; many names seem shared, and not just between ponies and people. Canterlot is a city, but it's not your actual Canterlot City. Just like I know our Princess Celestia is the principal of Canterlot High School in your world. I've never understood why, myself.”

You've had your own theories, of course. “The more I've heard, the more it seems like the human world is like a shadow of yours. Everything seems more lively and vibrant here, friendlier, happier... back home, as Adagio and myself can attest, we've hardly had a good time with things.”

“That's one way to look at it, but we don't know what appeared first, or if they're just concurrent universes or something similar.” Twilight looks skyward and purses her lips. “String theory being what it is, and as circuitous as all things seem to be in terms of these parallels, it does seem that our worlds meeting was inevitable. Starswirl banishing your special somepony and her sisters there, Clover the Clever being the one who dropped the memory stone in your world way back in the past. More recently, Sunset desiring to traverse the mirror after being shown her supposed destiny, as well as getting stuck in your world, it does raise many questions. Which world causes these initial changes, or do they happen simultaneously?”

“Feels like I got the short end of the stick, I'd much rather be here,” you chuckle. You then realise something. “I'm still wrapping my head around the idea there's another Radian Wave here, or I assume there is.”

Twilight giggles. “Almost certainly there is, although I haven't met or heard of him. If he's even half as smart as you, it seems odd; I imagine he'd be a unicorn with some considerable talent.”

You have your doubts. “I didn't exactly make waves myself, if you'll pardon the pun, until things started getting desperate. When my mom passed away, I coped by just obsessing over my work and just towed the line, doing as I was told by my bosses. I'd still be there if not for a chance encounter. My family home had to be sold to settle some debts, and I had to help clear the place out. I stumbled on my old hand-built radio, the very one that I detected the initial incident with. It was broken, but I'd scratched these marks on the tuning dial and some of the buttons with the frequency that magic first created. Ever since then, I've poured everything into reaching Equestria.”

Twilight looks at you for a few moments in thought. She plays coy, but you swear you see it every so often... admiration?

She says, “well, the differences between our worlds and the circumstances surrounding your life definitely sparked your drive to succeed, but our Radian may simply have never experienced that push. I can certainly relate; I was content to just study and learn alone when I was younger, but Princess Celestia pushed me out of the nest to learn about friendship, and ever since then, I've met so many wonderful ponies who are so very dear to me. Of course I've also struggled and fought against terrible threats, arguments between my friends and strangers and all sorts of things, but that's the thing. Adversity forges us in ways we can never truly understand, nor appreciate until later in life.”

You nod then narrow your eyes. “Like with Sunset., and the paths she forced me to take and such. I'm surprised you haven't brought up my grudge with her again.”

Twilight smirks. “Why? Do you want me to?”

“Uh... not especially? But you seemed quite firm that you wanted me to forgive her.”

“Not exactly,” Twilight says as you head into the market, which is still busy despite the late hour. “Like I said, it isn't about forgiveness, because I lack the ability to truly understand your perspective on what happened, nor your world view. I only wanted to tell you to judge her with your newer perspective, because we all change over time. I also won't force you to do something you don't want to. But enough on that. I said my piece earlier and I'm not here to preach to you or play on your emotions. I'm here to help, support and guide you.”

You snort. “Speaking of guidance, I couldn't help but notice your conspicuous choice of team for the stone repairs.”

Twilight just tilts her head and raises an eyebrow as she looks at you.

“Don't play dumb. I thought we respected each other more than that. You just so happened to get me to meet Starlight, a pony with a troubled, friendless past that did horrible things due to a grudge?”

“Oh, I see what you're getting at,” Twilight says, but just turns her nose upward. “You can claim whatever you want, but ask anyone; Starlight is one of the most powerful, broadly experienced unicorns in Equestria. And Sunburst is an authority on magic theory the likes of which you'll find nowhere else. Not to mention he's assisted our best mineralogist on numerous occasions and she routinely seeks his help for bigger projects.” She gives you a grin. “Or perhaps I should have selected a less qualified team to assist in repairing a life-saving stone for your family?”

“I... well...”

She turns deeply serious. “The only way I could have done more is if I'd put pressure on Maud to attend as the team mineralogist.”

“Wait, Maud as in Maud Pie? She works as a geology guide at the Canterlot City Museum back home.”

“She's a professional geologist here. You're not the only one with an official qualification, Dr. Wave,” she says and winks, “but she had a prior engagement concerning a mysterious gem shortage in the Dragon Lands. I felt that Sunburst was well versed enough in the field to sufficiently repair the stone. Make no mistake, repairing Sonata's necklace is a priority, but I wasn't going to deprive our dragon allies of help in restoring a crucial food source over the matter. I'm sorry if you feel that's insufficient.”

Family or not, you can't (and certainly won't) try to argue that an entire species has to suffer for your plan. Even if the sirens were dying, you'd be hard pressed to justify such a thing without seeming like an ass.

You bite your lip, then say, “... point taken. Sorry.”

“Don't apologise. I understand your frustrations. There's just a lot going on right now with the summit and more besides. There always is.”

It's not long before you both spot Adagio, standing a full head over the other ponies. She's beside an energetic Rarity and a bemused Applejack, looking at a clothing stall. They're all wearing loaded saddlebags.

Applejack's deeper, punchier voice hits you first. “Rein it in a little, Rarity, you're gonna overwhelm the poor girl.”

“Please, Applejack! A mare with such regal stature demands appropriate attire! Oh, look at this, Dagi! I think it has the right degree of coverage. With your long legs, it would just perfectly capture, emphasise and expose your physique! Isn't it simply to die for!”

You get near enough to see a shimmering, sheer dress shaped for a pony. It's even in Addy's preferred pink and purple shades in a very nice gradient, giving it a nebulous, starry look. You'd love to see her wearing it.

“Let me have a- fifty bits!?” Adagio reels from the price tag. “What the hay kind of price is that!? I can't let you spend that on me, Rares. Come on, the gemstone barrette was already making me feel guilty.” She fluffs her mane with her hoof, revealing she's replaced her classic spiky hair ornament with an extravagant purple amethyst pin.

Rarity titters and flips her own mane with a turn of her head. “Nonsense, darling! You agreed to work as a model for me when you start your new venture, so I consider this nothing more than a worthwhile, not to mention savvy, investment on top of a show of good faith that you are welcome here. Besides, I've long since predicted that bigger, stronger earth mares will be 'du rigueur' in every fashion establishment in the autumnal phase of the coming year! I stake my reputation on it. You simply must wear it! You must!!”

“Du-what-now?” Applejack tilts her head in confusion.

“All the rage, in vogue and such, my dear. Which reminds me,” Rarity levitates a green outfit, just as finely made, in front of the rugged earth mare. “You'll be in high demand too. I trust I can rely on you to 'gussy up' a little and help me with a few outfits I've had in mind? I'll gladly push Sweet Apple Acres as a sponsor and I think it would work tremendously as a venue to help the publications get into the right mood, having the rustique atmosphere all around the stage! Think of the business it will drum up for the farm!”

Adagio smirks at the shorter earth mare. “It would be nice having somepony else to share the spotlight. I'm used to being centre stage back home, but I'm not used to all the attention as a pony yet. C'mon, Jackie, it'll be fun.”

Applejack taps her chin with her hoof. “Well, it'd be right neighbourly... and it's not like I ain't fru-fru'd up on the odd occasion. Aw, why the hay not? If it helps you out, sugarcube, I'll do it.”

Rarity squeals with excitement and hands over a sizeable pouch of coins to the stallion running the store, who begins folding the clothes with his hooves and wraps them.

The fashionista says, “I simply cannot wait! I'll hold onto these for you both until then. I'm afraid shed-feather-chic is currently in, and Rainbow Dash certainly wasn't interested. Fluttershy... well, I believe she's still distancing herself from fashion after the whole 'multiple manager persona' debacle.”

The garments gain a blue glow as Rarity's horn lights up, and she deposits them into her saddlebags.

They turn towards you as you finally get through the busy street. You also take note of the pair's cutie marks; Applejack has three apples as hers, while Rarity three diamonds.

“Hey, Twilight,” Applejack says, then nods to you. “And howdy to you too, Radian. Sorry again about disturbin' you this mornin'.”

You shake you head. “It's fine. Good to meet you, too.”

Rarity smiles at you. “Ah, the prestigious Dr. Wave! The stallion firmly in the possession of Dagi's heart. She's always speaking well of you, my dear. I hope you had a fun day as a lapidarist. I know more than a few myself, so if you find yourself interested working as one, I could introduce you to some of my associates... now, let me see...”

Applejack rolls her eyes, but chuckles. “Oh, here she goes. You ain't leavin' here without some new duds, doc.”

She begins looking you over, circling you with an analytical gaze. “Hmm. Lithe, yet with a proud, confident bearing. An intellectual spark in the eye... yes. Yes? Ah-hah!” Rarity turns back towards another stand. “I saw a saddle that would go perfectly with not only Dagi's ensemble, but would compliment your earthen coloured eyes.”

“Wait, a saddle?” You look at Twilight. “Do ponies give rides to things here?”

Twilight smiles and stifles a laugh. “Not usually, but sometimes in an emergency it comes up. It's seen as impolite though.”

“And does it come with that mouthpiece or something?”

“Y'mean a bit and bridle?” Applejack snorts and laughs. “That there's what we'd call a lifestyle choice, Radian, and what you get up to in your spare time ain't none of my business.”

Rarity titters, and covers her muzzle with a foreleg, “oh my, new lovers really are shameless these days, aren't they?”

Adagio winks at you and gives you a long, knowing look. “Maybe we can talk about 'riding' in private?”

Everyone blushes, most of all you, and Applejack's laugh evolves into a full guffaw. “One minute the big girl's all smiles, street-smarts and sass, but the second you turn up, her head takes a dunk in the trough. I can already tell y'all're a pair of real sweethearts. Good for you two!”

You rub a hoof on your neck awkwardly and say, “w- well, she's quite the mare.”

“And he's quite the stallion,” Adagio giggles and stands next to you.

Twilight joins her friends, rolls her eyes with a smirk and says, “alright, everypony, simmer down.”

Rarity clears her throat and says, “now, to answer your original question, Radian, a saddle is generally more of a functional piece of winter-wear,” Rarity uses her magic to place a patterned orange blanket on your back, then a grey, sturdy cushioned pad, and finally an brown saddle, fastening it around your body. “The Crystal Empire itself may be fairly temperate thanks to the Crystal Heart's protection, but the lands beyond still make the nights rather frigid, let alone if you stray too far from the city. It's also extremely useful for preventing unseemly chafing when using saddlebags, from which the more slender of ponies tend to suffer. And as an extension of our groups welcome to you, I would be honoured to buy you such a gift!”

It would be impolite to turn it down... and now that it's on, you admit you feel more comfortable wearing something. “Thanks, Rarity, that's generous of you.”

“Y'all don't know the half of it,” Applejack quips. You give her a look and she shrugs and says, “aw, never mind.”

You continue, “and thanks for keeping Addy company.”

Rarity finishes paying for your saddle. “It was simply an unmitigated pleasure! When Twilight said we would be entertaining someone with as... coloured a history as Adagio Dazzle, we weren't sure quite what to expect. But her witty repartee was very refreshing. If I didn't know better, I'd say she's got a bit of Manehattenite in her.”

Applejack adds, “meanin' fancy talk for a sharp tongue and takin' no horse-apples from nopony. She's good company, though, that's the honest truth. That and it's nice to see another earth gal singer, too. Reminds me a little of Coloratura.”

Twilight sighs. “I'm glad everypony's getting along, but where are Shy, Dash and Pinkie?”

“Pinkie heard about some of them folk up in the palace skipped breakfast, and that was it, she was gone,” Applejack says with a smirk, “she's been chasin'em up and makin' batches of her fudge ever since.”

“Quite so. She's really taken with that breakfast confectionery angle,” Rarity says and sighs. “Rainbow Dash wanted to get in some of the local jousting scene after Dagi refused to indulge her boorish attempts to challenge our new friend to an assortment of athletic endeavours. As if a mare can't be both glamorous and sculpted. Few can pull off the look as well as Dagi.”

“I think she saw my build and assumed I was competitive or something,” Adagio says, then looks a little worried.

Frankly, you are too, at least a little. Your Addy is competitive. The distinctions between your girlfriend and her friendship-doped alter ego are broadening.

Adagio continues, “Fluttershy seemed silent most of the time. I hope I didn't scare her. She hung around for a bit then suddenly said she wanted to help out at some animal sanctuary for ewes.”

“You are awful big and kinda intense, Dagi,” Applejack says with a reassuring smile. “And I don't mean that in no bad way, neither. I'm sure Shy didn't mean nothin' by it.”

Your girlfriend looks less certain, but still says, “I guess.”

Twilight Looks at the sky. “Well, it's getting late. We should leave you two to catch up,” she says and nods to you and Adagio. “ Have a good night, and see you tomorrow morning, Radian!”

Adagio steps forward and gives Applejack and Rarity a quick, friendly hug each. “Thanks again.”

“Don't mention it. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, darling!”

“Y'all take care, now.”

You part ways, and can't help but study Adagio. The way she has a bounce to her step tells you she's still that bubbly, emotional version she dipped into earlier. All the same, you ask, “sounds like you really bonded with Rarity and Applejack there.”

She smiles at you. “They're lovely. I don't know if it was some earth pony solidarity or if she's just that good natured, but sure, Applejack's so humble and friendly. Rarity's an absolute sweetheart, though. All of Twilight's friends are great! Fluttershy's cute but quiet, Rainbow Dash is an energetic tomboy and Pinkie's a riot.”

You ponder for a moment and remember what you've learned about friendship, its power and Adagio's siren/earth pony state. You bring the siren signal to mind and project it at your girlfriend with your horn.

“Wha-” she blinks and shakes her head. “Whoa... I can actually say what I'm thinking again! Seriously, it's like everything I do is filtered by giggly-bitch me and I have no control over what gets through and what doesn't. What did you do, Ray?”

“It's another good news and bad news deal, if my running theory is correct. The bad news is those times I've bombarded you with siren energy back home and you've converted it to earth energy? That's now what's inside you. It's native energy to this world, so it's more potent than back home, and you're saturated with the stuff. Also, since you've experienced the friendship of your sisters and our relationship is likely making it even worse. It's overwhelming you and addling your senses.”

Adagio grimaces but sighs. “And the good news?”

“Well, besides being able to bring you back to normal like this, at least eases my fears that was permanent. I'm sure you'll be fine when we get home, or if you get your siren stone; I theorise it would turn all that energy back into your true siren form.”

“... physically and mentally, with luck.”

You smile and nod, but suddenly remember something that makes you worry. Sunset's warnings that Adagio might not be able to control her emotions and become corrupted by her stone. The odd personality Adagio keeps falling under only adds fuel to that particular fire.

You ask, “now that you're more you, what did you think of Twilight's friends?”

“I'm still fond of this world's Rarity and Applejack. That's no lie. Again, they don't feel like the girls that bested me and my sisters back in the human world. I respect AJ's hard nosed and no-nonsense approach to things. Rarity knows how to wrap ponies around her hoof, which already makes me feel like we're alike, and she's way more cosmopolitan and street-smart, which is closer to being on our style in the human world. Not to mention they're both stern businessponies. After my failure of a bar, I've been itching to take another shot to prove to myself I can run my own place.”

“Once I sell my inventions, won't you be too busy singing? Besides, I get Sonata wants to keep performing, but why do you want to try a business again? Once you're a siren, you might not even care.”

Addy gives you a raised eyebrow. “First, I don't care if I have to visit without my necklace, I want to do this. And somepony's forgotten the old siren drive to outshine the things that best us. I fu-... grr!” She takes a deep breath and continues, “I bucked up and failed my bar idea, but if we can freely access Equestria, I'd love to pursue a similar venture here. Rarity, Applejack and I were talking about me running a juice bar where I can sing, with Applejack supplying cider and Rarity lending me clothes to model on stage. They both agreed to help me get started, since I doubt you'll be able to just transfer dollars to bits. I'm going to kick business ownership's flank this time!”

“Okay, I get it,” you say and nod. You're a humble living guy, and you suspect that might change once you sell those inventions. Having a home away from home, where you can live simply and study magic? “You know what? I'm in. But what about the rest of Twilight's circle?”

“Thanks, Ray,” Adagio says and winks at you. “As for the others: Fluttershy was definitely scared of me so I didn't get a good read on her. Pinkie's... well, Pinkie. She's okay in small enough doses. As for Rainbow Dash?” Her expression sours.

For a moment, you think she's dipping back, so you increase the siren energy.

Adagio continues, “Rainbow Dash has her moments where she's fine, but others when she's a total cun-” Adagio slaps her mouth shut with a hoof. “Wow, where did that come from!?”

You chuckle. “I'm not sure, but I think I can only keep you acting normal for a time before you start resisting my magic. It's pretty clear it's still you in some ways, but I guess you're favouring aspects of yourself that make you more compliant in others? It's hard to say.”

“Ugh... this is already complicated. I don't need this other me making things worse. Again, stick with the plan. I wish I could keep the emitter to stop that side taking over, or I hang around with you when you work so you can just use your magic, but I guess that would only be a quick fix.”

“Oh, hey, there you are!”

You both turn and see Sunset trot up to you. You remain quiet, but Adagio instantly applies her own cheerful persona. “Hi, how's Equestria treating you?”

Sunset says, “I spent most of the day catching up with Princess Celestia, meeting Princess Luna and Cadence, and just talking about the latest goings on. How're things with you two?”

You give a token response of, “it seems nice here.”

Adagio nods. “Absolutely! I really hope we can keep returning here so Ray can practice his magic and I can hang out with my new friends!”

You're... having trouble discerning which Adagio's in control now; where her affable persona ends and the friendship-doped one begins.

“That's great!” Sunset says. “If it's alright with you, I'd love to hang out with you and Twilight's friends tomorrow. It'll be great to really get to know them and start things on the right hoof with you, Dagi.”

You find that curious. “You mean you're not already friends with Twilight's clique? They seem so similar to your circle of friends from Canterlot High.”

Sunset shakes her head. “That's the confusing part. They're similar, and that throws me off. I try not to get too involved with them because I keep thinking I am talking to my friends from back home, and it gets confusing for them if I reference something only my friends know about. I don't know if I'm making much sense here...”

You do understand. “It would be like hanging out with one identical twin for years and then meeting the other without knowing they're related, even if they were raised the same way. Some details would get the same reaction, but specific moments won't.”

“That works, sure,” Sunset says and smirks. “I still like them, but it gets awkward sometimes. We're on good terms, though. Speaking of which. Radian?”

You just look at her and give the slightest of nods.

“Once we get home, I'd still like to ask if there's anything I can do for you. Twilight showed me how I've been pushing too hard about seeking a resolution to... our problems. I don't want to interrupt your work or private time, though.” She looks back to Adagio. “So, I'll see you tomorrow, Dagi?”

Adagio lifts one foreleg to shrug. “It's a free empire, I don't see why not.”

“Great. I'll see you both tomorrow.”

Sunset heads towards the palace, and you both sigh with relief.

“Damn it, I was hoping she would be too busy and leave us alone.”

You say, “I'm sure it'll be fine. You'll be in your friendly mode, so I'm sure you'll be beyond suspicion.”

Adagio scrunches up her face. It's a cute look. She then says, “I don't know. If the other me is my emotional, unfiltered side...”

“Oh, right... it might reflect how you don't like her.”

She nods, but sighs. “Not like I can openly refuse to let her tag along without probably causing a fuss. Anyway, back to what we were discussing, and while I'm still lucid, how did things go with the stone?”

You give Adagio an overview of what happened today, though don't mention her own or Aria's stones. The repairs appear to be a success, but it needs testing. You spare no technical details and, while she understands you putting it in scientific terms, she has a grasp on magic that really shouldn't surprise you as she follows along with Starlight and Sunburst's expertise. Addy was a powerful siren originally, and no doubt witnessed unicorns and their powers plenty of times.

All the same, as you let her relax by being her normal self and grab a salad each for dinner, you soon find yourself back in your room at the palace.

While Adagio freshens up in the bathroom, you get Aria's stone from the bookshelf, take out your stolen repair materials, and settle in for a night of hard work.

* * *