Mistress (Adagio's Big Comeback)

Sunburst dives at and wraps Starlight in an strong hug. “Hey, Starlight! Stop! Stop, it's alright!”

She hisses through her teeth, “not it's not! I...” she shakes her head and blue starts to flow back into her eyes. “No it...”

“Do you think Phyllis would want to see you like this?”

“You leave her out of... out of....”

Star wobbles on her legs and leans hard against Sunburst, who gently lets her down to the floor. She really doesn't look good, as if she's sick.

You're not feeling much better, and not just from the impact or the immense pressure. The guilt is by far the worst. It's given you a horrific insight into losing control, something you once saw as an ideal to let yourself slip into a siren's song.

But most of all? About emotions having power. Sure, dark magic was involved here, but what about the siren stone? What did the fog, the very essence that the sirens consumed, have a part to play here?

As Sunburst gives you a surprisingly revolted glare, you finally say, “I'm sorry, I didn't realise what would happen! I just felt we needed real conflict. At least it worked, right?”

Sunburst grimaces at you, and goes to speak, but Starlight butts in first, and says, “don't... don't take it out on Radian.”

He still glowers at you, but looks far more upset as he looks at his friend and replies, “it was his actions that caused that! We can't just ignore what he did!”

She shakes her head. “We've all messed up. Especially when it comes to magic. After how lightly I got away with some of the atrocities I performed... please, Sunburst. I think he's learned his lesson.”

Sunburst sighs and wrinkles his nose. “I guess. And I accept your apology, Radian. But don't pull that again! Starlight could not have been clearer about the dangers of toying with emotions when magic is so closely interwoven with it in many fields.”

Starlight goes to stand and winces. “and I guess I'm not as beyond my past as I thought.”

“You just pushed yourself too hard, that's all, Star. We knew the risks.”

You put a hoof on Star's shoulder. “I'm sorry, Starlight. That was out of line of me.”

She looks ashamed, like she blames herself, and it makes you feel somehow even worse. She asks, “I didn't hurt you, did I?”

“No, no, not at all! Even if you did, it would have been my fault.” Less excuses, more reasoning, Radian... diffuse the situation. They're logical ponies. “We weren't getting anywhere and I was worried about you coming to harm by using too much of that dark magic. There's something to be said that the finest scientific breakthroughs often come from two things; necessity and conflict. I wouldn't be where I am today without having had to struggle through life.”

Starlight eases up a little. “I'm guessing you mean Sunset? Twilight said you suffered a lot under her, before she had a change of heart.”

“Exactly,” you reply. “I've had to make some harsh decisions and... less reputable actions in my day, but I learned that having to fight for what you believe in is important. Sunset was a major factor of that since I had to struggle to stop myself just giving up. That and my miserable bast- uh, my demeaning father, and a world that just didn't care.”

Sunburst says, “I guess humans just do things differently over there, but there are better ways. There's always a better way.”

You almost say it aloud, but is there? You suppose it's a topic for another time as Sunburst takes Starlight outside for some air. You check the stone and nothing looks amiss. A scan with your emitter shows it's now got a stronger signal, but there's some erratic readings when you point it elsewhere. You're not sure what's causing it, but restarting the device seems to correct it for now, leaving you to stew in your doubts, fears and worries.

You acted and achieved what you needed, because sometimes the only result is the ones you make for yourself, no matter how dire. You were beaten down, you just shuffled into life like a dreary playlist of easy listening music, and it's only because of your will to fight and drive yourself that you've gained this rockstar feeling of a reputation of power and ability. Everything you have accomplished is a result of your will to fight for what you know to be true and worthwhile; a girlfriend, a family, your devices, this very opportunity in this Equestrian community. You matter. You'll have power thanks to how you're determined you've become to get this done.

Almost like, thanks to these factors, it's fate...

Wow. How unscientific, yet true.

But you can't stop the doubts settling in. A great deal of what Twilight and Sunset have talked about has had glimpses of truth while you've been here, and what that means for Adagio chills you to the core.

Hard as that is to ignore, it's new data and you need time to mentally sort it out. You're glad that when your team returns, and they don't seem to have held a grudge, so you can at least let these darker thoughts percolate in your subconscious as you all settle in to work again, and it's as therapeutic as ever.

Like how Sonata's financial windfall eased the tension of building your device, proof that the stone's repairs have worked makes the whole situation far more relaxing now that the dark magic issue is resolved. You're still not skilled enough with telekinesis to hold the tools and still rely on Sunburst or Starlight to perform a lot of the other tasks, but you've insisted on trying it solo. After all, any work you can get done here, today, will be valuable experience finishing Aria's stone and, with luck, Adagio's in case you need more materials before heading home tonight.

“Dang it,” you mumble as you glare at the fine file you're trying to use on the stone, “any advice on holding and operating multiple things? I can kind of grab several things at once, but I'm kind of brute forcing it. Like using a whole bucket for a drink of water; sure, it works, but it's impractical. Let alone fine tuned manipulation.”

Sunburst chuckles as he closes his book. “Even the best and brightest of us need practice, Radian. It's difficult to put into words. You're essentially asking the difference between, say, whittling down a tree branch into a spoon to carving down a whole tree to construct a boat; they consist of the same basic principle, but couldn't be more different in effort and planning. Foal steps! You'll get there.”

“He's right,” Star says. “A core of learning magic is practical experience. There's no shortcuts. You simply need to feel how to use it.”

“Alright, fine, I submit,” you huff.

Starlight gives you a sympathetic smile and picks up several of the tools you were ham-hoofing in your attempts, and sets upon the task with ease. “Worst comes to worst, you could always learn tool manipulation like Maud. Oh, she was the mineralogist we had planned to join us, but the schedules fell through.”

You nod. “Sure, Twilight mentioned her. I don't know her as such, but I know she works for the Canterlot City Science Museum and I'm aware she's great at geology. Not to mention hilarious; does she crack wise here, too?”

Starlight giggles. “Like you wouldn't believe! I adore her. She's one of my closest friends, even if we don't hang out much. It's how she prefers it. But anyway, she's an earth pony, and you'll find nobody better qualified at this sort of work, and having no magic, that means lots of deft hoofiwork, using a hammer with her teeth and all sorts.”

“Really? That's actually amazing, in a frustrating way,” you admit. “I wouldn't even believe you if I hadn't seen and experienced so much strange phenomena over the last week, let alone these two days. All the same, I'd love to see Maud work. How does she hit something hard enough without breaking her teeth?”

“Lots of practice and good old fashioned earth pony grit! She isn't Dr. Pie for nothing! I bet you'd get along great. Speaking of which, if you're not doing anything, how about you return to trying to emulate the conflictive energy? You're far better at that than we are, Dr. Wave.”

“Yeah, no need for that,” you groan, but can't hide the smile. It's certainly nice having that PhD under your belt. Besides, she's not wrong about sticking to your preferred field, but it's further down your list of things to try and accomplish. No sense being difficult, though, so you plunge back into more familiar waters and use your magic and emitter in tandem.

Your old philosophy on getting the stones to react still holds some water; you bombard Sonata's stone with a cycle of positive and negative energy types, but instead of a fizzle of green smoke, you now get a strange glow, but the stone doesn't seem to actually receive or hold any of it. You either suspect that without an actual siren drawing it in, the stones don't really work in any way you can work with, That or maybe something's still wrong with the emitter. You make a mental note to check it later, but it still seems to working fine otherwise.

Watching Starlight grind down the stone, and subjecting it to your emitter and magic when she steps away to make sure it's at least still responding as normal, is slow going but at least you're keeping occupied. As the stone is ground down and polished to its true, original shape, Sonata's stone's resonance grows both stronger and clearer.

Eventually, and despite Sonata's stone being almost finished, you concede defeat and give up on trying to replicate negative emotional energy. It simply can't be done, at least with what you have and know.

You say, “I simply can't find a substitution. We need real, honest conflict.” You make a point to smile at Starlight and say, “think I could get away with kicking Sunburst again?”

She responds with a good natured laugh. “Maybe save it for if he puts his hoof in his mouth again by calling your fillyfriend a museum exhibit. Otherwise, I don't think that's an option. It's fine, though, we know it works. With luck, Sonata will be able to share the energy with her sisters, so they can sustain themselves, at least until a viable alternative forms. I'm not fond of having to enforce real conflict either, but I'm sure you'll think of something.”

“Oh, trust me, I've got some ideas about finding conflict without even so much as being near anyone,” you say and snicker. “You ever heard of social media? If Sonata puts this stone on close to someone spouting the garbage most people pass as 'giving an opinion', she'll get more energy than a hundred battle of the bands.”

Sunburst raises an eyebrow and his ears perk up. “Why would people willingly go onto something that generates that much vitriol?”

“I have no idea,” you say as you lift a foreleg and successfully half-shrug without even stumbling. “I can only assume morbid curiosity, or maybe people just like venting from so far away they don't have to deal with the consequences. Either way, I hope Equestria never has to suffer under that garbage.”

You still continue other patterns while Starlight and Sunburst engage in some banter. It's just a good time overall, and you'll sorely miss this sort of environment going home. You have Adagio, and she's becoming great at not only your scientific meanderings, but even helping you with them, yet you don't really have anyone else and wonder if you could expand your circle a little.

Twilight comes to mind, but she's busy with her princess duties here. Then Sunset comes to mind, too. You hate that she does so readily, But she would be a great peer, especially as someone who understands the scientific aspects. Sure, she's not as bright, but she knows at least enough that you could bounce ideas off of her. Also she's going to know more about magic than you do and act as an intermediary for your future experience in directly harnessing the stuff.

Damn it...

A few more hours pass, and Twilight blinks in with a flash of pink magic once more, triggering your emitter's warnings.

“And the summit is over!” She cheers, and uses more magic to cause a small firework display of little multicoloured pops and bangs. “Alright! How can I help? Consider no task too small, no chore too demeaning! I wanna get stuck in with this-”

Starlight nervously lifts Sonata's stone from the clamp and presents it. It's flawless! Just like it used to look. “Sorry, Twi. We just finished.”

Twilight's ears flop down and she lets out the longest, hardest, most disappointed sigh you've ever heard.

Sunburst offers his sympathy with a pat on Twilight's back and he says, “we even managed to get it to receive a charge thanks to Radian's... experimental approach.”

“Fine,” Twilight mumbles with a pout, “I didn't want to get a close study of a siren stone anyway.” She then perks up. “I guess I'll have Radian tell me about it. In all seriousness though, Sunburst? Starlight? You've done a tremendous job! Thank you for your hard work.”

Star replies, “hey, it was nice taking a break from the school! Thanks for the change of scenery.”

“Agreed! It was an exciting challenge!” Sunburst chimes, then turns to you. “Likewise, it was intriguing meeting and working with someone with such an... atypical and direct approach, Radian.”

You try a cordial hug, hooking a foreleg around his shoulder. It seems appropriate after the pain you put him through earlier, and you are honestly grateful for their help with Sonata's stone. “I hope we get to work together sometime. And... uh, sorry about the leg.”

He smirks. “Well, like you said, it worked. I'll tell you what, as a little payback; next time you're in Equestria, I have some students who'd love to meet somepony with your technical prowess, if you'd be willing to be a part time lecturer? Nothing formal, but you're bound to know more than the average scientist here.”

That might be interesting. “A school, eh? Maybe. What kind of place is it?”

Starlight says, “it used to be a school of friendship, but over time it's become something closer to a combination of a conventional school, with all the typical topics like math, ponish literature, practical magic, art, design and more, but also a cultural learning centre for all races who wish to integrate in Equestrian society, and we have guest lecturers from the other lands who come here to teach ponies how to mingle in theirs.”

Meeting more of the species of this world does sound like it would be interesting. “I can get behind that! It would help me cut my teeth on locals. Adagio's got ideas about running a place of her own, I'd hate to not pull my weight.”

Twilight sits on her hind quarters and 'claps' her hooves together, gleefully. “Then its settled! I hate to drag you away, but I'd love to hear about your work today in private. There's some other things I wanted to discuss as well.” Twilight turns to her friends. “I take it you two were heading back to Ponyville?”

Starlight nods. “Yep. You take care of yourself and your fillyfriend, Radian. Hopefully I'll get to meet the mare who's got you so fired up when you're next in... well, this world. It's been fun.”

You shake hooves, same with Sunburst, and part ways as you follow Twilight out of the workshop with Sonata's stone in tow.

Twilight inspects it for a while before telekinetically putting it back in its original pouch, then she loops it around your neck. “There you go. Good as new.”

“Can I thank you now? You've done so much for us.”

She gives you a huge smile. “Hey, what are friends for?”

You smile back, but your heart aches. You start to feel guilty. “You say that so easily. I guess it makes sense; you're the princess of it after all.”

“It's not so difficult,” she says, “but I can hardly say it's easy, either.”

You need to consider everything that's happened, and right now, you can't ignore how heavy your heart feels. “Can we go somewhere quiet? I wanted to talk about a few things that I don't know if I'm comfortable with discussing in front of anypony else.”

“Say no more. Hold tight.”

With a flash of pink energy, you're suddenly somewhere else; a high balcony at the palace, overlooking the Crystal Empire. You recognise it as being the same floor as your room. It's so calm and peaceful. Just what you need as the turmoil inside takes shape.

Twilight smiles at you as she just stares for a moment, as if searching for the words. “I actually wanted to say something to you too, Radian, if you don't mind me going first.”

“Sure. What's up?”

“Primarily, like Starlight and Sunburst, I wanted to say it's been a pleasure hosting you. I've enjoyed our talks a great deal, and it's made my time at this summit something to actually enjoy instead of the usual rigmarole. I know so many brilliant ponies, and I can see myself spending days and weeks just discussing magical theory with your particular perspective. I'd love it if you came to stay once in a while, if you're not too busy in the human world.”

You can't fight off a little smile. “I feel the same way. Like Adagio, I've always struggled with my world. So many regrets, and so many things I just wish I could escape from. Make no mistake, I still intend to try and get my inventions sold. Not just for the money, either, but closure at this point. To leave my mark on the world, like my mom always said I would”

“She was completely right. Who you are today? The things you've done?” Twilight looks over the horizon. “They're admirable. Truly. It's why I want to set the record straight as well.”

You tilt your head, confused.

“I respect you a great deal. The fact that you wish to return to Equestria makes me so happy, because even in this short time, I believe we've become close. I love my friends for their many differing ways and personalities, but in you I feel like I've found something of a kindred spirit.” She pauses and... wait, is she blushing? “I also must admit, I once fell for a human in your world. It was a silly thing, possibly raw biology as I'm sure you've felt for Adagio while here, despite the physiological differences, but as we've interacted, and I've learned about you?”

Oh. Oh! Wait, is she saying...

“You're a little rough around the edges than most ponies I've dealt with, but I think it adds to your charm. On top of that, your brilliance and passion are admirable. I used to think that under different circumstances, we'd be... more than friends. But then I realised that the aspects of you I've come to respect so much come from the growth you've so clearly made by getting so close to Adagio, and her influence on you. So in a sense, I owe her too. For making you who you are.”

You used to dread the 'friend-zone' when younger. That the first girl you ever showed any interest in would squash your dreams flat and leave you unwilling to put your heart out there to be hurt again. This is actually a relief, and a welcome compromise.

“I'm flattered,” you manage to force out. “I've enjoyed our time together. A lot. More than I thought I would. I'm... fond of you as well. I'd be honoured to remain friends.”

She walks close to you, closes her eyes, and gives you a firm, close hug.

Twilight's so warm... so trusting...

“I should let you go. With your efforts in repairing Sonata's stone, I've been depriving you of a chance to just explore the city with Adagio. You still have a few hours to enjoy! Shall I take you to her?”

So very warm, and yet your heart feels cold. This connection with Twilight is so powerful and real.

You think back on how foolish Twilight seemed in your world, for the same reasons you're clumsy here, but knowing her intellect now? Finding a girl like this back in your troubled days in school would have been life changing. Someone supportive, a peer in your interests, brilliant and strong willed. Also, not to seem shallow, and you knew she was pretty as a human, but as a pony, she's beautiful, regal and filled with a presence that rivals Adagio.

It's not helped by the fact that you had your allure to Adagio not just because of her beauty, or even her dark side. Sure, those are sexy as hell, but the thing that really took you by surprise was how intelligent Adagio actually was when she started following and learning your methods. She identifies a problem, analyses it and deconstructs it. She tears big concepts down and learns it from the ground up, and it's become one of her greatest strengths ever since losing her powers.

Twilight's like that, only it's obvious she's put in a lot of work studying and learning these things to be prepared. You can sense there's a dark side to Twilight too, knowing that she's seen and experienced hardship. It's not as obvious or pronounced, but it sounds like she's the sort of mare who can become unhinged and manic if given the right situation. Driven. Obsessive. You can relate, deeply.

It's obvious now. You need Adagio more than anything, but you want Twilightin your life in some way. Not to mention for purely pragmatic reasons, Twilight's trust will mean you can access Equestria freely. For you, Adagio and, hopefully, your new family as a whole.

And if you carry on with the plan as it stands, you'll break that. Is this what you want?

No. No it's not. Not with what you've witnessed. The risks involved with just going ahead with everything. What was it Adagio once said? That when everything seems to be going your way, that's when victory is stolen, and you're ground into the dirt. You have to bite down and hold on, keep fighting for what you want until it's truly all settled.

So it's time to change the plan. Like Adagio said you could if it was for the greater good. You just hope it's the right decision, but that's the thing. You've stumbled over, seen and learned too much that could compromise your family and their ability to live their best lives. So there's only one thing left to do.

“Wait here,” you say. “There's something I want to give you.”

You have to do this. You can't stand disappointing Twilight. Not after the faith she's put in you. So you head to your room.

You return as Twilight looks over the city, then turns at your approach.

And use your magic to hold out Aria and Adagio's stones.

“Here... I can't hide these any more,” you say.

She looks at you, and the stones. You can't tell what she's thinking as she takes the stones with her telekinesis. “I see.”

“You don't seem especially upset,” you say.

Twilight just asks, “why are you giving me these?”

“Because we want to be able to return to Equestria, and I do trust you. That you really do want to help. You seem to understand the best path. Most of all, I can't help but worry what Sunset said before is right; what if Adagio loses herself because of what she experienced? That if I give her back her siren stone, she just reverts to her old, selfish ways? The magic in this world is obviously affecting her in ways that I can somewhat remedy, but cure? And with a stone bearing negative emotions being literally implanted into her!? It's too much to consider.”

Twilight offers you a gentle smile. “I thank you for your trust, Radian. And I'm glad you've come clean. Now I can help you in earnest, but I must ask you a question first; if you were in my place right now, what would you do?”

“I... would probably hold the gems and complete the deal as originally specified; Sonata's stone, and send us back. I'd understand if you held us to that.”

She shakes her head. “I'm sure that would suffice if the sirens were actually dying. But they aren't, are they?”

You can't answer, you just bow your head.

Twilight steps towards you as you give her a confused look. She puts Aria's stone in the pouch around your neck, holds up Adagio's broken stone in front of you and says, “that's a minor detail, and irrelevant. In fact, we're going to repair Adagio's stone right here, right now, and give it to her.”

What... what... WHAT!?

* * *