Mistress (Adagio's Big Comeback)

“Wait, what!?” You start to pace back and forth. You feel like you're made of electricity.

Is this a trick?

It has to be.

Have you finally cracked?

Maybe this is a long-term ramification of exposure to too much magic!?

Too many goddamn variables!

What.

The!

Fuck!?

“Radian? Stop. Breathe,” Twilight says.

“I am!” you rasp. “I'm breathing as hard as I can!”

“Then breathe slower! Smoothly. I understand that you're just a bit overwhelmed, but-”

“Yes!” you snap. “I'm suffering from a prodigious, superlative excess of whelm! Is Whelm poisoning a thing! What's the cure!?” You stop pacing and feel light headed, and begin spinning slowly on the spot, in case this is some candid camera crap. Do ponies even have cameras? Who's watching!? Can you sue them!?

A sudden splash of cold water hits you. The shock works wonders in slowing you down. You splutter and shake like a dog, and stare at Twilight, who's levitating an empty bucket, which she teleports away.

“Feel better?” she asks.

“Yes! No. Maybe?”

“I won't repeat the question,” Twilight giggles. “We could procrastinate while I explain, or we could get started fixing your fillyfriend's stone while we talk instead.”

Well... the workshop would be soothing... “Right, sure, let's get to it before I have an aneurysm.”

“Excellent!” With a flood of pink magic, you're in one location, briefly see nothing but pink, then find yourself back in the workshop.

Back in the familiar workspace, you block off your thoughts, let them percolate in the back of your subconscious, and just focus on the task at hand. You both work like you've been together for years as you both gather all the materials, set Adagio's stone in the clamp, retrieve the gemstone (a brilliant ruby) that you had previously taken from your emitter strap which had the best resonance, and begin your work.

Twilight lets you take charge of the project, with her performing the spellcasting side while you do the more tedious steps with your own energy spell and the emitter, as well as take turns with reconstruction. It's just as well Twilight's as powerful as she is, because the emitter's not quite working to spec, but enough for the task at hoof.

You also continue your techie meditation by teaching Twilight how to use the device. To your amazement, but not surprise, she even suggests some pointers for improvements, like how magic doesn't like being confined, so only certain parts need shielding, while others would actually benefit from being exposed to the receivers.

“So,” Twilight says, “am I right in guessing this device can broadcast the full breadth of core magic energy? Including the ability to destabilise it? I did wonder ever since I heard about Sunset's powers failing her when she visited your fillyfriend's apartment, then I learn information about a whole new invention that just so happens to be able to not only read magic signatures, but emit them as well.”

You can't help but be defensive about this and just quietly nod.

“I figured. It truly is an amazing device. Almost as impressive as its inventor.”

You blush and try to change the subject. “So... now that I've had a chance to recover, I've got some questions.”

Twilight nods. “Of course, Radian! No lies between us.”

“First, an easy one, how did you figure out the sirens weren't dying? Besides my compliance?”

Twilight taps the side of her head with her hoof. “Simple logic, although that was perhaps the most guesswork of this whole situation. Sunset knew that Adagio had truly reconciled with her Sonata at the time she stole a glance into her mind. While the lie about them being harmed by the lack of magic was an unknown, why would Adagio risk her sister's life by attempting to repair the others when she could simply comply, bide her time, and play the long-game to restore her own and Aria's stones? The only reason I can see is that she wanted to get what she could, as quickly as she could, cut and run. Which is a shame... just by coming to us to start with, I thought it was a tremendous first step. The duplicity wasn't necessary.”

You say, “you think they would be so trusting?”

“Perhaps not,” Twilight says and sits with a shrug, “but I swear to you, if they had approached me or Sunset and simply asked for help, we would have provided it in some way.”

You then ask, “okay, so you knew we were up to something. Why proceed with repairing Sonata's stone?”

“That's a longer, more involved question. Let us break down the problem and go through it one step at a time. First, and most important?” She approaches you and puts a hoof on your chest, like the first time you bonded. “I knew you had a good heart. Sunset told me as such, based on Adagio's feelings for you. This wasn't some simple case of lust, or dedication of service for power. She loves you so deeply for the kindness and support you've given her. Our conversations, which were an easy way to assess this theory, only deepened that understanding. But the most crucial part began with how Adagio serenaded you with her song. I teleported in when I heard the commotion and was curious what was going on. I did originally knock, but didn't get a reply.”

“Right, before Pinkie then kicked the door in. Why didn't you just knock or something?”

“Sorry about that.” Twilight laughs. “Well, with no response, I almost expected to catch you in the act of some form of subterfuge. We planned to discern your motives or activities while you were here, conducting searches of your room and having a guarded escort everywhere, but I put a stop to all that when I witnessed just how much you meant to each other. After that, I needed only to get a better idea of what kind of pony... well, what kind of man you were.”

“This almost sounds too good to be true... you're giving me so much, but for what? And why?”

Twilight closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Even despite the serious conversation, she's been smiling and being friendly, but she suddenly turns very serious. Cold. Calculating. If you weren't dead focused on her eyes, you could swear her mane started flowing and glittering, like a dark purple nebula of stars.

She walks up to you, and you're on the receiving end of that aura of hers. Pure authority. Raw power. That side of her that has suffered, struggled and fought untold threats. The side of her that, if you truly crossed her, you believe Starlight's lashing out would be a childish slap to what she could do to you.

She says, “I say this out of respect for you, and again, with no lies between us. I am doing this in the hopes of gaining something in return.”

There's always a catch, huh? “... go on.”

“I doubt I'll be so fortunate to gain Adagio's friendship, although I'll certainly try, but your wish to live a life in Equestria is a fair request. One I have no problem fulfilling, and I'll be happy to give you both autonomy to come and go as you please. To that end, Radian? If I am to rule this land, I will need allies. Strong ones. I've seen this land suffer under tyrants who would drain magic from everypony alive and destroy everything we hold dear. I've seen a pegasus abuse the power of friendship and weaponise it for her own ends, while turning pony against pony for her own selfish desires for power. I have seen a queen, so filled with hatred, that she would spit in the face of her own kind when they have discovered that they can thrive without malice or cruelty.

“Your friendship, Radian, and Adagio's respect, as well as both of your wishes and dreams? I am willing to leverage all of it against the safety of those who will one day be my people. The sirens will help safeguard our way of life.” she says and gestures between the two of you. “In exchange for everything you wish of us in return. A home in Equestria, my unwavering support in whatever endeavours you both desire. A self-fulfilling pact of mutual respect.”

Shit. “That's so unlike you, Twilight. That's...”

She suddenly smirks, and her mane returns to its normal, pretty and straight style. “Conniving? Pragmatic? I would think that, as somepony in love with Adagio, who's an appreciably canny woman, you might respect that.”

You chuckle. “I confess, you've got me there. Yeah, after learning about how much thought Adagio puts into her plans and goals, it's hard not to appreciate her brilliance... It's just that I expected you to be purely altruistic.”

“Naive, you mean. Childish and starry eyed? I was, once, but I refuse to allow harm to come to those I love.” She closes her eyes and bows her head. “You included, if you'll allow it. I will give everything I have to protect you, if you'll just stay by my side, alongside Adagio, Aria and Sonata. Just as I don't expect you to forgive Sunset without merit, I shall not expect the sirens' friendship, trust or allegiance to come without me earning it.” She leans forward and gives you deep stare. “And I will earn it. Whatever it takes.”

You realise you backed up a few steps at that, and your heart's racing. She's just as scary as Adagio when she wants to be. “I get it. Look, I'm happy to, but I don't know if Adagio will like this, or her sisters. Aria especially. If you force me to pick a side, then-”

Twilight nods. “You'll side with them. I wholeheartedly understand, and I'll bear you no ill will. Besides, they're welcome to challenge me. In fact, I expect it. If Adagio doesn't want to play nice, then so be it. But all I care about at this point is whether to expect a sudden appearance of wild, uncontrollable sirens in the middle of nowhere if we give these stones back. You understand this as well, considering why you confessed to me what you've been up to.”

Oh, hell, you hadn't considered that. “They'll potentially be subject to the very mind-altering effects I've noticed and worried about from giving Adagio her stone back...”

“Precisely. This is another reason we need to give Adagio back her powers now. We both need to know that she can control the stone. Otherwise, I can't risk letting you go, which isn't fair on anyone. Now that I know they're willing to accept humans, I want them restored and, simply put, they stand to gain more as my ally than as my enemy.”

Okay, it's fair to say that Twilight isn't fucking around. You simply nod and say, “alright, point made.”

Twilight sighs with relief. “I'm sorry, I didn't want to dampen the mood. Honestly, I just want us to get along, and I can't stress how much I enjoy being with you as your friend. I never want to have to be like that if I can avoid it, but if anyone thinks I'm not willing to fight for my beliefs and my friends, then they're sorely mistaken.”

“Well, while we're on sombre subjects, and back to discussing our arrangement, what about Sunset? Surely my issues with her must have given you some impression I wasn't some saint.”

“Not at all,” she says as she gives you a gentle smile. “Even the best of us fall victim to grudges, and each is as unique as the people and situations involved. Yours isn't some petty concern that can be washed away, but anything just as long-lived does often need new consideration, because memories never remain clear over such a span. I've never once wanted you to forgive Sunset for the sake of it. I knew that if I could just convince you to treat her in a neutral way, that you would have a better idea of how to tackle your rancour. For better or for worse, even if you still find her irredeemable in your eyes, at least you would have tried.”

You bite your lip. “You're fixing my Addy's stone... maybe I'm being cynical, but I'm surprised you're not weighing that against me offering forgiveness.”

She shakes her head. “I may be willing to play hardball with you and Adagio for some things, but no, I'm not blackmailing you, and I never will. And never feel compelled to do something you don't want for what I'm doing for you. That isn't fair on you, or on Sunset. False redemption or forgiveness is worse than just retaining that animosity and being honest with yourself. Do as you feel is right, Radian. I trust you to make the right decision when you, yourself, feel ready.”

“So you really just want me to talk with her, then?”

“Exactly! Discuss science, talk about artefacts, anything! See if there's any common ground. Learn about her merits and flaws with your own analysis and settle the issue on your own terms. Or don't. Of course I'd prefer if you could get along, but I'm not the offended party here. If you want her to repay any perceived debt, then knowing how she can help you is the crucial first step. She's always seen her assistance with recovering artefacts for me as a way for her to make up for what she tried to do to me and Canterlot High School. I've even asked her to ease up and take some time off, but as soon as something comes up, Sunset's always on the case, and she's been working out and getting fit whenever she can! I seriously worry about if she's pushing herself too hard.”

Putting her to work, huh? Hmm.

You think of other questions, decide to think to the immediate future. “Okay, I get why you're trusting me, and Addy to some extent, but surely we're plunging into the same dangerous waters as I was by trying to fix the siren stones on my own, especially with those portals you mentioned. What's the plan here?”

Twilight begins to mix a blend of epoxy and powdered ruby. “That's the next step, and you're right, there is reason to be concerned, but I have a plan. First, I want to assure you that my wishes for you and Adagio's happiness are genuine, so take what I'm about to say with an analytical consideration, and let me say my piece before reacting.”

“Okay, I'll keep quiet.”

She puts the mix down. “I believe Sunset made it clear that this summit had some of the most powerful ponies in Equestria in attendance. That is the truth. If all else fails, and Adagio loses control, we will have to subdue her. With force, as necessary.”

You're glad you braced yourself, because that alone makes your brow twitch as you swallow down the anger.

“That is the worst case scenario, though. The second worst is that she attempts to escape, in which case, I have studied up on Starswirl the Bearded's portal conjuration spell. The very same that sent the sirens to your world to begin with. I believe I've worked out how to nullify the odd time dilation aspect, but the exit aperture location is still a mystery. Since we won't know where she'll appear, I'll make a personal point to come with you to the human world and help you locate her. I owe you that for your trust and friendship, and I'm sure Aria and Sonata will help too, as well as your know-how on finding her particular resonance which I imagine will prove vital.”

That makes you uneasy for reasons you can't quite put your hoof on right now, but you again just let her talk.

“From there, our solutions are far more optimistic. If she struggles to fight off the urges from her stone, I believe your understanding of positive energy types could help her wrest control back and recover her senses. Likewise, as the best case scenario, if she retains her control, we can safely let her get used to her form while we repair the mirror portal. I believe I can create a rift-expansion spell that will make the mirror aperture large enough for her to return to the human world, so I'll leave it up to you if you choose to stay while she acclimatises. I'd be glad to host you in Equestria for a while, but I suspect you still want to return home, at least while you finish dealing with your inventions and giving the stones to the other sirens. Rest assured, we'll take good care of Adagio if that's the case.”

“What about Aria and Sonata?”

Twilight purses her lips in thought for a moment. “If the change back into a siren is without any drama, I suppose it would only be fair to arrange a time when we can bring them both here, or perhaps one at a time. If not... well, foal steps, Radian. Let's focus on Adagio first.”

Okay, that sounds much better. She's just being real with you, that's all. “Okay, I get it. Any good experiment should have all safety precautions followed until we know what we're dealing with.”

“Exactly. We just need to know what physical and mental changes, if any, happen on Adagio's restoration as a siren. We have to do it here and now while things are in our favour. I'm hoping at some point you could help me find out any other portals to Equestia from the human world, too; we had the human Rainbow Dash and my other self fall through a quick-sand pit on an otherwise empty island after one mishap. Fortunately Sunset was with them. That particular portal had them turn up just outside of Ponyville.”

“I love that you've put this much thought into this,” you admit with a smile. “I may not know them, but I can see why Princess Celestia and the others are trusting you to rule.”

Twilight blushes. “Just trying to do my best! And a friendship with a pony as clever as you, with your technology, and the help of the sirens? Equestria's future looks bright!”

“I'm sold,” You chuckle as you start arranging the right shards for the repair. “You know, for a minute there, I was going to guess you only wanted to repair Adagio's stone so you could finally get your wish to tinker with one, after the way you reacted earlier and yesterday.”

You look at Twilight, who's scrunched up her face. She suddenly laughs and won't look you in the eye, and says, “hah, how silly! Of course not!”

Wait, you can't possibly be right, could you? “Seriously? I'm all about scientific curiosity for the sake of it, but-”

Twilight pouts. “Can't it be all of the above? Friendship, scientific curiosity, doing the right thing and having an up-close study of a siren stone?”

“I'm not arguing. I'm just... a bit surprised still, I guess.”

“Nothing wrong with keeping an open mind and trying to have it all, I guess. So long as you're not hurting anypony. Life's for living, after all. Why can't I enjoy restoring your special somepony?”

You plod through the normal steps of repair, but deep down, you're thrilled. You keep thinking of the future.

“There was one topic I was always curious about,” Twilight says as she uses her telekinesis to hold the ruby shards in place as you gently apply the epoxy. “It's quite personal, though, so feel free to not answer. You had nobody, and you created this device?” She points a hoof at your emitter.

“No, I created that thanks to Adagio's money when I convinced her I could help her. I first proved my abilities with this crummy phone I'd slapped together that could kinda harness magic. It just cycled through the patterns I'd found while keeping the phone charged.”

“Ah, okay. Well, you made your invention on her faith, I guess. Do you think she would have used and discarded you then?”

You tap your chin with your hoof. “Truthfully? I imagine she did. But I think, deep down, she was lonelier than she thought she was. It didn't take much of my presence before she started opening up.”

Twilight smiles. “Sometimes we must be completely broken to be fixed as a whole, instead of just clinging on.”

You chuckle. “Friendship is magic, but conflict isn't always evil, I guess.”

“We can't air our grievances otherwise. Reconciliation is ideal, but not always practical without the flames of passion behind your words.” Twilight stretches after the long term focus, flexing and fluttering her wings. “But back on topic. So, she opened up to you quite early then? For a moment, I did wonder if your relationship began with your willing servitude just for a loving caress.”

With a huff, you say, “did I pursue her for lust? Twilight, listen to me, I had pretty much given everything up for my scientific pursuit. I won't deny the attraction was part of it, and I... derived more pleasure out of their songs and their control than I'd like to admit with my position now, and my relationship with Addy, but no. Science first, hot singer worship second. And for this awkward line of questioning, I've got to say it; I'm shocked you're not in a relationship with somepony.”

Twilight's ears slowly flatten down. “I feel like I'm doomed to a case of 'always the bridesmare, never the bride.”

You smirk. “Well, worst comes to worst, maybe you could always look for the other me. I imagine he's quite handsome.”

You share a laugh.

“Cute as that is,” Twilight says, “he may well be out there somewhere, but he's never going to be as unique as you. Nopony is, and that's what makes everyone so special. Never forget that. Never lose yourself. If Adagio is any kind of soulmate, she'll respect you too much to use her powers to control your spirit.”

“Even for kinky stuff?”

Twilight blushes pink and her eyes grow wide. “Uh... I guess that... might be an exception?”

“Oh, come on,” you cackle. “All that magic, and you wouldn't do weird stuff to your partner?”

Her face turns a weirder shade of pink and she scowls. “We're not having this conversation.”

“I mean, I can literally use my magic to make ponies feel tingly with-”

“Not listening! Working!”

* * *