Mistress (Adagio's Big Comeback)

You dig deep and force as much earth energy as you can muster from within, pushing so hard that your vision goes pale and you collapse beside the motionless girl of your dreams.

“I... I can't...” you gasp.

Would it be so bad to just stop? Just... drift away in silence? Without your Addy, what's the point?

You feel a surge of power run through you, and Twilight hovers your emitter in front of you, which is currently bathing you in a unicorn signal. “It's not over, Radian,” she barks, fierce and determined. “Boost me! Give me everything you and your device can muster!”

You look at her as the despair breaks away, and just when you thought you'd given your all to Addy to help remove her stone, you give just as much to Twilight.

She flexes and gasps as her mane and tail shift, twinkle and glow. A flowing nebula, then they burn like a raging purple storm as she grits her teeth. Her wings spread and grow longer, and her eyes burn so bright, even the area is bathed in light that's painful to look at. She takes a deep breath and casts an earth signal.

Her whole body grows more muscular as she's affected by what must be an absurd amount of earth energy. The grass around Twilight's hooves sprouts and overgrows a large circle around you. Celestia follows suit, grunting as her body broadens and flowers blossom around her.

Twilight's magic reaches an apex, and all of her regal goddesshood fades, concentrating in a visible pulse of light that concentrates in her horn, and she fires it into Adagio's body.

Your girlfriend's form pulses with light as she wriggles and screams. Her mane stands on end as she leaps to her hooves, gasping for breath. As her poofy curls reform, she stares dead ahead with wide eyes and continues to breath hard for a few moments.

Adagio glances around for a few moments and says, “am I dead? There's a lot more grass in the afterlife than-” she finally sees you, and smiles wider than you've ever seen her smile before.

“Ray!” She lunges and tackles you to the floor, pinning you as she smothers you in kisses. She's so big, so forceful, it hurts.

It hurts so fucking good.

You lock lips with her, gasping and moaning. Relief gives way to arousal.

She begins grinding against you, only for you to both freeze dead with the utterance of a sudden, polite, yet firm, “ahem.”

You both look at Twilight, whose body slowly loses its additional muscle mass, as does her ethereal mane regain its natural, straight style. She asks, “Adagio, how do you feel?”

Adagio climbs off of you, and offers you a hoof to help you up. “Like I'm on a massive caffeine high and Just I jammed a fork into an electrical outlet, and I think I'm having some sort of heart arrhythmia...” she takes a few breaths to settle. “But... fine, I guess.”

Twilight sighs with relief. “Thank goodness. I didn't want to to interrupt your well deserved reunion, nor do I want to rush you, but the portal closes soon. Everypony wanted to say their goodbyes.”

You follow Twilight nearer to the city, where most of the others had gathered for Adagio's stone extraction.

Adagio bumps against you gently. You guess it's a sort of 'arm in arm' walk, if you... well, had arms, and Adagio attempting to wrap a foreleg around your shoulders would crush you if she stumbled, so it has the same rough effect. She says, “I knew you could do it, Ray.”

You wink at her and bump her gently back. It's like pushing against a loving, warm, fuzzy brick wall. “I may not be a sun moving goddess, or able to destroy walls with my voice, but I know my science. And anyway, Twilight deserves just as much praise, if not more.”

Adagio looks at her old rival, frowns, but nods. “I owe you one, I guess. Several, at this point.”

Twilight smiles softly and says, “we all did our part, and besides, the last thing I want is to sour this whole event with favours and debts. You asked for my help, and I gave it, let's call it quits.”

As the relief continues to sink in, you just look at Adagio, just to make sure you're not dreaming, and notice she's... different: Her eyes are slitted, and when she takes another long, calming breath, you notice her once flat pony teeth even have little fangs. On top of that and her chest scar, it's clear that, even without her stone and its incomplete state, Adagio's a siren again.

You reach the others, and Celestia steps forward.

“I believe this belongs to you, Adagio” she says, and hovers over Adagio's imperfect stone,

You take it with your magic, and Adagio stares at it with some trepidation. She says, “It's almost bittersweet, having this back after all the trouble that's happened. But I'll conquer it next time.” She grins. “Equestria shall witness the sirens in all their glory once more!”

You know Addy well enough to know she's forcing it. She's rattled, and after what you've all been through, you can't blame her.

Rarity and Applejack approach your girlfriend. Rarity says, “I'm so glad to see you're alright, Dagi.”

Adagio turns to them, and she becomes more humble, awkwardly scraping the ground with her front hoof. “I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I know you understood what I was, but after what I did... I'm surprised you still want to associate with me.”

Applejack says, “sugarcube, a certain little dragon we know once grew gigantic, hoarded half of Ponyville and busted up the rest. He even tried to kidnap Rarity and all sorts of other craziness. But we got past it. It's a weird, weird world out there, and if y'all're gonna be livin' here with us, I guarantee you're gonna see some even weirder hogwash. You just gotta take it in stride. Now, we ain't known each other for long, but I certainly ain't gonna judge you for what you are. That ain't a fair yardstick.”

She wraps a forelegs around Addy as best she can and continues, “it's who you are that counts. And who you are feels like a gal who's just findin' her hooves again and workin' out who she is! Y'all're good folk, and I'd love to give you a real Apple family welcome when you come to our neck of the woods!”

Rarity makes it a group hug. “I could not have said it better myself! Dagi, I think you'll make waves when you and your beau come to Ponyville! Especially when you get your establishment up and running. I simply cannot wait for the your vibrant and bold personality, up on the stage and amazing the crowds!” Her smile sinks and she puts a gentle hoof on Adagio's chest, avoiding the scar, but she looks at it with a wince. “Though I dare say that your ordeal looked incredibly painful, and I can tell it has you somewhat perturbed.”

Adagio huffs. “I'm that transparent, huh?” She breaks from the hug and looks at the mark on her chest. “I won't forget that feeling for a long time.”

Rarity smiles again. “Oh, Dagi, listen to me. It takes a strong mare and a true lady to cover it as well as you have. You endured so much, and come back to us, able to stand strong and beautiful as if made of hard iron, yet clad in the finest silk. I can think of so few who could withstand what you just did.”

She glances at Twilight with a fond expression, then retains that admiring look as the gaze returns to Adagio. “I know I couldn't. I'll readily admit I'm... a tad dramatic at times. You're a mare, or I suppose a siren, of impeccable strength, darling. Never forget that.”

Adagio looks surprised, but stands a little straighter and prouder.”I won't. Thanks, both of you,” she whispers, sounding choked up, and she gives Rarity and Applejack a friendly kiss on the cheek each.

Applejack turns to you. “You take good care of your fillyfriend, Radian. I know you're sweethearts'n'all, and maybe I'm a mite traditional, but it's a stallions duty to make his partner feel special. I reckon you'll do fine, though. It's been a honest pleasure.” She raises her hoof to you.

You smile and shake her hoof. “Thanks again, Applejack.”

Rarity looks at the tattered blanket on your back, then the remains of the saddle discarded in the distance where Sunset had been. Her lip trembles. “Oh dear, that poor thing. Such a shame.”

“Don't say it like that,” you chuckle. “I gave that saddle to Sunset because she was cold, and it probably saved her life.”

“And it sounds as though it was your own generosity that truly saved her, Dr. Wave,” Rarity says with a wink. “Remember; fabulousness can achieve tremendous things. Still, it was a shame to see that article ended before its time, but worry not! I'll make you an even better ensemble when next we meet, and I'll pour my heart into it. You shine on, darling! I can tell you're destined for great things to attract a mare as unique as Dagi.”

You offer a short bow at the praise. “Until we meet again, Ms. Rarity.”

“And such manners!” She titters, and steps away, but not before saying to Adagio, “you have exquisite taste, my dear.”

You were growing fond of Adagio's new friends anyway, and this just cements those feelings. If Addy hadn't felt unconditional love before meeting you, it stands to reason she's never had someone just support her with such kind words before either. It's a short list of people, sirens and ponies you'd do anything for, and these two just made it.

You fight off the blush as you and Adagio both face Pinkie, Dash and Fluttershy. You say, “hopefully we can meet properly once we get things cleared up back home. See you in Ponyville. Not sure when that'll be, but we'll get there eventually.”

“Looking forward to it!” Dash says and gives a hoof-salute. “I'll give you the full aerial tour in about ten seconds fla-” She pauses and looks Adagio over. “Okay, big mare like her'll be maybe twenty seconds. No offence, you look kinda heavy. Uh, in a good way! Like AJ; y'know, as tough and meaty, just bigger.”

Applejack gives her friend a mean, if forced, squint, then chuckles and just says, “years of applebuckin'.”

“I'll fly by myself, small-fry,” Adagio says to Dash with a grin. “Though I'd be glad to put you through your paces, Rainbow Dash. I could use the practice and I imagine you'll want to try your vaunted speed on a true siren.”

Dash pounds one hoof into the other and grins. “You're on, sister!”

Pinkie Pie rubs her chin with her foreleg. “So... no set time of arrival, eh?” She then gives an Adagio-esque evil grin. “I'll have to arrange an interdimensional surprise visit counter-party! We're breaking new ground, everypony!” She pulls in a chalkboard from... somewhere, uses a rubber band to strap a stick of chalk to her hoof and begins doodling on the board so quick the area gets covered in a dusty cloud.

When it clears, a vast web of scenarios are shown, like teleporting in from the sky and falling into a cake for a soft landing, or appearing underwater in so you'd arrive at an impromptu pool party, and a whole host more are all listed, joined and mathematically considered down to budget, invites seating, party cannon waterproofing... nothing's left unaccounted for, all listed alphabetically, complete with numbered subsections.

Pinkie proudly taps the board with the now tiny stump of chalk and says, “I'll have to plan ahead every day, rotate perishables, change colours for the seasons... just you try and surprise me with your surprise visit!”

You examine her work and you're impressed. Pinkie's certainly got a good eye for detail. Apparently she's smarter than she lets on, but then you notice an error. “You didn't carry the two on outcome D. Oh, also you haven't factored in for if we accidentally appear before now, and we're already in Ponyville as we speak because of a dimensionally unstable temporal fluctuation. Which throws out the math for outcomes T through X, though Z is still salvageable.”

Pinkie a shocked stare looks between you and the board, huffs, then kicks it away with a hind leg. She shrugs and says, “fine, take me to school if you have to! I'll just have to bring my A-game and be spontaneous!” She snorts into a giggle. “Be spont-'A'-neous, see? Or should that be spont-A-neous be-ing, cee? Is this algebra? I'm getting confused. Not all of us have rocktorates, or electricorates or whatever it is you've got, y'know!”

Fluttershy titters at her friend, then waves at you both. “I'd love to have you over for tea when you visit. All this excitement's a bit much for me, so hopefully I can give a better impression next time. Oh, and I've heard you can read magic with that machine of yours? I bet you'll love to meet my dear friend, Discord! He has a magic that's wholly unique to him.”

“Now you're talking my language,” you say. “Seems I've got a growing list of ponies and more to meet. It's a little overwhelming, really... I was getting used to my solitude before I met my Addy.”

Fluttershy smiles at you. “I understand completely! But it's always nice having somepony to help cushion the blow of meeting someone new. I'm definitely looking forward to meeting you two again under less stressful circumstances.”

Adagio waves back. “Thanks. I'll try and be a bit less frightening next time.”

Shy shakes her head, her pink hair cascading about. “I've seen all sorts of scary looking critters, creatures, dragons and more. I guess I should add sirens to that list, but so many of them are a lot nicer than they first appear. Just like you, Adagio.”

“Maybe you're losing your touch,” you say to Addy with a grin. “But take care, Fluttershy.”

Adagio nods and waves as Twilight's friends head on their way.

Twilight steps next to you and Adagio. “Princess Celestia wanted a word before I take you to the mirror.”

Princess Celestia approaches, looks you both over, and offers a short bow. “This event has been unkind to what should be an auspicious and monumental meeting.”

You bow in return, but Adagio steps up and gets in Celestia's face. The princess is only a little taller than adagio, but your girlfriend's far brawnier.

Adagio snorts and says, “if you're expecting fealty or fawning, then you're mistaken. I know it was your mentor that banished me. I'd be lying if I said that didn't make my blood boil.”

Celestia shakes her head. “I can understand your anger, but it's misguided. Starswirl the Bearded felt he needed to stop you and your sisters from driving ponies into turning against one another. Towns burned to the ground and families broken under the siren's influence. You were a dire threat to our peaceful ways, so he acted accordingly.”

Adagio sneers. “Just so you know, discarding us into another dimension? And our attempts to get back, however we could, and the trouble that caused? That's on him. I wonder if Tartarus would have been preferable to being tossed aside like garbage, stripped of everything we were so we had to fight to recover, only to be kicked down again. If you're that old fool's student, then I guess that blame now falls on you.”

Celestia doesn't avert her gaze or show any emotion. “I'll accept no blame. That was his choice. Do you honestly believe you were open to diplomacy back then? The beasts that you were held no regard for those you deemed lesser than yourselves, nor held compassion to what you considered food and your playthings. And besides, if you so desire some form of recompense for your perceived slight, I won't fight his battles for him, as my mentor still lives.”

Adagio's eyes widen at the news, but she recovers and intensifies her defiant stare. Everyone gasps as Adagio's stone flickers and you feel it pull against your magic. Adagio then grunts in pain, and you swear you saw her scar just glow for a split second.

“Addy,” you say, quietly, “please.”

Celestia continues, “after finally breaking the yoke of your natures, you've clearly become so much more than beasts. You've become vibrant, open-minded yet retained your pride and cunning. I would call that a drastic improvement. Now, I cannot change what happened, and by trying to outplay us instead of accepting our hospitality, you almost lost everything dear to you.” She flicks her deep, purple eyes to you. “And everyone.”

This time, Adagio winces and her ears flatten back. She flicks a gaze to you and she looks ashamed again. Her head lowers.

“So please, stop this, Adagio Dazzle,” Celestia continues and puts a hoof on Adagio's shoulder. “This should be a joyous occasion. I want to welcome you and Radian Wave as citizens of Equestria. Your banishment is officially rescinded, and you are free to come and go as you please. I only ask that, when it comes time to introduce your sisters here, that you remember well what befell you not hours ago. Let us help you all openly, and let us introduce them gradually and safely. For all our sakes, but especially theirs. I would sooner not turn sister against sister...”

Celestia looks at Luna, who's mingling with Twilight's friends, and the sun princess seems to get lost in what you assume are distant and unpleasant memories. She finishes by saying, “it is not a fate I would wish on anyone.”

Adagio snorts and redoubles her bluster. “Don't remind me, and don't lord that over us either, as if we're just going to lie down and let you dictate-”

You feel the stone tug again. You love her dearly, but you have to stop this. You stand in front of your girlfriend and say, “Addy. Enough. Please. I've had it with dwelling on old shames and hostilities. I'm sick of the past already. We have a future! We have your stones, and we have Equestria! If you're really determined to pick at this issue and keep driving us in circles, it can at least wait until next time we're here.”

Adagio shoots you a glare, but you're steadfast. Her expression softens, even looking a bit ashamed, before she takes a deep breath and turns to Celestia. “Fine. I'll drop it.”

Celestia sighs, finally breaking her steely facade and looks relieved. “Again, I won't apologise on behalf of my old mentor. I doubt you'd see it as anything but than condescending. Still, your natures were laid bare for all to see, and your past is a dark one. Yet, as young Radian Wave has said, the past is over. You have been nurtured into something so much stronger than you ever could have been as your past selves, and you should celebrate your growth. As a siren, and as somepony who I believe looks on strength in others with respect, I would meditate on the newfound power that has been afforded to you.” She then looks at you with a smile. “And where it came from.”

You bow again. “Thank you, Princess.”

Adagio again seems to resist, then finally nods at the princess, and returns to your side.

Twilight looks like she's just short of panicking after the spat between Adagio and Celestia, but just casts a spell and, with a pink flash, you're back in the mirror room.

“Well, that was... extremely uncomfortable,” Twilight says with a sigh, like air being let out of a balloon as she relaxes. “Here, these are yours.” She presents you an ornate jewellery box, which contains Aria and Sonata's stones. You'd left them back in the workshop. You place Adagio's within it, and grimace at the misshapen gem next to the clean, perfect stones beside it.

You say, “first thing we'll do once we make any money is get your stone fixed, Addy, I swear it.”

“It's fine,” she replies and smiles. “So long as my sisters are looked after, then we're good.”

“I wish there was a way for us to stay in contact,” Twilight says, “but until Sunset's well enough to travel, I don't know where she keeps her journal, nor do I really like the idea of you breaking into her apartment to search for it. I guess you could ask one of her friends, but... I somehow doubt they'll be especially happy to hear from Adagio, asking about a magic book, out of the blue without Sunset there to ease their fears. No offence, but there's still a reputation you'll have to settle with Sunset's friends too.”

You shrug. “None taken. I think we'll be busy getting my inventions finished and sold for a few months anyway. Gotta get that job ready for Sunset, as well.”

“I'm glad you've found an avenue to work together,” Twilight says. “She'll do right by you, I know she will. I know you said you forgave her, but if you still feel she owes you, let her know and I bet she'll be glad to do whatever she can.” She turns to Adagio. “Are you sure you're alright? I think we almost lost you there for a moment, and after what you said to Princess Celestia, I-”

“Just making sure everypony knows we aren't going to be looked down on or expected to just tow the line.” Adagio runs a hoof over her scar. She stares at it for a moment, then smirks. “Like your refusal to accept a favour from me... I can't tell if it's pity or an insult, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Like I said, forget it. I don't want the circumstances of what happened to get in the way of the reason we let you return to Equestria to begin with. I'd talked to Radian about it, but I never had a chance to speak with you about my intent.”

Adagio sizes Twilight up, then says, “go on.”

“A simple pact, an alliance,” Twilight says. “You're welcome to return to Equestria once the mirror's repaired, although I will ask that you let me know when you do so with your stone. Also you'll receive our help with setting up a life here and anything else you need, but since I'm soon to take over from Princess Celestia and Luna, I would like you on my side. Together, I want us all to protect Equestria.”

“What, with the sirens as your attack dogs?” Adagio says with a huff and turns her snout up at her. “Just who do you think we are?”

Twilight shakes her head. “You and Radian have pursuits you wish to accomplish, dreams to pursue that will enrich your lives. I also know you've made good friends with Rarity and Applejack. You can't fool me with that veneer of indifferent pride; they mean something to you. Your bluster and smug attitude are a front; you know as well as I do that if you go down old avenues of power and seek to be adored by forcing ponies to worship you, they will stand against you, just as Radian will side with you. Is that what you want? Just constant fighting? Fracturing of what could be a truly wonderful relationship?”

Adagio chuckles. “Oh, are we going to engage in psychoanalysis now?” She walks up close to Twilight and looms over her. It's less effective since Twilight's quite tall anyway, and to the princess's credit, she doesn't back down or show any fear.

Twilight responds, “are you saying that you would cast your friendships aside, open hoof acceptance and support for your desire to, what, show yourself as superior?”

They just glare at each other, and you bite your lip as you hear something knocking around inside the siren stone case, but it calms as Adagio rolls her eyes.

“Ugh, fine, I get it,” she says, “we would be protecting our own stake in this world, right? Maintain the peace so I can run my bar and Ray can study magic.”

“Correct. Nothing more, nothing less. Mutual respect.”

Adagio gives a nice, dark, sinister grin. “I may agree I'd rather just be left to live my mife, and I have no trouble smacking down any idiots who try to disrupt that, but respect must be earned, Twilight. You of all all ponies should know that.”

Twilight frowns and her mane begins to shimmer and flow. “So be it. Play your games, make your challenges, and I'll succeed!”

Adagio's smile turns more earnest as she looks over the sheer radiance of Twilight's magical flexing, and she begins pacing back and forth, as if excited, yet Twilight remains an insurmountable wall of absolute power.

Damn, you wish you had a camera. The sheer strength on display with the two mares who you have the most attraction for is awe inspiring. And pretty hot.

More surprising is Adagio purrs as she studies her rival. “That stare,” Adagio says as her eyes lid and she bites her lip. “You've got us all figured out, haven't you?”

Twilight snorts. “If you expected a naïve little princess like last time, you're sorely mistaken. But I also know you wouldn't respect me if I tried to treat you as anything less than a potential threat.”

“Evidently, you've done your homework,” Adagio says and gives a half-shrug. “You've also wrapped my Ray around your hoof, brought him to your side. Likewise you've studied up on how to give us what we desire without us encroaching on your future throne.”

“Twist my intentions as you will, Adagio. Radian has a good heart, of course he would respond to an understanding peer. I didn't wrap anypony around my hoof.”

“You play a good front, Twilight, but let's be real here; coercion and befriending are often the same thing.” Adagio giggles and continues to study Twlight. She licks her lips, breathes hard as the princess lets a little confusion filter in, before she stands stubbornly upright once more.

Twilight's a bulwark. Unbreakable as she stares your girlfriend in the eye.

Adagio giggles. “You're truly formidable, Twilight Sparkle! Defiant! Like you'd throw down with me at a moment's notice and kick my ass if you felt it would get you what you want!” She suddenly grabs Twilight with her forelegs. She maniacally cackles, “I love it!”

“What are you- mmmph!” Twilight's will and demeanour is shattered as Adagio pins her lips on her rival's and kisses her. Deeply. Tongue, pleasured gasps, everything. She moans deep and passionately as she pushes harder and harder against the princess.

Fuck, why don't you have a camera on your device!?

Doesn't matter. This moment will live in your most sordid dreams forever. The only way it could be better would be if you were pinned in the middle.

Twilight kicks and pushes against the bigger earth mare, but Adagio's massive strength trumps her own. And Twilight's wide, shocked eyes flick about in such panic, she can't even muster her magic. Her horn glows, but sputters and fizzles as she can't focus.

Adagio finally, after a long, intense bout of tongue penetration, relents, leaving Twilight flat on her back. You watch the saliva strand bead and break between their lips as Adagio stares down at Twilight with rapturous, wild.

Twilight pants for breath, blinks a few times and yells, “what the fuck wasthat!?”

“I don't care about appearances,” Adagio pants, “just the core of a pony or person. Ray is a brilliant mind, so beautifully driven and devoted. And you, my rival, are intense and just as obsessed with your goals and dreams. Nothing excites me more, and nothing keeps a soul in my heart quite like it.” She pauses and looks at Twilight with a whole new admiration as she actually bows. “I agree to your terms, Twilight Sparkle.” She then once more stands proud and tall. “On one condition.”

Finally collecting herself, Twilight gulps as she stands and says, “and that is?”

“You're not the same pony we fought back then,” Adagio says in a sultry tone. “You're assured. You're terrifyingly powerful. I have nothing but respect and admiration for that. I just suffered a defeat from within myself, one from which my precious Ray once more pulled me from the brink.”

You smile as Adagio winks back at you.

“And the way you've sought to ally with me?” Adagio continues. “I can tell you're worried about suffering the same, Twilight. Just as I was struck down at my last apex, you're at the peak of your power- no... maybe not even that just yet, but you're reaching ever-growing heights, and shining brighter than you ever imagined you could. And that makes you afraid, doesn't it?”

Twilight looks worried, and nods. “I've seen what power can do to a pony. I've heard of what Celestia fears from within herself. I've seen what it's done to Luna before. They had each other, but I won't have anypony if this keeps up. Every day, as my powers continue to blossom and grow, yet I can't help but worry about what I'll do if something topples me. Who else can help protect those I love? What desperate measures will I feel compelled to follow? Or... if something unthinkable happens to someone I love. How will I react? What could possibly stop me if I go too far?”

Adagio sits beside Twilight, wraps a foreleg around her, and says, “so in your dark moment of introspection, as the throne looms large before you, suddenly you hear from us, seeking help, transformed from our old selves. A once immeasurable threat. One suddenly able to show kindness and love. A reflection of your own rise to power, just as we were brought low and have returned from our newfound togetherness, you have reached an apex through the same. Now, you want us to meet in the middle. Two great and terrible potential threats, keeping each other in check, and protecting each others backs.”

Twilight closes her eyes silently nods.

Your girlfriend smiles at Twilight. Tender, honest and sweetly. “Which is why I accept your proposal. The sirens shall stand with Equestria. You bested me, as the foolish beast that I was and the naïve little princess you were, but now I have what you have always possessed; the strength of our love.” She gestures to you. “Untainted and true, as well as the bond of my sisters, restored once more. The sirens shall be greater than we ever were before! Meanwhile, you now see the burden of power. And I gladly see you as a peer, yet I have no idea what you're truly capable of. Which just means we don't truly know who shines brighter!”

Twilight unfurls her wings and gives Adagio a defiant stare, but she smiles. “So, a challenge?”

Adagio laughs, manic and joyous all at once. She screams, “YES! You and me. The Rainbooms verses Dazzlings! Another battle of the bands!! When we both understand what one another's truly capable of, when we both understand our limits and our strengths, only then shall we truly recognise each other as equals!” She slams a hoof on the crystalline floor and shatters it. “Once and for all, we shall see who is the most powerful, and who shall need to push themselves harder! Ever escalating! Until we have nothing further to prove!”

You step forward. “I'm not going to let you hurt each other! I'm with you, Adagio, against anything, but this?”

Adagio cools off. “A friendly competition, my pet. Nothing more.”

Twilight snorts. “I accept. If that's what it takes to have you by my side.”

“Oh, Twilight,” Adagio coos and gently holds the princess, and returns to that kindly side of her persona again. “You already have me by your side. I am grateful. You saved my life, despite your refusal of a favour, but you're also my Ray's friend. He even seems more assured than ever having worked with you. And you have granted me and my sisters another chance to shine again. If anyone dares seek you or your people harm, the sirens shall obliterate them!”

Twilight blinks. “That's... a bit harsh, but-”

Adagio chuckles. “We're with you, but not beholden to you, Twilight. Your enemies shall feel our wrath. But, and I say this earnestly, with all my heart, I do see you as a friend as well. If you ever need anything, even if you just need a shoulder to cry on, I shall do my best.” She bites her lip. “Although I'll admit, I'm not much good at it.”

You shake your head and reassure, both of them, “you did fine with me, Addy.” You then tell Twilight, “seriously, if you need an impassioned deconstruction of a threat or a problem, you'll find nopony better than my girlfriend.”

Adagio winks at you, then continues saying to Twilight, “but as should be thoroughly clear from this whole adventure, knowing our untapped strengths is paramount to protecting those we love. Just as I almost lost control, and hurt Sunset, and almost hurt my Ray, I need you as strong as you can be in case that happens again, and so shall I ensure we are at our best, in case we need to return the favour.”

A clock chimes.

Twilight takes a deep breath and sighs. “The portal closes in a few minutes. And fine. Let me know the time, and the place, and we'll test each other. It is just a test, right?”

Adagio nods. “I seek not your destruction, if that's what you mean, Twilight.” She then grins as she pokes Twilight in the chest. “But don't you dare hold back. I'll consider it an insult and I will lose my respect for you if I think you're afraid of hurting us. I expect pain! I'll relish it!”

Twilight swats Adagio's hoof away. “You're on! A battle until the other girl submits or can't fight on.”

“Excellent!” Adagio raises a foreleg, this time holding it out to shake. “I'll give you ample warning, 'my liege,' so you may prepare. No unfair advantages.”

They shake hooves, and neither break their death-glares until Adagio moves beside the portal, and nods for you to say your goodbyes.

You step forward and say, “thank you for everything, Twilight.”

She releases her tension from Adagio's confrontation by pulling you into a hug. “And thank you for your trust. You're already special to me.” Twilight kisses you on the cheek. “I almost wish you'd stay, but you've already made it clear how important getting these stones back to the sirens, and finishing the details of your inventions.”

You risk a peck on her cheek back. “It might take a while, but as soon as things are stable, we'll be returning to Equestria. But before we leave, there's just one thing I wanted to give you.”

You remove your emitter, complete with its holster, and put it on Twilight.

She looks at it, surprised.

“This represents all the trust Adagio and me shared, and it's become a symbol of what we could achieve together, despite how different we were.” You look at your girlfriend, who smirks but remains aloof, then you continue, “and I want you to have it. Just as she provided the means for me to achieve my dreams, you have done the same for me and the sirens.”

“Won't you need it?” Twilight asks.

You shake your head. “I've already got designs in mind for a better emitter, thanks to your insights and everything I've learned while here. And I'll gladly give you one as well, once I've perfected the mark two.”

Twilight looks at your... her emitter, fondly. “Thank you. I'll put it to good use!”

Adagio says, “you can start by using it to help Sunset.”

Twilight looks at your girlfriend, who keeps focused on the mirror, continuing to play coy despite the flash of remorse on her face, then Twilight says, “I will.”

The clock chimes twice.

“Tsk, one minute left,” Twilight huffs. “Never enough time. Anyway, again, once Sunset's recovered enough, and she's back in your world, I'll have her share her journal with you; anything you need to tell me, write it in there and I'll respond when I can. Take care of each other!”

“Thanks again, Twilight,” you say and give one final hug.

“Better practice your singing,” Adagio says without looking. “It would be a shame for you to fail because you can't hold a tune. We sirens have our stones, our own hard earned talents and each other. I expect you to visit the human world to bolster your connection with the Rainbooms in turn. Become stronger, and shine brighter, Twilight Sparkle! 'Til next we meet!”

Twilight grins and calls out, “remember, just keep walking! I'd hate to see you fall on your gigantic butt on the other side, Adagio!”

Adagio laughs and steps through the mirror. You quickly wrap the siren stone box in the blanket and tie it around you neck like a bindle, and enter the mirror as well.

End of Act 3

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