//------------------------------// // The Siren's Dragalia // Story: Equestria Lost: Dragons beyond time // by Tythen //------------------------------// Author's extra note: If you find any links within the story, let me remind you that they lead to songs. Once you open them (separately) and they start playing, feel free to listen as you read, until the story says they stop singing or whatnot. Enjoy the chapter! Adagio shoots through the sky towards her destination, a statue located in the entrance courtyard of a certain high school, where she had lots of bad memories, though not for long. "Ahh..." Adagio laughed to herself, looking at the scales on her body and hooves that have replaced her hands. "It feels good to be truly me again!!! This power is amazing... I feel like I could take on an entire pony armada!" Her speed accelerates, "Well, no better time than trying it out! Look out Equestria! Your siren is coming home to become ruler of all!!!" But just as she said it, a strange feeling comes from behind. "What the--" The moment she turned her head, her eyes and face gaped wide open. Out of nowhere, a giant tower of grey clouds flew after her, spinning and swirling. Desperate to lose her pursuer, the large siren picked up her pace to outrun this sudden vengeance of weather. But the Cumulonimbus showed no sign of slowing down on the siren, and once it grabbed ahold of its tail, the siren was pulled in with a slurp. "Argh!!!" Adagio was thrown into the hollow eye. Surrounding her, the grey clouds ran around her like wolves, sometimes with green lashes of wind. The siren attempted to escape, but the moment she touched her hoof upon the clouds, it bit back with a sharp gale that could pierce her digit. Not giving up, she tried it twice, then three times, each with increasing force. But the more she flung her power at it, the harder the retaliation, so much that the soft tissue muscles within her hooves began throbbing. "You've got to be kidding me!" Adagio growled, "Of all the times, why must nature of all things get in my way!?" "Because it's my power!" A voice boomed from above. A large figure slams its body right onto the siren, pushing her down, piercing the tower of grey, and ramming her into the ground, creating a pillar of dust, rock and dirt. "Perhaps you have forgotten. I am the Lord of Maelstroms." The figure, Midgardsomr, announced, "I can manipulate the weather when the need for a looming threat arises." "Just don't let us humans take advantage of your power. Otherwise, we'll be controlling nature and THAT would be unnatural!" Flash warned with a laugh, "Very funny Flash." Estelle coughed, " Now, where did we land?" "My storms managed to stop her just before she reached the forest that separates our worlds..." Midgarsomr responded, "Right above a familiar place." And it was true. Once the dust subsided, the two humans noticed that the crater Adagio was slammed into was located next to five elemental altars, the ones they rebuilt. Behind her stood the castle. The tower of grey that hovered above them broke apart and spread across, blocking the sun and creating shadow upon the Halidom. "Maybe push the fight to another place?" Flash nervously suggested, "It took a lot of my mana to restrain her. You have my apologies." Midgardsomr bowed, "And I also advise you to be wary... the impact was not enough to rend her unconscious." "Apology accepted," Estelle slid off Midgardsomr, "We'll make sure not to cause as much collateral damage, though I can't say the same for Adagio..." "I'll admit it." Flash followed behind, readying his lance, "Hurting Adagio is a sin, but the Goddess wouldn't sit and let a friend fall to the dark side." "The feeling is mutual..." Estelle gripped the Loving Hand, "Let's hope she'll forgive us!" "Grr..." Adagio's voice growled from the crater, "You think you can take me on?" She lifted her fin-covered head out the hole and bared her fangs at the three, "Fine then! I'll demonstrate my power!!!" "Flash, I know you have your preferences and reasons for choosing a lance, but I'm sensing some growing power stemming from Adagio. If you have the Prince's sword, please use it!" Estelle suggested, "Sorry." Flash lowered his head, "I was getting comfy with the lance, so I didn't bring it along..." In the Sentry residence, Mr Sentry stood in front of the living room dresser, gazing down at the Hero's Sword. His eyes dart to the left, then to the right. No one was watching, not a single soul. He lays a firm finger upon the hilt, then quickly retracts it. No reaction, no response, no scary spirit popping out. Confident, he gently grabs the hilt with his left hand, then the sheathed blade with his right. He proceeds to the garden, brightly lit by the sun. At a safe distance from the door, and his bare feet pressing down on the grass, Mr Sentry draws the blade from its sheath, and could not help but marvel at its illustrious design. As if the beautifully crafted hilt was stunning, the sword's fuller and central ridge were lined beautifully, even sporting a small hole within the blade. The edge had also a unique shape, as compared to the ones seen in medieval history. He plucks a tuft of grass from the green and drops it upon the blade. His eyes widened as the grass split in two the moment it touched the edge. Such a beautiful weapon yet it does not sacrifice any of its sharpness. How can such a blade keep these qualities after a long time? He could no longer deny it. This sword, though the law states it is legal to carry a sheathed sword that is not concealed in public (though it's probably longer than the legal size), is far too dangerous. Just by looking at it... if anyone were crazy enough, this sword could slice through brick and concrete, and it wouldn't dull or break. And that image was enough for the stern father to give in to his desire... to swing it. "Ha!" Mr Sentry grunted as he swung the sword down with a single hand. He could hear the force whipping through the air. With a no-nonsense expression, he excitingly added his other hand to the grip. "Tah!" "Hyah!" "Rrrah!" With every grunt, he slices the space in front of him - each with a different angle, direction and exaggerated stance. This is the perfect moment! With his arms out straight, he holds the sword to his side, pointing the tip away and perpendicular to his body. Then, he begins spinning, round and round, picking up his inertia and turning into a tornado. "TARRRRRYYIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" He halts his spinning and horizontally tore through the wind with a mighty horizontal slash and the most intimidating war cry. Little did he know that his finishing position landed him staring... at his wife. Mrs Sentry watched the entire show at a safe distance with that kind and motherly smile, while calmly recording the entire show with her smartphone. Once he finished that move, she quickly changed to photo mode and snapped a few pictures of her straight-laced husband, complete with that awkward posing, and 'terrifying' face. After hearing the photo clicks, Mr Sentry relaxes his jaw muscles, picks up the case from the grass, and sheathes the sword without any sound. "Did you?" He spoke firmly, "I did," Mrs Sentry gently nodded, holding up her phone, "Everything." "... I can explain, honey." Mr Sentry spoke without losing any sort of composure, "Another memory for our family album?" Mrs Sentry asked, Mr Sentry raised an eyebrow, "Yes. I will accept that choice." "Flash certainly has your genes!" Mrs Sentry giggled, "Not a word to him, Scootaloo, their friends, our friends, or anyone." Mr Sentry narrowed his eyes, "Of course not..." Mrs Sentry winked, "They'll find out by themselves anyway." "Rarity, was it?" Midgardsomr asked, "For this fight, I shall follow your strategy. What is your gambit?" "What Flash said, though I'd prefer 'knock some sense' into her." Estelle responded, "But easier said than done. You've fought things that come from the Flow Eternal, do you have any tips?" "The black mana, in general, has corrupted many a dragon and man alike. They have traded power in exchange for their minds." Midgardsomr repeated, "Dealing with them normally involves exhausting their energy through fighting, but this may not be the case for Adagio. She seems to be in control. I've seen only three people capable of doing so, one of them being the Other." They watch the Siren pull herself out. "She was the type to be manipulative and controlling when she and her Dazzlings came to our school." Estelle shared, "Even though she's not as cruel now, I won't be surprised if her previous attitude could allow her to control it. Guess it means getting rough!" "Hey!" Adagio snapped, fully out of the crater, "How long are you three gawking over there? Didn't you want to fight me?" "I'm afraid that I cannot pinpoint a weakness to her as of now." Midgardsomr apologised, "No need to apologise," Estelle paws a foot on the ground, "We came here fighting, we stick to fighting! Now charge!!!" The three fighters charge forward without any warcry. Estelle casts the first stone, "Take that, and that, and that!!!" The preacher fires an orb with each 'that'. The first two hit Adagio square in the head with the third scoring a hit on her eye. She flinched from those two shots, then growled at the pain on her eye. Flash dashes around her rear, then towards her. "Taiyah!" Flash cried. Holding the Halberd like a baseball bat, he makes a wide-reaching swing. Flash could tell that her scales were made tougher than the golem as they clash. If he didn't strengthen his grip, his attack would just have bounced off! Pushing harder, Flash carries his attack through, leaving a visible white scratch on the scales. "I felt that idiot," Adagio growled, turning her head. "How about this!?" Adagio lashes out her tail, catching the teen right where his abdomen is and throws him back with a nasty whipping sound. "Flash!" Estelle exclaimed as the teen skids and rolls over to her side. "Ooh..." The teen got back up, "It's just a scratch, but those scales on her tail are no joke! I could feel them cutting into me." "And yet you're not bleeding profusely!" Estelle looks at his body. There were indeed fresh slits upon his shirt and jacket, but the wounds on the skin did not bleed. "I grew, and I trained." Flash nodded assuringly. He turns to Adagio and yells, "I felt that too Adagio!" "Interesting... you don't seem to be taking this seriously compared to the last time we fought!" Adagio floated up and faced the trio, "Oh, we're taking this seriously alright." Estelle retorted, "We're here to stop you from doing something you'll regret!" "Your small orbs are as damaging as spilling soda onto my face!" Adagio grinned, "Whatever happened to the magic that was able to destroy my own?" "Is it not obvious?" Flash responded, "We're friends! Remember?" Adagio fell silent. "And even if we must get rough, we're not going to pull something like that again," Flash continued, "Estelle! Take note of her body... do you notice the black hole?" Midgardsomr whispered, "I see it..." Estelle spotted, "If I recall from the last time we fought, a gem occupied that spot." "That is where the black mana is residing," Midgardsomr focused, "Perhaps if we could focus our attacks there..." "Good idea, why don't you back up Flash for that plan?" "You have a second one?" "In case things don't go well, I'm calling my friends and use the Magic of Friendship to depower or at least turn her into a human again!" Shielding Estelle, the Windwyrm patiently got ready, watching the teenage boy courageously talk with the giant siren. "Look Adagio," Flash spoke, "What you did, and what you're attempting to do, is crazy." "Are you kidding!? I told you, this is my true form!!!" Adagio mocked, "I have been pursuing my magic for months! Ever since I lost it!!!" "I understand that! But that isn't the only thing you lost!" "Oh quit stalling already!" Adagio snapped, "Get out of my sight!" Adagio lashed out her tail again, but the Windwyrm intercepted it with his body, taking the brunt of the whip. "Grr!!!" Midgardsomr growled, spitting as he did so. Flash froze, Adagio's claims of being stronger than a Greatwyrm was no joke. "Listen to your friends..." Midgardsomr grabs ahold of her tail, "... They took you under their wing when no one accepted you. All of them forgave you and wanted to help you change. No matter how much power you accumulate, it doesn't give you an excuse to revert to your old ways!!! Do you not feel humbled?" "You sound like a worse version of Cleo and her lectures!" Adagio spat. A surge of anger shot through the Windwyrm. With it, he yanks the siren up close and slams his head upon her chest. The siren grimaced at such a blow but quickly turns it into a devious grin. "Nice try, bud." Adagio scoffed, ramming a hoof into his chest, pushing him back a considerable distance. "Argh!" Midgardsomr stumbled, roaring in pain. Flash swore at himself. It looks like he needs to fight now. He charges forward with his lance raised high, yelling at the top of his lungs. "Seriously? You're charging just like that?" Adagio looked appalled, "You are an idiot through and through. Your funeral!" For a third time, she swings the tail at his legs instead of the chest. Flash nimbly jumps over without any difficulty to her surprise. Hastily, she swings her tail again, hoping to clock him in the head when he wasn't looking. To an even bigger surprise, Flash turned around and held his lance steady, right for the tail to slam into. Not only did Flash take no damage, but the Halberd's spearhead also ended up piercing straight through her scales and into the flesh of her tail. The siren screamed and thrashes her tail around, the lance still stuck in her. "Seriously? You're swinging just like that?" Flash retorted, "This is how you hit your finger instead of the nail!" "Shut up!" Adagio screeched, slamming down on him again. Flash nimbly dodges it as her tail collides with the dirt ground. The force caused the lance to come free, flying in the air. Midgardsomr, feeling a little better, swoops up to catch it and pass it back to the teenage boy. "Thanks, Mids." Flash clicked his tongue, "Now, do I have your attention, Adagio?" "Nice ploy you made," Adagio spat, "But... I know you aren't one who would resort to just using cheap tactics. Where's that smiting light in you, that destroyed that menacing lizardman?" Flash winced but charges forward once again. Adagio shakes her head at such a response and swoops her head. Instead of the tail, perhaps taking a bite out of him should send a clear message she thought! But alas, she completely forgot that the Windwyrm was keeping watch over them. Right above her head, a green tail crashes down, hammering her into the ground once again. Following that, the idiotic teen hopped onto her snout, then bounced to her head. Once he landed on her body, she could feel him run across, swinging that axe-attached lance to and fro, cutting into her upper body. Once he reached the tail, he hops off while still running, takes a deep breath, and grinds the spearhead across her scales. "Hey! Adagio!!!" Flash yelled, running back to her front, "Grr!!!" Adagio snapped her head back up, and spotted the teen right in the range of her head, "That's it!!! I don't care if it will give me indigestion, I'm going to eat you whole!" "Then open wide!" Flash pointed the lance at the siren's gaping jaw, "Lance Cannon!" The cannonball wasn't able to fit into Adagio's mouth, so it exploded on her face. The siren's head blew back, with her body following behind, crashing into the newly rebuilt lance dojo. "Uh-oh." Flash sweated, "I've called the girls, you two." Estelle came over, "They're on their way!" "We've got things covered over here." Flash pointed over, "Except I accidentally destroyed the dojo we spent so long working on." "Flash..." Estelle frowned, "Oh! So you were stalling!" Adagio roared, floating out of the debris. "In that case, playtime's over! I'm going to vaporise you!" "Everyone! Stand behind me!" Midgardsomr warned, "I can sense lethal energy stemming from her body!" "But what's going to happen to you!?" Flash protested, "You might get more than wounded!" "I do not mean any offence, but I fear you may not be swift to evade her attack." "Become ash!" Adagio took a deep breath, but just as she was going to release her deadly attack, another large figure crashes into her from above. It was the Flamewrym, with two humans and a sylvan on her back, as well as a small white dragon fluttering alongside them. "Surprise!!!" Sweetie chanted, hopping off Brunhilda with Vixel and Cleo following behind, "And sorry about that Adagio! But what you're doing is crazy!" "That's exactly what Flash said," Midgardsomr informed, "That was fast! I thought you said the gate needed a while to seal!" Estelle gasped, "Oh it did," Brunhilda clarified as she jumped off Adagio, "Five to ten minutes to seal the flow eternal," "But five minutes or less if there's more than one doing the sealing!" Sweetie smiled, "We chipped in by learning the incantations and expending our mana. Ms M, Hinata, Vixel, even me! Used up every drop of mana." "This is absolutely ridiculous!" Adagio flew back up, completely furious, "How many times do I have to get interrupted before I can do something!?" "As many times until you stop running away!" Hinata retorted, "Adagio," Cleo announced, holding up the silver dagger, "We did this so we can talk sense into you. To save you from making a mistake you'll regret!" "I've done so much damage, do you know how dirty my hooves are?" Adagio sighed, "I care NOT! WE care NOT!" Brunhilda growled, holding Francesca's clothes, "You can always wash it off, no matter how much there is!" "Yeah, under a new identity that I hate," "Then no more hiding," Vixel challenged, holding out the pactstone, "Come out, show everyone how much the Adagio Dazzle has changed over the years." "Alright then, let me make myself clear. I've gotten my body and powers back, I'm complete again! I don't have to stay here anymore! I know how to get back home now!" Adagio hammered, "Adagio!" Estelle rebuked, "There is absolutely no way that you're complete!!! You are missing a lot of things, important ones too!" "Argh! Enough already! I'm sick of all of you telling me that 'I'm better than this' when I clearly am! Do you want me to show you how 'better' I am than all of you? Perk up your ears and listen, because I'm going to show you the Siren's power!" "Hey!" Brunhilda snapped, "You know that power is not what we meant by being-" "BLOCK YOUR EARS!!!" Estelle hollered, Whether or not everyone heeded the Preacher's words, the siren floats upwards and begins to sing. An eerie yet mesmerising melody with no lyrics or words, spread through the air. "No!!!" Estelle grimaced, "I can't... block it out... Sweetie... run!" "Run?" Sweetie grumbled, "Why should I run... in fact." She glared at her sister, her eyes turned green, "Why the hell do I always have to do everything you say!?" "What?" Estelle turned around, "That's not true, there were many times you-" Sweetie paid no attention to her words and pushes the preacher/her sister to the ground, "Leave me alone!!! I'm not a little girl! I have my own life!" "How dare you!" Estelle glared back, her eyes also turned green, "Don't you take that tone with me, you brat!!!" She took her hands off her ears and leapt back up, right on top of her younger sister. The two of them began engaging in a punch and slap fight, bringing a big pain to the spectating Maestro. "Adagio!" Vixel croaked, "Please stop this! You don't have to needlessly bring us to fight one another!!!" Adagio ignored him and continued singing, "She's a stubborn person, I'll give her that." Flash grimaced, "Reminds me of Sunset back at Fall Formal." "How can we stop her?" Vixel asked, "Throw a rock or brick at her! She's tougher than she looks, so it won't hurt her feelings!" Flash suggested, "I shot a Lance Cannon in her mouth, and she's still standing!" "That's... something." "But you know what? I should have snapped and used Luminescent Cataclysm instead..." Flash growled, "Flash! That would cause serious damage!" "Yeah!? Well, she's caused serious damage to us already!!!" Flash lashed out with a fist, striking Vixel in the head, "Hey!" Vixel landed on his bum, "That was uncalled for!" "Oh I'm just getting started," A green-eyed Flash rolled up his sleeves, "I promise you I won't kill, but I've got several fists for all the times that the girls bully me while you just sat there and laughed!" "You... dammable... fool!" Vixel got back up, "You of all people know how to take a joke! What is this poppycock rage you speak of!?" And like the rest, the Maestro's eyes turn green as he starts a furious brawl with the blue-haired teen. "Adagio... how could you..." Cleo lowered her head, "I raised you... took care of you when you were at your weakest... and yet once you achieve something strong... you use it upon your friends? Upon me!?" Suddenly, Hinata rammed her head into the healer's body, "And what was that for, Hinata!?" Cleo spat, "That was for giving me bread for so many years at the Dragon's Roost!" Hinata, under the siren's hypnosis, argued, "You know I wanted Juicy Meat, but you always give it to the stronger dragons instead of me!!!" "Curb your tongue!" Cleo growled, now at mercy under the Siren's song, "I've treated all dragons with respect. It's Euden who decides who gets what! I just do the cooking, blame him!!!" "By the Holywyrm!" Brunhilda growled, "Not a human, not a dragon... you are a complete monster, Adagio Dazzle!!!" "If Hinata can fall prey to this siren's song, we need to stop that singing!" Midgardsomr warned, "Oh please! We're the Greatwyrms! And I'm a teacher for humans! Do you honestly think I can be hypnotised by this ugly version of a 'siren'!?" Brunhilda laughed, "Oh, Flamewyrm..." Midgardsomr coughed as he spotted her eyes, "Your eyes of green tell me otherwise..." "Shut up!" Brunhilda tackled the Windwyrm, "You and your infatuation with the humans! Just because you were the first to ally with them, does that make you the leader of the Greatwyrms!? Damn you and your ego to the Void!" "I never mentioned anything about who was the strongest, let alone the leader!" Midgardsomr refuted, "Besides, after my humbling experience as a human, I learned one important thing about humans... they have no respect for any authoritative or educational figure! They'll step on their teachers, whine and complain to their friends, family, or social media, and they do nothing to push their lives forward! It explains why humans always fight with each other! They only care for what they want!" "That may be true..." Midgardsomr growls, "But like you and me, they are capable of change. All people have the ability to be good!" "No, Mids..." Brunhilda stares into the Windwyrm's now-green eyes, "If any of them breathes.... they're irredeemable scum!!!" A joy sang within Adagio's mind as she watches her hypnotised allies fight with each other. The sisters in their rigorous slapping match, the boys roughhousing it with each other, Cleo swatting the little dragon with her staff, and even the two 'Great'wyrms trying to rip each other apart with their claws and jaws, with Brunhilda clearly having the advantage. "This is why I am better than you, Dragons. Even you cannot resist my song!!! My song inflicts you with the power to bring out the worst in you, and afflict it on foe and friend alike!!! All of you will fight with each other, break yourselves apart, and those thoughts behind it? Nourishment for my power!!!" Adagio thought to herself, "But wow, those singing lessons paid off! If only I still had my siren jewel with me, I could absorb all that energy for myself! Now let's turn up the pitch more and-- UNGH!!!" Out of nowhere, a force chokes the siren's throat. Adagio's singing ceases in an instant, which in turn brings the rest of the team back to their senses. "What?" Sweetie blinked, "Huh?" Flash stopped, "Were we just fighting?" Hinata gasped, "The song!!!" Brunhilda pointed, Realising the singing has stopped, the group looked up. The orange siren before them looked clueless as they were. "What the!? What just happened?" Adagio looks at herself, then the group below. "Laaa-ack!" Trying to sing again, the choking force returned a second time. Frustrated, she tries a third time, then when something terrible happened. After the third choke, the black hole in Adagio's chest spewed flames of black, covering her entire body. The siren drops out of the air, thrashing around. "SKREEEEEE!!!!!" Adagio shrieked in pain, "I knew it..." The dragons went, "Black Mana?" Estelle fearfully spoke, "No need for us to tell you," Brunhilda warned, "Except that a very few can control black mana. Not even--" "Dragons. We know," Flash interrupted, "Midgardsomr told us," "Get this thing out of me!!!" Adagio screamed. As she thrashed around, her size destroyed the five elemental altars. "No! Stop!" Estelle demanded, "We've done so much building the Halidom!" "There's no way she can listen to anything at this state..." Midgardsomr shook her head, "Now that I think about it, the situation has gotten worse. The Black Mana from the Flow Eternal is beginning to control her." "So, the Black Mana is too evil for someone like Adagio to use!" Estelle closed her eyes, "If she can use magic through song, then the black mana seems to prevent her from doing that in order to stay in control." "Then that means Adagio really has changed for the better... That's it. I can't bear to save her by hurting her when she's already in pain!" Estelle opened her eyes in determination. "If that is what you wish, then I shall follow." Mids nodded, "You mentioned that you and other companions have fought against her before. Right?" "Yes, three of them." Estelle answered, "We overpowered them and broke their amulets to prevent them from using their magic..." "What did you use to win?" "The Magic of Friendship." Estelle explained, "We overpowered their voices and song with each and every one of us banding together. I just hope Sunset and the others come here on time..." "We may lose Adagio soon with every second we wait... why don't we give it a shot?" Brunhilda suggested, "Huh? You?" Estelle raised a worried eyebrow, "But that is Equestrian Magic! Not Grastaean!" "True." Midgardsomr realised, "But Adagio was able to return to her original form after consuming the Flow Eternal. Make no mistakes that there are differences, but Adagio went for it regardless because negative energy is what she had always relied on to fuel her magical might. With the way I see it, us dragons can try and harness that same magic." "But--" "Do you remember the comparison you made about Dragalia weeks ago? Our pacts with humans? It's like 'friendship', and I agreed with you on that! I made that pact with all five of you. I'll do my best to make sure our bonds can substitute that magic!" Brunhilda reminded, "Hey!!!" Sweetie snapped, "Don't leave us out of this!" "Sweetie Belle!?" Estelle turned, "If Scootaloo calls Flash her brother when they're just friends, why can't I call you my friend too? Whatever you and your friends did, I'm sure we can do with you too!!!" Sweetie declared, "If I recall, the moment I regained my mind during the battle against the Dazzlings and the Rainbooms, you encouraged me to sing with you. I'm more than willing to do it again; whether it's beating back an enemy or saving a friend." Flash explained, "And we're friends, aren't we?" Vixel added, "We aren't magic people unlike you or Applejack, but I'm sure we can sing together. I implore you to give us the chance for us non-magic people to help," "You have my assistance too..." Cleo marched up, "We all want to save Adagio as much as you do. Ever since you came, all of you have been my dear allies and companions. It would be an insult not to call you my friend." "Just so we're clear, I still owe you guys and girls a pact! So consider me as your friend too!" Hinata chimed in, "Everyone..." Estelle looked at her companions. "You're right... you may not have the same magic the girls and I have... but we are friends. It is worth a try!" "Since you are the one who can use the magic of Equestria, we're counting on you to lead us. We won't let you down!" Brunhilda stated, "Then you'll need this," Sweetie ensured, rummaging through her pockets, "Catch sis!" Sweetie pulled out a familiar purple geode necklace and threw it towards Estelle, who neatly catches it. "The geode! Of course! But in that case..." A circle of light appeared where Estelle's heart is. "I'm sorry Estelle. Is it okay if I can use this myself?" The preacher reaches into the circle and pulls out the silver staff, enveloping herself in a cocoon of light, and transforming back into the stylish and generous girl. "Now..." Rarity pulled the necklet over her head and rested it on her neck and shoulders, "I hope this works... are we in this together, everyone?" "Yes," Cleo nodded, "Eeyup," Vixel smiled, going back to his Big Mac voice. "We're with you!" Sweetie pumps her fists, "Without any doubt or question!" Flash roared, "My mind is clear, and my power is yours!" Brunhilda vowed, "We're all here to save our friend!" Hinata yelled, The geode necklace began to glow. A radiant purple light that soothes the eyes, "My goodness! It actually works!" Rarity exclaimed, "This is wonderful!!!" She turned to the giant writhing siren, "Hang in there Adagio!" The geode glowed brighter and brighter, its light wrapping around Rarity's hair and her clothes. Her hairstyle changes into a ponytail, curling all the way down to her ankles. Following that, a pair of white pony ears protrude within Rarity's hair. Her hair also covered her normal ears, so it was hard to tell whether she had two distinct pairs of ears to the dragons. But instead of replacing Estelle's unfitting clothes, it magically changed its size to fit Rarity, and its colours to match her style. The soft white colour turned to extraordinary purple with diamonds embroidered on it. The outer cape changed from navy blue into crystal blue, and the tail-like belt behind that cape turned purple like the gown but also had a chain of diamond shapes as a pattern, and a blue diamond dangling at the end. And although Rarity did not have Estelle's hairstyle, the small hat worn by the preacher transformed into the hairband used to hold Rarity's exquisite ponytail together. Though her greaves and shoes remained the same, Rarity could not believe her eyes with her all-new form. "Amazing!!!" Rarity looked at her new set of clothes, "It suddenly fits... and the colours match my previous forms! It seems you really want to help, Estelle. I'm sorry for casting your essence aside. In that case..." A diamond disk scoops up the Loving Hand and carries it to Rarity's grasp. At the same time, the silver staff, the essence of Estelle, lifts itself off the ground and flies back into Rarity's heart. "You’re our friend too. Let's work together!" Rarity invited, "You... have... my... support... wielder... of my soul..." A faint voice responded, "I beg your pardon!?" Rarity looked around, "D-Did you respond?" "Rarity? Hurry!" Flash panicked as he sees Adagio slam her tail on the castle, "Delay this further and Adagio will end up destroying herself and the entire Halidom!" "S-Sorry! Here goes nothing..." With a gentle push of her feet, Rarity floats up. She hovers slowly towards the siren, with her new Equestrian and Alberian friends following on foot. One by one, they too float up to equal height with Rarity. "Do not worry Adagio..." Rarity announced, "I will not strip you of your powers... no. I won't strip you of what you worked so hard to acquire what you lost. We promised to help you... and we will keep it!" Adagio responded with her thrashing and screaming but gazes at the bearer of generosity floating above her. Rarity nods sincerely and holds out her hands, letting the Loving Hand float by her side. Behind her, a ghostly image of Estelle herself appeared, pressing on Rarity's back. With her hands, Rarity conjures up a mystical ball of fire, eager to escape from its magical confinements. "Everyone!" Rarity rallied, "Let's save Adagio with the magic formed by our friendship. Dragalia Style!" With a clap of her hands, the purple fireball explodes. The fire it contained roared and spreads outwards, engulfing the seven friends, as well as six particular girls that just arrived. "SKRAAAAAAA!!!!" Adagio screamed and shields her eyes as the purple fires swallow her whole. The siren opens her eyes. She's not dead? Not on fire? No... she was floating in some whimsical dimension... which seemed to relieve all that pain she was feeling before the blast. A song began playing throughout the never-ending mimsy... a slow song that she remembers hearing today. Her eyes widen as three teenagers, two dragons, and one parental guardian appear before her, their own eyes and expressions filled with solemn sadness. "Where do we go?" Sweetie echoed, "Every day's the same..." Big McIntosh sighed, "Did we lose the magic? Magic? Magic?" Flash continued, "So ordinary," Brunhilda released her voice, a little bit off-pitch, "Stuck on repeat..." Hinata followed, even more out of tune. "Got to find the passion, passion, passion..." Cleo sang, completely fluent and flawless in tone and articulation. "These days go round and round, round and round," Rarity appeared in the middle of them, leading the bridge, "Gotta breakaway," The other six responded, "Find a great escape..." "Round and round and round, round and round and round... Ohh" The seven all sang together. With the siren watching with painful eyes, something magical occurs once they went into the chorus. Each of the singers released a pillar of aura, which twist and turn around each other. From its coalescence sprang forth two giant astral forms. A large unicorn, with a translucent body of purple, and a large dragon with little wings and a translucent body of green. Both had soft-lidded eyes instead of sharp and fierce, and respectively galloped and flew around each other, following the rhythm of the song. Once the chorus was finished, the two forms approach the siren in pain, without any trace of hostility. The unicorn holds out her hoof to the siren, who shies away with pain and fear. But the unicorn showed no sense of giving up and inches closer, holding out her hoof again. The dragon did the same, holding out his claw. The siren alternates her gaze on both figures and slowly did the same. But the black hole upon the siren's chest burns through her bodies and nerves, causing her to retract her hooves and screech in pain. The unicorn and the dragon saw its source, and they exchange glances and a nod. The green dragon revealed a large green crystal with tiny thin fragments floating below it. He passes it to the purple unicorn. "Sing..." The seven voices chanted in unison, "Sing..." "Sing Adagio!!!" Rarity yelled, "You can beat the darkness trying to control you!" "SKREEEEE!!!!" With one last piercing shriek, the siren grabs the dragon's claw with one hoof, and the unicorn's hoof with the other. The green crystal between all three figures begins to shine, causing the black fumes to keel, flicker and weaken. "Ka..." The Siren coughed. "Ka... Ca..." Realising it may lose its host, the black hole released a cloud as black as the night, distorting and warping the siren's helpers. But the siren took one big look at the flickering unicorn and dragon, and with one last push, opens her mouth. "Can I find the... beauty... In the simple things..." She croaked, "Can I learn to see it? See it?... See it?" The dragon and the unicorn widen their eyes. Their siren, the one they need to rescue, had managed to sing, and bring forth the impetus for her power and control. Cut off from its host, the Black Mana flees from the hole, scattering and screaming as it slowly disintegrates into its non-existential demise. The hole with the siren was no longer dark and corrupted. To replace it, the green crystal carefully inserts itself into her, and the singing began once again. This time, the Siren joins in, flying with the other two. "Let's... find the magic..." Adagio smiled as she sang. The last line before she blacks out. "Do you think she'll be alright?" Twilight asked, She and the rest of the girls joined up with the team, surrounding the sleeping Adagio, who after the entire ordeal, changed back into a human. As she rested, Vixel changed back to Big Mac, while Hinata and Brunhilda changed into their human forms. "She's back to normal..." Cleo assured, "There are no more traces of black mana within her. And yet it left behind something that she can control on her own." "The pactstone," Flash answered, "It's glowing green... and if I recall... don't these stones allow shapeshifting?" "It does indeed," the human Ms M responded, "Who knew that something like this could happen?" "Magic is truly a tangible thing," Fluttershy mused, "Heh... Dragalia Style," Rainbow snickered, "It sounds so cringy, but you made it sound awesome and... I mean the entire thing was awesome! You not only conjured a unicorn but a freaking dragon with it! You three are something!" "It was a blast!" Hinata giggled, "Hey umm..." Big Mac started, "Sunset, Applejack, girls, can Ah ask somethin' of you?" "What's on yer mind?" Applejack asked, "May y'all be... forgivin' to her? Ah know she may have caused more than jus' a mess here, but she ain't do anythin' bad, ever since the CHS showcase." "Say what?" Applejack blinked, "'Dagio's changed from what she used to be." Big Mac vouched, "And she's makin' an effort to be friendly and supportive. Given her actions back then, she had to take a pseudonym and a body change. Otherwise, no one would accept or acknowledge her. Alongside savin' our flanks, she's even fought beside us with no problem. In fact, Ah did remember sayin' she really considers us friends! Ah know what she said back then stings, but Ah'm not throwin' away mah faith in her because of that. Ah'm sure she has a reason." "Say, Big Mac, when have ya talked so much?" Applejack raised an eyebrow, "And why of all people would you use it to defend her?" "Ah've already said mah piece," Big Mac placed a hand on his heart, "And Ah mean it. Forgive me sis, but as much as Ah take yer words to heart, Ah also take hers." Applejack lowered her hat and broke into a smug grin, "Heh heh," Applejack laughed, "Ya know, with that judgement, Ah don't know why ya ain't popular with women!" "Me? Popular with women? Why would ya make such a statement?" Big Mac mumbled, scratching his hair. "Don't worry Big Mac," Sunset smiled, "We're not going to boo her or chase her out. That's Ms Cleo's judgement. And judging her... I think Adagio will stay." "And besides!" Pinkie chimed in, "Now that we know who's been delivering our supplies and greeting us, we too can see that she's trying to change!" "Gah!" Adagio woke up, "What the!?" She found herself sitting on the ground, and the crowd was bigger than before. She looked at her hooves, turned back into hands and fingers. That can only mean one thing. "I'm... I'm back to being human..." She spoke, "So much for absorbing all that dammed Flow Eternal..." "Well..." Sweetie tilts her head and chuckled, "It wasn't a complete failure... check out what you're wearing around your neck." The presence of a green pactstone surprised the siren. It wasn't the fact that the necklet she purposely broke was magically repaired, but the fact that it was glowing with a familiar power. "As long as you're here in this dimension," Rarity explained, "You will remain human from what I've heard. However... why don't you explain, Midgardsomr?" "Your true form is recognised as a dragon." Midgardsomr explained, "As Cleo told you, a pactstone is required for a human or sylvan to shapeshift into a dragon. However, what you have is special. This pactstone is linked to you; because it contains the power only you can harness as a siren in your world." "In other words, you're like me. Except you have a limit on how long you can stay in your true form." Ms M smiled, "But at least you can change at will! Isn't that wonderful?" "I... I... You're not messing with me... are you?" Adagio stammered, "No Adagio..." Cleo walked forward, "You have gained back one of your most important things. And I'm happy for you." "I share that same sentiment..." Flash smiled but sighed, "But at the same time, I can't ignore that doing so has left most of the Halidom beyond repair... part of which is my fault too." He looked at the direction of the Halidom, prompting Adagio to do the same. Her eyes blinked with disbelief, the elemental altars, the lance dojo, the various mines, the lone dragontree... the facilities that were repaired by her and her visitors had crumbled apart. They were in a worse state than any of the dusty, untouched facilities. Even the Halidom castle itself... its balcony was gone, split in half and broken on the ground. "Well..." Adagio lowered her head, "I really am in big trouble now. Am I?" The students, dragons, and sylvan look at each other, then nod in determination. "Do you really feel that way?" Big Mac started, "Come on, Mac. I had no intention of destroying the Halidom. I just wanted to go back home to Equestria and conquer it as I had planned to with my returned powers! I've been stuck in this world for thousands of moons!" "Wait, what?" Flash blinked, "Not now..." Cleo rebuked, "What were you thinking Adagio?" "Cleo..." Adagio moaned, "Look, whatever lecture you're going to throw at me, I get it..." "Oh," Cleo tilted her head, "So, I take it you regret what you have done?" Adagio took a deep breath, and burst out with frustration, "Yes, I do." She groaned, "I'm sorry for destroying the Halidom, sticking my mouth into things I shouldn't be eating, and... I'm sorry for calling you scum!" "Well that was quick," Sweetie's eyes narrowed, "Then why the speciest slurs in the first place?" "Old habits die hard..." Adagio sighed, "When I got the negative emotions from the Flow Eternal, I felt powerful. It was like I was back to my old Equestrian self but better. When that happened, I felt like I could go back to my real home, which means I'd be leaving you behind. I couldn't resist going out with a bang by making you all feel a sense of negative feelings! But after that mana choked my mind and throat, absorbing the Flow Eternal was a bad mistake." "Adagio..." Ms M sighed, "I may not be your teacher, but I am extremely disappointed in you for such behaviour. Even if I believe that you're older than the equivalent of a thousand moons, you're just another reckless, rebellious, ambitious and hot-headed teenager sent my way for detention AND counselling." "Oof," "Ouch!" "Oh ho ho!" "Hah!" All the present CHS students exclaimed, "You are now officially THE best teacher in CHS," Sweetie grinned, "Are you sure you're the Flamewyrm? Or the Roastwyrm?" "What in Tartarus do you mean by that!?" Adagio seethed, "Now now!" Ms M waggled a finger, "Bad language, I assume, won't get you anywhere. As for what I mean, any student that had to see me during detention were of things such as disorder, misconduct, and doing things that cause more harm to themselves than others. All for the cause of 'breaking the system' and other irrational hatreds. But in reality, this is due to their extremely blatant shortcomings. Given the stories about you, do you REALLY think you could conquer Equestria?" Ms M raised an eyebrow, "Huh?" Adagio looked puzzled, "What?" Everyone went, "Just because you're able to return to your true form by gulping down some dark energy, do you think you can take on different worlds alone?" Ms M explained "Please. Even dragons aren't that stupid!" "What did you say!?" Adagio flared up again, "She's right you know." Flash turned back, devilishly smiling back at her, "I guess it's true for sirens. The older you grow, the more forgetful you are!" "Hey!" Adagio roared, "Stop with the words!" "Okay okay," Flash chuckled, "I'll explain it directly. Even if we don't stop you, I don't imagine you succeeding in taking over the Pony Equestria anytime soon. Do you uh... know anything about that Sunset?" "Ohh!" Sunset smiled back, "I got it! Yeah... listen, it has been more than a thousand moons since you were banished from Equestria. Let's just say that there are a lot more ponies who are stronger than before, and not to mention the ones responsible for banishing you are still alive and well; call it a little side effect of sealing magic." "Huh!?" Adagio jumped, "Let's do some basic math," Ms M giggled, "If a powerful pony was strong enough to banish three Adagios to this dimension, and then stripped of their powers by seven humans, what would happen if one Adagio returns to her dimension?" "One Adagio would become zero!" Pinkie beamed, "Because she'd be done for..." "Three of me?" Adagio repeated, "Oh... aww... nuts..." "I assume that you didn't care a lot for them since you've been calling them 'idiots' when we first met but..." Sunset deduced, "You definitely miss Aria and Sonata's company after some actual time alone." Adagio took a deep breath, buried her head in her chest, and let out a long sigh. "... Yeah..." Adagio gave in, "I really do..." "Look on the bright side!" Sweetie smiled, "At least you've got your true form back! Must be a long time, right?" "Wait... you wanted me to have my true form back?" "We said..." Rarity corrected, "We promised to help you find your voice as well as your magic, we just didn't expect that slurping up the Flow Eternal allowed you to return to your true form. However, your voice allowed you to purge that black mana and combined with the magic of Grastaea, retain the opportunity to change into your original form! As I said, we didn't expect you magic to come back like this, but now that you're back to your senses with your powers again, I'd say this was a success!" "Even after what I said?" "Ya 'polagised already." Big Mac smiled, "Ah think ya truly didn't mean those Goddess-forsaken words. Did ya?" "... No..." Adagio grumbled, "I guess that sort of attitude is a bad way to build a friendship." "Do not worry," Sunset assured with a caring smile, "You will learn, just as I did." "And you have us to help!" Ms M winked, "Everyone..." Adagio looked up. Her eyes slowly capture everyone's happy smiles. The seven girls that destroyed her amulet, the three magicless students who courageously stood up for and against her, the three dragons (or two dragons disguised as humans) that she tussled with, and the purple-haired sylvan who had looked after her ever since she separated. "I'm..." Adagio started tearing up, "I'm so sorry... for tearing up this place... for that stupid stunt I pulled... and thank you for saving me again... all of you are really caring friends..." Cleo strides towards her, accelerating with every step. Her eyes were filled with tears, though her face had such an endearing smile. With a small bump, the healer hugs the siren, sobbing and laughing. "Apology accepted," Cleo smiled, "I'm sorry... I shouldn't be so emotional... All is forgiven." "Well?" Ms M looked at the four CHS students, "Do you forgive her too? Go hug her already!" The four smiled back as they dash forward and join the hugging. "What you did to us and yourself was disturbing, but I forgive you Adagio." Flash remarked, "And not just because I was told to forgive. I myself, was forgiven and had the opportunity to change from my horrid actions. And as I've been told time and time again, you should have that chance too." "What he said," Big Mac added, "Ah'm sure we all 'ave our mistakes and regrets, but family and friends can forgive. As you said, we're yer friends. Ah'll forgive and support you." "First of all..." Sweetie differed, "I'd like to renegotiate our deal... you continuously teach me until I know how to be a siren." "Sweetie Belle..." Rarity sternly spoke, waving the Loving Hand. "But aside from that, I forgive you too!!!" Sweetie quickly added, "If you really wanted to break my heart Adagio," Rarity stated, "Then it would be leaving us and Ms Cleo without saying an actual goodbye... do you still want to leave the Halidom?" "After what happened? Definitely not... I've got to fix what I broke... and I also must find Aria and Sonata too. I don't think I'll be leaving this dimension anytime soon." "You really have changed Adagio," Rarity smiled, "As Ms Cleo did back when she took you in. I'll support you from here on out. We'll all help find them." "Oh stools." Flash's head shot up in fear, "We forgot one important thing," "What is it?" Hinata raised an eyebrow, "Our bicycles!" Flash exclaimed, "We left them back at the ruins!!!" Everyone groaned, "I'll go get them," Ms M sighed, "Why don't you focus on your embrace?" The next day, when the clock hit noon, the sound of hammering, sawing, and cute growling dominated the entirety of the Halidom. A flight of copper coloured dragons as big as Hinata were off to work, equipped with leather eyepatches and silver hammers as large as their heads. For each broken facility, a Dragon creates a construction site around the facility with wooden boards and construction curtains as a safety measure, then start hammering away within. After five minutes or so, the dragon packs up everything and reveals a facility all good as new. The humans were amazed at the speed of these dragons. "It is why they are called 'Smithwyrms'." Midgardsomr explained, "Whereas human constructions may take months or years to build, the Smithwyrms, with their knowledge and skills, drastically shorten building projects into mere hours or days. The longest time they took was about three days and sixteen hours, while a mere three seconds for the shortest time." "..." Big Mac's jaw dropped, "But I must mention, it is only for these particular facilities and buildings." Midgarsomr added, "And the reason for the longest time was mostly for upgrading facilities. I'm not sure about other works." "M-May Ah?" Big Mac gestured, "Ask for their secrets? Go ahead! I may be a guardian of the Mistholt and the Halidom alongside Cleo, but these dragons are also honest workers I called to help. Not to worry, Cleo will handle their payment." "I'm amused that dragons need money." Sweetie blinked, "You humans have written fairy tales and fantasy novels where Dragons hoarded gold." Hinata nudged, "In reality, Dragons have many different desires be it material, mental, spiritual, belonging, or whatever." Hinata nudged, "There's a dragon my size who's the complete opposite of me. He just LOVES money, as well as mingling in human society." "Excuse me..." Big Mac approaches a nearby Smithwyrm, "If it's okay with you, may I observe how you build?" "Hmm..." The Smithwyrm floats down, "It is rare for a human to be interested in our work. Are you a builder?" "Working on the farm back home, Ah had to do lots of building, demolishing, repairing, those things. Mah friends and Ah rebuilt some facilities using your blueprints." "Aha... That explains why some of the altars AND that lance dojo looked to be recently renovated. Well, how can I say no to a fellow builder? Sure, come with me. No need for a hard hat either!" As Big Mac enters one of the sites, Adagio makes a beeline for the girls. She was red all over, tuckered out. "I need a break..." Adagio panted, "I only just cleaned a third of the grand dining hall. Remind me why such a room exists in the Halidom when I just normally eat my meals in the kitchen!!!" "Well, about more than a hundred friends fought alongside Prince Euden, and that's not counting the Alberian army!" Cleo laughed, "Perfect to take a rest." Rarity chuckled, "Now that we're all level-headed, how does it feel having your form back?" "Honestly?" Adagio answered, "Disappointing." "Wow, there is nothing that pleases you." Sweetie looked cross, "Let me explain, Sweetie Belle. A witch irreversibly turns you into a frog. However, a friend of yours can grant you the power to reverse it, but only for a certain period. That's exactly what happened to me. Do you know how suffering it is, when the form you were born with is trapped away behind some gate that only opens for a short period?" Adagio retorted, "I can see the logic in that," Rarity understood, "But keep in mind that in the human world, almost anything that comes from Sunset and Princess Twilight's world will turn into something we're familiar with. If I recall correctly, the Spike belonging to Princess Twilight is actually a Dragon in that world. I should also mention that this change goes both ways. Any human who crosses dimensions into the pony world will end up becoming a pony! I speak from experience if you doubt me... aside from a sinking cruise ship, crossing dimensions and turning into a pony was the worst way to go for a Spring Break vacation. But what you should really take out from this is that if you do go back to the pony world, I'm sure you'll change back into a Siren!" "Huh... I shall remember that." "But as for now," Sweetie slapped Adagio's shoulder, "We can show you that being human in this confusing world isn't that bad! And besides, you can start to sing again! Isn't that good?" "You know what? I hate to say it... but you're right," Adagio gave a sly grin, "It does feel good to know I can at least sing... but it's not up to the level when I had my amulet," "Then we'll keep working on it. Maybe start to sing some more joyful songs! You in?" Rarity offered, "Goes without saying... although. I'm still a little iffy about going to CHS again when people are going to recognise me... even if I'm wearing a pactstone instead of the usual amulet!" "If it makes you feel better," Sweetie supported, "I'm strutting around with a pactstone on my hairband, and Big Mac has it on his wrist. Oh yeah, and as proof for Hinata making a dragonpact by word with us, Flash will be attaching a yellow pactstone on his zipper!" Something shatters within Adagio, Cleo and Rarity, and they face the young girl with puzzled looks, "Come again?" The three responded in unison, "Jacket zipper, not the fly. Oops." Sweetie corrected with a giggle, "Perhaps you can change too, Sweetie Brat." Adagio spoke bitterly, "How about you stop making these sorts of jokes?" "Rarity and Sweetie Belle. May I have your attention?" Midgardsomr spoke up, "Yeah?" The sisters spoke in unison, "The Flamewyrm, or should I say, Ms M, has told me about your deeds and actions ever since you accidentally stumbled into this strange world. The same with Cleo. Though you have also strived to assist Cleo as well as Adagio, a former enemy, I humbly thank you for protecting the Halidom while you're at it, as well as keeping in touch with the Dragons." Midgardsomr lowered his head, "You're too kind Midgardsomr," Rarity curtsied, "And like Sweetie Belle, Big McIntosh, and Flash Sentry, we too have created a bond with this place and those who live here." "Well, I'd also like to offer something that I know would make your time here worth staying." "I can't imagine what else..." Sweetie pondered, "Would the two of you like a ride on my back?" Midgardsomr offered, The sisters gasped deeply, their eyes looked as if they could pop out of shock and surprise. "A-Are you sure?" Rarity stammered, "Brunhilda told me that you were interested in riding on a dragon, and both you didn't have time to enjoy the flight when we were chasing an ally in trouble. So this is the least I can do for you." The sister's eyes sparkled, and their mouths opened into a teeth-revealing smile. "Wooooooooooooooooooooooo!" Rarity and Sweetie hollered as they launch off the ground, sitting on Midgardsomr's shoulders. "Before I start flying around," Midgardsomr asked as he hovers, "Where would you like to fly?" "Maybe perhaps around all the five places we've been through. The forest, the lake, the volcano, the large mountain range, and even the ruins!" Sweetie suggested, "You seem to play it safe..." Midgardsomr noticed, "Do you not want to fly above your home?" "But that's going outside the mana barrier. Won't you be spotted?" "I do not mind," Midgardsomr responded, "I want to see how much the world changed for myself," "Then do it!" Sweetie cheered, "Your choice, Rarity?" "Okay then, I'm all in!" Rarity smiled, "Hold on tight!" Midgardsomr yelled. With a single and mighty flap of his wings, the Windwyrm shoots off towards Canterlot, with his passengers cheering and screaming with joy. "Ah Mym, you sure do bring joy to your students," Cleo watched from the grounds, "If anything," Ms M smiled, "It's because they found out my identity, as well as completed my trial. Then again, I wasn't surprised by what Rarity went through. She and her friends are such brave girls to go through their trials. Kind of reminds us of our Darling Prince. He's far from the strongest, and yet he has to shoulder a nation on his own, against his blood. Along with that desire to save his sister, he never let us forget that it was every single one of us supporting him, that he overcame so many adversities." "He always treated us as friends, rather than subjects." Cleo added, a single tear from her eye, "I miss him... I do truly. But it is a joy to see such a will and friendship exist today." On the repaired Balcony of the Halidom, Adagio watched the Windwyrm and the sisters soar away with forlorn eyes. "You'd better keep your promise..." Adagio sternly spoke, "We will, 'Dagio. A promise is a promise," Big Mac whispered, "Oy!" Adagio jumped, "Can you not do that!?" "Sorry," Big Mac smiled, "Jus' wanted to keep you company." "It's not really needed, but I appreciate the gesture." Adagio looked away, "It's going to be tough, finding your sisters, but even tougher if you return to Canterlot again." Big Mac leaned on the rails, "I can always just go to another school," Adagio shrugged, "I heard of another one, Crystal Prep Academy?" "Actually, Ah was thinking of just goin' back and doin' yer everyday delivery job fer now." Big Mac suggested, "It kept you in Canterlot fer months, so it's best stickin' to it." "You make a fair point," "However, Ah take yer words to heart..." Big McIntosh turned stern, "... Ah believe that you won't harm anyone when you go out. But Ah don't think the Canterlot locals and students would feel the same... but little did they know that they rely on you, the delivery girl of Alberia Markets." He holds out a silver dagger, "Ah promise that they will get ready fer you. But is it okay if you can still keep up bein' Franny for just a bit longer?" Adagio takes the dagger without a word. She moves it around for a bit, then sighed. "I guess I can." Adagio exhaled, "Thanks for the pep talk, Freckles." "Freckles?" Big Mac raised an eyebrow, "Yer a funny gal. Rude one minute, mellow the next." Adagio returns a sarcastic smile. As they did, Flash strolls up with a collection of music sheets in his hands. "Hey guys and girls, what did I miss?" "Nothing for your nose to poke into," Adagio sneered, "Really? In that case, I won't share some sheet music I found while cleaning the art gallery." "Sheet music in the art gallery?" Adagio tilts her head, "Never heard of such," "Well, that's the thing. There was a small room at one of the far corners of the gallery. Inside there was a lone painting of a woman with teal eyes and hair, dangling blue star earrings, and in a very nice outfit. Anyway, I cleaned the room up since it was technically part of the art gallery. That's when I noticed that there was a small table with an antique folder. I saw the music jutting out of the folder, so I thought I'd give it a peek." "Do you know what it's called?" Big Mac asked, "Which one, the Song or Painting?" "Song," "Sadly, I don't know... I haven't learned a crumb of Grastaean language BUT, how they write music is similar to ours; using a scoresheet. I've hummed it a bit, maybe if we get Cleo, we can sing this next!" "I'm intrigued. How does it go?" Adagio asked, "It goes like this..." Midgardsomr glides across the skies, sailing over the Rovetelle forest, and right out of the invisible mana barrier that obscured anything within its dome from view. A few seconds later, he and his passengers fly above the city of Canterlot. First, they circle Canterlot High School, with its Wondercolts statue as a landmark. Then, they glide over the street that the two sisters live in, with the dragon making sure his passengers could see their house. Then they went even bigger, hanging over Canterlot Mall, Crystal Prep Academy, the Equestria Land theme park, and even mulling about Canterlot's central transport system, where all methods of transport such as buses, trains, taxis, ferries and cruise ships meet. People who spotted the Windwyrm's faint shadow couldn't help but look towards the sky, trying to confirm their belief that what they saw on the ground was that of a dragon. Some missed the chance, but others did and were bombed with many mixed emotions. Some feared the dragon, others were amazed. Though they were about as big as a small pencil dot, Rarity and Sweetie could make note of their friends and their family members. Needless to say, they did all this with faces beyond ecstatic and shaken. "This is such a wonderful time!" Rarity laughed as she tried to calm down, "Beats any ride in Equestria Land!!!" "You think? I'd take this over a trip to space!" Sweetie Belle laughed, "Are you two comfortable?" Midgardsomr asked, "Do let me know if you find it hard to breathe." "No! Not at all! You're really considerate Midgardsomr!" Rarity responded, "Many dragons differ. Some have wings, some don't. But for a dragon such as me, we've always seen humans and their nations as little dots upon a map." "Yeah, I can see that," Sweetie looked down, "But ever since Alberius the Founder and King Euden, us humans and dragons came to meet each other on equal ground. How should I describe it? Bring us down to the ground, in a gentle way." "All you dragons have so much respect for him. Ms M, Hinata, you..." "Remember that long ago, we were at war with humanity. But once the demon that sought to exterminate dragons was not above exterminating humans who were in his way, we called an important truce and bonded together to protect our home from him. As sad as it is, even the most immortal of dragons may forget that promise over time. But when Alberius and Euden sought our help, they struck in us an important memory of our bond. So even if they have departed to Ilia's side, I honour our bond by protecting the land and all of its inhabitants; dragon, human, or any form of life from the evil we've fought against when possible." "You know..." Sweetie patted Midgardsomr's scaly neck, "I'd imagine most of us humans running in fear at the sight of a dragon, but after meeting you three, you seem like really friendly people to hang out with!" "A lovely idea, but alas times have changed. Simply making our presence known would call humanity to arms," "I can see that too..." Sweetie sighed, "In that case, how about we follow Ms Cleo's example and introduce you and all of Dragonity bit by bit? Cleo always wanted visitors in the Halidom, so that way us humans would expect that around the place, there be dragons that won't eat or burn you without really good reason!" "I don't think you have to add that eating and burning part..." Rarity objected, "Then what about you?" Midgardsomr asked, "Now that you've fulfilled your debt in a world before your time, would you still come around?" "Are you kidding me!? Of course!!!" Sweetie laughed, "As we were paying it off, I've really come to love this place! Now that a majority of the Halidom will be fixed, I want to revel in all the new facilities!!! And I know Flash and Big Mac are interested in the people and the geography there respectively!" "But of course, we also have an old enemy turned friend. We want to help support her as much as possible, so she'd have a happy life!" Rarity added, "You really do carry the spirit of Euden, all five of you. He always called everyone who joined him his trusted friends and claimed that it is with them that he has power, just like how the Magic of Friendship works. In that case, how about a few more minutes of flying? Perhaps I can do a few... 'tricks'?" "Nonononono!" Rarity frantically shook her head, "Yes, yes, YES!" Sweetie gleefully nodded, "Hmm... perhaps we should preserve your sister's sanity," Midgardsomr responded, "Aww... you can always fix your hair, sis!" Sweetie moped, "I'm not always about the hair you know!" Rarity refuted, "We don't have any safety measures upon this ride!" "But Rarity does have a point, perhaps next time..." Midgardsomr smiled, "I'll hold you to that!" Sweetie pointed, After some wind-whipping fun, it was time for the Windwyrm and the two sisters to return to the Halidom. As they flew over Mayleaf Park, someone was watching them from below... deep in the waters. "Ever since the passing of the King and ruler of New Alberia, as well as almost all of Grastaea, only the dragons and one sylvan, remained in time." The figure spoke, "But even so, the evil that the bonds of Human and Dragon faced still lingered too, unchecked by its creator, releasing fiends into the remnants of our world." It spots a fish passing by its face. "There is no lighter way to put it. The Flow Eternal's resurgence comes from the very fuel it takes in, the negative emotions of humans and dragons. Even if such evil is hidden from the naked eye, the feelings of every living being can pass through even the strongest of barriers. They are responsible for its emergence, for the fiends that pour through. However, what would humanity today make out of all this? If they were made aware of the Flow Eternal or dragons, would they be weary, or would they not care of the suffering it brings to nature and its protectors and governors? Humans back then would take from nature's bounty and use it for their own means." It closed its eyes, "But it would be foolish and narrow-minded not to consider the other side of the coin, just as Dragons do. For even if both presences are hidden, humanity also treats nature with respect and love, and they also treat each other with the same thing. Sure, there have been some in-fighting between groups, but dragons have experienced the same with their kind." It opened its eyes again, a hue of red. "Even when separated and forgotten, whether by their own fate or this world, both kinds will come to meet once more... will they clash? Or join hands? History has been through both... it is up for the present generation to decide..." The being swam to the surface and emerged its head out of the water. With the sun shining down, the being's head was of blue with purple-magenta horns. It was the Greatwyrm of Water, Mercury. "But if it were up to me, I will protect the lives in the land or sea as I vowed to myself, before meeting Prince Euden. No one of dragonblood exists in a changing world, but it doesn't mean we cannot fight alongside them. There will always be a way to rekindle the bond between Human and Dragon. There will always be a way to find Dragalia..." She looks at the green lands surrounding the pond. Many metres north of her, rested a few rowboats and a small wooden pier. Beyond that, were some picnic tables, a playground, a labyrinth, and a path that leads into the forest. "Somewhere over the horizon... I can sense a great evil growing, yet I do not know when it shall strike. All existing dragons may throw all their might towards it, yet I am unsure whether we will succeed... If we were to have a greater chance of success, we need all the help we can get. Rarity... Adagio Dazzle... Flash Sentry... Big McIntosh... and especially you, young Sweetie Belle. The five of you have grown to accept and befriend the world we Dragons come from and learned the many powers that humans from our time had harnessed. I know how it feels to protect something so dear, so you must be ready for the trials to come... for the trials of myself, and the other Greatwyrms. Alas, I fear that may not be enough..." She closes her eyes in prayer, "For all those who gave their lives to protect this ever-changing world, whether dragon or man, please grant me the courage to face humanity once again... not just to the five kindhearted beings, but to all. For the trials ahead are to be ready against the evil upon the horizon... and all our lives may be at stake." The Siren's Dragalia The End But Sweetie's Little Steps of Life is on the way!