//------------------------------// // 6. Hypocrites and Handouts // Story: Spectacular Seven // by Albi //------------------------------// “I’m sorry, what?” Sunset was glad Selena had at least put down the cutlery knife before spinning to face her; her expression clearly said she had heard Sunset loud and clear, but was giving her one chance to say something else. Sunset’s survival instincts told her to take it, but... “The Sirens showed up and… well, they asked for help? So, I thought my friends and I would, you know, help them?” The kitchen felt much smaller with Selena looming over her. “They just ‘showed up’ and asked you for help?” Selena asked, her voice razor thin. “Now, I know what you’re thinking—” “And you said yes?” Her voice cracked. “I believe everyone deserves a second chance!” Sunset took a step back, the heat from Selena’s eyes growing too intense for her. Selena snapped them shut and took a deep breath. “Sunset, you sweet, sweet, altruistic girl. You have good intentions.” Her eyes flew open again, and the inferno raged. “But the Sirens are monsters who can’t be redeemed, and you’re naive for thinking anything otherwise!” “But, Selena—” “If twenty years on an island didn’t teach them anything, nothing will!” “Not necessarily—” “You girls have magic! They clearly want it! I don’t know what game they’re playing, but that is the end goal! Where are they, Sunset? I’m going to get my sword and gut them like the fishes they are!” “Hang on!” Sunset threw her arms out. “Look, I get it, they did bad things, I was there! But, the ex-demon living in your house would like to remind you that… I’m an ex-demon living in your house.” The fire in Selena’s eyes cooled a little. “Sunset...” “Listen, my people believe in two things: banishment and friendship. We already tried banishment, so why don’t we try friendship? Even if they are plotting something, maybe they’ll change their minds if we treat them as friends instead of enemies and sweet Celestia, I sound like the stupid princess now!” Sunset stuck her tongue out. “I’m sorry?” Sunset waved a hand. “Not important. The point is, from personal experience, I’ve learned that people can change. I’m not asking you to do anything, just making you aware of what I’m trying to do.” “And as your somewhat legal guardian, veteran adventurer, magic amateur, and woman who cares about your well-being, I think this is a bad idea.” “You’re not the only one.” Sunset wrung her wrists. “But, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing I had turned away someone who was in the same position I was once in.” Selena turned back to the vegetables on the cutting board, but Sunset saw her hard expression melt like butter. “Like I said, you’re a sweet child, Sunset. I sympathize with where you’re coming from, truly. Just—” “I’ll be careful. I’ll have all my friends to help me, too. We’ll blast them with a rainbow alicorn if need be, and if that doesn’t work, you can poke them with your sword.” With her back turned, it was impossible to make out Selena’s expression, but Sunset felt there might have been a hint of a smile. Selena picked up the knife and resumed dicing. “Dinner will be ready in an hour.” Her tone was neither cold nor angry, but it gave a clear signal that the conversation was over. Sunset excused herself and made for the stairs. “Be careful. Please.” Sunset tried to put on a casual grin. “You know me. I’m always careful.” When Selena didn’t answer, Sunset shoved her hands into her pockets and continued upstairs. “And now, I’m the only one with a sense of humor in this house.” ******* Sunset woke up early the next day. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, wondering how long it would be before the bags returned.  Was she doing the right thing? No, that wasn’t the question; of course she was doing the right thing. Trying to help someone was always the right thing. She glared at Princess Twilight. “A dimension away and you’re rubbing off on me. I hate you.” “But it’s nice being a good person! And it’s only fair. Someone gave you a second chance, now do it for someone else!” “I know!” Sunset pressed her palms against her eyes. She had to help them. It was only fair. But did she want to be friends with them? Help them and show that being kind and honest was better than taking over the world, sure. But friends? Had the girls felt similarly all those months ago? She placed herself in the position of her friends at the end of the Fall Formal. They had to make friends with the girl who had made them miserable for the majority of their high school lives. But they did it because a friend asked. Of course, said friend never had to be directly involved; she got to go home and be a princess. Sunset breathed in and breathed out her lingering resentment.  Rainbow certainly hadn’t wanted to be friends with her. And Applejack and Fluttershy were wary. But Pinkie and Rarity put in an honest effort from the start.  And Sunset herself had no real intention of being their friends. They were a means to an end. Now, she couldn’t imagine a world without them. “Friendship is a process,” Princess Twilight squeaked softly. “It starts at different places, but can always grow stronger and more true over time. Enemies can become friends. It will just take more effort. You’re proof of that.” Sunset climbed out of bed. “I just hope my friends and I have the energy to put in that effort.” Sunset couldn’t deny the appeal of punching the Sirens in the face for the Battle of the Bands, even if it would set this prospective friendship back. She practiced a few of the meditative breathing exercises Selena had taught her. “It’s okay to still be mad,” she said between breaths. “First, let them prove they’re sorry. Then, forgive. Don’t forget. But don’t be your friends and keep reminding them every week. Tough love, Sunset. Give them some tough love.” Feeling lighter, Sunset picked up her phone and opened the group chat. ‘Anyone want to help me get groceries for the Sirens?’ Rainbow responded first. ‘Pass.’ ‘I’ll help, sugarcube,’ Applejack typed. ‘Sure!’ Pinkie replied. ‘No thank you,’ Fluttershy texted. “Of course!” Rarity responded. Sunset took a shower while waiting for Twilight to text back, but she never did. She was spared the trouble of messaging her again when a knock came from downstairs. Sunset hurried down and opened the door, finding Twilight dressed in comfortable clothes again, but with shoulders tense. “Hey, Twilight.” Sunset gave an awkward wave. “You, um, get the group text?” She nodded. “Sorry, I can’t go. I have practice with Selena today.” “Right, yeah.” Sunset moved to the side to let her in. Twilight stepped across the threshold, gave Sunset a quick kiss, then proceeded to the kitchen. Sunset watched her go, wanting to go after her, but knew now wasn’t the right time. “Right… talk to you later then,” she said after Twilight had left the living room. Sunset pressed a hand to her forehead. “Day one: already regretting this.” She took her motorcycle down to the factory. The fact that it wasn’t on fire was a good sign. Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity joined her not long after, and the four of them knocked on the door in the alley. Adagio wrenched it open and glared at them. “It’s about time you showed up.” Applejack bristled and snorted. “Listen here, ya spoiled—” “We’re here now, so get your sisters and we can go,” Sunset cut across. She took a deep breath and added, “Please.” Adagio turned her head and shouted down the hall. “Come on, losers, we’re going shopping!” Sonata and Aria slouched into view. None of them had changed clothes from yesterday, but they looked a little less disheveled.  “Why didn’t you tell us this place had no hot water?” Aria growled. “Slipped my mind.” Sunset turned and gestured for them to follow. “You’ll get used to it.” “Doubtful,” Adagio said. They broke into two separate cars. Applejack took Sunset, Aria, and Adagio, while Rarity drove Pinkie and Sonata. Sunset used the rear-view mirror to check on the two Sirens every other minute. Both of them just sat with their arms crossed, glaring moodily out the windows. The plan had originally been to take the Sirens to a discount clothing store, but Rarity had showed rather strong opinions on the matter before they left.  "If we want to be cheap, let’s at least take them to a thrift shop. There is style in 99c. Discount is just outmoded cloth retailers can't put to the fire!" The nearest thrift store was unfortunately on the other side of town, so it was a long and silent drive for the four girls. Sunset had a feeling Rarity’s car was a bit more lively.  Well, time to put what you’ve learned into practice. Sunset looked in the mirror again. “So, uhh… have you girls been in Canterlot this whole time after… you know… ?” “The Battle of the Bands where you stripped us of our voices and magic?” Aria asked, slumping into her seat.  “Yeah, that.” “Our house was out-of-state,” Adagio said, still glaring out the window. “Once we were evicted, we had to walk or hitchhike our way here. And since the media told the world we’re hacks who tricked everyone, it wasn’t an easy journey.” “Don’t blame us for that,” Applejack said. “Not our fault y’all sound like banshees without your magic.” Aria bolted upright, but Adagio gripped her shoulder and forced her to stay in her seat. While Aria fumed, Adagio said, “With all that country music I’m sure you listen to, you wouldn’t know a good voice if it kicked you in the teeth.”  Applejack gripped the wheel hard enough to turn her knuckles white. “Ah swear, if Ah weren’t driving…” Sunset placed a hand on Applejack’s shoulder. “We get it, the battle is a sore spot for you. Literally everything leading up to it was a sore spot for us. So let’s call it even.” Aria snorted but leaned back into her seat again. Her eyes bore into the back of Applejack’s chair. Sunset chewed on her tongue in thought. Casual conversation that won’t lead to road rage.  “So, Aria, you’re pretty good at Power Pony Pummel. Any other games you like to play?” Aria gave a bored eye roll. “Horror, shooters. Anything with lots of gore.” “I think you and Rainbow would get along pretty well.” “Sure we would.” “How about you, Adagio?” Sunset moved on, trying to keep her voice peppy. “Do you have any hobbies or fun things you like?” “Hair and make-up, making fun of people for their bad hair and make-up, poker, horse betting. Online shopping was fun while it lasted. And getting people to do what I want. Though that last one isn’t so much a hobby as it is something that just happens.” She gave that smile where Sunset thought she was trying to make a joke, but her sharp teeth made it dangerous. “Well, maybe you should talk to Rarity. She has an eye for fashion and make-up.” Adagio snorted. “I saw what you were wearing during the tournament. If those were her designs, I can’t wait to see them at the discount clothing stores.” Applejack hunched forward, her teeth furiously clenched. “Just wait till we get out the car,” she grumbled. “Be honest, A.J., “Sunset whispered. “Was I this bad?” Applejack closed her mouth and mulled it over. “You were a different kind of frustrating. You just didn’t want to hang out with us. This? I’d take five of you from back then over this.” Whether or not it was supposed to be a compliment, it did make Sunset feel a little better. Thankfully, Applejack didn’t pounce on either Siren when the group pulled up to the thrift store. As expected, Pinkie and Sonata approached, all smiles and talking like they had known each other for years.  “And to this day, I’m still hunting down that leprechaun!” “I knew you couldn’t trust short people with beards! I hope you find him, Pinkie! Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye out, too!” Rarity had a single hair out of place on her otherwise perfectly combed coiffure, and a lopsided smile. She slid over to Sunset and Applejack, not taking her eyes off her two passengers. “I love Pinkie to death,” she said in a light whisper, her voice cracking, “but I don’t think I can handle two of them.” “You got the better deal,” Applejack said, staring straight ahead at the store. “Trust me.” ‘Yesterday’s Treasures’ was fairly large. The front of the building was painted like a gilded treasure chest, and rhinestone dresses and beaded necklaces hung in the windows. The inside was well lit by lamps from every decade, including lava lamps sitting near a rack of tie-dye shirts.  “Remember, we’re just here to get a few outfits for each of you,” Sunset said firmly. “Nothing else.” “Awwww.” Sonata climbed off the giant beanbag she had flopped onto.  “How do we know they ain’t just tryin’ to mooch off us?” Applejack asked as they moved toward the clothing aisles.   “We’re making them live in a rundown factory with limited electricity and water, and buying them frozen dinners and cheap clothes. I’d hardly call this mooching.” “We’re still the ones payin’ for it.” “Didn’t you guys buy me things when I explicitly told you not to?” Applejack smiled for the first time that day. “That was ‘cause we liked you by then. And it was just things to spruce up your livin’ space.” Sunset couldn’t help but smile too. “Don’t worry; we’ll find a way to make them pay it back somehow. Or, maybe we’ll like them enough where it won’t matter.” “Ah admire your optimism, sugarplum, but let’s wait to see if these eggs even get laid before we start countin’ chickens.” As Applejack turned down a different aisle, Sunset pinched the bridge of her nose. Countryisms and puns. I wonder which will kill me first? Sunset found Rarity and Aria in the 70s clothing section. Rarity held a black shirt with torn sleeves and a large skull on the front in one hand, and a pair of black pants with torn leggings and studded belt loops in the other. “Hmm. You know, I’ve never really dabbled in the punk genre of fashion. I must say, there’s a certain rebellious allure to it,” Rarity said, appraising it with her fashionista eyes.  Aria gave a nonchalant shrug. “Yeah, it’s cool, or whatever. Needs a vest to go with it.” She noticed Sunset standing nearby and furrowed her brow. “Oh yeah. This is the only compliment you’re getting from me, but that’s a sick jacket.” Sunset straightened out her collar. “Thanks.” She loved her jacket dearly, but with the warming weather, it was becoming harder to justify wearing it. Even in the air conditioned store, Sunset felt sweat building under her arms. With Rarity aiding Aria, Sunset wandered through the store until she spotted Sonata and Pinkie marveling at a collection of old video games.  “Sunset, look!” Pinkie held up a thick, gray cartridge. “They have a copy of the original Pat, the Baker! In mint condition! It has the fabled thirteenth level that they removed from later versions because it was said to be impossible to beat!”  She grinned in a fiendish manner. “Challenge accepted!” “Pinkie, we’re getting clothes, not video games.” “Por qué no lòs dos?”  Sunset groaned and pinched her nose again. “I don’t know what she said, but I agree with Pinkie!” Sonata said, waving another game in the air. Sunset snatched the game from Sonata and set it back. “Clothes. Buy. Now.” She pointed to the clothing aisles. “Awww,” both girls sighed. Hanging their heads, they started forward, until Pinkie pointed out a collection of large stuffed animals and ran toward them, Sonata right behind her. Sunset cupped a hand over her eyes. “I’m babysitting. I’m babysitting children today.” She pulled her hand down her face and carried on, running into Applejack and Adagio next. Sunset’s only consolation was that they weren’t trying to kill each other.  Yet. “Everything in this shop is terrible at worst and mediocre at best.” Adagio picked up a psychedelic shirt with a peace sign. “I can’t believe I’ve gone from designer to this.” “Ah think it suits you,” Applejack said with her smuggest grin. “It matches your hair.” Adagio lowered the shirt and looked at her with an equally contempt smile. “Like your accent matches your IQ?” Applejack clenched a fist. “You know what, you poofy-haired snake?” “Do tell, country hick.” Sunset stood between them and thrust her arms out. “Both of you knock it off before I dropkick you! Adagio, buy the stupid shirt. Applejack, stop antagonizing her if you can’t take what she dishes back.” She pointed at each of them in turn.  “Someone’s snippy today,” Adagio said, licking her lips. “For someone who wants to help us, you don’t seem like you’re enjoying it.” “You’re not exactly making it easy for me.” “And you’re making us live in a derelict factory and buy trash for clothes. So I guess we’re all unhappy.” Adagio crossed her arms. Sunset’s head tilted to one side, a sharp pop coming from her neck. She gave Adagio a crooked smile. “Well, once you adopt a better attitude, maybe we’ll upgrade you to our deluxe factory suite.”  Against her better judgement, she left Applejack and Adagio to check up on Rarity and Aria again. Rarity was squatting next to a display of trading cards, but Aria was nowhere in sight. “Rarity?” She looked over her shoulder and hopped to her feet at Sunset’s approach. “Look, I think I found the perfect gift for Rainbow! It’s a series of holographic player cards from the 1982 World Cup!” She fanned out seven soccer cards, each shimmering under the store lights.  Sunset jumped. “Ah, horsefeathers! I still need a present for her!” Rainbow’s birthday was less than a week away, and Sunset still had no idea what to gift her. She seemed to hoard video games and soccer memorabilia.  She swatted the thought away. “Later! Rarity, where’s Aria?” “Oh, I let her pick out the rest of her wardrobe on her own. She has incredible taste really.” Rarity returned to the card display while Sunset stalked off to find her query.  Two aisles over, said query was in a game of tug-a-war with an older woman over a spiked purple vest.  “Give it up, granny, I saw it first!” “My granddaughter has wanted a vest like this all year!” “Like I care! Do you know who I am?” “No!” Sunset ran over and helped the old woman pull the vest free from Aria’s grasp. “I am so sorry about that, ma’am! She’s uhh… just cranky without her coffee.” The old woman sniffed indignantly and walked off, leaving Aria to get in Sunset’s face. “The hell? I saw it first!” Sunset stepped back and pressed her hands together in front of her mouth. “Okay, friendship lesson number one.” She threw her arms out to her sides. “You don’t pick fights with old ladies over clothes!” Aria jabbed a thumb at herself. “But I saw it first. I was reaching for it when that old crone nabbed it from me.” “Then you should have politely told her that, not fought her for it!” Sunset pressed a hand to the side of her head, feeling a headache rapidly coming on. “Just go finish shopping.” Aria rolled her eyes and stormed off.  Sunset leaned against an armoire and continued nursing her headache. “This is going to be harder than I thought.” It was especially difficult without Twilight here to keep her calm. She let out a longing sigh. “I miss Twilight.” ******* Perspiration coated her face, particularly gathered on her forehead, acting as an adhesive for her bangs. An itchy and irritating adhesive. The positive was that it stopped most of the sweat from running into her eyes. Teeth grit, shoulders tense, stance wide, Twilight held her wooden training sword out in front of her, awaiting Selena’s next command. Every muscle in her anatomy burned. Her sleep had been restless, her breakfast had been light, and now she was exerting herself in an extreme she had not felt since sophomore year gym class.  Narrowed eyes focused on the tip of her blade. She wouldn’t stop. She would learn how to fight. And if the Sirens tried to do anything to her friends… “Strike!” Twilight took a single step forward and brought her practice blade down in a decisive swing. She returned to her resting position, the sword out in front of her again. Her eyes found her focal point, locking her into concentrating. “Again!”  She took another step and swung again in a perfect arc. Don’t think about Sunset. Don’t think about the Sirens. Don’t think about the hypocrisy. Twilight lifted the sword again and saw the tip. “Again!” She stepped and swung again, letting out an empowered “Yah!”  Selena’s expressionless face finally yielded a smile, the first one since Twilight had greeted her two hours ago. “Very good. You’re a quick learner, Twilight. Let’s take a break here.” Twilight shook her head, allowing a few beads of sweat to sneak past her bangs and run down her face. “I can keep going.” Soft fingers gripped her shoulder. “Your resolve is admirable. But ceaseless training will win you nothing but a broken body.” As Selena’s grip slackened, so did Twilight’s grip on her sword. Her shoulders sagged and she let out a loud gasp she hadn’t known she was holding onto. Her body agreed with her teacher: rest was good. These muscles were new and very inexperienced. Her mind, however, wanted the distraction. Swordplay required focus, and Twilight needed focus. But as Selena handed her a cold water bottle, Twilight heard the thoughts creeping back to the forefront of her mind. Why is Sunset trying to make friends with the Sirens? Does she not remember what they did to us? I want to trust her! I can’t let anything bad happen to her! What if I get hypnotized again? Am I a bad person for holding a double-standard? What does Sunset think about me? “You seem troubled, Twilight.” Twilight blinked. She had a tight grip on her water bottle and hadn’t looked up since she lowered her sword. She looked at Selena, finding the same concern her own mother gave when Twilight was in a mood. “It’s… I’m just…” “Thinking about the Sirens?” She nodded. Selena set her practice sword down on the patio, then moved to the grass and sat down, cross-legged. Twilight mimicked her, only instead of cross-legged, she pulled her knees up under her chin. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t have reservations about Sunset’s decision as well. I’ve fought with the Sirens. I’ve seen what they can do. Twice now.” Selena folded her hands in her lap. “Sunset’s a good girl, but I think she’s in over her head this time.” Twilight looked at her water bottle again. The cool dew against her hand was a welcome contrast to the warm sweat still on her face. ‘Reservations' was an understatement. Twilight wanted to scream her frustration out. But the fact that she felt frustrated just made her feel guilty instead. “Are we hypocrites then?” Twilight moved the cool bottle to her other hand. “Sunset was bad before but… when I met her, she saved my life. Then I found out about all the bad things she did. I didn’t believe it at first. I couldn’t believe she had turned into a demon, even if she did act sour and mean. I still wanted to be her friend. Now she wants to do it with the Sirens and I just… I can’t let go of what they did to everyone!” Twilight gripped the bottle, hearing the plastic crinkle. She could still remember what she felt under the Sirens’ influence. The amplification of it to irrational levels. The spiteful words she had spat at her friends, at Sunset. Anger, inadequacy, inferiority to her friends and their powers.  All those emotions sitting in her heart. She didn’t need the Sirens help to feel them.  Selena sat perfectly still, eyes closed in a meditative state. “Maybe we are hypocrites. But could anyone blame us? We’ve both been wronged by them. We both came close to losing people we care about.” “But Sunset did the same thing!” Twilight sucked in a shuddering breath. She focused on a particularly long blade of grass near the hem of her sock. “She did the same thing…” Selena didn’t give a response. Twilight had heard the story several times. She had seen the monster Sunset had become. She thought she had reconciled that, added it to the list of quirks Sunset had and loved her anyway. So why, looking at it from this facet, did it bother her so much?  “After everything she did, the girls still wanted to help her and be her friend. And so did I.” Twilight had also seen the regret Sunset had for that night. The pain and fear and tears in her eyes. She had shown remorse, something the Sirens didn’t have. Of course, Twilight hadn’t really given them the chance. It had only been a day. But did she want to give them a chance?  “We can’t allow fear to rule us.” Twilight tore her eyes away from the blade of grass and looked at Selena, the picture of poise. She reminded Twilight of all the wise swordmasters from the animes Shining would watch. “Let us accept the fact that we are being hypocritical in our treatment of the Sirens. Let’s breath it in.” She took a deep breath, and Twilight followed suit. “Now, breath it out.” They both exhaled. Twilight wouldn’t say she felt better, but the knot in her chest did loosen. “This hypocrisy only remains true if we don’t give them a chance. I recall hearing Sunset was very rough around the edges during the first stages of her reformation. It will be harder for both of us, but we must at least allow them one chance to prove they’re sincere.” Twilight inhaled and exhaled again. “I know you’re right. But it’s easier said than done. I’m scared they’ll do something to Sunset… or me.” She put one hand over her heart and the other against her forehead, mixing cool condensation with warm perspiration. “You don’t know what it’s like to feel all these negative emotions and not even know you’re being manipulated until after it’s gone.” “I do not. I’m blessed with a high mental fortitude to guard against their magic. However, I am confidant they’ve lost that power when their amulets broke.” “But what if they didn’t?” Twilight clenched her chest, the knot tightening again. “I-I don’t want to fight with my friends again! Not like that!” She whipped her head toward Selena. “Teach me how to protect my mind! Please!” Selena placed a hand over the one Twilight had against her chest. “Breathe, Twilight. Tranquility in, fear out.”  Twilight did as she was told, the knot untying again.   “I can start your training, but it takes years of dedicated focus to reach that level.” “I’ll do it. Whatever it takes.” Selena turned her body to fully face Twilight. “Very well. The process is very akin to meditating. You will need to focus your mind and soul and push out all distractions. First, close your eyes.” Twilight took one more deep breath before plunging into the darkness of her mind. The outlines of Selena and the rest of the backyard faded away, leaving only the fuzzy static and shapeless blobs that always danced inside her eyelids.  “Relax your mind. Push away all thoughts.” Easier said than done. Twilight immediately berated herself for already failing Selena’s instructions. She focused on the darkness, trying to stop every errant thought that snuck into her head. The faster she mastered this, the sooner she could be sure the Sirens or anything else would never be able to control her again. Still, she couldn’t believe she was meditating to protect her mind against magical influence. She had never been against meditating per se; studies had shown that mental relaxation and calm stimulation actually boosted productivity and was good for a healthy lifestyle. But there were no studies proving it was effective for magical training. Of course there wasn’t; magic wasn’t supposed to exist! Twilight wondered if she could lead the field in that. Meditation for magical gain. Of course, people would call her a crackpot at worst and psuedo-science at best. The entire scientific community would mock her.  She thought about all the notes on magic back in her room. She needed to continue that research. If she could find a way to measure it with available means, make magic work for someone like her, it could start a brand new branch of science entirely! She could develop tools and technology to help not just her friends, but the world at large! She could— “You’re not focusing, Twilight.” Twilight snapped her eyes open, wincing at the bright sun above them. Selena’s eyes were still closed, but there was a knowing smirk on her lips. Twilight’s cheeks reddened. “Right, sorry.” “I know it’s hard for a mind like yours, but you need to put away your curiosity, your tangential thoughts, your fears. Just clear your mind and breathe.” “Okay.” Twilight closed her eyes again, watching the sun splotches fade into the darkness. She listened to the wind, hearing it rustle the grass and shake a wind-chime two yards over. Thinking of the wind-chime made her think of windmills and designs for more efficient clean energy projects. But, she willed herself to focus. She listened to her heartbeat, calm again with her extended rest. She thought about Fluttershy’s healing magic, and if it could be harnessed for far-reaching medical purposes. But, like the thought before it, Twilight breathed it out. She thought about Sunset, she thought about her friends, she thought magic, she thought about the Sirens. Then, one by one, she let all of them drop away to the back of her mind. They tried to climb back up, and some of them succeeded for a short while, but Twilight gently pushed them away.  She would master this for her friends. She would not let the Sirens beat her again. ******* Tempest snapped the laptop shut and massaged the spot above her eyes. Those stupid graphs and charts never made any sense. A map she could read just fine, but throw calculations and percentages on there… She leaned back in her rolling chair, easing away from the desk and turning to the large window behind her. Out in the manor’s garden was Moondancer, sitting under the gazebo, idly stirring a cup of tea. Tempest could see her sigh and rest the good side of her face in her hand. Stop acting like you’re in prison. I could only dream of living someplace like this when I was a child. Tempest turned the chair to the side and faced one of the walls of books. She slipped her hand into her pocket and produced her phone. With a mental sigh, she selected a number from her short list of contacts and waited. On the third ring, Tempest heard the crackle of static before the loud clacking of keys filled the room. A mechanical hum filled the background, along with the faintest echo of jazz music. It continued for several seconds with no one saying anything. Then, before Tempest could shout her name, a woman’s jovial voice asked, “You still can’t read my graphs?” This time, Tempest outwardly sighed. “I was an archeologist, not a mathematician.” “I am not a mathematician,” the woman said, the typing of keys halting. “I am a bio-engineer and physicist with a minor in psychology, thank you very much.” The clacking continued. Tempest gave her an extra second to cool down. “Just give me the facts.” “Well, I’ve got good news and bad news,” she said, her voice upbeat again. Tempest’s stoic mask inched toward a frown. “Fine, let’s get the bad news out of the way.” “Well…” The typing paused. “While the magical bursts from the battle with those Sirens and Moondancer’s stint at the dance did generate a generous amount of magic, both bursts were only temporary. We gathered a lot but… we’re still a long ways from our goal.” “How long?” Heels clicked against metal tiles. “If that level of magic was being churned out continuously, we’d be done in a day. But as it stands, it’d take about… two years.” “Two years?” Tempest gripped the phone, feeling a surge of anger that wasn’t quite all her own. Wisps of shadows gathered around her left shoulder.  “To be fair, that’s half the time it would have taken without those… Spectacular Seven? Those girls that keep blasting magic everywhere.” Tempest flared her nostrils. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” “Because I know you hate bad news and I wanted to be totally sure?” Acceptable answers. “Why is it taking so long? Those weren’t the numbers you gave when we first started.” The jazz music got a little louder, and Tempest could hear a pencil scratching against paper. “Well, like I already told Moondancer, the DNA samples she got in France weren’t as sufficient as I had first thought. And despite these ‘Spectacular Seven’ girls running around with this new type of magic, it’s still not producing enough residual magic for us to absorb and compensate for the lack of building material. So, we either need more DNA, or a lot more magic.” Even that girl’s successes are still failures! Absolutely worthless! Tempest tucked the phone between her shoulder and cheek and used her free hand to pull at her eyelids. Perhaps she had been a bit too preemptive in having Scarlet get rid of the other magician families. Where was she supposed to get large quantities of magic? She supposed it would be easier to find more DNA samples, but the ones she had sent Moondancer to obtain had proved to be a hassle just to track down. Tempest grit her teeth. Lord Tirek would not wait two years for his body to be restored. There had to be a way. “What about the idea I discussed with you earlier?” “And that’s where the good news comes in!” More heels against metal, and the clacking keys returned. “Like I said, if we could funnel the magic from these girls continuously, we’d be done in a day. You wanted to harness their powers, and I found a way to do it. Theoretically at least.” “Go on.” “The Staff of Sacanas!” “... And?” “It’s an ancient relic that, in theory, has the ability to drain the magic from magical creatures or objects.” Tempest drummed her fingers against her armrest. “How is that different from the Mana Absorbers?” “Those only attract ambient magic: the natural magic that flows through the world. Or, you know, what’s left. This, ohoho, this drains the magic from its target and stores it in its central crystal! That magic can then be redirected! Think of it as a much more refined version of my Mana Absorbers.” Tempest felt herself starting to smile again. “So you’re saying with this staff, we could drain the Spectacular Seven of their magic and feed it into Lord Tirek’s revival pod?” “Heck, drain enough magic, we might not even need the pod. We could complete the revival spell without any scientific augmentations. Although part of me still wants to try…” Tempest smiled in earnest. “So, where is this staff?” “Hm?” “The staff. Where is it?” “Oh! Right! No idea!” Tempest facepalmed. She didn’t know what else she had expected. “Don’t worry. Give me a few days to really do some digging and I’m sure I can find a few leads. You know, if it exists at all. Which I’m sure it does!” she added hastily, no doubt hearing the growl Tempest made. “You have forty-eight hours.” “Done and done!” A chair cushion squeaked. “Now, on the tiny chance the staff doesn’t exist or work, might I suggest the contingency plan I offered up? At least as a temporary solution. The experiment with Sunset and Scarlet proved to be… mostly successful.” Tempest rotated her chair and looked out the window again. Moondancer was still sitting in her woebegone state. “True. But Lord Tirek will not be pleased.” “Temporary. We need all the magic we can get, and that body has magic in it. The whole process would go faster if Lord Tirek were here with us.” The Soul Lock sitting against the base of Tempest’s throat pulsed, and she placed her hand against it. I know, My Lord, but it would only be temporary. Your body shall be reconstructed, I promise. She continued to eye Moondancer, watching her take a slow sip of her tea. Then, Tempest broke into a venomous smile.  “Very well, we’ll set it up as a contingency plan. But I want information on this staff first, understood?” “Completely! Magic staff and soul splicing, coming up!” Tempest hung up and placed the phone back in her pocket. She turned her chair back to the front of the study and smiled calmly at Night Shade, standing on the other side of the desk. “I did not give you permission to use my study.” Beneath his tired voice and neutral facade, Tempest could hear traces of anger. “You weren’t here and the door was open. I thought I would make myself at home.” “This is not your home.” Tempest pressed a finger against the golden amulet and raised her chin. “Would you like to do something about it?” Night Shade snorted and looked past her out the window. “You’re only tough because of that dark magic you flaunt so much.” Is that the hint of a spine growing? Tempest smirked and raised her eyebrow. We can’t have that, now can we? She stood from her chair and raised her right arm to stretch. Her shadow arm lunged from her left shoulder and grabbed Shade around the neck, pinning him to the wall. Tempest’s smirk widened as the small ember of defiance in his eyes died. “Well, it’s a good thing I do have this ‘dark magic,’ isn’t it?” Tempest released him, letting him fall to the carpet, rubbing his neck. She turned one last time to the garden. “Go fetch your daughter. I have a task for her.”