//------------------------------// // Chapter Nineteen // Story: Sunset Shimmer: Element Bearer // by ConningOfficer //------------------------------// “I need to get the fields to align. Hold on for a second,” said Sunset. A greenish-blue aura enveloped her hands as she concentrated on Rarity’s white convertible. The glow was mirrored in the circular, magically-crafted gemstone set into the necklace she wore. Aria Blaze looked warily up and down the dark, deserted street. A stray cat yowled in the distance, and she toyed with the zipper on the gym bag she carried. “Hurry up, Sunset! This isn’t exactly the high rent district.” “And, now!” The magical aura flared briefly. Light streaked from Sunset’s hands and surrounded the automobile. The light dissipated and Sonata looked at Rarity’s car. Her mouth fell open and she sputtered, “How did you… Is that even… No way!” The gleaming white convertible had been replaced by a rusty four-door sedan. The wheels had been removed and the entire vehicle sat on cinder blocks. Aria smiled at Sonata. “It only looks like a rust bucket. I suspect that Rarity’s car is still there. Right, Sunset?” “One thing I learned from this neighborhood is that if it looks worthless, nobody will steal it,” she said, and added a conspiratorial wink. She removed the necklace and placed it back into her jacket pocket. “This should last for a few hours. Let’s get Sonata inside.” As they navigated the dirty, smelly stairwell, Aria looked back at Sunset and commented, “I’m surprised you’re so good at illusions and enchantment. You don’t conceal much about what you’re thinking or how you’re feeling. It’s a good thing you don’t play poker.” Aria paused her ascent, turned back toward Sunset, raised an eyebrow and added, “No offense, of course.” “None taken, Aria. Oh, I used to be a great actress. No, let’s just call it what it is – I was a great liar. How do you think I got elected Princess of the Fall Formal? And before that, how do you think I kept all my schemes secret? I’ve just learned, from truly brutal lessons, that it’s just a lot easier to tell the truth,” Sunset said plainly, ending her reply with a shrug of her shoulders. Sonata followed Aria from the stairwell into the hallway. She nodded and said softly, “I’m finally starting to figure that out, Sunset. Thank you.” “Don’t thank her yet. We still have a big problem on our hands,” grumbled Aria as they reached the door to Sunset’s tiny apartment. The worn carpeting next to the door smelled like vomit and cheap alcohol. She wrinkled her nose and said, “I still can’t believe that you used to live here. No wonder you turned to a life of crime!” Sunset held her breath to block the stench, unlocked the door and entered her disused apartment. Once safely inside, she inhaled and then said, “Hey, I made bad choices. I lived by myself, let my ambition take over my thoughts and did some terrible things as a result. I probably would have done the same stuff if I lived in a suite at the Crystal Plaza.” Fluttershy and Aria had done a great job tidying up the cheap apartment. With most of Sunset’s personal belongings relocated to the Sweet Apple Acres smithy, the dwelling was uncluttered and reasonably comfortable. Sunset switched on additional lamps, whose warm light dispelled the dark shadows lurking in the corners, but revealed fine cracks in the paint and walls. “This isn’t so bad. I’ll take running water and heat any day,” said Sonata, looking around the apartment. She dropped the hospital blanket on the arm of the brown hide-a-bed, which was in its sofa configuration. “You did a great job getting things cleaned up. From what you said, Adagio really trashed the place. Dirt floors aren’t that distant of a memory.” Her facial cuts and bruises contrasted with her warm smile. Aria shook her head and the corners of her mouth inched upward. “Dirt floors? What are you talking about this time, Sonata?” she said, pretending to be stern. Not able to conceal her relief, Aria’s smile broadened and she patted the other Siren on the shoulder. “It’s good to hear you getting back to normal.” “Hey, you two,” said Sunset, who removed her backpack and set it on the floor. “My journal has been buzzing for the past three hours. I need to see what Twilight wrote to me.” Aria put her hands on her hips and declared, “Then I’m going to tend to Sonata’s wounds. Do you have a needle, a thread and a match?” “Oh, no!” groaned Sonata. She rolled her eyes as she tentatively touched her temple with a fingertip. “It’s not that bad, is it?” Sunset raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips in thought. She snapped her fingers as the memory came to her. She said to Aria, “Yes! There are matches in the drawer next to the silverware and I think there’s a sewing kit somewhere in the medicine cabinet.” Sunset crossed her arms and turned towards Sonata. “Hey, you did this to yourself, remember! We just want that cut to heal without too much of a scar.” Before Sonata could protest again, Aria pointed a purple-tinted finger towards the bathroom and gruffly ordered, “Of course it’s that bad. You did quite a number on your head. Into the bath with you, Sonata! No more complaining!” Sonata’s lower lip protruded. She appealed to Sunset. “Can’t you cast the same spell you used to heal Aria?” Her eyes darted back and forth as she admitted, “Alright. I hate needles, but I hate scars even worse.” Sunset shook her head. She said apologetically, “I need some more practice. Healing spells aren’t exactly my strength. When I cast that spell earlier in the week, it was a desperate situation shared with friends, fueled by emotion and music. I’d need a lot more study before I could pull that off again.” Smiling sympathetically, Sunset added, “Besides, scars add some character.” “Fine.” Sonata shrugged her shoulders in resignation and started for the bathroom. Aria said, “I’ll be there in a little bit, Sonata.” She removed the prepaid cell phone from her pocket. An orange icon was illuminated on its front. Aria opened the phone, punched a couple of buttons and gazed at the screen intently. Her mouth fell open as she read. “What is it, Aria? It is from Adagio?” asked Sunset, obviously concerned. Shaking her head in disbelief, Aria handed the phone to Sunset. She said simply, “Read.” Sunset read the text from Adagio that contained her orders for Aria: Come to Lake Piebald to help me restore the Master and return home. Text me again when you get to the park Headquarters on the southern shore, and I’ll tell you where to go. Arrive no later than 11 on Saturday night. Be ready for battle. “Get Sonata patched up. I need to write Twilight again. I think I have Adagio’s plan just about figured out,” said Sunset, whose eyes darted around the room. Her skin turned a couple shades paler. “What is it, Sunset?” Her violet eyes narrowed suspiciously. Sunset waited for Sonata to shut the bathroom door. She leaned forward and whispered nervously, “I need you to find out exactly what Adagio told Sonata. I remember what you said to me when you woke up at Rarity’s about how the three of you were given to He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness. The fact that the Crusaders are missing scares the hell out of me.” “I could text Adagio back and find out more,” offered Aria. She held out her hand and Sunset returned the phone to her. She shook her head. “No, Aria. Not yet. An immediate reply with a question could make her suspicious. I think we should try to piece this together ourselves, first. You’ll realistically only have one chance to report back and ask for more instructions. We don’t want to waste that.” “I understand, Sunset. Is there anything else for now?” asked Aria, flipping her voluminous pigtails back behind her shoulders. Sunset pressed her lips together and glanced at the closed bathroom door. “I was concerned about Sonata, and that text has turned it into full-fledged worry.” She put her hand on Aria’s shoulder. “I know she’s going to want to come with us to fight Raven and Adagio, but I need you to prepare her for the fact that I’m going to leave her behind.” “Why would you do that?” Aria crossed her arms and cocked her head. “I’m not sure I like this idea.” Nervously fidgeting with the cuffs on her leather jacket, Sunset hesitantly asked, “What’s the most powerful magic that the Rainbooms can bring to bear?” “Oh, I see.” Aria’s frown deepened. “Skip the polite questioning, Sunset. You’re worried that Applejack and a couple of the others won’t be able to tap into their magic and make the big alicorn appear if Sonata is there to piss them off.” Sunset put her hands on her hips and took a step forward. She continued to whisper. “Listen, considering the very specific time in Adagio’s text, I don’t think we can convince everyone that Sonata has gotten with the program in the next twelve to sixteen hours. We need to have all our friends focused.” In the bathroom, the water gurgled as Sonata began to draw a bath. “Well, I don’t want to agree with you, but I might have to. First, she’s certainly not in top condition for battle with those cuts and bruises. And second, as much as I hate to admit it, Adagio did have a point,” said Aria, glancing once more at the closed bathroom door. Sunset took a step forward, narrowing her eyes. “What do you mean?” she asked. “On Wednesday morning, I told you just a little bit about the battle between us and the alicorn princesses. I’ll tell you a little bit more now,” said Aria. Her violet eyes were intensely focused. “Go on, please,” said Sunset. “We were so powerful from absorbing negative energy that we became overconfident. Adagio thought we could overwhelm the Equestrian legion quickly if we split up and attacked separately. Adagio was to attack the general, which turned out to be Princess Luna. My duties were crowd control and finding Princess Celestia. I never found her, but I kept the pegasi away from Adagio.” Sunset cupped her chin in her hand. “So, what was Sonata supposed to do?” “Her job was to attack the unicorn formation, the one that we later learned was led by Starswirl the Bearded. She never made her move. Sonata kept her distance, and we never heard her singing,” answered Aria, with an exasperated gesture. Spreading her arms wide, Sunset sympathetically said, “Hey, I’m glad you lost, but that doesn’t seem cowardly. Maybe something kept her from going on offense.” “That’s why I never held it against her, but Adagio has always had doubts. She’d only call her a coward when she was especially angry, but it always hit a nerve with Sonata,” said Aria. “Alright, I need to get to my sewing project and you have to attend to your journal.” Sunset nodded. “Good luck in there, Aria.” “You too.” As Aria slipped into the bathroom, a cloud of steam escaped. Sunset smiled as she sat in the center of her sofa. In her lap, the Equestrian tome periodically glowed red and buzzed insistently. Brushing a lock of red-and-gold hair out of her face, she took a deep breath and opened the journal: Dear Sunset, I’m so proud of you! We all are! You have done the impossible, but I have to admit that I’m a little upset you disproved several hypotheses I had about Equestrian magic. But there’s no time for that right now. There’s only so much we can tell from a picture, but the magical mace appears to be a very potent weapon. I’ve never seen Luna look at a picture so closely before. In the end she simply said, “Admirable,” and hoofed the photo back to me. But that pales in comparison to the necklace. I hope you’re sitting down. This is my updated supposition: You have forged an Element of Harmony. Just like I thought, you are an Element Bearer! I don’t know how you did it, but the magical resonance from even a picture of the necklace was unmistakable. I have so many questions. Luna and Celestia haven’t acted so cryptically since they sent me off to the Crystal Empire almost a year ago. They listen to me attentively and signal their approval, but don’t give me much in the way of answers, except to tell me that they will explain everything to me after your victory. But it’s your victory that I’m worried about, Sunset. First, Senator Crashing Wave has returned to Aquastria. But before he left, he told me about the dark legends surrounding Leviathan from the Imperial era. Every so often, three merfillies were given to him by the Queen as either sacrifices or servants. The legend says that their souls powered Leviathan’s dark magic, which is centered upon fear and enslavement. The Sirens were his most powerful servants, but not much is known about the sacrificed merfillies. The bottom line is simple: Adagio must not wake Leviathan! Second, I had to dig through the dungeon levels of the ruined castle in the Everfree Forest to find anything about banshees or Shrieking Raven. The fragments I found were even more terrifying than Crashing Wave’s tales from Imperial Aquastria. Talk to Discord, Sunset. While he ruled Equestria, he cast out all of the undead and forbade the worship of Vecna, the Chained God who was (and may still be) the overlord of undead. Only a few creatures merited individual mention. Vecna’s chief missionary in Equestria was a vain unicorn who begged to be transformed into a banshee to preserve her youth. This pony was first referred to as the Viceroy of Chaos, and then later by the name Shrieking Raven. During the early days of Celestia and Luna’s rule, Vecna’s minions made a comeback, but were defeated in the field by Starswirl the Bearded while the royal sisters successfully defended Canterlot itself. A partnership between Adagio Dazzle and Shrieking Raven would be the stuff of nightmares. You must stop them. Please tell me you’ve learned more about their plan. Yours in friendship, Twilight Sunset exhaled loudly. She said to the book, “An Element Bearer? Me? I think my scholarly friend has sprained her horn on her crown. But, I’ll harass her about this later. This whole thing with Adagio and Raven is even worse than I thought. I’d better write Twilight right now.” Sunset uncapped the pen she had given her and began to write: Dear Twilight, I’m sorry that it’s taken me several hours to get back to you. Today has been a very difficult and emotional day. I wish that you were here right now. I’ll sum up the current situation as best I can. Sunset wrote a concise, but complete, report of the day’s events. She began with lunch in the music room and the group’s realization that Sonata had disappeared. Wiping a bead of sweat away from her temple, Sunset concentrated on describing the growing unease she felt when they questioned Cheerilee and learned of Big Mac’s unexplained absence from the farm. She wrote about how she and Aria cornered Tennis Match at practice and learned about Sonata’s injuries. Sunset penned the group’s growing terror, and the last-ditch effort to call Canterlot’s hospitals before she attempted to cast a series of risky, very visible divination spells. Sunset quickly told Twilight the story about their initial relief to have finally found Big Mac and Sonata safe and sound in the hospital room. She factually summarized the interrogation and the reprimand that culminated with Sunset’s illusory transformation into a demon. And then, Sunset concluded with Sonata’s tearful, horrified description of her vision and their retreat to Sunset’s apartment. She wrote a brief closing: Worst of all, we can’t find Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. They aren’t answering text messages and phone calls go straight to voicemail. I’m scared for them, for us, and for the worlds on both sides of the mirror. How did you become brave enough to do all those things that are immortalized in stained glass in the Canterlot Throne Room? Your faithful friend, Sunset She closed the book and the red-and-gold sunburst glowed intensely for a moment, and then the tome resumed its normal appearance. Sunset pulled out her phone and replied to Rarity’s recent texts with an order: Rarity, send a group to the forest to see if they can find the girls. I hope they just forgot to charge their phones. Sunset stood, moved to the kitchen and began brewing a pot of coffee. As the energizing brown liquid dripped into the carafe and filled the apartment with its distinctive aroma, she heard two distinct buzzes from the apartment’s main room. Sunset returned to the couch and grabbed her mobile phone to read Rarity’s reply: We’re ahead of you, darling. PP, Discord and FS are on their way to the clubhouse. RD, Father Scorpan and I will stay here until AJ and Cheerilee are a bit better. “Thanks, Rarity. I’m glad I can count on you,” said Sunset as she typed the same words into her phone. She picked up her Equestrian journal, then said to herself, “That was awfully quick! She must have had the book with her.” Sunset opened the tome and read the response: Sunset, Thank Celestia you wrote! After finishing my research, I was worried that something had happened to you. While it seems like your episode with Sonata was (and is) scary and difficult, I’m glad that you didn’t run into more trouble with the banshee or Adagio. I didn’t start out to be a hero, or a princess, or even a friend. It all started with me being scared that Celestia didn’t know about the signs showing that Nightmare Moon was about to return. All of us get frightened, even Rainbow Dash, but it’s what we do about it that matters. I just thought about all the ponies – and people – that would have been hurt, killed, enslaved or cocooned if I did nothing. You can do this, Sunset. You’re an Element Bearer. You’ve brought aspects of Trust, Forgiveness and Balance to the Sirens and to our friends at CHS. But, the turbulent purity of Sonata’s vision combined with your, well, passionate temper cements my original hypothesis. You are the Bearer of Redemption. Are you sitting with your book? I’m here in the library by myself for a few minutes, if you have it with you. It would be like inter-dimensional text messaging! Twilight Sunset closed her eyes and smiled. She pictured Twilight standing at a crystalline table, surrounded by shelves of books. The alicorn would be looking at the Equestrian journal impatiently, pacing back and forth with her hooves making a rhythmic clip-clop sound on the castle floor. In her anticipation, Twilight would have her quill pen at the ready, illuminated by her horn’s lavender magical aura. Sunset opened the book and immersed herself in writing her friend: Redemption, Twilight? I had enough trouble getting myself back on the right track, even with your help! I don’t think I can take credit for all that. I’m so scared and so uncertain. Aria, Sonata, and all of the rest – even Discord - are looking to me for answers. Why do you think they chose to follow me? As she closed the book and sent her message to Twilight, the sounds of singing from behind the bathroom door startled Sunset. She couldn’t hear the lyrics, but listened intently as Aria’s alto and Sonata’s soprano voices merged together into a major-key duet. Sunset’s complex emotions were brought to the fore, and she fought down a growing lump in her throat as she read Twilight’s rapid reply: Sunset, you are a beacon of hope. You have shown your friends and so many others that there is a path out of the darkness. It was, and will continue to be, a long, difficult journey. Forever more, you can take pride in that you have set a shining example on both sides of the mirror. You are a different leader from me, guiding our friends with a passionate strength and boldness that I could never pull off. You know what I like best about the new Sunset Shimmer? Her selflessness, displayed to her friends as confident humility. Sunset Shimmer blushed and shook her head at the effusive praise heaped upon her by the Princess of Friendship. She immediately responded to Twilight: I don’t see it, Twilight. I just haven’t had any time to reflect upon the others looking up to me as a leader, or the implications of what happened at the Battle of the Bands or at the Sweet Apple Acres smithy. I’m just glad that I’m not alone anymore. But, I have a job to do before I can even think about resting on my laurels. The spellbinding singing in the bathroom continued, repeating the same tune over and over. Sunset had only seen her friend as an alicorn once, but an image came unbidden to her mind’s eye of Twilight furiously scribbling at the page, her wings half-spread, and her purple eyes narrowed in focused concentration. Sunset’s journal buzzed again, delivering another short message: You’re absolutely right about the threats you face. Use the fact that Discord seeks atonement for his crimes and is desperate for his own redemption. Fluttershy’s plea on his behalf still rings in my ears. As an aside, she’s been gazing at the portal an awful lot lately, and I overheard her asking Spike if she could set up a bed down here. Anyway, you are braver and more intrepid than I ever was. While I sent Discord through the mirror to help, you are truly my champion and my friend. You saved us all a week ago with your song, and with these newly-forged tools at your disposal, you’ll save us all again and defeat this more dangerous enemy. I must go for now. As Luna would say, good luck and success to you, Element Bearer. Twilight Sunset closed the book and took the Element of Redemption out of her jacket pocket. Gazing deeply into the unearthly whorls and loops of the magically-fused gemstones, she used her index finger to trace the wavy line dividing light and dark. A single teardrop fell on the center of the design, and then Sunset put the amulet around her neck. She took a long sip of coffee, swallowing tears along with the caffeine. Sunset patted her journal affectionately. “Thanks, Twilight,” she said. “Thanks for believing in me when nopony else would.” ----- Sonata came up for air after spending another minute and a half underwater in Sunset’s bathtub. She inhaled and asked Aria, “Was your dream with Lady Luna as terrifying as my vision?” Flipping her long pigtails behind her shoulders to keep them dry, Aria leaned forward and put her arm on the edge of the old bathtub. “We both had incredible encounters with powers beyond our ability to understand, Sonata. I just think that we were both shown what we needed to see at the right time.” “Hmph,” pouted Sonata. “I just wish it didn’t have to be so awful for me.” The bruises on her arms had become significantly less angry-looking after twenty minutes in the claw-footed, antique tub. The burn from Sunset’s necklace was more stubborn and retained its sullen, red hue. Aria patted Sonata’s damp hair. “Let’s see, you had your vision after a young man was gravely injured because of your actions. I had my vision during a near-death situation after watching a girl lay flowers at her parents’ graves. But, He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness horrified me all the same. I think the universe got it right for both of us.” “At least Lady Luna was there to greet you. I’ll never forget the sight of myself holding the Whip, no matter how long I live,” said Sonata, shivering despite the hot bubble bath. “So, I’m guessing that it’s time for the part I hate.” She lightly touched the wound on her left temple. Lighting a match, Aria heated and disinfected the threaded needle. “Don't complain too much! I've always wondered what happened to the Manehattan surgeon that taught me how to do this." She looked into Sonata's eyes, and seriously said, "Alright, get ready. I’m guessing it’ll take about fifteen stitches, so hold still. By the way, you did a great job turning your head into a disaster. What did you use, anyway?” “Um, a pipe wrench. It was heavy, jagged and made of steel,” said Sonata, suppressing a wince as the needle entered her blue-tinted skin. With steady hands, Aria completed the first two stitches. “Sonata, Sunset and I are going to have a very important job for you,” she said cautiously, her violet eyes flicking away from the stitches for a second. “What’s that?” asked Sonata through clenched teeth. Despite Aria’s careful needlework, a drop of blood ran down her cheek and plopped into the bathwater. Aria completed several more stitches during an uncomfortable silence. At last, she replied steadily, “If Discord, the Rainbooms and I don’t come back from our fight with Adagio and Raven, you must write Twilight and ask her to open the portal. Go through it and tell her everything, then return and avenge us.” “You’re not going to let me come with you?” Sonata asked during Aria’s next pause in her task. Her lilac eyes portrayed a mix of sadness, betrayal and determination. “How am I going to make things right if I can’t fight?” Aria remained silent for a long moment. She finished the last stitch, cut and tied the thread, and then tenderly cleaned up the neatly closed wound with a washcloth. She touched Sonata’s trembling cheek with her purple-hued fingers, and quietly said, “By remembering us if we fall, and by welcoming us with open arms if we win.” Sonata brought her fist down into the tub, splashing them both. She angrily said, “No, Aria! This is a battle where I can prove myself! I know I can help you!” “Nata, how will you help? I can fight with Chainbreaker. You’ve lost the magic part of your voice, and your other charms will be useless against Adagio and Raven.” Aria sighed and hung her head. “No matter what happens, I fear at least one member of our trio will end up dead. One of us has to live, and that will be you.” Sonata surrendered. She buried her face in her hands and cried. Aria bunched a sleeve above her elbow, reached into the tub and tenderly stroked the skin of Sonata’s back. Tears streamed down both Sirens’ faces. “Sing with me, Aria. Please?” requested Sonata. She sniffed loudly and cleared her throat. Aria withdrew her arm from the tub. She smiled sadly at Sonata and answered, “Of course. I’ll follow your lead.” Sonata nearly began to cry again, but composed herself and sang in a confident soprano: I was walking in the park Dreaming of a spark When I heard the sprinklers whisper Shimmer in the haze of summer lawns Then I heard the children singing They were running through the rainbows They were singing a song for you The one I wanted to write for you Aria, weeping openly from the first moment she recognized the song, joined in after the introduction: Lavender's blue, dilly, dilly, lavender's green, When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen. ‘Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?' Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so. They sang several verses, some of which they had learned in Trottingham and some of which, like the introduction, they had made up after traversing the sea. Some verses were silly, many were sad and a few were happy. Sonata’s melody and Aria’s harmony flawlessly blended together like gold and star iron. When they finished singing, Aria, who no longer cared that her pigtails were soaked, reached out and hugged Sonata. Aria grabbed a hairbrush and said, “We have one more task before we can plan our next move with Sunset. Let’s get those tangles out!” “Thank you for singing with me again, Aria,” said Sonata softly. Working to free a particularly nasty knot, Aria deftly shifted subjects. “Let’s talk about exactly what Adagio said to you about her plan.” “Hmm… Let’s see. She said a lot about our obligation to He Who Swims in Darkness and taking revenge on the alicorns. Then, she told me enough that I figured out that Raven the teacher is really a banshee,” said Sonata. She bit her bottom lip and a faraway look came into her eyes. Still brushing Sonata’s long, blue-streaked hair, Aria paused and said, “Focus, please…” “Hold on, I’m thinking!” protested Sonata. “Wait, I’ve got it!” Aria set the brush down and looked into Sonata’s lilac eyes. “Then spit it out!” Sonata grabbed two locks of hair and twisted them into makeshift curls. She pointed theatrically at Aria, and deepened her voice in a reasonable impression of Adagio. “‘Come, Sonata, serve your Queen. With a small sacrifice that I will prepare for tomorrow night, we will become true Sirens again, betray Raven and go home at last.’” Aria spat out a singularly vulgar obscenity. Blood drained from her face, turning her skin a sickly hue of lavender. She said, “I know what’s going to happen. Sunset needs to hear this right now.” As the water drained out of the tub, Aria helped Sonata dry off and dressed her in Sunset Shimmer’s cheap maroon bathrobe. Sonata tied her hip-length, blue-streaked hair into its customary ponytail without saying a word. Her lilac eyes looked at Aria worriedly. Aria opened the bathroom door and she and Sonata gasped. Sunset Shimmer was sitting cross-legged on the sleeper sofa with her eyes closed, a beatific expression on her face. Her magical necklace, glowing intensely, was fastened around her neck. The Aquastrian history book, Sunset’s journal, the desk chair and the desk itself hovered in mid-air, with each object surrounded by green-blue light. Sunset’s eyes opened. She kept her concentration and said, “One moment, ladies. The desk is a bit heavy.” The desk and its chair returned to their normal places, and the books came to rest on the sofa. She raised her eyebrow in concern. “Aria, what’s wrong?” Aria clenched her fists once and then relaxed her hands. “Sunset, I know what Adagio’s plan is. She and Raven are going to make a sacrifice to Leviathan to wake him tomorrow night.” “I suspected this myself,” said Sunset calmly. She frowned. “But, why are they going all the way to Lake Piebald?” Sonata stepped forward. She crossed her arms and said, “Adagio told me, many years ago, that a mix of darkness and water is needed for an offering to her Master.” Aria smiled briefly at Sonata’s disavowal of Leviathan. “The southern shore of Lake Piebald is a touristy wilderness. There are a couple of big caves near the lakeshore,” said Sunset. “It makes sense.” Sonata looked at Sunset quizzically and asked, “How do you know that?” Sunset blushed and twirled a lock of red-and-gold hair around her finger. She answered, “Um, Rarity’s father suggested Lake Piebald for a weekend encounter before I blackmailed him.” Before either Siren could respond, she pointed at the pair and added, “I refused to leave Canterlot, by the way.” Aria gruffly interrupted, “The worst part is that a proper sacrifice to He Who Swims in Darkness involves three young females on the cusp of maturity. With Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle missing, I think we both know what that means.” “That somewhere along a thirty-mile lakeshore that’s mostly wilderness, those three girls are being held captive by a thousand-year-old Siren princess bent on serving her dark Master and an undead literature teacher equipped with potent death magic,” said Sunset grimly. Sonata uncertainly asked, “So what are you going to do?” “What we’re not going to do is sprint off into the night in a panic. Whatever Adagio has planned won’t happen until tomorrow night. Let’s not give away our chance to surprise them. Aria, get me the road atlas in the bottom drawer of the desk,” said Sunset. Aria rummaged through the scratched-up drawer. “Here you go, but I’d feel better with some good topographical maps.” Sunset glanced at the alarm clock and handed Aria her phone. “Once we gather at Rarity’s, we can use her network connection to gather a bit more information. Text everyone and tell them to meet at the boutique in two hours. That’s only a bit after midnight.” “I’m on it!” said Aria enthusiastically. She opened the phone’s contact listing and began her task. Sonata sat next to Sunset on the sleeper sofa. “I’m pretty good with maps, Sunset. Let me help.” “Thanks, Sonata. You know Adagio’s mind better than anyone right now,” said Sunset. She patted Sonata’s hand. “To save those girls and stop Adagio, we have to anticipate what she and Raven will do.” ----- Scorpan chuckled with delight as he reached into the walking cloud of mylar balloons and brightly colored flowers blocking the hospital’s hallway. As he spread his hands, revealing Discord’s mischievous gray face, the minister cheerfully said, “Discord! In all my years, I never thought I’d see you in this city. You certainly must have changed to be seen with…” Upon hearing Discord’s name, Applejack sat bolt upright and untangled herself from Fluttershy’s embrace. Her pretty, honest face was twisted with anger. She shouldered her way past Pinkie Pie, and followed Scorpan’s disappointed gaze into the hallway. Applejack nearly pushed past the two men into the hallway as she shouted, “Where is she? Where is that lying varmint?” Rarity interposed herself between Applejack and Discord. She tried to soothe the furious farmgirl. “Darling, please have a seat. Discord and I will explain everything to you.” Applejack angrily rejected the suggestion. “No, Rarity, I sure as shooting won’t sit down!” She balled her fists and again attempted to make her way past the priest. “Sonata has certainly learned something from all of this, Applejack. Violence isn’t the way to move past this awful situation,” said Scorpan patiently, his earlier mirth replaced by concern. Placing her hands on her hips, Applejack halted her advance. She frowned and said, “Father Scorpan, I know it’s not the right answer, but it’s her fault my brother’s in that bed! If she ever comes back to Sweet Apple Acres again, she’ll leave in an ambulance!” The argument stopped abruptly as Big Macintosh’s massive form shifted in the hospital bed. All eyes turned towards the young farmer. His jaw was set stubbornly as he slowly pointed as his sister. He croaked, “Not Sonata’s fault!” His index finger tapped his bandaged chest. “My fault!” “Oh, Mac!” Cheerilee threw her arms around her boyfriend’s neck. “I’m so glad you’ll be all right!” His green eyes were dulled from the effects of the anesthetic, and he winced in pain from Cheerilee’s embrace. Big Mac looked at her and said, “Forgive me, Cheerilee. Please.” The teacher gripped her boyfriend’s hands and said, “There’s nothing to forgive, my dear. I’ll stop keeping secrets from you, if you do the same.” Mac squeezed Cheerilee’s hands in return, smiled weakly and slumped back under the covers. Applejack’s anger dissipated, replaced by relief. She approached the bed, patted Big Mac’s head and smiled at him. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Rarity exchanged relieved looks across the crowded hospital room. All of them gathered around the bed to wish Big Mac well, except for Fluttershy, who smiled and remained in her chair. Rarity bent over her phone, rapidly tapping out a text message. Discord placed the balloons and flowers in a corner of the room. He stroked his white beard and raised his bushy eyebrows as he turned back towards Scorpan. “So, where were we? I think we were talking about profound changes over a long period of time.” “The way you tell stories, it would take about a decade for you to do it properly. Let’s embrace the magical limits imposed on us in this form and summarize. You go first, Discord. I think your story is likely more interesting than mine,” he said. Scorpan’s brown eyes twinkled with amusement. A clipboard appeared in Discord’s hands. He tapped a series of checkmarks on the attached paper as he said, “Was turned to stone, which ceased my reign, and was then employed as a garden decoration. Broke free, briefly returned chaos to Equestria, was defeated and petrified again. Then, I was paroled by Celestia, and decided to reform my behavior to earn somepony’s friendship.” His crimson eyes accidentally locked with Fluttershy’s teal gaze. Discord blushed and continued. “Betrayed the friend, and was betrayed in turn by your brother. I was saved by a new alicorn princess, who returned your brother to his dreary prison after an epic, world-shattering battle. Motivated by some rather odd emotions, I volunteered to come here to stop the Squid and the Maimed Skeleton.” Keenly aware that Fluttershy was watching him intensely, Scorpan raised an eyebrow and lightly touched Discord’s butterfly lapel pin. He said, “Something very important has changed, Discord. Something, someone or somepony has become more important to you than frivolously abusing your power.” “Can we discuss this another time? We’re surrounded by curious ears,” said Discord self-consciously, as he gestured to Fluttershy’s seat with his chin. “Besides, it’s your turn, Scorpan.” He adjusted his clerical collar and spread his long arms wide. “While you were gracing Celestia’s garden, I warned Celestia and Luna about my brother’s plan to seize all of Equestria’s magic. After his imprisonment, I was wracked with guilt for letting things get to the point where Tartarus was the only option, so I asked Starswirl to send me here. I keep a low profile, and have sworn to serve, advise and protect. After all, since my kind has a history of guarding houses of worship, my becoming clergy wasn’t as big of a step as you might think. In the months since Princess Twilight Sparkle brought Equestrian magic and the Power of Harmony here, things have been more interesting than they have been in at least seventy years.” “How do you know of Twilight, Scorpan?” asked Discord. He suddenly wore a policeman’s hat and shined a bright flashlight into the priest’s brown eyes. Scorpan gently lowered Discord’s arm. He answered, “The same way I learned of Luna’s return and of the current threat we face. Forgive me for not telling you all my secrets, Discord. I sense your change, but my dim memories of you are decidedly unpleasant. Perhaps I will tell you more after you prove yourself in the battle to come. Unfortunately, this distraction has given our enemies their best chance for success.” More loudly, he addressed the entire group. “Has anyone heard from Apple Bloom? She should be here by now.” Rainbow Dash piped up. “We’ve been calling all three of them like crazy, but the calls are all going right to voicemail.” “When we called Sweet Apple Acres looking for Sonata and Big Mac, one of the hands mentioned that they all stopped by the farm right after school. They grabbed their backpacks and some tools, then headed for their clubhouse,” said Fluttershy softly. She put a hand to her mouth. Applejack kissed her brother on the forehead and stepped back towards the center of the room. “Apple Bloom had been working on plans for a new stage, and the signal isn’t very good out there. Maybe they just set their phones down while they’re working, so they don’t get crushed.” Rarity bent over her phone again and sent a second text. “Ever since noon, my Pinkie Sense has been telling me ‘catastrophe’ over and over again, and it’s not just because I bombed my Chemistry test. I wish I had something useful to tell you,” added Pinkie. Rarity shook her head and tossed her purple hair. She said authoritatively, “Here’s what we’re going to do. First, we are not going to call Granny Smith. Big Mac will be fine in time, and she can’t help us with this Crusaders issue from Appleoosa. Are we clear?” Scorpan and Discord smiled at one another. Applejack elbowed Rainbow Dash and whispered, “And, we’re letting her give orders, because?” “She has the hots for our real leader along with a great speaking voice?” said Rainbow Dash. Rarity continued, oblivious to the stealthy ridicule. “Cheerilee, I assume you’ll want to spend the night here with Big Mac. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and I will remain here and ensure that all is well with you before we depart for the boutique.” “Thank you for your anticipation and generosity, Rarity,” said Cheerilee warmly. She continued to hold Big Macintosh’s hand as he rested. “You’re welcome, darling.” She turned to Fluttershy and patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Now, my dear, you must take Discord and Pinkie Pie to the Crusaders’ clubhouse to see if the girls are there.” Fluttershy looked back at Rarity fearfully and asked, “Why me? It’s so scary out there at night!” “Fluttershy, you know the forest better than all of us, so it only makes sense. Furthermore, you were at the clubhouse recently when you rescued Aria. Discord and Pinkie Pie will warn you of any dangers if you must beat a hasty retreat,” said Rarity. “It’ll be an adventure! I’ll take the Coltswagen while you and Discord ride in the van,” declared Pinkie. Applejack nodded at Rarity and said, “When it’s time, I’ll grab the truck and give you a lift. Rainbow Dash will actually be able to sit in the cab this time, too.” “Father Scorpan, you are certainly welcome to join any of our groups, but we don’t wish to put you in any danger, nor do we wish to involve you in our schemes. I have a feeling that what’s to come may not be entirely legal,” said Rarity hesitantly. Scorpan stepped forward and shook hands with Rarity, his large tanned hand engulfing Rarity’s delicate white one. He said, “As you grow older and wiser, you’ll learn that the laws of the heavens differ from the laws of men and women.” He gave Discord a meaningful look, and added, “After I leave the hospital, I will assist you as I can from the parsonage.” “Then let’s get to it!” directed Rarity. Fluttershy, Discord and Pinkie Pie said their goodbyes. Scorpan offered his hand to Discord, who shook it uncertainly. The priest gazed deeply into Discord’s red eyes for a moment, then finally said, “Don’t be afraid, Spirit of Chaos. Your powers aren’t diminishing. They are merely changing because of the decisions you’ve made. Good luck, and guide Sunset well.” “Scorpan, your cryptic comments must be Celestia’s payback for running those ponies all around Equestria searching for the Elements of Harmony last year,” said Discord. He rolled his eyes in annoyance, then composed himself. “But, thank you all the same.” Pinkie Pie skipped out of the hospital room, practically dragging Fluttershy with her. Discord brought up the rear and closed the door behind him. With the crowd in the room significantly diminished, Rarity approached Applejack and guided her to a chair. Sitting down next to the farm girl, Rarity patted Applejack's calloused hands with her manicured fingers and said softly, “I am quietly going to tell you everything we learned about Sonata’s misadventure with your brother. You, darling, are going to remain calm, and will keep in mind that I am certain that Sonata has abandoned her mischievous ways for good.” As Rarity started a long, detailed description of the conversation with Sonata, Scorpan fell silent as he examined Discord’s gifts. Amid the tranquility, Rainbow Dash self-consciously scratched her multicolored hair. She took a tablet computer out of the waterproof compartment of her sports bag and approached Cheerilee. “You’re going to be here all night, right?” Rainbow Dash hesitantly asked Cheerilee. Cheerilee let go of Big Mac’s hand and brushed her purple hair out of her face. She smiled and said, “Yes, I am. I’ll stand watch over Mac. What’s on your mind, Rainbow Dash?” “Well, I know how much you like to read the Daring Do books. Let me show you a website that’ll keep you both entertained for a good long time,” she said, handing over the tablet. The banner at the top of the screen read “DaringTales.net - Where you continue the story!” Gratitude and a pinch of amusement lit Cheerilee’s pale green eyes. “Fan fiction, Rainbow Dash? I didn’t figure you for the type.” “Um, the stories written by ‘AwesomeShredder20’ are worth a look.” Her magenta eyes darted around the room nervously. Cheerilee smiled warmly and gave Rainbow Dash’s shoulder a light punch. “I’ll make sure to read them to Mac. Remember, Rainbow Dash, I wasn’t captain of the CHS soccer team that long ago. You can balance reading and sports, if you choose to. May I give you some free advice while Rarity and Applejack talk?” “Yeah, I’d like that,” said Rainbow Dash, returning Cheerilee’s smile. “I’d like that a lot.” Scorpan turned around and watched the two pairs of young women talking with one another softly. Big Mac was truly sleeping now, his broad chest rising and falling regularly. Unnoticed by the others, Scorpan folded his hands and bowed his head in silent prayer. After concluding, he smiled proudly, grabbed his dark jacket and stylish broad-brimmed hat, and quietly slipped out of the room. ----- Adagio slipped out of the cabin’s front door and stood on the porch as Raven got out of her sedan’s driver seat. The luxury car’s dome light illuminated the three teenage girls slumbering in the back seat. She had just returned from her trip to the ranger station, the battlefield graveyard, and the cave where she would depart this world at last. Adagio crossed her arms and stifled a yawn with her hand. Her orange curls were tangled and the flannel shirt she wore was stained in a dozen places. Raven checked her watch. She smiled smugly, and said, “Good evening, Adagio. It appears that your meeting with Aria didn’t go so well, since you’re here by yourself.” “I think we can still expect the pleasure of Aria’s company before tomorrow’s big event. But no, I wasn’t able to see her, because I had to handle an unforeseen situation. Fortunately, it didn’t blow up in my face.” Adagio frowned and motioned for Raven to enter the cabin. “Don’t worry, I was still able to complete all of the necessary preparations in spite of it all.” The banshee removed a small suitcase from the trunk and retrieved a stack of school papers from the passenger seat. As she rolled the suitcase to the porch steps, Raven said, “Good work, Adagio. I’d like to go inside and make sure that the basement is ready to receive our guests. Please carry the girls inside.” “Of course, Raven,” said Adagio through clenched teeth. She grudgingly made way for the banshee, permitting her entry into the cabin. It was close to midnight. The moon, waning towards a crescent, was high overhead. Adagio’s keen ears heard the waves lapping the nearby lakeshore, and the cool breeze felt invigorating after her flurry of physical labor. She stifled another yawn, then opened the sedan’s rear doors. She unbuckled the girl with pale skin and two-toned curly hair first. Adagio lifted her and said to the sleeping girl, “So, you’re the younger sister of the keytar player who wounded Aria during the Battle of the Bands. The other children say you’re quite a singer, little one. The Master will be pleased about that.” Adagio carefully carried her prisoner up the front stairs and into the cabin. She walked through the well-appointed kitchen and shouldered open the door leading to the basement. At the bottom of the stairs, the floorplan opened into a single large room that had been converted into a makeshift barracks. At first glance, snug white sheets and warm wool blankets made the four twin-sized beds appear simple and comfortable. But the steel chains that trailed away from each bed into eyebolts, sunk deep into the concrete floor, made it clear that guests sleeping in those beds would not be there of their own volition. There were no windows, and the inner surface of every wall and door was covered with thick soundproofing panels. She laid Sweetie Belle into the bed farthest from the stairs and squeezed her eyes shut as another enormous yawn overtook her. When Adagio opened her eyes, the girl’s two-toned curls had disappeared, replaced by long blue-streaked hair bound in a ponytail. She gasped, blinked again, and the image vanished. Adagio rubbed her eyes and muttered, “I really need to get some sleep.” She stomped back up the basement stairs and found Raven sitting comfortably in her leather easychair, calmly grading papers. A small chest, similar to the one that Adagio had brought with her from Canterlot, sat on the hassock at Raven’s feet. “You look terrible, Your Highness,” said the banshee. “Good work with the basement, by the way. May I make you a cup of tea once you finish your task?” Raven squinted her black eyes and looked Adagio up and down. Adagio replied politely, “No, thank you. I’ll fix myself a snack once the girls are secure.” She went back out into the starry night. She unbuckled the young woman with the short, dark pink hair. Adagio noticed a large glob of frosting smeared across her orange-tinted cheek. She picked up a napkin from the floor of the car, wetted it with her tongue, and maternally scrubbed the chocolate from the girl’s face. “Scootaloo, the thrill-seeker. She supposedly desires two things more than anything: She wants to learn how to fly, and she craves acceptance from Rainbow Dash,” said Adagio. The snaps of the young woman’s cargo pants snagged on the Siren’s buttons. In frustration, she shifted her grip on the unconscious girl and tossed Scootaloo over her shoulder. As she did, Adagio was smacked in the face by a long, purple-and-teal streaked pigtail. Adagio’s glowing magenta eyes darted around the cabin’s front yard, but found nothing suspicious. As she carried her burden to the basement, she thought, What in Aquastria is going on? Why did the tomboy’s short hair make me think of Aria? She laid Scootaloo in the second bed, and began her third trip. Raven had returned to her work. As Adagio passed through the kitchen, she observed her silently writing a lengthy comment in red ink on the cover of a literature report. Once outside again, the Siren princess looked up at the moon and the now-familiar constellations. A shooting star flashed across the sky. Adagio smiled sadly and thought, I will miss the splendor of the night sky. It’s sad that the air-breathers don’t truly appreciate the beauty they sleep through. Approaching Raven’s car, Adagio gasped. The third girl, whose skin tone resembled her own, sat with excellent posture with her hands folded in her lap, despite her slumber. Her wavy red hair had curled during the long drive, and the enormous red bow she wore accentuated the effect. Adagio said admiringly, “She looks almost regal. Apple Bloom, the youngest scion of the Apple family. More stubborn than her brother, and as brave as her sister, she is a veritable font of potential. By the Master, sitting there, she looks so much like…” Standing in the dark driveway, her face illuminated by the car’s dome light, the Siren was drawn into a nearly-forgotten memory: Adagio sat on the fallen tree trunk outside of their cave, with those unusual appendages folded into her lap. As the rain fell around them, she straightened her posture as Aria and Sonata struggled to keep the fire lit. The long, homespun garments they all wore were filthy and had developed numerous holes. Aria sprinkled more dried leaves on the tiny spark. The flame was reflected by her pendant, sending scarlet sparkles into the forest. Aria turned to Adagio and said, “Listen, Your Highness, there’s only three of us here. If we’re going to learn how to survive in this world, you can’t just sit on a makeshift throne and sing a tune to everyone that wanders by,” The leaves caught fire. Sonata ceased her blowing at the base of the fire and added a few twigs to the fickle flame. Like the others, her face was gaunt from a lack of both mundane and emotional food. Sonata brushed her fingers through her dirty blue hair. She fidgeted with her pendant and said, “But she’s our leader, and she looks so beautiful like that, Ari! You know, she’s sitting just like that woman we saw at the castle last week. Princess, you’ve gotten the hang of using these things,” Sonata said admiringly, wiggling her arms and legs. Adagio hopped down from the tree trunk and approached the fire. She wiped the rain off of her forehead and placed a hand on each of Sonata and Aria’s shoulders. Adagio appraised the other Sirens with her keen magenta eyes. Smiling, she confidently said, “I don’t know how long we’ll be here, but we need some rules that the three of us will follow, so I can be properly responsible for us. Here’s the first rule; don’t call me ‘Your Highness’ or ‘Princess’ anymore. My name is Adagio. What other rules shall we make?” Pleased with her memory, Adagio reached into Raven’s car and cradled Apple Bloom. As she lifted her, the Siren felt a chill and goosebumps raised on her skin. Adagio affectionately brushed a lock of red hair away from the young woman’s face and quietly said, “Apple Bloom, the Master will like you most of all. I stand by my comment to Sonata. If you had been born a mermare, I know you would have risen to lead your own clan. More than the others, I hope that the Master will let you serve me in Aquastria.” Bumping the car doors closed with her hip, Adagio carried Apple Bloom into the cabin. As she crossed through the kitchen, Raven gestured with her red grading pen and loudly remarked, “It took you a while to fetch that one, Adagio. I was starting to wonder if everything was alright out there.” “I was just admiring the moon and stars, Raven. Once I’m underwater again, I won’t see them again,” Adagio lied convincingly. Once Apple Bloom was laid in the third bed, Adagio removed the young women’s shoes and boots. She set to the unpleasant task of handcuffing their hands and feet together and attaching them to the nearby chains. “We can’t have you wandering off, ladies, not when victory is so close. But, I’ll make sure that you, as my honored guests, are as comfortable as you can be under the circumstances,” said Adagio to the sleeping trio. She pulled the sheets and blanket over Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, and carefully tucked them in. They looked so serene, unaware of the terror and sacrifice to come. Adagio’s fingers searched her throat for the nonexistent pendant. Nodding with resolve, she pulled out her phone, took a deep breath, and texted Sonata: Sonata, it’s Adagio. I regret how we parted. I hope the farmer lived. Now, you must live. Do not come to Lake Piebald tomorrow night, but encourage Discord to do so if you can. If I survive, I will find a way to return for you using the Master’s power. Sing, paint and remember. Adagio rubbed her tired, watery eyes. She composed herself and rubbed her growling stomach. “All set, Raven. How long do you think they’ll sleep?” asked Adagio. She poured herself a glass of water straight from the tap and grabbed a handful of snacks. Adagio made sure to examine each product’s package carefully to ensure that it hadn’t been tampered with. The Siren’s close examination of the cabin’s food wasn’t lost on the banshee. Raven chuckled dryly and said, “I’m proud that you’ve learned from my nasty trick with the tea. But, I give you my word that all the food and drink stored up here is completely mundane, if a bit fattening.” She checked her watch, and added, “Oh, the sleeping draught should keep the girls unconscious until nearly noon.” “Good. Then, I’ll be able to get some rest, too,” said Adagio as she shoved a large handful of candy-coated chocolate into her mouth and opened a tin of tiny sausages. “So, what do those devices that I placed in the graveyard do? Your instructions were more detailed for them than for the preparations in the cave. I thought it would be the other way around.” Raven set down her red pen and focused completely on Adagio. “Tomorrow night is critically important for both of us. I’m consuming, using or draining several unique magical items to guarantee our success. The surprises you planted and appropriately tuned will ensure that we’re not disturbed. Even if we are, the interlopers will be so weakened from battling the graveyard’s residents that we can finish them off easily,” she said, smiling with malicious satisfaction. “Why do you think that they’ll head for the Crystal Cavern instead of the Bridal Cave?” asked Adagio. Raven shrugged and replied, “All the paved roads lead towards the ranger station and tourist attractions. Even if they pick the correct cave, which they might not, their paltry party will still have to walk across the old battlefield. There’s no cover out there, so my servants will find them easily.” Adagio gulped. Every single item she had placed was covered with potent magical runes, all centered on the terrifying sigil of the burnt, one-eyed skull. Eager to shift the subject, she said, “I assembled the cage near the pool in the cave and set up the lanterns and other items. But, I’m still not clear how we’re going to get three teenage girls from here to there. I won’t be able to carry them down that steep path, and they need to be conscious and aware for the ritual.” “I’ll brew a shorter-term potion that will make the sacrifices extremely susceptible to suggestion,” said Raven, who gestured at Adagio admiringly. “With your silver tongue, I’m certain that you can keep them quiet and obedient until they’re safely secured in the cage. If abused and used too frequently, the potion will harm the victim’s mind. But, that takes weeks, and our victory will be complete in a day.” Adagio nodded, since her mouth was full of treats that weren’t available underwater. After she swallowed, she said, “Indeed. In one day, I’ll be back home with my magic restored. I look forward to planning the assault on Nautilus Hall, and returning the mermares to their proper place in Aquastria. What will you do here?” She watched the banshee carefully. Raven waved her hand dismissively. She flashed a patronizing smile, and said, “Never you mind, Adagio. My Lord will grant me additional powers, which I will use to shatter the portal to Equestria, severing the link between your world and mine.” Raven smacked her fist into her palm. “Once the flow of Equestrian magic is stopped, there will be nothing to prevent me from sitting on a throne of my own, and expanding my Lord’s holdings. I’d wager that this world will be unrecognizable within three months.” Adagio’s eyes narrowed in concentration. This terrible creature must be destroyed, or else I’ll never be able to come back for Sonata, she thought. Aloud, she calmly addressed the banshee, “So you will have your world to rule, and I will have mine. Perfect!” “One day, we may have conversations about treaties, non-aggression pacts and slave exchanges. But, I can see you’re exhausted, and need to rest before your big day,” said Raven, reaching out to the stack of school papers. “I’m happy to take care of the dishes, Adagio.” The Siren finished her makeshift meal, wiped her hands with a napkin, and placed her plate on the kitchen counter. “Thanks, Raven. I’ll see you in the morning.” As Adagio ascended the stairs, she thought, I must barter with the Master to transform at least one of those girls downstairs. They have such potential for greatness. She wiped her tired face with her hand. They’re tribute, Adagio! When did I start thinking of them as subjects, and therefore, my responsibility? I need a bath and lots of sleep. Adagio retired to the guest bathroom. Downstairs, Raven heard the sounds of Adagio drawing a bath. She smiled cruelly and unlocked the chest sitting on the nearby hassock. She reached inside and pulled out the magical dagger. The shards of Adagio’s pendant glittered malevolently in their crude setting. Rotating the dark, soul-destroying weapon in her skeletal fingers, Raven said, “A big day, indeed, Adagio, full of beautiful, powerful death. The death of innocents. The death of enemies old and new. The death of royalty...” She threw her head back and cackled. “...and the death of a god.” ***** The lyrics to Sonata and Aria’s duet were modified from (1980’s rock band) Marillion’s song “Lavender” and blended with the nursery rhyme “Lavender’s Blue” to create a unique reprise of Sonata's song from Chapter Four.