Twilight Sparkle walked around the map room of her castle lifting scroll after scroll in front of her with her magic writing on each one before setting it back done. When she was done she let out a sigh of relief.
That’s three treaties approved, seven royal decrees co-signed, and one expense report…reported, she thought, I need a break.
“Uh Twilight, you’re getting a ‘book report,’” Spike said, as he entered the room.
“Really?” Twlight asked, “I wonder what Sunset needs?”
Spike followed her as she ran to room with the mirror portal that linked her world with the human world and noticed the magic journal she and Sunset Shimmer used to communicate was glowing and vibrating.
I wonder what’s up? Twilight thought, I hope some new threat or some long forgotten creature that was banished from Equestria hasn’t shown up.
“Dear Twilight, don’t worry this isn’t about some long forgotten creature that’s been banished from Equestria creating a new threat,” she read aloud, before rolling her eyes, “I wanted to let you know that the annual senior retreat is coming up and if you have some time maybe you’d like to come along. This year it’s a weekend ski trip out in the Ember Mountains where we’re staying at the Dragon Scale Lodge. Sadly it doesn’t allow pets so Spike can’t come.”
“Hmmm a place called the Dragon Scale Lodge that doesn’t allow dragons even if they’re dogs…I should be offended,” Spike said, crossing his arms.
“Let me know if you can come and we’ll stand by for your arrival,” Twilight said, finishing up the entry.
“So are you going to go?”
“I think I should,” Twilight said, “Things have been quiet around here so I think it’s safe to do so and I really should visit my friends in the human world more often. I’ll let Celestia and Luna know where I’m going.”
Once she finished all the preparations she braced herself and stepped through the mirror portal.
As she found herself being flung through time and space she braced herself for impact.
I’ve always hated the landings, she thought as she flew out of the statue that served as the portal to the human world. She was relieved, yet still slightly banged up when landed halfway onto a gym mat that was sitting on the ground.
“Sorry we couldn’t get more mats, but we didn’t want to arouse suspicion,” Sunset Shimmer said, walking over to her and helping her up.
“That’s okay. This is better then the last few landings that’s for sure,” Twilight said smiling at her.
“It’s good to see you again,” Fluttershy said, as she the others ran over and gave Twilight a group hug.
“It’s good to see you too. Looks like you’re all ready to go to the mountains,” Twilight said, looking at the others and their cold weather clothing they were wearing, “I think I might be in trouble. It’s not like the portal let’s me choose what kind of clothes I come out with…even let’s me bring extra.
“Don’t worry darling, I’ve planned for just such a contingency,” Rarity said, as she held up a suitcase, “These are you’re extras, but this is the outfit I’ve put together for you.”
“Thanks,” Twilight said, taking the folded up bundle of clothes from her, “Ummmm where can I change?”
“The equipment shed. Don’t worry we’ll guard it,” Rainbow Dash said.
Sunset and the others watched her as she started to make her way towards the equipment shed before she veered off and ran into the school.
“What in tarnation is she doing?” Applejack asked.
“Sorry I had to go get some books,” Twilight said, a few minutes later when she emerged from the school prompting a facepalm from the other girls.
They stepped over to the equipment shed and stood watch while Twilight changed.
“So how are we getting there?” Twilight asked from within.
“We’re driving,” Sunset said, “You’re with me. Rarity’s going with Applejack and Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash will be together.”
“Yup I can’t wait to fly up those twisty windy mountain roads,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Me too!” Pinkie shouted.
“I think I’ll go with Applejack and Rarity,” Fluttershy said fearfully.
“Good idea,” Applejack said.
They stood back as the door opened and Twilight stepped out. She was now wearing purple pants, a light blue parka, a purple scarf, and a light blue stocking cap with a pair of ski goggles pushed up to her forehead.
“I really like this outfit,” Twilight said, “But are these goggles necessary? What if I don’t go skiing?”
“Of course they are,” Rarity said, “Even if you don’t go skiing they’re there to create the illusion you might. No one wants to be caught at a ski resort and have people think they’re not there to ski right?”
“I guess so,” Twilight said.
“Alright then let’s hit the road,” Sunset said, “We’ll see you guys there.”
They all waved goodbye to one another before piling into their respective cars.
For the first few hours of the car ride Twilight and Sunset talked endlessly about what was new in the Human World as well as Equestria, but as they traveled farther from Canterlot High Sunset began to focus more and more on the road and where she was going. Twilight opted to bury herself in the books she had grabbed from the school’s library.
After a long period of silence they found themselves stuck in a traffic jam due the roadways being cleared ahead of them. Sunset decided to take the opportunity to strike up a conversation again.
“So what have you been reading?” she asked.
“I’ve been reading all about the history of both skiing and snowboarding,” Twilight said happily, “As well as all about the different tricks and maneuvers one can perform while doing so from the simple to the complex. I think I’ve got it mostly figured out.”
“Wow, do you think you’ll give it a try then?” Sunset asked.
“I….I don’t think so,” Twilight said, “As much as I’ve learned about them there’s still the physics involved when it comes to them. Momentum…velocity….suddenly stopping when you hit a tree.”
Twilight shuddered at the last thought.
“Hey don’t worry about it,” Sunset said smiling at her, “There’s plenty to do at the lodge. From what I read online they’ve got a big library, a game room, and we can always just sit in the lobby and look out at the snow and drink hot chocolate.”
“I’d like that,” Twilight said.
Their conversation was cut short by the traffic in front of them moving forward once more.
A short while later they had finally arrived at their destination. Sunset made sure to park next to the other girls in the parking lot.
“Wow, this place is amazing,” Twilight said, looking up at the Dragon Scale Lodge.
Unlike the other resorts in the area it had opted for length over height, stopping after only four stories, which looped around forming a horseshoe shape around the section of the mountain. Its large windows provided guests with unobstructed views of the mountain’s beauty. The dark red mahogany that made up the bulk the complex helped add to its unique beauty.
“Looks like a log cabin on steroids,” Rainbow Dash said.
“I guess you could say that,” Twilight said, as they all walked into the front entrance.
Once inside she looked around in awe. Several overstuffed chairs sat in front of a large fireplace. Out the large windows of the lobby they could see the ski slopes with several skiers taking advantage of them. Off to the side was a gift shop that also dealt in equipment rentals, the clerk had their feet propped up on the counter and was reading a magazine, obscuring their face.
“I just know this is going to be a great weekend,” Twilight said, as she rang the service bell at the front desk.
“Hello and welcome to the Dragon Scale Lodge,” came a disinterested voice as the clerk approached, “How can I help…YOU!!”
Twilight gasped in horror when she realized the front desk clerk was Adagio, “Me?! What about YOU?! What are you doing here?”
“I work here,” Adagio said, gritting her teeth.
“Then make with our rooms already. Chop chop,” Rainbow Dash said in annoyance.
“Fine. Oh my, there seems to have been an error in your room reservations. It seems instead of three separate rooms with a mountain view, you’ve only got one with a parking lot view…next to the ice machine,” Adagio said smiling evilly.
“You might think you’ve got some sort of power over us but you don’t,” Sunset said, “I’m going to talk to your manager.”
“He’s not here. So take it or leave it.”
“We’re not going to take it or leave it,” Twilight said as the seven of them crowded around the desk, “We’re here to have fun and we won’t let you ruin it.”
“Sorry fun is forbidden for the likes of you. Now go back to your little school or else I might have to call security.”
Sunset was about to say something when a booming voice shouted from behind her, “Ms. Adagio are you giving these guests…bad customer service?!”
They turned to see a middle aged man in a business suit that matched the color of the lodge standing behind them.
“But…but Mr. Sardo they foiled my plans,” Adagio sputtered.
“I don’t care if they stripped you naked and poured a bucket of blue paint on you. You will give them the Dragon Scale Lodge customer service experience that we provide to all guests.”
Mr. Sardo’s comment caused Rainbow Dash to burst out laughing, Fluttershy to nearly pass out from blushing, and stunned the others into silence.
“Yes sir,” Adagio said in annoyance, “Oh my, it looks like the computer error has been fixed. Here are your room keys.”
She handed off the room keys while sporting the biggest most unnatural smile she could possibly form.
“Stop smiling, you’re scaring every single child in a half mile radius,” Sunset said to her as she grabbed her key.
“I’m sorry about Ms. Adagio’s behavior. She and her friend haven’t exactly embraced the idea of Dragon Scale Lodge Hospitality yet,” Mr. Sardo said.
Friend?! Twilight and the others thought nervously.
“Aria what did I tell you about idle hands,” he said to the gift shop worker.
Hearing this Aria lowered her magazine and began stocking the shelves.
“Where do you think the third one is?” Twilight whispered to Sunset.
“Normally I wouldn’t hire employees with their…unique attitudes, but their friend asked me to do it as a favor. I couldn’t really say no. Her show’s boosted my business by five percent in the pre-peak season,” Mr. Sardo said, “Oh my, I am rambling a bit aren’t I. Let me know if you girls need any other help.”
Once he was gone Adagio left her post and Aria returned to her magazine.
“Their friend he mentioned has got to be Sonata,” Sunset said.
“What kind of show does she put on? I mean she can’t sing anymore right?” Twilight said her curiosity mounting.
“Y’all might want to come see this,” Applejack called from the hallway by the elevators.
Once the others made their way over they could see what she meant by there being something they had to see. Mounted on a large display easel was a poster featuring Sonata wearing the jagged edge skirt with the blue and teal flame print, pink belt, fingerless gloves, and sleeveless black top that had become her stage hypnotist attire. She was smiling playfully at the viewer of the poster. She had her arms crossed in front of her chest and her pocket watch dangled by its chain from her left hand. Written above her the poster declared: Fantasy Inc. is proud to present: Sonata Dusk, Stage Hypnotist Extraordinaire. Come see her Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in the Baroque Lounge. An extra piece of paper had been tacked on declaring the next Saturday show would be exclusive to Canterlot High students.
“Well I wasn’t expecting that,” Twilight said.
“I know one thing I’m not doing on Saturday that’s for sure,” Rarity added.
“Yeah, there’s no way I’d let that little twerp get inside my head,” Rainbow said.
“I don’t know. It might not be all bad. Her outfit reminds me of the one Sunset wore in a dream I had where she was a stage hypnotist and hypnotized me. It was a lot of fun so I might volunteer,” Fluttershy said, before realizing the others were staring at her, “What?”
“Well I won’t stop you if you want to give it a try,” Applejack said, “But I guess that means we’ll have to come to the show to make sure she doesn’t try anything funny.”
While the others continued to talk about the show they climbed into a waiting elevator, leaving Twilight and Sunset behind as they continued to stare at the poster.
“So this trip took an unexpected turn,” Twilight said.
“Yeah who could’ve guessed,” Sunset said, “But you know it’s weird, I’ve got a sort of feeling maybe Sonata can be trusted.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well I have a recurring dream where I’m a nurse and my patient is Sonata. After I’m done giving her a checkup we talk about how she genuinely wants to reform and how most of her bad acts were due to following Adagio. Maybe it’s just a weird dream or maybe I’ve got some sort of prophetic abilities due to latent Equestrian magic. Either way somehow I think I can trust what she said in my dream.”
“Wow, between you being a stage hypnotist in Fluttershy’s dream and being a nurse in your own I think Princess Luna would have a field day here…no offence,” Twilight said.
“None taken,” Sunset said, “But like Applejack said, maybe we should go to the show and make sure nothing funny happens.”
“I agree. Right now I’m not exactly the most trusting person towards the sirens,” Twilight said, as the two of them got on the elevator.
Once they got in their room they dumped their stuff and headed off to meet with the other girls.
Later that evening after having eaten way more then they should’ve at the lodge’s buffet Sunset and Twilight drug themselves back to their room.
“Ughh I ate way too much. No way am I going to have trouble falling asleep tonight,” Sunset said.
“Same here,” Twilight added.
The two changed into their pajamas and climbed into their beds shortly afterwards.
Apparently not ‘same here.’ Twilight thought a half hour later, as she continued to toss and turn before looking over at the sleeping Sunset.
She climbed out of bed and quietly made her way over to the window.
Wow it’s really snowing hard, she thought looking out at the large flakes that drifted by the window, And all of it happening naturally and not driven by Pegasi. So why can’t I do the natural thing and fall asleep. What’s bothering me?!
Sunset breathed out a small sigh in her sleep before mumbling, “Now whenever you feel my stethoscope on your skin please take a deep breath in and out.”
Is she dreaming about being a nurse again? Twilight thought, raising an eyebrow, Wait, she said her patient when she’s a nurse is Sonata. That’s why I can’t sleep I’m still worried about her. Ugh but why? We all said we’d go to the show and watch for funny business, especially if Fluttershy volunteers so there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Maybe I just need to take a walk and clear my head.
She grabbed her room key and made a quiet exit from the room.
After a quick elevator ride she found herself in the lobby. The large windows offered another view of the snow fall, but it had a rather eerie feel to it since it was deserted, even the front desk was unmanned.
Maybe this was a bad idea, Twilight thought, as she wandered around.
She eventually found herself wandering into a side room. It was a nice lounge style area with a wood bar, large fire place, and an elevated stage at the front of it. She let out a gasp and hugged the wall when she saw who was standing up on the stage.
Sonata Dusk, completely unaware of her arrival, was more focused on the five chairs she had placed in a horseshoe pattern up on the stage. Backing away towards the edge of the stage she stood so she faced the center chair and looked back and forth before declaring, “Yup, I should definitely be able to hypnotize five Canterlot High Students easily.”
Five at once? That seems pretty high, and what if that’s just for starters? Maybe this is more dangerous then I thought.
Stepping forward Twilight said, “Sorry but that’s not going to happen, since there won’t be a show,”
I shouldn’t be doing this alone but maybe I can intimidate her.
Hearing her voice Sonata turned to face her.
“Hi there!” she said happily before jumping off the stage and walking up to Twilight, “Long time no see. It’s Twilight right?”
“Uh yes,” Twilight said, confused at the pleasant greeting.
“What are you doing here? Couldn’t sleep?” Sonata asked, noticing Twilight’s pajamas.
“Yes..wait I mean none of your business,” Twilight said, trying to get on the defensive, “I came to put a stop to your little show. You’re planning on turning Canterlot High Students into evil jerks again. I don’t know how you got your siren powers back but I won’t let you use them for evil again.”
“No…no I don’t have my siren powers back. I got trained to be a stage hypnotist by Ms. Fanta. Well I guess it’s more like I woke up knowing how to be one,” Sonata said.
Ms. Fanta? Who the heck is that? Twilight thought.
“And no, I don’t think I’ll be planning on turning my volunteers into jerks. That doesn’t sound like much fun. I might have them bicker or have a made up fight but that’s about it. Plus I tend to improvise a lot so I don’t really plan out stuff.”
“If you don’t have your powers back then how do you do your hypnosis?” Twlight asked.
Wait, I just noticed her eyes. They’re subtle but they’re there, spirals. Black and silver ones hidden in them. That’s how she’s hypnotizing people.
“With this silly, didn’t you see it in my poster?” Sonata said, as she pulled out her pocket watch and let it dangle in front of Twilight’s eyes.
“With that?” Twilight said in confusion.
“Yup it’s really simple and not bad at all like you think. I just swing the watch back and forth in front of people’s eyes and tell them to watch it swing back and forth,” Sonata said, as she started to swing the pocket watch in front of Twilight’s eyes.
What…there’s no way she could do it with that thing, Twilight thought as her eyes started to follow the watch.
“Then I usually tell them to take a nice relaxing breath.”
Without thinking Twilight did as Sonata asked.
Wait…what’s going on? Did she make me do that?
“Hey you’re playing along! Does that mean you want me to hypnotize you so you can see it’s not a bad thing?” Sonata asked her excitement building.
“Yes…No…I mean…I don’t know,” Twilight muttered, her eyes never leaving the watch.
“Well I’ll just keep going and if you want me to stop just say so. Now just relax for me Twilight and continue to watch the watch. Watch it swing back and forth.”
What am I doing? Why am I still going along with this? She said she’d stop if I told her to. So why aren’t I? Twilight thought.
“That’s it just watch my silver watch. Just let your whole body start to relax Twilight. It’s getting late so you need to relax. Just listen to my voice and relax. You can trust me,” Sonata said, flashing a kind smile.
Maybe…maybe I can trust her, Twilight thought, It does feel good to relax and I imagine she’d be a lot more malicious if her intentions were less then honest.
“You’re doing great! Just relax a little more for me. Let your muscles relax and let your arms grow limp. You feel relaxed. You feel warm all over, which is so nice to feel up in the mountains.”
I do feel warm. So calm and warm. It feels so gooood. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all, Twilight thought, as her arms dropped limply to her sides.
“Just relax some more Twilight. You know you can trust me. I know you’re worried about bad things happening when I hypnotize people but I promise I won’t do anything bad to you or anyone else. I won’t turn you evil or anything like that at all. You can just relax and begin to grow sleepy for me.”
She…she promised that I won’t be turned evil…she really has changed…So…sleepy, Twilight thought, as she started to succumb to the hypnosis.
“So sleepy now. Letting your eyelids grow heavy and tired. You’ve been up for far too long so when I count from three to zero you will drift off into a nice peaceful hypnotized sleep for me. Three…So sleepy. Two…Ready to fall into trance. One…Your eyes are closing. Zero…And sleep,” Sonata said, finishing off the induction with a finger snap.
Twilight’s eyes blinked shut on Sonata’s count of zero and head dropped forward.
“You are now hypnotized Twilight. How do you feel?” Sonata asked, as she put her watch away and walked over so she was right next to Twilight.
“Calm…relaxed….wonderful,” Twilight said, as a slight smile formed on her face.
“See there was nothing to worry about. Like I said, nothing bad’s going to happen while you’re under the spell of Sonata Dusk, Stage Hypnotist Extraordinaire. I mean sure you will now follow any command or suggestion I give you, but it’s not like turned you into my slave or something like that,” Sonata said, flashing a reassuring smile at the sleeping Twilight.
“I must obey you Mistress Sonata, but I am not your slave,” Twilight said, her voice quiet.
“Exactly.”
“Hey Sonata you in here?! Aria and I convinced the kitchen staff to let us have the leftover chicken wings as a midnight snack. We saved you one if you want it,” Adagio said, entering the room. Upon seeing Twilight a sadistic grin formed on her face.
She quickly rushed over to the two of them and looked Twilight over.
“Oh, this is just too perfect. Arms limply at her sides, eyes locked shut, head slumped over, and that goofy grin on her face. You hypnotized her didn’t you?” Adagio said, the grin not leaving her face.
“Yup, I just finished putting her under,” Sonata said happily.
“Well well, I do hope you’ve been enjoying your victory over us, because it’s about to become pyrrhic,” Adagio said, as she placed her hand under Twilight’s chin and lifted her head up slightly, “Because from now on you’re going to be evil. You will be pure unadulterated evil and you’re going to love it.”
Adagio continued to stare at the sleeping Twilight for a few more seconds before getting annoyed.
“Why isn’t she acknowledging me? No ‘Yes Mistress Adagio’. Not even a nod of her head. Why isn’t she pledging her life to evil?”
“Hello?! That’s not how it works,” Sonata said, thrusting her hands in the air in frustration, “I’m the one that hypnotized her so the only one she’ll listen to is me.”
Adagio growled in frustration, “Alright fine. You tell her that she’s evil now.”
“Sorry I can’t do that. I promised her I wouldn’t turn her evil or anything like that,” Sonata said, placing her hand on Twilight’s shoulder.
“Fine if you won’t turn her evil then why don’t you do that thing where you make people forget what happened while they’re hypnotized, only make it so she forgets everything. Her name. Who she is. Everything. She’d be just an amnesiatic clean slate.”
“Hmmm nope. That doesn’t sound like much fun either. I think I’ll just stick with the usual of her not remembering what happened while she was hypnotized unless I tell her to,” Sonata said, getting slightly annoyed.
“Fine you want fun, then make her think she’s a chicken, but make it permanent,” Adagio said, her frustration at Sonata’s moral compass growing.
“I won’t do that either. Now please stop trying to mess with her mind. Unless you want to join in on the hypno-fun with her? All I have to do is say two little words,” Sonata said smiling.
Not ‘Taco Tuesday,’ Adagio thought, horror filling her as she remembered the trigger phrase Sonata had given her and Aria when she had practiced on them awhile back.
“Fine. I’ll go. But you don’t get that last chicken wing,” Adagio said, storming out of the room.
“Sorry about that,” Sonata said, once she was sure she was gone, “So whatcha gonna be doing tomorrow? Well besides volunteering to be in my show now that you know it’s not a bad thing.”
“I plan on sitting around and reading. Enjoying some hot chocolate and playing in the game room,” Twilight answered.
“Awww you’re not going to do any skiing or snowboarding?”
“No Mistress Sonata.”
“Seems like kind of a waste to come up here and not do that. Wait I know. Twilight whenever you hear a bell you will become someone who loves skiing, snowboarding and having all kinds of fun out in the snow and when you hear a bell again you’ll change back to your normal self. Now you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Isn’t that great?” Sonata said, clapping her hands together, happy she was going to improve upon Twilight’s stay.
“Yes. It’s a great idea Mistress Sonata. I will obey,” Twilight said.
“Very good. Now why don’t you go back to your room and get a good night’s sleep. When you wake up in the morning you’ll come out of your trance and feel great,” Sonata said, snapping her fingers.
Twilight’s eyes blinked opening revealing blue and teal spirals, “Yes, I will go back to bed. Goodnight Mistress Sonata,” she said, as she turned and walked out of the room.
“Goodnight Twilight,” Sonata called after her.
Twilight quickly made her way back to the room. Once inside she climbed back into bed and fell into a deep sleep.
I must obey Mistress Sonata. I will get a good night’s sleep. When I wake up I will come out of my trance. Tomorrow night I will volunteer to be in Mistress Sonata’s show. Being hypnotized by her is not a bad thing. Whenever I hear a bell ring I will love winter sports and being in the snow. When I hear the bell again I will return to normal. I must obey Mistress Sonata, Twilight thought, repeating all the commands Sonata had given her in her head over and over again.