**********Tartarus 3rd POV**********
“What do you know about the wraiths, Grand Stander,” Celestia demanded. She stare down the unicorn in his cell. He was a shadow of his former self. He looked starved and tired. It looked like every movement was agony even as he tried to retain his smug arrogance.
“I’m surprised you didn’t send your pet down here to interrogate me,” Grand Stander. “Or could it be, the rumors are true?”
“Don’t try to change the subject,” Celestia narrowed her eyes. “What do you know about the wraiths?”
“You know, you used to be such a sweet little thing,” Grand Stander said. “All the time you’ve spent with that monster has made you cold.”
“I won’t ask you again, Grand Stander,” Celestia lit her horn. “What do you know about the wraiths?”
“You know you can’t kill me here,” Grand Stander grinned.
“I’m counting on it,” Celestia’s horn glowed brighter.
“Took the words right out of his mouth, didn’t you,” Grand Stander didn’t back down. “Well go on! Show me what your ‘hero’ taught you!”
Cackling lightning started spreading off of Celestia’s horn and fear crept into Grand Stander’s eyes. The air was tense and neither dared show any weakness.
“Hey now, there’s no need to resort to violence.” A calm voice cut through the hostility. “I’m sure we can figure something out.” The tension evaporated and both parties facehooved.
“Why is it,” Celestia said, “that no matter where I stick you, you always manage to get on my nerves.”
“I’ve been dealing with this idiot for an eternity,” Grand Stander agreed. “So much rambling ‘Lord Sasuke this’ , ‘Lord Sasuke that’!”
“Well, when you finally come to the realization that Lord Sasuke is our one true god, I will stop quoting his gospel.”
“It’s not gospel! It's made up stories,” Grand Stander screamed. “I know that because I heard you writing them!”
“Ignoring your dangerous obsession and insanity,” Celestia said. “What do you want?”
“Something has happened on one of the lower levels,” the voice said. “The wraiths are being organized and directed by something powerful.”
“How do you know that,” Celestia asked without taking her eyes off of Grand Stander.
“You of all ponies should know that they love me,” the voice giggled. “We talk all the time.”
Grand Stander frowned. His leverage was gone. Now he would have to spend more time in this accursed hellscape.
**********Laputa 1st POV**********
“So a word of warning before we cross over into the other world,” I said. Starlight and Aoife stood in front of me each with their saddlebags ready to go. I walked over to the mirror and put my sword down. “You’re going to turn into humans temporarily. But unlike Gilda and Trixie, you won’t have tails to help you balance yourself. Also you’ll lose your horns and wings.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to take Trixie and Gilda,” Starlight asked.
“No. They need to train before they start doing real stuff,” I explained. “And I‘ve become accustomed to having you around when I do my recruiting.”
“Oh great,” Starlight rolled her eyes. “I get to watch you coerce some more young mares into doing what you want.”
I was silent for a moment. “Did that come out the way you meant it?”
“Yes.”
“Anyway, on the other side we have a few stops to make,” I said. “Try not to get lost. I really don’t want to waste time looking for you. Got it?” Starlight nodded lazily and Aoife saluted me. I was already regretting this. “Then let’s go!”
I walked up to the mirror and leapt through it. The world swirled around me and I was swallowed up by a rainbow light show. “Down the rabbit hole we go!” I shouted as I fell through dimensions. The portal spat me out under the statue of a horse. I stood up and dusted myself off. I looked down at my clothes and I was wearing a hoodie and jeans.
“What the hell,” I mumbled to myself. I looked myself all over. These were definitely not the same clothes but my body was the same. I tried activating my sharingan. “Good, it still works,” I said. I could feel the chakra flowing through my body. Everything was going according to plan.
Aoife was the next one to come out of the portal. Surprisingly, she landed on her feet. She stood up and kept her balance.
“How are you doing that so easily,” I asked.
“I’ve been practising,” she replied, puffing out her chest.
I was about to ask her how when Starlight shot out of the portal and rolled across the ground. Aoife moved to help her up. “Are you ok,” she asked.
“I’m fine,” Starlight tried to stand on her legs. She wobbled a bit and leaned on Aoife for support. “Where are we?”
“Welcome to Canterlot High School,” I extended my arms excitedly. My two companions stared at me wordlessly. “I get it, it’s just a high school. But we do have to pick someone up here.”
We walked into the building with Starlight still leaning on Aoife. “How will we find the target?” Aoife asked.
“It should be lunch time soon,” I said. “We’ll have someone take us to the cafeteria and then it’ll be super easy.”
“Alright, what does the target look like,” Aoife added.
I grinned. “It’s a surprise.”
“Of course it is,” Starlight rolled her eyes.
The school bell rang and students filled the halls. They started moving in one general direction and I motioned to Starlight and Aoife to follow them. We walked together and I listened for anything useful. When we got to the cafeteria I looked around. I couldn’t see her but everyone was avoiding a table in the middle of the room.
“Bingo,” I muttered. “Come along ladies. Time to set the trap.” We sat down at the table drawing gasps and whispers from the people around us.
“These… humans… are treating us suspiciously,” Aoife said, looking around. “Shouldn’t we be trying to keep a low profile?”
“Nope,” I leaned back in the chair and put my feet on the table. “We’re basically trying to piss off a dragon.”
“Of course we are,” Starlight said. “Nothing is ever simple with you. I have a question: why do all of the humans here look so different from you?”
“Because this isn’t my world,” I explained. “These are a different type of human. Kind of an exaggerated and toned down version.”
“Hey you!” A scratchy voice yelled.
“And it begins,” I chuckled. “Can I help you?” Two humans filled my field of vision. One had blueish skin and orange hair. The other was taller and had yellowish skin and green hair. Snips and Snails.
“This table is reserved,” Snips glared at me.
“Really,” I said. “I don’t see a name on it.”
“You must be new here,” Snips continued. “Everybody knows only one person can sit at this table.”
“Looks like everybody was wrong. I’m sitting here,” I grinned back. “And where do minions like you sit?”
“You’re gonna be in big trouble when she gets here,” Snails added with a smirk.
“I’ll take my chances,” I said. “Now run along.” I shooed them off. Snips and Snails huffed at me and then ran out of the cafeteria.
“Should we be expecting a fight,” Aoife asked me.
“Nah,” I put my hands behind my head. “I’ve got a secret weapon.”
“You have a contingency for literally every situation, don’t you,” Starlight put her head down on the table.
“I wouldn’t say I have a plan for every situation,” I replied. “I mostly just adapt to whatever happens.”
“I’m only going to say this once: you’re sitting in my seat, new kid.”
I sat the chair down and turned around. Standing in front of me, giving me a death glare, was Sunset Shimmer. ‘Finally,’ I thought. ‘It’s about time.’
I smiled. “New kid? Really? I’m surprised you don’t recognize me.”
“Why would I recognize some hick from nowheresville,” Sunset crossed her arms. “Let me tell you who I am, so you know what you’re dealing with. I’m-”
“Sunset Shimmer,” Starlight gasped, staring wide-eyed at her sister.
“And you are,” Sunset said with disinterest.
“It’s me, Starlight,” Starlight’s eyes started watering. “I thought I’d never see you again!” Starlight jumped out of her chair and grabbed Sunset in a hug. “I thought I’d lost you!”
“Starlight?” Sunset whispered. “How are you here? What’s going on?”
“Why don’t you both sit down and let’s talk,” I offered her a seat. Starlight was reluctant to let go of her sister but relented so they could sit. “I told you: secret weapon,” I whispered to Aoife.
“So what’s going on here?” Sunset started. “Who are you? How did you find me? How did you bring my sister?” I held up a hand to stop her.
“I’m sure you have a million questions but first: are you serious about not recognizing me at all?”
“I swear I’ve never seen you before in my life,” Sunset said.
“So I assume you forgot all those days you did your studying in my shade and confessed to me your ambitions, fears, and secrets,” I teased.
“But I did that in… Holy shit are you the statue?”
“Feels good to finally be recognized,” I said. “Anyway, my name is Sasuke Uchiha. And before you ask, yes I was aware the entire time. I’ve known where you were for a long time. You see, I want to help you.”
“Help me how?”
“I remember when you were just a little filly. You were full of potential and ambition. But look at where you are now. You had aspirations to a princess one day. Let me help you make that dream a reality. I can make you more powerful than you could even imagine, I can teach you to use a magic even alicorns can’t, and I can show you all of the secrets of the world. How’s that for starters?”
“That sounds amazing. But how do I know you’re telling me the truth?”
“I helped him,” Starlight leaned on Sunset’s shoulder. “I’ve seen what he’s capable of. He beat Celestia in a one on one fight and fought two alicorns, at the same time, to a draw.”
Sunset stared at me with reverence. “I don’t know what to say.”
“How about ‘Please take me home’,” I grinned.
“Yeah sure, that,” Sunset was still stunned.
I clapped my hands. “Good! Then let’s take this party elsewhere. Can’t have everyone seeing you transform in here.” I got up and the girls followed.
“What do you mean transform,” Sunset asked.
We walked out of the school and onto the football field. I nodded my head towards the bleachers. Starlight and Aoife went to them and sat down. Sunset stood in front of me looking scared.
“I’m gonna be honest with you,” I scratched my head. “I could’ve swore you had more fire than this. Where’s that ambition? Where’s that drive? Come on, show me who you really are.”
Sunset scowled. “Give me a minute. I’ve just had some heavy stuff dropped on me and I’m processing. Now how are you going to make me more powerful.”
There it was. I smiled. “All you need is this,” I summoned the serum and handed it to her. “It’s your choice.”
Sunset took the syringe in her hand and looked at it. The rainbow liquid swirled around even as she held it still. She turned to look at Starlight who nodded at her. Sunset took a deep breath and put the needle to her arm. She closed her eyes and injected herself. Immediately, she was wrapped in a cocoon of magic. Her proportions changed slightly since she already had a human form. Her body adjusted itself and her skin changed color. Wings grew from her back while her tail and horn grew back. The light faded and a brand new Sunset Shimmer stood in front of me. I could see the renewed confidence in her, now sharingan, eyes and her smirk told me whatever doubts she was having were gone.
“So,” I cocked my head to the side. “How are you feeling?”
“Like myself again,” Sunset smiled and hugged her tail. “You would not believe how much I missed this thing.” Starlight ran to her sister and tackled her in a hug. “I missed you too, Starlight.”
I went to the bleachers and sat down with Aoife. “What is our next move,” she asked.
“Sunset’s transformation should act like a beacon and pull our next targets here,” I explained. “We’re not going to wait for them though. We don’t have that kind of time. I’m going to use a wide area sensing technique to track them down.”
Aoife and I got up and walked over to the sisters. They sat in the grass laughing and hugging each other. Sunset’s sharingan still hadn’t deactivated yet.
“I’m sorry to interrupt this joyous reunion but we have work to do,” I said. “Sunset can you see the flow of my magic?” She nodded and stood up. “Good. Pay attention to my hands.”
I started forming the hand seals, slower than I normally would. Sunset watched intensely, carefully observing the way I manipulated my chakra. Kagura Shingan. I could see the entire city with my mind’s eye. All of the people walking around were almost colorless to me. This world had almost no magic in it at all. That just made my targets stand out even more. Their magic glowed with a bright red as they tried to absorb the wisps of magic from the humans around them. I opened my eyes and grinned.
“I’ve got them,” I put a hand on Sunset’s and Aoife’s shoulder. Sunset grabbed Starlight’s hand. “We’re going now.”
I pulled us all into Kamui’s dimension and pulled us out in front of a diner.
“You couldn’t wait for me to get up?” an irritated Starlight said as she brushed the dirt off of herself.
“What was that?” Sunset asked. “It clearly wasn’t normal teleportation.”
“It’s a unique ability that I might give you eventually,” I replied. “For now, let your magic aura out and cover all of us with it.”
“All right,” Sunset let out her Equestrian magic and it formed a hemisphere, surrounding us.
“When we go in,” I instructed, “Stay under Sunset’s protection and don’t interact with anyone.”
I pushed open the doors and we walked in together. All around us people were yelling at each other and fighting. Starlight stiffened up and moved closer to me. We walked slowly around the people who were too consumed by rage to notice us. I followed the green mist through the restaurant to a booth in the back. As we got closer I could hear the sound of beautiful voices singing in harmony. I observed the three hooded, young women singing and formulated my plan.
“That’s a lovely song,” I said as I sat down in the booth. “Too bad everyone else here doesn’t seem to think so.”
The girls stopped singing. The one with a lot of orange hair was the first to remove her hood. The other two followed her lead. “Who are you?” She narrowed her eyes. “You shouldn’t be able to-”
“Notice you?” I finished for her. “I should be wrapped up in rage or guilt or whatever else it is you feed on?”
The girls tensed up. “How do you know about us?”
“Because we come from the same place,” I grinned. “Go on, try it.”
Their eyes glowed and they all turned their heads towards Sunset. “What is she?”
“I think I’ve answered enough of your questions,” I said. “Why don’t you tell us your names first.”
The three girls shared a look and a wordless conversation. The orange haired one spoke. “I am Adagio Dazzle. This is Aria Blaze,” she pointed to the girl with purple hair, “and Sonata Dusk.” Sonata waved at us and smiled. Aria Blaze huffed and crossed her arms.
“What are they?” Starlight asked.
“These girls are sirens,” I explained. They seemed surprised that I knew what they were. “Hilarious story behind how they ended up here. See sirens create a little hostility and then feed on the negative emotions. And they used to operate off the coast of Fillydelfia. All the ponies knew they were there but never did anything. They made a deal with Starswirl: keep the damage of their feeding to a minimum and they could stay. It worked great for a while. But then these three got greedy. They wanted control of the city. So they used their spells and made the ponies tear themselves apart. They fed on the magic and got drunk on their own power. Starswirl came back only to find his home in ruins. He went to the sirens’ home and they told him that these three acted independently. He hunted them down and beat them around for a week. Then after his anger cooled he banished them to a world without magic. Which is where they’ve been for… How long has it been now?”
“Too long,” Adagio said through gritted teeth. She leaned back and crossed her arms. “What do you want? Or did you just come here to taunt us?”
“As fun as that would be,” I said, “I have a question for you. Are you tired of scrounging around this world for scraps like a mouse in an empty pantry?”
“What do you mean?” Sonata asked.
“I mean it can’t be easy for you in this world,” I started. “No magic, a body you didn’t understand, no money, and I bet you’ve been stuck at that age haven’t you?”
“This world totally sucks,” Aria agreed. “But so what?”
“What if I told you I could take you back to Equestria?” I captured their attention. “And not only that but make you more powerful than you’ve ever been. What would you say to that?”
“I’d say you’re trying to sell us a load of crap,” Adagio said. “You can’t possibly believe us to expect that. We were banished. There is no way back for us.”
“Correction,” I said. “There is no way back for you as long as you use Equestrian magic. But what if your body was full of another type of magic?”
“That’s a great theory but this world doesn’t have enough magic to send us back,” Aria turned her head away.
“Maybe it doesn’t,” I smirked. “But I do.”
“But aren’t you from Equestria?” Sonata looked at me like I was an idiot. “You would have Equestrian magic.”
I smiled and let my chakra flow out and around the sirens. “Are you sure?”
“So let’s say you could do everything you’re promising,” Adagio looked at me suspiciously. “What do you get out of it?”
“It works like this,” I said. “I take you back to Equestria and make you more powerful than you can imagine and, in exchange, you guys join the team I’m putting together. Simple.”
“So you want us to work for you, is that it?” Adagio asked incredulously.
“Yeah that’s it in a nutshell,” I shrugged.
“Absolutely no way,” Adagio yelled. “I am Adagio Dazzle! I have not fallen so far that I need to prostrate myself for anyone! We are sirens, one of the most powerful magical creatures in existence and if we can’t get back to our own world we will take over this one.”
“Maybe we should listen to him,” Sonata said. “I really want to go home.”
“Yeah I’m sick of this world too, Adagio,” Aria agreed.
“Where is your pride?” Adagio was repulsed. “Do you really want to be servile to this thing?”
“How about this,” I proposed. “I will restore you to your full power. Tomorrow night the three of you will fight two of us. If you win I’ll make you powerful and take back to Equestria to do whatever you want. I’ll even help you take over the world if you want. But if I win, you’re mine. What do you say?”
“You’ll restore our magic and then fight all three of us with only two?” Adagio grinned maliciously. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Good,” I summoned a stone heart and handed it to Adagio. “Tomorrow night at 8, meet us at Canterlot High’s football field.”
“See you there,” Adagio said. The heart started pouring magic into the sirens.
I got up from the table and walked out of the store with my team. Once we got outside I stretched and looked around. “What time is it,” I asked.
“It’s just about 3,” Sunset said.
“That was one of the artifacts you had Merlin steal from the castle, wasn’t it,” Aoife asked.
“Indeed it was,” I said. “It’s one of the alicorn artifacts actually. The alicorn heart. It’s a bottomless pit of magic.”
“And how do you plan on fighting that?” Starlight asked. “I swear if you get my sister hurt.”
“Don’t worry,” I said. “I’m not going to fight. But don’t worry Sunset, I’ll train you real good and your partner won’t drag you down.”
“If you’re not going to fight with me, who is?” Sunset asked.
“We need to go get her,” I said. “Onwards to Crystal Prep!”
***
We stood in front of the Crystal Prep school building as I explained what the plan was. I transformed into an older version of myself in a suit. Sunset hid her pony features. “Sunset you’re with me. I know I said not split up but in order for this to work, Starlight and Aoife need to wait out here. Do not go anywhere. Got it?”
Sunset and I entered the building and I looked around for an office. There were a few leftover students from the end of the school day wandering the halls but most were in clubs or at sports practice. A sign hanging from the ceiling indicated the principal’s office. Sunset and I head towards the door. I knocked twice.
“Come in,” a cold, stern voice commanded.
As I entered the office, I noticed that Cadance’s human counterpart was in here as well. ‘That’ll save some time,’ I thought.
“Who are you?,” the woman sitting behind the desk asked.
“Are you Principal Cinch,” I asked.
“I am indeed,” she replied. “What is your name?”
“Forgive me,” I said. “My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I represent the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters.”
“I can’t say I’ve ever heard of you or your institution,” Principal Cinch said apathetically. “What is it you want?”
“I can understand that,” I chuckled. “After all we go out of our way to remove our reputation. Unlike a prestigious academy such as this one. As for what I want, I understand you have a student here named Twilight Sparkle. We would like to recruit her.”
Cadance raised her eyebrows but said nothing. “Twilight Sparkle is the pride of this institution. She will be a great boon to the already stellar reputation of my school,” Principal Cinch took off her glasses and wiped them. “Why would allow her to be taken by another school?”
“Because her research is some of the most advanced on this planet,” I said cooly. “And we have the resources she needs to take it to the next level. I understand your trepidation in allowing such an amazing student to escape your grasp but I can assure you that all credit will go to this school.”
“That sounds interesting,” her eyes trained on me. “Why would I believe that you would give up the chance for such great recognition?”
“An excellent point. The Xavier School has never taken any form of recognition. But I assure our research is the best in the world. Sunset Shimmer,” I tapped my forehead. “I would like that pen on Principal Cinch’s desk. Please get it for me.”
Principal Cinch’s and Cadance’s eyes grew wide and their mouths hung open when Sunset Shimmer grabbed the pen in her magic and levitated it to me.
“Thank you, Sunset,” I smirked. “You see at the Xavier School, we take the brightest children and help them create the future. You’ve just witnessed an amazing product of our school. We don’t seek fame or fortune. We just want to help students reach their full potential. When Twilight changes the world, she will credit Crystal Prep Academy.”
I could see Principal Cinch’s wheels turning. She steepled her fingers and looked deep in thought. She definitely wanted the credit for having Twilight do something great. Cadance on the other hand...
“Wait a second,” Cadance interjected. “We have to take into account Twilight’s feelings. She may not want to leave.”
“I assure you this will be a wonderful experience for her,” I said. “Twilight will get to do what she loves and as an added benefit she will basically be forced into social interaction. Researchers work in teams and develop friendships. She will be surrounded by people that will help, encourage, and challenge her. It’s a wonderful environment.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Principal Cinch said with a roll of her eyes. “Dean Cadence would you please go get Twilight and bring her here? I wish to have a word with Mr Uchiha in private.”
***
A few minutes later Cadance walked back into the room followed by a meek Twilight Sparkle. I smiled at Twilight to make her feel more at ease. Sunset was clearly not impressed. She folded her arms and gave a look as if to say, “Really? Her?”
“Twilight Sparkle,” Principal Cinch started. “This man is from the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. He would like to recruit you to his school in order to help you pursue your research.”
“Really?” Twilight asked. “But how do you even know what I’m researching?”
“We keep our eye out for that kind of thing,” I said. “You’re researching a new type of energy you found, correct?” Twilight nodded. “Well we’ve harnessed it. And we would like you to help study it. Sunset, why don’t you give Twilight a demonstration.”
Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes and focused on Twilight. Twilight gasped when she realised she was floating in mid-air.
“This is incredible,” Twilight said as she was lowered to the ground. “To think that I don’t have to start from scratch!”
“Oh and by the way Twilight,” I smirked, “we allow pets.”
“Principal Cinch, I would like to go their school,” Twilight said excitedly.
“Excellent,” I clapped my hands together. “Pack your things, we leave tomorrow night!”
“Isn’t that a little sudden?” Cadance asked.
“I do want to get started right away,” Twilight said. “Mr. Uchiha could you accompany me to my lab? I have so many questions to ask you!”
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Cadance, Ms. Cinch,” I said as I left the office.
Twilight led us to her closet-sized club room. It was a tight squeeze but we all fit inside with a little room to spare.
“So do you need boxes or anything?” I asked.
“No I actually have some over here,” Twilight reached under her desk and grabbed what appeared to be a full stack of packing boxes.
“Why do you have these?” Sunset was very confused.
Twilight looked down at her feet and spoke quietly. “I’ve been hoping for something like this for a long time.”
“Don’t be embarassed, at least your dream came true,” I reassured her. “Other people do a lot more and get absolutely nothing. Sunset, let’s help her pack.”
Sunset rolled her eyes but unfolded her arms and helped. “Fine. But remember we have a fight tomorrow? And she’s going to be my partner? She’s useless in a fight!”
“Fight?” Twilight’s pupils shrank to pinpricks. “Nobody said anything about fighting!”
“Don’t worry,Twilight,” I taped up a box and put it aside. “Think of it as an entrance exam. Trust me, I would never let anything hurt you.”
Twilight nodded at me. She was clearly still nervous but with the contest of exam she accepted her impending fight much easier. While we worked Twilight asked some questions about magic and Sunset answered them. I stayed quiet and enjoyed the show. Sunset was pretending to be annoyed at Twilight’s questions but it was clear her love of magic made her react positively to Twilight’s curiosity. Sunset was loving the adoration Twilight was showing her and they were bonding over a genuine love of scientific curiosity. Eventually we finished packing away all of Twilight’s things. Her dog, Spike, who had been napping jumped into Twilight’s backpack. I summoned a storage scroll and put all of Twilight’s things into it. She got over her awe quickly and questioned about its functions. I just laughed and led her out of the building. Aoife and Starlight were waiting for us. The sun was low in the sky, threatening to dip past the horizon.
“Twilight, now is where you make your decision,” I summoned a syringe and held it out to her. “If you accept this, there’s no going back. You’ll have to follow this path all the way to the end. But you can still choose something different. You don’t have to do this. If you want, you can walk away right now. But this is going to be your only opportunity. If you walk away, you’ll never get this chance again. What will you do?”
Twilight took a deep breath. “All my life, I’ve felt like I didn’t belong, like there was something more to life that I just wasn’t a part of. When you showed up, I was happier than I’ve ever been. I always wanted to feel like I mattered to someone. And talking to Sunset, I can see that there’s a whole undiscovered world out there! I want to feel like what I’m doing matters. I want to join the Xavier School!” She held out her arm and closed her eyes.
“Sorry, Twilight, but that’s not how it works,” I put the syringe in her hand. “If you want something, you have to grab it with your own hands.”
Twilight looked at all of us and held the serum delicately. She rolled up her sleeve and put the needle to her arm. She looked at me expectantly but I showed no emotion one way or another. She took another deep breath and pierced her skin. She injected the rainbow liquid into herself and it activated almost immediately. Her body was wrapped in a cocoon of light. The light passed through her, changing her body. Her limbs changed only slightly her face changed a small amount. Wings and a tail sprouted from her body. Her eyes shine bright with power and a horn grew from her head. The light dissipated, her transformation finished. Sunset rushed to catch her as she fell from exhaustion.
“That felt weird,” Twilight said weakly. She wobbled a bit trying to stand on her own but she didn’t fall over. Twilight inspected her new body closely. She gasped a few times as she discovered the changes and then pulled out a notebook to document them.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
Twilight put the pencil to her mouth in thought. “Different but the same. I thought there would be more of a change but I guess it only changed my body.”
“Of course,” I laughed. “I couldn’t lose that beautiful mind. It’s getting late. Aoife, take Twilight home and teach her what we talked about. Meet back up with us at Canterlot High tomorrow.”
“Alright sir,” Aoife said. “Come along, Twilight Sparkle. We have much to do and not much time.”
Twilight led Aoife away and left me with the sisters. Starlight frowned at me with folded arms. “I hope you’re not corrupting that poor girl.”
I put my hands over my heart in mock pain. “Oh how you wound me,” I chuckled. “Of course not. Aoife’s just going to teach her something I’m not great at while I focus on combat with Sunset.”
“They better both come out of this alive,” Starlight grumbled.
“You have my word,” I promised her. “Are you ready Sunset?” She nodded and I activated my sharingan. “Let’s begin.”
***
I stood at the fifty yard line of the football field with Sunset Shimmer to my right and Twilight Sparkle to my left. The the bleacher lights illuminated the field. Across from us stood the sirens, their eyes glowing with their excess of magical power. Aoife and Starlight sat in the stands watching intently. Adagio tossed the alicorn heart to me and I put it away.
“So, here are the rules,” I said. “The battle will continue until one side surrenders or is unable to keep fighting. Got it?” Everyone nodded. “Good.” I created 4 shadow clones and each went to a corner of the field. Four Red Yang Formation. Red walls covered each side of the field. I teleported to the stands. “Now fight!”
Sunset grabbed Twilight and put some distance in between them and the sirens. The sirens began to sing and their magic gathered around them. Twilight sat down and a sphere of magic formed around her. She closed her eyes and started taking deep breaths.
“What the hell is she doing,” Starlight screamed. “Twilight just abandoned my sister!”
“Calm down and watch,” I told her.
A stream of magic pulled from Twilight’s bubble and formed between her and Sunset. Sunset flared her wings. Small licks of magic flames flew off her feathers and she grinned. In a flash she was next to the sirens and, before they could react, kicked Adagio into the goal post. The other sirens fearfully scurried to their fallen leader. Sunset reveled in her newfound strength.
“What just happened,” Starlight’s jaw dropped. “There’s no way she got that fast in one day.”
“You’re right,” I said. “Sunset Shimmer isn't nearly that fast. Yet. Neither is she experienced enough to win this fight. So, I had to compensate somewhere. Twilight wasn’t going to be able to fight well enough either, so I didn’t even bother having her learn how.”
“Then what did she do with Aoife?” Starlight asked.
“As per Lord Mephisto’s instructions, I taught her how to use meditation to observe the battlefield,” Aoife explained. “We also went through several books detailing ‘video game mechanics and algorithms.’”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that right now Sunset is on new game plus,” I grinned.
“That’s probably the best I’m going to get from you isn’t it?” Starlight deadpanned. “I’m just going to assume my sister is in no real danger right now, right?” I nodded. “Good.”
Adagio stood up and her broken bones realigned themselves and moved back into place. Her eyes glowed bright with rage and magic. Sunset smirked at her enemies.
“Is that it?” she laughed. “Sasuke made it sound like you were a real threat. But this is pathetic.”
Adagio screamed and projected her siren form out of her pendant. The yellow projection fired a sonic blast at Sunset. The other two sirens followed Adagio’s lead and projected themselves as well. Sunset easily dodged their attacks, effortlessly and gracefully weaving between the blasts of energy. She raised a finger and unleashed a large blast of energy at Sonata’s projection. It was disintegrated in the blast but reformed. The corners of Sunset’s mouth twitched as she realized she wasn’t causing any lasting damage with her attacks.
“She’s too strong,” Aria deadpanned. “We’re going to run out of magic at this rate.”
“What about the other one?” Adagio asked.
“She’s just sitting down,” Sonata said. “She’s not doing anything.”
Adagio’s eyes widened. “Yes she is! They’re sharing power! Sonata, Aria, focus on the one in the back. I’ll handle this one.” I could feel her rage building. “Ladies, no more playing around. Full power!”
The sirens all called their constructs to their side. They dissipated as they were absorbed back into the girls. Their skin glowed with power as their bodies changed. The sirens grew fins out of their limbs and heads. They grinned maniacally and before Sunset could react, Sonata and Aria had moved past her and started attacking Twilight’s bubble. Sunset turned her head and moved to stop them but was intercepted by Adagio. Adagio’s hair flowed wildly with magic. She swung wildly at Sunset who narrowly dodged her attacks.
“What in Tartarus just happened?” Starlight yelled. She grabbed my shirt. “Why is Sunset losing power?”
“Calm down,” I said. I patted her head to soothe her. “I expected this. They figured out that Twilight was using her own magic to support Sunset and are focusing their attacks on her. Twilight had to give Sunset less energy to fuel her forcefield. With less power, Sunset can’t move or think as fast. The only reason she’s able to keep up now is her sharingan.”
“WHAT?” Starlight was hysterical. “GET IN THERE AND SAVE MY SISTER! I DON’T CARE HOW MUCH OF YOUR PLAN YOU LOSE! I JUST GOT HER BACK AND I’M NOT GOING TO LOSE HER AGAIN!”
“I know this looks bad but I assure you that Sunset will be fine,” I tried prying her off of me.
“She better be!” Starlight clung to me. “I’ll go in there myself if I have to!”
Sunset was not doing well. Her breathing was getting erratic and she was losing her cool. She had expected a curb stomp battle but now she was fighting for her life. Twilight wasn’t doing much better. The other two sirens were relentlessly attacking her bubble and she was giving her all trying to maintain it. I smirked. Just one more push! Come on Adagio, I know you can push her more!
“When I’m done tearing you limb from limb, I think I’ll make you into a footstool,” Adagio teased as she finally caught Sunset with a punch.
Sunset flew back from the impact and started forming hand seals. “Fire style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!” She announced the name and a barrage of fireballs flew out of her mouth. Adagio laughed as she dodged them. Even with Sunset directing the fireballs she still couldn’t catch her. The frustration was showing on Sunset’s face. She was sweating heavily and her calm demeanor was completely gone. Rage and frustration consumed her features. She looked like she was on the verge of losing herself completely when I saw it happen. A third tomoe appeared in Sunset’s sharingan. With Sunset’s evolution, a fireball caught one of Adagio’s hands. Adagio screamed in pain and made the mistake of slowing down. Sunset formed more hand seals. “ Fire Style: Dragon Fire Jutsu!” Sunset unloaded a terrifyingly strong wave of fire onto Adagio, who could only look on in fear.
Adagio’s piercing screams caused Sonata and Aria to get distracted. Twilight, seeing her opportunity, sent a burst of magic to Sunset. Sunset teleported to Twilight’s bubble and unleashed another barrage of fireballs on each siren. All of the sirens dropped to the ground pain having knocked them out. Their breaths were short and ragged but they were all still alive.
“Like I said,” I ruffled Starlight’s hair. “Nothing to worry about.” My clones vanished in a puff of smoke and the barrier vanished. Aoife and I walked out onto the field and Starlight ran to her sister. They hugged and Sunset fell to her knees, exhausted. Twilight’s bubble vanished and she fell to her knees as well. I handed Aoife the rainbow shots and pointed to the fallen sirens. She moved to transform them before they succumbed to their injuries. I walked over to Twilight and helped her steady herself.
“So, how ya doing, buddy,” I asked her.
“That was insane!” she said as she held on to me. “I was so scared!”
“But you powered through it and won,” I congratulated her. “And don’t worry. I’ll never make you fight again. From now on you can study and learn to your little heart’s content. You did good today, Twilight. You should be proud of yourself.” Twilight blushed, smiled, and passed out. I put her sleeping body on my back and carried her over to Sunset and Starlight. A bright light flashed behind me.
“How does it feel to grab victory from the jaws of defeat?” I asked Sunset.
She gave me a tired smile. “Bucking amazing.”
“Your skill was impressive,” I said. “I’m amazed you managed to learn those jutsu so quickly.”
“It wasn’t much different from learning a new spell,” she said. “And you did beat those moves into me.” She shivered.
“It worked, didn’t it,” I smiled. “Let’s get you home. I think you’ve spent enough time in exile.”
The light faded and the groaning told me the sirens were recovering. Aoife walked over to Sunset and carried the tired girl on her back. Starlight stayed close to her sister as we got closer to the sirens. They sat up and inspected their new bodies. Their wounds had healed but their magic reserves were still empty. They felt their horns and fish-like tails. Their fin-wings fluttered as they discovered their new appendages. They shakily got to their feet.
“Ready to go ladies?” I asked them. I turned towards the school and started walking.
“Now that I have the same power as her,” Adagio said, humiliated by her loss. “What’s stopping me from killing you all and just going back on my own?”
I turned my head to look at her and activated my mangekyou sharingan. To add intensity, I focused a huge amount of killing intent on her as well. Her face showed true terror.
“I suppose you could try,” I grinned. A dark spot grew on the crotch of her pants and tears streamed down her face. I began walking again and heard her drop to her knees. Aria and Sonata helped Adagio up as we all went back through the portal.
***
I sat at the desk in my room back at the castle. I looked over some of the reports Merlin had made. I had made use of Lew and had Merlin stationed in Ponyville as a branch manager of Lew’s business. He was close enough to Canterlot to keep tabs on the princesses while also observing the elements of harmony. If any of their adventures changed, I would know about it. Keeping track of the timeline took top priority. I was distracted from my thoughts by a knock at my door.
Sensing Starlight, I spoke, “Come in, it’s open.” Starlight walked into the room nervously. “I see you’re enjoying being on four legs again. But I am surprised to see you. You haven’t left Sunset’s side since we got back. What’s up?”
Starlight shuffled nervously back and forth on her hooves. “I wanted to thank you,” she finally said. “I really thought I’d lost Sunset forever. It was like she came back from the dead.”
I smiled. “I’m happy you could see her again. I know what it’s like to think you’ll never see a sibling again.”
“I also wanted to tell you that,” she took a deep breath, “I plan on staying here to help you.”
“That’s right,” I said. “Our deal ended when I brought you to Sunset. Well I’m glad you’re staying. Like I said before: I enjoy your company.”
“Don’t think that means I approve of the crazy stuff you do,” she glared at me.
“Of course not,” I grinned.
“I’m just looking out for my sister,” she started walking out of the room. “Faust knows what kind of insanity you’ll get her into if I’m not around.”
When Starlight walked out, I decided to call it a night. I lay in bed and stare at the ceiling. Now that I had my recruits, it was time to begin the next phase of my plan. “I wonder how they feel about travelling,” I muttered to myself.