The following morning was less uncomfortable than one would have imagined. Aria was ever so slightly bitter wen she earned of that Sonata had been allowed out of her room for a while. Sonata on the other hand was in high spirits. She had been ever since Faithful had told her that he would find her singing classes. Faithful seemed perfectly content with life, humming a little melody to himself as he was making toast. Sonata appeared to be enjoying the melody whilst Aria seemed to grow infuriated by it, though she did nothing to speak out against it.
“Well girls, today we have a big day ahead of us.” Faithful spoke merrily. He then proceeded to spin around and wave his arms like an over the top performer. “Today, we shall make your move official! You shall have clean clothes of your own, you will ultimately be allowed to re-paint and redecorate your rooms. The whole town shall know of your presence!”
Sonata and Aria seemed a bit concerned at this statement. They hadn't done well to garner allies or friends during their time in Canterlot High, and thus dreaded the idea of them figuring out where they are located, fearing what they might do if they knew.
Faithful took notice of their concerned expressions and did his best to dissolve their worries. “At ease, girls. I do not mean it literally.”
“We know.” Aria spoke grumpily. “It's just a not too comforting thought to have one's position known to the world. We haven't exactly made amends to our family or former school mates.” Aria said low, poison dripping from those two final words.
“I understand. None the less, I think it is in our best interest to try and enjoy ourselves this day. AS you very well know, we are first going to stop off at Carousel Boutique to get you those new clothes. I just know that you girls will love it. The seamstress at that place is a true professional as well as very accommodating to her customers. It's typically her I go to when I want new clothing.”
“Do you know this woman?” Sonata asked.
“Not as well as I'd like to. All I know is that she is the most hardworking individual I have ever known. She is quick, efficient, talented and diligent like few. Well, that and that she is still in high school.”
Sonata and Aria shared a look. “Um, which school?” Aria asked without looking at him.
“Canterlot High. Not exactly the best of them from what I have gathered, but when it comes down to it, she knows how to pull through. Honestly, I don't think she needs to continue her education. She has her fashion, she is good at it, and to boot, she has many connection amongst the higher ups of society.”
“You seem pretty familiar with her. More than you let on. What's her name?”
“Rarity Belle. Why are you asking? Do you perhaps know her?”
Aria resisted the urge to growl at the very mention of Rarity's name. She knew which one that was. Pristine white skin, purple hair and an obnoxious fancy attitude. “Not to any greater extent.”
Faithful took notice of the slight strain in her voice. However, not wishing to start something, he kept his mouth shut regarding that and went along as if nothing was out of the ordinary. “Well, you are going to get to learn a lot more about her, because the majority of our day will be spent there. After we are done there I thought that maybe you would like to tour the city for a bit? Try and find some hotspots for entertainment?”
Aria beamed up a bit at that, enjoying the idea of finding some awesome bar or club around. Who knows, if she is lucky then maybe she can find herself some sort of arcade as well. Sonata found little interest in the “Hotspots” of the city, having never really found anything truly entertaining about them. The stench of sweat and alcohol was an immediate turn off at any given bar or club.
“Either way, hurry along and finish up your breakfast. We are leaving shortly.” He spoke as he grabbed his toast and headed upstairs.
Sonata leaned in towards Aria. “What do you think? Can we really go there?”
“We don't have any other choice. He said that it is the only open shop at a day like this, what's more, if we refuse he will start to get suspicious and ask questions. And I can't honestly say that I have faith in your ability to keep a quiet mouth Sonata.”
“Hey! I can for sure keep our secret… well, secret!”
“Heh, like hell you could. I bet that you were even on the brink of letting it slip what we are last night.”
“Thats… not too far from the truth.”
“See! No matter where we go or what happens, he will get suspicious. At least if we follow we may end up with fewer questions.” Sonata nodded in response to this.
They heard the sound of footsteps down the stairs as Faithful came down, this time more appropriately dressed for leaving the house. With a shirt which carried the print of a most odd red symbol. It was familiar from somewhere to Aria, but couldn't quite put her finger on it. Then he simply wore some adequate jeans. Nothing special about them, just typical jeans. “Ready to get going, girls?”
Sonata and Aria got off of their chairs and headed towards the door with him. “Born ready.”
It was a beautiful day outside, white fluffy clouds sprinkled across the blue sky. It was considerable warm. Not quite so warm that it was unbearable, but enough so that a jacket of any sort was out of the question.
The way towards the boutique was a largely uneventful one. That was, until they reached closer to the city center. This place had been their most common place of begging, with so many people passing by, it was near impossible to not get at least a few pennies.
The center practically came to a halt. No matter what the people were doing, all of their attention was directed toward the three of them. Some only took quick glances and moved on, some remained for a bit and stared, while the rest of them started to whisper inaudible words of concern. The people who looked were all the people whom had seen them during their times of begging, as they had become quite the usual sight after a time. Now they were walking through the streets as if they were normal upstanding citizens.
One man even separated himself from the crowd and approached Faithful and the girls. “Good morning to you, sir.”
Faithful assumed what the man's intent was, but he still greeted him with a smile and a welcoming gesture. “Good morning to yourself, Mr. I trust that the day has been treating you well so far?”
A small chuckle escaped the man's mouth. “Quite well.” the man said, but with those words, his demeanor changed. “Listen, I will admit that I am not quite aware of the circumstances here, but why are you aware of their little… predicament?”
Faithful seemed unchanged by his question, still maintaining a calm smile across his features. “I assume that you are referring to their previous homeless state? When they were living as beggars?”
“Exactly, I was just… Wait… you said “Previous homeless state”? You mean that they are not any more?”
“That is correct, my friend.” he Faith spoke as he gestured for the two girls behind him. “I have given them a home, food and about to get them new clothing so that they can go on with life as they ought to. Now, if you excuse us, we have an appointment with a tailor.” Faithful said as he attempted to resume his walk. The stranger would have none of it though.
“Sorry sir, but did I hear that right? Have you taken them to your own home? Is… is that really wise?”
Faithful hesitated for a moment. He slowly turned around to look at the two girls whom he housed. With this question, thoughts arose from the previous day, but he was quick to swat them away. “I once considered that as well. That perhaps just some tip on the streets would have been enough. But we both know that it is not a sufficient life for anyone. I could not just go along my merry way when I could do something to help. You need not concern yourself, Mr. I have set up very strict rules to ensure their obedience. More than that, should the thought ever hit them to rob me, everyone of authority will quickly know of it. Isn't that right, girls?” he said, his face serious which quickly changed into a comforting smile when his face was out of the man's sight.
“Yup. He has been sure to establish appropriate rules for us to follow. It's a bit hard to follow all of them, but I think it is just a hazing phase.” Aria spoke kindly. With centuries of experience regarding manipulation and temptation, Aria was no stranger to acing sweet when the time called for it.
“May so be, but one never know with these street rats. One moment they are tame and the next-”
“Hold up! I'm gonna stop you right there, mister. I can understand your worry for my safety and the integrity of my home, but I will not stand by as you throw such language toward my wards. Question my methods, question my sensibility all you want, but do never make the mistake of insulting my wards in such a fashion ever again. Got it!?”
The man backed of for a bit, hesitant to go on regarding the subject. Seemingly deciding against it, the man grumbled something and made his was back to the crowd. The gathering then seemed to slowly thin out as they continued on about their daily affairs. “Sorry about that, girls. Some people are not as accepting as they ought to be.”
“It's ok, Faith. You defended us, that's all that matters.” Said Sonata.
“Heh, thanks for playing along there, Aria. The man would never have been satisfied if I went with honest words regarding the rules.”
“No worries, I wanted to get away from him as quick as possible too. Shall we get moving then?”
Faithful nodded as they proceeded down the path. After a short while and a few more unwanted glances, they eventually came across the shop in question. Beyond it's odd coloration, it was overall, very similar to the rest of the buildings in the area. “Well then, shall we enter?” He spoke and without waiting for an answer, he stepped through the doors. The two girls were hesitant but they soon followed him inside.
The boutique was a marvel of interesting and unique clothing as well as some more typical articles. Sonata wasted no time in diving into the racks and searching for something to her liking. Aria was a bit more careful with what she was doing. It felt like taking charity from n enemy if she did this. But then she figured that they were actually going to pay some fat bucks for these clothes, so that idea was suddenly thrown out the window.
“Rarity? Rarity!… MISS BELLE!?” he called out in the building. Rapid taps of feet against wooden flooring could be heard as someone was darting down the stairs. Mere moments later there was an elegant woman with wavy purple locks at the stairs who suddenly beamed when she layed her eyes on Faithful Servant. “Faithy-Dearie!” She cried out and dashed forward and grabbed his hand between her own. “It's such a joy to see you again, darling. What can I do for you? It's been far too long now.”
“A pleasure to meet you again too, Rarity. I am actually here to purchase some garments. It is gonna be a big purchase this day.”
“Purchase? But Faith, my dear, didn't you read the sign?”
“What sign? There was no sign when I entered.”
“Urgh, must be Sweetie again. She has come to enjoy teasing me like this recently.”
Faith coughed into his hand. “If this is a bad time then I can always return some other day.”
“Oh don't be ridiculous, Dear. You're here now. What sort of seamstress would I be if I didn't do my job when a customer arrives? So what can I help you with? A new tux? Some new athletic garments? Maybe something a bit more casual?”
“Well, I'm not the main focus this day.”
“No?”
Faithful moved out of Rarity's sight, and she was only barely able to contain her gasp. “Um, Faith, dear? May I speak to you for a second, upstairs?”
“Uh, certainly.” he spoke as he turned to the former sirens. “You two take a look around and see if you find anything that feels good or fits. Preferably both.”
And with that he followed Rarity up the stairs and into her own private household. They reached a door and she signaled for him to stay put. She opened the door and sneaked in. He could hear a subtle conversation through the door, accompanied by an ear-shattering “WHAT!?”
Eventually the door opened up once more and Faithful was urged inside. Once he got in, he was immediately met by the sight of a couple of girls of varying skin tones and hair styles sit on the floor, the bed and by the desk, staring at him intensely. “Okeeeeey. Tell me, Rarity, should I be concerned that a good I am surrounded by six High School girls in your bedroom?”
That little comment earned him a slap on the shoulder from Rarity. “What was that about? You are usually such a gentleman.”
“Well, this is odd for me as well.” he spoke as he rubbed his arm. “Alright. So what is this about?”
“Darling. Do you really think that it is a good idea to be associating yourself with those girls?”
“Oh for- Not you too.” he sputtered in exasperation. “I get it, they were homeless, they may not be trust worthy because of it. I've heard it already, so if that was it, I will make sure that they find something suitable.” he spoke as he was about to exit the room.
A cyan skinned and rainbow haired girl blocked his path. “And you are..?”
“Rainbow Dash.” she answered.
“Hm. Short and straight to the point. I like it.” Faith said as he tried to make his way past her. She did not budge. He sighed. “Is there something important you want to tell me? Cause if you are just here to tell me what to do or not to do then I would prefer to just leave.”
“Faithy, please, just hear us out.” Rarity pleaded.
“We do not want to cause trouble for you.” said a girl with red and yellow hair. “We just want you to be aware of what you are getting yourself into.”
“…I suppose you know them then? They told me that they were from Canterlot previously to being homeless, though I suspected there was more to it than they were letting on. So…” He trailed off as he began sitting down on the floor. “How about you just tell me the whole story?”
The girls looked back and forth between each other. “I am not sure that you would believe us.” said the fiery haired girl.
Faith simply leaned forward and said: “Try me.”
“He's been gone for a while now...” Sonata said as she picked out her last piece of garment which she desired.
“Yeah… I'm willing to bet money on that those bitches are trying to turn him against us.” Aria responded as she hanged back an assortment of clothes which she found fairly uninteresting. “Remember Sonata, whatever they may have said about us, it is important that we keep our cool. We mustn’t act like whatever he has learned has any substance to it.”
“But what if they told him about us being sirens?”
“As if they would do that. He would accuse them of being insane before short. Besides even if he did buy it we could always-” Aria shut herself up as she heard footsteps coming downt eh stairs again. Down from it came Faithful, cheerful as always, with Rarity in tow, her too being seemingly happy about life. “Well then, darlings, I assume that you have picked out what you want?”
“Um… Yes?” Aria answered as she put down her picked out clothes on the counter. Sonata was quick to do the same. Rarity began scanning the items in quick succession, the numb er on the register growing steadily higher and higher. Once everything was scanned, Aria and Sonata could barely believe the amount he was about to pay. “A-Are you friggin kidding me!?”
“What's the matter, Aria?”
“That's such a hefty amount! Are you really going to pay that?!”
“Why wouldn't I? Trust me Aria, I can afford it. Besides, you are not gonna find better attire anywhere in this city.” he spoke as he drew his credit card.
“Thank you for your business Darling, always a pleasure. Come by for just some tea sometime.”
“I will! Take care, Rarity.”
On the way home they traveled in absolute silence. Not a single word was spoke. Sonata wanted to break this silence, finding it worrying and uncomfortable. She then noticed an alleyway which she recognized. “Faithful, wait!” said Sonata.
“What's the matter, Sonata?” Faithful responded.
“This way leads to our old alley. It would probably still lead to Adagio. Can we get to go and see her?” Sonata asked. Even Aria herself would be lying if she said that she didn't want to assure that Adaigo was still alive and well.
“I don't see why not. Go ahead and visit. I'll be waiting here.”
Without hesitation, and with zero questions, Sonata darted in to the alley, Aria in tow, in search for Adagio. When they eventually reached their intended destination, they were met with a most unusual sight. Adagio was there in all her glory, but in front of her stood two strange men whom seemed to be talking to her
“Ok, we get it. One day was too quick to chagne one's mind on. We'll be back later. Much later this time.” The shorter man spoke as he and his friends began making their way out of the alley, walking in the opposite direction from Aria and Sonata. The two girls slowly began walking towards Adagio.
“Fucking idiots.” Adagio growled.
“Dagi?” Sonata asked tenderly.
Adagio spun around, layin her eyes upon her two sisters. Adagio smiled for a moment and began to approach them, when a thought struck her. They are with Faithful, remember?! She thought. Adagio halted just a few feet away from her sisters. “Hey, Sonata. Aria.”
“Hey.” Aria replied, unsure of how to handle the situation or what to say. Sonata had an overwhelming urge to just go forth and embrace her sister, but considering everything, she decided against it for now.
“How are you?” Adagio asked.
“We're good.” Aria answered, raising one of her bags of clothes. “Just got done with some shopping.”
“I see… Has he been treating you well?”
Deciding against worrying their sister regarding yesterday's failure, they kept it to themselves and Sonata answered: “Yes, he has been absolutely lovely so far.”
Adagio smiled. “Glad to hear it.”
A few quiet minutes passed by. Neither parties knew what to say or how to handle the situation. In retrospect, maybe the two girls should have planned this visit a bit better. “Is Faithful here?” Adagio asked.
“Y-yeah, he is at the end of the alley. Wanted to give you some space.” Aria answered, though slightly uncertain of the exact reasons why he stayed behind.
“That… That was kind of him.” Adagio responded. “Send him my regards.”
“We will.” Sonata said.
Once again, silence fell over the dark alley. Sonata couldn't stand the silence. It felt as if every passing quiet second ate away at their breaking relationship. Sonata eventually stood unable to keep it within anymore. “It's not too late, Dagi.”
Adagio looked confused for just a second at Sonata's statement.
“Faithful is a very kind man. You'll see! I'm sure that his invitation home still stands. You just hve to come with us back. We'll be together again, as we were always meant to be. We will have good food every day, nice rooms of our own and even clothes whenever we need them.” Sonata spoke, and with each passing syllable, one could hear how Sonata's heart was breaking, how the sorrow was welling up again. “Please, Dagi.”
Adagio looked down at her feet in shame. “I can't.”
“Yes you can! You just have to walk back with us and-”
“I said that I can't!” Adagio exclaimed.
Tears welled up in Sonata's eyes as she turned heel and ran back to where she came from. Aria looked at Adagio with a stare that could only be one thing. Contempt. “Not even for her, huh?” Aria spat as she followed her little sister back to Faithful. When they got back Faithful Servant stood patiently waiting for them. At first he smiled at the sight of them, but it quickly changed when he saw Sonata's disposition. Before he could ask her what the issue was, she had already flung her arms around him and started sobbing into his chest. He allowed her to remain where she was, quietly stroking her hair, trying to soothe the upset girl. He did not pry for information. Not from Sonata nor from Aria. When Sonata had started to calm down, all she had to ask was: “Can we have curry tonight again?”
“As much as it takes.” said Faithful. He looked at Aria for assurance that the choice of repeated food did not bother her. Luckily, it would seem lie it didn't. Together, they made their way back home. As they entered the building, Sonata went to her own room to calm down for a bit while Aria took opportunity to grab the TV and start playing on the consoles. And whilst both the girls took to their own means of coping with Adagio's rejection, Faithful was quick to sit down by his computer.
Let's see what the net can teach me about Sirens.