//------------------------------// // Ch. 3 Floundering // Story: Of Sirens and Feathered Serpents // by TheronSniper //------------------------------// Amidst the final quarter of the lunch period, Flash had tried his best to walk properly as he entered through the double doors into the delicious smelling lunch room. Having never been into sports with his band at the forefront of his teenage life. Performing that little accidental move left him with pins and needles on top of the slight burn with each use of the legs. Thankfully, most of the students in the cafeteria were far too occupied with themselves to notice his wincing occasionally. Except his band mates, both of which were eyeing him with curiosity though keeping their words to themselves for the moment. Waving him over Brawley began to chuckle when he figured out as to why his buddy even sat down awkwardly with signs of pain in his eyes. "Before I say anything, would that hitch in your giddy up of yours be because of a certain group of young women?" he laughed a bit more as he passed a wrapped burger across the table in front of Sentry. "Must of been a very merry way of expressing gratitude." Ringo's humor did not go unnoticed with a slight curve in the corner of his lips. Snatching meal and grimacing before taking a bite of the chicken filled sandwich, "I did the splits because I slipped on a stick of butter that Sonata dropped... that's all that happened." he dead panned a stoic look at the two whose expressions turned upside down. Both of them winced at the thought, for boys or men accidentally performing that move had been as nearly as painful as a groin injury. The memory of that one game back at the paintball field where a shot found itself on some unlucky kid, the lone downside if you did not possess a cup guard. The fun in the moment had been dashed, letting the guitarist eat peacefully as his legs thanked him for the rest. A few tables away the hysterical jokes from the one and only Pinkie Pie filled the already noisy dining area, somewhere a joke on someone went perfectly. "Dude, really? Did you... you know? Smash the berries there? Might want to visit the nurses office for a bag of ice or something." Sentry shook his head at Ringo who generally seemed a tad concerned. "Maybe, I'll see how well I can go without bringing this to Nurse Redheart. Aside from all that, what are we going to get them for supper tonight? I have ten bits on me I can help with." he switched the topic away from himself to the girls to steer away from the aforementioned. "You didn't ask?" a raised eye brow from Beats had him stop chewing a mouthfull as he realized the fault. "I don't think we need to worry, doubt they'll have preference at this point. From what we gave them I think its safe to say we can choose a place and they won't hate it." Ringo said threw a pinch of fries in his mouth. "Right, well there's that asian bistro cafe not far from your house? We can stop by there, foods cheap and pretty good. Went there for fathers day to surprise my dad." Beats passed his half full can of fizzling soda water to Sentry who consumed it heartily. Nodding in agreement, "Looks like we got ourselves a plan, just hope your folks don't discover them before they get back on their toes. Hey speaking of which, what are we going to do about the audition at the Executive Equestrian Club? Remember that place, they're hosting the open mic night before the big barbecue festival. Are we still going to attend this friday or we scrapping it to take care of those girls?" he brushed away a lone tuft of his sky blue hair from his eyes. "I'm all for helping those less fortunate, but we did have that gig planned for the last month. If we win, we'll get to perform at the festival. It'll have to be your call Flash, you are the leader after all." Ringo said as he continued to sip away at his apple cider tea. It dawned on him that the Dazzlings had shown up right as they had lined up for events to get their names out to the public. He wanted to keep an eye on them and of course feed them so they wouldn't eat too much out of the pantry. Possibly giving them some bits, but that could put them at risk of being caught by a neighbor going in and out of the backyard much less his parents. If he'd trust them enough to handle themselves and not cause strife, they could still go out for that night and the coming festival. It would be a huge gamble however, even if they didn't have their stones or their voices they were still the same people that plotted. "I'll need to think on it and talk to them, kinda want to gauge their reaction. I mean my father was a cop and that knee of his won't stop him from protecting the house. Really couldn't fathom those three to actually do anything to stir up trouble and throw them back on the road." he held a bit of hope things would work out as he finished his small meal. All around them students began to get up to leave for the next class in groups, with the lunch ladies back in the kitchen lines removing the left overs. If Beats hadn't taken the thought bought the extra item and saved him from going hungry, Sentry would be less prepared for the pop quiz everyone expected in Chemistry of the day. Student life, the band, and now three former mythological creatures were on their plate and not making life any easier to handle. Ringo began to bring order to his tray, folding wrapping paper and bags to organizing his tray neatly for ease of dumping. The others followed suit and discussed the songs they'd play for the restaurant considering the demographic they'd be facing. So consumed were they about age groups and timing that none had notice Sunset trailing them after she excused herself from the Rainbooms. She waited for the band to head to their separate classes before eventually catching Flash as he found his locker. Having made sure her approach was heard to avoid startling the boy and taking a deep breath to calm herself. "Hey, how's it going Flash? I saw you showed up a little late to lunch, kinda glad one of your friends got you something at least right?" she introduced herself hoping learn something and quell her curiosity. "Oh ya, Sunset, had something to do during the break." he opened the lock and pulled out a textbook and notes trying to make the little social call as short as possible to avoid anything about the Dazzlings from slipping out of his mouth. Nodding even as he avoided looking at her in the eyes, "Kinda noticed you had a uh, hitch in your walk. Did you hurt yourself or something? You were fine this morning. Is everything alright?" using her nicest voice possible. Slinging the material under his arm and closing the locker, "Slipped and sorta pulled a hamstring I think, gotta watch those bathroom floors haha." he forced a chuckle as he started to walk to class with Sunset next to him. "Well if you need any help, I'm sure Nurse Redheart could offer muscle relaxant. Just be sure to watch yourself! We're always on the look out for any strange things or evil trying to take over the world and all." Flash gave her a slight wave to dismiss himself. "See ya." as he turned the corner to head upstairs, it was sheer luck she stopped being persistent as he felt beads of sweat rolling down his neck. Shimmer stood in place, a few students walking by either on their phones or simple walking to their next destination. The odd aloof boy set off a few red flags for her to keep watch on, but overall he showed nothing else concrete. Though she felt bad about what happened to him, a quick mental note was taken to remind the janitors to be wary of wet floors in the restrooms or leaky pipes. 'Usually he's easy to talk to, now he acted like he didn't want to talk to me. Sure he said why he moved a little off, but he streamlined out of talking with me and he's never done that before. There's got to be something up with him, that or he's hiding something?' she thought before making her way to her next class as well. Sentry's Home Adagio yawned as the haze of their nap started to lift away, the dryer having long since finished its job as the house sported no heavy mechanical noise what so ever. Just the gentle hum of the air conditioner keeping them at a nice temperature even as they were still wrapped in towels from their shower and under the sunlight that bounced off the windows of another house. To wake up in such a nice environment had been heaven for her, this was luxury for them at its finest since they lost themselves to the forces of harmony. The human food had taken a huge chunk of their time as the nearest digital clock displayed the time just shy of four in the afternoon. Looking around the house as Aria still dozed on her stomach and Sonata twitching in her sleep on her lap, 'Wasn't there a reason we had to be back in the shed soon?' She took a deep breath and wondered about life, about their lives now that fate seemed to think they needed the help. Being able to eat again had been a savory moment they'd never forget, such a troublesome requirement to function biologically. Having a fresh clean feel about them was also a huge plus, their beautiful hair free of debris and smelled wonderful. She had to hand it to those boys, they saved them from dying of disease most likely given the rate they were heading into. Perhaps they could work out a way to thank them once they found work which would have to be tomorrow since they burned so much of their time already. Aria's arms moved around her waist as she cuddled the dominate siren, this had her looking at the usually irate one of their band with intrigue. Ever since they came to this world, she displayed ever increasing aggressive behavior especially towards Sonata. Their exile had removed them from the world of magic, and that somehow put some kind of strain upon her mind. The proof in that was the scene before her or hugging her to be precise, she use to be a more pleasant siren to be around. If she had to guess, like any other being deprived of its food source or given scraps instead they would suffer inevitably. Without magic she likely sustained mana withdrawal that made her the cranky pissy person she was now. She lacked the strong will to endure, but made up for it as the muscle for the group when they needed it. The silver lining had been in her dark magic emaciation, there were those few humans who tried to take advantage of them over the decades they'd spent in this world. Sonata very well couldn't even be counted for defense and she herself had been the brains of the pod and their powers were weak before that fateful event. Aria was the attack dog of the group, but in her weaker moments like now she displayed the needs and security she kept buried under her perpetual dour mood. Dazzle lifted a hand and gently stroked the unbridled purple and aquamarine hair lovingly like any relative would for a child of the family. She remembered asking the siren to join her on her quest to take over Equestria during a fated meet with her pod. There had been a dispute between her unit and a migrating mermare school over territory, she managed to get close enough to encourage the then young Aria to come with her. Promises of never ending negative energy to feast upon and the whole world of fans who'd never cease adoring them. Back then she'd been no different than any other siren, full of life and hope with a very colorful personality focused on bettering her songs and voice. How much things changed since then, she had no such aspirations and seemed content to go with the flow. As the leader of the trio, creator of the Dazzlings, it was her job to provide for them while they carried their weight in the act of feeding. Even without the gems to channel the negative emotions or their need of them anymore, she still upheld her duty to be the conductor of their tiny orchestra. They were stuck in this human world, a venerable desert for magic where they'd die like any other monkey around them as they themselves were now. She could at least make their borrowed time painless, her pod wouldn't suffer again and if she could somehow find a way back home. They could at least pass on like proper sirens in the fatherly grace of Poseidon in his vast oceans to all water born creatures. As much of a pipe dream as that were. Suddenly, the sound of a vehicle pulling up near by had her lifting her head as much as she could. It was then that she heard the engine shut off and doors opening that everything came back to her, Flash's parents were home and they would be found out soon if they didn't get out quickly. Sitting up abruptly without care of the other two, "UP! UP!! They're here! Need to get back into the shed!" she shouted as she dashed to the restroom to ensure everything was cleaned up right. "Whaa? Why can't we sleep a bit more?!" Sonata cried as she rubbed her eyes trying to sit up. "Crap! Why didn't you wake us up sooner!" Aria tripped and banged her shin on the coffee table positioned before the sofa that led her to curse and hop to the dryer. "No time! Get your things and get to the shed! I'll lock the door behind us!" Adagio ran out of the room and grabbed their empty bowls from the meal they made and threw them in the dishwasher. Aria had to grab Dusk by the arm as she darted for the backyard, "Hey, what gives! Ari..." the cerulean girl tried to speak before a hand covered her mouth. "The people who own this place are home and they can't find us! Keep your lips shut until we're inside the shed again." Blaze growled at having to spend the moment to get the girl up to speed. Making for the door of their temporary home, Adagio rushed onto the back deck and locked the glass sliding door before high tailing it to safety. Fortunately she could breath relief when she heard the sound of a machine and hydraulics in operation, which meant their great fear hadn't even made it to the door yet. Wiping away orange curls from her face, she made it inside the workshop unit and closed the door. Aria had thankfully grabbed the supply crate and put their fresh cloths inside it in her hurry, which saved them from having to go back inside for it. Sonata seemed to still be trying to wake up, her loose towel on her body threatened to slip off. "Get dressed, if they for whatever reason need to come in her I think it would be less offensive to be so revealing." Adagio ordered as she started to make herself proper. "Guess we can't even nap without being rushed out." Aria mumbled while dressing up. "I'm kinda hungry, when's pretty boy going to come by with food?" the slight noise of the air headed teens stomach made itself obvious. In the distance the sound of a lawn mower rumbled away, dogs barking up a storm at the new ruckus they found as a threat to their territory. By now schools were letting out with the sound of whistles being blown by crossing guards. Other vehicles were pulling into their homes as well, some pumping deep bass through their stereos as they passed by. "Looks like we'll do the job circus tomorrow then?" Blaze quipped as she fixed her scrubbed hair clips that were back into their shiny pristine state. "Unfortunately yes, but this does let us know we must be careful what we eat if we're still adjusting like this. Can't imagine what it would have been like being caught on their furniture without that boy there to vouch for us." Dazzle huffed and she corralled her thick mess of hair into a pony tail once again. "Well i guess that was our little vacation, probably the last one for a while. Kinda glad we got even a moment to pamper ourselves like that." the girl with the silver stars in her hair had mentioned in a dreamy kind of way. Sonata paused and tilted her head, she'd never heard Aria speak in such a way and it felt a little wrong to her. However, a quick glare from Adagio shut her mouth from commenting on the likely rare little mood. She withdrew and finished throwing on her hoodie before her hair was next, all the while stealing glances at the siren she wished she could say something to. "We can hope to have more in the future, once we land jobs and get back to supporting ourselves. Hell, there are those island getaways just like home, crystal clear waters and plenty of tropical life and fish to partake in. Let that be a goal for you two to set when we get a job so you don't mess up. This world may not be full of magic or even remotely like Equis, but we can enjoy what natural treasures still exist here before we..." she couldn't bring herself to finish her words. Aria leaned into the work table and for once did not frown nor scowl, "Ya... not immortal anymore... we'll have to... definitely go to some of those places. See the oceans again, swim above white sands, and... bath in the sun without some loud traffic jam to muck it up. Just... one last look at home before it all... ends." "What can I say, we've lead a productive life as our siren selves. We can hold our heads up high and remember we brought many city states to the ground and fed on Canterlot, something no siren has done in our race's history. Even almost took over another world... I guess I can understand how ponies can be so happy with their short miserable little lives like the humans. Time makes things seem... I don't know more valuable than before?" Adagio giggled to herself as she looked out one of the windows where the sun came in. "I... I don't want to go after a few more years. It's not fair." Sonata pouted as she caught up with the depressing conversation. "Same here kiddo, same here..." Blaze gave her a friendly grin she'd never done before for her. "We're the Dazzlings, cream of the crop and top sharks of Equestria. And we'll be darn sure to enjoy life and make it fun from here on out! Come Tartarus or high water! We'll see this world and spend our last years wondering the waters and coasts just like our parents did in their youths. Live as sirens till our last breaths. Dazzling for life... Dazzling forever!" their leader held a fist out for the others to bump. "Ya!!" Dusk started to cry as she put her hand out. "To the core and nothing more, look'n forward to retirement!" Aria held her choked tears trying to maintain her courage. Before they could withdraw their arms, Adagio embraced them in one huge bear hug that caught them off guard. She spoke no words, but a few drops from her eyes felt warm on both the girls shoulders as they realized the moment they were sharing. Mortality really was a thing for them now, having been so busy trying to survive before they overlooked it. But they would not go down like crying hatchlings, they may have been beaten by the Rainbooms but their lives were still theirs to control. They'd work themselves out of the gutters and be able to go out and live life to the fullest even if it were not in pursuit of adoring masses and dark magic. They'd show those harmony loving freaks that they couldn't beat the souls of sirens, doing more with their lives than those girls couldn't possible fathom for their own. "I love you guys!" Sonata cried out as she reciprocated the hug. "I couldn't hate anyone like you two, now... now I hate you for making me feel like this." the purple haired girl stuttered as she too added to the circle. "And I will do everything in my power to make sure you two are happy, a pod leader still has her duties with or without the rubies." Dazzle let the little stream flow feeling the power of their cooperative union invigorate her as well as let out pent up emotions go freely. For a few moments longer they would share the touching feelings before parting, with all three in agreement of where to go in life. They now had to take the first steps, but of course a little dinner could help them venture into different sectors to seek rather than some small business and a dead end job. There was a whole world out there for them to explore and take advantage of, where they lacked in higher education there were plenty of employment opportunities they heard of where one could advance. Attaining high level positions would allow them to earn many bits and save that for the journey of a life time. They just needed to find the perfect place to begin, and Flash Sentry and his gang would be the corner stone of their revival. After all was said and done, they awaited patiently for the promise of food which lent them to simply wait in the desolate shed till then. For Sonata, she found interest in whatever crawled up near the windows whether it were a spider or a lizard, she was intrigued all the same. Especially for a little grass snake which seemed to take an interest in her like a child seeing a puppy for the first time. Its little forked tongue flickering at her moving finger on the other side of the glass pane. Its big eyes keeping a focus on her for the time they interacted, and she wanted to go outside and grab it too. However, she knew that wasn't allowed and it made her all the more anxious to keep playing with the little serpent until a familiar group of boys arrived through the left side gate with plastic bags in tow.