Things passed by so fast after the Battle Of The Bands since our defeat, and it seemed that everyone had forgotten us. Adagio and Aria still fight, and it's hard for us to survive without our special amulets. We have to move from place to place for shelter and survive on scraps of food. Sometimes, we even have to dig into the trash can. I don't know what to do, I just stand there and let everything go by. I'm not sure what the right thing is, and what the wrong thing is anymore. I really want to help, but I just don't know how. It's a lot hard for me to decide what to do until I had to decide about something even harder...
"Alright girls, let's wrap it up. How much have you all got?" Adagio asked.
"I got nothing," Aria replied.
"I got three burgers, and they're fresh!" I said, showing them the burgers that I found.
"It must be our lucky day, good work Sonata! Where did you find them?" Adagio asked.
"Well, I saw someone leave it on a picnic table for a while, and I thought they were gone, so I took the burgers," I answered.
"First, we're going to eat our food," Adagio said.
"Obviously," Aria muttered, seeming to think that Adagio didn't hear when she actually did. Adagio turned to face her. Anger spread across her face.
"What was that, Aria?" Adagio asked in a threatening way.
"Nothing," Aria muttered, clearly trying to hide the fact that she was scared. Then, we bit into our burgers. It felt good to finally eat proper food. I devoured it all, not leaving a single crumb.
"Alright, follow me," Adagio said, walking in a direction. She stopped at a tree. "This is where we're going to sleep," she pointed to the tree.
"What, there is no way I'm sleeping there! Follow me," Aria said, walking in another direction.
"I said we sleep here, so we sleep here!" Adagio said firmly, pointing her finger straight at the tree.
"Why do you always have to be in charge? You should start listening to me now!" Aria argued.
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to be in charge? Be grateful that I have to take care of you!" Adagio argued.
They bickered all night. Eventually, I got tired and slept. I could still hear their sounds faintly in my sleep. But I was exhausted, so I didn't pay much mind to it like I usually do. I never told them, but sometimes I cry when they have an argument. Things in life have been so tough, lately, that it's too much for me. But I don't tell them because I don't want to give them any concern about me. When I woke up, I saw Adagio sleeping against the tree. I checked to see if Aria was there, but she wasn't. I peeked around the tree. But I couldn't get a better view, so I moved a little further, and I ended up circling the tree. Aria was nowhere to be found. I started getting worried, wild thoughts of what might have happened to her popped up in my mind. I looked at Adagio, deciding whether or not to wake her up. She looked exhausted, and must be tired from staying up late all that night, so I decided to let her rest. I went out looking for Aria on my own.
I was sick with worry. It wasn't like Aria to abandon us like this. She acts like she's tough, and doesn't care, but deep down she does. But what if she decides to abandon us for something better? No, I pushed that thought away. I know Aria would never do that. We former sirens have to look out for each other. I looked around park benches, searched on the mini playground, but finally, after a long time, I found her. Aria was sleeping against a wall in a moldy corner of two buildings. I knew Aria wouldn't approve of it, but I guess she had no choice. I walked over to her and took one look at her. She peacefully slept in deep slumber. I guess she would've been tired as well. Then again, I didn't know how to move her, and I really didn't want to wake her up. Maybe I could just leave her there, and come back for her? I hesitated there for a second, but then again, it was the better idea. I really wanted her to have a good rest. I left her there and walked over to Adagio.
"Did you find Aria?" Adagio asked, but not in a caring way.
"Well, yes. But I've decided to leave her there, because I think she needed some sleep," I replied.
Adagio showed me two half-eaten hot dogs. She gave me one and started eating the other one herself. After a bit, Adagio said, "let her starve, see if I care." I finished my hot dog. I went and sat against the tree. I stared at the sky and sat there for about an hour.
After a while, Adagio muttered quiet something that I couldn't hear. Then she said out loud, "I try to take care of her, but she doesn't appreciate it. I starve sometimes just to give food to her, but she doesn't appreciate it. She..." Adagio went on about her complaints while I drifted away in my own thoughts soon enough. Then I started thinking about Aria. I thought I should check on her now, it's been long enough.
I told Adagio, and I went off in the same direction I went in earlier. The moldy spot looked the same as before, the only thing missing from before was Aria. I started to panic, worrying about what might have happened to her. I instantly regretted leaving her there. We never had cared for each other so much before. But since we had to survive, and we couldn't do it alone, we formed something called a family. It sure had brought us closer together.
I searched along the areas of the moldy corner. I searched everywhere, even places where she possibly couldn't be in.
Sweat trickled down my skin. Calm down Sonata, you'll find her soon. But I didn't find her soon. I went to inform Adagio about this situation.
When I told Adagio, she said, "well, we can't just abandon her anyway. Not like I'd even care anyways, but it looked like you do." It seemed to me that she said it in a way that she wanted to show she didn't care for Aria, it's just something she had to do. But I could really see that she did care about Aria, even after their recent fight.
We both searched for hours and hours. Today was blazing hot, and we were both sweating so bad, we were practically melting ice creams. My vision was a bit blurry in the hot sun. We found Aria sitting on the steps to a museum, eating an ice cream. Normally, Adagio would yell, and have a whole lecture about leaving us. But today I guess she was exhausted and was just glad to see Aria. Meanwhile, Aria had no expression on her face and was just finishing off her ice cream.
"Come on, girls," Adagio began. "We've got to search for food before it gets late."
Adagio told me to rest because of my hard work (she became a lot responsible lately). Before she and Aria left, I asked Aria, "how did you get that ice cream?"
"I stole a five dollar bill," was her reply, and with that, she and Adagio left on their hunt for food.
I sat against the tree and closed my eyes, breathing in the fresh, earthy smell. It was nice and peaceful, that made me want to sleep, so I did,
I felt something nudge me in my sleep. When I opened my eyes, I saw Adagio. I looked around to find Aria and spotted her eating an apple.
"You were sleeping hard, and we didn't want to disturb you. We found enough food for each other, you can eat it now," Adagio handed me a banana. It was half eaten and almost rotten. At the beginning of our survival, I always disgusted rotting food, but I knew it's all I've got, so I eat it anyway. Then over time I got used to it. I took the banana from Adagio and ate it.
"I think it would be a good time to head to CHS now," Adagio said. "I feel lucky today."
Even though we've been defeated, and probably expected to never go back, we still come there. It's always nice and warm, more comfortable. We always find food scraps all the time. I use to feel shy before, I didn't actually want anyone to pay attention to me. I wanted to shut myself out from the world and be alone with the darkness. But I learned to shake off that feeling, even though sometimes it gets to me. We still are enrolled at that school, but like I said, everyone forgot us, so nobody cared. The reason we didn't come back, was because we were almost spotted by the Rainbooms. Sure, they don't notice us most of the time, but the shy one, I think they said her name was Fluttershy, had noticed us snacking on food scraps. Before she could say anything, we ran out as fast as we could. It's been a month now, and I think Adagio thinks they've forgotten us again.
We both walked in and opened the doors. We sure did look like normal students, though. We do maintain the appearance of our outfits neatly, but the stench is horrible, so horrible that it'll make you want to vomit. Adagio found out how to make our own perfume with our surroundings. Just like that, we slipped in. It sure was nice and warm. We sat there for lunch.
The bell rang, and students filed into the lunchroom. Finally, we get to at least have food scraps instead of starving! But before I went, I heard some sounds and was curious of where they're coming from. From hearing the voices in the chatter, I instantly thought of who they were coming from. The Rainbooms. I was curious where the Rainbooms are. My life has been so hard lately, and it's nice to put my focus on someone else's life rather than my own. I know it's a great danger, and we should stay away from them at all times, but I had a feeling to were up to something. I was right.
Aria and Adagio blended into the crowd. I made my way all the to the back and followed the sounds. They were coming from the band room, it must be where they practice their music. I listened close, I already knew which voices belong to which people.
"Are you sure about that?" Asked Rarity.
"Yes, she is the only good one out of all of them," Twilight said. I thought Twilight lived in Equestria. At least that's what I heard from eavesdropping on them last time. I pressed my ear closer to the door.
"And I'm certain of it. I can't even trust them after what's happened," Rainbow Dash said.
"But what about me? I did something bad in the past too," Sunset pointed out.
"I would agree with you, but they were born like that, it's their instinct. They depend on all the negative energy. Maybe it would be better if you just send the others away so that they don't harm anyone," Fluttershy said.
"Hey, but wasn't Discord born as a chaotic creature?" Sunset Shimmer asked. "And couldn't they just adapt to the food we eat?"
"No, it's just that-" Twilight was cut off by Rarity.
"Sorry, dear, but we need to head down to lunch now," Rarity showed her watch.
That was my cue to leave. I rushed out quickly just before they opened the door. What were they talking about? Were they talking about me and my family? Were they going to harm us? A million thoughts flooded my mind. My stomach became sick just thinking about if they were talking about me and my family. I was lucky to escape that. I entered the lunch room.
There I met Aria and Adagio. "Where were you?" Adagio asked, angered. She must've been worried sick about me. I didn't realize that I caused her that much tension.
"I was-," I began. I couldn't tell them about what I heard. They'd have a major freak out, especially Adagio.
"I ..." I racked my brain for an excuse. "went to the bathroom!" I finished with a grin that would hide my truth. Adagio examined me. Sweat trickled down the face. After a minute of examination, Adagio finally believed me. "Okay," she said. "let's all go search out for food."
I checked under the tables and found some food scraps. As I was about to reach for them, I felt something on my shoulder. I turned my head to see who it was, and I saw someone I never expected to see.
Rarity gave my a warm smile, and said, "Hello Sonata, remember me? Can we all talk to you, in private?" Why was she here, and what does she want from me? Does she want to destroy me or something? Thoughts raced through my head. I was thinking of calling Aria and Adagio, but I was paralyzed. Wait, what did she mean by "we"?
After some seconds, Rainbow dash came and pushed me in a direction. The rest of the Rainbooms followed. We all went to the band room.
After we all went in, the door shut behind me.
"Well Sonata, we wanted to talk to you about something," Twilight began. I stood there, in my own self-space, protecting myself in case the Rainbooms try to attack me or anything. It's been about two minutes since I was in here. No one said anything. Then Rarity decided to speak up, clearing her throat.
"Well, darling, we've decided that maybe you'd want to join us," Rarity began. I was confused. Join us? What did she mean by that? Then there was the utter silence again. Looks like they haven't planned whatever this is out clearly. I could see that they were looking down at the ground, avoiding my eyes. It looked like they were nervous or something. Like they were afraid to let some big thing out, or something that would cause a big effect. Then, Rainbow Dash spoke up.
"Well, obviously you need proper food and water and stuff like that. So why don't you become good, and we can give you the stuff you need. But only if you agree. We're asking you only."
The others gasped, staring at Rainbow Dash as if she did a very rude thing, and I can see why. "What?! You mean to leave my... My family?!" I gasped. That was so selfish and mean. They expect me to come over on their side but leave my family behind.
"Um, well-," Fluttershy began, but she didn't finish her sentence. I could see she was nervous that all the attention was on her.
Then Twilight began to speak up. "It's not like that, Sonata. We just want peace with you. We can take care of Adagio and Aria later." She handed me a full taco. Usually, I would jump up for joy and get all excited, but my family was more important than tacos. I knew something was wrong. I knew she didn't mean what she said, for some reason. I care about them. I could never ever possibly leave them.
I collected myself together and resisted the urge to lunge forward at them. I took a deep breath, and calmly said, "I...I-I'll think about it." I exited out before either one could say anything else. I don't know if I should tell the others or not. It was a lot to decide upon. I think I'll keep it to myself for now. I walked into the cafeteria. I spotted Aria and Adagio, searching for food scraps.
"Oh good, you're back. We were just about to wrap up," Adagio said, she and Aria's eyes laid upon my full, not spoiled, fresh taco.
"It that...What I think it is?" Aria said. Just before I started to tell them where I got it, I stopped myself and quickly thought up a lie.
"I luckily found one far from its owner and took it. We can all share it." I broke the taco into three pieces. Some of the stuff was leaking out, so we had to eat them quick.
“Alright, girls. The rest of the time we have is free time. You can all do what you want until sundown. Then we'll all meet in the library and sleep there," Adagio explained. We all walked off in different directions. I knew where each one of us was going because we did it almost every day. I had a map of the whole school inside my head, so I wouldn't get lost. Adagio was going to the band room to practice learning how to play a few instruments. Aria was hitting the gym to throw a few dodge balls at some students. Now, I know school is still going on, but we have our ways of stealthily stealing what we need. I was heading to the library.
I took a lot of books on tacos. I don't care what genre it is. But this time, since it's my first time back, I decided to do it a little differently. I went up to a random shelf and picked up a random book. When I took it, I looked at the cover. On The Run. I read the summary. The book was about three girls who try to find many ways to survive out in the wild. Huh, it kinda sounded like us. Well, that'll be interesting. I went towards a table and took a seat. I put the book on the table and opened up to the first page.
...
Adagio and Aria appeared in the library. "Let's set up the bed," Adagio said. "You all remember how to do it, right? It's been a long time."
"Yeah," Aria and me said together.
We gathered a ton of books and put them in a pile. Then, we took each one and arranged them in the format. Then, we all have to search for a sheet use as a blanket. Usually, we find it classrooms. Aria found a white sheet in a geography class. We got into the bed and pulled up the sheet. Then, we dozed off to sleep.
Tomorrow, I woke up. I knew I had a lot to decide about. I looked to see if Aria and Adagio were there. They were reading books while eating their breakfast, which was the food scraps we found in the cafeteria. I saw some of the food scraps they left for me, and I took them in my hand. I nibbled on a strip of bacon, as I walked towards Aria.
"What are you doing?" I asked. "I've never seen you so caught up in books."
"This life is killing me! I'm trying to find any books that'll help us get our amulets back," Aria replied.
"You know that there are no books with that kind of information, right?" I pointed out. "Those type of magic books are only in Equestria. There is no magic in this world." Then I remembered the magic that the Rainbooms had. I then pointed out. "Except for the Rainbooms, the only people who have magic at their hands."
"Well, it doesn't hurt to try," Aria said, taking another book.I shrugged.
"Suit yourself," By this time, I finished eating my breakfast and walked over to our book bed to sit on it. I don't understand why the Rainbooms want me only. They said they reformed Discord. Wasn't he born as a chaotic creature in the first place? I've been learning a lot lately ever since I've been eavesdropping on the Rainbooms. It's like I understand friendship.
It's like I understand friendship...
That's why they wanted me! They may have been knowing I was eavesdropping on them all along! Was it a trap? But then again, what about my family? What will happen to them if I leave? I'm glad to know that they won't try to hurt me and that they trust me. And I could really use some Equestrian magic. I've been living on it my whole life until now when I adapted the human food for fuel for my energy. It is a very tempting offer to make. Especially the promise of good healthcare. But not at the cost of my family. They could harm Aria or Adagio.
Finally, I've made my decision. I knew it was lunch time now and spotted the Rainbooms walking out from their band practice. Rarity spotted me.
"Why hello, Sonata darling!" Rarity greeted warmly. "Are you ready to tell us your decision?"
"Yes," I replied.
"Great! Now come with us, darling. We have everything up for you," Rarity said, smiling.
I took a deep breath.
"No," I said firmly.
"Excuse me?" Rarity's smile faded, confused about the reply. Of course, she would think that. Who couldn't resist magic, especially if it was Equestrian magic, and especially the Dazzlings couldn't resist it.
` "I've made my decision. I'm going to pass all the offers and stay. They are my family. We all care for each other. I'd rather stay with my family, and give up the comforts and all those things of the world," I said, very sure of my reply. I could see they all were trying to hide tears that were kept inside. Rarity cleared her throat and decided to speak.
"But-," Rarity began. I know she's going to tell me that she won't harm my family, but she might've guessed I still wouldn't change my mind. "Very well then. I guess we'll, um, see you some time then." With that, all the girls walked off, some of their tears were displayed, especially Fluttershy.
And to this very day, I live in the life of poor. But I will never abandon my family. No matter what the costs are. Ever.