//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 (New Timeline): Sirens and Raptors // Story: It Came from the Mysterious Beyond // by Jongoji245 //------------------------------// Back at the human world, now joined by Sunset Shimmer and the Rainbooms, the Maximals were discussing with the raptor. "So you don't know where Dapplewood is, nor do you even know where you came from?" Sunset's only answer was a blank stare from the dinosaur. "Do ya even know your own name?" Asked Applejack. The raptor merely stamped on the floor. No response from them, so he stamped on the floor again. Pinkie Pie, getting the idea, had her face beam with excitement. "I don't think he can-" Rainbow Dash was interrupted when Pinkie Pie jumped in front of her. "Oh, oh! I love charades!" Pinkie was a few inches from the raptor's nose "Okay, okay. Is it... Thumper?" Thud stamped the floor again. "No, Tapper?" Thud stamped a third time No. Thud? The raptor gave a toothy grin. "Wow, weird name." "As for Dapplewood's whereabouts." - Cosgrove crossed his arms - "I'll say that he is at the Syrups for a slumber party." "On a school night." Questioned Diver "Then we better find him soon darling because lies would make it worse." Said Rarity. "She's right there, slugger." - Continued Applejack - "No need to get your pa all fussy either." Cosgrove shook his head in agreement. "So Thud, live anywhere in particular?" Asked Rainbow Dash. Thud shook his head, causing the group to groan. "Well, I can't have you stay here." Said Cosgrove before turning to Applejack. "Oh no!" - Applejack flailed her arms -"You know how Big Mac is to strangers livin' in the house." Applejack then turned over to Rarity. "I don't know if he would rob the boutique." They all turned to Sunset who answered, "There is one location, but I'm not sure their owners will be happy about it." Indeed, over at Longmont, the reception of a stranger being at a far away place wasn't that much recieved. "Yay! A new roommate!" Sonata raised her arms up high. Not amused by having a young man in their mansion, Aria crossed her arms. "Sunset, does he even have a job?" The stiff Siren asked The Rainbooms and Maximals looked at Thud who have them a look of confusion. "Sorry, but we don't take kindly to freeloaders." Aria continued Chelsey looked at the many employees walking around the hall, stretching her arm out. "You could dress him up temporarily." "Really?" - Aria leaned forward, raising an eyebrow - "A person, with virtually no documentation besides his name being a sound effect." "At least until he gets on his feet, darling." Rarity rebuked. Aria looked at the group especially Sonata and Pinkie Pie as they looked at her with puppy dog eyes. With a groan, Aria answered, "Fine," She sized up to Thud "but don't make me regret this." "Yay!" Sonata grabbed Thud and dragged him into the mansion before slamming the door. The group looked at each other with bemused looks before shrugging their shoulders and leaving the complex. Propping Thud on the dining room table, Sonata ran back to the chef's kitchen, releasing fog out of the window, before running back out with a platter on her hand. "I present the Sonata Exquisite." - The Siren removed the lid, revealing a pair of steaming tacos- "Bon Appetite!" Thud scowled at the unusual food, gave a good sniff and hissed at them. Sonata drew the platter away with a shocked look on her face. As she walked away slowly, Aria was watching with a smug look on her face. Guess that's two people who don't like tacos. Thud stood on his two legs when he heard a small growl, looking down to find a Pomeranian nipping at his cargo pants. The raptor picked up the small dog, bringing it before his face. "Here." - Aria tossed him the uniform - "Adagio's corporate party is coming up soon." As the siren left the dining room, Thud looked at the miniature dog again. The animal looked at him with soft eyes, though that didn't stop him from unhinging his mouth. Later the following evening, one of the guests just swallowed a small serving of sushi before moving along. Everywhere around the courtyard, corporate couples from Barnyard Bargains to Mokusoft admired the mansion as they strolled about. At the patio, Adagio held a wine glass as she watched her guests walk about. Though deprived of their magical pendants after the Battle of the Bands, it was still very tempting to hum a small note and gain power from their negative energy. "I must say, Miss Adagio," - Adagio turned around, seeing Filthy and Spoiled Rich walking towards her - "you provide some of the most exquisite parties." "Thank you, Mr. Rich." - The Siren took a sip of wine - "I understand that you are also quite a party animal yourself." "Absurd!" - Spoiled stepped forward, motioning a servant to refill her glass - "We Riches are above-" Her banter was interrupted when the glass was overfilled, spilling the fermented juice over her wrist and part of her dress. "Hey! Watch where you are pouring!" - The servant Spoiled scolded was none other than Thud as he gave his usual blank stare. Adagio snapped her fingers, summoning another servant to wipe up the mess, "My apologies, I shall see to it that this issue is... corrected." Indeed, after the party had ended, Thud sat on a chair in front of Adagio's office table. The leader sorted away a few files before turning her violet eyes to the foreigner. "Your name, skeptical. Your date and place of birth, unavailable. And so is your past employment history." "He came from Greenland!" Said Sonata, getting a look from her sister and a face-palm from Aria. "As for you two, I expected better from you. I have planned this occasion to not have any flaws, and now I have to rearrange the trust on Barnyard Bargains." - Adagio shifted her eyes to Aria - "You will bring him back to where you found him." "What, me?!" Aria exclaimed. "Oh, oh! Can I come too?" Sonata added. "Oh yes," - Adagio heard Aria make a few indistinguishable noises before announcing - "the better to make my work a lot easier. That'll be all." With a turn of Adagio's chair, the conversation was over. Sonata skipped down the walkway while her sister growled before gripping onto Thud's ear and pulled him down the hall and across the mansion to her chambers. As she went to bed, the Siren noticed Thud sleeping on the floor. She walked over and nudged him. In self-defense the raptor raised his head and snapped at her. After a soft growl, he curled his head back to sleep. Aria raised her shoulders before going to bed.