Chapter Four “Too Rich for My Blood”
Aria bluntly declared, pressing a finger against his chest. “Let me break it down for you. That girl was in a bad spot, and you bailed her out. What girl wouldn’t be grateful for that? She couldn’t stop smiling around you. Anyway, she didn’t leave because she wanted to. If anything, she wanted to stay and chat. Heck, she’s dawdling as we speak!” Scoffing, Aria pointed to the side where Ditzy was walking, catching the girl staring in Peter’s direction before resuming her journey. Aria threw her hands overhead, releasing an exasperated groan. “And when she bumped into you? Ugh. She was like a love struck puppy when you called her cute. It went so far overhead that it could have been an airplane! No wonder you don’t have a girlfriend.”
“What about the missing number?” Peter weakly questioned, holding out the paper.
Exhaling, Aria rolled her eyes. “Her name is Ditzy, you dipstick. The girl is such a klutz. You clearly caught her off guard, and she just got excited. Anyone can see she’s not used to that kind of attention, let alone from a guy.” The girl paused, crossing her eyes. “Besides, you’re forgetting the obvious.”
Peter paused, slamming his hand over his forehead. “Oh, right. Poor depth perception.”
“She clearly wants to hang out with you, so just wait. The klutz will get with you tomorrow,” Aria scoffed,folding her arms. “Jeez, you’re as dense as a rock!”
Slack-jawed, Peter stared at the girl for what seemed like ages before he cleared his throat. “I thought I was having a bad day. You, uh, okay? Granted, you’re not wrong, but still…”
Aria’s eyes widened as she dumbly blinked. “Sorry. That was so painful to watch, that I couldn’t help myself.” Folding her arms, the girl’s stoic expression softened. “I’m Aria.”
“Peter. Don’t sweat it,” he replied, scratching the back of his head. “I mean, you’re right. I have a bad habit of assuming the worst-case scenario.”
Huffing inwardly, Aria glanced to the side. “Now that you mention it, I’m told that I tend to do that myself.” Shrugging, the girl walked to the nearest bench before taking a seat. “Well, I can tell you’ve had a bad day, and I’ve got time to burn, or whatever.”
Peter hummed, hesitant to take a seat before accepting the gesture. “I mean, yeah, but what’s in it for you? I’ve never met you before.”
Shrugging, Aria chuckled under her breath. “I’m curious, I guess. I mean, who wouldn’t be, after what happened to you yesterday at lunch.”
“Oh. That,” Peter flatly groaned, glancing to the side sheepishly, “I had almost forgotten about that.” Rolling his eyes, the young man let out an exasperated moan. “It explains why a girl wants to talk to me. It’s either to boss me around or make fun of me.”
Aria, unphased, stared at the young man with a bemused glare. “You monologue to yourself all the time? You know I can hear you out, right? That’s kind of rude, you dweeb.”
Peter raised his finger and opened his mouth, ready to respond, but he paused, glancing to the side before exhaling. “I keep putting my foot in my mouth. Maybe Trixie was right. Maybe I am rude.” Peter winced, retching involuntarily. “Trixie was right? Ugh. Her dropping me in the trap door was probably warranted then.”
Exasperated, Aria snapped her fingers repeatedly mere inches away from Peter’s face. “Hey! Earth to doofus. Stop that. You’re doing it again.”
Clearing his throat, Peter lowered his head shamefully. “Wow. I was so busy thinking everyone was a jerk that I didn’t realize I was actually being the jerk. I really need to pay more attention to what’s going on.” Sobering, Peter nodded before finally taking a seat next to the girl. “I’m sorry.”
Aria huffed, inhaling sharply as small energies rushed into her. Pausing to recollect herself, the girl shook her head. “Whatever. It’s fine. I’m just irritated. You remind me of… myself. Not just a little, but a lot.” She trailed off, her eyes softening as a pervasive thought crept into her mind. “Am I really like this? I get so stuck in my head that I blow everyone off without realizing it. God, I’m such a bi–” Aria paused, catching sight of Peter’s dumbfound gaze. With a blank stare, the girl threw up her hands in a defeated manner. “Ugh! You are just the worst! Stop making me self-reflect!”
“Huh?” Peter blurted out, taken aback. He raised his hands defensively. “What did I even do? It was your idea for me to vent. Sounds like you need to vent just as much as I do.”
Aria’s eyes softened. “You’re probably right. I could really use–” Like lightning to a rod, the girl caught herself before shaking her head. “Maybe later. Don’t change the subject. Like I mentioned, you clearly have a lot on your mind, after you were humiliated by that Flash guy, but I still see you finding time to help a stranger.” Her stoic demeanor resurfaced as she threw a hand over her face. “I’ve got an eye for this type of thing. It’s easy to see that you’re frustrated, and frankly, it’s frustrating to watch. Need any more explanation? Or, should I move on with my life?”
Scratching the back of his head, Peter looked around aimlessly. “It’s a little sudden, but I guess it can’t hurt. With everyone acting weird, maybe I can use this.” The young man inhaled deeply before releasing a deep sigh. “I’ve only been at this school for a week, and I already feel like I’m screwing up. I didn’t have that many friends to begin with, but it’s saying something when one of the only people that’s friendly to me is the gym teacher. To make matters worse, my old school bully is here, and he’s just rolling out the red carpet for me.”
“Flash, right?” Aria questioned, leaning back into her seat. Small energies seeped into her frame before she nodded, “How long have you known each other?”
“Since nursery school. He’s always been the best athlete in our class, super confident, and…” Peter nonchalantly stated, placing his hands together.
Aria arched her brow. “...always had it out for you?”
He paused, pursing his lips. “Actually? No. We used to get along, but something changed, once we reached middle school. I don’t know what though.”
Aria huffed, glancing at her nails. “I’ve seen it before. You’re not the only one he picks on, but you’re his biggest target. There’s a reason for that, whether it’s petty or personal. How you find that out is up to you. I don’t care.” The girl shifted her gaze forward while leaning back into her seat. “You have a job? You look and sound like a guy that has way too much on his mind. The fact that you monologue out loud is a bit of a red flag.”
Peter let out an empty laugh. “You could say that. I have a side job. I work in prosthetics with Doctor Octavious. My other job is a little more stressful. I see all kinds of people, and I’m always trying my best to help. Yet, everyone seems to hate me for it.”
“That sounds annoying,” Aria huffed, pausing once more energy drew into her frame. Her complexion paled as she gagged involuntarily. “Ugh. I hate sweets.”
Peter furrowed his brow. “You okay? You look a bit queasy.”
Slow to respond, Aria cleared her throat before straightening her posture. “Yeah, I just feel bloated. I always get like this when I have junk food. It’s nothing.” She shook her head, waving a hand dismissively. “Anyway. Why don’t you just quit? Sounds like you put yourself on the line, and no one appreciates you for it. I understand exactly how that feels. It sucks.”
Shrugging, Peter managed a smile. “Yeah, I could, but I won’t. Someone has to look out for the little guy, and knowing I can make a difference is enough.” The young man paused, lifting his gaze as the sun continued to fall behind the horizon. “I’m frustrated, sure, but the positives are still there. I just have to remind myself to keep an eye out for the good as much as the bad. I was given a second chance. My aunt has a job she really likes, and I’m slowly making some friends.”
Aria’s eyes softened as she watched Peter, her lips steadily curling into a smile. “You’ve had it pretty bad, but you’re still an optimist. That’s honestly a bit… refreshing. ” She stood from her seat, pausing to stretch her arms overhead. “Looks like that talk helped. You’re not the sad sack you were a few minutes ago.”
Peter nodded, his smile widening. “Yeah. It did. It feels like a weight’s been lifted from my shoulders. This is honestly the first time I’ve had a chance to vent since I moved here.” He walked forward, extending his hand to the girl. “Aria, right? Thanks for hearing me out. You’re surprisingly easy to talk to. At first glance, you looked a bit… prickly. But I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Taken aback, Aria’s mouth fell agape as she stared at Peter’s hand. She steadily reached out, ready to accept the gesture, but the girl shook her head, brushing a hand through her hair. “Knock it off. Seeing you all bummed out was annoying. That’s all. But… you’re welcome. I can tell you’re not a bad guy. Your head’s just in the clouds,” she whispered, her harsh tone breaking to a sweet nothing. Exhaling, the girl folded her arms and walked off in a huff. “I-I have to go. If I’m late to the stupid Battle of the Bands, Adagio won’t shut up about it.”
“You’re participating? You sing? I have a… ‘friend’ who is competing as well. Maybe I’ll stick around and watch you?” Peter happily asked, sliding his backpack’s straps over her shoulders.
Aria’s eyes widened before she reached out, placing a hand over Peter’s forearm. “No!” Blinking, the girl cleared her throat and glanced to the side. “I mean, it’s just a waste of time. You really shouldn’t go.” Relinquishing her hold, Aria took a step back and proceeded to leave. “I’ll see you later.”
Peter watched the girl leave, arching a brow once she was out of sight. “That was weird. Everyone’s been acting wonky with this Battle of the Bands stuff.” He paused as his cranium purred. “There’s that tingle again.” Peter stepped away from the school before stopping in his tracks, turning to face the direction of the concert. “Away from the school is safe, but my Spider-Sense is going nuts… where the Battle of the Bands is!” Peter frowned, rushing towards the concert. “Something’s fishy about this, and it ain’t the harbor. Spider-Man is on the case.”
Adagio sat with her arms crossed, tapping a finger impatiently against her forearm. Sonata inhaled deeply before letting out a low sigh. The pair stood on stage behind the curtain, while students continued to fill the stands to near capacity. Eventually, Aria slipped into the backstage, causing both girls to shift their gazes in her direction.
“You certainly took your time. The show’s about to start,” Adagio huffed, frowning as she stood from her seat.
Aria rolled her eyes, glancing to the side. “You said an hour, and I took it. We still have time to spare.”
Growling, Adagio stomped toward Aria with a narrowed glare. “We are on the cusp of our greatest achievement, and here you are, acting as lackadaisical as ever.” Once inches apart, Adagio sharply raised a finger and held it near Aria’s nose. “If we’re to succeed, I need you at your best!”
Blinking, Aria slapped away Adagio’s hand and scowled. “Excuse me? I don’t know where your attitude is coming from, but you can keep it.” The girl frowned, placing her hands over her hips. “You’re the one with the plans, and they always blow up in your face. How about you make sure we don’t fail for once?!”
Sonata stepped between the pair, raising her hands defensively. “Hey! Stop! This is not helping! We already lost everything! We need to start working together!”
“Lost everything?” Aria questioned, arching a brow.
As if a realization struck her mind, Sonata threw her hands over her mouth and shook her head. “Uh, I mean–!” she paused, shifting her gaze wildly.
Aria turned to Adagio, her eyes narrowing into a glare. “What’s she talking about?”
Adagio shook her head dismissively. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“Why?” Aria spat, never averting her line of sight.
“We’ll talk about it later,” Adagio growled through gritted teeth, returning Aria’s glare with an icy one of her own.
Snarling, Aria pointed at Adagio. “You know what? No! I’m sick of you straddling me along!” Her usual melancholic and apathetic faded, erupting into a pit of frustration and rage. Aria’s stoic demeanor dissolved, evident by her narrowed glare and snarling mouth. “I’ve always followed you because I care about you, in spite of the countless failures! You always take us for granted! Maybe we wouldn’t fail all of the time if we talked as a group, instead of just following along like your little soldiers. For someone who always thinks they’re right, you sure are wrong most of the time!”
Inhaling sharply, Sonata raised her hands defensively. “Whoa, Aria!”
However, Adagio’s complexion burned as her brow twitched. “Shut up! You think you’re so right? I’m what holds us together!” She edged forth, ready to stomp through Aria, but Sonata intervened, placing herself between both sirens. Adagio clenched her fists tightly. “You say you want me to listen, but look in a mirror ! Almost our entire lives, you’ve always questioned me! You always nitpicked every little thing I did. No matter how hard I tried, it was never good enough for you! You say you care, but you never act like it! Get over yourself!”
Sonata strained, pushing against both girls with all her might but failing as they shoved her to the side. “Adagio! That’s too much!”
Aria threw up her hands and laughed sarcastically. “Oh, sure! Blame your problems on me! You’re so perfect that the idea of anyone complaining about you is outrageous!” She glanced to the side, snorting. “I told you it was a bad idea to revolt against the clan leader, but thanks to you, we were banished! I warned you that taking on Starswirl was a mistake, and look at what happened: exiled to another world! We’re stuck here because you suck at planning and listening!”
Shaking her head, Sonata’s eyes continued to widen. “Girls! Stop!”
Adagio scoffed, crossing her arms. “Maybe my plans always fail because you never fully commit to any of them! Is there anything you actually care about to give a damn?! Sad little outcast, always angry at the world! Thank the stars I’m always here! You didn’t fit in there, and you don’t fit here either!”
Aria snapped back, shoving Adagio before sharply pointing a finger. “The shelter was fine to feed! The school is fine to feed! But it’s never enough! You always want more! Feeding on Spider-Man just doesn’t feel right!” Her posture softened. “He’s so young, yet there’s a lifetime of negativity pouring from him. It’s… toxic and unhealthy. We can’t feed on that!”
“I knew it! The one thing you actually care about, and it’s food! You always feel what you eat! How you were born a siren is beyond me! You’re so stupid!” Adagio huffed, breaking into apathetic laughter. She shook her head in disbelief, placing a hand over her forehead. “This is why the idea of you leading is laughable! You take pity on a stupid boy playing hero! Your sentimentality is grossly misplaced, as it always is! It’s actually a good thing we can’t go back to Equestria! If our kind saw you right now–!”
“That’s enough!” Sonata howled, releasing a frustrated cry. Vibrational waves rushed through the vicinity. The walls shook, trembling as dust fell. Aria and Adagio, slack-jawed, ceased their bickering and stared at the girl. Sonata inhaled deeply before letting out a sigh. “We’re sisters. Why are we arguing like this? You’re both right, but you’re wrong, too. How about you both try to listen to each other? Just this once?”
Adagio opened her mouth, ready to protest, but she shook her head, huffing. “In what world is it right when Sonata is the voice of reason? I will try to listen to you from now on.” She edged forth, placing her hands over Aria’s shoulders. “I just need you to believe in me, just this once. This plan will succeed, but I need you completely onboard!”
Sonata bit down on her lip, alternating her narrowed glare between her sisters. “Now. Are we doing this or what?”
Aria weakly nodded, glancing to the side before returning her line of sight towards Adagio. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll go along with it. We’ve got nothing left to lose.”
Adagio nodded feverishly, managing a smile. “Good! We’ll win this for sure! You’ll see!” The audience began to erupt, cheering loudly as the light dimmed and fireworks began to shoot. Adagio waved a hand, motioning for Aria and Sonata to follow, while she walked forward. “Time to take center stage and claim what is rightfully ours!”
Meanwhile, stationed in the field on the outskirts of the field by the stage, Sunset turned to face her group. “Are you ready? The show’s about to start.”
Everyone sorted through their respective instruments, each pausing to glance at Twilight. The girl stopped, staring at her hand while small sparkling traces of magical energy materialized into existence. “Start playing, girls! The spell’s almost ready. As soon as they start singing, we’ll have to counteract them.” She lowered her gaze, stealing a glance at the star-patterned skies. “I just hope he shows up, to buy us some time.”
Sunset furrowed her brow. “He? Who are you talking about?”
Just as Twilight readied to respond, a being soared through the sky in the distance before latching onto the top end of the central flagpole. Spider-Man remained perched, analyzing the environment beneath before holding his blank gaze on the unaware citizens surrounding the stage. However, Twilight, seemingly the only one to notice his presence before he fired a strand of webbing and leapt into a swing, smiled in response.
“...a friend,” she whispered.
To Be Continued…
*Kicks off Saving New York music.*
GO SPIDEY GO!
Spidey's finally suiting up and swinging to the Battle of the Bands!
Nice that Aria had willingly sat down and got to know Peter to understand more about him and what drives his inner negative emotions, even when she found his modesty, denseness and big blabbermouth quite irritating. She was even starting to relate to him and like him to the point that she tried to keep him away from the Battle of the Bands afraid that they would be forced to fight each other. She may be a siren that has to feed on negativity, but she's one with a few morals, and feeding off Peter's deep negativity is just too much for her.
The tension between Aria and Adagio was intense. Aria finally had enough of Adagio BS and putting her excuse of leadership into question calling out on all their past failures and the messes they've alway gotten themselves in because of Adagio and her obsession to win and that she never listens to her sisters, while Adagio refuses to take responsibility for her actions claiming her sisters don't support her enough and that Aria is too soft and weak to take leadership. And poor Sonata, she's caught in the middle of this sibling squabble and she has to step up and surprisingly be the voice of reason between the two. Why do I feel like that there are death flags being waved at her...?
Looks like the big fight between Spider-Man and the Sirens will be up next, he'll be keeping them busy while the Rainbooms prepare the counter-spell and give our Web Head some assistance.
I'll come right out and say it this Peter has way too many girls after him, just like in Canon. If I'm being honest I can see Aria becoming Screaming Mimi and hooking up with Peter a la Black Cat The Big Three love interests are Sunset, Aria, and Derpy. Spitfire and maybe Sci-Twi (whom I can see becoming either Silk or this world's Spider-Woman BTW) are possible secondary love interests
Seems that Aria's gearing up to make a heel-face turn here.
Also, Twi, you've got your own spider waiting back home. Don't go eyeing another one.
11104991
You know, I'm starting to hear the word "variant" be used more and more after that loki show. before we would have just said things like "MC2 Mayday" or "Noir Spider-man" or "Sci-Twi". But now we just simplify it with just "Variant". Not saying it's a bad thing. Just an observation.
Wow... of all things i was expecting i did not expect Aria to just sit down and talk with Peter. I was honestly expecting some Loki-style silver tongue manipulation on Peter, but instead we see the two of them just bond(?) over similarities the actually share and what was the driving force behind his negativity. We even see her actually be physically sick from all the negative energy she inadvertently feeds off of Peter. Not only that but she also wanted to keep him away from the Battle of the Bands. I'm thinking Aria could potentially have a heel turn/redemption in this universe, and her relationship with Peter could become something akin to the relationship between him and Black Cat.
11106420
No worries. Peter's harem (as far as love interests) is limited to three for the past. Aria is not a love interest. Spitfire is too old (being 20 to Peter's 15). And Sci-Twi won't be in Pete's circle for good reason.
The big three are Sunset, Trixie, and Derpy (Ditzy)... with a wildcard yet to be announced.
I hope Twilight comes clean to the girls before she leaves.
11106774
I'm a little sad Aria isn't a love interest
Twilight’s gonna have a lot to reveal when all this is said and done.
Geez I love the Gameverse costume so much. It just really combines several of my favorite Spider-suit designs into one and its awesome.
HEY HEY MIND YOUR LANGUAGE SISTER THIS IS SORT OF FOR KIDS!!!
memegenerator.net/img/instances/67998214/language.jpg
C'mon Prime Twi we know he's more than a friend
11106774
Oh man Aria is not? a shame, that talk was really well written that It fooled me into thinking she was, still that's interesting Max so keep up the good job
11108197
That talk was important, but for other reasons. Reason that will become apparent before too much longer.
11108257
Aria playing matchmaker for Peter and Derpy/Ditzy. Seems like Peter has options, just like he usually does.
Also, already some disagreements between the Dazzlings. One thing that caught my eye was that Aria mentioned shelter (funny enough, Aunt Mays job was mentioned too, we know where she works). Honestly, she might have before and I either missed it or just never commented on it, but it does bring me back to Martin Li. I don't know if they know him, or if he'll be around at all, but it would be interesting to see how they interact. Then again, it might be too soon for that, right now the Dazzlings need the build-up more, putting Martin in could theoretically have him overshadow them or they'll overshadow him.
It doesn't matter in the end, what matters is seeing Peter eventually having a showdown against them and seeing how it will play out. But at the very least, Aria seems to have some redeeming qualities, nice change of pace from Sonata being the most redeemable of the group. Of course maybe all of them are redeemable, it can go anywhere.
Also nice how Twilight referred to Peter as "A friend..." I'd like to see where that goes as well.
Maybe next time I won't be so late to the party, but I probably will.
Love this can't wait for the nex chapter
11106774
If Aria does have a redemption arc in this story, I could see her as more of an older sister/ close friend to Peter. Someone whom he can confide in and talk to when things get too tough or crazy
Can't wait for the next chapter!!!
1) I hope sirens will take this cure, and reform themselves.
2) Does Twilight know of just WHO Spider-Man is, or does she just hopes for the mask? =) Can't wait to find out.
Christ, you know it's bad when Sonata has to tell you to stop