After losing their powers, Adagio and her sisters find comfort in the home of a new student named Midnight Rider, A student from Australia who out of the kindness of his heart takes them in. At the same time Adagio is starting to feel strange
After losing their powers, and by extension their immortality, Adagio and her sisters find comfort in the home of a new student named Midnight Rider, A student from Australia who out of the kindness of his heart takes them in. At the same time Adagio starts to feel strange feelings as Midnight helps to find and fix their pendents before the former sirens turn to dust
Rated Teen for coarse language and sexual references
Despair was all Adagio Dazzle and her two sisters felt, though Aria was more angry than despondent , Sonata was bawling like a baby and Adagio was on her knees after they had fled down the alley. She couldn't bear the thought that she had lead her sisters to lose everything that made them who they were as sirens. The non existent pendants were all they had connecting them back to the land of Equestria. All the ever wanted was to go home, and yet some cruel twist of fate snatched their victory through their fingers How could this have happened to us. The former siren thought sadly
I had planned everything perfectly, I've lost everything She silently wept as Aria verbally abused Sonata. The three of them were now mortal, and unable to sing. For them that is a fate worse than death. It was Aria's ranting and raving that was making things worse and to top it all off she started pointing the finger of blame towards the baby sister of the trio, who looked like she could take no more abuse and mistreatment
" This is all your fault Sonata! You let them destroy our pendants and now we're going to die." shouted the middle sister. Sonata looked about ready to burst into tears. How could her own sister, her own flesh and blood, blame her for this. She didn't like her sister abusing her over the thousands of years they had been together.
Aria had even stolen her first boyfriend when they were in the hippie movement at Woodstock. Sonata knew that Adagio would have most likely turned away from her, but she comforted her like a mother would, ever since they were young baby sirens, Adagio brought the two of them up after their parents abandoned them. She was their mother, aunt and sister all in one package. Sonata was an airhead true, but she still had feelings and right now those feeling were being pounded into the dust. Her shoulders slumped down and her eyes began to water some more.
" How can you say that! we still have our apartment, that's something right?"
"Two things, I blame you because your the worst and the only reason we have that apartment is because we convinced the fucking landlord to let us stay with our singing, something that you cost us." Aria told her poking her in the the chest a total of three times at the last three words, one at a time with force. This was only making the usually go lucky former siren lose her cool with her attacker. Her blood was heating up with anger
" Say I'm the worst one more time." Sonata warned her, aggressively staring straight into her elder sisters eyes. "I dare you."
"You're. The. Worst." Aria said in monotone.
That did it, Sonata couldn't be little miss nice girl any longer she snapped throwing herself towards the girl with the pigtails and knocked her to the cold hard concrete, and proceeded to punch her in the face a couple of times . Aria thought her nose was broken but she would not be beaten by a little airhead so she rolled over, switching the ground between the two of them, and put her hands around Sonata's throat intending to strangle her. This despite Adagio's sadness, she would not tolerate in the slightest. She was about to unleash the fury of a protective sister and was seeing red. She had finally had enough of Aria's bad attitude. She grabbed the former siren by one of her pigtails who screamed in pain, and threw her against the alley wall, Then forced her to look at at Sonata who looked very pale after the assault.
"LOOK AT HER ARIA!! LOOK AT HER!! WITHOUT OUR PENDANTS WE ARE NOTHING MORE THAN MOTHERFUCKING MORTALS! YOU ALMOST KILLED YOUR OWN SISTER!" Getting screamed in the face was enough to make the stone faced Aria groan. A second later a sob escaped her lips, and losing all control of her emotions showed that she really did care for Sonata. She slid her back down the wall crying her eyes out and taking her older sisters hands in hers because sisters need each other, even if times are tough.
Adagio quickly regretted her outburst. Turning her head at Sonata, who had just recovered and was walking over to them holding one blue and petite hand on her throat. The poor girls eyes were generating waterfalls and leaned down towards the distraught teenager who was in a fetal position and hugged her. Adagio immediately followed her youngest sisters lead and cradled Aria's head in her arms. It was the first time she had cried in a century.
" shh shh shh, Aria it's alright, calm down now, its alright." whispered Adagio, she didn't know where they would go after tonight, only that she had to live up to her role as the eldest sister. Even now Adagio was shedding tears at the state the two of them were in. At last she admitted that this was her fault, she wanted power that would make everyone adore her and she brought her sisters along for the ride.
I'm so sorry girls, I got us banished from Equestria, and now we'll die like everyone else, all because I was too blind to see what I was leading you into. Its all my fault.
" I'm so sorry, Sonata, I just don't know what to do anymore... I want to go home." Aria wailed clinging to Adagios cloths, her makeup running down her face, but Adagio did not care about the makeup on her stage outfit. Her family came first above all else in this time of family crisis. Sonata didn't say anything back to Aria, her actions clearly spoke louder than words, refusing to let go of the only family she had left. Adagio didn't believe in things like God, but she was desperate for an answer as she looked up to the night sky, complete with the full moon, hoping, begging for a sign that would save them from the precipice of total despair.
*
The bus that drove from the airport was busy today, there were several faces there that each had their reason for being on the revved up vehicle. One teenage boy in particular was sitting at the very end of the bus, listening to the song two out of three ain't bad by Meatloaf on his Ipod touch. As soon as the song finished, another song was played called the heartache by Warren Zevon two heartbreaking songs in row was too much so he switched off his Ipod and tried to think about something else The young drifter was going through a hard time, Recently, he had a breakup with his ex girlfriend in Australia. She had found another lover and told him the exact same words in the previous songs chorus, since then he swore to never again fall in love.
It was just too much heartache for him. Even though he was sixteen years old he knew how to look after himself without his parents. His father was an alcoholic drunk, and his dear sweet mother was killed in a fatal head-on collision whilst driving her Nissan on the freeway. After the boys father blamed him for her untimely demise, he could not stand to look at the man he called Father.
After the argument,he packed his bags and whatever possessions he owned including his mothers akubra and headed off to start a new life in the United States. Fifty states was a lot to choose from but he instantly had made it clear he was going to live in California. It was sunny and warm, just like back home in the land down under. He had also remembered to pack his education papers for the local high school he had heard about online.
As he thought about the apartment he was going to stay in, the bus stopped at the next drop off point My apartment is around this stop. He thought, quietly grabbing his backpack and a couple of tucker bags from the luggage shelf above him. The teenager walked up to the driver, and paid him the travel fee.
"Thanks for the ride, mate." The young man said, while the driver, a middle aged man smiled warmly, he clearly loved his job
"Think nothing of it, I'm just doing what I'm paid to do. Good luck out there, kid." he told him while opening the doors for the disembarking passenger. After getting off the bus, it started to rain, and it looked like a storm was coming in so much for warm and sunny he thought sadly. He took off his backpack and pulled out a black Driza bone long-coat, put it on and put the akubra hat on his head
Putting his backpack on, the drifter started walking looking for the address number that his apartment block would have. His mind was everywhere, if it weren't for his coat, he would be as wet as you can possibly get and walked through the rain as it collected in the top of his hat, the young Australian boy walked across the streets at a traffic crossing waiting for the walk sign. He was thankful that his coat was oil-skinned, keeping it dry as the nearby desert known as Death Valley or more appropriately, the outback that he still called home.
The walk sign was unchanged for two minutes. The streets were mostly devoid of people, a few of them that were out in the weather looked cold. Some gave a quick glance at the teen in black, who was thinking about what kind of friends he would make when he enrolled tomorrow morning. Hopefully he would be alright in the states, apparently he had heard that gun laws were less strict here. That single thought alone sent a chill down his spine.
At long last, the walk sign lit up in a bright green glow, signaling that it was safe to cross the busy street. Stepping onto the wet bitumen and crossing the street he noticed the name of the next street ahead on a sign with bright snowy letters emblazoned upon it Pegasus Boulevard, this must be the street my apartments on. he allowed a small smile to show on his face, it wasn't far to go, the sooner he settled in, the sooner he could start his life anew.
After walking past the buildings,he began to hear sounds coming down the alley between two of the buildings. It sounded like someone was crying, scratch that he thought, there must be two more sounds that sounded like he did when his mother died. It was a sound that told him that someone needed help, being a kind person, he walked down the dark, dingy alley to offer some comfort.
The sounds of sobs that filled the foul smelling air started to get closer, the teen drifter squinted his eyes and saw something that made his heart ache, sitting with their faces to the wall, were three teenage girls who he thought were his age by the looks of them. He approached them slowly.
" Are you girls alright?"Adagio turned around to see who was addressing the three of them, her eyes were red from crying. She didn't know this teenager, hell she didn't even see him in school and from the looks of it, he didn't know them either. So why was he here? She opened her mouth to ask him why he even cared about showing sympathy to a trio of strangers, before Aria spoke first.
" What do you want, just go away and leave us alone." Aria warned him giving the teenage boy a glare that could have rivaled a basilisk.
" Aria, that was rude, he just asked us a question." Sonata chided her sister. Aria just ignored her and turned away from the boy. The boy in the hat looked hurt, he was just trying to help, for all he knew these girls were probably homeless and starving. He would not turn away so easily, kneeling down, the Aussie reached into one of his tucker bags and offered them a cloth to each of them, so they could wipe away their tears.
Sonata and soon after her, Adagio, were the only ones to take the offering, by doing so, Aria followed their lead and received the gift. After wiping her face, Adagio thought that this could be the sign she was hoping for, true she was adored for a brief time, but this was probably the first time in centuries anyone had shown them kindness without being mesmerized by their singing, but she knew better than to cling onto hope that just isn't there, she only just met this stranger who in her mind was oddly dressed, and she and her sisters had seen their share of people who were in odd garments since their ancient Greek days. If only she could be sure, she had to observe this boy's behavior.
"Thanks, who are you, why did you just help us?" Adagio asked out of curiosity, albeit begrudgingly. As far as humans went, he was quite attractive, he possessed long blonde hair down his shoulders, with dark purple highlights, orange skin and what appeared to be crocodile teeth in his akubra hat.
The drifter looked at her with curiosity, maybe she's a proud teenager who doesn't get help much, regardless he had to try, he couldn't let them stay out in the rain, fortunately,the rain was beginning to get lighter, but not for much longer. He decided to know who he was going to take pity on.
"My name is Midnight Rider, I helped you because I'm the sort of person who doesn't like to see others in pain and misery."
Sonata decided to have her say in the matter
"Thank you mist-"
"Thanks for the help, not that we needed it to begin with." Grumbled Aria with a pout. A heavy sigh escaped Adagio's lips, she and Aria would talk later. Even when knocked down, Aria would not let go of her pride. Adagio would not say it, but the drifter's accent was unusual yet attractive Her gaze was fixed on him, not knowing if she could trust this teenager. For all she knew he could be looking for a victim, and three of them for that matter. She decided she should figure out his angle.
"Alright, Midnight Rider, Wha-
"Call me Midnight." He said cutting her off. The pale yellow girl just rolled her eyes
"Alright, Midnight, what do you want from us?" She asked him straight out, her violet eyes not straying from his face, as if she was judging him to be a threat, but then why would he take pity on the three of them. Perhaps he was one those "what's in it for me." kind of people that just expected to be given a reward. She could play at this game as well, she always was a manipulative woman. a girl who was so driven by desire, that she and her siblings became shadows of what they once were. Her instincts told her to hear him out for at least five minutes.
"Look, first off I'd like to know you're names. That would be a start."
The young girl with the blue ponytail gave him a small smile, out of the three she seemed to be the most trusting, even the other two were starting to come out of their shells albeit,hesitantly. Adagio knew her youngest sister was an airhead but, she was her airhead. And if this young man could make her smile then she could trust him, Aria, on the other hand was still hesitant but soon gave in.
"My name is Sonata Dusk..."
"Aria Blaze."
"And I'm Adagio, Adagio Dazzle.
Midnight thought that each of their names were lovely, especially Adagio's name. Their parents must have great taste in names. Come to think of it where are their parents? he thought to himself. The trio of sisters were now beginning to trust him
"Beautiful names." He complimented them while Sonata blushed along with her sisters except for Aria, hiding the blush from his sight. Adagio and Sonata quickly composed themselves "A lot better than my name anyways." Midnight chuckled.
"I like his name, it sounds fairly okay." Said Aria
"For once I agree with you" added Sonata. Aria just said nothing. She was still hurting after that attack Adagio gave her, but what could she have been expecting when she almost ended the life of a young girl, who obsessed with tacos. It was still hurting inside that she nearly killed her now mortal sister. Suddenly the sound of rolling thunder filled the sky, the storm was coming and it was coming fast, it was going to be a big one. Midnight knew it was now or never.
"How about the three of you come with me, I can take you to your parents if you show me where they live." Adagio shook her head sadly
"We don't have any parents Midnight, it fell to me to look after my sisters..." Adagio broke down again, sobbing before she felt a soft touch on her shoulder. She looked at Midnight with a forlorn look plastered on her face. In his mind, Midnight could sympathize with them, what with his mother gone, and his father basically all but dead to him. He decided to do what the kindness in his heart told him
"Now, don't cry Adagio, I know what to do, how would you, Aria and Sonata like to live with me in my new apartment? It conveniently houses four people, and tonight I'm going to order taco's for dinner" He smiled at them. She was right about him, he was that thin ray of hope that she clung onto. Sonata instantly got excited when she heard the magic T word that she gave Adagio the biggest puppy dog pout to convince her to take up the offer Aria thought it was a bad idea to take up this boys offer. But she may as well join the club as she had heard humans say.
"Thank you so much Midnight." said the pale yellow teenager who got to her feet with some help from Midnight.
"Tacos tonight!" Sonata squealed and wrapped her arms around their savior in a crushing bear hug "For realzies, thank you so much." For a sweet girl, she certainly had a good grip as far as he was concerned. Sonata began to see that her hug was making Midnight as blue as she was. As soon as he was released, Midnight started taking very deep breaths, This sheila has a good grip.
"Come on, my apartment is just around the corner." Midnight looked to Aria who was still sitting on the ground. "you coming, or what?"
"Whats it to you?"
Adagio pinched the bridge of her nose. Folding her arms she looked to Aria. "Aria, come on, if you stay here you might get pneumonia. Lets go." Against her better judgement, Aria got to her feet, pushing away Midnight's gloved hand out of pride. They walked out of the alley and onto the footpath. Midnight kept a steady pace so the three former sirens could keep up with him. It was not far to go now, it was just four blocks away from them. Although it was only a small distance, Sonata was counting how many red cars were going by to entertain herself, by the time she reached the fifth car they had arrived at their new home. The rain was pouring down heavily, it was a large deluge that could cause flooding, Adagio's thick curls were getting waterlogged and the last of Aria's makeup was gone. Sonata felt cold, in the still falling rain, causing shivering to her very soul.
Midnight walked up the stairs and knocked on the door a total of five times. A light was turned on inside, and footsteps could be heard approaching them. The door opened up slowly, stopping itself from opening completely, the lock on the other side allowed a small glance inside, where a young woman was peering through the crack to the outside world.
'Yes, who is it?" said the woman's voice. Instantly, Midnight recognized that voice, he had not heard from her in a year, when she had left Australia a year ago.
"Art,Art Magic, is that you?" He asked softly, peering through the crack in the doorway. The door shut closed, the sound of fiddling with the lock on the side was evident and clear. Suddenly the way forward was opened, revealing a young woman with a navy blue complexion, she had blonde hair with purple coloured highlights and blue eyes. A smile graced her features as she met her older brother face to face.
"Midnight." She wrapped her arms around his neck, noticing the three girls he had with him. After returning the hug, she folded her arms and looked at him strangely.
"So," she started, "What made you come here to Cali big bro ?"
"Trouble with Dad." he stated bluntly with loads of contempt. Adagio's eyes widened, This boy had issues with his family, she couldn't say that she was without sin as even though she generally disliked her sisters company, she still kept them around. Her slender hand reached for her neck, feeling where her ruby pendant once was. A sad reminder that unless she could find and fix the jewels, they would turn to dust
How long will this take? a day? a week, maybe a year Adagio pondered in fear. She had only managed to retrieve whatever was left of the only thing that kept her alive for centuries. Hers was the only one she managed to take with her. She nearly jumped when she heard Art address them.
" Come on in, you all look chilled to the bone." Star cried
Aria, who said nothing, quickly showed a grateful smile, and made it disappear as quickly as it came, there was no way she would go soft. The four teenagers entered the apartment block, following Star through the building. Midnight was slightly ahead counting the numbers of the rooms
Aria nudged Adagio somewhat gently as they walked down the corridor, and up the stairs, getting her attention.
" Do you even have a plan Adagio? We need to fix our pendants, or else we're fucked." Whispered Aria quietly.
" We enrolled in Canterlot High School, so maybe they're still there, trust me this boy is gullible. As long as he lets us stay here, we have a chance then once we have our pendants restored, we will have no need of him." she whispered back.
"thirty seven... thirty eight... thirty nine... Here we are room forty." Midnight took his room key from his sister who despite her age was doing well for herself as a landlord, however she still had school to go to in the morning and had just enrolled to attend the local high school, Canterlot high. Apparently Midnight found he did not have to pay his little sister for living here, it truly was a bargain. The key entered the keyhole, with a turn to the right, a click sound was heard and the door was opened.The apartment was quite spacious. A television set was in the middle of the room. Three bedrooms were down the hall, and a large kitchen was in the corner, complete with a fridge and pantry.
"Well, here we are girls. Whats mine is yours." Midnight took off his long coat and hat, hanging them up on the stand beside the door. The apartment was nice and dry. It was a nice change of scenery compared to the gloomy gray skies and soaked outdoors, where the stormy weather sent bolts of lightning cutting through the sky like paper. Turning to his three companions, Midnight walked past them to his Young sibling.
"Art." Midnight briefly bit his lip. " Do you think you can drive down to taco bell? I promised Adagio, Aria and Sonata tacos for dinner."
Art chuckled, she had a bit of a temper and when she and Midnight were in their early teens, it scared him to the point of hesitating. This however was just funny, seeing him still scared of her anger issues. Lucky for him, she had taken anger management lessons. A quick nod without a sound surprised the boy, but soon gave way to relief.
"Thanks, Sis." He turned to the girls he had had the pleasure of meeting, namely Adagio. "Why don't you and your sisters take a shower? You all look like you need one."
"Thank you, Midnight. Girls, we will go youngest to eldest, Sonata your first."
The blue former siren perked up at the thought of having a nice hot shower first. " For realzies?"
Her oldest sister smiled at her. " for realzies." She quickly went down the hallway and into the bathroom where the sound of water began to run. Aria laid down on the couch and shut her eyes, while Adagio hoped that the next day will be forgiving. Midnight looked at the two of them, after he heard the motor revving up in Arts BMW Don't you worry girls, I'll get you back on your feet. No problem
Dreams, the visions we often see in slumber was being witnessed by Adagio Dazzle. But this was no ordinary dream, she was back in the seventies when she and the Dazzling's were under a different name and were the opening act for none other than Led Zeppelin. Back then as she surveyed the dreamscape around her, she saw herself kissing Robert Plant himself. Adagio remembered that day so well. she allowed herself to enjoy these memories and although she could see Sonata and Aria fighting over the last chip, she still remembered that the seventies was a happier decade for all of them, in fact, Aria was dating John Bonham and she was never as sour and indifferent as she was in the present day. That all changed when Bonham died from alcohol poisoning at the beginning of the eighties, and led aria to becoming sarcastic, and indifferent. She never truly got over him and claimed she would not repeat the experience. Soon after, Aria ate the last potato chip, much to Sonata's dismay.
"Dagi." she whined pathetically. "Aria stole my food."
The dream Adagio facepalmed herself, in the meantime, the real Adagio fondly enjoyed going down memory lane. " Just go make something mexican to eat and don't burn anything" said the dream Adagio, the real golden haired siren just mimicked the sentence her past self said.
The eldest Dazzling looked back at her boyfriend who was struggling to make a song but could not think of anything.
"I don't know what to write as the lyrics in the first verse, Dagi." sighing The golden rock god threw another piece of paper into the nearby trashcan that was overflowing with scrapped idea's. The band was in the making of their fourth studio album. all the songs were ready except for one and Robert wanted it to be his masterpiece. It had to be absolutely perfect.
The past version looked like she had come up with an idea, a cunning smirk adorned her face as she walked back towards her boyfriend " Oh Robbie, you just need a bit of, inspiration." She crooned in his ear.
Adagio remembered this moment. It was the day she convinced him to make one of the most successful songs of all time. Putting her hands on Robert's shoulders, she massaged him gently while belting out a hypnotic tune that was mesmerizing him into writing a few parts of the song about a woman who was certain all things that glittered was gold. In short the woman was meant to be her. she kept on singing and as she did so, a green mist appeared as if from nowhere and was absorbed into the ruby attached to her pendant that no one but the sirens witnessed. Aria soon came up to her and pulled her sister down the hallway to talk in private.
"Adagio, I'm sick of feeding on negative emotions like this, their not even satisfying enough to curb my hunger." Aria was always like this when it came to feeding off negative emotions . " At this rate, I'm desperate enough to see what Sonata will cook up and eat it."
"Aria," Adagio sighed " you know as well as I do that we can only eat what we can get here." Aria folded her arms in a huff. to Adagio she was just behaving like a little child that didn't get what she wanted. "Its like I keep telling you, the energy we get in this world is not the same as Equestria's, and believe me, I don't even want to know what shes making in there either. Still got to give her points for trying though"
Aria grinned at her elder sister. "Well lets just hope its something good for once, or it looks like we will be having takeout at the diner. Again." she and Adagio laughed. The real Adagio was watching this unfold,they were so close back then. They sang and had fun all the time, they had even shared Aria's stash of coke back then for fun. How it was great to be what sisters were meant to be like. She always liked to look back on the seventies when Led Zeppelin were in their heyday. It was a great decade to be alive and doing what they did best. Singing, and plenty of it.
Adagio wondered why things couldn't go back to how they used be. Life could be very cruel sometimes. She remembered the day a tropical storm had hit the reef that they and their parents lived on and had killed the trios parents. They had hidden in a small cove to protect them from the typhoon that ravaged their home. After the storm had passed over, the three siren sisters, were the only survivors of the tragedy.
Adagio took her sisters with her to look for their parents only to find no trace of them. Who would look after them now that their Mother and Father had passed on. She looked down at the two young sirens who looked back to her in sadness and despair. And that was when Adagio made a very life changing decision. She swore that as Celestia as her witness, she would bring her sisters up like a mother would. She promised that she would never let anything bad happen to them.
"Its okay Aria and Sonata, its alright, your big sister is still here." She had whispered to them softly like a mother.
As this was a lucid dream, she knew she was about to wake up soon. And wake up she did although it was past midnight, however, it seemed she was not the only one awake at this hour. Standing next to her bedside, was Sonata Dusk, she looked like she hadn't slept well and clearly was afraid.
"Adagio," she whimpered softly.
"What is it, Sonata?" she asked irritably "I'm trying to get back to sleep here." Sometimes Sonata was a real nuisance, but she wouldn't be this scared for no reason and looked like she was crying before she sought out the comfort of Adagio, something must have scared her real bad
"I had a nightmare, Dagi." Sonata quietly replied.
Immediately, the eldest sisters face softened, she got up into a sitting position, and patted the mattress to signal her baby sister to sit down.
"Now, tell me everything about this nightmare, Sonata, I promise, everything will be fine." Said the pale yellow girl, wiping away the tears of a sister in need. Taking a deep breath, Sonata began from the beginning.
"I was dreaming that we were swimming in the oceans of our old home, with our parents without a care in the world." said the blue teenager. "pretty quickly, the scenery changed to when we were singing at the battle of the bands finals". Adagio said nothing, she just patiently listened and waited for her sister to wrap it up. She had a feeling that this was why Sonata was so distraught.
"And what happened then?" Asked Adagio. Taking Sonata's hand in one of her own, she urged her to continue with her nightmare.
"Then that rainbow alicorn appeared and blew our pendants to pieces," She hesitated, feeling a little choked up, nonetheless she pressed on. " And after the blast I could find no trace of you and Aria. It was an endless black void, and then I saw that I was turning into dust." She pressed her head into Adagio's arms for comfort, crying her eyes out. "Please, Dagi don't let this happen to us."
Adagio stroked Sonata's hair and patted her back letting her know that she would protect her, Aria could take care of herself physically, but Adagio knew she too, needed her guidance. "Calm down ,Sonata I promise that as long as Midnight lets us stay here, I won't let anything happen to you and Aria, I promise." Today was the day they needed to go back to Canterlot High School, and face the music as it were. Since it was still early Adagio offered Sonata her bed while she would sleep on the nearby beanbag, and with Adagio in the same room as her, she never slept better.
The sun was just beginning to rise over the city skyline a few hours later, signaling the dawn of a new day.
Life was good, that was what Sunset Shimmer was thinking. For a time, she was once hated and treated like a pariah by the student body of Canterlot High. But that was all in the past now. She recently helped her friends save the world during the battle of the bands from total brainwashing, and now, she was treated with respect, a few students had each asked her out on separate occasions but all were turned down. In retrospect, she had a lot to be thankful to for, she owed her redemption all to Twilight Sparkle, the former student of Princess Celestia and a princess in her own right. The leather clad teenager stood in line at the serving bench where she could see the lunch lady, Granny Smith dishing out delicious food, including her homemade apple pies that Applejack loved to eat when she was at school.
As soon as Mystery Mint received her lunch, Sunset was next. Granny Smith was mixing up something sweet in her bowl, knowing her it probably had apples in it. It was enough to make Sunset Shimmer want an apple pie to go as a dessert of some kind after she would eat her usual caesar salad. Originally being an equine would make anyone a vegetarian by natural diet.
"Hello, Sunset, ah assume ya'll want the usual?" Asked Granny Smith in her trademark accent that everyone in her immediate family possessed. It was something the old Sunset Shimmer would have made fun of, but the new Sunset was completely different, thinking the accent sounded great, briefly imagining what she would be like if she had such a sound to her voice before shoving that thought out of her mind and pointed to one of the apple pies on the baking tray.
"Yes, and could I have one of those apple pies? Applejack told me you haven't lived until you try the ones you make." Said the redhead rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the Rainbooms. The old woman was delighted to give Sunset an apple pie with her salad. She took great pride in her cooking and loved to hear the students praise her skill. Nobody knew what made the pies so delicious, but most of the students assumed that their creator put a special spice in it or some other ingredient. Using the tongs in one wrinkled hand, Granny smith served the salad onto Sunset Shimmer's lunch tray, following with it, the homemade apple pie.
The cooked pastry sent out a beautiful odor that smelt like cinnamon to Sunset's nose. It was going to be so good on her taste buds, she was sure it was going to be satisfying.Life was finally looking up for her. She had great friends, and an awesome life, she could not ask for anything more. Silently thanking the old lunch lady, she went to find the table she frequented with her friends. Students from all cliques and walks of life were no longer looking at her with contempt but with friendship in their hearts, even Flash Sentry who was strumming his guitar on some random notes was once again on speaking terms with her,and stopped to send her a wave. She smiled at him and waved back. A sudden and pitched voice that sounded like its owner sucked in some helium addressed the teenager.
"Sunset, over here!" The owner of the voice was a teenager with pink skin, and a darker shade of pink for the colour of her hair which looked like it could hide an infinite amount of items in it. Sitting around her at their table, was four other girls. These were Sunset shimmers friends. Applejack, the blonde farm girl whose sister also attended Canterlot High School and worked on her families farm, Sweet Apple Acres. The alabaster fashionista, Rarity who started her own business at her home, and planned to work full time after graduation. The butter yellow teenager was Fluttershy, The only vegetarian of the group besides Sunset and a volunteer at the local animal shelter. At the head of the table, sat a girl whose hair was painted with all the colours of the rainbow, appropriately known as Rainbow Dash. The captain of every sports team in the school and an all around tomboy.
Pulling out a chair, Sunset took a seat right next to Applejack and placed her meal on the table. Together, they were the musical group, the rainbooms Applejack was the groups bass player, while Rainbow Dash held the position of lead guitarist and bandleader.Rarity played the keytar and the random Pinkie Pie played the drums and on the tambourine was Fluttershy.
"So how do you like being treated like a hero, it makes you feel awesome huh? Asked Rainbow Dash. "It was so cool how we kicked the Dazzlings sorry asses." Rarity's jaw dropped from the word Rainbow had just used
"Rainbow Dash, there is no need to use that vulgar language." Said the marshmallow coloured teenager in response to Rainbows choice of words. Rainbow just stuck out her tongue at Rarity, who was frustrated at her friends immaturity. Applejack chewed on her apple fritter trying not to choke on her own laughter, seeing Rarity tell rainbow off was amusing to say the least. Swallowing her food, she took this chance to say something.
" Ya'll know its pointless to teach a girl like rainbow manners, Rarity." Applejack got a scowl from Rarity in return for that remark.
"If girls like you and rainbow learned how to act like ladies, then I wouldn't have to try teaching the both of you manners." Rarity shot back looking serious, a few seconds later she and the girls were laughing with each other. Fluttershy decided for change of subject for the time being.
"Um, girls." She said meekly in a voice as sweet as nectar. "Have you heard about the new transfer student that Principle Celestia has been talking about?"
Sunsets eyes widened. She was asked once again to introduce the new student after this morning tea, but she had heard rumors in the school that the Dazzlings would return to Canterlot High as well. What am I worried about. They can't do any harm as long as the girls and I have the ruby shards. Thought Sunset in a positive way. They were completely harmless without those gems. Had Sunset heard the other side of the story, she would have had second thoughts. . While on the topic of the transfer student,Rarity mentioned she had a thing for accents, in more ways than one.
"I heard that the new transfer is from Australia, oh I do hope he has that sexy Australian accent."She said with a dreamy sigh.
"Get a hold'a ya self, Rarity, you haven't even met the boy."the apple farmer cut her friends fantasy down in one blow.
"Well I'm not into dating foreign boys thank you very much, I just happen to like Australian accents." Rarity huffed indignantly. "If I play my cards right, I could make a new friend." Pinkie Pie as hard as it seemed to believe, studied overseas culture as a small hobby, and if the people of Australia were anything to go by, most of them were party animals
"That's great, Rarity." Pinkie squeaked in her high voice, and took a long drink from her fizzy apple cider in one go. She had finished her eighth drink in a row now and let out a sigh of satisfaction. "From what I heard, Aussies are wild party animals and love to down drinks like this fizzy apple cider. Oh, maybe I should throw a welcome to Canterlot High School and we're your new friends party." The hyper teenager said in one go without stopping for breath. At the possibility of the transfer having a passion for for drinking, Rainbow Dash immediately started to get excited.
"So he likes drinking drinks like fizzy apple cider, we should have a drinking game when we see him, I bet he won't beat the world champ though. Rainbow said while gesturing to herself. Sunset shook her head in humor, Rainbow was always drinking the Apple families Cider, but at least it didn't have actual alcohol in it or she would have had a few hangover's.
"So," Sunset started. " anyone doing anything on the weekends? We can hang out at the movies and we can bring our potential friend with us." she smiled with joy. Rainbow Dash knew just the movie that was being re-released in the theaters for a limited time called Kokoda, a pacific war movie. " We can watch a good one that's coming out in a few months, it might as well be a few years though." Rainbow stated whilst leaning back in her chair.
Fluttershy moved a few strands of stray hair out of her face. " Rainbow Dash, what movie did you have in mind? If you don't mind me asking." The timid girl asked her friend. Rainbow spun her cutlery around before giving an answer. She didn't think Fluttershy would like her idea of a good movie but she thought she had to get over this shyness at some point. "Well, its about a group of Australian soldiers fighting the Japanese in a desperate effort to save their country." Said Rainbow Dash with that flair of coolness that she claimed made her twenty per cent cooler.
"I don't think I like the sound of this movie." Fluttershy was worried about the choice of film that Rainbow recommended. Rarity looked stunned at her friends choice. While Pinkie was confused at the mention of two kinds of people fighting. "Why were they fighting in the first place? They should have been friends and hang out with each other, It's better to be happy about something and not fight over anything." Pinkie said positively. Rarity was impressed by Pinkies always upbeat nature. Nothing ever seemed to bring her down,not even war.
Soon after their conversation, the school bell rang out loud, signaling the end of morning tea."See you in class, girls, its time for me to meet our new transfer, lets hope he's not like the Dazzling's." Said Sunset Shimmer with a wave to her friends. She walked out of the cafeteria thinking the worst was behind her. Little did she know that things were going to get interesting.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Midnight Rider, Art Magic and the dazzling's were at the meeting point where Principle Celestia and Vice Principle Luna said he would meet the guide, Midnight wondered what the girls had done wrong, he had asked the Principle about it but they would not elaborate further. Luna was quite tempted to expel them right then and there until her sister was persuaded to let them by Midnight Rider, claiming that they had no place to go and he was taking care of them, Art vouched for their defense as well, telling them that they needed to come here if they wanted to make things right, which Adagio and Aria silently didn't agree with, Sonata on the other hand was ready to clean up her act, being an airhead. Adagio would talk about this with her later after school. Coming from across the hall, was Sunset Shimmer, as she waved hello to the transfer, Sunset felt a sense of deja vu when she noticed that Midnight was not alone. Standing beside him were the Dazzling's, She didn't know why they came back, but they were harmless now as far as she was concerned.
"G'day, the name's Midnight Rider, are you the student who's going introduce me to the school?" He asked nicely. Sunset on the other hand was glad to see him, but not the Dazzling's. She figured that they were already given the tour.
"Yes, I am, could you excuse me for one moment."she asked, eyeing the dazzling's. " you three already had the tour, you should get to class." she told them a little bit sharper than intended. Adagio was gritting her teeth at her enemy.
"And if we don't?" the former siren challenged back at her rival
"Then I guess we will have to have a talk with the principle then." smiled Sunset smugly at Adagio, who motioned her sisters to follow her This is not over Sunset Shimmer I will have my revenge. If I don't turn to dust before that. the pale yellow teenager thought in fury. Art Magic soon went on her way as well so she could get her things for class. Midnight was confused and curious about what had just transpired.
"What was that all about?" He asked the redhead girl who was his guide. "Do you know them?" She had to get him off the subject, he wouldn't believe her if she told him that they were sirens from another world. He would think she was crazy. Maybe she could compliment his choice of clothing such as his hat. But then again, that might not take away his curiosity.
"Actually, we're just rivals in the music scene here at Canterlot High, anyway, I'm Sunset Shimmer, and who did you say you were again?" she asked him, forgetting his name.
Midnight Rider." Midnight said simply "but you can just call me Midnight." Sunset almost breathed a sigh of relief and showed him around the school, Midnight had to say, he was impressed with this school, everyone from all different cliques were mingling, the jocks and the nerds, the rockers and the drama kids, it seemed completely perfect to him. He was definitely going to love it here. The tour was nice and simple until they came to a poster of Flash Sentry's band Flash Drive hosting auditions for a new lead singer. Midnight knew he could sing very well, in fact some of his old friends told him he sounded a lot like Ronnie James Dio, but he had problems with singing to live audiences the last time he tried ended badly. He was still staring at the poster when Sunset called his attention away from the poster.
"You must be interested in joining Flash Drive." Sunset stated whilst recalling memories when she was dating Flash Sentry. "You must be a good singer if you thinking about joining them." Midnight put his hand behind his head chuckling to himself. Did this girl seriously think he was any good, every time someone complimented his singing voice, he merely shrugged it off out of modesty
"Oh I wouldn't go that far, I kind of have problems facing a live audience."
"Don't be silly I'm musically inclined, so I know talent when I see it." Sunset said earnestly. " I can put a good word in with Flash, he's the guitar player for Flash Drive.
"Well, people say I'm a good singer..." he trailed off slowly "Alright I'll think about it.
Sunset beamed positively. Flash might have a new lead singer for his band after all. "Great, the auditions are tomorrow after school. If you decide to come, Flash will be in the band practice room." A sound came down the hallway. It sounded like a group of people ganging up on someone. Sunset and Midnight decided to see what was going on. The two of them ran down the hall before being stopped by the hall monitor for running inside the building and the both of them got a demerit. After that little delay, the duo went down the hall again and into the foyer to find out what was happening. What they saw was terrible. It made Midnight want to punch one of the many nearby lockers out of anger.
The Dazzling's had gotten their pre-battle of the bands outfits from their lockers, the very same articles of clothing that they first came to the school in. Aria had missed going out in her torn jacket and overall punk look, the same could be said for the other two, Adagio wearing her top and pink jacket, along with her purple leggings, as for Sonata, she was back in her mini skirt, jacket and go go boots. It felt good to have them back. Winter was not far however, when it arrived the trio had agreed to wear their warm hoodies and jeans mostly because Sonata liked the old school pieces of clothing. After they had left Midnight, they checked their lockers for anything useful.They could find nothing but their personal belongings and textbooks, such as Adagio's hair perm and Sonata's Nicki Minaj collection. Adagio rummaged through her locker and found a picture of the three of them posing at the statue of liberty in the late nineties, the decade Aria loved because of the grunge movement. She loved playing guitar with Kurt Cobain, who was initially smitten with her, but Aria was never interested. That decade brought grunge very close to her heart right next to punk rock, Aria loved punk bands like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. Sonata had even dated Sid Vicious before he died, back then he had called her by the nickname Nancy, a name her sisters constantly teased her for.Aria found her Ipod and dusted it off a bit. She had every Ramones song ever created on it as well as Led Zeppelins music to remind her of John Bonhams heavy drumming. maybe turning to dust wont be so bad, if there is an afterlife I might see John again. Aria thought solemnly. They could get through this and Adagio knew that to fail would mean utter demise. She had taken Sonata's nightmare to be an omen, and noticed something was bugging Aria more so than usual.
"Aria, tell me whats wrong." Adagio said concerned for her younger sister.
Aria sighed and closed her locker. "Will it really matter if we live or die, Adagio? It might be possible to see everyone we ever got close to again, even if it was to feed on their negative energy."
Adagio spun her around to face her violet gaze. "Listen, Aria. We need to be strong, now that we are mortal, it will be possible to be killed or otherwise." Gripping her shoulders tightly, Adagio continued her sentence. " I know that our pendents shards are in this school and because we can't sing, we need to think of something smarter, Midnight could be a good help to us if we play our cards right." She grinned evilly as well as causing a small and quick smile on Aria's face, knowing that Adagio had their backs.
Coming their way, were three very angry looking students, they were Cherry Crash, Cloudy Kicks, and their shared boyfriend, Thunderbass. Sonata quickly approached them to make amends.
"Hi, how are-"
"piss off bitch!" Cherry Crash yelled while pushing her away.Adagio was furious. "Hey,Cherry. Nobody treats my sister that way." she got into cherry's space.Cloudy Kicks simply laughed and casually ate a protein bar.
" What are you going do about it? Oh that's right you can't do anything without your voices." Cloudy said with an air of arrogance. Thunderbass stepped in, as if he was going to diffuse the tension.
"Girls, girls. We don't have to resort to name calling." he said with sarcasm. Cherry and Cloudy leaned beside him on each side. Cherry drawing a circle on his chest with her pointer finger. She liked it when he was sarcastic towards whoever they were antagonizing.
"Then what should we do, make them suffer?" Asked the green haired rocker. Cloudy and Cherry had been wanting to hit something all day and The Dazzling's would make perfect punching bags for gym practice later today.Aria was gritting her teeth, she was seeing red but she tried to keep calm. If they wanted a fight they had better watch themselves.
"Why wait till later, girls?" Said Thunderbass with a scowl. "I remember the battle of the bands very well, so lets beat them to a pulp and pay them back a hundred fold." Aria, Adagio and even Sonata did not like these three teenagers at all. Adagio cracked her neck to warm herself up for the main event, Aria cracked her knuckles twice, she thought wiping the floor with these three would be a piece of cake, as she had been in many scraps before.
"Well, you girls go first." Cherry taunted.
Adagio motioned to her sisters. "Aria, you take care of Cherry Pop over there. Sonata, take care of Blunderbass. I will take care of Cloudy Ticks." Said the big haired former siren not breaking her glare at the enemy. The trio looked completely livid at Adagio's creative name calling,that Cloudy and her allies threw the first wave of attacks, Adagio countered Cloudy's right hook with a well timed block which was followed by a knee to the stomach causing Cloudy to recoil from the impact.
With a feral growl, Cloudy caught Adagio in a firm headlock and proceeded to try and gouge her eyes out. Aria saw that her big sister was in trouble so she and Sonata pulled Cloudy off of Adagio. Thunderbass came to help Cloudy out by pulling the blue teenager's ponytail, causing her to cry out in agony. As for Aria, Cherry Crash tripped her to the floor with a low sweep, knocking the middle sister off her feet, and onto her back ensuring a painful landing. The green punk rocker took this moment to taunt her.
"Whats the matter, Aria? Can't fight back properly?" Clearly she was taking pleasure in dishing out pain to the Dazzling's "Get up." she ordered. Aria did as she was told, there was no way she was going to lose to some bitch. Cherry threw a fast jab to her enemy's face only for her attack to be caught and had her thrown into the lockers and breaking the teen's nose in the process.
"Now I see why they call you Cherry Crash." Said a smug looking Aria Blaze.
"You shut your mouth you bitch!" Cherry screamed losing all focus and attacking her target with relentless rage. The purple teenager was being pummeled within an inch of her life. Pretty soon, a crowd of students had come to see the fight, even the jocks were taking wages on who would win. Most of them bet on Cherry and her gang. Adagio and Sonata had also been beat up real bad. Adagio had bleeding cuts on her body and tears in her clothes from being clawed by Cloudys nails. The same went for Sonata who was begging them to stop.She even had a black eye. They had been restrained by Cloudy Kicks and Thunderbass respectively.
" Any last word's,pigtails?" She did not wait for an answer. As she raised her fist to deliver the coup de grace. someone called out.
"STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!!" Everyone gasped and looked to see who had spoken out. Adagio lifted her head and saw none other than Midnight Rider and Sunset Shimmer. Midnight stormed through the crowd and glared at Cherry and company. "What is the meaning of this!" he demanded an answer and he wanted it right away.
Cherry was surprised, no one had ever stepped in to stop the occasional fight, except for the Principals or the rest of the staff. But she was not going to let some foreigner tell her off. "Zip your lips Crocodile Dundee, mind your own business." Snapped Cherry Crash.
What she said." Added Thunderbass.
"So take your hat and shove it up your ass." Cloudy commented harshly. Midnight was not going to let them walk all over the girls he had taken into his home and his heart. In his mind, he thought what these ruffians had done was unforgivable.
"Wrong."Midnight growled. "These girls are in my charge, which makes it my business"Cherry let go of Aria's shirt and dropped her to the ground. Producing a leatherman pocketknife, she stormed over to Midnight and threatened him with it. If Midnight had any fear at all, he definitely wasn't showing it and instead just chuckled to himself.
This only made Cherry even angrier. " Why are you laughing, I'm the one with the knife." She said
"Oh that's not a proper knife, sheila." Midnight replied, reaching into his belt. He had produced a knife of his own but it was slightly bigger and looked like it was designed for hunting. "This is a real knife." He proudly showed it off. Cherry had had enough of his calm attitude and took a swipe at his chest, only for the orange Aussie to parry it and flip the aggressors knife to the ceiling where it firmly embedded itself.
Thunderbass grabbed Cherry by her hand and lead her, and Cloudy away " Come on, girls, lets leave this guy alone." After they had left Midnight twirled his knife around before putting it back in his belt. The crowd silently left leaving only, Sunset, Midnight, the Dazzling's and the recent arrival of the Rainboom's. Fluttershy, and Rarity helped Sonata up, while Rainbow Dash and Applejack held up Aria who was badly hurt. Midnight and Pinkie Pie helped Adagio to her feet, looking worried at the state they were in. "Adagio, are you and the others alright?" He asked her softly.
Adagio just groaned in pain. " I'm fine Midnight I... thank you for saving our hides back there..." She lost consciousness and her sisters followed with her.
"You two." he addressed Sunset and Rainbow Dash."I need you to help me take these girls to the school nurse." Rainbow was initially hesitant to help her enemies until Sunset Shimmer gave her a look that said "give them a chance like you and the rest of our friends did with me" seeing her friends point was enough to get her to help them she and Applejack threw each of Aria's arms over their shoulders while Fluttershy and Rarity supported Sonata Dusk while Midnight carried Adagio in his strong arms. "We need to get these girls to the nurse." He said to his helpers. "where can I find the nurse's office?" he asked Sunset Shimmer.
"Follow me." She replied, leading the way through the school. As they made their way to the nurses office, Adagio unknowingly put her head against Midnight's well toned chest. Midnight was momentarily surprised, but he knew she was just unconscious. Besides she needed his help. They came to Nurse Redhearts office where the door in front of them had a red cross on it. Fluttershy meekly knocked on the door, but there was no anwser. Applejack came up with Aria and Rainbow Dash.
"Fluttershy. Ah think ya'll have to knock on the door a bit harder, Sugarcube." Applejack raised her free hand and knocked on Nurse Redhearts door.
"Yes, hold on I'm coming" came the tender voice of the caring nurse on the other side of the door. The doorknob turned and the door itself opened revealing the school nurse. When she saw the state the Dazzling's were in, she wasted no time in ushering the group into her office "All of you please sit down. I need to assess the damage" The group did as they were instructed stopping to place the trio of former sirens on a bed each.
"Are they going to be alright?" Rarity asked Midnight
"I hope so" he replied as they watched the nurse do her work. Rarity tried not to swoon at his accent, it sounded very appealing to her. In the meantime however, the kind nurse came with an ice pack to bring down the swelling on Sonata's black eye. These girls were lucky to be breathing, things could have gotten a lot worse had Midnight and the others not showed up when they did. Adagios cuts were cleaned with some disinfectant to keep her wounds from getting infected and Aria got the same treatment.
"You students got them here just in time," She said looking at the group who rescued them. "these girls are lucky that they didn't get any of their bones snapped. Who did this to them?" Redheart asked Sunset
"Cherry Crash and her goons." she answered her straight away "Do you remember the battle of the bands, Nurse Redheart?" A firm nod gave Sunset her answer. "after the battle of the bands, everyone is treating them the same way they treated me." Midnight listened carefully. What did these girls do at this battle of the bands? He decided he would ask when they made a full recovery. Even if they did something bad to the school, he believed that it did not give other students the right to pummel them within an inch of their lives.
"I see," Said the kind nurse putting her hand on her face in exasperation. Cherry had clearly beaten students before. "So these girls were beaten up by Cherry and this boy stepped in, correct?"
"Yes Ma'am, I did." said Midnight standing up "I rescued them with some help from these girls" The girls were in awe that someone would save three girls who tried to take over the school. He seems cool to me but I'm twenty per cent cooler Thought Rainbow Dash. Midnight was a good person as far as they were concerned, even Sunset Shimmer was impressed by his kindness. Something deep inside her head told the leather wearing teenager that everyone here were all going to be friends though it would take time with the sirens, but there was hope in her heart. Maybe they would accept her friendship in the end. Maybe.
Adagio was out cold. That much was certain, but she was dreaming of her home in the ocean where life was good and bountiful. Her dream was something most people and ponies wouldn't think of her dreaming. She and her sisters were in a beautiful sea cave full of multi-coloured coral, a relaxing waterfall that was cascading down Adagio's body and luminous blue lighting glowing from the moonlight reflecting off the water. It was a serene night and the moon was full complete with the image of the mare in the moon adorning its cratered surface.
After her time with the waterfall, Adagio moved across the rock next to some coral and was looking lovingly at her reflection in the water while Aria sang to her hearts content. As for Sonata, she was halfway in the water with her arms folded, eyes closed and also singing in pure peace and bliss. Adagio broke the silence after her sisters had finished singing.
"Its beautiful as always when we come back here," Said Adagio getting the other two sirens attention "I remember when we first discovered this sanctuary when we were just sea fillies." She had fondly remembered that day. After the reef was torn asunder, Adagio took her sisters with her to find a new home where they could hide out after feeding on negative energy. By chance, she had discovered the sea cave and her breath was gone momentarily. She had only ever heard of these caves, but had never actually seen one. She knew right away that this would be where she would finish what their parents had started and raise her siblings like their mother did, and fiercely protect them from harm like their father once did.
"Adagio," The purple siren started with a small smile. "I know I don't say this often, but thanks for being there for us." Aria was a prideful siren but she never forgot the peace and tranquility that Adagio had given them. She was not always a sour lemon so to speak, she was happy and content with her sisters. Basically life was good.
"Your welcome Aria." Said Adagio. This was a good life for the siren sisters, the negative energy they could get from the ponies in Equestria was powerful sustenance, allowing them to spread their chaos even further. But Adagio did not care about the feelings of the affected ponies, only herself and her siblings. Nothing else mattered to her. All of a sudden the cave went as black as King Sombra's Heart, not even the moon was shining any more. The only things Adagio could see, was her sisters, but to her horror she saw them slowly turning into dust
""Dagi, help us please!"
"Adagio do something" Adagio could only watch as her sisters turned to dust before her eyes, and even though she wept she turned to dust herself but not before letting out a shriek of pure heartache.
*
Adagio woke up in a cold sweat, panting and gasping for breath. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was beginning to show its last lights before the darkness of the night would drape the town in shadows. Wiping away the sweat from her brow, she looked around her and found she was safe and sound in the very room Midnight had offered her. Her hand went to the place where her pendant was, the nightmare that Sonata had told her was very similar in detail to the nightmare she just had. Was it a sign? A warning of things to come? For the first time in a millennium, Adagio was scared. Scared for herself and her sisters. The only other time she had felt fear was when Starswirl the bearded banished them from the home that was very dear to their hearts. Slowly the door opened revealing Art Magic, who proceeded into the room
"Are you alright,Adagio?" she asked. " you look pale, it was a good thing Midnight and the rainbooms got you to the nurses office when they did." Art showed genuine concern for these girls, being beaten to a bloody pulp must have really done a number or two on them
"I'm fine" Adagio said softly, almost whispering it "why did he help us?" Art stifled a laugh and took Adagios hand in hers.
"Because he cares." Art said giving Adagio a reason ."He cares because he has a kind heart and always helps those in need, He'll never give up on his friends, he's always there for them..." Art looked really happy "And truth be told, the three of you are living here now and I never had any sisters growing up." Adagio was not surprised, Midnight never mentioned his sister or any other relatives. In her eyes most relatives were flat out annoying like her sisters sometimes were, still she was all her sisters had. Family was sometimes like that.
"Thank you, Art" you may be a human, but you would make a good siren. She added as an afterthought. Art beamed happily. For once in one hundred and fifty years, Adagio smiled with someone who wasn't her sisters. She cringed in slight pain from trying to get up, but she could manage a damaged body, yet it was a solemn reminder of her mortality, She and her sisters were lucky to be alive from the beating they received. Art got her by her arm and helped support the beautiful former siren
"Come on," Art said helping her down the stairs outside the room. "Midnight and I have ordered pizza tonight and we're watching a movie as well. your sisters are down there waiting." Adagio slowly got to her feet insisting she can walk, regardless she thanked art for helping her up to her feet. the two girls made their way downstairs and followed the scent of pizza and garlic bread.
Midnight and Aria saw them come down while sonata was eating all the garlic bread until Aria slapped her sisters hand. Midnight chuckled "Easy Sonata, you've had plenty" he said watching her do her pouting session. Aria opened up a box of pizza that was labeled meat lovers, Sirens could survive on food such as this when negative energy was scarce, She inhaled the scent of bacon and meatballs and sighed. This was going to taste much better than tacos. She thought. Seeing her sisters happy made Adagio happy. With Art and Midnight's assistance, she sat down on the sofa , while Midnight and Art sat on either side of her. Adagio looked comfortable on the couch, she was leaning back in sheer relaxation.
"So," Asked Adagio " what movie are we watching?"
Midnight just shrugged his shoulders "Ask Art, she picked it" Before Adagio could even ask, Art had already put the disc in the player and pushed it in, with the tv on, the movie menu started up revealing James Camerons Titanic. At the moment she saw the select menu, Aria wanted to gag. Sonata on the other hand loved romance while Adagio was indifferent about it, she had once watched a romance movie in the eighties, called romancing the stone. Boy, Michael Douglas was hot, he aged terribly she thought cynically. She shifted a bit closer to Midnight without knowing she was doing so. she reached out for a slice of Hawaiian Pizza that was topped with trademark pineapples, she could taste it already as she brought it to her mouth and took a small bite out of the slice. "its good." she said.
Midnight smiled, who didn't love pizza? He couldn't think of anyone who could have possibly hated it. He reminded himself to ask the girls about what they did at the battle of the bands. It was puzzling to say the least. Grabbing the remote, Art offered it to Sonata as a sign of their friendship, Sonata happily took the remote and pressed play, causing the film to start. Adagio found herself watching the opening scene come up to the deep blue ocean that made her think of home. Sonata offered some garlic bread to Midnight and the others causing Midnight to thank her for her sharing. "Thanks, Sonata." He said softly " I'm glad I have you girls in my life"
"Don't get sappy, Midnight." Aria gagged. the movie went on for a while right up to the scene where rose was about to jump off the back of the ship, that was when Adagio and Midnight both reached for the last Pizza, their hands touching one another, causing Adagio to blush and give him the pizza but behind his back, she secretly smiled thinking about his kindness and compassion, how he looked so handsome... what, handsome? I can't think like that he's just some human who could be our ticket to getting our pendants back she thought bitterly, she had sworn off love for two reasons, one, she was immortal, but currently was mortal. And the second reason involved her being cheated on in the eighties by Robert Plant himself. She felt what it was like to be used that day, but it did not dissuade her from doing it herself. Little did she know that Midnight was feeling just as conflicted
The movie came up to the scene where Rose was dying as an old woman in her bed causing Sonata to cry a little but was cheered up when she was reunited with Jack at the end. Aria, Sonata and Art decided they would hit the sack while Midnight and Adagio talked with each other "So?" Asked Midnight "you sleepy?"
"A little bit." she sighed a bit " Midnight?" She asked him
"Yes?" he responded.
Adagio chose her next words carefully. Would he believe her? she figured she could not tell him the truth just yet. "at the school we go to. a band called the Rainbooms have our shards." she watched him trying to figure how he would react. "the shards are part of our pendants, they mean an awful lot to us"
Midnight listened with good ears. He listened to her tell him about the pendants and why they are so precious to Adagio and her sisters, she left out the part that they were sirens from another world "Go on, Adagio. theres more you want to tell me isn't there?"
Now she felt like telling him, as far as she was concerned, Midnight was very perceptive
"ok fine but you won't believe me when I tell you." She paused briefly " My sisters and I are sirens from another world, and we need those pendants repaired, or my sisters and I will die" She had said it straight out. to her surprise however he was smiling
" I know Adagio, before you came down with my sister, I saw a news article about how you attempted to brainwash the school." he murmured softly "I've grown very fond of you girls, so I will try to help you as best I can."
She let a smile come across her face, he knew what they were now, so why would he help them, thats when she remembered Arts words about her brother "because he cares" She let those words sink in Midnight was about to get up from the couch until Adagio stopped him from doing so "listen Midnight. I can't walk up to my room on my own, but I could use your company..." she trailed off in uncertainty
Midnight sat back down and looked at her, why was he feeling this way, he swore to never again feel the love of a woman any longer, but Adagio, she seemed so sad, she seemed as broken as he was. Perhaps they would become something more " Okay Adagio, I'll stay on the couch with you tonight." Adagio beamed and laid her head on his lap falling asleep as she did so. What was this feeling Midnight felt in his heart? he knew it all too well but perhaps he could start anew, maybe. He simply smiled and went to sleep with his arm coming around Adagios beautiful figure, resting on her shoulder softly. And the two slept in a dreamless slumber, preparing for the next day to come
The sound of the school bell ringing through the campus was enough to make the students break out to the final period, knowing they would be one step closer to going home. For Midnight Rider, he was looking forward to band tryouts but first he had to take care of sports where Rainbow Dash was in charge of the soccer team or as the Americans called it, football. Midnight had played soccer with his sister before back in Australia, It was their favorite sport next to cricket.They had good times passing the ball around and even now they were still close She always kicked my ass at soccer he chuckled to himself. He traveled down the corridor thinking about what was that nagging feeling about Adagio at the back of his mind, was it really love or something else? Whatever it was he pushed the thought away for now, sports was waiting and it was going to be fun, but not as fun as the band tryouts for Flash Drive after school
Just after passing the cafeteria, he met up with Rainbow Dash who seemed to be waiting for him. She was tossing her soccer ball up and down with her athletic legs and stopped to carry the ball under her arm. "Hey, Midnight." she greeted in her trademark scratchy voice "Football is about to start, I hope you can keep up" said Rainbow dash sporting a competitive smirk.
Midnight gave her a look that said he was up for a challenge"I'm ready for anything," He said giving Rainbow a fist-bump after she made the gesture "I don't think we introduced ourselves, my names Midnight Rider"
"Rainbow Dash" She introduced herself spinning the ball on her finger " I'm in charge of every sports team in Canterlot High" She added with a flair of arrogance. The two shared a good laugh. Rainbow could tell midnight was athletic, well toned and built for endurance, he'd be handy on her team. Midnight looked ready for a good game, he wasn't in it to win it, he just saw these things as an opportunity to have fun. The two made their way through the hallways and onto the sports oval talking about the dazzling's
Rainbow looked him in the eye and asked him straight out. "Hey, midnight, why did you help the dazzlings?" She was confused as to why he would help those three girls who tried to take over the school "They nearly brainwashed the entire school" Midnight looked at her with his blue-green eyes and thought of a response, why did he help them? Why did he give them the benefit of the doubt? Perhaps he saw the good in them or because he had a kind heart. Whatever compelled him to help he stated his reasons
"Because." he hesitated for a second "Adagio told me everything, but I feel like their is good in them" He smiled as he remembered the day he took them in, a million thoughts going through his mind. "Why did I help them? Its because they can't be on the streets, it would be callous to turn them away" Rainbow Dash did not trust his judgement at all, she decided she would let it slide for now. She had already picked her team mates including Applejack, Sunset, and Midnight, she was looking forward to this game of soccer. The sun was shining bright and golden with a heated glow, and there were no clouds to be seen, it was the perfect weather for physical activity. Shortly after the teams had been picked, the coach, whose name was Iron Will, strutted down onto the oval, he was a large and beefy man who was referred to as over assertive in his methods by the students. The massive coach claimed he served two tours of duty in Afghanistan,though the students who were currently with him on the oval all believed he was just blowing out hot air, especially Rainbow Dash in particular who was trying to stifle her giggling after Iron Will said he had gone to war but had no medals to prove it.
Turning to face the students, Iron Will brought out a dodge-ball letting them know what sport they would be playing "Alright, listen up." He bellowed in a voice like Hulk Hogan or Mr T "Today, you doormats will be playing dodge ball, I pity the fool who thinks this is just child's play" turning to face them, he divided the two teams. This was going to be fun for him, watching the students compete and show their assertiveness in a very rough sport. Rainbow dash wanted to complain but the glare that Iron Will gave her before she could silenced her On his mark he blew out a shrill whistling sound on his coach whistle signalling the beginning of the match. the first three students picked up the balls that they could pick up and threw one at Derpy who dodged it with relative ease. her friends even nicknamed her the chameleon for being able to see in two different directions. In retaliation Rainbow tossed a ball to Derpy who got it from Midnight and threw but this was also a weakness. Terrible aim. So terrible the target caught the ball sending Derpy to the bench.
Midnight saw a student getting ready to throw a ball at Sunset Shimmer from behind as she was picking up the ball. "Sunset, behind you."
He shouted, and got her attention. With split second timing, Sunset used the ball she picked up and neatly deflected the thrown projectile with speed that could rival the fastest man in the entire world. She quickly threw her own ball at her sneaky attacker and successfully hit her mark, turning to give Midnight a two fingered salute in gratitude. "Thanks for that heads up, Midnight." she thanked him gratefully. Cherry Crash took a moment to find Midnight on the opposite side of the field and threw a very hard ball at midnight who was taken by surprise and went to the bench with Derpy.
The match went on for the entire session and only Sunset was left against the entire opposing team. It all came down to this, if Sunset wanted to turn the tide, she would have to catch one of the many balls that were going to be thrown at her. That would not be an easy challenge, she would have to catch one ball and not get hit by one before that happened. Cherry gave her team the signal "your going down, Shimmer" said cherry as she threw her ball towards Sunset Shimmer. As the first ball sped towards her, it looked as if she was thrown out of the game. but to cherry and her teams dismay, Sunset had caught the ball, meaning Cherry had thrown herself out, fuming with anger she went to the bench as Sunsets team was brought back to the playing field, effectively turning the tide of the match and winning the game. But there was no time to celebrate, the final bell had started to ring, signaling the end of school, and the beginning of after school activities
*
It was time, Midnight was nervous about his audition for Flash Sentrys band, who had named it Flash drive Sounds like he might have an ego if he's named it after himself he thought humorously. He decided to give it a go and opened the door to one of the music rooms. Once inside he saw Flash and his band working on their instruments , tuning them to the right tune that each one would make except the drmmer who didn't need to tune his instruments. Midnight then decided that he would take the initiative.
"Hey mates." Midnight greeted while giving a wave. "Are you the band Sunset Shimmer told me about?" Flash took this opportunity to smile at the new arrival, Sunset had told him all about a certain Australian and how he was interested in trying out for the lead singer position.
"Yes we are."
Flash finished tuning his fender stratocaster and got up to shake Midnight's hand. "Flash Sentry," he introduced himself while shaking his possible new singer and finding out that the Aussie immigrant had a firm grip almost crushing his main hand. "lead guitarist for Flash Drive, man you have a really strong handshake" he added trying to ignore the fading pain in his strumming hand. Midnight put his hand behind his head awkwardly. Laughing in a humorous chuckle.
"yeah I get that a lot." said midnight with a smile, showing off his incredible pearly whites. Flash and his friends figured that he never had a cavity in his life, not one single cavity. "So anyway, its a pleasure to meet you guys, who are your friends?" A buff teen came up followed by a teen that midnight thought that he was somewhat of a beatnik with his goaty and sunglasses.
"Brawly Beats." the big guy announced with vigor
"Ringo." said the beatnik like teen with a stoic expression.
"So?" Flash began while leaning against a pillar in the room " whats your name?" Asked the spikey haired guitar picker."Sunset never told us your name other than your the only Aussie here at the school."
"Midnight Rider." He responded simply and took off his hat, putting it on a stand, Flash immediately noticed that without his akubra hat, Midnight certainly looked like an 80s glam rocker, now Flash was an 80s kind of teenager, he was into motley crue, poison, bon jovi, WASP, Sweet and KISS in fact this was the type of look he wanted his new singer to look like but can he sing? Flash thought.
"Well," flash said getting an instrumental of Kickstart my heart. " If you can sing this particular song without missing a beat, we will think about it. " He motioned to Brawly to set up the microphone and connect it with the speakers. Midnight got himself ready to sing, using his breathing exercises to be better prepared to hopefully earn his position as the singer of Flash Drive. Ringo took the instrumental compact disc and put it into the sound system. As soon as it was inserted, the pounding guitar riff of Mick Mars began to rev up like the engine on a motorcycle, afterwards the main riff started up, Midnight knew this song very well and began headbanging to the bass line and kept within the drums rhythm. Now the song was really beginning to crank up giving him an enormous amount of adrenaline and then came the sound of a singer whose voice would be envied by everyone, it was none other than midnight sounding like Ronnie James Dio mixed with the vocal shrieks of Ian Gillan of Deep purple fame.
When I get high i get high on speed, top fuel funny car's a drug for me my heart, my heart, kick start my heart always got the cops coming after me custom built bike doing one oh three my heart, my heart kick start my heart. Oh are you ready girls, yeah are you ready now? whoa! Yeah! Kickstart my heart give it a start, whoa! yeah! baby!
Immediately the instrumental was stopped and Flash Brawly and Ringo were so impressed that their jaws very nearly hit the floor. Midnight was just standing their giving off an exuberant smile that just sold them, soon after they began clapping and Flash came up to him with a look of awe plastered on his face "Whoa, Midnight not only have you got the perfect voice for flash drive, you have the charisma that could take us straight to the top" Midnight couldn't believe what he was hearing, he got the lead singer position, he couldn't wait to tell the dazzlings who he didn't know were planning to stage a heist to steal the gem shards from whoever it that was keeping a very close and watchful eye on the shards.
"Thanks flash, so I got the job?" He asked already knowing the answer.
Flash gave him a curt nod and smiled at his new lead singer, ensuring the band had become a quartet, a singer, a guitarist, a drummer and a bassist. Things were finally looking up for Midnight, he had friends his sister and for some reason he just couldn't get Adagio out of his mind, he knew he needed to get the shards but who had them. He would find out sooner or later if he didn't his first three new friends would be turned to dust, and he vowed not to let that happen. No matter what. Because his loyalty is his greatest defining trait.
After the day with flash drive was over Midnight returned home to tell his sister and the sirens about the whole thing. He wasn't sure that he would get the position at all but that was the very reason he was going to tell them, so he could see how happy they were for him. It was so great how he managed to trade in his old life for a better one in America, a few times while he lived in Los Angeles known as Canterlot City, he often passed by the world famous Rainbow bar and grill and thought about getting a celebration meal but he decided to be smart and save what money he had.As he walked through the street, caught sight of his apartment block and dashed towards it eager to tell the girls, especially Adagio the news.
With a dashing burst through the door of his apartment the girls could see he was very excited and clearly needed to get something off his chest. Art flashed him a knowing smirk , her brother would come home grinning like a shot fox over something exciting back in Australia. But this time he was grinning so widely she thought his face would split in two. "Well somebody is excitedly over the top this afternoon." At this the Dazzlings snickered at Arts comment. Aria raised her eyebrow wondering what Midnight was grinning about. The sight of him smiling made her want to almost gag. Almost. Aria locked eyes with Midnight and decided to ask him straight out "so." She started out with that one word "what are you smiling about you cheshire cat?" Wasting no time in relaxing himself, Midnight took a deep breath and pulled up a chair, then proceeded to reverse sit on it. "You girls are not gonna believe this but, I just became the lead singer for flash drive!"
Art was ecstatic for Midnight. This was pretty big for him, and she decided she would be happy for him. Being in a band is a dream come true for most people. Adagio on the other hand felt a twinge of jealousy as did Aria but they didn't want to spoil his mood in adagios point of view it was cute seeing him looking like an excited puppy that got a brand new chew toy.Sonata was happy for him but at the same time. Sad. Sad that her beautiful voice was gone and she feared what would happen, Midnight had not found out where the remaining shards were, only that he was one hundred percent positive they were kept somewhere in the school. Midnight on the other hand, began to notice that they looked like they were going out somewhere, even Art was dressed in her mascara and Adagio was wearing the colour of dark red on her eyelids in short he thought she was a picture of beauty, Sonata had some lipstick and Aria had let her pigtails down, he almost didn't recognize them.
"So u girls look amazing," he said clearing his throat "What's the occasion?" he asked unable to take his blue green eyes off Adagios purple ones. They looked like the purple mist of the blue mountains. Art slapped him right on his shoulder so hard that Midnight quickly flinched. "Come off it silly, its obvious." Art said in a teasing manner "Dagi, Nata and Ria-"
"Do not call me that." Aria scoffed indignantly. "The last person who called me Ria got his body put into a plaster cast."
Art mentally gulped at that last part but maintained her composure "okay fine Dagi, Nata, Aria and I are having a girls night out as a way to bond. Yaaay." Art was completely excited to be doing this, she never really had much female friends to hang out with so here was her big chance for some excitement. Midnight on the other hand was happy for his sister but he thought he was gonna be home alone and bored. That is until his cellphone went off, when he answered Rainbow Dash was on the line.
"Hello?" Midnight asked simply
"Hey Midnight," Rainbow replied back "I asked your sister what your mobile number is so I could ask if you wanted to join Sunset, AJ and I to see a war movie, it's australian."
"Kokoda?" he asked hopefully to which he received a confirmation from the multi coloured athlete. Midnight loved movies about his country. He loved them because it gave him a sense of pride in his old home.
"Okay, count me in Rainbow." he said in an excited manner.
"Sweet." Said rainbow."I'll see you tomorrow night with the girls okay?"
"Okay" Midnight replied. They agreed on nine thirty tomorrow night, Rainbows preferred time of going out to see the movies. Midnight sat down and turned on his forty eight inch tv set after he hanged up his cell phone. Adagio seemed excited but not as much as Sonata. Aria as usual maintained a sour disposition but was secretly excited to go out and actually do something. Art opened up the door that lead outside the apartment and ushered the girls outside but not before catching a fleeting glance at her brother from Adagio Dazzle.
"Big bro," she started off "we'll be back half an hour after midnight, and don't burn the place down." Art gave a slight chuckle
"Hey its me," Midnight said with a smile. " when have I ever burned down a place of residence?"
Art chuckled and shut the door behind her, knowing the apartment was in safe hands. The quartet of teenage girls went down the corridor and outside where Art kept her Mercedes Benz convertible which could hold three passengers, plus the driver. Putting her car keys in ignition and the car's engine roared to life, giving a crooning revving sound. Sitting next to Art in the front passenger seat sat Adagio, while Sonata And Aria were seated in the back. Without another sound besides the engine Art put her foot on the acceleration pedal and went from zero to sixty in about eight seconds, taking off like a rocket towards the chinese restaurant as their first place to go on their hens night. Art took a left turn onto Canter Street showing her guests the sights. The city night life was bright, colourful and vivid. After stopping at a red light, a black corvette pulled up next to them while braking the high level of speed they were doing in an eighty kilometer speed zone. The driver's window started to roll down revealing a trio of rev head street punks. The lead punk wolf whistled at them.
"Hey pretty ladies," he said obviously flirting with them. "wanna ditch your car and come with us?" Feeling repulsed by their appearance, the girls decided to put them in their place. In fact, even Aria didn't like the look of these rev heads, and she is a punk herself.
"No way, Jose " said Aria, then a smug look came to her face and whispered something in Arts ear making her smile at the very idea. "Instead lets drag race, first one to get to the nightclub wins and if we win, you guys get lost and leave us alone." Aria challenged them to a game the lead punk was apparently quite good at and his expression alone proved it.
"Alright, doll face it's your funeral." Said the leader of the group of rev heads.
"Bring it on, big boy" Adagio taunted. It wouldn't be long before the red light would turn into a shade of green, the two cars engines were roaring like lions in a cage, deep down however, Art was nervous. She never drag raced before, so this was a mix between exhilarating and downright nerve wracking. Both drivers had their hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel, as if they were stuck like superglue. The acceleration pedals in each car were being pressed up and down when without warning, the punks cheated by driving through the red light. Leaving Sonata and Art momentarily stunned
"Hey!" Sonata pouted "They're cheating!
"Step on it Art, now!" added Adagio but Art wasn't accelerating. "Why aren't you pushing the pedal?"
"You can't go through a red light, it's the law." Art shot back
Aria had heard enough, there was no way she was going to lose a drag race
"That's it," said Aria with a crack of her knuckles and pushing art out of the driver's seat and took the wheel, taking off like a rocket while the red light was still on and just after they sped off, the light finally decided to turn green after all. In just thirty five seconds they had already caught up with the competition, they drove through streets and red lights, both drivers, mostly Aria were driving like maniacs with their heads full of speed and adrenaline. The drag racers cornered tightly with the girls not far behind them, Art,Adagio and poor Sonata were holding on tight thinking Aria was completely insane If we don't turn to dust before this is over that crazy bitch of a sister is going to get us all killed Adagio thought as quickly as her heart was beating to keep up with the heart pumping speeding in the city.
"These broads are insane!" The lead punk yelled in panic as Aria overtook them by surprise, causing them to veer out of control and crash into a street lamp not to far from the nightclub that the girls had got to first. Fortunately nobody got hurt, the punks were stunned but not completely damaged save for their pride.
Aria parked in a open spot like an expert leaving the rest of the girls breathless as she smirked. "Piece of cake girls. Nothing to it" She said smugly, obviously proud of her mad driving.
"Nothing to it?" Asked adagio sternly. "You almost got us killed with your driving and I have to say, that was...."
"Scary? Reckless? Stupid beyond or reason?" Said Art in between breaths
"No," Said Adagio giving her a gesture that said let me finish "it was fucking awesome!" Before they went into the nightclub which was draped in all sorts of neon decor, Adagio, Aria and Art had to pry Sonata off the seat she was clinging to, no doubt from the heart pumping race. It wasn't that difficult to get her out of the car because as soon as Sonata saw the neon images of the nightclubs name which was The Eighties Riff,she got excited again and wanted to head in there right away trying to drag her sisters in so they could get some dinner and then hit the dance floor afterwards.
"Okay,Sonata" said Adagio, amused at her baby sisters enthusiasm. They went into the main entrance of the eighties riff and sat at a table for four people with a nice view of the dance floor across the room. Art looked at her menu looking for a side menu for vegetarians and vegans, she found such a menu and decided to order the asparagus alfredo. The Dazzlings decided, mostly by Adagios choosing, to order kilpatrick oysters. Out of the corners of the lead ex sirens violet eyes, the waitress came to their table with her pen and notepad to take their orders.
"Welcome to the eighties riff," she said with a bright smile and a sweet voice. "What can I get you tonight? She asked getting her equipment ready.
"I'll have the asparagus alfredo thanks." Said Art nicely.
"My sisters and eye will have the kilpatrick oysters, chop chop." Added Adagio in a snarky tone, getting a glare from Art that said "be nice, Dazzle." After the orders had been placed, the waitress showed them an event poster that show tonight's event as a dance off with the current champions, the Lightning Dusts, led by none other than their namesake, Lightning Dust.
"You can sign up if your interested, the sign up booth is right over there." the waitress pointed to a booth where nobody had signed up, apparently too afraid to take the ten time champions on for the title of best dance quartet. "Can I get you any drinks?" She asked the group sweetly.
"Yeah coke zero." Said Aria, a bit agitated from her thirst.
"Can we have tacos with all that?" Asked Sonata who was starting to drool at the thought of her favorite food.
"Certainly."Said the waitress as she wrote their orders down. "Can I get you anything else, or are you or set?" she asked sweetly.
"All set." Art replied in a thankful tone. The waitress nodded and after receiving a tip in advance, left the table to get their orders from the chef. Art then got up for a moment,excused herself and went towards the sign up booth. She picked up the black ink pen and initially became hesitant to sign, did she really think she could beat ten time champions in the dance off? This will be very difficult, I don't know if i can do this. she thought to herself. Art almost put the pen down, until she saw a picture of the prize that would go to the winning team. It was an actual functioning jukebox that people around the world would find in diners in the nineteen fifties. Art had made up her mind to obtain the jukebox for her beloved big brother and excitedly wrote down her team's name, the dazzlings. As soon as she finished with the application, Art went back to her table and noticed Adagio seemed to be lost in deep thought.
"Okay, Adagio. Spill."said Art wanting to get to the bottom of all this.
Startled, Adagio snapped out of her trance.
"Huh, what?" Adagio asked after the sudden demand. Art simply rolled her eyes not knowing if she was oblivious or deliberately not paying attention. She waved her hand in her face to get Adagios attention further.
"Hey,"Adagio said indignantly. "Do you mind not doing that?" Giggling, Sonata, knew exactly what Art was going to talk about as did Aria. The two sisters quickly glanced across from one another, telling each other non verbally that this should be good.
"Actually, Dagi." Art began with a knowing smirk adorned on her face. "It's about Midnight." Adagio suddenly tensed up a bit but the only one who seemed to notice was Aria.
"Oh this should be good." Aria muttered to herself. Adagio suddenly then regained the ability to speak after a few seconds of tense atmosphere.
"What?" she asked a little sharper than intended "What about midnight?" Art loved it when people played coy it gave some time to have fun at others expense. It was just too good to pass up so she decided to play along and tease Adagio. "Well, I've seen the way you look at my brother, you like him don't you?" Art asked her knowingly, breaking into a snicker fit. Adagio couldn't help blushing at that insinuation, as far as she was concerned she was only using him to regain her powers and attempt to make everyone on earth adore them one way or another. She was just that kind of girl using pawns in the grand scheme of thing was second nature to sirens like herself and her sisters.
" Come off it Art." Adagio snapped indignantly "we're just friends nothing more, nothing less" And soon to be ex friend once I get what's mine. Adagio added to herself as an evil afterthought
"Bullshit Dagi, and you know it, come on." Art began in her teasing manner, she always was a nitpicker at an early age. Sonata looked happy as she thought Midnight and Adagio would look cute together Aria on the other hand found it slightly funny that the idea Adagio would look for real love and not just for adoration to be pure nonsense. Adagio was not going to crack so easily, she instantly became relieved when their food and drinks arrived to which Sonata dived in and munched on her precious tacos. As they ate Adagio thought about that time to where she slept onto the couch with midnight. Did she love him, she had no idea, she felt confused with herself as far as she was concerned Midnight was nothing more than a tool who would be thrown away once his purpose had been fulfilled but with each passing minute she felt guilty at the thought of doing so.
Pushing the thought aside she continued eating with an occasional sip or two from the coke in her glass. Art was not going to drop the subject, so she would ask her once more after they ate, and before the dance off. Aria said nothing and just ate her dinner while Sonata sitting right next to her was eating like a pig going mad after finding some truffles. As soon as they were done, they went to the dance floor to meet the competition. Art was the only nervous one about this dance off. Any minute they would start dancing to the rhythm and beat of ballroom blitz. Coming down from the stairs above them was Lightning Dust and her backup dancers. It was time to start dancing.
Lightning Dust eyed up her competition she was as per the norm, extremely cocky but at least she had reason to be after her team won ten dance offs in a row, so in retrospect, that was something to brag about but it didn't stop her from sneering at her opponents through the flashes of the strobe and neon lights that glimmered throughout the night. As for Adagio and the rest of the dazzlings, including their brand new member, Adagio was feeling quite confident she would be able to get her team the victory and the prize that Art desperately wanted for Midnight. Aria on the other hand was facepalming at Sonata who had yet to finish her drink, there were too many reasons as to why Aria referred to the youngest ex siren as the worst but still, she was family and no family was ever really perfect. Even if they were evil at heart, they were still a family nonetheless. This was it, a dance off to the bitter end only one team would take home the jukebox.
"So?" Lighting said breaking the tension between the two teams. "your our latest challengers, i'm going to enjoy making this eleventh victory in a row." Lightning according to Adagio, seemed much more full of hot air than the leader of the rainbooms herself and that was saying something.
Aria scoffed at the pleasantries, wanting to get straight down to whipping lighting and her group into the jaws of defeat they seemed to be just arrogant blowhards. Sonata on the other hand had finally finished her drink and was ready to dance off into the night. Lightning motioned towards her backup dancers to take their places because in five minutes the games would begin.Adagio, did the same with her girls to take their own places next to each other in a row. Sonata was on the far left, Aria was between Art and Adagio and of course Adagio was situated between her sisters. The DJ was going through his song list on his laptop and found the song that was to be played for the dance off. Using his track pad, he selected the sweets signature song with two clicks and the intro began to blare through the enormous speakers
Adagio looked at each of her comrades, her partners in crime. "Ready girls?" she asked them with a flair of cockiness
"Ready sis." said Aria.
"Ready, Dagi." said sonata jumping in excitement like a jellybean.
"I was born ready Adagio." piped in Art flicking her hair behind her. the pounding drums, setting up the beat, and the rhythm of the sweets biggest hit following the singer asking his mates if they were ready, calling them by name.
Adagio loved this song very much. as she glanced to her teammates "alright girls, lets go " the song quickly got into the groove of things as both teams went for a synchronized freestyle dance with both team members following their lead dancer with vigor both of them seemingly not giving up an inch not giving a chance to make just one mistake, the two teams moon walked, did the robot and by this time even aria was enjoying herself and Lightning was getting quite impressed with the opposite teams performance these challengers are actually putting up a fight, all the others were just lightweights. Lightning began to feel the rush as she smirked at finally having a worthy challenge and inspired her to go all out and push her limits to the max and so were the dazzlings pushing their now mortal bodies sans art who has always been mortal to the point that they and the lightning dusts had sweat on their bodies and it was only a matter of time before the song ended and the contest over. Adagio as a last resort motioned towards her team to make a pseudo human pyramid and as they did so adagio and art were on top of sonata and arias shoulders respectively holding each others hand with one arm and reaching outwards with the other as the song finally came to a close.
The audience of onlookers clapped their hands in response to the great show and all around fantastic dance off as Lightning Dust acknowledged her defeat a little down perhaps, but admitted her loss all the same. The dazzlings soon broke their formation as the jukebox was packed into a large crate with a truck driver to deliver it. The prize would now be given to Midnight as Lightnings dancers brought it out with a truck shipping invoice which art signed her name and address so the jukebox would be delivered to the right place. Adagio smiled and went to congratulate her team, however she began feeling faint and nearly passed out.
"Ugh, oh no..." Adagio muttered in a whispered panicked voice as she saw her sisters go through that very same experience Oh no, its starting to happen... she thought sullenly knowing they were getting close to their deadline fortunately this was a warning shot.
Art soon came to Adagio, Sonata and Arias aid "Girls!" Art cried out in worry. "Are you alright?" She quickly went to help Adagio up then helped up her sisters
Aria grunted as she got up "we're fine Art lets keep enjoying our girls night."
Sonata shook her head. "I don't know," Sonata shivered with worry. "that was a pretty scary experience what if it happens again?" Adagio simply put on a brave face and put both her hands on her baby sisters shoulders
"Listen to me alright?" Adagio said firmly but softly at the same time as both pairs of purple eyes looked into each other for Adagio she could see worry, for Sonata, she saw resolve in her big sisters eyes. "We're going to be alright, trust in your big sister. I'll always be here for you girls especially you Sonata." Sonata was understandably frightened about what could very well happen to them down the line and she knew Adagio would stand by them as she always has done throughout the many centuries and countless identities they had lived under
"Okay." she whispered softly and hugged her pale yellow sister tightly as if refusing to let go.adagio stroked Sonatas blue hair and reassured her that everything will be alright in the end. Adagio however was scared deep down of what would happen she figured she would crack sooner or later.
Aria tapped on Adagios shoulder impatiently. "Hey," she said while tapping her foot as she wanted to continue their girls night out for the first time since her Led Zeppelin days with John Bonham, Aria felt truly happy again not that she'd let the others get used to that of course but thats just Aria truly she still misses her old flame, but she had finally let loose and let into her heart the one thing she had lacked ever since the tragic death of her boyfriend. Joy. "I hate to break up this little love fest but we have a night to have fun on, lets party for the rest of the night." Aria said with a slight smile.
"yes," said Art excitedly "lets go the arcade and play around a little Aria wanna have a go at guitar hero with me?"
In her mind Aria was pumped to play a bit of guitar hero she wouldn't mind giving a moment of her time for one game "sounds good." she replied casually.
Sonata did a happy dance of excitement. "Dagi I wanna play dance dance revolution with you." She said excitedly. Adagio wasn't exactly a break dancer but who was she to deny her sister and on a hens night too. With a sigh of exasperation, Adagio conceded "Sounds like fun, Nata lets go." The quartet signed the address of Midnights place of residence so the truck driver knew where to deliver the special prize, as soon as they had done that the four teenagers got in the car and Aria attempted to get behind the wheel again until Adagio stopped her in her tracks.
"ahem" she coughed "I'll drive this time, you nearly got us all killed, just follow my lead" Aria crossed her arms and went into the backseat in a huff next to Sonata who was quietly snickering. After Art climbed into the passengers seat, Adagio turned on the ignition and they drove off towards Button Mash Seniors arcade driving through the city and its bright lights and vibrant streets they had even caught a glimpse of the street punks they raced against getting arrested by the cops, causing Adagio and the other girls to snicker at their rotten luck.
"well would you just take a look at that huh?" Adagio snickered causing her sisters to giggle with her, even Art giggled with the trio of former sirens until Adagio gave them the signal to stop. As they drove through the beautifully lit city and down the sloping streets of San Francisco they find Button Mash Seniors arcade. They stopped for a minute to take in a few things, including the Golden Gate Bridge. Then went into the arcade where many night owl teens were playing alone or against each other to see who would come in first place, or to see who could get more points than the other.Button Mash Senior greeted them as they entered.
"Good evening little ladies," he said in the friendliest tone the girls had ever heard. "welcome to my arcade, i trust you want tickets its five dollars for fifty tickets, ten for a hundred and twelve for a hundred and twenty." The kind arcade owner took them to the ticket counter to get them sorted out rt away, Adagio had already slapped down five dollars on the counter, earning her fifty tickets as her friends followed suit. Adagio had gone of to play dance dance revolution with Sonata who was as happy as a clam, the two ex sirens had a blast as they matched the rhythm to the beat, Sonata was having a ball, her ponytail swishing around to the music as Adagio kept up with her own fancy footwork. Each sister only made a few dance step mistakes every now and then Sonata had her eyes on a plush panda pillow that she wanted but sadly she made her final mistake in her dance with adagio as the victor, gaining her extra tickets.
"Awwww, that totally stinks, for realzies." Sonata pouted in defeat she was so close as Adagio felt bad for her. "Hey don't worry about it, Sonata, win or lose you still get a prize now come with me to the prize booth and I'll get you something."
"yay!" Sonata squealed happily. the two sisters went to the prize booth that contained candies, toys, accessories and plush toy animals just to name a few. As Adagio wondered what to get Sonata, she looked to her and saw that the youngest sister had her eyes on the big plush panda bear.
"Have you decided yet,miss?" the bored voice of the prize vendor sounded like he didn't like his job.
"Yes," said Adagio knowing what to get Sonata. "I'll take that panda plush." she flashed a smile and a wink to her baby sister as Sonata struggled to contain her glee. Adagio received the plush animal and handed it over to Sonata who was grinning like a cheshire cat and inwardly squealed at her prize, in her mind she had the best big sister ever. "thank you so much Dagi." Adagio could only smile as she ruffled the blue teenagers hair affectionately. This, is how a family should be . Adagio thought at the back of her mind. "come on sis lets go play some Star Fox simulation games. i know you love furry animals." Sonata squealed and did the happy dance as she took Adagio by the hand and ran off to the simulator hoping to get back at Adagio for beating her in a game of rhythm. As they took their seats in the simulation game the two sisters could see Art and Aria shredding on what appeared to be the expert mode on guitar hero . as Adagio put in a couple of quarters, the game booted up giving an exposition speech by Fox Mccloud telling them the situation and how they will have to planet hop from one level to the next to get to Andross and achieve the highest score in the pilot hall of fame leader board. The two sisters planet hopped blowing up several enemy bases and weapons factories using different assorted vehicles of war like an arwing, a land master, the blue marine and Adagios least favorite the gyrowing, after getting to venom the two sisters were ambushed in game by the Star wolf team, both girls were neck and neck with adagio twenty points ahead. After shooting down star wolf and defeating Andross, Sonata not only beat Adagio, but got the high score.
"Yeah! High score!" The pale blue ex siren chanted happily hopping up and down in her seat.
"Hehe, you did good Sonata, congratulations though i came close to winning." chuckled the pale yellow teenager as her sister laughed with her. the night stretched out till it was most likely one thirty in the morning so after getting their prizes, getting a few drinks and a last supper for a late midnight snack the girls drove home back to the apartment where in Adagios mind she was looking forward to two things. A good nights sleep and Midnight Rider, she was absolutely certain she was falling for the rugged aussie but as far as she was concerned she still needed the pendants to live it was sad but true. She closed her eyes as Art drove the quartet home after a fun girls night out and fell asleep dreaming about swimming in the oceans with her crush.
The smell of bacon and eggs wafted through the apartment, and the sound of sausages were sizzling such a delectable smell could not be ignored, least of all adagio, the sensational smell of cooking bacon was something she always enjoyed in the morning but who was the one cooking? Aria hated cooking, and Sonata certainly wasn't the best at it, Art was probably a good cook but her heart was hoping that it was Midnight making the breakfast, maybe for her but she didn't raise her hopes up. Adagio put on something a bit more casual, she put on a black tank top and put her bushy hair up in her usual look, she slipped into a pair of jeans with a tear in one of the areas where her knee cap was showing. then to complete the look she tied a flannel jacket around her waist. after admiring herself in the mirror, she walked downstairs and to her delight Midnight was cooking the whole group bacon and scrambled eggs on toast, drizzled over it slightly, was smokey barbecue sauce. "morning sleepy head, nice look" said Art with a smile.
"Same to you, bed head." said Adagio in a snarky way and pulled up a chair as she waited to be served, bacon and eggs was a breakfast she liked and the fact that Midnight was cooking it was a trait she really admired. Sonata was quick to point out to Adagio that she was staring at Midnights bum to which she quickly averted her gaze and Sonata gave her a school notice, it was an invite to a formal at the school spring fling dance next week everyone had gotten their invites giving a picture of her big sister dancing with their savior Aria on the other hand may not admit it to anyone but she absolutely was grateful to Midnights gesture of kindness and friendship. On one hand Midnight wanted to ask Adagio to the spring fling next week. As much as he could to talk to girls, asking one out was a whole different story.
Midnight then served the food with cups of orange juice. "Here you go girls, bon appetite." as he served each one he sat down and served himself last since any good host would do with the exception of Art since she is the one in charge of the apartments. Sonata was stuffing her face with the delectable dish, there was sauce all around her face. Midnight could only chuckle at the very sight as adagio quietly observed him while taking small bites, like she was a cat observing her surroundings from a high place, what will she tell him, what could she tell him, the thought of it just put butterflies in her stomach but one thing she knew for certain, she needed to have courage. That night where he let her sleep with him and cuddle up to him on the sofa she felt loved, not through force but genuinely loved and little by little she felt more and more guilt at using him for her own selfish needs she had never felt this way about anyone.
Adagio then broke her silence "midnight?" Midnight turned to face the pale yellow beauty.
"Yeah?" he asked
"Have you found out about who might have the key to our, special problem?" Midnight chuckled.
"i think I know who, Sunset Shimmer, she Rainbow Dash and I are gonna go see a movie i'll bet she has what your looking for. I used to be a very slick pickpocket down under." Midnight boasted puffing out his chest, causing Aria to roll her eyes and Sonata to chuckle at his lack of modesty. "well in that case, good luck to you. Anyway Midnight I need to tell you something." Adagio told him nervously while playing with her hair
"Yes? what is it?" Asked Midnight.
"I was wondering-"
"Yes?" he asked again looking into her violet gaze. Adagio simply lost her nerve and wussed out of telling him how she feels about him. "Never mind, its nothing." Midnight wondered if maybe she was feeling for him what he is feeling for her "are you sure?" He asked once more
"Yes Midnight, I'm sure, stop asking." she snapped back at him, causing him to flinch slightly at her tone . "I'm sorry, Midnight, i had trouble sleeping last night." Midnight waved it off with a smile telling her that its all good "its okay Adagio, these things happen." Rubbing the back of his head, midnight decided to take the plunge and ask Adagio out to the dance. What did he have to lose?
"Hey, Dagi?" he began nervously. "I was wondering, do you wanna go to the dance with me? I mean its okay if you don't want to. I thought it might be okay, with you and..."
"Oh shut up and let me say yes you naughty man." Adagio quipped at him.
"Really?" he asked "You really want to?" Adagio smiled and nodded making Sonata squeal that her big sister got a date. Midnights heart was racing, although he had sworn off love, here he was feeling differently about Adagio nothing motivated him more than to get those shards back, to see her smile at him, this, was a dream come true for him but he would have to play his cards right. "Anyway, I'm going to the movies with Sunset and Rainbow, with they're eyes glued to the screen, it'll be easy to pick the shards from their pockets."
Adagio was counting on him, as were her two sisters, he was their savior to them. "Good luck, Midi." She said to him with complete sincerity, which earned a smile from the orange Aussie in return.
"Thanks, Dagi, I appreciate it. "
"calling each other pet names now? Gag." Aria sneered with her dry remarks.
"Oh stop it." midnight said in response. "Now Rainbow and Sunset will be at the movies at nine thirty am this morning, I'll be back quicker than a dingo with its tail on fire." After eating breakfast, Midnight went to see the girls at the movie cinema at the exact time and the movie in question was a re release of Kokoda, the suspense on screen was all according to Midnights plan, with they're eyes stuck watching the Japanese soldiers stalking their prey. Midnight caught a glimpse of the remaining red shards and with the light fingers from his days as a pick pocket,after a few unsuccessful attempts where he casually just offered pop corn, he successfully swiped them from Sunset without her or rainbow noticing as they were too enthralled by the movie. With his task complete Midnight watched the rest of the movie sharing the popcorn with the two girls.
Man I must have been a little out of practice He thought to himself
After that, the trio exit the movie theater. Rainbow was absolutely excited after seeing the aussie soldiers going to hell and back " That was totally awesome, " said rainbow with her usual enthusiasm. "seeing it on the big screen and the final fight, bang, it was so epic." Midnight chucked at this "Yeah, thanks for the movie invite girls this movie is one of my all time favorites films are some of my favorites, see you both at school." Sunset gave him a wink in return. "you bet, midnight." with the shards in hand, Midnight was dropped off back to his apartment ready to give the girls whats rightfully theirs and hoping that hes not too late. "see ya later girls" And with a wave Sunset and rainbow drove off not even knowing they had been robbed blind. Midnight then opens the door and goes upstairs to the apartment he shared with the sisters he had come to love like family and in Adagios case, hopefully a girlfriend. Inside the room Adagio, Sonata and Aria are nearly at deaths door
Adagio was wheezing, struggling to breath. Her hair had become frazzled and dull as was her skin and her sisters were even worse, Midnight called art to quickly reassemble the pieces. Fortunately the latent magic that the sirens had leftover began to resonate with them and as soon as they did art and midnight managed to save the girls who were slipped into an unconscious state. Breathing a heavy sigh of relief, Midnight tucked the sirens in. He had never panicked in such a way before nearly losing the three girls he had let into his heart after checking his message from flash for band practice tomorrow He decided he would practice a love song for her on the night of the spring fling and tenderly kisses Adagios forehead.
"Your going to be okay, Adagio. You and your sisters are fighters, otherworldly creatures made human flesh and I promise I will always be there for you, no matter what." Midnight tenderly caressed her cheek as she slept while art tended to the other two tears streaming from her eyes. "Midnight," Art said wiping her face "I'm so glad these girls came into our lives you know you don't really need to put yourself out there for others but you putting your heart out there was the best thing you ever did it lead you and I to meet them."
"I know" Said midnight with a tender smile and a slow nod.
"You know, I'm gonna ask Rarity to make some dresses for us, you should probably get something tailor made for the band I hear your in" Midnight looks somewhat surprised that Art found out so quickly.
"Well," he began " I guess word travels fast around here huh" He said with a slight chuckle and gives her a picture of what would look good on him for the spring fling performance. "Give Rarity that because tomorrow i need to practice with Flash and the others for next week." With a salute Art gave Midnight her assurances that it would be done.
"No need to worry bro, I got you covered."
"Thats what I like to hear." Said Midnight thankfully. "In the meantime stay here with me to watch over our guests they have been through a lot "
"I think they are more than guests now Midi." Normally Midnight didn't like it when his sister called him by his pet name she made for him but this was different the five of them were now practically family in every sense of the word Art had three new sister figures and Midnight had a beautiful date to look forward to.
"Goodnight Adagio, I don't know if you can hear me but I need to tell you this anyway, I love you. You mean all the world to me and I just can't live without you. No matter what you do, I'll be here for you," Midnight said tenderly while caressing her head. "Because, your the love of my life and you mean so much. Coming to America was the best decision of my life, it led me to you." Midnight then held the sleeping siren by her hand. As the minutes turned into hours and the moon came out to greet the night sky outside Midnight drifted off to sleep holding Adagios slender hand while Art went downstairs after putting a blanket on her big brother.
The dawn rays of the sun peeked into the apartment window shining on adagios face her body now pristine and very healthy again. Am I dead? She though to herself. Fortunately she didn't have to look very far, her sisters had their pendents around the necks of they're peaceful slumbering forms. Feeling around her neck, Adagio could feel that she too had her pendent restored and saw that midnight was still sleeping beside her holding her hand and with a gentle nudge woke up the orange Aussie his eyes lighting up in happiness that she was awake "Dagi? your alive? Adagio nodded happily as she embraced him lovingly* damn right I'm alive you silly man thank you so much I think you deserve a reward." With that she and Midnight shared a kiss of lovers as he held onto her like he never wanted to let go like they both wanted this moment to last forever. what ever would come next could wait as they kissed for at least a minute or two
"Adagio," Midnight began " I know you may not have heard anything last night so I will say it again," staring into those violet eyes he admitted those three little words that made all the difference. " I love you Adagio Dazzle and I will always be there for you.
"Midnight, I love you too thank you," Adagio said starting to tear up "Thank you for everything". and with that a brand new relationship was forged and the two lovers would greet the dawn together.