> Going Our Own Way... > by Dreagknight-LostWriter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Sonata: Splitting Up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It hasn't even been a week since their defeat by the Rainbooms at the Battle of the Bands, and the three sirens were taken hard blows to their new life as Sonata Dusk watched both her sisters argued outside in the back alley. Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze were in a heated argument, and as the evening night rolled in, it was only getting worst by the minute. Sonata hugged herself as she sat down, her back against the cold brick wall, as the evening breeze blew. She was grateful that they still had their hoodies from when they first came to this world. “This is all your fault, everything!” Aria screamed, her fist clenched as she brought her face closer to Adagio’s. “My fault? I knew what I was doing. It's your little attitude that got us here!” Adagio screamed back, her face redden. Sonata face started to tear up. She didn’t want to hear them argued. She didn’t want to be stuck outside in the cold, homeless. She just wanted to go back to their warm hotel room and sleep. “Oh, so you had everything planned, did you? Was getting kicked out the hotel part of your plan?” Aria retorted. “Don’t pent that on me. We wouldn't have to get a hotel if you two had manage to give it your all back at the music event.” Adagio snapped back. “We was following your planned. You're the reason we failed, and you're the reason we got banish here in the first place.” Aria screamed back. “WHAT! Are you saying you could do better them me?” Adagio screamed back, her face just mere inches from Aria’s. “Yeah, that's exactly what I'm saying!” “You couldn’t survive a week without my guidance!” “Pfft. Not only could I survive longer, but I could do better. Far better than being stuck with you two.” “Aria, Adagio, calm down, please.” Sonata pleaded, her voice capturing the two arguing sirens. “SHUT UP SONATA!” They both screamed at her, causing Sonata to retreat back in tears. “Know what, I don’t need any of this. And I don't need any of you. I’m outta here!” Aria yelled out, storming out the alley. “That is at least something we can agree on.” Adagio said, turning in the opposite direction. “Wait, Aria, Adagio.” Sonata call out, stumbling to stand up. “Sonata, if you follow me I swear you're going to wish they took more than our singing voice.” Aria said, not turning back as she continue to storm away. “And don't think about following me either, you’ll just slow me down.” Adagio growled, catching wind of Sonata pleading eyes looking her way. Sonata sat there on her knees, watching her only family, her sisters walked away. There was nothing she could do to stop them. They wouldn't listen to her pleads, and she didn't want to choose one over the other. Sonata sat there as time passed, her face streaked with dried and wet tears stains as the near night wind blew around her. She didn't know what to do next, so she hugged her knees to her chest as she cried some more. After a few moment of silent crying, Sonata stomach started to growled. She started to search her pockets, looking for any loose change she could use to get something to eat. To both her horror and luck, she manage five dollars. She knew it wouldn't be much for a meal, or to help her later, but for now, she was hungry. Walking down the street, Sonata had one hand in her hoodie, her face down. She tried to wipe her tears away with her free hand, but each time she did, it seemed only more fell. Walking seemingly nowhere, Sonata came across a gas station that was across from a animal shelter. Running to the store, Sonata went in, hoping they had one of those sandwiches sections. As she was looking through the pre-made sandwiches, she heard a small “eep” near her. “Hello?” Sonata called out quietly, looking around. “Umm, h-hello.” Replied a gently, but frighten voice. Turning towards the voice, Sonata was surprise to see that it was one of the Rainbooms. She looked to be a shy girl with light pink hair that covering half her face. She wore a olive green jacket and had her hands behind her back. Both girls locked eyes for what seems like hours, but was only mere minutes. Eyes tearing up, Sonata turned her head away, going back to look at the sandwiches, wiping her eyes again. There was a couple of footsteps, Sonata figure the girl might have retreated from the store. Looking back up, the girl was just a couple of inches closer, leaning in with a slight worry on her face. “A-are you okay?” The girl asked, still keeping her distance from her. Sonata looked at her, anger rising. This girl and her friends were the reason she was homeless, powerless and that her sisters split up. And just as quickly as her anger rose, it dropped as Sonata realizes that there was nothing she could do. She couldn’t fight this girl and risk having her friends blasting her with another rainbow alicorn beam. So instead of anger, she started to cry. Before Sonata could land on her knees in tears, the girl rushed over and held her up. “Leave me alone,” said Sonata, pushing the girl away. “Just leave me here, you’ve already hurt me enough.” The girl took a few steps back, as Sonata sat there on her knees, trying to wipe her tears away again. Then there was more footstep coming closer to her, Sonata guess it was the girl since she was the only one in the direction of the sound. Instead of stopping by her, like Sonata thought would happen, the footstep side step her, stop, then walked away. After a few seconds, Sonata looked up to see that the girl was nowhere in sight. Standing up, Sonata grabbed the cheapest sandwich she could find, paid for it, then walked out of the store. Walking out the store with her head down, someone had tapped her on the shoulder lightly. Turning to meet who tapped her, she found it was the pink haired girl who was holding two water bottles in her hand, and a empty dog leash on her arm. Before Sonata could say something, the girl spoke up first. “I-I’m sorry.” Sonata looked at her confused, clutching tight on her sandwich. “I’m sorry we hurt you and your friends.” She repeated herself more clearly. “We never meant to hurt you girls, we just wanted to stop you from controlling everyone.” She said, holding one of the bottle water out. “My name is Fluttershy by the way.” Sonata looked at Fluttershy then the bottle water, her mind completely crashing as she stared blankly at her. Fluttershy looked at her, seeing the confused look on her face. Slowly, Fluttershy pulled the bottle away. “Umm, c-can you tell me why you was, umm, crying?” Fluttershy asked. Sonata stared at her a little longer before her stomach started to growled again, reminding her that she was hungry. Looking around at the increasingly growing dark city, Sonata looked back to Fluttershy. “C-can you stay with me for a little bit while I eat.” Sonata asked, the night time frightening her as she realize just how alone she was. Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide as she looked around. “Y-you don’t want to eat out her at night. D-don't you have a place you can eat at better than out here?” Fluttershy asked, the sound of fright in her voice as well. Opening her sandwich, Sonata shook her head ‘no’, taking the opportunity to eat while she had some company. “R-really? What about your friends.” Sonata stop chewing, her heart wrenching at the moment early in the day. “We, we split up.” Was all she said as she stuff her face with the rest of the sandwich, almost choking it down whole. Again, Fluttershy offered her the bottle water. This time, Sonata took it, washing the sandwich down. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Fluttershy said, her face full of sorrow and sympathy. “We didn’t know it would end up like this for you three.” Sonata gave a weak smile, sitting down on the pavement. “What are you going to do now?” Fluttershy ask and a soft voice, so soft that Sonata almost missed it. “I don’t know…” Was all she was able to get out as her head fell into her lap, but no tears fell this time, she was all out. Fluttershy crouch down and rub the siren’s back. “Umm, if you like, you can stay with me. I’m sure my parents won't mind. We have a spare room you could use.” Sonata looked up to Fluttershy, her eyes redden from all the crying she’s done. “Why?” Fluttershy looked at her, confused at the question. “Why would you help me? You have nothing to gain for doing so. So why would you bother helping me?” Fluttershy frown and stood up. “Not everyone need a reason to do something. Just a simple act of kindness alone can make a difference.” She said, reaching down with an outstretched hand. Sonata looked up, weighing her non-existing options. Smiling a little, she grab hold of Fluttershy hands and pulled herself up. “Umm, can I ask a small favor though?” Sonata asked, putting her hands in her pockets. “Like what?” Fluttershy queried, tilting her head to the side. “If you can, can you help me look for Adagio and Aria. And maybe, can you also help us like you did with Sunset Shimmer?” > Aria: First Step > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aria grumbled to herself, storming down the streets and brushing pass any pedestrian in her way. Her anger seeping through her like a dark vile from tartarus, anyone who looked at her received a death glare. With her hands deep in her hoodie pocket, all she could do was grumbled and keep walking forwards. “That damn Adagio! This is all her fault.” Aria said bitterly. “Why did I ever listen to that muffin hair head’s orders?” Growling to herself, Aria stormed through the sidewalk, nearly knocking people over. One person tried to call her out, but Aria chewed him out before he had a chance to even approach her. Venting, Aria turned her back to him and walk into a nearby alley, not wanting to run into anyone else or risk pummeling them. Going through the alley, Aria anger started to simmer down to just mumbles and grunts to herself. Still, this didn’t slowed her pace as she continue to stormed through the alley. Heading out the alley, Aria knocked into someone who rounded the corner. “Watch it!” A guy yelled out, stumbling backwards. “How about you watch it!” Aria retorted, hissing through her teeth. “You're the one who ran into me, so how about you apologize.” The guy said, crossing his arms. “Pfft.” Was the only thing Aria said, as she started to walk away. “Hey!” The guy called out, grabbing Aria by her wrist. “Do you know who I am, must not or you would be begging for mercy.” Aria looked the guy up and down. He looked to be only a couple years older than her. He wore a long black trench coat that was litter in holes, a green bandana on his head and a image she didn't really care to look at. “What are you suppose to be, a gangster or something?” Aria asked, a smirk crossing her face. Grabbing his wrist, Aria twisted his hand, using her siren strength and force him to let go. “Grab me again and I'll break every bone in your damn wrist.” She finish, flicking his hand away. The guy grab hold of his wrist as he was dropped onto one knee. Smiling triumphantly, Aria turned to walk away. She only manage to get a few feets from the guy before he let out a raged scream. Aria sighed as she turned around, ready to take her anger out on the hot headed guy. That was until she saw the large combat knife in his hands and the killer glare he was giving her. Aria froze where she stood, looking at the large knife before her. The guy stepped closer as Aria took a stepped back. “You're going to break every bone in my wrist you say? Let's see you try that with a six inch blade deep inside you.” The guy said, taking another step closer. Aria wished once again that she had her voice as her eyes was fixated on the blade, fear running through her. She knew she was fast, but she didn’t know if she could out run this person. The guy launched forward as Aria turned on her heels to run, only to stop when a another person ran passed her and into the guy, shoulder bashing him into the side of a building. Before the guy could have even tried to stand up, the mysterious person rushed over, grabbed him by his collar and punched him in the jaw, knocking the guy out in a single blow. Dropping the unconscious guy, the mysterious person turned to look at Aria, brushing his shoulder off. As he came into full view, Aria was able to get a better look at the guy. The mysterious guy was a little bit taller then Aria herself, his eyes barely going over her head and he seemed to be around two or three years older than her. He wore a white jacket and black gloves. He had violet purple eyes and dark blue hair that was pulled into a short ponytail. “Hey, you okay there?” The guy asked, walking to Aria. “Do you need any help?” Aria surprised face turned to a scowl as she looked at him. “No.” She answered through her teeth. “I could have taken him?” “Really?” The guy said, eyeing Aria up and down. “Maybe in a normal fight, yeah. In a knife fight, not likely. And if he had a gun, you're better off tying yourself down and waving a red flag in front of a bull.” Aria just rolled her eyes at his statement. “So now what? You want me to be all like; ‘Oh thank you for saving my life, is there anything I can do to returned the favor’.” Aria said mockingly. The guy looked at Aria, scretching the back of his head. “Is this how you treat someone who just helped you?” He said, pushing past her and towards a group of bags that was dropped to the floor. “You know, a simple thanks would have suffice.” Aria sighed, figuring that he was at least right. Turning her head, Aria mumbled ‘thanks’ under her breath. “What was that?” The guy asked, perking his head up. “I said thanks.” Aria yelled out, her face turning red. The guy stared blankly at her before a smile crept on his face. “I suppose that’s the best you could do.” He said and an almost mocking voice. Aria gritted her teeth. “Thank you for helping me. Better now?” The guy only chuckled to himself as he shook his head. “What, not good enough?!” Aria screamed, her anger raising once more. “No no, it's good.” He answered, putting both hands up, his bags dangling from one arm. “My name is Quick Rush.” He stated, reaching his hand out for a handshake. Aria glared at him, causing him to slowly retreat his hand back to his side. “Okay,” he said awkwardly. “Can I at least asked your name?” “It's Aria.” Aria stated bluntly. “Okay, progress.” He said, putting his hands in his pocket and looked up to the night sky. “Where are you heading Aria?” Aria open her mouth to retort, but stopped as she thought about it. Where was she going? She left so abruptly and stormed through the streets without thinking that she soon realized, she had no idea where she was going. What was she even planning to do? Aria sighed as she pinch the bridge of her nose, forgetting that Quick Rush was still there. “Hey, call me out on this one if I’m wrong, but do you have a place to go?” Aria quickly shot her eyes open and glared at Quick Rush. “And what would give you the idea that I don’t?” Quick reeled back from the harsh outburst, but nevertheless continue on with what he was going to say. “Well for starters, wouldn't a normal answer be something like: Home, where do you think, or, none of your business. You just stood there with a horrified expression on your face, like you just realize something for the first time.” “Tch.” Aria clicked her tongue as she scowled at Quick. She had to give him props, he was a lot more observant than she would have given him credit for. “Would it matter anyways, not like if I said yes you would, help me find a place to stay or something like that.” Quick put a hand to his chin, looking Aria over once more. “Eh, you might be right. I mean, I could invite you to stay with me…” He said, his voice trailing off. “W-what?” Aria stuttered in surprise. “Well, I could invite you.” Quick repeated himself, turning around as he began to walk away. Aria stood there for a moment, processing what Quick just said. If he was serious, this could be a rare opportunity she could use to get off the streets before she ends up sleeping on the streets. Though she didn’t want help from anyone, especially a stranger, she figure what good would that do her if she ends up on the streets begging for money or scavenging for food. Quickly, she ran up in front of Quick, who was walking at a slow pace. “Wait,” she called out, causing Quick to stop. “Are you serious?” She asked, a bit of hope dashed in her voice. “Serious about what?” He asked, beginning to walk again. “About letting me stay with you.” “I never said that I was going to let you stay with me. I said I could invite you to stay with me. Could.” He said, making sure to emphasize the word ‘could’. Aria stopped following him as a scowled grew on her face.” Never mind. Why did I even bothered asking?” She question herself, turning to walk the other way. That was, until Quick walked up to her and laid his hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “Hey, I only said could, that doesn't mean it's a no.” He stated more firmly, letting Aria go. “I can at least let you spend the night over. Then, depending on how things go, we could talk about you actually staying,” he said, eyeing Aria one more time. “But if you're a runaway, I will not hesitate to tell the police where you are.” He said jokingly, but there was truth lace in his words. Aria stared blankly at him before laughing to herself. “Trust me, I doubt anyone would so much as even ask where I am.” She mumbled under her breath. *** Following Quick to his apartment, Aria was surprised to see how big it was for a single person. “Just so you know, this is a school dorm apartment.” Quick said, surprising Aria as he unlocked the door. “There is an extra room you can use. It use to be my friend’s, but he recently moved out and back home with his family.” Quick stated, pointing to a room in the far back. “Now I’m sure you're tired, so I’ll keep things short and simple. Down there is my room and in the middle is another room that been converted into a gaming room. The bathroom is down the hall and the kitchen is over there.” He said, pointing to each room, giving Aria a brief layout of the place. “Any questions?” Aria looked around, shaking her head ‘no’. Nodding, Quick took the bags into the kitchen as Aria walked around a bit. She was hungry, but, she was more tired than hungry and just wanted to sleep the rest of the day away. Walking into the room that would be hers for the time being, she was happy to find that the bed was already made, yet she noted that there was no blanket on it. At the moment, she didn’t care, seeing as she would be sleeping in her clothes. Locking the door, Aria sat down on the bed and removed her boots, hoodie and shirt, revealing her purple tank top. Pulling the two star hairpin out of her twin tails, she let her hair fall down to their full length. Letting herself relax, she grabbed the nearby pillow and scooted herself up on the bed, hugging the pillow tight. “Dammit, what am I even doing? I don’t even have a plan.” Aria grumbled to herself before lifting the pillow up in screamed into it. After a few moments of screaming to herself, Aria dropped the pillow back down and hugged it tightly. “Dammit Adagio, you’re the one who we always left the plan making to.” Aria eyes started to drop at the thought. “Me and Sonata both.” Aria sighed, thinking just how much they left to the eldest siren. “Maybe this is the best for all three of us.” Placing the pillow back down, Aria laid her head down and look up at the ceiling. Closing her eyes, she tried to go to sleep before shooting them back open when she heard the shower started. Getting up, she crept into the kitchen and found a knife. Going back into her room, she place the knife under her pillow before nodding off. “Just incase he tries something while I’m sleeping.” > Adagio: Nice and Warm > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adagio walked silently through the city, not paying attention to anyone in sight. She kept her path clear, not wanting to gain any attention from anyone. She was far too upset to deal with any mallow drama these ‘humans’ may cause. Sighing, she kept walking, her head staying high as she looked forward. Her mind on the other hand was rattled with nothing but frustration at Aria. Then there was Sonata, sure she told her not to follow her, but she didn’t even have the guts to ask anyways. Unlike Aria, Adagio didn't even threaten Sonata. As long as Sonata could have proven her use, then Adagio wouldn't mind having her around. “Ugg, no use thinking these useless thoughts.” Adagio sighed to herself, hugging her arms as she walked aimlessly. Walking quietly, Adagio walked into a nearby park and sat down on the bench. Crossing her legs and folding her arms, she looked up into the the growing night sky, watching the stars appear. Only after the street light came on and the sky was littered with stars did Adagio grew tired. Stifling a yawn, Adagio lend back on the bench, closing her eyes. “I need to find a place to stay.” Adagio mumbled to herself, followed by her stomach letting out a small growl. “And I need money for food, great.” Searching her pockets, she started to count out the money she had. “Ten… fifteen… twenty four… twenty eight… thirty two. I have thirty two dollars and some change. Guess I’ll eat in the morning.” She said, placing the money back into her pockets. “Got to conserve what I can.” With that, Adagio stood up and stretch, her back popping a few times. Looking around, Adagio was very aware of the eerie quietness and loneliness that was placed over her. With a heartfelt sigh, Adagio strolled around the park, trying to figure out what to do next. She needed money, but there was no way she would ever down herself to a beggar or one of those ‘entertainment’ girls. Then there was the problem of a place to stay, which she also need money for and didn't want to freeload off of somebody. Actually, she didn’t want pity from anyone, she could do things on her own with no help, not by strangers, Sonata or Aria. Walking out the park, Adagio walked down the streets, browsing through all the stores she passed. Adagio stomach growl once more, irritating the siren to the point of pulling her hair. She tried to walk it off, leaving the areas and hoping to forget about her growing hunger. She could wait for food later, first she need to find a place to sleep, she told herself over and over. Adagio will began to break as she strolled past a pizza restaurant, the smell engulfing her mind. Using both of her hands to cover her face, she tried to block out the smell. Running away, Adagio found herself running out towards the city edge. Coming to a stop, Adagio dropped down to the pavement, tears filling her eyes. “Dammit!” She screamed, not caring if anyone was around. “I should not be going through this. I am a siren, I should just be able to sing my way to anything I want. Now I can’t even afford a simple place to stay let alone food. If this was Equestria, we wouldn't be in the situation, damn that bearded unicorn.” Adagio broke down into tears, her head falling into her knees. Moments passed as Adagio cried to herself, the night wind blowing through her bushy hair. It was only after wiping her face clear did Adagio notice something. The area she were in was deathly silent, not a single voice or sound could be heard in any direction. She began to search her surrounding, noting that the area seems to be a closed off section of the city. All the building within the vicinity were vacant, and no one was in sight. A few of the building around her were looked to be in the process of being destroyed, but at the moment, no construction vehicles were in sight. Walking to a distant, two floor building, Adagio went over to the door and pushed it open with ease. “Guess this is my lucky break.” Adagio sighed to herself, walking in. “Damn, it even colder in here then it was outside.” She said through clench teeth, hugging herself tighter. Closing the door behind her, Adagio started to look around. “Let's see if there's anything useful in here. Hopefully, something that could warm this place up, like a fireplace.” Walking around inside the building some more, Adagio was dishearten to find that the place was nick-pick clean of anything usefull. Still, she wasn’t that all surprise, seeing as this building would be destroyed soon. The building itself was a simple two floor house with tile floors and a basement. As she was scavenging the building, she found one of the rooms on the top floor to be more ‘sleep worthy’ for her. Leaving out the house, Adagio started to look around the area, trying to find anything that would allow her to start a fire. She wasn’t much of a survivalist, but she did know a thing or two about basic fire making. Searching a ruin house, she found a broom and a large metal bowl like object. She figure it was a decent size to safely place a fire within. Searching the ground for anything that she could use to start a fire, she was lucky to find a near empty lighter. “Haha, look at me. I fallen so low that I'm scavenging materials just to make a fire. I might as well go digging through the trash. Who knows, I might fight something useful if a do.” She said with a dry laugh, placing a hand over her face as she tried to hold back her growing tears. “Pull yourself together Adagio, it just a minor setback, that's all.” Barely picking herself back up, Adagio walked over to another ruin house, collecting broken wood to use as tender and fuel. “I hate this world.” *** Adagio sat by the wall on the second floor, her chin resting on her knees as she hugged them to her chest. She watched the fire crackle and dance in front of her, warming the room as the outside grew even darker. Her eyes started to droop as she watched the flames, the only sound she heard was the fire and her own heart beat. “I can’t live like this, I need a plan.” Adagio mumble to herself, speaking her mind out load so that the eerie silence would be overtaken. “I need money, which mean I’m going to need a job. If I could get a job then I could afford a hotel, then maybe, a place of my own. If Aria and Sonata get a job, then with our combined money, we could…” Adagio trailed off as she realized what she was saying and her mind was leading her. Pressing her head deeper into her knees, Adagio screamed out in frustration. Nearly grasping at her own hair. “ARRG! I don’t need those two idiots. I always make the plans, they followed my lead, that’s how it goes. So what if I’m not with them anymore, it's not like I can’t do anything without them. They need me more than they realize.” Adagio started chuckling to herself dryly, which soon turned into soft sobs. “But I can’t do everything on my own.” She mumbled under her breath, holding back choking sobs. “Those two, those two at least lessen the burden off of me so that I could always focus on the plans.” Picking up a stick, Adagio started prodding the fire, swishing the fire around. Putting down the half burnt stick, Adagio pulled her hood over her head as she snuggle into the corner she swept clean, closing her eyes and letting the silence fall over her once again. “And with those two around, I was never lonely.” > Sonata: Asking for Help > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waking up from her dark dream, Sonata looked around the room she had slept in. A simple bright yellow room, a few potted plants laid about on the desk and window seals. She was staying in the house of both her savior and enemy, the one that helped cause her and her sister’s downfall. But at this moment, Sonata didn’t care about any of that, she was far to worry about the two sirens that she let get away. Sitting up in her bed, Sonata just stared down at her hands, letting her loose hair shade her eyes. A soft knock came at the door, followed by a quiet voice. “Sonata, are you awake?” Sonata recognize the voice, it was Fluttershy. She didn’t know why she was at the door, she expected her mother to come by first. She didn’t feel ready to talk to her enemy/savior as of now, her mind still lingering on the dream she had. Sonata let out a soft ‘Hmm’, indicating she was awake. A second later, the bubblegum pink hair girl poked her head through the door, looking around shyly. “Umm, how are you feeling?” Fluttershy asked, fidgeting behind the door. “Okay.” Sonata lied, feeling exhausted and tired. “Well, I brought you some breakfast I made. It’s just some toast, grits and scrambled eggs.” She said, bringing out a tray with two plates on it. “If it’s okay with you, do you want to eat together?” Sonata tilted her head, a dumbfounded looked plastid on her face. “Well, I thought, maybe, we could talk more, about, you know, helping you, and, your sisters…” As Fluttershy spoke, her voice grew more and more quiet as she hid her face behind her hair. Again, Sonata just stared at Fluttershy, wondering why she was being so nice to her, and so meekly. Blinking a few times, she slowly nodded her head, sitting up more in the bed. Fluttershy gave her a smile, walking in and laying the tray down on the bed. Taking her plate, Fluttershy sat down at the edge of the bed. “I know I should have asked this earlier, but what did you mean by help?” Fluttershy asked, poking at her breakfast. “Help us live here, in this world.” Sonata said vaguely, taking a bite out of her toast. “Oh,” Fluttershy let out with a small gasp. “I don’t know if we can help you with that. I mean, we can try, but we are only high schoolers.” With half a toast hanging from her mouth, Sonata looked at Fluttershy mystified. “Then how do Sunset live here, it says she has her own place, last I looked.” “You looked at her profile, when?” Sonata froze, forgetting that she wasn't suppose to mention that she and her sister looked into Sunset’s information. “Oh nothing. It’s not like we looked into Sunset’s information after we learn that she had equestrian magic. And it’s not like we found out what she done at the school and used it against her. Hehe” Sonata chuckled nervously, eating a spoonful of scrambled eggs. “Umm, well, I don't know how Sunset did it. You will have to ask her yourself, I’m sure she won't mind helping you.” Fluttershy said, a smile growing on her face. “And I’m sure the rest of the girls can help look for your sisters as well.” “Really?” “Mhm. The girls are really nice and helpful. Umm, the girls and I are meeting up at Pinkie’s place, we can ask them there, if you want to come.” Sonata stayed quiet, finishing the rest of her grits. Once she was done, she said in a dead tone voice. “I don’t think they will help, especially Sunset. But if it helps me get Adagio and Aria back, then I’m willing to try.” “Umm, okay then.” Getting off the bed, Fluttershy put her empty plate down on the tray next to Sonata’s. “Well, we will be meeting up in a few hours from now.” Picking up the tray with the dirty dishes, Fluttershy gave Sonata a strain smile. “Well, if you need anything before then, umm, just ask.” “Umm,” Sonata cleared her throat, catching Fluttershy attention. “Can I use your shower?” “Sure, I’ll bring you some towels as soon as I put this in the sink.” “Okay.” *** After her shower, Fluttershy brought Sonata a pair of changing clothes while she washed her old ones. Waiting for her clothes to get washed, Sonata decided to sit down and watch T.V. Only a few minutes into a show she was watching, her mind wonder off to her sisters. She was worried about them, wondering where they was and if they were ok. It was only after Fluttershy tapped her on the shoulder did Sonata relies she has been day dreaming for over an hour. Changing into her fresh clean clothes, Fluttershy told Sonata that it was time to leave. Their walk to Pinkie’s house was long and quiet, neither girl spoke to each other. During their walk, Sonata found her mind wondering back off to her sisters. Walking up to Pinkie’s front door, Fluttershy turned to Sonata, giving her a worried look. “Umm, can you wait out here for a moment, please?” “How come?” Sonata asked dumbly, tilting her head. “I, umm, need to talk to the girls first. Not that it would be bad if you were with me, it just, I want to let them know first.” “Okay.” Nodding sheepishly, Fluttershy creeped into the house. Sonata found a place near the door and sat down, prodding the ground with her finger. Only moments later did the door open, two heads poking out. Fluttershy and her puffy, dark pink haired friend she guess was Pinkie appeared. “There you are, come on, we want to talk to you!” The pink haired girl said, grabbing Sonata by her arm and yanking her in the house. Sitting down on the floor in Pinkie's room, Sonata tried to recover from the immediate G-force she just experience. The room stayed quiet as Sonata slowly recovered. “Well, this is a surprise. We didn’t expect to see you ever again.” One of the girls said. She had a vibrant purple hair and a prissy like accent. “Mhm. Now Fluttershy here tellin’ us ya need some help?” The blond hair girl asked, her accent thick but clear. “Maybe we should introduce our self first.” Sunset said, catching everyone by surprise. “A proper introduction. Plus, I get the feeling she doesn’t really know any of us outside as the one who defeated them, well, except me and Fluttershy.” “Ay supposen yer right. The name’s Applejack.” The blond hair girl said, sitting back against the wall. “HI! I’m Pinkie Pie!” The pink haired one yelled, shooting in front of Sonata face, cause her to reeled back in surprise. “Pinkie, settled down now. You don’t want to give the poor girl a heart attack, do you?” The girl said in her prissy accent, sitting Pinkie down on the floor. “Maybe…” Pinkie respond jokingly, giving Sonata a menacing glare. “Pinkie, now is not the time for that.” The girl said, giving Sonata an apologetic smile. “My name is Rarity by the way, and do forgive my friend’s antics behavior.” She said, placing a hand on Pinkie shoulder. “Trust me Rarity, she is not that much different in her ways as well from what I seen.” Sunset mumbled under her breath, just loud enough for the girls to hear. The side comment alone got the attention of Applejack, Rarity, and the rainbow hair girl, who all gave Sonata and Sunset a suspicious stare. “Anyway, you already know Fluttershy and Sunset, so that just leaves me. The name’s Rainbow Dash.” The rainbow hair girl said, her voice shredding no symbolic of a friendly tone. Sonata just nodded her head, not catching wind of Rainbow harsh tone. The room fell quiet as all the girls looked to her like they were expecting something. A few seconds passed before Rainbow spoke up. “Well? Are you at least going to introduce yourself.” “How come? You already know who I am.” Sonata answered, looking around the room and at each girl faces. “That’s not actually true,” Rarity cut in. “We only know you as a siren. We on the other hand, beside Fluttershy and Sunset, do not know you by name. Plus, it’s only respectful to introduce yourself as well.” “Oh, well, my name is Sonata Dusk.” Sonata said, feeling awkward at introducing herself like that. “Thank you.” “Yatty yat, nice and all, but let's get back to the reason why you are here. We heard you wanted help. With what, and why should we?” Rainbow said accusingly. “Rainbow!” Rarity called out, giving Rainbow a piercing glare. “What? There’s no reason for us to sugar coat it.” “Well you don’t have to be so rude about it.” “Girls, calm down and let Sonata speak first.” Applejack cut in, looking back to Sonata apologetically. “Go ahead and tell us what it is, sugarcube.” “Well, me and my sisters need help. After the band event and us losing our magic, we found living here to be extra difficult. Like, really really difficult.” Sonata said, her mind reaching back to the other day. “Well, I see how’s that a problem, but why should we bother helping?” “Rainbow Dash!” Rarity growled through her teeth. “Rarity, calm down now. Ay actually want to hear the answer to this one.” Applejack said, receiving a small sigh from Rarity as she motion for Sonata to continue. “Isn’t that what you do?” Sonata question. “You defeat the baddies, then help them.” Each of the girls pass a sideway look to each other, contemplating the question. Silence fell over the room once more as Sonata grew more and more confused by their quietness. “Well, that’s not the answer I was expecting, or hoping to hear.” Sunset said, scratching the back of her head. “That’s not how it really works.” Fluttershy whispered into Sonata ear. “Nor is that what we do.” Rarity added. “But we do help our friends and any new friends we meet along the way.” Pinkie piped up, a smile on her face as she looked to Sonata. “But I’m not looking for any new friends, and I don’t think I need any new ones.” Sonata said, her eyes and voice showing no resentment to her words. “Wait wait wait. Find, I get it, you don't want friends. But you can at least try to sound a bit remorse.” Rainbow said, hopping up. “Why? I didn't do anything wrong, I only said the truth.” Rainbow stared blankly at Sonata, not believing what she just heard. Speechless with building anger, Sunset decided to step in and change the subject. “You mention your sisters, where are they?” Sunset asked, trying to calm Rainbow down. “I don’t know. They got into an argument and left, now I don’t know where they are or if they’re okay.” Sonata responded, her voice sounding dejected as she looked back down to the floor. “They’re gone? Can you tell us exactly what happened, and how you need our help?” Rarity asked, hushing Applejack before she spoke up. “Well, after we left the band event with the mob chasing us, we didn’t know what to do next. We spent a few weeks in a hotel, until we was kicked out. Adagio and Aria got into it after that and decided to split up.” Sonata finished, fresh tears forming in her eyes. “But, I don’t want us to be separated. So if you all can, please help me find them, and help us. If we had a place of our own then I’m sure things will be better.” “Now that’s a mighty thing to ask of us.” Applejack said, coming up to Sonata. “Now we are only in high school, and we don't have the means to do that.” “Then how did Sunset do it? Didn’t you girls help her get her own place?” Sonata asked innocently. All girls eyes was now on Sunset, who had a blush on her face as she looked away. Before silence can fall once more, Sunset coughed in her fist. Standing up, she walked out the door saying she needed a drink. “Now that I think about it, where do Sunset live? And how do you know if she has her own place?” Rainbow asked, her arms folded as she waited for an answer. “Ay like to know mah own self, but now not the time to question those things. So ya need our help looking for yer sisters? Do ya have any clues we can go by?” Applejack asked, trying defusing Rainbow Dash already ignited fused. “No.” Sonata answered, feeling dejected again. “Hey, don’t feel down.” Pinkie said, giving Sonata a hug. “We may not have any clues, but that doesn't mean we can't try.” “She’s right darling. We may not have any leads, but we do have a good starting point.” Rarity said, taking out her phone. “And what's that?” Rainbow asked, sounding even more annoyed. “Connections.” Rarity answered, not looking up from her phone. “I am assuming that they haven't left the city over night, and if I’m right, we can ask around and see if anyone have seen them.” Gasping, Pinkie jumped up and onto her bed. “That’s a great idea. I know a bunch of people around town, I’m sure someone would have seen them.” Pinkie said, grabbing her laptop. “Ugg, fine! I’ll ask around the team and see if anyone have seen them.” Rainbow said, walking over to Sonata. “But just know, I’m only doing this out of kindness, nothing else. You better not be using us, got it.” With that, Rainbow walked out of the room, followed by a confuse Sunset who walked in. “What was that about?” Sunset asked. “Oh nothing. Just give her time to cool down, she’ll be back in here soon.” Applejack said, staring at the door her friend left out of. “Anyway, we can help look for yer sisters, but housing them is another matter of its own. “Actually, just leave that one to me.” Sunset said, sitting down on the bed. “I have a few ideas on how to help with that.” “Yer sure Sunset? Sounds like a mighty job for one person.” Applejack asked with concern, and with a hint of doubt. “Yeah, trust me. It will be no trouble of its own.” “See, I told you they would help.” Fluttershy whispered to Sonata, who was watching the girls in amazement. Even though she and her sisters tried to take over their school, break them up, put their own classmate against them and even trapped them in a room under the stage, they was still willing to help. These girls were sticking together, even after all that. Why were they so nice and why couldn't her sister stay together like that. Even so, something was off about how they was so seemingly willing to help her, they wanted something from her, she just wished they told her already. As the other girls started their search in their own way, Sunset came over and set down next to Sonata. “I can’t really help with the search, since I don't know many people and I lost all my old connections.” Sunset said, attempting to start a conversation. “Oh.” Was all Sonata said as she watch the girls multitask and laughing amongst themselves. “Listen, we don’t mind helping you and all, but there only so much we can do in this world. Now, I can talk to Principal Celestia and see if she would let you back in school, but you and your sisters will have to apologise first.” “Why do we need to apologise for what we did?” Sonata asked, looking at Sunset with innocent eyes. “We only did what we must. That’s what Adagio always said. And it’s not like we destroyed anything or hurt anyone, so there is no real problem. That’s what Aria said.” Sunset just blinked at that statement, curious as to why they thought such things. Shaking her head, she patted Sonata on the shoulder. “I’ll just wait until we find them first, then we can talk about this.” There was a momentary pause as Sunset purse her lips. “How exactly did you knew I had my own place?” Sonata gave a small chuckle as she looked away. “Well, the thing is…” > Aria: Annoying Morning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aria grumbled and rolled over in her bed, the light peering from the window hitting her face. Sighing from the discomfort of the beam of light, Aria sat up and shielded her eyes. “Ugg, it's too early to be blinded by the light.” Aria groan, pulling the sheets over her head. Realizing that the thin layer of sheets wasn’t going to protect her eyes from the sunlight, Aria tossed the sheets off of her and onto the floor. Rubbing her irritated eyes, she looked around the room she had slept in. A momentary stupefy look crossed her face before she remember where she was at. Quickly, Aria patted herself down and looked over herself, checking to see if anything was ‘off’ or ‘fishy’. “Well, it doesn’t seem like he did anything to me, so far.” Aria mumbled under her breath. Satisfied with her safe sleep, Aria stretched her arms as she got out of bed. With a yawn, Aria walked passed the desk that held her star hairpins. Picking one of them up, Aria stared at it, her mind slowly flashing back to her argument with Adagio. With a grunt, she pocketed both her hairpins and walk out into the hallway. She began to slow her pace when she came to the corner of the living room. Even before she enter, she could smell the breakfast that was already cooked. Her stomach let out a small growl as she remembered she hadn't eaten anything since they were kicked out of the hotel. Composing herself, Aria walked into the living room, not wanting to show the hunger on her face. “Well, you're up earlier than I expected.” Quick mused, looking at her from the T.V. “And you're not a creep that prey on defenseless female like I thought.” Aria mused herself, folding her arms. Quick just looked at Aria with a surprised looked on his face. A moment passed before he shook his head, a light chuckle escaping from him. Using his free hand, Quick cover his eyes with it, a smile crossing his face. “What so funny?” Aria asked suspiciously. “It just that I prefer not to prey on sleeping girls, I prefer them when they're awake and rested.” He said slowly, his tone darkening with each word. Removing his hand from his face, Quick gave Aria a sinister predatory looked. Seeing the looked on Quick face as he rose from his seat, Aria face fell into horror as she realized what was happening. She slowly walked backward as Quick advance on her, her eyes never leaving his as she remember she had a knife under her pillow. Not even half way through the living room, Quick stopped and broke down laughing, leaving a stupefy Aria staring at him. “Oh my, so you can make a frightening face.” Quick chuckled, sitting back down on the couch. “Don’t worry, I was just messing with you I don’t even like those sort of things.” Aria just stared at him, dumbfounded by what he just did. With an expression that could only match that of a two face mask, Aria’s face went from a stupefy look to a hard scowl. Walking over to where Quick was sitting, Aria gave him a dead arm with no mercy. “Hey!” Quick cried out, rubbing his arm. Looking at Aria face, Quick sigh with remorse. “Guess I deserve that one.” “You guess!” Aria retorted, bringing her fist up for another dead arm. “Wait,” Quick said, putting his hands up. “Aren't you hungry? I put you up some breakfast.” Aria kept her fist raise high, but her empty stomach was begging for some type of food. With a grunt, Aria dropped her fist and looked to the kitchen. “Just so you know, I wasn’t scared. You just surprised me pulling such a stupid stunt so early in the morning. But try that again and you’ll get more than a little laugh off. Got it?” Aria made sure to put as much venom into that last statement as possible, getting a confirmed weak nod from Quick. Looking at the table, Aria saw a plate of bacons and eggs waiting for her. Giving one last evil glare to Quick, Aria walked over to the table and sat down. She then looked down at the plate, her mouth slightly watering at the food. Tentatively, she took a piece of bacon and bit down on it. The mixture of salt and crisp of the bacon assaulted her tongue, putting a small smile on her face as she grabbed another one. “Well, at least you can smile, but only when you're eating. What a glutton.” Quick mumbled under his breath jokingly, his head resting on his fist. “What did you say?” Aria question, glaring at him with a fork hanging loosely from her hand. “Oh, umm. I said you look very pretty when you smile. You should do it more often.” Quick stated, a sly smile on his face. Aria mouth hung slightly open, surprise by what he said. She been called many things, but rarely has anyone just call her pretty. She then narrowed her eyes at Quick, watching him closely. “Uh huh. Just keep your eyes where I can see them.” Aria responded, going back to eating her breakfast. “Sure. Anyway, let's talk about you actually staying here. Shall we?” “Great.” Aria grumbled under her breath, she already knew this would come up. Though negotiation like this was usually handle by Adagio, Aria felt certain she can handle this little bit on her own. This was her moment to prove to herself that she could do things on her own without Adagio’s help. “So, I don't mind you staying here, but if you do, you have to put in your own share of work. By that, I mean helping around the place, chores. Simple right?” Aria put up her hands, swallowing her last bacon. “I don’t plan on staying here longer then I need too. I just need a place to stay, just long enough until I can get a job and afford my own place, then I’m out of here.” “Well, that make things easy then. You can start applying for a job today, though I would like a little pay for you staying here.” “I guess that okay, shouldn't take me long to get the money I need anyway.” Aria said confidently. “Really? Let’s see; First you will need money for the place, then you need money for your first month of food, money for furniture, and cable. That's not including the fact you also have to find a available apartment and wait for them to reach you. And it also depend if your going for a full time job or part-time job, I doubt you can get anything better than that right now. So for all of that, you're looking at about half a year to a year, if you're lucky.” With each word Quick said, Aria felt herself being more and more deflated. Hearing the task set before her, she didn't know how she could do this on her own or if she could. She needed a plan to go by this, but she didn't know where to start. “Hey, no need to look so down about things, I was just telling you this so you know how long you would be staying here.” Quick added, trying to reassure her with confidence. “UGG!” Aria screamed in frustration, pulling at her hair. “Why does these things needs to be so damn complicated!” Letting out a deep breath, Aria face planted her head onto the table, hard. “Umm,” Quick said awkwardly. Not daring to touch her. Walking over to the door, Quick picked up his bag and looked to a depress Aria. “Well, I have places to be right now. Umm, I left a web page open on my laptop to a few nearby places that hiring. So yeah, check those out and I’ll be back in a few hours.” Aria only gave a grunted nod, to watch Quick acknowledge and left out the door. Lifting her head up, Aria blew a few loose strand of hair from her face. She had a small itch to punch something, but not wanting to get kick out a second time in the same week, she decided to bang her head against the table a couple of times. Rubbing her temples, she looked over to the open laptop on the couch. A silent wind passed her as the defining quite surrounded her ears as she looked to the laptop. Boredom and loneliness swept over her as her eyes looked out the window to see Quick hoping in a car with, who she guessed, was his friends. “Where that idiot when I need her.” Aria mumbled, resting her hands on her chin. Her mind went back to the alley, where she left Sonata. “I wonder if she still around there…” There was a small painful guilt in her chest, but she just tossed it aside. “Ha, knowing her, she probably already off either causing trouble or have already found a place to stay. I feel sorry for whoever found her.” Aria mused, chuckling to herself. “That innocent smile is going to cause a lot of trouble.” With a small sigh, Aria got up and walked over to the couch. “Might as well start looking for a decent job in this boring city.” *** It's only been twenty minutes since Aria started to look for a job and she was already feeling hopeless at it. The jobs she came across had either require her to have a high school education or to be enroll in a high school for a decent pay, other jobs that didn't have that had low wages. When Aria decided to look at a random place to see what an average pay would be like, she was disappointed to find that a low wage job would barely get her through the rent let alone for food. It was time like this where she actually valued having the others around, where she didn't have to plan the needless stuff and could leave it to Adagio, where they could just split the work among themselves and have something to show. Even so, she refuse to let this put her down all the way. She said she could make it without either of them, and that what she is planning on doing. She just had to find a decent paying job that wouldn't bore her to death on Tartarus's doorstep. Pushing the laptop away from her, Aria once again planted her face on the table, letting out a frustrated groan. “I hate my life!” > Adagio: Outback Raiding > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Laying on the floor, Adagio was awaken by the early dawn light passing through the windows. With a groan, Adagio pulled herself up and yawned. Rubbing her neck, Adagio had to hold back a small yelp from her stiff joints popping. Looking to the large fire pit bowl in front of her, Adagio found that the fire had completely died out. Picking up her prodding stick, Adagio poked at the ashes, seeing if there was any burning wood left. Seeing as there was none, Adagio picked herself up and dust off her clothes. Looking out the window at the still partly dark skies, Adagio wonder how long she would have to do this. Not long afterwards did Adagio stomach started to growled. “I need some food.” Adagio said, placing a hand onto her stomach. “And something to drink.” She finish, smacking her lips Checking her pocket once more, Adagio grabbed two dollars from her small pocket stash. Not happy that she had to spend so little, she clutched the money tight as she knew the changed would only last her fifteen days. Sighing, Adagio stretch once more as she headed downstairs and out the house. Digging her hands deeper into her pockets in the cool morning breeze, Adagio started back towards the way she had came. Empty streets and closed stores was all she saw as she walked passed buildings after buildings. Coming up to a local dollar store, Adagio spotted something sticking out the back dumbster. She squinted her eyes to see if she see it better, but it did her no good all she saw were large boxes sticking out. “Dammit Adagio, pull yourself together. It's in the dumpster, it’s just trash.” She told herself as she looked side to side. “But, I have seen stores throw out items that were still good…” Adagio bit her lips, her pride clashing with her curiosity. Looking around her, Adagio let out a deep, aggravated sigh. “There’s better be something really good in there or I’m going to kill myself,” she said with gritted teeths. Pulling her hood over her hood, Adagio walked over to the large dumpster and peered inside. All she saw were broken down boxes and crates on either side, nothing of use. As she continue to scan, her eyes caught something near the bottom of the dumpster. Slowly, Adagio hopped inside the dumpster and started to move the trash around. There at the bottom she found to be some ruin backpack, destroyed clothes, busted fans, broken toys and so much more. A frown plastered on Adagio’s face as to her, all she saw were junk, junk, and more junk. “Agg, nothing, just my luck. Here I go hopping into a dumpster for what,” Adagio ranted to herself, picking up a ruin backpack. “This?” She said, slamming the bag into the dumpster floor. In truth, Adagio didn’t know who she was yelling at. Maybe it was her anger breaking out from her current predicament, she didn’t know. What she did know was that she was upset and she wanted to break something. Reaching into the trash, she picked up a box and slammed it into the side of the dumpster. As the box smashed into it, it broke open and something fell out. “What’s this?” Adagio asked herself, picking up the now empty box. “An Air Mattress with a battery power Pump?” Turning the box upside down, Adagio frown as nothing came out. “Where is the Pump?” Angrily, Adagio tossed the box away and started to search deeper into the dumpster. “Maybe there is some useful stuff here after all.” *** After searching for half an hour, Adagio manage to scrape up a few items she consider would be useful. She had manage to find: an Air Mattress, a Pump with batteries, a camping lantern, a box of batteries, a duffel bag and backpack, a hat, gloves, some lighters, and a flashlight. “Ha, now this is what I'm talking about. I bet Sonata or Aria hasn't even manage to find a place to stay, let alone shelter.” Adagio whisper to herself with a triumphant smile. But as the thought of her two friends sleeping on the pavement floor came to her mind, she immediately bit back on her spoken words. “I have no time to worry about them. We went our own way, so we have to worry about ourselves now.” She spoke to herself as she stuff her new found items into her bag. “It’s not like any of them needed me, and I definitely don't need them. I don’t need… either.. one... of... them.” Adagio said as she blink back a few tears that had started to form. Wiping her eyes clear, Adagio put on her backpack and grabbed her bag. “And I’m looking more and more pathetic by the hour, just like a homeless person. Please, just rain on me now to add the icing to the cake.” Adagio pleaded sarcastically. Seeing as the sky was still clear, Adagio sighed and made her way back to her makeshift home. Sitting in one of the local fast food restaurant, Adagio sourly ate her only meal for the day. After today's find, Adagio wanted more. She didn't just want to rummage through some trash looking for anything that could be useful. No. Adagio wanted to take whatever she needs, when ever she wanted. To be able to go into a store and grab what she wants and walk out without paying. As her mind kept lingering onto the idea, the idea of becoming a local thief didn't sound that bad to her. Sure if she gets caught she would most likely go to jail, but that only means she would have a roof over her head and a meal to eat everyday. At the mere thought of eating prison food came to her, Adagio let off a small gag as she cover her mouth. “Okay, how about I focus on not getting caught if I do this.” She mumbled through her hand as she laid her head down on the table.  > Sonata: Stray > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Help, he won't stop moving!” Sonata scream out as she try to hold the puppy down to give him a bath. “What do I do?” “Here, give him this squeaky toy. It should calm him down long enough to clean him.” Fluttershy said, tossing Sonata a toy bone for the puppy. Before Sonata could grab it out the sky, the puppy jumped up and intercepted it midway. With the bone in his mouth, the puppy laid down, happily chewing on the toy. This gave Sonata the moment she needed as he was finally staying still long enough for her to clean him. “Thank you again for helping me out today.” Fluttershy said once more, taking three kittens out of their cages to clean them. Grabbing the shower head, Sonata effortlessly rinse the puppy down as she looked back to Fluttershy. “It’s fine.” Sonata said, picking up a nearby towel. “You and your friends are helping me, so,” picking up the puppy in her arms, Sonata gently began to dry it off. “So this much is fine.” Fluttershy looked at Sonata, frowning a little. She wanted to tell Sonata that she shouldn't feel like she was in debt, but it was the fact that she was willing to help that kept Fluttershy quiet. Sonata wanted to work off her pay, Fluttershy could tell that much and knew it would be rude to her to say otherwise. Turning her attention back to the kittens cages, she stayed quiet, cleaning them out. “Ahh! Stop!” Sonata screamed, throwing her hands up in front of her face to block the stray water. Fluttershy almost hit the back of her head on the cage, the sudden scream startling her. Back paddling away, Fluttershy looked to Sonata in concern. What she saw had giggles filling up inside her as she put a hand over her mouth to stifle the laughing. She watch as Sonata reeled back from the puppy as it was shaking ferociously, self drying itself and the water flying everywhere. Sonata finally lower her hands, soaking wet from head to toe, water dripping off of her as she just look at the puppy, frowning. “That wasn’t nice…” She mumbled, pulling at her wet shirt. “There’s a… change of clothes in the back… when we are done.” Fluttershy said in between giggles. Sonata nodded, grabbing the towel to dry the puppy off properly this time. Though she didn't like getting wet from all the shaking, she found herself having a bit of fun helping out. Maybe I should help here more often. *** With a fresh pair of dry clothes on, Fluttershy and Sonata walked out of the animal shelter, having a chat about the animals. Neither of them notice a fluff of orange hair walking by on the other side of the street as they were too engrossed in their conversation. “So people just leave the poor animals out on the street, even the baby ones?” Sonata asked, feeling sad for the abandon kittens that was recently brought into the shelter. Fluttershy nodded her head sadly, keeping her hands in her pockets. “Sometimes it’s too much to take care of them, or in other cases, nobody wants them. Some just find having them to be a problem and would rather just leave them out on the street.” A twinge of sadness and depression filled Sonata’s heart, knowing how it felt to be cast aside and left alone. She didn’t want to admit it, but she felt like the stray animals in the shelter. The pride she once had now gone, only to be replace by the sheer fact of dependency. Like the animals in the shelter, she needed help, and she needed a place to call her own. She was nothing more than an abandoned kitten or puppy. That realization brought fresh tears to her eyes, but she manage to hide it as she wiped them away. “At least some of them find a loving home.” Fluttershy added, not noticing the emotions coming off Sonata. Pulling her phone out, Fluttershy looked at the time. “Oh my, we’ve been out so long and we still have school tomorrow.” She said, looking to Sonata. “Want to stop by somewhere to get something to eat?” “Umm…” Sonata put a finger to her chin, looking around the street before lighting up and pointing to a nearby restaurant. “Oh, let's get a sandwich from subway.” Sonata beam, wanting a warm toasted sandwich to eat. Fluttershy nodded, heading in the restaurant direction. Going inside, both girls stood at the counter, ordering their food with their prefer topping. Fluttershy got her usual veggie sub with cold cuts, stack with cucumbers and pickles. Sonata got a mixed sub, it was mostly veggie but with a few meat on it like pepperoni and salami. After paying for their food, though Fluttershy did the paying while Sonata felt ever bit more useless, they headed back home to eat. Once inside the house, Sonata went to the living room and sat down on the couch to eat, turning on the TV. While she wasn't use to the house or living with someone other than Adagio and Aria, she did, however, enjoyed the peace and quiet from Aria’s bullying given the few days she has been here. Taking her sub out the bag to eat, Fluttershy came over and sat down near her. “So… Are you ready to head back to CHS?” Fluttershy asked, taking her sub out as well. “It won't be easy from the start, but you should be able to fit in soon.” “Do you think so? Everyone chased us off after the music event thing, I don't think they will be too keen on having me back.” “Actually…” Looking away, Fluttershy took out a knife to cut her sandwich into smaller pieces. “As long as you don't do anything bad, the students would be willing to give you a chance. You already know about what happen to Sunset, so maybe, things would be easier for you.” “Maybe…” Sonata mumbled, also knowing that Sunset had done a lot of apologizing. She didn't want to apologize for what she’s done, both Aria and Adagio already told her she had nothing to apologize for. They did what they had to do, there was nothing wrong with that. Sure it may have been bad, but, it’s what they do, it’s also who they are. As she thought more on it, she wonder if there was something to apologize for at, surely not. Yet, she knew if she didn't, she wouldn't have a good time at the school. It was surprising how much you could learn while messing with a person under your spell, Sonata knew just how much Sunset got teased and bully when she was trying to change. All Sonata had to do was avoid the apologizing and things should go better for her. This time, I’ll prove my worth, prove that I can do things on my own. Next time we meet Adagio, Aria, you will see a new me. A more reliable Sonata Dusk. > Aria: Irritating Search > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few hours later and a notepad in hand, Aria had managed to find a few decent looking jobs to help get her started. It wasn't what she wanted, but she knew she couldn’t be picky given her disadvantages. Looking at the places she put down, she let out an irritated groan as she skimmed over them once more. The jobs itself is best considered as first timers, given most of them were at corners and groceries stores. With the end of a pen in her mouth and her hand scrolling down the webpage, Aria gave up on searching for any others that would pay better and ask less questions. With a slam, she closed the laptop and pushed it aside. “I hope those documents we forged still works or I’ll be out of luck.” She mumbled, resting her chin in her hand as she stared off at the wall. She couldn't help but let her mind wander off, back to when they first forged their documents to get their way into the school. It was so simple and easy at the time that she never gave it a second thought to look them over. Sighing, she lay back on the couch as her hair draped over her body. Then, in a fashion to just irritate her more, a painful thought came to her mind. “I’m probably going to need transportation as well… ugh!” *** When Quick had returned back home after hanging out with his friends, and doing a little study session, he found Aria laid out on the couch and half passed out. With one arm draped over her eyes and her lavender hair splayed over her arm, he almost didn't want to disturbed her. There was something enchanting about her that he just couldn't put his finger on. Maybe it was the way she was laying down, or the way the light from the window washed over her. Whatever the case was, Quick pushed the thought to the side as he dropped his bag to the floor and walked over to her. “Hey sleepy head, little too early to be taking a cat nap, don't you think?” He teased, earning a groan from the girl. “What are you doing back?” Aria yawned out, not moving her arms from over her eyes. “Oh I don’t know…” Quick started, snatching the notepad up as he took a seat near her, yet keeping his distance at the same time. “Short day, quick things, wasn’t planning to be out long. Oh you know, the normal stuff.” Even with her arms over her eyes, Quick could easily tell she was rolling her eyes at his statement given her response. “Oh har har.” She mocked in return, moving to sit up on the couch. “You didn’t say how long, so I didn't expect you to be back so soon.” She glared at him before noticing he was skimming through her notes. “Hey! What do you think your doing?” She hissed out, reached out and snatched the notepad up from him. Leaning to the opposite side to keep the notepad out of her reach, Quick looked over the notes she had written and the possible jobs she was trying for. After a few moments to read, he felt a sharp pain in his leg as Aria pinched him hard, causing him to drop the papers. Moving quickly, Aria snatched up the notes and shredded it in frustration. Holding the torn papers in both hands, she didn't look to Quick as her eyes were cast downwards and her fist shook in anger. “Hey… I’m sorry for taking the notepad and reading it,” Quick apologizes, reaching down to pick up the pieces that had fallen. “But… Are you able to actually get a job?” He asked, seeing the stores and places she wanted to try. “I am not trying to pry or anything into your life, but the places you choose, they don't pay much and don't ask for much other than a few identifications to put down or verifications that your older than eighteen. At least that’s what they claim.” Letting the rest of the pieces in her hands fall to the floor, Aria balled her fist up as she looked to the side. “A job is a job.” She deadpan, dismissing his worries. “You go there, you work and you earn a paycheck. That is all that matters.” She said through clutch teeth. After picking up the last of the pieces of papers, he looked to her as he took her hand. Forcing her hand open, he placed the papers back in her palm as he spoke up. “Listen… I didn’t realize that you couldn’t-” “Couldn’t what?” Aria snapped, whipping around to face him and looking him square in the eyes. “Couldn’t get a decent job? Can't get much of a job because I don't know if my documents are still valid?” She yelled, advancing on him as if she was ready to knock his lights out. “That I might not be able to pay you your precious money for letting me stay here? Or that I might just free load!” She growled, her tone darkening with anger as her eyes blazed with rage. “Don't you dare judge me of what I can and can't do!” She screamed, throwing a fist to hit him in the face. Quick however saw this attack coming the moment she turned on him and was prepared to defend himself. Leaning back, he grabbed her wrist, then the other one as she struggled to beat on him. At first he thought she had lost her mind and was in a frenzy, but when he noticed a tear falling he knew why she was lashing out. The girl was far stronger than he had thought, but he managed to keep a hold on her wrist until she had calmed down. When her breathing had somewhat slowed to a more calm pace, he slowly and wearily let go of her wrist. Aria, for her credit, gave up on the assault as she just weakly head butted his chest in an effortless attempt to satisfy her anger. “I’m not a failure. I can do this… I can…” She sobbed, almost as if her words alone would change the situation. “It’s just a setback, just a little… set back...” She cried, her sounds muffled in his chest, a sound that was akin to a desperate cry for help. Quick was taken aback by her actions and words, confusion and uncertainty clear across his face. He didn’t know what to do for the crying girl on his chest. Do he hug her and tell her it’ll be alright, pat her head and try to comfort her, or just let her cry and say nothing. The situation was making him very uncomfortable but he couldn't find a single given reason to actually pull away. Going with the most safest option, he placed a hand on her head, as if he was trying to stop her from head butting him. He just looked around the room, still unsure what to say or do as she cried. When Aria seem to have quieted down and her head butting had stopped, she just rested her head on his chest, not moving or daring to look up. For a second, Quick thought she might have passed out. When she had finally spoke, her tone was hollowed and depressed. “How long will you let me stay here before you kick me out?” She asked bluntly, her eyes focused on the floor. Choosing his words very wisely and carefully, he spoke slowly. “Well… I am not sure.” He said, wondering if he should pulled away. “I don't have any roommates, and we have not exhausted all of your options yet so…” Swallowing, he took a chance and stepped back. “Let see how things turned out in say... a week?” Staying put where she stood, she hugged her body like she was crossing her arms as she nodded. A week is what she had to see about getting a job to pay this person back and hopefully keep a roof over her head. Shuffling in her spot, she had a few ideas of what she could do if nothing came up, but she hoped she wouldn't have to go that far to make ends meet. > Adagio: Better Planning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Where did she go?!” A male voice yelled out with a gasp of air. “I don’t know man, but she couldn't have gone too far. Let’s try over there.” Another said as he too was gasping for air. It was only a short while later and after hearing their footsteps running in the opposite direction did Adagio let out the breath she was holding. Letting her body relaxed, she held up the phones she had stolen from the guys who worked at a phone shop. She was lucky that she had slow them down as she doubted she would have gotten away otherwise. Checking the phones, she found them to be unlocked and without a password. “Perfect, now all I need to do is clear it then it should be good as new to sell.” Lifting her head over the bushes to see no one was around, she slowly got up and dusted herself off. “Well, I can’t come to this side of town ever again. At least in the moring.” She muttered to herself, walking home. Shoving the phones into her pocket, she let the event replay in her mind. It was a stupid plan, one that she didn’t think through at all. She saw an opportunity, a moment to strike. Without thinking she had pulled her hood on and stolen the phones. She hope that she had managed to avoid any cameras but she wasn't too sure on that. Though her body was still pumping adrenaline from the sudden rush, her mind had slowed down to a crawl. The first true act of thievery and she had already messed up. *** Sitting down next to the pot of smoldering embers, Adagio looked at the phones again. She could sell them, that much would be easy, but if she did so now she ran the risk of being caught. No, she would have to wait before she could cash them in. “So much for a quick buck. Dammit Adagio, keep your mind straight. First a plan needs to be made before you act. I should only do small things, reduce the risk of the police searching for me.” She said to herself, using a twig from the pot she drew mindlessly on the ground. “Take what I need, not what I want. Save up enough money and get into a proper place, maybe a hotel and move on from there. No, hotels are expensive for a long period of time but I don't have much of a choice. If I had a fraction of my power I could solve that easily.” She sighed, shaking her head of the mental image and thoughts. She knew thinking about her gem would only make things worse on herself, that it would make it harder to move on without them. She needed to adopt a new method, something that could, in her mind, take the place of her gem. Looking around her she didn't know what that could be. Threats and sabotage? That was easier said than done and Adagio knew she could never gain the power or fear over the city without some help. Laying down on the floor, her eyes looked to the hole in the ceiling as she wonders, “maybe I should try being nice. People do things for others when they are nice, or so I hear. Thief at night, nice in the morning?” Letting her own eyes fall to her chest, she watched herself breathe in and out, a simple distraction to her otherwise racing mind. It wasn't much of therapeutic as it was calming. There was just too much on the matter to consider and she found herself raising to a panic. Once calm, she looked towards the window. “I will just stick to stealing first, I need some new clothes anyway. Then afterwards I would entertain that idea… maybe.” *** Later that night, Adagio decided to take her chance at a store, this time making sure to be more cautious in her efforts. Grabbing the duffel bag she had found, she looked around for anything else she may need. She wasn't a complete amateur at thieving and she knew some of the basic, but giving she hadnt need to resort to it often made this little adventure that much more harder for her. Leaving her abandoned shelter, she made her way across town to the closest clothes shop she could think of. “Alright, now, let's see, how do I get in?” Adagio asked herself, looking around the shop for any weak points to break through without raising the alarms. She knew without a doubt that the moment anything opens or break the alarms would go off. “Okay, maybe if I cut the power I could get inside without anything going off. Though I still need to find a way in.” Walking around the store and trying her best to stay out of any camera sights, she looked around for anything that could be used to get inside without much issue. The building itself was a single shop, a front door and back door and looked to be a hybrid of a house. Adagio found the place to be a bit over the top but the clothes in the shop was surprisingly stylish to her taste. Still, the building was well secure, not that Adagio didn't see that coming. It was only when she found the power box did she saw a little flaw in the security system. “Well well well, what is this?” She asked, seeing a generator plug that looked to be tape on. “This looks faulty, and it connected to a backup generator? Maybe if I just,” Using a twig from the ground, she pulled the plug from its place, waiting to see what happens. When no alarms went off, she went ahead and used her lighter, burning the rest of the wire free from their place. It was dangerous, and she new fire wasn't meant to be played with, but with no other means to properly cut the wires she had to take her chances. As the rubber melted and the wires tangled together, she stepped away to listen for any alarms. Hearing that everything was all clear she went for her next step, getting inside. Running her fingers along the windows, she looked for anything that was open. “Damn, all of their windows are locked. I can’t break the windows that would just contradict my effort at cutting the power.” Adagio continue her survey around the building, running multiple ideas of how she could get inside. She knew she could try brute force but that would require her to have a crowbar and that along didn't mean it would be quiet. Again her thoughts went back to the window and the idea of breaking it. Though the option was there, her main issue would be getting in, getting what she needed and getting out without the occupant inside waking up. “Maybe I should take some time into learning how to pick locks, that may be useful… And possible more tools...” She mumbled to herself, disappointment washing over her once more as another plan of hers failed. Picking up a rock she rolled it around in her palms, frustrated that she hadn't thought this through again. She was about to throw the rock threw the window out of frustration until she heard something coming from behind her. “Who’s there?” A female voice called out from a distance. A sudden light flashed on Adagio’s back, startling her from her thoughts. She was careless, she shouldn't have spent so much time wondering about after cutting the wires. A quick curse slipped from her lips as she took off running. “Hey! Wait!” The voice called out to her. Adagio didn't listen, she didn't stop running. She ran as far and as fast as she could before stopping to catch her breath. Looking behind her she found to her satisfaction the person didn't chase her. She moved over to a tree, pressing her back to it as she sat down to catch her breath. “How could I be so stupid!” She berated herself, pressing her hands to her head. “I need to do better!”