Once Upon A Moonlit Sonata

Chapters

Chapter 3: Learn from the Sea
Chapter 4: Aria of Sorrow
Chapter 5: Hard Knocks
Chapter 6: The Siren's Cadence
Chapter 7: The Stars that Shine Brightest
Chapter 8: Ready, Set, Fight
Chapter 9: Swimming with Sirens
Chapter 10: First Impressions
Chapter 11: Deep in the Jungle
Chapter 12: What We Leave Behind
Chapter 13: Burning Bridges
Chapter 14: Fire and Ice
Chapter 1: The New Girl
Chapter 2: Bedazzled
Epilogue: The Waves of Home

Chapter 3: Learn from the Sea

Talan awoke to a deathly quiet house. It was Saturday, about a week since the last time he saw Sonata or her friends. She played games with him the rest of the night. He had to admit she wasn’t that bad, despite her insistence otherwise. His parents came home and paid her. She thanked them for the job and talked with his father a bit before leaving. Talan wasn’t sure what about, since his mother whisked him away to find out about the upcoming Cross Country meet. Sonata gave Talan a warm hug before she left and tousled his spiked hair.

After the Cross Country meet later that week, his parents took him to dinner. Little did he know they were going to spring something on him. Something big. His parent’s company was going through a merger with another, roughly the same size. They would be flying to Europe for two weeks to finalize the merger, and set up a site that would be built in the future. Talan’s mother had to leave to meet her friends for yoga, which left just him and his dad.

Talan’s father waited a moment before continuing the conversation. Then, the unbelievable happened. Sonata walked through the door and took a seat next to Talan. She gave him a small hug and said that his father had told her to come out to dinner.

Talan’s father ordered her some food, then explained why they were meeting like this. Aside from the two weeks they’d be staying in Europe, while they were there, it was his anniversary with Talan’s mother. He planned to stay an extra two weeks to visit her relatives, and to see the sites. On top of that, he booked a cruise for the occasion. All told, it meant that his parents would be gone for over a month. Talan’s father explained that’s why he asked Sonata to come. He wanted to know if she’d be willing to watch Talan and the house for that extended amount of time. That way he wouldn’t have to call in any last minute favors. He also believed that they both got along well. He said he trusted them, and wouldn’t have a problem with Sonata moving in for the job. He would pay her more than her usual rate, and provide as much money for groceries or other expenses that were needed.

Talan didn’t know what to say, he just turned toward Sonata who was smiling down at him. She said she would be glad to take the job, and that Talan was no trouble at all. As for Talan himself, he didn’t argue one bit. And so it was settled.

It was about nine in the morning as Talan dragged himself out of bed and into the shower. After he was done he felt strange, he checked the temperature and realized it was quite hot outside. He slipped on a loose pair of shorts and a tee shirt and went downstairs to make some breakfast. After he was done eating, the doorbell rang.

Talan put his dishes in the sink, then answered the door.

“Hey Spike, how ya doin’ this morning?” Sonata asked with a happy smile.

Talan grinned, that was fast. He knew she was supposed to come this morning, but he didn’t think she would be so early. Also, Talan had a little trouble keeping his eyes off her. Today Sonata wore short shorts and a tank top that exposed her slender midriff. It was likely due to the heat, and made perfect sense to Talan. He noticed the top was one of those newer stylized things. The ones where it lacked a shoulder strap on the left side. She was also wearing sandals, something even Talan considered wearing today.

“Morning, Sonata. Do you need help with your things?” Talan asked.

Sonata nodded, “Such a sweetie, yes that would be nice. They’re in the back. I want to check to see if your parents left me anything to do, then I’ll help.”

Talan began walking to her jeep and yelled over his shoulder, “It’s in my father’s study.”

Sonata found the study and sat down at the desk, she read the note saying that everything she needed was inside. The money, the list of things to do as the days went by, and some things she was welcome to use while she was here.

Talan grabbed two suitcases and hauled them upstairs and into the guest bedroom. It was located just down the hall from his own room and on the opposite side. Sonata found him and clasped her hands to her mouth.

“Wow! This is really nice! I’m staying here?” she gasped.

Talan nodded as he left the room, “Yep, that’s what my mother and father agreed to. I’ll go get your other stuff while you unpack.”

He didn’t hear a reply while Sonata grabbed her suitcases and hoisted them onto the bed. She must have had a lot of stuff in there since they were kinda heavy. Talan grabbed the last of Sonata’s things in a few bags and shut up the house. He brought them into the room and found Sonata was still marveling at how spacious it was.

“This is amazing, and it’s all mine... “ she said while shaking her head.

“I didn’t think you’d like it so much, but I’m glad you do.” Talan said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Sonata looked over and saw he had finished carrying her stuff in. She giggled and grabbed him in tight hug, then fell onto the bed with him, still giggling.

“This isn’t at all like the apartment I share with the girls,” she said while letting go of Talan. “It’s so cramped, here I can actually have my own space. It’s wonderful! And thanks for helping me carry in my stuff. ”

Talan sat up and looked down at her, “Don’t worry about it, I’m glad you like everything. I’ll leave you alone to get unpacked.”

Sonata shrugged, “Alright, Talan. There’s no chores on weekends apparently, so do whatever you want.”

Talan nodded, “That’s good, I was going to go hang out with some friends today. I’ll probably be gone most of the day.”

“Alright,” Sonata said, “When you get home I’ll make dinner and we can hangout if you want, sound good?”

“Sounds great!” Talan exclaimed.

He left the guest room and went back to his own. He shut the door and picked up his cell phone. Alex was usually the one who made the plans, so he decided to call him first.

“Hey, Alex.”

“Oh, hey Talan, what’s up man?” he asked.

Talan yawned, “Nothing much, just wondered if we were doing anything today.”

“Nah, can’t get enough people. We decided not to.”

“Oh, really?” Talan asked, “That’s a bummer.”

“Yeah, sorry. I’ll talk to ya later, Talan.”

Talan hung up and fell back into his computer chair. Well that was lame, what was he going to do now? He turned to his computer and realized there was a content patch for one of his favorite games coming out today. He shrugged and opened Mist, the digital distribution service and began the download. At least that was something. He walked downstairs to make a snack and realized they were out of some good stuff, he made a note to run down to the market later and get something. No need to have Sonata do it, and he would probably want to go do something later anyway.

After some time on the computer and some studying, Talan decided to go down the road to the grocery store. He wanted some cookies and some candy bars for later.

Talan walked into the kitchen and saw Sonata flipping through a cookbook, “Sonata, I’m going to go down to the store. I’ll be back soon.”

Sonata looked and shrugged, “Alright, are you sure you don’t want me to take you?”

Talan shook his head, “Nah, I’ll ride my bike. It’s just down the road.”

“Do you have the money?” she asked.

“Yeah, my mom gave me some for occasions like this.”

“Alright, Talan.” Sonata said with a laugh. “Don’t be too long or I’ll worry.”

Talan nodded with a sigh and walked out to the garage. He lifted the door and road out of the driveway and into the neighborhood. Talan’s house was situated in a gated community atop a large hill. He coasted down the road past the gates and continued on until he reached the edge of the suburbs, and then the store.

He walked in and quickly went to the isles to find the candy and cookies. He also saw some nacho chips that were on sale. He figured Sonata could make something taco related with them, like a taco salad or something, so he grabbed them too. After paying at the register, Talan stuffed the groceries into his backpack and got on the bike. Just before he got on and started to pedal, he caught a glimpse of something across the street.

On the other side of the grocery store was the diner and donut shop, Joe’s Donuts. It was a favorite hangout for kids in the area. In one of the booths near the window he saw Alex sit down, and across from him was Ryan. Two of their other friends from school were also there. They were laughing and enjoying themselves. Talan scanned the parking lot and saw they had their downhill longboards resting against the building. They were going to go downhill skating across town later. Talan had a board for that, and it was one of his favorite things to do. Why hadn’t they called him?

Things began to click into place as Talan got his bike and pedalled away. They didn’t want to hang out with him, for one reason or another. Alex lied, and others didn’t say anything. Granted, they might not have known, but still. Would they have texted him with a lie if he asked what they were doing? Talan grunted as he pedalled up the hill, it was much harder than going down, and he was riding into the sun. He had no idea why they would act this way. It was making him really depressed.

Talan finally arrived back at his house, completely out of breath. He coasted into the garage and walked inside, the cool air feeling oh so good. Talan made his way into the kitchen and was joined by Sonata coming in from the other room.

“Hey! So what did ya get?” She asked.

Talan frowned and slowly sat down his backpack. “Just come cookies, candy bars, and these,” he said while sliding the nachos over to her. “Figured you could do some taco stuff with that.”

Sonata smiled, but then realized Talan was looking down. “Thanks, but what’s wrong? Is something bothering you?”

Talan shook his head and began to walk away, but was stopped by Sonata’s hand on his shoulder. “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”

Sonata squatted down, “Talan, please tell me. Maybe I can help, whatever it is.”

Talan looked into her eyes and realized it wouldn’t matter if he told her, “You know how I said I was gonna hang out with friends later today, and that they said they were busy?”

“Mhm,” Sonata replied.

“Well, I saw them at our favorite diner just now. All of them. They lied to me.”

Sonata gasped, “Why would they do that?”

Talan’s head and shoulders drooped, “I don’t know. Apparently they don’t want to hang out. Maybe they’re tired of me. Doesn’t matter. I’m going upstairs.”

Sonata’s hand fell away as Talan quickly turned and walked up to his room. She winced as she heard the door slam. She felt terrible because she knew exactly what it was like. Aria and Adagio had done that to her before, at least a few times. It all worked out later, but that didn’t make it feel any better.

Talan sat slumped over in his computer chair staring at one of the online collectible card games he played. He was losing badly, but he didn’t care. What would make his friends abandon him and lie? What did he do? Was it because of his wealth? That couldn’t be it, he didn’t consider himself a stuck up brat, and his cousin wasn’t stuck up either. Even though she could be a bit stuffy with her knowledge and desire to learn. Plus, Ryan’s family was pretty well off, too. Talan quit the card game and slouched down even further.

Wait... Talan thought as he got up, it didn’t have anything to do with Sonata... did it? He thought back to how Alex and Ryan reacted when he told them they shouldn’t come over to meet her. They weren’t pleased. Was it because they were jealous? At the moment, that made more sense than anything else, and it really irritated him.

After a few more minutes of contemplation, Talan was broken out of his thoughts by a knock on the door. It opened revealing a concerned Sonata.

“Hey, Talan. How ya feeling?” she asked.

Talan sat up and shrugged, “Not so good, but I’ll be okay.”

Sonata walked forward a bit and leaned over, resting her hands on her knees. “I’m sorry about your friends. But I think I know something that will cheer you up. Want to go to the beach with me?”

Talan looked up, a stunned expression on his face. “Th-the beach, with you?”

“Mhm!” Sonata nodded with a playful grin.

“Like with water, sand and uh... swimsuits?”

“Yeah, all of that. You have been to the beach before, right?” she asked with a confused look.

Talan looked Sonata up and down. Her attractive figure being shown off by her outfit. His friends were jealous of him? Well, now they had every right to be...

“Do you have beach stuff?” Talan asked.

“I certainly do!” Sonata said with happy clap.

“I’d love to go,” Talan said. “Let’s go right now. Let me get my stuff and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

“Yay!” Sonata exclaimed, then ran into her room.

Talan grinned and went about gathering his swim trunks and a few other things, then went downstairs to wait. In a few moments, Sonata joined him with a backpack of her own and some sun glasses.

“Ready to go?” she asked while getting out her keys.

“Hold on a sec,” Talan said. “Want to see something cool? We don’t need to drive. Follow me.”

Sonata looked at Talan and raised an eyebrow, “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” Talan said with a chuckle.

The two of them left his house and locked up, then walked to the group of trees that sat behind the community. Behind the group of houses near Talan was a small park for the community. It was a switchback trail that ran down a rather large cliff face. Sonata smiled as she followed Talan down the trail and eventually came out on the other side. They were greeted by a serene and secluded beach that wrapped around the cliff to their left, and stretched out to the horizon on their right. The sand was warm and inviting, as was the calm sea.

Talan turned to Sonata and looked up at her, “So, what do you think? Probably better than the beach you were thinking of, right?”

Sonata couldn’t tear herself away from the ocean. Even though she had been here a long time with Adagio and Aria, she never had a chance to visit it. Distant memories of her former home came flooding back to her. Endless oceans and the life teeming within. Talan’s voice eventually tore her from the reverie.

“Oh, yeah...” she muttered. “Sorry, Talan. I was just daydreaming a bit. This place is much better.”

Talan smiled proudly and began to unpack his stuff. Sonata did the same and spread out some of their beach towels.

As Sonata was going through her bag, Talan decided to grab his trunks and go change in the trees where they just came from. He jogged over and took off his shirt and shorts, then put on his trunks. A light blue pair with schools of fish on the front.

Talan emerged from the trees and was greeted to something he still wasn’t prepared for. Sonata stood up and slipped off her shorts, and then her top revealing a purple bikini. She stretched and turned around to see him gawking at her. Talan closed his mouth and tried to hide his immense blush. She was absolutely beautiful. Not to mention in tremendous shape.

How can she eat so many tacos and have a body like that?! Talan wondered as she smirked and beckoned him over with a finger.

“Whatcha starin’ at, cutie?” she asked while leaning on her hip.

“I- uh, nothing.” Talan stuttered then became suddenly preoccupied with the sand at his feet.

Sonata chuckled and bent down, “Nothing to be ashamed of, Talan. Now, it’s bright out here. We should put on some sunscreen.”

Talan looked up at her and nodded. He took a bottle from Sonata and began covering himself. After he finished he turned around to see Sonata smiling at him.

“What?” he asked.

“Could you get my back?” Sonata asked innocently.

Talan dropped the bottle and quickly picked it back up. “S-sure.”

Sonata stretched out on her stomach and handed him her own bottle. “Don’t miss a spot, I burn easily.”

Talan quickly nodded and got down on his knees. He squirted some of the lotion onto his hands and began to work. He started at her shoulders, then worked his way down. He marveled at the silky smooth touch of her skin and her curves. As he worked lower he heard her sigh in contentment. He reached her lower back and finished, somewhat sad that it didn’t last longer.

“Done,” Talan said.

“Oh, could you get my legs, too?” she asked, looking over her shoulder.

“L-legs? Legs, yes.” Talan said and reached for more sunscreen.

Running his hands up and down her thighs, Talan realized the muscle she had. It was deceiving. From the way they dressed, Sonata and her friends looked the like typical hot teenagers. It wasn’t that they were bodybuilders or anything, but Sonata looked like she ran cross country with a body like that. Or, perhaps she was a swimmer? That would also explain it. He wondered if Adagio and Aria were the same.

“Ahh, that felt nice. Thanks, Talan.” Sonata said with chuckle while looking over her shoulder again.

Talan smiled, then felt his trunks starting to stretch. He looked down and quickly got to his feet, his cheeks burning crimson. He carefully laid down on his stomach next to Sonata. His towel was already warm from the sun and sapped him of energy.

“Uh, don’t mention it.” Talan said. “Now what?”

“Well, I’m gonna get some sun for now. You can do whatever you want.”

“I think I’ll just take a nap.” Talan said with a yawn.

“Kay,” Sonata said while rolling onto her back and raising one leg.

The amount of time dwelling on why his friends would lie must have really tired Talan out. A sound coming from nearby roused him from his nap. He opened his eyes to a big blue sky, though the sun was starting to go down over the ocean. He didn’t realize he napped for so long.

The sound brought his attention to the water where he saw Sonata floating and waving to him.

“Come swim with me, Talan!”

Talan grinned. Like she even needed to invite him.

He ran down to the beach and jumped into a wave as it broke to shore. He swam out a ways until he was near Sonata and came to the surface. The water was cool, but not cold. It was nearly perfect.

“This is great. Thanks for this, Sonata,” Talan said with a grateful smile.

Sonata swam forward and grinned. Her hair was out of it’s ponytail and hanging low down her back. She looked absolutely stunning.

“I called you earlier but you slept right through it,” she said.

Talan rolled his eyes and looked up at the sky, “Yeah, sorry. I - argh!”

He spoke the last of what he was saying underwater as Sonata playfully shoved him under. Talan broke the surface and shook his head. Sonata giggled and stuck out her tongue.

“Oh, so that’s how it’s gonna be?” Talan asked while slowly swimming toward her.

Sonata shrugged, “Yeah, what you gonna do about it?”

Talan swam up to her then sprang up out of water as high as he could to shove Sonata’s head under. She remained there for a moment, then swiftly spun around behind Talan and wrapped her arms around him. She broke the surface and threw him backwards slightly out of the water, dunking him behind her.

They both played around for a while wrestling back and forth. Talan had a hard time keeping up with Sonata in the water. Whenever she wanted to get away there was little Talan could do to stop her. It was like she was born in the water, she was a natural. He swore it literally parted in front of her as if by magic.

Sonata finally grabbed Talan from behind and gave him a playful squeeze. She brought her legs under him and leaned forward. “Truce?”

Talan, who was out of breath at this point, decided to accept. He slumped back in her embrace and nodded. “Truce.”

They bobbed up and down for a bit without a word, watching the sun go down. Then Talan decided ask something.

“Hey Sonata, I noticed something the other day when your friends were here. Aria and Adagio, they make fun of you and run you down... do they do that a lot?”

Sonata looked down at the boy in her arms and shrugged, “What makes you ask that?”

Talan put his hands on her arms, “I dunno, I just didn’t like to see it. If they do that a lot, why do you hang out with them?”

Sonata paused, curious as to why he was asking her this. And also curious that she never really considered it before. She felt Talan slipping so she adjusted her grip and propped him up on one leg. She rested her chin on his head and looked off into the distance.

“They’re kinda all I have. We have each other, it’s complicated,” she said. “They do make fun of me a lot. Sometimes I think it’s because I try to be happy when they kind of... aren’t.”

“Why do you take it?” Talan asked. “You don’t have to, you know.”

“Aria isn’t so bad,” she said with a warm smile. “She’s... well...” Sonata paused, seeing a school of fish swim away in the clear blue water. She noticed the smaller fish lagging behind a bit and frowned. “She’s had a rough childhood, let’s just say that.”

Talan nodded, “Okay, but what about Adagio? She seemed... odd...”

Sonata frowned again, “Adagio is... complicated. She’s the one who found Aria and myself. She’s also the one who discovered we work well together.”

“I just... you’re a really nice girl, Sonata. I don’t like it when nice people get taken advantage of.”

Sonata felt a pang of guilt run through her. Taking advantage of people is how they survived in this world. Normally no harm was done, and they were careful who they used their powers on. A little money here, a free cab ride there. A job interview goes smoothly, one of them gets a raise. But she always tried to talk Adagio out of doing harmful things, and Aria was usually in agreement, if perhaps for different reasons.

“I don’t know,” Talan said. “With what’s happened with my friends, I don’t know if they’ll be my friends anymore. Maybe I should stay away from them. We shouldn’t be around people who hurt us, you know?”

Sonata leaned forward and ran a hand through Talan’s green hair, “I don’t think that’s the answer, Talan. You know, there’s something I learned a long, long time ago. It’s from where I grew up. You could say that I practically grew up in the ocean. We should learn from the sea.”

Talan turned around, “What? The sea?”

Sonata chuckled before letting go and swimming around in front of him. “Think about it, Spike. What’s with the sea?”

“It’s... a lot of water,” Talan replied.

“Yes, but what else?” Sonata asked while carefully taking Talan’s hands. She pulled him along as she gently swam backwards in a circle.

“I don’t know,” Talan said.

“The seas change, Talan,” Sonata said with a gentle smile. “They can be calm like this. They can be a little windy, really windy, downright nasty with horrible storms, and everything in between. But in the end, they return to this.”

“So what are you saying?” Talan asked.

Sonata grinned and rolled her eyes. She stopped swimming and floated in front of him. “I’m saying that life is like the sea. Sometimes it’s calm, sometimes it storms. But in the end, it comes back to normal. Sometimes your friends can be jerks, and sometimes mine can, too. But Adagio and Aria have always returned to normal. They aren’t so bad, and I’m guessing your friends aren’t either. Give it some time before you decide to do anything.”

Talan pondered what she was saying, then nodded. “That’s some pretty good advice, Sonata. I will. Thanks.”

Sonata smiled and wrapped him up in a warm hug, “Aww, you’re welcome. As much as I love the ocean, we’re starting to get pruney. I think it’s time to get out.”

Talan nodded and began to swim to shore. Sonata followed, but then turned around and looked at the vast ocean one last time. She would have to return here with the girls once they got more power. Perhaps then they could... no, it would be too risky...

As Talan got to the beach he felt the sand and rocks beneath him. He began to walk out of the water, wondering when they would be able to do this again. He was sure to think on Sonata’s sagely advice, too. She was right, he didn’t know why his friends were acting this way. He shouldn’t act on anything until he found out what’s up.

Talan began to think about how he would approach Ryan when his concentration was snapped like a twig. An intense pain ran up his left leg all at once, like he was stung by a bee. Only it was ten times worse. He looked down and noticed a red mist forming in the water around his foot. He slowly moved away and noticed a sharp piece of beach glass the size of dinner knife sticking out of the sand and rocks. He had stepped right on it.

“Uh- uh-I d-don’t... So- Sonata!” he shouted.

Sonata saw him stop and swam faster, she ran up beside him and saw the red water. “Oh my gosh! What happened?!” she exclaimed. “Is that beach glass?! Here, lean on me, c’mon...”

She lead Talan out of the water and to their towels. Talan wasn’t afraid of blood, but he was afraid the cut was deep. “What are we gonna do?” he asked.

Sonata sat him down on the towel and made him hold part of it to his foot. “Try not to get any sand on it.” she ran over to her bag and pulled out a first aid kit, then ran back and got on her knees.

Talan was impressed, he didn’t think she would bring that with her. But he was glad she did. “How bad is it?” he asked.

Sonata furrowed her brow and examined the cut, “I don’t think it’s too bad. I need to clean it out.”

Talan winced as Sonata cleaned the wound for bacteria then pressed it shut with the towel. After about ten minutes, the bleeding seemed to slow down at least a bit. Sonata but on one of the larger bandages and tied some tape around his foot to keep pressure on it.

She sat back and rubbed her forehead, “That should do for now.”

“I’m sorry, Sonata.” Talan said with a long sigh. “I should have been more careful.”

“Don’t apologize, Talan.” Sonata said with a comforting smile. “We didn’t know they were there. I could have stepped on it, too.”

“Yeah, but now I feel dumb having us walk down here. How am I going to get back with this stupid foot?”

Sonata got up and put her shorts and top back on, then gathered up their things. She put Talan’s stuff in her bag and gave it him. “Can you sling this around your back?”

“Yeah,” Talan replied.

Sonata helped him up and bent over, “Jump on my back, I’ll carry you up.”

“What?” Talan asked, almost with laughter. “I’m kinda heavy, and besides I can walk.”

Sonata gave him a pat on the shoulder, “You’re not that heavy, and if you walk up that hill it’s just going to open up again. C’mon, once we get to the top you can hobble along with my help. You won’t get embarrassed...” she said with a wink.

Talan sighed and jumped on her back. She hooked her arms under his knees and began the ascent back to the gated community.

“You know, you’re one of the nicest girls I’ve ever met, Sonata.” he said while hugging around her neck.

“Do you know many girls, Talan?” she asked teasingly.

“It’s just I expect them to be self centered jerks, because a lot of them are.”

“You expect them to be like Aria?” Sonata asked while glancing around her shoulder.

“Wha-? No. I mean, not really.” Talan stuttered.

“It’s alright,” Sonata chuckled, “She could easily fit that description. She’s got another side, though. I told her about your game collection. She was impressed.”

“She was?” Talan asked.

“Mhm, next time they come over maybe you two can play. Would you like her as a friend, too?”

“Well sure!” Talan exclaimed, “The more girls the better!”

Sonata shared a hearty laugh with him as they continued up the bluffs. “You’re too funny, Talan. But really, it means a lot that you’re willing to put up with my friends while your parents are gone.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Talan replied. “But speaking of them, Adagio said you have a beautiful singing voice when singing by yourself.”

“Oh, she said that did she?”

“Yeah, you sounded great together. But uh, I was wondering...”

“Wondering if I could sing for you?” she cooed.

“Well, yeah...” Talan said while looking away.

Sonata stopped and looked over her shoulder. Talan attempting to hide his blush was beyond adorable. She adjusted her grip so he wasn’t slipping as much, then continued up the path.

Talan smiled when she began to sing. It was soft at first, then a little louder. Just a soft hum of a gentle melody, then with some words. No talk about control or spells this time. Instead it was about letting go and watching the wind and stars. Talan found himself nodding his head to the side along with Sonata as she swayed just a little bit with the melody. He let out a yawn and rested his forehead against her neck. She really was a good singer by herself. Talan yawned again, bigger this time.

“Hey, don’t fall asleep back there, we’re almost home.” he heard Sonata say.

Talan rubbed his eyes, they were so heavy.

The next thing he knew Talan was being let down on his porch as Sonata unlocked the door. “We- we’re back already? When did that happen?” he asked groggily.

Sonata lead Talan inside and smiled down at him, “I told you not to nod off, silly.”

Talan stretched and shook his head. He felt strange, kinda like he did when all three of them sang for him. “I didn’t nod off, I’m fine.”

“Good,” Sonata said. “Go upstairs for me. I’m gonna put our stuff away then come up to check your cut and rebandage it.”

Talan nodded and hobbled upstairs. He splashed some water on his face then took a seat on the edge of the bathtub. Sonata came in a few minutes later and cleaned the cut again.

“How does it feel?” she asked.

“Hurts a little, but not bad at all. It was stepping on it that hurt the worst.” he replied.

“Well, it’s not bleeding as much. This new bandage will last the night. If it doesn’t look any better tomorrow, we’ll go to the clinic.”

Talan hopped up and shrugged, “I think it’ll be fine. Thanks, Sonata.”

“Don’t mention it, Talan. I’m gonna take a shower then start dinner. Sound good?”

“Yeah, I’ll shower when you’re done. Call me when it’s ready.”

Sonata smiled and walked out, leaving Talan to ponder the day’s events. It was the first day with her and already so much had happened. But most of it was fun, so he didn’t have anything to complain about.

Talan gingerly walked down the hall to his room and plopped in his computer chair. He booted up his rig and noticed his phone. There was a message from a number he didn’t recognize. He opened it up and couldn’t believe it.

Hey stud, have a good first day with Sonata? She’s a lot of fun. Aria and I are a little jealous you get her all to yourself. We’ve got more practicing to do, so we’ll be around soon. <33 Adagio

Chapter 4: Aria of Sorrow

Talan kicked his feet back and forth on the bench outside Canterlot High’s office. He’d been here for over an hour already. Since he was already a high school student, he figured he'd be in and out of the new building relatively quickly. Canterlot High was odd, having two separate buildings for it's classes. One for grades nine and ten, and another for grades eleven and twelve. Originally they weren't split at all, but the population of kids in the area kept rising and rising. This area outside the nearest city was popular for upper middle class parents to live. Suburbs were very popular for raising families.

However this was getting ridiculous. He was excited when he learned he was given the day off for it, heck even Sonata was jealous. But now it appeared he’d be spending the day waiting.

Eventually a girl with flowing red and gold hair walked out of the office and looked around. When her eyes fell on Talan, he smiled shyly and gave a small wave. The girl returned his smile and came to sit down next to him.

“Um, hey, I’m Sunset. Are you Talan?” the girl asked.

“That’s me,” Talan said.

Sunset breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back on the bench, “Sorry I kept you waiting, but my friends were practicing their act for an upcoming battle of the bands. Had to stay and watch them.”

“So are you my tour guide, then? he asked.

“Yep!” Sunset said, “Let’s get started.”

“Fine by me,” Talan said while getting up and following her.

Talan looked Sunset up and down as she walked, he couldn’t help it. Another one of these tall thin beauties. Was this building full of them? He hadn’t been around the other building before, not since the track and field competition used the older one. Sunset wore a pretty cool outfit as far as he was concerned. A short skirt revealing her shapely legs, but not too short. Her shirt was a plain purple, but had a sun logo on it. Talan thought it almost looked like one of those tribal tattoos he saw so often. Last her jacket, leather or pleather? It didn't matter. Talan wondered if she was in a band or singing group, she certainly looked the part.

“Here we have the gym, and down these two halls are the classrooms where you’ll be learning your first year here.”

Talan only had a moment to look at the rooms before Sunset led him away. “In a hurry?” he asked.

Sunset smiled, “We don’t want to miss lunch, the school actually has some good lunches sometimes, and today is one of them.”

“Oh, well that’s good,” Talan said as Sunset led him up the stairs.

After spending a few more minutes walking around the school, Sunset led Talan into the lunch line where they received their food. Chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes.

Talan walked with Sunset to a table and sat down across from her. There weren’t too many students eating lunch, Sunset explained this was one of the earlier lunch periods.

“So...” Sunset said while unwrapping a napkin, “You look kinda young to be here, don't you?”

Talan rolled his eyes and groaned internally, “Don’t look like a high school kid, do I? I get that a lot, but I'm eighteen I assure you.”

Sunset looked at him for a moment, as if she was going to say something, then reconsidered at the last minute. “Well...” she began, “You are kinda short, that’s all.”

Talan laughed, “Yeah, get that all the time.”

Sunset frowned, “Have you heard anything about the student body, like say... last year around the fall formal?”

Talan shrugged, “Nah, don’t think so. I usually don’t pay close attention to social stuff like that.”

Sunset’s eyes practically lit up, “That’s great! Uh, I- I mean, so you’ve never heard of me?”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “Are you one of the popular girls I should have heard about?”

“No, Talan... that’s us...” a voice said from behind him.

Sunset looked up and crossed her arms, “You’re friends with them?”

Talan turned around to find Adagio, Aria and Sonata standing there with their lunch trays.

“He is,” Adagio said with a forced smile, “And he’ll be eating with us today. Say goodbye, Talan.”

Talan turned around as green rings briefly spiraled out from the center of his eyes, “Uh, see ya later, Sunset... thanks for the tour.”

“Bye, Talan. Hope I see you around later.” Sunset said with a small frown.

Talan followed Adagio and the girls to a table on the other side of the cafeteria. Sonata smiled as she took a seat to his right, while Adagio sat on his left. Aria sat across from him and began eating.

“So...” Sonata said in her familiar cheerful tone, “How do you like it here?”

Talan shrugged, “It’s alright, will take some getting used to.”

“I wouldn’t worry about too much, Talan...” Adagio said while smiling down at him, “You’re friends with us, which means you’re pretty much set.”

“Everyone likes you girls here?” Talan asked.

As he went for a chicken nugget Aria reached over and grabbed it first. She smirked and raised her eyebrows, “They’re under our spell, kid.”

Talan reached for another nugget and Aria took it again. “Will you stop that?” Talan asked while moving his plate closer.

Aria simply smiled and ate the nugget, “Nah, don’t think I will.”

Talan sighed and was about to say something when Sonata gave him two of her chicken nuggets. “Eat up, this will hold you over til I get home and make dinner.”

Talan smiled, “Thanks, Sonata.”

Aria groaned and rolled her eyes, “You’re too nice, Sonata.”

Sonata tousled Talan’s hair and stuck her tongue out at Aria, which only seemed to make her more irritated.

Adagio looked around the cafeteria and spotted the six girls who seemed to be resisting their influence. She studied them closely and noticed something strange. They had a similar aura, one she had seen before. She looked down at Talan and raised an eyebrow. He had the same thing, only weaker. It was faint, barely noticeable. Indeed the only times she saw it was when she first met him, and when she was sitting next to him now. What was first a simple curiosity was now something she’d have to keep an eye on.

The sound of the bell signaled the end of lunch, and Talan’s time at the school. Adagio got up and left with Aria, who was all too happy to leave it seemed. Sonata turned to Talan and before she could say anything Talan said it for her.

“You don’t need to apologize for Aria, I don’t care.”

Sonata sighed, “Sometimes I wish she could just get along with more people. I guess it’s whatever. I’ll see you at home Talan.”

Talan waved goodbye to her and walked out to the front of the school. He unlocked his bike from the rack and pedaled back to his house. At least it was the weekend now. He put his bike in the garage and went upstairs to take a nap and enjoy the rest of his day off.

On Saturday, Talan woke up to the cheerful hums of Sonata. He could hear her walking back and forth outside his door. He growled and turned to look at his alarm clock and saw it was twelve thirty.

Guess I can’t really say it’s too early for singing Talan thought with a tired sigh.

He looked over to his rig and rolled his eyes. Grinding orbs for gear takes forever sometimes. He didn’t realize he was up so late, not even when Sonata brought him up some snacks and told him she was going to bed.

Talan put on a bathrobe and walked into the hall. Sonata saw him and laughed, “You look horrible, Talan!”

Talan rolled his eyes, “Thanks, can’t say the same for you..”

Sonata was wearing her short shorts again with another band tank top. A look he was starting to really enjoy.

“Have any plans for later?” she asked.

Talan shrugged, “Nah, probably was just going to stick around here.”

“Want to go to the mall?” Sonata asked with a hopeful smile.

Talan rubbed his chin in thought and leaned on the wall, “Am I going to be your pack mule while you shop for clothes and shoes?”

Sonata giggled and walked up to him, “Don’t give me any ideas. You’d be the perfect little helper to carry my bags. But no, I was going to meet Aria and do some shopping for the house. Plus it would just be fun to go out for a bit. Want to come?”

Talan shrugged, “Well, alright. I’ll go get ready.”

As Sonata pulled up in her jeep, Talan yawned and opened his eyes. He was still really tired. Was it because of last night? He did get a good night’s rest. He yawned again and looked over at Sonata. She was still happily humming a song. Come to think of it he hadn’t really felt sleepy until she started humming.

Talan stretched and looked across the parking lot. The mall was huge, one of the larger ones in the area. It was sort of hub for other towns and smaller cities. There were many small businesses and large chains here.

“Wake up sleepyhead!” Sonata chirped and shook Talan’s shoulder gently.

Talan smiled and unbuckled himself, “I’m awake, no thanks to you.”

Sonata got out and began walking up the parking lot with him, “Yeah, I dunno what it is about my voice that makes you so sleepy. You’re lucky I don’t take offense to that.”

Talan laughed, “You know what I think of your voice, it’s super pretty.”

“Aww...” Sonata said. “You’re the sweetest.”

The two walked through one of the clothing outlets and into the main concourse. Sonata grabbed Talan’s hand and dragged him into two stores before deciding to get some lunch. Sonata walked up to the counter and ordered some chinese for Talan, but decided not to get any herself.

She walked over to the tables with him and scanned the area.

“Aha!” she exclaimed, then dragged Talan to the upper floor overlooking the food court.

Talan followed her with his food, then felt his heart drop. Sitting a table where they were headed was a familiar snotty girl with purple pigtails and a torn up jacket.

When Aria turned around and saw them, her expression changed instantly.

“Hey girl!!” Sonata said as she walked around the table and hugged her.

Aria groaned and grudgingly returned the gesture, “Sonata... what’s the kid doing here?”

Perhaps it was his fatigue, or maybe it was his low tolerance for rudeness. But Talan was getting tired of her attitude.

“The ‘kid’ has a name. It’s Talan, Pigtails.”

Both Sonata and Aria slowly turned to Talan, a brief look of shock on their faces. Aria scowled at him and leaned forward, “I don’t care, kid. And you better watch it.”

Sonata briefly led Talan away after he put his food down.

“Hey, I’m sorry about this.” She said while looking at the ground. “I promised Aria I’d come to the mall with her today, I just didn’t want to leave you all by yourself.”

Talan shrugged, “I get it, and I’m glad you cared enough to ask.”

Sonata sighed and bent over slightly, “While I’m here I’d like to get my hair re-colored. It would be kinda boring just sitting there waiting. I know Aria hates it, would you mind hanging out with her until I’m done?”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “You can’t be serious...” he looked back at the table to see Aria eating some of his fortune cookies.

Sonata rubbed his shoulder gently as he balled a fist. “She’s not that bad. I’ll talk to her, c’mon.”

Talan grabbed Sonata’s hand, causing her to turn around, “No, I’ll do it. I owe you for patching up my foot at the beach. I think I can handle Aria...”

Sonata smiled and nodded.

As they went back to the table, Sonata explained her plans to a very apathetic Aria. When she left she teasingly told them to play nice, then disappeared into the crowd.

Talan went about eating his small lunch while Aria preoccupied herself with some music. She put in some earbuds and looked everywhere but in front of her.

Talan wiped his face with a napkin and considered what approach he should take. He wasn’t so sure Aria was a bully. Sure she was aggressive and kinda mean to Sonata and himself, but she wasn’t as bad as other girls he’d seen. She didn’t totally act like them, either. Talan figured one way to engage would be the way he’d witnessed in so many movies and books. The best way to win the respect of someone like this was to beat them at their own game. Earning their respect. The question was, would it work?

Talan got up and threw away his trash, then walked by the table to get Aria’s attention.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“I’m gonna go to the games store, it’s just down there and around the corner.”

“Oh no you’re not,” Aria said with a light chuckle, “Sonata told me to watch you. And you’re going to stay right here so I don’t have to babysit.”

Talan smirked, “Hmm, nah... I’m going. You’ll know where to find me, Pigtails.”

Aria’s eyes shot open, then relaxed, “Fine, whatever...”

As he started walking, Talan waited a few seconds to see if his intuition was right. Sure enough, Aria got up and put her ear buds away. As she came over Talan noticed she was wearing something similar to Sonata. Short shorts with a band tank top and that ripped up jacket.

“Couldn’t resist, could you?” Talan asked with a sly grin.

Aria groaned and rolled her eyes, “Kid, if you weren’t friends with Sonata... I swear.”

Talan’s mind stopped for a moment. Aria said that he was friends with Sonata. That meant Sonata must have told her. Interesting.

“But I am friends with her, so you’re stuck with me, at least for the time being.” Talan said. “C’mon, I heard from Sonata that you enjoy games.”

Aria walked behind Talan into the game store and followed him to a console. “Yeah, I do. Is that all you two do, gossip about me and Adagio?”

Talan picked up a controller and shook his head, “No, she’s only mentioned you once. Just about games and how we might have something in common there. She’s never really mentioned Adagio at all.”

Aria’s gaze became distant for a moment, “That’s good, gossip gets around.”

Talan handed her the controller and pointed to the screen. “Have you played the new Alley Fighter?”

Aria’s eyes lit up, “No!” Uh, I mean... nah, not yet.” she said as she composed herself.

“Well, what do you say, best two out of three?” Talan asked.

Aria put a hand on her hip and shook her head pityingly, “You’re on small fry.”

Fighting games were not Talan’s specialty, it was a genre that he didn’t play that often. But he spent tons of time watching streamers practice for tournaments. So he knew a little bit thanks to that, plus having experience with the previous game in the series.

Aria was good, able to snag a win, but it wasn’t enough. Talan put down the controller and stretched dramatically. “Well... wasn’t expecting it to be so easy, but ya know...”

Aria stood there for a moment, eyes shut and fists clenched. Then she let out a sigh and turned around. “That was pretty good, kid. Do you play fighters often?”

“Often enough, it seems...” Talan said with a smug chuckle.

Aria’s eyebrow twitched, then something happened. She looked behind Talan and the biggest, most evil smile crept on to her face.

“I have a game we can play... follow me...”

Talan followed her to a secluded corner of the store and felt his confidence plummet.

“Oh no...” he muttered.

Aria grinned and slowly sauntered over to a dancing machine. One of the models that he often saw in Japanese arcades.

Where did they get this?! Talan thought.

Aria stepped onto the right player’s platform and beckoned Talan over, the wicked predatory grin never leaving her face. “Come on over, kid. Not scared, are you?”

Talan hated dancing. He was no good at all. But he was too far along now, and wasn’t about to back down. “Scared? Bring it on, Pigtails.”

Aria smiled and picked a song, then waited for the countdown. Talan looked at the dance pad and moved his feet around a bit. He’d only done this once before, and from what he remembered it was all about rhythm.

The song started, and they both began to move. Talan did his best to keep up, so far, doing an alright job. However, things began to get more challenging as the song picked up pace. He had to concentrate harder, and if that wasn’t enough, something hit him in the side causing him to lose his balance.

Talan looked over at Aria and saw her gyrating hips. She swung them from side to side and held her arms in front of her. Kinda like those girls in hip hop videos.

Hit me with those hips, huh? Two can play at that game...

Talan redoubled his efforts and started hitting the correct steps, and when Aria went to bump him again, he countered. Even so he was still staggered just a bit, as Aria was bigger than he was. Talan noticed her figure as it gyrated to a fro. It was kind of hard not to. Aria had a stunning appearance, but unlike Sonata she was more... pronounced. A larger bust, thicker thighs and wider hips.

As they continued their contest Talan noticed something else. Every so often she’d glance down at him with that confident smirk. But there was a certain look in her eyes, a type of glint. He’d seen it before in Ryan. A look of acknowledgement, or respect.

As the song ended, Talan turned around and noticed they had drawn a small crowd. Mostly younger guys, he knew why they were watching. Aria smiled at her score and nodded approvingly, then took a small bow for the crowd.

Talan walked away and waited for her to follow. Aria stretched and let out a small yawn, “You tried, Talan.”

“Wait... ‘Talan?’” he asked. “You’re using my name now?”

Aria shrugged, “Well, you clearly can’t dance worth a crap... but you played along anyway. I can respect that.”

“Thanks, I think...” Talan said while scratching his head.

“Yeah, well... don’t get used to it. You lost so I figure you owe me something. How about a smoothie? I’m thirsty after beating you.”

Talan shrugged, he was kinda thirsty as well. “Alright, follow me.”

Talan walked with Aria to the smoothie store, noticing that she was walking beside him now rather than behind him. He asked her which flavor she wanted then ordered. Aria walked by, presumably heading for the restrooms, which left Talan to pick a seat.

As he sat down, he noticed a group of boys sitting about two tables over. They were from his class, and known bullies.

Talan pretended to not notice them and looked in the other direction, but couldn’t help hearing them say his name. They started making jokes before one actually got his attention.

“What’s wrong, Tally? Here all by yourself? Nobody wants to hangout with you?”

Talan sighed and sat up in his chair, “They’re all busy today.”

“They’re all busy today...” another one said in mocking tone. “Nah, they just think you’re retarded and not worth the time anymore.”

Talan thought back to Ryan lying to him, and figured that might be what they were talking about, which put him in a funk. He sipped on his smoothie and tried his best to ignore them, then Aria returned.

Immediately the idiots shut their mouths and gawked at her. Each one of them in disbelief.

Aria took a sip of her smoothie and relaxed in her chair, “This is good, thanks Talan.”

“No problem... Aria...” he said with a sly smirk.

Aria chuckled, “No ‘Pigtails’? How sweet of you.”

Talan shrugged, “I can call you that if you want. I do like your pigtails.”

Aria chuckled and took another sip of her drink. She noticed Talan’s eyes darting back and forth between her and another table. She looked around her shoulder and saw the group of boys, who immediately averted her gaze.

“What’s their problem?” she asked.

“Just a bunch of idiots from school,” Talan said. “Ignore them.”

Aria raised an eyebrow and took another sip of her smoothie, then turned around again to see them still staring.

“Got a problem, guys? Whatcha starin’ at?” she asked.

Each of them were silent, then one spoke up, “Just wondering why a good looking’ girl like you would be hanging out with a loser like him.”

Aria chuckled, “Oh... I see. But I think the bigger question is, why aren’t any of you with a good looking older girl???”

Silence. Followed by nervous laughter. “That’s tomorrow, honey.” another one finally said. “But we all know you’re just babysitting. It’s okay, you can say it.”

Talan’s heart sank, overcome with dread. This was it. He could just hear their raucous laughter, and Aria was laughing already. He clenched his eyes shut and resigned himself to the humiliation.

“Actually, no. I was bored so I asked him to come to the mall and entertain me. He’s done a great job so far. Even bought me this like a gentlemen.” she said while wiggling the smoothie and taking a small sip. “Could you do that? Aha... no, I don’t think so. In fact, I don’t know any girl who want to spend time with the likes of you.”

“Oh really?” one of the guys said, “And you’re an expert?”

Aria shrugged, “I mean, you could be out with your girlfriends right now. But instead... you’re sausage-festing it up and making fun of some other guy with a girl. I guess you have other priorities?” she said while throwing her hands up in mock defense.

Talan, whose jaw had been on the floor up until now, threw back his head in laughter. “Freakin’ torched!!”

The guys were angry now, some of them fidgeting in their chairs. One finally got the courage to speak up. “Listen to you... all this talk coming from a girl whose beauty could be removed by a wet kleenex.”

Some of the other guys worked up some courage and fired back as well. “What’s with the hair? Star clips? Are we in preschool now?”

“Yeah, that makeup looks like it was applied by a shotgun.”

“And if she’s with Talan today, who are the other six guys for the rest of the week?”

Talan grew irritated and leaned forward, “So, you’re going to make fun of her makeup now? Not exactly a stellar plan,” he said with a dramatic wincing sound. “That is, unless you’re all experts in that now.”

“Oh drop the act, Talan. We know what’s going on.”

Talan’s anger began build. He focussed on the one who gave him the most trouble. “Why don’t you drop your chins instead, Davis? You’ve got quite the collection there.”

Davis was pretty big and Talan knew it would get under his skin.

“What did you say?” Davis asked, getting up and taking a few steps forward.

“Whoa there, don’t want you to have a heart attack walking over here. You better relax.”

Davis’ face turned red, but he backed off when one of the others pulled him back. They pointed to a mall security guard taking notice of the raised voices. They got up and left, but not before Davis threatened Talan, saying they’d be seeing each other again soon.

Talan sat down and shook his head. “What assholes, I’m sorry about that Aria. But thanks for sticking up for me.”

Aria turned around and glared at Talan, her eyes fierce. She didn’t say a word when Sonata came back and found them. Aria got up, threw away the smoothie, and stormed off.

“What happened?” Sonata asked, worried. “Oh dear, and here I thought you two might get along once you got to know each other a little.”

“That’s the thing,” Talan began. “We did get to know each other. We went to the game store and played some games. There was even a dancing game we tried. I thought we were getting somewhere.”

“Wait...” Sonata said while sitting down next to Talan. “She danced... with you...?”

“Yeah, well... kinda. It’s not really ‘dancing’ so much as following a pattern. She was really good. Why? Is that weird or something?”

Sonata looked at the floor, “She never dances...”

“What?” Talan asked.

“Nothing,” Sonata said. “Why was she mad?”

“Some assholes from school were sitting over there making fun of me. We got to arguing and they left. I guess she really didn’t like it.”

Sonata shrugged, “Okay, I’ll talk to her about it later. Ready to go home?”

“Sure,” Talan said. “By the way... gorgeous hair.”

Sonata giggled and wagged a finger, “Flatter me all you like, but you still have stuff to do later.”

Talan groaned, “Fine.”

Back at home, Talan finished vacuuming the upstairs and made both his bed and Sonata’s. Then he folded some clothes before starting some homework. Sonata cooked herself some dinner and gave a snack to Talan, since he wasn’t that hungry. Now it was just time to relax for the night.

Talan walked out into the hall and heard Sonata talking to someone. He went downstairs and heard Aria’s voice.

“I think you’re overreacting a bit, Aria.” Sonata said.

“I’m not overreacting! Shut up! You know who we are, we shouldn’t have to-” she stopped upon seeing Talan walk into the room.

“You...” Aria hissed.

“Hey Aria, I-” Talan began before being cut off.

“What makes you think you have the right?” Aria asked, stepping closer to him.

“What do you mean?” Talan asked.

“Don’t get cute,” Aria said. “Back at the mall, when those guys were mocking me, what gave you the right to get involved?”

“What...? Talan asked, raising an eyebrow. “I was already involved. They were making fun of me before you even got there.”

Aria shook her head, “I was handling it, kid. I didn’t need your help. I was about to put them in their place and you ruined it.”

“I was just doing what I thought was right, they shouldn’t have been such asses.”

Aria turned to Sonata, who remained silent. Then returned her gaze to Talan. “You don’t understand, I was just about to have them wrapped around my finger” she said while caressing her ruby necklace.

“I was just sticking up for you. Like you were doing for me. It’s what friends do-”

“Oh no,” Aria said. “No no no, we’re not friends. And you had no right to interfere. I want you to apologize.”

“Pff” Talan huffed, “For what? All I did was try to help!”

“I didn’t need your help!” Aria said, raising her voice. “I don’t need anyone!”

“What about her?” Talan shouted, pointing at Sonata. “Would you be having this conversation with her?!”

“Don’t bring her into this!” Aria snapped, “You have no idea who we are!”

“I dunno about Sonata, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what you are!” Talan yelled.

Sonata stepped back, noticing slight green rings forming in his eyes. Their influence was still affecting him, she was hoping it would have wore off by now. This wasn’t good.

“Guys, let’s not fight. I think-”

“Shut up, Sonata!” Aria said while shooting her a venomous glare. “What am I, Talan?”

“Don’t talk to her like that! She deserves better than that you ungrateful bitch!”

Talan’s face stung as he caught a slap across the cheek. It spun his head around and almost knocked him into a chair. The pain made his anger swell to enormous levels, if only briefly.

“You’re not just an ungrateful bitch, you’re crazy, too.” Talan said while holding his face and moving for the door.

“Talan wait...” Sonata said while trying to grab him.

Talan shook her hand off and walked into the backyard toward the gardens.

Sonata turned around and glared at Aria. “Blaze... you didn’t need to do that. I can’t believe you.”

Aria fumed, “He tried to defend me from those stupid kids, Sonata. He thinks I’m weak! I’m not weak!”

Sonata shook her head, “With the front you put up all the time? How could a boy like that think you weak? All he knows is the tough girl who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Adagio and I are the only ones here who know you, Aria.”

“And he wants to get to know me,” Aria said. “That’s part of what that was back there. He can’t find out.”

“Find out what?” Sonata asked, exasperated. “That you were once a tiny fish in a big pond so long ago? That you were picked on and bullied by so many others? That those experiences changed you?”

“Sonata, I-” Aria began, but was cut off.

“No, listen..” Sonata said while walking over to her. “I love you, Aria. You’re my best friend. We’ve known each other for how long? I know why you act this way sometimes, and I don’t blame you. It’s helped you, and it’s helped us survive in this strange world. I don’t mind it because you’re my friend. But you know what? We could use some new friends in this world, regardless of what Adagio says. Talan is a good kid. I consider him a friend, and I think you should, too. In fact, you especially. Do you know why? Maybe think what he might know about your experiences. Look at him. He’s not that big for a kid his age, and since he's hanging with us, he doesn't have a clue what big fish he's really swimming with. Get me? This whole thing started with a bunch of other kids bullying him and not leaving him alone. Sound familiar? I dunno, it’s up to you Aria but you might consider cutting the kid a little slack.”

Aria took a deep breath and looked at Sonata, “I’m sorry I shouted at you.”

Sonata rolled her eyes and put a hand on Aria’s shoulder, “It’s alright, Aria. But I’m not the one who needs to hear that.”

“You’re right... “Aria said with a defeated sigh.

“I’ll be in the front room for a while.”

Aria watched Sonata walk out then turned to look at the lit up gardens. She rubbed her ruby pendant and placed a palm over it.

Talan sat on a swinging bench that was chained to a large tree branch. The tree was the central fixture of the garden, and the rest of the space was designed around it. His mother loved to garden, and created a secluded area that offered her privacy. Large wooden fences were erected and placed in spaces to form a square perimeter. Severals plants and vines took root around them and climbed to the very top. Between them she planted shrubs and bushes.

After rubbing his sore cheek, Talan looked up past the lanterns and into the starlit sky. He enjoyed coming out here when he needed to think, or when he was feeling down. He figured he’d stay out here until Aria left.

Talan started to swing back and forth, then stopped when he heard a sound coming closer. It was singing.

Aria slowly walked around the corner and started walking toward him.

“Forgive what’s said... as I sing to youuuu... how I’ve set out... to heal your heart. The black clouds part, the sun shines downnnn... to burn away the sorrowww... and set you free.”

Talan remained silent as she slowly lifted her head and offered a gentle smile.

“Can I sit down?” she asked.

Talan nodded and moved over on the bench. Aria slowly joined him and looked up at the sky.

“Talan... I’m sorry. I- shouldn’t have snapped at you, and never should have hit you. I lost my temper.”

Talan turned to face her and shook his head, “But why? What did I do to make you so mad?”

“I just- I need to look out for myself. I know that Adagio and Sonata are there for me, but they weren’t always. In many ways I was just like you when I grew up. Small, an easy target. I was alone. I didn’t need you to stick up for me. I can handle myself.”

Talan leaned back, “Sucks doesn’t it? Until I made friends I didn’t have anyone to look out for me. No brothers or sisters. It was just me.”

“Yeah, it does suck...” Aria said. “But you know, I’m glad you stuck up for me back there. Even after all the crap I’ve been giving you.”

Talan grinned, “I get the same crap from my friends. It’s no big deal, and besides, Sonata told me you weren’t too bad. I just believed her, and you know what? She was right.”

Aria blushed a little and chuckled, “Still, I shouldn’t have hit you. What can I do to make it up to you?”

Talan laughed, “Oh I’ll think of something. But just know that you don’t always have to go it alone. Sure you might not need any help, but it doesn’t hurt to accept some now and again, does it?”

“No, I guess not,” Aria replied. “You’re pretty smart, you know that?”

Talan smirked, “Smarter than you, anyway...”

Aria laughed and grabbed Talan with one arm and pulled him into her lap. She put in him a headlock and gave him a noogie, making him squirm and laugh.

“Not that smart, apparently...” she said with an evil cackle.

Talan eventually wiggled free and jumped off the bench. He turned around and looked down at Aria, “So, did you really mean what you said back there in the mall? That I was a gentlemen?”

“Haha!” Aria laughed, then stopped when she saw he was serious. “I mean, yeah. You were nice and polite pretty much the whole time. You bought me that smoothie, when you really didn’t need to.”

Talan smiled and extended a hand down to her, “So, friends?”

Aria stared at it for a moment, then gently placed her palm in his. “Yeah, friends.”

Aria let Talan lead her back into the house and felt a strange warm sensation in her pendant. It was starting to glow. She placed her other hand over it so Talan wouldn’t notice.

“So, you heading out soon?” he asked as they approached the door.

Aria shrugged, “I dunno, why?”

“Just wondered if you wanted to stick around and play some games. Figured I could show you my collection.”

“Since you’re my friend now, sure. We could do that.” Aria said. “Oh, and just so you know. I’m pretty protective of my friends. So if those jerks ever give you trouble again, you tell me, got it?”

Talan laughed, “You gonna help me beat them up? You’re pretty lethal with those hips.”

Aria chuckled as she lifted their hands up and playfully bumped him, “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

Sonata opened the door for them and practically jumped up and down in joy. “Aww!! You’re friends now, aren’t you? I knew you two could get along!”

Aria groaned, “Why don’t you go get set up, I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Okay,” Talan said.

As he left, Sonata closed the door and grinned that stupid, knowing grin of hers. “Told ya he’s a sweetie.”

“Yeah yeah,” Aria said. “You were right... what else is new?”

“Are you going to go back to the apartment?” she asked.

Aria shook her head, “I kinda would rather chill here for the night. Adagio has been acting strange lately. A lot more irritable than usual.”

Sonata nodded, “Yeah, I noticed that too. It’s kinda nice to be away from it, honestly.”

“Yeah,” Aria said. “Where can I stay?”

“Well, there’s always the couch,” Sonata said jokingly. “My bed is pretty big, you could sleep there if you want. Or we could ask Talan if there’s another room you could use. This place is pretty big after all.”

“I’ll probably just chill with you, it’ll be like the old days when we first got here.” she said, a hint of slight nostalgia in her voice.

Before Aria left, Sonata caught her by the shoulder, “Aria, have you seen the ocean yet?”

Aria shook her head, “No, not really. Why?”

Sonata smiled, “It’s beautiful, and behind this gated community I think the waters are private. Nobody around.”

“Are you suggesting what I think you are?” Aria asked.

“Yes,” she replied. “It might be time to finally stretch our legs.”

Chapter 5: Hard Knocks

Sonata walked into the kitchen and grabbed an iced tea from the fridge. It was so hot, she could barely stand it. She was used to tropical weather but this world’s humidity was getting out of control. She told Talan she wasn’t feeling well and decided to stay home. While only partially true, Aria decided to do the same and stop over. They both chatted for a while in the kitchen, deciding to what to do until Talan got back.

“So what do you think?” Aria asked.

“I don’t know...” Sonata said with some apprehension. “I mean we never asked him.”

Aria groaned, “Oh c’mon, he won’t mind. It’s sitting right there just begging to be used! Sonata, if I have to do anything else in this heat I’m going to die.”

Sonata frowned and looked at the back patio. Talan’s family had a large in ground swimming pool near the gardens. It was prepared for use, but was covered up. She never asked if they could use it, and Talan hadn’t talked about it at all.

Still, Aria had a point. She went to get up and cringed when her thighs stuck to the surface. “It’s this dumb humidity,” Sonata said.

Aria got up and had the same problem. Both went out to the pool and walked around it.

“Come on, Sonata.” Aria said while taking off her ripped jacket. Now only wearing her shorts and top. “He won’t care. In fact, he’ll probably love it.”

“Think so?” Sonata asked.

Aria stretched and chuckled, “A boy like Talan coming home to two hot girls in his pool? What’s not to love? I’ll bet he’ll change and be swimming with us in less than a minute.”

“You two are really starting to like this boy, aren’t you?” a voice chimed from behind them.

Aria and Sonata whipped around to find Adagio walking toward them from the fence. Neither had heard her arrive.

“He’s not so bad,” Aria said with a shrug. “Got some spunk, actually.”

“Oh yeah?” Adagio asked.

“I danced with him at the mall in one of the game shops,” Aria said. “Couldn’t keep up at all, but he still tried. I liked that.”

“Yeah,” Sonata agreed. “He’s really nice. It’s good to know someone like that. It’s been just us three for so long.”

“And is there anything wrong with that?” Adagio snapped.

Sonata jumped and shook her head, “N-no. Not what I meant. I just-”

“You just better listen to what I’m about to say,” Adagio said.

“What?” Aria said. “Aren’t you supposed to be in school, or working, or whatever?”

“I could say the same for the two of you,” Adagio began. “But there are more pressing matters. While nearly everyone is succumbing to our powers, there are some who resist.”

“Yeah yeah,” Aria groaned. “Those six girls and that Sunset. You told us.”

“Well, what I didn’t tell you was that one with the purple striped hair and dog is different somehow.”

“How?” Sonata asked. “I didn’t notice anything.”

“Neither did I,” Aria said.

“That’s the problem...” Adagio said with a glare. She began slowly walking around the other two and stopped in front of them. “She has an aura, a certain magic. We all knew there was Equestrian magic at the school, but this is a very familiar type.”

“What type?” Aria asked, annoyed. “What’s so special?”

“It’s magic like StarSwirl used. I feel the same influence. It’s like when that old fool banished us here, but different. His felt faint... like incomplete.”

“So this girl knows Starswirl?” Sonata asked. “Maybe once we have control of her we can force her to take us back. She is a pony, right?”

Adagio deadpanned Sonata. “Yes... she’s a pony, just like Sunset. And we won’t need to use her once we have her magic. When we do, we’ll be able to tunnel back into our world all by ourselves. Then the fun truly begins.”

Aria nodded, “That does sound good, sweet revenge.”

Adagio smirked, then pressed a finger into Sonata’s shoulder. “There’s one other thing. While most everyone else is under our spell, Talan remains resistant.”

Aria stepped in between them and pushed Sonata back protectively, “That’s not true. We both saw the green color in his eyes. That’s totally our influence.”

Adagio shook her head, “Influence does not equal control. He’s got a similar aura about him as that other girl. I don’t know what it is, but it won’t be interfering in our plans. You both are getting too attached.”

“Pff, please...” Aria said. “And so what if we are? He’s harmless.”

Adagio leaned forward, her voice subdued and menacing. “When we complete our plans at the battle of the bands, it won’t matter. But everything hinges on that point. If you two fail me, if something happens and we can’t get that magic... Talan and I are going for a little swim. A swim he won’t be coming back from. Understand?”

Aria and Sonata both looked at each other and nodded slowly. Adagio smiled and walked away, seemingly off to her job.

Once they were sure she was gone, Sonata sat down and shook her head. “What’s gotten into her lately? She was never like this before.”

Aria sat down next to Sonata and gave her a reassuring rub, “She just wants to go home. I think we all do. But I agree, she’s being a bit excessive.”

Sonata got up clenched her fists. “Equestria was different. There was magic there, they could stop us. But here? It’s too easy.”

“Yeah...” Aria said, crossing her legs. “They don’t even know what we are.”

“I- I’m not going to let Adagio do that to Talan,” Sonata said, her voice wavering. “He doesn’t deserve it. If it comes to that, I’m going to protect him. What about you?”

Aria frowned, “It won’t come to that Sonata, we’re not going to lose.”

Sonata shook her head, “You’re going to let Adagio hurt Talan? Aria, you’re better than that.”

“It won’t come to that, Sonata.” Aria said while walking over to her. “I’m sure it won’t.”

Talan left the school after the last bell and began to walk home. He decided to take a longer way since he didn’t have practice and still wanted to get some exercise. He cut through one of the parks near a local forest. It was a place their coach sometimes took them to run. The paths and trails through it were long and varied. Talan enjoyed walking them, it was very relaxing.

As he was walking Talan noticed others behind him, then heard them yell.

“Hey, douchebag. Hold up a second.”

Talan turned around to see three of the boys he encountered at the mall with Aria. He smirked when he saw Davis, flanked with two of his stooges.

“What do you dipshits want?” Talan asked with a chuckle. “Come to fight?”

“As a matter of fact, yes...” Davis said.

“What, you expect me to fight you with your friends here?” Talan asked. “Nah, don’t think so.”

Davis chuckled and cracked his knuckles, “Oh don’t worry about them, they’re just here to watch me work. They won’t get involved.”

Talan looked at all three and tapped his foot impatiently. He wasn’t a fighter, at least in regards to picking fights. He seldom had anything prove, and wasn’t the type of kid who was drawn to fighting in one way or another. But that didn’t mean he lacked for experience. As a rich kid, one of the stereotypical perks that Talan enjoyed was mixed martial arts classes. Though he didn’t take them anymore, he knew how to defend himself.

The only problem was the other two friends. He knew they’d get involved the moment Davis started to lose, so he needed a plan. He could either run, or try to fight them all. Talan grinned, he’d figure it out when they got there. For now, he was presented with a golden opportunity to put Davis in his place, hard. And best of all, his parents weren’t around to punish him if there were consequences.

Talan looked around the park and didn’t see anyone, so he dropped his backpack and beckoned Davis over.

“Come on, tubby...” Talan said with a smirk, “Time to take your medicine.”

Davis snarled and charged at Talan, who sidestepped him and kicked him in the back. Davis grunted and threw a punch, which Talan dodged and countered with a blow to the ribs. Davis cursed and threw a flurry of blows, some of which hit home, while others were blocked or deflected away.

Eventually he tried to grapple with Talan, which was a mistake. Talan grabbed his arm and wrenched it around, causing Davis to scream. He forced him to the ground and kicked him in the face. It was at that point Talan felt the most adrenaline, and it was also when he felt two sets of hands grab him from behind.

Talan cursed and tried to break free, successfully dislodging one assailant, but not the other. Eventually they subdued him and held him up for their portly friend.

Davis wheezed, then picked himself up. “You think you’re so clever, so special... huh, rich boy?”

“Fuck off, fatass...” Talan said. “You three are every bit as well off as I am.”

Davis punched him the stomach, hard. Talan grunted and coughed. He received a few more blows in the midsection before Davis finally punched him square in the eye.

“I’m just getting started...” Davis whispered as he wound up for another swing.

“Hey, pricks!” a female voice shouted from across the park. “The hell you think you’re doing?”

Davis and his friends stopped to ascertain who the voice belonged to. Talan squinted and saw a girl walking quickly across the park. He’d never seen her before, and she spoke with a noticeable New York accent.

Upon closer inspection, Talan liked what he saw. She was wearing short jean shorts and an athletic tank top with some running shoes. He guessed she passing through on a run. Her hair was short, bright pink, and parted to the side in a wave. On top of that she was fit, way more in shape than any of them were. She looked like trainer from a gym somewhere.

“Get lost,” Davis said. “We’re in the middle of something here.”

“I can see that,” the girl said. “What’s wrong, can’t fight fair?”

“Listen!” Davis began, but was silenced by a staggeringly quick kick to the face. The other two dropped Talan and went to fight the girl, who displayed similar martial arts moves that he was taught.

Talan caught his breath, then saw Davis getting up. Anger surged within him as he charged Davis at a full sprint and speared him in the stomach, taking them both down a steep hill. As they rolled to stop at the bottom, Talan jumped on top of Davis and proceeded to beat him senseless.

He got in a few good hits before Davis eventually was able to cover his face. Talan slammed his forearm into his throat and shouted down at him, “That’s for all this shit I’ve taken over the past few years.”

He was about to start again when a hand grasped his raised arm.

“Come on, he’s had enough. We need to get outta here!”

Talan saw it was the girl who stopped them earlier. “Who are you?” he asked.

“Shit, dude!” she began while looking up the hill. “Not now, c’mon ya idiot. Follow me!”

Talan saw what she was looking at. Davis’ two friends, along with two others were running down toward them. One must have texted for help or something. He let himself be pulled by the girl into the forest. They ran and jumped over vines, roots, and thickets. They jumped across some streams and eventually came to a thick group of bushes to rest.

“Think we lost em’ for now...” she said between pants. Talan saw a crazy grin on her face, like she was actually enjoying this.

“Thanks for helping me back there, but uh-”

“Babs,” the girl said with a smile. “Name’s Babs. I’m new here.”

“I can tell,” Talan said with a small smile of his own. “New York, eh?”

Babs chuckled, “What gave it away?”

Talan laughed and slumped over against the tree. His midsection was sore from all those hits. “Well it’s nice to meet you, Babs. I’m Talan, and those were some douches from my school.”

“Yeah, kinda figured...” She said sitting down across from him. “You have a bone to pick with the fat one?”

Talan coughed a bit when he chuckled, “You could say that.”

Babs looked over and motioned to his gut, “They got you good before I got here, huh?”

“Yeah...” Talan said. “Thought I could handle them all, got a little cocky.”

Babs winced as she slid over to his side and looked at his eye, “That’s gonna get bad. Better put some ice on it when you get home.”

“Yeah, I know.” Talan said. “Speaking of which, I better get back.”

Babs got up and extended a hand down to Talan. “C’mon, I think... er-” she paused, then laughed. “I actually don’t know the way out of here.”

Talan laughed with her and pointed ahead, “It’s this way, this’ll take us to the western neighborhood.”

As they were going, Babs saw Talan grunting and draped his arm around her shoulders to help him walk.

“Uh.. thanks,” Talan said as she gingerly lead him out of the trees.

“It’s not weird or anything,” Babs said with a laugh. “I saw you fighting before I got involved, I’m happy to help you out.”

“Oh, well...” Talan began, then realized what she was saying. “Wait a minute! You saw and just let me get pummeled?!”

Babs laughed and gently rubbed her free hand against his chest, “Looked like you didn’t need my help for the most part, dude. Sorry. Plus you look like you know how to fight, kinda hot...” she said while looking away a bit.

“Oh really?” Talan said with a laugh as they came out into the neighborhood.

Once there he stretched and winced, he was going to be sore for the next few days. Babs handed him his backpack, he hadn’t even noticed she grabbed it. He slung it behind him and realized that they were probably around the same age. However, Babs was a few inches taller than he was.

Talan pointed to where his house was and waved goodbye, thanking her for the help. But he stopped when she walked around in front of him.

“Umm... here, give me your hand...” she said with small blush.

“What?” Talan asked, confused.

“Just give me your hand, dude!” she said.

Talan obeyed and watched as she pulled a pen from her pocket and proceeded to write something. He pulled it back and held in a gasp.

“So... I just moved in. My parents are back in New York still settling business and getting help with moving our stuff. Since it’s so late in the school year they’re not making me go until school next fall. So, like, I don’t know anybody... and I won’t be able to meet anybody.”

“I see...” Talan said.

“Yeah, so... call me sometime, cool? We could hangout or whatever.”

“Uh, yeah...” Talan said with a slow shake of his head. “Sure.”

“Sweet, dude.” Babs said while turning around. “Cya later!”

Talan watched her run away and looked at his hand. He chuckled to himself and walked up the hill to the community. I just got her digits... I totally just got her digits... wow...

As Talan walked up to his front porch and unlocked the door, he noticed that Sonata wasn’t around. He waited a moment and pondered what to do. There was no way he was going to hide his eye. It would probably be better to just get it over with.

He walked through the house and couldn’t find her anywhere. He called to her a few times and heard no response. Weird, her jeep was in the driveway.

Talan went downstairs and opened the door to his backyard. As he stepped out, his eyes shot open. The pool was uncovered and had one teenage girl floating in it. Aria was in a red bikini wearing some sunglasses. Her hair was out of it’s pigtails this time, giving her an entirely different appearance. Sonata was wearing the same bikini she had at the beach. At the moment she was sunning herself on one of the chairs.

Unfortunately for Talan he didn’t get two feet before Sonata noticed him, and more importantly, his eye.

“Oh my gosh!!” she shrieked, rushing over to him. “What happened?! Did someone hurt you?”

“I’d say that’s obvious,” Aria commented.

“Shh!!” Sonata said, shooting Aria a glare. “Did you get beat up?!”

“I got hurt a little, yeah...” Talan said, then looked over to Aria with a smirk. “But I gave as good as I got, believe me.”

Aria chuckled, “That’s what I like to hear.”

Sonata shook her head disapprovingly, “That eye is going to swell up bad, c’mon. Let’s have a look at you.”

“Aren’t you going to come swimming?” Aria asked.

“You kidding?” Talan asked as he was led away by Sonata. “How could I not?”

“Told you, Sonata,” Aria said with a smug grin. “Couldn’t resist.”

Talan took an ice pack Sonata gave and pressed it to his eye. She sat down across from him and rubbed his shoulder, “What happened?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Talan said. “Just some crap with the same idiots at the mall. They wanted to start something, so I obliged them.”

Sonata sighed, “Well, I’m glad you’re okay. I’ll let you get changed. We’ll be by the pool.”

Talan went upstairs and immediately grabbed his phone. He created a new contact for Babs and entered in her number. Butterflies began tumbling around in his stomach at the thought of calling her. He went into the bathroom and changed into some trunks, then joined the girls outside.

Talan slipped into the pool and sighed feeling the cool water. It was another scorching hot day, and running through that forest really sapped him of energy.

“Talan...” Aria said, getting his attention.

She pointed to his eye, making him realize he forgot the ice pack. Sonata looked at him and got up to go get another one. When she returned, Aria motioned for her to give it.

Aria took the ice pack and slowly waded over to Talan, who stared at her apprehensively. She looked at his eye, then noticed the bruises starting to form on his stomach.

She frowned, then gently pushed the ice pack against his eye. “So why don’t you tell me exactly what happened.”

“It’s not that big a deal,” Talan said, turning away slightly.

Aria chuckled, then pulled him over to the stairs leading down into the water. She sat him down and took a seat next to him. “It is to me, and to her...”

Talan looked over at Sonata, who sat on a beach chair looking a bit despondent.

“Huh?” he asked.

Aria groaned and bent down to whisper, “Think about her position, she’s the one watching you right now, and for the next month. She’s your guardian. How does she look when people see you all beat up like this?”

Talan’s heart sank, “I hadn’t considered that..”

“Why don’t you ask her to come swim and explain it to her, it’ll make her feel better.” Aria said.

Talan slowly nodded, “Sonata, jump in... I’ll tell you what happened...”

As she did, Talan rested his arms on his knees and began to retell what happened.

“So those guys at the mall really were trouble...” Aria said in a dangerous tone.

“Yeah, kinda,” Talan replied. “It’s mostly just Davis, he always loved to get under my skin. Only recently has he been any good at it. I don’t understand why. But I just couldn’t take it anymore, and I don’t regret the beating I gave him.” He paused, looking across the water at Sonata. “But I do regret not thinking of what it might look like with you watching me. I’m sorry, Sonata. I should have thought ahead and been more responsible.”

Sonata smiled and beckoned Talan over. “Oh, come here. I can’t be mad at you.”

Talan swam over and gave her an apologetic hug, “It won’t happen again, I swear.”

Sonata turned Talan around and leaned back against the wall. She wrapped an arm around his stomach to hold him close while she pressed the ice pack gingerly against his eye. “It better not, otherwise they’ll have to contend with Aria and I. They won’t like that.”

Talan noticed a dangerous edge slip into Sonata’s voice, something that was oddly unsettling.

“No, they won’t” Aria said while climbing onto a raft and relaxing.

“Hey, what’s this?” Sonata asked, picking up Talan’s hand.

Talan quickly tore it away and shook his head, “Nothing, really. Just forgot to wash it off.”

Sonata grabbed him and turned him around, “Is that a number?”

“Yeah, it’s not a big deal, alright?” Talan said with a small blush.

“That’s so adorable!” Sonata said with a giggle. “Well, who is she? Give us the deetz!!”

“I’m more interested to learn how he pulled it off in the first place...” Aria said while giving Talan a sidelong smirk.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Talan asked. “Don’t think I could get a girl’s number?”

Aria paused, “Well it’s not that... actually... yeah, it’s kinda that,” she said with a light chuckle while staring up at the clouds. “Sorry, Talan I just think- Ahh!!!” she screeched while being thrown off the raft as Talan exploded from the water underneath it.

“You were saying?” he asked.

Aria’s head rose above the water at nose level. She glared at Talan with one eye, the other being covered by her loose wet hair.

She stood up and gently pulled her arm back, then pushed it forward to splash Talan. Barely any water hit him.

“What was that? Trying to splash me? That was pathetic!” Talan said.

Aria pulled her arm back again, only shorter this time. She gently touched her hand to surface, and a tidal wave erupted in front of her. Easily four feet tall, it crashed down on Talan sending him spiraling to the other side of the pool.

He broke the surface with water up his nose. “What the hell was that?!” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

He turned to Sonata, who was also hit by the wave. Her hair was now out of it’s ponytail, covering one eye. She glared at Aria, who was laughing her ass off, not paying attention.

Sonata slowly pulled her arm back, then gently touched it to the surface in front of her. Another wave exploded out of nowhere, this time picking Talan up on it’s crest and carrying him. Aria looked up just in time to have him crash down on top of her.

Talan found himself pinned against the side of the pool with a face full of boobs, and a massive blush. He pushed himself away and raised his hands in defense. “Aria I- I- didn’t mean to, I swear it just happened.”

Aria laughed, “You loved it, don’t lie.”

Before Talan could say anything Aria leapt forward and grabbed him. She spun him around and secured her grip, his head just above the water.

“Gonna try that again, Sonata?!” Aria shouted, “I have a hostage, wouldn’t want him to get hurt would you?”

Sonata was about to send another wave, but decided against it. “Fighting dirty, Aria. I should’ve known.”

“Talan is just an innocent bystander, he’s no match for the power that we wield...” Aria said with a chuckle. “Now, meet my demands and I’ll let the little hostage go.”

Talan chuckled and broke free from Aria’s grip, “Go for it, Sonata!” he yelled. However he didn’t get far.

As he went to dive into the water, a strong force pulled him back. It was like an undertow from the beach. The water swirled in front of him, preventing his hands from pulling him forward. He ended up in Aria’s embrace yet again, her arms folding around him with an amused chuckle.

“You might be able to get away on dry land, but in the water? Never...”

Talan looked across the pool at Sonata, she was glaring at Aria. She seemed irritated at the very least. He didn’t understand what happened. Those huge waves, that undertow just now? How was this happening?

“What are your demands?” Sonata asked.

“Make us dinner, or order take out. I’m starved. What about you?” she asked down to Talan.

“Yeah I could go for some food,” Talan replied.

Sonata shrugged with a laugh, “Is that all? I’ll go do it, you getting out now?”

“In a minute,” Aria said.

As Sonata got out and went inside to dry off and order food, Aria lowered her head and picked up Talan’s hand. “So you want to tell me about this? You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I understand, but I think it’s cool you got some chick’s number. Good job.”

Talan turned around and floated away, “Her name is Babs, she’s from New York. Just moved here. She showed up when those idiots were ganging up on me.”

“So she helped you out?” Aria asked.

“Yeah, she did,” Talan replied. “Kinda reminds me of you, actually.”

“Oh, how is that?” Aria asked, floating closer.

“Strong, defiant, doesn’t take crap from anyone. A fighter, skilled, knows what she’s doing and radiates confidence.”

“Yeah...” Aria said while back stroking, “Sounds like me alright.”

“So... I was gonna call her later, but...” Talan trailed off.

“But what?” Aria asked.

“Well... what do I say?”

“What do you say? What do you mean? You just talk her, dude... It’s not that har- Oh...” Aria said, watching Talan’s expression droop. “You’ve never done this before, have you?”

Talan sank into the water, “No, not really. I kinda suck at, well, girls...”

Aria chuckled and shook her head, “Just be normal, nothing to it. Trust me.”

“That’s it? Be normal? Not even a little help? Guess I’ll ask Sonata.”

“Haha!” Aria laughed while ceasing her backstroke, “That’s not a good idea. Sonata is a little... well, you know...”

“So you’ll help me out a little?” Talan asked.

“Ugh,” Aria groaned while looking at his hopeful eyes, “I guess so. Fine.”

Talan jumped forward and grabbed her in a hug, “Thank you! It’s too good to be true, I just don’t want to screw it up.”

Aria returned the hug and slowly pulled away, she picked up his chin with a finger so he was looking right at her. “One thing, before we go inside. Next time you go home from school, you wait until I come with you.”

“What? Why?” Talan asked.

Aria grinned, “So I can say hello to the punks who beat you up. But don’t tell Sonata, understand? Our little secret.”

Talan paused, then agreed. “Sure, that’s fine. What’re you gonna do?”

“Oh, just get some payback for the things they said about me. And for what they did to you, too... I guess.” she said with a playful wink.

Talan shrugged, “Not gonna argue with that.”

“C’mon, let’s get dried off and get some food.” she said while climbing out of the pool.

“Sure,” Talan said, following her inside.

After eating with the girls and nursing his ribs and eye, Talan found himself back in his bedroom wondering what he should do. He looked at his phone and picked it up, nervous.

He took a deep breath, then dialed her number.

While waiting for it to ring, he failed to notice the two figures silently eavesdropping outside his door.

“Hello?” the voice said on the other end.

“Uh, hey... Babs? It’s Talan.”

“Oh hey!” she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. “I was hoping you would call today. How ya feeling?”

“I’m okay, just a little bruised from the shots to the ribs and stomach. My eye is swollen, but that’ll stop soon enough.”

“Good,” she replied, “Those guys ever want to mess with you again, they better hope I’m not around.”

“Yeah, you were pretty tough.” Talan said. “So, uh... how do you like it here so far?”

“It’s nice,” Babs said, “I still have a lot of stuff to unpack before my parents show up.”

“Oh really? Need any help?” he asked.

“Help? That’d be really cool, if you’re up for it. Wanna come by tomorrow?”

“Sure that’s sounds alright,” Talan said. “Just text me the directions and I’ll stop by.”

“Alright, thanks Talan! Talk to you later!”

After Babs hung up, Talan let out a sigh and leaned back, relieved. He jumped when the door flung open revealing two grinning faces. Aria walked over and sat on his bed. “See, what’d I tell you? Just act normal.”

“That was really cute, Talan,” Sonata said with a caring smile. “Are you going to invite her here? I’d love to meet her.”

“Yeah, that’d be fun,” Aria said with a chuckle. “I can watch your moves that way.”

“My moves...” Talan said with a raised eyebrow. “You just said I should act normal.”

Aria laughed, “At first, yes. After that, it can get a bit more complicated.”

“Great...” Talan said.

“Don’t worry, Talan. You’ll be fine.” Sonata said. “Now come downstairs, Aria and I want to demo part of song for you.”

“Alright,” Talan said, following them downstairs.

“We got you a ticket for the Battle of the Bands,” Aria said. “You’re not going to want to miss that, we’re going to steal the show, and so much more.”

Chapter 6: The Siren's Cadence

As Talan finished up his work for the day, the last bell sounded. He breathed a sigh of relief and went to his locker. He saw Ryan and Alex standing further down the rows, but chose to ignore them. Instead focussing on Davis and his friends. They were bruised and battered from their little skirmish, and by the looks of things ready for payback.

Talan remained calm and gathered his things in his backpack, then made for the exit. As he walked outside, he put on some sunglasses and scanned the grounds for his escort home.

A tap on the shoulder caused him to jump.

“Crap, Aria. You scared me...”

Aria wore the same ripped jacket she always did, and a pair of short shorts. It was another scorching day. But this time her hair was out of it’s pigtails, instead hanging long down her back held together at the top by a headband.

“Expecting a fight?” Aria asked with a smirk.

Talan cautiously looked behind her yet didn’t see any of them. “Yeah, I am actually.”

“Good,” Aria said. “Let’s get going, take me the long way home.”

“Alright,” Talan said. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Aria chuckled, “If you only knew how long I’ve been doing this. I’ll be fine, and so will you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Aria wrapped an arm around Talan and gently nudged him forward, “Don’t worry about it, just get going.”

As they walked into the same park where the fight took place last time, Talan looked around and wondered if he’d see Babs here at all. He remembered he was supposed to head over to her place later, at least for a little while.

He sat down on a bench and saw Aria come over, she had been hanging back while he walked. It kinda felt like he had his own bodyguard. He chuckled a bit at the idea, he wouldn’t want to get on her bad side. Well, her real bad side.

Aria sat down next to him and crossed her legs, “What’s so funny?”

Talan looked up and shrugged. “Nothing, just thinking about stuff.”

“Like what?” Aria asked with a yawn.

“Just... you’ll laugh, forget it.”

“Well now you have to tell me,” she said with a smirk.

“You’re kinda like a big sister,” Talan said.

As expected, she laughed, “Yeah, that’s funny alright.”

Talan got up and stood in front of her, “At least let me make my case first?”

Aria smirked and crossed her arms, “I’m listening.”

“I dunno, you’re just what a big sister is supposed to be like, right? We get in fights, we tease and mock each other. You call me ‘kid’ and I call you ‘pigtails.’ We don’t always get along, but when we need each other we’re both there. I mean, you’re here now, right?”

Aria shook her head, “There’s some good points in there, but you’re leaving out one part.”

“What’s that?” Talan asked.

“This is for me as well...” she said while her pendant flashed red.

Talan was about to reply when he heard footsteps behind him. He saw Davis and three of his friends approaching from the other side of the park. Talan turned around and balled a fist, but was calmed when Aria stood up and gently rubbed his shoulder.

“Got your girlfriend here to save you this time, Talan?” Davis asked. “Or is this one not as good a fighter?”

Talan growled a curse but was stopped by Aria. She sat him down and produced a music player from her backpack. She gave it to Talan and turned it on.

“Talan, listen closely.” Aria said while looking him in the eyes. “Listen to this, and turn the volume all the way up. Don’t take off the headphones, understand?”

“Why?” Talan asked, he was surprised when Aria squeezed his arm. “Okay, fine. What are you gonna do?”

“Just have a little chat is all,” Aria said. “You can watch, but don’t listen.”

Talan sighed and put on the headset, once the song started playing a loud type of rock music, Aria turned around and walked over to Davis and his friends.

He didn’t know what to expect, but laughed when he saw Aria start to sway her hips a bit when she walked. Then casually toss a hand through her hair. He wasn’t the least bit surprised when he saw Davis’ mouth fall open, his friends’ following soon after.

Aria checked behind her to make sure Talan was doing as he was told. He simply sat there and looked on with understandable curiosity. She continued her gentle, yet assertive humming as she saw the boys start to waver under her influence. She walked closer and added some words, eventually gaining a level of dominance that satisfied her.

“Oh... you boys like your insults, don’t you?” she said, rounding on the one who insinuated she was a slut, “don’t you???”

They merely nodded and smiled, only understanding they were asked a question, and were compelled to answer.

“Yes,” Aria said with a smile, her voice laced with charm and charisma. “But unfortunately for you, I’m not just some girl. Now, here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to leave Talan alone, and you’re going to apologize to me. Right now.”

“We’re sorry...” the boys muttered in unison.

“Good...” Aria said with an amused chuckle, “Now, one last thing...”

Talan was shocked at what he was seeing, they were bending over and kneeling. Then, no sooner had they got on the ground, they bolted upright and took off at a sprint across the park. As they headed into the fields, Talan took off the headphones and was immediately struck by a wave of pleasure. He heard Aria’s voice on the wind, the gentle humming. He smiled as his eyes rolled back just a little. They drooped a bit, then reopened when he saw Aria walking over to him.

“Aria... you’re so...” Talan began, but stopped when he fell over.

Aria shook her head disapprovingly and picked up her music player. She turned it off and got Talan up. “What did I tell you? Don’t take those off. You want to join them for a little run?”

Talan smiled and fell onto Aria, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Yeah...”

Aria chuckled and shook him a bit, “No you don’t, wake up Talan. Wake up!” she shouted.

Talan snapped out of it and rubbed his head, “What happened? Where is Davis?” he asked.

“They’re going for a run, I told him he needed the exercise.” Aria said while sitting down close to him. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Talan replied. “I saw them... kneeling? How did you...?”

Aria smirked. She crossed her legs again and put an arm behind him on the bench, “I can be very persuasive...”

Talan chuckled, “I see that, where are they going?”

Aria looked at the fields and saw Davis already about to fall over, “I dunno, whatever is in that direction I guess. They’re gonna go until their feet bleed...” she said with a low chuckle.

“That’s... wow,” Talan said. “I’m not sure...”

“What?” Aria asked, a bit concerned. “You don’t approve?”

“No it’s just... how?” Talan asked. “What did you do to them?”

Aria shrugged and rubbed her pendant, “Nothing, Talan. Stupid boys will do anything to impress a pretty girl, right?”

“I guess...” he said with a shrug of his own. “Well we’d better get back, I gotta head over to Babs’ place later.”

Aria got up and joined him as they started walking, “Don’t be too long, stud. I don’t wanna be bored later. Sonata’s not good at the games you have.”

“Well can’t you teach her?” Talan asked.

Aria sighed, “Some people just can’t be taught,” she said with a playful nudge.

“I guess,” Talan said. “That would explain your current losing streak to me then. Huh?”

Aria laughed, “Careful, Talan. Don’t want to upset your big sis, do ya?”

Talan looked up at her in shock, “Really? No way...”

Aria shrugged, “Let’s say friend, with big sis qualities.”

“Fine by me,” Talan said while looking at the blue sky. ”Fine by me.”

An hour later, Talan pedalled over to the address he was given. It actually wasn’t too far away from his own neighborhood. It was another private community, though a little smaller in size. He wondered if Babs’ parents were into business like his own.

He set his bike down on the grass near her driveway and walked up to the house. He took a deep breath and rang the bell twice, then waited for a response.

Eventually the door opened revealing a drenched Babs.

“Yo, Talan!” she said with a wide grin. “Come on in!”

“Sure,” he said while walking past her.

The house was pretty big, though that was partly because there was so little in it. The carpet was down, as well as some furniture here and there. But it was largely empty. Boxes were stacked in each room, no doubt sorted and containing all the stuff that was supposed to be unpacked there.

“Nice place, very... open,” Talan said with a smirk.

Babs walked up to him and draped an arm around his shoulder. She was a very touchy feely type of girl, not that he minded.

“Yeah, fo sho.” she said. “I haven’t really touched this part yet. But I did start the basement and den.”

“Let me guess,” Talan said while looking her up and down. “You’re hiding a gym down there?”

Babs laughed, “Hardly hiding, come on I’ll show you.”

Talan followed her downstairs and couldn’t keep his eyes off her slender, toned figure. She was wearing exercise shorts and a bright pink top to match her hair. He could dig it.

“Wow,” Talan said. “This is... frankly bigger than I expected.”

There were weights everywhere. Some ellipticals, a treadmill, and three punching bags hanging all in a row. Various cycling and rowing machines, and some leg presses. Also two bench presses.

“Yeah, think so?” she asked while moving to stand behind a bench press. She leaned on it and raised an eyebrow. “Figure it out yet?”

Talan shrugged, his mouth still somewhat agape. “You’re a fitness nut apparently. You put this all together yourself? Wowzer...”

“Wowzer...?” Babs replied. “Don’t tell me you’ve never seen something like this before. If you held your own against those idiots, and had the form that I saw, you have to have seen a place like this. Where else could you have learned it?”

“Um.. maybe I watched it all on television?” Talan said with a shrug.

Babs smirked and slowly walked around in front of him.

“The internet?” Talan asked with another, more exaggerated shrug.

Babs stopped in front of him and threw a punch, which Talan sidestepped. Then another that he knocked away.

“What’s the big idea?” he asked. “If we were going to fight I’d have dressed accordingly.”

“You look just fine the way you are,” Babs said. “Care to answer the question? Or do I need to beat it out of you?”

Talan held up his hands for a moment, then slowly backed away. He sat his phone and keys down beside the mat, then teasingly took off his shirt. “We haven’t even had a first date and already with the foreplay?”

Babs’ threw her head back in laughter, “Oh funny, I can tell you’ve never done this before.”

“Done what?” Talan asked while taking off his shoes. “Get into a fight with a pretty hot girl the first time coming to her house? Well, you’d be right.”

“No,” Babs said while putting up her fists. “Successfully flirting with a girl...”

Talan shrugged, “Am I that transparent?”

“Yeah, and I think it’s kinda cute!” Babs said while lunging forward with a kick.

Talan side stepped it again and lashed out with a kick of his own, striking her in the side. With a grunt, she rounded on him and connected a punch to the chest, sending Talan staggering backward. He quickly recovered and went for a leg sweep, but Babs anticipated and jumped over it. She kicked Talan in the stomach and swung another kick at his head, which he ducked. He recovered and caught her arm as she threw a left handed punch. He used her lunge to get in close and tackle her to the ground, pulling one leg out as he did so.

Despite Babs being taller with a longer reach, Talan was still likely stronger. Contrary to his smaller upper body, years of running and cross country had left him with a deceptively strong lower body. It’s explosive power won him the little engagement. He pressed a forearm to her throat and smirked.

“I’m out of practice with this sort of stuff, I’m surprised I beat you,” he said with a chuckle.

“Beat me did you?” Babs asked.

Talan’s face turned to surprise anguish as Babs brought her thigh up, right into his crotch. He groaned a curse and was helpless as Babs’ rolled him over and effortlessly pinned him. Snapping her legs across his neck like a vice and wrenching his arm in an armbar.

Talan tapped immediately as she applied pressure, groaning the entire time.

“You win, you win... that wasn’t necessary... shit...” he said.

Babs rolled next to him and wiped the sweat off her face. “Sorry, dude. I had to fight. I was just dying to. I needed something, anything. It’s been so boring here. I’m glad you put up with it, though. You’re a good sport.”

Talan groaned again and rolled onto his side, “You do this with all your guests?”

Babs laughed, “Only the ones I think are really cool.”

“I see. So you wanted to know what I think about the gym? Let me guess,” Talan began.

“Yeah?” Babs asked.

“Your mom or dad a fitness instructor? Athlete? Something?”

“Close,” Babs said. “Mom’s a fitness instructor. Dad’s a bodybuilder with his own business.”

“A what?!?!” Talan asked.

“A bodybuilder, silly. What? I hit you so hard you can’t hear?” she joked.

“I’ve been fighting a bodybuilder’s daughter, fan-freaking-tastic...”

“Chyeah,” Babs said, “When he finds out you’ve been over before he got here, he’s going to pull your head clean off.”

Talan looked at her with genuine worry, which caused Babs to burst out laughing. “You’re hilarious, Talan. You should see the look on your face!”

“You’re crazy,” Talan said as he got up.

“He’s really nice, I already told him about you. He wants to meet you when he finally gets here. But that won’t be until at least a week. Maybe two.”

“Two weeks to live, better make the most of it,” Talan said.

Babs giggled and handed him his shirt, “You’ll be fine, seriously. I’m impressed you handled yourself so well. You clearly know what you’re doing.”

“Well, I haven’t done it in a while. At least a year or two.” he said. “Been wanting to get back at it, but cross country takes a lot of my time.”

“You run cross country?” she asked. “That’s cool!”

“Think so? Surprised you don't think it’s lame or something.”

“Why would I think that?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“It’s what everyone thinks. Ya know, not fun, boring. Shit I hear all the time.”

Babs walked over to him and clasped his shoulder, “Any way to be healthy is okay in my book. Besides, you can fight. You’re cool enough already.”

“Thanks, Babs” Talan said. “I appreciate it.”

“I think you deserve a little something special for putting up with me down here...”

Talan’s heart fluttered, “Y-yeah? Like what?”

Babs giggled, “Let me go shower, then I’ll cook some dinner. You hungry?”

“After that? Yeah a little bit,” he said.

“Great! Go chill in the living room while I freshen up, then you can help.”

“Sounds good to me!” Talan said.

Talan grabbed his stuff and followed her upstairs. He sat down on her couch and looked at the time. Sun was still up, the night was young. He was beginning to think he had a thing for crazy girls.

After helping her with some things, Talan was ordered to sit at the counter while she finished it. Something about pride, he suspected. Talan found it a little odd, but wasn’t about to argue. Lest he catch a blow to the face, or worse.

After she was done, she poured him some soda and decided to just stand and eat.

“Well, how is it?” she asked.

“Really good,” Talan said. “I like sub sandwiches and pasta.”

“Aww, thanks dude!” she said with a delighted smile. “I like em’ too. Back in the city there was this sandwich shop down the street from the gym, man was it amazing.”

“We got some places like that here,” Talan said between bites. “Doubt they’d be as good as that, but they’re enough for suburb food.”

“You’ll have to take me sometime,” Babs said with a wink.

“Of course,” Talan replied. “Not like you’re the type of girl to give me a choice, right?”

Babs chuckled, “Correct.”

After they were done, Talan offered to help her wash the dishes, but Babs declined. Saying she would do it later.

Talan walked into the living room and waited for Babs to join him. She came shortly and took a seat close to Talan, tucking in her one leg facing him. She was wearing clothes similar to Aria. Short shorts and a band tee. Her hair covered one eye at the moment, something Talan found really cool.

“So...” Talan said, “What do you want to do now?”

“Well,” Babs said and rubbed her arm awkwardly, “I don’t have a T.V. with cable or dish hooked up yet, so no dice there. Um... I have a pool, but it’s not filled.”

“Well we could just talk for a bit, or do you find that boring?” Talan asked with some nervous laughter.

Babs huffed, “I’m not all fighting all the time, Talan. Geez. And, yeah, actually there was something I wanted to ask you...”

“What’s that?” Talan inquired.

“Well, you were by yourself when I saw you getting wailed on.”

“Yeah,” Talan replied.

“It’s just... don’t most guys hang out with each other, or whatever? Like, groups and all that? You wouldn’t have been jumped if you were with your friends.”

Talan frowned a bit and nodded, “Yeah, well, I may be in the market for some new ones. We’ll see what happens.”

“Do you not have many friends?” she asked.

“Not really, no,” Talan answered. “I had a few, but we’ve had a falling out recently. Besides them I only really have acquaintances. I do things on my own most of the time.”

“Any brothers or sisters?”

“Only child,” Talan said. “Probably comes across in how I act, at least a little bit. You?”

“Me? Oh, I have an older sister, and a big extended family. But they’re far flung across the states. Barely see them anymore. So, um, what made you have a falling out with your friends?”

Talan leaned back and shrugged, “I really don’t know. Well, maybe I do. But it’s... kinda embarrassing.”

Babs smirked, then stopped when she saw the pained look on his face. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“Nah, it’s alright. I should be honest.” he said with a deep breath. “So, my parents are currently gone on a business trip and cruise. They’re doing both, one after the other. They’ll be gone for another four weeks at least, maybe more. But before they left, they... hired a girl to come watch the house, and me.”

Babs’ expression quickly turned to one of amusement, “Oh... I see how that could be embarrassing. Wittle Tally Wally has a babysitter, right?”

Talan growled and got up, “Yes, very astute observation.” He walked over to the bay window across the room and watched the sun set below the trees. “Anyway, they’re high school girls. One of them is the guardian, the other is her friend who just hangs around a lot. Thing is, they’re really nice. I actually like them a lot. They’re my friends. But it seems like my other friends got tired of me. They lied to me saying they weren’t going to go out to one of our favorite places. So I go out to get some groceries and what do I find? Across the street, there they are.”

Babs got up and walked over to him, “That sucks, man. Sorry.”

Talan turned around and looked up at her, “Bleh, water under the bridge. They wanted to come meet the girls. Cuz, you know, older girls. I said that it wouldn’t be a good idea so soon, that my parents might not want more people over. I didn’t want to risk getting Sonata fired.”

“Sonata?” Babs asked.

“Yeah, Sonata and Aria,” Talan replied. “Those are the two that are at the house right now. Which reminds me, I should be getting back.”

“Okay,” Babs said while walking over to the door.

Talan got his stuff and turned around awkwardly, “So, sorry about all the bellyaching just now. Probably not the best impression to leave.”

Babs laughed and did something unexpected, she walked forward and pulled Talan into a comforting hug. She smelled of Raspberries, something he loved.

“Don’t worry about it,” Babs said. “From what I’ve learned, where you live is pretty ritzy, right? Makes sense to want a house sitter, and if they can look after a kid? Maybe help with some stuff around the house? All the better.”

“Kid...?” Talan said.

“Kid...” Babs said with a giggle.

Talan went to leave, then turned around. “Babs... real talk, did I fuck up?”

Babs looked at him like he had green slime coming out his ears, “What?”

“Like, I’m pathetic, aren’t I? I should have never said that stuff. You probably don’t want to hang out with someone like me.”

Babs understood after a moment, and put on a serious expression, “The only thing wrong is what you’re doing right now, idiot.”

“Wha? Talan asked, utterly bewildered.

“Little self-pity party?” Babs said, “Come on, you were brimming with confidence most of the night. You fuckin’ fought with me for crying out loud. It’s okay to open up a bit, and I can understand being a bit apprehensive. I’m a chick, and we’re just getting to know each other. Sure, I get that. But on the other hand it was pretty brave. You’ve been interesting and attractive most of the night, only stopping just now. That what you wanted to hear???”

Talan’s jaw dropped, “I- uh, yeah.”

Babs chuckled, she pressed a hand gently to his chest, then gave him a small peck on the cheek.

“I’d say you earned that. If you want to go further you’re gonna have to earn that, too.”

Talan blushed and nodded, “Understood.”

As he walked onto the porch Babs waved goodbye and shut the door. Talan, desperate to say something blurted out, “I’ll text you!”

“You better!!” came the answer from the other side.

Talan burst out laughing, the butterflies in his stomach flying with such force they could carry him home. He grabbed his bike and took to the street. Aria and Sonata would be so proud.

Talan arrived back at his place and opened the garage door. He parked his bike against the wall and shut both doors behind him. He sighed and went upstairs, wondering where they were. He assumed Aria would be here as well.

After not seeing them, Talan walked into the dark living room to an unnerving site. There, Aria was passed out on the couch, with Sonata in a similar state across the room in a chair.

“Hello, Talan...” a voice cooed from a dark corner.

A red glow emanated from the darkness, revealing Adagio. She slowly got up and walked toward him.

“Adagio... what are you doing here?” he asked.

“Oh I just dropped by for some practice, you know, the usual.” She said with a casual wave of her hand. “This one seemed to take a lot out of them, in more ways than one.”

“Are they alright?” Talan asked. “They don’t look so good.”

“They’re fine,” Adagio said. “Let’s allow them to rest for now. I was thinking you and I could take a little walk, what do you say?”

“Uh, why?” Talan asked.

“I just want to talk for a bit, is that so bad?” Adagio asked innocently. “I promise I won’t eat up your night. Siren’s honor...” she said while putting her hands to her pendant.

Talan waited a moment, then decided it would probably be alright. “Fine, what do you want to talk about?”

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with my girls lately, haven’t you?” she asked while walking with him to the street.

“Yeah, you already know that,” Talan said.

“Yes, I do. Which brings me to the question, have they been acting strange around you?”

“Strange how?” he asked.

“Fluctuations in their voices, deep sounds coming from seemingly nowhere?” she began. “Vibrations in their pendants, violent mood swings, glowing red eyes?”

“Glowing what?” Talan asked. “That’s ridiculous.”

“So that’s a ‘no’ to all of the above, I assume,” Adagio said. “Alright, fine.”

“Are you angry because they’re staying here instead of spending time with you?”

Adagio looked down at him and chuckled, “No no, of course not. If my girls want to spend some time to themselves, I perfectly understand. We’ve been around each other for many years. Some space is good every now and then. Besides, I can plan our songs and routines better when I’m by myself.”

“Makes sense, I guess,” Talan replied.

Adagio looked at the stars, then back to Talan. “Tell me, are you friends with Aria and Sonata?”

“Yeah, I am,” Talan said. “And they’re friends with me.”

“How nice to have friends,” Adagio said. “Have they invited you to the Battle of the Bands?”

“Yeah,” Talan said. “Why?”

“As much as I’d like to have another adoring fan there cheering me on, I think it’s best if you didn’t show.”

Talan stopped there and laughed, “What? Why? Even after I listened to your demos and practice?”

Adagio smiled and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, “I know you did, and I’m grateful. It’s just that this is really important to me, and to the girls. If you’re there, they might be... distracted...”

“That’s ridiculous,” Talan said while turning to walk away. “I won’t even be near the front, you won’t even notice me.”

Talan’s eyes opened wide when Adagio’s hand closed around his forearm like a vice. Intense pain shot up his arm as he whirled around to find glowing red eyes bearing down on him. Her breath was labored and low, like that of a large beast. When she spoke, it was as if three or four different voices did so at the same time.

“Just remember, I warned you...” she said with a laugh while stepping backward into a whirlwind, then vanishing.

Talan awoke in his living room. He jolted upright and looked around to find the same state as when he left. Dark, with Sonata and Aria passed out. Did he just do that with Adagio? Or did he just imagine it? He walked to the front door and noticed it was closed. He wasn’t wearing his shoes. It must have been some weird dream.

He looked around the house, realizing there was an oddly creepy vibe with it being so quiet. He turned on the kitchen light, which allowed some to shine into the living room. He made sure the doors were locked, then decided to wake up the girls.

“Sonata...” he said while gently shaking her, “Sonata... wake up, it’s me.”

“The waves are too high...” she whispered, “Ponies will be hurt...”

Talan slowly backed away. Her voice was similar to the way Adagio’s sounded in the dream, or whatever that was. Several voices echoing at once.

He bent down and shook her shoulder, “Sonata, get up. You’re scaring me...”

Sonata opened her eyes and found the adorable boy hovering over her, “Hey, Talan... what happened? I feel so... exhausted...” she said with a stretch.

Talan sat down and helped her sit up, “Adagio was here, I think. She said you practiced and worked so hard you passed out.”

Sonata’s eyes shot open, she noticed Aria on the couch and balled her fists, “That’s not what happened.”

Talan didn’t like the anger creeping into her voice, “Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not,” Sonata answered. She quickly got up and walked over to Aria. She put a hand on her cheek, then shook her head. “Stay here with her, I have to go.”

“What?!” Talan asked. “Where? What’s going on?”

Sonata grabbed a light jacket and went into the kitchen for a moment. Then walked to the door and put on her shoes, “No time, stay with Aria. I’ll be back.”

Before Talan could say anything more, she was out the door and gone. He watched her drive away in confusion. Maybe she was going to see Adagio, or something else.

Talan returned to Aria and realized she was completely out. Talking with her or nudging her wasn’t going to do anything. He decided to wash up, then at least make sure she was comfortable. Sonata probably wasn’t going to be gone too long, so he figured he’d just wait for her. He wasn’t tired anyway.

Hours later Aria awoke to a quiet house, and comforting warmth. She couldn't remember much other than practicing, then becoming very tired all of a sudden. She remembered Sonata rushing over to her, then seeing her collapse as well. A vision of Adagio looking down at them came to her mind, and with that, fury.

Aria snarled in rage, letting her primal instincts take over for a brief moment. But her rage was quieted by the next sight that greeted her. She realized she was covered in a fluffy blanket, with a teenage boy asleep at her side.

Aria laid on her side against the arm of the couch, her legs tucked in covered by the blanket. Talan was asleep on them, and showed no signs of waking. A gentle, caring smile crept onto Aria’s face as she slowly removed herself and stood up.

Seeing no signs of Sonata, she walked around the house just to make sure she wasn’t there somewhere. Upon entering the kitchen, she saw a note.

“This is getting out of control, I can’t believe she did that too us. Used her voice on us, on you. I’m going to talk to her right now. This can’t go on, not if we want to win the battle and go home. Stay with Talan, Aria. I’ll be back soon.”

Aria cursed, Sonata was being protective again. They’d have a lot to talk about when she got back. She was right, they had to get on the same page before the battle. For that reason, she would restrain herself from giving Adagio a piece of her mind.

After clearing her head, she silently walked back into the living room. Sure enough, Talan was still sound asleep. Aria pulled the blanket out and gently covered him. She turned around to go upstairs, then stopped.

She thought back to their earlier conversation, and the big sister thing. Aria remembered her first home, the vast coral reef. Beautiful, but desolate. Nothing but fish, starfish, and crabs. Some eels here and there, and maybe an octopus. Nothing like her, they had all moved on and left her behind. She lived there alone for years, fending for herself. Too afraid to go into the deep, for fear of the many large predators there. It wasn’t until the one summer that Sonata arrived with some others that she really had a friend, or companion of any kind.

Aria went back into the living room and took off her jacket. She could still hear faint whispers of Adagio’s voice on the air, which meant she stuck around after making the the two of them pass out. Aria wasn't about to let Adagio come back and find Talan all by himself. Especially after her little threat out by the pool.

Aria sat down in her former spot with another blanket. She sighed and ran a hand through Talan’s spiked hair, “Big sis, huh? You know, I think I could get used to that. Like you said, we don’t have to be alone.”

Chapter 7: The Stars that Shine Brightest

The next morning, Talan’s internal clock forced him up at an early hour. It was Friday, and he had school. But he really didn’t want to go today. He felt sore from his little engagement with Babs, and had a slight headache. He realized he wasn’t in his bedroom, then remembered what happened last night.

As he was coming to, he fought the urge get up and gave his pillow a small squeeze, which elicited a response.

Huh? Pillows don’t yawn... Talan thought as he rubbed his eyes.

To his shock, he wasn’t alone. Sleeping next to him on the couch was one of the teenage girls he had come to know and like. Aria lay on her side, seemingly still asleep. Talan realized he had been hugging her, and tried not to make any sudden movements. He gently pulled his arm free and went to get up.

“Morning sleepyhead,” Aria whispered with one eye closed.

She smirked down at him, no doubt finding it hilarious.

“Uh, hey Aria...” Talan said.

Aria stretched with another yawn, “You like hugging your pillows? Or do you sleep with stuffed animals?”

“Har har,” Talan said. “I wasn’t supposed to fall asleep like that. Sorry.”

Aria sat up and yawned again, “Don’t be sorry, I woke up and you were asleep right here. You gave me this blanket?”

“Yeah,” Talan said. “Didn’t want you to be cold. The AC can make it chilly in the house sometimes.”

“Well, I appreciate it,” Aria said. “Which is why I returned the favor. I wasn’t about to leave you alone, especially not after Adagio’s little stunt.”

Talan frowned, “What was that about?”

“I don’t know,” Aria said, “But if Sonata isn’t back yet, then we might have a problem. She told me to look after you. But she didn’t need to say it.”

Talan smiled, “So we wait for her to get back?”

“Yeah,” Aria said. “I’m gonna take a shower, then I’ll make us some breakfast. You’ve got school later.”

“Eh, I think I’m gonna take a sick day. I don’t feel good.”

“Talan...” Aria admonished. “Don’t start this... Sonata won’t be happy.”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “I’m not starting anything, I’ve got a set amount of sick days I can take each semester. We all do. Besides, I’m not missing much, and I can work and study from here. I’ve got work I can do.”

Aria shrugged, “Well, when you put it like that, whatever.” she said with a laugh. “Still going to have to run it by Sonata.”

“Fine,” Talan said. “I’ll be in the kitchen”

“Right,” Aria said as she went upstairs.

After about an hour, Sonata arrived and pulled into the driveway. Talan and Aria were eating breakfast when she walked in. She looked normal, if a little tired.

“So what happened?” Aria asked.

Sonata took a deep breath and looked at Talan, “Hey, I’m sorry for leaving you alone with Aria last night. I didn’t mean to disappear like that all of sudden. But it’s something I had to do.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Talan replied. “Just, is everything alright?”

Sonata smiled and rubbed his shoulder, “Yes, everything is fine. But I need to talk to Aria alone for a minute. Go upstairs and get ready for school.”

“He’s not going today,” Aria said. “He’s got a pretty bad headache, and didn’t get much sleep.”

“Is that true?” Sonata asked.

Talan, who saw the support Aria was giving him, simply nodded. “Yeah, it’s a Friday, so not much is going on. I think I’ll just study and get some work done here for today.”

“They let them have sick days they’re allowed to miss,” Aria said. “He hasn’t used any, so I see no harm in it.”

“Yeah,” Sonata said after a moment’s contemplation. “Whatever, just one thing before you go. Aria and I are going to be gone most of the day. Will you be alright by yourself?”

“Well, I was going to see if I felt better later, then after the work was done I was maybe gonna go out somewhere with Babs... if that’s alright.”

“You’re skipping school but you’re fine for a date later?” Sonata asked.

“C’mon Sonata,” Aria said. “Let the little guy have some fun, don’t you trust him?”

“Yeah, I do...” Sonata said with a small smile. “Just be responsible, Talan.”

“I will, thanks Sonata. I’ll leave you two alone now.”

After Talan went upstairs and they heard his door shut, Aria and Sonata went outside to the gardens, just to make sure he couldn’t hear them.

“So what’s going on?” Aria asked.

“Adagio is... sorry she did that to us, she wanted to prove a point.” Sonata said.

“What point would that be?” Aria asked. “If she does that again, I’m going to remind her she’s not the only Siren who can do something unique with her voice.”

“Her point was that we’re distracted, and not just with Talan. Years ago she never would have been able to get the drop on us like that. She apologized, and I suspect she’ll apologize to you when we see her next. She wants to practice again today. Just to make sure we’re on the same page. There’s only a few days left until the battle.”

Aria glared at Sonata, “And you believe her?”

Sonata shrugged, “No, not really. But what can we do? She’s strong, Aria. She always has been. And, honestly, I do really want to go home.”

Aria couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Of course she wanted to go home, too. But this mistreatment was starting to be too much. “So do I, but Adagio is really pushing it here. What about him, huh?” she asked, pointing up to Talan’s bedroom. “Still going to protect him if something goes awry?”

Sonata leaned on her hip, “You assured me it wouldn’t, now you’re concerned about him as much as I am?”

“Yes!” Aria said, “Don’t you feel different, Sonata? I don’t know what it is, but I feel strange whenever I’m spending time with him. It’s like something empty being filled up. Something that I was lacking, and finally being made whole again.”

“Yeah, I felt it. I’ve actually considered asking Sunset about it... she is a pony, remember.”

“What would she know? The ponies barely know anything about us, Sonata. You know that.” Aria said with a roll of her eyes. “She can’t help us.”

“We’re leaving in about an hour for practice,” Sonata said. “When we see Adagio, we’re going to put this to bed. One way or another.”

“I’m with you on that,” Aria said as they both walked into the house. “Adagio does not want to see me angry.”

After Sonata opened Talan’s door to let him know they were leaving, Talan spent the remainder of the afternoon getting his work done and making some powerpoints for studying later. After he was done with that, he decided to plan out his evening with Babs. That is, if she was willing to hang out with him.

“Nah, took the day off,” Talan said. “Felt a little sore from our scuffle yesterday.”

“What a cream puff,” Babs said with a giggle. “I barely touched you.”

“Tell that to my future kids,” Talan said with an amused chuckle.

“Yeah, sorry bout that.” Babs said. “So, what’s up?”

“Well, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out tonight?” Talan asked. “I was thinking I take you to a movie.”

“Sure, dude,” Babs said. “Sounds like fun, but it’ll have to be after five. Pool is being opened so I have to stick around til the guys are done filling it and getting it ready.”

“Oh, eager to swim are you?” Talan asked.

“You got no idea, Tally.” Babs said. “I love it. After the movie, you and I should work out a little, then go for a dip. Sound good?”

“You think I’d turn down seeing you in a bikini?” Talan asked.

“Who says I’m going to wear that?” Babs fired back.

Talan paused, then whispered, “Might be out of line, but you don’t exactly seem like a girl who wouldn’t flaunt a body like that... but I could be wrong.”

Babs whispered her reply, “You’re not...”

“Well then,” Talan said. “I’ll come get you after five. Talk to you later.”

“Wait, how are we gonna get there? I can’t drive, can you?”

“No, but I’ve got it taken care of,” Talan said.

“Alright dude. See ya later.” Babs said.

Talan grinned and took a deep breath. He probably should have planned the ride out before asking Babs, but it was too late now.

He looked at the time, realizing it was still evening in Europe. He went down to his father’s study and sat at his desk. Talan made an international call and hoped his father would pick up. After a few rings, he was relieved to hear his voice.

“That you, son?” he asked. “Hope the house isn’t burning or something.”

“Hey dad, and no nothing like that.”

He waited until his father stopped laughing to make the pitch.

“So, hows Sonata treating you, pretty good?” he asked.

“Yeah, it’s okay. How’s things with mom?”

“She’s fine, we’re almost done with the business stuff. About another week of that, then the fun stuff. Anything interesting happen over there?”

“As a matter of fact, yes...” Talan said. “I’ve met two new girls, one is Sonata’s friend, the other is a girl my age who just moved in.”

There was silence on the other end, then his father answered, “Go on...”

“Her name is Babs, and she just moved here from New York. I met her in the park while coming back from school.”

“Dating material?” his father asked. He was always wanting Talan to go out and mingle with girls. However, he never forced the issue, something Talan appreciated.

“Well, I dunno about that yet,” Talan said. “But I do want to go on a date with her tonight. Which is why I’m calling. Can I borrow Wesley?”

Mr. Wesley was his father’s driver. While Talan’s dad often used his own car for transportation, he and other executives had a driver for certain meetings and situations. Mr. Wesley usually only worked for him, and was a resource that Talan was told he could use in the event of an emergency, if he need a ride anywhere.

“Can’t Sonata take you?” his father asked.

Talan was afraid he’d say that, “Well, she’s gone to band practice with her friend when the movie is happening. It’s only like an hour, but still.”

Talan could hear his father get up and open a door. He knew what was happening.

“Alright kiddo, I had to get away from your mother. You know his number, right? It’s in my desk.”

“Yep, I’m there right now,” Talan said.

“Alright, yes you have my permission. Just tell him it’s a favor for me, and I’ll pay him when I get back. You can give him part of the fee upfront.”

“Yeah, I know where it is,” Talan said.

“Don’t take advantage of him, Talan. Be mature about it.”

“I understand, dad. Thank you.”

“No worries,” his father said. “I want to meet this girl when I come back, just remember that.”

“Sure, dad. Thanks. I’ll talk to ya later,” Talan said before hanging up the phone.

He opened his father’s drawer and found the list of contacts. He had met Mr. Wesley several times before. Talan knew he wouldn’t mind doing this.

All that was left to do was get ready and wait.

Talan leaned forward and handed the driver an envelope.

“This should cover it for now, my dad says that he’s going to give you the rest when he gets back.”

Mr. Wesley chuckled and put the envelope in the glove compartment. “Talan it’s no trouble at all. I’m happy to help you out.”

“Well it shouldn’t be too long, we’re just going to a movie then come back here.”

“You’re sure?” he asked. “No dinner? I know a few good places.”

“If we don’t eat at the theater, we might get some takeout.” Talan said. “This girl is a fitness nut, so I don’t imagine she’ll want too much junk food. This is it right here.”

As the car slowed to stop, Talan grabbed his stuff and got out. He walked up to the porch and gave the bell a ring.

Babs opened the door and stepped outside, “Hey dude, you look nice. Let me put your trunks and clothes inside. Whoa... is that our ride?”

Talan bent over in an exaggerated bow and did his best snooty voice, “Your carriage awaits, my princess.”

“Pfft,” Babs snorted as she punched him in the shoulder and walked to the car. “So is this what it’s like hanging out with a rich kid?”

Talan opened the door for her and went around to the other side. “I’m not that rich, and it’s not even a limo.”

“Should I have brought the limo, sir?” Wesley asked with a chuckle.

“This is your chauffeur?” Babs asked.

“He works for my father,” Talan said. “And no, Mr Wesley. The Audi will do just fine.”

“Very well, buckle up and we’ll be off,” he said while closing the glass between them and allowing it to fade.

With the addition of privacy Babs slid closer to Talan and leaned on him, “This is very nice, Talan. I’m having fun already.”

Talan blushed and rubbed his head, “Oh yeah, well t-that’s good...”

Babs chuckled and slid back, “So, I’m curious, is this all your money? Or your dad’s?”

Talan nodded knowingly, “Want to know if this was all just handed to me, right?”

Babs nodded, “Yeah, I don’t mean anything buy it.”

“It’s fine,” Talan said. “The car and Mr. Wesley are gifts from my dad, but I worked for the money I’m using to take you out. I had a job at the country club for a few summers. I only recently quit because of other jobs I might try and get while at high school.”

Babs smiled, “Really? That’s so sweet.”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “That’s uncharacteristically soft of you- Ow!!”

“Just because I’m tough doesn’t mean I can’t be soft sometimes. And I mean it, this is really nice of you. But I’m paying for my own ticket.”

“But I thought that since I’m taking you out I should- OWW! Stop!!” Talan whined.

“Tell you what, you can buy us dinner if we’re feeling like it afterward, deal?”

“Deal, just stop hitting me...” Talan said with a laugh.

Babs leaned close and whispered in his ear, “That’s not going to happen, Tally. You’re too much fun to antagonize.”

“We’ll see how long the fun lasts...” Talan said while looking out the window.

“That a challenge?” Babs asked. “Am I gonna have to take you to the mat again tonight?”

This time Talan leaned close as well, “You’re going to try, but it’s going to take more than that UFC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu crap...”

Babs chuckled, “How do you know it’s that?”

Talan pretended to yawn and slowly reached his arm around Babs’ shoulder, “Now that would telling...”

Babs burst out laughing and leaned forward, “You trying to be tough and flirtatious is the funniest thing ever.”

Talan groaned and went to remove his arm, but was stopped when Babs leaned back, “I didn’t say stop doing it.” she said with a gentle smile.

“You know,” Talan said. “Thinking it over, you’re not exactly first date material. And I don’t mean that in any offensive way.”

Babs sat up to her full height and looked down at Talan, “I know what you mean, but that makes it all the more fun for both of us. Besides, you’re doing fine.”

“Good,” Talan said. “It’s going to stay that way.”

“Mmm,” Babs cooed, “There’s that confidence I love.”

Talan got out of the car and opened the door for Babs. After that he talked to Mr. Wesley and made sure he’d come back to pick them up when the movie was over.

Talan walked with Babs to the theater and smirked as she guessed which film they were going to see. Seeing that she approved, Talan allowed her to purchase her own ticket, then he purchased his.

“I love superhero movies,” Babs said. “I love seeing other girls kick ass on the big screen.”

“I never would have guessed,” Talan said with a wink. “Any desire for snack bar stuff?”

“What do you think...?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I think they don’t have salads...” he replied.

“Do you want anything?” she asked.

“Nah, we can just get some subs or whatever on the way back.”

Walking across the lobby with it being a Friday night, there were several people around. Talan couldn’t help but notice the other guys gawking at Babs. He was struggling with it himself. Babs wore a band tee with the sleeves cut off revealing her toned arms and a little bit of her stomach. She wore a pair of short shorts showcasing her long legs, very similar to Sonata in that regard. Her hair was combed to the side hanging down over her left eye, and with the sunglasses she almost looked like a punk rock model. She wasn’t wearing any heels, but even so she seemed even taller now. Maybe she always was, or maybe it was just her legs. Either way Talan guessed she had about four or five inches on him. He tried to stand up straight while she walked with him.

After they gave their tickets and were directed to their theater, things got more quiet.

“Notice anything back there?” Babs asked.

“Literally every guy we walked by gawked at you,” Talan said. “Some girls did, too.”

Babs smiled, “Yeah, how do you feel about that?”

Talan hesitated before answering, “I feel... thankful. I really appreciate you hanging out with me.”

“You were going to say ‘lucky,’ weren’t you?” Babs asked, somewhat sadly.

Talan sighed and looked away, which prompted Babs to gently rub his back. “We really need to work on your confidence.”

“Let’s just watch the movie, we can talk about building me up later,” Talan said while holding the door open for her.

“Deal,” Babs replied while walking inside.

After the movie, Talan walked with Babs back to the lobby. She was absolutely ecstatic after watching all the fight scenes.

“Did you see how they moved?!” she asked. “That was so awesome. Makes me want to go home and-”

“Fight?” Talan finished.

“Yeah!” Babs said. “You game?”

“We’ll see,” Talan replied. “But, if you really want to...”

“You’re the best!” Babs said while grabbing Talan in a tight hug. “I have to visit the ladies room, I’ll meet you outside after.”

“Alright,” Talan said.

After she left, Talan yawned and went to stand outside by one of the pillars attached to the theater roof. He checked his phone to see what time it was, then sent a text to Mr. Wesley letting him know they were done.

As he looked up, Talan’s stomach turned in dread.

“Hey, Talan! What’s goin’ on man?”

“Oh, hey Ryan,” Talan said while pocketing his phone. “What brings you here?”

Ryan walked up and smirked, “Just here with Alex and Andrew. We saw the new Rapid and Angry movie.”

“Oh look who it is!” Alex said. “It’s Talan, did you come here all by yourself again?”

Talan sighed, “No, actually I’m here with-”

“He totally did,” Andrew said with a chuckle, “Dude, you could have texted us. We would have told you we were gonna be here.”

Talan raised and eyebrow and smirked at Ryan, “Would you now? You sure about that?”

“There you are!” Babs said while coming outside. She stood beside Talan and smiled down at him. “Friends of yours?”

Talan savored the the image of their faces once they laid eyes on Babs. Ryan especially, ladies man that he was, or rather, thought he was.

“Yeah,” Talan said. “Babs, this is Ryan, Alex, and Andrew. Guys, this is Babs. She’s new here.”

“Charmed,” Ryan said, while the other two simply nodded. “So how did you meet Talan here?”

Babs smiled and leaned on his shoulder, “Well, we beat the shit out of this one kid... what’s his face?”

“Davis,” Talan said.

“Yep, the fat kid!” Babs said with a giggle. “Anyway, after that, we started to hangout.”

“Well, Davis is an ass. He had it coming. But you’re hanging out... with him?” Ryan asked, a little shocked.

“Is that really so shocking?” Talan asked.

“Well... yeah,” Ryan said with a chuckle, earning laughs from the other two as well.

“Great, well, we’ll see you later,” Talan said.

“Wait, not so fast,” Ryan said, eyeing Babs up and down. “Babs, why don’t you hang out with us for a bit? We’ll take you out for a night on the town. How about that?”

Talan’s eyes widened with fear, he looked up at Babs, who put a finger to her chin in contemplation.

“Hmm, nah, I’ll pass,” she said.

“You sure?” Ryan asked, “Girl like you looks like she knows how to have fun on a Friday night.”

“Oh really?” Babs asked, eyebrow raised, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just that you seem like a fun girl,” Alex interjected. “Frankly too fun for him,” he said while motioning to Talan.

“Man, fuck you.” Talan said in disgust. Earning a chuckle from all three of his friends.

Talan’s fists were clenched, but they relaxed when he felt a cool hand grab him and open one. Babs slid her fingers between his and closed them. She leaned against him slightly and smiled pityingly at the other boys, “Talan is all I want for tonight, I’ve had my fill of Friday night’s out when I was in New York City. Not interested anymore.”

Babs and Talan looked to the road and saw Mr. Wesley pull up. Talan lead Babs to the car and opened the door for her to get in then closed it. He stood there staring at his three friends, anger bubbling up from inside. As he clenched his fists, solid green rings formed in his eyes. He stood there a moment longer, then walked around the car.

Before he got in, he called over his shoulder to Ryan, “Sometimes you just strike out, eh bud?”

Seeing the rage spread across his features, Talan got in the car and they pulled away. That was something Ryan had constantly told him the few times he tried asking out girls. It felt good to have the tables turned.

Talan looked over at Babs and smiled, “You hungry?”

Babs smiled in return and took his hand again, “Starved.”

After taking Babs to the local sub shop, Mr. Wesley dropped them off at her house. Talan only ate a little bit, as did Babs. She went upstairs to get changed, then allowed Talan to do the same. He went downstairs and took position in front of the punching bag, then let out some steam.

“Fucking Ryan...” Talan said under his breath as he hit the bag again and again.

He backed up and kicked it a few times, then decided to stop. He realized he hadn’t stretched when he saw Babs doing it.

“So what do you want to do?” Talan asked. “Still want to fight?”

Babs looked over at him and shook her head, “No, I don’t think so.”

“No?” Talan asked. “How come?”

“I don’t think you’re in a good mindset for it,” she said with a light chuckle.

“You could say that again,” Talan replied.

Babs got up and walked over to the bench press, “Why don’t we try this? Come on, I’ll spot you.”

“I’m really not so good at this,” Talan said.

“Well then you’ll have to get good. Gotta start somewhere, right?”

“I guess...” Talan said as he sat down and leaned back.

He waited for Babs to put on some weight, then looked up as she stood behind him. He couldn’t help but smirk as her boobs obscured his vision.

“What’s so funny down there?” Babs asked with an edge to her voice.

“Ahem, uh- nothing, nothing. Ready?” Talan asked.

“Yep,” Babs replied, taking hold of the weight. “One hundred fifty pounds to start.”

Talan took the weights and began lifting them up and down, “This isn’t so bad, I think I can handle more.”

Babs shook her head, “This is fine for now, next time we can try more.”

Talan smiled, she said next time. There was no indication Babs was getting tired of him, or that she wasn’t enjoying herself. Still, it felt nice to hear the confirmation.

After they both exercised a little bit more, enough to work up a sweat, Babs decided it was time to go for a dip. Talan went and changed in the downstairs bathroom, while Babs used the upstairs one.

He went outside and walked around the pool. It was an in ground one, large enough for a family to play in. It was already uncovered and ready for use. The people who readied it must have left it that way.

“So, what do you think?”

Talan turned around and smiled, “Referring to you? Or the pool?”

“Both, smartass...” Babs said.

Talan walked around the side to stand near her. Babs’ figure was absolutely stunning, not all that dissimilar from Sonata. Though her bust was fuller, and her thighs thick with muscle. Though not too much, she didn’t look like a fitness model. Just a really in shape model. He tried to figure out what it was that was so alluring about her. Maybe it was the small freckles on her cheeks, or the way her punk style hair contrasted with her tanned skin. Maybe it was her wide hips and perfect bottom. Or, maybe it was all of the above.

“I think the pool is fantastic, is it cold?”

As soon as the words left Talan’s mouth he knew what was coming, yet could do nothing to stop it. Babs, like lightning, took two steps and pushed Talan in. Needless to say, the water was very cold. Having been hot and sweaty from working out, it was a straight shock to the system. Talan guessed it was filled from the reservoir, which was always cold.

“SHOOT!!” Talan exclaimed while breaking the surface. “It’s- it’s-”

“WOO!!” Babs shouted as she cannonballed right on top of Talan, covering him with a wave.

He broke the surface and laughed, “Oh you’re gonna get it now!”

“Try me!” Babs taunted.

Talan dove toward Babs and fought to get around behind her. After doing so, he wrapped his hands around her stomach and suplexed her with all his strength, dunking her behind him.

Babs, not one to be outdone, recovered with a serene smile. She jumped forward and shoved Talan under with her hands on his shoulders. Then, before he could recover, she grabbed him from behind and suplexed him.

They both continued to mess around until they were tired out, each taking position at opposite sides of the pool width.

“Don’t tell me you wrestle, too,” Talan asked while catching his breath.

“Nah, just watch it on TV,” Babs said with a laugh.

“Same,” Talan said.

“So those were your friends?” Babs asked.

Talan sighed and looked at the bottom of the pool, “Yeah, that was them. Ryan was the closest. But not anymore, I think.”

“Ryan is the one who runs you down about not being good with girls?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Talan replied. “He usually wasn’t aggressive or nasty about it. Just liked to make fun and pick on me about it. I tried to shrug it off, but it’s hard when you’re in situations where it comes up all the time.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, I think you handled yourself well,” Babs said with a reassuring smile.

“Thanks, but that’s only because of what you did.” Talan said. He shifted and slowly waded toward Babs. “I- I’m glad you took my hand and wanted to stay with me. I really like you Babs, but I feel like I should be honest. I was wondering if you would go with them. Part of me thought you might.”

Babs frowned, “Why? What makes you think that?”

Talan raised an eyebrow and shared her frown, “Come on, do I really need to say it? I know you want me to have confidence. I’m really trying. But, what they said was true. I mean, look at you. You’re like the image of a girl who likes to party. Not one who wants to hang out with someone like me. I know I shouldn’t judge based on your looks alone, and I apologize. I’m really not judging you based on that. Just... try to see it from my point of view.”

Babs stood up to her full height and looked down at Talan. She sighed and slowly fell backwards into the water and drifted on her back over to him.

“Maybe I was a little to hard on you, about the confidence thing I mean... I just wish you could see what I do. But you have a point. I should try and see things from your perspective. I have a problem being self centered, it’s part of why I don’t live that lifestyle anymore.”

Talan nodded, “You said you don’t party or go out on friday nights anymore. What made you change your mind?”

“Well, ‘going out’ is just what we called it. We never really drank or did a lot of driving around. Not that we needed to, it was New York, we could just walk most places. Just going to hang out with a click of friends, you know? I drank sometimes, but I stopped because I didn’t want to get caught. And also I didn’t really like the people when they were drunk.”

“What type of people?” Talan asked.

Babs smiled and looked up at the starlit sky. “The brightest stars,” she said with lament.

“What?” Talan asked.

Babs continued floating and pointed to the sky, “See the stars? Some are brighter than others. I was with the bright ones. You know, the ‘it’ crowd. The people who were on top of the school.”

“Ahh, those people,” Talan said.

“Yes, those,” Babs said. “I guess it was for a few reasons. My competitive attitude let me get noticed by them. I was attractive, and I actually didn’t look like I do now. I was very different back then. My parents had money, at least as much as the others. And I liked to party.”

“So what changed?” Talan asked.

“Well, I had a boyfriend...” Babs began.

“Oh, Babs, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to,” Talan said.

“It’s fine,” Babs reassured him. “It didn't’ last long. He was a jock, strong and built. You know the type. The alpha. I thought dating him was the best thing ever. Well, turns out guys like that can get bored pretty quick. He cheated on me with one of our friends.”

“So you knew the girl who he cheated with?” Talan asked.

“Yep, she and I were friends,” Babs said. “Our little circle, remember? Anyway, that’s when I figured it out. I couldn’t be relaxed around even my friends. I had to be competitive there, or lose out. I soon found myself competing with all the other girls.”

“Competing at what?” Talan asked, confused.

“Everything,” Babs replied, “Just everything. Physical looks, fashion, grades, sports, dancing, drinking, kissing, you name it.”

“Wow,” Talan said, awestruck. “That sounds... daunting.”

“It was,” Babs replied. “I tried to be like them, I tried to fit in. But one night I got into an argument with one of the girls. I had the realization, I just wasn’t having fun anymore. It wasn’t me. It was empty. I was doing all the stuff I loved for some stupid ulterior reason. It wasn’t the same. So, I stopped. Stopped hanging out with them, stopped going to the parties. Stopped the whole scene. Of course, that meant I was cast out of the clique, and pretty much any other group. I was alone, but then fate seemed to intervene. My parents told me we were moving.”

Babs laughed and casually flicked some water as she floated away, “They thought I would be devastated. You should’ve seen the look on their faces when I told them I couldn’t wait, and it didn’t bother me at all. Priceless.”

Talan remained silent for a moment, then smiled. “That’s a really cool story, wow.”

Babs frowned, “It was stupid, I was stupid. I should have never stuck around trying to compete for attention from those guys. Guys who would cheat on me. I should have left then and there.”

“Is that part of why you’re hanging out with me?” Talan asked.

Babs righted herself and looked over at Talan, his short stature allowing him to sink below the waves with little effort. “Yeah... kinda. I’m sorry Talan, that makes me sound like a shallow bitch. You probably think I’m some stupid bimbo, I sure as hell acted like one.”

Babs let her shoulders slump as she turned away from Talan in shame. But the response she got was not what she was expecting.

“Not at all! Hey, if we know one thing for sure, it’s that I’m certainly not that type of guy. Can’t really blame you for wanting something different.”

“You mean that?” she asked.

“Sure,” Talan said with a shrug. “It’s not like you pity me or anything. We have other similar interests, and both like hanging out with each other, right?”

“Yeah,” Babs said while smiling and moving the hair out of her eye.

“So you did some things in your past you regret. More than I can say for myself. I’ve never done anything like that. You didn’t like it, so you stopped. Seems like you learned a lesson. You changed, so that’s good.”

“I guess so,” Babs said. “So... you’ve never done any of that?”

“What? The partying? Drinking? That stuff? No, not my scene. I don’t really have that many friends. I’m kind of an introvert. I like video games as much as I like running, martial arts, and swimming. I built my own computer, and I like to tinker with mods.”

“So you’ve never dated anyone?” Babs asked.

“Nah.”

“What about going on dates?”

“None,” Talan answered. “Nothing that would really count anyway.”

“Can I ask why?”

Talan slumped back against the wall and shrugged, “I’m not dating material. I don’t really have the best social skills. I don’t like going out places all the time, and I don’t really like parties. That’s basically how you meet girls. My interests really don’t fit into being considered dateable. Cross country is thought to be boring, like I said. I don’t play any other big team sports like Football, Basketball, or Baseball. Even though I like to stay fit and exercise, I’m hardly huge. The only thing remotely cool about me is probably the fighting. But that’s a personal thing. Other than that I’m just a nerd.”

“I see,” Babs said.

“Yeah, you see how someone like me finds it kinda odd that you want to hangout.”

“You’re different, Talan.” Babs said. “But that’s not the only reason. You’re sweet, kind, and treat me like a person, not just some girl who could be immediately replaced.”

“Don’t think I could find a replacement with hair like that,” Talan joked.

“See,” Babs said. “You’re charming, too. You make me laugh, and not always intentionally. I find that really cute, in a good way. But that’s not all. I can relax around you. I don’t have to be on all the time? Know what I mean? I don’t have to compete. I can just be myself.”

“That’s nice, thanks. I’ve never been complimented like that before.”

Babs leaned forward, “That’s part of the appeal, too.” she said with a wink. “That I’m more experienced, I get to show you the ropes and have some fun.”

Talan forced a small smile and looked up at the stars, “Yeah, fun...”

Babs hesitated for a moment. She saw the apprehensive look on his face and felt a pang of guilt. She realized how nervous he must be. Being social and open to relationships was something that came easily to her. She never really gave it a second thought. Things just happened organically. Talan didn’t seem to have that luck. Babs remembered a game some of her former friends used to play at her old school. They would bait boys like Talan and make them think they were interested, only to pull the rug out from under them later, usually in public. It was embarrassing, but she remembered laughing at it a few times. A mark of regret now. Babs wondered if Talan had heard of such a thing, or seen it first hand. She wouldn’t be surprised if in the back of his mind, Talan was wondering if that’s what this was. He wouldn’t be wrong for doing so. She realized she would need to start off slow.

“Talan, you should have more faith in yourself.” Babs said.

“I know, confidence...” Talan said. “What you said was nice. I’ll try to keep that in mind from now on.”

Babs smiled and stood up to stretch, “Remember when I asked you what you saw in the theater earlier? When we walked through the lobby?”

“Yeah, all the guys staring at you,” Talan replied.

“You didn’t notice anything else?”

“Nope. Not really.” Talan said with a shrug.

Babs giggled, it was typical for a guy like him to not notice.

“You saw the guys staring at me, at us, but you didn’t see the girls. They were staring at you, Talan.”

“Well when I’m with a girl like you, what need do I have to look at any other girls?” Talan asked jokingly. “But why stare at me?”

Babs laughed. If he only knew how good such an innocent joke like that made her feel. She loved it. And the best part was that it was genuine.

“You said it yourself,” Babs began. “You talk about image. A girl like me isn’t expected to be hanging out with a guy like you, right? It’s those stupid expectations based on image. Because you don’t fit with their perceived view of things, that makes you interesting...”

“Interesting?” Talan asked, not following.

“Yeah!” Babs exclaimed. “See, girls think about this stuff constantly. It’s our closely guarded secret” she said with a wink. “So there’s this guy hanging out with this super attractive, fit, sexy, confident, amazing girl...”

“All true,” Talan said.

Babs laughed and playfully wagged a finger, “Careful, Talan. There’s a difference between being sweet and sucking up. Anyway, so they see this guy who doesn’t fit the picture. They think it’s weird. But then... they start to ask why. Why is she with him? What’s so great about him that I don’t notice? Am I missing something? Then, they start to look more closely. I saw at least seven eye you up and down.”

“That happened? Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Babs replied. “You’re not as bad as you think, and I love hanging out with you.”

“That’s- I don’t know what to say. Thanks, Babs. Seriously.”

Babs smiled and nodded, “Now, let me get this straight. You’ve never dated, never been on a real date. Have you kissed a girl?”

Talan’s heart sank, his stomach tied itself in a knot, and his eyes fell to the floor. Few things were more emasculating.

“What do you think?” he asked sadly.

Talan sighed and was surprised to see Babs smiling at him.

She leaned back against the wall and beckoned him over. “Come here.”

Talan’s heart raced. He slowly swam over and stopped in front of her. Babs grinned and pulled him closer. She put both hands to his cheeks and pressed her lips to his. She held there for a moment, then pulled back.

“Wow...” Talan said. “It’s just like how I imagined it would be.”

Babs laughed and pulled him closer again, “You’re such a dork.”

Talan embraced Babs and did more to participate this time. He moved his lips with hers, doing his best to follow her lead. Kissing wasn’t as daunting as he thought it would be.

“Hey, you’re not that bad...” Babs said. “But then, I’m a really good kisser.”

“So show me more,” Talan said with a smirk.

Babs raised an eyebrow and turned Talan around so his back was now against the wall. She spread out his arms, then ran her hands down his chest. She fondled his pecks, then slowly moved down to his stomach, all while never taking her eyes off him. Then, suddenly she gasped. She rubbed her hands across Talan’s modest abs, then grinned hungrily.

“I never noticed these before,” she said with a greedy smile.

“Well, I’m no body builder,” Talan began, “But I do have some souvenirs left over from when I did Crossfit stuff.”

Babs’s eyes widened in surprise, “What? You did Crossfit?!”

“Yeah,” Talan replied. “The martial arts classes I had were across the street from a crossfit gym. Our instructor wanted us to work out as we learned. I didn’t really like weight lifting in the traditional iron pumping style, it got boring quickly. So I did that instead.”

Babs looked at them and smiled. They weren’t anything special, but with more training Talan could become a complete studmuffin. Her studmuffin.

She pulled him forward and wrapped her arms around him. Talan kissed her deeply, both of them trying to outdo each other. As they continued, Talan got bold and let his hands slide down her back. As he did, Babs’ mouth curled into a sultry grin. Talan ran his hands across her firm ass, absolutely loving how it molded around his fingers as he gave it a firm squeeze. Babs let out delighted moan as he did.

However, not to be outdone, Babs unwound her arms and did the same thing, grabbing his ass much more firmly. Talan couldn’t help but chuckle as they both floated around the pool fondling each other. Babs eventually wrapped her legs around his waist and bent down, giving him one final deep kiss. Before letting go, she bit his bottom lip and playfully pulled it, forcing Talan to fall into the water with her.

After that, Babs turned around and fell into Talan’s arms. “So,” she said. “That’s one thing you can knock off your bucket list.”

“What would that be exactly?”

“Make out with a smoking hot girl in her swimming pool, of course,” Babs said with a content sigh.

“Yeah, it was pretty cool,”

Babs turned around and hugged him again, “Believe me young grasshopper, we’re just getting started.”

Talan looked up at the stars and smiled. “So... um... I gotta ask. We’re dating now, right?”

Babs laughed and turned around, draping her arms across his chest and shoulders, “Are we in grade school? Do you need to ask me to be your girlfriend?”

Talan rolled his eyes, “No... but that means-”

Babs silenced him with a kiss, “There’s your answer. Good enough?”

“Yeah,” he replied. “I’m satisfied.”

“You think you are,” Babs said. “But I’m just getting started... c’mon, let’s go get dried off. It’s starting to get cold out here.”

As Talan followed her inside, he looked back at the pool and smiled. He’d have to do this again, real soon. No way he was going to let his time with Babs go to waste.

Chapter 8: Ready, Set, Fight

Talan ran through the park and down a hill, he was in good pace finish strong at the cross country meet. He knew he wouldn’t finish first, but that didn’t matter. He was too busy thinking about later tonight. The Battle of the Bands was starting later, and Talan was still wondering if he should go or not.

As he ran, he looked behind him to see there wasn’t anybody else, the runners were spaced pretty far apart. Talan wondered if the other teams even practiced, he wasn’t really that good at running, but he did enjoy the relaxed nature of it compared to other, more team focussed sports. Like now he was by himself, just doing his thing.

The course took him down a ravine and up the other side, which was the hardest part. The whole time running up his legs burned. He was sweating like a pig, and wanted to slow down. Talan thought of things that pissed him off and clenched his teeth together. He saw Davis, and he saw Adagio. How dare she suggest he not go support her and the other two girls. It was ridiculous.

As Talan reached the end of the course, he ran through the finish line and waited for the rest of his team to finish. After that, he took his third place ribbon and walked off to the side. Ryan and Alex were there, and he didn’t want to see them, let alone talk with them. Since the meet was close to home, he told Sonata and Aria he would walk there and back. They were fine with it, since they were practicing most of the day for the battle.

He grabbed his duffle bag and started to walk to the restrooms to get changed, when suddenly he was attacked from behind. Two slender yet muscular arms closed around his neck, and a moment later he smelled that familiar perfume.

“Talan!! You were so great out there! I’m so proud of you!”

“Babs?! What are you doing here?”

Babs smiled and hugged him again, “I heard there was a meet today so I decided to go for a walk and watch. You looked great out there.”

Talan was a little taken aback, “Wow, if I would have known you’d be interested I’d have told you about it. Now I feel like a dick.”

Babs draped her arm around Talan and looked down at him, “Yeah I could give ya a beating for not telling your girl about something like this. But you’re new to it, so I’ll let it go this once.”

Babs was surprised when Talan turned around wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, she looked down a bit surprised.

“Sorry...” Talan said while letting go, “Just, I’m not used to having people watch me compete or cheer me on. Um, if you were cheering.”

“Dude I was totally cheering,” Babs said. “What’re you talking about? Don’t you have people watch to support you?”

“Not really,” Talan said with a shrug. “Mom and dad are super busy people, they come when they can but it’s pretty much stopped now that I’m older. No siblings and you know the friend situation.”

Babs ran a hand through his hair and hugged him again, “That sucks, man. You should never have to compete with nobody cheering for you.”

Talan returned the hug and gave her a small kiss, “Well, I have a girlfriend now, so I don’t need to worry about that anymore.”

Babs blushed and returned the kiss, “Aww, Talan. You’re so sweet. Are you hungry?”

“Yeah, I am actually,” Talan said while rubbing his stomach.

Babs took his hand and started to walk toward their neighborhood, “You’re coming home with me. I’m gonna cook a nice meal for my man, then we’re going to hangout.”

Talan let himself be lead away with a grin, “You’re the boss.”

Babs slipped him a wink, “Damn right I am.”

Later, once they arrived at her house, Babs went to work cooking Talan a nice lunch of chicken parmesan and a salad. He went upstairs to shower and change into the clothes he brought in his bag. After that he went downstairs and sat at the counter. As he watched Babs cooking, he was reminded just how lucky he was.

It was extra hot today, one of the worst days ever. Talan drank a ton of water when he got to Babs’ house. Due to the heat, Babs was wearing even less than usual. Today she wore a very loose tank top. The type that wasn’t so much a shirt itself, but an accessory. It was low cut with wide open holes where the sleeves would be. It almost seemed like there was no side to the shirt at all. As she turned Talan could see her pink sports bra, clearly visible through the shirt. Her long, slender legs were shown off again, but this time even more so. Talan had commented on loving them before, much to Babs’ delight. She said she was proud of them, and loved to show them off. She was wearing even shorter shorts today. He seemed to remember she called them boy shorts. A strange name for something so feminine. Still, he wasn’t about to complain.

After eating Talan went upstairs to use the bathroom. When he came down, Babs was lying on the couch examining her nails. When she saw Talan standing at the foot she suggestively turned on her side and ran a hand down her leg.

“Oh hey...” she said with a sultry smile.

Talan smirked and ran over to the couch, pouncing on Babs. She let out a small “Eep!” uncharacteristic of her, which he would use to tease her with later.

Babs smiled as she crossed her arms above her head, not resisting at all as Talan straddled her. “Mmm... you actually look like your know what you’re doing this time...” she teased.

Talan chuckled as he laid down, tracing his fingers across her slender stomach, “Guess we’ll find out soon...”

Babs jumped as he began to tickle her, “Wait! Stop! I’m not ticklish! Talan! I swear to god if you don’t stop! Hahaha!”

Eventually Talan ceased his attack and pressed his lips to hers in a grinning kiss. Talan settled down on top of Babs and kissed her for what seemed like ten minutes. Neither wanted to stop, especially when Babs started to use a little bit of tongue. She explored Talan’s mouth, making pleasured moans when Talan reached back and caressed her thigh.

After they had their fill kissing, Talan laid his head down next to Babs and inhaled her sweet scent. “You’re so sexy...” he whispered. “I think it’s the perfume combined with your hair color.”

Babs chuckled and wrapped both her arms and legs around him, “Glad you like it.”

Talan pushed himself up a bit to look at her again, “You’ve been very... cooperative...”

Babs raised her eyebrow and flicked the hair out of her face, “You were going to say submissive, weren’t you?”

“Maybe...”

“Well, that’s only because you deserve it after your performance out there.”

“What happens when miss submissive goes away?” Talan asked, his voice wavering slightly.

“This...” Babs whispered into his ear.

Suddenly Talan’s sides were clenched in the vice grip between Babs’ legs. She quickly flipped him over and straddled his waist, a predatory grin never leaving her face. She licked her lips and ripped off Talan’s shirt, then began fondling his chest and stomach.

Talan went to touch her stomach, but Babs’ grabbed his hands and forced them back atop the arm of the couch, “No no...” cooed.

“Heh,” Talan chuckled with a nervous smile. “Guess I’m lucky you don’t have handcuffs.” The look on Babs’ face after that comment made Talan turn white as a ghost. “Oh shit...”

Babs slid further down and put her chin on his stomach, “You’re not ready for those yet, but we’ll get there...”

Talan shivered as Babs planted small kisses across his stomach and abs, making her way to his chest, then neck.

He smiled and let out a content sigh, “This is the life...”

Babs giggled and rested her head on his chest, “Yeah, I’m pretty great aren’t I?”

Talan looked down at her and smiled, “You’re amazing... but I gotta ask... do you really have handcuffs?”

“Heh, no... not here at least,” she replied while tracing a finger on his chest.

“But you did before?”

Babs rolled over onto her side beside Talan and yawned, “Yeah, but they weren’t mine... they belonged to a friend.”

“One of your friends in the old clique was into bondage?” Talan asked. “Not sure what to think about that.”

Babs groaned, “Well, don’t over exert yourself. We never really did anything, we just thought it was fun and kinda funny. We didn’t hurt each other or anything like that.”

“You’re an interesting girl, Babs.” Talan said. “I mean it. Like, I’m still learning so much about you. Was this one of the friends you competed with?”

Babs shook her head, “Nah, not this one. We never competed over trivial shit like that. In fact, they walked away from the circle of friends shortly after I did. They’re the only one I still keep in contact with.”

“That’s cool, “ Talan said.

“Maybe I could get you into some playful bondage...” Babs said with an evil cackle.

“Doesn’t seem like my cup of te- OW!!!” Talan yelped as Babs twisted his nipple.

Babs rolled off the couch before Talan could grab her, “Sorry, Tally. Like I said, too much fun to antagonize. I’m gonna go work out, I’d ask you to come but you already had yours for the day. So up to you what you want to do until I’m done.”

Talan sat up and groaned, “Hey, you want to go to the Battle of the Bands tonight? It’s going to be pretty good I hear.”

“Sure, dude,” Babs said with a wink. “It’ll be nice to see what this place has for local music.”

Talan watched her leave, then fell back onto the couch. He figured he’d take a nap before they did anything else. He wanted to be rested for whatever happened at the battle.

At the school grounds, Talan lead Babs atop a hill overlooking the area where the battle would take place.

“How come you don’t want to be closer?” Babs asked.

Talan saw she was expecting to get closer, he frowned and shrugged. “I just don’t want to see any of my former friends. You saw how they acted. I don’t want to get in trouble if they want to start something. Plus, I thought up here would me more intimate.”

Babs smiled and kissed Talan’s cheek, “You make a good point. Besides, this is a school thing. Not like we’re at a real show or anything. Which reminds me, gonna have to take you to one eventually.”

“Long as I’m with you, wouldn’t miss it,” Talan said.

Babs sat down with Talan and waited for the show to begin. They saw the stage and wondered if there would be another one. Talan spotted Aria, Adagio, and Sonata take the stage and start their sound check, then saw the other group. He recognized one off to side as the girl who showed him around the high school. Sunset Shimmer, why wasn’t she in the group?

The Dazzlings began to sing, and even though it was a competition Talan couldn’t help but love how they harmonized. He sat forward on the hill, not realizing Babs beginning to fight with her heavy eyelids. Eventually the music got louder and louder, culminating in a spectacular light show. Just when he thought the Dazzlings were about to win, a car pulled up behind the Rainbooms and transformed. Talan couldn’t believe what he was seeing. A car transformed into a sound system. It was that girl with the glasses who always had headphones on.

The Dazzlings didn’t stop, however. Talan’s jaw dropped as they floated into the air, seemingly being carried by their voices alone. He guessed there was some elaborate wire trick to it. Then he saw their eyes turn red. A tinge of fear crept into him as he remembered Adagio’s threat. Now they all had piercing red eyes. Not only that, but their pendants began to glow as well. From the gems came a ray of light that materialized into... sea monsters? Talan wondered if he had dropped acid before the show. Now there were literal sea horses - or something - flying around the air above the competition. The crowd didn’t seem to care, as they were gaping in awe at the Dazzlings.

Talan was a bit unnerved when he saw them flying around, especially when the blue one that came from Sonata flew by and noticed him. It quickly flew back toward the rainbooms and began circling them like hungry sharks.

“Babs are you seeing this?” Talan asked. “Babs?!”

Babs was smiling at the show, watching the sea monsters fly around in awe. Her eyes were a haze with solid green circles around her iris.’

Talan shook her and snapped her out of it. She rubbed her head and looked at him, “What’s the big idea, Talan? That’s some good singing!”

“Don’t you think this is a little weird?”

“Not really,” she replied. “It’s a bit extravagant for a school competition, but it’s still pretty cool.”

As they both looked down, they saw the Dazzlings appeared to be closing in on a victory, that is until Sunset decided to join in. She threw off her jacket and joined in song with the others. As she did, a brilliant horse with wings formed in the sky. More stuff from the elaborate light show. It fired a literal rainbow laser at the Dazzlings and broke their hold on victory. They convulsed and writhed in the air as the laser made their pendants glow even more. Even though he was far away, Talan saw them shatter into several pieces due the amplified light.

He saw all three girls on the floor, appearing as though they had lost a much more serious battle than just a music competition. After the Rainbooms talked to them, each of the girls split. Sonata running to her jeep while Aria and Adagio ran off somewhere else.

Talan was worried about Sonata and decided it was time he got back to the house.

“Babs, I gotta go,” he said.

“What? Why? We barely did anything?” she said, disappointed.

“I know, it’s just I know those girls. They’re the ones watching the house. I gotta make sure they’re okay.”

“Oh,” Babs said. “Alright, well, I’ll talk to you later.”

“You sure you’re alright?”

“Dude, I’m fine. I get it. Go. Just text me later, kay?”

“Right,” Talan said, then ran toward his street. He had a bad feeling about what just went down.

As Talan ran to the house, he saw Sonata’s jeep parked haphazardly in the driveway. He grabbed his keys and opened the front door.

“Sonata!” he called. “Sonata, where are you?”

No response. He checked the bottom floor rooms then went upstairs. He slowly opened the door to her room and saw clothes and blankets strewn everywhere. It looked like a tornado went through. Talan saw part of the blankets on the bed were hanging off the side. He crept over and saw a covered mass shaking on the floor.

“Sonata...” Talan said as he inched closer.

“Go away...” she murmured through the blankets.

“Sonata it’s Talan, I just want to make sure you’re okay...”

Talan reached out and grabbed one of the blankets, then nearly screamed when Sonata whipped around and revealed herself.

“GET AWAY FROM ME!!” she screamed.

Talan’s heart stopped. She was out of her performance outfit and wearing only a bra. Her eye’s were glowing crimson, and there was a gaping hole in her chest. It looked like she was bleeding onto the carpet, but it wasn’t red blood.

Sonata grasped the bed with one hand and struggled to get up, her voice was a chorus of several sounds. None of which sounded particularly human.

“DON’T LOOK AT ME! GET OUT! GET OUT!!!”

Talan stumbled backward and tripped over a clothes basket. Small electrical discharges creeped across Sonata’s body as she convulsed and crumpled to the floor again.

Talan’s heart raced, what the fuck was going on? He bolted out of her room and slammed the door shut. After that he ran downstairs and went outside. He shut the door and backed away from the house, his eyes never leaving the guest room where Sonata was at. He had to think of what to do. Racing though they were, all his thoughts ceased when he backed into something.

He whirled around and gagged when a hand closed around his throat and lifted him up. He kicked and squirmed as he saw his assailant.

“You... Where is Sonata?” Adagio asked, her eyes ablaze the same as Sonata’s.

“Adagio... c-can’t breathe...”

“WHERE IS SHE?!? Is she inside? If you don’t tell me I’ll devour you alive, boy!!”

Talan saw scales beginning to cover her arms, and what looked like fins protruding from her forearms near her elbows.

Just as his vision was leaving him, three large tentacles slammed into Adagio and sent her flying off her feet. Talan dropped to the ground and watched as the tentacles withdrew into a portal, while the smaller tips that impacted Adagio detached and wiggled on the ground as they dissolved.

Behind the portal was an outstretched arm. Aria stood panting, her face covered in purple ooze. Talan assumed it was blood. She had the same appearance as Adagio, other than looking like she just went twelve rounds.

“You don’t know when to quit, do you?” Adagio snarled, her voices unifying into one.

“I’m a glutton for punishment, and this has been a long time coming...”

Adagio made a dash for Talan, moving with superhuman speed. Talan gasped as three large tentacles wrapped around him and dragged him out of the way as Adagio’s boot crashed into the pavement, leaving a small crater.

Aria caught Talan and stood in front of him. Before he could say anything Adagio lunged at Aria, attempting to grab her. As she closed the distance, Aria slammed her fists together and warped the air around them. Talan felt the air leave his lungs as the world turned inside out. He grabbed onto the nearest thing, praying it was Aria.

When the world came to a stop he hit the ground hard and bruised his head. He looked up and saw they were in a different area. He recognized it well. They were in the old factory district on the far side of town. Old abandoned toy factory buildings, as well as chemical facilities lined the dirt roads near the railroad tracks.

Aria panted and wiped the blood from her mouth. She was in a bad way. Adagio recovered quickly and used whatever witchcraft Aria had used to rescue Talan. Three thick black tentacles shot forward and wound themselves around Aria. Adagio swung her arms wide and slammed Aria into the nearest building, then into the one next to it, then into the skybridge connecting the two. After the pounding, Aria was dropped to the ground in heap.

Adagio balled a fist and prepared to do the same thing again, this time to finish the job. As she stepped forward a fireball flew in from above and exploded, sending her tumbling backwards.

Talan turned around in awe to find Sunset running up, a large book in hand.

“Are you two alright?” she asked.

Aria groaned and struggled to her feet, “I thought you weren’t going to show up. You had me worried there for a bit, pony.”

“I had to track you here,” she said while panting. “I thought you would be at Talan’s house.”

“We were, but I decided a change in venue was in order. I don’t want to wreck Talan’s house.” she said with a small wink.

Talan had no idea what was going on. He pinched himself to see if he wasn’t having some strange fever dream. But he didn’t have time to contemplate the happenings. Adagio got to her feet and began walking over.

“You and the other equine were trouble. I knew that... but I never anticipated betrayal by my own sisters!!”

“I’m no sister of yours, monster,” Aria hissed. “Today I break you, and you won’t be coming back...”

“Please... you’re a minnow, and I’m a great white... I’m going to eat all three of you!”

Sunset opened her book and traced a finger over a certain passage. The words began to glow as she held out her hand. A bolt of red plasma shot from her hand, and to her horror, was knocked aside by Adagio as she continued advancing. Sunset tried another, and another. Each knocked aside like they were child’s play.

Adagio’s mouth opened wide. Wider than it should open. Talan could see rows of sharp teeth gleaming in the waning light, along with a serpentine tongue tasting the air.

Aria stood in front of Sunset and glanced around behind her, “Cover his ears.”

“What?” Sunset asked.

“Cover his ears!! You can take this, he can’t!”

Sunset conjured a pink foam of energy across her palms and grabbed Talan. She backed up and crouched down, pressing her hands to his ears. “We’ll be okay!” she shouted. “We’re getting out of this!”

Talan turned around and saw Aria spread her hands, then he heard it. A shrill cry, it dug into his very heart and soul. It was terrifying, and painful. It was like the worst migraine of his life, his head felt like it was splitting.

Aria threw her head back in a vicious roar, her mouth opening wider and wider. The wind itself screamed in pain as the buildings shook and the ground quaked. Adagio tried to walk against it but faltered, clutching her head in pain. Once she stumbled, Aria rushed forward with the same superhuman speed and clocked her across the jaw. She caught her again and sent her to the ground. Wasting no time, Aria jumped on top and pinned Adagio’s arms to the ground. She screamed again, directly into her face. Talan could actually see the waves of energy, of sound, leaving her mouth. The ground around Adagio gave way ever so slowly. It cracked around her, cratering into smaller and smaller fragments.

Just when it seemed like she won, Aria received two swift blows to the face and was thrown off. Talan’s heart sank. Adagio crawled out of the small hole in the ground and pulled herself up with extreme effort. In her hand she conjured a ball of white hot light. She held it for a moment, crackling with energy, then prepared to hurl it at Aria.

In that moment, time seemed to slow. Talan felt a rush of energy, and the will to intervene. He pushed the pain in his head to the back of his mind. He sprinted forward out of the grip of Sunset. He ran in front of Aria, shocking her. He heard both Sunset and Aria scream in terror when Adagio hurled the ball of light at Talan.

Talan shut his eyes and held out his arms, as if to ward away the impending doom. As the light drew closer, he squinted, then his eyes widened in absolute shock. The ball of light veered away at the last second, crashing into a building, melting away the brick and steel.

Each girl present had her jaw on the floor in disbelief. The light had been redirected, as if two identical poles of a magnet were being forced into each other.

Enraged, Adagio prepared to hurl another shot. As she did, the air coalesced around Talan, just as it did when Aria teleported them here. As a ball of light was hurled at them again, Talan felt familiar soft arms and hands close around him.

He was pulled out of the way as the ball of light dissolved in mid air. Sonata held Talan protectively as she glared at Adagio. Before Adagio could muster another attack, Sonata held one arm to the sky and sang one of her highest, most beautiful notes. As she did, the sky began to darken. She continued to hum a steady cadence until the sky was pitch black in a matter of seconds.

Adagio made to back away, but she did not get far. Once a familiar rumbling sound was heard, Sonata covered Talan’s ears and let loose a blood curtling scream. No sooner had she done it, a bolt of lightning flew down from the sky and struck the ground inches from Adagio. She was blown back at least twenty feet. Sonata clutched Talan tighter and pointed a clawed finger toward Adagio. Seemingly at her command, another bolt struck. Then another.

After nearly being blown apart, Adagio opened a portal of her own and disappeared.

“Bitch...” Sonata growled as she fell forward and collapsed, unconscious.

The clouds cracked and boomed overhead as rain began to come down. Talan’s head exploded in pain as he saw Aria and Sunset running up to him. As his eyes rolled back the last thing he remembered was grabbing Sonata’s hand as he fell.

The room was spinning as Talan awoke. He looked around and immediately felt a hand push him back down. He squinted and saw familiar red and gold hair.

“Sunset...” he groaned.

“Shh... you’re a tough little guy, you know that?”

“And full of surprises...” came a familiar voice from across the room.

Aria sat down on the couch next to him and ran a hand across his forehead, “You saved all our lives out there, Talan.”

Talan got up and hugged Aria, tears threatening to form, “I don’t know what’s going on...”

“Shh... little one,” Aria whispered while rubbing his back gently.

Talan noticed she wasn’t some fish demon anymore, and there was a bandage across her chest and over one eye. “What happened? What the hell is going on?!”

Aria pulled Talan forward and embraced him fully, “Real talk? You’ve taken a big step into a larger world very few know exists.”

“That sounds like shit from a sci-fi movie...” Talan muttered.

Both Aria and Sunset chuckled while rubbing his shoulders reassuringly, “Might as well be,” Sunset said.

Talan got up and limped over to the window, “Where is Adagio? Are we safe?”

“For now...” Sunset said. “I erected a barrier around your house, and if she even tries to come close I’ll know about it.”

Aria sniffed the air and shook her head, “She’s long gone. Sonata gave her a proper beat down.”

“Sonata,” Talan said. “Where is she?”

Thunder and lightning sounded overhead, making Talan jump. She looked at Aria who walked over to him and took his hand.

“This way...”

As Talan was lead away he ran over to Sunset and hugged her, “Thank you.”

Sunset smiled and nodded, “It’s what friends are for.”

Aria walked with Talan upstairs and bent down near the door, “We’ve given her the medicine she needs, but she’s hurt badly. The defeat at the battle... it took more out of her than myself or Adagio.”

“And Sunset?” Talan asked. “She did it to you, you trust her?”

“There are few people I trust,” Aria said. “But Sunset can be trusted. Like us... she’s not from around here. We’ll protect you and the house for the night. Don’t worry about that. For now, you should see Sonata. She might need you.”

Before Talan went into her room, he hugged Aria tight. “You saved me when Adagio was going to do... I don’t know what. Thank you, Aria.”

Aria embraced Talan and shook her head, “Like I’d let my little bro get eaten. Never.”

Talan released Aria and went inside the guest room. It was the same as before, and just like before Sonata was off the bed in a pile of blankets.

This time she heard Talan come in and peaked out from under the covers, her eyes glistening with tears. “Talan... I’m sorry...”

“Don’t be sorry, Sonata” Talan said. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry about.”

Her lip quivered as she sat up, “I yelled at you, when I was channeling I- I scared you. I shouldn’t have. I never wanted to frighten you...”

Talan got down on his knees and hugged her. As he did, he realized how cold she was. She was practically freezing.

“S-s-so c-cold...” Sonata chattered.

She grabbed Talan and laid back down, holding him to herself like a stuffed animal for warmth.

Talan held her tight and whispered, “Am I warm?”

“Mhm...” Sonata whimpered.

“Then I’m not leaving,” Talan said.

After a moment of silence, Talan felt Sonata squeeze him gently and heard her mutter something. “Adagio... you were wrong. Friendship is not meaningless... it’s power, and it’s special.”

Talan drifted off to sleep with Sonata shortly after, sharing his warmth with her.

Downstairs Aria sat at the kitchen table as more thunder boomed overhead. Sunset joined her, and they both stared at each other for a moment.

“You know it had to be done, don’t you?” Sunset asked.

Aria smirked, “You couldn’t let us just take your measly power and go home? It had to be done? Sure...”

Sunset glared at Aria, who simply chuckled.

“You’d have done the same thing in our position, I know you’re not evil...”

“Relax little unicorn... yes I would have, and technically I did. I struck out at one of my own. That rarely ever happens among our kind.”

“I’m not little here, Siren...” Sunset growled. “Here we’re the same size.”

“Are we?” Aria asked, her eyes glowing red.

Sunset leaned across the table, unthreatened, “Yes, we are.”

Aria returned her eyes to normal and laughed, “You need to relax, Sunset. Be more like that one girl, uh what’s her face... Planky? Ponky?”

“Pinkie.”

“That’s the one!” Aria said with a snap of her fingers. “You know, I rather like having digits like this.” she snapped her fingers a few more times. “Sure lot’s about this world sucks kelp, but I kinda like some things. What about you?”

Sunset shrugged, “I like... some parts of my new body.” she said with a small smile. “The food is pretty great, too.”

“Yeah, I hear you on that,” Aria said. “Sonata’s actually getting me to come around on the tacos.”

“Aria...” Sunset said. “I’m glad you reached out. After being set straight by Twilight, I’m glad I can help spread that to others.”

“Spread nothing,” Aria said. “But I appreciate it all the same. So, this Twilight, is she still around?”

“Unfortunately no,” Sunset replied. “You’ll have to rely on me for getting home, that is, if you’re still interested.”

Aria shrugged, “Used to be that’s all we thought about. But as we were just saying, it’s not that bad living here. And with you here, we’re not the only ones from Equestria either. Plus, there’s Adagio...”

“Yeah,” Sunset said.

“She’ll be hurting for a while, but she’s our problem more than yours or the humans. Sonata and I will take care of her, one way or another...”

“Glad that issue is out of the way,” Sunset said. “So, you don’t mind if I stick around?”

Aria grinned, “Nah, you’re alright for a pony, Shimmer. You can stick around. Want some food?”

“Sure, that sounds good Aria.”

Chapter 9: Swimming with Sirens

“So...” Talan said while sitting at the kitchen table.

Sonata and Aria looked at each other and smiled sheepishly at Talan.

When Talan woke up he realized he was alone. Sonata was gone, already downstairs preparing a meal for Aria and himself. The hole in her chest had healed, though there was still a noticeable indentation where the gem previously was. Aria was the same, though her injury was less severe.

After Talan came downstairs and sat at the kitchen table, there was a good ten minutes of silence. Aria refused to meet his gaze, and almost walked out of the room were it not for Sonata forcibly making her stay. Sonata herself merely smiled at Talan and went about as if nothing ever happened. Obviously reluctant to discuss everything.

“I guess we’ll start off with the basics,” Talan said with a sigh. “What the hell are you?”

Sonata sat down at the table and motioned for Aria to do the same.

“Talan, we’re sorry we deceived you. When never wanted this to happen.”

“And we never intended for you to be in danger,” Aria said.

Talan raised his hands, motioning for them to be quiet. He pressed his hands to his head and groaned. “My head still hurts, but it’s not like I asked if you were fish monsters from outer space and you said ‘no.’ Just tell me what you are.”

“What we are isn’t easy to pronounce in your language, but the ponies called us Sirens,” Sonata said.

“Ponies...?” Talan asked.

“Yeah, Sunset is one. She’s a unicorn, but ended up in your world just like us. Her friend with the stripe in her hair is also a pony.”

“We come from the land of Equestria. It’s another world populated by several creatures, many of them are sentient.” Sonata explained.

Talan pressed his head to the table, “Why are you here?”

“We were banished by a pony wizard named Starswirl,” Aria said.

“Why were you banished?” Talan asked.

Both girls paused, “We used our powers, our voices... to turn ponies and other creatures against each other. We fed from their conflict... it was what sustained us for a time. Adagio was the one who gathered us together and wanted us to do it.”

Talan looked up and pushed back from the table. As he did, both girls frowned with pained expressions on their faces.

“So... you’re like the Siren’s from Greek myth... you use your voices to lure creatures and people. Then you feed from their conflict?”

“Yes... but we never hurt anypony.” Sonata said. “Aria and I never wanted to go that far. We always refused when Adagio wanted to.”

“So that means...” Talan began, putting two and two together, “Every time you sang to me, I was under your magical spell?”

“No!” Sonata and Aria said in unison, “We never used it on you, not intentionally.”

“You turned on Adagio, why?”

“Because she was going to far, and she was going to hurt you,” Aria said. “Sonata became your friend, she said you were nice. I didn’t want to come around. I didn’t want to befriend you and make myself weak. I didn’t want to let my guard down, but I did anyway. When the battle was first announced we manipulated events so we could steal Twilight and Sunset’s power and travel back to our world. But, as things progressed, we saw Adagio was off the deep end. She became obsessed. She was never like that before, despite the bad things she’s done.”

“Talan... can you forgive us?” Sonata asked.

Talan looked at them uneasily, “What’s with the holes in your chests?”

Aria touched her hand to her where her pendant used to be, “They were part of us, Talan. They augmented our power. Without them, our magical voiced are severely diminished.”

Talan nodded, “I... you saved me, and who knows how many others by stopping Adagio. Sunset helped you, too. So she must have been forgiving. I guess... I forgive you. I just need time to think about this.”

Before he got up to leave Aria nudged Sonata, “Oh, right!” she said. “Talan, when you’re done resting, come downstairs. We want to show you something.”

“Alright,” Talan replied.

Talan walked upstairs and shook his head. He went into the bathroom cabinet and took some headache pills, then fell onto his bed. He grabbed his phone and went to text Babs, but couldn’t think of anything to say. There was too much on his mind. With a groan he shut his eyes and turned over. Sleep came faster than he imagined.

Talan woke up later and looked out his window. It was getting to be the end of midday. He yawned and went downstairs to find the girls waiting for him.

“Aria, Sonata, I can’t be mad at you. Not after all you’ve done. I’m not in the position to judge your past. I can’t, and won’t do that.”

Sonata walked over to him and rubbed his shoulder, “Aria and I were talking. We’ve decided it’s time we stopped deceiving you. We’re going to show you the truth. Go upstairs and get your swim trunks, we’re going to the beach.”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “Alright, I suppose I could use a dip. Are we bringing dinner?”

Aria and Sonata looked at each other with a smirk, “Yeah, Talan. We’ll bring something.”

Talan grabbed his stuff and shoved it in his duffle bag, then joined the girls outside as they walked through the park to the secluded beach behind the community.

As Aria and Sonata took of their clothes revealing their purple and blue bikinis, they cautiously observed the water on each side of the beach.

“How secluded is this place, Talan?” Aria asked. “There aren’t any boats or other people that use it?”

Talan shook his head, “Only boats that are allowed here are ones owned by people who live in the community. Other kids used to use this beach, but they’ve since grown up and moved away. The rest prefer to go to more public beaches, you know, with more people.”

The girls nodded to each other and smiled, “So, who’s going first?” Sonata asked.

“I will,” Aria said. “Hopefully I won’t scare him as much.”

“I’m not scary!!” Sonata said with angry puff of her cheeks.

“What are you two talking about?” Talan asked.

Aria simply winked and walked into the waves. Sonata stood by Talan and gently rubbed his shoulder, “We’re offering you a chance to swim with us, the real us...”

“What?” Talan asked.

Sonata smiled down at him and motioned to Aria, who was now chest deep in water, “It’s not something many creatures ever get to do, watch...”

Talan’s eyes widened as Aria disappeared under the waves. A purple light flashed under the water and traveled further out. Then, Talan jumped.

An equine shaped head emerged from the water. It was big, just as big as what he saw flying around at the show. It had a long nose and a dorsal fin on it’s head almost like a mohawk. The way it’s head was barely out of the water reminded Talan of a prowling crocodile.

Talan backed away and shook his head, “No way, nuh- uh, that thing... that’s-”

“What’s wrong?” Sonata asked.

“I don’t like big things in the water with me...” Talan said. “The black abyss of the ocean is a subject of my nightmares. I don’t like wondering what it’s hiding, andthat looks like something I would find there...”

“Shh... it’s alright.” Sonata reassured him, “That’s Aria, she would never hurt you.”

Talan forced a nervous laugh, “You say that...”

A soft, low sound came from the ocean, causing Talan to turn and look. Aria crooned in a low hum as she raised her head slightly out of the water.

“She’s calling to you,” Sonata said.

Talan was curious if Aria could even talk in that form, or was she only capable of communicating through bestial sounds like that? He had to admit it was rather soothing to hear. He was beginning to feel at ease.

“You’ll be here if something happens?” Talan asked.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Sonata said. “Come on, there’s nothing to be afraid of. You’ve been swimming with us before. It’s not that different now,” she said with a slight giggle.

Talan slowly took her hand and walked into the waves. Sonata stopped when she was up to her knees and motioned him forward. “Go on!”

Talan saw the creature floating out in front of him, every primal instinct he had said he was staring a predator right in the face. In the water he was helpless, if it wanted to it could snap him up for dinner in less than a second. However, it didn’t move. It floated patiently, never taking it’s eyes off him.

Talan slowly swam forward a little more, testing the boundaries. He was out in deeper water now. Since the sun was still up the water was crystal clear. He went under for a moment to get a look at the whole thing. Aria’s body was quite big. Talan guessed at least thirty five to forty feet or more. She sported two hooves and a scaly fish like tail.

“What are you staring at?!” a voice screamed inside Talan’s head.

Talan grabbed his head and winced, “The hell?!”

“Oh... sorry, too loud? It’s been a long time since I did this sort of thing.”

The voice was clearly Aria’s, yet it was three of her talking at once, and all in his head.

“You can talk... in my head?!” Talan gasped. “Telepathy?”

“Magic!” Aria said with a chuckle, “But yeah, basically.”

“How?!” Talan asked. “You can’t read my mind can you?!”

Aria chuckled audibly this time, a deep rumble from her large chest, “If I could do that, I wouldn’t have asked you the first question. I can’t read your mind. I can only speak out and hope your brain can sense my words. Lucky for us it can, pretty cool huh?”

“Well, that’s not weird at all. But I’m talking to a gigantic sea monster, so what is normal anymore?”

A low growl emanated from Aria as she inched closer.

“Uh, not a monster! A beautiful, rare, sea creature. Uh, Siren. I wasn’t meaning to stare, it’s just that you’re... well, big...”

Aria looked at herself and swam closer, more quickly this time. “Are you calling me fat?!”

The more Talan heard her voice, the more he realized he was overreacting. They weren’t going to hurt him. Despite their appearance, these were indeed the girls he’d become friends with over the past two weeks. Talan smiled, he knew Aria well enough to realize she was just trying to break the ice.

“I mean, no? But... you are pretty big. Maybe lay off the perch, or groupers, or whales...”

Aria’s eyes widened, her reptilian lips curling into an actual predatory grin, “Good idea, perhaps I should try lean meat... how about little human boy?”

Rows of sharp teeth glistened in the sunlight as Aria swam forward, her mouth opening wider and wider. Talan swam back and turned around to swim away faster. However he didn’t get far. A large purple fin rose up out of the water and pushed him back toward Aria.

Talan looked underwater and saw Aria had stretched her tail behind him. Clearly it was longer and more flexible than he expected.

A long reptilian tongue snaked forward and pressed itself to his stomach, then licked him all the way up to his head and hair. Talan didn’t know what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this. The tongue wasn’t rough, or coarse. It was actually quite soft and smooth. He laughed a little as she did it again.

Aria’s lips recoiled in disgust, she made a whining sound and stuck her tongue out, spitting the sea water a fair distance.

“So I don’t taste good?” Talan asked.

“You taste awful!!” Aria replied. “Good thing we eat other things, I’d never survive off humans. Hey Sonata! Come see!”

Talan was startled as Aria’s tail flattened and lifted him out of the water. It was like sitting on a flat platform, he was surprised at how sturdy it was. A blue light flickered under the water further toward the shore. He hadn’t realized he and Aria had floated further out. His jaw dropped when Sonata revealed herself above the water.

She was not at all what he was expecting. While Aria looked similar to the projected image at the Battle of the Bands, Sonata looked strikingly different. For one, she was much larger than Aria. Her head, chest, hooves, fins, everything was bigger. However, she lacked the solid frame that Aria had. She was more slender, and longer. Talan looked around and saw parts of her body looping and arcing above the surface all around him. Sonata was less of a seahorse and more of a sea serpent. In the end, he could still tell it was her. There was no mistaking it. She elevated her body out of the water so she was looking down at both Aria and himself.

Her lips curled into a smile while Talan held out a hand. It was all in the eyes. Though they appeared different now, they were still very much the same. Sonata had the same soft, comforting blue opals that calmed him just by looking at them. Aria’s radiated confidence and ferocity, yet a security as well. Being around her meant nothing in the entire ocean would ever harm him.

Sonata bent down and sniffed Talan, blowing air through her nostrils. He couldn’t help but chuckle as she nuzzled his stomach and gave him a small lick. Sonata had a similar reaction to Aria. She frowned noticeably and stuck out her long tongue.

“Talan you taste icky!!” she whined.

Talan couldn’t stop the smile that burst onto his face. He was experiencing something nobody else had before. He was swimming with Sirens, sea creatures from another world. And best of all, they were his friends.

“Well sorry, Sonata.” Talan said. “If I could taste like a taco, I would.”

Talan screamed as the tail he was sitting on launched him into the air. He fell unceremoniously into the water and saw Aria looking down at him.

“What the hell, man?!” Talan shouted.

“Let’s go for a swim, Talan,” Aria said, she lowered herself in front of him and smiled.

“We’re already swimming.”

Talan felt something touch his feet and saw Sonata gently nudging him with her nose.

“Climb on, Talan. Aria is fast, much faster than me. You’ll have so much fun!”

Talan examined the fins on Aria’s head and back, “Those look razor sharp.”

Aria rolled her eyes and flattened the fins to her scales, “Come on, Talan. You’re not scared are you?”

Talan narrowed his eyes, “Scared, hah! I’ve always wanted to ride my very own personal sea horse.”

Talan tried to climb onto Aria’s back and neck, but slipped on her scales and fell backward into the water. Luckily Sonata was there to gently nudge him into position. Talan settled down on his stomach at the back of Aria’s head. He looked for something to grab on to, realizing he’d probably fall off without anything. As if she actually did read his mind, Aria flicked her ears back so Talan could grab hold. They were thinner at the base just like a horse’s.

“Hang on,” Aria said while moving forward.

Talan gripped tighter and looked back. Sonata was above the waves up to her chest. She waved goodbye as Aria began to move faster and faster. She lowered her head to the water as her body started to undulate back and forth, propelling her forward with tremendous force.

Talan moved his body along with hers, trying not to be so rigid.

“Having fun back there?” Aria asked.

“This is amazing!” Talan shouted as the waves crashed by.

“Knew you’d like it,” Aria said with a giggle. “Oh look, we’ve attracted some new friends.”

Talan gasped as he saw a pod of dolphins appear around them. Two on one side, and three on the other. He knew there were dolphins around where they lived, but he never had gone so far out to see them.

He got a little water up his nose when Aria submerged, then jumped out the water. Now they were joining the dolphins in the fun. Talan loved it, each time she dove under and jumped back up felt exhilerating.

They continued racing around until Talan noticed they were heading back toward the beach. Aria jumped up one final time and went straight into a wave. After that she stopped on a dime, causing Talan to fly from her head and hurtle through the air. Talan screamed, bracing for impact. Hitting the water at this speed was like hitting concrete. Just before impact, Sonata appeared below and caught him.

Talan impacted her belly and was surprised at how soft it was. He expected some hard muscle and tough scales, but her light blue texture was more like the squishy underbelly of a turtle than a fish. He wondered if Aria was similar.

Sonata fell onto her back and craned her head up, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just glad you caught me.”

“Aria knew I would catch you, I love playing with little fish,” Sonata said with a giggle.

“I’m a little fish, am I?” Talan asked, while standing up and crossing his arms.

Sonata merely grinned and stuck out her tongue, “Aria wants to explore a bit, so she gave you to me. I’d like to get some sun on my scales, you don’t mind do you?”

Talan shrugged and laid down on her soft stomach, “Not really, suppose I could get some, too.”

“You’re the best, Talan. I promise we’ll do something fun afterward.”

Talan yawned and couldn’t help smiling when Sonata laid one of her hooves gently across him. He appreciated the loving gesture and allowed himself to drift off.

About an hour later, Talan woke up and stretched. He saw the sun was starting to set, but there was still plenty of light. He realized he was moving up and down, not because of the waves, but because of the steady breathing of his current seahorse bed. Sonata was breathing steadily, her chest rising and falling with Talan on it. Every so often she’d make some small noises, something he found very adorable. He gently pushed away her hoof holding him close, then slipped back into the water. It was nice and warm.

Talan swam away from Sonata and followed her long, swaying tail. He guessed she was sixty to seventy feet long. He wondered why she was different now. All three had the same form at the battle. Could it be that losing her gem forced a transformation? She didn’t look as strong as Aria in this form. At least not physically, but he could be wrong.

Talan swam underneath her tail as it lazily moved back and forth. The small fin at the end catching the light as it reflected off the water. Talan grabbed hold of it and chuckled when it kept moving from side to side, slithering in place. Like her stomach, most of her tail was also soft. Talan found it funny that her Siren form reflected her personality, at least somewhat. Soft and caring, yet strong.

He ran his hand down it and laughed when it shivered at his touch. He did it again and watched it twitch. She was ticklish. Talan continued running his hand gently down the smooth scales, and was caught off guard when the tail fin casually knocked him away. He recovered and looked to see if Sonata was still asleep.

Talan decided to test the waters again. No sooner had he started he was pulled under with his legs bound. He looked around and was forced to the surface as Sonata’s tail wound around him, encasing him in a shimmering blue cocoon. The body of the siren soon joined him and chuckled audibly.

“Didn’t know you were such a ticklish Siren,” Talan said as the coils moved around him.

Sonata shook her head and frowned, “I’m not, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just had an itch, like some little fish or sea crab was crawling on me, and look what I caught!”

Talan squirmed as her fin covered his face, “Wait til I tell Aria about it.”

“You can’t do that!” Sonata shouted. “She’ll tickle and tease me all the time when I’m in this form!”

“Guess you’ll have to let me go then,” Talan said with a shrug.

Sonata frowned, “Oh, but you’re so cute. And are you sure you want to do that around our new friend?”

“New friend?” Talan asked. “What new frie- HOLY CRAP!!”

A gray fin swam near Talan about ten feet away. It was big, too. He screamed and tried to get out of Sonata’s embrace, but she held firm.

“Get me out of the water! Now!” Talan shouted.

Sonata, who didn’t take her eyes off the shark, slowly moved Talan over to her shoulder and uncoiled him. She gently pushed him up to the top of her head and looked up.

“You’re safe up there, but you’d be safe in the water, too. This little guy doesn’t want any trouble.”

“Little guy?!” Talan shrieked. “That’s a huge shark!”

Sonata let out an audible croon as she swam slowly toward the shark, who had been circling them a few times.

“Aww, he’s not even an adult yet. He’s just curious, I doubt he’s seen anything like me in these waters.”

“Make him go away!” Talan said while holding her ears in a death grip.

Sonata slowly swam away from the shark, eventually it lost interest and went on it’s way. She looked up and felt Talan shivering atop her head. Sonata bent forward, gently dumping him into the water in front of her.

“I’m sorry, Talan. Things like that just don’t bother me. I should be more aware of things that scare you, and humans in general.”

Talan swam back and pressed himself against her chest, “I just... sharks, jaws, teeth, those eyes. It’s scary.”

“Aria and I would never let anything hurt you, Talan.” she said while looping her tail loosely around them both, “Not Adagio, not those bullies, and not anything in the sea.”

Talan turned around and pressed his head against her soft underbelly. He needed to relax. He knew how most fish acted, the bigger you are, nothing is going to mess with you, and Sonata was huge.

“Alright,” Talan said. “I’ll relax, so what fun did you have in store?”

Sonata tilted her head to the side, then a smile burst onto her face.

“Have you ever been flying?” she asked.

Talan remembered the image of them flying around the Rainbooms, “Uh, can’t say I have. Are you going to fly like at the battle?!”

Sonata frowned and shook her head, “Unfortunately no. It takes a certain type of magic to do that, and without our gems we can’t do it. But... YOU can still fly...”

“Uh, how?” Talan asked.

Sonata giggled, a beastly sound rumbling from her chest, “Hold your breath!”

In an instant Sonata dover under, along with her long looped up body. After a moment, Talan felt her tail gently wrap around his feet. He took that as a good time to take a big breath. Her tail wound up to his waist and slowly pulled him down. He pressed his hands to the coils and looked at her. Sonata was inverted, her body facing up toward him, and her entire length of tail coiled into a spring.

Talan’s eyes bulged as he put two and two together, just as Sonata smiled and waved goodbye.

Every powerful muscle in her extremely long tail tensed and pushed, launching Talan with such force he flipped several times. The world turned upside down as he barreled through the air. His stomach jumped into his throat. Eventually gravity took hold and he came falling back down. Just before impact he grabbed his knees and crouched over in a cannonball, impacting the water with a tremendous splash.

When he broke the surface, Sonata was instantly at his side.

Talan gasped and shouted in joy, “That - was - amazing!! Holy crap!! I feel like a kid again, like when we would go to my relative’s place and use the blob on their pier.”

“Blob?” Sonata asked.

Talan tried to explain it while treading water, “It’s this inflatable thing, a blob, someone sits on one end while another jumps on the opposite one. The force shoots the person sitting into the air.”

Sonata smiled and clapped her hooves together happily, “So this is as fun as that?”

“Are you kidding?!” Talan exclaimed. “This is like one hundred times better, do it again! Higher this time!”

Talan soon found himself coiled up and ready to be launched. Even though he knew it was coming, all the air still left his lungs as he was catapulted skyward. This time he didn’t tumble, instead soaring straight through the air. He spread his arms like he was actually flying, then went into a dive as he fell.

The third time he went higher still, yet didn’t have the same grace. As he plummeted to the water he winced for what was surely to be a hard impact. But to his surprise Sonata elevated herself out of the water and caught him, taking the force of the impact herself.

After doing it a few more times, Talan decided to take it easy. The sun was going down, and they were losing light. Sonata saw he was tired, having been swimming around and treading water for hours. She curled part of her tail into a hump for Talan to sit on and rest.

“So those gems on your chest,” Talan said. “Those aren’t like your hearts, or something?”

“Not our hearts, no,” Sonata said. “But they’re a part of us, part of our magic. All of our species has them.”

“Will you be okay without them?”

“I think so,” Sonata said. “They should grow back eventually, until then we’ll have to do without some of our magic. We can’t use our voice powers of compulsions and song anymore.”

“Shame,” Talan said. “I liked your singing, except for the mind control part.”

“I can still sing,” Sonata said with wink.

Talan slid off her tail and swam over. He wrapped his arms around her chest as best he could and sighed. “You’re awesome, Sonata. Thank you for everything. This has been the experience of a life time.”

Sonata cooed a soft tone and nuzzled him, “You’re welcome, Talan. You’ve changed our lives just as much. Climb on, let’s get back to shore.”

As Talan got into position he looked further out to sea, “Where’s Aria, isn’t she coming back?”

“She’s exploring the reefs and wrecks, apparently. Aria has always been a free swimming Siren, she’ll come back when she’s ready.”

As they were swimming back Talan looked at the clouds and remembered. He crawled down to her eye and smiled, “You can control the weather, can’t you?”

Sonata shook her head, “I can call storms, but I can’t control the weather completely.”

“How do you do that?”

Sonata stuck her tongue out and bent it backward to lick Talan, “I ate a unicorn wizard who knew how to do it.”

Talan laughed, figuring she was kidding, “Uh huh...” he said.

“I didn’t eat a pony, Talan. Geez. But he did teach it to me.”

“That’s cool, a whole other world... you’ll have to tell me more about it sometime.”

“I will for sure,” Sonata said. “Well, here we are. Time to hop off.”

Part of Talan didn’t want this to end, but he knew it had to. Talan slid off and gave her one more big hug, then swam to the shore. With a flash of blue light Sonata joined him in her human form and tousled his hair. Talan helped her pack things up, then they headed home.

When Talan got back he picked up his phone to check in with Babs. To his surprise she had sent him a few texts wondering where he was. He replied, then received another message from her. She wanted to see him, tonight. It sounded important. So Talan took a shower, then informed Sonata where he was going.

Talan pedaled over to her house and left the bike in her front yard. After ringing the doorbell Babs let him in and gave him a big hug.

“Is everything alright?” Talan asked.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Babs said. “What happened to texting me?”

“Yeah, I forgot. Sorry. Things have been a little hectic, but everything is fine.”

“Those girls, your friends. Are they alright? You were concerned about them.”

Talan nodded, “They’re fine. Just took the loss a little hard. What did you want?”

Babs rubbed her hands together nervously and walked into the living room, she sat down and crossed her legs, motioning for Talan to sit next to her.

“My friend is coming to visit,” Babs said. “Remember how I said I only have one friend from New York I keep in contact with? She’s coming over, probably tomorrow.”

“That’s great!” Talan said. “You’ll have more interaction than just me. It’ll be nice to see her, yeah?”

“Yeah... it will...” Babs said.

“Something wrong?” Talan asked.

Babs averted his gaze and looked at the floor, “Well... she and I were... more than friends.”

Talan’s eyes widened, “You’re saying you’re... but you like me?”

“I’m not a lesbian, Talan,” Babs said. “I’m Bi, err maybe, I don’t really know.”

“Wow...” Talan said. “I never would have thought.”

Babs chuckled, “Aren’t fit girls like me thought to be lesbians? Isn’t that a thing?”

Talan shrugged, “Well, I guess, but that never really crossed my mind.”

Babs turned Talan’s face toward her, “I just wanted to tell you before she comes. I’d like for us all to hang out, and I didn’t want you figuring it out without any mention.”

Talan nodded in approval, “That’s thoughtful, Babs. I appreciate it. So, you obviously like me, and you dated another guy. When did you find out you liked girls?”

Babs rubbed her shoulders and got up. She walked to the window and leaned against it, “Open relationships were the way things were there. Usually one guy and several women, as I told you. Well, one of the other girls in the group was one I had known for a long time. We went to the same private schools and hung out a lot.”

“So a close friend that predated the clique?” Talan asked.

“Oh yeah, we go way back.” Babs said. “So one night when we were all hanging out on the rooftops, I was just kinda sitting by myself. This was after he picked another girl over me. That was my problem, not realizing at the time that we were all in an open relationship. I was mad at first, but then the anger turned inward at myself.”

“Why?”

“For not realizing that’s what was going on. It was incredibly stupid of me. Anyway my friend was there, and we kinda went to another part of the building and hung out. That’s when it started, I think.”

“What happened after that?” Talan asked.

“Well... I’m not really comfortable saying,” Babs said. “Let’s just say something bad happened, and my friend was there to help. After that, our bond strengthened to a level it had never been before. It was like magic, Talan. Stupid as it sounds. We both knew it. We weren’t the same, so we kissed. It just felt right. We experimented a little after that.”

“Experimented,” Talan said with a chuckle. “Every teenage guy’s fantasy.”

Babs chuckled, too. She appreciated the levity. “Yeah, that’s true. Anyway that’s what happened. We’re more than friends. So... what do you think?”

“Okay... I’m a fairly straight forward guy,” Talan began. “So, I guess that means I need to get some things cleared up.”

Babs nodded, “Alright.”

Talan got up and walked around. He stood under the arch leading from kitchen to front room and leaned against it. “I’m not really the jealous type, Babs. But... I gotta ask, where do I fit into this? I’m your boyfriend, do I need to compete with her for your love and affection? I mean, how could I even do that? I can’t match the bond you have with her.”

“You don’t need to,” Babs said. “That’s a different type of love. Not better or worse, not stronger or weaker. Just different.”

Talan considered that, “I suppose that makes sense, that’s a different view of it.”

“We never dated, we never thought of each other in that way,” Babs explained. “We were friends plus just a little more, that’s all.”

Talan walked back over to the couch and sat down, “Well, I suppose I’m okay with it. I’m new to this sort of thing, but as long as we have feelings for each other and we have fun? I’m good. As long as things don’t get too sketchy.”

Babs smiled and sat in his lap, “I feel the same way, and it’s your job to let me know when things are sketchy, alright?”

Talan chuckled, “I have such a lack of experience I probably won’t even know when it happens. So take it with a grain of salt.”

Babs shoved him and crossed her arms, “Don’t think that way, Talan. Just because you lack in experience doesn’t mean your opinions are worth jack. I have feelings for you. You’re a sweet guy who treats me great. We’re having this conversation because I care about you. But you’re under no obligation to be okay with all the things I like or do. Get me?”

Talan nodded, “I get you, I get you. If I have a problem I’ll speak up. As for this, you told me upfront. Now I won’t be gobsmacked if by chance I walked in and you two were making out or something.”

Babs slowly moved and straddled Talan’s waist, “What if we were making out, then asked you to join...?”

Talan was gobsmacked, “Uh... hehe,” he laughed nervously, “Come again?”

Babs stretched, then ran her hands through his spiked hair, “Talan, what do you know about polyamory?”

Chapter 10: First Impressions

Talan looked at the clear sky as he walked over to Babs’ place. Aria and Sonata were out for the day, and school had just ended. Today was the day Babs’ friend was coming over. According Babs she was already there, and they were waiting for him to come over. She wanted to hang out, then go to another movie. This time with with her friend along. He didn’t mind, since afterward they’d probably go swimming as well.

He laughed as he turned onto her street. He’d been hanging out there so often he just started stashing clothes to change into if they were working out, or if they were going to go swimming. He wondered what her friend would think of that.

According Babs, Talan would love her. He was curious to see if that would be the case or not.

He rang the doorbell and was surprised when Babs opened in right away.

“Hey you..” she said with a playful grin, “Movies later, right?”

“Yeah, called our driver. He’ll be here in an hour.” Talan replied.

“Your own personal driver? You are a rich kid, aren’t you?” a deeper feminine voice called from the living room.

Babs lead Talan over and motioned to the couch, “Talan, this is Alyssa.” she said with a happy smile. “Alyssa, this is Talan.”

Talan’s jaw dropped, “Woah... uh- hehe- H-hello..”

Alyssa smiled and leaned back, crossing her legs, “I get that a lot, nice to meet you, Talan. I’ve heard a heck of a lot about you.”

“Heck of a lot huh..” Talan said while glancing nervously at Babs, who was sporting a teasing grin.

He gulped as he examined Alyssa. She was the picture of a gorgeous woman. Talan never really fancied himself someone who was extra picky when it came to looks. He had his preferences like anyone else, but he was able to like several features on most people he met. Before he met Babs he never saw himself being attracted to a fit athlete with a punk rock aesthetic, yet he came around.

But Alyssa, she looked like the type of girl guys fantasized about. When she stood up to shake Talan’s hand he guessed she was six and a half feet tall, easy. Skin a little more tan than Babs’, with shoulder length golden hair, the tips dyed blue and purple. She had curves that were much more pronounced than Babs, and a perfect round ass. Her legs were the most appealing part of her by far. They gave her the height, but unlike Babs’ they were thick as tree trunks. It was clear to Talan she was into fitness as much as Babs was, yet her profile hid the muscle well. Her bust was large, fitting for her frame. Nothing too huge, but clearly dwarfing Babs.’

Talan gulped as she winked at him and went to sit down, taking Babs with her. It was clear as Babs fell into her lap and they shared their first kiss. Alyssa was a woman, there was no other way to describe her. And yet, she was only a year older than him at nineteen, if Babs was to be believed. Regardless, she exuded a presence much more mature, and it drove Talan wild.

After finishing their kiss, Babs got up and led Talan to sit down in between them, “So, Talan here knows about our prior relationship, and he’s cool with it.”

“Really?” Alyssa said while looking down at him, “Just like that? No issues?”

Talan was a bit nervous sitting between the two girls, but he kept his cool. “Not really, I’ll have to pick up on a few things as we go. The only thing that gets me is the whole... equal sharing of love, thing...”

Alyssa rubbed his back and smiled, “Well, how do you interpret it?”

“Have you thought more about it?” Babs asked.

Talan nodded and got up, he stood in front of them and tried to gesture what he meant, “It’s like a love triangle, but there is no focal point. These things are all over fantasy and romance novels. They work fine in theory, but in practice? I can’t help but feel I may like one of you more, even if I don’t intend to. Won’t that just lead to bad feelings? What I’m saying is, we all have good intentions, but having them and seeing them through are two very different things.”

Alyssa looked at Babs and smiled, “Can you imagine if Brandon had this kind of attitude?”

Babs shrugged, “It would have been an entirely different experience.”

Talan looked at them both spread his arms, “Who’s Brandon...?”

“He was Babs’ ex,” Alyssa replied.

“Oh,” Talan replied. “Him.”

Alyssa smiled at Talan and sat forward anxiously on the couch, “I can tell you’re going to be a lot of fun, Spikey.”

“Spikey?” Talan asked, then glared at Babs.

“What? Alyssa was curious, you don’t care... c’mon...”

Talan shook her off as she put him in a headlock and messed up his hair, “You’re right, I don’t.”

“We can work on execution with time,” Alyssa said. “This is a very organic thing, you learn as you go. And really, we’re all still getting to know each other.”

“Well, I’m getting to know you both,” Talan said. “But you girls are already best friends, and uh, more..”

“True,” Babs admitted. “But we haven’t seen each other in a while. We’ve both changed since then. After I left the clique, Alyssa did, too. We talked a little bit, but we needed our space.”

“And we were just starting to explore our new attraction to each other,” Alyssa added. “We can now continue that with a little something extra on the side,” she said while licking her lips at Talan.

Talan felt a shiver run up his spine, “So I’m just a side dish? This is what I was talking about.”

Alyssa waved her hands in a negative and shook her head, “No no no, that was just an expression. Maybe an inappropriate one. Here, let me explain. Take off your shirt.”

“What?” Talan asked.

“Your shirt, lose it,” Alyssa repeated.

“Why?”

“Oh, I am going to have so much fun straightening you out later...” Alyssa mused with a devious grin. “Dude, just take off your shirt. I won’t bite yet, I swear.”

“Yet...” Babs chuckled.

“You take yours off, too.” Alyssa said, shooting her sidelong glare.

Babs obeyed immediately and elbowed Talan to do the same. Eventually he complied and shrugged. “Now what?”

“Stand next to her,” Alyssa commanded.

Talan stood next to Babs and looked at her, noticing how she took on a different demeanor when given orders by Alyssa.

“Wow... he does have small abs,” Alyssa giggled.

“I told you they were modest, I wasn’t making it up,” Babs said indignantly.

“Like I said, I’m not a bodybuilder,” Talan explained with a sigh.

“I love your physique...” Alyssa said with a sultry smile. “It’s clear you’re an athlete like us. You take care of yourself. Not like other guys who let themselves go. That you have abs at all is something to be proud of. No reasonable girl should expect washboard abs like in the movies or professional sports. That shit’s rare. What you have is more than enough for both of us, right Babs?”

“Right,” Babs agreed. “Confidence, Spike. Now you’re hearing it from another girl. And a sexy one at that. Convinced yet?”

“Yeah, you make good points,” Talan said.

“Well I’m not done,” Alyssa said while she crossed her arms and leaned back. “Even though they are modest, I much prefer your abs to hers.” she said while motioning to Babs. “I like guy abs more than girl abs, that’s my preference. What about you, Babs?”

“Same,” she said with a shrug.

“Talan, the important thing is that in the end, it doesn’t matter. Just because I like a feature of yours more than hers doesn’t give you a point over her. It’s just a preference. Just as her also sharing said preference doesn’t put you above me. As long as we have things we love about each other, then it doesn’t matter.”

“I think I understand,” Talan said. “Makes sense.”

“We used abs, now what’s one thing you like?” Alyssa asked.

Before Talan could answer, he felt Babs drape and arm over his shoulder and kiss his cheek, “He loves legs...”

“Does he now...?” Alyssa asked with a playful giggle. She ran a hand down her thighs and crossed her legs twice, first the left then the right.

Talan gulped and had a hard time concentrating. Her figure was complemented by the ripped up short jean shorts she was wearing. Suddenly Talan felt his ear being licked. Babs began kissing his ear and suckling on it, all while running her hands across his stomach and chest.

“Not sure what to look at?” Alyssa asked, stretching out one leg and caressing it with both hands.

“Poor Talan...” Babs pouted while she turned his head and kissed him deeply.

Talan had no time to enjoy it. As soon as she pulled away she shoved him toward the couch. He fell neatly into Alyssa’s spacious lap. His abs were immediately fondled, and he felt her tongue taste his neck. Babs crawled onto the couch and pushed Talan to the side, finding her own place in her friend’s lap.

Alyssa turned away from Talan and kissed Babs, leaving him to figure out what to do next. He saw Alyssa’s bust, and decided to kiss her neck and caress her firm arms. Eventually he grew more bold and his hands drifted down to her chest.

“Oh, Spike..” Alyssa said with a low chuckle. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Not yet,” Babs teased.

Talan tensed as he felt Alyssa’s left hand move from his abs down to his groin. He closed his eyes as her hand explored it, rubbing back and forth.

“Oh my...” Alyssa said. She stopped kissing Babs and looked down. After that she captured Talan’s gaze with a knowing smile. She leaned forward, about to give him his first kiss.

However it was interrupted by a buzzing sound from Talan’s pocket.

“Fuck!” he yelled, rolling out of her lap.

Alyssa and Babs giggled, “What is it, Spikey?”

Talan slid open his phone and read the text, it was their ride. Mr. Wesley was waiting outside.

“Goddamnit Wesley!!” Talan shouted. “Our ride is here, I think I’ll just tell him to leave.”

Alyssa put a hand on Talan’s leg and shook her head, “No no, I want to see the town a bit. Don’t worry. We’ll pick this up later when we get back.”

Talan looked at Babs who shrugged, eager to play along with her friend.

“Alright, let’s go,” Talan said while getting up.

As they walked out of the house, Talan opened the rear door for the girls and waited patiently. Babs got in first, then Alyssa stopped.

“Well?” Talan asked, motioning for her to get in.

“Oh, you’re cute,” she said with a laugh. “I’m a big girl, Talan. I don’t do well in back seats, let alone sitting the middle. Maybe someone shorter should-”

“Fine,” Talan said with a roll of his eyes.

He received a giggle as he walked by and slid over near Babs.

“Oh hey!” she said with a grin.

“Can it,” Talan groaned.

Alyssa climbed in next and took some time to get situated. Her long legs making it difficult. Eventually she settled in and they were off.

Talan sat back and felt very ill at ease with two beautiful girls staring at him the whole time.

“So Babs,” Alyssa said, finally breaking the silence. “Is Talan good at showing people around? How’d he do with you?”

“Eh, alright,” Babs said while winking at Talan. “We didn’t really go too many places when hanging out. It’s the suburbs and all. Nothing like the city.”

Talan almost swallowed his tongue when Alyssa took his right hand and placed it in her lap, “Well, you’ll have to show me around a little before I leave.”

“When are you leaving?” Babs asked. “I want to know so we can plan out tomorrow.”

Alyssa shrugged, “Oh, I’m not leaving too soon. I’ll let you know, Babsy.”

“Babsy...?” Talan asked with a dumb grin.

Babs glared at him and whispered, “That’s her pet name for me, not yours.”

Talan leaned against Alyssa and chuckled, “Whatever you say... ...”

“Don’t,” Babs warned.

“Oh boy...” Alyssa whispered.

“Babsy...” Talan said.

Babs’ glare looked like it could melt steel, “Tally, you’ll be regretting that later.”

Alyssa shook her head in awe, “You’re very brave, Talan.”

“He thinks he is,” Babs said with a devious grin.

After a few moments of silence, Talan stretched. Instead of putting his hand back in her lap, he rested it on Alyssa’s leg. He stared ahead for a moment, then glanced up at her. She looked down at him and smirked, “You like?”

Talan’s face grew red and he nodded, “Yeah, a lot.”

“Could say that again,” Babs said while leaning over. “My second favorite thing about Alyssa.”

“What’s the first?” Talan asked.

“That’s a secret,” Alyssa said as she took Talan’s hand and slid it up her thigh. “Best thing about these babies is all the fun things I can do with them.”

“I can only imagine...” Talan said.

“You won’t have to imagine for long,” Alyssa said. “If you’re a good boy...”

Talan looked up and caught a wink as the car stopped. Talan got out after Alyssa and walked to the theater with them. “So, am I paying or-”

“No,” both girls said in unison.

“Okay...” Talan said with a chuckle.

As they went inside, Talan payed close attention to the guys and girls staring at them. Quite a few were looking, so after he they got to their theater he held the door open and smirked.

“Lot’s of people staring,” he said with a laugh. “They probably wonder what kind a guy I am, huh?”

“That, or they just think you’re our gay friend,” Alyssa joked as she walked inside.

Babs grabbed Talan by the shoulder and wrapped an arm around him. She kissed his cheek and whispered, “You’re doing great, Talan. I’m super proud of you.”

“Really? Or are you just shitting me?” he asked.

“Not shitting, for real.” Babs said. “Lyss really likes you. I couldn’t be happier.”

Talan put his arm around her and gave her a small kiss on the lips, “I like her, too. This is the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Babs smiled and hugged him, “Just you wait... just you wait...”

After the movie Talan went to the restroom and waited for the girls to meet him outside. He gave Mr. Wesley a call and told him to come as soon as he was done eating dinner. Talan told him he didn’t need to be back right away and that he could get something to eat while the movie was playing. It was a longer one this time. Talan figured he’d take the girls to a coffee shop afterward if they had to wait. There was one across the street.

“Shitface, you’re lucky I don’t deck you right there and curb stomp your ass.”

Talan pocketed his phone and laughed, “This is the second time I’ve had to deal with assholes after a show here. I’m never coming back to this place again.”

Davis walked up to Talan, flanked by his two friends of course, “I don’t know what the fuck happened last time. But that pigtailed slut isn’t here now. I’m here to finish what I started.”

Talan held his ground, “What are you trying to prove? Seriously, what the fuck is the point? You and your friends beat me up, then what? When does it stop? I don’t want to fight you. You’re not worth my time, and I’m not worth yours.”

“What a little bitch, tryin’ to talk his way out of it,” Davis said, earning a laugh from his friends. “Not gonna work, Talan.”

Babs and Alyssa walked outside and joined him. “Who do we have here?” Alyssa asked.

“This is porky, the fat kid I told you about earlier,” Babs said.

“Oh... right,” Alyssa said. “The one who couldn’t take on little Talan here by himself. How sad.”

“You got two bodyguards now? And chicks?” Davis asked. “You’re fuckin’ hysterical.”

“They aren’t bodyguards, they’re my friends.” Talan said. “I’ll ask again, leave us alone. Nothing has to happen here.”

Davis spit in front of Talan and glared at him, “You know we’re way beyond that, shithead. Are you gonna fight, or are you gonna have your sluts do it for you?”

Talan stood up to his full height and balled his fists, “You want a fight, you’ve got one. Behind the building, now.”

Davis smirked and walked off with his friends. Babs grabbed Talan’s shoulder and stopped him. “Talan, I know you can do this. But you’ve got nothing to prove. I know you’re tough. You don’t have to do this. Let’s just leave this time.”

Talan took Babs’ hands in his own and kissed them, “I’m just not going to take this anymore. What did you say about there being no one above any other in our relationship?” he asked Alyssa. “He insulted you two, and he’s been after me for years. It ends tonight.”

Babs frowned and looked up at Alyssa, who was studying Talan carefully. She crossed her arms and nodded, “This is your show, Talan. I’ll have you know I’m every bit as experienced as Babs in defending myself. If those other two try to start something they’ll have to go through us.”

Talan nodded and walked with them behind the building. The street lamps were just starting to turn on as the sun began to go down. Talan took his keys and cell phone out and handed them to Babs.

After that he circled Davis and waited for the right move. When he advanced and threw a punch, Talan knocked it away and countered. Davis threw another and another, only on connecting to Talan in the gut. He doubled over and received a blow to the side. Talan staggered back and put up his hands again. As Davis came forward he kicked him in the gut, then twice in the side. As he was bent over, Talan punched him straight in the nose.

Davis went down to one knee, and stumbled backward. His two friends looked ready to get involved, then saw the two girls. Babs wore her standard attire of short shorts and a band tea. She cracked her knuckles and smiled. Alyssa on the other hand wore a ripped jean jacket, similar to Aria’s. She took it off and cracked her neck. The two boys took a step back when they saw her, they did not want to fight a girl who looked like she was hiding a ton of muscle.

“You piece of shit,” Davis said. “I hate you.”

Talan raised his eyebrows and jumped around a bit, eager to finish it, “I know, it’s why you bully me. I don’t care. You’re trash, Davis. Always have been, always will be.”

Davis ran forward and surprised Talan by tackling him to the ground, using his larger size to his advantage. Talan put up his fists to block several of the sloppy punches Davis threw in a flurry. Eventually Talan overpowered him and flipped him over. He threw a few punches of his own, and missed one, striking the hard pavement. Talan winced and decided to let him get up, then kicked him in the side of the head. Talan caught him as he went throw another punch, then struck him right in the throat.

It was over, Davis was done. He was on the ground breathing heavily, and bleeding from a small cut to his face.

“It’s over,” Talan said. “Stay down.”

“Fuck you!” Davis wheezed.

“No, fuck you...” Talan growled. “This is what will happen the next time you try this. You mentioned a curb stomp earlier. If you bother me again, the next time I beat you I’m going to curb stomp your head into the pavement.”

Talan turned away and walked over to Babs, he took his stuff and walked to the parking lot where Mr. Wesley was waiting. “Sorry about that girls. I feel terrible about this. You shouldn’t have to go through this with me. Especially you Alyssa, this is your first time visiting and you have to watch me fight. I feel terrible.”

Babs put a hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek. Alyssa bent down and turned him around to face her. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight, “Don’t you ever apologize to me about what you just did. You’re a man, Talan. I have tremendous respect for you.”

“Well... you still shouldn’t have had to deal with that.” Talan said. “Too many shitheels frequent this place. I’m never coming back here again.”

Babs and Alyssa giggled as they got in the car with him. “I think I’ll make us some light dinner when we get home. Then we can go for a swim.”

Talan nodded and winced as Alyssa took his hand and sat it in her lap again. She looked at the bloody knuckles from hitting the pavement and shook her head. “I’ll get this taken care of when we get back. Don’t worry.”

Talan nodded, “I appreciate the help.”

After getting home to her house, Talan was lead upstairs by Alyssa and sat down on the edge of the tub. She proceeded to wash the cuts and bruises on his knuckles, then bandage them up. After that she found some tape and tightly wrapped it around his hand.

“Seems like you have experience with this sort of thing?” Talan said.

Alyssa nodded, “I worked as a lifeguard at a pool for years. Trained for this sort of stuff.”

“That’s cool,” Talan said. “You a swimmer?”

“Was a little bit, but stopped after going to high school.”

“How come?” Talan asked.

“Lost interest and didn’t get along too well with my teammates,” Alyssa answered. “But that’s another thing. Let’s go downstairs.”

“I’ll meet you down there,” Talan said. “I’m going to change into my trunks and use the bathroom.”

Alyssa nodded, “Guess we’ll change, too. Meet us out by the pool.”

Talan nodded and went into the other room to grab his spare clothes and swimsuit. He wondered if he handled the situation with Davis correctly. Part of him wanted to do more damage, but the girls were there. Talan didn’t feel comfortable indulging in such violence in front of them. But then, that begged the question of what he would have done if they weren’t there. He tried not to think about it. Babs and Alyssa didn’t deserve to be put through that. He knew Babs could take care of herself, and one look at Alyssa spoke volumes of what she could probably do.

He shook his head and ran a hand through his spiked hair. He was going to have to start training again. He knew Davis, and he knew his former friends. Ryan and Alex wouldn’t start acting any better.

It made him feel terrible. Talan looked at his phone and frowned. He opened up the contacts list and scrolled down to his most recently added. He cracked open the bathroom door and crept to the stairs and listened for any noise. He could hear Alyssa and Babs, but they were outside. They couldn’t hear him.

Talan shut the bathroom door behind him and sat back down on the tub. He took a deep breath, then dialed the number.

“Hello? Who is this?” a strong female voice asked.

“Hey Sunset... It’s Talan.”

“Talan!” she exclaimed, “How are you?!”

“I’m okay, I think...” he said, keeping his voice low. “Actually, that’s not true. Can we talk? Maybe tomorrow or the next day? I need to see you.”

“Questions about the whole magic thing?” she asked.

“Not really, not yet at least. We can talk about that, but it’s not what I’m calling about. I need advice on friendships. Can you help me?”

“I’m still learning myself, but I’ll certainly try.” she said. “Come by my place tomorrow morning if you can. I’ll be there.”

“Sounds good,” Talan said. “Thanks, Sunset. I’ll see you then.”

“Bye, Talan. I’m glad you called.”

Talan took a deep breath and went downstairs. He went out onto the patio and chuckled at what he saw.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Babs sat on Alyssa’s leg in the shallow steps. She was currently making out with her and showed no sign of stopping. Talan walked over to the other side of the pool and sat down on the edge, dipping his feet in. Babs wore a bright pink bikini, while Alyssa wore a dark green one. Alyssa also wore a headband to keep her long hair held back. Talan thought it looked great on her.

He wasn’t sure if either girl noticed him, so he remained silent, not wishing to disturb them. The sun was down and Babs had turned on the patio lights, which illuminated most of the water. Like Talan’s, Babs’ pool was in ground and close to the house.

Talan looked at the stars and took deep breath of the cool night air. Despite the shittiness earlier, he was very fortunate to be hanging out with such beautiful and interesting girls.

“What took you so long?” Babs asked, still kissing Alyssa. “We thought you fell in.”

“Not quite,” Talan replied. “Just figured I’d give you girls some alone time.”

“How considerate,” Alyssa chuckled. “But now you’re here, so come join us.”

Talan shrugged and decided to play a little hard to get, “Tempting, but it looks like the best seat in the house is taken.” he said while motioning to Babs.

Babs turned around to say something, but was stopped when Alyssa playfully pressed her head against her chest. Alyssa smirked and beckoned him over, “Lucky for you I have two best seats, and one is empty.”

She bounced her left leg and ran a hand through Babs hair, never taking her eyes off Talan.

Talan smirked and slipped into the water, slowly swimming over. He slid onto her leg, both he and Babs facing each other. Babs shook her head and frowned, “You just have to share, don’t you?”

Alyssa leaned back then wrapped an arm around both of their sides, pulling them close, “Of course, denying either of you my affection would be cruel.”

“Problem sharing?” Talan asked Babs. “What happened to nobody being above anyone else in the open relationship?”

Babs rolled her eyes and grabbed Talan’s face, pulling him into an aggressive kiss.

“Oh dear...” Alyssa said, fanning herself. “You two are so...”

Right after breaking the kiss, Babs jumped off Alyssa’s lap and close lined Talan, flipping him backwards into the water.

“What the hell?” Talan croaked, holding his throat and coughing up water as he resurfaced.

Babs returned to her spot with Alyssa and crossed her arms, “That’s for the Babsy remark...”

“Poor Talan...” Alyssa pouted while taking his hand and leading him back to her lap. “Learned your lesson though, I hope.”

Talan shrugged, “I like it when she’s feisty, what do I have to say to get you like that?”

Alyssa’s eyes widened, then narrowed in a daring glare, “Best you not figure that out too soon. You might not survive a close line from me, Spikey.”

Talan considered that, “Noted.”

“Now, since I have you both right where I want you, let’s play a game: Who’s the best kisser?”

Babs smirked and casually examined her nails, “We all know the answer to that.”

“Well, we’re going to play anyway...” Alyssa said with a glare, which made Babs change her tone immediately. “Now, since you have such confidence, you can go first, Babs. But first, you two should get a bit more comfortable.”

Following her gesture, Talan and Babs flipped around and straddled Alyssa legs, each facing forward and loving it.

Alyssa leaned forward and took Babs’ lips into her mouth. Both kissed each other aggressively, vying for dominance. As much as he loved her thighs, Talan was a bit antsy watching them go at it like that. He slid forward a bit and leaned in, only to be stopped by Alyssa’s hand. She looked at him from the corner of her eye and wagged a finger.

Talan groaned, then couldn’t help but chuckle as Alyssa’s hand lingered on his chest, then wandered down to his abs. Lucky for her he didn’t care.

After a little bit of waiting, Alyssa finally broke the kiss with Babs and leaned back. “Well, you’ve certainly not lost your talent.”

Babs shrugged and jumped off, then grabbed Talan in a headlock, “Had to step my game up to teach this little guy a thing or two. No half-assing it with him.”

“Thanks, Babs...” Talan groaned.

“Which brings me to you...” Alyssa said while leaning forward and playfully bouncing Talan on her leg.

Just as they leaned in, a loud ringing sound came from the house.

“The hell?” Alyssa and Talan asked in unison.

Babs’ face reddened in anger, “Fucking phone! Argh!” she yelled as she climbed out of the pool. “Who would be calling at this hour? Bet it’s my folks... be right back guys.”

Talan watched her leave and slid backward, but was caught a strong hand.

“Just where do you think you’re going?” Alyssa asked, a curious look on her face.

“Uh, well... Babs isn’t here, so I figured you wouldn’t want to kiss me without her here to watch? Or something?”

Before he even knew what happened, Talan was picked up under the armpits and sat down in Alyssa’s lap, straddling both her legs. Her arms slid down his side to his rear, where she firmly grasped it and slid him forward. All while looking down at him with a playful smile.

Talan needed a minute to process what just happened, which he didn’t seem to have at the moment. Talan wasn’t tall, or particularly big. He was trim, toned, and about two or three inches under average height. This meant he wasn’t heavy, but he certainly wasn’t light either. Yet, he was picked up like a doll in a matter of seconds, with little to no effort.

Alyssa was strong, deceptively strong. Looking at her one could tell she worked out, but this type of strength was not visible at all.

“Comfortable?” she asked. “Best seat in the house is all yours.”

“Better than the cheap seats,” Talan said with a grin. “Well?”

Alyssa grinned and pulled Talan forward. Her lips connected to his and felt amazing. More full than Babs’, and with a different taste. Grapes? He didn’t object to that at all. Talan followed her lead for the first minute, then opened his mouth a bit more. On cue, Alyssa added a little tongue and became more aggressive. Talan didn’t back down and rose to the occasion. Alyssa ran her arms down Talan’s and intertwined her fingers with his. After that she crossed her legs, adding a little elevation to Talan’s seated position. They were now each eye level. Alyssa wrapped her arms around him and let out a content sigh before pulling away.

She leaned back and shook her head, “And you’ve never done this before Babs...?”

“Nope.” Talan said. “So, what do you rate me?”

Alyssa leaned forward and fondled his abs some more, pondering her answer, “Well, you’re not as good as Babs...”

“Shit!” Talan cursed dramatically.

“Shocking, I bet...” Alyssa said with a smirk.

Talan leaned back and fell into the water. He grabbed Alyssa’s hand and gave it a tug, beckoning her into the water with him. Surprisingly, she complied. They floated into the center of the pool, hands intertwined.

“So, out of ten,” Talan said.

“I’d say about a five and half...” Alyssa said with a wince.

Talan was admittedly shocked, he thought he’d at least get a six. “That bad?”

Alyssa saw him frown and leaned against the wall, “Sorry, call it like I see it.”

“Guess I have a lot to learn, huh?” Talan asked, floating in front of her.

“And that is the right attitude to have,” Alyssa said with a wink. “Also, worth noting that as basically a first kiss, with little to no experience apart from Babs, that wasn’t bad. Believe me, I’ve been kissed by other guys with no experience and it was dreadful. You were not dreadful.”

“Okay, okay...” Talan said, nodding in understanding. “I’ll take it. But would have thought Babs would get me to a six at least.”

Alyssa crossed her legs and poked Talan in the stomach with her big toe, “Babs can’t work magic in only a few days or weeks. I doubt even I could.”

“Oh surely you could...” Talan said. “I mean, look at you.”

“Yes, do admire me,” Alyssa said while standing and striking a pose. “But we must all know our limits, Spikey.”

“That’s good advice,” Talan replied.

A few moments of silence passed. Talan decided to to take a peek inside and saw Babs standing at the edge of the kitchen, still on the phone.

“Talan...” Alyssa said. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” Talan said. “Fire away.”

Alyssa crouched lower in the water as a breeze blew by, it was getting a bit chilly out now. “When we were kissing, and you were in my lap... did that feel...”

“What?” Talan asked.

“Were you uncomfortable?” she asked.

“A little, but I mean, you’re a tall beautiful girl and I lack experience. You can put two and two together.”

“Not what I mean,” Alyssa said. “Me holding you like that, it’s not... emasculating?”

“Emasculating? What? Like making me less of a man?”

“Yeah,” Alyssa confirmed. “Does it?”

Talan pondered that for a minute, “I suppose if people saw me in that position they’d make fun of me and mock me, yeah.”

“So you don’t like it?” Alyssa asked

Talan noticed her frown a bit and avert his gaze. The first time she did it all day.

“I didn’t say that,” Talan said while shaking his head. “Is it emasculating? Maybe, but I don’t care. I loved it. You’re beautiful as all hell, Alyssa. Babs said I’d like you, she wasn’t kidding. You’re like somethin’ outta my dreams!” he said while spreading his arms out of the water. “I mean, girls generally like taller guys. At least that’s what I’ve seen. Makes them feel protected and all that stuff.”

“You don’t feel like any less of man when I treat you like that?” she asked. “It doesn’t make you uncomfortable? Really?”

“Only because I’m new to it,” Talan said. “What has Babs told you about me? Did she say I’m not really social?”

“Yeah,” Alyssa said.

“Well, that makes me feel uncomfortable, but not the emasculating thing. That’s kinda dumb.”

“What makes you say that?” Alyssa asked.

“Well, I’m not exactly an alpha male...” Talan said while motioning to himself. “I’m not jacked... yet.” he said, earning a slight giggle from her. “And you, well... you’re...”

“An amazon,” Alyssa said.

“Not what I was gonna say, but yeah. You’re the girl, you’re supposed to be sitting on my lap. But how ridiculous would that look?”

“Pretty bad,” Alyssa chuckled.

“Yeah,” Talan said. “As for the being a man thing? Well, I think there are more ways to be a man than stupid stuff society says. I’m athletic, I can fight, I take responsibility for my actions, I treat people with respect, women and men. Also, an open relationship is more loose than a single more normal one. We’re not taking this too seriously, are we? We’re just friends who like touching and kissing each other.”

Alyssa smiled, “That’s true, there are more ways to be a man. I just wanted to get your opinion. I know I can be a little intimidating and domineering. I love it, but I would never want to hurt any feelings or make you uncomfortable.”

Talan swam over and leaned against the wall beside her, “Can I ask you something now?”

She looked down at him and nodded, “You can.”

“You’ve been a confident woman, and I mean woman, all night. You’ve been in control of what Babs and I have done. But just now you looked away when you asked me if I didn’t like your domineering attitude. What made you change your tone?”

Alyssa sank further into the water and rubbed her shoulders, “I like acting that way, for several reasons. But it’s not my default. I acted that way because it’s what I do when I first meet people. Also, as you’re probably aware, Babs and I kinda planned it. We wanted to see how you’d act.”

“Yeah, okay,” Talan said. “Fair enough.”

“I was curious to see what you thought afterward. You can only study so much when you’re actually doing it, you know? There are... distractions...”

“Could say that again,” Talan said while staring at her chest.

Alyssa smirked and elbowed him, she floated away and stopped, “I like you, Talan. I think we could be good friends, and more.”

Talan swam forward and hugged her, “I’m down for that, but I have something else to ask.”

“What?” Alyssa asked.

Talan pulled away and pointed to her chest, “What’s the significance of that?”

Around her neck slightly above her breasts was a solid gold necklace, shaped into a word. Thick stylized letters held close together to spell ‘QUEEN.’

“This was a gift from Babs when we were together and part of the clique in New York. It’s very special.”

“You’re a queen?” Talan asked.

“Aren’t I?” Alyssa smirked. “I like being the one in control, being the dom... so to speak. This personifies that role and mindset. I never take it off.”

“Well you are certainly equipped to fit that role,” Talan said. “Guess that was what I experienced tonight.”

“A small taste,” Alyssa said.

“I like trying new things, just a shame we won’t have more time to do it. Babs will probably miss you a lot when you leave.”

Alyssa took a deep breath and looked at the sky, then smiled at Talan. “Well... about that. Part of why I asked you that is because we might actually have more time than you realize.”

“Why?” Talan asked, confused.

“Because I’m not just visiting, I’m moving here.”

Talan’s eyes almost popped out of his head, “What?!”

“Yep, just found out a few days ago...” Alyssa replied.

Talan fell backward and floated on his back, “What did I do to deserve this? So much good karma. Any more beautiful city girls going to be coming? Or is it just you?”

Alyssa chuckled and looked down at him as he floated over, “Just me, but I’m more than enough. Don’t you agree?”

Talan felt her hands on his shoulders as she gave them a rub, “Hard to argue...” he said with a yawn. “Still that’s... wow... wait, does Babs know?”

“Not yet,” Alyssa said. “I was going to tell you both after all three of us kissed, but Babs had to go an answer her phone.”

“All three of us?” Talan asked.

“Well yeah,” Alyssa said while pulling him up and hugging him. “It’s going to happen eventually, and since I’ll be sticking around, it’ll be sooner rather than later.”

“God, I’m sorry guys...” Babs said while coming outside and jumping into the pool. “That was dad, he was just checking up on me. What are you talking about? Why are you giving me that look?”

“Well, you’re not gonna believe this,” Talan said. “Alyssa is- omphh!”

Talan grunted as he was shoved under water in front of Alyssa.

Babs shrugged and waited until she was done playing around. Talan broke the surface as Alyssa’s legs closed around his sides like a vice.

She playfully covered his mouth with a hand and kissed his cheek, “I think I’ll tell her, Spikey.”

“What?” Babs asked.

“I’m not just visiting, Babsy... I’m moving here.”

Babs’ expression changed from neutral curiosity to a bright smile. Tears formed in her eyes as she pressed her hands to her mouth. “Y-you are? Really?”

“Really, babe.” Alyssa said.

“You’re not playing? This isn’t a joke?” Babs asked.

“No joke, the fam and I are moving here,” Alyssa said.

Babs sniffled and leapt on Alyssa crushing Talan between the two girls. He eventually managed to break free, if only to keep breathing. He sat there and watched them hug each other. There was a strong friendship there. Something the likes of which Talan had never experienced. Both girls had tears in their eyes. Alyssa picked up Babs and placed her legs around her waist, supporting her effortlessly. Both girls connected in a heartfelt, passionate kiss.

He could see the strength of the bond. It was good they were together like this, and he considered himself fortunate they wanted to be friends with him.

“It’s getting a little chilly, let’s go dry off...” Babs said.

“Alright,” Alyssa said. “I should be getting home soon. I have some work to do around the new house. The moving guys should have brought some stuff.”

“Where do you live?” Talan asked. “Is it close?”

Alyssa smiled at him, “Closer than you think. Get dressed, Spike. You’re walking me home.”

Talan got out and performed a formal bow, one hand pressed to his chest, the other stretched out in presentation. “At once, my queen...”

As Talan went upstairs to change, Babs looked at Alyssa and smiled, “You told him?”

“Just what it meant, that’s all. He’s been very receptive so far. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

“I’m so happy you like him, he really is something. Something different, you know?”

“Different than what we’re used to that’s for damn sure,” Alyssa said while drying off her hair. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow him for a while. Have him stop by and help me with some things. That way I can get to know him a bit better... and...”

“And...?” Babs asked with a smirk.

“And... maybe have a little fun, too. Maybe.”

“Knock yourself out, Lyss.” Babs said. “Just tell me the deets later, kay?”

“Don’t worry,” Alyssa said. “I might even send some pics...”

Talan walked out of the house with Alyssa as they both waved goodbye to Babs.

“So, where to?” Talan asked. “It is in walking distance right?”

“It sure is,” Alyssa said. “It’s not far at all, actually. Come on.”

Talan paused a second at Alyssa opening her hand to him. He took and walked onto the street with her, a smile never leaving his face.

Alyssa looked over and nudged him a bit, “What’s with the face?”

“Nothing,” Talan said. “Just... this, holding hands with you, and Babs. It’s just... almost surreal.”

“Yeah?” Alyssa asked.

“Put it this way,” Talan said. “If you were to find me, even just a month ago before all this happened. If you found me then and told me I’d be hanging out with two gorgeous girls from New York City, and they found me attractive, and they want to include me in an open relationship?!”

“It’s not as rare as you think, Spikey.” Alyssa said while swinging their arms a bit. “But Babs was right. You sell yourself way too short. Uh, no pun intended.”

“Har har,” Talan said. “You’re lucky you’re royalty.”

Alyssa chuckled and bent over, staring at him from the same height, “And if I wasn’t?”

Talan froze, “Uh, well I didn’t think that far ahead.”

Alyssa tousled his spiked hair, “Most boys never do.”

They walked about two streets over and entered the far end of Talan’s neighborhood and turned down a familiar street. Talan looked around a bit and shook his head.

“We’re in my neighborhood now. You’re going to live here?”

“That so surprising?” she asked with a shrug. “My parents are business owners just like yours.”

“Okay...” Talan said, also shrugging. “Wait...”

“This is Pinegrove!!” he exclaimed. “Are you seriously...? You can’t be serious!”

Talan gasped when Alyssa pointed to her house.

“This is it,” she said. “What’s with the enthusiasm?”

Talan walked with her into the yard, then pulled her three houses down to the edge of the street. He pointed down another street that ran south, “The house that has the two lamps at the end of the driveway? That’s mine! We’re practically neighbors!”

Alyssa smiled as Talan grabbed her waist in a hug, “Wow... really? That’s some coincidence huh?”

“This house has been on the market a few months. The family who used to live here moved across the country. I can’t believe you’re the one who’ll be here now. This is so...”

“Sexy?” Alyssa asked.

“Honestly? Hell yes it is.” Talan said while he was lead to her door.

Alyssa opened it up and turned on the lights. After setting her things inside she rejoined Talan on the porch.

“I’m glad we’re friends, Talan. Listen... would you mind coming over tomorrow? I have some stuff to do around the house like setting up furniture and other stuff.”

“Want my help? Say no more.” Talan said.

“Well, I need your help with something else. You can build computers?”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “Yeah, provided you have all the parts.”

“I do, it’s a gaming PC actually,” Alyssa said casually. “I ordered the parts before I moved and had them delivered here. Figured I’d have a new one at the new house.”

Talan’s jaw dropped, “You’re a PC gamer? Shit... could you be any more sexy?”

“Is that even a question?” Alyssa asked, bending down and placing her hands on his shoulders.

“Right,” Talan said.

“So I’ll see you tomorrow then? Come early, and don’t worry about food. I’ll feed you.”

“Okay, see you then,” Talan said while turning to leave.

A hand caught his arm and pulled him back, Alyssa bent down and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. “Something to tide you over til tomorrow. See you then, Talan.”

“R-right,” he said. “Goodnight, Alyssa.”

Talan walked down her driveway and turned around. He went from almost being killed, to swimming with Sirens, to meeting yet another sexy girl. He couldn’t help it. He shouted at the moon and fist-pumped the air. Life was good. Real good.

Chapter 11: Deep in the Jungle

“Hey, Talan! Come on in!”

Talan smiled and followed Sunset to the living room of her apartment. It was a small one near the school. She never said how she got it, just that it came into her possession around the time she first arrived in the their world. It was pretty nice.

She sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to her. Talan sat and cleared his throat. It was a little hard concentrating. Sunset was wearing some short shorts and a loose shirt with the sleeves cut off. It had a sun logo emblazoned on the front of it. A sun to match her name, pretty cool. Talan noticed her hair was up in a ponytail instead of being down. She looked a lot like Sonata, at least in her figure. That was a-okay in his book.

“Thanks for agreeing to see me, Sunset.” Talan said. “I just... well I don’t know where to start.”

Sunset smiled and leaned forward, putting a hand on his shoulder, “It’s a lot to take in, and not exactly comfortable knowing you’re sitting next to an alien. Take your time.”

“Well... it’s about friendship.” Talan said. “My friends chose to leave me out of a get together, then mocked me when they saw I was with Babs, my friend.”

“Babs?” Sunset asked. “I don’t think I’ve met her.”

“No, you haven’t.” Talan said. “She kinda... rescued me from getting my ass kicked.”

“What?” Sunset asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Yeah, it’s a long story. The short of it is that Babs has another friend moving here from the city where she lived. They both like me, and I like them. I have other friends now, but I think that’s only going to cause friction with the others. If they see me hanging out with two girls, they’ll just mock me some more.”

“Why mock you? Jealousy?” Sunset asked.

“Probably part of it,” Talan replied. “I wasn’t good with girls before Babs and Alyssa, the two friends I just met. They’re helping me learn some confidence. My friends used to tease me a lot. I don’t know... It just seems like I was always the last in line when we got food. The last one on a ride at the theme park. That kind of stuff.”

“These people don’t sound like good friends,” Sunset said.

“I know... it’s just,” Talan began, struggling to find the words. “It’s summer now, or at least the beginning of it. School is out and I don’t have to see them.”

“Why would you want to?” Sunset asked. “It sounds like you have new friends to hang out with.”

“I do, but I just feel... it’s unresolved, you know? Maybe it shouldn’t matter. But I feel that it does.”

Sunset placed a hand on her knee and looked at the floor, “I did some horrible things to the school and to my current friends. But in the end, when I was at my low, they accepted me back. Of course I had to work hard to be trusted again, and am still working.”

“I don’t understand,” Talan said.

“Your friends who treat you badly,” Sunset said. “They may stop, or they may continue doing it. But situations can crop up at any time where people change. There may come a time when they ask for forgiveness and apologize. If that happens, what will you do?”

Talan thought about it and shrugged, “I don’t know. But... Sonata said something about friendship having a power... or something. That related to your magic at all?”

Sunset smiled and picked up a book from the table. “Yes, as a matter of fact it is. My mentor, the princess of Equestria taught me that... but I was arrogant and didn’t listen. Twilight Sparkle, who is gone now, taught me that again by defeating me.”

“The magic of friendship...” Talan said, then facepalmed. “That just sounds so lame... I’m sorry.”

Sunset laughed, too. “Yeah, it is... you humans are a lot more cynical and slow to embrace sincerity, I’ve found. Quite different than pony society.”

Talan looked at his phone and saw the time, “I’m sorry Sunset, I have to get going. I have to go build a computer for a friend. I promised I’d do that today.”

Sunset looked surprised, then shrugged. “It’s all good, Talan. I’m just glad you came. Haven’t really been doing much lately. Been kinda lonely, honestly.”

“No friends around? You’ve got a group a them, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but they’re busy. Some are gone for the summer, so I’m kinda by myself.”

Talan walked over and took her hand, “You’re welcome to come hang out with me. Pretty sure the Sirens won’t mind, either.”

“Really?” Sunset asked.

“Sure,” Talan said with a happy smile. “More aliens at my place the better. Besides, you can tell me all about the magic and your world then.”

Talan was surprised when she grabbed him in a tight embrace and buried her face in his shoulder, “You don’t know how much that means to me. Just having someone want to be my friend like that. It feels good, Celestia and Twilight were right.”

Talan returned her embrace then waved goodbye, “See you around, Sunny. Sooner rather than later!”

Sunset smiled at the name and waved goodbye as well. She felt a responsibility for him. Eventually the Sirens would return home, which meant she would be the only one from Equus still here. It was one thing to be exposed to such a big secret, and indeed, a reality. That there were creatures and beings from another world. That they existed, and were living alongside him. But it’s quite another to have it all thrown in your face, then have the individuals just leave. If he needed a guardian from trouble, or needed someone to talk to, she’d be there for him.

Talan walked home and had to take another shower when he got back. It was awful out there. The humidity made it almost unbearable. When he walked in the door he looked like he just ran another cross country meet. After showering he went to his room and looked for the most loose clothes he could find. He didn’t want to chance being cooped up in some hot room when he was assembling Alyssa’s PC. If that was the case he’d die if he wasn’t in comfortable clothes. There would be no concentrating.

Talan rifled through his closet and found a red sleeveless shirt and threw it on the bed. Then he found a pair of fight shorts. Talan put them on and laughed. He didn’t think he still had these, and they fit fine. He remembered his days at the Crossfit gym and how his parents had bought him some gear for that and his martial arts classes. Talan liked the fit and wondered what Alyssa would say when she saw them.

Going to his desk, he grabbed his small bag of tools and checked to make sure he had everything he needed. After that he went downstairs to the kitchen and saw a note on the table. It was from Aria and Sonata. Apparently they were going to be gone for a few days. They were going to try and find Adagio...

Talan wasn’t sure what to think of that. He wondered why they were going by themselves, and he wondered why they didn’t tell him personally. It bothered him, honestly. But he wasn’t particularly suited to go with them, he’d probably just get in the way. Either way he hoped they’d be back soon, whatever they were planning to do with Adagio.

Talan grabbed his stuff, slung it over his shoulder and walked down to Alyssa’s house. It was about noon, hopefully that was still early enough for her. He rang the doorbell and waited patiently for her to come answer.

“Oh hey...” Alyssa said while opening the door and looking down. “What’s a stud like you doing on my porch? Hmm?”

Talan, for his part, was stunned. Soon a grin formed on his face and he couldn’t hold back laughter. Alyssa wore a loose sleeveless shirt that only went down slightly below her ample chest. A headband in her hair, and no shorts at all. Rather, a bikini bottom. To top it all off she was suggestively sucking on a popsicle.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, irritated.

Talan just gestured to her and laughed, “Just come outa the gates on fire why don’t ya.”

Alyssa grabbed his hand and playfully pulled him inside. He immediately felt relief as the cool air hit him. Her house was air conditioned. It wasn’t exactly a surprise, most houses in the neighborhood had them, but this had been on the market for a while. He wasn’t sure it would be up and running so soon. He didn’t have too long to think about it when Alyssa guided him onto the couch and took a seat super close him.

She leaned in, sitting on her side and crossing one of her long legs over his own. She ran a hand through his hair and smiled. Alyssa took the popsicle out of her mouth and held it between them.

“You like strawberry?” she asked.

“Uh, sure?” Talan answered nervously.

“Then taste it,” she whispered.

Talan leaned in and gave it a lick, after that Alyssa did as well. Soon they were both licking it together and fondling each other. Alyssa finished the popsicle herself and pulled Talan onto her lap, kissing him aggressively. Talan returned her affection and ran a hand through her long golden hair.

After they were done Alyssa forced him down lengthwise on the couch and laid on top of him, her breasts squished against his chest. “Ah... what a way to start the day, making out with my new toy- I mean man.”

Talan raised and eyebrow and reached back to grab her ass, which was easier said than done. Alyssa knew this, since she scooted up a bit to allow him a more firm hold.

“Very funny,” Talan said. “As much as I’d love to make out with you all day and get my hands on those legs some more. Didn’t you have something for me to build?”

Alyssa sighed and got up, “Yeah, I do. We should both get to work. Like Babs, my parents are still in New York and won’t be here for a while. They’ve left the gardening and some furniture stuff for me.”

“Sure you don’t need help with any of that?” Talan asked.

Alyssa flexed her arm, showing off her muscle, “I can handle the heavy lifting. Come on, I’ll show you where I want it.”

Talan got up and followed her upstairs, getting a great view of her ass as she swayed it from side to side. “Nice place...” Talan said. “I’ve actually been in here once before. Neighbors had some sort of party, but that was a long time ago.”

“Yeah, I like it,” Alyssa said. “More spacious than the apartment I grew up in. We also have a backyard now, which I’m going to take full advantage of.”

Talan walked into the room and saw a desk and gaming chair. Or at least one of the ones that support your back while sitting, he had one just like it. He went over to the desk and saw the boxes.

“CPU... six cores. Hard Drive, RAM, Power Supply, Mobo.” Talan said as he counted the parts. “Case... a big one, that’s good. And... the GPU, not a bad card. This is good stuff.”

“Glad to see you approve, I know my parts,” Alyssa said while crossing her arms.

Talan turned around and stood on his toes. He put his hands on her hips while looking up at her with a grin, “You have no idea how attractive I find this. Beautiful, strong, and knows her tech.”

Alyssa bent down and gave Talan a chaste kiss, “Babe you have no idea. I’m glad you like it. Now get to work.”

Talan bowed, half mockingly, “My queen...”

“Make sure you listen, in a about an hour or so I’ll make some lunch. Okay?”

“Sure,” Talan said. “Shouldn’t take too long.”

With that, Talan watched her leave and took out his tools. He began opening up the boxes and arranging the parts. Working with such a big case, this wasn’t going to be hard at all.

Talan plugged in the two monitors she had picked out and booted up the computer for the first time. He sat in the chair and got comfortable, seemed to be working fine for now. After it ran some initial checks he opened the cd sleeve containing the operating system and installed it. The estimated time was a while, so he had to figure out something else to do.

“Talan!” Alyssa called from downstairs, “Food’s ready!”

“Well that was good timing,” Talan said to himself as he got up and went downstairs.

Like at Babs’ house, Alyssa was at the counter preparing their meals. She slid a plate over to Talan and smiled.

“Ham Sandwich with sweet mustard and some chips. Nothing special, but it’s all I got for the moment.”

Talan nodded and sat down on a stool, “This is more than enough, thank you Alyssa.”

“Don’t mention it big guy,” she said with a wink. “How’s the build going?”

“Big guy?” Talan asked with a raised eyebrow. “The build is done, plugged in your monitors and installing the OS now. Should take a while, but it’ll be ready tonight.”

“You’re done already?!” Alyssa asked, her eyes wide. “Wow... you work fast.”

“It was an easy build,” Talan said with a shrug, “Cable management was simple since it was such a big case. I had a lot of room to work with.”

“Impressive...” Alyssa cooed. “That just means I have more work for you downstairs.”

“Whatever,” Talan said, taking another bite. “I’m here to help.”

“You don’t care that I’m making you do all this?” Alyssa asked. “Hope you don’t feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

Talan looked at Alyssa with concern and gulped down his food, “Taking advantage? No. This isn’t some nice guy being friendzoned by a hot girl situation. Yeah we’re friends, but I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t want to. I’m doing it for you, for Babs, and you could also consider it a neighborly gesture, welcoming you to the neighborhood... neighbor.” Talan said with a wink.

Alyssa giggled, “You’re too cute, Talan.”

Talan shrugged, “You also made it pretty clear there would be some canoodling going on. I mean I barely made it in the door and we were making out. I suspect there is more before I leave...?”

Alyssa leaned over the counter, “Oh you suspect do you?”

“Suspect...” Talan said with a casual wave of his hand. “Hope... Wish... Beg... ...”

Alyssa giggled again, something Talan enjoyed. He was unsure if any of it was genuine, but he would keep trying anyway. She slowly walked around the table and put her hands on his shoulders, giving them a firm rub.

After that she kissed his ear and whispered, “Beg... I like the sound of that, and you suspect right... I’m setting up something in the back that you’re going to love.”

“Oh yeah?” Talan asked. “What might that be?”

Alyssa playfully bit his ear and trailed her hand lower and lower until she found his package. She gave it a slow rub back and forth while watching his expression.

Talan tried to remain calm, but it was extremely difficult with her hovering there. Not to mention her hand moving up and down stimulating him through his shorts, despite his efforts to stop it, he felt his shaft hardening.

“Mmm... that’s better...” Alyssa said while kissing his neck. “Did I tell you I love your fight shorts?” she asked while moving her hand across them. Gripping him from the outside.

“N-no...” Talan said, fidgeting on the stool.

“I think they look so hot on you...” she said while removing her hand and tracing it around his waist. “But we’ll talk about that later.”

And just like that Alyssa got up and walked outside. Talan breathed a sigh of relief, yet he was irritated she just left him hanging, literally. He got up to follow her and was surprised how much had changed since he last came.

“Wow...” he said, “Look at this... it’s a veritable jungle back here.”

“Yeah,” Alyssa said. “Pretty cool huh? Part of the reason my parents bought it. They like the aesthetic and the seclusion. Lots of places to build stuff out here since it’s on the edge of the cliff and there aren't any houses behind it.”

The backyard was filled with trees and bushes. They were so thick in certain areas you couldn’t see into the whole yard. The variety of trees was also stunning, it ranged from short and reclusive to gargantuan pine and apple trees. The canopies were mostly full, but allowed a decent amount of light to get through.

“You could definitely get in touch with your inner amazon here,” Talan said.

Alyssa turned to him and looked down, “Funny Talan, but you know you love it. And you’ll like it ever more when I’m finished.”

“What’s back there anyway?” he asked.

Alyssa quickly grabbed his shirt and pulled him back as walked forward. “Ah ah, no peeking till it’s done. Until then could you go inside and unpack some stuff for my room?”

“Sure,” Talan said. “Like what?”

“Just some games, clothes and stuff.”

“You want me going through your clothes?” Talan asked. “You’re sure?”

“What?” Alyssa asked. “Think of it as a nice preview of what I can wear when we hangout. Unless you mean my panties...”

“Well...”

Alyssa smirked and punched his shoulder, “They’re in another room you perv.”

“Ow!” Talan whined. “I’m no perv, just... you know...”

“I respect the thought, Talan. I’m just messing with you. Go on, I’ve got work to do.”

Alyssa smiled and watched his tight ass disappear into the kitchen. She put on a pair of short jean shorts over her bottom and grabbed some rope. This would be a challenge, but it would be so worth it in the end. Babs and Talan were going to love it.

Talan opened more bags and put the clothes on her bed. Alyssa had a spacious room, and a walk in closet. As he worked, he hoped he would get a more intimate knowledge of it later on at some point. Once he was done he saw some simple shelves and a sock drawer which he put together quickly and stood in the corner. He found some blankets and other clothes which he put on her bed. He didn’t want to go through too much of her stuff.

Talan laid down on her bed and chuckled at how big it was. Alyssa was a big girl, so it only made sense. Just as he was getting comfortable he heard her call him.

“Yeah?” Talan answered from an open window.

“Come on out, Spikey. I’m all done.”

“Where are you?” Talan asked.

“In the back, come find me!” she said with a laugh.

Talan walked downstairs and out the door. He looked around and started through the trees. The backyard was big. The trees in the yard connected seamlessly with the small forested area by the cliff. Eventually Talan saw it and laughed.

“My my,” Talan mused. “That’s impressive...”

High above him, over fifteen feet off the ground, was a large hammock. Solid thick white ropes held together in a pattern, and even thicker ones tied to the tree trunks. Alyssa swayed back and forth inside it, dangling one of her long legs off the side.

“What do you think? Put it up all by myself,” Alyssa said.

“Well it’s um... high,” Talan said.

“Yeah,” Alyssa said while stretching. “I like being up here. It’s nice and isolated. Nobody can bother me if I don’t want to get down. They can’t climb up either. Which reminds me. If you want to join me there’s a ladder behind... the tree...”

Alyssa trailed off her last sentence as she saw Talan take his shirt off and crouch low to the ground. He jumped up and grabbed hold of the lowest branch, pulling himself up. He straddled that, then reached for the second one. After grabbing hold he stepped on a thick branch closer to the trunk and walked along it until he found another. He climbed onto that, then swung his waist toward the branch near the rope. He wrapped his legs around it, then finally grabbed hold of the thick bands keeping the hammock in place. He let himself dangle from the rope and slowly made his way to the edge of the hammock, his feet dangling like he was climbing on monkey bars. Talan reached the edge and flipped himself inside, smiling the whole time.

“Wow this is high...” he said while a bead of sweat fell from his brow.

Alyssa was stunned, he might as well have been a small monkey the way he maneuvered through the branches. Not to mention the surprising upper body strength. Looking at him you wouldn’t suspect it, which only made him more intriguing.

“How did you do that?” Alyssa asked, raising a leg and swaying it from side to side. “Don’t often see people climb like that.”

The goofiest smile split Talan’s face as he made a sign with his hands and saluted with it, “Hawk Scout, Ma’am.”

Alyssa burst out laughing and covered her mouth, not wanting to be so rude. “You’re such a dork!”

Talan shrugged and leaned back, “Should’ve seen me when I wore the uniform, but that was a long time ago.”

“Uniform?” Alyssa asked.

“Oh yes...” Talan said. “Bet you’d love to see that, never gonna happen.”

“Oh yeah?” Alyssa asked. “Come here scout boy...”

Talan smirked and crawled forward on the hammock, settling down on her legs. She grabbed his arms and guided him forward more, stopping as he hovered over her. Alyssa pulled him into a passionate kiss and ran her hands across his back and chest. Talan let his hands drift across her chest and squeezed her supple mounds for the first time, eliciting a moan in the process.

“Oh man...” Talan said while jiggling them. “These are the best!”

Alyssa giggled and watched Talan’s features, “Yeah, enjoy yourself. Won’t last long.”

“Why?” Talan asked.

“It’s just I have a hard time acting this submissive.”

Talan nodded, “Not your style, right...”

“No...” Alyssa said with a pout. “Afraid not little Spikey.”

“Well what if I want more?” Talan asked.

“Talan...” Alyssa said with a pitying smile. “The queen doesn’t sweat the wants of her court.”

“Not even the knights?” Talan asked, playing along.

“Knights?” Alyssa chuckled. “Hmm, no sweetie. More like a jester, or a fool.”

Talan’s eyebrow twitched as she pulled him down for another kiss. He closed his lips around hers and enjoyed the moment, then curled his lips into a wicked smirk.

“My lady, might the jester do a performance for the queen? After all, tis my lot in life.”

Alyssa shrugged and flicked her hand, “You may, not sure what you’re going to do all the way up here, though.”

Talan slowly got up straddled her waist. He looked from side to side, squinting and surveying the area. “I’ll need a lovely volunteer from the audience!”

Alyssa giggled as she watched him frown. Eventually he looked down and pointed, “You! That is, if my queen wouldn’t mind playing along...”

“Oh not at all, not at all...” Alyssa said.

“Excellent...” Talan grinned.

He slowly took her hands and spread her arms out behind her head, as though she was reaching for the sky. He closed her hands around a section of rope and squeezed, “Hold here please... don’t let go.”

“What are you planning you little trickster?” she asked.

Talan bent down and gave her a small kiss, “The Queen must shut her eyes...”

Alyssa sighed and complied, “This had better be goo- wha-?!”

Alyssa suddenly felt Talan’s weight lift off her, then the hammock dipped slightly to the side. She was about to move her hands when she felt Talan’s close around them. She spread her legs slightly to secure her place as it rocked back and forth. In the process she felt his feet linked over and under one of the rungs of rope. Alyssa felt a thick band of rope cross over her hands and pin them against the upper portion of the hammock knot.

With a burst of pure upper body strength, Talan held himself up just long enough to loop two of the three free hanging ropes into a tight knot, binding Alyssa’s hands.

“What?!” she shrieked. “What the hell is this?!”

Talan slowly unwound his feet and hung free from the hammock once again. He gingerly crawled back inside and took a deep breath. “Why, your majesty,” Talan said in between breaths. “This is you being tricked.”

Alyssa’s eyes widened as Talan crawled toward her. “Free me this instant you cretin!” she shouted.

However, Talan simply put a finger to her lips and shushed her. “Your majesty... I must advise silence, or that you at least lower the volume. Voices carry, and the residents of your new land don’t take kindly to loud noises.”

Alyssa paused. Talan had a point, she remembered reading guidelines about noise levels and only allowing a certain amount of people in the neighborhood for parties and such. She didn’t want the police to get called her first week here.

“You’ve no idea what you’re doing...” Alyssa whispered, squirming back and forth under him.

“See, I think I do...” Talan said, laying down next to her for a moment. “I think that you’re very imposing, and super intimidating. I think you’re probably dangerous, too. And because of that... you’re too accustomed to being in control.”

“What?!” Alyssa hissed.

“Follow me on this,” Talan said while running a hand through her hair. “Oh sure you could let me have my fun, but now I’m taking it for myself. When was the last time someone successfully stood up to you when the chips were down? Hmm? You might just like this...”

“That’s the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard,” Alyssa said, though her voice wavered a little at the end.

“Guess we’ll just have to see, huh?” Talan said while straddling her again.

He reached for her shirt and gently slid it up, revealing her breasts. She was wearing a green bra, one of the larger sizes. Talan slid his fingers over the fabric and felt her perky right nipple underneath. He slowly closed his fingers around it then turned them into a rough pinch.

Alyssa shrieked at the abrupt roughness and scowled at Talan, “Stop that!”

Talan continued to slowly pull and twist at the nub, all while observing her begin to writhe underneath him. Her breathing started to become a little heavy. Talan shifted his gaze to the other unattended breast. He slowly ran his pointer finger around the tip, then grasped it in another pinch.

“Is the queen enjoying herself?” he asked through a shit eating grin.

“N-no,” Alyssa said while looking at the sky. “You’re no good at this rough play..”

“No?” Talan said, “You wound me, Queen Lyss. So I must be imagining your nipples getting harder?”

Alyssa’s eyes widened, he was right. Each time his fingers twisted around them they grew harder. Each time he would loosen his grip she unconsciously moved her chest upward, wanting it again.

Talan eventually slid back a little and bent over. He grinned and slowly moved the bra off her breasts, sliding it up her chest.

Alyssa looked up and shook her head, “Don’t even think about it.”

Talan gave her nipples one final twist before bending down and flicking one with his tongue. Alyssa shivered as it flicked back and forth. He traced her areola with it before flicking again. Each time he ran his tongue across it he would tease her left nipple. Eventually Talan got bored of fooling around and closed his lips around her hardened nips. At first he only rolled his tongue around them, then he started to suck. After greedily suckling for a moment he sat up and firmly grasped her luscious mounds with both hands.

“You like that?” he asked.

Alyssa’s eyes were closed, she was desperately trying to hold back pleasured moans. Her legs were crossing back and forth, attempting to contain the anticipation dripping down them. It didn’t help that each time she moved, she could feel his rock solid member pressed against her midriff. It felt bigger than she expected.

“Yea-- I mean no!” Alyssa growled, angry at herself. “You little shit...”

She watched as a cheeky smirk grew onto his face as he bent over, taking her breast into his mouth again. It was hard for her to admit, but this did feel good. And it wasn’t just the physical pleasure. He was right, it had been a long time since she was in a situation like this. Even more surprising because she genuinely didn’t think Talan had it in him. Turns out he’s full of surprises. Being tricked by such a guy made her moist just thinking about it. Alyssa had taken out tons of guys in her time. She’d beaten them in fights all her life, both dirty and fair. Many of them dwarfed Talan in size and appearance, yet here she was. It was a turn on... but letting him know now was out of the question. No, the one who taught her to be this way, she wouldn’t stand for it, and neither would Alyssa.

Talan began chuckling, savoring the pleasure. Alyssa couldn’t blame him. She felt him start to rub his member back and forth on her firm midriff. She’d take care of that later.

However, for now she had to get out of the bind. While he was messing around, she had been steadily working the rope. It wasn’t all that tight to begin with, she figured it was kinda hard to be thorough while hanging fifteen feet off the ground. The tightness wasn’t the problem, it was the complexity. It wasn’t your basic knot, it was wound a certain way which made manipulating her hands difficult. But she eventually was able to work a hand loose enough.

Just as Talan reached back to caress her thigh, Alyssa summoned all her strength and broke free from the rope. Talan went white as a ghost as Alyssa sat up and slapped him across the face. It wasn’t hard, just a little sting for the humiliation and mockery. After that she pulled her bra and shirt back down. But she wasn’t done yet. She grabbed Talan’s head shoved it into her chest, holding him there. Then brought her legs to lock around Talan’s sides like a vice... and squeezed.

“Argh!” Talan wheezed as her thighs crushed him. Such long and powerful legs were her greatest strength, there was no way Talan was getting out of them.

“You like my titties, huh?” she asked while smooshing them against his face. “Can’t hear you?”

“I mmph your baps..” he groaned as her legs constricted even more.

“I can’t believe you did that to me... you insolent swine...”

Talan’s arms pressed against her thighs in a vain attempt to free himself, it was rather sad.

“Say you’re sorry,” Alyssa whispered.

“Nah,” Talan said, then cried out as he was squeezed even harder.

“Say you’re sorry!” Alyssa hissed.

“I-I’m sawry, mkay?” he squeaked.

“Worship your queen,” she purred. “Beg for forgiveness.”

She loosened her hold just enough for Talan to talk easier, “I’m sorry, you’re the hottest girl I’ve ever seen. Your tits are amazing. I want you to tit-fuck me! Your legs are divine. Um, Um... your lips are sexy as hell, I love kissing them. Your ass is amazing and it pisses me off that I can’t get to it in this hammock! Now please stop crushing me! Please!”

Alyssa bent down and kissed his forehead, “We’re not even yet, but we’re close.”

Talan gasped as air rushed into his lungs and he crawled off her, sitting back toward her feet. After the struggling the swinging slowed down. He gasped and wiped the sweat from his brow.

“So... how’d I do? Was that good foreplay? Or... whatever you call that pretend stuff?”

Alyssa bit her lip and nodded, “You genuinely surprised me, Spike. Can’t say many guys have done that. And you got to enjoy yourself.”

Talan blushed as Alyssa’s foot rubbed against his shaft, still hard as diamonds, “So truce for now? That tired me out a bit.”

“Yeah,” Alyssa said. “Come lay with me.”

Talan slowly crawled beside her and fell onto his back. His head just in the crook of her neck.

“You know, I like this hammock,” Talan said. “Yours is different, it’s more taught, yet it still gives a certain relaxing feeling.”

“I love them,” Alyssa said. “They’re calm, peaceful, and they give a certain close sensation when you’re with someone. The closeness, it’s so sensual, you can’t get away from the other person.”

Alyssa turned slightly and brought her thigh to rest across Talan’s chest and stomach.

“Can’t argue with that,” Talan said while caressing it. “Does it have to be so high though?”

“Well I like my privacy,” Alyssa replied. “Plus, this high, it’s hard to get away. Well...” she paused. “For most people it is. People who can’t climb through trees like you can, apparently.”

Talan shrugged, “Took a chance with that little move, but I wanted to see what you’d do.”

Alyssa gave Talan a look of genuine sincerity, “It was hot as hell, a serious turn on. But I would never want to see you get hurt. Just be careful, alright.”

“I can take a fall from this height, “Talan said. “Would hurt, but I’ve fallen out of tons of trees. Some higher than this.”

Alyssa smirked and rubbed her leg across his stomach and groin, “Well, you won’t be escaping my web again. I assure you.”

“Web?” Talan asked. “Suppose it does kinda resemble that.”

“Mhm...” Alyssa said. “It’s that restriction that makes it alluring. It’s not easy to move around up here, it forces closeness. Plus the rope is white.”

“You like spiders?” Talan asked.

“Some,” Alyssa said while running a hand through his hair. “Bugs are cool, I have a respect for a unified hive. It can accomplish feats much greater than itself.”

“As long as they follow the queen,” Talan said with a chuckle.

“Duh,” Alyssa said.

After a brief moment of silence Talan looked up at her, “So you did like that. When did you become like this, if you don’t mind me asking? I’m curious.”

Alyssa slid her leg down and rubbed Talan’s abs with her hand. She looked up at the sky and sighed, “Well you were right about most guys or girls standing up to me. So I guess we could start there.”

“I’m listening,” Talan said.

“You’re sure you want to hear it?” Alyssa asked. “It’s not that special or anything.”

“But you’re special,” Talan said. “I want to figure you out, Lyss.”

Alyssa smiled at the nickname, “Alright, Spikey. I wasn’t always like this. The amazon goddess that you’re cuddling with right now. Hard to believe, I know...”

“Go on,” Talan said.

“I was always a big girl, but I wasn’t always pretty,” Alyssa said. “You can probably imagine what that was like. I used to get in fights with guys, and girls would just mock me. Dealing with the boys wasn’t all that challenging. Most girls are taller and bigger than boys when they’re young anyway, so even though I was bigger, I didn’t stand out as much. But as I got older I kept growing. The boys all wanted to fight, even up to middle school. Few were successful, but some had more muscle than I did, and I lost a few. Always got my revenge though.”

“You go after any of them?” Talan asked.

“Nah,” Alyssa said. “Didn’t have to, they came to me. But the worst part was the girls.”

“Bet I know where this is going,” Talan said.

“Yep,” Alyssa said while resting her head atop his. “They called me an ogre, frankenstein’s wife, and all sorts of other horrible things. I looked different back then. I didn’t have many clothes that fit and were ones I liked. My wardrobe wasn’t exactly trendy, or even decent looking. It didn’t start to bother me until the boys would get together with the girls and use their insults while trying to get me to fight.”

“That sounds horrible,” Talan said. “And I thought I had bullying problems sometimes. Geeze.”

Alyssa laughed, “Yeah, it got pretty bad. Babs was there through some of it. We went to school together, but there was little she could do to stop it. She only got made fun of, too. And back then she didn’t have a thick skin like I did. For her own good I told her to ignore it. I could handle myself. We sort of drifted away after that. It was a natural thing as we were growing. Later we’d reunite and become the badass chicks you know and love.”

Talan laughed, “Thank goodness it turned out that way.”

“Well, one thing changed me for the better,” Alyssa said. “It was another friend I made. She appeared out the blue one day. A transfer student. I don’t know what she did, but the cheerleaders surrounded her and started hitting her. It was five on one, so I intervened.”

“What happened after that?” Talan asked.

“I’ll never forget the first moment she saw me,” Alyssa said. “She was on the ground, her nose bloody and her glasses broken. I extended a hand to help her up, and she just stared at me. Like... I dunno. Like I was something that she never expected to see. Her eyes were deep, peircing green. Her hair was like a blue-ish dark green, and she wore a solid black headband. She smiled as I helped her up... then the strangest thing. She leapt into my arms and didn’t let go.”

“She was probably thankful, I would’ve been,” Talan said.

“Yeah, but it was more than that. Because after she stepped back, she did a small bow and called me... a queen.”

“That’s weird...” Talan said. “Why did she say that?”

Alyssa shrugged, “I was as mystified as you. Trust me. She gave me her number, then the next time I saw her was at school lunch the next day. She came over and sat down, then we got to know each other better. She said she was a transfer student from somewhere far away. She didn’t say much about it, but she loved hanging out with me. I asked her why she called me a queen, and her answer was even more strange.”

“What’d she say?” Talan wondered.

“She just said ‘I know another queen when I see one’ then gave me her black headband to wear.”

“Really?” Talan asked.

“Yep, she and I became friends after that. Started to hang out a bit.”

“What was her name?”

Alyssa smiled, “Her name was... Chrys. But she was cool with Chrysi.”

“Chrys and Lyss...” Talan said. “What a duo.”

“You have no idea,” Alyssa said. “She taught me everything I know about being confident. I was so embarrassed about my body and my looks. I was ugly, and utterly convinced of it. Chryss just said I could use improvement, and we worked on my confidence. Whatever you see from me now came straight from her. She was my rock, Talan. She showed me everything. I always told her I wasn’t a queen. I didn’t have the looks, or the attitude. She just told me I’d grow into the looks and it wasn’t a problem.”

“Boy was she right about that,” Talan said with a goofy laugh.

Alyssa smiled, she rolled onto her back and guided Talan on top of her, “It’s here now, enjoy it.” she said with a wink.

Talan laid his head down on her breasts and sighed, “I do so enjoy it.”

“It all kinda just happened one summer,” Alyssa said. “My boobs got big, my ass got big, and my hips became wide. Late bloomer I guess. After that everything else was just style and makeup.”

“Amazing...” Talan said. “So is she the one who got you into dom stuff?”

“Eh, kinda,” Alyssa replied. “She would talk about it sometimes, and it just sort of came natural. She was a big girl, too, you see. About as tall as me, but not as strong. Being big was one thing, but you had to have the right attitude. That’s more of what I’m into, more than the actual bondage stuff. Get it?”

“I guess,” Talan said. “So your necklace, the queen thing, that came from Chrys? Not Babs?”

“Correct,” Alyssa said. “But just the name. When Babs and I started... testing the new facet of our friendship, I told her to call me queen. She played along, then got me this necklace. Chrysi loved it.”

“So... did you ever... you know... with her?”

Alyssa chuckled, jiggling her breasts a bit, “Did I get intimate with Chrysi? Yeah, a few times. But nothing extreme. She wondered if I was into it, I didn’t know if I was or not, so we kissed. Turns out I liked it a lot.”

“So... what happened to her?” Talan asked

“She was still in New York last I knew,” Alyssa said. “We still keep in touch. But she travels a lot.”

“Umm... you tell her about me...?” Talan wondered sheepishly.

Alyssa smiled and rubbed his shoulders, “Not yet... but I’m thinking I will after tonight. Why?”

“Oh... no reason,” Talan said. “Just curious.”

“The summer is just starting, Spikey.” Alyssa said. “If I take a trip back to the city, you wanna come meet her?”

“Yes!” Talan blurted out. “If only to see the city...” he trailed off.

“You’ve never been?!” Alyssa asked, astonished.

“Once when I was very young,” Talan replied. “Don’t remember much. Been to the west coast a lot more.”

“Well you’ll simply have to come now,” she said while adding a bit of motion to the hammock. “Ahh... now that I’m feeling nostalgic... I think Chryssi would want me to get you back for that humiliation.”

Talan looked up from her chest and frowned, “But you already did!”

Alyssa made a pouting face and put a finger to his mouth, just as he did to her, “The less you complain, the sooner it’ll be over.”

“What will be ov- OH!!!” he shouted as Alyssa flipped the hammock to the side.

Since Talan was laying atop her instead of on the hammock itself, he slid right off her and barely caught the edge with his hand.

Alyssa sat up and smiled down at him, “You said you could handle falls from this high without getting hurt too bad?”

“Yes...” Talan said while hanging on. “Don’t do it.”

Alyssa smiled and plucked two fingers from the net, causing Talan to drop to the ground below. He hit the ground hard and collapsed onto his ass. His backside taking the brunt of the impact when his legs buckled.

Talan cursed into the grass. The fall wasn’t so bad, he had indeed suffered worse. But his ass was going to be sore for days. He crawled forward a bit and saw Alyssa climbing out of the hammock. She grabbed a thick branch nearby and lowered herself about halfway down, then jumped, landing with a predatory grin on her face.

“No...” Talan muttered to himself as he tried to crawl away.

He got up and tried to run, but Alyssa was on him before he had the chance. She closed the distance in a second and tackled him.

Talan groaned as Alyssa got him up, then turned him around. She gripped him under his armpits and tossed him up, then caught him in a brutal bear hug.

“Oh my gaaaahd!” Talan wheezed as she crushed the life out of him. His feet dangling. “You really are an amazon!”

“What’s that, sweetie?” Alyssa asked while squeezing even harder.

Talan tried to wrap his legs around her hips and succeeded, but it did nothing to help his situation. Eventually she let him go and dropped him. He coughed and almost fell over, except Alyssa was having none of it. She grabbed him again and hoisted him up. This time putting his arms over her shoulders.

Talan held back a curse and for the first time hated that they were in his neighborhood. He wanted to shout obscenities so bad, but he couldn’t. Her grip was like iron, he couldn’t believe it. However, it only meant that next time he tricked her he’d have to be more careful. Talan didn’t think he would survive if she got really mad.

Two bones in his back cracked as Alyssa shook him back and forth, then dropped him in a heap.

She hiked up her shorts and flexed, “Tell me you didn’t enjoy that. Spikey.”

“Uuurgh...” Talan groaned.

“I’m still not done, but I’m starting to get sweaty out here. Let’s go inside.”

“You go... I’ll catch up,” he wheezed.

Alyssa smiled pityingly and walked over. She picked him up with little effort and sat him on her hip, holding him there with one arm. Then she carried him up to her room and dumped him on her bed.

Talan wasn’t even sure what happened. Then he felt her lay down on top of him, and her boobs push against his face.

“Wake up, Talan.”

Talan rubbed his eyes and saw the boobs. He smiled as she pressed them into his face, then slowly crawled away. She pulled him back so his knees were dangling off the end, then pulled down his shorts.

“What are you doing?” Talan asked, looking down at her.

Alyssa smirked, “You caught me in a good mood, you mentioned a titfuck earlier??”

Talan’s eyes widened, “Oh yes please!!”

Alyssa caressed his member and stroked it, once it was erect she slid down his boxers and smiled, “Oh my... wasn’t expecting you to be this well endowed.”

“Oh yeah?” Talan asked.

Alyssa shrugged and closed both her hands around his shaft, “Almost two close hand lengths. Not bad.”

“I’m just relieved it’s good enough for you,” Talan said.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” she asked, a grin on her face.

Talan deadpanned her, “Because you’re a big girl...?”

“And you don’t think I take that into consideration?” She asked while taking off her shirt and bra. “I’m not some impossible to please bitch, Spikey. I normally prefer at least two hand lengths, but that’s not exactly common due my larger hands. So I understand.”

“I’m glad,” Talan said.

He watched her close her breasts around his member and start moving up and down, grinning the entire time. It felt incredible. They were so soft and malleable. Alyssa smiled as pre began to drip from his tip. Each time she came back up she’d give it a quick lick or two. Talan groaned as he felt it building up, then almost at once he came, squirting a few ropes onto her chest and face.

Alyssa lapped it up and gathered what remained on her finger. She sucked on it and shook her head at Talan, “That was awfully quick...”

Talan frowned and covered his eyes, “I know... I’m new to this.”

“This was your first tit job, of course...” Alyssa said. “Don’t worry, it’s alright.” she said, giving his shaft a few strokes. “Nothing to be ashamed of, we just need to work on your stamina is all.”

“O-okay,” Talan said, reacting to pleasure once again.

Alyssa smiled, “I’m a wizard at handjobs, Spike. I’m gonna start off slow, and you’re gonna hold it in as long as you can, got it?”

“A- a-huh,” he said while smiling at the ceiling.

Alyssa slowly began pumping up and down, nothing too special. After that she began squeezing his head every other pump. Talan winced at first, but began to enjoy it after a few times. She used other methods of stimulating his head as well. She would rub her thumb over top of it a few times, then blow on it. Talan shivered when she quickened her pace then began to tickle his balls. She must have sensed he was getting close, because she leaned in and teased his frenulum with her tongue. That being a particularly sensitive area, Talan was sent over the edge. He let loose thick ropes of cum onto her face, then the rest into her mouth as she closed it around his head.

Talan kept going for three or four more shots, watching as Alyssa swallowed it all.

“Mmm,” she said after he finished. “That tastes good. You eat a lot of fruit don’t you?”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “You can tell that by swallowing my cum?”

“Yeah, dude, didn’t you kno-? Oh... sorry, sorry. Of course you didn’t.” Alyssa said with a slight giggle.

“That’s gonna get old fast...” Talan groaned.

Alyssa smiled and kissed his member, “I know sweetie, I know. I’ll try to remember these things, okay? But yeah, eating fruit makes it taste great. Particularly pineapple.”

“I’ve got that,” Talan said.

“Then you’re eating it!” Alyssa said while crawling onto the bed next to him.

“That was awesome...” Talan said as he marveled at her body. “Now what?”

“What do you wanna do?” she asked with a smile.

“I dunno,” Talan admitted. “I’m gettin’ kinda hungry, I should probably go and get dinner.”

“You wanna stay?” Alyssa asked.

“I’d love to, but you already cooked once, I don’t want to make you do it again.” Talan said.

“So don’t,” Alyssa said. “Why don’t you help me?”

“I could do that,” Talan said. “We can walk down to the market and get some stuff, then make a dinner together.”

“Mind if I call Babs when we get back, see if she wants to come over?” Alyssa asked.

“Of course not!” Talan replied. “I was actually thinking the same thing.”

“Great!” Alyssa said. “Babs and I can have a great girl talk about your dick over dinner!”

Talan rolled on top of her and kissed her, “You’re such a tease.”

“And you love it,” she said with a laugh while wrapping her arms around him.

Far up the coast near a small island, Sonata and Aria stepped out of portal and walked into the waves. They looked at the setting sun, then at each other.

“You sure this is wise?” Aria asked.

“She’s can’t hurt us,” Sonata said. “The two of us together are more powerful, she knew that. It’s why she wanted to take one of us out before we could join up.”

“Still... I dunno,” Aria said.

“You’re scared,” Sonata said. “That’s fine, but we’re strong Aria. She has no power over us anymore. Besides...” she said, pointing to her chest. A small red gem was starting to form. “I’m getting my compulsion magic back. If she tried anything violent I’ll make her stop.”

“And how do you know she doesn’t have hers back as well?” Aria asked.

“I don’t,” Sonata said. “C’mon, it’s a chance we have to take.”

Aria reluctantly agreed and transformed alongside Sonata. Like the beach behind Talan’s neighborhood, this place was far away from other people. The tides were extreme around here and the jagged rocks kept fishing boats away. It was a perfect place for a siren to hide.

Sonata and Aria swam into a dark cavern and stopped when they heard heavy breathing.

“Sniffed me out, did you girls?” a low voice rumbled from across the cavern. Red eyes opened and stared angrily at them, “Suppose it’s only natural, I didn’t bother hiding my trail.”

Sonata cast a light spell that floated to the top of the cavern, illuminating the space. Both she and Aria saw their former friend and companion, she was not well.

Adagio was seated upon some rocks that acted like a chair, the rest of her body dangling into the pool of water. Her body was similar to Sonata’s, though not as long. The key difference being she had no dorsal fin on her head. Instead her poofy human hair manifested itself as a bunch of long writhing tentacles. Some stretching halfway down her back. They slithered about seemingly with a mind of their own, some stretching out toward Aria, who backed away slightly.

“Scared?” Adagio chuckled.

“You wish...” Aria seethed.

“We’re not here to fight you,” Sonata said. “We’re here to talk.”

Adagio leaned her head on a hoof, “Suppose that’s all we can do now, huh? Alright, talk... I’m listening...”

Chapter 12: What We Leave Behind

“Why?” Sonata asked.

“Why what?”

“Why all the violence and the evil?!” Sonata shouted. “We never stooped to those means in our world.”

“We’re not in our world... or maybe you haven’t noticed,” Adagio said, her tentacles writhing back and forth.

“So you feel you can just take advantage of the people here and legitimately hurt them?”

“What are they to us?!” Adagio snapped. “If they even knew what we are. We’re so much higher up the food chain, why shouldn’t we take advantage here and there?! We’re trying to get home!”

“Why go home if we changed so much while we’re here?!” Sonata asked.

“Why are you of all sirens asking me this?!” Adagio screamed. “Was it not you who hated it here the most when we first arrived?! Was it not you who begged me to try and find a way back?! So I finally figure out a way and it’s you who sabotages my efforts?!”

“We couldn’t have won,” Sonata said. “They were too powerful, the purple one was an alicorn, you had to have sensed it.”

Adagio remained silent, “The boy... I don’t understand.”

Sonata was about to speak but stopped when Aria crept forward. She placed a hoof to Sonata and shook her head.

“Adagio... what happened to you?” Aria asked.

Adagio faltered a moment, Aria was crying. Tears shimmering in her eyes, she never cried.

“Aria...” Sonata cooed while wrapping her tail around her.

Aria shook her head, “You’ve changed so much. When I first met you, you were so strong. So courageous. You taught Sonata and I to sing together with you. You told me that I didn’t have to be afraid anymore. That you wouldn’t let anything hurt me again. That together, we were strong. I followed you because you were a siren to look up to. We never went out of our way to hurt anypony. The strife we sowed was already present in the ponies, all we did was encourage it. But here? It wasn’t the same... You’re not the Adagio I knew.”

“Aria, I did-”

“No,” Aria said while she pointed a hoof. “You want to know about the boy? He’s our friend. He was willing to give us something that we only believed could be taken. Even after I mistreated him he forgave me! Such a kind little human.”

“You know,” Sonata interjected. “I’ve been thinking on it. If we would have come clean to him from the start, he might just have helped us get back home.”

“How could he possibly help us do that?” Adagio asked with a laugh.

“That’s not the point,” Aria said. “It’s the thought that counts. We roamed this world for years, never letting our guard down. You most of all! You were calling the shots! Don’t you think it would have been nice to trust a bit? To make some friends?”

“Friends only make you weak,” Adagio said. “We are strong, we don’t need them.”

“Then why did you befriend me on my lonely reef?!” Aria shouted. “You can’t get much weaker than what I was. Surely there are better Sirens to use for your own ends. And her?” she pointed to Sonata.

Adagio looked away as Sonata also shed a tear.

“Talan had every reason to scream at us and never talk to us again,” Aria said. “He could have reported us to the human authorities. But he didn’t. Do you know the character of something so small and fragile? To stare at us in our true forms and forgive?”

“You showed him?” Adagio asked. “He knows?”

“He does,” Sonata said. “We swam with him, it was the only way to clear our conscience. He forgave our deception.”

“You tried to hurt him,” Aria said. “You tried to hurt us... why?”

Adagio cursed and fell into the water, she swam over to them and shook her head, “I wasn’t going to hurt you. I never would. I just... you don’t understand.”

“So make us understand,” Sonata said.

“We don’t belong here!” Adagio shouted. “This isn’t home! I want to go home!”

Sonata and Aria backed off as she screamed and her tentacles flailed wildly in all directions.

“It’s been on me to make sure we got back, that was my responsibility! I failed you! I failed myself! We’re stuck here! All because of that stupid alicorn and that stupid unicorn!”

“Adagio, it’s not all bad...” Sonata said.

“Yes it is!” Adagio said, tears in her eyes, “Now we don’t even have our full power! We could die here you know!”

As Adagio shut her eyes and shook in anger, she felt a hoof touch her chest. It was Aria. She slowly nuzzled into her neck and crooned. Adagio faltered for a moment, then completely broke down. She grabbed the smaller siren in a hug and wept buckets into the cavern.

Sonata had tears come to her eyes as well. She embraced them both and held them tight.

“Forgive me...” Adagio sobbed. “I can’t undo what I did... I can’t...”

“Shh,” Sonata said. “It will take time... but we will move forward from this.”

Aria nodded, “I knew it wasn’t you, big sis. I knew that bully really wasn’t you. I can’t forgive you right away... but at least we know you’re sorry.”

Adagio pulled back and lowered her head, “Guess I’ll just stay here then. I understand you won’t forgive me right away. I’ll be here until you need me.”

“No, you’re coming back with us,” Aria said.

“Yeah, because there’s still others you have to forgive, Sunset and Talan.” Sonata said.

“Talan will never forgive me,” Adagio said. “Not after what I did to him, and what I said to him.”

“You’re still going to try,” Aria said. “You might be surprised.”

Adagio frowned, “I doubt that... I wouldn’t forgive me if I were him.”

Sonata raised her chin with a hoof, “Then you’re lucky he’s not like you.”

Adagio winced, she watched Aria and Sonata turn to leave, and decided she should at least try. This was going to be difficult.

Talan stirred, he stretched and let out a quiet yawn. He felt soft skin to his left and right. It brought a smile to his face as he turned over and saw Babs snoring lightly next to him. She was wearing a sports bra and some unzipped short shorts. Her head rested atop a large pillow that she was clutching. To his right, Alyssa slept on her side, one hand stretched languidly over his chest. She was wearing the same things as Babs.

Talan grinned as he gently moved her arm and extricated himself from the bed. He watched as Alyssa adjusted herself and rolled over. He backed away from the edge of the bed and chuckled to himself. He had just climbed out of a queen size bed with two gorgeous girls. When Alyssa was done playing with him earlier, they made dinner and invited Babs over. After a movie and some time hanging out, they retired to the bedroom. There they played around a bit, after Babs had some fun with Talan at the suggestion of Alyssa, they all went to sleep.

Talan went downstairs and poured himself a glass of water. When he was done he put it in the sink and went to go back upstairs. As he ascended the stairs he saw Alyssa waiting outside the room.

“You’re in trouble, Mr...” she said with a grin.

“Sorry,” Talan said. “Had to get a drink, we can go back and cuddle now.”

Alyssa glared at Talan, “I don’t cuddle...”

Talan walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her hips, “Which is why I had to be extra careful getting up so as not to wake you... right...”

Alyssa bent down and kissed him, “Come with me sweetie...”

Talan allowed Alyssa to slowly climb into bed, then crawled in next to her. He let her take his hands and put them just under her breasts. Talan took the hint and pressed himself against her ass in the traditional spooning position.

“Somebody feels happy already...” Alyssa whispered.

Talan sighed happily as his member hardened, firmly grinding against her. He rested his head against her back and caught a whiff of her hair. “That smells good...” Talan said with a yawn.

“Shh...” Alyssa said caressing his hands. “Bed time now...”

Talan closed his eyes and drifted off, summer was going to be an absolute blast. And if hadn’t even started yet.

The next morning Talan ate a hearty breakfast with the girls and decided to go home. They needed some time to themselves, and Babs wanted to hangout with Alyssa by herself.

Talan walked home and immediately jumped in the shower. After that, he decided he could go for a run around the neighborhood and through the park. He had little else to do at this point, and it would be nice to clear his head.

Talan achieved runner’s high on his way back, then jumped in the shower again. He put on some loose shorts and draped his towel over his shoulders. As he was going downstairs he heard voices. It seemed like Aria and Sonata were back.

“Hey girls, good to see you’re finally back. Having any luck finding-”

“Talan... hey...” Adagio said with a wincing smile.

“The FUCK is she doing here?!” Talan shouted, backing away slightly.

Aria and Sonata frowned and slowly approached Talan, “We talked with her... she has something to say to you...”

“I’ll bet...” Talan said through grit teeth. “What baste to use on me? Salt or pepper? Hot sauce? Last thing she said was that she was going to eat me, and you!” he said pointing to Aria.

“Talan,” Aria began, “That was... well that was wrong. She didn’t mean it. We’ve talked with her and I think you should-”

“No,” Talan said.

“What?” Aria asked.

“I said... no,” Talan repeated. “I’ll not have someone here who wanted to not just kill me, but eat me. The one who engineered all this. The one who hurt both of you. I don’t know why you forgive so easily, but maybe... just maybe it’s not a good idea?!”

“Talan...” Sonata said while placing a hand on his shoulder.

“No,” he replied, shaking her off. “I thought when you said you were looking for her you were going to...”

“Kill me?” Adagio asked.

Talan looked at her and saw her pained expression, “I- er, don’t know. Send you back, beat you to a pulp. Anything but bring you back here.”

“Talan,” Sonata said. “Adagio only wants to talk.”

“And I don’t want to hear it,” Talan said. “No, Sonata. Not here, I love and respect you same as Aria. But I will not tolerate this. I don’t believe her, and I don’t understand why you would either. Maybe it’s different for Sirens, but we humans are quite fragile. She almost choked me to death while holding me off the ground, then threatened to fucking. eat. me. And what defense do I have against that? Huh? Especially since she can hypnotize me apparently?”

Sonata and Aria were silenced. While Adagio simply shook her head and walked by them to the door.

“Wait!” Aria said.

“No, it’s fine... he’s right...” Adagio said. “I’m gone.”

“And don’t come back,” Talan said while slamming the door behind her.

After a moment of silence, Aria glared at Talan and shook her head, “What was that? You forgave me didn’t you?”

Talan laughed, “You were just a bitch and slapped me, not quite the same as what she did. I have limits you know.”

Aria was about to retort but stopped when Sonata rested a hand on her shoulder. “Talan, can I talk to you in private?”

“Yeah, whatever,” Talan said.

He followed her upstairs to her room and sat down next to her on the bed.

“Listen... you have every right to feel the way you do. Are you angry at Aria and I?”

“No...” Talan said. “I’m the outsider in this situation. I don’t know the history you girls have. If you’ve forgiven her... well, that’s you. I’m not in the same position.”

“We won’t pressure you,” Sonata said. “It’s not our place. And for the record, we haven’t fully forgiven her either.”

“Really?” Talan asked, somewhat surprised.

“We’ve been around a long time...” Sonata said while rubbing his back. “Adagio will have time to show us she’s changed. But the road needs to start somewhere.”

“That makes sense...” Talan said. “I’ll... think on it. Okay?”

Sonata smiled and hugged him, “That’s all I was going to ask. And don’t worry about the safety of you or your friends. We’ll not let anything happen. Promise.”

Talan returned her embrace, “You’re awesome, Sonata. Thanks.”

Talan left her room and went into his own. He shut the door and booted up his computer. He had to think on this. He picked up his phone and scrolled through the numbers... she would be able to help him.

“Hey... Sunset...” he said. “Yeah... can I come over later?”

“What’s up?” Sunset said as she let Talan in. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“The sirens came back... and they had Adagio with them.” Talan replied.

“Oh dear...” Sunset said. “So I take it they resolved their conflict?”

“Apparently, as I’m here and not eaten...” Talan said while sitting next to her.

Sunet sat down next to him and pulled him close, “Nobody is going to let anything happen to you, not the Sirens, and certainly not me.”

Talan leaned his head against her and accepted her embrace.

“What do I do?”

Sunset picked his chin up and smiled, “Well, what did she do?”

“She... wanted to apologize... I think,” he replied. “I didn’t accept, or even give her the chance. I got angry and told her to get out.”

“You were emotional,” Sunset said. “I understand.”

“Emotional?!” Talan said while getting up. “She said she was going to eat me! And you!! Have you seen how big these things are? Pretty sure they could eat a pony just as easily as a human like me.”

Sunset nodded, “Not gonna lie, I was scared then. But... there is something to consider.”

Talan rolled his eyes, “This is where you tell me I need to forgive her... let me guess... because of the power of friendship.”

Sunset narrowed her brow and stood up as well. Talan had to admit she could be intimidating when she wanted to be.

“Mock it all you want, human.” Sunset said with a smirk. “But there is power there, I wish you’d be more open to it. In fact, I can smell it’s effects on you.”

“You... what?” Talan asked.

“I can smell friendship... and love?” she asked while sitting down. “Or is it lust? It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference.”

“You can smell magic?” Talan asked.

“Yeah,” Sunset said while smiling and crossing her legs. “Have fun with your lady friends last night?”

Talan blushed, “Uh. Yeah, kinda. A little. But... back on topic. You really think I should trust her?”

“I didn’t say trust, just listen...” Sunset said. “Talan... I realize what we’ve been through, and were it not for recent events in my own life, I’d be thinking the same as you. Thing is, I was just in Adagio’s place, and now I’m on the path to recovery and redemption. It feels good. We Equestrians... magic affects us in a way that’s hard to explain. Adagio was beaten, and like the other sirens she’s lost most of her magic. She’s had to live without it, and it’s likely changed her.”

“You really think-”

“Remember what I said about sincerity in my world?” Sunset asked, cutting him off. “That we seem to be more sincere than you humans? That applied to her just as much as me. Don’t think of her as another human, she’s not. Show that you’re willing to hear her out... then see what happens.”

“And what if she has less than good intentions?” Talan asked.

“Then you won’t be there alone...” Sunset said while producing a red ruby crystal from her pocket.

“The heck is this thing?” Talan asked.

“This is summoning crystal,” Sunset said. “Something I’ve been saving for a rainy day. You rub that and say my name, and I shall appear.”

“What are you a genie?” Talan joked.

Sunset chuckled as she handed it to him, “Well I’m beautiful, and I can use magic... guess all I’m missing is a sexy outfit...”

Talan blushed again, “Yeah... so you really think I should do this?”

“I do,” Sunset said. “I think you can do it, and I think she will receptive. Question is... will you be?”

Talan hugged Sunset and shook his head, “I don’t know... we’ll see. I’ll be in touch.”

As he walked out of her apartment, Talan got out his phone and scrolled through the numbers. After searching through his recent interactions, he found it. Adagio’s number. It was still in his phone since she sent him that text.

Talan added her to his contacts then composed a text.

“Adagio, it’s Talan. I’ve decided to hear you out. Come to the beach behind the neighborhood tomorrow night. If you don’t know where it is ask the girls. Come alone.”

Talan sat among the treeline on the beach, waiting for Adagio to show. He hadn’t told Sonata or Aria anything, he figured Adagio would tell them. Not only that, but he didn’t really want them interfering. He wanted to test himself against Adagio on his own. If he could overcome dealing with her, then his other friends would prove no challenge at all. If he decided to deal with them at all...

He looked at his side pocket and rubbed the crystal. Sunset said she’d be willing to help if he needed her. Hopefully that wouldn’t be the case.

After a while, eventually Talan saw someone walk onto the beach. It was her.

Adagio wore a loose tank top and some short jean shorts. Her hair was in it’s usual poof, but it was tied into a ponytail of sorts. Several bands and clasps kept it together all the way down her back. He wondered why she had it in that style.

“You’re finally here...” Talan said, while stepping out in front of her.

“Oh geeze!” Adagio said, startled. “You scared me...”

“No I didn’t,” Talan said with a smirk.

“Okay you didn’t,” Adagio said. “But the hiding was pretty cute.”

“Cut the crap and answer me one question,” Talan said. “Why do you want to apologize to me?”

Adagio paused a moment then put a hand on her hip, “I think that it would help Aria and So-”

“I don’t care about how it will mend your relationship with them,” Talan interrupted. “I want to know why you want to. Or don’t you?”

Adagio’s eyes narrowed a bit at being cut off, then her features softened. “You know you’ve always had spunk, kiddo. Saw it in you when we first met. Guess it was no surprise to learn how you affected my girls. But... to your question. I- shouldn't have threatened to eat you. I don’t eat live creatures... at least not ones like you or ponies. That was never going to happen.”

“What do you gain by apologizing to me?” Talan asked.

Adagio raised an eyebrow, “Real talk? I get to move on with my life, and I also get to become closer to the one who affected my girls so much. Also... I am sorry.”

“Prove it,” Talan said while walking forward.

“How?” Adagio asked.

“I want something,” Talan said. “I want something that I know will cost you. Something you wouldn’t part with if you weren’t sincere. I want your red gem.”

Adagio’s eyes widened as she looked to her chest. Her pendant was back, almost to the original size. After the battle with the Rainbooms it was destroyed. Adagio’s power and elder status allowed it grow back slightly faster than the others.

“Y-you want this?” Adagio asked. “But I can’t just-”

“Fine,” Talan said as he turned and walked away. “Then no forgiveness.”

Adagio watched him walk away and grit her teeth. She felt anger and irritation, but also something else. This type of hardball attitude was working. It was making her get emotional. She could respect that. Whether he knew it or not, the one thing keeping Talan on her good side was how interesting he was. Adagio smiled, was this what the girls saw in him?

But she would not be won over so easily. Talan would give her forgiveness, but he was also going to give her a little fun in the process. Fun that he would also enjoy.

“Wait...” Adagio said.

“What?” Talan replied, still walking away.

“I’ll give it to you, but only under one condition...”

“Oh, and what’s that?” Talan asked. “I’m the one making the demands he-”

A flash of golden light lit up the area behind him. Talan turned around and saw a fully transformed Adagio floating in the air. She was similar in shape to Sonata, long and slender with a serpentine appearance. Though unlike Aria and Sonata, she had no dorsal fin on her head. Instead a mane of long writhing tentacles. Some so long they reached halfway down her body. Almost like some Medusa.

“Come swimming with me, Talan.” Adagio said.

Talan was shocked. Her mouth moved and spoke the human tongue with her normal voice, though it still maintained the slight echoing sound the others had.

“You can talk normally?”

“Of course I can,” Adagio said as she leaned down. “I know your language.”

“I don’t think I want to swim with you, Adagio. I don’t trust you, and besides it’s cold and dark. Plus I don’t have any swim trunks.”

“You swam with my other girls, I’m no different... well, that’s not true. I’m more fun...” Adagio said with a wink. “Yeah, you don’t trust me. So what? That just adds an heir of danger... exciting dontcha think? Oh, and don’t worry about the cold. I can keep you nice and warm with these” she said while wiggling her thicker tentacles.

“I don’t know...” Talan said with still a bit of unease.

“Dude where’s your sense of adventure?!” Adagio asked while flipping herself over in the air, staring at him upside down. “Don’t worry about the lack of swim trunks. Just strip down to your boxers. Doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t know...”

“Come on, Talan. I can show you things the other two couldn’t. I can sing you the most beautiful songs. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, are you really gonna look back on your life and regret you didn’t go swimming with me?”

Talan didn’t know what to do. It could be a trap, and he wasn’t sure what would happen when he was with her and truly alone. But he did still have the crystal. He could hide it in his boxers. Plus... she did have a point. What would he think of himself later if he didn’t swim with each of these enchanting creatures? Plus... there was something inviting about Adagio... he couldn’t put a finger on it.

“Not to rush, but you got about twenty seconds to decide. Kinda just got my power back, and flying is hard. I’d rather not end up a beached whale so-”

“Fine!” Talan said as he took off his clothes.

No sooner had he stripped then three tentacles reached out and wrapped around him. One around the waist and two under his arms. They lifted him up placed him within the writhing bundle behind Adagio’s head.

Talan grabbed a thicker one as they slithered about all around him. Two wrapped around his legs and two more around his stomach and waist.

“Comfy?” Adagio asked as she looked behind her shoulder at him. “Don’t want you to fall off now.”

“This is really weird...” Talan said as the tentacles caressed him.

They weren’t rough or sharp in any way. They didn’t have suction cups on them either. They were just long and smooth. Almost cartoonish in their length and yellow color. One slithered around his head and covered his eyes for a brief moment before Talan pushed it away.

“Aww don’t mind them,” Adagio said as she floated into the water and began to swim out deeper. “Oh... what’s this?”

One of Adagio’s smaller tentacles slithered across his stomach and dove into his boxers. Talan gasped as it wrapped around his member for a moment, exploring it, then grabbed the crystal.

“That’s! No!” Talan said while trying to jump up and reach it. He squirmed out of the tentacles’ hold and almost fell into the water. One of the longer ones caught him and held him out beside her head.

Adagio examined the crystal as they swayed back and forth with the waves. “Oh... I know what this is...” she said with a devious smile. “A summoning crystal. Well, only one thingto do with this.”

Talan watched in horror as she tossed it up and gulped it down. “Adagio... why?!”

The tentacle holding Talan playfully flipped him upside down in front of her. “Because we don’t want anyone to disturb us, do we? So now I wouldn’t summon her if I were you, that is unless you want her to materialize in my belly...”

“I wasn’t going to actually use that,” Talan said, hoping she’d believe him.

“Oh I’m sure you weren’t,” Adagio said. “But now we have the sea all to ourselves, nothing to disturb us. Especially when we get intimate later...”

“Uh... What?” Talan asked.

Adagio chuckled and gave him a small kiss with her snout, then unceremoniously dropped him into the water.

Talan gasped as the cold hit him. Adagio submerged and pulled Talan down with her.

“Now...” she said, her voice audible even underwater. “Let’s deal with the breathing problem, hold still please.”

Talan was held in place by some of her tentacles as she floated over him and opened her mouth. He screamed as her lips closed around his head and lightly clamped down on his neck. To his surprise, she opened her mouth again and lightly pulled back.

“What the fuck?!” Talan shouted, then he realized he could talk and breathe.

Adagio had created a bubble from his neck and encapsulated his head. He took a breath of air and looked around.

“Magic of the Sirens,” Adagio said while curling her body around him. “Pretty nifty, right? That won’t break unless you mess with it too much. Just an fyi.”

“This is um... different,” Talan said. “But uh, thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Talan. Now come along. We’ve got two stops to make.”

Talan was coiled up again and nestled deep within the tentacles. He grabbed the thickest one again and took a deep breath. “Where are we going?”

“A wreck of a sunken ship, a pretty cool place I found a while ago.” Adagio said while increasing her speed and depth.

Talan held on tighter and swayed back and forth in line with her motions, “I thought that none of you have been swimming in your Siren forms?”

Adagio laughed and shook her head, “Maybe the others haven’t, but I couldn’t resist coming out a few times. I have some favorite spots. One of which I’d like to show you before we head back.”

As they swam Talan could still see the moonlight shining down from above. He had to admit it was somewhat peaceful riding with Adagio like this. It was similar to Sonata and Aria, but he felt closer to Adagio. He wasn’t sure why.

Adagio dipped into a crevice and ducked through a cave. As she swam through she grazed one of the sides and caused a small jolt. Unfortunately it was enough to bump Talan off. His grip on the thick tentacle slipped and fell backwards and she swam forward with tremendous force. The tentacles holding him in place were loose and so he slipped through them as well.

Just as Adagio exited the cave part of her tail bumped the side and caused the roof to collapse in front of him and block the exit.

“Fuck!” Talan screamed. “Adagio!!!”

Nothing. Talan wondered if she felt him fall off.

“Adagio!! Help me!”

“Oh for goodness sake,” her voice rang from outside. “Why weren’t you holding on back there? Now look what happened!”

“What am I supposed to do?!” Talan shrieked.

It was pitch black inside the cave and he couldn’t see anything. He touched the walls which were rough and slimy with algae.

“Push against the rock and open it!” Adagio said.

Talan saw the rock as it fell, it was as big as a bus. “Oh real funny! Help me! Adagio this isn’t funny, I’m scared.”

Silence, then he heard something. What was that? Humming? Singing?

“Now is not the time to sing, Adagio!” Talan shouted. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt something brush against his leg. Fuck only knows what kind of poisonous sea creatures could be lurking down here.

“Listen Talan, there’s an opening above you somewhere. You can fit through. You just need to find your way to it.”

“I can’t see anything!” Talan said. “How am I supposed to do that?”

“Feel for it,” Adagio said. “You should feel a current further up.”

“I can’t,” Talan said, curling into a ball. “I can’t see!”

“Yes you can,” Adagio said, her tone changing. “I know you can. Listen to my voice.”

Talan felt something within him. A change in his attitude. He looked up and shook his head. He remembered what they said in his Hawk Scout training. If you close your eyes after seeing light, when they get accustomed to dark you can have better night vision. Talan calmed himself and exhaled. After a moment he opened his eyes and could see just a little bit.

He slowly swam forward and squeezed through a hole in the wall to his left. He felt something crawling on his arm and saw what looked like a crab. He shook it off hastily and crawled through to the other side.

“I think I’m doing it...” Talan said. “Are you there?”

“I’m here,” Adagio said. “You’re close, just a little further.”

Talan moved up more and saw the exit. But as he swam toward it, he saw movement below and a familiar shape move from the bottom of the cave. Talan made a break for the opening and was able to make it through but was caught by his hips.

“Adagio!!” he screamed.

In an instant her tentacles were around him as they pulled him free. They moved him back behind her head as the shark swam out looking for it’s lost meal.

Adagio opened her mouth and let loose a menacing scream. The shark backed off and swam away, not wanting a fight with a bigger fish.

Talan gripped a tentacle and shivered, “I really don’t like it down here... shit...”

Adagio slowly pulled him off and swam around in front of him, “That was very brave, Talan. I’m impressed. Hopefully now you realize nobody is going to eat you but me.” she said with a playful wink.

Unfortunately Talan was still visibly shaken. He averted her gaze and looked around, waiting for something else to attack him.

Adagio frowned, the sea really was no place for humans. Despite their swimming abilities, they were very vulnerable in most situations. She slowly extended one of her longest tentacles and wrapped it around Talan’s stomach twice.

“I’m not letting you go. That’s not going to happen again, okay?”

Talan nodded, “Y-yeah, okay.”

Adagio gently pulled him back behind her head and made certain to secure him better. “Don’t worry. You’re safe with me.”

Talan was starting to return to normal when he felt his arms and legs coiled by smaller tentacles. The one on his stomach tightened a bit, and another larger one slithered between his legs and up his back. It wrapped around one of his armpits and across to the other one, like some sort of harness.

“Well, at least I’m not going anywhere...” Talan said to himself as they cut through the water.

Much to his embarrassment, the motion of the thick tentacle between his legs was starting to have an effect. He felt his shaft starting to harden. Talan began to move up and down along with the motions like before. He viewed it akin to riding a horse, and... technically that’s what he was doing.

“Feeling alright back there...?” Adagio asked sweetly.

Talan swore the tentacle between his legs was moving more now, grinding against him with purpose, “Uh, Y-yeah. Great actually...”

“I know...” Adagio said with a chuckle, we’re almost there.

Talan leaned forward and shut his eyes, letting the motion relax him. After about five more minutes, they arrived. He couldn’t believe it. It was the wreck of an old tall ship. One of the ones in the old movies and history books.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Talan said. “And I suppose there is treasure here as well?”

Adagio swam away with a grin and shrugged, “I don’t know, why don’t you go take a look?”

Talan laughed and swam toward the ship, then stopped. He pulled on the tentacle, coaxing her forward. “There’s no nasty surprises in there? Nothing with sharp teeth?”

“Nah,” Adagio said with a wave of her hoof. “Nothing with teeth sharper than mine, anyway. Go on!”

Talan felt the tentacle nudge him forward, so he swam down into the wreck. The deck and center of the ship had been destroyed, so it was hollowed out. He swam to the center and looked around. He went into a few rooms and even below into the cargo hold. While he was moving around Talan felt like a diver. Exploring underwater secrets with a round bubble around his head that let him breathe, and a tether that held him to something else.

He looked at the tentacle wrapped around his stomach and gave it a gentle rub. It responded by coiling around him more, if only slightly. Talan had to admit he kind of liked it. It made him feel safe. If anything happened he would be pulled to safety, and it was nice knowing that Adagio was always there. Plus, it was really long, so he had quite a bit of slack to go where he wanted. And it didn’t restrict him in any way.

Talan spent the next twenty or so minutes looking around and couldn’t find anything. Eventually he swam out of it and shrugged. “I can’t find it, a little help?”

Adagio, who was lazily gliding overhead turned to him and rolled her eyes. “Have you checked the captain’s cabin?”

Talan looked up to the upper deck and facepalmed. The tentacle holding him tickled his stomach with it’s tip, “Hey haha, stop it! Fine!”

“Might want to check there...” Adagio said with a chuckle.

Talan swam inside the cabin and looked around. Off to the side he saw a chest that looked like it might have something inside it. Talan grabbed it and attempted to lift it. Despite being in the water it was still very heavy. He lugged it outside and was relieved when Adagio took the chest and placed it on a rock near the ship.

He looked around and marveled at the surroundings. It wasn’t so bad now that he could see. The bubble must have been allowing him to see better in the dark. Everything had a slight blue sheen to it. Plus the water was very clear, even as deep as they were the moonlight penetrated through.

“Well...” Adagio said, looking expectantly at the chest.

“It’s locked...” Talan said.

“Ugh...” Adagio groaned as she grabbed the lock and ripped it off.

Talan opened it up and saw several gold items and gemstones. “Wow... how the hell did you know this was here?”

Adagio smiled and shrugged, “A lady knows where to find these things.”

“A huh,” Talan said with a laugh. “This is really cool, though.”

“So pick out something, but just one thing... let’s not be greedy.” Adagio said while wagging a tentacle in front of him.

“Why am I doing this?” Talan asked, confused.

Adagio rolled her eyes, “You wanted my gem, right? Well you should have something to affix it to. So grab a ring or amulet or something.”

Talan laughed and swam up to her snout, “You’re very thoughtful, you know that? But you know I’ll want to come back for this, right? I’m surprised other divers haven’t found it yet.”

Adagio smirked and nuzzled his stomach, then nudged him back toward the chest, “It can be our little secret, stay on my good side and I might just take you back here. Now c’mon, choose something. We’ve still got one more stop.”

Talan swam back and picked up a ring, and amulet, and a golden clasp. He hid the clasp in his trunks and showed Adagio the ring and amulet.

“Two things? And here I thought I was the greedy one...” she said while guiding Talan back and nestling him amongst her tentacles.

“Now where are we going?”

“Just up the coast a ways, it’s a little place that I came to like when we first got here. Very comfy and relaxing.”

Talan nodded and relaxed, enjoying her swimming. “You know, your swimming is different than Aria’s.”

“How so?” she asked.

“Dunno,” Talan replied. “Just more... relaxing. Kinda makes me sleepy.”

“Aww, well I’m glad you’re at ease with me. That’s good.” Adagio said. “We’ll see if we can’t enhance that more a bit later...”

Talan saw another cave system appear ahead and gripped her tightly as they went inside. It was quite small, and the pool of water inside was completely round. Adagio let him off, still with her tentacle around his waist. She swam up to a rock formation that had been carved to look like a throne, or at least a comfortable chair, and sank into it. Her body just above the stomach was out of the water, while the rest of her tail calmy slithered back and forth.

“Nice place,” Talan said. “This similar to what you live in back in your world?”

“Hah!” Adagio laughed. “Hardly, Talan. We live in lavish undersea comfort compared to this. But it’ll do. In a way I’ve come to appreciate it. Very... rustic.”

“I see,” Talan said. “Hey, Adagio... much as I love you holding me like this. I’m pretty sure we’re safe in here. Mind letting me go?”

“Aww... but you’re so cute... fine...” she said with chuckle.

Talan was lifted into the air and thrown back into the center of the pool. He landed with a splash and coughed up water, “Oh you’re funny...”

Adagio smirked, “I thought it was funny. And according to Sonata you like being tossed around.”

“She told you that?” Talan asked.

“Mhm,” Adagio replied. “And the whole thing sounded completely adorable. Now, come here and let’s see about giving you my gem.”

Talan swam over and stopped, waiting for her to remove it.

“Well?” Adagio asked with a raised brow, “Don’t be shy, climb up here.”

Talan slowly swam over to her tail and crawled up her stomach, eventually reaching her chest. Like Sonata, she was soft and squishy. Talan’s hands and knees sunk into her each time he moved. He reached her gem and examined it, smiling when he saw his reflection in it.

“This is cool... I’m surprised how big it is. So... how do I?”

“Just yank it out,” Adagio said.

“Just... yank it out....?” Talan asked. “I can do that?”

“Yep, it just started to grow back so you should be able to remove it. That is, if you’re strong enough..” she said with a smirk.

Talan huffed, and crouched down, getting a firm hold on the gem, “I’m for sure strong enough. Watch this... Hrrgh!”

Adagio looked down and smiled, “Watch what?”

Talan fell back and caught his breath, “Har har... I’ll get it, just you wait.”

“I’d rather not wait too long...” Adagio said with a yawn.

Talan grabbed the gem again and put his back into it. With a little more effort he wiggled and edge free then finally pulled it out. When he did he nearly jumped out of his skin from the painful screech let loose by Adagio.

Talan fell backward again and this time went straight into the water. He felt a tentacle wrap around him and pick him up along with the gem. He was released on her stomach and subjected to the laughter of the siren. “Real funny...” Talan groaned while sitting down.

Adagio looked down and playfully prodded him with a hoof, “Oh c’mon, you should’ve seen your face. That didn’t hurt at all, though. Now give me the ring.”

He handed her the ring and watched as she took the gem and shrunk it down to a much smaller size. She waved her hooves back and forth, eventually removing the gem currently occupying the ring. She placed the crimson gem inside and hit it with a burst of bright golden light, then handed it back to Talan.

“There you go,” Adagio said. “Now, do you forgive me?”

Talan put the ring on and paused for a moment. “Can you bend down a minute?”

“What?” Adagio asked.

“Just bend down, I want to do something, “ Talan said.

Adagio lowered her head and raised an eyebrow, “What are you doi- oomph! Hey!”

Talan grabbed one of her nostrils and climbed onto her snout, his leg slipping a bit and catching on her lower lip. He crawled up and pushed himself past her eyes, “Just hang on a sec.”

Adagio closed her eyes as he climbed over them and felt him walking among her writhing tentacles. “As much as I find it cute having a little human boy climb all over me, care to tell me what you’re doing?”

Talan eventually found a tentacle that was the appropriate size and grabbed hold of it. He jumped down onto her chest again, pulling it along with him. He held it there then produced the golden clamp from his trunks. He slid it onto the tentacle until it fit then smiled.

“For you, for saving me from that shark and talking me through the cave. Yeah, Adagio, I forgive you. Between that and you giving me your gem willingly, I think you’re sincere. Plus if Sonata trusts you again, I think I can too.”

Adagio looked at the tentacle and golden armlet attached to it and felt her eyes starting to water, “For me? I- thanks, Talan. You know... I never would have thought such a small gift could resonate so much, but it does.”

“Well, you’re my friend now.” Talan said. “I have completed the quest and reunited the sirens. I am truly the hero of ages.”

Adagio chuckled, “You’re a funny little human, I was so consumed in my desire to get home I never noticed.”

“Will you ever get home?” Talan asked.

Adagio sighed, “Maybe, maybe not... I suppose I’ll need to apologize to the unicorn. Once I do that, maybe she’ll be able to help.”

“I bet she will,” Talan said.

“Maybe, but for now... I think I should explain to you some benefits of having my gem as an accessory.”

“What benefits?” Talan asked.

“Well,” Adagio began, leaning back and flicking her tail back and forth, “For starters, passive protection against any mind altering magic an Equestrian might attempt to use on you.”

“Really?” Talan asked. “Does it have any active powers?”

“Hmm... maybe...” Adagio said with a smile. “But first let’s test the passive defense, shall we?”

“How are we going to do that?” Talan asked innocently.

Adagio smiled and stared up at the roof of the cavern, “I’m going to sing to you, and you’re going to love it. How much you’ll love it? Well, we’re going to find out...”

“Wait a minute...” Talan said while climbing up on her snout again. “Sonata said without those gems you can’t use your voice powers, or something...”

Adagio looked down her nose at Talan and smiled, “Did she say that? Oh, the silly little thing. For her and Aria, that is correct. They use the gems to augment their compulsion magic in their voices. But they have their own talents besides those. You’ve seen them. Aria’s voice is... loud. Sonata learned how to call storms with her voice. And me...”

Talan’s face turned white, “You can do it without the gem...”

Adagio’s tongue flicked out of her mouth and tickled Talan’s feet. “Don’t worry, you’ve got my gem, right? There’s no way I could ever overpower my own gem...”

Adagio began to sway her head from side to side and hum a gentle melody, then opened her mouth and started to voice the notes. It was their default melody when harmonizing. Talan laid on her snout and looked into her eyes. Then he saw the ring glowing. He held it to his face and examined it. It felt warm to the touch. Was it absorbing all her voice magic?

“Hmm,” Adagio said. “Looks like it works, how about that?”

Talan sat up and straddled her snout, he leaned back and smirked, “Don’t sound so disappointed.”

“You know...” Adagio said as she leaned back more and more, causing Talan to slide forward, soon coming eye to eye with her. “I seem to remember my girls saying you were still under our influence.”

“Yeah, that’s not true,” Talan said. “That was a while ago.”

Adagio looked into his eyes and grinned, “Uh oh...”

“No...” Talan croaked. “No way, you’re not...”

“What are those green rings?” Adagio asked. “Let’s see if I can’t coax them out a little.”

To his surprise, a captivating green ring burst out from the center of her eyes. Talan saw and immediately felt a wave of pleasure wash over him. He leaned forward and looked into her eyes again. Watching and hoping it would show itself again. Sure enough, it did. Followed by another, and another, and another.

“Mmm... you didn’t know that you fell...” Adagio sang while looking intently into his eyes.

Talan’s jaw became slack as he looked into the colors and donned a complacent smile. His own eyes soon radiating green rings of varying shades.

“...Now that you’re under my spell...” Adagio continued to sing as she stretched her hooves. “Would you listen to that, Talan? There’s an echo in here. You lucky boy.”

Talan stared helplessly into her eyes as she swayed back and forth. His limbs limp like jello.

“You didn’t know that you fell...” Adagio repeated as she used her sizable muscles to arrange her tail. She sat up and gently lowered her head down, allowing Talan to fall off and slide down her long body. He slid down her tail as it raised out of the water, bending two and fro to keep his speed and motion. Eventually coming to stop near the end.

Adagio fell back into the water and swam over to him, submerging to stop his descent to the bottom. She flipped over on her back and caught him with her hooves. “Now that you’re under my spell...”

Adagio smiled and nuzzled Talan’s chest and chin, causing him to reach out and hug her muzzle. She smiled at the adorable gesture and blew another air bubble around his head. Adagio circled around him and held out a hoof. Talan stared at it moment, then grabbed it. Grinning the whole time.

“You never knew you could be so free...” Adagio sang while swimming outside the cavern. She eventually slowed down enough and allowed Talan to cling to her neck. They slowly and lazily slithered back and forth, gliding through the water. She looked down at him and smiled affectionately, “Until you swam the seas with me...”

Eventually she decided to swim back into the cavern and circle her body around the floor. She looked down at Talan, still hugging her soft chest and neck. Adagio used her tentacles to gently pry him off and push him into the water above her.

Talan’s mind was awash in pleasure and relaxation. He heard Adagio singing, and her words had a strange pull. It was almost like waking from a very pleasant dream, and not being sure if it would continue, or if you were truly awake. He was able to make out Adagio beneath him, her smile was infectious. He tried to swim toward her, but was facing resistance from something.

Adagio looked up at the little human trying to swim down to her. She blew bubbles in his direction, causing him to float further away. Each time he would get closer she’d blow another bubble, which turned into rings. The rings encircled Talan and caused him to spin around and tumble over and over. Each making him rise more and more to the surface.

Adagio closed her eyes and started to hum the melody louder. She continued to blow the bubbles, but with a twist. This time they transformed into musical notes of varying colors. Each brushing past Talan as he tried in vain to catch them.

“I say ‘jump’ you say ‘how high?’...” Adagio sang, catching his attention again.

Talan swam further down, still trying to reach her. It was pathetic how he could barely swim in such a stupor. Adagio felt a little bad for giggling at his attempts.

“I say ‘jump’ you say ‘how high?’” she repeated again.

Talan swam further down and made it through two bubble rings. He reached out his hand like he was trying to save someone from falling off a cliff.

Adagio played along and extended her hoof, “Come on... you’re so close...”

Eventually Talan grabbed it, and held on for dear life. The bubbles had created a sort of small vortex that pulled up rather than down. Talan’s body was extended upward as he gripped her hoof.

Through sheer random occurrence, the force of the water ripped off Talan’s boxers. Adagio smirked and couldn’t contain her laughter. The poor boy, he didn’t seem to notice. But Adagio noticed something. He was fully erect, likely a side effect of her voice and powers.

Adagio shook her head and extended a pair of tentacles to catch his runaway shorts. “Oh you silly teenage boy. I really could just eat you up.”

Her tentacles gently slid them back on, ensuring it wouldn’t happen again.

“Now... where were we?” Adagio asked, tilting her head slightly and smiling at Talan.

“Oh yes... I say ‘jump’ you say ‘how high?’” Adagio sang, waiting for Talan’s expression to change.

Adagio swished her tail back and forth impatiently, “When I say ‘jump’ you say ‘how high?’ ... you say... ...” she let out a sigh and chuckled“A little participation please?”

Talan heard the cooing voice. He struggled to find the words, but did as instructed, “I say... hngh- how.. high?”

“There... was that so hard?” Adagio asked while pulling him against her chest.

She swam up to her carved out chair and sank into it, then piled a portion of her tail on the nearby rocks.

“Ahh...” she sighed, still subtly humming her melody. “This is actually really nice, I forgot how fulfilling it could be singing to an audience of one.”

Adagio lifted Talan up with three of her tentacles. One around his stomach, his leg, and his shoulder.

“Give yourself for me to keep...” Adagio cooed, “While you fall into a peaceful sleep...”

Talan’s eyes grew heavy, obeying her words. He yawned and tried to say something, but could only babble incoherently.

“Sleep...” Adagio whispered as she playfully dangled him upside down.

After a few moments, Talan was fast asleep with small sounds emanating from his tiny form. Adagio raised her head to his level and playfully rolled over so she was also upside down.

“Snoring...really?” she chuckled.

Talan was too far gone, he couldn’t answer. Adagio decided enough was enough. She carefully unwound her tentacles from him and brought forward two more. The first gently coiled around Talan’s neck, working it’s way down to his feet. As he was so small compared to her, he was not wrapped by the thicker sections of her coils. She used another tentacle to wrap around him again, keeping him more secure.

Now, with each tentacle from either side of her head wrapped around him, he dangled against her chest in a small bundle. Adagio looked down and felt his small chest rising and falling, taking slow, steady breaths.

“To think I was ever going to hurt you...” Adagio said, ashamed of herself. “Now look at you. Life can be very strange can’t it, Talan?”

Adagio relaxed against the smooth rocks and closed her eyes, thinking of the seas of Equus. How open and peaceful they were, most of the time. She found herself thinking of swimming with her girls again, plus another small creature...

She glanced down at Talan, he would love it there, provided they were there to protect him. Adagio found herself more than willing to fill that role. She chuckled to herself, maybe there was something to that friendship magic after all.

After her brief reverie, Adagio sensed a presence outside the cavern and smiled.

“You can come in now...” she said in as low a voice possible.

A familiar blue siren snaked her way into the small pool and floated near her. She looked at her expression and a knowing grin split her face.

Adagio groaned. That grin was just as bad in her siren form as it was in her human one. “Just say it...”

“Say what?” Sonata asked innocently.

“By the thirteen seas... you’re so annoying sometimes,” Adagio said while rolling her eyes.

“I knew you’d warm up to him eventually,” Sonata said. “He’s pretty special, don’t you think?”

Adagio found it hard to argue, she let the tip of her tentacle wrapped around him play with his feet. “Yeah, I think I can see that now. He gave me something, want to see?”

“Yeah!” Sonata exclaimed.

“Lower the volume!” Adagio whispered while darting her eyes to the sleeping boy.

“Oh, sorry...” Sonata said with a sheepish grin.

Adagio slid the tentacle with the armlet forward and presented it to Sonata, “Pretty nice, huh? I took him to a treasure chest I found and he gave this to me.”

Sonata’s eyes lit with warmth. She gently nuzzled Talan and cooed to him, “What a sweetie!”

Talan’s face was somewhat scrunched by the thickness of the tentacles, making him even more adorable to Sonata. He let out a sigh and shifted in the embrace.

“Where is Aria?” Adagio asked.

“She’s back at his house waiting for me to come back, she didn’t want you to get the wrong impression if both of us showed up.”

Adagio nodded, “Checking to make sure I didn’t hurt the little thing?”

“Well...” Sonata began.

“Don’t, I understand,” Adagio said with a raised hoof. “But you can see he is perfectly safe with me.”

“I can,” Sonata said with a smile. “I’ll leave you two alone then, I take it you’re spending the night here?”

“Yeah,” Adagio said with a yawn of her own. “We both swam quite a bit tonight, and the little one is tired. He went to sleep right away after I sang to him.”

“You sang to him?” Sonata asked.

“Don’t worry,” Adagio said. “I barely used any power. He was really enjoying himself. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

“Alright, well, we’ll be at the house.” Sonata said. “Goodnight, Adagio. And sweet dreams, Talan...” she whispered while giving him another small nuzzle.

Adagio stretched as Sonata left. She let her tentacles fall limp both behind and in front of her. She shut her eyes leaned back, “Goodnight, Talan.”

Chapter 13: Burning Bridges

Talan felt the cool waves sliding up and down his legs, causing him to open his eyes. He yawned and realized he had little room to move his head. He couldn’t move his arms to stretch, and he couldn’t get out of bed. What sort of strange dream was this?

After a moment given time to think, Talan remembered what happened. He stared into Adagio’s eyes and she had entertained him with a song. A Siren song of pleasure and sleep.

He looked around to see he was wrapped in her smooth tentacles. Talan had to admit he rather liked it. They were so soft and malleable, like one of those memory foam beds. Plus they were incredibly warm, holding his heat in while they were inside an otherwise damp and cold cavern. He noticed the water level seemed to have risen. Though he appeared to be dangling against her chest, his feet up to his knees were submerged in water.

Talan felt a smaller tentacle brush against his head as it stroked his hair. With effort he turned around and saw Adagio was still asleep. Talan squirmed enough to get some room inside his warm cocoon and slowly crawled out. It wasn’t too difficult since the tentacles didn’t so much restrain him as they did hug him. They gave way when he pushed hard enough.

Talan stood atop the highest loop on the cocoon and smirked. Adagio’s head was lulled to the side on the carved out chair, her tentacles lying motionless for the most part.

Talan carefully stepped off the loop and grabbed hold of one of the thicker tentacles near him. He climbed up it and looked around to see if anything took notice. He was quite certain these tentacles couldn’t see, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t notice him somehow. It appeared that Adagio had control over them, yet some moved back and forth, even slithering with purpose while she was asleep.

Once he reached the top near her head he stepped off and shook his head. He didn’t know what he should expect, but this Siren slept like a tired dog. Her head to the side, tongue out, taking occasional breaths of air through her mouth. Not only that, she was snoring, and quite loudly. Talan wondered why he didn’t hear it before, maybe she only just started doing it.

Talan dry washed his hands and donned a mischievous grin, if she could play with him using her songs and powers, he could get a little payback.

Talan walked over to her left ear, stepping over tentacles as he went.

He bent over, leaned on a rock and cleared his throat, “Adagio... Adagio...”

“Hngh, ugh...” she muttered in between snores.

Talan suppressed a laugh and leaned in again, “When I say ‘jump’ you say ‘how high?’”

Adagio continued snoring and didn’t respond. Talan repeated the lyric, this time a little louder with a bit more emotion, “When I say ‘jump’ you say...”

“How high??” Adagio muttered as she rolled her head to the side. “When I say ‘jump’... you... say ‘how high?’”

Talan felt another wave of pleasure wash over him as his knees buckled. Her magic even worked while she was sleeping.

“Got the music makes you move it... and the song that... makes you lose it...” Adagio mumbled, making Talan smile involuntarily.

She rolled over again, this time her snout coming inches from where Talan was standing. She let out a snort from her nostrils and smiled, “Singing for... little human...”

Talan laughed as she rolled over on her back and held her hooves up like a dog's paws. After that display, Talan got more bold and decided to get closer. He climbed over more tentacles and tripped over one. He cursed under his breath as two of the tentacles nearest him began slithering forward and curling around his legs. He tried to step away but fell over on the rocks. Talan looked up to see if Adagio woke up, but she hadn’t. So he played it cool.

As the tentacles slid over him and hugged him, he rubbed them lovingly and waited until they loosened. He had to admit he found it somewhat cute. Talan eventually freed himself from the embrace and slowly climbed onto Adagio’s chest.

He walked over to her snout and shook his head, she sure was a sound sleeper. Her tongue lay outside her mouth at least a few feet. Talan smirked and ran a finger over it, waiting for a reaction. Sure enough it twitched and slithered back inside her mouth. Adagio yawned again and stuck it out. This time her mouth remained somewhat open. Talan slowly stepped forward and ducked under to look inside. Curiosity getting the better of him, he marveled at how big it was. It didn’t look that way on the outside.

Talan used his foot to tickle her tongue again, however this time things didn’t go quite according to plan. Adagio coughed, causing Talan to fall forward and onto her slippery tongue. As she leaned her head back to yawn again, Talan found himself fully in her mouth and rapidly sliding down to her throat.

“Shit! No!!” Talan shouted as he grabbed her tongue and held on for dear life.

He found it harder and harder to keep hold as her head moved back and forth, luckily she woke up and began to cough.

Adagio sat up and gagged, then spit out Talan onto her stomach. He bounced on her squishy body and landed in a spit covered heap.

Talan sat up and sheepishly turned around to find an unamused Siren glaring at him, “I- uh... I can explain.”

Adagio shook her head, “What in Tartarus is wrong with you, little human? Do you actually want me to eat you?! What were you doing?!”

“I was just teasing you, I remembered you singing to me and playing with me. I thought it was fun to get you back.”

“So that’s what was tickling my tentacles...” Adagio said while moving the thicker ones in his direction.

“Yeah I just wanted to mess with you!” Talan said innocently.

“By climbing in my mouth...” Adagio deadpanned.

“Uh...” Talan said, struggling to come up with words

Adagio picked Talan up with one of her thick tentacles and leaned on a hoof, studying him, “You know... to be so afraid of me eating you, or being eaten... and then climb into my mouth... you aren’t one of those vore lovers are you?”

Talan’s eyes widened. Him? Into vore? As a denizen of the internet, Talan was aware of several fetishes, vore among them, but that was not his style.

“How the hell do you know about vore? And NO! I’m not into that!” Talan shouted, dangling helplessly. “Now put me down!”

Adagio tickled him with another tentacle, “Oh I’m aware of the things you humans get off on. The internet can be a strange place.”

“No arguments there,” Talan said while fending off another tentacle.

“You know,” Adagio said, slowly sliding into the water. “If you were into vore you could have just asked. I’m no prude, Talan. I’d be glad to eat you. I am, after all, a rare sea creature.”

“Adagio I’m not int-”

“But you know,” Adagio pondered, cutting him off, “The one thing these vore fans and artists never seem to understand is the teeth...”

Talan now found himself dangling at least fifteen feet above Adagio’s head. He could see the rest of her slithering around underwater, the only thing above was her head. Her jaws opened wide, displaying her rows of razor sharp teeth. Despite the vague equine appearance of her head, at this angle she might as well have been a crocodile. Talan screamed as he was lowered down as her jaws snapped shut again and again.

“Down the hatch...” Adagio said with a grin as she dropped him.

For a split second Talan thought he was seriously going to be eaten, then he was caught again. Instead he felt her lips brush against his cheek in a small peck. Then relaxed as he was lowered into the water.

“Seriously though... wouldn’t do that again.” Adagio said, smirking down at him.

Talan nodded and swam over to her chest. He pressed himself against it and spread his arms in a hug, “I know, sorry...”

Adagio brought down two of her larger tentacles that formed his cocoon from earlier. She shaped them into it again and nuzzled him, “First getting stuck in a cave, then falling into my mouth like an appetizer. Keep this up and you’re going back into my tentacles and never leaving. For your own good.”

Talan backed into her and laughed nervously, “That won’t be necessary. Though I did enjoy it.”

“Did you?” Adagio asked, letting her tentacles fall as she sunk into the water, now eye level with him.

“Yeah,” Talan said while treading water. “I dunno, they were soft and comforting. Not to mention warm like you said. Something about being with a sea creature who I know is a friend, and won’t let anything happen to me. Feels good, same deal with Sonata and Aria.”

Adagio slowly flipped onto her back and began to drift around the cavern, “Makes sense. So tell me, Talan. Why are you so afraid of the oceans?”

Talan swam over and laid down on her soft belly, “I don’t know. It’s just the unknown, I guess. That black abyss and whatever might be swimming around down there. Plus, I can’t really defend myself.”

“Well that’s what I’m here for,” Adagio said matter of factly. “All you need to know is that I’m here, and that nothing is going to hurt you when I’m around. But other than that, do you like it here? Do you like swimming with me?”

Talan rolled over and nodded, “I love it. I didn’t swim all that much with Sonata or Aria. We mainly just played around. Plus your song... man.”

“Like that did you?” Adagio cooed.

“Yeah, the hypnosis...” Talan trailed off. “It just felt so good. Like weight was lifted off my shoulders.”

“That’s because it was,” Adagio said while submerging and circling around Talan. “When you’re with me and I sing, you haven’t got a care in the world. Well... aside from what I tell you.” she said with a wink. “But Talan, I talked with Sonata... she said you’ve been having some friend troubles?”

“Yeah,” Talan said. “Started pretty much right after I met you and Aria.”

“Mind telling me about it?” Adagio asked.

“Guess not, but why do you care?” Talan asked

Adagio smiled and shrugged, “Because I’m curious, and as an elder Siren I might be able to help you out. Also we’re friends now, and friends should be able to talk about things like this, right?”

“I guess,” Talan said. “Not much to tell, though.”

“Well I don’t feel like going back just yet, the water is too nice.” Adagio said. “So I’ve got time to kill.”

“Fine fine,” Talan said. “But first I wanna get comfortable.”

Adagio smirked and lowered herself into the water so Talan could climb atop her head and lay down among the tentacles. Once he was comfortable he rolled over and looked at the ceiling.

“So these friends of yours...” Adagio said.

“Yeah, basically most of them have been friends my whole life. But they were always kinda shitty to me. Mostly I thought nothing of it, they weren’t malicious about it. But after Sonata started watching me and the house, they wanted to come over and meet her. I said I didn’t think it was a good idea because my mother is strict about too many people coming over. That’s just how she is. And I didn’t want to get Sonata fired, because it would ultimately land on her.”

Adagio smiled, “That was thoughtful.”

“Yeah,” Talan agreed. “So my friends apparently didn’t like it. So when I asked them if they were going to hang out together, they lied and said they weren’t. I went to get some groceries and saw them hanging out at one of our local shops. It really sucked. After that Ryan confronted me at a theater when I was with Babs.”

“Babs...?” Adagio asked.

“Yeah...” Talan said with a blush. “One of the new friends I made.”

“I’ve heard about them... you’ve made another one, too. Marissa?”

“Alyssa,” Talan corrected.

“Ah yes,” Adagio said. “Quite the little stud, aren’t you?”

“I guess,” Talan said. “Not really sure what they see in me when I think about it, even now.”

“Oh I might know after seeing it for myself,” Adagio snarked.

“What?” Talan asked, rolling over and looking down at her eyes.

“Nothing...” Adagio answered while clearing her throat. “Nothing at all.”

Talan collapsed on his stomach and shook his head, “I dunno what I should do. Sunset thinks I should talk with them, or at least Ryan.”

“That could work,” Adagio commented.

“What do you think?” Talan asked.

“Me?” Adagio confirmed. “Well, I’d have to see this Ryan for myself. I’m a good judge of character once I see someone. But honestly, Talan. If you feel like you can’t repair the damage, don’t do it. Ultimately you have to look out for yourself.”

“Figured you’d say that,” Talan said.

“Oh really?” Adagio asked. “It’s not just for you, Talan. It’s for everyone else around you. One quality about being a leader is to take care of yourself when the opportunity comes. If you aren’t taken care of, how else can you expect to help others or lead when the need arises?”

“Who says I’m a leader?” Talan asked.

“Talan...” Adagio droned.

“What? I’m not.”

“Oh really?” Adagio said. “You’ve not only made two new human friends, you’ve become friends with Sonata, Aria - which is no small feat I might add- and even me. Also, there’s the unicorn.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m leading anything,” Talan fired back.

“No, but it means you have qualities befitting one. You have charisma, guts, and a sweet disposition.”

“Whatever...” Talan said. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do. We’ll see.”

“Yeah... we will,” Adagio chuckled while she secured him in place.

“We going back now?” Talan asked.

“Yep, gonna take the scenic route though.”

Talan settled in and shrugged, “Alright, hey... have you considered staying at my place with the other two?”

“Yeah...” Adagio answered, “But I didn’t want to impose.”

“I don’t care if you stay,” Talan said. “I’d like to hangout with all three of you now since we’re all friends.”

“Say no more,” Adagio said with a hint of magic in her voice. “Now relax back there, it’s going to be smooth swimming all the way home.”

“Smooth swimming...” Talan lazily repeated as he leaned forward and a bubble was placed around his head.

Later that day Talan told the Sirens he was going out and that he’d be back later, he didn’t say where he was going or when he’d be back, just not to worry.

“What’s with him?” Aria asked.

“Dunno,” Sonata replied as she watched him walk down the street. “I don’t like it when he’s so distant...”

“You sound like his girlfriend,” Adagio said while taking of her shirt and shorts.

“Honestly!” Sonata said, exasperated. “Just because I care about the little guy doesn’t mean I’m his GF!”

“Relax,” Adagio said while trying on some of her outfits. “I’m just pulling your tail. He’ll be fine.”

“And how do you know?” Sonata asked. “That top looks cute on you, by the way...” she trailed off.

Adagio walked up to Sonata and kissed her on the cheek, “I know because it’s my job to know these things, plus the little one isn’t all that complicated. At least not with this issue.”

“So why don’t you enlighten us on what he’s doing? I figured he was just off to see his girls.” Aria commented.

“Can’t believe he’s in a relationship with two girls!” Sonata said, clapping her hands together. “He was so shy when I first met him, now he’s such a studmuffin!”

Adagio and Aria both deadpanned each other, “Gag me...” they said in unison, then shared a chuckle.

“Sonata... these shorts are nice... but they’re too small.”

“Not my fault your ass is so big,” she said with a shrug.

Adagio crept up behind her and wrapped her arms around Sonata’s waist, “You wish your ass was as big as mine...”

Sonata turned around and donned a sultry smile, “You and Aria always did have the curves.”

“Truth,” Aria said with a shrug.

“You’ve got to have more shorts...” Adagio said, raising an eyebrow.

“Upstairs, go look,” Sonata said.

Adagio smiled and walked up the stairs, she needed something good for the days ahead.

Talan grabbed a coffee at the local shop and walked into the park nearby. It was a mostly secluded area with tall hedges and rows of trees. This was a place that was connected to the gated community, but also shared with the general public outside.

An unoccupied bench seemed as good a place as any. Talan put on his sunglasses and took a sip of his iced beverage. He checked his phone for the time and decided to shut his eyes for a moment. He still heard faint traces of Adagio’s beautiful voice. He sighed and tried to recall more of it. It was almost intoxicating.

“Talan,” a voice called from down the path.

“Ryan,” Talan said while standing up.

“What’d you want?” he asked.

Talan decided to get up and walk over to a small chess table. He sat down and motioned for Ryan to do the same.

“Ryan... I asked you here to find out what’s been up with you.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Dude, I know about you lying to me. I wanted to hangout with you guys and you lied and said you were all busy.”

Ryan remained silent, but looked away slightly.

“I went to the grocery store to get some stuff for myself and Sonata, that’s when I saw all you guys.”

“I see...” Ryan said, still averting his gaze.

“Why?” Talan asked. “All of you guys? Why didn’t you want to hangout?”

“Talan... look,” Ryan said. “Just because of that one time, it doesn’t mean-”

“Just answer me, Ryan,” Talan said. “Don’t blow smoke up my ass like you always do, just tell it to me straight.”

“Talan, we didn’t want you with us cuz you’re no fun.” Ryan replied. “All the time you’re like extra baggage wherever we go. We have to wait for you in the restaurants, we had to wait for you in the showers after we play ball. And honestly, not many of us know why you want to hangout with us anyway.”

“The fuck kinda question is that?” Talan asked. “Wait... you mean my family’s wealth? Oh come on, Ryan!”

“You don’t need us, Talan. Your phone, your rig, your house, everything is all better than us.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Talan asked, taking off his sunglasses. “I bought my phone and rig with my own money from working at the country club. The same club where your parents go, too! Along with half our other friend’s parents! It’s not that, are you... are you jealous of me? Is this about Sonata?”

“I don’t care about Sonata,” Ryan said. “You’ve been hanging out with two other girls for a while. Your friend from the movies and that other tall thing.”

“Thing?” Talan asked, now getting angry.

“Yeah, Jesus...” Ryan said, leaning back with his classic smirk. “You have to get a grappling hook to even get anywhere with her.”

“That’s what this is about, you’re jealous,” Talan said. “Fuck I don’t know why I didn’t see it before. You’ve always been this way. Always making fun of me in front of other girls when we were younger. Always trying to ruin my image to make yourself look better. You’re a real piece of work, Ryan. I don’t know why I never saw it before.”

“I don’t know why either,” Ryan said with a shrug. “Most of the other guys, Alex and them? They all feel sorry for you. Have for a while.”

“I came here to see what I did wrong, why you didn’t want to hangout anymore. Why you were such a dick to me at the movies. Do you... do you feel threatened by me?”

Ryan threw back his head in laughter, “Threatened? By you?!”

“It’s true, you know I’m in an open relationship with those two girls now? The things we’ve done together? On top of that, I’m friends with Sonata’s two girlfriends as well. There’s more women in my life than you’ve ever had.”

Ryan’s face turned to slight irritation, “Oh yeah? What’s the amazon bitch want with you? You here chew toy? As for Babs, I was never into fitness types. Abs don’t look good on a girl.”

“A huh...” Talan said, donning a smirk of his own. Something that seemed to upset Ryan.

“As for Sonata and her friends, I saw them perform at the battle of the bands. They were shit, and they lost to an even worse band. Their frontwoman? The bitch with the poofy hair? Fuck was her singing bad. Where did she learn to sing? I mean c’mon, Talan. I always knew you’d make some girl friends eventually. But these ones are just going to play you.”

“Well I have experience in that regard, don’t I?” Talan said.

“Dude, whatever...” Ryan said, getting up. “I’ve always pitied you Talan, you’re not even five foot five. That tall girl is probably with you out of pity, or because she can’t get any other guy. And that poofy haired bitch... really fucking gross, dude.”

“That ‘poofy haired bitch’ should sing to you sometime, she’d have you wrapped around her finger in seconds. I should thank you, though. At least you gave it to me straight, only had to force you to use your spine to get it out.”

“Yeah, fuck yourself, Talan...” Ryan said while walking off.

Talan put on his sunglasses and clenched his fists. He walked away and stopped near a tree. He punched it twice, then kicked it as hard as he could. After that he threw his glasses to the ground and stomped them into tiny pieces.

Once he cooled off, he walked back through the trees heading for his neighborhood.

Off to the side, well out of sight, a teenage girl moved to follow him but was stopped by a sound behind her.

“Let him go.”

Sunset turned around to find Adagio walking out of the shade toward her.

“Why? I assume you saw what happened?”

“I did,” Adagio said, running a hand through her poofy hair. “Saw it all, actually.”

“I admit I’m surprised to see you here,” Sunset said while crossing her arms. “He said they found you and you apologized. I didn’t think it would happen so quickly.”

“You didn’t think it would happen at all,” Adagio said, walking up to her and looking down.

Sunset stepped back a bit, irritated Adagio was slightly taller than her. “Perhaps, but it did, and here you are.”

“Yes, and here you are...”

“Why wouldn’t I be here?” Sunset asked.

“Did he tell you he was coming?” Adagio asked.

“No,” Sunset replied. “He tell you?”

“Nope,” Adagio said with a smirk.

“Then we’re both little spies,” Sunset said.

“Damn sexy ones at that,” Adagio said while casually resting a hand on her hip.

Sunset tried to hide a blush, “Yeah, I guess. So, what did you think?”

“Think of what?” Adagio asked.

“C’mon,” Sunset said. “That was pretty tough.”

Adagio sighed, “Yeah, it was. That kid's an asshole. I have half a mind to-”

She stopped mid sentence when Sunset’s glare hit her. A looks so fierce it could make the seas boil.

“Fine... fine... relax, I won’t do anything.” Adagio said. “Killjoy...”

“You should know what happens when you try that stuff, especially after we handed your tail to you at the battle.”

Adagio clenched her teeth and turned around to walk a few paces away. She cracked her neck then smiled serenely, “It was your own beautiful voice added to the performance that helped them win... and it was beautiful.”

“Yeah, I rock. What can I say?” Sunset said with a confident smirk.

Adagio walked back over to her, hips swaying, “You want to hear my beautiful voice? I’d love to sing a song just for you...”

“Listen to my voice... soon you’ll find you don’t have a choice...” Adagio sang as she took Sunset’s hands in her own.

Solid green rings formed in her eyes as she looked at the siren and smiled. Adagio circled around behind her and ran her hands lightly across her stomach. Then pulled her back as she swayed back and forth.

Sunset slumped against her and moved with the melody, then felt herself get turned around. She heard a high voice singing sensually and wanted to sing along with it, but she felt so fatigued. It was good she had a friend around to help her dance...

Sunset spread her legs slightly as she began to grind against Adagio’s thigh. Her arms wrapped around her back. The motions made her feel so good. The words wound around her like a warm blanket as she smiled even more, then she felt a strange pull. The words wanted her to answer something. Something about... Equestria? Sunset blinked, something wasn’t right.

She summoned her power and snapped herself out of the trance. Sunset realized what she was doing and shoved Adagio away.

“Oh oysters... You were just starting to enjo- ough!” Adagio shouted as she caught a magic infused right hook across the jaw.

Adagio’s head whipped around from the blunt force. It his so hard it carried her off the ground and into the air just a bit. She crashed to the ground in a heap.

Sunset seethed, trying to get rid of the voice in her head. “You bitch...”

Adagio chuckled and spit out blood, plus a tooth. “For a unicorn you’ve got a mean punch. I’d hate to see one of your kicks.”

“Try that again siren and you’ll get more than a kick I assure you.” Sunset threatened. “I may not be an alicorn, but I was Celestia’s student. I’m attuned to fire and know several ways to roast a fish...”

Adagio slid backward and donned an uneasy smile, “Alright, Sunset... alright. I just couldn’t resist. I’m sorry, okay? Was just having a bit of fun...”

“This is not how you get people to trust you, Adagio. You get that right? What would Talan think?”

Adagio got up and dusted herself off, “Well, Talan doesn’t need to know about this little incident. Other than that the little one loves my singing.”

“I’ll bet,” Sunset said with a glare.

Adagio shrugged and smiled, her lost tooth already replaced, “You’re free to ask him.”

“You mentioned Equestria, what do you want with that?” Sunset asked.

“As if you don’t already know...” Adagio deadpanned.

“You want to go home,” Sunset said. “Well, I could try the mirror... but that won’t work with the three of you. Magical creatures such as you wouldn’t all fit. It would overload the thing, I’m sure of it.”

“Could you perhaps talk to the princess?” Adagio asked.

“I can, but she won’t be receptive to the idea.” Sunset said.

“So make her receptive, or if she needs some convincing have her come back. I have a few songs in mind just for her.”

“A huh,” Sunset said. “I’ll see what I can do, if only to get you out of this world so you can’t cause any more trouble.”

Before she turned to leave she felt a hand close around her wrist. Adagio let go immediately when she turned around and looked down, “Sunset... thanks.”

“You and the others going to miss Talan when you finally go?” Sunset asked.

Adagio paused, then nodded, “Yes, a lot.”

“Yeah,” Sunset said. “I’ll see what I can do. See ya around, Adagio.”

Talan grabbed a piece of driftwood and dragged it over to the sand. He threw it down as hard as he could then screamed. After he was done raging, he sat down on the log and covered his face.

All these years being treated like shit, all these years thinking he had friends. The fuck was the point of having friends if this was what they ended up being like. Talan remembered the moments in his life when he was happiest. Some of them were his birthday parties that his parents used to throw. He remembered wanting to kick the soccer ball around with his friends, or use the new nerf guns his parents would get him. Have a war with all the other kids around. But they always just did their own thing.

Talan remembered being forced to play basketball since that’s what they liked. He was picked last at his own party, and always had the ball taken from him. Being so short meant he had to play extra hard, and for what? He even remembered his mother coming over one time and chastising the other boys for not including Talan in the game. He had at least four of those fucking things, the ungrateful pricks.

All the reminiscing made tears come to his eyes. He didn’t even want to think about all the other times they were treating him like shit. He wondered what the point of friends was. “Magic of Friendship...” ha, what a crock of bullshit. He was going to have some words for Sunset next time he saw her. Talan sighed and picked up a stone and chucked it into the ocean. All he wanted was to be alone, which naturally meant someone was approaching from behind him.

“Hey Talan... how you doing?”

“Adagio...” Talan said with a sniffle. “Not doing so well...”

“Mind if I sit?” she asked.

“Rather be alone right now...” Talan said. “But whatever...”

Adagio slowly walked over to the log and sat down. She crossed her long legs and rested her hands on them, studying Talan.

Talan picked up another rock and hurled it into the waves.

“You’re here...” Talan said while wiping his eyes. “So I can assume you snuck out and spied on my little meeting with Ryan.”

“Yeah,” Adagio nodded.

“Figured... s’alright. I’m not mad at that.” Talan said, then turned around and sarcastically spread his arms. “So, Ms. Elder Siren... you with all your experience, on a scale of one to one hundred, how big a simp am I? Hmm? I’m guessing about a three hundred forty five. Right around there, borderline retarded.”

“Talan, c’mon...” Adagio said. “You’re being much too hard on yourself.”

“Yeah, I am!” Talan shouted. “I have every right to be. You don’t know what it was like.”

“So why don’t you tell me?” Adagio said, patting a spot next to her on the log.

Talan sat down and bent over, hiding his face. “You shouldn’t see me crying like this. Thank goodness Sonata and Aria aren’t here. What would they think of me being so pathetic?”

“They’d have their arms around you already, and probably try to drag you out into the ocean where they could sing to you and make you happy.”

“And you don’t want to do that?” Talan asked.

“No,” Adagio said. “At least not yet.”

“Wonderful...” Talan said. “Just as well, I’m not sure I’m in the mood. Kinda angry right now.”

“Angry at Ryan?” she asked.

“Angry at myself,” Talan replied. “You don’t know what it’s like, to be played like that. To be strung along for so many years, being treated like shit, and knowing in the back of your mind something was up. Knowing that other people in your group of friends weren’t treated the way you were. Wondering if other kids in other circles were treated like you. Always being brought to that line... but having them never cross it. Just keeping you at the edge, treating you like shit and waiting for you to come back...”

Adagio rubbed his back as he started to cry again, “There there, Talan. It’s alright.”

“No it’s not...” he said through halted breaths. “I’m such an idiot, there’s no telling what will happen now. What’s the point of even having friends if they’ll just turn out to be like that? I should just stop hanging out with Babs and Alyssa.”

“Don’t you dare,” Adagio said, pulling him closer and resting her head atop his. “They’re your true friends, along with Sonata and Aria.”

Talan sniffled and looked up into her piercing eyes, “And you...?”

“And me...” Adagio said while planting a small kiss on his forehead.

Talan gripped Adagio in a heartfelt embrace. He clenched his eyes shut and cried into her shoulder. She did nothing to stop him, only held him tight and waited for him to release.

“Your hair is so soft...” Talan said while drying his eyes with his shirt.

Adagio chuckled and draped some of it around Talan as she leaned in and hugged him again, “What you did was difficult back there, that wasn’t easy. But you kept your composure and didn’t let him bait you into a fight. And you gave as good as you got with the insults. You’ve nothing to be ashamed of.”

Talan shrugged, “I guess. Hey, you think you could sing to me? You know, hypnosis stuff? Make me feel better?”

Adagio frowned and shook her head, “No, not this time. You need to work through this on your own. My voice won’t help you get over this. It has to come from inside you.”

Talan frowned and lowered his head, “Yeah, I understand. Another time then.”

After a minute of silence, he felt the log shift as Adagio got up and tousled his hair. He looked up to see her standing there in one of Sonata’s sexy outfits, her hand extended to him.

“I won’t sing, but I can do something else... come with me.”

Talan took her hand and let her lead him into the waves. They walked out till they were knee deep, then stopped.

“What are we doing?” Talan asked.

Adagio didn’t answer, instead she looked out at the setting sun on the horizon. Then she put her hands on his shoulders and smiled down at him. “Shut your eyes.”

“Why?” Talan asked.

“Because I want to show you something,” Adagio answered.

Talan obeyed and closed his eyes. After few seconds of waiting, he felt soft lips press against his forehead again. They lingered there this time. Talan sighed as she pulled away. He heard her stepping around the water behind him. Her arms once again returned to his shoulders as she turned him slightly.

“Repeat after me, Talan,” Adagio said in a melodic tone.

“Alright,” Talan agreed.

“Here upon this beach serene...”

“Here upon this beach serene...”

“I do remember a vivid dream...”

“I do remember a vivid dream...”

Talan felt something warm flowing through his body, Adagio’s hands massaged his shoulders as she leaned closer and whispered in his ear.

“Though we wander far and alone...”

“Though we wander far and alone...”

“We will not forget the waves of home...”

“We will not forget the waves of home...”

All at once Talan’s orientation shifted. It was as if he was moved, yet he was still standing in place. There was a different smell in the air, and the temperature was much cooler.

“Open your eyes,” Adagio said while stepping back.

Talan was blinded by a bright light reflected off crystal clear waters. The ocean’s stretched everywhere in all directions. Off on the distance he could see islands both large and small. Each dotted with peaks and lush green forests. The water below him was teeming with life. He saw schools of fish and other larger creatures alien to earthly oceans. The sky was strange, it looked almost pastel or digital in it’s color. Almost a purple blue as the sun began to set. Speaking of which, the sun was moving unnaturally fast, as was the moon when it rose into the sky.

He looked to his side to find Adagio standing next to him, she walked forward and offered her hand. Talan smiled and took it, letting her lead him out onto the surface of the waves. He looked around as they walked on the water, enjoying every minute of this illusion.

“This is your world?” Talan asked.

“Yeah, beautiful isn’t it?” Adagio said with a calm smile.

“It’s like something out of a fairy tale,” Talan replied. “ You Sirens swim the entire ocean?”

“Oceans” Adagio corrected. “There are thirteen seas on Equus,”

“That’s incredible,” Talan said.

“Would you like to see it someday?” Adagio asked, turning to him.

“Yeah, I mean... I don’t know. You’re asking me to come to another world. I don’t know how I’d take that.” Talan said. “There’s so much to consider.”

“There is indeed,” Adagio said. “But when we return, we’re going to be thinking of you. There are ways we can accommodate a little human boy. That is, if you’re willing.”

Talan laughed and spread his arms, “I suppose few humans would ever get the chance to do this.”

Adagio smiled and pressed a hand to his forehead, ending the illusion. To his surprise, he was actually standing on the water with Adagio. Talan jerked back and looked down, waiting to fall in. But it didn’t happen. He was pulled into a gentle embrace by Adagio and felt himself calm.

“Feeling better now?” she asked.

“Uh, yeah... I am.” Talan replied.

“Good, let’s go home. I’m getting hungry.”

“Are you going to tell the girls about what happened today?” Talan asked while they walked back onto the beach.

Adagio smiled and shook her head, “Nah, not my place. You tell them when you’re ready.”

Talan smiled and took Adagio’s hand, leading her back to his house. His old friends were the past, the future was with new ones. Ones who appreciated him for what he was, and how he treated them. Friends who were so different, but respected him regardless. These were the types of friends he could count on.

Chapter 14: Fire and Ice

Talan laid on his back, his head splitting. He groaned as a cool ice pack was placed against his forehead.

Alyssa had gingerly laid him down, his head resting comfortably in her lap as she tried to keep his eye from swelling.

“You did good, Talan.” Alyssa said. “I’ve never seen Babs look so shocked, and you even beat her.”

“Don’t act so surprised...” Talan said. “It was inevitable.”

“Oh was it?” Babs asked from the foot of the bed.

She sat there watching TV, trying not to show her wounded pride. Her shirt was off, revealing her tight sports bra, and a tight bandage wrapped around her ribs. Talan had done a number on Babs today, something she wouldn’t soon forget.

Earlier in the week they arrived at Talan’s house to find him in a bit of a stupor. He wouldn’t say why he was so depressed, but he didn’t want to do anything. It was actually his house sitter that called them over. Sonata greeted them and had them talk with Talan. Then they decided to take him down to Alyssa’s house. He needed the fresh air, and the other two girls were happy to see him go out for a while.

Babs challenged him to a sparring match, but was unprepared for the anger and ferocity he was apparently keeping bottled up. Before Babs had any time to react, Talan had used his short stature and lower body strength to great effect. He dove in for her waist and grabbed both of her thighs, yanking them forward and taking her to the ground. Seconds later he was on her and delivered three lightning fast forearms to her head and throat. After that, several knees to the ribs. Babs eventually fended him off and delivered some good kicks to his legs, and landed one particularly good punch to the right eye.

After that, Talan went for a devastating move that Alyssa - who had been observing thus far - didn’t even see coming. He landed a quick jab to her ribs then went for a high knee to her face. Alyssa was shocked at how far he was able to jump, despite knowing full well how nimble and durable he was from first hand experience. Luckily Babs saw it and stepped back just in time. A good thing, for if he had connected they would be in the emergency room fixing her broken nose.

Alyssa wondered if all the playful dom stuff was subtly getting to Talan. She was a bit unnerved by the ferocity he put on display. And the off putting thing was that it wasn’t out of anger, but rather a cold, calculating aggression. Babs attempted to foolishly grapple his waist and try to bring him down, a mistake that cost her. Talan merely dropped an elbow to her spine, then stepped behind to grab her by the waist. Despite being taller than him, he had no trouble suplexing her clear over his head, bouncing her neck on the mat behind him. It was then that Alyssa stepped in and stopped them. Declaring Talan the winner of their little match.

“You got lucky,” Babs continued. “It won’t happen again.”

“It doesn’t need to,” Talan said. “I think I proved my point.”

Babs turned around and crawled over to him, straddling his body, “You’re incredibly lucky you’re in our good graces, Tally. Otherwise you’d be in a world of hurt right now.”

“And you’re lucky I stepped in when I did,” Alyssa said to Babs, looking down at her unamused. “He dominated that entire engagement, only losing pace a few times. His lower body strength is incredible for his size. Besides, if I hadn’t stopped him your father would have murdered him after he saw what he did to you.”

Babs looked down at Talan and raised an eyebrow, “Yeah, daddy wouldn’t have liked that.”

“But he’ll understand that?” Talan asked, pointing to her black and blue stomach and sides.

“Eh, don’t worry about it,” Babs said while grinding herself against Talan. “I heal quickly.”

“Wish I could say the same,” Talan groaned as Alyssa pressed the ice to a different part of his eye.

“So what did you think?” Babs asked Alyssa.

Alyssa slowly pulled Talan further into her lap and ran a hand through his hair, “I think you both did well, and you’re both lucky that you weren’t fighting me.”

“But I don’t fight you...” Babs said while crawling up past Talan and kissing Alyssa’s left boob.

“No, you’re smarter than that...” Alyssa chuckled while bringing Babs to her mouth.

The two girls kissed thile Talan was literally sandwiched between them. He let out a content sigh as Babs’ chest was pressed against his face. He slowly reached his hands around her waist and took hold of her firm ass. Babs stopped kissing Alyssa for a moment and reached for her bra, unhooking it and letting her tits fall free against Talan’s face. Talan allowed his face to be pressed between them for a while before beginning to play with them.

As the sun went down, Talan soon found himself lying against Alyssa’s chest while Babs lazily stroked his member. Things were starting to wind down. Talan eventually waited until they fell asleep then put his underwear back on.

He went to leave but was stopped again by Alyssa.

She walked downstairs and motioned for him to come to the back with her. Talan sat down on the glider next to her and wondered what she wanted.

“Are you okay, Talan?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”

Alyssa looked down at him and raised an eyebrow, “That was a savage beating you gave Babs. What’s up?”

Talan felt bad for how he fought, but at the time it felt super good. “I... lot’s of things, Alyssa. I don’t think I should talk about it all. Just know that I finally talked with Ryan, and things became abundantly clear.”

“Oh?” Alyssa asked, taking his hand and placing it in her lap.

“He was never really my friend. None of them were. They were just doing their own thing, and using me when it was convenient for them. They pitied me, and now they are jealous of me.”

“Why jealous?” Alyssa asked.

Talan looked her up and down, then donned a tired smile, “You really have to ask that?”

Alyssa nodded in understanding and watched him get up. Talan looked up at the starry sky and shook his head. “I don’t know what’s going on anymore. Too many things have happened lately, it seems like life suddenly went zero to eighty in seconds.”

“I’ve been there,” Alyssa said. “I know how that feels. I think... I think this is why I like you, Talan. Why I love you.”

“Love?” Talan asked.

“Mhm,” Alyssa said. She got up and stood next to him, leaning on the deck’s railing. She gazed up at the stars with him and smiled. “At least you had those experiences growing up with them. Even if they weren’t your friends, at least not truly, you still understood certain things. I never even had that. Not until I underwent my transformation. Like a bug emerging from a cocoon, I had to learn a lot in a very short amount of time. I think I understand what you’re going through.”

“I never really thought about it like that,” Talan said. “Part of me wanted to close myself off from other people. To never let that sort of thing hurt me again, but that would mean denying myself you and Babs.”

“Did someone say my name?” Babs asked, emerging from the house in her boy shorts and sports bra, just like what Alyssa was wearing.

“Sorry, babe... thought you were tuckered out from fighting.” Alyssa said.

“I’m good,” she replied. “What’re you two talking about?”

Talan looked at Alyssa and sighed. But Alyssa only chuckled and led Talan over to the glider. She sat down and guided him into her lap, crossing her legs and fondling his abs. Talan relaxed as his member rubbed against her thigh as she rocked them back and forth. Babs chuckled and spread her arms out.

“Well?” she asked. “You gonna tell me or what?”

Talan sighed and recounted the events for both of them, going into detail of what Ryan had said and what he thought about it. Eventually Babs joined them on the glider and tried to stop a tear coming to her eye.

“That’s horrible, Talan. I’m so sorry.” she said while caressing his eye where she socked him.

“It’s alright,” Talan said. “Enough is enough...”

He got up from Alyssa’s lap and turned around, “Wherever I go from here, whatever happens... I think this summer will be one I remember for the rest of my life. I’m so glad to have such great women in my life. Friends to help me and guide me when I need them most. Girls, I love you...”

Both girls looked at each other and felt their hearts melt, “Aww...” they both said in unison. They got up and hugged him tightly. “We love you too, Talan.”

Talan returned their embrace, then decided it was time to leave. He got home later to find the house empty, except for Sonata.

After the usual alarm from seeing him injured, Talan was able to calm her down and take a shower. After that he sat down and ate a nice meal she prepared, insisting he should eat. Then they decided to have another movie night. Sonata sat beside him and rubbed his back, “You okay, sweetie?”

“My head kinda hurts...” Talan said with a chuckle. “But other than that, just still in a funk is all... you know why.”

Sonata frowned and turned him to face her, “Hold still...”

“What are you, woah!!” Talan jerked back as a portal the size of a basketball opened in Sonata’s hand.

A large, thick black tentacle slithered out of it and extended toward his face.

“Hold still, Talan.” Sonata said. “It won’t hurt you. In fact it’ll heal you.”

“What is it?” Talan asked, somewhat grossed out.

This tentacle wasn’t at all like the one’s on Adagio’s head. This was slimey and gooey, complete with suction cups and a gross stench. But he did remember it. When Adagio and Aria fought, they used these black tentacles against each other.

“They’re tentacles... well obviously,” Sonata said with a slight giggle. “Let’s just say they belong to a friend of ours, one who loves us, and let’s us borrow them.”

Talan cringed as it touched itself to his face, then he relaxed as he felt the pain being sucked away. That’s exactly how it felt. It moved from his head, down the bridge of his nose and into the tentacle. It seemed to have no effect on the tentacle itself, as it eventually dislodged itself from around his head, then retreated back into the portal.

To his astonishment, the pain was gone, as was the black eye. He looked in the large mirror in the front room and stood up, touching his face.

“You know, Siren magic... you’d think I’d be used to it by now. But nope.” Talan said.

Sonata stood up behind him and put her hands on his shoulders, “Talan, can you come upstairs, there’s something I want to show you.”

“Sure,” Talan said.

He followed her up to her room and walked inside. Sonata picked up a small box on the bed and handed it to Talan.

Talan stared at it for a moment, then looked up at Sonata. “What is this?”

“Open it,” she replied.

Talan did as instructed and gasped. It was a gem, her gem, or at least a portion of it.

“I don’t understand,” Talan said.

Sonata pressed a hand to her pendant and smiled, “You’ve given us so much. You’ve given me so much, I’ve come to really care about you, Talan. You helped reunite us after being splintered for so long. You helped Aria and Adagio open up, and you’ve changed yourself as well. You deserve that, Talan. It’s yours.”

Talan smiled and removed it from the box. It was in a necklace or medallion. The outline of the gem was a cyan blue, just like Sonata in her Siren form. Sonata walked forward and took the necklace. She smiled and draped it around his neck, then tousled his hair.

“Sonata I... I can’t...” he said with mist forming in his eyes.

“Sure you can, just wait til you see what it can do!” she said while taking his hand and leading him out onto the back porch balcony.

They were overlooking Talan’s backyard and pool. The hedges and garden were off in the distance, and the sound of crickets and tree frogs filled the night. The moon was out, but it was obscured by some clouds. Sonata walked up behind Talan and gently took his hand in hers, she stretched out his arm toward the moon, then slid it to the side, as if to wipe away a stain.

Talan’s jaw dropped. Like it followed his command, the clouds parted to reveal the brilliant glow of the moon. He smiled and turned around, absolutely ecstatic. “That’s right! You can control the weather and call storms! So now I can do that, too?!”

Sonata giggled and shook her head, “No, unfortunately not. But you can move clouds around a bit, and maybe form some if you wanted. It’s all about the willpower, Talan. And you’ve got plenty of that. Also, that will protect you against other Equestrian mind magic, just like Adagio’s.”

Talan grabbed Sonata in a tight hug and pressed his head against her, “I don’t deserve this, thank you so much!”

Sonata gently stroked the back of his head as she began to hum a gentle melody, “Such a sweet little human boy, of course you deserve it. You helped us, saw us for what we were, what we are, and still remained our friend. We owe you so much more, this is the least we can do.”

Talan yawned and felt himself swaying back and forth, moving side to side as Sonata held him. She took his hand in hers and looked down at him with glowing blue eyes. Before he could realize what was happening, she slipped off the ring containing Adagio’s gem.

“Wha..?” Talan asked, then yawned again. “Sonata... I’m starting to get a little sleepy...”

“You don’t say?” Sonata asked with a giggle as she ran a hand through his hair.

“I think I’m just... hey!” he said, finally realizing what was going on. “Why the hypno- hidno- the magic...? I’m- I can’t- “ with one more yawn, Talan’s mind went blank as he fell limp against Sonata, a complacent smile on his face.

Sonata chuckled and picked him up, then took him back to his room. She laid him down and draped a blanket over his smaller form.

“Sorry, Talan.” Sonata whispered. “But we’re about to have an important meeting, better that you remain out like this instead of trying to tag along.”

Adagio and Aria joined Sonata downstairs.

“Well?” Aria asked.

“He’s asleep,” Sonata said. “Wish I didn’t have to do it...”

Adagio gave Sonata a reassuring pat and leaned in close, “You had to. If he saw us meet with the princess, she might ask what his involvement was. I’d rather not have to explain how I tried to hurt him, and we all had a fight.”

“Yeah, that wouldn’t be good for our chances,” Aria said.

Sonata nodded, “I suppose that’s true.”

The three girls walked outside and into the hedges. They waited there for about an hour before a portal opened and Sunset stepped through.

“Finally!” Aria said with a yawn, “What took you, Shimmer?”

“You know I could have just said no to this whole thing?” Sunset said, glaring at all three sirens. “Would have saved a lot of time today.”

Sonata remained silent while Adagio put a hand on Aria’s shoulder. “We’re happy you decided to help, Sunset. We’ll owe you for this.”

“Yeah, you have no idea...” Sunset said while planting a small crystal in the ground.

“I just didn’t think it would take so long to contact whats her face, Princess Sparkle?” Aria said while she crossed her arms.

Sunset turned to them and smirked, “Oh, you won’t be talking to Twilight.”

The siren’s eyes widened. “Then who?” Adagio asked.

“Your audience is with me, creatures of the sea...” a serene, ethereal voice spoke from the sky.

The siren’s looked up to see a face and wavy mane emblazoned on the moon.

“No...” Sonata whispered.

“Her?” Aria whispered back.

Sunset stepped back from the crystal as it blew up into a large projected image. Painted across the black hedges, the Princess of the Night sat upon the throne, staring neutrally at the Sirens.

“Am I not suitable to hear thy- your... desires?” Luna asked, quickly correcting herself.

“I hardly see how a formerly exiled princess can or would want to help us...” Aria said just a bit too loudly.

Adagio watched in horror as Luna’s ears twitched.

“I see,” Luna said with a polite nod. “Then I shall retire and summon my sister, though she can be quite cranky at this late hour. Somehow I doubt she’ll be as amenable to your request as I would have been. And she’ll be quite interested to hear from her long lost former student...”

Sunset shot Adagio a glare that could melt the icecaps.

Adagio quickly knelt and spread her arms wide, “I apologize, Princess Luna. If we have in any way offended, we did not mean it.”

Adagio lowered her gaze and whispered to her girls, “Bow...”

Sonata and Aria quickly mimicked their elder’s posture and waited for a response. Luna paused, then sat back down upon the throne.

“Young Sunset has told me quite a bit about you three, and it seems to corroborate well with what Twilight has said to my sister.” Luna said. “I trust you have learned your lesson?”

“We have...” Adagio said. “Twilight and Sunset have shown us the error of our ways.”

“Princess...” Aria said, choosing her words carefully. “We just want to go home. It’s what we’ve wanted for a very long time. We... we lost our way.”

“We did,” Sonata agreed. “We were willing to do anything to get back... and to acquire more power. We were wrong. We just miss home...”

Luna’s eyes shimmered white for an instant as she looked to the side. Sunset stared at the sirens and waited for the princess to respond.

“You crossed a very powerful wizard, that is what sealed your fate. And yet... such a fate was... questionable....” Luna said. “Exile to faraway places was the prefered method of punishment for StarSwirl, a method shared by my sister. So... I am not unsympathetic. If you have truly learned your lesson, then I think you have remained there long enough.”

The sirens all looked up with bright smiles on their faces.

“By my word as Princess of the Night, I welcome you back to your home. Equestria awaits you.”

“Thank you, oh thank you so much Princess Luna.” Sonata said. “Um, when do we return, and how?”

“You return tonight,” Luna replied. “Sunset will provide the details.”

Sunset and the sirens all looked astonished at the midnight blue alicorn, “Tonight?!” they asked in unison.

“Indeed,” Luna replied, her tone ever neutral. “I shall be using my own power to feed the portal large enough to bring you back. Thus it requires a full moon, just like that...” she said while pointing to the human world’s moon hanging high over head. “Of course, you could wait til the next one, but I hear they don’t happen often where you are located this time of year.”

“We’ll do it,” Adagio said. “It’s just... there’s someone we need to talk to.”

Luna nodded, “The human boy, yes. I understand. The night is young here, and I am not going anywhere. You have a few more hours to say your goodbyes.”

“Alright, we’ll be ready,” Adagio said. “Thank you again, princess.”

“My pleasure,” Luna said before disappearing in a flash of blue light.

“We have to leave tonight?!?!” Aria asked. “What will we do? I mean- our stuff-”

“None of that matters,” Sonata said. “We just need to say goodbye to him.”

“How will we do that?” Aria asked.

“I have an idea,” Sonata said. “Girls, come with me. Sunset? Can you go wake Talan, he’s in the house. Bring him to the beach, we’ll be waiting there.”

Sunset nodded, “Alright.”

Talan felt something rub his shoulder as he came to.

“Wha?” he mumbled, then jumped back and slammed his head against the wall. “Shit! Sunset! What are you doing here?”

“Sorry, Talan...” Sunset said. “I need you to come with me right now.”

“Why?” Talan asked.

Sunset frowned, “I- you know how the sirens want to get home?”

Talan felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, “Yeah...”

“Well, I reached out to some contacts back home... and they’ve agreed to help. They’re leaving, tonight.”

“Tonight?!” Talan asked. “What the hell, man?! Just like that?!”

Sunset stepped back as he climbed out of bed and grabbed his shoes, “Where are they?”

“Follow me, they’re down at the beach.”

“I know the way,” Talan said while running out the door.

Sunset let Talan go and walked out of the house behind him. She took her time getting back, figuring he needed some time alone with them.

Talan sprinted down the switchback trail and tore out onto the beach. He looked to his left and saw the girls sitting on some logs. He slowly walked over to them and frowned.

“So... you’re leaving?”

Adagio and Aria frowned and averted his gaze. Sonata walked over to him and took his hand, she lead him over to the logs and sat down. “We are... it’s time.”

“We wanted to stay a little while longer, and we thought we could... but the princess had other plans. She offered to help us home tonight... she needs the full moon.”

Talan looked up at the glowing orb and understood, “The next one isn’t for another month or so.”

“Yeah, it’s time we went home, Talan.” Adagio said.

“But not before we spend time with our favorite little human,” Aria said while grabbing him in a playful headlock.

Sonata produced some sticks and a bag of marshmallows. “You said you wanted to roast some over a fire sometime.”

Talan smiled, “Guess it’s now or never.”

He gathered some sticks and picked up some rocks nearby, then started a fire. Each of the sirens let out a small gasp as he did so.

“So primitive... yet effective...” Adagio teased while grabbing some marshmallows for herself.

Talan sat down beside her and Sonata, while Aria took a seat on the other side.

“I just can’t believe it’s time...” Talan said. “I figured this day would come... just... not so soon.”

“I know,” Sonata said. “And hey, sorry for singing to you back there. We didn’t think having you possibly follow us to the meeting was a good idea.”

Talan took his ring back from Sonata and put it on, “I can’t be mad, your voice is too beautiful.”

Sonata smiled and pulled Talan close, “You’re such a sweetie.”

“Talan...” Aria said, getting his attention. “So... they gave you a piece of their gems?”

“Yeah,” Talan said.

“Well, I can’t just leave you hangin’ then, can I?” she asked with a smirk. Aria gripped her pendant and cracked it across the middle. She winced as she did so, then handed Talan another chunk of gem.

“Girls... I can’t,” Talan said, looking at all three of them. “Don’t you need these... or something?”

Adagio shook her head, “Like I told you when you went swimming with me, they grow back. Take them, Talan. Mementos from your time with us. It’s the least we can do for all that you’ve given us.”

“And taught us,” Sonata chimed in. “You have no idea how you changed us these last few months. And now, because of that, we get to go home.”

Talan leaned back and sighed. It felt good, really good. Knowing that losing so many friends didn’t matter, since he met these girls. These sirens. He had no idea that he even changed them. He was just being himself. Maybe that’s all that was necessary. Perhaps... there’s something to that saying. Perhaps being yourself is all you need.

“So what does this gem do?” Talan asked.

Aria got up and knelt down in front of Talan, “It gives you my courage, my ferocity and resolve.”

“Really?” Talan asked.

“Really,” Aria replied. She took his hands and pulled him forward into a tight embrace. “You said I was like your big sister? With that by your side, I’ll always be there whenever you’re afraid or unsure.”

Talan squeezed her and buried his face in her shoulder, “Thank you.”

Aria squeezed him back and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead, “No, thank you. You’ve changed us all, Talan.”

Talan sat back and ate a marshmallow, then waited for the girls to try theirs.

“Mmm,” Adagio said. “This is good, we took till the last day here to try this?!”

Sonata and Aria laughed, but Talan couldn’t bring himself to join in. He was never good with change, and he was about to go through a big one right now. He couldn’t believe they were about to leave, and right when things were looking up.

Talan got up and walked away toward the treeline. He faded from the light and disappeared into the darkness. The sirens stopped eating and wondered what was wrong. Sonata got up to go after him but stopped as Adagio retrained her.

“Please, let me...” she said to her younger friend.

Sonata smiled and stepped aside.

Talan sat on his knees in the sand and shook his head. It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair.

“Don’t be so sad,” Adagio said. “In fact, you should be happy. This is all because of you.”

Talan fell backward as Adagio sat beside him, “I’m being selfish... I just don’t want you to go.”

“I understand,” Adagio said. “I wish we could stay here just a bit more, but it’s been so long. You need to feel it from our perspective.”

“I know... Adagio... I just, I’ll miss you. I’ll miss your voice. Will you ever sing to me again?”

Adagio ran a hand through Talan’s hair and smiled, “Of course I will. Mark my words, little one. You’re coming to Equus. Once you’re there, I’ll sing you every song I know. We’ll swim the oceans and play with the dolphins. We’ll hunt the sharks and watch the stars from the waves. I promise.”

“I hope you’re right, I want that... so bad.” Talan said. “You girls are some of the best friends I’ve ever had. To think you’re going away... where I can’t even contact you. It just makes me so sad...”

Adagio wiped a tear from his eye and pulled him into a soft embrace, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way, Talan... we’ll see what we can do. But you won’t be hearing from me for a while. I’ve decided that I’m going to turn myself in to our courts.”

Talan pulled away, shocked, “What? Why?! For what?!”

Adagio frowned, “For all the twisted and manipulative things I’ve done, and led my more impressionable girls to do. It wasn’t right, and it falls on me to make amends. Watching your resolve when you walked away from Ryan, you inspired me to take accountability for my actions. I don’t have to, but I’m going to. As an elder Siren, I couldn’t live with myself otherwise.”

“But! What will happen?! Will they hurt you?! Kill you?!?!”

Adagio smiled and pulled Talan closer, “No... none of that. I’ll simply have to use my time at home to help others, and make sure that the younger Sirens don’t follow in my footsteps.”

“Well... that doesn’t sound so bad.” Talan said.

“No, not really.” Adagio said. “Plus it’ll give me time to tell the young ones about this fantastic human boy I met. The one who changed my life and the lives of my girls. They’re going to love you.”

“Well, I am pretty great...” Talan said with a shy smile. “I’m sure you’ll do me justice.”

Adagio chuckled and looked up at the moon, it was starting to glow brighter and brighter.

Adagio stared at him for a moment, then whispered, “Talan...”

“Yeah?” he asked.

Adagio leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lips, her eyes closed as she let go of all her powers. Talan’s eyes shot open, bursting with every color of the rainbow, then returned to normal a moment after.

He gasped as she pulled back and smiled, her confidence and willpower as strong as always.

“Wha?” he asked.

“For everything, Talan. My love to you, little human. For giving me my life back. For opening my eyes. For letting me be close to my girls again, and for letting me go home.” Adagio stood up and offered Talan her hand, “And so you don’t forget me...”

Talan smiled and allowed her to lead him back to the fire. Sonata and Aria saw them coming and looked up at the moon. Adagio nodded and walked over to the waves with Talan.

Sunset was there as well. She handed Adagio a crystal and instructed her to place it on a flat surface in at least fifty feet of water. Adagio nodded, then transformed. The massive Siren wrapped Talan in her tentacles one final time, then flew into the air and crashed into the water, disappearing from sight.

Aria winked at Talan and transformed as well, flying into the air and landing with a tremendous splash. That just left Sonata.

Sonata stood looking at Talan, the same comforting, serene smile that was there when he first met her.

Talan tried to smile back, but he couldn’t. He just couldn’t. Tears filled his eyes as he averted her gaze, ashamed. He clenched his eyes shut, then felt two arms slide down his shoulders and take hold of his hands. A set of soft, gentle lips pressed themselves to his, and his emotions were silenced. He felt totally calm, and was in complete serenity. But the most intriguing part, he knew it wasn’t magic. It was just her alone. Their friendship, their caring and compassion.

Talan smiled, his lips never moving. He heard a small giggle, then the sensation of her lips changed. Talan opened his eyes to find her towering over him, her Siren form now fully realized. She sat on the beach, her coils everywhere, her neck arching down to be within reach of him.

Talan rubbed her large muzzle and wrapped his arms around it. There were no words. None were necessary. They each knew what was happening, yet Sonata still had some for him.

She spoke in his mind, “You’ve become so strong, Talan. You’ve come so far, but keep swimming. Keep swimming, little human... eventually you’ll find your way back to us. Goodbye...”

And with that, Sonata let out a low croon and rocketed into the sky, performing majestic corkscrews and illuminating the night air with her vibrant scales. After submerging, she resurfaced one last time and waved with the others. Then... in a vibrant blue flash from the moon, they were gone.

Talan stood silently, staring out at the waves. He was numb. He barely heard Sunset approach from behind him.

“Are you alright?” she asked, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“I’m- yeah, I’m alright.” he replied, then looked up at her. “Sunset... can you stay a while before going home? I think I need someone to talk to.”

Sunset rubbed his back reassuringly and nodded, “Of course, sweetie. Not a problem.”

Talan looked back and felt himself beginning to cry again, “They’re gone...” he said with a sigh. “They’re gone...”

Chapter 1: The New Girl

Talan tapped the pencil on his desk waiting for his friends to get back to him. They were going to go do something later and said they’d invite him. He slipped his math homework back into the folder and reclined in his computer chair. Nothing interesting online today, he was bored out of his skull.

That’s what happens when you get all your work done early he thought to himself.

A buzzing on his desk drew his attention to his phone.

“Hey jason, what’s the story?” Talan asked.

“No story, Spike. Ryan can’t come and I’m stuck helping my father with the car.”

Talan chuckled and rubbed his forehead. That dumb nickname. “So guess that’s a raincheck then?”

“Yeah, sorry. Talk to you later.”

“Later.”

Talan clicked off the phone and looked over to his shelf, “Well, guess there’s always reading.”

He ran his finger across the row and pulled out one of the new books his mother bought him while she was travelling.

“Nickleroyal Academy,” Talan mused. “Maybe it’ll be as good as the Jerry Potter series.”

Before he was finished with the first page his mother knocked on the door, then stepped inside. “Talan, dear. Your father and I are going out for the night, so we’ve called someone over to watch you.”

Talan nearly fell out of his chair, “What?! A babysitter?! Mom I’m eighteen years old. I can handle staying the night by myself until you get home!”

Talan’s mother narrowed her brow, “That’s not the type of tone that’ll get you anywhere. I’ve already called her and she’s on her way. You’ll be respectful to her, do you understand?”

“Yes mother...” Talan sulked as he sank into his chair.

“Good,” she said while putting in an earing and closing the door.

Shortly after she left, there was another knock. “What now?” Talan groaned.

Talan’s father walked in and chuckled, “Sorry, buddy. Your mother get’s overprotective sometimes. You know how she is.”

“Obviously...” Talan replied with a sigh.

Talan’s father rubbed his back reassuringly, “Look, I know you could probably stay by yourself. But this makes your mother happy.”

“I know,” Talan said while standing up and moving to his bed. “And if she’s happy, you’re happy.” he said with a smirk. One which his father returned.

“Happy wife, happy life,” he said with a chuckle. “The girl coming over is mostly here to watch the house and cook you dinner. That way you won’t have to worry about what to make. Plus, I’d cheer up a bit. This girl’s supposed to be new. I’ve never heard her name before, and I think she’s just a little older than you...”

Talan blushed and waved his father away, “Yeah, like any girl would be interested in some kid she was babysitting.”

His father laughed and walked to the door, “Hey, an opportunity is an opportunity.”

Talan fell back on the bed and groaned. It was embarrassing, but ultimately he didn’t have enough reasons to care. Talan was an only child, so there were no siblings to watch him, or for him to watch. His family lived in a rather large house in one of the gated communities near their high school. Having someone else around to watch the house wasn’t a bad idea, and not having to worry about food was nice. Hopefully he could have something better than a sandwich or macaroni and cheese.

But what really made Talan curious was what his father said about her being new. Talan’s father served on the school board and knew several of the families in the area. This could be interesting, or it could be a disaster. Talan knew several of his more bold friends would try and go after some of the high school girls, but he never knew why. Oh sure they were attractive, but they were also mean and cruel. If this girl was like that, he could be in for a long night.

Talan got up from his bed and returned to his computer and booted up a game, “Let’s hope she at least doesn’t hate me.” he said to himself while putting on his headset.

After about twenty minutes into a Chaining of Cain game, he heard someone downstairs talking to his parents. Talan closed out of the game and headed for the door. His room was down the hall from a railing overlooking the foyer. He stepped up to the banister and let out a yawn. When he opened his eyes, his mouth didn’t close. Both his parents were standing outside making small talk with his babysitter. His mother handed her a piece of paper, then was lead away by his father.

The girl shut the door and looked at the list. Talan’s eyes widened. She was a sight to behold. Long legs with defined hips, and a remarkably thin midsection. Her long blue ponytail hung down to her mid back with a slight curl. Talan imagined it was even longer if straightened. He really thought her hair looked cool, it had at least two different shades of blue dyed into it. She wore a skirt short enough to show off her legs, yet not too revealing. Her jacket was burgundy and rolled up at the sleeves, and she was wearing something on her wrists. Talan had to squint to make them out. Spiked bracelets? He winced, this girl would probably chew him up and spit him out if she wore things like that. Plus those boots only served to make her look taller, and even more intimidating.

Talan rubbed his forehead and clenched his eyes shut. His friends would have already introduced themselves by now, they weren’t intimidated so easily. He wished he wasn’t such coward, but he hated confrontation and being awkward. It made meeting new people difficult sometimes.

Once she was done looking over the list, she turned around and saw him.

“You must be Talan! Hi!” she said with bright smile.

Talan tried to hide his blush and descended the stairs to introduce himself. He stopped in front of her and held out his hand, “Yeah, I’m Talan. It’s nice to meet you.”

The girl looked at his hand for a brief moment, then embraced him in a playful hug. “I like hugs better than handshakes.” she said with a chuckle. “Talan is an interesting name, I like it. I’m Sonata, I’ll be watching you while your parents are out.”

Talan’s blush intensified as she stood up and tousled his hair. “Yeah, I kinda figured. So... um... how about I show you around?”

“Sounds good.” Sonata said while following him.

Talan ran a hand through his hair and laughed nervously, “My mom thought Talan was a good name. I was named after a relative of hers. But my friends just call me Spike sometimes.”

Sonata tilted her head quizzically, “Spike?”

“Yeah,” Talan said while pointing to his short, spiked up green hair. “Because of this, get it?”

Sonata nodded, “Oh... that makes sense. So do you prefer Talan or Spike?”

“I don’t really care, Talan’s fine I guess.” he said with a shrug.

Talan turned around and headed into the living room. He didn’t notice Sonata extend her hand for him to take and lead. She let it fall to her side and giggled.

“So this is the living room, it’s connected to the dining room and my father’s office. Behind that is the family tv room. Then out back is the deck and our backyard.”

Sonata marveled at how open it all felt, “This is a really big house. Wow...”

“Yeah,” Talan agreed. “It’s almost too big for just the three of us.”

“I’ll say,” she said with a laugh. “So where to now?”

Talan motioned for her to follow, “Upstairs are the bedrooms, and across the hall from my room are the guest bedrooms. We have a game room downstairs, it’s technically half of the basement. That’s about it.”

Sonata nodded, satisfied. She produced the note from her jacket and looked it over. “I’m supposed to cook you dinner, any requests?”

Talan followed her into the kitchen and took a seat at the counter. Sonata stood opposite him and raised an eyebrow.

He looked around then shrugged, “Are you a good cook?”

Sonata dramatically flicked her ponytail, taking affront to his question. “I’m a great cook! But you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Well, I don’t know what I want. How about you surprise me?” he asked with a grin.

Sonata tapped her chin then clasped her hands together with a bright smile, “I know just the thing! I’ll get started right away.”

“Well don’t let me keep you,” Talan said while jumping out of his stool. “I’ll come down when it’s done.”

Before he could leave the kitchen he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Sonata stopped him and knelt down, “Have you finished your homework?”

“Yeah,” Talan replied.

“Even the English essay?” she asked with a knowing grin.

Talan’s eyes widened, he had completely forgotten about that assignment. “How could you possibly kno- the list...” he groaned.

Sonata simply smiled and stood up, “Says you’re supposed to take a bath, too.”

Talan’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment, “Mom wrote that?! Seriously?!”

He snatched the note from Sonata’s hand and started looking it over. However, he didn’t get far. Sonata took it back and grinned ear to ear, “You’re really cute when you’re all embarrassed, Talan. Go finish your homework and I’ll get you when dinner’s ready, kay?”

“Okay,” Talan agreed.

He left the kitchen still blushing. As he started up the stairs a sound stopped him dead in his tracks. Sonata was humming a song while preparing their dinner. He slowly took a few steps back to get closer to the sound. It was amazing. He had no idea she had such a beautiful voice. As he leaned on a chair, Sonata noticed him and wagged her finger.

“Homework, mister!” she said with a glare.

Talan snapped out of his daydreaming and ran up the stairs as fast as he could.

After about twenty minutes of typing, Talan finished his essay and sent it to the printer. Just as he was getting up he heard a knock on the door. He opened it and found Sonata standing outside.

“Dinner’s ready, Talan.”

As he stood there the smell just reached his nose, “Wow, smells good. What did you make?”

“You’ll have to come down and see,” she said with a wink as she walked down the hallway and headed for the kitchen.

Talan shut his door and followed. As he entered the kitchen, a large plate of spaghetti and meatballs sat on the counter with bread and some juice. Talan whistled his approval, which made Sonata blush. His parent’s rarely cooked a meal like this. They went out or ordered in pretty much all the time.

Talan climbed up on the stool and began to dig in. Sonata watched him eat with anticipation and awaited the verdict. “Well, is it good? How’d I do?”

He swallowed his first bite then washed it down with some juice. After placing the glass down he smiled and rubbed his stomach, “It’s really good, actually. I’m impressed.”

“Yay!” Sonata cheered as she jumped for joy.

She spun in circles and smiled like she had just won the grand prize at some contest. Talan took another bite and watched her celebration. Sonata was definitely different from the high school girls he knew. They would never act like this. They were way too cool for that. The way Sonata was acting reminded Talan of girls even younger than him. She was just so... happy. It was weird.

“So,” Talan began before taking another bite. “You’re new here?”

Sonata decided to stand at counter and began eating her meal. She nodded, “Yeah, I got here with my friends a few months ago. But we’ve been around a lot longer than that.”

Talan raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean a lot longer?”

Sonata laughed, “Longer in this world, silly!”

Talan decided not to pursue those questions any further. He was beginning to see Sonata was a bit of a ditz.

“So do you like it here?” he asked.

Sonata sucked in a few strands of pasta, “Eh, not really. It’s a nice place, it’s just where we came from was so much better. But we’re meeting cool new people, and we’ve been offered to sing at a few clubs.”

“You sing?” Talan asked. Her beautiful humming made much more sense now.

“Yep! My two friends and I. Maybe if you keep being good we’ll sing for you sometime.” she said with a wink. “So, new to the high school?”

Talan nodded, “Yeah, but I probably look like I don't belong there, right?”

Sonata smiled and nodded, “Yeah, kinda.”

“I figured... my height...” Talan muttered dejectedly.

Talan was short in stature among his friends, and was teased regularly. Most of the time it didn’t escalate beyond that, but he had been bullied a few times. He tried to forget those moments.

Sonata saw his expression and reached across the counter to rub his shoulder. She picked up his chin and grinned, “Well I don’t think it matters how you look, though you are a cutie. You’re all kinds of awesome.”

“Thanks," Talan replied with a shy smile.

Sonata finished her spaghetti and set it aside, “That means you’ll be in High School, and I’ll probably see you there!” she said excitedly.

Talan nodded with a chuckle, “Yeah, I suppose so.”

After continuing to eat for a bit, Talan looked at his plate and realized he couldn’t finish the meal. The meatballs were making him full. He got down and walked around the counter with the plate. As he came into view of Sonata, he could hear her humming again, but it was barely audible. He watched as her hips swayed back and forth while starting to wash the dishes. As he looked on, Talan failed to hold the plate level and dropped his spaghetti all over the floor.

Sonata turned around and gasped, “Oh no! What happened?”

Talan blushed and immediately grabbed some paper towels and began to clean up the spill. “I just wasn’t paying attention, I’ll clean this up.”

However, Sonata gently rubbed his shoulder and shook her head. “I’ll take care of this, Talan. You still have that bath to take...”

Talan flailed his arms and shouted, “I’m not a child! I don’t need a bath!”

Sonata threw back her head in laughter, “That’s just what a child would say!”

Talan seethed, “Why does my mother embarrass me like this?”

Sonata ceased her laughter and wrapped an arm around him, pulling him against her hip. “You don’t need to be embarrassed. Just clean yourself up and come down when you’re done. I’m just doing what the list says.”

Standing against her made Talan realize how tall Sonata actually was. His shoulders barely rose above her hips. He looked down and realized it was likely due to those boots.

“Alright, I’ll go.” he said with a sigh.

“Good!” Sonata chirped then resumed doing the dishes.

Talan went upstairs and stopped at the bathroom. He glanced down over the banister, shrugged, then turned the water on to fill the tub. It had been a while since he had a bath, and it would probably be relaxing.

The water was so warm and comfortable. Talan had forgotten just how awesome baths were. Usually he just preferred to shower and then go do other things with his time. Sitting in a tub relaxing didn’t seem all that appealing, but this was great.

He brought in a book and read a few chapters while he waited. He wanted to give Sonata enough time to finish the dishes and clean up the kitchen. After another chapter he closed the book and placed it on the floor. He climbed out of the tub and dried himself off, then took some time to comb his hair. Having a somewhat pale complexion made his green hair look darker than it actually was.

Talan threw on some shorts and a tee shirt, then drained the tub and threw the towels in the clothes basket. He went back to his room and checked his phone, wondering if any of his friends had texted him or called, but none had. Talan shrugged and made his way into the kitchen to find out what Sonata was up to. Everything was cleaned up and in pristine order, his mother would be happy about that. He left the kitchen and wandered into the family tv room, where all the lights were turned down.

The tv room had several comfortable chairs and a large couch. It was where his parents spent time late at night watching movies. The tv was one of the largest that was available at the appliance store when his parents purchased it, and they had surround sound installed to enhance the experience. Talan didn’t spend too much time here, though. He preferred to watch his entertainment on his computer.

Talan looked over to the end of the couch and saw Sonata sitting on her side. She had taken off her jacket and boots.

“Nice and clean I hope?” she asked.

Talan nodded and stretched with a yawn, “So... what now, anything else on the list? Let me guess... my mom told you to tuck me into bed?”

Sonata picked the list up from the table near the couch and shook her head, “Nope, all done. Unless you want me to tuck you in...” she said with a smirk.

Talan laughed and sat down across the room, “Nah, I’m good. So what’s up?”

Sonata shrugged and pointed the remote at the tv, “I found some scary movies, so I figured I’d watch those. Care to join me?”

Talan figured he would just go back upstairs and play some games for the rest of the night, but spending time with Sonata sounded like fun, too.

“Sure, why not?” Talan said with a shrug.

Sonata stood up and smiled, “Yay! Oh! Perfect idea, I’ll go make some popcorn! Would you like some?”

Talan nodded, “Yeah, I like popcorn.”

“Okay, brb!” Sonata said while skipping into the kitchen.

She’s so cheery Talan thought to himself. I almost envy her.

Talan remembered he left his phone in his room. He figured it would be nice to have if the movies got boring, so he ran upstairs to get it. When he came back Sonata had just sat down and taken her first bite of popcorn. Talan sat in his chair and put his phone in his pocket.

Sonata looked over and frowned, “Talan, why are you sitting all the way over there?”

“I dunno,” Talan said. “I like this chair.”

Sonata adjusted herself so she was sitting normally and patted her lap. “Why don’t you come sit with me? It’ll be easier to share the popcorn.”

Talan hesitated a moment, was she serious?

“Uh, you sure?” he asked.

“Mhm,” Sonata nodded with a smile. “C’mon, don’t be shy! And grab a blanket so we can snuggle up, it’s getting a little chilly.”

“Okay, hang on.” Talan said while he grabbed a blanket from the nearby closet.

It was the middle of summer, but it did tend to get cold at night. Plus the air conditioning in his house sometimes cooled things off a little too much. With that skirt he could see how she might be a little cold.

Talan walked over to Sonata and sat down in her lap. She pulled him back and reached around him to grab the blanket. She spread it out and made sure it covered them both. Talan shifted around trying to get comfortable. Sonata’s legs were so long they prevented his own from dangling off the couch. He had to sit with his legs stretched out like he was sitting on the floor, but he didn’t care. A small blush crept onto his face when Sonata wrapped an arm around his waist and handed him the bowl of popcorn with the other.

“Comfy?” she asked.

Talan leaned against her and nodded, “Yeah.” He looked up at her from the corner of his eyes and grinned, “Do you scare easily? Is that why you wanted to sit with me?”

Sonata smiled meekly, “Maybe...”

Talan laughed with her while they both watched the movie. After about twenty minutes or so, he felt a warm sensation on the back of his head. He turned around a little and saw Sonata’s ruby pendant. He could have swore it was vibrating or something.

Sonata noticed and looked down, “Something wrong, Talan?”

“What’s that?” he asked, motioning to the pendant.

Sonata realized what he was talking about and touched it, “This is something very special. It’s from where my friends and I are originally from. They have them, too.”

“Really?” Talan asked, “That’s cool. Does it... uh... do anything?”

Sonata paused, then laughed. “Other than make me look awesome, I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”

Talan turned around and leaned against her again. He yawned before answering, “I don’t know, just thought it felt warm for a second or something. It was probably nothing.”

As the movie went on Sonata jumped a few times and squeezed Talan so hard he could have passed out. But even with the scares and action, Talan was starting to get tired. He tried to keep from nodding off but the recent late nights were taking their toll. The warmth from himself and Sonata wasn’t helping, and eventually he passed out.

Talan woke up in his bed and yawned, then he remembered what happened. He fell asleep in Sonata’s lap. He looked around and realized he was in his room covered in the blanket that both of them had used. He saw the clock and realized it was almost two in the morning, then crawled out of bed and stumbled over to the door. Talan stepped out into the hall and found himself almost running downstairs. Peering into the tv room he saw that she was gone and the lights were off. He went into the kitchen, but he knew she wasn’t there either.

Talan walked back up the stairs and saw that his parent’s room was opened a crack, they were home and already asleep. That could only mean she got paid, and was long gone.

Talan went back into his bedroom and slumped down on his bed. At first he hated the idea of having a babysitter, but now he felt different. It didn’t feel like he was being watched like a kid, it felt like he was hanging out with a friend. Sonata was really nice, and fun. He had a fun night. If she wasn’t there he probably would have just spent the evening on the internet or studied some more. Talan thought Sonata was really cool, but he didn’t even get a chance to tell her or thank her. He sighed then sat down on his bed. As he did, he noticed something on his dresser. It was a small piece of paper.

He unfolded it and turned on his light.

Talan,

I had a lot of fun tonight. I hope you weren’t too embarrassed having someone come over to watch you. I carried you up to your room after the movie was over, and your parents came home shortly after that. I hope you don’t mind. You’re one of the sweetest, most well behaved boys I’ve ever watched. Put in a good word for me with your mom and maybe we can do this again.

xoxo

Sonata

Chapter 2: Bedazzled

Talan sat in his seat waiting for the final bell to ring. Trig was so boring, and his monotone geriatric teacher didn’t help. It had been three days since Sonata came over to watch him that night. The next morning he got up and sat down to breakfast with his mother and father. His mother was mainly concerned if he behaved or not, while his father wanted to know what he thought about Sonata. Talan didn’t even notice he flew off into a tangent about what they did, and how good her cooking was. His father listened intently and laughed. He told his mother that they’d have to hire her again if Talan liked her so much.

Talan remembered the question his father asked. Could he see himself being friends with her? Talan had paused to consider it, but he ended up saying that he could. Sonata seemed genuine, and she expressed an interest in spending time with him. She could have just made him cereal or mac and cheese, but she made a good meal instead. She could have just told him to do whatever while she talked with her friends, but instead she watched a movie with him. Talan hoped he could consider her a friend. He just wondered if she would do the same. He never really had a friend like her before.

The bell finally rang and Talan filed out of the classroom with the other students. He went to his locker and met up with his friend Ryan.

“Sup, Spike? Ready for practice?” he asked while leaning against the locker next to Talan’s.

“Yep, just gotta get these books. Give me a sec, Rumble.” Talan replied.

Ryan and Alex were on the cross country team with Talan. They had nicknames, too. The older kids liked to name all the younger ones that joined the team. Some of them already knew of Talan from his cousin. She graduated a few years ago and was currently studying science at a university in another city. Since she called him Spike, they just followed along. Most of the time practice was after school for a few hours. Talan figured they’d meet Jason and Alex out at the field.

“So what did you end up doing last night?” Ryan asked.

“I just stayed in and watched a movie, but I wasn’t by myself.” Talan replied.

Ryan looked down. He was about a head taller than Talan and constantly liked to know what he was up to. “You weren’t by yourself? Did Alex come over or something?”

Talan motioned for him to follow as they made their way to the field. “No. But I wonder if I should tell you. You’ll just make fun of me.”

Ryan elbowed him and laughed, “Well now you have to tell me.”

“I kinda had... someone come over to watch me...” Talan said with a laugh.

“You had a babysitter?!” Ryan shouted, “That’s hilarious, Spike!”

Talan facepalmed and shoved him, “Geeze, tell the whole world why don’t ya.”

“I’m sorry, that’s just too funny!” Ryan said between laughs. “So who was it? One of your neighbors? A relative? That smelly old lady from down the street?”

Talan looked up and smirked, he would savor the coming moment, “It was a high school girl, a new one, too. One you’ve probably never seen before.”

As expected, Ryan’s mouth dropped. Priceless. Talan regretted not having his phone out to get a pic. Ryan fancied himself a ladies man, and while it was true sometimes, he struck out more often than not. Still, he knew several of the girls from the high school. His sister was a few grades ahead and was friends with pretty much everyone. The idea that a new girl slipped in under his nose probably ate at him from the inside out.

Ryan quickly regained his composure and snickered, “You put the moves on her, Taly? Oh what am I saying, probably not. It is you after all.”

That remark got under Talan’s skin, if only a little bit. Talan wasn’t as interested in girls as his other friends, and didn’t see the appeal in throwing himself at girl after girl. But Ryan was right, even if he tried he likely wouldn’t have gotten anywhere. However, Ryan would have fared no better. Talan realized that with Sonata’s aloof nature she’d probably just ignore most advances directed at her anyway.

“Yeah well, she was pretty attractive, if a little... odd.” Talan said with a chuckle

“Odd?” Ryan asked, “Odd how? What’s her name?”

“Her name’s Sonata, and I don’t know how to put it. She’s just kinda out there sometimes.” Talan said and shrugged his shoulders, “Doesn’t matter. She’s really fun to hang out with. I was hoping I’d see her around but no luck so far.”

As they walked through the parking lot, Ryan saw Alex and waved him over. Just as they were starting to greet each other Talan’s phone began vibrating in his pocket. He took it out and had to squint in order to see it, the sun was so damn bright. It was a number he didn’t recognize.

Talan motioned for his friends to go on and took up a pace behind them. He clicked the phone and answered, “Hello...?”

“Talan? Hey! It’s Sonata!”

Talan’s heart fluttered and the biggest, dumbest smile exploded onto his face. “Hey Sonata! What’s up?!”

Ryan and Alex turned around and looked at him as they continued to walk. Talan saw Ryan whisper something to Alex, no doubt informing him of what he went through a few nights ago. But he ignored them for now.

“Nothing much! Just figured I’d call you. Your dad gave me your number. Both your parents are going out tonight, something about their business I guess.”

Talan sighed, his parents were doing this more and more it seemed. Still, if it meant he could spend time with Sonata again, he wasn’t about to complain. “So they called you? I guess my good word paid off, huh?”

“Looks like it!” Sonata replied. “I just wanted to tell you I’ll be there tonight. I’ll be getting us dinner, but I might be a little late. So don’t eat anything before then, kay?”

“Sounds good,” Talan said. “I just have Cross Country practice then I’ll be heading home.”

“You’re on the Cross Country team?” Sonata asked with a gasp. “That’s so cool! Do you need me to come get you after you’re done?”

Talan was happy she appreciated his chosen sport. He was given a hard time about not playing “real sports” by some of his other friends and family members.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll just walk home, it isn’t that far. I’ll see you tonight and... thanks, Sonata.”

“Okay! I’ll see you tonight, cutie. Byeee!”

Talan put his phone away and noticed the smirks on his friend’s faces. Sonata was loud and cheerful so they probably heard some of what she said.

“So you’re some kind of ladies man now?” Alex asked.

“He totally is,” Ryan said with a laugh.

Talan rejoined them and snickered, “What’s the matter, jealous?”

Alex rolled his eyes, then nodded to Ryan. “No, and we won’t have to be if we get a chance to meet her. So how about we come by your house tonight and meet this Sonata?”

“Yeah,” Ryan said with a nod, “We’ll see what kind of girl she is, then we just play some games for the rest of the night or whatever.”

Talan paused as they walked into the locker room to get changed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, guys. I don’t know if my parents would be okay with that, and I don’t know if Sonata would be either.”

“Oh come on, man!” Alex said with a somewhat hard shove. One that caught Talan by surprise and knocked him off balance while putting a sock on. “They won’t care, and I don’t think the girl will either.”

Talan glared at him and shook his head, “You don’t know my parents, especially my mom. If she finds out Sonata let friends over when she wasn’t supposed to she could fire her. I don’t want that on my conscience.”

Ryan laughed, “I told you he was too good for us, he wants the chick all to himself.”

Alex backed off and walked outside, “Yeah, guess you’re right.”

Talan followed them and began his stretches, “C’mon guys. Can’t you respect my decision?”

Ryan and Alex shrugged and began their laps around the track. Talan followed shortly after. He had to get the time down for the competition that was coming up in a week.

After practice Talan made his way up the streets to his house. It was a bit of a walk, and uphill didn’t help either. He hoped whatever Sonata was bringing didn’t delay her too long, he was already starving. He eventually got to his house and unlocked the front door. He considered just leaving it open, but he had no idea when she’d get here.

Talan threw off his clothes and tossed his bag on the floor by the desk. Not much homework tonight, that was good. He jumped in the shower and stood there for a few minutes. The hot water felt great on his sore muscles. He pushed himself a bit too hard today, he’d be feeling it in the morning. With a slight wince of pain, he stepped out of the shower and grabbed his clothes. Simple shorts and a tee shirt, he liked wearing loose clothes when relaxing in the house.

He went downstairs and looked through the large bay window in the front of the house. Nobody in the driveway yet. Talan sighed and went back upstairs to grab his homework. He could at least get that started while he waited. He figured Sonata wouldn’t be too long.

Talan worked through his trig and was almost finished with his chemistry when he yawned and noticed the light had faded from the patio. It was almost dark out. Then, before he could even think of it, the doorbell rang.

Talan jumped out of his seat in the kitchen and ran into the living room. He saw a blue jeep parked in the driveway. Come to think of it, he hadn’t noticed what she drove when she was here last time. Jeeps were cool, and not really what he was expecting her to have.

Talan opened the door to a happy Sonata. She was wearing a skirt similar to what she wore the last time. Her shirt was a band tee, some group Talan had never heard of. Before he could react to greet her, he was grabbed in a tight squeeze.

“Talan!” she said with a laugh, “Sorry I’m late, the line was forever!”

Talan looked at the bag she had at her side when she let go. “Line? Where were you?”

Sonata’s grin nearly split her face. She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “Do you know what day it is?”

“Uh... Tuesday?”

“Not just Tuesday, Taco Tuesday!” she shouted in joy. “I hope you like tacos!”

Talan laughed and hugged her around the waist. “You kidding? I love tacos! Here, let me help you.”

Talan took her bag inside and placed it atop the counter while Sonata closed the door and locked it. She made her way into the kitchen and helped Talan set up.

“I didn’t know which kind you liked, so I bought a bunch of everything. Is that okay?” she asked.

Talan nodded eagerly, “I love soft shells and hard shells, and you even got hot sauce.”

Sonata leaned on one leg and placed a hand on her hip, “Well duh! Who doesn’t like hot sauce?”

“My parents don’t like it, but I sure do. In fact, I’ve got some special stuff just for me.” Talan said with a hint of pride.

Sonata decided to sit next to him at the counter this time. “Really? Well are you going to share?”

Talan spun on his stool to face her, a mischievous smirk crept on to his face. “This is intense stuff, Sonata. I don’t know if you can handle it...”

Sonata gasped, “You don’t have faith in me, Talan?! I’m hurt!”

“I’ll have some faith when you prove yourself,” Talan said with a smug grin. “Ever try Mango Habanero sauce?”

Sonata innocently put a finger to her chin in thought, “Um, don’t think so. It sounds good, though!”

Talan nodded and went around the counter. He produced the bottle and returned to his seat next to Sonata. “How about we play a little game?”

“Hmm? What kind of game?” Sonata asked.

“We see who can go the longest eating this before drinking, how about it?”

Sonata smiled and nodded eagerly, “Okay.”

“Let’s make it interesting,” Talan said, “If I win, we hang out again tonight. Watch another movie or play some games.”

Sonata considered his proposal, then shrugged. “Sounds reasonable. But if I win, you have to do all the chores on this.” She produced another accursed list from her pocket and stretched it with her fingers, “Mom’s orders. Oh, and you have to promise to listen to me sing with my two other girls.”

Talan leaned back in his stool, “When will I be doing that?”

Sonata flicked her ponytail and winked at him, “Oh, you’ll be doing both tonight.”

“Huh?” Talan asked.

“My friends are coming over for a bit later. Don’t worry, I cleared it with your mom and dad. We have a gig coming up and need to practice whenever we can. You don’t mind, do you?”

Talan was crestfallen, he thought she’d want to hangout with him. Now it made sense, some of the tacos she bought were probably for her friends. Maybe he was wrong about her, maybe she didn’t want to be friends after all.

“Uh n-no, I don’t mind...” Talan said with a small laugh. He poured the Habanero sauce onto a taco and waited for Sonata to do the same. “Ready?” he asked.

Sonata nodded and waited for Talan to count down with his fingers. Once he did, they both took their first bite. Talan was still disappointed, but he got over it when he saw Sonata’s eyes bulge from the taste. This was good, if he could win this he wouldn’t have to do all the chores and listen to Sonata’s band. Sonata clenched her eyes shut and leaned against the counter. Unfortunately, Talan wasn’t faring any better. He had taken too much, and it was starting to sting at his eyes. The sweet taste of mango was helping take the edge off, but not completely.

Talan’s eyes widened as he turned to see Sonata shake a little, then take another bite of the taco. He couldn’t believe it, he thought she was done for. Sonata swallowed her second bite and saw Talan’s struggle. She took her third bite then casually leaned on her hand, grinning the entire time. Talan tried to take another bite, but it was too much. He could handle spice and hot, but only if it did not persist. He had misjudged his abilities. He pounded the countertop in frustration and grabbed his glass of water.

After gulping it down, he leaned over the counter and hid his head in shame. “You win, Sonata.”

Talan heard Sonata finish her taco, then felt her gently rub his back. “Better luck next time, Talan. Those chores aren’t going to do themselves.”

“Yeah yeah,” Talan groaned and took the note from Sonata, “I’ll get started right now.”

Sonata watched him trudge out of the room and noticed his change in mood. She wondered if he was alright, but decided against asking him now. Instead, she decided to prepare for her friend’s arrival. They would be coming soon.

Talan moved the vacuum back and forth on the carpet near the banister. He had just finished dusting his parent’s room and the guest room. Before that he folded clothes and put them away. The majority of the chores were done, which meant he only had a small amount of homework to do and he was free.

As Talan turned off the vacuum and began to bundle up the cord, he wondered if Sonata was just like those stereotypical high school girls. Only interested in a quick paycheck and talking with their friends. But if that was the case, why be so nice and deliberately spend time with him? The movie? The snuggling? It didn’t make sense. Why wasn’t she talking with her friends that night? Maybe she was and he didn’t realize it. He wasn’t with her the whole night.

Talan let out a tired sigh and shoved the vacuum into the closet. It didn’t matter, he had to make sure he finished his homework, otherwise he’d get too tired to do it. He made his way downstairs to the kitchen where he left his notebook.

Sonata was nowhere to be found when he got there. Talan sat at the counter and balanced the rest of the chemistry equations he was assigned. After about half an hour, the doorbell rang. He was about to go answer it when Sonata came from the other room and beat him to it. At first he couldn’t see anything, still seated in the kitchen, but then they walked over.

Behind Sonata were two girls of similar height and build. Tall and slender with pronounced hips and unique hair styles. One appeared to almost have an afro going on, it seemed so poofy. Plus it was massive, dangling way past her back. She wore light violet leggings and a dark violet shirt. Her hair was an orangish gold color held together with a spiked clasp, not unlike a bulldog’s collar. Talan noticed her golden belt, too. That seemed expensive. The other wore purple pants with a white shirt, on top of which appeared to be some sort of stylized green vest. It was one of those types where it was specifically made to be smaller than a normal one. Talan didn’t really understand that type of fashion, but he did notice that it seemed to have the sleeves ripped off, which he thought was kinda cool. Her purple hair held a single bluish green highlight and was done up in pigtails.

“Wow... this place is a mansion,” the girl with pigtails said in awe as she looked around.

“It’s not that impressive,” replied the girl with the fro.

“I really like it!” Sonata said as she skipped ahead of her friends, “Can you believe only three people live here? And here is one of them right now, girls... meet Talan!”

Talan smiled as Sonata moved behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. He looked up to see each girl giving him a different expression. The one with the pigtails gave him a look over, then rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. The one with the fro gave him an almost unsettling grin.

Sonata hugged him from behind and pointed to the girl with the pigtails, then one with the fro, “Meet Aria and Adagio, my two bestest friends in the whole wide world!”

“The whole wide world...” Aria groaned. “So, this is the shrimp you’ve been telling us about?”

“Yup!” Sonata replied.

“I’m Talan, it’s nice to meet you girls.” he said with a small wave.

Aria shook her head and rolled her eyes again, “Sonata, I’m not here to make small talk with the kid. Where is our food?”

“Oh! The tacos!” Sonata remembered with a happy clap, “I’ll get them out.”

Aria joined Sonata in putting them on table, leaving Talan with his homework. He started to work on another equation when he realized Adagio was still standing there staring at him. When he looked up at her she smiled and slowly walked over.

“So, Talan... how do you like Sonata?” she asked, leaning on the counter.

Talan shrugged, “She’s nice, we watched a movie the first night she was here.”

Adagio chuckled and leaned closer, “Yeah, I heard about that. You’re pretty lucky getting to hang out with an older girl like Sonata, don’t you think?”

“I guess,” he answered with a small smile.

Talan shivered when he felt her hand on his arm. She caressed it softly before moving to stand behind him. He heard her giggle into his ear as she leaned down.

“Did she sing for you, Talan?” Adagio whispered, her voice soft as silk.

“Um, n-no. Not really.” Talan answered.

Adagio traced her hands up to his shoulders, “Mmm that’s a shame, she has a really pretty voice when singing solo. So sweet and innocent... not at all like mine or Aria’s...”

“Oh?” Talan asked, “How do you sound together?”

Just then, Talan froze. Adagio leaned down with a sweet giggle and kissed him lightly on the cheek. It gave him goosebumps. Talan stared blankly at the wall until she cupped his cheek with one hand and turned his head around.

“I think you’re about to find out for yourself later tonight. You’ll be getting a special performance by the Dazzlings, little Talan.”

“That Dazzlings?” Talan asked.

Adagio nodded and placed a hand to her chest, “I’m Adagio Dazzle, and it’s my group.”

“I see, so I’m going to be dazzled, am I?” he asked with a smirk.

Adagio laughed and rubbed her ruby pendant, “You have no idea...”

“Adagio! Your tacos are getting cold!” Sonata called from across the kitchen.

Adagio rolled her eyes and walked over, “Fine, fine. I’m coming.”

“They’re actually pretty good, but there’s no hot sauce. Sonata you know I like hot sauce, why did you forget to get it out? You’re such an idiot sometimes.”

Sonata frowned, if only briefly, “Oh, sorry Aria. I’ll get some.”

She walked over to Talan, who took notice of Aria’s treatment, and reached for the sauce from the restaurant, but stopped when she saw Talan smiling. “No, let me,” he said with a wink.

Sonata stared at him for a second, then understood. “I’ll pour some water.” Before turning to the sink, she stopped and got his attention again. “Hey Talan, are the chores done?”

“Just about finished, yeah.” he said. “I just need to organize my room and fold some clothes then I’m done. Homework is just chemistry, and that’s almost done, too.”

Sonata smiled, “Good job, Talan. That makes me happy.”

Talan returned the smile and walked over to Aria and Adagio. Aria took notice and grunted with her mouth half full, “Yeah? What do you want?”

Talan simply grinned and showed her the Habanero sauce, “I have some hot sauce, you wanted some right?”

Aria nodded and reached over the table, “Yeah, give it here.” She read the bottle and raised an eyebrow, “Mango Habanero, this doesn’t seem hot, just sweet.”

Talan shrugged and reached for it, “I understand if you don’t think you can do it. I might have others you can try.”

Aria scoffed and leaned toward him, “You saying I can’t handle this, kid?”

“Can you?” Talan asked with a grin.

Aria’s eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Meanwhile Adagio threw back her head in laughter.

“Talan you got some guts, I like that...”

Aria glared at Adagio and narrowed her eyes, “What? You don’t think I can either?”

Adagio ceased her laughter and shrugged, “I didn’t say anything, Aria dear.”

“Sonata, is it hot?” Aria asked.

Sonata walked up behind Talan and rested her hands on his shoulders, “I didn’t think so, go ahead and try it!”

Aria poured the sauce into her soft taco and took a large bite. At first she chewed it with a smug grin plastered all over her face, then it disappeared. She began to squint and struggled to swallow what was in her mouth. After about an extra minute of chewing and dealing with snickers and chuckles from Talan, Sonata, and Adagio, she finally swallowed it all and gasped. Aria waved a hand in front of her mouth and shook her head.

“Schools of clownfish that’s hot!”

Talan wondered why she would say something like that. It seemed pretty odd. Aria motioned for Sonata to get her water and gulped it down quickly, but it barely seemed to take the edge off.

Adagio laughed and stood beside Sonata, “You deserved that for being so cocky. It just better not affect your voice...”

Talan noticed Aria’s eyes widen in fear, but only for a brief moment. He looked up at Sonata and Adagio. “I’m going to finish my chores and homework upstairs. Come get me when you’re ready to sing.”

Sonata smiled and nodded, while Adagio bent down and cupped his chin, “We won’t be long, so get that stuff done quickly, okay?”

Talan smiled nervously and walked to the stairs, “Yeah, I’ll do it right now.”

There was something strange about Adagio, something that made Talan nervous. But he couldn’t decide if it was in a bad way... or a good way.

After finishing the chemistry and the few chores he had left, Talan waited patiently and decided to make some note cards for studying. He managed to get about thirteen done before there was a knock at his door.

“Talan, we’re ready. Come down to the living room.” Sonata said while peeking inside.

Talan got up and joined the girls downstairs. They appeared to have found the old karaoke machine his parents used when they invited friends over. All three of them picked up a microphone and did a soundcheck while he got comfortable on the couch.

“Alright, we’ll do the one we practiced yesterday. Have you read up on it, Sonata?”

“Yeah,” Aria said, “You’re always slow to learn these new songs. Don’t be stupid and mess this up.”

“Girls, I know what we’re doing. I’m ready.” Sonata replied in earnest.

“I’m serious, Sonata,” Adagio reiterated. “Don’t screw this up!”

Sonata looked at the ground and rubbed her head, “Let’s just get started.”

Adagio and Aria paused, seemingly satisfied, then began the song. Talan wasn’t fond of the way they were treating Sonata. He made a note to ask her about it later.

Talan watched as they began their song with some humming, similar to what Sonata was doing the other night. Each of the girls began to sway their hips in line with the music. He noticed they harmonized perfectly. Talan had never heard anything quite like it. He sat up a bit once Adagio winked at him and began to beckon him with her finger.

The lyrics were provocative, at least somewhat. Talan thought they fit with how Adagio acted in the brief time he’d seen her. Being in control, and being under a spell. He had to admit, he was starting to feel a bit lightheaded. He began to lose focus on what the girls were saying and fell to watching their gyrating hips. Aria was suddenly a lot more attractive, as was Sonata. He smiled as Adagio slowly walked up to him and traced her finger under his chin. She lightly pushed him back against the couch, then moved to rejoin her partners.

As Talan’s eyes began to shut, the gem amulets started to glow. Their magical influence stretched out toward Talan.

Sonata realized what was happening and stopped, halting the flow of magic between the three.

“What are you doing?” Adagio asked, annoyed. “We were just getting to the good part.”

Sonata frowned and looked at Talan’s helpless state, “We aren’t going to go that far. Not with him. It’s not worth it.”

Adagio smirked, “Aww does Sonata like the little boy?”

Sonata rubbed her arm and looked at the floor, “He’s nice, I don’t want to do this.”

“Ugh,” Aria groaned, stepping around Adagio, “You’re such a softy, Sonata. But she’s got a point. Kid’s got nothing to offer us.”

A soft thud brought their attention to the couch as Talan fell over, sound asleep. Adagio laughed while Aria stifled a few giggles, each making Sonata feel uneasy. Sonata walked over to the door and opened it. “It’s time you left, girls. I’m glad we practiced, but I’ve still got a job to do.”

Aria showed some sincerity and joined Sonata at the door, “Makes sense, we do need the money. Let’s go Adagio, we’ve got work early in the morning.”

Adagio walked out the door, but not before turning to Sonata and offering a playful wink. “When you tuck him in, give him a kiss from me. Ta ta Sonata.”

As Adagio and Aria got in their car and left, Sonata shut the door and locked it. She looked at the time and figured his parents were probably going to be a bit late. Talan was snoring when she sat down next to him. Sonata gently picked him up and slid him sideways onto her lap. She ran a hand through his spiked up green hair and shook him a little.

“Talan... Talan... wake up...” she cooed.

Talan groaned and slowly opened his eyes. He let out a wide yawn and stretched. After coming out of his stupor, he looked up to see Sonata holding him.

“What happened? I fell asleep?” he asked.

Sonata crossed her legs and gave him a gentle pat on the back, “Guess so. You must have been tired from your Cross Country practice.”

Talan rubbed his eyes, “I remember you singing, barely.”

Sonata’s eyes lit up, “So, what did you think?!”

“It was pretty good,” Talan replied as he got up. “Hey, where are Aria and Adagio?”

“We were done practicing, so I sent them home.” Sonata said.

Talan stood staring at Sonata for a moment, “I don’t understand...”

Sonata saw Talan frown and sat up, “What’s wrong, Talan? What don’t you understand?”

Talan sat down next to Sonata and sighed, “When you first came over, I didn’t want a babysitter or someone to watch the house. It was kind of embarrassing, plus I figured whoever it was wouldn’t be interested in talking to me. They’d just talk to their friends or whatever. But you were actually fun. We watched a movie together, we hung out and it was cool. It was like hanging out with a friend. Then you came today and said your friends were coming over. I just figured you gave me all the chores and stuff to keep me busy while you would hang out with them. I guess I thought you didn’t want to hang out with me...”

Sonata paused a moment, she looked down at Talan and studied him. He considered her a friend? She never really had a friend before, well, aside from Aria. They never really spent time with the humans in this world. That is, unless they needed something from them... something that they usually took with their powers. Maybe having a friend wouldn’t be so bad?

“Talan, I think you’re a very sweet boy. I had fun hanging out with you last time, too. I wasn’t trying to shove you away while I spent time with the girls. Gosh, I see them too much as it is!” Sonata said with a happy smile.

Talan looked up, “Really? So, uh, do you want to hangout again tonight?”

Sonata smiled and turned to face him on the couch, tucking in her legs, “That was the plan all along. I wanted you to get the chores done early, and I even helped do some of them. Adagio and Aria would have probably gotten bored sitting around here all night anyway.”

“That’s awesome! Thanks, Sonata!” Talan exclaimed while hugging her.

Sonata caught the boy as he jumped forward and laughed at his adorable behavior. “You’re welcome! So what do you want to do?”

“Well,” Talan pondered while pulling away, “There are still some leftover tacos, why don’t we have one of them while we play some video games on the big TV?”

Sonata shrugged, “Video games sound fun, I’m not very good at them, though. That’s more Aria’s thing. You’ll have to go easy on me, kay?”

“Kay,” Talan said with a smirk.

As she left for the kitchen, Talan sat back against the couch and wondered just why he fell asleep so abruptly. He wasn’t that tired from running. Was it the singing? He wasn’t sure. All he knew is that those girls had beautiful voices, and he was glad that Sonata wanted to spend time with him. Talan felt the desire to hear them again. Maybe he could ask Sonata if he could come to one of their shows?

As Talan walked up to the TV to take out the game console he noticed a green tint around his already green eyes. That was never there before, how strange.

Epilogue: The Waves of Home

Talan walked behind Babs and Alyssa as he nibbled at his ice cream. They knew something was up, but didn’t ask him about it.

He told them that his friends and house sitter had left. They just didn’t understand how much they meant to him.

Babs and Talan went back to Alyssa’s house and cuddled for a while. Alyssa went out to get groceries, insisting that she didn’t need any help. So Talan simply stayed with Babs and wanted nothing more than to hold her. Babs surprisingly didn’t seem to mind. In fact she was receptive to the idea.

Talan sighed as his head would rise and fall on her chest, her gentle languid breaths coming and going at a steady pace.

“My parents will be home soon,” Talan said with a groan.

“Oh?” Babs asked. “That a problem?”

“No... well kinda...” Talan said. “We won’t be able to fool around at my place anymore.”

Babs stroked his head and smiled, “So? We still have Alyssa’s and mine.”

“I guess...” Talan said. “We should go swimming again soon.”

“Can’t go a day without seeing me in a bikini, can you?” Babs teased.

Talan grinned and rubbed her thighs up and down, “Guilty...”

Alyssa returned shortly and put away her groceries, then came in to join the cuddling. Talan’s face was soon at home between her large breasts, and his legs were hooked around her wide hips. Yet even with this, he felt an emptiness.

Talan got home later and invited Sunset over, to his surprise she came and produced a bikini of her own.

“Mind if we go for a swim?” she asked, a slight blush on her face.

“Sure... whatever...” Talan said, going upstairs to get changed.

A few weeks ago he would have been over the moon if she appeared at his house and asked him that question. But now? Just a big nothing.

Talan came downstairs and jumped in the pool. Sunset was already in, her body was breathtaking, similar to Sonata’s and Adagios...

“Sonata and Adagio...” Talan whispered to himself.

“So what have you been doing lately?” Sunset asked.

“Huh?” Talan asked.

“Any new games come out? Do anything fun or sexy with your lady friends?”

Talan zoned out and shrugged, “Nah, not really... just been boring.”

Sunset swam up to him, “Talan... look at me.”

Talan slowly looked up at the beautiful girl and frowned, “I’m sorry, Sunset.”

Sunset sighed and slipped around behind him. She wrapped her arms around his stomach and pulled him back with her into the center of the pool.

“You have to let go of this attitude, Talan. Seriously.”

Talan slumped against her and groaned, “I know... it’s just hard.”

“Are you lonely without them?” Sunset asked.

Talan nodded, “Yeah, I am. I mean I hang out with Babs and Alyssa, and that’s great and all. But waking up to a such a big house with nobody there. I’ve done it before, but I’m just so used to someone being there, you know? Someone happy, someone cheerful.”

Sunset shrugged, “I could do it.”

Talan turned around and raised an eyebrow, “What?”

“I could stay with you, with the house.” Sunset said. “At least until your parents come back. The guest room, right?”

“Uh, yeah.” Talan said. “But why?”

Sunset shrugged again, “It’s what friends do, plus I could use the company. Remember what I said about the other girls being mostly gone for the summer? Nobody to hang out with.”

Talan jumped on Sunset and brought them both crashing down under the water. Sunset giggled and tried to get away from him.

“You’re awesome, Sunset. But uh... by the way, you have to cook me dinner...”

“Oh?” Sunset asked, eyebrows raised. “You can’t do it yourself?”

“I can...” Talan said. “But Sonata still did it most of the time.”

“Well if a siren can cook a good meal... wait til you see what a unicorn can do!”

“Gonna use your magic?” Talan asked. “No cheating!”

Sunset sighed and flicked her finger toward Talan and sent him flipping through the air into the far end of the pool.

“Oops,” Sunset cooed. “Cheated.”

“You think you can just use your magic and get away with it?” Talan asked.

“Yeah, I do...” Sunset said.

“Then try it again...” Talan said, putting his right hand behind his back.

Sunset reached out to him again, but this time faced some resistance. For some reason her magic wasn’t connecting with Talan. It was bouncing off in different directions. Then she saw the sparkling gem as Talan displayed the ring.

“Uh oh...” Sunset said.

“Uh oh is right!” Talan said while tackling her and shoving her under.

Sunset and Talan played in the pool for the remainder of the day, laughing and joking around until they both got tired.

Talan eventually helped Sunset make dinner, then set up the guest room so she could stay the night. Sonata’s stuff was still mostly there, so he stacked it in the corner and decided to give whatever it was to Sunset. What she didn’t want could go to charity.

Later he decided to go down to the beach and walk around for a bit. The sunset was happening slowly across the horizon. He always enjoyed watching it. Time seemed to stand still the longer you were there.

Talan looked at the sky and remember what the sky of Equus looked like. Pastel and beautiful. With a moon and sun that sped across the sky with purpose. He wondered what other majestic things were waiting there, and he wondered when he would end up going, or if he would at all.

The gaping hole in his life left by the Sirens was starting to be filled, but it was taking considerable time. They really touched him, and every morning he would wake up and remember that he wouldn’t hear their voices again. The more he thought about it, the more it made him tear up. How ironic, he went through most of his life not knowing what true, good friendships were like. Then the moment he found three, they left as soon as they arrived. Even so, the lessons they learned and the forgiveness stayed with him.

Talan sighed and kicked some sand, “Wherever you are, Adagio, Aria, Sonata... I miss you.”

Just as Talan turned to walk back up the cliff, a flash caught the corner of his eye. Talan turned around and rolled his eyes. No way that just happened. In his desperation to see them again, he was imagining things. But it happened again, a sparkling flash out in the waves.

Talan ripped off his shirt, shoes, and socks, then dove into the water. He broke into the fastest swimming he had ever done, plowing through waves as they broke to shore. Talan went deeper and deeper, ignoring his fear of the dark below. Once he was about sixty to seventy feet out near a drop off, he saw something bright floating in the water.

Talan swam up to it and grabbed it, “A bottle?” he said to himself.

It was a bottle with a message inside, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Talan swam back to shore and stumbled across the sand. He collapsed to his knees and yanked off the cork. As he did, he heard the faint voices of all three sirens.

Tears formed in his eyes as he shook the paper out and quickly unraveled it. Upon further inspection it wasn’t paper at all, but something like really old parchment. It was thick, and there were symbols on it he did not understand. However, the parchment began to change color in several places, three... to be exact.

The shape of lips materialized on the paper. Gold, purple, and blue lips. Talan laughed, but silenced himself when words appeared below them.

“Keep swimming little one, and soon we’ll see each other again.”

“Your friends.”

XOXO

Talan ran his hand across the parchment where the lips and words were, and heard the sound of laughter. Three familiar voices.

Talan looked out at the sun and smiled, “Not so far away after all. Til we meet again, girls.”