//-------------------------------------------------------// A second chance? -by Raider Dog- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2. "Come on Jules, just one! Pleeeease?" Julia let out a heavy sigh of frustration and turned around to the bar with a few drinking glasses in her right hand while a half empty bottle of rum was in her left. She placed the glasses in front of two older men and shook her head as she quickly threw in some ice and began to pour them their drinks. She glanced over to her right to see a drunk patron gazing onto her with the look of booze fueled determination. This patron was known as Nick, a man in his mid twenties that was literally Julia's first customer since she opened up a few months back. His usual tanned cheeks were flushed red thanks to his nearly empty glass of whisky and his bright blue eyes were nearly hidden under his messy blond hair. Smudges of mud and sweat stains covered his work clothes from his long day at a near by construction sight. He knocked down the rest of his drink and sighed before looking back to Julia with more determination. "Just one date, that's all I'm asking!" he pleaded once more. As Julia finished pouring the two older patrons drinks she leaned against the bar with a frown. "For the, I don't know, sixtieth time?" she looked to the older patrons who nodded with smirks of amusement on both their faces. "Yeah, sixtieth time, thanks fellas," they nodded once again and she looked back to Nick. "No," she simply sated without mercy. Nick lowered his head and groaned before sliding his glass out towards her to signal for a refill. Julia gave a smile of amusement and shook her head before reaching below the bar to grab a new bottle of whiskey for the defeated drunk. Though she knew after his glass was filled again he would be back at it. She chuckled as she opened the bottle and poured him a glass. She had to give him props though, he was a persistent one. "Alright, alright Nick, just a few more drinks and call it a night," she says before looking out over her decently filled pub. "That goes for all of you too! Get the last of your rounds and head home!" the pubs patrons all groaned and complained, but the atmosphere stayed as it was with loud cheerful voices and laughter. She felt her smile grow as she inspected her place of business. It wasn't anything fancy really, but it was a comfy place to drink with your friends, or drink away a bad day. Honestly it would remind some of an Irish pub. As she basked in the glory of her own business one of the youngest waitresses, Polly, stopped by the bar after delivering her last round to a table. She cleared a few strains of her rosy hair from her face and smiled towards Julia. "Tonight was pretty good ma'am, but why are we closing up so early? We usually start clearing out everyone in an hour," Julia looked to Polly with a smile and showed just the smallest hint of excitement. "Well you remember how I had you help me clean up the apartment above us?" Polly nodded and Julia continued as she leaned in closer. "Well my little brother, Marcus, is going to be staying up there with his friend," Polly's eyebrows arched themselves slightly at the news and she let a smile float onto her pale skin. "Really? Is he coming to visit for awhile or something?" Julia shook her head. "Nope, he's coming to work the bar for me. He's just going to stay up stairs for a bit until he gets his own place. He's officially moving to town!" she grinned before letting out a sigh. "It's been awhile since I've seen him so I'm a little excited," Polly nodded, before taking a seat in the bars stool to rest her legs. After stretching them under the bar table for a second she spoke. "You said he's bring a friend along to live with?" she asked with a slight smirk. "Sure you wanna leave them alone up there?" she asked with a cocked brow. Julia paused for a moment before bursting into laughter. After a moment she shook her head and composed herself. "No, no not that kind of friend. He's gonna be living with his close friend Luther," she cleared up with her amused smile still on her face. Polly shrugged. "Ya never know, maybe they got a thing. You said you haven't seen him in awhile," Julia shook her head and shrugged. "Well it's none of my business, but if that's the case I know for a fact I don't wanna walk in on that," Polly chuckled slightly before leaning onto the bar with her elbows. "Well, wanna give me a little info on this friend of his?" Julia scoffed as she let her eyes drift around her pub to see that some of the patrons were beginning to clear out slowly. "Luther? Hmm, well I haven't seen him for awhile either, but from what I remember he was a mean looking kid. He was usually the biggest out of a group and he always had a frown on his little face so no one really wanted to talk with him," she said as few memories flooded her thoughts. She smiled and shook her head. "Everyone except for Marcus of course. I swear that kid would try to be friends with a wild animal if he could," she chuckled before shrugging. "But basically he's got a mean look to him, but he's actually pretty sweet when you around him long enough. Usually saw a smile on his face whenever him and Marcus hanged out," Polly nodded with a smile. "Sound like close friends. You gonna give Luther a job somewhere?" Julia pursed her lips and stroke her chin for a second before giving a sheepish smile. "Actually I'm not sure where to put him. I only needed a new bartender," she admitted before waving off the issue. "I'll find something," she said with confidence. "Juuuules!" Julia sighed heavily as she heard Nicks familiar drunken whine. She hated being called Jules, but she let it slide seeing as how he's a regular. Don't wanna run off any business. Poppy gave her one last smile before getting up from the stool. "I'm gonna help clean up and get ready to close up, good luck ma'am," Julia nodded with a small frown before looking towards Nick who was holding up folded hands with a pleading look. "Please?" he asked in one last ditch effort to secure himself a date. Julia let her frown brighten up into a small smile and shook her head. "Sorry Nick, not gonna happen," she said before taking his empty glass. He was about to push it further, but she cut him off with a single finger. "Goodnight Nick," she said with a chuckle. Nick was obviously let down, but he let a smile grace his lips as he nodded and stumbled off his stool. She watched him trudge towards the front door, but before he left he spun around and held out his hands while looking towards Julia. "I will get that date my emerald haired goddess! I swear i- gah!" he was cut off by one of his co-workers who dragged him by the collar with a grin. "Night Julia, thanks for the drinks!" Julia chuckled and shook her head before waving them goodnight. Once the bar was finally cleared out she sighed and began her routine cleaning of the bar while her three waitresses cleaned the rest of the pub. She would usually take her time since she literally lived next door to the pub, but she wanted to make sure everything was done before they got here. As she cleaned the glasses she was able to see her reflection and scoffed slightly. Her long emerald hair was tied back into a messy ponytail with strands of hair poking out from nearly all corners of her head. Her bright green eyes still had her usual shine in them, but sadly a small pair of bags began to form under them. A cringe came to her tanned face and she shook her head as she silently kicked herself for not keeping up her glorious appearance. With a sigh she finished cleaning the glasses and took of her apron to reveal her tan pants that hugged her tightly and patted down her black T-shirt to clear anything that may have gotten onto her. "Ugh, I hate being the only bartender," she complained with a small frown. "Good thing you hired me then huh?" a voice filled the pub and Julia's eyes lit up as she looked up towards the front door to see a welcoming face. "Marcus!" she exclaimed with a laugh before quickly making her way from behind the bar. Marcus chuckled and walked to meet his older sister with a tight hug. Marcus chuckled as he noticed she was still a few inches taller than him and sighed. "Looks like I'm still the shrimp," he grimaced with an amused smile. Julia chuckled and broke the hug with a wink. "Never gonna beat me little brother," she joked before resting her hand on her hips and inspecting Marcus. He seemed to be built alright, but he was much closer to the slimmer side of things. Though it was obvious his height hasn't improved all that much. "But it looks like you've grown a bit. You used to be here," she paused and held her hand above her stomach. "But now your up to here," she grinned as she raised her hand just under her neck. "Progress," Marcus crossed his arms and smirked. "Veggies, nothing but veggies and milk," he joked and was awarded an amused eye roll from his sister. "Well it's good to see you after all this time, but where's Luther? He's with you right?" Marcus nodded and jabbed a thumb towards the front door. Julia looked to the door and smiled to see Luther leaning against the door way with crossed arms. He gave a wave with his usual frown, but Julia has learned from the past to always see his emotions in his eyes. "Hey Julia, long time no see," he said with a nod. Julia rolled her eyes and sighed. "It's good to see you too, but how about you come over here and give me a hug already?" she asked with opened arms. Luther flashed a small smile before walking from the door and giving Julia a big hug. She chuckled and patted his back before breaking the hug and slightly looking up at him. "Man, looks like you've grown a lot," she pointed out as she inspected him. His height was about a foot higher than her and it looked as if he hit the gym a bit. Luckily he wasn't one of those muscle bound freaks, but it certainly fit him. Julia was happy to see the two had grown up a bit, but was quick to see the tired look in both of their eyes. She smiled and gestured towards a vacant table with her head. "Come on, sit down and relax. I'll fix you two a drink," she said before heading towards the bar. She knew they were under aged, but they looked like they needed it. Marcus chuckled and gladly took a seat before Luther who was quick to follow. "Just get me some rum with ice," Julia nodded at Marcus's order and looked to Luther for his. "Just a beer is fine," he said with a shrug as he laid back in his seat with a sigh. As Julia went behind the bar Polly had finished cleaning the back of the pub and was quick to notice the two new patrons relaxing. It wasn't hard to realize who they were so she put on her best smile and walked up to their table. "Hey there, you must be the two Julia was talking about earlier," both Luther and Marcus looked to Polly and of course Marcus was the to greet himself. "Yeah, I'm Marcus, her awesome brother," he introduced himself as he patted his chest. "And that's Luther," he said with a bored wave towards Luther who only nodded towards Polly. Polly was quick to shake Marcus's hand and quickly turned to Luther to do the same, but as she held out her hand she noticed that he had a frown on his face. It made her a bit tense as she began to think that she may have done something to upset him, but Marcus chuckled as he noticed what was happening. "Don't worry about him, he keeps that ugly look on his face around most people, but he's cool," he says with a smile. Luther seemed to grunt in annoyance at his friends 'ugly' comment, but ignored it and shook her hand. "Sorry," he apologized and shook Polly's hand with a gentle hand, which honestly surprised Polly. Maybe it was because of his appearance, but now that she thought about it she recalled Julia talking about Luther and how he just looked mean, but was a good guy. Polly chuckled and shook her head. "No it's fine, it's just been a long day is all. Anyway I'm Polly, one of Julia's waitresses," she introduced herself. Both Marcus and Luther nodded, but before Marcus could say anything Julia arrived at the table a placed down both their drinks. "Thanks," both friends said together in union and quickly began to tend to their drinks. Julia nodded and looked to Polly with her hands on her hips. "Hey, you guys all finished?" she asked. "Yep, Kate and Megan already left out the back so it's just me. Mind if I stay here for a bit? My brothers picking me up and it looks like he's running late," Polly sighed. Julia nodded and gestured for her to take a seat. "Sure, want something to drink?" she asked, but Polly shook her head as she took a seat. Julia shrugged and took a seat between Marcus and Luther. With a grin she pulled out a flask and took a quick swig. Marcus cocked an eyebrow at her, but she only shrugged. "I'm to lazy to go back to the bar, been on my feet all day," Marcus nodded and sighed as he laid back in his seat. "I really gotta thank ya Sis, you're helping us out," Julia shook her head and waved off his thanks. "Don't mention it, always got room for you," she says before pausing as a thought came to her mind. "Though I really do have to ask this. When we talked on the phone you sounded sort of, I don't know, in a hurry. You two all good?" she asked, glancing between Marcus and Luther. The two fell silent for a moment, well Luther stayed quiet as always, but he shifted his eyes away to dodge hers. Her suspicion only grew, but soon Marcus sighed and spoke. "Right now, yeah we're good. But when I called ya, I'll admit, we were in a small jam," Julia arched an eyebrow. "What kind of 'small jam'?" she asked with concern, but managed to keep a frown on her face. Marcus scratched the back of his neck, trying to find the right words to say. "Well, it's hard to explain really," he said before glancing to Polly who was still listening to the conversation. He was about to say something, but Luther cut him off. "Look Julia, it's been a long ride and we really don't want to talk about this right now. Mind just holding off on the questions until we're all settled in?" he asked. Julia looked to Luther with a bit of surprise since she wasn't expecting him to speak, but she caught the look of exhaustion in his eyes and sighed. "Fine, finish your drinks and I'll help you carry you're stuff in," she said, a little disappointed that she had to wait for her answers. "I'll help until my brother gets here," Polly offered with a smile. Marcus and Luther thanked the two and began to finish off their drinks. Later that night. Marcus let out a groan before flopping onto a nice leather couch that rested in his new apartments living room. He looked around his surroundings and gave a nod of satisfaction. It was a decent place to live really, had the a modern look to it. Plenty of space and Julia had made sure to already put in some furniture for the two. Even threw in a couple of beds in two of the bedrooms. There was a third one, but it was empty. Honestly Marcus was a bit surprised, he wasn't expecting a pubs upstairs apartment to be so comfy. It was of course missing something. Something rather crucial. "We need a TV," he muttered with a heavy sigh. He glanced over to Luther's gaming console and smirked at his rather deep frown when he learned the lack of a TV. Big guy really likes killing time with that thing. The door to their apartment soon opened and in came Luther and Julia with the last of their things. "Thanks for the help," Luther said bitterly as he placed a box of cooking books and other various tools you would see in a kitchen. Marcus grinned and held up a thumbs. "No prob buddy, just thought I test out this couch for ya," he said before bouncing up and down a bit and nodding. "yep, it's good," Luther only shook his head and muttered something to himself. Julia chuckled and placed another box on the kitchen table. "That should be it," she said before crossing her arms and looking to the two. "Anything else you guys need before I head out? I want to hit the hay for tomorrow," both Luther and Marcus looked to each other for a second before shaking their heads. "Nah, we're good," Julia gave a mental sigh of relief and clapped her hands. "Good, then have a good night guys. Marcus, make sure to get up early because I'm going to train you," Marcus gave a quick salute before Luther spoke up. "And me?" he asked with an arched brow. "Right," Julia said with a sheepish smile. "Well I'm still looking for a spot for you Luther. I only needed one bartender and I gave it to Marcus," Luther crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. "So I'm jobless?" he asked, a small hint of annoyance in his voice. Julia shook her head. "Sorry, but for now yes," she said with an apologetic frown. "But I'll find you something to do. I just need some rest, it's been a long day," Luther stayed silent for a moment before sighing and nodding. "I get it, I get it. I shouldn't be picky anyways, I'm just thankful for the roof you put over us," Julia shook her head with a smile. "I'd put it over you two even if you were both a pair of jobless bums. We're family," she chuckled. Marcus's grin widened with a nod and Luther simply smiled, though it hid his true feelings. 'Family huh?' he thought silently while holding back his scoff. 'If only that was true,' his thoughts were interrupted as Julia spoke. "Get some rest guys, lord know you two need it," she said before giving a wave goodbye and leaving the apartment. Both Luther and Marcus stayed silent for a moment, but as always Marcus was the one to break it. "Wanna play a game of poker before hitting the hay?" he asked with a smirk. Luther stared at Marcus for a second before smirking and arching an eyebrow. "You sure? Last time we played you ended up storming out after your twelfth loss," Marcus narrowed his eyes and rose from the couch. "Get them cards out," he demanded with a challenging glare. Luther simply shrugged and retrieved an old box of cards. The two then proceeded to sit at the kitchen table and battle it out for the night before Marcus finally called a quits after his thirteenth loss in a row. Both friends headed to bed, one victorious and the other defeated. Though soon that didn't matter as they finally fell asleep in their comfortable beds. Unfortunately, three other strangers deeper within the town were not so lucky. Author's Note So I'm enjoying writing this so far, but I just wanted to know if you all think this is a bit slow, or to casual. I would really like some feed back so I can better improve this story. :twilightsmile: https://static.fimfiction.net/images/emoticons/twilightsmile.png But beside all that, thanks for reading! :pinkiehappy: https://static.fimfiction.net/images/emoticons/pinkiehappy.png //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1. "Ugh..." Luther groaned as he reluctantly pried his heavy eyes open. Just getting one slightly open was a challenge, but he managed to see he was in the same place he had fallen asleep in. He shift himself within the passenger seat all the while trying to make sure his long legs weren't to cramped in the small space they rested in. He seriously needed his own ride he thought to himself before giving a grunt as he was finally able to pry his eyes open and sit up straight in his seat, though his effort were met with an all to familiarly annoying experience of his head bumping into the cars low roof. It didn't hurt, but it also didn't feel good after just getting up from a rather uncomfortable rest. Plus after the thousandths time it starts to get old. Though it seems someone else didn't feel the same way as Luther heard a small chuckle to his left. He didn't bother looking to the drivers seat, but he made sure to award the driver for his amusement with a quick middle finger. It only caused more chuckles, but Luther simply sighed before lowering the mirror above him. He was met with a completely horrific face that could only belong to a ghastly monster! Oh, wait, that was just his reflection. He sighed once more before rubbing his tired face and looking back to inspect the damage. His slightly tanned skin was thankfully still on his body, but heavy bags rested under his grey eyes that were clearly sleep deprived. He ruffled his short shaggy dark brown hair to catch an itch while he scratched around his jaw line that had a layer of stubble on them. Though as he reached the right side of his jaw his fingers lingered across a lengthy scar that almost reach to his mouth. His eyes gave a flash of annoyance before returning back to their previous state. Luther shook his head and raised the mirror back into its original spot. "I hate this damn car," he mumbled as he leaned back in his seat. The driver of the car scoffed and glanced towards Luther with amusement in his dark green eyes. "You always say that, but how many times as this baby saved your ass?" he asked as he patted the interior. Luther didn't answer, but he did admit this thing was somewhat useful. He glanced over to the driver and saw the same grin of pride on his friends slightly pale face. Marcus had the same look of drowsiness in his eyes, but he hid it well with his usual cheerfulness. The bags weren't as heavy, but they still had a spot under his green eyes. As Marcus returned his attention to the road he rubbed his hand across his smooth face. Luther looked towards Marcus's light brown hair and rolled his eyes as he noticed he had once again stylized it. "Besides, you have to admit this thing can hit those miles at a decent record. If ya don't then I guess you always see the negative side of things," he chuckled. Luther shrugged and yawned before crossing his arms. "It moves fast, but it's small and sucks for drives like these. I swear I'm gonna need a back brace by the time we get there," he complained as he shifted around in his seat to to find a more comfortable position for his aching back. "Really? I've been fine and dandy over here. Maybe you're getting old?" he asked with a smirk. Luther narrowed his eyes and scoffed. "Old? Dude I'm nineteen, if I'm ageing this bad now then I'm done for at twenty-five," Marcus chuckled and nodded. "I'll prepare the casket then," Luther rolled his eyes with an amused smile before looing out towards his window. He noticed that it was nearly dark out and was a bit surprised at the time. He fell asleep around three so he must have been out for a bit. But none the less he watched as they traveled along the busy highway with a small frown. His frown wasn't an unfamiliar one since he tends to wear it most times, but behind his frown was boredom. It had been close to five days since they had set out on the road and honestly they have been rather... interesting? Luther wouldn't have known how to describe it really. It was in between exciting and somewhat scary. There were good times, a few detours, bad times, more detours, and some even mind blowing events, but they were quickly followed by even more detours. In the end though as he thought back on it there would always be a small smirk to crack on his face. It was all leading up to their goal really. Their new life. Luther chuckled without thinking and Marcus arched an eyebrow. "Something funny?" he asked. Luther looked back and shrugged with a genuine smile. "Nah, just ready I guess," he answered. It took Marcus a second to figure out his answer, but soon his own smile came to his face and gave a nod. "That makes two of us then," he said before looking back to the road. "Time to leave all that bullshit behind and get on with our lives." "Yeah, it was a good thing your sister offered us that job. Without that we wouldn't have a had a freaking plan," Marcus shrugged. "It's just a bartending gig, but hey it beats being jobless. Plus she's letting us stay in the apartment above it so props to her," he said with a quick thumbs up. "She just opened up shop right?" Luther asked as he tried his best to stretch his limbs in his small space. "Yep, she's just outside of Canterlot, but she's been telling me that she gets decent business. Though she does say there are a few regulars who are there for, as she puts it, 'the eye-candy'," he says with the shake of his head. Luther chuckled as he didn't blame them seeing as how Marcus's sister defiantly had the looks, but he wisely kept that to himself seeing as how he wasn't the one driving. As Luther recalled the memories of Marcus's sister Marcus himself glanced up and down Luther's appearance. "Though if you're gonna bartend ya gotta look the part. Maybe we can get something to spiffy you up," Luther snapped out of his thoughts and arched an eyebrow before looking at his appearance. He pursed his lips, he didn't look that bad. He wore a slightly worn out blue jacket with a comfortable hood, a snug feeling gery T-shirt that hugged his body, comfortable black jeans with a few small tears and a decent pair of sneakers. In all honestly he thought he looked good! Well, he looked better than usual. Fashion wasn't exactly his thing. "I think I look good. Besides, you're no better if ya want to judge anyone," he pointed out. Marcus wore a clean red flannel shirt with the long sleeves rolled up his forearms, a black T-shirt that was a little loose on him, a slightly baggy pair of grey sweat pants and finally freshly clean sneakers. Marcus looked himself over and cringed slightly before giving a sheepish smile. "Hey, I'm usually looking better than this. I just wanted to be comfy for the ride," Luther rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "If you say so," he mumbled with a small smile. Marcus grinned slightly before looking back onto the road. After a few minutes of silence Marcus was about to say something, but paused as a ringtone filled the car. His eyebrows arched slightly before a frown came to his face and looked to Luther with narrowed eyes. Luther knew he was being glared at, but he didn't return the gaze and instead sighed before digging into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone. He looked at the number and grimaced slightly as the familiar number sat on his screen. 'Pops' was the name that hung over the number. Luther's gaze was hard as he glared at the number, but under the glare was a sense of dread as a slight chill went down his spine. "Yo," Marcus muttered as his hands tightened around the steering wheel. "I thought you deleted every-" Luther held up a hand to cut him off and nodded. It took him a few seconds, but with a deep breath he rejected the call. Rejecting the call was almost heavy enough to take the air from Luther's lungs, but he quickly realized he had held his breath for a moment. "Sorry," he muttered before opening his window and chucking his phone out with a grunt. He wasn't thinking when he did, but luckily it didn't hit anyone behind them. Marcus kept his glare on Luther before sighing and turning back to the road. "We need to leave everything behind. 'Everything'," Luther only nodded and silence lingered within the car. After what felt like hours Marcus flashed a quick smirk and glanced over to Luther. "Well, at least you're finally getting a new phone. I've been telling ya how much that one sucked for a while now," Luther felt a slight smile tug on his lips and shook his head. Marcus chuckled before letting out a long sigh. "We're almost there, just another hour or two and we'll be in Canterlot," both friends glanced to each other with the same look in their eye. The look of determination and slight relief. Marcus's grin grew and Luther smiled. Their new lives were close and both friends were more than ready to get it started. In Canterlot "You can't just do this!" Adagio shouted, her anger and frustration directed at her now ex-landlord, Mr. Green. Mr. Green was a rather slim man who just oozed arrogance. Some would consider him a good looking man, but that's only when he had his wallet out. His straight teeth looked as if it had been smeared in butter and his pointed nose was always high in the air as he always looked down on most people. His blue business suit was freshly pressed and helped his yellow grin stick out on his slightly darkened skin. He let out a scoff, cleared his long dark green hair from his face and crossed his arms as he arched an eyebrow at Adagio's comment. "Oh, is that right?" he asked before glancing over to both of Adagio's sisters, Aria and Sonata, and chuckled as he watched them carryout the last of their possessions onto the streets curb. He gestured to the sisters, Aria giving him a glare and Sonata only looking away with a saddened frown. "Well I don't know about you, but it seems like I can do just that," his sickly golden grin only grew larger with smugness. Adagio balled up a fist and gritted her teeth. "We still have a month to pay off the rent! You can't just kick us out!" she argued, her anger only growing every second she argued with him. Mr. Green only rolled his eyes. "You three bums don't even have a job and only enough money for a damn gumball. I'm not about to waist my time and apartment space for you lot," he sneered before jabbing a thumb to the now vacant apartment. "Besides, I have new buyers. The big shocker you ask? They actually have a job and money! Really, you shouldn't be surprised that I'm kicking you out," he shook his head and shrugged. "Well it doesn't matter now, just be gone in an hour before the new buyers arriver or I'll have the police here to take you away," he said before turning around towards the apartments and walking away with a victorious grin. Adagio was about to push the argument even further, but she paused as a hand rested on her shoulder. She looked over her shoulder to see a tired Aria shaking her head and shifting her head to the right. Adagio followed her gestured and gritted her teeth to see people passing by while giving them a dirty look or looks of hostility. "Lets just go," Sonata muttered behind Aria, the sound of defeat and desperateness in her voice made Adagio's fist tightened, but she soon gave a sigh in defeat and nodded. The three sisters quickly gathered their things, only three suit cases filled with clothes. With low spirits the sisters trudged away from the apartment complex. Sonata pulled her grey hoodie over her head as she gazed at the grown with a hidden frown and trying her best to hold back her emotions, Aria kept her head on the swivel and glared around her surroundings with a heavy scowl, silently cursing the town and its people. While both sisters showed their great displeasure with their situation, Adagio wore an expressionless mask as she kept her head high. There was no shame, no sadness and no anger. It was almost like she had already gotten over it. After a half an hour of walking the sisters stopped and hid themselves away within an abandoned alleyway. Sonata laid her suitcase down and slid down the wall before hugging her legs to her chest and burying her head into her knees. Aria tossed her suitcase next to Sonatas and joined her on the ground with a huff. Adagio leaned against the wall with her arms crossed and closed her eyes as she dived into her own thoughts. Silence lingered over the three sisters, not one willing to break it. The day was nearly over as the sun was nearly out of sight and the alley only grew darker and darker. After what felt like forever Aria was the one to speak up. "So, what do we do now?" she asked as she glanced over to Adagio. Adagio kept silent for a few seconds before opening her eyes. "I'll think of something," she said as she kept her gaze on the wall across from her. Aria huffed and rolled her eyes. "Great, so we got nothing," she muttered to herself, but Adagio snapped her eyes to Aria with a glare. "Don't start with me," she warned with a low tone. Aria avoided eye contact, but her frown only grew deeper. Usually she would have said something, but this wasn't her day. She just couldn't find the energy to argue. After another moment of silence a growl came to everyone's ears and Sonata slightly revealed her slightly wet eyes. She shivered slightly from the approaching nights cold winds and looked to Aria and Adagios. "I'm hungry," she said quietly before she gave another shiver. Both Adagio and Aria looked to each other and nodded. "Here," Aria said before pulling out a granola bar from her purple hoodies pockets and handed it to her. "I was keeping it for later, but I'm not hungry," she lied. It had been days since all three of them had eaten anything proper, but she knew she could tough it out a little longer, Adagio felt the same way. Sonata was a bit hesitant at first, but as Aria pushed the bar even closer she finally took it with a small 'thank you', and began to eat it slowly, savoring the taste. Aria watched as Sonata ate and felt a small smile come to her lips for a moment, but it quickly died off as she looked back to Adagio. There was still a look of a annoyance, but she seemed more calm. "We really need a plan Adagio. There's no way we can keep going like this," she said. Adagio nodded, agreement clear between the two. She knew she had to find some way to help her sisters, but all possible ideas just ended in disaster. There were no jobs that would take any of them and their defeat was not only spread through the town, but through social media as well. They were known by most of the world as un-trust worthy freaks and without their powers there was no way they could get by. It was their powers that had kept them adrift in this world, it was their only source to food, shelter and money. Never did they think it would be taken away from them just like that. Now, ever since their defeat, Adagio finally felt like their banishment from Equestria was a punishment. She sighed heavily and looked over to her sisters. Sonata was nearly finished with her bar and Aria looked like she was about to fall over from exhaustion. After they both gave a shiver from the cold Adagio sighed once more and opened her suitcase to pull out a blanket. "Try to get some rest," she ordered as she tossed the blanket over to them. Aria caught it and began to wrap it around herself and Sonata before glancing over to Adagio. Adagio shook her head. "I'm gonna stay up for a bit, try and figure something out," Arai nodded and inched closer to Sonata who now rested her head on her shoulder. Aria felt the same small smile tug on her lips as she watched Sonata quickly fall asleep on her shoulder, but frowned as the reality of their situation came back to her. She sighed quietly and rested her head atop of Sonatas before falling asleep. Adagio watched as the two finally closed their eyes and turned her head to looked towards the streets that ran through the town. She watched as a few people of the night walked by the alley, unaware of the three. She felt her eyes narrow as she watched them walk on by without a care in the world. Her fist tightened and her teeth clenched from frustration. How did they end up like this? Why did it have to turn out likes this? They've lived in this world for a thousand years, yet now after only half a year they sit here, homeless, hungry and defeated. Was this how it all ended. Adagio closed her eyes and shook her head. No, she would find a way to over come this. She always does. As Adagio opened her eyes to glare back towards the street she noticed that a rather small blue car came to a stop at a red light. It resembled an old sports car of sorts, but looked a little worn out and beaten up. She felt her eyes linger on the car until the passenger side window lowered to reveal a large slightly tanned man. She couldn't help but scoff as it was clear he didn't fit with the car thanks to his size. He didn't seem fat, just to tall for it is all. Anyway, she for some reason felt her gaze linger on the young man as he scratched his thin layer of facial hair and flagged down a few bystanders. He managed to get the attention of a couple and began a conversation. She couldn't hear the conversation completely, but she managed to hear him ask directions to a place called, 'The Emerald Jewel' . After a few fingers being pointed in a direction he nodded with appreciation and the couple left. The car was about to drive off as the green light came to life, but Adagio noticed that the man in the car glanced her way. It was a brief moment, but Adagio and the stranger in the car made eye contact. He wore a frown, but there was no displeasure, pity or hostility in his eyes. It was almost like he... understood? Adagio couldn't think on it to much since the car finally drove off and escaped her sight. After a few seconds she shook her head and crossed her arms. "Odd," she mumbled and quickly pushed the thought from her mind before getting back on track. What's the plan? Adagio thought for a moment before a thought crossed her mind. The Emerald Jewel? As the name bounced around in her head she just couldn't think of anything. Was it a new establishment? Maybe, just maybe she could look for a job there. A new sense of hope filled her, it was a small sense, but she welcomed it. She would have to look for the establishment and just pray it was hiring. Or if it would even think of hiring her. She looked to her sleeping sisters and furrowed her brows. She had to look into it, for their sakes. It was up to her to get them back on their feet. It has always been up to her. Author's Note So I finally decided to write something on this site. Think of this as a prologue and go ahead and give your thoughts.