Aria's Archives - Shortsby SamRoseChaptersA Golden ProblemAdagio's Worst AdviceTo Be FamilyThe First MoveA Golden ProblemAuthor's Note <1008 AD> Aria has her first kid A Golden Problem “Congratulations ma'am, its a healthy baby boy.” The midwife wrapped up a small bundle of yellow and gold in a white blanket, having cleaned the young boy in warm water, before handing it over to the rather ragged Aria. “A boy huh?” Aria mirthlessly mused as she took the baby in her arms. “Guess that's fine. They end up tougher in the end.” Though her words had some jest to them, it was clear to everyone around that Aria was tired. Giving birth had taken the energy out of her, but the result was a happy little bundle of joy squirming in his mother's embrace. “Thank you, that'll be all for now.” Adagio spoke with a smile from the other side of the bed. The midwife gave a small bow and a murmur of acknowledgment before taking the bucket and leaving the room, closing the door behind her. “Gotta say Dagi,” Aria grunted as she re-positioned herself on the bed, sitting up a bit more and leaning into the heavy amount of pillows behind her, “That was nowhere near as enjoyable as you made it out to be.” “When did I say this part was going to be enjoyable?” Adagio's brow rose in confusion. “Oh please, you haven't shut up about how much you've enjoyed being a mother since you had your first kid. Hell, your second one is coming along even now!” Aria nodded her head down at Adagio's pregnant belly. “Aria, Aria,” Adagio shook her head with a tut, “I think you misunderstand. As pack leader, it’s my duty to ensure that our pack grows and proposers.” She smirked as a hand came up to her belly, lovingly stroking it. “And this is a far easier, and much more enjoyable process than the one back home. I love how humans conceive, I love how they carry their children inside of them, and I've absolutely adored raising one.” She lifted her and and then pointed at the bed. “The few hours of actually giving birth, however? Easily the worst part. It's not an enjoyable experience by any means.” Aria just glared at Adagio in annoyance, to which the elder siren simply shrugged. “But a few hours of pain is more than worth it for the children. I wouldn't give up my little Golden Dew for anything in the world.” “You know what, if you're so fond of yours, I want one of my own.” Aria smugly replied, a glint in her eye and a smirk on her face. She glanced down at the little ball of gold in her arms, the small boy opening his eyes and looking up at his mother in return. “I'm going to name my kid Golden Dew too.” “W-What!?” Adagio said taken aback. “You can't do that! Do you even understand how confusing that'll get around the house!?” “What's the matter Dagi? You wanted me to understand how wonderful this whole experience is right?” Aria's smirk had grown into a full on shit-eating grin. “And wouldn't that include having a little Golden Dew of my own?” She lifted the baby up to her face and gently nuzzled her cheek against his, elicited a small happy giggle from the baby. “Aria Blaze, I forbid you from naming your child Golden Dew.” Adagio growled through grit teeth, hatred flowing from her body at Aria's defiance. “Or what Dagi?” Aria's obnoxious smugness irritating Adagio more. “If you hadn't noticed, we're not in Equestria anymore. Which means you don't actually have any authority over me. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.” Adagio's hand moved in a blur, grabbing hold of the scruff of Aria's shirt, their faces coming dangerously close as Adagio asserted her dominance. “Aria Blaze, you are walking an EXTREMELY thin line here. You name the baby something else right now or else you won't be a member of this pack for much longer.” “Oh, yeah, like I believe that.” Aria laughed. “And you'd what, spend the rest of your days together with Sonata as the only other person in your life that knows Equestria even existed?” As if on cue, a large clatter sounded from outside the room, the midwife screaming from what sounded like water splashing all over her. “Oops, sorry!” Sonata's voice filtered through next, causing Adagio's eye to twitch as a snicker entered Aria's throat. “Guh...” Adagio groaned, letting Aria go as a hand ran down her face. The worst part was knowing Aria was right, but she wasn't going to let this go lying down. “A compromise then.” Adagio said, folding her arms and cocking her hip. “Oh?” “You can keep ONE of the names. Either Golden or Dew, not both. My Golden Dew is still learning to talk properly and recognizes her name, so I'm not going to let you confuse the girl with this nonsense. But if you're going to defy me, then at least meet me halfway.” “Wow Dagi, didn't realize you were so easy to fold.” Aria couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. “Aria, I'm being serious.” Adagio warned. “You DON'T want me to make your life a living hell. I may not eject you from the pack, but I have ways of destroying you regardless.” Aria rolled her eyes so hard she could've sworn they'd pop out of her head, but let a long reluctant 'fiiiiiiiiine' before turning to look down at her kid. The small boy smiled up at his mother, letting out some soft cooing as his little finger grabbed at the edge of the blanket that covered him. “Something cool then. Like... Golden Knight.” Aria said with a smile, lifting her hand and gently holding her baby's hand. “A worthy future fighter of the Siren Pack.” Adagio relented and let Aria have her way, ensuring the chaos in their house would be lessened, if even by a little bit. “I think I broke the midwife.” Sonata said, poking her head into the delivery room. Definitely only lessened by a little bit. Adagio's Worst AdviceAuthor's Note <1011 AD> Sometimes even Adagio makes terrible decisions Adagio's Worst Advice “Daaaagggiiiiiii!!” Sonata whined, clinging to the lower half of the older siren. Adagio, for her part, was handling the current nuisance of having a near fully grown adult dangling off of her hip well, with her annoyance levels only starting to peak. “Sonata, what!?” “You were supposed to help me pick out outfits for the party tomorrow, but you completely blew me off!” Sonata's voice grew in pitch as her sentence ended. “Ugh, Sonata, you're old enough to go to the tailor yourself and ask for what you want!” Adagio rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache growing. “You KNOW I was busy making sure the kids weren't trying to kill themselves!” “All you ever talk about is those dumb kids anymore!” Sonata huffed, her cheeks puffing out. “You're supposed to help me out with these things, but all you and Ari have been doing is take care of those kids!” “Well, Sonata, I don't know if you noticed, but they kind of need to be taken care of.” Adagio said, the strain on her voice was practically visible as she talked Sonata through her tantrum. “They can't exactly feed themselves, clothe themselves, or even bathe themselves until they're older. So they need constant supervision.” “That's dumb! When I was a baby I joined my old pack for food just fine! I even caught a deer all by myself!” “Sonata, sirens can't eat deer.” “... Y-Yeah! But! I still did it! I was a capable hunter as a baby!” Sonata huffed again. “Why can't they be like me!?” “Because they're not baby sirens. They're baby humans.” Adagio groaned, grabbing at Sonata's arms and trying to pry herself free of her grip. “They weren't born with gemstones so we don't know how much of our siren heritage they've obtained. If they at least have our eternal youth once fully grown, we'll, -Hggnnn- at least have grown our pack!” With some force, she was able to free herself from Sonata's grip, the youngest siren tumbling to the ground. Sonata sat up on, crossing her arms while still clearly upset. “Look, this is an incredibly important part of our pack dynamic and we need to at least test to see how us having children in this world will work in the long run, and that includes raising them properly.” Adagio explained, though Sonata didn't look like that answer eased her concerns at all. Adagio sighed again, rubbing her head as she thought. “...Okay look, you obviously don't understand how important the children are, so why don't we fix that.” Adagio looked down at Sonata, who looked up at her confused. “Why don't you have one for yourself and see what the experience is like.” “Wait, you want ME to have a kid?” Sonata asked with confused blinks. “I mean, I know Ari had one, but she kind of does her own thing and defies you all the time anyway, but I'm a good girl and actually do what you say! ...Most of the time. And YOU said that only the Pack Leader is supposed to have kids!” “Yes, and that was true in Equestria. Having children there was an incredibly tedious process that required the whole pack to work together just to have one child, and it was my job to decide that. However, this is the Human's World, and any female can have a child at any time.” Adagio pointed at Sonata. “So I'm giving you permission to have a child and see for yourself why it's so important for us to raise one.” “Oh, okay!” Sonata said perking up, hopping up to her feet and grinning happily, pumping her fists in excitement. “I'm going to have a kid and prove to you they aren't important enough to ignore me and my needs!” “That's not what-” Adagio started to say, but Sonata was already out the door by the third word. Adagio sighed and ran her hand down her face, wondering what she was going to do with that girl. She turned to leave but stopped when she saw Sonata poking her head back through the door. “I uuuhhh... I don't actually know how to have kids.” Sonata chuckled in embarrassment. “Of course you don't.” To Be FamilyAuthor's Note <1024 AD> Sonata's daughter wonders if she really is family To Be Family With a hefty, angled toss, the small stone sailed through the air before hitting the water just right, skipping up into the air and down the stream, doing so at least three more times before plummeting into the water below. “Nailed it!” Golden Knight grinned, pumping his arm a little. “You've only managed to match me in terms of skips so far,” Harp Note scoffed, a grin plastered to his face. “You have to best me if you want to claim victory.” “That was just a warm up toss and you know it.” Knight said, grabbing his shoulder and twirling it around. “I'm going to show you that my training hasn't been for nothing!” “Given how good you are at your other studies, I can only imagine.” Harp scoffed, “Everyone knows I'm the superior fighter of the family.” “For now maybe, but I'm gonna make you eat those words.” Knight barked back, competition growing fierce between the two. “Bring it.” Harp challenged back, the two getting in each other's faces as the animosity intensified. “Boys.” Golden Dew said with a roll of her eyes, gently cradling her first child in her arms as she walked past the bickering teenage cousins. It was a warm, sunny day, exactly the right temperature for enjoying a day out together as a family. Everyone had been given the day off for one reason or another, so they'd come together to one of the open fields to enjoy a small celebration. Harp Note and Golden Knight had immediately taken to throwing rocks in the creek, either seeing who could throw the farthest or skip it the best. The two would-be soldiers had been hard at work with their training, and having the day off they were once again trying to best each other. Given that they were the same age and aiming for the same profession, it was only natural that they had become so competitive. Golden Dew, the oldest of the children, had been married off to a well-to-do suitor and a family had started not long after. Her first child was a small bundle of greens and purple, that would one day grow up to be a respectable member of the family no doubt. Olive Branch and Noble Lass were on the other side of the field, Olive teaching Noble a new song she had heard from a traveling performer the other day, and Noble for her part doing her best to keep up with her hyperactive cousin's interests. The parents of the kids, their mothers and respective fathers, were busy tending to the meals that were planned for this occasion. A fire had been lit and was now properly smoldering with coals that were being used to cook rather sizable portions of meat that had been gathered by the hard working men. A stew was being prepared as a secondary meal, fresh bread had been purchased from the market earlier, and baked goods would be brought in later for dessert. Extended family from the men the trio of women had sired children with were in scattered attendance too, causing the small field to be filled with merry banter and music. From a single look it would appear as if the whole town had come to join in on the celebration, and all were having a good time. All, save the young 12 year old redhead who sat under the shade of a tree, sighing quietly to herself as she watched the merriment play out before her. Her eyes wandered from cousin to cousin, relative to relative, before stopping to stare at her mother. The large head of blue hair seemed to bob with her laughter, apparently having found a joke someone had said funny. Her lips pursed a little, then pulled back as she hung her head, burying it in her knees, as she sat there in a puddle of her own conflicting emotions. “You don't look like you're enjoying the festivities like everyone else.” Dew's words had snuck up on Melody, her head popping up to see the eldest cousin standing in front of her, smiling as gracefully as ever. “Would you care for some company?” “O-Oh... No I, I couldn't bother you.” Melody said with a shake of her head. “You have your son to take care of after all...” “Oh he's not being fussy right now, if anything I think he's ready for a nap.” Dew chuckled, looking down at the small bundle that was curling up against her body. With care, she took a seat next to the younger girl, making sure her son was comfy, then turned to the troubled teen. “So how come you're over here by yourself and not partaking in the food or song?” Melody stared down at her knees, twiddling her fingers as she tried to articulate her emotions. She wasn't even sure if she even wanted to try and explain them to Dew, let alone even be in this situation at all. It hurt her head to think about everything, and it left her just feeling more down than she'd started. “I don't know...” Melody sighed, resting her chin on her knees as she watched their family enjoying themselves. “I just feel... Out of place, I guess.” “Out of place?” Dew tilted her head. “Why would you feel out of place? You're family, same as everyone else here.” “I... I mean... Yeah... I am...” Melody shook her head, her eyes drifting over to Sonata once more. The older woman was smiling again, watching her sisters with rapt attention as they spoke and helped prepare the food. “But am I really?” “I'm afraid you've lost me on this one.” Dew softly chuckled, leaning against the tree. “You're my cousin, and that makes you family. I don't know what else you might need.” “...A mother that cares, for one.” Melody had meant to mumble it to herself, but came out loud enough that Dew caught on. “Ah, so that's what this is about.” Dew smiled sympathetically. “Aunt Sonata has never been the... Freshest of fruits.” Dew pursed her lips as she tried to pick her words. “She always was the lazy aunt, always preferring to have other people do everything for her. Not that mom and aunt Ari aren't like that too, but they don't whine nearly as much when they have to do something themselves.” “Yeah. And usually I'm the one who gets stuck cleaning up the chores she doesn't want to do.” Melody grumbled. “You do seem to get the short end of the stick there.” Dew carefully adjusted the cloth around her baby, making sure he was comfy before turning to look back at Melody. “I know when Harp, Knight, and I were living there we were helping you with the chores Sonata refused to do, but things never seemed that bad. Have things been worse at home lately?” Melody paused as she thought about it, before gently shaking her head. “Not... Really. Olive and Noble do their share around the house, as do their parents... I do get stuck doing whatever Mom asks me to do, but it's not like its been more than usual...” “So what's bothering you then? Cause it's clearly something.” Melody went silent at that, looking up at her mother again, who seemed to have moved to eating some of the food that had been prepared. That silly, happy smile on her face as she enjoyed life without a care in the world. A gentle breeze blew through the field, and Melody felt a small twinge in her eyes as the realization hit her hard. “I just... Wish I knew if she cared or not...” Melody murmured, turning to stare at the ground. “I have seen few things that Aunt Sonata seems to genuinely enjoy.” Dew said softly, bringing her hand up to rub Melody's back. “She really only has interest in the things that interest her and seemingly nothing else. It can be a hard thing to accept, but it's not like she out right hates you.” “Aunt Adagio loves you though.” Melody grumbled. “And Aunt Aria loves Knight and Noble, even if she shows it in her own way. But Mom doesn't even glance at me most of the time. She treats me like a burden, something in her way rather than her daughter.” Melody felt her voice starting to crack, and buried her head in her knees. “I just want her to love me...” Dew gently rubbed Melody's back in comfort, letting the two sit there in silence. The breeze carried the notes of music and merriment from the family around them, a constant background reminder of where they were. A couple cheers sounded out from whatever competition Harp and Knight had gotten themselves into now, and more of the guests were making their way towards the food. “I wish I had the answers you were seeking Melody, I really do.” Dew said as sympathetically as she could. “All I can really suggest for now is maybe finding a time to talk with your Mother, maybe see if you can't get these things sorted out. It's Sonata so I don't know how well it'll work, but it's worth a shot isn't it?” Melody gave a non-committal grunt from her knees, which gave Dew a small chuckle. “But I want you to remember this Melody. No matter what you may think or how much Sonata may love you, you will always be family to us.” Dew gently lifted a hand up to Melody's head and leaned against her, pulling Melody into a side hug. “We love you and want you here. Even if we're not always around, that much will never change.” “...Love ya too cus...” Melody murmured before finally lifting her head up to smile at Dew, who smiled back. “Come on.” Dew said with a smile, standing up from her spot and extending a free hand to Melody. “It may not be much, but let's go have lunch with your Mother. I've found it's best to spend time with her when she's in a good mood, and even a small glance can tell you today's one of her better days.” Melody hesitated at the offer, glancing over at her mother who was still at the table eating and conversing with the other adults. She swallowed some of the nerves that had gathered in her throat before taking Dew's hand and standing up. Dew gave her a small nod of approval, before the two began to walk towards the tables. Melody felt the anxiety bubbling up inside of her, unsure of how this might go, or what might be said. She just wanted to be happy together with her mother and while normally she felt like that wasn't so much to ask for, right now it felt like the biggest task in the world. The two approached the table and it was Adagio who spotted the two first. “Ah, Dew! Were you looking for food?” Adagio, the supposedly eldest siren who looked suspiciously similar to Dew in age, asked. “Yes, actually.” Dew said with a smile. “Melody and I had grown hungry so we figured it was time to eat.” “Then pick a seat you two, I'll fetch you something to eat right away.” Adagio said with a smile before whisking herself away. Dew gave Melody a pat on the back and nodded her head towards Sonata, who seemed to be in her own blissful world munching on a rather large piece of meat that had been thoroughly cooked. Melody took a deep breath and let it out slowly, before stepping up behind her. “Uhm... Mother?” Melody spoke up, just loud enough to be heard. “Hrm?” Sonata asked, turning her head to look at Melody with a mouthful of meat, continuing to chew absentmindedly. “W-Would it be alright if I sat next to you?” Sonata blinked at that, before shrugging her shoulders and shifting over a little. Melody's heart lept a little at that, happy at the sign of acknowledgment as she quickly took the seat next to her mother. She squirmed a little in the seat, not sure what to do or say, though Sonata didn't seem to notice as she was drooling over the cooked meat. “I-Is the food tasty?” Melody asked, just trying to strike up a conversation. “Mmmm... Ish goooooood.” Sonata moaned with a mouthful of food. She chewed a few more times before swallowing, and immediately took another large bite. “G-Good. That's good.” Melody softly chuckled, looking forward as she waited for her own meal. It wasn't much, but... She was sitting there with her mother, and while it wasn't quite how she wanted it to be, Sonata didn't seem to loathe her merely existing, and that would have to do for now. At the very least, the small sentiment had put a smile on Melody's face. The First MoveAuthor's Note <1032 AD> Reliving the first time the humans noticed the Sirens didn't age. The First Move “I see your crops grew in well this year Leaf, they'll go well with our fish tonight.” Adagio mused as she browsed the market. She was already planning dinner for the week and picking out the best food on display to bring home with her. Leaf Brace, the elderly man who ran the stall, stared at Adagio with concern written on his face. It hadn't completely escaped Adagio that the man was giving her funny looks, but she had rather hoped that she would be able to get through her shopping without being distracted with whatever his problems were. “Adagio...” Leaf finally spoke up, his brow knitting further. “There is something bothering me.” Adagio let out a sigh, fearing this was coming. She really didn't care for the man's issues, she just wanted to get her shopping done. But she had come to find that it was easier to just deal with whatever problems the humans brought up if her and her sisters wanted to enjoy their lives in peace. She plastered on her best fake smile and engaged the shopkeeper in pleasant conversation. “Why, whatever is the matter?” She said with fake kindness to her voice. “It's... Well... Not to be too crass about this, but I've known you ever since you and your sisters moved into town. Been here from day one when you came to market to buy my crops...” The man paused, as if scrutinizing her deeply, looking her up and down with an eye that Adagio did not like. “...And you don't look a day older than the day I first met you.” “Oh, well, thank you.” Adagio said, faking interest in the compliment as she gave her hair a flick. “I do like to keep up with my beauty, so thank you for noticing.” “No, that's not what I mean.” He said with a grunt and a shake of his head. “I mean I've known you for almost thirty years. I've watched you and your sisters have children, those children grow up, and start to have children of their own. Your eldest daughter is about to have her third child... And you... “You don't look like her mother anymore. You look like her younger sister.” Adagio did not like where this conversation was going. “Leaf. What are you trying to say?” Adagio's kindness was dropping, her smile slowly turning into a scowl. “Whatever is going on... It's not natural.” He said, his eyes furrowing with frustration. “A human is supposed to grow old, pass the world on to the next generation. But you... You look like you're going to outlive your kids.” Adagio had just about had it with this conversation. She just wanted to pay for her food and go home, but if this was leading to trouble she couldn't just leave it at that. “And tell me Leaf, if you really thought something unnatural was going on, what exactly would you do about it?” “...I would rather it not come to that.” He grunted. “For your family's sake, I hope nothing is unusual and you just hold your age really well. Otherwise... I fear things may get ugly.” “Is that a threat?” Adagio growled, her patience now gone. “Not from me, I'm too old for that.” He shook his head, before leveling a glare at her. “But I'd be careful about showing your face around town anymore.” Adagio wanted to speak up, but suddenly felt the eyes on the back of her head. A quick glance around her showed that the whole market had practically ground to a halt as everyone was staring at her. She grit her teeth and turned her attention back to Leaf, realizing if things really did turn ugly she did not have the kind of magic to deal with everyone there at once. Even if they were giving off plenty of negative emotions for her to feed off of, it would take far too long to use it against them. With more force than intended, she jammed her hand into her bag and pulled out the coins for her purchase before shoving them at the old man. “Very well, then I will buy your goods and be on my way.” Her voice was terse as she loaded her bag with the vegetables she had already been planning to buy. “I doubt you will be seeing me again.” Leaf simply gave Adagio a curt nod in return, and the two parted ways. Adagio was storming off from the market, her temper flaring as her teeth ground in her skull. She could hear it now, every single whisper from the humans around her as they walked, all gossiping about her and her sisters no doubt. And judging by the faint green mist she could see forming on the ground from their whispers, it wasn't at all friendly conversation. All of her plans were now thrown out the window, as dealing with this became priority number one. “It seems the humans have finally started taking notice of the fact that we don't age.” Once Adagio had gotten home she'd dragged Sonata and Aria into their bedroom and locked the door behind her. She sat on the edge of one bed, arms crossed, her finger tapping against her arm as she went through the situation in her head. “So?” Aria said dismissively, “What do they care if we don't age? It's not like it effects them.” “Apparently, it matters a whole lot to them, Aria!” Adagio snapped back. “You didn't see the negative energy everyone in the market was radiating. It was more than we normally collect when we go out and feed just from the sheer mass of people. And they weren't even fully angry!” “Whoa...” Sonata's eyes went wide at that. “But why? They don't know that we piss them off to feed, we've been careful about that for years. So why would THIS be what turns them against us?” “I don't KNOW, Aria!” Adagio roared, suddenly standing up. “Leaf said my beauty was 'unnatural' and that Humans were MEANT to grow old! Then he threatened not just me, but our ENTIRE family if something didn't change! And apparently, the whole town feels the same way!” Adagio let out a cry of anger before walking over to the wall and slamming it with the side of her fist in frustration. “This wouldn't be so difficult to deal with if it wasn't for the fact that all of our kids apparently are just normal humans themselves.” Adagio grunted, pushing away from the wall. “I thought we were increasing the size of our pack, but no. Even Leaf noticed that Dew looks older than I am, so we're still the only Sirens in this world.” Adagio began to pace around the room as the frustration and anger got to her. Aria held her chin against her fist as she thought about this, Sonata just tilting her head in thought. “This would be a lot easier if we were still in Equestria.” Sonata sighed, kicking her feet against the bed. “Everything would be better if we were still in Equestria.” Aria said, rolling her eyes. “But that's not exactly an option now is it? We're not getting back any time soon.” “What we NEED to be thinking about is how to deal with this!” Adagio snapped, glaring at her pack. “Thinking about Equestria isn't useful right now! What do we do about the townsfolk?” “Why don't we just hypnotize them? It'd get them off our backs and they'd go back to adoring us.” Aria shrugged. “Oh, and are you personally going to provide the magic we need to hypnotize literally thousands of people?” Adagio sarcastically asked, placing a hand on her hip. “Or did you forget that we only have the kind of magic to hypnotize a small handful of people at a time before we start to literally die from over exerting ourselves.” “Okay, I get it, bad idea.” Aria growled, rolling her eyes. “I don't hear better answers coming from you.” “That's because I THINK about them before I SAY them!” Adagio growled back. “It's obvious we can't just talk our way out of this, the humans are superstitious to a fault as it is! And apparently even the hint that we're immortal means they want us dead!” “...Well, if they don't want us here, why don't we leave?” Sonata asked. “...What?” Adagio blinked in confusion. “I mean, that's an option right? We don't have to live here if no one wants us here. We could just go to another town, or even another country where no one knows us!” Sonata said with a smile. Adagio and Aria just stared at the youngest siren for several moments, before Adagio brought her thumb up to her mouth and bit her nail. “But... Our kids...” She murmured. “...Are all old enough to take care of themselves.” Aria said. “The only one still living at home is Noble, and she's already sixteen. She can more than easily live with her brother or one of her cousins and find a husband.” Adagio didn't have a response for that, because it was all true. Golden Dew, Harp Note, Olive Branch, and Golden Knight had all moved out years ago to either start families of their own or to further their own careers. Melody had run away from home and none of them had heard from her since. Noble Lass really was the only one who was still living with them, and she was more than capable of taking care of herself. “...How long will it take to get all of our things together?” Adagio asked quietly, crossing her arms. “If we leave the furniture, maybe a couple hours?” Aria said thinking it over. “We've got the cart and it wouldn't be hard to get horses at all.” “...Then we should get started and leave once night falls.” Adagio said making the plan. “We're not going to stick around long enough for this situation to boil over. We've seen what the humans do when they form an angry mob. Even with our magic we won't be able to deal with that.” “Whooo! Road trip!” Sonata bounced up with glee, quickly heading out of the room. Adagio shook her head at that, but let the girl go. “So, any regrets?” Aria asked with a raised eyebrow. Adagio didn't know how to respond to that, thinking it over. “...I think I'm going to go see my kids first.” She said with a shake of her head. “If I'm leaving them behind, I want to see them one last time.” “That's not a bad idea honestly. I should probably go see Knight before we head out myself.” Adagio walked up and placed a hand on Aria's shoulder, which she just shrugged at. Adagio walked out of the room next, causing Aria to sigh. She stood up and stretched, before turning to exit the room herself, but stopped when she saw Noble standing in the door frame. “...So... That's it then? You guys are leaving?” Noble asked quietly, her voice fairly neutral despite the news. “And how long have you been listening in on us?” “...There's a spot in the house where it's really easy to listen in on your room.” Noble shook her head. “I think I'm the only one who knew about it though...” “That's an awful lot of eavesdropping.” Aria said with a raised eyebrow almost impressed. “But you haven't said anything about it.” Nobel was silent for a moment longer, taking a moment to grip one arm with the other before looking up at her mother. “What are you?” “I'm a siren.” Aria said flatly. “And you come from Equestria?” “That's right.” “...Where is that?” “That's a hard question to answer.” Aria looked away, furrowing her brow. “It's like... You know how the Gods on Mount Olympus are supposedly in a place so far away and so high up that you'll never ever be able to reach them no matter how much you travel or climb? Equestria's a lot like that.” “Are... Are you Gods?” Aria had to laugh at that. “Oh I'm sure Adagio likes to think of herself as one, but hardly. We may not grow old, but we sure as Tartarus aren't Gods. You stab me with a dagger and I'll bleed, same as you.” “And I'm not a siren. I'm just... A normal human?” “Seems that way kiddo.” Aria walked over to Noble, placing a hand on her head and ruffling her hair. “Though I guess 'normal' is relative. You're a lot better than a lot of the jerks out there ever will be.” Noble shook her head, brushing her mother's hand off her head before looking up, the emotion finally starting to show on her face. “And after today... I'll never see you again? I can't... Come with you?” Aria paused at that, mulling it over before shaking her head. “That's probably a bad idea. Not only will it be obvious we don't age faster if you're with us, we can feed ourselves a lot easier than it would be to keep you fed. We don't actually need food like you do, after all.” “Y-You don't?” Noble asked surprised, her eyes growing wide. “Nope, so traveling for us will be easy. But you? You have a lot of family in the city still, and once we're out of here I'm sure everyone will stop caring about us and let you live a normal life.” Aria said with a nod. “What about letters!?” Noble said more intensely, her emotions welling up. “You could write to me! We can stay in contact and no one has to know!” “Well uh... I guess that'd be more possible?” Aria said scratching the back of her head. “We'd have to get where we're living first, and I'd likely have to use a fake name, but if you really do go live with your brother, I could send letters your way...” Noble's face scrunched up, before she closed her eyes and lunged forward, wrapping her arms around her mother and burying her face against her. Aria's eyes widened at that, but she could feel her daughter shaking and gently wrapped her arms around her in return. “Yeah, sorry kiddo... I know this is sudden.” Aria spoke softly, petting Noble's head as the younger girl began to sob. “But hey, at least you got to know the truth, right? And I'll try to stay in contact, though I can't promise anything. So you just grow up to be amazing for me, okay?” Noble simply nodded her head, unable to speak for the moment as the two shared a moment. Aria sighed softly and squeezed Noble a little closer. Aria suddenly had a feeling that this scene was going to be a lot more common than she would've originally guessed. She'd never tell Adagio, but having children had actually been a lot more rewarding than she thought it would have been. She wouldn't mind doing it again once they were settled somewhere safe again, though who knew when that would be. For the moment though, she just hugged her daughter and mentally prepared herself for later. The first of many moves. Such would be the life of immortals.
A Golden ProblemAuthor's Note <1008 AD> Aria has her first kid A Golden Problem “Congratulations ma'am, its a healthy baby boy.” The midwife wrapped up a small bundle of yellow and gold in a white blanket, having cleaned the young boy in warm water, before handing it over to the rather ragged Aria. “A boy huh?” Aria mirthlessly mused as she took the baby in her arms. “Guess that's fine. They end up tougher in the end.” Though her words had some jest to them, it was clear to everyone around that Aria was tired. Giving birth had taken the energy out of her, but the result was a happy little bundle of joy squirming in his mother's embrace. “Thank you, that'll be all for now.” Adagio spoke with a smile from the other side of the bed. The midwife gave a small bow and a murmur of acknowledgment before taking the bucket and leaving the room, closing the door behind her. “Gotta say Dagi,” Aria grunted as she re-positioned herself on the bed, sitting up a bit more and leaning into the heavy amount of pillows behind her, “That was nowhere near as enjoyable as you made it out to be.” “When did I say this part was going to be enjoyable?” Adagio's brow rose in confusion. “Oh please, you haven't shut up about how much you've enjoyed being a mother since you had your first kid. Hell, your second one is coming along even now!” Aria nodded her head down at Adagio's pregnant belly. “Aria, Aria,” Adagio shook her head with a tut, “I think you misunderstand. As pack leader, it’s my duty to ensure that our pack grows and proposers.” She smirked as a hand came up to her belly, lovingly stroking it. “And this is a far easier, and much more enjoyable process than the one back home. I love how humans conceive, I love how they carry their children inside of them, and I've absolutely adored raising one.” She lifted her and and then pointed at the bed. “The few hours of actually giving birth, however? Easily the worst part. It's not an enjoyable experience by any means.” Aria just glared at Adagio in annoyance, to which the elder siren simply shrugged. “But a few hours of pain is more than worth it for the children. I wouldn't give up my little Golden Dew for anything in the world.” “You know what, if you're so fond of yours, I want one of my own.” Aria smugly replied, a glint in her eye and a smirk on her face. She glanced down at the little ball of gold in her arms, the small boy opening his eyes and looking up at his mother in return. “I'm going to name my kid Golden Dew too.” “W-What!?” Adagio said taken aback. “You can't do that! Do you even understand how confusing that'll get around the house!?” “What's the matter Dagi? You wanted me to understand how wonderful this whole experience is right?” Aria's smirk had grown into a full on shit-eating grin. “And wouldn't that include having a little Golden Dew of my own?” She lifted the baby up to her face and gently nuzzled her cheek against his, elicited a small happy giggle from the baby. “Aria Blaze, I forbid you from naming your child Golden Dew.” Adagio growled through grit teeth, hatred flowing from her body at Aria's defiance. “Or what Dagi?” Aria's obnoxious smugness irritating Adagio more. “If you hadn't noticed, we're not in Equestria anymore. Which means you don't actually have any authority over me. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.” Adagio's hand moved in a blur, grabbing hold of the scruff of Aria's shirt, their faces coming dangerously close as Adagio asserted her dominance. “Aria Blaze, you are walking an EXTREMELY thin line here. You name the baby something else right now or else you won't be a member of this pack for much longer.” “Oh, yeah, like I believe that.” Aria laughed. “And you'd what, spend the rest of your days together with Sonata as the only other person in your life that knows Equestria even existed?” As if on cue, a large clatter sounded from outside the room, the midwife screaming from what sounded like water splashing all over her. “Oops, sorry!” Sonata's voice filtered through next, causing Adagio's eye to twitch as a snicker entered Aria's throat. “Guh...” Adagio groaned, letting Aria go as a hand ran down her face. The worst part was knowing Aria was right, but she wasn't going to let this go lying down. “A compromise then.” Adagio said, folding her arms and cocking her hip. “Oh?” “You can keep ONE of the names. Either Golden or Dew, not both. My Golden Dew is still learning to talk properly and recognizes her name, so I'm not going to let you confuse the girl with this nonsense. But if you're going to defy me, then at least meet me halfway.” “Wow Dagi, didn't realize you were so easy to fold.” Aria couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. “Aria, I'm being serious.” Adagio warned. “You DON'T want me to make your life a living hell. I may not eject you from the pack, but I have ways of destroying you regardless.” Aria rolled her eyes so hard she could've sworn they'd pop out of her head, but let a long reluctant 'fiiiiiiiiine' before turning to look down at her kid. The small boy smiled up at his mother, letting out some soft cooing as his little finger grabbed at the edge of the blanket that covered him. “Something cool then. Like... Golden Knight.” Aria said with a smile, lifting her hand and gently holding her baby's hand. “A worthy future fighter of the Siren Pack.” Adagio relented and let Aria have her way, ensuring the chaos in their house would be lessened, if even by a little bit. “I think I broke the midwife.” Sonata said, poking her head into the delivery room. Definitely only lessened by a little bit.
Adagio's Worst AdviceAuthor's Note <1011 AD> Sometimes even Adagio makes terrible decisions Adagio's Worst Advice “Daaaagggiiiiiii!!” Sonata whined, clinging to the lower half of the older siren. Adagio, for her part, was handling the current nuisance of having a near fully grown adult dangling off of her hip well, with her annoyance levels only starting to peak. “Sonata, what!?” “You were supposed to help me pick out outfits for the party tomorrow, but you completely blew me off!” Sonata's voice grew in pitch as her sentence ended. “Ugh, Sonata, you're old enough to go to the tailor yourself and ask for what you want!” Adagio rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache growing. “You KNOW I was busy making sure the kids weren't trying to kill themselves!” “All you ever talk about is those dumb kids anymore!” Sonata huffed, her cheeks puffing out. “You're supposed to help me out with these things, but all you and Ari have been doing is take care of those kids!” “Well, Sonata, I don't know if you noticed, but they kind of need to be taken care of.” Adagio said, the strain on her voice was practically visible as she talked Sonata through her tantrum. “They can't exactly feed themselves, clothe themselves, or even bathe themselves until they're older. So they need constant supervision.” “That's dumb! When I was a baby I joined my old pack for food just fine! I even caught a deer all by myself!” “Sonata, sirens can't eat deer.” “... Y-Yeah! But! I still did it! I was a capable hunter as a baby!” Sonata huffed again. “Why can't they be like me!?” “Because they're not baby sirens. They're baby humans.” Adagio groaned, grabbing at Sonata's arms and trying to pry herself free of her grip. “They weren't born with gemstones so we don't know how much of our siren heritage they've obtained. If they at least have our eternal youth once fully grown, we'll, -Hggnnn- at least have grown our pack!” With some force, she was able to free herself from Sonata's grip, the youngest siren tumbling to the ground. Sonata sat up on, crossing her arms while still clearly upset. “Look, this is an incredibly important part of our pack dynamic and we need to at least test to see how us having children in this world will work in the long run, and that includes raising them properly.” Adagio explained, though Sonata didn't look like that answer eased her concerns at all. Adagio sighed again, rubbing her head as she thought. “...Okay look, you obviously don't understand how important the children are, so why don't we fix that.” Adagio looked down at Sonata, who looked up at her confused. “Why don't you have one for yourself and see what the experience is like.” “Wait, you want ME to have a kid?” Sonata asked with confused blinks. “I mean, I know Ari had one, but she kind of does her own thing and defies you all the time anyway, but I'm a good girl and actually do what you say! ...Most of the time. And YOU said that only the Pack Leader is supposed to have kids!” “Yes, and that was true in Equestria. Having children there was an incredibly tedious process that required the whole pack to work together just to have one child, and it was my job to decide that. However, this is the Human's World, and any female can have a child at any time.” Adagio pointed at Sonata. “So I'm giving you permission to have a child and see for yourself why it's so important for us to raise one.” “Oh, okay!” Sonata said perking up, hopping up to her feet and grinning happily, pumping her fists in excitement. “I'm going to have a kid and prove to you they aren't important enough to ignore me and my needs!” “That's not what-” Adagio started to say, but Sonata was already out the door by the third word. Adagio sighed and ran her hand down her face, wondering what she was going to do with that girl. She turned to leave but stopped when she saw Sonata poking her head back through the door. “I uuuhhh... I don't actually know how to have kids.” Sonata chuckled in embarrassment. “Of course you don't.”
To Be FamilyAuthor's Note <1024 AD> Sonata's daughter wonders if she really is family To Be Family With a hefty, angled toss, the small stone sailed through the air before hitting the water just right, skipping up into the air and down the stream, doing so at least three more times before plummeting into the water below. “Nailed it!” Golden Knight grinned, pumping his arm a little. “You've only managed to match me in terms of skips so far,” Harp Note scoffed, a grin plastered to his face. “You have to best me if you want to claim victory.” “That was just a warm up toss and you know it.” Knight said, grabbing his shoulder and twirling it around. “I'm going to show you that my training hasn't been for nothing!” “Given how good you are at your other studies, I can only imagine.” Harp scoffed, “Everyone knows I'm the superior fighter of the family.” “For now maybe, but I'm gonna make you eat those words.” Knight barked back, competition growing fierce between the two. “Bring it.” Harp challenged back, the two getting in each other's faces as the animosity intensified. “Boys.” Golden Dew said with a roll of her eyes, gently cradling her first child in her arms as she walked past the bickering teenage cousins. It was a warm, sunny day, exactly the right temperature for enjoying a day out together as a family. Everyone had been given the day off for one reason or another, so they'd come together to one of the open fields to enjoy a small celebration. Harp Note and Golden Knight had immediately taken to throwing rocks in the creek, either seeing who could throw the farthest or skip it the best. The two would-be soldiers had been hard at work with their training, and having the day off they were once again trying to best each other. Given that they were the same age and aiming for the same profession, it was only natural that they had become so competitive. Golden Dew, the oldest of the children, had been married off to a well-to-do suitor and a family had started not long after. Her first child was a small bundle of greens and purple, that would one day grow up to be a respectable member of the family no doubt. Olive Branch and Noble Lass were on the other side of the field, Olive teaching Noble a new song she had heard from a traveling performer the other day, and Noble for her part doing her best to keep up with her hyperactive cousin's interests. The parents of the kids, their mothers and respective fathers, were busy tending to the meals that were planned for this occasion. A fire had been lit and was now properly smoldering with coals that were being used to cook rather sizable portions of meat that had been gathered by the hard working men. A stew was being prepared as a secondary meal, fresh bread had been purchased from the market earlier, and baked goods would be brought in later for dessert. Extended family from the men the trio of women had sired children with were in scattered attendance too, causing the small field to be filled with merry banter and music. From a single look it would appear as if the whole town had come to join in on the celebration, and all were having a good time. All, save the young 12 year old redhead who sat under the shade of a tree, sighing quietly to herself as she watched the merriment play out before her. Her eyes wandered from cousin to cousin, relative to relative, before stopping to stare at her mother. The large head of blue hair seemed to bob with her laughter, apparently having found a joke someone had said funny. Her lips pursed a little, then pulled back as she hung her head, burying it in her knees, as she sat there in a puddle of her own conflicting emotions. “You don't look like you're enjoying the festivities like everyone else.” Dew's words had snuck up on Melody, her head popping up to see the eldest cousin standing in front of her, smiling as gracefully as ever. “Would you care for some company?” “O-Oh... No I, I couldn't bother you.” Melody said with a shake of her head. “You have your son to take care of after all...” “Oh he's not being fussy right now, if anything I think he's ready for a nap.” Dew chuckled, looking down at the small bundle that was curling up against her body. With care, she took a seat next to the younger girl, making sure her son was comfy, then turned to the troubled teen. “So how come you're over here by yourself and not partaking in the food or song?” Melody stared down at her knees, twiddling her fingers as she tried to articulate her emotions. She wasn't even sure if she even wanted to try and explain them to Dew, let alone even be in this situation at all. It hurt her head to think about everything, and it left her just feeling more down than she'd started. “I don't know...” Melody sighed, resting her chin on her knees as she watched their family enjoying themselves. “I just feel... Out of place, I guess.” “Out of place?” Dew tilted her head. “Why would you feel out of place? You're family, same as everyone else here.” “I... I mean... Yeah... I am...” Melody shook her head, her eyes drifting over to Sonata once more. The older woman was smiling again, watching her sisters with rapt attention as they spoke and helped prepare the food. “But am I really?” “I'm afraid you've lost me on this one.” Dew softly chuckled, leaning against the tree. “You're my cousin, and that makes you family. I don't know what else you might need.” “...A mother that cares, for one.” Melody had meant to mumble it to herself, but came out loud enough that Dew caught on. “Ah, so that's what this is about.” Dew smiled sympathetically. “Aunt Sonata has never been the... Freshest of fruits.” Dew pursed her lips as she tried to pick her words. “She always was the lazy aunt, always preferring to have other people do everything for her. Not that mom and aunt Ari aren't like that too, but they don't whine nearly as much when they have to do something themselves.” “Yeah. And usually I'm the one who gets stuck cleaning up the chores she doesn't want to do.” Melody grumbled. “You do seem to get the short end of the stick there.” Dew carefully adjusted the cloth around her baby, making sure he was comfy before turning to look back at Melody. “I know when Harp, Knight, and I were living there we were helping you with the chores Sonata refused to do, but things never seemed that bad. Have things been worse at home lately?” Melody paused as she thought about it, before gently shaking her head. “Not... Really. Olive and Noble do their share around the house, as do their parents... I do get stuck doing whatever Mom asks me to do, but it's not like its been more than usual...” “So what's bothering you then? Cause it's clearly something.” Melody went silent at that, looking up at her mother again, who seemed to have moved to eating some of the food that had been prepared. That silly, happy smile on her face as she enjoyed life without a care in the world. A gentle breeze blew through the field, and Melody felt a small twinge in her eyes as the realization hit her hard. “I just... Wish I knew if she cared or not...” Melody murmured, turning to stare at the ground. “I have seen few things that Aunt Sonata seems to genuinely enjoy.” Dew said softly, bringing her hand up to rub Melody's back. “She really only has interest in the things that interest her and seemingly nothing else. It can be a hard thing to accept, but it's not like she out right hates you.” “Aunt Adagio loves you though.” Melody grumbled. “And Aunt Aria loves Knight and Noble, even if she shows it in her own way. But Mom doesn't even glance at me most of the time. She treats me like a burden, something in her way rather than her daughter.” Melody felt her voice starting to crack, and buried her head in her knees. “I just want her to love me...” Dew gently rubbed Melody's back in comfort, letting the two sit there in silence. The breeze carried the notes of music and merriment from the family around them, a constant background reminder of where they were. A couple cheers sounded out from whatever competition Harp and Knight had gotten themselves into now, and more of the guests were making their way towards the food. “I wish I had the answers you were seeking Melody, I really do.” Dew said as sympathetically as she could. “All I can really suggest for now is maybe finding a time to talk with your Mother, maybe see if you can't get these things sorted out. It's Sonata so I don't know how well it'll work, but it's worth a shot isn't it?” Melody gave a non-committal grunt from her knees, which gave Dew a small chuckle. “But I want you to remember this Melody. No matter what you may think or how much Sonata may love you, you will always be family to us.” Dew gently lifted a hand up to Melody's head and leaned against her, pulling Melody into a side hug. “We love you and want you here. Even if we're not always around, that much will never change.” “...Love ya too cus...” Melody murmured before finally lifting her head up to smile at Dew, who smiled back. “Come on.” Dew said with a smile, standing up from her spot and extending a free hand to Melody. “It may not be much, but let's go have lunch with your Mother. I've found it's best to spend time with her when she's in a good mood, and even a small glance can tell you today's one of her better days.” Melody hesitated at the offer, glancing over at her mother who was still at the table eating and conversing with the other adults. She swallowed some of the nerves that had gathered in her throat before taking Dew's hand and standing up. Dew gave her a small nod of approval, before the two began to walk towards the tables. Melody felt the anxiety bubbling up inside of her, unsure of how this might go, or what might be said. She just wanted to be happy together with her mother and while normally she felt like that wasn't so much to ask for, right now it felt like the biggest task in the world. The two approached the table and it was Adagio who spotted the two first. “Ah, Dew! Were you looking for food?” Adagio, the supposedly eldest siren who looked suspiciously similar to Dew in age, asked. “Yes, actually.” Dew said with a smile. “Melody and I had grown hungry so we figured it was time to eat.” “Then pick a seat you two, I'll fetch you something to eat right away.” Adagio said with a smile before whisking herself away. Dew gave Melody a pat on the back and nodded her head towards Sonata, who seemed to be in her own blissful world munching on a rather large piece of meat that had been thoroughly cooked. Melody took a deep breath and let it out slowly, before stepping up behind her. “Uhm... Mother?” Melody spoke up, just loud enough to be heard. “Hrm?” Sonata asked, turning her head to look at Melody with a mouthful of meat, continuing to chew absentmindedly. “W-Would it be alright if I sat next to you?” Sonata blinked at that, before shrugging her shoulders and shifting over a little. Melody's heart lept a little at that, happy at the sign of acknowledgment as she quickly took the seat next to her mother. She squirmed a little in the seat, not sure what to do or say, though Sonata didn't seem to notice as she was drooling over the cooked meat. “I-Is the food tasty?” Melody asked, just trying to strike up a conversation. “Mmmm... Ish goooooood.” Sonata moaned with a mouthful of food. She chewed a few more times before swallowing, and immediately took another large bite. “G-Good. That's good.” Melody softly chuckled, looking forward as she waited for her own meal. It wasn't much, but... She was sitting there with her mother, and while it wasn't quite how she wanted it to be, Sonata didn't seem to loathe her merely existing, and that would have to do for now. At the very least, the small sentiment had put a smile on Melody's face.
The First MoveAuthor's Note <1032 AD> Reliving the first time the humans noticed the Sirens didn't age. The First Move “I see your crops grew in well this year Leaf, they'll go well with our fish tonight.” Adagio mused as she browsed the market. She was already planning dinner for the week and picking out the best food on display to bring home with her. Leaf Brace, the elderly man who ran the stall, stared at Adagio with concern written on his face. It hadn't completely escaped Adagio that the man was giving her funny looks, but she had rather hoped that she would be able to get through her shopping without being distracted with whatever his problems were. “Adagio...” Leaf finally spoke up, his brow knitting further. “There is something bothering me.” Adagio let out a sigh, fearing this was coming. She really didn't care for the man's issues, she just wanted to get her shopping done. But she had come to find that it was easier to just deal with whatever problems the humans brought up if her and her sisters wanted to enjoy their lives in peace. She plastered on her best fake smile and engaged the shopkeeper in pleasant conversation. “Why, whatever is the matter?” She said with fake kindness to her voice. “It's... Well... Not to be too crass about this, but I've known you ever since you and your sisters moved into town. Been here from day one when you came to market to buy my crops...” The man paused, as if scrutinizing her deeply, looking her up and down with an eye that Adagio did not like. “...And you don't look a day older than the day I first met you.” “Oh, well, thank you.” Adagio said, faking interest in the compliment as she gave her hair a flick. “I do like to keep up with my beauty, so thank you for noticing.” “No, that's not what I mean.” He said with a grunt and a shake of his head. “I mean I've known you for almost thirty years. I've watched you and your sisters have children, those children grow up, and start to have children of their own. Your eldest daughter is about to have her third child... And you... “You don't look like her mother anymore. You look like her younger sister.” Adagio did not like where this conversation was going. “Leaf. What are you trying to say?” Adagio's kindness was dropping, her smile slowly turning into a scowl. “Whatever is going on... It's not natural.” He said, his eyes furrowing with frustration. “A human is supposed to grow old, pass the world on to the next generation. But you... You look like you're going to outlive your kids.” Adagio had just about had it with this conversation. She just wanted to pay for her food and go home, but if this was leading to trouble she couldn't just leave it at that. “And tell me Leaf, if you really thought something unnatural was going on, what exactly would you do about it?” “...I would rather it not come to that.” He grunted. “For your family's sake, I hope nothing is unusual and you just hold your age really well. Otherwise... I fear things may get ugly.” “Is that a threat?” Adagio growled, her patience now gone. “Not from me, I'm too old for that.” He shook his head, before leveling a glare at her. “But I'd be careful about showing your face around town anymore.” Adagio wanted to speak up, but suddenly felt the eyes on the back of her head. A quick glance around her showed that the whole market had practically ground to a halt as everyone was staring at her. She grit her teeth and turned her attention back to Leaf, realizing if things really did turn ugly she did not have the kind of magic to deal with everyone there at once. Even if they were giving off plenty of negative emotions for her to feed off of, it would take far too long to use it against them. With more force than intended, she jammed her hand into her bag and pulled out the coins for her purchase before shoving them at the old man. “Very well, then I will buy your goods and be on my way.” Her voice was terse as she loaded her bag with the vegetables she had already been planning to buy. “I doubt you will be seeing me again.” Leaf simply gave Adagio a curt nod in return, and the two parted ways. Adagio was storming off from the market, her temper flaring as her teeth ground in her skull. She could hear it now, every single whisper from the humans around her as they walked, all gossiping about her and her sisters no doubt. And judging by the faint green mist she could see forming on the ground from their whispers, it wasn't at all friendly conversation. All of her plans were now thrown out the window, as dealing with this became priority number one. “It seems the humans have finally started taking notice of the fact that we don't age.” Once Adagio had gotten home she'd dragged Sonata and Aria into their bedroom and locked the door behind her. She sat on the edge of one bed, arms crossed, her finger tapping against her arm as she went through the situation in her head. “So?” Aria said dismissively, “What do they care if we don't age? It's not like it effects them.” “Apparently, it matters a whole lot to them, Aria!” Adagio snapped back. “You didn't see the negative energy everyone in the market was radiating. It was more than we normally collect when we go out and feed just from the sheer mass of people. And they weren't even fully angry!” “Whoa...” Sonata's eyes went wide at that. “But why? They don't know that we piss them off to feed, we've been careful about that for years. So why would THIS be what turns them against us?” “I don't KNOW, Aria!” Adagio roared, suddenly standing up. “Leaf said my beauty was 'unnatural' and that Humans were MEANT to grow old! Then he threatened not just me, but our ENTIRE family if something didn't change! And apparently, the whole town feels the same way!” Adagio let out a cry of anger before walking over to the wall and slamming it with the side of her fist in frustration. “This wouldn't be so difficult to deal with if it wasn't for the fact that all of our kids apparently are just normal humans themselves.” Adagio grunted, pushing away from the wall. “I thought we were increasing the size of our pack, but no. Even Leaf noticed that Dew looks older than I am, so we're still the only Sirens in this world.” Adagio began to pace around the room as the frustration and anger got to her. Aria held her chin against her fist as she thought about this, Sonata just tilting her head in thought. “This would be a lot easier if we were still in Equestria.” Sonata sighed, kicking her feet against the bed. “Everything would be better if we were still in Equestria.” Aria said, rolling her eyes. “But that's not exactly an option now is it? We're not getting back any time soon.” “What we NEED to be thinking about is how to deal with this!” Adagio snapped, glaring at her pack. “Thinking about Equestria isn't useful right now! What do we do about the townsfolk?” “Why don't we just hypnotize them? It'd get them off our backs and they'd go back to adoring us.” Aria shrugged. “Oh, and are you personally going to provide the magic we need to hypnotize literally thousands of people?” Adagio sarcastically asked, placing a hand on her hip. “Or did you forget that we only have the kind of magic to hypnotize a small handful of people at a time before we start to literally die from over exerting ourselves.” “Okay, I get it, bad idea.” Aria growled, rolling her eyes. “I don't hear better answers coming from you.” “That's because I THINK about them before I SAY them!” Adagio growled back. “It's obvious we can't just talk our way out of this, the humans are superstitious to a fault as it is! And apparently even the hint that we're immortal means they want us dead!” “...Well, if they don't want us here, why don't we leave?” Sonata asked. “...What?” Adagio blinked in confusion. “I mean, that's an option right? We don't have to live here if no one wants us here. We could just go to another town, or even another country where no one knows us!” Sonata said with a smile. Adagio and Aria just stared at the youngest siren for several moments, before Adagio brought her thumb up to her mouth and bit her nail. “But... Our kids...” She murmured. “...Are all old enough to take care of themselves.” Aria said. “The only one still living at home is Noble, and she's already sixteen. She can more than easily live with her brother or one of her cousins and find a husband.” Adagio didn't have a response for that, because it was all true. Golden Dew, Harp Note, Olive Branch, and Golden Knight had all moved out years ago to either start families of their own or to further their own careers. Melody had run away from home and none of them had heard from her since. Noble Lass really was the only one who was still living with them, and she was more than capable of taking care of herself. “...How long will it take to get all of our things together?” Adagio asked quietly, crossing her arms. “If we leave the furniture, maybe a couple hours?” Aria said thinking it over. “We've got the cart and it wouldn't be hard to get horses at all.” “...Then we should get started and leave once night falls.” Adagio said making the plan. “We're not going to stick around long enough for this situation to boil over. We've seen what the humans do when they form an angry mob. Even with our magic we won't be able to deal with that.” “Whooo! Road trip!” Sonata bounced up with glee, quickly heading out of the room. Adagio shook her head at that, but let the girl go. “So, any regrets?” Aria asked with a raised eyebrow. Adagio didn't know how to respond to that, thinking it over. “...I think I'm going to go see my kids first.” She said with a shake of her head. “If I'm leaving them behind, I want to see them one last time.” “That's not a bad idea honestly. I should probably go see Knight before we head out myself.” Adagio walked up and placed a hand on Aria's shoulder, which she just shrugged at. Adagio walked out of the room next, causing Aria to sigh. She stood up and stretched, before turning to exit the room herself, but stopped when she saw Noble standing in the door frame. “...So... That's it then? You guys are leaving?” Noble asked quietly, her voice fairly neutral despite the news. “And how long have you been listening in on us?” “...There's a spot in the house where it's really easy to listen in on your room.” Noble shook her head. “I think I'm the only one who knew about it though...” “That's an awful lot of eavesdropping.” Aria said with a raised eyebrow almost impressed. “But you haven't said anything about it.” Nobel was silent for a moment longer, taking a moment to grip one arm with the other before looking up at her mother. “What are you?” “I'm a siren.” Aria said flatly. “And you come from Equestria?” “That's right.” “...Where is that?” “That's a hard question to answer.” Aria looked away, furrowing her brow. “It's like... You know how the Gods on Mount Olympus are supposedly in a place so far away and so high up that you'll never ever be able to reach them no matter how much you travel or climb? Equestria's a lot like that.” “Are... Are you Gods?” Aria had to laugh at that. “Oh I'm sure Adagio likes to think of herself as one, but hardly. We may not grow old, but we sure as Tartarus aren't Gods. You stab me with a dagger and I'll bleed, same as you.” “And I'm not a siren. I'm just... A normal human?” “Seems that way kiddo.” Aria walked over to Noble, placing a hand on her head and ruffling her hair. “Though I guess 'normal' is relative. You're a lot better than a lot of the jerks out there ever will be.” Noble shook her head, brushing her mother's hand off her head before looking up, the emotion finally starting to show on her face. “And after today... I'll never see you again? I can't... Come with you?” Aria paused at that, mulling it over before shaking her head. “That's probably a bad idea. Not only will it be obvious we don't age faster if you're with us, we can feed ourselves a lot easier than it would be to keep you fed. We don't actually need food like you do, after all.” “Y-You don't?” Noble asked surprised, her eyes growing wide. “Nope, so traveling for us will be easy. But you? You have a lot of family in the city still, and once we're out of here I'm sure everyone will stop caring about us and let you live a normal life.” Aria said with a nod. “What about letters!?” Noble said more intensely, her emotions welling up. “You could write to me! We can stay in contact and no one has to know!” “Well uh... I guess that'd be more possible?” Aria said scratching the back of her head. “We'd have to get where we're living first, and I'd likely have to use a fake name, but if you really do go live with your brother, I could send letters your way...” Noble's face scrunched up, before she closed her eyes and lunged forward, wrapping her arms around her mother and burying her face against her. Aria's eyes widened at that, but she could feel her daughter shaking and gently wrapped her arms around her in return. “Yeah, sorry kiddo... I know this is sudden.” Aria spoke softly, petting Noble's head as the younger girl began to sob. “But hey, at least you got to know the truth, right? And I'll try to stay in contact, though I can't promise anything. So you just grow up to be amazing for me, okay?” Noble simply nodded her head, unable to speak for the moment as the two shared a moment. Aria sighed softly and squeezed Noble a little closer. Aria suddenly had a feeling that this scene was going to be a lot more common than she would've originally guessed. She'd never tell Adagio, but having children had actually been a lot more rewarding than she thought it would have been. She wouldn't mind doing it again once they were settled somewhere safe again, though who knew when that would be. For the moment though, she just hugged her daughter and mentally prepared herself for later. The first of many moves. Such would be the life of immortals.
