The Canterlot Theater Hall was the city’s pride and joy. While sister cities like Manehattan could claim they have the most theater halls at three (admittedly, only one of them was the most popular due to size and authenticity), Canterlot’s had that nostalgic look and feel represented by its long history, which certainly outdated any in Manehattan. It was the perfect setting to conclude what had been a busy week for the private detective Shadow Spade and her assistant Coco Pommel.
“I can’t believe you were able to book tickets to this show, Miss Spade,” Coco said excitedly as the two women made their way towards the ticket booth. “I’m also surprised you wanted me to come with you…”
“Coco dear, don’t be silly,” Spade said, who was wearing a red dress underneath a heavy coat. “You are my trusty assistant and you deserve some quality time just as much as I do. After all, that last case took more out of me than expected and I could really use the R&R…”
“Okay, but I’m pretty sure these tickets were sold out well in advance so obviously you have friends in high places.”
Spade chuckled. “Let’s just say I called in a favor from someone.” The two of them presented their tickets to the ticket master, who nodded and let them through. They were directed towards the middle balcony. Coco wasn’t an expert on acoustics, but it seemed from this angle they could get the best view and be able to hear everything quite well.
As for the story, it was your typical love story where a prince falls in love with a commoner but the girl is actually believed to be a witch and the king forbids it. Coco found the whole thing slightly cliché but Spade admittedly was a sucker for romance. However, nothing at the Canterlot Theater Hall ever disappointed and to even be able to go to one of these shows was on many people’s bucket lists.
The two of them found their seats high up in the balcony, the low lighting setting up the theme of the story while the small orchestra in front of the stage warmed up. They didn’t have to wait very long before the curtain began to rise and the orchestra began to play. The background and setting were exquisite, making one feel as if they were truly in the era that the story took place.
As the overture continued, the characters began their roles: the king on his throne, the prince kneeling before him, begging while his beloved stood by his side. “Father, you cannot believe the rumors that have gone around the kingdom, they’re nothing but lies!”
“Lies!? Our misery is because of that woman! She is evil!” the king yelled.
“But I love her!”
“Blasphemy! Guards, take that vile wretch to the dungeons!”
It was in that moment that the woman, essentially the main protagonist of the story, stepped forward as the spotlight focused on her and soon she began to sing. Coco had never been to an opera, though she had seen and heard plenty from movies in the past, but they didn’t do it justice compared to what she was witnessing now. To be present in this moment, it was as if she was being taken to a different dimension, a different world of sorts.
Naturally, Spade was lost in the moment as well as the show continued on towards the intermission. It was about a three hour performance so the fifteen minute intermission was necessary for most who had to use the ladies room, Spade included. “I can see that glow in your eyes, Miss Pommel,” she said with a grin as she got up. “I may make you a fan of the finer arts just yet.”
“What do you mean ‘make me a fan’?” Coco huffed slightly. “I enjoy theater and music…” Admittedly, her choice of music was a mixed bag, some not exactly to Spade’s tastes, but then again Spade was more interested in the classics and overall enjoyed classical music.
“I am merely teasing, my dear,” Spade chuckled slightly. “Now then, I best make a trip to the ladies room or I’ll find the next hour and a half most unbearable.”
Unfortunately, as she had expected, the line was exceptionally long, despite there being numerous bathrooms in the theater. “I suppose I’m going to have to suffer after all…” she muttered to herself. She then noticed a door nearby with a sign reading “Employees Only”. Normally Shadow Spade wasn’t a rule breaker, but a full bladder tended to make people rather desperate. I’m sure no one will notice… She casually made her way over to the door and when it appeared no one was looking, she quietly slipped inside.
It was oddly quiet inside, which meant no one else was inside, or at least she hoped. Surely, there had to be a bathroom nearby…
That was when she saw it, a door to her right, which someone conveniently put a sign up for. She grabbed the knob and turned, only to find it was locked. “Oh um…sorry, I didn’t realize someone was already inside,” she said sheepishly. There was no response, though Spade wouldn’t expect one in this slightly awkward scene.
She waited patiently, keeping her eye on the clock and realizing she only had ten minutes until the show would begin again. “Listen, I don’t want to rush you darling, but this is an emergency and the other stalls are occupied so if you could hurry up I’d greatly appreciate it.”
There was still no response and Spade was starting to get a little annoyed. “There is someone in there, right?” Again, no response. Spade sighed loudly. “Fine, I gave you your warning so don’t get upset at me for breaking in.” She took a hairpin out of her bag and used it on the lock. Lockpicking wasn’t a skill she was willing to brag about, though sometimes private detectives had to be crafty. It took only a few moments to unlock the door and she turned the knob and opened it. She suddenly jumped back in horror.
Laying on the ground on her side, thankfully fully clothed, was the same woman who had been performing only minutes before. Her wide-eyed stare told Spade plenty that the woman was already beyond help.