The Road to Salvation
The Battle of the Bands concert at Canterlot High School had finally come to an end. The victors of the competition being declared as Twilight Sparkle and her group of friends. But this left another group out and in trouble. The singing trio known as Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk had been defeated during their attempt of using magic to control the school and worse.
When their lockets got destroyed, their magic ceased to work and everyone suddenly came back to their senses. A close save by Twilight and her friends, stopping such a powerful wave of manipulation from spreading far and wide.
Chased from the stage, the girls quickly fled from the school and made their escape before the others could stop them or worse. They didn't care for the High School, but they needed to keep clear and avoid those girls. They knew about magic and with that knowledge they could indeed fight back.
This truly angered Adagio however. Her perfect plan, it was carefully thought out and put into action and even with the co-operation of her sisters, it still failed. Embarrassed and humiliated at their defeat, they fled and made out toward the inner city on foot.
All three girls walked along the street, hands in pockets and hoods up over their heads; trying to hide their identity in case someone recognized them. It didn't matter if they went to Canterlot High School or not, anyone that The Dazzling s had dealt with could spot them if need be.
Now the main issue was what to do? All three girls needed to find a new source of energy, food and for that they needed money. This was because their amulet lockets had been destroyed. This was going to be an issue indeed. But this was their predicament and it would carry forward for the next few weeks, maybe even months until something new came up.
Already Adagio was having trouble thinking things over, mostly because she was still sore about what had happened. Her perfect plan destroyed and ripped to pieces, her ego did indeed take a powerful blow. But she was still thinking and already coming up with a new way to support her siblings. After-all she needed too, they were relying on her.
"I can't believe this actually happened!" Adagio spoke out.
"Well... it did, Adagio. There's no point complaining about it. Nothing is literally going to change." Aria grumbled.
It had already been three months since their defeat, and they still were bickering about the events that had unfolded since. But all three girls had been travelling from district to district looking for work, only to find themselves temporary stage-help in various theatres; currently out of work and travelling to the next venue.
"Can't we just like... find jobs or something?" Sonata piped up.
"Yes, Sonata... because finding a job we can enjoy is REALLY simple!" Adagio snapped.
"Yeah, but she's got a point Adagio. Work is work... and right now I'm getting pretty pissed off just scraping by."
"What would you have me do Aria? Have us Lay down on our backs for the rest of our time here? I don't know about you two, but I REALLY don't want to gobble on some rich old guys dick just for food."
"Hahaha." Sonata giggled.
"Shut up. Sonata."
Adagio whined with a heavy sigh, raising a hand up to rub at her eyes. The poor girl was frustrated, tired and extremely irritated with how their current situation was unfolding.
"We can't keep skipping from stage to stage Adagio, just... hurry up and find us someplace new will ya?" Aria complained.
"Yeah, Adagio! We just want something to eat..."
"You always want something to eat, Sonata... when has that ever changed?" Adagio replied.
"Listen Adagio... how many times do we gotta keep changing venues? Our voices are totally cracked right now, shouldn't we work on it? Y'know... to try and improve it?"
"Yes, Aria. But we can't live on thin air. We need to find a new place that will support us, we got the looks and we got the moves... all we need is our voices back. I'm taking in information and i'm processing."
With another heavy groan, the poofy-haired beauty would slap her own face as she had to deal with her beloved sisters, though her eyes caught sight of something that did make her raise one in response.
A restaurant. It was time to eat.
"Okay girls... I have some money. Let's just... take a break and get something to eat, okay? We can discuss what we're going to do, when inside."
"Sure, Adagio." Aria spoke.
"Yeah, sure thing 'Dagi!"
"Good. Both you girls go on and get us a booth. I need to go get something real quick. I won't be long."
"You sure, 'Dagi?" Asked Sonata.
"Sonata, don't bother her... come on. Let's just go and get a seat."
"Yeah, okay... "
Sonata looked concerned for her older sibling. Adagio had a lot running on her shoulders right now, thought that was too be expected of their leader. She'd been in control of things for awhile now, but that's just the way they liked it. Of course there was some territory issues with both Adagio and Aria, but usually just smoke.
As both Aria and Sonata made off toward the restaurant across the street. Adagio took this moment to go further up the street to fetch herself a newspaper. It would have various pages for employment and ad-hire. Something to give her an idea of what to do and where to look.
Adagio slotted a few coins into the newspaper dispenser and leaning forward, she'd reach in past the flap and pull out a paper - looking over the front page and releasing another heavy sign. While Adagio was staring at the paper, eyes focused on the page - she wasn't even reading it. More, she was concerned and worried about what she was going to do.
"What am I going to do..." She'd murmur. "Those two... didn't deserve this shit and yet... I've somehow landed us in this position. I had them... those bitches and they beat us!" The girl gripped the paper in both hands, as she held it.
"Yet... we lost. My plan was perfect! How did they even know... uuuuuuuargh... it's so frustrating! We were defeated again... by those stupid ponies and now those brats!" Releasing the paper, she'd drop her head into an open palm and try to calm herself down.
A few moments later, the honey-haired beauty would tilt her head back and stare up toward the early evening sky. "I guess it can't be helped... it's over now. I just need to focus on those two... that's all. Maybe... there's still hope that we can get back to Equestria."
"Mmm... better not keep them waiting." Adagio finished murmuring, turning herself around and beginning to walk down the street, while looking toward the restaurant that both Aria and Sonata had went into.
It seemed the girl was still in a trance, thinking things over as she bumped into another person whom was walking in the opposite direction. It was an older, taller looking person; a boy infact.
"Oooh! Hey... watch where you're walking!" Adagio snapped, suddenly having broke from her trance.
"Oh, i'm sorry! I wasn't concentrating. Apologies!" Replied the stranger.
"Yeah, well... I guess I wasn't either."
Both had stopped dead in the street, looking at one another. Adagio holding tightly to the newspaper, as she focused her eyes over his form. He was tidy in terms of his clothing, but his hair was scruffy. She could tell that he was a person that was behind on something, perhaps a schedule or maybe running a business.
"Haaaaah... I suppose we're both distracted. In this part of the city, everyone tends to be distracted with something. Whether it's singing, dancing, acting or even just... acting as an agent." The stranger chuckled.
"Well we are in the more talented part of the city. A-heh. Do you own a club or something? You look like a guy who's trying to make something of himself." The girl asked.
"Oh, you've got a good eye Miss...?"
"Dazzle. Adagio Dazzle."
"As I said, you've got a good eye Miss Dazzle. My name is Silent Mic. I own a theatre venue here in this part of the district, it's called the Silent Night theater."
Adagio took in his form, as he stood there talking to her. He looked about twenty-three years old, he had short brown hair and was wearing a black tee-shirt that had a microphone and a musical note upon the front. He was also wearing a pair of laid-back jeans and black sneakers. He also wore a blue jacket, which was open at the front also.
He had a calm aura around him, but Adagio could easily pick up fellow frustration from the boy. It seemed she wasn't the only one that was in trouble, but she'd yet to hear of his woes.
"Oh, so you own a theater? Interesting... and may I ask what sort of shows do you put on there?"
"I put on many different shows! Ranging from all sorts of occasional different plays and even seasonal musicals. Those are the type of shows I like to put on. The lights, the drama... it's fantastic!"
It was with a deep, passionate sigh that Silent Mic stared off to the side, thinking about all the things that had happened and other things that were still to happen. He did manage to catch Adagio's interest however.
"Musicals you say? Hmmm... that's fortunate."
"What is exactly?" Silent asked, his attention focusing back upon the honey haired teenager.
"That you put on musicals and even stage plays. I happen to be a famous stage singer, actress and dancer. All three nicely placed into one."
"You don't say? I will admit that I am impressed. But... uh... I don't mean to be rude, but... I haven't exactly heard of your name in the theatre end of things. Or Broadway for that matter."
The moment he said this, Adagio would flare her brows. The girl wasn't amused at his tone, but she did understand his meaning. Her and her siren sisters hadn't exactly came to this world of legit purposes, and they didn't exactly have a name in the entertainment business; at least not yet.
"It's not difficult sweetie. Me and my sisters came from across the way. You know... from another land. We've only arrived here and we're desperately looking for some type of work. Employment within the musical side of things, that's where we excel at our best after-all."
"Oh! I totally understand. Yeah... I guess it would be hard for you girls to find work if you're only new here. This city isn't exactly friendly to new-talent. I can't hire you right now, I mean... it's not as easy as that." The male exhaled.
"What do you mean? You have three beautiful girls searching for a job right now and you're going to pass up this chance for exotic talent!"
"No, no, nooooo! That's not what I mean." Silent exclaimed. "I'd hire you in a heart beat! I like your look, your sass and you've sisters! The opportunities in stage-play would be fabulous!"
"Then what's the problem?" Adagio asked, a hand now placed upon her hip.
"The problem... is that my theatre hasn't been doing too good lately." Silent sighed heavily, sounding obviously disappointed.
"Oh, I see."
"I'm actually headed back there right now, to meet an investor in the theatre business. He wants to discuss future plans with my place."
"Hmmmm. Alright." Adagio didn't sound too sure about this idea, it seemed like the place could be a bust. A waste of time. The siren girl wasn't entirely won over just yet, not after hearing about Silent's predicament.
"Listen... I can see you're thinking things over, that you're not sure considering what I just told you. But give me a chance... I can convince the investor that my place is still worth putting money into. Go to your sisters and tell them what's up." He smiled. "Come to this address in a few hours and we'll talk business."
Upon saying that, Silent Mic would remove a pen from his jacket pocket and scribble down the address upon it, before handing Adagio the scrap of paper.
"Here. Take it and i'll see you soon, okay? I gotta go, see you later Miss Dazzle!" Silent waved briefly before he turned and made his way down the street.
"Ugh. Fine..." Adagio whined, looking down at the paper and placing it into her own pocket for safe keeping. "I can't believe i'm doing this, but... whatever. Not like we've anything else planned."
With a frustrated groan, the leader of the Dazzling's turned around and examined the area and shortly after, shook her head. Clearly she was sick and tired of chasing leads, false rumours and other scraps of information that promised this and that but led to no-where.
"I better get back to them... before they think I ran out on them."
Adagio turned and made her way back down the street, finally deciding to cross it and make her way toward the restaurant that Aria and Sonata had ventured into. As the shorter siren opened the doors, she'd look around for her siblings.
"Yo Adagio, we're over here." Aria called out.
With a nod in Aria's direction, Adagio walked through the restaurant and finally took a seat in the booth with her siblings, sitting across from them both. Resting her head back against the seat, she'd raise an eye at them both.
"You both haven't ordered yet? I'm surprised. I thought Sonata would have been on her fourth meal by now."
"No, we wanted to wait for you 'Dagi!" Sonata grinned.
"Yeah, the twerp wanted to wait until you got back."
"Aw, aren't you both so sweet." Adagio said, closing her eyes.
All three of the sirens were sat within the booth. It was a quiet restaurant, not too many currently within it. It had deep booths, which the sirens used a lot. Mostly for privacy, but right now they were focusing on discussing the plan of action.
"Where'd you go Adagio?" Asked Aria.
"I went to get the newspaper. I wanted to see if there was anything inside worth checking out."
"And was there?"
"I haven't checked yet. But I did meet an interesting guy... says he owns a theater not too far from here, according to the address anyway. He mentioned about giving us work, which would be good for us. We'd have money and work within a role we'd be good at."
"Hey waitress, can we get some food please!" Sonata yelled, waving her hand.
"I don't like your tone Adagio, did something else happen? You don't sound too sure." Aria spoke.
"Yes, what can I get you all?" Asked the waitress as she approached.
"Yes, we'll have three meat-dishes with dipping sauce and fresh water... " Adagio quickly spoke up.
"Okay, three house meat-dishes. With sauce and fresh water... anything else?"
"Oh! OH!" Sonata chirped up. "'Dagi can we get onion rings? Please? Pretty pleaaaaase!"
"Uh... sure. Onion rings too."
"Great. If that's everything... it won't be long." With a smile, the waitress left them to prepare their order.
"Anyway, yeah... you're correct to ask Aria. While he said he could give us a job, he did mention that he is going to speak to an investor. Meaning... depending on how things go, he may or may not keep the place. Further meaning, this could be a total waste of time."
"So what are we gonna do?" Piped Sonata.
"We've literally nothing else going on right now... so... I figured after we're done eating here. We can go around to his place and see what's going on. If he's managed to convince the investor, I guess we have a job and if not... we move on."
"I guess... not like we've anything to lose."
"That's the spirit. Let's just... relax while we're here and deal with this when we get there."
It was with that, that Adagio sighed and kept herself leaned back upon the chair. Now they were just waiting for their food to turn up. It was going to be a tough process and the honey-haired siren knew that. But it was something at least, better than nothing at all. As the sirens waited for their food, things were working much differently at the Silent Night theatre.
"The entertainment industry of Canterlot City has become increasingly frustrated with you Mister Mic. How many times are we going to come here and talk like this? Haven't you came to a decision yet?" A powerful set of words from one of the investors of the Canterlot Broadway Club or CBC.
"I'm glad you came out here, Mister Pickens. I know we've been talking about this for some time now, but I want you to hear me out."
"This better be good. We've given you a fair offer Mister Mic. Everyone knows the Silent Night theatre is a shell of it's once, great former self. All we want to do, is simply... tear it down and rebuild a more modern and larger stage on the Broadway scene. We're giving you a good price."
"I understand. But I'm not willing to part with it just yet. I still have some money, I can keep paying my dues Mister Pickens."
"Don't leave it too late, Mister Mic. You may have money to last you a while longer, but when it runs out it may be too late to negotiate."
"Yes, but that's why I want you to hear me out. I have a lot of new talent coming into my stage this week! New, exotic talent from overseas and I know they'll help turn the scene around here. I've told you before, we just need some new blood. New faces and talent, new voices!"
"You seem very confident Mister Mic. You seem to think that these new voices, faces... this... new talent. Is going to turn around your business, however I remain unconvinced."
"I've seen them. They look fantastic sir... they're incredibly beautiful and yet, I know... I know they're going to be the reason for great success in the stage industry, within the city! Let me prove it too you!" Silent explained and offered, yet he was lying about seeing all the sirens. But he needed anything he could, anything to stall them.
The investor, Slim Pickens wasn't too sure about the idea. But he liked to see himself as a gentleman and one of mercy. While he was only one within the entire investors club, he was the only one that did visits to various different establishments. This was so he could give an eye-witness report of the situation and thus, rely the information back to his fellow colleagues.
"So you say. Do as you wish Mister Mic. There isn't anything I can do to stop you at this point. After-all, you still have the money to keep this establishment open. But be warned my dear sir, that when the well runs dry. We won't have a choice in the matter. Send word when you're ready to show your new talent, i'll organize an audience for you." He snorted.
"It will contain mostly members from the CBC and we shall pay admission, though it will be our deciding vote that shall determine whether or not we withdraw our offer. Is that clear, Mister Mic?"
The room fell silent for a few moments. The tension within the air was one that could be cut with a knife. With a heavy exhale, Silent nodded toward the investor. But deep within he knew this place could be famous again. Popular and bursting with people wanting to see all types of performances.
"Yes, I understand Mister Pickens. I will send word when i'm good and ready. Please, be patient and have an open heart."
"Very good Mister Mic. Now I must be off. I have another venue across the city that I must visit."
"Of course, sir. Have a pleasant journey and I shall be seeing you again soon."
"That you will, Mister Mic. That you will. Good day."
It was over, the meeting had finally finished and the investor was on his way out. Such relief had washed over Silent Mic. At least he now knew where he stood in regards to this arrangement and his own building. But now his luck fell upon the siren sisters, only one of which he had actually met.
Silent escorted the investor to the door and opened it for him, allowing him to pass outside and into the crowded street. However the sirens had long finished their meal and had just turned up when the investor was leaving. Adagio cocked an eye as she spotted the older gentleman, and he in return had spotted her. He merely rose an eye, as if something caught his attention.
The male moved onward after pausing for a brief moment, and during that small and minor interaction - Silent had spotted the look Slim Pickens had gave Adagio. It was a massive boost of confidence, it was a good sign that things would indeed, work out for him.
"Who's the stiff?" Adagio asked.
"The stiff... is one of the main members of the Canterlot Broadway Club. Remember what I mentioned to you earlier? He's one of the members I need to convince that this place, can still make money."
"Oh. Shouldn't be too difficult." The honey haired teenager smirked.
"That's the can-do attitude i'm searching for Miss Dazzle!"
"Please, just call me Adagio. Also, I have brought my two sisters. Both of which, I had mentioned to you."
"Oh yes. Please, allow me to introduce myself ladies. My nam-" Silent fell short of words, staring out the door past Adagio and Aria, eyes quickly focusing upon Sonata as she stood there behind both her siblings.
A quick rose came upon his cheeks, as he seen the youngest siren standing there with her happy-go-lucky face and killer body. This girl was visual gold. An ideal candidate for the stage, but it wasn't just this that he was interesting in. Her natural aura, he was drawn too it.
Naturally Adagio noticed what was happening, but she merely smirked and stayed quiet. She wanted to see how this played out, yet before Aria had a chance to speak and ruin the moment - Adagio quickly edged her with an elbow and rolled her eyes at the two.
"Oh for f..." Aria groaned and folded her arms.
"My name is uh... Silent... Silent Mic. It's a pleasure to meet you, miss...?"
"Huh? Who... me?" Sonata blinked.
"Yes, you Sonata. Who else is he talking too right now." Adagio chuckled.
"Oh. I'm Sonata Dusk! It's really nice to meet you mister Silent Silent Mic!"
"Ahaha... no, no! It's just Silent Mic or rather... just call me Silent, please."
"Sure thing Silent!"
The man was captivated by her, she was utterly gorgeous. They all were! This was going to be great, he'd have all sorts of people coming to watch shows here with these three. He was going to hire more performing staff, but for now he'd have to make due.
"And you must be?"
"Aria Blaze. Charmed."
"Wow, what a solid name... I like it! It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Blaze."
"It's Aria, no need for that formal crap."
"Oh, alright then. Thank you Aria."
The man was pleased that he got introductions out of the way. Now it was time to figure out what was going to happen. With a wave of his hand he'd invite them inside, standing aside and letting them enter the building.
"Please, come in and make yourselves at home."
"Let's go girls." Adagio spoke.
All three sirens entered in one after the other and looked around at the fancy interior of the building. It seemed that Silent wasn't wrong about the building, it had plenty of value too it. It also seemed to be one of those older theatres that had people experiencing nostalgia from an older point in their lives.
It was homely and cosy to be in. Already Adagio was pleased to be inside, a smile spreading upon her features and admiring the artwork and detail that went into the buildings design. Truly Silent Mic had a place worth a pretty penny, and she understood straight away why he was desperate to keep it.
"Wow! This place is so pretty! Look at all the ceiling art!" Sonata giggled, hands thrust in the air.
"Yeah... I guess it does look pretty okay." Aria followed.
"Welcome everyone. To the Silent Night theatre!" Silent announced with such spirit.
"This place is very artistic I must say. Excellent taste in design."
Adagio spoke as she continued to look about the building, having entered the lobby - they all slowly made their way into the main auditorium. The inside was fanciful and bright. Such vibrant colours of red and gold spiraling around the ceiling, up and down pillars and along the very collars of each wall.
The most elegant part of the buildings interior display, was the masterpiece of artwork that was displayed upon the roof. It stared down at everyone and was powerful in it's display. It was the Pegasus and Earth Pony version of the Creation of Adam. It was breathtaking. Yet when Adagio stared up at it, she felt a series of emotions. As did her sisters, but while it portrayed an enemy, it showed so much more.
The wash of hatred that quickly rose within her, settled and she'd shake her head. This was still something she needed to get control of and ignore. It wouldn't change their situation, she'd have to deal with it another time if that time ever came.
For now, the sirens continued to stand there and absorb the beauty that was their new place of work. All three of them seemed content and happy about this location, but it was up to Adagio and Silent now to work something out.
"Do you girls want to take a seat? Anywhere is fine, we need to come to an arrangement so we can get started."
"Of course, let's talk business." Adagio smiled, as she and the others took a seat on one of those plush audience chairs.
Silent did the same, but crossed his legs and kept a friendly smile upon his face. He watched carefully and admired how the three stuck together and worked like a pack, but his eyes couldn't help but wander toward Sonata as she sat there, mystified by the surrounding art and design. It was adorable.
"Can you tell me about yourselves, Adagio? I want to know what you can do, help me so I can help you." Silent asked.
"We can sing. Act. Dance and do just about anything that requires a natural talent in regards to performing. We're all naturals so too speak."
"Excellent, excellent." Silent smiled. "Could you sing a bit for me now?"
It was then that Adagio froze up, she knew what was going to happen - but regardless she would nod in compliance. Taking a deep breath, the siren began to sing.
"Aaaaaah-aaaaaaaaaaaah-aaaaaaaaaaaah-laaaaaa-aaaaaaaaaa!"
Silent squinted his eyes and grit his teeth, as he sat there and endured that awful attempt at singing. It were as if at that moment, he perhaps considered taking that offer. But surely there was a reason, girls as beautiful as they were and not being able to sing. He needed to press this.
"Okay, okay hold up... I thought you said you guys were all good singers?" He asked, questioning Adagio.
"We were! We were really good! But something happened and we all lost our ability to sing... but we're practicing really hard, aren't we 'Dagi?!" Sonata blurted up.
"Yes, we are Sonata. Those awful girls we faced off against at that school... they pulled a dirty trick on us and damaged her vocals." Adagio shook her head.
"That's right. We were winning too." Aria added.
Silent wasn't sure what to make of this new development, but sensed that there was some truth in the matter. The deciding factor for him, was Sonata. Had she not spoke up, he may have dismissed the story entirely. But that girl seemed incredibly innocent to him and that alone was enough to peak his trust.
"So you all sang at a school competition and they... sabotaged your chances of winning by pulling some prank on you? That's awful... what was the school if I may ask?"
"It doesn't matter, it's not important. We simply can't use our voices properly at this moment, but we practice everyday. We can dance, entertain and do whatever else you'd expect from us. But right now, we just can't sing." Adagio finished.
"I see." Silent hummed, obviously deep in thought at his current situation. After a few moments he would sit up from his chair and look them all in the eye, switching between each siren as he spoke.
"I'll lay it out for you all. We have about two months. Maybe even ONE month to convince the CBC that we're able to bring in cash. An income and sustain the Silent Night theatre without further assistance or even money-lending. I told the man you all saw, that when the time was ready - I'd put on a great night's show of entertainment."
The conversation paused and he'd cough lightly, arms folded across his chest.
"If we can be prepared by then and show them, that we can entertain the masses here in the city. Then they'll stop harassing me to sell shop and move out. I have enough money to sustain this place and those within it; for about two months. After that? I'm done."
A serious and collected expression washed over Silent's face. It was evident that he was absolutely serious about this. He had placed all his cards on the table and was now waiting to see what the others would do.
"We understand that Silent, we're naturals at bringing in crowds. Aren't we girls?"
"Yeah!" "Yup." Both them replied.
"I've told you the situation. In-fact you're all my last hope to get this place going, I know we can rise again like a great Phoenix Adagio. But I need all the talented help I can get."
"Yeah, I get that Silent. We're in a bind too. So... we can help each other out." Adagio replied.
"Okay, at least now we're all on the same page. Now tell me... what do you need from me?"
"We need shelter. We don't have any permanent residency, so we need a home, food and in exchange we can keep practicing for hours upon hours every day and help you with whatever you need us to do. You mentioned about putting together a show, I can help you with that and we can all partake."
"Excellent. That's all I wanted to hear. I'll show you all to your rooms, feel free to stay and there's plenty of food don't worry. Just help me... to save my Silent Night. Don't let them take it away from me."
"Don't worry. We're not going anywhere, Silent. You'll get to keep your theatre and we'll make everyone in this pathetic little world, adore us."