This was not one of her better days. Adagio Dazzle, freshman, hopefully, soon-to-be sophomore at Canterlot University, was looking at a package that she was shakily holding in her hands. Even though she had not opened it yet, she knew what was inside. This package, held what could seal her fate at this academy. It was her final report card, which not only showed the results of her time at the school, but also stated if she could continue staying here. Her face swelled with anxiety, as she timidly opened the envelope. Inside, was a yellow slip of paper and an envelope with a sticky note on the middle.

"Look at the yellow sheet first" was inscribed on the note , with an almost condescending tone about it. With trepidation in her eyes and butterflies in her stomach, Adagio unfolded the yellow piece of paper. Upon seeing it, her stomach did a nose-dive, most of her grades were lousy, with F's in everything other than in her Psychology class which she had made an A in. She had obviously made an A in this class, because this was the one course she had shown effort in. After reading the entire thing she then went for the envelope. It said:

Dear Adagio Dazzle,

Due to rather atrocious grades from your classes for both semesters, you will be relinquished of your scholarships here. When we accept students to this academy, we expect at least decent grades, not the dumpster-fire that you have left. Even with exceptional marks in both of your psychology courses, this is not enough to continue funding for you. You have thoroughly disappointed me today, and I hope that you finally understand what is in store for you in the future if you keep this up. I am tired of giving you second chances, no more. This is the only way for you to see what it means to utterly fail. I hope you are ready to face the consequences. Your atrocious behavior, not just academically, but socially as well, will not be tolerated. You cannot just start shouting matches with everyone you see. This is a recipe for disaster for you. I hope you are pleased with yourself.
Sincerely,
Headmaster Cinch

Adagio was beyond petrified, breathing heavily, her face contorted in panic.

"This cannot be happening. THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING!" she shrieked at the top of her lungs. She needed that money, if she did not have it, she would be kicked out. Then she would become homeless, just like her sister Aria. Aria, who thought that she was better than everyone else, abandoned her and Sonata to fend for themselves, thinking that she was about to become rich due to becoming the wife of BlueBlood, the wealthiest man in Canterlot. however, after 4 years of marriage, BlueBlood suddenly grew bored of her and got rid of her. Now, whenever Adagio would pass Jezebel Terrace, she would often see the very frail, weeping form of Aria, hunched over near the shopping mall, begging for money.

"No, that cannot be how this ends for me." Adagio said, refusing to live out her life like Aria. Sonata, after seven long and painful years, had a mental breakdown and had to be shipped off somewhere Adagio did not know of. This had shaken Adagio to her core, as Sonata had always been so bubbly and happy, and was now, well, she did not know where Sonata had gone. She missed Sonata greatly, always praying that, wherever she was, she was all right.

Later, Adagio was getting ready to head too Manehattan to hopefully be able to stay with a friend for the summer, due to losing not just her dorm, but her apartment as well. As she got her things in order, she heard a knock at her door.

"Who is it?" Adagio said with an air of annoyance in her voice. No response came, other than the non-coherent chatter of students as they passed by, probably talking about what their futures would be like at this campus.

"Aren't they lucky?" Adagio hissed, with vitriol in her voice. This began to bubble up into anger, until she finally exploded.

"They have no problems in school. They get all the benefits, all the respect. They sure as hell aren't getting stupid fucking letters from that stupid old headmaster. WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS? I SHOULD HAVE GOOD GRADES! I SHOULD HAVE ALL THE FRIENDS AND MONEY AND IMPORTANCE THAT I COULD EVER ASK FOR! I SHOULD BE THE LUCKY ONE! THIS IS ALL MY MOTHER-FUCKING FAULT!" Adagio shouted.

As her anger subsided, it morphed to sadness. Adagio wept bitterly, not being able to contain herself.

"Now I'm either going to be homeless, like Aria, or shipped off to some shelter. I'm a total waste of a human being."

She was interrupted again by a series of knocks on her door. Very annoyed, she ran to the door, and furiously swung it open. There was no one there. However, there was a letter for her, but unlike the unsavory shade of yellow Headmaster Cinch used, this envelope was business-oriented, with a plain white coloration. With apparent curiosity, she bent down to open it.

Dear Adagio Dazzle,

It has come to our attention that you are in desperate need for not just money, but a place you can call home. Well, have we got the opportunity for you. We have received good reception from a Mrs. Crystal Buttermilk. She talked nonstop about your talents with the mind. You, in our eyes, are a prodigy. We have never seen observations so accurate. Field reports so chock full of information. It left all of us speechless. Therefore, we just could not bear to let talent like this go to waste. You see, you are being awarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help us advance in the understanding of the mind and what it takes to put a broken mind back together. We invite you to work and live at the Canterlot Home for the Mentally Deranged as thanks for attaining talents such as yours. Enclosed is $80 and my phone number in case you wish to contact me if you have accepted my offer. I cannot wait to see the leaps in the field of psychology that we can accomplish together.

Sincerely,

Nurse Redheart

Adagio did not answer at first, being overcome by tears, but unlike the tears shed during the earlier tirade, these were tears of joy, appreciation, and gratitude towards Redheart for the miracle that had been delivered to her doorstep. She ran out of the dorm with the letter in hand, happiness pouring from her entire body.

As she waited at the taxi stop, she was excitedly dialing the phone number listed on the invitation. If what she was seeing was true, she could kiss her worries about money and having a place to live goodbye. She then dialed the numbers, and put the phone up to her ear.

"This is the Canterlot Home for the Mentally Deranged, Nurse Redheart speaking." Nurse Redheart said with a motherly tone in her voice.

"Hello, this is Adagio Dazzle, I wanted to ask if I could take you up on your offer."

Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed this chapter of the story. I know it's slow, but the juicy stuff is coming next time. Chapter 1 will be published tomorrow. See you guys then.

BTW, in case anyone asks, Adagio is living in the Home because another wing of the Home is a homeless shelter.