The Starswirl Festival only happens once every year for fans and aspiring musicians to enjoy the music from one of the many independent singers and bands that are popular. They always expect new songs after checking the official Starswirl website and they’re never disappointed. With most of the vehicles filling up the parking lot, the artists will give them their all to make every year great for everyone. But even in times like these, not everyone is in a great mood to enjoy themselves.
One particular eighteen year old adult parked her motorcycle by the reserved for motorcycles sign. Her hair is jet black with a pink streak covering her right eye. She wears a black leather jacket with a necklace with a light blue pendant around her neck. She got that pendant a year ago from her parents on her birthday. It was the only thing they could do for the only daughter they ever had. Her name is Zoe Star Pink
When she took off her helmet, she immediately headed to the festival without making any eye contact with her surroundings, no matter how nice they were. In fact, it made her annoyed and frustrated.
“Agh! I hate these losers.” She thought.
Before Zoe would head to one of the concerts where the bands are about to perform, she went to the food stands to have something to eat. Out of the stands available, the one stand that made her feel a bit relieved is a nacho stand.
After waiting in a line, which she absolutely hates doing, the person in front of her took her meal and walked away.
“So young woman? What do you want?” Summer Solstice asked politely. The black and pink streak haired girl didn’t respond to the question, instead she looked at the sign of the types of foods available in the stand. “Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes I did, don’t bother to repeat again.” She responded with her ruthless tone coming out.
“Hey, I just wanted to know.”
Zoe rolled her eyes upon the response. “I want a nacho casserole.” She handed Summer the money.
“Okay, but I don’t understand why you're in a bad mood.” She took the money from the girl while giving her a plate with the nacho casserole. “This is the Starswirl Festival after all, where all the best music is.”
“I get it!” She responded while taking the plate from Summer. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll make friends here.”
She left the stand while finding a table to sit at by herself. Summer and the customers in line were stunned from what they witnessed. “Well looks like someone isn’t into the spirit of this festival.” Summer retorted.
Zoe, then sat at one table that’s completely empty, beginning to eat her casserole, while looking forlornly at the festival. For the many options open for the rest of the day and tomorrow, she has no problem missing all of the music she likes. She noticed there are posters representing PostCrush and Dirk Thistleweed’s band, but then there’s that one poster in particular that caught her attention.
After taking her time on finishing her casserole, she threw her trash away and looked at the poster with three girls on it. They are posed with lights glowing on them from behind. Their band name at the bottom is what caused her expectations to rise a bit.
“The Dazzlings?” She blinked. “These girls are hot. I should give them a try.” She took out her map to find the location where The Dazzlings are performing. Once she found it, she immediately took a head start to her next destination.
It was way too early for people to watch The Dazzlings perform since they’re the last group people wanted to watch in the festival. Once Zoe found her destination, there were only about fifteen people here with three more minutes until the band's next performance. She usually expects about a hundred people, but today, it was less than that which made her less mad.
“This is...a lot better than a screaming crowd.” She thought. “This band must be new.”
As she headed to the other side of the field, it took about three minutes until the speakers turned on. “The Dazzlings will begin momentarily.” The speaker spoke through his microphone.
The crowd slowly turned quiet, allowing the stage to blow fog from the machines from the left and right. The music begins with three girls coming from the left side of the stage. Their fans are eager to listen to their next song, but as for Zoe, she put all her attention on The Dazzlings once they got out on the stage.
Adagio begins the song with her turn, while giving the small audience her seductive eyes. Sonata and Aria swing their hips at the beat of the song, which made Zoe impressed. Jazz music is one of her favorite music genres, especially when she’s in the mood to dance.
“This is...very delightful.” She smirked.
Sonata began her part of the song as she continued dancing. Soon the crowd swung their hips after listening to the band’s latest song. The song gets way better, when the lyrics represent the meaning of The Dazzlings struggles in this world.
Zoe did listen to several songs about change, and moving on in life...and she adores it. Then finally, Aria begins her part as the final member of the band. When Zoe heard her voice, she only had two words to describe Aria. Aggressive and lovely.
“She’s really good looking. Better than all the girls I’ve seen in high school.” She crossed her arms.
Then all the members of the band all sing the chorus of their song with their fans bobbing their heads to the beat of the music. As for Zoe, she didn’t bob her head, but still kept her expression from before. Just when The Dazzlings are close to finishing their song, Adagio sees Zoe at the other side of the field. She usually expects the same old people from before, but never expected an emo to stick around.
At the end of the day, she, along with Sonata and Aria will be signing autographs to their fans. And she would be happy to meet someone she has never met before, since she always takes advantage of her curiosity, just like Zoe.
After The Dazzlings finished their performance, Zoe loved every bit of it. Even if she didn’t see one of the many other bands in the Starswirl Festival yet, she had no problem spending the whole day watching The Dazzlings sing more of their songs. Other than heading to the bathroom once or twice, she stayed at the same place she arrived at. But then it all ended when the sun started to set, and with the moon slowly rising.
Zoe went to the backstage lounge where all the autographs are taking place. She saw The Dazzlings sitting together, taking their time signing each autograph from their fans. As much as she hates waiting in line, it will be totally worth it to meet the band she's adored for the last several hours.
Then Adagio turned her attention to Zoe, who just entered the lounge with a smile on her face. Zoe took notice, she was aware that Adagio looked at her earlier today, but during an autograph session always seemed unusual even for her.
When she got to the front of the line, it had taken about twenty minutes for her to get her chance to meet The Dazzlings. “Well well well, look what we have here.” Adagio smiled. “An emo.”
“And a very hot one at that.” Aria added.
“Yeah, have you ever been around here?” Sonata added.
Zoe didn’t know her curiosity would ever lead her to this path. “No, this is my first time in the Starswirl Festival but I’m so into music.”
“Really?” Adagio spoke. “What’s your name?”
“Zoe Star Pink.”
Upon hearing her full name, both Sonata and Aria found it interesting. “Zoe Star Pink?” Sonata blinked.
“That’s a very unique name for an emo.” Aria commented.
“Tell me Zoe, did you ever have any friends during your high school life?” Adagio asked which made Zoe shake her head in response. “Zero friends?”
“Yes, who needs friends.” Zoe rolled her eyes, while the people from the back took offence from her freedom of speech.
“She really is an emo.” Fry Lilac whispered.
“Say. How about after we’re done signing autographs, why don’t we take you to the hedge maze to have a private conversation?”
“What!?” The fans shouted from behind in complete shock.
“You never do private conversions with us!” Space Camp called.
“We’re not full time speech-writers after our performances! Get used to it!” Aria shouted to her fans.
Zoe would never imagine she would talk to a band she not only enjoyed, but also just met today. However, she didn’t care. When there’s an opportunity in her sight, she will always take advantage of it.
“I’ll be waiting outside of the festival.” She smirked.
“Don’t worry, we'll remember to get you.” Adagio winked with her aggressive grin. Once she along with her members signed Zoe’s autograph, Zoe took her autograph and left the lounge.
All the customers left the Starswirl Festival as it closes for the day. All the bands and artists stayed in their personal RVs until the morning. Zoe waited by the gate of the festival. With the amount of time she usually waited in the past, this occasion was unreal. No one would ever get the opportunity to have a private meeting with a band, mostly exclusive to the Starswirl Festival.
Soon after, when all of the employees left the festival, they turned off all of the lights. In the next five minutes, Sonata Dusk appeared to take Zoe to the maze. On the way there, the whole festival is completely empty and still, like a dark forest with the endless hooting of owls.
“I got to say,” Zoe commented. “You, along with your band members really know how to prepare a conversation alone.”
“Well it was Adagio’s idea. She always prefers conversations during the night time.” Sonata replied. “Do you prefer that too?”
“If I actually had friends or a boyfriend, yes.”
“Wow, you really are an emo.”
“And I have no problem with it in the slightest.”
It took about a minute for Sonata and Zoe to find the hedge maze. By the time they headed there, Adagio and Aria were nowhere to be seen, but it didn’t stop Sonata. They enter in the grass maze with the lights still on. From Zoe’s perspective like everyone else, it’s always beautiful with lights hanging inside hedge hallways, glowing in many different colors.
“Don’t you just love it when you're walking in a maze with lights to help you see where you're going and to calm you down?” Sonata turned her head to Zoe.
“Who hasn’t. Anyone without a brain won’t love it.” Zoe responded.
They finally made it to one of the four open rooms of the maze where Adagio and Aria are waiting. “You’re here.” Aria took notice. “That didn’t take long.”
Adagio placed her hands on her hips, being patient for the last several hours after wrapping up the autograph signings. “I can tell you're really stunned right now.”
“Actually, I’m less enthusiastic.” Zoe smirked.
“Less enthusiastic, huh?”
“Now that’s something we never expect our fans to be like.” Aria crossed her arms with style.
“Tell me about it. Every time any teen in my high school sees something so awesome, they always cheer and deliver a standing ovation.”
“Isn’t that the point of fans adoring something they like?” Sonata asked which made all the girls give her annoyed glares.
“That’s the point, doofus!” Adagio retorted. “If you ever recall, Zoe isn’t the type of person who enjoyed the noise of big crowds.”
“Have you ever met a person who hasn’t hated a crowd while trying to enjoy a concert?” Aria added.
“No I haven’t.” Sonata responded.
“Well guess what, you're looking at that person and it’s me.” Zoe pointed at herself as she sat on a bench. “I love musical artists and bands, but the sacrifice I keep making every time I go to a concert is what I really despise, Noise! Noise! And loud noise!”
She sighed, while trying to calm herself down. While Aria and Sonata didn’t believe how she felt in her surroundings, Adagio didn’t flinch, still keeping her smirk, knowing that the conversation had just gotten a whole lot more interesting.
“Let me tell you something Zoe.” The leader gave Zoe her fancy smile. “Without sold out concerts or huge tours, bands or artists would never be a thing in our society.”
“Yes, I get that.” Zoe rolled her eyes.
“And our fans adore us every time we sing all of our songs.”
“We work our butts off to get a fanbase that takes months or even years to grow.” Aria lidded her eyes. “From my standards and advice, I always think of the fans as worshippers who actually have a taste in music.” She then pointed at Zoe. “And you're one of them after spending all your time watching us.”
“Besides, sometimes bands on tour can be shown on live TV and increase the size of a fanbase exponentially.” Sonata added.
“I know.” Zoe responded. “Whenever I go on a band’s website online and read a blog about them being on live television, it’s always a relief. Hell, if a band comes to where I live and it’s still gonna be on TV-”
“You would still come and see them live, right?” Adagio crossed her arms as Zoe blushed.
“What!?” She yelled.
“You know what I mean. You know full well a band only comes to one state once in a LONG while until the next time.”
“Well yeah but-” Just when the emo continued the subject, Adagio placed her finger on her lips.
“If YOU were an amazing solo singer and we were in your shoes, we would do the same thing.”
“It’s true.” Aria smiled.
“Always true.” Sonata added.
After the leader moved her finger away, Zoe had to stomach the reality. Ever since day one, the concerts continued to get louder and louder, each time she attended them. As much as she hates being around people all the time, she knew they were having the time of their lives. All the while she’s trying to enjoy herself, but the truth always gets away from her.
She realized that Adagio sat by her while placing her hand on her thigh. “You wanna tell me why we wanted to have a private conversation with you?” She asked.
“Yes?” Zoe looked into the leader’s eyes.
“We want you to be a part of our band.”
The emo’s jaw dropped in disbelief, but not long as Adagio shut it slowly while her attention was glued to the light blue pendant around Zoe’s neck. “I understand you're not much of a singer, but the way you dress, especially this gorgeous pendant around your neck, is similar to what we had, except in an opposite color...it was like a breath of fresh air, straight from heaven itself.”
Zoe rolled her eyes while smiling. “You must be joking.”
“Do you think I would ever joke? You know I’m eager for you to join.” Her attention remained on the emo, while her eyes lidded with a grin. Not only did Zoe take notice of this, but it also caused her to make another grin, one which she rarely ever makes. “Come on, you know it would be delightful to have you around. I bet we’ve met a lot of hot men who would definitely want to meet you.”
Zoe may hate the people she can’t stand, but when it comes to junior and senior males, she sometimes fantasizes herself hanging out with them. “Maybe I’ll get one and show them I’m a very good kisser.”
“Now that’s the advice I like to hear.”
“But first, I should get some lessons from ladies...like you.”
She then pressed her lips on Adagio’s, which made the leader’s eyes shoot open. For the first time in her life, she’s gotten a kiss from a human being, who’s a girl nonetheless. She slowly closed her eyes, while placing her hand on the back of Zoe’s head.
“Looks like I’m gonna be her girlfriend/counselor. Best time in my life.”
Aria and Sonata were speechless, but also impressed. Since Zoe was the one who kissed their leader, that must be her answer to wanting to join their group. When the emo broke the kiss, she leaned back, while Adagio opened her eyes and got off the bench.
“Well it looks like we’re gonna give you a bedroom once we rent an actual house.” Adagio smiled. “And I barely feel happy during occasions like this.”
“Oh please, I feel the same way when a man kisses me.” Zoe getting off the bench. “So what are we gonna do first?”
“You should probably enjoy the rest of the festival for tomorrow.” Sonata said.
“Once the festival is over, we'll be giving you some lessons before our next concert.” Aria added. “Trust me, it’s not easy to be a singer, whether you're in a band or a choir.”
“Don’t worry Aria, I bet Zoe would be a talented member in our group in no time.” Adagio smiled. “Right Zoe?”
“Damn right!” Zoe smirked. “I guess we all do have one thing in common.”
“There is more than that. But we always have to start somewhere.”
The Dazzlings and their new member Zoe left the maze and went to their separate ways. Adagio, Sonata, and Aria head to their RV while Zoe heads to the closest motel where she can spend the night. All in her mind right now is what life is gonna lead her once the Starswirl Festival is over for the year. Her time to get to know The Dazzlings is only the beginning and this experience will be her only chance to show them what she’s made of. In all of her life as an emo, she was always shallow and apathetic, but at the end of the day she loves the adoration of the people who like her for her. When their curiosity grows to an affection, just like hers, it makes her look forward to tomorrow and the road ahead.
