Mistress (Adagio's Big Comeback)

You lived by a few nuggets of wisdom you'd learned from your mom.

Always wash behind your ears.

Always look both ways before crossing the street.

And, one of the more recent ones, don't go looking for girls in seedy bars, and that went double for any sort of long term relationship.

*Hooonk*

“Get outta the way, ya fuckin' moron! I'm drivin' here!”

“Sorry,” you call out and raise your arms in apology, but as you turn away from the angry driver, you mumble, “for nothing asshole.”

Sorry mom, you're failing on all cylinders today. You didn't have a chance to shower since the meeting, the're no time to worry about the roads, and girls? The one you met in a seedy ass bar?

Admittedly, that one just doesn't technically apply. Diamond in the (relative) rough doesn't even begin to describe your girlfriend. The dive-bar was just a stepping stone.

You slow your jog as you reach the other side of the packed street, breathing hard, and take a look at the billboards overhead.

'Mistress: The Dazzlings Comeback Concert'. Sold out.

Seeing your family on several of the biggest ad-spaces in the middle of downtown Manehattan never gets old. The trio, dressed in custom, personalised, ultra sexy dresses as they pose suggestively, just reminds you of where you're going. The biggest venue in the city; the Clydesdale Arena.

'Sponsored by the new Radwave Equine Omni smartphone; Infinite power and connectivity at your fingertips,' the signs also say in the corner.

Your plans for cornering the energy market? That's not gonna happen any time soon. There's a lot of greedy assholes sitting on the old energy holdings, and it turns out they've got a lot of lawyers who've wrapped your energy conversion device up in litigation for years. Every slanderous term under the sun has been thrown at your machine; that it's unsafe, that it's fraudulent and, because you won't divulge precisely how it works, it's unfair and all sorts of other bullshit.

You can prove them wrong, but you didn't have the cash to hire the lawyers needed to untangle it. You certainly do now, but the wheels of litigation roll oh-so slowly. It doesn't matter, because at this point, it's not about money. It's now about giving a giant middle finger to the world that your mom was right, your dad was an asshole for leaving her, and that Radian Wave, the kid that didn't stand out, will have his name in the history books.

The funniest part was that, just like convincing Adagio to help you, it turns out your phone had all the answers to get the money train rolling. You really should have led with that one.

You refined and miniaturised the process of powering phones, crowd-funded a series of phone cases that used contactless tech to keep phones charged with magic and had your family 'convince' a few factories to take a chance on you to mass produce them. That earned you your first million in two months, and it's only escalated as you started making plug-in chargers that did the same to any USB powered device. They were more popular than Pinkie's breakfast fudge. Before long, you had to hire a whole bunch of people, including Sunset since she had recovered by that point, to assemble, package and ship your products. At least to begin with. You've found Sunset an even better position now.

These days, you've started selling phones directly through the Radwave company. Phones that have a lot more interesting tech as you apply your knowledge of magic in the human world. It's almost been a year and it's only escalating. Obviously this allowed you to back your new family in whatever ways they desired, as you'd promised.

Not that the Dazzlings needed more than one venue and one new song to take the world by storm. Between their properly honed voices (which Adagio still insisted on getting the practice in without their necklaces), Sonata's fanbase, Aria's blistering skill with her electric guitar and and their magic, they instantly topped the charts. You just pointed at venues, and they would gladly accept your sponsorship. You even wondered whether to package free tickets with your cellphones just to make sure your family gets the admiration they deserved, but it wasn't necessary.

Alright, enough catching your breath. You say, “Emitt, boost me.”

“Yes, Dr. Wave,” a smooth, male, computerised voice says within your coat.

A unicorn signal flows over you, clearing the fatigue, and you resume your jog across the packed, traffic-jammed streets.

It's a bitterly cold, with the occasional flutter of snow in the air. You abandoned your limo several blocks back due to the gridlock, but it doesn't matter, you're on schedule as you pass through another alleyway.

“Hey, hold up, slim,” a voice says as a couple of guys block the way. “Where you goin' in such a hurry?”

Oh, great. “Got a date, going to take in a show. Look, man, I'm running late as it is, can I just head on through?”

The ringleader, a lanky guy with a face full of piercings, looks you over with a sneer. “Wait a sec, ain't you that new rich kid? Radio Way or some shit?”

His friends get closer and his hand sneaks into his pocket. There's a bulge there. You hear a metallic click of a hammer being pulled back on a gun.

Oh, double fucking great. “Real talk? It's not like we walk around with cash falling out of our pockets.”

“You've gotta have something worth out while. That's a nice watch. Give it over and maybe we won't break your legs, slim.” He grabs your collar.

“I ain't got time this,” you say, firmly. “I'm gonna give you one chance to get the fuck out of my way, or things get messy.”

You're not missing your family's big finale. Adagio's far scarier than these dickheads.

He pulls his gun.

You just say, “Emitt, blackout.”

“Executing.”

A chime sounds twice from your jacket, then after a second, a deeper beep. Every one of these douchbags suddenly drops like a sack of potatoes. You feel a wave of discomfort, held off by the unicorn signal. You pull out Emitt, a small, ray-gun like emitter and check the readings; apparently two of these guys were unicorns too. So much for them being smarter on average.

The ringleader groans and asks, “the fuck did you just do to me?”

“Nothing permanent,” you say as you re-holster Emitt, kick away the lead thug's gun, then kick him right between the legs as hard as you can and receive a long, pained moan. “Might ache for a while though.”

You straighten your coat and continue on your way.

Two more streets filled with cars, and you finally reach the arena just as the snow really starts coming down. You ignore the front entrance and head to backstage access.

“Hold on there, slim,” a security guard says and gets in the way. “VIP access only.”

You really need to get more pointers from Aria at this rate people keep picking on your build. You've got some good toning going on, but bulk? Not so much.

You reach inside your jacket and fumble around for your pass...

Oh, goddamn it, you left it in the limo!

You scratch your head. “Look, I'm the Dazzlings own-”

“Biggest fan,” he interrupts, “I bet. I'm gonna make this easy, kid; no pass, no entry. Don't make this difficult.”

“Kid? Now, you hold on a second-”

The door opens, surprising the guard, and you see a friendly face.

Sunset says, “Ray! Finally!” She turns to the security guard. “It's alright, Pep, he's the band owner. Hell, you're on his paycheck.”

“Really?” he says, glancing between her and you. “Wait, you're Radial Wade? I heard about you on the news! Shit, sorry sir.”

You roll your eyes and head inside, and the security guard closes the door behind you.

“Thanks, Sunset,” you say and put an arm around her shoulders and give her a quick hug. “You're a lifesaver.”

“It's fine. I know you've got a lot on your plate still. Though you abandoned Cruise Control again? Doesn't he get tired of you ditching him?”

“Relax, he likes the quiet. Am I too late?”

Sunset shakes her head. “They're halfway through the 'Found the Magic' reprise as we speak.”

You can hear the gentle melody as you head through a fire door;

“Oooh, oh, oh.

Oooh, oh, oh,

We found the magic!

We found the magic~”

The crowd cheers just as you reach stage side, with the lights on the edge of the stage helping obscure the band, so it takes you a while to let your eyes adjust to the dark. You see them first by the faint glow of their necklaces before you can really make out any details.

Sonata's taking a quick sip of water from a bottle and quickly towels her brow. She's dressed in a cute, shimmery red dress that really emphasises her curvy body. Aria's strapping on Metal-Mane, dressed in an outfit that's got a lot of elements with her old sleeveless jacket and jeans combo, but way showier. A blend of elegant and rockband glam. She notices you, gives a nod, then heads over to Adagio.

Your girlfriend's wearing a jaw-dropping white sequinned dress that looks as glamorous as it is beautiful, even if it still pales in comparison to her own majesty and presence. Her stone, just as perfect as when you personally fixed it the day after your return from Equestria, glistens in the dim lighting.

She's got a serious expression but Aria nudges her, and nods in your direction before heads back to her section of the stage, Addy's professional facade drops as she spots you, beams a huge smile and waves.

You kiss your hand and blow it to her, and she 'catches' it, plants it between her perfect cleavage but takes a deep breath and once more puts on her game-face, then faces the crowd as a spotlight slowly illuminates a circle in front of her.

A gentle piano kicks in a sombre tune, and Adagio steps forward, into the spotlight microphone in hand, and sings;

“I'd never felt so powerless, or ever so alone,

I felt that I would have no choice but to cower and atone.

Listlessly I carried on, regardless of what I'd befall,

But then you found me, and once more I stood proud and tall.”

The piano gets joined by a low synth. Dark and brooding, as well as deep, subtle guitar chug from Aria as the tempo increases smoothly.

“You said those magic words, and the dark within gave voice,

And I took you for my own, as if you ever had a choice.

But what were those words you whispered, deliciously in my ear?

You’d take a knee and worship me, there'll be nothing else to fear!

You’d die for just one touch of my tenderest caress,”

Adagio grabs the shoulder of her dress, ripping it free in a flash of stage lights, revealing a tight black and purple leather ensemble that's just... wow. All that toned, gold skinned subtle skin peaking through as she belts out, in time with the heavy beat;

“And you'll know your place is just to bow before your mistress!”

Still in the dark, the other Dazzlings join in for the chorus as the music hits its peak tempo overtaken by the synth and electric guitar thrash;

“Adore us!

Just try to ignore us!

When the tension's rising faster,

We're your succour from disaster!

Ooohh!

Obey us!

Just try to betray us!

Bow before our words and cower,

As our will fills you with power!

We're the dark that terrifies the bravest of the brave!

We're the dirty secrets you'll all carry to your grave!

If you worship at our feet, your spirit we will save!

Just bow before your mistress!”

The lights kick in on Sonata's section as Adagio struts over to her, and they coordinate in a sultry dance. Swaying hips, hooked elbows and knees as they use each other to support as the music continues to thump, before Sonata steps forward, and (with Adagio on backup vocals) sings her section;

“Watching you crawling on your knees has me positively grinning!

You could try to fight back but-“

The music cuts.

“Hello! Hashtag!”

And resumes.

“#WeKeepWinning!

So just be a good girl or boy and we'll get along just fine!

I'll be your pussy cat, if you’ll be my ball of twine!

I'll take your chocolates, your gifts, and all of your flowers,

Or you'll find out why no-one wants to be an enemy of ours!

My will enshrouds, your head in the clouds,

Ignorance is bliss, and you just don't wanna miss,

Living life without all that undue stress,”

The Dazzlings all sing, leading into the chorus;

“So bow before your mistress!”

“Adore us!

Just try to ignore us!

When the tension's rising faster,

We're your succour from disaster!

Ooohh!

Obey us!

Just try to betray us!

Bow before our words and cower,

As our will fills you with power!

We're the dark that terrifies the bravest of the brave!

We're the dirty secrets you'll all carry to your grave!

If you worship at our feet, your spirit we will save!

Just bow before your mistress!”

A select section of the crowd begins roaring and cheering as Aria's section lights up, and she thunders up to the stage's edge and just explodes into an absolutely savage guitar solo. Anyone who doubts how much of a soul Ari has just needs to witness this; her expression is just rapturous. Pure bliss as she works the guitar like a goddess.

Adagio and Sonata step behind Aria, and it turns into something Adagio calls an 'antecedent-consequent' section, or a musical 'question and answer' routine. Aria hammers out a complex set of chords that seem to trail off without an apex, then Adagio and Sonata reply with an acappella response that has a more finite end to each bar.

The singing pair break away with one final flurry on the strings, then it's almost a shame that Metal-Mane has to mellow down as Aria belts her raging section;

“Come at us with pride, and you're set up for a fall,

Bow down at our boots and cower AS WE STAND TALL!

You're nothing to us, and you’ll do everything we please!

And you'll find life is much easier when you're always ON YOUR KNEES!

Stay, obey, follow our every word,

Free will? Choice? Hah! DON'T BE ABSURD!

Pray and don't stray from the demands we give,

And rewards? You'll be happy YOU GET TO LIVE!

But maybe I'll give you mercy, and relief from your duress!

But only if you go ahead and-“

Then all three head towards the centre stage and roar;

“BOW BEFORE YOUR MISTRESS!”

They reach the middle of the stage, and a platform rises up as the Dazzlings fire into the finale:

“Adore us!

Just try to ignore us!

When the tension's rising faster,

We're your succour from disaster!

Ooohh!

Obey us!

Just try to betray us!

Bow before our words and cower!

As our will fills you with power!

We're the dark that terrifies the bravest of the brave!

We're the dirty secrets you'll all carry to your grave!

If you worship at our feet, your spirit we will save!

So bow, oh bow before us!

Oohhhh!

Love us!

Nothing else above us!

As our influence grows vaster,

Be the servant to your master!

Revere us!

Just so you’ll be near us!

We will bind you to our power,

We're your queens atop the tower!

At the crack of our whips, you'll know how to behave!

We're the unmatched beauty you have no choice but to crave!

We're the untamed power of a crushing tidal wave,

So take a knee,

and you will see,

there was never a choice,

besides our voice!

Subjugation is bliss,

So let’s do this!

And bow before your MISTRESS!”

The pyrotechnics kick off as the stage lighting dims, and the crowd just goes nuts, while the sisters give each other a celebratory hug as the platform lowers.

Adagio brings the mic to her lips and says, “we love you , Manehattan! Good night, and just dream of what we could do to you if you'd only bow!”

She chuckles and drops the mic, you see her say 'good crowd tonight' to her sisters as they make their way off stage towards you.

A guy in a suit heads onto the stage from the other side, picks up the mic, and announces, “thank you, Dazzlings! Ladies and gentlemen, before you leave tonight, we have just a quick message from Manehattan mayoral candidate, Ms. Harshwhinny.”

Sunset shrugs. “Always someone buying in on the popularity of others, though at least Harshwhinny seems to be a better politician than most.” She gives you space as your family reach you.

“Hi, Ray!” Sonata chirps and you give her a high five.

“S'up,” Aria says and you fist bump her.

“Ray!” Adagio cheers and dives into your arms. “You made it! I was getting worried for a second there.”

You spin her around, then kiss her for a good few seconds before answering, “yeah, sorry. Manehattan's just absolutely packed. I don't know if we're getting out of the arena tonight.”

Sonata gasps. “B- but I've got a voice recording session tomorrow morning for Guardians of Gale Glade!”

Aria glowers and says, “and I've got that stupid charity thing, and the Rainbooms're gonna be playing. I don't give two shits about the venue, but I'm not missing a chance to crush Rainbow Dash and her sloppy fretwork into the ground.”

Adagio pokes Sunset's shoulder and says, “I don't care what it takes, Sunset, get my sisters out of Manehattan, tonight! Come on, girls, let's head to the green room.”

Sunset rolls her eyes and pulls out her phone. “Ugh, fine, I'll see what I can do,” she says as the Dazzlings head on. She then turns to you and says, “when you said you'd give me a more important job than packing and shipping phone chargers, I didn't exactly envision 'The Dazzlings' personal chew-toy' as a long term career.”

“I did say I'd work your ass,” you say with a chuckle. “Plus, it's the perfect cover if we hear about an artefact popping up anywhere; I can throw some money at a music venue and set up an impromptu Dazzlings concert, we turn up, check things out while the hype train rolls, and nobody's the wiser. Besides, I know Aria gives you a hard time and Sonata doesn't... well, really take you seriously sometimes, but Adagio really appreciates what you're doing. She's just keeping up the facade for the sake of the band. Plus, it's been a hectic tour; they're all a little cranky.”

“I'm not trying to be a whiner here, but I'm not their P.A,” Sunset says and pouts. “I'm supposed to be the band manager!”

“I know! I'm sorry, their assistant backed out for... well, obvious reasons, really, but that's why I arranged a bonus for you. Check it out.”

Sunset gives you a funny look, sighs and taps her phone a few times. “It's not about money. You're paying me plenty, it's just-”

She stops dead, her eyes go wide and her jaw goes slack. “W- what... how much!? So... many... digits!”

You pat her on the back. “Like I said. A bonus. Plus, now the tour's over, I insist you take a vacation. You went from broken ribs and actual internal bleeding to working for me and you've barely taken any time off. I'm definitely going somewhere with Addy to relax, and you deserve a break before some other new Equestrian artefact screws things over. Please, for me?”

Sunset gulps and finally collects herself. “I guess I still felt guilty. But wait, where are you going?” She suddenly catches on. “You mean your secret project? You've managed to get it to work?”

You frown and admit, “I'm close, but missing a final step. I'm hoping to have it sorted out tonight. It's almost me and Addy's first year anniversary from when we met and it'll make a great gift. I've already finished the other two things.”

“Damn, you managed all that despite all the legal and business crap? Nice,” Sunset says, then sighs. “Look, go have fun with Adagio, I've gotta make some calls. Give me a couple of hours and hopefully I'll have some strings pulled to get Ari and Sonata back to Canterlot City.”

“Thanks, Sunset.” You give her a pat on the shoulder and she heads off, and you run to catch up with your family. As you spot the Dazzlings, a small figure steps out from behind a costume rack, and you bump into it.

A high pitched yelp and you grab the small figure as it falls.

The Dazzlings all turn, their stones glow, and they all start singing a low tone that makes your mind hum as they zero their stares at you.

“I'm sorry! I know I'm not supposed to be here,” the little figure says, and you have a better look at what you're dealing with. A young girl, maybe seven or so. She's decked out in Dazzling merchandise and even has her hair in Aria's twin-tailed style.

Everyone relaxes, you let her go and ask, “never mind that. Are you okay?”

The girl shies away from you, but nods.

Adagio smiles warmly as she says, “hey, come here. We won't bite.” She bends down and beckons the kid over.

The girl nervously approaches and you move beside your girlfriend.

Adagio asks, “did you enjoy the show?”

The kid's eyes light up as she grins. “Totally! You three are awesome!”

Sonata giggles. “We've got a smart cookie on our hands!”

Aria rolls her eyes, to which Adagio smirks as she then asks the girl, “and, let me guess, Aria's your favourite?”

The girl looks unsure. “Um. I mean, you're all great but... yeah...”

Aria's brow flinches, but you see her blush.

“Oh, I agree,” Adagio says and pats the girl on the head, and gives Aria a look. “Sonata has great range, and I'd like to think I add a touch of class to things, but Aria's the strongest member by far.”

More tensing of the brow, more flush to Aria's cheeks.

The girl suddenly adds, “I've been taking guitar lessons too!”

And that breaks the grump fully as Aria finally can't help but smirk. “Nice...” she stares at the girl for a moment, then clears her throat and says, “wanna try Metal-Mane?”

The awe on the little girl's face is like the sun peaking through rain-clouds. “Can I? I- I'm not that good, but...”

Aria holds out her treasured metallic purple guitar, and the girl slips the strap over her shoulders and strums a few chords of the updated, guitar-backed version of 'Welcome to the Show.' She even nails some of the complicated rhythm sections before wincing and going off key.

“You're pretty good already, kid,” you say. “Keep it up, I think you'll go far.”

Sonata nods in agreement. “For realsies! We've got a Dazzlet on our hands here!”

An older woman, led by security, appears from the stage. She gasps and runs up to the girl.

“Petunia! Oh, my goodness, what do you think you're doing, running off like that!” She pulls Petunia into a hug, looks at Adagio and pleads, “I'm so sorry if she disturbed you.”

Aria takes back her guitar as Adagio says, “it's fine, ma'am, she wasn't a bother. You've got a really talented girl there.”

“Come on, I'll see you out,” the security guard says.

“Wait a sec,” Aria says, and takes a spare copy of one of her own glittery, sleeveless jackets from a nearby rack, then a marker pen from a table, and autographs the inside lining. Adagio and Sonata do the same.

“Here you go, kid,” Aria says, still fighting off the smile. “But promise me you'll keep practising. I wanna see you hit the big time, but that'll only happen if you work at it, understand?”

Petunia looks at jacket and tears up. “I will! Thank you so much!”

Aria wraps the over-sized jacket around Petunia's shoulders, and returns to her usual aloofness as you all watch security lead them away.

You go to continue on to the green room, but notice the door's open...

“Wait,” you say.

Everyone stops, and you pull out Emitt, then perform a scan.

Five signatures in close proximity.

“Seriously, are security even doing their jobs?” You then yell, “who's there?”

A larger figure bolts from a secluded corner towards a nearby fire exit, and all you hear is the Dazzlings sing a powerful sustained tone, their necklaces flare red with power...

… and you're under their spell... blissful...

*Snap*

“Wakey, wakey, Ray,” Adagio says, with her post-snapped hand in front of your face.

You regain your senses, and see the trio standing around a man, his eyes green from the Dazzlings magic. A paparazzi, no doubt; a professional grade digital camera and a press pass around his neck, a snappy, overpriced but gaudy coat and a face you'd love to punch. Not the least because you recognise this asshole.

“Huh. Cruise Control warned me about this guy,” you say. “Snappy Scoop. Independent scumbag reporter.”

“Same from my studio,” Sonata says and puts on her best grumpy face (which is still adorable). “He's a total jerk.”

Snappy remains still and unresponsive as Adagio takes his camera. She hands it to you and says, “check out what we're dealing with here.” She then turns back to the reporter and asks, “why are you here, Mr. Scoop?”

He drones, “I heard a tip the Dazzlings were nasty to their fans. I made a girl sneak back stage to check out the scoop.”

The Dazzlings glance at one another and Aria stares daggers into the guy.

You thumb through the pictures with the touch screen; various shots of the show from the last few tours, some worrying scenes from back stage areas. There's even pictures of the interaction with Petunia.

Ah, here we go... images from inside the Dazzlings' dressing room from moments ago, a few with them getting changed in other venues, though you don't know how he got these shots without being noticed. You show the girls the pics.

“Oh, that's how it's gonna be, huh?” Aria says and cracks her knuckles.

“Dazzlings?” Adagio gestures you all to her, and you form a huddle. “Any suggestions?”

Sonata thumbs her chin. “Oh, I know! How about we make him buy a crap load of Dazzlings and Gale Glade merch? Like, payback for being a meanie?”

“Pfft, weak,” Aria says.

“I agree, we can do better than that,” Adagio says, but still looks over her shoulder at him and orders, “buy yourself fifty box-sets of the Guardians of Gale Glade. Special edition. And like... fifty deluxe Dazzlings promo packs. The really expensive ones from the main site.”

Snappy pulls out his phone and goes through the motions. It's fun watching the sirens magic's effect on someone, like they're being played like a fiddle.

Aria says, “how about we make this dickhead take a walk in traffic?”

“Eh, I don't know,” you say. “It's a bit much. Plus, it's a gridlock out there; he'll get maybe knocked over and a few bruises at worst. You know, seems to me a guy looking to drag people down, blackmail and ruin their careers should get a taste of his own medicine.”

Adagio goes maximum evil grin. “Oh, now that's an idea.” She turns around, raises her arms to signal her sisters to sing and, with their backing, says, “Mr. Scoop?”

He sways on his feet as the green in his eyes grows stronger, and mumbles, “yes, mistress.”

“Take off your pants. Underwear too.”

He obeys as the sirens stop singing. Aria utters her disgust, Sonata giggles and you politely look away.

“Go on stage and give Ms. Harshwhinny a nice hug! And kisses. Lots of kisses.”

“Yes, mistress,” he says, and walks towards the stage.

“Now, where were we?” Adagio says and leads on towards the green room. You all laugh as, after a few seconds, you hear several shocked screams, calls for security and demands for police about a sex attacker.

* * *