Cinematic Adventures: The Phantom of the Opera

The Performance

Disoriented and groggy, Rarity slowly regained consciousness. The back of her head hurt immensely from the crash upon the stage floor when she passed out. Her eyes spun around in her head, as her friends slowly help her up.

"Take it easy, Rarity," Twilight instructed.

"One step at a time there, sugar cube," Applejack added.

"Oh, I do hope she didn't receive any head trauma hitting the stage," Fluttershy said, worriedly.

"Nah, she'll be fine," Rainbow brushed off. "Not like it's the first time she's fainted and hit the floor."

Rarity shook her head rapidly, somehow getting the sense back in her head. Fully back on earth, she looked around to see everyone, including the cast members looking at her.

Still can't get over how they are taking these ponies so well.

I'm... Working on it...

"Oh dear me," Rarity shook her head. "I hope what I heard was merely a dream."

Madame Giry approached the group, kneeling beside the unicorn.

"I am afraid not, my dear. The Opera Ghost has apparently taken a fancy to your impeccable singing and wishes you to sing a ballad to introduce tonight's opera."

The rest of the ponies and Spike help Rarity stand back on her hooves. But the poor unicorn started to panic, as if having an anxiety attack.

"No, no, no, no, no!" Rarity objected, terrified. "I cannot possibly sing on stage in front of so many people!"

"I concur with the unicorn," Monsieur Andre agreed, stepping forward. "This opera house is meant to be the pinnacle of class and sophistication in all of Paris. We cannot possibly lower ourselves allowing common livestock here."

"Hey, watch it buddy!" Rainbow growled.

"Besides, don't we 'need' horses for Elissa's aria in Act Three?" Meg asked.

Andre completely ignored her, putting his head between his hands. Here were all these superstitious cast members taking orders from a figment of their imagination. But apparently, this 'figment' wants a talking unicorn to sing just to open tonight's show. What kind of business did they procure, a mad house? Firmin, however, pondered the idea.

"Actually Andre," Firmin spoke. "This could be good for business."

"Have you lost your mind, Firmin? How could this possibly do us good?"

Firmin pulled Andre off to the side, so as not to be disturbed in this private meeting between the owners. Firmin leans in, whispering to his partner's ear.

"Don't you see, Andre? An entire group of talking ponies quiet literally fell right into our hands. That sort of thing along will have the patrons talking. We let them in the show, it will attract folks from all corners of the world. We'll be world famous before the month's end."

Andre listened intently on his partner's plan, admitting it did seem rather genius. Those traveling fairs that often travel through the city made quite the amount of francs from citizens wishing for a glimpse of their mysterious sideshows. Now here they were, with a literal gold mine in these ponies and the baby dragon. Having them in the show could set them up for early retirement.

Firmin and Andre both smile as they approach the gathering.

"I must say I've changed my minds forthwith," Andre proclaimed. "These little ponies will make a fine addition to the arts. I'm certain we can find something for them to do."

This sparked a great deal of talk amongst the cast members and stagehands. Meanwhile, the Mane Six and Spike sat there in complete bewilderment.

"Now they want us part of the show?" Twilight asked.