My Name is Harmonic

Chapters

2nd Movement
3rd Movement
4th Movement
1st Movement

2nd Movement

Harmonic Trotivari was made into a citizen of Equestria a week ago. He still lived at the palace's suites and ate for free, where his employment was playing for the royal sisters after their evening meal, sometimes during.

At this time, Harmonic has learned a few spells as well as almost understanding the alphabet from Twilight. Rainbow pestered him to work on his wings. And he'd learn a few new scales to improvise on from Octavia.

It was one of these nights that Harmonic was playing that he was interrupted by a guard. This time, it was from Luna's Night Guards who entered, bowed and said, “Excuse me for interrupting your Highnesses, but Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor have arrived.”

“Ah good timing!” Luna said smiling. “They'll be here to listen to Harmonic’s performance.”

“Send them in,” Princess Celestia nodded to the guard, to which he bowed and left the room.

And not too long, they heard a voice: “Auntie Celestia, Auntie Luna, is it true that...”

Harmonic could see who was entering through the doors. The mare was pink, not as pink as Pinkie Pie, for she was a much softer kind who besides the tiny crown, has a mane and tale of pink, yellow and purple. To his surprise, she too had a horn and a pair of wings. He noticed something right away, she was pregnant, not heavily, but it still showed.

Behind her, was what he assumed to be the husband, he was a stallion who had a white coat and a blue mane that somehow reminded him of Octavia's friend in the pictures, but much finer.

Both of them stared at him for a moment. Even as they entered the room, they continued to gaze at him, circling around to examine him to make sure what they were seeing was real.

Finally, Celestia broke the tension, “I know exactly what the two of you are thinking: yes he's real, no he's not related to anypony, and no, he's not a threat to the crown.”

Cadence took Harmonic's free hoof and shook it.

“Hello there, my name's Cadence.”

Her husband took his turn to shake it, “Name's Shining Armor, yours?”

Harmonic looked away as he told them his name. Cadence raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“So what brings you out from the Crystal Empire?” Celestia asked, taking Cadence's attention.

“We have some free time, and I thought that we might come see you guys since it has been a while.”

“It's so good to get away from those meetings and paperwork,” Shining added.

“And how's the baby coming along?” Luna asked. Cadence sat down and put a hoof over her engorged stomach.

“It's going fine.” She said, “It'll be another few months. Say, you wouldn't happen to have any pudding on you, do you?”

While Cadence was making her way over to the desert, Shining tried to make some small talk with the alicorn.

“So... Alicorn huh?”

“Yeah.” Harmonic said, he still wouldn't look at him. “You’re from the Crystal Empire?”

“Yep.”

“And that's your wife, isn't it?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Does she rule over the Empire or you?”

“Both of us actually... So I guess what they said is true.”

“What is?”

“That there's a fifth alicorn.”

“Ponies already know that, don't they?”

“I live in the palace of the Crystal Empire, trust me it's the last place on earth to know what's going on.”

“Oh.”

“So how are you adjusting?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, with other ponies knowing that-”

“Oh, that. It's really weird to me. I know that I should feel comfortable to know that nopony is going to throw stones at me or anything for knowing that I'm... You know.”

Shining said nothing.

“But for whatever reason,” Continued Harmonic, “I don't. Maybe I'm so used to hiding that I don't know how to feel being out in the open.”

“Hey, it'll be okay.” Shining reached out a hoof over to Harmonic.

The moment he touched him, he jumped away from him, “What did you do that for?” He asked in alarm.

“Nothing,” Shining said, confused to someone reacting to a simple act of platonic affection, “It's just that I feel sorry for ya.”

Harmonic stared at Shining with a raised eyebrow. “I just-” he said once again looking away. “I’m just not used to being touched.”

By now, Shining had to move on to a new subject to drive away from that awkward moment. “So, we've heard that you can play the violin, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Oh, that's right,” said Celestia, who was just catching onto the conversation. “Do you still want to play for us Harmonic?”

He looked at Celestia and nodded. Taking up his violin and putting it under his chin, he resumed playing.

A few minutes and a small applause later, Harmonic was excused, which left the three princesses and a husband left in the room.

“So, what do you make of Harmonic?” Luna asked.

“He seems okay I guess.” Shining said shrugging.

“Hon, did you notice something interesting?” Cadence asked her husband, to which he asked what.

“Did you notice how he was acting?” she said.

“Shy?”

“I don't quite think so,” Cadence said taking another spoonful of pudding, “I mean, yes, that too, but did you notice something else as well?”

"Um. Okay, I give up. What did you notice about 'em?”

“He hardly looked at you.”

“So?”

“He was able to look at everypony in the room except for you. Did you notice that?”

Shining thought for a moment: “Now that you've mentioned it, yeah you’re right.”

“What are you insisting on Cadence?” Celestia asked.

Cadence shook her head, “I'm not insisting auntie, insisting means that I know for certain. This isn't one of them; I guess you might call it a theory given that he was giving a ghost of a blush.”

“Blush?” Shining asked with a raised eyebrow.

“From where I was, it was very faint but I did see it when you two were talking. Adding on top that he almost never looks at you, I couldn't help but wonder why.”

“Soo... Where are you going with this?”

“I think that Harmonic is hiding something.”

“Hiding what, dear niece?” asked Luna, now fully intrigued. Cadence went into a mini giggle fit.

“Shining,” Cadence said, still giggling, “Do you remember what you found out about Lieutenant Steel Plated while you were captain of the royal guard here?”

“Steel Plated? Yeah I remember him. But what does that got to do with Harm-” Shining's eyes widen. “Wait, Cade, are you saying... That Harmonic is... And he... Oh not again.” Shining face hoofed. His wife gave out to laughter.

“You’re never going to let that go are ya?” Shining asked.

“O-Oh no.” His wife said smiling, “That story is way too good. I'm never going to let that go.”

“Yes Cadence, what does Steel Plated have anything to do with Harmonic's actions?” Celestia asked.

“Let me give you a hint.” Said Cadence smiling, “Right now, who is Steel Plated married to?”

“Well he's married to...” Celestia trailed off, realizing what Cadence was talking about. “Oh. Now that you've pointed it out, it does explain a thing or two. Both to Harmonic's actions and why Shining Armor and Steel Plated didn't talk to each other for a week.”

“Can we just drop it!?” Shining said getting annoyed.

This got the princesses (except for Luna) giggling like mad. Luna asked what they were talking about, Celestia whispered it to Luna. Her eyes widen and blushed. “Oh, we – I-I see.”

“However, I'm not completely sure on it.” said Cadence. “I mean, there's very little to go off of. I could be wrong for all I know... Um. Has he ever mentioned about a special somepony?”

Both celestial sisters thought hard about it for a moment. “You know,” said Celestia. “I can't recall him mentioning about a special somepony at all. Have you?”

“Nay sister. He has not mentioned any to my knowledge.”

“He's seventeen and has never said a word about a special somepony?” Cadence questioned, “This is rather interesting when I think about it, even if I'm wrong with my theory, I still think something is going on with Harmonic that he's not telling us. But what?”

“Give him time Cadence,” said Celestia. “I'm sure the answer will appear in due time.”

_*_

The air was getting cooler as the days went by. It was autumn and Nightmare Night was right around the corner. Harmonic always found that the mornings this time of year were always too cold. Not to say he was thankful for the black and white scarf he found in his room one day. He still had no idea where it came from, other than he found it on his bed. So he assumed it might been from one of the princesses.

A few hop-scotch teleports later, and he was in Ponyville. At the library, he found one of Twilight's guards there. It was obvious that it was one of the very few guards Princess Twilight had judging on the armor he was wearing. The imperial purple with its silver edging along with his teacher’s cutie mark that was holding his armor together and a silver helmet was a dead giveaway that it was Twilight’s guards. He was saying that she wanted to teach him somewhere else this time.

Twilight's guard led him to the ruin castle that was in the Everfree Forest. The castle has been going under restoration/renovation to turn the abandoned ruin castle into a functioning building once more. Usually, there would be a few ponies working on the site, whether it might be stonework, art restoration or otherwise, but today was quiet. Other than a few guards here and there, the castle itself was almost abandoned.

As they drew further and further into the castle, Harmonic heard something that grew with every step they took, organ music. But he couldn't really tell where it was coming from.

Then the guard led him to a room of the castle that was the very source of the music. In a room that's twice the size of a house, was a huge pipe organ. He found his teacher not at the keys, but in the middle of the room with sheet music.

“Twilight?”

The music stopped when Twilight turned to see who it was, “Oh hey Harmonic! I’m glad you've come today.”

“Why are we here?”

“Since you've shown that you know the entire alphabet, I thought I'd give you a special treat. I'm going to teach you a spell that's right up your alley.”

“Music related?” Harmonic asked now interested.

“Of course. A spell that can play music on an instrument as you're thinking of it.”

Harmonic hummed in thought. “How is it done?”

Twilight explained the spell to him, the spell was to use one's magic to make the sounds of an instrument with careful concentration.

"Let's do an exercise," his teacher said. “I'll think of a tune, and you just repeat it. Okay?”

Her horn glowed, the organ played a children's song. It was simple to follow, but to Harmonic, it sounded as if it was missing something.

“Now you try,” she said.

A few tries later, he got the organ to play out the tune she played. He thought that he was able to take the song further - to improve on it. His eyes still closed, he lifted his forelegs up, pretending to play the invisible keys. To that simple song he added notes, rhythms and trills, scaling up and down each and every note that the pipes produced. In that moment, he thought he heard other instruments than the organ playing. He thought he heard a piano and a harpsichord playing alongside the organ. Not only that, he thought he heard the plucking strings of guitars, banjos, and mandolins; the harmonic singing of violins, violas, cellos and double basses; the light sounds of flutes, clarinets, and oboes; the triumphal sounds of brass; and the thunder of drums.

By the time the last note was played and finally opened his eyes, he found his teacher with a slack jaw and wide eyes. Harmonic was worried, did he do it wrong? Even so, why didn't she say something? He heard a clatter of metal behind him, he turned to find a huge group of guards leaning in the door frame. They seemed to be looking for something.

“Was there anything in here other than the organ?” One asked with a low voice.

“Where did the orchestra go?” asked another.

The guards talked to themselves like this until his teacher finally spoke: “How did you do that?” she asked.

“Um...” Harmonic said, growing worried, “Was it not good?”

“Not good? Harmonic, how did you make all those sounds?”

Harmonic tilted his head to the side, clearly confused. His teacher clarified her question: “I just heard a huge orchestra with a large range of instruments playing with the organ; just tell me how did you even do that? You somehow made it sound completely different than an organ is supposed to sound.”

“Um, you mean you heard that?”

“Judging by the number of guards here, I think the entire castle heard it.”

“I liked it,” said a guard, and in turn, the guards who were at the door agreed. Harmonic couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed for being complimented at such a level of creativity.

“I... Just thought that song was missing something.” He admitted, “But you still haven't answered my question, was it not good?”

“I admit, I'm impressed really,” said Twilight, “I was just shocked that you could do that. But let's continue, shall we?”

_*_

When it comes to lunch time, anytime anypony asked him to go to lunch with them, he accepts it. For they either made the lunch or paid for it.

Today was lunch over at the Apples. Since it was fall, the Apple family was in full swing wrapping up their harvest of apples. But just because they were working hard, doesn’t mean they couldn't eat.

There were two reasons as to why Harmonic was eating at Sweet Apple Acres for lunch. The first was that Twilight hadn't had time to see her friend Applejack for a while. The other was that he couldn't say "no" to their apple fritters.

By the time they approached the farm, they found the oldest and youngest members of the Apple clan there. They were still setting up lunch when Granny Smith asked them to go get the other two Apples from the field.

It took a while to figure out where exactly they were, but it made it all the easier once they heard the repetitive “thunk!” sounds. They at last found them, both Applejack and her older brother, a red earth pony that goes by the name of Big Mac.

When Twilight saw both of them bucking at their apple trees. She could have sworn that she saw Harmonic blush from the corner of her eye. She turned to him as he looked away from the Apple siblings.

“Oh. Sorry, I didn't know you were working.” He said. This got both siblings’ attention.

“Awe, no harm done sugarcube.” Applejack said, “Is it time for lunch already?”

“Uh, yeah.” Harmonic said. After taking a deep breath, he turned over to find his teacher, whom was staring with a raised eyebrow.

“What?”

“Are you alright Harmonic?”

“Yeah yeah. So since we've found them, shall we go to the farmhouse?” Harmonic finished with a forced smile.

Even when suspicions rose, she along with the two Apples walked back to the house.

“Hey, sugarcube?” Applejack asked Harmonic.

“Hm?”

“Mind if ah ask ya somethin'?”

“About what?”

“What just happened back there.”

Harmonic seemed to grow a little paler but still kept walking: “Uh. What about it?”

“If ya don't mind of me askin', and you don't have ta answer if ya don't want ta but, you seemed a little embarrassed back there. Why?”

He didn't turn around to face her, he just kept on walking and simply said: “I don't want to talk about it.”

“Oh come on, it can't be that bad.”

“I don't want to talk about it.” Hamonic said a little more aggressive.

“Awe really?”

“I don't want to talk about it.”

“Come on, what could so bad that you don't want-”

“I said,” Harmonic snapped at her, “I don't, want, to talk about it! What part, Applejack, do you not get!? You said that I didn't have to talk about if I didn't want to! And what do you keep doing!? You kept pressing it!”

At this point, Big Mac stamped a hoof down on the ground, hard. Giving Harmonic the kind of look that threatened him to snap him in half. This made Harmonic realize what just happened. Other than Big Mac's “I have a license to kill” look, Applejack and Twilight had only shock.

Harmonic backed away, realizing what he just did, once again, fear and regret settled right back in. Even tears began to form in his eyes.

“I'm so sorry.” He said softly. The wings on his back unfolded and he flew off. Even when they called after him, he still flew.

“Should we go after 'em?” Applejack asked.

“Well, two things: Applejack, that was rude of you!" Twilight said to her friend. "I heard you say that he didn't have to answer if he didn't want to. And even after he told you to stop, you still kept going."

"Look, Ah'm sorry, but ah didn't know he'd react like that. Ah thought it was nothin'."

"And second, I think I already know where he's going,” said Twilight, “He's going towards Rainbow's house.”

“But what in all the hay in the world would he be so upset about?” Big Mac asked, now a little calmer.

“Perhaps it has somethin' to do what happened back there, when he kinda turned red.”

“To which, I think you've touched a nerve Applejack.” Twilight said.

“Ah know, it has ta be. But ah still can't imagine why though.”

“Unless...” Big Mac ventured, but shook his head.

“What is it?” Asked his sister.

“Nothin'.”

“Unless what?”

“Ah'm not so sure about it.”

“Not sure about what?”

“Alright. Ah could be wrong here, Ah thought ah saw that Harmonic feller was... lookn'... at... me.” As Big Macintosh realized what he was saying, the lights went on in all three of the ponies’ heads.

Then Big Mac ended his thoughts with: "Ah, don't know how ta feel about that.”

“Twi, do ya think that Harmonic feller is like my cousin Braeburn? That he's-”

“I think he might.” Twilight interrupted Applejack. “It’s like he's been hiding so much of his life back, that him hiding this, (not to mention that outburst,) makes it all the more believable.”

“But doesn't he know? That Equestria doesn't really care about what you like and what not?”

“He's not from Equestria. Maybe they view it differently over there than here.”

“Awe shucks. Ah just hope the poor guy's okay.”

_*_

The shrilling ring from Rainbow Dash’s alarm clock made her jolt out of bed, “Ugh! Stupid clock.” Dash took hold of the offending item lifting her hoof as well as her head to aim it out the window.

Yet, before she could throw out the ringing timepiece, she caught sight of something that was coming from the Apple’s farm towards her. It wasn’t fast, if anything, its flight pattern was all over the place. She saw the thing wavered left and right, fallen and raising in no logical order as if the pony was flying drunk.

After getting up and sticking her head out, she blinked a few times to see what was coming towards her house. It was a pony, that was for sure, it also had a mostly black mane with an amber coat that also had a… “What is he doing here already?” Rainbow muttered as she let the screaming clock drop to the ground with a smash landing.

Yawning, she hopped through the window and flew up to the alicorn. The closer she got, the more she could sense something was wrong by the way his whole body shook. That and he also tried to keep his eyes shut tight like a leaky dam trying keeping back a river. Along with a shaky breath which he breathed heavily as if he was flying too fast.

“Hey kid,” Rainbow called out. Harmonic looked up, wiping whatever tears that escaped him. “What happened to you?”

He didn’t say anything; although Dash could tell from his reddened eyes that something was clearly wrong. By the looks of it, Harmonic was obviously tired and upset.

“Here, come with me,” Rainbow took Harmonic’s hoof and lead him to her cloud home. By the time he landed on the soft surface, he collapsed in exhaustion. Dash’s first thought was that he needs water. Grabbing up some of the cloud, she compressed it into a ball like snow before going over to the alicorn.

“Open wide,” she told him.

Harmonic craned his neck upward and opened his mouth. Rainbow Dash squeezed the cloud ball where rain fell onto his face. After coughing up some water and even shook his head around a few times, he finally said, “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” Dash sat down next to the colt, “You okay?”

Harmonic shook his head, “In that case, I have only two questions to ask,” Rainbow said, “What happened and whose flank needs whooping?”

He gave off a sad laugh, “It’s nothing.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, “Nothing? You look bluer than I am. So tell me, what’s going on really?”

“Dash,” Harmonic told her sternly, “Just… Don’t talk to me. I did something stupid okay. Just leave me alone.”

“In your state?” Rainbow questioned, “Do you really think that’s going to happen?”

The Violinist looked at her as if to warn her not to press the matter further. Before Harmonic could say anything, his stomach growled.

“I’m guessing you haven’t had lunch yet either, huh?” Dash asked. “Tell ya what, I’ll go fly over to grab some hay burgers while you take a breather here, ‘kay?”

Harmonic gave her a dismissive wave. Even after Dash flew off to get some lunch, her mind kept itching for answers as to what just happened. Because in a way, this was the first time she’s ever seen him to shed so much as a tear.

She promised to herself that she’ll go looking for answers, besides, she had a good idea where to look.

A few hours later, Rainbow Dash arrived at the farm. “Hey AJ?” she said when she found Applejack at the barn, separating the types of apples.

“Hey yourself. What brings ya here?”

“It's about Harmonic.”

Applejack put down her work. “How is he?”

“I found him tired and on the edge of tears when he came flying over to my house. Didn't take much of anything to tell ya that he was upset over something, but I couldn't get him to talk to me. And judging from the direction he flew from, I think it might have been from here. So what happened?”

“He was here all right,” said Applejack, then she went on explaining to her friend what happened. “All he said was ‘Ah'm so sorry.’ and flew off. Ah admit, Ah'm feelin' bad about it. And Ah think my brother is too.”

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah. You were always the stubborn type.”

“Oh shut up.” Applejack deadpanned.

“But then again, the whole idea that Harmonic secretly likes colts.” Rainbow chuckled a little. “Okay, even I would never guess that.”

“Says the pony that has rainbow as her natural mane color.”

“Oh shut up.” Rainbow Dash deadpanned.

_*_

It has been days since Harmonic's outburst at the Apple's. He tried the best he could to avoid them considering what just happened. Neither Twilight nor Rainbow asked him further about the incident, which to him was a relief.

For now, Harmonic was at Octavia's for his music lessons. She was teaching him to play a violin and piano duet.

“You’re off beat.”

“I know,” said Harmonic. “It’s rest two, three, then up bow, but when there's nothing there, it makes it hard for me to get the timing right.”

“I understand.” Octavia said, “You’re doing something you haven't done before, which is always frustrating. But please be patient with me, you'll get it in time.”

Then the door slammed opened.

“Hey Tavi!” Harmonic saw that right in the door was the very mare he's been seeing in the pictures in his music teacher's apartment.

“Vinyl! What are you doing here already?”

“I got out early, so I won't go anywhere for a while.” She lit her horn to lift her purple sunglasses to reveal her ruby red eyes. “Hey, is this that alicorn guy you've been teachin'?”

“Who are you?” Harmonic asked. The white unicorn went over to him with a raised a foreleg for a hoof shake, all the while wearing a cocky smile.

“Name's Vinyl. You?” Harmonic shook her hoof with a free one.

“Harmonic.”

“Cool. So, has he been giving ya too much trouble Tavi?” Vinyl said, ended by giving his teacher a quick kiss on the muzzle. Even though it lasted for less than a second, Harmonic's eyes widen.

“Not really,” said Octavia as if nothing happened. “Although, he does have somewhat trouble with beats and time.”

“Oh really? Hey, I have an idea!”

“What?”

“You guys play your music, I'll provide the beats.”

“Now Vinyl, it isn't like one of those dubstep or a remix, this is a...” His teacher stopped to think for a moment. “Come to think of it. It might not be that bad of an idea. Something like a metronome.”

“Ya see, I can have good ideas too. Now, let me get set up here.” Vinyl trotted over to the large stereo in the corner of the room. Octavia looked over to her student.

“Is something the matter Harmonic?” She asked.

“What?”

“Are you quite alright?”

“Uh... She just kissed you.”

“And?”

“And you’re not bothered?”

“Why should I?” That simple response hit him like a battering ram to the chest.

“Is that like a custom here or something?” he asked, trying to rationalize it.

“If you mean for a wife to kiss her special somepony, then I guess you might call it a custom.”

‘Wife? Special somepony?’ Harmonic thought, usually that would mean, “Are you saying you two are married or something?”

“Five years and still going strong,” said Vinyl, turning the large equipment on. Words left Harmonic completely.

“So is there a problem?” Octavia asked.

“I... I don't know. It's just...” He trailed off.

“It's just what?”

“I've... never met a, a-a couple who are both wives before,” he said softly. This even got Vinyl's attention.

“Seriously?” Vinyl asked. Harmonic nodded.

“Harmonic,” Octavia said, “Was there any kind of a couple where it's a stallion/stallion or a mare/mare relationship where you came from?”

“Not unless you wanted to get stoned to death by the entire town. Otherwise, no.”

The couple went silent for a moment. Vinyl spoke up what the both of them were thinking, “They kill ponies like us over there?”

“If anyone knew that is.”

“That's just... stupid.”

“Agreed,” said his teacher. “Horrifying yes. But stupid nonetheless. I assure you that's not the case here in this country. Doing something like that to anypony in Equestria is looked down upon.” Octavia shook her head with a grimace. “But I'm afraid time is running out though. Vinyl, could you start off some beats.”

“Uh. What kind?” His teacher's wife asked. Octavia pressed a key on the piano to a repetitive beat. Once Vinyl got it, Octavia turned to her student: “Now then, from the beginning then. One, two, three, four, one, two, three and go.”

Harmonic played again, this time, timing came better with the beats from the stereo. It wasn't exactly perfect, but at last it was much better than the last dozen attempts. During the violin, piano duet, Vinyl couldn't help but experiment a little. Still keeping the same beating time, she changed rhythms to find one that matches the song that was being played out. Even when she changed from rhythm to rhythm, her wife didn't object at all. But their song had to come to an end.

“Much better,” said Octavia, looking over at the clock on the wall. “Four o'clock. Keep working on that piece and a few scales, and I'll see you tomorrow.”

After packing up, Harmonic said his “Goodbye.” and teleported back to the castle. With him gone, Octavia asked, “I've forgotten to ask. What made you come home earlier than usual?”

“Celestia's orders.”

Octavia blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“Yeah, look see.” She levitated a letter from her bags with the royal seal. “It says for me not to work until later tonight. Saying that I should just go straight home. But hey, I'm not complaining. Free day right?”

“This is unexpected, yes. But why would she-” Octavia was interrupted when an unopened letter appeared in front of her. This one also had the royal seal. After a quick read through, Octavia told her wife that, “It seems that Princess Celestia wants to know what happened here when you came home. I'll tell you what, after I write up a response letter, we'll mail it and then go get some coffee. Sound good?”

“Yeah, coffee sounds good, besides, I'm going to need it for tonight's gig.”

Meanwhile, at Canterlot's castle, Harmonic was walking through the halls, heading back to his room. Around this time, he would have some time to rest, but now, he was thinking as to what just happened.

'Perhaps they're more accepting towards mares. After all, it's like there's more mares than stallions anyway. I wonder if Celestia knows about it, if so, how long has this been going on? Maybe I could ask... no. No I can't ask her directly, that would make her-'

“Excuse us sir.” A voice interrupted Harmonic's thoughts. He turned to find a solar and a lunar guard behind him. The Solar was a white unicorn, the Lunar was one of the bat ponies he'd seen at night. He asked them who they were.

“I am Sergeant Steel Plated of the Solar Guard sir,” he said with a salute.

“Who's the other one?”

“Lieutenant Cross Bow of the Lunar Guard sir,” he said giving a salute also.

“Uh, at ease? And what do you want?”

Both dropped their salutes. “We were told by Princess Celestia to escort you sir,” said Steel Plated.

“Escort me where? And stop calling me sir, I'm not that old.”

“Our apologies,” said Cross Bow, “We were told to escort you to the gardens.”

“Why there?”

“We're sorry but orders are orders.”

“Uh... Okay fine.”

Both of the guards stepped to both sides of Harmonic as they lead him away down to other hallways and stairs. Harmonic didn't look at either of them as they walked for a while, the three of them saying nothing as they passed by a few servants, butlers, maids, and the occasional noble.

They made their way to the outside. The gardens were no doubt huge. It had a private zoo, a stone garden, a flower garden, a tree garden, a sand garden, (Harmonic made a mental note to ask the princesses why they install a garden for sand) a hedge maze, and greenhouses. Just to name a few.

They took him into the famous hedge maze that has a spell over it, in which that it made it impossible to fly over the hedge to prevent cheating. Something that Harmonic learned the hard way when he tried to figure out where they were going. It was like hitting his head against an invisible ceiling. The maze also made it impossible to teleport while in the labyrinth as to, again, prevent cheating.

A while later, the three of them came to a part of the maze that not too many ponies know about, in a corner of the maze, there was a cast iron table with a set of chairs. The table was meant for games like chess, or a card game.

“Why are we here?” Harmonic asked the two guards, they ignored him and made their way to the table.

“Do you know any card games?” Cross Bow questioned. Taking out a pack of cards from a box on the table.

“Uh, I just know one. Why?”

“It's our little way of talking Mr. Trotivari,” said Steel Plated, “There's no need to be afraid of us, put down your violin and come take a seat with us.”

“That’s it? You dragged me out here to play cards?” Harmonic raised an eyebrow.

“Her Highness told us to socialize with you,” Steel answered, “We don’t question why, that’s not our job as Royal Guards. So, are you going to sit down with us?”

The Violinist hesitated for a moment before deciding to sit down with the two guards.

And so, Harmonic taught them the only card game he knew, Saddle Arabian Rat Tail. A game, he thought, was perfectly thought up of to be a huge waste of time.

Harmonic sat there, listening to the guards talk as the three of them played, he noted that besides the guards talking, a bird or two chirping and the buzzing of a few bugs, the maze was quiet. As time went by, the Violinist thought it was also rather odd that Celestia had ordered these two guards to play cards with him. But why? Are they here to distract him for some odd reason?

“And then what happened?” Cross Bow asked Steel Plated that was telling a story.

“The private said, 'Sir, no sir! I put this armor on properly sir!' Ha. That didn't set well and with a small tug that set the whole thing come crashing down.”

“Oh-ho-ho! Now that's a bad first day for ya. So what did you make him do?”

“I told him to pick up his armor, put it back on properly, and then run ten laps around the castle.”

“Should have gone for fifteen.”

Steel Plated shook his head. “Fifteen is a little too much for a private on the first day... Hey, Harmonic?”

“Hm?”

“You've been very quiet since we've got here? Is everything alright?”

“Uh, yeah yeah. I guess so.”

Both of the guards looked to each other for a moment.

“Say, how old are you again?” Cross Bow asked.

“Seventeen.”

Cross gave a cocky smile when he asked: “So, in all of those seventeen years, has there been any filly out there that caught your eye?”

Steel Plated gave Cross a deadpanned stare, “What?” Cross shrugged, “Just curious.”

Harmonic only looked at his cards as he muttered, “Not really.”

“Shy?” Bow asked.

“Yeah.”

“Hm... Shame. I guess somepony's gotta teach ya how to be more assertive. Like Steel here.”

Steel Plated raised an eyebrow. “Me? Assertive?”

“Oh come on, I already know your history of dating, you’re always known to be the assertive type.”

“Not all the time.”

“Oh yeah? Like the time you tried to woo Shi-” Before Cross Bow could say anything further, he found that one of Steel Plated hooves was in his mouth.

“Try finishing that sentence, and you're sleeping on the floor for a week.” Cross Bow grunted in disappointment, yet this left Harmonic in confusion.

“Wait,” said Harmonic, “Why would he sleep on the floor? I thought all guards have their own bed.”

“They do.” Steel said, “But with the benefits come a decent size apartment in the castle, since Canterlot is expensive on everything you know. A looser schedule but still have some duties to do. And a big bed to sleep on.”

“Benefits for what?” Harmonic asked.

At the same time, both guards said in unison without looking up from their cards. “Married.”

“You two are married.”

“Yes,” they both said.

“Who are you two married to?”

They didn't say anything, the only response was they pointed a hoof towards each other. They only looked up when they heard Harmonic letting his levitated cards drop to the floor. They saw Harmonic was in shock, head shaking and wings were ruffling.
'This has to be a trap.' Harmonic thought. 'There's no way they-'

“Mr. Trotivari?” Cross Bow asked, “Are you alrigh-?”

“O-Of course.” Harmonic said, a little too quickly, “Why do you ask?”

Both guards looked at each other for a second before turning back to the alicorn. Steel asked, “Is there something you’re not telling us?”

“N-no.” But his shifting eyes betray him along with a blush that refused to go away.

“Mr. Harmonic Trotivari,” said Steel Plated with a sigh, “Why are you lying to us?”

Harmonic, without even picking up his violin case, ran into the maze, even if it meant getting lost, he ran.

The guards called out for him to stop but he kept on going through the twists, turns and dead ends of the confusing maze. His only thought was just to get away.

But then he began to get paranoid when all went quiet. He couldn't hear them calling him. Why? Where were they? He knew he was being hunted, but where are they? Every turn, he carefully stuck his head out, but saw no one.

Then he saw the exit. All he had to do, is head towards the exit and he'll be out of here... But before he could even get out of the maze, Cross Bow blocked the exit, he turned around and saw Steel Plated behind him. His only option was a turn towards his right. Several turns later he realized it was a spiral that lead him to a dead end. And the two guards were behind him.

He even tried to make a break for it, in which it failed miserably. Steel Plated, using his horn, lifted Harmonic off the ground and held him in place.

“Harmonic! Stop it!” the unicorn guard shouted.

“No! Let me go!” Harmonic said, still frozen in the air, trying to move, to get away. Even using his wings did nothing.

“That's enough!” Cross Bow flew right up to the terrified alicorn. “Why did you run like that?”

“I can't tell you! I don't want to die again!”

This took both of the guards aback.

“Die, again?” Cross bow asked with a raised eyebrow. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Just let me go. Please. I've been killed too many times over this.” Harmonic pleaded with tears in his eyes.

“We don't understand? Killed over what?”

“Please, I've suffered too much already, just let me go.” Now he was crying.

“But you’re not even dead,” Steel pointed out.

“I know. I can't die, and it hurts every time.”

“But if you can't die, why do you fear it?”

“Just because I can't die doesn't mean I can't feel pain!” Harmonic snapped at Steel Plated. “Do you have any idea what it's like to be stoned? Stabbed? Hanged? Burned? Crushed? Decapitated? Gutted out? Pulled apart? Drowned? Beaten to death? Only to wake up remembering you've felt all that pain, to be tortured like that all because...” They both went silent for a few moments after the alicorn ranted and continued to sob.

“Harmonic Trotivari,” said Cross Bow, who by now both guards had put the pieces of the puzzle together, “Forgive me for even asking this but, did the ponies who kept killing you do so not only because you were an alicorn? Are you... Are you gay? ”

Harmonic didn't respond at all. Cross Bow looked at the other guard then said: “Steel, put him down.”

“But Bow, what if he starts running?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Course I do-”

“Then drop him, let me handle this.”

Steel hesitated but did lower Harmonic down. As soon as the aura was off of Harmonic or before he could make a move, Cross Bow hugged the sobbing Alicorn.

“Kid, I want you to listen to me, and listen to me very carefully at what I'm about to say. Got it?” Harmonic nodded. “Now, I don't know what happened to you, where you've been, who you've been with, what anypony did or said to you to force you to hide from yourself. Nor do I know who tried to kill you or how many times. What you need to know right now is that none of it matters anymore. The very moment you stepped into Equestria, when we found out you're an alicorn, that nightmare of fearing of being yourself, the fear of being rejected, the fear of additional scars to you mentally or emotionally, or physically, the fear somepony would find out about the real you - Harmonic, that nightmare is over. It's over. You are no longer alone, now you have us, the Princesses, your teachers, and the whole of Equestria to help you. Realize this. You. Are not. Alone.”

Even with a blurred vision, Harmonic can make out Steel whipping a hoof over his eye.

“Now you see why I married him?” he joked. Even Harmonic couldn't help but chuckle.

Suddenly, at the moment when the alicorn was wiping away the tears from his eyes, a question popped into Harmonic’s mind. It was a question that bugged him now that his mind was becoming clear. It was a question that caught the guards off guard.

“Say, what was it that you’re going to say before all this? Something about who he tried to date?”

“Huh? What are you-” Cross Bow begin to ask, quickly realizing what he was talking about. “Oh yeah, Shining Armor!”

“You’re sleeping on the floor for the week!” Steel snapped. But it left Harmonic stunned.

“Oh no, you don't!” Cross retorted. “He asked, I'm innocent!”

“You what!?” Harmonic said in surprise.

“Yes, tell him,” said Cross.

“No,” Steel responded, crossing his forelegs.

“Why not?”

“It's embarrassing.”

“So?”

“I didn't know what I was doing back then!”

“And you're married now, why does it matter?”

“Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!” Harmonic interjected getting both of their attention. “Shining Armor? As in that one Prince guy from the Crystal Empire with his wife?”

With a grunted sigh, Steel Plated said, “Yes.”

“So, you went on a date with him?”

Steel shook his head, “More like asking him.”

Cross laughed, “Ha, asking? Didn't you do a little bit more than just asking?”

Steel, despite his blush, stared daggers at him. “Don't remind me.”

“What? You confessed your crush and kissed the guy,” Cross teased.

“What?!” was all Harmonic could muster to say.

“Yeah, that's exactly what Shining kept saying,” Cross joked.

“I already knew that, because that's exactly what he kept on saying!” Steel said through his teeth.

“Like how Shining already had a filly friend?”

“I didn't know!” Steel shouted throwing his forelegs into the air. “How was I supposed to know he was dating Cadence at the time? It's the Royal Guard! It's not like we talk very often!”

It was about here, that Harmonic couldn't hold his laughter in. Not only was he laughing, but he was also laughing hard. Even the guards who were arguing laughed, for that moment of happiness was contagious to them.

“Phew, that was good,” Bow commented, “But for now, I think we’re pretty much done socializing here.” After helping the alicorn up, he added, “Come on, let’s get your violin and return you to your living quarters.”

After fetching the violin case, the guards took him back to his room. The way back was a quiet one, but for Harmonic, his mind was at peace.

"Excuse us, sir," Steel Patted spoke up as soon they entered the palace. "If you don't mind of me asking, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Huh?"

"Back in the maze, when you said that you've died multiple times. Does this still bother you?"

"Oh. Well... yeah, in a way. But it's not as much as you think."

The Lunar Guard raised an eyebrow, "I don't understand Mr. Trotivari, how are you alright from something like this? Why, if I were in your horseshoes and if I were to die not just horribly, but were able to come back and remember what had happened, I think I would go insane after a while."

"You'd be right," Harmonic patted the case on his back with a forehoof. "But even after all of that pain, I always had my violin to turn to for comfort. I... I know this might not make sense to either of you, that this piece of wood with strings is like a faithful friend to me. But even on the worst of days, when I needed something as a... what was it that Octavia called again...? Counterpoint? Yeah. When I needed something to counterpoint the ugliness of other ponies, I turned to improvising to make me feel safe for a while. The sound that this violin makes is stronger then any medicine to dim the agony of loneliness, pain, and tears. Although he never said a word, my instrument sings to me that somehow, everything is going to be alright." He looked over to the guards who had a look of worry on their faces. "Uh... Sorry if I'm not making any sense."

"Oh no," the Solar Guard shook his head. "We understand perfectly. But are you going to be alright?"

"I'll be fine. Neither of you has to worry about me. And you're right, compare to the other places I've been, this place is almost like heaven to me."

Cross Bow nodded, "We see sir. Still, if there's anything we could do to help-"

"Look," the alicorn interrupted, "there's nothing you can do. So long as there is music to hear, that's all the comfort I need."

When they finally reached his room, neither guard said a word. But before the Violinist closed the doors, he turned to them and said: “Say, thanks for that.”

“It was not a problem sir-,” said Steel but quickly corrected himself. “I mean, Harmonic.”

“Um, wait... Before you two go, can you promise me you won't tell anypony about me?”

The two Guards looked to each other then back at him. Without saying anything, they quietly nodded. Harmonic said his,“Thank you,” and closed the doors.

A few minutes later, the Guards walked down the hall to meet up where Princess Celestia was waiting.

“Well gentlecolts, what is your verdict?” she asked.

“Your Majesty,” Steel said, “Your suspicions about Mr. Trotivari was correct. It was difficult for him to open up, but he is, without question, a class A closet case.”

“He has revealed that he was, indeed, harmed because he’s a homosexual, your grace,” Cross Bow added. “Harmonic is, at this time, not ready to admit to the world that he is attracted to stallions. But we think that with a little patience and kindness, he may open up a little more.”

"I see," she nodded. "Is there anything else?"

Both guards looked at one another before the unicorn said, "There is. While we were confronting him, he had a bit of a mental breakdown where we've learned that he had suffered in the past."

This got the Sun Princess's attention, "Define 'suffered.'"

"In it that he apparently has a history of being tortured and even died several times that goes beyond plain abuse. Apparently, whenever those who have found out what Mr. Trotivari was, alicorn or gay, they would have him killed."

Celestia's eyes widen, "Oh dear... Please don't tell me that he remembers being harmed too."

"It seems so, Your Majesty," Cross told her. "However, he has found comfort in playing his violin. While I'm not entirely sure if he's over these traumatic experiences, I think it would be best not to mention this sort of thing around him."

After humming thoughtfully, Celestia thanked the guards for their service and excuse them with a day off. The guards thanked her and went their way.

“Now then, since that’s out of the way,” Celestia said to herself. “It looks like we have some work to do.”

She made her way to the private dining room and waited for her sister. Sure enough at 6:50 on the dot, Luna, who just woke up, made her way over to the table. Celestia waited until her sister had her first cup of coffee because she knows that she's not quite awake until she had her morning caffeine.

Celestia only spoke up until her sister was filling up her second cup, “So, how are you?”

“Have you ever woken up, and you have no idea what day, month, or year it is?”

“Didn't sleep too well?”

“Oh, I slept, I just had trouble getting to sleep. I think there must be something wrong with that bed in our room.”

Celestia hummed, taking a sip of her tea. “Are you better now?”

“I will be, how are you this evening?”

“Well, before Harmonic gets here, I have a proposition for you.”

“About?”

“About Harmonic. You see, I have an idea, but I think I want to talk to you first before I can do anything. Luna, how would you feel about adding Harmonic to the family?”

Her sister looked up from her cup. “Are you saying you want to adopt him?”

“He is an Equestrian citizen now. And by law, a pony who is without parents can be adopted if they are under the age of eighteen, as well as give their consent along with their signature to be legally adopted by a family.”

“Maybe it's because I'm not quite fully awake yet, but if he does give consent for us to adopt him, would that mean he will be Prince?”

“By technicality, yes. A Prince over what exactly, I'm not too sure. Of music maybe?”

“But what are your reasons to adopt him?”

“Because he's lonely. Going for so long without having a real friend or family, and has a history of... being on the receiving end of a strain of abuse, is something that nopony should endure. You and I know this. He has undergone some good progress yes, such as no longer hiding his wings and learning the alphabet. But adopting him sends a message to him that he is indeed wanted here with ponies that care for his wellbeing.”

Luna took a bite out of a piece of toast. She chewed and nodded, “We understand. But is that the only reason?”

“Well, there's one more. Remember Cadence's suspicion about him? I have just gained some… intelligence, that she was right.”

Luna's ears perked up, “Oh?”

“He is one, there's no doubt about it. However, he's not open about it so to speak. Perhaps growing up in such a hostile environment had shaped him to see that way. So if he chooses to be adopted or not, we've also got to teach him that he has no need to hide himself. But we must do it gently though.”

“Like telling him of our past marriages?” Luna asked.

Celestia nodded, “Yes, but not right away.”

“So when do you expect to ask him to be adopted?”

“Well, from what Twilight has told me, he hasn't quite mastered writing out his own name, so until then, we will not ask him.”

After thinking hard for a moment, Luna said, “He is a good stallion at heart. If he wishes to join our insane family, I will welcome him.”

A few minutes later, Harmonic came to dinner.

“So Harmonic,” Celestia said, “How was your day?”

“It's okay I guess. Say, what were the guards for?”

“Guards?”

“They said something about socializing with them. But was there any other reason why you have to take me into the gardens?”

“Well, a pipe in your bathroom broke.” Technically, this was half true, there was a pipe broken, but to Celestia, it was no accident.

“Oh, I guess that explains the smell of mildew.”

“Very sorry about that. Just wait for a day or two with the windows open and the smell will be gone. But since this is autumn, I guess I’ll let you sleep in another room until then.” Celestia finished the rest of her tea and remarked, “Nevertheless, with you being inside the castle all day, I suppose it was a good idea for you to get some fresh air. Wondering around our wide range of gardens probably did some good.”

“Oh, speaking of gardens,” said Harmonic, his mental note coming back to him. “What's the reason for having a garden that's made out of sand?”

3rd Movement

“Spell the word, violin,” said Twilight.

“V-I-O-L-... E-N?” Harmonic said, not too sure about the last two letters.

“You were off by one letter,” Twilight told him as she spelled the word on the chalkboard. “It’s V-I-O-L-I-N. But very good, you've been improving over the past few months. Just don't be discouraged though, you are getting better at this. Now, before we end our session, it's time for you to write your name on the board.”

She levitated the piece of chalk over to him. Ever since he learned about the entire alphabet, Twilight had him practice writing out his name. Out of all the lessons that his three teachers have taught him so far, this one was his least favorite. It's not that he struggles with spelling out his name, it was writing it down that he didn't like.

His teacher said over and over that he should commit it to memory. Not only how to write his first name, but his last too.

With a resentful sigh, he took the piece of chalk into his own aura. "And try not to say it out loud this time," his teacher added. This added up to his annoyance, now it was made much it more difficult.

The piece of chalk levitated to the board. And there, he started writing out his name in capital letters.

H. A. R. M. O. N. I. C.

“Very good,” his teacher approved with a smile. “Now the last.”

T. R. O. T. I. V. A. R...

He asked himself if the last letter was an “E” or an “I”. But he chose the latter and wrote “I” on the board.

“Well done Harmonic!” Twilight shouted with glee. Harmonic had seen her happy before whenever he got something right, but for some reason, Harmonic thought that she seemed a little too happy.

“Thanks for the lesson,” Harmonic said, as he puts on his cloak and scarf. “Out of curiosity,” he added as they made their way down the stairs, “What are you planning to do on Hearths Warming?”

“I’m bringing my friends to Canterlot for one thing,” his teacher replied. “Except for having the family getting together, we’re invited by the Princesses to their private Hearths Warming party. Will you be there?”

“I’m not sure if I can to be honest,” the Violinist told her as he neared the door. “Octavia has gotten me into playing in a quintet to play carols at that Ball. Besides, with Rainbow canceling our flying lessons since she’s tied up for the next several days, it means that I have some time to perfect my playing. I’m about to go to have lunch with her now.”

As Harmonic opened the door, he said “Goodbye” to his teacher and headed towards Canterlot. After grabbing his violin from the castle, he went to Octavia’s apartment earlier than usual.

He found that his teacher was already expecting him, and so was her wife. Harmonic found them exiting the front door of the apartment.

“Afternoon,” Octavia greeted him.

“Ready for lunch dude?” Vinyl asked, wrapping the lavender scarf around her neck.

“I think so,” he told them, “But can I drop this off before we go?” Harmonic asked, craning his neck to the violin case.

After they dropped the violin off at the apartment, the three of them made their way through the streets of Canterlot. During a time, where nearly every street for miles on end is covered in festive decorations of green and red with lights. Any kind of light at all, candlelight, electric lights, lights that are in colors, on trees, on houses, in the windows, everywhere.

As they pass by, every now and then, Harmonic would see a foal or two with their parents. Not to say this isn't the first time that he felt jealous of them. Jealous of their carefree happiness to have a-

“Here it is,” Octavia announced, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“What is this?” he asked, looking up to what the couple were looking at.

“It's called the Copper Pot Cafe. Vinyl and I usually come here for coffee or the occasional bite to eat. But that's not why we brought you here.”

“It isn't?”

"Let me ask ya this," Vinyl said, putting a foreleg around the alicorn. “Have you ever had a hot chocolate?” she asked with a teasing smile.

Harmonic blinked. “A what?”

Both mare's jaws dropped. “Wait! So you really never had, a hot chocolate?” Vinyl asked, who couldn't believe that she heard such a question coming from him.

He shook his head. “I don't even know what it is.”

“Well kid,” Vinyl grinned. “You’re in for a real treat today.”

“Why's that?”

“This particular cafe,” said Octavia, “Has perfected the art of making the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Let's go inside, shall we?”

As the warmth hit them as they entered, Harmonic saw that in the back was a huge machine made out of copper where ponies put in ingredients into the machine. A machine of pressure and temperature gadgets and levers that pour out hot liquids from coffee to tea and everything in between.

The three ponies were taken to a table by a waiter, Harmonic took off his cloak, in which he predictably got a cafe full of stares.

“Uh... C-Can I get you anything?” the waiter stuttered. No doubt he was nervous now that there's a real alicorn in the cafe.

“We'll start off with three hot chocolates if you don't mind," Octavia said. A bow and three eye rolls later, the three were given their cups of hot chocolate with menus within less than a minute.

"Whoa, that was fast," said Vinyl, taking off her sunglasses in surprise.

“I'll give you a moment to choose your meal," the waiter said, backing away with a smile.

Harmonic looked at the drink he was presented. It was light brown with a little bit of fresh whip cream on top of it. Putting a spoon in and out of it, the liquid flowed like a thick, creamy soup.

He was about to take a sip of this mysterious liquid until his teacher warned: “Don't drink it right now.”

“Why?”

“It's a little too hot, give it a moment to cool.”

He put down his cup and asked about their food.

After they came up with suggestions on what to eat and the waiter treating the alicorn as a demigod; the couple changed the subject other than food.

“So Harmonic,” his teacher asked: “Do you celebrate Hearths Warming? Or have you even heard of it?”

“I've heard of it a few years ago, yes. But when you’re traveling with a caravan that isn't quite your family or really your friends, you don't really see much reason to celebrate it. ”

“Really? What were they to you then?”

“They were superstitious ponies who just felt sorry for me. Which meant that I had to be very careful around them, they still saw alicorns as tricksters or that...” Harmonic trilled off.

“Or what?” Vinyl asked. Harmonic looked from all over the room, checking to see if there was anyone was listening. He did see a few brief glances from other ponies, but he figured that they weren't listening. Harmonic lowered his voice.

“Can you two keep a secret?” they nodded. “Sometime back, about... Three? Four years ago? I think, I uh, um... I begin to, notice, some ponies. One pony in-particular-”

“Awe! Was this your first crush!” Vinyl said giving an amused smirk.

Harmonic paused for a moment, “Something like that. You see, this pony from the caravan... wasn't, uh, (how do I say this?) a um... filly.” He said the last word quiet enough so that no one listening could hear but loud enough for the couple to.

The couple blinked. Then looked at each other, then back at Harmonic again. “So...” Vinyl ventured, “Does this mean that you like colts or something?”

Ears folded, eyes down with a blush, he silently nodded. In that simple action, both of them could see him masking years upon years of hidden sadness. Both of them offered a hoof and a half smile. At the touch, he quickly looked up and saw their expression.

“So, go on, what happened?” Octavia questioned.

“It was a crush really. Somepony I got jealous every time he had a fillyfriend. Even though I never told him myself, he figured it out. And when he did, he turned from a crush, into my worst nightmare.”

“What happened?” both mares asked.

“Looking back, I realized that he could have told the caravan and kicked me out. But no, he did something far worse than that. For years, now and then he would go into a village or town, find out what troubles they're suffering and not only blame it on me, but tell them that I'm- you know.” Harmonic's voice got shaky, but still kept going. “And then, when I'm away from the caravan, there would be a mob waiting for me. And then they...”

Now both of the mares are really concern. “What? What did they do to you?” Octavia asked carefully.

“They... I've been tortured so many times in so many ways. They chopped my wings, sawed off my horn, I-I've suffered so much, that I doubt that even the demons in Tartarus would ever take it that far. And yet, no matter what they ever did to me, no matter what way they tried to kill me, I can't die.”

“How?” Vinyl asked.

“I don't know. Just when I couldn't take it anymore, when I think that death has at last come to me, I wake up. I never know how or why, but after I die, I always wake up somewhere nearby from where I died. It's always somewhere random though, I still have no idea how I've even got there. But what's weirder still, is every time I wake up, I found myself as if nothing happened to me, my wings and horn are fine, no broken bones, no burnt coat, no scalped head, nothing. And yet… I still remember. I still remembered getting burned, drowned, choked, pulled apart... You get the idea. And the worst part is, I can't tell the caravan what happened nor prove that he did this to me because, I'm not dead. Only to go through it again somewhere else.”

“And here's your food,” said the waiter putting a tray of food on the table. He looked over to the mares as he set their food down. “Is something wrong?”

Octavia forced a smile on her face: “It's nothing, thank you.”

After the waiter left, Octavia dropped her facade. “Harmonic, I don't know what to say.”

The male alicorn shook his head, “I can't blame you. Even I find it hard to talk about it. Can we change the subject?”

Octavia nodded, she took a sip from her cup. “Anyway, you can drink your hot chocolate now.”

Taking the cup into his magic, he took a sip of his cup. “It's good... I like it.”

“Whoa dude,” said Vinyl, “I guess that pretty much explains a lot about ya.”

“At least you two are lucky.” Harmonic commented, taking another sip.

“Lucky?”

“Lucky that you two can, well, be with each other with nopony caring about it.”

“I'm sure you'll find somepony special soon enough.” Octavia ensured him with a smile. Harmonic shook his head.

“Forgive me for saying this, but after what I've been though, I find that highly unlikely.”

_*_

On Hearths Warming Day, Harmonic performed carols with his music teacher in a quintet before Canterlot's public Hearths Warming Ball. For the Violinist, playing without having his cloak on in front of so many strangers was a bit nerve-racking at first. And while he didn’t have to come, his teacher (along with Celestia) thought it would be a good idea to play for him to get comfortable without covering up his wings for once.

After all, as far as those who saw the alicorn were concerned. They were both curious and even enjoyed the music that he and the quintet were performing.

“He’s really good,” said one passer by.

“Agreed,” nodded another, “For simple carols, it sounds quite divine.” It was from comments like these that the Violinist found it easier to play. If anything, it gave him little reason to worry about his wings over the music.

But eventually, Harmonic decided to take a break from playing for a moment to step outside. While he was looking down on the city in the bitter wind, he saw the ponies going about their business when he spotted something familiar in the crowds.

Before he put on his cloak and went outside, he asked Princess Luna for a large amount of bits and a few guards to accommodate him. Harmonic also had one of the servants, a butler, to have the violin in safe keeping while he was out.

To which, Steel Plated and Cross Bow were summoned, and they walked with him through the streets of Canterlot. Not to say that both of the guards were rather confused as to why Harmonic was out here for, until in the public square, Harmonic called out.

“Hey! Compass! Over here!”

The said pony turned to the source of the sound.

“Trotivari!” The gray pegasus with a brown mane said as he approached them, several other ponies followed him as well. At a closer look, he seemed to be much older than the alicorn. “Harmonic Trotivari! Is that you?”

Harmonic nodded.

“Where have you been this whole time?” Compass asked. “We haven't seen you in months, what happened to you?”

“Don't worry, I'm fine. How's the caravan doing?”

“We're alright. But we haven't gotten enough money to move on just yet.”

“I think I can help with that,” Harmonic levitated the large bag of bits over to the stallion. “I thought I might bring a few gifts for the caravan.”

The stallion looked inside the bag. “My my! I knew you were a good violinist, but I didn't imagine this good! This is generous of you, but where have you been anyway?”

“I'll take you there. This is my second gift actually, there's a party over at the palace, and all of you are invited. There's music, food, drink, warmth, and perhaps I can pull a few strings to get all of you moving.”

“Ha ha! Did you hear that?!” Compass turned to the crowed with excitement in his voice. By now, the two guards assumed that this must be the gypsies that Harmonic grew up with. “Harmonic is taking us to the palace! Please, lead the way.”

Harmonic nodded, as they turned to walk back to the palace with the caravan following, Harmonic leaned over to Steel and whispered: “Let's take them through the back entrance.”

“Why? Shouldn't we take them to the front for the Princesses to meet them?”

Harmonic shook his head. “I know these ponies, trust me, we shouldn't show them to the Princesses right away. They think that all alicorns are tricksters and something to be feared.”

“I understand.”

“So, who is he?” Cross Bow asked pointing towards the stallion leading the caravan.

“That's Compass, he's the one who leads the caravan.”

The Gypsies followed them to the back entrance of the palace, once inside after getting themselves warm, they went into the Ballroom. Harmonic didn't take off his cloak as they dove right into the refreshments.

Both of the guards noticed, that out of all of the whole group that came in, two of them gave the covered alicorn an evil eye. One was an old gryphon, with a golden earring and a bandana that covered her head. The other was a pegasus stallion with a mare and two foals.

Then the leader of the caravan came up to them: “Harmonic, since you're here, why not play something for us, for this is a cause for celebration after all.”

Harmonic asked for his violin, and within a few minutes the butler returned with his cherished instrument. When this was done, he began to improvise for old time’s sakes. Thanks to the music spell he learned from Twilight, he made his violin sound like he was playing two or three violins at once... along with a few other instruments. The gypsies joined in with their instruments. With their strings, tambourines, woodwinds, and even a few drums. Some of them sang as they began to dance in front of a gathering crowd.

The music went on for several minutes, when it was done, the gypsies received thunderous applause.

“Wonderful!” Compass said with a smile on his face. “Harmonic, that was so much better than the last time I heard you play. You'll do well in the Crystal Empire.”

Harmonic blinked, he asked what he was talking about.

“That's where we're headed. You're coming with us right?”

“Uh, yeah, about that,” Harmonic said as he levitated his instrument over to a maid. “I'm not coming with you this time.”

“What!? Why not?”

“I'm leaving the caravan Compass. I'm sorry, but I think I've found a home here.”

“Oh,” the leader of the gypsies said in disappointment.

“But before you go though,” Harmonic said nervously. “I think there's something, all of you need to know before hoof.”

“And what's that?”

Harmonic didn't answer him, instead, he turned towards the rest of the room. “Everypony, unless you’re with the caravan, I ask of you, try not to get involved. Just let me handle this.”

“What are you even talking about?” Compass asked.

“This,” he used his aura to undo his cloak, leaving him to expose his wings. The gypsies gasped, even stepped back in fear.

“C-Compass, I-” The leader of the gypsies slapped him. Hard. Hard enough to knock him to the marble floor. The room went dead silent.

“You! You lied to us!” Compass spitted out his anger. “You have been causing us trouble this whole time?!” Harmonic crawled backwards and he went towards him. “We should had left in the snow where we found you, you pitiful excuse of a cockroach! So the rumors were true this whole time?! An Alicorn! Listen freak, you are no longer one of us you monster! Ha! A cloak! How could I not see that?! How could I not see though you’re monstrous tricks?! So as a monster, you should be treated as such!” He raised a hoof in the air, ready to strike. Cross Bow was about to pounce on him.

Well, he was about to, until all went still at the booming of six words: “THOU SHALT DO NO SUCH THING!!!”

It was from the Queen of the Royal Canterlot Voice. A voice that came from an enraged alicorn in blue. Her eyes were sharper than razors, wings open in anger and with a rage that the last time anyone seen it, was before her banishment.

“WE CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT WE HAVE JUST HEARD!!! NOT ONLY TO BULLY AN INNOCENT PONY LIKE THAT, BUT THREATENING TO HURT HIM FOR NOTHING MORE THAN WHO HE IS!!! CONSIDER THYSELF LUCKY THAT WE ART MERCIFUL ENOUGH NOT TO SEND THEE TO THE SUN NOR OUR MOON NO LESS!!! GET THYSELF OUT OF EQUESTRIA!!! FOR THOU SHALT NEVER RETURN TO OUR LAND FOR AS LONG AS THOU LIVE!!! NOW GET THEE OUT BEFORE WE CALL OUR SISTER FOR GOOD MEASURE!!!”

Out of fear, Compass ran out of the room.

“WHO IS-” Luna stopped herself to clear her throat, looking at the group of gypsies, she asked them with her inside voice: “Who is it that leads you?”

“You just yelled at him, your Majesty,” Cross Bow said, bowing respectively.

“It looks like you need to find yourselves a new leader.” Luna said to the gypsies: “Consider yourselves fortunate that at least I will allow all of you to still be in the same room as We are. But if there is anything else like that from any of you, not even your children's children will ever set hoof in Equestria again. Do I make myself clear?” In fear, they quickly nodded their heads.

Luna made her way over to Harmonic. “Are you alright?” she asked. He shook his head 'no'. “Come then,” she said spreading a wing over him. “Let us go someplace else.”

She led him out of the room and into another part of the castle for him to calm down. The reason why Luna was there, was that after they at last got done greeting the ponies coming in, her sister had asked her to go fetch him, so that she can take him to their private party in another part of the castle.

The private party was made up with the entire royal family along with a few others who were given the privilege to be there such as the Elements of Harmony and one or two of the most influential ponies.

This year, it was Fancy Pants with his Prench wife, Fleur De Lis Pants. Not to mention the newborn foal that Cadence had given birth to a few months ago. The foal has been crying for a few minutes because Princess Luna woke her up.

The doors opened to Luna with Harmonic, choking on his tears that no matter what, just kept flowing.

“Harmonic! What happened?” Celestia said with concern. Noticing the red imprint of a hoof on Harmonic's cheeks.

“Go sit by the fire.” Luna told the sobbing alicorn, “I shall tell your story.”

As Luna told the party about how she saw the leader of the Gypsies not only reject him for being an alicorn but even slapped and verbally abused him in front of everypony, Harmonic sat in a comfortable chair by the fire. Across from him, was Cadence holding her crying foal while listening to Luna's story.

Harmonic, despite being in shock and sorrow, gestured a servant over and asked to bring his violin. A few minutes later, everypony in the room was asking questions to Luna. Each had a look on their faces that ranged from shocked to anger, to sympathy. Even the well-known cynical Prince Blueblood had a look of disgust.

In coming through the doors was the servant who had fetched for Harmonic's violin and bow. After getting an incoherent “Thank you” from Harmonic, he took the instrument into his hooves once more, closed his eyes, and this time, he began to play the very lullaby that he played every single night.

The foal in Cadence's forelegs got quieter as the music played on. By the time he was finished, the foal was not asleep nor was she crying.

"Thank you," Cadence said, giving him a half smile. To which, he only nodded.

“Harmonic,” Celestia said. “I can understand what you’re feeling right now. That you feel as if the whole world has officially rejected you. But believe me when I say that that's not the case. I think, that right now more than ever, we should give you your present.”

She levitated pieces of paper over to him. “You know I can't read half of what it says right?” he said.

Celestia levitated over to Cadence: “Would you do us the honor of reading this out to him?” she asked.

Cadence read aloud: “'This contract hereby gives Celestia Everfree and Luna Everfree legal guardianship over Harmonic Trotivari-' Wait! Auntie, are these-”

“Adoption papers?” Celestia interrupted. “Why yes. Yes they are.” Then she turned her attention towards the violinist. “Harmonic, for this to be made legal, we need you to sign your name onto it. Which means, if you decide to sign this, not only will you have a real family, you will be adopted into royalty. In other words, you will soon be made Prince. A prince over what exactly, is up to you. And by law, I should inform you that you have every right to reject as well as to accept this.”

Harmonic stared at her, “You mean – You want... me? To be in your family?”

“Of course,” said Celestia with a smile. “You may not see it, but I see in you something that even I like myself would gladly call you a son.”

“The same likewise,” Luna commented. “I too was once in such a predicament like yourself. To feel as if no one ever cared for you or your art is a dark road to travel alone. But if you let us adopt you, you shall never know loneliness.”

“I would gladly like to have another pony that I would call brother,” said Twilight.

“Awe Twilie. What about me?” Shining Armor whined.

“Don't worry, you'll always be my BBBFF.” This only confused Harmonic. Twilight explained that it stands for “Big Brother Best Friend Forever.”

“Wait, he's your brother?” Harmonic questioned, pointing towards Shining. Twilight nodded.

“To tell you the truth,” Cadence leaned in towards Harmonic whispering: “No offense to Blueblood, but I can see you as a better half-brother then he.” Blueblood did hear it and harrumphed.

“And partner,” Applejack said as she approached the alicorn. “Two things here, even if you decide not letting the Princesses adopting ya, you will always be considered family to me.”

“Me too,” said Rainbow. “You’ll have us at one-hundred and twen- No! I can do better than that! You’ll have us a million percent of the way.”

“Me too- no, me three!” Pinkie leaped in the air.

"Four," Fluttershy whispered.

"Myself as well, of course," said Rarity.

“And what's the other thing?” Harmonic asked Applejack.

“What happened back at the orchard months ago. When you were even a… certain somepony shall we say, and the way ah kept pressen' at ya about it. Ah wanna say, Ah'm sorry about that. Ah can get rather-”

“Stubborn?”

“Curious. But yes, that too. So anyways, Ah'm sorry. And so's my brother.”

Harmonic looked around the room, his eyes landed on the baby that was looking at him. “Who's that?”

“This is my baby, Flurry Heart,” Cadence said with a smile. She used her magic to unwrap her child to show to Harmonic something that's really surprising. The foal, is an alicorn. “As of now, she's one of six alicorns in the world. My dear daughter can be your niece you know. And I think you'll make yourself a fantastic uncle to her.”

He looked around at the room, a room that was now filled with anticipation. (Except for Blueblood, who had his snout in the air.) They were waiting on him now.

“Twilight," he finally said. “Could you help me sign my name here?”

There was a cheer for joy that was heard in that room. Twilight did help him sign his name in the right places. When that was done, Celestia and Luna put a hoof on his shoulders: “Welcome to the family Harmonic,” Celestia said with pride.

Luna nodded, “Now we have gotten that piece of business done, let's move on to something quite amusing.”

“Like what?” Harmonic asked.

“I believe zhat is vhere I come in.” He turned to the mare who spoke in a Prench accent; it was the one who's always next to Fancy Pants.

“Who are you?”

“You may call me, Madame Fleur De Lis Pants. Or Fleur if you may, your Majesty.” She took a bow to him.

“Now now, he's not exactly a prince yet dear.” Fancy Pants told to his wife.

“But vhat does it matter? He is is now part of zhe family is he not? But no matter, I shall put my little hobby into good use.”

“Sorry but, what hobby?” Harmonic asked.

“Has zhey not told you? Zhat I am a matchmaker?”

“Matching what exactly?” Harmonic asked, still confused about what she was talking of.

“I match ponies. For the purpose zhat zhe ponies may fall in love.”

Harmonic's eyes widened, “I-I-I-I ah...” he said nervously. “T-That's kind of y-you and a-all, b-but-”

“Do not worry your Grace. I was made avare by zhe Princesses’ zhemselves zhat you lean towards zhe males no?”

Harmonic was trembling. “Y-you mean – you knew!” He looked at the Princesses in a frantic panic.

“Not at first,” Celestia said trying to sound as soothing as possible. “But when we noticed how you've acted towards Shining Armor, we tried to find out why.”

“H-how?”

“After Twilight wrote about what happened that afternoon at Sweet Apple Acres, I had to set up a few… experiments.”

“E-e-experiments?” Harmonic asked, his pupils shrinking to pinpricks.

“Tell me, did you think that Octavia's wife coming home early or playing cards with a certain couple of Guards was an accident?”

“That was you!”

“Please forgive me, but we were all curious. And before you start running or teleport out of this room, we want you to know that not only we don't mind at all, but some of us here completely understand.”

Harmonic blinked. “Huh?”

“To tell you the truth,” Luna interjected. “Both my sister and I have been married several times over the course of our long lifetimes. We both, every now and then would take a husband or wife-”

“Wait what!?”

Both the celestial sisters giggled: “You see dear Harmonic,” Luna continued. “When you get to be as old as we are, you realize that love itself is blind towards who your special somepony looks like, or their gender. So the best advice we can give you is looking for someone of character that you admire, you shall go a long way with that philosophy.”

“So vith zhat,” Fleur stepped in: “I shall let you know, zhat I have done arrangements vhere both zhe couples are zhat of zhe same gender. Most of vhich are still committed and have reported vith positive results.”

“Most?” Harmonic questioned with a raised eyebrow: “You mean that some of those didn't turn out so well?”

“I can't get every paring right every time. Not unlike Princess Cadence, she vas known to be a master at matchmaking.”

“Why thank you,” Cadence said, blushing a-little at the compliment.

“Since ve are here, perhaps I could have some tips from you as vell?”

“It's been a while.”

“But your pairing skills are known to be legendary. Not one complaint from anyone who turn to you vhen zhey wished to have a somepony special.”

“Well...” Cadence trailed off in thought for a moment. “.... For old time's’ sake.”

“Ah perfect! Now Monsieur, shall ve get started?”

“I... I don't know. I doubt it.” Now this time, it was Fleur and Cadence turn to look confused.

“Why is that?” Cadence questioned, now rocking her foal with her magic.

“Look, no offense to either of you here, but after all I've gone though, I find that either of you would find somepony to love me back as highly unlikely.”

“But vhat if ve can prove you vrong?”

“Huh?”

“Vhat if ve make a deal vith you? If neither of us can come up vith one stallion out there bevore your coronation vhich is... Vhen is it exactly?” The last sentence was towards the princesses. In which Celestia answered this question.

“A week after the New Year so... Three weeks.”

“If neither of us can find you a stallion vithin three veeks, zhen ve shall admit defeat and never again attempt to match you vith anypony else ever again.”

To Harmonic, this seemed ridiculous, absurd, even down right laughable. To him, such a task like this was impossible. Which was why he agreed.

“Excellent!” Fleur exclaimed with a grin. “Now monsieur, ve shall ask you a few questions.”

“Don't worry though,” said Cadence, grinning as well. “I promise we won't ask you anything too embarrassing.”

"Well," Harmonic said, doubting the last statement. "What do you want to know?"

_*_

There were only four days until his coronation, and so far, he hadn’t heard a single word from the matchmakers. Then again, he wasn't too surprised since it seemed as if everyone in Equestria was preparing for his coronation, that it seemed rather unlikely that either Fleur or Cadence could find someone on time.

It was during all these weeks since those two had questioned him about his likes, dislikes and what he wants from another pony; along with that revelation from Celestia did make him a little… paranoid. Anytime anypony did a kind gesture to him, he got suspicions. Even from the servants, guards and nobles that he bumped into every day just made him all the more unsure who it could be.

Then, four days before his coronation, after his music lessons with Octavia, he heard a knock on the door. With a raised eyebrow, he opened the double doors with his magic. There in the doorway was a unicorn with a bag, as well as a canvas on a stand. He was wearing an apron with streaks and blotches of paint that covered over his light brown coat. His mane and tail was a ghostly gray. And to top it all off, all of his legs were shaking.

“I-Is this Harmonic?” he asked.

“Who are you?”

“C-Color S-S-Spectrum, y-your Grace.” The unicorn said giving a bow, “I'm here t-to paint your p-portrait.”

“Portrait? What portrait?”

“It's uh, for your c-coronation.”

“Oh.”

“And before we get started, uh, what is it that you, uh, like to do?”

“Playing the violin. Why?”

“My uh, portraits work best i-if I see somepony d-doing something they like t-to do ya see.”

“Um, okay?” still not letting down his suspicions, he took out his violin and bow out from its case. Then, a question popped into his head: “Were you sent here by someone?”

"Y-yes," the painter answered, starting to sweat a little.

“Let me guess, Princess Cadence or that Prench mare.”

“Uh. I-It's both actually. And the 'Prench mare' i-is Fleur De Lis Pants.”

“Yep, that's her,” Harmonic said then giving a sigh: “I guess you’re here for other reasons than to paint me right?”

“W-well not quite! I-I mean, y-your portrait is the most imp-portant p-part, yes, b-b-but u-uh...” Color stuttered because the look that Harmonic was giving him. His eyes narrowed, making the unicorn very uncomfortable.

“But, what?” Harmonic asked in a tone that easily darkens the room.

“Canyougooutwithme?” Color said very quickly, nearly shouting.

Harmonic blinked… And blinked again, trying to register what he just heard. “What?”

“Can. Um, would you, uh, just this once... go, on a date, with me?” Color asked ending with an uneasy smile.

Harmonic again raised his eyebrow, “Why?”

Color blinked, “Why what?”

“Why with me? Seriously why? I don't even know you.”

Color blushed, he looked at the floor where one of his hooves pawed at. “Well... From what Fleur told me, I think we have a lot more in common than you think.”

“Like what?”

“Well, can I, uh, tell you about myself while I'm painting you? Besides, I-I have to anyway, and the princesses are expecting for you to have your portrait before the coronation.”

With a defeated sigh, Harmonic didn't see any point to argue and asked: “Where?” To which, he saw the artist's ears perked up, and looked at him with hope.

“Oh, uh, I-I was thinking over in the ballroom, i-if you don't mind.”

“Why there?”

“There's plenty of windows for sunlight to seep in, also great acoustics to play your violin.”

A few minutes later, they arrived in the ballroom. The very place where Harmonic wanted to avoid, as it was a reminder of his rejection from the ones who took care of him for years. Color Spectrum noticed that Harmonic wouldn't follow him through the doorway.

“Is something wrong? We can find someplace else-”

“No,” Harmonic interrupted. “No, it’s – it's fine. Really, it's nothing.” The alicorn walked into the room. “So, where do you want me to stand?”

“Over there,” he pointed to the end of the room. Even though it had some frost and snow on the window panes, the sky was somewhat clear enough for the sun to shine through. Harmonic walked over to the spot while he watched the artist getting set up. He put the easel with the canvas down, and opened his bag to reveal what Harmonic assumed to be the tools of the painter's trade. Color starts pulling out plastic tubes of a variety of colored paints, along with small plastic bottle of somewhat murky water, and what appeared to be different sizes of a tool that had long wooden handle and a dull flat metal blade. Next the artist pulled out some rags and a flat stained board of which Harmonic assumed to be his paint pallet. Taking the pallet in his light blue magic, along with some of the paint tubes, Color starts to squirt some of the paint onto various spots. He picks up one of the wooden tools and expertly scoops up some of the paint and begins mixing different colors together to make even more and ever complex colors. When Color was satisfied with the new elements, he takes out a stick of hard charcoal and sets up the canvas and easel. Putting the charcoal to canvas lightly he asks Harmonic to start playing for him.

Harmonic improvised since the artist didn't say what to play exactly. At first, he started to play a simple tune on one string. But minutes later, he was beginning to get lost as his improvised piece that slowly grew complex, almost to the point that he nearly forgotten who was watching. Every now and then, Color would periodically ask questions like: “How old did you say you were?”

“I didn't. I'm seventeen... You?”

“I'll be turning eighteen in April.” He paused for a moment to glimpse between him and the portrait in progress. “So... Have you ever been on a date before this one?”

Harmonic stopped playing, “This is a date?”

"Well," Color's ears folded back and he blushed a little. “To be honest, I have never been on one with somepony else before. I guess there are no rules that are set in stone about how to date. So yeah, in a way, this is a date. But, have you ever been on one yourself?”

“Uh, no. I never could believe that I would ever go on one.”

Color stopped painting for a moment. “Why's that?”

“Well... to put a very long and very difficult story short, the last time that another colt had so much had figured out that I had a crush on him, I ended up getting hanged, drawn and quartered while the children played jump-rope with my entrails.” As expected, the painter showed nothing but shock. Harmonic continued: “So for my safety, I learned how to just accept that nopony will really love me back.”

“Holy dear sweet Celestia! And here I thought I had problems.”

This got Harmonic's curiosity. “What do you mean?”

“Okay grant it, yours is rather... Extreme, compared to mine. But it's somewhat the reason why I'm even here.”

“Hmm. Okay, you have my attention,” Harmonic said with a raised eyebrow.

“Uh, well. To be honest, I never really ever been asked out by anypony. Ever. I never got noticed, not even once have I even been asked out to even a school dance in my life. So I turned to my paintings to hopefully get noticed. This only backfired, they'd only tend to notice the art over the artist.”

“Should I play something sad?” Harmonic said with thoughtless sarcasm. At first, he was both horrified and embarrassed for saying something like that, then it turned to confusion when Color started laughing.

“Why are you laughing? That was mean of me to even say that.”

“Ha-ha, no no, I'm not offended. It's-ha-ha-ha, it's just that I found it funny. Besides, I could tell you didn't mean it. But anyway, (phew) I uh, well… I did fall into a cycle of depression several times at least.”

“But you don't even look sad.”

“Well, not right now of course. I have fallen into the thought nopony would really love me for me. But that didn't mean that I can't keep trying though.”

“Why?”

“Because I have hope that there's somepony out there for me. Which was why I turned to Fleur in hopes that she might help. Ha! Imagine my surprise when she told me to meet you. Not only her but even the Princess from the Crystal Empire as well.”

“You have hope?... Isn't it weird that I envy somepony that I've just met?”

Color raised an eyebrow, “You envy me?”

“That you even have hope that no matter what happens, somepony will find you in the end. After what happened to me, I gave up that hope a very long time ago.”

Harmonic saw the painter pause to register what he said. Then to his surprise, he put down his art supplies and looked at him with not just a look of worry, but he saw sympathy.

Then he took a few steps forward, “Are you alright, I mean, are you really alright? Like the kind of alright where you don't have to pretend everything is fine so that ponies can leave you alone; because it's something so personal that you don't even know how to share it for out of fear, or knowing that no one would understand? So, let me ask again, are you alright Harmonic?”

The soon-to-be Prince didn't respond. Color took a few steps closer. “Look, I remember my mom saying before she died, was that ‘the greatest gift in life is to be able to care for another pony, no matter what issues they have. But the first step to show that you love them, is, well, to show that you do care.’ And you know what? You're right, I've just met you. But from what I can tell, I think you need me more because in a way, I have fallen into thinking that nopony will ever really care for me before. I want to help. But I can't do that unless you let me.”

“So you’re saying that you want to help me because you feel sorry for me?”

“In a way. But we also have something in common as well.”

“And what's that?”

“From what I was told, we both have the same reasoning when it comes to searching for that special somepony. That we both have to work hard to win each other’s hearts. I confess, even I have doubts your Highness. But that doesn't mean that it couldn't work either. I mean, so what if it doesn't work out? Who knows, we might become good friends in the end or something. But for the first time in my life, I'm taking the first step to even try.” He stepped closer to Harmonic but stopped when he was about a foreleg's length away. He offered up a hoof up to him. “So, at least for your part, can you at least show me, that you’re willing to even try, that is, with me.”

Part of Harmonic wanted to say “no”. A side that doubted that something like this can't end in betrayal like so many times before. Where he would as gently as possible decline the offer. But, (and this was a big but) what he heard from this painter was sincere, asking himself if he was serious and not acting to be. For as Color was talking, Harmonic saw that never once, had his blue eyes ever moved away for even a second. He looked at him in the eye as he said his monologue.

So, perhaps...

Slowly, ever so slowly, he raised his right foreleg. It still shook, reflecting his whole history of uncertainty as he lifted it up and moved it towards the painter's outstretched hoof. But it took every amount of courage though, to even decide that maybe, he should take this gamble, and placed his hoof into Color's.

“Well,” Color said with a half-smile. “It's a start.”

4th Movement

Everything, and everypony, was ready. Banners were assembled, the guards stood in position, the musicians and choir waited in anticipation to play out the newly composed music. And above all, the royal family was prepared to begin.

It all came down to Celestia now, whom was waiting for one of her guards to tell her that Harmonic was ready. And sure enough, the pegasus came to Celestia’s side to whisper that the guest of honor was, if not a bit hesitant, ready to go.

After clearing her throat, she began: “Fellow fillies and gentlecolts, citizens of Equestria and those from afar, we have gathered here on this splendid occasion for the coronation of a stallion that has suffered much, yet with a humble heart and creative spirit, has come before you to become something greater than he had ever dreamed of. Today we shall bring to you a new Prince, one who did not come from any royal ties, but from someone who we’ve adopted. A pony who can empathized with many who are, or have been suffering, from persecution to poverty, from starvation to torture. Who has vowed that he will make sure that the things he has gone through, will do anything he could to make sure that no other pony would suffer like he did.”

There was some applause, but a lifted hoof called for silence.

“He is also to take upon himself a particular title of responsibility that has not been given for centuries. A responsibility in which he shall be the grand overseer of the arts: to create conditions and opportunities for artists in all fields. To lead all art to new horizons which never been dreamed before; and to give fair, honest and constructive criticism when it’s needed. And now, my fellow citizens of Equestria, members of the royal family, I present to you, Prince Harmonic Trotivarius Everfree!”

The doors opened, and as soon as Harmonic walked into the crowded room, the music started playing.

With the music playing the very sound of excitable anticipation, the ponies right away noticed that he was wearing something highly unusual. Even for a coronation. Unlike the last one for Princess Twilight, who had a dress made from the best tailors in the land, Harmonic came into the room with something that was the exact opposite of elegant.

When he came into the room, the cloak he was wearing was old and ragged. It was covered in misplaced patches that were an eyesore to look at, something that gives him the appearance of a beggar then a Prince to be.

But despite what everypony in the room was thinking, his raggedy cloak was chosen on purpose. A kind of symbolism to somewhat show his background.

When he made his way to the royal family, Celestia lit up her horn and took off the ancient cloak and replaced it with one of velvet red. She smiled down upon him.

“Harmonic, do you hereby swear to me, my sister Luna, and to all of Equestria that you shall take upon yourself the responsibility, to uphold and defend the laws of this land, to protect and serve all citizens to treat them fairly and wisely, and to take upon the responsibility you’re given for as long as you shall live?”

Harmonic nodded. "I forever will," he said.

Her horn glowed once again. This time, a crown of silver was hovering above Harmonic's head. A crown that was simplistic where it was made up of five silver wires. The front had the three clefs in music made out of gold: The Treble, Alto, and Bass where the Treble was the largest of the three.

“By the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars above, and the rich gems and crystals below. By myself, Luna, and the Government of Equestria, I hereby proclaim you Prince Harmonic. Prince of Inspiration!” And with that, Celestia lowered the crown onto Harmonic’s head. “Long may he reign!”

The music came to its crescendo.

_*_

“B-6… B-7… Here it is.” Harmonic stopped at the door marked B-8 in an apartment complex that was near the train station. Behind him were a few pegasi guards that have been escorting him wherever he went. Of course, he'd bumped into a few ponies along the way, which they respectfully bowed and went on their way.

He noticed that despite the coronation yesterday, which thousands had come far and wide to see him, he didn’t see Color at all. In fact, even Cadence found it odd since she invited him to the crowning ceremony. So the new Prince decided he should investigate himself.

There was no response in the first few knocks, but he did hear hoofsteps coming towards the door. He heard a few clicks before the door opened up to a sick Color. His nose was red and runny, and his eyes were red. He also wasn't wearing the paint covered apron that he had on a few days earlier. Instead, he had a blanket wrapped around him.

“Oh! Your Highness!” Color bowed to him.

“Uh, two things: one, please don’t do that around me Color, it’s kinda weird when you're doing it.” Color got up, his horn glowed and a wad of tissues came flowing over to his nose.

“And second, what happened to you?”

“Cold," Color answered with a sniff. "I think I might have caught it when I helped shovel my sis’s sidewalk. I think I may have stayed outside too long." He sniffed again, "Sorry, I couldn’t come to the ceremony, I’m a little too sick to go anywhere." And sniffed again, "But what’re you doing here anyway?”

“Well, I just came down to see what was going on. And, I uh, I was going to ask if you wanted a hot chocolate, but since you’re sick and all… Do you have a kitchen in there?”

“Uh sure," sniff, "why?”

Harmonic turned to his escorts “I need one of you guys to get me the following…” He gave the guards a list of ingredients ranging from vegetables to spices. One of the guards agreed to fetch these items while the other stayed with the prince.

“So, can I come in?” Harmonic asked.

“W-Well, my uh," sniff, "my apartment isn’t exactly clean here.”

“But can I still come in?”

Color Spectrum gave a nod and let him and the guard in. The apartment itself was a wide open space; it was a studio, an art gallery, a living room, a bedroom and a kitchen, all in the same space. There was a closet and a bathroom in one end of the room, and arched windows that looked outwardly towards the Equestrian landscape.

As Color flopped onto the bed, Harmonic looked around the room. There were canvases that were either leaning up against the wall or hanging up. There were paint tubes and cans of nearly every color imaginable that lay around in piles. On the ground there was a white fabric that covered most of the floor that showed drips and splotches of paint. He saw pictures that ranged from landscapes, cityscapes, and some portraits here and there. Some of them were finished, and some where not.

But other than paintings, he saw that there was a couch that was towards the windows, and a bookcase in one corner of the room, and a little kitchen in the other. It was a kitchen that had dirty dishes lying about.

"Sorry about the mess," Color said from his bed.

Harmonic shrugged. “I’ve seen worse. So this is where you live huh?”

“Yeah, it’s not much or anything," he sniffed, "but it’s home right?” Harmonic turned to the guard; he was still standing by the door with a permanent frown on his face.

“So, why you’d come in?” Color asked.

“Oh, well, since you’re sick, I just thought that I could fix you something.”

Color sniffed before asking, "Like you’re gonna make me soup or something?”

“Um, yeah, that’s pretty much the idea.”

“But," he sniffed, "you’d just met me a few days ago.”

“Well, true, but in the caravan, they have a saying: 'It is always wise to repay kindness with kindness.'"

“Uh, okay…”

There was a knock on the door. The pegasus guard answered it to find it was the other guard that had a paper bag, no doubt the ingredients that Harmonic asked for.

Harmonic was set to work on the soup. The guards had asked him, several times if he needed help, but each time Harmonic refused the offer and insisted to make this by himself.

After the vegetables were chopped and sautéed, the broth was boiled with the herbs and spices, and soon enough the air in Color’s apartment alone was mouthwatering.

"It smells really good," Color complimented. "What is it?"

“We simply called it healing soup. The caravan used to have this whenever anypony got sick for any reason. I just need to do the last step. Now, normally I would need a unicorn to do this, but thanks to Twilight, I think I can do this part.”

Harmonic’s horn glowed, concentrating his magic to form a ball of light, in which it was put into the soup. The soup glowed for a few moments until the light faded away.

“What did you do?” Color asked.

“I put a healing spell into the soup. Now it’s ready.”

“In other words," Color gave a sniff before saying: "you just made edible magic… okay, that’s new.”

Harmonic dished up a bowl of the soup and gave it to Color.

"Thanks," Color said, taking the bowl into his own aura. After taking a few spoonfuls, Color added: “I didn't know you could cook.”

“Well, music isn't the only thing I've learnt from them. Just eat that now and then, and you’ll be fine.”

Color nodded and went back taking another spoonful of the soup. After a moment, Harmonic asked, “So, you have a family?”

“Huh? Oh," sniff, "I have two sisters actually, I’m just the middle child." He sniffed again, "Home Finder is the oldest and Sugar Sweet is the youngest.”

“Oh. And uh, do you have a dad? I know you said that your mother isn’t around anymore and all.”

“Dad? Yeah he’s still around." Color sniffed before adding, "He’s a banker.”

“So do they know?”

“Huh? Know what?”

“That you’re a…”

“Oh! Oh yeah," sniff, "they know. My Sis’s accepted me right away. It took quite a while for dad though." Sniff, "But in the end, he accepted the fact and all.”

“Oh, that’s good to hear. I guess.”

“Yeah.” Color sniffed once more.

_*_

“Celestia!” Harmonic called out to her in the hallway.

“Ah Harmonic, you know you don’t really have to use my name?”

“Oh, sorry mom.”

Celestia smiled, “All is forgiven. But I suppose you’re coming to dinner are you?”

The Prince nodded. “Mind if I talk to you a little?”

“Not at all,” Celestia and Harmonic walked side by side down the hall.

“It’s something that’s been bothering me.”

“Is it you calling us mother?”

“Well, not really. I mean sure, it’s still rather weird for me, but no, that’s not it.”

“Then what?”

Harmonic turned to Celestia. “It’s about how you found out that I’m… You know. Look, I know what you did was out of good intentions, but – I can’t help but feel as if you took advantage of my trust to find out that secret of mine. It’s not that I’m angry at you or anything, it’s just I found it unnerving.”

Celestia hummed in thought, “Understandable. I would say that it was a force of bad habit on my part I suppose. A thousand years of ruling a whole country alone, not to mention being the personal teacher of Twilight Sparkle, I’d tend to try to find out what is really going on behind my back by anyway I could. But you’re right though, you had trust in us, and I was the one who took advantage of it. Please forgive me, my son.”

“I do. Just as long as you promise to don’t ever do something like that again.”

Celestia nodded, “Towards everypony, I’m afraid there’s no guarantee, but with you – I think I can make an exception.”

_*_

Color Spectrum did recover from his cold. And Harmonic tended to come to his apartment a few times a week, both to check up how he was doing and as an excuse to talk to somepony.

It was one of these visits that Harmonic knocked on the door and it opened to somepony he’s never seen before. He saw that the unicorn had a soft red coat with an orange mane that was tied up. He noticed that she seemed younger than Color and had a bowl of sugar as her cutie mark.

"Oh! Hello your highness," she said, giving him a quick bow. “I’m guessing you’re here for Color, right?”

“Uh, yeah?”

She stepped out of the door quickly and closed the door behind her. "Good," she said. "You've come at the perfect time actually. My brother really needs to get out more. And maybe you can convince him to get out of his apartment for once.”

“Uh, okay? And who are you?”

“Sugar Sweet Your Majesty, I work at a gourmet candy shop a few streets away. The Lemon Drop near the park, you know it?”

"I don't think I've heard of it until now.”

Sugar frowned, “Anyway, can you talk him out of here?”

“Uh, I’ll do what I can.”

“Good,” she opened the door. “Hey Color! Your muse is here!”

Harmonic tilted his head to the side as they entered. He saw Color covering a set of canvases with a sheet. Color himself looked like as if he was caught with something and tried to hide it.

“Oh! You’re here!” Color said.

“Yeah – and I was thinking that maybe we might do something today.”

“Like what?”

“Well…” Harmonic tried to think of something. At first, he couldn’t come up with anything, than he got an idea. “Can you ice skate?”

Color raised an eyebrow. “I know how to do it.”

“Maybe you can teach me. It’s something that I’ve never done before and I think it might give us something to do.”

“Well…” Color looked between him and the pictures he covered. Finally he looked at Harmonic, “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”

After Color got his winter coat on, they stepped out into the snow and walked towards the outdoor ice rink.

“Say, out of curiosity,” Harmonic inquired. “Why did she call me your muse?”

Color blushed, he wouldn’t look at him when he said, “Well… Uh, t-that’s her way of teasing. Yes! S-She often does that when she’s around.” And he ended it with a forced smile.

“Um... Okay. I guess if you say so.”

They walked the rest of the way in awkward silence. When they arrived at the rink, the pony at the ticket booth let them in for free, simply because of a royal presence.

The first thing they did was to fit themselves with the right pair of shoes.

“Okay, first thing here is to know how to stand with these on. Now I need you to stand without falling over," Color instructed after he put his skates on.

Harmonic stood on his four legs with the skates on, trying to balance on four thin pieces of metal. But as expected, he fell to one side.

“I got you! I got you!” Color said quickly, catching the alicorn with his magic. He set him back up on all fours. Harmonic tried and failed a few times before finding his balance. But he did find his balance, much to his relief.

"Now, walk," Color told him. Harmonic looked at him as if he’d completely lost his mind. “Hey, if you’re going to ice skate, you need to know how to both move and keep your balance. Now walk.”

The first few steps, he nearly fell over. But he quickly got used to it. Color nodded in approval. “Very good, now here’s the difficult part.” He pointed towards the ice rink, “What you need to know is that to go forward, just keep your skates pointed away from you. And to slow down, just point the skates towards yourself. Left, all skates pointed left; right, just point to the right.”

“But what if you wanted to stop?”

“Just bump into something and hope you don’t fall over.”

Harmonic stepped onto the ice and started off slow. He quickly learned that his foreleg has to move exactly like the hind behind it. With this little discovery, he got up to speed with the other skaters.

"There you go," Color nodded in approval as he passed him by. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Harmonic got an idea; he spread his wings and used them to go faster.

“Hey! That’s cheating!” Color called out.

“No. That’s called helpin- WHOA!” Harmonic felt something jerk his tail, which caused him to fall onto the ice. He turned around to see the fading light blue of Color’s aura.

“Hey! That’s cheating!”

"No," Color smirked. "That's called helping."

_*_

When the first day of spring arrived, Harmonic was on a train to the Crystal Empire for some amusing business; Princess Cadence had asked him to come hear the new premiere of the new anthem to the Empire.

Since music was in his department, he agreed to come, bringing his violin along.

The train stopped at the station, where Cadence along with a group of guards was waiting for him. After greetings and pleasantries had been exchanged, they made their way to the palace.

“So,” Cadence started. “Is there anything new with you recently?”

“Well, since Rainbow has already taught me how to fly, I try to keep myself busy.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, lessons here, giving advice there, and playing the violin whenever I can.”

“And what about Color?”

“Oh… Well – I tend to see him from time to time. We’ve been doing a few things for the past few months.”

Cadence smiled, “Things like what?”

“Just a few simple things, that’s all. Like going ice skating… or grabbing some lunch… or just talking.”

“So as of now, what is he to you?”

“Huh?”

“Do you consider Color as a friend? Or something else?”

Harmonic paused for a good long while. What was he to him really? Friend seemed too simple of an answer. Little by little, they've been opening up a little more to each other with every visit; and little by little, they've learn a small amount about each other. When one was having a bad day, the other would comfort the other. Or if one was having a good day, they both tried to share it. So what was Color to him anyway?

“I – I don’t know.”

Cadence seemed to be thoughtful this time, after giving a nod and hum, she simply said: “Alright then. But if there’s anything you want to talk about, let me know.”

Harmonic thought about what Cadence had said. Even when they entered the Crystal Palace, that question refused to go away. No matter what he did, no matter what he came up with to distract himself, he couldn’t take his mind off of that one question: What is he to him? He tried to get the question off his mind, from saying hello to the baby Skyla in the nursery, to improvising on his violin, and even giving his constructive criticism about the new anthem, nothing helped. Even when the question seemed to be gone when he was distracted, it always came back to haunt him.

What was Color to him?

_*_

There was a knock on Harmonic’s door, when he answered it, he found a night guard there.

“Your Majesty, I apologize for coming to you this late, but Color Spectrum is asking for an emergency audience with you.”

"Send him up here," Harmonic told the guard, in which he saluted and trotted down the hall. The Prince sat by the fireplace, waiting for Color to arrive. Yet he couldn’t help but wonder what Spectrum was doing here at the castle at about ten o’clock at night.

When the Artist was let in the room, Harmonic saw that he seemed to be spooked. He was shaking, his eyes continuously shifted and his breathing was at a staccato pace. Harmonic knew that look anywhere.

“Color, what happened?”

"I've been robbed," he said.

“What?”

“I don’t know how it happened. I just came back to my apartment and saw the lock had been taken off, and when I went in; the whole place was turned upside down! All my bits are gone. I’m missing a good deal of paintings. Some of them have been shredded-”

“Okay, okay, but did you go the Guard or even the police?”

“I already did. They have it sealed off for investigation. But – But I don’t wanna go back there. I don’t feel safe there. So, can I at least spend the night here with you?”

Harmonic’s eyes widen and seemed to blush a little. Color seemed to notice this when he said: “Oh! Nononono! T-That’s not what I meant! I-I swear it! I mean a place for me to sleep ‘til tomorrow! I didn’t mea-”

Harmonic stuck a hoof in Color’s mouth. “To answer your question,” he said. “The answer is yes. You can stay here with me. And if it makes you comfortable, I’ll sleep on the couch while you sleep in my bed.”

“Oh no, you don’t have t-”

“Color. There have been times for me where I had to sleep on the ground in the middle of nowhere. So trust me, sleeping on the couch isn’t going to hurt me.”

“Well… Thanks, I guess.”

“To tell ya the truth, I was about to go to bed myself. So I guess it was good timing on your part.”

The Prince took one of the pillows and a blanket off from the bed and put them on the couch. While Color was trying to make himself comfortable, he saw, to his confusion, Harmonic opening the doors to the balcony and stepped outside with his violin. Color heard him playing something that he hadn’t heard before. The melody was simple, so much so, that Color could see he was playing it on only on one string. He heard the song being played over three times, by then he guessed that it was some kind of lullaby.

"What was that?" he asked as Harmonic closed the door behind him.

“That was a lullaby.”

“It was very good, where’d you learn it?”

Harmonic froze at the question. He hesitated for a good long while, Color was about to ask again until Harmonic answered, “Mom and Dad.”

Neither one said anything. Color at this point knew that he was now stepping into very dangerous territory, remembering what he was like after his mother died.

“Sorry I brought it up.”

Harmonic shook his head. "No, you're fine. You didn't know about it."

The Artist paused for a moment before asking, “Do you wanna talk about it?”

Harmonic was taken aback by that question. “As in, why do I play that every night?”

Color nodded, “From my past experience, talking about it to someone always tends to help.”

The Prince thought for a moment as he put the violin and bow back in its case.

“Jus… Just promise me you won’t laugh.”

“I promise.”

Harmonic took in a deep breath. “That was the very first song I was able to play on that violin. Mom used to say that it was the same lullaby she hummed when I was in the cradle. They were the first ponies who ever showed any kindness towards me, fully knowing that I’m an alicorn. So, when it happened…” Harmonic tried his best to hold his emotions back. His voice was cracking, and he could barely see with tears coming to his eyes.

Color got out of the bed and walked over to Harmonic where he put a foreleg over him. "Take your time," he softly said.

It took several minutes until the Prince was calm enough to speak again. “When I had to flee from Cremona because they thought that I killed them, I made a promise to myself that I would play that song every night to them. To play that lullaby so they would rest in peace, while I lived in agony!” Tears flow freely now. Color hugged him, speaking soft comforts to him as he was getting drenched in his tears.

Then, for whatever reason, Color got an idea that popped inside his head. An idea that made his ears stand straight up and blushing a little. “Harmonic…” But he shook his head, “No, forget it.”

“W-What?”

“No. Jus- Just forget I said anything.”

“What?”

“I-It’s not the right time or place for me to-”

“WHAT IS IT?!” Harmonic snapped but quickly apologized. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

Color decided to take a little gamble: “Can I ask ya a uh... very personal question?”

“What?”

Color looked at Harmonic right in the eye and asked: “Have… Had you, ever um… kissed anypony before?”

Harmonic’s eyes widened. “Where did that come from?”

Color’s blush deepened and tried to look at anything except for the pony in front of him. “Uh… Sorry. Just forget I even asked.”

“No no,” Harmonic clarified. “I’m not offended; it’s just that it was unexpected. But, why did you asked that anyway?”

“....Reasons.” Color admitted.

Realizing that this will get nowhere, Harmonic answered: “No. The answer is no. I’ve never received a real kiss from anypony at all… You?”

“Well… No. But I’ve seen it done a few times.”

“You do realize what you’re actually asking here right?”

Color nodded. Even though he tried his best to remain calm, Harmonic couldn’t figure out why his heartbeat was speeding up. The Prince asked, “Do… Do you really want to? W-With me of all ponies?”

“Well, i-if it’s you, then I’m willing.”

Harmonic can feel the blood rushing to his cheeks.

“Alright. So how’s it done?”

“Well. First we tilt our heads a little. No, you tilt the other way. Yeah, like that. Then we close our eyes-”

“Why?” Harmonic asked.

“I… I don’t know. Uh, have you ever listened to a piece of music that was so good that you couldn’t help but close your eyes and enjoy it?”

“Sometimes.”

“I guess it’s somewhat the same reason. Then we lean in until our lips touch.”

“And then what happens?”

“Not sure. Let instinct take over I think. Ready?”

“I’m not going to stop you,” Harmonic closed his eyes and waited. At first, nothing happened. But then he felt something on his lips. He opened his eyes, and sure enough, he was face to face with Color. At first, it felt strange for him to have another pony’s lips against his. But as second after second went by, he got more relaxed to the point he closed his eyes to enjoy. Feeling Color's lips against his own felt like putting his lips against a piece of soft candy. Even the tongue he gladly surrendered to as he did with his own. But eventually, it had to end.

As they pulled away, he felt a little trail of saliva that both of them raised a hoof to wipe it off.

“Well… That was… interesting," Harmonic said at last.

“Interesting bad or...?”

“N-No. I liked it. It’s just that I don’t have anything to compare it with.”

“You… liked it?”

“Well yes, I muph!” Color kissed him again. Harmonic’s eyes went wide open along with his wings.

“W-What was that for?” Harmonic asked, now feeling embarrassed.

“Sorry, it’s just I felt so happy right there and then. Um… Harmonic, can I, tell you something?”

“I’m listening.”

“Well first of all, thank you for giving me and your first kiss. And second, well… I guess there’s no easier way to say this but… Harmonic, I was wondering… Would you, let me be your special somepony?”

The Prince didn’t say anything; the only answer he gave was a smile and a nod.

_*_

“Are you sure about this?” Color asked as he and Harmonic walked into the First Bank of Canterlot.

“I’m sure.”

“You do know that you don’t exactly need his permission or anything?”

“Maybe not, but a blessing is all I’m asking for. Besides, I’ve met your sisters, so why not your dad?”

The Prince followed the artist to the office part of the bank. They stopped when they came to a door that had the words “Golden Cash” written in silver and gold lettering.

After Color gave a few knocks, he opened the door to a small office space. Behind a large wooden desk with an organized mess of bits and paper was a bearded unicorn of a golden coat and a silver mane; his horn aglow that controlled his pen and his eyes only focusing on the numbers on the papers before him. The only other thing in the room besides the desk and the filing cabinets was a chair that was in front of the desk.

"Hello dad," Color said.

"Hello Color," Golden said without looking up from his work. “I’m somewhat busy at the moment. Is there any reason as to why you’re here?”

"That would be me," Prince Harmonic said. This time, the aged stallion did look up and saw who was before him.

Out of surprise, he bolted upright in his chair. “Your Highness! Forgive me; I didn’t know you were coming today.”

“No worries sir. I’m here to ask you something.”

“Well, by all means, come in!”

The two of them stepped in and closed the door behind them. Harmonic took the chair in front of the desk while Color stood beside him.

“So, what is this about?” Golden asked, “Have you gained a new position Color?”

“That’s… one way of putting it.”

Golden raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

“Golden, sir,” Harmonic piped up. “I’m not here for anything to do with money. Actually, we came here for a different reason.”

“And that is?”

Harmonic took a breath. “Golden Cash, would you allow me to have your son, Color Spectrum, to be my personal consort?”

Golden blinked. He looked at his son, then back to the alicorn. “Why are you asking me this? You’re a Prince aren’t you? You can have practically anypony in all of Equestria you want, so why are you asking me for?”

“Where I come from, in the culture I grew up in, it is considered rude, if not downright offensive, that a couple court each other without the permission and blessing from both of the parents or maybe guardians whom that couple was raised by. Celestia and Luna already gave theirs, now it all comes down to you sir.”

“Courting?” Golden asked, “So let me get this straight, you two came down here, interrupt me during business hours to ask if you can date my son?”

Harmonic nodded, “Yes sir.”

Golden closed his eyes in thought. For a few minutes, he sat there in silence. “I will allow it,” he said at last. But before either of them could say anything, Golden’s eyes open with a hard gaze towards Harmonic.

“But keep in mind, Your Majesty,” he said. “You may be a Prince and an alicorn, as well as allowing me to have you date my son. However, if I find out that you hurt my son, and I do mean really hurt him, be rest assured that there will be consequences. That I will not be afraid to commit treason just so that Color is safe in the end. Understood?”

“Y-Yes, sir.”

The banker looked to his son. “You have my blessing,” then turned towards the Prince. “As well as my permission.” Looking back at his son again, he added: “Consider this as a birthday gift. Happy birthday, Color.”

Color smiled, “Thank you, dad.”

“Now if you two excuse me, I have a good deal of work to do.”

With a respectful nod, Harmonic got up from his set and with a “Goodbye,” they left the bank.

_*_

“Harm,” Color asked before taking a bite of his slice of red velvet, “Mind if I ask you something?”

“Hm?” Harmonic hummed, still chewing his dessert. The new couple was finishing up their dinner in Harmonic’s room by the light of candles and a fire.

“It has been two months since we’ve started this whole relationship thing,” the Artist began, “And so far, it’s been going quite good.”

The Prince swallowed, “I sense a ‘but’ in that statement.”

“But I’ve been thinking, our family knows about us being a couple, so… When do you want to go public?”

Harmonic looked up from his cake, “Public?”

“Yeah,” Color nodded, “I mean, our love ones know about us, but with things going so good, don’t ya think it’s about time we let Equestria know that we’re a couple now?”

“Uh-h um…” the alicorn started, “Color… I don’t know.”

“Why? What’s wrong? Aren’t you certain that we have a good relationship here?”

“What? Of course, I do, being with you is fantastic then I could imagine…”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’ in that statement,” Color pointed out, “So tell me, what’s wrong?”

Harmonic sighed, “Color… Even if we do go public… Would we be accepted?”

The unicorn stallion was taken aback, “Accepted? I don’t understand.”

“I mean, with our parents and family accepting us is great, don’t get me wrong. But what about everypony else? What if we told them and they don’t approve? Last time I’ve checked, Stallion/Stallion relationships aren’t all that common in this country, aren’t they?”

“But do you think anypony would care?” Color questioned, “I mean, for Celestia’s sake, we have rights in this country for a few centuries now. Plus, you’re royalty, trust me, the worst anypony could do (especially from the Nobility) is grumble that you’re going out with a commoner. Besides, there are rumors out there about us dating anyway.”

“I don’t know,” Harmonic lowered his head, “I mean, you’re the first stallion that I’ve ever been in a relationship with, period. All the time that I’ve been growing up in the places I’ve been to, these sort of relationships are still being looked down upon. I couldn’t help it whenever I’ve thought about putting a wing over ya that I remember the slurs that I’ve heard, the dirty looks that were given, and the degrading opinions that were said about ponies like us. Color, please forgive me if I couldn’t help but see ghosts whenever we’re in public.”

Color sat for a moment, taking in what his coltfriend had uttered. “You’re still afraid, aren’t you?” The prince folded his ears back and gave a little nod.

The Artist meditated the problem before him, while several things about Harmonic have gotten him to open up more about being his authentic self, there was still this barrier that his coltfriend hasn’t conquered yet. Facing family members was one thing, but what about friends and the public at large.

It was then; the unicorn artist got an idea. He remembered that it was June and a holiday that was coming up in a few days. Perhaps he could use it to his advantage, but he’ll need some help if he’s going to pull it off.

Luckily, he knew exactly the right ponies to help.

-*-

“What the hay is Rainbow Day?” Harmonic asked Octavia and her wife. “Is it a day where everypony worships Rainbow Dash?”

His coltfriend, along with Steel Plated and Cross Bow laughed. The guards were there to escort the Prince. His teacher brought her violin along as well as her wife. The six of them were headed towards Canterlot Square where, as far as the Prince of Inspiration could gather, there was a party going on. A party that Harmonic and his teacher were bringing their violins to play to an unknown crowd with an unknown band.

“Nah dude,” Vinyl giggled, “Rainbow Day is something that I think you’ll enjoy. I mean sure, it gets crazy sometimes but that’s part of the fun.”

“But what is it about?” Harmonic inquired.

Steel smirked, “Trust us, it’ll make so much sense once we arrive, as well as easier to explain it all.”

Harmonic was still uncertain as to what was going on or why his teacher had him practice a piece of music called, “Ode to Joy.” He wasn’t sure what all of them were up to.

And then they reached the Square where he found not only a very colorful sight filled with anything and everything that had to do with all the colors of the rainbow, but he saw that there were many ponies there. Then he started to notice something among the crowd, especially those who were in pairs. Harmonic saw that from ponies as young as teenagers to as old as elders were with someone of the same gender. They showed obvious signs of affection, from nuzzles, to hugs, kisses to simply putting a leg or a wing over another.

Harmonic turned to Color, completely puzzled, “What is all this?”

“It’s Rainbow Day,” Color explained, “It’s a day for ponies like us to come together to pretty much have fun with their special somepony who happens to be the same gender as they are. This party is a way to say to ponies like you that you’re not alone and it’s okay to fall in love with your special somepony in public. It’s a day where you don’t have to be afraid of being judged by your peers.”

“Consider it as Hearts and Hooves day that’s a lot more fun,” Vinyl added. “It’s a great place to get to know ponies like us, hang out, play games, music, exchange ideas, and so on. It’s a place where you could act as weird as ya want, or better yet, just be you.”

“Besides,” Cross Bow said, putting a foreleg over Steel, “Even when this party is a once a year thing, it’s celebrated anywhere in Equestria where ever there are any gay and lesbian ponies around or those that trot both ways. It’s really about celebrating those that have like feelings such as Your Highness has towards Color.”

“You could even show public affection,” Steel revealed, “If anything, it’s encouraged here.”

Harmonic turned to Color who had a smile on his face. “So what do ya say?” Color asked, “Shall we join the party?”

The alicorn looked around, checking to see if anyone was watching before turning his attention back to his consort. “This… This might seem a bit weird.”

Vinyl laughed, “No offense Your Majesty, but what’s wrong with weird? I mean look around, there are total displays of affection everywhere. Like here for example,” she leaned in to kiss her wife on the lips. “Come on Octie, let’s go crash the party,” and with that, the two of them disappeared in the crowed.

The Prince returned his gaze to his consort and paused for a moment before opening a wing to put over Color’s back. The unicorn could sense that he was hesitant to move forward, so he nuzzled under Harmonic’s chin, “Come on, you will not find any ghosts here, only friends.”

In the back of Harmonic’s mind, those ghosts were present. He could sense their hate-filled stairs, already sharpening their farming tools. Yet the smile from his consort, along with his friends that urged him to take the leap was slightly more powerful. And so, the small group journeyed through this Colorful Wonderland.

Not to say there weren’t stares from the ponies they passed by. There were respectable bows and “Welcomes.” Along with ponies taking pictures, some of them came up to them. One of the ponies that went up to the Prince surprised him.

“Fancy Pants?” Harmonic asked for he couldn’t believe what he was seeing in a place like this. There approaching was Fancy Pants along with his wife, but they were followed by a pony that he didn’t recognize – a gray earth pony with a white mane that looked like a powdered wig and has a fan for a cutie mark.

“Prince Harmonic,” Fancy bowed, “What a pleasant surprise to see you here!”

“What are you doing here?” Harmonic asked, “I thought this party was…”

It didn’t take long for the married couple to get what he was talking about, “Oh! Well, we’re actually here to support a friend of ours.” Fancy said, turning to the gray pony beside his wife, “Your Grace, I like you to meet my friend and fashion critic, Hoity Toity.”

The gray pony tilted his sunglasses, looking between Harmonic and Color, “So, I guess the rumors were true after all.”

“Huh?” they both asked.

“That you two really are together,” he smirked. At this, Harmonic instantly folded his wing back to his sides in embarrassment.

“Come, come, Your Majesty,” Hoity commented, “We’re among like-minded ponies aren’t we? There’s no need to feel all embarrassed.”

“He's just not used to it,” Cross Bow said. “We’re helping him out with some self-confidence issues.”

“Oh, I see,” Hoity nodded, “Having trouble coming out of the closet I see. Especially when you have a dashing young fellow by your side,” Both Prince and Artist blushed at this, awkwardly trying to look at anything except each other or Hoity.

“But in all honesty,” he continued, “I for one am rather surprised that you did come out here with your coltfriend. But nevertheless, I’m very glad that you did.”

“Why’s that?” Color inquired.

“This means that Sapphire Shores now owes me fifty bits.”

Fancy snapped his attention towards his friend, “What were you betting on?”

“If his Highness takes Color Spectrum as his coltfriend, the tabloids have been speculating for months. Now it looks like it’s true unless this is completely plutonic.”

“It’s true, actually,” Color announced, “I and Harm have been going steady for a few months now.”

“Wonderful,” Hoity clapped, “I must say, you two would make an adorable couple.”

“Um…” Harmonic’s blush took on a richer shade of scarlet. “Thanks... I suppose.”

“Well, I must be going,” Hoity said, putting his glasses back on. “I have places to be and stallions to look at.”

‘Not really the subtle type, aren’t ya?’ Harmonic thought. They said their goodbyes and moved on. There were stalls that sold food that was heavily inspired by the rainbow theme. They saw carnival food not only came in wide varieties of colors but even died as well.

“Bet this would be a nightmare to paint,” the alicorn commented.

Color laughed, “Oh yeah, this would take me months to paint every single color from all of this.”

“I wonder though,” Harmonic thought out loud, “Why rainbows though? Why so much emphasis on all of these colors anyway?”

The Artist paused, “I’m not exactly sure, do any of you guys?”

“I think I have an idea why,” Cross Bow said, “Originally when rainbows were used by gay ponies, it was used as a symbol of the movement that leads Celestia to integrate laws so that ponies like us won’t be harmed for being who we are. But as the years went by, the meaning changed to mean individuality. In that us, ponies that love someone of the same gender is as unique as the color of the rainbow, as corny as it sounds.”

It was then that Color had accidently run into a pony.

“Oh! Sorry about that stranger,” he said, Color looked to find that he bumped into a cowpony who had a yellow coat, a blond mane, had on a brown vest and Stetson with a bright red apple cutie mark.

“No, sorry,” Color apologized, “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“Hey, ain’t ya that Harmonic feller?” the yellow stallion asked, “The new Prince guy that can play the fiddle?”

“Uh… Yeah?” Harmonic answered.

The cowpony gave a bow and came back up with a smile, “Well hi there, name’s Braeburn.” He said while offering a hoof to them, in which both Artist and Prince did shake. “Never expected ta meet up with somepony like yerself, since its mah first time here.”

“The same,” Harmonic nodded, “Do you by any chance know someone named Applejack? You have that same accent as her.”

“Do I?!” he said excitedly, “AJ’s mah cousin, how ya know her?”

“Through a teacher of mine.”

“Hey Brae,” a voice called out, “I got those drinks.” In flew in a blue pegasus in a hindsight sky blue suit with yellow lightning going down the middle that landed next to the cowpony.

“Is that…?” Cross Bow asked, eyes widening. “Oh dear Luna, it is! Soarin,” he went up to the Wonderbolt, “Oh wow, I’m a big fan of ya. S-So uh… sign my armor?”

Soarin laughed but did end up signing his name on the Night Guard’s armor.

“You do realize that needs to come off sooner or later,” Bow’s husband said.

“From Soarin the Wonderbolt? Never!”

There was a moment of laughter. Soarin, like Braeburn, also introduced himself to the young Prince and offers the four of them to hang out with them at a café nearby. The two of them introduced themselves as Braeburn Apple from Appaloosa and Soarin the Wonderbolt, a couple that was engaged and about to marry in a year.

As the two explained how they met, Harmonic’s interests were peaked when Braeburn mentioned the mistreatment that they had received from the locals of the cowpony’s town due to his relationship with another stallion.

“It wasn’t anythin’ violent or nothin’,” Braeburn explained, “We would get dirty looks though and an insensitive comment here and there. Sometimes we’d get outright shunned.”

“I thought Equestria was a tolerant nation,” Harmonic commented, “How is it that something like this still exists, even after all the rights and protections for ponies like us had been long given?”

“The sad truth is, there will always be bigots,” Soarin replied, “There will always be ponies that hate anything and everything different than what they're used to. There will always be prejudice, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to give in. Heck, that’s partly what this day is about, in that it reminds ponies that we’re here, and we’re not ashamed for being ourselves.”

“That sounded a bit preachy,” Braeburn muttered. Instead of scolding, the Wonderbolt laughed.

“There you are,” Harmonic’s attention was turned to find Octavia approaching them. “It’s almost time for our performance.”

“Performin’?” the cowpony asked, “Y’all mean that yer gonna play yer fiddle here?”

“Apparently,” the Prince shrugged, “I guess anyone with ears is welcome to hear it.”

Minutes later, Harmonic was put right in the middle of this colorful carnival, sitting down on a bench with his violin case open. Those who passed by were at first confused to see a Prince of Equestria sitting there, his violin at the ready and his empty case opened.

A curious teenage mare, having a bit in hoof, went up and tossed the bit into the case. This was the cue that Harmonic was waiting for as he put the Trotivarius under his chin and started to play. He would improvise a little until his teacher would bring her case and take out her violin so they would start playing the actual melody. It was simple, Harmonic thought, something like a foal’s song as they were joined with other musicians that multiplied the sound and enriched the melody. First the base and cellos started, followed by the violas with the woodwinds, the violins came along before the triumphant of the brass section. Ponies soon brought the music sheets in which it made it easier for the alicorn to follow.

By the time somepony with a tenor voice came in, Harmonic took a look around at the crowd that was now focusing on them; some had started to take pictures even. Yet, he spotted amongst the impromptu audience, was Color and his smile. To Harmonic, he could receive a choir of ‘boos’ for all he cares, for now, he was playing his best to make him smile. That smile alone was all the encouragement he would need.

Then, the music came to its crescendo, where the choir became the spectators, and the spectators became a united choir for everything right in the world. Each note triumphed over fear, where the melody scaled upward over hate, and downward to concur prejudice. For one brief moment, it was as if joy was a solid, beautiful thing.

At the end where the last notes were played, while the crowd roared in their approval. Color went up to the prince and hugged him, “Harmonic, that was incredible!” and then, right before the whole world, it seemed, his coltfriend kissed him.

Time itself stopped for Harmonic when his lips came in contact with his beloved. He scanned the crowed to look at their reactions. While there were some levels of shock among those who were watching, there wasn’t disgust as he expected. If anything, the applause didn’t stop. He wasn’t sure but he could have sworn that there were flashes of cameras going off.

Just as time slowed down, it quickly started back up again as soon as Color broke the kiss – suddenly, the couple found themselves in a golden bubble with countless ponies surrounded. Looking around, they saw that it was Steel Plated that has given them room from the crowd.

In a way, Harmonic did expect that they would be mobbed, yet, what he didn’t expect was that it was done for the sake of praising them.

“Let me through!” they looked up, above them; standing on the portal was a pegasus mare, getting out a notepad. “Your Majesty, I’m for the Canterlot Star, mind if I ask a few questions?”

The couple looked to each other, seeing that Color gave him an encouraging smile while adding: “Well, might as well tell the world then, they seem to be taking it well.”

_*_

“Cremona!” The train conductor said, “This stop is Cremona. Population: 612. The time now is 4:40.” Prince Harmonic looked out the windows of the train. He spent quite some time watching the forests and mountains passing by that now reveal the town itself.

“Harmonic?” He turned to the voice of his consort. Color Spectrum, along with three other guards (all, including Harmonic himself, was in disguise) looked a little worried.

“Hm?”

“Are you sure about this? I mean, coming back here and all, is risky, isn't it?"

“I know, I know. But I want to come back here one last time. Because I have one last piece of business to take care of before I can move on with my life.”

“Look, I understand completely. It's just we're going into a place where we're… not exactly welcomed.”

“I already know Color, that's what the disguises are for.”

The train came to a halt. Outside of the window, they saw the gallows with empty nooses that dangled in the rain.

"Well then," said Harmonic, getting down his violin case. "Shall we get going?"

A while later, the Prince, the consort and the three guards stepped off the train and onto the platform. To Harmonic, the railroad was a new addition to the town that he left years ago. Most of the buildings around still looked the same. Since it was raining, there was hardly anypony on the cobbled stone streets.

Yet amongst the buildings, there was one that the hidden prince was drawn to. The sign over the door read: “Trotivarius Inn.”

Inside the building were tables and chairs that ponies were eating or drinking away. There was a stone fireplace at one end of the room and stairs that lead to the rooms above in the other. In front of them was a bar with barrels and bottles that sat on the wall. There were a few ponies at the bar with a mare behind it that looked up from her work.

Of course, the five of them were spotted as they entered and headed towards the bar.

“We're looking for food and a few rooms to spend the night,” Harmonic told the mare.

“I see. I can get you all food, but room wise we’re almost out. We have only four rooms left, so one of you has to share a room.”

“Very well. How much?”

“It's twelve bits per room.”

Harmonic nodded. One of the guards who had the bit bag gave the mare the forty-eight bits. After showed to a table, they ordered roasted vegetables as well as a few drinks.

When the mare came back with the food, Harmonic asked her: “Trotivarius, wasn't there somepony with that name who lived here once?”

“Well, was,” said the mare, shaking her head, “In fact, this place was the family's workshop once. But since their son was an alicorn, he burned it down years ago. It was a real tragedy.”

Color could see that one of Harmonic's eyes were twitching. “But after the workshop burned down, the place turned into an Inn.”

“And what of the alicorn?” one of the guards questioned.

The mare shrugged. “Can't say. Nopony knows what happened to him after that since he wasn't ever seen again. But hey, at least the town's freak is gone right?”

It took every amount of self-control for the five of them not to tear that mare in half right there and then. They spent the rest of their dinner eating quietly.

After the keys were passed out, it was decided that Harmonic and Color should get the same room.

With the door locked and the curtains were drawn, Color expressed his shared frustration: “Good Celestia! I couldn't believe that she would say that to your face!”

“And that this town still blames me,” Harmonic said as he flopped himself onto the bed. “They still think I killed my parents.”

Color went over to the window, he parted the curtains, where he could see the gallows down the street. “And I couldn't imagine that you once lived here. I mean, Harmonic, what would happen if you stayed?”

“I don't know Color. And frankly, I don't want to know.”

The next morning, the rain had stopped but the sky was still gray. The five of them exited the Inn and were now headed towards what they came for. Along the way, Harmonic plucked some wild flowers with his magic.

At the edge of town, there is a place in the forest where there's a low fence that’s made out of logs that encompass around a particular area, where the only things in that area are trees, wild grass, and carved stones. With determination in mind, the five of them walked into Cremona's cemetery.

It took a while, but a guard found the tombstones they were looking for. The tombstones that bear the names of Crescendo Trotivari and Melody Trotivari. Unlike most of the tombstones in this cemetery, which just has only the name and dates, these two have a carving in each stone. It was the carving of his parents.

There was a silence when all five of them stood in front of their graves. Harmonic placed the wild flowers at the base of them. Then, he sat down in front of them.

“Hello mom, hello dad, it's been awhile hasn't it?”

There was a moment of silence.

“I know, I know, and I'm still sorry I couldn't come to the funeral. You see, the town thought that I was the one who started the fire, so, I had to leave... What?... No, I'm fine, really... I've been traveling with a gypsy caravan for a while. But I have a home now. It's in Equestria... Yes mom, I know that it's a long way from here, but I'm happier over there you see. And do you know the best part is? Nopony over their minds that I'm an alicorn. They accept me for who I am. And dad, I still have your violin with me... Yes, I still practice on it, every day, just as you said. And I would like to play it for you before I go...

“Well yes, there has been several things that happened to me recently. Wonderful things too. I'm finally able to read and write. I've found a job in Equestria too... You'll never guess. I'm a Prince... You see, the rulers there are alicorns too, and they adopted me... How long? Not very long, just a few months... Who? Them? These three have been guarding me since we left Equestria to come find you... And this here,” Harmonic gestured for Color to come closer. “This here, is somepony who means a lot to me. His name is Color Spectrum, he's an Artist.”

"Um, hello there," Color said, waving a hoof at the silent stones.

"Well, no mom, friend isn't the right word here," Harmonic said, still talking to the graves. “Nor is he an acquaintance. Look, the truth is... Mom, dad, Color, is my special somepony... Yes, I'm attracted to stallions... I'm sorry you have to hear that, but as your son, I thought you should know this about me. But since you're both no longer around, I may never know if you may ever accept this or not... But I might figure the latter. And you know what? It doesn’t matter, since you've been gone, I had to make decisions for myself. Even though my relationship with Color hasn't gotten to the point where we would marry each other. I speak for both of us when I say that, neither of us are exactly ready yet. But if it does work out, then maybe, I will play your violin at that wedding.

“And know this, that even if you can't hear me, you are always still my parents. That I will always continue to love you both til' the end of time... Since I'm here, at least I'm finally able to say goodbye to both of you... But before I do, I want to play you both something.”

Harmonic opened his case he was carrying to reveal the violin. After rosining up the bow and tightening it up, he began to play for them. It was the lullaby that his father had taught him. With his eyes closed, memories came to Harmonic as he played: his fifth birthday, the fire, the gypsies, the bribes, the mobs, Canterlot, the Princesses, his teachers, the guards, that Hearts Warming day, the coronation, and finally, his consort Color. With every note, tears fell; tears of sadness and joy.

But with every song, every piece of music ever written, the lullaby came to an end. The five of them stood there for a while in silence, until Harmonic broke the silence with one word.

“Goodbye.”

Color placed a foreleg over him and gave a quick kiss on the cheek. “Just let it all out Harmonic, I'm right here for you.”

Prince Harmonic finally did something that he hasn't done in a very, very long time. Leaning over the shoulder of his consort, he wept. This time, it wasn't for any of his misfortunes, this time, he was able to fully let out the grief of his parents.

Time seemed to slip by in that cemetery. The five of them didn't know how long they spent in there. But eventually, they had to leave, after packing up the violin, they made their way to the station where they waited for an hour or so for the ride home.

But the train did arrive, some got off the train, and some got on. The five of them made their way to their seats in the public car. Harmonic took a seat by the window.

“Goodbye Cremona, I hope you will grow up one day.”

Four years later...

1st Movement

Harmonic's Overture, as improvised by the author on his viola.

It was late summer in Canterlot when the gypsies from the far north arrived. Like most caravans, they would wander from place to place to eat, sleep, and earn a little money from wherever they could. The caravan, composed of thirty ponies as well as a small gryphon family, made its way into the city. The entire caravan agreed on two things; find a few quick odd jobs to fund their next trek, and meet back at the camp just outside of the city.

The last member who always followed behind the caravan was a pony of an amber coat and black mane, shot through with streaks of gray; a unicorn by appearance, he carried only two things on his back. One was a beaten and weathered violin case that looked like it survived a war, while the other was a haggard old cloak that was barely holding itself together.

The colt searched the city with his ears and tired brass eyes for somepony to hire him as a musician. But without any luck, he resorted to what he normally did: he sat at a bench, opened up his case to take out the violin, and began to play until he's earned enough.

Since his foalhood, he always improvised on the violin. His style, depending on his mood, could be slow and calm or be a dancing, fiery rhapsody. But in any case, like the countless times he played, he closed his eyes to play simply because it was easier to focus.

He played for at least a half-an-hour on that bench; most stuck-up ponies walked right by, while a few others put a bit or two in his case.

On the last song, as his tired hooves played, he heard a very small applause. He opened his eyes to find three other ponies there; all seemed very wealthy, and as he noticed, all of them were unicorns.

There was one stallion that was applauding. Over his white coat, he wore a clean black suit and a well-combed blue mane; he also had a mustache along with a monocle in his eye.

“Well done good sir,” he said. “That was delightful, wasn't it?” he asked the two other ponies, both of whom nodded in agreement.

“Uh, thank you?” The Violinist said.

“I don't think I've recalled the tune you played; may I ask what it was?”

“It- It doesn't have a name.”

“An original piece?”

The Violinist nodded.

“What's your name, young fellow?”

“Harmonic, sir.”

“A pleasure, my name is Fancy Pants." After the Violinist didn't respond for a moment, Fancy asked, "You’re not doing anything at around six are you?”

“Not really?”

“Splendid! I was wondering if I could hire you for the evening.” This got Harmonic's full attention. “One of the soloists was taken in ill I'm afraid, and just won't make it to the charity auction tonight. So I'm wondering if I can hire you as a replacement, that is if you don't have any objections to it.”

“Are you kidding? I was looking for one all day! But where is it?”

“I'll just give you a card.” Fancy's horn glowed and took out a card and a pen. He wrote down the address and gave it to Harmonic. But when the card was in Harmonic's hooves, he stared at it, frowning.

“Is something the matter?” Fancy asked.

“Sir… I can't read.”

This took Fancy completely by surprise as well as the other two ponies. “Oh. Well…” Fancy thought for a moment what to say next. “Since that is the case, how about you pack up your violin and just follow us until the charity starts.”

Thanking him, he packed up his violin and levitated it on his back. As they walked on, Fancy, along with the other ponies couldn't help but notice a few things about this colt. He seemed to be in his mid or late teens. He smelled as if he hadn't got the chance to bathe in his life. Fancy noted that his right eye had a ghost of a black eye. Both his mane and tail was a mess. And he seemed to be sweating underneath that ancient cloak of his.

“Forgive me for sounding a little rude,” Fancy Pants started.“But aren't you a little warm under that cloak?”

"I'm fine," was all Harmonic said.

“How old are you?” Fancy said, trying to strike up a conversation.

“Sixteen sir.”

“Oh. And how long have you've been playing the violin?”

“I think… Ten years, maybe.”

“Ah, I see. So are you from around here?”

“No, I just got here with a caravan.”

“Caravan?”

“I'm with the gypsies that just came here.”

“Ah yes. I see. Let me rephrase my question then; where are you from originally?”

“Way up north.”

“Vanhoover?”

“Uh, no. I mean far north of Equestria.”

“So in other words, you’re not from Equestria. But you have been traveling this whole time?”

“Well, for several years, yes.”

Fancy was quiet for a moment, being thoughtful, he said: “You know what; I think I should take you to my home to get you cleaned up.”

“Uh, no thanks. I don't think that would-”

“But I insist. You must at least look presentable at the auction tonight.”

Even against Harmonic's protests, he was still persuaded to go to his home. After calling for a cab, Fancy bid the ponies he was with farewell and whisked the Violinist down several blocks.

The cab pulled up to a building that had six windows facing the street with one door. It was two floors high with the bricks painted a royal blue. The window seals, steps to the door, and even tiles on the roof were made out of white marble.

Fancy stepped out of the cab and started to make his way to the building until he noticed that the colt wasn’t following him. He turned to find him on the sidewalk, hesitating to move and looking at the blue building before him.

“Aren’t you coming?” Fancy asked.

“What’s this place?” he asked.

“Home sweet home,” Fancy answered, “Now come along, we need to have you washed up.”

Harmonic’s jaw dropped, “This is your home? It can’t be.”

The wealthy pony raised an eyebrow, “May I ask why not?”

“I-I mean look at it,” Harmonic pointed at the building, “It looks more like a palace than a home.”

Fancy chuckled, stepping up to the front door, “Why thank you. While I like to think of it as a palace, this is rather one of the more modest homes in Canterlot. I know friends whose homes are more opulent than mine. If you think this is a palace, you should have seen Hoity Totty’s.” He opened the front door, “Now come inside, and let’s get you cleaned up.”

Harmonic blinked, “You mean… I’m going to go in there?” The Violinist looked down, pawing at the ground. “I don’t know sir, I’m not sure if I’m even welcomed in someplace like that.”

“Nonsense, I am inviting you in, now come along.” Fancy went in. Looking around, Harmonic stepped inside as well.

Harmonic never seen anything like it, from the different tiles that stretched into an endless mosaic on the floor, to the chandlers made out of cut crystal above. It was like stepping into another world.

“Ms. Kettle,” Fancy Pants called, “We have a guest who is in need of a bath, could you please run some water in the bath tub upstairs?”

“Right away sir,” a voice called back. While his host went about, Harmonic froze there in the center of the foyer. From where he was standing, it was like he was at the center of a tiny universe at work. He looked down hallways where servants in clean uniforms were busy working to make things pristine and making sure the home was running like a newly built machine. He spotted the use of gold leafing on the ceiling and the upper walls of the house. Hanging from the walls were paintings of ponies and places that looked like they were out of foreign fairytales.

“The bath is ready for you,” Fancy said stepping in, “Here, I’ll show you where.” Fancy lead him up the stairs and down the hall to a room that was easily big enough for a house to fit in with its high ceilings and spacious room. Off to the side was a bathtub that was easily big enough for eight ponies to swim in.

“Let me help you with that cloak,” Fancy offered his help while lighting up his horn.

“I-I think I can take care of myself from here,” Harmonic said quickly stepping into the bathroom and closing the door behind him.

The wealthy pony went up to the door, “Would you need anything else?” he inquired, “Any particular soap or-”

“I’m fine,” he interrupted.

A while later, after his first bath in years, he walked out of the room looking a good deal cleaner than when he entered. But even then, he still had the old cloak on him. Fancy suggested that maybe that he should get him some new cloths, but at the very mentioning of it, the Violinist took a step back, looking very nervous saying a quick, “No thank you.”

“But that cloak is falling apart.”

“I like to keep it on.”

“But you can't just go looking like that.”

“Then I won't play. I'm sorry, but either you let me keep wearing this, or I won't play.”

Fancy sighed but got an idea, “What if I were able to get you a new cloak? Would you still play if you wore a different cloak then the one you’re wearing?”

Harmonic looked down at his cloak in thought. “But, I don't have very much money on me.”

“Not to worry, I'll let you borrow one of mine. So would you?”

“Just as long as I have something on me, I will.”

After he gave Harmonic one of his fine silk cloaks and some lunch, Fancy's suspicions further rose after he said that he wanted to stay in his room until six. All of Fancy's questions rotated over and over in his head. Why was he still willing to stay here other than go to his family? Does he have one? Why doesn't he want to be seen without the cloak? Why did he react so nervously when asked about it? Why couldn't he read? And why was he out here on his own?

When the hour came, Harmonic was taken to the charity auction that was held at another pony's home by cab. The home itself was bigger than his host’s being a third story building, painted bright purple and even had painted golden vines that looked like they were climbing upward. Staying close to Fancy Pants while they entered, they were lead to the biggest room of the home. Above him was a copy of a Rococo style fresco of pegasi looking down at the guest below. The walls were white with gold molding; the floor was made up of black and white polished marble.

All around him, there were even more ponies that looked just as affluent as his host. Some of them, as Harmonic noted were exchanging cards, spoke softly and elegantly. The stallions were all in suits and ties while the mares were in dresses that showed off their physiques and their elaborated hairstyles. He also noticed that there were a few of the Equestrian guards in armor around, casually talking to the other ponies around them.

Harmonic tried to stay unnoticed by the large refreshment table in the corner. The colt did snack on the food, however, he didn’t eat all of it since they were served in tiny portions and some of entrees he didn’t recognized.

The ponies that came near him acted as if he wasn’t even there. They took sips of punch, talked about some kind of business that the Violinist wasn’t interested in listening. If anything, he was getting rather bored of it all, that is, until his host came up to him to tell him that it was time to play.

He went to the front of the room where all the ponies could see him now. He took out his violin, tightened and rosin up his bow. And began to play.

First he played with an image of the misty mountains of his frosty homeland. It was slow and light but kept a few low notes, just to keep his aristocratic audience's attention.

Then he played with a dance in mind. Using two strings at the same time to make it like the instrument was humming.

But before he could start playing a third song, he heard some guest in the crowd saying the words that nearly sent him over the edge: “That was boring.”

He opened up his eyes to focus in on where that snobby remark came from. He found that it came from a tall white unicorn with a blond mane. With the violin and bow in his aura, he went over to him and asked if there was a problem.

“Your music,” he said. “It's not that bad, but it just seems… Lifeless to me.”

Harmonic's response was to put his violin under his chin and then, he played in front of the snob, the very sound of his rage. With his eyes closed, the only thought he had, wasn't a thought at all; it was the color red.

With his eyes closed, he played up a storm. There were notes that went from high and low and back again at an incredible speed. Sharps, naturals, flats, on one string, two strings, hair on his bow breaking, he didn't bother, he was far too focused to care what was happening.

Did he hear his audience gasp? He couldn't tell from his fiery concentration; too far at the moment to even notice that his new cloak came undone.

After he ended his rage on a high note, he heard absolutely - nothing. He expected that there would be a reaction. Applause, booing, talking, something, anything, but all he heard was silence. He opened his eyes to see not just the pony in front of him who offended him, but everyone as well was staring at him. Eyes as wide open as their jaws. He wasn't even sure if anyone was even breathing.

“What?” Harmonic asked.

There was a reaction; it came from the pony who offended him. He still had that frozen look of shock on his face as he pointed a hoof at the Violinist. Harmonic looked down and, to his horror, realizes what they were staring at. They were looking at him with nothing to cover him. No cloak to shield him. Nothing to hide his pair of wings.

His eyes shifted from one pony to another. “I. I-I...” was all Harmonic said before he tried to run out of the room. Almost immediately, every single pony in the room tried to do what they could to make sure he doesn't leave the room. Guards blocked the doors from the panicked alicorn. Since there was so many around, the pony was backed into a corner of the room. His front limbs covered his head on the floor; shaking out of fear.

Fancy made his way over to the frightened pony in the corner. “Harmonic?!” he said with astonishment, “You’re an alicorn!”

“P-Please," he begged, "Don't hurt me!”

“Sir,” one of the guards approached, “Please calm yourself. Nopony said anything about hurting you.”

“Stay back!” Harmonic bolted upright, flattening his back against the corners of the wall. “Please! Stay back!” But the guards didn’t listen as they approached the terrified colt.

“Where do you hail from?” one of the pegasi guards questioned, still keeping to the air in case he flies out.

“Just let me go,” the alicorn begged, “Let me take my violin and I promise I’ll never come back to this city again.”

“Kid, listen,” a Solar unicorn Guard went up to him. Harmonic covered his face once more, “I promise, nopony in this city is going to harm you. So how about we take you somewhere that’s safe.”

“Safe? Y-You’re not going to protect me! You’re going to hurt me.”

“Nopony is going to do that, just come with us peacefully; we’ll take you to Princesses Celestia and Luna.”

“For what? They’re just going to harm me like all the others.”

“No they won’t, the Princesses are alicorns like you.”

“You’re lying! I’m the only alicorn around here!”

“Just come with us,” but when Harmonic refused, the unicorn lifted him in the air. The Alicorn frantically tried to get out of the guard’s magic to no avail. “Get the violin,” he told his fellow guards. Once they confiscated the violin and its case, the guards excused themselves from the auction before heading towards the palace, with one panicky alicorn in their custody.

_*_

There were only a few times a day when both of the royal sisters get to be together out of the public eye. A period of time when they can be themselves, and putting up a display isn't necessary.

Twice a day, the sisters have that chance to do so. For Celestia, it's dinner time, to her sister Luna, it's breakfast. It was during such times that the sisters were to remain undisturbed during their meals, unless something of extreme importance has come up. This only happens on rare occasions, but today however, was such an occasion.

The doors to the private dining room opened up to one of Celestia's guards, after entering the room; he bowed to the sisters and was bid to rise.

“Your Majesties,” the guard began. “I have brought news that I think you needed to hear.”

“Has something happened?” Celestia said with concern.

“It's not a security concern. Equestria is not in danger-”

“Then why are you here?” Luna asked.

“Your Majesties, I've come here to bear the news that an alicorn has been found here in Canterlot.”

“Is Twilight here?” Luna inquired, but the guard shook his head.

“Cadence?” asked Celestia.

“It is not of the princesses. He's an alicorn that we've never seen before.”

“He?” The sisters asked in unison. They stared at him, then to each other and back to the guard again. Luna spoke up, “We’re afraid that we don't quite follow. Who is 'he'? And where did he come from?”

“From what intelligence we could gather, he goes by the name of Harmonic. And he has been traveling with a group of gypsies from far north of Equestria. The reason why he's here was that he was looking for a quick bit to move on to the next town.”

“Where was he spotted?” Celestia asked.

“At a charity auction that Fancy Pants hired him as a last minute soloist with Prince Blueblood attending.”

“Soloist?”

“He plays the violin, milady. He's also sixteen years old. Oh, and he said that he's illiterate.”

“This is indeed curious,” Luna commented, “Where is he now?”

“Secured in the palace.”

“Secured?”

“When the cloak he was wearing to hide his wings came off, he tried to run. But when he was cornered, however, something interesting happened.”

“And that is?” Celestia ventured.

“He begged the ponies around him to spare his life.”

“What?” The Solar Diarch said in disbelief.

“I am just as confused as you are Princess. It seems somehow, for whatever reason, he’s ashamed to be an alicorn.”

“Luna, what do you think?”

“I think I can see why this news would come to us now.” Luna turned to the guard, “We wish to see him immediately.”

“As you wish, your Majesties. But there's something else I think both of you need to know. When he was told that your Highnesses are alicorns as well. He didn't believe us. At all. He thinks he's the only one.”

“Hmm. Bring him in anyway," said Celestia. "Oh, and has he eaten yet?”

“I’m not entirely sure. Although I doubt that he had much from the auction.”

“First, bring another chair as well as another set, then send him in.”

The guard bowed and left the room. A minute later, servants came in with a chair, a plate, a glass and silverware. It was placed right at the center of the table, between breakfast and dinner.

The pony in question walked in, looking like he was going to his death rather than going to dinner. His head drooped downwards, ears folded back, taking step after heavy regretful step. He still had on the silk cloak and the old violin case. Even when he entered the room, he didn't even look up to see the sisters.

“Are you a daytime pony or a nighttime pony?” Celestia questioned.

“Why would you ask?” he asked softly, still not looking up .

“Well, depending on you, we're offering dinner or breakfast.”

“Why-” He looked up this time, but he didn't bother finishing his question. When he saw them, he froze with wide eyes. He stood like that for some time to the point where it got both of the sisters worried.

“Are you alright?” Celestia asked.

“No,” Harmonic said softly, shaking his head. “No. This isn't real.”

“What is not real?” asked Luna.

“You! No, it- Neither of you! You can't be real!”

Both sisters were taken aback. Despite of this, Luna asked: “And yet you see us with your own eyes, do you not?”

“B-But how? No! This is not happening! This cannot be happening! I-I'm dreaming. Yes! That's the only explanation! I must be-” Harmonic got slapped by a napkin in a golden aura.

"Forgive me for doing that," said Celestia. “But I had to, if we were to bring you back to reality of course. Now, are you quite alright?”

He only stared at Celestia, holding a hoof over his cheek that he got slapped. “So... I'm not asleep, am I?”

“No. But please, come and sit with us.”

He put his case on the ground, and walked over to the table. Sitting in the chair, he saw more food spread out before him than he's ever seen in a month.

“Take off that cloak if you please,” said Celestia.

“Um...” He looked around the room. “Is it safe?”

"It's only us," said Luna with a raised eyebrow, and then added: “There is no need to wear a cloak at the table.”

Still feeling uneasy, he unfastened his new cloak and levitated over to his case. He got stares from the sisters at his wings at his sides, along with his chest showing a little bone.

“Art thou going to eat?” asked Luna.

“What?”

“Pardon, I mean, are you going to eat? This food is just much yours as it is ours.”

Harmonic looked at the wide spread. "Really?" he asked.

“By all means,” said Celestia, “If you’re hungry, please eat something.”

With his magic as well as throwing any rule of manors out the window, he grabbed whatever he saw and started eating. It was until Luna stopped him when he already got a pile of food, about the size of a hill on his plate.

“We said you can eat. We did not say about devouring the whole table.”

“Oh uh, sorry. It's just that everything looks so good compared to what I've been eating for years, so I just couldn't help it. Sorry uh... What were your names again?”

“I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria, and raiser of the sun.”

“And I am Princess Luna, also co-ruler of Equestria, and raiser of the moon. And your name?”

“H-Harmonic – just Harmonic.”

“If I may ask,” said Luna. “why didn't you think we were real? Surely, you have already seen the flags and statues of us?”

“I thought they were symbols, I didn't know they were- well, you.”

“But why did you think we weren't real?”

Harmonic seemed to hesitate for a moment. "Uh, well...You see...where I come from," he said. "In the town called Cremona, alicorns were nothing but mythical creatures. Known to be tricksters really. Nopony believed in them since none of them have ever seen any. Until, I was born. The foals over there... they-they didn't like me very much. I've been called many names as long as I can remember. Like, 'Freak,' 'Abomination,' 'Monster,' 'Accident.'” Both of the sisters can see that he was trying to hold back tears. They couldn't blame him, for they couldn't believe what they were hearing themselves.

“You believed them? Did you?” Luna asked.

“Where you’re the only one to have both a horn and a pair of wings? How could I not?”

“And what of your parents?” Celestia questioned. “Who were they?”

“Well...” Harmonic cleared his throat, still trying to keep his tears back. “They were both unicorns. My father made countless instruments that he sold to the south. I learned a little on how to play the violin from him.”

“What happened?”

“I... I-I'm sorry. I just don't want to talk about it. Can we change the subject?”

Both of the sisters looked at each other, giving the exact same look, concern but suspicious. It was clear that there was something that Harmonic wasn't telling them. The real question of course, was what?

After giving a thoughtful hum, Celestia asked him, “How are you with magic?”

“I just levitate things, like any other unicorn.”

“And your wings, can you fly?”

“I know how to glide, but flying? No.”

“Since you’re a violinist, can you read music?”

Harmonic shook his head. “No. I can't read anything at all. I just know a few scales and some tricks. So not really.”

“I have a question for you Harmonic.” Luna spoke up, “What of the gypsies that we were told you were traveling with, wouldn't they be wondering where you are?”

“I may have been traveling with the caravan for years,” Harmonic said, his eyes shifting. “But I wasn't that close with them, since – you know, hiding the wings.”

“Have you've ever thought of settling somewhere?”

“I don't mind the travel, but I kinda wish I had someplace to call home. But I don't see that being realistic anytime soon. I mean, where would I go? Who would want me? And… I have a question for both of you.”

“Yes?” both sisters said in unison.

“Are there, you know... more of us?”

“There are,” Celestia nodded, “Not many, but a few.”

“Do you know how many?”

“Well, there is Princess Cadence from the Crystal Empire.” Said Luna, thinking aloud, “And Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“So, four then?” Harmonic asked.

“Five actually,” Celestia corrected him with a smile.

“And they are all rulers?”

The sisters nodded. Celestia continued: “It's common knowledge in Equestria that alicorns are a sign of royalty.”

"Are you thinking that I'm royalty?" here, Harmonic laughed a little. “Me? Royalty? Ha. Do you have any idea how bad of a leader I would be? Ha-ha. I mean, I may be sixteen and not that smart, but I'm not that dumb either. Ha-ha-ha, I think I’d better stick with the violin.”

“Very well,” said Celestia, “If you want, I can provide a residence for you in one of our suites here in the palace.”

Both Luna and Harmonic stared at her.

“Princess, are you saying that you’re offering me a… a home?” Harmonic asked.

“I will provide you a place to sleep and eat, education, flight, magic, and music lessons, on one condition. Every evening from here on out, you must play us something on that violin of yours. Agree?”

“And, would you promise me that nopony would hurt me?”

“In Equestria, that would be considered treason.”

_*_

It was not long after dinner that Harmonic was shown to one of the palace's suites. Behind the double doors was an enormous room with a bed that could easily fit five ponies, a bathroom to the side, and a balcony that overlooked Canterlot. And a fireplace that was made up of decorative tiles.

Before he went to sleep, he performed a little ritual. Every night, he would play out a lullaby three times on a single string. This lullaby did not go unheard; because he left the door of the balcony opened for the night breeze to flow in, the music drifted out the door and into the night air, where a dark alicorn was listening.

Luna was waiting; she was waiting for the new alicorn to sleep, where she could find out more about this mysterious guest. As she waited, she listens in the Violinist’s lullaby, ‘Who is he playing for?’ she wondered. The lullaby itself sounds simple, almost childlike if it wasn’t for the sound of the melody was longing for something. Once Harmonic was finished with his violin and went back inside, Luna was ready to enter into the dreamscape.

Clearing her mind in the quiet of her realm, she opened up the door to enter into the land of dreams. Even though she had done this countless times before with countless of her subjects, even with her sister, it always surprised her what she can find out just by stepping into another's dream.

The night passed on and the sun rose above the horizon. By now, the celestial sisters were awake and eating their meals. Harmonic hasn't awoken; he was allowed to sleep in because Luna wanted to talk to her sister alone.

“So, how was your night?” Celestia asked, taking a bite out of a pancake.

“I have found out quite a bit from this Harmonic fellow.”

“Do tell, what did you find out?”

“When I was on the dreamscape, I found Harmonic's dream easily since he was so close by. But before I could enter, I could already tell he was having a nightmare.”

“Oh my! What happened?”

“The very first thing I noticed when I entered was that I found myself in a workshop that had many string instruments. Of course it was dark, for it took place during the night. It was all dark except for the light of an oil lamp. I saw Harmonic as a foal with what I suppose was the family cat. He turned around when, I think it was his father, called him to come to bed. That’s when the cat knocked the lamp over and onto the floor.”

At this point, Celestia stopped eating and begged her sister to go on.

“At the sound of the braking lamp, Harmonic tried to put the fire out by fanning it, but it only caused the flames to grow. He called out for help, and then two unicorns came down the stairs. They tried to put out the fire themselves, but it grew regardless of their efforts. Even I tried to put it out, but this fire was relentless. It spread through the workshop, burning the instruments all the while. I think it was his father who told his son to take his violin and get out. I followed Harmonic up the stairs, and into his room where he took the case and leaped out the window.”

Celestia didn't say anything, but Luna knew she wanted her to continue.

“He glided out of the burning building where a group of townsponies were around. He turned to see his home, where both he and I saw his family roasted like chestnuts on a fire. But that's not even the worst of the dream dear sister. Even when he was crying, I heard the ponies were blaming him for the fire.”

“That's... That's just plain awful.” Celestia said, putting a hoof over her muzzle in shock.

"It was quite unpleasant to watch, that I admit," said Luna. “And so, I put an end to the nightmare by changing the scene to something more peaceful. I replaced the harassing ponies with a calm night by a mountain side. I asked him if he was alright, at first he was confused as to how he got there. I explained to him that he was having a nightmare, and that I saved him from it… You know sister, I think it seems to be that he hasn't really gotten over his grief completely, or he doesn't quite know how to deal with these emotions.”

“And then what happened?”

“To tell you the truth, I hugged him out of sympathy; he was taken aback from this, but after I let go, I asked him if there was something that would make him feel better. He said that playing music helps him, so naturally I asked if he could play something for me. And you know what? That's exactly what he did, I didn't hear just his violin, but I heard orchestras playing an ode to glorify our night. Oh I wish you were there to hear it.”

“Something to give Horseshoepin or Beethooven a run for their money,” Celestia commented.

“Come to think of it...” Luna said thoughtfully, “I think I have heard the melody beforehoof. Yes! He was playing it before he fell asleep. Tell me Cel, do you recall any song that went-” Luna hummed the melody out to her elder sister. Celestia listens to it, trying to think back if any of the notes that her sister was humming was at all familiar. “Do you recognize it?” Luna asked.

“I can’t say that I have. Come to think of it, I think this is the first time I’ve heard it.”

“I see. Even with this insight to this fellow’s past, there’s something I’m still wondering over.”

“And that being?”

“I saw him step outside and playing that song three times before he went to bed. Why do you think he does that?”

Celestia put a hoof to her chin, “Not sure. From what we know, perhaps it’s a way of mourning. Although at this time, it’s a little too soon to te-”

Just then, there was a flash that appeared in front of Celestia. It was a letter from Twilight. After opening and quickly reading it though, she told her sister that Harmonic's teachers were here and waiting.

_*_

Harmonic was in a state where he’s between leaving a dream and entering consciousness. For a moment, all of reality was dark, warm and overall, comfortable. It was a state that the young alicorn decided that he wanted to remain forever in. Sleeping on a bed that wasn’t ancient, hard, or cold was the place that he didn’t want to leave from. For a moment, he wondered if this is what Heaven was like.

“Sir?” A gentle voice said in the darkness. “Sir, it’s time to get up.”

He didn’t want to open his eyes yet; his mind was still fuzzy from slowly waking up from a dream. But when the voice called to him again, he cracked an eye open, quickly wishing that he hadn’t.

There before him was the face of a mare that scared him awake.

“GAH!” Harmonic, still entangled in the sheets and blankets, fell over backwards, falling right out of the paradise of a bed. There was the sound of hooves rushing over to aid of the flailing alicorn. Eventually, Harmonic popped his head out to see a team of servants looking down on him, each offering a helping hoof to him.

With a hind-leg, he scooched himself away from the servants, “Who are you all?!” the alicorn asked in alarm.

Oddly, to Harmonic, all of them took a bow to him before the maid who awoke him said: “We’re here to wake you and to have you washed sir.”

“Celestia has sent us,” a butler added. “Here, let us help you up.”

“I’m fine!” Harmonic interjected, trying his best to keep himself covered. “I can still take care of myself.”

“Here, allow me,” a unicorn maid lit up her horn, taking the sheet that covered his wings.

Harmonic panicked once he was exposed, he quickly backed himself into a wall. The servants couldn’t imagine a more surreal sight than seeing an alicorn with nothing but terror in his eyes.

“Sir,” a young butler went up to him. “None of us are sent to harm you, but to see that you’re prepared for the day, nothing more.”

“Is it really?” the alicorn questioned. “How do you know that none of you are planning to drown me in a bathtub or anything?”

“Why would we do that dear?” a pegasus maid asked.

“Because I’m an alicorn, that’s why,” Harmonic answered. “It’s because I’m a freak that ought to be hunted down from ponies that don’t want me.”

The room became quiet until one of the maid spoke up, “Harmonic, for what reason do any of us have for hunting you down?”

Harmonic blinked, “Huh?”

“I said what reason do any of us have to hold a grudge against you? So let me make this as clear as I can, none of us, absolutely no one in Equestria wants to hurt you. We have no reason to hurt you. Our job here is to make sure you’re awake and prepared for the day as Celestia said.” The maid went over to him and put a hoof on his shoulder, “So come on now, you don’t have anything to be afraid here.”

“I… I don’t know,” Harmonic replied.

“Come along, let’s get ya washed up and have a bit of breakfast.”

The servants already started the step in bathtub by the time the nervous alicorn stepped into the bathroom. It took some more convincing for the alicorn to step into the bathtub that they weren’t going to drown him in it.

“What would you prefer for breakfast?” a butler asked as a couple of maids were busing scrubbing away. “We have Blue Nightingale tea with a cream cheese Danish on hoof.”

“Um… I guess I’ll have that?” Harmonic cautiously said.

As one of the butlers exited the room, the one maid that was scrubbing his foreleg asked, “How did you get that black eye?”

“What?”

“You have a bit of a black eye, had you hurt yourself?”

Harmonic turned to the maid in confusion, “Why are you talking to me like I’m a pony?”

“Because you are one,” she answered, levitating the brush to his other arm. “So, how did you get it?”

The alicorn hesitated for a moment before answering, “I got into a fight a while ago. It was over the last loaf of bread.”

“Really, you got a black eye for a loaf of bread?”

“And lost? Yes, that’s where I got it from…” Harmonic trailed off in thought for a moment until he said, “Why are they doing this for?”

“Who’s doing what?” another maid asked.

“All of this, why are those Princess’s taking care of me? I mean, they don’t have any reason to. I mean sure, the food and bed were generous on their part. But why are they letting me stay for, and offer to teach me?”

“Perhaps it’s out of kindness,” said a butler, “Have you known anypony that offered you this level of kindness?”

“As long they don’t know that I have wings,” the alicorn answered. “And yet, all of you know I have wings and a horn, and yet you’re treating me with respect? Why? What did I do to receive such treatment?”

“Well, why not?” the other maid scrubbing Harmonic asked, “Everypony, even an alicorn like yourself deserves some kindness, and by the looks of you, it looks like you hardly received any.”

“That’s because I don’t really,” he said. “I just find this really weird that all of you are treating me like royalty, a beggar no less. It starting to sound like a fairytale that I’m staring in.”

“Perhaps from all the things that made you so afraid, perhaps somepony like yourself should get a ‘happily ever after,’ no? Now then,” Suddenly, the maids who were scrubbing him stepped back. One of the butlers lit up his horn to pull the stop at the bottom of the tub.

The alicorn felt his hide tingle in another servant’s aura as he was lifted up from the tub. He shivered as the cool air of the bathroom came in contact with his skin. Harmonic saw all the servants present in the room quickly gathered around him with brushes, combs, and other tools he didn’t recognized. Yet frighteningly so was the look that the servants were giving him. It wasn’t the look of anger that Harmonic was familiar with. If anything, they wore grins and a hint of glee in their eyes at the shivering alicorn.

“W-What are you doing?” Harmonic squeaked, “What’s going on!?”

“Don’t be afraid,” one of the maids said, holding up a very thick brush, “This is the part where we get you ready to meet the day and your guests.”

“W-What guests?”

“Don’t you know?” one of the butlers asked, holding up a pair of tweezers. “Princess Celestia made it clear that she would send some teachers to meet you. Now please hold still, I promise we’ll make this quick.”

Harmonic’s eyes shifted at any kind of exit.

He found none.

_*_

In the throne room, there were three ponies waiting around. One was to teach Harmonic to fly, the other to teach him reading, writing and magic, and the last to help him further with his musical skills.

"Say," said a multicolored pegasus. "Weren't you at the Grand Galloping Gala once?”

“Yes, I was,” said the gray mare. “I didn't expect Princess Twilight nor the Element of Loyalty to be here as well.”

“Unexpected is the right word here. That I agree,” said Twilight. “But I just don’t understand. Why would Celestia want us three to teach one particular pony? Did she even mention who it would be to either of you?”

Both mares shook their heads.

“If I recall correctly, I wrote that it would be best if I explained it myself.” The three of them turned to the familiar voice of Celestia entering the throne room. Both the Pegasus and earth pony bowed, except for the purple alicorn.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight greeted her old mentor. A quick nuzzle later, she enquired: “What’s this all about?”

“Have any of the three of you heard any rumor concerning what happened here in Canterlot?” The monarch of the sun asked.

“Other than that rumor about a new alicorn?" said the gray mare, then added: “Which I suspect to be quite unlikely.”

“On the contrary, Mrs. Octavia, that's precisely the reason why the three of you are here.”

The three ponies went silent for a moment, until Twilight spoke up: “There's a new alicorn! Why didn't you tell me this before?!”

“I thought it would be easier for you to see him for yourself.”

“Beg your pardon your highness,” said Octavia. “But why am I here? I could see why Rainbow Dash and Princess Twilight might be here, but what am I doing here?”

“Allow me to answer that,” said Celestia. She went on to explain what she knew. About him being illiterate and having a very limited education when it comes to magic, flight, and music despite for being a talented violinist. She asked the three to keep a few things in mind: such as he's an orphan for the last ten years, which during that time he's been traveling with a caravan of Gypsies. But the most important thing she emphasized is that he's ashamed that he's an alicorn since, apparently, he’s been bullied for it since he was born. So he always wore a cloak to hide his wings. "But other than educating him, he also needs to be taught how to accept himself. Do you understand?”

The three of them nodded in agreement. And with that, Harmonic was sent in. Once again, he had on his new cloak. “Excuse me Celestia,” he said, “Could we talk about your ‘wake-up call’ from this morning? I think I’m able to take care…”

He saw the purple alicorn in the room and stopped when he saw her. Turning to Celestia he said: “So, she's one of us – right?”

Celestia nodded.

“Can I trust them?”

“Oh absolutely,” said Celestia. For a brief moment, Harmonic hesitated about unraveling his cloak, but reasoned that if the other two ponies don't seem to mind about the other two alicorns in the room, why should he? And so, he undid it.

He took a step back as soon as he saw the wide-eyed expression on their faces. “Harmonic! It's alright, you can trust them.” Celestia assured him, “Please, allow me then to introduce you to your teachers. This purple one is Princess Twilight Sparkle. She’s a former pupil of mine. She will be teaching you the art of reading, writing, and magic.”

Twilight stepped forward and offered a hoof to him, “Nice to meet you.” Harmonic tenderly lifted a hoof to shake hers.

“Name's Rainbow Dash!” The pegasus flew up to him, “The fastest flier in all of Equestria, and I'll be the one to whip those wings into shape in no time flat!”

A few eye rolls later, Celestia introduced his last teacher: “And this is Octavia. Cellist, Violinist and Pianist to both the Royal Equestrian Orchestra, and the Canterlot Philharmonic Orchestra, she will be your music teacher.”

“How do you do?” She asked as she shook his hoof.

“So, if you all are my teachers,” Harmonic ventured. “When do my lessons start?”

The three teachers then arranged a plan for Harmonic. Twilight will teach him in the morning, Rainbow at noon and Octavia in the afternoon. The question of course, was how he was to get from Ponyville to Canterlot and back.

“Perhaps I could teach him simple teleportation,” Twilight suggested. “It would cut the amount of time for him to travel back and forth.” After talking with Celestia, she and Harmonic made their way to the castle’s gardens to practice.

“Teleportation requires three things,” she said as they stepped outside. “It requires focus, knowing where you’re going, and a bit of imagination. We’ll first try doing this at a short distance and work our way from there.”

“But how is it done?” Harmonic questioned.

“You know that when you levitate an object, you imagine lifting that said object without touching it?” He nodded, “It’s the same process when it comes to teleportation in a way. Only instead of objects you’re moving, you’ll be instantly carrying yourself from point A-” Twilight lit up her horn, and in a bright purple flash, she disappeared from being in front of him, to being behind the young alicorn.

“To point B,” Twilight finished. “All you need to do is to first picture yourself, then the world around you, and then move yourself in your mind in where you want to be. But be warned, the longer the distance that you want to teleport, the more energy it’ll take out of you.”

She then pointed to a statue of a mare holding up a flag. “I want you to teleport from here, over to that statue.”

Harmonic looked between the purple alicorn and the statue at a stone’s throw away. “I… I don’t know if I can do it.”

“Don’t worry too much if you mess up,” Twilight ensured him. “I have been trained by Celestia for years, and I have messed some things up plenty of times. So even if you do something wrong, I promise I’ll make sure you’ll be safe while doing it. Now come on, I’m sure that you can do it.”

Harmonic studied what was before him. The statue was some distance away, between him and the statue was grass still wet with dew and a reflective pond. Behind the statue was a dirt pathway and a well-trimmed hedge. He closed his eyes and replicated what he saw in his head. The pond, grass and statue with the flag, he saw himself in where he was, and then where he wants to be.

He felt his horn light up as he imagined it, and suddenly he felt the magic encompassing his entire body. Even through his eyelids, he saw the bright flash of his golden magic. Suddenly, he opened his eyes to see that he was in front of the statue. Turning around, not only did he see Twilight a ways back with a satisfied smile, but to his dread, so was his new cloak falling to the ground.

Without thinking twice, he galloped across that grassy lawn and shattered the reflective pond to put his cloak back on. Harmonic levitated the silky fabric off the ground to quickly cover himself, “Did anypony see me” he asked, checking to see if anyone did.

Twilight gave him a worried look, “Are you alright?”

Ignoring the question, Harmonic sighed in relief to find that no one was watching. “How come the cloak didn’t come with me?”

“Well, I guess you didn’t really picture yourself wearing it.”

“Could I try again?”

“Sure, of course.”

It took the whole day for Harmonic to get the hang of it since he's never really done anything other than levitation. But at the end of the day, Harmonic was almost worn out from the amount of practice as well as to know where to go.

He barely had the mental power to play for the sisters like they’d agreed, but since they saw that he was clearly tired, they excused him for the night. To which, he didn't do his ritual this time; he just slept as soon as he landed on the bed.

_*_

After breakfast a few weeks later, Harmonic put on his cloak and teleports his way over to the place where his teachers live; a small town called Ponyville. Even half way, he could always tell he was getting close by the crystal palace in the center of town that shines in the morning light.

However, the crystallized palace wasn't the place he's supposed to meet Twilight. Rather it was the town's library, or rather, it's new library. The original town’s library was destroyed during a battle; or at least, that's what Twilight told him. The new building tries to mimic the original library, but despite being made out of wood, stone and glass, one could always tell where the singed wood of the original tree ends and the new library begins.

Inside the library, the interior was a balance of light and books, hard wood with fragile stain glass that depicts the history of the Golden Oaks. From the hollowing out, to the line of Librarians, the destruction and reconstruction of the library, these arch windows helped illuminate the inside.

The part where the old library that still had it’s hollowed out bookshelves still held its collection of books, even though the shelves and the floor still had burned marks here and there. As to the newer part of the library, a stony staircase leads up to the second floor where below the stairs, there were more bookshelves.

Harmonic’s teacher taught on the second level where it was nothing more than a circular balcony that leaned inward. The floor, (or what Twilight called the non-fiction level) had each row of bookshelves dedicated to a particular subject from history to mathematics. His teacher would be at the table at the window of the Library’s growth before it was hollowed out with a chalkboard behind her. Twilight was always prepared to give the very basics of reading and writing to the colt.

“Today we'll start with the vowels of the alphabet and the sounds that they make," said Twilight. She went over with him for a few hours to get him to understand what each letter does and cite a few examples. But halfway through the day's lesson, a very pink pony came bouncing into the library. “Hi Twilight!” Then she stopped bouncing when she saw Harmonic. She gasped and then ran straight out of the library.

“Looks like we're going to have to cut our lessons short for today,” said Twilight.

“Why? Who was that?”

“That’s Pinkie Pie, and it looks like she's going to throw you a party.”

Harmonic was taken aback from this. He had an eyebrow raised and asked: “Why? I don't even know her.”

“She always throws a welcome party to anypony who comes to Ponyville.”

“She throws a party for strangers that she's never even met?”

“That's Pinkie for you. She always loves to meet new ponies when they come to town, and it looks like she wants to meet you too.”

“Suppose I say 'no'?”

Twilight shook her head, “Sorry Harmonic, when it comes to Pinkie and her parties, she doesn't really take 'no' as an answer.”

Harmonic sighed: “Where is it then?”

“I'll just take you to it,” At that, they exited the library. A few minutes of walking in the streets later, they came across the gingerbread-like shop.

“Is that made out of real gingerbread?” Harmonic inquired, pointed at the shop.

His teacher laughed a little and explained that “No, it's made to look like that.”

“It looks like something I've heard from a fairytale once, can't remember what it was about though.”

“At any rate, they’re waiting for us, let's go inside shall we?” Twilight entered the shop. Harmonic asked what his teacher meant by that, well, he was about to ask when he followed her into the darkened shop.

“Twilight.” Harmonic asked in alarm, “Why are all the lights out?”

His question was answered when the lights came on, all around him; there were ponies that he's never seen before shouting out the word: “Surprise!”

“Ambush!” Harmonic cried in alarm, and his wings opened on instinct even though they were still under the cloak. He tried to pull his teacher towards the door, away from the 'threat'.

“Harmonic! Calm down!” Twilight said as she refused to move. “It's just a surprise party.”

“Hi!” Harmonic turned to something pink in front of him, he jumped back in shock, but the pink one seemed to talk regardless. The mare talked so fast that it was almost impossible to understand what she was saying.

“Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. What's your name? Ooh! You have wings and a horn! That's so cool. Of course, I'm just an earth pony who loves to throw parties and bake and make ponies smile and tell jokes and-” on and on and on she went. During this time, he looked around at the other ponies in the room, and their gazes weren't making him feel any better. They were staring at him in shock and awe.

“.... So you’re a musical?” The pink mare asked, this time it got his attention.

“What?”

“Your cutie mark. I mean the 'f' holes. Does this mean you play a musical instrument? I mean, do you play the strings like a violin or a viola or a cello or a bass? A double bass? But then how did you get yours? You still haven't told me your name was yet so what's your name?”

“I-It's I-I-It's,” Harmonic stumbled over his words, sweat starting to run down his head.

“His name is Harmonic,” Twilight stepped in.

“Nice to meet yo- a, ah, ah, ahchoo!” She interrupted herself when she sneezed. Three times. He saw her mane inflated like a balloon then went back to its normal size. And then, to add on top of the strangeness, she stood up on her hind legs and they did a really, really fast dance. So fast, her legs seemed to be a blur. Then, after she stopped, she smiled.

“Hey, everypony! Do you know what day it is?” she asked. Everyone shook their heads, but before anyone could answer, they found it was raining confetti and brightly colored balloons.

“IT'S HARMONIC'S BIRTHDAY!!!” Pinkie announced loudly.

Harmonic was stunned. “How could you possibly have known that?! I didn't tell anypony!”

“Well duh, I know through my Pinkie Sense.”

“You're what?”

“Well, I just had three sneezes, my mane inflated and my hind legs did the Highland fling, which means: that it's somepony's birthday. But whose? Nopony in town has a birthday today, except for somepony who just got here, and that pony is you. So happy birthday!”

Harmonic turned to his teacher. “Did you get anything that she just said?”

“Trust me, she knows what she's talking about,” said Twilight.

“I'm really really excited you've come down to Sugar Cube Corner!” Pinkie said, “We've got balloons and games and punch and sarsaparilla and cupcakes and-”

“What's a cupcake?” Harmonic asked innocently. Pinkie gasped at the very question she was asked: “You've never heard of cupcakes!?!”

“I-I know what cake is. But what are cupcakes? Are they a cake made out of cups or a cup made out of-”

“MR AND MRS CAKE!!! GET A CUPCAKE QUICK!!! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!!”

Before he could even so much as think about the question he was going to ask, he found something that was topped with yellow frosting in front of his muzzle. Pinkie explained that this was a cupcake and that he should try it.

“How do you eat it?”

“There's no right or wrong way of eating a cupcake silly, you just eat it.” Pinkie said as she popped one into her mouth while spitting out the rapper.

Assuming that the rapper has to come off, he peeled away from this tiny cake and just gives it a nibble. In his life, he had tasted some sweet things. Yet all the berries, honey, candies (if he could find any), even a few cakes that he could remember tasting, were bland compared to what he was eating. This, to Harmonic, was the Holy Grail of sweets.

Harmonic turned to Pinkie with pleading eyes and asked: “Please tell me there's more?”

“Well it’s your birthday, why wouldn't there be? BRING THEM OUT!!!” And with that, Mrs. Cake brought out a try on her back. And on that tray were seventeen different cupcakes, each one having a lit candle. Each had a different color as well as flavors.

“How did you know I was turning seventeen?”

“You’re turning seventeen?” Pinkie asked, but Harmonic just gave up and accepted the lit deserts before him.

After the song and blowing out the candles, he was first approached by his other teacher. It was Rainbow wishing him a happy birthday. “Hey, since you’re here, let me show you to the rest, my friends. You already know Twilight and Pinkie. This here is Applejack.”

He saw in front of him an orange mare with a blond mane wearing a brown hat. She simply nodded, “Howdy.”

Harmonic tilt his head in confusion and asked what “howdy” meant. “It's a way of sayin' hello,” she explained.

“This is Fluttershy,” said Rainbow as she pointed out a yellow mare with a very long pink mane and tail.

“Hi,” was all her quiet response, while most ponies would ask her twice of what she said, Harmonic heard it.

“Uh, hi yourself?”

“And this here’s Rarity,” Rainbow pointed out to a marshmallow white unicorn with a purple mane and tail that looks like it was made by an artisan.

“Why hello, your Majesty,” she said taking a bow to him.

Harmonic rolled his eyes. “Not to be rude or anything,” he said, “but do I even look like royalty to you?”

“Hmm. Nothing that a mane cut and some new cloths can't fix.”

“Hey, easy there Rares,” said Rainbow, “Mind giving the guy a chance to enjoy himself before you start redecorating him?”

“Oh very well,” she said, “But you simply must come to my boutique sometime. See you around darling.”

He spends the rest of the afternoon eating cupcakes

_*_

“You do know this is madness right?” Harmonic asked, trembling on the edge of a cloud. Below him, there was no cloud to catch him if he falls. For the only thing, he could see was a forest below and the questionably sane Rainbow Dash right next to him.

“Nah, don’t go tying your tail in a knot, trust me, this is necessary.” His teacher said, adding: “All you have to do is just jump, and start flapping your wings. Oh, and no gliding when you’re in the air.”

“Who did you learn this from again?”

“Just jump, I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine.”

Harmonic looked down once again, his heart racing, having the dreaded feeling that something is bound to go horribly wrong.

“One.” He counted to himself, “T-TwAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!” His teacher pushed him off the cloud. He was in a panic free fall as he tries to figure out which way was up. Wings flapping frantically, trying to keep steady, but this was rather difficult since there was little wind blowing.

He noticed that he was seeing more green than blue, which meant that he was upside down. His right-wing flapped harder than the other, which sends him right-side up. A few beats later, he was stable. He looked up at the cloud that his teacher pushed him off from.

“What are ya waiting for?” his teacher cried out, “You gonna come up here or what?”

Easier said than done; flying up to a cloud that was almost a mile off the ground was like climbing a mountain for his wings. Gliding was one thing, but trying to lift his own body weight at such a height was another.

Sweat running down; gasping for air, he managed to cling onto the cloud. "I can't," he gasps, "Help me!"

His teacher did pull him up and onto the cloud.

“Hey kid, you did really awesome back there.”

"You," he gasped once more, "Pushed me!"

“What? It worked didn't it?”

“Barely.”

“I'll just give ya a minute to catch your breath. I’ll admit, I’m impressed. You looked like you tried really hard back there.”

Harmonic nodded, and just breathed for a while when his teacher asked: “So, was that your first time doing that?”

“Huh? You mean, using my wings, other than gliding?” his teacher nodded, “Well... I have... just not like this.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Give me a minute.” A little while later, he got his breath back. “Remember when I said that I traveled with a caravan?”

“You mean those gypsy guys? Yeah, I remember something like that. Why?”

“Years ago one night, our caravan was attacked. And for me to escape, I had to, well, fly my way out. But as it turns out, I was spotted. It was from a gryphon lady, uh, Helga was it? Yes! It was actually, anyway, after the ambush, she came to me saying she knew that I'm a... you know. She told me that her silence was for sale, that unless I pay up, she'll tell the caravan about me. So what was I to do? I had to pay her now and then so that I wouldn't starve. I paid her off for years to keep my secret. But since I'm here, that's no longer an issue isn't it?”

“So I'm guessing you haven't really flown since then, huh?”

Harmonic shook his head.

“Look, kid, you've got nothin' to hide here. Here in Equestria, nopony really cares if you’re an earth pony, pegasus, unicorn or even an alicorn. If anything, it just makes you cooler. And since you’re here anyway, you've really got to use those wings more often, alright?”

“I... I suppose so.”

“Good, now let's go at it again shall we?”

About a few hours later, Harmonic teleported to Canterlot, picking up his violin before he teleported over to a very clean part of the city; he was on the street of his third teacher who lived on #34, Sunrise Ave. Trotting up to the building, he rang for apartment C-3 and waited a short moment until the door opened to the gray mare.

“Good afternoon Harmonic,” she said, letting him into the apartment and up the stairs to the third floor. Inside the apartment was like the rest of the building, white walls with some decorative molding here and there. She leads him into the largest room of the apartment, where there was a piano, a cello with a stool in a corner, a violin hanging up on the wall, and there was a huge stereo in another corner of the room. But it was one of those that had switches and buttons, something made for a DJ. Harmonic didn't question about the electronic equipment, he assumes that it might have been some quirk that his teacher had.

Apart from that, the furniture in the room consisted of a coffee table, a couch, and a few chairs. On the walls, other than a few paintings here and there, were pictures that were either hanging up or standing up. Some of them had pictures of his teacher with another mare, both smiling at the camera. The other mare was a white unicorn with purple sunglasses with a neon electric blue mane. Harmonic figured that it might be a good friend of his teacher's.

Octavia went over to the violin and picked it up from the hooks that it was hanging on, grabbed a bow that was nearby the cello and sat on the couch. Harmonic opened up his case to take out his instrument and sat down right across from his teacher.

“Now then,” said Octavia, “I'm not quite sure about what to teach you. But if you could just tell or show me what you know from what kind of scales and techniques you can play on your violin, perhaps it will give me a good idea where to start.”

Harmonic played to her what few scales that he knew as well as doing a little improvising, throwing what tricks he could throw in. While he showed off to his teacher in what he could do with his violin, with all its tricks of playing on two strings, changing keys, and the pure sound of the humming instrument, he saw his teacher’s ears standing up and an arching eyebrow. Even though he was somewhat enjoying himself in his gypsy theme, Octavia’s expression, as Harmonic noted, was a mixture of curiosity and trying to critically analyze the rich sound of his violin.

“That's quite the instrument you have there,” she said after he finished off everything that the alicorn knew about his violin. “May I see it?”

Harmonic levitated his violin over to his teacher. She inspected the instrument itself. It was worn but not too horribly. The varnish was fading but it still showed. The bridge, as well as the board, did show signs of heavy playing over the years. But then she looked into the “f” holes of the violin itself. Inside every string instrument, there's always a label that's always glued into it so that tells who, where, and when the instrument was made. She saw a name inside the violin that made her face gave a look of shock and dropped she the violin. Harmonic used his levitation to catch it before it hit the floor.

“Hey! Be careful!”

“Trotivarius!” she said, still have a look of shock on her face. “You, have – a real Trotivarius violin!”

“Uh, yes?” Harmonic said, absolutely confused.

“Where and how on this planet did you get your hooves on a Trotivarius!?!”

Harmonic rolled his eyes, “No, our last name is Trotivari. My father made this for me.”

“Father! Made!” Octavia said in total surprise. “Are you telling me, that Crescendo Trotivari is your father!?”

“Oh, you've heard of him?”

“Heard of him!?! His instruments are the most coveted musical instruments on the face of the entire planet!”

“No, you can't be serious,” Harmonic said, doubting what he was hearing. “I mean, sure, dad made some good instruments and all, but don't you think you’re over exaggerating?”

“Harmonic, I don't quite believe you fully understand. If the city of Canterlot alone found out that you’re carrying a Trotivarius violin, the richest of the rich will literally kill each other over it. Do you have any idea whatsoever how much your father's violins alone are even worth?”

“Let's see if I can remember...” Harmonic said, thinking hard. “Uh, are they worth three-hundred?”

Octavia shook her head.

“Five-hundred?”

She shook her head again.

“Seven-hundred?”

Same result.

“They can't be worth over a thousand,” he said, practically laughing at the very idea.

“The most amount of bits ever spent on a Trotivarius violin at auction was sold last year. And Harmonic, it sold for fifteen-point-nine-million bits for one violin. In other words, you've been holding a fortune in your hooves this whole time!”

Harmonic stayed silent, practically dumbstruck, he tried to process what he just heard. Looking back at his violin that his father made, he spoke aloud his thoughts: “Even so, I still wouldn't sell it. It's all I have left from my parents. Dad gave me this when I turned five. He told me that out of all the violins he's ever made, he considered this one to be his… masterpiece, and won't sell or give it to anypony except for me.”

Octavia noticed that tears were forming in Harmonic's eyes as he spoke. But he noticed this as well and wiped them out with a free hoof.

“Harmonic,” said Octavia, “if this violin means that much to you, then by all means, keep it as your own. For an extraordinary gift, from the master of violin makers himself to his son is something that goes beyond price.”

“Thank you.” He said softly, but then quickly changed his mood to something a little more cheerful: “Now then, since we've gotten that out of the way, let's begin the lessons shall we?”