Decaying Light

Decaying Light

By: Jarus Kais

Chapter 1: Stage is set!

I may not have been dead…but it surely felt like I should‘ve been. Waking up, my sight could only muster bright intense lights beaming down at my face. A silhouette dangled above me, swaying from side to side along with the beams in a hypnotic manner. A deafening ring in my ears canceled out most of my hearing, followed by how my body felt like it fell under a jackhammer that did not refuse to stop anytime soon. My head throbbed and threatened to make this night worst, I felt blood trickle from my forehead. However there was one good side to this pain. The lovely type of sensation that ached and told me ‘yes I was still alive, but no I was not alright.’ Living yet again in the hell of world Equestria has plummeted into.

I stuck my forehooves in front of me, golden danced off two dark grey blurry figures that they were. Looking over to my left, I was greeted by the source. The distant light danced and flickered, displaying a brilliant gold and orange. So I calculated the obvious.

Other than lying on my back, I did notice one more thing. I was lying in water. At least it didn‘t feel like water, there weren’t rainfall earlier. Urine? Not that either, this smell was too strong and obnoxious, and realized I was staring up at the F&F armor truck I was driving before, leaking fluid from the front end. I plopped down drenching myself further in the flammable puddle, chuckling at my growing bad luck.

"Oh super, its gas. And I‘m covered in it.” Because I wasn’t lucky enough to be lying in my own wastes.

I fought to regain my sight, as well as struggling to get onto my hooves. So far the world was still blurry, my head spun, and only three out four of my limbs responded.

Wait…

I tugged at the fourth, but it was to no gain. Great! My leg was pinned under something and fire was threatening to build, catching onto the shrubbery that surrounded me. Adding that to the list of how screwed I am. The only decent luck I was having was that the wind pushing the fire back.

“And don’t forget to mention the gas. Thank damn Celestia.”

Attempting to reach for the closest thing around me had no better luck than a plump stallion looking for his rear hooves. I was screwed on the highest scale possible. Too bad I don‘t have any useful magic; otherwise I would tear my leg free. I didn’t even realize the crash had torn off my saddlebags and tossed them somewhere out of my view and reach. And so the list grows. So I gave up and gazed up at the moonlight. The stars twinkled and I think I saw a shooting star, I’m not sure, but I’ll make a wish since I’m going to die anyways. Better this than what everyone else caught. “So magical star, do your job and make it quick.”

Gazing up at the headlights in front of me, it took most of my focus to see exactly who or what swaying above me. A memory was rising, traveling with a butter coated, pink mane Pegasus, she didn’t exactly tell me her name, or speak much for most of the trip. Only around the time we met she did speak, but that was after this crisis, after the quarantine. After our escape she spoke so little…well…until our armor truck careened off a cliff. Looking back, I did smile for a moment. At least I’m taking some poor pony with me.

Oh, and hi…name’s Dare de. Luckiest bloody day I’m havin’ huh?

122 hours from today...

“You do know that the Gala is a public celebration, right? You obviously don’t need to sneak in.” My brother warned staring at me through the mirror, by the look on his face, I can tell he was disappointed in the thought of me smuggling myself into the Grand Galloping Galla. I gotten dressed in my whitest tux I could find, had my reflective red shades rested on my head, and let my black scarf hang over my neck. I admired the stallion in the mirror, fixing his black bow tie, because the damn thing was always lopsided.

Seeing that my bro needed an answer, I turned to give him the biggest sneer I could manage. “Yeah and pay for the entrance fee? Pfft, pass!” I said sardonically, turning back to fix my tie. “Last thing I want to do is leave the party short changed. Besides, you know as I know, because of my current looks, I’m not exactly welcomed.”

“Look at that, that‘s probably the warning telling you not to reconsider.” he said. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he added. “Would love to see your flank beaten through the entire city, and when they finish I‘m going to stand by and say ‘told you so’.” I couldn’t resist scoffing to the remark, he knew I didn’t care enough, but that was me. I rarely cared about any consequences that might lie about. Although, he was right about one thing…I already had a plan to get in, but I question what I’m going to do after the plan is done. I can’t walk about the Gala or Canterlot in that matter, not with many guards walking around, especially how casually close the princess will be. A minor problem, well, as long as I don’t do anything stupid, or draw attention to myself I should be fine.

“But that won’t stop me, despite that I can’t blend in as easily as you could; I do at least look the most normal. I’ll be able to mingle one way or another.”

“That’s only because you take up after your father.” he said.

“No argument here, but still I’m going, 720. I’ll be fine. C’mon! The worst that could happen is that I get thrown out, or maybe a little intoxicated.” Or imprisoned, but I’ll keep that to myself. His expression hardened.

“No! No drinking. If you’re going, you’re not to drink. No celebratory drinking, challenged drinking, depressed drinking, or ‘I‘ll do it just to piss off 720’ drinking.”

“Not even champagne?”

“Not even that. Otherwise expect a very harsh and loud next morning.” Wow! Way to kill the fun bro. He was giving me that look through the mirror, telling me he was really serious this time.

“Ugh! Fine, but I’m not promising anything.”

Without another word he disappeared into the dark hallway, leaving me to my business. I knew he cared, but I knew my way in and out of situations. So I know what to do. “Gotta cut the umbilical cord brother, you know I got this.”

As I was tossing the damn tie in the trash and undoing two of the top buttons, a newspaper on the counter in front of me caught my eye. 720 must’ve left it here, because I sure in hell never read these things. I mainly stuck to magazines and whatever was good on T.V., but seeing I have spare time on my hooves I guess there‘s a first to everything, I wrapped the paper in my magic, levitating it to my face.

The first image that drawn my attention were the sick ponies lying in hospital beds, looking as if they were near death. By what I can tell by the weird dark blotches on all their coats in the black and white picture, they all must’ve fell under the same case. The side pictures showed the gross and disgusting infections they had more close up. In the background was a distraught family standing over another patient, a young filly being torn away by doctors as she kept a heavy grip on, by my guesses, her father. I read the words beneath.

November, 25

Contagion found in Ponyville!

The mysterious infection had gone viral in Central Ponyville, infecting 5 citizens today, 1 fatality has been called this morning in the Ponyville hospital. The source of this strange illness isn’t yet discovered. When we met with the princess to ask what’s her stance on the spread, she told us that yes it is a terrible issue, however she couldn’t speak a lot about the victims, and couldn‘t give out any more details about the virus itself, of course to avoid any panic that it might bring about. But this she did tell us. “The matter has caught our attention, let me assure you that it won‘t last long. The illness will simply die out as fast as it came.” said Princess Celestia. No further spread has been found as of today, but this is just a heads up for you folks. Hope you have a wonderful day. - *Fast Forward***

Why thank you paper, if this is your attempt to make me avoid other ponies, I think it’s a little too late for that. Plus I found another source for 720’s worry, but sorry brother, still going.

“Dare!” I was interrupted by his annoying call from outside. “Your not so fancy ride is arrived. Get your ass down here!”

“On my way, just give me a sec.” I rushed over to the closet and moved the unhinged doors aside to uncover clean black cello cases. Courtesy of a nice mare, in which I owe 5000 bits because I managed to break two others. I yanked one of them out with magic and proceeded out of my room. In the hallway I had to be careful because the damn lights didn’t work, decorations and furniture made it impossible to trot through. Last time I didn’t find the stairs until I fell down them and nearly broke my neck.

This time it didn’t take long to find the stairs, by find, I mean my hoof slipped and nearly fell once again, my heart raced at the thought of falling down. 720’s shouting interrupted my thoughts once again. “Shut up!” I screamed, picking up the pace I rushed down the rest of the steps, and headed out the door. Outside, the setting sun was blaring in my face, which was soon to be covered by the treetops of the Everfree Forest. I always wondered to myself, why exactly would  one pony build a home here? Had he or she wished to be alone? In whichever way it was cut, it was the best possible place for me and 720 to occupy. Nice and secluded, free game literally lived around us and when we wasn’t busy, we would hunt down anything that came within the vicinity of the place.

Parked in the dirt road was a black chariot, pulled by four finely dressed stallions, staring at me with such envy they had to where sunglasses to hide their eyes. They knew I was too badass for them.

“Get in, we’re running late,” said the lovely stern voice of my conductor inside the chariot. “Now!”

“Be careful Dare de, Octavia sounds like she might bite.” 720 was being as encouraging as he possibly can. Though I know his humor is half ignorant, compared to how she really is, she’s just a bit tempered. “Dare de go ahead. I’ll handle your…violin.”

“Cello!” both of us corrected.

My brother just shook his head chuckling to himself. “Band geeks,” he uttered before tossing the case into the back, rather roughly. His possible intention was to piss off Octavia. “That was for you, Octopus.”

“Be careful back there.” she hollered.

“Whoops, sorry!” Yep, he was trying to piss her off. “I’m just not a fan of the violin. I’ve already told you that.” Leaving those two at it, I went ahead and climbed aboard the chariot, I was called into the argument, but simply ignored their voices. For some reason though, the cab didn’t smell like roses and the seats were made of soft blue velvet, instead of faded purple. I sat down across from the grey mare, who was watching my brother out the window playing an invisible instrument with a dumb look on his face.

“Your brother is an idiot,” she said finally sitting back down. She gazed over towards me, I turned my head away trying my best to look innocent. I could feel her disapproving look burn the right side of my face. “Let me rephrase, you’re both idiots.” With that, the chariot started moving. Out the window, 720 waved his goodbye…after tossing a rock or two at the rear end.

“You’re looking quite magnificent today. How do you do it?” I began, trying to change into a fitting subject.

Her expression seemed to soften, but still no smile. I’ll get one, one of these days. “That will be a secret only for me to know,” and only me to find out. “But it won’t stop you from asking, now is it?”

“Nope! I’ll get an answer. Eventually.”

“Anyways,” she broke her glance from the window and looked at me. “I hope you’ve received the letter about what I’ve planned for tonight’s performance.”

“I have, got it a bit late, but yes.” I pulled the stamped letter out of my pocket and waved it. “I just didn’t know you was going to actually go along with my idea.”

“Though you may be dimwitted on the outside, your idea was quite impressive.” I could feel her smirk, but she didn’t want to show it. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen her smile before, but when I’m the subject of the matter…straight face. “You even surprised me with your own composition. Not professional, but with a little bit of revising, I’ve managed to place one of your pieces in the end, to conclude our show.”

A smile crept across my face. I’m guessing a thank you is enough, I didn’t want to start kissing her hooves, but I urged myself not to…because I was thinking about it. “Thank you, Octavia.”

“But sadly, our guitarist isn’t going to make it.” she looked out back to the passing trees. After a minute the gold ray of the sun poured into the window, telling me we just left the Everfree forest.

No, not the one of the guys I actually talk to. “What happened to him?”

“He became ill and called sick during last rehearsals. But no worries Dare de, some arrangements been handled and even he suggested a replacement, foreign guitarist from Black Forest.” Why did she look disappointed while telling me this? “He said you‘re going to like her.”

“That’s good, I guess.” I have a itching feeling I’m not going to like this pony…the only way I will like her is if she’s pretty and she minds her own bloody business only then I guess we‘ll get along just nicely. But still…“Octavia?”

She took her eyes off the road to face me again. “What is it?”

“The guitarist, his sickness has nothing to do with recent news.”

“I believe not, he lives solely in Canterlot, if the spread is out there, Canterlot wouldn’t be affected so soon. So he must be, in my opinion, a little under the weather.”

“So soon?” I asked.

“So soon, as in there isn‘t any sign of it as of yet. If Celestia gets Ponyville under control before too long, then there shouldn‘t be much of a problem, or worry.”

“Hehe, hope you‘re right about that…” Because if not, then somepony’s having a bad day.

|--------------|

Dusk fell upon the sky by the time we arrived at Canterlot. The dim lit sky exploded into a range of brightly assorted colors. Fireworks caused the mountains to smell like smoke. The thumping of music could be heard from outside the even, Vinyl Scratch was tonight’s treat, and she happened to be performing with us at the concert, since she had worked with Octavia in the production of the concert. The intensity of this festive party was as advertised…Grand! My Excitement was to no surprise, because this was my first Galla and I’m going to make it last.

Sadly, what was happening at the moment was that we were stuck in line. That’s right! Just a trotting distance away and yet there is a line of either fancy or just normal looking chariots that separated us from the entrance. Even worse is that even if I decided to walk, there were ponies lined up on the side. Though it wasn’t a mile long…I just don’t want to wait longer. Across of me Octavia was just sitting there, hooves crossed and eyes closed and a irritated look on her face…obvious sign she didn’t like the lines either. I opted to check up with our chauffeurs, but they were busy eyeing mare flanks and calling out like wild dogs; the other cause of the her irritation.

“So I guess the sooner you‘re inside the better you’ll feel, huh.” she only gave me a look that answered my question.

So we waited. Several more minutes passed by and we finally could set hoof onto the ground. One of our kind chauffeurs had the courtesy to open the chariot door for us. I returned the favor and dropped a single bit in his pocket. He didn’t look too happy. Hey, he shouldn’t be angry, a bit could buy him…a piece of candy? Dirt? Hell, he was one bit richer in my eyes.

Upon stepping out of the chariot, we were greeted with a lively dance performance, welcoming the visitors. As for me…it made me uncomfortable. Too many happy faces give me the creeps, but that’s all they offered. I followed Octavia and kept a reasonable distance from the dancers. It wasn’t long until one of them touched my shoulder, I ignored this as much as possible, because their faces were itching for a bucking. We trotted through the front garden, with my case in tow, until we’ve reached the mote. A single bridge was the only entrance of the castle, beyond that was the rest of the Gala.

After getting out of that freak show, we’ve officially set hoof at the Gala. The front doors of the place held so much out, I was impatient to enter the castle like structure. I stopped one moment to ask, “These doors…push in, or pull out? Non-phrasing by the way.”

“Push in, why?” Push was all I needed to hear. Without further notice, I rammed the doors as hard as I could. My intentions of creating a dramatic loud entrance fell apart, when the doors didn’t open. I groaned in pain as I sat onto my haunches, clutching my head to ease the pain, which never works by the way, but it always make me feel like it’s working. I peaked up at Octavia, she looked down at me with a small amused grin. She place a hoof on the door handle, and pulled it open. “Oops, I think they change the doors. Silly me.”

“Ooh…you’re a bitch!” Not the perfect time to smile…you don’t want to regret it.

“Lighten up, the ride here may have been horrible, but you left yourself open for a good joke.” Oh! Well, now that you’ve got that out of your system, just prepare to get yours. She chuckled a bit before saying. “Oh, if your planning on doing anything stupid, you‘ll be fired on the spot.” After that she went along inside leaving me to myself. Oh the things I’ve said outside will make a sailor proud and I think I broke something, I don’t remember, I was too distracted by my anger to care. I took my time to calm myself and realize the damages, luckily no one witnessed what I’ve done, I think. I skedaddled into the palace without another word, hoping I was in the clear.

Upon first glances. The palace was pretty impressive. It was huge, gold was almost everywhere the purple carpeting and drapes, banners, decorations, and everything I’ve half seen from spying on the event here. What I didn’t like so far was the giant glass chandelier that hung over my head. I’ve never liked chandeliers, never will. It just sets off a whole bunch of warning signs that something bad might happen. Just I won’t be under one when it does, but other than that everything was…great? A floating spectrum of colors came into view.  “Shit!”

There, greeting a line of random ponies as they came by was Princess Celestia herself, luckily she was too distracted to notice us. Of course, we’ve never met personally, but I wasn’t expecting her just yet. By what I’ve been told, she didn’t like father that much, and who could blame her, but I’m not chancing her mistaking me for him.

Great, I guess I’m not going that way. Gladly I’ll be exiting through the side doors.

“Dare de…Where are you going?” I turned around to see Octavia. “Lucille’s Court is that way.” she said pointing a hoof to the same staircase I was trying to avoid. She happened to take another look at who was at the top of those stairs and returned her gaze on me. “Oh…right. Almost forgot about that.”

“You think?!”

“Come on,” she said, she made her way towards the princess, and tilted her head telling me to follow. I didn’t argue, I’m just trusting in Octavia to know what she’s doing. It wasn’t long until we made it to the line. No doubt the only way in was through Celestia, but dammit I’m getting in one way or another.

|-------------|

“That was too close. Why didn’t you tell me Celestia would be at the front door?”

Both of us sat in front of a silver plated double door, with Octavia relieved how well the greeting went. Though things didn’t go as planned, we made it in. But it would of went better if I was informed earlier. “I did.” she responded. “You just hardly listened.”

“Oh really?” I asked, shifting a brow.

“Yeah, really. I even told you she wouldn’t recognize your face.”

“She did recognize me.”

“Because you were just staring at her and refused to bow.”

“She was giving me the evil eyes and was trying to intimidate me. If you think she won’t send me to the moon, then you are mistaken! She has the capability and I‘m not willing to test it!”

Irritated, she slapped a hoof to her face. “Ugh! Dare de…j-just shut up.” Finally she stood up and put a hoof on the door. “Look we’re here, that’s all that matters. Now come on.”

At last the doors opened and Octavia let me step inside first to reveal the Lucille’s court. It wasn’t half what I expected.

“Because it was in no way what I could imagine.” I uttered to myself.

The auditorium was even bigger than the first room, black banners hang on the walls with a large white treble cleft printed on them, contrasting from the pure white walls. I took steps down the isle and towards the stage. 700 plus mares and stallions will be attending this concert, at least by how many matte black seats I’ve guessed. Including the four balconies in which ponies of a certain interest will also be attending, I.E. the princess, or both princesses. The milk white carpet beneath me was soft and the color was contrasting that of the banners. Oh and the stage, a section for strings, percussion, horns, the choir, a section on the left for a band, a piano in middle, and one booth on the left for a single Dj.

Bringing the idea of a symphony with modern interests and instruments compiled into one amazing concert. If something didn‘t go wrong of course.

The best part was the two seats in front. Prepared with a matte black cello and classical guitar, I looked back at Octavia, trotting down the isle. I was surprised, because if this is what I‘m thinking of, then I‘m playing at front.

“Is this your only one?” I had to hold the little off the little stallion in my head and wait for an answer, because boy was he jumpy. “Because you‘re trusting me with something I could break.”

“That was given to me as a gift.” She passed by me and leaped onto the stage. “Even if you tried to break it,” she paused, gently sliding her hoof along the body of the cello. “the frame is made of titanium while the entire body is made of carbon fiber. Surely durable to even you, and gives off a more metallic release on each note.”

“Sounds like you love it.” I said.

“Oh, heavens no!” she laughed. “The darn things too heavy, sounds wrong to me, and something about it that makes it…no…Never mind.”

Of course something was wrong with it other than it being unordinary, but I‘ll learn about it soon enough. “Weeelll, if it’s not much of a problem…Could I keep it?” I asked, my cheeks spread apart into a wide smile hoping I get a positive answer.

“Hmm, if the performance is better than expected I’ll think about it, but I’m not promising anything.”

|---------------|

“So let me get this straight…I’m working with this guy?”

Backstage was different than the auditorium, it wasn’t as astonishing. I wasn’t much of a social type of pony, in fact I was what my brother would call mildly sociopathic. I never understood what he meant by that, I got along with myself just fine. How I found Octavia was a strange story, she was performing in Ponyville last year and I kinda…stole a cello…But I didn’t get very far, who knew she could gallop like a race horse, I didn’t. Now we’re friends, weird huh?

I was simply sitting in an isolated area while everyone else was involved in small chit chat, stuff I didn’t care two bits about. I did catch a small concern about the viral spread, somepony’s friend in the hospital due to the infection, but then they changed the subject as fast as it came. A couple minutes after, somepony called out for everyone in attendance, every stallion and mare had left backstage, leaving me to myself. So far I was enjoying my time alone, until Octavia came back, tagging along side was a faded black unicorn mare with a snow white mane. Pretty, but the look she gave me changed my opinion and the attitude she gave me told me she wasn’t going to keep to herself. So yeah, we’re not going to get along.

“You‘ve could of chosen better…just look at him. He‘s protruding with stupidity beyond an average foal.” She said pointing at me.

And hello to you too. Before I could speak, Octavia gave me a look that simply said, ‘No.’ I leaned forward and took a deep breath, giving the newcomer the best smile I could manage. “So, it‘s a pleasure to meet you, what‘s your name?”

“Great it‘s talking to me.” And my false politeness was taken for granted. “Name‘s Hemi Fermata, but I doubt you‘ll be able to remember it.” I was at the moment in responding, but Octavia shook her head. Hey! She’s doing this in front of you, you’re leaving me defenseless, but the unicorn continued. “And I don’t care who you are, or where you come from, but stay out of my way. And we should get along nicely. Understand?”

“Come on, have anything better to do than being a total bitch with everyone here?” I peaked over glad to see a white unicorn trotting over. Hemi gazed crossly at the mare. “Because if you ask me, somepony’s on her R-A-G.”

Octavia gave her the same look she gave me.

“What? It‘s true! She been like this ever since she got here.” she argued pointing a hoof at the mare.

“Just not now Vinyl.” said Octavia. “Curtains will open soon and we don‘t need this now.” Hemi gave Vinyl a satisfied grin, she waved a hoof at Hemi trying to get Octavia’s attention. “Uh, uh, uh! Be nice!”

“Ugh! Yes mom, I’ll play nice with the mean lady.” She returned sarcastically. With that the black mare trotted past Vinyl sticking her tongue as she left. Vinyl may have ignored her, but I noticed her horn began to glow when the mare was a distance away. Octavia noticed this as well.

“What are you doing?” she said.

“Oh nothing…just warming up my horn for the show.” That was possibly a lie, but I didn’t see anything wrong at the moment, but Octavia was still giving her a suspicious glance. Just then her horn faded. “Well, look at that, it’s almost opening time. I guess I gotta get ready…Don’t wanna disappoint anypony. See ya out there Dare, break a leg. ” I waved as she took off into another room. Octavia only sighed.

Turning to my conductor, I smiled as I said. “So…she seemed nice.” She glanced back at me.

“I know how you feel, but we can‘t afford to let her leave.” Especially not after the last one got sick, and didn’t come. So, why did he tell Octavia I would like her? That wasn’t very likely to happen to me.

“Vinyl had the freedom to do so.” I reminded her. On the other side of the black curtains, I could hear the doors to the auditorium slam open, and the noise of mares and stallions beginning to fill the room, show time was almost here.

“Yes, but those two been at it ever since they arrived. I just don’t need you to make it worse.” she said, taking a peak behind the curtains. “Well I’m going to make a quick run, everypony will be out in a couple minutes. If you like, you can take a seat in front already while you wait.” She stepped from the curtains and began to trot out the backstage door. Honestly, I would rather wait here where I am now, but the offer is out there and with nothing better to do I moved over to the front.

I opted to test out the instrument in front of me, but something felt off. I know I usually feel paranoid from time to time, but I can actually admit the feeling…

That I wasn’t exactly alone here. Like as if not everyone had left.

I shot a look behind me to see if anyone was watching me, but all I’ve seen was empty seats and unused instruments. I caught sight of a vivid purple smoke emitting from a brass horn.

“Ok…strange smoke from an instrument could mean two things,” I told myself. “Either I’m seeing things, or one of us here is taking unauthorized medication.” I was hoping for the latter, but a chill filled the area to where my breath was slightly visible, which drowned out the possibility.

Nope…definitely not the latter.

The sound of the rear door bursting open with a loud thud slightly startled me, but the noise that followed only told me that everyone was coming to take their seats. Everyone was either laughing, or talking amongst each other. Hemi trotted onto the stage and took her seat aside of me, avoiding any eye contact whatsoever. I’m hinting that’s her norm. All and all everything seemed normal.

No!

Something is definitely wrong here, because what I just saw was not usual. But who can I tell? No one, of course I know what I saw, but no one would take me seriously. So I’ll keep it to myself, Octavia will think I must’ve been hallucinating and anyone else will just consider me crazy.

|-------------|

At last the curtains opened, the cheers and applause of hundreds echoed through the auditorium. The majority of these ponies weren’t of the super wealthy snobs that we‘re of Canterlot, in fact they were young mares and stallions, some looked a couple years older than colts and fillies, and some I spotted didn’t even have their cutie marks. Octavia thought she could be cool and enter through the front of the stage, though the crowd did get a bit louder I still say that was a cliché move.

As she got to her position of center stage, she began with a quick introduction of the symphony. Hooves stamped the floor and a couple whistles and screams were audible. Next the introduction of the band that was playing with us, though I have heard of them and their music, the name ‘Sour operas at Dandy’ still sounded silly, but the applause was twice as great as the first. I’m guessing half of the ponies here were just here for the band. Last, but not least, she attempted to mention Vinyl Scratch, but the audience went just as wild for her as they did with the band. Somewhere in the crowd of loud ponies, one stallion screamed ‘Marry me Vinyl!’ another screamed ‘I want your baby!’, the high pitch voice of the colt made me laugh, but she enjoyed the cheers and waved her hooves around. She gave Octavia a smug grin, in which the conductor returned with a roll of her eyes.

Eventually, the crowd calmed just enough where the show could begin. A brown unicorn stood at the edge of the stage, when Octavia gave the signal, her horn glowed bright and suddenly every instrument was covered within a white magical sheath. When the glow faded, the mare put a hoof to her lips shushing us so Octavia could begin. I wasn’t sure what exactly she had done, but I sure hope it doesn’t screw us up.

At the first wave of her magical stick, the low instruments were set to play. I knew I was far away from that bass and tubas, but sounded as if they were playing in my head. Next was the full string and brass section, followed by winds, thumping behind that were the percussions, then choir, and then of course the rest of us. The blend of these elements sounded even better than the way I described to Octavia. Of course, she had to write the music, schedule rehearsals, buy out the Lucille hall for one night, prepare the instruments, and find replacements at the last second. As for me, I sat at home, picked my nose, and what not.

The music grew louder and louder before coming to a short end. By the looked of things so far, the entire hall burst into approval of the show, even more than introductions. However this was just the prelude, 8 more pieces were still to come and the audience loved it.

Act 1 was a piece solely for the symphony, Hemi was placed in lead letting soft notes roll about, while I played a 3rd over them. Half way through the song it took a dark turn with a deep echo of the bass instruments, leading into the next act. Act 2 was the melancholic version of Act 1. The emotion behind it was that of if I lost something I loved, and was refused the ability to regain it no matter how hard I tried. Which seemed a bit to depressing for Octavia. As it built up to a conclusion, it felt as if I was dying and then…death came as the drums closed with a single thunderous note.

Act 3 was a form of psychedelic symphonic jazz, heavy on sax and piano, but hey a lighter mood than the earlier vibe. When that finished, Act 4 and 5 were the bands own works, but with the orchestra. To admit, some of the performers were singing along as well as the whole audience. Except Celestia of course, she was eyeing a group of mares sitting in the balcony across from her. Oh goodie, the purple one is taking a gander at me, not anypony else…just me, and her first impression was just as bad as Hemi‘s, because she look more concerned rather just enjoying the damn show.

The next 2 pieces featured of course Vinyl. I was baffled and shock at how all our instruments were altered in sound as we were playing, for example, mine sounded completely mechanical and almost wanted to talk. Freaked me out, but we were told to keep playing while she literally worked her magic. This time the audience did manage to forget that they’re at a fancy concert, and not at a lights festival, or possibly an open concert. Insanity was their game and they loved every bit of it.

Finally, it was time to conclude this show, each and every modern genre will merge into one final act. As I planned, Hemi played another introductory solo while the symphony built volume, I tagged along in harmony with the guitar. Soon later the band and Vinyl joined the orchestra, illustrating the end of the piece. Notes raised in tone and speed, faster, higher, and louder until it all dropped with a lingering note that was fading into silence.

Hemi, however, turned to give me a slight smirk, one that didn’t fall well in my book.

Just as the music was dying away, she began, as you would say, improvising. Hitting notes from low to high following the same tone of the act, doing whatever she wanted. She was now giving me a more smug look, obviously challenging me.

Oh no, now she planned to step on me with her so called ‘impressive’ scales. No matter! If I learned anything from Octavia, solo work was her thing before she became a composer, and I’m not going to let her down, especially not after the look she was giving me as I began to challenge the unicorn.

Notes were thrown back and forth, as if we were in a heated argument, like who was better and who was going to falter first, me or her? I definitely wasn’t. As we progressed, the audience changed from confused to rooting after each one of us stopped a section in our duel. At this point the band had to improvise, and provided background for us. It didn’t take long for the symphony to follow along, led by a not so pleased conductor. I know…we’re terrible, but Hemi started it and I will finish it. Once again, the entire orchestra replayed the closing act as we were getting to the good parts of our duel. Hitting higher notes at a faster rate, playing in unison for small fractions of time before seperating. Again an end was upon us, and I planned to finish last, but damn she was persistent. However, she decided to throw me a curve ball and let me play on as it ended. I was slightly thrown off, but finished it with a high pitch squeal, holding the note until the every pony stopped playing, Hemi seemed please, so she forfeit and looked onto the audience. Octavia had conflicted feelings, whether to be mad, or be impressed, she just had that look that said, ‘Though you’re both dead meat…not bad‘.

The crowd screamed their approval, and it seemed I was getting a slight positive look from that both the princess and that purple alicorn. Everyone on stage gave a courteous bow, before curtains came to a close.

|-----------------|

Night fell as I joined both Octavia and Vinyl for a short celebration at Le Fancy Bar, to my convenience it was just outside Lucille Court. Inside the place we found a nice table next to a window overlooking the small glimmering town of Ponyville. The moon was just above the town, giving the scenery additional beauty. The rest of the bar look like any other place I’ve seen. Many tables with shiny glasses or mugs, a bartender with a bad or good attitude, and drunk off their ass costumers. The only difference in this place was just the customers, here and there were the snobs of Canterlot.

Sadly Octavia didn’t fancy the same drinks I and Vinyl had asked for, she preferred champagne…the most boring of all intoxicants, but fine. We accepted that. Actually we secretly planned on getting Octavia wasted by the end of tonight.

“I do say again…that was pretty cool.” Vinyl said.

“Though I do ask that you don‘t pull another stunt like that.” Octavia said, downing another drink of her glass. Vinyl didn’t waste a second to refill her glass. “Thank you. If circumstances were different, that wouldn’t have been approved.”

“Come on Octi. Though it was a little change, it wasn’t that bad…Come on a scale between 1 to 10, how great was it?” Octi had to think for a moment, but Vinyl couldn’t resist pressing her hooves on Octavia’s cheeks forcing her to make a kissy face. “Tell us what we want to know.”

“Fine, fine.” She said pushing Vinyl’s hooves off her face. “7...or 6.5, either one of the two.”

Vinyl sat back down and smiled at me. “See, that means though she didn‘t approve of it, it wasn‘t that bad.” With that she downed her glass and Octi did so as well. Under the table I passed Vinyl a bottle of hard liquor and she in turn switched the label. “What is that?!” she screamed, pointing a hoof at the window.

“What is what?” Octavia asked, taking her attention away from the table. With her distracted, I swapped the drinks and placed the fresh champagne bottle under the table. I knocked a hoof on the table to signal Vinyl.

“Never mind…it was just a bug.” Bells rang at the entrance when another potential customer trotted in, I didn’t concern myself with whomever it was, but Vinyl frowned. “Oh, look…speaking of bugs.”

Hemi entered the bar and found a seat at the front counter, she apparently was ordering some drinks of her own, and by the looks of it trying to sweet talk the bartender. The peach colored stallion smiled sheepishly, grabbing a white labeled bottle from the shelf. He offered to give her a glass, but she shook her head and took the entire bottle, giving him a sweet smile. He went about his way to another customer feeling pretty giddy. As he walked away, her sweet smile turned into a wicked grin, obviously satisfied with her devious work. She twisted around on her seat, sat back, popped the bottle with her magic, and gulped down straight from the bottle. Once finished she let out a loud belch, catching the attention of the entire bar. What was interesting about her was that she had no regards for anyone else.

Vinyl shook her head, “So many levels of wrong in one pony it makes me sick.”

“Well, I’m not surprised, though we already have enough of that with Dare de.“ Octavia looked at me. “No offence though.” I just shrugged in reply, could I really argue?.

“But Dare de’s cool! Hemi is just…Ugh!…Barf.” Vinyl stuck out her tongue in disgust. Honestly I thought she was just a spiteful pony with a bad history of possible domestic abuse and is just looking for attention. That may be the case, but I might be wrong, if the mare’s anything like me. I felt a grin creep onto my face. Why pass up a chance to make an ally? After all it would be more fun with two Dare de‘s, rather than just me alone. I jumped off my seat and made my way towards the front counter. “Where are you going?”

“To make a friend.” I replied.

“Riiiight, make a friend.” she said adding quotations with her hooves. “I guess she is too irresistible for even the Dare de.”

“It’s not even like that,” I said, stopping to see Vinyl wriggling her tongue in the air. “And definitely not like that at all.”

“You‘re not planning on befriending her to annoy the world even further are you?” Octavia asked with her usual disapproving look about her face.

“Pfft, no-no-no-no-no…no! You think I would do that” Maybe. “Well uh, bye you two, I’m going now.” I was about to leave, but stopped once more. “Oh and Vinyl…continue without me.” With that she gave a brief salute and I continued on. Octavia didn’t catch what we were even talking about, but she’ll know soon enough.

Upon approaching at the counter, Hemi only spared a quick glance and looked elsewhere. I went along and took a seat next to her, and called the bartender over.

“Heya boio, what can I do ya fer?” he said.

“Let me get two bottles of what she‘s having.” I answered, pointing at the unicorn next to me. He gave me a look that tempted me to leave, but I returned with a smile. “Like right now would be great.” I knew he didn’t want me here, his glare only told me that he wanted her to himself, good for him, but I levitated a bag of bits in front of him and it seemed to make his look soften just a bit. He accepted it with a little scorn and got to the shelves.

“You‘re a drunk.” The mare pulled back for another glug and swiveled around the crystal clear contents of her bottle. “But good luck with that.”

“You’re one to talk. Of course maybe I want to get a bit hammered.” The bartender returned with my order and left with one last suspicious look. “Or maybe I just wanted to congratulate you for your performance.”

“Yeah, yeah…I did a good job and so forth. I guess we’re finished here.” I guess you are, but I’m not.

“Of course, of course…however, I‘ve seen better.” Her amber eyes glared upon me with a little irritation, but she didn’t respond. “Congratulations, you’re mediocre works have pleased the crowd through some incredible feat, though this is probably not your first time. How’s that going for you, Ms. Hemi?”

“I think it’s going pretty great, but if by mediocre you meant breath taking? Then thank you for your appreciation.” She said with a sardonic grin. “Though you’re lacking a little bit of taste in real music yourself."

"Aw that's not nice, I thought you liked what I did out there. You. Thought. I. Was. Awesome!" Using my magic, I popped the cork and took a chug. It tasted sweet at first, but the aftertaste was way too bitter. I gave the bottle a questioning look and read the label. ‘Ghost Gulag with ice cherry mix’ and there were some other words that were obviously in another language. I tried for another and the taste was beginning to soften out the more I drank, and before I knew it I was already half way down and felt nothing. Well that was pretty disappointing. I guess brother won’t have to worry that much.

“Please! I’m surprised you actually made it this far. Poor Octavia, needed extra set of hooves, but chose poorly.” I wasn’t sure if that was an insult to both Octi and me, or just me in general. So I decided to delve deeper into something at least remotely personal, something to get her to talk. Her mane…nah I’m liable to make a joke. Calling her rude names? As much as I want to nah. The long white boots she wore may have complimented her mane, but the Red Corp Wonderbolts badge, now that was something to work with.

“The badge is official right? Because it must be sad to walk around with a false sense of authority.” I must have asked the right question, because she gave me her undivided attention.

“Believe, or not…it’s real.” she said with a smug grin. “And yes, I‘ve earned it. 4 cold hard years of splendid service” No more was needed. What I knew of Red Corp was that it was a division of highly trained unicorns with somewhat equivalent authority of the Wonderbolts. Police force during lighter days, special operations during dark times. Because who else notifies the princess of upcoming danger when royal guards are only stationed to only her, and when she can’t be everywhere at once. All of this I’ve learned from 720. “What‘s your deal?”

“Oh, just wondering.” I said, taking another swig of my bottle. She finished the last of her drink and turned to me to release another loud belch. As the bottle floated in front of her, her magical grasp was slipping due to the bottle swaying slightly. I still felt no side effect what so ever. She was falling drunk right before my eyes. I placed my bottle on the countertop, but accidentally tipped it over.

“Oops!” I got a tempered look from the bartender as he came over to wipe off the mess. What? It was an accident.

Something was stirring in me, I felt good and horrible. A good feeling that it makes me sick. I rested my head on the counter suddenly feeling a bit better. She only continued to glare at me with all seriousness possible. She called the bartender and asked for two glasses. There was exchanged glances between the two, but he agreed and set two glasses on the counter. Putting her attention back onto me, she popped my second and filled both glasses passing one to me. She drunk from hers and I did so as well.

“Well now that you know a little about me.” she sat up right and crossed her legs as she asked.

“What about you?”

“Nothing much to talk about, I‘m just a regular old fashioned stallion, who enjoys long walks at night.”

“I doubt it. You have so far attempted to manipulate me for personal information through insulting me, and trying to find bits and pieces about me with observations. Whilst taking advantage of the fact that I‘m practically tanked-up. Though you unknowingly purchased two bottles of hard vodka thinking you could get my attention. Now you sit there slurring and feeling sick like the drunk idiot you are. I may be intoxicated, but it will take more than this to do the trick.” That…that was to the point now was it? Well done! However she was wrong about one thing, she couldn’t hold her own poison. She spilled out her lunch all over the floor, and rested her head the counter groaning in pain.

“You obviously have things under control.” I said sitting up a bit with a slight smile on my muzzle. I wasn’t too far from being next one to vomit, but I had to hold it in. It’s official this stuff is killing me and I didn’t even realize the damage ‘til now.

“Shut up. I don‘t have to listen to this!” I couldn’t help myself, but chuckle. She sat up as well asking, “What? What’s so damn funny?” Now it was her turn to chuckle.

“Oh nothing…” I said. Look at us, we’re both either drunk, or just suffering from alcohol poisoning. Playing the same game against each other. We are much alike that is true, that also mean I have a buddy to scowl at the world with, and the fact that she’s part of the authorities, is a plus for me. “You want to hear something crazy?”

“No me first…” she interrupted, taking a direct swig from my spilled bottle. “I feel I should say this…I insist.”

“No I‘mma at least be the first one to say.” I turned to her, attempting to explain why I was there in the first place. But I ended up finding her muzzle crossed into mine, turning this dispute into an awkward moment for me. I’ve decided this has gone a little too long and pushed her away. I sat there with a puzzled look about my face, taking in what had just happened. The confusion was making this world spin and I had to rest my head back on the counter. Somewhere behind me, I can hear some mare laughing. Great! Now I looked like a liar.

“I do apologize for that.” she said wiping her lips on her fore-hoof, her black cheeks turning red. “That got out of hand real fast, didn‘t it?” I just simply nodded in response, unable to speak at the moment. As awkward as it was, she still look annoyed, like as if she blamed me for it. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“How was it?” Was she bloody serious? She wanted feedback as well, while I was at it I should just rate it with stars and give it stats. “It‘s my first one…so you better darn tell me.”

“Hmm, I don‘t know…” If I wasn’t as hammered, I would’ve just told her piss off, trot away, tell Octavia to take me home. Then I would get a good scolding from 720 about how I managed to do the exact opposite of what he told me, then get a hangover the morning after. In fact that‘s what I‘m going to do, she ruined a perfectly good moment for us. So why did I pull her close for another long kiss. This I didn’t initiate to happen, or have full utter control of what I was doing. After another long moment, we broke with a line of saliva that hung between our lips. Her blush only seemed to grow more red as she gave a small hint of a smile.

That’s when things got really weird, because the moment after that happened, I was suddenly in front of both Octavia and Vinyl babbling about…something, while I stuck an empty champagne bottle up my nose. Vinyl was laughing, but Octavia stared at me with the look of complete shock, her face running redder than she ever had. Then darkness claimed me for a good minute until I woke up with my face inside a toilet bowl. Brownish blue sludge floated at the top of the pool, my mouth tasted really sour, and I wasn’t feeling as bad as I was a couple of minutes? Wait, hours?…How long was that, and better question is how the hell did I get here, because I don’t remember.

I lifted my head out of the toilet and stood onto my hooves. I was still a bit dizzy from the Gulag, but it didn’t seem to threaten my walking abilities, that much. Must of got it all out of my system. Stepping out of the stall, I gazed at the interior of Le Fancy’s little colt’s room and was surprised that it was just as shiny as the bar outside. The sinks were pristine and silver, the stalls were all black and shiny, and what would complete a fancy restroom with a large mirror. I mean really, Canterlot is making me feel like if I stayed long enough my shit would smell like cinnamon and roses.

I made my way to the sink to wash off whatever vomit that still lingered on my mouth. As I was doing so, the lights flickered, making me pause for a moment. The temperature of the air dropped, making my breath completely visible once again. Glancing into the mirror, I was glad there wasn’t any signs of purple smoke, but instead I heard soft whispers resonating from a stall on the far left. (With the mirror it was actually on the right of me.) I’m now sure that I wasn’t flipping out. I gazed directly at the stall keeping eye on it’s door, white ooze flowed from top to bottom, slowly spelling out a message on the door.

“I don‘t find this weird at all…” In other words it was freakin’ creepy as hell. I had a choice to leave and try my best to get as far away from Canterlot as possible, because this was far beyond my comprehension. Then I though about it, what if it was me? Even I left, would it follow me as well. However, another thought protested that this never happened before I came to this place and I should just leave. “Fuck it!” I said, silencing the conflict in my head. If this was a game I‘ll just play along. Hoping this was just a ruse to scare me, instead it‘s now pissing me off. I approached the door, waiting for the asshole to step out at any moment. It seemed to be working, because a couple steps from the door and I heard a loud click as it opened on it’s own. I rushed over to see who ever sat inside ready to buck his lights out, but it was empty. “What?!” Oh this guy was good, no doubt he was a unicorn.

Now that I was closer, I could read the message. The words did get my attention. ‘It begins here!’ It said and under that read, ‘Turn around’ with arrows that were placed everywhere around the words. Glancing over my shoulder, the first thing I saw was a dark olive earth pony standing in the middle of the bathroom, staring at me with a hollow look. His eyes were literally glowing a bright red orange, his olive coat was stained with blood, and his forelegs bore teeth marks, like he or somepony else was eating him. All this was pretty impressive and sick looking, but I was going to proceed to beat his ass into a bloody pulp…

Up until he lunged at me and sunk his teeth into my neck.

(Ink Cartridge used)

Date: Nov - 26

Location: Canterlot/Le Fancy Bar

Side A: Dare de

Note: Today is just a bad day…

[Natural Mutation found: Acidic Resilience Level 1 - Minor wounds mend quickly over time]

[Natural Curse found: Corrupted Discharge Level 1 - The use of darkness amplifies the user's current magic, but deals heavy damage to user.]

*Rare Item Collected: Carbon Cello - The perfect instrument for musicals and making heads roll if you apply enough force.

-|Data Saved|-