Anarchy in the Equestrian Nation

Working in that music shop introduced me to new things. Many, many great techno artists were discovered hiding inside the bargain bin, along with a few good rock bands and the occasional ska group, but the thing that caught my eye the most was the green Rickenbucker 4001 bass in the display case at the front of the shop. I always had a great appreciation for bassists. They were the heart of any rock band, keeping the beat going. It was also the simplest instrument to play. Easy to learn, hard to master. Just the way I liked it.

At the end of my shift, three days after I first started working, I strolled over to the case on my way out. I stopped and gazed at the Rickenbucker's shiny green paint job. The bass was designed for a unicorn, made to be levitated and played by magic. Thankfully I fit the bill. I felt a hoof on my shoulder, and turned to face Six-String, the store's owner.

"Go ahead. Take it home. Nobody's gonna buy it anyway, not with a six hundred bit price tag." he said with a smile on his face.

"But... What if somepony drops by to buy it? Surely someone saw it and started saving up?" I asked.

"Trust me. Nopony has given that thing a single passing glance in the four years I've owned this shop. I've relocated six times, twice from different cities. Nopony has paid attention to that bass. People come in wanting to learn guitar or violin or drums, but nopony wants to learn bass. It's yours." He smiled again.

"No. I can't just take it without paying you. I'll come back later and see if I can buy it." I replied as I walked out the door.

I magically levitated my envelope with the paycheck, opened it, and read it. 450 bits from the past three days. I thought. Just 150 more. I realized I still had in-store credit, and turned back, just in time to see Six-String leaving.

"Hey. How much store credit do I have?" I asked.

"105 bits." he said as he read a small notepad. "Wh-" he started to say before I interrupted him.

"Can I work an extra fifteen minutes cleaning up the shop?" I asked.

"Yeah sure. You won't get paid any wage, but-"

"As long as I get those extra fifty bits of credit I'm OK."

I rushed back into the shop, leaving Six-String bewildered. I worked in a flurry to re organize the shelves, a job normally reserved for Turntable after hours, and came back out fifteen minutes later. "Add those fifty bits to my credit and come back in. I'd like to buy something." I said triumphantly.

We walked back into the shop, and as I passed the case, I gave the Rickenbucker a long, thorough look. "What is it you'd like to buy." He added0 "I was kidding. That was rhetorical. I know you want that bass." as I opened my mouth.

"Yessir," I said. "Four hundred fifty in the envelope, plus one hundred fifty in store credit, makes an even 600." I smiled.

picked up a guitar case from behind the counter and opened the display case with a small silver key. "It's all yours." he said as he gave me the case to put it in. I took the bass and gently laid it in the case's velvet lining, making sure to latch it securely.

I walked out of the shop towards the Industrial District, home of Ponyville's factories and workers. It was where home was, where I lived since Dad got put in the slammer. Clockwork and Gearbox would be expecting me in time for dinner, but thankfully the shop closed early that day, so my time window was far more forgiving. I did make it home in time, but Gearbox was naturally suspicious of the case at my side.

"What's in there, Union Jack? What's in the case, huh?!" he demanded.

I chuckled and opened it. I saw his eyes trace over the paint, widened. "Is that..."

"A Rickenbucker 4001, yes. 600 bits, good price. Cost me my first paycheck and everything but five bits of my store credit, but it was worth every single bit." I said proudly.

Gearbox frowned. "You spent your first paycheck on an instrument you can't play?"

"Well, not yet, but my next paycheck is going towards lessons. Unless somepony at school can teach me." I said.

"Manga knows how to play." piped up Clockwork. "Just ask him to teach you once he gets back from Neighasaki."

After dinner, Clockwork and I returned to our shared room, me toting the Rickenbucker.

"So tell me, why choose a bass guitar?" he asked on our way up the stairs.

"There are very few bassists out there. I figured I'd join their ranks." I replied.

"Well, I think it suits you. You've got excellent rhythm." he said.

"Thank you."

The rest of the evening was spent either conversing with Clockwork about his projects or playing video games with him.

Again, sorry I had to wrap up the chapter this way, but I can't end chapters very well.