Author's Note

Warning, Lots of greentext ahead. You don't have to click or listen, but it will enhance the experience. As always Like and comment. Also, I do appreciate criticism so don't be afraid to tell me what'll make the story better and more readable.

Trottingham Music Festival Part 2

As my crew set up for their performance, I took the chance to wander around. It was the most modern city I'd seen so far, and very similar to an American city. Far from the simplicity of ponyville, or the Regal fantasy castle of canterlot, this felt much like new york or vegas in the 40's and 50's. Art deco, I believe the style was called. I stopped for a moment and admired the skyscrapers, whistling at the scale. For a group of creatures that hadn't yet created the automobile or biplane, they were expert engineers and builders. Pretty soon though, I was heading back.

The show was about to start, and I needed to check the preparations. I smiled as I saw The elements prepping for their set. They called themselves the rainbooms, And honestly, they were pretty decent. They were arguing over Rarity's obsessiveness with costumes however.

"Well, don't expect me not to look my best tonight. A lady should always be ready to impress her knight in shining armor." She said with a huff as I approached unnoticed.

"A knight in shining armor has never had his mettle truly tested, Miss Belle. Perhaps instead you should look to the man or stallion whose armor is scratched, dented and battered. For it shows what they are willing to suffer through to be at your side, and will not wilt in the face of adversity." I said simply. The girls flinched, startled by my presence, and a smoking scorch mark near my head gave me a poignant reminder. DO NOT STARTLE ALICORNS!

"Heheh, Sorry about that" Twilight said rubbing the back of her head sheepishly at my raised eyebrow. Rarity looked lost in though for a moment before nodding.

"I suppose you have a point there, your lordship....Do you perhaps have anyone in mind?" She said, fluttering her eyelashes at me with a seductive smile. Seriously, what is it with mares? I looked over at spike who was watching the whole thing with a deadpan expression before sighing and returning to his work as the band's "Roadie".

"I perhaps know a young Drake who would adore your affections." I said, trying to steer her towards spike, who, despite his stature, was an adult. Rarity just gave me a sad look.

"As much as I care for my dear spikey wikey....I just can't see him as more than a Friend, or perhaps even a younger sibling. I now he has feelings for me, but I just cannot return them in the way he wishes." she said, looking away.

"I know." came the voice of spike, having returned to grab something he'd forgotten. "That's why I say nothing when you run off fawning over these idiots who treat you like dirt. Blueblood, That writer, and dozens of those so called elite in canterlot. Honestly, It hurts sometimes. This is just the first time I've heard those words from you. The first time it's really sank in..." his voice cracked and his eyes began to water. "I....I'm gonna go....I got lots of things to finish....and a lot to think about." He said before running off. Rarity tried to chase him but I cut her off.

"He'll need his space. Crushes can hurt when they end. " I said, casting a look at the drakes fleeing form as he pulled his purple jacket tighter. Rarity just looked at me with anger, and then sighed.

"I suppose they can." she said, returning to the other girls, who had watched silently. The rainbooms all looked down after that little bit of drama, so I spoke up again.

"Look, Spikes a tough kid. This had to happen sooner or later. But at the same time, he's still working hard so you guys can perform. Don't let the guy down Ok?" Rainbow nodded, determination growing in her eyes.

"The big guy's right. As much as he's hurting inside, he's still doing this stuff for us. He still wants to watch us perform. Let's not let the little guy down, eh?" The girls all nodded, and went out on stage, to begin their Set . They were pretty good, and the crowd was cheering and screaming when they were done. I about lost it when a Minotaur man screamed like little girl and started crying when Rarity tossed a handkerchief into the crowd. I was sitting with spike at the time, and he smiled despite his tears.

"Thanks Brandon...for just sitting with me. Letting me vent." He said, scratching at his comb.

"No problem pal. You, the girls, and my staff are the only ones I can act normal around. Word of advice, Never accept an offer of becoming nobility. It's a pain in the ass." I said, earning a chuckle. The lights dimmed and the next band came out. Aryanne and her 4th army band stood on stage, Sneering at the gathered audience.

"We represent the Great Reich of The sturmlands! We are superior beings! Now, hear our cultural achievements!" She shouted, to many eyerolls and, oddly enough, a lot of whistles and catcalls.

Aryanne grinned and shouted an order to the group and a group of equally gorgeous mares strode forth and the band started this very familiar sounding song They then continued with a whole playlist of songs that I could have sworn were torn right from the 60's on my world. I had little time to think however, as my regiment's band was coming up. I'd also been told that we only had this one time slot, as a last minute addition had taken the later one. I was also informed however, that after an incident last year involving drunk fillies and colts, only adults had been allowed to attend. So, with a quick change, I mixed up my set a bit. There were a lot of songs that had to be scrapped however. the entire set was almost thirty songs long. Because I can't sing worth a damn, I'd learned how to play guitar, so as the ponies and Cervi traded out singers, bassists, drummers, and the like, I shredded the guitar like there was no tomorrow. Thank god for the undead's unlimited stamina. (and twilight sparkles memorization and Muscle memory spells.)
By the time we were done, the crowd was going wild. They'd never heard my kind of music before, and they loved the gritty feel some of the songs had. We had to duck backstage quickly however, as dozens of mares began flinging their lingerie at us and trying to climb onto the stage in a frenzy of lust and adrenaline. I wasn't prepared however, for Moonlight Serenade to drag me back onstage and tie me to a chair.

"Me and the girls are agonna have some fun at your expense now, K?" she said in a seductive tone as she threw away a cloak, revealing a black sequin dress with a slit down the side to show off her legs. Greta, Crimson, Willow, and Milly walked out wearing the same, earning whistles and catcalls from most of the guys, and even a few mares. They then danced around me as the Music began. doing damn near everything they could to make me uncomfortable and hot under the collar. I should've known they wouldn't miss a chance to tease me. Honestly though? It was fun. I hadn't had a good day like this in years. Too bad it didn't last...