"You've got this Octi," Vinyl said to me. It was the day that I performed the most important symphony of the year. And I was chosen to take the leading role.
"What if I mess up?! My career will be ruined! I can't do it." I say.
"Yes you can. Don't forget that this is something you've been dreaming of all of your life don't blow your chance." Vinyl said as she placed an assuring hoof on my shoulder.
"But what if-"
"Trust me when I say you have an amazing talent. Just keep telling yourself that and you'll blow everyone away. You will become a legend." Vinyl, my bestest friend said.
"A legend..." I say.
Ever since I was introduced to music at my young age, I've wanted to become remembered for my cello. I wanted to inspire others as the great legends have inspired me. I want to be remembered, to have my songs played by several other instruments, and to be heaven to the ears of the listeners, I want my name to be cheered and appreciated, I want to become a legend.
"You're right Vinyl, this is my dream. I can do this."
"And I'll be right there in front of you the whole time." I smiled. Vinyl, my polar opposite; yet best friend will cheer the loudest, I know it.
"Octavia, you're on." A red haired yellow unicorn mare said in a Trottingham accent said.
"You'll do great." Vinyl said as she turned around and headed to her seat.
"Good luck." The mare said.
"Thanks." I say.
I grab my cello and head to the stage. "You can do this," I have to keep reminding myself, but I'm still nervous. I want to wow everypony, to give them something they'll enjoy, but how can I in this state? My legs continue to walk me to the middle of the stage, the ponies in the symphony nodding to me and smiling.
Once on stage, I notice that everyone looks bored; including, the Princesses? They looked as though they weren't expecting much. Boosted with a sense of confidence, I think, 'We'll see about that,'. I take a deep breath and I start to play the first note to my song. I focus on my cello, but quickly feel the attention on me as the first note echoes around the room, quickly leading on to the other as another note overlaps it. I continue playing and close my eyes as note after note echoes around the room. I can feel the tension becoming greater and greater as the rest of the symphony joins in.
Many ponies wonder how I play my cello so well. Some assume it's all in my destiny, others say its because of a lot of practice, and although both are true, I use a main strategy. Every note I've ever played in my lifetime, is every memory. Whether it's a sad key, which leads into a sort of lullaby.
Or a happy tone, that turns the music I play into a catchy tune. I continue playing a series of melodies, one overlapping the other in near perfect fashion. Each and every single one a memory, whether it was a happy one, or a sad one, an angry or any other, I have memories within each and every note. That's why I close my eyes, I feel that the notes reflect how I feel, and it always brings me back to a previous or old memory.
The happy keys often coming from the times I spend with Vinyl, and playing my cello. The sad coming from the heartbreak I felt when my father, a musician himself, passed away, or when Vinyl couldn't come to my own personal concert. The angry from every time Vinyl would pester me with her 'wubs' so loudly in the morning. Yes, with each of my notes, a memory was entangled within it. For to me, I think of life as a musical sheet, that once you've reached the end, your song is finished. For some it can be a mostly happy song, like that pink pony who hops around everywhere, her song would be a happy one. For others it can be a mostly sad or dull tone. That's the thing about the lives we live, they're like the songs e like to sing and play, they always have a different note to play. And just like songs, our lives are short, which is why must make the best of them. Which is why I worked so hard to be where I am now.
I was in the middle of my song. Lower notes, lighter notes, repetition, different tones, all in a pattern merged together and entangled beautifully. My thoughts drift to how hard I motivated myself to this piece, how ever since I was accepted to play, I worked on the piece for years; rewriting and perfecting the sheet notes. I wanted to make this song perfect as can be. Fit for a Princess, who I had never expected to hear of this concert. Vinyl says that it's because I'm not like any other cellist, that I don't just read from the page and let it control how I play.
I guess that that would make her right.
I remember that when played or the big wedding, I worked so hard to get the right song, but it was with Vinyl that I was able to, as she put it, 'Nail it.' This is why I want to be remembered for my work, the reason why I want to be a legend like the great ponies that inspired me to be the cellist I am today. I want to become a legendary cellist, to be known for her efforts to please others. Vinyl says that I need to have my own style as she does, but I never told her about what thought of the notes I play. You must think it's strange how I never told my best friend.
I pulled at the last note as the wordless song came to a close. I breathe deeply, not knowing was holding my breath for so long. For a brief moment, I stand there, until I opened my eyes to find flashing lights from cameras, ponies cheering and stomping on the ground wildly. Even the four Princesses were stomping were stomping wildly. But the loudest, was of course, my very best friend Vinyl. I bowed and stepped off of the stage, hearing the crowd's roar echoing throughout the building. I've done it, my life long dream has come true, it's my name that's escaping there mouths in an excited cheer.
I then noticed that I had tears in my eyes. I wiped them away, and proceeded to walk off of the stage, despite the crowd's cheers for an encore. My song, my life song, has the happiest notes. I reach the room I was in minutes before, and am soon greeted by all of the ponies who were apart of the symphony.
"You were amazing Octavia." A brown stallion, Noteworthy, said to me as I was approached. I recognized him as the lead for the piano, and he was indeed very good with it.
"Thank you," I say. Out of nowhere, comes Vinyl, who's hugging me tightly.
"Great job Octi." She says to me. I chuckle a sheepish laugh bubbling in my throat.
"Thank you Vinyl." I say as I hug her back, a tear falling from my face. I notice Princess Celestia behind her, and let go of Vinyl as she approaches me.
"You are a very talented mare," She begins. "Your piece, was one of the best I've ever heard in all of my years, I can see you've practiced hard and well, and I am pleased to see that it has finally paid off." She lifts my chin. "You're an extraordinary cellist." She moves to the side and nods her head respectively, the others doing the same.
"You did it Octi," Vinyl says while wrapping a hoof around me, I stay in my shocked state, happy tears in my eyes. Later that night, I lay in my bed back in the hotel. I stare at the ceiling, a happy smile on my face.
"I've done it." I say to myself. I blow out the candle next to me. "I've become a true legend in music."
Author's Note
I was inspired by the wonderful song by Evening Star. And I decided to go with this. I hope you enjoyed. I don't own My Little Pony or any of the characters. Anyway, Peace.
-Candy
