The Lunar Republicby Black BuckChaptersThe PerformanceThe DealThe SignThe PlanDangerThe Performance"This.....is....awesome!" exclaimed a young filly, a huge smile on his face as he looked around the building from his seat. Many of the ponies in the room simply ignored his little outburst, and they quickly turned their eyes back to the stage. His face flushed in embarrassment, until he felt something pull him close. "Are you enjoying yourself?" said a gentle, and kind voice. Turning his head he smiled seeing the eyes of his mother. She had a beautiful pink coat, and gleaming purple eyes filled with amusement and worry. Whether she was worried about how much she was enjoying herself, or being around so many ponies was unknown to him. However, he couldn't help but cuddle closer to his mom, and smiling at her warmth which he loved so much. Smiling more she held her little colt to her chest, and then she felt a hoof on her shoulder. When she looked to her side she smiled seeing her husband who nodded giving her a wink. "Don't worry honey. We will be out of here in no time, but just enjoy yourself for now." She smiled and nodded with a faint smile on her face, before laying her head on his shoulder. He was a light red stallion, with a nice purple mane. However, he was actually just as out of place as her. Their little pony had been begging them to go to a concert in Canterlot for a famous cellist who had a great reputation through all of Equetria. Both parents had been setting aside their money to get tickets to even bring him to the concert. The tickets themselves were already 500 bits, 250 for a younger pony. In truth they even had to cut down on their eating, and work overtime to get enough money, but they managed to keep it hidden from their little colt. Both had barely enough time to get some much needed sleep, and they didn't need him to start worrying about them. But neither could hide the lines below their eyes, and even they had a hard time explaining to their little pony why they seemed a lot more worn out than usual. But when they looked at their young filly, they knew every drop of sweat, and every inch of work was worth seeing him happy. Although they were worked to the bone, both knew that this was his dream and they were glad it had finally come. Looking up he saw his parents had closed their eyes, and were silently resting on each other, and even he couldn't stop a smile from spreading onto his face. "They look so peaceful. I haven't seen them like this in a long time." he thought as he saw their peaceful expressions for the first time in a while. Although he didn't exactly know exactly what his parents were doing the past few months, but it didn't take much to realize that they had worked hard, and now as far as he was concerned they could rest now. Now he could fulfill his dream of actually going to one of his idols concerts, and to actually sit near the front of the theatre was a great experience that he was sure he would remember. When he looked around he saw many other ponies wearing fancy outfits, and murmuring to each other as if someone could be spying on them. Though everything died down, as soon as the lights above started to dim until it was nearly dark. Luckily the lights on the stage brightend and a unicorn with a red mane walked up and said, "Welcome everyone. We thank you all for coming here today to witness our rising star play her music for you all." There was a murmur of excitement that sped through the crowd, but it was quickly silenced when the mare raised her hoof. "Now coming to the stage, Octavia Melody!" "Yes!" he almost screamed, but quickly thought about it and silently said the word. Suddenly the huge red curtains slowly opened revealing an earth pony, with a gray coat, dark gray mane, beautiful purple eyes, and a nice bowtie . In her hooves, she held a beautiful cello, and her smile made his legs shake slightly. "Hello ponies of Canterlot. I'll be playing one of my signature peaces to you today. Please let my music shine in you." The crowd cheered loudly the excitement clear in their eyes, and everyone watched as Octavia finally started playing. The music was alluring, the way it seemed to grow louder and louder, yet lowered to a smoothing and tender sound. Everyone in the room immediately got enraptured into the beautiful music, but he was also paying attention to the cellist herself. The way she seemed at peace when playing her instrument, the way she closed her eyes when getting to what sounded like a relatively hard notE, but she only did it for a second before opening her eyes with a small smile on her face when she knew that she played the note right. The way she played the cellist so tenderly, as if a lover was running her hoof through her special some pony mane. And how although many ponies were watching her, yet she still kept herself professional, and played as if she was preforming in a room with no one to stress about her music. "She is amazing." he turned and he saw that it his mother who had just now awoken from her nap, and his father was also awoken as well. Smiling he hugged his parents closely and they hugged him gently in a warm embrace. When he looked back at the stage he saw that she was still playing and her eyes seemed to look at everyone in the crowd, "Is she looking at me?" he wondered before shaking his head, "No she wouldn't look at some filly she doesn't even know." *** What he didn't know was that she was actually watching him. It wasn't anything special, the only reason she saw him was because he wasn't wearing the greatest attire. The only thing he was wearing was a bandana that she could barely see in the dark, however with her expert eye, she saw how out of place the young colt seemed. As she played she didn't have a hard time picking out his parents, after all who would let a filly into one of her concerts unattended, and much like their son both parents were extremely out of place in the mass of nobility, or common ponies. But her focus remained on the young filly himself, the way he looked at her, his sharp eye, his ears twitching, and his reaction to some of the notes she played. He was watching every movement she did, every sound echoing across the room, and the way her body language reacted to the music, therefore causing the audience themselves to follow her movements. His movements however were precise, and his eyes were very keen, and she couldn't deny the fact that he was actually a curios looking colt. Although looking none older than any young filly his age, he seemed to have an amazing way of reacting and seeing things. Much like she herself also had. *** He felt something bump into him, and quickly said an apology. When he turned he saw that the empty chair next to him was now filled by a white mare, however he couldn't quite see her head in the dark. Shrugging he focused on Octavia again until suddenly he felt something touch his shoulder. Turning his head he saw that the pony was holding out a piece of gum to him. He looked at her surprised but he saw that she was smiling kindly, and nodded for him to take it. When he looked at his parents, his mom nodded at him to take the gum, but his father had a cautious look in his eyes. "Umm.....sure." was all he could manage, but that was enough for the unicorn, and she gave him the piece of gum. They sat in silence listening to the music before he felt awkward for taking the gum from the mare. The least he could do was strike up a conversation so he leaned in and whispered, "She is an amazing musician, right?" Looking at him surprised she simply smiled and nodded. Awkward silence. He then said, "Yes?"This made the mare smile as if amused by his confusion. "But sometimes her music can be kinda boring, I mainly listen to it when I need to get to sleep." This made the mare chuckle a little, "I guess......I mean its true sometimes her music can be a bit....boring." Now the mare was laughing softly, and she gently nudged his shoulder before they went back to looking at Octavia play her song. Occasionally he would say a little something about how good a certain cord was, or how boring one was, and they would both laugh heartily. Surprisingly the mare was actually pretty friendly, and despite the fact that he was talking a lot she patiently listened to what he had to say, and laughed when he said something funny, but they were getting hard looks from other ponies, including his own mother and father, but then they just smiled, after all they had brought him here to have fun. After a couple more minutes into the show, Octavia finally ended it with a extremely long and emotional note from her cello. The crowd cheered loudly, and stomped their hooves in approval. However, suddenly music blared from the mare beside him causing the whole room the jump in surprise. The mare smiled nervously and worked to turn her music off, but the colt looked at her confused. "Where was the music coming from?" he thought as it blared loudly. Then he noticed that there seemed to be something dangling around the mare's neck, but it seemed to be were the music was coming from. Soon she managed to turn it off, but that didn't stop everyone from looking at her. However, she just ignored the looks, and started stomping her hooves for Octavia. Everyone was is a silent confusion as the mare applauded Octavia. However, the colt next to her rubbed his head. In truth he felt very bad for his new friend, and he didn't like how everyone looked at her. Suddenly he stood right beside her and started stomping his hooves in applause with her. Everyone looked in surprise, but he didn't care. After all despite everything he was applauding Octavia, and helping his friend. Suddenly to his surprise his parents joined in, and they started cheering for Octavia not caring if they were embarrassed. Well it was more like that they didn't want their young colt to be embarrassed, or at least they didn't want him embarrassed alone. Suddenly another filly started stomping her hooves and cheering, and eventually her parents joined, and then to his surprise everyone started a loud cheer for Octavia. The cellist herself seemed to visibly shrink in embarrassment, but nonetheless applause was applause so she bowed regardless, but he could have sworn that she was looking at the mare next to him. *** "Oh Celestia save me! What is she doing here?!" Octavia thought, smacking an invisible hoof against her face, "I thought she was still in Ponyville." Sighing Octavia simply smiled and accepted the praise of the crowd, after all she had seen weirder things in Ponyville. Although she wasn't thrilled to see the mare there, she was still focused on the young colt. The way he stood up and clapped despite the embarrassment his companion brought upon herself. She didn't recognize the colt from anywhere so she guessed that the two had just met, but he still stood up despite that. But she also noticed a strange light of adventure in his eyes when he watched her concert, but soon a devious thought was in her mind. Although she wasn't particularly fond of those kinds of thoughts, she was willing to make an acceptation this time. Walking up she gently tapped the mic quieting the crowd so she could speak freely, "Thank you for allowing me to play for you tonight. Im happy that I could play my music for all to hear, and I hope you take everything I played tonight to heart." The crowd clapped in approval of her speech, except for a couple who decided to give a very loud whistles of approval. Clearing her throat she continued. "But now I wish for you all to stay, because I am going to choose someone from the crowd to play with me." Immediately all the young fillies in the crowd were jumping up wanting to be picked to play with the famous cellist. But even in the crowd of fillies she saw that the one filly she wanted to pick was still at his seat. *** "Aren't you gonna go up there dear?" said his mother said as the young fillies clamored trying to get Octavia's attention. The young colt sank in his seat his eyes focused on the ground bellow him ground. "Its not that I don't want to, but I doubt she would pick me." he said rather pathetically, and his mother pulled him closer to a warm hug. The mare beside him however was looking at Octavia, and she saw that Octavia's attention was actually focused on the young colt himself. Although the mare had came in the middle of Octavia's pieces, she too saw how the little filly reacted to the earth ponies music. She also knew what Octi was planning, and a smile crept onto her face as an idea popped into her mind. Suddenly the colt felt himself being lifted out of his mother's embrace by a very strong yank. But when he turned around to see who the culprit was, he saw that he was actually floating in the air surrounded by a beautiful purple aura. When he looked to his side he was greeted with the huge smile of the white mare, who started toward the stage with him in tow. *** "Luna help us all! She could have at least done it in a more subtle matter!" Octavia thought but then silently shook away the thought. If she knew anything about the white mare, it was that subtly was never her thing. All eyes turned to the mare, and the young colt, who looked like he wanted to go home and hide under his bed, but she wouldn't let him. Instead she trotted up to the stage ignoring the criticizing stares of her fellow ponies, and ignoring the fact the the young colt was struggling to get away from her magical grip. Soon when they were at the foot she tossed him onto the stage, before walking onto it herself. Octavia sighed and looked at the white mare as the stage light made it easier to see her, however she already knew who it was. In front of everyone stood a white mare, with purple shades, a glowing purple horn, and a cutie mark that had two mirrored eighth notes, and what appeared to be headphones around her neck. Octavia couldn't stand the cool expression on the pony's face. Then her eyes went to the young colt, and it actually surprised her what he looked like. The young pony was whiter then even the mares coat, and although he was dirty, the lighting nearly made his body glisten like silver. But his eyes caught her off guard the most, the way they seemed to be reflecting stars themselves, and the fact that it seemed to glisten in the bright lights. When she observed him closer he flinched at her searching gaze, but she saw that he had no cutie mark, but she wondered what it could be in the future. He looked up at her with fright and awe, which returned it with a small gentle smile of encouragement. Then someone cleared their throat behind her and she turned and saw that it was the red haired mare, and she looked at the colt and the mare skeptically. "Excuse me, but may I ask who are you?" by her tone she sounded annoyed rather than curious, indicating that she didn't really care about names as long as the two got off the stage. But the white mare simply smiled and shrugged. Octavia shook her head slapping a hoof to her face, and now the spokes mare looked at the unicorn with undeniable annoyance. "Ok....who are YOU." A smile spread across the the unicorns face, but before she could answer someone in the crowd yelled, "Oh Celestia! It's DJPON-3!" *** His jaw dropped, and he could have sworn it would have hit the ground. SHE was DJ PON-3! The crowd gasped in unison before bursting out in applause and cheers as they recognized another one of the best musicians in Equestria. The red haired mare gulped and quickly walked off stage, but the Dj took no notice and simply waved to her fans, and nodded her head to those who were asking for an autograph. He himself had never seen the musician, but he had heard many of her songs from what little friends he had. Although it wasn't particularly his type of music he couldn't deny that her songs got his blood pumping, and made him shake to the beat. And he saw that the description his friends gave him was completely right, though some rumors had speculated that she was actually a Pegasus, but now that he was looking at her he knew that wasn't the case. A sigh sounded behind him and he saw Octavia giving an annoyed look at her fellow musician. "Was she angry about the other musician interrupting her concert?" he thought, and then the cellist got up and walked toward the unicorn. "Oh no! Is she going to start something!?" he looked at the unicorn worried, but then Octavia stopped and picked up the mic instead. *** "Sorry for the interruption lady and gentle colts, but yes let's give a round of applause for DJ PON-3." Once again the crowd cheered and stomped for the DJ, but Octavia tapped the mic for silence. "But now we need to get back done to business, and I'm interested in who our young friends is." She turned and looked down at the young colt, and held the microphone out to him, "What is your name my little pony." *** Now he really did want to go and hide under his bed. The cellist held the microphone close to his mouth a big smile on her face. Celestia, did she put way to much faith in him. His legs were shaking crazily and his eyes watered slightly in embarrassment as all eyes were now on him. Although he probably looked fine on the outside, on the inside he was a nervous wreck. Words were lost to him, and even if he could have said anything he feared that they would only fall on deaf ears. Why was he having so much trouble just saying his name? He looked down at the floor ashamed, but then he felt something touch his shoulder. When he looked to see what it was, he saw that Octavia had laid a gentle hoof on his shoulder. She herself knew stage fright when she saw it, after all she was one of the greatest musicians, but the only reason she ever was able to play before was because someone had laid a hand on her shoulder before, a certain white mare. Then he turned to DJ PON-3 and saw that she was still smiling but she nodded her head as if to say she had a weird understanding of how he was feeling. Now his eyes looked toward the crowd, the many different ponies, unicorns, pegasi, and what few earth pony nobles there were. But they weren't what he was looking for, but when then Octavia pointed at a specific part of the crowd. And when he looked there, Celestia's mercy there were his parents! They looked so out of place in crowd of ponies, and they looked at everyone around them nervously, but when they caught there son's eyes, smiles spread across their faces, and his mother even waved her hoof as if to tell him that to go ahead. Sighing, he felt his muscles relax but only slightly, he shook his head, before clearing his throat and saying, "My name is Silver Spirit." *** "Alright ponies we are gonna take Silver here backstage, and I swear when we come back out he'll be playing with us like a professional." Everyone stomped their hooves, and soon then they moved to the bar at the side of the room, but none left the room everyone to eager how the two musicians could do in such a short amount of time. Smiling the cellist turned off the mic and then turned to Silver, "Silver Spirit, that name fits you well." He blushed at her comment which made her smile, until she felt something brush up beside her. The cellist turned and saw that "DJ-PON-3" was nodding toward her with a smile that seemed to be an apology smile. Octavia sighed, and nodded her acceptance, before looking at Silver intently, "If you will follow me Mr.Silver, we will get you your instrument backstage." Silver gulped but the mare was already walking toward a door labeled "back stage", so he really had no other choice but to follow. *** "Now back to business." Octavia said as she closed the door behind her, "It may be hard to believe Vinyl, but I'm actually happy your here." "Vinyl? So that was her name." Silver thought to himself as he watched the two mares as they trotted down a hallway. Vinyl looked at Octavia with a nervous smile on her face, but she didn't say anything, but gave a small shrug. "So what? Can she not say anything? Was she a mute?" Silver shook his head in confusion, but Octavia continued "Don't you have a gig tonight Vinyl? Shouldn't you be getting ready?" Octavia still had annoyance in her voice, but Vinyl smiled and took no notice. All she did was give a small shake of her head giving Octavia her answer. Octavia shook her head with a sigh, "Alright I guess I can go along with this. Just swear next time you want to come to my concerts, tell me first, okay?" Vinyl gave Octavia a look that said "really?" However Octavia seemed to give her own look that said, "Try me?" Trotting over to Silver she smiled and said, "Well you heard me out there. We are gonna find you and instrument so you can play with us on stage." Silver looked up at her surprised then looked down at his hooves in embarrassment, making Octavia look at him worried. "Is everything ok?" she asked as Vinyl went into another room. "Well you see Ms. Melody I've......never played an instrument before." he couldn't stop the light blush that kept onto his face, but then he heard some weird clatter from the other room. Suddenly there was a crash making both earth ponies jump, but both sighed when Vinyl poked her head out giving them a smile before going back in. Octavia sighed but smiled and Silver couldn't help but smile with her. But then the question still bugged Silver for some reason, "Umm Miss Melody...is DJ...Vinyl a mute?" Octavia looked at him surprised before regaining her posture, "Why are you asking me?" Silver noticed the defensive tone she had so he rubbed his head embarrassed and nervously, "Well you both seem to know each other well, and...well you have an odd way of talking to her normally even though she doesn't seem to speak. Yet even though she can't seem to reply, you seem to be....use to it." Octavia smiled impressed, "Very insightful, but your not the first to ask me that. However the answer is quiet obvious. She is my sister." Silver nearly fell to the ground in amazement and disbelief. "Y-your sister?!" he stuttered as he tried to get a grip on the new information. Octavia seemed amused at his reaction and said, "Ironically, your not the first to react like that, and I doubt you'll be the last either. I'm actually surprised people haven't figured it out by now." Silver cleared his mind and smiling he said, "Well you two are so different it's kinda hard to see anything…sisterly between you both. Though I admit now that I know it's kinda easy to see why not." Again Octavia smiled, "Your smart for a filly of your age, but we still need to teach you how to play an instrument." She nodded toward the couch and both sat down as Tavi took out a book labeled "MUSIC FOR DUMMIES". *** For the next couple minutes she taught him the basic notes, and how to count in time with the music. How to stomp his hoof for counting, and to get a good beat going. And he even learned some note names, though since Vinyl hadn't come back with an instrument for him yet, they limited to the simple things he needed to know. Which only made him ask her a simple question, "How would Vinyl know what kind of instrument I can play?" Octavia smiled and gave him a calm reply, "Although Vinyl can be rather....quiet at times, for some odd reason she has an incredible knack for finding the instrument that fits a person best." This only made the young colt scratch his head more, "How could she possibly know that?" At that the mare shrugged, "I don't entirely know how she does certain things, or why she constantly does so many things." she said with an annoyance that made Silver chuckle, "But when I asked her, she just shrugged and listened to her music." He once again looked at her confused, but before he could ask another question a crash behind them made both ponies look up in surprise. Vinyl was shoving a pile of instruments that had fallen out of the closet back in, but her strength wasn't the best and after a while she flat out slammed the door with her magic. Silver noticed that she held what looked like a smaller version of a clarinet, and it seemed to be very rusted and slightly molded. Suddenly Octavia stood up and walked up to her roommate, "No." Vinyl looked at her surprised, but Octavia shook her head, "I know you have knack for finding what instruments best fit a pony, but I am not letting this young filly touch an inch of the retched looking instrument." Rolling her eyes Vinyl walked over to the sink and started cleaning the strange instrument. She nodded for Silver to come over and watch closely in case he ever needed to clean it again, "Wait so I'm keeping this instrument?" The blue haired mare nodded, and in a couple strokes of her towel it was all cleaned despite a couple chipped spots. Vinyl pulled the instrument out of the sink and handed it to Silver with a smile, but Octavia was the one who said, "This instrument is called a recorder, and it's one of the more simpler instruments, but that doesn't stop it from making beautiful music." *** And for the next couple of minutes the two mares taught him many things. Both had to play the recorder in their university days, and they still remembered a lot from their old teachers. Although Octavia was wondering why Vinyl had chosen such a simple instrument, now that it was clean enough to be playable, she trusted her choice for now. And she had to admit, for a young colt just starting to play he was a natural. He easily learned the the first couple of notes, and even did a small filly lullaby on it. Octavia taught him how to play the instrument, and commented on what sounded right, and how to fix it, if the sound was to noticeably bad. Vinyl on the other hand taught the young colt how to play with a little style, give a nod here and there, occasionally shaking to the music or beat. Silver himself was concentrating hard on playing a certain hard note, or else Octavia would scowled him. Although both were being a little more strict he knew they were doing it just to make sure he was ready for the big event. Thoughts about the evening clouded his mind, and at that certain moment he lost concentration and blew a wrong note. Vinyl and Octavia turned from his music sheet to him and he looked down ashamed at himself for messing up, but Octavia just patted his head gently. "It's ok Silver it's not the end of the world, and I'm sure you'll do great out there." He smiled at her, happy that she put so much faith in him, especially to play with them in front of a crowd. Suddenly the door opened and the red maned unicorn entered again, "The ponies are waiting for you." When the three nodded she left, and Silver took a deep breath, "Are you sure I can do this?" he asked, hesitation was clear in his voice. Vinyl smiled at the nervous filly, and she brushed a hoof through his mane before to his surprise she took off her glasses. Her eyes were a beautiful red, and they were laced with confidence. "I-is that confidence for me?" Vinyl smiled and gently nuzzled his cheek before nodding as if answering his question. Silver smiles and Octavia sighed but couldn't hold back the smile on her face, after all even though her sister was strange she admired Vinyl for her kind nature at times. Finally all three trotted out the door and onto the stage. *** When everyone saw the musicians return they immediately stopped what they were doing and walked back towards their seats. They did their best to hide their excitement, after all two of the best musicians were playing on stage, and they promised to teach a random colt to play with them. Their eyes were soon drawn to the young colt himself, and they were amazed. His coat seemed to glow like silver under the lights of the stage, and his eyes glowed like stars in the night sky. But they were also curious about the instrument he held in his hooves. It looked strange and alien to them, a totally different instrument compared to Octavia's cello, and it was also different from the records Vinyl carried onto the stage. "Vinyl, where did you even get those records?" Octavia asked as Vinyl set up her player on a small desk she found in the back. Vinyl shrugged and tested out a record, before turning to Octavia, and nodding toward a couple of records in boxes at the back of the stage. Silver sighed and started testing his Recorder. There were holes on the instrument, and every time he covered one and blowed, a nice sound would come out, but he had to remember the exact notes to play. Luckily, he had a photographic memory, or so Octavia claimed, so he could easily remember the notes, and his eyes looked up at the music on his stand. He felt something brush against him, and he turned to see the gentle eyes of Octavia. "Don't worry Silver, just play the notes and you'll be fine. And if you mess up no one will laugh at you, I promise" he looked at her surprised, and Vinyl saluted him before going back to work. The crowd waited patiently for the three ponies to start, their curiosity keeping them in place. Octavia took up her cello, Vinyl smiled nodding that she was ready, Silver took in a deep breath and then placed the instrument in his mouth. Before he played however his eyes fell on his parents, somehow they had gotten seats closer to the stage. They both looked.....scared. They were frightened for him. Would he mess up? Would he embarrass himself? What exactly was he gonna do? Those were the questions going through their minds, as they looked to their little colt with worry, after all they had never seen him pick up an instrument before. Taking in a deep breath he closed his eyes and played. Every ponies eyes widened in amazement, as he played what seemed like a small happy tune. However the notes he played slowly grew and grew, and the crowd felt themselves staring to sway with the growing tempo. And then suddenly Octavia slowly and gracefully started to play, though it was a nice and soothing sound that only seemed to increase the smooth and cool feeling in every ones heart. then their eyes widened as Vinyl started her record and the sound of silver bells filled the room, now bringing in a nice cheerful and carefree motion. But suddenly all three played a short but powerful note and Octavia now took the reigns of the song and with Vinyl who played the sounds of trumpets and bells in the back ground it was now a powerful barrage of notes, like a strong stallion's hooves pounding the ground for the next harvest in Equestria. What the crowd failed to notice was that Silver himself had stopped playing. No the young colt was waiting for the right moment, and soon it came. He started playing a now soothing yet joyful melody, and soon Octavia joined in, and then Vinyl with her recording building up to powerful cord of notes. And a sense of wonder filled the room as if they were all flying through the air as graceful as a pegasi flying toward a beautiful sunset, and the crowd felt their hairs stand on end as the three musicians played on and the room lit up in a beautiful blue light as Vinyl took control of the stage lights. And then it started once again with a soothing melody before exploding into powerful and demanding tone, as a beautiful shade of purple fell on the room. But then Silver Spirit played one last cord of notes as Octavia cello, and Vinyl slowly faded into the background. And playing the last three notes he slowly pulled the instrument out of his mouth, as a beautiful silver glow shined on him, like the magic of a unicorn slowly fading into the night. *** Everpony was on their hooves cheering wildly at the three musicians who had just played a wonderful piece of music. Silver sighed in exhaustion but Vinyl saluted to the audience a large smile on her face, and Octavia had a cool and experienced look on her face as she gave a small nod to the crowd. Soon the applause died down and Vinyl let Octavia adress the crowd, "Thank you all for coming today. We are so happy you decided to join us today. Now give a round of applause for Vinyl-" The crowd cheered and Vinyl nodded her head in silent approval, before Octavia spoke. "I'm happy I had the pleasure to play with her!" Now it was Octavia's turn to be bombarded by cheers, and she shook her head but she just smiled and ignored the loud cheers. But Octavia sighed and made her way to Silver, and Vinyl did the same and they both played their hooves on their shoulder and Octavia said, "Give a round of applause for Silver Spirit!" If the crowd was cheering now they were storming as they stamped their hooves loudly and a chant filled the room. Silver! Silver! Silver!" Silver Spirit blushed in embarrassment as he tried to hide his face, but Vinyl and Octavia held him firmly in place to prevent him from fleeing off stage. But Octavia leaned over and whispered, "Well done Silver! I knew you could do it." Silver looked up at Octavia who gave him a proud smile, and Octavia nudged his shoulder and nodded her agreement. Now instead of hiding his face Silver smiled at the crowd, a warm smile on his face. He had learned to play an instrument, played with his two idols in front of ponies in Canterlot, and he had done his parent proud. "Could my life be any better?" He asked himself as he looked into the proud eyes of his parents in the crowd. But it would not last... Author's Note Ok guys. These first few chapters are meant to simply introduce one of the main characters, and to give you his back story. However if you find his backstory boring, or your not interested and just want to start this Lunar republic, then please skip to change 3 were things really pick up. The DealSlowly the crowd started to leave, but each and everyone of them went up to the three musicians and nearly sung their praise, and they especially gave praise to the newest musician for his courage and his skill. Silver Spirit was shy and was embarrassed, but luckily the two mares that had taught, and played by his side were there doing their best to redirect any of the nobles trying to stretch out a simple "well done." Vinyl with her quiet and well mannered attitude tended to take the nobles off guard, and made them feel especially awkward when she just smiled and nodded to whatever they said. Though it was probably because, she didn't really care what they thought, or didn't want to speak. Octavia with her understanding of nobles and the way she could turn the subject of a conversation, and completely turn it into something else made it hard for the nobles to pin her down. Silver guessed it was because she was use to the company of the nobles of Canterlot. Luckily nearly every noble was gone, save for the ones who decided to stay awhile, and have a couple words with the two mares individually. Silver noticed that two ponies were still waiting for him in their seats, and he knew that he needed to go to them, and make sure they were ok. Vinyl noticed were he was looking, and she gave him a nudge getting his attention. She smiled and nodded at his as if saying, "go on." Taking his leave, but giving a quick thankful nod to Vinyl, Silver turned and trotted over to the two ponies that brought him to the concert in the first place. His mother and father saw him approaching, and he felt himself beam as he saw happy smiles spread across their faces, and maybe even a little relief. "Silver! You did such a great job honey. I'm so proud of you!" his mother squealed and pulled him into a bone crushing bear hug. The white pony himself didn't mind and he gladly returned the hug, "Thank you mother." When she finally let go of him he thought he could breath, but then he was pulled into another hug from his father, who ruffled his sons hair playfully. "Good job my boy! We are so proud of you." The young colt hugged back, glad that his parents were so proud of him. Then her heard the sound of hooves, his father let him go, and all three ponies looked and saw Vinyl was walking toward the stage, but Octavia smiled and waved him over. Smiling Silver quickly trotted over, "What's going on Octavia?" She smiled in return, "How about you invite you parents back stage so me and Vinyl can have a word with them." He tilted his head, "Why? Did I do anything wrong." Octavia saw the look of fear in his eyes, but she just smiled and shook her head. "No don't worry, we just wanna talk, pony to pony. No big deal." He was still skeptical, but he nodded and trotted back over to his parents. "Everything alright sweetheart." his mother asked, curious to know what the blue mate said to him. "Octavia asked if we could all go backstage, and have a little talk." Both parents looked at each other in surprise, and then worry. Silver saw this and quickly said, "W-we don't have to go! I can just tell her......something." They looked at their filly's worried face and then they sighed in unison, but his father said, "I guess it won't hurt to say hi to them." Although his voice sounded grave Silver either didn't notice, or was too excited to care. Either way he led his parents to the stage, and up the stairs to the back door. His parents looked at the huge stage in wonder for they hadn't realized how big it really was. Silver cleared his throat to get their attention back, and he opened the door and led them down the stairs. Soon he was in the same halfway the two musicians took him down. And he saw Octavia's name on one of the doors. He looked back at his parents and he could see just how nervous they were just being in the hallway, but he knew they had a good reason to. They weren't at their farm, they were in the city, and he couldn't deny that they looked really out of place in this different setting. He knocked on the door, and after a couple seconds the door opened, and a blue haired mare stuck her head now. She smiled and gave Silver a hoof bump. Then she turned her gaze to the nervous parents, but her smile didn't waver, instead she nodded her head as if to say "welcome." They nodded shyly, but Vinyl just nodded and moved out of the doorway holding it open for them to enter. Silver remembered the room well and gladly took his seat on one of the couches, but his parents stayed standing looking at the room awkwardly. "Celestia help them!" he thought sadly and he patted the open space next to him. Both looked at him hesitantly, but before they could do anything, the sound of glass crashing made them jump.Vinyl looked down at a glass cup she had knocked over, but she quickly worked to pick it up, but she jumped back grunting in pain. Silver trotted over quickly, "Vinyl are you ok-" he then noticed that there was a cut on her leg. She saw his look of worry, and quickly waved him of trying to shoo him away. His parents trotted over and looked to see what was wrong, and they to were stunned by what they saw. "Hmm the cut looks deep." His father said as he examined the cut closely. His mother looked at Vinyl worried, "Do you have any bandages here...umm Vinyl." The blue haired mare nodded and attempted to get up but Silver saw her frown in pain, and he quickly made her sit back down, "Vinyl your hurt. Just point to where they are and I'll get them." Sighing inwardly, Vinyl pointed at a door that seemed to lead to a bathroom. "Umm.....I'm guessing it's under the sink." Vinyl smiled and nodded and Silver quickly made his way to the bathroom. However, Silvers mother looked at the wound and saw that blood had started dripping from it. "Oh dear, honey do you mind helping Vinyl to the couch." He nodded and they both slowly helped Vinyl get to the couch, and luckily Silver arrived with the first aid kit. His mother quickly took the kit and she dug into it and picked up some disinfectant and wetted a rag, while her husband got the stitches ready. Vinyl seemed to squirm when she saw the needle, making Silver frown in worry, "What's wrong Vinyl? Scared of needles?" The blue haired mare shook her head making him rub his chin, "Umm are you afraid of.....my parents?" At this she nodded her head, and Silver turned to his parents. "I think Vinyl worried about your skills with a needle." he said as gently as he could, but his parents understood her nervousness. "I can't blame her for not fully trusting us, after all we barely know each other. However, Vinyl in my free time I volunteered as a nurse so I know what I'm doing, so I ask you to please trust me." Vinyl looked at the old pink mare, the confidence in her tired eyes, the way the spoke, the air of knowledge around her. She felt it all, and it was a little overwhelming. Finally, Vinyl nodded her head in mute agreement and the pink mare smiled, "Alright then," she turned to her husband, "honey do you have the stitches ready?" He shook his head, "Sorry hon, it looks like we don't have enough string." At this she shook her head, "Ok, do you mind helping Vinyl with the disinfectant while I look for more string." He nodded and took the rag from her. With it he trotted over to Vinyl, "Sorry Vinyl, but do you mind..." She slowly nodded and held out her hoof with the cut. He looked at the cut cringing at its savage look, but after a couple swipes of the rag the cut was cleaned and stopped bleeding. Of course that didn't stop Vinyl from flinching and gritting her teeth at the stinging pain and closing her eyes. Silver's mom finally found the stitches and slowly trotted over looking at the cut, "Hmm looks like it's all clean. Now Vinyl this is gonna hurt, but it will be over soon. Now do you want something for you to bite on, after all we would usually numb the spot, but there aren't any painkillers here." Vinyl scratched her chin before nodding, making the pink mare look at Silver confused. Silver looked at Vinyl then his mother, "I think she means yes." Nodding his mother gave Vinyl a smooth piece of wood which Vinyl put between her teeth. "Ok, here goes." she said, and with good accuracy she punctured the skin. Vinyl bit on the stick, and Silver could have sworn if she had bitten any harder then she would have snapped it in half. The blue mare did her best to stay still, but the pain was intense. The sound pain the needle caused when it punctured her skin, over and over again, the sound of the strings twanging when she threaded the needle, and then the sickening yank of her skin when the pink mare yanked the needle back. The pink mare had to admire the blue mare for her efforts of keeping still, however she wasn't even halfway done yet the skin was throbbing, and blood started to trickle down the cut once again, but she didn't fail to notice the fact that the blue haired mare was shaking violently as sweat poured down her face into her eyes. Silver felt sorry for his friend, the way she shook in pain. How her muscles in her leg seemed to spasm especially around the wound. And the pain and suffering on her face was to much. It was true he had just met the pony, and until today he had only heard of her and her music. This wasn't just because he now considered her a friend, but it was also because he didn't want any pony to suffer like this. He slowly pulled himself onto the couch, and wrapped his front legs around her neck in a hug. "I'm sorry Vinyl...I'm sorry." Vinyl looked at him surprised, but she herself wrapped her free hoof around him pulling him closer. Silver's mother smiled at her little colts action and she soon has the wound stitched and Silver's father quickly wiped away any remaining blood. His parents soon started packing up, but his mother handed him some bandages. "Remember, not too tight so it doesn't cut of the blood circulation, but not to slack that it allows air through." Silver nodded and quickly took the bandages and nodded to Vinyl who spat out the stick.Vinyl extended her hoof and Silver started wrapping her leg. "My mother is trying to teach me about medicine, and she is trying to get me to be a doctor." He smiled, "I don't think I would look very well in a doctor's coat though, but luckily it seems I've found something different." Vinyl smiled and listened to the filly's gentle talk, although she knew he was trying to start simple small talk to distract her. His parents smiled at the two and his father put the medical kit back under the sink. When he finished his mother checked over the bandages, "Very good Silver! Your nearly a pro." Silver blushed but Vinyl nodded in agreement and gently pulled Silver into a hug. Silver smiled and hugged his friend back, and his parents smiled at one another. Before anyone could say anything, however the door opened wide and in walked in Octavia with a tired look on her face. "Vinyl I can't seem to find-" Octavia realized the company and quickly smiled in greeting. "Welcome, I hope Vinyl's-" She stopped short when she realized that Vinyl had part of her front legs bandaged. "Celestia! What happened?" Octavia said worry crossing her face and Silver moved out of the way as she trotted over. Luckily Silver's mother explained, "Well Vinyl was trying to get a glass to drink, but she knocked it over and cut herself on the glass. Luckily, we managed to stitch it up, and Silver bandaged it." Octavia looked at them surprised, but soon it was replaced by a look of gratitude. "Thank you so much. Vinyl can be a little clumsy at times," Octavia looked at her sister, "But she is still my sister, and my responsibility." Vinyl rolled her eyes, but smiled at Octavia and the other ponies in the room smiled at their exchange. Octavia cleared her throat and trotted over to the two other ponies, "Welcome, I know this wasn't exactly the kind of welcome you were expecting, so please excuse us if we are unprepared. Vinyl and me are happy to have you here, and I hope we leave in good tidings." Although Octavia appeared to speak in a highborn accent, her soothing voice and calm demeanor made them both feel at peace. "Please take a seat, me and Vinyl will be with you shortly." Though they were still hesitant, they didn't want to be rude, and soon both were seated on the couch getting comfortable. Smiling in triumph Octavia then turned to Silver, "Go ahead, and take a seat Silver , me and Vinyl will handle the kitchen work." The little colt nodded and sat with his parents, and Octavia went to the mini kitchen and the work began. *** They family looked at the meal in front of them in a stunned silence. Octavia had made a simple, yet exquisite meal, some warm soup, a marvelous fruit salad, and she even lit a candle in the middle of the table, and made all five of them a nice chocolate fudge cake with ice cream for dessert. Vinyl also contributed to the meal, a bowl of potato chips, a mini pizza, a couple breadsticks, and when Octavia volunteered to make some tea, Vinyl interjected and took out some apple cider she bought from AJ a couple hours ago. The parents gladly took a mug for themselves, and Octavia relented and took one for herself, but the parents asked Vinyl not to give one to Silver. "Aww why not?" he asked looking at his parents desperately. His mother took a small sip, and then looked at him, "Because it's not meant for fillies, and I am your mother." He grumbled, but Vinyl smiled and popped him a soda, as she thought of something. They started eating slowly, wanting to savor the food, and they started some small talk. "So your family were originally nobles?" Octavia asked as she took a bite of her cake. Silvers father smiled and nodded, "Yes my great grandfather was a pony of noble birth. But a political maneuver in the Canterlot court cost us all our wealth. All we had was a small farm, and it still stands today, and it will stay like that until I pass." His wife smiled at the pride in his voice, and Octavia found herself respecting him more. "I commend you for that, I could never sleep in a rusty old barn," realizing the way she said it she rushed to correct herself, "I mean-" He laughed and waved her off, and his wife smiled at Octavia and said, "It's ok darling, I know farm life isn't suited for someone of your class." Octavia cleared her throat and spoke her next words slowly, "I meant I don't think I could handle being thrusted into an environment different from what I'm use to. And I respect your family for making the best of what they have." All three smiled and raised their mugs in the air, and then took a sip from them together. Vinyl on the other hand was listening to Silver talking, but then she pointed a questioning hoof at him. He looked at her confused before glancing at himself, "Are you asking about my flank?" When she nodded her head embarrassed all he did was smile. "Don't worry your not the first to ask me about it." At this he thought for a moment then shrugged, "Dunno, my parents said that's how I was born, my flank glowing a bright silver color. The doctor said that I might be a special pony. But I don't feel anything special about me, I'm just your average earth pony." Vinyl shrugged, but she still felt uneasy for some reason, like she had on stage when his flank started glowing silver. She wasn't exactly an expert on magic, however she did know what magic felt like, and for some reason it felt like magic was shimmering over his flank on stage. Before she could think deeper, she felt Silver tap her, shaking her from her thoughts, "W-what?" Silver tilted his head confused, "I asked where did you get your glasses?" Vinyl rubbed her head, but gave him a smile and shook her head. And with that she chugged down her last mug of cider. The table was finally cleared out of all plates, but Vinyl gave the family a jug of apple cider that they gladly accepted. Now Octavia cleared her throat grabbing everyone's attention. "Now let us discuss the reason we invited you back here." *** The parents looked at Octavia a little surprised at her serious tone, but Octavia didn't lose stride. "Your little filly showed a lot of talent, and promise tonight, and he learned a great deal in only twenty-five minutes. That's something an apt pupil in music could only hope to accomplish." The family listened to what Octavia was saying, but out of all of them Silver was surprised the most. He hadn't expected to hear such praise go to him, especially from her, and he was glad he could impress. "However," she said looking at them intently, "we do not wish to see that kind of talent go to waste. So with your permission, we wish to take him under our wings." Vinyl raised on eyebrow and looked at her bare flank, and looked at Octavia, who sighed, "Figuratively. We will teach him, how to play his instrument, and introduce him to new instruments. He will be able to further able to expand his abilities, and his intelligence. And he will receive lunch, but will be home in time for dinner if you ask. And in return we will pay you, so we can have a chance to teach this young filly in the way of music." The family was stunned into silence at their words, and Spirit himself felt his heart beating in his chest, and it nearly rang in his ears. "T-that sounds like a great idea-" he gulped and looked at his wife, then back to Octavia and Vinyl. "Well it's a great idea, but..." Octavia looked at them confused, but Vinyl understood their hesitation and she nudged her sister who sighed, but followed her out of the room. Octavia closed the door behind her, and sighed looking at Vinyl "I don't understand what the big deal is. I simply asked them if they wanted us to train their little pony how to play music. It's not like I'm going to take their colt away or something." Vinyl sighed, "It may not be a hard decision for you Tavi, but to them they aren't sure what to make of our offer. Just give them time and they will decide what best for their colt." Vinyls voice echoed in Octavia's head. Octavia shuddered, but nodded, "I see your point. It's just that I don't want to waste that colts abilities. Even you have to admit Vinyl that he has great potential, but I don't want his parents holding him back." Vinyl smiled at her best friend, and placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Don't worry Octi. I'm good at reading people, and I doubt his parents are bad people. And I'm sure they are nothing like...ours." Octavia looked at Vinyl who gave her a smile of encouragement, causing the troubled musician to smile. "Your right.....of course your right." Octavia shook her head, "Well I guess all we can do is wait, and I'm going to go get a drink of water." Vinyl smiled at her sister's new confidence, and said, "Ok then I'll join you." They made their way down the hall Vinyl snickered causing Octavia to look at her curiously. "What's so funny?" Octavia asked raising an eyebrow. Vinyl smiled, "I think that stare you gave them might have scared them into kicking us out of the room." Octavia stopped, but Vinyl broke into a gallop toward the water fountain at the end of the long hall. "Excuse me!!" Octavia shouted and galloped after her sister, but was laughing loudly. *** Silver looked at his parents, who looked at the floor awkwardly. None had expected Octavia to ask that question, and both parents didn't know how to go about it. They wanted to talk about it in private, but they couldn't bare it considering the subject of their talk was right next to them. The family could feel the tension was hot in the air, and they all felt uneasy looking at one another, if they managed to lift their heads. Finally his father cleared his throat and said, "Well this was...surprising for all of us, but let's get down to business." He turned his head to Silver who was looking up at him with worried eyes. His father's eyes softened, and he pulled Silver closer to him, "I just have a simple question for you Silver, and I want you to answer me truthfully. Don't just say something I want to hear. I want to hear your opinion about this." Silver gulped, but nodded in understanding as he braced himself. "Do you want to train with Vinyl, and Octavia?" Silver felt his heart beat rising, every muscle in his body tense, and his breathing grew shallow. He knew the question was coming, but he didn't have an answer. They question had already flashed into his mind before his father ever asked him, and he had no clue what his answer was, and he was admittedly scared for his life. He felt like an ant in a large world were anything could step on you in a moments notice, the fear, the cloud of life or death over his head, he had no doubt that he was absolutely terrified. But that all vanished when his father finally said, "You want to go with them don't you?" He asked looking at his son with knowing eyes. Silver looked at his father in relief, and slowly but surely nodded his head. Sighing his father nodded before saying, "Ok good, now please go out into the hall, your mother and I need to discuss this." Silver bowed his head, and quickly made his way toward the door, and when it was closed both parents gave a sigh of relief. "Well you heard his answer." he said as he gazed at his wife curious to hear what she thought of the matter. At first she gave n passer, her eyes stayed glued to the ground, however she slowly nodded her head in acknowledgement, "Mhm." Silence. Clearing his throat again, he said, "Well I guess we should honor his answer, and we can tell the two mares that it's a deal." He got up and slowly started to trot to the door, but his wife's voice stopped him, "Wait...honey." Turning back he watched as she trotted up to him, the worry in her eyes indicated something was wrong. She stopped and looked into his eyes, and he noticed that there were bags under her eyes, "Sweetie are you ok-" She raised a hoof to silence him, and she smiled, "Don't you worry about me honey, after all your eyes don't look any better than mine." A chuckle escaped him, "I guess your right." Both shared a small chuckle, but soon she was looking at him again, worry returning to her eyes, "Are you going to be alright honey. I mean it won't be easy running the farm all by yourself, and if he goes you won't be able to teach him how to run the blasted farm. And you've been working day in and day out, so you've tired yourself out enough-" Now it was him who raised a hoof for silence, "You shouldn't worry about me honey, don't forget, he won't be there to help you carry supplies back to the farm if he goes with them. I can handle the farm just like I have before, but I should be asking if YOUR going to be alright." She smiled and gave his cheek a small kiss, "I'm not dead yet, and I won't let a little work slow me down. And I don't expect you to slow down either." Both smiled, and he looked at the door, and said with a little pride, "It was amazing what he did up there on that stage. The way he played, and the way he looked was an amazing sight to see all together, but to see our son playing that instrument despite never even touching one stirred something deep inside me." His wife smiled and she put a hoof on his shoulder, "I felt it too love, and we both know he will make us proud." He looked t her, but she just smiled and said, "However, I'll help you in the fields in the mornings and then I will go into town and set up shop." The stallion opened his mouth in protest but she slapped her hoof over his mouth, "And I won't take no for an answer." He grumbled, but eventually nodded making a small smile appear on her face. "Ok, but once we are done in the fields I will help you set up shop in town." Now it was her turn to protest, but this time he slapped a hoof over her mouth. "And IM not taking no for an answer." Sighing, she looked down mumbling, "Stubborn stallion..." smiling he lifted her chin, "I love you too." And with that he gave her a gentle kiss. *** Vinyl and Octavia trotted back down the hallway to Octis room, and both were soaked with water. "Hey I'm not the one that started splashing water!" Vinyl's thought ranged in Tavi's head as the blue haired mare dried herself off. "Well I'm not the one who mocked a certain pony about her stares!" Octavia shot back as she took the towel from Vinyl and dried herself. Rolling her eyes Vinyl replied, "It's not MY fault you were born with that face." Octavia fixed her friend with a glare, but Vinyl pointed at her, "Exactly my point!" the DJ exclaimed. Both trotted along until they saw Silver outside the door to Octavia's room, scraping at the floor boards. "Silver, why are you out here?" Octavia asked, as they approached the white earth pony. Immediately he turned, and looked at them embarrassed, "Sorry! Didn't see you there!" he said quickly, "mother and father wished to discuss this situation in private." Vinyl blinked several times as she tried to think of a way to encourage the young colt not to fear, but luckily Octavia took the mantle. "Well ask yourself this. Do your parents love you?" Silver looked up at the cellist with confusion, but then a nudge from Vinyl finally had him reply, "Y-yes." "Do you think they respect what you want?" she asked looking at him intensely. "Yes." Spirit replied, more confident than before. "Then trust their judgement, and," she nuzzled the young colt, "have faith in them." Both Vinyl and Silver looked at Octavia with surprise, but before he could reply the door opened and Silver's father stood in the door way. "We've made our decision, and we ask that you join us." Silver was shaking slightly, but he followed his father and the two went inside. Vinyl stopped Octavia before she could go in, "That was great what you said Octi. I think the little filly needed a good talking to." Octavia smiled in pride until Vinyl said, And a menacing stare to go with it. She glared at Vinyl as she walked away, but she smile at how futile it was and followed her sister into the room.Silver, and his family sat on the couch, and the two musicians took their place on the couch across from them. The silence in the room stretched for a while longer, until finally his mother spoke. "Me and my husband have thought and talked about your offer Ms.Melody, and we are happy to inform that we will allow him to train under you and your friend in the art of music." Octavia smiled a happy smile, and Vinyl slapped her on the back, but Silver nearly jumped out of his chair in joy. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" he cried as he leaped into his parents embrace, both of them smiling at their sons reaction. Vinyl simply smiled and nodded, but Silver ran to her too, smiling in excitement and joy. Octavia cleared her throat getting the colt's attention, "Now remember Silver it's gonna be tough work being a musician, and I expect you to dedicate yourself a hundred and twenty percent to what I'm going to teach you." Vinyl rolled her eyes and nudged Silver shaking her head. Silver chuckled, but Octavia scowled her before rolling here eyes causing the two parents to chuckle. Soon the arrangements were made, and the parents were talking to Octavia at the bottom of the stairwell. But Vinyl pulled Silver back into the room confusing the young colt. "What's going on Vinyl?." As he was asking she was busy digging through the fridge. Turning her head toward him she pointed at his eyes making him look at her weirdly. "You want me to close my eyes?" She smiled and nodded, and although he was still confused he quickly closed his eyes. He heard her shut the fridge, then the sound of rustling, and hoofs hitting the floor. Soon he heard what sounded like something being poured, and then he heard her open the fridge once more only to close a moment later, and a hoof tapped his shoulder. Still confused, Silver opened his eyes only to see the blue haired mare standing in front of him, a smile of triumph on her face. However, it's what was floating beside her head that got his attention. He saw that it was a mug of apple cider, and using her magic Vinyl levitated it over to Silver. Silver rubbed his shoulder nervously, "Are you sure it's okay for me drink that. Mom said-" Vinyl slapped a hoof over his mouth, and nodded toward the cider. Silver thought for a moment before nodding, "Ok." Vinyl smiled and Silver took the mug, and gave it a sniff before bringing the drink to his lips. The cider tasted like apple sauce, except it was surprisingly warm, and it fizzed at the back of his throat. Energy sparked through him, and the burn felt pretty good. "Wow! That was amazing!" he smiled and drank the rest of it, but when he looked at Vinyl in anticipation he was disappointed when she shook her head. Silver grumbled, but Vinyl took the mug and with a warm smile she pulled him into a gentle hug. He looked up at her surprised, but her shades and happy smile gave nothing away, so without another word he smiled and gave her the biggest hug he could manage. Vinyl smiled and hugged back before she led him back to his parents. Soon they were in the front of the theatre, the streets of Canterlot were empty, save for a couple of royal guards patrolling. "Remember we will pick you up at the train station, don't be late Silver." Octavia said giving the colt a hard look. Silver nodded vigorously, "You bet, I won't be late Octavia. I swear it!" Smiling in satisfaction Octavia patted his head before looking at his parents. Silver's mother asked, "So how long are you staying in Canterlot?" Octavia shrugged, "I'm staying here for most of the week, but I'll return to Ponyville when I'm finished with business here." They nodded and started trotting off. Sighing, Octavia turned her gaze to Vinyl, "And I assume your going to be staying with me." Vinyl smiled, "I guess I am. But I'll come back tomorrow with my stuff. Octavia sighed, "Well in that case YOU should might as well meet Silver at the station tomorrow in Ponyville." Smiling Vinyl nodded and started after the family, but Octavia said, "I expect you to prepare yourself for tomorrow. And I want you up nice and early, and DO NOT make Silver wait for you." Vinyl huffed, "You've been gone three weeks, and your still telling me what to do." Octavia's eyes widened, "I didn't mean~" Vinyl smiled and nodded her understanding, she knew Octavia had been busy for the past couple of days, and that she didn't mean to leave her all alone. "Don't worry I'll make sure to be at that station before he arrives." Octavia smiled in relief and she gave Vinyl one of her rare hugs which Vinyl accepted, but once again before she left Octavia called, "Vinyl, wait!" Turning her head Vinyl replied, Yes. A small smile on her face Octavia simply said, "I missed you too." Vinyl smiled and nodded before she and the family walked toward the station, and Octavia walked to her hotel happy that she had told her sister that she had indeed missed her. When Vinyl and the family finally made it to the station in Ponyville, but Silver was on his father's back, passed out from the long day. Vinyl and the family parted ways, but Vinyl looked as the family disappeared on the horizon before turning toward her house. But while she trotted she smiled remembering Octavia's words, because she had missed Octavia just as much as Octavia missed her. Author's Note This is chapter 2 The Deal. I'm currently working on chapter 3 and I hope for this who are reading this like my little fanfic. To be clear though, I do not have anything against Vinyl and Octavia shippers, I just wanted to see how I could write them in this way, and I think it works. Now I know people are use to the fandoms Vinyl, but I was always fascinated with one thing. On the show what if Vinyl was a mute, and what if Octavia and her share an even deeper connection. For more info please read on, and don't worry Luna will eventually make her appearance but it will take time, so I ask you all to be patient, and wait. The SignAfter helping his father in the fields, and his mother in the markets, Silver trotted toward the train station with his mother beside him. "Mom, I can go to the station by myself. You and dad have done enough work." His mother snorted , but said, "I'm not letting you go to the train station by yourself. You never know what could happen, after all many strange things happen in Ponyville." Although he would have gladly argued further, he couldn't deny that Ponyville was a place where VERY strange things happened. Luckily the walk wasn't very far, but to their surprise Vinyl was actually there waiting for them. "Huh, I admit I never thought a DJ would be out this early." His mother said with surprise in her voice. Silver also scratched his head , but smiled anyways, "I guess Octavia must have told her to meet us here bright and early."His mother smiled and nodded, and when they approached they saw that Vinyl had her headphone around her neck, but she also had a coffee mug floating in front of her and that she would take off her glasses and rub her eyes. Vinyl smiled when they approached and she gave Silver a gentle hug which the young colt returned, "Hey Vinyl are you okay? You look pretty tired." The blue haired mare waved him off and looked at his mother as if waiting for her to say something. Silver's mother smiled nervously but quickly said to Silver, "Remember, learn as many things as you can from Vinyl and Octavia, and don't give them a hard time. They willingly agreed to teach you so I don't want to hear any complaining about this." Silver smiled and nodded looking up at his mother, "I will mother." With that they said their goodbyes and Silver and Vinyl boarded the train to Canterlot. They waved to his mother as the train started to leave, but Silver's mom smiled and watched the train go until it was out of sight. "Goodbye my dear Silver. I'm so proud of you." She smiled to herself and turned back to Ponyville, but she was glad that Silver was getting a better life than her and his father could have ever given him. *** Silver kept his eyes to the window taking in the sights as he went past them. He couldn't help, but stare in awe at everything around him. The last time he took the train to Canterlot it was dark and he slept all the way until the arrived, and did the same thing coming back. Now he could enjoy the sights to his hearts contempt because he had a feeling he would be seeing it for a while now. Not only that, but he would be trained by Octavia Medley and Vinyl Scratch, probably the two greatest musicians in all of Equestria. He day dreamed about playing with them again, and all the different things he would learn. Octavia said that he would be playing different instruments, and the many different possibilities made excitement spark through him. For most of life he has been confined to the farm, and although he loved his mom and dad and enjoyed helping them on the farm he couldn't help but feel that on some day he wanted more. What Silver didn't know was that his parents knew he wanted more than the simple farm life. They could see it in his eyes whenever he looked at Canterlot from a distance, and that was one of the particular reasons they allowed him to come. Silver felt something tap his shoulder, and he looked behind him to see Vinyl was motioning for him to sit beside her. He looked out the window then back at Vinyl then shrugged thinking that he could still see the sights from a seat. He took his seat next to Vinyl and he saw that she was nodding her head to some beat from her headphones and smiling. She saw his look of confusion and she started to move to the beat, but he just looked at her in confusion. Sighing she saw that they were only a couple of ponies around them. Suddenly she started tapping her seat to the beat. Silver looked at her surprised and a little confused but she kept tapping to the beat not noticing. However, after a while he felt himself start to nod to the beat, and she smiled noticing this new movement. Vinyl pointed a hoof to the window, making Silver stop and think. Does she want me to...tap? he thought as he looked at her in confusion. But Vinyl just kept tapping to the beat, and she seemed to be ignoring him. However, that wasn't even close to what Vinyl was doing. She knew that her glasses made it look like she wasn't paying attention, but she had turned off the music to her headphones and her eyes were looking at Silver wondering what he was gonna do next. What are you gonna do now little guy? She thought watching him patiently. Silver listened to the beat a little more before finally he started to tap the glass. The glass Meade a sort of clinking sound when he tapped on it, but when he turned to Vinyl he realized that she was smiling. Tap! Clink! Tap! Tap! Clink! Silver smiled as he is he started tapping in a sort of clumsy yet catchy beat. And ViVinyl was smiling brightly at him as they kept up the weird beat they had going. Suddenly at the end of one of their sequences he heard another tap matching Vinyl's. Both turned their heads and saw that another filly was on a seat and was also tapping at the same beat Vinyl was tapping on her seat. Silver looked at Vinyl surprised, but to his astonishment she smiled at the other filly and nodded for him to come over. The young filly trotted over, and Silver saw that he was younger than he was. However, the filly sat next to Silver and he nodded to the beat as all three started their own beat. Silver found himself almost dancing to the beat, and the younger filly was practically dancing the beat, while Vinyl just smiled and watched them glad that they were enjoying themselves. Soon, the other filly's parents noticed that their filly was missing, but when they saw him dancing on the seat next to Vinyl and Silver. "What is he doing?" The father asked, and was about to walk over but his wife stopped him, putting her hoof on his shoulder smiling. "Calm down sweetheart, don't you see he is enjoying himself. And don't you recognize the pony he is playing with?" The father looked confused but then he recognized the mare nearly instantly, "Vinyl Scratch." Vinyl just kept on tapping watching the fillies dancing and tapping to the beat. Time to do drop the bass! Suddenly Vinyl broke into a sort of drum solo hitting her hooves against the seat and slamming her hooves against the floor. Silver felt his jaw drop as she did her solo, and he and the other filly stopped their dancing and looked on in amazement. She looked amazing, the grin on her face, not a grin of arrogance or of excitement, but a grin of a tame yet adventurous spirit. The way she moved, how at one time she could be stuff when she was doing a booming part of the solo, or when she seemed to move along with the music when it became an upbeat melody. Her glasses seemed to flash with a strange magic, her her horn didn't glow, yet it seemed to reflect her own musical spirit, and the spirit of her heart. Suddenly Vinyl's horn started to spark, and he realized that she was charging up a spell. What spell is she gonna use?! He looked at her in amazement as she kept on charging it up. Vinyl felt her heart hammering in her chest, and it seemed ready to blow up, but that only added to her excitement. The way she felt her blood pumping, the way her hooves tired when the slammed against the seat, but she just kept pushing herself thinking of the beat, though it wasn't the best beat it was good enough for her. She didn't need any fancy beat, or fancy music to make her happy, all she needed was a beat to get her heart pumping. This is what I live for. She thought joyously, and she felt her magic about to explode. Silver saw her start to sweat as she kept on playing. Her magic seemed to be straining her greatly, but she still smiled and kept drumming faster and faster. A purple aura hard started to form around Vinyl causing her to glow brightly nearly blinding everyone. Silver could tell that she was reaching the end of her solo by how loud the mucus was and how the beat was nearly impossible to hear. A strange magical energy started to fill the room, the air felt tense with strange energy, yet the energy made Silver feel a strange excitement. He didn't know how to describe it but it felt like Vinyl's magic was channeling some strange excitement in him that he hadn't felt before. It was tense, but at the same time it seemed to be channel and inner need for adventure and daredevil behavior. Suddenly Vinyl finally slammed her hooves in unison, but it sent a sound wave that shook the whole train and a light shot from Vinyl's body blinding every pony. But when the light finally died down, and Silver could see and hear clearly his mouth dropped a second time from the sight before him. A glowing light seemed to now be coming from Vinyl's skin, and her glasses seemed to glow in a brilliant starlight. However, it was what was on her back that surprised him. On her back was a pair of giant wings that seemed to be as big as Celestia's. They weren't real but the fluent movement, and the great texture of the wings could have fooled anyone that it was indeed a pair of wings of only it wasn't buzzing with magic power. However, above Vinyl's head were five glowing letters and one number. DJPON-3 *** Suddenly cheers exploded all around them surprising Silver. His focus was concentrated on Vinyl so much that they didn't even notice that the train had stopped at the station right when Vinyl started her solo, and everyone waiting to get on the train had seen the show that Vinyl had put on. Instead of being angry the crowd had watched on in stunned silence, and they couldn't believe the magic Vinyl used. Vinyl just smiled as the wings, and her magical aura and DJ name disappeared, but she grabbed Silver and quickly made her way through the crowd of loud fans. Silver felt a little silly about being dragged by Vinyl through the station, but he didn't have a say in it as her magic pulled him along. Luckily when they were away from the crowd they finally found the pony the were looking for. "Hello Silver. I'm glad to see you've made it safely. And that Vinyl woke up so early." Octavia said with an amused and sly grin. Vinyl on the other hand was less than amused and stuck out her tongue, but Octavia ignored it then looked back at Silver. "Come not Silver I'll show you the hotel I'm staying in, and then we can all settle down and Vinyl and I can start you off with a couple new lessons. How does that sound?" Silver smiled and nodded, "That sounds great." In truth he was coursing in excitement. Not only would he be learning from these two, but he would be able to explore all of Canterlot too. When they arrived in the afternoon his parents didn't focus much on sightseeing and simply tried to find the theatre and avoid as many ponies as possible. After all Canterlot was a place where the higher ups ruled, and even though his family was of noble blood, his parents weren't gonna risk anything. As Octavia and Vinyl led him through the city he marveled at the different variety of shops, and the merchandise that was with them. He also couldn't help but stare at the many different high class ponies dressed in so many different outfits. He didn't know why, but something about the outfits made him cringe on the inside. At least Octavia only wore a bow tie, but these ponies were literally going all out when there wasn't even a special event. Though what made up for it was the towers. The way they seemed to spiral all the way to the sky, and the beautiful and colorful designs that seemed to make the whole city glow. And when he looked around he saw that although their were many nobles, they didn't seem to mind him. Whether that was because he was a little colt, or that he seemed to be traveling in good company. Unknown to Silver, both Vinyl and Octavia intentionally were a couple feet behind him. Octavia was smiling at Silver's innocence, eagerness, and it seemed like he was having a lot of fun just looking around. She couldn't help but feel a little happier seeing the way he was, and how bright his mind was, yet the way he had a strange curiosity of everything, that curiosity that she once had when she was younger, made her have a light step in her hooves. "You know...he kinda reminds me of you Tavi." Octavia heard Vinyl's voice in her head, and she turned toward her sister who kept her eyes on Silver but was smiling brightly. "What are you talking about Vinyl?" She asked the blue haired mare raising an eyebrow, but Vinyl stopped and looked at the clear blue sky. "I remember a filly that wanted to reach toward the sky. Who wanted her music to be heard throughout all of Equestria, and wanted everyone to know her name. She wanted to dine in the great courts of Canterlot, she wanted to live in luxury, she wanted to play her music to her hearts content. That pony wanted to be something." Vinly's words echoed through Octavia's head, but to her surprise Octavia gently put a hoof on her shoulder, "And she did. She reached as far as she could go, and she was known throughout Canterlot as one of the greatest muscicians of Equestria. With that fame she dined in the courts of Canterlot, and met many ponies, and many she thought were her friends. But when she looked at herself one night in her apartment, it was then that she realized that this was not what she wanted." Octavia sighed and looked at Vinyl sadly, "It wasn't what I wanted. Most of the nobles simply talked to me because of my popularity, not because of friendship. They just wanted to be seen with me, other than that they cared nothing of my well being. And when I looked at the place I lived, the place I called "home" was nothing but an empty space, were I continued the empty thing I called a life." Octavia shook her head as if going through a flashback, but then she smiled at Vinyl, "Then one day. Another pony came. It was a blue maned pony, with the most ridiculous shades. She busted down the door with her magic, and had no sense of decency. She found me in my bathroom, drinking myself into a stupor. I was broken, living in a hell hole, yet here this unicorn came. I yelled at her to leave me alone, and that I didn't need her help, but she got me out of bed. She washed me, she dressed me in my bow tie, then she grabbed my cello and guided me away from Canterlot. What I didn't know was that she guided me to where we were born, Ponyville. That's when I realized that I had mislead myself, and that my happiness." She looked at Vinyl and gently said, "Was with my sister Vinyl. The one that has taken care of me till today." Octavia felt tears start to form in her eyes, but Vinyl quickly pulled her into a gentle hug. Both mares held one another, but Octavia managed to hold her tears in. She had to, because she had to be strong like Vinyl had been for so long. Suddenly they both heard the sound of hooves, and they turned to see Silver starring up at the both of them in confusion, and with a worried expression. "Is everything ok?" He asked kindly not wanting to intrude on their talk. Octavia smiled and rubbed her hoof through his hair. "Yes, we're ok. Now let's go to my hotel room." Silver smiled and this time he stayed beside the two mares as they made their way through Canterlot. *** "Wow!" Silver exclaimed and looked at the room. It was a giant spacious room. The ceiling stretched high, and the walls were thick, and there were giant windows that gave u a complete view of Canterlot and the towers of the princesses. Silver marveled at everything, the fridge that seemed to be more like a glorified freezer, the well designed couches, and even to the painting of Celstia and Luna. Vinyl looked at Octavia snorting, "Your HOTEL room? This is a penthouse sweet!!!" Vinyl's accusing voice rang in Octavia's ear, but her sister only smiled and replied, "Hey it's not my fault my employers decided to pay for the hotel. Though I can't say I'm sad that they got me this type of room." Vinyl fumed and shook her head, but Octavia walked over and whispered. "The bed is down the hall third door on the left, there is some cider, and a sundae that I made myself for you." Vinyl was silent, and then she huffed but quickly made her way down the hall to her waiting sundae. Octavia smiled and then cleared her throat. "Silver, it's time we began your lessons." Silver looked at Octavia at first in silence, but once he realized what she asked he quickly trotted over and sat down in front. Octavia smiled at this but quickly regained her composure and said in her commanding voice, "Now here is the layout of our plan. You'll be trained by me in the morning until I have to go to my morning concerts, or my concerts at noon. Then once I'm gone Vinyl will teach you for the rest of the day, until she goes to her gigs at night. This is so you can get a better understanding of how me and Vinyl see music and how we both go about our daily routine. In time you'll get use to this all and I hope you'll learn a lot about how we work." Silver nodded vigorously, but then he rubbed his chin in thought. This didn't go unnoticed by Tavi who gave him a questioning glance, "What lessons are you gonna teach me exactly?" he asked sheepishly smiling nervously, but Octavia nodded and answered, "First we will start with basic. I'll teach you how to count notes, and write notes. That's a good start for beginners, and although we taught you some things in that concert, I plan to teach you everything." Silver gulped when he heard her words, but before he could say anything Octavia quickly pulled out a piece of paper and pencil from a bag near her and set them down in front of him. "Now, let's begin." *** For the next hour Octavia taught Silver the different notes, and the different plasters of music. She taught him the various scales, notes, and the meaning of the notes, and how to play certain notes by just whistling. Although it was tiring he quickly learned how to count how some notes were longer than others, and he managed to name half the notes on the scale. Octavia didn't mind his slow pace, after all he was just learning this, and she would rather he work at his own pace, than an uncomfortable pace in which he probably wouldn't keep up. However, both of them stopped when they finally got down to writing the words, "What wrong Silver? You've done everything I've asked till now." Octavia asked as she looked down at the young Silver pony in confusion. Silver himself looked down at the paper ashamed of himself, "I know, and I'm sorry Octavia but I have a small problem," Octavia tilted her head, so Silver sighed and stood up and hung his head, "I can't write." "Excuse me?" Octavia asked a little confused by his words. Silver sighed and nodded, "I can't write. I've never been taught." He said miserably wishing he could hide his face. Octavia looked at him in stunned silence. "What do you mean you can't read? Why didn't you tell me this before?" Silver shrunk away from her questioning and somewhat accusing gaze. Heaving a huge sigh he grumbled, "I've never been to school in my life. No ones ever taught me how to read or write, and that's why I don't have many friends in Ponyville." his voice was filled with embarrassment, and laced with guilt and disappointment at himself. "Huh..." Octavia looked at the young earth pony in silence as she pondered on what she was going to do next. She had agreed to teach the pony music, but she didn't think she would have to teach him basic things he should have learned a long time ago. Octavia found herself at a stalemate, and she knew only one person who could help her. "Wait, here Silver I need to talk to Vinyl." Silver sighed but nodded and Octavia made her way towards Vinyl's room. *** Vinyl had already finished her sundae and was about to fall asleep when suddenly Octavia stormed into the room, making Vinyl fall out of bed with a loud thump. "Vinyl! I need your help with an important matter." Octavia looked down and saw Vinyl on the floor rubbing her head, and she picked up Vinyls shades holding it out to her in confusion. "Umm Vinyl no offense, but I don't think the floor is the most ideal spot to sleep. I mean I'm sure some ponies do that, but I wouldn't recommend it." Octavia said gently but with a trace of annoyance at Vinyls current predicament. The blue haired mare on the other hand wasn't amused, and quickly swiped her glasses away and put them back on with a loud grunt. "What do you want Tavi? Or do you just love disturbing my naps?" Vinyl's voice sounded in Octavia's head with a accusing and annoyed tone. Octavia glared at Vinyl and with a huff she looked away saying, "A nap is the only break I ever get from YOU anyways." Vinyl looked at Octavia actually hurt from Tavi's words, and Octavia knew that the words would sting, but her pride wouldn't let her take it back. "Now if you can stop messing around I have a real problem that needs to be solved, and it involves our apprentice. So if you don't mind I would like your opinion, and if you have any ideas I would like to hear them." Vinyl stomached her hurt feelings and nodded for Octavia to go on. Not missing a beat Octavia continued, "Apparently our young Silver doesn't know how to read or write." Vinyl tilted her head in confusion. "Come again?" She asked stupidly as if she hadn't heard Octavia correctly. "You heard me. Silver doesn't know how to read, or write. I was going to teach him how to write the name of some of the notes, but then I reached that road block. I volunteered to teach him music, I didn't say I'd teach him basic stuff he should have learned in school." Vinyl could see that Octavia was worried but she soundly turned away from Octavia with a huff and a wave of her hoof. Octavia growled and trotted over so she and Vinyl were face to face. "Alright! Alright, I'm sorry about what I said early. It was wrong and I'll try to be kinder in the future." Vinyls ears perked up and she smiled nodding her head as if accepting Octi's apology. "Now can you please help me. What am I suppose to do? Teaching him how to read and write will take just as long as teaching him music. I mean I've taught ponies before but that was in a group and I was only helping them through the basics which they already knew. How am I suppose to do this?!" Octavia growled in an annoyed voice, as she paced the room in hopes that an idea might come to mind. Vinyl on the other hand just sat down and watched her sister pace, and listened to her mini rant. This wasn't the first time Tavi ranted to Vinyl about something, and she knew that this was just a way her sister let out her feelings, and that she would probably think of an answer in a mere couple of seconds. "1...2...3." Vinyl looked at the clock on the wall counting down until Octavia finally got her idea. And just like that, Octavia had an idea as she stopped and looked at Vinyl with a smile. "That's it! Music books." Vinyl tilted her head, but didn't dare say anything. She didn't want to ruin whatever Octavia was planning, or else her sister wouldn't be so happy about it. Octavia walked over to Vinyl and hugged her gently, "Thank you Vinyl. I'll be on my way now to the library! We'll be back for lunch." Octavia went to one of the walk in closets, and grabbed a backpack for Silver and a couple of snacks and pieces of paper and pencils. Before she could walk out the door however, Vinyl got in front of her blocking her path with an annoyed look on her face. "W-what-" Octavia was cut off as Vinyl reached over and straightened her crooked bow tie. Octavia looked at Vinyl with gentle eyes and they briefly nuzzled each other before Octavia walked out and closed the door. Vinyl on the other hand went back to her chair, and put her headphones on and blasted the music. *** "Umm Octavia? Where exactly are we going?" Silver asked looking around at the surrounding building as they trotted down an alley of Canterlot. He had been sulking on a couch minutes ago, thinking that he had somehow screwed up his chances of becoming a musician. Then suddenly Octavia came trotting into the kitchen handing him a backpack and telling him to follow her. In truth he had expected her to kick him out and send him back home, and he was pretty sure they were heading toward the train station. However, when he looked around he realized that they were heading away from the train station, and in fact deeper into Canterlot. "So," Silver looked up at Octavia who had been as quiet as him when they started their little journey, "why can't you write?" Silver looked up at her awkwardly, and Octavia realized that it was the wrong question to be asking. "I mean why didn't anyone teach you how to write? You went to school didn't you?" Silver sighed and looked down, and Octavia felt a little guilty for prying, but she also wanted to know why exactly he didn't know the simple concept of writing. "Well...you see it's not that I didn't want to go to school. It's just that my parents at the time, and even now...don't have the money." Octavia felt like giving herself a mantle face palm. Why had she asked such a stupid question, when she could have simply guessed it. "Well didn't they at least homeschool you? I know a lot of Vinyl's friend are homeschooled, but a lot of them have went on to do great things." Silver sighed and looked at Vinyl with a look of guilt and remorse. "They wanted to, but they were just so busy. Dad needed to work late at night since he was the only one who worked on the farm, and mom had her stall in Ponyville which is so far away, so when they get home neither of them has the energy to teach me." Octavia sighed and stopped to gently pat the silver pony's head gently before they continued. She couldn't help, but feel sorry for the young silver pony. Octavia couldn't imagine being a filly and not going to school. "Ahh here we are." Silver looked up at what Octavia was talking about. *** Octavia led him inside the giant library and he saw that it was practically deserted, and very dark. Luckily everyone seemed to be concentrated on whatever it was that they were doing. Reading books, writing, and some were silently discussing different topics all together. Silver kept to Octavia's side not wanting to get lose, but his tutor was busy looking for books for him. Octavia herself rarely ever came to the library unless she had to get a cooking book if she wanted to make something classy for dinner. Now that she thought about it, she probably would get a cooking book, and on the way home she would probably get some chips for Vinyl. She was so lost in thought, and she didn't notice that Silver had stopped and was looking at something. Silver tilted his head, as something from a desk near him was glowing a strange color. Something about the book made him feel a little uneasy, and he kinda feel a strange drive for something. Scratch that, it was more vigorous than a drive, it was a need, a want, he didn't know. All he knew was that it was him, and that book. Looking at the book made him forget everything else around him. His music lessons, his tutor, his parents, the library, something was driving him toward the book. Slowly he started walking towards it his eyes wide in curiosity as every step he took seemed to echo through his head, and every breath he took was now raspy and his eyes stayed glued onto the book. Finally he made it too the desk, his eyes looking at the book as a lamp gently shined a light on the cover. On the cover there seemed to be a picture of an alicorn, maybe one of the princesses, but then he noticed that the strange glow was coming from the pages themselves. Gulping Silver slowly opened the book to the first page, and there were strange words written there. "To whoever pony is reading this, I can tell that you have great potential, and that you have a strange will to do the right thing. The will to make a difference in the years to come in Equestria. Now allow me to explain what this means. If you have opened this book then you have already passed the first test. This book is not meant to open except for the ones it deems worthy, and in truth if you are not then this book would like have never opened to you, and you would have passed it like any other book." "What is going on!!" Silver thought his eyes widening, and he looked around him as if someone was watching his every movement, or someone was trying to read over his shoulder, but luckily that wasn't the case and he continued reading. "I know you may be asking who I am, or what is the purpose of this. Well I'm afraid I cannot tell you this until I see you myself. You may be asking how are you going to find me. Well the answer is simple. I'm going to find you." Suddenly with a blinding blue light the words disappeared, and instead it was replaced by a symbol. It looked like a crescent moon facing toward the top of the page, with a star that seemed to rise through the middle, and wings that stretched out fully. The blue colors seemed to glow in their different shades along with the pages, but more importantly there was an inscription at the bottom. "Welcome, To the Lunar Republic." *** Suddenly a hoof came from nowhere and slammed the cover down making Silver jump in surprise as he was taken out of his trance like state. He felt a strange draft, but when he looked up to see where the hoof came from he could see why. It seemed that the hoof belonged to a pegasi, her mane had a brilliant Amber color with a little gold, and she also had a light turquoise coat. She didn't look happy at all, and she quickly grabbed the book and landed next to him. "Excuse me! But this is my book, and the last thing I need is some little filly looking through it without permission." Silver shrank away from her stinging words, and the look she gave him made his legs shake. The mare just shook her head and grumbled, but then she looked at the book then at Silver her eyes wide. "Wait a minute, how did you open the book?" he though he could see a glimmer of confusion and fear in her eyes, but he was just as confused as she was, but he saw his opportunity. "I'm sorry, but what is the Lunar Republic?" Her eyes widened at his question before it turned into a frown again making him step back. Leaning in close, her eyes didn't have any anger, but her frown still scared him to his core. "What's your name kid?" she asked a little skeptical, but curious. Silver just stared at her and a look of annoyance found its way into her face, but this time she took a deep breath and asked with a strained voice, "What's your name...kid?" Now he realized that she was making an attempt to be nice, so he cleared his throat, "My names Silver Spirit. And I'm sorry for looking at your book, it was wrong and I'm really sorry." The mare looked at him for a couple more seconds before she sighed and nodded, "Alright, I guess I'll let you off the hook for now. And...I'm sorry for being a little harsh on you." Silver just smiled, and that made the mare smiles, but as she turned to leave, "Umm..." the mare turned back around and looked at him, "I'm sorry but I have a question." Sighing with contempt she turned and nodded, "What is the Lunar Republic?" The mares eyes widened and suddenly she grabbed him and she flew toward a book shelf in the back of the library. Silver was stunned and he actually squeaked when she grabbed him and wondered if he should cry for help. However, he never got his chance and she dropped him off in one section and she landed next to him. When he looked around he saw that she had chosen a part were nobody would go to, and seemed deserted. With a small flap of her wings she landed next to him and looked at him seriously her frown back on her face. "How do you know about the-" she looked around before whispering, "Lunar Republic." Silver felt fear clench his chest and now he looked around worried. Was the Lunar Republic something to be feared? What was it? Before he could get farther in his thought the mare leaned in her frown seemed to express her anger, yet he noticed that she seemed to be afraid of something. Was she afraid about what he knew, "I only opened the book, and it said welcome to the Lunar Republic. I swear, but I just want to know what it is." The mares eyes widened then she sighed and hung her head in defeat. Silver felt a twang of guilt, "I'm sorry..." the mare looked up and she saw him looking at her with guilt in his eyes, and she sighed. She couldn't blame him for his curiosity, and in truth he hadn't done anything wrong, "Alright look, I can't tell you what the Lunar Republic is, but the one who wrote you that message will. All I need you to do is swear that you won't tell anyone about the republic, promise that and I swear when the time is right I'll tell you everything you need to know." Silver looked at her with surprise, "But whose gonna-" the mare frowned making him stop his question. "PROMISE." he looked at her worried and confused. He didn't know if he should trust the mare, but he didn't know what this republic was. Although his mind said no, his gut had a different opinion. "Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye." The mare looked at him in a stunned silence before nodding awkwardly and with a flap of her wings she shot up and flew towards the door, leaving Silver to wonder what had just transpired. But an even bigger question now plagued his young mind. Just what had he gotten into? Author's Note Hello, this is PropheticPony, I know my story is far from the best and I know it has a lot of words, but no action yet. But I only ask that you bare with me, because I also want to get to something more important in the story. Just keep reading and I'll try to make it interesting. Now if anyone wants to tell me about a certain spelling error, or if you have a question please put it in the comment section, and I'll try my best to reply. Thank you The Plan"One second I'm looking for a book, the next second you were gone and I couldn't find you! What were you thinking?!" Silver's ears folded back in guilt, and he looked down cursing himself for worrying Octavia. Luckily she didn't seem mad at him, but she was far from happy. "Where were you anyways? This is the oldest part of the library?" She let him go, but looked at him quizzically. Silver gulped as his mind raced. He wanted to tell her what happened, he wanted to tell her about the mare that took him here, the book that glowed with strange light, and most of all he wanted to tell her about the Lunar Republic. "Sorry Octavia I just got lost. I thought I saw a book cover that looked pretty, but I couldn't find you when I went looking for you here." Octavia sighed and just hugged him again. "I'm just glad your ok. Next time you want to look at something make sure to tell me first ok." He nodded and gently nuzzled her chest enjoying the her warm embrace. Than he noticed that she seemed to have something on her back, "Octavia, what's on your back?" She let go of him and smiled, "I found a couple of books that will help you learn how to spell, and some with music that you can practice with. For now let's go find a quiet spot so we can start." *** Octavia led him to a couple of chairs in the corner of the library, and she got a piece of chalk and a chalk board making Silver wonder where she got it. Then, they started. Octavia quickly got to work teaching him simple things. She taught him how to write with his mouth like she had been taught in her university days, and then she also taught him the different names for the notes, and she had him whistle the notes gently to a small tune. Luckily he was able to catch on quickly, and once the music was done they focused on the spelling. Octavia smiled as she taught him how to read and how to spell. Silver found reading to be quiet easy, his brain quickly matched some of the words together, and he found himself reading along with Octavia. Octavia enjoyed his young and energetic mind, and how curious he was about everything, and that he always asked what words he should say next. She simply pointed at a few and he would read them to her, and she would of course always smile. Writing with his mouth was probably the harder subject to teach him. Silver couldn't quiet get the quill to stay straight in his mouth, and he always had to keep his head at an angel so he could see what he was writing. Luckily Octavia had a solution, and this time when she left, she came back with a box of crayons. Now Silver sat on the floor using the crayons to write while Octavia sat and read a certain book, but she checked Silver constantly reassuring him that he is doing well, or giving a gentle criticism and then she would put the book down and show him what to do. They stayed there for about two hours then Octavia checked the time and saw that it was about noon and she closed her book and saw that Silver had drawn something. Octavia would have scolded him, but she saw that he had papers lying around him with many well written letters. She smiled to herself and then she saw that he had put down the crayon and then took a deep breath to rest. Luckily, Octavia felt her stomach tumble and she blushed lightly but then walked over to the worn out Silver. "Hey, come on we have to go eat lunch, and then Vinyl will take care of you." Silver looked like he wanted to object, but a rumble from his stomach silenced him. Sighing he picked himself up, but Octavia just smiled and they both stretched before exiting the library. The sun was high in the sky when they walked out, and it nearly blinded them. The library had been so dark that they didn't prepare themselves for the outside. Once their eyes adjusted they started walking back toward the hotel. "Octavia..." she turned to look at the little filly and she saw that he was looking down. "Yes? Is something wrong Silver?" Sighing Silver looked up and shook his head. "No, it's just...I want to say...thank you...for bringing me here. And thanks for teaching me how to read and write." Octavia smiles and gently nuzzled his mane, "It's been my pleasure Silver. Your a bright learner, and a great listener." Silver felt a warm smile creep onto his face, and they both kept walking toward the hotel. *** When they got to the hotel Silver was tired but also hungry. Octavia took Silver to his room and told him to rest which he denied being tired. However, Octavia knew he was bluffing considering that she has constantly woken up to Vinyl coming home from one of her gigs, and has been forced to carry her to bed. She tucked him in and told him that she was gonna wake him up later when lunch was ready. He faintly nodded before falling asleep, and Octavia walked out of the room towards Vinyl's room. She considered knocking, but if it was noon she didn't expect Vinyl to answer. "That pony can sleep until the world ends." She sighed and opened the door slowly, and peaked her head in. The room was silent, and it was to dark to see. The drapes had been closed, and the nothing seemed to be moving in the room. Though in the darkness Octavia could make out a lump on the bed, knowing full well that the lump was Vinyl. The mare groaned and turned on the light, "Vinyl time to get up. It's time for lunch, and it's your turn to teach Silver now, so you better get up." Although her voice was serious, Vinyl didn't care and she only pulled the covers farther as if it was Octavia that was the blinding light. Octavia growled and trotted over and grabbed the blanket and gave it a rough tug with her teeth, but Vinyl having the superiority with her magic simply yanked it back. Both soon had a tug of war going on until finally Vinyl gave one hard tug making Octavia collapse on the ground and rubbing her jaw in pain. Vinyl heard sound of hooves hitting the floor as Octavia stormed out, and Vinyl snuggled into bed trying to ignore what had just transpired. What she wasn't expecting was the giant rush of cold hitting her and making her jump out of bed in a flash. Growling, and shivering she turned her head to her sister, her teeth gritting and her annoyance was already up. Octavia held a bucket in her mouth, her mouth holding the handle, but the bucket was of course empty, and Octavia had an evil smile on her face. "What the buck Octi! Im trying to sleep for Celestia's sake!" Vinyl growled and trotted to the bathroom and she started to wipe her face while Octavia stood in the doorway. "I know, but you should know that it's lunch time and I want you to show some respect and eat with me and Silver." "Yes MOM." Vinyl said growling as she dried herself off before trotting past Octavia and to the door. Octavia sighed and followed her until they were in the kitchen, and soon they were going to work. Octavia fixed herself some a nice salad and some non-alcoholic cider, while Vinyl fixed herself a small plate of sandwiches, but before she could get the alcoholic cider, Octavia sent her a look that obviously meant "nope." So instead she reached for the soda pop which Octavia still looked at her for, but this time Vinyl stuck our her tongue and her voice was stern in Octavia's head, "Deal with it." *** Silver groggily got up and yawned deeply before looking around. His room was rather small compared to the hotel itself, but his room at his parents house was already falling apart. This change of scenery was fast, but at least he was well rested and he smelled the food in the kitchen. He slowly dragged himself out of bed, and gave a silent yawn before making his way towards the door. Suddenly Silver found himself on the floor as he was knocked onto his back, and blown across the room. He gasped in pain and shock, and shot to his legs as he looked around his room, but he saw nothing. His eyes dashed everywhere, trying to pinpoint anything unusual about. "What was it? Who was here? How did that gust of wind catch me?" Silvers thoughts echoed through his head, but then to his shock, it also echoed around the room. His voice, the questions echoed across the room and back to him, but it was like a melody, a dangerous melody of some sorts. Suddenly he felt a cold chill shoot up his spine, and then back down. He didn't know what was going on, and he was afraid to find out. With a deep ragged breath he slowly made his way towards the door. But as soon as he got close to it, something grabbed his throat and yanked him hard slamming him against the floor, this was followed by an agonizing scream that rang in Silver's ears, and made his blood run cold. He looked around only until her felt something grab his leg, and slammed him against a small table in the room. The table cracked on impact, the glass shattered with a loud crash. Silver hit the ground with a thump, but there was no pain, no shock, there was no feeling, but when he pulled himself up his eyes turned to the large mirror in the room. To his horror a large piece of glass had dug itself into his cheek, and blood now started to seep down his cheek and drip onto the glass shard on the floor. "Oh Celestia!" He felt tears come to his eyes, as he started to cry at seeing his own blood. The terror of the situation had gotten to him, and he scrambled toward the door, ignoring the blood spilling from his head, however the second he reached the door another force slammed into him knocking him to the ground. He looked around crazily as he watching for the thing that had knocked him around. But nothing seemed to be around him, nothing but a strange eerie breeze that seemed to be choking him. Breath clenching. Harder to breath. Suffocating. Last breath. The hardest breath. Release. Death Silver looked around frantically and he realized that it was all happening to him. His breath clenched in his chest. It was becoming harder to breath. Getting closer to his last breath. "Who are you?!" He screamed as he looked around, but once again there was nothing but an eerie silence. The voice spoke again after so many seconds of unending silence, Fear. Terror. Unending. Unnerving. Unwanted. Needed. Silver felt it. He knew it. His breath was quick, it was fearful. It was and unending cycle. A fear that hung in the back of his mind, an unnerving thought, and unwanted feeling, but one that he needed. But now, one emotion was rising in his chest, one he was sure the voice felt. The anger. The rage. The hatred. The rush. Unchained. Uncontrolled. Untamed. Kill Yesssss. He felt it. Like a strange want. A strange need. A strange urge. A hate. A love. He didn't know. Kill. Destroy. Control. "It's alright. Think. What will it get you." Silver jumped and looked around, his mind racing with all these mixed emotions. "Rage is nothing but a feeling. A rush of anger and hatred, but in the end there is nothing but peace. Think of calm. Think of warm happy thoughts." "Peace..." Suddenly as soon as the rage appeared, he felt it completely dissipate and become nothing. What was that rush of emotion? Why did he have such sudden emotions? And most of all, who had just talked to him. Before he could begin to draw any conclusions, a sudden emotion gripped him once more. Fear. Like before he felt it. The terror of what to come, of what to fear. He didn't know. He didn't want to know, but it was needed. "Fear is not your enemy, it is nothing but a fire that you are to scared to touch. A fire that was created by you, but you can out it out. It takes a brave soul to douse that fire. Be that brave soul. Be that light that shines around the fear, and completely puts it out" "Think of bravery." And just like that, his fear was gone as well. All of it. The strange fear he had was now gone, and instead he felt...brave. His chest burned, but not with fire. It burned with a radiating confidence. He felt like jumping around, wanting to get his energy out. Suddenly he felt a giant weight slam into his back knocking him down flat. He felt as if his back was being crushed beneath it, his breath was fast again, his hooves scraped against the floor as he tried to throw it off. The more he fought, the heavier it became, the more his strength disappeared. His will, it was failing him, it was crushing him. He couldn't take it any longer. Or so he thought. The voice spoke again. "Death. Takes many forms. It takes many lives. It weighs us down. It hangs in the air. It pinches the very fabric of our mines, and sometimes turn it so we are monsters in our own bodies. It will forever weigh us down, it will always be the one thing we can never avoid. However, it's your choice to decide how much it weighs you down." Silver thought. And he thought. This weird clench in his chest. His breathing was heavy but slow. But there was one problem. He didn't know what to think. Then as if it was never there before, the weight was gone. Looking around confused he slowly and cautiously pulled himself up until he was standing once again. Now one question plagued his mind. What has happened? Suddenly the gentle voice spoke again, "The truth is that we think so much about death, we worry, and we fear it so much, yet the truth is, at the end. We never truly know what death means?" Silver turned his head and to his surprise there standing on the bed was a white pony. "Was she a unicorn?" He thought and he saw that she indeed had a horn, and it was probably the biggest horn he had ever seen. Then he noticed something else about her, "She has wings?!" His jaw dropped as he realized that she did indeed have wings, though she had them folded to her side, but that didn't stop his question. "Who are you." *** The pony was silent, but then a purple magical aura surrounded her horn and suddenly the room was dark except for a light glow that came from the mare. Silver looked at her in aww, and then she spoke, not the echoing voice before, but instead in a soothing gentle voice. "Calm yourself Silver Spirit. I will not harm you. All I ask is that you listen, and listen well." Her voice seemed to echo around the room, yet Silver felt a strange warmth in him. A strange glow in his chest seemed to make him feel comforted. A smile slowly made its way to his face, but he still looked at her questioningly, "Who-what are you? You look like a princess." The mare giggled and a small smile appeared on her face, "Thank you, though do not let your eyes deceive you. I came because I felt something was...off. Like an old enemy of mine had waken once more." Fear and confusion now filled his mind as he saw the serious look on the mare's face. However, the alicorn shook her head a smile reappearing on her face. "Don't worry it's gone now, but if it makes you feel better I can watch over your dreams for a little while." He smiled at her suggestion and nodded enthusiastically. Something about this mare seemed to brighten his mood, but he couldn't shake this strange feeling off. It didn't help that he could barely see the mare. He could only make out her body part, and her wings, and horn. Other than that all he saw was a very shadow image of a pony. However, he thought he could make out her white coat, but also her pale purple eyes. Although he could barely see her mane, it seemed to flow magically though there didn't appear to be any wind. "A-are you..." he didn't know what to say or what to ask, but he wanted to know more about her. Luckily for him she spoke again, "I understand that you are confused about this all. The book you found, that strange Pegasus, and now this nightmare. You must be wondering who is she? What is she? How is she here? So many questions, so little time. And now that I've talked about the book, your wondering. What is the Lunar Republic?" Silver nodded his eyes widening at what she said. She basically just voiced every question he had. However, she sighed gravelly and shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't tell you yet." Silver felt his hopes drop as he sat down and looked at the ground in defeat. Then he felt a gentle hoof touch his chin and pull his face to look at her in her deep purple eyes. She smiled warmly and her smile made his legs shake slightly. It was strange, he could feel a strange energy vibrating from her body, and for a second it seemed to link with him and then the next it pulled away only to return. The mare nodded her sympathies as if she knew how frustrating this all was. "Calm yourself Silver. Don't let this stop you. When we are done here, you'll go back to your lessons, and all will be explained tonight." Silver titled his head, "Tonight?" She simply smiled again, "Tonight I shall visit you in you dreams just like I am now. And then and only then, can I answer your question. Be patient and enjoy your time with the two musicians." She pulled her hoof away and turned and trotted to the bed. And with a ghostly look Silver followed her and in a couple of seconds he was once again in the bed, and she pulled the blanket over him and kissed his forehead. But as she started toward the door he sat up, "Wait! This is just a dream? Then...none of this is real." She looked back at him, "Just because it's a dream, doesn't mean it's not real." Silver rubbed his head in confusion, but she once again made for the door and opened if. However, Silver stopped her again, "How do I get out of here?" Now the mare smiled and she closed the door and trotted over, and she gently pushed him back so he was laying down again. "Don't worry Silver, you can get out of here. All you need to do is," she leaned in and whispered into his ear, "Wake up." *** Silver shot up in his bed and looked around frantically. He realized that he was sweating heavily, and his body ached with pain. But he felt it. In his chest. A clenched feeling in his chest, the same feeling he had in his dream, the same feeling she gave him when she released him of the feelings that clouded his mind. He gently placed a hood to his hear, "Wake up." He still heard her voice in his ear, and it gave him a nice gentle chill. Silver took a deep breath over and over again, until the feeling gently died down. Soon sweet relief filled him, and he slowly laid back down in his bed. His breath was slow, but tensed, however he felt more relaxed as he let his body go slack. "What...a...nap." Was all he said, and he felt his eyes close and he dove deep into his thoughts. Most dreams usually disappeared after a couple of seconds, a lot of people's don't even remember the dream when they wake up. But this dream, it stuck in his mind like a sore thumb. Was it a dream? His body felt like it had been beaten, and he felt like he had walked around all of Canterlot dragging a house. The strange mare had told him that he would get all the answers tonight when he dreamed. But how would she? And exactly how did she know his name. Before he could come to terms with his questions, the door opened. *** Flying over Canterlot was a Pegasus with a light blue coat, and amber mane zipped through the skies clutching the book to her chest. She zoomed through the clouds over the large city and soon the mountain grumbling to herself. "Lune help me! You had one job! Go to the library, grab the book, and then leave. But no, I had to leave it on the desk for that little fillie to just stroll in and grab it." She sighed and grumbled and shook her head as she flew through a cloud enjoying the cool watery touch of it. She smiled and closed her eyes and gently took a deep breath before giving a sly smirk and she shot down folding her wings. She dove down to the city, her wings spreading a little as she descended. Her eyes scanned Canterlot. Her superior had told her to meet a certain pony in one of the markets in Canterlot, and that she would take her to her superior. She slowly glided over the city until she saw the market she was suppose to meet her contact in. With one final flap, she landed on a roof of a building a couple blocks away from the market and then she flew down to the street. No one noticed her, after all she was just any other pony, though a couple highs class ponies looked at her with annoyance. "You'd think I stepped on their frilly dresses." She grumbled as she trotted towards the market. Making sure her pace was casual, and that she moved with a certain style that the nobles accepted. On the inside she dreaded it all. The style that the nobles would accept, the perfect step, it was all a load of- She stopped when she finally reached the market. She scanned the crowd of ponies that were trotting about in their own little world. As she trotted through the crowd she overheard a couple of nobles, "Did you hear what-" "Who would have thought-" "You don't say!" "I never knew." "Spectacular!" For a second she was tempted to tear of her own ear, but she took a deep breath and trotted on. "Ugh why must these nobles always have gossip and such pointless things. It's so annoying!" "Yet the nobles always have the juiciest gossip if you know what they are talking about." The Pegasus nearly leaped into air, but instead she looked around her eyes scanning the crowd. However, she couldn't spot the pony that spoke to her. "When you listen closely, you can use that gossip against them. Shape it. Abuse the power. Push them to their limits for your own gain." Once again she looked around frantically, but there was no pony looking at her. Now she was annoyed, she hated it when ponies played these mind games on her. Before she could shout however she heard the voice again, behind her, "And once your done, cast them aside until they have further use." The Pegasus finally stopped in her tracks, and she smiled, "The words of a spy. Isn't that right." Turning her head she saw a mare with a beige coat, pigment blue mane with a rose pink streak, and a cutie mark with three candy wrappers. Smiling she trotted over and realized that the earth pony was also wearing shades, but she knew that the pony had cerulean eyes under them. They both sat on the bench, until she broke the silence, "Why do you have those shades on? You know they don't hide much." The earth pony smiled, "What can I say? I wanna blend with the crowd." They both looked at the crowd and the Pegasi smiled since no one else was wearing shades, before she could say anything however the other mare intercepted her, "Shut up." They both chuckled but the earth pony checked her watch, and nodded before standing up and she followed. "Come on sh-" her friend quickly covered her mouth stopping her. "What part of secret society did you not understand." She flushed in embarrassment for nearly slipping up, and she nodded and when her friend let go they started walking. The walled down a street, her friend looking left and right as if trying to spot an unknowing enemy. They both knew that the organization was being followed, they knew they were in danger, but they had to meet their contact. When her friend finally gave the nod that the ghost was clear, they broke into a gallop. They ran down the streets of Canterlot, past ponies, ducking through alleys, and they went faster and faster. "So did they follow you here?" she asked the earth pony galloping with her. But her friend just shook her head. "No, but we can't let ourselves get traced. Our superior said that we need to throw off any pony that may look suspicious, or may try...to take the book." The Pegasi looked worried but she felt he weight of the book in her bag, and it hasn't left since she had put it there. Now she looked up at the rooftops, and in any alley they ducked through, but no one seemed to be filling them. However, she wasn't an expert at looking at every detail, so instead she let the earth pony beside her do all the watching. She always admired how her friend could spot any detail, and see everything around her. Whether she anticipated it or not, her friend reflexes and sense of knowing sometimes scared her. Luckily, it wasn't long before they finally stopped to a slow trot, but they casually looked around to make sure no pony had followed them. "Damn, a couple months ago we wouldn't have be this suspicious of every pony that even looks at us." She growled, "I wish they'd show their faces so I can give them a piece of my mind." Her friend sighed and shook her head. "You know why. We all know we are being watched, but our superior is trying her best to figure out who...or what is looking for us." She turned to her friend who was looking down as they trotted, lost in thought and her mind racing. "Hey, it alright." she wrapped a hoof around her shoulders. "We'll find out who it is. And we won't let them hurt our friends anymore." The earth pony looked up at her and sighed, "Thanks. But it's more than that. Ponies have been-" before she spoke further she stopped herself and looked around before shaking her head, "I'm sorry. I'll discuss it when we get to the rendezvous point. Come on." They nodded to each other and both started to trot again, now they were determined to deliver any info they have gathered. Through the streets they walked closer to the palace, but then they took a sharp route away from the palace itself. They found themselves starring into a dark and deserted alley, that seemed filled with nothing but trash and waist. The houses that made the alley were owned by a couple of low nobles so no one had tried to come to the alley. What noble would? "Perfect place for a meeting." Her friend smiled but then frowned. "What's wrong?" She asked but her companion ignored her before sticking out her hoof to the alley. Suddenly a visible zap hit her friend brining her hoof a little making them both jump. "Crap!" her friend groaned and sucked on her hoof before turning back toward the alley. "A force field." she tapped the field again as the magical energy ripple. "Clever girl." she smiled and then she checked around, and when the ghost was clear her friend turned back to her. "The book." Quickly taking out of the bag she handed to her, and with a deep breath her friend raised the book and tapped it against the force field. Slowly but surely, the energy rippled slightly before finally the force field collapsed. Both trotted forward from where it once stood, but the second they walked into the ally the forcefield slowly rebuilt itself until it was a wall of energy once again. They looked at one another before they looked forward once again, but now that they were inside the ally, what it was hiding was now in front of them. A large shadow stood in front of them, it moved and flickered like a small flame, or it stood straight like a piece of grass being blown by a gentle breeze. But there was no breeze. There was no fire. There was no life. Just a shadow. But slowly it started to take shape. Both mares looked on with amazement, and they slowly started to back away. But before they could go too far, it started to take shape. It stretched, and pulled at itself. And slowly but surely it started to take shape. First it started out as a shadow, but now it was something else. First,four legs slowly started to form, then gradually the body appeared, then finally the head and mane came soon after. Then, two more things formed. A horn and a pair of wings. Before the two could do anything, a blinding light suddenly crashed into them, blinding then for a short amount of time. However, once their eyesight returned, their eyes widened in surprise. In front of them stood a figure that has been in legends, that was once a powerful villain, but was now one of the greatest of friends. "Report." Both mares heard her and the earth pony pressed her hoof against her heart. "Special Agent Sweetie Drops, reporting in A.K.A Bon Bon." The Pegasi saluted, "Captain Lightning Dust reporting from my mission sir." The larger mare in front of them nodded, before she bowed her head smiling gently at them. The Pegasi smiled and put her hoof down, "It's good to see you again." "Princess Luna." Author's Note Ok, here is the chapter. Hope you guys like it. DangerPrincess Luna smiled at her two friends and trotted over to quickly embrace them. Although Bon Bon returned the hug Lightning Dust squirmed slightly in the princesses embrace, and when she let go she shook her mane when she finally let go. "Now back to business," Luna cleared her throat and looked at Lightning. "You said that you are reporting back from your mission." "Yes Princess. I've picked up the book from the library. Though it was hard to find, actually if it wasn't for that enchantment you put on me, I wouldn't have found it." Luna listened intently to what she said, but when Lightning finished she leaned over their noses nearly touching. "I sense that something else happened that troubles you." Lightning cringed at the fact that Luna could tell that she was hiding something. "I...heard voices from the book." Luna and Bon Bon watched as Lightning opened the bag she held and she slowly pulled out the book in her teeth. She set the book down and pushed it so it was in front of Luna but she kept her hoof on the cover looking Luna worried. "N-not that I was scared," she said quickly puffing out her chest, but when she looked at Luna's knowing eyes she sighed letting her bravado go. "Just...be careful princess. Something is wrong with the book." Luna nodded before looking at the book. The magic was already strong, she had felt it when Lightning was flying, and she had felt it when the book drew closer to her shield. Even now the magic of the book was crushing her shoulders, and making it hard for her to breath. The only reason Lightning thought she heard voices was because the book was trying to shift the very fabric of space and time around it. Luna had read on everything she knew of the book and had even had her friend look them up as well, but it's real power was still unpredictable. "Stand back Lightning, I wish to try something." Lightning looked at her in genuine concern, after all she was loyal to Luna, and she didn't want to see the Princess hurt. Fortunately for her, Bon Bon was thinking the same thing. "Princess Luna," Bon Bon said slowly and took a small step putting herself between the princess and the book. "Perhaps it's unwise to actually go near the book at its stage. We need to study it, maybe find a way to stabilize its power. It's affects on this world is pretty clear." Bon Bon spoke as if she was calculating every single word, her mind was thinking of the right words to say. Luna could see she was trying her best to keep a straight face, but she noticed that Bon Bon's eye was twitching. "Bon Bon your eye is twitching." The earth pony looked at Luna in surprise before shaking her head. "It's nothing Princess. Just-" "Your hear the voices too?" Both turned to Lightning who was holding her eye with a hoof, but she quickly put it down but nothing could hide the look of pain in her eyes. "My fellow ponies..." Luna sighed shaking her head. "I'm proud that you two are trying your best to hide what your feeling, but I will not judge you if your in pain. Your both right to feel uneasy, this book is unpredictable and is very dangerous, but I have prepared for it." She trotted forward and wrapped her wings around both of them. "You don't need to hide your real feelings about it. But if I don't make this book stable, then we are all in danger." Both ponies looked up at her then they sighed shaking their head in shame and despair. Lightning allowed her bravado to go and she held her good to her eye her ears drooping in utter defeat as the voices battered her mind. Luna knew Lightning could take a beating, but her mind had never been trained for a mental assault like this. Bon Bon on the other hand was trained to resist these types of magic assaults, but the magic book was of old magic from before even Luna's time, and even the special agent couldn't truly resist it. Both ponies backed away as Luna approached the book. Both were worried but they trusted her to stabilize the books unknown power. But the second Luna's hoof touched the book, her eyes closed. And IT started. *** Luna found herself in the middle of nowhere. Literally. She found herself floating through an endless void of grey. She couldn't feel any ground, yet still she stood. She couldn't feel feel any air, yet she breathed. She couldn't see anything, yet she saw something. But, what she saw was just the grey abyss of nothing. Her own breathing came out as distorted and cut up, yet as far as she knew, she was breathing just fine. She couldn't even turn her head, it felt stiff and out of place, but at least she could feel her own discomfort. "Enough is these mind games." Luna said rolling her eyes. "Tis the most basic of unicorns can ward of this weak thing you call a mind assault." With that being said, Luna's horn slowly started to glow. First it started as a small light, just a dim glow in the void. But slowly, but surely, it grew. Luna felt the core of her magic slowly start to enter her horn. Her magic was slowly pushing through a barrier that had formed itself around her horn, probably from the abyss, but that didn't stop her. Slowly the magic spread through her horn, like water flowing through the roots of a tree. With a small spark her magic ignited and she felt it slowly start to affect her body. A strange weight in the back of her head slowly lifted, and she felt as if her body had come back to life. Like when you just wake up and you feel sore all over. "Hmm very powerful magic." She stretched her neck and stretched we legs before shaking her head. Luna knew that the words she uttered about a unicorn being able to withstand this was a lie. The only reason she had been able to resist the books terrible trap was because she was well prepared and had already studied about the book and its contents. If it had been any other pony, their mind would be destroyed, and their brain would be glue. "Hmm now that that's taken care of. I think it's time for a little change in scenery." She said with a smile and with a wave of her horn the abyss changed. A drop of water dripped from her horn, but when it hit the ground, the floor rippled. Slowly the ripples of grey transformed to blue, and they expanded and expanded until finally Luna stood on an ocean. Her horn glowed as she flew over the water, but the grey sky's didn't fit at all. She would change that. Luna soon started to soar through the air, but as she flew, her hair extended. Like a hairbrush, her hair soon started to paint the sky wherever her hair touched, the grey disappeared, and in its place the grey was a beautiful dark blue. As this new sky formed, she felt a new wind carry her. It wasn't the choking atmosphere it was when she first came to this place, it was now the breeze on a beautiful cool night. Luna slowly lowered herself until her hooves touched the surface of the cool water and using her magic she casually walked on the water looking at the new black sky. "Hmm it's missing something." Biting her lip Luna smiled and in her mind she slowly cast her favorite spell. Darkness. Luna looked around confused, then she slowly lowered her head. Slowly black water started to rise as she sank into to her knees. She felt so sleep, she needed a nap. The water was such a great pillow, felt so cool and inviting beneath her hooves. Slowly Luna sank, and sank. And the darkness slowly consumed her. *** Bon Bon held her stomach as she leant against a wall. For the past couple of minutes her chest was aching from a strange pain that had struck her when Luna had first disappeared inside the book. One second she was there, the next POOF! She was gone without a word or sound. Then a strange power emitted from the book and it was having a strange toll on her, and Lightning. Thinking about her friend, she looked and saw Lightning had collapsed. She must have collapsed a couple minutes ago, but Bon Bon was so focused on keeping her mind guarded to notice. Dragging herself up, she slowly trotted over to Lightning, every step like agony for her muscles. Sleep. The word kept popping in her mind, but she always forced it out. The last thing she needed to do was sleep, she wasn't gonna let herself be brought down by this. Lightning was lying on her stomach her head slumped to the side, limp and lifeless. Bon Bon finally made it to her side, "Lightning? Everything ok?" No answer. Bon Bon sighed and shook her head before she slowly flipped Lightning over onto her back. "Lightning you need to wake up." When Lightning didn't wake up Bon Bon sighed. Not dead. Chest rising. Breathing shallow. Unconscious. Strength failing. Bon Bon sighed and shook her head as these thoughts went through her mind. She sighed and sat down, her throat felt like it was trying to close on her but she kept her breathing stable and she kept her mind thinking, not allowing her mind and body to succumb to the powers of the book. She turned her attention back to Lightning, but she noticed that the pegasi was starting to sweat. She observed the pegasi and put a hoof on her head, and she noticed that her forehead was warm. Her ears twitched when she realized that Lightning breathing was distorted, and she was coughing slightly. Warm head. Sweating. Coughing. Fever. Bon Bon sighed but looked around for any water source. Cursing herself when there was none nearby, she turned her head back to Lightning. Then her eyes opened as she realized one thing. Her chest wasn't rising anymore! Bon Bon looked at Lightning in shock, but she recovered in a second and immediately went to work. She pressed her hooves against Lightning chest and she started compressions. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 No response. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Still no response. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 When she saw there was no response Bon Bon opened Lightning's mouth and pressed her lips against hers and gave a slow breath, waited a second for a response. Again there was none. So she gave Lightning one more slow breath, but still no response. "Damn it all." Bon Bon growled and began her compressions again. When she did 100 compressions but there was still no answer, she grew desperate. Turning to look at the book that was still on the floor, she slowly and grudgingly trotted over to it. But when she was halfway there her knees finally buckled and collapsed. She grunted as her chin hit the ground, but she continued to drag herself to the book. Whatever was going on in the book, she knew if it had gotten this bad, then Princess Luna was in trouble. Slowly she was close enough that her nose nearly touched the book, but she only whispered on word. "Luna." *** Luna sank further into the water, the black abyss draining her of her magic. Slowly her hair that always seemed to sparkle and flow without any wind changed was instead back to its original form, just a normal lighter blue mane, and her coat had also took on a lighter tint of blue. Her eyes was closed as she sank, and she didn't notice the shadows in the water that slowly approached her. These nightmare creature slowly made there way to the princess of the night, hoping to consume every last bit off her until she was nothing. As they slowly approached her, they all chattered to one another. Trying to decide who gets what, or who would get to have the pleasure of killing her first. But then something surprised them. A name. "Luna." The name echoed through the water, it rippled, and it seemed to go on for miles. The nightmare creatures looked around, but nothing was around them. "Luna." Once again the water rippled, only this time, it was stronger. Louder. *** Bon Bon felt something strange. Her strength started to slowly return to her, and without a second thought she raised she stood high once more. She heard a gasp behind her, and when she turned her head, Lightning was gasping for air behind her. Bon Bon quickly went to her side, "Nice to have you back in the land of the living Lightning." Lightning Dust slowly dragged herself up, but Bon Bon stayed next to her noticing how wobbly she seemed to be. "Bon Bon..." she coughed and shook her head looking at the spy her throat scratchy, "what happen-" She was interrupted when she noticed the book was steaming, the magical glow seemed to blink in and out as if saying that danger was close. Lightning looked at the book in surprise, then at Bon Bon who gazed at the book with a look of confusion but also caution. "Bon Bon...what exactly is going on?" Lightning asked looking at her earth pony friend in confusion, but she didn't respond. Both watched the book, but both had a scared thought in their mind. Where was Princess Luna? *** The shadows waited for another shock wave to blow through the water, another word that shook then to their core, another word that seemed to shake the very fabric of the book they were trapped in. When it didn't come, they growled to each other in their own language, and they completely forgot about the voice just as soon as it had came. However, they noticed a slight change in the water. The water was moving. It was strange. Before there was no such movement, the water had been still but now...it was moving. These tides were new to them, unknown to them, and it felt dangerous. The shadows scurried around, but they couldn't escape the tides, they couldn't escape this new water. But then, they noticed something about the tides, they were moving towards a certain point. Then realization finally dawned on them. They weren't alone in these water. Suddenly without warning they were sent barrel rolling through the water. Something had hit them. They couldn't see anything, the water continued to spin them, preventing them from seeing their attacker. The surface! That was their only way to escape their enemy, the surface would be their salvation. With all their strength they shot up, cutting through the water as they neared the surface. Suddenly at the last second something hit them pushing them the last couple of feet until they exploded out of the water. They all screeched in anger, but when they got a hold on what was going on they saw one thing in the sky. The moon. On them shined a full moon, it's light burned their skin, but yet it stayed there shining brightly. This light was new to them, it was too bright, they couldn't bare it. But they felt a change. It was bigger then the new celestial object above them. And it was right behind them. Turning their heads they screeched in terror and fear when they finally noticed that there was a giant twister. This tornado of water was forcing wind to pick up, and it was making the shadows uneasy. Then one of the shadows screeched, and the other soon followed his gaze. Something was moving up through the twister. A blue light was slowly twisting up the vortex, but when it reached the middle it stopped abruptly. The shadows twisted their heads in confusion, but soon curiosity when they noticed that from the blue light came two glowing eyes. Without warning the light expanded suddenly knocking the shadows back, and to as do it the light also seemed to slam the water into their faces sending them spiraling through the air. But once they regained their balance they looked at what was left of the twister. Instead in front of them was a different mare. Her coat was dark purple, no longer the light blue of her weakened state, and her mane was once again flowing and her eyes shined magic energy. This was the princess of the night. Luna blinked and the light disappeared from her eyes, and she shook her head in confusion. "W-what...happened?" Before Luna could shift back to reality, one of the shadows leapt at her with a horrifying screech. It didn't like the light of the moon, it was too bright, it's burn was worse than fire. It was fast, but Luna was faster. Magic flowed to her horn, and suddenly a beam of energy shot from her horn hitting the shadow. The shadow screeched in terror as his body suddenly hardened and became crystal. All his comrades could do was watching horror as their friend became nothing but a giant hunk of crystal and slowly plunged into the ocean with a loud splash. Luna looked around at the shadows that were slowly surrounding her. They growled, and barked at the princess, but still they kept their distance. The last thing they wanted was to be turned to crystal and sink through the never ending abyss. Line glanced left and right, not seeing a way out of the mass of shadows, but she was not afraid. She had also read about this part of the test, and she knew that the only way out of this book was to defeat the guardians that were the very beings around her. "Well it seems we have a little predicament here." Luna's words hung in the air, and the shadows floated around her, uneasy with her calm demeanor. "I can't escape here without destroying you all, and you won't let me leave without my magic and my life. Is that accurate?" The shadows looked at one another, hissing in their own language, until finally they all nodded and suddenly they started to take shape. They stretched and bent, and soon standing in front of Luna were black ponies. They had no fur, they had no breath, they only had red glowing eyes filled with hate and bloodlust. Luna smiled and taking a deep calm breath, before her eyes opened once again a frown on her face, however with that frown was a smile. Her eyes danced with excitement, and mischief and she stretched her wings. "Let the games begin." *** The shadows lunged at her, the need to destroy their enemy was strong. Unfortunately for them Luna was stronger. Luna folded her wings and plunged toward the ocean causing the shadows to crash into each other in pure comedic fashion. They snapped at each other, growling at one another for the others sheer stupidity. They didn't notice Luna, until it was too late. Luna crashed into them like a rocket, the magical shield she surrounded herself with literally turned her into a living cannon ball. While the shadows did their best to recover from the blow, Luna showed no mercy. The second they regained their balance, Luna was zooming towards them again. The shadows saw her coming and in a split second decision they all charged, their fitful growls, and wrathful red eyes, unnerved Luna. She slowed mid charge and the shadows yipped and went for her, thinking that they had the advantage. Suddenly in a flash of light, Luna disappeared. The shadows stopped and looked around confused. Where had their prey gone? "Have at thee you pitiful worms?!" They looked up to be greeted by a giant ball of magic smashing into their bodies. The magic cut some of them down however to Luna's surprise, her ball of magic dissipated. The shadows cackled to themselves, and to Luna's horror horns appeared on their heads. "I need to end this quickly." She thought and once again she charged the shadows. The shadows, finally getting over their newfound powers saw her coming, and they slowly formed a semi circle. Luna knew they were trying to make her falter in her charge again, but she wasn't gonna falter this time. The shadows growled and their horns glowed with magic that they stole from Luna, and with sickening laughs they aimed their horns at the approaching alicorn. *** Silver was eating food with Vinyl and Octavia when suddenly he heard a strange ringing in his head. He didn't know what it was but it kept growing. Although it wasn't loud enough to be painful, it was loud enough to be annoying. Octavia was busy concentrating on her food to notice anything wrong, but Vinyl knew something was up by the way Silver was fidgeting in his seat. Silver felt a hoof touch his shoulder and looked up to see Vinyl staring at him with her head tilted in confusion. "What?" He asked looking at her confused, but Octavia finally looked up from her food. "She wants to know what's making you uncomfortable." Silver looked at Octavia in surprise, but then looked at Vinyl who nodded confirming what her sister said. Octavia tilted her head in confusion, "Are you ok Silver? I mean if the food isn't good-" "No, no, no, no! It's not the food, the food is actually pretty good." Octavia smiled proud of herself, making Vinyl roll her eyes. "But-" Both mares looked at him, "I keep hearing a ringing in my head. It's...deafening...and really starting to annoy me!" He shook his head in frustration, but it was true. The ringing was growing louder, and it was causing an agonizing pain in his ears. Octavia looked on helpless as Silver began to rub his ears in annoyance and his eyes shut tight with pain. However, Vinyl was curious at this odd ringing, but slowly an idea formed in her head. Silver was still shaking his head, when he suddenly felt something go over his ears. Opening his eyes he felt something brush behind him. Turning his head he saw that Vinyl was behind him and was smiling in amusement before tapping the object on his head. Suddenly there was...a cello. It was gentle melody, it started out slow, but grew into a beautiful song. Vinyl smiled as he closed his eyes and rested against the chair, but Octavia walked over with a concerned look, "I think you should take him for a walk. Let him clear his head, and maybe the ringing will stop on its own." Vinyl nodded and in a couple minutes, she and Silver were walking on the streets of Canterlot. *** Lightning Dust and Bon Bon were clutching their ears in pain. The ringing was unbearable, and Lightning was close to banging her head against the walls if Bon Bon hadn't stopped and soothed her. "Damn it! Was is taking Luna so long?! This ringing is killing me!" Bon Bon looked at Lightning in worry, and she was also concerned about her own safety. She had managed to calm Lightning down enough that she had stopped trying to harm herself, but she wasn't invincible. The ringing was just as hard on her as it was for Lightning, and even her resolve was breaking. "We just need to trust in Luna..." Lightning turned to her friend who nodded as if reassuring herself. "Luna fights the creatures of the night all the time. I think she can handle it, and if not then we'll do our best to help." Lightning looked at Bon Bon blankly, before nodding her head. Then they both noticed something. The book was smoking. *** The explosion rocketed through the dimension. The dark horses whinnied in triumph, at their accomplishment. They had killed the princess! Their whinnies echoed as the waves calmed down again, but they stopped abruptly when they realized something. The moon was still shining. One of the dark horses growled towards the direction of the moon, until it heard a strange whistling in the wind. Turning it's head he came face to face with Luna and her cocky grin. The shadow's horn glowed as it aimed it at Luna. "Too slow." Suddenly a giant beam of magic shot from Luna's horn. The other shadows felt the essence of magic, and they quickly made their way to the source. Suddenly out of the smoke shot out Luna. She zipped through the air towards the shadows and they like wise accepted her challenge. One of the shadows fired a beam of the light at Luna, but the alicorn disappeared in a flash of light. The shadow screamed when Luna appeared in front of it, her horn glowing, ready to deal the final blow. She screamed as pain shot through her side. The sent of burning flesh hit her hard, but when she recovered, the shadow that she had meant to kill was aiming it's horn at her. Turning her head away she threw up a quick shield of magic. Her shield shattered like glass, and she took remaining force of the blast. The blast made her spin through the air stunned, however the shadows didn't miss a beat. When Luna recovered again, she was hit from above by three blast of magic. She grunted holding in a scream as her skin burned, and the impact jolted her senses. It felt as if electricity was shooting through her body, and her blood was boiling. However, she was shown no mercy as one of the shadows rammed her head on. Luckily Luna managed to move before the shadow could skewer her with its horn, but the force behind it still caused her to gasp. Growling, Luna unleashed a blast of magic at the shadows, but they were swift and quickly evaded the attack. Instead they charged for Luna, and one by one they crashed into her, hitting her with brutal force and blinding speed. Luna grunted and screamed as they hit her, rammed her, and slashed at her with their horns. They didn't even ram her any more, they crowded around her and Luna shrieked in pain at what happened next. Their horns penetrated her flesh, stabbing deep into her, hitting whatever they could with precision, and a savage need to kill. She couldn't see anything, for wherever she turned, all she was greeted with was a volley of stabs. In one last attempt to make sure the princess would perish, all the shadows drew back from her. Luna could finally take a breath, but even that was painful because the horns had punctured her lungs as well as nearly every vital organ. She could barely flap her wings, which were also torn up and missing many feathers. Blood slowly seeped into her eyes, and drops of blood slowly dripped into the sea bellow her. She knew that they were planning a last attack, but she was helpless. Her magic was nearly drained, as was her strength. What could she do? Then right at that moment, a small smile appeared on Luna's face as an idea formed in her head. The shadows circled around Luna, getting into position for the final assault. They were confident that they had the princess, and they would not let her escape. Once they were in position they began to slowly move towards her, but as they drew closer their speed doubled. Luna heard them coming, their shadowy forms cutting through the air, but the smile remained on her face. They came. Their horns rammed into Luna. Shattering her bones, stabbing into their organs, and one even broke her spine. All Luna did was grunt and go limp, but the shadows all grunted in silent triumph. But before they could retract their horns, they felt something, something strange. Her body was pulsing. Slowly they realized something. She was moving. They quickly pulled away from her, looking at the spectacle in confusion. They heard, and watched as Luna's wounds started to knit themselves back together. Her bones mended and set themselves back in place, and feathers returned to her wings. The shadows gathered behind her, looking at the pony in stunned silence. Then they noticed something else, her coat was turning darker. Her legs grew longer, as did her wings, and although they were behind her, they saw that her horn had also grown longer. Then silence. A dead silence hung in the air, not a sound was heard. The shadows floated their looking at each other nervously, then they noticed something terribly wrong. The moon was turning black. Like ink, black slowly seeped into the moon, until finally the moon was nothing but a black dot in the sky. Then their eyes returned to the pony, but they screeched in terror. The pony had turned her head so all they could see was the side of the head, but also a glowing white eye. Slowly the pony turned so she was facing the shadows, her eyes still glowing brightly, but the pony in front of them was different. The shadows looked on in terror at this new dark pony that seemed to have taken he place of the other pony. Slowly the pony opened her mouth, and her teeth slowly turned into fangs. Then a cackling laugh escaped her lips, but it grew as she spread her wings to full length only making her look larger. "You want my magic?!" She screeched in a voice that didn't seem to be anything sane. The shadows backed away scared, their early confidence all gone. She smiled her eyes flashing, "Well then," her horn sparked up, and a ball of magic slowly started to form on the tip. "Luna" slowly gained more magic, until a late ball of concentrated magic rested on her horn. The shadows screeched, feeling the magical energy they turned and started to flee, scratching and biting one another to get away. "THEN TAKE IT!!!" A light flashed and suddenly the shadows felt something hit them full force, tearing into their being as they were slowly vaporized. The one who was ahead of its friend turned as the blast hit it dead in the chest, and he saw the strange pony blast of magic as it ripped his friends apart. He could only whisper one thing, "Nightmare Moon..." And the shadow disappeared.
The Performance"This.....is....awesome!" exclaimed a young filly, a huge smile on his face as he looked around the building from his seat. Many of the ponies in the room simply ignored his little outburst, and they quickly turned their eyes back to the stage. His face flushed in embarrassment, until he felt something pull him close. "Are you enjoying yourself?" said a gentle, and kind voice. Turning his head he smiled seeing the eyes of his mother. She had a beautiful pink coat, and gleaming purple eyes filled with amusement and worry. Whether she was worried about how much she was enjoying herself, or being around so many ponies was unknown to him. However, he couldn't help but cuddle closer to his mom, and smiling at her warmth which he loved so much. Smiling more she held her little colt to her chest, and then she felt a hoof on her shoulder. When she looked to her side she smiled seeing her husband who nodded giving her a wink. "Don't worry honey. We will be out of here in no time, but just enjoy yourself for now." She smiled and nodded with a faint smile on her face, before laying her head on his shoulder. He was a light red stallion, with a nice purple mane. However, he was actually just as out of place as her. Their little pony had been begging them to go to a concert in Canterlot for a famous cellist who had a great reputation through all of Equetria. Both parents had been setting aside their money to get tickets to even bring him to the concert. The tickets themselves were already 500 bits, 250 for a younger pony. In truth they even had to cut down on their eating, and work overtime to get enough money, but they managed to keep it hidden from their little colt. Both had barely enough time to get some much needed sleep, and they didn't need him to start worrying about them. But neither could hide the lines below their eyes, and even they had a hard time explaining to their little pony why they seemed a lot more worn out than usual. But when they looked at their young filly, they knew every drop of sweat, and every inch of work was worth seeing him happy. Although they were worked to the bone, both knew that this was his dream and they were glad it had finally come. Looking up he saw his parents had closed their eyes, and were silently resting on each other, and even he couldn't stop a smile from spreading onto his face. "They look so peaceful. I haven't seen them like this in a long time." he thought as he saw their peaceful expressions for the first time in a while. Although he didn't exactly know exactly what his parents were doing the past few months, but it didn't take much to realize that they had worked hard, and now as far as he was concerned they could rest now. Now he could fulfill his dream of actually going to one of his idols concerts, and to actually sit near the front of the theatre was a great experience that he was sure he would remember. When he looked around he saw many other ponies wearing fancy outfits, and murmuring to each other as if someone could be spying on them. Though everything died down, as soon as the lights above started to dim until it was nearly dark. Luckily the lights on the stage brightend and a unicorn with a red mane walked up and said, "Welcome everyone. We thank you all for coming here today to witness our rising star play her music for you all." There was a murmur of excitement that sped through the crowd, but it was quickly silenced when the mare raised her hoof. "Now coming to the stage, Octavia Melody!" "Yes!" he almost screamed, but quickly thought about it and silently said the word. Suddenly the huge red curtains slowly opened revealing an earth pony, with a gray coat, dark gray mane, beautiful purple eyes, and a nice bowtie . In her hooves, she held a beautiful cello, and her smile made his legs shake slightly. "Hello ponies of Canterlot. I'll be playing one of my signature peaces to you today. Please let my music shine in you." The crowd cheered loudly the excitement clear in their eyes, and everyone watched as Octavia finally started playing. The music was alluring, the way it seemed to grow louder and louder, yet lowered to a smoothing and tender sound. Everyone in the room immediately got enraptured into the beautiful music, but he was also paying attention to the cellist herself. The way she seemed at peace when playing her instrument, the way she closed her eyes when getting to what sounded like a relatively hard notE, but she only did it for a second before opening her eyes with a small smile on her face when she knew that she played the note right. The way she played the cellist so tenderly, as if a lover was running her hoof through her special some pony mane. And how although many ponies were watching her, yet she still kept herself professional, and played as if she was preforming in a room with no one to stress about her music. "She is amazing." he turned and he saw that it his mother who had just now awoken from her nap, and his father was also awoken as well. Smiling he hugged his parents closely and they hugged him gently in a warm embrace. When he looked back at the stage he saw that she was still playing and her eyes seemed to look at everyone in the crowd, "Is she looking at me?" he wondered before shaking his head, "No she wouldn't look at some filly she doesn't even know." *** What he didn't know was that she was actually watching him. It wasn't anything special, the only reason she saw him was because he wasn't wearing the greatest attire. The only thing he was wearing was a bandana that she could barely see in the dark, however with her expert eye, she saw how out of place the young colt seemed. As she played she didn't have a hard time picking out his parents, after all who would let a filly into one of her concerts unattended, and much like their son both parents were extremely out of place in the mass of nobility, or common ponies. But her focus remained on the young filly himself, the way he looked at her, his sharp eye, his ears twitching, and his reaction to some of the notes she played. He was watching every movement she did, every sound echoing across the room, and the way her body language reacted to the music, therefore causing the audience themselves to follow her movements. His movements however were precise, and his eyes were very keen, and she couldn't deny the fact that he was actually a curios looking colt. Although looking none older than any young filly his age, he seemed to have an amazing way of reacting and seeing things. Much like she herself also had. *** He felt something bump into him, and quickly said an apology. When he turned he saw that the empty chair next to him was now filled by a white mare, however he couldn't quite see her head in the dark. Shrugging he focused on Octavia again until suddenly he felt something touch his shoulder. Turning his head he saw that the pony was holding out a piece of gum to him. He looked at her surprised but he saw that she was smiling kindly, and nodded for him to take it. When he looked at his parents, his mom nodded at him to take the gum, but his father had a cautious look in his eyes. "Umm.....sure." was all he could manage, but that was enough for the unicorn, and she gave him the piece of gum. They sat in silence listening to the music before he felt awkward for taking the gum from the mare. The least he could do was strike up a conversation so he leaned in and whispered, "She is an amazing musician, right?" Looking at him surprised she simply smiled and nodded. Awkward silence. He then said, "Yes?"This made the mare smile as if amused by his confusion. "But sometimes her music can be kinda boring, I mainly listen to it when I need to get to sleep." This made the mare chuckle a little, "I guess......I mean its true sometimes her music can be a bit....boring." Now the mare was laughing softly, and she gently nudged his shoulder before they went back to looking at Octavia play her song. Occasionally he would say a little something about how good a certain cord was, or how boring one was, and they would both laugh heartily. Surprisingly the mare was actually pretty friendly, and despite the fact that he was talking a lot she patiently listened to what he had to say, and laughed when he said something funny, but they were getting hard looks from other ponies, including his own mother and father, but then they just smiled, after all they had brought him here to have fun. After a couple more minutes into the show, Octavia finally ended it with a extremely long and emotional note from her cello. The crowd cheered loudly, and stomped their hooves in approval. However, suddenly music blared from the mare beside him causing the whole room the jump in surprise. The mare smiled nervously and worked to turn her music off, but the colt looked at her confused. "Where was the music coming from?" he thought as it blared loudly. Then he noticed that there seemed to be something dangling around the mare's neck, but it seemed to be were the music was coming from. Soon she managed to turn it off, but that didn't stop everyone from looking at her. However, she just ignored the looks, and started stomping her hooves for Octavia. Everyone was is a silent confusion as the mare applauded Octavia. However, the colt next to her rubbed his head. In truth he felt very bad for his new friend, and he didn't like how everyone looked at her. Suddenly he stood right beside her and started stomping his hooves in applause with her. Everyone looked in surprise, but he didn't care. After all despite everything he was applauding Octavia, and helping his friend. Suddenly to his surprise his parents joined in, and they started cheering for Octavia not caring if they were embarrassed. Well it was more like that they didn't want their young colt to be embarrassed, or at least they didn't want him embarrassed alone. Suddenly another filly started stomping her hooves and cheering, and eventually her parents joined, and then to his surprise everyone started a loud cheer for Octavia. The cellist herself seemed to visibly shrink in embarrassment, but nonetheless applause was applause so she bowed regardless, but he could have sworn that she was looking at the mare next to him. *** "Oh Celestia save me! What is she doing here?!" Octavia thought, smacking an invisible hoof against her face, "I thought she was still in Ponyville." Sighing Octavia simply smiled and accepted the praise of the crowd, after all she had seen weirder things in Ponyville. Although she wasn't thrilled to see the mare there, she was still focused on the young colt. The way he stood up and clapped despite the embarrassment his companion brought upon herself. She didn't recognize the colt from anywhere so she guessed that the two had just met, but he still stood up despite that. But she also noticed a strange light of adventure in his eyes when he watched her concert, but soon a devious thought was in her mind. Although she wasn't particularly fond of those kinds of thoughts, she was willing to make an acceptation this time. Walking up she gently tapped the mic quieting the crowd so she could speak freely, "Thank you for allowing me to play for you tonight. Im happy that I could play my music for all to hear, and I hope you take everything I played tonight to heart." The crowd clapped in approval of her speech, except for a couple who decided to give a very loud whistles of approval. Clearing her throat she continued. "But now I wish for you all to stay, because I am going to choose someone from the crowd to play with me." Immediately all the young fillies in the crowd were jumping up wanting to be picked to play with the famous cellist. But even in the crowd of fillies she saw that the one filly she wanted to pick was still at his seat. *** "Aren't you gonna go up there dear?" said his mother said as the young fillies clamored trying to get Octavia's attention. The young colt sank in his seat his eyes focused on the ground bellow him ground. "Its not that I don't want to, but I doubt she would pick me." he said rather pathetically, and his mother pulled him closer to a warm hug. The mare beside him however was looking at Octavia, and she saw that Octavia's attention was actually focused on the young colt himself. Although the mare had came in the middle of Octavia's pieces, she too saw how the little filly reacted to the earth ponies music. She also knew what Octi was planning, and a smile crept onto her face as an idea popped into her mind. Suddenly the colt felt himself being lifted out of his mother's embrace by a very strong yank. But when he turned around to see who the culprit was, he saw that he was actually floating in the air surrounded by a beautiful purple aura. When he looked to his side he was greeted with the huge smile of the white mare, who started toward the stage with him in tow. *** "Luna help us all! She could have at least done it in a more subtle matter!" Octavia thought but then silently shook away the thought. If she knew anything about the white mare, it was that subtly was never her thing. All eyes turned to the mare, and the young colt, who looked like he wanted to go home and hide under his bed, but she wouldn't let him. Instead she trotted up to the stage ignoring the criticizing stares of her fellow ponies, and ignoring the fact the the young colt was struggling to get away from her magical grip. Soon when they were at the foot she tossed him onto the stage, before walking onto it herself. Octavia sighed and looked at the white mare as the stage light made it easier to see her, however she already knew who it was. In front of everyone stood a white mare, with purple shades, a glowing purple horn, and a cutie mark that had two mirrored eighth notes, and what appeared to be headphones around her neck. Octavia couldn't stand the cool expression on the pony's face. Then her eyes went to the young colt, and it actually surprised her what he looked like. The young pony was whiter then even the mares coat, and although he was dirty, the lighting nearly made his body glisten like silver. But his eyes caught her off guard the most, the way they seemed to be reflecting stars themselves, and the fact that it seemed to glisten in the bright lights. When she observed him closer he flinched at her searching gaze, but she saw that he had no cutie mark, but she wondered what it could be in the future. He looked up at her with fright and awe, which returned it with a small gentle smile of encouragement. Then someone cleared their throat behind her and she turned and saw that it was the red haired mare, and she looked at the colt and the mare skeptically. "Excuse me, but may I ask who are you?" by her tone she sounded annoyed rather than curious, indicating that she didn't really care about names as long as the two got off the stage. But the white mare simply smiled and shrugged. Octavia shook her head slapping a hoof to her face, and now the spokes mare looked at the unicorn with undeniable annoyance. "Ok....who are YOU." A smile spread across the the unicorns face, but before she could answer someone in the crowd yelled, "Oh Celestia! It's DJPON-3!" *** His jaw dropped, and he could have sworn it would have hit the ground. SHE was DJ PON-3! The crowd gasped in unison before bursting out in applause and cheers as they recognized another one of the best musicians in Equestria. The red haired mare gulped and quickly walked off stage, but the Dj took no notice and simply waved to her fans, and nodded her head to those who were asking for an autograph. He himself had never seen the musician, but he had heard many of her songs from what little friends he had. Although it wasn't particularly his type of music he couldn't deny that her songs got his blood pumping, and made him shake to the beat. And he saw that the description his friends gave him was completely right, though some rumors had speculated that she was actually a Pegasus, but now that he was looking at her he knew that wasn't the case. A sigh sounded behind him and he saw Octavia giving an annoyed look at her fellow musician. "Was she angry about the other musician interrupting her concert?" he thought, and then the cellist got up and walked toward the unicorn. "Oh no! Is she going to start something!?" he looked at the unicorn worried, but then Octavia stopped and picked up the mic instead. *** "Sorry for the interruption lady and gentle colts, but yes let's give a round of applause for DJ PON-3." Once again the crowd cheered and stomped for the DJ, but Octavia tapped the mic for silence. "But now we need to get back done to business, and I'm interested in who our young friends is." She turned and looked down at the young colt, and held the microphone out to him, "What is your name my little pony." *** Now he really did want to go and hide under his bed. The cellist held the microphone close to his mouth a big smile on her face. Celestia, did she put way to much faith in him. His legs were shaking crazily and his eyes watered slightly in embarrassment as all eyes were now on him. Although he probably looked fine on the outside, on the inside he was a nervous wreck. Words were lost to him, and even if he could have said anything he feared that they would only fall on deaf ears. Why was he having so much trouble just saying his name? He looked down at the floor ashamed, but then he felt something touch his shoulder. When he looked to see what it was, he saw that Octavia had laid a gentle hoof on his shoulder. She herself knew stage fright when she saw it, after all she was one of the greatest musicians, but the only reason she ever was able to play before was because someone had laid a hand on her shoulder before, a certain white mare. Then he turned to DJ PON-3 and saw that she was still smiling but she nodded her head as if to say she had a weird understanding of how he was feeling. Now his eyes looked toward the crowd, the many different ponies, unicorns, pegasi, and what few earth pony nobles there were. But they weren't what he was looking for, but when then Octavia pointed at a specific part of the crowd. And when he looked there, Celestia's mercy there were his parents! They looked so out of place in crowd of ponies, and they looked at everyone around them nervously, but when they caught there son's eyes, smiles spread across their faces, and his mother even waved her hoof as if to tell him that to go ahead. Sighing, he felt his muscles relax but only slightly, he shook his head, before clearing his throat and saying, "My name is Silver Spirit." *** "Alright ponies we are gonna take Silver here backstage, and I swear when we come back out he'll be playing with us like a professional." Everyone stomped their hooves, and soon then they moved to the bar at the side of the room, but none left the room everyone to eager how the two musicians could do in such a short amount of time. Smiling the cellist turned off the mic and then turned to Silver, "Silver Spirit, that name fits you well." He blushed at her comment which made her smile, until she felt something brush up beside her. The cellist turned and saw that "DJ-PON-3" was nodding toward her with a smile that seemed to be an apology smile. Octavia sighed, and nodded her acceptance, before looking at Silver intently, "If you will follow me Mr.Silver, we will get you your instrument backstage." Silver gulped but the mare was already walking toward a door labeled "back stage", so he really had no other choice but to follow. *** "Now back to business." Octavia said as she closed the door behind her, "It may be hard to believe Vinyl, but I'm actually happy your here." "Vinyl? So that was her name." Silver thought to himself as he watched the two mares as they trotted down a hallway. Vinyl looked at Octavia with a nervous smile on her face, but she didn't say anything, but gave a small shrug. "So what? Can she not say anything? Was she a mute?" Silver shook his head in confusion, but Octavia continued "Don't you have a gig tonight Vinyl? Shouldn't you be getting ready?" Octavia still had annoyance in her voice, but Vinyl smiled and took no notice. All she did was give a small shake of her head giving Octavia her answer. Octavia shook her head with a sigh, "Alright I guess I can go along with this. Just swear next time you want to come to my concerts, tell me first, okay?" Vinyl gave Octavia a look that said "really?" However Octavia seemed to give her own look that said, "Try me?" Trotting over to Silver she smiled and said, "Well you heard me out there. We are gonna find you and instrument so you can play with us on stage." Silver looked up at her surprised then looked down at his hooves in embarrassment, making Octavia look at him worried. "Is everything ok?" she asked as Vinyl went into another room. "Well you see Ms. Melody I've......never played an instrument before." he couldn't stop the light blush that kept onto his face, but then he heard some weird clatter from the other room. Suddenly there was a crash making both earth ponies jump, but both sighed when Vinyl poked her head out giving them a smile before going back in. Octavia sighed but smiled and Silver couldn't help but smile with her. But then the question still bugged Silver for some reason, "Umm Miss Melody...is DJ...Vinyl a mute?" Octavia looked at him surprised before regaining her posture, "Why are you asking me?" Silver noticed the defensive tone she had so he rubbed his head embarrassed and nervously, "Well you both seem to know each other well, and...well you have an odd way of talking to her normally even though she doesn't seem to speak. Yet even though she can't seem to reply, you seem to be....use to it." Octavia smiled impressed, "Very insightful, but your not the first to ask me that. However the answer is quiet obvious. She is my sister." Silver nearly fell to the ground in amazement and disbelief. "Y-your sister?!" he stuttered as he tried to get a grip on the new information. Octavia seemed amused at his reaction and said, "Ironically, your not the first to react like that, and I doubt you'll be the last either. I'm actually surprised people haven't figured it out by now." Silver cleared his mind and smiling he said, "Well you two are so different it's kinda hard to see anything…sisterly between you both. Though I admit now that I know it's kinda easy to see why not." Again Octavia smiled, "Your smart for a filly of your age, but we still need to teach you how to play an instrument." She nodded toward the couch and both sat down as Tavi took out a book labeled "MUSIC FOR DUMMIES". *** For the next couple minutes she taught him the basic notes, and how to count in time with the music. How to stomp his hoof for counting, and to get a good beat going. And he even learned some note names, though since Vinyl hadn't come back with an instrument for him yet, they limited to the simple things he needed to know. Which only made him ask her a simple question, "How would Vinyl know what kind of instrument I can play?" Octavia smiled and gave him a calm reply, "Although Vinyl can be rather....quiet at times, for some odd reason she has an incredible knack for finding the instrument that fits a person best." This only made the young colt scratch his head more, "How could she possibly know that?" At that the mare shrugged, "I don't entirely know how she does certain things, or why she constantly does so many things." she said with an annoyance that made Silver chuckle, "But when I asked her, she just shrugged and listened to her music." He once again looked at her confused, but before he could ask another question a crash behind them made both ponies look up in surprise. Vinyl was shoving a pile of instruments that had fallen out of the closet back in, but her strength wasn't the best and after a while she flat out slammed the door with her magic. Silver noticed that she held what looked like a smaller version of a clarinet, and it seemed to be very rusted and slightly molded. Suddenly Octavia stood up and walked up to her roommate, "No." Vinyl looked at her surprised, but Octavia shook her head, "I know you have knack for finding what instruments best fit a pony, but I am not letting this young filly touch an inch of the retched looking instrument." Rolling her eyes Vinyl walked over to the sink and started cleaning the strange instrument. She nodded for Silver to come over and watch closely in case he ever needed to clean it again, "Wait so I'm keeping this instrument?" The blue haired mare nodded, and in a couple strokes of her towel it was all cleaned despite a couple chipped spots. Vinyl pulled the instrument out of the sink and handed it to Silver with a smile, but Octavia was the one who said, "This instrument is called a recorder, and it's one of the more simpler instruments, but that doesn't stop it from making beautiful music." *** And for the next couple of minutes the two mares taught him many things. Both had to play the recorder in their university days, and they still remembered a lot from their old teachers. Although Octavia was wondering why Vinyl had chosen such a simple instrument, now that it was clean enough to be playable, she trusted her choice for now. And she had to admit, for a young colt just starting to play he was a natural. He easily learned the the first couple of notes, and even did a small filly lullaby on it. Octavia taught him how to play the instrument, and commented on what sounded right, and how to fix it, if the sound was to noticeably bad. Vinyl on the other hand taught the young colt how to play with a little style, give a nod here and there, occasionally shaking to the music or beat. Silver himself was concentrating hard on playing a certain hard note, or else Octavia would scowled him. Although both were being a little more strict he knew they were doing it just to make sure he was ready for the big event. Thoughts about the evening clouded his mind, and at that certain moment he lost concentration and blew a wrong note. Vinyl and Octavia turned from his music sheet to him and he looked down ashamed at himself for messing up, but Octavia just patted his head gently. "It's ok Silver it's not the end of the world, and I'm sure you'll do great out there." He smiled at her, happy that she put so much faith in him, especially to play with them in front of a crowd. Suddenly the door opened and the red maned unicorn entered again, "The ponies are waiting for you." When the three nodded she left, and Silver took a deep breath, "Are you sure I can do this?" he asked, hesitation was clear in his voice. Vinyl smiled at the nervous filly, and she brushed a hoof through his mane before to his surprise she took off her glasses. Her eyes were a beautiful red, and they were laced with confidence. "I-is that confidence for me?" Vinyl smiled and gently nuzzled his cheek before nodding as if answering his question. Silver smiles and Octavia sighed but couldn't hold back the smile on her face, after all even though her sister was strange she admired Vinyl for her kind nature at times. Finally all three trotted out the door and onto the stage. *** When everyone saw the musicians return they immediately stopped what they were doing and walked back towards their seats. They did their best to hide their excitement, after all two of the best musicians were playing on stage, and they promised to teach a random colt to play with them. Their eyes were soon drawn to the young colt himself, and they were amazed. His coat seemed to glow like silver under the lights of the stage, and his eyes glowed like stars in the night sky. But they were also curious about the instrument he held in his hooves. It looked strange and alien to them, a totally different instrument compared to Octavia's cello, and it was also different from the records Vinyl carried onto the stage. "Vinyl, where did you even get those records?" Octavia asked as Vinyl set up her player on a small desk she found in the back. Vinyl shrugged and tested out a record, before turning to Octavia, and nodding toward a couple of records in boxes at the back of the stage. Silver sighed and started testing his Recorder. There were holes on the instrument, and every time he covered one and blowed, a nice sound would come out, but he had to remember the exact notes to play. Luckily, he had a photographic memory, or so Octavia claimed, so he could easily remember the notes, and his eyes looked up at the music on his stand. He felt something brush against him, and he turned to see the gentle eyes of Octavia. "Don't worry Silver, just play the notes and you'll be fine. And if you mess up no one will laugh at you, I promise" he looked at her surprised, and Vinyl saluted him before going back to work. The crowd waited patiently for the three ponies to start, their curiosity keeping them in place. Octavia took up her cello, Vinyl smiled nodding that she was ready, Silver took in a deep breath and then placed the instrument in his mouth. Before he played however his eyes fell on his parents, somehow they had gotten seats closer to the stage. They both looked.....scared. They were frightened for him. Would he mess up? Would he embarrass himself? What exactly was he gonna do? Those were the questions going through their minds, as they looked to their little colt with worry, after all they had never seen him pick up an instrument before. Taking in a deep breath he closed his eyes and played. Every ponies eyes widened in amazement, as he played what seemed like a small happy tune. However the notes he played slowly grew and grew, and the crowd felt themselves staring to sway with the growing tempo. And then suddenly Octavia slowly and gracefully started to play, though it was a nice and soothing sound that only seemed to increase the smooth and cool feeling in every ones heart. then their eyes widened as Vinyl started her record and the sound of silver bells filled the room, now bringing in a nice cheerful and carefree motion. But suddenly all three played a short but powerful note and Octavia now took the reigns of the song and with Vinyl who played the sounds of trumpets and bells in the back ground it was now a powerful barrage of notes, like a strong stallion's hooves pounding the ground for the next harvest in Equestria. What the crowd failed to notice was that Silver himself had stopped playing. No the young colt was waiting for the right moment, and soon it came. He started playing a now soothing yet joyful melody, and soon Octavia joined in, and then Vinyl with her recording building up to powerful cord of notes. And a sense of wonder filled the room as if they were all flying through the air as graceful as a pegasi flying toward a beautiful sunset, and the crowd felt their hairs stand on end as the three musicians played on and the room lit up in a beautiful blue light as Vinyl took control of the stage lights. And then it started once again with a soothing melody before exploding into powerful and demanding tone, as a beautiful shade of purple fell on the room. But then Silver Spirit played one last cord of notes as Octavia cello, and Vinyl slowly faded into the background. And playing the last three notes he slowly pulled the instrument out of his mouth, as a beautiful silver glow shined on him, like the magic of a unicorn slowly fading into the night. *** Everpony was on their hooves cheering wildly at the three musicians who had just played a wonderful piece of music. Silver sighed in exhaustion but Vinyl saluted to the audience a large smile on her face, and Octavia had a cool and experienced look on her face as she gave a small nod to the crowd. Soon the applause died down and Vinyl let Octavia adress the crowd, "Thank you all for coming today. We are so happy you decided to join us today. Now give a round of applause for Vinyl-" The crowd cheered and Vinyl nodded her head in silent approval, before Octavia spoke. "I'm happy I had the pleasure to play with her!" Now it was Octavia's turn to be bombarded by cheers, and she shook her head but she just smiled and ignored the loud cheers. But Octavia sighed and made her way to Silver, and Vinyl did the same and they both played their hooves on their shoulder and Octavia said, "Give a round of applause for Silver Spirit!" If the crowd was cheering now they were storming as they stamped their hooves loudly and a chant filled the room. Silver! Silver! Silver!" Silver Spirit blushed in embarrassment as he tried to hide his face, but Vinyl and Octavia held him firmly in place to prevent him from fleeing off stage. But Octavia leaned over and whispered, "Well done Silver! I knew you could do it." Silver looked up at Octavia who gave him a proud smile, and Octavia nudged his shoulder and nodded her agreement. Now instead of hiding his face Silver smiled at the crowd, a warm smile on his face. He had learned to play an instrument, played with his two idols in front of ponies in Canterlot, and he had done his parent proud. "Could my life be any better?" He asked himself as he looked into the proud eyes of his parents in the crowd. But it would not last... Author's Note Ok guys. These first few chapters are meant to simply introduce one of the main characters, and to give you his back story. However if you find his backstory boring, or your not interested and just want to start this Lunar republic, then please skip to change 3 were things really pick up.
The DealSlowly the crowd started to leave, but each and everyone of them went up to the three musicians and nearly sung their praise, and they especially gave praise to the newest musician for his courage and his skill. Silver Spirit was shy and was embarrassed, but luckily the two mares that had taught, and played by his side were there doing their best to redirect any of the nobles trying to stretch out a simple "well done." Vinyl with her quiet and well mannered attitude tended to take the nobles off guard, and made them feel especially awkward when she just smiled and nodded to whatever they said. Though it was probably because, she didn't really care what they thought, or didn't want to speak. Octavia with her understanding of nobles and the way she could turn the subject of a conversation, and completely turn it into something else made it hard for the nobles to pin her down. Silver guessed it was because she was use to the company of the nobles of Canterlot. Luckily nearly every noble was gone, save for the ones who decided to stay awhile, and have a couple words with the two mares individually. Silver noticed that two ponies were still waiting for him in their seats, and he knew that he needed to go to them, and make sure they were ok. Vinyl noticed were he was looking, and she gave him a nudge getting his attention. She smiled and nodded at his as if saying, "go on." Taking his leave, but giving a quick thankful nod to Vinyl, Silver turned and trotted over to the two ponies that brought him to the concert in the first place. His mother and father saw him approaching, and he felt himself beam as he saw happy smiles spread across their faces, and maybe even a little relief. "Silver! You did such a great job honey. I'm so proud of you!" his mother squealed and pulled him into a bone crushing bear hug. The white pony himself didn't mind and he gladly returned the hug, "Thank you mother." When she finally let go of him he thought he could breath, but then he was pulled into another hug from his father, who ruffled his sons hair playfully. "Good job my boy! We are so proud of you." The young colt hugged back, glad that his parents were so proud of him. Then her heard the sound of hooves, his father let him go, and all three ponies looked and saw Vinyl was walking toward the stage, but Octavia smiled and waved him over. Smiling Silver quickly trotted over, "What's going on Octavia?" She smiled in return, "How about you invite you parents back stage so me and Vinyl can have a word with them." He tilted his head, "Why? Did I do anything wrong." Octavia saw the look of fear in his eyes, but she just smiled and shook her head. "No don't worry, we just wanna talk, pony to pony. No big deal." He was still skeptical, but he nodded and trotted back over to his parents. "Everything alright sweetheart." his mother asked, curious to know what the blue mate said to him. "Octavia asked if we could all go backstage, and have a little talk." Both parents looked at each other in surprise, and then worry. Silver saw this and quickly said, "W-we don't have to go! I can just tell her......something." They looked at their filly's worried face and then they sighed in unison, but his father said, "I guess it won't hurt to say hi to them." Although his voice sounded grave Silver either didn't notice, or was too excited to care. Either way he led his parents to the stage, and up the stairs to the back door. His parents looked at the huge stage in wonder for they hadn't realized how big it really was. Silver cleared his throat to get their attention back, and he opened the door and led them down the stairs. Soon he was in the same halfway the two musicians took him down. And he saw Octavia's name on one of the doors. He looked back at his parents and he could see just how nervous they were just being in the hallway, but he knew they had a good reason to. They weren't at their farm, they were in the city, and he couldn't deny that they looked really out of place in this different setting. He knocked on the door, and after a couple seconds the door opened, and a blue haired mare stuck her head now. She smiled and gave Silver a hoof bump. Then she turned her gaze to the nervous parents, but her smile didn't waver, instead she nodded her head as if to say "welcome." They nodded shyly, but Vinyl just nodded and moved out of the doorway holding it open for them to enter. Silver remembered the room well and gladly took his seat on one of the couches, but his parents stayed standing looking at the room awkwardly. "Celestia help them!" he thought sadly and he patted the open space next to him. Both looked at him hesitantly, but before they could do anything, the sound of glass crashing made them jump.Vinyl looked down at a glass cup she had knocked over, but she quickly worked to pick it up, but she jumped back grunting in pain. Silver trotted over quickly, "Vinyl are you ok-" he then noticed that there was a cut on her leg. She saw his look of worry, and quickly waved him of trying to shoo him away. His parents trotted over and looked to see what was wrong, and they to were stunned by what they saw. "Hmm the cut looks deep." His father said as he examined the cut closely. His mother looked at Vinyl worried, "Do you have any bandages here...umm Vinyl." The blue haired mare nodded and attempted to get up but Silver saw her frown in pain, and he quickly made her sit back down, "Vinyl your hurt. Just point to where they are and I'll get them." Sighing inwardly, Vinyl pointed at a door that seemed to lead to a bathroom. "Umm.....I'm guessing it's under the sink." Vinyl smiled and nodded and Silver quickly made his way to the bathroom. However, Silvers mother looked at the wound and saw that blood had started dripping from it. "Oh dear, honey do you mind helping Vinyl to the couch." He nodded and they both slowly helped Vinyl get to the couch, and luckily Silver arrived with the first aid kit. His mother quickly took the kit and she dug into it and picked up some disinfectant and wetted a rag, while her husband got the stitches ready. Vinyl seemed to squirm when she saw the needle, making Silver frown in worry, "What's wrong Vinyl? Scared of needles?" The blue haired mare shook her head making him rub his chin, "Umm are you afraid of.....my parents?" At this she nodded her head, and Silver turned to his parents. "I think Vinyl worried about your skills with a needle." he said as gently as he could, but his parents understood her nervousness. "I can't blame her for not fully trusting us, after all we barely know each other. However, Vinyl in my free time I volunteered as a nurse so I know what I'm doing, so I ask you to please trust me." Vinyl looked at the old pink mare, the confidence in her tired eyes, the way the spoke, the air of knowledge around her. She felt it all, and it was a little overwhelming. Finally, Vinyl nodded her head in mute agreement and the pink mare smiled, "Alright then," she turned to her husband, "honey do you have the stitches ready?" He shook his head, "Sorry hon, it looks like we don't have enough string." At this she shook her head, "Ok, do you mind helping Vinyl with the disinfectant while I look for more string." He nodded and took the rag from her. With it he trotted over to Vinyl, "Sorry Vinyl, but do you mind..." She slowly nodded and held out her hoof with the cut. He looked at the cut cringing at its savage look, but after a couple swipes of the rag the cut was cleaned and stopped bleeding. Of course that didn't stop Vinyl from flinching and gritting her teeth at the stinging pain and closing her eyes. Silver's mom finally found the stitches and slowly trotted over looking at the cut, "Hmm looks like it's all clean. Now Vinyl this is gonna hurt, but it will be over soon. Now do you want something for you to bite on, after all we would usually numb the spot, but there aren't any painkillers here." Vinyl scratched her chin before nodding, making the pink mare look at Silver confused. Silver looked at Vinyl then his mother, "I think she means yes." Nodding his mother gave Vinyl a smooth piece of wood which Vinyl put between her teeth. "Ok, here goes." she said, and with good accuracy she punctured the skin. Vinyl bit on the stick, and Silver could have sworn if she had bitten any harder then she would have snapped it in half. The blue mare did her best to stay still, but the pain was intense. The sound pain the needle caused when it punctured her skin, over and over again, the sound of the strings twanging when she threaded the needle, and then the sickening yank of her skin when the pink mare yanked the needle back. The pink mare had to admire the blue mare for her efforts of keeping still, however she wasn't even halfway done yet the skin was throbbing, and blood started to trickle down the cut once again, but she didn't fail to notice the fact that the blue haired mare was shaking violently as sweat poured down her face into her eyes. Silver felt sorry for his friend, the way she shook in pain. How her muscles in her leg seemed to spasm especially around the wound. And the pain and suffering on her face was to much. It was true he had just met the pony, and until today he had only heard of her and her music. This wasn't just because he now considered her a friend, but it was also because he didn't want any pony to suffer like this. He slowly pulled himself onto the couch, and wrapped his front legs around her neck in a hug. "I'm sorry Vinyl...I'm sorry." Vinyl looked at him surprised, but she herself wrapped her free hoof around him pulling him closer. Silver's mother smiled at her little colts action and she soon has the wound stitched and Silver's father quickly wiped away any remaining blood. His parents soon started packing up, but his mother handed him some bandages. "Remember, not too tight so it doesn't cut of the blood circulation, but not to slack that it allows air through." Silver nodded and quickly took the bandages and nodded to Vinyl who spat out the stick.Vinyl extended her hoof and Silver started wrapping her leg. "My mother is trying to teach me about medicine, and she is trying to get me to be a doctor." He smiled, "I don't think I would look very well in a doctor's coat though, but luckily it seems I've found something different." Vinyl smiled and listened to the filly's gentle talk, although she knew he was trying to start simple small talk to distract her. His parents smiled at the two and his father put the medical kit back under the sink. When he finished his mother checked over the bandages, "Very good Silver! Your nearly a pro." Silver blushed but Vinyl nodded in agreement and gently pulled Silver into a hug. Silver smiled and hugged his friend back, and his parents smiled at one another. Before anyone could say anything, however the door opened wide and in walked in Octavia with a tired look on her face. "Vinyl I can't seem to find-" Octavia realized the company and quickly smiled in greeting. "Welcome, I hope Vinyl's-" She stopped short when she realized that Vinyl had part of her front legs bandaged. "Celestia! What happened?" Octavia said worry crossing her face and Silver moved out of the way as she trotted over. Luckily Silver's mother explained, "Well Vinyl was trying to get a glass to drink, but she knocked it over and cut herself on the glass. Luckily, we managed to stitch it up, and Silver bandaged it." Octavia looked at them surprised, but soon it was replaced by a look of gratitude. "Thank you so much. Vinyl can be a little clumsy at times," Octavia looked at her sister, "But she is still my sister, and my responsibility." Vinyl rolled her eyes, but smiled at Octavia and the other ponies in the room smiled at their exchange. Octavia cleared her throat and trotted over to the two other ponies, "Welcome, I know this wasn't exactly the kind of welcome you were expecting, so please excuse us if we are unprepared. Vinyl and me are happy to have you here, and I hope we leave in good tidings." Although Octavia appeared to speak in a highborn accent, her soothing voice and calm demeanor made them both feel at peace. "Please take a seat, me and Vinyl will be with you shortly." Though they were still hesitant, they didn't want to be rude, and soon both were seated on the couch getting comfortable. Smiling in triumph Octavia then turned to Silver, "Go ahead, and take a seat Silver , me and Vinyl will handle the kitchen work." The little colt nodded and sat with his parents, and Octavia went to the mini kitchen and the work began. *** They family looked at the meal in front of them in a stunned silence. Octavia had made a simple, yet exquisite meal, some warm soup, a marvelous fruit salad, and she even lit a candle in the middle of the table, and made all five of them a nice chocolate fudge cake with ice cream for dessert. Vinyl also contributed to the meal, a bowl of potato chips, a mini pizza, a couple breadsticks, and when Octavia volunteered to make some tea, Vinyl interjected and took out some apple cider she bought from AJ a couple hours ago. The parents gladly took a mug for themselves, and Octavia relented and took one for herself, but the parents asked Vinyl not to give one to Silver. "Aww why not?" he asked looking at his parents desperately. His mother took a small sip, and then looked at him, "Because it's not meant for fillies, and I am your mother." He grumbled, but Vinyl smiled and popped him a soda, as she thought of something. They started eating slowly, wanting to savor the food, and they started some small talk. "So your family were originally nobles?" Octavia asked as she took a bite of her cake. Silvers father smiled and nodded, "Yes my great grandfather was a pony of noble birth. But a political maneuver in the Canterlot court cost us all our wealth. All we had was a small farm, and it still stands today, and it will stay like that until I pass." His wife smiled at the pride in his voice, and Octavia found herself respecting him more. "I commend you for that, I could never sleep in a rusty old barn," realizing the way she said it she rushed to correct herself, "I mean-" He laughed and waved her off, and his wife smiled at Octavia and said, "It's ok darling, I know farm life isn't suited for someone of your class." Octavia cleared her throat and spoke her next words slowly, "I meant I don't think I could handle being thrusted into an environment different from what I'm use to. And I respect your family for making the best of what they have." All three smiled and raised their mugs in the air, and then took a sip from them together. Vinyl on the other hand was listening to Silver talking, but then she pointed a questioning hoof at him. He looked at her confused before glancing at himself, "Are you asking about my flank?" When she nodded her head embarrassed all he did was smile. "Don't worry your not the first to ask me about it." At this he thought for a moment then shrugged, "Dunno, my parents said that's how I was born, my flank glowing a bright silver color. The doctor said that I might be a special pony. But I don't feel anything special about me, I'm just your average earth pony." Vinyl shrugged, but she still felt uneasy for some reason, like she had on stage when his flank started glowing silver. She wasn't exactly an expert on magic, however she did know what magic felt like, and for some reason it felt like magic was shimmering over his flank on stage. Before she could think deeper, she felt Silver tap her, shaking her from her thoughts, "W-what?" Silver tilted his head confused, "I asked where did you get your glasses?" Vinyl rubbed her head, but gave him a smile and shook her head. And with that she chugged down her last mug of cider. The table was finally cleared out of all plates, but Vinyl gave the family a jug of apple cider that they gladly accepted. Now Octavia cleared her throat grabbing everyone's attention. "Now let us discuss the reason we invited you back here." *** The parents looked at Octavia a little surprised at her serious tone, but Octavia didn't lose stride. "Your little filly showed a lot of talent, and promise tonight, and he learned a great deal in only twenty-five minutes. That's something an apt pupil in music could only hope to accomplish." The family listened to what Octavia was saying, but out of all of them Silver was surprised the most. He hadn't expected to hear such praise go to him, especially from her, and he was glad he could impress. "However," she said looking at them intently, "we do not wish to see that kind of talent go to waste. So with your permission, we wish to take him under our wings." Vinyl raised on eyebrow and looked at her bare flank, and looked at Octavia, who sighed, "Figuratively. We will teach him, how to play his instrument, and introduce him to new instruments. He will be able to further able to expand his abilities, and his intelligence. And he will receive lunch, but will be home in time for dinner if you ask. And in return we will pay you, so we can have a chance to teach this young filly in the way of music." The family was stunned into silence at their words, and Spirit himself felt his heart beating in his chest, and it nearly rang in his ears. "T-that sounds like a great idea-" he gulped and looked at his wife, then back to Octavia and Vinyl. "Well it's a great idea, but..." Octavia looked at them confused, but Vinyl understood their hesitation and she nudged her sister who sighed, but followed her out of the room. Octavia closed the door behind her, and sighed looking at Vinyl "I don't understand what the big deal is. I simply asked them if they wanted us to train their little pony how to play music. It's not like I'm going to take their colt away or something." Vinyl sighed, "It may not be a hard decision for you Tavi, but to them they aren't sure what to make of our offer. Just give them time and they will decide what best for their colt." Vinyls voice echoed in Octavia's head. Octavia shuddered, but nodded, "I see your point. It's just that I don't want to waste that colts abilities. Even you have to admit Vinyl that he has great potential, but I don't want his parents holding him back." Vinyl smiled at her best friend, and placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Don't worry Octi. I'm good at reading people, and I doubt his parents are bad people. And I'm sure they are nothing like...ours." Octavia looked at Vinyl who gave her a smile of encouragement, causing the troubled musician to smile. "Your right.....of course your right." Octavia shook her head, "Well I guess all we can do is wait, and I'm going to go get a drink of water." Vinyl smiled at her sister's new confidence, and said, "Ok then I'll join you." They made their way down the hall Vinyl snickered causing Octavia to look at her curiously. "What's so funny?" Octavia asked raising an eyebrow. Vinyl smiled, "I think that stare you gave them might have scared them into kicking us out of the room." Octavia stopped, but Vinyl broke into a gallop toward the water fountain at the end of the long hall. "Excuse me!!" Octavia shouted and galloped after her sister, but was laughing loudly. *** Silver looked at his parents, who looked at the floor awkwardly. None had expected Octavia to ask that question, and both parents didn't know how to go about it. They wanted to talk about it in private, but they couldn't bare it considering the subject of their talk was right next to them. The family could feel the tension was hot in the air, and they all felt uneasy looking at one another, if they managed to lift their heads. Finally his father cleared his throat and said, "Well this was...surprising for all of us, but let's get down to business." He turned his head to Silver who was looking up at him with worried eyes. His father's eyes softened, and he pulled Silver closer to him, "I just have a simple question for you Silver, and I want you to answer me truthfully. Don't just say something I want to hear. I want to hear your opinion about this." Silver gulped, but nodded in understanding as he braced himself. "Do you want to train with Vinyl, and Octavia?" Silver felt his heart beat rising, every muscle in his body tense, and his breathing grew shallow. He knew the question was coming, but he didn't have an answer. They question had already flashed into his mind before his father ever asked him, and he had no clue what his answer was, and he was admittedly scared for his life. He felt like an ant in a large world were anything could step on you in a moments notice, the fear, the cloud of life or death over his head, he had no doubt that he was absolutely terrified. But that all vanished when his father finally said, "You want to go with them don't you?" He asked looking at his son with knowing eyes. Silver looked at his father in relief, and slowly but surely nodded his head. Sighing his father nodded before saying, "Ok good, now please go out into the hall, your mother and I need to discuss this." Silver bowed his head, and quickly made his way toward the door, and when it was closed both parents gave a sigh of relief. "Well you heard his answer." he said as he gazed at his wife curious to hear what she thought of the matter. At first she gave n passer, her eyes stayed glued to the ground, however she slowly nodded her head in acknowledgement, "Mhm." Silence. Clearing his throat again, he said, "Well I guess we should honor his answer, and we can tell the two mares that it's a deal." He got up and slowly started to trot to the door, but his wife's voice stopped him, "Wait...honey." Turning back he watched as she trotted up to him, the worry in her eyes indicated something was wrong. She stopped and looked into his eyes, and he noticed that there were bags under her eyes, "Sweetie are you ok-" She raised a hoof to silence him, and she smiled, "Don't you worry about me honey, after all your eyes don't look any better than mine." A chuckle escaped him, "I guess your right." Both shared a small chuckle, but soon she was looking at him again, worry returning to her eyes, "Are you going to be alright honey. I mean it won't be easy running the farm all by yourself, and if he goes you won't be able to teach him how to run the blasted farm. And you've been working day in and day out, so you've tired yourself out enough-" Now it was him who raised a hoof for silence, "You shouldn't worry about me honey, don't forget, he won't be there to help you carry supplies back to the farm if he goes with them. I can handle the farm just like I have before, but I should be asking if YOUR going to be alright." She smiled and gave his cheek a small kiss, "I'm not dead yet, and I won't let a little work slow me down. And I don't expect you to slow down either." Both smiled, and he looked at the door, and said with a little pride, "It was amazing what he did up there on that stage. The way he played, and the way he looked was an amazing sight to see all together, but to see our son playing that instrument despite never even touching one stirred something deep inside me." His wife smiled and she put a hoof on his shoulder, "I felt it too love, and we both know he will make us proud." He looked t her, but she just smiled and said, "However, I'll help you in the fields in the mornings and then I will go into town and set up shop." The stallion opened his mouth in protest but she slapped her hoof over his mouth, "And I won't take no for an answer." He grumbled, but eventually nodded making a small smile appear on her face. "Ok, but once we are done in the fields I will help you set up shop in town." Now it was her turn to protest, but this time he slapped a hoof over her mouth. "And IM not taking no for an answer." Sighing, she looked down mumbling, "Stubborn stallion..." smiling he lifted her chin, "I love you too." And with that he gave her a gentle kiss. *** Vinyl and Octavia trotted back down the hallway to Octis room, and both were soaked with water. "Hey I'm not the one that started splashing water!" Vinyl's thought ranged in Tavi's head as the blue haired mare dried herself off. "Well I'm not the one who mocked a certain pony about her stares!" Octavia shot back as she took the towel from Vinyl and dried herself. Rolling her eyes Vinyl replied, "It's not MY fault you were born with that face." Octavia fixed her friend with a glare, but Vinyl pointed at her, "Exactly my point!" the DJ exclaimed. Both trotted along until they saw Silver outside the door to Octavia's room, scraping at the floor boards. "Silver, why are you out here?" Octavia asked, as they approached the white earth pony. Immediately he turned, and looked at them embarrassed, "Sorry! Didn't see you there!" he said quickly, "mother and father wished to discuss this situation in private." Vinyl blinked several times as she tried to think of a way to encourage the young colt not to fear, but luckily Octavia took the mantle. "Well ask yourself this. Do your parents love you?" Silver looked up at the cellist with confusion, but then a nudge from Vinyl finally had him reply, "Y-yes." "Do you think they respect what you want?" she asked looking at him intensely. "Yes." Spirit replied, more confident than before. "Then trust their judgement, and," she nuzzled the young colt, "have faith in them." Both Vinyl and Silver looked at Octavia with surprise, but before he could reply the door opened and Silver's father stood in the door way. "We've made our decision, and we ask that you join us." Silver was shaking slightly, but he followed his father and the two went inside. Vinyl stopped Octavia before she could go in, "That was great what you said Octi. I think the little filly needed a good talking to." Octavia smiled in pride until Vinyl said, And a menacing stare to go with it. She glared at Vinyl as she walked away, but she smile at how futile it was and followed her sister into the room.Silver, and his family sat on the couch, and the two musicians took their place on the couch across from them. The silence in the room stretched for a while longer, until finally his mother spoke. "Me and my husband have thought and talked about your offer Ms.Melody, and we are happy to inform that we will allow him to train under you and your friend in the art of music." Octavia smiled a happy smile, and Vinyl slapped her on the back, but Silver nearly jumped out of his chair in joy. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" he cried as he leaped into his parents embrace, both of them smiling at their sons reaction. Vinyl simply smiled and nodded, but Silver ran to her too, smiling in excitement and joy. Octavia cleared her throat getting the colt's attention, "Now remember Silver it's gonna be tough work being a musician, and I expect you to dedicate yourself a hundred and twenty percent to what I'm going to teach you." Vinyl rolled her eyes and nudged Silver shaking her head. Silver chuckled, but Octavia scowled her before rolling here eyes causing the two parents to chuckle. Soon the arrangements were made, and the parents were talking to Octavia at the bottom of the stairwell. But Vinyl pulled Silver back into the room confusing the young colt. "What's going on Vinyl?." As he was asking she was busy digging through the fridge. Turning her head toward him she pointed at his eyes making him look at her weirdly. "You want me to close my eyes?" She smiled and nodded, and although he was still confused he quickly closed his eyes. He heard her shut the fridge, then the sound of rustling, and hoofs hitting the floor. Soon he heard what sounded like something being poured, and then he heard her open the fridge once more only to close a moment later, and a hoof tapped his shoulder. Still confused, Silver opened his eyes only to see the blue haired mare standing in front of him, a smile of triumph on her face. However, it's what was floating beside her head that got his attention. He saw that it was a mug of apple cider, and using her magic Vinyl levitated it over to Silver. Silver rubbed his shoulder nervously, "Are you sure it's okay for me drink that. Mom said-" Vinyl slapped a hoof over his mouth, and nodded toward the cider. Silver thought for a moment before nodding, "Ok." Vinyl smiled and Silver took the mug, and gave it a sniff before bringing the drink to his lips. The cider tasted like apple sauce, except it was surprisingly warm, and it fizzed at the back of his throat. Energy sparked through him, and the burn felt pretty good. "Wow! That was amazing!" he smiled and drank the rest of it, but when he looked at Vinyl in anticipation he was disappointed when she shook her head. Silver grumbled, but Vinyl took the mug and with a warm smile she pulled him into a gentle hug. He looked up at her surprised, but her shades and happy smile gave nothing away, so without another word he smiled and gave her the biggest hug he could manage. Vinyl smiled and hugged back before she led him back to his parents. Soon they were in the front of the theatre, the streets of Canterlot were empty, save for a couple of royal guards patrolling. "Remember we will pick you up at the train station, don't be late Silver." Octavia said giving the colt a hard look. Silver nodded vigorously, "You bet, I won't be late Octavia. I swear it!" Smiling in satisfaction Octavia patted his head before looking at his parents. Silver's mother asked, "So how long are you staying in Canterlot?" Octavia shrugged, "I'm staying here for most of the week, but I'll return to Ponyville when I'm finished with business here." They nodded and started trotting off. Sighing, Octavia turned her gaze to Vinyl, "And I assume your going to be staying with me." Vinyl smiled, "I guess I am. But I'll come back tomorrow with my stuff. Octavia sighed, "Well in that case YOU should might as well meet Silver at the station tomorrow in Ponyville." Smiling Vinyl nodded and started after the family, but Octavia said, "I expect you to prepare yourself for tomorrow. And I want you up nice and early, and DO NOT make Silver wait for you." Vinyl huffed, "You've been gone three weeks, and your still telling me what to do." Octavia's eyes widened, "I didn't mean~" Vinyl smiled and nodded her understanding, she knew Octavia had been busy for the past couple of days, and that she didn't mean to leave her all alone. "Don't worry I'll make sure to be at that station before he arrives." Octavia smiled in relief and she gave Vinyl one of her rare hugs which Vinyl accepted, but once again before she left Octavia called, "Vinyl, wait!" Turning her head Vinyl replied, Yes. A small smile on her face Octavia simply said, "I missed you too." Vinyl smiled and nodded before she and the family walked toward the station, and Octavia walked to her hotel happy that she had told her sister that she had indeed missed her. When Vinyl and the family finally made it to the station in Ponyville, but Silver was on his father's back, passed out from the long day. Vinyl and the family parted ways, but Vinyl looked as the family disappeared on the horizon before turning toward her house. But while she trotted she smiled remembering Octavia's words, because she had missed Octavia just as much as Octavia missed her. Author's Note This is chapter 2 The Deal. I'm currently working on chapter 3 and I hope for this who are reading this like my little fanfic. To be clear though, I do not have anything against Vinyl and Octavia shippers, I just wanted to see how I could write them in this way, and I think it works. Now I know people are use to the fandoms Vinyl, but I was always fascinated with one thing. On the show what if Vinyl was a mute, and what if Octavia and her share an even deeper connection. For more info please read on, and don't worry Luna will eventually make her appearance but it will take time, so I ask you all to be patient, and wait.
The SignAfter helping his father in the fields, and his mother in the markets, Silver trotted toward the train station with his mother beside him. "Mom, I can go to the station by myself. You and dad have done enough work." His mother snorted , but said, "I'm not letting you go to the train station by yourself. You never know what could happen, after all many strange things happen in Ponyville." Although he would have gladly argued further, he couldn't deny that Ponyville was a place where VERY strange things happened. Luckily the walk wasn't very far, but to their surprise Vinyl was actually there waiting for them. "Huh, I admit I never thought a DJ would be out this early." His mother said with surprise in her voice. Silver also scratched his head , but smiled anyways, "I guess Octavia must have told her to meet us here bright and early."His mother smiled and nodded, and when they approached they saw that Vinyl had her headphone around her neck, but she also had a coffee mug floating in front of her and that she would take off her glasses and rub her eyes. Vinyl smiled when they approached and she gave Silver a gentle hug which the young colt returned, "Hey Vinyl are you okay? You look pretty tired." The blue haired mare waved him off and looked at his mother as if waiting for her to say something. Silver's mother smiled nervously but quickly said to Silver, "Remember, learn as many things as you can from Vinyl and Octavia, and don't give them a hard time. They willingly agreed to teach you so I don't want to hear any complaining about this." Silver smiled and nodded looking up at his mother, "I will mother." With that they said their goodbyes and Silver and Vinyl boarded the train to Canterlot. They waved to his mother as the train started to leave, but Silver's mom smiled and watched the train go until it was out of sight. "Goodbye my dear Silver. I'm so proud of you." She smiled to herself and turned back to Ponyville, but she was glad that Silver was getting a better life than her and his father could have ever given him. *** Silver kept his eyes to the window taking in the sights as he went past them. He couldn't help, but stare in awe at everything around him. The last time he took the train to Canterlot it was dark and he slept all the way until the arrived, and did the same thing coming back. Now he could enjoy the sights to his hearts contempt because he had a feeling he would be seeing it for a while now. Not only that, but he would be trained by Octavia Medley and Vinyl Scratch, probably the two greatest musicians in all of Equestria. He day dreamed about playing with them again, and all the different things he would learn. Octavia said that he would be playing different instruments, and the many different possibilities made excitement spark through him. For most of life he has been confined to the farm, and although he loved his mom and dad and enjoyed helping them on the farm he couldn't help but feel that on some day he wanted more. What Silver didn't know was that his parents knew he wanted more than the simple farm life. They could see it in his eyes whenever he looked at Canterlot from a distance, and that was one of the particular reasons they allowed him to come. Silver felt something tap his shoulder, and he looked behind him to see Vinyl was motioning for him to sit beside her. He looked out the window then back at Vinyl then shrugged thinking that he could still see the sights from a seat. He took his seat next to Vinyl and he saw that she was nodding her head to some beat from her headphones and smiling. She saw his look of confusion and she started to move to the beat, but he just looked at her in confusion. Sighing she saw that they were only a couple of ponies around them. Suddenly she started tapping her seat to the beat. Silver looked at her surprised and a little confused but she kept tapping to the beat not noticing. However, after a while he felt himself start to nod to the beat, and she smiled noticing this new movement. Vinyl pointed a hoof to the window, making Silver stop and think. Does she want me to...tap? he thought as he looked at her in confusion. But Vinyl just kept tapping to the beat, and she seemed to be ignoring him. However, that wasn't even close to what Vinyl was doing. She knew that her glasses made it look like she wasn't paying attention, but she had turned off the music to her headphones and her eyes were looking at Silver wondering what he was gonna do next. What are you gonna do now little guy? She thought watching him patiently. Silver listened to the beat a little more before finally he started to tap the glass. The glass Meade a sort of clinking sound when he tapped on it, but when he turned to Vinyl he realized that she was smiling. Tap! Clink! Tap! Tap! Clink! Silver smiled as he is he started tapping in a sort of clumsy yet catchy beat. And ViVinyl was smiling brightly at him as they kept up the weird beat they had going. Suddenly at the end of one of their sequences he heard another tap matching Vinyl's. Both turned their heads and saw that another filly was on a seat and was also tapping at the same beat Vinyl was tapping on her seat. Silver looked at Vinyl surprised, but to his astonishment she smiled at the other filly and nodded for him to come over. The young filly trotted over, and Silver saw that he was younger than he was. However, the filly sat next to Silver and he nodded to the beat as all three started their own beat. Silver found himself almost dancing to the beat, and the younger filly was practically dancing the beat, while Vinyl just smiled and watched them glad that they were enjoying themselves. Soon, the other filly's parents noticed that their filly was missing, but when they saw him dancing on the seat next to Vinyl and Silver. "What is he doing?" The father asked, and was about to walk over but his wife stopped him, putting her hoof on his shoulder smiling. "Calm down sweetheart, don't you see he is enjoying himself. And don't you recognize the pony he is playing with?" The father looked confused but then he recognized the mare nearly instantly, "Vinyl Scratch." Vinyl just kept on tapping watching the fillies dancing and tapping to the beat. Time to do drop the bass! Suddenly Vinyl broke into a sort of drum solo hitting her hooves against the seat and slamming her hooves against the floor. Silver felt his jaw drop as she did her solo, and he and the other filly stopped their dancing and looked on in amazement. She looked amazing, the grin on her face, not a grin of arrogance or of excitement, but a grin of a tame yet adventurous spirit. The way she moved, how at one time she could be stuff when she was doing a booming part of the solo, or when she seemed to move along with the music when it became an upbeat melody. Her glasses seemed to flash with a strange magic, her her horn didn't glow, yet it seemed to reflect her own musical spirit, and the spirit of her heart. Suddenly Vinyl's horn started to spark, and he realized that she was charging up a spell. What spell is she gonna use?! He looked at her in amazement as she kept on charging it up. Vinyl felt her heart hammering in her chest, and it seemed ready to blow up, but that only added to her excitement. The way she felt her blood pumping, the way her hooves tired when the slammed against the seat, but she just kept pushing herself thinking of the beat, though it wasn't the best beat it was good enough for her. She didn't need any fancy beat, or fancy music to make her happy, all she needed was a beat to get her heart pumping. This is what I live for. She thought joyously, and she felt her magic about to explode. Silver saw her start to sweat as she kept on playing. Her magic seemed to be straining her greatly, but she still smiled and kept drumming faster and faster. A purple aura hard started to form around Vinyl causing her to glow brightly nearly blinding everyone. Silver could tell that she was reaching the end of her solo by how loud the mucus was and how the beat was nearly impossible to hear. A strange magical energy started to fill the room, the air felt tense with strange energy, yet the energy made Silver feel a strange excitement. He didn't know how to describe it but it felt like Vinyl's magic was channeling some strange excitement in him that he hadn't felt before. It was tense, but at the same time it seemed to be channel and inner need for adventure and daredevil behavior. Suddenly Vinyl finally slammed her hooves in unison, but it sent a sound wave that shook the whole train and a light shot from Vinyl's body blinding every pony. But when the light finally died down, and Silver could see and hear clearly his mouth dropped a second time from the sight before him. A glowing light seemed to now be coming from Vinyl's skin, and her glasses seemed to glow in a brilliant starlight. However, it was what was on her back that surprised him. On her back was a pair of giant wings that seemed to be as big as Celestia's. They weren't real but the fluent movement, and the great texture of the wings could have fooled anyone that it was indeed a pair of wings of only it wasn't buzzing with magic power. However, above Vinyl's head were five glowing letters and one number. DJPON-3 *** Suddenly cheers exploded all around them surprising Silver. His focus was concentrated on Vinyl so much that they didn't even notice that the train had stopped at the station right when Vinyl started her solo, and everyone waiting to get on the train had seen the show that Vinyl had put on. Instead of being angry the crowd had watched on in stunned silence, and they couldn't believe the magic Vinyl used. Vinyl just smiled as the wings, and her magical aura and DJ name disappeared, but she grabbed Silver and quickly made her way through the crowd of loud fans. Silver felt a little silly about being dragged by Vinyl through the station, but he didn't have a say in it as her magic pulled him along. Luckily when they were away from the crowd they finally found the pony the were looking for. "Hello Silver. I'm glad to see you've made it safely. And that Vinyl woke up so early." Octavia said with an amused and sly grin. Vinyl on the other hand was less than amused and stuck out her tongue, but Octavia ignored it then looked back at Silver. "Come not Silver I'll show you the hotel I'm staying in, and then we can all settle down and Vinyl and I can start you off with a couple new lessons. How does that sound?" Silver smiled and nodded, "That sounds great." In truth he was coursing in excitement. Not only would he be learning from these two, but he would be able to explore all of Canterlot too. When they arrived in the afternoon his parents didn't focus much on sightseeing and simply tried to find the theatre and avoid as many ponies as possible. After all Canterlot was a place where the higher ups ruled, and even though his family was of noble blood, his parents weren't gonna risk anything. As Octavia and Vinyl led him through the city he marveled at the different variety of shops, and the merchandise that was with them. He also couldn't help but stare at the many different high class ponies dressed in so many different outfits. He didn't know why, but something about the outfits made him cringe on the inside. At least Octavia only wore a bow tie, but these ponies were literally going all out when there wasn't even a special event. Though what made up for it was the towers. The way they seemed to spiral all the way to the sky, and the beautiful and colorful designs that seemed to make the whole city glow. And when he looked around he saw that although their were many nobles, they didn't seem to mind him. Whether that was because he was a little colt, or that he seemed to be traveling in good company. Unknown to Silver, both Vinyl and Octavia intentionally were a couple feet behind him. Octavia was smiling at Silver's innocence, eagerness, and it seemed like he was having a lot of fun just looking around. She couldn't help but feel a little happier seeing the way he was, and how bright his mind was, yet the way he had a strange curiosity of everything, that curiosity that she once had when she was younger, made her have a light step in her hooves. "You know...he kinda reminds me of you Tavi." Octavia heard Vinyl's voice in her head, and she turned toward her sister who kept her eyes on Silver but was smiling brightly. "What are you talking about Vinyl?" She asked the blue haired mare raising an eyebrow, but Vinyl stopped and looked at the clear blue sky. "I remember a filly that wanted to reach toward the sky. Who wanted her music to be heard throughout all of Equestria, and wanted everyone to know her name. She wanted to dine in the great courts of Canterlot, she wanted to live in luxury, she wanted to play her music to her hearts content. That pony wanted to be something." Vinly's words echoed through Octavia's head, but to her surprise Octavia gently put a hoof on her shoulder, "And she did. She reached as far as she could go, and she was known throughout Canterlot as one of the greatest muscicians of Equestria. With that fame she dined in the courts of Canterlot, and met many ponies, and many she thought were her friends. But when she looked at herself one night in her apartment, it was then that she realized that this was not what she wanted." Octavia sighed and looked at Vinyl sadly, "It wasn't what I wanted. Most of the nobles simply talked to me because of my popularity, not because of friendship. They just wanted to be seen with me, other than that they cared nothing of my well being. And when I looked at the place I lived, the place I called "home" was nothing but an empty space, were I continued the empty thing I called a life." Octavia shook her head as if going through a flashback, but then she smiled at Vinyl, "Then one day. Another pony came. It was a blue maned pony, with the most ridiculous shades. She busted down the door with her magic, and had no sense of decency. She found me in my bathroom, drinking myself into a stupor. I was broken, living in a hell hole, yet here this unicorn came. I yelled at her to leave me alone, and that I didn't need her help, but she got me out of bed. She washed me, she dressed me in my bow tie, then she grabbed my cello and guided me away from Canterlot. What I didn't know was that she guided me to where we were born, Ponyville. That's when I realized that I had mislead myself, and that my happiness." She looked at Vinyl and gently said, "Was with my sister Vinyl. The one that has taken care of me till today." Octavia felt tears start to form in her eyes, but Vinyl quickly pulled her into a gentle hug. Both mares held one another, but Octavia managed to hold her tears in. She had to, because she had to be strong like Vinyl had been for so long. Suddenly they both heard the sound of hooves, and they turned to see Silver starring up at the both of them in confusion, and with a worried expression. "Is everything ok?" He asked kindly not wanting to intrude on their talk. Octavia smiled and rubbed her hoof through his hair. "Yes, we're ok. Now let's go to my hotel room." Silver smiled and this time he stayed beside the two mares as they made their way through Canterlot. *** "Wow!" Silver exclaimed and looked at the room. It was a giant spacious room. The ceiling stretched high, and the walls were thick, and there were giant windows that gave u a complete view of Canterlot and the towers of the princesses. Silver marveled at everything, the fridge that seemed to be more like a glorified freezer, the well designed couches, and even to the painting of Celstia and Luna. Vinyl looked at Octavia snorting, "Your HOTEL room? This is a penthouse sweet!!!" Vinyl's accusing voice rang in Octavia's ear, but her sister only smiled and replied, "Hey it's not my fault my employers decided to pay for the hotel. Though I can't say I'm sad that they got me this type of room." Vinyl fumed and shook her head, but Octavia walked over and whispered. "The bed is down the hall third door on the left, there is some cider, and a sundae that I made myself for you." Vinyl was silent, and then she huffed but quickly made her way down the hall to her waiting sundae. Octavia smiled and then cleared her throat. "Silver, it's time we began your lessons." Silver looked at Octavia at first in silence, but once he realized what she asked he quickly trotted over and sat down in front. Octavia smiled at this but quickly regained her composure and said in her commanding voice, "Now here is the layout of our plan. You'll be trained by me in the morning until I have to go to my morning concerts, or my concerts at noon. Then once I'm gone Vinyl will teach you for the rest of the day, until she goes to her gigs at night. This is so you can get a better understanding of how me and Vinyl see music and how we both go about our daily routine. In time you'll get use to this all and I hope you'll learn a lot about how we work." Silver nodded vigorously, but then he rubbed his chin in thought. This didn't go unnoticed by Tavi who gave him a questioning glance, "What lessons are you gonna teach me exactly?" he asked sheepishly smiling nervously, but Octavia nodded and answered, "First we will start with basic. I'll teach you how to count notes, and write notes. That's a good start for beginners, and although we taught you some things in that concert, I plan to teach you everything." Silver gulped when he heard her words, but before he could say anything Octavia quickly pulled out a piece of paper and pencil from a bag near her and set them down in front of him. "Now, let's begin." *** For the next hour Octavia taught Silver the different notes, and the different plasters of music. She taught him the various scales, notes, and the meaning of the notes, and how to play certain notes by just whistling. Although it was tiring he quickly learned how to count how some notes were longer than others, and he managed to name half the notes on the scale. Octavia didn't mind his slow pace, after all he was just learning this, and she would rather he work at his own pace, than an uncomfortable pace in which he probably wouldn't keep up. However, both of them stopped when they finally got down to writing the words, "What wrong Silver? You've done everything I've asked till now." Octavia asked as she looked down at the young Silver pony in confusion. Silver himself looked down at the paper ashamed of himself, "I know, and I'm sorry Octavia but I have a small problem," Octavia tilted her head, so Silver sighed and stood up and hung his head, "I can't write." "Excuse me?" Octavia asked a little confused by his words. Silver sighed and nodded, "I can't write. I've never been taught." He said miserably wishing he could hide his face. Octavia looked at him in stunned silence. "What do you mean you can't read? Why didn't you tell me this before?" Silver shrunk away from her questioning and somewhat accusing gaze. Heaving a huge sigh he grumbled, "I've never been to school in my life. No ones ever taught me how to read or write, and that's why I don't have many friends in Ponyville." his voice was filled with embarrassment, and laced with guilt and disappointment at himself. "Huh..." Octavia looked at the young earth pony in silence as she pondered on what she was going to do next. She had agreed to teach the pony music, but she didn't think she would have to teach him basic things he should have learned a long time ago. Octavia found herself at a stalemate, and she knew only one person who could help her. "Wait, here Silver I need to talk to Vinyl." Silver sighed but nodded and Octavia made her way towards Vinyl's room. *** Vinyl had already finished her sundae and was about to fall asleep when suddenly Octavia stormed into the room, making Vinyl fall out of bed with a loud thump. "Vinyl! I need your help with an important matter." Octavia looked down and saw Vinyl on the floor rubbing her head, and she picked up Vinyls shades holding it out to her in confusion. "Umm Vinyl no offense, but I don't think the floor is the most ideal spot to sleep. I mean I'm sure some ponies do that, but I wouldn't recommend it." Octavia said gently but with a trace of annoyance at Vinyls current predicament. The blue haired mare on the other hand wasn't amused, and quickly swiped her glasses away and put them back on with a loud grunt. "What do you want Tavi? Or do you just love disturbing my naps?" Vinyl's voice sounded in Octavia's head with a accusing and annoyed tone. Octavia glared at Vinyl and with a huff she looked away saying, "A nap is the only break I ever get from YOU anyways." Vinyl looked at Octavia actually hurt from Tavi's words, and Octavia knew that the words would sting, but her pride wouldn't let her take it back. "Now if you can stop messing around I have a real problem that needs to be solved, and it involves our apprentice. So if you don't mind I would like your opinion, and if you have any ideas I would like to hear them." Vinyl stomached her hurt feelings and nodded for Octavia to go on. Not missing a beat Octavia continued, "Apparently our young Silver doesn't know how to read or write." Vinyl tilted her head in confusion. "Come again?" She asked stupidly as if she hadn't heard Octavia correctly. "You heard me. Silver doesn't know how to read, or write. I was going to teach him how to write the name of some of the notes, but then I reached that road block. I volunteered to teach him music, I didn't say I'd teach him basic stuff he should have learned in school." Vinyl could see that Octavia was worried but she soundly turned away from Octavia with a huff and a wave of her hoof. Octavia growled and trotted over so she and Vinyl were face to face. "Alright! Alright, I'm sorry about what I said early. It was wrong and I'll try to be kinder in the future." Vinyls ears perked up and she smiled nodding her head as if accepting Octi's apology. "Now can you please help me. What am I suppose to do? Teaching him how to read and write will take just as long as teaching him music. I mean I've taught ponies before but that was in a group and I was only helping them through the basics which they already knew. How am I suppose to do this?!" Octavia growled in an annoyed voice, as she paced the room in hopes that an idea might come to mind. Vinyl on the other hand just sat down and watched her sister pace, and listened to her mini rant. This wasn't the first time Tavi ranted to Vinyl about something, and she knew that this was just a way her sister let out her feelings, and that she would probably think of an answer in a mere couple of seconds. "1...2...3." Vinyl looked at the clock on the wall counting down until Octavia finally got her idea. And just like that, Octavia had an idea as she stopped and looked at Vinyl with a smile. "That's it! Music books." Vinyl tilted her head, but didn't dare say anything. She didn't want to ruin whatever Octavia was planning, or else her sister wouldn't be so happy about it. Octavia walked over to Vinyl and hugged her gently, "Thank you Vinyl. I'll be on my way now to the library! We'll be back for lunch." Octavia went to one of the walk in closets, and grabbed a backpack for Silver and a couple of snacks and pieces of paper and pencils. Before she could walk out the door however, Vinyl got in front of her blocking her path with an annoyed look on her face. "W-what-" Octavia was cut off as Vinyl reached over and straightened her crooked bow tie. Octavia looked at Vinyl with gentle eyes and they briefly nuzzled each other before Octavia walked out and closed the door. Vinyl on the other hand went back to her chair, and put her headphones on and blasted the music. *** "Umm Octavia? Where exactly are we going?" Silver asked looking around at the surrounding building as they trotted down an alley of Canterlot. He had been sulking on a couch minutes ago, thinking that he had somehow screwed up his chances of becoming a musician. Then suddenly Octavia came trotting into the kitchen handing him a backpack and telling him to follow her. In truth he had expected her to kick him out and send him back home, and he was pretty sure they were heading toward the train station. However, when he looked around he realized that they were heading away from the train station, and in fact deeper into Canterlot. "So," Silver looked up at Octavia who had been as quiet as him when they started their little journey, "why can't you write?" Silver looked up at her awkwardly, and Octavia realized that it was the wrong question to be asking. "I mean why didn't anyone teach you how to write? You went to school didn't you?" Silver sighed and looked down, and Octavia felt a little guilty for prying, but she also wanted to know why exactly he didn't know the simple concept of writing. "Well...you see it's not that I didn't want to go to school. It's just that my parents at the time, and even now...don't have the money." Octavia felt like giving herself a mantle face palm. Why had she asked such a stupid question, when she could have simply guessed it. "Well didn't they at least homeschool you? I know a lot of Vinyl's friend are homeschooled, but a lot of them have went on to do great things." Silver sighed and looked at Vinyl with a look of guilt and remorse. "They wanted to, but they were just so busy. Dad needed to work late at night since he was the only one who worked on the farm, and mom had her stall in Ponyville which is so far away, so when they get home neither of them has the energy to teach me." Octavia sighed and stopped to gently pat the silver pony's head gently before they continued. She couldn't help, but feel sorry for the young silver pony. Octavia couldn't imagine being a filly and not going to school. "Ahh here we are." Silver looked up at what Octavia was talking about. *** Octavia led him inside the giant library and he saw that it was practically deserted, and very dark. Luckily everyone seemed to be concentrated on whatever it was that they were doing. Reading books, writing, and some were silently discussing different topics all together. Silver kept to Octavia's side not wanting to get lose, but his tutor was busy looking for books for him. Octavia herself rarely ever came to the library unless she had to get a cooking book if she wanted to make something classy for dinner. Now that she thought about it, she probably would get a cooking book, and on the way home she would probably get some chips for Vinyl. She was so lost in thought, and she didn't notice that Silver had stopped and was looking at something. Silver tilted his head, as something from a desk near him was glowing a strange color. Something about the book made him feel a little uneasy, and he kinda feel a strange drive for something. Scratch that, it was more vigorous than a drive, it was a need, a want, he didn't know. All he knew was that it was him, and that book. Looking at the book made him forget everything else around him. His music lessons, his tutor, his parents, the library, something was driving him toward the book. Slowly he started walking towards it his eyes wide in curiosity as every step he took seemed to echo through his head, and every breath he took was now raspy and his eyes stayed glued onto the book. Finally he made it too the desk, his eyes looking at the book as a lamp gently shined a light on the cover. On the cover there seemed to be a picture of an alicorn, maybe one of the princesses, but then he noticed that the strange glow was coming from the pages themselves. Gulping Silver slowly opened the book to the first page, and there were strange words written there. "To whoever pony is reading this, I can tell that you have great potential, and that you have a strange will to do the right thing. The will to make a difference in the years to come in Equestria. Now allow me to explain what this means. If you have opened this book then you have already passed the first test. This book is not meant to open except for the ones it deems worthy, and in truth if you are not then this book would like have never opened to you, and you would have passed it like any other book." "What is going on!!" Silver thought his eyes widening, and he looked around him as if someone was watching his every movement, or someone was trying to read over his shoulder, but luckily that wasn't the case and he continued reading. "I know you may be asking who I am, or what is the purpose of this. Well I'm afraid I cannot tell you this until I see you myself. You may be asking how are you going to find me. Well the answer is simple. I'm going to find you." Suddenly with a blinding blue light the words disappeared, and instead it was replaced by a symbol. It looked like a crescent moon facing toward the top of the page, with a star that seemed to rise through the middle, and wings that stretched out fully. The blue colors seemed to glow in their different shades along with the pages, but more importantly there was an inscription at the bottom. "Welcome, To the Lunar Republic." *** Suddenly a hoof came from nowhere and slammed the cover down making Silver jump in surprise as he was taken out of his trance like state. He felt a strange draft, but when he looked up to see where the hoof came from he could see why. It seemed that the hoof belonged to a pegasi, her mane had a brilliant Amber color with a little gold, and she also had a light turquoise coat. She didn't look happy at all, and she quickly grabbed the book and landed next to him. "Excuse me! But this is my book, and the last thing I need is some little filly looking through it without permission." Silver shrank away from her stinging words, and the look she gave him made his legs shake. The mare just shook her head and grumbled, but then she looked at the book then at Silver her eyes wide. "Wait a minute, how did you open the book?" he though he could see a glimmer of confusion and fear in her eyes, but he was just as confused as she was, but he saw his opportunity. "I'm sorry, but what is the Lunar Republic?" Her eyes widened at his question before it turned into a frown again making him step back. Leaning in close, her eyes didn't have any anger, but her frown still scared him to his core. "What's your name kid?" she asked a little skeptical, but curious. Silver just stared at her and a look of annoyance found its way into her face, but this time she took a deep breath and asked with a strained voice, "What's your name...kid?" Now he realized that she was making an attempt to be nice, so he cleared his throat, "My names Silver Spirit. And I'm sorry for looking at your book, it was wrong and I'm really sorry." The mare looked at him for a couple more seconds before she sighed and nodded, "Alright, I guess I'll let you off the hook for now. And...I'm sorry for being a little harsh on you." Silver just smiled, and that made the mare smiles, but as she turned to leave, "Umm..." the mare turned back around and looked at him, "I'm sorry but I have a question." Sighing with contempt she turned and nodded, "What is the Lunar Republic?" The mares eyes widened and suddenly she grabbed him and she flew toward a book shelf in the back of the library. Silver was stunned and he actually squeaked when she grabbed him and wondered if he should cry for help. However, he never got his chance and she dropped him off in one section and she landed next to him. When he looked around he saw that she had chosen a part were nobody would go to, and seemed deserted. With a small flap of her wings she landed next to him and looked at him seriously her frown back on her face. "How do you know about the-" she looked around before whispering, "Lunar Republic." Silver felt fear clench his chest and now he looked around worried. Was the Lunar Republic something to be feared? What was it? Before he could get farther in his thought the mare leaned in her frown seemed to express her anger, yet he noticed that she seemed to be afraid of something. Was she afraid about what he knew, "I only opened the book, and it said welcome to the Lunar Republic. I swear, but I just want to know what it is." The mares eyes widened then she sighed and hung her head in defeat. Silver felt a twang of guilt, "I'm sorry..." the mare looked up and she saw him looking at her with guilt in his eyes, and she sighed. She couldn't blame him for his curiosity, and in truth he hadn't done anything wrong, "Alright look, I can't tell you what the Lunar Republic is, but the one who wrote you that message will. All I need you to do is swear that you won't tell anyone about the republic, promise that and I swear when the time is right I'll tell you everything you need to know." Silver looked at her with surprise, "But whose gonna-" the mare frowned making him stop his question. "PROMISE." he looked at her worried and confused. He didn't know if he should trust the mare, but he didn't know what this republic was. Although his mind said no, his gut had a different opinion. "Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye." The mare looked at him in a stunned silence before nodding awkwardly and with a flap of her wings she shot up and flew towards the door, leaving Silver to wonder what had just transpired. But an even bigger question now plagued his young mind. Just what had he gotten into? Author's Note Hello, this is PropheticPony, I know my story is far from the best and I know it has a lot of words, but no action yet. But I only ask that you bare with me, because I also want to get to something more important in the story. Just keep reading and I'll try to make it interesting. Now if anyone wants to tell me about a certain spelling error, or if you have a question please put it in the comment section, and I'll try my best to reply. Thank you
The Plan"One second I'm looking for a book, the next second you were gone and I couldn't find you! What were you thinking?!" Silver's ears folded back in guilt, and he looked down cursing himself for worrying Octavia. Luckily she didn't seem mad at him, but she was far from happy. "Where were you anyways? This is the oldest part of the library?" She let him go, but looked at him quizzically. Silver gulped as his mind raced. He wanted to tell her what happened, he wanted to tell her about the mare that took him here, the book that glowed with strange light, and most of all he wanted to tell her about the Lunar Republic. "Sorry Octavia I just got lost. I thought I saw a book cover that looked pretty, but I couldn't find you when I went looking for you here." Octavia sighed and just hugged him again. "I'm just glad your ok. Next time you want to look at something make sure to tell me first ok." He nodded and gently nuzzled her chest enjoying the her warm embrace. Than he noticed that she seemed to have something on her back, "Octavia, what's on your back?" She let go of him and smiled, "I found a couple of books that will help you learn how to spell, and some with music that you can practice with. For now let's go find a quiet spot so we can start." *** Octavia led him to a couple of chairs in the corner of the library, and she got a piece of chalk and a chalk board making Silver wonder where she got it. Then, they started. Octavia quickly got to work teaching him simple things. She taught him how to write with his mouth like she had been taught in her university days, and then she also taught him the different names for the notes, and she had him whistle the notes gently to a small tune. Luckily he was able to catch on quickly, and once the music was done they focused on the spelling. Octavia smiled as she taught him how to read and how to spell. Silver found reading to be quiet easy, his brain quickly matched some of the words together, and he found himself reading along with Octavia. Octavia enjoyed his young and energetic mind, and how curious he was about everything, and that he always asked what words he should say next. She simply pointed at a few and he would read them to her, and she would of course always smile. Writing with his mouth was probably the harder subject to teach him. Silver couldn't quiet get the quill to stay straight in his mouth, and he always had to keep his head at an angel so he could see what he was writing. Luckily Octavia had a solution, and this time when she left, she came back with a box of crayons. Now Silver sat on the floor using the crayons to write while Octavia sat and read a certain book, but she checked Silver constantly reassuring him that he is doing well, or giving a gentle criticism and then she would put the book down and show him what to do. They stayed there for about two hours then Octavia checked the time and saw that it was about noon and she closed her book and saw that Silver had drawn something. Octavia would have scolded him, but she saw that he had papers lying around him with many well written letters. She smiled to herself and then she saw that he had put down the crayon and then took a deep breath to rest. Luckily, Octavia felt her stomach tumble and she blushed lightly but then walked over to the worn out Silver. "Hey, come on we have to go eat lunch, and then Vinyl will take care of you." Silver looked like he wanted to object, but a rumble from his stomach silenced him. Sighing he picked himself up, but Octavia just smiled and they both stretched before exiting the library. The sun was high in the sky when they walked out, and it nearly blinded them. The library had been so dark that they didn't prepare themselves for the outside. Once their eyes adjusted they started walking back toward the hotel. "Octavia..." she turned to look at the little filly and she saw that he was looking down. "Yes? Is something wrong Silver?" Sighing Silver looked up and shook his head. "No, it's just...I want to say...thank you...for bringing me here. And thanks for teaching me how to read and write." Octavia smiles and gently nuzzled his mane, "It's been my pleasure Silver. Your a bright learner, and a great listener." Silver felt a warm smile creep onto his face, and they both kept walking toward the hotel. *** When they got to the hotel Silver was tired but also hungry. Octavia took Silver to his room and told him to rest which he denied being tired. However, Octavia knew he was bluffing considering that she has constantly woken up to Vinyl coming home from one of her gigs, and has been forced to carry her to bed. She tucked him in and told him that she was gonna wake him up later when lunch was ready. He faintly nodded before falling asleep, and Octavia walked out of the room towards Vinyl's room. She considered knocking, but if it was noon she didn't expect Vinyl to answer. "That pony can sleep until the world ends." She sighed and opened the door slowly, and peaked her head in. The room was silent, and it was to dark to see. The drapes had been closed, and the nothing seemed to be moving in the room. Though in the darkness Octavia could make out a lump on the bed, knowing full well that the lump was Vinyl. The mare groaned and turned on the light, "Vinyl time to get up. It's time for lunch, and it's your turn to teach Silver now, so you better get up." Although her voice was serious, Vinyl didn't care and she only pulled the covers farther as if it was Octavia that was the blinding light. Octavia growled and trotted over and grabbed the blanket and gave it a rough tug with her teeth, but Vinyl having the superiority with her magic simply yanked it back. Both soon had a tug of war going on until finally Vinyl gave one hard tug making Octavia collapse on the ground and rubbing her jaw in pain. Vinyl heard sound of hooves hitting the floor as Octavia stormed out, and Vinyl snuggled into bed trying to ignore what had just transpired. What she wasn't expecting was the giant rush of cold hitting her and making her jump out of bed in a flash. Growling, and shivering she turned her head to her sister, her teeth gritting and her annoyance was already up. Octavia held a bucket in her mouth, her mouth holding the handle, but the bucket was of course empty, and Octavia had an evil smile on her face. "What the buck Octi! Im trying to sleep for Celestia's sake!" Vinyl growled and trotted to the bathroom and she started to wipe her face while Octavia stood in the doorway. "I know, but you should know that it's lunch time and I want you to show some respect and eat with me and Silver." "Yes MOM." Vinyl said growling as she dried herself off before trotting past Octavia and to the door. Octavia sighed and followed her until they were in the kitchen, and soon they were going to work. Octavia fixed herself some a nice salad and some non-alcoholic cider, while Vinyl fixed herself a small plate of sandwiches, but before she could get the alcoholic cider, Octavia sent her a look that obviously meant "nope." So instead she reached for the soda pop which Octavia still looked at her for, but this time Vinyl stuck our her tongue and her voice was stern in Octavia's head, "Deal with it." *** Silver groggily got up and yawned deeply before looking around. His room was rather small compared to the hotel itself, but his room at his parents house was already falling apart. This change of scenery was fast, but at least he was well rested and he smelled the food in the kitchen. He slowly dragged himself out of bed, and gave a silent yawn before making his way towards the door. Suddenly Silver found himself on the floor as he was knocked onto his back, and blown across the room. He gasped in pain and shock, and shot to his legs as he looked around his room, but he saw nothing. His eyes dashed everywhere, trying to pinpoint anything unusual about. "What was it? Who was here? How did that gust of wind catch me?" Silvers thoughts echoed through his head, but then to his shock, it also echoed around the room. His voice, the questions echoed across the room and back to him, but it was like a melody, a dangerous melody of some sorts. Suddenly he felt a cold chill shoot up his spine, and then back down. He didn't know what was going on, and he was afraid to find out. With a deep ragged breath he slowly made his way towards the door. But as soon as he got close to it, something grabbed his throat and yanked him hard slamming him against the floor, this was followed by an agonizing scream that rang in Silver's ears, and made his blood run cold. He looked around only until her felt something grab his leg, and slammed him against a small table in the room. The table cracked on impact, the glass shattered with a loud crash. Silver hit the ground with a thump, but there was no pain, no shock, there was no feeling, but when he pulled himself up his eyes turned to the large mirror in the room. To his horror a large piece of glass had dug itself into his cheek, and blood now started to seep down his cheek and drip onto the glass shard on the floor. "Oh Celestia!" He felt tears come to his eyes, as he started to cry at seeing his own blood. The terror of the situation had gotten to him, and he scrambled toward the door, ignoring the blood spilling from his head, however the second he reached the door another force slammed into him knocking him to the ground. He looked around crazily as he watching for the thing that had knocked him around. But nothing seemed to be around him, nothing but a strange eerie breeze that seemed to be choking him. Breath clenching. Harder to breath. Suffocating. Last breath. The hardest breath. Release. Death Silver looked around frantically and he realized that it was all happening to him. His breath clenched in his chest. It was becoming harder to breath. Getting closer to his last breath. "Who are you?!" He screamed as he looked around, but once again there was nothing but an eerie silence. The voice spoke again after so many seconds of unending silence, Fear. Terror. Unending. Unnerving. Unwanted. Needed. Silver felt it. He knew it. His breath was quick, it was fearful. It was and unending cycle. A fear that hung in the back of his mind, an unnerving thought, and unwanted feeling, but one that he needed. But now, one emotion was rising in his chest, one he was sure the voice felt. The anger. The rage. The hatred. The rush. Unchained. Uncontrolled. Untamed. Kill Yesssss. He felt it. Like a strange want. A strange need. A strange urge. A hate. A love. He didn't know. Kill. Destroy. Control. "It's alright. Think. What will it get you." Silver jumped and looked around, his mind racing with all these mixed emotions. "Rage is nothing but a feeling. A rush of anger and hatred, but in the end there is nothing but peace. Think of calm. Think of warm happy thoughts." "Peace..." Suddenly as soon as the rage appeared, he felt it completely dissipate and become nothing. What was that rush of emotion? Why did he have such sudden emotions? And most of all, who had just talked to him. Before he could begin to draw any conclusions, a sudden emotion gripped him once more. Fear. Like before he felt it. The terror of what to come, of what to fear. He didn't know. He didn't want to know, but it was needed. "Fear is not your enemy, it is nothing but a fire that you are to scared to touch. A fire that was created by you, but you can out it out. It takes a brave soul to douse that fire. Be that brave soul. Be that light that shines around the fear, and completely puts it out" "Think of bravery." And just like that, his fear was gone as well. All of it. The strange fear he had was now gone, and instead he felt...brave. His chest burned, but not with fire. It burned with a radiating confidence. He felt like jumping around, wanting to get his energy out. Suddenly he felt a giant weight slam into his back knocking him down flat. He felt as if his back was being crushed beneath it, his breath was fast again, his hooves scraped against the floor as he tried to throw it off. The more he fought, the heavier it became, the more his strength disappeared. His will, it was failing him, it was crushing him. He couldn't take it any longer. Or so he thought. The voice spoke again. "Death. Takes many forms. It takes many lives. It weighs us down. It hangs in the air. It pinches the very fabric of our mines, and sometimes turn it so we are monsters in our own bodies. It will forever weigh us down, it will always be the one thing we can never avoid. However, it's your choice to decide how much it weighs you down." Silver thought. And he thought. This weird clench in his chest. His breathing was heavy but slow. But there was one problem. He didn't know what to think. Then as if it was never there before, the weight was gone. Looking around confused he slowly and cautiously pulled himself up until he was standing once again. Now one question plagued his mind. What has happened? Suddenly the gentle voice spoke again, "The truth is that we think so much about death, we worry, and we fear it so much, yet the truth is, at the end. We never truly know what death means?" Silver turned his head and to his surprise there standing on the bed was a white pony. "Was she a unicorn?" He thought and he saw that she indeed had a horn, and it was probably the biggest horn he had ever seen. Then he noticed something else about her, "She has wings?!" His jaw dropped as he realized that she did indeed have wings, though she had them folded to her side, but that didn't stop his question. "Who are you." *** The pony was silent, but then a purple magical aura surrounded her horn and suddenly the room was dark except for a light glow that came from the mare. Silver looked at her in aww, and then she spoke, not the echoing voice before, but instead in a soothing gentle voice. "Calm yourself Silver Spirit. I will not harm you. All I ask is that you listen, and listen well." Her voice seemed to echo around the room, yet Silver felt a strange warmth in him. A strange glow in his chest seemed to make him feel comforted. A smile slowly made its way to his face, but he still looked at her questioningly, "Who-what are you? You look like a princess." The mare giggled and a small smile appeared on her face, "Thank you, though do not let your eyes deceive you. I came because I felt something was...off. Like an old enemy of mine had waken once more." Fear and confusion now filled his mind as he saw the serious look on the mare's face. However, the alicorn shook her head a smile reappearing on her face. "Don't worry it's gone now, but if it makes you feel better I can watch over your dreams for a little while." He smiled at her suggestion and nodded enthusiastically. Something about this mare seemed to brighten his mood, but he couldn't shake this strange feeling off. It didn't help that he could barely see the mare. He could only make out her body part, and her wings, and horn. Other than that all he saw was a very shadow image of a pony. However, he thought he could make out her white coat, but also her pale purple eyes. Although he could barely see her mane, it seemed to flow magically though there didn't appear to be any wind. "A-are you..." he didn't know what to say or what to ask, but he wanted to know more about her. Luckily for him she spoke again, "I understand that you are confused about this all. The book you found, that strange Pegasus, and now this nightmare. You must be wondering who is she? What is she? How is she here? So many questions, so little time. And now that I've talked about the book, your wondering. What is the Lunar Republic?" Silver nodded his eyes widening at what she said. She basically just voiced every question he had. However, she sighed gravelly and shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't tell you yet." Silver felt his hopes drop as he sat down and looked at the ground in defeat. Then he felt a gentle hoof touch his chin and pull his face to look at her in her deep purple eyes. She smiled warmly and her smile made his legs shake slightly. It was strange, he could feel a strange energy vibrating from her body, and for a second it seemed to link with him and then the next it pulled away only to return. The mare nodded her sympathies as if she knew how frustrating this all was. "Calm yourself Silver. Don't let this stop you. When we are done here, you'll go back to your lessons, and all will be explained tonight." Silver titled his head, "Tonight?" She simply smiled again, "Tonight I shall visit you in you dreams just like I am now. And then and only then, can I answer your question. Be patient and enjoy your time with the two musicians." She pulled her hoof away and turned and trotted to the bed. And with a ghostly look Silver followed her and in a couple of seconds he was once again in the bed, and she pulled the blanket over him and kissed his forehead. But as she started toward the door he sat up, "Wait! This is just a dream? Then...none of this is real." She looked back at him, "Just because it's a dream, doesn't mean it's not real." Silver rubbed his head in confusion, but she once again made for the door and opened if. However, Silver stopped her again, "How do I get out of here?" Now the mare smiled and she closed the door and trotted over, and she gently pushed him back so he was laying down again. "Don't worry Silver, you can get out of here. All you need to do is," she leaned in and whispered into his ear, "Wake up." *** Silver shot up in his bed and looked around frantically. He realized that he was sweating heavily, and his body ached with pain. But he felt it. In his chest. A clenched feeling in his chest, the same feeling he had in his dream, the same feeling she gave him when she released him of the feelings that clouded his mind. He gently placed a hood to his hear, "Wake up." He still heard her voice in his ear, and it gave him a nice gentle chill. Silver took a deep breath over and over again, until the feeling gently died down. Soon sweet relief filled him, and he slowly laid back down in his bed. His breath was slow, but tensed, however he felt more relaxed as he let his body go slack. "What...a...nap." Was all he said, and he felt his eyes close and he dove deep into his thoughts. Most dreams usually disappeared after a couple of seconds, a lot of people's don't even remember the dream when they wake up. But this dream, it stuck in his mind like a sore thumb. Was it a dream? His body felt like it had been beaten, and he felt like he had walked around all of Canterlot dragging a house. The strange mare had told him that he would get all the answers tonight when he dreamed. But how would she? And exactly how did she know his name. Before he could come to terms with his questions, the door opened. *** Flying over Canterlot was a Pegasus with a light blue coat, and amber mane zipped through the skies clutching the book to her chest. She zoomed through the clouds over the large city and soon the mountain grumbling to herself. "Lune help me! You had one job! Go to the library, grab the book, and then leave. But no, I had to leave it on the desk for that little fillie to just stroll in and grab it." She sighed and grumbled and shook her head as she flew through a cloud enjoying the cool watery touch of it. She smiled and closed her eyes and gently took a deep breath before giving a sly smirk and she shot down folding her wings. She dove down to the city, her wings spreading a little as she descended. Her eyes scanned Canterlot. Her superior had told her to meet a certain pony in one of the markets in Canterlot, and that she would take her to her superior. She slowly glided over the city until she saw the market she was suppose to meet her contact in. With one final flap, she landed on a roof of a building a couple blocks away from the market and then she flew down to the street. No one noticed her, after all she was just any other pony, though a couple highs class ponies looked at her with annoyance. "You'd think I stepped on their frilly dresses." She grumbled as she trotted towards the market. Making sure her pace was casual, and that she moved with a certain style that the nobles accepted. On the inside she dreaded it all. The style that the nobles would accept, the perfect step, it was all a load of- She stopped when she finally reached the market. She scanned the crowd of ponies that were trotting about in their own little world. As she trotted through the crowd she overheard a couple of nobles, "Did you hear what-" "Who would have thought-" "You don't say!" "I never knew." "Spectacular!" For a second she was tempted to tear of her own ear, but she took a deep breath and trotted on. "Ugh why must these nobles always have gossip and such pointless things. It's so annoying!" "Yet the nobles always have the juiciest gossip if you know what they are talking about." The Pegasus nearly leaped into air, but instead she looked around her eyes scanning the crowd. However, she couldn't spot the pony that spoke to her. "When you listen closely, you can use that gossip against them. Shape it. Abuse the power. Push them to their limits for your own gain." Once again she looked around frantically, but there was no pony looking at her. Now she was annoyed, she hated it when ponies played these mind games on her. Before she could shout however she heard the voice again, behind her, "And once your done, cast them aside until they have further use." The Pegasus finally stopped in her tracks, and she smiled, "The words of a spy. Isn't that right." Turning her head she saw a mare with a beige coat, pigment blue mane with a rose pink streak, and a cutie mark with three candy wrappers. Smiling she trotted over and realized that the earth pony was also wearing shades, but she knew that the pony had cerulean eyes under them. They both sat on the bench, until she broke the silence, "Why do you have those shades on? You know they don't hide much." The earth pony smiled, "What can I say? I wanna blend with the crowd." They both looked at the crowd and the Pegasi smiled since no one else was wearing shades, before she could say anything however the other mare intercepted her, "Shut up." They both chuckled but the earth pony checked her watch, and nodded before standing up and she followed. "Come on sh-" her friend quickly covered her mouth stopping her. "What part of secret society did you not understand." She flushed in embarrassment for nearly slipping up, and she nodded and when her friend let go they started walking. The walled down a street, her friend looking left and right as if trying to spot an unknowing enemy. They both knew that the organization was being followed, they knew they were in danger, but they had to meet their contact. When her friend finally gave the nod that the ghost was clear, they broke into a gallop. They ran down the streets of Canterlot, past ponies, ducking through alleys, and they went faster and faster. "So did they follow you here?" she asked the earth pony galloping with her. But her friend just shook her head. "No, but we can't let ourselves get traced. Our superior said that we need to throw off any pony that may look suspicious, or may try...to take the book." The Pegasi looked worried but she felt he weight of the book in her bag, and it hasn't left since she had put it there. Now she looked up at the rooftops, and in any alley they ducked through, but no one seemed to be filling them. However, she wasn't an expert at looking at every detail, so instead she let the earth pony beside her do all the watching. She always admired how her friend could spot any detail, and see everything around her. Whether she anticipated it or not, her friend reflexes and sense of knowing sometimes scared her. Luckily, it wasn't long before they finally stopped to a slow trot, but they casually looked around to make sure no pony had followed them. "Damn, a couple months ago we wouldn't have be this suspicious of every pony that even looks at us." She growled, "I wish they'd show their faces so I can give them a piece of my mind." Her friend sighed and shook her head. "You know why. We all know we are being watched, but our superior is trying her best to figure out who...or what is looking for us." She turned to her friend who was looking down as they trotted, lost in thought and her mind racing. "Hey, it alright." she wrapped a hoof around her shoulders. "We'll find out who it is. And we won't let them hurt our friends anymore." The earth pony looked up at her and sighed, "Thanks. But it's more than that. Ponies have been-" before she spoke further she stopped herself and looked around before shaking her head, "I'm sorry. I'll discuss it when we get to the rendezvous point. Come on." They nodded to each other and both started to trot again, now they were determined to deliver any info they have gathered. Through the streets they walked closer to the palace, but then they took a sharp route away from the palace itself. They found themselves starring into a dark and deserted alley, that seemed filled with nothing but trash and waist. The houses that made the alley were owned by a couple of low nobles so no one had tried to come to the alley. What noble would? "Perfect place for a meeting." Her friend smiled but then frowned. "What's wrong?" She asked but her companion ignored her before sticking out her hoof to the alley. Suddenly a visible zap hit her friend brining her hoof a little making them both jump. "Crap!" her friend groaned and sucked on her hoof before turning back toward the alley. "A force field." she tapped the field again as the magical energy ripple. "Clever girl." she smiled and then she checked around, and when the ghost was clear her friend turned back to her. "The book." Quickly taking out of the bag she handed to her, and with a deep breath her friend raised the book and tapped it against the force field. Slowly but surely, the energy rippled slightly before finally the force field collapsed. Both trotted forward from where it once stood, but the second they walked into the ally the forcefield slowly rebuilt itself until it was a wall of energy once again. They looked at one another before they looked forward once again, but now that they were inside the ally, what it was hiding was now in front of them. A large shadow stood in front of them, it moved and flickered like a small flame, or it stood straight like a piece of grass being blown by a gentle breeze. But there was no breeze. There was no fire. There was no life. Just a shadow. But slowly it started to take shape. Both mares looked on with amazement, and they slowly started to back away. But before they could go too far, it started to take shape. It stretched, and pulled at itself. And slowly but surely it started to take shape. First it started out as a shadow, but now it was something else. First,four legs slowly started to form, then gradually the body appeared, then finally the head and mane came soon after. Then, two more things formed. A horn and a pair of wings. Before the two could do anything, a blinding light suddenly crashed into them, blinding then for a short amount of time. However, once their eyesight returned, their eyes widened in surprise. In front of them stood a figure that has been in legends, that was once a powerful villain, but was now one of the greatest of friends. "Report." Both mares heard her and the earth pony pressed her hoof against her heart. "Special Agent Sweetie Drops, reporting in A.K.A Bon Bon." The Pegasi saluted, "Captain Lightning Dust reporting from my mission sir." The larger mare in front of them nodded, before she bowed her head smiling gently at them. The Pegasi smiled and put her hoof down, "It's good to see you again." "Princess Luna." Author's Note Ok, here is the chapter. Hope you guys like it.
DangerPrincess Luna smiled at her two friends and trotted over to quickly embrace them. Although Bon Bon returned the hug Lightning Dust squirmed slightly in the princesses embrace, and when she let go she shook her mane when she finally let go. "Now back to business," Luna cleared her throat and looked at Lightning. "You said that you are reporting back from your mission." "Yes Princess. I've picked up the book from the library. Though it was hard to find, actually if it wasn't for that enchantment you put on me, I wouldn't have found it." Luna listened intently to what she said, but when Lightning finished she leaned over their noses nearly touching. "I sense that something else happened that troubles you." Lightning cringed at the fact that Luna could tell that she was hiding something. "I...heard voices from the book." Luna and Bon Bon watched as Lightning opened the bag she held and she slowly pulled out the book in her teeth. She set the book down and pushed it so it was in front of Luna but she kept her hoof on the cover looking Luna worried. "N-not that I was scared," she said quickly puffing out her chest, but when she looked at Luna's knowing eyes she sighed letting her bravado go. "Just...be careful princess. Something is wrong with the book." Luna nodded before looking at the book. The magic was already strong, she had felt it when Lightning was flying, and she had felt it when the book drew closer to her shield. Even now the magic of the book was crushing her shoulders, and making it hard for her to breath. The only reason Lightning thought she heard voices was because the book was trying to shift the very fabric of space and time around it. Luna had read on everything she knew of the book and had even had her friend look them up as well, but it's real power was still unpredictable. "Stand back Lightning, I wish to try something." Lightning looked at her in genuine concern, after all she was loyal to Luna, and she didn't want to see the Princess hurt. Fortunately for her, Bon Bon was thinking the same thing. "Princess Luna," Bon Bon said slowly and took a small step putting herself between the princess and the book. "Perhaps it's unwise to actually go near the book at its stage. We need to study it, maybe find a way to stabilize its power. It's affects on this world is pretty clear." Bon Bon spoke as if she was calculating every single word, her mind was thinking of the right words to say. Luna could see she was trying her best to keep a straight face, but she noticed that Bon Bon's eye was twitching. "Bon Bon your eye is twitching." The earth pony looked at Luna in surprise before shaking her head. "It's nothing Princess. Just-" "Your hear the voices too?" Both turned to Lightning who was holding her eye with a hoof, but she quickly put it down but nothing could hide the look of pain in her eyes. "My fellow ponies..." Luna sighed shaking her head. "I'm proud that you two are trying your best to hide what your feeling, but I will not judge you if your in pain. Your both right to feel uneasy, this book is unpredictable and is very dangerous, but I have prepared for it." She trotted forward and wrapped her wings around both of them. "You don't need to hide your real feelings about it. But if I don't make this book stable, then we are all in danger." Both ponies looked up at her then they sighed shaking their head in shame and despair. Lightning allowed her bravado to go and she held her good to her eye her ears drooping in utter defeat as the voices battered her mind. Luna knew Lightning could take a beating, but her mind had never been trained for a mental assault like this. Bon Bon on the other hand was trained to resist these types of magic assaults, but the magic book was of old magic from before even Luna's time, and even the special agent couldn't truly resist it. Both ponies backed away as Luna approached the book. Both were worried but they trusted her to stabilize the books unknown power. But the second Luna's hoof touched the book, her eyes closed. And IT started. *** Luna found herself in the middle of nowhere. Literally. She found herself floating through an endless void of grey. She couldn't feel any ground, yet still she stood. She couldn't feel feel any air, yet she breathed. She couldn't see anything, yet she saw something. But, what she saw was just the grey abyss of nothing. Her own breathing came out as distorted and cut up, yet as far as she knew, she was breathing just fine. She couldn't even turn her head, it felt stiff and out of place, but at least she could feel her own discomfort. "Enough is these mind games." Luna said rolling her eyes. "Tis the most basic of unicorns can ward of this weak thing you call a mind assault." With that being said, Luna's horn slowly started to glow. First it started as a small light, just a dim glow in the void. But slowly, but surely, it grew. Luna felt the core of her magic slowly start to enter her horn. Her magic was slowly pushing through a barrier that had formed itself around her horn, probably from the abyss, but that didn't stop her. Slowly the magic spread through her horn, like water flowing through the roots of a tree. With a small spark her magic ignited and she felt it slowly start to affect her body. A strange weight in the back of her head slowly lifted, and she felt as if her body had come back to life. Like when you just wake up and you feel sore all over. "Hmm very powerful magic." She stretched her neck and stretched we legs before shaking her head. Luna knew that the words she uttered about a unicorn being able to withstand this was a lie. The only reason she had been able to resist the books terrible trap was because she was well prepared and had already studied about the book and its contents. If it had been any other pony, their mind would be destroyed, and their brain would be glue. "Hmm now that that's taken care of. I think it's time for a little change in scenery." She said with a smile and with a wave of her horn the abyss changed. A drop of water dripped from her horn, but when it hit the ground, the floor rippled. Slowly the ripples of grey transformed to blue, and they expanded and expanded until finally Luna stood on an ocean. Her horn glowed as she flew over the water, but the grey sky's didn't fit at all. She would change that. Luna soon started to soar through the air, but as she flew, her hair extended. Like a hairbrush, her hair soon started to paint the sky wherever her hair touched, the grey disappeared, and in its place the grey was a beautiful dark blue. As this new sky formed, she felt a new wind carry her. It wasn't the choking atmosphere it was when she first came to this place, it was now the breeze on a beautiful cool night. Luna slowly lowered herself until her hooves touched the surface of the cool water and using her magic she casually walked on the water looking at the new black sky. "Hmm it's missing something." Biting her lip Luna smiled and in her mind she slowly cast her favorite spell. Darkness. Luna looked around confused, then she slowly lowered her head. Slowly black water started to rise as she sank into to her knees. She felt so sleep, she needed a nap. The water was such a great pillow, felt so cool and inviting beneath her hooves. Slowly Luna sank, and sank. And the darkness slowly consumed her. *** Bon Bon held her stomach as she leant against a wall. For the past couple of minutes her chest was aching from a strange pain that had struck her when Luna had first disappeared inside the book. One second she was there, the next POOF! She was gone without a word or sound. Then a strange power emitted from the book and it was having a strange toll on her, and Lightning. Thinking about her friend, she looked and saw Lightning had collapsed. She must have collapsed a couple minutes ago, but Bon Bon was so focused on keeping her mind guarded to notice. Dragging herself up, she slowly trotted over to Lightning, every step like agony for her muscles. Sleep. The word kept popping in her mind, but she always forced it out. The last thing she needed to do was sleep, she wasn't gonna let herself be brought down by this. Lightning was lying on her stomach her head slumped to the side, limp and lifeless. Bon Bon finally made it to her side, "Lightning? Everything ok?" No answer. Bon Bon sighed and shook her head before she slowly flipped Lightning over onto her back. "Lightning you need to wake up." When Lightning didn't wake up Bon Bon sighed. Not dead. Chest rising. Breathing shallow. Unconscious. Strength failing. Bon Bon sighed and shook her head as these thoughts went through her mind. She sighed and sat down, her throat felt like it was trying to close on her but she kept her breathing stable and she kept her mind thinking, not allowing her mind and body to succumb to the powers of the book. She turned her attention back to Lightning, but she noticed that the pegasi was starting to sweat. She observed the pegasi and put a hoof on her head, and she noticed that her forehead was warm. Her ears twitched when she realized that Lightning breathing was distorted, and she was coughing slightly. Warm head. Sweating. Coughing. Fever. Bon Bon sighed but looked around for any water source. Cursing herself when there was none nearby, she turned her head back to Lightning. Then her eyes opened as she realized one thing. Her chest wasn't rising anymore! Bon Bon looked at Lightning in shock, but she recovered in a second and immediately went to work. She pressed her hooves against Lightning chest and she started compressions. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 No response. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Still no response. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 When she saw there was no response Bon Bon opened Lightning's mouth and pressed her lips against hers and gave a slow breath, waited a second for a response. Again there was none. So she gave Lightning one more slow breath, but still no response. "Damn it all." Bon Bon growled and began her compressions again. When she did 100 compressions but there was still no answer, she grew desperate. Turning to look at the book that was still on the floor, she slowly and grudgingly trotted over to it. But when she was halfway there her knees finally buckled and collapsed. She grunted as her chin hit the ground, but she continued to drag herself to the book. Whatever was going on in the book, she knew if it had gotten this bad, then Princess Luna was in trouble. Slowly she was close enough that her nose nearly touched the book, but she only whispered on word. "Luna." *** Luna sank further into the water, the black abyss draining her of her magic. Slowly her hair that always seemed to sparkle and flow without any wind changed was instead back to its original form, just a normal lighter blue mane, and her coat had also took on a lighter tint of blue. Her eyes was closed as she sank, and she didn't notice the shadows in the water that slowly approached her. These nightmare creature slowly made there way to the princess of the night, hoping to consume every last bit off her until she was nothing. As they slowly approached her, they all chattered to one another. Trying to decide who gets what, or who would get to have the pleasure of killing her first. But then something surprised them. A name. "Luna." The name echoed through the water, it rippled, and it seemed to go on for miles. The nightmare creatures looked around, but nothing was around them. "Luna." Once again the water rippled, only this time, it was stronger. Louder. *** Bon Bon felt something strange. Her strength started to slowly return to her, and without a second thought she raised she stood high once more. She heard a gasp behind her, and when she turned her head, Lightning was gasping for air behind her. Bon Bon quickly went to her side, "Nice to have you back in the land of the living Lightning." Lightning Dust slowly dragged herself up, but Bon Bon stayed next to her noticing how wobbly she seemed to be. "Bon Bon..." she coughed and shook her head looking at the spy her throat scratchy, "what happen-" She was interrupted when she noticed the book was steaming, the magical glow seemed to blink in and out as if saying that danger was close. Lightning looked at the book in surprise, then at Bon Bon who gazed at the book with a look of confusion but also caution. "Bon Bon...what exactly is going on?" Lightning asked looking at her earth pony friend in confusion, but she didn't respond. Both watched the book, but both had a scared thought in their mind. Where was Princess Luna? *** The shadows waited for another shock wave to blow through the water, another word that shook then to their core, another word that seemed to shake the very fabric of the book they were trapped in. When it didn't come, they growled to each other in their own language, and they completely forgot about the voice just as soon as it had came. However, they noticed a slight change in the water. The water was moving. It was strange. Before there was no such movement, the water had been still but now...it was moving. These tides were new to them, unknown to them, and it felt dangerous. The shadows scurried around, but they couldn't escape the tides, they couldn't escape this new water. But then, they noticed something about the tides, they were moving towards a certain point. Then realization finally dawned on them. They weren't alone in these water. Suddenly without warning they were sent barrel rolling through the water. Something had hit them. They couldn't see anything, the water continued to spin them, preventing them from seeing their attacker. The surface! That was their only way to escape their enemy, the surface would be their salvation. With all their strength they shot up, cutting through the water as they neared the surface. Suddenly at the last second something hit them pushing them the last couple of feet until they exploded out of the water. They all screeched in anger, but when they got a hold on what was going on they saw one thing in the sky. The moon. On them shined a full moon, it's light burned their skin, but yet it stayed there shining brightly. This light was new to them, it was too bright, they couldn't bare it. But they felt a change. It was bigger then the new celestial object above them. And it was right behind them. Turning their heads they screeched in terror and fear when they finally noticed that there was a giant twister. This tornado of water was forcing wind to pick up, and it was making the shadows uneasy. Then one of the shadows screeched, and the other soon followed his gaze. Something was moving up through the twister. A blue light was slowly twisting up the vortex, but when it reached the middle it stopped abruptly. The shadows twisted their heads in confusion, but soon curiosity when they noticed that from the blue light came two glowing eyes. Without warning the light expanded suddenly knocking the shadows back, and to as do it the light also seemed to slam the water into their faces sending them spiraling through the air. But once they regained their balance they looked at what was left of the twister. Instead in front of them was a different mare. Her coat was dark purple, no longer the light blue of her weakened state, and her mane was once again flowing and her eyes shined magic energy. This was the princess of the night. Luna blinked and the light disappeared from her eyes, and she shook her head in confusion. "W-what...happened?" Before Luna could shift back to reality, one of the shadows leapt at her with a horrifying screech. It didn't like the light of the moon, it was too bright, it's burn was worse than fire. It was fast, but Luna was faster. Magic flowed to her horn, and suddenly a beam of energy shot from her horn hitting the shadow. The shadow screeched in terror as his body suddenly hardened and became crystal. All his comrades could do was watching horror as their friend became nothing but a giant hunk of crystal and slowly plunged into the ocean with a loud splash. Luna looked around at the shadows that were slowly surrounding her. They growled, and barked at the princess, but still they kept their distance. The last thing they wanted was to be turned to crystal and sink through the never ending abyss. Line glanced left and right, not seeing a way out of the mass of shadows, but she was not afraid. She had also read about this part of the test, and she knew that the only way out of this book was to defeat the guardians that were the very beings around her. "Well it seems we have a little predicament here." Luna's words hung in the air, and the shadows floated around her, uneasy with her calm demeanor. "I can't escape here without destroying you all, and you won't let me leave without my magic and my life. Is that accurate?" The shadows looked at one another, hissing in their own language, until finally they all nodded and suddenly they started to take shape. They stretched and bent, and soon standing in front of Luna were black ponies. They had no fur, they had no breath, they only had red glowing eyes filled with hate and bloodlust. Luna smiled and taking a deep calm breath, before her eyes opened once again a frown on her face, however with that frown was a smile. Her eyes danced with excitement, and mischief and she stretched her wings. "Let the games begin." *** The shadows lunged at her, the need to destroy their enemy was strong. Unfortunately for them Luna was stronger. Luna folded her wings and plunged toward the ocean causing the shadows to crash into each other in pure comedic fashion. They snapped at each other, growling at one another for the others sheer stupidity. They didn't notice Luna, until it was too late. Luna crashed into them like a rocket, the magical shield she surrounded herself with literally turned her into a living cannon ball. While the shadows did their best to recover from the blow, Luna showed no mercy. The second they regained their balance, Luna was zooming towards them again. The shadows saw her coming and in a split second decision they all charged, their fitful growls, and wrathful red eyes, unnerved Luna. She slowed mid charge and the shadows yipped and went for her, thinking that they had the advantage. Suddenly in a flash of light, Luna disappeared. The shadows stopped and looked around confused. Where had their prey gone? "Have at thee you pitiful worms?!" They looked up to be greeted by a giant ball of magic smashing into their bodies. The magic cut some of them down however to Luna's surprise, her ball of magic dissipated. The shadows cackled to themselves, and to Luna's horror horns appeared on their heads. "I need to end this quickly." She thought and once again she charged the shadows. The shadows, finally getting over their newfound powers saw her coming, and they slowly formed a semi circle. Luna knew they were trying to make her falter in her charge again, but she wasn't gonna falter this time. The shadows growled and their horns glowed with magic that they stole from Luna, and with sickening laughs they aimed their horns at the approaching alicorn. *** Silver was eating food with Vinyl and Octavia when suddenly he heard a strange ringing in his head. He didn't know what it was but it kept growing. Although it wasn't loud enough to be painful, it was loud enough to be annoying. Octavia was busy concentrating on her food to notice anything wrong, but Vinyl knew something was up by the way Silver was fidgeting in his seat. Silver felt a hoof touch his shoulder and looked up to see Vinyl staring at him with her head tilted in confusion. "What?" He asked looking at her confused, but Octavia finally looked up from her food. "She wants to know what's making you uncomfortable." Silver looked at Octavia in surprise, but then looked at Vinyl who nodded confirming what her sister said. Octavia tilted her head in confusion, "Are you ok Silver? I mean if the food isn't good-" "No, no, no, no! It's not the food, the food is actually pretty good." Octavia smiled proud of herself, making Vinyl roll her eyes. "But-" Both mares looked at him, "I keep hearing a ringing in my head. It's...deafening...and really starting to annoy me!" He shook his head in frustration, but it was true. The ringing was growing louder, and it was causing an agonizing pain in his ears. Octavia looked on helpless as Silver began to rub his ears in annoyance and his eyes shut tight with pain. However, Vinyl was curious at this odd ringing, but slowly an idea formed in her head. Silver was still shaking his head, when he suddenly felt something go over his ears. Opening his eyes he felt something brush behind him. Turning his head he saw that Vinyl was behind him and was smiling in amusement before tapping the object on his head. Suddenly there was...a cello. It was gentle melody, it started out slow, but grew into a beautiful song. Vinyl smiled as he closed his eyes and rested against the chair, but Octavia walked over with a concerned look, "I think you should take him for a walk. Let him clear his head, and maybe the ringing will stop on its own." Vinyl nodded and in a couple minutes, she and Silver were walking on the streets of Canterlot. *** Lightning Dust and Bon Bon were clutching their ears in pain. The ringing was unbearable, and Lightning was close to banging her head against the walls if Bon Bon hadn't stopped and soothed her. "Damn it! Was is taking Luna so long?! This ringing is killing me!" Bon Bon looked at Lightning in worry, and she was also concerned about her own safety. She had managed to calm Lightning down enough that she had stopped trying to harm herself, but she wasn't invincible. The ringing was just as hard on her as it was for Lightning, and even her resolve was breaking. "We just need to trust in Luna..." Lightning turned to her friend who nodded as if reassuring herself. "Luna fights the creatures of the night all the time. I think she can handle it, and if not then we'll do our best to help." Lightning looked at Bon Bon blankly, before nodding her head. Then they both noticed something. The book was smoking. *** The explosion rocketed through the dimension. The dark horses whinnied in triumph, at their accomplishment. They had killed the princess! Their whinnies echoed as the waves calmed down again, but they stopped abruptly when they realized something. The moon was still shining. One of the dark horses growled towards the direction of the moon, until it heard a strange whistling in the wind. Turning it's head he came face to face with Luna and her cocky grin. The shadow's horn glowed as it aimed it at Luna. "Too slow." Suddenly a giant beam of magic shot from Luna's horn. The other shadows felt the essence of magic, and they quickly made their way to the source. Suddenly out of the smoke shot out Luna. She zipped through the air towards the shadows and they like wise accepted her challenge. One of the shadows fired a beam of the light at Luna, but the alicorn disappeared in a flash of light. The shadow screamed when Luna appeared in front of it, her horn glowing, ready to deal the final blow. She screamed as pain shot through her side. The sent of burning flesh hit her hard, but when she recovered, the shadow that she had meant to kill was aiming it's horn at her. Turning her head away she threw up a quick shield of magic. Her shield shattered like glass, and she took remaining force of the blast. The blast made her spin through the air stunned, however the shadows didn't miss a beat. When Luna recovered again, she was hit from above by three blast of magic. She grunted holding in a scream as her skin burned, and the impact jolted her senses. It felt as if electricity was shooting through her body, and her blood was boiling. However, she was shown no mercy as one of the shadows rammed her head on. Luckily Luna managed to move before the shadow could skewer her with its horn, but the force behind it still caused her to gasp. Growling, Luna unleashed a blast of magic at the shadows, but they were swift and quickly evaded the attack. Instead they charged for Luna, and one by one they crashed into her, hitting her with brutal force and blinding speed. Luna grunted and screamed as they hit her, rammed her, and slashed at her with their horns. They didn't even ram her any more, they crowded around her and Luna shrieked in pain at what happened next. Their horns penetrated her flesh, stabbing deep into her, hitting whatever they could with precision, and a savage need to kill. She couldn't see anything, for wherever she turned, all she was greeted with was a volley of stabs. In one last attempt to make sure the princess would perish, all the shadows drew back from her. Luna could finally take a breath, but even that was painful because the horns had punctured her lungs as well as nearly every vital organ. She could barely flap her wings, which were also torn up and missing many feathers. Blood slowly seeped into her eyes, and drops of blood slowly dripped into the sea bellow her. She knew that they were planning a last attack, but she was helpless. Her magic was nearly drained, as was her strength. What could she do? Then right at that moment, a small smile appeared on Luna's face as an idea formed in her head. The shadows circled around Luna, getting into position for the final assault. They were confident that they had the princess, and they would not let her escape. Once they were in position they began to slowly move towards her, but as they drew closer their speed doubled. Luna heard them coming, their shadowy forms cutting through the air, but the smile remained on her face. They came. Their horns rammed into Luna. Shattering her bones, stabbing into their organs, and one even broke her spine. All Luna did was grunt and go limp, but the shadows all grunted in silent triumph. But before they could retract their horns, they felt something, something strange. Her body was pulsing. Slowly they realized something. She was moving. They quickly pulled away from her, looking at the spectacle in confusion. They heard, and watched as Luna's wounds started to knit themselves back together. Her bones mended and set themselves back in place, and feathers returned to her wings. The shadows gathered behind her, looking at the pony in stunned silence. Then they noticed something else, her coat was turning darker. Her legs grew longer, as did her wings, and although they were behind her, they saw that her horn had also grown longer. Then silence. A dead silence hung in the air, not a sound was heard. The shadows floated their looking at each other nervously, then they noticed something terribly wrong. The moon was turning black. Like ink, black slowly seeped into the moon, until finally the moon was nothing but a black dot in the sky. Then their eyes returned to the pony, but they screeched in terror. The pony had turned her head so all they could see was the side of the head, but also a glowing white eye. Slowly the pony turned so she was facing the shadows, her eyes still glowing brightly, but the pony in front of them was different. The shadows looked on in terror at this new dark pony that seemed to have taken he place of the other pony. Slowly the pony opened her mouth, and her teeth slowly turned into fangs. Then a cackling laugh escaped her lips, but it grew as she spread her wings to full length only making her look larger. "You want my magic?!" She screeched in a voice that didn't seem to be anything sane. The shadows backed away scared, their early confidence all gone. She smiled her eyes flashing, "Well then," her horn sparked up, and a ball of magic slowly started to form on the tip. "Luna" slowly gained more magic, until a late ball of concentrated magic rested on her horn. The shadows screeched, feeling the magical energy they turned and started to flee, scratching and biting one another to get away. "THEN TAKE IT!!!" A light flashed and suddenly the shadows felt something hit them full force, tearing into their being as they were slowly vaporized. The one who was ahead of its friend turned as the blast hit it dead in the chest, and he saw the strange pony blast of magic as it ripped his friends apart. He could only whisper one thing, "Nightmare Moon..." And the shadow disappeared.
