Chapters A Spring Picnic
It was a beautiful spring day in Ponyville ponies about doing whatever it is that they needed to do, bees swarm the fields pollenating the flowers and the birds singing along to a playful little hum of a little yellow pegisus who was the town's certified animal caretaker and element of kindness with her pet angel bunny hopping next to her. Usually she'd be busy all day taking care of her animal friends tending to their individual needs and making sure that they all got along and were happy, but today was a peaceful one and most of them were off doing their own thing so it was more or less a rare day off for her. So today she was off to Sugarcube Corner to pick up an order of goods to take to a picnic she was having with her friends and their respective pets. As she trots along town square the sweet smell of fresh baked cake goods fillies the air the closer she gets to her destination making Angel bunny's mouth water.
" Oh Angel you just ate a couple of minutes ago. I' d hate to spoil your appetite before we meet with the others." Without missing a beat her own stomach growls in protest. "Well maybe if they're not too busy we can both get a small snack." The rabbit hops with delight at how easily his so called owner bends to his way of thinking. Just who is the master and who is the pet is always up for debate between these two. She is always so timid that every pony takes advantage of her. She may be the town's animal caretaker but for the most part she is the town's verbal punching bag. Really the only ones who treat her like a mare are her friends; even though they themselves sometimes pressure her into doing things that make her unconfortable. At least they do it for her own good and she truly does appreciate their efforts in broadening her horizons. She enters the bakery to see Mrs. Cake baking up a storm.
"Oh just in time Fluttershy! I just finished Twilight's order of special cupcakes for your picnic later today. Each one is a different flavor: we have blueberry with rainbow frosting for Dash, apple cinnamon with nutmeg for Applejack, French vanilla buttercream with blue sugar crystal sprinkles for Rarity, Funfetti with strawberry icing for Pinkie, triple chocolate with whipped purple icing for Twilight, and I made for you a new recipe of banana cream with coconut frosting." Each cupcake was a masterpiece of art decorated with their cutie marks. " I also threw in some freshly baked pet treats for you to take home." Mrs. Cake winked to Angel who was jumping with joy.
" Thank you Mrs. Cake my animals will love them. Um..do you think i could have some um...gingersnaps as well? That is if you have any of course? Its ok if you don't I'd hate to be a bother to you " Fluttershy pays for the order and places the box of cupcakes into her saddlebag with care.
" Sure do but they're a day old if you don't mind I'll throw in a discount for them. How many would you like?"
"That's fine um... maybe a dozen or so? Whatever is ok with you is...fine." Fluttershy tucks her head behind her hair.
"Well ok here I'll make it a baker's dozen. Could you do me a small favor? On your way to the park for your picnic could you deliver this order to Octavia for me? I need to take the twins to the hospital for their shots and Mr. Cake is sick. She would like the pastries to be delivered at the same time as my appointment. can you see she gets it?"
" Um well I....um ok. If it will help you out I'll do it."
"Thanks! Here's your gingersnaps! Free of charge!" putting a large box on Fluttershy's back and the bag of gingersnaps in her saddle. Thankfully the box was well enough insulated to keep whatever pastries in it from burning poor Fluttershy's back. She wobbles her way out of the bakery with a now very impatient bunny leading the way.
Ponies gawked and laughed at the struggling pegisus and her funny walk trying to carry so much at once. She just wanted to hide behind her bangs and cry but every time she tried she'd lose balance and almost drop the package that was entrusted to her. Unfortunately for her Octavia did indeed live close to the park but at the top of a hill ,and she had to keep her wings splayed out to keep the package from falling off her back making it burn with over exertion. It had taken a lot longer than what a delivery pony would have to get to Octavia's residence; sweat was now dripping from her face blinding her; making her climb up the hill even harder. An angry little bunny was tapping his foot as Fluttershy finally made it up the hill eliciting a long and weary sigh from the poor mare. When she catches her breath rings the doorbell and waits. Shortly there after a somber grey earth pony answers the door.
" May I help you?"
"He..hello miss Octavia I have your order from Sugarcube Corner Mrs. Cake asked me to bring it to you on my way to the park." handing over the delivery
" Yes well this would have been fine if it weren't two hours late and the contents completely drenched in sweat! I had a rehearsal here at my home and had nothing to feed the other musicians with; so we were forced to practice on an empty stomach. Do you know how irritable it gets when the sounds of stomachs growling in unison are louder than your music? No I guess some pony like you wouldn't. Well it doesn't matter you've already ruined this afternoon and I very much wouldn't want your sweat covered body to touch any of my belongings and ruin my evening. So please take this DELIVERY off of my hooves and leave." Octavia slowly closes the door in Fluttershy's face making start to tear up. Angel gently pulls on Fluttershy's mane and points at the park she sniffles in response.
"Well I hope the others don't mind if I bring this with me. After all it would be rude to just leave it here and spoil. Who knows maybe whatever is inside will be good?" With that she lifts the box on her back and begins to walk to the park.
Thankfully as she got closer to the picnic site her friends spotted her and met her half way. " Geeze Fluttershy you didn't have to buy that many cupcakes!" chaffed Rainbow Dash as she grabbed the box off of her back.
"I didn't Mrs. Cake asked me to deliver that to Octavia on my way here, but I was late so she gave it to me."
"Well lets see what it is." replied Pinkie who should already know since she works at the bakery.
"Awe" they all said with big shiny eyes. In the box was a beautifully decorated red velvet cake with chocolate notes dancing across a vanilla whipped background and individual edible ponies and their instruments. At the top was Octavia with her cello.
"This cake is amazing! I can't believe Octavia didn't want to keep it! It is absolutely gorgeous!" proclaimed Rarity
"Well too bad for her it's ours now!" answered Rainbow Dash
"Here here!" giggled the rest.
The group of friends had their picnic with no interruptions and went their separate ways as the sun touched the horizon bathing the sky in a blazing red orange. Fluttershy let her wings droup to the ground too tired to fold them to her sides; Angel quietly snuggling in her mane. By the time she walked through the front door of her cottage the sun had already set. She gently places Angel in his bed takes a quick shower and goes off to sleep.
Fluttershy wakes up to the sound of rain gently panging against the windowpane letting a tiny yawn escape her mouth. It put a slight damper in her plans for the day she needed to get some special medicine from Zecora's for one of her animals; but the Everfree forest becomes difficult to navigate through when it rains. Not to mention her wings were stiff from over using them the other day making her wince. She gingerly walks to her bathroom to freshen up; after which she prepared meals for her animals. With a gingersnap in her mouth she took care of them one by one until they were all taken care of. The rain finally stopped midday leaving behind it the smell of wet flora and a beautiful rainbow.
" It finally stopped. Now I can go to Zecora's to get my special medicine she made for me. Can I count on you angel bunny to watch over the others while I'm out?" The white rabbit solutes and with that she grabs her scarf and boots and heads out the door. Angel waits a few seconds then turns with mischievous grin.
Fluttershy had to take a different route then what she usually takes to get to Zecora's do to the soft ground; normally she would just fly over the super soft ground but what with her soar wings that wasn't an option. She was glad she did though for she found an enormous garden of several species of butterflies and beautiful flowers. She noticed that the butterflies were acting strange it was as if they were dancing or something. That is when she heard it a sad melodious song began to echo through the air. It was beautiful; mystifying; and heart wrenching all at the same time. She couldn't stop listening to it; she had to find where the sound was coming from. Looking all around to try to find the source of the music but couldn't she saw that the butterflies were going a certain direction and decided to follow them. She followed the dancing butterflies to a nearby clearing it was hard to see; mist had accumulated in the region but she could make out a figure. There at the edge of the clearing was a pony sitting on a fallen log playing some sort of instrument it was hard to tell what kind. All she could tell though was that it was a stringed instrument. There were several insects there from: lightning bugs to moths and crickets as well as the butterflies she was following. They were all dancing to the music fully in synchronization with the song it was quite a site bringing tears of joy to Fluttershy; she felt an intense burning deep within her being. Then with a slow long drawn out note it was over the pony packed up their instrument and left disappearing into the mist. The insects now no longer mesmerized by the music begin to disperse into the forest.
"W...wait!" she pleaded to the pony but it could not hear her. " O...Oh well." she quickly finds her bearings and arrives at Zacora's.
"Ah welcome Fluttershy Im surprised to see that you're right on time. I feared the rain would slow you down but here you are safe and sound."
" Zecora can you tell me if there are any other ponies that live in the forest? I think I saw some pony playing music on my way over here but I couldn't see them."
" Ah! let me guess a song was played that touched your soul and now you feel like you could be bold?"
" Yes that's right! Tell me do you know them?"
" Every evening a different song is played and all those that hear can't help but stay to dance and play. But once the song is done it disappears with the setting of the sun."
"Wait? I think I would remember hearing music every evening since I live right next to the forest."
"Who ever this pony is is a mystery for they only come during the spring. If you truly must know who this pony is use a discerning eye and watch for dancing butterflies."
"Butterflies? Ok. Thank you for your help. I should get back before it get too dark." Fluttershy picks up a bag with her special medicine and leaves.
Fluttershy walks up to her home it had just now turned night and the crickets and lightning bugs were out in force. She could swear they were trying to imitate the song that she heard earlier but they could not do it justice.
"Maybe it is a magic spell that makes the song so wonderful?"
She gets to her door when a loud crash coming from inside startles her making her dive behind a bush. Waiting to see if something was going to come out but nothing did she took a deep breath and enters. What she saw wasn't to her liking. It seems Angel bunny felt like having a party while she was out. Furniture was overturned cups and food lying all over the place and some how he even managed to get pizza stuck to the ceiling. There were animals all over the place most of them passed out but no Angel bunny. A twitch to Fluttershy's eye as she stares at the scene laid before her; all of the animals even the ones that were passed out shot up with attention they knew what the STARE meant and so they groggily begin to clean the now destroyed house up. Fluttershy stomped upstairs where she would find an innocent looking Angel trying to hide the broken furniture under her bed.
"ANGEL! How could you? I put my trust in you to behave yourself and you decide to throw a party?! What am I going to do with you?"
This outburst scared the little bunny he often pushed his boundaries with Fluttershy but she never acted like this. She was like a different pony the usual timid and shy pony was now as bold and confident as a manticore. He looks up and gives her the puppy eyes.
" Oh don't you give me that look! I expect this place to be spotless by tomorrow morning I will replace the broken furniture but you have put the broken pieces into the fire pit. I am going to have to go over to Rarity's to spend the night now. Don't disappoint me and be a good little bunny."
Angel bunny doesn't hesitate he immediately begins to clean up Fluttershy's trashed bedroom. Fluttershy nods then turns around and leaves her hut now filled with the sound of animals cleaning it up. Thankfully It had just turned night and Rarity hasn't gone to bed yet so Fluttershy showing up at her house and telling her of what happened asking if she can spend the night was no problem.
"Thanks again Rarity for letting me stay the night I just couldn't sleep in that mess my animals made of my home."
" Oh think nothing of it darling. What are friends for after all? What I want to know is who is this pony you talked about?"
"I wish I knew Zecora didn't know either but who ever they are their music is more beautiful than anything i've heard before."
"You're not wrong darling it seems to me that this music of theirs has inspired you. You have a look in your eyes like you could take on the world without even trying. We should go around ponyville tomorrow and talk with the musicians see if they know something. I'm sure we can convince the others to help out if you like."
" That would probably be best. At the very least we can shorten the search. Strength in numbers right?"
"Abso...lutely" Rarity yawns " But that is tomorrow right now it is time to rest. Good night Fluttershy."
"Good night Rarity and sweet dreams." and with that the two mares drift off to sleep where Fluttershy dreams about hearing the song and seeing the mysterious pony playing in the mist a smile crosses her lips.
When Fluttershy awoke the next morning she was confused the burning sensation that fueled her was gone all that was left was the loneliness and timidity that she knew all too well. It left her wanting more.
"I've got to hear the song once more."
Rarity ,Fluttershy, and Sweetiebelle enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast after which Sweetiebelle rushes off to school while the two mares go to Twilight's to meet up with the others. Many ponies were just starting their normal routines as the mares pass them by on their way to the crystal tree castle. There waiting for them to arrive were the rest of their friends eager to get the goods out of Fluttershy about the mysterious pony. Rarity had sent word ahead so they could hurry up and get started.
"So Fluttershy spill it. What can you tell us about this so called pony? Rarity didn't tell us much in her letter." demanded Rainbow Dash
" Well um... I don't know much just that their music is so beautiful that it makes any who listen to it dance or at least that is what Zecora says. I think they were playing a stringed instrument I don't know for sure it was hard to tell through the mist. I was wondering if they were using magic to amplify the strength of their music. What do you think Twilight could it be magic? "
" I don't know; magic like that is very powerful only master class unicorns can do something like that. Even though I am an alicorn now I can only make music with wind reeds I can't enchant it at the same time it takes too much concentration. Fluttershy do you remember if you were dancing when you heard it?"
" I don't think so? I can't say for certain I was too busy watching the insects dance to remember if I was as well."
"Well at least we've got something to go on sugarcube. I doubt too many folks around here play stringed instruments to the extent you've given us. We'll have this wrapped up by the end of the day just you wait." replied Applejack with her confident smile she wears so well.
"Well um...ok if you think so Applejack."
The six mares break off into twos and went out to start their quest for the mysterious musician. One by one the girls crossed off the musicians off of their list until there was just one house left sitting on top of a hill next to the park. Fluttershy and Rarity approach the house trepidation in Fluttershy's legs. Rarity knocks on the door. A pause then a white mare with an electric blue mane answers the door.
"Yo! What's up?"
"Oh good evening miss Scratch do you think you can spare a moment of your time to can answer a few questions for us." Answered Rarity.
"Sure. I don't have a gig tonight so I have time to kill. How can I help you two?"
"Oh well you see we were wondering if you know anything about a musician in Everfree forest? We've been asking around town but it seems no pony knows anything about them."
"Sorry I don't know much about a musician living in the Everfree forest. Only that their skill is supposedly legendary Tavi told me that the musician's ability to portray their emotions into music is unmatched even by unicorn musicians like myself who use magic to create their magic."
" Excuse me. You mean miss Octavia knows about the musician? Can we talk to her?"
"She's not in she left early this morning and hasn't come back yet. She's probably out finding inspiration for her next masterpiece since she took her cello with her. She usually does this thing in the spring where she disappears and doesn't come back until nightfall. Come back tomorrow maybe you can catch her."
"Ok thank you for your help Vinyl. You've been an enormous help."
"No prob come talk to me anytime I'm always willing to talk music." Vinyl gives Rarity and Fluttershy a hoof bump and closes the door.
"Well isn't that interesting. Wouldn't you say Fluttershy?"
"Um I guess I mean if you think it is then."
The two mares go and meet up with the others to tell them what they found.
" That is interesting Rarity most of the other musicians confirm what Vinyl said. That during the spring time Octavia disappears with her cello and doesn't return until after dark. However I've seen the way she cherishes that cello of her's I highly doubt that she would take it into the Everfree Forest just to compose a new song. She would never take it with her where it could be damaged." commented Twilight.
"She's also not good enough to be the mysterious pony that we are looking for I mean she's good but not to the degree in which we've heard." Said Dash.
" Only one way to find out if its true or not. Lets go into the forest it is almost sunset if we hurry we can catch them." Applejack.
"Right then lets hurry up then slow pokes." Said Pinkie Pie already bouncing towards the forest. The others nod to each other and give pursuit.
Red Butterflies And the Babbling Brook
The mares quickly rushed to the forest trying to catch up to the bouncing pink pony up ahead. When they caught up to Pinkie she was looking around trying to look for dancing butterflies to no avail. She was popping up everywhere only as Pinkie can under rocks and tree holes and everything in between. They all looked around frantically for butterflies but couldn't see any.
"I don't see any butterflies do you think we're too late?" Twilight
"No. Zecora said that the pony plays every evening in the spring we just have to find a dancing butterfly is all." Fluttershy
" Look over there I see a butterfly!" yelled Pinkie Pie
Sure enough in the distance was a bright red butterfly dancing away from them. They rushed after it avoiding exposed roots and fallen logs. Soon they were surrounded by red butterflies all going the same way. Then they could hear it an enthusiastic and upbeat song resonating off of the trees. It grew louder and louder until they came to a babbling brook and on top of a large boulder was a pony playing a stringed instrument. They couldn't see who it was for the sun was right where the pony was. All around them were thousands of red butterflies dancing to the fierce beat. A burning sensation begins to fill the six and before long one by one their rumps began to go up and down then they started to dance to the beat. An abrupt stop ended the song and before they could respond the pony sitting on top of the boulder disappeared as a large group of butterflies flew between them and it. They were covered in sweat and panting hard.
"What was that?! How could we just start dancing like that out of nowhere?" asked Applejack.
" I don't know but it sure was fun. heheheheh. We'll have to do this more often." giggled Pinkie Pie.
"It HAS to be magic! No pony can play like that!" panted Twilight.
"You sure about that Twi? It sure was purty but magic? I don't know." Applejack.
" I feel all tingly inside like some pony is tickling my tummy on the inside. Its weird." Pinkie Pie said. They all nod in agreement.
"Well whatever it was I think we should leave before it gets too dark. Does any pony know where we are?" Asked Rarity.
They all looked around to see if anything looked familiar and didn't. So Rainbow Dash flew above the tree line to get their bearings. As they were following Rainbow Dash lightning bugs started to come out of nowhere lighting up their path. It was as though they wanted the ponies out of the forest as fast as possible. Fluttershy tried to communicate with the insects like she usually does but the only thing they said was 'this way'. As they were walking the path the insects were showing them a figure was coming into view ahead of them. It was Octavia with her cello on her back. The mares ran up to catch up to her.
"Octavia!" all said in unison
Octavia turns her head to look back looking at the six then continues on her way.
"Wait up! What are you doing out here at night? And why do you have your cello?" Rainbow Dash
They catch up to her. Where she greets them with a hmph.
"So are you the mysterious music pony?" asked Pinkie Pie
Octavia looks at the group with a noticeable look of distain on her face.
"NO I am not the mysterious music pony. And it is quite rude to just start walking next to a mare without her permission. Why are you all out here anyways."
" We are investigating a rumor about this pony and came out here to find out what we could. But if you're not the mysterious music pony then why are you out here in the Everfree forest?" Replied Twilight.
"None of your business that's what. I'd appreciate it if you would please be quiet and leave me in peace."
Now there was awkward silence as the group followed the insects into the clearing outside of the forest Octavia left the group and headed home. Where as the group decide to have a sleep over at Fluttershy's since her house was close. It was amazing her hut was spotless just like as she asked of her animals in fact it was so clean that it was sparkling.
" It seems that whoever that pony is isn't going to be easy to figure out." said Dash.
"You think we should tail Octavia tomorrow?" Asked Pinkie Pie.
"That's probably not a good idea we're scheduled for heavy fog and it is going to be hard to see." Answered Dash
"Besides acting strange or not it is not wise to tail a pony into the Everfree forest especially in fog." Rarity.
This didn't sit well with Fluttershy she wants to find out who the mysterious pony is, but she didn't want to argue with her friends. So it was decided to wait until they could find a better way to find out who the mysterious pony is. With that the six ponies went to sleep dreaming of dancing red butterflies.
Fluttershy wakes up first early in the morning and just like the previous morning the feeling that gave her so much energy was gone. She quietly sighs as she gingerly tiptoes around her sleeping friends and quickly prepares meals for her animals. Looking out the window and sure enough Rainbow dash was right there was a dense fog outside she could barely see a couple feet. A faint light bounced up and down in the distance going towards the Everfree forest.
"What is that a lantern? Is Octavia going into the forest in this fog?" Fluttershy ponders then grabs her scarf and her own lantern and rushes out to follow.
Her own lantern was no where near as bright as the one she was following but with her being able to fly over the ground brush she is able to keep a safe distance so she can follow but not so close as to be discovered. She followed the light for what seemed like hours and it seemed like she was getting nowhere. Then a strong gust of wind picked up though the trees throwing the flying pegisus against a nearby tree forcing her to drop her lantern breaking it on the ground. Panic fills her she had already lost the light that she was following and with the dense fog she had no idea where she was. Tears now flew freely from her; a timberwolf howls in the distance making her heart race. After a few moments of crying a pale white butterfly lands on her muzzle making her stop.
"Please can you help me? I can't find my way out of here"
The white butterfly flutters off with Fluttershy following close behind it. After a couple of minutes of walking the fog begins to lighten up a little an eerie sound starts up sending cold shivers down her spine. A large mansion in the distance could be seen as the butterfly goes into it through the opened front door. When Fluttershy enters the mansion she is greeted by several more white butterflies who are flying all over the inner sanctum. Fluttershy still following the butterfly that helped her she finds a pony in a tux playing a paino with butterflies dancing to the song he was playing.
He was an earth pony with a white grey coat and a combed charcoal black mane he was playing the piano with such skill that it was unbelievable. His cutie mark was a treble clef of light blue that shimmered when he moved. The eerie song ended with Pianississimo the very soft notes were so gentle that it was like being touched by feathers the stallion looks up at Fluttershy with his sapphire blue eyes and gives a warm loving smile.
"Ah greetings miss welcome to my humble abode. Tell me what brings you here?"
"I um got lost in the forest and this butterfly showed me the way to your mansion."
"Butterfly huh? Well that is not surprising these little things love my music and can't help but congregate where ever I play. My name is Melodious Melody but my friends used to call me Blue note. And You are?"
"Hello Melodious Melody I'm Fluttershy...um excuse me if I may but are you related to an Octavia Melody by chance? You look just like her."
"Octavia Melody? Why as a matter of fact I am. I am her older brother so it's not surprising that I look like her. If you see her please don't tell her that you met me it's complicated."
"Oh I see. I think I can do that we don't really talk all that much."
"Thank you. Are you looking for a way out of the forest? I can help you."
"I'd appreciate it but um the fog is so thick right now how can you navigate it?"
"Hehe well you see you might be surprised but we are not actually in the Everfree forest right now.(caugh caugh) My home sits between the Everfree forest and White Tail Woods in an area known as Golden Oak Grove. No pony knows about it not even the weather squad; well except maybe Princess Celestia. I know every inch of this grove so I can see that you wind up in Ponyville without any pony noticing."
"Re..really oh that would be wonderful. But um I was just wondering if that you..um.. know anything about the legendary music pony that plays in the Everfree forest?"
"The legendary music pony?! Well this is awkward it seems that you found him. I...am in fact the pony that plays music in the Everfree. Can you keep it to yourself please its important that I am not discovered."
"Wh...why your music is wondrous it should be shared with the world?"
"It was...a long time ago. But with such talent no other's music can grow and be cherished. I must stay hidden from the world my time is over."
"Is it some kind of magic spell?"
"Magic? (cough cough)No I have no need for such a crutch instead I utilize every technique known to pony kind even ones that are difficult to use. I'll tell you a secret when I play I pour every ounce of my soul into my music my instruments respond in kind and together we become one. Those that hear it resonate with it and their own soul reacts to the feelings being played forcing them to be enraptured by it."
"You pour your soul into it? Isn't that what you are supposed to do when you play?"
"You are correct three for three you're on a role. However it is harder than it sounds to pour your soul into your instrument. I don't
"How can you do that?"
"It is difficult to answer with words. However if you promise not to mention me to any pony or any other creature than I will show you to understand. You can come back here anytime you are free."
"I...um very well I promise not to tell any pony or creature about you."
"Thank you as promised I will show you how to get to Ponyville from Golden Oak Grove."
With that the two ponies left the mansion walking into the fog which was dissipating. The butterflies joyously danced around the stallion as they walked a narrow path and in a few minutes Fluttershy could see town hall. The path they took was near the lake hidden from sight. If she stayed on the path she could easily find herself back at the mansion whenever she wanted. The sun was now setting over the horizon making the sky glow a rose pink Fluttershy turns around to see Melodious Melody already walking back up the path butterflies in tow. Fluttershy makes her way back to her house where her friends were waiting for her worry across their faces.
"Fluttershy where were you? You had us worried sick!" proclaimed Twilight
"Sorry I...um got lost in the fog I was trying to get some honey for Harry the bear but got turned around and wound up by White Tail Woods I had to wait for the fog to lift before I could find my way back. I am truly sorry if I worried you girls I didn't mean to cause you stress."
"Oh Fluttershy please don't do anything so reckless again."
"I wont"
With that they all go their separate ways back to their respective homes. Fluttershy takes care of her animals and goes to sleep this time dreaming about the stallion playing the piano and white butterflies.
Lucy The Cat
Fluttershy wakes up and quickly sets off to the path see was shown several days ago she had too busy to go to Golden Oak Grove any sooner but not today. Today she was free and her friends were too busy to bother her about the mysterious musician. As she gets to the lake she finds that there are many ponies there playing. She has to go around after all if she just disappears when a pony sees her they might want to follow her and Melodious Melody was adamant that he stays hidden. The overgrown path was easier then she remembered once she got about a half mile from the lake the trees changed they were all now large oak trees whose foliage seemed to glow with brilliance as if they were made from a permanently setting sun. The closer she got to the mansion she was greeted by yellow butterflies which brought a wide smile to her face. The entire grove was amazing it was like a paradise for animals from wild bunnies to humming birds even a few docile timberwolves and of course the many species of butterflies all lived in perfect harmony. As she got to the front of the mansion a black cat was sitting there licking it's paws.
"Oh hello what is your name?"
The cat glares at her gives a deep yawn gets up and struts inside Fluttershy following suit. The cat seemed to be leading her through a hall adorned with portraits of different ponies and their instruments to a different part of the manor than when she was here first time. Since she was here during the day time she could see just how magnificent the manor truly was. It was decorated with: busts, and banners, vases, and drapes and all sorts of finery that rivalled the Canterlot palace. It did not take long before Fluttershy could hear it a soft melody filling the air but it was different than before and that is when she saw him. Next to a large statue of an unknown earth pony was Melodious Melody playing a cello with his eyes closed and completely enveloped in his song. The cat simply walks up to him and rubs itself against him purring he stops puts down the cello and pets the cat.
"I see you've met my pet cat her name is Lucy. Would you like to pet her?"
Fluttershy approaches and begins to pet Lucy to which the cat purrs loudly. "She sure is a pretty." Lucy smiles at that moment as she scratches her chin.
"Yeah I've had her since she was a mewling her mother was my pet prior but she died not much longer after giving birth to her litter.
"I'm so sorry to hear that." Lucy jumps out of Flutttershy's grasp and chases a butterfly out of the room eliciting a lough from the two ponies." So just how many instruments do you play anyways? Every time I see you your playing a different instrument."
"Well to answer your question I play all of them it doesn't matter if it is: string, percussion, wind, or brass since I am more of a composer than anything it is my duty to know every musical family. But don't worry what I have in store for you wont be as extensive as my own training."
"In store for me?"
Melodious melody gives a loving smile. " Don't worry you'll like it we're just going to start you with one of my personal favorites." He pulls a stunning guitar out from behind the statue it shone with a black luster as light reflected off of its black body and mahogany neck lined with silver frets it was like it was made out of the night air itself. There was not so much as a scratch on it.
"It's so pretty." Fluttershy says with big eyes.
" Yes it is and it will be your training partner from now on but that can wait. Why don't we go to the dining hall for tea?"
The two ponies go to the dining hall as Fluttershy is given a tour slash history lesson about the manor and Golden Oak grove. It seems that long ago before the Everfree forest was here there was a grand city with the castle of the two sisters at the center and this mansion was the home to a great composer of the time who had a talent similar to Melodious Melody's and after the pony had died the mansion had become an institute for musicians to come and collaborate their music with the best of them getting a stone bust or portrait placed in one of the halls. However soon after the incident with Nightmare moon no pony came to the city and nature retook what once was thus becoming the Everfree forest but princess Celestia did not want to let this piece of history be lost so she cast a spell on the mansion so that time could not take it. Then Melodious Melody's ancestor came here and planted the grove with the mansion at the epicenter where all could come and find rest in a paradise. Though when no pony came it was once again lost until Melodious Melody himself found it when he was a young colt and used it as a private concert house. Soon after that animals and insects alike flocked to the grove to listen to his music in peace.
Melodious Melody quietly drinks his hot tea as he listens intently to Fluttershy telling him of her adventures with her friends right up to the point of listening his music for the first time.
"It sounds like you have had an interseting life so far Fluttershy (caugh caugh) I can't wait to hear you put it into music"
"Huh!? but I can't write music! I thought you were just going to show me how you play not teach me!"
"Well on this one you are wrong. (caugh) I said it is difficult to explain so I am going to show you how to do it yourself so you can
"A year? What about Octavia isn't she your sister? She has been doing this for her entire life and she can't play like you! How am I supposed to within a year?"
"Because (caugh caugh) even though she is my sister she never liked me teaching her. She always resented being compared to me so (caugh) she wanted to surpass me own her own hooves. And I wanted her to find her own way so I let her."
"Is that why she is so mean towards other ponies?"
"Mean? no she just takes her music very seriously and doesn't like any distractions. Even though I don't perform any more she still compares herself to me and it upsets her."
"So why don't you talk to her? I'm sure you could help her."
"I can't. You see she thinks I am dead. She failed her first concert because ponies thought they were coming to see me but got her instead. Her music was beautiful in it's own right but other ponies could not see it because of mine so she blamed me. I knew she was right since she wasn't the only pony suffering because of my talent but all musicians were. So I went into the Everfree forest one spring evening and staged my death."
"Is that why she disappears every morning with her cello in the spring and doesn't come back until night?"
"Yeah she goes to my epitaph deep in the forest and plays her newest masterpieces for me all day. Even though she resented me because she was in my shadow she still loves me. I guess it is her way of keeping me alive in her heart."
"But the Everfree is dangerous! Aren't you concerned for her safety?"
"Not really all animals and plants that live there know not to harm her. Because if they do then I stop playing and if I stop playing the insects stop dancing which pollenates the plants and if the plants aren't pollenated then they don't grow as much s they do and the entire forest suffers."
"Have you ever been to one of her concerts though? Most of her original music is so sad. I'm sure if you presented yourself she would be overjoyed."
"I go to all of her concerts in disguise but yes I know what you mean, but you have to understand that sadness is her muse it was there before I disappeared and it will be there regardless. However if I do present myself to her it would only hurt her and I don't want to bring her more heartache."
" Well when you put it like that I think I understand. But then why teach me if you want to stay hidden?"
"Because Im sick (caughing hard) I don't have much in the terms of time and because I see in your eyes that you want to change and be more outgoing. In order to do that you have to express yourself hence bring your suppressed emotions into music. Which I can help you by teaching you my way of music. Speaking of which it is time to start please follow me to the practice hall."
With that they begin Fluttershy's lessons starting with the basics of music. Before long the sun was starting to set and Fluttershy had to return home followed by Melodious Melody guitar strapped to his back. The moment she left him he started to play his guitar with yellow butterflies above him heading towards the Everfree forest and his on waiting audience. She smiles and heads home.
Black Monarchs And The Gift
So over the course of the year Fluttershy continues her private lessons with Melodious Melody whenever she could. Gaining significant improvement into her ability to play the guitar and slowly begins to show her new found confidence to other ponies from helping Rainbow Dash go through the stages of grief to telling off the spirit of Chaos himself at the Grand Galloping Gala and many other examples. However Melodious Melody condition grew worse and worse to the point of coughing blood and losing color he was now pale. It became hard for him to continue playing his songs to pacify the forest for his little sister Octavia and every time he did it would nearly kill him.
Loud hard coughing " O Fluttershy my dearest and closest friend I've had in years I am so proud of you. You are no longer a timid little wallflower. You are now a bold eagle soaring through the clouds. I am so honored to have met you." Melodious Melody said weakly lying in his dimly lit bed surrounded by black monarchs and Lucy curled on top of the nearby dresser. Fluttershy grabs hold of his hoof tears trying to fall from her face.
"O Blue Note thank you for all that you have taught me and done I will cherish our memories together with great joy. I wish there was some way to help you."
"Hush now you can't shield me from death. I will hear the requiem death has prepared for my soul and it will be even more beautiful than my own songs. (coughing up blood followed by wheezing) Flutter...shy I...have...a...gift for you. It is in my closet please go get it."
Fluttershy goes to the closet and opens it to see a hand crafted guitar made from one of the elder oaks. Painted to match her coat color with three pink butterflies on the body symbolizing her cutie mark, and black and white monarchs dancing between golden frets. It was spectacular a true masterpiece of design. At the top of the head was his cutie mark shimmering in the light.
"It is beautiful Blue! (sniffles)"
"I hoped you'd like it. There is one last thing a favor if you will. When I die can you see that Lucy finds a good home? I'd hate to see her all alone. "
Fluttershy returns to the bedside putting on a smile for him and he weakly smiles back. " I will you have my word."
"Ah thank you.(breathing deeply) I just wish there was more that I could give you."
"No you've given me enough let me give you something to remember me by."
"Beautiful" One last fall of his chest and passes.
"Good bye Blue Note I will always love you." Lucy lets out a loud and mournful cry as one by one black monarchs gracefully fall down on top of Melodious Melody and join him in the afterlife. Fluttershy with tears in her eyes picks up her gift and leaves the manor with a mourning Lucy following her. She gives one last look at the manor it seemed as though the manor itself was mourning the lost of a great musician. No not just the manor but the grove as well it all seemed so dark and sorrowful. There were no butterflies dancing, or bunnies hopping on the ground, the timberwolves were lifting their heads to the sky letting their cries chill the air. The leaves began to fall off of the grand oaks as if it were fall. She turns her head and goes down the trail wind blowing all around her never to return.
Author's Note
I fast forward through the year just so it wouldn't get too boring just think of season 5 happening with some fillers
It has been a full month since Melodious Melody's passing and Fluttershy has been deep in sorrow the entire time her friends have no idea how to help Fluttershy since she had kept her promise. A knock on her door she answers it to see Derpy in her mail carrier uniform. Derpy hands her a letter and flies off. The royal seal is emblazoned on the flap. Fluttershy breaks the seal and reads the letter that is inside.
Dear Fluttershy,
It is with deepest regret that we have received the sad news of your mentor's passing he was truly a great stallion. In honor of his life we have decided to hold a grand concert featuring all Equestria's finest musicians at the end of this years Summer Sun Celebration. We would be most honored if you would be the closing act. Though we understand if you are reluctant.
Yours truly HRM
Princess Celestia
"Of course she'd know about him. I might as well He did say he wanted to hear me put my life to music." Lucy brushes against her legs purring making Fluttershy smile. Fluttershy sends a letter to reply to princess Celestia's letter saying that she would except the offer. Once she sent the letter she picks up the guitar she recieved as a gift and begins to create the song she'd be playing.
The Summer Sun Celebration had crept upon Fluttershy but she was ready she like the other musicians wait in a large area waiting to hear the start of the celebration. Her friends walk up to her smiling.
"Fluttershy darling though I am glad that you are stepping out of your comfort zone I do wish you'd of let me design you a new dress instead of that simple Tuxedo." Rarity states in her stunning dress.
"Well my teacher always wore a tux said that it is more professional then wearing something glamorous that way your audience is more focused on the music rather than the performer."
" Fluttershy I didn't even know that you even played an instrument. Why did you keep it a secret from us?" asked Twilight Sparkle
"I haven't played for very long. I didn't want to get your hopes up girls. Besides my teacher wanted it to be a surprise until I was ready."
"Your teacher? Who are they do we know them?" Applejack
"No. He was very shy and rarely went into town."
"Was? What happened to him?" Twilight
"He died not too long ago he was very sick, but before he passed he made me my instrument."
"Is that why you've been so sad lately? No wonder I couldn't cheer you up thought I was losing my touch." Pinkie Pie
Fanfare begins to sound in the distance. "I'd love to talk to you girls but it is time to start." with that the mares leave to watch the Summer Sun Celebration leaving behind Fluttershy. A gray mare approaches her in her own tux.
"Well what do we have here? I hope you're not here to embarrass all of us real musicians by performing some little filly song or something? It would not bode well for you since somehow or other you've managed to be our closing act right after my orchestra. So please whatever it is you have planned don't mess up." Said Octavia with her prim and proper voice.
"Thank you Octavia your concern for my well being is quite endearing but don't fret I assure you that the piece that I am performing is no child's song. Just wait you wont want to miss it." Replied Fluttershy with her guitar still strapped to her back.
"Well we'll see wont we?" Huffed Octavia as she walked back to her orchestra members tuning their instruments.
The concert went with out delay each musician played their songs followed by the next in line with smooth transitions. Then before long it was Fluttershy's turn she takes a deep breath and steps out onto the stage. She looks out into the sea of faces staring at her with bated breath she opens the case pulling out her guitar the crowd gasps at its beauty. Once she puts the strap on she begins a slow arpeggio performing an onstage sound check once done she begins with soft notes. The music was so gentle and sad like being hugged by a rain cloud. Octavia listened intently her heart ached she felt like she knew the song that's when she realized it it was similar to her brother's style of playing. Unable to control herself Octavia went out on stage with cello in hoof and sat next to Fluttershy and begins a low staccato harmonizing with the guitar soon one by one every musician in attendance came out on stage and added their music to the song. When the last musician joined in something magical happened every ponies cutie mark that was there started to glow. The light drifted from their cutie marks into the air and formed dancing butterflies made of light. Every ponies eyes glistened like stars for the music was so heart wrenching it captivated the audience. Fluttershy ended the song with fading pinch harmonics symbolizing the death of her master she bows deeply and walks off stage. With the music over the light butterflies evaporate into the night sky and every pony stomped loudly with appreciation it was deafening.
Octavia rushes after Fluttershy." Fluttershy wait! Who taught you how to play like that? The only pony that I know of is my brother but he's been dead for years."
"I am sorry but your brother was alive he taught me before he died recently. He staged his death all those years ago so you could grow as a musician. He protected you from the forest while you were there so you could pass through safely."
Octavia just sat there dumbfounded by the news Fluttershy wanted to console her but knew that it would only hurt her more so she left. Fluttershy returns home places the guitar in the corner of her room and goes to sleep to dream of her friend listening to her song. A blue butterfly flies through the open window and lands on the guitar's head a single tear falls from her face as she smiles.
Author's Note
Feedback on overall writing and story boarding would be appreciated