Chapters Hikaru quickly found the first aid kit and bandaged the wound.
He suddenly heard the front door open. Iris, the pony who watched the front desk when Hikaru wasn't, was late for work leaving the nopony at the desk to greet and assist the guest.
Hikaru walked quickly over to the front desk and noticed a tall White pony with a black mane and tail walking up to the desk. She had an official look to her, much like the ponies who worked in the larger offices in Canterlot.
All these thoughts rushed through Hikaru's mind within seconds as the pony reached the front desk.
"Hello!" She said with a smile. "My name is Trinity Star, and Im the head even planner for this years Nocturnal Oasis here in Ponyville."
Hikaru nearly jumped when he realized who this pony was.
"The even is going to be happening in about 2 weeks and we needed to find a hotel to block out some rooms for those attending the event. One of the others in the planning committee noticed that your hotel offers discounts for buying out blocked rooms, is it possible for us to buy off about 80 rooms starting July 26th until the 28th?"
Hikaru was still in shock, This pony was the HEAD planner for the event he so longed to go to. He wanted this to be a sign, some sort of strange sign that would confirm that he was indeed meant to go, maybe his Dad would be so happy about having all the business from this event that he would let him go!
These thoughts rushed through his mind until he suddenly realized he had not answered Trinity. He shook himself out of his daze and hoped he hadn't been silent for more than a second. If it was a long pause, it would make Trinity feel quite awkward for sure.
"Yes, we can book out those rooms for you. We discount all blocked rooms by 40%, and any additional rooms past 70 are 80% off. We can set up a code for guest registering to use during hotel booking online so the attendees of the event can claim the discount. There is a required fee of 600 bits for us to block out the rooms and you would need to sign this form here..."
Hikaru reached over into the file drawer and pulled out a yellow form and handed it to Trinity.
"Once you fill that out and I get your payment information, it will all be set!"
"Great!" Said Trinity enthusiastically as she took the paper and grabbed the quill on the counter to sign. She wrote down all the required info and signatures, and payed the 600 bits to Hikaru.
"alright!" Said Hikaru making a copy of the form for the hotel records. "You are all set!"
"Thank you so much!" Said Trinity happily turning to leave. As she got to the door, she called back to Hikaru. "Hey, this event you know, its the kind of thing somepony of your age might really enjoy, you should think about checking it out! Thanks again!"
"Oh believe me..." Sighed Hikaru as Trinity left the building. "Its all I have been thinking about..."
Iris rushed in a few minutes later completely out of breath and looking messy and tired.
"I am soooo sorry. The cat I am taking care of for another family got out of the house and I had to chase her for 10 blocks! I got here as fast as I could, Im so sorry..."
Hikaru decided to hang around the hotel until his Dad arrived. He was going to be in a business meeting for the next hour so as far as Hikaru knew, he had no duties to attend to.
Hikaru trotted up the stairs to the highest floor of the hotel. From there, he went into the storage room and up the ladder that led to the roof. He opened the door and stepped out.
Hikaru used to like coming up here since he was a young colt. It was like his own personal place to come and think as nopony ever really bothered to come up there (With the exception of the worker ponies who inspected and fixed the roof from time to time.)
Hikaru thought a bit about what had happened today.
Many hours later in the afternoon, Storm arrived and went to his office.
"Oh sure that would be fine!" Said Iris handing over the files. "I don't mind not having to go to his office." She leaned close to Hikaru and whispered. "Honestly, he scares me and I find him to be a constant annoying pressure on me, kind of like a migraine headache."
Hikaru smiled. "Oh I know exactly what you mean..." He whispered back.
"I wouldn't tell you this if I didn't know you felt the same." Whispered back Iris. "Otherwise I would be fired!"
Hikaru laughed and took the files and continued down the hall to his Dads office.
Hikaru tapped lightly on the door of Storms office.
"Come in!"
"Hey Dad." Said Hikaru entering the office. "Just thought I would give you these files. There is a large group of rooms that got booked out for an event coming to town."
Hikaru dashed out of the office and past the front desk.
"Hikaru!" Called Iris. "What's going on? What was that sound?"
Hikaru ignored her and ran out the door. He ran past all the shops and houses, past sweet apple acres, and out of Ponyville. He finally came to a stop by a tree on a tall hill far away from town.
He felt tears streaming down the side of his face.
He looked off in the distance as the sun started to slowly set.
"Im the failure."
Back at the hotel, Iris had rushed into Storms office to see what had happened and nearly screamed when she found him on the floor with blood streaming from his mouth. She immediately helped him up and brought him to the medical clinic. She asked him what had happened but all he would say was "He's no son of mine."
-
Hikaru woke up and looked out over the land. The last bit of blue shown over the horizon as night fell upon Ponyville. It was starting to get cold, but he didn't care. He didn't want to go back cause he knew that most likely his Dad had told everypony what a horrible thing he had done. Made him seem like some sort of dangerous criminal or something.
-
Iris walked into the kite shop and just as with Hikaru before, she found herself suddenly immersed deep within a maze of color and shapes from kites all around.
'Ah Hikaru....what in the hay did you do..."
-
Hikaru woke up suddenly from hearing a sound outside the barn doors.
Sky was a bit surprised by Hikarus sudden embrace, but knew that what he really needed right now was a friend to be there for him.
The moment seemed to last forever, until Hikaru found he had no more tears to cry, and he was starting to feel better.
"Sky....." He said quietly. "I really messed up..."
"What happened Hikaru?" She asked in a gentle voice.
Hikaru looked up at her and continued.
"He was just talking bad about ponies who are of a lower income level than he is..." Said Hikaru. "He just talked trash about some ponies-"
Hikaru couldn't look up. He just knew that a look of anger and shock would be on Skys face. He didn't want to see it. He wanted to just run away in shame at that point.
He was quite surprised when he suddenly found Sky's hooves wrapped around him in a tight hug.
A tear ran down the side of her face as she spoke.
Hikaru was silent and wanted to say something, but too many emotions were rushing through him at the moment. He ended up just siting there on the ground looking down, mane covering his eyes.
Sky decided to break the awkward silence which seemed to be dragging on for what felt like an eternity.
"You know..." She began. "We should probably head back to Ponyville. You can't stay here, its getting pretty late...and very cold...."
"Im not going back." Said Hikaru quickly. "I know what's gonna happen. Ill go back and everypony will be afraid of me. I know my Dads going to have been spreading this story around town. And he probably will have me charged with assault or something."
"Now cmon now..." Said Sky laying down next to Hikaru. "He wouldn't do that would he?"
Hikaru looked over at her.
Sky looked off past the barn doors and up into the night sky. She thought about Storm, and how he treated Hikaru. She recalled the times in the past when Storm seemed to not care about Hikaru whatsoever. The more she thought about, the angrier she got. 'How can somepony treat his own son like he does? What kind of parent is that?'
Hikaru sighed.
Sky couldn't believe what she was hearing. Hikaru? Run away? But at the same time, she couldn't blame him. Given the situation, she might have done the same.
"You should go home Sky." Said Hikaru. "Ill still see you around. Ill come back sometimes to visit you. You'll know where to find me I promise."
Sky thought about Hikarus words for a second. She didn't like what Hikaru was doing one bit. Going off alone like that. Would she ever see him again?
"Im going with you."
Hikaru looked over to Sky with a surprised look.
"What?"
He shook his head.
"Sky....you can't go with me...cmon now..."
"No Hikaru!" Said Sky getting up and sounding a bit stern. "Im sorry but I'm going with you. I'm not going to let you just go off like this by yourself. You are gonna need somepony to look after y-"
"WHAT!" Yelled Hikaru. "I Dont need somepony to LOOK after me! Im fine on my own!"
"OH REALLY!" Yelled back Sky. "So that time you decided to got your mane caught in a tree when you tried to climb it and we didn't find you for a day? You didn't need a friend looking after you then?"
"Aug!" Groaned Hikaru. "That was just one time! And I was found, I was totally ok on my ow-"
"AND!" Interrupted Sky. "What about the time you decided to try baking garlic bread when you had no baking experience at all? Its a good thing somepony happened to be walking by and smelled the smoke when they did, I mean REALLY, leaving the oven ON while you go off to work for 2 HOURS?"
"I THOUGHT THAT WAS HOW LONG IT TAKES!" Yelled Hikaru. "And so what, 2 incidences. That doesn't mean I-"
"Last year!" Interrupted Sky. "The bear?"
"I know there have been a ton of things that I have done which were pretty stupid, and having a friend there to guide me would have been great. But I really don't want to drag you along for this. Its just not a good idea. I messed up, I gotta pay the price, not you. You don't deserve that...It would be unfair and cruel for me to do that to you. And...I care about you too much to let you do that. And really, you don't have to worry about me, I think I have some good judgement in me you know..."
"Its not just that though...." Said Sky quietly.
"What?" Asked Hikaru, curious as to what else Sky meant.
"Well...." She began, looking down onto the ground. "You are my best friend, and you always have been....Its just....I...I don't want to be without you...."
Hikaru could have sworn that he saw a tear roll down the side of her face as she spoke.
He realized that she cared for him just as much as he cared for her. It was actually quite obvious.
Hikaru wrapped a hoof around Sky and sighed.
"Argh Sky.....Why do you have to be so good at convincing me to do stuff...thats just not fair you know....not fair at all..."
Hikaru woke up the next day a bit before the sun had risen completely.
Today was the day. He had it all planned out in his head. He would sneak back into town and to the house, and gather the things he needed to bring from his room. While he was doing this, Sky would gather her things from her place, and they would meet outside of town near the everfree forest before sundown.
There was something on Hikarus mind that was bothering him though. He was very happy that Sky would be going with him on this journey. But he started thinking about the kite shop. She loved the kite shop, and she helped out allot for her uncle who ran the store. If she left, could he handle the business? And wouldn't he be mad that she just got up and left? It sure didn't seem right to him.
He looked over to Sky who was still asleep.
'Oh I should probably try to find food.' Thought Hikaru. He remembered passing by a pretty large apple orchard along the way to the barn. It would be right over the hill.
-
Sky woke up and was surprised to find that Hikaru was nowhere in the barn.
-
Hikaru was running as fast as he could with the dog right on his heels the entire time.
-
Sky looked out toward the hill and finally saw the source of the screaming.
Sky didn't know what to do. She felt very confused.
"Sky!!!!" Screamed Hikaru running in random shapes around the open field to the side of the barn. "Get in the barn! NOW! And close the barn door half way! GO!"
Hikaru dashed around the barn and then quickly dodged the dog and headed back in the other direction. The dog was confused for a second but quickly got in path to pursue Hikaru. But it was too late. Hikaru jumped through the 1/2 open barn door and slammed the door shut.
Hikaru collapsed onto the floor breathing heavily.
Hikaru looked up at Sky who was standing there looking very confused.
-
Back in ponyville, Iris was behind the front counter of the hotel answering phone calls, welcoming guest, the usual.
She heard Storm leaving his office and walking toward the lobby so she quickly made herself look busy.
Iris glanced over at the clock and noticed it was 10 after 1.
Iris decided to get a sandwich at the restaurant around the corner. They always had great food, and at a good price. And with the salary Iris was making, she needed to take every chance she could to save money.
Iris walked out of the hotel and down the street.
'I wonder where Hikaru is now...' Thought Iris to herself. 'I hope he's alright..'
-
"You STOLE them!"
Hikaru was angry with Sky. 'How can she think like this?' He thought. 'I just risked getting caught to bring back some food and instead of being grateful, she YELLS at me?'
Sky was equally angry with Hikaru. 'Really?' She thought to herself. 'How can he think that what he did was ok? stealing is STEALING, no matter the quantity! Ugh, and now he's actually MAD at me? For wanting him to do what's right? Really?"
Both Hikaru and Sky didn't say anything for quite a while.
Hikaru thought about what Sky was saying for a bit.
A bird flew onto the windowsill at the top of the barn.
Hikaru sighed. 'Maybe she did have a point......I don't know....I was just doing what needed to be done though....Ugh, I don't want her to be upset with me...'
Sky was on the other side of the room, also looking down toward the floor.
'Ugh...I hate seeing him mad like this...' Thought sky to herself. 'but really...what he did was totally stupid...'
"Hikaru..?" Said sky softly.
Both were silent for a bit.
"Im sorry..." Hikaru finally broke the silence.
"Well....." Began Hikaru. "I think its about time we start heading back to Ponyville...gotta gather all of our stuff and whatnot."
"We better get going then."
Hikaru and Sky headed to the outer edge of Ponyville where they would split up and go their own ways until their meet up in a few hours.
"Hey Sky?" He asked.
"Its just.." Began Hikaru again. "That...Well...ok look. I can leave. My Dad hates me, I don't know anypony close enough that I would be missed. I got nothing to lose. But you....you have so many ponies around you that know you well and you talk to and see all the time. Its like, why would you give that up?"
Hikaru and Sky reached the edge of Ponyville and went their separate ways. Sky heading right into Ponyville, and Hikaru snaeking around the back alleys to get to his house.
Sky walked into Ponyville and headed toward the kite store which had her living space upstairs.
She stared at them for a second, then walked over, grabbed the pen, a sheet of paper, and started writing.
Sky's uncle Current walked into the store.
Dear Uncle.
I know you are probably wondering where in the hay I am by now.
Sincerely
Sky.
Hikaru was hiding behind a large dumpster as he watched some ponies who worked at the styling salon walk by. Hikaru has gotten his mane done a few times there so he didn't want to be recognized.
Hikaru went to the back of the house and quickly went through the back door.
"Hmmm" Said Hikaru to himself. "Maybe I don't need sooo much."
Hikaru started to head out the door but then stopped.
'Ill miss all of this.' Thought Hikaru. 'But it time to move on...'
And with that, Hikaru left the room and went out the back door to sneak back out of Ponyville.
Both Sky and Hikaru were quite sure that they would be able to find something in no time.
It was true, Iris had worked at the hotel for many years, and had seen Hikaru grow up through them. Quite often, she would talk to Hikaru about random things in life, and often give him advice or try to cheer him up in different situations.
Hikaru gave Iris a quick hug, turned, and ran off to meet up with Sky.
Iris watched him leave with a somewhat sad expression on her face. But at least now she understood exactly what had happened to him.
Hikaru and Sky met up at their meeting location and started heading down the road that would take them in the direction of Manehattan.
Hikaru looked down at his music player. He scrolled down to some tracks from Ferry Coltsten. His excitement for Nocturnal Oasis started to grow once again.
"Hey Sky?" He said turning to her. "I was thinking about this whole thing with Nocturnal Oasis. I know the both of us really want to go still....but....can we still make it work? I mean, I just don't see how we can get back into Ponyville without being seen by a local who would certainly know of us by then."
Sky looked down thoughtfully and considered the situation.
The two continued on their trek for another two hours or so. The entire time, they talked about almost anything. School, Life, Food, If Twilight the librarian was purple or violet, but mostly, they talked about Music.
"Above The Clouds And Beyond make amazing tracks." Said Hikaru going down the list of the artist in his music player. "Im surprised you haven't heard more of their stuff."
Sky took the headphones and listened to the song.
Sky finished the song and gave the headphones back to Hikaru.
"Yeah..." Said Hikaru with a smile. "Its also one of the very first trance songs I ever found. Still one of my all time faves to this day, despite having...um..."
Sky's eyes opened wide. "How did you manage to fit that many songs in that thing?"
"Oh this thing can hold probably up to 2000 songs!" Replied Hikaru, proudly holding the device up in the sunlight. "I'm not even at 1000 yet, so I got a long ways to go. So many songs out there, so little time-OH HEY LOOK! A HUMMINGBIRD!"
Sky laughed at Hikaru's ability to be so easily distracted. She watched Hikaru as he carefully watched the hummingbird move from flower to flower drinking the nectar contained within.
She suddenly noticed that it was starting to get dark as the sun was just about to disappear below the horizon.
"Hey Hikaru?" She started, still looking off in the distance.
They both headed over to the cliffside and were disappointed to find that there was no cave. However, there was an overhand of rock in one area, at least it would keep them sheltered from any rain that might happen to be transported there way via Clousdale original cloud.
"Its going to get pretty cold in a bit." Said Sky starting to feel the heat of the day sun leaving them. "Luckily, I brought this flint to start a fire!"
Hikaru tossed the can onto the ground, and with a loud swoosh, the can opened up and split apart to reveal a perfectly blazing fire on a pile of small sticks.
Sky looked at Hikaru.
================
Three days had passed since Sky and Hikaru had left Ponyville. Their days consisted of walking, talking, and finding shelter for the night.
The plan was simple for once they reached Manehattan. Sky had a few friends who lived there who owned a large apartment building. They had offered to let Sky live there in the past if she ever wanted to get away, so she figured that now would be a great time to take them up on that offer.
It would be a little over a week until Nocturnal Oasis. Meaning that once they settled down in Manehattan, they would have to prepare their plan for sneaking back to Ponyville for this event without being seen. It sounded quite difficult, but both were quite confident that they could figure something out. And besides. The Tickets cost 200 bits each. Sky was not about to let that go to waste.
Hikaru was walking along next to sky. His head bobbing to the sounds of Lamenting Canterlot by Axel Coon. He had taken out the headphones so he could play the music through the music players small speakers. It wasn't the best sound quality, but he didn't want to seem rude by wearing headphones as if he didn't want to hear Sky if she happened to say something.
It seemed that all was going well in this journey, Hikaru was happy, Sky was happy, They were making good time, everything was going perfect. Until they found themselves at the end of the road they had been traveling. Literally. The road turned to grass, and grass into trees, The end of the road.
Hikaru stared completely confused at the forest before him.
"Hikaru...." Started Sky slowly with a hint of concern in her voice. "Wheres the road?"
They were suddenly interrupted.
"Ugh will you two just SHUT THE HAY UP?"
Hikaru and Sky jumped at the unfamiliar voice that suddenly sounded out from somewhere above them.
The looked up toward the source of the voice and saw a strange creature resting on the top of one of the trees. A creature that neither Sky or Hikaru had ever seen in pony before. The creature had a strong and lean body of a lion, and large majestic wings of an eagle. It also had the head of the same great bird, with a few feathers flowing slightly over the creatures eyes. This creature, was a griffon.
"Woah..." Exclaimed Sky and Hikaru in unison.
The griffon raised its wings and flew off the top of the tree and hovered down to the ground to stand in front of the two ponies who looked on in awe.
"Are you two losers really that pathetic?" She said with an annoyed tone in her voice. "I'm trying to sleep here and you both decide to just make the biggest freaking racket ever about something stupid? Pathetic ok?"
The griffon took flight and flew back up to the top of the tree she had originally been resting on.
"Oh and for the record." She began. "The roads still there. Its just on the other side of a few rows of trees. Those freaking budget cuts made all upkeep on this road vanish into thin air so trees grew over it. Just keep going straight and you'll reach the road again."
"No way!" Said Hikaru happily. "Thank you so much!"
"Yeah yeah whatever." Said the griffon from the top of the tree. "Get lost will ya."
"Right, haha, sorry." Said Sky. "Lets go"
And with that, both of them continued on through the trees toward what they were told would be the continuation of the road.
The griffon in the tree yawned and turned over to go back to sleep.
"Losers."
Hikaru and Sky continued on through the trees based on the directions of the griffon.
Hikaru felt bad about arguing with Sky. He cared about Sky quite a bit, and to argue with her just made him feel like trash.
"Hikaru...." Began Sky. "Look....I'm sorry about the way I acted....earlier. I don't know, I just freak out whenever Im under stress sometimes, and I know its bad, and I shouldn't take that out on you. I don't know why Im like that. Its always been like this, I just....get nervous or something I guess...I don't know. But I feel bad that I yelled at you like that."
"Im sorry too..." Replied Hikaru laying his head ontop of Sky's as they walked along.
"I really messed up though.." Said Sky softly.
Sky smiled. "Maybe....we both have our issues we need to work out."
They continued walking through the trees and toward the supposed road that awaited them on the other end.
Hikaru noticed that there appeared to be a clearing up ahead.
Hikaru and Sky dashed towards the light anxiously. Hoping that they would a clearing, and the continuation of the road.
Hikaru rushed through the rows of trees, feeling the wind rush through his mane, and getting whipped by the occasional branch that jetted out to block his path. It stung a bit, but he didn't care. More than anything, he wanted to see that road, the sign that this whole journey wasn't over, wasn't at a lost, wasn't the end of the book.
With a final leap, the Hikaru jumped out of the trees into a clearing with Sky right by his side.
Hikaru found himself surrounded by bright light. The darkness of the forest had caused his eyes to be quite sensitive to the light, and the sudden brightness caused him to experience a complete white-out for a few seconds. But once his eyes adjusted, he took in a wonderful sight.
"THE ROAD!" Yelled Sky Happily.
Sky jumped up in joy and ran over and hugged Hikaru.
"We're gonna be ok! We are still on track!"
Hikaru felt a sense of relief as well as a feeling of complete joy as he looked out over the land. The road wound its way through a meadow and off towards a mountain pass. A pass that Hikaru knew was the final land mark that led to Manehattan
================
Iris looked up from the computer screen to see who had entered into the hotel.
Storm grabbed a newspaper from the stack on the counter. He took a glance into the mirror that was right above.
'Wow.' Thought Iris. 'He does look ridiculous.'
Hikaru and Sky had been on their journey for 4 days now, and they were quite tired, but they knew that they were almost there.
"So Sky..." Began Hikaru still looking up the road. "Where are these friends of yours that we are gonna meet up with once we get there?"
Hikaru yanked the headphones off of Sky's head.
"WHATCHA LISTENING TO SKY?"
Sky stared daggers at Hikaru.
"eh-heh-heh.....sorry..." Said Hikaru with a nervous smile.
Sky sighed. "What was THAT about hm? Care to explain?"
!
"Take em away into Luna's night by 5 strings?" Said Hikaru loudly with a hint of disbelief. "You like that song? Its so...mainstream..."
Sky was about to say something when she suddenly stopped as she took in the view in front of her.
Stretched out in the land before them was a wonderful sight.
"WE'RE HERE!"
========
Hikaru and Sky happily trotted into Manehattan.
"This is awesome" Said Hikaru with a smile on his face. "I can't believe were finally here! We made it! Ahhhh gosh I just wanna...hug you but that would be weird to do so suddenly in public."
Sky Laughed and looked up at the street signs that were located on each corner.
"We need to find CastleView Avenue. Spark and Zen live at 4756 28th street and CastleView Avenue. They said to look for a large orange steeple that towers over most of the other buildings. Their apartment is supposed to be right across the street from it."
Hikaru saw a map of the city streets on a wall on a nearby store. He trotted over to check it out.
"Its about 3 blocks down." He said walking back over to Sky. "28th street is just a short walk up. We're literally just a minute away."
As they started walking in the direction of their destination. Hikaru noticed that Sky seemed very quiet.
"You all right?"
"It was you're choice to come along..." Started Hikaru. "But I can understand if you're regretting it..."
======
Iris was busy taking calls in the hotel. Ponies from all around were booking rooms for Nocturnal Oasis. Iris definitely had her hooves full as she tried to work fast to take calls, file info, and list rooms as booked in the computer schedule.
"Whew! Busy day." She said to herself. "I guess I better get used to it as this event gets closer."
She was just about to head out the door to go to her favorite lunch spot, when she noticed another hotel worker walking toward the door as well.
"Oh hey Summer. What's up?"
Summer looked up from the ground.
Iris froze. "Fired?" She couldn't believe it. Summer was an excellent worker who had been working in the hotel for years. Why would Storm fire her?
"But...Summer....why?"
"He said that we need to cut back." Said Summer sadly. " I guess that means it was time to let me go." She sighed. "I just don't know what to do now. I have a foal to take care of and I am now out of work. I just gotta hope that I can find something."
"Oh Summer...." Said Iris. " I don't know what to say. You don't deserve this though. I don't know what Storm is thinking."
"Yeah I don't know...." Said Summer quietly. "But...I guess thats it for now...."
Iris couldn't believe it. It didn't make sense. Summer was one of the best employees of all time in the hotel. And her contributions to the business were many. Iris remembered her from the very first day she had come to work at the hotel herself.
'Of all the workers...' Thought Iris to herself as she shook her head in complete disbelief. 'That really doesn't make any sense at all.'
Iris was thinking about the matter when she heard some commotion from down the hallway.
Iris ran around the corner and down the hall to see what the ruckus was about. She found 2 other hotel workers trying to hold back Spark (who was in charge of the hotel's electricity) who was destroying Storms office.
"SPARK!" Shouted Iris. "What are you doing! Stop!"
Spark struggled to be released from the grasp of the two other ponies that held him back.
"That no good little foal!" He shouted. "Ill RIP his head off! He will regret the very day he was born! Ill kill him! I swear Ill kill him!"
"Please calm down!" Said one of the other hotel workers struggling to hold the mad rampaging stallion back.
"Spark, what happened?" Fear in Iris's voice. What could drive Spark to be this angry? He was usually so calm and relaxed.
"That freaking Storm..." Muttered Spark starting to calm down a bit.
He sighed, and continued.
"He approached me today as I was working. I was fixing some wiring on the 3rd floor. He came up to me, and without a care in the world, said he was dropping my salary by 25 percent. I asked him why and he just said that it was none of my business. Well to hay with that I think it is my business to know why my salary is being dropped like that! So I protested, and the little foal says he is dropping my salary by 50 percent because he didn't like my ATTITUDE! So of course this is totally ridiculous, I mean, I have a family at home I need to take care of! I am barely making it as is! I need all the bits I can get cause I want to keep everypony alive you know!"
Spark kicked over a trash can and looked down onto the ground. Through a bright red mane, were hidden eyes filled with anger, and sadness.
"He fired me before I could say another word. Im done, I have no means to care for my family. All the benefits I had here are gone. I have nothing. Im done ok? Im totally done!"
Tears started flowing from Sparks eyes as he slumped down onto the ground. Times had been very tough for him for quite a while, and this was a heavy blow to his efforts of trying to care for the ones he loved. And in his eyes, there was no hope.
Iris put a hoof over him.
"Im done!" He shouted. And he got up and ran out the door, leaving bitter and angry tears behind him.
Orange Range, one of the other hotel workers, sighed and eyed Storms destroyed office.
"He's lost it. He's completely out of control."
"Spark?" Asked Iris.
"No, Storm. He's been getting increasingly more and more angry and rude to all of the workers here. I overheard him saying that he is planning on laying off most of the staff except a few. He's not even caring who it is or what situations they are in...obviously...I would be careful Iris, its not looking good for all of us."
==============
Hikaru and Sky arrived at the apartment building on 28th and Castleview Avenue.
"Lets see here..." Said Sky looking over the note that Zen had written. "They are in apartment 107."
Hikaru pushed the bell for that particular room.
A faint mechanical sound could be heard. it was a strange sound. A mix of grinding gears of some kind and a few creaks.
Hikaru looked up at the large metal door that towered in front of them.
"You sure they would be here....?" Asked Hikaru nervously as they waited.
"Yeah for sure. It says here in the note that they would be."
Suddenly, the sound of rushing hoofbeats could be heard from inside. A click was heard and the door swung open.
"SKY!" Shouted a yellow pony with a black and red streaked mane.
"So where is Flash?" Asked Sky suddenly.
Hikaru choked for a second. 'This place is held up by tape.....great...'
"Well come on in!" Zen said happily grabbing Sky's bag. "Ill show you guys your apartment! Its one of the best ones we have! Only the best for our friends you know!"
'Wait...' Thought Hikaru as they followed Zen into the building. 'Its just....one...apartment?'
They arrived at the apartment on the 3rd floor. Hikaru noticed that the door seemed to be broken. The door handle was falling off, but was somewhat still attached...By none other than-
"Duct tape." Remarked Hikaru looking at the handle wrapped in many layers of the material.
"Hehe..." Laughed Zen. "Yeah, its a life saver! I can't imagine what we would do without it! I mean, just the other day, the radio receiver tower on the roof collapsed. It was pretty rusty and was pretty much eaten away. But we used this tape to attach it back to the ground and set it back up again! Its fantastic!"
Zen opened the door and let them into the apartment.
Hikaru walked over to the window and peered out through the old curtains that looked like they had been made hundreds of years ago.
"Well, Ill let you two get settled in." Said Zen waking up Hikaru from his thoughts.
Sky laughed in reply at her friends words.
Zen left the small apartment, carefully closing the door. Apparently not carefully enough as the door handle fell off onto the floor with a thud.
"Ill get that fixed! No worries!"
'Ugh..'
Iris stared at the sandwich in front of her as she thought about what was happening.
She packed the sandwich away and brought it with her back to the hotel.
Hikaru and Sky got in the elevator to get to the first floor of the apartment.
The elevator groaned and creaked to a stop on the first floor before opening the thin and creaky metal door with a loud crunch.
The two arrived at apartment 107 and knocked on the door.
The two walked in joined Flash on the couch.
"So!" Began Flash suddenly.
Zen walked out from the bathroom with her mane looking different than the messy look she had before. It was now straightened and neat, but with some interesting bright orange highlights.
"That took a while, But I like the result!" She said happily.
Zen sat down and nuzzled up against Flash.
"So! Um....." Started Hikaru feeling a bit awkward. "I guess we should be going yeah?"
The 4 left the apartment and headed down to this "place" that Zen and Flash kept referring to.
Immediately, Hikaru found himself in a very active atmosphere.
"What's all this?"
"This is where Zen and I like to hang out on the weekends." Flash answered with a smile. "This place hasn't been opened for long, but it quickly got pretty popular over the last few months. There's other places like this around. But this place has food thats actually decent!"
Zen led them over to the bar and grill where he ordered four orders of some strange fried vegetable dish. It was apparently called "temper-ah" or something like that.
"I don't get what they do to these..." Said Sky between large bites of the dish. "But, this is amazing!"
"We figured you all would like it." Zen said as she also munched away. "One of our favorite dishes here."
Hikaru looked out over the crows of ponies around the dance floor. He looked past the crowd and noticed a full DJ set-up on a small stage. There was no DJ, but there was a music player plugged into the sound system playing a playlist of some progressive trance tracks.
"So...." Began Hikaru. "Do they ever have any live DJ's here?"
Hikaru choked. "NEIGHLITA?"
Hikaru was overjoyed. This would be the first time that he would ever get to see one of his favorite trance artist doing a live set. He couldn't believe his good fortune.
"Neighlita...isn't she the one who did Coldest Heaven?" Asked Sky, as she tried to recall the artist.
'Thats a weird name for a drink' Thought Hikaru.
"How about you two?" Asked Flash. "Im buying."
Flash headed over the bar area to get their drinks while Hikaru looked out over the crowd. Everypony seemed so happy and free. The entire atmosphere of this place just radiated this feeling of freedom and fun. Hikaru couldn't help but smile. Flash was right. This was his kind of place.
"So when is Neighlita going to be going up?" Asked Sky.
Flash returned in a minute with the drinks.
"I can't believe you only want a soda, Sky...." He said with a sarcastically downcast look. "You're missing out on some really good drinks here. You too Hikaru."
The 4 chatted for the next few minutes about many random topics.
It was 2 years prior that Zen had decided to run away from home after growing quite tired of her alcoholic father who would treat her like trash. She ran away to Fillydelphia originally where she stayed with a small group of runaways she had run across in her travels. Flash was on of the ones in the group. He had been a rebellious young one, and caused lots of trouble at school to the point that he got kicked out at a very young age. He ended up being arrested one night for trying to break into a store, and his parents disowned him after that night. He ran away, found the group of other runaways, and shaped up his act. Both Zen and Flash found that they gained quite the liking to the other and it was only a short while until they were together. Through lots of work and some hardships, they managed to work with the other runaways to buy the run down apartment building which they used as low rent housing for other runaways that they happened to find. They both had a big heart and compassion for those in their same situation for sure.
Hikaru could have listened to their story for hours, but the sound of ponies cheering interrupted the story.
Immediately, Neighlita got to work on the turntables and the sound of heavy bass and a steady beat resonated throughout the building.
"Oh wow this is awesome!" Commented Hikaru as the sound seemed to envelop him with its beat.
Hikaru looked over to Sky, who had her eyes closed and head rocking to the beat. She was obviously enjoying this just as much as He was. He looked over to where Flash and Zen were sitting and noticed that they were gone.
He scanned the crowd looking for them and finally noticed the two standing right up front in the mass of other ponies who were jumping and cheering with the music.
The track Neighlita was playing continued on for many minutes of a heavy bass mixed with soft synth and quick beats. Suddenly, with a progressing snare roll, the song entered into a soft, calm and peaceful synth section that Hikaru could only describe as "heavenly".
Life.....
'Oh...I remember hearing this before...' Thought Hikaru trying to remember where it was that he did.
"I have this song!" Shouted Sky over the noise. "Remember this? I have a mix of this that I played for you a while back!"
When the chance comes
The song entered into another soft synth section with the lyrics repeating very softly in the background. The ponies on the dance floor cheered and stomped there hooves in response. But the song was not over yet. Another progressing snare roll got louder and louder as well as a more aggressive synth, getting louder and louder. Flashing strobe lights and laser lights flashed wildly around the room matching the sounds of the song as it got louder.
The crowd surrounding the stage was madly jumping, dancing, and cheering. Hikaru looked for Flash and Sky but couldn't find them among the crazed ponies.
Hikaru sat back and absorbed the experience around him. Everything was so...perfect. Here he was. Listening to his favorite kind of music, LIVE! Surrounded by the most amazing light show he had ever seen. Next to him, was his absolute best friend in all of Equestria, and for once in his life. He felt....free. He wasn't stressed, wasn't alone, wasn't worried. This was what he always wanted, and it was here. Now. This was the freedom he always longed for.
This was it.
The night went on and Hikaru was having the time of his life. He wasn't the type to go out onto dance floors so he was quite satisfied with sitting back, relaxing, and listening to good music.
Neighlita played many more mixes and soon came to the last song of the night.
The last song came a close and all the ponies on the crowd cheered wildly. Neighlita grabbed a mic and spoke into the audience for the last time.
Hikaru sat back with a contented sigh. "Wow....That was....incredible."
Hikaru looked around and noticed that all the other ponies were leaving.
The place was almost empty and no sign of Flash or Zen.
The two left the building and searched for Flash and Zen around the building.
"Ok now Im kind of worried." Said Sky looking concerned. "They weren't in the building, and they aren't out here."
"Psst!"
Hikaru looked over to the side alley near the building and saw Flash peeking around the corner.
"Wow..."
Hikaru and Sky walked over to him.
"Where were you? We were getting worried!"
They followed Flash around the corner and up to a small building with a sign that read "Stellar's".
Flash led them through the doors.
The bar was small, only a few tables and the main bar counter. Not many ponies were there. Only a few just hanging out and talking, and over at the counter. Hikaru saw Zen and......
"Woah, its Neighlita!"
"Hey welcome back!" Said Zen seeing Flash return. "Oh, hey, so, these are two friends of ours. Hikaru and Sky."
The bar door opened and a white mare with a blue streaked mane stepped in.
Hikaru's eyes opened wide. He looked over at Sky and whispered to her. "Isn't that...."
The unicorn quickly trotted over to them. "Hey Nicole! Nice to see you again!"
Vinyl laughed. "Haha, you're funny. But thanks for the recognition."
"So what are you doing in Manehattan?" Asked Sky. "Aren't you going to be doing the show in Ponyville in 2 days?
Hikaru went on to explain everything that happened, From the very beginning. The issues with his father, the things he had said, the trip, everything. Hikaru was surprised that he felt so open to share these things with ponies he had only just met that day. Maybe he was just learning to loosen up.
"Well thats just messed up." Said Neighlita after Hikaru finished his story.
Everypony looked over at Flash and Zen. Apparently, they had been downing drinks the entire time Hikaru was talking. And the effects of the alcohol had started to get to them.
"I think someponies are gonna need help getting home." Laughed Neighlita.
Hikaru and Sky said their goodbyes to the two DJ mares and left the bar holding up Flash and Zen who were having trouble staying up.
"You guys....rock...so hard...hard like a....onion...." Said Zen slowly as she stumbled along.
"Oh....WHA...!" Shouted Flash suddenly. "Those ponies across the.....sssstreet! ZEN....They looked at you....weird."
The 4 got home and somehow managed to get Flash and Zen onto the couch where they randomly mumbled for a bit and then fell asleep.
"I guess they're ok for now." Said Sky turning off the lamp by the couch. "We should go get some sleep also."
Zen turned off the lights and Hikaru locked up the door with duct tape.
They headed up their own apartment for some much needed rest. Sky took the bed in the bedroom while Hikaru pulled out the sofa bed in the living room.
"Good night Sky." Said Hikaru shutting off the lamp by the bedside.
"Good night Hikaru." Said Sky turning off the light to the living room and going to her room.
Hikaru pulled the blanket over his head. 'Today was awesome.' He thought to himself. 'I couldn't have asked for more. Maybe it would have been nice is Flash and Zen didn't get drunk out of their minds. But its not too much of an issue.'
Hikaru looked out the window by his side. Despite being so far from what used to be his home. The night sky still looked the same. Bright shining stars and the moon that shone its light down onto the city. Hikaru felt at peace.
'This may just work out after all.'
====
Iris was checking in ponies into the hotel. Ponies from all around Equestria had started showing up for the big event tomorrow night.
"I have a reservation for 2. Last name Strobe." Said an orange colt with a dark brown mane.
As the day went on, Iris noticed that there were many other groups who reserved rooms for two, only to see three, four, even five others go up together.
'Oh well, what can you do.' She thought to herself.
"Hello! Welcome to Equestria Suites! Do you have a reservation with us?"
Hikaru woke up with the sun shining in his eyes.
"Sky?" Called out Hikaru as he folded back the couch. "You up yet?"
Suddenly, the front door of the apartment opened.
"Did you just call for me?" Asked Sky as she walked in.
The conversation was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a knock at the door.
"Hm, who can that be?" Said Hikaru walking over to the door.
He opened the door and was surprised to see a very slow moving and sick looking Flash.
"Flash!" Umm....hi....you doing..ok...?"
"You guys wouldn't happen to have any asprin would you?"
Sky sighed and went to the medicine cabinet.
Hikaru and Sky stood in front of the large building in front of them.
Once inside, Hikaru found himself in a very busy atmosphere. Ponies were running around, working machines, taking calls, calling out orders. It made sense that help might be needed. This place was hectic.
"Can I help you two?" Asked a dark brown mare with a cream colored mane.
"Ah yes." Hikaru began. "Im Hikaru Ray, and this is Sky Breeze. We came in for an interview for a possible position here, we have an appointment at 10."
"Oh yes you contacted me the other day about that. Im sorry, I almost forgot about it." Shimmer said apologetically. "Things get so hectic around here that things tend to get lost in the schedule."
Shimmer led Hikaru and Sky up to her office on the second floor. The door opened with a creak and almost seemed as if it could fall off of its hinges at any moment.
"I started working in my Uncles kite shop as soon as I was old enough to go to school pretty much. I helped out with small things until I was older when I pretty much ran the entire store by myself. I stopped working there when I left Ponyville and came here."
"Sounds like you have a decent work background. How about you Hikaru?"
"I was working at Equestria Suites in Ponyville for as long as I can remember. My Dad is the owner of the hotel. Thats really the only place I have worked, but I had allot of responsibilities there. I filed, book rooms, worked in the cleaning service for a bit, little bit of everything. Like Sky, I worked there until I left."
"And what made you two leave your places of employment? Im curious, especially because both were family businesses for you." Asked Shimmer.
"Well...." Began Hikaru thinking carefully about how to word his response.
"Same for me." Said Sky quickly. "I needed something new in life. I needed to get out into the world and try something new, gain new experiences. And when Hikaru told me about what he was doing, I wanted to take the same journey he was taking. So we both left Ponyville together to try to find a better life."
"So you two are together then?" Asked Shimmer suddenly.
Hikaru almost choked.
"Um..." began Hikaru. "We're not....um..."
"Oh okay I see." Shimmer replied, noticing the two in front of her turning red.
She continued on to the next topic of discussion, much to their relief.
"I graduated high school at Ponyville Youth Academy. Thats the highest education level I achieved." Said Hikaru.
'Wow...." thought Hikaru. 'Sky really has been with me for much of my life.'
"You two must be very close, seems your lives were pretty similar. You both have a good education background, and some good work experience. I want to ask, how long do you plan to stay here in Manehattan?"
Hikaru looked over at Sky.
"Well....."
"For good."
Shimmer laughed.
"Wha-ha-woah! Yes! I mean, wow! That was quick!"
"SKY!" Hikaru yelled.
Shimmer laughed. "Its fine, I can see you both are enthusiastic to start. Can you come in starting next monday?"
"Works for me." Said Hikaru looking at Sky.
"Its perfect."
Hikaru was still feeling a tiny bit unsure as Flash arrived to pick him up that night.
Hikaru soon found himself outside in the cold night air. He took a look around and noticed how bright everything was despite it being night time. The city lights on the streets and the lights in the buildings, stores, and restaurants as well as advertisements all around made everything very much illuminated with the exception of a few dark alleys.
"So were meeting up with my two friends Beam and Cobalt. Two of my best friends for many years now. I think Cobalt is bringing somepony also, but Im not totally sure."
Hikaru couldn't help but notice that Flash was overly excited for this whole thing.
"I know what you're thinking." Said Flash interrupting Hikaru's thoughts. "Yeah there is alcohol served at this place. But don't worry man. I can control myself. And thats not why I am super hyped to go to this place. You'll find out soon, its just another block....in fact, there's Beam and Cobalt!"
Further down the street, Hikaru saw a tan pegasus with a black mane with a cobalt colored earth pony with an orange mane.
"Eh we'll catch up." Said Flash waving him off.
Sky found herself at a small restaurant with Zen, and her two friends Neko and Tranquility.
"So Flash is really gonna quit drinking?" Asked Tranquility while she munched on a taco. "I mean, is that...possible?"
"So....." Said Zen, quickly trying to change the subject. "Sky. Are you and Hikaru enjoying the city so far?"
It was Sky's turn to feel awkward now.
"So......just curious..." Said Tranquility. "I have heard a lot about you and Hikaru from Zen here....and I know you say that you two aren't together. But.....do you...like him?"
'Thank you'
Hikaru found himself being shoved into a very dark and very loud building.
"Well?"
Flash pulled Hikaru up to the group.
"Hey guys!" Said Flash approaching them with Hikaru and the other two.
Hikaru noted all of their names in his memory. He was pretty good at memorizing names, and these 4 had very unique names that would be easy to remember.
"So Hikaru here was asking me about the glowsticking stuff he saw you guys doing." Said Flash, breaking Hikaru out of his memorization trance. "Maybe explain it to him, show him some stuff, whatever?"
"Ah you never seen this stuff before then I take it?" Asked Laser.
Hikaru was absorbing the info like a sponge. He was quite mesmerized by the stuff he saw these ponies doing, and he wanted to try it out for himself.
Flashfire seemes to have read his mind.
Hikaru held a string in each hoof. He suddenly felt quite confused on what to do.
For the rest of the night, Laser taught Hikaru many of the basics of glowstring moves. 3 beat weaves, basic body wraps, and hood wraps. Hikaru soon found himself starting to pick stuff up and actually manage to do something without getting a flying glowstick to the face. The four were very helpful in teaching and very patient with him. By the end of the night, Hikaru felt that he might actually be able to go a ways in this new skill.
One move that Hikaru really wanted to figure out was what the others had called an "orbital". It involved the two glowsticks to become wrapped around each other by the string and by the result of pulling, one could get the two glowsticks to spin around each other very quickly before separating. It was a very flashy and interesting move that Hikaru couldn't quite figure out the secret to.
As Hikaru walked back home with Flash, he was excited about this newfound skill. Even though he hardly knew any moves at all, he liked the feeling of what he could do, and the anticipation of what he might be able to learn just made him even more excited.
Hikaru and Flash got back to the apartments around 1 in the morning. Hikaru thanked Flash for the awesome night and went to his apartment to see if Sky had gotten back.
"Sky? you here?" He called out softly.
'awesome' He thought to himself.
Days Beckoning
Iris found herself getting bombarded with angry phone calls from many of the hotel rooms.
"Come in!" Said Storm a bit loudly.
Storm was sitting behind his desk looking over some magazines. Iris noticed that the one he was reading had a large print on the front which read "CRISIS! EQUESTRIAN ECONOMY IN DESPERATE STATE!".
==============
Today was the day. The day that Hikaru had been waiting for. Nocturnal Oasis was tonight! And he was ready. Flash and Zen had scheduled their friends carriage to pick them up later on in the afternoon, and once they were on, it would be only an hour to get to Ponyville. Hikaru couldn't wait. All his favorite artist would be there, plus all his good friends. He was especially excited to hear some news that he had gotten from Flash. It seemed that Flash had somehow gotten to grow close to Vinyl Scratch, and she would occasionally talk to him on his text device. She mentioned to him that Aly & Filly would be making a surprise appearance at the show and that they would be spinning some tracks as well. Aly & Filly were one of Hikaru's favorite trance artist and he nearly screamed in joy when he Flash told him that they would be there.
Hikaru had been practicing some glowstringing moves as well. He put his dead practice set to good use as he listened to his music while trying to figure out new and interesting wraps and spins. He remembered what Laser had told him, about how it was more about flow and expressing yourself than actual technique and planned tricks. It seemed to be working as he had figured out some interesting stuff on his own. And ended up forgetting exactly what he did a few seconds after.
Sky was excited as well. She couldn't believe that the time was already here. She had never been to any event to this scale, and the anticipation was great.
It had been quite the journey that both Hikaru and Sky had taken. And it had its highs and lows. Up and down like a yoyo at times. But through it, they had grown closer, and met awesome ponies along the way who helped them out and became true friends. It was awesome.
Hikaru was lying on the sofa chewing on a carrot. Sky had gone out so he was just relaxing while he waited for her to return.
"I hope this all works out." Said Hikaru as he tried to bounce the carrot off the wall and have it come back to him. It actually worked surprisingly.
Sky suddenly walked in.
*THUNK!*
"YAH!"
The carrot flew right by Sky's face and imbedded itself into the wall next to her like an arrow.
"Hikaru?"
There was an awkward pause between the two of them as they both looked at the carrot in the wall.
The silence was broken as the carrot suddenly broke in half and fell to the floor.
"You know..." Began Sky. "you can be a very very strange individual."
"I really am...."
==============
"So what is so important that you need to leave the front?" Asked Storm in a very annoyed tone.
Iris could sense Storms annoyance and it made her feel a bit more uneasy about what she was going to say. But it had to be done.
"I'm worried about the hotel."
Storm tilted his head and gave a slight smirk.
Iris looked up at Storm with fire in her eyes.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!"
Hikaru stood among some of the most awesome ponies he knew. New friends he made here in Manehattan, and his best friend of all time. They were standing at the corner where the carriage would come pick them up.
"Ugh Flash..." Groaned Cobalt. "Where in the hay is he? Its so late!"
"Do we have any other options?" Asked Sky hopefully.
Luckily, a sky chariot being pulled by two pegasus stallions appeared through the clouds and rushed towards the group.
"About freakin time!" Yelled Flash loudly as he walked into the street to meet them.
The two stallions landed and skidded to a stop in front of the group.
"Flash! I am soooo sorry.....there was-"
"I WILL POUND YOUR LITTLE FREAKING FACE INTO THE PAVEMENT YOU LITTLE MULE ROTTEN APPLE! ILL SMEAR YOU ACROSS THE DIRT YOU LITTLE ROTTEN HAY STACK! ILL-"
*SMACK!*
Flash found himself being hit by a hard hoof to the face and he tripped over backward and landed on the street. He quickly gathered his surroundings and turned to see who had hit him.
"Zen?!?"
"I said...calm down....."
=======================
"You hit me!"
Flash was visibly angry and was shaking in rage.
"Ok Flash...." Said Beam putting a hoof over his friend. "I think you need to calm down...."
Beam pulled Flash around the corner to try to get him to calm down a bit.
Zen sighed and looked down at the ground. "I probably shouldn't have done that. I don't know what I was thinking..."
The two stallion pegasi were silent for a bit. Both looking down at the ground. Then, the one who had been the first to speak earlier, began to say something.
"Im....really sorry about this..." He said brushing his mane back and looking away.
Hikaru tried to hear what was being said around the corner, but the sounds of the city were too loud for him to hear anything but loud noises of carriages, factory machinery, and other talking ponies whose voices blended together in a strange flurry of sound.
Luckily, Flash and Beam emerged from around the corner. Flash looked up at everypony around him.
"Well we should get going." Said Beam quickly trying to change the subject to something a bit more uplifting. "We don't want to be too late to get everything done in Ponyville that needs to be done. So now. Shall we?"
And with that, the group climbed into the carriage, and with a few deep flaps of the two pegasus wings, they were up in the air, and speeding toward their destination.
Flash and Zen went to the back of the carriage and were talking, so Hikaru figured it was best not to disturb them, or listen in. So he opted for taking out his music player and hooking it into the built in sound system in the carriage.
As he listened to the music play, he thought back to everything that had happened the last many days he had spent in Ponyville, on the road, and in Manehattan. So much had happened and his life was totally changed. And here he was, only an hour or so from the event that was gonna be one of the biggest moments in his life. And it was real. No dream, this was it.
"Thank you.." He whispered looking up at the sky.
And with that, he sat back and listened to the sounds of the music he loved so much.
The sound of pure Trance.
"Did you just raise your voice at me?!?" Yelled Storm with a look of anger on his face.
Iris thought for a second, and then decided to just go with what she felt. She was done with feeling intimidated by Storm. 'I have something to say.' She thought to herself. 'And I'm gonna say it!'
"No, actually....You know what Storm," She continued as she walked right up to the front of the desk. "I DID raise my voice at you, cause what you just said is one of the most selfish, stupid, and heartless things I have ever heard in my LIFE!"
"You know Storm, I used to side with you when Hikaru would come to me saying how he hated the way you were, how you didn't care about him, but I always told him that it wasn't true. I told him that it was just his perception of things that weren't reality. But after seeing how you are this past week, I can honestly say that I am seeing the same way Hikaru did. You're a heartless little foal...And you don't even care."
Iris huffed and turned to leave. 'I don't know how much longer I can take working for this idiot. Im on the last straw now....'
"Oh and Iris?"
She stopped.
"You're fired."
Iris opened the door and started heading out. But she paused for a bit, then turned around to face Storm head on.
"Hey Storm."
Storm ignored her as he continued to read his magazine.
"Hey Storm...."
She turned to leave.
"Buck you."
===================
Ponyville, a place Hikaru never wanted to return to for the rest of his life, and at the same time, wanted ever so much to come back.
The carriage slowly approached the main street in the center of town and touched down lightly.
Hikaru took a deep breath. He was nervous about being recognized as he was sure he was a wanted pony. But with the hoodie that Sky had given him, he figured he would seem inconspicuous enough.
"Well...." started Zen softly. "Here we are."
Ponyville was much more busy than usual. It seemed that the event had brought many others into town to shop, get food, and tour around. Hundreds of ponies from all around equestria wandered the streets. Some speaking in strange accents that Hikaru had never heard before. 'Hmmm...' Thought Hikaru. 'Maybe being noticed isn't something I had to worry about after all. If anything, I should worry about remaining with the group!'
"Hikaru!" Sky woke him up from his daydreaming.
The group headed over to a large Denneighs restaurant to grab something to eat. Denneighs was known for having really mediocre food that was probably just microwaved upon order, but it was cheap, usually quick, and food that they didn't mind eating.
Hikaru chewed on his tofu burger which he could have sworn was made of cardboard covered in gravy, but it was enough to fill him.
Hikaru looked over at Sky who was staring at the contents of the glass in front of her. It was supposed to be lemonade but it seemed to be mostly water with hints of lemon flavor. Hikaru glanced over at Flash and noticed that he as well as Neko were looking at him. He quickly looked away and continued eating.
He saw Neko giggle out of the corner of his eye and saw her whisper something to Flash. Flash suddenly looked pleasantly surprised and whispered something back.
"Hikaru!" Yelled Sky. "Whats your issue with carrots! You're gonna seriously hurt somepony!"
"heh." Said Neko suddenly.
"You yell at me for throwing carrots and you throw a whole head of lettuce?" Questioned Hikaru.
The orange unicorn who got hit turned around and looked straight at another pony who was sitting behind her.
"This won't turn out well...." Hikaru said aloud.
The entire restaurant suddenly erupted in a mad frenzy of flying food.
The frenzy lasted for 5 minutes longer until there was no more food to throw, and everypony left the restaurant muttering crude remarks.
Zen quickly left the bill at their table and the group exited the restaurant with haste.
"That...was...AWESOME!" Yelled Flash as he ran up to the group. "I'm gonna have dreams about that for weeks!"
"So I guess we should start heading over there yeah?" Said Neko.
"Is he always this....enthusiastic?" Asked sky in a whisper to Hikaru. "You have been around him much more than me."
They walked on for a good 10 minutes until they crested the top of a hill and saw the amazing sight before them.
A giant tent towered into the sky surrounded by large colorful searchlights that swung their light rays back and forth around the structure. A long line of hundreds of ponies were waiting at the door which was being guarded by 4 large stallions.
"This is amazing!" Yelled Flash enthusiastically.
Hikaru looked at the long line to get in to the event.
"oh really now?" Said Zen with a smirk. Remember those backstage passes that Vinyl gave us that one night? Well since Flash and I are super chill with her now, she gave us more backstage passes for the others. And these passes also allow us to skip the line, and go in through the back! No lines!
"NO WAY!" Yelled both Hikaru and Sky in unison.
"Oh yes way!" Said Flash jumping up on his back legs. "HAHAHAHAHA!"
Iris opened the door of her home and walked over to the bed in the corner and fell down into it's softness.
Iris rolled out of bed and walked over to the small desk in the corner. A random assortment of magazines, advertisements, and letters were thrown about it's surface. 'I should really clean all this up.' She thought.
Iris put the flier down and walked over to the window. The sun was slowly starting to set. It would be getting dark pretty soon within the next hour or so.
'I wonder.....' She thought to herself. 'I am a bit curious about this thing....maybe....its been a while since I've gone out for some fun..'
Iris glanced back over at the flier. What did she have to lose? She wouldn't have to wake up early for work tomorrow, and for all the years of hard work, she did deserve to treat herself to a night of fun.
Iris looked out the window at the continuing setting sun started to dip into the horizon.
She let out a sigh and grabbed the flier.
=========
The group walked up to the back entrance of the tent. A large guard stallion was standing there. He looked dangerous and tough, exactly the kind of earth pony you would expect to be a security guard.
'Woah, he even sounds tough.' Thought Hikaru.
"We got the magic." Said Flash to the guard.
"Its like he's already high...." Sighed Zen shaking her head as Neko put an arm around her.
The guard looked at Flash with his tickets in hoof and giant and somewhat creepy grin on his face.
"Don't over-do it on the drinks kid...." He sighed as he unclipped the rope to let the group in.
"YEEYAYOO!"
Hikaru found himself entering into a busy area with ponies running around setting up sound equipment, computers, lights, and shouting orders through radios.
"Wow it sure is busy back here." Stated Sky as she jumped back from a young unicorn rushing by with a large roll of wire.
"Oh hey!" Yelled Zen. "There's Vinyl!"
The white DJ unicorn was sitting in front a mirror with another pony who seemed to be getting on her nerves.
"UGH! I don't want that stuff ok! I'm not into all that trashy blush and whatever else you want to put on me you got that?"
Vinyl stopped laughing and got up.
Hikaru never noticed in fact, but now that he was up close to Vinyl, it was true. The color was different, but it did actually look quite similar.
"So why aren't you getting ready to go up?" Asked Sky. "I mean, its starting in 15 minutes and the crowd is starting to pour in from what I can hear around the curtains."
"So anyways." Said Vinyl taking a long sip from her milk tea, "Feel free to hang around. And remember Hikaru, Sky, if you two find any issues, if you think somepony might notice you, just come back here. No ponies except those with passes can get back here. Even authorities will have a wait to get back here. So no worries. I got your back!"
"thank you so much Vinyl." Said Sky. "This really means allot to the two of us."
"Just another reason why we all love you Vinyl." Said Zen with a smile.
"Oh great..." Sighed Hikaru. "I guess he's really lost it. Worrying about money too much probably.....idiot..."
"Haha, so it is his doing." Laughed Vinyl. "You know, I have never met this guy, but from all you tell me, and from what I see. I would love to take a few good kicks in his face."
Hikaru laughed at the thought. As much as he felt that he would hate to see that happen, he couldn't help but think that he would enjoy seeing his father get beat down a bit.
'Ugh, I gotta get rid of this hatred some day.'
A black pegasus flew into the area.
"Hey," Said Vinyl turning to the group. "Wake me up in 15, k?"
"Ill wake her up when its time." Said Cobalt. I am just curious how she looks....asleep...um...wait...oh wow..."
"Well cmon guys!" Yelled Flash. "Its time to go absolutely freakin INSANE!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAA-"
=============
Hikaru followed the rest as they walked through a small corridor that led to a large side door. The sounds of house music could be heard through to the other side.
"DOOR HANDLE!" Screamed Flash mashing his hooves around the handle desperately trying to open the door.
Hikaru stepped out from the doorway and found himself immersed in an amazing scene.
"Dang...." Said Hikaru looking around.
Suddenly, in a blur of grey,blue,and black, The very pony they were looking for zoomed up to Hikaru and the rest with a wild smile on his face. "
Flash grabbed Beam and shoved him out into the dance floor.
"Oh Celestia he has completely lost his mind, oh Celestia help me..." Said Zen hiding her face in her hooves.
Hikaru watched as Flash shoved Beam further into the crowd while Beam protested and tried to head back. But Flash blocked his way and the two soon disappeared from sight.
"Hey what's up?"
With what seemed to be perfect timing. DJ Spiral Hooves finished and waved goodbye to the crowd. Ponies cheered for the awesome set and cheered even louder when the light suddenly went dim.
The entire building was completely pitch black minus some glow and light accessories some ponies had on. The crowd quieted down a bit in anticipation.
Immediately, the crowd erupted into a huge cheer as Vinyl grabbed a microphone.
Again, massive amounts of cheering.
"ALRIGHT! I LOVE IT! Im gonna start us out with some crayyyyyyyyyons crazy dub aight? And we'll just see where we go. Sound legit?"
Cheers.
"Alright! ARE YOU READY?"
Cheer.
"I SAY ARE! YOU! READY!!!"
Louder cheers.
"ALRIGHT!"
The light suddenly went out.
"Woah what?" Hikaru was confused. "What just happened?"
Suddenly, a slow ambient track started playing with some occasional heavy beats.
"I had a way then losing it all on my own
"Oh I know this!" Said Sky suddenly. "Its called "Lights". Wow this is awesome, Vinyl really changed this up!"
"Lights....Fitting." Said Hikaru jokingly as he was dazzled by the light show surrounding him.
The song escalated into a bass rush and paused as the lights once again went dim.
Once again, much more cheering.
When suddenly...
"DROP IT!"
The bass dropped like a bomb and the entire room was suddenly vibrating to heavy bass and amazing wobble.
"OH MY GOSH!" Yelled Hikaru suddenly becoming quite excited as the lights and lasers madly flashed all around, and ponies on the floor seemed to be thrashing around like mad with the intense bass. Hikaru could feel his whole body shaking. He had never experienced anything like this before and it seemed as if the entire thing was causing him to feel a bit lightheaded.
"Hey um..Sky?"
Hikaru rested on one of the couches that was on the side of the dance floor.
Hikaru sat there until the end of Vinyls set. He wanted to get up and get into the crowd but he just wasn't feeling himself.
As Vinyl left the stage and the stagehoofs swapped out some sound equipment, Sky went over to Hikaru to check up on him.
"Hey Hikaru? You alright?"
The crowd suddenly started screaming once again, and Hikaru looked up onto the stage and noticed a new pony had emerged in front of the turntables.
Everypony erupted into a loud cheer.
"So lets cut the chit chat and get this thing started! YEAH!"
In a flash, Ferry dropped a beat and immediately started mixing a fast paced trance track.
"Its THE Ferry Coltsten!" Shouted Hikaru. "We gotta get up closer! Come on Sky!"
The two soon arrived near the foot of the stage where Ferry had his equipment all set up. It was an amazing sight up close. Working the equipment with flow and expertise, Ferry made it look easy, even though Hikaru knew that what he was doing was all very complex.
As Ferrys set continued on, Hikaru let himself get lost in the experience, feeling totally separated from any worry or care. Just him, good friends, incredible music, LIVE. Was this heaven? It sure felt like it.
The night went on and the group of 7 were having the time of their lives.
Flash was madly dancing and flailing excitedly all around the dance floor. Much to the dismay of Zen who was content with hanging around Neko as they socialized with others. Beam kept trying to get away from Flash who was trying to hook him up with random Mares but every time he got away, Flash somehow would find him and pull him back. Cobalt disappeared every so often and wouldn't say where he had gone for some reason. Hikaru and Sky ventured onto the floor a few times but for the most part were happy just sitting to the side and taking in the show.
Hikaru was drinking another glass of water when he looked over toward the entrance and noticed a few familiar faces walk in.
"Hey Hikaru! Nice to see you here!"
They didn't have to wait long, cause Aly And Filly's set started up just then.
Aly and Filly had a very distinctive sound that anypony could easily tell. And the tracks that they were spinning and mixing were absolute magic. It was only a matter of minutes before Laser and his group, along with many other ponies who had come to also share in the glowstick and other lighted rave elements had gone into full swing. Hikaru was a bit nervous at first to join in as he felt that he was a total amateur. But Laser dragged him in and after a few minutes of feeling awkward, Hikaru found himself lost in the music and flowing with the sound.
Hikaru closed his eyes for a second and for a bit, it seemed that everything faded away. He started thinking back. Thinking back about everything that had happened. He had gone through so much these past few weeks. He had gone through many hardships, and many trials, But looking back now, he realized, that it was all worth it. When he really thought about it, this whole journey had changed him. He was no longer the shy timid anti-social teenage earth pony from the past. He was now an adult. He made his own choices, made his own living, and actually had more than one friend now! Although Sky was obviously the best friend he could ever have.
"WHA?" Hikaru snapped out of his trance to see that Laser was shaking him.
"Dude! Did you even notice?"
Hikaru walked over the the mirror and looked. "Well...its me.....Woah, my mane is getting flat. I gotta gatsby it again."
Hikaru, had found his special talent.
"Its....that....I.....NO WAY!"
"That is an EPIC cutie mark I gotta say!." Said Laser hoofing back Hikarus glowstrings that he had dropped on the floor.
"I can't believe it...." Hikaru was still in shock. "This.....oh my gosh....I gotta show Sky! Oh gosh I kinda ditched her when I saw you guys, Ill go find her oh my gosh this is awesome!"
Laser laughed as Hikaru dashed off looking for Sky.
Hikaru rushed through the crowd looking for Sky.
"Flash!" Shouted Hikaru. "Have you seen Sky anywhere?"
Hikaru ventured deeper into the crowd.
"Cmon....You know you want to."
Something was rising up inside Hikaru. He suddenly felt very angry. He didn't even know this Stallion but some feeling was rising up, and it was making him feel intense rage.
"Hooves off bro." Said Sky swatting his hooves off of her. "Just leave us alone alright?" Said Neko pulling Sky over.
That was it. Hikaru couldn't take it anymore. All his senses seemed to lock onto that Stallion like there was nothing else in the world. Hikaru's eyes filled with fire and he charged at the stallion in front of him. The stallion didn't even notice Hikaru as he had his back turned to him.
"I ...did that...." Hikaru couldn't believe it.
Hikaru stared at the bleeding stallion of the floor in front of him who seemed barely alive.
He looked up at Sky who had a look of shock and horror on her face.
He started to feel hot tears streaming down the side of his face. He couldn't look at anypony, maybe never again.
His tears were now freely flowing making it impossible for him to see.
He shut his eyes tight and hid his face in his hooves.
"I'm a failure...."
===================
Hikaru continued lying on the grass by the lake.
Hikaru heard a small sound behind him and spun around quickly to see what had made it.
"What are you eve doing here Sky." Hikaru said not wanting to look Sky in the eye.
Hikaru hated himself. He wished that he was dead. And as much as he liked Sky, he did not want her to be there.
"I'm not leaving you here like that." Said Sky. "I never would."
Hikaru looked over at her. "Why would you still want to be around me? I saw the look on your face. You were absolutely horrified. You looked at me like I was a monster. I saw it clearly. And I wouldn't blame you. And even then, why would you want to even be here? I bet everyone called the police and the heat is on me even more than it was before. I bet I'm most wanted in all of Equestria. If you are seen with me, you would get arrested..."
Hikaru still couldn't look at her. He still wanted to vanish and never be remembered.
Sky put her arm over him and rested her head on his. "What kind of friend would I be to just leave you for them to take you?"
Hikaru felt tears streaming down the side of his face. 'I don't deserve a friend like this...'
"And.." Began Sky. "I realized something. First of all, you're wrong you know...about you being some violent dangerous pony. I have known you for years Hikaru, and this has only happened twice. But...I noticed something."
Hikaru sniffed and wiped his eyes. "And what's that?"
"You only snapped those two times, in defense of a certain pony."
Hikaru understood.
"You snapped at your Dad, cause of what he said about me and my family. And you snapped this time, cause of what that stallion was saying, right?"
Hikaru sniffed and nodded.
"Aw Hikaru..." Said Sky hugging him tightly. "I have never met anypony who cares about me as much as you do. I wish you didn't have to snap like this, but...I guess that just shows how much you care."
Hikaru sighed and looked up. "I don't know.....I'm...weird..."
"Why do you care about me so much Hikaru? Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve a friend like you..."
Hikaru couldn't help but laugh a little at the statement.
"What?" Asked Sky feeling a bit relieved to see a hint of happiness from him.
"Its just...I find myself asking the same thing. I mean, even after all I have done, you still went out to find me. You don't want to leave me. I think anypony would hate me after all I've done. I don't deserve it. You really are amazing Sky..."
As Hikaru rested on the ground with Sky, he thought back to the conversation that he had with Flash about him liking Sky as more than a friend. Flash had tried to convince him to tell her but Hikaru didn't want to do so incase it freaked her out.
"Sky..."
"hm?"
Hikaru took a breath and continued.
"Sky..I...I just want to say, that I really....ugh...I..."
"What?"
"Ok Sky.... I'm just gonna say it. I like you, like...I really do. I care a lot about you and...well...yeah, I guess thats why I flipped out those times. Ugh, I'm no good at this, I feel dumb. Im sorry, I probably made this...really awkward. Wow I fail. Ugh, Im sorry. Oh Celestia just kill me. Wow what am I even doing. Wow I just did that. Kill me Sky. Kill me. Take a sharp carrot and kill me. What the hay am I talking about. You can't kill anyone with a carrot can you. You know what, there's a lake here. Drown me Sky. DROWN ME! Oh nevermind......."
*Splash*
Sky stared at Hikaru who had his head halfway submerged under water.
"You really aren't good at this..."
Hikaru nodded, still partially submerged.
"Are..you ok?"
Hikaru shook his head, still submerged.
"Are you dead?"
*bubbles*
"Ugh Hikaru."
Sky grabbed Hikaru's head and pulled him out of the water. "You are horrible sometimes you know."
Hikaru flopped down onto the ground.
Sky sighed and laid down by his side. "I knew by the way."
Hikaru froze. 'She knew? How? How could she know?'
"Zen told me actually. A few days ago."
Hikaru was surprised. "Zen? But how did she know? I never mentioned anything to her, that doesn't make sen-..... FLASH!"
'I'm gonna kill him.'
"Sky..I...umm...oh kill me. Just kill me, I can't live anymore."
"Don't be ridiculous Hikaru." Said Sky with a smile. "I was wondering if you were gonna tell me."
Hikaru looked up at Sky, barely able to look her in the eye. "Are we still friends?"
Hikaru felt horrible, he felt like he was going to throw up. Maybe this was all a big mistake. He wasn't thinking, his mind was all stressed and he probably made some bad judgement. 'Why do I do this..'
Hikaru suddenly found himself being kissed by Sky.
!!!
"I.....um..." Sky had backed away and looked quite red.
"Wow...Uh....." Hikaru was equally red in the face.
"That was....." Began Sky. "I...I don't know what I'm doing. Sorry? I mean...I.."
"No....I..um..." Hikaru rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Its great....I never....That was..."
"Yeah..."
Hikaru laughed and welcomed Sky's embrace. "I don't even know...I think we're the most ridiculous ponies of all of Equestria right now though."
Sky laughed. "That rhymed."
"Eh....."
"I don't know Im trying to say anything to make this moment less awkward honestly."
"Do you like spaghetti?"
Sky looked at Hikaru with a confused look. "That honestly makes things even more awkward."
"Oh and the fact that you have had your arms around me for this whole time doesn't?" Said Hikaru with a smirk.
"Wha-OH!" Sky dropped off of him. "Heheh, sorry."
Hikaru laughed. "Yeah....um...you know, I don't know what we should do now. Do I dare go back to the party?"
"You know, I don't think that anypony would even notice you. You didn't have your hoody on, and there are literally hundreds of others that look just like you with the hoody. I think we should be ok. And I know that the others are worried about you.
"They are?"
"Yeah, you gotta stop thinking that everyone is gonna hate you. We all care about you for real. And no matter what you do, thats not gonna change."
Hikaru smiled and looked back in the direction of the event. He couldn't see the tent itself, but he could see the faint aura of light filling the night sky and the distant sound of house. He then looked back toward the lake. It was a really amazing sight. The moon was reflected off the surface along with the stars. The night sky was absolutely incredible.
"Or..." He began. "We could stay out here for a while..."
Sky smiled and leaned up next to him. "Thats totally fine with me."
After an hour of hanging out and talking, Hikaru and Sky headed back to the rave.
Hikaru and Sky found the others pretty quickly. They were going to go out to try to find the two when Sky hadn't come back. Hikaru was nervous about confronting them all, but he found that they were all quite understanding and didn't hold what he had done against them.
They all enjoyed an amazing night as many other DJ's went up to the stage. Flash and Zen spent quite a bit of time at the bar area and ended up getting very drunk. While Neko and Beam stuck around Hikaru and Sky, as well as Iris who had decided to join them. Cobalt kept vanishing throughout the night, and Flash soon found out that he had been going to the back to hang out with Vinyl. Apparently they seemed to be hitting it off pretty well.
The night ended with a massive DJ collaboration and fireworks over the tent. It was a night that nopony would soon forget.
Hikaru said goodbye to Iris and wished her the best. He knew that finding a job wouldn't be easy. But with the level of experience that she had, She would have an easier time that most.
The group took a carriage back into manehattan where they went their separate ways.
"Well..." Said Hikaru falling onto the couch. "That was some night."
Hikaru glanced over at the clock on the table as saw that it was 3:30 in the morning.
Hikaru slipped them off from around his neck and hoofed one to Sky who looked at it curiously.
"Hey sky?"
Something in the corner of her eye caught her attention.
"HIKARU!"
Sky sighed. "Oh nevermind...."
Hikaru laughed and held her close. "Love you Sky."
Hikaru didn't know what the future held for sky and him, and he didn't know how anything was going to work out. Whether the two of them would be able to keep their jobs and support themselves, and if they would forever live in the apartment or eventually move out and get a place of their own. But one thing was for sure. Hikaru was now living a life that he truly enjoyed. No more being forced into doing what he didn't want to do. No more stress and anger. He had found freedom from all of that. He had found a new life that was his own.
This was it.
His moment.
His time.
His freedom.
"WHAM!"
"ACK! What in the hay?!?"
"Again?" questioned Storm Ray; Hikarus' father, in an angry tone. "This is the 4th time this month! What is the problem!?"
"I'm sorry..." Groaned Hikaru wiping the sleep from his eyes. "It won't happen again."
Storms face suddenly showed a look of great annoyance. "Thats exactly what you said the last time this happened...."
Sensing his fathers annoyance, Hikaru decided to just stay quiet and listen to the lecture he knew oh so well was coming.
"You know the risk of falling asleep with the job you have. What if somepony is walking by late at night and sees you asleep at the counter? Don't you think its real easy for them to just walk on in and take some of our art or furniture? Need I remind you how much we had to pay for some of this?"
Hikaru shook his head.
"It was allot and we couldn't afford it overnight. And what if somepony walks in wanting a room? Don't you think it reflects badly on our hotel if our workers are seen ASLEEP on the job? We are always being reviewed, we need to maintain our 5 star status in Equestria. We are the main hotel that ponies from all around see when they look up hotels in this area, and for good reason, I won't have our image destroyed by a worker who can't stay awake, a worker who is my own family. This pattern of yours needs to stop! Do you understand?"
Hikaru simply nodded feeling rather embarrassed but also annoyed.
Storm sighed and glanced over at the water tank which was almost empty.
" Yes sir." Said Hikaru brushing away the black and green hair of his mane from the front of his face.
"And get a trim will you?" Said Storm looking at his son in slight disgust. "You look like an uneducated punk."
With that note, Storm disappeared down the hallway.
Hikaru sighed and looked in the mirror.
Hikaru also felt that it was because of being forced into this job that he didn't have his cutie mark yet. He knew that he was probably the oldest in all of Equestria to not have a cutie mark yet. "Those 3 young fillies I see running around complaining they don't have theirs yet, they have no right to complain." He often thought to himself. Storm always told him that his cutie mark would come in time. "Yeah, in time, says the one who always says I can't go anywhere to even try to find my true calling cause I need to work the night shift...and day shift......and afternoon shift..."
Hikaru stretched out and shook himself off trying to wake himself up a bit. He glanced over at the vending machine,
Hikaru soon found himself lost in the world of his music. So much so that he had not noticed the pony who had walked into the hotel and up to the counter.
"HIKARU!"
"Wha? The hay? Oh! Hey Sky!"
Sky Breeze was Hikarus best friend from school. She worked with her uncle at the "Forever Flying" kite shop a few buildings down.
"I was afraid you fell asleep again!" Joked Sky with a sarcastic smile.
Hikaru laughed and tossed his music player into a drawer. "Well, yeah...My dad caught me earlier asleep again, wasn't too happy about that you can imagine."
"Oh yes I can." Replied Sky knowingly.
Hikaru sighed. "So hey! What brings you here at 1 in the morning huh? Trying to sneak in and get some of those mints that we leave on pillows that I know you love oh so much?"
"Hey now!" Laughed Sky throwing a brochure that was on the counter at Hikaru. "I may like those but not enough to STEAL them."
"Yeah yeah I know..." Laughed Hikaru dodging the brochure. "You are too good for that."
"What can I say?" Said Sky giving her best innocent and angelic eyes. " Im a perfect little angel!"
"Oh gosh..." Said Hikaru laying his head down in his hooves.
Sky pushed Hikarus hooves away from his face. "But really, I came over cause I wanted to give you this!"
Sky handed him a small blue flyer.
Hikaru opened it and read it slowly.
"Nocturnal Oasis."
"I know all those ponies!" Said Hikaru loudly. "I have all of their tracks in my playlist! Oh wow, and they are all coming here? To Ponyville? No way! I soooo have to go to this! Oh my gosh! When......July 27th....2 weeks! I need to go to this! Like I reallllyyyy need to go to this Sky! I have always dreamed of seeing these ponies live!"
Sky laughed at her friends excitement.
Hikarus eyes opened as wide as saucers. "YESOHMYGOSHTHANKYOUTHANKYOU" Screamed a happy and jumping Hikaru as he reached for the ticket.
"Na ah!" Said Sky pulling the ticket away from Hikarus snatching hooves.
"Wha?" Asked Hikaru trying to think of what Sky could possibly want. He noticed Sky glancing over to his right. Looking to his right, he saw what she she wanted, for there, behind the counter. was the large bowl of mints.
"I should have known." Sighed Hikaru. He grabbed the entire bowl and handed it to Sky. "If my Dad asks me, don't worry, Ill tell him they got old or something."
"Thank you Mr. Ray!" Said Sky cheerfully taking the bowl and leaving the ticket on the counter. "I better be going now. My parents HATE me staying out late.
"Aight, see ya!" Said Hikaru. " AND FOR THE LAST TIME, STOP CALLING ME MR. RAY, YOU'RE MAKING ME FEEL OLD!"
"Oh whatever!" Laughed Sky leaving. "See ya!"
Hikaru leaned back in his chair and looked up at the flyer in his hoof.
"Now to try to get out of work that night....that aint gonna be easy. But whatever it takes, Ill do it, Im not missing this for my LIFE!"
Hikaru turned up the volume and let himself once again, become lost in the world of trance.
"Of course not! Absolutely NO!"
Hikaru kicked over a chair and left his fathers office slamming the door. He could hear Storm yelling something angrily about how much the chair cost or something like that, but he could care less right now. He left the hotel and looked up the street. All around ponies were out enjoying the summer day. Shopping, eating, the young ones playing, the sight of everyone enjoying themselves eased Hikaru's anger a bit. He looked down the other side of the street and noticed the kite flying above Forever Flying kite shop. It was a small white kite shaped to look like a shooting star with a long tail. Watching the kite flying up in the sky in such a graceful way was almost mesmerizing. Infact, apparently very much so as Hikaru failed to hear the Pony asking him to move aside so he could push his delivery cart pass.
"HELLO? I SAID EXCUSE ME!"
Hikaru ignored his put-down and decided to go to the kite shop.
He opened the door and was immediately surrounded by colors and shapes of all kinds. Kites hung down from the ceiling and off the walls of the small store. It seemed any kind of shape you could think of, there was a kite for it. From a red phoenix with short tails from its wings to create the illusion of fire, to a Wonderbolts logo in 3d form, if you could think of it, the shop probably had it in kite form.
Two young fillies happily dashed out of the store with a new kite they had just bought that was shaped like a diamond.
He walked to the back of the store trying to see through the kites for Sky. He looked past a meadowlark kite and spied his friend. Or at least her turquoise and purple mane.
"Sky? Is that you?"
"If you could just hold onto the kite so it doesn't fly away that would be great." Said Sky with tired eyes. It was obvious that she had been struggling with this for quite some time.
"THWOK!*
"AAAA!!!" Both Hikaru and Sky screamed as the kite suddenly unfolded and sent the stick flying at high velocity right towards them.
Hikaru looked at his leg and noticed that the stick had indeed punctured his skin and blood was slowly starting to flow out of the small wound.
"Ack! Hikaru! Are you ok? I mean...no you aren't, But...I...Im sorry...."
Hikaru left the building and headed back to the hotel.
"Argh! I was supposed to tell her that I couldn't go to Nocturnal Oasis..."
"Hmm..." He thought. "On the other hoof, she might want to know so she can sell the ticket or give it to somepony else...." He pondered on this for a second.
He looked down and noticed the wound the stick has caused was still bleeding, so he hurried into the hotel to find the first aid kit.
Hikaru and Sky left the building with a new job on their hooves.
Hikaru looked over at Sky with a smile.
"What?" She asked
"We did it." Hikaru said with a laugh. "We freaking did it Sky! YES!"
Hikaru looked around and noticed that many ponies had stopped what they were doing and were staring at Hikaru.
"Oh...." He felt his face turning red. "Um....sorry."
"Maybe....its a good time for us to go get some lunch." Sky suggested.
Hikaru had seen an interesting looking restaurant on the way to the factory, so he decided to take Sky there.
The two found themselves inside "Zapwhich". It was a small sandwich place that seemed to have lots of business.
"Wow this is good." Said Hikaru munching on his sandwich. "I remember when I used to get sandwiches like this all the time in Ponyville. I used to go to this once place every day. At least until my Dad banned me from going there because he said it cost too much to get stuff there."
"You talking about that one place across from the hotel?" Asked Sky. "I remember that. I went there once a long time ago. Not sure why I never went there again."
The two of them stayed at the restaurant for quite a while. Talking about random things. Hikaru found that he could talk with Sky very easily about pretty much anything. Just one of the things that made her awesome.
"We should probably start heading back." Said Sky suddenly. "It looks like it might rain, we gotta get back before it starts."
"Ah yeah it looks like the Pegasus are setting up a decent storm there..." Said Hikaru glancing up at the sky. "Lets head back."
It was a good thing that they left when they did in fact, as the rain started pouring right as they reached the door of the apartment building. They rushed inside laughing and quickly went to their apartment to dry off.
"Well that sure was something." Said Sky breathing heavily from their quick 2 block sprint.
There was a sudden knock on the door.
"Hm, now who could that be?"
Sky opened the door.
Sky left the apartment muttering under her breath.
"I messed up...." Sighed Flash.
Flash sighed and hung his head.
"I just hope Sky can say something to at least get her to talk to me, so I can apologize." Flash said as he leaned back onto the couch. "I don't want to lose her."
"Yeah for sure. You two are awesome together, I would hate to see that end." Hikaru said as he noticed some towels on the ground that he forgot to bring downstairs to the washing machine. "Argh."
"You know what I think." Said Flash sitting up. "I think you and Sky got something going on. Aren't I right?"
Hikaru wasn't sure what he felt. He didn't want to think of Sky in that way. But from what Flash was pointing out, it sure seemed like that might be the case.
'It can't be...." he thought to himself. "Could it?"
"ZEN! Open the door come on!"
Sky stepped back, and then bucked the door in front of her with all of her strength.
Zen had fallen backward over a cough in shock.
"What in the HAY is your PROBLEM SKY!"
"Sorry to make you feel awkward Hikaru." Said Flash apologetically. "But hey, at least now you realize it."
Flash looked at Zen who still had a sad look on her face.
"Zen...." He began. "I...I don't know what else I can say but.....Im sorry...I don't know what in the hay I was saying. I was drunk out of my mind. I wasn't thinking, But you gotta believe me, I did NOT mean those things I said. That last girl I was with is trash compared to you Zen ok? Trash! You are, SO much more beautiful than her. I have never seen a more beautiful mare in my whole life, and I know I never will. My drunk mind was just too stupid to realize that. But that wasn't me. I mean- it was but...argh. I never wanted to hurt you Zen. I love you....I really do. Like, I can't even describe how much you mean to me. I can't express enough how much I love you and how sorry I am for what I said. I'm...Im gonna try to cut back on drinking. I don't want to hurt you Zen. And if drinking makes me say the things that might hurt you or mess things up like this....I don't want anything to do with it."
"You would quit drinking for me?" Asked Zen, surprised by this as drinking was a huge part of Flash's life.
"Ill do anything it takes Zen.....You are more important. And nothing else is as important to me. I never wanted to hurt you...ever..."
Both Zen and Sky were surprised to see a tear fall from Flash's eye.
Zen looked at the sorry colt in front of her and sighed.
Flash hung his head.
"But...."
Flash looked up.
"I freaking love you. I can't be mad at you."
Flash breathed a huge sigh of relief and quickly grabbed Zen in a tight embrace.
"I guess that means we're ok?" Said Flash with a laugh.
"So......" Said Sky quickly.
"Oh! Hmm, haha." Flash realized how awkward it must have been for Sky.
The two got up and left the apartment.
Flash strayed back a bit and whispered to Sky.
Hikaru came out of the bathroom and walked over to Sky.
Iris found herself with a moment of relaxation.
Iris grabbed one of the hotels walkie talkies and radioed Orange Range.
Iris picked up the phone tom call the Colt in room 704, when it started to ring.
"Hello, front desk. How can I help you?"
'ugh'
Hikaru was browsing through the songs of his music player when Flash suddenly walked into the apartment.
Hikaru sighed. "What's up Flash?"
Epilogue
Epilogue.
Vinyl walked toward the nicely dressed stallion who was by the front counter.
Vinyl took a sharp swing at Storm's face and punched him on the side of his snout sending him crashing down onto the floor.
"You're a loser. Go buck some dead trees you foal!"
Cobalt walked out from around the corner.
"VINYL! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!"
"Something that I've wanted to do for a while now." Said Vinyl with a smirk.
"Paper cut?"
And with that, Vinyl and Cobalt trotted out the door leaving Storm on the ground feeling quite miserable.
=============================================
Thanks to all who stuck with me through this entire thing! It was my first attempt at a fanfic and I hope you all enjoyed. So much of this fic is based off of real people and real events in my life, as well as other influences like dreams, ideas, things I wanted to happen, and even from ideas from fellow bronies.
I hope to continue to grow as a writer and write more fics that all can enjoy.
I can say that I have already started working on my next fic, so keep an eye out for that in the future.
Anyways, thanks for reading, and Ill see yall soon!
J
