A Soft Key

by Sonicbot

Rating: everyone
Tags: Drama, Original Character, Second Person, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 4153

A story that shows Piano Keys' hardships and experiences.

This is an ongoing story about an Earth Pony who has to live in a town where every activity is done with magic. Her name is Piano Keys, her talent is playing the piano and she is very good at it. So good in fact that it impresses the uptight, snooty unicorns in Canterlot. But it won't be all sunshine and rainbows. She has to give it her all if she wants to fulfill her dream of playing on stage.

(This story will be updated with more parts that further the story)

Published 2017-10-25 14:20:11 UTC
Last updated 2017-10-28 06:13:24 UTC

Part One - Proof to Play

Ponies in Canterlot always needs to be somewhere, always making an effort to present themselves to those who are higher on the social hierarchy. I learned this pretty quick when my family moved to Canterlot. Though we lived in the small part of town we still made an effort to be excepted by those who put us down. Every day we would do the same thing: Wake up, get ready, and walk out while still looking presentable and head home. Of course being an earth pony in a sea of unicorns can be pretty tough. You don't have a lot of opportunities without magic. It was rough on my family and I but we persevered with what we had. However that all changed when I made my first friend. I can still remember what he said.

"You don't have to be like everypony here. Why not try being comfortable with who you are."

Ever since that day I became comfortable with myself.

I was always an avid piano player. Ever since I was a filly I've played at every party playing whatever felt natural. I've improved throughout my life going into other genres of music. But playing classics is what I love to play the most. Because of this I got myself a reputation for being the only earth pony to play piano, since all the other musically talented ponies were unicorns. I was even hired to play music at house parties. Though I never planned to make it a permanent job. I always wanted to play on stage whether it is a play or an orchestra. To show Canterlot what I can do. Though I tried, I was never successful. But I remain optimistic and I will make my dream come true.

I moved out of my parents home for some time and I still live in the lower ranking houses but I make the most of it. The house I live in is simple with a minimalist look. It's nothing eye catching but it works for me. I was in my living room playing my piano when I heard the door knock. I leaped from the piano bench and trotted to the door. I opened it to see it was my best friend.

"Button Down! How are you doing today?" I said pleasantly.

Button Down is a tall light blue unicorn with black swept back mane and a sewing needle with thread as his cutie mark. He was my friend since school, we've kept in touch since we graduated and he has been giving me jobs at parties ever since. He makes shirts for stallions that are both practical and fashionable. Because of this, he has garnered respect from the higher ranking ponies.

"Piano Keys! I'm doing just fine." He replied. "I came over if you were interested in playing at a party tonight."

"Always, when does it start?"

"8:30 on the corner of 31st Street."

"31st Street? But that's the high ranking estate. Are you sure I'm the best musician for the job Button?" He looked at me with a reassuring grin on his face.

"I know you are the best pick, I have seen you play at the other parties you have been to."

"Well, alright, I'll see you then." I said confidently.

"Glad to hear it."

While I closed the door I looked at the clock, It was 7:30!

"Oh no!, the party starts in one hour! Argh! Why haven't you told me earlier Thimble!" I made a mad dash to my room hastily getting ready and putting on my best dress. I left my house and raced to to the party.
I managed to reach the house where the party was taking place. I got myself reoriented and entered the house. "I'm hear!" I said not knowing the amount of ponies that have shown up.

"Are you Ms. Keys by any chance?" A unicorn mare with a light purple coat and long indigo hair wearing a gaudy outfit that approaches me.

"Yes ma'me, that's me." I replied. The mare just stood there inspecting me. After that she went over to Button Down and talked to him. I can only guess that she's the host of the party. She walked back to me with a dismissive expression.

"Come with me." She said waving her hoof to me. She took me to a room with a piano that stood on the right side. The room itself was heavily decorated with some Faberge Eggs and expensive looking paintings. Some of the decorations were on the piano itself. She levitated the decorations off the piano and opened the lid.

"Here." she said dismissively

"Uh, is there any song you want me to play?"

Her face then got a look of disgust when I said that. She probably thought I already knew what to do. She levitated some music sheets and placed them on the music stand.

"Play what is on the sheets" She said mildly frustrated. She then walked over to the crowd of unicorns and continued socializing.

I sat down on the bench and started playing. The song was really complicated with various dramatic points. It was really unfitting for the party. By the time I finished I looked around and saw many curious faces. Then all at once they were clapping at my performance. They were impressed that an earth pony could play such a song.

"Does anypony have any requests?" I said nervously.

"Can you play some Beethooven by any chance?" said a random unicorn in the crowd?

"Of course." I decided to play Moonlight Sonata. Throughout the night, I played the song. Ponies continued socializing around me but I was getting myself in the zone. Soon, the many chatters of the ponies became silent and all I could hear was the piano. It was like I was in a dark room with only one light shining above that illuminated the piano. I got into it quickly even bobbing up and down to the song as I played. It wasn't until a hoof landed on my shoulder did I break out of the trance. I looked over my shoulder and saw Button Down.

"Great job Piano Keys, you really livened up the party." He said.

I saw that all the guests left and all that were left was Button Down, me, and the host. Guess I got carried away with the song.

The host approached me again whilst I was getting off the bench. She was impressed by my piano playing and gave me a pouch.

"Here, forty bits should suffice." she said approvingly

"T-Thank you, thank you very much Ms, uh..."

"Treatment, Royale Treatment" she answered.

"Thank you Ms. Treatment."

"You are very much welcome. It is not everyday that you see an earth pony with such raw talent towards music." She walked away, probably to clean up since the party ended.

I tied the pouch to my waist and walked out the door with Button Down following suit.

"You were amazing back there you know." Button Down said as we walked down the street at night.

"That's what I hear. Thanks for inviting me, though you could've told me earlier. I had scramble just to get ready."

"I know, but it was last minute. The previous player could not come due tohim being hired elsewhere leaving the party was left without music and you can't have a party without music." He explained. "I'll notify you early next time."

"Which is going to be a while. I mean, no pony does house parties anymore. At least the lower ranking ponies don't." I replied.

Lately house parties became less and less abundant. When I was starting out there were house parties on every corner but now, ponies don't want to put in the effort to plan for one.

"I know, but who knows, maybe you will get a chance to play on stage."

"How so?"

"Well, Royal Treatment is a well renowned unicorn with many connections." He said. "I'm sure she knows at least one musician."

"Really!?" I said with a surprised look.

"Really." He said confidently.

"Thank you Button Down."

"Your welcome, Piano Keys." He said as we arrived to my house. "See you later Piano Keys."

Button Down left me walking away to return home. I entered my house and got ready for bed. At this moment I was really anxious about the whole idea that I might be recommended by Royal Treatment. What I didn't know was who that pony would be and his or her social ranking. Though, I wouldn't have known if I didn't get another job by tomorrow.

To Be Continued...

Author's Note

This will be served in parts FYI. I do this because I wrote this during the night. I am sleepy now.

Good night.

Part Two - Chance to Play

I woke up like any other day. The birds were doing what they usually do, Ponies were moving in every direction. Everything felt like it was in a state of balance. But as I was getting my breakfast, I heard a knock at the door. I wasn't expecting Button Down at this hour. It felt random. But I was curious so I opened the door.

"Ms. Treatment, what an unexpected visit."

"Oh I know, but I have come here to give you something."

"Really? What could that be?" Royal Treatment then gave me a poster.

"There is going to be an audition this afternoon. I put in a good word for you."

"But this is--"

"The most prestigious auditorium in Canterlot." She interrupted. "Ever since you played at my house last night, I couldn't let raw talent such as yours go to waste."

"But it says here to sign up." I stated.

"Already taken cared of."

I was astonished that I couldn't find the words. All I could say was--

"Thank you Ms. Treatment. For this wonderous opportunity."

"You are very much welcome dear. Now, if you will excuse me, I have somewhere to be." She started walking away with me closing the door. I couldn't believe, after all these years it finally paid off. The auditions were at 5:00 PM, it's 9:30 AM right now so I have time.
With piano playing not being sustainable for living I went and got a job. I work at Button Down's Suits for Stallions. It's been this way since I played at my first house party. Button Down opened his shop ever since hr graduated from school and has been making a living from his attire. Though lately it's been a struggle for him. Stallions were looking else where for amazing wears and at a cheaper price. There are those who do walk in requesting a suit but those are few and far between. It didn't help that Rarity's Boutique opened up across from his shop. Every so often he would look out the window seeing mares and stallions walking by without even looking at his clothes.

"Piano, do you think that this store has been stale?" He questioned.

I didn't know what to say at first, I just shrugged. "It has been a while since you got a customer."

"I just don't get it, I make the most amazing suits in all of Equestria and not one stallion has ever walked through these doors for several months!" He said. It was clear that he was frustrated and looking around, it did have the same appearance.

"Maybe you should make suits a little bit more differently."

Button Down perked his ears and looked straight at me. "How so?"

"Well, look at Rarity's Boutique. They have dresses of every color, for every season, and yet you sell the same suit in different sizes. Maybe design a suit a bit differently."

He stood where he was, pondering about the whole idea. He then walked over to one of his suits and inspected it intensely.

"Hmm... Alright, I'll do just that. But it's going to take a while." He said as he went into another room behind the counter. "By the way, has anything interesting happen today?" He said peeking out from the corner.

"Actually, yes. Royal Treatment came to my door and gave me this poster" I reached into my bags and pulled out the poster and gave it to."

"This is amazing!"

"I know!" I said excitedly. "The Canterlot Orchestra, the most prestigious orchestra in Canterlot."

"As well as being the most strict music group in Canterlot."

"Yeah. But I think I have a chance."

"It's going to be an up hill battle Piano." He replied.

"I am aware Button, by the way, what time is it?"

Button Down looked at the clock. "It's 2:00 PM"

"Oh! I better get ready, I'll be leaving early today."

"I know Piano. Good luck!" I returned home and got myself to look presentable.

It took me two hours to get to the auditorium where the auditions were taken place. When I entered, all of the ponies there were unicorns waiting to be called up. I got my name tag and sat down till they called my name.

"Piano Keys?"

"That's me." I replied.

"This way, follow me." She said holding the door open.

I walked through the door and saw many instruments all in a cluster with a table by the stage with three ponies sitting there. They seem to be the judges. I approached the table and stood on stage.

"Piano Keys, am I correct?" Said one of the judges.

"Yes, that is correct."

"Bring out the Piano!" Hollered the same judge.

A stallion brought in a grand piano onto the stage with grace and elegance.

"Play" said the same judge.

I approached the piano and geared myself to play. I decided to play something well known. I played Impromptu in C Sharp Minor. I was getting myself in the zone when all of a sudden.

"You can stop." said the same judge.

I cut the song short. It felt unnatural that I had to cut the song short, especially so soon. But I kept my head held high.

"Play the scales." said the same judge.

I sat there confused but I played the scales as requested. It was very sterile for me to play the scales honestly. I'd rather play something more up to my speed. I finished the scales and looked toward the judges.

"Play a song of your choice."

Finally, I got a chance to play what I want! I chose Polonaise in A Major and played with all my heart. It was amazing. But then--

"That's enough."

I stopped once more. Now I'm annoyed. I was anticipating another request from the judges but that wasn't the case.

"You leave now, wait in the lobby and wait for your name to be called."

That was it, my audition was done, and it was so short too. The stallion came back and took the piano away, I walked off stage and entered the lobby. I sat down and waited. Seconds became minutes and minutes became hours. I was in the lobby for several hours waiting for that call. One by one ponies walked into the auditorium with excitement in their eyes while I was vexed at the whole situation. It got to the point where I was the only one in the lobby. But then one of the staff here walked out into the lobby.
"Every- Oh! you're the only one here."

"Yup."I said vexed with hooves crossed.

"Ahem, you didn't get the part."

"What? Why?!"

"Well you see, uh..."

At that moment one of the judges walked out ready to go home and saw what was going on and finished the pony's sentence.

"You didn't make the cut because you are not a unicorn."

"What?" I said perplexed.

"Every pony here that auditioned was a unicorn, we don't hire any other ponies who can't juggle more than one instrument."

"I see." I said disappointed.

"You are a talented individual, but you don't fulfill the requirements to join this orchestra."

"Alright." I then left the lobby and headed home.

Do you know that feeling that you were dreaming of something for so long that once you got the chance to fulfill only for it to be dashed in your face. I felt like rubbish that day. I walked along side the illuminated streets all the way home. I made myself dinner and got ready for bed. By the time I reached my bed, I broke down crying. As if all the pent up frustration from all these years suddenly came out in a sea of tears. All that time practicing my craft, all that time working, all that time playing the piano. Wasted. That night, I cried myself to sleep.

No Time to Play

The next morning was different. The birds weren't out singing, there were less ponies on the street, and Cloudsdale issued a cloudy day. I was a wreck that morning. I didn't bother brushing my hair or make a satisfying breakfast for myself. I didn't even get out of my morning robe. I didn't play a single song either, all I could think about was the auditions and how I failed. Then there was a knock at the door.

"Piano! You home!? I heard what happened at the auditions!"

I didn't open the door. I instead talked through the door. I just didn't want Button Down to see me like this. "How did you know what happened Button?"

"Word goes around fast in Canterlot."

"Well, you might as well cancel any invitations to house parties, because I'm not playing anymore."

"WHAT!?, Piano don't do this."

"Why then!" I angrily replied. "Why, shouldn't I make that decision!?!"

"Because it's what you love doing. Isn't it?" He replied.

I cracked open the door and saw his eyes. Though my trauma has not left me.

"Look Piano, why don't we look around and find a place that are holding auditions. It might not be as big as The Canterlot Ochrestra, but I'm sure that we can find something that's available. What do you say?"

I was hesitant, should I stay inside or go out. "Wait right here."

I close the door and ran up stairs. I haphazardly got ready and stood in front of the door. I was doubtful, how can there be auditions for a piano player if it isn't an orchestra? I opened the door and saw Button Down right in front of me, who grew a put back by my careless readiness.

"Uh, shouldn't you--"

"No, know are we going or what?" I interrupted.

"OH! No you don't." Button Down levitated me off the ground.

"HEY! Put me down!" I said trying to break free.

"No, if you are not going to put the extra effort in to properly groom yourself, then I will." He started walking away from my house.

"Where are you taking me?! My house is that way."

"I know, I'm taking you someplace special."

"Where?" I said suspiciously.

We arrived at a spa. It was big with three floors. We entered inside and Button Down put me down on a chair while he approached the counter.

"Hello, what would it be today Button Down?" said the pony behind the counter.

"The usual, but can you add some hair care in there and this is more for my friend then it is for me?"

"Of course, wait here till everything is ready."

Button approached me and sat in the chair right next to me. "You've been here before?" I said grouchily.

"Yup, I come here if I need a speedy way of getting ready."

"Mr. Down, it is ready."

As soon as she said that Button levitated me once more and placed me right beside the spa pony. "W-Wait, I thought this was for you?" I said confused.

"Nope." He quickly replied.

"Right this way miss." The spa pony said.

I begrudgingly followed, mainly because I didn't want to be rude. She took me into a room and told me to lie down in the bed. So, I did. She started messaging rather rough. Starting from the back and working her way down. At first it was painful with all of the rough message and my legs getting stretched. But then she started to lighten the pressure with a more relaxing message.

"Okay, you may get up." She instructed.

"Well, that was short."

"Oh, the treatment is not over. Please follow me."

She then brought me to a small pool of hot water, with a sink for hair washing built in, and told me to go in. She then put a hot towel over my face and lathered shampoo in my hair. She was very thorough with the scrubbing. She washed the suds away and then applied conditioner. She later washed that away too. Once the washing was over, she took me to another bed where she would file my hooves. I spent around 5 minutes at the spa and, I'll admit, I did enjoy myself. Button Down was smiling the entire time. Once the treatment was done, I walked out feeling refreshed, and my troubles were gone.

"Well?" Button Down said confidently.

"Alright, I did like it and thank you for cheering me up. But I still think there isn't any auditions going on today."

"Oh I'm sure there is at least one audition going on somewhere."

"You know, there is a talent show going on tonight just down the street." Suggested the spa pony.

"Thank you miss, as well as the services." Button Down said.

We headed to the building that holds the talent show. The building itself has an urban feel to it with the bricks really sticking out compared to the buildings around it. We entered and saw a small crowd of ponies, watching an act on stage. Button Down and I approached the sign up table where the stallion there can't keep his eyes off the act.

"Ahem, sir." said Button Down.

"Huh OH! You want to sign up?"

Button Down looked towards me. "Uh, I would." I said.

"Good! Now, what's your act?"

"Piano Playing." I answered.

"Piano playing huh? I'm not sure if we have a piano. Wait right here."

He went in the building at went to the back, looking for a piano. He was in there for a while, thankfully we saw the other acts on stage and all of them were outstanding. The stallion returned from his search and sat back down on his chair.

"I found a piano and it's getting setup for your act right now."

"Guess I'll see you on stage." Said Button Down.

I was up next on stage and I was anxious, I didn't know how everypony would react to my music. Well, I'll soon find out. I was called on stage and they brought out a standard piano. I was not used to seeing this type of piano, I've only played on grand pianos. I geared myself up as usual but now with a sense of doubt. I couldn't think of any song to play. Out of panic, I played the scales quickly.

"Was that it?!" Yelled a random pony in the crowd.

"No, she is just getting started." Yelled Button Down.

I sat there not sure what to play. The audience was getting a little restless, I couldn't keep them waiting, I HAD to play something! I decided to just play songs that I have played before in the past. The one song that stuck out was Moonlight Sonata. I think I'll go with that. I pressed a key on the piano, and everything just fell into place. I played every note in succession, I was surprised that I knew the song off of my hand so well. I only played that song once in my life. I continued playing from what I can recall, the audience was entranced by my music with some even crying. I knew then that the audience loved my performance. I finished the song, at least I believe I did, and I sat there amazed from what I could remember. The audience stood up and clapped to my performance. I felt amazing that evening.

Everypony went through their acts which lead into the night. They starting to wrap up and soon enough closing for the night. The pony outside came up to me with a smile on his face.

"Great performance miss."

"Piano Keys sir."

"Ms. Piano Keys. I'm wondering if you can come in tomorrow and play again. It would mean a lot."

"Of course." I replied. He then walked away to help clean up. Button Down and I left as they were cleaning.

"Great performance, as always. Feeling a bit better?" Button Down asked.

"Yeah, I would like to thank you, again, for cheering me up. I can't wait for tomorrow night."