The Biggest Step is the First....
“I’m Octavia. Octavia Melody.” The Mare said, placing her passport on the counter to the Ticket Salesman. “I’m here to. Move on.” She said with a glint of sadness hiding in her voice, though it didn’t show on her face.
The Ticket Collector raised an eyebrow at her. “To where?” He asked her.
"To Someplace New.” She stated softly, looking back to the Darkened city of Canterlot behind her, as if she was uncertain about herself. The Shadows of the late Night loomed over the beautiful, and rich city, showing it in it’s eerie, and credible glory.
The Hour was late- even early as some might say, when she left the large and empty place she called ‘home’ for so long. She locked the door behind her- and slowly crept out into the streets- hoping one of her friends or neighbors would wake up- and stop her. Ask her where she was going- try to speak sense into her. but she knew they couldn’t. None of them could- none of them could see her life the way she did.
Her mind was racing at a brisk, and unfamiliar tempo, whilst it tried to grasp something familiar to hold onto, and to use it to help her work through this. but she refused to let herself fall back. She didn’t need Familiarity right now- she needed something new. Something to distract her from the pain of the old- of the depression, and of the way she had been molded into something that she believed was not herself.
~[]~
Throughout all of her life- Octavia had felt repressed. She had felt like she was alone- that she was always on her own. True- she was raised in a rich home in Canterlot, even by their own standards. Her Parents were both Unicorns with Earth Pony Heritage on her Father’s side- her great Grandmother if memory served her. She was born to be her parents only child- much to their distaste.
They did love her- that much was true. She would never say they didn’t- they always had. She had no doubts about that. but they did not do much to show it during her childhood. She had known since she could remember that her Parents had often spoke to those at Dinner parties about how they would have preferred a Unicorn filly- but they often made quick remarks on how they loved their dearest Octavia- and how she would be given every Advantage possible. It wasn’t their fault for thinking like this- it was the Environment around them that they lived in. ‘Canterlot Society’ as it was often referred to- meant for higher ups, and those who believed themselves to be better than everyone and anyone.
An Earth Pony filly, born in Canterlot was often looked down upon in ‘Modern’ society- as they were deemed to be ‘less gifted’ than that of a Unicorn, or Pegasi even. They would be seen as ‘crippled’ or ‘handicapped’ to most others- their potential would be squandered often enough, and their lives would be un-fulfilled by Canterlot standards. They would be born with disadvantage that would last them the rest of their lives.
Octavia- oh, little Octavia though. She knew this so well too, how often she would be viewed as looked down upon. How others would view her- her own teachers in school didn’t even bother to listen to her, or let her explain when she knew the answers to their questions. Even when her marks were the highest in the class- how others who often didn’t work hard, or didn’t even bother to work at all, were often called upon first, or congratulated LONG before her- if she ever was called upon at all.
This had confused Octavia through-out most of her childhood- how she was treated as less, while being the exact same as everyone else. She had heart, she had a talent- she had exceptional skill for her age- whilst being an earth pony even. Yet- no one paid her any mind. These were the same thoughts that she had been challenged with on a wonderful night, amongst everyone whom did not pay her any attention. She sat onstage with every Filly and Gentlecolt of her class- her Teachers gathered down below, along with her parents, and some of her extended family- all of whom sat in an orderly fashion in the large Orchestral theater. They had rented the actual Canterlot Orchestra Theater for the evening- the event being very public for all of the parents proud to show off their son’s or daughter's capabilities. Even The Princess herself had attended the event- with her star Pupil sitting beside her near the front of the theater.
Her mind had been racing all day, her thoughts filled with her own sadness of what her life would become. She was a blank flank at the time of the gathering- as her Orchestra instructor “Concertmaster” tapped his wand upon the small stand in front of him. The Crowd went silent, and everyone stood attention as the show was about to begin. except Octavia- who wept silently, her days before this in preparation for this night. She felt as if her life had been wasted up to this point- for she had worked so hard to get this far alone- and it was only another step to get anywhere. She looked around at the other children around her- how they had all had it easy. She was the only earth pony in her whole class- her Parents having pushed for her to attend the best school that Money could buy. Everyone around her had had their talents, their skills, their life handed to them on a silver platter.
It made her upset- so upset. That she actually began to cry.
Of course- no one heard. No one saw it- no one even registered the noise over that of the beautiful symphonies being played in the room. Who would hear one child silently cry over that of a whole accompaniment of other noises, and instruments? .
Then again- no one needed to see her cry. No one needed to hear her sorrows- or the sound of her tears upon the wood and strings of the Cello, and Bow she held in her hooves. The way she played- it rang above the symphony of instruments, and called out for attention. Her tears continued to flow- but the filly did not cry. She let out no moans of pain, or sorrow- no yells for attention. Instead, she stood tall, and proud- as her Cello called upon all who heard to turn their attention to it.
She was tired of waiting for others to notice her skill, her prowess, her natural beauty. Her eyes held no more pain, her face had since steeled over like a mask to hide her shame, and to protect herself from those who overlooked her. If they would not look upon her and see something greater than anything they would ever believe- than she would make them see it.
Her Cello called upon the crowd’s eyes near the end of the Concert- it being the only instrument that did not soften with the others. Much to the Concert Master's shock- and his annoyance (determined by the constant flickering of his little wand,) Octavia played on. She played on to the Music sheet in her mind- the one of Inspiration, which glowed with the greatness of it’s own beauty- that was birthed from her pain and sorrow.
Her eyes remained shut, as she played to her hearts content- the music blending perfectly with the organized, and predetermined piece before them. All eyes within the Theater where upon the small grey filly. The Beautiful Earth Pony- who stood out amongst any who were place beside her. She was not sad anymore- she didn’t care to be sad. She didn’t care to be looked upon now- she didn’t care to be gazed, or for her Cello to be heard. With her tear stricken eyes closed tight, and the only sound she heard being that of her Music- she played on.
After a certain amount of time had passed the Filly had sat back down in her chair slowly, as she let the final sounds of her Cello break down upon the crowd- it’s last echoes being halted only by the breath that everyone had since drawn in. From there- she wept silently again. She did not cry- she only sniffled, and let the tears roll down her cheeks as she held her hooves steady around the large wooden Cello she had loathed since it had been assigned to her. She feared she would be taken off stage soon enough- that she would be reprimanded for disrupting the concert- for going against the Concert Master’s wishes on this night- more than any other. She waited for someone to grab her- and she dared not open her eyes even for she feared what she might see. Her Parents angry and upset with her, her teachers would be disapproving in every sense imaginable, and she was so certain her life could only get worse.
~[]~
The Ticket Collector looked at her for a long moment, but said nothing. Instead, he sighed as well, feeling sorry for lost mare sitting in her train car. “Right. Next stop- Something New.” He said quietly, pulling out his stamp- and placing it inside of the small book, the small and quiet snap! seeming to echo throughout the silent train car, as the wooden stamp, with wetted ink, met the flimsy and dry parchment.
Octavia winced slightly, though she tried not to let it show. The noise seeming to mark the end of something to her. something deep down inside that she couldn’t quite define.
~[Hours Later]~
“Miss. Miss?” A faint voice said- before Octavia felt something shake her shoulder lightly, in an attempt to wake her up. She blinked slowly before she sat up, rubbing the stars from her eyes- as they adjusted to the bright morning light that came in from the window beside her.
She looked around the small train car for a moment, and sighed softly, as if disappointed." For a while there. I thought this was just a dream.” She mumbled quietly, feeling the sadness return to her as her mind too returned.
“Miss?” The Same Collector said again, looking her in the eyes. “I’ve had your things unloaded onto the platform. I’m afraid this is as far as we can take you.” He said, motioning to the Window.
Octavia blinked slowly as she took in his meaning, before she too turned to the window to look outside. What she saw was a small, and rural town- full of those who knew their real purposes in life. The Sun was rising fully into the day- leaving her with the thought of what she saw the night before- all of the cities and stations that she had always visited as a foal, and as an adult, when she went traveling to play her music in theaters all over Equestria. Yet- she had never been to this town before- such a quaint little town. Not Suffering from the faults of the large Cities that she was so accustomed too.
"Where am I?” She asked him quietly, as she realized how dry her throat was.
"Someplace New.” The Ticket Collector simply stated, giving her a soft and pitying smile, before walking out of the small cabin to let her get ready and leave the train.
She looked at him as he left, and then looked back to the window, of the peaceful town before her for a moment." I suppose it will do.” She said quietly sighing softly as she got up to go and make herself seem presentable.
~[]~
She walked out of the station slowly, wearing her saddlebags upon her flanks, as she pulled her Cello Case in tow. She was use to the weight of the large, and beautiful instrument by now- this instrument meaning more to her than the cutie mark that was given to her from it.
She slowly walked out upon the town’s center as it started to come to life around her- making her way slowly through it, looking for. ‘Something’. She still wasn’t too sure on what she wanted anymore.
After finding herself in the middle of the town’s market (if she had to make a guess) she sat herself down at a small table outside, near an Apple Cart, selling all sorts of Apple Products. Her stomach grumbled lightly to her embarrassment, and she blushed as she pulled her small purse out of the instruments case, fishing out a few bits.
“Well Howdy there!” The orange coated, and blonde maned Apple mare behind the counter said, her cheeriness seeming to throw the cellist off for a moment. “What would you like?”
“O-Oh. Um. H-Hello.” Octavia said, seeming much shier than she actually was for a moment. She quickly composed herself, to that of the strong willed mare she was. “Um- Sorry. How much for two apples?” She asked, putting on that lying smile, acting as if those weren’t some of the last few bits she had.
The farmer blinked a bit, as she took in the mare’s sudden shift in her mood. She seemed to be thinking for a moment, before giving her a soft smile. “Hehe. Free of charge.” She said, pushing the two apples towards the now confused Cellist.
Octavia blinked for a moment, feeling baffled at the Farmer’s sudden Kindness. "E-. Excuse me?”
The farmer smiled a bit bigger, tipping her hat to her politely. “It’s on the house Sugarcube. Now then- there anythin else Ah can help yah with?” She asked, that kind, and honest smile seeming to just make the farmer seem more believable.
Octavia blinked again, but looked behind her, seeing that no one else was in line- before turning back to the farmer. "Why would you do that?” She asked, the kindness seeming rather strange and foreign. "Just- Give me your product for free, I mean.” She said, releasing it was a bit rude to ask for an explanation to a kindness.
The Farmer raised an eyebrow at her, now a bit confused herself. “Well what’cha mean?” She asked, now curious about the mare, crossing her hooves over the other as she leaned towards her a bit.
Octavia gave her a look of disbelief for a moment, as she compiled a reply. "I mean- . Why would you just- give some random Stranger you don’t know- your product for free?” She said, now feeling a bit miffed. She had never met a single salesman who gave her something for free, without trying to give her some kind of pitch- not even once.
The Farmer blinked a bit, as she pondered the question for a moment, before she smiled slowly as she formed an answer in her head. “Because. Ya’ll seemed like ya could be usin’ a break.” She said, smiling all the more friendly. “Do ah really need a reason to be kind to ya? Did ya’ll do somethin’ bad?” She asked, just to understand the mare’s reasoning for wanting to know why she was being treated kindly.
Octavia blinked a bit, but slowly shook her head no, as it started to dawn upon her. "No- I just.” She paused, before giving a soft giggle to herself. "I’m new in town you see. I come from Canterlot-”
“Ohhh!” She said, giving a good natured laugh as she realized what she meant. “Hehe- I get’cha now. Well Welcome to Ponyville! Mah name’s Applejack- I thought you looked a bit new to town!” She said, holding out her hoof to the mare.
Octavia Smiled, and put out her hoof as well, shaking the Farmers. “Octavia. Octavia Melody.” She said politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet somepony as honest as you Applejack.”
“Hehe- don’t mention it none. We’re all a bit friendlier than those lot up in the big Cities- certainly a mighty bit kindlier then them too.” Applejack said. “Now then- Anything Else yall’d like?”
Octavia giggled a bit, and shook her head. “No no- two is more than enough. Thank you anyway, Applejack.”
The apple-farmer tipped stetson to the mare, and smiled. “Don’t mention it none- help’n someone is better than help’n no one. Besides- what are friends for? ”Applejack said in a contented tone.
The Cellist smiled softly, and looked around the now bustling little town. Everyone talked with each other- everyone knew everyone’s names, and everyone was so kind to one another. They were all Friends. It was such a drastic change from living in Canterlot.
But not a bad one. "Yes. I suppose you’re right.” She said quietly, taking a small bite out of her apple.
~[Present]~
Octavia sighed as she looked around the small apartment she had been able to rent out with another local ‘Musician’. though- she wasn’t entirely sure she would call-
“HEY OCTY!?” A loud voice shouted over the sound of deep Electronic Bass kicking in the Background, her hoof hitting the door roughly. “I’M GONNA RUN THE DISHES! THAT OKAY?!” A mare said, looking into the Cellist’s room, with a energetic smile- her eyes hidden behind her violet shades.
Octavia sighed, as she rubbed her temples for a moment- before sitting up and smiling. “Certainly Vinyl. Let me just find my earmuffs, and-”
“Great!” The White, and Neon Electronica Maned mare exclaimed- shutting the door behind her as she started trotting downstairs.
Octavia groaned slightly as she slumped back in her bed, pulling a pair of Earmuffs out from underneath her pillow, and placing them over her head.
During a thunderstorm, whenever Canterlot is Invaded, or something equally as loud and distracting as Vinyl’s Dishwashing Machine- she would be unable to compose music on her Cello- or with her own thoughts- as the Bass would often throw her off tempo (among other things.) So- instead she used this time to think.
Currently- she was wondering why such an accomplished mare as herself was subjected herself to such. Modern Compositions, composed by a rather rude, oblivious- but well meaning mare such as Vinyl Scratch. but she came back to the same conclusion that she had reached when he had first met Vinyl.
‘Change’ She thought to herself. ‘My life has been nothing but boring and repetitive- constantly going back and forth with the Canterlot Orchestra for the Cellist’s seat- Mother and Father. Just being themselves- and that old drag of a place I called ‘Home’ for so long, on my own.’ She blinked a bit as she rethought that last statement. ‘. Did I- . Did I just use a slang term?’ She asked herself.
She giggled slowly putting a hoof to her muzzle at the thought, before breaking out into a full on laughing fit at the ridiculousness of such a thing. Her mother would have grounded her for a month to her room for not being a more ‘proper’ mare, and forced her into practicing again.
Her laughing slowly calmed, before she let out a long sigh, looking over to the cello she had been forced to carry around with her all of her life. It leaned up against the wall in a small corner of the room, with a chair beside it so she could tune it properly. She smiled at it as her thoughts began to shift to her ‘New’ life so far. Already- she had made so many friends since arriving- almost more than she had had in her entire life. Her smile only softened as she tried to recall all of the names of her new friends.
There was the studious, lavender colored Librarian just down the street from her new apartment (‘Twilight’ if she remembered correctly,) and her drake assistant, Scales- no. Spike- Yes- that was it. The little dragon obsessed with Gems, Comics, and some musical variety he could replicate with his claws that astounded Octavia.
Then- there was the local seamstress- ‘Rarity’. A Lovely mare in her own rights- who was very classy, and into the whole fashion scene- much like those mares of Canterlot that Octavia had become annoyed with- only to be so much more generous than any she had met before, having been able to get her into the town’s local Orchestra, as the lead Cellist no less!
Octavia couldn’t have been more thankful for her generosity, but was embarrassed that she would go such a length for her a mare she had just met. Yet- just as she was surprised by Applejack’s, she was once again confused to find that she was so humble about her own kindness. ‘Oh, it’s not a problem at all! It’s just a favor for being such a lovely dear- and letting me pester you with so many questions about the modern Fashion in Canterlot. By the way-’
Octavia found herself giggling again as she thought about how much longer she had been there after that new torrent of questions had been let loose upon her. She also met the a rather ‘unruly’ type of mare that day- a hot head named ‘Rainbow Dash’. Though she was quick witted, and seeming to be someone she wouldn’t normally bother herself with- she took a bit of a chance to introduce herself anyway- for the sake of ‘Change.’ It turned out- the two shared a favorite Childhood story book- ‘Daring Do’ to which both had been rather large geeks about. They spent a good hour recalling their pasts- before the Pegasus had to return to work clearing the Skies. That very day- Octavia felt the sun shining just a bit brighter on her life.
Then there was some pink mare- a delight to be with in her opinion. She was so sweet- and she meant well by everyone she met. though- at times, she may have seemed a bit. ‘Eccentric’ than most any mare Octavia had ever met- and was certain to ever meet- but her behavior only made Octavia giggle now, as it did when she met ‘Pinkie Pie’. If she could recall a word other than her name- she would, but the Pink mare spoke far too quickly for her to understand at times.
It was only until a very delicate, and calm looking pegasus came over to Pinkie, and explained that she was speaking too quickly again in a low whisper, a deep blush evident on her light butter yellow coat. Pinkie introduced herself again- and also introduced the pegasus for her- after her second attempt to speak her name audibly. ‘Fluttershy’- a mare so delicate and kind, that she was able to soothesooth even a raging Manticore. Octavia was shocked to say the least- but they both seemed so kind and innocent- she couldn’t see a reason for them to lie (though- the birds that were living in Fluttershy’s mane did encourage the fact that she was an Animal Lover.)
Then- there was a rather rude Rabbit that came up after her- pulling onto her tail and dragging the mare off towards the market, pointing to some stand. The Mare (far too kind for her own good it would seem) obliged to the little rabbit’s demands, and said goodbye to them both. She continued walking throughout the town after that- enjoying the time she had spent making new friends. She had met a mint green Unicorn named ‘Lyra’ who was obsessed with aliens who she described as ‘hairless apes’, and a much calmer cream colored mare who went bye the name of ‘Bon Bon’, who seemed to act as both- Lyra’s room-mate, and mother (which made Octavia giggle- as it reminded her much of herself and Vinyl, now that she thought about it.)
Speaking of which.
Why hadn’t Vinyl started the dishwasher yet?
She removed her earmuffs- to find that she couldn’t feel the Bass of the Dishwasher, nor hear the electronic beats coming from Vinyl’s bedroom down the hall. Curiously she got up from the bed and peaked outside of her door- the hall being mostly lit up- except for the stairs- the lights seeming to have gone out in the living room.
“Vinyl?” Octavia called, looking downstairs confused. She could hardly hear anything in the silent home- though, perhaps it was just too much exposure to Vinyl’s Music. “Vinyl? . Is this some kind of a joke?” Octavia asked stepping downstairs slowly- and running her hoof along the wall- looking for the light switch. “If it is- It’s not funny! You know I don’t care much for-”
“SURPRISE!” Everypony shouted in a long carrying echo, as they jumped out from behind Furniture, and walls- anything they could hide behind.
Octavia gasped, and jumped back at first- holding a hoof to her chest to calm her quickly beating heart. “Oh my-”
“WELCOME TO PONYVILLE OCTAVIA!!!” They all Chorused together- Pinkie jumping out over the rest, Vinyl standing beside the Pink Party pony, snickering at the shocked look on her Roommates face, and taking a picture on her phone. “Sweet~” She mused quietly, putting the phone away.
Octavia just stared blankly for a moment as she looked around the room, to all over new friends that she had made- and some who she had yet to meet.
Pinkie (who was too excited to wait for her to say something) started jumping around her quickly. “Well?! Well?! WellwellwellwellwellwellWEEEELLLLL?!?!??!?!” She asked, as if Octavia would know what she was talking about. Then Pinkie elaborated. “Did we surprise you!?” She asked excitedly, looking Octavia in the eyes as she bounced in place, seeming too have far too much energy for any single mare to have for such an event.
Octavia slowly looked to her, then back around the room slowly, counting the heads, and counting the smiles of those she now knew, and to those whom she would like to know- and everyone IN the home in general, as a whole. She smiled softly and looked down, closing her eyes as a she gave a quiet sniffle as a tear rolled down her cheek.
At first- everyone was confused, the smiles turning into frowns, as if they had all done something terribly wrong. Even the Ever-so-Energetic Pinkie’s bouncing started to slow down, her smile flipping around. Vinyl looked more concerned than any of the others- removing her glasses slowly to make sure she was seeing it right.
She knew Octavia was a bit uptight, and a bit serious, but. well- she hadn’t really ever seen the mare cry before. She thought that Octavia would be the last Pony she ever saw cry before. "Octy?” She asked in a concerned voice, sitting herself beside the Cellist and leaning down to get a good look at her.
What Vinyl had been expecting to see- wasn’t what she saw at all. Octavia was smiling as she cried- before she threw her hooves around her roommate, her sobbing intensifying.
Vinyl blushed lightly as she was hugged (not being much of the ‘hugging’ type) but smiled softly, and put a hoof around her. She looked at Pinkie and mouthed something along the lines of ‘Give her a minute’ to which Pinkie smiled again and nodded, sitting patiently (for what most assumed was the first time in her entire life.)
Eventually- Octavia stopped crying, and sniffled lightly, wiping her muzzle on her hoof as she pulled out of the hug with her roommate. She smiled at her and at everyone again, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “S-Sorry everypony.” She said slowly, with a short stutter. She sighed and composed herself, taking a deep breath before looking back around again." I um. I was just a bit overwhelmed. That was all.” She said, smiling at everyone as she gave another sniffle.
Octavia turned to Pinkie giggling a bit and smiling at her. “You um. You asked if you ‘surprised’ me, Pinkie?” She said, giving a good and quiet laugh as she stared for a moment at the Pink Party Pony, before closing her eyes and nodding. “Yes. you did- you ALL did. From the moment I stepped off of the train platform- and onto the ground- all of you have done nothing but treat me as if I was your best friend. Showing me so much more kindness than I ever thought I would receive.” She slowly turned to look to all of those in the room, giving another short lived, but louder laugh.
“All of you- having been nothing but a true friend to me- yet I barely know any of you- just as you barely know me.” She smiled at them all, turning back to Pinkie and Vinyl, who were both sitting beside the Cellist." Thank you all so much- thank you for this. This new life. This Change.” She said quietly, putting a hoof around Vinyl again. “Even if some of you are rather ‘Eccentric’ with your choice of Music.” She teased, looking to her roommate.
Vinyl blushed a bit, and rolled her eyes trying to play it off. “Aww- Jeez. Go and cry on Pinkies shoulder this time. You big softy.” She said, poking the grey Cellist in the barrel jokingly, making her giggle in return.
Octavia smiled, and shook her head, looking back to the Party Pony’s- then back to Pinkie. “Hehe. Now um- . I think now is a good time to- let the um. ‘Festivities’ begin. Yes?” She asked Pinkie.
Pinkie smiled- and instantly shot up into the air “ALRIGHT! LET’S PARTY!” She shouted into the air- receiving cheers from everyone in the home, as she turned on the music.
Octavia smile softly though as she looked around the room, at all of her new friends- at her new home- at her new. Everything.
‘. Change.’ She thought to herself. ‘. Although it’s a scary thing at first. It is necessary for life to move on. Whenever you make a Change- it is not good or bad. It is what you make of it. A Change can be exactly what you need sometimes.’ She thought, before she was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder.
“Hey- you alright? You’re staring off into space.” Vinyl said, pointing to her cheek.
Octavia blinked, and smiled at her, giving her a nod. “Yes- I’m fine Vinyl. I’m just. Really, really happy.” She said, seeming a bit bashful at admitting that.
Vinyl snickered a bit, and got up. “Hehe- Softy!~” She called. “Hey! Guys! Look at Octy She’s being a 'ol big softy!”
Octavia blushed a bit, and glared at her embarrassed for a moment. “Vinyl!” She said, angrily for a moment, before smiling again. “Alright- fine. I’m a ‘softy’~” She said, jabbing her in the gut this time, making Vinyl wince a bit jokingly.
“Hehe. Told ya~ Now come on. It’s your party.” Vinyl said, walking off into the crowd of ponies, before Octavia could get up and follow her as well.
THE
END
Author's Note
All comments/critiques/conversations would be appreciated. Please! I would like to know how my story affected you. It would mean the world to me.
