Author's Note

Alright guys, here's another story that my editor and I have written just for you and if you see any errors in the story, I welcome the constructive critisism, so as always, thank you for your patience and support and remember to stay tuned for more and keep bronying one

A Search For Talent

Listen To Your Heartsong

Written by Israel Yabuki

Co-written and edited by NineTailBeastBall

Modern day music has been getting rather dull these days. Every day, more modern music is made, only for the soul purpose of profit. Music just wasn’t the same like it was back in the good ol’ days. Back then, people sang songs for the soul purpose of bringing joy and happiness to the people around them. To make them feel like there’s hope. Some people listen to old-fashioned music just so they can hang onto what little hope that have left.

Other people listen to the modern music just because they think it’s what really keeps life going. However, for people in your case, you preferred to sing songs from your childhood and from your parents and grandparents’ days.

Being a musician has always been your dream ever since you were a little boy. Your mom and dad were happy that you wanted to perform in front of a large audience. Back in pre-school, you practiced singing the basic kiddie songs like “itsy-bitsy spider” or “working on the railroad.” You then grew into songs played on these movies.

It was when you reached middle school that you asked your parents to sign you up for music lessons, helping you learn to play instruments such as the guitar. However you learned that your skills were most efficient in playing the piano. Every day, you would practice so you would be able to effectively play Reach For The Light by Steve Winwood.

You got to attend school concerts and talent shows. You won a few of the performances, but not all of them. There were times when you were outdone by bands. A couple of them offered you to play with them, but you declined and told them it’d be best if you played solo, but you gave them your best wishes on their future.

Sadly, during your high school years, tragedy struck. It all started one night when your mom broke news to your dad that you got accepted into one of the best high schools in town. Your dad was so proud, he ended up having too many drinks to celebrate your victory. When he was driving home to congratulate you, he ended up losing control of his car and fell off of the curve.

Worried that he might not make it, you went with your mom to see him. Not only was he in the worst condition, you were told he wasn’t going to make it. With his last dying breath, your father told you how proud he was and told you to keep striving ahead and to reach for the light.

A couple of weeks later, your father’s funeral was held and as thank you for his supportive words, you sang to him “Father Son,” which was one of the songs you picked up from Peter Gabriel. When you finished, you gave your father’s peaceful corpse one last hug and said goodbye.

It took some time for you and your mom to get over your dad’s death, but in the end, you pulled through together and stayed strong. You knew this is what he wanted you to do and to this day, you can still hear him saying in the afterlife “I love you, son. And I’m proud of you.”

Life in high school was tough, but it was an adventurous experience, no doubt about it. There was a few talent shows and school concerts just like there was back in middle school. The only difference was how almost all of the performers were rude and overbearing. They kept boasting about how only bands can make it in the music world.

However, you begged to differ and so did the judges when you blew them away with the songs you felt would touch people’s hearts. This caused problems around school when the band that became the runner-up to you tried picking fights with you. Fortunately, you always had friends to back you up and tell off the jerks who wanted to give you a hard time.

On the day of your graduation, your mom and grandparents went out for dinner and visited your dad’s grave, telling stories about what’s been going on and all of the accomplishments you achieved so far.

You never expected that life after high school would lead you to a dead-end. A couple of years went by since your graduation and during that time, you lost your mother to breast cancer. Your grandparents, however, were settling down in a retirement home where they’re treated with the utmost kindness and respect. Every day, you visited them, but they slowly started forgetting who you were.

It was sad that your own grandparents were having trouble remembering you, but you helped them refresh their memories with your favorite song written by Steve Winwood, which was Reach For The Light.

Nowadays, you spent your life as a pianist in a local bar, even though you swore to never drink for as long as you lived. While working, you barely managed to keep your promise and restrain yourself from the alcohol.

The people who came to the bar mostly did so in order to escape from work and drink their stress away. Others just wanted to have a good time with friends or celebrate a promotion. The guys at the bar didn’t mind hearing you play the piano. They even kept saying you should be in Hollywood instead of in a place like this.

However, you begged to differ. As far as Hollywood was concerned, they’ve got enough talented people on their hands and you prefer to play for the townspeople because they give off a more appreciative vibe than the famous people do. So in reality, you felt more comfortable performing for your friends and family, rather than a big crowd. Of course, the people at the bar wanted to visit the place more often just to hear your splendid music and drink peacefully.

You dreamed of being a musician and you finally reached your goal. However, you still felt empty deep down inside. The life of a gifted musician is nothing more than a hollowed dream ever since you lost your parents. On the surface, people see you as this talented young man with a passion for music, but on the inside, you’re crying.

Today, you visited the city mall, it was the anniversary of the day you lost your dad, but you were also planning on getting a gift for your deceased mother, too. Dad always loved alcohol, no matter what kind it was. Your mother had a passion for cats and dogs.

You then came across a store sold antiques, which were hand-crafted by the store-owner himself and just now, he finished sculpting a statue hand-held of a rabbit to a woman. You got curious of what the statue was supposed to mean and decided to ask the owner. Being the good natured man you were, you felt guilt when you saw him sigh at the question.

He explained that he sculpts hand-held statues for people whenever there’s a special occasion. Mostly for birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations. Sadly, this one has more personal meaning as it was a momento to his late wife. Going further into detail, he explained how his wife was a great woman who worked with saving and adopting stray animals, especially rabbits.

It broke your heart to hear such a story. You asked if there was anything you could do to help him. Sadly, there wasn’t anything you could do, other than try the one impossible task: buying off the rabbit he had sold to the lady. Even if it was a slim chance, it was still a chance you were willing to take nonetheless.

Before he could object to this, you bolted out of the store, looking for the woman he sold the rabbit statue to. Whether or not it was luck, you caught a glimpse of the woman when you saw her going down the escalator. You raced to the escalator as fast as you could and pull off a reckless stunt, sliding down the railing.

You landed on the floor feet first, accidentally scaring her.

“Just what do you think you’re trying to do, young man, give me a heart attack?!” she snapped.

“My apologies, ma’am. I never meant to scare you,” you said, trying to be polite.

“Hmm... and why do I find that hard to believe?” she asked, feeling skeptic.

“You don’t have to believe me, but I want to ask you something.”

“Oh, alright, but make it quick. Today is my daughter’s birthday and she’s is going to throw a hissy fit if I don’t deliver this thing to her.” She reaches into her shopping bag and pulls out the hand-held rabbit statue.

“It’s regarding that rabbit you bought. I’d like to buy it off of you. Please miss, that rabbit statue means a lot to the man who sold it to you.” you begged, putting your hands together.

“You? Why would I want to sell it to you? You probably don’t even know how much I paid to get this horrible thing!” she argued.

“Maybe not, but I still want to buy it off you. Go ahead and name your price, I’ll pay whatever you want.”

“My dear boy, why are you so interested in this statue?” she asked, getting annoyed.

“The man who sold it to you… it was momento to remember his deceased wife. She lived her life rescuing stray animals, including rabbits. That statue you have right now is the only one he had left that gave his life value and meaning. So please! I’ll pay you anything you want.” you continued begging.

Not once did you look away when you explained the situation. The woman looked at the little rabbit statue and back to you with a sigh.

“Oh alright, fine, but $150 is as low as I’ll go.” she said, sternly. You felt defeated, but better, knowing that she was giving you the rabbit back, even if it was at a hefty price. You got out your wallet and pulled out all of the cash, giving it to the woman. She hands you the rabbit statue and leaves, saying these last words.

“You’re lucky I’m in a good mood.” you smiled and made your way back to the antique shop.

You gave the man back his rabbit statue and explained what happened. He gave you a smile, telling you how grateful he was that you returned his wife’s momento. As a way of thanking you, he handcrafts you 2 wooden hand-held statues, free of charge. One was a dog and the other was a cat.

When you got the gifts, you felt a heavy burden lift off your shoulders. Thankfully, also purchased some liquor with your debit card. Now that you had the gifts for your deceased parents, it was time to head to the cemetery.

Suddenly and unexpectedly, a swarm of kids came running out of the candy store, running past you and you tried to get out of the way. Suddenly, you leaned back on the railing of the 2nd floor too far back and lost your balance. You shouted, falling down to the first floor where you felt the impact of your head slamming to the ground.

There wasn’t any pain, as your neck had cracked the moment you touched the ground. Your vision grew hazy and were shrouded by faded screams and a bright light. If this was how you were going to die, you accepted it without regrets.

Suddenly, the sensation changed and it seemed like everything was weightless, just like how you felt. You floated in a void of endless light. But then, everything went black

As your senses slowly came back to you, you could feel that you were now laying on something much softer than concrete. You opened up your eyes slowly and saw that you were outside in a town you weren’t familiar with, much less, found on a map. You sat up on your knees and were relieved that you still had the dog and cat statues. You

“What is this place?” you ask yourself as you put the statues back into your pocket and stood up. “It’s not like any town I know of, that’s for sure.” You walked around the town, wanting to get some answers from the local town residents. “Hello?” you called out. “Is anyone here?”

Your thoughts were interrupted by loud cheering coming from somewhere on the west side of the town. You follow the noise and planned on asking the citizens what all the fuss was about. Those plans suddenly change when you caught sight of a bunch of weird anthro horses, crowding up this building. Strangely, the anthro horses who kept cheering were all speaking regular English.

Getting up close to the building, you noticed there was a banner that said “Music talent show this weekend. Winner gets to sing in a duet with singing sensation: Countess Colouratura.”

Asking this question probably wasn’t the best idea. “Just who is this “Countess Colouratura” anyway?” Asking such a question ended up quieting the crowd and cause them to face you with shock. “Uhh... did I say something wrong?” you ask, backing up in fear.

“How can you not know who Countess Colouratura is? She’s only like one of the prettiest and talented singers in all of Canterlot!” said one of the mares.

“Canter-what-now?” you asked again. The Mare before you only laughed at your confusion and placed a hand on your shoulder.

“Let me guess, you’re another human who’s come from the planet Earth?” she asked.

You froze at what she had just said. “H-How did you...?”

“Recently, there have been numerous occasions when humans with good souls would get pulled from Earth and get a second chance at life here in Equestria. Though, it’s kinda random about where they land in Equestria. Right now, you’re in Ponyville” she explains.

“So basically, I’m in another world called “Equestria,” and I have no way of getting back home?” you asked, almost wanting to faint

“Precisely, and it’s because so many humans have decided to live in Equestria that we’re no longer afraid of them. And Equestria is mostly inhabited by ponies,” she explains.

“Okay then... uhh... “ you glance at the window of the building for no reason and notice a couple of instruments on the stage and a crowd of ponies chatting and cheering. “...is this music talent show available for anyone?”

“Yup, just talk to that stallion with the clipboard and he’ll sign you up. The admission is free, so good luck if you want to play,” she said.

“Well... thanks for giving me a little bit of info about this place. Wish me luck,” you said, walking inside the karaoke bar. Even though that mare told you that humans were no stranger to their world anymore, you still felt like a freak. You approached the stallion with the clipboard and told him your name.

“Is there something I can help you with?” he asked in a snobby tone.

“I... I want to sign up for the music talent show,” you said, almost nervous. He obviously doesn’t know the meaning of respect when he laughed at your request.

“You? Enter the talent show? Now I know I’ve seen everything,” he gloated. “Very well then, but don’t press your luck there, sport. It takes more than beginners luck to win this contest! Now take your seat and scram, I’ve got other ponies to sign up.”

As instructed, you walked to an empty table. ‘Sheesh, what’s up with that guy?’ you thought. Regardless of what his situation might be, you forced yourself to let it go.

Later on, the lights in the building went off for a few seconds. The lights on the stage shined brightest and up on the stage, this beautiful mare with long, blonde hair, orange fur and emerald eyes had the mic in her hand.

“Fillies an’ gentlecolts, welcome to tonight’s Ponyville Music Talent Show. Tonight, we’ve got tons of talented ponies who’ve signed up fer the chance of getting to perform a duet with our closest friend and celebrity: Rara!” she announced. The crowd all cheered, lifting their cups up in the air. “Now, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road ever’pony! YEE-HAW!!!”

The talent show kicked off pretty well. Many ponies who performed on stage showed some promising talent. If you were the judge of this competition, it would have been a challenge to pick the winner. Then again, that’s the point.

A total of 6 performances later, the stallion who signed you up called your name. You got up from your seat and approached the stage, taking deep breaths and shaking off your nerves. It helped you calm down a little bit. Normally, you would have gone for the piano, but you felt like you’ve been neglecting the guitar, so that’s what you grabbed.

“Come on, already! We don’t have all day!” said the stallion with the clipboard. You sighed and approached the mic and started singing the song “I Still Love You” by Josh Jenkins.

During your performance, you could hear the crowd cheering you and saying things such as “keep it up,” “you’re doing great,” and “show us what you got!” You felt more at ease as you kept singing your song until it finally came to an end. The whole crowd cheered for you. After that, you put the guitar back and bowed to the crowd as you walked off the stage.

You walked back to your seat and sighed in relief. “I’m feeling better already,” you said. ‘Regardless of whether I win or lose, I’m just glad I got to perform again,’ you thought.

Three more ponies performed on stage, still showing off their natural talents as musicians. After that, the same pony with blonde hair and orange fur walked back on stage 10 minutes later.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, you’ve done an excellent job with them there singin’ skills y’all got. I’ve talked it over with Rara and now, it’s time to announce the winner,” She said. Somewhere in the audience, you heard a drum roll. “And the winner of the Ponyville Music Talent Show is…” in that long pause, everyone held their breath and then… she called out your name.

You were surprised that you won. You stood up from your seat, looking at the audience who cheered for you. The mare on stage signalled you to come up to her.

You walked up on the stage and got addressed by the mare in question. “Congratulations, partner, you’ve won yerself the chance to sing with Rara in a duet. How do ya feel, knowing you’ve earned this opportunity?”

“I... well, to be honest, I didn’t know I was gonna win. The thrill of getting to perform in front of an audience makes me feel alive,” you admitted.

“Well, partner. Rara’s taken a liking to how you showed so much heart in your performance. You should feel proud that Rara picked you out of all of the contestants. In fact, how ‘bout ya hear it straight from her mouth, come on up here, Rara!”

Turning to the side, you were introduced to a lovely young mare with a light grey coat and dark hair. She wore a beautiful dark violet sleeveless shirt with blue trims. She hand on a matching skirt that reached down to her knees. She had beautiful baby blue eyes that seemed to shine like the night sky.

You managed to snap out of your thoughts before things had become awkward.

“Such a pleasure to meet you. I’m Countess Colouratura, or Rara for short,” she said with a bow. You told her your name and took her hand. Knowing how to greet a lady, you brought her hand up and kissed it, causing her to smile.

“Such a gentleman, I respect that,” she said in a melodic voice. You could already tell that Rara here has talent. “Now, which song would you like to sing for our duet?”

“Y-You mean I get to choose which song I want us to sing?” you asked.

“That’s right. Since you won the competition, you get to decide which song you want to sing. My friends come first,” she said.

‘I just barely met her and she’s already considering me a friend? This town might not be such a bad place after all.’ you thought. “Alright then. I know of one song I have in mind, but I don’t know if you know about this song. It’s called Strangers by Scratch21.”

“Hmm, I think I’ve heard of him from my friend, Fortis back in Canterlot. He told me about this song and I actually took the time to memorize that song during my spare time at home,” Rara explains to you.

“Seriously? You know the song?” you asked, surprised. Rara gave you a wink which you took as a signal to start singing.

You grabbed a guitar and started playing while you sang with the grey mare. As you had predicted, Rara’s voice was unlike any other that you’ve heard in quite some time, The audience cheered with joy as you both took off on stage, wowing the crowd with your combined talents.

When the song ended, everyone cheered with joy and excitement. You held Rara’s hand and took a bow, thanking the crowd for enjoying the performance.

“You sang pretty good, Rara,” you said dabbing your sweaty forehead with a towel.

“You’ve got some pretty amazing talent yourself,” she praised, causing your face to flush in embarrassment. This only made Rara giggle, but she coughed a few times before her voice turned serious again.

“You know, there’s a another special reward I’ve got planned. If you want, I could take you to Canterlot and show you what it’s like. I’ll even introduce you to a couple of my friends, although most of them are celebrities,” she said.

“Hmm, gee I don’t know. Do you really think I’ll fit in? I’ve mostly spent my life performing for people in my humble hometown.” you said, unsure. Things just keep getting more and more interesting. One moment you end up in another world, then you win the talent show, and now the mare you just sang with is inviting you to yet another unfamiliar city.

“I can assure you, even though a lot of my friends are celebrities, they’re as kind as can be. I mean, yeah, a few of them used to be “snobby,” but they changed themselves for the better,” Rara assured.

“Well I’ll admit you’ve peaked my interest,” you answered with a small smile. How could you possibly say no to this nice young lady you just performed with? “Very well then, I’ll take you up on that offer. I am curious of what Canterlot looks like.”

“Great! But I think it’s best if I took you tomorrow,” she said giving you an unexpected hug. “It’s getting a little late tonight and I gotta head back to my hotel room soon. the train leaves at 10:00 sharp, so be ready when I come to get you,” she said as she looked up at you.

“Uh, r-right, okay. I’ll make sure to be up bright and early,” you promised and Rara finally released you from the hug. “W-Wait a sec, where are you gonna pick me up at? I just realized that I just arrived in Ponyville and I don’t know where to sleep.”

“That won’t be a problem, sugarcube,” the country pony said. “Y’all can stay the night at my house after Ah fix up the guest room. Ah figure ya must be tired and hungry from all that singin’ and dancin’.”

“T-Thank you,” you said, quite surprised at this generosity. “But are you sure you want me to stay the night, I don’t want to be a burden.”

“Ya ain’t a burden, sugarcube. If there’s anythin’ Ah live by, it’s to always help out a friend in their direst of need. Ah could even introduce ya to mah family. Everypony is nothin’ but kind and honest.”

“Take it from me honey, I’ve known Applejack since childhood and she’s a great pony at heart. So go ahead and stay over at her place and I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning, okay?” Rara asked taking your hands in her own. With both of their reassurance, you nodded and accepted their offers.

It didn’t take long before the entire crowd of ponies had left the building to return to their homes. Rara returned to her hotel room at the Hay & Stay Hotel while Applejack took you down the path to this big apple farm known as Sweet Apple Acres.

The whole farm had so many acres of apple tree, they probably stretched on for miles. You were impressed by how many fresh apples were growing from the branches.

Up ahead, she takes you to her house, showing you around the place. Applejack made sure to introduce you to her husband, whom she calls Bucky and their son, Apple Slice. She also introduced you to Apple Bloom, her little sister and Big Macintosh, her older brother. At the moment, both of AJ’s siblings were feeling a little down.

“Applejack, what’s going on here?” you asked.

The cowpony sighed and took off her stetson and placed it over her chest. “Ah think it’s better if I took you upstairs and explain,” she said, feeling a little down herself. She walks upstairs and you kept up with her.

She walks you to the far end of the hallway and explains everything. “Ya see, my family and Ah are goin’ through a bit a phase. Our grandmother, whom we knew as Granny Smith, had passed away recently. Everypony’s been tryin’ to cope with her passing, but the ones who were affected the most were mah sister and mah son. Granny Smith was a big part o’ our family and she loved and cared for each and every one of us. Now that she’s gone, it’s like a piece of us had died alongside with her.”

You stood there, speechless for a while, but you eventually found the strength to speak. “I... I’m very sorry for your loss. I know exactly what it means to lose the ones you treasure. To want to grieve is only natural, but she wouldn’t want you to give up on life. Trust me, I know. I lost my mom and dad back home. That’s why I carry these as my last memento of them. My dad loved to drink and my mom loved dogs and cats.”

“Ah appreciate yer kindness, sugarcube,” Applejack said wiping her tears. “Ah’m sure yer parents would be proud o’ ya.”

“Thanks, Applejack. And I’m sure your grandmother would be very happy to know that you and your family are still pulling through together. After all, there’s nothing that pleases our loved ones more than to see their children and grandchildren staying strong and moving on.”

“Yes, that’s true. Now, just wait downstairs and Ah’ll have Bucky make the dinner. Ah’ll go on an’ fix up the guest room,”

You did as you were told, unaware that the food would be better than you has anticipated. Apple Bloom and Bucky have cooked up some nice apple pie along with apple tarts, fritters and apple brown Betties. Lastly to wash it down, was some cold cider.

You made sure to thank the Apples for such great hospitality before Applejack led you to the guest room.

“Once again, thank you for letting me stay here for the night,” you said getting comfortable on the bed. Applejack walked up and patted your shoulder with a smile.

“It was mah pleasure. It’s only natural to help out a friend in need. Anyway honey, you should get yer rest. After all, Rara will be here fairly early tomorrow,” she reminded as she prepared to take her leave. She closed the door on her way out and left you to lay in your bed as you stared out the window, watching the moon shine beautifully in the night. The moonlight helped you relax and soon you tucked yourself in the blankets, falling into a deep sleep.