//-------------------------------------------------------// Hiding Deep Secrets -by StarsOfAsh- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// 1: Past That Haunts //-------------------------------------------------------// 1: Past That Haunts The air in Canterlot was cold and damp as the sun settled down for the night to come. Many ponies piled into their homes and soothed themselves to sleep. But as the sun finished setting, only one pony was wide awake and making his way through town. He wore a hood and was quite tall for a stallion his age. Well, he was the only stallion his age. Being a thirty thousand-year-old relic of the past was not always a popular thing to see. The stallion looked around while he walked, he seemed to notice that no one was watching him. Good he thought Maybe I can keep my cloak down for a night and not be seen. Right as he was about to take off his hood however, he was grabbed and dragged into a nearby store. "Are you crazy!? You could have gotten caught!" A mare whispered in anger at him. "Never unhood yourself unless you are on stage or with me. Got it?” "Okay, I won't try it again Futurehoof. I promise." The stallion replied with a grin. "Did you get your mane done? Or is it just me?" "Just you, ya big dork. Now would you like to come in, or am I going to have to drag you in myself?" "I think it would be best that I come in as I would not have to kick your rear later." The stallion said while chuckling. The stallion walked into the rundown store and was quickly followed by the mare. The store was filled with odd potions and old knickknacks that reminded the stallion of his early childhood. A childhood the stallion had ruined by a dark-hearted pony. Shaking the thought out of his head, he continued to the back of the store. Flipping open a door, the two ponies walked into what looked like a fortune teller's lair. Sadly it seemed that the fortune teller's table was missing, and the crystal ball was nowhere to be seen. "What happened to your crystal ball? And your grandmother's table?" The stallion asked with a confused look? "I had to sell them to pay off the store's dept, now I get to keep my store for the rest of my life, but yet I have nothing to make a business off of." "You have the potions though. And all those priceless artifacts in there are worth a fortune." The stallion had been saddened that his friend had lost her valuables. So being the kind pony he was, he teleported the items back where they belonged and floated over five bars of gold and two emeralds for her to use. "Now use that magic bubble of yours and show me my past please." "Thanks, big guy, you're the best." And with that, she fired up her crystal ball and a bubble floated out and floated to the front Of Breakup’s muzzle and showed him a memory. Upon one sun-kissed mourning, a small Kirin skipped through the roses, when he had his fill, he headed for his tunnel that stood out in the countryside. The small kirin stallion walked through his tunnel picking roses out of his mane. When he entered the castle, he giggled as a few dragons and phoenixes wiped him down with his royal towel. The towel was decorated with small, embroidered patterns that represent who he is and what he will become. The small kirin prince quickly and politely walked to his throne and waited for his parents. "Please Futurehoof, skip this. This is one of the many memories I don't want to see ever again." The stallion asked Futurehoof kindly. "Breakup, why do you want to skip such a perfect life? You had it all. What happened?" "It's complicated. Just please skip it." Breakup started to tap his hoof impatiently, hoping Futurehoof would listen. "Fine, but I will charge you for it." Using her magic, the young unicorn fast-forwarded the memory bubble and showed Breakup standing over a nest. However, as soon as the image appeared, the memory bubble vanished. "You tried your best Future, we can try again next month. Maybe I'll be able to see that memory soon. For now, here are your bits" Breakup sighed while handing over a stack of bits. With that, he went on his way through Canterlot looking for a place to stay. Looking around he found a run-down hotel. He quickly trotted into the old building and found a decent enough room to sleep in. The room was covered in grime. Breakup figured he could use his magic and clean up the heavily grimy room. With the spell he learned from Futurehoof, he organized the room and made it look decent enough to sleep in. Across town, a certain alicorn was getting ready for her royal coronation. But had jitters all over her body. She was losing her mind and did not know what to say or what to do when her friends entered the room. "Hey, Twilight! Did ya miss us?" Pinkie enthusiastically shouted, which somehow calmed Twilight for a few moments. "Hey Pinkie Pie, where is everyone else?" Twilight asked. "SURPRISE!" This spooked the alicorn but soothed her when she noticed it was the rest of her friends. "I can't believe you guys decided to come to Canterlot. I thought that you guys were going to forget about me in Ponyville." Twilight said rather astonished. "Darling why would we want to forget you? You are one of our greatest friends." Rarity said not expecting what came out of Twilight's mouth. "We decided to pitch in and help soothe your uneasiness with tickets to a new popular singer," Fluttershy said while she brought out the tickets. "What's the name of this new singer?" Twilight asked with her head cocked. "His name is Country Storm. He sings all sorts of songs in different voices. And some say he is the spawn of a siren with how talented he is. Which would be cool if it was true." Rainbowdash said gleefully, clapping her hoofs together in excitement. "I've never heard of him, he must be from far off." Twilight couldn't believe it though, a pony with abilities of a siren for entertainment uses, this she had to see for herself. "Alright, I'm coming with you guys." //-------------------------------------------------------// 2: Before the Concert //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note The two songs listed are not mine they are what Five Finger Death Punch wrote. I hope you enjoy and leave any ideas in the comment section please and thank you!:twilightsheepish: https://static.fimfiction.net/images/emoticons/twilightsheepish.png😘 2: Before the Concert Futurehoof quickly grabbed a small number of fabrics and stuffed them in her bag. After she grabbed what she thought was a good enough amount, she quickly tied off the bag and ran out of her store with the bag. She looked around till she found an old run-down hotel. She smirked and walked inside, she searched each floor till she found a hallway with a door that looked normal. She knocked on the door then walked in with a grin. "You couldn't have picked an actual hotel that had an already clean room?" she said as she trotted into the room and sat on the mauve chaise lounge that sat opposite of the magenta meridienne sofa where Breakup sat. "If I did that I would not get some of the things of my past when I want them. They are the only things about my past that I want around me. So what did you bring the bag for?" Breakup cocked his head, he had no idea what was going on. "Well, I may or may not have entered your name into a list of people who will be performing tonight at the Canterlot Stadium. And you can not chicken out this time." She made a small side glare at him and it made him smirk. Breakup was usually forced into concerts, but most of those concerts ended in Breakup leaving with a smile. But for the past few weeks, he has been trying to stay away from the stage. Future noticed it after a few days of him not showing up to one of them. "Well if a Princess is going why not. I mean she probably won't even remember who I am in about a month." Both he and Future snickered and laughed at the same time at the joke. While Breakup loved to perform, he started to realize that most of his music was forgotten as soon as it was heard. This was the kind of dilemma Breakup saw coming if he was not to make records on his songs. He felt that someday he will give away his songs to others that sound just like him singing them. He loves meeting his fans, even if one or two of them want to hop in bed with him. "I decided on what kind of songs you can play tonight. So the first one will be M.I.N.E and Anywhere But Here." Breakup nodded as this combination of music was new to him, and if new to him it was new to the public. "Hm, let me get a few of my excess scales off and we can start getting ready for rehearsal." Futurehoof nodded and Breakup headed for the bathroom. After he knew the coast was clear and she could not spy on him, he brought out a razor-sharp shell he kept in his mane. He quickly cut himself at the wrist of his front legs using his magic, once he felt satisfied, he washed his legs and shell. After he was cleaned up, he rehid his shell and used a spell to quickly fix his wounds. He plucked out a few loose scales and threw them into the garbage. "Alright Breakup, you know how to sing the songs but let's get you to practice here so we can perfect that voice so we don't have any hiccups during your choreography." Breakup laughed lightly and shook his head and thought back to when he had messed up one of his concerts by using the wrong choreography while wrecking the stage. "Okay, but please don't make my outfit look like I'm from space this time." Last time they performed they dressed up as they had been through a cosmic storm. "Deal!" Twilight and her friends quickly got out their belongings so that they could enjoy the night. Spike was grabbing a few magazines to read to while waiting for the bands to prep. Twilight was getting a few books to read to pass the time like Spike was doing. Rainbow Dash gathered a few of her keepsakes from her Country Storm Fan Club so he could sign them. Fluttershy was getting her animals settled at home till Twilight came and got her for the concert. Rarity was making small little bracelets as a small gift for the famed and talented singer. Pinkie Pie was surprisingly acting like a normal mare, this concerned her friends but they soon found out why as she was sucking on a lollipop. Applejack was in the process of making a basket of food for her friends in the kitchen. While everyone was getting ready, however, Starlight and Sunburst were planning on teaching a few evening classes at the castle while Twilight and the others were away. She had heard of Country Storm before, she even saw who he was once. She liked him a lot but loved Sunburst more. After snapping out of a dazing trance, Starlight teleported over to Twilight and asked the major question. "Um, Twilight, Could I and Sunburst teach an evening class here in the castle while you guys are gone?" Twilight gave Starlight a bright smile. "Of course you can! Just remember to clean up any messes ok?" Starlight agreed and both her and Sunburst walked over to the library and began finding books suitable for the class. After the doors to the library were shut Twilight and the others gathered around and Twilight teleported them all to the Canterlot Coliseum and let everyone gather themselves as Twilight went back to get Fluttershy. After she returned with Fluttershy, they all got into their seats and waited for the concert to start. A few hours after they had finished practicing in the room, Futurehoof took both of them to the Coliseum and got themselves backstage without anyone seeing them. Futurehoof struggled backstage trying to get Breakup's outfit look like he had been apart of a horrific accident to fit the song themes. But kept messing up when it came to the face. "Let me do it. I have done this all the time, I got this." Breakup laughed as Future struggled at trying to make a messed up demon looking face. She handed him the brush while smiling and watched as the master proves his make up worth yet again and makes his face exactly the way she wanted it to. "You know you are gonna have to teach me how to do that someday." He smirked as he took a deep breath and fixed his outfit. "Ready when you are." and as he finished, the curtain rose and the audience erupted with applause and screams of cheers, even from the princesses. Welp thought Breakup I wasn't expecting all of them but I guess if the princesses like my performing identity, maybe they will like my identity. With that boost of confidence, Breakup ran out to the front of the stage and greeted everyone in the arena, marking the start of the concert. //-------------------------------------------------------// 3: The Songs of Pain //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note The Songs as stated in the previous chapter are not mine, my character just sings them till he donates his voice or whatever I decide in the future. Bear with me lol. Here are links to both of the songs: 1st Song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bst0n4otPOk) and 2nd Song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRjVn1s3_ro) 3: The Songs of Pain Breakup smiled at the crowd. He could not believe that so many people came to the concert. Once the crowd quieted down, Breakup picked up the mic and cleared his throat before speaking to the crowd. "I am honestly happy that this many ponies came out here just to hear me sing. For once I think I will love performing in front of a large crowd. Especially when I have the princesses and the Main Six out here in the V.I.P.!" The crowd cheered again as a spotlight shined in the V.I.P. seating where the princesses and the Main SIx waved. "Now for the part of this night, you guys came for. Ladies, if you would please." As he spoke in his charming way, the girls that played the instruments, started to play the melody of the first song. Everybody hurts Everybody bleeds Everybody bends to fill a need Everybody's born with their own curse And I'm not alone Everybody cries Everybody breathes Everybody wants to feel they're free Deep inside I know what I am worth A life of my own It could have been much worse But it should have been better I know I'd hurt you, deserted you And now I see it clear I pulled you closer, tighter 'Cause I knew you'd disappear I just can't compromise, apologize There's nothing you can say We both knew It would always end this way The way Breakup sang the song made the Main Six and the princesses' jaws drop. They could not believe what they were hearing. The group looked at Fluttershy to check up on her, as they figured with the way he was singing she would be scared, but to their surprise, she was mesmerized by the stallion. She appeared to be enjoying the music. Everybody pains Everybody grieves Everybody's making off like thieves Every soul's aching for release You're not alone Everybody lives Everybody leaves Everybody begs best on their knees Everybody's got the same disease No one's alone It could have been much worse But it should have been better Twilight started to ponder how in the world a stallion of his age was able to come up with a song that someone like Tirek would have written. She started to bring up books till she found a page in one book listing a legend of the Preying Vocalist. A monster that wonders around Equestria, mesmerizing mares and stallions to lure them in and drain them of a quarter of their blood. As a result, the Vocalist would gain the abilities of the ponies it had feasted from. She slowly looked back at the rest of the group and realized that they all were looking in the same as Fluttershy was at the mysterious singer. I know I'd hurt you, deserted you And now I see it clear I pulled you closer, tighter 'Cause I knew you'd disappear I just can't compromise, apologize There's nothing you can say We both knew It would always end this way Knew it'd end this way We knew it'd end this way, AAAAAHHHH Upon the guitar solo, Twilight was able to head backstage and ask some questions. Before she could even say a word however, a bright pink mare with lavender and coneflower mane and tail stepped out from the dressing room for the mysterious singer smiling. The mare turned and was shocked to see the princess. "Oh! Hi Twilight. What are you doing back here?" Twilight then recognized the mare, it was a classmate back from her days in Celestia's School. "Hey Futurehoof, what are you doing here?" "Well I guess I should tell you, I'm Country Storms Manager. I met him a few years back and ever since he has helped me with everything. He even paid the depts of my grandmother's store." "That's awesome Future, I can't believe he did that for you. I know we both haven't seen each other in a while but I have to ask you something. Does Country Storm do any of these things with the fans he takes to his hotel room?" Twilight handed her the book but in three seconds flat of reading, she handed it back and shook her head. "Country Storm never uses his powe- I mean abilities to lure people into fee- I mean into taking people's blood. that is so weird." Twilight just shrugged her shoulders and went back to the V.I.P. lounge and relaxed as the song continued. I know I'd hurt you, deserted you And now I see it clear I pulled you closer, tighter 'Cause I knew you'd disappear I just can't compromise, apologize There's nothing you can say We both knew It would always end this way We both know It'd always end this way We both knew It would always end this way After the music died down and the crowd had finished cheering Breakup laughed, he wished he could use his magic to float over a mic but he would have to settle with it dangling from the ceiling. "Alright, I guess you guys loved that song. Well if you liked that song, maybe I should give you what you want." The crowd erupted with cheers and fangirlish screams. They wanted the next song to come out and he was planning on delivering. So he cleared his throat and motioned for the players to start playing. And with that done, the next song began. Some say a storm is coming, Some say the end is near, Some think it's all so hazy, I think it's all so clear. If it all ends tomorrow, If it all disappears, Where do you think you're going? Anywhere else but here! I don't claim to have the reasons! All I know is, if the world stops spinning tomorrow, I'd never shed a tear! I'd rather be anywhere, anywhere, Anywhere but here! Twilight and the others couldn't help but gawk at the raw talent that this stallion had in him. However, Twilight and Fluttershy heard from behind their seats a very unsettling conversation. "There's the prince, we have to get him. No matter we can not fail this mission. If we do our organs are the Crystal Serpent's dinner!" A dark and raspy voice said behind the girls. The other, less threatening voice, asked a question of what the mission was and the harsh voiced stallion spoke again. But the response made both Twilight and Fluttershy have shivers run down their spine. "We have to bring him back, dead or alive." Some say they have the answers, Some say they know the truth, Some people live in question, Some people have no clue. If there was no tomorrow, If there was just today, Would you make different choices? Or would you stay the same? I don't claim to have the reasons! All I know is, if the world stops spinning tomorrow, I'd never shed a tear! I'd rather be anywhere, anywhere, Anywhere but here! Twilight quickly grabbed an empty book and wrote down the entire conversation that had conspired. After the concert, she would show it to the princesses. If there was no tomorrow, If there was no tomorrow, If there was no tomorrow, Would you stay, the same?! If there's no tomorrow, If there's no tomorrow, If there's no tomorrow, Would you stay, the same?! If the world stops spinning tomorrow, I'd never shed a tear! I'd rather be anywhere, anywhere, Anywhere but here! If the world stops spinning tomorrow, I'd never shed a tear! I'd rather be anywhere, anywhere, Anywhere but here! Now with him finishing the concert off, he bowed and looked around as he felt something was off. After he had bowed, he walked off the stage to his dressing room and was able to but on his disguise to make him look normal. He could hear the audience cheering from the room while he put his disguise on. The disguise was actually skin tight and had a weird color scheme. The body fur was tan and his mane colors were mauve and burgundy. The unicorn disguise actually had a lollipop cutie mark. He named himself when he wore the suit, Sweet Pop. After he was fully changed, he walked with Futurehoof back to the abandoned hotel, where they both slept for the night. Twilight teleported everyone back home one at a time, thinking back to what was heard by both her and Fluttershy. She felt guilty about not saying anything to Futurehoof before they left. So she came up with the idea to ask Futurehoof after her Coronation. She happily went to bed with hopeful eyes resting, hoping to see Future and Country safe.