Chapters Of a Thousand Mixes
Since my very waking hour I have been scrambling to learn everything I needed to know for my new job. I was ecstatic to be finally working around DJ-Pon3! I'm not sure if I would get to meet her right away but at least I'm where I want to be now.
Over the months of my fanaticism to Techno, and Drum'n Bass, I accumulated a ton of other songs from different artist to put into the mix tape. I figured if I only included one song from DJ-Pon3 the mix would see more original and the crowd wouldn't think they would be listening to a recorded DJ-Pon3 concert.
I sat at my computer taking around 20 songs and splicing them together using an audio editing program I downloaded for free. This mix tape would only get me by for the first week, after that I needed to make my own music. While I was splicing songs in and listening to the effects to make sure they sounded consistent, I was cramming learning material into my head on how to use equalizers, compressors, filters, levelers, and so on.
I figured if I'm going to be putting music together I needed to make them sound as good and original as possible so learning how to use these tools would be essential.
I put the last song in place. Once that was in I gave the song one last listen. After hearing it all I need to do now is enhance the audio a bit and I'm done!
I put the full mix tape on a USB device, then tucked it into my saddle bags.
As I got up from my chair to leave Retro Spins opened the door into my room.
"Ready brah?" Retro Spins said.
"You know it!" I exclaimed with a slight smirk. Today I felt confident yet anxious. It was my first day on the job anyway.
"Well good luck at your new job, you earned it. I mean buck you've been looking for a job for almost a year now with no dice the entire way, its about time you found something", said retro spins following me out to the door.
We came up to the door, then Retro stopped me. "Dude, your gonna like this", Retro said as he pulled out a envelope and took out a magazine, "The latest issue of Rhythm Sketch".
"Take look at it", Retro Spins said as he laid on a nearby table. I went up to the table and saw that on the cover was me at the house party with the title: Amazing Newcomer, Immortal Zen.
I took the magazine and tucked it into my saddle bags as I would look over it on my break at work.
"Wow Retro, thanks alot for this!" I said, its one heck of a favor to make a front page magazine article of what I did in the spur of a moment.
"Don't mention it brutha! Just don't get fired and bring me some snacks and a drink when you get back!" Retro said as he pushed me out the door and shut it on me.
"Wait, what?" I said confused.
Something tells me he's hiding something but I rather not think of the possibilities.
I continued down the quiet neighborhoods of Ponyville.
It was pretty early in the evening so there was still some light, I try to make it at least 2 hours before my shift at Club Aura started, so I can get my DJ equipment set up before the crowds of party hard ponies begin an expected siege through the front door.
Walking down one of the streets I noticed sitting outside one of the houses was a mare I recognized as Sweet Leaf, the bar tender from the house party. She was sitting on a couch laid on top of a porch outside the house enjoying a bottle of hard cider.
I went up to the drive way of the house, she turned to me and smiled as she waved at me to come over.
"Hey Sweet Leaf. Remember me from the party?" I asked as I hopped onto the porch.
"Of course I remember you Star. Or should I say, Immortal Zen?" She said with a giggle. Her face had a slight blush from the drink. Either way, it was clear that any pony at that house party would clearly remember me anyway because of the show.
"Star is fine, so you live here?" I asked.
"Sure do." She said with glee. "I work at Club Aura as a bartender so the pay is good."
"Funny thing, because after that party I was offered a Job as a DJ, I'm on my way to clock in for my shift right now." I said, I was frankly surprised Sweet Leaf worked as a bartender at the club, but then again I figured that was the reason she was bar tending at the house part.
She works for our boss, William Trottington.
"Oh cool! My shift starts in four hours so if you get a break swing by the bar and I'll fix you a drink. Hows that sound?" She asked as she got off to go back inside her house.
"That sounds great thanks Sweet Leaf." I told her as I stepped off the porch to continue on my way to club Aura.
"No problem, see ya there." She said as she walked back in her house.
Wow that's nice of her, I continued down the street and finally came up to club Aura.
Against the dark sky the building was 3 stories high, the main sign of the building displaying the name Club Aura in a bright pink neon light with spot lights shooting up at the sky from both sides of the building. Out side there was no pony around, I assumed the club hasn't opened up yet for the night. I knocked on the glass door at the front as a mare with a red mane with yellow highlights and orange fur opened the door.
"Sorry we aren't open yet. Come back in an hour." She said as she motioned to close the door on me.
"Wait I'm the new DJ starting tonight. Immortal Zen." I said holding the door before she could close it.
"Oh Immortal Zen!? sorry about that come right in." She apologized as she let me through the door.
Inside it was...HOLY CELESTIA ITS COLD!!!
I swear for a second I thought I was in a freezer.
"Oh don't worry about the cold, you'll get used to it and it gets pretty hot when ponies start coming in." She said noticing my shivering body.
My body eventually adjusted and soon It felt pretty comfortable. The interior of the club was bright and lit up, probably so the janitor's who were cleaning around and preparing for opening could see what their doing.
We came up to a large dance floor with see through tiles and what I could see below as a white screen. Even more impressive, above us the ceiling was a dome, was comprised of see through tiles, with the white back drop behind those tiles.
"Let me tell you it may look like a gigantic Igloo now but when the party starts, the entire thing as in everything that is white is a giant projector screen." She said smiling as she looked up through out the entire area. I was about to call this thing club Igloo, since it reminded me of an Igloo.
"The visualizations put on the whole thing makes for a really cool experience, especially when DJ-Pon3 plays." She said as she headed towards the very end of the large circular, and domed room to an elevated platform with a mixing table on top of it.
"Ok this is were you do your thing, we will be opening up in an hour as I told you at the front so you know what to do." She said walking out of the large room back to the front desk.
I climbed up to the platform which gave a panoramic view of the room. I reached into my saddle bags and took out the USB and plugged it into the mix board were there was aside from the usual two record players on either side, a built in laptop.
The laptop recognized the track and prompted that it was ready to play, so all I had to do was press 'play'.
I held off on starting since the club wasn't open yet and went to go punch in to begin my shift.
The club was packed with ponies dancing and drinking to the mix tape I compiled, and all I had to do was stand on the platform behind the mix table, hold up my headphones and head bang mimicking what I saw in videos on the Equestrian web about this. I did play around with the equalizers to see what kind of ways it effects the music without having the party goers below hold their ears in pain.
Oh and the club was no longer club igloo, it was club awesome! When the club opened everything went dark and as I pressed 'play' all the screens behind the see through tiles projected visualizations that followed with the beat and mood of the music engulfing the entire room with lasers, light of the entire color spectrum, and wakes of abstract imagery and patterns on the projectors.
I could see why Trottington was very proud to have this club, every pony bellow was dancing, getting drunk, but having a good time.
The party died down as I left my mix table to go get a drink at the bar.
At a nearby table a grey mare with a black long and smooth mane with violet eyes was sitting at a table enjoying a drink when she looked up at me.
She was a gorgeous sight that when she looked up at me my heart almost stopped as I stood completely frozen.
She looked away from me and continued sipping her drink.
I sighed to my self, well I didn't think that would go any where. I continued to the bar and ordered the usual lemon lime drink with Stalliongrad Vodka. For free thanks to my new friend Sweet Leaf.
then returned to the mix table to finish my shift
Parties over. The club was lit up and the janitors were going about cleaning the floor from, vomit, and other bodily fluids that you would expect from a party.
Sweet Leaf finished her shift two hours ago so no free drinks for the road on me. I guess I'm going to have to get Retros drink from a convenient store this time.
I got my saddle bags and headed out the front entrance.
On the way home I found a liquor store that was open. Figuring as much I stopped by to pick up a drink.
Inside I browsed the shelves of alcohol to buy. Lets see Buck Danial's, Stalliongrad Vodka, White Tail Whiskey, ah Buckardi!
I lifted the bottle of rum from the shelve, Buckardi: The best rum from the Equestrian Tropics. I turned the corner and right away crashed into another pony who was picking some buck Daniel's from the shelf.
"Ouch watch were your going you imbecile!" Hissed the mares voice as we both collided to the floor.
"Oh crap, I'm sorry." I said rubbing my head from the pain of the collision. I opened my eyes and gasped as I collided into the same beautiful mare I saw at the club. She opened her eyes and her mouth went agape as she opened her eyes.
"Its you!" We both exclaimed at the exact same time which was cute and a little funny at the same time.
"Your the DJ from club Aura!" She exclaimed as she got up brushing herself off.
"And your the...wait who are you?" I asked getting back up, in hind site I didn't know who she really was.
"My apologizes, my name is Octavia, and you are Starlight Zen, I know." She answered as she straightened her mane.
"Wait how do you know who I am?" I asked surprised she knew my alias and full name.
"I know who you are because of the magazine article on 'Rhythm Sketch' and my friend wont stop talking about you, she's into the same music you play." Octavia said as she gathered her drinks from the floor. I helped her gather the last of it and purchased her drinks as forgiveness for the accident as I was laid with an impressive pay check.
"So what were you doing inside the club? It didn't look like you were there to dance or party." I asked as both of us exited the store into a plaza with a fountain at the center.
"Your right I wasn't there for shenanigans but simply to enjoy an intricate and well made drink. I usually despise club music but your's was smooth and more bearable than the regular second grade amateurs." Octavia complimented, "But I still hate the music, all it really is, is just obnoxious noise made into what degenerates call 'music' and 'art'."
"Oh sorry to hear that." I winced a bit from the semi compliment to insult.
"Don't be I respect your creative talent, for the most part." Octavia said as she walked toward the center of the plaza and sat down on a nearby bench right next to the fountain.
"Quite the inspiring night isn't it?" Octavia asked as she stared up at the stars.
"Yeah", I answered looking up with her.
"So tell me star why did you become a DJ?" Octavia asked turning towards as I continued to look up.
"To help a friend in need I guess" I answered as I broke my gaze from the stars over head and turned to Octavia who was staring right at me. At this point my heart fluttered as her eyes locked into mine and glistened her hair softly blowing against the cool night breeze, "for a friend? That must of been a very noble action to put yourself in front of everyone to help him."
"I guess so, but I love the music more importantly and I would really like to work along side my Idol who inspired me to become a DJ." I answered as my eyes went from her eyes to her lips. Desires inside my heart were tearing me aside but I continued to be and act professional.
"Oh and who is this idol?" Octavia asked turning her head back to the stars over head.
"DJ-Pon3" I answered.
Octavia's head came back down and stared at me again "Vinyl?" she answered.
"Huh, you know her?" I asked while I wondered if Vinyl was the real DJ-Pon3.
"Uhh well...No, I don't know her." Octavia said as she looked away.
"Oh then who is Vinyl?" I asked put if I ask DJ-Pon3 and get a name I never heard of, chances are it might be her.
"Its no one, forget I said anything, the drinks are starting to get to me that is all" Octavia said with a forced smile."Well I might as well return to my abode before the drinks throw off my sense of direction. However I when is you next shift? Perhaps we could share a drink when your off your working hours?"
"Wednesday, same time." I answered with a smile ," and I would be more than happy to join you."
Octavia hopped off the bench and gave a soft smile. "Very well its been a pleasure to meet you Starlight. I will see you then."
"You too." I said as she walked off back home as I did the same.
What an amazing mare, Octavia, she is pretty dignified but I don't know anything about her. I wonder what kind of pony she really is. Until then it wont matter, because tomorrow after years of following I finally get to meet DJ-Pon3 at her performance at club Aura. I finally get to meet the one pony who brought me into becoming a DJ.
Authors Notes
Octavia has been introduced to the story. I changed the genre of the story from sad to tragedy for reasons I outlined in the blog. Drop a comment bellow and tell me what you think of the story so far.I'm tired now so I cannot write down much but I hope all of you are enjoying the story so far. Have a good night every pony!
Of a Thousand Mixes
"Whats happenin everypony! Hope everyone of you party hard psychos are ready to get your fill of some wubs cause tonight were gonna drop it like its hot!" DJ Pon3 yelled as she threw down a record onto the mix table I was using just the other night for my performance and kicked the music into full gear.
The explosion of bass from the drop was an earth shattering boom that sounded like thousands of pounds of explosive going off in slow motion.
The crowd went berserk after that hoping to every single beat trying to ride the imaginary wave flowing across the floor.
This was just the latest concert she is performing at Club Aura and the visualizations engulfing the dance floor was what the club was known for best.
The song she was playing was actually dancing around, or dancing with us. Every wavelength and could be seen and felt below us and above as well.
There I was immersed into a hard style trip into dubstep heaven while every pony danced around me.
I have seen her before and once in person from a distance but do I need to describe her lightning blue mane, pure white coat, and radiant purple glasses?
When you hear the name DJ-Pon3, everyone knows who your referring to.
Four whole hours of musical pleasure, endless drinks, and breathtaking visuals the concert was over.
"Alright every pony, glad you all could be here cause when I'm playing you all know your in for a good time. This is DJ-Pon3 signing off, see ya next time!" DJ-Pon3 said as she turned for the back stage exit bidding farewell to her pleasure driven fans below.
This was it, my chance to meet her after all this time.
I made my way passed the departing crowd up to the back stage entrance until I was stopped by two other ponies in tuxedos.
Darn it, so close! Seriously what is up with Trottingtons obsession with security in tuxedos?
"Cant enter, employees only." Said one of the security ponies.
"I am an employee, Immortal Zen?" I said trying to make my way past them until they pushed me back.
"I don't care your not supposed to be working today so get out before we have to show you to the front door ourselves." The security pony said sternly.
Darn it am I seriously gonna get denied like this?
After so long waiting for a chance to meet DJ-Pon3 face to face some jerks in tuxedos are gonna deny me this!?
"Now beat it, or else I'll make you regret coming up to me with that mug of yours while I rearrange it." The pony in the tux said with and angry glare getting ready to charge at me.
"Whoa whoa whoa, easy there guys." All the sudden a voice rang from behind them.
I looked up to see that DJ-Pon3 herself was right in front of me between the two guards.
"Let him through he's cool." She said smiling at me reassuringly.
"But, miss-" said the security pony said who was seconds away from ramming into me with blunt force.
"Hey, its been a tough night for you and that's cool but ya gotta chill out. You were a couple of seconds away from bucking my friend here to the moon." She said in a relaxed yet stern tone towards the guard.
Oh my gosh! She called me her friend! I was trying to repress the internal squee from erupting.
"Well alright, sorry about that." Replied the guard pony as he let me through to my Idols side.
"Its cool, see ya." DJ-pon3 said as she turned to me "ok, lets go chill in the back."
There I was walking with DJ-Pon3 down the hallway to her own personal lounge secluded from the busy backstage away from the ongoing party.
I have only dream't of this moment and now I was living it to be hanging out with my idol.
DJ-Pon3 levitated the keys to open the door to her personal lounge to unlock the door.
Inside it was cold but refreshing, there was a mini fridge, a couch, TV, and a stereo system.
It was simple but it had everything she needed.
"Geez, these concerts are getting pretty tough to play through, I need to take a vacation some time." DJ-pon3 said as she laid on her couch taking off her purple shade to reveal...Oh sweet Celestia Octavia's eyes may have been magnificent gems but bless her soul I didn't know my idol was so amazingly beautiful to the point I can no longer have any words to describe how attractive she was behind them.
"Want anything? I got Apple Cider in the fridge there. I'm all out of the hard stuff right now." She said.
"Oh no that's fine thanks a lot though." I replied grinning ear to ear as I sat down across from her.
She turned and looked at me with a raised eyebrow then asked, "you seem pretty happy."
"Oh just happy to be here." I said as I hardly noticed my huge smile accompanied by my straight posture while sitting.
"Um right." She said rolling her eyes, "so Immortal Zen I guess we're now co-workers, right?"
"Heh...I guess so." I replied trying to relax a bit from the excitement.
"Well, I guess if some pony's gotta melt the ice it'll be me." She said getting back up from the couch, "so how long have you been a DJ?"
"3 days." I replied.
DJ-Pon3's eyes went wide as she sat there in awkward silence staring at me.
After blinking a few times she broke from her slight shock, "wow, Trottington must be trying to cut some serious corners."
"Ya I'm still learning how to do this." I replied in shame as I looked away.
"Oh don't worry, we all gotta start somewhere. Mind showing me what ya got?" She asked.
"Ya sure, but with what?" I asked her back as I noticed there wasn't a mix board or sound pad for me to use in the room.
"Oh no worries, got it covered." She answered as her horn began to glow blue and in front of me appeared a holographic mix board with sound pad, and two holographic sub woofers for sound.
I grabbed the hologram and began to play a song similar to the one I played at the house party. I ended the song on a similar note as well.
I was feeling pretty confident about my little performance seeing how it impressed everyone at the party that night.
"Wow, I know I wasn't expecting much but that was terrible." DJ-Pon3 began in slight disgust. "You wanna try that again?"
That statement pretty much drove a nail through my heart, but I nodded to chance to redeem myself. I'm not going to humiliate my self here.
I began again this time faster and throwing in more variations to the beat. I changed the whole rhythm and went to a sort of beat solo half way through.
Confident I ended my song.
"Ok, that was worse. Are you for real? I have no idea how Trottington found you but I ain't impressed." DJ-Pon3 said shaking her head.
I was destroyed. I couldn't believe that I disappointed her that badly. I didn't screw up anywhere and I thought I did pretty good, but it just wasn't enough. I was ready to storm out and forget everything until...
"Well, I'll tell ya what. 3 Days of being a DJ I'm not surprised on how badly you suck. In fact come next freestyle and you wont be able to survive the riot of angry fratponies. Since I don't want to be there with your blood on my hooves I'll tell ya this. How about I teach how to be a real DJ." She proposed.
I jumped up and quirked up right away. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you."
I dashed to embrace my Idol in thankfulness but was immediately shoved off.
"Whoa, whoa ,whoa. Easy there I didn't say it's free. 50 bits a lesson." DJ-Pon3 said.
"Isn't that a little expensive?" I asked. I was getting paid 100 an hour but I'm spending most of it on drinks, groceries, magazines, cable tv, and other stuff. At the end of the week 50 bits is all I had left, unless I did overtime which is something I don't really want to do.
"Well ya but hey, professional services aren't either." She replied, "well I'm going home but be here after my shift on Friday so we can start, cool?"
"Ya of course." I said.
I didn't imagine this was how my first meeting would go. I thought we would just chill together and mix music. Joke, laugh, and have fun. Now I'm being schooled by her like a filly and I end up paying out of my wallet in the end.
I was happy to meet her but this has got me on edge, I need a drink.
I made my way down the corridor back into the dance floor and across to the bar. There Sweet Leaf was there to give me drinks to wash the pain away.
There she was, cleaning some glasses but none the less attractive as ever. I should ask her out to dinner some time, maybe my sudden desires were from things not turning out the way I expected. A really nice flank can beat any drink right now.
"Buck Daniels in shots." I said as I sat at the bar with a bitter look.
"Sure something got ya down?" Sweet Leaf asked with a smile as she poured some Buck Daniels into a shot glass.
"It's kinda complicated, I guess I'll tell ya some other time." I said.
I was ecstatic to meet my idol but at the same time she put me down like a bad habit.
I was even more excited to be taken under her wing as a DJ, but I thought she would see me as being on level with her not
"Well if you need someone to talk to I'm always here." She replied.
I decided to play my cards here, cant tell if it was the drinks or my sudden arousal.
"Thanks Sweet Leaf, I know your always here for me. A mare as kind, and sweet as you deserves much more." I said in the most relaxed smile and expression I could muster.
"Oh?" She said as she had a slight tinge of blush on her cheeks. Ok your on the right track Starlight.
"You work this bar all night, maybe getting some tips but these ponies don't really see much else then a bar tender." I said.
"I guess your right." Sweet Leaf replied as her ears sloped down a bit feeling a bit ashamed and sad at the truth of my statement.
"But if any pony would actually get to know you better they would see a kind and caring pony, like I do." I told her.
"Really?" She asked with a smile as blush filled in her cheeks again.
Here's my chance.
"I see more than what they would see. Sweet Leaf, you're a really beautiful and attractive mare as well. I guess when I met you I had this weakness for you." I said leaning closer in.
"Aww, and what is that?" She asked, her cheeks getting redder by the second.
"I guess I just liked everything about you since the house party Sweet Leaf." I said.
"Star, my shift ends in a minute. Would you like to walk me home?" She replied in a relaxed an even sweeter tone, her cheeks completely red but compassionate.
Bingo, this night sucked so far, but everything was about to get better.
Even if the drinks clouded my head a bit.
She took me back stage near the employee exit in the back. Then she stopped me.
"Star, since the moment I saw you for the first time at the house party I...I...I wanted to be with you." Sweet Leaf said as she closed her eyes and lent in for a kiss.
All the sudden her lips met with mine as I could feel my heart flutter a little. I pressed my lips back in equal affection. I really loved her.
She broke the kiss and as I opened my eyes her eyes went wide in shock as she slightly gasped.
"Whats wrong Sweet Leaf?" I asked, what did I do? She kissed me as far as I know now she looks like she saw a ghost.
"Oh...Oh Celestia what am I doing? I'm sorry Star, we should stop before this gets to far." She said letting go of me and turning away.
Oh no...What am I doing? The damn drinks have gotten to me! I was seriously going to put my friend through a one night stand. My heart isn't in the right place anymore. Tonight things didn't work out the way I expected and that's fine but I wasn't going to make up for it by fooling with her heart like this.
"I understand, I'm sorry my mind wasn't in the right place either. Neither was my heart, I didn't want to this to you." I replied my head low from shame.
"Me too, but I'll still be your friend Star. I promise." She said as she embraced me and walked off.
So now I walk back home alone.
I don't care either. I didn't know who I was and my heart only wanted her body. Not her.
I promised to her that I will never try anything like that again. I also chose to stay as her friend and nothing more, I may be attracted to her but I didn't really know her and I don't want to use her like this.
Even if I chose this or it was determined by fate I will keep her as a friend I decided that this is how things would stay between us.
However, on my way home it bugged me over and over again. Why when she kissed me, did she look terrified?
I may have been sightly drunk and horny, but something wasn't right about her.
I became more worried as I thought.
Was she reminded of something tragic that happened to her? Did I remind her of an ex-colt friend?
I want to get to the bottom of this but I figured it would have to wait,
and mentally I was punching myself in the gut for playing with her like that.
Even I wonder what is wrong with me sometimes.
Authors Notes
As always I appreciate any feed back on the story. It helps me write better and see how I'm doing as a writer.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT
In some way I do regret writing about this romantic slip between Starlight Zen and Sweet Leaf, but it needed to be done to open up a majority of the plot. Starlight ended up regretting more about this night then ever. Right now I don't want you guys to think that Vinyl is a bad character. She's just not very accepting of Starlight at the moment. Eventually down the line just like normal people there relationship will grow, be put on a strain, and eventually evolve into something romantically beautiful. Sweat Leaf story will push Starlight to see into new perspectives. He will ask questions about whats really happening and it will set him up for his down fall at the hands of manipulative ponies. He will think himself above everyone else convinced by really bad ponies and thus a fall from grace.
Chapter 1: Intro (Rewritten)
~o0o~
I do very much appreciate any critique and comments in my story writing. I am still learning how to write stories and I appreciate any feedback so I can write better stories, as this is the first fic I have gotten very serious about.
I have rewritten the first chapter slightly to kind of fix some plot holes I left open. I also want to thank everyone who has read and hopefully enjoyed the story so far. You guys are the major reason I keep this fic going.
~o0o~
Of a Thousand Mixes
Beats, coinciding with the bass and snare. The beat going three times the speed of your average ponies heart.
Another beautiful track, mixed, and composed by DJ Pon-3. I sat in front of my computer monitor, blasting the music while I watched the player compose a breathtaking visualization to compliment the music. However like all good things the track came to an end, and so played the next track composed by my favorite artist in the playlist of 47 tracks I have downloaded from the equestrian web.
What can I say? I love DJ-Pon3. I discovered the techno genre while I worked at a music store in Ponyville.
Then I discovered her. DJ-Pon3 was her alias and from what I heard not many ponies knew her real name. Her music was amazing, her body was gorgeous as some times she even models for magazines, and her personality on stage was explosive.
Every concert I watched through the web her audience was pumped, her music was radiant and electrifying, and it was all an experience that I only had the pleasure of going and being there only for a few times.
Then I got fired from my job and I couldn't afford to go to any of her concerts. So I watched through the internet, wishing I had a job so I can see her again.
So for the next 2 hours I sat there, playing games on the computer, and staring at the visualizations on screen.
After a while I heard the door open to my room, and as I would have expected my room mate, Retro Spins came into the room.
When I was going to school there for 'Celestia knows what' we were stuck in a band class that if you sat down for twenty minutes your ears would bleed on how badly everyone sucked.
I played a trumpet, and Retro played the trombone. Even though the class sucked me and Retro stuck in there because we love music and any other elective was better than health, and consumers mathematics.
In the middle of class we would listen to music CD's, I always liked what he brought but Retro would dissect the track and tell me what was good and also its flaws.
One day I was broken down and depressed because I asked out my crush only to get rejected and thrown to the side while she made out with her own colt friend. Retro was there to help me through it, telling me "there's always more ponies in the prairie" and "you don't need her, she's just a manipulative filly who likes fooling with other colts."
In those years Retro really helped me get my life back on track and we followed each other into high school and so on. I watched him be successful while I just tried to get by with my own business he was always worried about the direction I was going in life but he was also there to help me out of any jam.
So we've been best friends ever since, especially when he offered to let me live in his house when I got fired from my job as a store clerk at a local music store because the shop went out of business, and lately its been really tough finding a job at ponyville. The name Retro Spins come from his cutie mark of a shining record disc, his special talent is being a music critique.
"Heyo! Hows it hanging Star! Dude check this out. I scored an invitation to the hottest party in ponyville!" Retro Spins said with glee almost to the point of hopping around the room.
"That's cool." I said nonchalantly. I was never an out going pony. I prefer to stay inside, read magazines, and surf the web.
"Nah dude, you aint seeing the bigger picture my brah! There will be drinks, music, and most importantly hot mares!" Retro replied.
"That's great bro, have fun." I said dismissing him.
"No dude your coming with me! Im gonna see if I can hook you up with your own mare friend so you can lose this little obsession you have over DJ-Pon3." Changing his tone to something more aggressive as he smacked his hooves on my desk getting my attention.
"What! I'm not obsessed!" I shouted back in disbelief.
Then Retro gestured at the wall of my room. I forgot to mention the hundreds of posters on my wall.Some of them are album covers of DJ-Pon3's, others are magazine covers, posters of the artist, and one in particular. A pinup poster of the time she made 'Sexiest musician of the year' showing off in a very suggestive pose.
"Ok, i'm obsessed." I admitted bowing my head in shame. "But there is still no reason why I should go to this party."
"C'mon dude! When was the last time you left the house! It'll be fun! Live life. You wont know what your missing." Retro said.
This coxed me to the point I reflected on the past a bit. I haven't left the house in a month while Retro Spins actually had a job and went out to house parties every now and again. At that point I decided, that leaving just this once wouldn't and I don't really have anything to lose."Ok, I'll go." I said with a sigh.
"Awwwwww yeah! This is gonna be fun brah you will not regret this! Ya gotta get ready quick though cause we need to leave right away cause its tonight." Retro said as walked towards the door.
"Whoa whoa whoa. Hang on, tonight? That short of a notice?" I said with a raised eye brow.
"Ya I was planning on going with another mate who scored an invitation as well from work but he got sick. Told me to give this to a friend so who else would I pick to go with me. Just get ready dude, were leaving in an hour." Retro said leaving the room.
I got up from my chair and walked towards the mirror. I straightened out my short brown frizzled mane the best I could, which I think only made it worse. Then took a look at my midnight blue coat, which can be very easily confused as black until a bit of light then you would be able to see a very dark streak of blue.
After a quick shower I made my way downstairs to meet Retro Spins who was waiting for me.
"Dude you are going to remember this night for the rest of your life! We are gonna have one heck of a good time." Retro said with a smile as he opened the door to leave.
"Meh, I guess." I said with a shrug. I honestly wasn't expecting much to happen as much as Retro Spins claims. I knew that he likes to over exaggerate things a lot.
As I stepped out I felt a cool breeze hit me, the sun had already set and the sky relatively dark. Although the air was a little stuffy from the humidity, it actually felt pretty good to be outside. Almost inspiring.
"We've been walking for 15 minutes. Do you know were this place is?" I said to Retro as we came to a stop at a four way intersection near the center of ponyville.
"Ya of course! Its right down this road at the end of the street like five or six blocks down. Hey you can hear the music from here!" Retro said raising his head to listen.
I did the same and I heard a faint and fast beat. Like listening into the skies own beating heart.
We followed the sound for the next five minutes until we ended up in to a neighborhood with pretty large houses. We finally came up at our destination. A gated mansion with a large yard and walkway up to it. Out side the gates were drunk ponies wobbling around from there dizziness, some were so drunk they vomited all over the walls and side walks. I looked away in disgust trying to keep my own stomach some what contained, even though I realized that the chances of not losing my dinner at this party was very slim.
Although we were outside the gate the ground shook with each beat of the music like an artificial earthquake. I knew from that point as soon as I stepped into that house my hearing may not last to my elderly years, assuming the music I listen to on a daily basis doesn't already do so but I really don't care anyway I love it.
Me and Retro walked up to the door where a colt wearing dark shades and tuxedo stood blocking the door.
"Good evening gentlecolts, I need to see your invitations before I can let you in." The unicorn colt said.
"Sure thing mah man" Retro said flyers from his saddle bags with his teeth. "Here ya go."
"Umm...You can keep those, thats all I have to see. Yall enjoy your time at the party." The colt said using his unicorn magic to push the door open.
Immediately the sounds of the music assaulted my ear drums. It was absurdly loud but it was my favorite music, drum'n bass, so I loved it even if my ears were ringing a little.
Stepping in, music wasn't the only thing that assaulted my senses. The smell of alcohol mixed with the smell of expensive perfume and cologne was overpowering. It may have been bad outside but the entire house was quaking from the bass of the music. Ponies were either binge drinking, making out with each other, or making passionate love to each other without the consideration of getting a room which made me feel extremely embarrassed to be around. The sad part was the inside of the mansion is extremely lavish with all sorts of expensive decor. From glistening chandeliers, to fine painting's, furniture, the works. A sophisticated environment made into a college rave party.
"What the heck did you bring me into Retro? I cant tell the difference between a slosh rave from an orgy here!" I yelled over the music to Retro right next to me who barely heard what I said over the music.
"Relax Star, I told you this would be one heck of a party! I gotta go check in with some buddies of mine. Go mingle a bit, live a little." Retro said abandoning my side to go meet up with his friends.
Just standing still with everything happening around me made me feel uncomfortable. I felt out of place like being on the surface of the moon. With Mares and colts, rooting on who would throw up first in a drinking competition, the occasional drunken brawl, and other obscenities that would never be seen in public, the only solace I can confide in was the music. The music is a shelter here, and a tether to keep me from storming out all together. A drink wouldn't hurt either.
I went up to the bar and amazingly its one of the more calmer sections of the party. Ponies just sat at the bar gently conversing, groups of friends joking and laughing as they drunk, and couples just enjoying the drinks and themselves. This may be the most ironic thing I've seen in this party so far. I sat down on a stool, a good looking mare with light blue mane and light purple fur was cleaning the bar up and passing around drinks till she came up to me and smiled asking "what would you like for a drink tonight?"
"Lemon lime soda lined with Stalliongrad vodka, iced, in a low ball glass." I replied licking my lips and smiling back try to look sincere and comfortable in this alien environment.
"Ok, coming right up! The names Sweet Leaf by the way." She said as she poured and fixed the drink right in front of me.
"Starlight Zen" I replied.
"Starlight Zen? Cool name." Sweet Leaf said as she finished fixing my drink and slid it across the bar towards me.
"Um and how many bit will this be?" I asked remembering I only had 20 bits on me that brought whenever I went out which I usually used to buy snacks at the general store.
"Oh don't worry its all on the house" Sweet Leaf answered.
"Oh cool!Cheers then." I took the glass in my hooves and savored the drink. Sweet leaf smiled and walked off to attend her other customers. In the mean time I couldn't help but notice her beautiful figure. I ended up looking over the bar to get a better view. Since I didn't want to get caught and be called out as a pervert I slid back and continued to enjoy my drink and the music.
After finishing the last of my drink Sweet Leaf returned asking "Refill?"
"Um no thanks I'm good" I said. I considered giving her a tip when a crowd started to form at the other end of the bar. There was a unicorn colt drinking a whole bottle of Stalliongrad Vodka while the entire crowd chanted "chug chug chug".
I looked back at Sweet Leaf who look worried. "Who's that?" I asked
"That's DJ Vertex, he's supposed to be playing at the freestyle that is going to start in 30 minutes." She said.
The DJ continued to drink the bottle until the whole thing was empty. He then climbed on top of the stool and yelled "Im the drinking champion of all of Equestria!!!WOOO!!!" He then fell from the stool landing on the floor passed out. After the crowd boo'ed the fallen DJ they cleared out where later some ponies wearing tuxedos came and dragged him away.
I then felt a hoof tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Retro looking very worried.
"Whats wrong?" I asked.
"Whats wrong!? If you haven't noticed DJ Vertex is out of commission he was supposed to play at the Freestyle and it was my job to write a critique on his music track for tonight. Without him I have no cover page story for the magazine and without this article the Magazine will sink. Star, you saw videos and read articles on being a DJ I need you to play at this freestyle or the whole party and article dies!" Retro said with nervous urgency
"What! I'm not going to go up there and play, I'm not ready to do a gig, I'm not prepared, I cant do it!" I said being taken aback by Retros insane order. Honestly I have seen videos and read articles on the works and equipment of DJ's and how to use them, but I never done it before. I have had no practice with this and I wasn't ready to go up there and try so I can be pelted by hard cider bottles or laughed out of the party for sucking so much, I say screw Retros article and screw this party.
"Star, look at me! If you pull this off I will make this article about you, I will talk to my friends about you, and those friends can help you meet, and even work with DJ-Pon3." Retro said with assertiveness. At that point I knew Retro was not lying about it, out of all the times he over exaggerates things, I knew him for most of my life, and knew him to well to know that this wasn't a lie. I had butterflies in my gut from the decision in front of me. Do I take a leap of faith to achieve my dream, or do I back out and go home with my dignity.
"Its on you now Star."Retro said "what will it be?"
Of a Thousand Mixes
"What's it gonna be star?" Retro Spins said as he eyed me down holding me in place with the mighty decision of my own reputation versus my heartfelt obsession.
Retro was definitely not lying. In the case I hadn't mentioned, Retro Spins works for a huge Music magazine called "Rhythm Sketch" as a Music Critique, which matches his special talent. He has done articles on Equestria's top musicians, critiquing their music, and giving a review if they were worth following. Of course every time he did an article on DJ-Pon3 I always came sucking up to him begging him to tell me everything about her in order to feed my innocent little following.
To be honest though, Retro Spins doesn't see anything special or talented in DJ-Pon3. Every article he has written complains of her "lack of vision", and "on stage is not very active", or "music is only slight remixes of other remixes of the same song". Of course I get upset over it but he insists he's only being unbiased.
So on to the decision. As I thought I knew in the back of my mind that I may never get a chance at this again, and even if I decided to one day become a fledged DJ, which is something DJ-Pon3 inspires me to do, I knew that Retro Spins would never help me get up to bigger things because I chose my own dignity over his article, and potentially his job.
But then again I have never done this before! I do have the ambition to do it but I don't have the practice. I was never a real DJ before so I have no experience and no idea what I would be doing. I certainly don't want to be vilified, and chased out of the party by an angry mob.
The weight of everything was heavy, but I do so much want to meet my Idol and become something I have only imagine being, and just maybe this will turn my life around.
My gut was churning like a hurricane so I sucked it up, took a deep breath, and let the words leave my mouth.
"Ok...I'll do it." I said sighing into Retro in an attempt to calm some nerves from what I was getting myself into.
Retro's eyes went wide and smiled ear to ear. "Oh sweet Celestia! Thank you so much brother!" Retro Spins exclaimed has he pulled me in for an uncomfortably tight hug.
"Ok ok, easy, I'd like my rib cage to be intact." I said struggling against Retro's grasp.
"Oh my bad dude." Retro said as he let me go to breathe.
"Alright. So now what?" I asked.
"Now we go talk to the M.C. to get you set up." Retro said with a grin.
"I... whats an M.C?" I asked with a puzzled look.
"The announcer guy of course, follow me!" Retro answered as he began walking through the dense crowd of party goers across the bar to the dance floor and then on to the stage to get to the M.C. I followed him bumping into dancing. or drunken colts and mares on accident and getting the occasional "Watch it bucktard!" in which I replied "Im sorry" repeatedly to somehow make up for an accidental groping of mare flank.
Finally we were at the stage and out of the drunken dancing crowd and onto the stage were I saw a Pegasus colt with purple fur and black mane in the form of Dreadlocks, sporting a blue cap worn in reverse, sunglasses, and blue jacketed vest with a cutie mark of a golden microphone.
I could tell what kinda character this pony was.
The colt looked up at Retro and bore a huge smile.
"Yo retro! How's my boy doin!?" Said the colt getting up to bro hug Retro.
"Aww heck! Nice to see ya again Fly Mic! How long has it been my man!" Retro replied as he followed his friend around stage checking some of the audio equipment set up,=.
"Dayum homie, been ages probably but, no time fo dat my brah, I got a DJ freestyle starting in like 5 minutes, and heck my dawg over there takes on a drinkin contest and gets himself wasted to da point he aint even gonna see a stars before his liver shuts down. Now I got no DJ and I'm tryin to phone all my homies right now but all dem asleep!" Fly Mic said as he pace around the stage with Retro Spins.
"Well no need to worry my man. I got you a DJ right here!" Retro said point a hoof at me while I continued cringing about crossing the point of no return on this whole "I can be a DJ too" idea.
"Yo homie whats good? The names Fly Mic. Im the M.C. fo dis DJ Freestyle. You probably heard of me before, I M.C. For rap battles, freestyles, ciphers for events, music videos, da whole lot. Its mah special talent and heck I love doin it!" Fly Mic said as he brohoofed me for greets and mingled around the stage a bit more."So whats yo name homie?"
"Starlight Zen." I answered
"Hah! Nah nah nah nah nah, I mean yo Alias." Fly Mic said half laughingly.
"Like DJ-Pon3?" I asked seeing if he meant an artist alias.
"Ya like that now whats 'yo name'?" Fly Mic asked again.
I sat down a bit and thought. My cutie mark is 3 bright white twinkling stars, my special talent being astronomy but because I was broke I could never go to Canterlot University of Magic and Science to study them. So I had this little thought in the back of my mind that my real talent laid in making Electronic music that basically "flashed" the audience to give the feeling of them dancing in space with music, not drugs, but with the help of drum' n bass and dub step to let the audience embark on a journey through the cosmos as they danced the night away.
Which brought me to my last name "Zen". I think my last name is because my parents were peace loving hippies who enjoyed sharing the peace pipe with everyone, that being the reason why I moved out. However, Zen is about peace and love. Ethereal Joy in loving and being loved. I do enjoy love, even though I live a solitary life, I'm very peaceful as well. I should want befriend and help ponies. I don't want to be violent or aggressive, or show my hate in public. Id like to love and be loved by my friends. Id like to be that way for all eternity. Even if I was just simply losing myself in wishful thinking at the time.
"Immortal Zen" I awnsered. Forever loving and peaceful.
"Aight Immortal Zen, yo stuffs all set! Take a look around, we gonna start in five minutes." Fly Mic said as he hoped off the stage to get a drink.
Nice...Oh BUCK NO!!!I just realized that now I have to perform in five minutes, and I have no Idea what to do or play!
"Think Star, think!" I said to myself as I looked at the DJ set up in front of me which involved, not a mix table, but a sound pad. I thought back to the articles and videos I watched and then remembered that sound pads are used in mixing multiple sounds or tracks together to make a song. Sound Pads are used to make techno, electronic, and more popularly drum'n bass, and dubstep.
Then there was a new problem, I have no idea what the sound pads layout is. How am I supposed to know how DJ Vertex assigned what sounds and tracks to what pads? I then looked to my left to find a laptop. I opened the laptop to find that it was DJ Vertexes and there was a program that showed the profile of the sound pad. It was very straight forward actually, he labeled each audio file assigned on the pad to simple categories like "Snare 1", and "Low Bass 2". It also showed me what sound were mapped to which button on the sound pad which made everything a whole lot easier.
Now it was down to the rhythm and beat of my own hooves to make this work.
Fly Mic climbed back up to the stage and asked "Yo, you ready homie?"
I was feeling nervous with the butterflies in my gut but I pressed on to give the answer to my death sentence "yes".
"Aww yeah!" Fly Mic said as he turned to unhook the microphone from its stand at the front of the sage.
"Cause it about ta go down! Aight I know errey pony in da house has been havin a good time so now its time for the main event, the DJ Freestyle! Fillys and Gentlecolts I present to you a new comer out here, but one hack of a talented DJ, the one and the only Immortal Zen!!!" Fly Mic yelled into the microphone at the crowd.
The crowd stomped the ground with there hooves in applause.
"Ok take it away DJ!" Fly Mic said as he hopped off stage.
Now my heart completely sunk to my stomach , and I was about to break out in cold sweat but as they say its now or never.
Here we go.
I started by queuing up the Beat and toggling it so I don't have to hold it down, next the snare, and now for the build up.
Finally after 5 minutes of repeated build ups, drops, and chorus's, I lead the song I mixed to the outro and ended the song with a low bass lead off. The crowd cheered at my audio masterpiece that I made on the fly.
"Aww yeah! That was tight! Yo give it up to my homie right here Immortal Zen!" Mic Fly said as he took my hoof and lifted it in there for victory.
I felt so much relief at that point because I knew the ordeal was over and I wasn't getting bombarded by empty bottles of alcohol.
I stepped off the stage to see Retro Spins smiling like a school filly. "Wow bro ya did it, and let me tell you something. I'm not a big fan of Dubstep, in fact I hate that music, but what you did was amazing! That's actually coming from my critique side, that was impressive" Retro spins said bringing me in for a brohug like the one he gave to Fly Mic. "I will definitely make you the front page story of the magazine."
"Thanks a lot Retro, I appreciate it" I said. At that moment two other ponies wearing tuxedos and wearing ear pieces came up to me and Retro saying "Are you Immortal Zen?"
"Yes" I answered.
"Come with us, please" The two ponies said.
Oh buck! What did I do? Am I in trouble for stealing DJ Vertex's show? Like wise I guess I'm about to find out.
The two ponies lead me away from the party upstairs, to a big wooden double door.
"Enter" they said.
I pushed the doors open where inside I saw what appears to be a lavish bedroom with a fireplace, large screen TV, and a minibar. On the couch was a mature looking stallion with a full beard from his white mane and solid grey fur. Probably white from aging. On both his sides were two beautiful looking mares that cuddled up to him and giggled as he whispered sweet nothings into their ears.
"Oh your here I see. Ladies please leave us. Important business I'm afraid." The stallion said. The accent sounded like he was from Trottingham and was very refined.
"Am I in trouble sir?" I asked shuffling hooves hoping I wasn't right.
"Oh dear no. What makes you think your in trouble? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is William Trottington the third.
"Starlight Zen." I said as I shook his hoof.
"Oh do sit my boy we have a great deal to discuss indeed." William said.
I took a seat on the couch and wow! This couch felt amazing, probably because I have been standing or walking for most of the night.
"Would you like some tea? I could have one of the mistresses you some if you'd like." William offered.
"Thanks but no thanks I appreciate the offer though." I replied trying to sound as formal and dignitary to not give a bad first impression.
"Ah, very well then on to business, as you know this event was supposed to be for DJ Vertex in order to land a record deal with a Music Label that I am a share holder of. Obviously tonight, instead of taking responsibility, he chose to loiter and ended up...Somewhere. In his place you took charge, and made a smashing show from what I heard. Now I will give you an offer. Sadly a record deal is out of the question because DJ Vertex was well known, well established, and had several sponsors, and years of experience. However what I can give you is a part time position as a DJ at club Aura where you will be trading shifts with DJ-Pon3." William said in monologue until I heard the words DJ-Pon3.
I was doing cartwheels and back flips in my head! I will be working with DJ-Pon3!!!This is the best day of my life!
"The pay is very good and additionally I will sponsor you in any events you may par take in. The rest of the details are in this contract, right here but I assure you that the rest are simply formality such as "workers compensation" and what not." William said levitating the contract in front of me and giving me a pen to sign it.
"I would love, and gladly work at your nightclub, sir." I said as I bit the end of the pen to sign the contract with a signature.
"Smashing my boy! I'am very glad to see you have accepted this offer. Starting tomorrow at 9 PM to 5 AM you will work at Club Aura as a DJ at Monday, Wednesday, and Friday." William said as he rolled the contract and stowed it away.
"Thank you very much for this, sir" I said as I left for the door.
"Your welcome my boy I shall see you soon" William said as I left through the door.
Some times you gotta take a leap of faith in order to make dreams come true, and for that it takes courage. A courage I never thought I had until now.
Authors notes
Not sure if this is allowed so if it isn't I will re edit this and put it as a comment.
