Chapters Chapter 1
Manehattan, a few hours of flight from Canterlot, is the uncontested home away from home for high society and culture. The Metropolis was gracefully designed on a gently sloping area of land facing towards the water. Uptown was where your typical business district was located, with each building stepping down the hill, none of them taller than the one before, so as not to interrupt the view of the water. The roads, like all of Uptown, were squared and measured to pinpoint precision. Every building had a sidewalk skirting its edges and some of the bigger buildings had plazas and industrial parks in the front. Every facet of Uptown carried itself with precision and grace.
Downtown however, was a different matter entirely. Sure the two districts shared similarities, but they were more akin and comparable to brothers. Uptown was all business, precision, and uniformity. Downtown was more focused on art, music, grace, and style. Downtown Manehatten, for the most part, adhered to straight roads to travel through, but they were more like canvas borders. Inside of these borders, roads tended to curve elegantly, and sweep through the district to emphasize its finesse. Here you could find plenty of coffee shops and galleries and you could see many buildings with sweeping halls and spiraling statues. There were music halls, promontories, and parks which culminated into the schools and universities that graced Downtown.
Among the universities of Downtown Manehatten, the largest university was easily the Manehatten University of Fine Arts. This university was also the home of the recently completed Manehatten Amphitheater. After construction, it was to be the second largest concert hall in Equestria after the Canterlot Hall of Performing Arts. The architect had drawn inspiration from the Sydneigh Opera House, but he took several liberties with the design, so there were obvious artistic and stylistic differences from the original design. This grand hall could seat a staggering number of ponies, and was designed to be used for many different events with little time in between.
Tomorrow its grand opening, with a massive orchestral concert set to take place. In fact, the Phillydelphia Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Canterlot Orchestra were performing together. The composition had been hoof-crafted by Phillip Fortissimo, one of the University’s very own students. The rest of his class had helped provide input and critical structuring until the number had become a three piece suite. Phillip would be granted the unrivaled privilege of conducting his masterpiece. The concert had been hyped for weeks until the other universities and all of Manehatten had joined in. Due to the massive amount of attention and ponies attending, the mayor decided to set up a giant festival beforehoof. There was even talk of a Wonderbolts show taking place and an after party, and it all began tomorrow…
Sometimes it was nice to be famous, having different luxuries like a top floor Luna suite with its own swimming pool and open deck, an indoor hot tub, an open bar, and the softest pillows and beds to boot. There was only a small price to pay for the package; once the paparazzi found them, the flood of flashbulbs and questions would stem forth. Also it became something of a hindrance to take a morning stretch without being flooded by ponies. If life was a party, the Wonderbolts were the VIP.’s, or at least, Soarin was the second in command VIP. Spitfire had always been better with the crowds, but he was content to coordinate stunts and occasionally delegate orders.
It was great that he and Spitfire got along and knew each other so well, because sometimes their world did get to them and they would look at each other as an occasional punching bag. Downtown Manehatten was definitely not the worst view in the world. The wind coming off the water and even the water itself were divine luxuries. Soarin looked across the evening sky to the unavoidable sight of the spotlights emanating from around the amphitheater. Well, a show was a show as the saying goes, but so help Celestia, he was going on a nice, ten day vacation after this.
He was also really banking on an epic after party and more than a few drinks. That was another thing about being a part of the Wonderbolts. As a whole, they had a penchant for a good party and a good drink or few. Their antics were as well known, if not better so, than their professionalism. That was way more speculation than Soarin cared for at the moment though. Right now his stomach was telling him it was time to eat, and then rest. After all, tomorrow was a big day.
To say that the train ride over had been spectacularly interesting was one way to put it. In reality, it was an unmitigated disaster. They had spent at least half an hour dragging Rarity out of her shop because she wanted as many, and then more, dresses and accessories to show off as possible. There was Applejack, wanting to work until the last possible moment, and then of course she and Rarity got into it because AJ refused to wash until later. Then there was Twilight. She had packed a large pile of books on a range of subjects, and lists….so many lists. Pinkie pie only brought one bag, and Celestia only knew what that bag contained, but at least she, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were ready.
In fact, Rainbow Dash was quite easily the first one ready, probably due to the fact that the Wonderbolts were announced to be there. At the train station, Rainbow Dash and Applejack had some sort of competition involving loading baggage, mostly Rarity’s, into the train to win the window seat, only to find afterwards that Pinkie Pie had already taken it. Fluttershy was last to board, quietly letting everyone on before her. Finally, they were packed and settled and the train pulled out of the station. Sure, Spike would have liked to have gone with them, but as they’d said, someone had to keep the town safe from the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Suddenly, the spines on Spikes neck tingled and he got a very bad feeling. Turning around slowly, he saw the very three, the faces of pure innocence and terror unending, all smiling at him.
A couple of blocks down from the grand opening there was a rather large building known as Neon Nights. The place was a club that tried to cater to any and every party possible. The building’s previous owner had managed to go out of business, leaving behind a huge debt. The new owner, Neon Glow, had arranged a deal with the nearby universities, and slowly cleared off the debt. Neon Glow helped run the popular radio station, MUR, or Manehattan Universities Radio, as one of the hosts. This proved beneficial, as he would spotlight local acts, artists to give them exposure. The life of Neon Glow was hectic and crammed to put it lightly. Because he was a junior in college as well as a talk show host and nightclub owner, he could laugh the word stress out of the dictionary on a slow day.
Still, this grand opening was a huge opportunity because of the after-party, the time when a lot of the performers and crowd members would be looking for a place to sit back, let their manes down, and let loose. The only problem was that not just any group or artist would do, no “just a DJ”, no regular rising star, no. Somepony special would have to do this. If the composer came from Manehatten University of Fine Arts, then maybe Neon Glow could find an artist that came from one of the many Manehattan universities as well.
For two weeks this search plagued Neon as he held competitions, and fielded offers, but nopony met his expectations. Then, three days before the concert, when he was about to give up, there was a break through. This came in the form of an email from one of his co-hosts at the radio station. Apparently, one of his friends had heard some kid playing a track at a club and the friend had sent it to him. Virtually overnight, the track had gone viral and exploded. Neon clicked the music file, with hope against hope clawing at his insides, and the music washed over him. Neon smiled and reached for the phone. Now he was in business.
Sleek and Powerful, free and fully charged, just a few adjectives that could be tossed around about flying. It was hard to put in words for non-flyers. Just the simple feeling of the wind flowing around your body, and through your fur, was sheer divinity in itself. There was also the fact that one could turn by the simple rotation of a wing. The most amazing experience was climbing higher into the blue sky then stalling and diving.
These two moves were moments of giddy anticipation, happiness, and borderline adrenalin-pumping fear. For stalling, there was no better description than time standing still. Even if it was the briefest of moments, it seemed frozen forever. Finally, her body succumbed to gravity and her wings started to pump, gathering immense speed for the dive. As she accelerated, the pegasus started to twist just slightly, spiraling faster and faster until she broke cloud cover. A long strand of clouds followed her. Now it was time for some exercises, Wonderbolt style. Lowering her flight goggles over her eyes, Spitfire began to practice for real.
Normally she would have practiced with her team, but she needed some alone time every now and then. Over the Manehattan harbor, Spitfire let loose. She flew at steadily increasing speeds, zipping in-between, over, and under the low, sporadic cloud cover. She reveled in the feeling of wind resistance building up as she went faster until she was starting to form a Mach cone. At that point the contrail behind her actually ignited and Spitfire was followed by a contrail of fire. The fire seemed to chase her in a game of cat and mouse through the clouds, never far from her. After half an hour of high speed flight Spitfire dove, spiraling again before leveling off over the water headed towards shore.
She let her speed bleed off slowly before she dove into the waves and her contrail dissipated with a giant cloud of steam. Then she surfaced the water and after grabbing her things from her starting place on the beach, flew towards her hotel. On the way back, her phone rang with a number she hadn’t seen in months. Flipping it open she answered and began to speak.
Disbelief. Sheer, unfiltered, disbelief. That was what she was feeling at the moment. The fact that Neon Glow was currently on the other line, talking to her, was amazing. The thing that blew her mind though was the fact that her first compilation had gone viral, and had become an overnight hit! These two facts, added to the fact that Neon wanted her to play the after-party for the grand opening of the Manehatten Amphitheater, was unbelievable. Stress would come soon enough, that was obvious, as would a copious loss of sleep. For right now though, pure joy and electric excitement flowed through her veins. She tried to keep all of this out of her voice as she shook the hair from her face and continued the conversation as confidently and professionally as possible.
They discussed how everything would be set up and arranged, payment, and set length. It seemed she would be playing for two hours, and would have to bring her ‘A’ game. Smiling, she guaranteed she would not only bring her ‘A’ game, she would bring her PON-3 game. After disconnecting the call with Neon Glow, everything started to settle in. Only three days to prepare a two hour long set, a process that could take up to a week, was a ridiculous timescale that was going to be extremely difficult. Not to mention the fact that this was Neon Nights, a huge venue on a regular day, and for this party it was going to be talked about for years to come. The performance was going to have to be beyond top notch.
She took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts before she cracked her neck and grabbed her wallet. First it was time to gather supplies. Grabbing her shades, she went to prepare for battle. An hour later she returned shopping bags filled with coffee, microwave foods, sweets, energy drinks, and sodas. She locked the door, closed the blinds, and went to her battle station. Her name was Vinyl Scratch, or DJ PON-3 to all of her fans. Turning on her three monitors and putting on her lime green headphones, she began to work. A few hours in, an idea struck her that needed a friend that she hadn’t seen in a while. Flipping open her cell phone, Vinyl made calls to a few ponies, and then got off the line, reopened all of her programs, and jumped into her work.
With the dawn of a new day came the expectations of this day, the anticipation, the fear, the giddiness, and the hopefulness. A sheer chorus of sounds, feelings, and pony’s all filing into the streets to celebrate. The actual show was not until later in the evening but, the festivities that had been planned until then was what everypony was out here for. Rainbow Dash was having none of it, she was impatient to see the Wonderbolts perform after the concert and nothing was going to distract he……..
Twilight watched as Rainbow Dash snapped out of her funk and streaked after Applejack to an arm wrestling competition. She stood and watched her two friends go at it for a few minutes before letting them know she was going to look over at the artists and their works.
Across the park Rarity was fawning over the different styles and designers who displayed their wears proudly. Picking a spot among them she got comfortable and began to unpack and display her fashions which in her eyes were easily the equals of the other vendors.
Fluttershy of course was in the park observing the pond and artists in piece and, every once in a while talking to one of the animals that strayed over. She was also situated peacefully under a tree that provided excellent shade as she also glanced at a book she had brought detailing the flora and fauna of the region which she busied herself with trying to spot. She blushed furiously when Twilight stopped by and she noticed an artist who seemed to be busy at work drawing her.
Pinkie Pie was in the midst of a heated battle of confectionery control, a bakers cooking championship, a candy production extravaganza, and most importantly a bake off! Batter splashed the ground like the blood of battles past, sugar seeped out from mortally wounded bags, and the whirs and clacks of utensils rang out like clashing sounds of battle. The heat alone would make the wary retreat, but Pinkie was strong, unwavering, and resolute. Pinkie looked up from her mixing bowl suddenly and over to the pony to the right of her “Hi I’m Pinkie Pie and I disapprove of the lack of speech going on!”
Well Pinkie , the author began to explain, you see I have not actually built much dialogue into the story.
Pinkie let a small pout cross her features and then she brightened as she explained “ But it will help build your characters you silly filly!” “That’s about like making cake without frosting, or…” Pinkie gasped loudly “candy without the sweet!”
Pinkie I am not a filly last I checked, also I understand but… tried the author
“Oooooh I know a song about this one!” Pinkie said smiling cheerily.
I will tell you what Pinkie you forgo the song and I will throw in Dialogue for you okay?
“Alright mr. writer guy.”
Now please get back into the story or else you are going to break the self-insert rules of no self-insert writing.
“Okie Dokie Loki” Pinkie said as her oven dinged and she looked into it, before reaching in and pulling out…..A large blueberry muffin! “It is all done!” She exclaimed proudly.
“Wait a second I thought you were making lemon candies and peppermint sticks! How did you….” asked her absolutely floored neighbor to the left.
Hour twenty-four, I am running out of time at this hiding spot. Already they have summoned the tracking hounds and I fear my time is short. I have suffered from these three and only stand to do so even more so when I am captured. At first it seemed simple enough a game of tag, fun ya know? But then they put me in a Dress! With frills! And a wig! Spike paused in his writing to look out of the window of the last place he hoped they would check.
Their very own clubhouse, the spy is in your base indeed! He had even borrowed one of the black bodysuits they had used to infiltrate Canterlot during the time travel incident. ‘I have managed to infiltrate their base and have discovered their secret plans, please send help immediately, sincerely Spike.’ With that Spike fixed Twilight into his mind and inhaled. Just as he was exhaling the bark of Winona ruined his concentration and the scroll disappeared. Spike only hoped that help would come soon.
Neon Glow let out a breath of relief and fatigue as he looked along with his staff at their collective and tireless work. It was a marvel of sound and light set up that was looking to be absolutely mind blowing. “Alright everypony we have….about eight hours until this shindig starts off so go get some rest! I will finish up here” Neon Glow exclaimed. He watched them leave and then went over to the main bar and watched as the few remaining technicians performed sound and light checks before going behind the counter. He mixed himself a rather tasty mix he called a blue snow cone and sighed in relief as the alcohol helped loosen up the tension that had and was still building up inside of him. After his drink was emptied Neon made his way back behind the stage to the split area that served as the VIP access rooms as well as the DJ’s prep room. Everything appeared up to standard and smiling Neon Glow moved over to a nearby couch and collapsed.
Octavia stood with her cello balanced against her as she carefully adjusted the tuning pegs to her satisfaction. Finally the notes rang out clean and clear.
“Why thank you Beauty, it is always appreciated, and I daresay I look forward to tonight, it should be fun don’t you think?” Octavia replied in her soft voice.
“It usually is, especially since I’m playing with friends like you and Frederic. Speaking of Frederic, he was telling me earlier that he seems to have found an afterparty of sorts. Turns out we are invited to attend, it seems to be a big deal since the Wonderbolts are attending, and Frederic was excited because it looks like most of the Orchestra is attending as well.” Beauty said. “Also it sounds like the first drink or two is on the house and some phenomenal DJ is lined up for the night so please attend?”
It was well known among their group that Octavia was not really well known for being a party goer. It just really did not suit her fancy more often than not. She was known once in a blue moon though to get a little wild so it was always a passing in joke between them to invite her to things, but it was rare she would attend. Luckily today was Brass Beauties lucky night, as to her immense surprise and pleasure Octavia agreed to come to the after-party. She was so surprised she squealed aloud like a little filly before immediately blushing crimson. This was going to be the best night ever! At that moment however one of the staff poked their head in and said politely “Sorry to be of bother to you Gentlemares, but you will be needed onstage in twenty minutes.”
Well it had been three days, nights, and afternoons. Vinyl Scratch had endured through three straight days of non-stop work cutting, writing, mixing, matching, and finishing tracks. Sure she had a radio ready track on the air, but before three nights ago she only had about four other songs in a tentative EP state. Her three days had been filled with frantically scouring her brain and project ideas and scraps for anything to mix together. Still it had come out way better than Vinyl had any right to hope for.
The beats matched perfectly it had a downright body moving beat, and after her idea, it even had a few fun sections built in. In fact the only thing that she was really missing was an intro and an outro. However she was planning on using some actual samples from the orchestra so that would hopefully work out for her. Vinyl looked at herself in the mirror, noting both the dark circles and the mess that was her hair. A quick smell check and a few gags later she jumped in the shower, the water working wonders on her kinks, but doing nothing for her perpetually messy mane. “Well you can’t win em all” The DJ said to her reflection before slipping on her shades. There, problem solved.
Quickly she trotted into her production room and packed up her turntables and laptop along with her headphones. Now she was ready to spin big or spin home. Tonight DJ Pon-3 was going to rock the house!
“Alright listen up!” Spitfire's raised voice echoed through the lounge as the mare stepped in and all of the team snapped to attention for their Captain. “Hit the showers, or the stalls or suit up we are an hour from showtime, so I am giving you all half an hour to ready up!” She had already showered and suited up to set the standard for her team. The suit itself was definitely not the most comfortable thing in the world, it was form fitting and almost uncomfortably tight but yet still pliable to some degree. Still she had to set the example so she grinned and bore it. From below she heard the sounds of the concert starting up as her team rushed to ready up.
Outside of the event Twilight and friends had just collected themselves after a very interesting afternoon exploring the festival and having a great time out on the town. Fluttershy had a copy of the drawing that the artist had done for her earlier. Pinkie, AJ, and Rainbow Dash each had medals draped around their necks from their respective competitions. Twilight had found a few additions to her library from various vendors, and could not wait to read them. Rarity was positively glowing at the reception of her dresses and was ecstatic to report that her entire stock and offerings had been sold out and she even had a whole pile of orders to fill. Overall they had a grand time with the festivities but they, along with the masses proceeded to migrate into the amphitheater for the event and the evening were just about to begin.
Octavia stood with her bow at the ready, her body poised to deliver music as the curtains swept grandly open. In front of them poised and ready was the conductor who, with several sharp taps of his baton initiated the concert. Octavia felt the music as it flowed forth creating the moods, the somber rising and falling, the ebb and flow, everything. All of this brought a smile to Octavia’s face as she felt complete, satisfied, and whole. When at the end they received their standing ovation, she felt on top of the world.
Vinyl did manage to slide in and was down with the sound technician’s right by the stage, she literally could not ask for a better placement. Her laptop and some borrowed recording gear sat at the ready as she helped the techies add their finishing touches. Also bonus points for scoring a front row seat out of it as well! Suddenly the lights dimmed as the velvet curtains swept back and a spotlight softly illuminated the conductor followed by the entire ensemble who were haloed in light. Vinyl barely managed to press record because of the sight. All noise seemed to still, everything went to a perfect silence and all eyes were on the ensemble as a hauntingly beautiful cello began to play, the deep tones resonating through the mind to create a quiet and peaceful, but lonely place.
Suddenly the thrum of the brass section filled the space giving a sense of something that was on the way. Then with a sudden flare the rest of the ensemble jumped in washing away all of the dark feelings to replace them with a feeling of complete surprise. Vinyl was utterly blown away and entranced simultaneously and it was amazing until suddenly it stopped! Silence reigned absolute for but a moment before the Orchestra began to play what amounted to sound like an epic buildup. It was a piece that kept building and building filling the DJ with anticipation beyond measure.
Not only that but her Adrenaline was coursing, she knew that a buildup like this could only mean one thing and that was that the drop was going to be devastating and epic! Then with a final flare as once again the music stopped silence hanging in for a moment that was both tantalizing and excruciating. Then something happened that Vinyl Scratch had never seen or heard of before, the conductor did not just drop the bass the conductor dropped the entire orchestra! The beat was downright intense, yet so fun and unbelievably catchy that Vinyl could not help but move in time with the music, and it was complex too with each part contributing. All she wanted to do was keep moving but all she could do was keep moving and possibly dance but all she could to was keep her eyes locked onto the spectacle in awe and wonder as the piece wound around and around. Suddenly and seemingly without the band or the crowd even realizing it the piece had drifted into a dreamy and almost trance-like piece that just made you want to listen to the melody and never forget it. Vinyl had to admit she was more than impressed mainly due to the fact that she had never really listened to a lot of classical styled music.
This was as good if not better than some of the shows that she had gone to that had gotten her interested in music. Yet before Vinyl had really realized it the song had transitioned again into a dynamic fanfare farewell that was punchy and amazing. The Orchestra then began to build to its grand finale and closing as it slowly dropped off pieces and the musicians sat down. Finally it was just a spotlight on a lone smoky grey Cellist, as she played the closing solo. Her skill was unrivaled as she coaxed the most beautiful notes from her instrument as with a final and fading note the concert ended and the audience exploded. Vinyl Found herself standing with the rest and cheering before she remembered that she had work to do, because she only had a little over an hour before it was game time for her.
Finally the moment that she had been waiting for all night had arrived! Rainbow Dash was practically vibrating in glee and anticipation because it was time for the Wonderbolts show! Just as well they were going to be having a short autograph session after the fact as well! The day with her friends so far had been epic but it really only stood to get even better in her humble opinion when the Wonderbolts became involved. Sure enough over a loud speaker a voice announced “Fillies and Gentlecolts if you will direct your attention towards the sky I give you….The Wonderbolts!” With a mighty Woosh the formation of five flyers soared overhead, their storm and lightning cloud contrails chasing after them. As they reached the end of their arc they split up and began to perform their moves and tricks. They spiraled around each other very nearly missing as they performed moves Rainbow had only ever heard of with lightning speed and precision while staying within inches of one another.
Soarin let out a great breath as Spitfire blew past, her wake as intensely warm as always, threatening to take his breath if he wasn’t holding it. Sweat poured from his body as they performed, the work always leaving them drenched in sweat. Plus if what Spitfire said was correct they would barely even have time to change out of their suits after autographs before they had to attend the after party. Evidently the thing was going to be a really big after party, and the rapidly spreading fact that the Wonderbolts were going to be there was guaranteed to only make it bigger. Soarin smiled to himself during a high point turn thinking fondly of the two tracks the DJ had sent Spitfire. Evidently Spitfire knew this DJ from somewhere and they had requested that Spitfire and her ‘male lackey’ sing. He got a good laugh out of that and then listened to the track, agreeing shortly after the first listen. It was catchy and fun sounding and frankly, he could not wait to sing it. It also helped that this DJ Pon-3 had promised them a few drinks on the house, which definitely earned them points in Soarin’s books.
At the autograph signing after the show Spitfire spotted Rainbow Dash and her friends in the crowds of fans and called out to them in greeting. “Hey Rainbow Dash you and your friends seem really cool, and I’m not sure if you have heard yet or not but me and the team are going to an after-party. The place is, like, right down the streets at a place called Neon Nights, you really can’t miss it. If you girls come out I might even buy you a round or two.” Spitfire winked as she finished saying this and sweet Celestia she swore that Rainbow Dash’s head was going to start forcibly ejecting brain everywhere from sheer awe.
Her friends all declined for a variety of reasons, but Rainbow Dash rapidly made sure that Spitfire and potentially everyone else in the near area knew that she was going to be there. Laughing lightly as they walked off Spitfire gathered the rest of the team together and they flew over to the dressing rooms they had been provided to rapidly strip down before within moments they were en route to Neon Nights. Spitfire could not wait to see Scratch strut her stuff.
Vinyl was in the prep room her laptop opened as she busily clicked the keys at a fever pace to finish her work. First she cut and sliced small portions of the trance part of Symphony before she melded it into an electric blend she had just created. Then she incorporated their build up section that had blown her mind and used that as the point for the shows first drop. Then she used a few more pieces and stitched them into the fabric of her show until she was fully satisfied with the results. Just in time apparently too as a technician came buy and ferried her gear to the stage to finish setting up. Vinyl took a deep breath steadying herself and trying to swallow the nerves she was feeling. It did not help that she was about to collapse from exhaustion while being so jittery and hyped up to the point of what was feeling like possible heart failure.
She was excited and nervous and everything else. However when a door opened and the Wonderbolts of all ponies stepped in all of that was washed away as a huge smile split her face. Spitfire definitely looked a lot more toned out than last Vinyl had seen her as she exclaimed with a huge grin “So look what the cats dragged in, you look all kinds of up in the world.”
Soarin’s mouth dropped as he saw the DJ, her fur was an arctic snow colored white and she had a pair of purple glasses posed over her eyes and a cocky smile on her face. Additionally her two toned blue mane was spiked everywhere and she seemed all confidence. ‘These two are friends?!’ Soarin thought feeling himself drool slightly ‘hottest friends ever!’
Spitfire replied “Well believe it or not some of us actually have a name to make for ourselves ya know Scratchy?”
“Oh is that what they call all of that bondage spandex and primping?” Vinyl shot back
Soarin watched as his captain and her friend had a back and forth that resembled a tennis match more than anything else.
“Oh yeah cause I might just cause you to drop what you’re doing, or maybe those are your natural butter hooves Spitty?” Vinyl quipped back.
Vinyl shook her head as her friend walked out of the room and walked up to the small mirror to get a look at herself before she went out to play. Easing her glasses down Vinyl took a good look at her eyes the ruby red irises staring back confidently as she nodded to herself before yelling “It’s time for DJ PON3!”
Octavia stood among Brass Beauty, Frederick Horseshoepins, and a few others from the orchestra inside the actually rather large Neon Nights. Upon entering Octavia could not help but noticing and rather admiring the silver canopy ceiling that hung a few feet lower than the actual ceiling, giving room to fly but making the large space feel comfortable and stylish at the same time. There were also large amounts of tables and stools lined around and through the two smaller and one giant dance floor. This gave plenty of space to onlookers that needed a breather from the intensity while giving plenty of room to those that wanted to keep dancing. Then there was the fact that the club had two bars inside. One of these was located in the ‘recovery room’ or ‘chill room’.
This was a smaller more off to the side bar for when ponies wanted to hear the music but needed a little relaxation. The other one was a stark contrast in every aspect. ‘The Island was a mass of polished smoky grey marble that was lined with stools that overlooked shelves that were stretched as far as the eye could see with what seemed to be every kind of alcohol ever. To top this off the central shelf had a blacklight behind it and each of the originally brightly colored alcohols was glowing fantastically in every color of the rainbow. If tonight was a night to let loose relax and have a good time then there really was no better time or place than this. Octavia had to admit she was extremely impressed with the atmosphere the place gave off. It was sophisticated, yet free and wild spirited, truly culture and club combined.
Moments after Octavia had sat down to enjoy her drink a beautiful amber color that the bartender had still managed to mix to give it a lightly glowing hue the lights started to dim. Once they had all went out there was a barely perceptible glow from the bottles behind the bar and some track lighting on the floor in between the dancefloors. The murmurs of the crowd died down as from the speakers a voice said “Fillies and Gentlecolts we are glad to see you are all enjoying yourselves on this fine evening and are proud to bring you the hottest party this side of the sun! With only three days to prepare, this DJ deserves all the support they can get and they are ready to earn it. Get ready for the one the only DJ PON3!” With that silence seemed to reign for a few moments until with a slow buildup Octavia recognized the second piece from their orchestral performance. Slowly in time with the building sound small lights began to flitter around the floor from the ceiling.
Before Octavia had even realized what was happening the music had risen to its full sweep only it was different. The bass part was a little deeper and the cello was emphasized as small electronic segments dove and weaved through the music. As more complexity was added to the sound and rhythm the lights began to actually pulse and move as well. It truly was very enthralling to watch as the lights literally seemed to dance to the music as well as the growing number of ponies seemed to. Octavia had to admit this DJ was extremely talented.
Rainbow Dash fidgeted a little bit inside of the club. Everypony else had wanted to go on to sleep after a long day of play, but her……she was not about to miss out on an exclusive invite from the Wonderbolts. In fact she spotted them across the dance floor as the music really started to build up from the melodic opening. As she reached the table Spitfire waved a wing in greeting as her and the rest of the team started to stand up. “Hey Dash come dance with us!” Spitfire practically yelled as the music had built to a rapidly building climax from behind the black curtain. The lights in the club had been growing steadily brighter and brighter.
They made it to the dance floor just as all the lights cut out again and the curtain dropped revealing a mass of speaker’s lights and one very impressive setup. Also it revealed the silhouette of the DJ. Then suddenly the song dropped to the clashing of strobe lights that flashed with the bass, lasers firing everywhere and a variety of flashing lights. Then the blacklights kicked on all across the club. This had a very breathtaking change on the club as pony’s really started to become living glowsticks. Rainbow Dash checked herself out in the new lighting and had to admit she looked beyond awesome….whatever a word for that could possible even be. Then it dawned on Rainbow Dash that she was really and truly dancing with the Wonderbolts and that awesomeness increased by at least twenty percent.
The set was going way and well beyond Neon Glows wildest dreams, this thing was simply just amazing! Everything was lining up perfectly and the effect was simply just mind blowing. Not only had this made last year’s earnings on drinks alone, but DJ PON3 backed it up with spades and honors! The set progressed marvelously and barely one pony was in their seats. He himself barely had time to think as he worked the bar, filled with the sound of the music and having the time of his life this was the way everything should be.
Vinyl was coated in sweat; her hooves were seriously working the tables and switches along with all of the controls on her laptop. This was crucial since she was using everything she had to keep the beats rolling. Glancing at a reminder on the screen she quickly flashed a message to Soarin and Spitfire letting them know that it was time for Soarin to hit the stage. Vinyl was having the time of her life, and the best part was so was everypony else! Everypony was dancing. This was the best feeling in the world, because this was the feeling of being on top of the world. Another thing that made Vinyl crack a smile was the fact that the grey cellist from the orchestra was there dancing with the rest of the crowd. Vinyl might not have known her but it was a pleasure to know that another artist was enjoying her work. Vinyl noticed Soarin flying over and quickly hoofed a mic over to him as she changed the beat with a deft flick of a few switches. Instantly the sounds turned into a much punchier and danceable rhythm as Soarin bounced out to the lights that now shone on him.
Soarin strode out onto stage catching the offered microphone and fixing it so he could sing. Everypony cheered loudly as the beat switched to a much punchier almost bouncing sound and a few stage lights locked onto him and the DJ. Soarin closed his eyes to gather the sound in before smiling and starting to sing.
“It's a quarter t-to three, I think I'm going crazy Outta c-control now, outta c-control now Chasing down the raving crowd, I see someone acting Outta c-control now, outta c-control now
Soarin smiled at all the crowd as they bounced and raved to his song but what caught him off guard to the point he almost missed the next part of the song was when the DJ…Vinyl Scratch joined in for the chorus of the song.
"'Cause it's Satur-Saturday, ain't nobody hestitate Ehe, ehe, ehe, 'cause it's Satur- 'Cause it's Satur-Saturday, everybody wants to play Ehe, ehe, ehe
Octavia was having a blast! Sure she was still a little surprised at the intensity of the music, but for all of that it was beautiful and very elaborately composed. She found herself unable to keep moving, even when she was sitting or drinking, it was like she had never really truly moved before. Then the music suddenly changed to a rhythm that made her want to just bounce, which she never normally had the desire to do, but this music made it seem like an excellent idea. Just as suddenly blacklights lit up around the stage as well as a few stage light finally truly illuminating the DJ, along with Soarin of the Wonderbolts.
Getting her first glimpse of the DJ Octavia noted that their fur was glowing extremely bright, which judging from how Frederic’s coat was glowing in a similar way, meant their coat was pure white. Also Octavia noted they wore a pair of sunglasses that covered their eyes and had a rather choppy and messy two toned mane, the DJ rather well pulled off the style of their music, carefree and fun. Also the lighter streaks of the DJ’s hair were glowing a fluorescent blue which was a rather interesting effect. However all of this analysis quickly flew out of the window as Soarin started to sing along to the beat and Octavia and the rest of the crowd cheered and danced wildly, it looked like the night nor the party was far from over yet!
Authors note: For those of you interested the song lyrics here are Basshunter-Saturday look it up and enjoy if it’s your kind of music
Rainbow Dash was having a blast hanging and drinking with Spitfire and the Wonderbolts. They all cheered on Soarin as he sang and they danced but the part that really rocked Rainbow Dash was when Spitfire flew onstage and started singing her song. She had to pick all of the Wonderbolts and her own jaws off the floor as she sang to the pulsing bass and moved along to the rhythm. It was just simply amazing.
As Spitfire finished her song her and Vinyl shared a high hoof before Spitfire took the mic again to ask the crowd “Hey Colts and Fillies how does everypony like DJ PON3?” The crowd gave a roar of approval that was wholly approving to which Spitfire responded “Well as you know I am Spitfire of the Wonderbolts and this DJ has an open invitation to play at any future Wonderbolts shows and afterparties!” The crowd cheered again for this piece of news and Spitfire continued yet again. “Also everypony I would like to thank Neon Glow and all of the staff here at Neon Nights, you guys seriously rock!
Now DJ PON3 spin those tracks!” With that Spitfire flew offstage to some more applause as the music started playing a melodic piano piece that was exceedingly beautiful. The piece evolved and grew until the stage and the DJ was bathed in light as she prepared to sing her song, the one that had skyrocketed her and brought her here tonight. “Strobelights are everywhere…..Smoke is filling the air….Turn up the fade ah yeah…this is how high we go. Hypnotic on the rocks my d-d-drink glows in the dark g-g-got my LED on d-d-drinking chemical shots so much that your mouth is bubblin so much that your step is stutterin to the beat do you feel that boom boom? Do you feel that boom boom boom boom?”
Octavia was now paying her full attention to the DJ as she started singing. She really did have a good voice that she used very well and she absolutely set the club on fire as the strobes and lights flared, the bass kicked and the party found renewed energy to lose itself once again to the music. After the DJ’s big track came to a close the show wound down fairly quickly. Octavia knew this because she recognized the sound of her Cello and the closing piece for the Concert she had just played. The closing was very well done as well, the Cello was overlaid with fading electronic music and a dull bass throb that slowly faded until it was just her cello. As the final notes ended the lights, the actual lights slowly came back on and the DJ took a bow to the uproarious applause. “Thank you everypony” she yelled out “Thank you for all coming out, I am DJ PON3 and that’s all!”
Vinyl was ecstatic as she received wild applause from the club at the end of the set. Panting heavily and coated in sweat she was worn out. Amazingly she was not tired though, she was still way to hyped for that. She felt alive and in the moment as she quickly took her laptop and table to the back and put them into their cases. After that was done Vinyl quickly went back out and went to mingle with the crowd. Instantly she was flooded from all sides and was given many congratulations and more than one request for autographs.
Spitfire managed to wade through and drop a ticket to the next Wonderbolts show and a “see ya Soon Scratchy….oh and call me sometime!” before she walked off. Vinyl mingled with the crowds a little more before they thinned enough for her to see the grey cellist hanging around near the back of the club with her friends chatting idly. Breaking away from the crowds she managed to trot over to actually say hello and get properly introduced. “Hi, I just wanted to let you know I thought you put on a really good show earlier. I thoroughly enjoyed it, also thank you for coming out!” She proclaimed extending a hoof.
Rainbow Dash followed Spitfire out of the club and they flew around and chatted a little more. Finally as they were drawing near to her hotel Spitfire turned to Rainbow Dash and said “Hey Dash I really had a lot of fun, but I am about to go in and crash for Luna knows how long. We are taking a few days off between now and our next show though….so if you want maybe we could get together and fly sometime between?” Spitfire swore Rainbow Dash nearly fell out of the sky as her brain processed this before she nearly exploded in unbridled happiness. Spitfire smiled as Rainbow Dash let out a squeal of happiness and exclaimed “YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES!” Shaking her head Spitfire said “Now go rest I know I need to.”
With a wave goodnight Rainbow Dash watched Spitfire fly off and she let out another fangirl squeal not only had she gotten to party with the Wonderbolts but now she was going to get to fly with Spitfire! BEST. NIGHT. EVER!
Octavia shook the proffered hoof of the DJ as she finally really got to see her up close. The mare was actually really quite small and thin, and her coat was the color of snow. Octavia also noted her two toned blue mane and how it was messy but yet seemed to be taken care of as well. Small details really but one must always be observant, or so her father had said. Still that took just a brief moment what took a bit longer was reveling in the praise of what she now knew to be another master of music.
Smiling she replied “Thank you very much it is always so good to hear one enjoyed our performance. You did outstanding yourself.” Octavia found it a tiny bit off putting that the mare was still wearing those sunglasses but to each their own. “By the way my name is Octavia Philharmonica and yours?” “Vinyl Scratch but please just Vinyl, nice ta meet ya Octavia. Also thank you It means a lot that another artist likes my stuff.” Octavia smiled and nodded at the other mare before asking “Say Vinyl would you like to go get some food with me?” The DJ smiled and replied with a nod and together the musicians trotted out of the club.
Neon Glow saw Vinyl leave but settled once he remembered he still had her cell number. He would contact her about pay tomorrow; the mare looked like she would collapse at any moment. With that slight worry dealt with he smiled and made sure the rest of the patrons exited the club.
Spike heard the train coming from a mile away and with it his freedom. He ran for all he was worth valiantly dodging carts and ponies alike in his mad dash. It was here, finally his salvation had come! As he hit the strait away to the train station he could feel them. Hot on his heels was the promise of a swift end from the three smiling faces should they catch him. Still he ran, the stairs only a few meters away. Then at the last minute, when it was way too late he saw the trap.
The Cutie Mark Crusader Catapult squad stepped from behind a box and pulled out binoculars, Spike knew…they had him. The contraption came forward catching him in the chest and suddenly Spike was getting to see all of Ponyville from the air. As he started to arch downward however he was caught in an aura of golden magic that felt pleasantly warm. Looking up in confusion Spike was none other than Princess Celestia smiling at him. “Hello Spike I just got a break from my royal duties and read your lovely letter and I must say I was quite intrigued, in fact I have asked the Cutie Mark Crusaders Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo to join us for another one of their tea parties. They have graciously accepted, in fact we are going to be meeting them at their clubhouse as soon as they get done greeting everypony.” Across Ponyville heads turned in curiosity and mild confusion as a long cry of “NOOOOOooooooooo” faded into the distance before with a shrug of their shoulders they carried on about their daily business.
Twilight stepped off of the train with her friends her face all smiles as they were met with the grins of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “Hello girls,” Twilight proclaimed before adding “Ummm…where is Spike?” All three of the girls replied “Napping” as they all kept smiling innocently. “Now were ya’ll girls good while ah and the girls were gone?” Applejack asked giving them a stern look over. Not breaking their smiles all three nodded before Scootaloo asked “So can we, like, go play now?” Applejack nodded with an “Ah suppose” that fell on deaf ears, or more correctly, no ears as the girls had already disappeared.
Rainbow Dash smiled as she parted with girls. First she would take a major nap and then it was time to start training for the Wonderbolts!
Manehattan
Neon Glow finished counting all of the earnings from the night before as he heard the door open. In walked DJ PON3, glasses on as always, and he quickly motioned her over. “Hey there’s my number one DJ! I have got to give it to you, you rocked this house harder than anypony I have ever seen! Also allow me to thank you for eternity for getting the Wonderbolts to attend! I really could have kissed you when I heard that. Anyway just so you know you have an open invitation to play here anytime you want no questions. Heh, listen to me ramble, here is your pay, and if you will notice there is actually a bonus in there for you, but trust me after the night we had last night and your performance that is the least I can do for you! Spend it well cause you earned every bit of it.”
Octavia waited outside for about ten minutes before Vinyl resurfaced from inside of the club. “Sorry it took so long, Neon wanted to chat for a minute…..so anyway I was wondering if you were perhaps up for some coffee.” The DJ asked hopefully. “Certainly” Octavia replied. With that the two musicians and now friends went and shared coffee. They spent most of the morning talking about their music and experiences, along with the events of last night. When Octavia learned that Vinyl was going to be playing a show in Canterlot soon she extended an invitation to one of her concerts and could not have been happier when she agreed. It was always pleasant to be brought together by music and then finding a friend as well.
END….<3
Authors Notes.
Well this story snuck up in length on me from nowhere. It started as a short story about an after party and it really just kept building from there into what it is now. I know it is probably not perfect, but at least I stuck with it! Now onwards to my next story. Seriously as long as you guys want more I will bring it for you. Also comments are greatly appreciated and any errors in the story are my own, so please feel free to point them out and I will correct them immediately. Thanks a million and I hope you enjoyed.
