Equestria Noir Side Series "Bright Eyes"

Chapters

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V

Part I

Equestria Noir

“Bright Eyes”

By Jacoboby1

Perspective: Raiden Bolt

I sat on my couch strumming the guitar on my lap slowly. My manager said I needed to think about what to do when I finally had to get back on tour. So far nothing was hitting me.

I must’ve sat there for two hours just strumming random songs on my guitar. I sighed and sat back on my couch. This small apartment had been my home for the past couple of weeks ever since I moved to Ponyville. It was a nice place, not as crazy as Las Pegasus or Manehatten. It was a nice change of pace.

I picked up my guitar and flew over to set it in its stand. My manager was going to bitch at me if I didn’t give him something soon.

Crash!

Oh what now!?

I opened my door; my apartment was on the first floor of the building so I got a full view of the sight. I saw a Pegasus who had her head stuck in the mail box. She was grey, her mane was a bright blond, and her cutie mark was a bunch of bubbles.

What? Did she get her cutie mark for having a bubbly brain?

I just rolled my eyes and decided to get some air. I didn’t need to worry about some crazy Pegasus who couldn’t get her head out of a mailbox.

Didn’t help me get anywhere with my music…

_______________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

“So you have writers block?” I asked as Raiden hovered beside me. My best friend was only flying half-heartedly. I could tell he had a lot on his mind.

Raiden sighed and looked at me with his yellow eyes. “I got nothing dude, you’d think I would get all this crazy inspiration. But it’s like Ponish class all over again, every time I try to think of words they sound all disjointed and weird.”

“You never were one for words, were you?” I said bemused. “Why not write a song about Rainbow?”

Raiden blushed as he was obviously thinking about his marefriend. He landed down to earth and walked beside me. “I’ve already wrote four for her. But the problem is you can’t make an album out of only four songs. Even if I wanted to write a compilation just about her, I’m going to need something big to inspire me.”

“You’re the artist,” I said looking ahead. “Who knows? Maybe something will strike you when you least expect it?”

Suddenly a poster flew and hit Raiden in the face. Raiden pulled it off of his face and looked at me. “Dude! How’d you do that?”

“When you hang out with Pinkie Pie like I do,” I started with a smile. “You come to expect random things like this.”

Raiden’s eyes scanned the poster. I looked over my friend’s shoulder and saw it was a colorful poster showing a pony singing into a microphone. I read the description aloud. “Come one, Come all, in celebration of Ponyville’s 75th anniversary the citizens are all invited to perform in a singing contest. All ponies ages 16 to 35 are invited to perform a song of their choice in celebration of our beloved town. Winner will receive fabulous prizes.”

“Dude!” Raiden said with a grin on his face. “This could be it!”

“What do you mean?” I asked slowly. I didn’t like the grin on Raiden’s face.

“I’m always better at coming up with stuff in a contest!” Raiden said flying into the air and puffing his chest in pride. “I’ll write an awesome song and mop the floor with the competition!”

I rolled my eyes. That was Raiden for you I guess. He never backed down from a contest as far as music was concerned. He was like that ever since we were kids. Raiden smirked and landed on the ground. “So where does it say I sign up?”

“Says here you can sign up at registration at Town Hall,” I explained while levitating the poster with my magic. “Raiden, are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Dude,” Raiden said smugly. “I’ll wipe the floor with this contest, all I gotta do is enter.”

_______________________________________________________

“What do you mean I can’t compete!?” Raiden exclaimed as we stood at the sign up table. It was helmed by none other than Twilight. The table was set up outside Town Hall and we had to wait quite a bit to get past all the mares that tried to enter. We had to wait even longer for them to finally get done with Raiden signing everypony’s gear.

My marefriend shook her head slowly. “I’m sorry Raiden, I wanted you to compete but the Mayor is worried that your celebrity status will cause the judges to be biased.”

“That’s horse cra-” Raiden saw that there were virgin ears nearby and stopped. “I mean that’s nuts Twilight! I can’t sing in the contest?”

“You’re more than welcome to sing Raiden,” Twilight said smiling slowly. “Only problem is you can’t compete to win.”

Raiden crossed his front legs and began flying off in defeat. I hated seeing my friend like this. I looked at Twilight. “Is there anything you can do?”

Twilight shook her head and looked at me apologetically. “Sorry Private, the best I can get Raiden to compete is if he accompanies another pony.”

“As in he plays the piano or something while the contestant sings?” I said knowingly.

Suddenly Raiden zoomed back to the table, a wide grin on his face. “That’s it!”

“What’s it?” Twilight asked looking at Raiden.

“I can still technically compete if I accompany somepony else right?” Raiden said looking at my marefriend in excitement.

“I guess…” Twilight said slowly. “But you won’t earn the prize yourself.”

“Details,” Raiden said with a shrug. “Now I just to find somepony willing to let me accompany them.”

I slowly turned around as everypony else in the line stopped talking and heard Raiden speak up. Raiden looked at the crowd with his yellow eyes and I whispered, “Brace yourself buddy, you’re about to become very popular.”

Twilight and I leaped out of the way as every mare in the line ran to Raiden. All begged him to be their accompanist. Several even offered to sire his children if he agreed, completely ignoring the fact that Raiden was already dating somepony else. Thankfully Rainbow was up in Cloudsdale as all of this was going on.

I looked at Twilight. “Care to get Raiden and me out of here please?”

She nodded and her horn glowed brightly. Next thing I knew I was in a back alley with Raiden by my side. A lot of lipstick was on his face and his mane was messier than it usually is. Then again it always looked like he just had a bed head all day.

Raiden wiped the lipstick off his face with his foreleg and looked at me. “Thank Celestia Rainbow didn’t see that. She’d buck me into next week.”

“So what now Raiden?” I asked looking at my friend.

“I’m going to find my perfect songstress!” Raiden said in affirmation.

I didn’t like where this was going…

________________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy Doo

I bit into my muffin and it tasted very good. Snack time was always my favorite time of the day. The mail is done, Dinky is playing with her friends today, and the sun is shining very brightly. A very good looking day!

Hello? What’s this?

I looked and saw a huge line coming out of Ponyville’s theater. I don’t go there a lot but I heard there are plays there. The outfits the ponies wore looked funny. But I wonder what play could be so popular that everypony in town would want to see it?

I flew down and saw the line. Everypony was talking excitedly about something. My eyes fell on a familiar yellow earth pony with an orange poofy mane. I walked over to her and spoke friendly like, “Hey Carrot Top!”

She turned her green eyes towards me and smiled. “Hello Ditzy! Not out raiding fridges are you?”

I laughed a little; Carrot Top still hadn’t forgotten how I would occasionally eat out of her fridge. It’s not my fault Sugar Cube Corner closes at night! Muffin cravings are hard to fight!

“So what’s going on here?” I asked gesturing to the long line coming out of the theater. “Is there a play going on or something?”

Carrot Top’s eyes grew wide and they seemed to get shiny. “Raiden Bolt is offering to accompany and train a singer in the contest coming up!”

“Singing contest?” I said tilting my head. “But Carrot Top, you can’t sing at all!”

“Well, I’ll learn!” Carrot Top said hopping up and down. “How many chances do you get to have a celebrity teach you like this?”

“Okay,” I said not really getting it, but I guess it made her feel better. “I should get going.” I turned to start walking off.

“Aren’t you going to try out?” Carrot asked behind me.

I lowered my head and looked at the ground. “I don’t think I’d do so good.”

I heard Carrot Top walk to me and put a hoof on my shoulder. “Hey, I’ve heard you sing before. And if Raiden doesn’t train you I can always convince Noteworthy or somepony to help you out.”

“How did you know I was going to sing at the competition?” I said looking at her with wide eyes. “I only told Dinky!”

“Well I might have overheard your boyfriend Time Turner talking about it with her,” Carrot Top said with a smirk.

“The Doc- I mean, Time Turner is not my boyfriend!” I looked down at the ground trying to hide my blush. “I just thought it’d be nice if I just sang a little. He said I sang nice.”

Carrot Top smiled at me. “Just give this tryout a chance. It’ll be good practice for singing in front of a crowd.”

I looked Carrot Top in the eye and sighed. I give up. “Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

__________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

“Thank you for trying out,” I said from my seat on the stage. “We’ll send you a letter if you made it or not.” The contestant left the stage almost in a huff. Raiden was rather…harsh…

My best friend leaned back in his chair. “How many has that been?”

“Next one is contestant number fifty five,” I said with a sigh. Never thought Raiden would twist my leg to join on this crazy escapade.

“Well bring her out,” Raiden said leaning forward in his seat. “Let’s see what we’ve got”

Raiden had been rather harsh to the previous contestants...

Here are some highlights:

Berry Punch: Girl you are so drunk I’m afraid for my health

Rose: I only said your performance was a little bad, you don’t need to have a heart attack!

Colgate: I don’t care about your shiny teeth, no matter how happy they make you

Cloudchaser/Flitter: “That was actually pretty good,” Raiden said with a smile.

“You mean it!?” The girls said at the same time.

“Sadly I can only accompany one of you,” Raiden said with a shrug.

Both of their eyes dilated and they gripped each other tightly. “You want to separate us!?” Flitter said in shock.

“What’s the big deal?” Raiden asked as the pair left the stage holding each other.

“They have separation anxiety,” I said simply. “They don’t go anywhere without each other.”

“Geez,” Raiden sighed. “When am I going to find the perfect one?”

“Maybe your standards are too high,” I said with a smug grin.

“Just send in the next one before I dress Rainbow up and have her sing.”

Rainbow honestly would probably kill my friend in his sleep. I sighed and shouted, “Next!”

_______________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy Doo

“I don’t know Carrot Top…” I said looking back at my friend before I walked on stage.

“Just give it a shot Ditzy,” Carrot said encouragingly. “I know you’ll do great.”

“I hope I do…” I said as I walked onto the stage. I looked up at the two ponies sitting in front of me. The first one I knew, a unicorn with a grey coat and a funny hat. The other was probably Raiden Bolt. I’ve only met him in passing, but Dinky likes his music.

He was about my age; he had a very messy yellow and black mane. His own black coat almost had him blend into the seats. But I could find him by the lightning bolt marks on his sides. He just looked at me with yellow eyes. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking…

“Hey Ditzy,” Private said friendly like. “I didn’t know you were going to try out.”

“Well,” I said shyly. “I thought I could just give it a try…”

“What song are you singing?” Private asked, writing something down on a clipboard.

“Beautiful, a song mommy always sang when I was little.”

“Well show us what you’ve got,” Private said with a smile. I couldn’t tell what Raiden’s face was saying. He just kept looking at me.

I opened my mouth and sang…

Every day is so wonderful…

And suddenly it’s hard to breathe…

Now and then, I get insecure

From all the pain, feel so ashamed…

I am beautiful, no matter what they say

Words can’t bring me down

I am beautiful, in every single way

Yes words can’t bring me down…

So don’tcha bring me down today…

“Stop…”

I stopped singing and looked up at Raiden. He was the one who spoke up. He got up from his seat and looked at me. “You’re it…”

“I’m sorry?” I said tilting my head.

“I mean you’re the one I’m going to accompany,” he said flapping his wings. “Now, meet me at my place and we’ll talk…”

He just flew out at that point. Private watched him leave, then he met me on the stage. “You did great Ditzy,” he said with a smile. “I didn’t know you had that talent.”

“Is Raiden mad or something?” I asked.

Private shook his head and looked to where Raiden left. “I don’t know, I’ve never seen him act like that…”

___________________________________________________________

We are beautiful…

No matter what they say…

Big Brother, will I make a good singer someday?

You will Amaya, I know you will…

Aniki arigatō I know you’ll be a great singer too…

_________________________________________________________

Perspective: Raiden Bolt

I stopped tapping the keys on the piano I had set up in my room. I can’t believe it…

She looked so much like Amaya…

I heard a knock on my door and I hovered over to open it. There the cross eyed Pegasus from before stood there with a smile on her face. I returned the smile and gestured for her to come in. “You’re Ditzy right?”

She nodded her head. “Uh huh! I’m Ditzy Doo, always here for good times and muffins.”

I chuckled; she certainly was easy to please. She looked around my place with her crossed yellow eyes. My place was rather messy; a bunch of computer equipment for song editing was in the corner. A bunch of cds and other junk were strewn everywhere. A small piano occupied one corner of the apartment as well as my guitar.

“Let’s get to it shall we?” I said flapping over and landing at the piano.

“Hey mister,” Ditzy said hovering over to me. “I have to ask, why’d you pick me?”

I knew this would come up, that didn’t make answering her any easier. I sighed and simply said. “You remind me of somepony, now let’s see if we can’t find your range.”

“Well I can throw a hoofball pretty far,” she said.

“No, I mean your vocal range,” I said knowingly. “How high or low your voice can go.”

“Oh.” She gave me an odd look. “How am I going to throw my voice though?”

I just laughed; this was going to be an interesting partnership.

___________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

“And then he just flew out,” I said as I sat under an umbrella table outside Potso’s place. Potso came by and tossed me and Twilight’s breadsticks onto our table. “I’ve never seen him act like this in a while.”

“Did Ditzy actually sing well?” Twilight asked before taking a bite into her breadstick.

“Yeah actually,” I said with a nod. “Granted she could still use some work but she’s got a lot of heart.”

“What’s this about Derpy and Raiden?” I heard a voice say behind me. I turned and saw Rainbow looking at me with curious magenta eyes.

“Oh, hey Rainbow,” Twilight said with a smile. “We were just talking about Raiden agreeing to help Ditzy with her singing during the contest.”

“Why’s he helping her?” Rainbow asked taking a seat between us. “Raiden’s never taken on a student before.”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Twilight said after Rainbow took a breadstick and started eating it. “Did Raiden ever tell you why?”

“I just heard about it today,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “I’m still wondering why Raiden’s helping her out.”

“Why didn’t you try out Rainbow?” I asked.

“Me? Sing in some contest?” Rainbow just stuck her head up smugly. “I’d lose street cred faster than I fly during a sonic rainboom.”

“That’s Rainbow for you,” Twilight said with a roll of her eyes. “Anyways,” she continued, looking at me. “I don’t know much about Raiden. What was he like?”

“Yeah, I’m curious too,” Rainbow said when Potso came by with some soda for her.

I smiled a little. “I first met Raiden in kindergarten. He was always the kid who’d get in trouble at recess or slacked off during class. Growing up him and I were almost complete opposites. While I was trying to keep my grades up he was doing everything in his power to show his rebellious side.”

“Sounds like somepony I know,” Twilight said with a sly glance at Rainbow.

My Pegasus friend just chuckled. “Hey, I only do crazy things because I care.”

I continued, “Raiden’s family was actually quite successful. Raiden’s grandfather came from Neighpan and his family hit it big in Canterlot. Raiden’s dad moved to Manehatten to start his entrepreneurship business there.”

“No wonder he’s in with Canterlot nobles,” Rainbow said recalling our case with Scootaloo. Raiden helped us set up a meeting with a noble family thanks to his old connections. Ultimately that case brought him here to Ponyville in the first place.

“Raiden’s family was quite large,” I explained. “He had five older brothers”

“Five!?” Twilight exclaimed, her jaw dropping.

“Yep,” I said nodding. “They all went on to become doctors and lawyers. Raiden was the last son of the Bolt Family. He wasn’t interested in becoming a doctor or lawyer though. He didn’t have the academic skills to pass entrance exams to some of the bigger schools. As a result he became kind of the black sheep of the family.”

“So he was a trouble maker?” Twilight deduced.

“You bet,” I confirmed. “Raiden was always in trouble at school. He was a slacker when it came to his school work. He talked back to his teachers; he was essentially the opposite of how I was in school.”

“How did you guys become friends?” Rainbow asked.

“Mostly because I felt sorry for him,” I said with a shrug. “I learned in kindergarten he had this amazing talent for music and stage work. I knew he could become a rock star so I introduced him to Leopony, my music teacher, and he found his true potential. Finally he found something he was good at and he wouldn’t stop doing it.”

“So in a way you made him a rock star,” Rainbow said with a smile.

“He would’ve become one anyway,” I said knowingly. “I just made sure he got there clean.”

“How did his family react to his new career path?” Twilight asked curiously.

“I don’t know,” I said with a shake of my head. “Raiden isn’t one to talk about his family too often. I’ve met them and his brothers seemed to like me. But I’ve never actually visited Raiden’s house or anything.”

“So why do you think Raiden picked Derpy?” Rainbow asked. “She doesn’t really strike me as super musical.”

“Raiden probably has a good reason,” I said firmly. “He usually does when it comes to things like this…”

_________________________________________________________

Part II

“Bright Eyes”

Part II

Perspective: Raiden

My time with Ditzy went on for a few hours. She had some a bit of a hard time grasping concepts such as notes or tones but she had a good heart when she sang. Even when I suggested that she take a break she insisted that we keep going. She was determined to see it through. I guess Private had a small influence on her.

It was starting to get late so I stopped playing on the piano and looked at her. “I think we’ll call it a night,” I said.

She nodded and let out a breath of air, I put her through some exercises in order to help her breathing a little. She smiled and flapped her wings in excitement. “I didn’t know there was so much to music. Thanks for helping Mr. Bolt.”

“Please, call me Raiden,” I said as I got off the piano seat. “I can’t stand any of that formal stuff.”

“Okey dokey Raiden,” she said with another flap of her wings. She looked at the clock and then at me. “I gotta get Dinky to bed soon.”

“Dinky?” I said, with an eyebrow raised. “Tailspin’s friend?”

“Uh huh,” she nodded. “She’s my little muffin.”

“Your kid!” My jaw dropped. “But you’re not that much older than I am.”

“I had her when I was only… um…” She tapped her head in thought. “Sixteen! Yeah, I was sixteen when I had her.”

That young? Dude, talk about a workload, having a kid and going through high school? Man that’s rough.

But I decided to move on before things got awkward. “Don’t let me keep you then, see ya around.”

She smiled and turned to fly off. Before she did though, she left a package in front of my door. Before I could ask what it was she left out the door. I walked to the package and raised an eyebrow. It was a muffin, wrapped in plastic wrap just sitting there.

I picked the muffin up in my hooves and unwrapped it. I took a tentative bite into it and smiled at the taste. Here for good times and good muffins eh?

I’ll take the muffins thank you.

_________________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy Doo

I opened the door to my house to be greeted by Sparkler hugging me very tightly. She let out a squeal and spoke very fast, “Mom! I can’t believe you get to work with Raiden Bolt! That is the coolest thing ever!” She let out another squeal, and hugged me all the more tighter.

“Sparkler,” I said as she hugged me. “I love you very much, but you’re squishing mommy’s lungs.”

She blinked her purple eyes and let me go, letting out a small nervous laugh. “Sorry Mom, just a big fan of Raiden.”

“He’s pretty famous huh?” I asked as we walked into the kitchen together.

“Pretty famous?” She facehoofed and looked at me. “Mom! That’s like saying muffins are just a good treat! Raiden is the most famous rock star in Equestria! Second only to DJ-Pon3 herself!”

“Wow Sparkler,” I said with a smile. “I guess he will be a big help in the contest.”

“You got this contest in the bag mom.” Sparkler smiled and then yawned. “I’m going to hit the hay.”

“Sparkler.” I looked over at her. “Can we talk before you go?”

She sighed and my teenage daughter looked over at me. “If this is about Caramel I can explain.”

“I just want to make sure this is genuine,” I said seriously. “You know he just broke up with Cloud Dancer and he’s been very friendly to you lately.”

“Mom its okay”, Sparkler tried to reassure. “We’re just friends, I’m not looking to cause trouble. You know I’m not that kind of girl.”

“I know.” I walked to her and nuzzled her affectionately. “You’re just growing up very fast; I want to help where I can.”

“I’ll be careful,” Sparkler said, nuzzling me back. “I know what you’re worried about. I promise nothing like that will happen.”

I just smiled at her. “You just take care of yourself.”

“I will Mom.” Sparkler smiled in turn. “Say, Dinky’s been waiting for you to send her to bed.”

I gave a small laugh. “I’ll get her, you head to bed yourself.”

“You got it mom.” She went off to her room while I headed for Dinky’s room. It wasn’t too big, with only a desk, a small bed and a bookshelf which held all her books on it. Dinky really liked to read, a lot like Twilight now that I think about it. I saw my little muffin writing on her desk when she heard me enter.

“Mom!” She cried and ran to hug me. I hugged my little muffin back, running a hoof in her blond mane. She let go of me and smiled wide. “How was your singing today?”

“It was great Dinky,” I replied with a big smile. “Did you get all your homework done?”

“Yeah, like always.” She smiled wide before hopping on her bed. I walked over and sat beside the bed as she looked at me. “Mommy, I know you’re going to win that contest!”

I rubbed the back of my head in embarrassment. “Oh I don’t think I’ll win, I’m happy with participating.”

“Even still,” Dinky said with determined eyes. “I know you’re the greatest singer ever! With you and Raiden together, you’ll get like, super first place!”

I smiled and gave my little muffin a little hug again. That’s when I noticed the bow in Dinky’s mane. I smiled a little. “Where’d you get this?”

“Pip gave it to me for a Hearth’s Warming gift.” She blushed bright red and shuffled her hoofs. “I like wearing it because he says I look pretty in it”

I smiled and gave my little muffin a kiss on the forehead. “So long as he makes you happy, that’s all that matters.”

Dinky just blushed even more as I moved to tuck her in. She untied the ribbon from her hair and set it on her bedside table. Then her yellow eyes looked up at me. “Momma, could you sing that song again?”

“Aren’t you a little old to have your momma sing you to sleep?” I asked teasingly.

“I just like hearing it,” Dinky admitted. “Please?”

“Alright.” I then started singing…

Stars and Moons and air balloons…

Fluffy clouds on the horizon…

I’ll wrap you in rainbows…

And rock you to sleep tonight…

_________________________________________________________

After everypony was asleep I walked into my own room. Everypony seems very happy that I’m singing with Raiden. I haven’t sung in a really long time. This is so…

Like back then…

No Ditzy! Don’t start now!

You spent nearly eight years of your life trying to get over it!

Don’t…

Just don’t…

But I can’t help it…

Turn Around…

Every now and then I get a little bit lonely

And you’re never coming round…

Stop it! Don’t think about him now!

I sighed and walked to my bed, sitting down on it. It’s really been eight years? Dinky was only two at the time. She had never really known her daddy.

Cobalt, I’m trying so hard to make it without you. But every day it just gets a little harder. I met this awesome guy, named the Doctor. He’s really helped out a lot, taking me all sorts of places in that blue box of his.

I don’t know if it’ll ever come to love, but you never know. You’d want me to at least try.

Listen to myself, talking to somepony who isn’t here anymore…

Not anymore…

_______________________________________________________

Hey Ditzy! Over here!

You brought me to the auditorium Cobalt? What’s going on?

I want you to try out for the play.

What?! But I wouldn’t be any good…

I know you will! You gotta give it a shot.

But what if I do something stupid and everypony laughs at me?

Then I’ll be there, I’ll tell all of those bullies to take off.

*giggles* You couldn’t hurt a fly Cobalt

I know, but you can’t nag a guy for trying.

You really think I’ll be any good?

You never know until you try…

__________________________________________________

Perspective: Raiden

I landed on Rainbow’s doorstep and knocked on the door. Rainbow’s house was way above Ponyville in the clouds. It wasn’t anything huge like my place back when I lived in Manehatten. But it was homely for sure, I enjoyed being in it from time to time.

That may or may not have to do with the fact that Rainbow is the hottest and most awesome mare in Equestria.

The door opened and I was greeted by Scootaloo. The little orange filly had been staying at Rainbow’s place since the whole Loftwing nightmare. She was pretty cool, the kid had a lot of heart and worshipped the ground Rainbow well, flew over.

She smiled upon seeing me. “Hey Raiden, good to see you.”

“Hey squirt,” I said, rubbing her mane affectionately. “Is my marefriend here?”

“Well,” She narrowed her eyes. “You can only come in if you say the password.”

I raised an eyebrow and sighed. “Come on Scoots, you don’t need to pull that garbage.”

“Sorry,” She smiled. “I have a reputation to uphold, so what’s the password?”

I decided to give into her game. “Alright, um is it ‘Open says me?”

“Nope.”

“Please open up?”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Scootaloo is the most awesome filly in Ponyville?”

“You get points for flattery, but still wrong.”

“Okay what is…” My yellow eyes grew wide as I smirked. “You crazy little…”

“So you know the pass phrase?” she smirked.

I tilted my head up and said, “Rainbow Dash is the greatest flier in Equestria”

From the roof of the house Rainbow’s head popped out to look down at me. She gave me a smug smile. “Don’t stop, keep saying how awesome I am.”

I gave her a small smile. “You convinced your biggest fan to pull this stunt just to boost your ego?”

“Maaybe!” Rainbow said, fluttering down from above to land in front of me. “Now are you going to come in or not?”

“If Scoots here will let me.” I looked at the filly who smiled in turn.

“I’ll give you guys some space.” The little filly walked inside and up to where she was staying. I walked into Rainbow’s living room and sat down on her couch.

She looked over at me. “So how were things with Derpy?”

“She’s getting better,” I answered. “She’s still got a ways to go before she’s perfect but she’s getting there.”

“Say, listen.” She hovered over to land beside me. “You gonna tell me what all this is about?”

I sighed. “I knew this was going to come up…”

“You know I’m here for you.” Her magenta eyes met mine, sweet Luna I was starting to come up with dumb lyrics in my head already. “So why’d you pick her?”

I looked down for a bit, and then said as best I could without going all emo. “Private probably told you about all my brothers right?”

“Yeah,” Rainbow nodded. “Seven brother’s man, I can’t imagine.”

“Well there’s something that Private dosen’t know,” I said, trying to keep emotion out of my voice. “The Bolts had one last kid, a filly by the name of Amaya, a little filly.”

“You had a little sister?” Rainbow’s eyes grew wide. “Dude that’s kind of cool, to have a sister as a change from all those brothers.”

“Yeah,” I laughed a little. “She was like a little princess among all of us. Whatever Amaya wanted, she could get from us. But she wasn’t spoiled or anything, she was very sweet and cute, kind of like Scootaloo now that I think about it.”

“She sounds cool,” Rainbow said with a smile. “How come you never told anypony about her?”

“Because we weren’t supposed to talk about her,” I said, trying not to let my voice quiver. “She…had downs.”

“You mean she was all…” She fought for the right word. “Not there?”

“She had a lot of trouble learning things,” I explained. “She didn’t learn how to talk until she was two years old. Even then she had trouble speaking full sentences until she was three. She didn’t go to school like the rest of us, just mostly stayed at home.”

“Wow,” Rainbow put a hoof on her mouth. “Poor kid.”

“But she had this freaky knowledge of music,” I said proudly. “You put her at a piano and she could play any song from memory alone. When she figured out how to talk she learned how to sing and she could do that like a champ. She learned how to play Beehoovan’s 29th symphony before she learned how to count to twenty nine.”

“That’s good right?” Rainbow tilted her head, her knowledge of classical music was rather lacking. Frankly mine was too, but that was just more of a preference issue. “So, Derpy reminds you of your sister?”

“Yeah,” I said honestly. “Just the way she sang up there, it reminded me of Amaya. She was pouring her heart into every note and didn’t stop. When she was halfway through the song I knew she was the one.”

“Wow Raiden,” she smiled and reached a hoof to touch my shoulder. “Who knew you could be so…awesome.”

“I have a good teacher,” I teasingly tickled her nose with one of my feathers, causing her to sneeze.

She just punched me on the foreleg and said, “Just when I think I’ve got you all figured out you pull something like this.”

“Hey…” I laid on my back on the couch. “Life would get boring if there were no surprises.”

She crawled onto me and looked down at me with those beautiful magenta eyes of hers. She ran a hoof through my messy mane and said, “You certainly make my life crazier than normal.”

“Oh I can show you just how crazy I can be…” I went to her ear and whispered some things that aren’t for little fillies to overhear.

Spring!

“Darn it Raiden!” She shoved me down on the coach and desperately tried to flatten her wings. “Alright! That’s it, you’re sleeping on the couch tonight.”

“Only if a certain pegasus wishes to join me,” I smirked.

“Well,” she returned the smirk. “Maybe if you’re good I’ll show you some of my more…” She ran a hoof down my chest. “Crazier stunts…”

Spring!

Those were my wings that went up. I tried to flatten them as Rainbow started laughing out loud. I shoved her back on the coach and pinned her down. She looked up at me and I smirked, “For that, I think you need to be grounded for a couple of seconds.”

“For what exactly?” she said, her ears flattening as her blush became evident, her wings threatening to spring again.

“Just this…” I lowered my lips onto hers. She eagerly returned the kissing as my hooves went around her. I poured all of my heart and soul into that kiss. Celestia, I love this mare.

I've been waiting for a girl like you

To come into my life

I've been waiting for a girl like you

A love that will survive

I've been waiting for someone new

To make me feel alive

Yeah, waiting for a girl like you

To come into my life

Stay in my life Rainbow,

I need a girl like you…

Part III

Bright Eyes

Part III

Perspective: Raiden

“So how’s she coming along?” Private asked as he sat beside me. Both of us were sitting in Sugercube Corner enjoying some milkshakes. I was in such a good mood now it didn’t matter that Private was giving me this weird look.

I stopped slurping down my quadruple chocolate swirl with extra sprinkles (Thank Celestia for sprinkles! I’d die without them). I then looked at my best friend and said “She’s doing great, she’s really improved since we started”

“Have you decided on a song yet?” he asked, taking a tentative slurp of his vanilla milkshake. (Typical Private, no fun whatsoever).

“I got a couple good ones picked out,” I explained. “I just need to run them by Ditzy and we should be good.”

Private looked behind me and blinked his grey eyes. “Isn’t that your manager back there?”

I turned around and looked with wide eyes. There was my manager, earth pony stallion with a short hazel colored mane and a deep violet coat. He had a cutie mark of a ring binder on and he scanned the place for me. His violet eyes found me and he stomped over towards me. “So this is where you’ve been hiding!”

“Hello Gander,” I said nonchalantly, drinking more of my milkshake.

“You realize just how much money you’re costing me by simply being here?” Gander shouted, I was only half listening to be honest so I don’t remember his small rant about “responsibilities” and “disappointment”. I heard it enough from my old man to know how to drown it out.

“What are you doing here exactly?” I asked, turning over to him. “I thought I said I was taking a break from show biz.”

“You said it was because you required time to write a new album,” he growled. “And here I find you stuffing your face on…” He glanced at the treats before me. “Cupcakes…”

“I’d be careful about dissing the cupcakes sir,” Private spoke up in my defense. “The owner of this establishment might have something to say about your taste.”

I didn’t point out Pinkie hiding in the corner behind Gander with a very crazy look in her eye. Also, did her mane look flatter for some reason? Eh, details, I decided to speak for myself. “I told you already, I’m going to get you the songs when I make them alright?”

“You said that three weeks ago!” He pointed out. “So far the only thing I’ve been hearing from you is that your chasing after some weather mare.”

“Her name is Rainbow Dash,” I corrected.

“Whatever,” he scoffed. “The point is that Raiden Bolt is supposed to be available.”

“So what are you saying?” I glared dangerously at him. “That I should break up with Rainbow to satisfy some teenagers who need to get a life?”

“Raiden,” Private warned.

“Stay out of this bro,” I growled, before hovering over to Gander and looking him right in the eye. “I’ve been dating Rainbow for months, why are you here now?”

“You’ve been wasting your time here,” Gander answered, in the snotty tone I hate above anything else. “I’ve heard rumors you’re helping some pegasus with a singing contest?”

“What’s it to you?” I crossed my forelegs.

“Allow me to be perfectly frank,” he met my yellow eyes. “Raiden Bolt does not bother himself with bubbly idiot mares with voice lessons. Raiden Bolt sings on stages, signs a few autographs, and doesn’t waste his time in Hicksville of all places.”

“Then you don’t know me any better then dad or mom did,” I growled, causing everypony to look over at the argument. “What I do in my own time is my business.”

“You may not be so smug,” he grinned. “When you find out about your contract…”

______________________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy Doo

I hummed to myself a nice tune that Raiden taught me. He said it was made by a guy called “Elvish Parsley” I think…

I didn’t really get much about the lyrics but it had a nice sound to it. I hummed it as I walked down the streets of Ponyville. It was too windy for a clumsy pony like me to fly. Who knows what I might run into with all that’s going on.

I looked in front of me and saw a group of mares talking. Mommy did say it wasn’t polite to eavesdrop. But I think she would understand it when they were talking this loud. I noticed they all had t-shirts with Raiden’s colors on it. Raiden even offered to give me one a while back, but I didn’t want to ask for more then he’s already given me.

“Did you see him yesterday flying around?” Cloud Kicker said, looking very happy for some reason. “I totally saw him wink at me!”

“No way Cloud Kicker,” Her friend Blossumforth said. “You know him and Rainbow Dash are like an item”

“Well a mare can dream can’t she?” Cloud Kicker said, her lip poking out like Dinky when she was little and I said she couldn’t have cookies until after dinner.

“Forget it Cloud Kicker,” Berry Punch said in that funny way of talking. “He’s gots all the mares, why’d he wanta country ladez like *hic* ussal…” She fell down right there. I wish she would stop drinking that sour grape juice. It makes her all weird.

“I wonder where he gets all the inspiration for his music?” Flitter asked, looking to her sister.

“Probably from his sheer talent,” Cloud Kicker declared. “And to think he would stop in our little town to look for inspiration.”

Wow, ponies really like Raiden it seems. That’s great, it’s nice that so many ponies like a nice pony like him. It means he can make lots of friends. Though not as much as Pinkie Pie though, I don’t think anypony can out match her in friend making. I guess if you can befriend a bag of flour, you can befriend anypony.

“You know what I heard?” a rather rude sounding voice spoke out. I hovered a little to see a scarlet pegasus pony with a long silver mane that went down her side. She had a cutie mark of a microphone on her flank. She spoke up, “I’ve been hearing rumors of some goings on with Raiden and a certain pegasus mare.”

“Who might you be?” Cloud Chaser asked, the crowd looking at the new mare. “I’ve never seen you around here.”

“The name is Siren my fair townsfolk,” she said in kind of that snobby voice. “I’ve come all the way from Las Pegasus.”

“Hey I know you!” Blossumforth spoke up. “You used to date Raiden.”

“Ahem,” she cleared her throat. “I am still dating Raiden.”

“Uhh…” Some of the mares said uncomfortably.

“Is something the matter?” She asked. I didn’t like the look in her eye…

“Well no offense lady,” Cloudchaser said, standing in front of her sister nervously. “But don’t ya know he’s dating Rainbow Dash?”

“Oh, that little fling?” She gave a laugh that didn’t sound nice at all. “He’s probably over her by now.”

“What are you talking about?” Flitter asked, peaking over her sister.

“Raiden never stays with a mare forever,” she said, reminding me of that unicorn Trixie before she became nice. “Granted him and I are on a temporary break, but his fling with this Rainbow Dash won’t last. I mean after all, why would he waste his time on some tomboyish mare who probably doesn’t even know how to kiss him?”

That was not a very nice thing to say at all! I flew over the crowd and landed in front of the group of mares. I glared at the mare and said, “You take back those things you said!”

“And who are you?” she said, looking at me like I was dirt. I hated that look…

“Raiden hasn’t stayed with you because you say mean things like that!” I yelled, not caring about the gasps I got from the others. “Raiden loves Rainbow and that’s that!”

“He dosen’t love her,” she said, glaring at me. “He loves me, has and always will.”

“Not if I tell him all those things you said about Rainbow,” I shouted.

“Why would he listen to…” She stop and stared, she noticed…oh no…”Good Celestia, what happened to your eyes?”

Oh no…

It’s started…

“I mean I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said stepping back as if I had suddenly sneezed on her. “They’re all wobbly and off. What did you say your name was?”

“Ditzy Doo…” I said quietly.

“You’re the mare Raiden is wasting his time with?” she laughed. “Now it all makes perfect sense!”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, trying to fight back tears.

“I knew he took on a hopeless case but,” she laughed even more. “To take on a mare such as yourself!”

“Hey you’re going too far lady!” Cloudchaser shouted, before being held back by her sister.

“Oh this is too rich.” She smiled very meanly at me. “You must be the infamous Derpy Hooves…”

“Don’t call me that…” I started to step back. “Only my friends get to call me that…you aren’t my friend…”

“Oh but it is such a fitting name,” She grinned. “Because that’s all you really are, just a useless pathetic case for Raiden to get some publicity out of”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, stepping back more.

“Let me put this in a way that your pea brain can understand…” She laughed even more, I felt like crying. “Raiden is only taking you on, because he knows how much news it will build up, and he’ll leave you in the dust once he’s done with you.”

“No…” I said, fighting tears. “Raiden’s my friend.”

“You really think that?” she said, giving a fake look of sadness. “Oh you really are as stupid as you look.

“SHUT UP YOU WHORE!!!”

Suddenly out of nowhere a rainbow blur tackled her. I looked up and saw Rainbow Dash in front of me, glaring at Siren who was on the ground. Rainbow punched her…for me…

“Listen here lady,” Rainbow growled at Siren. “Nopony disses Derpy or Raiden on my watch!”

“Oh, so you’re the bitch that stole Raiden from me,” Siren said, flapping to her feet.

“Well I don’t mean to brag,” Rainbow said smugly. “But resisting the Rainbow Dash has proved a challenge to many a pony.”

“How many of them were stallions?” Siren said equally as smug.

“Oh you’re still talking?” Rainbow put a hoof to her ear. “I thought it was just the wind. Hmm, I guess it was nothing at all.”

“Listen here Rainbow Bitch,” Siren growled.

“Oh is that the best you can come up with?” Rainbow said, crossing her forelegs. “I’ve seen rocks burn better than you are.”

“Raiden is mine you worthless colt of a mare,” Siren shouted. “He has and always will be mine!”

“Funny,” Rainbow tapped a hoof on her cheek. “Because he told me all about you, something about a restraining order.”

Siren’s eye twitched.

“Oh I hit the nail on the head huh?” Rainbow said, getting within inches of Siren’s face. “Let me put it this way. You can insult me all you want. I can take it, but if you even think for a minute you can insult my friend and humiliate her like that.” She held a hoof in front of her. “Then you’d better pray I’m in a good mood when I hear it. Because you might maybe make it out with one wing broken.”

Siren huffed and just flew away at that. I looked at Rainbow as she turned around. She glared at the other mares around me. “What are you all looking at? I didn’t see any of you come to Derpy’s defense.”

“Dash…” Cloud Kicker tried to apologize.

“All pegasi here have double shifts on the weather team,” Rainbow declared. “As you are working on moving clouds I want each and every second for you guys to think about how you didn’t stand up for Derpy.”

With that everypony flew or walked away in silence. I sat on my haunches, tears in my eyes. After all this time, all the help I got…it still hurts when ponies say things like that…

I felt a hoof on my shoulder and turned to Rainbow Dash. She smiled a little and said, “Come on Derpy, I’ll walk you home…”

____________________________________________________________

Perspective: Raiden Bolt

“What kind of-” I remembered there were kids in the room. “Crap is that?”

“It is as I said,” Gander said smugly. “Your contract states that if you don’t come with me to Fillydelphia for a return concert you can kiss your career goodbye.”

“But I’m needed here!” I shouted.

“For what?” Gander asked. “One of your flings? Or is it that retarded mare that’s gotten you soft…”

….

“Say that again…”

“I said, that retar-”

All I needed to hear.

I lunged at Gander and punched him square in the jaw. He fell like a ton of bricks and I just started wailing on him. “You bastard!” Punch. “Take that back!” Punch. “How dare you say that!”

My next punch was caught by Private. He looked at me, I looked at him. I’ve known Private for a long time, we can have whole conversations just by looking at each other.

“Don’t become him Raiden.”

“But he just-”

“I know pal, but it doesn’t justify it.”

“He deserves this!”

“Would it help Derpy in the long run?”

“No…no I guess not…”

I let go of Gander and walked out. Gander wiped blood off his face and shouted, “You brat! I’ll sue you until you’re bleeding dry!”

I just walked outside with Private at my side. My friend looked at me. “What the hell was that about?”

“Private you know why,” I said, looking at him. “He called her a…”

“I know Raiden.” He put a hoof on my shoulder again. “I figured out why you were really doing all this. So I can understand why it made you mad.”

“Figures you’d figure it out,” I said with a sigh. “I’m not going to let my contract get in the way of helping Derpy in the contest.”

“What are you going to do though?” He asked.

“Get the best damn lawyer on the planet to help me,” I said slowly. “Sandā is my only hope…”

Part IV

Bright Eyes

Part IV

Perspective: Raiden Bolt

When it came to Sandā, there were two places you could always find him almost without fail. That was his office, and wherever his wife and son, Mayu and Kaze respectively, were. Sandā always liked hanging around his family. Luckily I was able to find his penthouse apartment again.

I got off the elevator into the apartment and was immediately barreled by a little dark colored colt. I looked up into the blue eyes of Kaze. Kaze was only about five years old and he was a near spitting image of his dad. His bright green mane and blue eyes was all his mom though. His wings spread happily. “Uncle Raiden!” he shouted as he hugged me.

I smiled and ruffled his green mane. “Hey Kaze, your mom and dad around?”

“Well his mother is right here,” I heard a voice speak up. I looked over at Mayu, she was a mare about seven years older than I was and somehow still managed to look hot. Her green coat matched her mane and her blue eyes gazed at me with a bemused expression. “So, what trouble are you here to cause my husband this time?”

I got up and Kaze sat on my back, holding onto my neck while his little wings flapped excitedly. “Is Sandā in?” I asked Mayu.

Her slanted blue eyes blinked and she asked, “What trouble are you in this time, Raiden?”

“Can’t I ever just pay a nice family visit?” I asked, with a small smile.

She rolled her eyes and flapped her wings, finally giving in. “Sandā is in his office right now. I’ll get him.” With that she flew away to find my brother.

I looked down at my nephew who asked excitedly, “Are you gonna show me how to play guitar yet?”

I smiled and rubbed his mane “Maybe when you’re older, or your dad stops thinking I’m a trouble maker. Neither are happening anytime soon so you’re just gonna have to wait.”

“No fair,” Kaze whined, crossing his forelegs.

“Aww don’t worry Kaze,” I said, bending down my head to face him. “I’ll teach ya someday.” Then I whispered in his ear, “I’ll teach you some songs that will cause fillies to melt in your hooves.”

Kaze laughed and hugged my neck before his mother returned. Kaze walked away, his mother smiling at me. “I worry he’s becoming more like you than Sandā”

“Ahh,” I shrugged. “There’s plenty of time for him to become a boring, stuck up suit.” I smiled sheepishly. “Uh, no offense”

“Not all mares fall for the crazy rock star you know,” Mayu said with a laugh. She then gestured for me to follow her. Kaze went to play with some of his wonderbolt action figures.

We walked a little ways down the hall and I stepped into Sandā’s office. Sandā was about seven years older than I was. He almost looked like an older version of me without any highlights in his mane. It was jet black and slicked, organized and well kempt, just like he was. His yellow eyes looked up from one of his law books and I got the usual Sandā glare I always got.

I walked inside and bowed my head a little. “Aniki…”

“You haven’t called me that in a while,” Sandā replied, closing his law book. “Whatever happened to stuck up suit?”

“You, uh…” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Heard that huh?”

“You don’t think I have listening devices in my own home?” Sandā said, leaning forward on his desk. “So, what sexual harassment charge do you need me to drop this time?”

“I’m not here about me Sandā,” I answered. “It’s about my contract; it’s preventing me from accompanying a friend of mine in a contest.”

“So you want me to sue your manager,” Sandā said, leaning back in his chair. “Because you want to win some stupid contest?”

“Sandā are we really doing this now?” I fired at him, my wings opening to display my annoyance.

“I’ve stopped bothering with your antics a long time ago!” Sandā fired back “You could’ve been one of the greatest engineers of our time! Yet you through away all that talent to cause trouble! Ohimesama de Raiden! You caused the rest of us no shortage of grief!”

“I wanted to be me!” I shouted. “I didn’t just want to be another Bolt kid! I didn’t want to be an engineer! My talent was music!”

“Your talent was electrical work!” He pointed to my cutie mark of a lightning bolt shaped like a musical note. “Father and Mother put all the time and money into you! Need I forget the things the rest of the family had to put up with! Quit playing your fantasy of being a rockstar Raiden! You can be so muc-”

“Shut up Aniki!” I shouted. “I’m not doing this for me…” My wings drooped a little “I’m doing this for…Ditzy…”

Sandā’s eyes blinked, then his own wings flattened. “Forgive me Otōto, I just have a lot of pent up grief coming from you.”

“And I understand that,” I admitted. “I deserve it, all of the blame for the trouble I caused the family. I would get into fights, I would cut the power in the building, I’d fail tests on purpose because I didn’t like the teacher.”

Sandā’s eyes just stared at my confession. Dude, I’ve never seen him this quiet, it’s kind of scary.

“But things are different now,” I said. “I’m not doing this contest for me. This mare, Ditzy, she has this great talent for music…like Amaya.”

Sandā bowed his head. “I see how it is.”

“Then you know why I need your help,” I said in earnest. “You gotta look into Gander’s record and give me justification to fire him. That way I can get rid of my contract and I’ll be able to sing with Ditzy on stage.”

Sandā closed his eyes for a moment, and then spoke firmly, “I’ll do it, but don’t think this means I owe you any favors. I’ve never turned down anypony in need before and I won’t start now. But that doesn’t mean we’re suddenly best brothers”

“I understand,” I said, my wings drooping. “Okage de Aniki. This means a lot to me.”

Sandā just turned around in his seat and looked out the window. “Just go before I change my mind.”

With that I walked out, leaving behind Sandā to hopefully clear everything up. Once Gander was out of the way I could play with Ditzy. I hope this all can be sorted out soon.

_____________________________________________________________

I was flying my way back to Ponyville when I noticed something strange. Just about everypony was avoiding me. Like I was wearing a weird hat and nopony had the guts to say how bad it looked. I flew in the clouds above Ponyville, hoping to find Ditzy and get going on the song.

But where is she? I was only gone for a little while. Where could she hav-

“Oh Raiden!” I heard an all too familiar voice speak up. A chill ran down my spine as I saw Siren flying towards me. Wasn’t she supposed to be in Las Pegasus or something? Either way the red mare smiled wide upon seeing me. “It’s been far too long Raiden.”

“I was hoping to make it a record,” I muttered under my breath. I frowned at her and asked, “What are you doing out here?”

“Oh, I came to see if a stupid little rumor was true.” She said, tossing her silver mane. “I heard that you are having a little affair with some stallion of a mare here in Ponyville. I know she’s lying when she says it’s true. Right Raiden?” She said that last bit a voice that you would hear one of those crazy killers say right before they slice you in half with a chainsaw.

I decided to be firm. “Siren look, I broke up with you over a year ago.”

“No you didn’t,” she said, her eye twitching. “You and I are just on a break is all.” She suddenly flew very close to me. “I know that tramp may have taken your eyes off for a moment. But I know you still like me…”

No amount of hotness is worth putting up with crazy. I speak from personal experience. I decided to put it as firmly as I could. “Siren, I’m dating Rainbow Dash now. If you’re here to get me back, need I remind you of a certain restraining order?”

“But Raiden,” she pouted, then flew close enough to put a hoof on my chest. “I missed you so much. Is there nothing I can do to make you see the mistake you’re making?”

“Mistake?” I asked.

“I heard that you were helping a wall eyed pegasus sing.” She suddenly laughed “Oh she was so dumb looking. With those crossed eyes, and that little voice. So what’s the story wit-”

“Shut up…”

“Pardon?”

“Just shut up and answer this!” I glared at her. “What did you say to her? Where did she go?”

“What do I care about some pegasus you’re using as a publicity stunt?” Siren answered. “Why can’t we ever talk about us?” She tried to kiss me but I shoved her away.

I flew as fast as I could, searching the whole town. Where could she be?

“Raiden!” I heard a voice call from the ground. I looked down to see Private’s ex marefriend Larksong. She was trying to get my attention. I flew down to her. “Rainbow was looking for you earlier!”

“She was?” I asked her. I always liked Larksong when she was dating Private. When I heard what happened between them I was kind of disappointed it didn’t work out. But right now I needed to focus on my task. “That’s not important now! Where’s Ditzy?”

“She was here a moment ago,” Larksong explained. “Rainbow was taking her to her house. Did that bitch Siren really insult her so much?”

“This is textbook Siren,” I answered, before turning to fly away. “Thanks a lot!”

With that I flew away to Rainbow’s place. Ditzy, please be okay…

___________________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy Doo

Rainbow gave me some apple juice to help calm down. It tasted alright, but my tummy still hurt a little from all the things that meany Siren said. I sat on Rainbow’s couch and took tiny sips of the juice. It didn’t help my tummy much.

Rainbow sat beside me. “Hey Derpy, look about what that she said.”

“It’s okay Rainbow,” I answered. “I’ve heard it all before.”

Rainbow put a hoof on my shoulder. “Look, I know you screw up a lot, but Raiden really believes you can do it.”

“Who am I kidding Rainbow?!” I shouted. “All I’ll ever be to anypony is the town klutz! I’ll always be the wall eyed pegasus everypony gawks at when they think I can’t see them! That’s what I’ll always be! To everypony!”

Rainbow looked at me for a long time, and then pulled me into a hug. I cried into her shoulder as she held me. It hurt a lot, after all these years it still hurt to say all that.

Rainbow rubbed my back with a hoof. It felt nice, she was very gentle. “Come on Derpy” She said, trying to sound soothing. “You aren’t just a wall eyed pegasus. You’re a good friend, a great mom and on top of that everypony really likes you.”

“Except the ponies that aren’t afraid to say it to my face,” I said, very sadly.

“They’re just jerks who don’t know how to handle their own feelings.” She pulled out of the hug and looked me in the eyes. “Derpy, you can’t let what they say get to you. You are your own mare. The only pony who can decide who you wanna be is you.”

“Thanks Rainbow,” I sniffed and wiped my eyes a little. “I feel a little better now.”

I heard a knock and Rainbow flew away to answer the door. In stepped Raiden, he smiled nicely at me. I just looked back down at the apple juice.

“Rainbow,” Raiden said, giving his filly friend a look.

Rainbow nodded and flew to the kitchen, muttering something along the lines of “Gotta make lunch for Squirt”

Raiden sat across from me. I didn’t meet his eyes as he spoke. “Ditzy, listen, about today.”

“Are you really helping me because you like me?” I asked, looking up at him. “Or am I just a joke to you too?”

“What?” Raiden said in surprise. “No of course not! I’d never set you up to get embarrassed.”

“But Siren said,” I sniffed a little. “That you only wanted me to sing to help you get news or something.”

Raiden shook his head, “I’d never do that Ditzy, I do care.”

“Then why?!” I shouted in his face. “Why do you want me to sing so badly? You know I’m the biggest klutz in Ponyville! You know I can’t figure notes right! You know all of this! I want to know why you want me out of all the mares in Ponyville!”

Raiden’s eyes became sad too. Did I say something mean too? “Raiden, I’m sorry I-”

He shook his head and gestured to the door. “Come with me.”

“Where are we going?” I asked, setting the juice down.

“Manehatten…”

___________________________________________________________

Raiden and I flew to Manehatten just as the sun was going down. I never liked the city too much, too loud and filled with a lot of bright lights that make it hard to see flying through it. But, it was okay with Raiden there to lead.

We landed in front of…

I backed away slowly, Raiden gave me a look. “What’s wrong Ditzy?”

“Cobalt,” I answered slowly. “Cobalt is buried here…”

“Who’s Cobalt?” he asked, looking at me.

“Cobalt moved from Manehatten during his time in middle school,” I explained. “He and I used to live in Hoofington before I moved to Ponyville.”

We walked into the graveyard as I told my story. “I used to live in a lot of different places. Mommy got very sick when I was little and dad moved to Hoofington to take care of her. There they had me, then Mommy left me in the woods for some reason.”

“She abandoned you?” Raiden asked, looking at me with sad eyes

“I then got a new mommy and daddy,” I continued. “They found me in the woods blowing bubbles they said,” I gestured to my cutie mark. “That’s how I got this”

“This Cobalt guy?” Raiden moved on. “He’s buried here, is he your…?”

“Uh huh,” I nodded. “He was my friend in high school. He helped me get used to a lot of the crazy new things. We became best friends for a whole year when he invited me to perform in the spring play.”

“You were in the play?” Raiden asked. “Which one?”

I tilted my head thinking. “I think it was Manespray,” I laughed at the memories. “We all got to wear funny looking outfits mommy would always wear.”

“What part did you play?” Raiden asked. I was happy that somepony was interested in what I was talking about.

“I was Bitzy,” I explained. “I got to dance with a nice zebra exchange student on stage. I don’t remember how his name was pronounced; it was a very funny name. Mta something…”

“So you and Cobalt,” Raiden moved on. “When did you start dating?”

“After he broke up with meany pants Dawnbird,” I said, a little sad when I heard what happened to Dawnbird. “I tried to be friends with her, but she kept saying I was friends with Cobalt to try and steal him from her.”

“You weren’t of course,” Raiden answered as we rounded a corner in the graves.

I shook my head. “But when Cobalt found out he got really mad at her. The next year he told me how much he liked me. Then we started dating and…” I looked down and stopped for a moment.

“Dinky was the result?” Raiden finished for me.

I nodded. “Yeah, I don’t remember when it happened. But Cobalt and I said we loved each other a lot. Next thing I know I woke up the next morning very sick, but happy too. I started feeling weird in class so I went to a doctor to see what was wrong with me. He told me I was going to have a foal.”

“How did Cobalt react?” Raiden asked.

It felt nice to talk to Raiden about this. It felt like I was getting a heavy box off my chest. “He didn’t know, I knew a lot of couples that got really sad when the mare was having a foal. I didn’t want to put him through that. Then Dawnbird found me and said I could visit her mother and she could help.”

“In what way?” he asked nervously

It took me a minute before I could say it. “I didn’t know what they were doing half way through everything. I felt really bad as I walked in that weird smelling office. Like I was going to hurt somepony but I didn’t know who. Right before they started Cobalt rushed in and said he would help support the foal.” I smiled. “He said he loved me, and our foal was a sign of our love.”

“He sounds like a great guy,” Raiden said with a smile.

“He and I raised Dinky for the rest of our time at high school…” My ears drooped at the next bit. “But then he got really sick. The doctors called it pneumonia or something. He died just after we graduated together…” I started crying again.

Suddenly I felt Raiden put a wing over me. He smiled at me. “Hey, I know how it feels to lose somepony close to you,”

“You do?” I asked, trying not to cry too much.

“That’s why I brought you here,” Raiden said, walking to a grave. “She’s why I picked you…”

I walked to the grave, squinted my eyes to read…

Amaya Bolt

Our little angel, going to meet other angels

984-990

“Amaya?” I asked, looking at Raiden. “Who is she?”

“She was my sister,” Raiden explained. “She had something called Downs Syndrome, not that much different from you to be honest.”

“This is why you wanted to help me?” I looked at Raiden with sad eyes. “Because your sister was like me?”

“Thing is,” Raiden smiled at me. “Amaya had an incredible gift for music. She couldn’t leave the house because she was sick all the time. But she didn’t let that stop her from performing great music.” He walked to me and put a hoof on my shoulder. “I know you can make great music, because in your heart there’s always a spark of glory waiting to be shown.”

“You think so?” I looked down. “What if I screw up?”

“Then I’ll take the blame for it,” He answered. “You however, I’ve heard you sing. You do what any great musician does. My teacher said a long time ago, that true music comes when you put your heart and soul into it”

“I wanna sing good” I said, a determined look in my eye. “I’m going to prove Siren wrong, that I can do something great. I’m going to do it for Cobalt and Amaya.”

“That’s the spirit,” Raiden said, laughing a little. “So, do you know what you wanna sing?”

“I do have one song,” I smiled a little. “That Cobalt and I always loved…”

Part V

Bright Eyes

Part V

Perspective: Sandā Bolt

I closed the file and put in inside my suit case. Raiden was looking at me with eager eyes. I simply said, “Everything should check out. Since this event qualifies as a charity event your contract can’t prevent you from performing with Ditzy.”

Raiden gave a sigh of relief. “Thanks bro, this really does mean a lot to me.”

“Just,” I wasn’t ready to handle this. “Just go before I change my mind.”

With that Raiden walked out. Just then Mayu walked in and her wings flapped once. I knew I was in trouble when that happened. “You haven’t talked to him like this in over two years and you just shove him out?”

“Mayu,” I shook my head and walked to her. “I’m sorry it’s just, strange to see Raiden take responsibility for anything.”

She put a hoof on my face and met my eyes. “You didn’t just help him to help Ditzy. I know in your heart you really wanted to help your brother.”

“You always did know me best,” I said, giving my wife a hug with my wings.

She smiled in my embrace. “Just never forget your good heart Sandā,” she said, and then gave me a kiss. “It’s one of the reasons I’m married to you.”

I watched her leave and I looked out of my office window. My whole world really has changed it seems. Raiden, do not make me regret the faith I’ve put into this.

___________________________________________________________

Perspective: Raiden Bolt

The day had finally come. Everypony in town was gathering in and around town hall as the celebration of Ponyville’s 75th anniversary began. Everypony was enjoying the celebrations.

Where was I you ask?

I was backstage with Ditzy. I sat at the piano as she finished warming up. She smiled as she finished the last note of the song. I returned her smile. “I think we got this one in the bag.”

Ditzy laughed and flapped her wings a little. “Oh I hope I do good, we both worked so hard for this.”

I got up from the piano, walked to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Nah, all I did was play a few notes on the piano. You’re the pony who put her heart and soul into it all.”

“Thanks Raiden.” She then hugged me, “Just thank you so much.”

With that I heard a knock on the door. Ditzy went to get it and I saw a little filly run to hug her. She was a periwinkle colored unicorn with a blond mane very close to Ditzy. This had to be Dinky.

“Mom you look so pretty!” Dinky complimented, looking at Dinky’s beautiful blue dress. She said she kept it for special occasions and who knew she could clean up pretty well.

Ditzy blushed a little. “Stop it Dinky.”

“She isn’t lying,” another unicorn said walking in. This one was a teenager with a pink coat and a violet mane. Boy, she’s going to be a beauty when she leaves high school. “I mean after all, you did make a filly as cute as Dinky here.” She rubbed Dinky’s mane affectionately. Then her eyes turned to me, became wide eyed and she said, “Yo-you’re Raiden Bolt?”

“You must be Sparkler,” I said, a smile on my face. “Ditzy has told me all about her kids.”

Sparkler started sweating nervously. I could tell she was doing everything in her power not to scream like a fan girl. Her violet eyes wandered as she said, “My um, friends wanted me to see if you could autograph one of my pictures. That I got from my friends as a joke! Not that you’re a joke I mean.”

“It’s alright,” I said, as she levitated out one of my concert pictures I give out once in a while. I took a marker and began writing on it. Sparkler was looking about ready to squeal. I finished autographing it and gave the picture to Sparkler. “Just let your “friends” know I always appreciate fans.”

Sparkler then looked up and said, “Would you all excuse me for a minute?”

She walked outside and closed the door behind her. The next two minutes we just heard this high pitched squealing and happy yelling coming from outside. But that clearly wasn’t Sparkler right?

Yeah, I don’t even sound convincing to myself.

Just then a brown stallion walked in. Dinky’s eyes grew big and she ran to him. “Doctor! I didn’t think you could make it!”

“And miss Ditzy sing?” He said with a laugh. “Not for all the muffins in Equestria.”

Ditzy smiled and walked to this Doctor guy. “So um, we aren’t in trouble or anything like that are we?”

“Nope,” he said with a smile. “So far there aren’t any crazy things coming our way. At least, not my brand of crazy.”

Dinky checked the clock. “The show’s going to start soon.”

Sparkler walked back in. “Come on guys, we’d better get going before all the seats are filled up.”

“Alright,” The Doctor guy spoke up “Allons-y!”

Ditzy smiled as they all left and I gave her a small smirk. “So uh, who’s the boyfriend?”

Ditzy blushed bright red. “The doct- I mean Doctor Time Turner and I are not dating!” She closed her eyes and stuck her nose in the air. “We’re just a boy and a girl who do various things together.”

“Uh huh.” my smirk grew “Just if you need any advice, you can always look up my column.”

“Well I’m gonna go talk to my family some more,” Ditzy said, hovering in the air a little. “I’ll see you when our turn comes up.”

“See ya Ditzy,” I said as she left with her family. I looked back at the mirror and adjusted my mane a little. I don’t know why Private thinks I have bad hair. I think it gives me personality. Oh well, at least Rainbow likes it when I-

Slam!

I turned around and saw ole Gander was glaring at me. A pair of muscle heads were flanking him. I braced myself for what was coming. He almost spat out his words “You know what I found on my desk this morning Raiden Bolt?”

“Judging by your condescending attitude,” I said with a frown, “I don’t think it was your morning coffee.”

“Do you realize what sending your brother in cost me?!” He growled. “I had thousands of brands of Raiden Bolt merchandise and concerts lined up. But what do you do? You launch a court investigation of my assets! Many of my partners withdrew the moment your brother appeared at the table.”

Heh, Sandā did have that effect on ponies who piss him off.

“Listen,” I growled back. “I’m going on that stage, I’m going to help this mare do her best. There’s nothing you can do to stop me! I don’t care about record deals, or merchandise or anything! I’m not going to be a sellout anymore!”

“You may not have a choice in the matter,” he said with a smirk. “Once everypony learns you bailed out of helping little miss Ditzy your reputation will be ruined.”

“You planned for this all along!” I accused. “You knew I wouldn’t back down from helping her!” I started channeling Private now. “Not only that! But if word got out I didn’t help her then Sandā’s reputation goes down too!”

“Exactly,” he said manically. “I know several ponies that would pay an amazing amount of bits to make sure your lawyer brother loses his badge. He’s put away many powerful and very angry ponies. Not unlike your friend Private.”

“Yeah well,” I said, scraping my hoof in anger. “You aren’t stopping me from getting on that stage!”

“You really think so?” Gander laughed. “Once you’re discovered with a set of drugs in your system everypony will believe you’ve gone off the deep end. You’ll gain headlines alright, but it won’t help you ever land a singing job again.”

“You’ll never gain a job as a manager again,” I fired back. “After what I tell everypony about this little scheme of yours!”

The two muscle heads then walked to me, and grabbed me by my wings, pinning me down. I struggled under their weight but these guys were heavy. I looked up at Gander who grinned evilly. “Then I guess, you’ll have to take a rain check on the concert.”

With that he slammed a hoof into my face and I blacked out…

___________________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy Doo

I peeked outside of the curtain as everypony was taking their seats. Wow, that was a lot of ponies out there. Everypony in town was coming to see us perform. It was nice to see everypony coming to appreciate our hard work.

“Well, if it isn’t my wall eyed friend,” I heard a rude voice speak up behind me.

I turned around and saw Siren with a mean look on her face. She tossed her silver mane and said in a very mean voice, “Well, I hope you aren’t actually expecting to get on that stage and embarrass yourself.”

I glared at her. “Look Siren, I know you don’t like me. But Raiden and I worked very hard on this, so yes, I am getting on that stage.”

“Oh give it a rest already,” Siren said, again very meanly. “Raiden is not coming.”

“Don’t lie Siren!” I said, glaring hard at her. “Raiden will come! He promised!”

“Oh please, he’s probably in another town right now,” Siren said with a roll of her eyes. “Raiden never takes responsibility for anything. He probably got bored of you and left.”

It’s not true! Raiden wouldn’t leave me! He said we would do this!

“Oh you poor thing,” Siren said, as if I was a brain dead two year old. “You know, I’ll bet if you leave now you’ll save yourself the embarrassment.”

“You’ll save yourself some if you shut up.”

I looked past Siren to see a very pretty yellow pony shove Siren aside. Larksong? What was she doing here?

“Larksong?” Siren said, and then smiled very fake like. “Well, if it isn’t my classmate.”

“Hello Siren,” Larksong smiled a little. “Still looking like my grandmother I see.”

Siren dropped her jaw and then glared daggers at her. “You little-”

She said several not nice words after that. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable with saying them out loud.

“-so then you’ll have to do it sideways!” Was what Siren’s rant amounted to. Wow, she did not like Larksong.

“So what are you doing here?” Larksong said, as if Siren didn’t say anything mean. “If not to just harass the competition.”

“I, the beautiful and angelically voiced Siren,” she said, putting a hoof on her chest. “Have decided to grace the audience with a real singer.”

Larksong looked left and right. “Is she here? I wonder, is she invisible?”

“Don’t you dare mock me!”

“Can I talk to this invisible mare?”

“Listen here-”

“Is she your imaginary marefriend? That would explain why you haven’t gotten stallion since Raiden left you.”

With that Siren fumed and just stormed off. Larksong looked at me and a slow smile came to her face. “Raiden will come, don’t worry.”

I gave Larksong a smile, she and I didn’t talk much, but I could tell she was a nice pony deep down. “Thanks Larksong, I know Raiden and I will do great.”

Larksong then left as the show was starting.

I heard the Mayor speak outside, “Ladies and Gentlestallions! Welcome to Ponyville’s 75th anniversary celebration! Tonight, the ponies of Ponyville have gathered to show their talent and love of music. Now let the celebrations begin!!”

I heard a lot of cheering and applause outside. It was starting, where was Raiden?

“Okay contestant number 1, let’s go!” I heard a pony call and watched Colgate head for the curtain. I looked down at my card and saw I was the last to go. Good! That means it’ll be a big finale!

I just hope Raiden gets here in time! Where is he?

_______________________________________________________

Perspective: Mocha Muffin

Another late night work shift, that was I had to look forward to tonight. Oh well, nopony was going to come to Sugar Cube Corner during the festival anyways. They can buy the merchandise from the stand the Cake family set up.

I looked up from my magazine at the empty shop. I’d only been in Ponyville for about two weeks. My cousin got me a job here as a favor from Mrs. Cake. Well, it was better than flipping veggie patties at Maredonalds I guess. At least here, I can work with my special talent.

Right now though, I was a glorified security guard. Not that I minded, it was certainly better than other jobs. The Cakes were nice, they paid reasonably, and they never seemed to ask too much of me. I was always happy to help them out.

The door opened and I saw Dark Skies, a friend of mine peek his head into the shop. “Hey Mocha! We’re all heading to that singing competition. Wanna come?” He said in his Lyrish accent.

“Can’t, sorry,” I said, using my magic to mop the floor while reading the magazine. It was pretty good to be a unicorn. “I gotta mind the shop while the Cakes are doing business.”

“Suit yourself,” he said, and then walked outside. That Dark, he can be an interesting character sometimes.

Crash!

What was that? I lifted the mop like a spear and started to make my way towards the source of the sound. It came from outside, I looked out to see Dark on the ground rubbing his head. “Bunch of jerks! Blindsiding me like that!”

“What happened?” I asked, helping my friend up.

“Some eejets came by and shoved me,” Dark complained, rubbing his bruised side. “They just walked on by like I was nothing!”

I looked to where Dark was pointing and saw two really big ponies running away. They had somepony strung over their back. He was tied up! Somepony was being kidnapped! I had to tell somepony!

“Dark!” I exclaimed, looking at him. “Where’s Private Eye?”

“He should be at the competition,” Dark said. “Like everypony in Ponyville”

“You follow those guys and I’ll go get him! Don’t let them out of your sight!”

I then left my mop behind and ran off towards Town Hall. I had to get to Private! He stopped guys like Discord before! He should be able to help somepony getting kidnapped!

_______________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

I watched as Lyra left the stage after performing an interesting song. It was called Anthrosomething. I had no idea how she got the idea or even what half what she was saying meant. But the tune was catchy enough.

I looked at the singer order and frowned. “Who the hell let Siren on?”

Rainbow who was sitting to my right fumed. “That slut got in? I hope Derpy and Raiden knock the snot out of her.”

Siren then took the stage, tossed her silver mane and began singing. It was some pop hit that really got the crowd going. I had to look forward to the fact I’d have an ear worm for the next two days.

Don’t stop, make it pop Dj, blow my speakers up!

Tonight, I’mma fight till we see the sunlight

Tick Tock, on the clock, and the party don’t stop

“Sweet Celestia!” Twilight cried, looking at the crowd. “Do ponies really have zero taste in music?”

“It’s the mare factor,” I said, crossing my forelegs. “Doesn’t matter how stupid the song is, if a mare like Siren sings it, they’ll go nuts for it.”

“Boo!” Rainbow called. “Get her off the stage!”

The crowd was ignoring Rainbow’s pleas however. They were completely under Siren’s spell. That pegasus was a pop hit even before she dated Raiden. She has gone down in recent years for her, well, clingy attitude.

But right now, Ditzy’s chances of getting anywhere were looking pretty slim.

“Private Eye!” I heard a voice call. I turned to look at the stairs on the seats and found a brown unicorn pony with a messy white mane running towards me. This was Mocha Muffin, I believe he was a new guy they hired on at Sugar Cube Corner.

He was breathing heavy as he ran up the steps to our seats. “You gotta come with me! Somepony is in trouble!”

“What happened?” I asked, getting out of my seat to walk to him.

“Somepony was getting kidnapped! I didn’t catch a good glimpse of them, but I think they took Raiden Bolt! They were trying to get out of town awfully fast!”

I nodded and I looked over at Twilight. “You get backstage and try and stall Ditzy going on as long as possible. Somepony could be trying to sabotage her showing.”

Twilight nodded and Rainbow flew beside me as we followed Mocha out. “I’m coming too, I want to make sure Raiden’s okay.”

I nodded and we all ran out, I hope we get there in time…

__________________________________________________________

“You sure we gotta drug him?”

“Look, the boss said that he’s gotta be found with drugs in his system.”

“Just don’t seem right, having tah break a mare’s heart like that.”

“Who care’s so long as we-”

Slam!

I ran into the alley to find an orange earth pony with a wild red and yellow mane slam a trash can lid into the back of a thugs head. The other thug tried to pull out a gun on the kid but I shot it out of his mouth. Rainbow then delivered a flying kick to his face and he went down for the count.

Rainbow then flapped down to Raiden and lifted his head. “He’s out cold! Those thugs were going to drug him!”

I looked at the orange earth pony. “Nice work.”

He gave a smile. “Eh, anything to help Mocha.”

Mocha was looking at the thugs and then levitated out a letter. His eyes scanned it for a minute and his eyes went wide. “These guys were hired by Raiden’s manager! They wanted him to be found with drugs to ruin his rep!”

“The dirty bastard!” the orange earth pony cried. “How could he do that?”

“I’ll take care of these two,” I said, I then looked at Rainbow. “Get him up!”

Rainbow then planted her lips on Raiden’s. Like clockwork that got his yellow eyes wide open. He then kissed back into Rainbow and shook his head drowsily. “Ow, did anypony get the license on that carriage?”

“Raiden, you’re okay!” Rainbow said, hugging her coltfriend.

I finished cuffing the thugs and then looked as Rainbow helped Raiden to his feet. My friend’s look was determined. “I have to get back to town hall! Ditzy’s counting on me!”

Rainbow slung Raiden over her back and flew at an incredible speed. It took us a while to get here thanks to the thugs moving around. I only hope they can make it in time.

_____________________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy Doo

I looked out as Siren finished her song. She was pretty good, but the song just didn’t seem to have any, I don’t know, heart to it.

Siren walked through the curtain and smiled smugly at everypony. “That, is how you win a crowd folks.”

She then walked to me and brushed her tail on my nose, almost causing me to sneeze. “I hope you’ve considered backing out, since I don’t see Raiden anywhere.”

“Raiden will come!” I fired back. “Just you wait!”

“Oh, but I won’t have to wait long.” she pointed behind me.

I turned to find Twilight arguing with the Mayor. “Look, can’t you just give her ten minutes?”

“I’m sorry Twilight,” the mayor said firmly. “But according to the rules you made, either she goes on or I have to disqualify her.”

“But-”

“No buts Twilight,” she said with a shake of her head. “I wish I could, but I can’t stall them forever. She goes out now, or she doesn’t go at all.”

Twilight sighed and walked to me. “I’m sorry Derpy, there’s nothing I can do.”

Raiden wasn’t coming. Face it Ditzy, he’s let you down like so many ponies in the past. He didn’t….he wouldn’t…

I fought back tears and looked back at Twilight. “I’m gonna go on, Raiden promised, he’s going to get here, I know it.”

Twilight smiled slowly and then held the curtain open for me “Knock em dead, Derpy.”

I walked outside to a quiet crowd. The stage was empty except for me, a microphone and a large piano. Everypony was looking at me, knowing I was the last act. They all just stared, oh what am I going to do? I don’t have the music, I can’t play the piano, I can’t do anything!

Useless

Stupid!

Wall eyed freak!

You’re wasting our time!

That’s all I am I see, just a waste of everypony’s time. I looked down and was ready to walk out. Better that I don’t sing at all then try to embarrass myself. This whole idea was stupid. How was I going to prove I was anything more than a worthless klutz? Siren was right! All I am is a freak!

Turn around…

I looked at the piano and saw Raiden was there. He made it! He came!

He smiled at me and started playing the notes to our song. His hooves and wings were working their magic on the keys. I smiled wide, fighting tears as Raiden looked at me.

“I told you I’d make it,” he said as the song started going.

Turn around…

I smiled and walked to the mic, all that insecurity I felt before was gone. I wasn’t a freak! I wasn’t just a klutz! Raiden showed me that here and now, I am a star! I don’t need to listen to what others say. I decided who I wanna be!

Every now and then I get a little bit lonely

and you’re never coming round

Raiden smiled and sang into a small microphone on the piano.

Turn around…

I poured my heart into every note I sang.

Every now and then I get a little bit tired

Of listening to the sound of my tears

Turn around…

Every now and then I get a little bit nervous

That the best of all the years had gone by…

Turn around,

Every now and then I get a little bit terrified

But then I see the look in your eyes

Raiden began adding his voice to it; he was a great singer too.

Turn around, Bright Eyes!

We began singing back and forth, the crowd was looking at me, but I didn’t care. For once in my life, I wanted them to see me.

Every now and then I fall apart!

Turn around, Bright Eyes!

Every now and then I fall apart!

And I need you now tonight,

And I need you more, then ever!

And if you only hold me tight,

We’ll be holding on forever…

And we’ll only be making it right

‘cause we’ll never be wrong.

Together we can take it to the end of the line,

Your love is like a shadow on me all the time!

I don’t know what to do, I’m always in the dark

We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks!!

At this point the crowd was cheering like nuts. Everypony was loving us. They really loved us!

Cobalt, thank you for giving this song, I know you’re watching me right now. I hope, I hope that I made you proud.

For a minute there, I thought I saw a blue unicorn in the audience. He looked like Cobalt! He was cheering for me…

Wait no, that pony was brown. Wasn’t he that new guy working at Sugar Cube Corner? The one who made those delicious muffins? He’s kind of cute…

But time to sing out again! This one’s for you muffin pony!

I really need you tonight!

Forever’s going to start tonight…

Once upon a time I was falling in love…

But now I’m only falling apart…

There’s nothing I can do…

Total eclipse of the heart..

Once upon a time there was light in my life,

But now there’s only love in the dark…

Nothing I can say…a total eclipse of the heart….

With that Raiden took over pouring his heart into the piano. I watched him play like a super musician. It’s no wonder ponies like him, he just loved the music. He didn’t care about fans or money; it was all about what he can bring to the table.

A true friend, that’s what he is…

As Raiden played I looked to my left. I stared wide eyed as Cobalt was there. Was I dreaming? Or…

He just smiled at me; I felt tears on my cheeks. His blue eyes gazed at me, told me to put everything into this.

I will Cobalt! I will make you proud of me…

I love you…

Turn around, Bright Eyes!!

Every now and then I fall apart!

Turn around, Bright Eyes!!!

Every now and then I fall apart…

And I need you now tonight!

And I need you more than ever!

And if you’ll only hold me tight!

We’ll be holding on forever!

And we’ll only be making it right

‘cause we’ll never be wrong

Together we can take it to the end of the line,

Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time

All the time!

I don’t know what to do I’m always in the dark…

We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks!

I really need you tonight!

Forever’s gonna start tonight…

Once upon a time I was falling in love…

But now I’m only falling apart…

There’s nothing I can do,

A total eclipse of the heart,

A total eclipse of the heart…

Raiden and I looked at each other, I gave him a smile as tears of pure joy flowed down my cheeks. “A total eclipse of the heart”

Raiden then played the last notes of the song and sang…right to me.

Turn around, bright eyes…

The crowd roared…

________________________________________________________________

Perspective: Raiden Bolt

“You were the most amazing singer in the whole world mommy!!” Dinky said after it was all over. She was hugging her mother’s leg tightly as we all were in Sugar Cube Corner celebrating our victory.

“Oh Dinky,” Ditzy said, nuzzling her daughter. “I’m the luckiest mommy in the whole world.”

Sparkler came by and nuzzled her mother. “You were awesome mom. The whole crowd just went nuts! I can’t believe the judges said Raiden helping you in the song meant you couldn’t get a real trophy!”

“The trophy was never the point Sparkler,” Time Turner said, rubbing Sparkler’s mane affectionately. “It was about just getting out there and showing what you got. And your mother really showed them.”

I smiled and saw that Private was sitting next to me enjoying a cupcake. “Well, I gotta hand it to you Raiden. You’ve definatly came through.”

“Hey,” I said, shoving Private a little. “I can be a good pony when I wanna be.”

He slapped me on the back. “Just try not to get involved in any wacked out conspiracies against you anymore”

“What’s going to happen to Gander?” I asked.

“Well,” Private said, leaning back in his chair. “I arrested his thugs and they spilled the beans. Gander is going to be arrested right about now. I also heard a good lawyer is going to make sure he gets the longest sentence possible.”

Sandā, I really gotta send you a huge fruit basket. I know how much you like pears.

I then looked up as Ditzy turned and saw that Mocha guy from before walk to her, levitating a big bouquet of flowers. He smiled nervously and gave them to her. “Miss Doo, I just wanna say, you were amazing out there.”

“Thanks,” Ditzy said, a smile on her face. “I saw you in the audience cheering me on.”

“Well,” he rubbed the back of his head nervously. “It’s um, only natural when somepony would. I just felt the need to oblige.”

“Your name,” she said, tilting her head. “It’s muffin something right?”

“Mocha!” He said, his face suddenly red. “It’s um, Mocha Muffin”

“Hi Mocha!” Ditzy said with a cheerful smile. “Say um, that performance was making me hungry. Do you want me to show you my own muffin recipe?”

“That would be great,” he said, as they began walking back to the kitchen. I then looked over at Private and gave him a frown.

“What?” he said, trying to look innocent.

“Somepony gave him the flowers,” I crossed my forelegs. “At it again are we?”

Private gave a nervous laugh. “Uh, I may have pointed him to a good florist.”

That’s Private for you. He can’t ever leave a couple alone. Oh well, he got me and Rainbow together. So, I guess I can leave him off the hook this one time.

I then watched as Rainbow stood by the door. She gestured with her head she wanted to head out. I flew over and we left the shop behind.

________________________________________________________

We laid on our backs on a cloud together, looking up at the stars. Rainbow then looked over at me. “I’m proud of you, you know that?”

“You are?” I said, looking at my marefriend.

“The Raiden from when I first met him would never have agreed to this,” she said, and then reached over and touched my cheek. “Right now, I see that you’re starting to understand what it means to be loyal to your friends.”

“Ditzy just needed a chance to stand out,” I said, touching her cheek as well. “I wanted to give her that chance.”

“Raiden?”

“Yeah Rainbow?”

“Okay, I’m about to get all mushy,” she said, looking down “So, if you tell Twilight or anypony else about this I’ll kick you in the flank.”

“Oh,” I smirked. “So do I get a spanking for being a bad pony?”

Spring!

“Darn it Raiden!” she yelled, trying to fix her wing boner. At least we all know what she’s thinking.

“Well, at least I know I still got it,” I laughed.

“You jerk!” She punched me in the chest, and then started laughing herself. “You always somehow manage to get me like this.”

I smiled and gently pulled her into me. She rested her head on my chest. I took in the smell of her mane. She smelled like the air after a rain shower. She nuzzled herself into me and I smiled. “Rainbow, I wouldn’t have been like this if it weren’t for you.”

She then wrapped her wings around me. “I’m glad,” She looked up at me. “Again, if you tell anypony about this I’ll kill you.”

“I promise,” I said, rubbing her muzzle against mine. “It stays between us. I’m not leaving you hanging.”

Just then, I stared into her beautiful magenta eyes. I started thinking of all the sappy lyrics I could in my brain. I was suddenly so inspired…

And it was all thanks to a couple of pegasi.

I kissed Rainbow right then and there, wrapping this awesome mare in my own wings. She returned my kiss just as eagerly. I then whispered in her ear, “Rainbow, I think I’m in love.”

“Well,” she said in my ear. “That makes two of us, rock star.”

I blushed a little as Rainbow pressed herself back into me. This mare just made my whole life better. She gave me meaning, I am, and I always will be…

In love with this Rainbow…

You’re going through so much…

And I thought that I….

Could be the one…

To hold you…

Every single day, I find it hard to say…

I could be yours alone…

You will see someday…

That all along the way…

I am yours to hold…

I’m not letting her fly away. Rainbow…I love you…and I will hold onto you forever…

Rainbow…

_________________________________________________________

Perspective: Ditzy

I flew and landed in the graveyard once again. I walked over to a small gravestone and set a bunch of flowers on it. I laid a hoof on the headstone and said “Cobalt, I hope I made you proud”

I then reached into my pocket and pulled out a small letter. The last letter Cobalt wrote before he died…

Dear Ditzy,

I know I’m dying now. The doctors say there’s nothing they can do. I tried to fight it but I can’t anymore. I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry I let you down. But, looking back on it all, I don’t regret my time with you at all. You’ve become not only my best friend, but a love that was always true. I hope, with my passing, that you find somepony to take care of you.

You’re a special mare Ditzy, there’s no doubt in my mind anymore. Don’t worry about what others say, they just can’t see beyond their noses. I love you Ditzy, that’s all I can think about now. Take good care of Dinky, she’s going to need her mom now more than ever. I know you’ll do great.

Don’t cry Ditzy, don’t cry when I leave. Because I know, one day we’re going to see each other again. Save those tears for when we see each other. I can’t wait to see your wonderful face, hear your laugh in my ears, and above all, gaze into those bright eyes of yours.

Others say you’re not smart. But what are brains without a good heart? You’ve given me hope and purpose in my life. You brought me into something beautiful. I hope, that you will find joy, because you deserve it.

It’s getting harder to focus my magic. So I’ll some up everything I feel in three simple words…

I love you…

Yours always

Cobalt…

With that, I sang one last song for Cobalt. One my mommy taught me a long time ago. She said to sing it whenever we said goodbye.

I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by,

Weep not for the memories

Remember the good times that we had?

I let them slip away from us when things got bad.

How clearly I first saw you smilin' in the sun

Want to feel your warmth upon me

I want to be the one

I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories

I swear I heard a second voice singing. I felt a hoof on my shoulder. I looked over and saw Cobalt was there. He was smiling at me and singing along.

I'm so tired but I can't sleep

Standin' on the edge of something much to deep

It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word

We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard

I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories

He looked at me as he started to fade with the spring wind. I kept singing, desperate to have him here this last song.

I'm so afraid to love you

But more afraid to lose

Clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose

Once there was a darkness

Deep and endless night

You gave me everything you had, oh you gave me life

He smiled as he slowly faded away. I openly wept as I gave out the last chorus.

I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories…

I heard Cobalt’s voice say one last thing.

I will remember you always, Bright Eyes…