Staccato Dreams

Hello everypony, this is my very first fan-fiction. Featuring my OC Staccato Fortissimo. Um.. go easy on me? Am I allowed to say that? Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for viewing my story and giving it a chance. Hopefully, you will like it? Maybe? If you have any criticisms please do tell. I can only get better from it. I hope you enjoy. This chapter was heavily inspired by Miyajima's Fleurdeliser. Go check it out!
Also, this was my least favorite chapter to write. It's too short, it has absolutely no substance, and I just don't like it. Please don't use this chapter as a medium for Staccato Dreams as a whole. Thank you.

As Celestia’s sun slowly sank over the horizon to the west, and Luna’s beautiful night sky became more and more crisp and clear. A raw chill slowly swept through upper Canterlot, as the land of Equestria was no longer bathed in Celestia’s warmth. As the sun whispered it’s last goodbyes, lights from the numerous mansions, small castles, and the expensive lamp posts that lined the long Caterlonean streets, flickered to life.

Many of Canterlot’s residents could be seen, wrapped in their expensive scarves, stylish coats, big hats and posh boots. Trying ever so hard to keep warm as the slow and lazy autumn made room for the rapidly approaching winter. Each of them either making their trip home, as their day came to an end, or leaving to enjoy the enticing and exciting night life that just began.

A soft blanket of snow slowly began to make it’s way down towards the ivory mountain side city, not quite touching down just yet. Curiously the pearl river running through was still flowing, resisting the freezing temperature, perhaps a work of the unicorns in charge of the legendary Canterlot weather team.

One humble structure stood stiff, almost completely hidden under the shadow of the two towering buildings that seemed to squeeze the smaller house to death. Simple and square in design, yet classic and antique in style, with it’s old faded wooden supports and cobblestone finish. Although small, the structure seemed to be bustling with visitors.

More high class ponies stood outside waiting for friends and acquaintances to arrive, shivering and shaking all the while. Although the gently falling snow seemed to change the minds of the pedestrians standing in the winter weather. Valuing the comfort of the warm house above the company of their colleagues, at least for the meantime.

Above them, a small sign also shook and shivered as the raw wind blew ever more rapidly though Canterlot. The sign was engraved with nothing more than a simple gavel and pedestal, the edges rounded, bare, and raw from the test of time.

On the inside, it was a much more comfortable temperature. Many trotted about, enjoying the small orderves, delicate wines and champagnes being served. While they conversed lavishly on previous events.

Every year, the Canterlot Auction House would host perhaps the most reserved and most expensive auction presentation in all of Equestria. The amount of bits collected here on this one day could almost buy the Canterlot Castle itself. Gathered here were some of the wealthiest, most successful ponies in all of Equestria, each of them could easily be picked from a crowd, as they all spared no expense from their attire or looks.

Although each were unique, with their unnecessarily cumbersome and intricate hats, dresses, and suits, one pony in particular stood out, and above, all the rest. Casually walking about, making small talk to familiar friends and adoring fans, a white-coated, pink maned unicorn, dressed in a very elaborate yet mysteriously simple gown, stood oddly taller than most pony residents in Equestria. Her figure was rare amongst most of Canterlot, but considered beautiful, as it mimicked that of the royal princess’s themselves.

Many would recognize her immediately as Equestria’s most famous rising star in modeling,
hailing from the royal family in Prance, Fleur de Lis, as she was called, was undoubtedly the brightest spectacle in the room. Towering a good hoof and a half above all the other ponies, she stood full of pride of her size, and did not attempt to hide her beauty nor her dignity.

She trotted about, making her way through the small auction house, weaving her elegant figure through small groups of patrons as she attempted to find a good place to stand before the actual auction began. Although she did not plan on making an actual purchase, contrary to popular belief, Fleur was quite the intelligent unicorn, and took fascination to the expensive pieces of classical art and small trinkets that would be for sale.

She glanced towards and antique grandfather clock, the swinging pendulum catching her eye for a brief moment.

“Five more minutes.” She whispered to herself, a twinge of excitement in her voice.

She closed her eyes, for a moment just taking in the atmosphere of the room. The room had a certain classical feeling to it, due to it being so old. Being somewhat of what one would call a “classy” pony, she felt obliged to appreciate and understand antique and finer things.

As she slowly inhaled to further feel the rustic aura of the area, a familiar voice called her name.
“Fleur?” Her eyes shot open and she turned to her left to see a young light brown stallion. Draped in a very simple black fleece jacket and a jet black mane with red ends spilling out under a matching beret. His shoulders, back, and hat covered in a light coat of snow and a small, tired grin on his snout.

“Ah, it IS you!” He chimed cheerily, confirming his hunch.

“Staccato.” Fleur responded, in a soft, regal tone, smiling, glad to see a good friend. “It’s been a while.” He smiled, gladly knowing that his friend had not forgotten him.

“How are you?” He continued. “Last time I saw you, you were back on your way to Prance. How was the trip?” Fleur beamed as much as her regal appearance would allow as she recalled the fond memory.

“It was very nice, pleasant to see my family again, as well as being back home.” A ghost of a smile returned to Staccato’s mouth, his usually half drawn eyes now fully closed.

“That’s good.” He finished as the snow on his coat now started to melt into water, unbeknownst to him. Fleur could only cover her mouth with her hoof as she tried to contain a chuckle. It was only when a few drops of water fell from the brim of his hat and onto the tip of his snout did Staccato realize the fountain forming on his head. He grinned sheepishly, as he quickly removed his beret revealing his unicorn horn and brushed it dry of any snow or water.

“How about you Staccato?” Fleur began, returning the question towards him.
“How have you been?”

Staccato’s smile faded slightly. He only gave a small shrug in response, a little reluctant to share with her past events. She shot him a worried look, he dropped his head, trying to avoid eye contact. Fleur sighed slightly before continuing.

“Still thinking about it?” She returned
He only exhaled deeply, his head now tilted towards the ground. He rubbed his hoof against his temple slightly before raising his head again.

“It’s been over 12 years.. it’s absolutely pathetic that I cannot move on..” He squeezed his eyes shut, then forced a small smile onto his face.

“Ah, lets not talk about that, okay?” She gave a sad smile, then nodded.

“I heard your company is recovering well from that lawsuit a while back.” Fleur continued onto
another subject. Staccato scoffed slightly, shaking his head.

“I would hardly call it “well” Fleur, we are still not out of the Everfree forest just yet. I still can’t believe that they still invited me here to be honest. Do they seriously think I can afford to spend money on things like this?” Fleur shrugged slightly.

“You are the CEO of Crescendo Studios, so they’re still keeping their eye on you I’m sure.” The stallion smirked.

“I guess they’re hoping that I give up on the company, retire early and spend the rest of my money on classical art or something.” He said jokingly

“But I know Staccato Fortissimo better than that. He wouldn’t sell his family’s company for the world.” The towering mare gave a small wink. Staccato chuckled and turned his head towards Fleur, smiling.

“Thanks Fleur.”

Suddenly, the auctioneer rose up to the small wooden podium located on the stage in the back of the house. The clicking of his hooves against the hard wood getting the attention of the two friends.

“It’s starting now.” Staccato whispered. He looked at Fleur realizing there was an empty spot right next to her. The stallion took his place next to the tall mare, before looking towards her once more, forced to tilt his head up due to her impressive height.

“I hope I’m not intruding on any planned engagements you had prior to our meeting.” He said, trying to sound as proper and regal as possible for her sake. Fleur just smiled again, seeing her friend putting considerable effort towards matching her sublimity, she decided to tease her old friend a bit.

“Nope!” She almost shouted, shattering her aristocratic image that she had worked so hard to gain. Staccato raised an eyebrow, or at least the pony equivalent. Confused for both the fashion in which the beautiful mare had responded, and the answer in itself. She was always a popular pony, what with always being near Fancy Pants and all. It seemed extremely unusual that she was without any company this night.

“Really? Fancy Pants isn’t with you?” She shook her head.

“He wanted to visit the Wonderbolts Race Track one last time before the season ended. So I am here alone tonight.” He smirked, still a little surprised.

“And you don’t have a date or anything?”

“Nope.” Staccato shook his head in disbelief, then turned to her one more time.

“Well, do you mind if I stay for the evening?” She turned to look at him, putting on a cheerful face.

“It would be my pleasure Staccato.”

Before the auction began, there were numerous amounts of introductions regarding the most prestigious and regarded ponies in the house that night. Everypony from the retired captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard, whom lived almost next door, to the Ambassador of Zebrica who had made the long trip here from across Equestria.

This lasted for thirty long, droning minutes, until Fleur’s name was also called, although, there was no need for the bright spot light that shined brightly on her. She was tall enough to be seen clearly from the other side of the room anyways.

“Fleur de Lis, hailing from the royal family of Prance, has quickly become the newest rising star in modeling. We are honored to have her here today.” The house owner announced quickly, not having time to give everypony a full introduction without the possibility of finishing two days later.

She only smiled and nodded towards the auctioneer, allowing him to move on to the next pony. The sound of hooves thudding against the wooden floor suddenly echoed through the room. Beginning a large applaud for the tall mare, slowly increasing as other ponies joined in, feeling the need to fall in with the crowd. Fleur blushed a bit, not used to this much praise and direct attention.

In truth, it made her a little uncomfortable. Sure she was probably the most famous mare in Equestria right now, save the princesses. But it was all in her pictures and modeling. In reality, the only direct attention she received was from the large camera and cumbersome lights and backgrounds.

Even the Photo Finish was not much of a talker. Just shouting out “oohs” and “ahhs”, “yes!” and “Ah! so graceful!” whenever she got a pose right. Which Fleur could never truly figure out what was right and what was wrong, with every “right” pose seeming to contradict each other.

She used her superior height to scout out the source of the applause, only having to look right beside her and see Staccato beating his hooves against the wooden finish, grinning jovially with devious accomplishment. Perhaps getting revenge on the tall unicorn for teasing him before.

She smiled and bumped him in attempt to make the stallion stop, but he only beamed brightly before halting, satisfied with the damage that was done. Finally the applaud subsided, diminishing to nothing more than a few golf claps, to silence again as the house owner continued his introductions. The two ponies in the back began to whisper with one another.

“You did that on purpose.” If it was possible to smile wider than one’s face, Staccato seemed fully capable of doing so.

“You tease me all the time Fleur, if you can dish it out, you need to learn to take it.” He replied in a sing-song tone, failing to contain a chuckle.

“Fair enough.” She then gave her own devilish smile.

“But of course you do realize that this means war?” Staccto gave one final laugh before replying.

“Draw your sword, and let the duel begin.”

“You know I’m a professional fencer, yet you still use that metaphor.” Staccato rubbed his neck nervously, recalling when he had first seen the mare wield a rapier. Not a particularly fond memory, probably due to the fact that he was on the sharp end of the sword at the time. Figuratively and literally. He disregarded the thought then shrugged.

“I thought it would be appropriate.” Fleur giggled under the cover of her white hoof.

“Very well, I accept your challenge, may the best pony win.”

And so the rest of the night went on as a raging battle flared between them, each of them throwing a witty comment towards the other, causing one of them to be in the spotlight of attention for however brief moments they were. Back and forth they countered and parried quick remarks with silver swords. It was all in good fun of course, neither of them ever went too far, they both wore body armor that would protect them from that. But fencing armor does have holes in it, so to punish those who cannot defend themselves well enough, as they did not hold back when the opportunity arrived. Never letting even the smallest chance to embarrass the other slip by without taking complete advantage of it.

“Ah yes! That reminds me of the time when Fleur de Lis had one too many drinks at the Wonderbolts Derby a long time ago, and danced on top of the table in her private booth and they caught her on the big screen.” Staccato shouted out for everypony to hear as they showcased a rare and valuable red ceramic vase. How he had managed to connect the two subjects together was beyond the thoughts of the ponies in the crowd, and in honesty, beyond him as well.

It did not matter though, as the crowd burst into laughter, trying to imagine the porcelian unicorn executing such a feat. Fleur began to turn a hot pink, as blood rushed up to fill the room in her cheeks, recalling the incident, as she was almost kicked out of the booth.

“My, what beautiful curtains! Don’t you have a horrible fear of curtains Staccato? Ever since your hooves got caught in one when you were just a colt and your parents were not home. So you were stuck for two hours, waiting for the “big scary monster” to let you go? Until your parents finally returned to find their son a sobbing mess hidden underneath their imported curtains.” The house began to fill with laughter once again, with Staccato only giving a small nervous chuckle, rubbing his neck shakily, gazing upon the silk curtains.

Eventually, the two fencers were asked to stop, as they were disrupting the auction with their constant shouting and joking. So, with an extreme amount of reluctance, in the end they formed a truce, and announced the battle a tie. For now. But now they had to find other ways to entertain themselves.

They looked upon the rich couples as the wife would scold the husband for losing the bid to a certain piece, and would snicker and laugh under their hooves.

The Ambassador of Zebrica almost choking on a toothpick caused the two unicorns to burst out whole heartedly, but Staccato was almost sure the Ambassador had heard them, as he gave a look towards them sharper than daggers after he downed a glass of champagne to clear his throat.

They scarcely paid little to no attention to the items being presented. They were far too preoccupied, snickering and quietly chuckling at the events that passed through them. Until one item in particular caught Staccato’s interest.

“Our next item tonight is this beautiful antique phonograph, a custom made piece crafted in 1899 for famous pianist and song writer Colt Porter of the late 1800s to early 1900s.” Staccato’s head shot towards the phonograph, his pupils shrunk in surprise and glee.

“Colt Porter? As in.. THE Colt Porter?”

“We also have another item that will be sold along with this one, as a set. If you will.” The light gray auction pony waved a hoof as a pair of stock earth ponies wheeled out a large cabinet, filled tightly with an amazing amount of vinyl records.

“Along with this antique phonograph, we will also be auctioning off this rare and valuable collection of records by Colt Porter himself. Almost his entire collection of songs are placed here as well as a few never before seen, unfinished projects he had started but sadly never complete before his death.” Staccato gave out a small shriek, a good portion of the room turned to glance at him, but he paid no mind, instead just continued to stare at the phonograph and record collection set. Fleur raised an eyebrow, she had never seen Staccato so excited for anything in his life before.

“But that is not all we have here.” The auction pony continued, laying a hoof on the large cabinet. Sounding more like an advertiser for a used car department rather than a posh and professional auctioneer.

“The contributor of this piece also managed to get his hoofs on many recordings of the infamous Horsegang Amadeus Mozcart, composer and pianist of the late 18th century. As well as a few of his unfinished compositions as well, including Requiem and many others, completely unheard to Equestria.“ It was then when Fleur felt a fainting Staccato fall against her side.

“Unfinished... Mozcart...” He mumbled, lost in thought. His pupils almost completely invisible from the size that they were reduced to. Fleur softly shoved Staccato back on his hooves. He shook his head violently, pulling himself out of trance.

“We will start the bid at ten thousand bits.” Staccato beamed.

“Ten thousand? Yeah! I can do that! I mean so long as nopony else decides to-”

“Twelve thousand bits!” A pony in the back shouted, interrupting Staccato’s train of thought thought.

“Oh buck..” He whispered to himself.

“Fourteen Thousand!” Another bidder attacked.

“Fifteen!”

“Twenty!”

“Twenty two!”

“Twenty five!” The price continued to escalate higher and higher. Just as Staccato was ready to place a bid, another bidder would place one higher. He unconsciously touched the pouch full of bits in his jacket. He had more than enough money to outbid anypony in his bank, but he had saved that money in case of emergency, in case Crescendo Studios began to fall.

He could spend that money.. Like Fleur had said before, the company was recovering rather well from it’s recent downfall. But still.. Crescendo Studio’s was not just his company, it was his father’s company, and his grand father’s company. They had left it to him, it was his family’s legacy, and his responsibility, he had to take care of it. He could live in a cheap apartment for all he cared, so long as his family’s business was still intact, he did not care about himself. No, he would not take the risk, not for his life. All he could do was hope that nopony would bid too high for him, but it was not looking good..

“Thirty five thousand!”

“Thirty seven thousand!” Staccato’s previously massive grin was now completely gone as the bidding rose to exponential rates.

“Thirty nine!”

“Forty!” A final voice shouted out. That was it, Staccato could not go any higher than that. The light brown unicorn hung his head in defeat. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but he would have to miss it this time.

“Phonograph and record collection set for forty thousand bits!” The auction pony announced.

“Going once! Going twice!”

“Fifty thousand bits!” A surprisingly close voice shouted out.

Strike

“Sold! To the light brown stallion unicorn in the back!” Staccato sighed, disappointingly.

“What a shame..” He mumbled.

“Such a treasure is just going to collect dust in the corner of somepony’s collection room..” A steady flow of clapping echoed through the room, congratulating the buyer.

Odd.. Staccato thought. He was light brown.. He was also a unicorn stallion.. and he stood at the back..

Staccato lifted his head, gazing around to see the entire auction house applauding in his general direction. It was only then when he felt that his right hoof was no longer supporting his body, but rather, raised high in the air by a long white leg. His eyes darted from the leg to the owner, seeing none other than Fleur with a bright smile on her snout.

Reprise

“Fleur!” Staccato shouted, yanking his hoof back down to the ground.
“Why would you do that?” Fleur cocked her head in satisfaction.
“I saw the look on your face. You really wanted that, I don’t know why you didn’t bid for it.” She chimed devilishly.

Feint

“Elizabeth.” Staccato said sternly, pulling her closer to him so he could whisper in her ear.
“I don’t have the money for this.” He said quietly through his teeth.
“Fine! If that’s the way you want to be then I’ll pay for half of it then!” She almost shouted pushing Staccato as he reeled back.
“No! No that’s not what I meant!” The shorter unicorn exclaimed waving his hooves back and forth as the two earth ponies from before wheeled the large case and phonograph towards him.

Trompement

“No? Well fine then! I guess I’ll pay for the whole thing!”

Finish

On Staccato’s face was a look of absolute horror.

“Please don’t do this Fleur, you know how much I hate owning people!” The porcelin unicorn only smiled brightly, her eyes drawing to a close.

“Yes I do, and that is why I do it.” Staccato groaned.

“This is why, Fancy Pants likes you so much.. He never liked yes mares.”

“Come on Al.. We both know how much you wanted that.” Staccato’s eyes shrunk from
surprise, to a scowl.

“Please don’t call me that Fleur..” Al.. Staccato especially disliked being called that. He had not been called by that nickname in a long time, and for that he was glad, for it brought back bad memories that he would have rather forgotten. Since the last person that called him that was..

“Hey! If you call me by my nickname, then I’ll call you by yours.” She smirked.

“Besides..” She started, a genuine look in her eyes
“It’s my birthday gift to you Staccato.” The brown unicorn looked up at her yet another look of astonishment on his face.

“How did you know?”

“I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t remember something as simple as your birthday would I?” Staccato was stunned, speechless, and above all joyful. It gave him so much pleasure to know that somepony had remembered his birthday without telling them soon before. In truth, he had been so busy as of late that he had almost forgotten his own birthday.

Staccato’s eyes began to water up, a smiled formed on his face once again.
“Thank you Fleur..” He managed to say, voice cracking and trembling uncontrollably.

“Happy Birthday Staccato.”

“Okay, at least let me pay for some of it!” Staccato shouted, following Fleur out of the auction house long after the bidding was finished.

“No! It’s my gift to you. Can you imagine how bad I would feel to make you pay for your own gift?” Staccato furrowed his eyes.

“Do you know how bad I feel that you bought a fifty thousand dollar present for me?” He responded as Fleur’s carriage began to pull towards the sidewalk.

“I refuse to accept any money from you.”

“Well, what if I send it to your Pen Pony? Then you have no choice but to accept it.”

“Then I’ll give you twice the money back, and you’ll have no choice but to accept it either.”
Staccato almost shouted in frustration.

“Half.” Staccato offered.

“One tenth.” Fleur responded.

“A third!”

“One fifth.” The tall unicorn retorted, not letting up. Staccato pouted.

“One quarter?” Fleur paused for a moment, opening the door to her carriage.

“Deal.” She accepted finally. Staccato exhaled, relieved that he could at least pay for a portion of
the extremely expensive gift.

“Okay. So that means I owe you..” Staccato did his calculations in his head quickly as Fleur entered her cart.

“Twelve thousand five hundred right?” The tall unicorn peeked her head out of the window, and shook her head slightly.

“Nope.” she said softly. Suddenly, Fleur’s horn lit up brightly as Staccato felt a small tug on the pouch in his coat. The string that was twisted tightly over the opening of the bag, loosened just enough for a single silver coin to float gracefully out.

“Just one quarter.” Staccato sighed, eyelids half closed.

“That’s not what I meant Fleur..” She smirked again.

“No, it’s what I meant.” She chimed.

“Thank you for the wonderful evening Staccato.” The unicorn shook his head.

“It was my pleasure Fleur, I will pay you back soon.”

“Then I’ll buy you something else with that money.” She said one final time before her cart began to pull away.

“Don’t you dare.” The carriage rolled away, clicking and clacking as it drove over the bumpy cobblestone road. Staccato sighed and stared at the night sky, still bright and crisp, illuminated under Luna’s moonlight.

“See what happens when I’m too nice like you taught me to be mom? It only comes back to bite me in the flank.” He thought he could see a single star twinkle in the distance. Staccato smiled sadly.

“Glad to know you’re listening Mom..”

Note 1: Fleur de Lis and Staccato are not in a relationship of any kind.
Note 2: Staccato is not Luna's son, that is not what the last lines imply.
Note 3: Staccato has an ask tumblr if anyone is interested.