//------------------------------// // The Beat of His Heart // Story: A Different Kind of Pony // by thatwheelchairguy //------------------------------// There's nothing like a hot shower to ease oneself. Aches and sores disappearing from muscles, worries of the day that seem to melt away as the hot water pours over your pelt. Bass was very much enjoying the luxury of just sitting on his haunches and savoring the feel of water running down his fur. He could hardly see due to his wet mane covering his eyes, and Bass was perfectly okay with that right now. His mind was blank. "Bass, sweetie? I'm home!" Abigail Iron said loudly as she entered the house. She could hear the sound of running water coming from the bathroom, so it was safe to assume that Bass had finished his workout. She sighed, shaking her head. Both she and Rolan knew about his routine, and she wished there was a way they could get through to their son. Hopefully the special announcement she had for dinner would cheer him up a bit. Bass groaned. He knew it would happen but he had hoped to enjoy his shower just a bit longer. "Oh well," he muttered quietly. Reaching blindly about, he finally managed to get a hoof on his towel. He quickly dried his mane grumbling, "I can't believe I let mom talk me into growing my mane out." He'd gotten used to the length but still, it was annoying. Wiping at the mirror, Bass looked at the pony reflected in the polished silver surface. Dark grey fur with a mane as white as snow; the pony looking back had bright turquoise eyes. Looking down at the body he could be seen lean muscle, worked into shape from his time working on the farm. Stretching out his wings, the reflection mirrored his every motion as he shook the water from the feathers. "Hard to believe I'm not adopted" he chuckled at the thought; he looked nothing like either of his parents. "Dinner’s ready!" he heard his mother call. How long have I been in here? Shaking out his mane and tail, getting them to settle just the way he liked, Bass entered the kitchen noticing both his parents with their saddle bags on. “Where are we going?” he asked, slightly confused. “Oh, just thought we’d go for a walk as a family,” his father replied. Bass merely shrugged, sliding his hoodie and saddle bags on as he trotted out the door with his family. As they walked, Abi took the opportunity to question her son about his day. "So what happened at school today?" "Not a whole lot, talked about the history of Equestria, the Elements of Harmony, stuff like that". "Sounds interesting, especially since you personally know the ponies that represent each of the elements," his dad chipped in. "I guess, it’s just stuff I already know, so it’s kind of boring. Also the teacher announced that the Nightmare Night dance is coming up" Bass replied. Abigail's ear perked up at that, "Any special pony you interested in?" "Mooom...." he groaned in response. "No there is no filly in particular, though I saw Summer Dew looking at me after class today." "Ooooh!" his mom squealed. Bass merely rolled his eyes. Rolan was chuckling at his wife's excitement. “Here we are!” he said after a bit. Looking up, Bass’s jaw dropped. They were at The Vinyl Emporium, the number one music store in Manehatten. He looked back at his parents as they chuckled. “We figured since it’s your birthday we would get you some more CDs and a better stereo system for your room,” Abi said, walking up to him and giving him a gentle hug. As they entered the store a small bell rang. The grey mare at the counter looked up from her magazine. Seeing as there were costumers she neatly folded it and trotted over to the family. “Welcome to The Vinyl Emporium, where all things music resides,” she said with a smile. “My name is Octa----” “Octavia Philharmonica!” Bass blurted out, cutting the poor mare off. “Sorry…” he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. Shaking her head, the mare chuckled. “No worries, you just surprised me bit. Clearly you know who I am. It’s nice to see a young colt as yourself with such refined taste. So, how can we help you today?” Bass wandered off after they had explained to Octavia the reason for their visit. Looking down the rows of CDs he bobbed his head to the track that was playing in the background. Bass’s wings twitched as he walked around, accounting it to the music playing. The further into the store he walked, the more his wings started twitching, and more in time to the music, he noticed. Looking around, Bass saw that he was almost to the end of the CDs and close to the instruments and speakers that were playing the same tracks. Curiosity overwhelming him, he went towards them. Rows of electric guitars went by with his tongue dangling in awe. There were Les Paul’s, Ibanez’s, and every other brand of guitar imaginable. Bass suddenly found himself in a space set up where customers could try out the different guitars and amps. By now his wings were flapping along gently in time with song that was playing. It was actually an enjoyable feeling. “Nice hoodie,” a voice out of nowhere said, startling him. Standing next to him was a snow white mare with two toned mane and tail and sunglasses that Bass would recognize anywhere. “You… You’re…” he stammered. The mare only grinned wider “DJ – PON-3 at your service,” she said with an over exaggerated bow, “but please, call me Vinyl.” “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” Bass squeed. Vinyl let out a hearty laugh, throwing a hoof over the colt’s shoulder. “You’ve got a good taste in music, kid,” she said “what’s your name?” “Um… it’s uh… Bass.” He replied in a voice to rival Fluttershy. “Well Bass, pop a squat here,” Vinyl said as she led him over to stool. Once Bass was settled and balanced, she walked down an aisle, mumbling to herself. She came back a few minutes later, carrying a black four stringed guitar in her magic. “Hold your hoofs out,” the white mare instructed. Doing as she said, he extended his hoofs out to the sides. Vinyl then lowered the guitar around him and adjusted the straps so the guitar sat comfortably on his frame. “How’s that feel?” She asked. Bass fidgeted as he got used to the weight of the guitar. Spreading his wings a bit, he was finally able to get settled where he didn’t feel like he was about to topple over. “Different, but in a good way,” He replied as he plucked at the strings. Vinyl grinned widely at him. “Ok then, time for your first lesson!” Levitating another guitar over to herself, she sat on a stool in front of Bass. For the next hour and a half, Vinyl taught him the basic notes, how to tune, and how to maintain the guitar. During that time he felt like he had died and gone to heaven; not only was he getting one on one time with one of his favorite musicians, but she was also teaching him how to play an instrument. But all good things must eventually come to an end. “There you are!” Octavia said, “We were wondering where you disappeared to.” Bass blushed and Vinyl just laughed, “Sorry, guess we just we just got carried away.” “That’s all fine and well, but his parents are looking for him,” she replied. “Ok, ok,” the white mare replied, “come on kiddo; let’s get you taken care of.” Using her magic to lift the instrument, Bass moved his arms so it would slide easily. As he hopped off the stool to follow Octavia back to the front, Bass saw Vinyl walk off down another aisle look. Abi was the first one to see her son and rushed over to him, fussing over him for disappearing on them. "Alright kiddo," Vinyl said, reappearing with a variety of items levitating in her magic. "Got your bass, amp, auxiliary cord, strap, case, and beginners book. Everything you need to get started." Bass looked on in disbelief, "Um.... I don't think I can afford all that..." "No buts!" The DJ proclaimed. "I know a musician when I see one. Besides, it's a birthday gift from me and Tavi he... Ow!" The white mare yelped fun a sharp nudge to the side. "We would like to consider it an investment in your future, if you don't mind," Octavia interjected. "Well..." Abi looked at Rolan. The farther only nodded in approval "Really?!" He gasped, "thank you so much!" Bass ran over and hugged his parents, then the two musicians, grinning in excitement. "However…" Bass paused, "you won't be able to start practicing until after we get back from Ponyville." "Why’d you nudge me so hard?" The white mare asked, still rubbing her side. "Because," the other mare replied, I told you that you can only call me that in private." Octavia sighed at the DJ's cocky grin. "Besides, are you sure about this?" Vinyl looked at the family in the distance, "Yeah, a few bits out of pocket are nothing compared to how good that kid is gonna be."