//------------------------------//
// Performances 
// Story: Broken Wings 
// by Lt_Voss 
//------------------------------//

	After three hours later, we'd practised a ton, and it was our turn to get onto the stage. Peeking through the double doors of the hall, I saw that all the instruments I'd need over the course of my performance were already up there, including Nolan's drums. John's guitar, and mine as well, were going to be carried on by their respective owners. I had mine around my neck now. I saw a seat between Luna and Celestia, and when they saw Fluttershy next to me, they waved her over. "Go on, Fluttershy. Sit next to them." She did so.

Nervously, I walked onto the stage. I pulled at my shirt collar, suddenly feeling very hot. "Uh, hello, everypony. I'm Will, and, uh," I paused to gulp. Come on, pansy! It's just like an audition! 'Those are where people mess up!' Imagine them in their underwear! I tried imagining what a pony would look like in boxers or... anyway, while I came up with some pretty silly looks, it worked and it alleviated some of my nervousness. "Uh, I'm going to be performing five pieces for you tonight, all from the selection of human music, with the help of some friends." I looked to my right, and saw Octavia waiting with her cello, ready to play. I nodded to her, and we began with this piece, but cut down a bit of the intro.

When the intro was done, I started the guitar part, and began singing:


"So I see you're still stuck on the ground,
Down there all warm and safe and sound.
I know what it's like to be down there,
Dreaming of the sky and open air.
One day soon I know you'll see.
Raise your head and smile for me.
Laugh about our history,
Learn just what you're meant to be.


One of Octavia's solos came up then, and she performed beautifully, not once missing a note.


You sigh and always try to play it cool,
But deep inside you still feel like a fool.
The world's so big, and you, you feel so small,
Wondering if you should try at all.
But tomorrow's not 'til today is gone.
Live the moment, don't take long.
Smile for impending dawn,
and forget the troubles you think on.


Insert Another of Octavia's solos here.


Is it time to break the mold?
Are you doin' what you're told?
Go ahead, you can be bold.
Live for living, don't be cold.
When your final days have come,
Smile at the miles you've run.
Oh, come on, have a little fun.
Spread your wings, your time has come!


Octavia had a much shorter solo this time, but it still sounded great.


Still hoping for the wings you've earned,
Silent as the fires in you burned.


The piece got intense then.


Brush away the dust and ash,
On your shoulders from the past.
Smile at the things that last!
Feel the beat, your dice are cast.
With luck, or fate rejoice!
Now you finally have a choice!
So prove them wrong, this much is true.
Just wait another day...
For me to say... I love you too.
Oh... ho....


I pointedly looked directly at Fluttershy and smiled at her after I finished the song, hoping that she would take the hint. I let Octavia finish the song with another solo, slowly fading away. We both stood silent on the stage, waiting to see what the crowd thought of it. The hall was silent for a long time, and I feared that no one had liked it. Then I heard Luna, Celestia, and Fluttershy start cheering, and eventually the other ponies joined in as well. And it wasn't in response to their leaders, I could tell their calls and hollers and cheers were sincere. I nodded to Octavia. "See you in a bit with the brass."

She smiled, and walked off the stage. I could see that already, Vinyl was waiting to come on and stand behind her table. I waved her on stage. She took her place, and I spoke to the crowd. "What you just heard was a song called 'The Wings You've Earned.' It's a sad love song. The next piece I'll play, with the assistance of this lovely pony," I pointed to Vinyl while giving a thumbs up to Fluttershy, hoping that she would understand I was just using a bit of showmanship. "Is another sad song, about a boat humans had built a thousand years ago. It sank, because it hit an iceberg, but the captain of the ship did his absolute best to get as many people off as he could." I nodded to Vinyl, who began the opening to this song. After a small intro, I began:


Das Radar hat's vorausgeseh'n
Das Echolot hat gewarnt.
Souverän füllt der Kapitän das Whiskey-Glas im der hand.
Bis zum Rand.
Auf dem Sonnendeck ist der Eisberg zu seh'n
Majestätisch
Bedrohlich und unheimlich schön.
Man spürt die Gefahr
Doch man kann sie nicht seh'n.
Terra-Titanic - verloren im Meer
S-O-S kommt nie an.
Leuchtsignale sieht keiner mehr
Endstation Ozean.


I noticed that the ponies were clapping to the beat... or, more accurately, stomping their hooves or clapping. It was a mixture of both.


Der Gigant bäumt sich stöhnend auf
Die Tänzerin bleibt zurück.
Explosion im Maschinenraum - das letzte Boot hatte Glück
Hatte Glück.
Die Ratten verlassen das sinkende Schiff
Doch der Käpt'n im Smoking beachtet sie nicht
Mit dem Glas in der Hand - und die Flut löscht das Licht.
Terra-Titanic - verloren im Meer
S-O-S kommt nie an.
Leuchtsignale sieht keiner mehr
Endstation Ozean!


I let Vinyl play the outro uninterrupted. It was one of my favorite parts of the song. As she played the final notes, I saw all the ponies rise up and cheer, especially my new-founded family. I was proud of myself: I performed a song in German and despite not understanding it, the ponies around me enjoyed it. Wonderful. I flashed a grin to Vinyl. "Good job!"

She chuckled and grinned back. "Thanks, Will! Look, here come your friends!" I turned to look at where she pointed, which was where everyone had entered or left the stage, and saw Nolan and John walk up to me.

I shook each of their hands. "Ready to play in front of hundreds of ponies?"

The both chuckled. "You bet, Will! Wouldn't miss it for the world!" John said, then turned to Vinyl. "Hey, Vinyl!"

She waved at him. "Hey, there, John!" She winked at him.

Taking the hint, I nudged him the side with my elbow. "Got yourself a lady friend, do you John?"

"Hey!" He responded in mock anger. "I noticed you and Fluttershy huggin' and stuff! So don't go bashing me!" Then we both laughed.

I turned to the assembled ponies. "Ladies and gentlemen, mares and colts, fillies and foals! The song you just heard was called 'Terra Titanic,' by a man named Peter Schilling. The language I was singing in was German, which is the original language. Now, without further ado, I present to you, Johnathan Lyle and Nolan DeFieres, ambassadors and musicians! They, along with our wonderfully talented DJ pony," I waved my right arm to encompass all three participants. "Will help me along our third song, which is, again, by Peter Schilling. However, I've taken the liberty to translate it into English or Equestrian, whichever you prefer to call it. Sit back and enjoy the song!"

Vinyl opened with the iconic synthesizer beat, and soon after John started his part, along with Nolan on his drum set. It wasn't long before my singing talents were required, as I stressed that we were going to do the original song; there were to be no extensions, on the fly or no.


Standing there alone,
The ship is waiting.
All systems are go.
Are you sure?
Control is not convinced,
But the computer
Has the evidence.
No need to abort.
The countdown starts.


I saw looks of wonder on all the ponies except for Luna and Celestia. I wondered myself why this was, but focused on the song. I was singing a song of space.


Watching in a trance,
The crew is certain:
Nothing left to chance.
All is working.
Trying to relax,
Up in the capsule,
'Send me up a drink,'
Jokes Major Tom.
The count goes on.


Most of the ponies now looked intensely interested. I couldn't blame them; this song was purely awesome.


Four, three, two, one,
Earth below us,
Drifting, falling!
Floating weightless,
calling, calling home!


Now I saw I had peaked their interest. They knew what Earth was, as that was the home world of the human race. What they were surprised about, I guessed, was that this song was telling them about a journey into space. From what they'd seen the humans could do now, they must seem pretty confused as to why a space voyage would be special.


Second stage is cut,
We're now in orbit.
Stabilizers up,
Running perfect.
Starting to collect
Requested data.
'What will it affect,
When all is done?'
Thinks Major Tom.


I noticed that at the second mention of "Major Tom," several ponies I took for as anti-humans looked upset. At least, I think they were anti-human. When I first stepped onto the stage, I took a good look at who I was performing for. I saw many ponies look at me with disdain, and these same ponies were frowning at "Major Tom." 'They must think I mean the military rank.' Just sing.


Back at ground control,
There is a problem.
'Go to rockets full.'
Not responding.
'Hello Major Tom?
Are you receiving?
Turn the thrusters on.
We're standing by.'
There's no reply.


I noticed semi-smug faces on the malcontents, and I thought they must think it a good thing that Major Tom had run into problems. I continued without breaking the beat.


Four, three, two, one,
Earth below us,
Drifting, falling!
Floating weightless,
Calling, calling, home!


Vinyl had her own rising solo here, so I took a minute to study the faces of the ponies in front of me. The Princesses and Fluttershy looked damned proud of me, Luna and Fluttershy especially. The others... about ninety percent of them looked amazed, surprised that a human, a soldier no less, could perform a fine art such as music. When the solo neared its end, I prepared to sing again.


Across the stratosphere,
A final message,
'Give my wife my love.'
Then nothing more.


Now I knew the malcontents were human haters, as their semi-smugness was replaced with full blown glee.


Far beneath the ship,
The world is mourning.
They don't realize,
He's alive.
No one understands,
But Major Tom sees,
Now the light commands.
'This is my home...
I'm coming home...'


I'd intentionally emphasized the words "he's alive" to see what those grouches would do, and their glee was replaced with more anger. I was tired of these ponies, seriously.


Earth below us,
Drifting, falling!
Floating weightless,
Coming home!
Earth below us,
Drifting, falling!
Floating weightless,
Coming home!
Earth below us,
Drifting, falling!
Floating weightless,
Coming, coming, home!
Home!
Home!


After the third "home," I pointed to the audience and shouted it again, prompting them to join. Most of them did. In fact, the only ones who didn't were the douches, but even then, some of them joined in, and they seemed to enjoy it. Human haters starting to like human music. How strange.


Home!
Home!


I let the crowd continue on for a few times, before, with a flick of my right hand, I had Vinyl draw it to a close with the outro. After the ponies quieted down enough for me to be heard, I began speaking. "That, right there, my friends, was 'Major Tom' by Peter Schilling, originally in German. What the song was about was one of the first manned space missions, where humans would go up in rockets to space to see what it was like. Well, as told in the lyrics, Major Tom, the person on this mission, stayed in space because he loved it so much. But he was sorry, because he was leaving behind his wife. I found it to be quite sad the first time I heard it, but then I took it as a good spirit lifter.

"Now... if I could ask my helpers to leave the stage for this next song?" They did so, and I spoke to the crowd. "This next song is a classic in human culture. It was composed for the piano in ancient, ancient times, by a man named 'Ludwig van Beethoven.' He was also German, but that isn't what surprises most people. He composed several symphonies. But still, that isn't what gets people. What does," I paused for dramatic effect. "Is that fact that Beethoven was deaf. Yes, this brilliant classical composer was deaf, yet his music is absolutely amazing. I'm here to play one of his pieces. There are no words, just listen to the music."

I sat behind the piano, and found that I couldn't see past it to the ponies assembled in the hall for the life of me. I'd be playing blind. I didn't mind, but it meant that I'd get less time to judge others. Yes, I'm a horrible person. Anyway, when I had enough time preparing, I began to play this piece.

I played the good six minutes of the piece, enjoying playing it every moment. Eventually, though, it ended, much more to the dismay of myself than the other ponies. I got up to address those in question. "Mares and colts, that beautiful piece, and I hope you think it was, was composed by classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven. This piece was called 'Moonlight Sonata.' And no, Princess," I turned to Luna and bowed semi-apologetically. "It has no relation to you, but it was created to admire the night of Earth. I thought it would make a wonderful tribute to the two of you, meaning Your Highness and Mr. Beethoven, on such a wonderful night. Thank you for this night, Luna."

I reached out with my mind to try and talk to Celestia. 'Celestia, it's Will.' What is it? 'I know you were the one to raise the moon tonight, but I thought it would make a good impression if I said what I did.' I don't mind, Will. But you said you had five pieces to perform, and you've only performed four. I suggest you get to it before these ponies get bored. 'Right, sorry.' I withdrew to address the whole hall.

"If I could be joined by the lovely Octavia and the two ambassadors Johnathan and Nolan?" I saw them walk up onto the stage, and Octavia handed me the trumpet she promised me. "Thank you," I said to her, then returned my attention to the hall. "The next bit of music is a march. It was used in a theatrical performance to announce the arrival of a 'bad' character, but I assure you, it is simply a march. Now," I said, more to myself. "On with the show!"

Octavia and Nolan opened up the march, and soon after, I sounded off, performing and joining in. Now, what was Johnathan's job? He was playing the flute. As it turned out, he was more resourceful than I'd taken him for and had asked Octavia for a flute. Smart man.

The march was over before we knew it, as it was only about three minutes long. I was a little disappointed, as I was getting into the groove of FEELING THE POWER! Dude, calm down, it's just a song. 'Huh? Oh... right, sorry.' Bill sighed. The jerk. When the march ended, I stood tall, and I made a different bow this time than I had done before. Instead of using my arms, I used my wings. Wrapping my right wing around my front and extending my left out behind me, I bent at the waist in a winged bow. I looked behind me and saw all the helpers I'd had tonight, even Vinyl who'd stepped up while I was looking away, bowing as well.

We were met with hundreds of cheers and whistles. The loudest were, naturally, Fluttershy and the Princesses. There weren't many who weren't cheering, mainly the majority of the racists. Jerks. Sweat and blood poured into this, and they hate it. Well... you certainly put sweat into this. 'What?' Put some deodorant on, man, this place sticks like Chef Marsson's so-called "beef." 'I love making you suffer.' You're a monster, you know that? 'I try.'

I turned around. "Thank you all for your help tonight."

Nolan spoke for the two humans when he said, "Please, it was nothing, Will! Glad to help a friend out, man!"

Octavia spoke next, saying, "It was my pleasure, Will. I enjoyed playing this human music. Ponies don't give it the credit it's due. I liked it, Will. Consider me a friend." She smiled at me, and I gave her a quick hug. Just between friends.

Then Vinyl spoke to me, and I noticed she had moved to stand next to Johnathan. "Will, it was cool and awesome to play that human music! It's just as great as the stuff John and I played a few days ago!" Then she winked at me, and my cheeks reddened. I shook my hair down to cover my eyes. But it didn't last long, as something attacked me from behind, strangling me.

"YOU WERE AMAZING, WILL!" Fluttershy yelled in my ear.

Naturally, my polite and sensible response was, "Ow, not so loud, Fluttershy, please!"

"Oh... I'm sorry..."

I laughed. "Joking. Thank you, love. I tried. Did you like my first one? I sung it just for you."

She smiled at me. "I know you did. I loved it, Will. And I love you."

I grinned and made a true joke. "Now. Just wait for me to say... I love you too." I smiled fully at her, passion taking the reigns. She returned the smile. We leaned our foreheads together and closed our eyes, just enjoying the simple contact. We remained like that for several moments, lost in bliss, until someone coughed rudely. I looked up and saw a white unicorn with a blonde mane. His cutie mark was that of a compass rose. "Hang on, love. I'll be right back. Someone wants to speak with me."

I stood up and followed the unicorn to a corner of the hall. "Yes?" I asked him.

"First of all, human, you will address me as Prince Blueblood. Are we clear?" He said impolitely. It was then I realized he was one of the stoic human haters I'd seen in the crowd, seated close to the Princesses.

"Sure thing, Prince Blueblood."

"Why are you touching that pegasus? Why are you controlling her?"

"Prince?" I asked confusedly. Well, it was a mask of confusion. I was really pissed at this. Doesn't enjoy my music, and then accuses me of mind control. Who did he think he was? He was also very pompous. I hated him already.

"No pony in their right mind would show affection to a human! Why have you controlled her to do what you want? Do you want a slave? Is that it, human?"

I almost decked the guy then. He was a total ass. "I haven't done anything to her, except save her life, and give her my love. What do I get in return? Her love and support."

"The both of us know you are lying!"

"The simple truth, Prince, if you even deserve the title, is that I've done nothing to her, and she's done nothing to me! Now, if you will be a gentlecolt and get your rear end out of my sight before I lose control of my temper, I would appreciate it!" I felt my anger bubbling, but strangely, Bill didn't say anything against. it.

"You DARE speak to your superior in such a manner?! I tell you, human, that I'll have Princess Celestia punish you severely! In fact, I'll do it myself, trash!"

He jumped at me, front hooves extended, a snarl on his lips. Effortlessly, I stepped aside and grabbed his left hoof as I'd done to Twilight the other night. I pushed against it, and he snapped limp in my hands, and I dropped him on the ground. I stepped back. I'd defended myself. He was in the wrong. Even if he continued his attack, I'd still be clear. And he did.

Growling, he stood. "You DARE harm ME, human?! I will teach you respect if I have to mash through your head!"

Calmly, I told him, "Respect is earned, not given. So far, you haven't earned my respect." That only angered him further. I took this as a sign that he was a horrible noble. The self centered jerk. He jumped at me again. I dove under him, lifting my right leg as I'd done on the guard in Ponyville's town hall. I knocked the breath out of him, and he sprawled on the floor. Now, I noticed everypony watching this go on, even Fluttershy.

"Prince, if you give up now, you may retain some dignity."

"Not until you learn your place!"

He was about to jump a third time, because apparently he hadn't realized that if the first two tries didn't work the third wouldn't either, but a commanding voice spoke. "What is going on, here?" I turned to look at where I heard the voice come from, and I saw Luna and Celestia. "I asked a question!"

Blueblood spoke first. "This human attacked me! Punish him!"

Celestia turned to me. "And your side of the story?"

I took a breath. "Fluttershy and I were... displaying our affection, Princess Celestia, by resting our heads together. Prince Blueblood drew me aside and threw accusations at me about how I'd controlled her mind or something. I denied it all, politely, but then he progressed to insult me. I admit, I lost some of my temper and verbally lashed out at him, and in return he attacked me physically. He did no harm to me, but I did humiliate him and knock his breath out. And for that, I apologize."

Celestia turned again to look at Blueblood. "Do you have any objections?"

"He's lying! I never said a mean thing to him, and I certainly never attacked him! He attacked me!"

Celestia was quiet for a moment. "I believe you, Will." I was surprised. And if I were surprised, imagine Blueblood's reaction.

"WHAT?! You believe this human over me?!"

"I do. And do you know why?" Before Blueblood could answer, she continued. "Because Luna has searched his mind previously for harmful thoughts and found none. On top of that, Blueblood, he is here as a guest of Princess Luna, and attacking a guest, much more a guest of a Princess, is a very bad mistake."

"What? But I... I didn't know!"

"That is no excuse, Blueblood. I've tried drilling this into your head many times. Being a Prince comes with responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is to respect others. You have failed with that concept too many times now. You are now exiled from the nobility."

A silence spread around the onlookers faster than a fire on dry woodland. Blueblood broke it. "What?"

"You do not deserve the title 'Prince.' You are one no longer. You live among the common people and make a living on your own. I expect you and your belongings to be out of the castle by morning. Now go!" I haven't seen a mouse run to cheese faster than Blueblood scrammed the hell out of the hall.

But I didn't object, because I believed it was for the best. I wasn't about to go about contradicting Celestia, either. In my mind, what Blueblood got was what he deserved. I thought so myself; he didn't deserve to be a prince. Celestia turned to me. "You didn't say anything during his punishment. Why?"

I thought hard over something polite to say, and with help from Bill, I did. "Princess Celestia, I didn't have much knowledge on the subject. All I had to go on was this incident and your words." I added hastily, "And not to say I don't believe you, Princess. But if he were the image of a good prince, and I had agreed with your punishment, it would be bad on my part. If he were a monster, yet I disagreed with you, it would also look bad. I didn't know much about the situation, and seeing that you were one who did, I let you take the reigns."

Princess Celestia was silent for a long while. I started getting nervous, and I could see all the other ponies fidgeting. As the silence grew longer and longer, and my fear skyrocketed. Then she finally said something. "You've performed admirably, Will, in both the arts and public behaviour."

"Thank you, Princess."

But she wasn't finished. She stood next to me, facing the other ponies. She raised my hand with her hoof, and shouted to the rest of the assembled ponies, "Prince Will!"

Then I wondered why I was spinning and why there were gasps and then I wondered who turned out the lights.