Night Light walked through the front door, and in his aura, a still hot box of Neighponies take out levitated nearby. “Velvet, I got the food.” No answer. “Hon?” he called out, but no reply came except for the sound of the piano that was coming from upstairs. Setting dinner aside, he followed the music upward towards the attic. His ears picked a voice that he never heard of before. One that clearly wasn’t his wife, but still curious nonetheless.
At first, it sounded like a filly singing. But as he got closer towards the open ladder, the tone of that voice wasn’t distinctively female, nor a child’s or even a falsetto. While singing undoubtedly high, each note it sang was clear and distinctive, which moved through its operatic melody with ease like a Mockingbird.
Into the dusty attic did he find his wife, but she wasn’t alone. Seeing who it was, his feelings were instantly conflicted. On one hoof, there was joy as his son was there, somepony who he hadn’t seen in a long time since the move to the Crystal Empire. On the other, there was confusion at the colt who not only was playing the piano but was the one singing. And then there was terror, his old piano teacher had returned.
“Looks like dinner’s here.” Velvet said and the music stopped playing. The three other ponies craned their heads back towards Night.
“Hey, dad!” Shining trotted up to hug him.
“Shining!” He hugged back. “I didn’t know you were coming! How’ve you been? Did you have any dinner?”
“Dad, it’s fine.” His son said, breaking the embrace. “We’re just here to say hello since we’re in town for tonight.”
“But have you eaten?”
“We will later, for now, I just wanna introduce you to someone.”
Night craned his neck to the side. “If you mean Professor Key Signature, I’m afraid we’ve already met.”
“No.” Shining walked back towards the piano, putting a hoof around the colt. “Dad, I’d like for you to meet our son, Inverno.”
The colt nodded to him.
“Huh.” Night Light blinked. “So that’s what you look like. And was that you singing a moment ago?”
“Yes. A song from Schubit.”
The blue unicorn gave a low whistle. “Wow, you got some pipes on ya to be singing such an old song like that.”
Inverno tilted his head. “What are you talking about, Schubit wrote it yester-”
Professor Signature coughed loudly. “Well, how’s my old student?”
Night flinched. “I’ve been… busy.”
“So I’ve noticed. Your wife tells me that you’re only now returning to the piano and yet finding it covered in dust. Are you certain that you’ve been practicing as often as I told you that you should?” His old student didn’t answer as he looked a little too terrified to answer. The Professor smiled and then laughed. “Oh, I’m only joking. It’s good to see you!”
“Who are you and what have you done to my old piano teacher?”
There was laughter from that comment from everyone before they moved from the dusty attic back downstairs. From there, Shining caught his parents upon the events since they’ve last seen each other as they did so likewise as they dug into their dinner. Night Light told him of picking up the piano again to have a hobby outside of scheduling for the observatory. Velvet gave out story after story of their day trips to seek thrills and excitement from bungy-jumping to visiting the latest thrill-ride amusement park.
Before Shining and the Professor could depart, Night asked his son to speak to him in private before they leave. Curious, Shining followed his dad upstairs to what used to be his old room that now has become a study. “Something wrong Dad?” the prince asked after he closed the door.
“I’m not sure yet.” He replied. “So how old is the kid again?”
“Fourteen. Why?”
His father raised an eyebrow. “Shining, I know that you write to us through letters now – and given the distance, it’s a necessity. But Shiny, is there something about Inverno you’re not telling us?”
Shining blinked. “What are you talking about?”
“If I remember right, all you said about the little guy is that he used to be Sombra’s son, that he’s currently fourteen, he was beaten up once and that he has a talent in music. Am I right so far?” His son nodded. “So, with all of that said, I can’t help but sense that something might be... off about him. I mean, the kid should be reaching puberty by now. But when I walked in, his voice sounds like that it hasn’t… ya know… dropped. Now I know that it’s no business of mine, but is Inverno a late developer or is there something wrong?”
“Oh…” Shining rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh yeah… about that…”
“You are hiding something.” His father frowned. “Is there something wrong with him?”
“It’s… It’s hard to explain. Especially what Sombra did to him.”
Now that frown turned into concern. “Why? What happened?”
After a sigh escaped his son’s muzzle, he said. “Dad…” He looked right at his eye. “There’s no way I can sugar-coat this, but what I’m about to say, I don't want it to leave this room.”
“Why?”
Taking in a deep breath he said, “Sombra had him castrated.”
A very uncomfortable silence flooded the room. His father slack-jawed in horror. “He… what?”
“I know…” Shining nodded. “Turns out, the reason why was because he didn’t want him to be aggressive with his magic, that he wasn’t the only child he had, and that in his… sick, twisted mind, doing so would preserve that voice of his.”
“Oh my Celestia…” Night fell onto his haunches. “Does Cadence know?”
“Yeah, we had him look by a doctor as soon as we figured that something was up. Still… there was a reason why we left that detail out of our letters. I mean… how do you bring something like that up? To tell you that he’s not going to grow up like a normal colt and the possibility of him having foals of his own are nonexistent. I mean… how exactly are you going to have… The Talk, if he doesn’t have those parts?”
“Okay, I can see why but…” Night shook his head. “That’s horrible. And his father had this done to him…? Does Inverno know?”
“Um…” Shining pawed at the ground. “Kinda, but I don’t think he fully knows what was done to him. But the reason why I left that out because it’s still hard to talk about. Truth is, I’m not entirely sure what Cade and I should do. And not just talking about it with him, but of the things that we’re not sure how to handle.”
“Like what?”
“Like what if he develops a love interest? Or how exactly will his body develop without testosterone? Do we import chemical supplements to him? Should we even call him he if he doesn’t have all the male parts? I could go on, but there's so much to think about. I mean, they never cover any of this stuff in Sex Ed.”
“Yeah…” Night nodded. “I see. Once you know that fact, you’re basically navigating through a minefield full of gray areas. To be honest Shining… I’m no expert on the subject when it comes to that sort of stuff. However, what I can say that, speaking as a father, any kid that you claim as your own is your responsibility to have them grow up as a good-hearted individual. You can’t control how they’ll identify themselves as, nor what opinions they’ll have. But if I were in your horseshoes, Shining, I’d install in him some timeless truths and values to live by, as I have with your kids. Do everything you can to let him grow into the best kind of pony he can be, and not by how you want ‘em to be. Your job as a parent is to be a guide, but only he can decide where to go from here.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Shining said as he gave his father a hug. “I’ll do what I can. I just hope I don’t fail him or Flurry.”
“For that, let me tell you something that your grandfather told me. ‘A parent who has not prepared their children for their own death has failed. The only way to prevent that is to teach them the skills they will need when the time comes when you are not around anymore.’ I have faith in you that you will become the father that Inverno and little Flurry needs. Teach them what this world has to offer them, and what they can do in it. As well as to navigate the dangers too.” Night smiled. “You can do this.”
After Shining thanked his dad and they said their goodbyes, he walked out of the house where his son and the professor were waiting to show what Canterlot has to offer.
“…. And then before I knew it, I had gone from being in poverty to being invited to perform for these ponies,” Buch said with Maneler and Offense listening to his story. Since the three of them didn’t see any point in staying at the opera house, it was best for them to head towards the train station to let the other guards know that he was found. “Honestly, I have no idea what happened back there. I was so focused on not trying to look over a single note that I didn’t notice any of the lights until the end.”
“But you should have looked up,” Maneler said to him. “To witness that light show of the beginnings of the universe was stunning.”
“What about Her Holiness? Was she impressed with what I did?”
The guard raised an eyebrow. “Her Holiness?”
“You know, Princess Celestia. Bringer of the Dawn and all of that.”
“Oh!” Offense quickly understood. “From what I could see, the Princess looked quite awestruck like everyone else in that theater.”
A relieved sigh escaped Buch’s lips. “Good… Good…”
Walking underneath a lit street lamp, Maneler raised an eyebrow. “Why are you concerned about how Celestia reacted? The applause you received was well deserved.”
The Pegasus shook his head dismissively. “I care not for fame, Mr. Maneler. Even in the old days, I took it with gratitude and humility. But all I’ve done in the name of music was meant for the divine. All that striving for perfection is to glorify not just Celestia, but those that control forces beyond our understanding. Tonight is no exception. I finally got my wish to play before her, and she was pleased.” He turned to Maneler. “But what about you? What is your experience like in this new world so far?”
Maneler’s muzzle scrunched up. “If I’m being honest, it’s been complicated. Waking up in a new place in a new body is hard enough, but to know that everyone you once knew and loved is gone… Well… I needed some time to grieve.”
Buch nodded empathically. “Yes… That is the hardest thing to confront. Now that my second wife and children are no more.”
“However, I can’t say that it has been all miserable. After all, I did meet a friend who has caused this mess and trying to resolve it. A pale colt by the name of Inverno, along with his father is making the effort of trying to seek us lost souls. A promising prodigy that has a talent for performing and compassion. Besides, I think that he would like to meet you too.”
“Fascinating…” the Pegasus hummed in thought.
Soon they reached the train station and were escorted to the Crystalized Train where there were a few of the staff remaining on board. When they got near it, they noticed that there was an argument going on. Curious, the three of them traced it to the last car where Schubit was arguing with a stallion that none of them have seen before.
“What is the meaning of this?” Maneler asked. “And who is this?”
“Ah, finally!” Schubit was exasperated. “Mr. Maneler, could you talk some sense into this stallion-child that he should come with us instead of partying up here in Canterlot?”
“I don’t see why I should go.” The other stallion in a curious costume folded his forelegs in protest. “I have a new job and as far as I can see, I’m being foalnapped into… whatever this is, to up and abandon what I’ve been trying to make for myself.”
“Uh… who are you?” Offense raised a hoof.
“That’s Moztrot.” They turned towards the voice of Defense who walked into the car. He pointed at the green Pegasus, “Let me guess, you found another one?”
“Yep.” Offense nodded. “That’s Buch. Where did you find Moztrot?”
“Performing with a DJ at a dance club, you?”
“Kicked out of an Opera House for upstaging an orchestra.”
Defense facehoofed. “You know, that one was so obvious that I’m shocked that even I didn’t think of it.”
Maneler looked between the two guards. “You two know each other?”
“We’re brothers,” Offense said, “but anyway, back on topic. So what was this argument about?”
“I’ll tell you what this is about!” Moztrot interjected, pointing an accusing hoof at Schubit. “I was at my job of entertaining some ponies when Killjoy here decided to foalnap me. Saying something about it’s for the crown or some nonsense like that. And now I’m being told that I have to come with him to Celestia-knows-where away from Canterlot.”
“And I’ve been trying to tell him that he must come with us as ordered by Prince Shining Armor.” The unicorn stomped his hoof. “I’ve been trying to get him to see that this isn’t a foalnapping and that he should really come with us.”
“Somehow I doubt that. This has got to be illegal.”
“No, it isn’t!”
“Says you!”
A loud stomp was heard like a crack of thunder as everypony turned to its source. Buch’s wings spread wide. “Frankly both of you are acting like foals.” He said sternly. “If neither of you could have the decency of acting like adults by actually listening to the other, then don’t bother to talk at all!”
Moztrot raised an eyebrow. “And why should I listen to you?”
“Because he’s Buch,” Maneler said. “As in, Johann Sebastian Buch.”
The earth pony scoffed. “First of all, Buch has been dead for years. Second, what proof do you have? What credible source do you have to back up such an exaggerated claim?”
As if an answer from the universe, there was a knock on the crystallized walls. Everypony quickly located the source of this and found, much to their surprise, that it was Celestia who was knocking. Through the see-through walls, they can also see that she was there with her guards who each held a spear.
Immediately, Offense and Defense got up towards the nearest door to answer.
“Hello.” Celestia waved at them. “Is Mr. Buch on this train? I would like to speak with him.”
Offense was taken aback. “How did you-”
“Please bring him out. I wish to speak to him.”
Buch was compelled towards the door and out onto the station. He pauses for a brief moment before he exited, gulping. There were so many questions that no doubt the others were having at that very moment, but for Buch, there was a hesitation as it hit him that he was about to meet Celestia in the flesh. Taking in a deep breath he steps out with the timidly of a rabbit where his hooves shook when they touched the ground.
“Mr. Buch-” was as far Celestia got out before the green Pegasus kowtow before her. “No, don’t bow.” She lit up her horn to set him on his hooves. “You of all ponies should never bow to me. If anything, I should be the one doing just that.” The alicorn lowered her elongated neck down with reverence while Buch’s mouth dropped at what was happening.
“You’re Hol-” A hoof silenced him.
“I know you have questions. As everyone on board would have no doubt. Firstly, yes, I have a pretty good idea of who you are. Princess Cadence, my niece had informed me that their son had used a forbidden spell to bring you and several others to life. Plus, I’ve been informed by both her and her husband of the unique sort of magic you possess – I mean, once you put on that show, it was a dead giveaway to your identity.”
“Oh… And how did you know I was here?”
“Well Cadence did say that her husband and their child are taking the train to find all of you, so when I found out that you were not at the opera house, I realized you most likely would have been picked up.” She smiled. “And I must say, to have the opportunity to meet you is a tremendous honor.”
Buch slouched down on his hindquarters. “But… that is what I don’t understand. You are honored to meet me? A demigod that bows before an insignificant musician?”
“Because I have heard about your work, although, many years too late.” Her ears folded her flat to the back of her head. “I’m rather ashamed that like the majority of ponies, none of us heard of the majesty, the thought-provoking, and the brilliance of your pieces for a hundred years after your passing. Of someone who should have been given more credit for shaping music as we know it. You’ve become a muse to so many that you are considered as the father of music.”
“But…” Buch shook his head. “Surely there would have been plenty of others that would have contributed more than what I offer.”
“Tell me,” the Sun Princess said as she got up to put a wing around him, “as a composer, what was the goal of writing what you wrote?”
“Well…” The stallion took a moment to think of a response. “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of the divinite, and refreshment of the soul.”
Celestia nodded. “And there is your greatest secret – your humility. Your genius came about, not because of wanting fame but to selflessly compose for something bigger than yourself. Your melodies have touched the hearts of countless listeners and intrigued the minds of scholars. And for me, to help me cope with my own demons. So, in a way, I want to take this opportunity to personally say thank you.”
For a moment, Buch had no idea what to say to receive such a compliment except to say: “Thank you.”
“Tell me, is Shining and Inverno on that train by any chance.”
“I... don't think so?” The stallion inquired, tilting his head in confusion for a moment.
“Who is on that train then?”
“Apart from a few guards, there are three others. A deer named Maneler, a unicorn called Schubit, and a noisy fellow who they call Moztrot.”
Celestia’s expression dropped. “Oh…” In her eye, Buch saw in her something that he thought would never see, but at the same time, brought about a curiosity that he dares not ask. Those of regret.
She called out for the guards on board where the brothers' Offense and Defense were the first to respond. She asked where Shining Armor had gone to and they told her that the Prince decided to give everyone the night off to rest from the search to unwind.
“I see.” Celestia nodded. “Would you please go find Shining to inform him that I’ll be entertaining Buch, Moztrot, Schubit, and Maneler, that I’ll return them in the morning?” The brothers obeyed right away. One by one, the composers got off the train until Moztrot was the last to walk onto the platform who stared at the ground. “Hello, Moztrot.”
“Your Highness…” He said with a growl under his breath.
“It’s good to see you again.”
No reply, much to the raised eyebrows of the other stallions.