"Scapel."
"Scapel!"
This was very delicate... We had to extract the heart with extreme care. "Mask."
"Mask!"
Steady... Be very steady... We've totally got this. Heart gently extracted once the cords were cut out... Almost there... "Sandwich."
"Sandwich!"
"Mmm... Too bad we can't taste it. Okay, we gotta empower the new heart and-"
"Dad, we're losing him!"
[BEEP]. I commenced doing the one technique that would always work in these circumstances. "Live damn you, live!" By slapping the [BEEP] out of this overweight, medically inclined soldier. "Doctor's orders! This is why we can't get a degree in war times, Spike!"
"He's flatlined! We lost him!"
"Dah [BEEP]! Okay, this time we try and-"
Cue a loud, sudden new noise disrupting our reset development, prompting myself to remove the VR goggles and Spike to peel his green eyes from the screen, turning in curious annoyance to the open window. The Hell was that? It sounded like nothing I've ever heard of from this world, and that was something new. Frowning, I turned to the dragon.
"I thought you said there were no disruptive events planned today."
"I thought so too!" Spike was clutching his ears with an expressive cringe, inciting my raised brows. Sensitive to loud noises? That's my thing son. "I think I have a pretty good hunch who's responsible, though." Rushing over to the window, which I followed, gazing out of the purple lizard's shoulder to see what the commotion was all about.
Oh hey, it was Pinkie. What a coincidence, she was on the list of candidates with whom I should spend today with next, in the afternoon. But what's this, a new instrumental hobby? On closer inspection, as much as we could see from this height to the pink mare blaring out the tool in the middle of the field, it appeared to be some blue bagpipes, with the horns themselves ten times as large in brown and gold of colour, looking like they originated from Yakyakistan.
A gift from the Yaks to our favourite, party-loving energetic equine? It wouldn't surprise me in the least.
Spike didn't seem so enthused, groaning in loud disbelief. "Of course she'd play that here..." Already acquainted with the new, unique-looking instrument, it seemed.
"Did I miss out on something?"
"Not really." Spike huffed, glancing up to me with a wince as Pinkie kept practicing her heart out. "It's a yovidaphone, a favourite instrument of the Yaks, according to Mom. Pinkie's been trying it out since yesterday." On cue, a louder, emotional pouring from the powerful instrument which caused Spike to stumble back from the window, and my mane and fur to stand on end. Grimacing, the dragon rubbed his scale ears before continuing lightly, "Needless to say, none of us are really encouraging Pinkie's new hobby..."
"...It's not that bad." I shrugged with a perked brow, looking back down to see Pinkie having the time of her life, the pink pony absolutely rocking the instrument not typically suited for ponykind, evidently. But Pinkie wasn't doing half bad at all.
From behind me, Spike's shock was the equivalent to a mini-quake through Balance. "Say what?!"
Frowning yet again, I glanced over my shoulder to the befuddled dragon. Exaggerating much, Spike? "I've heard worse." With another loud blaring of practicing from the Earth Pony below, prompting my small smile. Seriously, the music wasn't awful in the least. It was scarcely perfect, but hardly something to whine about.
"Somehow I find that hard to believe..." Spike muttered with disgruntled wariness, hesitantly joining me by the window to observe again. Outside, we could feel the mass displeasure of the town from the sound of music.
My hazel eyes rolled. "You Equestrians and your dramatic absolutes." At this point, Pinkie's gonna sense everyone's needless irritation. Now, if it were due to it being played this early in the morning, then I'd comprehend the aggravation. But as it stood, they were in the wrong here. "I hope the others are being supportive regarding Pinkie's new practice?"
This time, the young dragon faintly grinned in anxious amusement. "Somehow I doubt that support will last."
Well, that certainly explained the experiences of irritation and exasperation flaring through the castle, ramping up to ten from the learning mare firing out another blast of unique music. I did flinch this time, but settled in. Again, it wasn't THAT bad. It's simply an acquired taste.
But if everyone else were being annoyed by it, then sooner or later, they'd make their displeasure known. Resulting in more hijinks, misunderstandings, fallouts before make ups. Lesson learned and episode over.
So why would I even intervene? Well that would be a simple answer, my fine reading friends.
"Surprised you of all people would find this tolerable..."
I shrugged, without removing my eyes from the sight practice making perfect. "I've heard Ed learn to play the violin. What is this in comparison?"
Oooooh, that's some Scottish melodies right there! That part of my ancestry was dancing in tune, unable to hide my smirk of approval and endearment once finding the mare later on in the day. Pinkie was happily perched atop a log in the middle of Ponyville's park, scaring off more annoyed citizens with her seeming inability.
Alright guys, relax, she's only just learning.
I took a seat on warm, dry grass, letting the mare take as long as needed and enjoying the show. Pinkie was just in the zone! Hoofs playing around the blue bag making up the center of the - what did Spike call it? - 'yovidaphone?' When I offered the kid to join me in helping the enthusiastic Earth Pony out, his response came down to "You're on your own."
Typical. Ah well, at least it provides an overall excuse; I could hang out with Pinkie AND listen to some sweet, special tunes along the way. Bobbing my head left and right with a wide smile, in rhythm towards the happy melody. I suppose, years back, I would have been more annoyed and aching for this mare to cease, considering my own behaviour and attitude regarding Pinkie way yonder back when.
But the past was the past. And I was enjoying myself in the moment, which really mattered. What also mattered, was helping everyone out be happy at once without any cause for arguments and tedious roads to reconcilations. Again, you would ask why I bothered preventing the plot of an episode?
Simple, again. It kinda would be the Mane Six's own fault, should they even consider discouraging Pinkie from trying out a new hobby she was obviously so passionate about, just from hearing her practice at all. Pinkie Pie doesn't always have to be referred to as just the party planner with a love for balloons and confetti cannons. It's never too late to try out new things, after all, and this eager Equestrian was no exception. So, here I was, ready to help out as soon as the bubbly pony needed to take her break from playing.
...Around two hours later. Be it from commitment or the mass storage of energy this mare runs on daily. Blinking a few times once accepting a large intake of breath, recovering herself, before finally noticing her sole audience from the corner of her clear blues eyes, throwing me a wide, welcoming smile with an enthusiastic voice to follow.
"Oh, hi Stardust! Were you listening?"
"Sure was." I nodded in affirmation, merely boosting her pleased practicing and flattery. Prompting my own smaller grin. "You're getting quite good at that, Pinkie." In spite of what others were whining about.
You know what they say; dab on the haters... Not that I would, of course. I had some shred of dignity remaining.
"Yay!" The pink mare couldn't sound or appear anymore thrilled. "Let me express my thanks with this great number I've been working on!" Quickly using this chance to interject as Pinkie inhaled deeply, preparing to go on again for another few hours.
"Err, Pinkie, I was thinking!" That stalled her, for the moment. The pink mare still smiling pleasantly and looking to me in encouraged curiosity. So I obliged, smirking faintly. "Wouldn't you like to practice in a location where there's more space? You know, all you want so no one could get in the way?"
"Oh... But, then no one could hear how good I'm getting with this yovidaphone." Pinkie pouted while pointing that con out. And I smiled in reassuring empathy, already well prepared for such a complaint.
"Well, think of how they'll all react when you've practive a hundred percent! All that time learning alone leading up to it. Everypony will LOVE it, including our friends!" There we go! The bubbly Earth Pony perked up immensely by the prospect, holding up her new instrument in approval. Perfect, and I knew just the location. "And I will gladly assist you along the way."
"Don't you play the instrument too? Oh, we could form a band! Think about it, me with this lovely instrument finely constructed by the Yaks, you with that guitar you often practice with that Twilight loves hearing when she think you're not noticing her spying on you. We could be the best instrumental players in all of Equestria, getting millions and millions of listeners and blaring out our passions to our heart's content! Whaddaya say?!"
...Twilight spies on me playing?
"Ah, here we are!" Is what I expressed merrily upon our final arrival, right on the exact other side around the Everfree Forest. A flawless, isolated location far enough from Ponyville so we couldn't cause any 'ruckus.'
Immediately, Pinkie examined the open area, by trees, plants and so on with nods and gasps of approved excitement, and I cheerfully observed, rather influenced by the positive energy that made up the core of Pinkie Pie's being. If Discord was the embodiment of Chaos, than Pinkie was of the essence of the good.
Chaotic Good, if you would. Heheh.
Settling herself down on a nice spot, I followed suit, by neatly laying my detached glittering velvet cape to the short grass before sitting comfortably, motioning to the mare currently getting ready to practice for a live audience. "Alright Pinkie, whenever you're ready."
Abruptly, she managed to act at least a little flustered and humbled, clutching the tool of the Yaks somewhat in protection. "Are you sure? I'm not exactly completely, utterly, purely good at this or anything yet."
"That's exactly why I'm here." In addition, bonus score for Pinkie to be modest about her new skill. The more wholesome you are about your capabilities, the more potential for improvement there was. "Don't worry, I'm here to point out any flaws. Lay it on me!"
Emboldened by the support of a friend seeking to make amends, Pinkie wasted zero time, straightening in preparation, taking a few deep breaths and getting overall encouraged to practice in a calm and organized manner... Which all threw out the window as the mare became herself again, putting full power into the yovidaphone like a champ! I grinned, mentally applauding just how well this mare was doing, on her second day of obtaining the Yaks' instrument too!
Like before, my head swayed side to side contently, one gold hoof tapping the ground as the gentle breeze toyed with my nice brown beard, observing and hearing the harmonious playing of the mare and deciding what a great idea it was to spend the afternoon like this. Until suddenly, the music altogether ceased, with Pinkie looking at me with expected anticipation earlier than I myself had predicted.
"Well, how was it? Good? Decent? Mediocre? Oh please tell me it wasn't mediocre."
"Pinkie-"
"I knew it, it was mediocre wasn't it?! I knew I should have practiced harder this morning! Just didn't want to disturb Pound Cake and Pumpkin Pie in their sleep!"
"Pinkie-!"
"Where do I need to improve? Was it my lungs? Maybe I need more helium! I should check my secret stash-"
"Pinkie!" Finally, I could speak without being interrupt. [BEEP]ing annoying whenever people keep interjecting before you can get a word in to explain and prevent misunderstandings. But regardless, I had to smile by the needless apprehension radiating from the typically energetic equine. "You're doing fantastic. There's no cause for worry."
"Oh... Oh! Well why didn't you just say so silly? Hahaha!" There we go. Pinkie beamed after some sheepish laughter, all better then. "Goodness, you had me scared stiff Stardust! You're always so deliberately stalling with your criticism!"
Was I? I often thought myself blunt and to the point when I uncover an issue. Thankfully, there's none to be found here. Pinkie was doing just fine.
Completely reassured, and more confident than ever, the grinning mare started another attempt of practice, this time albeit more slower and taking her time, evidently desiring to try differing tunes and seeing what sticks. By this slow take, I grinned at the a familar opening piece, singing out with jest and some flair.
Briefly removing her muzzle from the instrument, the pink energetic Earth Pony smiled and, Pinkie being Pinkie, blurted out the next line with much more zeal.
Well, why the Hell not? Standing up with a short, playful dance by the next phase.
All of a sudden, then, we went from rehearsal of a yovidaphone to a retcon of a beloved, iconic Disney tune. MLP style, baby! Pinkie and I just going at it, with all the dramatics that Timon and Pumbaa would be proud of.
"Very nice Pinkie." I smirked at that verse while rubbing my furry ear.
A grin of excitement. "Heh, thanks."
One verse later-
"PINKIE!" Slapping a gold hoof on her mouth before she could even finish that, censor or no. "K rating."
"Oh, sorry."
Back to the theme! The pair of us now ridiculously dancing and singing amongst the field, the pleasant breeze and shining sun joining in merrily, reinforced by the positive spirit of the mare. Cue vine swings to boot!
Now, for the best scene. No, not the bit of us eating bugs; like that would happen in a billion years. I never once did that during my runaway, why would I even consider starting now for the sake of a SONG? Nah, I was talking about arguably the most memorable scene of the whole musical piece; the walking on the log as day and night cycled past us, with said log stretching on just as much as if by magic.
While both the sun and moon were appropriately rising and falling in sync to the piece and Pinkie's yovidaphone, literally, as we trotted across swaying her heads back and forth, brown and pink manes whirling in the air carefree. We would see why to the former in a moment.
As the third voice finally perked in, tall and proud and choatic as always. "It means no worries, for the rest of your daaaaaays~!"
When the song, at last, concluded by the obligatory leap into the pool of cotten candy courtesy of our new companion, the three of us dried off by massive hairdryers, Pinkie and I grinning openly towards the smug draconequus. The pink mare being more thrilled than I by the welcomed sight of a good, funny friend.
"Hi Discord! Are you here to join our band too?"
"Well, I was merely in the neighborhood, just happening to hear some delight sounds over west of Fluttershy's place." The Lord of Mischief beamed with his own enthusiasm of the prospect. "A band you say? Why, I had long desired to put my own musical skills to fair use!"
Musical yourself, huh? I raised a dubious, but amused brown brow. "Said skills being...?" Trailing off expectantly. Discord was all too happy to answer, conjuring through a tiny portal the instrument of his desire and the tool to have fun with time, I briefly deadpanned with a smirk. "A triangle."
DING. "One can't go wrong with the classics." DING DING DING DING DING DING. Alright, alright, you made your point. Rubbing my ringing ears again, as Pinkie was more than thrilled, beaming to me next excitedly.
"Oh! Quick, Stardust, get your guitar, and we'll be ready to rock Equestria!"
"Ooh indeed! Two practicing ponies and a masterful draconequus! We'll be slayers at the concerts!" Overestimating himself a little, alongside our current talents. Will take a long time of practice-
Two ponies and a draconequus... Hmm... How about, instead, one pony, one draconequus, and one...
Oh.
"Discord, think you can transform me into my form I become in Sunset's world? And get me my gown, too, if you can."
"Okay, instruments, go!"
"Triangle, check!"
"Yovidaphone, check!"
"Electric guitar, check!" Grinning widely between, our trio of a new, average band at best held up the mature toys in question. Well, maturity was questionable considering the Lord of Chaos' preference for musical play, but hey, Discord will always be Discord.
Speaking of whom, the draconequus smirked happily before calling out the next rollcall for us. "Attires, go!"
"Blue gown, check!"
"Pink gown, check!"
"Fluttershy-patterned gown, check!" Discord wasn't kidding, adorned in that yellow long gown with blue and pink butterflies by the hips. It wouldn't shock me if the hoodie was his waifu's own face.
Won't lie, it felt actually good to be in full human form, and not the week version I had to endure for eight whole months ages back, by now. This EQG body was more suited for what we had planned, with the needed energy and stamina to play for hours on end with this baby gift from Sunset. Thank you my dear!
And we were all wearing special dressing gowns, too, in theme of our band. "All right team!" Pinkie, in her brightly covered, soft fabric tied perfectly, called out next merrily with a wide beam. "Sunglasses, go!"
"Check."
"Check!"
"Check!" Of course! How could we possibly proceed without looking more ironically cool in the form of three mismatched of instruments, wearing dressing gowns of varying colours, and adorning black shades to add further to the hip! Don't worry, I'll burst out in laughter soon enough. The pink cheerful pony called out again. "Only one more thing we need!"
One by one, Disccy and I made some guesses. Myself going first with a low smirk. "A trailer?" On cue, courtesy of the mischief maker himself, a large blue trailer appearing to the side.
But alas, though I was tempted to see whatever horrors awaited inside, or where that smell was coming from through its dusty windows, Pinkie shook her head, prompting the eager Discord to make the next speculation.
"An audience?" Rows and rows of tiny seats presented before the three of us after another snap of bear paws, filled to the brim with tiny, sentient forks and spoons applauding and cheering our names. Some blowing into ridiculously tiny tissues.
Another shake from Pinkie, and off they went. I tapped my beard in thought, pondering what the mare was talking about... Hmm... "A stadium?"
Next thing, we were within a massive, conjured arena with countless stands it would put the Equestrian Games to shame. I struggled to refrain my laughter, especially how smugly pleased Discord looked at the moment. Though that deflated by Pinkie's repeated answer as before, and bam, stadium gone.
"Oo, a concert!" Now we're talking! Discord summoned one flawless in design, surrounded by hung banners and a cart merchandise to the side featuring all three of us as different products. Was that a Stardust fedora? I'll take ten!
"Hehehehehehehehehe! No sillies!" The Chaos Lord frowned in soft disappointment, snapping chicken fingers and having it all disappear. Shame, I really wanted to take some of those products and see what Twilight would make of them. Would've been hilarious.
Sighing, we turned to the smiling mare fully, myself speaking for the sole males around this field. "Alright, we give up. What are we missing Pinkie?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
...
...
...
"Well... I guess it wouldn't be..." The bubbly mare rolled her eyes slowly in brief contemplation, before clarifying before we could ask her to. "A band name, sillies!"
A band name... A band name! Yes, of course, what kind of team would we be without a title to help spread our momentary fame around? Brilliant, Pinkie. I turned to Discord, a little overeager by the prospect.
"Something that just screams our theme-"
"'The Chaotics.'"
"...Yes."
Pinkie couldn't be more than thrilled by Discord's perfect name suggestion, holding out a free hoof and beaming for us to participate. Her voice naught but ecstatic in what was to come. "Alright then fellow Chaotics, let's show our friends the best magic of music POSSIBLE!" Alright. One gold palm and one chicken hand joined in atop Pinkie's hoof, declaring what would last in all's minds for a good, long time.
My mind renadomly hopped to the victory jingle from Super Mario World. Felt appropriate.
Thus, for the past week, in our secluded location far from the ears and eyes of formerly disgruntled Ponyvilians, we practiced, and practiced hard. Ranging from songs of the MLP world, to even beyond at times.
Over the course of practicing for over seven days, Pinkie has just become a flawless mistress of the yovidaphone, the Yaks wouldn't be anything else but proud of a good pony friend learning to master their beloved instrument. Admittedly, it can get rough in a few areas, with after sometime practicing together I finally got an inkling of understanding as to our friends' exasperation behind the regularly bubbly Earth Pony learning the tool. But hey, Pinkie was loving the [BEEP] out of blasting the loud Yak equivalent of bagpipes. Could you imagine a showdown between the Yaks and Scottish over their choice in musical accompanient?
Me neither.
Discord. Discord, on the other hand, stayed pretty much the same, content to learn and expertly play the silver traingle dangling between his animal finger sin his own way, which was fine. He was scarcely bad at it, and could even rock a few solos whenever needed. In some cases, the traingle worked to fill the space better than even the guitar, which was more commonly used in this day and age... On Earth and Sunset's Earth, anyway. But I digress, Discord was just happy to play his own way, and never disappointing from the timing and skill when required.
It's almost like he sincerely wishes the best for this temporary band. No sabatoge, no attempts of stealing the spotlight; just three chaotic people in their own way, having the time of theirs lives uniting for their love of music.
Fluttershy's been a better influence than either the not-couple couple realized.
As for my own practices... Well I like to be modest, so I'll say I've done a fair enough job, in spite of praises from both Pinkie and Starswirl along the way. Hell, given this draconequus has offered his own geniune support to my 'talents,' through his own methods of expressing encouragement, naturally. But I don't know, there's still a lot more I could do to make myself better, not helping that we were keeping this band a secret from everyone as a good surprise until we were proper ready.
So, as one could imagine, it was proper difficult to solo practice without arousing suspicion, especially in the castle where the inhabitants tends to poke their noses in other's affairs. Not that I was any better. Still, I managed to make some substantial progress, what little there could be possible, and I was happy with the current results enough.
"Ahh!" Pinkie exhaled in relaxed satisfaction, pulling back her muzzle from the yovidaphone that has been used nonstop. I rarely saw the two apart the passing week. As the mare then beamed to us with slightly red cheeks, needing a breather regardless how much energy was pent up inside her typically. "That was fun! Great practice guys!"
Another rehearsal completed, this time of Route 103 from Hoenn; Pokemon is always a fun place to practice music from. I had suggested a medley sometime in future, for doing a whole medley without a single pause or break, when we're good and well ready for such, would speak volumes over our week to accomplishment.
Their answers were expected, of course, being all for the future prospect. The Chaotiecs were this close to the home run now!
We could all feel it. Discord, stretching eight limbs at once when using that many triangles for a good moment, beamed just as cheerfully as us followed by a nod. "Not half bad, if I do say so myself. Oh who am I kidding? We're fantastic!" Even Pinkie's energy was rubbing off on the amusing trickster, happily pulling in for a tight, friendly hug, the mare returning it with just as much enthusiasm whilst I jokingly attempted to squirm out of it.
Yeah, we would be just fine. As the energetic draconequus placed us down with another wide, but encouraging smile.
"I say it's time we finally put our band to the test!" Discord would cheerfully express what he meant by that in a second.
Disappearing, and re-appearing with a white Equestrian limosuine, walking out in the most fashion, over-the-top clothing and cane ever, surrounding by camera flashes and cries of children and adutls alike, signing autographs on thin air where the people would presumably stand with using the levitating devices. Pinkie and I suddenly finding ourself with Discord on the red carpet, to a giant entrance of a concert entrance, our band name and smirking selves on the largest banner thought possible.
Needless to say, Discord was always the 'go big or go home' type, wrapping up this little display with a loud proclaim with fireworks to the clear sky. Upper limbs wide with a triumphant grin to declare his idea.
"Let's finally show these ponies what can do!" Maintaining that same, dramatic posture of eager boldness, waggling white brows down upon us expectantly. Did we have to yes? I was going to open my muzzle when-
"Um, actually..." Pinkie was suddenly hesitant, a brief note of apprehension in her heart. Discord leaned down afterwards, regarding the sheepish Pinkie with a stink eye.
"What... Cold feet already, Pinkie Pie? Wha... That's not like you! You should be 'WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'" Literally bouncing, rolling and leaping across the field to emphasize how the bubbly mare in question should have reacted to his own proposal, Discord soon glaring upwards after an intentional crash by a nearby boulder. "Not... That!"
But the pink pony chuckled. "Oh, it's not that I don't want to, Discord. There's just... Weeeeeeell..." Now getting coy about it, but I was patient, sitting back so Pinkie could take her time getting her demands across. Might be interesting to hear what our friend had in mind. "Maybe we could... I don't know..." Rubbing her chaotic mane somewhat in embarrassed shyness and humour, beaming finally before Discord could snap. "Perform to a different group of friends of ours first before the others... Heh?"
Another group? Not the girls? I blinked, tilting my head while randomly guessing as to who. Well, not randomly, considering the way Pinkie was now carressing the instrumental objected gifted by said friends. "You mean the Yaks."
Rapidly nodding in affirmation, Pinkie beamed between her present male friends hopefully, teeth visible with the wide anxious grin. "Please! Pretty please! I wanna show them how well I've gotten with playing the yovidaphone! Can we perform for them first? I garantee we'll know their non-existent socks off, please guys!"
...Well, it's worth a shot. My concern is their reaction to other tools outside their own. I'd rather not have my baby here be destroyed by a rampage, gently clutching my dark blue and violet guitar closer to my human chest. But alas, I nodded with a small smile.
"I suppose that's fair. The Yaks deserve to see how well you've progressed with their beloved traditional tool." With my support voiced, we both turned to Discord next expectantly, prompting his quick between both human and pony, before huffing with a callous shrug.
"Fine, whatever, you're the boss Pinkie... Unofficially any-HOW!" Choked tightly into another loving embrace from the pink, relived and blissful mare to the both of her supportive friends, myself mixing both violents coughs and sheepish laughter.
Never... Change, Pinkie...
"You two are the best band members a pony can ask for!" Glad to hear it... Release us... Or me, since Discord effortlessly slithered out from the death hug with a light cleared throat. Finally, the mare heard my plea, allowing me to sit on the grass and regain some breath.
Jesus. I had to grin at least a little, amazed from the raw power of affection from the encouragement of friendship. Pinkie beamed between us, merrily hopping off towards the east of our spots, calling out over her furry shoulder in eager splendor.
"Come on, let's go show them what we've accomplished! Last one to Yakyakistan's a rotten Pheonix egg!" In the blink of an eye, Discord gave me one faint smirk before promptly vanishing, likely beating us to it. Standing up and dusting myself off, I hurried after the enthusiastic mare, her energy too intoxicating not to smile at and join in the lighthearted contest. Though it may have been a whole extended week than just a day with Pinkie, and not exclusively with the mare, it was still an exciting, fun time overall! I enjoyed every second of it!
Rutherford, I hope you're ready! We're going to bring an avalanche down on your mountains when we're through! Here comes Team Chaotics! Please don't sue, Sega!
"If any of our friends ask, the avanlanche that engulfed Yakyakistan earlier was of natural causes. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
"Agreed!"