In, out, in, out. The constant sound of your breathing is the only sound you can here in this dark room. You are currently back in the room where Octavia and Vinyl had let you stay. It's very early in the morning and you decide that you want to go for a walk.
You did, after all, have to purchase a new violin. You stand and find that your neck hurts a bit, but that's not going to stop you. Stepping out the door you hear what seemed to be muffled crying, but you think it best not to bother Vinyl at this hour so you set off.
In the streets you receive many mixed glances. Ponies that didn't instantly look away from you stared at you with hate and distaste. You sigh and continue on, you can see why they would be mad at you, but did they really have to show it in public like that.
After a few minutes of wondering you see what looks to be a music store. An open sign is in the window so you walk in. The mare looks up, sees you and a small frown grows on her face.
"What are you doing here? Come to beat me up, or maybe punch me in the eye?" You wish nothing more than to rip her sorry little tail out right now, but you manage to contain your anger.
"No, I actually came here to buy a new violin and bow." Her face sours before she bursts out laughing.
"Wait, you think I actually play an instrument!? Ha, that's a laugh." Ok that was enough, you glare at her with extreme prejudiced. Even if this mare was nice on the inside, she was going down.
"Well I'd like to see you play a violin better that me." She rolls her eyes, and then speaks in the most condescending tone you've ever heard.
"I'll make you a deal, beat me while playing and I'll give you whatever you want in the store for free. Plus I'll give you a 75% discount on everything else. That's only IF you beat me, got it?" You nod. This mare just made a huge mistake, you think as you pick up an the most expensive violin you can find.
"Ok let's get this show on the road, and before we start I have to warn you I'm going to win." She rolls her eyes and picks up a cello. She begins to play. The song is mostly pizzicato, as she plays you think of a song to play.
You come up with the perfect one.
She finishes and smirks, you don't miss a beat as you start. You hum the missing parts as you play. It's certainly not the most graceful thing you've ever played, but it was fun. A third part comes to your mind and you think of it.
The mare just sits there with a blank expression and when you finish she speaks.
"That all you got?" Ok, that was it you are going down lady. Your expression hardens and you get ready to play. You decide not to play a large piece, just some thing to impress her.
The mare just sits wide mouth until you finish.
"That good enough for you, huh?" You ask sarcastically. She nods her head and then shakes it furiously.
"Take the violin, and for that matter whatever you want. I'm sorry for insulting you like that. With the whole hitting marcato in the head unprovoked thing.." She trails off, wait unprovoked. Unprovoked!
"Did you just say unprovoked!? That idiot smashed my violin, that was my life. That violin had belonged to me for my whole life. It was my way of income to, how am I supposed to play for the freaking royal symphony without an instrument?" She gives you a curious stare and you stand, grab a violin and a case, and then leave the store.
You decide to head towards the hospital and check on Octavia. You're rounding the last corner when you see Conundrum walking out, tears in his eyes. Being a good friend you approach him, but when he looks up and sees you, he starts walking away from you.
Weird, you think, that's unusual for him. You start to walk after him, but he always stays one step ahead of you and soon you're lost. You turn what had to be the fiftieth corner and Conundrum isn't there. Great, you lost him. You start to walk away when a couple of stallions block your way.
You instantly turn and start to run only to find the other side of the street blocked by a huge earth pony. They start to walk closer and you decide to speak first.
"Who are you and what the hay do you want." It was a reasonable question, but you receive no answer as the stallions continue to close in on you. They back you into a corner and you close your eyes and prepare for the inevitable. Instead you hear but one noise.
BOOM
You open your eyes just in time to see the earth pony fly through the concrete that was behind him. The other two simply take one look and start running away. You sigh and start walking towards the ruble that remained of the wall. You smile as Gold Star walks out nonchalantly.
"Thanks man, I can only think of two words that describe that. So. Awesome." He smiles and walks up to you.
"Most I could do for a friend, by the way why are you out here? This isn't the part of town you usually see musicians playing. Unless you've suddenly began DJing." He pats you on the shoulder. "Now I've gotta go, you know being this awesome requires some practice."
With that he starts to take off, but you interrupt him.
"Wait, do you know which way the hospital is?" He nods
"Go down this street, turn left, and then keep going until you get there." He turns and takes off, sending a huge gust of wind out and nearly knocking you down.
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Authors Note: Sorry for the delay, I've been working on the sequel to my other story. :)