//------------------------------//
// At the Club 
// Story: Rise of the Elements Epidode 0: Silent over Time 
// by Dream Volt 
//------------------------------//

	I wasn't comfortable.  The dress I was wearing was fine.  It was a nice pastel blue thing that at least arguably did look better on me than my sister.  I still wasn't convinced but the pale blue did contrast my black coat far more.  It was comfortable too.  Even with the wing holes sewn up so it covered my wings it had good airflow and wasn't too tight anywhere.  But this was still a dark nightclub and not only did I feel personally vulnerable without my armor, but there were countless gaps in security I couldn’t begin to close, and I couldn't even see an attacker properly even if they failed.

The only thing that comforted me at all was that despite how obvious it seemed to me, it's possible no one might recognize Luna.  It wasn't much, but maybe it would be enough.  She was the height of a normal pony, had her mane and coat look as they did that first day I saw her, and had taken the shape of a normal unicorn.  A simple black dress hid her cutie mark.

The four of us stood at a booth off to the side in the club.  A bit of my neon pink hair fell into my eyes, but with a quick head toss it was out of my way again.  It had been up in a ponytail but Luna pulled off the clip, then insisted I keep it this way.  Trixie sat across from me, that infuriating smirk on her face.  Oddly she seemed to have a special hat and cape with glow in the dark stars that seemed well suited to the club full of glowing things. 

"Yes, this is very much of the, fun."

"The great and powerful Trixie freely admits the flower wall had a very good idea."

"T-thank you.  I just wished I hadn't been a bloody foal and remembered that even normal zebras aren't common here."

Azalea still impresses me sometimes.  I think like Applejack's brother she had to have more than a little Clydesland pony in her family tree.  Clydesland was part of Great Braytin, so it was even fairly likely.  Though her sitting there cowering slightly was very unlike the traditional image of the highland ponies.  Regardless it was certainly the way she was.  It reminded me of a certain pegasus, but was also nothing like her at the same time.  Trixie rolled her eyes and Azy looked about, eyes wandering to all those who inevitably stared at her.  Her eyes stopped at an especially large group that all seemed to be staring at her.  She cringed.

"Oh not this again.  Even the patient and tolerant Trixie has her limits.  To perform you simply must get over this fear of ponies and…"

"No, no.  I'm fine now.  I mean sure I couldn’t get a job as a musician because of it, but everything's alright.  Just because my cutie mark is musical notes, and I love music more than life itself doesn't mean I have to go singing everywhere."

"Trixie will not take no for an answer.  Though Trixie can not promise you will learn as fast as Trixie, she can promise she will try her best, and if that isn't enough, than surely there is no hope at all."

Azy waved a hoof.  "No, no.  You really don't have to bother.  I already know I'm hopeless.  Just forget all about it."

Trixie shook her head.  "The confused and perplexed Trixie does not understand you.  You can be the center of attention with no effort whatsoever, but you fear it so."

"Of course that suggests you can't help her at all." I added

"The great and powerful Trixie…"  She reared up as she said her name.  "…may not understand, but there is nothing she cannot do."

"Except defeat ursas or teleport."

"Trixie is working on the later, and she cares not about those ridiculous beasts.  Who ever heard of a beast so magical it resembles the starry sky itself, but uses no magic."

I just smiled as Trixie sat there fuming.  Apparently she made the boast because she just assumed she could subvert their magic and easily defeat them.  She also assumed their size had been exaggerated.  Of course I was saving for a special occasion that I actually had vanquished an ursa.  I had plenty of help, and killing that rabid ursa major was a terrible ordeal in just about every single way.  The worst being looking it in the eye right before the end.  I then shook my head.  Maybe I would just keep it to myself after all, no matter how great Trixie's expression would be.

"Come on Octy, its no big deal."

"No big deal?"

I turned to see two mares that had stopped right in front of our table.  The grey one looked very cross at the mare who I assume she had been walking away from.  The white mare with purple goggles and dual shades of blue hair I had seen before somewhere.  A DJ, but beyond that I could not place her.  The grey mare I suddenly did recognize, though the musician's name still escaped me.  She was one of Celestia's favorite musicians and was at many the social function.  The fact the two seemed to know each other in any capacity was baffling.  Though I did suddenly have the vague impression of Celestia hiring both a DJ and a string quartet to play the same party, so maybe I just wasn't trying hard enough.

"This Ms Scratch…"

"Oouch.  Breaking out the Ms.  Harsh, Octy, harsh."

"As I was saying, this is clearly a mare bar."

"I'm sorry Octy, it was an accident."

"Eeep"

Azy the looked around rapidly, clearly looking for someplace to hide.  I certainly knew that look well enough, even if it was a little different on this pony's face.  I sighed, and was about to say something when Trixie laughed.

"Oh, so the supposedly astute and cautious Silent Sky really didn't realize?  Trixie cannot believe you are the only one who didn't know."

"I'm really sorry.  It's just I don't usually have to think about anypony else, and we were already inside, and then…"

"Just calm down Azy." I said

"Yes, the observant and well informed Trixie is a mare of the world, and knows this city well.  She knew the nature of this establishment."

"We did not, but we do not mind.  While we do not truly, as they say, swing that way, we were once a well known champion of missy mares."

"Don't worry dear."  Said Octy.  "I am sure you meant well."

"Hey, I said like the exact same thing." Said the DJ

"Yes, but I believe her."

"Hey.  That's not very nice."

"But it is accurate."

I smiled.  I think I liked this Octy pony.  I somehow doubt that's her real name however.  Octy then started suddenly and bowed.

"Oh, terribly sorry.  I have not introduced myself.  I am Octavia, and this miscreant is Vinyl Scratch.  It is a pleasure to meet you all."

"Crescent." Said Luna

"The great and powerful Trixie of course, but I have worked with DJ Pon3 before."

"Yea, hay Trix.  You sure you don't want in this next tour of mine.  It's going to be epic, and I love that flash of yours."

"The studious and enlightened Trixie is now the student of Princess Luna herself.  Maybe some other time.  Also Trixie thinks you deserve the spotlight a little and doesn't want to show up your big chance."

For a while I just stared.  I think the two of them kept talking but it felt like the whole world had fallen away.  It was still arrogant as could be, but Trixie had actually said something nice.  I guess it was still fairly selfish and ultimately meaningless, but she still said it.  I then shook my head to clear it.

"Oh, Azalea Valley.  And thank you for not staring or immediately asking, but I'm a Zony."

"I'm frankly amazed she managed." Said Octavia

"What exactly is that?" asked Vinyl

"A zebra and a pony are not just superficially similar, but can interbreed." Said Luna  "In fact while at first glance the anatomical differences…"

Octavia loudly cleared her throat.

"Ah yes.  Of course.  We apologize.  There is no need to discuss that."

"Yea, Zebra and Pony, got it.  Coolsies." Vinyl then smiled

"Anyway we must be going.  I could forgive Vinyl her childish manipulations, but only if this place had a decent selection.  We must be off to somewhere with some proper liquor.  It was a pleasure meeting you all."

"I'm sure we'll see you all again."

"And I'm sure we will not if I can help it."  Then she blinked, and turned back to our table.  "I'm sorry.  What I mean is I do not plan to repeat this mistake, and know of nowhere else our path's would cross."

"I am the captain of the Moon Guard, so most likely we will meet again."

"Ah.  Lovely.  I suppose the armor must really change fur colors, musn't it?"

I nodded.

"I must say I would have remembered you otherwise.  You are quite striking."

Then they walked off.  I noticed small pile of four cards were now on our table.  Each was identical, a white card with blue text and an image of very familiar purple shades.  I just sighed.

"Actually Trixie is curious.  Is jet black and neon pink really your natural colors."

I nodded.  "Yes.  As I'm well aware it is unusual, especially for a mare, to have a black coat, but I do.  Do you have any other inane questions?"

"Harump"  Trixie then turned her nose up and away from me.

"Huzzah.  Come my friends."  Luna then got a great big smile across her muzzle.  Neigh mind the slight error in coming to this location.  We came her to have the fun, and the fun we shall have.  Come forthwith, to the dance floor we shall go."

"Sometimes I wonder if you're even trying."  Said Azy.

"I'm sure her majesty is." I added 

"Trixie is not so sure.  Trixie assumes you shall remain here?"

"I can still hear the music.  I like dancing, but I know even more ponies would stare."

"The wise and observant Trixie thinks that's reasonable yes."

I sighed before I got up.  This was even worse, but even sitting on the edge with her majesty in the back had taken some convincing.  I had no doubt I would never convince her to stay off the dance floor.  Which meant I had to look like an idiot trying to dance if I wanted to keep even the flimsiest bit of protection active.  I should have brought Dream Volt after all.  At least we would have realized Azy's mistake earlier.  I know it's silly to be so protective toward a grown mare, especially one that much bigger than I am, but she just reminds me so much of my sister.





Luna was smiling brightly.  Azy was the only other pony at the table not completely exhausted.  I was about ready to collapse after that, and the only reason Trixie looked better is she had given up several dances ago.  Luna looked no more tired than when we started.  Azy suddenly surged forward, front hooves on the table so she could lean closer.  Luna pulled back as far as she could in the small space.  I wanted to act even though I doubt Azy meant any harm, and wasn't sure it mattered if she did.  However I simply lacked the energy.  The table was bolted the floor and like most of the furniture here made of dark metal.  So it really should not be able to shake at all.

"The music of the night is real?"

"Well in a manner of speaking.  You said it's like an orchestra of…"

"Freeform Jazz players."  Then she gasped, falling back to four hooves.  "Oh my gosh, have you never heard Jazz before?"

"A little.  Some examples were necessary to properly understand musical history but it's importance is minimal and…"

"Minimal?"  Azy was back on the table.  It groaned and shifted under her weight.  "Not important?  I'll admit before jazz the impact of music on anything beyond music history is very minimal, but music is increasingly important to history.  In fact…"

"The great and powerful Trixie is loathe to interrupt, but she believes you had a far more important point."

"Oh, yes.  Right, Jazz later, music of the world now."

"Didn't you only say the music of the night?" I asked

"Yes, but that's because it seems like Luna is responsible.  There is also a song of the day, and a beat of some sort that underlies all of it."

Luna blinked.  "Hmm, yes.  That doth sound close enough.  The moon and sun each act as, to use your metaphor conductors.  Like Jazz the musicians do their own thing, but the moon and sun affect things that create a pattern."

Azy giggled.  "I was right.  I thought I might be imaging it but it's real."

"It sounds very, subtle."  I said.  "Like it's not the sort of thing most ponies could notice."

"It is not.  Though she would not be the first pony with a musical talent to do such."

"The musical and magical Trixie is curious about that beat."

"Oh yes."  she sighed.  "That is the most important part, at least to me.  That is the beat of nature itself, a constant among the two great songs of life."

"Omigosh.  I just had the most amazing idea I should…"

Then Azy's head turned.  There was quite the crowd of ponies nearby, all clearly staring right at her.  The table rocked, and there was a loud crack.  Azy was no longer in sight, and the table wobbled randomly.  I was glad there were currently no drinks on it, as I'm sure they would have fallen off.

"Trixie literally cannot believe you act this way at times.  Especially when you pull a stunt like this."

"Fear isn't rational." Said Azy from beneath the table.  "Just let me cower in peace."

"I think it is about time to leave.  I think it best I simply teleport Azalea directly home, so I should get this out of the way.  We shall go to Ponyville in the morn.  We suggest you all make it an early night."

"Princess, are you saying you want to bring all of us?" I asked

"Trixie has suddenly remembered a very important appointment she simply must keep.  She is sure you won't need her anyway."

"An even less metroponitan city than Canterlot?  They've probably never even heard of a zebra before, much less seen one.  How will they react to a zony?"

"We are going." Said Luna, in an utterly passive tone.  "We expect our loyal retainers to be ready because if they are not we shall be teleporting them to Ponyville on time regardless of their state or location."

"Princess, this arrangement is fine for Canterlot, but you really should have two guards with you at all times, not just myself and Dream Volt most of the time."

"Then bring more of mine captains with you.  In fact it would be most enjoyable were you to bring all of them."

"I could try I suppose.  I'm not sure how many will be available.  It's odd but since we have so little paperwork thanks to your system and mostly the girls, and guys, know their jobs the officers actually have the most free time."

"Excellent.  Then you shall all go?"

"Trixie really must…"

"No you don't, I'm quite sure."  I said.  "Besides you are her loyal student, aren't you?"

Luna sighed.  "I know you all hath reasons to not go to yon village, but you are my friends and I want you there.  Need you there.  After nightmare night I want to know for certain they understand what I owe them.  I MUST NOT FAIL."

The crowd was staring again.  This time almost the whole crowd.  Luna was looking around in confusion.  I sighed.

"You used the royal voice again." said Azy

"I, think it best we leave with great swiftness.  Doth though understand?"

"Maybe I'll just wear my cloak." Came from under the table

"Trixe supposes you are still more important that any prior commitment.  Also in a totally unrelated matter she thinks she might try out that archaic illusion spell you taught her.  A town full of unsuspecting ponies seems quite ideal."

I sighed.  "Anything to serve.  That is the vow, and I guess I am blowing it a little out of proportion.  I'm sorry your majesty.  With armor or without?"

"I'm sure thine armor shall not be needed.  Also I have plans that would require you to remove it."

"Does that mean I can wear it?  I'm sorry your maj…"  Then I felt a kick from under the table.  "Luna.  Did you really have to hoof me from under the table like that?"

"She asked to be called Luna.  I'm to help Luna adjust speech.  Mostly her own, but I think she agrees you could use an adjustment as well."

Then Luna clapped her hooves together.  "Yes, yes, quite right.  You may be my trusted captain, but you are also my friend.  I not only give you permission to try to do this in whatever way you see fit, but Sky is never to retaliate for anything you do."

"Uh, your…"  I cringed as Azy kicked me again "Luna, are you sure that's wise."

"Azy is a nice pony and will certainly not do anything too severe to you.  Now we believe it is time to vacate, for they can sill hear."

"So, is that the princess?"

Then very suddenly all four of us were in the throne room of the night palace.  Luna said she would hold court here eventually, but for now it was still empty at night.  It looked fairly similar to the sun court throne room, other than the coloring.  It even had the little fountains on either side of the throne.  I always thought that was odd.  Though the purple, black, dark blues, and only small accents of white made it harder to see.   Then the glowing electric orbs scattered about the room came on.  I took some pride in the fact only Luna's throne room had such lights.  Azy was still under the table meaning it had indeed been separated from the floor and she had to be grasping it quite securely.  She let go and it crashed to the ground with an echoing crash that startled all of us.

"Well, the great and powerful Trixie does not wish to be the tired and exhausted Trixie tomorrow, so she shall go home and get some rest."

"I'll do the same."  Azy then stood up  "Maybe it won't be so bad?"

"I shall of course accompany you to your door at the very least.  More if you require Princess."

"Luna." Said Azy, currently out of reach.

"Sorry your…"  I sighed.  "Luna."

"Very good.  Lets us go.  Tomorrow will be such fun."

"But I still don't think I can…"

"You and Dream Volt would be enough.  And I have said you may take a full six ponies in addition to yourself.  Also it is only Ponyville."

"That's why I feel we need the extra hooves.  But I am here to serve, and if you insist."

"I do.  Now, let us see if you can truly see me to my door."

I was about to ask what she meant when she took off and flew away.  I blinked.  Even when fully rested I don't think I could have kept up with her.  In fact I could only think of one pony who would even stand a chance.  On second thought I suppose Celestia might be able to as well, though I've never really seen her hurry while flying.  I just sighed, not even trying.  It was only as I did take off I noticed Trixie and Azy were gone.  I didn't even notice her teleport them.  I really am out of it.