When Noteworthy moves in with his colleague, he discovers his true self and what it means to love somepony.
Have you ever asked yourself what makes you you? What experiences and characteristics truly define yourself? Noteworthy is having a hard time figuring out the answers to these questions. In this serious yet told with humor story, Noteworthy realizes his true self in the small town of Ponyville. The ponies he meets there help him find the answer to the question he tries not to think about: Who is Noteworthy?
This story I will tell as best I can recall. I write it in dedication of the late Soothing Tone, and every pony who is unsure of who they really are. Now, I do not hope to depress anypony, for Soothing Tone would never have wanted such a thing to be on his account. I will tell this story as if his cheerful spirit guides my ink to form the words that he would have wanted.
June 11
Now, as I recall, it was one of those delightfully cool June days. Not so perfect as a particularly bodacious mare intentionally flaunting her plot whilst bending over right in front of you, but the type of perfect you might feel from a smooth melody executed without a flaw, quite in contrast with the former. I was blue in color, with an even darker blue mane, and four eighth notes on my flank. I, Noteworthy, of gallant stature and of great importance, was riding in the most luxurious vehicle I could find, and was being pulled by the strongest stallions that were available. You should wish to know that I was not riding "from" anywhere, as I had no origin. Now, obviously I had departed from someplace where I could obtain a means of travel, but what I mean is that I had no place to call home. I am a traveling musician, and I perform at many prestigious concert halls. However I was not unfamiliar with Ponyville's layout, for I had come here many times in the past for the very reason of enjoying the scenery.
But this occasion was not for sight seeing. A colleague of mine had invited me to live with him. This was Soothing Tone. While I played many songs all over Equestria, he was the one to write the songs. He had such a brilliant mind I found it quite fascinating, he seemed to capture my beloved Ponyville's essence in his work. I knew he was brilliant despite the few times I had actually spoken to him because of his music. He wrote to me that he was having trouble writing music, and prayed I would aid him in his troubles. I accepted, for this problem affected me quite directly. Besides, it was a vacation I could very well relish.
Whilst I sat in my luxurious carriage, the vehicle slowed down to stop right in the middle of the rode. This frustrated me for I wanted to be on my way. I emerged from my carriage in the most respectful manner I could muster and turned my eyes toward the problem so important as to apprehend my progress. As expected, there in fact was no problem present that I could grasp importance of. I had thought at first that maybe the world was coming to an end, but it did not seem so. I then predicted the sky had suddenly become so heavy with the universe that it simply crumbled and was falling down to crush us all. But no, these things were not of cause. The problem, if it may be considered as such, was the crossing of a mother duck and her ducklings. Surely the ducklings could dodge this fast and large carriage, is this not an obvious action to take in such a situation? And perhaps the drivers might not have stopped, had it not been for the Pegasus guarding them and assuring their safe crossing. She was of creme color, with a flowing pink mane and bearing butterflies on her flank. Now to stallions I always behave in the most respectful manner I find to be absolute. And to mares I always try to be charming. But I disliked ponies who aided lowly, insignificant animals. I did not see the point. This with combination of my frustration caused my actions to be less than respectful or charming. I walked right over to the mother duck, and said, "The safe crossing of these insignificant ducks are of no concern to us intelligent pony folk!", and I then kicked the mother duck with a fairly good force. The duck looked bewildered, as it was obviously spoiled by this Pegasus. The Pegasus did not enjoy my actions in the least. At first glance she looked to be of the quiet and reserved type, one who avoids conflict at all possible. But once my hoof made contact with the duck, she went berserk, she "got into my grill", as one might say, although I was always one to take sayings such as that sexually. After making sure I was completely aware of my heinous crime, she turned and flew off in quite a sassy manner.
Before she was far, I said, "I am glad we could meet and I hope we may acquire more pleasant confrontations in the future." In spite of all of this, I cannot lie. I was quite allured. She had a certain quality I had yet to discover in a mare. It intrigued me, and so I actually meant what I said and hoped I may study her nature more so. One of the two drivers commented on how I had not respect for mares. I disregarded this and climbed into my carriage.
I chose not to think about these things, for I knew that the real reason for my disrespectful behavior towards mares was not simply because it was my belief they did not deserve respect. It was because I had given up on finding love, and filled this hole in my life with satisfaction not so noble. But enough about mares. These things I do not wish to recollect.
Soon I arrived at the address Soothing Tone had written me. I was surprised to find his house of quite peculiar structure. It seemed to be built right inside a tree. The only house in sight that obtained such an appearance. Of course I had seen it before whilst I walked in Ponyville, but I had no idea the tree-house belonged to Soothing Tone. I was not surprised for long however, for I suppose I should have guessed his taste would be quite refined and eccentric as my own.
I knocked at the door and waited. At length, the door swung open quickly, and there stood Soothing Tone. He acquired a black color, with a dark blue mane, and very strong chin. His horn was always polished and shining. He wore a freshly ironed suit, which covered his posterior. I should have thought it strange I had never seen his cutie mark, but I guessed he wanted an always gentlepony like appearance.
Wearing a positively genuine smile, he said, "Noteworthy you cheeky bastard you! Let me take your bags, you are my guest. Come in, come in!" He took my bags and almost ran into the interior. I somewhat hesitantly entered myself and let my eyes devour the gloriously refined scene. Books all around me, every wall seemed to be covered with them. Each and every one seemingly exactly where it ought to be, everything tidy and in order. Taking a closer look, I found many books about magical uses. Glancing here and there, not a single musical document was to be found. I turned around at the sound of Soothing Tone descending the stairs.
I said, "Soothing Tone, I think I may have already discovered your problem! You are not surrounded by a single musical essential. Where is your lined paper?"
He replied somewhat uncomfortably, "Actually, this home belongs to a friend of mine who is off on business. My own place is being completely redone, the whole works. Damn rules and regulations, that is it. I will send for my essential items soon. But we shall save all chat for the morrow. You must be tired from the travel. Make a hasty toilet, for I have prepared a meal quite magnificent. After you have been refreshed I will send for a mare that might please you, best in town. I understand this is how you must release your emotions. Now, I must finish preparing the dinner table." He ascended the stairs once again.
I did not know how he knew about my great lust for mares, but I did not care at the time either. I thought it was a capital idea. Soothing Tone might have been quite eccentric, but his hospitality was sincere. Whilst making my toilet I decided I would quite like my stay. After I had finished eating, I waited in delightful anticipation.
I awoke as I always did; positively handsome. Walking towards the window, I took notice of the sun's position. I must have slept in on account of my glorious yet exhausting night. Soothing Tone was so right to have suggested such a pleasing mare. Her tactics were rare and unmatchable. You see, it would be expected for her to arrive wearing nothing at all, for it is probable this was her ordinary attire. But, no, this was not to be. Upon her entering I was surprised to see her mountain of furs and many articles of clothing. Whilst whispering things my ears longed to hear, she removed each and every piece of clothing slowly. She did this so slowly that once she had finally flung herself to me, I enjoyed it that much more. I was able to build up so much anticipation and have it satisfied all at once.
After recalling the night before, I started to make my way down the stairs. My sleeping area was stationed atop the stairs. Where Soothing Tone slumbered I knew not. Soothing Tone had set out a small table with tea and pastries occupying the most upward area on said table. He sat on one side smiling somewhat slyly.
He said, "ah, I see you are up! I have prepared sustenance. Come join me." I sat down whilst he poured me tea. I selected a few pastries I deemed appealing. He inquired about my night, and I explained to him what had happened and honored his great taste in such matters. After some small talk I decided to get down to business.
"When will your musical items arrive?" I asked quite strapping. He replied, "My friend Noteworthy, you have surely slept in. I have already sent for them, and they will be here on the morrow. However, I had run out of lined paper and had ordered some. It should arrive today in fact." There was a knock on the door just as he finished his sentence. "Speaking of arriving."
He walked over and opened the door, then spoke to the delivery Pegasus whilst he signed the proper papers, "Yo, Johnny my brony! How's the wife? And the kids? Oh, I'm sorry to hear that brotown. Why don't I come over later and give the scamp some of my special brew, he'll feel great! Alright, keep it cool."
He shut the door and put the boxes of paper aside. He sat down staring at me, one eyebrow raised, and said. "What is it?"
Wondering what he meant, I realized my jaw had dropped to its fullest extent. Regaining my posture I said, "Well, I've never heard you talk like that before."
Sporting a serious look, he said, "Noteworthy, we are both intelligent and masculine individuals, are we not?"
I replied, "We are," confused but still completely agreeing with him. He continued, "Did you not ever think it strange that I talked the same way as you?" He started to rub his face with his hooves. "Listen here friend Noteworthy, all you need to know is that I will talk to someone else how they talk to me, and this should make them more comfortable."
"I suppose I did find it unusual you spoke the same dialect as me," I replied suspiciously, "I didn't think anyone did anymore. My family has preserved it through the ages. But that doesn't explain how you knew how to speak it."
With his hooves still on his face he said, "You need not worry, friend. Just do not inquire about it to anyone else. I beg of you, do not tell anyone what you have witnessed." He dropped his hooves, improved his posture, and smiled slightly too large. "Now, back to business. You must help me solve my problem, I cannot seem to think of a single tune."
I thought, and said, "It might help to be surrounded by your metronomes and instruments, but for now I have a few things to think about. And I do my best thinking while-" He cut me off, "Walking, of course. We'll end this discussion, I have some things to attend to and you can do your walking." I was baffled.
Before I had stepped out the door, he called to me, "Don't go and fall in love while you're out!" I laughed dryly. At this point I wasn't sure what he didn't know about me.
later
It gave me comfort to see Ponyville and all of its inhabitants again. While I mostly came here for the quiet I did manage to acquire a few good friends. I spotted some of them near the marketplace, and called to them. One of them noticed me and yelled, "Is that you Noteworthy? Hey, damn you bro, showing your face around here. You ruined me! My wife left me dude!", and then the pony next to him said, "Wait, dude, don't talk to him like that. He got promoted to princess after we left, if you make him mad he'll burn you with the power of the sun!"
I made a hasty change in direction and continued my walk. Obviously they had drunk too many apple ciders.
After thinking about Soothing Tone's predicament, I decided he must have had some very grave problem that he was keeping from me. I would have to watch closely and figure out what it was. As long as he was unable to write music, I was unable to perform it. So at present there was nothing I could do but watch him and figure out his problem.
After walking until late in the day, my hooves brought me to the outskirts of Ponyville. This is where a majority of the animals took residence. It was the quietest part of my walk. But on this particular walk I stopped to study a quaint cottage. Its humble appearance looked very picturesque along with the beauty of nature. Whilst staring I started at a sudden voice that said, "WHAT BRINGS THE MOST BORING OF BACKGROUND PONIES TO THE HUMBLE FLUTTERSHY'S ABODE?" I looked around frantically but there was nopony to be seen. "Down here buddy."
I looked down and was surprised to find a flower with a face on it. "What are you?" I inquired.
"I'm the almighty Discord. Now come a little closer." I leaned in closer. "What's boring, blue, and wet?" the flower asked.
"The ocean?" I guessed.
It laughed and said, "no, YOU!" Just then a tremendous amount of water spewed out of the flower and positively drenched me to the core. Enraged, I started yelling obscenities. Then from behind I heard, "YOU!", which was followed by a swift tackling of my person. After realizing why I was lying on the ground, I also realized the snout centimeters from my own, and this particular snout belonged to the Pegasus I had encountered the day before. Rage filled her eyes.
She yelled, "So now kicking poor mother ducks isn't enough, you have to yell at flowers too? What did the flower ever do to you, huh? It can't defend itself from big meanies like you! Say you're sorry!"
Her anger disappeared and, realizing how close her nose was to mine, her face turned absolutely red. Unable to move, she asked, "W...why are you so wet?"
I answered, "That flower sprayed water all over me ma'am."
She acquired a look of awkward frustration and spoke whilst getting off me, "Oh I'm so sorry, that's just Discord. I'll give him a stern talking to. Come inside, I'll dry you off." She then flew to her house. I stood for a moment trying to grasp the reality of my situation. Then I decided to at least go inside. I stepped inside and gaped at the absurdity of the interior. Perches and holes were everyone, it was as if animals actually lived inside her home. Whilst standing water had been dripping off of me and the floor had sadly lost its dry characteristics. Frantically, she hurried over to me with multiple towels and started rubbing me all over. I had no idea if she still possessed anger or not.
Unfortunately in her clumsy movements she was slow to apprehend the absence of a wet floor sign. Slipping she flailed her arms in many directions, and somehow brought me down with her. Her lips landed right on mine, and we laid there for several seconds so time could catch up with us. After realization hit, we hastily rose and stared at each other. She sported red so fierce I was surprised her head had not started on fire yet.
She stuttered, "I...uh..."
Feeling quite strange inside I attempted to remain gallant and said, "Fluttershy, is it? You know, Fluttershy, if you fall on me one more time, I just might fall for you." And with that I left a man.
night
I continued walking until darkness fell, and then returned to Soothing Tone's tree-house. I let myself in, and called to Soothing Tone. There was no reply. I searched around and up the stairs, but he was no where to be found. After some searching I discovered there indeed was a basement. Descending, I saw a light. Peering around the corner, I found Soothing Tone. He was fully involved in some sort of magical brew in a small cauldron. Stirring it he whispered, "It will work this time. It has to! I will escape this damned curse! My soul must be reclaimed!"
Slightly traumatized, I decided it would be best if he didn't know I was ever there. I ascended to my bed and attempted slumber to no avail.
I started to feel alone. Each day I waited, and yet nothing came in the mail. I became afraid to ask Soothing Tone about it, because he himself I started to fear. He acted differently than when I first arrived in Ponyville. So did everypony else. Most of the ponies I used to know despised me, but they adored Soothing Tone as if he was everyone's best friend. The only pony I had left here was Fluttershy. I had made plans to meet her today, and I was getting to the bottom of this mystery. Finishing yet another glorious breakfast coming from seemingly thin air, I informed Soothing Tone I would be gone for most of the day.
"Ah, so you will leave me as well now?" he said.
"Er, uh, just for the day my good friend." I tried to reassure him.
"No, that's fine, just go. Leave and perish like all the others."
I couldn't hold in my surprise, "Should I be one to perish on such a wondrous day?!"
He smiled an evil smile, "No, perhaps not." He moved his face to a very uncomfortable distance from mine. "But know this, you're not leaving until I get what I want."
With that he left me wanting nothing more than to leave. And that's just what I did, advancing right to Fluttershy's abode.
She was waiting for me on the path in front. She waved to me and spoke, "Hi Noteworthy, I promised my friend Rainbow Dash I would watch her practice a new trick she's been working on. Is that okay with you?"
"Hello Fluttershy, yes that's fine. I just wish to speak with you now." We started walking down the path. "Fluttershy, what do you know about Soothing Tone?"
At his name Fluttershy donned a large smile and said, "Oh, he is a very good friend of mine. I've known him as long as I can remember."
I thought this was strange considering she had never mentioned him and he had never mentioned her. I asked, "Who is the person who is letting Soothing Tone stay in their tree house?"
"Twilight Sparkle lived there, but don't worry about her. She's not here anymore." She said.
Confused, I asked, "But I thought he was only staying there momentarily...where did this Twilight Sparkle go exactly?"
Her forehead wrinkled and she said, "I hadn't thought about that I guess..."
"Hadn't thought about it? What do you mea-"
"Oh look, there's Rainbow Dash!" She exclaimed.
Flustered, I observed Fluttershy converse with her colorful friend. Then Rainbow Dash ascended and sped through the air with great speed. Fluttershy tried unsuccessfully to cheer on Rainbow Dash, but she was magnificent anyhow. I opened my mouth to question Fluttershy once more, when suddenly Rainbow Dash suddenly vanished into thin air when going a certain distance away from us. I gaped at the nothingness that used to be Fluttershy's friend. Fluttershy herself stopped cheering immediately and looked, confused, in the same direction. Her face then appeared to be distracted with other thoughts.
"I have to get going," She said whilst turning to leave.
"Wait," I said, "What about Rainbow Dash, where did she go?"
She replied, "It doesn't matter, she's gone now." With that she left.
I turned again to the place where Rainbow Dash had disappeared. I approached it. As I drew near I suddenly realized I needed to get out of Ponyville as fast as possible. I started to run. I ran away from Ponyville and all of it's false characters. I ran until my lungs gave out, and I was forced to stop and rest. Catching my breath I noticed a building in front of me. Behind that building was another, and yet another. And beyond that was Ponyville. I stood flabbergasted. My thoughts were scrambled. As I walked closer I realized it was the opposite side of Ponyville, where the train station was. I stopped near the tracks trying to figure out what was going on. Then it hit me, this was what Soothing Tone was talking about when he said I couldn't leave. But how could he be behind this? As I wondered I noticed a train approaching from the distance. The ground started to vibrate as it got closer, its speed seemed to increase rather than decrease as it neared the station. As it got closer to my location, I noticed movement in my peripheral vision. I turned my head and was surprised to see Soothing Tone standing on the other side of the tracks.
His lips moved but it was hard to hear his words over the increasingly deafening sound of the train. Then, to my utter horror, just before the train reached us he jumped onto the tracks. I closed my eyes just before he was hit, and just like that everything was silent. I opened my eyes to find that I was in a bed, and it was night. But I did not recognize the room in which I slept. I turned to see the smiling and terrifyingly beautiful Octavia, my old lover.
"What is this nightmare," I moaned, "I left you so long ago, Octavia."
She looked at me sympathetically and said, "Oh Noteworthy, you fool. You never left me, it was I who left you. Love stood in the way of my career, I had to make a choice Noteworthy. But...I never stopped loving you. And now, we can be together again. Now come here."
She came closer and I could not resist her. Her lips touched mine, and from there it became increasingly intimate. I couldn't gather my thoughts. Everything was happening so fast. Then realization hit. This was all impossible, all lies, a farce. It was I that left her. I could never have given myself to someone, I would be too vulnerable. I could be hurt...I could...
Suddenly I pushed her away and shouted, "No! This isn't happening! Tell me, what is the meaning of all of this?!"
Octavia's surprised expression turned into disappointment and she sighed. "You have to go now Noteworthy, Soothing Tone needs your help. But even more so does Twilight Sparkle, she can't do this on her own."
The next second Octavia's head turned grey, a horn protruded from her head and one tooth became much longer and sharper. She put her mouth to my ear and whispered, "And by the way, that was fantastic."
I then found myself in a carriage, light coming in from the cracks of the doors. I sat, once again failing to collect my thoughts. The carriage stopped abruptly and I realized what was going on. I bursted into the sunlight and sprinted right over to Fluttershy while she was helping some ducks cross the road. I quickly asked her, "Fluttershy, who is Soothing Tone? Where is Twilight Sparkle?!"
She floated astonished for a few seconds and then responded hesitantly, "I, um, don't know who Soothing Tone is but, uh, if you want to talk to Twilight she should be in her tree house."
I turned and ran once more in the direction of Ponyville as fast as I could bear. By the time I was knocking on the door of the tree house I was completely out of breath. I waited some time and when the door started to open my anticipation turned into hopelessness as I stared at the face of Soothing Tone.
Wearing a positively genuine smile, he said, "Noteworthy you cheeky bastard you! Come in, come in!"
