Musical Prowess isn't like other ponies, because unlike them all, he doesn't excel at what his cutie mark tells him is his talent. On top of that, no one really wants to give him a chance. This is a story of one colts dream to finally achieve excelle
Musical Prowess isn't like other ponies, because unlike them all, he doesn't excel at what his cutie mark tells him is his talent. On top of that, no one really wants to give him a chance. This is a story of one colts dream to finally achieve excellence in his one, true passion; Music.
You might think growing up in a city as large as Manehattan would be a blessing. The lights, the sounds, the smells, they are all so overwhelming. I can’t imagine what it’s like to live anywhere else, and that’s the problem. Inspiration is something I need, something I crave, yet here, there’s nothing but grey’s and brown's. I feel like the longer I stay here, the more disillusioned I become.
Ever since I was born, my mom told me I was special, heh, if she could see me now. Working for 4 bits an hour at a fast food restaurant doesn’t exactly scream special to me. No, my problem is that my cutie mark is defective in a way. I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I was still a foal at the time, and a Colt came in by the name of Brassy Blue. He came around to show us a wide variety of musical instruments. From clarinets and trumpets, strings and percussion, I was so overwhelmed. Then I saw it, this instrument that was bigger then a trumpet, but much smaller then a Tuba. I asked Brassy what this instrument was, and he said in high defiance, “Oh that? That’s just a Euphonium, no one plays that instrument, it isn’t worth your time.” I picked it up, and blew into the mouthpiece. The sound I heard coming out of it was one of the most beautiful tones I had ever heard. suddenly, a glow emanated from my flank. Everyone stopped and looked, and my cutie mark appeared! It was just a simple treble clef, but I knew that day, that music was the answer to everything!
At least, that’s what I thought. Looking back on it now, it’s just a distant memory. A ghost of the colt called “Musical.” What happened you ask? Well, lets just say that everything is more complicated in Manehattan. Shortly after I obtained my cutie mark, my mother passed away from a prolonged illness. I try not to think about it to much now, but she was at peace in the end, knowing I would be taken care of. My father wasn’t in the picture and I was effectively left on my own. Sure the city helped to provide me with a place to live and food to eat, but I was left alone in a city that never sleeps. I tried to apply to the Academy of Music here, but without a Euphonium of my own, I was denied on the spot. The story remains the same at every music establishment in the city. I was simply not someone of enough interest or renown to warrant them using resources on me.
Embarrassed, angry, and annoyed, I obtained a job working at a fast food place, trying to save enough money for an instrument to call my own. Above everything else though, I was upset at my cutie mark. Why did it have to be music? Ever since that moment when I thought music was the answer, I’ve had every door closed in my face, and why? I wish I could tell you, but lets just say the answer isn’t in Manehattan. All I want is to start over, but lets say I leave Manehattan, what then? I’ll run out of money quick, will be virtually homeless, and be no closer to obtaining an instrument then I am now. You can see my problem now, can’t you? My life is nothing but sadness after sadness.......
......and that’s when I met Octavia.
While working, I overheard two colts talking about a performance later that day in the Manehattan Orchestra Hall. A mare all the way from Canterlot was doing a rare performance outside of the capital, and it was all the buzz around the city. What if this was the inspiration I needed? What if this was my escape from this awful city? I knew I had to meet this Mare, but how? The tickets were probably all sold out, and even if I could get one, how could I meet her? I knew it would be almost impossible, but I had to try.
One useful thing about Manehattan; everypony knows everypony.
I asked my boss to take the rest of the day off and got in contact with a buddy of mine who was a ticket scalper.
“Do you have tickets to the Cello performance tonight at the Orchestra Hall!” I said, exhausted after the run.
“Of course I do, depending on the price you’re willing to pay.” A crooked smile appeared on his face, and I knew this wasn’t going to be good.
“Anything, how much?”
“200 bits, not a penny less.”
I was stunned. In all my years of saving, I had 214 bits to my name. Was this worth giving up all I had saved for? The instrument I so desperately desired? The career I’ve dreamed about since I was young? If there was even a chance of leaving this city, I had to take it. I took out my check book, and wrote him a check for 200 bits.
“Perfect, here’s your ticket, you’re in seat 203A, front row of the balcony, lucky you!”
Still wondering if what I had done was the right decision, I ran to the hall, just as the doors were closing. Sitting in my seat, the anticipation was building. The lights dimmed, and the mare’s and colts' all hushed as one of the most beautiful mares I had ever seen walked onto the stage. Her bright grey coat was only matched in beauty by her stunning, mulberry eyes. As if nothing else could be more perfect about the pony sitting in my presence, see began to play. The sound that left her strings we’re some of the most beautiful melodies I had ever heard. She played the strings as if they were an extension of herself. She was one with the music, and she was in complete control of the audience throughout the performance. Whether is was fiery and up-tempo, or slow and melodious, the audience was completely captivated. I was so entranced that when the standing ovation occurred, I didn’t realize the concert was over. Had I really been sitting here for an hour and a half? I saw her leaving the stage, and I bolted from my seat, hoping to see her before she left the hall.
Outside, I looked around and saw an ornate carriage and knew it was hers. I waited for a few moments, and there she was, walking out the back entrance. I ran to catch her but was stopped by a rather large security stallion.
“No way, Ms. Melody is not taking visitors, now leave.”
Refusing to budge, I yelled, “ Ms. Melody, please, I need to speak to you! Ms. Melody.”
Halfway into her carriage, she paused, looked at me, and came over. “It’s okay Muscles, he looks harmless, what can I do for Mr....”
“Oh, It’s Prowess, Musical Prowess.” I almost couldn’t form words. Her eyes buried unto my heart with the strength of a dagger. “Well, Ms. Melody..”
“Please, call me Octavia.”
“Okay, um, Octavia, well, ever since I got my cutie mark, I’ve known music is my dream. It’s all I ever think about, but every time I try to go for it, I’m told to do something else, that music isn’t for me.”
I could tell she was listening to every word I had said, and after I was done, she asked, “What instrument do you play?”
Completely embarrassed, I replied, “Well that’s my problem, I want to play the Euphonium, but I can’t afford it, and I used all of my savings to be able to come and listen to you play.”
It was here that her whole demeanor changed. She went from stern and almost unresponsive, to understanding and upset over my current situation.
“Well, you certainly are foolish, aren’t you Musical?”
Stunned, I lowered my head. “I’m sorry I bothered you Ms. Melody”
As I turned to leave, she laughed and said, “No, no, I men you’re foolish to have given away your life savings! As thoughtful to me as your actions have been, I would be remise to not do something about your current situation.”
Even more puzzled then before, I’m able to sound out, “What...what do you mean?”
“How about this, what if I was to give you the bits you’d need to purchase your own Euphonium?”
“Excuse me?” I was completely caught off guard, did she really just ask me that? “What do you mean exactly?”
She giggled, I could tell she was enjoying seeing me turn a slight shade of pink. “What I mean is, that I can’t so much as let a fellow musician move forward without an instrument, can I? Here, I’m going to write you a check for 1,000 Bits to get a professional Euphonium, how does that sound?”
My body acted on its own when I gave her probably the biggest hug I had ever given anyone in my life. Initially unresponsive, she reciprocated it and could tell how emotional it was for me. I was beyond overjoyed, I don’t think any word could describe it.
After a few moments she said, “I’m doing this so long as you come to Canterlot and play for me once you become a professional, okay?”
Wiping the tears from under my glasses, I gladly accepted her offer. She proceeded into her carriage and shortly after, came out holding a check.
“Follow your dreams Musical Prowess, and know that I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”
She handed me the check, gave me a wink, to which I blushed horribly, and she left for Canterlot.
I couldn’t help but wonder where this was going to take me, but two things where made very clear. I have a promise to keep to Octavia, and I will make it to Canterlot, and also, I finally am able to purchase a Euphonium! Finally, after so many hard years, so many doors shut in my face, it took tho kindness of one mare to change everything for me. The past is now behind me, and I look towards a future of endless possibilities.
You should have seen the look on my face when I purchased my Euphonium. It was the one I had been dreaming about for so many years. Silver and gold plated, with mother of pearl valve caps, it was everything I could have wanted. Now that I had this, so many doors could be opened. Should I attend music school? play in the streets? Join the circus? All were valid options, but one thing constantly nudged at the back of my mind. I have to leave Manehattan.
Without another thought, I returned to my small, one room apartment above the local StarBucks, and packed my most valuable possessions. My euphonium of course, a hat I’ve worn so often that a prominent hole had opened up, some old drawings of Starswirl the Bearded from when I was younger, and of course, the locket my mother had given me before she passed. The lock has been broken for the past few years, but I knew what was inside, one of the only pictures I had of me and my mom. Even just looking at it again brought a tear to my eye, and I thought, “Would mom be proud of me?” It was a silly thought, of course she would! I’m pursuing my dream, I’m finally leaving a city that has been a thorn in my hoof for most of my life, but at the same time, I wasn’t happy. More than anything, this was my home, and it is the only place I’ve ever known.
As I finished packing, I heard a knock at the door.
“Musical? Musical open up, it’s Jasmine.”
Jasmine was one of the only true friends I had made in this town. In elementary school, she was always the one who kept the bullies from picking on me. At first I hated it, but over time, I grew a deep appreciation and respect for her. So much so that after Octavia left, I immediately went to tell her the news. Obviously she was upset over me leaving, but understood that it was for my own good. I slowly moved to the threshold and opened the door.
Jasmine Berry was incredibly beautiful, in a “we’re-just-plutonic-friends” sort-of way. She had light purple fur, deep pink eyes, dark black hair, and always wore a pink bow. Boy, did she love that pink bow.
“Musical, I know you’re busy, but I was wondering if you wanted some company walking to the bridge?
“Of course Jasmine, I’d love that!” I was planning to walk on my own, to take in the sights one final time, but this sounded much more appealing. I finished up what little packing I had left, and locked my door for the last time. As we began my walk towards freedom, I couldn’t help but notice there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. It was almost as if the city was trying to convince me not to go.
After 10 minutes of light chatter, reminiscing about all the great times we’ve had over the years, we reached the Manehattan bridge, the portal to the rest of my life.
“Well, looks like this is it.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was sad to go. Manehattan had been a huge part my life for as long as I’ve been alive, and now I was finally leaving. Jasmine looked at me, a single tear coming from the corner of her eye.
“You’ll come back and visit right?”
Initially, I didn’t know how to respond to that. Was I going to return? Would I want to return? It was then that I did the same thing I did the previous day with Octavia.
“I promise I’ll visit when I can.”
That put a smile on her face, and we hugged for a long time. It was great knowing that when I return, I would have such a great friend to return home too.
“Make sure you write, okay?” She said, still obviously holding back tears.
“Of course I will, besides I’ll miss your nagging to much.” After she jokingly punched me in the head, I left across the bridge. I don’t think there is any word to describe the feeling I had, other than freeing. Obviously I’ll miss the people who had been a part of my life, but I knew this was the right decision.
I paused right before the end of the bridge and looked back. The city glowed in the afternoon light, and for the first time in my adult life, it looked beautiful. I turned back, took a deep breathe, and continued walking.
When walking, you find yourself thinking many things, but me, I kept thinking of promises. I never make them, in the event I can’t fulfill them, but in the past 24 hours, I had made two. This was so outside of my character, and yet, I knew I would fulfill them. I will go to Canterlot, I will perform for Octavia, and will return to Manehattan!
It was this “can-do” attitude that got me into my first real struggle. I was walking down the road when up ahead, I noticed something. It was a young mare, and a stallion who was making some obviously very unwanted advances. Me, acting like a knight in a fairy tale, rushed over to help.
“Hey, let her go!” I yelled, unaware that this stallion easily had me outclassed in the muscle department.
“Please help me!” The mare screamed, black make-up running down her face.
“No, I’m not done with you, and you, pretty boy, I’d walk away if I was you!” The stallion then turned back to the mare, ignoring that I was even still there.
Before we go on, I must inform you that what I’m about to do is probably one of the most idiotic things I’ve ever done. I dropped my pack, got very low to the ground, and sprinted towards the stallion. Before you ask, yes, I head-butted him. Right in the side.
My eyes went foggy as I reared back trying to catch my breath. The stallion seems unfazed and just looked at me, laughing. “So, the pup wants to play with the big dogs. Fine by me.”
Still trying to regain my footing, I was launched off my feet, hitting my back on a nearby oak tree. The pain was to intense, that I didn’t even see him rearing up to tackle me while virtually unconscious. Preparing to meet my fate, a voice called out in the distance.
“Halt! Leave that colt alone!”
“Damn, you’re lucky today you little punk, but I’ll get you next time.” The stallion ran as fast as possible to escape whomever my hero had been. However, before I could make out his face, my vision grew dark, and I passed out. Some hero I turned out to be.
Where was I? The last thing I remembered, was an incredible amount pain, and someone who saved me. I took a look around and found I was in…..a hotel room? Confused, I took a closer look and saw the mare who was in distress. She was asleep on the couch across the room. Not knowing what was happening, I tried getting up.
“Ouch!” Instantly, a shot of pain went through my leg and up my back, causing me to go rigid, and fall back onto the bed. The mare woke up, and and rushed to my side.
“Sir, are you okay! You shouldn’t move around like that!” Her voice had a distinct southern drawl.
“What’s your name miss?”
“I’m Apple Cider, what’s your name mister?”
“Musical, Musical Prowess.”
Well, it sure is nice to meet ya’ Musical. I guess this is as good a time as ever to say thank you!”
“Thank you? For what?” I was still confused as to what had occurred.
“You head-butted that brute of a stallion. I can’t believe you did that!”
“But, I didn’t stop him, he knocked me out…” I winced, pain filling my head again. “Who stopped him?”
“A royal guard happened to to coming up the road. He saw what was happening and chased him off.”
“Where did he go? Is he still here?” I felt as though I should thank him of something.
“No, he left shortly after we got you here. I stayed to make sure you were okay.” I looked at the wall opposite to where I was laying. Yet another thing I’ll have to do once I arrive in Canterlot.
“Well, I’m just happy you’re…” She leaned forward and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I instantly grew a light shade of pink.
“No Musical, I’m happy you’re okay. The town doctor will be here shortly to make sure you’re fit to go.”
We sat and talked about various things. What I was doing on the road, what she did for a living. Turns out she’s from the Apple family that provides apples all across Equestrian, and she was traveling to deliver apples to Manehattan. Before she could finish talking, the local doctor came in. “Okay, Mr. Prowess, I’m just going to give you a quick x-ray and we’ll see if you’re good to walk, does that sound fine?”
“Oh course Doc, do what needs to be done.” I was already thinking of getting back onto the road. Where was I going to go next? Phillydelphia? Baltimare? Ponyville? There were so many options that I had, that I just couldn’t pick.
The doctor fired up the x-ray, and took a few shots of my leg, and my back. After taking a few minutes to resolve the images, he froze. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.
“Doc, is everything okay?” I knew it was a dumb question, given is sudden shift in demeanor. What he said next, made all of my hopes freeze, and the color drain from my world.
“Well, the impact upon your back only had minor injuries, however, you landed with your full body weight onto you back right leg. It is broken in several places, and is cause severe internal bleeding. I recommend immediate amputation if you are to survive.
I….I don’t know how to process this information. I’d lose….my leg? I had just left Manehattan, this can’t be happening. My eyes began to tear up, and the doctor could sense I needed time to think.
“I’ll, give you a few minutes to think.” The doctor left, and Apple, just as shocked as I was, said “Well, are you going to go through with it?”
I looked at my leg, something that has been a part of me for so many years, and now, I’m going to lose it. How will I walk? How will I get to Canterlot? Can I still be a musician? So many doubt crept into my ever more clouded mind. Apple noticed the inner turmoil present on my face, and tried to comfort me.
“Hey, stay with me Musical, come on, you said you were a musician right? How about you play something, that’ll cheer you up won’t it? I found this bag with your pack and assumed it was your instrument.”
“Yeah, it is, I don’t think this is the right..”
“Nonsense! Music is supposed to to help show our deepest emotions, at least, that’s what Pa’ always said.”
I knew she was right, and after building up some courage, I said, “Hand me my Euphonium.”
After propping myself, she handed me the key to my future, or, was it now? I had no idea if the future was the same as I had envisioned, but I didn’t care. Music is still my true passion, and in this time of sadness, I need music more than ever. I brought the instrument to my lips, and played the most beautiful lament I could think of.I played for about 3 minutes, and when I stopped, I noticed Apple was crying.
“What’s wrong Apple?”
“Nothing, that was just so beautiful. Where did you learn to play like that?”
I honestly had no idea. Since I purchased it, I had in natural talent to play it. I wasn’t very refined sound wise, but I could certainly play it well. While playing it, I felt an inner calm that I haven’t felt in awhile. I knew what needed to be done now.
“Doc, can you come back in now?”
“Have you decided what to do? Will we amputate?”
After thinking for a second, I confidently said, “Yes, I’m ready for the operation.”