Life in Equestria is shimmering with music in this fimfic! Join me on an extended musical journey featuring Equestria's finest! I'll be featuring as much of Equestria as possible, from the Mane 6 to the Parasprites!
Welcome to Fantasia: Equestria! In this fimfic, I will feature a classical piece and I'll try my best to make the piece come alive with a one-shot story from the MLP universe. It's a Disney's Fantasia of sorts, but with MLP! I highly suggest you read the chapter with the music I provided; I tried my best to fit the words with the music as it progressed.
Since classical pieces can be divided into movements, some stories will be divided into parts to reflect the transitions.
Thanks to Toonicorn for allowing me to use their pic as cover art!
Bronies and pegasisters, welcome to Fantasia: Equestria. I, Sterling Crimson, was inspired to write Fantasia: Equestria after listening to a series of classical pieces and relating them to life in Equestria. Classical music covers so many experiences, that one can’t even begin to describe them all in detail. Whether you’re sad, happy, or reminded of a childhood memory, classical music covers a breadth of experiences too great for a human to count.
For me, classical music remains largely underappreciated, with most people recognizing just the most popular composers, like Mozart and Beethoven. Classical music is so much more, as you’ll see in this fimfic. Classical music can convey just about anything, from the Friendship Express roaring into station after station, to young couples enjoying the wonders of Equestria that lay in Rainbow Falls, to the royal coronation of Twilight Sparkle.
Disney’s Fantasia brought classical music to life with its computer animation and the pieces they expertly chose, such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. In much the same way, I want to do the same with all our favourite characters from Equestria, whether it be Rarity, or the Cakes. It was this masterpiece and innovation that drove much of my desire to write something as beautiful for bronies and pegasisters to enjoy.
So here I have for you… Fantastia: Equestria. Pieces from Baroque to 20th Century music will be featured. I hope you enjoy all your favourite characters bringing classical music to life.
Let's start this off with a bang shall we? And I literally mean a bang. Applejack and her family travels once again to the Canterlot Rodeo a year after she failed to win any medals. Can she get her first gold medal this year? Hopefully her accompaniment by the ever famous William Tell Overture will be enough to guide her to victory!
“Well y’all. We’re back in Canterlot again. To do what I haven’t been able to do the last time round.” Applejack declared to the rest of the family as they walked out of the Friendship Express and through the gates welcoming the Apple Family to Canterlot once again. Applejack remembered all too well what happened when she failed to win any medals last year. While her friends were loving and supportive of her even after getting second place as a best finish, Applejack wanted gold. She knew in her heart that she was the best rodeo cowpony in Equestria.
“Darn tootin’ Applejack! You’ll be sure to win gold on several of the events this year! You’ve been workin’ extra hard at the farm to get all shaped up for the show!” Applebloom hooted and hollered as she continued trotting with the rest of the family towards the Canterlot Rodeo Grounds that lay outside the main city. “You even broke your personal record at haythrowing, at 90.43 m, and at the rodeo 400 m obstacle course at 73.23 seconds! That’s sure to win you at least 2 golds this year! Not to mention all the other events yer gonna be involved with!” Applebloom grew more and more excited at Applejack’s performance in her very last event a few days after the start of the rodeo: the 400 m hurdles. Applejack chuckled at her sister’s ever-growing excitement.
“Mah practice times are good and all, but Ah gotta win at the actual rodeo! The hurdles are gonna be tough, especially with the crisscrossing of the hay stacks near the end of the race!” Applejack was all too aware of disappointment, and didn’t want to be disappointed again. Like last year, she had an extra incentive for herself. This time however, it was for her family. With the prize money for gold this year, the family would have enough money to repair their increasingly dilapidated farm and maintain current apple production levels.
“I’m also thinking for our family sis. We need to get our farm repaired and the prize enough will be enough to perform the repairs and then some!” Applejack nodded at Applebloom before Granny Smith interjected.
“Well Applejack! Just do yer best and don’t let us get in yer way! You’ll be darned amazing if you focus on the race above anythin’ else!” Granny Smith, despite her age, was as energetic as always as she pumped her right hoof up in the air. The family finally arrived at the Canterlot Rodeo Grounds. To the family’s ride was a large field that had a large dirt oval path, which was the site of the 400 m obstacle course for the rodeo. This was the one event every pony looked forward to. A cowpony’s greatest asset was their speed and versatility for bucking trees and herding cows and other types of critters big and small.
“Woah… that’s the field…?” Applebloom stared the field, awed by its large size.
“It sure is sis.” Applejack affirmed as she patted Applebloom on her back. “Anyway, we gotta be packin’ our stuff to the place where we’re staying! It’s just to our left!”
“Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed as the family laughed and trotted away towards their accommodations and prepared for the start of the Canterlot Rodeo the next day…
It was the very last event of the Canterlot Rodeo. Applejack placed herself on the start line with 8 other ponies. She did well to make it to the final round of the 400 m obstacle course. She put great effort into the rodeo, but while she received more silver and bronze medals than last year, she still had yet to get a single gold medal. The 400 m obstacle course was going to be her last chance at a gold medal for another year. She couldn’t let her family down again.
Applejack was placed at the far right of the track and was given the #1 label on her flank. Applejack was raring to go, and knowing that she was on the far outer end of the track meant that she had to get an even bigger head start on the other ponies to get her first place finish.
“C’mon Applejack! Yer doing great! You can win gold here now! Ah know you can!” Applebloom hollered at Applejack from the attendant stands to Applejack’s right.
“GO APPLEJACK!” Granny Smith hollered along with Applejack.
“EEYUP!!! EEYUP!!!” Big Mac hollered with Granny Smith. Applejack began blushing at all the support her direct family was giving her. There were hundreds of ponies at attendance for the race, excited to see how the last event of the rodeo would turn out.
The 400 m obstacle was going to be one lap of jumping over haystacks, pole sticks, and lassoing her rope to a target at one part of the course. The entire course was set. Ponies from all over Equestria, from Fillydelphia to Appeloosa were raring to go for the last event. The trumpet blared out to call for the competitors and to review the instructions. Once the instructions were said and done, Applejack and the other 8 ponies heard the announcer prepare the racers.
“On yer marks…” The attendant called out from the stands with a megaphone.
“Get set…” Applejack braced herself in position, ready to jump and get the race started. She wanted this gold, and no pony was going to stop her.
“GO!!!” The gun shot was fired. It was time to go, go go!!!!
Applejack jumped as soon as the gun was fired. She was off to a quick head start of the other ponies. The adrenaline began to rush onto Applejack. She jumped over haystack after haystack like she always did around her farm in Ponyville. She heard the audience cheer for all the ponies, but none of their cheers rang as loud as her family’s.
“GO APPLEJACK!!! GO GET THAT GOLD FER THE FAMILY!!!” Applebloom shouted as loud as she could.
“KEEP THAT CHEER UP APPLEBLOOM!! YOU COULD GET YER CUTIE MARK IN CHEERLEADIN’ WITH THAT HOLLER!!!” Granny Smith laughed as the two mares cheered as loud as they could for Applejack.
Meanwhile, Applejack had just tripped over one of the haystacks. While Applejack quickly recovered from the trip, pony #6 of Fillydelphia had already caught up to Applejack. Seeing that one of the other ponies had already caught up, Applejack sprinted even faster than she had before and jumped across the pole sticks with ease.
Applejack was now past the first bend and heading the other way. She could still hear her family cheering loudly for her, seeing that Applejack maintained the lead even after tripping over the haystack when she neared the first bend. Applejack was now nearing the lasso throw. At that stage, Applejack had to use the lasso and place it into the stationary pole that lay just ahead of her. Applejack threw her lasso but missed her first attempt while the ever agile Pony #6 threw hers into the pole on her first attempt and sprinted ahead. On her second try, Applejack lassoed her rope into the pole and sprinted ahead as well.
None of the other ponies were close to Applejack and Pony #6 who were quickly outsprinting the competition. However, Applejack was still behind and needed to make all her jumps and sprints as precisely as possible to as to not get tired and fall further behind. Applejack received a lucky break however. Pony #6 of Fillydelphia tripped over one of the pole sticks, giving Applejack the chance to retake the lead!
Applejack, seeing this golden opportunity, sprinted even faster and zoomed ahead of Pony #6, ready to take the gold as she sprinted towards the final stretch. The ponies cheered louder and louder as Applejack reached the final bend, but Pony #6 refused to give up. She trotted as fast as she could and was now just at Applejack’s tail. The race was nearing its end as a photo finish was going to be expected among the audience.
The audience began to gasp in suspense as Applejack and Pony #6 raced to the finish line, with no obstacles ahead of them. It was now or never for Applejack as she gave her all.
“Pony #6 and Pony #1 are neck and neck folks! This is going to be a grand, photo-finish for the two ponies in this last event! Who will take gold for the 400 m hurdles?! The suspense, the suspense!” The announcer called out as the ponies sitting on the audience stand got up on her back hooves and cheered as loudly as they could. But none could cheer louder than Applejack’s family.
“C’MON APPLEJACK!!! YER ALMOST THERE!!! I KNOW YOU’VE GOT THE GOLD NOW!! GOGOGO!!!!” Applebloom shouted her loudest as Applejack and Pony #6 edged closer and close to the finish line.
“C’mon Applejack! Just one more push! You’ve got this one on your hooves!” Granny Smith cried out with Applejack.
“EEYUP!” Big Macintosh waved his flag excitedly. As the audience continued to cheer with excitement, Applejack managed to get her nose ahead of Pony #6, just enough to break the ribbon on the finish line and take gold in the 400 m obstacle course! The audience roared in applause and cheer, especially the family of Applejack, who were simply ecstatic at the victory.
“APPLEJACK WON!! APPLEJACK WON!!! SHE’S GOT THE GOLD!!!!” Applebloom cheered to the top of her lungs with the rest of the ponies.
“YEEHAW!!! APPLEJACK’S GOT US HER FIRST EVER GOLD AT THE CANTERLOT RODEO!!!!” Granny Smith shouted in cheer and delight.
“EEYUP!!!” Big Macintosh shouted in affirmation and joy as Applejack slowed her trot and took as many deep breaths as she could. Applejack slowly trotted back to the audience, hearing her family’s cheer for her victory grow louder and louder.
“YEEHAW!!! MY FIRST EVER GOLD!!!” Applejack pumped her front right hoof as a gesture of acclamation and victory.
She finally got the gold. Applejack finally got the gold and the prize money at the winner’s circle. Pony #6 turned to Applejack and smiled, giving her a congratulatory hug after she had received her silver medal for her efforts. Applebloom and Big Macintosh jumped on Applejack in a victory cuddle on the winner’s stand, leaving the audience to gaze upon the cuteness that was the Apple Family. Applejack had won. She finally got her first gold medal at the Canterlot Rodeo after so many failures and practice sessions. Her time of 74.23 may not have beaten her personal record, let alone the rodeo record, but it was enough to bag her the gold medal and to repair the Apple Family Farm…
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Well that was a strong beginning wasn't it?! Well, now it's time to sit down and relax, for we're going on a train ride! Hop Aboard the Friendship Express for this one-off!
The Friendship Express was at its base in humble Ponyville station. The iconic train with its characteristic heart-shaped front window and purple decal was raring to go with its conductor to lead the train onward. Ponies of all kinds, whether stallion or mare, rich or poor, tourist or resident, began boarding the brightly-coloured train that was raring to go to Canterlot. Passenger train crew members stood outside the passenger cars welcoming the passengers on board as they chattered about their journeys to far away lands. Helping the attendants with their greeting was their trusty whistle. All the attendants held one of them, blowing on them to continue moving the passengers onboard. Once it was almost time to completing board procedures, the bells began to ring from the steam locomotive, signalling the final call for its passengers to board. When all the passengers were onboard, the passenger crew members in black and the conductor in blue announced with a resounding shout,
“All aboard!! To Canterlot we go!!” The conductor blew his whistle three times with excitement. It was time to start up the engines.
The Friendship Express slowly chugged along away from Ponyville station, with white steam puffing out of its engines and chimney. The Friendship Express continued to accelerate more and more, roaring to life! Now, away the Friendship Express went to Canterlot!
As the Friendship Express chugged towards its destination, large meadows filled with lush green grass surrounded the train and the rails it chugged along. All the foals on the train excitedly looked out their passenger car windows and pointed at the deer and other critters that roamed along the meadows. Their parents looked out with their fillies, smiling and enjoying the beauty of Equestria’s lands they proudly lived on.
But at the steam locomotive, there was no time to enjoy the sights! The train had to chug on to Canterlot! The engineers and firemen lugged their coal reserves into the engine’s boiler, all while the conductor kept his chimney blowing hard to signal the train’s presence along the rails.
“Make sure we keep putting in the coal! We’ve gotta get to Canterlot quickly since we’re already behind schedule!” The conductor commanded his fellow workers.
“Sure will sir!” The engineers and firemen put in coal as fast they could, as the Friendship Express chugged to its maximum speed. The conductor continued to toot his horn to ward off any animals while the Express chugged at its fastest towards Canterlot. The conductor was also personally excited to see Canterlot station once again as the train chugged along. The hustle and bustle of all ponies was like none other in Equestria. His last visit to Canterlot let him see the sights and sounds of Canterlot, from ponies buying souvenirs of mini-model suns and moons, to ponies ordering coffee and cakes at the local Canterlot bakery. Being at the city of royalty and magic was always a bonus too.
Before any of the passengers and the workers knew it, the towering castle that lay high above Canterlot could be seen from the front window of the Friendship Express’ locomotive. The conductor pointed at the towering castle and excitedly exclaimed,
“Hey fellas! We’ll make it to Canterlot on time after all! We’re almost there now!” The firemen and engineers continued shoving in the coal and the rest of the supplies for the Friendship Express to chug along towards its destination!
“Alright! We’re almost there! Let’s keep it up fellas!” The firemen and engineers continued their work on the proud steam locomotive, leaving the conductor with a proud smile on his face.
Back at the passenger cars, the scenery of green quickly changed to scenes of many colours. The ponies looked outside their passenger windows and saw quaint, yet well-kept houses located just outside Canterlot and decorations everywhere. Surely a large celebration was going to take place very soon in Canterlot! Many of the foals on the train exclaimed to their parents,
“Mommy, Daddy! We’re almost in Canterlot!” Their parents all nodded along and responded with an excitement of their own,
“We sure are dear. Canterlot is such a lovely city, our proud capital of Equestria! Now get yourselves ready to leave the train. We’re going to be there before you know it!”
Just as the parents mentioned their looming arrival, the steam locomotive started to decelerate towards Canterlot Station. The Friendship Express’ rhythmic chugging soon slowed along with the train as Downtown Canterlot slowly enveloped the train with its many posh stores and plazas. The Friendship Express continued to chug slower and slower until a set of cream tiled platforms appeared from the passenger car windows.
The Friendship Express came to a screeching stop. The city of lights and dreams was now upon them. The doors slowly opened. The passenger car attendants quickly exited the train first and exclaimed to its passengers,
Queen Chrysalis sits on her throne, having failed once again to feed on enough love to keep her subjects satiated. But as the Queen ponders and wallows in her anger, her scouts receive a new report of a new source of love... We are thankful to be able to take a tour of the Queen's lair. This story takes place before the Season 2 finale, and the finale to Mozart's 24th Piano Concerto shall guide us through.
Welcome to the land of the Changelings. A land covered in green and black. From here, one can see the castle of Queen Chrysalis, its pointy towers raised high above the black, jagged mountains. Few changelings have ever stepped into her castle. Its lodgings are reserved for her mightiest subjects. Like Judas who flew to the east and spearheaded the conquest of foreign lands for his Queen.
Even at this moment, his Queen awaited his arrival. The Queen slithered and rolled on her green couch. She was eager to hear the results of his latest scouting mission: a land kept untouched called Equestria. Time was of the essence for her kind. Her species longed for any kind of love. The Changelings are but dust without the ripe, red fruit of love in their famished mouths.
“Oh dear Judas, I hope you bring tidings of jubilation for our kin. Our species grow weary and bored of the food they tasted from the East. We need some new blood, some new source of love that can never be quenched,” Queen Chrysalis said, punching her hooves outward. Growing ever restless, Queen Chrysalis flew around her dark throne room. She then directed herself to a painting of her deceased father, King Metamor.
In the painting, King Metamor stood proudly on top of an equine corpse, his front right hoof raised to the sky. In the background, his changeling subjects cheered for their ultimate victory in the desert underneath a cloudy night.
“Do not fear Father, for we shall emerge from the ashes that grow among our ranks. I will bring our kin back to the glory it fully deserves,” saluted the Changeling Queen, pumping her hooves towards the roof.
At that moment, there was a gentle knock on the door. The imposing wooden door was gently opened with a loud creak. Once the door was opened, a changeling a third of Queen Chrysalis’ size entered the room.
“What is it you want scribe? Have you heard of news from Judas and his scouts? I should like to know about their expedition to Equestria as soon as possible,” the Queen asked with urgency.
“Your highness, J-Judas and his scouts are set to arrive at any moment now,” the scribe stuttered. “Judas has items that they think will be of interest to you,” the small changeling continued. “They have news that they say will be music to your royal ears,” nodded the little figure.
“Hmmm… I like the sounds of this,” Chrysalis chuckled. “I look forward to what Judas and his entourage have to say once he arrives,” laughed the excited Changeling Queen.
At that moment, the large wooden door swung open, making way for Judas and his scouting team. The sixteen changelings, each identical in appearance with their black metallic armor and helmet immediately arranged themselves into a square formation.
“All hail Queen Chrysalis! Empress of the Changelings and ruler of the Northern and Eastern shores!” The changelings hailed together to their queen. After their salutes, a tall, bulky changeling stomped to the Queen’s side.
“Your highness! I have good news to report! Our changelings and I have gathered intelligence on this land called Equestria that you will find very useful!” The tall changeling declared with a shout. Queen Chrysalis chuckled again with an evil grin.
“Oh you have Judas?! Excellent my dear servant! Now report to me your useful findings at once!” bellowed the changeling queen to her trusty scout. Queen Chrysalis’ eyes glowed a lush green, beaming at the potential of his news.
“Your highness. Equestria is a lush land filled with green grass. Its citizens are equines just like us, but they are known as ponies. Their kind bears a striking resemblance to our appearance, save for their bright colours,” Judas explained.
“I am pleased to report that the ponies have the one thing our species needs to survive: love. Their kind is overflowing with it, from the plains to the cities. All around, there is harmony and friendship, as if the whole country were united under one banner, without qualm or complaint,” Judas elaborated.
“The ponies even have what are called the Elements of Harmony. These elements, formerly stones of rock that represent friendship, are now embodied by six ponies, two Earth, two unicorns, and two pegasi, with magical powers that few can rival. Other than these ponies, there is not much Equestria has that will stop us from achieving our goal of gaining love as fuel for our kind,” finished Judas, leaving Queen Chrysalis to take a moment to absorb all she heard.
The imposing queen stroked her chin, taking in all that Judas informed to her. Equestria certainly seemed a promising region to surmount next. However, these regions were like the other conquered territories; their love was finite. That was the problem.
“Judas. Equestria does seem like a favourable place where we can expand our might. They are almost defenseless, save for the Elements of Harmony. But you have posed two problems that our kingdom must deal with swiftly,” replied the Queen, formulating her strategy for Equestrian subjugation to their kind.
“You see, the Elements of Harmony are the first problem. Should they be as powerful as you say, it will be impossible for us to assault without being beaten back,” the Changeling Queen added. Her loyal scout nodded.
“The more pressing problem is that you have not mentioned an infinite source of love we can feed on. Unless Equestria has that type of love in their ranks, then there is no use in attacking them. Our resources will simply vanish and we’ll be back at square one,” sighed Queen Chrysalis.
“Judas… please tell me that’s not the end of your report,” hoped Queen Chrysalis.
“That’s not all your highness. Our scouting troops have picked up posters that we hope you find to your liking,” Judas declared, motioning his front-line troops to hand out the posters they took from their mission. Queen Chrysalis snagged one of the posters from their hooves. The poster was brightly coloured, filled with sparkling glitter that nearly blinded her eyes.
“Your highness, a royal wedding has been set for two weeks’ time. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is an alicorn, the princess of love. The fairest in all the land, she and Shining Armor are childhood friends, nurturing on a love so strong that no power of darkness can repel it,” explained Judas.
“Mmmm… Sounds like a lovely couple indeed. It seems that their wedding will also be flourishing with love sparkling down from the heavens,” remarked the Queen, expressing her pleasure at what she was hearing from her loyal scout.
“Their wedding shall be the largest ever held in Equestrian history. There will be no other wedding like it on this world,” the bulky changeling added with a straight face. “All of Equestria will be invited for this special occasion your Highness,” added Judas. Queen Chrysalis gleefully cheered; her time was about to come. Queen Chrysalis continued to snicker, her horn beginning to glow a bright green.
“Ohhh Judas… I have asked you for jewels and you have given me diamonds! You and your regiment have pulled through for me once again!” Queen Chrysalis exclaimed with delight. Judas couldn’t help but smile, eager to finally place his name in the annals of Changeling history.
“My Queen… I look forward for what is to come for the Changelings. I have proposed a plan through which you can infiltrate Canterlot’s defenses and disguise yourself as the Princess of Love,” replied Judas. Chrysalis gave out her heartiest laugh she could. The timing was perfect. After all these years of famine and civil unrest, the Changelings finally found their opening!
“Oh Judas! I think I know what you’re conjuring in that clever head of yours!” Exclaimed the Queen, shaking her head around in a near ecstatic fit.
“Oh Queen Chrysalis! All you have to do is transform yourself into Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and lock her up. You’ll have Shining Armor, captain of the royal guards, to yourself! Once you are wed to him, you will suck enough love from him and Princess Cadance to repel any possible attack. Yes, even from the Elements of Harmony!” Judas exclaimed. The Queen was loving every moment of his great success.
“Oh Judas! You have made me the happiest Changeling in the world! Prepare an ambush of the Royal Guard! Make way for me so I can penetrate the castle! Once I make Shining Armor my own, Equestria will fall! All will bow to me and the Changelings!!!” shouted the Queen from her royal throne.
“Yes your Highness!” Judas shouted back.
“Form up you changelings! Tonight, we march once more into Canterlot! Take the royal guards and take their likeness! Long live Queen Chrysalis!!” declared Judas. The entire regiment roared as they flied out of the throne room. As Judas’ formation flew out of the door, Queen Chrysalis gave out the evillest and heartiest laugh she could give!
“Equestria will be all mine!! I will have completed what my father has begun!! Soon our time will come!!” Queen Chrysalis’ laugh roared through the corridors as the door slammed shut. Long live the Changelings.
Time for a little something different here. Here's but a short exposition on the flight of the parasprite set to Rimsky Korsakov's famous Flight of the Bumblebee.
Buzz, buzz! Whirr! Whirr! A monotonous whirring draws you near…
Oh nameless parasprite that twirls and flutters its wings through the lands of Equestria. So easy to endear… just give it a small piece of food. Even a small crumb from a leftover piece of bread is enough!
You give the lump of bread to a blue parasprite. It smiles at you. But deep down, its smile becomes more and more devilish. The lone blue parasprite buzzes around… Its whirring grows louder and louder as it asks for more. The more you give though… the more it wants. The more it eats, the faster it buzzes, and the more its appetite grows.
Soon parasprites come out in droves! Parasprites with the colours of the rainbow devour everything in sight, from your fruits to the very foundations of your home! Its destruction is swift and great. You try your best to catch all the parasprites with your hooves, to no avail!
You chase after the parasprites. Your greatest desire is to kill them with your very hooves that gave the parasprite its lump of bread. The parasprite hoard continues distancing itself from you. The parasprites taunt you with its buzzing, leaving you to growl… no matter how far you run, the parasprite hoard distances itself further from you.
Then in the blink of an eye, the parasprite droves fly away without even a single thought of you. The buzzing grows ever softer and softer. As the buzz soon turns into silence, you turn back towards your home, dejected. The only thing left on you mind is where the buzzing will travel next…
This next one-off will feature the great North state of Yakyakistan and their daily ritual of the yak march. The yak march is to represent their deep respect for the snowy environment and to give tribute to the current rulers of the great yak species.
At the northern borders of Equestria, the royal regiment of Yakyakistan perform their morning ritual. If one were to trot close enough to the troops, one could hear their low-pitched chants melodiously ringing out from their ranks.
“Hup, two, three, four! Hup, two, three, four! Hup, two, three, four! Keep those front hooves up! We aren’t Prince Rutherford’s bodyguard because we’re weak and sickly!” The hairy yak shouted. His regiment shouted back with a resounding ‘Yes!’ The brigade lifted their hooves higher and stomped the ground all the harder, marching underneath the cold, grey sky.
The winds howled, but that didn’t deter them. For their main calling was to protect their proud leader from anything, even if it meant death. The royal guard of twenty-five in square formation roared out in song,
“For our Prince we live For his honour we give Our unending allegiance And unrelenting obedience.”
The yaks garnered in wooden plated armor and silver-horned helmets continued trotting onward, e’en as the first snowflake dropped. But suddenly, the leader yak stopped giving out the marching calls. The bulky yak slowed his pace, his soldiers following suit until they came to a complete stop. A moment of silence descended upon the regiment as more snowflakes fell from the sky.
“My fellow yaks. We now take this time to commemorate all that Prince Rutherford and Yakyakistan has given us. The yaks who moved south mocked our kind for braving the harsh conditions of the cold north. But here we are. We stand strong, forming a nation that all shall revere,” recalled the leader Silesia. His regiment nodded back, saluting Silesia with their front right hoof.
The yaks then stood silently, letting the winds sing its melody with its gusts and howls. Its song was accompanied by the occasional wail of the Winterwolf and the tinkling of the snowflakes that gently touched the growing snow patches. Surrounding the regiment was a vast expanse of white that never seemed to end. The yaks hummed a short, solemn tune, one that gave homage to the gods of snow and harvest, adding to the growing winter orchestra.
Silesia huffed and puffed. The regiment stopped humming. In unison, Prince Rutherford’s bodyguards lifted their front hoof, slowly marching forward. Their marches grew progressively faster and mightier until they reached full speed. The yaks gave out a loud roar, defying the gusty winds and falling snow with all their might. Not even the pale Winterwolf was going to stop their march from reaching completion. Should one cross them, their hooves would flail them back down to death and the abyss.
“Company march!” Silesia commanded. The regiment continued trotting forward away from the Equestrian border and towards the north.
The winds now blew at their hardest, and the stormy clouds pushed its snow head on to the squadron. The yaks used all their might to maintain their marching pace. Even when the snow piled up and lowered their visibility, the yaks moved forward. Nothing was going to stop them from completing their morning ritual.
A small pack of Winterwolves ambushed the prince’s bodyguard. One by one, the wolves were slammed down by the yaks’ booming voices and hearty punches. The yaks threw their bodies as far as they could in any direction they pleased. The Winterwolves were swiftly defeated. The regiment and their leader huffed and puffed as the snow faded. The yaks marched away to the horizon. For them, this was all part of a day’s work in Yakyakistan.
Derpy's Hearts and Hooves Day gift is all ready to go! But she suddenly loses it to the wind! Read on as she races through Ponyville to snatch her gift back and then some!
Hearts and Hooves Day is a special time of year, where ponies prepared and delivered gifts for their loved ones. This came true without exception for Derpy Hooves. She had a heart-shaped box of chocolates with a red enveloped card, all prepared for her best friend, Dr. Whooves. Derpy Hooves was pleased with herself, finally having the courage to tell him how much she loved him.
Derpy Hooves closed the door from her home on a hill. But at that moment, her card slipped from her hoof! Derpy gently flew towards her card, but as she extended her hoof, the winds blew her card away!
“Oh no! My card! Come back here!” Derpy screamed! The card sailed away into the town, teasing the grey mare. Derpy flapped her wings, took her box of chocolates, and accelerated towards the town.
Her card first glided into Ponyville’s Town Square. The town was filled with stands selling candies and chocolates at this time of year. Town Square was already hectic enough, but they were soon in for an unforgettable treat.
Derpy Hooves arrived at the Town Square. She frantically searched for her card among the chattering ponies. The blonde-maned mare quickly spotted her card on top of a cowgirl fedora worn by an orange pony. The grey Pegasus lunged towards her precious card, toppling the poor Earth pony as her card flew away with the wind.
“What in tarnation?! Derpy!” Applejack shook her head. “What are you up to now?!” questioned Applejack with frustration.
“Oh I’m sorry! My Hearts and Hooves Day card was on top of your hat!” explained the grey mare, immediately flying away towards her gliding card. Applejack gave out a sigh, brushing the dust off her back before trotting away.
Derpy’s card of romance now made its way towards Carousel Boutique. While her card freely glided with the wind, the desperate mare continued chase, bumping on the stands along the way. Chocolates, lollipops, and cotton candy spilled from the stands as the grey Pegasus flew onward. A small band of fillies and colts excitedly gathered the candies, infuriating the sellers and shouting obscenities at the grey mare who continued chasing her card.
At Sugarcube Corner, Rarity had just finished the final touches on her dress for tonight’s Hearts and Hooves Promenade. Rarity levitated her dress and quickly put it on, raving at its beauty and glamour.
“This gown simply look stunning don’t you think Sweetie Belle?!” The purple-maned unicorn asked. “I made it with a royal touch so I can be the belle of tonight’s Promenade!”
“Yeah! It looks so pretty!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. “But did you make a dress for me tonight?!” Sweetie Belle excitedly asked.
“Oh yes my dear! I did!” Rarity trotted to the back, scouring for the dress she made especially for Sweetie Belle. But just as she opened her closet, a loud thud was heard at the Corner’s entrance.
“Oh dear! Who could that be?!” questioned a worried Rarity. Completely forgetting about Sweetie Belle’s dress, Rarity exited her workshop and trotted down the stairs.
“Wait up!!” Sweetie Belle cried out, running down the stairs with Rarity. Once both mares reached the main hall, Rarity quickly opened the door and gasped. It was Derpy Hooves!
“Oh dear!” cried Rarity. “Are you alright?!” the white unicorn queried. Sweetie Belle peered out of the door, staring at the dazed pegasus.
“Uhhh… I’m fine… my card… it… flew away…” spoke a stunned Derpy Hooves before she fainted to the ground. Sweetie Belle quickly bumped Rarity out of the way and looked around for any signs of her card. With her eagle eyes, Sweetie Belle pointed at the card, crying out,
“I see your card Derpy! It’s heading towards the schoolhouse!” Sweetie Belle grabbed Derpy’s undamaged box of chocolates and ran towards the flying card. The clumsy Pegasus slowly got up, but realized that now her box of chocolates was with Sweetie Belle!
“Wait! What are you doing with my box of chocolates?! Get back here!” shouted Derpy. She immediately jumped up and gave chase to Sweetie Belle and her card.
Sweetie Belle and Derpy Hooves travelled through a much quieter neighbourhood this time. Like all the other times though, the card proved to be too elusive. Sweetie Belle quickly became fatigued as the card continued to glide towards the schoolhouse. While Sweetie Belle grew tired, Derpy’s wings flapped faster and faster. She rapidly caught up with Sweetie Belle, tackling her to the ground. Both ponies got up with a groan.
“Sweetie Belle, the box of chocolates. Hand them over,” requested Derpy, extending her hoof.
“Oh! Here! I’m sorry! I just wanted to give you a helping hoof since you were chasing your card. After all, you don’t want to damage your box right?” apologized Sweetie Belle.
“Oh, right…” chuckled a blushing Derpy. The grey mare quickly composed herself, realizing that her Hearts and Hooves Day was still at stake!
“Here! Hop on! Hold my gift for me! I need to find my card!” called the grey mare. Sweetie Belle immediately hopped on her back, the two mares now flying towards the Ponyville Schoolhouse.
Derpy and Sweetie Belle landed at the entrance to the schoolhouse. Both ponies immediately started looking at every nook and cranny for Derpy’s romantic card. Derpy searched up at the school’s rooftops, but lost her footing and fell to the ground from atop the roof. At the bottom, Sweetie Belle searched the playground for her lost card, but it was nowhere to be found.
The two ponies reconvened without any luck in finding her lost card. Both ponies gave out a sigh of defeat.
“I’m sorry Derpy… I can’t find your card anywhere here. Maybe it flew somewhere else entirely, long gone by now.” Sweetie Belle sadly shrugged.
“It’s alright… I can always make another card, but it won’t be special! I spent so much time coming up with the right words to say to him!” said the disappointed mare.
Just as the two mares were about to give up their search, the enveloped card flew right in front of their noses and flew away once again!
“Sweetie Belle!” Derpy cried out. “That’s my card! Come on!” pointed Derpy Hooves as Sweetie Belle immediately got on her back. The chase was back on once again!
This time, Derpy Hooves gave all her might in chasing the card. Sweetie Belle’s head quickly turned into mush as Derpy performed loop-de-loops and made sudden turns. Sweetie Belle’s nausea grew more intensely, but Derpy didn’t take notice. The grey Pegasus crashed into cotton candy machine after cotton candy machine, turning both Derpy and Sweetie Belle into pink puffballs!
But none of that stopped the two ponies from giving chase to Derpy’s card. Her Hearts and Hooves Day card now flew upwards to the sky. The card gently landed on one of the clouds that was hidden from view to Derpy.
Derpy frantically flew from one cloud to the next, hoping to find her card as soon as possible. Sweetie Belle barfed into one of the clouds during their search.
“Ugh… Derpy… I think I want my hooves on the ground… I don’t feel so good…” slurred a very dizzy Sweetie Belle.
“Wait! I think I found my card!” Derpy sunk into the cloud that housed her card, but just as she entered the cloud, the card fell from the sky! Derpy, having lost her footing with Sweetie Belle still on her back, crashed to the ground with a thud!
The two ponies laid on the pavement in front of Sugarcube Corner. Not only did they lose Derpy’s card, but also squished the heart-shaped box! Sweetie Belle struggled to get up, still suffering from dizziness. Derpy just lied on the ground, tears falling from her cheeks.
“I’m a terrible friend Sweetie Belle… I can’t even keep a Hearts and Hooves Day card and sweets safe…” Derpy Hooves cried.
“D-d-on’t… say… that… Derpy…” garbled a disoriented Sweetie Belle.
But at that moment, a brown stallion trotted up to the crying Derpy. He held a red envelope that said “Dear Dr. Whooves. From Derpy.” He quickly opened the envelope and read the card’s contents. The card was filled with red hearts at its edges and a long letter that simply ended with “I love you.”
Dr. Whooves pulled Derpy up from the ground. He gave her a warm smile before he said,
“I love you too Derpy.” Derpy’s sad tears soon became happy ones as he gave Derpy a passionate kiss. Sweetie Belle gave out a slurred cheer.
“Well, all’s well that ends well huh?!” Sweetie Belle fainted as the two ponies held each other in lovely embrace.
For this one-off, Octavia reflects on her life from the start to the point where she gets her cutie mark in cello playing, to the present day. She will grace us today alongside the Canterlot Philharmonic with a famous piece called Kol Nidrei by Max Bruch, representing her discipline and perseverance in her dreams of becoming a world-class cellist.
My name is Octavia Melody. I am a world class cellist. I perform at the greatest stages all across Equestria, from Manehattan to Canterlot. The stage and I… we share a mutual bond that has blossomed since I first received my cutie mark in classical music.
As I hear the violins play their half notes to introduce me to centre stage, I recall all that I endured through my piece that is life. I sit on my soloist’s seat, with the conductor counting the beats for the first and second violins. The flutes are now playing their whole notes. As they play, I prepare for my entrance. It’s time for me to play Mare Bruch’s Kol Nidrei.
I was born into a poor family in Manehattan. My father was a smaill-time chef, while my mother left my father for another stallion, desiring to leave a life of poverty. We lived in the city’s slums, with up to ten ponies huddled up in a single dilapidated tenement each day. I never knew the names of many of those ponies, for they had either been pushed out of our resting place or had passed away of disease and fatigue. Even so, their sickly, saddened faces had always put me off from talking to them.
Even in those conditions, my father had spent all of what he could afford for me. My father also had a deep love for classical music. So when I was still a filly, my father purchased a cello for my fifth birthday. Its sound still resonates deeply into my soul. To this day, I still play on his cello, for it was he who pushed me to where I am today, playing on the stage.
“My Octavia… My dream is to see you grow into a world-class cellist. I want you to promise me that you will cherish this cello with all your heart. My hope is that someday, you will perform with the best orchestras across Equestria and live a much more prosperous life than we do now,” my father’s weeping words still ring in my ears as I reach the F major section.
When I first played on my new cello, I had to use a stool to reach high enough to hold my bow and learn my first notes. I still remember the shrill laughter my neighbours gave me when I held my bow. The elder ponies with their grey beards mocked me for my miniscule build, saying that my father was silly for even considering trying me out for a career as a cellist. The young fillies who visited our home would do the same, teasing me for playing such a ‘refined’ instrument when I was destined to a life of poverty, hopelessness, and isolation from the rest of Equestria.
“You’ll end up just like all the olden ponies ‘ere! No life for you!” The foals would always say.
I can still hear the ponies laughing at me as the orchestra plays its interlude. Even as I pick up my bow to re-enter into the piece, I still find difficulty in making ends meet. How affluent am I in society? I perform in front of others but receive little praise, even as a soloist. Nowadays, ponies want the more modern types of music, like my housemate’s “Mubstep”, or whatever you call it. Don’t get me started on that pink-frilled maned pony’s eye-twitching polkas either! Making matters worse, I have few cellists to compare myself to, so the questions concerning my skills were frequently raised by critics.
All my life, I had to constantly fight reproach for what I loved to do. It wasn’t just that either. My father worked so hard to keep our family afloat even with what little we had. My cello is my life. I live and breathe with the cello. I speak my soul with my cello, expressing things that words could never express. My cello teacher always said that music expresses the unexpressible, that it touches a part of our soul that nothing else in the world could ever do.
I was also soft-spoken in school; my interests never matched those I encountered. Day by day, I kept myself away from the others, toiling and sweating to make sure that every note I played sounded just right with the music. But no pony ever understood that in those days. For them, a single note was just a note, even when one plays it loud or soft.
Even with the constant negativity and mockery bombarding my soul, I trudged onward with tears, finally receiving my treble clef cutie mark after performing Kol Nidrei for the very first time at my school’s end of year assembly. It was a cutie mark that signified my calling to cello playing and just that. My cutie mark never told me of the unending strife I had to endure even after receiving my cutie mark. It never told me about all the ponies who would bring me down because of what I loved to do and who I was. It never improved my life in an instant as I had hoped.
Even now, I still grunt at my cutie mark. All it gave me was disappointment. For me, a cutie mark was supposed to bring me immediate hope. An instant source of relief and happiness at finding my calling and knowing that what I would do led to success and a wealthier, more prosperous life with the upper echelons of society.
A tear descends upon my face as the orchestra pauses to let me play my cadenza. Death approaches ever closer to me. All around me is a blanket of black. What room does Equestria have for me? What use am I to this world if few ponies gave second thoughts to my playing?!
As the harp strums its strings, I feel as though my life means nothing to anypony now.
But I am wrong. My cutie mark had given me a calling. That I was meant to be a cellist. That the celestial beings from up above are looking down proudly at me for doing what few ponies could ever or want to do. As I await to play once again, I look up towards the ornamental ceiling, listening intently to the woodwinds as they play their heavenly song. Up above, my father too is looking down at me with a warm smile. I have come a long way to be playing my favourite piece in front of Canterlot’s biggest stage with a world-renowned conductor once again. I place my bow onto the middle string.
I now play a new melody. One that sings of the hope that is to come for my life. Even as I trudged in the Manehattan schoolhouse alone, my father befriended my cello teacher at his restaurant, who had kindly offered to give me cello lessons without payment. My father expressed his delight and surprise at such an offer, but my cello teacher refused to take no for an answer.
It was not only my father, but also my cello teacher who encouraged me to apply to Manehattan’s most prestigious music school as I grew. They all saw the potential in me to rise upwards and become the finest cellist Equestria has seen and will ever see. As I reach towards the higher notes on the upper strings, I recall how anxious I was when I performed this piece in front of a panel of judges.
I still remember their words to me after I completed my performance. They descended into tears, instantly accepting me into their ranks to study for a major in cello performance. My father and teacher were so elated, they too broke out in happy tears.
But soon after my success, my father contracted an incurable cancer. I was without anypony to support me, not even my father, for he was bed-ridden. At that moment, I thought I was truly alone. That my career as a cellist was over just as it was about to start. I had to not only perform, but also take care of my father as a young adult. I also had to move into the dormitories, which formed the bulk of my expenses.
I thought my life was over at that moment. I thought my future was set back into the slums, just as everypony else said to me ever since I was a young filly. What did my cutie mark mean then?! For me to have come so close, only to be forced to withdraw! I thought my hopes were dashed to the side, never to return! That was until the very first day of orientation, when I suddenly stumbled upon a pony by the name of Vinyl Scratch. I remember bursting into tears as I sat on a cafeteria table alone. It was the mare with the frazzled blue mane and purple glasses who noticed my tears and trotted to my side. She said that she had an extra place for her at her dorm, and that she would help me pay for my expenses and support my father!
That type of kindness… As I continue to play my drawn out notes and return to the hopeful melody that hovers over the second half of the heavenly piece one last time, I felt my tears descend from my watery eyes and onto the wooden stage. If it wasn’t for Vinyl’s deep kindness and charity, I would not be here today. Even today, I still ask myself why Vinyl supported me over those four long years, for she would always say to me,
“Aww, it’s nothing!” whenever I mentioned her kindest deed to me.
I now play the final melody of Kol Nidrei. My father passed away by the time I reached second year at the University of Manehattan. My father’s last words to me were one of pride and fullness. He knew he lived out his life to the fullest when he saw me enter Manehattan’s music school. Even when I descended into anger and depression, Vinyl too was there for me. It was those acts of love and friendship that made me see that I wasn’t alone, and that I could be loved. That a true friend lays down their life for their fellow equines.
Of those three ponies, only Vinyl Scratch remains. But as I play the final notes of this long, meditative piece, I look back at my life and see hope for the future. My cutie mark did mean something, even if I don’t see that future now. Vinyl and I now live together as best friends and housemates, like two flutes playing in harmony as they do now. The orchestra continues to play its notes as I sit, recalling all that others have given me.
I press my bow to play an escalating scale. The piece is now about to reach its heavenly end. I reach the middle D alongside the strings. I play the escalation once again towards a higher note. The flutes play alongside with me this time instead of the strings. I stretch my hooves to play the final notes… So drawn about… but at the A enharmonic, I’ve reached my goal. The piece reaches the final chord, fading away into the darkness.
The audience stands up and gives a standing ovation. I can see the tears descending from their faces, just as they did in mine as I played this piece. My orchestra members cheer along with me as well, the conductor reaching his hooves to me for a hug.
This is classical music. This is my life. And I’ll never leave it, even if few understand.
Sir Edward Elgar composed our next featured piece, simply entitled 'Salut D'amour'. In English, the piece is entitled 'Love's Grace'. Sir Elgar composed this piece for his wife to be, Caroline Alice Roberts, and presented to her as an engagement ring of sorts. The couple were married a year later, even with Alice becoming disinherited from the family, and the couple lived happily ever after. Elgar looks like the prototypical strong man, but he in reality was a very sensible gentleman as you can hear in this piece. Bronies and pegasisters, I present to you: Sir Edward Elgar's 'Salut D'amour' as conveyed by none other than Rainbow Dash and Soarin.
Love is in the air across Ponyville. After all, it was Hearts and Hooves Day, the perfect day for couples to express their dedication and desire for each other. Houses were lined with streamers and small banners filled with hearts. Fillies and colts in the Ponyville schoolhouse were busy exchanging Hearts and Hooves Day cards to each other, eager to see how many they were going to receive for this year. Across from the schoolhouse, couples were having fun skating along the icy lake.
But such “girly” things left Rainbow Dash disgusted.
“Aww puh-lease… Hearts and Hooves Day is just another day for ponies to get all mushy and lovey-dovey,” complained a mocking Rainbow Dash.
“The way I see it, today’s just another day to fly across the sky and kick some wintery clouds! I don’t see why my friends take this day so seriously!” continued Rainbow Dash, looking downwards to the icy lake where her friends skated with their loved ones.
“Why couldn’t they go skating any other day? I mean, why set aside a whole day just for yucky, kissy stuff?” Rainbow Dash groaned, crossing her hooves.
But just as she continued her griping, a familiar face tackled her into one of the clouds! Rainbow Dash grunted and pushed the pony away from her, only to descend into laughter.
“Soarin! What are you doing here?!” inquired a pleasantly surprised Rainbow Dash.
“Oh! I just wanted to see you on this lovely day!” Soarin replied with a sheepish smile.
“I know that smile of yours Soarin… C’mon, spill it out! What are you really here for?!” interrogated the rainbow-coloured Pegasus. Soarin’ aimlessly flied around before Rainbow Dash stopped him in his tracks with her hooves.
“Soarin… Don’t be scared. It’s just me! C’mon, just tell me!” encouraged Rainbow Dash.
“Well… Umm… I brought this for you. I have to go to a Wonderbolts practice in Canterlot now, but I just wanted to see you before I went on.” Soarin’ chuckled with a growing blush on his cheek.
“Ummm… have a happy Hearts and Hooves Day!” Soarin’ immediately flew off, leaving Rainbow Dash to rip the top of the red envelope and open the card that Soarin’ sent to her.
Rainbow Dash read through the card’s contents over and over again. She wasn’t normally this excited about receiving any sort of gift with sentimental value. But this gift was different. It was a rainbow-coloured card that merely said inside,
“Rainbow Dash, you’re an admirable Pegasus. Don’t ever forget that for me. I hope to see you flying with me and the Wonderbolts someday.”
The message was short and sweet. Just the way she liked it. Rainbow Dash held the card tightly on her chest. With a warm smile on her face, Rainbow Dash immediately flew back down to join her friends on their skating excursion. Soarin sure knew how to make her happy. Maybe Hearts and Hooves Day wasn’t so bad after all.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens... Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens... Who wouldn't like to have those things in their lives?! These are just a few of my favourite things! Now Stephen Hough shall grace us with the famous tune from 'Sound of Music' as we peer into the Ponyville Schoolhouse... Also, I wrote some lyrics! Feel free to sing along!
The Ponyville Schoolhouse was once again filled with fillies and colts awaiting another school day to begin. There were two peculiarities about this day however. First was the unusually strong winds and torrential downpours that pounded the schoolhouse. The rain pattered onto the school’s windows and flashes of lightning were quickly accompanied by the roaring thunder. The colts and fillies cowered underneath their tables, scared that the tormenting weather would bring them harm.
More importantly, their teacher, Cheerilee, was nowhere to be seen! Even as the clock struck 9 o’clock and the schoolhouse bell was rung, the purple mare did not enter the classroom to welcome the students! The ponies anxiously looked out of their windows, wondering where their teacher could be. Under normal circumstances, they would be delighted with not having school, but the fierce storm now left them all worried about their teacher’s safety… and their own.
The school-pony’s fears were soon realized when a frightening silhouette slowly crept into the classroom and jumped out to the front! The young ponies jumped out from underneath their desks and gave out a frightful scream! When the foals composed themselves, they heard a loud laugh and so began to scratch their heads in confusion.
“Hehehe! I sure got you didn’t I?!” Pinkie Pie snorted in laughter.
“Pinkie!!” The entire classroom cried out, annoyed at the prank that Pinkie Pie pulled at the worst moment possible.
“What are you doing here?! Where’s Miss Cheerilee?!” The students asked with desperation. “We’re scared!” said the shivering foals! Pinkie Pie merely cried out in laughter.
“Well, my little ponies! Cheerilee is home sick for today, so I’m going to be your substitute teacher!” Pinkie Pie declared with a giggle. Her now confused students looked at each other, more befuddled than ever!
“Sorry for scaring you like that! But you all were so priceless!” Pinkie Pie apologized with a chuckle. “Anyway, unlike Miss Cheerilee, I’m going to teach you all some real life lessons!” declared the pink Earth pony.
Just then, another flash of white light lit up the grey sky, accompanied by another thundering growl! All the school-ponies cowered once again underneath their desks! Pinkie Pie looked around, finally realizing the severity of the situation. Her little ponies were terrified of the thunder and lightning that resonated outside their schoolhouse.
“W-W-What real life lessons?!” stuttered the trembling Truffle Shuffle.
“Y-Y-Yeah!” What are you thalking about?!” Added the flustered Twist. Pinkie Pie gave a light chuckle.
“I’m glad you asked Truffle and Twist!” replied Pinkie Pie as she pumped her hooves to the air.
“It’s about time we got into our first life lesson: facing your fears,” added Pinkie Pie.
Truffle Shuffle and the rest of the foals stared at Pinkie Pie as she trotted to the centre of the classroom.
“Like I said, I’m sorry for scaring you all earlier,” Pinkie Pie spoke motherly. “You see, laughing my fears away is what I do whenever I’m scared of something,” explained Pinkie Pie. “But clearly you guys aren’t really enjoying my ways,” finished a blushing Pinkie Pie. All the ponies nodded, particularly Truffle Shuffle.
“Well, here’s another way one can push away their fears: thinking about their favourite things!” said the eccentric pink pony, outstretching her hooves towards the foals.
“Ooh! Ooh!” Sweetie Belle enthusiastically raised her hoof. “Well, my favourite thing is to sing!” Sweetie Belle squeaked.
“That’s a great thing to think about Sweetie Belle!” Pinkie Pie happily giggled.
“Ooh! I love the sights and sounds of Manehattan and Canterlot!” Declared Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon with a greedy grin.
“Me too! They’re such busy cities, and they’re great places to paaar-tay!” Replied the increasingly gleeful mare.
One by one, all the foals in the classroom named off their favourite things, leaving Pinkie Pie on the ground laughing with joy!
“This is so great! You guys aren’t even noticing the fact that the grey sky is starting to clear!” Observed the elated pink-maned pony. At that moment, Pinkie Pie felt a twitch on her ears and a constant wobbling on her tongue! Her Pinkie Pie sense was on! It was time for a song!
“Alright everypony! My Pinkie sense is telling me that you all want a song!” Pinkie Pie declared, raised her hoof upwards! All the fillies and mares eagerly clapped as Pinkie Pie started to come up with the words…
“Sugarcube Corner and writing out lyrics, Manehattan’s skyline and Ponyville civics, Presents on Hearth’s Warming tied up with strings, These are a few of my favourite things!”
The entire classroom erupted into song once Pinkie Pie sang!
Video gaming and chocolate ice cream, Winning some sports games with your favourite team! Rainbow Dash flying with the moon on her wings, These are a few of my favourite things!”
Not even Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon could resist singing along!
Mares in white dresses with blue satin sashes, Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes! Winter Wrap Up greeting us to the spring, These are a few of my favourite things!”
Pinkie Pie and her class reached the ever-famous chorus to the tune, laughing heartily as the storm clouds passed away and the sun brightened the sky. Everypony in the classroom trotted out of the schoolhouse, admiring the rainbow that emerged from the clouds. Pinkie Pie sure knew how to make anypony happy.
Nopony deserves to be left alone. Nopony deserves to be lonely. But that's exactly what Moon Dancer is forced to accept as her closest friend, Twilight Sparkle, deserts her for seemingly unknown reasons. Let's peer into Moon Dancer's life as she recalls her past and tells us of her woes. Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto no. 2 shall see us through the fiery pits of her abyss...
In an increasingly old, dilapidated house, lined with cracked wooden boards and tilted window frames, sat a seemingly old hag on her rocking chair who didn’t want anything to do with the world. Yep. That definitely fits the description for me, Moon Dancer. All the other ponies at school called me “The Moon that Never Danced”. It’s a nice change from the names I used to receive, I suppose. “Moon Nerd”, “Egg Dancer”, “Frazzle Moon”. Those were just some of the placeholder names I was given before that descriptor came along.
I don’t care how those names came about, or when they did. All that mattered to are my books, books, and more books. Oh, did you know that the word “black” originally referred to the word bhleg-, which means “to burn, gleam, or shine”? Those idiots back then really had it wrong. I certainly don’t feel gleaming or shiny right now, and I’m constantly surrounded by black! Well, I never really needed the light anyway. I only need it to read my books since no pony ever comes by.
Besides, my eyes despite any form of light. The sun’s rays blind me whenever I trot outside. It’s as if the sun decided to dissect my eyes so we can learn how our vision is maintained! Plus, it always feels like something is out there to snatch an unsuspecting mare away from her eternal peace! It’s like the fires of Tartarus exploded in full force at my face whenever I trotted outside! I would always feel a burning sensation all across my face whenever I stepped out as well. I feel these throbs all over my head too, even as I walk the entire length of three miles to the Canterlot library! They’re impossible to deal with at times…
I give out a resigned sigh. I have to move forward. After all, I have to get my studies finished so no pony ever thinks about me anymore. Not like they ever did in the first place. Especially not that purple Princess who sits on her high throne in that small town whose name I care not to remember.
How is she even the Princess of Friendship anyway? She’s been one of the worst friends, if not the worst example of a friend I’ve ever had the “delight” of meeting. The word “friendship” is derived from the word “freondscipe”, which means conjugal love. What conjugal love has she ever given me?! In fact, what “love” has anypony ever given me?!
I sulked on my chair, struggling to read whatever notes I wrote down for my etymology class. At least by talking about this despicable princess, I memorized some terms. But that’s all she’s been useful for in my life. I looked upon another page in my etymology textbook. We’re currently on the unit that refuses to stop talking about friendship. What use did such knowledge have to my life anyway?!
And why am I being constantly reminded of friendship? All around me, ponies see me as a loner, one without companions. I already mentioned the Princess of Friendship, and now I’m memorizing terms about friendship for my etymology class too!
The memories of the princess again crawled into my mind. Friendship to me is like an insect that refuses to detach itself from my hooves. Whenever I try to shoo away these thoughts, they just keep coming back.
“Just get off me you disgusting creature,” I would scream! I shook my hooves around, only to realize that a spider had crawled on my hoof without my notice. I really am tired… My groggy eyes are calling me to sleep… Maybe a nap will do me some good… I turn off the dim light that shone over my head, pull myself away from my desk and lie down on my rocking chair, slowly dozing off to sleep…
I opened my eyes. I aimlessly looked around to get a bearing of my surroundings. I looked up and saw Princess Celestia’s royal palace. It was Canterlot, but much brighter and cleaner than I remembered it! I looked around for anything else that was familiar to me. I soon found a small cream-coloured filly with my mane colours. It was me when I was a filly… the free-spirited pony who although never was into sports or excessive physical activity, was a much happier and energetic soul. She was trotting with her best friend, probably chattering about novel theories that proposed how matter was created and other nerdy things of the sort. Those were the good old days. The young purple filly is Twilight Sparkle, if you haven’t guessed yet.
Twilight was my equal. I was talking about the purple unicorn in a positive light for the first time in a long while. Normally, I would scold myself for lingering to such thoughts, but right now, it didn’t matter. My anger at Twilight was ignored as the two fillies trotted and stopped to sit on a wooden bench at the side of the yellow road. There, my younger self pulled out a zoology ginormous textbook from her knapsack that made her fall from the bench.
Young Twilight and my younger self laughed together. The both of us were very clumsy fillies. I couldn’t help but laugh. I remembered that day very well. We ended up talking about all the types of animals that Equestria proudly called its own, from the toucan, to the parasprite, yes the parasprite. Soon after, Twilight took out a book of her own that covered pony anatomy. I giggled as I listened to their discussion. That was the moment I thought we were going to be friends for life, two inseparable nerds in a pod whose paths would cross indefinitely…
But suddenly, the ground violently shook. A great tremor was building from where I stood. The two fillies ran away, their shrieking voices piercing my vulnerable ears! I quickly ran to the wooden bench and cowered underneath it, begging that the quake would stop as I closed my ears and eyes as tightly as I could!
But as I begged to myself, the bright blue sky turned a fiery red! My whole body began to cry out in pain as the sun began to scorch it with its piercing rays! Just as I thought things couldn’t get worse, the gusts blew harder and harder, flipping the bench over like a tumbleweed! Just then, a horrifying figure emerged from the cracked road, one that grew larger than any structure I could ever imagine! I grunted in pain as I looked up to the scorching sky, my face burning once again!
“Moon Dancer! You little runt! Yes, I called you a runt, for you are the worst of all the litter I have met in my life!” shouted the booming monster! I felt a river of tears flowing from my watery eyes as everything around me quickly turned into a pitch of black. By now, all I could see around me was the monstrous figure that towered above me, looking very much like Princess Twilight!
The deformed Twilight silently swayed from left to right as it stared into my soul…
“Oh you silly pony… I was never your friend! I didn’t show up for your stupid party because you never mattered to me,” cackled the lofty monstrosity. I tried to give a punch to the deformed princess as it teased me. But as I swung my hooves towards the monster, the figure dissipated into dust before I could land a single blow! As I tripped on myself, I heard an evil laugh echo all around me.
I frantically searched all around for the monstrous figure. I looked up, down, and all around me before placing my head downward and looking underneath my hooves. No sign of the figure. I breathed a quick sigh of relief. The relief was soon cut short however, as the Twilight monster jumped from underneath my hooves and made me slide along the suddenly slippery ground!
The Twilight monster continued its atrocious chortle, sounding more and more like a malfunctioning machine with each passing chuckle. The Twilight giant silently stared at me once again before she spoke,
“I grow tired of this game. I’m sure you’re having a lot of fun dancing right about now! I’m terribly sorry however, for it’s time to destroy a pathetic creature such as yours!” said the gargantuan princess as she built up all her magic atop on her glowing, crooked horn. Just as I was about to successfully pick myself up from the ground, my eyes stared wide open at the overwhelming magic directed right at me…
My eyes desperately opened once again. I spastically looked around to see where I was, only to fall from my reclining chair head on to the wooden floor. I slowly got up from the floor, pressing my hooves against my head to alleviate the growing pain I felt.
I slowly observed my surroundings. My damaged bookshelves to my left… the cracked floorboards underneath me… my etymology textbook that lay in front me… I was back at my home once again. My home may be in dire need of repairs, but I didn’t care. It was my home. I was away from the princess and everypony else who sought to hurt me in everything they did.
I slowly trotted back to my reclining chair and gently sat on it. I rocked my chair back and forth a few times to rest my crying heart after what was clearly a terrible nightmare.
I slowly peered my head to the opened textbook. The word “friendship” appeared once again. A word that meant “conjugal love”. I cried with a deep sorrow in my heart… I was friendless. I never deserved friends in the first place. I never had friends to begin with, and when I thought I had a lasting colleague in Twilight, she turned her back on me with a deep hiss.
My name may be Moon Dancer, but I never wanted to dance. But all this time, I was forced into a dance I never wanted to be involved with: one that was called “friendship”. The monster was right. I truly am a runt. I never deserved friends, and I certainly never want them again!
I stared at my crooked bookshelves. The books that were stacked on the shelves were my only “friends”. Even though they weren’t real, they provide me with a sense of comfort. I can talk to my books about all the knowledge I accumulated… I can sit around my rocking chair, immersing myself into worlds unbound, completely ignoring the horror that was Equestria. I don’t need friends. I don’t need ponies. I only need my books and studies.
I sit on my rocking chair, swaying it back and forth with pure contentment. Who cares about the “Princess of Friendship”? If she ever came back to me in any way possible, I would be sure to show her just how to properly burn a bridge forever.
I heard a soft knock on the door. It was the first knock I heard in about a week. Who could it possibly be? Hopefully it was just a random salespony. Then I could shoo them away for good with a loud growl.
The knocking on the door grew louder and louder. I trot to the front door and open it. It was Twilight Sparkle with a green pony whose name I fail to remember. She said she wanted to be my “friend” once again. Typical. I wasn’t falling for that trick again. I slammed the door shut on her. I said to myself that I’d never speak with her again. And that promise I intend to keep.
Babs Seed spent most of her life in the city. As she visits her fellow Crusaders in Ponyville once again, the Crusaders pledge to teach Babs Seed the intricacies of nature with Fluttershy! What better way to see them in their play than to listen to Schubert's Violin Sonatina in D? By the way, this piece was used in "Little Bear" if you want a nostalgia trip. This piece is played by Julia Fischer on the violin and Martin Helmchen on the piano.
“Wow! This is so cool! I’ve seen pictures of forests, but I’ve never been inside one before!” Babs Seed happily declared as she jumped from one tree log to the next. Babs Seed had arrived to Ponyville from Manehattan the previous day. Her cousin Applebloom invited her to a camping trip while her parents were away on a business trip. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo didn’t want to miss out on the trip, so when Applebloom announced that Applejack would be holding another trip, the fillies were naturally delighted!
“Wait up Babs! Don’t get too far ahead!” Applebloom yelled, struggling to keep up with her enthusiasm.
“Yeah Babs! Wait for us!” called Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, waving their hooves around and running along the dirt path to keep up with their friend.
“Hey! Come back ‘ere! I don’t want y’all gettin’ lost in there!” Applejack shouted, running after the fillies. Those fillies sure were balls of energy, even with the camping supplies they were carrying on their back!
While the others frantically rushed away to catch up, Babs tripped on a branch and stumbled upon a quiet cave. Just then, a loud roar bellowed from the rocky cave where Babs stumbled upon! Babs froze in place, realizing that a monster was inside the suddenly scary cave!
The shadowy figure slowly emerged from the dark, dank cave. Babs continued to shake and chatter. The creature roared directly into Babs’ face, leaving her pale in fright! It was a bear! Babs reflexively picked up a branch filled with blueberries to her right, and stretched her hoof out to the bear. The blue bear sniffed on the blueberry branch, swiped it away from Babs’ hooves, and snacked on the berries!
As the creature ate the bountiful blueberries, Babs couldn’t help but realize that the bear was about twice the size as Applejack! The bear appeared frightening at first, but the more it snacked on the berries, the cuter he looked.
“Awww… All you wanted was some food! You’re really cute you know?” Babs commented as the woolly mammal continued to feast on its berries. Suddenly gaining more curiosity, Babs felt the urge to trot closer to the bear and pet it!
Babs slowly trotted closer to the little bear. As she tip-toed to the bear’s sides, she noticed the woolly furs that stuck out of its body. Babs slowly extended her hooves. At that point, Babs began to realize that touching the bear would probably make it very angry. But her curiosity overtook her, so she slowly placed her hoof on the bear’s furs and rubbed on it.
Just as she poked on the bear, it immediately swung its claws and grabbed hold of poor Babs, holding her up towards the trees above! Babs screamed out for help, hoping that her trusty companions were nearby!
Meanwhile, Applejack and the Crusaders heard the scream Babs gave out at a distance!
“That’s Babs! We gotta save him y’all!” Applejack urged the crusaders onward, as they jumped like never before to the stony cave!
But just as they arrived, they stopped and saw the blue bear licking on Babs Seed! The Manehattan filly giggled as she continued to wail to her friends,
“Guys! Get me down from here! This bear won’t stop licking me!” Babs felt the bear’s saliva slide along her cheeks, while Applebloom scratched her chin and giggled along. Soon after, the other crusaders and Applejack laughed along as well.
“Well I’ll be… This a first! This blue bear here really likes you for some reason Babs! Maybe we’ll leave you two alone for some quality time!” Applejack jokingly chuckled.
“Applejack! This ain’t funny! Get me down from here!” Babs exclaimed, still laughing as the bear now dried her of the saliva with its furry paws. Seeing that Babs wanted to be back on the ground, the bear gently set its paws down to release Babs from its grasp.
The young filly quickly jumped to Applejack’s hooves and gave her a warm hug. The bear gave a warm smile too before it stomped back into his small cave. Applejack snuggled Babs tightly.
“For a moment, I was really worried about you Babs. I thought you were in great danger, and you really were!” Applejack reminded the filly.
“Yeah, I knew. Sorry Applejack,” Babs apologized. She was given a tight hug with everypony else before they went back to the trail. What a first camping memory this was for Babs Seed.
I love all kinds of books. The novel however occupies a special place in my heart. Coco Crusoe, Pride and Prejudice, Poniver Twist, the list just goes on and on! There’s so many novels I’ve whizzed through that it would take a lifetime to name all the ones I’ve already read and reread!
Reading a novel is much like listening to Frederick Horseshoepin play an organ piece by the legendary Fugal Art. According to a biography of the composer, Fugal always started with a single melody that sounded on its own. This melody then came back later in the piece like a recorder on repeat. But the melody always sounded different each time it was played. Sometimes, it arrived at a different scale. Other times it resonated from the bottom, even with all the other notes playing above it.
When I heard Frederick play Fugal Art’s “Little Fugue” for organ at his Ponyville concert the other night, I had to get a copy of the recording. The desire of hearing what the biographer heard overtook me like a refined fire! Fortunately, the castle had an entire room dedicated to music, so I managed to get myself a recording pretty easily!
I listened to the piece over and over again. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally managed to pick out the method to his seeming madness! There it was… the melody that started low and then jumped around like the Crusaders whenever they’re excited! At one point, the melody rung out at the low register while the highest notes had this sort of trill at the top. What made it difficult to find the melody were the times when the notes just seemed to dance, even without the melody ringing about!
After listening to the recording at least fifty times, I think I can see what the biographer meant. Looking back at the hours I spent on my couch listening to the piece, I realized that I was doing much the same thing whenever I read the same novel multiple times. Well, with the exception of Spike asking me to turn the music down because it was so loud!
Like the fugue, every novel I’ve read started with an exposition that described the setting. Like the melody, the exposition set the tune the novel took, whether it be darkness in Lord of the Flies, or marriage with Manesfield Park. Then the melody would become hidden to the naked eye, but revealed when one took a closer reading to heart like I did when I listened closely to this fugue. Objects personified and symbolized became ways through which the themes and motifs were conveyed in a novel. In the same way, the fugue at different scales evoked different emotions in me, whether it be awe or dismay!
The more I listened to the piece, the more I imagined a tree like Applejack’s Bloomberg. Like every tree, Bloomberg started from the ground. To any other pony, the Bloomberg sapling looked valueless, worthy of sending to the dump. But if one were patient and caring enough like Applejack, then the sapling would slowly grow a strong stem that gradually extended its branches to the sky. By the time the tree grew as mighty as Bloomberg, its many branches, when traced, would lead back to the stem, whether a few inches or a few miles away!
Much like a tree, the literary and musical work started off with a simple melody that set the tone for the piece. As the works progressed, more and more branches would be added that complemented the story rather than complicated it if one looked carefully enough.
I should probably make an essay out of this. No, a Princess Celestia letter would be much more fitting! I could send a recording of the piece to her and teach her the art of the Fugue as conveyed by the great Fugal Art! Many aspects of life can be learned with the help of other ponies if one were open enough to try! That could be my friendship lesson!
Perhaps I could dig through the library for some more fugues! I’ve only discovered the music library recently when I bumped into a metallic wall in the castle’s interior! I’d best get rushing to the music collection then! Who would have thought such a bump would lead to such a find?! Better yet, who would have thought that a friendship lesson could be learned from an organ piece?
