Welcome once again! Hi it's me Psychodrome back once more to bring you the ninth chapter of Nocturne so yeah! Once again sorry for chapter 8 taking so long frigging writers block anyway all that aside let's get started and before I forget I don't own MLP in any way done let's go!
Nocturne
Chapter 9: Easy to Read
It was a cool winter morning and it was silent throughout the forest, well almost silent a cacophony of sound rang out from Dusk's cottage the noises echoing through the icy cold air. Dusk's mane was far from pristine its usual shine gone and ends sticking out in all directions and his glasses askew, as he rushed back and forth shaking his head and mumbling incoherently. Dusk practically jumped when he heard a knock at his door he tried to hold in the fear welling up inside of him before hesitantly opening the door expecting the worst, he let out a sigh of relief when he saw Fluttershy standing there her light green scarf wrapped around her neck "Oh h-hey Fluttershy how a-are you." Dusk said with a nervous smile twitching a bit.
Fluttershy looked at her coltfriend with concern "Um Dusk are you all right." she said with a look of worry "You seem a little... stressed." Fluttershy glanced inside the usually clean foyer had books littering the ground and sheet music strewn everywhere. Dusk shook his head before going back inside and rummaging through a pile of paper then suddenly popping back out a letter in hoof and handing it to Fluttershy before he went back to searching through the clutter, Fluttershy wondered why he was acting like this before looking down at the letter.
To, Dusk Desolstice
I've heard many great things about your music Mr. Desolstice
and I wanted to see for myself just how talented you are. Ponies
have readily accepted your playing but frankly I can't see how a
musician have gotten this much fame without ever being judged by a
professional I will be by tomorrow to judge your abilities please
have a piece ready by then.
Sincerely, Alabaster Crescendo
Fluttershy looked up at Dusk who was still rushing around in a panic around the room his steps echoing in the silence "Um what's wrong you've played before." she said quietly Dusk turned to her fear in his eyes as he shuddered.
"Alabaster Crescendo is the most famous music critic in all of Equestria he can crush an artist's career under his hoof with a word." Dusk said panic rising in his voice "I got that letter yesterday and I'm stressed beyond belief my hooves are shaking so much I can't even play to calm my nerves and I can't think of the right song!" Dusk was on edge his eyes darting around the room before he finally just threw himself on his couch and started rocking back and forth almost hyperventilating at this point. Fluttershy felt terrible seeing him like this, she sat down beside Dusk and pulled him into an embrace whispering reassurances in his ears and stroking his mane, after a few moment Dusk rapid breathing had finally slowed down and he sighed before giving Fluttershy a small smile "Thanks Fluttershy I needed that." a light blush on his face, Fluttershy only smiled back before giving him a quick kiss.
"Um do you want some help cleaning up?" Fluttershy asked her face tinged with pink, Dusk nodded before he began to chuckle a little the first laugh he had all day before the two ponies got to work on cleaning house. After about half an hour's worth of cleaning Fluttershy looked out the window gazing at the clear blue sky "Maybe a walk will clear your mind." she said in Dusk's direction "If you want to look good for when you play we can go to Rarity's boutique... I mean if you want to." she said looking down at her feet shyly, Dusk smiled softly before giving a small nod and grabbing his scarf and opening the door for Fluttershy with a large bow Fluttershy giggled before the two headed to town. As they neared Ponyville Dusk looked around today there wasn't a cloud in the sky however some snow from the past few days still covered the ground in a sheet of white, after a few more minutes of walking they finally neared Rarity's boutique and headed inside. Rarity was standing in front of a dress rack storing some of the fabrics before noticing the two ponies at her door.
"Oh hello dears." Rarity said cheerfully before turning to Dusk curiously "I can understand Fluttershy but why are you here Dusk? And I'm guessing from your appearance that you're not here for a simple chat." Dusk was surprised at how well Rarity had assessed the situation before clearing his head of all his questions and told her what happened. Rarity looked down deep in thought before her face lit up "Aha I have the perfect thing but I'll have to take some measurements." she said before rushing into her studio and after a few moments walking back out measuring tape and some scraps of fabric in hoof. Rarity stretched the tape over Dusk's limbs and looked down at the fabrics then back at Dusk and nodded "Alright I have a good idea of what I'm doing but it will take a couple of hours so go out and relax you seem to need it. Oh and Dusk ... you really should clean up that mane of yours." she said wrinkling her nose before heading into her studio prepared for quite a bit of work ahead of her. Dusk looked at a nearby mirror and noticed Rarity was right his mane wasn't in pristine condition to say the least, Dusk went to a table and grabbed a brush and started combing down the rebellious stray hairs that were sticking out.
Fluttershy stood next to Dusk and began to help him style his mane back to its former state suddenly a low rumble came from Fluttershy's stomach and her face turned beet red "Um can we go eat?" she said shyly her face still crimson. Dusk smiled before standing up and heading outside into the cool air, soon enough the two had found their way to a small family run diner and after they had ordered something the couple talked, Dusk sighed feeling the stress melt away "It's nice to see you so relaxed." said Fluttershy happily.
Dusk looked up at the clear blue sky worry etched into his features "Well I wouldn't say I'm out of the woods yet." a frown forming on his face, Fluttershy's smile faded she worried when he became like this before standing up and pulling Dusk out of his chair.
Fluttershy looked at Dusk sternly "You should be more positive." she said in a motherly tone, Dusk couldn't help but smile and pulled Fluttershy into a hug and nuzzled her. Fluttershy blushed for a moment but gladly returned Dusk's embrace, after that tender moment the two once again set off trying to take the focus off of the upcoming deadline. After a few more minutes of walking they made their way to the town square suddenly Rainbow Dash zipped by before coming to a halt and greeting the couple.
"Oh hey guys what's up." said Rainbow Dash nonchalantly Fluttershy greeted her friend warmly and the two pegasi began to talk, for a moment Dusk just stood there soon he just walked aimlessly around the square as he was turning around he bumped into a chestnut colored pony that wore a bowtie and had the symbol of an hourglass on his flank.
"Oh hello." The new pony said cheerfully while Dusk just looked at him curiously and then at his bow tie, the new pony noticed where Dusk was looking before flashing a grin "Like it? Bow ties are cool." he said matter-of-factly.
Dusk smiled he didn't quite know why but it was something about this pony that he found interesting, he offered a hoof "Nice to meet you my name's Dusk." The pony stared for a moment before hesitantly shaking Dusk's hoof.
"That is what I'm supposed to do right?" the pony asked curiously, Dusk looked at him strangely before nodding "Oh thank goodness the last time I messed up greetings I almost caused a interplanetary war." Dusk eyes widened and the pony just smiled back "I suppose I should introduce myself then my name is the Doctor."
"Doctor... who?" asked Dusk thinking this was probably the strangest resident of Ponyville even stranger than Pinkie Pie and that was saying something.
"Just the Doctor." said the Doctor happily, Dusk smiled back he couldn't help it the strange pony's mood was infectious. Dusk looked up into the sky tracking the sun as it floated higher he winced knowing that the time would only get closer, the Doctor noticed what Dusk was looking at "You seem to be worried about something, a due date of some sort can I help? I've always had a knack with time." said the Doctor with an eager look in his eyes, Dusk didn't know what it was but he felt he could trust this pony so he relayed what had happened that day.
"And if I don't do well I could lose my entire career." Dusk said with a sigh a little happy he was able to vent some more, the Doctor stroked his chin deep in thought suddenly he looked back up and sighed.
"Well I'm usually better with the whole saving the world thing but I'll give this one a shot." said the Doctor before he smiled knowingly "The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa the bad things don't always spoil the good things and make them unimportant." he said profoundly, Dusk looked at the Doctor in shock it was something about him that look in his eyes that made him seem almost ancient but Dusk pushed those thoughts out of his mind.
"Wow um... thanks that was what I needed to hear." said Dusk still shocked at how wise this pony seemed, the Doctor merely smiled.
A faraway look entered the Doctor's eyes "You know I said the same thing once to an artist before." he said a with a sad smile "I hope you find what you're looking for you never know it could be anywhere, well it was a pleasure meeting you but I must be going." said the Doctor before heading off into an alley. Dusk stared as the Doctor walked away then Dusk thought about what had happened for a moment, that was a dead end alley there was no way out Dusk slowly walked towards the alley and heard a strange and deep sighing noise and turned the corner. For a moment Dusk swore he saw a large blue box only for a moment and then it was gone the strange noise disappearing along with it, Dusk shook his head that was interesting to say the least. Soon he had made his way back to the square Fluttershy was there waiting for him with a smile on her face.
"So what have you been up to?" asked Fluttershy a gentle breeze periodically shifting her mane.
Dusk thought about telling her what had happened before shaking his head "Nothing, nothing at all." he said with a smile, Fluttershy looked at him strangely for a moment before smiling and continuing their walk through town. Soon enough the couple had made their way back to Rarity's as the two went inside there stood Rarity beaming as she held a new coat.
"Dusk dear I have a new coat for you." said Rarity beaming before she presented her creation for Dusk to see, the new coat was mostly a glossy black but the edges were lined with silver fabric and each cuff-link was decorated with a large onyx gemstone which gleamed as the sunlight hit them.
Dusk gazed at it in wonder "It's beautiful." he said a smile growing on his face as he looked down at the new coat before he looked back at Rarity "I can't thank you enough." Dusk said a gleam in his eyes.
Rarity smiled back "Well Dusk I'm glad you like it but it isn't free."
Dusk chuckled "I knew I wasn't that lucky." he said jokingly before pulling out a large amount of bits and gave them to Rarity.
Rarity looked down at the currency surprised 'This is more than enough I can give you some back." she said wondering why Dusk had given her such a large amount of bits.
Dusk only shook his head "It's worth that much." he said simply while Rarity beamed before handing him the coat.
"Ah an artist's greatest pleasure is when someone appreciates their work." Rarity said happily before heading towards a nearby dress rack while Dusk and Fluttershy headed towards the door suddenly Rarity turned to look at the couple "Dusk I wish you luck and Fluttershy... make sure to keep him from getting to hysterical." she said with a wink Fluttershy giggled while Dusk only grinned before the couple left in the direction of Dusk's home. As they got closer to Dusk's home Fluttershy noticed that Dusk kept spacing out as he looked around the snow blanketed area near his home.
"Are you alright?" asked Fluttershy starting to worry that Dusk was once again starting to drift into depression but then a smile made its way onto Dusk's face.
"No I'm just thinking that after how bad this morning was and yet I everything out here can still be so tranquil, I... I just can't explain it." Dusk said a peaceful smile forming on his face as he saw the sun set its deep orange light making the covering of frost surrounding them glow. Fluttershy smiled before pulling Dusk into an embrace Dusk smiled and returned it.
"You need some time to think don't you?" asked Fluttershy even though she knew the answer, Dusk gave a small nod before giving Fluttershy one last hug and headed home. Once Dusk had headed home he stopped in front of the door and turned around gazing at the silent forest near his home, draped in snow the Everfree forest had a calm beauty about it and it was then that Dusk realized that even though things could look bleak there would always be a silver lining no matter what happened he smiled wondering how a pessimist like him could think of something like this Dusk laughed at how absurd it seemed before he headed into his home. Soon Dusk had donned his new coat the onyx cuff-links gleaming in the last rays of the sun before it finally dipped below the horizon and the night claimed the land, Dusk searched through the organized piles of sheet music before finally settling on a certain piece, happy with his choice Dusk sat down in front of his piano waiting for his visitor. A sudden knock disrupted the silence that once permeated the house for a moment Dusk hesitated but he dismissed that feeling and opened the door.
"Good evening Mr. Crescendo." Dusk said with a slight bow, Alabaster Crescendo was an older stallion his mane was an oily black color most likely dyed and he peered down at Dusk his eyes looking over his half-moon spectacles the outdated glasses seemed even older compared to the sleek frame-less glasses that Dusk wore. Alabaster walked pass Dusk without a word he sat down in a chair his deep gray coat contrasting with the rich red color of the couch, Alabaster an expensive looking black suit the only speck of color on him was the symbol of golden scales most likely symbolizing his ability to weigh something's worth very fitting for a critic.
Alabaster shifted on the couch getting comfortable "I am ready when you are Mr. Desolstice." he said curtly looking at Dusk expectantly. Dusk calmly sat in front of his piano picking up a nearby sheet of music and starting the familiar tune of What a Wonderful world Dusk smiled as he mouthed the words to the song. As he played Dusk didn't notice the slight curve of Alabaster's mouth as he watched the critic smiled his tail sawing to the tune, a few more minutes passed before the song ended Dusk smiled throughout his fear that was there before had gone only a feeling of satisfaction was left. Alabaster stood up and shook Dusk's hoof "I can see why you have such acclaim you are quite talented." said the critic before smiling for a moment "What usually happens when I critique a musician is they end up a nervous wreck that is barely able to play." he said with a sigh "due to my influence over the music world most musicians fear me but you have such an air of calm about you. Not to mention whenever a musician actually manages to play for something for me it's always a large and complicated piece and that's alright but what you played it had certain simplicity about it and it was like you stopped knowing I was there. Alabaster smiled happily.
Dusk almost sighed with relief "I would be lying If I said I wasn't nervous." he smiled sheepishly while Alabaster only laughed.
"Well you know how to hide it well." The critic said with a chuckle before he cleared his throat a little "Ugh night air was dry mind if I have a drink?" Alabaster asked with almost none of the formal attitude he had when he first had gotten there.
As Dusk got the older stallion a drink he looked at Alabaster questioningly "You seem... different from before." he said hesitantly hoping not to offend him.
Alabaster laughed "Yeah sorry about that since most musicians are scared out of their wits I keep myself pretty distant but now that I'm here I've decided to unwind a little... That alright?" he asked eyebrow raised, Dusk started to chuckle before that soon turned into full blown laughter while Alabaster just looked at him blankly.
"Ha sorry about that it's just that I never expected you to be like this." Dusk said still grinning, Alabaster answered Dusk with a smile.
"Most ponies don't." Alabaster said before the two ponies laughed and began to talk, soon enough the topic drifted back to the performance from earlier. "Sooo... I'm going to guess it was a mare?" Alabaster asked curiously.
Dusk raised an eyebrow "huh?" wondering what the critic meant.
Alabaster had a knowing smile on his face "I can tell you got that gleam in your eye there's nothing else it could be." for a moment the stallion thought about what he said and burst into laughter "HAHA! Listen to me talking like some kind of romantic old man." wiping a tear from his eyes since he was laughing so hard.
Dusk rolled his eyes "Am I really that easy to read, three different ponies have today happen to know what was happening today." he said huffily.
Alabaster merely grinned some more "Hey some people say being an open book is a talent." he said with a joking tone in his voice before standing up and heading to the door "Well it's been fun but I better be heading out see you later kid, I'll be sure to give you a good review." Alabaster said with a wink before heading out the door waving as he left.
One Week Later
It was another chill winter day Fluttershy and Dusk sat around the house enjoying one another's company suddenly a knock interrupted the peace of the morning, it was Ditzy at the door with a newspaper in hoof "Hi there Dusk I got your newspaper right here." she said with an eager smile.
Dusk nodded and smiled back "Thanks Ditzy." the mailmare gave a mock salute before laughing and handing him the paper and flying off.
Fluttershy sidled up beside Dusk "Well you shouldn't keep us in suspense." she said with a small smile Dusk gave a nervous smile back before hesitantly looking down at the article.
A week ago I had the pleasure of hearing a piece by the famed pianist
Dusk Desolstice, I am not going to lie that colt is truly a protege. He
has a certain quality about him one that exudes an air of calm and
love for what he does I can think of no better pianist then that young
colt. My recommendation to you my readers is that if you have never heard his
music you are truly missing something that could possibly change your life
and if you are reading this Dusk an I have no doubt that you are keep
doing what you love and let nopony tell you otherwise.
Dusk was shocked as he finished reading "Wow... I did not expect that." he said a bit of disbelief in his voice while Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled him.
"I didn't expect anything less." Fluttershy said smiling softly Dusk pulled her into an embrace smiling all the while the sunlight streaming through the window filing the room with the glorious light of day.
Hi thar sorry bout being gone and all that anywho onto other business. I'M SORRY! I couldn't help it had to do a doctor who reference I needed to do it was necessary, on another note I have heard your pleas! or should I say plea... never mind sorry bout the lack of drama in the story it's just I mean come on its Fluttershy she so easy to have adorable moments with so yeah I was half way through the chapter when I saw this but maybe I'll add some... certain situations to the story MUHAHAAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA *COUGH* *COUGH* ugh really need to stop with the maniacal laughter anyway It's been a blast and by now you probably are all assuming that I'll be asking for reviews... well that's true. I am so easy to read
P.S I don't own Doctor Who
P.P.S REVIEW! (Ha thought I forgot didn't you)
