AN: Hey everyone. I want to try something this chapter, but it's going to take some work from you. When you see the words (start song here) I want you search the song Storm Warning by Hunter Hayes on youtube and play it. Don't worry if you can't read along with the song, just use it to set the mood of the scene. But of course if this too much work for you, don't worry about it. Cheers!
Dear Friend
After my last encounter with Rarity I couldn't fall asleep, I just lay there awake longing for it to be morning, when I could see her again. Maybe staying in Ponyville wouldn't be such a bad thing. Of course if I had known how much trouble it was going to cause me, I would have been on the first train back home. But regardless of what happened, or what I had hoped would happened, I stayed. Finally after an hour of tossing and turning I drifted off into a deep sleep, completely unaware of the trials of the next day. Bliss of Ignorance.
The next morning I awoke early to a symphony of chirping birds. As I lay in bed I let the sweet sounds wash over me. It almost sounded as if they were really singing. Curious, I hopped to my feet and opened the window beside my bed. Poking my head out I saw a yellow pony with a pale pink mane standing out on the street in front of a row of birds perched on a fence. The pony looked as if she was conducting them like a choir. I stayed up and watched for awhile. I really enjoyed music, just listening to it mind you, not making it. I would leave that to more talented ponies. Yet I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like up on stage performing in front of hundreds of screaming fans. Pretty amazing I bet. But at the same time I cringed at being the center of attention, those eyes that lovingly adored you could, in an instant, be judging your every move, waiting for you to make a mistake. Not really the life for me. Although music had a strange effect on me, every time I heard it, a strong feeling overwhelmed me, like there was something inside me dying to break free. Am I crazy? Maybe possible. You're saying I should see somepony about it? Hey now, it'll make more sense when I tell you what my other cutie mark is, but in good time of course. At the moment I was too distracted by the music to even think about my "condition". When the singing ended the yellow pony thanked all the birds for coming and they flew off leaving her alone. I had to let her know that I enjoyed the performance.
"Hey!" I shouted. "That was really good!" The pony seemed to freeze in terror. Had I been to loud? I didn't get the chance to find out because before I even opened my mouth to speak again she was gone.
After that odd encounter I quickly brushed my teeth and bolted down the stairs to the lobby. Just as I was about to open the door the bell-colt tapped my shoulder.
"Sir you have a package waiting for you," he said.
"Package?" I asked confused.
"Yes, from Miss Rarity," he answered before pulling out a basket of apples and setting it on the floor in front of me. Don't ask me where he pulled it out of. Still confused I thanked him and headed outside with the basket of apples dangling from my mouth. That solved the problem of getting breakfast, now for a place to enjoy it. I walked for awhile until I found a nice secluded tree in the park, not to far where Rarity and I had been the pervious night. As I laid on the ground and munched on the apples I humored myself with some pony watching. The crowds were pretty uninteresting, mostly just shop keepers heading to work or the occasional stallion pulling a cart but something peculiar caught my eye. A baby dragon was strolling through the park carrying a huge bag that was overflowing with books.
"What in Equestria is a dragon doin' in Ponyville?" I whispered to myself.
"Oh don't worry that's just Spike!" I voice sang from behind me.
Startled I kicked the basket of apples sending them flying in every direction. I wheeled around to see Pinkie standing there bright eyed and smiling.
"You really shouldn't sneak up on a pony like that, you'll give em' a heart attack," I said as I gathered up the mess I had inadvertently made.
"I just wanted to say good morning, jeez, you are so anti-social!" she exclaimed.
I chuckled, "If ah was anit-social we wouldn't be havin' this conversation,"
"Wrong word then, socially awkward maybe, but you aren't socially awkward, and what does social even mean, I'll ask Twilight she'll know, but what if she doesn't? We're doomed!" Pinkie screamed.
"Right," I started. "As fun as this has been, Ah've gotta go find Rarity,"
"Okie dokie loki," She said. "See you around,"
As Pinkie hopped away I breathed a sigh of relief, I swore every time that pony opened her mouth it was just a droning sound. Now that that was over I finished off the unbruised apples and made my way to Rarity's house.
Just as I was about to knock on the door it burst open and Rarity came flying out surrounded by various fabrics and thread suspended in mid-air by her magic. Hot on her heals was a small white filly with light purple hair.
"Sweetie Belle, did you bring the extra pair of scissors?" She asked as she marched right past me.
"Yes sis' and I have the extra extra pair of scissors," Sweetie Belle sighed.
I quickly trotted after the pair as they flew down the road.
"Mornin' Rarity," I panted trying to keep pace.
Rarity glanced back at me and flashed a smile.
"Oh hello Blaze, did you sleep well?" She asked.
"Yeah actually," I dodged a stray spool of thread, "Ah did, and thanks for the apples by the way,"
"Think nothing of it, I've heard that the food at the inn is atrocious so it's the least I could do," She replied. "Excuse me sir coming through, precious goods here," She apologized to an angry pony who had spilt his coffee on the ground.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" I asked.
"We're going to a fashion show!" Sweetie Belle chimed in.
"Yes that's right Sweetie, I have a new line coming out and I just have a few last-minute things to check up on." Rarity said
"Sounds fun," I chuckled
"I know, I can't wait to see all the ponies dressed up in all those pretty dresses, it's going to awesome," Sweetie buzzed.
"Sorry Blaze, I'm sure this isn't how you wanted to spend your day," Rarity apologized.
"Ah don't mind, it can't be that bad," I said.
It was. When we arrived at the Hedge Maze Center I was assaulted with flashes of pink light and the suffocating aroma of a million perfumes. Everywhere I looked it seemed as if all the surfaces were covered in frilly pink fluff. It took every ounce of my will power to not double over and throw up the basket of apples. I had no idea how a pony could want to spend a day like this. In my state of shock I didn't see where Rarity and Sweetie Belle had slipped off too. Slowly I pushed through the crowd of ponies shielding my eyes from all the glitter and tassels, apologizing as I occasionally tread on a ponies hooves or dress. I felt so out-of-place and the other ponies knew it too, they were starting to stare. Don't pay attention, just keep moving, I told myself. To my relief I spotted them talking to the little dragon I had seen earlier. He was wearing a small tux and dark sunglasses. Now there was an idea, probably would've saved me from having partial blindness.
"Rarity!" I hollered as I broke free from the crowd and galloped over.
"Excuse me sir you can't be back here, VIPs only," He held up a clawed hand.
"VIP's?" I asked.
"Very important ponies, who are you exactly?" Spike countered my question.
"My name is Blaze," I answered. "Ah'm here with Rarity,"
"You, here with Rarity?" He scoffed. "Yeah right!"
"He's telling the truth Spike, Mr. Blaze is tagging along while I finish up a few things," Rarity said before pushing past Spike. "Come along."
Reluctantly Spike and I followed her in behind the stage. As we walked Spike eyed me up suspiciously.
"So, how long have you known Rarity?" He asked.
"Since yesterday morning," I replied.
"And now you two are all buddy-buddy?"
"Well we hit it off but-"
"I'm watching you," Spike pointed at me and narrowed his eyes. "Don't try anything funny,"
"Uh, duly noted?" I nodded my head not fully sure of what he meant.
"Good, cause quite frankly I think she's too good for you," He shot at me.
Whoa! Who's this dragon think he is!
"What's that supposed to mean?" I demanded.
"I know what you're up too, trying to steal my girl away from me, nice try, but I've got news for you pal she's mine," He smirked.
"A little unfair to say she's yours isn't it?" I asked.
"Not really, she just doesn't know it yet," Replied Spike.
"Well Ah don't mean any harm and besides, Ah'm outta here by tomorrow," I sighed, looking over at Rarity. "I doubt she thinks of me that way, we did just meet,"
"I still got my eyes on you," He growled.
I rolled my eyes and smiled, "You can do whatever you'd like my friend,"
"So are you and Spike, together?" I asked through a mouthful of salad. Rarity and I sat alone on the patio of a restaurant, the best in Ponyville she claimed. We had just missed the dinner rush and now our only company was a group of fireflies that drifted through the evening air.
"Oh heavens no, me and my Spikey-wikey? Of course not," she said. "What made you think that?"
"He seemed very," I paused. "Protective of you,"
"Awe, that's just his brotherly instincts, so cute," She cooed.
I was about to break it too her that they were more than just "brotherly" feelings, but I held my tongue. I decided to change the subject.
"Do you need another drink?" I asked.
"I do seem to be out,' Rarity examined her empty glass.
"Another cream soda here," I waved to the waiter. "And?" I looked over at Rarity
"I'll have a triple espresso latte double cream double sugar, topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and cinnamon sprinkles," Rarity rattled off. "Oh and warm milk on the side please, but not too warm, I don't to burn my lips," she smiled.
I felt sorry for the waiter who was furiously scribbling down on his note pad, trying to get all the specifics.
"Okay," he said after taking the order. "I'll be back with the cream soda and, whatever that other thing is."
While we waited Rarity tried to bring up my abnormality again.
"So Blaze, what is your other cutie mark?" She leaned forward. I took a bite of my food before answering.
"Ah don't know why you're so interested in that thing," I said.
"Because, it's so intriguing, you're literally one in a million," She smiled.
"Trust me Ah know, the doctors made sure of that," I sighed.
"But what is it exactly," She asked. "I didn't get a good enough look at it last night,"
Silently I stood and faced my side towards her.
"It's small, but it's still there," I said.
"A musical note," Her eyes lit up. "Do you play?"
"Nope,"
"Sing?"
"Haven't tried it,"
"DJ?"
"No,"
"Then what do you do?" She questioned.
"Ah apple buck, it's all Ah've ever done," I admitted.
"So you've never even done anything music related?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah, Ah've just kinda pushed that part of me to the side Ah guess, if it's even a part of me," I replied.
"Well that just won't do," She huffed. "You're sining to me before you leave tomorrow or so help me Celestia,"
"And if Ah refuse?" I grinned.
"Doesn't matter it's already been settled," She giggled.
"Well you're gunna have to force me to then," I said.
"I could take you," She eyed me up.
"Oh really? How would you do it?" I asked playfully as I leaned in towards her.
"I could hold you down with my magic, and then I could have my way with you," She purred.
"Well Ah don't think Ah'd stop you then," I said as I gazed into her eyes.
"Good, I like a colt I can control," She whispered.
"Excuse me," The waiter cleared his throat.
Rarity and I both sat bolt up right, blushing. With a disgusted look on his face the waiter quickly set our drinks down on the table and galloped off. The last few minutes of our dinner consisted of us sipping awkwardly on our drinks in silence. When it finally came time to leave I picked up the bill and damn near screamed like a little girl. The price for the meal wasn't outrageous the problem was Rarity's espresso nonsense, it cost 80 bits! Mumbling to myself about over priced food and how it was gunna be the death of us all I tossed my money on the table and trotted over to Rarity.
"We have one more thing to do tonight," She said.
"And what's that?" I asked.
"Close your eyes," She whispered.
"Should I be worried?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Not at all," she reassured.
We walked for what seemed like 20 minutes before I spoke again.
"Where're we goin'?" I asked.
"Stop asking so many questions!" She laughed. "We're almost there," She kept nudging me along until finally she tugged on my mane. "Alright you may open them,"
I cracked my eyes open to see a vast field sprawling out before me, dotted with apple trees all lined up in neat rows. The last of the setting suns rays cast on the leaves created a mosaic of light and dark green. In the distance I could see a farm-house and barn rising up from the trees like a giant red beacon. It was beautiful.
"I thought you of all people would appreciate this view." She smiled.
"It is quite stunnin'," I replied as I took it all in. "Who owns this orchard?"
"Applejack's family, they're having a bonfire tonight so I thought that maybe we could partake in it as well," She said pointing to the homestead in the distance.
"How can Ah say no to that," I smiled. It would be nice to un-wind with a nice relaxing fire after what I had went through that day.
"Remind we to not let you drag me to another fashion show," I said as we walked through the trees my voice echoing off of their sturdy trunks.
"You came by your own free will," She replied, "I didn't force you,"
"A warning woulda been nice," I said.
"Stop being such a drama queen, it wasn't that bad," She laughed.
"Is there any point in arguing against that?" I chuckled.
"Nope because I would just win," She beamed.
"Ah would let you win," I corrected.
"I don't think so," She said adamantly.
The lighthearted argument continued all the way until we arrived on the apple family farm. We followed the sound of laughter to the front yard where a group of ponies were sitting around a roaring fire. I wasn't surprised to see all of Rarity's friends there but what did surprise me was a new yellow pony who was quietly watching the fire crackle and spit out embers.
"Hey," I greeted as I sat down in the circle beside Rarity. "You're the pony that was singing with the birds this morning aren't you?"
"Oh um yes, I'm really sorry if I woke you," She whimpered.
I was taken aback, "Ah'm not mad, it was really nice, you sure have a way with those critters,"
"Thanks," She let out a small smile. Didn't have much to say did she?
"What's your name?" I asked.
"F-fluttershy," She whispered.
"Flutter?" I tried to clarify.
"Sh-shy," She stuttered.
"Fluttershy, well my name is Blaze," I smiled. Quiet, polite and pretty cute too, I could get used to hanging around her. Seeing that this conversation was over I turned to Rarity who was chatting with twilight, about some Gala they were attending.
"You really need to come by my shop some time so I can take your measurements, if I'm off by even a hair the effect of the dress will be ruined," Rarity said.
"I sure will try Rare but I've been so busy studying these new time spells, I can't seem to get out of the house much," Twilight replied.
"Do you ever get out of the house much?" Rainbow asked from across the fire.
"Of course I do, I have to go to the store every monday to get new quills," Twilight answered.
"Actually that's me who gets them every monday," Spike corrected.
"Oh yeah," Twilight sheepishly smiled. "What would I do without you,"
Great, more dress talk, I sighed to myself. My eyes wandered around the fire, Applejack was sitting directly across from me beside a rather large red mare. The firelight danced across her face making her coat glow a deep orange. She was pretty, not as beautiful as Rarity mind you, but there was something about her that tugged on me like a magnet. I couldn't quite put my hoof on it.
"Do you play?" Fluttershy asked me. Not this again.
"No, Ah don't," I answered.
"Oh I just thought because of your cutie mark, you-"
"Ah don't," I interrupted .
"Why not?" Pinkie asked.
"Ah, uh," I replied, looking for something to say. "I don't really know,"
"Sing something for us!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Yeah, show us your stuff," Rainbow agreed.
"Ah have nothing to show," I said.
"C'mon Blaze, not like tryin' never hurt anyone," Applejack encouraged.
"Yeah!" the others whinnied in agreement.
"Well Ah'll need something to sing too first," I said.
"I'm sure BigMac could help you out with that," Twilight said as she pointed to the red mare beside Applejack.
"Eeyup," BigMac replied.
I glanced over at Rarity for reassurance. She smiled and silently nodded her head. That was all I needed.
(Start song here)
BigMac started plucking a smooth lick on the guitar and soon everyone joined in, stomping their hooves to the beat. Closing my eyes I took a deep breath and let all my insecurities melt away with the world into the sweet sounds of the melody. I felt as if I was possessed by singing ghost, as I began to sway back and forth. Finally when my ears were filled with the music I sang.
She rolled in from the west
In a summer sun dress
Hotter than the heat in July
With her wind blown hair
It just wasn't fair
The way she was blowin' my mind
Have you ever noticed
Every hurricane gets its name from a girl like this
She's a cat. Five kind
Keeps you up at night
Hangin' on to the edge of a kiss
She's a beautiful mess
The kind you love to love
But what happens next
I got a feeling when the sun comes up
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
I'm gonna wish I had a sign
I'm gonna wish I had a little heads up
Little lee-way, little more time
Some kind of radar system
Locked in on love
I got a feeling by the time the night finds the morning
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
Ain't it funny how it feels
When you're burning your wheels
Somewhere between goin' and gone
You get so lost that you can't turn it off
You give in and you just turn it on
She's a heart full of rain
Red lips like a flame
She's the girl from your favorite song
What a beautiful mess
One part angel, one part perfect, one part wreck
The kind of flood you'll never forget
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
I'm gonna wish I had a sign
I'm gonna wish I had a little heads up
Little lee-way, little more time
Some kind of radar system
Locked in on love
I got a feeling by the time the night finds the morning
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
Ooo, Yeah
As BigMac busted out a huge solo I jumped to my hooves and began to dance around the fire, head banging to the beat. When the solo ended I slid up beside Rarity.
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
I'm gonna wish I had a sign
I'm gonna wish I had a little heads up
Little lee-way, little more time
Some kind of radar system
Locked in on love!
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
I'm gonna wish I had a sign
I'm gonna wish I had a little heads up
Little lee-way, little more time
Some kind of radar system
Locked in on love
I got a feeling by the time the night finds the morning
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
I'm gonna wish I had a storm warning
I'm gonna wish I had a sign
I'm gonna wish I had a sign
Or a storm warning
I opened my eyes to see everypony staring opened mouthed at me in, what I hopped was, amazement. Even Spike looked shocked.
"Was it that bad?" I asked weakly.
"That was-" Rarity began
"AMAZING!" Fluttershy screamed.
The whole group went silent. This time it was my turn to be shocked. That darn pony hadn't said a word all night, and judging by the looks on her friends faces they were surprised too.
"Oh I mean um, that was really good Blaze," she smiled sheepishly.
"I agree with Fluttershy, that was soooo cool!" Rainbow shouted with excitement.
I glanced over at Rarity who was gazing back at me with the most intense look. It kinda turned me on not goin' to lie.
"Yes that really was quite something," Rarity said. "And you said you've never sang before?"
"Well, not too anypony," I trailed off.
"For a first timer you sure know how to get a mare all hot n' heavy," Applejack fanned herself with her hat. Everypony started to crowd around me.
"Where did you even come up with those words?" Twilight asked.
"Ah dunno, they just kinda flowed out," I replied.
"Who was it about?" PinkiePie demanded.
"Was it for your special somepony?" Applejack added.
"It was about a mare Ah know," I answered hoping that I wasn't giving away too much.
"Oooo, who is it? Tell me tell me tell me!" Pinkie shouted grabbing my shoulders
"Hey maybe he doesn't want to tell," Rainbow defended. "Maybe it's a secret,"
"Is it?" Twilight asked.
"I wouldn't call it a secret per-say'-," I started my cheeks starting to blush.
"Do we know her?" Applejack interrupted.
"Um, well-"
"Idea!" Rarity cried out. In a frenzy she ran over to her saddle bag and began rummaging around inside it. "Ah here it is!" She pulled out a brightly colored poster and held it up so all of us could see. It read "Equestrian Idol, a competition of voice and performance. Auditions next friday, may the best pony win!"
"What's that for?" I asked.
"That's a great idea Rarity, Blaze would be a shoo-in for first place," Twilight said.
"You can't be serious," I laughed.
"Oh but on the contrary I am," Said Rarity. "You competing would surely liven up the competition."
"It says here that first prize is, 1 Million Bits!" Applejack exclaimed. "And a chance to perform at the Grand Galloping Gala with Octavia and Vinyl Scratch,"
"But it also says the entry fee is 500 bits, Ah don't have that kind of money," I pointed out.
I could see Rarity contemplating the situation.
"What if I sponsored you and in turn, when you are on stage you wore clothes from my shop," She suggested.
"Do you even make colts clothin'?" I asked.
"Well no, but I am sure I could if I put my mind to it," Rarity assured me.
"Ah don't know," I trailed off.
"Oh come on Blaze,"
"Yeah it'll be a heck of a good time!"
"You could a lot of good with those winnings,"
I retreated into my mind. They were right, that money could a be a lot of help, and if I was as good as they were saying, maybe I actually had a chance.
"Okay, Ah'll do it," I said "But Ah'm going to need some lessons first,"
"Fluttershy can sing, maybe she could teach you a thing or two," Rarity suggested.
I looked over at Fluttershy, she nodded in agreement and smiled.
"It's settled then, when you come back from Appaloosa training will begin!" Rarity shouted with glee.
"This is going to be sick! Just make sure you're 20% cooler than the other contestants," Rainbow said.
"Ah'll try my best," I half smiled. What had I gotten myself into?
You bored yet? Good, expect my next letter soon.
B.