open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[ExplosionMare 18,062]

@Samurai Equine

Pencil nodded to the unicorn in front of her.

“Yes, I’m one of the new ponies. I feel like I’ve seen you before but I don’t think I noticed until now. Anyways, I’m here for the open mic thing. Do you have an audition sheet anywhere?” she conversed. As soon as she finished, she turned her head side-to-side, trying to locate a sign-up sheet herself. While she was searching, she didn’t notice the blue stallion approaching her. She jerked her neck back in shock upon his arrival but tried not to show it. 

@Astral Vision

The stallion approached her and politely introduced himself and the unicorn who she had no idea was named Samurai until now. Composing herself, Pencil replied,

“N-Nice to meet you, too! And you’re correct, I am one of the new ponies! So, what’s your name?” 
 

[Samurai Equine 50,934]

@Astral Vision, @ExplosionMare

"Ah! Where are my manners...?" Samurai bows to Pencil. "In case you forgot, my name is Samurai Equine, and this is my friend Astral Vision." Samurai does the introductions for the both of them. "As for the audition, well..." Samurai points off towards the direction of the town square. "The concert hall is that way. There isn't a sign-in sheet, just go into the concert hall and do as you like. Pick out a song to perform, practice, run it by with the band if you need to. In fact... Knowing Trilby Hatter, he'll probably be there by now with outfits and costumes for all the performers that want one."

Samurai begins to walk off. "I'll lead the way! We're all headed there, right?" As they walk off, he whispers something to Astral. "The concert was a clue from the puzzle box. It told me to do this last night, so I made preparations for it. Therefore, it's my responsibility to help run it."

@Kronos the Revenant

The line to get in isn't very long. Ponies are all over the place backstage. Some are in booths to practice their songs, some are clearing their music with the band, some are still deciding what they want to sing, etc. However, as Kronos makes it inside, Trilby Hatter is one of the first ponies he runs into.

"Oh, hello sir. Would you like a costume or an outfit to perform in? We have tons of them, if that's you want. Completely option. However, they are only for concert purposes. If you want to own, you'll have to buy."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

As Shadow slowly succumb to the thing and to it's dark magic, her face in every pictures she was in began to black out. 

Arriving in the house where Shadow slept last night, the mist turns back into Shadow Trail's body and knocked on the front door with agitation. 

“Just wait, can you?” the door opens, revealing the stallion “Oh, Shadow, what-” before he could finish, the thing pushed him with so much force that he flew and crash into his couch. A scream was heard, indicating that the family was where the stallion crashed. The thing immediately went upstairs and didn't even bother to open the bedroom door where Shadow's possession is, instead, the thing decided ran into the door, breaking it. 

“Once I completely corrupted my follower, I'll be able to bring night upon this sun-loving ponies and i will show them that the night will prevail and rule them!” the thing said coldly “But first, I had to get away from the monk, then go elsewhere and hide in another town” 

[Dynamo Pad 11,257]

8 hours ago, Pastel-chan said:

@Dynamo Pad

"Mwrehehee, I hope I'll rise to your expectations~!"

Pastel skipped happily... shrugging about the same time as Dynamo. It seems like she didn't put much thought into the idea. She did smile imagining herself, Dynamo, Samurai and the others all as pirates though.

"Onward, happy~!"

It was hard to tell if she got the reference or was just parroting him cos it seemed fun. 

As they reached the concert area, it seemed like things were already started! Pastel eyed the stage like a soldier eyes a battlefield; with surprising focus. She looked up at Dynamo with a big grin, like she was quietly waiting for approval. Was she really gonna go for it...? Could Pastel even sing?

"I wouldn't put my expectations too high. Only because all I want to do is enjoy the festival with my friends. Just like everyone else in town, but I guess everyone celebrates in their own ways." Dynamo responded, watching as Pastel skipped happily along. He wasn't sure if she understood the reference, but he grinned as he almost had a pep in his step. Upon reaching the concert area, it looked as if everything was getting underway. He looked back to Pastel, who was looking up to him with a giant grin. "Is everything okay, Pastel? Is there something on your mind? It looks like everyone's is starting to enjoy the festivities." 

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

8 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

 

@Kronos the Revenant

The line to get in isn't very long. Ponies are all over the place backstage. Some are in booths to practice their songs, some are clearing their music with the band, some are still deciding what they want to sing, etc. However, as Kronos makes it inside, Trilby Hatter is one of the first ponies he runs into.

"Oh, hello sir. Would you like a costume or an outfit to perform in? We have tons of them, if that's you want. Completely option. However, they are only for concert purposes. If you want to own, you'll have to buy."

Kronos simply nodded that he didnt want any costume for his upcoming performance. 
 

As he filed through his song list one last time he thought to himself, I guess I’ll only try this one song. I mean, it’s the only half-decent one that’s actually complete, not too personal and one that i think these ponies can actually understand. Yeah, this is the one.

You’re gonna screw this up, one of his voices said.

Shut up, he replied to it, everything will be fine. Dont jinx this for us. 
 

He then proceeded to tune his instrument again. 

[Astral Vision 286]

16 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

@Astral Vision, @ExplosionMare

"Ah! Where are my manners...?" Samurai bows to Pencil. "In case you forgot, my name is Samurai Equine, and this is my friend Astral Vision." Samurai does the introductions for the both of them. "As for the audition, well..." Samurai points off towards the direction of the town square. "The concert hall is that way. There isn't a sign-in sheet, just go into the concert hall and do as you like. Pick out a song to perform, practice, run it by with the band if you need to. In fact... Knowing Trilby Hatter, he'll probably be there by now with outfits and costumes for all the performers that want one."

Samurai begins to walk off. "I'll lead the way! We're all headed there, right?" As they walk off, he whispers something to Astral. "The concert was a clue from the puzzle box. It told me to do this last night, so I made preparations for it. Therefore, it's my responsibility to help run it."

@Kronos the Revenant

The line to get in isn't very long. Ponies are all over the place backstage. Some are in booths to practice their songs, some are clearing their music with the band, some are still deciding what they want to sing, etc. However, as Kronos makes it inside, Trilby Hatter is one of the first ponies he runs into.

"Oh, hello sir. Would you like a costume or an outfit to perform in? We have tons of them, if that's you want. Completely option. However, they are only for concert purposes. If you want to own, you'll have to buy."

@Samurai Equine

Astral was grateful for the clue, and respected Samurai's responsible attitude.

"While you focus on the concert, I'll keep an eye out for danger. I could tell that you sensed something as well." Astral whispered back, careful not to slip.

"I'll try to look for Trilby in the meantime, but let me know if you need my assistance."

11 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

"I wouldn't put my expectations too high. Only because all I want to do is enjoy the festival with my friends. Just like everyone else in town, but I guess everyone celebrates in their own ways." Dynamo responded, watching as Pastel skipped happily along. He wasn't sure if she understood the reference, but he grinned as he almost had a pep in his step. Upon reaching the concert area, it looked as if everything was getting underway. He looked back to Pastel, who was looking up to him with a giant grin. "Is everything okay, Pastel? Is there something on your mind? It looks like everyone's is starting to enjoy the festivities." 

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel-chan

As he arrived to the centre of town once more, with Samurai and Pencil at his side, Astral noticed Dynamo and Pastel among the crowd.

"Excuse me you two, there's something I need to do." said Astral in an eerily familiar tone. (Z)

As he left the two ponies behind, Astral went to greet his acquaintances from the past moon. 

"Hey Dynamo, hey Pastel. Looks like we meet again." Astral said with a smile.

[Samurai Equine 50,934]

@Kronos the Revenant

Trilby nods and bothers him no more. He still has a lot to think about for now.

However, he sees one of the black outfits he brought. It's a set of black tights with yellow and red sashes. "Hmm... With a little modification, I wonder if I could make it look like..." Looking around, he takes the tights and hides them away in his jacket for now. Plans for later.

@Astral Vision, @ExplosionMare, @Dynamo Pad, @Pastel-chan

Samurai nods and respects Astral's wishes. He doesn't even notice Dynamo or Pastel as he made his way to the concert hall with Pencil. "I'm going inside. I'm also performing a musical number today. You can come in and be perform if you want, or you can watch with the crowd. Either option is fine. Some ponies are probably going to be singing multiple numbers." He explains to Pencil.

As Samurai goes inside the concert hall, he soon bumps into Trilby Hatter.

"...YOU!" Trilby says.
"Oh, hi." Samurai says casually.
"If you've got any other strange orders for asian clothes today, you can forget it! Business is closed today due to the concert." Trilby says.
"Really? Looks like you all ready brought all the clothes." Samurai quips, noticing the clothing rack.
"And what I do with REST of my time is NONE of your business, asian pony!" Trilby snaps back.
"That wasn't very polite. You should really address me with more respect." Samurai says matter-of-factually.
"I'll do so when you're a customer, and when you stop being so weird~! Besides, I have places to be." Trilby starts to walk away from Samurai, who just shrugs off the whole thing.

Trilby leaves the concert hall, headed for his clothing shop for now. "Besides, I've got some prep work to do. Hopefully I can still catch up to Shadow." He thinks to himself.

Edited March 6, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Bastian 13,319]

@Windy Breeze @Samurai Equine

Forest discovers the location of Shadow but before heading to her position he turns to Trilby and speaks.

I think you might be useful after all, you knew Shadow Trail right?

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Bastian @Samurai Equine

As the thing put all of Shadow's items inside her saddlebag, it heard the cries on the floor below. An idea pop inside her mind. 

If that Everfree Monk and the hat maker came here, they'll have to find the family too. I'll take them somewhere far away from here. They'll be distracted searching for them while I escape. 

If Forest and Trilby arrived to the house, they would find it empty. The thing decided to make the house chaotic, so she decided to destroy the furniture inside, not even one was spared. She then took the whole family by force and hid them somewhere away from their house. 

As soon as she finished wrecking the house, she wrote a something that could pinpoint where she hid the entire family.

Quote

“They are at the place where the passed sleep eternally. They are at the same place but are on different place where it is so cold, damp, and dark this place to stay you would refrain, yet those who occupy are those who have passed many generations have all stayed here once their light is extinguished forever”

The thing chuckled through Shadow's mouth. This riddle is very hard to know and surely they will never find the family. 

Edited March 8, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Dynamo Pad

Pastel became extra jittery, almost vibrating. It seemed she was about to blurt out something crazy before @Astral Vision showed up, she snapped back to normalcy briefly and waved.

"Hihi Astral! I'm going in, so you two cover me!~"

...And just like that, Pastel rushed into the concert hall, leaving both of her friends in the dust. No less than 2 seconds after saying hello to Astral, too. She was up to something... This might be a disaster incoming.

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare

She ended up dashing past Samurai and Pencil too, hope they had good balance or they'd be spinning! She stormed the dressing room and suddenly began uncharacteristically demanding.

"I need an outfit! The cutest you can get in my size! Something frilly maybe! And a guitar, drums, keyboard, bass, and and...!"

It looked like she was really serious about this! Hopefully she's not too awful. It can't go as bad as the infamous CMC concert atleast.

[Astral Vision 286]

53 minutes ago, Pastel-chan said:

@Dynamo Pad

Pastel became extra jittery, almost vibrating. It seemed she was about to blurt out something crazy before @Astral Vision showed up, she snapped back to normalcy briefly and waved.

"Hihi Astral! I'm going in, so you two cover me!~"

...And just like that, Pastel rushed into the concert hall, leaving both of her friends in the dust. No less than 2 seconds after saying hello to Astral, too. She was up to something... This might be a disaster incoming.

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare

She ended up dashing past Samurai and Pencil too, hope they had good balance or they'd be spinning! She stormed the dressing room and suddenly began uncharacteristically demanding.

"I need an outfit! The cutest you can get in my size! Something frilly maybe! And a guitar, drums, keyboard, bass, and and...!"

It looked like she was really serious about this! Hopefully she's not too awful. It can't go as bad as the infamous CMC concert atleast.

@Pastel-chan @Dynamo Pad

Astral watched Pastel zoom by in the form of a pink blur, chuckling a bit as he turned to Dynamo.

"Nice to see she hasn't changed. So Dynamo, are you two here to take part in the concert?" Astral figured it was better to start with a pleasant conversation rather than going straight to what he'd learned from Samurai, as he didn't want to worry Dynamo.

[ExplosionMare 18,062]

@Samurai Equine

“I’m considering singing at least one song. Nothing huge, just something I can comfortably preform,” Pencil relayed to Samurai. She trotted alongside him as he went towards the stage. Pencil felt a little anxious the closer she got to the stage. She levitated a strand of her hair and began to curl and uncurl it. She knew singing a small song wasn’t really that bad, but the pressure of vocalizing correctly and putting on a good show worried her. She knew she wasn’t a great singer or anything, but if ponies thought she was terrible, she may never want to do something like this again.

@Pastel-chan

Suddenly, a small pink blur whipped past Pencil and Samurai. Pencil was pulled from her thoughts in an instant as she wobbled around. Unable to keep her balance, Pencil toppled towards the floor, landing in an unceremonious fashion.

[Bastian 13,319]

@Samurai Equine

Forest located Shadow inside the same house she had been this morning, he had to find Trilby since he was in some sort of relationship with her, that bond could be useful in order to save Shadow.

Forest ran to the hat shop and busted in.

Trilby! I need your help, fast! 

[Samurai Equine 50,934]

@ExplosionMare, @Pastel-chan

Samurai puts a hoof on Pencil's shoulder. "No need to force yourself. But I think you'll find that the ponies in this town are very nice, and will gladly cheer for you no matter what you perform. Besides, I'll be going on first." Samurai says, deciding to take a chance.

But then a pink blur runs past them, too fast for Samurai to catch at first. "Huh? Was that... Oh!" Then he notices Pencil fall over. "Are you okay?" He offers to help her back up.

The staff back stage are more than eager to help her out. There is TONS of costumes donated by Trilby Hatter, so Pastel should be more than capable of finding an outfit that matches whatever she wants. Just take something off the rack and try it on! As for the town band, they are really skilled at what they do. They are able to pick up her musical direction easily, and it would take no time at all for them to set something up.

When he is done helping Pencil and showing her places where she can practice or change outfits if she wants, Samurai goes over to Pastel. "Hey there! Is that Pastel, my new favorite filly in the whole world?" He goes up and pets her head. "Looks like you're going to be singing something today. Am I right?"

@Bastian, @Windy Breeze

When Trilby got back to his shop, he begins to make some alterations to the outfit he smuggled out of the concert hall. "I really should read that book again..." He says to himself. The outfit attaches in pieces. As he finishes each piece, he puts it on, hiding the majority of the outfit under his fashion-forward jacket.

By the time Forest pops in to his shop, Trilby is ready to go. In fact, he is walking past Forest. "Correct, good sir. You do need my help. So unless you know where Shadow is, then please be quiet, let me take the lead, and... Just trust me on this. I know how to save her. I read something about this kind of thing in the Princess Diary, the one released by Princess Twilight and her council? Can't remember all the words it said, but it was a really good read. Point is... I know what needs to be done, so please just give me a chance with her first. And if I'm wrong, if I really can't save her... Then I'll leave it to you."

Trilby begins to walk the streets, looking for signs of Shadow since he has no idea where she lives.

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Samurai Equine

Pastel was already quick at work, she was wearing something akin to a school sailor outfit, but sparkly; it wasn't quite finished though. She was definitely making everypony work for their money; it was kind of astonishing. She waved at Samurai with a huge smile.

"Hiiii Sami! I'm your favorite, huh? Don't tell Dyny, mwehehe~"

She closed her eyes and smiled as she was petted. Was she purring? What a catlike pony.

"Yep! I'm gonna sing! I've always wanted to sing on a stage like this! It's gonna be SO COOL!"

[Bastian 13,319]

@Samurai Equine

Allright, but let me take the lead to her home, I know were it is and she is still there.

 I only hope she doesn't harm anypony, who knows what she is capable of right now. Thought Forest with concern.

Edited March 7, 2020 by Bastian

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

Quote

“You'll have to find the family who own this house, for I took them and hid them somewhere where they'll starve and never see the sun shine again.” 

@Samurai Equine @Bastian

After finishing writing her note on the front door, she put some dark magic on the paper. She chuckled coldly, spread Shadow's wings and left. 

Edited March 7, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Samurai Equine 50,934]

@Pastel-chan

Samurai laughs. "I won't." But knowing she is going to sing puts a smile on Samurai's face. "In that case, I can't wait to see it. But I'll be going first, so please support me until then." Samurai bows and goes towards the main stage. He grabs an instrument on the way, a shamisen. After the current act on stage finishes and the audience cheers, Samurai goes on after them.

Stepping on stage, Samurai waves to the crowd. "Hello Friendshire! Genki desu ka? (Feeling energetic?) I'm Samurai Equine, I've been a citizen for over a year now, and I'd love to share with you all a piece of my spirit. This next song is called... Samurai Heart"

And as Samurai begins to strum on his shamisen, the band changes to oriental instruments to match him, and a few mare and stallion backup singers take the stage to help him sing the song.

(Lyrics & Translation:)

Spoiler

Soku buttagire boys! Butta kire girls! / Now slash it, boys! Slash it, girls!
Oretachi no jiyuu habamu shinrabanshou / Everything stands between us and freedom...
I no ichiban ni stand! Senkyo se yo doushi / Stand in the number one spot! Find your allies
Kegasu na supirittsu soku, sankuchuari getto / Don’t let your spirit be dirtied, find sanctuary now

Me wo mihirake boys! Mezame yo girls! / Open your eyes, boys! Wake up, girls!
Kono machijuu ga big na puropaganda / There’s big propaganda all through the town
Matsuri agete yes! Akitara boo! / Get a festival going? Yes! Getting tired? Boo!
We are like a shoumikigen tsuki no janku fuudo / We are like an expiration date on junk food

Unmei toka shukumei ni shitagau ki wa nai ze / I don’t wanna follow fate or destiny
Tsuba wo hake kiba wo muke tachimukau no sa / Spit, bare your fangs, face it down

Is this my way?
Kagiri aru ima wo / Gonna slash in an instant
Ikiisogu jidai wo / This era's limitations
Setsuna buttagitte yuke / And these times we rush through
In this my way
Furikazasu yaiba / Gonna brandish my sword
Kono mi sajin to bakashitemo / Even if you slice my body into dust
Ikinuke fukutsu no tamashii / I'll let indomitable soul live on
With samurai heart

Senpenbanka suru style hibikasu yo skill / With my ever-changing style, I’ll show my skill
Karada kakemeguru chishio wa yellow blood / The blood that flows through my body is yellow blood
Kobushi kobu shite nomarenna toushi / Raise your fist and let the fighting spirit take you
Tanabiku mihata fuurinkazen / That raised flag is the Fuurinkazan!

Baramakareta jiyuu ni muregaru sedai ga / This generation, full of people swathed in freedom,
Kyodai na sekai ni utsu dekai negai / Sends out a huge wish into this massive world
Pen to ken ni tsumeta imi, kotoba-tachi / These words have the power of the pen and the sword
Aku naki yabou ni piriodo wa nashi / There are no full stops in this tireless ambition

Kodoku toka itami toka nameau ki ni nai ze / I don’t feel like tasting loneliness or pain
Uchikudake buchikudake riaru na something / Smash it, shatter it, gonna get hold of
Tsukamitoru no sa / Something real

In this my hand
Nigirishimeta ima / Let go of the present you hold
Tokihanate kanata e / And send it far away
Yousha naku sutete wa te ni irero / Once you’ve thrown it away ruthlessly, find it again
In this my soul
Mienai asu wo / I’ll spend my life chaging
Ikareta kono sekai wo / The tomorrow I can’t see
Kibou ni kaeteku ikizama / And this crazy world, into hope
With samurai heart

Michi no nai michi tobashite / I’ll race down this uncharted road
Mezashita saki ashi nobashite / And keep going until I reach my destination
Warawara jama na dake no chimimouryou / Strike down the evil spirits that get in my way
Nara ittouryoudan / With one blow
Toutei todokan boukansha no kyoutan / The wonder of the people watching won’t register at all
Joudan ja sumasarenai tokoro e / If you wanna come with me somewhere
Tsuite kitai nara koko de / Where jokes aren’t enough
Tada te kakage aregero koe / Then just hold up your hand and raise your voice

Break through the defenses
(Nobody helps me any more)
Break through the enemies
Onore no chikara de / Push forward
Tsukisusunde yuke / With your own strength

Is this my way?
Kagiri aru ima wo / Gonna slash in an instant
Ikiisogu jidai wo / This era's limitations
Setsuna buttagitte yuke / And these times we rush through
In this my way
Furikazasu yaiba / Gonna brandish my sword
Kono mi sajin to bakashitemo / Even if you slice my body into dust
Ikinuke fukutsu no tamashii / I'll let indomitable soul live on
With samurai heart

Eventually, the song comes to a close, and there is much applause. Samurai smiles as the backup singers leave the stage, and the band behind him changes instruments again.

"Thank you! Thank you. Before I go... One more song, all right?" Samurai puts his shamisen aside and trades it for an electric guitar. "For my final song today... We've been getting a lot of new citizens arriving in Friendshire, and I just want to welcome them all with this next song. It's called... Message." With a more traditional rock-band set up, Samurai counts to three, and the band begins to play a rock ballad dedicated to the town.

(Lyrics & Translation:)

Spoiler

Mada kurai asa no machi wo / From the still-dark morning’s town
Yami ga sukoshi tokete yuku yo / The darkness is slowly lifting
Tell me boku ga sagashite iru / Tell me, I’m searching
Kotae ni mo itsuka wa / for the answer to this question
Mabushii hikari ga sasu? / When will the dazzling light shine?

Moshi anata ga koko ni ita no nara / If you were here
Nante iu no ka na... oshiete / what would you say... Tell me
Haruka tooi toki ni inotta / From a distant far-off time, I prayed

Asa to yoru no iro mazaru guradeeshon / The gradation that mixes morning and night’s colors...
Nido to nai keshiki arinomama dakara utsukushii /  is a landscape that won’t exist twice. It’s how things are and so it’s beautiful
Your message

See me boku wa arukidashite / See me, I’m walking
Jibun no hayasa de ii / It’s fine, going at my own speed
Chizu sae nakute mo ii / It’s fine, even if there isn’t a map

Moshi anata ga soba ni ita no nara / If you were here beside me
Nani wo hanasu darou... daijoubu / what you’d probably say is… It’s all right
Sora wa boku no maue ni itsumo / The sky is always above me

Kumo ga katachi kae kaze ni nagarete 'ku / The clouds flow, their shapes changed by the wind
Kawatte 'ku mono to kawaranai taisetsu na mono to... / Everything changes, the things that don't are precious
Your message

Asa to yoru no iro mazaru guradeeshon / The gradation that blends morning and night’s colors...
Nido to nai shunkan / is a moment that won’t exist twice
Wasurenai / I won’t forget
Kumo ga katachi kae kaze ni nagarete 'ku / The clouds flow, their shapes changed by the wind
Kawatte 'ku mono to kawaranai taisetsu na mono to... / Everything changes, the things that don't are precious
Itsu datte uketoreru sa / I’ll always accept it...
Your message

As Samurai finishes up the song, ending on a powerful guitar solo, a hand-made banner comes down that reads: Welcome to Friendshire!
As the applause roars, Samurai waves a bit. "Arigato! You've been wonderful. Now, please enjoy the next act and the rest of the concert."

Samurai walks off stage as the stage hands take down the banner and prepare for the next act. He puts the guitar back in its place, in case some other pony wants to play it.

@Bastian

Trilby lets Forest take the lead until they get to the house Shadow was staying at. But when they get there, they find the place is completely abandoned, with only a note and a riddle left behind. "Hello?! Shadow?! Shadow Trail!!" Trilby searches the house up and down, trying to see if the note was a lie or if any pony was still there.

[Dynamo Pad 11,257]

13 hours ago, Astral Vision said:

As he arrived to the centre of town once more, with Samurai and Pencil at his side, Astral noticed Dynamo and Pastel among the crowd.

"Excuse me you two, there's something I need to do." said Astral in an eerily familiar tone. (Z)

As he left the two ponies behind, Astral went to greet his acquaintances from the past moon. 

"Hey Dynamo, hey Pastel. Looks like we meet again." Astral said with a smile.

Upon arriving in the center of town, Dynamo's ears perked as he heard a familiar voice. Turning to the source of the voice, Dynamo had noticed the voice had belonged to Astral. It looked like he was leaving a group that consisted of Samurai and another pony he didn't know. "Hey, Astral! How's it going? Were you able to talk to Samurai about what you learned the other day?"

9 hours ago, Pastel-chan said:

@Dynamo Pad

Pastel became extra jittery, almost vibrating. It seemed she was about to blurt out something crazy before @Astral Vision showed up, she snapped back to normalcy briefly and waved.

"Hihi Astral! I'm going in, so you two cover me!~"

...And just like that, Pastel rushed into the concert hall, leaving both of her friends in the dust. No less than 2 seconds after saying hello to Astral, too. She was up to something... This might be a disaster incoming.

As he was about to hear Pastel's response, he noticed she suddenly stopped her train of thought as Astral appeared. Without a moment to spare, Dynamo watched as Pastel had rushed into the concert hall. "Hey, Pastel! Wait for us! Don't leave us behind!" He called out to her, while worrying if she would be okay. He still couldn't help in smiling softly as she was very spontaneous. "Oh, well. I guess we're her two bodyguard ponies like the ones for Songbird Serenade. Either that, or guard ponies like the ones for Princess Celestia and Luna." He would say with a chuckle. 

 

8 hours ago, Astral Vision said:

@Pastel-chan @Dynamo Pad

Astral watched Pastel zoom by in the form of a pink blur, chuckling a bit as he turned to Dynamo.

"Nice to see she hasn't changed. So Dynamo, are you two here to take part in the concert?" Astral figured it was better to start with a pleasant conversation rather than going straight to what he'd learned from Samurai, as he didn't want to worry Dynamo.

@Samurai Equine
"You can say that again. Also, I suppose we are. I might have a few songs I have in mind. Granted, I'm a little worried as I can get stage fright. However, I want to participate because I think it's a lot of fun. Are there any rules when performing or singing in the concert hall?" He turned back to Astral with a smile. He turned towards the concert hall as he could hear the sound of a song beginning to play. He could hear a faint voice singing within the halls. "It sounds like the concert has already gotten started. Do you want to go check it out? I have a few songs in mind that I want to try and sing. I could sure use some support from friends like you, Pastel and Samurai." He was worried as he basically called Astral his friend. He knew that they only hung out just the other day, but he wasn't sure if Astral or Samurai had considered him a friend. 

Edited March 7, 2020 by Dynamo Pad

[Astral Vision 286]

3 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

Upon arriving in the center of town, Dynamo's ears perked as he heard a familiar voice. Turning to the source of the voice, Dynamo had noticed the voice had belonged to Astral. It looked like he was leaving a group that consisted of Samurai and another pony he didn't know. "Hey, Astral! How's it going? Were you able to talk to Samurai about what you learned the other day?"

As he was about to hear Pastel's response, he noticed she suddenly stopped her train of thought as Astral appeared. Without a moment to spare, Dynamo watched as Pastel had rushed into the concert hall. "Hey, Pastel! Wait for us! Don't leave us behind!" He called out to her, while worrying if she would be okay. He still couldn't help in smiling softly as she was very spontaneous. "Oh, well. I guess we're her two bodyguard ponies like the ones for Songbird Serenade. Either that, or guard ponies like the ones for Princess Celestia and Luna." He would say with a chuckle. 

 

@Samurai Equine
"You can say that again. Also, I suppose we are. I might have a few songs I have in mind. Granted, I'm a little worried as I can get stage fright. However, I want to participate because I think it's a lot of fun. Are there any rules when performing or singing in the concert hall?" He turned back to Astral with a smile. He turned towards the concert hall as he could hear the sound of a song beginning to play. He could hear a faint voice singing within the halls. "It sounds like the concert has already gotten started. Do you want to go check it out? I have a few songs in mind that I want to try and sing. I could sure use some support from friends like you, Pastel and Samurai." He was worried as he basically called Astral his friend. He knew that they only hung out just the other day, but he wasn't sure if Astral or Samurai had considered him a friend. 

@Dynamo Pad

Astral smiled at Dynamo's mention of calling him a friend, and was happy to see that Dynamo wanted to take part in the festivities. He even chuckled at Dynamo's bodyguard joke, mostly because he had met Princess Celestia before, but that was a story for another time.

"Sure, I'll tag along. And don't worry, nothing bad can come out of this for you or Pastel, no matter what happens."

Astral's horn began to glow once more, and a projection of Dynamo appeared, smiling and confident.

"If you want, I could add in some special effects for you two?" Even though they didn't know each other that well yet, Astral made the offer out of kindness, as nothing made him happier than inspiring others to do their best. (Element of Inspiration)

[Dynamo Pad 11,257]

51 minutes ago, Astral Vision said:

@Dynamo Pad

Astral smiled at Dynamo's mention of calling him a friend, and was happy to see that Dynamo wanted to take part in the festivities. He even chuckled at Dynamo's bodyguard joke, mostly because he had met Princess Celestia before, but that was a story for another time.

"Sure, I'll tag along. And don't worry, nothing bad can come out of this for you or Pastel, no matter what happens."

Astral's horn began to glow once more, and a projection of Dynamo appeared, smiling and confident.

"If you want, I could add in some special effects for you two?" Even though they didn't know each other that well yet, Astral made the offer out of kindness, as nothing made him happier than inspiring others to do their best. (Element of Inspiration)

Dynamo smiled and was glad that he got a chuckle out of Astral. He knew that Pastel was joking around, but he felt he should follow up on said joke. 

“Awesome! It’s nice to have a cheering section. The only question is what songs should I sing? I have about three ideas, but I’m not truly sure what to decide on.” He raised an eyebrow in confusion as he heard Astral’s response. “What do you mean? Do you mean that nothing can happen to me or Pastel in the concert participation?”

Upon hearing Astral’s offer, Dynamo smiled with a nod. “Sure. I’m not sure how the concert works, but I guess we can see if anything is possible. Maybe I can give you and idea on what the songs I’m singing are? That way, we can see if there’s any need for special effects. If you’d like, then I can try and help out if you plan to sing any songs.”
 

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Samurai Equine

Backstage, Pastel clapped as Samurai not only performed his song, but did an encore! With that incredible performance, she guessed pressure was on! But that wasn't so bad. It's not like it was a competition.

"Hey kid, ready to go?" She heard out of the corner of her ear and nodded happily. She stands up, a switch flipping in her as she trots towards the stage.

@Dynamo Pad @Astral Vision @ExplosionMare

Everypony else at the concert could hear the change on the stage, with a new band coming out, looking like they struggled to organize until last minute. Oh boy, this was it.

The next to come out was a happy, trotting Pastel herself, being towered over by the band. She wore a surprisingly nice looking, long, sparkly dress with a a myriad of shades of pink and white; it definitely suited her. She almost looked like an idol; it definitely gave a more flashy look to the filly if anything. She stepped up to the mic and raised her hoof.

"Hihiiii everypony! Sami was super great, but now Pastel Heart is gonna steal your... well, Hearts!"

The familiar voice rang out through the area. This was the moment... This is probably where it all comes crashing down...

...However...

The synthesizer started off the song incredibly smoothly, and the rest of the band soon followed. Pastel herself closed her eyes and smiled as the intro played out. Her eyes shot open, her entire demeanour changing as she started singing, actually incredibly well!:

Spoiler

"We're both on holiday,
We've got no plans to make,
Always working,
And it's hurting all the time...
Who knows how long it's been,
Since we've let the spotlight in,
Are you nervous?
We've rehearsed this line for line~

Line for line~

There's nothing wrong with wasting time,
Let's sit back, enjoy the ride!"

(Backup: Ferris wheel is spinning!)

"When I'm alone with you,
And we've got nothing to do,
Such a feeling!
It just keeps on repeating!"

(Ferris wheel is spinning!)

"When I'm alone with you,
I wonder if you can tell...
That I'm reeling!
You've got me spinning like a carousel!"

(Instrumental break as Pastel almost sleepily sways to the music)

"We slow down, we let it slide
A glow and starry eyed,
When the night hits...
I wish it could always be like this

There's nothing wrong with wasting time,
Let's sit back, enjoy the ride!"

(Ferris wheel is spinning!)

When I'm alone with you,
And we've got nothing to do,
Such a feeling!
It just keeps on repeating!

(Ferris wheel is spinning!)

"When I'm alone with you,
I wonder if you can tell...
That I'm reeling!
You've got me spinning like a carousel!"

(Repeats twice more before a sudden stop as she throws a hoof up in the air overly dramatically.)

Spoiler

(The original song)

 

Pastels performance was totally different from how she usually is. She sang like a completely different pony. Her voice was on key, high but elegant and poppy, almost like she was doing this for years. Despite her age, she had the aura of of a mare throughout the performance and displayed maturity you wouldn't even think was possible for her. Her personality and demeanor practically did a 180!

[Bastian 13,319]

@Samurai Equine

Forest manages to stay calm and reads the note, apparently a family used to live here and by the looks of the message they were...

In the graveyard! The family is in the graveyard! Forest shouted.

But she has gone somewhere else, I can't locate her just yet, we must save the family first for now, then we'll worry about Shadow.

[ExplosionMare 18,062]

Pencil regained her balance and made her way towards the backstage area. She sighed through the outfits hanging up, hoping she could find something simple. Thankfully, she found a pretty dark purple dress amongst a small rack of other dresses. It was perfect for the song she was going to sing.

Pencil lifted it up with her magic and inspected it, making sure it was relatively within her size. Satisfied, she stood up on her hind legs and tried it on. She trotted over to a mirror to see how it suited her. She was quite happy with it, so she smiled to herself and trotted towards the main stage.

When she stepped hoof onto the stage, a wave of nerves overcame her again, but the reminder of the lyrics in the song she was going to see gave her a sense of relief. Her song wasn’t going to be too challenging; no tone shifts, no high notes, and no overly drawn-out words.

Soothed by this revelation, Pencil walked towards the center of the stage where the microphone was resting. She began to pull it out of its stand with her magic, but decided to just hold it instead so she could focus all of her magic on her voice. 

Pencil Pouch stood silently and waited for the lights, dipping her head down to bring herself closer to the mic. The lights came on progressively; first the purple, then the pink, and then the white. They bathed Pencil in lavender without taking the hues away from her purple coat or dress. The music turned on gradually, giving the song a smooth introduction. Pencil inhaled deeply, and began singing:

Spoiler

 

As the music faded away, Pencil gingerly placed the mic back into the stand and sauntered off the stage. She made her way to the back to change. Filled with a new sense of emotional passion, she mentally sketched out what she planned to draw next as soon as she got home.

[Samurai Equine 50,934]

@Pastel-chan, @ExplosionMare

It's safe to say, jaws were one the FLOOR when Pastel began to sing! Every pony expected a mess of a performance that would be all over the place, much like when the CMC first sang on stage themselves. What they got, however, was anything but! Soon, the crowd was invested, and even Samurai actually danced back stage a little bit while listening.

When her song ended, the crowd ERUPTED with cheer and applause, but Samurai was the first to cheer. "SUGEE!! Pastel Heart, you were incredible!! WOOHOO!!!"

And when Pastel takes her leave on stage, Samurai is there to greet her, with a hug is she wants it. "Pastel, that was amazing! I didn't know you were so talented! You made so many ponies happy today."

However, after they share a moment, Samurai notices who is going on next. "Oh! That's my friend Pencil Pouch. Want to watch her together?" Samurai asks.

Pencil's number was actually quite elegant and sophisticated. When it is over, samurai and the rest of the crowd rise and applause, feeling like they just witnessed a classical symphony at play. Samurai was also there to greet her when she was done. "Pencil, that performance was phenomenal! You really did a great job out there."

@Bastian

Trilby finishes his search of the house and returns to Forest's side. He found nothing. "Graveyard? ...If that's the case, Friendshire only has one cemetery. And I know where that is. Follow me." Trilby takes the lead, running this time.

As they make their way toward the cemetery, he looks over at Forest. "Remember what I said about trusting me earlier? When we get close to the cemetery, I want you to hang back and stay hidden. Let me try first. And if my plan fails, I'll give you the signal to do your thing."