Oh the pain! My skull is going to explode!

The first twenty minutes of the lecture about basic Equestrian had gone suprisingly well. Then it went downhill, real fast. It didn't take long for both Sage and Twilight to start speaking in unison. Then they drifted away from the subject more than once and began arguing with each other. It was really loud.

That was hours ago.

I tried to get a few pieces of the lecture and put them together in my mind. It wasn't that easy when two, what I can only call over analyzing intellectuals, argue over something which I barely managed to shut out.

That is not the worst part though.

You see, Eve insisted on staying. I guess she too wanted to learn how to read. The bad part is that all the noise those two are making is very apparently hurting her ears. Can't those two notice the way she is holding her ears down in an attempt to muffle the noise?

Where is Elie? I don't know. She just left to look around town. And that worries me. That worries me as much as thinking of the things Shade might be doing. Yeah! It's that bad.

Rainbow Dash had left a while back too. Said she had something to take care of.

Anyway, I'm finally starting to near my breaking point. Staying calm in a situation like this is really difficult when you are getting a headache. I can't even begin to imagine how Eve must feel like.

”Maybe it's better to bail right now. This argument is driving me insane.”, I whispered to Eve. She nodded, confirming that she had heard me.

The two of us slowly approached the door, trying not to get the attention of either of the arguing intellectuals. It was easier than I thought, since they were very concentrated at yelling at each other. I shut it out the best I could, but I heard a few words, like ”late fees” and ”incompetence”. Librarian stuff. Go figure.

Eve and I quickly slip through the door and close it silently. The agument could still be heard, but at least it's not as loud as it was earlier.

I let out a sigh. ”How can those two be so loud?” I turned to Eve. ”Are you okay?”

She rubbed her ears a little. ”My ears hurt.”

I feel you, Eve. My metaphorical ears hurt too.

We desided to go for a little walk. I was glad that some ponies were out and about this time. They didn't seem that afraid of our presence now. I guess Rainbow must have put a good word out for us. I couldn't help but notice a few suspicious glances that were directed at Eve, who was holding onto my arm again.

'Racists.'

I wouldn't go that far, Brain.

'Yes you would.'

Can it.

'Just wait for the pitchforks and torches.'

Seriously. Stop.

But yeah, we didn't induce the fear that Elie had caused with her actions. A good thing, too. Where the hell is she anyway?

”'Sup?”

Eve jumps in fright and let's go of my arm. I was not too suprised.

”Sneaking up to people is not proper.”, I said to the Dancer who walked over from behind us.

”Proper, shnoper. So what?”, She counters. Weakly.

I just shake my head. I turn to see how Eve is handling Elie's little stunt. The poor girl is almost hyperventilating. I put my hands on her shoulders firmly. ”It's okay. Calm down.”, I say, attempting to calm her even a little. It works, for my relief. Her breathing starts to slow down.

I shoot Elie a glare with my petaphorical eyes, which she seems to feel. ”Don't do that again.” I say calmly but it was an obvious order. She just nods. ”Good.”

With that, all three of us continue walking across Ponyville. We see ponies, unicorns and pegasi going about their daily lives. Some are selling different things. I can spot at least two stalls that seem to sell flowers and one that sells apples.

Ponyville really was quite peaceful and, from what I can tell, tolerant town. We've only gotten a few odd looks from some of the ponies, but those were mainly out of curiosity. Some of them just ignore us and go about their daily lives. Makes me wonder if this is nothing new to them.

Eve suddenly snickers and I turn to see what is so funny.

I was not expecting what I saw.

In front of what I presume to be a bulletin board was an very interesting looking creature. At first glance I thought it- sorry, seems to be male- he was a human. A second look proved me wrong. This creature had bird like feet and a pair of bat like wings sprouting from his head. He was wearing an white tunic with pointed hood, a black longsleeve shirt and pants, a red belt, and a steel bracer on his right arm. His left hand caught my attention, as it was seemingly made of wood.

'That would make for a woody punchline.'

Shut it.

I looked at the creature questioningly, and I can see him doing the same. Eve hides behind me, most likely afraid of the creature. Elie is trying to stiffle her snickers. Trying being the keyword. She fails ever so badly.

”What in the-”, I manage to say, before being cut of by manic laughter and a quiet thud. Elie has fallen on the ground and is now laughing like there was no tomorrow.

”T-that wa-was so f-f-fail!”, She manages to say between snickers before bursting into laughter again.

Does that Dancer's insensitivity know no bounds?

”Elie, it is very rude to laugh at one missfortune. Stop it. Now.”, I say firmly.

“Pfft! Hell no. You’re not the boss of me,” Elie just says and keep on laughing.

I just sigh at her and shake my head. Elie's behaviour is unacceptable but there is little I can do about it. I turn to the creature. I should propably apologise for Elie to avoid trouble.

I raise my hand to my petaphorical mouth and clear my throat before speaking. “I apologize for my inconsiderate and ignorant acquaintance,”, I say politely.

“Hey!” Elie retorts. It stopped her laughter. I just ignore her.

“I would also appreciate it greatly if you could forgive her actions,”, I continue. I can see Elie huffing and seeming very defiant.

'Ya mean stupid, right?'

No.

“Don’t mention it, sir,” The creature says as he puts some sort of crumbled paper into a trash bin. “No harm done, after all.”

This guy seemed polite and easy going. He seemed like a generally nice fellow.

If only I knew who he is...

As if a gift from the gods, he extends his right arm to me. “Name’s Damien O’Connor.” I shake it and was about to introduce myself, when-

“Hi, Damien!” A feminine voice shouts. I see another creature coming our way. This one a humanoid cat. A female at that. And.... Very skimpily dressed one.

'Hooo-boy! That is one hot kitty. Me want.'

No! We are not going there!

'But just look at that mighty piece of feline ass.'

Stop it I said!

'Titty sprinkles to you too then.'

…...... What.

Anyway, the cat was carrying something that looked like a backpack, which it was. She stopped over to Damien and gave it to him, who immidietly puts it on. Then he pets her tricep.

'Admit it, you want to tap that.'

I still can't believe we are having this conversation.

'Well I am. Me want kitty!'

Screw. You. Forever.

I should ask who this new person is.

“Well, who is this?” I ask Damien.

“A kitty!” Elie suddenly yells and leaps and latches the cat woman into a tight hug of death. Trust me, I know one when I see one.

“Help... me!” The cat manages to say. It takes me a few attemps but finally I manage to get the two separated. Damien just chuckles there, like an ass.

“That is quite enough fooling around for one day. Try to control yourself,” I scold Elie, trying to sound mad.

“But she’s so cute~! I wanna hug her till my arms fall off,” Shes practically purrs.

“Can I have one?”

“No!” I deadpan and shake my head. ”What is wrong with that girl, I'll never know.”, I mutter to myself silently. I turn my attention to Damien and the cat. “Apologies for that. It seems I did not get to introduce myself correctly. My name is Hollow, and yes, that is my birth name. And this one over here,” I point at the up-to-no-good Dancer “is Elie. A real troublemaker, if you ask me.”

“Am not!”, Elie adamantly claims.

“Lies,” Damien says. I like this guy already.

“I would have to agree with you, Mr. Damien,” I say calmly.

“Please, call me Damien. Formalities aren’t really me thing,” He says. Well, if he insists.

“I see.... Waaaait,” I accidentally tense up slightly as some information sinks into my head. Damien had an familiar sounding accent. “Why do you sound Irish? Or is it Welsh? I don’t know.” I've never seen the difference between the two. Don't know why.

“Irish,” He deadpans, “and that is because I was born in Ireland. This here’s Kaileena, a Bast from th’ Urukai tribe in th’ Great Southern Rainforest.”

“Nice to meet you!” The so called Bast named Kaileena says, chipper as ever, giving me her hand.... paw. I shake it out of simple manners. So does Elie, though I can see she is trying to control herself. One more hug of death and I'll.....

Well, that's not important.

“A pleasure,” I say..... Hold on. What did he say? “Wait, you are... No can’t be.... Then again..... You certainly look the part. Well, some of you. A picture perfect human, except for the wings and the legs.”

“Comes with th’ job o’ bein’ a devil imp,” He tells me. He is so one of those other humans sent here. I'm 90% sure of it. And what the hell is a Devil Imp?

“And who’s the dog travelin’ with ya?” He asks, obviously referring to Eve.

Kaileena however get's a different reaction. Her eye immidietly fill with fear and suprise as she hides behind Damien, shaking. “D-d-d-d-dog!”

I facepalm. This is really getting old. “Again! Why does this happen? She is right there. Has been this entire time. She is not invisible!”

“Well, she doesn’t really stick out or make herself known,” Damien says.

“Well, I see how that makes sense.... Except not! If you haven’t noticed, she is white as a snowflake. How does that not stand out?“ I take a few deep breaths and calm down a tad. “Sorry. This here is Eve. She was part of a diamond dog pack that I stumbled upon trying to capture a family of ponies. The rest of her pack is dead now, technically by my hand, so I took her with me.” It wasn't a lie, I'm good with that explanation.

Eve seemed to grow more nervous, clutching my arm tightly. I see Damien offer his arm to her, most likely trying to assure her that he is alright. “It’s alright, lass... ‘m not gonna hurt ya... I just wanna say hi.”, He says.

For a moment I thought that Eve was going to do it. I saw her reach for Damiens hand, but pull away at the last second. I smile to myself. At least she tried and that is the important thing. “Welp, so much fer that.” He sighs, slightly annoyed.

“It’s alright. Eve is a little shy around foreign surroundings, most of all ponies. Comes with

the natural prejudice towards them, I guess.” I try my best to explain her situation to Damien.

“That explains it,” The Bast spoke up. “So what do you all feel like doing? It’s kinda boring around here.”

'Ditto!'

I am not doing anything you want to do.

'Your loss. Now where's my water pipe....'

“We, well, I came here to learn more of Equestria’s history and other useful information. The library seemed like a good place to start,” I say, but then remember what a fiasko that was. I know Eve is feeling the same. “I am beginning to regret that choice. You see I.....”

I stop as something catches my eye. It seems very dusturbing. “No way in the seven circles of hell.”, I say and walk past Damien and Kaileena, dragging Eve along in the process. On the bulletin board, there were a number of pictures, one of them got my immidiate attention.

In front of me, on the paper, was a drawing of none other than the black coated asshat that was Shade, giving a peace sign.

I let out a groan of despair. “I can’t believe it!” I yell and rip the poster off and give it to Damien “Read it. I can’t and I must know.”

He takes the poster, clears his throat and reads:

“The Dark Coat” : Real name unknown. Crimes: Not paying the Trottingham toll, assaulting guards for no apparent reason, causing vast amounts of property damage, resisting arrest, escaping from Trottingham prison, destroying property of the Trottingham guard and lollygaggin’. Worth: 16,000 Bits.

“Well... shit,” Damien manages to say afterwards.

Why did I expect as much. “I should have guessed,” I sigh and shake my head slightly. “What the heck are you doing, Shade?”

“Shade? You know this loon?” Damian ask me.

“Worse,” Oh, he has no idea. “He’s my older brother.”

“Aw well... at least ya have a brother.”

“Ohnonononono.”, I say quickly. ”Don’t even go there. I would do anything to be rid of him,”

“Really?”, He retorts in a rather cold tone, a grimm expression forming on his face. “Ya want ta be rid o’ ya own flesh ‘n’ blood? The guy who, despite his constant fuck-ups, ya can’t really hate in th’ end?”

I can't help but stare at him. He seriously did not know who he was talking about. Time to clear things up. “Easy for you to say. Let me tell you something, Damien. That man, my brother, was locked up in a mental asylum for twelve years after he ripped off a boy’s throat with his teeth. He is insane! Utterly dejected from this reality.”

“That may be the case... but I’d rather have an insane brother than no brother at all... especially with how shitty life was back home. Dead dad, whoring and drug-obsessed mother, people who will hate you at every turn for being yourself: I relied on me brother. He was like a godsend ta me... until those FUCKIN’ BASTARDS MADE HIM KILL HIMSELF!”, Damien yells out and punches the bulletin board with his wooden left hand, shattering it's surface. Many ponies panic a bit at the scene. The Bast looks at Damien with sad eyes, Eve's grip on my arm tightens and even Elie recoils back a bit.

Something shook me to the core. Damien was crying.

I only now began to see what I had just brought up. How could I have been so insensitive?

“I am sorry for your loss.” I say apologetically. ”While it is true that my brother and I don’t get along, he has helped me on a few occasions before.... well, that incident.”, I say as I feel a familiar sensation of numbness come over from my arm. I look at the diamond dog causing it. “Eve, circulation getting cut from the arm again.”

Eve immidietly releases her grip. I still have trouble believing she has that much grip power. “Sorry,” she says softly. I then give her a gesture that basically says 'wait there.' and walk a few steps towards Damien. I need to tell him something.

“There was a time when I too was an outcast. I got picked on nearly daily. The only thing that let me get home without getting all bruised up was Shade.” I chuckle a little remembering how I saw Shade when I was young and stupid. “My brother always had a natural talent for fighting. He could take on anyone and not get even a speck of dust on himself. He could even beat both me and my father in his sleep, and I am not making that up. He was amazing. A little crazy, but amazing.”

I pause for a few seconds, contemplating if I should mention somethind else before desiding to do just that. “My father was what you could call a grouch with a heart of stone. He was really strict and made it his goal to beat the way of the sword into me. Not that I objected later on.” I was actually very grateful. ”My mother....” I pause again, this time accompanied with a deep sigh. “I never knew my mother. I heard she died when I was young. Shade and father never told me much about her. The thing that my father once told me was that my mother was an angel, a true saint. I believed him. No one else could tolerate a husband like that,” I chuckle once more..

Damien seems to be thinking through what I just told him, letting the information sink in. Then he finally speaks up.

“...I’m sorry. I shouldn’t a’ lashed out like that,” He apologizes, finally pulling out his wooden hand from the bulletin board and cleaning off any stray splinters on his tunic.

“Don’t be. You had a reason to be mad. I won’t judge you for that,” I say calmly. There is an somewhat unconfortable silence, which I eventually desided to break “Still, I am surprised that Shade’s bounty is that small and does not involve killing anyone or anything, considering he most likely did all that for a bottle of alcohol.” A clever deduction, based on his earlier behaviour.

“What the-?!” He says, completely stunned. “That man loves alcohol more than I do if he did all that.” Booze drinker. Well, he is Irish.... That is not a stereotype, shut up!

“It’s more like a craving than anything else, really. He hasn’t tasted a drop of alcohol in twelve years. The last I saw him, he basically asked the way to the closest bar after saving our hides and kicking my dark duplicate’s ass. That was yesterday, by the way,” I explain matter-of-factly.

He gives a low whistles at his escapades. I'm not suprised about his reaction. I've seen 'em all. Then he utters, “Blimey.”

“Er... hate to break up the talking men,” Elie speaks up. “But... I’M SO BORED!” She throws her hands up in the air.

“Seconded,” The Bast agrees, for some reason.

“Well, there isn’t much we can do about that, now is-”, I say before being rudely interrupted AGAIN! I manage to catch a small glimpse at something floating dash by us, stopping for a split second to tap Kaileena on the shoulder and blasting off again. I didn't get a good look at.... whatever that was. Soon the sound of tuning instruments fills the air and my metaphorical ears..

“Was that....” Elie starts.

“Most likely, yes,” I give my answer. If I am right, it might be a Soul Fragment. “We’d better take a look and see if this one is another Xolhowl. I hope not.” And so we three; me, Elie and Eve, run to the sounds direction. I already have an idea of what this fragment could be.

And right I was. The one we following and making that noise was an Unversed that looked very much like a cross between a marching band conductor and a ringmaster. It is holding an yellow wand of some sorts, shaped like lightning.

A Symphony Master!

“Ouch!” Exlaims Damien, who apparently followed us, as he was hit on the head by a large floating drum, followed by a trumpet to the wing and a violin and it's bow to the back. The three combined cause him to topple over and taste the dirt. “Fortune, I hate ya so much right now.”, He mutters. I can't help but chuckle slightly at his mishap, but like a good person help him up to his bird like feet.

“Keep one eye on the foe and the other on your surroundings, for it is the harshest opponent of them all,”, I say, going to my Obi-Wan mode for a while. Then I turn to the Unversed. Text appaers on my vision, confirming my suspicions.

Soul Fragment discovered

Type: Symphony Master

Classification: Unversed

Represents: Love for music

Status: Friendly

“Damn, this text just keep on popping up, doesn’t it?” I thought out loud.

“Text? What are ya’ talkin’ ‘bout?” Damien asks me. Should just get the truth out there, since lying is bad.

“Yeeeeah, I can kinda see that Symphony Master’s status screen,” I say. Slowly. He just gives me a questioning look. “Trust me, it’s less insane than what it sounds. Still, this one does not seem hostile. It hasn’t attacked anyone yet, at least.” I pause, thinking I forgot something..... Oh, yeah. “Except you, accidentally I suppose.”

“Better on accident than deliberately,”, He says and dusts himself from any dirt.

The Symphony Master suddenly stops at a large stage. It's made of some sort of wood and there a some curtains behind it. Silk, perhaps? There was a symbol showing five trotting ponies over the curtains.

I immidietly see what the Symphony Master is going on about. Right now, it- no, I get a feeling that it's a he, is placing his three trademark instruments on to the stage floor. With a wave of his wand, even more different instruments appear out of thin air. Magic. Explains everything. The Symphony Master waves his baton once, and more instruments appear on the stage, lined up neatly.

The Symphony Master waves his wand around, and word start appearing on the air. They are like spiders thread in the sunlight after a rainy day. It spells out:

‘Would you like to play?’

I rub my chin as I figure out what the Symphont Master is meaning with this. “Damien, can you play any music?”, I aks the Devil Imp.

On a sidenote: I can play only two instruments, violin and cello, the latter I play only so-so. I learned both after a few brief lessons from a few instructors. Turns out I am somekind of violin/cello genious, learning to play both after only five lessons. I tried to learn to play the piano, but the finger-fucker just did not yield. I quit after breaking half of my fingers trying to submit it under my will.

“Sure I can,” Damien give me an answer as we both hop on the stage and pick up our favoured instruments. I pick up an elequent looking violin made of very thoroughly polished cherry wood. It looks like a gem that's cut to perfection. Damien whitles at my instrument of choice before picking up his instrument. A large stainless steel lyre with thirty-nine strings. The lyre itself had been painted golden. Trust me, I know these things to a degree.

I try out the violin out of sheer curiosity.

Bad. Move.

Instead of a beautiful melody, I let out an painfully bad note. I see Damien cover his ears and everyone else does the same.

“Sorry, a bit rusty,” I apologize. Give me a break. I haven't played in, what, six years? Something like that.

“A bit rusty!?” Elie cries out. “That was terrible! If I had ears, they’d be bleeding!” I would not feel sorry for you. It was terrible though.

“Shut up, Elie,” Damien says bluntly, causing Elie to, suprisingly, shut up. “Give ‘im time, he’ll remember soon enough.” Thanks mate! I owe you one!

“Yeah, it’s been awhile since I played a violin.”, I say as certain memories come back to me. One being the first time I picked up a violin. It was magical. “I used to take lessons. Well, five lessons until they threw me out.”

“For what?” He asked.

“When I became better than my instructors,” I respond with no hesitation. “They didn’t take it very well.”

True story. My instuctors were kind of assholes. Always talking me down, telling me how I could never become their caliber. But when I did, they actually had the gall to show me to the door and practically say 'get out of here you pretentious prick'. I've never wished anyone to die as painfully as them.

“Pfft. They can suck it,” He says, making the dark part of my mind laugh it's ass off.

“So, any songs in mind?” I asks him.

“I do, but you play first,” Is his respose. “Besides, I don’t really know any violin songs off th’ top o’ me head, and I don’t think I’m quite ready yet.”

“Alright,” I start thinking for a good piece to play. It has to be something utterly mind blowing. And just like that, I nail it and think of a perfect piece. I snap my fingers at the discovery. “I think I’ve got a perfect one.” Oh I have indeed. I gesture the Symphony Master to come closer and whisper my idea to him. He reacts by clapping his hands together, excitedly. With a few waves of his baton, the Symphony Master nods.

It also comes to my attention that we are beginning to draw an audience. Many ponies have begun to gather around the stage. I spot Twilight and Sage in the crowd, actually not trying to kill eachother with verbal warfare. On Twilight's back is what I think is a small purple dragon. I was actually getting very nervous, but as usual of me, I didn't let it show.

“Let me get my thoughts collected and organized,” I says and concentrate. It takes all of ten seconds for me to take Anxiety and Stage Fright and throw them out the window. “Ready. Let’s do this.”

The Symphony Master..... You know what, I'm just going to call him Orchestra. So, Orchestra waves his wand once more, and my background sounds start in a form of a film reel running. I take the first seconds and position the violin accordingly under my metaphorical chin. Then, I begin.

Now, instead of ear shattering noise, I played mind blowing melodies. I shut my metaphorical eyes and let the flow of music take me over. As the slow melody continues, I begin to really get in, what did my friends call it, the Zone? Yeah, that's it. As Orchestra conjures my backgroung music, I just let go and let my mind wander and leave my body to play.

I go back to the time when I sat in the front row of a concert that my dad forced me to sit through. It was pretty boring and not that interesting to me. Then, it all changed. Halfway through the whole thing, all the musicians stop playing and go dead silent. All but one. A violinist kept playing, and my god was it beautifull. It was so entralling to hear. When it stopped and all the other instruments joined in, I wanted to rewind time just to hear it one more time.

Then, much, much later, I started taking those lessons and discovered my talent in playing the magnificent instrument. After basically getting thrown out, I only played the violin once. It was at my graduation ceremony, the first time and the last time I played to an audience. Except now, that is.

'But why did you decide to take those lessons?'

….. I-

'Can't remember? Really? I think you do. Think, you stupid nobody!'

…... That's right.

As a familiar setting comes in, I feel something tug at my heartstrings. It was a place very close and distant to my heart. That graveyard close to my old home. I remember why I wanted to learn to play the violin.

It's because she loved the violin, never shutting up about how great it was. The majestic sound it makes and the beautifull melodies it created.

She always smiled when she listened to music like that.

And then I remember all the things we did together, and it pains me to do so. She is no more, because of me.

'She is gone, get over it!'

No. Those memories are the only thing I have left. I will keep them, no matter how painful they are.

'Whatever. It's still pointless.'

I don't expect you, or anyone else to understand. It is my heart, and mine alone. I alone choose what wounds to heal and what wounds to keep cutting open so I'll never forget.

Then I remember the nicer and conforting things. The happy times of our lives we shared with our friends. Talking, hanging out, just being foolish kids who don't know any better. That was how were. But those just reminds me more of just how painful it actually is.

I let all my emotion run free as I continue to let the melodies guide me. I begin to move on a whim and soon am almost dancing in a small way. I put my soul into that music and give it a life of it's own. Every note and sound I produce feels like it's alive in some odd way. They are so virbrant and fresh. There is nothing more sincere than the emotion brought forward by music. The flow overtakes me and I put my all into the music. The violin feels like an extension of me, and it feels so right.

Then, as the final stretch, I muster all my mind, body and soul and put it into those final notes. I finish the piece by twirling around to face the audience as the music stops.

The silence was the first thing I heard. At first, I thought I had screwed up, but then the unbeliavable round of applause hit me like a brick wall. All the ponies in the crowd were applauding me in their own little way. Even Twilight and Sage were cheering for my performance. The ones who cheered the loudest were Elie and, to my greatest suprise, Eve.

I gave the audience a deep bow and walked back, next to Damien. I sigh deeply to calm some nerves. Then I summon up the image of one of my instructors in my head. “Never play to a live audience, huh? Well, up yours Mr. Brannigan”, I mutter a snide comment to the worst of them all.It felt really good.

“So, how was that?”, I ask Damien. Odd, he seems kind of dazed.

“That... was beautiful, lad.”, He says in a shocked and suprised tone.

“Thank you kindly, Damien.” I say with a smile on my metaphorical lips as I hop off the stage and go between Elie and Eve. I look up to Damien. “Now, it’s your turn.”

I can hear him gulp. Someone is nervous, I see.

“C’mon, Damien!” The Bast cheers loudly. “YOU CAN DO IT!” As if that wasn't enough, she starts stomping the ground and chanting his name.

“Dam-ien! Dam-ien! Dam-ien!”

Elie joins in on the chanting and soon enough all the ponies begin to follow suite. “DAM-IEN! DAM-IEN! DAM-IEN! DAM-IEN!”

Eve and I kept quiet. Me, because I don't want to give the poor guy any more pressure than he already has. Eve, she's just gone a bit quiet again.

”He will crack soon.”, I tell Eve over the uproar.

“ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!”, Damien yells out and begins to prepare to play.

”Told you so.”, I quietly whisper to Eve, who responds with a nod and a smile.

I briefly wondered how his wooden arm would affect his playing. The answer provided itself soon enough. Not that much.

He begins playing an slow and melancholic song with the lyre. It was beautifull to listen to. The melody is also very soothing, almost dreamlike. It sounds like a lullaby. It made me go back to my childhood. The time when my father was the same prick that he allways was and I was about six years old. Shade was also bearble and funny back then instead of insufferable and annoying.

It was the first time Shade helped me out when a group of big boys started picking on me. It took him all of ten seconds to floor all four of them. Then he carried me home while joking around in his usual manner. Back then that positive attitude of his was very contagious. He made me laugh and smile.

I eventually grew to see him in a different light, but the memories are still there. I may not acknowledge it, but there they are.

At the end of his performance, it was hard for me to say anything. His playing was superb, even with that wooden hand of his. I've got to admire him a bit after that.

“That was...” I began. “That was fantastic!” And then, I begin clapping.

That first clap was the spark to start the raging fire of approval from the other ponies. Kaileena seems so excited from Damiens performance that she jumps on the stage amd glomps him, causing him to fall over. I hear the Bast yell out something aloong the lines of “That was awesome!” I would have to agree. The start talking about something, which I shut out for the most part.

'Well, at least we're seeing dat ass.'

Are you done with that yet?

'Not by a longshot, so up yours.'

I swear, if you were a person, I would kill you for the greater good.

'…. Masochist.'

I. Am. Not!

Orchestra the Symphony Master comes in front of me and Damien and makes text appear on the air again.

‘Excellent performance!’ he writes. ‘As a reward for your outstanding musical skills, you and Mr. Hollow are allowed any instrument of your choice.’ Does he even need to ask that?

“Well, that’s no contest,” I say, already knowing that I wanted. “I shall choose the violin.” The instrument Orchestra hands to me is very.... unique. It was a violin, that is for sure, but it was silvery gray and shaped like the Nobody symbol to some degree. The bow bore a similar design. The strings of the violin were difficult for me too see, as they blended into the silvey color. In conclusion: it was the most beautifull thing I have ever seen. I have to give it to him, Orchestra made a very good and fitting choice.

“And I, the lyre,” Damien says.

I take the violin and open one zipper on my chest and throw my new violin(that I will most likely name someday) into the Void. I don't see it, but I can just feel Damien, and some others stare. If even one cracks a joke about my name.... I should just forget about that idea.

I see Kaileena open up the backpack to Damien and I briefly wonder how they are going to carry the lyre around. It was as large as the backpack itself! My question is answered as the backpack seemingly just swallows that lyre. I conclude that it must have similar hammerspace as my Void. Then I see Damien looking at me and, I've got to admit, he had an oddly weird smile on his face. It was kinda creepy.

“Hey, Hollow?” He calls out for me.

“Yes, Damien?”, I respond.

“Do you like MMMMMM-bananas?”

….. Did he just pull a trollface? And what kind of question is that anyhow?

“Ummm..... Ooooookay. Not particularly, no,” I finally answer, telling the honest truth. Bananas just don't fly with me for some reason.

He seems mildly disappointed by my answer, but it passes so fast even I had trouble seeing it. “Interesting. Because I know one place where you won’t find any bananas.”

“Oh, Celestia, please don’t say it,” An orange pony with a stetson speaks up. I think I saw her earlier at one of those apple stands. Nice accent by the way. “I’m tired o’ y’all humans an’ yer bananas.”

Wait, this pony knows of humans as well?! What is this thing with bananas?

“What?” I ask without thinking, confusion clear in my tone. “What are you talking about?”

“Basically, he’s gonna talk about launchin’ ya ‘onnnnnnn tha mooooooon’ or somethin’ like that,” the pony with a country accent explains. “And it’s all because of them humans an’ their ‘Internet’ thingamajigger.”

…..

What.

I look at Damien and to my horror see some of Shade in what he just attempted there. “That is going a tiny bit too far into the Shade territory. Don’t go into the Shade territory,” I say, being serious about every, frickin', word.

“Wouldn’t even plan on it, lad,” Damien responds with an undertone of nervousness. What I said must have got to him. He looks into the distance. I know that look in his eyes. The yearning for adventure.

“Get going.”, I say to him. “I can see you are anxious to get moving.” I give him a confident smile on my metaphorical lips and he gives me a grin as he jumps off the stage with Kaileena, who proceeds to jump on the irishman's back. He didn't seem to mind though.

“Why did ya jump on me back?” He asks.

“I’m in the mood for flying, alright?” She gives a quick answer.

I feel like there is something I should say, and I don't mean goodbye.

….

Of course!

“Just one more thing before you depart on your own little adventure. A warning.”, I tell Damien. They really need to hear this. “If you encounter a being that looks almost like me, except black and carries four swords, I have one advice for you. Run. Xolhowl shows no mercy towards anything.”

“Don’t worry about me,” He says and sticks his right hand out. A dangerous looking scythe manifests in his hand. It looks very deadly. “I believe I can handle meself.”

“I’ll take your word for it then.” I say. I must admit, he seems like a fighter to some degree. Now for the other stuff. “Oh, one more thing.”, I add to my previous statement. I should inform him of my Soul Fragments. “You see, when I came here my soul was broken into small pieces, which were scattered all over. The pieces that I call Soul Fragments can grow their own bodies. From what I’ve seen they are Nobodies, Unversed, maybe even Heartless or Dream Eaters. Anyway, be careful if you ever stumble upon them as some can be evil or hostile by nature. If they don’t bother you, don’t bother them. You should be fine.”

“And I’ll take your word for it, then, Hollow.”, He says and offers his hand for one final shake, which I take with no hesitation.

“You’re leaving?!” A marshmallow white unicorn with curly and stylished purple mane shouts out. “You can’t go out in public dress like that!” She says, pointing at the clothes Damien and Kaileena are wearing. She must be into fashion to make such a big deal out of it. “I simply won’t allow it.”

“Ugh... fine...” Kaileena and Damien groan, clearly not too thrilled with the idea of having to wait.

“Perfect!” the white unicorn cries, grabbing Damien and Kaileena with unicorn magic and dragging them somewhere. As the are leaving, Damien waves us goodbye, which all three of us return.

'Bye-bye, kitty. Call me!'

Ignored!

I look around for Orchestra, but he seems to have disappeared into thin air, as have all the instruments that he conjured up. He's a sneaky one it seems. Well, I suppose that's fine. He didn't seem like the type to cause trouble, so I can let him roam free.

”That was a marvelous performance you gave us.”, An familiar sophisticated and intelligent voice pipes up from behind us. I turn and see Sage and Twilight coming over to us.

”I know! It was just so... so... breathtaking.”, Twilight says with some trouble describing it. Was I really that good? ”I've never heard something so beautiful.”

”She was almost crying.”, a young sounding voice belonging to the little dragon I saw on Twilights back earlier speaks up.

”Spike!”, The purple unicorn hissed. I assume that is the dragons name.

”It was like a small river.”, Sage put his opinion out there. I have a bad feeling about this.

”Well... maybe a little.”, Twilight admits, looking a little embarrased. What suprises me more is that she didn't flip out at Sage's snide comment. ”It was just so... moving.”

”Yes, it was quite a thrill.”, Sage confirms.

Well, that's all well and good... but,

”What are you two doing here anyway? Last I saw you, you were at each others throats.”

Both of them look at each other, I feel that both of them are thinking of their earlier behaviour.

”Well,” Twilight begins with drooped ears and a quilty expression. ”after we noticed that you were gone, we got worried. We figured why you and Eve had left, so we came looking for you.” She hangs her head low. ”I'm sorry for earlier, Hollow.”

”No.” Sage buts in. Twilight looks at him, suprised. ”If anyone is to blame, it is me. I appeared here out of nowhere and began criticizing your work methods that, while sloppy and poorly executed, are rightfully your own business. For that, I apologise.”

I listen to them, somewhat suprised that they were worried about us and actually agree on it. It was rather touching, actually.

”No, it's okay. Maybe my methods are a bit... sloppy, as you said.”, Twilight admits before returning to face me. ”So we went out to find you and apologise for earlier.”

”It was very unbecoming, childish, not to mention unprofessional of us.”, Sage continues. ”Along the search we stumbled upon Ms. Sparkle's friends:

Rainbow Dash you know already. She was slacking off on a cloud, or as she called it, 'napping'.”.

”I was having a nap, NOT slacking off!”, Rainbow exclaims. Sage seems to ignore her.

”Applejack, the one with the stetson and an odd accent.”, he points at the orange pony who I already talked with briefly.

”Hey! Are ya' makin' fun of mah accent?”, Applejack says disapprovingly.

”Of course not. I am just making an observation. Anyway,” Looks like he isn't done. ”After that we ran into Ms. Rarity, the one who just took your new friends away. A fashion designer from what I hear. Then we were stumbled upon Fluttershy. A real timid one, she is.” He pointed towards a cream colored pegasus who looked at us three nervously. I took a look at Eve and saw a similar look in her eyes.

”And finally we were-”

He couldn't finish as somethig practically shoved itself in my face. It was a pink pony, most likely a mare, with poofy hair that was a deeper shade of pink.

”HiI'mPinkiePieIlovedyoursongitwassoamazinganditjusthadthisawesomeringtoityouyusthavetoplayagainyoumustit'llbesocoolthewayyouplayedthatviolinwascrazyitlikemademeallgiddyandsadatthesametimeanditwassocoolwhenareyougonnaplayagain?”, She said so quickly that I didn't really get but the first three words before I lost track.

(This is a translation to what Pinkie said, because the upper one is too.... Pinkie for some to figure out. Translation: Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! I loved your song, it was so amazing and it just had this awesome ring to it. You just have to play again, you must! It'll be so cool! The way you played that violin was crazy! It like made me all giddy and sad at the same time and it was so cool! When are you ganna play again?

Translating Pinkie to you -Doctor D. Now be happy, or else!)

'Wow. Just, wow. That is one huge litany of words right there.'

Are you the devil? Because you just won't stop pestering me!

”No silly, he's just a voice in your head.”, The pink pony giggles.

'…...'

…...

'What the shit was that?'

Oh god, it's another Shade!

”Shhh, the author doesn't want to spoil that yet.”

…............ What the heck is she talking about?!

Suddenly the pink mare gasps loudly. ”Oh my gosh, you are new in Ponyville! You need a party, fast! Don't worry, Pinkie Pie is on the case!” And with that she just zoomed off, leaving behind a cloud of smoke... or was that dust. Maybe both.

….....

Why am I thinking about it!?

”- ambushed by Pinkie Pie.”, Sage finally finishes his sentence. ”On a note here, I still refuse to accept that her behaviour and acts are considered normal around here. It is simply preposterous! After that we heard all the commotion and came to see what was up. Only to discover,” He gestured at Twilight, who continued.

"A concert being played by you and your friend."

I was quiet.

Really quiet.

Dead quiet.

I only half listened to what they said. Yes, I was that quiet.

'Like hell, ya are! Grow a spleen!'

Don't you mean spine?

'I know what I said!'

”I-is something wrong?” A meek and quiet voice speaks up. It was the cream colored pegasus. Fluttershy, was it? Yes, that it was. ”I mean, if you don't mind me asking?”

'That is so cute I almost want to kill it.'

….... You are now officially on the naughty list, Brain. Forever. For all time.

'No presents?'

No cat people for you. Ever.

'NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!'

”Yeah, what's eatin' ya?”, Asks Applejack. Am I really that transparent? Usually I'm very hard to read, like trying to see if a rock is smiling hard. It is only then when I notice I'm shivering slightly.

”Your friend scares me a little.” I got many odd looks for that. Now that I think about it, it sound very, very stupid. ”She reminds me way too much of my brother. Too much... random in one body.”

To my suprise, all of the ponies around just nod and mumble in understanding.

”Pinkie can be a bit of a hasttle every now an' then, and ah' do admit even I don't understand her all the time. She's still our friend though despite all that.”, Applejack says sincerely. Very tolerant of them. I would go insane from that on a daily basis. And I've had to live with Shade.

”If we may go back to the original point of this conversation,” Sage began.

”We are so very sorry for what happened earlier today.”, Twilight completed the sentence.

I just nod in understanding. They really couldn't help being who they were, how their personalities worked.

”What do you say Ms.Sparkle? A fresh start could do us both good.”, Sage suggested.

”That is a great idea. It is a pleasure to meet you, just call me Twilight.”, She said and offered Sage her forehoof.

”The pleasure is mine Twilight. Just Sage is fine.” And then they shook hands/hooves respectively.

”Umm, not that I want to break the moment, but just how long are we going to stand out here?” Elie breaks the mood completely. How mean of her.

The sun was beginning to set and all the other ponies had already left to do.... whatever it is they might do.

Twilight looks a bit bewildered. ”Well, yes, of course. Let's head back to the library, we can talk more there.”

Everyone agrees.

As our group sets it's course towards the library, Eve and I stay a bit behind the others. Mainly because she is slowing me down by sticking so close to me, but also to ease her nerves. Both of us are quiet until the silence is broken.

”It was pretty.”

I turn to look at the diamond dog and am greeted with a faint smile.

”Your playing was pretty.”, Eve repeats quietly, avoiding eye contact. I couldn't help but find that a little cute.

”Thank you, Eve.” I say softly so only she can hear.

Back at the library, there was a party waiting fo us. How this Pinkie pony could do that in the few minutes it took us to get to the library.... Well, it might be better if I don't know.

This was a crossover with ShadowWeawer's Chess Game of the Gods fic, Lether-Winged Oddity. He is so much more talented than me. You will go read his fic and love every second of it, you hear me!

Also: This chapter. A little over 8,000 words. Never again will I have a chapter with this many word. At least it's very unlikely. But hey, miracles do happen, right? ......... They do happen. Right?

Well, anyhay! My first crossover! It turned out better than I had hoped for. It had two chess pieces, music, Pinkie Pie. My checklist is almost perfect. If only Shade was here.... Screw it. I don't want to cause apocalypse just yet. Pinkie and Shade in the same room. *shudders* The multiverse can't handle it.

Here to serv..... Fuck it.

I'm the D to the O to the C-T-O-R D
and no other writer is loony quite like me
I'm Doctor D vicious. Next Chapter: EXPOSITION!! Estimated time remaining: 49 Minutes