A/N: alright guys, just a quick heads up, Cloplin = Dublin. just so you know. EDIT: i noticed a typo. it is fixed now.

A crimson red pegasus stallion walked down the streets of Cloplin, looking about himself, taking in the sights. It truly was a place to see, lights everywhere, but not enough to be blinding. Crimson Dawn was truly amazed at how beautiful this city was. “Well, mother called it home…. And now I can see why!” he said to himself, earning him a few odd looks. He adjusted his violin case upon his back and continued to his destination. Now, Crimson Dawn is not your average pegasus. He is not obsessed with speed, like so many of his kin, his special talent does not involve flying, and he does not particularly enjoy what little flying he does. He is the only pegasus musician known to Equestria, and he takes his title with pride. He was recently invited to audition for this years Grand Galloping Gala. He was quite proud of this accomplishment, as only the best were even considered for that honor. Cloplin had been chosen as the sight of the auditions, as this years theme was traditional music, happy and light.

“Oi! You there, with the grey and black mane!” Crimson looked to his right to see a group of rather large stallions sitting around on the sidewalk. “Yeah, you! C’mere. We wanna have a little chat with you, mate.” he could see no reason not to trust them, and trotted over to them.

“Yes? What is it you need?” he asked, eliciting a laugh from the group.

“What we need lad, is whatever’s in that fancy lookin’ bag’a yours. I’m sure you don’t mind if me boys here have a look, now do ya?” asked the stallion that seemed to be the leader of the group.

“As it so happens, I do mind. I can tell you, all that is in there is my violin. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get to my hotel before they give away my room.” he said, turning to leave. However, he was cut off by two of the other stallions.

“Now, I don’t think ya understand, lad. You’ll be givin’ us that violin’a yers.” said the group leader as he narrowed his eyes at Crimson, who couldn’t help but notice that none of them were pegasi. “Now.”

“I think not, my good friend.” he said as he extended his wings and took to the air. “I have a flight to catch!” he chuckled at his little pun. But, his victory was cut short, as he felt he was being pulled back down to the earth. It was then that he noticed he was surrounded by a magical field. He sighed, heavily. “Damn unicorns. Always fouling my moments of triumph.” he said to himself before he was thrown to the ground. He heard the gang laugh as he struggled to get to his hooves.

“Ya didn’t think ya could get away from us that easily, did ya?” asked the leader.

“Actually, for a moment, I did.” admitted Crimson with a laugh. The entirety of the gang laughed as well, until their leader decided to kick him in the ribs.

“Nopony crosses us. Nopony.” he said as Crimson lay on the street, clutching his side and groaning in pain. “You best remember that, mate.” he said as he walked away, his gang going with him. Crimson stayed on the street for some time before he managed to get shakily to his hooves.

“Well now, that was certainly… interesting.” he said, with an occasional grunt of pain. He sat on his haunches and patted his violin case down, looking for any damage. Thankfully, there was none. As for him, he was sure he had suffered from at least one broken rib, and a few missing teeth. “I’m going to have one hay of a time explaining this one.” he mumbled to himself as he went on his way, limping slightly. When he got to his hotel, he was greeted by a very worried looking clerk.

“What happened to you?” she asked, to which Crimson chuckled.

“I guess I somehow picked a fight with the wrong stallion.” he said, and checked into his room. It was a small, one pony hotel room, complete with a fridge, a kitchen, and a bedroom. He set his violin in one corner of the kitchen, crawled into bed, and went to sleep.

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