(Moth) A Moth's Song - 8

>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pse4gcBprLk
>Two violins, a set of hooves, and the squeaks of a vocalist echo throughout the caboose of the train.
>Several other passengers move cars or come sit closer to the source of the music.
>Gorgeous scenery rolls by as the music becomes more and more heartfelt.
>As the train chugs along the tracks, the town it came from departs from view.
>Good bye Treble Town, hello Canterlot.
>Trees turn into open fields and rivers by the time the song ends.
>An applause replaces the music as the sole noise of the train car.
>That soon dies down, and is replaced by the sounds of the train's wheels clacking against the tracks.
>"Let me hear the song you two have in mind for the lounge."
>Falsetto brings her violin back up, bow at the ready.
>A sigh prompts her to begin playing a slow, calm, almost misty feeling melody.
>It expresses something almost dream-like.
"Somewhere, over the rainbow..."
>The clouds of Cloudsdale cast a shadow over the fields outside and darken the train a little bit.
"Way up high."
>Pegasi fly around in the sky, moving clouds, making weather, and practicing their flying skills.
"And the dreams that you dreamed of, once in a lullaby."
>A colt falls asleep in his mother's lap as they listen to the performance.
"Somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly."
>A pair of blue jays fly around a tree before landing in a small nest.
"And the dreams that you dreamed of. Dreams really do come true!"
>The colt snuggles deeper against his mother's belly, who strokes his mane.
"Some day I'll wish upon a star, wake up where the clouds are far... behind me."
>The train moves from beneath the shadows of Cloudsdale.
"Where trouble melts like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me!"
>August leans back in his seat and props an arm against the window as he rests his head in his hand.
"Oh, somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly, and that dream that you dare to, oh why, oh why can't I..."

>Falsetto's melody quiets down.
>She looks outside and pauses with a sigh before placing her violin in her lap.
>August shifts his hand to his mouth and stares out the window, his eyes misting over.
"August? Was it th-"
>He moves his hand from his mouth, sneers, and closes his eyes, signalling for silence.
>After a moment he rests his face in the palm of his hand, shielding it from view.
>A tear rolls down his cheek.
>A worried look comes over Falsetto's face, but she remains quiet.
>All you can bring yourself to do is scowl and leave your seat.
>You trot to the back of the train car, put on your sunglasses, and exit through the door.
>The railing of the caboose offers support as you lean against it.
>Holding your head in your hooves, you massage your temples and groan.
"Why would August cry over that song? If anyone has any reason to be upset over it, it would be me."
>As you start to sniffle, the door to the train-car slides open.
>A hand places itself on your shoulder, causing you to look up.
>"Hey."
"Why were you crying?"
>"It reminded me of home."
"Our home?"
>"No, like... Earth."
"Oh."
>He sits beside you, and you hug his arm tight.
"I am sorry."
>"Don't worry about it. It was a good rendition. Why'd you come out here, though?"
"I did not want to see you cry. I thought I upset you."
>"And?"
"And what? That is the reason, August."
>"There's more to it. You've seen me during my low points, and you've never just left."
>A moment of hesitation passes.
"My father used to sing that song to me."
>"This is about to get sad, isn't it?"
"What? No! He lives in Dust Valley with my mother."
>August sits in silence for a moment.
>"Well, it's just that-"
"No one in my immediate family has passed away, August!"
>He coughs awkwardly.
>"So.. Nice wea-"
"Stop talking."
>You lay against him with his arm draped over your side, and watch the scenery.

>The train screeches as it pulls into the Canterlot Mountain station.
>Its incessant noise causes you to stir from your slumber.
>"Have a nice nap?"
"Mmm."
>You groggily blink the sleep from your eyes and stumble as you stand.
"Have we arrived in Canterlot?"
>"Almost. We just have to go up through the mountain."
"There used to be trains that ran straight up the mountain, into the city. What happened to those?"
>"Honestly, I don't know. I think it was either an economic dip or a security risk. Either way, it's what caused the city under the mountain to be built."
"How long ago was that?"
>"I honestly have no idea. It doesn't matter, we still have to go through the mountain to reach Canterlot."
>You sigh as the two of you enter the train car to retrieve your luggage and Falsetto.
>As the train comes to a full stop, ponies exit the train.
>Your group follows suit.
>August looks at a map of the city that hangs on a bulletin board.
>"We're going to have to go through a shopping district to get to the lift that'll take us to the top of the mountain."
"How far is that?"
>"Looks like a five minute walk? Maybe ten?"
>You yawn, still tired from your nap.
"Let us get going then. I would like to reach our hotel room and take a quick nap before the performance."
>August looks at his wristwatch.
>"We have a good four hours until our performances, Actias. There's plenty of time to kill."
"Which is why I would like to continue my nap."
>"Fine. We'll take the elevator up to the city, drop our stuff off at the hotel, and leave you there."
>He sighs and starts walking across the plaza, down a street to the left.
>"Would've been nice to see the city together, and have a relaxing vacation."
"August."
>"What?"
"After the performances. We will do whatever you want, alright?"
>He nods, a smile plays across his lips, but he suppresses it quickly.
>"Yeah."
"We will spend the whole night seeing the city."

>"Can I come?!"
>Falsetto jumps up on August's back.
>A week ago, the filly would hardly keep eye-contact with him.
>He ended up being a better teacher than you would have.
>"Of course. Did you think we were just gonna leave you in the hotel?"
>"Maybe."
>The three of you pass by a rather large hat shop.
>August stops and stares at it for a moment, like he's being compelled to walk inside.
"August?"
>"Hm?"
"Did something catch your eye?"
>"No. Did you see something?"
>You hum softly to yourself.
>It probably wouldn't hurt to look, you might find something you like.
>Then again, you're still very tired.
"I think I would rather shop around in Canterlot itself."
>"Fair enough."
>You continue your trek through the lower city's shopping district, eventually coming upon a large platform.
>A massive disc propelled upwards and downwards by a large magical generator settles itself into a large opening in the floor.
>Several dozen ponies, you, Falsetto, and August board it.
>After a few moments, the platform starts to ascend toward the upper city of Canterlot.
>"It's pretty impressive what ponies can do with magic. We never really had anything like this on Earth."
"What? You would have had to take stairs or something?"
>"No, not exactly. I mean, we had elevators similar to this, but they weren't controlled by invisible forces. We had them strung up by cables and pulleys."
>Falsetto stares up at him.
>"You mean you didn't have magic elevators on Earth?"
>"We didn't have magic at all. Kind of a shame, really. It might've made our world a little better."
>You remember August telling you stories of his world.
>People who did cruel things.
>People who did great things.
>It was very similar to Equestria, but somehow darker.
>A hand rests in your mane and ruffles it a bit.
>"You okay?"
"Yes. I'm fine, just thinking."

>The elevator slows down as it reaches another docking platform.
>Looking over the edge, the entire town below looks like it was made by ants.
>Heights...
>Not really your thing.
>You back up from the edge and follow August and Falsetto into the open air of Canterlot City.
>"Is this another shopping district?"
"It looks like it. You know a city this regal has to have dozens."
>"I suppose you'll want to check around now?"
>You look from store to store, but find nothing that really interests you.
"Not here, no. Maybe elsewhere, maybe after a nap."
>"Might be better to find the hotel first anyway. This does seem to be a fairly large city."
>Falsetto remains silent as she looks around in awe.
>August looks down at a sheet of paper, probably given to him by the guild-master.
>"The hotel we'll be staying at is fairly close to our venues, so it shouldn't be that far from the castle."
>He looks around for a moment.
>"Should we head there first?"
"You are so adamant on exploring the city, so we might as well."
>You and Falsetto follow August, who follows street signs toward the Canterlot Castle Gardens.
>Canterlot is a big city, full of posh ponies and fancy shops.
>You'd be excited if you weren't tired.
>The gardens come into view after a little while.
>And wow, they are absolutely beautiful.
>Instead of leading you into the gardens, August takes a left and walks up Main Street.
>You look back at the gardens sorrowfully.
>You'd love to go see them, but if you protest, August will get mad.
>Plus, you're still tired.
>"The hotel shouldn't be too far up the street."
"August, wait."
>You stop, he stops, Falsetto stops.
>They both look at you.
"Can we see the gardens real quick?"
>"I thought you wanted to go take a nap."
"I do, but I want to see the gardens."
>August rolls his eyes and starts walking back toward the gardens.

>Falsetto trots beside you.
>"Why'd you change your mind?"
>You shrug with a soft smile.
"I caught a little glimpse of the gardens. It reminded me of something beautiful."
>You smile softly at August, remembering the first time he ever played his violin for you.
>Falsetto glances between you and August.
>"You like him, don't you?"
"Of course I do. He is my friend."
>"No, no. I mean liiike him."
>The silly little filly smiles wide.
"No, not like that. We both have much more important things to worry about, than anything like that."
>Even if you had all of the free time in the world to pursue a love interest, you doubt it would be August.
>He's just too... him.
>Maybe you could settle down one day, with a pony more your type.
>An actual pony.
>"Alright, we're here."
>You bump into August's leg as he stops at the gate.
>You walk past him, into the garden.
>It is absolutely beautiful.
>Intricately groomed hedges, shaped like ponies, decorate the garden.
>The walk-ways have intricate little cobblestone mosaics.
>The garden is an absolutely breath-taking sight.
>You walk beside August and look all around the garden.
>Falsetto wanders around on her own, smelling flowers and chasing bugs.
"It is so beautiful around here. Almost as nice as Treble Town."
>"Yeah."
>He looks like he has something on his mind.
>You've sort of noticed this look since you got off the train.
"Something on your mind?"
>"Yeah."
"Wanna talk about it?"
>"Later."
>You sigh and trot over to a bench.
>August sits beside you as you watch Falsetto frolic.
>You yawn and lean against him, struggling to keep your eyes open.
>But the peaceful environment and warm sun cause you to doze off.

>You awake about two hours later, in a comfortable bed.
>Sitting up, you look around.
>August sits at a small table, looking over music sheets.
>Falsetto lays, curled up, in bed next to you.
"August?"
>He turns to you, startled.
>"Sorry, didn't know you were awake."
"What time is it?",
>"Almost time for your performance. You've got about half an hour. I was just about to wake you, actually."
>You prod Falsetto lightly.
>She stirs, groans, and stretches as she looks up at you.
"We have to go soon. Get up and get ready."
>You get out of bed and start rushing around the room, trying to get things ready.
>August catches you as you rush by him.
>He holds you up to his eye level.
>"Calm down. The venue's four buildings down."
>You stop struggling in his arms.
"Oh."
>You look over at Falsetto, who's rolled over and gone back to sleep.
"We should still try to be early, shouldn't we?"
>"I guess."
"When is your performance, anyway?"
>"Soon."
>You look down at the table.
>On top of the music sheets lies the amethyst.
"You are going to ask about that, right?"
>"Yeah."
"Good. Hopefully something comes out of it."
>"Honestly, I might just give it to them and ask them to lock it up. I don't want to deal with magical artifacts, or any of that weird stuff.
"That sounds like a plan."
>"I'm going to finish getting ready to go. You might as well do the same.
>You nod, rouse Falsetto from her slumber, and grab her violin.
>August is already out the door, his own violin and the gem in hand.
>You stare at the door as it closes, somewhat disheartened.
>He's been acting different lately.
>Maybe he'll feel better tomorrow, when you're back in Treble Town.
>Falsetto taps a hoof against your shoulder.
>"Ready?"
>You nod and lead her out the door.

>The lounge is impressive.
>Red velvet furniture lines the walls and circles the tables.
>The floors are patterned with black and white tiles, forming something of a checker board.
>Overall, the lounge has a very modern feel to it.
>You kind of like the environment.
>"Are you Actias?"
>You look over at a posh looking stallion.
"Yes?"
>"Fantastic. Are you ready to take the stage?"
>You turn to Falsetto.
>She nods.
"We are ready."
>It only takes a moment to prepare backstage.
>Falsetto rosins her bow and tunes her violin.
>You sing a few scales to warm up.
>"I'm nervous."
>The little filly hugs her violin and swallows hard.
"I am too."
>She looks up at you as you smile.
>She smiles back.
>"Think they'll like it?"
"I think they will love it."
>The filly giggles as you take the stage.
>Three lights shine down on you, creating a spotlight on the dark stage.
>Falsetto sits beside you and raises her violin and bow.
>The stallion from earlier sits to the left of the stage.
>He nods, cuing you to start.
>You nod to Falsetto, who starts to drag her bow across the violin's strings.
>Deep breath in, deep breath out.
>You start to sing, starting with the bit you and Falsetto performed on the train.
>It leads into a second part.

"Well, I see trees of green and... red roses too."
>If the lights beaming onto the stage weren't so bright, you would see ponies tearing up.
"I'll watch them bloom for me and you."
>The audience is completely silent, either out of respect, or out of awe.
"And I think to myself... What a wonderful world!"
>Falsetto's violin draws out with your words.
"Well, I see skies of blue, and I see clouds of white, and the brightness of day."
>Someone in the audience sniffles softly.
"I like the dark."
>You sing that with a soft giggle.
"And I think to myself... What a wonderful world!"
>Falsetto adds a little vibrato to her notes near the end.
"The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces of people, passing by."
>A tear falls down your cheek, though you don't know why.
"I see friends shaking hooves, saying 'how do you do?' They're really saying... I, I love you."
>You look down at Falsetto, a soft smile tugging at the corners of your mouth.
"I hear babies cry, and I watch them grow. They'll learn so much more than we know."
>Her eyes are closed as she plays.
"And I think to myself... What a wonderful world..."
>You spread your wings a little, so they catch the light.
"Someday I'll wish upon a star, wake up where the clouds are behind me; where trouble melts like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops."
>You step forward with a sultry motion.
"That's where you'll find me."
>With a flick of your mane, you wink.
"Oh, somewhere... over the rainbow... way up high. And the dream that you dare to, oh why. Oh why, can't I."
>Falsetto's violin falls silent, just as you do.
>The tears hit the floor as the audience stands and applauds.
>They cheer so loudly, so emphatically.
>But you can't hear them.

>The rest of the day passes quickly, as does the next morning.
>August sits beside you as you look up at the sky.
>His performance went well.
>The princesses even agreed to take that gem.
>The only thing that could possibly make today worse, was the news he had just given you.
>The younger of the two ponies that had adopted him was at his performance.
>Falsetto was playing her violin for her.
>You and August were watching them.
>"Actias?"
>You look up at him.
>"You'll be alright. I know you will."
"I do not want you to go."
>You feel like you might cry.
>"I don't want to leave, but there's nothing else I can do for you. You'll do well for yourself."
>He looks over at Falsetto.
>"So will she."
"Will you write?"
>"Of course."
>He smiles, but it does little to hide the sadness in his eyes.
>He'll be happier, you know.
>"Your train leaves in about an hour, doesn't it?"
"Yeah."
>"Tell everyone at the guild, I'm sorry."
"I think we will survive."
>He laughs and hugs you.
>"Sorry it's so sudden."
>You hug him back for a very long time.
>Though, before you know it, Falsetto has already lead you down into the mountain, and you've boarded the train.
>August and the mare had followed you.
>You wave goodbye.