[DE - 4] AiE : Dauntless

Continued from AiE : Intrepid
-------------------

>After you and Vinyl Scratch had parted company, you made you way back to the square.
>You just might have a job.
>With a DJ Pony.
>What's not to like?
>Well, might as well try and get a couple more options.
>Options never hurt anyone, right?
>Well, first things first.
>You head back over to Bon Bon's cart to thank her for her help.
>As you approach, you see she is talking to a green pony with a light green/white mane and tail.
>Bon Bon sees you approaching, and waves at you.
>"So, how'd it go Anon?  Did you find a job?"
"Well, we'll see tomorrow.  But I think I'm good.  Thanks again for the help."
>"Oh it was nothing!  It was more good timing than anything.  I was just telling Lyra here about your little device."
>"Yes, she was.  May I see it?" Lyra asks
"Sure.  Its been fixed, but is out of energy so it can't do anything." You say as you pull out your phone for what seems like the umpteenth time today.
>"So this... device... is able to play music?"
"Yes."

-------------------

>"Fascinating.  It's so small...  How do you fit the music in there?"
>You briefly debate attempting to explain what little you know of computer sciences to a being that probably has no idea what a computer is.
>Briefly.
"I'm...  Not really sure, to be honest."
>"Oh. Well how do you use it?  I only see a few buttons on it."
"Well, this is the power button, to activate it when it's energized"
"And this is a button to interact with its storage.  Other than that, you typically touch the screen."
>"Touch the screen?  That screen is too small for hooves."
>Then she notices your hands.
>"Oh my...  Whats wrong with your hooves?!"
>"I told you Lyra, he's not a pony.  His species doesn't have hooves."
>Lyra remains silent, staring intently at your left hand.
>Almost like she's trying to figure out how it works.
>Ohboyherewego.jpg

-------------------

"Is something wrong, Ms. Lyra?" you ask, as you put your phone away.
>"What...  What are those." she asks, as she points her hoof towards your hand.
"My...  Hands?" you ask, now nervous.
>Please don't chop my hands off.
>Her eyes have widened now.
>"They're.  Amazing.  Can you control each of the little sticks?"
"My fingers?" You ask as you raise your hand and show that you can indeed control them.
>She stares silently at your hand.
>Ok, red flags starting to go up.
"Well, I just wanted to say thanks for the help Bon Bon.  I don't think I would've gotten very far without you."
>"No problem at all Anon.  Feel free to stop by anytime!"

-------------------

>Well, it seems as though you've at least made one new friend.
>And possibly caused a serious nervous breakdown in a pony you just met.
"And it was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Lyra."
>With that you turn and leave Bon Bon's cart to resume trying to find more job opportunities.
>
>You can feel Lyra's eyes burning into you as you leave.
>Dear god, what did you do?
>
>A bit later (about mid afternoon based on where the sun was), you were going over your many trials in your head.
>Not much success, but there was some.
>You'd met a mare by the name of Lotus, who ran a salon of sorts.
>She seemed interested in taking you up as an employee.
>She wanted to see if your hands could do something that hooves couldn't.
>Might be interesting to work as a masseuse.
>You'd met a stallion by the name of Dr. Hooves, but he didn't have anything for you.

-------------------

>You'd met a young...  filly?  Isn't that what a young female pony is called?
>You swear you've heard it before.
>Eh, sounds right.
>Anyways.
>You'd met a young filly by the name of Apple Bloom, who was more than happy to chat with you.
>She said that her sister is always looking for help around the farm, but you'd have to talk to her about that.
>Could go either way, but at least its a lead.
>A pony who called himself Mr. Cake said that he could always use a hand around the bakery.
>Could be fun.  Sweets and whatnot.
>Another pony by the name of Carrot Top (who was selling an almost disturbing amount of carrot related food) was looking for some help around her farm.
>Lots of farms.  At least its an option though.
>You were sitting on a bench near the edge of the square, when you noticed Lyra do the same on the bench opposite you.

-------------------

>She proceeds to stare at you.
>Intensely.
>This is starting to get freaky.
>Just in time to save your hide once again, you hear a familiar voice to your right.
>"Hey Anon, how's the job hunt going?"
>You turn, and it's none other than Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow!  It's going pretty good so far.  Got some good leads."
>"Thats great news!  I got off work early, so I figured I'd come and see if I could find you."
"Well, you found me.  If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer we headed home around now."
>"Oh.  Well, ok.  Any particular reason?"
>You wager a glance in Lyra's direction, only to find that she's no longer sitting there.
"I'll, uhh...  I'll tell you later."
>"Well, ok.  Lets go home then."
>With that, she picks you up and flies the both of you back to her house.

-------------------

>You arrive at Rainbow's house, and you both head inside.
>You hold the door open for Rainbow and shut it behind you.
>Onward to the living room!
>You both plop down on the couch; that wonderful soft cloud couch.
>"So.  What was with wanting to get here so fast?" Rainbow asks
"Well, do you know a mare named Lyra?"
>"Well, sorta.  I've seen her in the posters for some concerts by the Canterlot Royal Orchestra before, but I can't say I've met her, why?"
"I made her acquaintance today."
>".....and?"
"Well, how can I put this...  I think I caused her some sort of mental breakdown."
>"Well what makes you say that?"
"She...  After she saw my hands, she wouldn't stop staring at me."
>"Really now?  I didn't see her anywhere near you when I showed up."
"Thats the thing!  She was on the bench opposite me, just staring at me.  I turn my head to see who was talking to me, and BAM!  She's gone."
>"Ok, presuming that -did- happen, that is kinda weird.  I wouldn't worry about it too much though."
"You can also fly."
>"Well, there is that.  ANYWAYS, how'd the job hunting go?"


-------------------

"Well, I got some offers from a couple of ponies around the square, but before we get to those;  there's one in particular I want to talk about."
>"Ok, why is this one so important?"
"I didn't get this offer at the square."
>"Well, where did you get it?"
"I got offered a job at the auditorium on the edge of town."
>"Ok, so far so good.  Doing what?"
"Setting up and managing equipment before, during, and after performances."
>"Well, that doesn't sound like a real great job.  They only hold performances there every so often, and there isn't much equipment involved.  Who asked you?"
"You ever heard of a mare named Vinyl Scratch?"
>"Do-wha-sh-bfff-plaeu--"
>Uh oh.  Is this Vinyl Scratch somepony you don't want to know?
"So, I should turn the job down then?"
>"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?"
"Well, you didn't seem too enthusiastic about the idea so--"
>"Vinyl Scratch personally offered you a job to work for HER?"
"Yeah, thats one way to put it."
>"THATS THE ONLY WAY TO PUT IT!"
"Well, I still don't know if you like the idea or no--"
>"TAKE THE JOB BEFORE I KISS YOU!"
"What?"
>Her whole body suddenly turned as red as the streaks in her mane.
>"I mean-- uhh--  oh, just take the job!  She's got to be one of the best DJs in Equestria!"
"What was the deal with the threating of kiss-"
>"Are you even listening to me?"
>She had turned her regular shade of cyan now, minus her cheeks.
>Man, you gotta save this for ammo.
>Never know when you'll need it.

-------------------

"Yes, I'm listening."
>"Then take the bucking job!  For the love of Celestia, TAKE THE JOB!"
"Ok ok, calm down.  Sheesh."
>"Calm down?  CALM DOWN?!  Vinyl is AMAZING.  And you hesitated on accepting her job offer?  WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT??"
"I wanted to make sure it was alright with you; remember, I'm the new one here."
>"THERE IS NO EX--  wait, what?"
"I said, I'm the new one here."
>"No no no, before that."
"I wanted to make sure it was alright with you?"
>"You...  you...  but why does it matter?"
"Because I want to get a job that won't interfere with you or your life.  I'm already being the biggest mooch possible to you."
>"Hey...  what'd I tell you about that mushy crap?  I told you you can stay here till you're back up and running, didn't I?"
"Yes, I su--"
>"Then why would I back out now?"
"Well, any job I take directly affects you."
>"How so?"
"You're my only way in or out of here, for one."
>"Ok, you got me there.  Doesn't mean I'd kick you out though!"
"Well, I'm glad to hear that."
>Rainbow looks sad now, hanging her head and wearing a rather depressed expression.
"Whats wrong Dash?"
>"N-nothing." she says as she starts to flap her wings to take off.
"Oh no you don't."  you say as you grab her by the leg.
>"Hey!  What gives?"
"I'm not letting go until you tell me whats wrong."
>Oh what you did.

-------------------

>"Is that so?" she says
>You know that expression.
>This won't end well for you.
>You hold her down with a hand on each back hoof now.
>Doing your best not to piss her off further by staring at her ass.
>Not easy to do in your position.
>"Lemme go!"
"Not until you tell me whats wrong!"
>"Why does it matter to you?"
>Her wings are going pretty fast now.
>You can feel yourself slowly being lifted off the couch with her.
>You do your best to grip the couch with your feet; but it isn't a strong grip.
>And her wings are getting faster.
>She's not gonna make it cap'n!
>Abandon grip!  ABANDON GRIP!
>NEVER!!
"BECAUSE I CARE!"
>She slows down.
>"Wh- what?"
>Finally, time to drop anchor while you still can.
>You pull her back down to the couch next to you.
"Because, I care Rainbow."
>"Care?  You thought I'd kick you out after you got a job!  You must think I'm a horrible pony or something..."
>She's sitting on the couch next to you now, tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Why on Ear-- in Equestria would you think that Rainbow?"
>"You...  You thought I'd throw you out after you got a job.  You don't think of me as a friend do you?"
>Damn.  Sensitive cyan pony.
"Rainbow, I think you're the best friend anyone could ever ask for."
>"Y-you're just saying that..."
>Oh boy, she was starting to tear up again.
>You reach over, and pull her into a hug.
"Not only am I saying it, I'm meaning it Rainbow.  I don't know of anyone outside of my family back home that would do what you've done for me."

-------------------

>After hearing this, she returns the hug.
>You sit there and hold her for a while, letting her calm down.
>You start to stroke her back.
>Hell, maybe it'll help.
>It seems to have an effect, her breathing slows back down to normal.
>She breaks the hug, and looks you right in the eyes.
>"You really mean all that?"
"Every word."
>She stares into your eyes for a moment, like she's trying to find evidence you're lying.
>Your efforts to calm her down are rewarded by a light punch on your right shoulder.
"What was that for?"
>"Being mushy."
>She then catches you off guard in a hug that could've probably killed a grizzly.
>After she releases you, she lays down on your lap.
>You sit there, petting her, and an idea pops into your head.
>You position her on the couch, and she starts to protest.
"Trust me." you say.
>She does so, and lets you position her on the couch.
>You then start to rub her back, making sure to get her shoulders good.
>Lots of tension.
>A lot of tension.
>She must've been more stressed than she let on.
>You're rewarded with a small moan as you start to work away her worries.
>You seem to be having the desired affect, so you continue.
>Thumbs, you get an extra point today.

-------------------

>After a while, you've apparently relaxed Dash to sleep.
>You pick her up, and carry her to her room.
>This scene is familiar.
>You put her on her bed, and cover her in her cloud sheets.
>It's not nighttime yet, and you need to eat.
>You've got a big day tomorrow after all.
>You make your way out of Rainbow's room, and into the kitchen.
>Lets see what we can do here.
>You open up her refrigerator, to find a small blizzard going on.
>Well, thats one way to do it.
>Mostly fruits and vegetables in here.
>Some juice and milk, but no meat.
>Dumbass.  She's a pony.
>Right.
>You leave the refrigerator, and go to the pantry.
>Upon snooping, you find some bread, noodles, and quite the collection of spices and seasonings.
>Well, no meat certainly limits what you can make.
>You spot some cans of beans, and some bags of rice.
>Protein spotted.
>You find a pot and fill it with water and the rice.
>You place the pot on the stove, and start boiling the rice.
>No idea what you're doing, but it makes sense to you so far.
>Beans.  How do you cook beans?
>Boil them?  Seems legit.
>You drain the beans using the lid as a strainer.
>Best rinse them off, just to be safe.
>After you have the beans and rice simmering nicely, you start to think about what else to make.
>Salad?  You can only eat so much salad.
>Salsa?  Wait a minute.
>Why didn't you think of that before?

-------------------

>You check the pantry, and there are chips.
>You take the chips out, and set them on the counter.
>You find a bowl, cutting board, a knife and some tomatoes.
>You cut up the tomatoes, and put them in the bowl.
>This isn't salsa you fool!
>Whats it missing?  Hmmm....
>Peppers!  Duh!
>You look around Dash's fridge, and find a few habanero-like peppers.
>You chop them up and throw them in there.
>Now we're getting somewhere.
>Not finished yet though.  Still needs...
>ONIONS!
>YES!  There it is!
>Brain, you're on a roll today.
>You find a bag of onions in the pantry, take one out and peel the first couple layers off of it.
>Incoming tear gas!
>Fuck it.  Man up.
>You mince that onion like a boss.
>After you mix your salsa thoroughly, you take a chip and throw caution to the wind.
>Not bad.
>Eh, it'll do.
>You check on your beans and rice.
>Your beans are tender now, so you assume they're done cooking, along with the rice.
>You drain both, and add some seasoning that smelled like it belonged.
>Smellin good now.
>If you plan on sharing, you'd better go wake up Rainbow.
>As if on cue.
>"Hey Anon, watcha cookin?"
"Well, you cooked last night, so I figured I'd try my hand at cooking tonight."
>"Well, something smells good, so lets see watcha got.  I'll set the table."
>With that she gathers some silverware rolls and heads back into the living room.

-------------------

>You prepare bowls for yourself and Rainbow.
>Rice first, then beans on top of the rice.
>You bring the bowls into the living room, and then go back for the chips and salsa.
>Rainbow gathers some glasses and fixes you both some water.
>You finally sit down to eat, and see what Rainbow thinks of your cooking.
>"So what is it?"
"I'm not telling until after you try it."
>"Oh?  Well we'll just see about that."
>With that, she somehow manipulates her right hoof to grab a spoon, and scoops up some of your creation.
>She eats it, and considers it for a moment.
>She swallows before saying, "not bad Anon.  Not bad at all.  Now, I gotta ask, what are the chips for?"
"You've never had chips and salsa before?"
>She shakes her head 'no.'
"Well, I'll demonstrate."
>With that, you scoop up some salsa on a chip, and hand it to her.
>She hesitates, but eats it right up.
>"Ooooh, spicy!"
"You like it?"
>"You bet!  How come nopony has ever made this before?"
>With that, you both eat your dinner happily, and rest for a while.
>The sun has since gone down, and you're feeling the tired set in.
>Better start cleaning up before you forget.
>You and Dash clean up your meal and cooking, and head off to bed.
>This time you're prepared to sleep, and strip down to your underwear before sliding in between the sheets.
>Found apparently the 'best job ever.'
>Managed to not fuck up cooking from scratch.
>Got your protein fix.
>Was able to get Dash to open up to you.  If only a little.
>Made a couple new friends.
>And, it looks like ponyville is finally starting to accept you.
>All in all, not a bad day.

-------------------

>You were running with your arms in the air.
>Whatever it was you were running from, it was terrifying.
>FUCKING.  TERRIFYING.
>
>You woke up to Rainbow sitting on your chest, with a very concerned look on her face.
>"You alright, Anon?"
>Dream.
>Well, glad that's over.
"Yeah.  Yeah, I'm ok.  Just a bad dream."
>With that, she hopped off of your chest.
>"Good, you were starting to worry me.  I'm gonna make some breakfast real quick, I'll see you in the kitchen."
>You get up, take your morning shower and brush your teeth.
>Pony toothpaste took some getting used to, but it wasn't all bad.
>After getting dressed and making sure you look snappy for your meeting with Vinyl, you head down to the kitchen for some well sought breakfast.
>"Oh hey!  I made us some bagels and Apple Juice for breakfast."
"Sounds good." you say as you make your way over to your plate.

-------------------

>"So, you as excited as I am about your job with Vinyl?"
"Rainbow, I don't know if it's physically possible for me to be that excited."
>You swear you see her blush, but its gone as soon as it appears.
>"So what time should I pick you up from the auditorium?"
>You really don't know, having yet to work there.
"I'm not really sure, actually.  Why don't you just come by after you're done with work?"
>She nods in agreement before saying "Sounds like a plan."
"So are you going to help with cloud refinement again today?"
>"Nah, I think I'm going to try and help out over at the rainbow labs."
>Rainbow labs.
>You know what?
>Fuck it.
>Why the hell not.
"What do they do--"
>"The rainbow labs help create rainbow related things, like these lights" she says, gesturing towards the glowing rainbow ribbons in her ceiling.
>Makes sense.
>"They also help make decorations for parties and things like that."
>You both finish your breakfast, and prepare to head to work.
>She flies you over to the auditorium, and once she lands there, she gives you some bits for lunch just as she did yesterday.
>"Ok, I'll see you after work."
"See you then."
>With that, she flies off to start her daily grind.
>You turn and head towards the auditorium, this time heading for the main entrance.
>There are four guards there, but they don't give you any trouble.
>Apparently if Vinyl says for them to do something, they don't question it.

-------------------

>You head into the auditorium, and it hits you.
>Why does Vinyl need guards?
>What exactly did you get yourself into?
>That question almost answers itself when you're tackled by a flying white and blue blur.
>"Anon!  You're early!"
>As you roll to a stop, you start to get your bearings.
>Vinyl was sitting on your chest, looking down at you with her goggles resting on her head.
>Those eyes.
>You could get used to seeing those eyes.
"Well hello to you too, boss."
>She smiles and starts to jump around the entrance to the auditorium.
>"SWEET!  I've got an alien working for me!  Aww man, this is awesome!"
>Yup.  This'll be fun.
>"Normally, I'm not awake by this hour, but I figured you'd come early, and here you are!"
>"Isn't this exciting?  This is gonna be a blast!  I can feel it!"
>You stand up, and start to dust yourself off
>You are politely tackled right back down to where you were.
>This unicorn is beyond hyper.
>"So why are you so early?  Are you excited?  Cause I'm excited!"
"Well, my roomie is my only mode of transportation, so when she has to go to work, I go too."
>Her confusion is evident by her expression.
>"Hows that?  Can you not walk long or somethin?"
"No no, nothing like that, we live in a cloud."
>She stare at you for a second, taking in what you just said.
>"What?"

-------------------

"I live in a cloud house with my roommate, Rainbow Dash."
>She seems a bit disappointed, but only slightly.
>"You live in a cloud?  That sounds AWESOME!  How'd you manage that?  You don't have wings...  do you?"
"No, Rainbow has a friend named Twilight that cast a cloud walking spell on me."
>"Ooooohh.  Cool!  It's a bit much to live in a cloud, but it does sound awesome."
"Would you like to see it sometime?"
>"What?  You kidding?  Of course!  But first, I think we should probably do at least a little work."
>With that, she hops off of your chest, and starts heading down what appears to be the main hallway.
>You get up, dust yourself off for the second time today, and follow her.
"You know, this place is pretty empty.  What do you do all day?" you ask as the two of you are walking.
>"Well, I told you I'm not normally up this early, right?  Most of the action happens at night around here."
"At night?  Then why do you have guards during the day?"
>"To protect my things, of course!  I have a staggering amount of fans who would love to own something of mine, legally or not."
>Brain is working.
>Things starting to make sense now.
"Must be cool to be liked by so many ponies."
>"It is, but the amount of obsessed fans is a little scary.  Maybe a lot scary."
>Makes sense.
>You think of Lyra.
>Yeah, you could see the need for guards.

-------------------

"So what are we gonna do for my first day on the job, boss?"
>"Well, I was thinking we could start by getting you acquainted with my equipment."
>Sounds easy enough.
>You follow her into the main hall of the auditorium.
>This place is impossibly huge.
>There's a raised platform that protrudes into a large stadium.
>There are lights on rails on the ceiling and the floor.
>A large assortment of lights and mirrors hangs from the ceiling in the center of the circular room.
"Woah.  I thought this was just an auditorium?"
>"It is, but it doesn't mean I can't use it every now and again.  Bring a little life into the place."
>You follow her onto the stage, where there are several large speakers, not counting the speakers attached to the walls of the auditorium.
>"You ever been to a place like this before?"
"Well, once, but it was much smaller than this.  Much smaller."
>"That's what she said."
"What?"
>"Nothing!"
>You did hear her correctly, right?
>Did that mare just make a "that's what she said" joke?
>Yup.
>Ok, definitely not your worst boss.
>She walks over to the central pedestal, and starts showing you the various plugs and switches.
>Most of it is color coded, so it's not terribly hard to figure out.
>"Now, you'll be responsible for sound tests before my performances.  So, if there's a problem, it'll be on you."
>Right.  No pressure.

-------------------

>"Now, your official title is my Sound Boss, ok?"
>Simple enough.  You nod your head.
>"Great!  Now, the rest of my staff will answer to you, so if you need help, just let them know.  I'll tell them whats up when they get here tonight."
>"Why don't I show you how to do a sound test real quick?"
"Probably a good idea.  I've never done something like this before."
>She walks over to one of the panels near the back of the stage.
>It's got a few switches on it, a couple of buttons, but a TON of indicator lights.
>"If any of these lights aren't green, it means that there's a problem.  This is where you come in; it's your job to track down the problem, should one arise."
>"Now, once all the lights are green, it's time to actually do a sound test.  Flip this switch, and it initializes the system; the lights will turn amber like this."
>She flips the switch, and you can hear the speakers pop and buzz into life.
>"After that, press this button."
>She presses a button with a red musical note above it.
>The speakers emit a roar notifying anything and everything that wasn't aware, that they were indeed in working order.
>The roar fades into a series of low bass hits and rapid treble hits.
>It sounds pretty cool, but Vinyl is has a look of extreme concentration on her face.
>"Now, it takes a lot of time to be able to distinguish if something is wrong by listening to it, so for now, use my goggles."

-------------------

>You take the offered pair of strange goggles, and don them to your head.
>A little snug, but they fit alright.
>Seemed like ordinary goggles.
>Then she spoke.
>"Now, don't freak out, it takes some getting used to."
>You could see sound.
>What the actual fuck.
>It was amazing.
>You could trace the sound of her voice by looking for the warmer colors.
>It was like thermal goggles, but for sound.
>How did ponies make this shit?
>Oh, right.  Magic.
>"Now, I've only got three pairs of those, so don't break 'em, ok?"
>You nod your head.
>Gotcha.  No pressure at all.
>"Ok, now I'm gonna do the sound test again.  You ready?"
>Once more, you nod.
>She presses the button.
>What you see, is beyond what you could've hoped to imagine.
>It was as if each speaker was painting the air.
>The colors seemed to flow as though dye in water.
>They all played, and they all looked the same.
>It was a sight of unparalleled, awe-inspiring beauty.
>After the test is over, and you can hear yourself think again, you turn to Vinyl.
"How do you ever take these off?"
>She smiles at that, "Pretty cool huh?  Oh man, Anon."
"What?  Whats wrong?"
>"The goggles change colors depending on sound, but if there isn't enough sound, they reflect the person wearing them."
"Oh?  What do they look like on me?"
>"Well, they're black, with a thin red rim running just inside the actual rim.  It looks pretty badass."
>Alright, this might be the best job you've ever had.

-------------------

>"So, did you see anything wrong with the way the speakers looked?"
"No, they all looked the same.  Is that good?"
>"Perfect!  That's exactly how they're supposed to look for that test.  Now, the next test."
>She presses a button with a slanted red line above it.
>The speakers announce themselves once more, but this time, each side of the room is different.
>The speakers near the back are creating deep red colors, while the ones closest to you, at the front, are making almost black colors.
>The sides (or as close as you can get to sides in a circular room) each had their own shade of green that they were emitting.
>Man, this is gonna be awesome.
>After the second test is over, you hear Vinyl ask you "so, what did you see?"
"Well, there were four distinct sections, and each had there own colors."
>"Good!  Last test you need to familiarize yourself with today is the echo test."
>She presses a button with what looks like crossing circular lines above it.
>The speakers near you make a loud boom, and you can clearly see the vibrant purple waves bounce around the room.
>A few seconds pass, and the rear set does the same.
>This continues for each set.
>"Well, now what did you see?"
"I saw some purple waves bounce around."
>"Did any of them bounce back on themselves?"
>You think for a moment.
"No, I don't think so."
>"Excellent!  Now, on to how to correct the tests should one fail."

-------------------

>"If the echo test fails, you need to find what caused the waves to bounce back, and see if you can't move it."
>"If the first two tests fail, you need to tell one of the staff ponies that you need a new speaker."
>"Tell them which set, and where it goes, and they'll do the rest."
>A couple of hours pass, and you've thoroughly familiarized yourself with the tests.
>At least to the point that Vinyl seems to think you can handle the real deal.
>"Now, I'll help you with the first real run, but all runs after that are your responsibility."
"Ok, so when is this 'first run?'" you ask, eager to prove yourself.
>"Tonight!"
>Well, maybe not that eager.
>Oh well.
>"It'll be a blast!"
"How often do you hold concerts?"
>"I've been working on one every two or three months; but I've got a big gig coming up, and we'll be doing three concerts over the course of three months, leading up to the big nasty!"
"The big nasty?"
>"The big nasty!  It's a concert to honor Princess Luna!  She likes my work, and the fact that we party through the night a lot!"
>A princess.
>Wait.  Another princess?
"What about princess Celesita?"
>"She doesn't care as much for my work as Luna does.  She likes it, don't get me wrong; just not as often as Luna."
"Huh.  What is princess Luna's domain?"
>"Domain?  You mean where does she rule?"
"Yeah."
>"Equestria?  Celestia rules during the day, and Luna during the night."
>This place just gets stranger and stranger.

-------------------

>"Well, I dunno about you, but I'm getting hungry."
"Yeah, I'm kinda feeling that way myself."
>"Then lets go get some food."
>You make to take the goggles off and return them to Vinyl, but she stops you.
>"No no, those are your goggles now."
>Her horn lights up, and another pair appear upon her head.
"But, you only have three pair, right?"
>"Yeah.  Consider that pair my gift to you."
"Wow.  Thanks boss."
>"Ok, no more boss stuff.  It'll get confusing for the staff to have their sound boss running around calling me boss.  Just Vinyl, ok?"
"Deal."
>"Now, about food?  What are you in the mood for?"
"Well, you know any good sandwich shops?"
>"Sure do!  Lets go."
>You both leave the auditorium, and a few guards escort you to the sandwich shop.
"Whats with the guards?"
>"Well, usually I can manage to keep a low profile, but with you working for me, it makes things a little more difficult."
"Oh.  Sorry."
>"Don't be!  It's what they're here for!"
>You both order your sandwiches, eat them, and have a little after lunch chat.
>"So, the last manner of business you need to take care of before tonight, is your clothing."
"So what, I need a uniform or something?"
>"Well, not so much a uniform, but a cap and shirt or vest that say 'SOUND BOSS' on them."
"I think I know just the pony for the job."
>"Great!  Here, take this voucher, and give it to your pony for payment.  It's my 'company' account."

-------------------

>You head over to Rarity's shop, and one of the guards escorts you there.
>You position the goggles on your head so they wouldn't be as big of a distraction while you were walking.
>Kind of creepy, but also kind of cool.
>The other guard and Vinyl headed back to the auditorium so she could get some rest before tonights show.
>You and the guard make it to Rarity's shop without incident.
>You knock on the door, and hear the familiar 'Come in!'
>The guard decides to wait outside while you take care of your business with Rarity.
>"Oh hello Anon!  What can I do for you today?"
"Well, I'm here with a special request.  I need you to design a uniform of sorts for me."
>"A uniform?  What kind of uniform?"
"Nothing overly complex, I just need a shirt and cap that say 'SOUND BOSS' on them."
>"A simple order.  How soon do you need it?"
"Tonight.  Preferably before the sun goes down."
>"Before... sundown.  I don't know, Anon, I've got a few higher priority orders to fill.  Is there any way you could pick it up tomorrow?"
"I'm afraid not.  I know it's last minute, but this time, I can pay you for your time."
>You pull out the voucher and hand it to Rarity.
>"A voucher... from Vinyl Scratch?  Curious.  Does Rainbow know anything about this?"
"No, I'm planning on surprising her later tonight."
>"Well, I suppose I can get you a uniform done by tonight.  Come back in a couple of hours, and I'll have something for you."
"Thanks Rarity, you're a life saver."

-------------------

>She heads off with the voucher in her magic grasp, and disappears into a back room.
>You head back out to the waiting guard, and decide to head over to Twilight's library while you wait on Rarity to finish your uniform.
>You knock on the door, and once again, Spike answers it.
"Hey spike, is Twilight around?"
>"Of course; come on in!"
>The guard once again decides to wait outside.
>Spike leads you into the library, and runs upstairs to get Twilight.
>While you wait, you begin to marvel in the amount of books the little pony has managed to stuff into such a small area.
>"Hey there Anon!  What brings you here?"  Twilight asks as she walks down the stairs from the second floor.
"Well, I've got a bit of time before I have to do anything, and I was wondering if you could fill me in on the government here."
>"Really?  Wow.  Nopony has ever asked me to lecture them before."  She says in disbelief.
"I'm quite serious.  It dawned on me earlier today how little I know about the place I'm staying.  I figured how the government works and the laws would be as good a place as any to start learning."
>"Well then, lets take a seat on the balcony, and I'll tell you all you want to know, on one condition."
"And whats that?"
>"You tell me about those goggles."
"Sure thing."
>She leads you to one of the upper balconies, and the two of you take a seat while Spike returns to his chores.

-------------------

>"Ok, you first."
"Ok.  These goggles let you see sound."
>"Where did you get them?"
"They were a gift."
>"Mind elaborating on that?"
"Well, they're from somepony that Rainbow is a fan of, so I'm trying to make sure she's the first one I tell details to."
>"Ok, fair enough."
"Now then, about this government."
>"Yes.  Well, the main figureheads are the two Princesses.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  They're sisters, and so they share their rule."
>"Celesita during the day, and Luna at night.  They're judgment can only be overruled by the council of elders, but they haven't had to overrule a judgment in nearly 2000 years."
>Makes sense.  Don't give all the power to one or two people.  Split it up.
>Just in case.
>Twilight goes on about the government for a while.
>She seems to just ooze knowledge.
>A couple hours pass, and the sun is making its descent.
"Well Twilight, I thank you for your time and enlightening lecture."
>"Not at all, Anon!  Don't hesitate to ask me anything you want to know!"
"I appreciate that Twilight.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get going.  It's almost time for my job to start."

-------------------

>You head towards Rarity's shop to pick up your uniform.
>Sure enough, it's ready right on time.
>She had crafted a white shirt with the words 'SOUND BOSS' in large, blue print on the front and back.
>The hat was reverse; blue with white lettering.
>You thanked her, and let your guard lead you back to the auditorium.
>
>You can see the auditorium in the distance, and a line has formed in front of the main entrance.
>The guard pushes through the crowd, and manages to get you inside without incident.
>You applied your uniform, goggles, and went to the main stage to start your preparations.
>As you were doing the second test, Vinyl had arrived and was setting up her records.
>You finish up the last of your audio tests, and everything checks out.
>You tell Vinyl, and she does the tests herself.
>It was your first time after all.
>"Alright, everything looks good!  You ready for things to really kick off?"
"As I'll ever be, I suppose."
>"Just stay backstage and make sure nothing goes horribly wrong while I'm up there, ok?"
"Done and done."
>One of the guards approaches the two of you.
>"Ma'am, there's a 'Rainbow Dash' to see Anon here.  Should I let her in?"
>"Rainbow Dash?  Isn't that your roomie?"
>You'd totally forgotten she was coming to pick you up.
>Crap.
"Oh no!  Yes, she's my roomie.  I forgot I told her to come check on when she should pick me up!"

-------------------

>"Hey, no biggie.  Why don't you go let her in?"
"Gee, thanks Vinyl."
>"No worries!  Being my sound boss has its perks.  Oh!  I know!  Here, lemme just--"
>She starts looking for something, going through a few bags backstage with her magic.
>"Aha!  Here, give her this!"
>She hands an orange colored tag on a lanyard.
"Whats this?" you say as you place the goggles on your head to examine what vinyl had given you in greater detail.
>"A backstage pass!  I expect to meet her one way or another!"
>She hops back on stage and finishes her last minute preparations.
>You follow the guard back to a side entrance, and let Rainbow in.
"Hey, sorry about that.  I got caught up in work."
>"Yeah yeah.  You can make it up to me later."
"Well, I've got this for you."  you say as you retrieve the pass from your pocket.
>"A backstage pass?  To a Vinyl Scratch concert?  No way."
>Her eyes have become huge.
>But she remains immobile.
>You place the lanyard around her neck, and take her hat and saddle bags.
>You place her belongings next to your regular shirt in the employee lounge.
"You know what that pass means right?"
>She just stares at you, still in shock.
"Ok, we do this my way."
>You scoop her up, and take her to the main stage.
>You place her on a bench right in front of the main stage.
>Vinyl had gone backstage to finish getting ready.
"Now, I've got to go backstage.  Will you be alright here for the concert?"
>She finally seems to come out of shock.
>"Anon, I think I love you."

-------------------

"I'll take that as a yes."
>You put your goggles back on, and head backstage.
>The auditorium was starting to fill at an alarming rate.
"Vinyl?  You ready?"
>"Baby I'm always ready!" she says as she tackles you to the floor for the third time today.
>Ninja DJ pony.
>Damn.
>"So, is everything ready?"
"Waitin on you."
>"Alright, lets get this thing started!"
>She flips a switch on a board, and the lights in the main hall go out.
>She steps up on stage in the pitch black, and starts her concert.
>It reminded you of the Daft Punk and Deadmau5 concerts you had seen footage of back home.
>The astounding light show, the music, the way Vinyl acted on stage.
>It was awesome.
>Nothing went wrong during the concert, and the crowd seemed to absolutely love Vinyl's performance.
>A couple hours later, and Vinyl's set is over.
>The audience starts to dissipate, and Vinyl heads backstage to rest.
>You go retrieve Rainbow Dash and taker her back to meet Vinyl.
"Hey Vinyl, this is my roomie, Rainbow Dash."
>Vinyl is sitting on a couch, her goggles resting on her head now.
>"Sup, kid?"  says Vinyl.
>Rainbow is in shock again.
>"You uh, doin ok there?"
"Rainbow?  You ok?"
>"Uuuhhh, yeah.  Yeah, I'm awesome!  I've never been so excited in my life!  That performance was amazing!"
>You let Rainbow fangirl it up to Vinyl, and after Vinyl finally convinces her to chill and treat her like a friend, they really kick it off.

-------------------

>They chat for a good while before finally Rainbow admits that she's beat.
>"Well, it was good meeting you Rainbow.  We'll have to hang out sometime when we're not both beat."
>You collect yours and Rainbow's things, and head to leave.
>"Hey Anon!  Don't forget your payment!"  Vinyl says as she uses her magic to send a rather large looking sack of bits over to you.
"Thanks Vinyl!  I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"
>"Yup, see you then!"
>You and Rainbow head out of the auditorium, and she flies the two of you back home.
>Once inside, Rainbow just about breaks your ribs in a hug.
>"That.  Was.  Awesome."
"Glad you enjoyed it.  Can I have my lungs back now?"
>She releases you from your death grip, and you both sit down on the couch.
"So, work tomorrow is going to be short for me.  Basically cleaning the place up so other ponies can use it until Vinyl needs to again."
"What that means, is that you've got all afternoon to experience one more surprise I have for you."
>"Ohmygosh!  I can't wait!"
"Yes you can.  You're as tired as I am."
>"Yeah, I guess I can."
"Did you get anything to eat at the concert?"
>"Sure did!  You?"
"Yup.  Well then, why don't we head off to bed?"
>"That sounds like a pretty good idea."
>You both head to bed, and quickly pass out.
>Got to witness Rainbow in fangirl mode.
>Got to see her expression upon meeting her favorite musician.
>Yeah, not a bad day.

-------------------

>When you woke up next, the sun was halfway on its trip through the sky.
>Damn.
>Slept in alot.
>From what you could gather, it was the weekend now.
>In the time you'd known Rainbow, you've yet to see her be late for work.
>From what you could tell anyway.
>You get up, take care of your normal morning routine, and decide what to eat for lunch.
>Rainbow is still fast asleep.
>She must've enjoyed herself last night.
>
>Maybe one day you'll take her to a concert not as a worker, but as her friend.
>You sat down in the living room with your large wad of bits that Vinyl had given you.
>It seemed like quite a bit of money, but you had nothing to compare it to.
>You needed somepony's help.
>Again.
>What a shocker.
>
>This whole mooching off of other ponies is starting to bother you.
>
>Well, if this place is anything like Earth, most bank or financial related places are probably closed for the weekend by now.
>
>Not much you can do until Rainbow gets up anyway.
>You don't want to wake her up.
>It's still her house, and you're still her guest.
>No need to be a rude guest.
>
>Maybe you could fix her some lunch?
>Why not.
>Something simple.
>Something you could refrigerate.
>
>Now the problem.
>You don't know what all Rainbow likes to eat.

-------------------

>In all your time here, you realize you barely know the cyan pony.
>And you've been LIVING WITH HER.
>Damn.
>What did she do for fun?
>What does she like to eat?
>Who are her friends?
>You have no idea.
>
>You've met a couple of her friends, but not many.
>You've gotten to know a couple of ponies at the square, how hard could it be to meet her friends?
>But you're still living in a cloud.
>
>Can't do shit without Rainbow.
>
>God dammit.
>
>
>You look around the living room, hoping for something that will tell you just a little bit about the pony.
>
>What do you know about Rainbow?
>Not much really.
>You know she likes Vinyl Scratch.
>You know she works at a place called Clouds Dale, apparently doing a lot of weather related things.
>You know she can fly fast.
>Fast enough to break the sound barrier.
>
>And thats about it.
>
>How have you gone this long with barely knowing this pony?
>It was beyond you.
>
>But it needed to change.
>And it will!
>
>As soon as she wakes up.
>
>What can you do in the mean time though?
>There has to be something you can do.
>Maybe you could clean something?
>Wash clothes!
>
>You go off and find Rainbow's work clothes, and take them through the kitchen to the laundry room.
>It's a start.

-------------------

>You spend maybe fifteen minutes cleaning her vest and hat before they're dried and clean.
>Shit.
>Ponies don't wear clothing, except for apparently work or other special occasions.
>
>You're living in a damn nudist colony.
>
>Oh well, nothing you can do about it now.
>What else can you do to help out Dash?
>
>The dishes!
>There ya go!
>
>You head in the kitchen, and begin cleaning the dishes that had been in the sink from the night before last.
>You managed to kill about thirty more minutes.
>
>Well, now what?
>
*KNOCK KNOCK*
>There's a knock at the door.
>
>What?
>You're in a cloud, nopony is knocking at the door.
>You must be hearing things.
>
*KNOCK KNOCK*
>There it is again.
>
>Who could possibly be at the door?
>It's not like other ponies can just fly--
>Right.
>Pegasi.
>
>You head towards the door, open it, and there before you is a gray pegasus with blond hair.
"Hello?"
>"Hi there!  I've got a delivery for a mister Anon?"
"That'd be me."
>"OK then, sign here please!"
>She hands over the package, and a clipboard with a line meant for a signature.
>You sing it, and return the clipboard and pen.
"Who's it from?"  you ask, not reading the labels like a boss.
>"It's from a pony named Rarity.  She said it needed a signature before I could deliver it."
>Must be the clothing she promised you.
"Well, thank you for delivering this, miss...?"
>"Oh!  My name's Derpy."
>Derpy?
>Interesting naming decision there.
"Right.  Thanks again Miss. Derpy."
>"Have a good day!"
>She flew off after that.

-------------------

>Odd pony.
>She didn't even take a second glance at you.
>Well, you can't impress everypony.
>
>You head back inside and shut the door.
>"Who was that?"
>Rainbow Dash had woken up, and was lazily flying around the living room.
"Somepony named Derpy Hooves.  Delivered a package from Rarity."
>"Oh.  Probably your clothes."
"Probably.  Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."
>"No biggie, I needed to get up sometime anyways."
>"I'm gonna clean up, then we'll get started on lunch."
"Sounds good."
>She flies off towards the bathroom with the shower.
>You head up to your room to put your clothes in the closet.
>As you're putting the clothes away, you notice your goggles that Vinyl had given you.
>
>You make a mental note not to forget about Dash's suprise you have planned later today.
>You're gonna put the goggles on her by surprise, and let her wonder for a while.
>It'll be pretty funny seeing her initial reactions, then she'll realize she's seeing what one of her favorite musicians is seeing.
>
>You're gonna spend time with her today.
>Get to know her a bit more.
>Maybe meet some more of her friends.
>So far you're pretty sure that Twilight and Rarity are a couple of her friend, but that's all you got.
>
>You finish putting your clothes away, and put the goggles in the brown bag Bon Bon had given you.
>It IS a surprise after all.

-------------------

>You return to the living room, having not much you can do other than wait on Dash.
>You sit down on the couch; thinking of ever so creative ways to deliver your surprise.
>
>You finally had your little surprise laid out, just the way you wanted.
>All you needed now wa--
>"So Anon, what'cha got planned for today?"
>She flew down to the living room and plopped herself beside you.
>Right on cue.
>
>Target in position.
>
"Well, first things first.  You remember how I told you I had another surprise?"
>Her eyes lit up at this.
>"Yeah!"
"OK.  Close your eyes."
>She did so.
>Too easy.
>
"Now, you're gonna have to trust me for a second, OK?"
>"OK.  I'm ready!"
>
>Target locked.
>
>You placed the goggles on her head, and adjusted them so they fit.
>You double and triple checked the goggles, just to make sure they were on right.
>
>Firing.
>
"Ok, open!"
>
>She opened her eyes, and proceeded to freak the fuck out.
>"GAAAAHH!"
>She started flapping her wings and flying around like crazy.
>"WHAT DID YOU DO??"
>She bounced off a wall, the couch, the ceiling, and the table before finally plowing into you.
>Her screaming and hollering probably weren't helping her get her bearings.
>But dammit if it wasn't one of the funniest things you'd ever seen.
>
>You grabbed hold of her and started trying to calm her down.
"Woooaaaahhh, easy.  Eeeeeaaaaasssy.  You're fine."
>She started to calm down again, and began taking in what she was seeing.

-------------------

"So, you figure out what it is you're wearing yet?"
>"No!  But it looks pretty awesome."
"Those goggles were a gift from Vinyl Scratch to me.  They let you see sound.  What you're seeing, is what she sees every time she wears those goggles."
>She froze in place.
>Her jaw dropped.
>
>Hit confirmed; fangirl mode activated.
>
>"Dude!  These are AWESOME!"
"Now, be careful with them, she only had three pair, and she gave me that one, so I can't exactly replace them."
>She turned her head slowly, looking at the sounds the two of you made moving around the room.
>
"So?  Whatcha think?"
>She turned her head towards you.
>Then full body tackled you into a hug.
>She must really like Vinyl Scratch.
>
>After you cleaned up the disastrous results of your little prank/surprise, you decide to just relax on the couch.
>
>You were just sittin on the couch, enjoying doing nothing.
>And it was glorious.
"Hey Rainbow"
>"Yeah?"
"What do ponies do around here for fun?"
>"Well, lots of stuff.  What do humans do for fun?"
"Lots of stuff."
>"Oh, so we're gonna play THIS game, huh?"
"Yup."

-------------------

>"Ok then, I'LL start."
"Be my guest."
>"What did YOU used to do for fun?"
"You mean before I arrived in Equestria?"
>"Yeah."
"Well, I typically would hang out with my friends, or browse the internet."
>"Whats the--"
"It's complicated.  It's basically an infinitely large space that humans use to exchange information."
>"Sounds boring."
"It can be.  You just have to know where to look.  Now then, I believe it is MY turn?"
>"Alright, go ahead."
"What are all these marks that you ponies have on your flanks?"
>"You been staring at my flank?"
>You turn red.
>Blood red.
>You started to answer, but she interrupted you.
>"I'm kidding.  They're called cutie marks.  Each one represents what that ponies special talent is."
"Really?  What does yours represent?  I don't quite understand a rainbow lightning bolt from a thunder cloud."
>"It means a couple things.  Mainly that I'm fast, athletic, and good with weather."
>"You'd better be careful with that question Anon.  It might get you into trouble one day."
"Yeah yeah, your turn, princess."
>You get a light punch for the princess bit.
>"Ok then, can humans fly or do magic?"
"Magic?  Not as far as I know.  Flying?  Well... Kind of."
>"What do you mean kind of?  It's a yes or no question!"
"Well, we have machines that we use if we need to fly."
>"How fast can they go?"
"As far as I know, the last record holder went three times the speed of sound."
>"No way.  You're lying."

-------------------

"Now why would I lie to you Rainbow?"
>"Maybe you're trying to impress me or somethin.  I dunno."
"Impress you?  While I wouldn't mind impressing you, I wouldn't lie to do it."
>"Well why not?  You're the only human I've ever met!  I don't know what you'd do!"
"Then why did you take me in?"
>"I...  Well...  Umm...  I had this feeling..."
"Now what was that you told me about mushy stuff?"
>"Hey!  You asked!"
"You're right.  I did.  Continue."
>"What?"
"Continue.  I'm interested to hear your reasoning for trusting me."
>She was silent for a moment.
>"I don't really know Anon.  I look at you, and you just don't seem like somepony that would try something."
"Well thanks Rainbow.  I guess it's your turn now."
>"I guess it is."
>Silence.
"So, what's your question?"
>"You shush.  I'm thinking."
>You give her her quite time.
>This oughta be good.
>"Ok, got it!"
"It's about time."
>"Whaddya want for lunch?"
>
>You sigh, lean back on the couch and stretch out.
>You idly pet Rainbow's mane.
>Without thinking, you started petting her, and you may have accidentally brushed one of her wings.
"I was kind of thinking about a cheese sandwich.  You ever have one of those before?"
>Silence.
"Rainbow?"
>You look over, and she has turned completely red.
"What's wrong Dash?"
>You withdrew your hands, and turned to face her.
>She let out a slight whimper.
"You ok?"
>"ILLMAKESOMELUNCH!"
>She darted into the kitchen to get to work on food.
>Oh no, she doesn't get off the hook that easy.

-------------------

### Last Edit: 7/19/2012 1810