http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20EDR5UjaEw
>Octavia bounded across the hardwood floors, a great big smile on her face.
>It takes her no time at all to reach the white mare sitting in the chair, playing the violin that has her entranced so.
>The sunlight dances off the mare’s raven hair as Octavia props herself up on the mare’s thigh, eyes going wide in wonder at the mare’s delicate touch and practiced skill.
>That same sunlight dances off of the filly’s brand new cutie mark, earned not even a day ago.
>The trick is, Octavia, to not play the music, but to play the feeling. Just sit back and…go for it. Let it flow.”
>Octavia can only nod enthusiastically.
>The mare pauses and looks down at Octavia, smiling warmly. “So, did you like that?”
“I loved it mommy! Do it again!”
>Octavia’s mother giggled, her voice sounding like finely spun silk to her young daughter.
>”Alright, but this time, you play along with me ok?”
“Ok!”
>Octavia hops down and runs over to a sun-bathed corner, her very own cello coming into focus, not hearing the sudden thud behind her.
 
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>Octavia wakes up in a gasp, bolting upright as she gripped the bedsheets around her in her hooves.
>It’s been awhile since she’s had that dream.
>She sighs and slides out of bed, the first rays of dawn peeking through the window.
>She opens the drapes, letting the full light of the sun in, the bright light causing her to squint.
>Glancing back at her cutie mark, Octavia frowns and sighs.
>She hated that dream.
>Opening the door, Octavia steps out into the hallway, the house filled with the dim light of daybreak.
“ZZZZZzzzZZZzZZZZZZzzzzz…”
>Oh dear sweet Celestia, what is that racket?!
>Octavia grimaces as she follows that hellish tone, finding the source.
>Anon’s still asleep.
>Octavia can’t help but giggle softly at the scene of Anon asleep on the couch, face buried into the armrest, butt hoisted in the air like a fleshy mountain.
>It’s really kind of endearing, if she could get over the sound of your snoring.
>Octavia pokes Anon in the shoulder, speaking softly. “Hey Anon, wake up.”
“mmmm….no mama, it’s Saturday….n’dwanna go t’prac….ti……zzzzzz…”
>Octavia blinks.
>”You’ve got to be kidding me…”
>Octavia leans in closer to your face, shaking you by the shoulder gently. “Anon…”
>Your eyes open slowly.
>Brain.exe loading….
“oh….good morning Octavia.”
>Octavia giggles and steps back as you roll on the couch, sitting up and stretching. “You’re quite the sleeper.”
“Yep…’v been accused of that before.”
>You scratch your torso as your feet hit the floor. Octavia hops up on to the sofa next to you.
>”So…you know this town. After breakfast, what is there to do.”
>You grunt as you rub the bridge of your nose. It is way too early to think.
>Actually Anon, it’s about 9:30.
>Oh, brain. You’re awake. Alright…what’s going on today?
>There’s the talent contest at the pavilion.
>…..
>Anon, no.
>Brain, it’s a great idea.
>NO, YOU THINK SHE’D GO ALONG WITH IT?
“Say…Octavia, I have an idea.”
 
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>”This is a horrible idea…”
>Octavia follows you warily, her cello-violin combo pack slung across her back as the two of you approach the pavilion, and the small crowd of p0nies around it.
“Oh come on, it’ll be fun!”
>”I haven’t even rehearsed! What makes you think playing from memory with no preparation…”
>Octavia looks nervously at the crowd, cheering on some colt doing a shadow puppet show.
>How the hell does he do that without fingers?
>Octavia pulls on your arm, causing you to stop. You look down at her as she looks up at you.
>She….really is nervous about this?
>You kneel down as another raucous applause of hoofstomps erupt from the crowd behind you, placing your hand on Octavia’s shoulder.
>Octavia shuffles a little nervously, glancing at your hand before back at you.
>With those damnable lilac eyes.
>You put on a nice big smile.
“Don’t worry about it Octavia, music isn’t about rehersals and sheets and sitting in stuffy concert halls…it’s about feeling, and making other p0nies happy, if only for a little while.”
>Octavia blinks, cocking her head to the side. “Well, yes, but…”
>You smile wider.
“Don’t play the music, Octavia. Play the feeling. Let the moment sweep you in and go for it. Let it flow!”
>Octavia inhales sharply, her eyes going wide.
>”Wha….what did you say?”
“Just let it flow, Octavia.”
>You didn’t know it, but Octavia’s thoughts wander to a white-coated mare.
>After a moment, Octavia’s eyes close, a single tear streaking down her cheek.
>Wait, what?
>Anon, what the fuck did you do?!
>SORRY! I was trying to be all inspirational and-
>DON’T GIVE ME SORRY! FIX IT YOU RUBE!
>You move your hand up to Octavia’s cheek, brushing the tear away with your thumb.
“Octavia…I didn’t mean to upset you, I…”
>Octavia shakes her head as she looks at you again, eyes full of confidence as a smile creeps across her lips.
>”Alright Anon…let’s do this.”
>You can’t help but grin in excitement as Octavia hands you her violin.
>”I just have one request, Anon.”
>Now it’s your turn to cock your head to the side.
“What is it?”
>Octavia places her hooves on the violin case, opening it as you take it in your hands.
>”Just…remember when you first played that violin? In Manehattan?”
“Yeah…why?”
>Octavia places her hoof over your hand gripping the neck of the instrument.
>”Always play this violin like that. Show everyone, whether a big crowd or just me, who you really are with this instrument.”
>You feel something stirring in your chest, your breath caught in your throat.
“Octavia…”
>Octavia plants her hooves back on the ground as you stand, slinging the empty case back across her back.
>”Come on Anon, the stage awaits.”
 
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>”ALRIGHT EVERYP0NY, LET’S GIVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR SHADOWDANCER!”
>The hooves of over sixty p0nies strike the ground as Pinkie leans over her emcee podium, gesturing at the black earth p0ny who just finished a display you think you are lesser for missing.
>Pinkie’s expression goes wide as she sees you weeding your way through the crowd.
>That expression instantly sours when she sees Octavia next to you.
>The sourness is momentary though, as Pinkie returns to her duties.
>Every time she throws one of these talent shows, she’s tried to unsuccessfully get you to display your talent.
>You hope her jimmies are ready for rustling.
>”IS THERE ANYP0NY OUT THERE WITH A SUPER-SPECIAL TALENT FOR US?!”
>You raise your hand.
“PINKIE!”
>The party p0ny appears in your arms, nearly knocking the violin from your grasp.
>Octavia thanks the stars you didn’t.
>”OHOHOHANONYOUFINALLYHAVEATALENTIKNEWYOUHADONEANDIWAITEDFORSOLONGAND-“
>Pinkie Pie bounces in your arms, throwing her forehooves around your neck.
>You sigh and give her a quick squeeze back, knowing she won’t detach until you do.
>What you don’t see is Pinkie stick her head behind yours, sticking her tongue out at Octavia.
>You also don’t see Octavia recoil in surprise before glaring at your friend, gritting her teeth.
“Pinkie…could you slide down now please?”
>”OH! Of course…silly me. It’s hard for you to display your talent if I’m in your arms!”
>With a giggle, Pinkie hops down and heads back to her podium.
>”FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS! Our next performer is our very own P0nyville human, Anonymous!”
>Her face contorts in confusion and annoyance as Octavia takes the stage with you, cello in hoof.
>”…and his parter Blocktavia.”
>”Excuse me, but my name is Octavia.”
>”Yeah, whatever…”
>Your jimmies start to ru-
>HOLD THE PHONE JIMMIES, we’re on the stage! Rustle later!
>Octavia takes her performance stance, bow in hoof as she looks up at you.
>”Alright Anon…I’ll follow your lead.”
>You take a deep breath as you raise the violin to your chin, bow at the ready.
>A hush falls over the crowd, the only sound carrying over the crickets is a barely audible squee from a Pinkie Pie desperately trying to restrain her excitement.
>You close your eyes.
>Show everyone…who I really am….
>…..
>Got it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUscE9AQOQs&feature=related
>It doesn’t take Octavia long to catch on as you lead off .
>The crowd remains silent as your lyrical melody floats through the park, as if the notes form their own wind on which to be carried.
>Your eyes remain closed as you dig deep for your song. You’re about to release the rustle lock on your jimmies, you’re so uncertain about the crowd’s reaction.
>Then you hear it.
>It starts with one. Then another. And another. Ten more join the fray. Thirty more!
>You open your eyes. The entire crowd of p0nies are stomping their hooves in beat to the music!
>Your music!
>Not just your music, but Octavia’s as well!
>These p0nies, who have opened their homes and their lives to you since you’ve arrived…    
>They’re really enjoying it…your and Octavia’s song.
>You look over at your partner just as Octavia opens her eyes to look at you.
>You’ve never seen a smile so joyous as she sways with the beat, closing her eyes again as her mane coalesces around her and her instrument.
>She moves with it like it’s a part of her.
>You allow yourself to be swept into the emotion, stomping your foot as you break into a little jig, dancing around Octavia as the crowd keeps the beat.
>Even Pinkie’s getting into it, clapping her hooves in rhythm.
>And with a final note and stomp, you and Octavia come to a stop.
>The cheer of the crowd could be heard all the way to Canterlot.