Standing in the forest, Epic placing her hands on her hip as she looked around with satisfaction. This was as good a place as any to start her train. Nearby Serenade, her bestest best friend, sat and watched her silently.

“Today is the start my awesome journey to become a Wonderbolt!” She declared, turning to Serenade. He gave an encouraging smile, his pretty red eyes glimmering with joy. His pretty looks made foals bully him so he was generally pretty quiet. For Rhyme, she just wanted to protect him from all the bad things.     

“That’s great, Rhy.” He said, meekly and softly (golf clap) clapping his hands. The volume was low but he was clearly excited. “I’ll try to help and stay out of your way.”    

“Good, cause, I’ll need your help.” She replied with a grin, showing off her missing front tooth. “I can’t train without some super cool music.” She had always heard her mom stay that music helped ‘pump you up’ when training. Dad said it helped him think. So music was a must!    

“But how can I-”    

“I want you to sing something.” She interrupted, pulling the foal to his feet. Serenade paled, looking frightened.    

“B-but… why not use a radio?” He offered, letting Rhyme pull him to her training ground, though really, it was just an empty lot with some makeshift exercise stuff tossed about. She made it all by hand but it was very shoddy.    

“Psh, cause that doesn’t sound nearly as good as you, Seren.” She stated with a gap-toothed smile. Serenade felt his face heat up at the complement. Most ponies just called him cute or pretty. No one ever complimented him on his voice. Then again, he rarely sang in front of anyone but Rhyme. The filly moved close to his face, her smile remaining clueless as she continued. “Plus, you said you’d help, right?”    

Serenade looked away, pouting. Darn, he did say that, didn’t he? “Y-yes but…” Again, Rhyme interrupted him.    

“It’ll just be you and me. No one else will notice.” She assured him, taking his hand in hers. Serenade looked up at Rhyme. She was frowning as she asked, “You can sing in front of me at least, right?”    

“Of course!” He cried, not wanting his friend to think he didn’t like or trust her. She was his bestest friend ever! A smirk graced her lips as she let go to let out a cheer.    

“Then let’s get cracking with Eye of the Tiger!” She proclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.    

“Eh? B-but…” He started, wanting to complain. After a moment, he let out a sigh. There was no stopping her when she was like this. He might as well go along with it. It was only Rhy, after all. “Okay.”    

“Lets go!” Rhy cried, running over to one of her weights and lifting it over her head. It really was just a stick with two teddy bears on each end. Serenade had no clue why she made it seem heavy but then again, that was just like her. With a nervous breath, Serenade started to sing.

[Mumbles]R-risin’ up, back on the street.

Did my time, t-took my chances

Went the distance, now I’m back on my feet

Just a man and his will to s-survive

“Louder!” Rhy demanded, holding the weight close to her chin.    

“S-so many times, it happens too fast. You trade your passion for glory” He sang, his nervousness slowly disappearing as the melody in his head filled every corner of his body. “Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past. You must fight just to keep them alive.” He put just a bit more passion into the line that time. Epic looked up from her weights and smiled.    

“That’s it.” She encouraged, watching her friend start to sing his heart out. He was even beginning to smile.    

“It’s the… eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight.” He belted out, punching the air as he sang the last part. “Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival.” He spun in a circle and began to dance with music that seemed to burst from him alone despite the lack of music. “And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night.” He raised his head to the sky, watching the clouds drift over them as he reached out to touch them. “And he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger!!”    

Serenade stopped, panting as he tried to calm his racing heart. He didn’t want to let go just yet though. His skin still felt buzzy and his mind was still supplying the accompanying music but he felt honestly tired so it too soon fade. He slowly  relaxed, opening his eyes to find Epic watching him with a fascinated gaze. He jumped, his face red. H-had she been watching this whole time!?    

“I-I’m sorry! W-was it…too distracting?” He stammered, feeling tears burn in his eyes. “I’m so-”    

“That was awesome, Seren!” Rhy said, hugging his close. His face went red again. “I’ve never seen you so ‘in the zone’ before. Were you having fun?!” Serenade blinked at her, trying to think of how he felt singing. He… wasn’t sure. He just wanted to follow the melody.    

“I… I just like helping you, Rhy.” He mumbled, burying his face in her shoulder.

*****

Here we have my two cuties, Epic Rhyme and Serenade hanging out. Seren is singing his heart out as Epic watches with rapt attention. He hasn’t noticed yet that she’s stopped her training to listen.