"Shiny," Taffy said, giving Arcana a quick kiss on the cheek "Good luck!" She added, before disappearing into the crowd to find a seat.
Arcana walked to the backstage area, saying a quick hi to those hanging out there to meet up with the performers.
There were a lot more ponies inside this time too, and Taffy couldn't find a seat, so she just stood near the bar.
Taffy enjoyed a few drinks at the bar as she listened to the opening acts. They were obviously small local groups, and had small bunches of fans and friends cheering them on near the stage.
Arcana got the knock on his door, during his last warm up, happy with the timing, he finished and headed over to the stage.
Taffy cut her conversation with the barpony short, as politely as she could, when she saw Arcana appear on the stage. She moved forward and found a quieter spot nearer the stage to stand.
The music started to play and Arcana slowly walked onto the stage as he sang," In the ruins of madness, a ghost of a chance..." The music kept its somber tone as he sang.
Soon, enough ponies had settled down that Taffy could sit and still watch Arcana, which she did intently.
Arcana sang his heart out, "So tell me, what kind of fool am I?" He finished his song and bowed gracefully to show his appreciation to the audience. "Hello and welcome to the show!" he exclaimed to the audience to rally them after a somber number. He fired up the music, a bit more lively this time, "There are shadows in the sky, dancing in the air."
Taffy smiled to see Arcana's passion and musical talent again. For all his nerves, he seemed a natural on the stage.
"Thank you very much," Arcana said to the audience. He started the next song after the applause. "I've been many places, I've traveled around the world...." he sang out.
"...Dancing in the moonlight, singing in the rain. Oh, it's good to be back home again." He finished singing the song. Feeling great as the feeling of a happy audience filled him.
Taffy welled up a little as she cheered along with the rest of the ponies, partly out of pride for her new friend's talent, and partly due to a sudden longing to see her own home once more. She hadn't really thought about it until now, but it had probably been half a year since she left...
Arcana swelled with the cheering, feeling elation from the sold out crowd, also knowing that his new friend is also enjoying his music. He looked at his set list and found that his mentor's song is next. "The next song I'm going to play is a cover. It's called Guilty Sky." The music started softer until it got loud and heavy. "My heart, is still locked in your memories..." He sang this song's darker lyrics adding the emotion he needed to convey, but when he got to the chorus, he voice soared over everything. "As I hold onto the fate that can't be abandoned. I am standing here right now..."
Remembering what Arcana had said about covers, Taffy supposed this song must have been one of his main songs for the night, and he certainly seemed to confirm that with the emotion he was clearly pouring into the music. Taffy simply sat back and enjoyed.
Arcana finished the song with the intention leaving them all in awe, "Wish for the future, and continue dancing forever." As the music faded out he stepped back feeling somewhat drained, but he hoped the crowd would return the energy he poured into the song for them.
