Amethyst Aura had always had a happy childhood. She had lots of friends, being the social butterfly she was. The only thing that got her down was the fact that she hadn't got her cutie mark yet. She was the last in her class. In school one week, in winter, the teacher announced there was to be a talent show on the day after next, where the fillies and colts could perform whatever they wanted to in front of their parents and fellow classmates. That day, Amethyst went home, trying to think of something to do. She had her heart set on singing, because her parents always used to tell her she sounded beautiful. Amethyst sat in front of the piano for the whole night, tense, trying to think of lyrics.
Her mum came into the room sometime during that time and shouted:
"Amethyst! Get to bed! It's 10pm!"
Drooping, the unicorn dragged herself into bed.
The next day, all the fillies and colts were talking about what they were going to do the next day. Amethyst stayed away from the groups, in order to avoid questions. However, that didn't work.
"Amethyst? How is your project coming along?" the teacher asked, bending down to talk to the little forlorn filly.
"It.. It.. I.. Um.." she replied, stuttering, trying to avoid the question.
"You haven't started yet, have you."
"N-no."
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll think of something." the teacher finished, with a warm smile, and trotted off.
That evening, after school, her confidence boosted by her teacher, Amethyst resumed her position behind the piano.
She let her mind relax, and words started flowing into her head.
It's not always easy..
She poked a few of the keys on the keyboard.
To find.. what.. you're meant to do..
She played a few more notes, this time her left hoof poking a couple of notes too.
But life will always find a way....
And you.. will.. break through!
She went on this way for about an hour, before declaring she'd finished and trotted cheerfully but sleepily into bed.
What she didn't realise was that her cutie mark had gradually faded into view on her flank as she was composing.
The next day, she got into school, where everypony was setting up.
Cheering, the fillies and colts got into a line backstage, as the parents sat down on chairs.
No-pony had noticed her cutie mark, not even Amethyst, as she'd quickly put on her winter coat at home, practically buzzing to get out of the door.
As usual, Amethyst was at the back of the line, meaning she would go last.
3 ponies.. 2 ponies.. 1 pony.. and her time was here.
The teacher nudged her towards the stage, and whispered 'Good luck'
Taking a deep breath, she dropped her coat, and walked onto stage.
She was shaking so much she didn't hear the quiet collective gasp of the audience as she sat down in front of the piano.
She looked around to see what the audience was looking at, and eventually saw it. Her cutie mark! It was finally here! This must be was she was meant to do!
Starting her song, her hooves tapping the keys, Amethyst found the words flowing from her mouth as easy to sing as breathing. She practically didn't know she how far she'd got until she finally stopped.
Standing up, the audience applauded her, and slowly, Amethyst realised. It was HER heartsong. She'd done it, and before the rest of her class, too!
Giddy with joy, Amethyst curtseyed, and left the stage. The teacher called them all back to the stage, to call the winners.
"Third! Aurora Glow! ... Second! Summer Breeze! ... First! Amethyst Aura!"
Amethyst squealed with delight. She'd done it! She'd won!
Her parents ran up, hugging her and crying with joy.