"Thank you." Slide took his seat and noticed that Street Art was only snacking on an apple. He then glanced at his lunch, consisting of two flower sandwiches with a side of hayfries and a water bottle. Selecting one of the sandwiches and taking a bite out of it, he smiled at Street Art while eating his sandwich. Putting down his sandwich, wiping his face with a napkin, and taking a drink of water casually, he answered Street's question.
"The rehearsal is going very well. We're going over two pieces of music that I believe the audience will enjoy very much. They are Pictures at an Exhibition and Blue Bells of Trotland. I'm very impressed that artists like you will be showcasing their art while the orchestra performs the first piece. I've heard that one pony who is from Trotland painted a portrait of The Forth Bridge, one of the most famous railway bridges in Equestria."
Just then, a group of ponies dressed in black had entered the town square. The crowd suddenly fell silent. Slide was just about to eat a few hayfries when one of the ponies grabbed his tuxedo collar and turned him round fiercely.
"You're coming with me trombonist." Slide tried not to panic, knowing he was in a dangerous situation. In an instant, he came up with a naughty idea.
"Uh, hehe, why me? If you're looking for another musician, there is...uh...look! It's Countess Coloratura!" The gang ponies glanced at the direction where he was pointing and to their amazement, it was Countess Coloratura, shocked at being spotted in the crowd. Right when the gang ponies looked away, Slide quickly got up from his seat, took one glance at Art to make sure she was okay, and then dashed away from the square as fast as he could. The trick had worked!
"Hey! Get back here!"
"Don't let him get away!"
"Hold up, guys! We'll head 'im off at the pass!"
Slide was barely able to hear the last gang pony's shout, but knew very well that they were definitely not from Manehatten; they were Appleloosan!
Nearly flying into a store awning, he flew down the streets of Manehatten, dodging past ponies left and right, apologizing as he flew dangerously over a large crowd of ponies waiting to hail taxi cabs.
Rounding a corner, he noticed the entrance to a subway station. Looking back to make sure the ponies were nowhere to be seen, Slide swooped down towards the sidewalk, dashed his way down the stairs, and entered the concourse, galloping with all his might.
"Out of my way! Clear the station! There are gang ponies on the loose. I'll take care of them myself!"
The commuters waiting for the train screamed and fled from the platform in haste. With no time to lose, Slide quickly paid his fare. He was just about to board the train when a green gang pony caught up with him, got out a lasso, and roped his legs together, pulling him away from the door and causing him to fall to the ground in a heap. The sound of Slide hitting the platform echoed like a tuning note of a timpani. The train swiftly departed from the station as the gang pony surrounded him.
"Well well well, what do we have here? The most professional trombonist in Equestria. Are you really that professional?"
The gang pony spat at his face. Slide was unable to wipe it off his face as it dribbled down his face and onto the floor.
"Sir, how dare you spit in my handsome face! And why were you guys after me? If you don't mind, I have a concert to attend to. I must finish having lunch with a frien-"
In a flash, the gang pony slapped Slide's face with a hoof.
"Shut it red pone, or you'll be speaking with the boss faster than you can tune a piano. Understand?"
Slide felt the sharp pain of a hoof on his face and began to cry a bit, with a hint of rage in his eyes.
"Pardon me, but I don't even play the piano! What are your demands!"
The gang pony bent down close to Slide's face.
"You see that tunnel over there? Our boss requests for your presence. He would want to hear your...music...before his plan goes through this afternoon. Understand?"
The gang pony gave a sinister laugh and untied Slide.
"You ain't going anywhere until you play, now move it red pone!"
The green gang pony motioned for Slide to enter the subway tunnel. He nervously began to make his way along the subway tracks, the third rail inches from them. Keeping his composure, they soon reached the end of the station. A staircase was roped off, only for employees.
"Oh well, I guess he won't be available. Goodbye!"
The gang pony shoved him towards the staircase.
"What kind of a trombonist are you? Climb those stairs now!"
"Alright, but you sir are asking for trouble."
The gang pony chuckled. "Oh, there will be trouble."
As Slide was climbing the stairs, he looked down and noticed there were rocks below to his right.
"Hmm, those rocks could come in handy...."