Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch are musicians and the best of friends; despite this, the two couldn't be more different. But when Octavia leaves Ponyville to find her fortune, she learns that her friend might have been all she ever really needed. Meanwhile, Vinyl finds herself trapped in the shadow of her father, struggling to make her own fame.
Follow them, and many other Equestrian musicians, as they further their musical careers, meet new friends, find love, and experience loss. Together, they encounter dangers, challenges and, ultimately, face the greatest realization of all - what it means to accept one's own destiny.
Using songs of the fandom for inspiration, this story was crafted to show the love of music in all it's forms, but also the love music brings to those around it. This story follows the timeline of the show, trying to match it as closely as possible. This does not mean it's not without bumps.
Speaking of editing; a huge shout-out for Aburi, my editor. He may not be the fastest editor - life being what life is - but his suggestions have made my story that much better for everyone reading. Thank you, Aburi!Bonus Chapters are not required reading, but are just fun little additions. They do include some development for side character, or fun scenarios I wanted to toss in, but many of them are just that: bonuses.
Cover Art by Little Tigress
Plugs, Reviews, and Accolades
My Little Reviews & Feedback by Skyward Sword -- Final Score: 23/30
Just read the first chapter! I loved it but you should look it over; there are a few grammatical errors.
7202511
Ah crap... Back to the editing board.
7202620 I feel like this fic should be getting more views than it currently has.
7205609
Ditto.
How far are you?
7205744 I've read up to the current chapter.
7214775
7215028 lol, take your time! I can wait.
7215286
But... But...
31.media.tumblr.com/a78bb79a34331fe123bb2e79b4425908/tumblr_inline_n92x01auHB1rvv89b.gif
7215300 lol
A few grammar issues, and I did have a hard time figuring out the speaker due to the paragraphs being so close together, but nothing major. This is quite the interesting story you have here. You've caught my attention, and I'll continue reading sometime soon!
7216109
Thank you! I'm working through the errors of the released chapter as I type this. The next chapter is almost ready to be published, and from there... Well, I've got about 80% of the story written already. On this rewrite, I decided to insert a few new chapters; chapter 11 being the first one. So, rather than just copying, adding and editing, I'm going to have to write that chapter from scratch. I don't know how it will fare, next to these chapters, that have been reviewed, rewritten and edited time and time again... But we'll see.
Also, if you feel up to sending me a PM with any major errors you notice, or any consistent mistakes I make throughout the story, please do. I always appreciate any help I can get making this story as perfect for the readers as I can. Thank you for reading and I look forward to telling you a beautiful story.
-Inkheart
OMG I HATE NEON
Yeah I really like OctaScratch XD
Anyway, love this story, I can't wait until the next chapter
7241661
Hehe... Thank you for all the love.
7250967
It's sadly been going under a lot of people's radars...
I had most of it pre-written, so I got half of it out really fast. Now, I'm doing all the additions and such. This story is my favorite creation, my pride and joy. See, I write Grimdarks like they're nothing. Horror and gore are my bread and butter. But romance is something I can only write once in a blue moon.
I hope you enjoy it, when you give it a whirl. Any advice you can give would be most appreciated. I want this story to be as close to perfection as I can make it, so everyone can enjoy it to it's fullest.
-Inkheart
This is a little jem
and I can't wait for more
7251358
Thank you very much. The next chapter has some action and fighting in it.
-Inkheart
7252209
All good things in time.
Yes, I'm a little sad at the lack of attention too. But it hasn't been out that long, I guess.
Fiddle doesn't just make an appearance, friend. She's a big part of the story. She even has her own chapter later; Chapter 5: Defying Destiny.
While this story focuses on Octavia and Vinyl, it's really a love story to music as a whole, giving a cameo to every pony musician in the series. I even plan on slipping in a few real musicians, ponified. For instance, Symphonic Stomp (Lindsey Stirling) will be showing up at some point in the future.
-Inkheart
7253395
Hahaha! That's not even the half of it.
7253667
Thank you! *Edits*
Ah, don't worry. It's only a matter of time. I am, after all, a VinylOcti shipper...
-Inkheart
7253707
Glad you're enjoying my story.
I'm almost done with Chapter 13. Stay up for a while longer and you'll get the first look at the chapter Once Upon a Time in Canterlot. Based off this.
So, stick around tonight if you want to be the first to read it.
-Inkheart
Well, everybody is definitely going to be traumatized after this series of events...
Ouch, just ouch...
Great chapter!
I loved the action but I was mostly happy that the OctaScratch stuff is starting! I think I scared my friend with how much I freaked out
I can't wait until the next chapter! Keep up the good work!
And here I was awaiting something important... I still like this though
7259193
This upcoming chapter is the one you're waiting for. Final Night; Nightmare Night.
7259223 Ah okay then
7259290
Gah! Well, that paragraph was moved from later in the story. See, this is what I get for editing while buzzed.
Hahahaha! Oh that is diabolically funny Luna!
Aw and I was hoping to get a preview of this 
Aw well, I still enjoyed it! 
7265051
Ah! Sorry, I completely forgot! It was a hectic day; I got a job! Woo woo~!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. And more TaviScratch development!
7265070 Well, my day is going to be more hectic tomorrow...
7265082
How-so?
7265087 Moving... lots and lots of moving by plane
7265097
Oh boy. Good luck with that! I'll try to get a chapter out so you have something to read for ten minutes or so on the flight.
7265695
... Mine. That got downloaded before it was even halfway over!
7265788
Hehe! So, I'm guessing you approve of the new chapter?
7265818
I imagine those words on this picture... Hold on, I'm making it now.
Done!
i.imgflip.com/153fn8.jpg
-Inkheart
7265857
Glad I could be of assistance!
7271537
Yes, the term 'That escalated quickly' does come to mind, doesn't it?
Since the next chapter is an immediate continuation of this one, I'll be hurrying to get it out within the next few days. Hopefully, tomorrow.
Thanks for the pointers.
by animated james?
that shit was epic
7271612
Eeyup.
Or rather, the song by Coconeru with lyrics by Stevenannodomini, but Animated James made the animation, yes.
7271654
ahh you reminded me of him with that cuz i only ever saw the animation
that and my fave winters fu**ed up
7271801
Dammit, you made me go get my iPod! And then sing to it while I did yard work. With my family. My mother's face was hilarious.
7272625
lol nice
its on my profile now under the comment section
the best part is the purple pegasus pony is voiced by Nowacking who i will forever identafie as the voice of Vinyl
Yay update!
Great chapter, I really hope that Vinyl and Octavia will talk about it on the island.
Also, I WANNA SEE NEON'S HEART GET CRUSHED!!!
.... Okay I need to go to a doctor
7272837
And the other is ElieMonty, who's the best voice of Octavia. She was the one who sang 'I Am Octavia!"
That's Nowhacking's OC, man.
-Inkheart
7272882
Hehe. You're so angry.
I'm glad you liked it.
-Inkheart
7272917
they are the best team i enjoy the voices
“Yes, but I already gave him his just deserts for that.” Octavia folded the letter as she spoke.
“You can never have too much desert.”
I sincerely hope you meant dessert, cause the desert sucks
7277368
Fixed. Thank you.
-Inkheart
7278177 No problem, happy to help, found this story and read through it all last night and I'm really enjoying it.
7278186
Thank you! Unfortunately, my computer stopped working yesterday, so I'm stuck on a tablet for now. I'm still going to try to update, but it'll be tricky...
-Inkheart